Man Utd takeover LIVE: Rashford contract UPDATE, Mbappe HAILS United target, Neves in TALKS – takeover latest
MANCHESTER UNITED talisman Marcus Rashford’s current deal at Old Trafford expires at the end of the next season.The in-form striker is expected to sign a new contract with the club in the next few months, despite interest from PSG.
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe believes that United target Randal Kolo Muani is a top talent.
He said after France’s 4-0 win against Holland at the weekend: “He is very complete and has an impressive volume of play.”
Elsewhere, the Red Devils are “already negotiating” a deal for Wolves star Ruben Neves.
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Lindelof wanted by Inter
Victor Lindelof is attracting interest from Inter Milan, according to reports.
Italian newspaper Tuttosport claim the player is keen to leave Man Utd after falling down the pecking order at the club.
The Swede has started just five games in the Premier League this season.
Mourinho to leave Roma?
Jose Mourinho’s Roma future has been cast into doubt with no new contract on the table, reports suggest.
Mourinho was appointed by the Italian outfit in July 2021, but after almost two years in Rome this season could be his last.
This is because his relationship with sporting director Tiago Pinto has “gone cold” according to Get Football Italy.
Mourinho wants to sort out his future during the season, but Roma chiefs are yet to open negotiations.
Weghorst confident
Man Utd star Wout Weghorst appeared confident that his club will lift more trophies this season.
The club have already won the Carabao Cup and they can add to their collection via the FA Cup and Europa League.
United face Brighton in the semi-finals of the competition and on the continent, they play Sevilla in the quarters.
Speaking after the facing Gibraltar for the Netherlands, he said: “There are still two trophies left to win with Manchester United. The FA Cup & Europa League. These are going to be some nice weeks.”
Is a multi-club model allowed?
If the Qataris do takeover Man Utd, reports suggest they will look at implementing a multi-club model with Braga and Malaga acting as feeder clubs for the Red Devils and fellow-Qatari backed club PSG.
There are current restrictions that prevent teams owned by the same person competing in the same European competition.
Man Utd could attempt to find a way around this as Sheikh Jassim is not involved in Nasser Al-Khelaifi’s PSG group.
Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin recently hinted at the current rules being changed, handing the Qataris a boost.
He told The Overlap: “This multi-club ownership question is an interesting question, I think we should think about it for the future and see what to do.
“There is more and more interest for this multi-club ownership and we shouldn’t just say no for the investments.
“But we have to see what kind of rules we set in that case because rules have to be strict. We have to rethink the current rules.
“I think it has to be quick because… everything has to happen quick in football.”
How about Qat?
Manchester United could reportedly become a part of the biggest multi-club network in the world if they are taken over by Qatari investors.
The Red Devils’ owners the Glazers are considering several bids as they weigh up the possibility of selling the Premier League giants.
One of the most high-profile offers has come from a group fronted by Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani – chairman of the Qatari Islamic Bank and son of the gulf state’s former Prime Minister.
Qatar Sports Investments already own Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.
They also have a de facto controlling stake in Portuguese outfit Sporting Braga.
And according to the Daily Record, QSI chairman and PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is considering taking control of Malaga – who are in danger of dropping down to the third tier of Spanish football.
They plan to create the biggest multi-club network in the sport, with Braga (and possibly Malaga) acting as development outfit for Man Utd and PSG.
Rashford deal update
Marcus Rashford is still expected to sign a new contract at the club with the pace reportedly expected to pick up in the next few months.
The in-form star sees his deal run out at the end of next season.
The current uncertainty around the ownership of the club is not expected to be a stumbling block for United or the player.
Man Utd have many deals to renew and David De Gea is chiefs most immediate concern as his contract is up this summer.
Reports suggest that Rashford is fully committed to Erik ten Hag’s project and declined a £400,000-a-week offer from PSG last year.
Rashford back in training
Marcus Rashford has returned to Manchester United training having missed England’s Euro 2024 qualifiers through injury.
The in-form forward pulled out of Gareth Southgate’s squad that went on to beat both Italy and Ukraine.
Rashford, 25, picked up a knock in United’s FA Cup victory over Fulham and later pulled out of England’s matches.
But he is back on the pitch again and was pictured training on his own at Carrington.
Rashford did no ball work, instead focusing on fitness as he faces a race to be fit for United’s trip to Newcastle on Sunday.
Credit: instragram
Lindelof injury worries
Man Utd defender Victor Lindelof may have injured his toe again while playing for Sweden.
The centre-back played the entire 90 minutes as his team beat Azerbaijan 4-1.
However, Lindelof, who has spent time in the treatment room this season with the foot issue is concerned over reoccurring.
He said: “I broke my toe in September, and I felt it tightening out there.
“It was with the national team in September. I got a stamp so I broke it. It hurt for a while, I had to take some painkillers. I could play, but only had a size bigger on the shoe.”
Mbappe hails Utd target
PSG star and France captain Kylian Mbappe believes Man Utd target Randal Kolo Muani is a top talent.
The striker is enjoying a fine season for Eintracht Frankfurt and he impressed for Les Blues at the World Cup.
Speaking after their 4-0 win over Holland at the weekend, Mbappe said: “He is a striker who offers different game options to our team. He is very complete and has an impressive volume of play.
“We are happy with the game he played on Friday.”
Neves in talks with United
Man Utd are “already negotiating” a transfer for Ruben Neves as Barcelona pull out of the race for the Wolves star, according to reports.
With the 26-year-old out of contact at the end of next season, Wolves now face a dilemma of whether to cash in on the star in the summer or potentially let him go for free a year later.
Fichajes claim Man Utd are already making quick progress to land their long-term target.
In a further boost for the club, the outlet claim that Barcelona are no longer interested in the Portuguese international.
Xavi is reported to think the star does not fit the Catalan giant’s “profile” despite reports often linking him with a Nou Camp switch.
Wrexham’s hilarious announcemet
Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney got a taste of Sir Alex Ferguson’s mind games when announcing a friendly with Manchester United.
The non-league side will face the English giants in San Diego on July 26 as part of United’s pre-season tour of America.
And to reveal the match, Hollywood pair Reynolds and McElhenney filmed a hilarious clip with United icon Ferguson.
The pair nervously start the chat but get nothing back from the no-nonsense Scot.
Reynolds says: “What did I tell you? Mind games.”
After repeated silence from Ferguson’s end, McElhenney asks: “What’s he doing?”
And Reynolds replies: “Living in our heads rent free.”
The Deadpool star then panics and ends the call by claiming McElhenney has to leave to make a hair appointment in Beverly Hills.
It then cuts to Ferguson who jokes: “They were on mute, never heard a thing!”
You can watch the clip HERE.
Big clubs in Kone battle
Man Utd are set to be joined by Chelsea and PSG in the race for Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone, according to reports.
The Bundesliga side want at least £44m for the defensive-minded player.
At just 21-years-old he is predicted to have a big future and would help Erik ten Hag get some younger bodies in midfield with Casmerio, Christian Eriksen, Marcel Sabizter and Bruno Fernandes all around 30-years-old.
Credit: Getty
United to play Wrexham
Man Utd will play Wrexham in the United States as part of their pre-season tour in the summer.
The match will be played in San Diego with the team owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, hoping to gain more fans across the pond.
United chief John Murtough said: “This will be the first time the team has visited San Diego, and we are looking forward to playing in front of our passionate US fans at the Snapdragon Stadium.
“Pre-season tours are always a great occasion to give opportunities for our most promising young academy players to gain valuable experience in the first team environment.”
The boss of the National League side Phil Parkinson said: “We’re looking forward to being able to play in the United States for the first time in the club’s history.
“We enjoy welcoming supporters from the US to the Racecourse Ground, and we’re looking forward to being able to play in front of some of these new fans on American soil in the summer.”
Chelsea keen on United target
Chelsea are willing to spend £100million to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen this summer, according to Football Insider.
Man Utd are also thought to be keen with a forward a priority for Erik ten Hag.
Rumours yesterday suggested that the likes of Harry Kane, Rasmus Holjund, Goncalo Ramos and Evan Ferguson are high up the Red Devils’ wishlist.
Kane is supposedly Man Utd top choice.
Good morning Man Utd fans
Manchester United co-owner Avram Glazer does not seem to want to sell the club.
United were put up for sale in November with the Glazers seeking £6billion to give up the reins at Old Trafford.
They have attracted bids from three parties – Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani and Thomas Zilliacus, all of which fall under the unpopular owners’ asking price.
Elliott Management are also interested into the Red Devils in a deal that would see the Glazers retain majority control.
But Avram appears to be against the full sale of the club, according to the Daily Mail.
It is believed the American supremo was merely on a fishing expedition to see how much his family could fetch for the club at some point in the future.
His brother Joel is also said to be hesitant about a sale, but it is claimed he would greenlight a takeover if the winning bid matches the £6bn valuation, which would mark a significant profit.
Meanwhile, United are interested in signing Benfica star Goncalo Ramos.
Ramos is understood to be disappointed that club chiefs have not yet rewarded him for his efforts with a new and improved deal.
Last summer, the Portuguese giants’ president Rui Costa promised the centre-forward a salary increase which has yet to materialise.
The Portugal international still has over three years remaining on his contract, which expires in June 2026, but he is growing increasingly frustrated with his current situation.
If the 21-year-old does decide to leave Lisbon in the summer, any potential suitors would have to meet his huge £105.6million asking price.
And United were one of several clubs that made a January attempt to sign Fiorentina star Sofyan Amrabat.
Amrabat was one of the standout players during the 2024 World Cup, helping Morocco reach the semi-finals.
The midfielder’s brother Nordin, who plays for AEK, revealed that United tried to buy him, saying: “I can name three clubs who were concrete in the last two or three days of the transfer window.
“Manchester United wanted a loan with an option to buy deal, Fiorentina rejected.”
Barcelona and Chelsea were the other sides keen on the 26-year-old star.
Finally, United are “already negotiating” a transfer for Wolves star Ruben Neves as Barcelona pulled out of the race.
According to Fichajes, United are already making quick progress to land long-term target Neves in the summer.
The Red Devils are in talks already with the midfielder while the summer transfer window is fast approaching.
In a further boost for the Manchester giants, the same report states Barca are no longer interested in the Portugal international.
Barcelona boss Xavi is reported to think Neves does not fit the Catalan giant’s “profile” despite reports often linking him with a Nou Camp switch.
Elanga on his future
Manchester United ace Anthony Elanga has opened up on his future and hinted that he could leave Old Trafford.
Elanga said: “I love the club, but it’s important for me to play.
“We have a lot of conversations, not only about game time but also what is happening around.
“That’s the good thing about the club, we talk a lot and they help me a lot.”
Major storm Bru-ing
Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes risked the wrath of Cristiano Ronaldo after publicly disagreeing with his former Old Trafford team-mate.
Ronaldo claimed new Portugal manager Roberto Martinez, who replaced Fernando Santos after the 2022 World Cup, brought a “breath of fresh air” to the national team camp.
But Fernandes disputed the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s comments about Martinez.
The playmaker said: “No, it’s just a new coach, with new ideas. There’s no breath of fresh air at all.
“It’s just a transitional period. The atmosphere in the national team has always been good.
“There are new dynamics, a new coach and we have to assimilate his ideas.”
Greenwood move blocked
Manchester United have rejected several offers from Turkish clubs for Mason Greenwood.
Greenwood, 21, had an astronomical rise through the United ranks from the academy to the first team but his career hit the skids in January 2022 when he was arrested after a woman made allegations against him.
The striker was charged with attempted rape, assault as well as controlling and coercive behaviour.
He appeared before magistrates and was told he would face trial later this year but in February the Crown Prosecution Service dropped charges after several alleged witnesses refused to co-operate.
The Sun revealed the former England international has spoken to manager Erik ten Hag and met with club officials — but his future at the club remains unclear.
Now The Athletic are claiming that several teams from Turkey have contacted the Red Devils regarding a transfer move but the club has turned down all approaches.
Missed a Vic
Napoli superstar and Manchester United transfer target Victor Osimhen has revealed he could have joined Arsenal at the age of 18.
Osimhen has registered 53 goals in 91 games for the Serie A table-toppers, including 25 in 29 games this term.
The striker has now confirmed he held talks with then Gunners boss Arsene Wenger about joining the club, only to go elsewhere.
Osimhen told CentreGoals: “I spoke with Arsene Wenger and he wanted me to come to Arsenal but it was not the best option at the time.”
Credit: Rex
Dusan Vlahovic boost
Arsenal have received a major boost in their pursuit to sign Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Juve are now “preparing for life without” Vlahovic.
It also states that the Bianconeri have identified potential replacements for the striker.
Juventus are believed to be plotting moves for either West Ham’s Gianluca Scamacca, who has struggled in the Premier league, and Galatasaray star Nicolo Zaniolo.
Scholes criticises Conte
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes hit out at former Tottenham boss Antonio Conte in a now-deleted Instagram post.
Scholes wrote: “A manager gets sacked so everyone blames recruitment, and a top class manager blames lack of ambition.
“Why don’t any managers say when they’re smiling and shaking hands with a player at their press conference, ‘I don’t like this player, I think [he] will eventually get me the sack.’
“Saves the same old b* once they are sacked or leave.”
Ansu Fati talks
Barcelona and Manchester United target Ansu Fati have held talks over the disgruntled star’s future.
There is serious speculation over Fati’s future this summer amid reports that agent Jorge Mendes has offered him to “half of Europe”.
The winger’s father, Bori Fati, is reported to have had a meeting with Barca representatives where they discussed his son’s future.
Negotiations lasted an hour with director of football Mateu Alemany and sporting advisor Jordi Cruyff believed to be present.
According to Sport, the Spain international is unsettled and is considering his future.
Nev-er in doubt
Manchester United are “already negotiating” a transfer for Wolves star Ruben Neves as Barcelona pulled out of the race.
According to Fichajes, United are already making quick progress to land long term target Neves.
The Red Devils are in talks already for the midfielder with the summer transfer window fast approaching.
In a further boost for the Manchester giants, the same report claims Barca are no longer interested in the Portugal international.
Barcelona manager Xavi is reported to think Neves does not fit the Catalan giant’s “profile” despite reports often linking him with a Nou Camp switch.
Credit: Getty
Man Utd’s Amrabat bid
Manchester United were one of a number of clubs that made a January attempt to sign Fiorentina star Sofyan Amrabat.
Amrabat was one of the standout players at the 2024 World Cup, helping Morocco reach the semi-finals.
The midfielder’s brother Nordin, who plays for AEK Athens, revealed that United tried to buy him, saying: “I can name three clubs who were concrete in the last two or three days of the transfer window.
“Manchester United wanted a loan with an option to buy deal, Fiorentina rejected.”
Barcelona and Chelsea were the other sides keen on the 26-year-old.
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