Man Utd prepared to wait until 2024 for Harry Kane, Barcelona activate 'Plan B' - Paper Round
/dnl.eurosport.com/sd/img/placeholder/eurosport_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
Updated 09/06/2023 at 07:30 GMT
Manchester United have planned for the possibility of Harry Kane staying at Tottenham Hotspur until his contract expires in 2024 and are looking at alternatives this summer. Elsewhere, Barcelona launch their transfer 'Plan B' after Lionel Messi confirmed his decision to join Inter Miami and Arsenal are ready to revolutionise their midfield as Declan Rice edges closer to leaving West Ham United.
'Kane is our best player and best type of leader' - Mason lauds Spurs striker
Man Utd prepare for Kane alternatives
Manchester United believe there is a "genuine chance" that the club could sign Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur, but have compiled a list of alternative strikers in case Spurs chairman Daniel Levy refuses to sell his prized asset this summer. United are willing to wait until Kane's contract expires in 2024 and attempt to sign him for free, but would move for a striker this summer to help plug the gap before next year.
The Athletic reveals: "If Levy sticks to his position, United would be prepared to wait until Kane is a free agent in 2024 — he is not expected to sign a contract extension at Spurs. Given the complications around Kane, United are exploring other centre-forward options.
"Rasmus Hojlund, of Italy’s Atalanta, is prime among thoughts. Atalanta are open to a sale but are communicating an asking price of at least £40 million. United are in separate discussions with Eintracht Frankfurt over France international Randal Kolo Muani. [Director of football] John Murtough has held talks with the Bundesliga side about the 24-year-old, and the indications are he could cost as much as €80 million.
"There has also been a check on Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos, 21, and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. United are aware of Dusan Vlahovic’s availability at Juventus, but the 23-year-old’s wages are significant."
Barca activate 'Plan B'
Barcelona have moved on from their plans to bring Lionel Messi back to the Camp Nou after the 35-year-old confirmed he would be joining Inter Miami. The Catalan club will turn their attention to signing a replacement for Sergio Busquets, which is a priority, as well as signing a new right-back in the summer transfer window.
Spanish media outlet Sport reports: "Martin Zubimendi and Joshua Kimmich are the two players who have been the most talked about recently, but their incorporations are currently considered very complicated at Barca.
"Although he is not Xavi's favourite, Ruben Neves has more options of joining Barca. The Catalan side need players who can make a difference in the inside areas. Ilkay Gundogan, who is finishing his contract with Manchester City, could meet these requirements.
"Barca must have a specialist on the right flank. Benjamin Pavard, Juan Foyth, Joao Cancelo, Vanderson... The 'dance' has already begun."
Arsenal return with Caicedo approach
Arsenal are ready to return with a fresh bid for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo this summer. The Gunners saw two offers rejected by the Seagulls in the January transfer window, but Brighton have reportedly made an agreement with the player that they will allow him to leave in the summer.
London World reveals: "It’s understood the Gunners will make a bid similar to the £75 million package that was rejected by Brighton in January.
"The Seagulls were adamant Caicedo wasn’t for sale back in the winter but are now open to negotiations after making a promise to the player. An agreement was made with the Ecuadorian to let him go in the summer if a substantial offer came in. Albion will therefore be willing to listen to offers.
"Sources close to the player suggest Caicedo is feeling relaxed about the situation. No personal terms have been agreed upon as it stands."
West Ham prepare for Rice exit
Arsenal are hoping to complete the signing of West Ham United captain Declan Rice as early as possible in the summer transfer window. The Gunners are negotiating a £92 million deal for the England international and West Ham are already deciding how they plan to spend the money as they strengthen their squad ahead of competing in the Europa League next season.
The Telegraph writes: "Rice is Arsenal’s priority target for the summer window and the north London club are hoping to move quickly to secure his signature in time for the start of pre-season.
"[West Ham] want to spend the Rice windfall on Leicester City’s Harvey Barnes and midfielders James Ward-Prowse, who will leave Southampton, and Ajax’s Edson Alvarez.
"West Ham are in pole position to land Barnes, but could face competition for Alvarez, who almost moved to Chelsea last summer, from Borussia Dortmund."
Scan me
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement