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    Chelsea ‘set to raid Ligue 1 for Man Utd transfer target in shock swoop to bolster shaky defensive ranks’

    CHELSEA are lining up a move for Leny Yoro to replace Thiago Silva, it’s claimed. Silva, 39, is entering the final few months of his contract and could leave for nothing in the summer. Leny Yoro of Lille is linked to ChelseaCredit: GettyAccording to The Standard, Chelsea are interested in Yoro as they weigh up their defensive options. Yoro has enjoyed a breakthrough season in France, causing Real Madrid and PSG to also keep tabs on the 18-year-old. The centre-back – dubbed the Raphael Varane – has made 34 appearances this season with two goals.Manchester United and Liverpool have also been linked with the teenage defender in the past. READ MORE ON CHELSEAChelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino dropped Silva to the bench for their last two Premier League matches.But the Blues still had a defensive crisis with Wesley Fofana, Reece James and Levi Colwill still out. Chelsea have already spent over £1BILLION since American Todd Boehly took over the club. But it is claimed Boehly and co-owner Behdad Eghbali want to recruit two or three of the world’s best players under the age 23 for every position.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAlternatives to Yoro are said to include Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande and Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo. And both are believed to have been sounded out as Chelsea plot another big summer of spending.Chelsea also in the market for a striker and a left-back, with seemingly no concerns about breaching Premier League profit and sustainability rules.Fans can’t believe what Tim Sherwood said to Cole Palmer on live TV as Chelsea star is left looking awkward More

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    Man Utd plot raid on Bournemouth for Milos Kerkez but face transfer battle with Chelsea over left-back

    MANCHESTER UNITED is set to raid Bournemouth for Chelsea transfer target and left-back Milos Kerkez, a report claims.The Red Devils are desperate to bolster their backline this summer with new owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos drawing up the club’s summer transfer plan.Man Utd and Chelsea are both interested in Bournemouth left-back Milos KerkezCredit: ReutersKerkez has become popular amongst Premier League clubs who are looking to revamp their defence for the next season.Man Utd are expecting to offset many of their players including defenders Raphael Varane, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jonny Evans.Plus fitness concerns around Lisandro Martinez mean Erik ten Hag is eyeing up defenders.And Cherries man Kerkez has caught the Red Devils’ attention since moving to the Vitality Stadium last summer, according to the Mirror.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSince his arrival from AZ Alkmaar the Hungary international has started in 16 games for Andoni Iraola’s side this term.And United certainly need to bolster their backline as they have conceded 467 shots in the Premier League this term with only Sheffield United and Luton conceding more.But the report claims Red Devils are not the only team tracking the left-back as Chelsea have already revealed they are chasing the 20-year-old.The Blues have already sent scouts to the south coast to watch the young star.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd if Mauricio Pochettino’s side chooses to make a move on Kerkez Bournemouth will certainly make a profit after only paying a small fee of £15.5million for him in July.Chelsea have already conceded 45 goals this season and with their disappointing performance, Poch is likely to make some big changes in his defenders this summer.Who could be Chelsea’s next manager after Pochettino?The left-back spot is definitely needing an upgrade as Ian Matseen who is out on loan at Borussia Dortmund is edging closer to leaving Stamford Bridge.Potentially joining the Dutchman is Marc Cucurella who has failed to impress since arriving from Brighton 18 months ago. More

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    Man Utd ‘draw up two-man centre-back transfer shortlist including Premier League rival and Brazil international’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are on the hunt to sign a centre back and have drawn up a two-man shortlist for the summer transfer window, a report claims.The Red Devils have revealed both Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Juventus’ Bremer are on the clubs radar as they aim to bolster their backline.Man Utd are plottting to sign Jarrad Branthwaite this summerCredit: GettyThe Red Devils are also keeping tabs on Juventus’ BremerCredit: RexNew United small stake owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos are keen to revamp the squad next season.And the Red Devils defense has been identified as an area that needs speical attention.With inews claiming that Old Trafford are targetting Branthwaite and Bremer to solve the clubs defensive woes.But United have revealed Bremer has become an option as a “cut-price” due to Financial Fair Play regulations.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe 26-year-old Brazil international only signed for the Serie A giants last term however has a £43million release clause in his contract.Reports in Italy have suggested Juventus are alreayd searching for Bremer’s replacement but United will not be able to secure him that easily.As inews claimed Premier League rivals Chelsea and Tottenham are also considering the defender. Meanwhile 21-year-old Branthwaite – who this week earned his first England call up – is set to be priced at £75million but United will be hoping they can convince the Toffees to sell him for £50m.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSigning for Everton in 2020 fom Carlisle Branthwaite went on two loan spells at Blackburn and PSV before becoming a regular starter for Sean Dyche’s side this season.Ratcliffe has been eyeing up the youngster for some time now and is keen to keep homegrown players at the top of his shortlist.11 forgotten stars who define Liverpool vs Man Utd rivalryUnited are looking to offset many players this summer including defenders Raphael Varane, Scott McTominay and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.Therefore, signing both players should not be ruled out as Ineos are looking to clear the decks with United’s inconsistent squad. More

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    Man Utd ‘touring European giants in epic scouting mission as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co target mega summer overhaul’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have sent scouts on a tour Europe in preparation for the summer transfer window.New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is determined to invest in Erik ten Hag’s squad this summer.Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Erik ten Hag are eager to add to the Man Utd squad this summerCredit: Getty A new striker and a centre-back are understood to be among the club’s priorities.And according to ESPN, United’s recruitment team are looking to get a jump start on transfers ahead of the upcoming window.Scouts are currently travelling across Europe to hold talks with some of the world’s biggest clubs.Football director John Murtough and director of football negotiations Matt Hargreaves had lunch with Barcelona sporting director Deco in Spain on Monday.Read More in FootballThat was followed by a meeting with Atletico Madrid representatives on Tuesday.Murtough and Hargreaves are also set to meet with Real Madrid officials.And clubs in Italy and Portugal are also expected to be visited.As well as potential Old Trafford arrivals, the future of Mason Greenwood was discussed in Spain.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Barcelona had expressed an interest in signing him on a permanent basis, but they recently distanced themselves from the transfer race.Man Utd are set to demand around £40million for the 22-year-old.Manchester United’s fall from glory since Sir Alex Ferguson The Red Devils have been linked with several players so far this year, including Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. More

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    Man Utd ‘send scouts to watch Ukraine Under-17s captain… but turn attention to team-mate after shining in defence’

    MANCHESTER UNITED sent scouts to watch a Ukrainian wonderkid – but ended up liking the look of his team-mate.United are turning over a new leaf under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and are planning some major changes at the end of the season.Man Utd initially targeted Kyrylo Digtyar but now focus on Demyan TretyakCredit: GettyRatcliffe’s Ineos group is now responsible for all football matters and will be overseeing operations across all of the Red Devils’ teams, including the youth squad.According to Scouts in Attendance, the Manchester giants sent representatives to Greece for an Under-17 tournament.United were initially keen on Ukraine’s 16-year-old centre-back Kyrylo Digtyar, whose club is Metalist Kharkiv.According to Sport.UA, however, the scouts ended up preferring Digtyar’s national team-mate and fellow defender Demyan Tretyak, 16.Read More on Man UtdTretyak plays for Dynamo Kyiv and has become the representatives’ main focus.The centre-back captained Ukraine during Tuesday’s 3-0 victory over Slovakia.United have started collecting information about the talented youngster and will continue to monitor him in his next few matches.Tretyak played in all three matches during the mini tournament in Europe.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL And he helped Ukraine’s Under-17s win all three matches in the elite round to qualify for the European Championship.United could be set for major changes in defence with Raphael Varane linked with a move away.Amad Diallo removes all reference to Man Utd on social media accountsJonny Evans’ deal also runs out in June while Harry Maguire has been unable to live up to expectations after his £85million arrival in 2019. More

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    Man Utd ‘may be forced to NOT sack Erik ten Hag over FFP fears as cost of axing Dutchman revealed’

    MANCHESTER UNITED may have to splash over £10million to sack Erik ten Hag in June.Ten Hag’s position as United manager continues to come under pressure amid a turbulent campaign that has seen the team plunging to sixth place in the Premier League table.Manchester United will have to splash over £10m to sack Erik ten HagCredit: AFPSir Jim Ratcliffe is expected to reconsider Ten Hag’s position if Man Utd miss out on Champions League qualificationCredit: PAAccording to The Times, however, dismissing the Dutchman won’t be simple as he and his coaching staff would cost a large sum to offload this summer.The 54-year-old tactician warned the Red Devils were close to the spending limit which was allowed under Profitability and Sustainability rules in January.That is why the ex-Ajax boss was not allowed to sign a striker midseason.Therefore, new investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe will have to decide whether sacking Ten Hag and recruiting a new manager would be worth it.Read More on Man UtdRatcliffe will have to take into account that the club needs every last penny to recruit new players and staff.The Manchester giants are also very keen on landing Dan Ashworth as their new director of football but Newcastle have slapped a £15m price tag on him after placing him on gardening leave.Nevertheless, Ten Hag is well respected among the Ineos hierarchy and there is a feeling that he had limited help before Sir Jim’s arrival.That is why the new club chiefs have included him in recent discussions regarding next season.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL However, Ten Hag will come under scrutiny if United fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League competition.The Red Devils are currently eight points away from Aston Villa and fourth place.’So refreshing’, says Rio Ferdinand after interview with Erik ten Hag at Man Utd training groundTherefore, United might find themselves needing that extra Champions League spot as they are six points away from fifth place.But that would only happen if England’s coefficient ranking is higher than Germany or Italy’s at the end of the season. More

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    Mason Greenwood could still return to Man Utd with club yet to make final decision on future amid transfer interest

    MANCHESTER UNITED are yet to make a decision on the future of Mason Greenwood.A return to Old Trafford for the 22-year-old remains a possibility.Mason Greenwood could still play again for Man UtdCredit: GETTYFabrizio Romano reports that Ineos have not made a verdict on Greenwood despite internal discussions taking place.However, Man Utd are open to considering transfer bids and they could cash-in this summer.New chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe was asked about Greenwood’s future last month and he said: “We will make a decision. I don’t know if he could still have a future.”All I can do is talk about the principle of how we will approach decisions like that.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“Is he the right type of footballer? Are we happy with that? Is he a good person or not?“Greenwood is a Manchester United footballer and we are in charge of football. “So the answer is it’s quite clear we have to make a decision. “There is no decision that’s been made. He’s on loan obviously but he’s not the only one. Most read in Football“The process will be – understand the facts not the hype and then try and come to a fair decision on the basis of values – which is basically whether he is a good guy or not. “Could he play sincerely for Manchester United well and would we be comfortable with it and the fans be comfortable with it?Mason Greenwood wants an investigation into whether Jude Bellingham called him a “rapist” dropped“I can talk about the principle. The principle is the important one because we will have other issues going forwards. “You are dealing with young people who have not always been brought up in the best circumstances, who have a lot of money and don’t always have the guidance they should have. “What we need to do when we have issues like that is to understand the real effects, not the hype.“Then we need to make a fair decision in the light of the club’s values. “That’s what we need to do and that’s how we will deal with it.”Greenwood is currently on loan in Spain with Getafe and he has scored eight goals in 26 games this season.They are impressed by his performances but may struggle to afford him amid interest from Barcelona and several other LaLiga sides like Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid.READ MORE SUN STORIESGreenwood has not featured for United since he was suspended after being arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault in January 2022.All charges were subsequently dropped. More

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    Man Utd boss Ten Hag admits ‘frustration’ with medical staff after they assured him two stars would be fit in January

    ERIK TEN HAG has revealed his huge “frustration” with Manchester United’s medical staff after being given assurances over two injured stars.The Old Trafford boss says he was told in December that crocked left-backs Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw would be able to return the following month.Red Devils’ manager Erik ten Hag spoke out on ‘assurances’ he was givenCredit: APUnited are 11 points adrift of the Premier League top four ahead of Saturday’s home game with lowly Everton.And Ten Hag has faced a defensive headache all season, despite Harry Maguire regaining his regular spot at centre-back with solid form.Malacia’s situation tops his list of fitness worries.The Dutchman, 24, could end up sitting out the whole season with a bad knee.Most read in FootballMeanwhile, England star Shaw DID return in January – at Newport in the FA Cup.But he then limped off injured away to Aston Villa on February 11 and again the following week at Luton.Ten Hag admitted the left-back saga has turned into a nightmare.He said: “In December, I had the talks internally with the medical and performance [staff]. They assured me they (Shaw and Malacia) will both be fit in January and so you will have two left full-backs.Most read in Football”We talk about one of my biggest frustrations, there.”You can accept in a position that a player is not available but when two players are not available over the course of the season that is very frustrating. Stunned Roy Keane checks Solskjaer’s drink after he claims former Man Utd star ‘gave 8-10 every time'”Because that is also very difficult to catch up as a team but we dealt with it in the best way.”He added: “I think it’s going to be difficult for him (Malacia) this season to be available. “He will fight, he’s back on the pitch, but not in the team and the process had some setbacks for him and he’s still going forwards really slowly and the season is coming to an end.” More