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      Frantic Man Utd target Sarr on loan transfer as yet ANOTHER Jadon Sancho alternative but Watford want permanent sale

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly seeking a loan deal for Ismaila Sarr having so far failed to sign Jadon Sancho.
      The end of a long summer transfer saga involving the Borussia Dortmund winger and the Red Devils is nigh, without an agreement in sight.

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      Ismaila Sarr may be available from Watford this month – but reportedly only on a permanent dealCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      All the signs point towards Jadon Sancho NOT signing for Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      That has forced United to look elsewhere to bolster Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s attack.
      And French outlet Telefoot report on an approach to take Watford winger Sarr on loan.
      The deadline day bid involves an option to sign the 22-year-old for £45million next summer, and is said to have been rejected by the Hornets.
      Negotiations are described as ongoing with Watford holding out for a permanent sale or an initial loan fee amounting to £25m.

      Senegal international Sarr cost the Championship side £30m last year but has only scored six goals at Vicarage Road, making his second appearance of the campaign in his side’s defeat to Reading on the weekend.
      Liverpool were previously linked with the ex-Rennes star, before opting to sign Diogo Jota.
      Should United fail to sign a wide attacker on deadline day, they could then go back to Sarr given the domestic deadline is not until October 16.
      The Red Devils are also reportedly interested in a loan move for Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele.

      Even though the Frenchman is unwanted at the Camp Nou, the LaLiga giants will only entertain permanent bids, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
      Fellow target Douglas Costa is one man definitely not heading to Old Trafford on Friday, after he completed a return to Bayern Munich.
      Going into deadline day, Donny van de Beek was the only man to sign for the club this autumn.
      But free agent Edinson Cavani and Porto left-back Alex Telles are expected to sign on the dotted line before the 11pm close of play.

      Darren Ambrose says Edinson Cavani is a clever signing from Man Utd More

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      Watch Wayne Rooney score stunning 87th-minute free-kick as Man Utd legend guides Derby to 1-0 win over Norwich

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      THIS is the moment Wayne Rooney scored a stunning 87th minute free-kick to snatch victory for Derby against Norwich.
      The Manchester United legend demonstrated once again that he’s still got it with a wonderful moment of quality to claim a crucial first win of the season for Phillip Cocu’s side in the Championship.

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      Wayne Rooney’s stunning free-kick could not be kept out, despite keeper Tim Krul’s best effortsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Rooney’s was mobbed by his teammates after he stole victory at the deathCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      It was a smash and grab victory for the Rams in a game that required the goalkeeping talents of David Marshall to keep them in it.
      Then it fell to Rooney to provide the moment of magic to ease the pressure on his Dutch manager.
      The 34-year-old, who is England’s all-time top goal scorer, stood over the ball from just outside the D after Jason Knight was hauled down by Lukas Rupp.
      He then whipped an absolute beauty into the top corner, giving the keeper no chance.

      The away side held on until the final whistle to claim a huge three points.
      But the visitors did ride their luck with Teemu Pukki missing a penalty for Norwich and Marshall producing two amazing saves to deny the Canaries.
      Derby’s first three games resulted in a hat-trick of losses to Reading, Luton and Blackburn.
      But Rooney’s magic will lift the club as they head into the international break.

      Social media was filled with praise for the match-winner, with many fans still loving the fact he could still provide such big moments so late in his career.

      Rooney spent 13 years at Manchester United after coming through at Everton.
      In his time at Old Trafford, he hauled in a mass of trophies and struck 183 goals in 393 appearances.
      He returned to his boyhood club Everton for one season, scoring 10 in 31.
      And after a short stint in America at D.C. United, he came back to England to sign for Derby last season.
      He has proven to be an important addition at Pride Park and often pops up with important moments.

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      Premier League clubs refusing EFL bail-out after discovering Championship owners are worth £32bn

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      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs will further resist an EFL bail-out after learning that Championship owners are worth more than £32BILLION.
      Top-flight teams are coming under increased Government pressure to stump up the £250m EFL chairman Rick Parry says is necessary to keep his 72 clubs alive.

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      Chien Lee tops the list as the head of the on £7bn consortium owning BarnsleyCredit: Getty – Contributor

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      Stoke City’s owners Denise Coates and family are worth around £6.9mCredit: PA:Press Association

      But as Parry held a further meeting with Prem chief Richard Masters to thrash out a lifeline deal, the anger of club bosses has reached new levels.
      Latest figures for the 24 Championship owners, compiled from a number of financial sources, estimate the total wealth of the clubs in the upper tier of the EFL adds up to an eye-opening £32.367bn.
      One senior Premier League source told SunSport: “When you look at what the Championship owners are worth between them you have to ask why they need any money from the Premier League.”
      £250m IS 0.77% OF THEIR WEALTH
      Meeting the £250m figure Parry has publicly stated is needed for the EFL clubs to all remain alive, would add up to just 0.77 per cent of their collective wealth.

      And that sum does NOT include the £7.72bn fortune owned by steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, frequently ranked as Britain’s wealthiest person, who has one third of QPR.
      The list is led by the £7bn wealth of the consortium owning Barnsley, led by Chinese-American Chien Lee.

      There are also billionaire owners at Stoke, Sheffield Wednesday, Coventry, Blackburn, Bristol City, Cardiff, Preston and Reading.
      Prem sides do have sympathy for clubs in Leagues One and Two, who are almost entirely reliant on gate income.

      But they will have private talks over the weekend to plot their next step ahead of Tuesday’s next virtual “shareholder” meeting.

      Houssem Aouar could be on his way to the Premier League with Arsenal favourites to land him More

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      Premier League clubs refusing EFL bail-out after finding out Championship owners worth £32bn

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs will further resist an EFL bail-out after learning Championship owners are worth more than £32BILLION.
      Top-flight teams are coming under increased Government pressure to stump up the £250m EFL chairman Rick Parry says is necessary to keep his 72 clubs alive.

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      Chien Lee tops the list as the head of the on £7bn consortium owning BarnsleyCredit: Getty – Contributor

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      Stoke City’s owners Denise Coates and family are worth around £6.9mCredit: PA:Press Association

      But as Parry held a further meeting with Prem chief Richard Masters to thrash out a lifeline deal, the anger of club bosses has reached new levels.
      Latest figures for the 24 Championship owners, compiled from a number of financial sources, estimate the total wealth of the clubs in the upper tier of the EFL adds up to an eye-opening £32.367bn.
      One senior Premier League source told SunSport: “When you look at what the Championship owners are worth between them you have to ask why they need any money from the Premier League.”
      £250m IS 0.77% OF THEIR WEALTH
      Meeting the £250m figure Parry has publicly stated is needed for the EFL clubs to all remain alive, would add up to just 0.77 per cent of their collective wealth.

      And that sum does NOT include the £7.72bn fortune owned by steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, frequently ranked as Britain’s wealthiest person, who has one third of QPR.
      The list is led by the £7bn wealth of the consortium owning Barnsley, led by Chinese-American Chien Lee.

      There are also billionaire owners at Stoke, Sheffield Wednesday, Coventry, Blackburn, Bristol City, Cardiff, Preston and Reading.
      Prem sides do have sympathy for clubs in Leagues One and Two, who are almost entirely reliant on gate income.

      But they will have private talks over the weekend to plot their next step ahead of Tuesday’s next virtual “shareholder” meeting.

      Houssem Aouar could be on his way to the Premier League with Arsenal favourites to land him More

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      Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock, 71, opens up on ‘do or die’ coronavirus battle and reveals football became irrelevant

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      A FIT and healthy Neil Warnock said that football became irrelevant as he battled “do or die” coronavirus. 
      After watching the last two games from home in self-isolation, the Middlesbrough boss will be back in the dugout at home to Barnsley on Saturday.

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      Neil Warnock was worried the coronavirus would spread to his lungs and his only thought was trying to get betterCredit: PA:Press Association

      Warnock reckons he caught Covid-19 a couple of weeks ago after a meeting with an IT staff member in a room without windows or ventilation. 
      The 71-year-old was still involved during his time away from the pitch, though, setting the team up and speaking directly to his Boro coaches via phone during the games. 
      But he believes he was lucky the virus did not spread to his lungs. 
      Warnock said: “When you’ve got something like I had, your only thought is getting better – you don’t worry about football.

      I started with a niggly throat and then lost my sense of taste and smell… I wanted to sleep every minute of the day.
      Neil Warnock

      “Football becomes irrelevant. The result is not do or die, whereas this virus is. 
      “I was very fortunate I didn’t get anything on my chest. I started with a little niggly throat and then lost my sense of taste and smell. 
      “And for the first few days I was absolutely shattered, wanting to go to sleep every minute of the day. It was a very tiring experience for me.

      “I do enjoy my bike, I’ve been back out this week and that does seem to help.

      “I think because of that little bit of extra fitness, I managed to keep it away from my chest and lungs. 
      “It just makes you even more aware how careful you are.
      “I’m getting a bit paranoid like that – I’m going around even my own house two or three times a day doing the surfaces and handles.”

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      Man City star Joel Latibeaudiere eyed by Bournemouth and Swansea on loan transfer as 20-year-old looks for action

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      MANCHESTER CITY youngster Joel Latibeaudiere is a target for Bournemouth and Swansea City, according to reports.
      Latibeaudiere spent last season on loan at FC Twente, making five appearances in the Eredivisie before the season’s abandonment.

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      Man City youngster Joel Latibeaudiere is a loan target for Championship sides Bournemouth and Swansea

      Telegraph reporter Mike McGrath has revealed the Championship duo have both enquired about taking the 20-year-old on loan, with his first team opportunities likely to be at a premium at the Etihad.
      Luton Town are also believed to be monitoring the situation.
      Latibeaudiere captained England’s victorious under-17 World Cup team in 2017.
      That side contained the likes of City teammate Phil Foden, Liverpool striker Rhian Brewster and Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi.

      A move to Swansea would see Latibeaudiere reunite with his England under-17 coach Steve Cooper.
      Cooper has made a habit of signing alumni from his time with the England youth sides, having snapped up Brewster on loan for the second half of last season.
      Latibeaudiere could also link up with his centre-back partner from the 2017 campaign, Marc Guehi, who is also on loan at the Swans from Chelsea.

      The Doncaster-born defender joined City at the age of 13 but has just a year left to run on his current deal with the Sky Blues.

      Despite the suggestion of a loan move, reports in Wales claim City could be willing to let Latibeaudiere leave on a free transfer given his contract situation.
      However, City would want to install a sizeable future sell-on clause in any such deal.
      Though primarily a centre-back, Latibeaudiere was also used as a right-back during his loan spell at Twente.

      17-year-old Man City wonder kid Charlie McNeill shows off his talents on the pitch More

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      Southampton keeper Angus Gunn eyed by Stoke in loan transfer… but only if Jack Butland leaves with year left on deal

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      ANGUS GUNN has emerged as a loan target for Stoke – if Jack Butland leaves.
      Stopper Gunn, 24, is hungry for game-time after falling down the pecking order at Southampton.

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      Stoke are targeting a loan move for Southampton keeper Angus GunnCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      The Potters will only move for the Saints stopper if Jack Butland leaves firstCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He was replaced as Ralph Hasenhuttl’s first-choice by Alex McCarthy after shipping nine goals against Leicester last October.
      And with the return from loan of Fraser Forster, Saints are looking to offload one of their back-up keepers.
      That looks most likely to be former England Under-21 star Gunn, who is attracting interest from both home and abroad.

      Stoke are keen but may have to offload Butland first.
      The former Three Lions star, 27, is keen to leave the Potters after a difficult few years and only has 12 months remaining on his contract.
      Last month it emerged Stoke would let Butland leave for £8m after previously slapping a £30m price tag on his head.
      The Championship club were chasing mega-money less than two years ago after Butland travelled with England to the 2018 World Cup.

      Stoke have already received enquiries for the nine-cap ace.

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      Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace were linked with moves last summer but were put off by the Potters’ price-tag.
      Butland was Stoke’s Player of the Year in his breakthrough Premier League season back in 2015/16.
      But slow-recovery from a complicated ankle fracture while on England duty derailed his progress.
      Butland was in the news for a series of blunders last season as Stoke eventually finished mid-table.
      Michael O’Neill’s side are desperate to stop him walking away for nothing next year.
      Butland’s agent Paul Stretford recently admitted a deal could happen sooner rather than later.
      He told Sky Sports: “Talks have been ongoing with Stoke City for the past two years since Jack made it clear his preference was not to extend his existing contract.
      “Last season there were some very interesting opportunities for Jack but, due to differing reasons, they did not materialise. 
      “Relations between Jack, the manager and the club remain in a good place and if we are able to find the right fit for Jack then I am confident that conditions are right for a deal to happen.” 
      He added: “[If no move materialises] either in the summer or next January’s window – Jack will stay with Stoke City until the end of his current contract at the end of next season.”

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      Government demands for Premier League to hand EFL £250m bail-out slammed by MPs and two ex-FA chairman

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      GOVERNMENT demands for Premier League clubs to pay the £250million EFL bail-out have been criticised by MPs and two former FA chairmen.
      Lord Triesman and Greg Dyke are among the signatories to the letter, written by Tory MP Damian Collins.

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      The Premier League are being called on by the Government to provide the £250m bail-out the EFL needsCredit: AP:Associated Press

      And in a stinging rebuke of Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, the group says it is the Government, and not Premier League clubs, who must be responsible for keeping the lower tiers of English football alive.
      They say: “We understand that you had hoped that the Premier League clubs might make a significant additional contribution to support the EFL.
      “Whilst this would be welcome, those clubs too face swingeing losses from lost ticketing receipts and falling revenues from broadcasting matches.
      “However, it cannot be the Premier League’s sole responsibility to sort out issues arising from Government policy.

      “The Government itself needs to take responsibility or many already-embattled towns – often in areas of the country which have suffered many hardships in recent decades – will lose their last focal point.”
      Triesman – Wembley head from 2008 to 2010 – and Dyke, who ran the FA between 2013 and 2016, are powerful voices with strong political connections.
      Along with Collins, recently deposed as chairman of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, the other Westminster signatories featured four Tory MPs including former Deputy Prime Minister Damian Green as well as Labour’s Kevin Brennan and Clive Betts.
      Others signing the letter included National League vice-president Lord Faulkner, Malcolm Clarke of the Football Supporters Association and Robbie Savage.

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      Many EFL and non-league clubs are at risk of going out of business as a result of the coronavirus pandemic with no fans in groundsCredit: PA:Press Association

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      Former FA chairman Greg Dyke was among the signatories on a letter criticising the Government’s treatment of the EFL Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Dowden further infuriated League chiefs by his weekend assertion that top-flight clubs should “help poorer clubs rather than spend huge amounts of money hiring a new striker”.
      Now, though, he has been put on the back foot by the letter, which will be welcomed by League bosses.
      The group added that it had previously advised the Government of the issues faced by the EFL as a result of the Covid-19 crisis.
      They added: “Clubs have been able to sustain themselves through advance season ticket sales, solidarity payments from the Premier League, and had agreed to start playing the new season in the belief that fans would be allowed to return to stadiums this autumn.
      “It’s now clear that spectators will not be back in EFL grounds, even in limited numbers, for the foreseeable future.
      “As a consequence clubs will not only lose this budgeted for income, but will also have to refund season tickets to fans who will now be prevented from attending matches.
      “It’s clear that the Government has no current proposals to provide financial support, and nor is it prepared to offer any guarantees for the future.
      “Without any plans being made to rescue football clubs, many in the EFL and others in the National League as well, are now actively preparing to make all but essential staff redundant, cease playing, close down their youth academies and community foundations, and put their business into administration.

      “This could lead not only to the failure of many historic community clubs, but the collapse of the national league structure that we have known for over one hundred years.
      “There is still time to act, but not long left.
      “The Government made £1.5billion available to rescue arts and cultural organisations across the country that faced closure because of the coronavirus.
      “We believe that football, like other well-loved professional sports in this country, is also a cultural activity.
      “We would ask that the government now make clear what financial support it’s prepared to give before it is too late.
      “In order for clubs to sustain themselves over the winter and keep playing, they would need to be compensated for the loss of match ticket sales.
      “The absence of this income is not a result of their actions, but the policies that have been put in place by the government in response to a public health emergency.”

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