Real Madrid hold talks for Bayern Munich defender Davies

The Athletic looks at the options for Real Madrid as they considering bringing in a new left-back.

The players under consideration include Alphonso Davies at Bayern Munich, but Miguel Gutierrez at Girona is another.

The website states: “The left-back spot is one they have begun to look at strengthening, with Bayern Munich’s Canada international Alphonso Davies another of their targets (talks have already taken place) and the futures of current options Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia somewhat under question.

“Madrid’s idea is to explore a way out for the 28-year-old Frenchman, who joined for an initial €48 million (£41m/$51.6m at current exchange rates) from Lyon in summer 2019. His contract expires after next season, and he has not been offered a renewal yet. But Mendy would like to continue with Madrid, and therefore it is not clear whether he would play ball on the idea of a sale in the next window.

“Gutierrez’s situation at Girona is similar to the one Garcia was in at Rayo. Madrid have an option to re-sign him at a reduced price – while his release clause is €35 million for everyone else, they would only have to pay €8m this summer.”

The Mirror reports that Paris Saint-Germain are not sure what Kylian Mbappe will decide this summer.

The French striker has long been linked with a move to Real Madrid but he has so far stayed in Paris.

“Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is keeping his cards close to his chest when it comes to Kylian Mbappe’s club future,” the paper explains.

“The PSG forward has long been touted with a move to Real Madrid. The Spanish giants have been linked with a move for the World Cup winner across multiple windows and now he appears to be on the cusp of finally making the switch.

“Mbappe’s PSG contract expires in the summer, meaning he can leave the Ligue 1 champions for nothing in June. Multiple publications in France are claiming that the forward’s mind is made up.

“In turn, PSG chief Al-Khelaifi has had to face questions over Mbappe. Asked for an update ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Lille, he kept it short and sweet by declaring: ‘When we have both decided, we will tell you.’”

The Sun believes that Borussia Dortmund may need Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho to reduce his wage demands in order to return to the club on a permanent basis.

The German side may need to stump up £50 million to sign the player who is not wanted at Old Trafford.

The paper writes: “Following a very public fallout with current United manager Erik ten Hag, it’s hard to see how Sancho will go back to United.

“The 23-year-old has not had the same success in the Manchester outfit as he has with the yellow and black shirt.

“And now having returned to Dortmund for a second spell the club will do everything they can to not let Sancho go for a second time

“But the club will need his help because United are currently expecting £40-50m for the winger.

“This would mean Sancho would have to give up his £290,000 a week salary at Old Trafford.”

The Daily Mail reports that Frenkie De Jong could leave Barcelona this summer after becoming pessimistic about the club’s future.

The Spanish side are set to part ways with Xavi after struggling to retain La Liga.

“Frenkie de Jong is closer than ever to a Barcelona exit, having grown discontented with the current situation at the club,” the paper writes.

“The 26-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in 2022, as his former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag set about building his squad upon his Old Trafford arrival.

“United eventually made a £70m bid for him and a deal was nearly 90% complete.

“Now 18 months later, the Netherlands international appears to be ready to depart the Spanish club as they continue to underwhelm on and off the pitch.

“De Jong is reportedly disappointed with the club’s current position and believes expectations have not been met, particularly when it comes to challenging for the Champions League.”