Paper Round: Real Madrid turn attention from Kylian Mbappe to David De Gea

It's Friday's Paper Round. Real Madrid have turned their attention from forward Kylian Mbappe to goalkeeper David De Gea, Barca to bid more than £90m for Coutinho and Chelsea fail with Sandro bid

Real turn attention to De Gea

The Sun who report that Real Madrid have turned their attention from Kylian Mbappe to David De Gea. The progress of Marco Asensio in particular has persuaded Zinedine Zidane that he doesn't need another expensive outfielder and instead the La Liga champions will work to sign De Gea before the transfer window closes. United could reportedly use the funds raised to move for Arsenal target Thomas Lemar. 

Our view: This is supposed to be the transfer talk or saga of the summer but it managed not to live to that expectation and that is because United handled the issue calmly when the possibility of a move to Madrid first came up in July. But we all have been waiting for Madrid to start a bidding war for the shot stopper and could this be the right time to do so? They shouldn't forget how a late paper work stopped the transfer from materializing two seasons ago and if they haven't learnt their lessons by now, then expect them to fail again this time. For me I don't see De Gea living United this summer. But Madrid should just try their luck.

Barca to bid more than £90m for Coutinho

The Telegraph reports that Barcelona are expected to return to Liverpool with a bid in excess of £90 million for forward Philippe Coutinho. Jurgen Klopp has insisted that the Brazilian will not be sold but Barcelona are going to fight until the last minute of the window in order to bring the midfielder to Spain. 

Our view: Seriously Barca are making a mess of the whole issue with the manner of their approach. I guess the Spanish club won't take this lightly with any club who tries to unsettle their players. You could see the way they handled Neymar's transfer to PSG. It took almost two weeks before the Brazilian made his debut for his new club due to Barca refusing to notify FIFA of the transfer receipt on time. Barca should know that they are no longer the alpha and omega of football. They should know well that trying to unsettle a player who still has a contract with another club is not the best thing to do. Coutinho on his part seems prepared for a move and will do anything to get it even as far as going on a strike. Lets see how it ends but in all Barca will definitely part away with a huge some of money for his services.

Chelsea fail with Sandro bid

The Mirror carry the quotes from Juventus director Beppe Marotta who has revealed that they have rejected a fresh offer from the Blues for Alex Sandro. The paper reports the bid as £63 million and Marotta's quotes say that Sandro wants to stay in Turin. It comes just hours after the latest outburst from Diego Costa...

 

Our view: Chelsea seems to be struggling with acquiring their targets but whose fault is it? They allowed key players leave on loan and transfer without first getting an adequate replacement, and you what that means... crisis. The evidence of such actions has started to bear fruits on the pitch with the blues failing to win their first game of the season partly due to a thin squad. They have pursued Sandro for some time and it seems Juventus are not willing to let go at any price. Better for the Blues to turn their attention else where. But they only have a limited time to do so.

Man Utd still pushing for Perisic

The Mirror also reports that Ivan Perisic is reportedly still a target for United. Ed Woodward has reportedly held talks with the player's agent in the last few days and he is seen by Jose Mourinho as the final part of his four-man transfer wishlist for the summer.

 

Our view: United has pursued Perisic for much of the summer and it seems any hope of getting him is becoming less likely as the window winds down in a few week. Reports emerging yesterday claims Mourinho might have given up on a fourth signing and will instead make do with what he has and wait till January. But never ruled out the possibility of Perisic wearing the United shirt come September.