Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, Rodri: Xavi adds five Manchester City stars to Barcelona’s summer wishlist – Paper Round

Xavi planning Man City raid

Barcelona boss Xavi is ready to launch an ambitious summer raid on Manchester City. The 43-year-old believes the Liga leaders need to add more quality and depth to their squad to become a European powerhouse once again. Xavi is hoping that Barca invest once again this summer and is targeting a number of big-name stars at Manchester City.

“Barca are also monitoring the situations of Spain internationals Aymeric Laporte – who has started just six Premier League games this season – and holding-midfielder Rodri, who is viewed as a long-term successor to Busquets at club and international level.

“The report has also linked the club to midfielder Bernardo Silva – who was monitored last transfer window in the event that Frenkie de Jong left the club – alongside striker Julian Alvarez, who joined City last summer but who has started just six league games for Pep Guardiola’s side.”

Abraham could make summer return

Tammy Abraham could make a return to the Premier League this summer as a number of top clubs prepare to strengthen their attacks in the off-season. Chelsea have left the door ajar for a potential return by negotiating a buy-back clause in his contract as part of the transfer to Roma in 2021, while Manchester United are also interested in the 25-year-old.

“Manchester United scouts have also been in regular attendance at Roma’s games to monitor Abraham’s progress this season, but Chelsea have first refusal and Roma are obliged to inform them if someone comes in and matches the buy-back clause.”

Caceido still wanted despite new deal

Premier League giants are still hopeful of completing a deal to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton this summer, despite the fact that the 21-year-old signed a new four-year contract last week. Arsenal had a number of bids rejected for Caceido in the January transfer window, while there is also long-term interest from Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool.

“Mikel Arteta’s side are now a hot favourite to sign Declan Rice in the off-season, which could rule them out of the running for Caicedo.

“But having now signed a new deal, Brighton are likely to have now raised his asking price, adding a little more security to their end of the arrangement.”

Newcastle target Saints star

Newcastle United are targeting a summer transfer for Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu, who could be available for a cut-price fee. The Ghana international will be entering the final year of his contract, which expires in the summer of 2024, and would also be expected to push for a move if the south-coast club suffer relegation from the Premier League.

“Salisu, 23, fits the age and profile of the type of player Newcastle are keen to recruit and they see the defender as someone they could develop into a top star.

“Salisu, who joined Southampton in the summer of 2020 from Real Valladolid, is set to enter the final year of his contract at St Mary’s this summer and Newcastle feel they could land him for a cut-price fee of £15 million or less.”