Barcelona make contact with Paris Saint-Germain over Neymar transfer

Barcelona have been given little encouragement by Paris Saint-Germain for striker Neymar, Manchester United are preparing for the sale of Paul Pogba and potentially more than one of their central defenders as Eric Bailly is staying.

 

Barcelona make contact over Neymar

Spanish newspaper Marca claims that Barcelona have made contact with Paris Saint-Germain over their striker Neymar. The paper reports that the 29-year-old Brazilian would be willing to take a pay cut in order to make sure the move goes through, but PSG are reluctant to sell the player and have told Barcelona that they will not be selling this summer. 

 

***: To some extent this must be a point of principle for PSG, who want to show that they can’t be bullied by a traditionally huge side. It was Neymar’s arrival which demonstrated that PSG were a new force in European football, but if they can get decent money for Neymar as he approaches 30, they should definitely contemplate such a deal. 

 

Bailly contracts hints at defender exits

The Mail runs through Manchester United’s options at centre-back after 27-year-old Ivory Coast international Eric Bailly signed a new deal that could run until 2024. That means that Phil Jones is almost certain to leave, as is Axel Tuanzebe, but most worried about his future at the club will be Victor Lindelof, who is set to face competition from whomever United bring in next. 

 

United line up Pogba replacements

The Mirror suggests that Manchester United are still trying to tie Paul Pogba down to a new contract and will offer wages of £400,000 a week. However, should he depart this summer, they have three players on their shortlist. There is £100m-rated Declan Rice, West Ham’s 22-year-old midfielder, 24-year-old Wilfried Ndidi of Leicester, and Saul Niguez, 26, of Atletico Madrid.