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    Ex-Man Utd flop Nick Powell to quit Stoke with Potters to use his massive wages to go on summer transfer overhaul

    NICK POWELL is leaving Stoke at the end of his lucrative contract.Talented attacker Powell wants a new challenge after his four-year spell at the club.
    Stoke ace Nick Powell is set to leave in the summer transfer windowCredit: Getty
    Powell played for Manchester United before joining StokeCredit: Getty
    And he will be one of the better free agents on the market.
    The former Manchester United prospect, 29, was on a big deal at Stoke.
    His exit will give Potters boss Alex Neil extra space in the budget to sign a couple of new faces.
    Neil has stated that Stoke will concentrate on “educated gambles” in the upcoming summer transfer window.
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    The Scottish tactician outlined his plans ahead of Monday’s Championship clash at Watford.
    Neil said: “There are going to have to be some educated gambles.
    “There might be a certain quality we can acquire we need to take an element of risk on.
    “If we were to take a hard line on that and say everyone is going to have to have played 90 per cent of games completed or we don’t sign them… I don’t think we’re at that stage yet.
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    “That might be in a couple of windows when we have the basis of a core squad and we’re adding the final touches. We’re not there at the moment.
    “We need to get to a point where the fundamentals are in place and know this is the group we’re going to go forward with in the next two or three seasons.
    “I think that is what the club needs. It hasn’t had that for a number of years.
    “Then we can push that on and start to add the bits around it.
    “Preferably we want players who don’t get injured and recruitment is a big part in that but there will be a few educated gambles, I imagine, in there.” More

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    Man Utd transfer plans plunged into chaos as budget freeze imposed on ‘concerned’ Ten Hag amid drawn out takeover saga

    ERIK TEN HAG’S summer plans have been thrown into chaos after a transfer budget freeze was imposed on Man Utd, leaving him “concerned”.The potential sale of the Premier League club has led to a “worrying vacuum at a crucial stage” which is now threatening to scupper the manager’s recruitment.
    Erik ten Hag’s transfer plans have allegedly been left in limboCredit: Getty
    Sir Jim Ratcliffe is currently in talks with the Glazer family alongside Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani over purchasing United with a preferred bidder believed to be close to being announced after three rounds of bidding.
    And the Daily Mirror claims that Ten Hag is “concerned that what should be a positive moment for the club could be derailed by the uncertainty caused by the club’s sale”.
    The Dutchman has already secured his first piece of silverware at Old Trafford with the Carabao Cup in February.
    United also look set to return to the Champions League and have an FA Cup final against Man City at Wembley on June 3 to look forward to also.
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    Ten Hag wanted to continue that momentum by bringing in some top-notch additions over the summer window.
    SunSport exclusively revealed how Neymar could potentially be heading to United.

    Tottenham striker Harry Kane and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen also remain top targets for the Red Devils.
    Meanwhile, PSG megastar Kylian Mbappe has also been linked with a sensational switch.
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    However, this fresh update states that all moves “are now all on the back-burner while rival bidders compete for control of United”.
    Due to the ongoing takeover, The Mirror states that club chiefs have put a “budget freeze in place” which has left Ten Hag’s plans in limbo.
    That means that he is at risk of missing out on his preferred transfer targets until “a clearer picture emerges” of who will be in charge of the club.
    And this report also states that Ten Hag is feeling “frustrated” over the situation and that he has sought out chief executive Richard Arnold for direction. More

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    Erik ten Hag reveals ‘admiration’ for David Moyes as Man Utd boss call his West Ham rival ‘brave’ for replacing Fergie

    ERIK TEN HAG has always loved a challenge — and they do not come much bigger than when Manchester United gave him a call 12 months ago.When United decided he was the man to drag them off their knees, Ten Hag was leading Ajax to a third successive title and one of the hottest managers in Europe.
    Sir Alex Ferguson was replaced at Man Utd in 2013 by David MoyesCredit: Getty
    Erik ten Hag has hailed the Scot’s bravery for replacing Fergie at Man UtdCredit: Getty
    The glamour of Old Trafford was always going to trump Amsterdam but bossing England’s biggest club meant a more glaring spotlight than at any other Premier League side.
    Yet replacing Ralf Rangnick was one thing — tonight Ten Hag faces the man who had the most thankless job of all in stepping into Sir Alex Ferguson’s boots ten years ago.
    United take on a West Ham side managed by David Moyes, the man Fergie helped pick as his replacement but who was sacked after just ten tortuous months.
    Ten Hag had one year’s experience at the time — a title-winning campaign with Go Ahead Eagles — when Moyes arrived at Old Trafford in 2013.
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    Even a managerial rookie as he was then knew what a mission impossible the Scot had taken on.
    Whether Dutchman Ten Hag, 53, would have done the same is, as he pointed out, hypothetical.
    But it is one of the reasons why he has huge respect for 60-year-old Moyes.
    Ten Hag admitted: “It is quite clear that when you have to succeed Sir Alex, it is a really difficult job to do.
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    “He did it and had the bravery to do it — that is why I admire him. He has also spent so long in the job with many Premier League clubs.
    “So he is a great manager with a lot of skills. We have to play our maximum if we want to get the result we need.”
    After the drama of Thursday’s last-kick penalty loss at Brighton, that result is a win — to help seal a top-four finish which looked nailed down yet is suddenly far from it.
    With the Hammers still chasing points to secure safety, as well as a Europa Conference final, Ten Hag knows there can be no lack of focus.
    For all he is turning United into a force again — the EFL Cup is won and an FA Cup final awaits — there have still been way too many wobbles.
    In six away games against the Prem’s top dogs, they have managed only one point and were hanging on for that after coughing up a two-goal lead at Tottenham.
    Ten Hag added: “We have to keep our heads clear but also I demand passion from my players.
    “But I am telling the players that if you want to be in four competitions, you need so much energy and a good game plan.
    “You can’t do it at 99 per cent, it has to be 100 and for 95 minutes. We like it but it costs energy. That’s our job and Sunday we go again.”
    No one is more determined to go again than Luke Shaw, whose rush-of-blood handball handed Brighton their spot-kick.
    Shaw has been United’s most consistent performer, switching from left-back to central defence and has told his team-mates they will be stepping into the lion’s den this afternoon.
    He said: “We know how good their crowd is and they will be fired up, they’ll get their team fired up and we must be ready.
    “They are a really good team and have good momentum. We have to play the game, not the occasion.
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    “What’s even more disappointing is we were so comfortable but have been dragged back into a fight we didn’t want to be in, so we must refocus.”
    MAN UTD (likely): De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw, Casemiro, Eriksen, Fernandes, Antony, Martial, Rashford. More

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    Brentford to swoop for Liverpool star Caoimhin Kelleher in bargain transfer to replace Man Utd target David Raya

    BRENTFORD have their sights on Liverpool’s Irish keeper Caoimhin Kelleher as David Raya’s replacement.Kelleher’s days at the Kop are numbered because he wants first-team football.
    Caoimhin Kelleher is a target for BrentfordCredit: Getty
    And the Bees are heading the queue for him.
    Thomas Frank’s club fear Spaniard Raya will leave in the summer — although they have slapped a £35million price on his head as some Premier League giants, including Manchester United, begin to look at him.
    Republic of Ireland international Kelleher is the keeper they want to take over if Raya does go.
    Liverpool would help out Kelleher, 24, after years of patience as their No 2 choice.
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    The price would need to be about £10-12million for the Anfield reserve.
    Kelleher also has interest from Brighton but they would have to sell Robert Sanchez to create a vacancy.
    Meanwhile, Brentford are ready to battle Crystal Palace for Sunderland left-winger Jack Clarke.
    The goals and assists by the former Leeds and Spurs wideman, 22, make him one of the top-rated Championship stars.
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    Clarke has been tracked by Palace for some time but now Brentford are looking closely at a summer deal.
    Sunderland will look for at least £10m for him if they fail to get promoted — and the two London clubs will be first in the queue.
    Clarke is seen as ideal cover for Wilfried Zaha by Palace, while Brentford are in the market for even more variety in their attack.
    And the ability of Clarke to run with the ball from deep suits both when they are playing on the counter.
    Busy Palace will face a lot of competition to sign brilliant Blackburn youngster Adam Wharton, 18.
    Arsenal and Leicester sent spies to watch midfielder Wharton last week.
    And Newcastle’s veteran scout Mick Tait has also checked him out. More

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    Juventus want to offer Man Utd outcast Mason Greenwood fresh start in Italy and hope Paul Pogba can help seal transfer

    JUVENTUS are ready to offer Mason Greenwood a fresh start in Italy.The Turin giants have made it clear they are very interested in giving the Manchester United striker a route back to top-level football.
    Juventus are hoping to land Man Utd misfit Mason GreenwoodCredit: AFP
    Juve will use ex-team-mate Paul Pogba to sound out a long-term loanCredit: Getty
    They have sounded out Greenwood’s camp.
    And Juventus hope a long-term loan deal can be agreed this summer.
    Milan and Roma are also keen on signing Greenwood.
    There have also been noises about a move to Turkey too.
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    But Juve hope having Paul Pogba in the squad will sway things their way.
    Greenwood’s alleged rape and assault charges were dropped in February. 
    He has not featured for United since January 2022.
    And the forward is currently training alone away from their Carrington base.
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    Greenwood, 21, still has two years left  on his £75,000-a-week contract.
    And United fear they will struggle to attract a serious fee if they opted to sell.
    That makes a long-term loan his likeliest chance of a move.
    But that’s only as long as the club Greenwood joins covers his wages. More

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    Man Utd ace Amad Diallo set for summer exit after strong loan transfer at Sunderland as Red Devils look for foreign deal

    WINGER Amad Diallo is open to leaving Manchester United on loan again next season — for a spell in Europe.The 20-year-old has been a hit at Sunderland this term but word has gone out to find a club on the continent that may suit his style.
    Amad Diallo has enjoyed a successful loan at SunderlandCredit: PA
    Diallo is slight and a less physical league — such as in Holland — may help him develop.
    United want to keep Diallo for the long term and believe he has a big future at the club.
    Therefore, Red Devils officials would prefer a loan arrangement over a permanent move.
    United bosses are happy to see him go abroad rather than have another spell in the Championship.
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    Diallo has scored 12 goals in 36 Championship games this season for the Black Cats.
    The Ivory Coast-born youngster was raised in Italy, where he joined the Atalanta youth system in 2015.
    In 2019, he scored on his debut for the senior team, making him the first player born in 2002 to score in Serie A.
    Just two years after his debut, Man Utd paid £37million to bring the exciting talent to our shores.
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    Diallo has appeared for the Ivory Coast four times, scoring once.
    Back in January, Utd boss Erik ten Hag admitted he had reservations about recalling Diallo back from his loan.
    Ten Hag said: “We consider everything but I have a little bit of reservation about that because I don’t want to stop the process.
    “He has made really good progress there so I’m happy with that.
    “But young players need experiences and when we decide for him to come back, he has to be a player who can compete for the starting XI or minimum to come on for a lot of games and make an impact.” More

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    Man Utd Champions League winner names three strikers Ten Hag should sign if he misses out on Harry Kane transfer

    MANCHESTER UNITED should try and sign Victor Osimhen if they miss out on Harry Kane, according to former striker Louis Saha.Erik ten Hag wants to sign a striker this summer and Tottenham star Kane is said to be his number one target.
    Harry Kane is Erik ten Hag’s number one targetCredit: AFP
    Louis Saha thinks Manchester United should target Victor Osimhen as a Kane alternativeCredit: Reuters
    Saha also likes the look of Randal Kolo MuaniCredit: Reuters
    But there is fear Daniel Levy could prove a tough negotiator and try to hang on to the England star, despite his contract expiring in 2024.
    If that happens United could switch attention to a different target, and Saha believes Osimhen should be top of the wishlist after firing Napoli to the Serie A title with 22 goals in 27 games.
    Saha told Daznbet: “There are not many alternatives to Kane for Man Utd. Victor Osimhen is an obvious one at the moment, though, he’s scoring a lot of goals for Napoli.
    “Very fit, very strong and agile. But it may take him more time to adapt.”
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    United have been linked to Osimhen but getting a deal oer the line could prove difficult with Napoli said to be demanding £133m.
    The Red Devils are also said to be interested in Eintracht Frankfurt forward Randal Kolo Muani, who could also command a significant fee, as well as Atalanta hitman Rasmus Hojlund.
    Saha belives both should be on United’s shortlist, adding: “I think Randal Muani would be a very good signing for Man Utd.
    “Not only as a number 9, he can play either side of a three. He’s a very clever player, very quick, sharp with his feet and very intelligent.
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    “He’s already established a good link with Kylian Mbappe for France.
    “He’s aware of everything, he has the talent to go short or long, he’s very clever and he will be a real danger in the Premier League if he comes, especially with Rashford and Sancho.
    “That will be really hard for defences. It could be a very clever move, there is room for improvement. There are lots of names like that who can contribute.
    “But Muani is a very intelligent player, he has lots of stamina, he can run all day and will fit into the game plan that Ten Hag loves. He’s one for the future.
    “There is a young boy, Hojlund at Atalanta. But no one offers the guarantees like Kane does.” More

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    Man Utd fans go wild as club ‘enquire into Napoli sporting director’ in potential boost to Osimhen transfer chances

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans have gone wild after being given a huge boost in their pursuit of Victor Osimhen.That’s after the Red Devils reportedly made an enquiry to hire Napoli sporting director Christian Giuntoli.
    Man Utd have made an enquiry for Napoli transfer guru Christian GiuntoliCredit: Getty
    United are also hoping to land Napoli striker Victor Osimhen this summerCredit: AFP
    United boss Erik ten Hag has made no secret of his desire to sign a world-class striker this summer.
    And 27-goal Osimhen fits the bill perfectly after firing Napoli to their first Serie A title in 30 years.
    It’s believed Napoli want an eye-watering £150million to sell their star player.
    But United could look to smooth the path by first landing Napoli’s highly-respected transfer guru Giuntoli.
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    The Italian has been hiring and firing in Naples since 2015, building exciting projects for managers including Maurizio Sarri and Carlo Ancelotti.
    But Giuntoli’s work over the past few years finally paid dividends this term, with the likes of Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia playing key roles in Luciano Spalletti’s dominant title victory.
    United are said to be impressed by Giuntoli’s work, and they have now opened initial talks with Napoli over bringing him to England.
    The super scout is out of contract in 2024.
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    And Tuttomercatoweb claims United are eager to find out whether Giuntoli is interested in a new challenge abroad.
    Before Napoli, he enjoyed success as Director of Football with Italian minnows Carpi, helping them win several promotions while making huge profits on player sales.
    Giuntoli famously discovered striker Kevin Lasagna while he was playing in Serie D, signing the eventual seven-time Italy international for only £20,000.
    Just months later, Giuntoli sold Lasagna to Serie A side Udinese for £4million, sealing his reputation as a bargain hunter and master negotiator.
    And United fans were left excited by the claims, with one saying: “I am here for this.”
    Another declared: “If he found Kvaratskhelia then bring him in.”
    One added: “Please make this true.” More