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Real Madrid and Barcelona could rival Chelsea and Newcastle for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi - Paper Round
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Updated 18/05/2025 at 10:14 GMT+1
Real Madrid and Barcelona could be rivals to Newcastle United and Chelsea for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, while Manchester United could sign Jonathan David on a free transfer, and have resolved not to sack manager Ruben Amorim this summer. Elsewhere, Liverpool are set to put Jeremie Frimpong through a medical as a deal with Bayer Leverkusen looks imminent.
‘Nothing is going to change this season’ - Amorim says Europa League final is sole focus
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Spanish duo could move for Guehi
Newcastle United and Chelsea have been tracking Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi for months, but they may lose out to the big two in Spain.
The Sun believes his new Ivory Coast passport could see him become a target for Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The paper explains: "Marc Guehi’s new Ivorian passport could spell an end to Chelsea and Newcastle's pursuit.
"Since Brexit, British players are now considered non-EU citizens, prompting Jude Bellingham to apply for an Irish passport ahead of his move to Real Madrid.
"Guehi’s decision to renew his Ivorian passport, which he qualifies for through his dad, falls under the Cotonou Agreement.
"This agreement allows players with African nationality to be regarded as Spanish nationals, giving them a distinct advantage for La Liga clubs.
"Guehi, 24, has just one year left on his deal with interest from Newcastle, Chelsea, and Tottenham.
"But Real Madrid and Barcelona have also kept tabs on his progress - and the lure of a dream move to Spain could prove too much."
Man Utd transfer plans depend on Europa League
If Manchester United win the UEFA Europa League in midweek, they will have one set of transfer targets.
However, defeat would lead them to hunt for bargains as they cut costs without European competition income.
The Mirror elucidates: "Ruben Amorim will not be sacked by Manchester United even if they lose the Europa League Final.
"United bosses believe it would be madness to make Amorim pay the price for a disastrous Premier League campaign that will see the Red Devils finish in their lowest position for 50 years.
"The club’s recruitment team has drawn up two lists of transfer targets - one that will be pursued if Amorim’s team hit a £100 million jackpot by beating a side that has performed even worse than they have this season. The other will be less expensive if there is no European football next season.
"United will still seek assurances that the former Sporting Lisbon coach is not contemplating walking out before they make any summer moves in the transfer market. Outspoken owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is said to be impressed with his manager’s candour."
Red Devils could move for David
Jonathan David will become a free agent at the end of the season, and the Daily Star believes Manchester United could be tempted.
Their need to operate on a budget could see him brought in, while Joshua Zirkzee might be sold to Inter Milan.
The paper writes: "The Red Devils have had their eye on Lille striker Jonathan David for some time, and the Canada international will be available on a free transfer this summer as his contract is due to expire in June.
"Given that United won't have a large budget to work with this summer, bargains like this could be key to a successful transfer window.
"Zirkzee, who made the switch from Bologna to Old Trafford for a fee in the region of £35m last summer, has found it tough going as the main man up front, netting just three times in 32 Premier League games.
"Speculation is mounting that Zirkzee could be allowed to depart, with Inter Milan poised to offer him a way out of Manchester."
Frimpong poised for Liverpool deal
The Athletic believes that Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong is due to move to Liverpool following Trent Alexander-Arnold's impending exit.
The player is due to undergo a medical before moving for around £29.6m.
The website reports: "Jeremie Frimpong is set to undergo a medical ahead of completing a proposed transfer from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool.
"Frimpong has agreed a five-year contract and the Anfield club will activate his release clause, which is worth in the region of €35m [£29.6m; $39.3m].
"The Athletic reported on Thursday that Liverpool were advancing in talks to sign the 24-year-old, who has emerged as one of Europe’s most coveted right-backs."
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