Football rumours: Man U chiefs fly to Spain in bid to seal Frenkie de Jong deal
What the papers say
Manchester United have apparently stepped up their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong. The Manchester Evening News and the Daily Mail say United bosses Richard Arnold and John Murtough are in Spain and met with Barcelona representatives at a restaurant to discuss the 25-year-old Netherlands international, who played under new Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag at Ajax.
The Telegraph reports Chelsea are considering a move for Bayern Munich winger Serge Gnabry. The Blues are said to be interested in the Germany international as an alternative to Raphinha, who has reportedly opted for the Nou Camp over Stamford Bridge. But Chelsea will have to compete with United and Arsenal to sign the 26-year-old, with the latter the forward’s home from 2012 to 2016.
Could Switzerland defender Kevin Mbabu soon return to the Premier League? The Standard says newly-promoted Fulham are close to signing the 27-year-old, who played for Newcastle during their relegation to the Championship in 2016, from Wolfsburg in a deal worth an initial £5m.
Everton have had their £25million bid for Morgan Gibbs-White rejected by Wolves, according to the Mail. The England Under-21 international 22, impressed on loan last season at Sheffield United, helping guide them to the Championship play-offs with 12 goals and the same number of assists.
Social media round-up
#AFC bid £5.9m for Benfica full-back after Tierney lasts 30mins on comeback https://t.co/cfm3a2CMJS pic.twitter.com/jKJ59lfQxy
— Daily Star Sport (@DailyStar_Sport) July 11, 2022
Chelsea have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Raphinha, with the Leeds star set to sign for Barcelona pic.twitter.com/DjC0RbCzdV
— The Sun Football ⚽ (@TheSunFootball) July 11, 2022
Players to watch
Nathan Collins: The Burnley defender, 21, could go to Wolves as part of a £20.5m deal that would set a new record for the highest fee paid for an Irish player, according to the Mail.
Amadou Onana: The Express cites Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth as reporting Lille have rejected West Ham’s £25m bid for their 20-year-old Belgium midfielder.