Man City target £68m Eze, PSG in talks to sign Man Utd’s Sancho – Paper Round

Manchester City are considering a move for Crystal Palace’s £68m-rated Eberechi Eze as uncertainty grows around Kevin De Bruyne’s future, the Guardian reports. With one year remaining on his current deal, De Bruyne is said to be tempted by a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad.

Reports claiming he has agreed terms are not true, but City are still preparing for the 33-year-old to leave, and are eyeing England international Eze as his replacement.

The Guardian adds: “Pep Guardiola is understood to rate the 26-year-old highly and City came close to bidding for Eze last summer before signing Matheus Nunes – the Portugal international who has been used sparingly – from Wolves for about £50m.

“Palace are determined to hang on to their star attacker after selling Michael Olise to Bayern Munich. The contract Eze signed last November has three years to run and is believed to contain a release clause with a minimum fee of £60m, although the cost could be up to £70m with add‑ons included.

“Eze has also attracted interest from Arsenal and Tottenham this summer but it remains to be seen whether they can afford such a hefty fee given the restrictions on spending imposed by the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules.”

PSG want Sancho

Paris Saint-Germain are in talks to sign Jadon Sancho from Manchester United, L’Equipe reports. Although PSG are also interested in Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who impressed for Georgia at Euro 2024, the French champions are looking at alternatives.

That includes Sancho, whose future at United remains uncertain after a falling out with Erik ten Hag led the winger to spend the second half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund.

L’Equipe also write about PSG’s interest in Bruno Fernandes when adding: “The two clubs are already in contact because the Red Devils want to sign Manuel Ugarte. The two clubs will continue to discuss [Sancho] in the coming hours while some sources also announce a significant interest from PSG for Bruno Fernandes.”

Villa target Joao Felix

Aston Villa are targeting Joao Félix with Moussa Diaby set to leave the club for to Al-Ittihad, the Guardian reports. Diaby is on the verge of signing a five-year contract with the Saudi Pro League side, who are also interested in Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson.

It has resulted in Villa considering an ambitious move for Felix, with their attempts to sign Nico Williams less likely.

The Guardian adds: “Felix, who joined Atletico Madrid in a €126m deal from Benfica as a teenager in 2019, is among those under consideration as Villa prepare for the Champions League. Villa last played in Europe’s elite competition in 1982-83.

“Felix has spent most of the past two seasons on loan from Atlético, scoring 10 goals in 44 appearances for Barcelona across 2023-24. Chelsea paid €11m (£9.7m) to borrow Felix for the second half of 2022-23 and, although it is unclear how viable a deal is, he is a player of interest to Unai Emery. Felix is under contract at Atlético until 2027.

“The 24-year-old Portugal forward is an intriguing prospect for Emery, who likes players capable of operating across the front line, such as the January signing Morgan Rogers. Villa admire the Athletic winger Nico Williams, who has a €58m (£49m) release clause, but the Spain forward, one of the stars of Euro 2024, is a priority target for Barcelona.”

Everton to offer Branthwaite lucrative contract

Everton are hopeful a lucrative new contract will convince defender Jarrad Branthwaite to stay amid interest from Manchester United, the Telegraph reports. Everton have already turned down bids from United, who also signed defender Leny Yoro from Lille last week.

United have been unwilling to meet Branthwaite’s valuation however, but uncertainty remains at Everton given their latest takeover collapse.

The Telegraph writes: “Branthwaite has been the subject of several bids from United this summer, and there is an expectation manager Erik ten Hag will renew his interest in the coming weeks.

“But Branthwaite will be handed a significant salary increase if he chooses to commit to Goodison Park. Everton hope their show of intent will ease fears they must offload another prized asset in the light of recent financial difficulties.

“The breakdown of takeover talks with the Friedkin Group has opened the possibility of rivals eyeing Sean Dyche’s best players and Amadou Onana’s £50 million transfer to Aston Villa was confirmed on Monday.

“However, Everton are adamant it will not alter their plans in the current transfer window, certainly in terms of outgoings.”