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    Chelsea set to play hardball with Man Utd over Christian Pulisic loan transfer with Blues wanting their £58m fee back

    CHELSEA will play hardball with Manchester United over Christian Pulisic.Crisis-club United want to sign the Blues’ American star on loan.
    Christian Pulisic could join Manchester United on loan this summerCredit: Getty
    Chelsea are willing to listen to offers for their unsettled winger from any club, but will drive a hard bargain when it comes to doing business.
    Pulisic, 23, cost £58million when he joined from Borussia Dortmund three years ago and the Londoners want all their money back even though Pulisic is now a fringe player.
    New chairman Todd Boehly and his board of directors are also believed to prefer a permanent sale rather than the loan idea being put forward by United.
    The Premier League’s bottom club are under increasing pressure to bring in new players to ease a disastrous start to the season under new boss Erik ten Hag.
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    The Red Devils have scored only one goal in two games and have zero points from successive defeats – including a 4-0 hammering at Brentford last Saturday.
    America captain Pulisic scored 13 times last season, but four of those were for his country.
    He has been increasingly sidelined by head coach Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge and has gone public with his frustrations.
    However, Chelsea have splashed more than £105m on new players this summer and want to recoup as much as possible to fund further forays into the transfer market before the window closes on September 1.
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    Tuchel wants Everton winger Anthony Gordon, but the Blues’ latest bid for him was £10m short of the Goodison club’s £50m valuation of him.
    Newcastle, Juventus and Athletico Madrid are also monitoring Pulisic’s situation.
    But United are desperate after the collapse of their £15m attempt to sign Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot and their long, so far unsuccessful, pursuit of Barcelona target Frenkie de Jong.
    And Pulisic was on United’s radar in 2019 before he left Borussia Dortmund for the Bridge. More

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    Leicester want Illan Meslier transfer from Leeds with Man Utd target seen as Kasper Schmeichel replacement

    LEICESTER are reportedly lining up a move for Leeds keeper Illan Meslier as they search for Kasper Schmeichel’s replacement.The Foxes were stunned as the Danish shot-stopper, 35, left for Nice earlier this summer.
    Meslier has been linked with a move to a fellow Premier League clubCredit: Getty
    And it left Brendan Rodgers with no choice but to start the season with inexperienced Premier League keeper Danny Ward in between the sticks.
    Now, with two weeks left of the transfer window, Leicester are trying to find someone to fill Schmeichel’s boots for the coming years.
    According to Get French Football News, they are interested in Leeds man Meslier.
    The 22-year-old has thrived at Elland Road since becoming the No1 following their return to the top flight.
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    But while he still has four years left on his existing deal, he is being linked with a move away from Leeds.
    Earlier this week, it was reported that Manchester United consider him a potential long-term successor to David de Gea.
    However, Fabrizio Romano understands that Leeds have no intention of negotiating with bitter rivals United.
    And Jesse Marsch’s side appear to be set on not letting Meslier go this summer.
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    However, Leicester will feel that with Leeds and Man Utd being old rivals, they may have a better chance of prising Meslier away.
    He has made 89 appearances for the Yorkshire outfit, missing just three Prem games since they were promoted from the Championship.
    Meanwhile, Rodgers is keen to address the lack of depth in the Leicester squad following a poor start to the campaign.
    They have just one point from two games – throwing away a two-goal lead against Brentford and then losing 4-2 to Arsenal. More

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    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang WANTS to seal Chelsea transfer this summer if Barcelona sell – despite Man Utd holding talks

    PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG could reject Manchester United and move to Chelsea instead this summer, according to reports.Barcelona are open to selling the striker, 33, as they look to recoup funds.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would prefer a move to Chelsea over Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    Aubameyang only joined the Catalan club in February and scored 11 goals in 17 LaLiga appearances last season, sparking interest from Chelsea and United.
    Erik ten Hag is keen to add the forward to his squad and United have reportedly held talks with Barca about a move.
    But if Barcelona do let Aubameyang leave the striker would rather join Chelsea, report the Daily Mail.
    The Gabon international worked with Thomas Tuchel previously at Borussia Dortmund and he was a big hit in Germany, scoring 141 goals in 213 appearances for the club.
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    A move to the Blues would also allow Aubameyang to return to London – where he spent four years playing for Arsenal.
    But in order for Chelsea to land the striker they must meet Barcelona’s asking price, which is believed to be around £21million.
    And Aubameyang is not pushing to make a move happen given he is happy playing at the Nou Camp, despite the risk of less game time following the signing of Robert Lewandowski.
    The news will come as a blow for Ten Hag and United as they urgently look to recruit a new striker.
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    There are several players reported to be on the club’s radar including Leicester star Jamie Vardy.
    Most recently, the Red Devils were said to have had a £110m bid for Atletico Madrid striker Joao Felix turned down.
    His team-mate Matheus Cunha is also thought to be of interest for United, who are looking at Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic too. More

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    Man Utd ‘have £110m Joao Felix transfer bid REJECTED by Atletico Madrid… with Portugal star having £295m buyout’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have had a £110million bid REJECTED for Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix, according to reports.The 22-year-old Portuguese attacker has a startling £295m release clause attached to his deal at the Metropolitano Stadium.
    Atletico have rejected a substantial bid from Man Utd for Joao FelixCredit: Getty
    And the LaLiga giants are not willing to let him go easy, with AS claiming they have declined the huge offer from Erik ten Hag’s men.
    The Red Devils are keen to bolster their attacking options before the end of the transfer window.
    They are particularly determined to do so amid uncertainty surrounding the future of Felix’s compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo.
    The 37-year-old has made it clear his desire to leave Old Trafford in search of Champions League football.
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    And this has left Ten Hag scrambling around for solutions.
    United have been linked with a host of forwards including Marko Arnautovic, Mauro Icardi, Jamie Vardy, Matheus Cunha and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
    Felix, who joined Atletico for £113m in 2019, is the latest in a long line of players to be the subject of interest from United.
    He is also the third Atletico attacker to be linked with a move to United following Cunha and Alvaro Morata.
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    Felix has scored 29 goals in 112 appearances for Diego Simeone’s side since arriving from Benfica.
    He has also contributed 18 assists during his time in Spain.
    Meanwhile, United are well aware they need to strengthen after a dismal start to the new season.
    They were beaten 2-1 by Brighton and then humiliated 4-0 by Brentford, a pair of results which leave them bottom of the Premier League table.
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    Earlier this week, it was reported that Ronaldo and Harry Maguire were among five senior players who confronted the United board about their “lack of ambition” in the transfer market.
    They supposedly called for more reinforcements before the window closes – with only Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen coming through the door so far. More

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    Sporting Lisbon step up Cristiano Ronaldo transfer pursuit with Man Utd star wanting to join Champions League side

    SPORTING LISBON have reportedly stepped up their interest in Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.The Portuguese superstar, 37, has made it clear his desire to leave Old Trafford this summer in search of Champions League football.
    Ronaldo is keen to leave Manchester United this summerCredit: Getty
    Ronaldo came through Sporting Lisbon’s youth academy as a teenager
    But he has struggled to find a suitor who would take him – with Chelsea and Bayern Munich both ruling out a bid.
    However, one option which seems to still be on the table is a loan or permanent return to his former club Sporting Lisbon.
    Ronaldo came through the club’s youth set-up before leaving for United in 2003.
    According to Foot Mercato, Hugo Viana, a former team-mate of Ronaldo’s and now the sporting director at Lisbon, is working hard to convince the Real Madrid legend to return to the club.
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    Sporting can offer Ronaldo Champions League football – something United are unable to provide.
    And Erik ten Hag’s men have made the worst possible start in their attempts to return to Europe’s premier competition.

    They lost their opening game of the season 2-1 to Brighton, before being humiliated 4-0 by Brentford – a pair of results which leave them bottom of the Premier League.
    Ronaldo, who started against Brentford, will be concerned about the state of United.
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    Although he revealed earlier this week that his future will be confirmed in an interview in two weeks time.
    He wrote on Instagram: “They know the truth when they interview in couple of weeks. The media is telling lies.
    “I have a notebook and in the last few months of the 100 news I made, only 5 of them were right. Imagine how it is. Stick with that tip.”
    The post was met furiously by former team-mate Gary Neville who hit back at Ronaldo’s announcement.
    He tweeted: “Why does the greatest player of all time (in my opinion) have to wait two weeks to tell Manchester United fans the truth?
    “Stand up now and speak. The club is in crisis and it needs leaders to lead.
    “He’s the only one who can grab this situation by the scruff of the neck!”
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    Ronaldo scored five goals in 31 appearances during his first spell at Sporting, before he left for Old Trafford as a teenager.
    He is Portugal’s greatest ever goalscorer, netting a breathtaking 117 times in 137 caps for the national team.
    Ronaldo had a lack of pre-season with Man Utd but has now returned to the foldCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd to take HUGE hit if club fail to qualify for Champions League this year with Adidas sponsorship reduced by 30%

    MANCHESTER UNITED will take a HUGE financial sponsorship hit if they fail to qualify for the Champions League this year.The Red Devils have a ten-year agreement with mega sports brand Adidas worth £750million, which includes a number of bonuses or penalties based on performance.
    Man Utd have lost their opening two Premier League gamesCredit: Alamy
    Should United fail to qualify for the Champions League, they will see a drop of £22.5m from their Adidas dealCredit: Getty
    If Manchester United fail to qualify for the Champions League this season adidas are able to reduce the amount paid to #MUFC by 30%, which works out as £22.5 million. pic.twitter.com/WEJzmaI4P7— Kieran Maguire (@KieranMaguire) August 17, 2022

    And as pointed out by broadcaster Kieran Maguire, with United finishing sixth last term, should they fail to qualify for the Champions League for the second season in a row – they will see a 30 per cent reduction in sponsorship revenue.
    That would mean United would receive £22.5m LESS from sponsors Adidas.
    Considering United’s start to the season, they may have to start preparing for that loss in sponsorship.
    Erik ten Hag’s arrival at Old Trafford was optimistically well received.
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    A strong pre-season, which saw United destroy rivals Liverpool 4-0, also gave fans hope.
    However, uncertainty over Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at the club and two straight losses in the Premier League has raised concerns.

    United were beaten at Old Trafford 2-1 by Brighton and followed it up with am embarrassing 4-0 defeat to Brentford.
    The two losses have condemned United to the bottom of the Premier League table and they face Liverpool next.
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    So there is a real possibility United will be without a point in after their opening three games – Arsenal had a similar start last term.
    United are also struggling to attract players to bolster Ten Hag’s squad.
    Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong is a long-term target, but agreeing a move with the player is proving difficult.
    United may now turn to Real Madrid’s Casemiro, who could cost £50million.
    United do, however, have an insurance policy – and it involves winning a competition they’ve conquered before.
    Ten Hag’s side will contest the Europa League this season alongside Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
    Other teams from across Europe’s top five leagues include Lazio, Roma, Real Betis, Real Sociedad, Union Berlin, Freiburg and Rennes.
    Teams who finish third place in the Champions League group stages will also drop down into Europe’s second tier competition to contest the group stages.
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    United last won the competition in 2017 under Jose Mourinho.
    The Red Devils also reached the final in 2021 but lost on penalties to Villarreal. More

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    Man Utd joined by Galatasaray in Mauro Icardi transfer chase after wife Wanda Nara holds talks with Turkish giants

    MANCHESTER UNITED have been joined by Galatasaray in the race to sign Paris Saint-Germain forward Mauro Icardi, according to reports.It was revealed earlier this week that the Red Devils are eyeing up a move for the Argentinian, 29.
    Icardi is being linked with a move away from Paris this summerCredit: Getty
    Wanda is not only the wife of Icardi but also his agentCredit: Instagram / @wandanara
    Erik ten Hag is seeking a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo as he has made it clear his desire to leave Old Trafford in search of Champions League football.
    And Icardi is being discussed as an option alongside the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Jamie Vardy and Christian Pulisic.
    But according to journalist Nicolo Schira, United will have to fend off competition from Turkish giants Galatasaray if they are to secure his signature.
    The reports states that the forward’s wife Wanda – who is also his agent – met with representatives of Galatasaray last week.
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    However, his annual salary of £8.4million currently remains a stumbling block.
    His lucrative wage packet threatens to derail any deal, even if it was only a loan move.
    Icardi is not in PSG’s plans as Christophe Galtier attempts to manage a host of superstar attacking options.
    The Ligue 1 champions boast a terrifying front three consisting of Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar.
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    Julian Draxler, Pablo Sarabia and Icardi are then competing for positions behind the formidable trio in the PSG squad.
    Galtier’s men have started the season in breathtaking fashion, comprehensively winning their opening two matches 5-0 and 5-2.
    But there has still been some backlash to talisman Mbappe after he sulked and gave up on a counter-attack when he was not passed to.
    Yet despite the bizarre moment, fellow Frenchman Thierry Henry has leapt to Mbappe’s defence.
    Speaking on Prime Sport Video France, he said: “It’s his place. He will of course have to show it [his best level] as he has shown from the start. But he has nothing to prove to anyone.
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    “The coach will have to find a way to play the three [Lionel Messi, Neymar, Mbappe] and make them happy… good luck.
    “At PSG, there is always a debate, a problem. They won 5-2 and we’re talking about Mbappe.
    “Last year, it was Neymar and it will always be like that. It’s PSG.” More

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    Chelsea in Anthony Gordon transfer boost as Everton line up ex-Man Utd star Adnan Januzaj as replacement

    CHELSEA have reportedly been given a major boost in their pursuit of Anthony Gordon.That’s because Everton have lined up a replacement in former Manchester United star Adnan Januzaj.
    Chelsea have been boosted in their pursuit of Everton star Anthony GordonCredit: Rex
    The Toffees are lining up ex-Man Utd winger Adnan Januzaj as Gordon’s replacementCredit: Rex
    AS claims Frank Lampard is a fan of the Belgian winger.
    And he is ready to battle LA Galaxy for Januzaj’s signature this summer.
    The 27-year-old is available on a free transfer after leaving Real Sociedad.
    West Ham are also interested in bringing Januzaj back to England.
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    But Everton are pushing strongly as they anticipate a fresh bid from Chelsea for Gordon.
    The Blues have failed with two offers for the exciting winger, 21.
    Chelsea’s latest bid reached up to £45million.
    And it’s reckoned Todd Boehly will come back with a new offer hitting the £50m mark.
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    Everton’s interest in Januzaz indicates they are now open to selling Gordon for the right price.
    The Toffees had maintained their prized asset was not available this summer.
    And Everton were even thought to be preparing a lucrative long-term contract offer.
    Should Gordon join Chelsea, it could pave the way for Christian Pulisic’s exit.
    The American is wanted in a shock loan move by Manchester United.
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    Teammate Callum Hudson-Odoi also looks set to leave.
    Newcastle are leading the race for the England World Cup hopeful. More