What the papers say

Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos is Jose Mourinho’s prime summer target for the position, The Independent reports. The Germany international, 28, was tipped for a move to Manchester United prior to joining the Champions League title holders in 2013. Mourinho is considering his options ahead of Michael Carrick’s retirement and there has been speculation over Paul Pogba’s future role at Old Trafford. However Kroos is not a replacement for the Frenchman, the paper says. Real are reportedly planning some big sales over the summer as they seek to reinvigorate the side. Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Weigl, Kroos’ international teammate, is also said to be on Mourinho’s midfielder shortlist.

A heavy defeat to Huddersfield on Saturday could end Alan Pardew’s tenure at West Bromwich after just 12 weeks, the Daily Telegraph reports. Already bottom of the Premier League and under threat from relegation, the Baggies crashed out of the FA Cup in a 2-1 defeat to Southampton on Saturday. It came at the end of a torrid week for the club, whose chairman and chief executive were sacked, while four senior players apologised after allegations they stole a taxi during the club’s training camp in Barcelona. The Baggies’ top brass are said to be heavily scrutinising Pardew’s position amid concerns he has lost his authority.

The agent of Arsenal target Nabil Fekir has refused to rule out a summer move from Lyon, the Daily Mirror reports. The France forward, 24, recently mentioned the Gunners among a list of potential clubs topped by European big names Barcelona, Real Madrid and city rivals Atletico. He also picked out Manchester United and City, however there has been speculation that he is being closely watched by Arsenal. Fekir is under contract until 2020, meaning a swoop will likely trigger a costly release clause.

Real Madrid will have to fork out £200million to land Eden Hazard in a summer megabuy, the Daily Mail reports. The Chelsea striker was perceived as hinting at a move away from Stamford Bridge in a weekend interview and is said to privately desire relocating to the Bernabeu. With two years left on his Blues contract after the end of the season talks are ongoing over a potential £300,000-a-week extension, the paper says. However the opportunity to become a Galactico, stepping into Cristiano Ronaldo’s place when the 33-year-old retires, may eclipse any offer Chelsea can make the Belgian 27-year-old.

Tottenham are to make a renewed attempt to sign Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha, the Daily Mirror reports. Despite splurging £25million to grab Paris St Germain’s Brazilian winger Lucas Moura in January, Spurs are said to be preparing a third bid for the Ivory Coast international who may cost more than £50m. Tottenham face having to fend off interest from Chelsea, the paper says, while Manchester City are also admirers and have made inquiries. The 25-year-old’s current £100,000-per-week deal runs until 2022 and Palace are said to be determined not to let him go.

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Players to watch

Marco Asensio: Real Madrid’s Spain midfielder, 22, said he has had offers from Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal – as well as Juventus and Bayern Munich, Diario Gol reports.

Marcos Rojo Real Madrid are considering a £30m summer move for the 27-year-old defender, The Sun reports.