MANCHESTER UNITED are very close to striking a deal to sign sought-after forward Darwin Nunez, according to reports from Portugal.
The Benfica talisman was in red hot form last season and United are said to be the front runners in luring the Uruguayan.
Meanwhile, Jurrien Timber’s agent has been spotted at United’s London office.
And the Red Devils are said to be considering activating Arnaut Danjuma’s £38m release clause.
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Chelsea up Dembele chase
Chelsea are reportedly ready to offer summer transfer target Ousmane Dembele improved terms.
The winger is out of contract at Barcelona come the end of June and can join another club for free.
A number of Europe’s elite including Chelsea and Man Utd are keen on the Frenchman.
But according to Fichajes, Blues boss Thomas Tuchel has requested the club to complete the signing of Dembele.
Comment: Rangnick exit ends one of the oddest chapters
While Liverpool and Real Madrid were parading trophies, days after Manchester City had done the same, Manchester United were announcing the severance of all ties with Ralf Rangnick.
And with barely so much as a ‘See you later, innovator’.
Manchester United, surely you remember them? They used to win titles. Even after that, they still topped the Deloitte Football Money League.
And they still ‘do great numbers’ on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
In the actual football, not so much. Under Rangnick, United finished with six successive away defeats, an overall goal difference of zero and conceded a 35-point deficit to champions City.
When Rangnick was appointed interim manager in November, United’s ‘football director’ John Murtough heralded him as “one of the most respected coaches and innovators in European football”.
He also announced that Rangnick would take up a two-year consultancy after his caretaking was complete.
That consultancy role has now been scrapped, with Rangnick taking over Austria’s national job.
Instead, we’re told Rangnick held a two-hour ‘handover’ conversation on the phone with his successor, Erik ten Hag.
Dybala fight
Jose Mourinho is reportedly looking to get one over Manchester United by beating his old club to Paulo Dybala.
TyC Sports claims The Special One has made contact with Juventus’ out-of-contract forward about a free transfer to Roma.
Dybala’s seven-year stint in Turin comes to an end next month.
And the Argentina international, 28, has been flooded with offers from the Premier League.
New Man United boss Erik ten Hag is thought to be a huge fan.
And Spurs boss Antonio Conte also rates Dybala after going up against him at Inter Milan.
Henderson ‘good choice’ for Newcastle
Jose Enrique reckons Man Utd’s Dean Henderson is a “good choice” for Newcastle.
The Keeper could be available on loan this summer.
Enrique told Genting Casino: I would definitely sign Dean Henderson. I’ve said I like him a lot in the past. He’s a great goalkeeper.
“Dubravka is doing well but Henderson would be a good fit in the long run and Newcastle’s back-ups aren’t good enough at the moment.
“Henderson will be looking for a move too as with the form De Gea is in now, he’s not going to play.”
Utd’s new 2022-23 away kit leaked
Manchester United’s away kit for the 2022/23 season has reportedly been leaked with fans gushing over the white shirt and black shorts combination.
The Red Devils spent last season wearing a second strip which consisted of a shirt with a geometric blue print and blue shorts.
But for the upcoming campaign Man Utd are set to strip things back with a simple kit design.
According to Footy Headlines, their away jersey will be white and accustomed by black shorts and white socks.
The white is a throwback to their away strip in 2015/16 and even their third kit from 2009/10 to 2011/12.
Ronaldo biggest export
Manchester United’s biggest sale to date remains Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2009 transfer to Real Madrid.
United contact with Watford over keeper
Watford keeper Daniel Bachmann has revealed Manchester United have made an approach for him
The Austrian international said he is honoured by the prospect of becoming David de Gea’s understudy at Old Trafford next season.
Bachmann, 27, also said he received DEATH THREATS during the season as Watford headed towards relegation from the Premier League.
Former United interim boss Ralf Rangnick, who has now left to coach Austria’s national side, is thought to have been behind the move for the keeper.
Bachmann said: “There has been contact with Manchester United. It hasn’t just fallen out of the sky. I don’t know whether the team boss [Rangnick] has a say in transfer matters.
“Several clubs have shown interest in me – but the most intensive contacts have come from Manchester. It is a massive honour for a club like that to be interested in you.
“I would be second choice behind David de Gea, who has been one of the Premier League’s best keepers for years.
“But anything can happen in football. The performance principle applies. As a result, even big stars can sit on the subs’ bench.”
Boost with Leeds star Raphinha
Raphinha wants to join Leeds’ arch-rivals Manchester United instead of Barcelona, reports claim.
The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Elland Road after playing a mjor role in keeping the Whites up.
Raphinha chipped in with 11 goals and three assists from 35 Premier League games to help Leeds beat the drop on the final game of the campaign.
Should the Yorkshire outfit have been relegated, the ex-Rennes ace would have been available for £21million due to a clause in his contract.
But it is believed that the forward will now cost in excess of £40m following their 2-1 win against Brentford.
The figure hasn’t put off Barcelona, with the Blaugrana still prepared to bring the player to the Nou Camp.
United wage bill
Cristiano Ronaldo is Man Utd’s highest earner.
Man Utd ‘very close’ on Nunez transfer
Erik ten Hag looks set to secure the first signing of his reign at Manchester United with 22-year-old Darwin Nunez, according to reports.
An agreement between United and Benfica is said to be ‘very close’ for the striker according to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo.
The report claims Nunez is a ‘priority’ target for Ten Hag as he tries to find a striker to bolster The Red Devils in attack.
Nunez scored 34 goals in all competitions this season for The Eagles as they came third in the Primeira Liga in Portugal and progressed into the Champions League quarter-finals.
Perhaps the most striking metric Nunez can boast though is his colossal Expected Goals over-performance in the league this season.
Nunez struck 26 times in 28 games from an xG rating of just 15.73, meaning he scored nearly 11 more goals than an average striker would have.
United not good enough for Rice, says Johnson
Glen Johnson claims that Declan Rice should only leave West Ham for a team challenging for the Premier League title next season.
The former West Ham defender spoke to Bettingodds about the England international’s future.
Johnson said: “I don’t think that he will end up at Manchester United and no disrespect to Manchester United because it’s a fantastic club and I’m sure they’ll come back and fight for titles in the coming years but City and Liverpool are absolutely miles ahead of anyone at the moment and I’m sure they’d want Declan as well.
“Why would you go to a team that isn’t going to compete for the league next season?
“If he goes to Liverpool or City then he’s going to win something next season. I can’t believe that Manchester United would be his first pick.”
Man United release Rangnick statement
Man United have also confirmed Rangnick’s departure from the club.
A club statement read: “We would like to thank Ralf Rangnick for his efforts as interim manager over the past six months.
“By mutual agreement, Ralf will now focus solely on his new role as manager of the Austria national team and will not therefore be taking up a consultancy role at Old Trafford.
“We would like to wish Ralf the best of luck in this next chapter of his career.”
Ronaldo forces training changes
Cristiano Ronaldo has forced changes at Manchester United’s training ground after complaining about the state of its swimming pool, reports claim.
The Portuguese returned to the Red Devils last summer, only to be left shocked by the state of Carrington.
It’s claimed that the 37-year-old couldn’t believe the condition that United’s HQ had been allowed to fall into.
And he reportedly returned feeling that no upgrades had been made since his initially left for Real Madrid in 2009.
According to the Mirror, Ronaldo’s main gripe was with the state of the swimming pools at Carrington.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner complained that “loose, chipped and missing tiles” within the pools were a safety hazard – and refused to use them.
Ronaldo even made sure to have an indoor pool at home in order to still be able to perform water-based drills.
United have taken their No7’s criticisms onboard, and have ordered work to be completed on the pools in order to get them ready for pre-season.
Tchouameni blow
Aurelien Tchouameni has confessed his love for both Liverpool and Real Madrid – in a blow to Manchester United.
The highly sought-after Frenchman gave his take on both Champions League finalists before they faced off in France.
In what could be seen as a blow to Man United, they were not mentioned as the 22-year-old spoke publicly about his future.
The Monaco midfielder is being chased by the biggest teams in Europe after months of impressive performances.
And when asked about joining either Liverpool or Real Madrid ahead of the Champions League final, he told CNN: “I like both: I can watch Spanish games and English games.
“It’s different to play in Spain and it’s different to play in England, but at the end, for me, it’s just a matter of adaptation.”
Gareth Bale transfer odds – Man Utd at 20/1
Gareth Bale is leaving Real Madrid – and Betfair think he’s heading back to the UK with Cardiff.
Bale collected a winners medal after Saturday’s Champions League success over Liverpool at the Stade de France in Paris.
And that was undoubtedly his last action for Los Blancos after agent Jonathan Barnett confirmed his client would leave the Bernabeu after a turbulent eight-year spell.
The 32-year-old has barely featured this season, making just four starts and three substitute appearances in all competitions.
His departure has been inevitable for months given his contract expires in June.
However, a future in football or early retirement hinges on whether or not Wales qualify for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Barnett recently told Portuguese outlet Record: “Gareth is leaving Real Madrid, but we have to wait for what Wales do. Is it more likely to return to England? I think so, but we’ll have to wait and see if Wales qualify.”
Betfair odds
- Cardiff – 3/10
- Any MLS Club – 6/1
- Tottenham – 9/1
- Newcastle – 11/1
- Rangers – 16/1
- AC Milan – 16/1
- Manchester United – 20/1
Ronaldo SURPASSED expectations this season, says Berbatov
Dimitar Berbatov says the “stats prove” Cristiano Ronaldo was a success at Manchester United this season – despite the club’s disappointing campaign, writes James Colasanti.
The Portugal striker still bagged 24 goals for United in all competitions – 18 in the league – and almost single-handedly dragged the club into the knock-out stages of the Champions League.
And his former Red Devils striker partner Berbatov says – taking everything into account – 37-year-old Ronaldo’s return can only be viewed as a success.
The retired Bulgaria forward, 41, told Betfair: “I have been asked a lot of times about him, and every time I have said the same thing.
“He is bringing goals, bringing experience, helping the young talent and knowing just how to play the game.
“He is also smart about the way he plays and what he brings to the table.
“It doesn’t matter how old he is and he has proven that.
“He is playing in the Premier League — the best league in the world — and he has scored 24 goals overall at 37-years-old. Come on – the guy is unbelievable.”
Raphinha wants to join Man Utd, according to reports
Raphinha wants to join Leeds’ arch-rivals Manchester United instead of Barcelona, reports claim.
The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Elland Road after playing a mjor role in keeping the Whites up.
Raphinha chipped in with 11 goals and three assists from 35 Premier League games to help Leeds beat the drop on the final game of the campaign.
It is believed that the forward will now cost in excess of £40m following their 2-1 win against Brentford.
And according to the Daily Express, Raphinha may favour a switch to Old Trafford should he decide to depart Leeds.
They claim that Bruno Fernandes could be key in Raphinha’s decision, with the pair playing together for a year at Sporting Lisbon.
Raphinha opened up on their excellent relationship last year during an article he wrote for The Players’ Tribune.
Southgate on Man United pair
Man United duo Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho must win over new manager Erik ten Hag quickly in order to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
That is the message from Gareth Southgate, who has left the pair out of his England squad again.
Asked if the forwards still had a chance of forcing their way back in, Southgate said: “They do because I think there’s enough of a block of games at the beginning of next season that people can still play their way in.
“Of course it’s more difficult — you know, the closer we get, the more difficult it is.
“But they’ve got to start playing well with their club. Neither of them have really played at the end of the season.
England is a consequence of what you’re doing at your club and you’ve got to get your club bit right.
“Compared to others in those positions that we’ve picked, their level hasn’t been at the level of the others.”
Januzaj and Monreal released
Man Utd and Arsenal cult heroes Adnan Januzaj and Nacho Monreal have been let go by Real Sociedad.
The pair both joined the Spanish club after leaving United and Arsenal in 2017 and 2019 respectively.
According to Fabrizio Romano, both players are being released by Sociedad after their contracts were not renewed.
Monreal, 36, suffered a severe knee injury before the start of the season and consequently missed the entirety of the season.
Meanwhile, Januzaj, 27, played 44 times for Sociedad this season contributing with five goals and three assists in all competitions.
United not good enough for Rice, says Johnson
Glen Johnson claims that Declan Rice should only leave West Ham for a team challenging for the Premier League title next season.
The former West Ham defender spoke to Bettingodds about the England international’s future.
Johnson said: “I don’t think that he will end up at Manchester United and no disrespect to Manchester United because it’s a fantastic club and I’m sure they’ll come back and fight for titles in the coming years but City and Liverpool are absolutely miles ahead of anyone at the moment and I’m sure they’d want Declan as well.
“Why would you go to a team that isn’t going to compete for the league next season?
“If he goes to Liverpool or City then he’s going to win something next season. I can’t believe that Manchester United would be his first pick.”
Dybala fight
Jose Mourinho is reportedly looking to get one over Manchester United by beating his old club to Paulo Dybala.
TyC Sports claims The Special One has made contact with Juventus’ out-of-contract forward about a free transfer to Roma.
Dybala’s seven-year stint in Turin comes to an end next month.
And the Argentina international, 28, has been flooded with offers from the Premier League.
New Man United boss Erik ten Hag is thought to be a huge fan.
And Spurs boss Antonio Conte also rates Dybala after going up against him at Inter Milan.
Rangnick CONFIRMS Man United exit
Ralf Rangnick has revealed he will not be staying with Man United as a consultant.
Rangnick was expected to go upstairs after his stint as United’s interim boss last season and assist new head coach Erik ten Hag.
But Rangnick revealed that he will be leaving the club to focus on his role as Austria’s new manager.
Morning Man Utd fans
Ralf Rangnick has revealed he will not be staying with Man United as a consultant.
Rangnick was expected to go upstairs after his stint as United’s interim boss last season and assist new head coach Erik ten Hag.
But Rangnick revealed that he will be leaving the club to focus on his role as Austria’s new manager.
New Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is reportedly plotting a double transfer raid of Darwin Nunez and Jurrien Timber.
The Old Trafford chief has already set his sights on fresh talent as he looks to rebuild the team.
Ten Hag is now wasting no time in recruiting talent, with the Mirror reporting that the club has identified two priorities.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo has forced changes at Manchester United’s training ground after complaining about the state of its swimming pool, reports claim.
The Portuguese returned to the Red Devils last summer, only to be left shocked by the state of Carrington.
It’s claimed that the 37-year-old couldn’t believe the condition that United’s HQ had been allowed to fall into.
Pogba won’t return because of Allegri
Paul Pogba WILL NOT return to Juventus this summer as he’s afraid to challenge boss Massimiliano Allegri, it’s been claimed.
Pogba played under Allegri at Juve for two years between 2014 and 2016, before sealing a big money move back to Manchester United.
Things haven’t exactly gone to plan for the Frenchman at Old Trafford and he’s out of contract at the end of June, opening up the possibility for a return to the Old Lady.
But in an interview with former Italy and Juve star Andrea Barzagli, Allegri has joked that Pogba WILL NOT be returning as he is afraid to challenge him.
On Pogba potentially returning, Allegri laughed: “Pogba is definitely not coming back because he is afraid to challenge me, so he is not coming.
“He thought, then first he lost with his feet and then with his hands and then he left.
“The real reason why he left is this and hardly ever comes back.”
Rashford to stay
Marcus Rashford will be be staying at Old Trafford, according to French journalist Jacque Talbot.
The England forward has been linked with a move to Arsenal after falling down the pecking order at the club.
However Talbot told GIVEMESPORT: “I’m told Rashford is staying put. There was definite interest from Bayern Munich, who were trying to bring him in.
“I think with Rashford there was interest because he is a big name, he’s still a young talent, but I think his heart is at Manchester United.
“There’s something symbolic about his name and Manchester United and the fact he’s a local lad, so I imagine he’ll be staying.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
