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Friday's papers: Bruno Fernandes, David de Gea, Marcelo, Romelu Lukaku

Bruno Fernandes is reportedly keen on heading to Manchester United.

What the papers say

Sporting Lisbon's Bruno Fernandes has reportedly been "seduced" by Manchester United after the club offered him between £4.5million and £5.3million-a-season in wages. The Daily Mirror says reports in a Portuguese newspaper indicate the midfielder is putting pressure on Sporting to come to a deal with the Red Devils. The two clubs are still a way off agreeing on a figure, the paper adds.

Manchester United have reportedly identified Saul Niguez as a replacement for Paul Pogba. The Daily Express says reports in Spain suggest Old Trafford chiefs have earmarked the Atletico Madrid midfielder as their number one central midfield target and have already contacted Los Rojiblancos about a potential deal.

Saul Niguez
Spain's Saul Niguez could be a potential replacement for Paul Pogba at United (Mike Egerton/PA)

Arsenal have joined the race to sign Real Madrid's Marcelo after he told Los Blancos he wanted to leave, the Daily Mirror reports. The Gunners will face competition from Paris St Germain, Juventus and AC Milan in the battle for his signature, the paper says. Spanish publication Sport claims all of the teams have already made contact with Real Madrid to declare their interest.

Inter Milan are said to be stalling on meeting a £75million price tag for Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku. The Sun reports that the Serie A side are struggling to raise the funds to meet United's valuation and are not yet in a position to make a serious bid.

Romelu Lukaku
Inter Milan are said to be stalling on meeting Manchester United's asking price for Romelu Lukaku (Martin Rickett/PA)

Meanwhile, the Red Devils have offered David De Gea a deal worth almost £85million in a bid to persuade him to remain at Old Trafford amid interest from Europe, according to the Daily Star. The paper claims United bosses have made it clear that the long-term deal will not be improved upon following protracted negotiations with the 28-year-old. Paris St Germain and Juventus are said to have been eyeing up the goalkeeper.

Social media round-up

Players to watch

James Tarkowski: Leicester will have to pay at least £40million to land the Burnley defender, the Daily Mail reports. The Foxes have identified the 26-year-old as a potential replacement for Harry Maguire if he leaves the club, the paper adds. Wolves are also reported to be eyeing up Tarkowski.

Ralf Fahrmann: The 30-year-old is reportedly close to joining Norwich on loan from Schalke. Sky Sports News claims the German goalkeeper is undergoing a medical ahead ahead of joining the newly promoted side for the next season.

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Harry Maguire in action for Leicester City in March 2019
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool17133140172342
2Arsenal18106235161936
3Chelsea18105338211735
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest1810442419534
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle188553021929
6Bournemouth188552721629
7Manchester CityMan City188463026428
8Fulham187742623328
9Aston Villa188462629-328
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton186842726126
11Brentford187383232024
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs1872939261323
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham186572330-723
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd186482124-322
15Everton173861522-717
16Crystal Palace183871826-817
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1843112940-1115
18Leicester CityLeicester1835102240-1814
19Ipswich TownIpswich1826101633-1712
20Southampton1813141137-266


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