Manchester United face battle with Inter Milan to sign free agent Marcus Thuram – Paper Round

Manchester United to battle Inter for Thuram

The Mirror believes that Manchester United are keen on signing Marcus Thuram this summer from Borussia Monchengladbach, but they face some obstacles as Italian side Inter Milan are also keen on the player as they prepare for the end of Romelu Lukaku’s loan.

“Lukaku is poised to return to Chelsea this summer – two years after his £97.5million transfer – from the Italian club, where he has suffered from an injury-hit campaign on loan. That decision from the Serie A side may now jeopardise United’s pursuit of Thuram.

“The 25-year-old was part of the France World Cup squad and featured heavily in the final and is set to be in high demand this year. The wide forward was linked with a move to United on multiple occasions in the January transfer window.”

Real Madrid line up Chelsea signings

Real Madrid are linked in The Sun with four Chelsea players over this summer transfer window and next.

Reece James could be a big money signing, but Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mason Mount, all out of contract the season after the next.

“Next on their list is Mateo Kovacic, who is out of contract in 2024.

“The third player Real want is Mason Mount, also out of contract in 2024.

“Finally, the Spaniards are also exploring a move for Ruben Loftus-Cheek, 27.”

Man Utd sale still likely

The sale of Manchester United, rather than the Glazers remaining with a diminished stake in the club, remains the likeliest course of action for the club as they ready themselves for a third bid.

The Daily Mail thinks that a clean break is still the most probable outcome despite the process dragging on.

“Late last year the club’s owners, the Glazer family, announced they would be open to a takeover of the club or an injection of funds in exchange for a partial stake.

“April 28 has been set as the deadline for third – and final – offers from interested parties.

“As we revealed, Qatari Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani launched a bid for a full takeover. He is rivalled by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group.

“There are, however, multiple other parties who have offered investment in exchange for a stake in the Premier League giants.”

Hodgson could stay on

Roy Hodgson has once again impressed at Crystal Palace, and The Telegraph thinks that he could be kept on in some form next season.

That role could involve managing into the campaign, perhaps with his potential long-term successor working alongside him.

“Hodgson, 75, came out of retirement to save Palace’s season following the dismissal of Patrick Vieira and has masterminded three consecutive wins, taking them to 12th in the Premier League table, nine points clear of the relegation zone.

“His appointment was until the end of the season and it is understood that Palace are open to him staying in some capacity, possibly beside a younger manager who would eventually take full control of the team. Regardless of the profile of the next manager, it is thought Hodgson could have some role.”