Marco Verratti and Alex Mac Allister: Manchester City compile shortlist as Arsenal target Ilkay Gundogan – Paper Round

City search for a Gundogan replacement

Manchester City could enter the transfer market for a central midfielder if club captain Ilkay Gundogan decides to leave when his contract expires this summer. The Premier League champions are hoping to agree an extension with Gundogan, who is wanted by Arsenal and Barcelona, but have compiled a shortlist should the 32-year-old call time on his Manchester City career.

“Brighton’s Alex Mac Allister is another who is being monitored after his recent performances at the World Cup with winners Argentina, as well as his form for high-flying Brighton.

“Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich, a player whom Guardiola worked with during his time in Germany, is the other player who is on City’s radar this summer.”

Newcastle to strengthen for Champions League

Newcastle United are preparing for a summer spending spree ahead of next season’s Champions League campaign. The Magpies are unlikely to sign top-level talent with huge wage demands, but will add some strength and depth to their squad. Newcastle have Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus, Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney and Leicester City midfielder James Maddison on their shortlist.

“Sources have told Telegraph Sport that Newcastle are likely to spend more in this window than they have done before under their Saudi Arabian owners, although there will still be restrictions in place and the wage bill will be capped.

“Those wage restrictions are likely to be the chief hindrance in Howe’s desire to sign ‘elite players’ with targets like Declan Rice and Mason Mount asking for way more than Newcastle appear willing to pay.”

Lopetegui’s uncertain future at Wolves

Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui could end his Molineux stay after just six months at the club. The Spaniard will hold talks with the club’s hierarchy to further discuss the club’s transfer plans for the summer. Lopetegui believes Wolves may be limited in the transfer market due to financial fair play restrictions and this has thrown his future at the club into doubt.

“Lopetegui wants assurances from Wolves that he will be able to improve his squad this summer, but Wolves have spent almost £200m this season and are under pressure to sell players to avoid breaching Premier League rules.

“The captain, Ruben Neves, a £45m target for Barcelona, is among those set to depart.”

Southgate has decisions to make

England boss Gareth Southgate is set to name his squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia on Wednesday. The 52-year-old is looking at a number of new names and recalls due to injuries and the fact that Manchester City and West Ham United are involved in upcoming European cup finals. Additionally, Southgate is considering giving Raheem Sterling a rest following a disappointing debut season with Chelsea.

“Trent Alexander-Arnold, Tyrone Mings and Lewis Dunk are pushing for recalls when Southgate picks his squad on Wednesday, and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze is hoping for his first call-up after a sparkling end to the season. Palace’s Marc Guéhi is another defender in contention.

“Arsenal’s Ben White, who left the World Cup early, is not expecting to be picked and the Milan centre-back Fikayo Tomori is likely to miss out. Chilwell’s absence at left-back could lead to a first call-up for Brentford’s Rico Henry.

“Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Levi Colwill, Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Gibbs-White are on Southgate’s radar but are likely to be named in the Under-21 squad.”