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    Napoli boss breaks silence on Cristiano Ronaldo-Victor Osimhen swap transfer talk and would love to manage Man Utd star

    NAPOLI boss Luciano Spalletti says he wouldn’t say no to managing Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo – but insists there’s been no contact over a potential swap with Victor Osimhen.Ronaldo, 37, is keen to leave Man Utd this summer after the club failed to qualify for the Champions League last season.
    Ronaldo is keen to leave Man Utd this summerCredit: EPA
    Osimhen is a long-time target for the Red DevilsCredit: Rex
    The Red Devils finished sixth, meaning they had to settle for Europa League football.
    On a personal level, Ronaldo showed he can still cut it at the top level – netting 24 times across all competitions last term.
    However, despite agent Jorge Mendes discussing a move with a number of top clubs, a deal for Ronaldo is yet to be made.
    Reports suggested a return to Italy was on the cards after Napoli contacted by Mendes.
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    Gianluca DiMarzio claimed Napoli would take the five-time Ballon d’Or winner – but only if United buy Nigeria international Osimhen from them for £85million.
    However, Napoli boss Spalletti says “no negotiations” have taken place on a sale of Osimhen to United, which would then allow Ronaldo in turn to seal a transfer to Naples.
    Spalletti also says “no coach would say no” to Ronaldo.
    Speaking at a press conference, Spalletti said: “If you’re asking me if I’d like to work with Ronaldo, I tell you no coach would say no to that.
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    “However, if we go into those areas the journalists like to fill in for themselves, then as Osimhen’s agent said, there are no negotiations.
    “Speaking to (President Aurelio) De Laurentiis, he told me that he received no offer, so let’s remain as realistic as possible here and take into consideration only things that could happen.
    “There are only a few days left in the transfer window, it seems unlikely that could go through. There is nothing concrete at the moment.”
    Spalletti says a potential deal for Osimhen to United would be separate to one for Ronaldo to go the other way.
    The Italian says with Osimhen, due to his talent, will always have big clubs like Man Utd tracking him.
    Spalletti continued: “It wouldn’t be a swap, it would be two different signings, in that case. One of the two can turn a game by himself.
    “But in any case, at the moment we should not consider things that won’t help us pick up three points in Florence.
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    “Osimhen is the one who has to be the protagonist there.
    “With a player like Osimhen, who is so talented, we know there is the permanent risk that some rich owner around the world will wake up in the morning and decide to buy him and that includes a club like Manchester United.” More

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    Wanda Nara breaks silence on Mauro Icardi’s PSG future amid Man Utd and Galatasaray transfer interest

    MAURO ICARDI’S wife and agent Wanda Nara has opened up on the striker’s future as rumours of a move continue to swirl.The 29-year-old is not in Paris Saint-Germain boss Christophe Galtier’s plans and is free to leave the club.
    Mauro Icardi is free to leave PSG before the end of the transfer windowCredit: Getty
    Icardi’s wife and agent Wanda Nara has broken her silence on his futureCredit: https://www.instagram.com/wanda_nara
    Icardi has been the subject of reported interest from Manchester United.
    The Red Devils are on the lookout for an attacker with Anthony Martial out injured and Cristiano Ronaldo wanting to be sold.
    And now Wanda, 35, has broken her silence on Icardi’s future.
    The model revealed that as Icardi’s agent and partner she can advise him on what to do, but only the forward himself can decide whether or not to quit the French club this summer.
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    She was questioned by reporters after flying to her and Icardi’s native Argentina.
    And Wanda said on her husband, via Mundo Deportivo: “I can advise him or give him an opinion, but he is the one who decides if he leaves PSG.”
    Icardi still has two years left on his contract in Paris – but the Ligue 1 champions want him gone now.
    But with just five days left of the transfer window, time is running out for the Argentinian international to secure an exit.
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    As well as a switch to Old Trafford, the striker has also been linked with Turkish side Galatasaray.
    Agent Wanda is claimed to have held talks with the Istanbul-based side over a loan move.
    They are reported to be willing to pay £2.5million of Icardi’s £10m yearly wages.
    PSG are thought to be so desperate to get rid of him they are prepared to sanction the move while still paying three-quarters of his wages.
    Icardi has not played a single minute of football for the French champions so far this season.
    Wanda has claimed Icardi’s future is entirely down to himCredit: https://www.instagram.com/wanda_nara
    Wanda is claimed to have held talks with Galatasaray over a potential moveCredit: https://www.instagram.com/wanda_nara More

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    ‘I feel for the lad’ – Paul Scholes says Antony wants transfer to ‘proper club’ Man Utd in dig at Ajax

    PAUL SCHOLES has aimed a dig at Ajax by claiming unhappy Antony wants to play for “proper club” Manchester United.The winger’s transfer saga is set to rumble on until deadline day next week.
    Paul Scholes sympathises with Antony after Ajax snubbed a £75m bid from Man UtdCredit: Getty
    Scholes feels there’s nothing wrong with Antony wanting to play for a ‘proper club’Credit: Getty
    That’s after Ajax rejected a £75million bid from the Red Devils for the Brazilian ace on Friday.
    Antony was expecting a bid to be accepted by his club, allowing him to make a quick switch to the Premier League.
    But Ajax’s decision has left the forward incensed, prompting him to blast them in a public interview with Fabrizio Romano.
    It now remains to be seen if United return for Antony, with Ajax reportedly looking for a whopping £85m fee.
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    Fans at the Dutch side have been left unhappy with Antony’s volatile comments, as there’s a good chance he could now end up staying put.
    But Red Devils legend Scholes sympathises with Antony’s cause.
    He reckons the youngster has every right to be annoyed as playing for United is a step up from Ajax.
    And more importantly, the Red Devils are a “proper club” who are watched all around the world, which will allow Antony to showcase his talents for a broader audience.
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    Scholes told BT Sport before United’s 1-0 win at Southampton: “You expect him to want to leave Ajax to come to Manchester United, of course you would.
    “The manager has done it, a couple of players have done it. I think you have to ignore the money these days, I just think the money is ridiculous for every single player. 
    “He looks talented and we can all sit here and say it’s probably a little bit too much for him but as I say I just think is crazy these days.
    “I feel a bit for the lad because he obviously wants to come for Manchester United one of the biggest clubs in the world.
    “He’s at a good club in Ajax don’t get me wrong but this is where, this a real club, this is a proper football club where he’ll be seen around the world. 
    “He’s got great skills and it’s a player that the manager likes, he’s had him. I do feel a little bit sorry for the player but we’ll see what happens.
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    “The one thing I would say is is he good enough? He’s not scored that many goals in the Dutch league or made that many assists.
    “It’s not a lot in the Dutch league, it’ll be a lot harder over here. The Dutch league is much easier tan over here. We’ve seen that and he’ll be tested over here if he comes.” More

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    Erik ten Hag insists trio of Man Utd defenders will STAY as Harry Maguire is linked with shock Chelsea transfer

    ERIK TEN HAG has insisted defensive trio Phil Jones, Brandon Williams and Axel Tuanzebe will stay at the club – as Chelsea chase Harry Maguire.Maguire’s been axed for United’s past two games by Ten Hag, along with Cristiano Ronaldo.
    Man United boss Erik ten Hag has revealed he plans to keep hold of a trio of defenders this summerCredit: Getty
    And the Dutchman’s gamble has paid off as United have now won two Premier League matches in a row – for the first time since February.
    They disposed of Liverpool on Monday and followed up with a 1-0 victory over Southampton today.
    United’s new-look defence shored up by Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane is set to keep Maguire on the sidelines for a long time, according to Paul Scholes.
    But he may be offered a way out of his United hell by Chelsea who are plotting a shock deadline day swoop for the England centre-back.
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    However, Ten Hag’s made it clear that neither Jones, Williams or Tuanzebe will be following Maguire out the door – if he leaves before transfer deadline day.
    That’s even though Williams and Tuanzebe are injured, and Jones hasn’t trained with the first-team all summer.
    However, Ten Hag didn’t rule out future moves away for the trio.
    When pressed about their futures, Ten Hag said: “Am I expecting more players to go out?
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    “It can be, but we are talking about players who are not available so I don’t think they will go out in this window.”
    It’s unlikely that any of the aforementioned group have a future in Ten Hag’s side.
    Williams spent last season on loan with Norwich and United are willing to accept £10millon to let him go.
    Tuanzebe was also on loan last season with Napoli who declined the opportunity to sign him permanently after he failed to impress in Serie A.
    Veteran Jones played his first game in two years for United in January, and it doesn’t seem like he’ll fare any better this season. More

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    Man Utd must break bank to seal Antony transfer after Rashford, Ronaldo, Elanga and Sancho misfire in Southampton win

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans will be praying the club can get a deal for Antony over the line after watching their front three against Southampton.The Red Devils squeezed past Saints 1-0 at St Mary’s thanks to a second half goal from Bruno Fernandes.
    Rashford barely had a kick in the win over Saints on Saturday lunchtimeCredit: Getty
    Antony appears to be closing in on a move to Old TraffordCredit: Getty
    It means United have now won back-to-back Premier League games for the first time since February following their victory over Liverpool on Monday.
    However, it was by no means a vintage performance from Erik ten Hag’s men – typified by the lacklustre displays from their front three.
    The Dutch manager named an unchanged side from the Liverpool game, so Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga kept their spots on the flanks either side of Marcus Rashford.
    But it was an uninspiring showing from the front line.
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    Elanga produced a dangerous run into the box at the start of the second half.
    And Sancho enjoyed a couple of mazy runs which ultimately came to nothing.
    Other than that, you’d be forgiven for not knowing who United had playing in the final third.
    Rashford’s inability to play against any side who drop their defensive line back further than the halfway line is a real concern.
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    And the lack of energy or ideas from the wide areas will be one of the major criticisms levelled at United’s performance.
    Elanga and Sancho will both be looking over their shoulders when Anthony Martial is finally fit for selection.
    But the arrival of Antony would definitely shake things up.
    SunSport exclusively revealed earlier this week that United are closing in on an £84million deal for the winger.
    His 24 goals and 22 assists in 82 appearances for Ajax will excite United supporters if he does finally come to Old Trafford.
    And while on the face of it the price tag is a rather absurd one, United are clearly lacking a talismanic player in attack.
    Fernandes’ winner against Saints will save him from being criticised for what was ostensibly a woeful performance masked with a goal.
    He is still a shadow of the player he was 18 months ago.
    And Cristiano Ronaldo’s future remains up in the air, with his departure now seemingly the best option for all parties.
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    So, despite having six senior attacking players in their squad, the need for Antony is worrying.
    If United were reluctant to meet Ajax’s asking price, this United display may force the Prem club to pull out all the stops.
    Marcus Rashford and Cristiano Ronaldo failed to find the back of the netCredit: Reuters
    Sancho failed to build on his goal against LiverpoolCredit: Getty
    Elanga had one opportunity but was otherwise very quietCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd ‘launch £8m Memphis Depay transfer bid’ as Ten Hag looks to bring back Old Trafford flop from Barcelona

    MANCHESTER UNITED have launched an £8million bid for Memphis Depay, according to reports.The Barcelona star had been expected to rip up his contract and join Juventus.
    Memphis Depay has been linked with a Man United returnCredit: Alamy
    The Dutchman played for Man United between 2015 and 2017Credit: Getty
    But the move has seemingly fallen through, opening the door to Man United.
    Transfer expert Gerard Romero claims that the Red Devils have lodged an £8m offer to re-sign their former flop.
    Depay, 28, played for United between 2015 and 2017 but didn’t have the most productive first stint.
    He made 53 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring just seven goals and laying on six assists.
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    Following his Old Trafford nightmare, he resurrected his career by moving to Lyon.
    He scored 76 goals and laid on 56 assists in 178 outings for the French side.
    His form attracted the interest of Barcelona, although the Catalan side are now willing to cash in after only 12 months.
    Real Sociedad have also taken an interest in the Dutchman, with Barca asking them for £8m as well.
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    Depay has been an unused substitute in Barcelona’s first two LaLiga matches of the season, and will want to be playing regularly in the lead-up to the World Cup this winter.
    United are desperately trying to bolster their attack, with Antony and Cody Gakpo also on their radar.
    They have had a £76m bid turned down for Antony, with the Brazilian ace subsequently begging Ajax to let him go.
    Gakpo, meanwhile, could be available soon after his side PSV were eliminated from the Champions League by Rangers.
    Antony is desperate to leave AjaxCredit: Getty More

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    Watch Christian Eriksen’s nightmare miss for Man Utd from just yards out after Southampton stars’ heroic defending

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans were left stunned after Christian Eriksen missed a sitter in their clash with Southampton.Eriksen, 30, missed a golden opportunity to put the Red Devils into the lead in the 18th minute following a brilliant save from Saints stopper Gavin Bazunu.

    Christian Eriksen missed a sitter in Manchester United’s clash with SouthamptonCredit: REX
    The Dane couldn’t believe his horror missCredit: GETTY
    The Denmark international failed to find the back of the net from seven yards out with the goal at his mercy.
    Eriksen’s tame right-footed effort was stopped by Bazunu and sent United fans into a tizzy.
    One tweeted: “Eriksen missed a sitter.”
    Another said: ” Eriksen missed an easy chance lol.”
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    And another said: “How has Eriksen missed that.”
    One remarked: “[Anthony] Elanga sure I expected him to miss, but Eriksen aowa. Please score FFS.”
    Another chimed in: “Damn that was a madness.”
    One irate Red Devil said: “Eriksen worse how’s he missed.”
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    Eriksen would’ve bagged his first goal for United had he converted the easy opportunity – although his miss mattered little as a second-half strike from Bruno Fernandes saw Erik ten Hag’s men run out 1-0 winners at St Mary’s.
    The Dane has yet to find the back of the net in his three competitive appearances since joining United as a free agent in the summer.
    Upon signing for the club, he said: “I have had the privilege of playing at Old Trafford many times but to do it in the red shirt of United will be an amazing feeling.
    “I have seen Erik’s work at Ajax and know the level of detail and preparation that he and his staff put into every day. It is clear that he is a fantastic coach.
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    “Having spoken with him and learned more about his vision and the way he wants the team to play, I am even more excited for the future.
    “I still have major ambitions in the game, there is a huge amount that I know I can achieve and this is the perfect place to continue my journey.”
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    Fans stunned after Amir Khan ‘violates’ Sir Alex Ferguson and posts bizarre Wikipedia caption about Man Utd legend

    AMIR KHAN stunned fans when he “violated” Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford – then posted a bizarre caption from Wikipedia on Instagram sharing the moment.Khan’s had some extra time on his hands since retiring from boxing in April following his crushing defeat to rival Kell Brook.
    Amir Khan met Sir Alex Ferguson at Old TraffordCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    The pair seemed happy to see each other as they shared a few jokesCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    But fans quipped that Khan ‘violated’ Fergie by rubbing the Man United legend’s stomachCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    The 35-year-old admitted after the fight that he no longer wanted to get hurt in the ring.
    And Khan spent a moment of his free time having a catch-up with Fergie at the Theatre Of Dreams, in a clip shared on Instagram.
    The pair were full of smiles as they laughed and appeared to discuss their physiques.
    Fergie endearingly placed a hand on Khan’s shoulder while they spoke.
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    But it was Khan’s reaction that shocked fans and left them jokingly claiming he violated the ex-United boss.
    The Bolton native, wearing a black Christian Dior jumper, proceeded to rub Fergie’s belly – causing it to jiggle.
    Although it was clear to see Khan meant no harm, one fan mused: “Can’t believe you rubbed his belly.”
    While another quipped: “Man fully violated Fergie with the belly rub, he went home and shadow boxed Amir Khan in the mirror straight after, ” along with a slew of crying face emojis.
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    Others ribbed Khan for his caption on the picture, as it was a direct excerpt from Wikipedia.
    The caption, stolen from Wikipedia, read: “Lovely to meet Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester Old Trafford Stadium. Best known for managing Manchester United from 1986 to 2013.
    “He is widely regarded as one of the greatest football managers of all time.”
    One more mocked Khan for stating the obvious in his caption, adding: “Cheers for that Amir I’d never heard of him.”
    Man United kept a smile on Fergie’s face when they defeated Southampton 1-0 on Saturday.
    The Red Devils are coming off the back of a resounding win over Liverpool which saw Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire dropped.
    And boss Erik ten Hag has left the duo out of his squad again, as United won back-to-back games for the first time since February. More