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Manchester United line up Jean-Philippe Mateta as alternative to Viktor Gyokeres transfer - Paper Round
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Updated 07/03/2025 at 10:43 GMT
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Manchester United are less confident over the signing of Viktor Gyokeres and are moving their attention towards Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta, while Liverpool may have an easier path to the signing of Wolfsburg forward Mohamed Amoura. Elsewhere, Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure may be one of 15 players to leave Everton, and Arsenal are waiting to hear over Joshua Kimmich’s future.
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Mateta a target for United
Manchester United are unsure that they can convince Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres this summer.
As a result, The Sun reports, Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta has emerged as an alternative.
The paper writes: "Manchester United are monitoring Jean-Phillippe Mateta and could make a shock summer swoop for the Crystal Palace striker.
"In-form French frontman Mateta has emerged as a major target for the goal-shy Red Devils.
"Ruben Amorim admitted following their FA Cup penalty defeat to Fulham that his side is suffering from a goalscoring problem.
"It means securing a striker in the summer has now become a priority for Old Trafford chiefs.
"Top of the list is Sweden’s Viktor Gyokeres, Amorim’s former striker at Sporting Lisbon.
"But despite Gyokeres being keen on the idea of a reunion with Amorim, he’s pushing for a move to a Champions League club, which would make a switch to United a total non-starter."
Liverpool may have chance to sign Amoura
Liverpool have been given a boost if they wish to make a move for Wolfsburg forward Mohamed Amoura.
Reports in Germany suggest that fellow Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt cannot afford the player.
The Mirror explains: "Liverpool have been given a free run at signing Wolfsburg striker Mohamed Amoura after Eintracht Frankfurt deemed him too expensive.
"Amoura, 24, is currently on loan from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise but will become a Wolfsburg player permanently on a four-year deal from July 1. The Algerian marksman has scored nine goals and provided eight assists in the Bundesliga so far this season, attracting interest from across Europe.
"One unlikely destination, though, is Frankfurt, as Sky Germany report that Eintracht chiefs have been put off by Amoura's price tag. Offers are expected to come in between €30 million and €40m (£25m and £33m) with concrete interest from the Premier League.
"Liverpool are among the clubs linked with Amoura. Last month it was reported that the Reds had already been in contact with the player's camp about a move, having witnessed his electric pace and eye for goal when he scored against them in December 2023. The Algeria international can also play as a winger but it's as a striker in a two-man front line where he's excelled."
Doucoure could head Everton exodus
Everton are set for a busy summer, with 15 players out of contract at Goodison at the end of the season.
One of the players who could leave is Abdoulaye Doucoure, with the 32-year-old midfielder not tied down to a further year.
The Athletic states: "Abdoulaye Doucoure’s future at Everton has been thrown into doubt after the club decided not to activate the option to extend his contract by a further season.
"Doucoure, 32, has been a mainstay in the Everton team in recent seasons, notably scoring the goal against Bournemouth that kept them up on the final day of 2022-23. His current deal, which expires at the end of the current campaign, had contained a club option to extend on the same terms for a further year. But the deadline to activate that clause has already passed.
"Everton would still be able to re-negotiate a new deal with Doucoure, one of the squad’s top earners, should they wish. But the developments also raise the prospect of him ending his near five-year association with the club this summer. The France-born Mali international has previously had interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
"Doucoure is one of 15 Everton players out of contract at the end of this season, with veteran midfielder Idrissa Gueye and striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin two high-profile others."
Kimmich one midfield target for Arsenal
Arsenal will know in March whether Joshua Kimmich has decided to remain at Bayern Munich beyond this summer.
The Londoners are also interested in Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, and will try again for Sverre Nypan of Rosenborg.
The Evening Standard notes: "Reports last week claimed that Arsenal were among the clubs interested in a deal for Kimmich, who can play either in central midfield or at right-back or even in central defence, after his latest contract offer was supposedly withdrawn by Bayern, with some even suggesting that talks had already been held regarding a prospective free transfer at the end of the season.
"‘My plan was to make my decision before the international break,’’ Kimmich told reporters in Bavaria.
"‘The club didn't want that, which is legitimate. There will be a decision soon. It will definitely be before the [March] international break at the latest.’"
"The Gunners are optimistic over signing Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, who rejected a switch to the Premier League with Liverpool last summer, and are also expected to return with a new offer for Rosenborg’s teenage starlet Sverre Nypan after he opted not to leave Norway in January."
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