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    Chelsea ‘preparing BIG Erling Haaland transfer offer but Dortmund holding out on £150m’, claims Jan Aage Fjortoft

    CHELSEA are reportedly plotting a big-money move for Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland this summer.The striker is highly sought after with Real Madrid and Barcelona showing a keen interest earlier this year.
    Erling Haaland has a price tag of £150m this summer
    Manchester City and Manchester United could also make a move but it seems Chelsea are looking to pip their rivals to sign Haaland this summer.
    And the Blues are preparing a BIG offer for the Norwegian according to journalist Jan Aage Fjortoft.
    Dortmund have issued a hands-off warning to potential suitors but will reportedly accept a fee of £150million for their prized asset.
    Haaland is also believed to be interested in a move to Stamford Bridge.
    But with no deal on the horizon yet Thomas Tuchel has issued a transfer deadline date to both Haaland and Dortmund.
    The German hopes he can apply pressure on the two parties in order to secure a deal.
    But with Chelsea only willing to pay £135m for the attacker they may have to wait to get their man.

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    Haaland could be available for just £65m next year due to a release clause that will come into play, but that fee is likely to be met by other European powerhouses.
    A failure to land Haaland could mean Chelsea switch their transfer focus to Ben White or Jules Kounde as Tuchel bids to boost his defensive options.
    But with Olivier Giroud potentially on his way out it is perhaps likely the Chelsea boss will also want more firepower up-front.

    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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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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    Arsenal or Tottenham can land Marcel Sabitzer for just £17m with RB Leipzig ready to sell Euro 2020 star

    MARCEL SABITZER could be sold for a cut-price fee this summer with the RB Leipzig skipper’s contract talks reportedly hitting a brick wall. The midfielder, who was one of Switzerland’s standout Euros stars, has been linked with a move to Arsenal or Tottenham. 
    Marcel Sabitzer has been linked with a possible move to the Prem to Arsenal or TottenhamCredit: AP
    Sabitzer, 27, who sealed a 2014 move to Leipzig after a one-year spell at Austrian side Rapid Vienna, helped his current club finish second in the Bundesliga last term. 
    German newspaper Bild claims Leipzig may be willing to grant the player permission to leave for £17million. 
    And this month Bild suggested he could even be sold for as little as £14.6m with his current deal set to expire in 2022. 
     This is despite Sabitzer – who helped Switzerland reach this year’s Euros quarter-finals – having a £43m release clause in his contract. 
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    Tottenham and Arsenal, who finished seventh and eighth in the Premier League last term, could face competition for the Leipzig captain’s signature. 
    Reports claim Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan may be set to rival the London clubs for Sabitzer’s services. 
    However, the Gunners are also reported to have made an attempt to buy Sassuolo star Manuel Locatelli. 
    The Italy midfield ace, who will take on England in the Euros final, has won praise for his performances during the tournament.
    Arsenal are thought to be in the market for a midfield partner for their Ghana international ace Thomas Partey with Granit Xhaka heavily linked with a move to Roma. 
    Switzerland ace Sabitzer is also reported to have attracted interest from Borussia Dortmund and AC MilanCredit: Getty

    And 90min.com claims the purchase of Sabitzer would come from a £250m war chest Arteta reportedly has to spend. 
    Sabitzer, whose style of play has been compared to David Beckham’s, made four appearances for Switzerland at the Euros. 
    And the star, who earned plaudits for his free-kick and set-piece technique, has scored 52 goals and 42 assists in 227 Leipzig appearances in all competitions since his 2014 arrival. 
    Jose Mourinho says coming second at Euro 2020 just not enough for England More

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    Chelsea ‘preparing £150m Erling Haaland transfer bid after positive talks with Borussia Dortmund star’s camp’

    CHELSEA are preparing a bid of £150million for Erling Haaland after holding talks with his representatives, according to reports. The Blues are on the hunt for a striker this summer despite winning the Champions League last season.
    Chelsea are preparing a bid of £150m for Erling Haaland, according to reportsCredit: Getty
    Timo Werner, 25, managed only 12 goals with Tammy Abraham, 23, and Olivier Giroud, 34, also facing uncertain futures.
    Borussia Dortmund goal machine Haaland, 20, has emerged as their priority target.
    According to 90Min, Chelsea have started negotiations with the Norwegian’s agent Mino Raiola.
    Personal terms are said to be not an issue and Haaland is open to a move to West London.
    It is understood Dortmund have set a £150m price tag on the forward, but the Blues see an offer of £135m more preferable.
    Haaland has a £65m release clause come into play next year but if he remains at Dortmund, it will spark an even bigger transfer pursuit.
    It leaves Chelsea considering matching the fee the German side have laid out already.
    Dortmund are in no rush to sell Haaland, having agreed a £73m deal for winger Jadon Sancho, 21, to leave for Manchester United.
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    Chelsea are also looking to make space in their squad with AC Milan in talks to sign Frenchman Giroud.
    The World Cup winner extended his Stamford Bridge contract in April, with the European Champions unwilling to let him leave for nothing.
    Milan, runners up to rivals Inter in the league last season, are still in talks with Giroud’s agent over a potential £3.5m move.
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    Erling Haaland gutted about Jadon Sancho’s Man Utd transfer as he sends crying emoji in reply to pal’s Instagram post

    ERLING HAALAND appears still to be in the denial stage of grief after losing team-mate Jadon Sancho to Manchester United.The England winger, 21, took to Instagram on Tuesday as he and the Three Lions make their preparations to face Denmark tonight.
    Erling Haaland is already missing his pal Jadon Sancho who is joining Manchester UnitedCredit: EPA

    He tagged the photo of himself simply with a beaming smile emoji.
    But Haaland, who will be without his partner in attack after 18 successful months together at Borussia Dortmund, commented with a crying face emoji.
    The reply picked up more than 38,500 likes – with some United fans encouraging him to follow Sancho to Old Trafford so they don’t miss each other.
    United confirmed last week they had agreed a £73million transfer fee with Dortmund for the wide man.
    Sancho will complete his switch by undergoing a medical and signing the contract after England’s involvement at Euro 2020 ends.
    He impressed with his 90-minute appearance for the Three Lions against Ukraine on Saturday and hopes to retain his place for the semi-final at Wembley.
    Erling is not the only Haaland gutted about his departure back to England.
    When he heard about the deal, the striker’s dad Alf-Inge tweeted: “F***. But all the best @Sanchooo10. You will be missed.”

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    Haaland was in no mood to celebrate with his team-mate leaving

    Haaland Jr, 20, has also been linked with a transfer away from Dortmund this summer.
    Manchester City, Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid – as well as United – were keen but it looks as though the £150m-rated Norway ace will stay put for another season.
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    Haaland and Sancho combined magnificently across their 18 months togetherCredit: AFP

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    Best XI of stars going into final year of contract and could be available on free transfers including Ronaldo and Mbappe

    CRISTIANO RONALDO and Kylian Mbappe start up front in a star-studded XI made up of players out of contract next summer.The superstar pair are heading into the final season of their current deals at Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain respectively.
    This top-quality XI is made up of players out of contract at their clubs in 2022
    Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe are both out of contract next summerCredit: Alamy
    And that means, as things stand, they will become free agents this time next year.
    So SunSport decided to compile the best team possible made up of those tied down until 2022.
    Andre Onana
    The Ajax goalkeeper may be serving a doping ban but can return from that next season – Arsenal and Lyon are battling it out to sign the Cameroon international.
    Niklas Sule
    Forming part of a back three, the defender could be let go by Bayern Munich at the end of the 2021-22 campaign, especially with the arrival of Dayot Upamecano.
    Raphael Varane
    It was Sergio Ramos this year and Varane next for Real Madrid, with the World Cup winner unable to agree on a new deal – Manchester United are looking to pounce this summer, though.
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    John Stones
    The Manchester City man enjoyed a brilliant season alongside player-of-the-year Ruben Dias, earning himself an England recall and surely a new deal at the Etihad.
    Ousmane Dembele
    Another player linked with United, the Barcelona wide man is struggling to make progress in contract negotiations at the Nou Camp – and his four-month injury lay-off will not help his chances of earning a new deal.
    Eduardo Camavinga
    Camavinga has attracted plenty of interest from United, PSG and Real Madrid with the French teenager tipped for great things – although Rennes may cash in this summer with a £26million Old Trafford switch.
    Paul Pogba
    Should Camavinga arrive in Manchester in 2022, though, he may not play alongside compatriot Pogba, with Mino Raiola desperate to get his high-profile client a mega transfer, possibly to the Bernabeu.
    Ansu Fati
    The comparisons have been made with Lionel Messi due to his breakthrough as a teenager at the Nou Camp – but now he could follow in the Argentine’s footsteps by running down his deal.
    It could be one in, one out at Old Trafford next summer with Eduardo Camavinga and Paul PogbaCredit: AFP

    Pedri
    Like Fati, Barcelona are at risk of losing another ridiculous young talent with Pedri, one of the stars of the Euros, also out of contract with no shortage of admirers.
    Kylian Mbappe
    PSG are determined to get Mbappe to commit his future to the club but he is not convinced just yet, especially with the prospect of an easy switch to Real Madrid in 12 months.
    Cristiano Ronaldo
    As with Mbappe, there has been plenty of talk about Ronaldo’s future this summer – but that will only intensify at the end of the upcoming season if he does not pen a new deal at Juventus with United, PSG and Sporting Lisbon among the possible destinations.
    Other mentions
    Among the other top players whose contracts expire on June 30, 2022 are Leon Goretzka, Marcel Sabitzer, Lorenzo Insigne, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Paulo Dybala, Franck Kessie and Dani Carvajal.
    Some of the Premier League stars include Chelsea defenders Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, Arsenal strikers Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette as well as Everton’s Colombian ace James Rodriguez.
    Ansu Fati is one of a number of Barcelona stars whose contracts expire in the summer of 2022Credit: Getty
    Alexandre Lacazette is also into the final 12 months of his deal at the EmiratesCredit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail
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    Erling Haaland’s dad Alf-Inge posts X-rated tweet after finding out about Jadon Sancho’s £73m Man Utd transfer

    ERLING HAALAND’s dad has posted a tongue-in-cheek X-rated tweet after finding out about Jadon Sancho’s £73million move to Manchester United.Alf-Inge, 48, watched his son Erling link up brilliantly with Sancho over the last 18 months.
    Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland struck up a great relationship at DortmundCredit: Getty
    Erling Haaland has a close relationship with his dad Alf-IngeCredit: Instagram @erling.haaland
    But the duo will be broken up, at least for now, with Sancho set to light it up Old Trafford.
    Replying to Fabrizio Romano’s confirmation of the deal being done, Alf-Inge replied: “F***. 🐝 But all the best @Sanchooo10.
    “You will be missed.”
    Haaland, 20, has repeatedly been linked with a move away from Dortmund this summer.
    The likes of Manchester City, Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid – as well as Man United – have all been linked with the Norwegian ace.
    But Alf-Inge’s ‘you will be missed’ suggests that Haaland could stay for another year after all.
    Dortmund allowed Sancho to leave this summer with a heavy heart, having denied him a move last year.

    Alf-Inge Haaland wished Sancho good luck at UnitedCredit: Twitter @alfiehaaland
    The deadly duo helped Dortmund win the DFB Pokal last seasonCredit: AFP
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    Club CEO Hans-Joachim Watze said: “There’s an agreement with Manchester United for Sancho.
    “It was Jadon’s express wish to change, we would have liked to keep him.
    “We are not happy about the money but sad that he’s leaving.”
    They are determined to keep Haaland for another year, however, having slapped a £150m price tag on his head.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Arsenal in Marcel Sabitzer transfer boost with RB Leipzig willing to accept cut-price deal for star this summer

    ARSENAL’s pursuit of Marcel Sabitzer could be set to heat up with RB Leipzig reportedly willing to drop their asking price for the player.And German outlet Bild claims the Bundesliga side are open to offers of more than £14.6million despite the midfielder having a £43m release clause.
    RB Leipzig are reported to have dropped their asking price for Manuel Sabitzer to offers over £14.6millionCredit: Getty
    Sabitzer’s current contract with Leipzig will finish in 2022Credit: AP
    But it is thought Mikel Arteta’s side could face stiff competition for the Austria international’s signature.
    The club’s bitter rivals Tottenham and AC Milan and Roma are thought to be keen on the star.
    And the Gunners failure to qualify for competition in Europe next season could give their Italian and North London rivals an edge. 

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    Milan, who finished second in Serie A last term last season will play in the Champions League next term. 
    And Roma and Spurs will both be competing in the Europa conference next term under their new respective bosses Jose Mourinho and Nuno Espirito Santo. 
    It is reported Sabitzer, 27, who moved to Leipzig in 2014 from Austrian giants Rapid Wien, would prefer to join a club competing in Europe. 
    The midfielder, who made his senior debut at 16 at Austrian side Admira Wacka, netted 8 goals in 27 Bundesliga appearances in the 2020-21 season. 
    The versatile player can operate in a deep-lying central position as well in an advanced attacking number 10 role or on the wing 
    And the midfielder, who started in all four of Austria’s Euros games including their last 16 loss to Italy, has been compared to David Beckham by Bundesliga.com,
    Sabitzer’s current contract with Leipzig – who finished second behind in Germany’s top tier behind Bayern Munich – runs until 2022.
    And it is thought Arsenal and Tottenham were interested in the Austrian in January but were put off by his £43m price tag.
    Reports claim the Gunners have also made an attempt to sign Sassuolo midfielder Manual Locatelli, 23, following his impressive performances for Euros favourites Italy.

    Arsenal are reported to have made a bid for Italy star Manuel LocatelliCredit: Getty

    It is believed Sabitzer could be eyeing a move away from RB Leipzig this summer rather than seeing out the rest of his contract.
    In June The Athletic claimed that Tottenham had been pursuing the Austria star for more than a year. 
    And Austria boss Franco Foda described the midfielder as a player who “has some good technical moments” and “gives everything for 90 minutes.”
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