MANCHESTER are reportedly weighing up a move for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Pedro Goncalves.
The Portuguese side signed the playmaker as a replacement for Bruno Fernandes, but the pair could soon be together at Old Trafford.
Also on the transfer front, we’ve the very latest on Jules Kounde as well as updates on Jadon Sancho and Pau Torres.
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TRIP UP
Manchester United are set to give up on the signing of right-back Kieran Trippier, with reports suggesting the defender has decided to stay at Atletico Madrid.
Trippier had been identified as a potential transfer target for United this summer.
In January, Trippier was identified as a potential target, with United eager to bring him back to the Premier League.
However, it’s now been reported in Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo that he’s decided to stay put.
United were said to be willing to pay £18million in order to sign the full-back.
And that fee would have been enough for Atletico to sell, considering the financial difficulties the club has been dealing with as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking after Atletico won the La Liga title, Trippier spoke of how happy he was in Spain and appeared to close the door to any potential move away.
ON RED ALERT
Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Manchester United have gone past Liverpool – despite the ‘excuses’ the Reds had last season.
The former Red Devils defender also believes that Old Gunnar Solskjaer will be pleased with the progress shown by the club’s second-placed finish.
United finished five points ahead of Liverpool – a vast improvement on the season before when they finished 33 points behind their rivals.
When asked for his assessment of United’s season, Ferdinand told Goal: “I think in the league we’ve got what we wanted, which was an improvement.
“I think Man United at the end of last season finished 30-odd points behind Liverpool.
“Liverpool are now behind us and they’ll have their excuses and reasons why but the cold facts are that we have gained that much ground on them that we’ve gone past them this season.
“That shows vast improvement and we’re second in the league.
“By no means are we the finished article but I think at the beginning of the season if you’d said you’d finish second in the league from where we were I think they’d have snapped your hand off.”
GOING, GOING, RON
Paris Saint-Germain are in talks with Cristiano Ronaldo over a sensational summer transfer – with the Juventus star ‘welcoming’ the approach, according to reports.
The Portuguese forward’s time at Juventus appears to be up after a disappointing season for the Turin giants.
Ronaldo, 36, now looks destined to leave with Real Madrid and Manchester United both linked with the star forward.
The 173-cap Portugal legend’s club team-mates are believed to have ‘abandoned’ him after growing tired of the ‘perks’ his receives.
And Ronaldo is now claimed to have been approached by PSG in what could spark a summer transfer merry-go-round, according to AS.
The Spanish outlet have also revealed Ronaldo ‘welcomes’ the approach from the Ligue 1 giants.
SERGI-GO
Manchester United transfer target Sergio Ramos is reportedly heading for move away from Real Madrid this summer after arguing with club officials over Kylian Mbappe, reports suggest.
Ramos remains one of United’s top targets ahead of the summer.
The Spanish centre-back is out of contract this summer, and it seems unlikely he’ll sign a new deal.
Spanish outlet AS suggest Ramos was among the group of Madrid players unhappy with plans for a 10% pay-cut.
The veteran star is said to have been unhappy with plans to cut salaries in order to fund a move for Mbappe.
He reportedly told his Madrid team-mates not to accept the proposals, because the money they saved would only be used to sign the Paris Saint-Germain star.
MORE FROM BRUNO
Man United star Bruno Fernandes elaborated, after telling the club’s official website that he’d rather win team trophies than individual gongs.
He continued: “For me, the most important thing is to help my team-mates to also be Player of the Season.
“That’s the most important thing because, if someone from the club is Player of the Season, it means that we do very, very well this season.
“I think we will always be happy if someone else takes an individual award because it means the team is doing well.
“Nobody in football, a team sport, wins an individual trophy just doing well himself. You have to do well but you have to have the help of your team-mates to do well.
“When you have an individual trophy, of course, you are doing really well and deserve the credit but that credit goes to the team because they help you do better and better.”
Fernandes stressed the importance of his team-matesCredit: AFP MORE FROM BRUNO
Man United star Bruno Fernandes elaborated, after telling the club’s official website that he’d rather win team trophies than individual gongs.
He continued: “For me, the most important thing is to help my team-mates to also be Player of the Season.
“That’s the most important thing because, if someone from the club is Player of the Season, it means that we do very, very well this season.
“I think we will always be happy if someone else takes an individual award because it means the team is doing well.
“Nobody in football, a team sport, wins an individual trophy just doing well himself. You have to do well but you have to have the help of your team-mates to do well.
“When you have an individual trophy, of course, you are doing really well and deserve the credit but that credit goes to the team because they help you do better and better.”
Fernandes stressed the importance of his team-matesCredit: AFP TROPHY HUNTER
Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes is flattered to be nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award.
But he’d rather win trophies as a team.
He told the club’s official website: “If we win trophies, it is the most important thing.
“Of course, it’s good for a player to win individual awards and I will never say I don’t want to be the best player in the league or I don’t want to be the PFA Player of the Season.
“I want to be [that] but I want to be [that] if the team wins trophies. If the team does win trophies, for me, it’s the same.”
Bruno Fernandes is determined to win trophies with Man UtdCredit: EPA TELL YOU WHAT
Some gorgeous crosses are featured here in this Alex Telles video.
Are you expecting more from him next season, United fans?
LUC RUN OUT
Manchester United and Chelsea have missed out on the chance to sign Lucas Vazquez after he signed a new, three-year contract at Real Madrid.
The versatile Los Blancos ace, 29, had been a top target of both Premier League giants this summer.
But Real Madrid have confirmed the Spanish forward has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract at the Bernabeu.
A club statement read: “Real Madrid CF and Lucas Vázquez have agreed to extend the player’s contract.
“He will remain linked to the club for the next three seasons, until June 30, 2024.”
SON BURNED
Son Heung-min hit out after being grilled over Tottenham team-mate Harry Kane’s future.
The South Korean forward insisted he’s only focussed on his own performances amid intense speculation around Kane.
The Spurs striker, 27, has been linked with a £150m move to Man Utd or Man City in a bid to win trophies.
And if Kane leaves North London this summer it would end a brilliant partnership with Son – who he broke a record with in March when they combined for a 14th goal of the season.
But Son, 28, was in no mood to discuss Kane’s potential transfer when asked by reporters while on international duty.
He snapped back: “Has Kane moved already?
“Everything is not decided. Rather than worrying about his transfer, I am doing my best at Tottenham.
“I want to focus on the national team and Tottenham. Maybe Kane is doing the same, he is busy preparing for the Euros.”
Son and Kane have a terrific partnership up top VILLA RETREAT
Alexis Sanchez has emerged as a transfer target for Sevilla ahead of a busy summer sell-off for Inter Milan.
The Serie A champions are reportedly wanting to cash in on £85million worth of talent and cut their wage bill by as much as 20 per cent.
Antonio Conte quit the club over the decision, which was taken amid a financial crisis for Inter and Chinese owners Suning.
A number of players have already been identified for a move including Achraf Hakimi, with Paris Saint-Germain hoping to bag a £50m deal.
High-earner Christian Eriksen and Marcelo Brozovic, out of contract in 12 months’ time, could also be moved on.
Sanchez, 32, is an option given he was not a regular starter during the Scudetto triumph despite his hefty £117,000-a-week wages.
Spanish newspaper Sport quotes Italian media reports that suggest Sevilla are chasing the Chilean.
The deal would require Inter to accept a cut-price bid for Sanchez.
Alexis Sanchez could be one of a number of Inter Milan departures this summer ICYMI – EXCLUSIVE BY CHARLIE WYETT
Harry Maguire revealed he has only just started light training in his race to be fit for the Euros.
And the Man United captain is set to miss England’s opening game against Croatia on June 13.
Maguire said: “I have done little bits of running.
“I don’t want to aggravate it too early as we still have nearly two weeks until the first game and it is a long tournament.
“I am taking it day by day. I have not asked for a time-frame but I am looking forward to being involved.
“It can improve dramatically in a few days and you can have little setbacks.”
TELL ME MORE
Alex Telles has admitted that he ‘can’t wait’ to score his first goal for Manchester United.
He told the club’s official website: “I really want to score my first goal, I can’t wait.
“I scored a lot of goals previously at Porto and now I’m really looking forward to playing and scoring my first goal.”
Alex Telles can’t wait to hit the back of the net with the Red Devils CITY OF LOVE
Alex Telles has revealed that his favourite game for Manchester United came in the Champions League victory over PSG.
He told the club’s official website: “I think my best moment this season was definitely my debut against Paris in France.
“We won 2-1 in my first game.
“Another important game for me was against West Ham in London where I got my first assist for Mason. They were the two important moments for me this season.”
Ales Telles loved the match against PSGCredit: AFP TELL ALL
Manchester United full-back Alex Telles believes that the best is yet to come, after an up and down first season at Old Trafford.
He told the club’s official website: “Yes, I believe I’ve made the most of this season. I’ve learnt a great deal, I learnt a lot of things, I’ve developed as a player and a person as well.
“I’m really happy with my first season at United and I’m sure that next season will be even better.
“I think I always took the opportunity to do my best whenever I was on the pitch. I had good games, with the adaptation process the first season isn’t easy, but I believe that when Ole gave me the opportunity and placed his trust in me and put me on the pitch, I did my best.
“I’m sure that I’ll continue doing even better to spend more time on the pitch and get a lot more minutes.”
Telles, 28, was pleased with his performances this seasonCredit: AP
LEV IT OUT
Manchester United starlet Dylan Levitt featured alongside Dan James for Wales last night against Paul Pogba’s France.
The midfielder, 20, has made one senior appearance for United, and spent the second half of the season on loan at Istra 1961 in Croatia.
He replaced Joe Allen on the hour mark.
Levitt tries to get close to Kylian MbappeCredit: AFP FRENCH FANCY
Paul Pogba got the better of Daniel James last night, when the pair faced off on international duty.
Both are gearing up for Euro 2020, with France and Wales respectively.
But it was Pogba who got the win in last night’s friendly, as Les Bleus swept past Robert Page’s Wales 3-0 .
Pogba played 63 minutes of the dominant win, while James did manage to carve out a couple of openings during his 73 minutes on the field.
Paul Pogba earned the bragging rights over Dan JamesCredit: AFP KOU WANTS ME?
LaLiga clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid have joined the race for highly-rated Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, according to reports.
The 22-year-old has also been linked with Premier League sides Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal in recent months.
According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have been monitoring Kounde for two years and now want to sign him.
But the Catalan giants are said to be struggling to afford the player’s rumoured €75million release clause – around £64.5m.
It is believed Sergio Aguero’s new club may offer some players as part of a swap deal to help fund a move.
Kounde’s international colleague Samuel Umtiti is rumoured to be one of those stars Barca manager Ronald Koeman is happy to let go.
Real Madrid are also thought to be keeping a close eye on the Sevilla defender as they may need to replace Raphael Varane this summer.
The four-time Champions League winner is entering the final year of his contract at the Bernabeu, with both United and Chelsea rumoured to be interested.
Jules Kounde has been a rock at the back for Sevilla LIN BUSINESS
Jesse Lingard played 62 minutes for England last night, as Gareth Southgate’s men overcame Austria 1-0 at Riverside Stadium.
The Man United ace, who starred on loan at West Ham last season, missed out on the Three Lions’ 26-man squad for Euro 2020 on Tuesday.
But he was still included in this game, until being replaced by another to miss out, Ollie Watkins.
Jesse Lingard won his latest England cap against Austria LIN BUSINESS
Jesse Lingard played 62 minutes for England last night, as Gareth Southgate’s men overcame Austria 1-0 at Riverside Stadium.
The Man United ace, who starred on loan at West Ham last season, missed out on the Three Lions’ 26-man squad for Euro 2020 on Tuesday.
But he was still included in this game, until being replaced by another to miss out, Ollie Watkins.
Jesse Lingard won his latest England cap against AustriaCredit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail LIN BUSINESS
Jesse Lingard played 62 minutes for England last night, as Gareth Southgate’s men overcame Austria 1-0 at Riverside Stadium.
The Man United ace, who starred on loan at West Ham last season, missed out on the Three Lions’ 26-man squad for Euro 2020 on Tuesday.
But he was still included in this game, until being replaced by another to miss out, Ollie Watkins.
Jesse Lingard won his latest England cap against AustriaCredit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail
UN-LISHED
Rumoured Manchester United target Jack Grealish was England’s Cristiano Ronaldo in Wednesday’s win over Austria, according to Roy Keane.
The Irish pundit told ITV: “[Grealish] is the star man, he makes things happen.
“He has courage and always wants the ball in tight areas.
“Like Cristiano Ronaldo at Portugal, you need players like that in your team. It is brave.”
Roy Keane highlighted Jack Grealish for praise on Wednesday GOOD MORNING RED DEVILS FANS
Rafael van der Vaart has told Donny van de Beek: You’ve bitten off more than you can chew in joining Man United.
The ex-Spurs ace told ESPN: “United could be a step too high for Van de Beek.
“If nobody leaves United during the summer, he is going to need to get lucky to break into their starting eleven.
“He is much too good to remain sat on the bench for two seasons. He needs to get regular playing time soon.
“He is still young, but the time is flying past. Joining a club like Borussia Dortmund would have been better for him.
“Donny was a perfect fit for Ajax’s system, but he does not fit in at United.”
Meanwhile, United will continue to keep tabs on all their transfer targets during Euro 2020.
According to Manchester Evening News, United will be following the progress of England’s Jadon Sancho and Declan Rice.
The same goes for France international Raphael Varane and Spain ace Pau Torres.
The Red Devils could try and seal a deal before the end of the competition.
Finally, United striker Edinson Cavani has confirmed he is to become a father for the fourth time.
The 34-year-old’s partner Jocelyn Burgardt has also revealed they are expecting a boy and will call him Silvestre.
Jocelyn said she was due to give birth in mid-June and revealed: “We want our son to be born in Uruguay.”
AS GOOD AS GON
Man United and Liverpool are considering going to war over Sporting Lisbon playmaker Pedro Goncalves, according to reports.
The midfielder, signed as a replacement for Bruno Fernandes, has a £52million release clause in his contract.
Goncalves was instrumental in Sporting’s Primeira Liga title win this term.
And he could now join Portugal teammate Fernandes in the Premier League this summer.
ENGLAND 1 AUSTRIA 0
England got their Euro 2020 adventure off to a good start with a 1-0 friendly win over Austria.
Bukayo Saka scored the only goal of the game as the Three Lions saw off David Alaba and Co at the Riverside.
But the result came at a cost as Trent Alexander-Arnold hobbled off injured near the final whistle.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
