Manchester United leading Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid in race to sign West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, Bradley Barcola latest - Paper Round

The Red Devils - who have already completed the signing of Ederson from Atalanta - are eyeing other targets after seemingly losing the battle to sign Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson.

"Elliot Anderson was previously top of United’s list, but they are refusing to become involved in a bidding war with Manchester City who have had an offer of £120 million rejected by Nottingham Forest," reads the Daily Mail article.

"United have switched their sights to Fernandes, and it’s understood that they have moved ahead of Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid in the race for the 21-year-old.

"United have yet to make a formal bid, but there have been discussions with the player’s camp and it’s believed that personal terms will not be a problem.

"Although Fernandes was left out of Portugal’s World Cup squad, he is rated as one of the most exciting midfield prospects in Europe.

"West Ham are under pressure to raise more £100m in player sales before the end of this month to comply with financial fair play rules following the club’s relegation from the Premier League."

Manchester United could bring in THREE midfielders this summer and are prepared to spend over £100m to do so.

Targets include Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba and Bournemouth's Alex Scott, in addition to Fernandes and Ederson.

"Manchester United are still prepared to part with more than £100million to bring in two more midfielders," states The Sun.

"Rather than invest heavily on a marquee arrival, United could now redistribute their funds through moves for separate targets.

"United have purposely shortlisted attainable alternatives to Anderson in Carlos Baleba, Alex Scott and Mateus Fernandes.

"Fernandes, 21, is expected to leave West Ham following their relegation, Scott is approaching the final two years on his Bournemouth contract and Baleba is keen on leaving Brighton for United.

"All three clubs could cash in on their midfielders for various reasons. Baleba’s valuation has dropped from the £100m Brighton demanded for the 22-year-old last year while Scott has seen Bournemouth sell Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez, Illia Zabarnyi and Antoine Semenyo over the past 12 months.

"United will bring in a third if a deal can be struck for Manuel Ugarte to leave. Ugarte has not played since he started in United’s 2-1 defeat to Leeds United on April 13, the last time United lost."

Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool are on "red alert" following reports that Bradley Barcola is free to leave Paris Saint-Germain, writes the Mirror.

The France international has been linked with a move away from Paris after falling behind Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the pecking order. Recent contract discussions have also stalled.

The outlet states: "Liverpool are actively seeking to bolster their wide options following Mohamed Salah's exit and amid their attacking difficulties this campaign, while Arsenal will reportedly look to strike while the iron is hot after ending their wait to return to the summit of English football.

"The French publication [L'Equipe] reports that he is currently into the final two years of his deal but negotiations regarding an extension were shelved during the latter stages of the season as the club concentrated on their successful Champions League defence, though even prior to that pause, little headway had been achieved.

"L'Equipe now suggests that discussions remain at an impasse. Manager Luis Enrique is understood to favour retaining Barcola, yet the club are now open to entertaining offers for the wideman, with Liverpool and Arsenal both thought to be monitoring developments."

Newcastle United are considering a move for Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford.

Trafford joined City from Burnley at the beginning of the 2025/26 season and was expected to be their first-choice goalkeeper. However, the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma largely relegated him to the substitutes' bench.

Now Newcastle, who have already signed Reims’ goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen this summer, are said to be weighing up a deal for the England goalkeeper.

”The Athletic report that the North East outfit have an interest in Manchester City star James Trafford,” writes The Sun.

”His lack of gametime has put clubs on high alert, with Newcastle poised to try and swoop in for his services.

”Eddie Howe‘s side will be missing second choice keeper Aaron Ramsdale, who will return to parent club Southampton now the season has wrapped up.

”The club have already brought in 20-year-old Reims guardian Ewen Jaouen as extra depth between the sticks, but whether he is viewed as a backup or merely an option for the future is unknown.

”First-choice Nick Pope‘s future at the club is not guaranteed either, having been benched for Ramsdale in certain portions of the season.

”The 34-year-old has received some criticism on Tyneside in recent years, and now could be the time to pounce for a younger long-term option.

”Trafford has been a target at St James’ Park for a while, with the side initially attempting to coax him from Burnley before interest from the Etihad prevailed.”

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