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    Man Utd transfer target Leon Goretzka’s camp ‘irritated’ at Bayern Munich over slow contract negotiations

    BAYERN MUNICH star Leon Goretzka’s representatives are reportedly ‘irritated’ over ‘slow’ contract negotiations.The midfielder has been linked with a sensational transfer to Manchester United this summer.
    Leon Goretzka, 26, would have no shortage of suitors should he decide to leave Bayern MunichCredit: Getty
    Bayern are in talks over extending the midfielder’s contract, which runs out in 2022.
    The 26-year-old’s agent, Jorg Neubauer, was recently forced to retire and Neubauer’s wife has taken charge instead along with Bundesliga heavyweight agent Thomas Kroth.
    However, Sport Bild claims Goretzka’s camp are ‘irritated’ that contract talks have not yet resumed over an improved extension.
    The star has emerged as a target for Real Madrid and Barcelona, as well as a host of Premier League clubs.
    Manchester United are seemingly in pole position to snap up the Bayern star.
    Reports in Germany state United have tabled a ‘concrete offer’ to the ace for him to join them when he becomes a free agent in June.
    The Red Devils are not actively pursuing a new central midfielder at the moment.
    But with Paul Pogba’s future still uncertain, it appears Goretzka could be targeted as his replacement with a reported £200k-a-week package.
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    In three seasons with Munich, Goretzka has won a trio of Bundesliga titles plus two German Cups and a Champions League.
    Meanwhile, Pogba’s Old Trafford contract expires in summer 2022 and he has given no indication as yet that he is willing to commit to a new one.
    The 2018 World Cup winner’s agent Mino Raiola has already discussed personal terms with French giants PSG.
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
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    Chelsea to make £50m transfer swoop for Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski after failing to land Erling Haaland

    CHELSEA will swoop to prise Robert Lewandowski away from Bayern Munich in a £50million deal.The Blues have tried in vain to persuade Borussia Dortmund to accept a players-plus-cash deal for £150m-rated hotshot Erling Haaland.
    Chelsea will make a £50m move for Robert Lewandowski from Bayern MunichCredit: Reuters
    The Blues have failed to convince Dortmund to sell Erling HaalandCredit: Getty
    That has forced the European champions to revive their interest in record-breaking Lewandowski as they try to give boss Thomas Tuchel the prolific goalscorer he wants.
    But Chelsea face a fight on their hands to bring Bayern to the negotiating table for the Poland international.
    The German champions want Lewandowski, 32, to sign an extension to his current deal, which does not expire until 2023.
    He broke Gerd Muller’s longstanding record for Bundesliga goals in a season by notching his 41st in the last minute of the final game of last season.
    But Lewandowski is keen for one last adventure before his illustrious career ends and would relish a move to the Premier League.
    Bayern are not unsympathetic to his desires but know that selling their talismanic striker, especially without a suitable replacement, would send a bad message.
    Manchester City had been linked with Lewandowski but Etihad sources last week ruled out a move.
    But Chelsea  have the financial resources to test the German club’s resolve. 
    Lewandowski turns 33 next month and even Bayern’s head could be turned by a big bid for a player whose price will plummet if he runs down his contract.
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    Chelsea head coach Tuchel now regards the Pole as his best option in a tricky transfer market.
    Tuchel watched Hakim Ziyech score a hat-trick as Chelsea kicked off pre-season with a 6-1 thrashing of Peterborough at their Cobham training HQ.
    The Blues, who finally sold Olivier Giroud to AC Milan yesterday, included forgotten man Danny Drinkwater in their side as well as the likes of Ross Barkley, Christian Pulisic, Tammy Abraham and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
    ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

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    Chelsea transfer target Robert Lewandowski has ‘clubs putting out feelers’, confirms unhappy Bayern boss Nagelsmann

    BAYERN MUNICH star Robert Lewandowski has clubs ‘putting out feelers’ over a transfer.That’s according to his new boss Julian Nagelsmann, who is unhappy that the striker’s future in Bavaria remains uncertain this summer.
    Clubs are ‘putting out feelers’ over a transfer for Bayern Munich star Robert LewandowskiCredit: Rex
    New Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann is unhappy Lewandowski’s future remains uncertainCredit: Getty
    Lewandowski, 32, is reportedly considering his options after seven trophy-laden seasons with Bayern.
    Chelsea are thought to be interested, despite making £150million-rated Borussia Dortmund ace Erling Haaland their No1 target.
    And Lewandowski has also been linked with Manchester City as an alternative to Tottenham star Harry Kane.
    Lewandowski’s Allianz Arena contract runs until 2023.
    And club chiefs are hopeful he will stay despite seeing head coach Hansi Flick leave.
    However, new gaffer Nagelsmann has revealed that Lewandowski is yet to fully commit himself due to interest from other teams.
    The former RB Leipzig boss said: “I think it’s normal for someone who scores so many goals that almost every club puts out a feeler.
    “I think on one hand Robert knows what he has in Munich, what he has in this team.
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    “I’ve already spoken to him and texted him. I’m not very fond of the first official act with a player being to immediately discuss his contractual situation.”
    Lewandowski joined Bayern from Dortmund in 2014 on a free transfer.
    And he has gone on to score an incredible 294 goals in just 329 appearances.
    Minus his first season at Bayern, Lewandowski has netted at least 40 goals each term.
    And the 2019/20 campaign saw the Poland international hit the target 55 times, resulting in him being named Uefa Player of the Year.
    Lewandowski has also won numerous trophies with Bayern, including seven Bundesliga titles and last year’s Champions League.
    But with big clubs circling, it remains to be seen if Lewandowski sticks around for even more silverware.
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    How Bayern Munich could line up next season as Julian Nagelsmann experiments with new formation in pre-season

    WHILE the Euros reach their conclusion this weekend, new Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann is already getting to work with his new team.Although missing a host of international stars, the German champions have returned to pre-season training under their new coach.
    How Bayern could line up next season
    Julian Nagelsmann has started work with his new sideCredit: AFP
    Nagelsmann, 33, is just through the door, but is already looking to put his stamp on this wildly successful Bayern side.
    The German has frequently deployed a back three during his managerial career.
    And according to Bild, he has begun toying with playing three at the back during Bayern training this week.
    They claim that he used a back three including new signing Dayot Upamecano, as well as Tanguy Nianzou and academy graduate Josip Stanizic – with Bouna Sarr and former Reading ace Omar Richards as wing-backs.
    But how will he set his team out when his Euro 2020 stars are back in town?
    German outlet Spox claim that Bayern’s business is likely done for the summer, having concluded moves for Upamecano, Richards and Sven Ulreich early.
    If Corentin Tolisso or Kingsley Coman are sold they will dip back into the market, but at this stage both players are unlikely to leave.
    So Nagelsmann will work with what he’s got.

    Dayot Upamecano is used to Nagelsmann’s methodsCredit: Getty
    Omar Richards is living the dream at BayernCredit: Getty
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    Obviously Manuel Neuer will be between the sticks.
    Upamecano replaces stalwart Jerome Boateng and will be at the heart of defence.
    Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard have both played extensively as centre-backs and full-backs in their careers – so roles on the left and right of a back three should suit them perfectly.
    Alphonso Davies can thrive as a wing-back with license to bomb forward and cause opposition defences mayhem, while Joshua Kimmich played at right wing-back for his country at Euro 2020.
    If Tolisso stays he can partner the excellent Leon Goretzka in midfield.
    On the wings, Bayern will hope for an improved second season for Leroy Sane on the right, with former Arsenal ace Serge Gnabry on the left.
    Polish superstar Robert Lewandowski will lead the line, having enjoyed a record-breaking season last time out.
    French trio Lucas Hernandez, Corentin Tolisso and Benjamin Pavard are well placed to thrive under NagelsmannCredit: AFP
    Wing wizards Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane should be even better next seasonCredit: Getty
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Brighton snap-up Jeremy Sarmiento as ace, 19, seals transfer from Benfica after rejecting Barcelona and Bayern offers

    BRIGHTON have signed ex-England Under-17 international Jeremy Sarmiento from Portuguese giants Benfica.The 19-year-old wonderkid has joined the Seagulls on a two-year deal after rejecting offers from Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
    Former Charlton prodigy Jeremy Sarmiento has joined Brighton on a free transfer from BenficaCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    The attacking midfielder was a free agent after his contract with the Portuguese giants expired.
    Former Charlton rookie Sarmiento moved to Portugal from the Addicks in 2018.
    He was previously linked to Manchester City, before heading to Lisbon to continue his football education.
    However, after finding first-team opportunities hard to come by in Lisbon, Sarmiento has returned to England where he will link up with Graham Potter’s men.
    It has been confirmed that the exciting youngster will initially train with Andy Croft’s U23s.
    Croft said: “We are delighted that we are able to bring a player like Jeremy in, who we’ve watched extensively during his time with both Charlton and Benfica.
    “The pathway we have in place was a big factor in Jeremy choosing us ahead of many suitors, which is of huge credit to the academy and first-team staff.
    “We look forward to welcoming Jeremy and seeing him in action with the U23s in the near future.”

    Born in Madrid to Ecuadorian parents, Sarmiento also has a decision to make about his international future.
    SunSport has learned that the lightning-quick starlet is at the centre of a tug-of-war between England, Spain and Ecuador, who all believe Sarmiento has the potential to play for them.
    The wideman, likened to Borussia Dortmund sensation Jadon Sancho, has already played for Ecuador’s U15 side, as well as the Three Lions at U17 level.
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    Chelsea face missing out on Niklas Sule transfer with Bayern considering one-year contract offer for defender

    CHELSEA transfer target Niklas Sule could extend his Bayern Munich contract, according to reports.Thomas Tuchel is believed to be keen on the centre-back but so far the Blues have not made a bid for Sule, 25.
    Chelsea have chased Niklas Sule over the last few months
    But with just a year remaining on his current Bayern contract, there is some doubt about Sule’s future.
    The Bundesliga champions will reportedly look to secure his services for a further year, report Sport Bild.
    The outlet also claims Chelsea are still interested, but state an offer has been a long time coming from the European champions.
    Sule joined Bayern Munich from Hoffenheim for £21million in 2017.
    He has made 133 appearances for the club but lost his regular spot in the side last season, starting just 16 league games.
    Despite his lack of game time, it is believed Chelsea have made the £30m-rated centre-back one of their top transfer targets.
    And given the financial restraints brought about by the pandemic, it was thought Bayern could sacrifice Sule this summer.
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    Chelsea reportedly opened transfer talks with Bayern for a £26m deal in February.
    But if the German outfit extend his deal by a year Chelsea may have to turn their focus elsewhere.
    Sevilla defender Jules Kounde has also been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Premier League clubs ask about Bayern Munich star Leon Goretzka but face transfer battle with Barcelona and Real Madrid

    LEON GORETZKA has emerged as a target for Real Madrid and Barcelona, as well as a host of Premier League clubs.Bayern Munich are in talks over extending the midfielder’s contract, which runs out in 2022.
    Leon Goretzka has been a key player for Bayern Munich after signing in 2018Credit: AP
    A continued stay in Bavaria is reportedly Goretzka’s preferred option but negotiations over his salary have not yet produced an agreement.
    The 26-year-old’s agent, Jorg Neubauer, was recently forced to retire and Neubauer’s wife has taken charge in his stead along with Bundesliga heavyweight agent Thomas Kroth.
    According to German outlet Sport1, a deal is very much in sight with Bayern determined not to lose the player.
    But interest is high with Premier League clubs as well as Real Madrid and Barcelona reportedly contacting his new representatives.
    In three seasons with Munich, Goretzka has won a trio of Bundesliga titles plus two DfB-Pokals and a Champions League.
    He is tipped to start in Germany’s Euro 2020 decider against Hungary on Wednesday night having overcome a thigh problem.

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    Thomas Muller is a major doubt for the Allianz Arena clash due to a knee injury.
    And Goretzka said: “I’ve got it in me to play the Thomas Muller role.
    “In many ways, his position for the national time is similar to mine. It’s a position I’ve played in before for the national team, and I’m ready to help the team.
    “The tournament can really begin for me now.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Chelsea ‘open to selling Callum Hudson-Odoi’ after Bayern Munich renew transfer interest in winger

    CHELSEA are open to selling Callum Hudson-Odoi with Bayern Munich set to renew their interest, reports say. The winger was heavily linked with the German giants in 2019, as Bayern made four bids of up to £35million.
    Chelsea are open to selling Callum Hudson-Odoi, reports sayCredit: Getty
    Hudson-Odoi, a product of the Blues academy, stayed and later signed a bumper five-year deal, with three years remaining on his contract.
    But now according to The Times, Chelsea are prepared to listen to offers for the promising forward.
    That is despite manager Thomas Tuchel being an admirer of the England international.
    Tuchel has played Hudson-Odoi in a variety of positions both out wide and through the middle, including a role at right wing-back.
    He finished the season with 37 appearances and five goals, two of which in the Champions League campaign which Chelsea eventually won.
    But Tuchel has alternative options out wide in Christian Pulisic, 22, Hakim Ziyech, 28, Mason Mount, 22, Timo Werner, 25, and Kai Havertz, 21.
    The German is said to be prioritising bolstering his options in defence, midfield and up front with a star striker eyed.
    Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland, 20, remains a favourite but could cost up to £172m.

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    Further reports in The Times have said Chelsea could include unfavored forward Tammy Abraham, 23, in a deal for Haaland.
    Abraham, like Hudson-Odoi, could be a potential transfer casualty in the summer window having been overlooked by Tuchel.
    He was played just seven times under Tuchel, and failed to feature in either the FA Cup or Champions League final.
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