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    Man Utd aim to complete Jadon Sancho transfer before England’s Euro 2020 campaign but January move ‘all-but impossible’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are hoping to complete Jadon Sancho’s transfer before England start their Euro 2020 campaign, according to reports.
    But a January deal looks to be all-but impossible.

    Manchester United are plotting another approach to land Jadon Sancho in 2021Credit: Getty Images – Getty

    According to 90min.com, the Red Devils are still desperate to land the Borussia Dortmund winger to bolster the right side of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s attack.
    They missed out on the 20-year-old this summer after failing to match the German’s £108million asking price and ended up buying Uruguayan winger Facundo Pellistri and Atalanta’s Amad Diallo instead.
    But the report suggests United will make a fresh approach for Sancho in 2021.
    And they will want it all wrapped up before the rearranged Euros, where he may well excel for England and attract more attention.

    The tournament begins on June 11, with England’s first game two days later.
    90min.com add that landing Sancho in January will be ‘almost impossible’.
    Instead, United may try and secure a deal in the winter transfer window for the player to link up with the squad in the summer – just as Chelsea agreed with Dortmund in 2019 for Christian Pulisic as the American stayed on loan for the rest of the season.
    Old Trafford chiefs know they will need to act quickly in the New Year – and could still attempt to bring the former Man City player back to Manchester immediately in January.

    SunSport understands United told Sancho ‘we haven’t given up on you’ in October when a summer transfer failed to materialise and will go back in for him at the next available opportunity.

    The ex-Manchester City youngster wanted the summer move but refused to force the deal by publicly announcing his desire to leave and jeopardise his relationship with the Bundesliga side.
    But Sancho told close pals he is convinced he will still end up being a United player with a deal revived in 2021.
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

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    Jadon Sancho scores goals in England training More

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    Arsenal outcast Matteo Guendouzi has ‘enriched’ Hertha Berlin says German club chief as midfielder stars in loan spell

    ARSENAL outcast Matteo Guendouzi has ‘enriched’ Hertha Berlin, according to club chief Michael Preetz.
    The out-of-favour midfielder joined the German club at the end of the transfer window on a season-long loan and has made an impact on club bosses already in his short stay.

    Guendouzi has impressed in his time at Hertha Berlin so far Credit: Getty Images – Getty

    He had been frozen out of Mikel Arteta’s team after his actions in a loss to Brighton in June, but seems to have made a far better impression at his new side.
    Sporting director Preetz told German outlet Kicker: “Three months ago, Matteo’s loan signing wasn’t possible, but it was at the beginning of October.
    “We are happy that he is here and that he enriched our game from the start.
    “We’ll see everything else next summer. How the prices will develop by then and what Arsenal are planning then, nobody can say today.”

    Guendouzi was booted out of Arsenal’s first team after clashing with Brighton’s Neal Maupay.
    He grabbed the striker by the throat as they squared off in a Premier League game not long after the season restarted after lockdown.
    The 21-year-old then angered Arteta when he refused to apologise for his petulance in an internal disciplinary meeting.
    Guendouzi was then forced to train on his own for the remainder of the campaign.

    Guendouzi’s Arsenal future went up in flames after a clash with Brighton’s Neal MaupayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Since arriving in the Bundesliga, he has made two appearances and has been generally well-received.
    Hertha currently sit in mid-table with seven points from seven games.
    Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell believes Guendouzi should look for a permanent way out, as he’s not convinced he has a future at the Emirates.
    He told Football Insider: “I do not think he will play for Arsenal again.
    “He doesn’t have a future at Arsenal. Mikel Arteta put him in detention after the Brighton game last season, that is what it was – detention.
    “A manager like Arteta wants to see that you can toe the line, take your punishment, keep your trap shut and get working. Guendouzi could not do it.

    “He was given a clean slate at the start of the season, like Mezut Ozil, but they did not toe the line.
    “Arteta is strong enough to exclude players he cannot trust. When a manager cannot trust you he is not going to back you.
    “The good thing is they got him out on loan because you cannot afford to have ill-disciplined players like that in and around the club. The right thing was to get him out on loan.”

    Arsenal player Matteo Guendouzi seals loan transfers away to Hertha Berlin More

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    Arsenal joined by Bayern Munich in Dominik Szoboszlai transfer chase, confirms Matthaus who likens him to Kai Havertz

    BAYERN MUNICH have joined Arsenal in the transfer chase for Dominik Szobaszlai, claimed Lothar Matthaus.
    And the German holds high hopes for the Hungarian ‘gem’ as he compared the youngster to Kai Havertz.

    Dominik Szobaszlai is on Bayern Munich’s radar ahead of a possible January transferCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    The Gunners are hopeful of landing a creative midfielder when the transfer window reopens.
    And it was reported talks have already taken place between Edu and the Red Bull Salzburg and Hungary star.
    However, Matthaus – who spent 12 years as a Bayern Munich player, managed Hungary and coached at Red Bull Salzburg – is sure Bayern are tracking Szobaszlai for a transfer.
    Speaking to Munchner Abendzeitung, the 1990 World Cup winner said: “He is a gem. He’s like Kai Havertz.

    “He could move to RB Leipzig in January, but I’m convinced that every top club in Europe has him on their list, including Bayern.
    “In Hungary, Szoboszlai is already being compared to the great Ferenc Puskas.”
    Arsenal could see Szoboszlai as a cheaper alternative to Lyon’s Houssem Aouar because of the £22.5million release clause in his contract.
    And Gunners fans have urged the club to secure his services following his dramatic winner against Iceland to book Hungary’s place at next summer’s European Championships.

    But they face plenty of competition with Real Madrid among the interested parties – and it is little wonder with the left-sided midfielder already racking up five goals and nine assists in 13 games for Salzburg this season.
    Arsenal were dealt a blow when Hungarian national team boss Marco Rossi suggested Szoboszlai may head from Austria to Germany.
    He said: “My feeling is that he is more likely to end up in Germany.
    “He is ready to make the leap, going to the Bundesliga the pace is less.
    “The Austrian football of Salzburg is similar to that of the Bundesliga.”
    ⚠️ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

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    Man Utd transfer target Dayot Upamecano tipped to succeed at Bayern Munich by former RB Leipzig coach Rangnick

    DAYOT UPAMECANO has been tipped to succeed at Bayern Munich by his former RB Leipzig coach.
    The French defender, 22, remains one of the most sought-after defenders in European football after his stellar rise with Leipzig.

    Dayot Upamecano has been backed to shine for Bayern Munich in the futureCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    But despite interest from Manchester United, Real Madrid, Arsenal and injury-ravaged Liverpool – who look set to try and land a centre-back in January – Ralf Rangnick expects his ex-player to head to the Bundesliga champions.
    David Alaba and Jerome Boateng are out of contract at the end of the season and therefore Upamecano could be the suitable replacement – despite signing a new contract at RB this summer.
    Asked whether he would excel at the Allianz Arena, Rangnick told Sport1: “Why not? Bayern know this player well, you can assume that.
    “Physically, Bayern saw that in direct duels no one will run away from him.

    “He might still have one or two risky balls too many in a game, but he will certainly learn in the next few years.
    “I got to know Upa and his family over many years. They not only make decisions that sound good to them in terms of his image, but they also make decisions based on the feeling of what is best for the player himself.”
    And it is not just a former RB Leipzig boss expecting Upamecano to go the very top – but the current one too.
    Julian Nagelsmann backed his man after a high-profile error in the Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

    The percentage of answers have been round up or down from their decimal points

    He said: “Upamecano is on his way to world class but he has to stop these things, obviously. He knows it himself, he is very critical of himself.
    “It’s a learning curve, he only has good intentions and wants to create attacks for us. He simply needs to recognise the right moment to switch from defence to attack.
    “Recognising this situation is a learning curve which he will succeed in, simply because he is that talented.”
    Rangnick also lauded Upamecano’s fellow young French defender Ibrahima Konate as well as promising Bayern Munich 18-year-old Tanguy Nianzou, who they signed from PSG in the summer.
    Leipzig man Konate has recently been linked with Arsenal among other English clubs.

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    Manchester United were thought to be keen but may miss out to the Bundesliga championsCredit: EPA

    Watch as France U21 defender Dayot Upamecano blows away Bundesliga opponents for RB Leipzig More

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    Man Utd joined by Liverpool in Dayot Upamecano transfer race as Klopp ‘makes Leipzig star No1 target after Gomez injury’

    LIVERPOOL are joining Manchester United in the race for Dayot Upamecano after Jurgen Klopp reportedly identified the RB Leipzig star as his number one target.
    A serious injury to Joe Gomez while on England duty has sparked a crisis in the Reds defence, which the Premier League holders are keen to solve in January.

    ⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

    Dayot Upamecano has been linked with many clubs in Europe following his impressive form marshalling Leipzig’s defenceCredit: Reuters
    But they will face intense competition with rivals United to bring in Upamecano, one of the highest-rated centre-backs in Europe, who has long been monitored by the Manchester side.
    They remained interested even after the defender endured a difficult night during United’s 5-0 win against Leipzig in the Champions League.
    The Athletic report that the 22-year-old is topping Klopp’s wish list after Gomez’s injury left him sidelined alongside Virgil Van Dijk.

    Liverpool reportedly planned to bring Upamecano in next summer but the scale of their problems means the move may now be accelerated.
    The Frenchman is believed to have a clause in his contract which will allow him to leave for £38million.
    His current deal runs until 2023.
    It will be the second time in recent history that Liverpool will be diving in for a Leipzig star, following their long-running pursuit of Naby Keita.

    They had to pay a £48m release clause to land the midfielder back in 2017, with an agreement in place meaning he stayed at the German club for another year.
    If they cannot secure Upamecano, the Merseyside club will also be looking at Brighton’s Ben White, Ozan Kabak from Schalke or Torino’s Gleison Bremer.

    Liverpool’s injury woes worsened this week after Gomez suffered a strain in England trainingCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Virgil Van Dijk had to limp out the Merseyside derby after a flying tackle by Jordan PickfordCredit: AFP or licensors
    Liverpool face competition not just from Man United but also from Bayern Munich if they are to bring in their top target.
    The Champions League holders are believed to be looking at a long-term replacement for Jerome Boateng.

    Following a number of unfortunate incidents, Liverpool look set to restart their Premier League campaign at home against pace setters Leicester with a makeshift defence.
    Along with Gomez’s absence, Van Dijk has been ruled out for some time after a reckless tackle by Jordan Pickford in last month’s Merseyside derby.
    Fabinho is still recovering from his hamstring problems while Joel Matip’s sketchy fitness record will be a cause for concern.

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    Solskjaer looking forward to seeing Man Utd transfer target Dayot Upamecano ‘close up’ in RB Leipzig clash More

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    Arsenal eye RB Leipzig pair Ibrahima Konate and Christopher Nkunku in double transfer raid in bid to improve squad

    ARSEAL are eyeing RB Leipzig pair Ibrahima Konate and Christopher Nkunku in a double transfer raid, according to reports.
    The Gunners want to bolster their squad so may make moves for the duo next year.

    ⚠️ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

    Arsenal are considering activating the £45m release clause in Ibrahima Konate’s RB Leipzig contractCredit: AFP
    According to Bild, Arsenal have been keeping a close eye on both players.
    Konate, 21, is a French centre-back with a release clause of £45million.
    That would make him a cheaper alternative than team-mate and compatriot Dayot Upamecano.

    Upamecano was a target for Arsenal, Manchester United and Real Madrid in the summer before signing a new deal at the Bundesliga club.
    Konate missed the beginning of the season but is now in the side on the right of a Leipzig back three with Upamecano and Willi Orban.
    The report adds that plenty of English clubs are tracking Konate – but the lure of joining the likes of William Saliba as another young French defender at the Emirates may appeal.
    Arsenal also face competition in their pursuit of Nkunku.

    The France Under-21 international fits the mould of an exciting midfielder Arteta is looking for – just like Houssem Aouar or Dominik Szoboszlai.

    Christopher Nkunku celebrates his goal against former club Paris Saint-Germain in this season’s Champions LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Bild add that former Paris Saint-Germain man Nkunku, 22, would cost around around £36m as Lyon also consider making a bid.
    Should Lyon land Nkunku, however, that may see the French outfit to allow Aouar to leave for North London.

    Arteta says Arsenal are inconsistent and something needs to be improved More

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    Arsenal and Chelsea in battle to land Jerome Boateng on free transfer as Bayern ‘refuse to offer him new deal’

    ARSENAL and Chelsea are in a battle to sign Jerome Boateng on a free transfer, according to reports.
    And London rivals Tottenham may join the chase for the German defender.

    ⚠️ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

    Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham may all make moves to try and sign Jerome Boateng on a free transferCredit: Reuters
    According to Sport Bild in Germany, Bayern Munich will refuse to offer Boateng a new deal.
    The former Manchester City man, 32, is out of contract at the end of the season.
    That means he can enter negotiations with European clubs over a pre-contract agreement to move in the summer.

    Boateng came through at Hertha Berlin before three years at Hamburg and then joined Manchester City.
    After a season at the Etihad, he returned to his homeland by signing for Bayern in 2011.
    The centre-back has 333 appearances, eight Bundesligas, two Champions Leagues and a Club World Cup for the Bavarians.
    Boateng and Niklas Sule have battled it out to partner David Alaba – also in the final year of his deal – at the heart of Hans-Dieter Flick’s side so far this term.

    But Premier League sides may look to bring the experienced defender back to England next summer despite strong starts defensively to the season.

    Boateng has been heavily involved for the European champions at the start of this seasonCredit: EPA

    Caballero and Cech are the oldest players in the Premier League

    Chelsea and Arsenal have conceded ten while Spurs have shipped a league-best nine along with Manchester City, Wolves, Aston Villa and leaders Leicester.
    Sokratis, David Luiz and Shkodran Mustafi all have their contracts expiring next summer.
    So even though Mikel Arteta will have the likes of Gabriel, William Saliba and Pablo Mari at his disposal, the Arsenal boss could benefit from the addition of Boateng.
    Chelsea landed veteran Thiago Silva for nothing this summer and are already reaping the benefits with his commanding performances at the back.
    Frank Lampard may be tempted by a similar signing if Silva continues to be a success.
    At Tottenham, Jose Mourinho saw one experienced defender leave in Jan Vertonghen.
    Joe Rodon did come in from Swansea but so far the Special One has generally opted for Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez and Toby Alderweireld at the back.

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