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    Sir Alex Ferguson’s former No2 urges Man Utd to ‘do everything’ to land top midfield target that Ten Hag is ‘chasing’

    SIR ALEX FERGUSON’s former assistant Rene Meulensteen has urged Manchester United to go all out for Frenkie de Jong. The Red Devils spent most of last summer chasing the Barcelona man but repeatedly fell short.
    Rene Meulensteen was No2 at Old Trafford before spending three months as boss of Fulham in the 2013-14 seasonCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Manager Erik ten Hag has managed to get on just fine without the 26-year-old as United edge closer to a top four spot.
    They could also end the season with a domestic cup double if they can mastermind a Wembley win over rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final next month.
    But Meulensteen, who was United assistant coach between 2007 and 2013, still believes his old side need another top class midfielder to compete at the very top.
    He told Man United’s official Scandinavian supporters club: “They need a really good midfield player.
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    “Yes, they’ve got Casemiro in there. You’ve got Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes – a lot of experience, a lot of qualities – but there’s also a little bit of a vulnerability because their mindsets are predominantly in going forward.
    “I would 100 per cent do everything to get De Jong. He’s got energy, he’s got legs, he’s tactically very, very good in the build-up.
    “For De Jong, I think to be fairly honest, he would have already been here if he had not been happy at Barcelona.
    “But he’s obviously very happy playing for Barcelona otherwise he would have said, ‘Okay, no problem, sort me out’ because there’s always a way to fill that financial gap. That can never be the reason. But I can see why Ten Hag is chasing him.”
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    The summer recruitment of Casemiro and Eriksen helped United plug holes in their midfield.
    The pair have been fantastic and helped deliver a solid debut season for ten Hag.
    Barcelona’s chaotic financial situation means they could need to sell some of their star players this season, despite winning LaLiga.
    United could also be in the market for a new goalkeeper and Meulensteen believes that is also an important area following the long tenure of David de Gea.
    He added: “I really like David de Gea, I’ve obviously worked with him myself, lot of experience, done fantastically well. 
    “People are judging him sometimes because the mistakes that he’s made in this season in certain games are so much unlike him – which you have to ask the question: why is that?
    “That could be because sometimes you can get a bit stale, sometimes you need a new environment or to freshen things up.” More

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    Man Utd transfer plans thrown into chaos as agent reveals top target will join military next month

    MANCHESTER UNITED target Kim Min-jae is set to complete military service next month.The Napoli star has attracted plenty of interest from around Europe with his fantastic displays in his side’s title-winning campaign this term.
    Kim Min-jae has been in stunning form for NapoliCredit: Alamy
    Kim was claimed to have agreed terms with the Red Devils by Italian press earlier this week.
    But his agent has cooled such talk, while confirming that the 26-year-old will be attending mandatory military training next month.
    He told Star News Korea: “It is not true that a deal has been done with Manchester United.
    “Kim is concentrated on seeing out the season, besides which we still don’t know which English clubs will qualify for the Champions League next term.
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    “There is no rush for the future. United were interested in him when he was still in China, but we only ever chatted about that.
    “I repeat, there has been no concrete contact. In any case he has to enrol for military service in June.”
    Able-bodied men in Korea are required to undergo between 18 and 21 months of military service between the age of 18 and 35.
    Kim, like Son Heung-min, received an exemption by winning the Asian Games in 2018 – but still has to participate in a reduced three-week training block.
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    He will complete the training in June and July, with Son having done so in 2020.
    Kim has been in exceptional form for Napoli this season, helping them to win their first title since 1990.
    He has made 43 appearances, having joined from Fenerbahce last summer.
    The highly-rated defender also played at the World Cup for South Korea, and represented Jeonbuk in the K-League and Beijing Gouan in the Chinese Super League, prior to moving to Europe.
    Son Heung-min completed his military training in 2020Credit: AP More

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    I’m a Man Utd fan and I hope we wave goodbye to two players who’ve flattered to deceive – but it all depends on takeover

    Will it be Sir Jim? What about this eleventh hour Qatari bid?The truth is no one really knows until it’s officially announced and rubber stamped.
    It’s been a long season of dramatic ups and downs for Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    Most supporters have an eye on the fast-approaching summer window though, of which the ownership has a huge impact.  
    The stories and leaks from across Europe have already started and the ‘ITK’ Twitter accounts are dusting themselves down and preparing for another action packed ride on the huge wave that is otherwise known as social media transfer nonsense.
    Pick our platform and choose your horse.  
    The well-run clubs will already have their plans in place, and no doubt in some cases, negotiations with potential summer arrivals will have already started.  
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    Manchester United as we know under the Glazer ownership simply haven’t been run properly on or off the pitch, and there’s an anxious wait for manager Erik ten Hag between now and the summer – as we wait to find out who the new owners are.  
    If ten Hag is to build on this season, then it’s essential he is given everything he needs during the summer window.
    Twelve months ago he made a solid start to his rebuild but United have wilted since the Carabao Cup success against Newcastle in February, and are limping over the Champions League line in the Premier League. 
    Sadly, the only way to get near City in the coming years – certainly while Pep Guardiola remains in charge – is to spend significant amounts on top quality players.
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    Does that mean that the only sensible option when it comes to ownership is the Qatari group then? More on this shortly.   
    Ten Hag mentioned at the weekend that he has provided the club with a list of what he feels are the very best players for Manchester United.  
    However, whether he gets players from list A,B or C, depends on who the new owners are.
    It’s why it’s so difficult to predict what the future might hold for loan signings Wout Weghorst and Marcel Sabitzer. Both arrived in Manchester back in January, and if we are being completely honest, have probably flattered to deceive.  
    Wout Weghorst has struggled for goals since his January arrivalCredit: PA
    If United are to get anywhere near City in the coming years, then neither should be considered as a permanent option beyond this summer. 
    So yes, those that are suggesting United’s standards should be so much higher than Sabitzer and Weghorst are right, but if the ownership doesn’t go the way of the Qatari’s then can Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS guide United back to Europe’s top transfer table and more importantly, do they have the funds to compete for and sign the best players?  
    Sabitzer and Weghorst’s future will tell us plenty about the direction this ‘new’ United are heading. I hope we wave them off, thank them for their service and chase/secure other elite options.  
    As United supporters will tell you, at Old Trafford nothing is ever that easy. 
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    Seven stars set to light up U20 World Cup including Garnacho pal wanted by Man Utd and Prem cult hero’s son

    CHELSEA moved quickly to snap up three of the brightest young talents set to grace the stage at the Fifa Under-20 World Cup, which kicks off in Argentina on Saturday.The month-long tournament is often a showcase for the best teenagers in world football to get noticed by bigger clubs.
    Fabricio Diaz has already received interest from BarcelonaCredit: Getty
    Manchester United and AC Milan are among the clubs linked with Ignacio MiramonCredit: Getty
    Blues fans can relax in the knowledge that their club has already closed deals for Brazilian midfielder Andre Santos, Ecuadorian wonderkid Kendry Paez and USA goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina.
    But who else will the numerous scouts from European clubs be focused on when the action gets underway?
    Fabricio Diaz (Uruguay)
    Uruguayan skipper Fabricio Diaz looks ripe for a move to Europe this summer after outgrowing his domestic league, where he has already made over 100 appearances for Liverpool of Montevideo.
    An insatiable tackler and accurate passer of the ball, Diaz is very tactically mature for his age and also takes charge of all of his team’s set pieces.
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    Barcelona were reportedly close to getting a deal done for him last month, but it has since gone quiet while Premier League clubs have been deterred because he does not have an EU passport, making it virtually impossible for him to secure a UK work permit right now.
    Kim Ji-soo (South Korea)
    Kim Ji-soo, centre, has been likened to fellow South Korean Kim Min-jaeCredit: Getty
    Giant Seongnam centre-back Kim Ji-soo is still only 18, but dominates in the air and in the tackle in a way that has drawn comparisons to fellow countryman Kim Min-jae of Napoli.
    He has recently caught the eye of scouts from European clubs with Brentford understood to have offered a fee equivalent to his £560,000 buyout clause.
    The K-League outfit know that Kim’s value could rocket if he impresses in Argentina.
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    Dor Turgeman (Israel)
    Dor Turgeman will feature for Israel at the U20 World CupCredit: Getty
    One of the stars of Israel’s outstanding UEFA Under-19 Championship side last summer, Dor Turgeman is known for his clinical finishing.
    The Maccabi Tel Aviv forward is about to enter the final year of his contract and, although he appears to lack top-class pace, he has reportedly attracted the interest of Benfica.
    Tomas Angel (Colombia)
    Tomas Angel, left, is the son of a former Premier League strikerCredit: Getty
    His father is ex-Aston Villa man Juan Pablo AngelCredit: Getty
    The son of former Aston Villa striker Juan Pablo Angel, Tomas, was born in Birmingham but plays for Atletico Nacional in Medellin.
    Unlike his father, who was a classic number nine, Angel operates just off the front and can drift into wide areas.
    He caught the attention of Premier League and Ligue 1 scouts at last summer’s Toulon tournament and could be leaving Colombia in the near future.
    Marcos Leonardo (Brazil)
    Marcos Leonardo is on the radar of Roma and Sporting LisbonCredit: Getty
    The current jewel of Santos’ youth set-up, Marcos Leonardo will wear the number nine shirt for the Samba stars in the tournament.
    Fast and skilful, the 20-year-old scored 17 goals in 40 appearances last year and looks destined for a big future in the game.
    Santos have reportedly slapped an £18million price tag on his head in the face of interest from Roma and Sporting Lisbon.
    Owen Wolff (USA)
    PSV look to be the most likely suitors for Owen WolffCredit: Getty
    Owen Wolff is the son of former US international Josh and currently plays in central midfield for his father’s Austin FC outfit in Major League Soccer.
    Dutch club PSV Eindhoven, who have a partnership with Austin FC, are at the front of the queue for his services when the time is right for the teenager to make the move abroad.
    Ignacio Miramon (Gimnasia La Plata)
    Ignacio Miramon, a 19-year-old defensive midfielder, has been impressing in Argentina’s top flight this year and looks set to be a first choice for Under-20 head coach Javier Mascherano this month.

    He has been scouted by the likes of Manchester United, Udinese, Fiorentina, Watford, Besiktas, Inter Miami and AC Milan ahead of the tournament.
    Gimnasia will demand up to £9.5million, the value of his current release clause, for his signature. More

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    Man Utd ‘lead transfer race for 26-goal star Goncalo Ramos as Benfica make contact with replacement’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly leading the race to sign Benfica star Goncalo Ramos.The Portuguese striker, 21, has excelled this season scoring 26 goals and assisting 12 more in 45 appearances in all competitions this season.
    Man United are reportedly leading the race to sign Goncalo RamosCredit: Reuters
    Benfica have been linked to Enes Unal as his replacementCredit: Getty
    Ramos’ form has seen him attract interest from all over Europe with his hat-trick against Switzerland during the World Cup pushing him to prominence.
    And with Man United keen to bolster the squad’s firepower in the summer he is one of the names linked with the club.
    According to Record, the Red Devils are at the front of the queue to sign him from Benfica.
    This is despite the suggestion that there are “many interested sides” in England in signing the forward.
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    United have also been linked with the likes of Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen ahead of the summer transfer window.
    Ten Hag is expecting to lose Wout Weghorst and sell Anthony Martial and will need top replacements to try and make the club title contenders.
    The Old Trafford side have also scouted Gent prospect Gift Orban and were in attendance as he netted a hat-trick in the Belgian league.
    The report also reveals that Benfica are expecting Ramos to leave the club this summer and have identified his replacement.
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    The Eagles are keen on signing LaLiga outfit Getafe’s frontman Enes Unal.
    The Turk has scored 30 LaLiga goals over the last two seasons, including 14 in 33 appearances this campaign.
    Unal, 26, has been linked with moves to Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Liverpool in the past. More

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    Arsenal and Man Utd dealt transfer blow as ‘Bayern Munich enter race for top target Declan Rice’

    ARSENAL and Manchester United have been dealt a blow with Bayern Munich reportedly entering the race for Declan Rice.The West Ham captain, 24, could leave the London Stadium this summer.
    Declan Rice is a reported transfer target for Bayern MunichCredit: PA
    The Gunners and the Red Devils have been long-term admirers of Rice, with the Emirates side once the favourites to land him in a club-record transfer.
    However, it is understood Thomas Tuchel is weighing up a move for the Hammers ace.
    Bild state Tuchel and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic are working on a plan to overhaul the Bayern squad this summer.
    And they identified Rice as a suitable option in holding midfield.
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    He would be a like-for-like replacement for experienced star Joshua Kimmich, who has been linked with a transfer to Barcelona.
    Tuchel came up against Rice during his time as Chelsea boss and believes he has the quality to slot into the Bavarians’ team chasing the Champions League trophy.
    And a possible transfer could see England’s first-choice midfield pairing of Rice and Jude Bellingham both playing in the Bundesliga – although the latter may head to Real Madrid or Manchester City.
    However, the report adds the transfer fee could prove a sticking point for Bayern.
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    West Ham continue to demand £100million for their academy graduate, despite his current contract expiring in 2024.
    Bayern’s record transfer fee is the £68m they paid for Lucas Hernandez.
    And that could prove a boost for the Premier League sides still keen on landing Rice, especially if they can offer Champions League football.
    Hammers boss David Moyes admitted last week there is a “good chance” his influential skipper could leave the club at the end of this season – with James Ward-Prowse lined up as a possible replacement.
    Moyes said: “We would love Declan to be a West Ham player but we are aware that may not be the case come the end of the season.
    “That is one of the scenarios when it comes to planning.
    “There are plans that we have Dec here but we are fully aware that there is a good chance we won’t have him.” More

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    Kim Min-jae’s agent pours cold water on Man Utd transfer and says ‘there’s been no contact’ amid reports deal was AGREED

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S pursuit of Napoli centre back Kim Min-Jae is not close, according to the player’s agent.The South Korean international, 26, has shone brightly in Napoli’s defence, helping them to their first Serie A title in 33 years.
    Napoli’s star man Kim Min-jae is a long-term target for Man UtdCredit: Rex
    The Italian giants only signed Kim a season ago from Turkish side Fenerbahce in a deal worth just £15million.
    That would leave them counting a healthy profit, with the defender set to be sold for between £42m and £53m.
    According to the agent, the Red Devils have been “interested in Kim since he was in China”.
    However, Kim’s party have not received a concrete contract offer and are in no rush to conclude a deal.
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    Earlier this week, it was claimed United had submitted a colossal proposal to the star.
    Kim has made 43 appearances for Napoli in all competitions this season, scoring and assisting twice and would be a welcome addition to the United backline.
    Erik ten Hag’s side currently sit fourth in the Premier League with a drastically worse goal difference than Newcastle in third and Liverpool in fifth.
    Napoli on the other hand, boast the best goal difference in the Serie A standings – a whopping +16 above the rest of the league.
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    Napoli could be in line to sell many stars this summer with Europe’s elite hounding £115m-rated Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen.
    Georgian sensation Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and midfielder Piotr Zielinski are also rumoured to be targets of top clubs in the Premier League off the back of Napoli’s impressive season.
    Arsenal will be hoping the deal can still go through as they could be in-line for a pay-day with former defender Konstantinos Mavropanos linked with a move to Naples to replace Kim.
    Arsenal have a 10 per cent sell-on clause included in the Greek defender’s contract which could land the Gunners a multi-million pound windfall should he move to Italy. More

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    Arsenal set to land multi-million pound windfall as Napoli line up Gunners flop to replace Man Utd target Min-jae

    ARSENAL could be set to make millions if Manchester United manage to land Napoli’s Kim Min-jae.The Red Devils are in hot pursuit of the defender and reports this week have suggested they are within touching distance of landing him.
    Kim has been rock solid in Napoli’s title-winning season after his 2022 move from FenerbahceCredit: Getty
    And any move could have the knock-on effect of giving Arsenal a boost to their transfer kitty.
    This is because Napoli are likely to go into the market to sign a replacement and they have been linked to a player Gunners fans will know well.
    The Italian side are believed to be poised to sign Dinos Mavropanos, who was at Arsenal for four years.
    But when he left in 2022 for Stuttgart, wily Arsenal negotiators added a sell-on clause into his contract, according to Londonworld.
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    This means that Arsenal could made a tidy profit from any sale that Stuttgart make.
    Mavropanos only made eight appearances in all competitions for the Gunners during his entire time at the club.
    He has already surpassed that total since joining Stuttgart permanently, having spent the previous two seasons on loan at the club.
    The German side sit second-bottom of the Bundesliga table with just two games to save themselves from relegation.
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    In contrast Napoli have been flying all season and won Serie A at a canter.
    They will now be gearing up for a summer of trying to hang onto their biggest stars.
    Along with Kim, the likes of Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have been linked away from Gil Azzurri.
    Kim has appeared in all but two of Napoli’s league games this season and the 26-year-old has been outstanding since signing last summer. More