Man City’s Savio deal faces Premier League ‘fair value’ scrutiny

Savio transfer to be scrutinised

Manchester City have agreed to sign Savio from their sister club Troyes, but the Premier League will ensure that the English side pay fair value.

The transfer is subject to scrutiny under the rules governing business between related clubs set by the Premier League and UEFA.

The Telegraph writes: “Manchester City’s signing of winger Savio from an affiliated club is expected to be scrutinised for fair market value by the Premier League.

“The Brazilian teenager is expected to be valued by the Premier League to ensure the deal does not circumnavigate cost controls given he is already a City Football Group employee.

“It is unclear what fee City will pay affiliated French club Troyes, who signed him in 2022 but then loaned him this season to Girona, another team in the CFG empire.

“Savio has become an increasingly hot property this year at in-form Girona, currently second in La Liga. Bids from other Premier League and Bundesliga clubs have reportedly been in the region of £25 million, but City are preparing paperwork to seal an agreement.

“Both UEFA and Premier League have clauses in their rulebooks which apply when teams under the same ownership do business together. The governing body of European football would be expected to block any deals between teams should they be deemed rivals.

“In the wake of Saudi Arabia’s takeover at Newcastle United, Premier League clubs also tightened rules on related-party transactions involving its members.”

Lingard set for South Korea switch

Free agent Jesse Lingard is closing in on a two-year deal to join South Korean side FC Seoul.

The 31-year-old has been out of contract since he left Nottingham Forest last year, and has been on the hunt for a new club.

The Evening Standard states: “Former Manchester United and West Ham midfielder Jesse Lingard has agreed a two-year contract with South Korean side FC Seoul.

“The 31-year-old has completed a medical and is in Seoul to finalise his move.

“Lingard has been without a club since leaving Nottingham Forest last summer.

“He was reluctant to join Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia following a trial in October.

“Lingard had grown frustrated after several enquires failed to materialise and, amid a lack of Premier League interest, last month sacked his agents – including members of his own family.”

Lampard linked with Chelsea return

Frank Lampard has been linked with a return to Chelsea to take over the women’s side after Emma Hayes departs.

Lampard was both a manager and player at Stamford Bridge and is currently out of work.

The Sun writes: “Frank Lampard has been tipped to become the next Chelsea women’s manager.

“Legendary boss Emma Hayes will leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season to take over as USA women’s head coach.

“That will cap off a glittering 12-year stint for Hayes who won a staggering six Women’s Super League titles, five Women’s FA Cups, two Continental Cups, the Spring Series and the Community Shield.

“The Blues are now rigorously searching for the 47-year-old’s replacement, who will surely have some massive boots to fill.”

Varane offered huge deal to join Ronaldo

The Mail reports that Raphael Varane has been offered a contract worth up to £50 million a year in order to join Al Nassr.

The defender is soon out of contract with Manchester United and his current club did not activate their 12-month extension clause.

The paper writes: “The mega-rich Saudi Pro League outfit want to reunite Varane with his former Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.

“The club is owned by Prince Faisal bin Turki, who has a net worth of almost £23 billion. And he is willing to offer Varane a deal worth up to £50m-a-year to join Al-Nassr.

“The World Cup winner from 2018 is among United’s highest earners on the £340,000-a-week deal he agreed when signing from Real Madrid in 2021.

“A move there would reunite him with former Real Madrid and United team-mate Ronaldo.

“It remains to be seen whether Varane is tempted by a move to the Saudi Pro League but the financial rewards on offer would exceed anything in his career to date.”

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