Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag to be offered a two-year contract extension – Paper Talk

The top stories and transfer rumours from Thursday’s newspapers…

DAILY TELEGRAPH

Erik ten Hag is likely to be offered a two-year extension to his current deal at Manchester United.

Manchester United are sticking to their valuation of around £3m for Dan Ashworth and are refusing to be held to ransom over Newcastle’s compensation demands for their sporting director.

A-Cap, a financial group inextricably linked to failed Everton buyers 777 Partners, is being considered by owner Farhad Moshiri as a serious takeover contender despite apparent pressure from US authorities to cut its exposure to them.

THE GUARDIAN

Chelsea are considering a shift in their position over selling Conor Gallagher and could make a concerted effort to agree a new deal with the midfielder.

The US swimmer Lia Thomas, who rose to global prominence after becoming the first transgender athlete to win a NCAA college title in March 2022, has lost a legal case against World Aquatics at the court of arbitration for sport – and with it any hopes of making next month’s Paris Olympics.

The next edition of the Africa Cup of Nations could kick off before Christmas to try and fit in with the new Club World Cup, potentially leaving Premier League clubs without a host of stars during the busy festive period.

THE ATHLETIC

AC Milan have reportedly made contact with Aston Villa over the potential signing of full-back Matty Cash.

Aston Villa are in talks to terminate attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho’s contract.

Manchester United held a series of interviews with potential replacements for Erik ten Hag before the FA Cup final win over Manchester City.

Shocked Manchester United players thought Erik ten Hag would be sacked before finding out the manager is staying.

DAILY MAIL

Man United managerial candidates were left ‘astounded by low wages’ and ‘unimpressed by the club’s transfer budget’ before decision was made to keep Erik ten Hag.

Max Kilman is reportedly a renewed target for West Ham with Julen Lopetegui keen to link up with the centre-back he made captain at Wolves.

Dan Ashworth reportedly had a meeting with Wolves after being placed on gardening leaving by Newcastle without informing his employers.

Real Madrid have enquired over the possibility of signing Cristian Romero, according to a report.

Erik ten Hag will only have £50m to spend this summer unless Manchester United are able to secure significant fees for players deemed surplus to requirements. His priorities will be to add a central defender and another striker.

Prize money for this year’s Wimbledon Championships will rise by around 10 per cent, with first-round losers to be guaranteed more than £60,000.

THE i

A group of furious Queen’s Club members are preparing legal action to block a women’s tournament from being held at the club in 2025.

EVENING STANDARD

Fulham are reportedly keen on Luton centre-back Teden Mengi and plan to sign at least two defenders this summer.

The opportunity to join the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea represented “great temptation” for Benjamin Sesko, according to his agent.

The prospect of moving to Liverpool or Manchester United will be put to the back of Atalanta midfielder Ederson’s mind for the first weeks of the transfer window.

THE SUN

Manchester United face fresh competition for the signature of long-term goalkeeper target Zion Suzuki, who may finally be ready to move to Old Trafford.

Erik Ten Hag allegedly had a secret row with Luke Shaw and used Al Pacino to help him save his Manchester United job.

Ivan Toney is ready to get a celebratory tattoo of the European Championship trophy on his head should England win the tournament in Germany.

Erik ten Hag will play hardball in contract negotiations with Manchester United after feeling slighted by their public courtship of potential candidates to replace him.

Serbia fans are expected to boo England’s national anthem in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday because of NATO bombings of the former Yugoslavia during the Kosovo war in 1999.

The World Leagues Association and FIFPRO believe FIFA will have to perform a U-turn on plans for a revamped Club World Cup once legal papers are lodged.

Everton defender Ben Godfrey could leave the club for free next summer after turning down a series of contract offers – AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund have already shown interest.

Jose Mourinho is lining up an £8m move for Luton Town striker Elijah Adebayo as he builds his Fenerbahce squad.

Middlesbrough have agreed a £3.1m deal to sign midfielder Aidan Morris from MLS side Columbus Crew.

THE TIMES

Ian Maatsen’s parents drove his boots to Germany after his late call-up to the Netherlands squad.

Erik ten Hag’s first pieces of business when he returns from holiday will be to tell Manchester United to sell Jadon Sancho and get his priority summer signings in the building quickly.

Tottenham are seeking £21m for defender Emerson Royal, who is a target for AC Milan, and are waiting for Atletico Madrid to make an offer for midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

Euro 2024 will not use the same stoppage-time rules enforced by FIFA and the Premier League which have regularly led to games going beyond 100 minutes.

Australia could risk a two-match ban for captain Mitchell Marsh if they manipulate the outcome of their World T20 clash with Scotland to knock out holders England, who need a massive net run-rate turnaround.

DAILY MIRROR

Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins could lose his Olympic gold medals after being declared bankrupt.

Arsenal have made contact with Napoli striker Victor Osimhen’s representatives, according to reports in Italy.

Juventus are preparing an offer to Arsenal for defender Jakob Kiwior, who new boss Thiago Motta sees as a priority signing.

The Football Association has drawn up a succession plan for life after England head coach Gareth Southgate which opens up the possibility of appointing another foreign manager.

Wayne Rooney does not believe Trent Alexander-Arnold has the discipline to be an international central midfielder.

Birmingham City have increased prices for their corporate hospitality areas by more than 60 per cent despite the club being relegated to League One.

DAILY RECORD

Rangers will have to pay more than the £500,000 plus training compensation to Aberdeen or take a gamble on a tribunal if they want to sign Connor Barron.

Connor Barron would be a good signing for Philippe Clement and Rangers, according to former Celtic star Simon Donnelly.

Michael Beale has been linked with a shock move to Israeli Premier League club Maccabi Tel Aviv.