Man Utd told Kolo Muani fee ahead of summer transfer

United told Kolo Muani fee

Manchester United have been informed over Randal Kolo Muani’s price ahead of a potential summer transfer.

Erik ten Hag wants to sign a striker as a long-term replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, and as well as Harry Kane, the France international striker is seen as an option.

The Sun picks up the story, saying: “The Eintracht Frankfurt forward, 24, has been linked with a £105 million move to Old Trafford in the summer.

“Kolo Muani’s rapid rise has caught the attention of Man Utd as Erik ten Hag prepares to bolster his forward line in the summer.

“A bid in excess of £88m would secure his services – less than the £100m being mooted for fellow Man Utd target Harry Kane.

“He has a contract with Frankfurt until 2027.”

Second bid deadline extended at United

Second bids were due in from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim for Manchester United, with a handful of other bids also mooted, but The Mirror reports that an extension has been granted as negotiations continue.

World-record offers have been anticipated, but there is still a way to go, it seems.

The paper states: ”Manchester United have denied that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim have submitted new, world record bids to buy the club from the Glazers. That is despite both parties stating they have lodged offers.

“The race to purchase the Red Devils has intensified in recent days, with a number of groups very keen to buy the club. A deadline was set for Wednesday at 9pm for bidders to submit their fresh offers, and it was initially understood that Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim have lodged fresh bids that would smash the record spent for sporting franchise.

“However, United have since briefed that neither group has made a new bid and that they have requested an extension from The Raine Group. This has been accepted, with bids from Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe expected to arrive on Thursday. As many as five bids from anonymous parties did meet the deadline, however.”

Arsenal suffer blow in Zubimendi pursuit

Arsenal were turned down in January when they attempted to sign Martin Zubimendi from La Liga outfit Real Sociedad, and the 24-year-old Spaniard has suggested that he is in no hurry to leave the club.

The Daily Mail reports: “Any plans Arsenal may have to sign Martin Zubimendi this summer appear to have taken a hit, after the Spanish midfielder insisted that he anticipates a quiet summer transfer window.

“The Real Sociedad star is thought to be on the Gunners’ radar, while he has also been the subject of interest from Catalan giants Barcelona.

“The midfielder turned down Arsenal’s advances over the January window, despite the fact that the Premier League leaders were willing to pay his £52.5 million release clause to bring him to north London.

“Zubimendi’s agents were in the English capital during the January transfer window, but no move materialised between the Gunners and the player’s boyhood club.

“And when asked whether he anticipates the saga being reignited this summer, he added: ‘I look forward to a quiet summer. Like the others and nothing.’”

Barcelona have glimmer of hope over Messi

Spanish newspaper Marca believes there is a slim chance that Lionel Messi will be a victim of upheaval at Paris Saint-Germain following their Champions League exit, and the Argentine will depart on a free transfer.

That would allow Barcelona the chance to re-sign their legend, though there are large economic obstacles, not just limited to the transfer of Messi.

The report claims: “However, Barcelona fans are living in hopeful times. The economic situation of the club remains precarious, but the murmurs coming from Paris make them dream.

“PSG’s elimination from the Champions League and the team’s stumbles in Ligue 1 have created anger among the Parisian fans. They see the World Cup winner as one of the main culprits of the team’s failure this season.

“This opens the door to the possible return of the Argentine to Barcelona, although it will all depend on the wage bill, that same one that does not even allow them to register Gavi as a first-team player.

“They are working on an economic solution that would allow Messi’s return, but everyone knows that it is practically impossible. However, they are not throwing in the towel.”