Aston Villa's Christian Benteke
Manchester United to move for Christian Benteke - Memphis Depay, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Matteo Darmian and Morgan Schneiderlin are all either in already or about to sign on the dotted line, but the Daily Star Sunday claims Louis van Gaal wants yet more spending to push United's transfer business up to £125m this summer. The key now, they say, is a striker. The Sun on Sunday claims it'll be Christian Benteke, while the Daily Star Sunday chucks out the names of £50m Thomas Muller, Harry Kane, Edinson Cavani and Karim Benzema. Oh yes, and the Star also says United still want Nicolas Otamendi from Valencia for £25m.
Paper Round's view - It's silly season at United, for the second time in as many summers - but at least United are now focusing on sorting out the striker question, even if we're not 100 per cent convinced by any of the mooted options. Kane has had half a great season in his whole career, Muller isn't an out-and-out goalscorer (unless there's a World Cup on, of course), while Cavani and Benzema are both too streaky to justify the money they would command. If United wanted a forward who could go missing for months at a time they might as well have stuck with Robin van Persie. As for the Sun's idea about Benteke? As with the others, he is talented but inconsistent. Can he really be the big forward United need for the next five or six years?
Chelsea keen on Chile midfield star - The Mail on Sunday reports that Jose Mourinho is "monitoring" Internacional midfielder Charles Aranguiz, one of the stars of the Chilean side which just won the Copa America. But it seems that they may have to wait, since his domestic duties are at a critical stage: "His club are reluctant to open talks until after their Copa Libertadores semi-final with Tigres," the paper adds. The Star also carries the story, claiming he would cost £8m, adding that Manchester City are also keen on a player they describe as a "tigerish ball-winner with an eye for a pass".
Paper Round's view - The Copa Libertadores semis (over two legs) take place in the next 10 days with the second leg of the final on August 5. So there's a chance that the Blues could get their man in time for the start of the season - though presumably he'd need some sort of break before launching into a full Premier League campaign.
Liverpool bid for Real Madrid winger - The Sunday People reports that Liverpool have made a £22 million bid for Denis Cheryshev, a Real Madrid winger who has been farmed out on loan to Villarreal and Sevilla in the last couple of years. "Rafael Benitez has received a bid from the Reds for the Russian flier and will discuss the matter with his bosses at the Bernebeu," the paper claims. "Cheryshev, 24, is surplus amid the glut of stars that Benitez is now working with - and it is likely that he will cash in."
Paper Round's view - It seems a lot for a player who has failed to break into the reckoning at Real, but then again, assuming Sterling leaves, Liverpool need players like the Russia international. Put it this way: football market gurus Transfermarkt had valued Cheryshev at just £7m, and that sounds about right considering his four goals and 10 assists in the Spanish top flight last season.
Newcastle line up next big signing with Aleksandar Mitrovic - The Sunday Mirror reports that Newcastle manager Steve McClaren will sign striker Aleksandar Mitrovic from Anderlecht. "Anderlecht are willing to do business at £12million and club officials are now convincing Mitrovic and relatives that Newcastle is the best place for him," the paper writes, adding that Newcastle have beaten some stiff competition. "Both Porto and Roma have been pursuing him, but the Steve McClaren era is finally swinging into life as Mitrovic is poised to sign a five-year deal."
Paper Round's view - If this turns out to be true it's some sweet talking from McClaren to persuade a Mitrovic to plump for Tyneside over Porto or Rome. It'll be interesting to see how many anti-Mike Ashley banners appear at St James' Park at the start of next season if this transfer window largesse continues over the summer.
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