Paper Round: Real Madrid officially deny Neymar bid, Mahrez edges closer to Man City

Tuesday’s Paper Round say Mahrez edges closer to Man City while Real Madrid made annnouncement to deny Neymar deal.

No move for Neymar 

Real Madrid released an official statement on Monday night, denying all reports that they have made a world-record £275m bid for Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar. The statement on their website read:

Given the information tonight by TVE concerning a supposed offer from Real Madrid to PSG and the player Neymar, Real Madrid can confirm the information is completely false and have not made any offer to PSG or the player.
Real Madrid is surprised that the Spanish television has broadcasted absolutely false information without anyone from the club being contacted to comment on the alleged information that could easily have been denied. 

England’s five penalty takers 

With two of the four World Cup last-16 matches having headed to a penalty shootout, talk of England’s match with Colombia on Tuesday night going in a similar direction has led to speculation as to who would step up for Gareth Southgate’s side. According to the Daily Mail, Harry Kane, Kieran Trippier, Jesse Lingard, Jordan Henderson and Ashley Young are the five in question, with the latter admitting he is happy to take one despite missing against Italy at Euro 2012. 

Mahrez edges closer to Man City 

Riyad Mahrez’s move to Manchester City has taken a step closer after the winger was excused from Leicester’s pre-season training for a further week – the Mirror reports. The Algerian has long been linked with a move to the Premier League champions, with a deadline day switch in January failing to materialise after the two sides could not agree on a fee. However, the deal is finally expected to get over the line this summer. 

Duo chase £18m Traore 

Huddersfield and Wolves are both interested in signing Middlesbrough winger Adama Traore, according to The Sun. Boro boss Tony Pulis is busy planning for a promotion push to the Premier League, and would be willing to sell the 22-year-old, who has an £18million release clause. 

Eurosport