Football Paper Round: United and Chelsea join chase for Santos wonderkids

Manchester United and Chelsea chase highly-rated Santos pair

European heavyweights are battling it out for Santos' Gabriel Barbosa and Thiago Maia, according to The Sun. The report says that Manchester United and Chelsea have joined the race to sign the pair, as most of Europe's biggest clubs are scrambling to hold talks with the Brazilian side.

It comes after Atletico Madrid have spoken formally to Santos, while Leicester and Inter Milan have reportedly made bids in the region of $23 million (£17.7m) for the striker Barbosa.

 

Joe Hart bracing for City move for Marc-Andre ter Stegen

Joe Hart is worried about Pep Guardiola's plans to bring in Barcelona keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, according to the Mirror. The report says that after Hart's poor Euro 2016 performance, Ter Stegen is set to be Guardiola's next big target in the transfer window. It is believed such a move would put the 29-year-old on the outer at City, with Wilfried Bony, Samir Nasri and Eliaquim Mangala also on their way out as the club seek to rebuild an aging squad. 

Antonio Conte pleads for Nemanja Matic to stay

The new Chelsea boss has urged Nemanja Matic to stay, according to the Mirror. The report says that Juventus have put in a bid for the holding midfielder, but the Chelsea manager has reportedly pushed for the player to snub the Serie A giants. It comes as Juventus look to replace Paul Pogba in midfield, though Conte has a strained relationship with his former club, which has complicated matters after they've decided to target Matic. 

Lamine Kone targeted by Everton

Everton have targeted Sunderland wantaway Lamine Kone, according to the Daily Mail. The report says Kone has asked to leave the club, with Everton ready to pounce on his signature on short notice. The Sunderland exit comes after the 27-year-old held talks with David Moyes and Sunderland CEO Martin Bain, in which the defender sought and failed to receive an improved contract offer. 

Source: Eurosport