United unlikely to sign Todibo
Manchester United face a massive obstacle in their pursuit of Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo.
The Athletic reports that the fact Ineos have stakes in both sides will likely preclude them from being allowed to do a deal.
The website reports: “Manchester United are unlikely to sign Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo this summer due to UEFA rules on multi-club ownership.
“United and Nice, the Ligue 1 club owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s company INEOS, have qualified for the Europa League and are waiting to learn whether they will both be allowed to play in the competition next season.
“UEFA’s regulations do not allow any organisation or individual to have 'decisive influence' over the operations of more than one club in the same competition. Ratcliffe also owns a 27.7 per cent stake in United.
“Both clubs had until 3 June to supply evidence to UEFA to demonstrate that they satisfy the rules, and are now awaiting the verdict of an independent panel on the matter.
“Todibo was under consideration as a potential transfer target by United, who have prioritised the signing of a centre-back this summer following the departure of Raphael Varane.”
Villa leading race for Maatsen
Aston Villa have agreed to sign Ian Maatsen from Chelsea, according to The Telegraph.
However, the paper states that the club are yet to persuade the player to make the switch.
The Telegraph writes: “Aston Villa are close to signing Ian Maatsen after agreeing a deal worth just over £35 million with Chelsea but they must still convince the left back to make the move.
“Chelsea have granted Villa permission to speak with Maatsen, who is on international duty with Holland at the European Championship.
“It is expected that Holland will allow the defender to speak with Villa remotely on video call, with head coach Unai Emery hoping to conclude a deal.
“Maatsen spent the second half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund, where he had been keen to stay, but the German club have so far indicated they are not able to match Chelsea’s valuation.
“Chelsea remain in talks to sign striker Jhon Duran from Villa, but also have other targets in the position, including Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion and Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke.”
Chelsea have Omorodion bid rejected
Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion is wanted by Chelsea, but they have had a bid rejected.
The Evening Standard suggests that an offer of £30 million has not been enough.
The paper reports: “Chelsea are still assessing their summer shortlist of striker target after seeing a bid for Samu Omorodion rejected by Atletico Madrid.
“The Spain Under-21 star, who is yet to play a senior game for Atleti, spent last season on loan at Alaves, and fits Chelsea’s profile.
“Standing at 6ft 3”, Omorodion has an imposing profile. He scored eight goals in La Liga last season as Babazorros earned a top-half finish in their first season back in the top flight.
“Atletico are understood to have rejected an offer in the region of £30million from the Blues, and are determined to hold onto one of their most prized young talents.
“Chelsea are still interested in Aston Villa’s Colombia striker Jhon Duran, and are thought to remain in dialogue with the Birmingham club over a possible deal.”
Leicester set out to miss out Potter
Former Chelsea manager Graham Potter looks set to miss out on the Leicester City job.
The Sun reports that Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper is now in line for the job.
The paper writes: “Graham Potter’s Leicester appointment is close to collapsing after a breakdown in talks.
“The former Chelsea manager had agreed terms with the Foxes this week and was discussing backroom staff appointments.
“However, despite confidence from both parties that a formal agreement was close, doubts emerged overnight and the newly-promoted side have re-opened talks with Steve Cooper.
“The former manager of Leicester's rivals, Nottingham Forest, held talks with the club earlier in the summer but Potter had emerged as favourite to replace Enzo Maresca.
“Talks with the 49-year-old had dragged, leading to frustration from the Leicester ownership, who are now discussing terms with Cooper.”
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