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    Man Utd and Liverpool set to fight it out for Jude Bellingham transfer next summer with Borussia Dortmund demanding £87m

    MANCHESTER UNITED will go head-to-head with Liverpool to try and sign Jude Bellingham next summer, according to reports. Bellingham, 19, has really caught the eye of many around the world of football with his dazzling displays at Borussia Dortmund really catching the eye.
    Jude Bellingham at Borussia Dortmund’s press conference before their game against Manchester CityCredit: Getty
    And this has consequently generated lots of interest in his services from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with a price tag of £87million being set on his head by his club according to AS.
    They report Liverpool will be rivalled by three other Premier League clubs in their bid to sign Bellingham, with Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea all interested.
    Each club have their own reasons for being interested in Bellingham outside of his obvious qualities.
    Liverpool’s lightweight midfield has already been exposed numerous times this season, and The Reds believe Bellingham would give them a fresh new talent to spruce up their midfield for a generation.
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    Amid their rebuild under Erik ten Hag, United want to sign a player with a similar profile to Frenkie de Jong – who they failed to sign despite a long-term pursuit throughout the summer.
    They did sign Christian Eriksen on a free transfer, but Bellingham would serve to upgrade this position as a player who is comfortable playing deeper and upgrade the entirety of United’s midfield.
    City are after a long-term replacement for Ilkay Gundogan with the 31-year-old’s contract expiring next summer, and only a player of Bellingham’s calibre will be able to replace the German.
    He has been a key component of Pep Guardiola’s City team throughout his time there and proved his worth once again with his late brace against Aston Villa to seal last season’s title on the final day.
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    City will get to see him in action up close once again when they face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League tonight.
    Meanwhile, Chelsea are likely to overhaul their midfield next summer, with the ageing N’Golo Kante and Jorginho proving themselves to no longer be either fit enough or capable enough to continue playing at the top level without rest for much longer.
    Bellingham would give Chelsea an energetic option in central midfield, and the way new boss Graham Potter likes to play champions energy across the pitch. More

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    Anthony Martial slammed as ‘entitled nitwit’ by Simon Jordan after Man Utd star took swipe at Mourinho and Solskjaer

    SIMON JORDAN says Antony Martial has shown himself to be an “arrogant, entitled little nitwit” for laying into his former Manchester United managers.France forward Martial has said much of the blame for his underwhelming impact at the Red Devils is down to how he was managed by Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
    Anthony Martial says former Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer played him when he was injuredCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    The 26-year-old says Mourinho “disrespected” him with comments to the media and by taking the No9 shirt off him to give it to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
    Martial also believes the Portuguese chief’s decision to drop him for United flop Alexis Sanchez cost him a place at the 2018 World Cup – which his national team won.
    And the former Monaco star has claimed Solskjaer played him while he was injured.
    Martial says Solskjaer’s failure to make it publicly known that his performances were negatively affected by playing with knocks amounts to “treachery”.
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    But former Crystal Palace owner Jordan, 54, has dismissed Martial’s comments as ridiculous.
    Jordan told talkSPORT: “How is that treachery?”
    “So basically – you arrogant, entitled little nitwit – your manager offered you an opportunity to see his way of thinking, you perceived that as being treachery.
    “And you then move it along and you take a swipe at Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
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    “This sort of outlook and disposition, does it not stagger you a little bit and steer into the narrative that people have such a low opinion of footballers sometimes – the lack of self awareness?”
    United loaned Martial to Sevilla in January but he failed to make a big impact in LaLiga with one goal in 12 appearances.
    Jordan added: “He stunk the place out at Sevilla last year, so this is not him, the dynamic is not him, it’s everybody else.
    “It’s everybody’s fault, but him.” More

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    Man Utd transfer blow with Barcelona wonderkid ‘Gavi already agreeing new contract including €1BILLION release clause’

    BARCELONA star Gavi has already agreed to a new contract that includes a €1BILLION release clause, according to reports.The 18-year-old’s current deal expires at the end of the current season but a new deal was negotiated as early as last December.
    Gavi was a summer transfer target for Man Utd as they looked to bolster their midfieldCredit: Getty
    The release clause will supposedly be worth €1billion (£868million).
    Fabrizio Romano claims it will soon be signed and completed with the player committing his long-term future to Barca.
    Gavi has attracted interest from the likes of Manchester United in the past.
    However, the Catalan giants have reportedly never been worried about rumours linking him with a move to the Premier League – with Liverpool and Manchester City also keen.
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    The teenager has become a key player for club and country at his young age.
    He has already played 53 times in the Barcelona first-team scoring two goals.
    On the international stage he has amassed ten caps for Spain.
    Alongside Pedri, Gavi is seen as the future of his club and country’s midfield.
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    Under LaLiga rules it is mandatory for every player to have a release clause in their contract.
    And big release clauses are nothing new in Spanish football.
    In fact, Barcelona youngsters Ansu Fati and Pedri both have £868m buy-out clauses in their current deals.
    New summer signing Jules Kounde – a target of Chelsea – also has the same bumper clause in his contract. More

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    Man Utd release statement after Leeds clash in Premier League is axed ahead of Queen’s funeral and give ticket update

    MANCHESTER UNITED have released a statement explaining why their Premier League game against Leeds was postponed this weekend.The Red Devils were due to play their rivals at Old Trafford in a 2pm kick-off on Sunday.
    United have explained why their game against Leeds was postponedCredit: Getty
    Greater Manchester Police is ‘supporting forces across the United Kingdom at locations and events of high significance’Credit: Getty
    However, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, aged 96, Greater Manchester Police is “supporting forces across the United Kingdom at locations and events of high significance” and are unable to provide a safe amount of officers for the game.
    And so United are “supportive of the decision” as the “safety and security of our fans is paramount”.
    Man Utd said in an official statement: “Following extensive conversations with the Premier League, Greater Manchester Police and Trafford Council, the decision has been made to postpone Manchester United’s Premier League fixture against Leeds United, scheduled to take place at Old Trafford at 14:00 BST on Sunday 18 September.
    “This is due to Greater Manchester Police supporting forces across the United Kingdom at locations and events of high significance following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
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    “The club reiterates that the safety and security of our fans is paramount and, after considering all available options, we are supportive of the decision that was made in conjunction with the relevant authorities.”
    Ticket holders have also been provided an update.
    United have confirmed tickets will remain active valid for the new match date.
    The statement continued: “Please note, tickets already purchased for the game will remain valid for the new match date and we will contact ticket holders directly with further information when it is available.
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    “We appreciate the disappointment and inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding and continued support. 
    “The fixture will now be rescheduled and updated details will follow in due course.”
    Two other Premier League games were also axed.
    Chelsea vs Liverpool and Brighton vs Crystal Palace have also been postponed.
    United’s attention now turns towards their Europa League group stage clash with Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday.
    Erik ten Hag’s side lost their opening group game to Real Sociedad at Old Trafford, albeit to a dodgy penalty decision.
    Sheriff won’t be an easy task, though.
    The Moldovan side beat Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in last season’s Champions League group stages. More

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    Man Utd to trigger clauses in FIVE stars’ deals, including De Gea and Rashford, to stop them leaving on free transfers

    MANCHESTER UNITED are set to trigger extensions in five players’ contracts including Marcus Rashford and David de Gea, according to reports.The Red Devils have a dozen stars set to be out of contract next summer.
    Man United want to keep Marcus RashfordCredit: EPA
    David de Gea is set to have his £350k contract extendedCredit: Getty
    Club chiefs are usually reluctant to even let fringe players leave for free, seeking to protect any value they may hold.
    According to the Manchester Evening News, Man United are planning to trigger one-year extensions in the contracts of Rashford, De Gea, Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw and Fred.
    Rashford, 24, was linked with Paris Saint-Germain in the summer and has started the season in red hot form.
    The England international has three goals and three assists in six Prem games so far under Erik ten Hag and United want to keep their homegrown hero around at Old Trafford.
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    They will initially trigger a 12-month extension prior to January in order to prevent him from being able to talk to clubs overseas, such as PSG.
    Then they plan to agree a new longer-term deal with Rashford.
    De Gea is also set to see his £350,000-a-week contract extended by 12 months.
    The Spaniard, 31, has indicated that he would be happy to finish his career at Old Trafford.
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    During the summer, he said: “Yeah, if it’s possible, of course. If they let me stay here I will stay here, for sure. I’m really comfortable, really happy and hopefully before I leave we can win something.
    “I didn’t talk with anyone yet but of course, I would be really happy to be here for as long as they want because I want to be here for more years.”
    Having usurped Aaron Wan-Bissaka as first choice right-back, Dalot is also set for a new deal.
    While initially triggering a 12-month extension, United will open talks over fresh terms for the 23-year-old.
    Dalot and his representatives are said to be “relaxed” about the situation.
    Shaw, 27, has seen his place in the starting XI wrestled away by new signing Tyrell Malacia in recent weeks.
    But, for now at least, United wouldn’t be willing to let the England international leave for nothing next summer.

    Recent examples of United triggering extensions include Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard – although they failed to come to an agreement with either for deals further than the initial 12 months.
    Another recently dropped player that is in line to stay is midfielder Fred.
    The Brazilian began the season in the team, but has been dropped from the starting XI since the 4-0 defeat at Brentford.
    Man United do NOT plan to trigger an extension in Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract.
    The Red Devils misfit is in the final year of his £500,000-a-week deal and is likely to leave next summer.
    Defensive duo Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe are also set to go having struggled to stay fit in recent years. – although a deal may be reached with veteran third choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton.
    Meanwhile, decisions will have to be made on youngsters Ethan Laird, Teden Mengi and Nathan Bishop.
    Diogo Dalot has earned his spot as United’s first choice right-backCredit: Alamy
    Luke Shaw has lost his place in recent weeksCredit: Getty
    Midfielder Fred is set to be kept aroundCredit: Reuters More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo set to receive another HUGE transfer offer from Saudi Arabia in January with Man Utd future in limbo

    MANCHESTER UNITED are braced for another approach from Saudi Arabia for their veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo.The Portuguese forward, 37, was looking to get out of Old Trafford this summer in order to continue playing in the Champions League.
    Cristiano Ronaldo is set to receive a January transfer offer from Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
    However, the only concrete offer was from Saudi champions Al Hilal, although rivals Al Nassr were also said to be keen.
    While a move to the Middle East did not appeal to the former Real Madrid man at that time, clubs over there continue to monitor his situation.
    And they have the resources to come with a huge offer either in January or next summer to see if they can turn Ronaldo’s head.
    He is under contract at Old Trafford for the rest of the season, while the club have an option to extend it by 12 months.
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    Ronaldo has started just one of United’s first six Prem matches this season and was below par when he did get a chance against Real Sociedad last week.
    The Portugal superstar is certainly not enjoying life at United as much as Christian Eriksen.
    The Dane says his move to Old Trafford was his “redemption” following his cardiac arrest last year.
    Eriksen said: ‘It is one of the biggest clubs in the world. It was a redemption after what had happened — like proving you could get an offer from United.
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    “I had enough options to choose from but it was all about finding the right one.
    “I had the opportunity to step up to what I had dreamed of and hoped for.”
    Christian Eriksen is enjoying his start to life at Old TraffordCredit: Reuters More

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    Fans all saying the same thing as Arnautovic extends lead as Serie A’s top scorer after Man Utd ended transfer pursuit

    MARKO ARNAUTOVIC continued to show Manchester United what they missed out on as the Austrian scored his sixth Serie A goal of the season.The Bologna ace, 33, was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer to play under Erik ten Hag.
    Arnautovic is the Serie A top scorerCredit: Rex
    Arnautovic worked with Ten Hag at FC Twente and was a short-term option to solve a problem in the forward department.
    However, fan backlash scuppered the deal and Arnautovic pledged his focus to Bologna.
    And so far, Arnautovic is coming good on that pledge, scoring six in six Serie A games played.
    His latest goal to keep him as the league’s top scorer came in the 2-1 win over Fiorentina.
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    The ex-Stoke City and West Ham ace has scored in all league games bar one this season.
    He fired a blank in the 2-0 loss to defending champions AC Milan.
    His nearest rival in the scoring charts is Napoli hotshot Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who joined this summer, on four.
    But Arnautovic’s goalscoring form has left fans saying the same thing – maybe United messed up.
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    A fan said on Twitter: “Maybe, just maybe Manchester United made a mistake not to sign Marko Arnautovic.
    Another said: “Not going to lie, Man Utd should have bought Marko Arnautovic. He’s too good for Bologna.”
    Arnautovic’s form is also being seen as a reaction to United turning down the opportunity to sign him. More

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    Man City new transfer signing Manuel Akanji reveals he was MAN UTD fan as kid… but stopped after joining Basel

    MANCHESTER CITY’S new centre-back Manuel Akanji has owned up to being a former MANCHESTER UNITED fan.But the Switzerland star says he has put his old allegiances aside – and is determined to beat United in next month’s derby.
    Manuel Akanji made his Manchester City debut against Sevilla last weekCredit: Alamy
    Akanji, 27, arrived from Borussia Dortmund for £15million and could make his Etihad bow against former club in the Champions League on Wednesday.
    When reminded by Swiss paper Blick he once called United his favourite club wanted to play for them, Akanji said: “I gave that interview soon after I joined Dortmund [in 2018] and said I had been a Manchester United fan as a child.
    “But I also said that when you reach a certain level as a player, you are no longer a fan – as you end up playing against clubs like that.
    “Then you no longer support the club as much as you did during your childhood.
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    “The second part was a misunderstanding. I was asked what was my ambition – and I said to play for the best club in the world.
    “People inferred that I regarded Manchester United as the world’s best club, and absolutely wanted to play for them. But I never said anything like this.
    “My love for United disappeared when I joined Basel, and played Champions League football against them. My idols became rivals.
    “Now the game I’m looking forward to the most is the Manchester derby. To be able to beat United in our home city would be amazing.”
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    Akanji completed his City move in a whirlwind five-day period, during which his partner Melanie gave birth to the couple’s second child.
    He admitted: “They were the craziest days of my life. You couldn’t beat the emotions I went through.” More