Man Utd look set to solve their defensive midfield issue with the addition of a Portugal star and Newcastle are willing to sell a top star.
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Manchester United have reignited their interest in a January target who will add more defensive qualities to their midfield, while Sunday’s Paper Talk reveals that Newcastle are willing to part with Allan Saint-Maximin to give Eddie Howe more money to spend this summer.
Manchester United are well known to be in the hunt for a new defensive midfielder and it appears they could finally be closing in on their man, with Sporting Lisbon star Palhinha once again being strongly tipped to head to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils were said to have made contact with Portugal international during the January window. However, at the time, Sporting were looking for a fee of more than €30million.
However, a report from Correio da Manha states that a number of clubs want the player but that United are the firm favorites to finally secure his signing this summer.
The Portuguese media outlet claims that the player will be allowed to leave for £25m-plus. That is despite his contract still having more than four years left to run.
The 26-year-old was a key performer as Sporting won the Portuguese league last season. He has carried that form into this term as well.
As for United, they have one of the worst defensive records in the top half of the table. To that end, whoever takes over the job on a permanent basis is expected to work on making the spine of the team much stronger.
Palhinha’s qualities would certainly help in that regard, especially at just £25m.
If the Portugal star does arrive then it’s likely to mean the end of Nemanja’s Matic’s Old Trafford spell.
There is also the feeling that Scott McTominay is wasted player in a deeper role. The Scotland international has shown he has an eye for goal but is rarely given the chance to showcase his talents.
Signing Palhinha would allow McTominay to push further forward, while the Portuguese is also considered an upgrade on Fred.
Newcastle United, meanwhile, are willing to sell attacker Allan Saint-Maximin for around £50m this summer, with Aston Villa one of the club’s monitoring the player’s situation.
The 25-year-old is a huge fan favourite at St James’ but the Daily Mail reports that the club would be prepared to sell him, if they received that sort of figure.
Those funds would then go straight into Eddie Howe’s transfer kitty for new recruits.
The report adds that Villa will be primed for a move. But only if Newcastle’s best performer over recent seasons is allowed to move.
Saint-Maximin only signed an improved six-year contract in 2020. But sacrificing him would allow Howe to strengthen other areas of his team.
The Mail adds that Newcastle’s owners are looking to put another £60million into transfer funds. However, they could look to sell up to 10 current squad members to generate more funds for Howe.
And finally, Tottenham are set to watch West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone in action on Sunday, as they step up plans to recruit a back-up goalkeeper.
Several reports on Sunday claim that the England stopper is back on Spurs’ radar as they seek a long-term successor for Hugo Lloris.
The Frenchman penned a new contract in January that runs out in the summer of 2024. However, the north London club are already thinking of life without the World Cup winner.
Football Insider claimed last month that Tottenham will not be turning Pierluigi Gollini’s loan into a permanent deal.
Spurs have an obligation to buy Gollini if he makes 20 first-team appearances this term. However, the Atalanta stopper has only made 10 die to Lloris’ form this campaign.
Johnstone has been targeted as he is out of contract in the summer and available on a free transfer.
However, there are plenty of other suitors for his signature. They include the likes of Newcastle and West Ham.
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