Morata: Manchester United transfer ‘has been done’
Alvaro Morata has told his friends that he has made his mind up to join Manchester United from Real Madrid, and that a deal ‘has been done’ on the transfer. Morata interrupted his honeymoon to return to Madrid and meet Florentino Perez, to convince him to facilitate the transfer to Old Trafford. United and Real continue to thrash out a deal between £60m and £70m.
Alvaro Morata von Real MadridGetty Images
Paper Round’s view: Morata seems to be doing all he can to make the move go through. Most players would not cut short their summer holidays, let alone their honeymoon, in order to secure a transfer away from their boyhood club. It appears a positive sign for United, but they need to sort out a sum for the transfer quickly, before Real Madrid become tempted to negotiate for David de Gea at the same time.
Sanchez hints at Manchester City decision
Under questioning before the Confederations Cup final, Alexis Sanchez was asked about his future next season. Sanchez has been offered a new contract by Arsenal, who want to keep him at the Emirates, but there has been rumours of interest from both Manchester City and Chelsea. More recently, the focus has been on Pep Guardiola‘s interest in the striker. Sanchez confirmed he had made a decision on his future.
Paper Round’s view: If Sanchez had decided that he would be staying at Arsenal, it would have been more likely that he would have said so during the press conference. A decision to move away would cause controversy, one that would distract him and his side from the final they are due to play. That makes it more likely that his decision is to leave the club, and presumably move to Manchester City.
Spurs give the kids a chance
Spurs are going to give youth a chance in their summer friendlies as Mauricio Pochettino makes the most of the players already available in his squad. Harry Winks, Kyle Walker-Peters and Josh Onomah (the latter two played at the Under-20 World Cup for England). Winks is recovering from injury, but Spurs are hoping to take them all on tour.
Paper Round’s view: Spurs have done no serious business in the summer transfer window as yet, and with several players likely to leave, it makes sense to involve the youngsters at least until business is completed. Given Daniel Levy‘s preference for leaving things late, Pochettino is being sensible to ready his youngsters should they be needed before the transfer window and beyond.
Murray struggling with hip injury
When asked if Andy Murray will be able to take part in Wimbledon, despite a niggling hip injury, he replied, “I hope so – that’s the plan.” Murray has been seen struggling with a sore hip as he prepares for Wimbledon on Monday, and needs his luck to change after a difficult time as world number one.
Paper Round’s view: Murray is hardly convincing about his chances of playing at his best at Wimbledon. Roger Federer has commented on his problems with fatigue and injury, and it is no surprise that after a decade of professional tennis, that his body is in need of some kind of rest. However, it would take a serious injury to prevent him from competing in his home tournament, especially as he needs the ranking points to maintain his place at the top.
