Arsenal, Manchester United and Bayern Munich to battle for Barcelona teenager Mikayil Faye - Paper Round

Arsenal are the latest side to be linked with a move for Barcelona’s teenage defender Mikayil Faye.

The 19-year-old recently made his international debut for Senegal and has continued to impress with his club in their B team.

The Mail reports: “Arsenal have joined the clubs following Barcelona B defender Mikayil Faye ahead of a potential summer move.

“Mail sport revealed last month that Manchester United, Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich have all checked on the powerful young centre half who can also play at left-back.

“United scouts saw the 19-year old score a spectacular goal on his international debut for Senegal against Gabon in March and he followed up with a thunderous free-kick for Barcelona B against Osasuna a week later.

“He has been included in Barcelona first team squads and he is expected to get a call up before the end of the season with head coach Xavi tipping Faye to have a bright future.”

Manchester United’s behind-the-scenes rebuild continues, with the Mirror reporting that Jason Wilcox’s move to Old Trafford is gaining steam.

The director of football at Southampton is wanted by Sir Jim Ratcliffe as he looks to build a new backroom team for next season.

The paper explains: “Southampton manager Russell Martin has admitted that Jason Wilcox is on the brink of sealing his exit to join Manchester United.

“Saints’ director of football has been targeted by United, who are overhauling their structure since the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team. United have poached Omar Berrada from rivals Manchester City to become their new chief executive and are also chasing Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth to become the new sporting director.

“Wilcox is being lined up to take the role of technical director, working underneath Ashworth, but the way they have gone about it angered Southampton. The Championship side were frustrated by the approach for the 53-year-old, who only joined Saints from Manchester City last summer but is keen on the move.

“There had been some pushback, with Southampton insisting Wilcox did not have a release clause and couldn’t be taken at key juncture in their bid to win promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking. But while there remain areas to iron out, Martin has now accepted that Wilcox is on his way out.”

Former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has been tipped to step in as Canada’s national team.

The country will play co-host to the 2026 World Cup, meaning they do not need to qualify for the tournament.

The Sun notes: “The Chelsea legend has been out of work for 11 months after a second spell in the Stamford Bridge dugout.

“He is keen on a return to the beautiful game after also enjoying stints at Derby and Everton.

“Lampard could now be handed the chance he's been craving by the Canadian FA.

“They will co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside the USA and Mexico.

“And Canada have put Lampard on a shortlist of potential new bosses following John Herdman's exit last summer.”

One potential replacement for Erik ten Hag could be Bologna manager Thiago Motta, according to the Daily Star.

The paper says that the former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder has impressed with his 2-7-2 tactical approach.

“Manchester United may yet make a move for Bologna manager and former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Thiago Motta,” the report begins.

“Sir Jim Ratcliffe has doubts about Erik ten Hag's managerial ability, having watched the Dutchman's side crash out of the Champions League group-stages and fall out of the running for a Premier League top four finish. United could end the weekend as many as 14 points away from fourth placed Aston Villa.

“The new United hierarchy has already earmarked England manager Gareth Southgate as a possible candidate, while Ratcliffe is also an admirer of ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter. However, Motta has also caught the eye of the Red Devils - and he would bring one of the most unique playing styles in modern football to Old Trafford.

“United are one of the 41-year-old's biggest admirers. The Brazilian has attracted a lot of attention with his unique '2-7-2' formation.”

- - -

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.