Sport Paper Round: United's £30 million bid for Bailly, Chelsea chase Kante

United's £30 million bid for Villarreal's Eric Bailly

Manchester United have launched an offer of £30 million in the hopes of securing Villarreal defender Eric Bailly. Bailly has been the subject of interest from also Bayern Munich and Arsenal, with United seeking to wrap him up quickly. The 22 year old Ivory Coast international also has had Manchester

City, Barcelona and Leicester scout him, but Villarreal are confident of the deal with United going through. The deal was believed to be around £18 million up front, with £12 in bonus payments.

Chelsea make £20 move for N'Golo Kante

The Sun are reporting that Chelsea have made a £20 million bid for Leicester's midfield machine N'Golo Kante. The report says that Chelsea have met Kante a range of times and serious interest was renewed when talks for Roma's Radja Nainggolan had stalled. Conte had wanted Nemanja Matic and Nainggolan to play side by side in midfield, but Roma didn't want their key player to leave, so attention turned to Leicester's hot property in Kante.

Pellegrini shock Southampton contender

Manuel Pellegrini is a contender for the Southampton job, as former manager Ronald Koeman heads to Everton, according to the Mirror. As Koeman agreed to a three year deal worth £21 million at Goodison Park, Southampton are keen to meet Pellegrini as he looks to stay in England. Pellegrini reportedly has lucrative offers from China and would likely go head to head with former Ajax boss Frank de Boer for the Saints job.

Crystal Palace trigger Andros Townsend's £8 million release clause

Alan Pardew and Crystal Palace have triggered Newcastle winger Andros Townsend's release clause, according to the Mirror. The Newcastle winger will be offered a lifeline and return to the Premier League at the London club, after Newcastle were relegated last season. Townsend moved from Tottenham to Newcastle in January, setting the club back £12 million.

Source: Eurosport