Real are on the Mendi too

Real Madrid could stun Arsenal by landing Martin Zubimendi.

The Spain midfielder’s switch from Real Sociedad to the Emirates had appeared certain.

But Madrid are reportedly preparing a “final offensive” to recruit the 26-year-old.

The Gunners are losing Jorginho, while fellow anchorman Thomas Partey has yet to agree a new Emirates contract.

And Arsenal chief Mikel Arteta is keen to find a long-term partner for Declan Rice in the centre.

But reports in Spain say Madrid are very much still in the race for Zubimendi.

Exciting Flor plan

Florian Wirtz reckons he’ll officially be a Liverpool player by midweek.

Bayern Leverkusen’s attacking midfielder could cost around £1`25million all in.

The German star is expected to have a medical within days.

Sky in Germany’s Florian Plettenberg “expects a total agreement” between the club within three days.

He added: “The total package is now almost €150m with a big package of possible add-ons included.”

Dav another year

Tottenham have confirmed that longest-server Ben Davies is staying for an extra year, writes TOM BARCLAY.

The Welshman, who joined from Swansea in 2014, was due to be out of contract this summer. 

SunSport revealed earlier this year that Spurs intended to take up the 12-month option on the defender’s deal.

And they have now triggered that clause, taking the 32-year-old’s terms to June 2026.

Davies has been a dependable, versatile player for Spurs in his 11 years in North London.

He is now up to 358 appearances – taking him level with Darren Anderton – and is one of only 29 players to have featured in 350 or more games for the club. 

Davies has largely been a back-up centre-back in recent years.

But he still made 17 Premier League appearances this season and 28 in total as he won his first piece of silverware for the club by helping win the Europa League last month.

‘Cunha & Mbeumo ideal for Red Devils’

An Old Trafford legend claims Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo are perfect for Manchester United’s shake-up.

Brazil attacker Cunha has arrived from Wolves, while United are reportedly battling Tottenham for Brentford striker Mbeumo.

Former England and Red Devils defender Gary Pallister believes the duo’s top-flight pedigree is ideal – after Prem newcomers like Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have struggled.

Palister told compare.bet: “Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha are both fantastic players.

“Manchester United haven’t had that threat up front with both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee having their struggles.

“Mbeumo and Cunha have already done it in the Premier League and they know exactly what it’s all about.

“The size of the club might need acclimatising to, but they’re ready made for the Premier League.

They’re well aware of everything that’s going to be expected of them… and it’s probably just what United need right now to give them a threat.”

Red Devils flying – with Arsenal fourth

EXCLUSIVE: Manchester United may have had one of their worst seasons — but they topped the league for shirt sales at airports, writes RICHARD MORIARTY.

More fans bought Red Devils jerseys than those from the likes of Man City and Liverpool during the Prem season, figures show.

Liverpool may have clinched the title but among shoppers at JD Sports outlets at London Stansted and East Midlands, as well as, unsurprisingly, Manchester, their tops were popular enough only for fourth place.

United’s local rivals Man City ranked second, with England shirts third.

Retro also appears to be making a revival, with 1990s England shirts in the top 20.

While the Red Devils tops of Bruno Fernandes and Co took top spot overall, there were regional variations.

Arsenal kit was the best-seller at Stansted and the Gunners appeared in the top five across all three airports, owned by Manchester Airport Group.

Prem strugglers Tottenham were only eighth at Stansted, their nearest airport.

They were the fourth-placed London team, also behind Chelsea and West Ham, and were even beaten by Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan across all airports.

Mbeumo battle hots up

Brentford would hold out for £70million for Bryan Mbeumo – as Tottenham and Manchester United continue to circle for the striker.

Spurs’ reported pursuit of Bees’ manager Thomas Frank has wobbled United’s position as favourites to land the Cameroonian.

Brentford still hope to keep hold of the 25-year-old.

And it’s thought United have already made two offers, including £50m plus £10m add-ons.

But the Bees ideally want at least another £10m on top of that.