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    Man Utd and Chelsea miss out on Lucas Vazquez transfer as he signs new three-year Real Madrid contract

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea have missed out on the chance to sign Lucas Vazquez after he signed a new, three-year contract at Real Madrid.The versatile Los Blancos ace, 29, had been a top target of both Premier League giants this summer.
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    Lucas Vazquez has agreed to a new, three-year deal at Real MadridCredit: Getty – Contributor
    But Real Madrid have confirmed the Spanish forward has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract at the Bernabeu.
    A club statement read: “Real Madrid CF and Lucas Vázquez have agreed to extend the player’s contract.
    “He will remain linked to the club for the next three seasons, until June 30, 2024.”
    Real Madrid were determined not to lose Vazquez and offered him improved terms following his recent injury – with Leeds, Tottenham and AC Milan also prowling.
    Vazquez impressed this season, mainly featuring at right-back before rupturing his cruciate ligament against Barcelona in April.
    He will become the second Los Blancos player to sign on the dotted line in recent days after Luka Modric agreed to a one-year extension.
    Real Madrid players have all been asked to take pay-cuts on signing new deals to help them amid the financial crisis sparked by the coronavirus lockdown.
    Vazquez will now look forward to a fresh start at the Bernabeu with Carlo Ancelotti confirmed as the club’s new boss earlier this week, replacing Zinedine Zidane.
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    And Ancelotti has opened the door for Tottenham loanee Gareth Bale, injury-plagued Eden Hazard and outcasts Isco and Marcelo to shine in his new regime.
    The Italian – who took charge of the club between 2013 and 2015 – said: “I have a lot of love still for Gareth Bale, Isco, Marcelo…
    “They will have motivation to show they can still play for Real Madrid.
    “Eden Hazard? He’s a top player, he’ll show his skills.
    “Hazard and Bale can be so important for us.”
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    Harry Maguire almost certain to miss England’s Euro 2020 opener as Gareth Southgate gambles picking FOUR crocked stars

    HARRY MAGUIRE revealed he has only just started light training in his race to be fit for the Euros.The Manchester United captain looks certain to miss England’s June 13 opener against Croatia and is a doubt for the other group games.
    Harry Maguire picked up an ankle injury during Manchester United’s 3-1 win against Aston Villa last month and has still not recoveredCredit: Rex
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    Boss Gareth Southgate also confirmed Jordan Henderson is not fully fit, while Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford are dealing with niggles.
    However, Southgate took a big gamble by naming all four in his final 26-man squad.
    Maguire, who damaged ankle ligaments against Aston Villa last month, said: “I have done little bits of running.
    “I don’t want to aggravate it too early as we still have nearly two weeks until the first game and it is a long tournament.

    “I am taking it day by day. I have not asked for a time-frame but I am looking forward to being involved.
    “It can improve dramatically in a few days and you can have little setbacks.”
    Maguire, 28, missed United’s Europa League final defeat to Villarreal in Poland a week ago, although he will report for England duty in Middlesbrough after his quarantine spell.
    Southgate, preparing for Wednesday’s friendly with Austria, stressed that Liverpool captain Henderson, sidelined since February after groin surgery, is not 100 per cent but may play some minutes at the Riverside.
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    The England boss said: “Both of the players are not where you would want them to be in terms of being available for the game against Croatia.
    “With Jordan and Harry, we selected a squad that, if they don’t get there, we are not in a situation where we haven’t got cover.
    “The most important thing is we don’t push them beyond the point they are ready for — that would be stupid, negligent.
    “We have had to modify Jordan through certain parts of the session. He will be involved in the game.”
    However, Grealish is struggling with a shin problem and Rashford has foot and shoulder issues.
    Southgate added: “Jack hasn’t been able to train every day and we have to manage his load.
    “Marcus we haven’t seen on the grass but he assures me he is happy with where he is at.”

    Gareth Southgate reveals Jesse Lingard will start against Austria despite being dumped from England’s Euro 2020 squad More

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    Man Utd star Luke Shaw sparks England Euro 2020 injury fears as he wears cast while out with girlfriend Anouska Santos

    ENGLAND boss Gareth Southgate will be sweating over Luke Shaw’s fitness ahead of Euro 2020 after the defender was spotted with a cast around his left wrist.The Manchester United star – who has been named in the Three Lions’ squad for the tournament – is expected to be the first-choice left-back under Southgate.
    Luke Shaw can be seen with a cast around his left wrist while out with his partner Anouska SantosCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    Manchester United ace Luke Shaw is a doubt to face Austria in Wednesday’s friendlyCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    Shaw returned to his Rolls-Royce Cullinan with a parking ticket waiting for himCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    But the 25-year-old looks to be a serious doubt to feature in Wednesday night’s friendly against Austria after being snapped sporting a slight injury.
    Shaw was caught by cameras with a cast on his left wrist while out with his girlfriend Anouska Santos in Altrincham town centre on Tuesday afternoon.
    And to add insult to injury, the former Southampton ace was greeted to a parking ticket when he returned to his Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
    It’s not the first time that Shaw has received a ticket on his luxury motor after he picked up a £60 fine in November 2019 for parking on double yellow lines.
    Ben Chilwell could now start for England against Austria, with Southgate hoping Shaw will be fit to face Romania on Sunday.
    It will be England’s final fixture before they compete against Croatia in their first Euro 2020 group stage clash on June 13.
    Shaw starred for United this season where he stepped up his game following the arrival of Alex Telles to Old Trafford.
    The Brazilian was limited to a bit-part role under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with Shaw featuring in 32 Premier League matches.
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    Shaw is no stranger to picking up a ticket having been fined in November 2019 for parking on double yellow linesCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    Shaw chipped in with one goal and six assists in 47 games for the Red Devils this seasonCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    Former Southampton defender Shaw is expected to start under Gareth Southgate at Euro 2020Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke
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    In total, Shaw appeared 47 times for United – his most amount of outings for the club in a single term since he joined from the Saints in 2014.
    He chipped in with one goal and six assists and has been tipped to be included in the Premier League Team of the Season.
    Shaw has been joined in England’s Euro 2020 squad by his United team-mates Marcus Rashford, Dean Henderson and Harry Maguire.
    Though Red Devils youngster Mason Greenwood misses the tournament after he pulled out of the squad due to an underlying injury.
    A United statement confirmed: “Mason Greenwood has withdrawn from provisional England Euro 2021 squad in order to recover fully from an underlying injury that also kept him out of the Under-21 Euros in March.
    “Mason’s club appearances were managed carefully to maintain his availability through the intensive 2020-21 Premier League and Europa League schedule.
    “But a further spell of tournament football would not be beneficial. Mason will remain at Man Utd to recuperate and prepare for pre-season training.”

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    Man Utd legend Gary Pallister on how to use England heartache as motivation after missing out on two tournament squads

    SIX England stars will be left devastated today when Gareth Southgate names his final squad for the European Championships.The 33-man squad will be cut to 26, and Mason Greenwood has already being ruled out as he is struggling with an underlying injury.
    Former Manchester United and England star Gary Pallister has urged those players who are cut from the squad to prove a pointCredit: Getty
    But six others will be joining the Manchester United ace on the sidelines to watch Harry Kane and co do it on TV.
    But those who miss out have been urged to make a statement and prove Gareth Southgate wrong by one player who knows all about international disappointment.
    Former Manchester United defender Gary Pallister never featured for the Three Lions in a major tournament despite getting 22 caps and playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
    In 1988 Pallister was involved with Middlesbrough in the play-offs which meant he missed the chance to impress in England’s warm-up games for the Euros.
    He was never in contention for Bobby Robson’s 1990 World Cup squad or Graham Taylor’s Euro 1992 selection.
    But Pallister was a shoe-in for the 1994 World Cup – the only problem being England failed to qualify for the tournament.
    Cruelly, injury ruled out the centre-half from Euro 1996.
    Those cut from Southgate’s final list today will more-than-likely have the chance to feature again in a major tournament – and Pallister is urging them to prove a point.
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    Pallister played 22 games for England – but never featured at a major tournamentCredit: Offside Sports

    Speaking exclusively to SunSport, Pallister, 55, said: “It’s very difficult for players. There was Gazza who obviously he had that meltdown when Glenn [Hoddle] cut him from the squad.
    “It’s difficult. But it can only make you stronger.
    “You have got to take from that that you haven’t made the cut and you want to make sure the next time it comes around you do make the cut.
    “You can either use it as a negative or a positive.
    “You can sit and wallow in the disappointment of it or you can say ‘right I will use this as a gee me up for the next time to get into a squad and I will make sure I’m not left out’.
    “It is difficult but it is how you use that event in your life.”
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    Gary Pallister gave nine years of blood and thunder service with Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    Pallister was a defensive bedrock alongside another player overlooked by England – Steve Bruce – for United between 1989 and 1998.
    In fact he did hold the record for the most consecutive minutes played by an outfield player at the club – until Harry Maguire beat it.
    Pallister, who retired in July 2001 at the age of 36, started and finished 71 games in a row between November 1993 and May 1995.
    He was subbed off on the hour mark in the 72nd.
    Maguire matched that game number and the 79 minutes he played in the 3-1 win against Aston Villa on May 9 before coming off injured saw him beat the record.
    Now, providing he overcomes an ankle ligament injury, Maguire will be doing something his predecessor Pallister never managed – featuring in that famous white shirt at a major tournament.
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    Man Utd star Jesse Lingard ‘set to miss out on England’s Euro 2020 squad’ despite glittering West Ham loan spell

    JESSE LINGARD is reportedly set to miss out on England’s final Euro 2020 squad despite a stunning end to the season.The winger was farmed out by Manchester United on loan to West Ham – and the move gave his career the perfect shot in the arm.
    Jesse Lingard is surprisingly set to miss out on England’s final Euro 2020 squadCredit: Marc Aspland
    Lingard was the Hammers’ star man in the final few weeks, but according to The Athletic, will not make Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad.
    The 28-year-old scored nine goals in 16 games for David Moyes’ side, bagging five assists along the way.
    West Ham finished in sixth spot, meaning they will play in the Europa League next season.
    But seemingly Lingard’s fine form hasn’t done enough to convince Southgate that he merits a spot.
    The Athletic adds: “It is thought that Lingard will not be included in the final party for this summer’s tournament.”
    West Ham are believed to be keen to sign Lingard permanently, with Arsenal believed to be long-term admirers.
    He has played for his country 27 times, scoring four goals. Lingard has 12 months on his contract at United
    Lingard’s expected omission follows the shock announcement that fellow Manchester United star Mason Greenwood has WITHDRAWN from the Euro 2020 squad.
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    Lingard had played himself firmly back into contention for EnglandCredit: Getty

    Greenwood has been forced to pull out due to a pre-existing knock with the final 26-man group to be named this afternoon.
    The one-cap Three Lions international had been expected to make the cut with seven players to be axed TODAY after his strong form in recent months.
    But Man Utd confirmed Greenwood would be withdrawn for his own safety, unwilling to risk pushing him any further after a gruelling 2020-21 season.
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    Solskjaer confirms Man Utd want Jesse Lingard back after amazing West Ham loan spell More

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    Man Utd star Mason Greenwood WITHDRAWS from England’s Euro 2020 squad due to underlying injury

    MASON GREENWOOD has withdrawn from the England squad for Euro 2020 due to an underlying injury.The Manchester United star, 19, had been named in Gareth Southgate’s provisional, 33-man squad for this summer’s tournament.

    Mason Greenwood has withdrawn from England’s squad for Euro 2020 with an underlying injury, Man Utd have confirmedCredit: AP

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    But Greenwood has been forced to pull out due to a pre-existing knock with the final 26-man group to be named this afternoon.
    The one-cap Three Lions international had been expected to make the cut with seven players to be axed TODAY after his strong form in recent months.
    But Man Utd confirmed Greenwood would be withdrawn for his own safety, unwilling to risk pushing him any further after a gruelling 2020-21 season.
    A United statement confirmed: “Mason Greenwood has withdrawn from provisional England Euro 2021 squad in order to recover fully from an underlying injury that also kept him out of the Under-21 Euros in March.
    “Mason’s club appearances were managed carefully to maintain his availability through the intensive 2020-21 Premier League and Europa League schedule.
    “But a further spell of tournament football would not be beneficial.
    “Mason will remain at Man Utd to recuperate and prepare for pre-season training.”
    Greenwood played a gut-busting 53 times for club and country in 2020-21, scoring 12 times.
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    Greenwood has won one cap for England having played against Iceland in September 2020 before being sent home over a breach of coronavirus restrictionsCredit: Reuters

    Greenwood won his sole England cap against Iceland in September 2020.
    But the forward was sent home along with Phil Foden for a breach of coronavirus restrictions after smuggling girls into their hotel room.
    Meanwhile, Jesse Lingard is set to be AXED by Southgate, according to The Athletic.
    Southgate must whittle his 33-man group down to 26 today, with Lingard one of the biggest names to miss out.
    The United ace has been in staggering form since joining West Ham on loan and even starred for England in their most-recent three games in March.
    Despite that, it’s claimed Lingard will miss out on a spot in the final 26-man squad with the likes of Jack Grealish and Foden preferred in his position.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Man Utd and City boost in Harry Kane transfer chase as Pochettino Tottenham return will NOT convince him to stay

    HARRY KANE will NOT stay at Tottenham even if Mauricio Pochettino completes his emotional return to North London.The England star, 27, left Spurs reeling after openly admitting he wants to quit the club in a desperate bid to win some silverware.
    Harry Kane won’t be tempted to stay at Tottenham even if Mauricio Pochettino returnsCredit: PA:Press Association
    Kane – who has three years left to run on his contract – is being chased by Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United.
    Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is hoping to bring Pochettino back to the club.
    The Argentine, 49, was in charge between 2014 and his November 2019 sacking.
    His replacement Jose Mourinho was given the boot in April, with Ryan Mason taking over on an interim basis.
    And with Pochettino believed to be unhappy at Paris-Saint Germain – just six months into an 18-month deal – Levy is itching to bring Pochettino home.
    The Spurs supremo, who admitted axing Poch was the biggest mistake of his career, is hoping the move will not only pacify protesting fans but also help convince Kane to stay.
    Kane thrived under Pochettino – also a target for Real Madrid following Zinedine Zidane’s exit -as his career continues to go from strength-to-strength.
    But The Times has revealed not even Pochettino coming back to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will be enough to keep him happy with trophies at the forefront of the striker’s mind.

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    Man City lead the race to sign £150million-rated Kane and, as revealed by SunSport, are willing to offer Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and cash to land their top target.
    However, Pep Guardiola and Co face competition from rivals United and Chelsea – who beat them in last weekend’s Champions League final as their European drought continues.
    Kane is desperate to win trophies now that he is in the prime of his career, with Spurs failing to win anything since the 2008 League Cup.
    The Etihad is Kane’s preferred destination, with the England captain recently revealing his admiration for Kevin De Bruyne.
    But City’s quest to sign Kane could crumble with Arsenal leading the race to sign Sterling – meaning their players-plus-cash package for Spurs would be missing a huge piece.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Harry Kane will not make Tottenham transfer exit during Euro 2020 as England boss Gareth Southgate expects moves after More

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    Man Utd set for favourable Champions League group despite missing out on top seeding

    MANCHESTER UNITED’s Europa League final defeat to Villarreal could see them be handed a favourable Champions League group next season.The Red Devils lost on penalties in last week’s final in Gdansk as the Spanish side won the first major honour in their history.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer missed out on his first piece of silverware as Manchester United boss last weekCredit: Getty
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad found themselves in Europe’s second-tier competition after failing to get out of their Champions League group.
    And United’s attempt to reach the knockout stages of next year’s European Cup have been boosted after missing out on Pot 1.
    Of the eight teams in Pot 1, the winners of the top six ranked domestic leagues are included, as well as the two champions from this term’s European competitions.
    England’s Manchester City, France’s Lille, Germany’s Bayern Munich, Italy’s Inter Milan, Spain’s Atletico Madrid and Portugal’s Sporting Lisbon are in Pot 1.
    Chelsea join them after their Champions League success, along with Villarreal after their heroics in Poland.
    Manchester United and Liverpool find themselves in Pot 2 due to their Uefa coefficient ranking in the last five years.
    Joining them in the non-champions Pot are Spanish clubs Real Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla, French side Paris Saint-Germain, Serie A’s Juventus and Bundesliga’s Borussia Dortmund.
    No English clubs can be drawn against each other at the group stage, meaning United and Liverpool cannot face the Blues or the Citizens.
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    Here is how next season’s Champions League Pot 1 looks following Chelsea’s final victory
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    And the Premier League giants you would feel would welcome any team from Pot 1 besides Bayern Munich.
    United and the Reds have also been boosted by Chelsea’s victory over City, as had the Blues lost, they would have been in Pot 2.
    This would have seen Dortmund drop down into Pot 3, where they could have faced any of the English clubs.
    Either United or Liverpool could still face Ajax or RB Leipzig who find themselves in Pot 3.
    And AC Milan – back in the Champions League for the first time since the 2013-14 season – are one of the clubs confirmed to be in Pot 4.
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