Axel Disasi set to replace Tottenham-bound Harry Maguire as Sir Jim Ratcliffe closes in on Man Utd deal – Paper Round

Ratcliffe near to United deal

The Mirror believes that that takeover battle for Manchester United will come to a close this month, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe the likely winner.

“INEOS chief Ratcliffe is one of the two frontrunners to buy Manchester United along with Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani.

“The pair recently submitted their third and final bids, with Sheikh Jassim proposing a complete buyout and Ratcliffe making an offer to take a controlling interest in the club and allow Joel and Avram Glazer to temporarily retain a 20% stake in United.

“However, Ratcliffe’s offer includes a clause to see the family leave the club entirely on a phased basis. Indeed, reports this week outlined how all six Glazers will temporarily stay at the club under Ratcliffe’s plans, but will have no control and will contractually be obliged to leave in the coming years.”

United close to Disasi agreement

The Mail reports that Manchester United could soon sign Monaco defender Axel Disasi. The imposing 25-year-old defender has impressed in recent seasons and has been linked away, and now he could be bought as Harry Maguire’s replacement.

“The Red Devils are in the market for a central defender, with Harry Maguire heavily linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur in recent days.

“While Monaco and Man United are yet to begin formal discussions, the Ligue 1 side are believed to want in the region of €40million to €50million for the defender, around £34million.”

Balogun in demand

European Conference League champions West Ham, and Italian duo Inter and AC Milan, are all keen on Arsenal’s striker Folarin Balogun.

The 22-year-old has been in fine form for Reims in France this season, but is likely to be sold by Arsenal to raise funds.

“The striker was a 22-goal loan sensation for Ligue 1 club Reims this season.

“And he’s expected to depart the Emirates permanently this summer now that he’s proven himself at a high level.

“Balogun will return to the Emirates from his loan behind main frontman Gabriel Jesus and regular back-up Eddie Nketiah.

“But Inter and AC have been impressed with his explosive form in the French top flight.

“Serie A rivals Roma are also said to be monitoring the situation.”

Tottenham keen on Maguire

The England international has been linked with an exit from Old Trafford this summer after a string of poor performances.

The paper explains: “Harry Maguire has been perched on the brink of England squad excommunication for almost 10 months now, and every time Gareth Southgate intimates that this might be the last chance for his centre-half, the manager invariably picks him.

“That tells you something – and will have some resonance for the clubs, like Tottenham Hotspur, considering a summer move for the man still known as the world’s most expensive defender. It has been a grim season for Maguire, and just when there was a glimmer of hope, two chaotic United performances against Sevilla in the semi-final of the Europa League final saw him exposed again at crucial moments.”