Alejandro Garnacho wants Chelsea move from Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur close in on Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha

Alejandro Garnacho wants Chelsea move from Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur close in on Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha - Paper Round

Published 01/08/2025 at 07:04 GMT+1

Friday's Paper Round leads on Chelsea's pursuit of Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho, with the Argentine keen on a move to Stamford Bridge. Elsewhere, Tottenham are closing in on the signing of Bayern Munich and former Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha on a loan move, and The Blues' pursuit of RB Leizpig playmaker Xavi Simons has "hit a snag".

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Garnacho fancies Blues move

Chelsea are expected to make an offer for Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho this summer, according to The Telegraph.

The outlet claims The Blues have carried out a "series of background checks" on the Argentine and are happy to do a deal with Man Utd.

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The forward also prefers a move to Stamford Bridge over Aston Villa.

"Chelsea have no concerns over the character of transfer target Alejandro Garnacho after carrying out a series of background checks on the out-of-favour Manchester United winger," reads the article.

"Garnacho has been a long-term target of Chelsea, who are understood to be the favoured destination of the Argentine this summer.

"Chelsea are expected to make an offer for Garnacho before the transfer window shuts, but may have to wait for United’s search for a new striker to come to an end with the Old Trafford club hoping to sign Benjamin Sesko.

"Telegraph Sport can reveal that Chelsea have done their homework on Garnacho, which has included a series of background checks into his character and personality.

"It is believed that Chelsea are comfortable with the results of their checks and waiting to clinch the outgoings they need and the green light from United to proceed. United’s valuation of Garnacho will be key to any deal going ahead.

"Garnacho’s preference is to remain in the Premier League. He has also been linked with Aston Villa, but it is understood he hopes to move to a club that will compete in the Champions League and has made Chelsea his first choice."

Watch: The sensational Garnacho bicycle kick which won Puskas Award

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Spurs close in on Palhinha

Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on the signing of Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha on loan, claims The Times.

The 30-year-old is said to be keen on a move back to London having previously spent time at Fulham, before leaving Craven Cottage in a deal worth over £47 million in July 2024.

Meanwhile, Spurs are also exploring a deal to take Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani to the club.

The article reads: "Tottenham Hotspur are in advanced talks to sign Joao Palhinha on loan from Bayern Munich and have renewed interest in Randal Kolo Muani, the Paris Saint-Germain forward.

"Thomas Frank wants to strengthen the base of his new Tottenham midfield and Palhinha is seen as a good fit for the Premier League, having excelled previously with Fulham.

"Palhinha, 30, has had interest from elsewhere but is understood to be keen on a move to north London and a loan is likely to include an option to buy from Bayern, who are open to a sale.

"Spurs need another attacker after a proposed deal for Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White collapsed. They attempted to sign Kolo Muani before he joined Juventus on loan in January. He scored eight goals in 16 league matches for the Italian club, who want to re-sign him."

Watch 'unbelievable' skill from Musiala as he sets up Palhinha who grazes bar

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Chelsea pursuit of Simons 'hits a snag'

The Sun reports that Chelsea's pursuit of Xavi Simons "has hit a snag - as RB Leipzig do not want any Blues players".

Christopher Nkunku, Armando Broja, Tyrique George and Carney Chukwuemeka have all been offered as makeweights.

But the German club want a straight-up £60million fee for the 22-year-old.

The outlet continues: "Agent Ali Barat - hired by Simons to sort out his exit and who has close ties with Chelsea - is trying to break the stalemate.

"Simons decided to quit the German club after they failed to qualify for the Champions League."

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