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      Football’s most controversial transfers ever, including Cole and Tevez, as Man Utd forced to abandon Arnautovic swoop

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      MANCHESTER UNITED were forced to abandon their shocking pursuit of Marko Arnautovic after a furious fan backlash.The former Stoke and West Ham striker was, for some reason, seen as the solution to the Red Devils’ attacking woes by new boss Erik ten Hag.
      Manchester United’s swoop for Marko Arnautovic did not go down well with fansCredit: Getty
      But after news of the approach to Bologna broke, supporters let rip at the club for the bizarre transfer policy and United pulled the plug.
      Ten Hag needs reinforcements to his squad before the transfer window closes, especially if Cristiano Ronaldo does force through an exit.
      Wantaway Ronaldo only returned to Old Trafford a year ago – after a dramatic U-turn as he looked set to join Manchester City in what would have been another controversial transfer.
      But should the deal for the fiery Austrian have been completed, he would have followed in the footsteps of other stars whose transfers caused quite the stir…
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      Carlos Tevez, Man Utd to Man City
      With the Argentinian owned by a third party – agent Kia Joorabchian’s Media Sports Investment company – Tevez was technically on loan to Manchester United for two years.
      The Red Devils dallied on a permanent deal, which allowed crosstown rivals Man City to swoop in 2009.
      A billboard was then erected in Manchester facing in the direction of Salford with Tevez on a sky blue backdrop with the slogan ‘Welcome to Manchester’.
      The whole matter left Sir Alex Ferguson incensed. “Stupid and arrogant,” he said of the poster. “A small club with a small mentality,” he labelled City.
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      Man City put up this poster in Manchester after signing Carlos TevezCredit: PA:Press Association
      Sir Alex Ferguson was livid after Tevez left United for CityCredit: AFP
      Sol Campbell, Spurs to Arsenal
      Harry Kane can count his lucky stars it was not the Gunners trying to lure him away from Spurs last year.
      In 2001, Sol Campbell’s contract with Tottenham was set to expire and was considering his options.
      Few could believe the England legend would end up at arch-rivals Arsenal, after admitting he was seeking Champions League football.
      It was “the ultimate act of betrayal”, according to the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust said.
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      In 2001, Sol Campbell shocked English football when he left Tottenham for ArsenalCredit: PA:Press Association
      Campbell feels the brunt of Spurs fans at White Hart LaneCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Ashley Cole, Arsenal to Chelsea
      What goes around comes around in football, they say, and Ashley Cole leaving Arsenal for Chelsea was one Gunners fans STILL haven’t got over – often referring to him as ‘Cashley Cole’.
      Chelsea and Jose Mourinho were accused of tapping up the ex-England left-back, when the pair met at a hotel restaurant to discuss a potential move.
      At the time, Cole was disgruntled with a contract offer he’d received – famously admitting “I nearly swerved off the road” with the £55,000-per-week deal on the table.
      All parties were fined for the tapping-up incident, but that didn’t stop Cole from making his move a year later.
      Months later at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal fans showered the pitch with fake bank notes with Ashley Cole’s face on.
      Arsenal fans throw fake bank notes with Ashley Cole’s image on them onto the pitch at Stamford BridgeCredit: PA:Press Association
      The notes featured Cole’s face as well his famous quote from his bookCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Luis Figo, Barcelona to Real Madrid
      The Real Madrid presidential elections of 2000 brought arguably the most astonishing transfer in Spanish football history.
      With Florentino Perez trailing in the polls, he launched an audacious bid for Barcelona talisman Luis Figo.
      He offered the Portugal legend a guaranteed £1.6million if he lost the election, but if he won Figo would have to either move to Los Blancos or pay £19m in compensation.
      Figo took the bait, and when Perez was voted in the £38m release clause was met and the winger joined Real.
      When he returned to the Nou Camp in 2002, he was met with a hostile reaction, as well as a pig’s head that was thrown on to the pitch.
      Barcelona fans burn a poster of former hero Luis Figo at the Nou CampCredit: AP:Associated Press
      A pig’s head was thrown onto the pitch when Figo returned to the Nou CampCredit: Diario AS
      Roy Keane, Man Utd to Celtic
      When Roy Keane made himself an enemy in the eyes of Sir Alex, there was no going back.
      First, he reportedly argued with Fergie over the quality of the set-up at the Portuguese resort United were enjoying a pre-season training camp at in 2005.
      Then, he blasted team-mates Rio Ferdinand, John O’Shea, Alan Smith, Kieran Richardson and Darren Fletcher in an interview with MUTV.
      The explosive clip was never aired, but the damage was done. Keane was granted a free transfer – joining boyhood club Celtic.
      Roy Keane signed for boyhood club Celtic after an infamous fallout with Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty
      Roberto Baggio, Fiorentina to Juventus
      The Diving Ponytail joined Juventus from Fiorentina in 1990 for a world record £8m fee.
      But despite the huge cash windfall, Viola fans were fuming and they stormed the club’s offices – forcing president Flavio Pontello to hide in the stadium.
      Amazingly, the riots saw 50 fans injured, while nine were arrested.
      What happened next was even better. When the two played each other the following season, Baggio refused to take a penalty claiming Fiorentina keeper Gianmatteo Mareggini would know how to save it.
      After he was substituted from the pitch, Baggio then picked up a Fiorentina scarf thrown at him and later revealed “his heart was purple”.
      Roberto Baggio swapped Florence for Turin, but later revealed his heart was purpleCredit: Getty
      Johan Cruyff, Ajax to Feyenoord
      Forever the darling of Ajax fans, there was a time when Johan Cruyff threatened his reputation with them.
      After giving them the best part of his football career, the Dutch club’s board felt the Netherlands legend was finished at 36 and refused to offer him a new deal.
      Dutch legend Johan Cruyff won the double with Feyenoord after Ajax released him in spiteCredit: Getty
      Cruyff was furious. So mad, in fact, he signed for their bitter enemy Feyenoord, who he then led to the double and won Dutch Footballer of the Year.
      “I wanted to take my anger out on Ajax via Feyenoord after the club had thrown me out with the rubbish”, he later admitted in his autobiography. More

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      Marseille ‘make contact with Eric Bailly’ over loan deal but Man Utd will only let defender leave on permanent transfer

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      MARSEILLE have reportedly made contact with Manchester United over a loan deal for Eric Bailly.But the Red Devils are said to be only willing to let the defender leave on a permanent transfer.
      Marsille are looking to sign Eric Bailly on loan… but Man Utd want a permanent dealCredit: Rex
      L’Equipe claims Marseille are looking for a centre-back after failing to keep hold of Arsenal’s William Saliba
      And Bailly, 28, has emerged as their top target.
      The Ivorian is entering his seventh season at Old Trafford.
      But he has never been able to nail down a regular starting spot, featuring just seven times last term.
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      Roma have been linked with a move for Bailly, as have Italian rivals AC Milan.
      Fulham also looked at Bailly before swooping for West Ham’s Issa Diop.
      And the Hammers themselves are now considering Bailly as Diop’s replacement.
      However, Marseille are now thought to be leading the race, with Bailly keen on making the move and playing in the Champions League.
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      But the French side only want him on loan for now, with an option to make things permanent if things go well.
      That won’t fly with United though, who would rather keep hold of Bailly unless they can get rid of him for a permanent transfer fee.
      The ex-Villarreal man is now fifth choice following the arrival of Lisandro Martinez.
      But a compromise could be worked out between now and the end of the transfer window.
      Such a move would see the Ivorian link up with former United team-mate Alexis Sanchez, who agreed to join Marseille earlier this week after terminating his Inter Milan contract early. More

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      Frenkie de Jong goes wakeboarding with stunning fiancee while Barcelona continue transfer talks with Man Utd and Chelsea

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      FRENKIE DE JONG cut a relaxed figure as he forgot about his transfer woes with a wakeboarding session in Spain.The Barcelona star, 25, has seen his future constantly come under the spotlight this summer.
      Chelsea and Man Utd target Frenkie de Jong enjoyed some wakeboarding in BarcelonaCredit: @frenkiedejong
      De Jong’s fiancee Mikky Kiemeney joined him on the tripCredit: Instagram / @mikkykiemeney
      The pair shared some loved up picsCredit: Instagram / @mikkykiemeney
      Chelsea and Manchester United are both eager to sign De Jong.
      And although he would like to stay at Barca, the Dutchman is yet to be paid around £14million in deferred wages.

      Indeed, Barcelona are now threatening legal action unless he agrees to take a mammoth pay cut.
      And with De Jong yet to decide where his future lies, the transfer saga is set to rumble on this month.
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      In the meantime, De Jong has been enjoying what could potentially be his final days in Catalonia.
      The Dutch ace and fiancee Mikky Kiemeney decided to take a trip so they could try their hand at wakeboarding.
      An Instagram Story video showed De Jong gliding along the water while being pulled by a high-speed boat.
      The playmaker looked to be in total control of his board – just like he is with a football at his feet.
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      And a further picture showed De Jong travelling with just one hand while using the other for the perfect pose.
      One would be forgiven for thinking there was nothing going on in regarding De Jong’s playing future.
      But the Holland ace now has a big decision to make ahead of the new LaLiga campaign this weekend.
      Barcelona’s financial woes are still very much present.
      And until De Jong goes, they can’t even register new signings Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie.
      De Jong was joined by fiancee Mikky KiemeneyCredit: Instagram @mikkykiemeney More

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      Chelsea transfer blow as Benjamin Pavard ‘convinces Bayern Munich chiefs NOT to sell him this summer’

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      BAYERN MUNICH are no longer willing to sell Benjamin Pavard this summer, according to reports.Pavard, 26, has been heavily linked with a move away from the Allianz Arena since the transfer window opened in June.
      Pavard will NOT leave Bayern Munich this summerCredit: Getty
      Chelsea considered him a top transfer target, with Thomas Tuchel looking to completely revamp his defence.
      However, the Blues boss will now have to set his sights on alternative options as the Frenchman is now set to remain at Bayern Munich.

      According to Kicker, Pavard has convinced the club to keep him.
      Bayern chiefs have been so impressed with his recent performances that they have now decided against selling him this summer.
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      The defender was expected to leave the Bundesliga champions last month for a fee of around £30million.
      While Chelsea put him at the top of their transfer wishlist, Manchester United had also expressed an interest.
      Erik ten Hag is looking to strengthen his newly-inherited squad before the transfer window slams shut next month.
      However, he is struggling to tempt any of his top targets to Old Trafford.
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      United have already signed Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez this summer, but the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Kalvin Phillips were strictly against the prospect of a move. More

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      Man Utd transfer target Frenkie de Jong’s agent to hold showdown talks with Barcelona TODAY to finally settle future

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      FRENKIE DE JONG and his agent are set to hold showdown talks with Barcelona today in an attempt to settle his future, according to reports.The Dutchman, 25, has been heavily linked with a move away from the Nou Camp this summer amid Barcelona’s financial crisis.
      Frenkie De Jong and his representatives will hold talks with Barca chiefs TODAYCredit: Getty
      Manchester United have been pushing to sign him since the transfer window opened in June.
      However, despite already having reached a £72million agreement with the Catalan giants, The Red Devils are slowly losing hope of bringing him to Old Trafford.
      De Jong has made it clear that he does not want to join United and would prefer to stay in Spain.
      But, Barcelona officials are trying to force him out of the club, insisting he must slash his wage demands or leave.
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      The club already owe De Jong around £17m in unpaid wages, but chiefs believe that negotiating a move away would resolve any financial differences.
      And while a move to Manchester is now looking more and more unlikely, Chelsea have emerged as potential suitors.
      The Blues are said to be close to striking a £67.6m deal with Barcelona for the midfielder.
      An agreement would likely suit all parties, with De Jong understood to be willing to make the move to Stamford Bridge.
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      So, Barca chiefs have planned a meeting which will take place TODAY in order to clarify the Dutchman’s future.
      According to Spanish outlet Sport, De Jong’s agent, Ali Dursun, will be in attendance alongside Hasan Cetinkay of HCM Sports Management.
      They are set to discuss the prospect of a move away as well as potential wage differences if he did decide to stay.
      De Jong recently received abuse from Barcelona fans while arriving at the club’s training ground.
      The supporters continued to heckle him, shouting: “Lower your salary, b****!”
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      This came after it was revealed that Barcelona were unable to register new arrivals Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde due to financial issues.
      As a result, Kessie and Christensen may have to leave the club for FREE if they are not registered by Saturday – before even playing a competitive match. More

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      Knighton going back in to buy Man Utd 33 years after botched bid shows just how badly the Glazers have messed things up

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      THE message from the Glazer family will remain the same as always — Manchester United is not for sale.But when Michael Knighton is calling you ‘inept and frankly useless’, the owners must realise what a mess they have made of things.
      Man Utd owners Avram Glazer, left, and Joel Glazer face a ‘hostile’ takeover bid from Michael KnightonCredit: Getty
      Michael Knighton believes his consortium could end the ‘crisis’ at Old TraffordCredit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOM62bSyBhk
      It was 33 years ago — way back in 1989 — that the property magnate thought he had a deal to purchase the Red Devils.
      He bizarrely announced himself by doing keepy–uppies in front of the Stretford End before a 4-1 win over Arsenal.
      Martin Edwards — the chairman at the time — looked on from the stands and admitted he was ‘horrified’ while his fellow directors ‘cringed’.
      Edwards said: “I kept saying to myself ‘what the hell have I done?’ I realised I’d made a big mistake.”
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      Knighton hoped it would be a new dawn but it turned out to be premature.
      The £20million deal fell through in the weeks that followed after key investors pulled out — and his face was as red as the United kit he wore on the pitch.
      Now Knighton, 70, claims he can be their saviour once again.
      Things have got so bad at Old Trafford, desperate fans will probably cling to the idea he really could be.
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      He told Man Utd The Religion: “We are a club in crisis and we all know the reason why.
      “We have an inept and frankly useless ownership who know little about this game of football.
      “Everyone knows that we need new ownership of this football club and that is my aim and those are my objectives.
      “Frankly the fans worldwide have had enough of this regime. The club will remain in crisis while we have the current ownership. That is the situation.”
      Knighton says he and his consortium will make a ‘hostile bid’ — because they know United is not officially for sale.
      Yet the word ‘hostile’ is an appropriate one. That sums up the mood around United in recent years.
      Thousands of fans again protested against the Glazers before the bitterly-disappointing opening day loss to Brighton on Sunday.
      In the stadium, the optimism a highly-rated new manager brings lasted no longer than half an hour.
      I just want to see United in the hands of proper football people with proper vision. We need to rid our club of this ownership.Michael Knighton
      It seems unlikely fans’ spirits will be lifted in the coming months either.
      Among their next five home matches are Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham — all supposedly rivals for the top four.
      The others are against deadly rivals Leeds and an improving Newcastle.
      Knighton’s emergence  had a feel of the circus coming back to town — almost ten years to the day since the Glazer family first listed United on the New York Stock Exchange.
      Since then the value of the club has slumped by over £260m to £1.47billion — while the owners have taken more than £100m in dividends out since then.
      Michael Knighton juggles the ball on the Old Trafford pitch in 1989Credit: PA
      Knighton added: “I just want to see Manchester United in the hands of proper football people with proper vision.
      “We need to rid our club of this ownership as they have had their day, time has run out. It is time for them to go.”
      Not many fans will argue with him — although almost all will be sceptical about his chances of succeeding. More

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      Man Utd set for more transfer woe as Leeds ‘close to agreeing transfer fee’ with Watford for Ismaila Sarr

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are set to suffer a further transfer blow as target Ismaila Sarr reportedly closes in on a switch to Leeds United.Sarr, 24, has previously been linked with an Old Trafford switch and his wonder goal this week led to fresh speculation they were chasing him again. 
      Ismaila Sarr is reportedly on the verge of joining LeedsCredit: Reuters
      We reported how United could step up their hunt after pulling out of a controversial move for Bologna’s Marko Arnautovic.
      However, Get French Football claims that Leeds “are close to an agreement” to sign the winger.
      Sarr is starting his fourth season at Watford following last term’s relegation to the Championship.
      He has 25 goals in 94 games for his club, as well as ten strikes for Senegal on the international stage.
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      This fresh update could mean that new United manager Erik ten Hag’s attacking crisis continues.
      Cristiano Ronaldo wants to quit Old Trafford, while Anthony Martial is out injured.
      United were hoping to land versatile Arnautovic to provide cover.
      But they have now ended their interest after having a bid rejected by Bologna.
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      United also remain fully in the hunt for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot.
      A transfer fee has been struck with his club.
      And personal terms are thought to be close, with the Frenchman keen on the switch. More

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      ‘Cut your salary, b****’ – Man Utd and Chelsea transfer target Frenkie de Jong abused by Barcelona fans at training

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      ABUSIVE fans told Frenkie de Jong to ‘cut your salary, b****’ as the Manchester United and Chelsea target turned up for Barcelona training.The Holland midfielder faced hateful shouts as he drove in – just as Thomas Tuchel’s Blues reportedly agreed a £67.6million fee for him.
      Insults were yelled at Frenkie de Jong when he turned up for Barca trainingCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk

      United, however, are refusing to give up the hunt, despite Chelsea being in ‘advanced talks’ with Barca.
      De Jong has claimed he wants to stay with the Spanish giants.
      But Barcelona owe him deferred wages and want him to reduce his pay.
      And even though it’s understood De Jong was prepared to consider some sort of cut, a few supporters gathered to scream at him as he steered his Porsche into training on Wednesday.
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      The saga makes it even more likely the 25-year-old will be off before the transfer window shuts.
      And Chelsea have overtaken United as favourites to sign the box-to-box star.
      Crucially, De Jong now appears ready to move on.
      United agreed a package with Barca in July but at that stage he was far from willing to go.
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      But now he’s more open to departing, and it’s Chelsea who are on the brink of a major coup.
      Personal terms seem all that’s left to sort out before a probable switch to Stamford Bridge in the next week or two.
      Barcelona owe Frenkie de Jong wages but fans hurled abuse at himCredit: Getty More