Real Madrid ready to rival Chelsea in pursuit of on-loan Atletico Madrid attacker Joao Felix – Paper Round

Real Madrid enter Felix transfer battle

Real Madrid are ready to enter the race to sign Joao Felix this summer. The Portuguese attacker is currently on loan at Chelsea from Real’s local rivals Atletico Madrid, but there is no option-to-buy clause in his agreement with the Premier League club. Real Madrid are ready to hijack the Blues’ expected summer move for Felix.

“Felix’s future at parent club Atletico Madrid hinges on the fate of Diego Simeone. The under-fire Argentine had a strained relationship with Felix ahead of his loan transfer.”

Fati’s future uncertain

Ansu Fati’s future at Barcelona has reached a crossroads as the 20-year-old is not playing as many minutes as he would like to. Fati’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has met with the club to inform them that there are top clubs interested in the youngster, but they are ready to hold off any big decisions until the end of the season.

“The two parties agreed to analyse the matter at the end of the season when the conclusions about Ansu’s participation will be that much clearer.”

Marsch’s Premier League return

Jesse Marsch could make a swift return to Premier League management as Southampton are considering him as a potential replacement for Nathan Jones, who was sacked on Sunday. Marsch only parted ways with Leeds United last week, but is on the shortlist as the Saints search for a new manager.

“The 49-year-old’s pressing principles could suit a club who had tried to play in a similar style under another former RB Leipzig manager, Ralph Hasenhuttl.”

Emergency VAR meeting

Referee chief Howard Webb has demanded an emergency meeting with Premier League officials after there were two high-profile VAR errors on Saturday. League leaders Arsenal saw a goal wrongly allowed against them, while Brighton had a goal wrongly disallowed against fierce rivals Crystal Palace.

“Lee Mason forgot to put the right lines down to adjudge whether a Brentford player was offside in the build-up to their equaliser during Saturday’s draw with title-chasing Arsenal the Emirates.

“Brighton saw a goal chalked off in a draw at rivals Crystal Palace after VAR John Brooks drew the offside line from the WRONG defender.

“An aghast Webb – who is understood to have reacted incredulously – may now axe the bungling pair after ordering an urgent review in which all options are on the table, according to sources.”