Manchester City identify replacement for Kyle Walker, Newcastle United put huge value on Alexander Isak - Paper Round
Updated 30/12/2024 at 11:24 GMT
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The future of Kyle Walker at Manchester City is reportedly uncertain, with Pep Guardiola's side seemingly eyeing up a replacement for the veteran full-back. Elsewhere, Newcastle are said to have put a staggering £150 million price tag on their star striker Alexander Isak, and Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi wants a move to Liverpool rather than Newcastle.
Guardiola says Man City win at Leicester is 'relief more than happiness'
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City want Aina as Walker replacement
Manchester City are looking at Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina as a replacement for Kyle Walker, while goalkeeper Ederson could leave the club at the end of the season.
That is according to a report in The Sun, which claims Pep Guardiola’s rebuild at City is already in motion.
Aina has been in impressive form for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side so far this season and could be targeted by City in the summer, when Ederson might end his time at the club.
"Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina is on Manchester City’s wishlist as they cast a net for Kyle Walker’s long-term replacement," reads the article.
"Forest are keen to tie him down quickly as his contract runs out at the end of this season.
"The full-back, a product of Chelsea’s academy, has not been angling for a move and is hugely popular with City Ground fans.
But the Southwark-born star would find it hard to ignore interest from City.
"Meanwhile, Ederson could leave at the end of the season — with sources claiming City would listen to offers around £25m.
"The keeper, 31, turned down the chance to head to Saudi Arabia last summer after a plea from Pep.
"Yet with one more season on his contract, City will not stand in his way if they can get the right fee."
Newcastle put £150m tag on Isak
Newcastle have set a £150 million price tag on star striker Alexander Isak, reports The Telegraph.
The Sweden international has hit 11 goals and registered four assists in 15 league appearances so far this season, and Eddie Howe’s side are desperate to keep a hold of the forward.
"Alexander Isak is rapidly turning into one of the most coveted players in Europe, but Newcastle United will resist any attempt to lure him away with a record price tag in excess of £150 million put on the Sweden international," reads the report.
"Newcastle blocked talks to poach Isak last summer by quoting a fee of around £150 million for the 25-year-old, which immediately scared off Chelsea. With three-and-a-half years left on his contract, which Newcastle may well look to extend at the end of the season, the asking price will not be lowered.
"Although new contract talks were postponed earlier this year, Newcastle want to keep Isak and know an extension will need to be discussed at some point.
"Arsenal have long been linked with an interest in Isak, who has scored 42 goals in 68 Premier League appearances, but would struggle to come up with the sort of money needed to open talks at a time when every club in England are struggling to comply with Premier League profitability and sustainability rules.
"PSG are the latest club said to be tracking Isak, while there could be interest from the two Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid. If Liverpool do not agree a new contract with Mohamed Salah, they could also look at Isak as his replacement.
"However, Newcastle sources have stressed they are ‘relaxed’ about the situation and ‘have no interest in selling’ while the player has repeatedly said he is happy on Tyneside."
Guehi wants Liverpool move
Marc Guehi’s preferred move is to join Liverpool, rather than Newcastle, according to The Sun.
The Crystal Palace defender was strongly linked with a move to Eddie Howe’s side during the summer but a deal never materialised.
Now it seems The Reds are in pole position to sign the England international - but Palace may want a player in exchange, namely Ben Doak, currently on loan at Middlesbrough.
"Marc Guehi is willing to wait on a move to Liverpool as Crystal Palace brace for offers," reads the article.
"Centre-back Guehi was cool on leaving in the summer when Newcastle took an interest — and will have the major say on when he leaves the Eagles nest and where he goes.
"The England international is holding on for a Champions League club — whether that comes next month or in the summer.
"Sources close to Guehi, 24, have revealed Liverpool is his first-choice destination and the Reds are also interested in a deal at the right price.
"Palace will look for a big fee now, although that is sure to drop in the summer as his contract ticks down.
"The Eagles could try to get a player out of the deal.
"They have been checking on winger Ben Doak during his loan spell at Middlesbrough.
"The flying Scot, 19, wants to go back and play at the Kop — but may seek a new Premier League home if that is not available.
"Boro would try for him if they go up but Palace are already waiting in the wings and poised to move for the exciting young Anfield talent.
"Palace will push hard for Doak if they fail to land French target Rayan Cherki, 21, from Lyon — their ideal arrival next month."
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