Man City target Wharton as clubs circle Alvarez – Paper Round

Adam Wharton’s reputation continues to grow, and the Evening Standard now believes Manchester City are keen on the youngster.

The 20-year-old is going to Euro 2024, and in the longer term he may be subject to interest from the Premier League winners.

“City are not expected to move for Wharton this summer but they view him as a potential future signing, as part of midfield succession planning at the Etihad Stadium.

“Wharton has impressed for Palace since his £22.5million move from Blackburn in January and the 20-year-old has now been named in England’s final 26-man squad for Euro 2024.

“He still has five years left on his contract at Selhurst Park, and Palace insist he is going nowhere after a brilliant finish to the season under Oliver Glasner.”

Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez is a target for Atletico Madrid and Paris-Saint Germain, according to The Sun.

The clubs reportedly want the 24-year-old forward, who is said to want more time to play through the middle than he currently gets.

“And French giants Paris Saint-Germain could also move for the Argentina forward, 24.

“Alvarez joined for just a bargain £14million in 2022.

“City are in no rush to sell the ex-River Plate hero.

“He has scored 36 goals in two full seasons at the Etihad but has been used in a variety of positions by Pep Guardiola.

“He is believed to be keen on playing more regularly in his preferred position of central striker.”

Tottenham are the latest side to be linked with a move for Crystal Palace Eberechi Eze, reports the Mirror.

The paper reveals Eze’s £60 million release clause, but also states that could just be the minimum fee for the England international.

“Eze, 25, was excellent in the second half of an injury-hit season, scoring eight goals and laying on three assists in his final 12 top-flight appearances. His form earned him a place in Gareth Southgate’s provisional England squad ahead of Euro 2024 and after an impressive display in Monday’s comfortable 3-0 win against Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Palace star made the final 26-man cut.

“Southgate’s show of faith has given Eze’s stock another boost, with Tottenham one of several English clubs seriously interested in signing him in the summer transfer window. But he won’t come cheap, as the Daily Mail report that the former Queens Park Rangers wonderkid has a £60m clause in his Palace contract as well as a further £8m in potential add-ons.”

Manchester United have put Gareth Southgate top of their shortlist to replace Erik ten Hag.

The Dutchman may soon be relieved of his duties at Old Trafford, and while Southgate is United’s preferred candidate, they have more names in mind.

“The club’s new hierarchy have undertaken a review of the managerial situation but are unwilling to rush into any move. While Ten Hag himself is now pushing for clarity, and could yet leave by mutual consent, there is the possibility that the identity of next season’s manager drags out for weeks.

“That is partly tied to the fact Southgate is the number one choice of the hierarchy, and he is unwilling to even discuss his future until after Euro 2024 for fear of distractions. While there is a belief that the England manager would be open to the job, the fact he would not even be willing to engage in firm talks until mid-July significantly adds to the factors that Ineos must consider.

“United have naturally pressed on with assessing other candidates, including Brentford’s Thomas Frank and free agents Roberto De Zerbi, Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel. Frank has particularly impressed, and there is a long-term link with Pochettino, but a further issue is that none have, as yet, completely persuaded the hierarchy that this was a move they must make.”