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Mike McGrath's transfer notebook: Willian rejects move to MLS

Mike McGrath's transfer notebook: Willian rejects move to MLS - Sunday Times
Mike McGrath's transfer notebook: Willian rejects move to MLS - Sunday Times

Chelsea winger Willian has rejected a lucrative three-year deal with Inter Miami in the MLS and wants to stay in Europe.

The Brazil forward, 31, is out of contract at Stamford Bridge this summer but will wait until the European places for next season are decided before making his decision, with his preference to play in the Champions League and stay in England.

Miami, who are co-owned by David Beckham, were willing to give him a long-term contract, according to sources in America, on a free transfer as one of their “designated players” outside of their salary budget.

They wanted Willian to be the one of the faces of the franchise after launching in USA’s top division this year. They have set ambitious transfer targets and Willian would have commanded one of the best packages in the MLS, worth more than £100,000 a week until 2023.

Willian has been a key player for Chelsea in Project Restart, scoring four goals in six Premier League games, but is yet to agree a new deal and will consider his options, which could include staying for an eighth year at the club.

He has spoken about eventually playing in America, admitting “it is a goal that I have” but will look to remain in Europe in the immediate future.

Spence emerges as Premier League prospect

Middlesbrough full-back Djed Spence has caught the eye of Premier League clubs after breaking into the first team at the Riverside since Christmas.

Neil Warnock has compared the 19-year-old to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Aaron Wan-Bissaka such is the teenager’s impact since the Boro manager’s arrival last month.

Spence went under the radar after leaving Fulham’s Academy two years ago but is now in contention for an England Under-21 place having not yet played international youth football.

He is likely to feature in a summer where clubs look at right-backs. West Ham have lost Jeremy Ngakia after he ran down his contract, Tottenham are in the market for that position and Southampton must decide on Kyle Walker-Peters’ future after taking him on loan.

Scotland want Mandron

Gillingham striker Mikael Mandron is a surprise target for the Scotland national team.

The 25-year-old is wanted by Aberdeen as they could lose Sam Cosgrove, who is subject to interest from EFL clubs and a £2.5million bid from French side Guingamp.

Mandron qualifies for Scotland on his father’s side of the family and is on the radar of manager Steve Clarke and SFA performance director Malky Mackay. He scored five goals in his final 14 appearances in League One last season.

Oldham to move for Borthwick-Jackson

Oldham Athletic want to sign Cameron Borthwick-Jackson following his Manchester United release.

Borthwick-Jackson, 23, spent six weeks at Boundary Park this season during his loan spell and the League Two club will offer him a contract to play for them in 2020/21.

The defender spent 17 years at Old Trafford after joining them as a child but was among nine players released by the club this summer.

Dunn deal for Jones

David Dunn was appointed manager at Barrow last week and wants to make Mike Jones one of his first signings.

Jones, 32, is a free agent after his contract at League Two Carlisle expired last month, with Dunn looking to tap into his experience after more than a decade playing in the third and fourth tiers.