DEADLINE DAY is here and Manchester United have COMPLETED the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese icon, 36, has been confirmed as a United player once again after Juventus outlined the deal between the two clubs.
Ronaldo is also set to take back his famous number 7 shirt from Edinson Cavani and could even take penalty duties off the ever-reliable Bruno Fernandes.
And Daniel James has signed his contract with Leeds as he completes a £30m transfer across the Pennines.
Meanwhile Jorge Mendes is reportedly trying to set up a last minute move for Anthony Martial to PSG.
And Dortmund have issued a final hands off warning on Erling Haaland, with the chase for the striker’s signature likely to rumble on.
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
Get all the latest Man Utd news, updates and transfer gossip here…
UNITED CASH IN ON JAMES
It’s not often a player leaves Old Trafford for Elland Road with the best wishes of those at Manchester United, but many Red Devils will realise that the £25m brought it from Daniel James’ move to Leeds will go a long way to funding Cristiano Ronaldo’s return.
And, remarkably, the transfer fee is the fourth-highest ever recouped by the Premier League giants.
Only Cristiano Ronaldo’s original departure for Real Madrid, Romelu Lukaku’s move to Inter Milan, and Angel Di Maria’s PSG transfer have brought it more cash than today’s sale of James.
According to the Manchester Evening News’ Samuel Luckhurst, only seven players have ever left United for a fee in excess of £20m with David Beckham, Morgan Schneiderlin and Memphis Depay the others.
LEEDS FINALLY LAND DAN
Dan-tastic! Two-and-a-half years after Dan James was first pictured holding a Leeds United shirt, the Welshman has finally signed on at Elland Road.
The forward joins Marcelo Bielsa’s squad from Manchester United for a fee of £25m, having put pen to paper on a five-year contract.
James was first set to join the Whites on deadline day in January 2019, having completed a medical and photoshoot with the Yorkshire club.
However, his then-club, Swansea City, pulled the plug on the £10m deal at the eleventh hour after a disagreement over its structuring.
Six months later, the Welsh international moved to Old Trafford for £15m, and went on to score six goals in 50 Premier League appearances.
DONE DEAL!
DAN JAMES JOINS LEEDS UNITED!
LINGARD IN LIMBO
After his incredibly impressive spell at West Ham in the second half of last season, many at Old Trafford were expecting to be inundated this summer with offers for Jesse Lingard.
However, with just five hours remaining before the transfer window closes, the 28-year-old remains a Manchester United player and now looks certain to stay in the north-west until January at least.
The Hammers had been linked with bringing Lingard back to the London Stadium, but their purchase of Croatian attacking midfielder Nikola Vlasic earlier today appears to have quashed those hopes.
Lingard has made just one Premier League appearance for United in the past year, as an 86th minute substitute at Southampton nine days ago, and doesn’t appear to be a part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s long-term plans.
Jesse Lingard makes a rare appearance for Manchester United.Credit: GETTY IMAGES DREAM ASSET
Manchester United fans have been wildly celebrating the return of Cristiano Ronaldo, but can the same be said of supporters of the 19 other Premier League clubs?
One way for them to ensure that they’re secretly applauding each of his goals is to swoop for the man themselves – by including the forward in their Dream Team.
The Portuguese legend has been added to the game this afternoon, and immediately becomes the most expensive player available at £7.5m.
The fee sees him priced higher than Harry Kane (£7.2m), Bruno Fernandes (£6.7m) and Romelu Lukaku (£6.5m).
Meanwhile, for players of the Premier League’s official Fantasy Premier League game, Ronaldo has been listed as a £12.5m forward.
UNITED EXPECT EDINSON TO REMAIN A RED
Speculation has raged regarding Edinson Cavani’s immediate future ever since Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United was announced.
The 34-year-old Uruguayan signed on for another year at Old Trafford following the success of last season’s short-term deal, but is likely to see his opportunities limited even further by Ronaldo’s arrival. The striker was left out of the United squad that recently travelled to Southampton.
A number of European clubs have been linked with a move for Cavani including a now Lionel Messi-less Barcelona.
However, United expect Cavani to remain with the club beyond this evening’s deadline.
REDKNAPP THRILLED BY RONALDO RETURN
The name Redknapp has been synonymous with transfer deadline days in years gone past, but today it’s Jamie in the Sky Sports News studio rather than Harry hanging out of a car window.
And the former Liverpool and Spurs ace has just been on air to express his joy at the return of Cristiano Ronaldo to Old Trafford and the Premier League, but has warned that the Portuguese legend’s arrival will bring even greater expectations.
“It’s nostalgic, it’s amazing, it’s so exciting. Clinton [Morrison] and I were just talking off-air, and our kids can’t believe that they’re going to see Ronaldo in the Premier League as they never saw it before.
“The beauty of it is it will be so good to see him back. The other side of it is he’s 36, and, as a pundit, you’re wondering where Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] is going to fit him in.
“They’ve now got five great players that could play in that front line. Solskjaer now has such a big job to keep everybody happy and that brings tremendous pressure. Not having won anything at Manchester United, he now has to win something.”
MERRY-GO-ROUND
Super-agent Jorge Mendes attempted to seal Anthony Martial a move to PSG, according to MadridistaReal.
The Athletic reported Martial was touted as a possible replacement for Kylian Mbappe should he leave the French giants for Real Madrid.
But with the transfer window nearing an end any potential transfer for Mbappe seems unlikely.
Real Madrid had reportedly handed PSG an ultimatum to accept their initial £145.6million offer, which included £8.6m in add-ons.
But nothing materialised and Real Madrid are now preparing to try and tie up a pre-contract agreement for the 22-year-old on January.
Should that transfer go ahead PSG could their attention to Martial who has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford in recent weeks.
DAN UPDATE
Daniel James’ move to Leeds United is DONE, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
Romano reports the signing has been ‘confirmed.’
All that’s left now is for the official announcement from the two clubs.
BEST OF THE BEST
Football legend Pele has told Cristiano Ronaldo to ‘always be happy’ after Manchester United confirmed the signing of the 36-year-old forward this morning.
In a reply to CR7’s Instagram post announcing his return, Pele said “There is no better feeling than conquering the world and returning home.
“Always be happy, Cristiano.”
FEELING PEN-SIVE
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a huge dilemma to sort out: who will take Manchester United’s penalties this season.
Bruno Fernandes has been the main man from 12 yards since arriving at Old Trafford.
If Solskjaer wants the best chance of scoring from the spot this term, he will choose Fernandes.
In stats since 2017, Fernandes has taken 26 and scored 25 of them at a success rate of 96.15 per cent with his hop-skip-jump technique.
That includes 21 from 22 in normal time for United – 49 per cent of his 43 goals for the club – and scoring a staggering 13 last term.
And Fernandes’ record far exceeds that of his compatriot Ronaldo.
The 36-year-old returning legend is far-from-flawless when it comes to penalties, managing to put away 26 of his 31 over the same time period, or just 83.87 per cent.
DAVID ON DAN
Former England goalkeeper David James thinks Dan James’ transfer from United to rivals Leeds is a ‘fantastic move’ for the winger and for Leeds.
“He told Sky Sports: I think it is a fantastic move.
“The way Dan James plays – rapid, attack-minded, he will suit the Leeds style. He will fit in perfectly there.
“With Ronaldo there, he is surplus to requirements. But he is only 23 and has time on his side – it is something Bielsa will take advantage of.”
NINE HOUR WARNING
That 11pm deadline is rapidly approaching.
Nine hours is still plenty of time to get any potential deals done, but is Ole Gunnar Solskajer happy with the squad he has already?
The Red Devils have already officially announced the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo today, and that is a hard one to beat as the transfer window reaches its climax.
NO RUSH
Manchester United are in no hurry to get a deal for Ruben Neves over the line.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the Red Devils are happy to wait until next summer to make their move for the 24-year-old midfielder.
That’s despite Ole Gunnar Solskajer’s side being in desperate need of a central midfielder.
But with three years left on Neves’ contract currently a move for the Portuguese international next summer would not cost the Red Devils as much.
Getty Images NO GO
SunSport’s Duncan Wright reports Jesse Lingard is almost certain to remain at Manchester United until at least January after West Ham secured the £25.7million capture of Nikola Vlasic.
The Hammers pushed through the five-year deal for the 23-year-old Croatian as the player David Moyes wanted to strengthen his attacking options at the London Stadium.
It is understood there had been a late conversation with Moyes and Lingard over the England star returning to East London following the success of his loan spell with the club last season.
But Lingard, 28, is still wanted at United by boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer now that Daniel James is on his way to Leeds in a deadline day deal.
And West Ham decided not to wait around for a late change of mind in case they got caught out, so completed the deal for Vlasic which could rise to £33m if add-ons are met.
Having already splashed out £29.8m on Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma, there is no money left for Moyes to make another permanent signing during the current window.
But there may be some finances available for a loan move, and Moyes is considering options for a left-sided player to provide much-needed strength in depth.
DAN THE MAN
SunSport’s Phil Cadden reports Dan James will fly to Finland on his own and join the Wales squad once he seals his £30million move to Leeds.
The Manchester United winger is on the verge of a big-money switch to Elland Road.
James, 23, is currently undergoing his medical in Yorkshire and will join Rob Page’s side in Finland later today rather than return to Cardiff.
James played for United in Sunday’s 1-0 win at Wolves but, after arriving for Wales duty, he then travelled north to sort out his transfer.
Wales boss Page confirmed ahead of tomorrow’s friendly in Helsinki: “He was on camp. I have to be flexible with the players. I can’t say he can’t leave.
“We’re still waiting to find out what’s happening with that situation. He’ll be rejoining the camp.
“He won’t be with us [from Cardiff].
“There’s not enough time to get him back into the camp from where he is. So we’ll make other arrangements. The most important thing is he is with us in Finland tonight.”
HIGH PRAISE
Former Manchester United man Mikael Silvestere is full of praise for new centre-back Raphael Varane.
He told tribalfootball.com, on the behalf of NetBet: “[Varane’s] coming to the club at a time where he is on top of his game.
“He is the finished article as a centre back and he has so much to give to the team and that partnership in the backline.
“He brings leadership and experience and alongside Harry [Maguire], I think it will be very important.
“They both need to stay fit, and they need to gel together as quick as possible to give the team that platform to be more attacking.
“The midfield and forward line need to have that confidence that it will be difficult to beat Manchester United this season.”
TEN HOURS TO GO
There’s just TEN hours left to go now until the summer transfer window slams shut.
And what can Manchester United fans expect for the rest of the day?
Well Dan James’ permanent transfer to Leeds United is expected to be announced shortly ahead of the 23-year-olds initial £24million move.
In terms of incomings the Red Devils have already officially announced Cristiano Ronaldo as a Manchester United player this morning.
Further incomings look unlikely though, with Ruben Neves the only player linked with a move to Old Trafford today.
But Spurs are said to be leading the race for the midfielders signature, meaning United fans may have to be content with what they’ve got this summer.
Anything can happen on deadline day though…
RON’S RECORD
Cristiano Ronaldo’s insane stats put Manchester United’s recent top scorers to shame.
Ronaldo, 36, completed his stunning return to United on Tuesday.
It comes 12 years after leaving the club to sign for Real Madrid in a world-record £80million deal.
He spent nine seasons at the Bernabeu followed by three with Juventus.
In that time Ronaldo racked up a staggering 551 club goals – 450 for Real and 101 for Juve.
And they are way beyond those registered back at the Red Devils in that time.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Eduardo Camavinga will be officially announced as a Real Madrid player today, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The 18-year-old chose a move to Madrid over offers from Manchester United and PSG.
And according to Romano Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti sees the young midfielder in his immediate plans.
Reports had suggested the Frenchman could head back to Rennes on loan, but he is expected to be feature from the off at the Bernabeu.
VIVA RONALDO
Here’s a look at CR7’s numbers from his first spell at the club United fans.
Can he lead Manchester United to more glory this season?
CAVANI CONTRADICTIONS
Some reports today suggest Edinson Cavani will not be leaving Manchester United this summer, while others are reporting the opposite.
According to the MailOnline Barcelona have enquired regarding a possible deal for the 34-year-old striker.
But with the Uruguayan forward earning £250,000-per-week at Old Trafford a move is highly unlikely to be financially viable for cash-strapped Barcelona.
RAPHA’S READY
Manchester United’s Raphael Varane is excited about the prospect of linking up with former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
The pair won the Champions League FOUR times together and will now attempt to bring that success to Old Trafford.
Varane told manutd.com: “I am very happy.
“He’s [Ronaldo] a legend and all players can learn when you play with him.
“It’s a great help for all players, for all young players, and of course he never stops scoring goals, so he will help the team.”
CAV LATEST
Edinson Cavani will NOT be leaving Manchester United before tonight’s 11pm deadline.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports that ‘unless something crazy happens’ the 34-year-old striker will stay at Old Trafford.
The Uruguayan is still part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans despite the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo.
NUNO REUNION
Manchester United have been dealt a transfer blow with Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo eyeing a move for his former player Ruben Neves.
According to journalist Pedro Almeida the Portuguese midfielder is ‘negotiating a long-term contract with Tottenham.’
A deal worth £34million is being reported and could be completed before tonight’s 11pm deadline.
The Red Devils had previously been linked with a move for Neves, but now Spurs have emerged as the leading candidates for the 24-year-old.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
