More stories

  • in

    Man Utd ‘eye Julian Nagelsmann as possible Solskjaer replacement’ despite thumping his RB Leipzig side 5-0 in Europe

    MANCHESTER UNITED are eyeing up Julian Nagelsmann as a potential replacement for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, according to reports.
    That is despite the Red Devils thumping his RB Leipzig side 5-0 in the Champions League just last month.

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

    Julian Nagelsmann could be lined up by Manchester United to replace under-pressure Ole Gunnar SolskjaerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Solskjaer may insist he is the right man for the job but is under increasing pressure to keep his position following a run of poor results and performances.
    That included a shock 2-1 defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir as United’s defence was heavily criticised again.
    SunSport understands Man Utd have not made any contact with any potential replacement at this stage.

    However, ESPN report the Old Trafford club are considering Nagelsmann as an option.
    Mauricio Pochettino, currently out of work, would also be high on Ed Woodward’s wish list should they axe Solskjaer.
    Max Allegri, Ralph Hasenhuttl, Lauren Blanc and Diego Simeone are also among the favourites with the bookmakers.
    But Nagelsmann, still only 33, has earned himself plenty of plaudits in recent years.

    Appointed Hoffenheim boss at the age of just 28, he took them from relegation candidates to qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history within 15 months.
    The German manager was poached by RB Leipzig in 2019 on a four-year deal and took them to the Champions League semi-finals last season, beating Tottenham and Atletico Madrid before falling to Paris Saint-Germain.

    Solskjaer got the better of the German in October as United beat RB Leipzig 5-0 at Old TraffordCredit: EPA

    But his side came unstuck when they travelled to Old Trafford at the end of October, shipping five goals including three to Marcus Rashford.
    However, they responded to that battering by beating PSG this week to join United on six points from three games in Group H.
    However, reports in October suggested United may face competition from across town.
    With Pep Guardiola’s contract expiring next summer, Manchester City may consider Nagelsmann or Pochettino to take over at the Etihad should the Spaniard opt against signing an extension.

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer backs Man Utd players to show fight and passion ahead of Everton clash More

  • in

    Dortmund vs Bayern Munich FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Bundesliga clash

    TWO German giants go head-to-head as Dortmund host Bayern Munich in a crunch Bundesliga clash.
    The visitors are chasing a ninth-straight title and arrive in great form having won their last four games on the bounce.

    Erling Haaland continues to score at will for club and countryCredit: AFP or Licensors

    BVB are hot on their heels though and can go top with victory, with Lucien Favre’s side on the back of four consecutive clean sheets.
    When is Dortmund vs Bayern?
    Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
    You can catch this crucial Bundesliga clash live on BT Sport 1.
    Coverage will begin at 5pm.
    BT Sport subscribers can watch on the official app, which also includes the option to pause and rewind the action.

    And EE phone customers can watch for FREE – text SPORT to 150 for a free three-month BT Sport mobile trial.

    What is the team news?
    Dortmund are sweating on the fitness of former Bayern centre-back Mats Hummels.
    Emre Can is out with coronavirus, while Marcel Schmelzer has a knee complaint.
    Alphonso Davies is out until at least December, while Leon Goretzka has a calf complaint.

    Match odds
    Dortmund to win – 11/4
    Draw – 3/1
    Bayern victory – 4/5
    Both teams to score – 4/11
    *All odds from Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More

  • in

    Real Madrid plan for new wave of Galacticos with stunning triple transfer for Mbappe, Haaland and Camavinga

    REAL MADRID are reportedly planning a stunning triple swoop to bring in Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Eduardo Camavinga.
    Los Blancos have cash to spend next year having failed to sign anyone this summer due to the coronavirus crisis, while their key targets were not available.

    This is how Real Madrid could start if they sign all their key targets

    According to AS, Zinedine Zidane’s side are in pole position to land Borussia Dortmund striker Haaland when he decides to leave the German club.
    Manchester United have also been linked with a move to sign the Norway international, but it is believed Real are at the front of the queue.
    The Spanish news outlet also claims that Paris Saint Germain forward Kylian Mbappe is being chased by Zizou.
    Meanwhile Rennes starlet Camavinga remains a priority for Real as they look to replace the ageing Luka Modric.

    SunSport reported in September how the trio were being eyed up by Real as they plan for a new wave of Galacticos.
    Should Real manage to sign the exciting youngsters, they would most certainly boast one of the most lethal sides in Europe.
    Thibaut Courtois would retain his place between the sticks, while Dani Carvajal would start at right-back with Ferland Mendy to edge out Marcelo at left-back.
    The centre-back pairing would likely be Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane with the two having formed a formidable partnership.

    Brazilian defensive midfielder Casemiro would likely sit in front of the back four, with Toni Kroos and Camavinga playing slightly ahead.
    To accommodate Eden Hazard featuring on the left wing, Mbappe may be shunted out on the right wing, despite it not being his natural position.
    Despite Karim Benzema impressing of late for Real, he could find himself on the bench in favour of Haaland.
    A wealth of attacking talent would also be on the bench, as Zidane would not only be able to rely on Benzema, but also Vinicius Junior, Isco and potentially Gareth Bale.

    Maradona is recovering well More

  • in

    Man Utd transfer target Haaland has ‘verbal agreement’ to leave Dortmund with Real Madrid and Bayern also interested

    ERLING HAALAND reportedly has a verbal agreement in place to leave Borussia Dortmund in 2022.
    Manchester United, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are among the clubs that want to sign the 20-year-old.

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

    Erling Haaland will be able to leave the German side in 2022, claim AS
    According to AS, a pact has been made between his agent, Mino Raiola, and the club.
    Haaland will be able to leave Dortmund in 2022 despite only joining them last year.
    The source states that Real Madrid are in pole position to secure his signature.

    Norwegian star Haaland reportedly favours a move to the Bernabeu over Old Trafford.
    Relations between BVB and LaLiga giants Real Madrid are understood to be excellent.
    But Manchester United are expected to go all out for Haaland as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to reunite with him.
    The pair worked closely together at Norwegian club Molde.

    He is believed to United’s top target despite their ongoing interest in his Borussia Dortmund team-mate Jadon Sancho.

    Erling Haaland has continued to impress for Borussia Dortmund this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Since arriving at Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg, Haaland has continued to impress.
    He has already scored 16 goals in 15 games for club and country this season.
    This week he scored twice as Dortmund beat Club Brugge 3-0 in the Champions League. After the match he was involved in bizarre interview.
    As well as Bayern Munich, Liverpool have also been linked to him following his remarkable spell of form.

    Watch as Dortmund star Haaland is asked if he has a girlfriend in ‘weirdest interview’ that leaves Carragher baffled More

  • in

    Man Utd failed in £45m transfer bid for Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby on deadline day

    MANCHESTER United made an audacious £45million move for Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby on deadline day but failed, according to reports.
    The club made four last-ditch recruitments just before the transfer window shut, but it would have been five if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the side’s transfer chiefs had their way.

    Moussa Diaby has been impressing teams from across Europe Credit: AFP or licensors

    After a summer spent chasing Jadon Sancho, it appears the Old Trafford hierarchy attempted a late dash at another wide man.
    Reports from Sport Bild say the Red Devils tried to recruit Bayer Leverkusen’s Diaby for big money.
    They were apparently willing to pay £45m (€50m) to try and sway the German club.
    But Leverkusen blocked the move and are looking to extend his contract.

    Sporting director Rudi Voller said: “It wasn’t just Kai Havertz this summer.
    “We had three or four other players who were the focus of foreign clubs. One of them was Moussa Diaby.”
    Sports Bild suggest Manchester United were the main club in contention, although their neighbours Manchester City were also interested in the Frenchman.
    Diaby has 10 goals and nine assists in 48 appearances for Leverkusen.

    He has impressed off the left flank in the Bundelisga, but can also play in other positions.
    The 21-year-old came through PSG’s academy and joined Leverkusen last year.
    He also represents France at U21 level.
    Despite their failure to land him, United did manage to capture Amad Traore and Facundo Pellistri on deadline day.

    ⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford
    But both of those are signings for the future, where Diaby may have been expected to come in and make an instant impact.
    Following the Sancho deal falling apart, United have also reportedly had unsuccessful runs at Ousmane Dembele, Douglas Costa and Ismaila Sarr.
    The scattergun approach of the club in the transfer window has been criticised by pundits and former players.

    Jadon Sancho asked to take a pay cut by Man Utd More

  • in

    Man City and Liverpool among FOUR clubs fighting for Alaba but Bayern star ‘wants Barcelona or Real Madrid transfer’

    MANCHESTER CITY and Liverpool are among the four clubs fighting it out for David Alaba’s signature, according to reports.
    It is thought the Bayern Munich man does not want to go to any of them – and instead is hoping to join Real Madrid or Barcelona.

    David Alaba is a target for some of European football’s biggest clubs with his Bayern Munich contract expiring next summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Alaba, 28, is into the final year of his current deal at the Allianz Arena and is not close to agreeing an extension.
    That would see the defender become a free agent come the end of the season, with pre-contract negotiations able to be sorted as early as January.
    According to AS, City, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus all view Alaba as a primary target.
    Sport Bild, however, report Alaba would rather go to one of the LaLiga giants – with Los Blancos considering a swoop due to the lack of a transfer fee.

    Confident at left-back or centre-back, where he has spent most of his time under Hansi Flick, Alaba would be the ideal signing for Pep Guardiola – his ex-boss at Bayern.
    Virgil van Dijk and Fabinho’s injuries highlighted Jurgen Klopp’s need for quality defensive reinforcement.
    For Juventus and PSG, they will be hoping to add more Champions League-winning experience to translate their domestic dominance into conquering Europe.
    Alaba joined Bayern’s youth set-up in 2008 and has won 18 major honours with the Bavarians as he closes in on 400 first-team appearances.

    That includes nine Bundesliga crowns and two Champions League triumphs.
    However, manager Hansi Flick confirmed contract talks have stalled – while former club president Uli Hoeness slammed the Austrian’s agent, stating: “It’s all about money.”
    Alaba responded angrily to Flick’s public comments and claimed he only discovered Bayern had withdrawn their final offer when it came out in the news.
    Alaba said: “I cannot say how it will continue from this point. I am glad to be playing for Bayern and to be a part of the team.
    “But what the future will look like after yesterday evening I just cannot say, as no one has talked to me officially.
    “I can completely understand the fans (being hurt). I wish internal stuff would stay internal.
    “The numbers out there do not correspond to reality and I am a bit disappointed and sad that the club never officially came out to say they are wrong.
    “I have not made any thoughts about my future because Bayern was always the first point of contact. I had no contact with other clubs for that reason.”

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

    Bayern Munich’s David Alaba show the best way to stay active with his fitness regime More

  • in

    Dortmund ‘optimistic’ Erling Haaland will sign new deal and deny £68m release clause exists amid Man Utd transfer links

    BORUSSIA DORTMUND are ‘optimistic’ star striker Erling Haaland will pen a new deal at the club as they denied reports of a £68million release clause.
    Reports in Germany suggested an exit clause exists that if activated would allow the prolific Norwegian forward to leave in 2021 – but Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke rebuked the claims.

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

    Borussia Dortmund are confident of keeping Erling Haaland – and rebuked claims of a £68million release clauseCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Watzke, in an interview with Bild, said: “There is no such agreement.”
    Both Manchester United and Liverpool, as well as Spanish giants Real Madrid, have been linked with a move for the 20-year-old.
    The Red Devils and Los Blancos suffered a blow when Liverpool were tipped to seal a future move by Haaland’s former side RB Salzburg’s sporting director Cristoph Freund.

    However, all three European clubs could miss out if Dortmund chief Watzke, 61, has his way.
    He added: “It is about convincing the player of your club and your plans. We really want Erling to stay with us longer and we want to convince him and his agent of this.
    “I am quite optimistic. I think Erling is comfortable at BVB.
    “We can definitively say that he took the right step last winter by signing for our club.

    “I would consider it a mistake if he moved on after such a short amount of time.”

    Haaland rejected United to join Dortmund from RB Salzburg for £18m in December 2019.
    He has made a fast start to the latest Bundesliga season, bagging five goals in as many games with two assists to boot.
    And according to CIES Football Observatory’s list of the most valuable players born in the 2000s, Haaland is fourth with a value of £108m.

    Erling Haaland will be the best striker in the world More