Manchester City want Martin Zubimendi as Rodri replacement, Juventus to terminate Paul Pogba contract - Paper Round
Updated 09/10/2024 at 10:34 GMT+1
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Martin Zubimendi turned down a move to Liverpool in the summer but could have another decision to make if Manchester City come calling. Elsewhere in Wednesday's Paper Round, Paul Pogba is set to leave Juventus despite having his doping ban reduced, and Manchester United preferred to pursue Rasmus Hojlund last summer over Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins.
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Man City consider Zubimendi
Manchester City are set to test Martin Zubimendi’s loyalty to Real Sociedad once again if reports are to be believed.
The Spanish midfielder turned down a move to Liverpool to stay at his boyhood club in the summer – but now City have identified him as a target.
Pep Guardiola’s side suffered a blow in midfield when Rodri was ruled out long term with a serious knee injury.
“Manchester City are eyeing a move for ex-Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi as they scramble around for a Rodri replacement,” writes the Mirror.
“Reports in Spain suggest that Real Sociedad playmaker Zubimendi is on their shortlist and City have a plan in place in an effort to sign him in just three months’ time. According to Spanish outlet Relevo, they want to take advantage of a €60million (£50.3m) release clause written into his contract."
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Juve to terminate Pogba contract
Paul Pogba’s contract at Juventus is set to be terminated, according to a report in The Sun.
The 31-year-old is able to return to match action in March after winning his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which saw his doping ban reduced from four years to 18 months.
But the France international will reportedly have to find a new club to resume his career.
“Paul Pogba will reportedly agree to terminate his Juventus contract after his drug ban was reduced from four years to 18 months,” writes the outlet.
“It means Pogba will be available to play again from March 2025, while he can train with his club from January.
“But it appears that will not be at Juventus, with Fabrizio Romano claiming all parties are now close to agreeing a deal that will see Pogba terminate his Turin contract.
“Pogba himself is said to agree that a new start is the best course of action.
“And he will start looking for a club once he becomes a free agent.”
Man Utd turned down Watkins
A report in the Daily Mail suggests Manchester United ruled out the signing of Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins in favour of buying Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta.
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The outlet states the England striker was "under serious consideration" last summer, but United instead decided to pursue Hojlund, who is yet to score a league goal this season, while Watkins has four to his name.
"At United, it was ultimately decided that Watkins' age of 28 made him a shorter term project than the more younger, but also inexperienced, Hojlund," the article continues.
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