Man United speed up surprising transfer for La Liga striker; Liverpool approves £30 million signing by Tottenham.

Man Utd have made contact over a shock Atletico Madrid signing, though face competition from Newcastle, while Liverpool concerns have paved the way for Tottenham to wrap up a £30m coup – both in Wednesday’s Euro Paper Talk.

MAN UTD, NEWCASTLE CONTACT JOAO FELIX

The Red Devils and Magpies are well placed to bring Joao Felix back to England, and a report claims calls have been made to the Atletico ace’s camp.

Felix, 23, became the most expensive loan signing in football history last season when joining Chelsea for a six-month stint.

The Portuguese experienced mixed fortunes at Stamford Bridge, though per widespread reports, grew to love the English game.

Felix has since returned to Atletico, but according to reports in Spain, might not stay for long.

As cited by Sport Witness, Felix, Atletico and manager Diego Simeone have converged on the idea Felix should depart once again. Simeone and Felix are known to share an extremely strained relationship.

However, Atletico’s hopes of securing a blockbuster fee have been dashed through Felix not setting the world alight at Chelsea. As such, and with his transfer value reduced, another loan spell is on the cards.

To that end, it’s claimed Man Utd, Newcastle and Aston Villa have all made contact with Felix’s camp.

Villa’s interest is expected to come to nothing given Felix’s primary requirement of his next club is they have Champions League football on offer. Man Utd and Newcastle can satisfy that demand for the 2023/24 campaign.

Man Utd are known to be hunting a new centre-forward and speculation they’ll sign Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund continues to grow.

However, the Manchester Evening News claimed Ten Hag also wants a second attacker who can play anywhere across the frontline. His initial idea was to sign Cody Gakpo in January, though Man Utd’s hesitation opened the door for Liverpool who acted fast.

Felix can operate up top, as a second striker or even on the wings if required. The fact he’ll not cost a transfer fee given he’d be arriving via the loan route will also heighten his appeal at Old Trafford.

Newcastle, meanwhile, would no doubt love the European experience Felix would bring. Ahead of a first return to the UCL since 2003, European experience could be key and that’s something the vast bulk of Eddie Howe’s squad lacks.

For the time being it’s noted Atletico are yet to receive any concrete proposals. However, Atletico and Felix are open to parting ways once again and Man Utd and Newcastle have initiated contact with the player’s camp.

LIVERPOOL CONCERNS PAVE WAY FOR £30M TOTTENHAM COUP

Tottenham have a clear run at signing Wolfsburg’s £30m-rated Micky van de Ven after fellow suitor Liverpool ended their chase. Explaining why, it was revealed Reds chiefs harbour concerns over the Dutchman’s ‘physical robustness’ if moving to the rougher and tougher Premier League. (Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung)

Van de Ven’s potential move to Tottenham will be greeted with cheers at Bayer Leverkusen, with the German side dead set against selling alternative Spurs target Edmond Tapsoba. (BILD)

Leeds Utd will sell Rodrigo to Qatari side Al-Rayyan, with the Spaniard undergoing a medical today. The fee is expected to be just £3m thanks to a relegation clause in Rodrigo’s contract. (Fabrizio Romano)

Aston Villa have opened the bidding for Bayer Leverkusen winger, Moussa Diaby. The Frenchman is also wanted by Newcastle, though their attention is on Harvey Barnes. (L’Equipe)

Tottenham are gunning for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher. The England international is viewed as a viable replacement for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg who could join Atletico Madrid. (Telegraph)

HARRY KANE SAGA AIDS LIVERPOOL TRANSFER HOPES

Bayern Munich hope to fund their Harry Kane move by selling as many as seven first-team stars. Among those up for sale are Liverpool target Ryan Gravenberch, ex-Man Utd loanee Marcel Sabitzer, and Sadio Mane. (Sky Sports Austria)

Christian Pulisic has landed in Milan ahead of completing his £17m switch from Chelsea. The USA international will undergo a medical this afternoon. (Christian Pulisic and Fabrizio Romano)

PSG are pushing to sign Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus in a move they hope can help convince Kylian Mbappe to stay. (Le Parisien)

Sheffield United could be without their best player for their return to the Premier League after Iliman Ndiaye agreed personal terms with Marseille. The livewire attacker scored 14 and assisted 11 in the Championship last season and was named Sheff Utd’s player of the year. (FootMercato)

TAKE TWO FOR EVERTON AND MAN UTD WINGER

Everton will make a second attempt at signing Man Utd forward, Anthony Elanga. A loan approach was rejected in January, though the story could be different six months on. (FootMercato)

Juventus have enquired into signing West Ham striker, Gianluca Scamacca. However, the Italian seemingly has his heart set on returning to Roma and linking up with Jose Mourinho. (Gianluca Di Marzio and Gazzetta dello Sport)