Manchester United end Harry Kane pursuit with Spurs, see £40 million Mason Mount bid rejected by Chelsea - Paper Round
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Updated 15/06/2023 at 07:28 GMT
Manchester United have been hit with a double whammy in the transfer market after receiving bad news in their pursuit of England duo Harry Kane and Mason Mount. Elsewhere, Arsenal have approached Chelsea's Kai Havertz, Barcelona identify two targets to replace Sergio Busquets and Newcastle United close in on a shock transfer for Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella.
'Kane is our best player and best type of leader' - Mason lauds Spurs striker
Man Utd's double disappointment
Manchester United have ended their pursuit of Harry Kane this summer due to the fact that it would cost an astronomical fee to convince Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy to part ways with his prized asset. United are willing to wait until next summer when Kane's contract in north London expires. The Red Devils are willing to turn their attention to highly-rated Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund.
Elsewhere, the Red Devils have had an initial £40-million bid rejected for Mason Mount by Chelsea, despite the fact that they reached an agreement on personal terms with the player at the end of May.
The Guardian reports: "The United manager, Erik ten Hag, had made the player his primary summer target and is disappointed it has fallen through, but understands the club cannot go past a certain point when it comes to the transfer fee and the overall package for a 29-year-old, who has one year left on his contract.
"United are still keen to sign the Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund, who has had an impressive first season in Serie A after joining from Sturm Graz. Atalanta could, however, ask for as much as £50m for the Dane.
"United have not agreed a fee for Mount and Chelsea are expected to demand at least £60m for the 24‑year‑old."
Arsenal willing to spend £60m on Havertz
Arsenal are ready to take advantage of Chelsea's position in the transfer market this summer by swooping for Kai Havertz. The Blues have to sell a number of first-team players this summer due to their bloated squad. Chelsea could part ways with Havertz as he only has two years remaining on his current contract and it is unknown whether he would be willing to sign an extension at Stamford Bridge.
The Mail reveals: "The Gunners, it is understood, are willing to pay the Germany international in-excess of £200,000-per-week to sign for the Gunners.
"Importantly, Havertz is keen to move across London if Arsenal and Chelsea can reach an agreement over a transfer fee. Havertz is aware of Arsenal’s interest.
"Chelsea are playing hardball over their valuation of Havertz and want a minimum of £70million for the forward, who has two years left to run on his existing deal. Arsenal are hopeful they can strike a deal closer to £60million - inclusive of add-ons."
Barca identify Busquets replacements
Barcelona have moved on from Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi after the club were unable to meet his release clause. The Spanish champions have identified two names as potential replacements for long-standing club servant Sergio Busquets: Joao Palhinha and Florentino Luis. Barca will attempt to use their unwanted players in a package to sign a new defensive midfielder ahead of next season.
Spanish media outlet Sport state: "The new sporting director, Deco, has been working intensely for days to find a solution and has pointed out two names that could be feasible as long as there is a transfer agreement. They are Joao Palhinha (Fulham) and Florentino Luis (Benfica), two pivots who have shown a good level and could fit in at Barca.
"[Palhinha's] market valuation is €35 million, but Fulham look set to ask for around €50 million, although they would be willing to talk about trades.
"[Luis] has a termination clause of €120 million, but the Portuguese club could sell him for around €40 million and could also be interested in one of Barca's discarded players."
Newcastle mean business
Newcastle United are close to completing a shock swoop which would see Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella join the Magpies for £50 million. The 26-year-old, who recently played in the Champions League final for Inter, is set to become the marquee summer signing for Newcastle as the club embark on their first campaign in Europe's elite competition since 2002-03.
The Telegraph writes: "Barella would become Newcastle’s highest earner if they can pull it off and it would be a major statement of the club’s newfound pulling power.
"Telegraph Sport understands that Newcastle have earmarked the majority of their transfer budget to sign two midfield players, with Leicester City’s James Maddison the other main target.
"Newcastle’s pursuit of Maddison remains ongoing and there is a growing optimism they are edging close to reaching a compromise on the fee. The recently relegated Championship club have been asking for £60 million, but Newcastle are not willing to pay that amount and also face rival interest from Tottenham Hotspur."
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