Moises Caicedo one of three stars facing contract 'stand-off' with Chelsea, Liverpool eye new defender - Paper Round

Chelsea may not be able to afford new contracts for star players Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Levi Colwill, while Manchester United almost had no chance to appoint Michael Carrick as their head coach. Elsewhere, Bournemouth look set to sign the promising teenage Brazilian Rayan and Liverpool are being linked with a move for the Borussia Dortmund central defender Nico Schlotterbeck.

Chelsea want new contracts for trio

Chelsea are facing a problem with three players who they hope to tie down to new contracts.

Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Levi Colwill all face waits for fresh terms owing to financial constraints at Stamford Bridge.

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The Sun reports: "Chelsea want to delay contract talks with Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Levi Colwill – after being unable to offer a huge pay rise.

"The West Londoners need to grow their revenue in order to increase wages because of UEFA’s financial controls.

"Caicedo, 24, Fernandez and Colwill are keen to hold talks over improved deals at Stamford Bridge.

"Battling to keep within UEFA’s wage limit has resulted in Chelsea facing a contract stand-off with key trio Caicedo, Fernandez, 25, and Colwill."

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Carrick almost joined Southampton

The Mirror believes that Michael Carrick almost missed out on the Manchester United job - because he interviewed for the Southampton manager's role.

Southampton were looking for a replacement after Will Still left, but ultimately plumped for caretaker boss Tonda Eckert on a permanent basis.

The paper writes: "The former Red Devils midfielder was handed the reins until the end of the season earlier this month following Ruben Amorim’s sacking.

"Carrick has had a positive start to life with the club, having led United to an impressive victory against Manchester City on his debut. But he may not have returned to Old Trafford after all, having eyed a number of roles following his exit from Championship side Middlesbrough.

"Carrick was interviewed by their second tier rivals Southampton over a move to the south coast following the exit of Will Still. However, in December they plumped for Tonda Eckert, who had been appointed on a caretaker basis initially."

'The boys have been fantastic' - Carrick admits he is proud of United stars after win at Arsenal

Video credit: SNTV

Bournemouth poised to sign Rayan

Bournemouth are set to complete a £24.7 million transfer for Vasco de Gama striker Rayan.

The 19-year-old is expected to have a medical with the club on Monday ahead of signing a long-term contract.

The Athletic states: "Vasco da Gama striker Rayan has agreed personal terms with Bournemouth ahead of a proposed long-term transfer worth €28.5 million (£24.7m).

"The teenager is set to arrive in England on Sunday and undergo a medical on Monday, before signing a five-and-a-half-year contract.

"Rayan, 19, is a product of the Vasco academy and became the youngest player in the club’s history after making his senior debut in 2023 aged 16 years, five months and 16 days.

"He has scored 25 goals in 99 appearances for the Brazilian club and finished the 2024-25 season with 14 goals in 34 Serie A matches."

Liverpool may move for Schlotterbeck

The Daily Express reports that Liverpool have been linked with Borussia Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck.

The defender is out of contract in 18 months, which might see him available at a cut-price fee.

The paper explains: "Liverpool are reportedly considering a move for Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck.

"It's claimed that Schlotterbeck might be obtainable at a discounted fee due to ongoing speculation surrounding the defender's contract, which runs until the summer of 2027.

"Liverpool could be compelled to enter the transfer market for a new central defender with Ibrahima Konate's future also in doubt, as the France international's current agreement expires at the end of the season."

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