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Atletico Madrid eye Alejandro Garnacho swoop as Paris Saint-Germain cool on Marcus Rashford - Paper Round
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Updated 19/12/2024 at 08:31 GMT
Atletico Madrid are keeping tabs on former winger Alejandro Garnacho after he was dropped by Manchester United, while Marcus Rashford may find it difficult to find a move away from Old Trafford after Paris Saint-Germain distanced themselves from a deal – though Pep Guardiola once expressed an interest in taking him to Manchester City. Elsewhere, Marseille are tracking Paul Pogba.
'We are better with Rashford, that's simple' – Amorim on wantaway striker
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Atletico track Garnacho
While all eyes initially turned to the future of Marcus Rashford after the weekend, and his ensuing interview, The Sun gives an update on his Manchester United team-mate Alejandro Garnacho.
The Argentine was also dropped for the Manchester derby, and there are suggestions his former club Atletico Madrid would like him back.
The paper reports: "Atletico Madrid are keeping tabs on Alejandro Garnacho’s situation at Manchester United.
"The Argentinian wideman was surprisingly axed from The Red Devils squad for the Manchester derby at the weekend.
"New boss Ruben Amorim said he had made the decision based on what he has seen in training since taking charge.
"And that has alerted several European clubs – including Atletico, who had Garnacho on their books as a youngster.
"He spent five years in the Spanish capital before heading for Old Trafford in 2020."
Guardiola once wanted Rashford
The Mirror recounts a tale from journalist Andy Mitten, suggesting that Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was once keen on Marcus Rashford.
The forward was identified as the one player he would want to poach from his local rivals United.
The paper explains: "Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola once admitted Marcus Rashford was the one Manchester United player he would like to bring to the Etihad as speculation continues to swirl over his future.
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"The England international was dropped from United's matchday squad by manager Ruben Amorim in their 2-1 win over Manchester City on the weekend and his future looks increasingly uncertain after his shock statement that should alert a number of clubs ahead of the January window.
"Athletic journalist Andy Mitten – who founded the fanzine United We Stand – has previously claimed that a former United player told him Guardiola gushed over Rashford a few years ago.
"He said it came at a time when the player was in excellent form but the team were struggling on the pitch.
"He said: 'I remember a former United player telling me that he was at a dinner with Pep Guardiola, and Pep said, the only player that I would take from Manchester United is Rashford'. Guardiola knows his business, and this wasn't at a time when United were doing particularly well either."
PSG distance themselves from Rashford deal
The Athletic reports that Paris Saint-Germain are no longer so keen on signing Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.
An asking price of £40 million may not be accurate either, according to the report, and Barcelona, Italian and Saudi sides are also unlikely to make a move.
The website writes: "United are not thought to be rushing to sell Rashford in January but, as The Athletic reported earlier this year, they would consider his departure if they receive a substantial offer. Attracting such an offer may be easier said than done, however.
"With more than three years remaining on his contract, United would also be within their rights to command a significant transfer fee, although club sources have played down suggestions of a £40 million asking price.
"Paris Saint-Germain have long been linked with Rashford. The Ligue 1 club’s president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, described Rashford as 'really amazing' during the 2022 World Cup and entertained the possibility of signing him as a free agent later that year if United allowed his contract to expire.
"That interest is believed to have cooled significantly, however, and people familiar with the matter at the Parc des Princes, speaking anonymously like others in this article, have distanced themselves from such speculation in light of Rashford’s remarks."
Marseille open to Pogba deal
Marseille president Pablo Longoria has revealed that he is not ruling out a move for Paul Pogba.
The midfielder is available on a free transfer in January, and can play from March onwards.
The Daily Mail writes: "Pogba's four-year drugs ban was slashed to 18 months earlier this season, meaning that the former Manchester United midfielder can return to the grass as early as March next year.
"As such, there have been a number of clubs linked with one of the most technically gifted midfielders of his generation.
"Corinthians in Brazil have been linked in what would be a surprise move, while Manchester City – more surprising still – have also been connected by some reports.
"At a press conference on Wednesday morning Marseille president Pablo Longoria was asked about the club's links to Pogba.
"'I'm not closing the door, because he's a world-class player,' he said."
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