Manchester United and Arsenal scouts watch summer target Kaua Elias score 'perfect' hat-trick for Shakhtar Donetsk - Paper Round

The Brazil youth international joined Shakhtar in February 2025 from Fluminense where he scored eight goals in 47 appearances.

"Manchester United and Arsenal sent scouts to watch summer target Kaua Elias score a perfect hat-trick for Shakhtar Donetsk," states the outlet.

"Elias, 20, led Shakhtar to a 5-1 demolition of Kudrivka on Monday in Lviv with a header, left-footed strike, and right-footed finish in the second half.

"SunSport understand Arsenal and United scouts were present in the stands as the striker put on a show, with AC Milan and Porto also keen on the ace.

"An official bid for the former Brazil youth international is expected with the Ukrainian giants rating him at about £30m.

"Elias has shown signs of a complete centre-forward who can utilise both feet, pose a threat in the air and maintain his composure inside the penalty area.

"SunSport heard from sources that Arsenal and Man Utd talent spotters gave extremely glowing evaluations of the versatile forward.

"The Brazilian’s technical ability and composure in scoring opportunities were particularly emphasised as features that currently set him apart from other young forwards on the market."

Mohamed Salah could have a reunion with former Liverpool team-mate Darwin Nunez at Trabzonspor, according to the I Paper.

The Turkish Super Lig side confirmed the signing of Salah on a two-year contract on Thursday and have now set their sights on Uruguay international Nunez, who has also attracted the attention of Tottenham Hotspur while at Saudi club Al-Hilal.

"The i Paper understands ex-Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, a former team-mate of Salah’s is also a target as Trabzonspor aim to further add to an attack now boasting Salah and other new signings Aral Simsir and Ernest Muci," reads the article.

"Nunez would fit the model in Turkey, where Trabzonspor are aiming to sign a number of big name, 'world-class' players to go alongside younger players with 'high potential'.

"As one source put it, they are aiming to close the gap on the Istanbul duopoly not just by spending more money but by 'better planning' and 'smarter recruitment'."

Barcelona have "stepped up" their efforts to hijack Real Madrid’s move to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri, writes the Guardian.

The 30-year-old has entered the final year of his contract at Man City and has been strongly linked with a move to the Bernabeu. However, fresh reports suggest Real face stern competition from their greatest rivals if they are to land his signature.

The Guardian notes: "While City have not given up hope that Spain’s World Cup-winning captain will sign a new contract after he entered the final year of his deal, they are thought to be willing to allow him to leave for about £60m. Despite weeks of talks with Rodri and his representatives, Real have yet to reach an agreement and Barcelona are hoping to take advantage.

"It is understood that Rodri spoke to their manager, Hansi Flick, and sporting director, Deco, about a potential move on Wednesday and indicated he is keen to return to Spain. Barca, who will be without midfielder Frenkie de Jong for several months after the Netherlands midfielder sustained a knee injury, are now expected to make contact with City to negotiate the structure of the fee for the 30-year-old, who won the Golden Ball for the World Cup’s best player."

Liverpool are not interested in signing Tottenham Hotspur and England defender Djed Spence, claims the Liverpool Echo.

Spence's time at Spurs is reportedly uncertain, with the 25-year-old challenging Andy Robertson and Pedro Porro for the left and right-back positions at the club.

The Reds are facing a crisis in defence following the injury sustained by Joe Gomez during a pre-season friendly against Sunderland, while Conor Bradley continues to recover from a serious knee injury. New £55m signing Jeremy Jacquet is being eased back from a shoulder injury and Giovanni Leoni is still recovering from his ACL injury.

The Liverpool Echo states: "Despite rumours doing the rounds on social media and various outlets that Liverpool are interested in Tottenham Hotspur and England full-back Djed Spence, the Echo understands that The Reds have absolutely no intention of moving for the player.

"Liverpool are battling a somewhat serious injury crisis at the back, but it doesn't appear that The Reds are willing to dip into the market for defensive reinforcements as it stands."

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