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Manchester United could struggle to sign Adam Wharton or Elliot Anderson, former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp in new shock link - Paper Round
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Published 07/03/2026 at 23:17 GMT
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In the latest edition of Paper Round, Manchester United reportedly need to qualify for the UEFA Champions League to sign midfielders Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton, while Brighton and Bournemouth are keen on Joel McGregor of Swindon Town. Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest may soon cut ties with director Edu, and Atletico Madrid are said to be in talks with former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
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Man Utd could face double midfield blow
Manchester United will struggle to sign either of their midfield targets Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton without UEFA Champions League football, according to The Sun.
Michael Carrick reportedly needs to guide the club back into Europe’s premier club tournament if they are to attract the best names on their transfer shortlist.
United currently sit third, but are only three points above sixth-placed Liverpool. The Premier League is in a strong position to secure an extra Champions League spot due to their strong coefficient placement.
The paper writes: "Manchester United have to qualify for the Champions League if they are to have any chance of signing Elliot Anderson or Adam Wharton.
"Anderson is of interest to United but well-placed sources say they would not be able to compete with front-runners Manchester City on Anderson’s salary unless they are back in the Champions League.
"Champions League qualification for United is essential if they are to be in the running for Wharton.
"The 22-year-old is expected to leave Crystal Palace in the summer but is keen on only joining a club in the Champions League."
Edu set for Forest exit
Former Arsenal sporting director Edu is reportedly on the cusp of leaving his most recent role as global head of football for Nottingham Forest.
Edu also works for Evangelos Marinakis’ portfolio of clubs, including Rio Ave and Olympiacos.
Forest have endured a torrid season which has seen the dismissal of managers Nuno Espirito Santo, Ange Postecoglou and most recently Sean Dyche.
The Athletic reports: "Edu is set to leave his position as Nottingham Forest’s global head of football, just eight months after his arrival at the City Ground.
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"The Brazilian was appointed in the position in July 2025 having previously been the sporting director at Arsenal, a role he left in November 2024 after five years at the Emirates.
"Forest’s season has been chaotic, with the club onto their fourth permanent manager of the campaign and Edu’s position coming under scrutiny in recent weeks as a result.
"Edu - who works across the Evangelos Marinakis football empire, which also includes Greek club Olympiacos and Portuguese outfit Rio Ave - has not attended Forest’s recent games, including the 2-2 draw with Manchester City on Wednesday night."
Klopp linked with Atletico deal
Jurgen Klopp has been linked with a return to management as speculation he will end his role as global head of soccer at Red Bull continues.
The German is said to be in talks with Atletico Madrid, with Diego Simeone in the last year of his contract, according to Spanish media.
The Daily Star explains: "Jurgen Klopp has displayed no indication of wanting to resume the relentless grind of football management, yet that hasn't prevented speculation linking him with a sensational switch to Atletico Madrid.
"Presently serving as global head of soccer at the Red Bull organisation, claims regarding his contentment with his position - which Red Bull dismissed - sparked debate.
"Following suggestions of his dissatisfaction, Spanish television programme El Chiringuito reported the German is in advanced discussions about replacing Diego Simeone - who enters the final year of his deal.
"They assert that Klopp, 58, is negotiating with Mark Rowan, the CEO of Atletico majority owners, Apollo, about filling the shoes of the La Liga side's Argentine managerial legend."
Brighton keen on Swindon teen
Swindon Town’s teenage right-back Joel McGregor is reportedly a target for Brighton & Hove Albion, with Bournemouth also keen.
The Daily Mail claims that League One outfit Bolton Wanderers are also tracking the promising young defender.
The paper states: "Brighton are leading the race for Swindon Town's highly-rated young right back Joel McGregor.
"The 19-year-old is also attracting attention from Premier League Bournemouth and League One Bolton Wanderers.
"McGregor first shot to prominence as part of the exciting young Swindon Town side that beat Manchester United on their way to the quarter finals of the FA Youth Cup in 2023/24.
"Several of that side have since been targeted by clubs higher up the league ladder. Middlesbrough pipped Aston Villa and Manchester City to sign centre back Harley Hunt in a £600,000 deal while Norwich City paid £500,000 for striker Botan Ameen last August."
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