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Jose Mourinho could tempt Manchester United defender Harry Maguire to join Fenerbahce on a free - Paper Round
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Published 21/12/2024 at 23:46 GMT
Manchester United face a battle to keep defender Harry Maguire as his contract approaches its final few months, while Marseille want former Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba. Elsewhere, Tottenham could offer Lucas Bergvall on loan to La Liga side Espanyol, and Aaron Lennon revealed that Everton missed out on the chance to sign Manchester City's Erling Haaland.
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United face Maguire competition
Manchester United could lose Harry Maguire on a free transfer, according to The Sun.
Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and Napoli are all keeping an eye on the central defender.
The paper claims: "Manchester United face a dilemma in the negotiations over Harry Maguire’s future.
"The England defender is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January 1 as it stands - and three European giants are interested.
"Napoli are eyeing up a free transfer for Maguire.
"Fenerbahce, managed by Jose Mourinho - who was a big fan of Maguire when managing United - have a history of signing from the Prem.
"Fellow Turkish outfit Galatasaray are keeping track of Maguire’s situation too."
Marseille keen on Pogba move
Marseille are still trying to find room for former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba.
The Frenchman is available on a free transfer and can join clubs from January.
The Mirror writes: "Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi admits he will "try and find space" for champion players amid links with Paul Pogba.
"The French midfielder is a man without a club after his drugs ban ended and Juventus opting to rip up his contract. It means the former Manchester United man is seeking his next employer and a move back to his homeland has been touted.
"De Zerbi rocked up at Marseille in the summer but the former Champions League winners are still some way off PSG domestically and need more quality if they are to close the gap.
"January is the next opportunity for the former Brighton boss to dip into the market and he's made it clear he wants to bring in players with winning experience. He's name checked Pogba, who has won numerous league titles, but hasn't discussed signing him with the club's bosses."
Bergvall offered to Espanyol
Tottenham are considering the recall of striker Alejo Veliz from Spanish side Espanyol, according to the Express.
Veliz has scarcely featured this year, and so Spurs could offer Lucas Bergvall as a replacement.
The paper writes: "Tottenham have reportedly offered Lucas Bergvall to Espanyol as the Spanish club look to sever ties with Spurs youngster Alejo Veliz. Bergvall has featured 10 times in the Premier League this season after joining the north London giants from Swedish outfit Djurgarden in the summer.
"Bergvall only turned 18 in February but was handed his first league start against Southampton last weekend as Spurs cruised to a 5-0 victory.
"The teenager has also started four Europa League matches this campaign and has bagged two assists in the competition.
"Veliz, meanwhile, joined Spurs from Argentinian club Rosario Central in the summer of 2023 but has only been given 45 minutes of game time for his parent club, with those minutes spread across eight league games last season.
"The 21-year-old striker was shipped out to Espanyol in August after spending the second half of last season on loan at Sevilla."
Everton missed out on Haaland
Aaron Lennon has revealed that Everton failed to sign Erling Haaland as a teenager.
The Manchester City forward went to Everton, but their previous owner elected to pass up the chance.
The Daily Star writes: "Aaron Lennon has disclosed that Everton nearly secured Erling Haaland for a mere £2-3million, but the club's controversial former owner Farhad Moshiri declined to approve the deal.
"’This is a mega story," Lennon shared on the Football Daily podcast. ‘I remember Erling Haaland walking in the building with Steve Walsh coming up to me in the physio room.’
"Steve Walsh introduced him to me like, ‘Oh look Aaron, we've got Haaland. You know his dad, Alfie? The Leeds boy. Hopefully we're going to have him here'. And I was like, 'Oh wow, I have not heard much of him'.
"‘I think he was 15 or 16-year-old and, never seen him again. I think they could have had him for two or three million and I think [Farhad] Moshiri didn't sign off on that. Could you imagine? Erling Haaland would have signed for Everton.’"
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