MANCHESTER UNITED are hopeful of completing their big-money transfer for Jadon Sancho NEXT WEEK, according to reports.
The Red Devils have been after Sancho since 2019 and could finally be on the verge of landing their man.
Paris-Saint German goalkeeper Keylor Navas is also said to be on United’s transfer radar, while England star Kieran Trippier is ‘close’ to an Old Trafford move.
Stay up to date with every twist from Old Trafford in our live rolling blog…
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MAGIC MAGUIRE
Harry Maguire is ready to make his injury comeback for England against Scotland tomorrow.
The Man United captain beamed: “I feel good. I’m back available, been training and I’m looking forward to it.
“Obviously, the injury was a setback club-football-wise.
“Internationally, I wanted to come into this with a lot of games under my belt with full fitness.
“I’ve done a few sessions now and feel like my fitness is there, so I’m available for the game.”
GREEN SLEEVES
Mason Greenwood has made the list for this year’s Golden Boy award.
The Man United striker finished 12th in 2020 as Erling Haaland scooped the trophy.
Greenwood has now been joined by teammate Amad Diallo on the shortlist.
But there are no other United players involved.
BELE ACHE
Barcelona have reportedly made little progress in transfer talks with Man United target Ousmane Dembele
The Frenchman is under contract at the Nou Camp until 2022.
And Marca claims Dembele could be sold this summer if he fails to sign an extension.
WHERE THERE’S A WILL THERE’S A WAY
Brandon Williams has revealed what drives him to be better every day.
The full-back seems to be edging his way towards reaching his potential and says the competitive edge at Manchester United helps push him on.
ARE LOU KIDDING?
Louis van Gaal is set to make a return to management – five years after being sacked by Manchester United.
The 69-year-old will take charge of Dutch second-tier club SC Telstar next season. However, Van Gaal will boss the club – based in North Holland – for just one game as part of a fundraising drive.
Supporters can buy lottery tickets for the chance to serve as his assistant during the match.
Van Gaal played in midfield for Telstar in the 1977-78 season before joining Sparta Rotterdam. And now he’s set to return as manager for a one-off fixture.
The Dutchman told fans: “If you want to make a mess of a game alongside me, buy a lottery ticket.”
The tickets cost £2.50 each, with the draw to be made on July 17.
Credit: PA:Press Association RAPH-LE TICKET
Manchester United are kicking on with a busy summer in the transfer market amid talk of a bid for Raphael Varane.
Varane, 28, has been a star at Real Madrid for a decade and boasts a trophy cabinet containing four Champions League titles, three LaLiga crowns and a World Cup.
The Red Devils are determined to sign a new partner for Harry Maguire this summer, in the hope of generating a Premier League title challenge.
It had been reported by Manchester Evening News that an offer of £50million was sent to Real – and swiftly rejected.
Los Blancos were said to have asked for £80m despite their player being just a year away from leaving for free. Talks over a new contract have failed to progress and it had previously been suggested that Real would cash in if Varane refused to sign.
A fee of £80m would be difficult to meet for any team in the pandemic crisis, including United who are also discussing a deal for Jadon Sancho.
Credit: Getty REAL EMOTION
Manchester United target Sergio Ramos broke down in tears as he emotionally bid goodbye to Real Madrid after 16-year trophy-laden years with the club.
Madrid confirmed their captain would leave at the end of the season when his contract expired.
Ramos, 35, held a press conference to say his farewells and was reduced to tears with his wife Pilar Rubio and their children present.
He said: “I’ll always keep Real Madrid in my heart. A marvellous stage in my life is over, but a new exciting future awaits and I am looking forward to showing my level and winning some more trophies.
“You’re never prepared to say adios to Real Madrid but the moment has arrived. This is a ‘adieu’ as sooner or later I will return.
“I would like to thank the fans, they carried me in their arms at all times. I would have liked to say goodbye at the Bernabeu. But I will always carry you in my heart.”
DON AND DUSTED
Donny van de Beek is set to stay at Manchester United next season – with the midfielder’s agent branding departure rumours ‘complete bull***t’.
Holland international Van de Beek has struggled to live up to his £40million fee since arriving from Ajax last year.
The 24-year-old has made most of his 19 Premier League appearances as a brief substitute. Arsenal have been linked with a summer move for the 19-cap playmaker.
But Dutch magazine Voetbal International has now revealed Van de Beek has held talks with Old Trafford boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to discuss plans for next season.
VI transfer expert Simon Zwartkruis said he has spoken with the player’s advisor about the transfer speculation. Zwartkruis said: “He told me the rumours are complete bull**t. Donny had a discussion with his manager about next season.
“[Solskjaer told him] he simply needs to get fully fit quickly, in order that right from day one he will be the strong Van de Beek who United signed last year.”
WHAT YOU GUNNER DO?
Roy Keane has described Patrick Vieira as a ‘typical Arsenal bully’ while reminiscing over their Premier League title battles.
One incident saw the pair clash before a 2005 meeting between Arsenal and Manchester United at Highbury after Gary Neville told Keane Vieira had chased him off the pitch after the warm-up.
For Keane, the situation was not of pressing importance until Vieira continued his tirade in the tunnel.
The Irishman said: “To be honest, I was trying to mind my own business. I was focusing on the game and was quite calm, getting in the zone.
“Gary was a little bit upset and worried. I think I said to Gary, ‘Just forget about it, we need to focus on the game’.
“And then of course Patrick wouldn’t let it go – a typical Arsenal bully. Then he started in the tunnel before the game and that’s where I got a little bit irritated.”
ALL RON
Cristiano Ronaldo was subjected to homophobic abuse during Portugal’s win over Hungary, according to reports.
The Juventus superstar, 36, lined up for the reigning European champions in their Group F opener on Tuesday.
But according to Record, sections of the 55,000-strong sell-out crowd inside the Puskas Arena in Budapest allegedly attacked the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
The report states there were chants of ‘Cristiano Ronaldo, homosexual’. Ronaldo was clearly unfazed by the crowd’s claimed attacks.
He responded by scoring twice as Portugal broke the Hungarian resistance with three late goals.
That pair of goals took him on to 11 Euros goals, taking him two clear at the top of the all-time scoring charts in the tournament.
Credit: Getty VAMOS RAMOS
Manchester United are in contention to sign Sergio Ramos.
That’s according to bookmakers Betfair, who’ve installed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side as second favourites to clinch his signature. The 35-year-old is leaving Real Madrid after 16 trophy-laden years with the club.
Ramos arrived at the Bernabeu from Sevilla in 2005 for just over £24million and made 671 appearances, scoring 101 goals. He lifted a remarkable 22 trophies including five La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and the Copa del Rey twice.
But with his contract set to expire in a few weeks – Ramos has taken the decision to leave Real Madrid, who confirmed his departure in a brief statement.
A statement from the club read: “Real Madrid announces that tomorrow, Thursday 17 June, at 12:30 pm, an act of tribute and farewell to our captain Sergio Ramos will be held, which will be attended by our president Florentino Perez.
“Sergio Ramos will then appear before the media in a virtual press conference.”
HAPPY DAYS HARRY
Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has declared himself fit for England’s clash with Scotland on Friday.
The former Leicester centre-back has been out with an ankle ligament injury but is ready to be called upon by Gareth Southgate.
He said: “I feel good. I’m back available, been training and I’m looking forward to it.
“Obviously, the injury was a setback club-football-wise.
“Internationally, I wanted to come into this with a lot of games under my belt with full fitness.
“I’ve done a few sessions now and feel like my fitness is there, so I’m available for the game.”
FIX UP LOOK SHARP
Here’s how Man Utd’s 2020-21 Premier League season will look…
GOT THE RON PERSON
Not even Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo could get past Euros security guard without showing his ID.
Ronaldo cut a surprised look as an official gestured to have the Juventus forward show his pass.
A quick glance saw the 36-year-old carry on down the tunnel before Portugal played Hungary in their opening game.
The reigning champions left it late as they kicked off their campaign with a 3-0 win.
Raphael Guerreiro opened the scoring on 84 minutes before Ronaldo’s double put the result beyond doubt.
DEM DILEMMA
Man Utd have received a transfer boost with reports stating Ousmane Dembele and Barcelona have made ‘no progress’ over a new contract.
The Frenchman, 24, is currently under contract at the Nou Camp until next summer.
Barcelona are desperate not to let the player they bought for an initial £97million in 2017 walk away for free when his deal expires.
But according to Marca, negotiations regarding an extension got underway on Tuesday and have not started well.
Both sides will be hopeful of reaching an agreement – but if not, Barcelona will look to cash in this summer, especially considering their dire financial situation.
As many as ten Barca stars including Philippe Coutinho and Antoine Griezmann are on the chopping block as the club look to help balance the books. And that could open the door for United to swoop.
Credit: AFP
MELON ME ‘EAD SON
England’s ootie stars have been twisting their melons to sink Scotland tomorrow — by working out with fruit-patterned underwater balls.
Players love kickabouts with “watermelon balls” at their training base. The soft, coloured globes can be kicked or thrown up to 10ft under water.
The team — managed by Gareth Southgate — had a splashing time at St George’s Park yesterday as the final countdown began to the Battle of Britain Euro 2020 showdown at Wembley.
Coaching staff at the camp in Burton-on-Trent, Staffs, introduced the bizarre balls in place of the unicorn pool inflatables which players loved at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
They allow the stars to enjoy fun games with minimal impact on tired joints and muscles. Tyrone Mings, 28, Phil Foden, 21, Kyle Walker, 31, and Jordan Pickford, 27, were snapped with their new toys.
Credit: Getty FIX UP, LOOK SHARP
Manchester United will open their next Premier League campaign at home to Leeds before trips to Southampton and Wolves.
And they wrap up the season with games against Brighton (a), Chelsea (h) and Crystal Palace (a).
NOU PAY DEAL
Holland star Memphis Depay wants to become part of the Koeman League.
The former Manchester United player is out of contract from French side Lyon.
And there are rumours he will soon move to Barcelona for a reunion with compatriot Ronald Koeman.
Depay said: “Everyone knows that I have been negotiating with Barcelona for some time.
“I want to play for Ronald Koeman. Now we have to wait, but there will be news soon.”
Credit: EPA GOOD MORNING RED DEVILS FANS
Real Madrid have confirmed Sergio Ramos will leave the Spanish capital this summer.
Manchester United have been heavily linked with the player, although local rivals Manchester City and French giants Paris Saint-Germain are also believed to be interested.
Kieran Trippier, meanwhile, is rumoured to be worried about Atletico Madrid pricing him out of a move to Manchester United.
The Spanish champions are said to want £34million for the defender – far more than United are reportedly willing to pay.
Arsenal have made their move for Ben White, reportedly having a first offer of £40m rejected by Brighton for the United target.
And Cristiano Ronaldo’s mum reckons the ex-United star has at least three years left in him.
He’s been linked with a return to Manchester this summer.
But it looks like any potential deal for Kingsley Coman is off as Bayern Munich are believed to have no interest in selling the player this summer.
That may encourage United to complete the signing of Jadon Sancho, who – according to reports – remains their No1 target.
SCOT FREE
Harry Maguire gave England a massive Euros boost by insisting he is fit to play against Scotland on Friday.
The Manchester United skipper has made a rapid recovery from the ankle ligament injury he picked up at Aston Villa last month.
Yet the central defender is still unlikely to start against the Scots, with boss Gareth Southgate looking certain to keep faith with John Stones and Tyrone Mings.
Asked if he is fit to start at Wembley, Maguire, 28, said: “Yes definitely.
“I’ve done a few sessions now and feel like my fitness is there, so I’m available for the game.
“The injury was a setback club football-wise. Internationally, I wanted to come into this with a lot of games under my belt with full fitness.
“But I feel good and I’ve been in full training.”
NOU PAY DEAL?
Memphis Depay wants to join Barcelona.
The former Manchester United player is out of contract from French side Lyon.
And there are rumours he will soon move to Spain for a reunion with compatriot Ronald Koeman.
Depay said: “Everyone knows that I have been negotiating with Barcelona for some time.
“I want to play for Ronald Koeman. Now we have to wait, but there will be news soon.”
‘FROM BADGER TO BOND’
Roy Keane stunned ITV viewers by transforming from “raggedy badger to smooth Bond” by ditching his bushy beard.
While Italy brushed off Switzerland, many armchair fans were bristling at the Manchester United legend’s unexplained new Keane-shaven look.
One suggested the former hardman had “shaved his beard because he was annoyed you all said he looked handsome”.
And in another reference to Keane’s cut-throat reputation as a player, one viewer tweeted: “He’ll probably have a full beard by the end of the game.”
One wondered: “Does Roy Keane just take his beard off and let it run wild for a couple of weeks every six months or so?
“Last night he looked like a raggedy old badger today smoother than Bond.”
JADON SANCHO LATEST
Reports suggest Manchester United could seal the transfer of Borussia Dortmund ace Jadon Sancho very soon.
That is according to The Times, as ‘Dortmund believe that a deal could be finalised next week’.
And transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that ‘United’s camp have been in contact with Sancho over the weekend’.
Talks with Dortmund over a potential €95million (£81m) price, bonus details and payment structure will continue in the next days.
But the Red Devils’ initial £60m won’t be enough to complete the transfer.
RAMOS – WHERE WILL HE GO?
Manchester United are believed to be desperate to sign a centre back to improve the defence and Sergio Ramos has been a long-term target.
Co-chairman Joel Glazer has promised Ole Gunnar Solskjaer funds in the transfer market.
Ramos is now a free agent but would still demand huge wages wherever he ends up.
Pep Guardiola is keen to bring in more experience and leadership into his squad, especially with Fernandinho and Sergio Aguero leaving.
And the 180-cap international – with 671 Real Madrid appearances – certainly fits the bill with a two-year deal reportedly being offered.
Paris Saint-Germain may also look to try and secure a deal.
BREAKING NEWS – RAMOS LEAVES REAL
Sergio Ramos has left Real Madrid.
The LaLiga club have confirmed his departure.
The 35-year-old played more than 670 games for the Spanish giants in a 16-year spell.
And he’s been linked with a move to Manchester United.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
