Man Utd 'anger' Southampton over approach for director of football – Paper Round

Manchester United have angered Southampton over their approach for the Championship club’s director of football, multiple outlets including the Telegraph are reporting.

The Saints could make Wilcox serve his full year’s notice unless United increase their compensation offer, in what is seen as a fresh obstacle for Sir Jim Ratcliffe in his bid to rejuvenate the Red Devils.

“United are also trying to bring in Dan Ashworth from Newcastle United but are now facing another set of difficult negotiations, with Southampton unhappy both at the financial offer and the timing of the Wilcox approach at such a critical stage of their Premier League promotion push.

“There were reports on Monday that Wilcox has already tendered his resignation. Southampton manager Russell Martin, however, said that he had heard from Wilcox immediately after his team’s agonising 3-2 defeat against Ipswich Town at Portman Road.

“Wilcox, who has been key to Southampton resurgence and a constant presence at the training ground alongside Martin, has a 12-month notice period in the contract despite having only worked at the club for just over nine months.”

Arsenal and Tottenham could go head-to-head this summer for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, The Sun reports. Both clubs could bid around £100m for the striker, although Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is desperate to keep the Swede.

Newcastle do though have FFP concerns, meaning selling one of their star players could help in the long-run to rebuild with some of the money on offer.

“He has quickly become a fans’ favourite with his direct running and eye for goal since Toon paid Real Socieded a club-record £60m in 2022.

“But with fears that Newcastle may have to cash in to navigate FFP rules, especially if they finish outside of the European places, huge offers from Champions League clubs will be hard to ignore.”

Newcastle United have renewed their interest in Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, the Daily Mail reports. Ramsdale has lost his starting place at Arsenal to David Raya this season, and is get for more regular game time.

The England international has been weighing up his options, with Newcastle hoping to lure a player who has already played for Eddie Howe.

“Manager Eddie Howe is a big admirer of Ramsdale after signing him at Bournemouth from Sheffield United. He also gave the keeper a second chance after he slept in and missed the bus for a Carabao Cup tie against Chelsea.

“Ramsdale was fined and sent on loan to AFC Wimbledon but gave credit to Howe for the manner in which he managed the situation and described it as ‘a penny dropping moment’ in his career.”

Liverpool tracking Palmeiras prospect Luis Guilherme

Liverpool are among a number of clubs scouting Palmeiras teenager Luis Guilherme, the Daily Mail reports.

The 18-year-old has already appeared for Brazil’s U20s after impressing in several clubs matches, and Liverpool are said to be one of several Premier League and European clubs interested.

“It now appears Guilherme is the next off that famed production line, with many European giants looking to gain the upper hand in the race to sign him. The teenager can play as a No 10 or wide forward and reports in Brazil say Palmeiras would demand north of £40m.”