Manchester City face Borussia Dortmund battle to sign Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen in January – Paper Round

Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund will face off in the battle for Chelsea full-back Ian Maatsen.

The 21-year-old almost left in the summer and The Sun reports there will be renewed interest in January.

“The 21-year-old left-back is believed to be available for transfer next month.

“Over £1billion has been forked out on new players since owner Todd Boehly took over in May last year and FFP rules could restrict potential additions being made.

“However, the Blues are looking to sell academy graduates as they hand the club 100 per cent profit, boosting their spending power.

“Conor Gallagher is one player that could be flogged with Tottenham keen and the Dutch U21 international looks to be another.”

Raphael Varane will not have his contract extended by Manchester United, meaning the central defender can start negotiating a free transfer in 2024.

The Independent reports that United will not exercise their 12-month extension option, and the 30-year-old will be able to move on unless that changes.

“The World Cup winner’s current deal at Old Trafford expires at the end of the season but while United possess an option to extend it by 12 months, they have not taken it up so far.

“It means that, until and unless United trigger that option or agree a different contract with the Frenchman, Varane can negotiate a transfer abroad. That comes amid wider confusion over the transfer window after changes to Fifa agent rules.”

Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe has appointed his mother as his agent once more.

The Daily Mail claims that the French forward is expected to involve his mother in negotiations for a move to Real Madrid.

“She is expected to play a central role in deciding the French star’s future as he enters the final six months of his Paris Saint-Germain contract.

“It is expected Mbappe, 25, will sign for Real in the summer after he turned them down in 2022 to extend his PSG contract.

“Negotiations with Real will officially be able to start from January 1.”

The Mirror believes that Tottenham’s move for Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo might have foundered.

That means that the club could look at Genoa’s Radu Dragusin, because Todibo may remain at Nice.

“Mirror Football understands United held positive talks with Todibo and the player’s camp but Nice, owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are reluctant to part with their prize defender midway through the season.

“Ange Postecoglou is eager to bring in defensive reinforcements as soon as possible and Tottenham have now turned their attention to Genoa’s Radu Dragusin in the hope of striking a swift deal for the £25million-rated central defender.”