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    Man Utd ‘agree deal with Marseille over Bailly loan transfer with option to buy’ as talks continue over personal terms

    ERIC BAILLY is reportedly close to joining Marseille after the French side agreed a loan deal with Manchester United.The Ivorian defender finds himself down the pecking order at Old Trafford this season.
    Eric Bailly is on the verge of a loan move to MarseilleCredit: Getty
    And new United boss Erik ten Hag has sanctioned an exit so Bailly can get the minutes he craves.
    La Provence claims Marseille are now deep in talks with the centre-back over personal terms.
    The loan deal includes a clause to buy Bailly permanently for £8.5million next summer.
    And it becomes obligatory if Marseille qualify for the Champions League.
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    They must therefore first strike terms with Bailly on a personal contract before the loan deal can go through.
    But the ace is reportedly keen on making the move and talks are expected to go smoothly this weekend.
    Bailly, 28, has been at United since 2016 after a £30million move from Villarreal, but injuries have limited him to just 113 appearances.
    He is not the only United centre-back to be linked with an exit this month, as captain Harry Maguire is being lined up by Chelsea.
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    Bailly is now set to become Marseille’s latest exciting capture after last season’s impressive second-place finish.
    Matteo Guendouzi has been signed permanently from Arsenal, while Nuno Tavares has joined on loan.
    Porto’s Chancel Mbemba and Inter Milan’s Alexis Sanchez arrived on free transfers.
    Meanwhile, sizeable fees were handed over for Roma’s Jordan Veretout, Lens’ Jonathan Clauss and Granada’s Luis Suarez. More

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    How Chelsea could line up with Harry Maguire as they make shock transfer enquiry over Man Utd captain

    CHELSEA could be lining up in a bold new way next month.That’s because they are reportedly chasing a shock deal for Manchester United captain Harry Maguire.
    Chelsea are lining up a stunning move for Man Utd captain Harry MaguireCredit: EPA
    The England centre-back has emerged as a target for Thomas Tuchel before deadline day.
    United are hoping to land Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic on loan.
    But the Blues want to take advantage by raiding Old Trafford for Maguire.
    They are struggling to get a deal done for Wesley Fofana, with Leicester holding out for an eye-watering £85million fee.
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    And Maguire has emerged as an alternative target.
    He is reportedly facing the axe for United’s upcoming clash against Liverpool.
    Erik ten Hag has already splashed out on Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez.
    And the Dutch boss could now sanction a stunning switch.

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    Should Maguire join Chelsea, he would likely slot straight into Tuchel’s three-man defence.
    That may be ahead of Cesar Azpilicueta, with Thiago Silva and Kalidou Koulibaly already nailed-on to start.
    But Maguire is unlikely to be the only new faces in the side.
    Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong remains in Chelsea’s sights, especially now that N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic are both out injured.
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    As for the attack, Chelsea have agreed personal terms with De Jong’s teammate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
    However, Barca are holding out for £25m, while Chelsea are only prepared to pay £15m. More

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    Man Utd ‘expect to complete’ £34m transfer for Cody Gakpo after Antony struggles as PSV prepare for life without winger

    MANCHESTER UNITED are expected to complete the £34million transfer for PSV winger Cody Gakpo, according to reports.The Red Devils had hoped to land one of new boss Erik ten Hag’s top targets in Ajax winger Antony.
    Gakpo is expected to complete a move to Man UtdCredit: Rex
    A bid worth £68m was put before the Dutch champions but the offer was turned down.
    However, the player himself hasn’t ruled out a move after revealing he can’t assure fans he’ll remain at Ajax.
    And due to Ajax’s strong position on Antony, United are exploring alternative options, which has landed the Old Trafford club at Gakpo’s door, according to the Telegraph.
    The Dutch international, 23, has been impressive at PSV, scoring 21 goals across all competitions and chipping in with 15 assists.
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    Gakpo has also started the domestic season well, netting twice in two Eredivisie games.
    The report goes on to state United are “now expected” to sign the £34m rated ace.
    They are also on course to complete a mega signing in Casemiro.
    The Real Madrid ace, 30, is expected in the country over the weekend to complete a £60m move and put pen to paper on a £350,000-a-week deal.
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    Casemiro leaves Real with FIVE Champions Leagues and three LaLiga titles.
    The Brazilian will also reunite with former Real team-mates Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane.
    It is unclear what Casemiro’s arrival could mean for United’s current midfielders. More

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    ‘A warning to Man Utd stars’ – Kroos tells Cristiano Ronaldo and Co Casemiro will ‘only let you lie down to do sit-ups’

    REAL MADRID star Toni Kroos warned Manchester United players that their new team-mate Casemiro will push them to their limits in training.The Brazilian midfielder put pen to paper on a four-year deal, with the option of an extra year, following a £70million deal between United and Real.
    Casemiro and Toni Kroos formed a formidable trio with Luka Modric at Real MadridCredit: Getty
    Real Madrid star Toni Kroos bid farewell to Manchester United signing CasemiroCredit: Getty
    Kroos and the 30-year-old enjoyed a stunning partnership in the middle of the park alongside Luka Modric in the last seven years and together they won five Champions League trophies.
    All that success brought the two stars together and the Germany international issued a farewell letter to Casemiro, which was published by Marca.
    The 32-year-old looked back at all the times the Brazil international kept him on his toes.
    And the German warned Cristiano Ronaldo and co that Casemiro will put them through their paces as he always demands perfect physical condition from his team-mates.
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    In fact, the ex-Bayern Munich star informed his new United team-mates that he will only let them lie down to do sit-ups.
    Kroos wrote: “With you, my dear Case, it was impossible not to break a sweat… in any situation.
    “Because you wouldn’t let us relax even in the Turkish bath. Meeting there was another torment: you told someone to go and you almost had exercise bikes and weights ready.
    “A warning for your new colleagues to know. Because with you even the Turkish bath was a gym… and you only allow people to lie down when it’s time to do sit-ups.
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    “I’m going to miss you. As an exemplary professional. As a top player. As a fighter who saved me from several… But, above all, as a good person.
    “We have made history, damn it! What a legendary period… Now our sporting paths are parting, but our friendship remains.
    “I can assure you of that. I wish you all the best, see you soon. Good luck to you.” More

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    Antony hints at Man Utd transfer as he refuses to confirm he will stay at Ajax this season after £68m bid is rejected

    AJAX star Antony has hinted he will leave this summer amid intense interest from Manchester United.The winger is reportedly United’s priority transfer and the Dutch champions rejected a whopping £68million bid from United.
    Ajax star Antony admitted he may leave amid interest from Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    Antony revealed he still cheers for Manchester United manager Erik ten hagCredit: Getty
    The Brazil international admits he is “very happy” in Amsterdam but can make no promises about his future.
    The 22-year-old also revealed he still cheers for former manager Erik ten Hag, who is determined to bring him to Old Trafford.
    Antony told De Telegraaf after being asked if he can assure fans he will stay at Ajax: “No. To be honest, I can’t.
    “I can say that I want to make the right decision together with my family, agents and Ajax. God decides my future in the end.
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    “I am very happy at Ajax. I have a contract until 2025 and will give everything for this beautiful club with every second. I wear this shirt with pride.
    “We are playing in the Champions League. I enjoy being here. I find it important that the atmosphere is good and that we can create a team. This is why I put a lot of effort into my team-mates.
    “This is also a signal to the children: work hard, create friendships, you will achieve more together than alone.
    “Thanks to Ajax I have become a more complete footballer.
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    “My focus is on football. I have put all of these matters in the hands of my agent.”
    Antony added: “I will always cheer for Erik ten Hag. It makes me sad that I haven’t been able to do this for him yet.
    “But knowing Erik.. I am sure he will turn things around. Manchester United will become a better club with him in charge.” More

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    Rio Ferdinand blasts Casemiro transfer to Man Utd for being overpriced, having zero resale value and star’s mobility

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Rio Ferdinand stated there are negative aspects behind Casemiro’s arrival at Old Trafford.The Brazilian midfielder put pen to paper on a four-year contract, with the option of an extra year, following a £70million deal with Real Madrid.
    Casemiro has joined Manchester United following a deal with Real MadridCredit: Getty
    Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes there are negatives behind Casemiro’s arrivalCredit: Getty
    The 30-year-old enjoyed a stunning nine-year stint at Real which saw him win three LaLiga titles, the 2014 Copa del Rey and five Champions League trophies.
    However, Ferdinand believes the Brazil international’s advanced age, lack of resale value, mobility and zero Prem experience could work against United.
    The legendary defender told his Vibe podcast: “Are there negatives? Yes there are.
    “Obviously the age, 30 years old. I wouldn’t say that’s a massive negative but I think if you’re talking from a business standpoint there’s gonna be zero resale value.
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    “So it’s £60m, plus £10m add-ons, and then obviously you bounce on top of that the wages. So you’re probably looking somewhere near £100m – if you get change out of that, you will be lucky.
    “In a time when we don’t have the finances, it doesn’t seem we can bring big players we have put it all into him. So he needs to work.
    “To come from Spain for Casemiro into a team that is absolutely bereft of any confidence, is absolutely struggling in all areas, tactically especially, physically, mentally.
    “I think it’s going to be a huge ask for a 30-year-old to come in, recharge, reboot and go again.”
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    But Ferdinand insists there are also positives behind Casemiro’s arrival.
    The former England international believes United can benefit from the Brazilian’s experience, winner’s mentality, Real success and tactical nous.
    Ferdinand added: “First and foremost, the guy’s a real winner, he knows how to win, he’s been integral in everything positive about Real Madrid in recent years.
    “[He has been] one of the main guys alongside the likes of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Karim Benzema. Cristiano [Ronaldo] before that.
    “When the big games come along, this guy performs. He knows what he’s doing, he’s there.
    “There’s no thrills with him. He isn’t a stepover merchant, he isn’t a skills man, he isn’t someone who wants to get the fans off their seats with a bit of skill.
    “He’s there to do a job that means that the team are better off, they run more efficiently, they’re going to have a chance of winning because he’s in the team.
    “He’s first and foremost a team football player, which I love about him. If there’s a battle, he’s a man you want on your side.” More

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    Man Utd goalkeeper Dean Henderson was not even in Nottingham Forest’s top 50 transfer targets before joining on loan

    STEVE COOPER has spent over £125million on 16 players for  Forest in a  frenzied summer transfer season — and missed out on many more.Morgan Gibbs-White was the latest buy to be scanned and bundled into Cooper’s groaning shopping trolley after completing his £25million move from Wolves — a deal which could rise to £42.5m with add-ons.
    Dean Henderson has the chance to press his World Cup claims as Forest take on an Everton side containing rival England keeper Jordan PickfordCredit: Getty
    Just three months ago  midfielder Gibbs-White — then on loan at Sheffield United — missed a penalty against Forest in the play-off semi-final shootout defeat.
    Cooper’s men edged through and went on to win promotion to the Premier League.
    When the Welshman started his summer supermarket sweep there was one glaring omission as Dean Henderson’s name NEVER made the  recruitment list.
    Now the on-loan Manchester United keeper, 25, could  have Forest’s fate in his gloves  after saving Declan Rice’s penalty to earn a first win last week.
    Ahead of today’s trip to Everton, the Forest boss confessed his No 1 was not in his top 50 targets.
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    Cooper said: “Plan A rarely happens and sometimes you get little surprises when a player unexpectedly pops up out of nowhere.
    “Dean, for example. We didn’t think last year that we would lose Brice Samba.
    “And we certainly didn’t think if Brice was to go that we’d replace him with Dean.
    “But, when the opportunity arises, you deal with it.”
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    Henderson goes head-to-head with England rival Jordan Pickford at Goodison Park, with one eye firmly on the World Cup.
    Cooper added: “He obviously played well last week and caught the eye and with him being a Manchester United player there are obviously more eyes on him.
    “But I don’t want him to  be saving penalties and  having to make world-class saves every week!” More

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    Man Utd pursuit of Frenkie de Jong ‘seen as over’ after transfer of Casemiro opening path for Chelsea to seal deal

    MANCHESTER UNITED are set to end their attempt to sign Frenkie de Jong, according to reports.The midfielder, 24, has been Erik ten Hag’s number one target for much of the summer.
    Manchester United will end their interest in Frenkie de Jong after the capture of CasemiroCredit: Getty
    The Red Devils chased De Jong for much of the summerCredit: Getty
    But after the Red Devils agreed a £74million fee with Barcelona to sign De Jong, the Dutchman turned down the move.
    United have moved for Casemiro instead and have reached an agreement with Real Madrid to sign the midfielder for £70m.
    And that deal means the club has ended their pursuit of De Jong, report The Athletic.
    United had previously hoped De Jong would change his mind and agree to complete a transfer.
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    And United ending their hunt means Chelsea now have the opportunity to capitalise.
    Thomas Tuchel is believed to be a big fan of De Jong but the Blues are yet to agree a fee with Barcelona.

    Chelsea hope the Spanish giants will reduce their asking price later in the transfer window and are prepared to wait for that to happen.
    However, De Jong’s preference is to stay at the Nou Camp despite Barca saying he must accept a 50 per cent pay cut while still being owed £14million in deferred wages.
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    With the Casemiro deal complete United could focus their transfer efforts on another key target – Antony.
    The club has ramped up their efforts to sign the winger in recent days but had a £67.5million offer rejected by Ajax.
    The Brazilian has reportedly been made to train alone since and could be left out of the squad for Sunday’s clash with Sparta Rotterdam. More