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Liverpool identify Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano as Marc Guehi free transfer alternative - Paper Round
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Published 22/10/2025 at 23:24 GMT+1
Liverpool have identified a Bayern Munich central defender as a free transfer alternative to Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, while West Ham are likely to be frustrated in their pursuit of a loan for Manchester United forward Joshua Zirzkee. Elsewhere, Sandro Tonali’s contract extension at Newcastle does not rule out a new deal and Chelsea are finally nearing a shirt sponsorship agreement.
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Liverpool track Bayern star Upamecano
While Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi remains a target for Liverpool either this winter or at the end of the season, other defensive targets have emerged.
Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano could also be a candidate to be brought to Anfield as his own contract draws to a close.
The Mirror reports: "Liverpool are said to be considering Bayern Munich star Dayot Upamecano as a possible alternative to Marc Guehi.
"The Reds failed to get a deal over the line for Guehi on transfer deadline day after Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish pulled the plug at the last minute. Guehi was furious that the £35 million deal collapsed and will leave Palace in 2026, either on a free transfer in the summer or for a fee in January.
"Liverpool remain favourites to sign the England international, with Arne Slot keen to get some cover for Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, especially since losing Giovanni Leoni to an ACL injury. But the club are not only looking at Guehi and are therefore monitoring developments elsewhere.
"Like Guehi, Upamecano’s current contract with Bayern is due to expire on June 30 and talks over an extension have not made any progress. The France international has been with Bayern for over four years, making 162 appearances for the club, but his time in Bavaria could be drawing to a close."
Zirkzee to miss out on West Ham move
The i Paper believes that West Ham are interested in signing Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United.
However, the proposed loan switch is unlikely to happen, with Ruben Amorim and others at Old Trafford looking to keep their squad together this season.
The paper states: "West Ham are preparing a January loan move for disgruntled Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee.
"Despite United being reluctant to let him leave, Zirkzee is unhappy about his lack of game time, with £200m worth of new forwards ahead of him in the pecking order at Old Trafford.
"The Netherlands international is not agitating for a move per se, but is understood to be open to exploring his options come January.
"The i Paper has been told the club’s hierarchy share Ruben Amorim’s view that nobody is allowed to leave in January, whether Zirkzee or the similarly frustrated peripheral figure Kobbie Mainoo."
Tonali could sign new deal at Newcastle
Despite reports of Sandro Tonali signing a contract extension at Newcastle United, the midfielder could sign fresh terms with an improved offer.
Should the 25-year-old Italian continue to impress, the club would be prepared to discuss a new deal.
The Daily Mail explains: "Sandro Tonali signed a secret contract extension during the time of his betting ban - and it effectively ties him to Newcastle until 2030.
"Daily Mail Sport can reveal that the midfielder’s deal now expires in 2029, with an option in the club’s favour to extend by a further 12 months.
"It has been widely reported that Tonali’s contract is up in 2028 and that a new deal would be a matter of urgency for new sporting director Ross Wilson.
"However, under the charge of former sporting director Dan Ashworth, Newcastle extended the Italian’s terms in what has been described as a show of trust and faith from both sides.
"It has proven to be a smart move by the club, who have seen Tonali return from his ban and develop into one of the Premier League’s best midfielders.
"His assumed contract situation had given rise to Newcastle being vulnerable to an approach from elsewhere - the 25-year-old would not be short of suitors - but the reality gives them some security.
"That does not mean an improved deal will not be discussed and there is recognition of Tonali deserving the reward his performances have merited, providing he wants a new contract."
Chelsea set for sponsor deal
Chelsea are finally set to agree a deal with a sponsor for the front of their shirt, reports The Athletic.
Their recent success in the UEFA Conference League and then the FIFA Club World Cup has strengthened Chelsea’s bargaining power.
The website writes: "Chelsea have agreed a new shirt sleeve sponsorship deal with FPT corporation for the rest of the 2025-26 season and are in the closing stages of finding a new front of shirt sponsor too.
"Meanwhile, sources speaking anonymously to The Athletic to protect relationships say Chelsea’s thorough process to find a front-of-shirt sponsor is nearing a conclusion.
"Negotiations have included the prospect of being a multi-faceted partnership which goes beyond just having the company’s name displayed on the front of Chelsea’s kit.
"Chelsea have been talking to a number of major companies for several months with the focus being on finding the right partner rather than rushing to get it done. With the club’s profile growing higher once more after winning two major trophies and playing in the Champions League again, it has made them an even more attractive proposition and helped their bargaining position."
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