Romelu Lukaku future at Chelsea remains unclear, Real Madrid move could interest Erling Haaland - Paper Round
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Updated 04/03/2023 at 10:16 GMT
Lionel Messi could be offered ownership of an MLS franchise if he moves to Inter Miami or another US side, while neither Inter Milan nor Chelsea are certain they want Romelu Lukaku next season. Elsewhere, Real Madrid could be a tempting club for Erling Haaland, and Roberto Firmino appears set to leave Liverpool in the summer on a free transfer move away.
Balague on Messi’s journey to greatness after incredible World Cup triumph
Messi could be offered huge deal
Inter Miami may be able to sign Lionel Messi on a free transfer, but the Mirror reports that the MLS chief Don Garber may allow a deal similar to David Beckham’s at LA Galaxy.
The midfielder was given the right to own a franchise at a cut-price valuation, if he met certain stipulations, and that might give a Stateside move the edge.
The paper writes: “Messi - a World Cup champion after leading Argentina to glory in Qatar - is scheduled to be a free agent this summer and the legendary forward star is in negotiations with his current club Paris Saint-Germain about extending his stay in the French capital. However, the 35-year-old is also in talks with Inter Miami over a potential move.
“Messi remains one of the best players in the world and won the Golden Ball at the World Cup, which ran in November and December. If the MLS is going to bring the Argentine to the United States, the league would have to come up with major compensation to lure him away from Europe.
“Recent reports suggested Saudi Arabian clubs are interested in paying Messi a deal similar to rival Cristiano Ronaldo ’s reported £62m annual contract at Al Nassr. As a result, a mega offer would be needed to persuade Messi to move across the Atlantic - and Garber suggested the MLS could pull some strings.”
Lukaku future unclear
Romelu Lukaku’s deal with Inter Milan includes no option to buy, and it is far from clear if the Italians want him after an injury-hit season.
However after a huge transfer window outlay under Graham Potter, the Mail suggests there is no demand for him for the next season.
“The Belgian striker is currently on loan at Inter Milan until the end of the season, and there has been much speculation about his future - as the move came just 11 months after Chelsea purchased the 29-year-old,” the report explains.
“Inter chief Beppe Marotta claimed that Lukaku wants to turn his loan spell with the club into a permanent move, but that the striker will return to Chelsea, as the deal struck last summer has no option to buy him.
“Lukaku has struggled with injuries during his latest spell in Italy, limited to just 15 appearances and four goals for the blue and black half of Milan.
“But his return to Stamford Bridge may not be warmly welcomed by the current manager, with a new Italian media report suggesting that Graham Potter is not looking to have Lukaku back in the Chelsea fold.”
Real interests Haaland agent
Rafael Pimenta, part of Erling Haaland’s representatives, explained that these days Real Madrid are seen as sui generis in their ability to attract stars, despite the Premier League’s riches.
Spanish newspaper Marca quoted her recent comments.
“‘Real Madrid has something of its own that makes it the Dreamland for the players. It keeps this magic going. It doesn't have the league competition but it does have the Champions League,’” the report says.
“Having attracted interest from Real Madrid last year, the Norway international joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
“‘There is the Premier League. And there is Real Madrid,’ Pimenta said.”
Firmino set to quit Liverpool
Liverpool’s 31-year-old striker Roberto Firmino is planning to leave the club at the end of the season on a free transfer, according to his agent.
The Mirror reports that the decision has been taken by the veteran following a conversation with Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, and he will be the latest big name to leave after Sadio Mane departed for Bayern Munich last summer.
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