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    Chelsea ‘interested in sensational Cristiano Ronaldo transfer’ with Man Utd star axed by Erik ten Hag amid huge rift

    CHELSEA are interested in signing Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo after his fall-out with manager Erik ten Hag, reports suggest.Ronaldo, 37, refused to come on against Tottenham on Wednesday’s 2-0 victory and stormed down the tunnel with injury time still to play before leaving Old Trafford entirely.
    Chelsea are interested in signing Manchester United superstar Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Getty
    As a result, United boss Ten Hag didn’t include the five-time Ballon d’Or winner in the squad for Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea and ordered him to train by himself at Carrington.
    The star forward’s future with the Red Devils has become uncertain with reports suggesting the club is even open to letting him go for free in January if no offers arrive.
    According to Sunday World, Chelsea are tempted to make a move for the Portugal international in the January transfer window.
    The Blues were one of several clubs contacted by the 37-year-old’s representatives last summer after he decided to leave United.
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    The West Londoners’ new owner Todd Boehly was keen to bring the Portuguese superstar over to Stamford Bridge but former manager Thomas Tuchel opted against a potential deal.
    But with Tuchel now gone, Boehly is keen to renew his interest and explore a swoop in the New Year.
    Chelsea appear keen on a temporary deal that would see Ronaldo stay until the end of the season with an option to extend into a second term.
    That would also pose as an ideal outcome for the Real Madrid legend and United.
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    The two parties are set to hold talks in the next 48 hours to resolve the ex-Juventus star’s future.
    Ronaldo is reportedly prepared to take a pay-cut on his current United salary to secure a move away. More

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    Raphael Varane injury update with Man Utd ace set not to play again before World Cup after going off in tears at Chelsea

    RAPHAEL VARANE is set to miss the remainder of Man Utd’s games up to the World Cup after the extent of his injury was revealed. The Frenchman suffered an injury against Chelsea after over-stretching on a tackle during the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
    Raphael Varane left the pitch in tears after getting injured against ChelseaCredit: Getty
    It has cast considerable doubt on his World Cup placeCredit: Getty
    He immediately crumpled to the ground and was left in tears as he walked off the pitch, knowing his injury could leave his hopes of playing in the World Cup in tatters.
    And the nature of the injury he suffered has now been revealed.
    According to Julie Laurens – who is a frequent guest for Champions League nights on BT Sports Goals show – Varane suffered a lesion on his femoral biceps which is less serious than first feared.
    However, he added: “He should be out between three to four weeks and sees the MRI results as positive.
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    “He won’t play for United before the World Cup and then (Didier) Deschamps will have to make a call on him.”
    While United will doubtless be glad the 29-year-old has not suffered a season-ending affliction, there are still six important games to play before the season is halted for the tournament.
    And these games could make or break the club’s season, with their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages of the Europa League at crunch time.
    The race for the top four is well and truly on too with United currently sitting in fifth – just one point behind fourth-place Chelsea.
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    In the three league games Varane has not started this season United have conceded seven goals.
    His importance to the team cannot be understated, with he and Lisandro Martinez forming a formidable partnership which has kept five clean sheets in eight games when starting together.
    For France it is also a big blow, with Varane one of the core members of the squad which won the last World Cup in 2018.
    But Deschamps is blessed with a plethora of options, and could opt to bring in Arsenal stalwart William Saliba following his impressive start to the season. More

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    Man Utd rejected by ex-star Edwin van der Sar over director of football role who reveals plans to stay at Ajax

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Edwin van der Sar has rejected a return to Old Trafford as director of football, saying “I’m not finished” at Ajax. The legendary Dutch shot-stopper, 51, spent six years at United before retiring in 2011.
    Van der Sar has his heart set on a stay at AjaxCredit: Getty
    He then returned to Ajax in a behind-the-scenes role, where he still works but as chief executive.
    Van der Sar played a part in negotiating the departures of Erik ten Hag, Lisandro Martinez and Antony, all to Man Utd in the summer.
    But one move that won’t be taking place anytime soon is a return to Old Trafford for Van der Sar.
    Reports suggested United had made contact with the ex-keeper, however, Van der Sar is happy to stay in Amsterdam, declaring “I’m not finished” at Ajax.
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    Van der Sar also recently signed a new contract running until 2025.
    He told The Times on a move back to United: “It’s never been that close.
    “I have a good relationship with the board and I had a fantastic six years in Manchester, but I’m not finished here yet.”
    The three summer arrivals from Ajax have made an impact at United.
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    Ten Hag has taken a no-nonsense approach with stroppy Cristiano Ronaldo.
    While Martinez has added stability at the back and Antony has chipped in with some goals in attack.
    United are sat fifth in the Premier League, one point off fourth place Chelsea. More

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    Man Utd and Chelsea to revive transfer fight for Frenkie de Jong as in-demand Barcelona star ‘to consider January move’

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea are both set to revive their interest in Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong, according to reports.Both clubs chased the 25-year-old throughout the summer transfer window and are ready to try again when it reopens in January.
    Frenkie de Jong is wanted by three Premier League teamsCredit: Getty
    ESPN report that Liverpool are also keeping tabs on De Jong and the three clubs could be set for a battle if the player decides he wants to leave Barca.
    Chelsea have supposedly received a boost that he could be willing to reconsider his future at the Nou Camp.
    And the Blues reportedly have a good relationship with the central midfielder’s agency HCM Sports Management.
    The Catalan giants appear happy to sell him but De Jong chose to stay this season and even took a wage cut over the summer.
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    However he is growing frustrated at the club ‘pressuring’ him to leave and at his lack of minutes in the big matches this season.
    De Jong has not played in crucial Champions League ties against Bayern Munich or Inter Milan.
    Liverpool have reportedly held discussions with his representatives as they are in the market for a central midfielder.
    But Man Utd would be willing to challenge them for his signature and De Jong has a bond with Erik ten Hag having worked with him in their Ajax days.
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    It has been claimed that the Red Devils boss has even approached the club’s board in recent weeks asking them to make new efforts to sign him.
    United pursued him relentlessly before the start of the season proving how keen they are – even managing to agree a £72million fee with Barcelona and sending chiefs to Spain to try to get him to join.
    The LaLiga side could be preparing for his eventual exit as they eye Wolves’ Ruben Neves.
    The Portuguese midfielder flirted with a move to the LaLiga side a matter of days ago saying it would be a “privilege” to play for “one of the world’s best clubs.” More

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    Man Utd face £10m bill if they axe Cristiano Ronaldo in January but Chelsea could make shock transfer for wantaway star

    MANCHESTER UNITED could have to fork out almost £10 million if they want to get Cristiano Ronaldo off the books in January.Ronaldo was axed for yesterday’s trip to Chelsea, amid claims he refused to come off the bench in last week’s win over Spurs and looks sure to have played his last game for the club.
    United would face almost £10m in owed wages if they wanted to get rid of Ronaldo in JanuaryCredit: Reuters
    Chelsea owner Boehly is reportedly still keen on bringing the unsettled 37-year-old to Stamford BridgeCredit: Alamy
    Yet if United hope to get rid before his contract expires at the end of the season, they are staring at pay-off touching eight figures.
    Ronaldo would earn around £9.6m in basic wages until June, regardless of any bonus payments for league placings or trophies.
    But United do have some wriggle room – not least the option of tearing up his deal if he did indeed refuse to come on as substitute and was deemed to be in breach of contract.
    There is also the bargaining chip of letting him join another club for a knockdown fee or even a free – something they stood firm on last summer.
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    Old Trafford’s money men insisted Ronaldo, who wanted Champions League football, would only be allowed to go on their terms…and that meant a fee of up to £20m.
    Now, though, they have the option of his leaving for nothing, if a vastly reduced severance package was also part of the deal.
    It would almost certainly be the case if Ronaldo, who will be 38 in February, decided on America as his next destination.
    David Beckham’s Inter Miami are keen on signing him, but although they are confident of meeting his personal terms, a transfer fee on top would make it difficult.
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    Yet with Ronaldo clearly having reached the end of the road at Old Trafford, there is growing belief a deal can be done after all.
    Sunday World report that Chelsea are also looking to pounce on the opportunity and join the race for the unsettled veteran.
    As revealed by SunSport in the summer, Blues owner Boehly is a huge fan of Ronaldo.
    At the time, boss Thomas Tuchel still needed convincing to press ahead with a move but now Graeme Potter is in charge at Stamford Bridge.
    A £14m bid was being touted back then however Old Trafford bosses may take whatever they can to ship him off. More

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    Real Madrid plot transfer move for Man Utd star Diogo Dalot as in-form defender in last year of contract

    REAL MADRID are eyeing a transfer for Manchester United star Diogo Dalot, according to reports.The Portuguese has impressed under Erik ten Hag this season and has kept Aaron Wan-Bissaka out of the side.
    Real Madrid want to sign Diogo DalotCredit: Reuters
    Real have sent scouts to watch the right-back in action and are reportedly encouraged by the feedback they have got back, with Dalot impressing on a personal and professional level.
    The LaLiga champions are believed to have been rejected in their approach to sign Manchester City star Joao Cancelo so have now turned to Dalot, report The Mirror.
    And they could try to take advantage of his contract situation, with the defender’s deal expiring in the summer.
    However, United reportedly have an option to trigger a one-year contract extension and that could help to deter interest.
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    The Red Devils are also believed to be unwilling to sell Dalot for less than £35m.
    That figure could rise if Dalot impresses at the World Cup, with Barcelona and AC Milan also said to be keen on the former Porto player.
    Barca have also kept tabs on Dalot with Xavi keen to bolster his defence.
    Dalot is open to staying at Old Trafford for another year but is also keen on a move to Catalonia.
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    Juventus are also watching his progress with “great attention” as Juan Cuadrado and Alex Sandro’s deals run out in June.
    Roma boss Jose Mourinho is also keen on a reunion after brining the Barcelona target over to United in 2018. More

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    Erik ten Hag defends decision to axe Cristiano Ronaldo as boss praises Man Utd ‘spirit’ after late point against Chelsea

    ERIK TEN HAG hailed the comeback spirit of his  Manchester United stars — and defended his decision to axe Cristiano Ronaldo.Man of the match Casemiro grabbed a stoppage-time equaliser to stun Chelsea.
    Erik ten Hag had no regrets about dropping Cristiano Ronaldo against ChelseaCredit: Getty
    Ronaldo has been axed from the Man Utd squad after refusing to come on midweekCredit: Getty
    And United boss Ten Hag declared: “I have to make a big compliment to my team. To fight back with a fourth game in ten days, you see the spirit and how they deal with setbacks.
    “Of course it was a big moment, to get a deserved point.”
    But Ten Hag insisted the equaliser was irrelevant to justifying Ronaldo’s exile.
    The Portugal star was dumped from the squad after his Old Trafford strop on Wednesday.
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    Dutchman Ten Hag said: “Of course it’s a big moment — but it doesn’t have anything to do with that case.
    “It’s more important to have the right culture, to have the right standards and values.
    “For the long term it’s always more important, in the end it will bring you to the right position.”
    Casemiro was in the right place at the right time to head home Luke Shaw’s cross — after Jorginho put Chelsea ahead with a late penalty.
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    The goal capped a superb display by the £60m summer signing from Real Madrid.
    Ten Hag said: “We thought he was capable of doing that. It’s clear that the Premier League is different, especially in intensity. He needed a short period to adapt to that.
    “Now from game to game you see him growing — and how important he is for us.
    “He brings the composure, he brings the organisation — and when he also even scores a goal, he brings a lot to the team.
    “We showed resilience, that’s a really big thing for big teams.”
    But United face disciplinary action from the FA after their fans disgraced themselves with homophobic chanting.
    Ten Hag also condemned the abuse that Chelsea supporters hurled at Raphael Varane — as the France defender left the pitch in tears with an injury that could wreck his World Cup dreams.
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    In a week when all Premier League fixtures will celebrate the Rainbow Laces campaign, some United supporters indulged in sickening “Chelsea rent boy” chants.
    Blues boss Graham Potter said: “I think we’ve still quite a bit of work to do, eh?” More

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    Man Utd ready to fight Liverpool in £10m transfer battle for Chicago Fire wonderkid Jhon Duran

    MANCHESTER UNITED want to fight Liverpool for Colombia’s next star Jhon Duran.This month, SunSport revealed the Kop are targeting the exciting attacker, 18, who is making a massive impact with Chicago Fire in the MLS.
    Teenager Duran is being heavily linked with a move to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
    However, Chicago insiders have now revealed Erik ten Hag’s associates have been in contact and are keen to buy the £10million-rated international.
    Duran’s agent and family members travelled to England recently.
    And they have been speaking to interested teams both in the Premier League and Spain.
    Chicago could be prepared to sell after a disappointing season.
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    Duran’s value could increase in the MLS but ready money now may come in handy.
    The youngster only came into the Chicago side this season and clubs in Spain and Germany are on his trail.
    He contributed eight goals and five assists in 27 appearances during the 2022 campaign.
    That form has put a number of big-name European clubs on high alert.
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    Fire recently sold keeper Gabriel Slonina, also 18, to Chelsea for a similar price and would expect the same for their next discovery.
    Todd Boehly’s Blues were also linked with a move for Duran earlier this month.
    It was reported that the American owner was discussing the Chicago star’s name as a potential target. More