Chelsea forward tops shortlist for Real Madrid as striker search intensifies – Paper Round

Real Madrid return for Havertz

“Of all of them, Kai Havertz has emerged as a strong contender,” the paper explains of the Chelsea forward and the deposed La Liga champions, before explaining the other candidates.

“The German was [a] target three years ago, and the dream of playing with Los Blancos is once again on his mind. His name and that of others was discussed on Thursday at the meeting held between Florentino Perez, Jose Angel Sanchez and Carlo Ancelotti in Valdebebas.

“From the very complicated options like Harry Kane, who does not seem willing to leave the Premier League, to the discarded ones like Roberto Firmino or Mauro Icardi, to those who have offered themselves as Kolo Muani or others who without being offensive references can fit into that role taking into account what there is in the squad as the desired Havertz or Karim Adeyemi.”

Wolves want to keep Traore

After a brief loan spell at Barcelona, Spanish winger Adama Traore returned to Wolves for a season but he is now out of contract.

Joao Moutinho and Diego Costa have been allowed to leave, but the Premier League club want to keep the pacy forward at the club.

“The Premier League club’s sporting director Matt Hobbs has confirmed that 36-year-old Portuguese midfielder Moutinho and Brazil-born Spanish striker Costa, 34, will officially depart at the end of this month.

“Hobbs told the club’s official website: ‘Joao’s going to go down as one of the best players to ever pull on the old gold, in my opinion.

“Traore, however, could yet have a future at Molineux with manager Julen Lopetegui keen to keep the 27-year-old and discussions are ongoing.”

Gerrard and Parker in the frame at Leeds

Following the departure of Sam Allardyce after Leeds returned to the Championship from the Premier League, the Yorkshire club are looking for a new long-term manager.

Former England internationals Scott Parker and Steven Gerrard, and former assistant to Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds, Carlos Corberan, are options.

“It is thought that Corberán is one of the candidates admired by Radrizzani. The Spaniard is currently head coach of fellow Championship club West Bromwich Albion and is understood to have a £2 million buy-out clause he signed in February. The 40-year-old is a former assistant to Marcelo Bielsa at Elland Road.

“It remains to be seen, however, whether he is a big enough personality to galvanise Leeds following their relegation. Gerrard, who was sacked by Aston Villa last October, is understood to be interested and is also on the list being reviewed by Kinnear who will carry on in his role even if the takeover goes through.

“Parker was sacked by Bournemouth at the start of the campaign after publicly revealing his fears that the squad was not strong enough to survive in the Premier League. “

Inter want Chalobah

Inter Milan are linked to Chelsea defender Trevor Chalobah.

The youngster is not yet established as a guaranteed starter at Stamford Bridge, and he could join the growing list of players who leave England for Serie A.

Chalobah is at the top of Simone Inzaghi’s transfer wishlist.

Chelsea value the 23-year-old at around £25million and Inter are said to be willing to match the club’s asking price ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

Chalobah is reportedly determined to stay at Stamford Bridge despite his sporadic game time this season.