Barcelona and Atletico Madrid to battle for Juventus midfielder Angel Di Maria – Paper Round

Di Maria still in demand

Juventus want to keep Angel Di Maria at their club and extend his contract into the next year, but they face competition from two La Liga clubs. Both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are interested in the former Real Madrid, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, who has plenty of experience.

He would be available for a free in the summer, and his age would not stop top clubs coming in for him.

“Juventus want to extend Di Maria’s contract.

“But Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are also hot on the heels of the midfielder, and would like to add him to their squad.

“Di Maria has enjoyed a storied career in European football.”

More clubs join race for Alex Scott

Teenage Bristol City midfielder Alex Scott continues to attract interest from the Premier League, with both West Ham and Crystal Palace hoping to bring the player to London this summer.

Scott can play in several positions in midfield and his rated at £20 million by his current club, but that could be a sticking point for any transfer, with neither team wishing to go that far.

“The 19-year-old is a rising star in English football and has impressed with his performances for the Championship outfit this season.

“Scott was linked with [a] move away to the Premier League from Bristol City during the January transfer window but a transfer failed to materialise.

“Bristol City are keen to receive £20million for Scott but neither club are likely to meet that valuation.”

No Saudi bids for United

The Express declares that there have been no bids from Saudi Arabia for Manchester United, with only a Qatari bid coming from the Middle East, as well as one from British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe. The fact that Newcastle’s current owners have not entered the fray makes an easier time of it for the two currently competing bids.

“No bids have come in from Saudi Arabia. The nation’s public investment fund (PIF) already owns Newcastle United and the potential conflict of interests was deemed to be unpalatable.”

Arteta could let Tierney move on

Kieran Tierney is struggling to displace Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back at Arsenal, and despite his decent form, he is now on the sidelines of the squad, meaning that the 25-year-old Scottish international – loved by former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson – could leave the London club in the summer, the Mirror writes.

“Scotland defender Tierney was one of Unai Emery’s final signings as Arsenal manager, joining in a £25million move from Celtic in 2019. The 25-year-old has racked up more than 100 appearances in Gunners colours, but his opportunities have been limited since the summer arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko.

“Tierney was linked with a move away last summer, with Manchester City among those reportedly in the mix. A run of games outside the starting line-up has seen rumours gather pace once more, and Mikel Arteta could find himself letting the former Bhoys star move on.”