RED BULL LEIPZIG star Christopher Nkunku could be heading to the Allianz instead of Old Trafford this summer.The in-form striker was reportedly being watched by Manchester United, but he could be on his way to Bayern Munich if they fail to tie down Serge Gnabry to a new deal.
Meanwhile, Harry Maguire has broken his silence following England fans mercilessly jeering him in the international friendly against Ivory Coast.
The Manchester United man professionally responded to the critics with a Twitter post which reads: “Enjoyable week playing for my country.”
Paul Pogba possible return to Juventus in the summer seems to have taken a massive blow.
It has been widely reported that the Italian giants cannot afford the midfield maestro’s huge wage demands which would rule out any potential deal.
And Ajax technical chief, Gerry Hamstra has admitted that the Dutch outfit fear it will be tough to stop the head coach Erik Ten Hag from putting pen to paper at Old Trafford.
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Van de Beek offers to rent home for Ukraine refugees
Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek has offered to rent a house for Ukraine refugees as they flee the deadly Russian invasion.
Van de Beek, 24, is on loan at Everton and reportedly keen to make the deal a permanent one.
The Dutchman is due back at Old Trafford in the summer, with three years still to run on his Red Devils contract.
Toffees team-mate Vitaliy Mykolenko told UA Tribuna of Van de Beek’s generous offer.
The Ukrainian said: “Donny van de Beek, a world-class player, approaches me and says: ‘I want to rent a house for people, whether in the Netherlands or in Poland.
‘We will take them from the border, settle them, pay for it'”.
Mykolenko joined in January from Dynamo Kyiv and has played six games, including the FA Cup fifth-round tie against Boreham Wood where he was named captain.
He has made 21 appearances for his country and is “grateful” for all the support he has been shown at the Merseyside club since the devastating war began.
The 22-year-old said: “I don’t know how to thank these people. Everyone came up and asked how my family was, my friends.
“On the second day the head coach came up and said: ‘if you need a rest, if you need time, take your time’. I am grateful to the club for its support from all sides.
“The administrator in charge of the equipment said: ‘I know what your situation is. I understand how difficult it is for you. Come to us for dinner’.
“A physiotherapist came up and said: ‘I have a room, a bed for two people. Those who have nowhere to live, we are ready to shelter them’. I am pleasantly shocked. Honestly I’m shocked”.
Dortmund tip Erling to go if £100m bid comes in
Erling Haaland will leave Borussia Dortmund this summer if a significant offer is made, according to the club’s CEO.
The Manchester City, United, Real Madrid and Barcelona target is one of the most sought after strikers in Europe.
The goal machine has been on top form this season, with 29 goal contributions in 23 games.
City are reportedly “very optimistic” about striking a deal with the German side for Haaland and would expect to pay around £100million.
And Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has admitted that the club will not be able to keep him if a big money offer is made.
Hammers tipped to keep Utd & Chelsea target Rice
West Ham legend Julian Dicks believes “level-headed” Declan Rice will stay at the club this summer IF investment is made in the squad, writes JOSHUA MBU.
Mainstay England international Rice is attracting interest from a number of the Premier League’s elite.
Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City are reportedly all keeping an eye on the midfielder’s progress.
The 23-year-old’s defensive capabilities as well as his ball-playing qualities has made him one of the most highly sought-after players in the league.
But if one of the Big Six are to get their hands on Rice this summer, they’ll have to pay West Ham’s deterrent demand of £150million.
There is also a chance Rice stays at West Ham beyond this summer if David Moyes is backed in the transfer market. And Hammers icon Dicks says the club need to match Rice’s ambition.
Speaking to SunSport on how West Ham can keep Rice ahead of a Masters Football event in association with Bookmakers.com, Dicks said: “If they have ambition, then they need to keep their best players.
“Obviously Declan’s the best player there, he’s captain, but they have to invest in the team
“It’s no good expecting Declan to stay at West Ham if they’re not going to invest. They need to spend, probably around £100m-plus to keep him there because football now is not about making money – they earn enough now.”
Dirk hails Utd target Erik
Erik ten Hag has the tools to succeed as Manchester United manager, according to former Liverpool star Dirk Kuyt.
Speaking to Goal, he said: “Ten Hag is a great, experienced coach. He’s done his apprenticeship, if you like, with Bayern Munich’s second team, then Utrecht and now at Ajax.
“He is a great manager who has improved himself so much, on and off the pitch.
‘I know some people were doubting his level of speaking English, his performance in front of the camera.
“But you see him growing every week as a manager, and I think he can do a great job at any top side in Europe.
“His tactics, his way of thinking about football, is very interesting, and it would be great if he was to get an opportunity at a top side.”
Prem set for five subs
Premier League clubs are set to finally agree to introduce five substitutes at a meeting today.
The idea had been fiercely resisted by clubs outside the Big Six.
Three attempts to make the change, introduced for the resumption of the Covid-interrupted 2019-20 season, to part of the formal Prem rulebook, were defeated by a rebellion of the smaller clubs.
But after football’s lawmakers, the International Football Association Board, confirmed a permanent adoption of five substitutes from June 1, another vote will be held by the 20 clubs today.
And Prem chiefs expect the proposal to be accepted in principle to be formally adopted for next season at the annual general meeting in June.
A key factor in the U-turn is the support for the idea from players, captains and managers who agreed that player fatigue was an issue that needed to be addressed.
Kane backs Maguire
Harry Kane is the latest England star to slam fans who booed Harry Maguire before and during the friendly win over the Ivory Coast.
Now captain Kane has followed team-mates Jordan Henderson and Declan Rice in blasting sections of home support who lambasted the centre-half.
The Tottenham striker tweeted: “We’ve worked hard to rebuild our connection with @England fans in the last few years so to hear @HarryMaguire93 booed at Wembley before kick off was just not right.
“The fact that he’s been brilliant on the pitch and given us all so many great memories makes it even harder to understand.
“He doesn’t deserve that reception. He’s got full support in the changing room and should have the same from every England fan.”
Keane slams Southgate
Roy Keane has slammed Gareth Southgate’s response to Harry Maguire being booed by his own fans at Wembley last night.
Southgate, 51, was furious with the fans’ treatment of Maguire – labelling it an “absolute joke”.
Keane, however, feels that the England boss has gone over the top.
Speaking on ITV, he said: “Every player gets booed. There is going to be idiots at football matches – England have a lot of idiots.
“Gareth could have easily said tonight ‘it is no big deal’. He actually played well tonight, just focus on that.”
Prem giants and Bayern chase Nkunku
Bayern Munich could make a move for Red Bull Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku if their star man Serge Gnabry decides to leave the Bavarian giants.
The 24-year-old is wanted by a number of Premier League clubs including Manchester United and Chelsea, but now the pair face competition from Julian Nagelsmann’s side.
According to German publication SPORT1, Bayern are reportedly considering a move for the French midfielder if ex-Arsenal man Gnabry refuses to sign a new deal at the club.
It is also reported that it would take a huge salary increase for Nkunku to remain in Leipzig beyond his current deal.
The reported fee to bring the talented French winger to the Allianz Arena is £59million.
Ronaldo on Portugal’s World Cup qualification
Cristiano Ronaldo has declared that Portugal have earnt their rightful place in the World Cup.
Speaking after Portugal beat North Macedonia 2-0 following a brace from his Man United team-mate Bruno Fernandes, Ronaldo wrote on Instagram: “Goal achieved, we’re at the Qatar World Cup.
“We’re in our rightful place! Thank you to all the Portuguese people for the tireless support!
“Let’s go Portugal!”
Ten Hag gets praise from Kuyt
Erik ten Hag has the tools to succeed as Manchester United manager, according to former Liverpool star Dirk Kuyt.
Speaking to Goal, he said: “Ten Hag is a great, experienced coach. He’s done his apprenticeship, if you like, with Bayern Munich’s second team, then Utrecht and now at Ajax.
“He is a great manager who has improved himself so much, on and off the pitch.
‘I know some people were doubting his level of speaking English, his performance in front of the camera.
“But you see him growing every week as a manager, and I think he can do a great job at any top side in Europe.
“His tactics, his way of thinking about football, is very interesting, and it would be great if he was to get an opportunity at a top side.”
Ronaldo and Georgina baby cots
Georgina Rodriguez has offered fans the first glimpse of the designer cots the new additions to her family will sleep in.
The heavily-pregnant influencer has also posted photos of the Moses baskets which her twins will use in the first months of their lives.
The cots, called Stokke Sleepi Mini, cost £373 each and have lockable wheels so they can be moved easily from room to room.
Norwegian manufacturer Stokke AS markets them online to future parents as beds that “evolve as your child grows” and boast they offer “maximum air circulation for comfortable sleep.”
The company adds: “Its distinctive oval shape provides your baby with a sense of security by creating a cosy nest-like environment.”
Jaap Stam desires United return
Man United legend Jaap Stam has revealed he would jump at the chance to return to the club as a coach.
He said to bettingexpert: “If they would ask me (to take a coaching/managerial role), I would do it straight away without a doubt.
“You know United is my life as well. I’ve had great seasons over there, won trophies and it’s been very important for me.
“In any way, if I could help them out, I would be tempted to do it.”
William hints at Man Utd exit
Manchester United ace Brandon Williams has hinted at an Old Trafford exit after his loan stint at Norwich ends.
Williams joined the Canaries on a season-long loan last summer due to the lack of first-team football opportunities with United.
And he told Jamie Redknapp for the Daily Mail: “There would be no point in me going back to United and just sitting on the bench.
“I want to play and feel I’m better equipped for the Premier League after this experience.
“Whether it’s at United or somewhere else, we’ll deal with that in the summer. But I’ve got a job to do here at Norwich.”
Djed Spence eyes Prem transfer
Middlesbrough star Djed Spence has put Premier League sides on red alert after admitting that he wants a move to the top-tier division.
Spence has impressed on loan with Nottingham Forest this season.
And his stellar performances at right-back have caught several Prem sides’ attention – including Man United and Arsenal.
Speaking on his future, Spence said: “I always want to push myself and play with the best players and best team.
“Of course it’s an ambition of mine to play in the Premier League. I try to stay level-headed. I don’t read too much into it.”
“At the end of the day, I’m just here to enjoy my football. I need to stay focused, have tunnel vision and play well on the pitch.”
Southgate – Maguire’s United’s best defender
Gareth Southgate reckons Harry Maguire is the best defender Man United have.
Maguire was on the receiving end of boos from England fans while on international duty.
And Southgate has jumped to Maguire’s defence.
While making his case for Maguire, Southgate said: “He (Maguire) is top-quality.
“In my opinion he’s the best centre-back at his club as well.”
Harry Kane defends Maguire
Harry Kane is the latest England star to slam fans who booed Harry Maguire before and during the friendly win over the Ivory Coast.
Now captain Kane has followed team-mates Jordan Henderson and Declan Rice in blasting sections of home support who lambasted the centre-half.
The Tottenham striker tweeted: “We’ve worked hard to rebuild our connection with @England fans in the last few years so to hear @HarryMaguire93 booed at Wembley before kick off was just not right.
“The fact that he’s been brilliant on the pitch and given us all so many great memories makes it even harder to understand.
“He doesn’t deserve that reception. He’s got full support in the changing room and should have the same from every England fan.”
Haaland to City?
Man City are confident they will beat Real Madrid in the race for Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland, reports suggest.
According to Sports Illustrated, however, the Citizens are “very optimistic” the star striker will prefer them and ultimately sign for his father Alf-Inge’s former club.
The Norway international will be available for a bargain £64million deal ahead of this summer.
But City are lining up a swoop worth a total of £100m to complete the biggest signing of the year.
The Prem’s table-toppers are planning on making the centre-forward their highest-paid player with wages that would even surpass Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo’s salary.
Diogo Dalot wanted by Fiorentina
Diogo Dalot is reportedly receiving interest from Fiorentina as he is linked with a move away from Old Trafford.
According to Firenzeviola, Serie A side Fiorentina are eyeing up a loan move with an option to buy.
Dalot spent the 2020/21 campaign in Italy with AC Milan where he made 21 league appearances for the seven-time European champions.
Now he could be poised for another Italian move.
Fiorentina are reportedly interested in a loan deal with a clause of £8million if they wish to make the deal permanent.
Cavani injury blow
Man United is set to spend more time on the sidelines after picking up a calf injury whilst representing Uruguay on Tuesday.
The striker was on the pitch for just 25 minutes before he felt a twinge in his right calf.
He immediately sat down and gestured towards the bench, asking to be substituted.
Cavani was replaced by Luis Suarez, who went on to score in the late stages of the game.
Rudiger’s transfer plans
Man United’s next manager choice could be critical in the club’s drive to recruit Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger.
It’s been reported that the wantaway Chelsea star wants to speak to the new United boss before deciding if he should make a move to West London, according to transfer expert Christian Falk.
Rudiger’s a free agent in the summer and has been linked with several big European clubs including the Red Devils.
Keane slams Southgate for defending Maguire
Roy Keane has slammed Gareth Southgate for making a meal out of Harry Maguire getting booed by England’s “idiotic” fans.
Keane said: “I think Gareth has made it a bigger story than what it is. Every player gets booed. There’s going to be idiots at football matches. England fans have got a lot of idiots.
‘And if they’re going to boo Harry Maguire, I think Gareth could have easily said that it’s no big deal. He actually played well, just focus on that.”
Ronaldo opens new London restaurant
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to open a plush new London restaurant.
The Manchester United star is to team-up with TikTok sensation Burak Ozdemir on the new venture.
Ronaldo, 37, was previously involved in Japanese restaurant Zela.
The central London location shut for good during the pandemic, but Ronaldo is set to re-enter the restaurant game in the capital.
Hot Dinners report that the forward has joined forces with Ozdemir, otherwise known as CZN Burak to open a new fancy London eaterie.
They add that the restaurant will open in November.
Harry Maguire breaks silence
Harry Maguire has broken his silence after being booed while playing for England last night.
Against the Ivory Coast, Maguire’s name was booed as it was announced before the game.
His first touches during the 3-0 win itself were also met by jeers.
Maguire appears to have blocked out the criticism, however, making no reference to it in a tweet this morning.
Accompanied by a picture of him playing last night, he wrote on Twitter: “Enjoyable week playing for my country 🏴❤️”
Chelsea join Real’s Gnabry chase
Chelsea’s pursuit of Bayern Munich star Serge Gnabry has been dealt a blow as Real Madrid ace David Alaba is trying to lure his former team-mate to the Santiago Bernabeu, reports suggest.
Alaba and Gnabry spent four years together at Bayern and formed a strong friendship before the former’s departure to Real last year.
According to reports in Germany, the Austria international is campaigning for a reunion with the ex-Arsenal ace, whose impressive performances have attracted Los Blancos’ interest.
However, contact between the Madrid giants and the Germany international’s representatives is “loose”.
And Gnabry, whose contract runs out in 2023, appears to be more keen on renewing with Bayern, who are desperate to tie him down to a new deal, as he doesn’t want to leave this summer.
If Real do go after Gnabry in the summer then they will be facing intense competition from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, such as Tottenham, Manchester United, Liverpool, Barcelona and of course Chelsea.
Henderson backs Maguire against boo-boys
Jordan Henderson blasted the England fans who mercilessly booed Harry Maguire.
Some supporters continued to target Maguire whenever he touched the ball throughout the game.
That comes just months after the Red Devils captain was named in the Euro 2020 team of the tournament for his performances helping the Three Lions reach the final.
And his Liverpool counterpart quickly jumped to his defence with a strong message on social media.
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