Gareth Southgate, Thomas Frank and Roberto De Zerbi on Manchester Utd shortlist to replace Erik ten Hag – Paper Round

Manchester United are considering England boss Gareth Southgate as a replacement for Erik ten Hag, with two other options also in the frame.

The paper states: “England manager Gareth Southgate is on Manchester United’s shortlist to replace Erik ten Hag – as well as Brentford boss Thomas Frank and Roberto De Zerbi.

“New United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is mulling over deciding to sack Ten Hag in time for next season, with several Red Devils players now expecting him to be given the chop as their wretched season wears on. Ratcliffe and his Ineos colleagues, who officially became part of United’s footballing hierarchy last month after the British billionaire purchased a 27.7% stake in the club, are currently assessing a range of candidates, including the aforementioned trio.

“Brighton boss De Zerbi has earned plaudits for his stellar work on the south coast since September 2022, guiding the Seagulls into the Europa League for the first time in their history. The Italian coach isn’t short of interest, though, as Barcelona and Liverpool are also being linked. There’s a reported £12 million release clause in his Brighton contract, too.”

Chelsea may attempt to make room for Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, according to The Sun, who is also wanted by Arsenal.

The 21-year-old reportedly has a release clause of £43 million, which makes him a relatively affordable option compared to some others.

“The Blues need a bustling centre forward but are acutely aware of how much that would cost them with Brentord’s Ivan Toney rated at around £100 million.

“Williams, 21, has a get-out clause in his contract set at around £43 million but he does earn around £100k a week after tax in Spain.

“He would also fit into Chelsea’s transfer strategy of buying up young, promising players and putting them on long contracts to help subsidise the wage bill.

“Mykhailo Mudryk, Raheem Sterling, Noni Madueke and even forward Christopher Nkunku have been employed on the flanks this season. Williams has also attracted interest from Arsenal.”

There are three other names – Ivan Toney, Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres – who have also attracted attention.

The paper reports: “Even with their attack in red-hot form right now, Arsenal want to bolster their forward line this summer.

“The Gunners have been scouting for central strikers and wingers ahead of what is shaping up to be a busy transfer window.

“Arsenal are long-term admirers of Wolves winger Pedro Neto, while Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams is also on their radar.

“The club’s interest in Ivan Toney is well documented, and he will be sold by Brentford this summer, but Arsenal have also sent scouts to watch RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres over the past six months.”

Frederic Massara, Florent Ghisolfi and Richard Hughes are all names who could step in as Liverpool move on from the Jurgen Klopp era.

The outlet reports: “Liverpool are facing crunch time in their attempts to hire a new sporting director with a need to make a decision soon.

“They have tried to bring back Michael Edwards, who left in 2022, but while a return is seen as unlikely, it has not been completely ruled out yet.

“Edwards, who now runs a consultancy company, helped build Jurgen Klopp’s Premier League- and Champions League-winning teams during 11 years at Anfield and is still held in high regard by owners Fenway Sports Group.

“Yet while Liverpool consider a final push for his return, their hesitancy could leave them in limbo at a time when they also have to hire a new manager, with the sporting director potentially crucial to choosing Jurgen Klopp’s successor.

“Besides Edwards, Liverpool are aware of Richard Hughes, who announced on Tuesday that he is leaving Bournemouth, though he is seen as a likelier candidate for Newcastle, given his longstanding working relationship with Eddie Howe.

“Frederic Massara, formerly of AC Milan, and Florent Ghisolfi, currently at Nice, are others to attract Liverpool’s attention.”