EPL PAPER ROUND: United Loosing Out On De Gea & Ramos, Soldado Off Spurs & More

Real Madrid have the perfect plan to leave Manchester United looking foolish; United will console themselves with Christian Benteke’s arrival from Aston Villa; Spurs will take a huge loss on Roberto Soldado – plus the rest of the top stories from Thursday’s papers.

Real may have outwitted United on Ramos, De Gea - Manchester United are facing missing out on Sergio Ramos, as well as losing David De Gea on a free transfer next summer, according to The Star. United wanted to buy Ramos from Real Madrid on the cheap, then agree to sell De Gea for a cut-rate price. Instead, Real have agreed to sign De Gea on a free transfer next summer with a £3.5 million tax-free signing on fee and hold out for £45m on Ramos.

AEL LIMASSOL 1 TOTTENHAM 2: Soldado, Kane Fires Spurs To Europa Victory

Tottenham Hotspur closed in on a place in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League after coming from behind to win 2-1 away to AEL Limassol in Cyprus in their play-off first leg. The north London side are looking to reach the group stage for the fourth season running, and late goals by Roberto Soldado and Harry Kane have them in the driving seat ahead of next week's return at White Hart Lane. However, their fellow Premier League side Hull City have work to do after losing 1-0 away to Belgian Cup holders Lokeren.

Tottenham's quest did not get off to the best of starts at the Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium in Larnaca. Spanish striker Adrian Sardinero opened the scoring in the 14th minute for AEL, who finished second in the Cypriot top flight last season and parachuted into the Europa League after losing to Zenit St. Petersburg in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round.