Manchester United’s pursuit of Atalanta star forward Ademola Lookman handed 'significant boost' - Paper Round

Manchester United's pursuit of signing Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has been given a "significant boost", it has been claimed. Meanwhile, Timo Werner will not be signing permanently for Tottenham and will assess his options when he returns to RB Leipzig, and Aston Villa and Everton are set to do battle for Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez, who is rated at £40 million.

Lookman could be Old Trafford bound

Manchester United’s hopes of signing Ademola Lookman this summer have been boosted, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Lookman’s future at Atalanta has been plunged into doubt after a public falling out with manager Gian Piero Gasperini, who had labelled the forward "one of the worst penalty-takers I’ve ever seen".

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Lookman later called Gasperini’s criticism of his penalty technique "deeply disrespectful".

"Manchester United's hopes of bringing Ademola Lookman to the club have been handed a significant boost following reports of a potential exit this summer," reads the article.

"Juventus have been linked with a summer move for Lookman but it's understood that Atalanta are reluctant to accept a sale to one of their Serie A rivals.

"It means a move to England is more likely to occur with a number of teams lining-up a move. United are one of the teams linked with the former Fulham and Leicester City star with him having an attractive release clause in his contract.

"It's understood that the clause is worth €55million (£45.4m), a fee that could prove to be a decent piece of business to bolster Ruben Amorim's attack. However, with no European football on the cards, other clubs may have an advantage in the race."

‘Wow’ – Lookman picks out corner with sublime finish to draw Atalanta level

Video credit: TNT Sports

Werner not on Spurs wishlist

Tottenham are not interested in signing Timo Werner this summer, it has been claimed.

Werner has scored just one goal in 27 appearances since joining Spurs from RB Leipzig on loan at the start of the season.

"Tottenham are set to pass on their £8.5million option to buy Timo Werner this summer," states the Mirror.

"However, regardless of what happens between now and the end of the season, sources close to Werner anticipate that he will be returning to Leipzig this summer before later considering his options.

"There is tentative interest from MLS side New York Red Bulls but any deal is dependent not only on financials but whether the 28-year-old attacker is prepared to call time on his playing career in Europe.

"Ange Postecoglou and the Tottenham hierarchy plan to bring in fresh forward reinforcements at the end of the season and Werner is not part of their long-term plans."

Postecoglou blasts Werner for ‘unacceptable’ performance against Rangers

Video credit: SNTV

Villa and Everton want Club Brugge defender

Aston Villa want to sign Joel Ordonez as a replacement for Tyrone Mings but will have to see off competition from Everton to land his signature.

The Sun claims Villa and Everton have identified the Club Brugge defender as a summer transfer target.

Unai Emery will have the chance of looking closely at Ordonez when his Villa side meet Club Brugge in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.

"Aston Villa are fighting Everton for Joel Ordonez – who stands between them and Champions League glory," reads the article.

"The Club Brugge star, 20, can play centre-half and right-back and looks ideal for the Premier League with his ability and strength.

"Ecuadorian international Ordonez helped shut Villa out in the group stage and they have been on his trail ever since.

"The sides meet again on Tuesday in their last-16 first leg – and Everton will be watching closely as they are desperate to land him, too.

"Ordonez, 20, is rated at £40million by the Belgian side and Villa see him as an ideal replacement for Tyrone Mings."

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