Darwin Nunez eyes Liverpool return, Jose Mourinho wants to 'scupper' Manchester United plan by swooping for Mateus Fernandes - Paper Round
Updated 07/06/2026 at 23:39 GMT+1
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Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is being monitored by Chelsea, Newcastle United and Barcelona - but he wants a return to Anfield in the summer transfer window.
'World class' - Nunez finishes off 'sensational' counter-attack to send Anfield wild
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The Uruguay international is "already prepared to part ways" with Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal just 10 months after leaving Liverpool after a forgettable season in which he scored just five goals in 30 Premier League appearances.
He lost his place in the squad in February following the arrival of Karim Benzema and could be a free agent this summer.
A report in The Standard claims: "Darwin Nunez has set his heart on a sensational return to Liverpool this summer as he enters talks to terminate his Al Hilal contract after just one season in Saudi Arabia.
"Nunez will land in a competitive striker market, where Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez is the centre of attention amid interest from Arsenal and Barcelona.
"The latest twist in the Alvarez saga, though, is that he will remain in Madrid, and Nunez has emerged as an appealing alternative.
"The Blaugrana are not flush with cash, either, and Nunez could be made all the more appealing should talks regarding his contract termination prove successful.
"Per reports from Mundo Deportivo, Nunez is unhappy with his playing time in Saudi Arabia and keen to cut short his stay, meaning he could be available as a free agent this summer.
"Nunez is also reportedly garnering interest from Newcastle, but he is dreaming of a sensational return to Liverpool."
Mourinho wants to 'scupper' Man Utd plan
Jose Mourinho plans to "scupper" Manchester United's summer plans by making a move for West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, reports The Sun.
Mourinho is expected to be appointed the new Real Madrid manager should Florentino Perez be re-elected as Los Blancos' president.
"Jose Mourinho could scupper his old club Manchester United’s hopes of landing midfielder Mateus Fernandes this summer," reads the article.
"The Special One, 63, is set to make a sensational return to the Real Madrid dugout if president Florentino Perez bags another term in charge.
"And that could spell bad news for United, who are also chasing £80 million-rated West Ham ace Fernandes.
"But competition for his signature was already likely to be fierce with European champions Paris Saint-Germain interested.
"And now Real Madrid are also set to join the race as Mourinho prepares to make a stunning move back to the Bernabeu."
Chelsea target Vlahovic
Chelsea are stepping up their interest in Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, according to a report in Metro.
The 26-year-old is attracting the interest of a number of clubs, including The Blues, as a free agent this summer.
"Chelsea have held talks with the father of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic as they keep tabs on the soon-to-be out free agent, according to reports in Italy," states Metro.
"The Blues are preparing to strengthen in a number of areas ahead of the arrival of new manager Xabi Alonso, who takes over in July.
"Chelsea are interested in signing a new striker as Liam Delap endured a miserable campaign and Joao Pedro has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.
"Nicolas Jackson is returning from his loan spell at Bayern Munich but Chelsea are willing to offload the Senegal international, who was deemed surplus to requirements last summer.
"Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport say Chelsea are one of a number of clubs who have made contact with Milos Vlahovic to discuss a possible move for his son, Dusan."
Spurs have second bid for Van Hecke turned down
Tottenham Hotspur have had a second offer for Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke turned down, reports The Standard.
It was reported last week that Spurs had a bid turned down for the Netherlands international, who is said to be valued at £70m. However, they are not prepared to give up their interest in the 25-year-old, who has just a year left on his contract.
"Tottenham have seen a second bid for Jan Paul van Hecke rejected by Brighton," writes The Standard.
"Spurs are keen to sign the Dutch centre-back this summer, having already wrapped up a Bosman signing of Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth, amid uncertainty over the future of captain Cristian Romero.
"Van Hecke is expected to leave Brighton this summer with just one year left to run on his contract, and Brighton chief executive Paul Barber has confirmed that Spurs are not the only interested team. Liverpool and Newcastle have also been linked.
"Brighton are reportedly demanding £70m to sell the 25-year-old, with Spurs having first bid around £40m. Another offer from Spurs has now been rejected, with another expected."
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