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Manchester United fail with Emiliano Martinez loan offer, Chelsea eye RB Leipzig forward Xavi Simons - Paper Round
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Updated 22/07/2025 at 14:16 GMT+1
Tuesday’s Paper Round leads on Manchester United, who have seen a loan bid for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez quickly rejected. Meanwhile United have been boosted in their attempt to sign Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, while The Blues themselves are eyeing another forward this summer. Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest are closing in on their replacement for Anthony Elanga.
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United knocked back in Martinez loan bid
Manchester United have failed in their attempt to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez on loan, the Daily Mail reports.
United are considering their options with current No. 1 Andre Onana set to miss the start of the new season due to a torn hamstring.
United held discussions over the weekend about signing Martinez, but Villa officials are said to have met the loan offer with "incredulity" and rebuffed it immediately.
The Mail adds: "Martinez was rewarded with a long-term contract 12 months ago, one which runs until 2029, and there would be nothing for them to gain by allowing him to join United on a temporary basis.
"United, who are also looking at Antwerp’s Senne Lammens, are staying tight-lipped on the situation, while Villa have stressed they have not received any contact.
"Villa value their vice-captain in the region of £40m but whether United would be willing – or able – to meet that figure is open to debate. It is a situation that is expected to play out over the coming weeks."
Chelsea eye Xavi Simons
Chelsea have enquired about RB Leipzig forward Xavi Simons but may look to sell another forward before pursuing the Netherlands international, the Telegraph reports.
The Blues have already signed Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens this summer, and having also shown an interest in Alejandro Garnacho and Morgan Rogers, they are also looking at Simons.
The Telegraph adds: "Any firm move for one of their attacking targets, however, may depend on the sale or movement of another of Chelsea’s current forwards.
"Noni Madueke sealed his move to Arsenal last week and there are question marks over the long-term and short-term futures of more Chelsea attackers.
"Christopher Nkunku is expected to leave the club and his departure would almost certainly lead to Chelsea moving to replace him with a profile of a player such as Simons or Rogers, who can play centrally behind a striker or from the left."
Jackson turns down Serie A giants
Nicolas Jackson has turned down offers from Napoli and AC Milan, with the Chelsea striker preferring to stay in the Premier League and according to The Sun that is a boost for Manchester United.
Chelsea have placed an £80 million asking price on the Senegalese forward, who has fallen down the pecking order after The Blues signed Liam Delap and then Joao Pedro.
The Sun adds: "Pedro scored in the final against PSG, as Cole Palmer stole the show to lead Chelsea to Club World Cup victory.
"Jackson's misery was compounded by the fact that he was left on the bench for the entire 90 minutes of that historic win - perhaps as punishment for being sent off twice in his previous four appearances for the club.
"He still has seven years remaining on his current deal and Chelsea would ideally like to have two No. 9s competing for minutes and pushing each other to the limit.
"But the transfer window is very fluid and a project like that of Manchester United's could be of interest to the player. And if the £80m valuation is met, it could tempt Chelsea into a sale."
Forest eye Elanga replacement
Nottingham Forest are considering a move for Bologna winger Dan Ndoye while also weighing up whether to bid for Manchester City’s £35m-rated James McAtee, the Guardian reports.
Switzerland international Ndoye is viewed as a replacement for Anthony Elanga after the winger joined Newcastle United for £55m. Ndoye scored eight goals in 30 Serie A games last season and is also attracting interest from Napoli.
The Guardian adds: "Ndoye, who has 22 international caps, began his career with Lausanne before moving to Nice. After struggling there he returned to Lausanne on loan, then joined Basel permanently.
"He rebuilt his reputation in Switzerland, earning a move to Bologna in 2023, and helped them to qualify for the Champions League, in which he made eight appearances last season.
"Forest have inquired about McAtee but are unlikely to meet City’s valuation for a player who won the European Under-21 Championship last month. Earlier in the summer interested parties were told McAtee was available for about £25m but this has been re-evaluated and City are looking for closer to the £42.5m Chelsea spent on Cole Palmer."
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