Manchester United battle Aston Villa for Timo Werner loan signing from RB Leipzig – Paper Round

Manchester United might lose out to Aston Villa as they look to sign RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner on loan.

Both teams are chasing reinforcements as they hope to secure UEFA Champions League football next season.

“The Red Devils have been linked with a number of forwards including Mauro Icardi, Donyell Malen and Serhou Guirassy.

“Earlier this month, Werner was mooted as another man Erik ten Hag was looking at as a short-term solution to their scoring problems.

“Several Man Utd forwards are struggling to hit the back of the net, with Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony Martial and Antony netting just four Premier League goals between them.

“However, Unai Emery’s Villa are now also in the frame to swoop in and secure a loan deal for Werner, 27.”

Everton and Tottenham are in negotiations to secure the future of Dele Alli.

For now, Alli needs to play 20 games for Everton, which would trigger a £10 million pound transfer fee – something Everton are trying to get reduced.

“England international Dele joined Everton at the end of the winter 2022 window, shortly after Frank Lampard took over as manager of the Toffees. The terms of the deal saw the buyers pay nothing up front, but payments will be triggered when he meets certain appearance thresholds.

“The first of those payments amounts to £10m after his 20th game for the club. He has played 13 times so far, but Everton’s financial worries have seen them attempt to gain assurances from Spurs that the payment can be waived.”

Strasbourg, Chelsea’s sister team, could be the Todd Boehly-backed side to sign Valentin Barco.

The Boca Juniors teenager could be on the move this January, the Evening Standard writes.

“The 19-year-old could leave Boca Juniors this winter and is being targeted by the French club, offering him a future pathway into Mauricio Pochettino’s first team at Stamford Bridge.

“Strasbourg are the first club to join Chelsea in Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital’s multi-club model as part of BlueCo.

“They have been given a significant transfer budget and have a remit to sign Under-23 players like Barco, who Manchester City and Brighton also target for their own multi-club operations.”

The Independent reports that amid interest from West Ham and Tottenham, Chelsea are not ready to let Conor Gallagher go yet.

Rumours suggest that the club are ready to listen to offers for the midfielder.

“Gallagher, whose contract expires in 2025, has played in all but one of the Blues’ matches this season, thriving in midfield under the Argentine and taking the captain’s armband after injuries to Reece James and Ben Chilwell.

“Tottenham and West Ham held an interest in the player last summer, and rumours have returned concerning a potential move for the 23-year-old in January with Chelsea making efforts to be compliant with Profit and Sustainability rules.”