Kyle Walker ‘leading target’ for Saudi club, Manchester United reignite Frenkie de Jong interest – Paper Round
Published 20/10/2024 at 22:44 GMT+1
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Manchester City defender Kyle Walker is seemingly a "leading target" for Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli and Pep Guardiola's side will not stand in the England international's way if he wants to leave. Elsewhere, Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong is being linked with Manchester United again, while Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are preparing to battle for a young Danish defender.
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Walker a 'leading target' for Al Ahli
Kyle Walker is a “leading target” for Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli, claims The Sun.
The Manchester City skipper could join up with the likes of Ivan Toney, former club teammate Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino should he decide to swap England for Saudi Arabia.
“Kyle Walker is the latest high-profile name on the Saudi wish list — and may line up alongside Ivan Toney next season,” states the outlet.
“Al-Ahli have made the Manchester City skipper their leading target, after bagging Toney with a £40 million deal in August.
“England striker Toney had only a year to go on his Bees contract and City would demand around £20m, although Walker’s deal has two years to run.
“But that will not deter the Saudi big-spenders, who already have one ex-Etihad star on the books in Riyad Mahrez.
“And the emergence of Rico Lewis at City means the Prem champions are likely to play ball should Walker, 34, decide he wants a new challenge.”
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Man Utd reignite interest in De Jong
Manchester United could make a bid for Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong in the January transfer window.
That is according to a report in the Mail, which quotes Spanish outlet SPORT as its source.
“Manchester United could be poised to move for another former Ajax player in the January transfer window,” states the report.
“De Jong, 27, has only made two appearances for Barca this season due to a knee injury but Ten Hag is still reportedly keen on signing him during the January transfer window.
“According to SPORT, United have not been put off by multiple rejections and De Jong is still one of Ten Hag's dream targets.
“Ten Hag apparently believes De Jong has the potential to significantly boost his proposed rebuild project at United.
“However, the report by the Spanish newspaper also adds that a move for De Jong could be Ten Hag's final roll of the dice as United boss.
“The suggestion is that signing De Jong would need to result in strong improvements from the team or Ten Hag would likely be sacked.”
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Dorgu attracting English attention
Chelsea and Tottenham could battle it out for Lecce defender Patrick Dorgu, according to the Mirror.
The 19-year-old has recently signed a new contract with the Serie A side after an impressive breakthrough campaign last season – but that will not put off the Premier League duo.
“Chelsea and Tottenham are still chasing Lecce left-back Patrick Dorgu - despite the player penning a new contract in Italy,” reads the report.
“The Italian outfit remain mindful that his long-term future is still likely to lie away from the club as the vultures continue to descend upon their star talent.
“Spurs had the teenager on their summer shortlist as potential cover for Destiny Udogie with Ben Davies also set to enter the final six months of his current deal in north London in January.
“But stubborn negotiators Lecce were quoting a figure upwards of £25 million for his services and their asking price is now expected to rise beyond the £30m mark following Dorgu's contract extension.”
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