Liverpool poised to hijack Manchester United move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite - Paper Round
Updated 01/10/2024 at 23:56 GMT+1
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Liverpool may rival Manchester United for the signing of Everton’s highly-rated defender Jarrad Branthwaite, while the Old Trafford side may have to pay £17.5 million to sack Erik ten Hag, with former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy in the frame to step in as his replacement. Elsewhere, Mario Balotelli is linked with a move to Spanish third division outfit Intercity CF.
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Liverpool set for Branthwaite bid
Liverpool could bid for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite as soon as this January, reports the Daily Mail.
Manchester United are planning another move in the summer, but Liverpool could make a serious offer at the start of the year.
The paper writes: “United's plans to make a fresh bid for Jarrad Branthwaite next summer are in danger of being hijacked by old rivals Liverpool.
“In July, United had a second offer of £50 million for Branthwaite rejected by Everton, who want in excess of £70m for the centre-back.
“United are expected to try again but not until next summer, having just spent more than £100m on defenders Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt. Any transfer activity in the January window is likely to focus on a new forward.
“Liverpool, on the other hand, are firm admirers of Branthwaite and could feasibly move for him in January as well as offering Everton closer to what they want.
“Despite the takeover at Goodison Park, Branthwaite is unlikely to sign an extension to his contract, which expires in June 2027, with Everton unable to match the £160,000 a week that United (and probably Liverpool) would be prepared to pay him.”
Ten Hag sack could cost Man Utd £17.5m
Sacking Erik ten Hag could cost Manchester United £17.5 million, according to The Sun.
With the Dutchman’s new deal, signed in the summer, he could be in line for a bolstered payout.
The paper explains: “Erik ten Hag could be due a huge payout if he is sacked after only signing a contract extension in the summer.
“New minority club chiefs Ineos - headed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe - backed the Dutchman to turn things around after a difficult season beset by injuries.
“It will cost United £17.5million to give Ten Hag the boot.
“This is thought to be £7.5m more than the £10m it would have cost to part ways in June.
“The pay-off is around half the money saved by the club after making 250 members of staff redundant earlier this year.”
Man Utd players keen on Van Nistelrooy
Manchester United may be persuaded to replace Erik ten Hag with Ruud van Nistelrooy, should they sack their current manager.
The Daily Star believes that many of the club’s players have come around to the former striker’s efforts as a coach.
The paper claims: “Manchester United players would welcome Ruud van Nistelrooy becoming their next manager if Erik ten Hag gets sacked.
“Ten Hag is clinging to his job in the wake of last weekend's humiliating home defeat to Tottenham. United have gone three games without a win and slumped to within four points of the Premier League relegation zone.
“Club bosses will wait until the international break following the team's next two games before making a decision on the Dutchman's future. But it's understood that if Ten Hag is dismissed, the squad would encourage club chiefs to give the job to Van Nistelrooy.
“Simone Inzaghi is the bookies' favourite to replace Ten Hag, while Gareth Southgate is also well liked by United. But Van Nistelrooy has growing support within the dressing room and is popular with the players, as well as supporters.”
Balotelli considers Spain switch
Mario Balotelli is a free agent this summer after leaving Adana Demirspor in the summer, but could soon have a new club.
The Mirror believes that he could now link up with Spanish minnows CF Intercity, who play in Alicante, in the Spanish third division.
The paper reports: “Mario Balotelli is considering an offer to join a third-division Spanish side after being released by Turkish club Adana Demirspor.
“Balotelli left the Turkish club in the summer transfer window and is yet to find a new employer. The 34-year-old striker has lived a journeyman lifestyle throughout his tumultuous career, moving all around Europe, from Italy to Turkey, via England, France and Switzerland.
“He scored seven goals in 16 games in the Turkish Super Lig last season during his second stint with Adana Demirspor which was hindered by a knee injury. But the club decided not to renew his terms, allowing him to join the market as a free agent once again.
“And it seems that after Lumezzane, Inter Milan, City, AC Milan, Liverpool, Nice, Marseille, Brescia, Monza, Sion and Adana, he could join CF Intercity – a club based in Alicante in Spain. The third-tier side plays inside a stadium which holds a maximum of 2,000 fans and would represent quite the dip in standard for Balotelli, who has 36 caps for Italy.”
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