‘I have everything I need’ – Gvardiol ‘happy’ after signing Man City contract extension
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Should Zirkzee depart, Manchester United may seek an experienced front-man on a short-term deal, drawing comparisons to the previous loan arrival of Wout Weghorst.
Former Juventus attacker Dusan Vlahovic has been identified as a potential target, with Barcelona also maintaining interest in the unattached Serbian striker.
The i reports: ”Joshua Zirkzee’s Manchester United struggles could be about to end as three Italian clubs consider making a move for the striker.
”The i Paper has been told that while United are not actively looking to sell the 25-year-old, the club are open to offers for a player who has failed to make an impact in England.
”Sources in Italy indicated that Juventus, Roma and Como are all keen on bringing the former Bologna forward back to Serie A.
”If he does leave, one source added United could look for an experienced striker to come in on a short-term basis, similar to the role Wout Weghorst fulfilled during his loan spell a few years ago.
”One potential option that has been mentioned is former Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, who is a free agent amid interest from Barcelona.”
Mourinho determined to retain Vini Jr at Real
Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho is intent on retaining Vinicius Junior, even if the 26-year-old forward declines a contract extension beyond June 2027.
Real Madrid are prepared to risk losing Vinicius on a free transfer despite sustained interest from Premier League side Arsenal.
Although Real are nearing the acquisition of winger Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, figures at the Bernabeu insist Diomande is not being signed to replace the Brazilian international.
The Sun reports: ”Jose Mourinho wants to keep Vinicius Junior at Real Madrid – even if he leaves on a free next summer.
”Vinicius is out of contract in June 2027 and Madrid are prepared to let him run down his deal amid intense interest from Arsenal.
”Mourinho is eager to work with Vinicius, 26, even if the Brazil international is unwilling to sign a new contract at the Bernabeu.
”Madrid are on the verge of completing the signing of winger Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig but club sources insist he is not a replacement for Vinicius.”
Al Hilal monitor Ndiaye as Everton hold firm
Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal are assessing a potential approach for Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye after receiving encouragement from the player’s representatives.
Everton are expected to demand a fee in the region of £70 million for Ndiaye, mirroring the sum paid by Barcelona to Newcastle United for Anthony Gordon earlier this summer.
While Ndiaye has expressed an ambition to compete at the highest level, a potential transition to Al Hilal would offer significant financial gains compared to the £60,000-a-week package agreed upon joining Everton two years ago.
The Athletic reports: ”There have been wild fees spent this summer, creating a vastly inflated market, but some wondered whether the Merseyside club’s valuation, expected to be similar to the £70million Barcelona paid Newcastle United a few weeks ago for England winger Anthony Gordon, would be problematic.
”There had been informal expressions of interest to his camp, but no approach to Everton.
”That, it should be pointed out, is still the case at the time of writing, despite news that Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal are staying abreast of his situation.
”It remains to be seen whether a formal offer follows in that case, but they have been given enough encouragement by the player’s camp to at least consider bidding.
”Ndiaye has spoken this summer about his desire to play at the top level.
”Al Hilal and the Saudi Pro League would not represent that but would almost certainly yield a potentially transformative salary for a player who joined Everton two years ago on wages of about £60,000 a week.”
Tomiyasu joins Crystal Palace on trial following Ajax exit
Crystal Palace have taken former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu on trial as they evaluate a potential permanent contract for the unattached full-back.
The Japanese international became a free agent after concluding his deal with Ajax at the end of last season.
Tomiyasu has been named in the Crystal Palace squad for the Como Cup, featuring among the substitutes for their fixture against RC Lens ahead of a further match against Famalicao.
Standard Sport reports: ”Former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is on trial at Crystal Palace ahead of a potential move.
”The Japan international, who left Ajax at the end of his contract this summer, has been included as a trialist in Palace’s squad for the Como Cup.
”It has been reported that Palace are open to signing Tomiyasu following his trial.
”The versatile right-back was named on the bench as Palace prepare to take on RC Lens in the first of two Como Cup group games on Tuesday evening, with the Eagles also facing Portuguese side Famalicao in Group A.”
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