Manchester United target Brighton duo Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister in bid to strengthen midfield – Paper Round

Man Utd to splash the cash on new midfielder

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is hoping to add a new central midfielder to his squad and has made that position, alongside a new striker, the priority for the Red Devils this summer. The Dutchman failed in a bid to recruit Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong last year, but will target Brighton duo Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister in a bid to strengthen his squad at the end of the season.

“Premier League clubs will explore whether there are agreements to allow them to leave, with both players likely to be valued in excess of £70million.

“Mac Allister, 24, won the World Cup with Argentina after agreeing fresh terms and has attracted interest from other clubs. Manchester City are looking at that area as Ilkay Gundogan is coming to the end of his contract with no agreement over a new deal yet.”

Man Utd slap £50m price tag on McTominay

Manchester United are reluctant to part with Scott McTominay this summer, despite the fact that they may be forced to sell players in order to raise transfer funds. The 26-year-old is wanted by Premier League top-four rivals Newcastle United, but the Old Trafford outfit have slapped a £50-million price tag on McTominay in a bid to deter interest from the Magpies.

“McTominay, 26, is under contract for another two years, with the club also having the option to extend by 12 months beyond that.

“The Magpies began chasing a deal for the star in January, but a transfer failed to materialise. Despite the setback, Eddie Howe is still eager to tempt him to St James’ Park this summer.”

Rumours of Messi’s Barca return continue

There are still ongoing question marks regarding Lionel Messi’s future at Paris Saint-Germain. The World Cup winner’s current contract is set to expire this summer and negotiations surrounding an extension seem to have stalled since the tournament in Qatar last December. Barcelona are hoping they can convince Messi to leave Paris and complete a shock return to the Camp Nou.

“Barcelona have publicly admitted their desire to bring Messi back to the Nou Camp, with vice president Rafael Yuste saying that the club are eager for him to return.

“There has been contact between Laporta and Messi’s father, Jorge, but the player would like to hear Barcelona’s proposal directly. However, Barcelona’s continued financial difficulties could prove to be a hindrance in terms of getting a deal done.”

Marsch to Leicester breaks down

Leicester City’s move for Jesse Marsch seems to have broken down at a late stage on Sunday night. The American coach, who was fired by Leeds United in February, was close to taking the job at the King Power Stadium before negotiations collapsed. Leicester are set to revive their hunt for a new manager with just eight matches remaining in the Premier League campaign.

“As things stand, Marsch has not been convinced to take the job at the Premier League’s second-bottom club.

“Among other coaches who have been under consideration by Leicester are Ralph Hassenhüttl, who was sacked by Southampton this season, Óscar García, who has had spells with Brighton and Watford and whose most recent job was with Reims, and the former Newcastle manager Rafa Benítez.”