Real Madrid target Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic as Eden Hazard replacement – Paper Round

Real target Pulisic ahead of Hazard exit

Real Madrid are keen on signing Christian Pulisic to reinforce their squad as they look to move on some forwards in the summer.

The Mail reports that the American forward is on their shortlist ahead of a potential summer spending spree after years of relatively small outlays.

“Real Madrid are considering a move for the 24-year-old.

“Pulisic would be considered as the Spanish champions aim to bring in more depth, with Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio’s futures at the club in doubt.

“Hazard has endured a nightmare spell since signing for Real Madrid from Chelsea for £150m in 2019, while Asensio is now in the final months of his contract at the Bernabeu.”

Klopp wants more spending at Liverpool

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has called on owners FSG to back him in the transfer market after a dreadful season continued with a 5-2 home defeat to Real Madrid at Anfield in midweek.

The club now face a spell on the European sidelines if they cannot turn around their form, and the Telegraph reports that Klopp wants heavy investment regardless of whether he qualifies for the Champions League next season or not.

The Liverpool. “Manager urges owners to help him compete with free-spending rivals in the summer and overhaul [the] model of selling before buying,” report the Telegraph after the club have struggled this year in the Premier League, before suffering their calamitous Champions League defeat.

The report continues that: “Jürgen Klopp says the transfer kitty needed for his Liverpool rebuild must not be conditional on Champions League qualification as he urged owner Fenway Sports Group to react to Premier League rivals’ spending.”

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2023/02/24/jurgen-klopp-champions-league-not-fsg-needs-back-liverpool-rebuild/

Chelsea owner considers two more takeovers

The Mirror reports that Chelsea’s new owner Todd Boehly is considering not just one, but two more takeovers to add to his collection of sport teams.

He is reportedly in the market for Strasbourg in Ligue 1, and could move for a German team in order to straddle the world with a network of clubs as practised by Man City.

“Boehly has splashed the cash since his consortium completed a takeover of Chelsea last summer – investing close to £600million into the squad. That investment is yet to pay dividends, with Graham Potter’s side languishing in 10th in the Premier League table.

“Boehly and his investment partners are keen on purchasing Strasbourg and would use the Ligue 1 outfit to loan Chelsea players to. The Blues boss is also considering purchasing a German club for that very same reason.”

Newcastle dealt Matheus Franca blow

Newcastle had been chasing Brazilian teenager Matheus Franco, and now it appears that their last offer was 10 times too small to get his club Flamengo to agree a deal.

“Eddie Howe had been hoping to bring the 18-year-old to St James’ Park in January but Flamengo rejected a £17.5million offer,” goes the report.

“It appears a move to Newcastle is off for the time being as the wonderkid has put pen to paper on a new contract with the Brazilian side until 2027.

“Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that the deal contains a whopping £176m release clause.

“The Brazilian’s previous contract included an £88m release clause.”