Newcastle United and Barcelona face battle for David de Gea and Aaron Ramsdale – Paper Round

The Sun reports that Barcelona are keen on both Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and former Manchester United stopper, David de Gea.

The Catalans need a new goalkeeper to cover the absence of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who has elected to have back surgery.

“The Germany star, 31, has opted for back surgery after missing Barca’s last three games.

“But although David Raya appears entrenched as the Arsenal No1, Emirates boss Mikel Arteta is determined to keep Ramsdale until at least the summer.

“In contrast, free agent De Gea might be easier to lure.

“The Spaniard, 33, has been linked with Saudi clubs and, this week, Newcastle following Nick Pope’s injury.”

The Mirror states that Mikel Arteta is not entirely set against selling Aaron Ramsdale, with the England goalkeeper happy with his position in the squad.

Ramsdale is being linked with a January move after losing out to David Raya for time on the pitch.

“Ramsdale has lost his spot as Arsenal’s No.1 to new signing David Raya, who joined the club on loan from Brentford with an option to buy. Since Raya made his Gunners debut against Everton in September, he has started every Premier League and Champions League match he has been eligible for.

“As a result, Ramsdale has been linked with a move to Newcastle after their first-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope suffered a shoulder injury that is expected to keep him out of action until April. When asked about Ramsdale’s future, Arteta said: ‘I want Aaron with us.’”

“However, he also categorically refused to state that Ramsdale would not be sold to Newcastle in January, adding: ‘I won’t do that to any player. Any player. I cannot tell you that any Arsenal player is not going to leave in January. Or he is to stay here for the next three years.’”

Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea is open to discussions with Newcastle United if they wanted to bring him in as their goalkeeper.

Nick Pope has dislocated his shoulder and will be out for some time, and De Gea could be brought in on a free transfer.

“Confidential understands that De Gea is open to the opportunity of joining Newcastle for the second half of the season after Nick Pope dislocated his shoulder in Saturday’s win over United at St James’ Park.

“De Gea has had plenty of offers since leaving United after 12 years at the end of June, but has turned them all down. However, the Spaniard is said to be more receptive than he was a couple of months ago and would be willing to speak to Newcastle if there is an approach.

“The 33-year-old has been back in Manchester for the last fortnight, taking in a couple of United women’s team games and catching up with his old teammates Bruno Fernandes, Raphael Varane, Tom Heaton and Victor Lindelof in Hale.

“As a free agent, De Gea could join Newcastle at any time if Pope was ruled out for several months – as long as he doesn’t expect to earn the £375,000-a-week he was on at United.”

Fulham midfielder Palhinha is wanted by at least two sides in the Premier League, which will complicate any renewed attempts from Bayern Munich to sign the player.

The Portuguese player has continued to impress in England and interest is only growing.

“Palhinha was on the verge of signing for Bayern on the final day of the summer transfer window and remains a target for the German club.

“But it is understood that at least two Premier League clubs are also showing interest in the Portugal international, who has established himself as one of the division’s dominant central midfield players since his £17 million move from Sporting Lisbon in July 2022.

“Palhinha signed a new contract at Fulham in September, tying him to the club until 2028, after the collapse of his move to Munich. However, that deal has not stopped potential suitors showing interest ahead of a possible transfer in January or next summer.

“Bayern had agreed to pay a fee of around £60 million for Palhinha earlier this year and the midfielder even flew to Munich for a medical, but the deal fell through because Fulham were unable to find a suitable replacement in time.”