Man Utd target Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, Barcelona target Liverpool’s Luis Diaz - Paper Round

Manchester United hope to sign Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, with his release clause of £52 million potentially flexible as his contract runs out.

The player has been in excellent form in La Liga and is attracting attention from around Europe.

The Sun states: “Manchester United are reportedly plotting to try and bring ex-Newcastle ace Mikel Merino back to England.

“The 27-year-old midfielder had a brief spell at St. James' Park during the 2017/18 season after joining on loan from Borussia Dortmund.

“Merino, who made 25 Premier League appearances and scored just once, failed to earn himself a permanent deal.

“And Man City, Juventus and Atletico Madrid have all also been following him closely.

“Merino has a release clause of £52m - but Sociedad are aware that his price could drop significantly once he enters the last 12 months of his agreement.”

The Telegraph believes that Chelsea owner Todd Boehly will attempt to balance the books by selling several players to the Saudi Pro League.

Romelu Lukaku and Kepa Arrizabalaga, both out on loan to Roma and Real Madrid respectively, could be sold in the summer given their high wages.

The paper explains: “Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly has made a recent visit to Saudi Arabia, where it is believed he met with the country’s sports minister and the director of football for the Saudi Pro League Michael Emenalo.

“While neither side has confirmed the purpose of the visit and meeting, which is understood to have taken place in the capital Riyadh in the last couple of weeks, it will only underline the belief that Chelsea are once again attempting to raise cash by selling players to Saudi Arabia.

“Chelsea will try again this summer to permanently offload Lukaku, who has a £37 million release clause in his contract that was amended last year as part of his loan move to Roma.

“Another high earner Chelsea need to find a solution for is goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has spent the season on loan at Real Madrid. The expectation in Spain is that his loan will not be extended and Real will not try to buy him, meaning Chelsea need to find a new home for the 29-year-old, who cost £71.6 million.

“Other players who Chelsea are likely to try to cash in on this summer are Spanish left-back Marc Cucurella, Armando Broja and Trevoh Chalobah, while doubts remain over the future of Tottenham Hotspur target Conor Gallagher. But the homegrown trio are not expected to be offered to Saudi clubs.”

Liverpool will have to fend off interest from Barcelona in their winger Luis Diaz.

Diaz has impressed this season after recovering from injury, and the Catalans have been impressed by his performances.

“Barcelona have shown an interest in Liverpool forward Luis Diaz,” the Mirror reports.

“But the Spanish giants have been told he is not for sale with Diaz a key part of Liverpool's long-term plans.

“But any hint of a deal looks like a no-go as Diaz has been in superb form since returning from injury.

“Barcelona are stuck in a financial crisis so it would be impossible to see a deal happening even if Liverpool were open to selling the Colombian winger.”

The Daily Mail writes that Barcelona are looking to sell Clement Lenglet and Eric Garcia this summer.

Both players are on loan this season and could be let go as they look to rebuild under a new manager once Xavi Hernandez leaves.

The paper explains: “Barcelona are planning on selling two of their first-team defenders ahead of a potential summer spending spree at the club.

“The Spanish giants will be looking to undergo a slight re-build during the summer as Xavi prepares to leave the club, which was confirmed back in January.

“The Catalan side have been underwhelming this year under Xavi's guidance and, in summer, will hope to restructure their side to be able to mount a title charge.

“Clement Lenglet and Eric Garcia are the two names that have been listed as surplus to requirements come the summer window.”

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