Chelsea enter talks for Atletico striker, Man Utd prepare Zirkzee bid

Chelsea are considering alternatives to Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran and have entered talks with Atletico Madrid over the possibility of signing Samu Omorodion, the Guardian reports.

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Man Utd prepare Zirkzee bid Potter to Leicester close Ajax want Weghorst

Omorodion, 20, was on loan at Alaves and scored nine goals in 35 appearances. It is believed he would cost more than £30m, lower than what Chelsea could pay for Duran.

The Guardian adds: “Chelsea have been given permission to hold talks with Duran, who is valued at £40m, but they are unsure about pushing ahead with a deal for the Villa striker. Duran’s wage demands are high and Villa are thought to have concerns over his attitude.

“Chelsea, who are also trying to win the race for Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, have unnamed targets in attack. They are open to signing a striker with Premier League experience but it is thought that Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke is out of their price range. Chelsea’s top target was Benjamin Sesko, who is staying at RB Leipzig.

“Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s new head coach, does not want to go into the new season with Nicolas Jackson as his only senior striker. Jackson did well in his debut season at Stamford Bridge but there is a desire not to place too much pressure on the Senegal international.”

Man Utd prepare Zirkzee bid

Manchester United are preparing a bid for Joshua Zirkzee as they continue talks with Bologna over a transfer for the striker this window, the Daily Mail reports.

Zirkzee has a £33.7m buy-out clause, and United will look to beat AC Milan to his signature as they look to make big changes up front this summer.

The Mail writes: “Arsenal have also posted interest but United’s positive negotiations have put them in a strong position ahead of making their offer. As Mail Sport reported last week, though a bid is not considered imminent, one is expected.

“United have a limited budget as their £43m bid for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite reflected but they plan to sell Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood who are both valued at £40m.

“Juventus, Valencia and Napoli have made firm approaches for 22-year old Greenwood.”

Potter to Leicester close

Leicester are on the verge of appointing Graham Potter as their replacement for Enzo Maresca, the Guardian works. Potter has not held a managerial role since being sacked in April 2023 by Chelsea, who recently appointed Maresca.

Leicester considered other options but are close to making the former Brighton boss their manager for the new Premier League season, where they open against Tottenham in August.

The Guardian adds: “Potter is the preferred choice and he is understood to be ready for a return to management. The 49-year-old has turned down several roles since leaving Chelsea. Potter, who was targeted by Ajax earlier this year, has been waiting for the right opportunity.

“There is an element of the unknown to moving to Leicester given that they have financial issues and could be hit with a points deduction for breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules. Leicester, who have also considered Steve Cooper and West Brom’s Carlos Corberan, could be forced to sell players before the start of the new campaign and it is unclear if they will have a big transfer budget.

“But they have been pushing to convince Potter, who has been looking for a similar working environment to the one he enjoyed at Brighton. He is understood to feel that he will be supported by the Leicester hierarchy.”

Ajax want Weghorst

Ajax are considering a move for Wout Weghorst with the Netherlands striker not wanting to play for Burnley in the Championship next season, the Telegraph reports.

Weghorst scored the winner in the Netherlands’ Euro 2024 opener against Poland on Sunday, and that has led to attention in his services at club level.

The Telegraph writes: “Weghorst has one year left on the contract he signed with Burnley after joining the Lancashire club from Wolfsburg in January 2022.

“But the 31-year-old striker is thought to be reluctant to play in the Championship next season and open to a move to a top-flight club, with Ajax monitoring his situation.

“Ajax endured a miserable season when they finished fifth, 35 points behind champions PSV Eindhoven, and are looking to reduce their wage bill.

“Steven Bergwijn, Chuba Akpom and Brian Brobbey have all been linked with moves away from the Dutch club, who are understood to be eyeing up Weghorst as they bid to refresh their attack.”