Coman linked, Declan Rice ‘wants Man Utd transfer before Euro 2020’, ‘Oblak-De Gea swap’, Sancho ‘available for £80m’

CROWN JUL

Sevilla’s French prospect Jules Kounde admits he might have to ‘change clubs’ to realise his potential in a major boost for Prem clubs.

The 22-year-old defender has been trailed by Arsenal, as well as Manchester United and Chelsea.

He helped Sevilla win the Europa League after moving from Bordeaux in 2019 and his LaLiga form hasn’t gone unnoticed among the Premier League giants.

Kounde received his first France call-up for this summer’s Euros, and he was grilled by reporters at the team’s Clairefontaine training camp about his future.

He said: “Regarding my future, it’s certain that I will perhaps have to change clubs this summer.

“But nothing has been finalised yet. I have not decided anything.

“My goal is to play for a big club, to try to always progress and to win trophies.”

PLAY IT AGAIN SAM

Manchester United want to bring keeper Sam Johnstone back from West Brom in a shock swoop.

Johnstone’s reputation has grown after a stunning campaign with the Baggies, earning him a first senior England call-up.

United have put him at the head of their wishlist if David De Gea, 30, or Dean Henderson go this summer.

Sunsport revealed the Red Devils would not carry on with both De Gea and Henderson, 24, sharing games in the future.

West Brom might cash in as Johnstone is also one of their top earners.

THE WHITE STUFF

Manchester United have been handed a transfer boost in their hopes of signing Brighton’s Ben White this summer.

According to the Manchester Evening News Ben White could cost in excess of £35million.

However, Brighton could be open to a sale if recent comments by the South Coast club’s chairman, businessman Tony Bloom are anything to go by.

He told BBC Radio Sussex: “This season and the previous season have been really tough financially.

“We have lost over £50m purely because of Covid over the two seasons. That money is never coming back.

“We know some of our best players are not going to be with us forever.

“If the right offer comes along — and it has to be the right offer — and they want to go, then they will leave.”

KINGSLEY COM-ING?

Manchester United are in the hunt to sign Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman, according to journalist Christian Falk.

The news was delivered on The United Stand youtube channel, with Falk suggesting the Red Devils have held a long-term interest in the Frenchman.

He said: “They are interested in him, and they were last summer already.

“I think sometimes they do it to make a little bit of pressure on the [Jadon] Sancho deal but there is a true interest in him.”

Barcelona are also said to be keen on Coman, and a fee of £61.5million has been mooted as a potential price for the 24-year-old, via Sport.

LOOKING AT VAR

Manchester United continue to be linked with a transfer swoop for Raphael Varane and will reportedly double his wages should he join.

And Real Madrid are ready to sell the France international if he opts to snub a new contract offer at the Bernabeu.

Spanish outlet ABC claim Real Madrid are ready to make decisions on Sergio Ramos and Varane after confirming the signing of David Alaba.

The Frenchman currently earns about £5million a season at Los Blancos but United are ready to double that in order to entice him to Old Trafford.

It could take £60m for Madrid to sell Varane, who has just one year remaining on his contract.

GREAL DEAL?

Jack Grealish has fuelled speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United this summer transfer window with his activity on social media.

Speculation over his future has continued to mount this season, with United’s city neighbours and Premier League champions Manchester City both heavily linked with a big-money swoop.

Grealish, though, has seemingly hinted that United can’t be discounted from the transfer race yet – having ‘liked’ a social media post this morning begging him to opt for Old Trafford.

The post in question read: “Please join United.”

However, after initially ‘liking’ that post, the Villa captain and England playmaker issued a u-turn by clicking ‘unlike’ – but not before it had been spotted by eagle-eyed social media users.

RIVAL TALK

Manchester City defender Eric Garcia is on his way to Barcelona and he aimed a dig Manchester United after being compared to Gerard Pique.

Pique played at Old Trafford between 2004-2008 but failed to establish himself as a regular starter – Garcia has suffered the same at The Etihad.

In an interview with L’Esportiu Garcia was asked about his likeness to the 24-year-old.

He said: “I don’t care because I think we’re different footballers, right? The truth is, I play down the subject.

“Gerard has achieved everything, he is one of the best central defenders in the world, he is more than recognised and I am 20 years old and I am starting my career, practically.

“So the only possible comparison is this: that we are both from the [Barcelona] academy and we lived in Manchester, but he played for the not so good team.”

RED HEAT

Tom Heaton has agreed a two-year deal with Manchester United.

The 35-year-old goalkeeper left Aston Villa on a free transfer last Friday.

Heaton has jetted off on a ten-day family holiday but is set to sign terms at Old Trafford on his return.

United have offered three-cap England stopper Heaton a two-year deal plus the option of an extra 12 months.

The Red Devils have been on the hunt for another keeper, with the future of back-ups Lee Grant and Sergio Romero uncertain.

Heaton came through the ranks at United and was part of the squad between 2002 to 2010 but failed to make a first-team appearance.

DIO-GO?

Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has admitted he doesn’t know where his future lies after a loan spell at AC Milan.

The 22-year-old has enjoyed his time in Italy but Milan are yet to decide whether they want to pursue a permanent deal.

Dalot told Gazzetta Dello Sport: “Italians love football; they always talk about it. And on the pitch, I feel I have improved a lot tactically.

“I’d say I’ve had a fantastic year and met some great people.

“It was a real pleasure to play for Milan, but now I’m thinking about the European Championship, and I really don’t know what will happen.”

“LUCKY” OLE

Martin Keown thinks Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is fortunate to still be in charge of Manchester United.

Solskjaer was denied his first trophy as Red Devils boss when they were beaten on penalties by Villarreal in the Europa League final on Wednesday.

Keown suggested Solskjaer doesn’t deserve to be given a new deal and it highlights where United are at as a club now.

Appearing on talkSPORT, Keown said: “We’re used to seeing Manchester United win things. It’s almost a rebirth of Manchester United but how long have we got to wait?

“Yes, the consistency and finishing second in the Premier League is probably what’s going to get him a new deal but when it comes to it you’ve got to have that way to win.

“I do feel, when you look at it, he’s lucky to still be there really. He knows the standards that are being set and he can’t keep suffering disappointments, semi-final after semi-final, getting to finals.

“I do think he’s fortunate but this is the current day Manchester United.”

HAVE MERS-Y

Paul Merson believes Manchester United are going to need more than just three signings to challenge Manchester City for silverware next season.

Merson told Sky Sports: “Personally, I don’t think two to three players in this summer is enough for United.

“It’s going to take much more than that to get them winning silverware because I just don’t think they are as close as people say. I think they flatter to deceive.

“Bringing in Harry Kane would make a difference, of course it would. There’s no doubt about it but let’s be honest, Edinson Cavani doesn’t let anybody down.

“It’s not like we are sitting here and thinking Cavani’s not good enough. I just don’t think Cavani would be able to do it over 38 games at his age”

GREAL COMPETITION

Manchester United are facing competition from rivals Manchester City over Aston Villa star Jack Grealish’s signature.

According to the Daily Mail, City are prepared to make Grealish English football’s first £100m player.

In fact, the Citizens have made the England international their priority signing in midfield.

If such a move for the 25-year-old goes through, the Premier League champions would break the current British transfer record of £80m for Harry Maguire.

City manager Pep Guardiola is also said to be a big admirer of Grealish

VARANE REACTS

Real Madrid star Raphael Varane remains coy about his future and focuses on the upcoming Euros with France amid interest from Manchester United.

Varane said: “This is not the time to talk about my future, I am focused on the selection, on this Euro, it is normal and logical to ask the question and for my part it is normal and logical to focus on the upcoming deadlines.

“We are all human beings. We can think about it. As for my personal case, I am focused on the objectives that we have in the France team, it is not a subject that I will discuss every day in my room at Clairefontaine.

“I am focused on my goal, and now is not the time to discuss it. If I have to talk about it, it will be directly with the people concerned.”

PRESIDENT’S MAN

A little reminder that Manchester United ace Marcus Rashford had a “surreal” Zoom chat with President Barack Obama about the importance of giving back to your local community and the positive impact of reading.

Rashford initiated a spectacular campaign last year to tackle child food poverty in the UK during the coronavirus pandemic.

The England international’s incredible efforts led to 1.7 million vulnerable kids being supported by a £520 million government scheme and other projects have helped deliver 130 million meals.

That led to immense praise by Obama, who said: “A lot of the young people I meet — including Marcus — they’re ahead of where I was when I was 23. They’re already making changes and being positive forces in their communities.”

Rashford added: “It’s quite surreal isn’t it? I’m sitting in my kitchen in Manchester, speaking to President Obama. But, immediately, he made me feel at ease.

“It wasn’t long before I realised just how aligned our experiences as children were in shaping the men you see today – adversity, obstacles and all. I genuinely enjoyed every minute of it. When President Obama speaks, all you want to do is listen”

TO BE THE MAN

Six Manchester United stars made it to the Europa League Squad of the Season.

United made it to the competition’s final where they lost to Villarreal after a thrilling penalty shootout.

Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Scott McTominay, Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes and Edinson Cavani made the list.

They are joined by Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe

FINAL EURO SQUAD

England head coach Gareth Southgate is expected to name his final squad on Tuesday 1 June.

Southgate named his provisional 33-man shortlist on Tuesday ahead of Euro 2020 but seven players will soon be excluded.

So far six Manchester United players have made the cut, that is Dean Henderson, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood.

The England boss said: “There are 12 players still to play so we’re always going to need additional players and added to that we have some injuries at different stages, that we have very little info about.

“We felt more time will help us make better decisions. Our preference was to name the 26, but we have not got an ideal hand of cards – a lot of unknowns.

“Info and evidence are very important and we will have a lot more in the next seven days”

ED-ING IN

Manchester United re-shared Edinson Cavani’s screamer against Fulham last week.

Cavani welcomed back the returning fans at Old Trafford in style with a long-range curve, which gave Cottagers goalkeeper Alphonse Areola no chance.

The Red Devils claimed the centre-forward’s fine finish deserves the Goal of the Month award.

United failed to beat Fulham that night as Joe Bryan equalised for the relegated side

RONALDO RETURN

Cristiano Ronaldo could return to Manchester United in a sensational swap deal that would see Paul Pogba going back to Juventus.

That is according to Gazzetta dello Sport, who claim that Juve are interested in reuniting with Pogba so much so that they would be willing to use wantaway star Ronaldo in order to sweeten the deal.

However, such a deal would mean the United and Real Madrid legend would have to accept a pay cut.

United, though, could also ask for a financial sum in order to let Pogba go

HAALAND DEMAND

Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland has practically revealed what he needs in his career.

Haaland recently won the German Cup with Dortmund, who beat RB Leipzig 4-1 thanks to a brace from the star striker.

The Norway international has stated that he wants to win more trophies, something that should work as a takeaway for all his suitors; including Manchester United.

Haaland said: “I am a simple guy. When I like something I just want to have more.

“Like I have said before, when I score a goal, I always chase the next goal. I just won my first major trophy and it was a great feeling, so I want to win trophies”

GOALS, GOALS, GOALS

Manchester United have celebrated their top scorers of the season.

Bruno Fernandes topped the charts with 28 goals across all competitions.

Marcus Rashford follows with seven less following an impressive campaign for the England international.

Edinson Cavani proves why United offered him a new deal as he completes the top three

OLE IN

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly set to sign a new three-year deal worth £27million despite the recent Europa League heartbreak.

United lost an astonishing penalty shoot-out 11-10 to Villarreal, which means Solskjaer is still after his first piece of silverware as the Red Devils’ manager.

According to the Daily Telegraph, however, the disappointing end to the campaign has not dissuaded the club’s hierarchy from offering the Norwegian coach a new contract.

The United legend will also be backed in the summer transfer window amid reports he is keeping tabs on players like Pau Torres, Jadon Sancho, Harry Kane, Raphael Varane and Declan Rice.

It is said that he will be given the funds to sign up to four players before the start of the new season

RICE WISH

West Ham star Declan Rice is keen to join Manchester United ahead of the summer transfer window.

According to Manchester Evening News, Rice would be interested to move to United after recent discussions with England team-mates who play under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ahead of Euro 2020.

The Red Devils have reportedly grown concerned over the midfielder’s £100million asking price.

Hammers boss David Moyes recently said: “I don’t agree with the owners that Declan Rice is a £100m footballer.

“Far, far more than £100m”

MAGUIRE UPDATE

Harry Maguire seems confident of featuring in England’s Euro 2020 kick-off match against Croatia on June 13.

Maguire suffered an ankle injury against Aston Villa and has since been in a race against time to be fit for the European championships.

According to the Daily Mail, however, the centre-back’s progress is improving and there is confidence that he will be fit in two weeks.

The Red Devils are reportedly set to meet the 28-year-old again on Monday for a fresh check-up, with the results once again beamed to Gareth Southgate’s physios.

RICE BLOW

Manchester United have been dealt with a significant blow in their bid to sign West Ham star Declan Rice.

According to the Daily Mail, United have become increasingly concerned over Rice’s asking price, which is said to be in the region of 100million.

Hammer boss David Moyes previously said: “I don’t agree with the owners that Declan Rice is a £100m footballer.

“Far, far more than £100m”

TO-TALLY FINE

Villarreal president Fernando Roig has given the green light for Manchester United to sign Pau Torres in the summer transfer window.

United have been keeping tabs on Torres in the last few months and were impressed by his display in the Europa League Final.

The Yellow Submarine’s bigwig has confirmed that a deal could be struck as long as the Red Devils meet the centre-back’s asking price, which is reportedly in the region of £55million.

Roig told El Transistor: “If they arrive with the money and the player wants to move but there must be an agreement between all three parties”