Frenkie de Jong performs U-turn and now keen on joining Manchester United – Paper Round

De Jong happy to join Man Utd

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has told Erik ten Hag he would be happy to join him at Manchester United, report the Mirror. United were strongly linked with the Netherlands international throughout the summer, and while it was believed they had agreed a transfer fee with Barcelona, club chiefs failed to persuade him to join. However, it appears De Jong has had a change of heart, if reports are to be believed.

Paper Round’s view: Luring De Jong to Old Trafford would feel like a massive achievement for Manchester United officials after the saga last summer. The 25-year-old would improve United’s midfield significantly and would be a huge statement of intent following the acquisition of Casemiro in August. Whether Xavi would be happy to let him go is another story, however.

Thuram a January target for United

France’s Marcus Thuram is reportedly a January transfer target for Manchester United. The Sun, via Sport Bild, claim that Thuram could cost United as little as £9.6million as his contract at Borussia Monchengladbach expires in June. Man Utd are seeking a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo who left the club last month.

Paper View’s round: Thuram failed to find the net in Qatar but domestically he has scored 10 goals in 15 games for Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga this season. Costing less than £10m, the striker would be a great bit of business. It would be fascinating to see how the 25-year-old would perform in the Premier League.

Chelsea preparing bid for Gvardiol

Chelsea will launch a £45million bid for Croatia and RB Leipzig star Josko Gvardiol, according to the Mirror. The Blues face competition from Real Madrid, who had planned to wait until the summer to try to sign him. The article states that Chelsea don’t want to wait and the Bundesliga outfit are bracing themselves for a move from Graham Potter’s side when the transfer window opens in two weeks. It adds that Chelsea have already spoken with Gvardiol’s agents about an initial contract offer of three-and-a-half seasons.

Paper Round’s view: Gvardiol was one of the standout players at the Qatar World Cup as Croatia reached the semi-finals and won the third-place playoff against Morocco. He could just be the recruit that Chelsea need after an underwhelming start to the season with the Blues languishing in 8th in the Premier League table. Thiago Silva isn’t getting any younger and Gvardiol – being one of the world’s best centre-backs at the moment – would be the ideal replacement.

Hammers want Wan-Bissaka on loan

West Ham United are interested in signing Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka on loan in the January transfer window. That’s according to the Manchester Evening News, who claim the Hammers are ready to make a move for the former Crystal Palace defender.

Paper Round’s view: Wan-Bissaka cost United £50million just three years ago but he clearly isn’t in Erik ten Hag’s plans, playing just four minutes so far this season after falling down the pecking order at Old Trafford. He was a regular under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and if he can recapture his form, he would be a solid acquisition for West Ham, who are looking for a player to nail down the spot at right-back.