Manchester United eye Federico Valverde, Xabi Alonso stalls on Chelsea job to wait for Liverpool - Paper Round

Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Federico Valverde’s situation at Real Madrid following a high-profile training ground altercation with team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni.

Uruguay midfielder Valverde is currently sidelined following the clash, and despite his long-term contract, Real Madrid could be persuaded to part with their vice-captain.

The Mirror states: ”Manchester United are weighing up a shock move for Real Madrid outcast Federico Valverde. The Uruguay star has found himself an outcast in the Spanish capital following his training ground bust-up with team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni.

”The incident left Valverde needing hospital treatment for concussion - which has left him sidelined for the remainder of the season. The Real vice-captain was forced to issue a public statement and made a grovelling apology. But it's understood club bosses remain furious with the midfielder, and will now consider selling him this summer.

”While the Uruguayan international is under contract until 2029 - and would command a huge transfer fee - it remains to be seen if Valverde would be interested in a move to United.”

Xabi Alonso is reportedly the front-runner to take over at Chelsea, but the former Bayer Leverkusen boss is waiting to see if a vacancy opens up at Liverpool.

While Arne Slot is expected to stay at Anfield, Alonso is said to be keeping his options open before committing to the project at Stamford Bridge.

The i Paper explains: ”Chelsea want Xabi Alonso as their next manager, but the Spaniard is yet to make a decision in case his preferred destination becomes available.

”It is widely understood that Arne Slot will remain as Liverpool head coach next season, but sources close to Alonso say the former Reds midfielder wants to wait and see if that situation changes.

"Alonso is the front-runner for the Chelsea job, but the Blues have other candidates on their radar with Fulham’s Marco Silva and Bournemouth’s soon-to-be free agent Andoni Iraola both of interest.”

Leeds United are set to hold fresh talks with Ethan Ampadu over a contract extension to ward off interest from Premier League admirers.

The club views the Wales international as a vital cornerstone for their future as they look to secure their long-term top-flight status.

The Athletic reports: ”There has been an ongoing dialogue between Leeds and Ampadu’s representatives about a new contract. Confirmation of the club’s Premier League status will only aid those talks, of which there is expected to be another round before the end of this week.

”It sets the table for the next few years, let alone this summer. It sends a message of ambition to the rest of the squad and the wider marketplace: that Ampadu is the ideal cornerstone and figurehead of United’s next iteration. Other clubs may circle, as highly-rated British defensive midfielders in their mid-20s remain incredibly sought-after.”

Chelsea could revisit their interest in Como defender Jacobo Ramon as they look to add defensive reinforcements to their squad.

The 21-year-old left Real Madrid for Italy last year, but the Spanish giants’ hesitation over a buy-back clause has opened the door for a potential move to London.

The Sun writes: ”Chelsea are keen to add another defender this summer, and may have an opportunity to return to an old target in Como defender Jacobo Ramon.

”Ramon joined Como from Real Madrid last year and the Spanish giants hold a buy-back clause for the 21-year-old. However, Real are unsure whether they are going to trigger that clause or not this summer, which could leave a window for The Blues to strike.

"Chelsea previously considered Ramon in January when they also pursued Jeremy Jacquet, who will join Liverpool this summer.”