LIVERPOOL are set to beat Manchester United to the signing of Benfica’s Darwin Nunez.
The forward has been the subject of intense speculation, but then Anfield club look to have beaten United to his signature after talks with Benfica.
United are also reportedly ‘favourites’ to sign Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio this summer.
Meanwhile, the club have received a boost in their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong.
It is claimed that the Dutchman has given the club “private assurances” he is keen to join.
The main stumbling block to a move is said to be Barcelona demanding a £68m fee.
And De Jong may not be the only midfielder incoming, with United reportedly ready to pursue their “long held” interest in Christian Eriksen now he is available on a free transfer.
Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham is said to be top of the Red Devils’ wish list, but a deal with Dortmund is more likely to happen next summer.
Stay up to date with all the latest from Old Trafford…
De Jong move ‘close’
Man Utd are closing in on Barcelona ace Frenkie de Jong, according to reports.
The Red Devils are determined to reunite the former Ajax ace with his old boss Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.
United have already had a £60million bid turned down for the Dutch midfielder.
But Barcelona could opt to sell to raise money for other targets.
According to Spanish paper Sport, Barca want around £70m for the 25-year-old’s services.
The midfielder was previously thought to be determined to stay and fight for his place at Barca.
But United writer Tom McDermott also claims that he has agreed terms after talks with Ten Hag and United old boy Daley Blind.
Man United handed transfer boost
Man United have recieved a huge boost in their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has admitted that the club are willing to sell big stars if needed to help their transfer situation.
He said: “If our economic situation requires the sale of an important player, we are ready for that.”
Man United plot Inter swoop
Man United are reportedly plotting a raid for Inter Milan defensive pair Stefan De Vrij and Alessandro Bastoni.
United have asked Inter Sporting Director Piero Ausilio about the availability of the two stars, according to Gazzetta dello sport.
But the Red Devils’ interest hasn’t materialised into a solid transfer bid for either of them yet, the report adds.
Nunez Liverpool transfer nears completion
Liverpool target Darwin Nunez is reportedly set to miss Uruguay’s fixture tonight in order to get his move over the line.
The striker has been on Liverpool’s radar for a number of weeks, with them stepping up their interest in recent days over a deal that could be worth as much as £80million.
Now Uruguayan publication El Pais have reported the national team are aware of the situation, confirming Nunez will not be present for the match on Saturday.
Uruguay are getting ready to host Panama in an international friendly.
However the Benfica striker will not be present, as the Reds look to get the big-money move completed.
Pogba stalls on future
Paul Pogba is waiting to see if Zinedine Zidane becomes PSG’s manager before deciding on his future.
Pogba is reportedly on the brink of joining Juventus after leaving Man United on a free transfer.
But the Frenchman is said to be stalling as reports claim Zidane is set to replace Mauricio Pochettino as the Ligue 1 side’s boss, according to RMC sport.
Neville on Ten Hag
But Gary Neville isn’t sure what Erik ten Hag what needs to get the job done at United.
That’s because Ten Hag hasn’t yet made it clear what his plans are for the squad.
Neville added: “I think, to be honest with you, I don’t know which area needs strengthening fully until we know which players the new manager likes.”
Man United transfers discussed
Man United need to sign central midfielders and a striker to support Cristiano Ronaldo, according to Gary Neville.
He told United’s media: “
“We know the areas they absolutely need to actually strengthen.
“Central midfield is an absolute necessity. An absolute necessity. Manchester United need midfield players.
“They also need a centre-forward. I know Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to stay and he’s an absolutely brilliant performer, but they need a centre-forward. Centre-forward is a must.
“I think there’ll need to be a wide player, just to beef up the squad, and I think full-backs are absolutely critical in the modern game.
“[There are] four full-backs there, it’ll be interesting to see which two, three or four of those are liked.”
Man United starlet contract offer
Man United are set to hand starlet Alejandro Garnacho a new contract.
The Red Devils view him as a huge talent for the future.
And they plan to tie him down with a five-year contract, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Arsenal given transfer tip
Arsenal have been urged to make a swoop for Manchester United target Christopher Nkunku by Darren Bent.
Bent told talkSPORT: “And Christopher Nkunku. [He would cost] a lot. There’s talk about him going back to Paris Saint-Germain.
‘”But I’d love him. I think he fits the bill, he can play centre-forward, he can play off the left, he can play off the right.”
Pogba ‘set for Juve return’
Paul Pogba is on the verge of sealing a return to Juventus in a deal worth £68m, reports claim.
The Frenchman will head to Turin for four years and net £8.5m every season which will include £6.8m in bonuses, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
And the bulk of the transfer fee will be compiled of Pogba’s contract, agent fees, signing-on fees, plus bonuses.
De Jong gets transfer advice
Frenkie de Jong has been urged to join Man United by Dutch compatriot Rafael van der Vaart.
He told Ziggo Sport: “If I were Frenkie, I would go to Manchester United.
“It would, of course, be the most ideal. There you have a coach who knows exactly what you can and can’t do.
“There are players at Barça who can do the same and maybe be better than him or have performed more.
“As long as those others are also out there, he is out of place at Barcelona. At United he could play more like with the Dutch team. There he is the only one of his kind.”
De Jong favoured shirt number available
Man United will give Frenkie de Jong his preferred shirt number if he moves to the club, reports claim.
De Jong has an affinity to the No.21 shirt due to sentimental reasons.
And the shirt has become available after its previous wearer Edinson Cavani’s exit from United was confirmed.
Cavani’s departure means there will be no objection to De Jong bearing his favoured digits on his back, the Evening Standard reported.
Anthony to ‘join’ Man United
Ajax winger Anthony is set to follow Erik ten Hag from the Dutch club to Man United, reports claim.
United and Ajax are close to agreeing a £51m transfer fee for the Brazilian, according to Goal.
And the player’s representatives have jetted to Manchester to get the deal completed, the report states.
Neves on Barcelona’s wishlist
Barcelona have reportedly placed Ruben Neves at the top of their transfer wishlist this summer.
The Catalan giants are pre-empting a move for Neves in the coming weeks, according to Sport.
Barca have also informed Neves’ agent Jorge Mendes of their plans to swoon on the player who Man United have been tracking.
Man United clearout underway
Man United have announced that ELEVEN players will leave the club when their contracts expire at the end of this month.
Edinson Cavani and Lee Grant join Jesse Lingard, Paul Pogba, Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic, who were already confirmed to be leaving.
The Red Devils have also announced that FIVE academy players are also set to depart.
D’Mani Mellor, Reece Devine and Connor Stanley have already found new clubs.
Paul McShane will continue his coaching role with the club’s Professional Development Phase after calling time on his playing career.
Meanwhile, Paul Woolston has been forced to retire due to a serious hip injury.
Fernandes hails Juan Mata
Bruno Fernandes has hailed Juan Mata as the Spaniard gets set to depart Manchester United.
He wrote: “One legend, magician, mentor and a true friend!
“I couldn’t be more lucky to find someone to look for and learn in this beginning at @ManUtd and the @premierleague.
“Was a pleasure to play alongside with you, but more than that was amazing after this time having you as a friend.”
Good morning Man Utd fans
Frenkie de Jong has reportedly told Manchester United that he wants to join the club this summer.
The midfielder has informed Barcelona that Old Trafford is his preferred destination.
But it could take a bid of up to £85m to secure his services.
According to ESPN the LaLiga giants want the total package, including add-ons, to be worth up to that figure.
United meanwhile are thought to have offered an initial £50m for the Dutch international.
And former Premier League midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has urged De Jong to sign for the Red Devils.
He told Ziggo Sport: “If I were Frenkie I would go to Manchester United.
“It would be ideal. You have a manager who knows exactly what you can and cannot do. United still need a bit of quality.
Elsewhere United are still thought to be trying to hijack Liverpool’s deal for Darwin Nunez.
Reports suggest contact has been made with Nunez’s representatives, but the striker himself would still prefer a move to Anfield.Garnacho shines on international duty
Manchester United starlet Alejandro Garnacho scored a goal and provided an assist for Argentina U20s tonight.
The 17-year-old started the 3-2 win over Japan, helping his country to victory.
He opened the scoring in the game at the Toulon Tournament in an impressive 75 minute runout.
Garnacho switched international allegiances from Spain, who he represented at U18 level, earlier this year.
The United youngster qualifies to play for the South American country through his mother.
De Jong urged to join Red Devils
Former Dutch international Rafael van der Vaart has urged Frenkie de Jong to sign for Manchester United.
The ex-Tottenham man has suggested a switch to Old Trafford would mean De Jong play in a similar role to how he does with the national team.
De Jong himself admitted recently that he prefers his position at international level to the role he plays at Barca.
And Van der Vaart told ZiggoSport: “If I were Frenkie I would go to Manchester United.
“It would be ideal. You have a manager who knows exactly what you can and cannot do. United still need a bit of quality.
“There are players at Barca who do the same, and maybe be better than him, or have performed more.
“As long as those players are also at Barca, he is out of place there. At United he could play more like with the Dutch team.”
Bruno posts emotional Mata farewell
Bruno Fernandes has thanked his “mentor” Juan Mata with the Spaniard confirmed to be departing Manchester United this summer.
United playmaker Bruno posted an emotional farewell to Mata on his Twitter account this evening.
He wrote: “One legend, magician, mentor and a true friend!
“I couldn’t be more lucky to find someone to look for and learn in this beginning at @ManUtd and the @premierleague.
“Was a pleasure to play alongside with you, but more than that was amazing after this time having you as a friend.
Rashford needs to go “back to basics”
Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has told Marcus Rashford he needs to go “back to basics”.
The 24-year-old has endured a nightmare season at Old Trafford, and has even been linked with a move away from his boyhood club.
And Saha told PA: “I think he’s [Rashford] a terrific player, I love him.
“I don’t really understand why this happened because this guy has got it all. He’s got all the quality, he’s got speed, he’s got arrogance, dribbling and can score goals.
“He needs to come back to basics and, it is strange what I’m going to say, but maybe not copy Cristiano Ronaldo, copy some of the other team-mates who are young.
“You need get back to the young Rashford, having that simplicity in his game and running players, not thinking about whatever the status that he had or he has been given by the press or his entourage. He has suffered a lot from that.”
Pogba could make Juventus U-turn
Paul Pogba had been expected to join Juventus this summer after leaving Manchester United.
The Frenchman officially becomes a free agent at the end of the month and had been tipped to return to Juventus.
Now though the 29-year-old could change his mind an opt for a move to Paris Saint-Germain instead.
According to French outlet RMC, Pogba is waiting to see whether Zinedine Zidane is appointed as boss in Paris.
Zidane has been strongly linked with the managerial role at the Parc des Princes, and joining PSG could trigger a change of heart from Pogba.
It’s claimed Zidane “loves” fellow Frenchman Pogba, and could sanction a move were he to take up the reigns with the Ligue 1 giants.
Man Utd record transfers
Frenkie de Jong could end up being Manchester United’s second-most expensive signing of all time, if he does join the Red Devils of course.
ESPN claim Barcelona want up to £85m for the Dutch midfielder.
Reports elsewhere claim the Red Devils have had a bid worth up to £60m rejected already.
But where on this list will De Jong end up if the two clubs do manage to strike a deal?
Man Utd’s biggest transfers ever, both in and out, including Ronaldo De Gea vows to help United youngsters
Red Devils keeper David De Gea has promised to lead by example to help the club’s young talents reach their potential.
De Gea is one of the club’s most experienced players, having now been at Old Trafford for 11 years.
And he said: “As an experienced player in the squad, [I try] to give advice to the younger players.
“I give 100 per cent every day in training [and] in games, to try to be an example for everyone.”
He added: “[I] think it is not just about talking and giving advice to the boys.
“It’s the way you work, the way you treat people in the club, the way you train, the way you play. I think this is even more important than words.”
Exclusive – United hunting for new chef
Manchester United are recruiting a new first-team head chef as they continue their rebuild under Erik ten Hag.
United are advertising for a new head chef to cater for players and get them firing on all cylinders.
They want their preferred candidate to: “Prepare, produce and deliver a high-quality consistent catering offer in various venues (predominately based at the training ground) as and when required.”
The successful applicant will work closely with United’s nutritionist to create menus suitable for players to eat at work and take home.
They will also be required to be available to travel to all matches including overseas, as they feed Cristiano Ronaldo and Co.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
