MANCHESTER UNITED want to make Paul Pogba the highest-paid player in the Premier League with a new £104m contract, as exclusively reported by SunSport.
Meanwhile, the club are ramping up their chase for Jadon Sancho with a reportedly improved bid submitted to Borussia Dortmund.
And, United have tabled a bid for Raphael Varane of £50million, according to separate reports.
CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: GET £10 FREE BONUS WITH NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED
Stay up to date with every twist from Old Trafford in our live rolling blog…
‘UTD & LIVERPOOL WERE SUPER LEAGUE DRIVING FORCES’
Barcelona chief Joan Laporta claims Manchester United and Liverpool were the ‘real founders’ of the controversial European Super League.
The football world was stunned in April when 12 of the continent’s top clubs – including the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ – announced they were forming a breakaway division.
The closed-shop project would have replaced the Champions League and guaranteed annual participation for its ‘Dirty Dozen’ founders.
However, a furious fan backlash prompted nine members to swiftly withdraw, leaving just Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus in the ESL.
But despite looking like one of the main guilty parties, Barcelona president Laporta insists that English giants United and Liverpool were the original orchestrators of the ESL.
Laporta claimed: “Liverpool and United were the real founders of the Super League.
“Uefa threatened and was demagogic. The clubs have still not paid the compensation for leaving.
“The Super League project is alive. It will be the most attractive competition in the world, and it will be based on meritocracy and solidarity.”
ENGLAND’S ‘YIKES!’ TO DYKES
Scotland hardman Lyndon Dykes claims England did not like it up ’em when they collided at Wembley on Friday night.
The Aussie-born striker made his intentions clear right from the off when he clattered Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw in the first minute of the cross-border clash.
And England’s spiky reaction to the physical approach left Dykes convinced he had rattled Gareth Southgate’s men.
He said: “It set the tone when I smashed into Shaw and I think that a few of the boys from the England team didn’t really want it.
“It was right from the kick-off and it was up to me to win the first challenge and I’ve taken him out as well, so it was a good start for us.
“It wasn’t deliberate but I caught him with my knee on his leg and I knew he didn’t like it.
“Shaw didn’t say anything but the referee tried to make me say sorry after I’d got him.
“The ref had actually pulled me in the warm-up before the game had even started and tried to warn me about my headers and stuff.
“But if the ball is there to be won I’m going to challenge for it and that’s what I did.”
UTD TO RESIST POGBA EXIT WITH HUGE PAY OFFER
Manchester United plan to make Paul Pogba the highest-paid player in the Premier League with a new £104MILLION deal.
The France star, 28, is going into the final 12 months of his contract and United are willing to offer him a staggering £400,000 a week over the next five years.
The Red Devils are desperate to keep midfielder Pogba and do not want him to go into the new season without him tied down.
Old Trafford chiefs are now set to put the bumper new terms on the table – a huge increase on his current £290,000-a-week salary.
His new pay packet would eclipse the £375k a week which United team-mate David de Gea earns.
United will wait until after the Euros with France, before finalising the structure of his new terms.
Pogba has been in talks with agent Mino Raiola over the last year on what his plans are for the future.
He could demand huge wages and a hefty signing on fee if he was to become a free transfer next summer.
The £89m superstar revealed earlier this week no agreement had been settled with United yet. But SunSport understands that could not be far away, and the early noises between both camps have been positive.
‘POGBA FOR VARANE SWAP TALK’
Manchester United are prepared to offer Paul Pogba to Real Madrid in exchange for Raphael Varane, according to reports.
The France defender, 28, has been on United’s radar for some time and is said to be one of the club’s top targets this summer.
Previous managers Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho both wanted to bring Varane to Old Trafford.
Ed Woodward was even prepared to spend £100million on the defender in 2018, but never came close to striking a deal.
But Varane now reportedly prefers a move to United over PSG, and his representatives are keen to hold a meeting with the Red Devils.
And according to AS, via the Express, United could offer up Pogba in order to get a deal over the line.
United fear Pogba will not agree a new contract and leave on a free next summer.
The club had previously placed a £150million asking price on the midfielder to ward off interest from Juventus and Real Madrid.
Talks opened over a new contract for Pogba earlier this month, while the Italian press claim a swap deal involving Cristiano Ronaldo is also on the cards.
ROONEY MISSES ULTIMATE UTD TOURNAMENT XI
Manchester United stars have shone on the international stage down the years.
Ryan Giggs may have never made it to a tournament with Wales, but plenty of other United greats have.
The Red Devils are well represented once again at Euro 2020, with the likes of Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford hoping to sprinkle their stardust on the biggest stage.
Prior to the tournament, United themselves compiled an XI of players that have thrived for their countries while turning out for the Red Devils.
There’s no place for the likes of Wayne Rooney or Paul Scholes – so let’s take a look at who DID make their cut.
JAY-MAKER
Heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua has called out his next opponent… Manchester United star Jesse Lingard.
Thankfully AJ doesn’t want to meet the winger in the boxing ring, with the two agreeing to do battle on video game FIFA.
Lingard, 28, was the first to pipe up by tweeting: “So Anthony Joshua thinks he’s king of the ring and FIFA!
“Well I’m gonna show him June 21 at 11.30am UK time as part of the world’s biggest charity eSports festival Gamers Without Borders
“Lets see who’s the real heavyweight champ.”
Gamers Without Borders is a charity aiming to distribute the Covid-19 vaccine to underdeveloped countries.
Several celebrities have agreed to get involved in the scheme, including Joshua and Lingard.
AJ couldn’t believe the audacity of Lingard’s tweet, responding: “No chance, Jesse Lingard [followed by a laughing emoji]. See you there.”
RAMOS OPTIONS NARROWING TO OLD TRAFFORD?
Manchester United have received a boost in their pursuit of Sergio Ramos – with rivals City reportedly ruling themselves out a move for the Real Madrid legend.
AS claims Ramos was offered to the Premier League champions earlier this month on a free transfer.
But Pep Guardiola rejected the opportunity to land Ramos despite losing Eric Garcia to Barcelona.
It’s claimed that City plan on keeping hold of new Spain international Aymeric Laporte, who has been linked with an exit.
Pep already has John Stones, Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake at his disposal.
And with Fernandinho also able to operate there, City will not be presenting Ramos with a contract.
That means United could have a clear run at landing the iconic defender, 35, after his shock Bernabeu departure was confirmed this week.
Ramos is believed to want a two-year contract on wages worth £200,000 a week. Those demands also saw Paris Saint-Germain drop out of the race to sign him.
And with Ramos already ruling out a return to Sevilla and a controversial Barcelona switch, United could be his only option this summer.
UTD DON’T NEED RICE
Manchester United should NOT sign West Ham star Declan Rice, according to club legend Nicky Butt.
The former Red Devils midfielder believes Scotland international Scott McTominay is just as good as his English contemporary.
Speaking to Ladbrokes, Butt said: “I think Man United are solid enough in midfield.
“I keep hearing things about Declan Rice, but is he a better player than Scott McTominay?
“I’m not sure, I think with McTominay, Paul Pogba and obviously Bruno Fernandes, we [Manchester United] are in a good place in the middle of the park.”
UTD WORRY IT’S PAUL OVER
Manchester United are reportedly fearing that Paul Pogba will turn down a new contract and walk away for free next summer.
The Frenchman arrived back at Old Trafford from Juventus in 2016 in an £89m move but only has 12 months remaining on his deal.
United are desperately trying to convince Pogba and his agent Mino Raiola to sign a new package after they were forced into triggering a one-year extension in his current agreement.
However, those attempts to persuade him appear to have become deadlocked.
Now The Mirror states United are becoming increasingly worried Pogba will run out his contract and leave for nothing at the end of next season.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has refused to get into any public spats with the outspoken Raiola.
But United have allegedly ‘made it very clear’ they would sell Pogba this summer if he has no intention of penning fresh terms.
UTD COULD SELL TELLES TO FUND TRIPPIER DEAL
Manchester United are willing to sell left-back Alex Telles to fund a move for Atletico Madrid’s Kieran Trippier, according to reports.
The Mirror are reporting that Man Utd are still keen on Trippier and a reported bid of £10m was turned down not long ago.
And Atletico boss Diego Simeone doesn’t want Trippier to leave for anything less than what they value him at, £40m.
Trippier’s ability to play at both right and left-back provides cover if Telles is sold.
UTD IN PAY PAU LINK
Manchester United are willing to launch a transfer bid for Pau Torres, according to reports, writes JOSHUA JONES.
But they face competition from Real Madrid for the defender’s signature.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to bring in a new centre-back this summer as a long-term partner for Harry Maguire.
And according to AS, the Red Devils may make an official bid in the coming weeks.
Torres, 24, enjoyed a fine season with boyhood club Villarreal and capped it off by lifting the Europa League, beating United in a marathon penalty shootout.
He has been with the club since 2002, aged just five, and has racked up 88 first-team appearances, earning himself a starting spot for Spain at Euro 2020.
CHANGE OF BRAND IMAGE
Manchester United are planning to loan out Brandon Williams to a Premier League club this summer, according to reports.
The England Under-21 full-back was wanted by multiple clubs in January, including Southampton and West Ham.
Brandon Williams could leave Manchester United for the first time since joining aged 7 But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer prevented Williams’ departure as he wanted to keep him as a back up option.
But the United boss is now confident he has enough cover at left-back so is willing to let the 20-year-old leave on a temporary basis, according to the Mirror.
And Solskjaer reportedly believes the full-back could benefit from regular Premier League football.
The youngster, 20, struggled for game time last season after enjoying a breakthrough campaign in 2019/20.
The arrival of Alex Telles last year limited Williams to just 14 appearances in all competitions – four of those came in the Premier League.
POGBA FREE EXIT FEAR
Manchester United fear that star midfielder Paul Pogba is ready to run his contract down and leave Old Trafford for free, reports say.
According to The Mirror, United a desperate to get the Frenchman to sign a new deal.
But they have been unsuccessful in persuading the player and agent so far.
TOP GEA WAGES
David de Gea is clear at the top of Man Utd’s wages chart!
‘NONSENSE’
Graeme Souness has insisted that moaning Bruno Fernandes ‘would not have lasted five minutes in my dressing room’ after his latest display for Portugal, writes GARY STONEHOUSE.
The 26-year-old started for his country yesterday against Germany but was subbed off in the second half of their 4-2 Euro 2020 defeat.
Speaking on ITV Sport, Souness said: “He’s an exceptionally talented boy, there is so much to like about him.
“A great striker of the ball, when he shoots he makes the goalkeeper work.
“I played with players that would not be accepting of the thing you just touched on [petulance], you know he doesn’t get the ball and he is waving his hands around.
“He would not have lasted more than five minutes in my dressing room, but he is a wonderful talented boy.”
Credit: GETTY IMAGES
GREALISH WANTED BY CITY
Man City are ready to smash the Premier League transfer record to land Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish, according to reports.
The Telegraph are reporting that City manager Pep Guardiola is a big fan of Grealish.
City are willing to break past the £90million mark to get the creative winger, smashing Man Utd’s record on Paul Pogba back in 2016.
Grealish has been linked with a move away from Villa Park for some time.
And the likes of Man Utd are still keeping tabs on him.
BIG MONEY
Pogba and Maguire joined Man Utd for big money and it places them on the list as one of the biggest transfers of all time.
MAN UTD EYE SOYUNCU
Man Utd are interesting in signing Leicester City centre-back Caglar Soyuncu, according to reports.
The Express are reporting that Man Utd are looking for a solid centre-back partner for club captain Harry Maguire, citing Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur.
And although Real Madrid’s Varane is high on that list, boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking elsewhere too.
Soyuncu is also attracting interest from Champions League winners Chelsea.
RAPH AND READY
Raphael Varane’s agents want to meet with Manchester United this week, according to reports.
The centre-back is said to have snubbed a two-year contract extension at Real Madrid and has decided he wants to move to the Premier League instead of Paris Saint-Germain, writes WILLIAM PUGH.
And his representatives reportedly want to finalise a deal to take him to Old Trafford ‘in the coming days’.
Varane, 28, has one year left on his Los Blancos contract.
KNOCKOUT-BOUND
Wales are ever so close to securing a place in the knockout stages of Euro 2020!
DEMOLITION
Man Utd have recorded two of the biggest wins in Premier League history!
POG FEAR
Man Utd fear that star midfielder Paul Pogba is ready to run his contract down and leave Old Trafford for free.
According to The Mirror, United a desperate to get the Frenchman to sign a new deal.
But they have been unsuccessful in persuading the player and agent so far.
Credit: GETTY IMAGES PAU WOW
Manchester United are willing to launch a transfer bid for Pau Torres, according to reports, writes JOSHUA JONES.
But they face competition from Real Madrid for the defender’s signature.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to bring in a new centre-back this summer as a long-term partner for Harry Maguire.
And according to AS, the Red Devils may make an official bid in the coming weeks.
Torres, 24, enjoyed a fine season with boyhood club Villarreal and capped it off by lifting the Europa League, beating United in a marathon penalty shootout.
He has been with the club since 2002, aged just five, and has racked up 88 first-team appearances, earning himself a starting spot for Spain at Euro 2020.
HIGH WAGE
David de Gea is clear at the top of Man Utd’s wages chart!
The wages of Manchester United’s current players TROUBLE BRU-ING
Lee Dixon took a swipe at Bruno Fernandes for ‘strolling’ around with ‘zero energy’ as Portugal were thumped by Germany on Saturday, writes DAVE FRASER.
The Manchester United star, 26, was utterly anonymous as the Germans powered their way to a 4-2 victory in Munich.
Fernandes was hauled off after a miserable hour, replaced by Wolves’ Joao Moutinho, having made absolutely no impact.
Shortly before he was hauled off – with Portugal losing 3-1 – Lee Dixon slated the Red Devils ace for his desperately poor afternoon, taking particular aim at his woeful work-rate.
Speaking on ITV, fuming co-commentator Dixon said: “I think someone needs to tell Fernandes he’s 3-1 down.
“He is just strolling on the ball.
“He had a chance then to run into space and commit a few players ahead of him.
“No energy in his run at all.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
