Saudi Pro League consider move for Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne – Paper Round

The Saudi Pro League are lurking as they prepare a bid for Manchester City playmaker Kvin De Bruyne.

Contract talks have not begun between City and the Belgian international, who has a little over a year on his current deal.

“The 32-year-old is seen as the player to further lift the division’s appeal and Mail Sport has learned that officials are intensifying their efforts to tempt him away from the Premier League.

“De Bruyne’s contract expires at the end of next season and he is yet to offer an indication on his future plans. Talks over fresh terms with the Treble winners have not started.

“Sports director of the Pro League, Michael Emenalo, attended one of City’s training sessions during the Club World Cup before Christmas as De Bruyne worked on his comeback from five months out.”

Manchester United have been tracking Mathys Tel of Bayern Munich but they may have hit a bump in the chase for the teenager.

The 18-year-old may now be kept on by any new manager who replaces the outgoing Thomas Tuchel.

“Bayern Munich have announced that they will be parting ways with manager Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season.

“And the German’s exit from the Bavarians could mean that Man Utd fail to land one of their top transfer targets.

“Mathys Tel has been on the radar of the Red Devils with the 18-year-old forward impressing for Bayern Munich.

“But a potential exit from the Allianz Arena will now be [dependent] on who comes in to replace Tuchel.”

Arsenal striker Mika Biereth is impressing on loan at Sturm Graz and the Evening Standard reports the player is wanted permanently.

The 21-year-old could leave in the summer though there is no clause to make the deal permanent.

“Biereth joined Sturm Graz in January after having his previous loan spell at Motherwell cut short.

“The 21-year-old has hit the ground running in Austria by scoring twice in his first four games.

“Sturm Graz are now hoping they can keep hold of the striker, although their loan deal has no option-to-buy clause in it.”

Erik ten Hag hopes to keep hold of winger Antony this summer despite suggestions Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to sell the player.

The Dutchman hopes the Brazilian wideman improves in the coming season after struggling so far.

“Antony has failed to impress since joining United two years ago, with the 23-year-old yet to score or provide an assist in the Premier League this season.

“It has been reported that Antony is one of several players who could be sold by Ratcliffe in the summer, with the INEOS chief having assumed control of football operations at Old Trafford. However, it seems Ten Hag is determined to keep Antony in the hope that he will eventually live up to his potential.

“Ten Hag previously worked with Antony at Ajax, where he excelled before following his manager to Old Trafford in the summer of 2022. He remains tied down to United until 2027, having signed a long-term deal upon his arrival for a transfer fee of around £81million.”