Chelsea eye shock deals for Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck, Manchester City hopeful of Rodri contract extension – Paper Round

Chelsea headline Tuesday’s Paper Round with surprise moves for veteran duo Jordan Henderson (36) from Brentford and Danny Welbeck (35) from Brighton, as the club targets experienced reinforcements.

The shock double transfer news emerged on Monday with new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso keen on bringing both striker Welbeck and midfielder Henderson to Stamford Bridge.

The Mail adds: ”After missing out on Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka, the Stamford Bridge club have moved for 36-year-old Henderson to fulfil a role on the pitch and crucially in the dressing room.

”Alonso has determined that the squad dynamic needs to change to help Chelsea achieve their goals and maintain a successful challenge to rivals.

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”There are a number of clubs interested in Henderson, who is still recovering from a fractured arm suffered during the World Cup, including two other Premier League sides, but Chelsea are favourites to sign him.”

Man City hopeful on Rodri extension

Manchester City hope Rodri will sign a new contract, according to the Guardian, with the club anticipating an offer from Real Madrid and potentially other suitors.

The Spain captain’s contract expires next summer, and with a City contract extension on the table for some time, the 30-year-old’s future remains uncertain.

The Guardian adds: ”Real have now altered their previous stance of not being interested in Rodri after his hugely impressive displays as captain of Spain’s triumphant World Cup campaign – he won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player – and are understood to be preparing a bid.

”Rodri’s reliability during the summer has also allayed concern regarding his physical robustness after two injury-plagued seasons, although he is to undergo surgery on a back injury having returned to England from North America.”

Rodri restores Man City advantage with huge goal in title race

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Juve eye Zirkzee

Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee is wanted by Juventus after a move for Randal Kolo Muani collapsed, The Sun reports.

With Zirkzee out of favour at United, the Premier League club are open to selling the forward, and Juve have emerged as the leading contenders.

The Sun adds: ”The Dutchman, 25, is a wanted man this summer and SunSport understands Juventus are now leading the chase to sign him on loan with a £30million option to buy.

”The Turin outfit looked set to sign France international Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain after his unsuccessful loan with Tottenham last season.

”But Juventus have been unable to agree a fee with PSG after negotiations stalled. The Serie A giants have now quickly pivoted to Zirkzee as they line up a new No 9.”

Trafford close to Leeds move

England goalkeeper James Trafford is closing in on a £40 million transfer to Leeds United just one year after signing for Manchester City, The Sun reports.

Trafford joined City in 2025 but his arrival was followed by Gianluigi Donnarumma, leaving the former reduced to a back-up role under Pep Guardiola.

The Sun adds: ”Trafford, 23, will become Leeds’ third summer signing following the arrivals of Tarik Muharemovic and Harry Wilson.

”Karl Darlow’s move to Man Utd had left Daniel Farke on the hunt for a new goalkeeper, with Alex Cairns set to be Trafford’s deputy.

”Newcastle had also been interested in signing him, but their interest faded with the signing of £18.5m Ewen Jaouen from Reims.

”Trafford cast doubt on his Man City future while away with England at the World Cup.”

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