Bayern Munich ready transfer bid for Manchester United defender Raphael Varane - Paper Round

The Mirror reports that Manchester United central defender could leave for Bayern Munich this winter.

The 30-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season, and Bayern may offer a fee next month to secure his signature.

‘Manchester United defender Raphael Varane is being targeted by two European giants in the January transfer window,” the paper explains.

“Varane, 30, has found his game-time limited at Old Trafford this season, and with his contract up at the end of the 2023/23 season appears certain to leave the Premier League. As of next month, he will be free to negotiate summer moves with European clubs, with a return to Real Madrid previously deemed the most likely option.

“German champions Bayern Munich have now entered the race. Thomas Tuchel has his own injury problems to solve, and the issues are exacerbated by defenders Kim Min-jae and Noussair Mazraoui taking part in the post-Christmas Asian Cup and AFCON tournaments with South Korea and Morocco respectively.

“Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund has already outlined plans to sign a defender in January, and the German champions are reportedly willing to offer more than £17million for Varane. This could prove decisive, giving United the option to redeem a fee for the Lens youth graduate rather than lose him for nothing next season.”

Barcelona midfielder Matthijs de Ligt is a target for Arsenal, with the midfielder probably too expensive for a winter move.

Arsenal spent big in the summer on Declan Rice so balancing the books may force them to wait.

“Arsenal are lining up a sensational move for Matthijs de Ligt,” The Sun reports.

“However, it is much more likely that it will take place in the summer rather than this January.

“Mikel Arteta has been candid in his desire to bring in bodies and said simply in a recent press conference: "We need more players."

“But the club are facing FFP issues and may be limited in who they can bring in.

“Their high expenditure, particularly on Declan Rice, means they will have to balance the books over the coming windows.”

Lille have been linked with Jesse Lingard, who may not be an easy signing despite his free transfer status.

The forward now counts as a non-EU player due to Brexit, with limits for such players in Ligue 1.

The Mail reports: “Jesse Lingard has been offered to several clubs in France, but any move could reportedly be scuppered by Brexit rules.

“The 31-year-old has been without a club since he left Nottingham Forest at the end of his contract last season.

“Lingard has since trained with former club West Ham in the summer and also spent a month with Steven Gerrard's Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq - though both clubs decided not to sign the midfielder.

“As an English national, Lingard is considered to be an 'extracommunautaire' for teams in France – who can only register four players from non-EU states or countries.”

Newcastle United are ready to move quickly for Manchester City’s England international, Kalvin Phillips.

The midfielder is a target for Newcastle given the ban for Sandro Tonali and their defensive problems.

“Newcastle United are going to step up their interest in Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips and hope a loan deal can be agreed swiftly once the January transfer window opens. Man City midfielder is viewed as a top priority for Eddie Howe’s team,” the Telegraph writes.

“Newcastle have not made a bid for any player on the winter shopping list, but their interest in Phillips is long standing and he is viewed as a priority target.

“They have not yet agreed the terms of a deal with either City or the player, but would like to open talks as soon as possible.

“With Profit and Sustainability rules severely restricting what they can do, the Newcastle hierarchy are mainly looking at loan deals and City’s willingness to listen to offers for Phillips makes him an attractive target.

“Manager Eddie Howe would like to add a forward and a midfielder next month but he is well aware of the budget restrictions. A new goalkeeper could also be an option with free agent David De Gea keen on a short term deal at St James’ Park.”

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