Man United Trigger Tielemans Release Clause as Arsenal Face Guimaraes Hurdle

Manchester United are closing in on Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans after activating his €41 million (£35m) release clause. The Belgian international is expected to be announced as a Red Devils player within the next week, with insider confirming a full agreement is in place. Villa had no desire to sell the 29-year-old, who has two years left on his deal, but the release clause left them powerless. Meanwhile, the Bruno Guimaraes saga took another twist. Arsenal have been chasing the Newcastle United midfielder, but The media reports that intermediaries misled the Gunners by suggesting a fee as low as £50m (€59m) was possible. Former Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley has categorically denied any such conversation, and her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi called the claim “utter nonsense.” Newcastle insist they will not listen to offers below €100m. Chelsea are preparing a fresh €25m bid for Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria. The 28-year-old has a firm agreement with the Blues and is eager to reunite with compatriot Xabi Alonso at Stamford Bridge. Negotiations continue between the clubs, with Rayo yet to accept. Barcelona are open to selling Ferran Torres to Paris Saint-Germain this summer to avoid triggering an €8m bonus payment to Manchester City. The clause, inserted in the original deal, would be owed if Torres signs a new contract at Camp Nou. Sources at Barca and close to the player insist no final decision has been made, but PSG are the frontrunners. Aston Villa have hijacked Newcastle’s move for Freiburg attacking midfielder Johan Manzambi. The Magpies had a deal in place after selling Sandro Tonali to Tottenham, but Villa swooped in. Fabriziano Romano reported a verbal agreement for a fee slightly in excess of €60m, with personal terms also settled. The Switzerland international is set for a move to the Midlands.