Man City step up Bukayo Saka interest, Liverpool eye Darwin Nunez as Bayern make second Sadio Mane bid – Paper Round

City want Saka Manchester City have stepped up their interest in Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka, the Mail reports. The 20-year-old’s current contract expires in 2024, and while City are unlikely to make an offer this summer, they are eager to make the England international aware of their interest at a time where Arsenal are hoping the player will sign an extension. Liverpool have also earmarked Saka as a future target, and so City are looking to steal a march on their rivals.

Ad/> Paper Round’s view: The report is interesting as it does not exactly state what ‘stepping up interest’ entails, but it would appear making it known publicly is City’s way of preventing him signing a new deal at Arsenal. This could therefore be a huge moment for Saka, Arsenal and Mikel Arteta – signing an extension now would be a big statement and a backing for the Arteta project, but if the summer passes by without a new deal, then talk of Saka moving on will only ramp up as it would signal he is prepared to let his contract run down. Let’s wait and see.

TransfersLiverpool reject Bayern's opening bid for Mane — reportA DAY AGO ** Liverpool looking at Nunez, Bayern bid £30m for Mane Benfica striker Darwin Nunez is on Liverpool’s summer shortlist as they plan for life without Sadio Mane, the Liverpool Echo reports. Nunez is also a target for Manchester United, with the Uruguay international scoring 34 goals in 41 appearances last season, including the 3-3 draw against Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-finals in April. The 22-year-old’s asking price is reportedly £68m, while Liverpool rejected Bayern’s £25m offer for Mane on Sunday.