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Real Madrid set to beat Manchester United to River Plate ‘wonderkid’ Franco Mastantuono - Paper Round
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Published 01/05/2025 at 22:31 GMT+1
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Real Madrid look like the favourites to sign Franco Mastantuono despite Manchester United’s interest in the Argentine, while Leeds United face competition for Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff. Elsewhere, Florian Wirtz and Morgan Gibbs-White could join Manchester City, and West Ham have a sizeable release clause written into Mohammed Kudus’ contract.
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Man Utd to miss out on Mastantuono
Franco Mastantuono would prefer to join Real Madrid, with Manchester United likely to miss out on the Argentine youngster.
The Mirror reports that while the River Plate teenager hopes to join Real, United are closing in on Le Havre striker Enzo Kana-Biyik on a free transfer.
The paper writes: "Manchester United look set to miss out on Argentina wonderkid Franco Mastantuono because he favours a move to Real Madrid. United are preparing for a busy summer transfer window, when they want to overhaul Ruben Amorim’s squad following a miserable season, but know it won’t be easy.
"Amorim is ready to rip apart his current crop of players in order to fund new arrivals and has made Wolves forward Matheus Cunha his top target. But there are plenty of other positions that need strengthening, including midfield.
"Mastantuono has scored seven goals and provided five assists in 55 appearances for River Plate and has attracted a lot of attention. The 17-year-old is the club's youngest goalscorer, having netted at just 16 years, five months, and 25 days in February 2024, and has already played for Argentina's under-21s.
"They remain active nevertheless and are reportedly about to strike a deal to sign Enzo Kana-Biyik on a free transfer from Le Havre. The 18-year-old forward has travelled to Manchester to sign a deal which will see him go out on loan to FC Lausanne-Sport, a club owned by INEOS, next season."
Leeds to battle for Longstaff
Leeds United have identified Sean Longstaff as a target to keep them in the Premier League next season.
However, The Sun believes that they will have competition from Everton for the player valued at £10 million.
The paper states: "Leeds United have joined Everton in the chase to sign Newcastle’s Sean Longstaff.
"Daniel Farke’s side have secured promotion to the Premier League and are wasting no time in looking to bolster their squad.
"Midfielder Longstaff, 27, came through the ranks at his boyhood club but has struggled for action this term.
"The £10m-rated Geordie still has one more season on his contract after Newcastle triggered an extension but boss Eddie Howe admitted his future remains ‘unclear’ as interest in him hots up.
"Everton’s David Moyes has made him a top target as he plots a major overhaul of his squad."
Man City want Gibbs-White and Wirtz
Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White and Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz head the list of targets for Manchester City this summer.
Natian Ake, John Stones, Jack Grealish and James McAtee could all be sold as Pep Guardiola looks to reshape his squad.
The Athletic explains: "Manchester City are preparing to continue their squad overhaul by bringing in four or five new players this summer.
"Having brought in two centre-backs, a holding midfielder and a versatile forward in January, City are looking to strengthen in other areas, with a goalkeeper, full-back and creative midfielders among the targets.
"A move for Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White is in the works, and there is keen interest in Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz.
"Given Guardiola’s desire for ‘reliable players’, there are question marks over Ake, Stones and Grealish, who have had injury-hit seasons both in 2024-25 and in the past. McAtee may also depart, given keen interest from, among others, Bayer Leverkusen and Forest."
Kudus' release clause revealed
The Daily Mail believes that Mohammed Kudus has a release clause of £125m should Saudi Pro League clubs come calling.
There is also apparently a £85m clause should Premier League sides want to land the winger.
The paper states: "Kudus’ contract contains a remarkable £125m release clause for Saudi sides this summer – but West Ham would be willing to listen to more realistic offers for their 24-year-old winger rather than demanding that lofty fee in full.
"For Premier League rivals, Kudus’ buyout drops to £85m, sources have confirmed to Mail Sport. It is believed a bid in that region would be enough to prise him from the Hammers, with Al-Nassr – the team of Cristiano Ronaldo – among those interested in the Ghana international.
"Kudus is one of West Ham’s most sellable assets, and the London club have accepted that they are in a position where they will need to sell before they can buy in the next transfer window."
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