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    Napoli prepare for Osimhen transfer bidding war after Man Utd ‘tried to leapfrog Chelsea into pole position in January’

    NAPOLI are reportedly bracing themselves for a fight to keep star striker Victor Osimhen. The striker, 24, scored twice in the Serie A leaders’ 3-0 win over Spezia on Sunday to continue his hot streak.
    Victor Osimhen continued his hot streak against Spezia last weekendCredit: Rex
    Here’s how he has performed so far this season
    Napoli have surged 13 points clear at the top of the Italian top division and face Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League last-16.
    But they know they face losing Osimhen in a huge summer bidding war.

    Manchester United and Chelsea are leading a host of European heavyweights ready to fight for him.
    And, according to Naples-based newspaper Il Mattino, United have already made contact in an effort to get ahead in the race.
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    They report that United made contact with Napoli in January in order to get “in pole position” by striking a deal in winter.
    It is unclear whether the nature of the deal was designed for a January move or a pre-emptive agreement for the summer, but Napoli turned down the move regardless.
    Given their pursuit of a first title since 1990, it makes sense for them not to want to distract their star man ahead of the run in.
    Osimhen has now scored 16 goals in 17 Serie A appearances, also adding four assists to the tally.
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    Il Mattino’s report suggests that Napoli have set a £133million price tag on his head.
    It comes following another report which said United were eyeing a deal of £107m as they looked for an alternative to Harry Kane.
    The England skipper refused to commit his future to Tottenham after breaking Jimmy Greaves’ goalscoring record for the club, though Spurs remain unwilling to lose their star man. More

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    Mason Greenwood’s potential new salary revealed as suspended Man Utd star eyes major career change

    MASON Greenwood’s potential new salary has been revealed as the suspended Manchester United star eyes a major career change.The Bradford-born ace is considering a move to China to continue as a player if United axe him over sex attack claims.
    Mason Greenwood is eyeing up a move to China if he is axed by Man UtdCredit: Reuters
    However, the most he could earn in the Chinese Super League is £2.7 million a yearCredit: Getty
    If that transfer was made, he could earn up to £2.7m a year, which is the maximum allowed for foreign players in the Chinese Super League under a salary cap imposed by the country’s FA last March.
    This works out at about £50,000 a week for a full season.
    Charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control against Greenwood, 21, were dropped earlier this month after several key witnesses withdrew.
    However, he remains suspended while the club carry out an internal investigation.
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    If higher-ups at Old Trafford do make the decision to fire Greenwood, his financial prospects would likely be severely impacted, even factoring in possible earnings in China.
    For comparison, his teammate Marcus Rashford is reportedly set to re-sign with the club for up to £300,000 a week.
    It comes after major sponsor Nike dropped Greenwood despite the allegations against him collapsing.
    According to David Winnie, former professional footballer and head of the sports law department at Blaser Mills solicitors, the loss of sponsors could see the striker lose “millions” in possible earnings.
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    David told The Sun Online: “The financial benefits [of the sponsorship deal] would have been significant given how far he came in his career.
    “Prior to the charges he was good for sponsors…[but] now there’s a residual stigma for brands.”
    He added that major brands “probably wouldn’t want to be associated” with Greenwood “if or until his career picks back up again” and that they will be “slow to connect with him again”.
    However, David did feel there was some hope left for the England international, saying: “I don’t see why he couldn’t bring sponsors back in future.
    “He’s now free of any legal doubts…he’s not toxic…he’s back on the horizon, but it’s a very far horizon.
    “He’s the one who has to bring himself back…by playing football, getting his head down and doing the right things off the pitch.”
    While it’s nothing to sniff at, it’s far less than he could have earned re-singing with his current club based on teammates’ salariesCredit: Getty
    He remains suspended by the club pending an internal investigation after the charges against him were dropped earlier this monthCredit: Getty More

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    Diogo Dalot arrives at Man Utd training in stunning £250,000 Ferrari as he closes in on bumper new contract

    MANCHESTER UNITED star Diogo Dalot was spotted arriving for training in a mega £250,000 Ferrari as he closes in on a new contract.The Portuguese defender is enjoying his best season at Old Trafford so far and was thriving under Erik ten Hag until injury struck.
    Diogo Dalot rocked up for Man Utd training in a stunning FerrariCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    The black Ferrari FF has a price tag of around £250,000Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    The 23-year-old was a regular starter before the World Cup and kept Aaron Wan-Bissaka out of the team.
    But Dalot’s season has been hampered by injury in recent weeks after he limped off with a knock in a Carabao Cup clash with Charlton last month.
    However, the star did return to the bench in the weekend win over Crystal Palace.
    And now he looks ready to get back in the fast lane when called upon by Ten Hag as he rocked up to the club’s HQ in his new motor.
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    Dalor appeared to be driving a black Ferrari FF, which has a price tag of around £250,000 and a top speed of 208 mph.
    It also accelerates from nought to 62mph in just 3.7 seconds due to its 650 bhp 6.25litre V12 engine and his former team-mate Nemanja Matic also previously owned one.
    And the star may just have forked out and treated himself early as he celebrates his new contract with United.
    We reported earlier how Dalot is set to sign a new deal after Barcelona lost hope of landing the full-back.
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    Dalot, who may return to the line-up to face Leeds in the Premier League tomorrow, initially had a one year extension clause in his contract triggered in December, meaning his agreement runs until the summer of 2024.
    But the Red Devils are now looking towards the long-term and now hope they have tied down the ace.
    Dalot arrived at Man United in 2018 but initially struggled to cement the right-back spot permanently and spent a season on-loan at AC Milan.
    But he has gone from strength to strength this term and regularly plays alongside Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw in what appears to be ten Hag’s first-choice back four.
    Diogo Dalot returned to the United squad after injury last weekendCredit: Getty More

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    Ex-Man Utd coach Chris Armas to take charge of Leeds vs Red Devils and get shot at revenge against stars who mocked him

    FORMER Manchester United coach Chris Armas will be at the helm when Leeds visit Old Trafford on Wednesday. Armas was a member of Ralf Rangnick’s staff during his ill-fated time as interim boss of Man Utd.
    Chris Armas will be in charge of Leeds for their clash against Man UtdCredit: Rex
    Armas was one of Ralf Rangnick’s coaching staff but was mocked by playersCredit: AFP
    The club’s stars at the time were left less than impressed during training sessions, even reportedly mocking American Armas by comparing him to Ted Lasso.
    But now Armas will have a shot at masterminding some revenge over his former players.
    Leeds announced on Monday that they had parted company with manager Jesse Marsch following a run which had seen them not win in the Premier League since early November.
    Armas was not relieved of his duties alongside his compatriot.
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    Instead, he is one of three members of the coaching team who will take charge of the clash against Erik ten Hag’s top four chasers.
    Leeds confirmed the trio of staff heading the game would comprise of Armas, Michael Skubala and Paco Gallardo.
    Skubala will be taking on the club’s media duties until a new manager is appointed.
    The game could see Leeds’ new boy Weston McKennie in line for his full debut after coming off the bench in the 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
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    The Whites have also been handed a boost by the absence of Casemiro, after the Brazilian was sent off when he had his hands around Will Hughes’ neck during the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace.
    Indeed, the reverse fixture, which will take place next weekend, will also see Casemiro absent owing to the three-game ban he has.
    The next domestic fixture he will play in will be the Carabao Cup final, though if United decide to appeal the suspension then he may be slapped with a further one-game ban. More

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    Man Utd ‘ready to launch £107m Victor Osimhen transfer bid with Napoli striker seen as Harry Kane alternative’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly ready to launch a £107million bid for Victor Osimhen.That’s as they look for striker alternatives to Harry Kane this summer.
    Man Utd are chasing a £107m deal for Victor OsimhenCredit: Reuters
    The Napoli striker is seen as an alternative to Spurs star Harry KaneCredit: Getty
    Erik ten Hag is keen on boosting his attacking options once he has money to spend.
    And the Mail claims Osimhen has emerged as a top target following a barnstorming season with Napoli.
    The Nigeria international has 16 goals in 17 league games, sending his side 13 points clear at the top of the table.
    Osimhen, who is also wanted by Chelsea, is believed to have a £107m release clause in his contract.
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    And United are apparently willing to meet it as Ten Hag looks to build a squad capable of challenging on all fronts.
    Should a deal go through, it would match the Premier League record fee set by Chelsea on deadline day for Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
    But, despite their interest in Osimhen, United still remain keen on Tottenham star and England captain Kane.
    The striker refused to commit his future to the Londoners after breaking Jimmy Greaves’ scoring record against Man City.
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    And United would love to bring Kane to the Theatre of Dreams as his contract dwindles down.
    But Spurs are reportedly unwilling to sell their key player, especially to a rival.
    Yet that could open the door for a free transfer switch in 2024 when Kane’s Tottenham deal finally comes to an end. More

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    Arsenal set to make second Dusan Vlahovic transfer raid this summer but Man Utd also want Juventus striker

    ARSENAL are “very likely” to make a second attempt to sign Dusan Vlahovic, according to reports.But the Gunners could have competition from Manchester United for the striker.
    Dusan Vlahovic could be on his way out of Juventus to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
    Arsenal tried to land Vlahovic from Fiorentina in January 2022 but missed out on the transfer when the Serbian decided to join Juventus instead in a £66million deal.
    However, things have not gone to plan for the forward, who is said to want out.
    His 16 goals in 38 games is not a bad return but Juventus are in disarray after crashing out of the Champions League and being slapped with a 15-point Serie A deduction for their illegal transfer activity.
    Now Juve News report Arsenal may try and bounce on the unrest and instability at the Allianz Stadium to bring in Vlahovic.
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    Journalist Niccolo Ceccarini said: “A hot summer also seems to be on the horizon for forwards. One of them is definitely Vlahovic.
    “The Premier League is now moving at another great [level] and is potentially able to present very high offers, and Italy remains of the favourite destinations.
    “Arsenal had already tried to sign him before the transfer to Juventus.
    “The idea remained and at the end of the season, a new attempt is very likely.
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    “In England, however, they are not the only one. Manchester United has also started to move. The situation is evolving.”
    Arsenal responded to missing out on Vlahovic by spending £45m on Gabriel Jesus in the summer.

    The Brazilian settled well into life at the Emirates but required surgery on his knee which has ruled him out since the World Cup.
    That has left Eddie Nketiah as Mikel Arteta’s only senior genuine centre-forward.
    So the prospect of adding Vlahovic as another option come the summer would provide more competition to an attack likely to be playing in the Champions League come September.
    However, United also look on course to be playing at Europe’s top table next season – and are even more in need of a new No9.
    The exits of Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani have seen Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford fill in through the middle before Wout Weghort arrived on loan.
    But the Red Devils will prioritise a new striker – with 19-cap Vlahovic among the options.
    Harry Kane, World Cup hero Goncalo Ramos, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and RB Salzburg star Benjamin Sesko have all been linked as possible alternatives. More

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    Man Utd wonderkid Alejandro Garnacho dines out with family and agent as he closes in on quadruple-your-money deal

    MANCHESTER UNITED star Alejandro Garnacho joined his agent for a bite to eat as they close in on his new QUADRUPLE-your-money contract.The 18-year-old Argentine has burst into the first-team this season under Erik ten Hag, scoring two goals and producing two assists.
    Alejandro Garnacho was dining out in Hale on Monday as he closes in on a bumper new dealCredit: Zenpix
    The star’s agent was also in attendanceCredit: Zenpix
    Garnacho’s family joined them at CIBO in HaleCredit: Zenpix
    The Argentine ace is set to quadruple his wages at Old TraffordCredit: Zenpix
    Reports emerged last month that United were planning to tie down Garnacho to a long-term deal.
    That was amid speculation that both Real Madrid and Juventus were plotting a swoop for him.
    Atletico Madrid were also keen on snapping up Garnacho but his future appears to lie at Old Trafford.
    It is believed the winger has agreed a wage of £30,000 a week – up from his current £7k weekly package.
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    The length of the deal is reportedly five-and-a-half-years – and the ace and his closest comrades looked to be in a celebratory mood on Monday.
    Garnacho was spotted out with his family and agent, Carlos Cambeiro, at the popular CIBO restaurant in Hale.
    The winger and his representative were joined by the United man’s brother, mother and father at the establishment before they departed and went their separate ways.
    It comes just days after Garnacho was told to accept being taken off just minutes after coming on as substitute against Crystal Palace.
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    The South American replaced Wout Weghorst in the 59th minute of United’s 2-1 victory over the Eagles but he lasted just half an hour before Harry Maguire was brought on in his place following midfielder Casemiro’s red card for throttling Will Hughes.
    Ten Hag said: “It’s not always nice bringing off a player who we brought on but it’s in the interests of the team and the player has to accept that.”

    Garnacho was a product of Atletico Madrid’s youth system after arriving from Getafe in 2015.
    But he made the move to United for £420,000 in 2020 and has gone from strength-to-strength this term.
    Alejandro Garnacho has burst onto the scene with the Red Devils this termCredit: AFP More

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    Man Utd keeping transfer tabs on Yannick Carrasco with 29-year-old’s contract running down at Atletico Madrid

    MANCHESTER UNITED are keeping tabs on Atletico Madrid star Yannick Carrasco, according to reports.The Belgian is out of contract at the end of next season.
    Manchester United are monitoring Yannick CarrascoCredit: Getty
    And Atletico are open to letting the Belgian leave, sparking interest from the Red Devils.
    But they could miss out on Carrasco as Barcelona reportedly have a £17million agreement in place to sign the winger, according to AS.
    The same report outlines United’s interest, claiming they are keeping an eye on his situation.
    Barcelona could decide not to complete Carrasco’s signing, in which case Atletico would be open to Premier League offers.
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    Tottenham are believed to be interested in the Belgian with Antonio Conte a big fan.
    While United were also offered the chance to sign him in January following the injury to Christian Eriksen.
    The club instead opted for Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer, who arrived on loan.
    Newcastle were also linked to Carrasco last summer but his price tag deterred Toon making a bid.
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    United are set for a busy summer and have reportedly listed three stars for sale – Harry Maguire, Anthony Martial and Alex Telles.
    The Red Devils could try to sign Declan Rice but David Moyes has warned it will take a British record transfer fee to let him go. More