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    Man Utd pulled the plug on Thiago transfer as David Moyes didn’t know enough about him and then signed Fellaini

    MANCHESTER UNITED were close to signing Bayern Munich star Thiago in 2013 but David Moyes vetoed it.
    Instead the Scot signed Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini on deadline day.

    David Moyes vetoed Man Utd’s signing of Thiago in 2013

    The Scot instead signed Marouane Fellaini from Everton

    Thiago ended up signing for Bayern where he has since won seven Bundesliga titles and a Champions League.
    Whereas Fellaini only managed an FA Cup, a League Cup and a Europa League title with United.
    Sir Alex Ferguson had set up a £17million deal to sign Thiago, 29, from Barcelona before his retirement, according to ESPN.
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

    But once he had left Old Trafford the decision fell to his replacement – and now West Ham manager – Moyes.
    Thiago was said to be keen on a Nou Camp exit in order to play first-team football.
    But Moyes reportedly shut the move down because he did not know enough about the Spanish international.
    The Scot had been told by United chiefs they were planning a mega move that summer – with Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo being mentioned.

    And as a result he held off on giving the Thiago deal the green light.

    United reportedly attempted to sign Thiago’s Barca team-mate Cesc Fabregas instead but that move also fell through.
    So having missed out on several targets, Moyes was forced to raid his old club and sign Fellaini on the last day of the summer transfer window.
    Thiago made a belated move to the Premier League last summer, joining Liverpool in a £25million deal.

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    Man Utd ready to launch new Erling Haaland move with club prepared to back Solskjaer in major summer transfer splurge

    MANCHESTER UNITED boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer WILL get the backing to bring the world’s top stars to Old Trafford this summer.
    And that means the green light to join rivals Manchester City in the battle for Erling Haaland.

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (right) could launch a new bid for Erling Haaland this summer

    It is also the clearest indication yet that the Red Devils manager, 47, will be handed a new deal to continue his overhaul at the end of the season.
    United were in the hunt for Haaland, the most wanted striker in Europe, before he joined Borussia Dortmund last January.
    A £65million release clause only kicks in next year, meaning anyone wanting to sign the 20-year-old before then will have to pay an inflated premium.
    Leeds-born Haaland scored twice last night — one an incredible bicycle-kick — as Dortmund claimed an emphatic 4-0 win at Schalke.

    Fellow Norwegian Solskjaer refused to be drawn on specific targets but did admit he has been promised funds will be available to sign the best players around.
    He revealed: “I can’t say anything about individuals — but we’ve got the backing.
    “The owners keep backing the club and myself and hopefully we can improve.
    “We’ve got a plan to become a very successful Man United team, one that top players would like to play for.

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    Erling Braut Haaland.Erling Braut Haaland.Erling Braut Haaland.Erling Braut Haaland.Erling Braut Haaland.Erling Braut Haaland.This guy. Jeez 🤯 pic.twitter.com/zs9dvP0byV
    — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 20, 2021

    “We are getting better but we need to do better than last year, when we got to three semi-finals.
    “The next stage is to get into finals and establish ourselves again as title challengers in the league.
    “It’s down to us to keep improving and getting closer to the trophies.”
    Haaland, along with Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe, 22, are the two hottest prospects on the planet.
    With an incredible 27 goals in just 24 appearances this season for his German side, Haaland has been hitting the headlines.
    He even managed to bag FOUR goals in one game in a 5-2 trouncing of Hertha Berlin in November.

    Solskjaer knows his own situation will be decided by results — yet the promise of summer funds is a real sign he is there for the long haul.
    He added: “I’ve still got time on my own contract and my job is to keep doing my best for the club.
    “I talk to (chief exec) Ed Woodward all the time and I know we will keep on discussing the progress of the team.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Erling Haaland teases Real Madrid transfer as Dortmund star admits ‘it’s always nice if someone wants you’ More

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    Watch Erling Haaland score outrageous scissor kick as Jadon Sancho also nets in Dortmund rout of bitter rivals Schalke

    ERLING HAALAND continued to stake his claim as the world’s top striker with a stunning scissor kick past Schalke.
    Borussia Dortmund romped home 4-0 in the Revierderby thanks to another fantastic display from the Norwegian and Jadon Sancho.

    Erling Braut Haaland.Erling Braut Haaland.Erling Braut Haaland.Erling Braut Haaland.Erling Braut Haaland.Erling Braut Haaland.This guy. Jeez 🤯 pic.twitter.com/zs9dvP0byV
    — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 20, 2021

    It was the England winger who put Borussia on top after struggling Schalke were forced into surrendering possession in their own half.
    Sancho – who was given the captain’s armband after Marco Reus came off – struck a precise effort in at the near-post and passionately pounded the Borussia badge on his chest in celebration.
    Dortmund doubled their advantage minutes later when 20-year-olds Sancho and Haaland added to their repertoire of combinations.
    The striker leapt up to provide an acrobatic scissor kick from Sancho’s cross, finding the bottom corner in elegant fashion.

    Amid fears that the the former Manchester City man had started the season slowly, he now boasts ten goals and 15 assists in all competitions.
    In midweek, Haaland hit two goals past Sevilla to emphasise his ludicrous abilities and he racked up another brace in the second-half on Saturday.

    Erling Haaland fired home a breathtaking scissor kick on Saturday nightCredit: EPA

    The striker continues to thrive off his partnership with Jadon SanchoCredit: Reuters
    After Raphael Guerreiro made it three, the forward poked home Jude Bellingham’s pass for his 27th goal of the campaign.
    Dortmund team-mate Marcos Reus lavished Haaland with huge praise.

    The German said post-game: “The second goal was sensational.

    “He is an absolute machine! His positive energy pushes us and is really good for us.”
    Despite the victory, Borussia remained sixth in the Bundesliga table amid a sticky patch of form under interim boss Edin Terzic.
    Rivals Schalke meanwhile can count only one league win all season and remain bottom of the standings.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    England youngster Jude Bellingham set up Haaland’s goal for 4-0Credit: Reuters

    Erling Haaland teases Real Madrid transfer as Dortmund star admits ‘it’s always nice if someone wants you’ More

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    Man Utd in Jadon Sancho transfer boost as Dortmund would rather sell £104m England star than Erling Haaland this summer

    MANCHESTER UNITED have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Jadon Sancho with Borussia Dortmund reportedly open to selling the winger in the summer.
    The 20-year-old has once again impressed this term for BVB – chipping in with nine goals and 14 assists in 28 games in all competitions.

    Manchester United reportedly remain keen on signing Borussia Dortmund ace Jadon SanchoCredit: Rex Features

    And having failed to lure the player to Old Trafford last campaign, the Red Devils are understood to have retained their interest in the England international.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has also let it be known that he is keeping tabs on Sancho’s Dortmund team-mate Erling Haaland.
    But according to Bild, the Bundesliga outfit are desperate to keep hold of the Norwegian striker beyond this year.
    That is despite the Norwegian striker being available for just £65million in 2022 due to a clause in his contract.

    Instead of cashing in on the ex-Red Bull Salzburg marksman, the German news outlet states Dortmund would rather sell Sancho at the end of the season instead of Haaland.
    They state that they are willing to part ways with the former Manchester City youth star if they receive a fee in the region of £104million.
    It was claimed last week that Sancho’s exit from Signal Iduna Park was ‘set in stone’.
    He could be one of eight players that could be offloaded by Dortmund as they look to recoup their losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

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    Other squad members that face an uncertain future include Axel Witsel, Manuel Akanji, Mahmoud Dahoud, Giovanni Reyna and Raphael Guerreiro.
    Commenting on the potential signing of Sancho, United icon Dimitar Berbatov has declared his former employers should stay clear of the player.
    He told Betfair: “I have read more rumours about Jadon Sancho at Dortmund and how United could sign him. So, you sign Sancho and where do you play him?
    “They will have lots of games in the Europa League and FA Cup, but then what happens to people like Donny Van de Beek.
    “It would be Van de Beek two if they sign him. Yes, he is a great player but then do you just have too much talent.”
    Before adding: “If Sancho signed for another team or a rival it wouldn’t be a blow. Sir Alex Ferguson got rid of players because no-one is bigger than the club, they were replaced.
    “That’s still the case, no one is bigger than Manchester United, so, I’m not expecting anything to happen.”

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    Man Utd transfer blow as Dortmund CONFIRM Erling Haaland release clause does not activate until 2022… for just £65m

    DORTMUND have confirmed that Erling Haaland’s release clause cannot be activated until 2022.
    Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona are among the clubs that are keen to sign the 20-year-old.

    Erling Haaland has scored 41 goals in 42 games for the German giantsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    But their hopes of landing the former Red Bull Salzburg star on a cut-price deal this summer are OVER.
    Journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed his £65million release clause will not come into play until June 2022.
    Speaking in November, Dortmund general director Hans-Joachim Watzke said: “No, there’s no release clause in summer 2021 for Erling Haaland”
    It is understood that Dortmund have no intention of selling the Norway international anytime soon.

    Since he arrived in Germany, he has established himself as one of the best strikers on the planet.
    He has scored 41 goals and made eight assists in just 42 games for the Bundesliga giants.
    The United target hit the headlines again this week after he scored twice in the 3-2 win over Sevilla.
    Stats show Haaland and Kylian Mbappe are taking over from Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi at the top.

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    And his incredible spell of form has led to interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
    Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta has hinted he will try to sign him if he’s voted in.
    And Haaland teased a potential Real Madrid switch as he said: “It’s always nice when people want you.”

    Erling Haaland teases Real Madrid transfer as Dortmund star admits ‘it’s always nice if someone wants you’ More

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    Chelsea step up Niklas Sule transfer pursuit with Bayern Munich defender available after Dayot Upamecano signing

    CHELSEA have reportedly ramped up their pursuit of Bayern Munich centre-back Nicklas Sule after the German giants signed Dayot Upamecano.
    The Blues have been linked with the 25-year-old for months and look likely to make a serious move in the summer.

    Chelsea have stepped up their pursuit of Bayern Munich defender Nicklas SuleCredit: Reuters

    Despite only arriving in West London at the end of last month, Thomas Tuchel is plotting for the future and wants a young, commanding centre-back in his squad.
    Sule has been in and out of Hansi Flick’s Bayern side all season and his opportunities are likely to be even more limited next campaign.
    Bayern have agreed a deal to sign centre-back Upamecano from RB Leipzig for £37million and he will move in the summer.
    And this has seen Tuchel start ‘vying for him intensely’, according to German outlet AZ.

    Sule has played 14 Bundesliga games this season but despite the reduced opportunities next campaign, a departure is far from certain.
    The 29-cap Germany international is happy in Munich and Flick trusts him.
    He is also said to be relishing the challenge of Upamecano’s arrival and wants to prove his value to the side.
    Bayern have not signalled to the defender they wish to sell him and there is every chance he could sign a new deal to extend his stay in Bavaria.

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    Further up the field, Chelsea are said to have made contact with Borussia Monchengladbach winger Jonas Hofmann.
    The 28-year-old is contracted until 2023 and has no release clause but is thought to be worth around £14m.
    After it was announced that Monchengladbach coach Marco Rose would be taking over at Dortmund next season, a number of players could follow their boss through the exit door.
    Hofmann made his Germany debut in October and has bagged six goals and ten assists in 21 games in all competitions this season.
    Tuchel has reportedly been in touch with the player’s advisor via a member of his coaching staff.
    And Hofmann could be tempted to leave Gladbach if the club were to receive an attractive offer for his services.
    He arrived from Dortmund five years ago in a move worth £7.2m and is believed to be open to a new challenge.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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    Erling Haaland feared he wouldn’t be able to hack it in Bundesliga before Dortmund transfer and setting world alight

    ERLING HAALAND feared he wouldn’t be able to hack it in the Bundesliga before his transfer from RB Salzburg to Borussia Dortmund.
    But the Norwegian has ripped things up in Germany and become one of the game’s biggest stars.

    Erling Haaland was nervous he would not make it in the BundesligaCredit: Rex Features

    Haaland moved from the Austrian side to the German giants in January 2020.
    Before that he bagged 28 goals in just 22 games for Salzburg after joining them from Norwegian side Molde just 12 months before.
    And there has been no stopping him since his Dortmund switch with the goal machine hitting the net a staggering 41 times and providing ten assists in just 42 games.
    But that has come as no surprise to his old Salzburg boss Jess March who revealed Haaland sought reassurance from him about his ability to succeed in the Bundesliga at just 19.

    Marsch told Sportbuzzer: “That was exactly what he asked me at the beginning of his time in Dortmund.
    “I replied: ‘What would have really surprised me is if you do not end up succeeding.
    “I was convinced that the Bundesliga was made for him.
    “I keep in touch with Erling. We usually write or talk on the phone.”

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    Haaland and Mbappe are already well on their way to taking over from Ronaldo and Messi as football’s kings

    Haaland scored a brilliant brace against Sevilla in the Champions League on Wednesday night as his team won 3-2.
    After the game he revealed he was inspired by Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick for Paris Saint-Germain against Barcelona the night before.
    And stats since have suggested the pair are replacing Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the world’s best players.
    Haaland also admitted ‘it’s nice when people are interested in you’ when asked about interest from Real Madrid.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Erling Haaland teases Real Madrid transfer as Dortmund star admits ‘it’s always nice if someone wants you’ More