Manchester City eye shock deal for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, Micky van de Ven on Manchester United’s radar – Paper Round

Fernandez expressed his admiration for the city of Madrid while on international duty with Argentina, prompting then-manager Liam Rosenior to take action.

That has not stopped the speculation, though, with City said to be one of many clubs interested in his services.

"Manchester City are weighing up a shock move for Enzo Fernandez," writes The Sun.

"Speculation has grown that he could be on the way out of Stamford Bridge amid a nightmare season for the Blues that saw boss Liam Rosenior sacked on Wednesday.

"The Athletic report that early interest is materialising in the midfielder’s services, and he is one of a collection of names being monitored for the summer window.

"The north west club are joining Spanish giants Real Madrid in the hunt for the 25-year-old’s services."

Manchester United are monitoring Micky van de Ven's situation at Tottenham Hotspur, reports the Mirror.

The Red Devils have soared into the top five under Michael Carrick, meaning a return to the UEFA Champions League next season looks likely.

As a result, United will be keen to improve their defence, with Van de Ven considered a potential target.

"Manchester United are keeping tabs on Tottenham's Micky van de Ven as they consider bolstering their backline ahead of a return to the Champions League," writes the outlet.

"The Red Devils are set to compete with Europe's elite following a mid-season revival, but know that it will place more pressure on their resources. Adding quality to their midfield remains the priority but their defensive line is a mixture of youth and players who have struggled with fitness.

"As a result Tottenham's centre-half is being considered, reports the Athletic, but Liverpool too have been keen in the past. The Dutchman's stock has remained high despite his team's well documented struggles, which could end in relegation.

"Van de Ven though would not be short of suitors, even if Tottenham remain in the Premier League. His pace is a huge asset, and has been used to cut through United in the past, but the north Londoners have him tied down until 2029.

"It means the 25-year-old would by no means come cheap and any move for him may depend on how much cash United can raise from player sales with a number of individuals expected to move on."

Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is the "leading candidate" to replace Pep Guardiola should the legendary manager leave Manchester City.

That is according to The Guardian, which claims there is a "growing feeling" that "major change is on the way" at City.

Maresca has been out of work since leaving Chelsea in January and is being strongly linked to replace Guardiola, whose contract at City expires in the summer of 2027.

"It is understood there have been positive talks over him replacing his old mentor this summer. Guardiola has a year on his deal but City know they must be ready for the 55-year-old deciding this is the time to leave," reads the article.

"A potential complication in City’s pursuit of Maresca is that he is believed still to have contractual obligations to Chelsea. He is understood to have walked away under contract with three-and-a-half years on his deal, plus a club option of a further year.

"Guardiola could decide to see out his contract but there is a growing feeling within football that major change is on the way at the Etihad Stadium, leaving City to put contingency plans in place. The process is being led by their director of football, Hugo Viana, and the direction of travel is Maresca being named as Guardiola’s successor if a manager is needed."

Arsenal's search for a full-back could lead them to Sporting CP defender Ivan Fresneda, reports The Sun.

The 21-year-old right-back, who has a release clause of £69 million, has attracted Arsenal's interest in the past and Sporting are said to be open to selling the Spaniard.

"Arsenal are tracking Sporting defender Ivan Fresneda as they look to sign a new full-back this summer," writes the outlet.

"The Gunners are keeping tabs on several targets and also hold an interest in Newcastle’s Tino Livramento.

"Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza is another player they have scouted and is an attractive option as his contract expires at the end of this season.

"Arsenal’s interest in Fresneda dates back to January 2023, when he was playing for Valladolid in Spain.

"The right-back, 21, ended up joining Sporting that summer for around £8million – but Arsenal are now tracking him again.

"Fresneda has a release clause in his current contract that is worth €80m (£69m), but it is thought he could be sold for less than that.

"The defender will have two years left on his deal this summer and Sporting are tempted to cash in on him."

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