Barcelona plan Lionel Messi return from Paris Saint-Germain and more signings this summer – Paper Round

Barcelona plan Messi return

Spanish newspaper Marca reports that Barcelona are planning to bring Lionel Messi back from Paris Saint-Germain, but their ambitions for the summer do not end there.

There are several targets who will also be pursued.

“The Catalan club have been working on this for some time and believe they can pull it off, even if they still need to make space in the wage bill to meet LaLiga’s financial requirements.

“One player who is much closer to joining the Blaugrana is Inigo Martinez, the Athletic Club centre-back.

“Another player who Xavi wants to bring in is Ilkay Gundogan, but here there is more work to be done.

“As for strengthening the attack, there are two leading candidates and one of them is Vitor Roque, the Brazilian at Athletico Paranaense who Barcelona have been following for some time. But, they’re not the only interested suitor.

“The other option would be Yannick Carrasco, with the Blaugrana already possessing an option to sign the Belgian for 20m euros, something negotiated during the Antoine Griezmann transfer.”

Tottenham hit Nagelsmann block

There are two problems in the way for Tottenham to appoint Julian Nagelsmann as their new manager, according to The Telegraph.

The German’s wage demands are a concern, but an added complication is that Tottenham are also on the hunt for a suitable new sporting director.

“Nagelsmann, 35, was on Spurs’ shortlist to succeed Antonio Conte as their next permanent head coach after his dismissal at Bayern Munich but it is understood that knowing who will be leading recruitment and strategy is an important part of his decision.

“Spurs have been without Fabio Paratici, the managing director of football, since he resigned in the aftermath of losing his appeal against a 30-month ban for false accounting that was imposed in Italy and extended worldwide by Fifa.

“Spurs have also looked at other options, including Feyenoord manager Arne Slot. Slot, 44, is within sight of the Eredivisie title in Holland after moving clear of PSV and Ajax despite being on a tiny budget compared to the Dutch giants.”

Ronaldo considers Al-Nassr departure

Reports suggest that Cristiano Ronaldo could quit Al-Nassr after struggling with life in Saudi Arabia, and might be tempted back to an ambassadorial role with former club Real Madrid.

However should he want to return to Europe as a player, then Saudi-owned Newcastle United might be a way back.

“The five-time Ballon d’Or winner joined the Saudi big boys in December following the ripping up of his contract with Manchester United.

“Ronaldo has also been linked with a shock return to the Premier League with high-flying Newcastle United – who are currently owned by Saudis.”

Al Thani may appeal to Glazers directly

Amid reports that Jim Ratcliffe is now leading the race for the takeover of Manchester United, The Mirror believes that Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani may bypass the Raine Group intermediaries in the hope that he can speak directly to the Glazers.

The paper reports that this could be his last roll of the dice.

“Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim and British billionaire Ratcliffe are thought to be the two frontrunners to buy the Premier League giants. The latest deadline for improved bids passed on Friday night, with the Glazers now assessing how to proceed.

“There is a chance they could yet retain full control of the Red Devils, while Ratcliffe is offering to keep them on as minority shareholders. That appears to have placed him in pole position in the race to buy the club, though Sheikh Jassim is now planning a final effort.

“Now, with Ratcliffe pulling ahead, he is weighing up going directly to the Glazers in an attempt to strike a deal. That would mean removing the intermediaries on their side or even bypassing the Raine Group, who are handling the process on behalf of the Glazers.”