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    Man Utd and Chelsea join Arsenal in Alexander Isak transfer race with 22-year-old striker impressing at Real Sociedad

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea have reportedly joined Arsenal in the transfer chase for Alexander Isak.The 22-year-old hotshot has a £75 million buyout clause in his contract and has a host of admirers across the continent.
    Man Utd and Chelsea have joined Arsenal in the chase for Alexander IsakCredit: Rex
    Now the Daily Mirror claims that United are eyeing a swoop.
    They allegedly view the Swedish international as a potential replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, who turned 37 yesterday, should the legend leave this summer.
    Chelsea could also be on the look-out for a forward at the end of the season if Romelu Lukaku fails to hit top form.
    And Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been linked with Isak for several months.
    However, his chances will largely depend on whether his team can qualify for next season’s Champions League.
    Sociedad were believed to be unwilling to enter talks with any club during the January window unless his release clause was activated.
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    Isak is tied down to a long-term contract until 2026, meaning the LaLiga side have no pressure to sell.
    Speaking recently about the transfer speculation, the star told Mundo Deportivo: “I am not talking about other clubs.
    “I am a Real player, I work here and this is my club. My work is on the pitch, and as I told you before, there are other people who work outside.”
    When quizzed about a future exit, potentially at the end of the campaign, Isak added: “You can never be sure of anything.
    “As I always say, you never know what can happen in football but in the end I’m here, happy, and nothing more.”
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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    ‘He comes with baggage’ – Anthony Martial blasted by Sevilla boss after just one game who says ‘he has to give more’

    ANTHONY MARTIAL has been told he ‘has to give more’ by his new Sevilla boss following his innocuous debut against Osasuna.The French striker had a public fall-out with Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick last month after claims he refused to be a sub against Aston Villa.
    Anthony Martial has been warned he ‘has to give more’ after a lacklustre Sevilla debutCredit: Getty
    Julen Lopetegui did not mince his words after his team were held at OsasunaCredit: Rex
    The 26-year-old denied those allegations on social media and eventually forced through his switch to the LaLiga side.
    Martial was desperate to hit the ground running for his new side last night as they looked to close the gap on leaders Real Madrid.
    But he failed to shine as he and his new team-mates endured a difficult evening as Sevilla blew the chance of victory by missing a stoppage-time penalty in the stalemate.
    The ex-Monaco forward was subbed off on 76 minutes after making little impact, and manager Julen Lopetegui left him in no doubt afterwards that he expects much more.
    Refusing to mince his words, the Spaniard said: “He has to give us more. It was his first game, it’s not easy to adapt.
    “He comes with a bit of baggage because he’s hardly played. Bit by bit he has to get up to speed.”
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    Martial was handed his first start for FOUR MONTHS but looked rusty throughout before he was taken off with 14 minutes left to play.
    Sevilla’s big moment to win arrived in additional time – only for Ivan Rakitic to squander the golden opportunity from 12 yards.
    The result left them three points behind Madrid, who have a game in hand.
    Martial, who failed to make an impact throughout his bow, will be hoping for better luck on his home debut.
    Sevilla welcome Elche to Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium on Friday.
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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    Man Utd planning TRIPLE midfield transfer spend in summer with Rice, Phillips AND Haidara all wanted in overhaul

    MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly set their sights on three central midfield transfer targets.ESPN claims the Red Devils want to boost their options in the middle of the park.
    West Ham’s Declan Rice is just one of three midfielders on Man Utd’s transfer shortlistCredit: Rex
    United are also big fans of Leeds ace Kalvin PhillipsCredit: Getty
    Paul Pogba could soon leave Old Trafford on a free transfer, while Nemanja Matic is nearing the end of his career.
    And interim boss Ralf Rangnick, who is set to take up a consultancy role this summer, has been working with clubs chiefs to identify star signings.
    It’s reckoned West Ham’s Declan Rice, 23, Leeds’ Kalvin Phillips, 26, and RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara, 24, have all been earmarked as targets.
    And negotiations with the three midfielders, as well as their clubs, could commence shortly.
    United reportedly had up to 15 midfielders on their shortlist before cutting it down to Rice, Phillips and Haidara.
    But United also hope to consult their next permanent manager before splashing the cash on any new faces.
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    Hammers star Rice would be the hardest to get after ex-United boss David Moyes slapped a whopping £100million price tag on his star man.
    And there are also concerns over whether Leeds lad Phillips would be comfortable joining one of his side’s fiercest rivals.
    However, Haidara could be available for £46m after becoming a key man at Rangick’s old side Leipzig.
    United had also been looking at Monaco’s Aurelian Tchouameni in the January transfer window.
    But it’s reckoned the France international could be heading to European champions Chelsea instead.
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
    United could yet move for RB Leipzig’s Amadou HaidaraCredit: Getty More

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    ‘My headspace is clear’ – Lingard DENIES he asked for days off despite Rangnick claim as Man Utd icon Neville slams club

    JESSE LINGARD last night hit back at Ralf Rangnick’s claims that he wanted a couple of days off.The star, who becomes a free agent in June, was denied a deadline day move to either Newcastle or West Ham by the club despite snubbing a new deal.
    Jesse Lingard has denied Ralf Rangnick’s claims he requested time off to ‘clear his mind’Credit: Getty
    The star took to Twitter to deny itCredit: Twitter
    Lingard, 29, has only played 88 minutes of Premier League action this term but could have been set for a rare run-out on Friday in the FA Cup against Middlesbrough.
    That was until interim United boss Rangnick announced the midfielder is not available for selection due to having a request for time off to ‘clear his mind’ granted.
    That has led to a furious response from Lingard tonight on Twitter denying those claims.
    The England international blasted: “The club advised me to have time off due to personal reasons!
    “But my headspace is clear and I’ll always be professional when called upon and give 100 percent.”
    Rangnick had claimed: “Jesse asked if we could give him a couple of days off to clear his mind. He will be back in training on Monday and part of the whole squad.”
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    The United boss also said that striker Edinson Cavani has had a request for the weekend off granted aswell.
    It comes after Red Devils legend Gary Neville blasted his former employers for allowing stars to take time off.
    He joked: “Sue wanted a day off, Alan took a holiday, John was ill, Barry handed his notice in, Clive said he might be there and Barbara will be on the minutes!”
    The fall-out with Lingard comes just weeks after Rangnick and Anthony Martial, who has since headed to Sevilla on loan, had an embarrassing spat.
    Rangnick claimed that Martial refused to be part of United’s squad for the draw with Aston Villa last month.
    The player subsequently denied he had refused to play stating on his social media site: “I will never refuse to play a match for Man United.
    “I’ve been here for seven years and I never disrespected and never will disrespect the club and the fans.”
    Rangnick refused to change his stance afterwards, reiterating that the forward did not want to be involved.
    He said: “All the things that needed to be said I said after the press conference.
    “I had a conversation with him on Sunday, a personal conversation with him about what happened and how I saw the whole situation. The matter is now resolved.”
    Gary Neville has hit out at his former club on Twitter
    LIngard was denied a deadline day move by Rangnick despite being out of contract in JuneCredit: Getty
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    ‘Cristiano is an absolute genius’ – Ronaldo’s old trainer reveals how Man Utd star stays in shape ahead of 37th birthday

    CRISTIANO RONALDO’S ex-trainer heralded the legend’s upcoming 37th birthday by tipping the ‘genius’ to play until his mid-40s.Manchester United’s power development coach Mick Clegg believes only Ryan Giggs came close to matching Ron’s fitness regime.
    Man Utd icon Cristiano Ronaldo reckons he has the body and fitness of a super athlete a decade younger than his 36 years
    Mick Clegg, left, takes Man Utd players through their paces, having seen Cristiano Ronaldo build the framework for his magnificent condition many years agoCredit: Getty
    And Clegg claims Portugal’s five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo has now found the perfect routine for physical and emotional well-being.
    He told the Mirror: “Cristiano is a genius, an absolute genius.
    “He learned a lot in the early days about how to manage his body.
    “Not just physically, but mentally, emotionally and spiritually, too. 
    “He knows how to balance his food and he’s consistent in everything he does.
    “The only person I’ve found as consistent was Ryan Giggs, which was why he played on until he was 40.
    “Cristiano will want to go beyond the 40 mark. He’ll be hoping he can play until his mid-40s.”
    Ex-Real Madrid and Juventus attacker Ronaldo, who will be 37 on Saturday, has stated he aims to keep playing until 41 – a year longer than Giggs did.
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    United return to action following the international break at home to Middlesbrough in the FA Cup on Friday.
    And Ronaldo could be involved after maintaining his meticulous fitness programme in the past week when with his family to Dubai.
    After rejoining United last August he had his £50,000 cryotherapy ice chamber transported from Italy to his rented mansion.
    And that’s the sort of dedication Clegg believes will be cold comfort to defenders for several more seasons.
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo ‘could QUIT Man Utd with Portuguese star, 37 this week, to wait until manager situation is resolved’

    CRISTIANO RONALDO could QUIT Manchester United this summer as he waits to see who will be the club’s next manager.ESPN claims Ronaldo will consider jumping ship just one year after returning to Old Trafford.
    Cristiano Ronaldo could quit Man Utd this summer as he waits to see who the new boss isCredit: EPA
    United face a tough battle to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
    And the club is also yet to make a decision on their next boss, with interim gaffer Ralf Rangnick set to take up a consultancy role this summer.
    Ronaldo, who turns 37 on Saturday, is now going to consider his options ahead of the next transfer window.
    But he will hold off from making a definitive decision until United confirm their next permanent manager.
    Ronaldo will have just one year left on his contract this summer.
    And it’s reckoned he will have lucrative offers from numerous MLS and Middle Eastern sides.
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    While his mum has consistently hinted Ronaldo could one day return to boyhood club Sporting Lisbon.
    Ronaldo appears to be taking a similar approach to home life after revealing he will not be forcing son Cristiano Jr, 11, into a decision on his own football career.
    Ronaldo said: “Only time will tell. I will never pressure him. He will do what he wants. 
    “Also what I want the most for Cristianito and everyone else is that they’re happy and that they choose what they want. 
    “I will support in any way.”
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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    Man Utd transfer blow after Declan Rice reveals plan to ‘stay close to home’ as West Ham star hints at Chelsea move

    MANCHESTER UNITED target Declan Rice has hinted he wants to stay in London as he gushed about his childhood love for Chelsea.West Ham midfielder plans to ‘stay close to home’ amid speculation over a summer move.
    West Ham hero Declan Rice appears to have suggested Chelsea would have a better chance of signing him than Man Utd should he be soldCredit: Getty

    Rice also revealed his bromance with boyhood idol and Chelsea legend John Terry is as strong as ever.
    The 27-cap Londoner, 23, has been regarded as a potential dream signing for United in their search for a stylish anchorman.
    But on Gary Neville’s Overlap podcast Rice underlined how settled he is – living just seven miles from Stamford Bridge.
    Strolling together in Kingston, South West London, he told ex-United defender Nev: “Yeah, I’m here all the time.
    “I’ve always wanted to stay close to this place, I feel like I don’t want to lose my roots.”
    And he was equally frank about his upbringing as a Blues’ fan.
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    Rice said: “Yeah, growing up the whole family was Chelsea.
    “I feel like it’s out there – everyone knows, it’s well documented. 
    “But I feel like when you play for a club like West Ham you become really affiliated to it, and there’s part of me now – and my family as well – that is a massive West Ham fan.”
    But Rice continues to look up to former England centre-back Terry.
    That bond grew after JT called him to offer support when the Blues released Rice aged 14 after seven years at their academy.
    Asked who his idol had been, he replied: “‘John Terry. I speak to him a lot. I speak to him all the time really. 
    “For me growing up being a Chelsea fan, having a season ticket there, going to all the games, being in the academy. 
    Old Trafford legend Gary Neville was told by Declan Rice that the Hammer wants to stay close to his London rootsCredit: Getty
    “Just him, looking at him, everything was JT as a kid. JT26 on the back.
    “Even when I was younger I said if I make it I want to be No 26, but I feel like as I’ve got older now I’ve grown out of that – it would look a bit creepy! 
    ‘He was amazing for me when I got released as well, he picked up the phone – he didn’t have to, I was only 14 at the time and I was speaking to my idol – so yeah, we’ve got a good relationship.”
    Terry quickly responded to Rice’s comments, posting a link to the chat with Neville on social media and adding: “Love ya mate.”
    Now many will expect Rice to return to Stamford Bridge and approach the heights there JT reached.
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    Jesse Lingard deserves better treatment at Man Utd… look how many chances Paul Pogba gets to impress

    THE ONLY question surrounding the Jesse Lingard affair is which statement appears to more damning.Rio Ferdinand has piled into the debate which followed Manchester United’s decision to ask Newcastle United for a potential total of £15.5M to take him on loan.
    Jesse Lingard looks like he will have an uneventful end to his Man Utd career
    The former Old Trafford defensive king pin says it is “crazy” that Lingard is now in limbo until his contract expires this summer – and that the situation is his own fault.
    Rio pulled punches on the subject, declaring : “I wouldn’t be happy if I was a player.
    “It’s almost like he’s wasted a whole year of his career, a whole season of his career has been wasted
    “He hasn’t played hardly any games, hasn’t been involved.
    “Jesse Lingard went to West Ham and done fantastically well.
    “Everyone would have wanted to take him outside of probably the top four… and then he goes back to Man United and doesn’t play.
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    United legend Rio Ferdinand has been left stunned at Lingard’s predicament
    “I was just baffled that he went back in the first place after having that taste of success, that taste of playing every week.
    “Either he was promised by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that he’d get more game time. I don’t know what it was.”
    Speaking on his FIVE YouTube channel one of the great defenders of his generation who made 455 United adds : “He’s never going to play games. It’s just crazy.”
    Solskjaer’s successor Ralf Rangnick, meanwhile, did not mention Lingard by name when it came to explaining why he might continue to use a player even if he is in the last months of his contract.
    For the German it all comes down to attitude – which is why he will still utilise the talents of Paul Pogba.
    The Frenchman, of course, could be far more influential as he runs down the clock and the talents of he and Lingard do not compare.
    But there is a reason why Pogba is still welcome while Lingard is not, as indicated by Rangnick who declares: “For me, it’s not a question if a player has an expiring contract.
    “The question is how much does he still want to be a part of this group?
    Paul Pogba seems like he will be the pick for boss Ralf Rangnick when back fit
    “How much does he still feel emotionally and physically on board?”
    Rangnick points out that these final months of the season, if nothing else, allow Pogba to showcase his talents to interested parties.
    The same reasoning should therefore apply to Lingard.
    Except the attacker knows he is not really wanted and so why would he feel physically and emotionally on board?.
    Before he left for West Ham he had been given only two starts by Solskjaer last season – in a 3-0 EFL Cup win over Luton and a 1-0 FA Cup third round victory over Watford.
    During this campaign he has played a total of 89 Prem minutes, all as sub over nine games , and only one of those minutes was under Rangnick after the Baby-Faced Assasin got the bullet.
    Yet at the start of it Gareth Southgate saw fit to give him three more caps – against Andorra twice and Hungary
    United, it is said, are making an example of him – showing other disaffected players that they won’t be messed around by those running down the days on their contracts while awaiting big signing – on fees for joining new clubs when they become free agents.
    Yet Lingard has been at the club since he was seven years of age and deserves better treatment than being held out to dry.
    Lingard was a revelation at West Ham and they were keen to bring him back
    It so happens that his breakthrough season came two years after Sir Alex Ferguson retired – cue the entrances of Moyes, Louis Van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Solskjaer and now Rangnick in the line of those trying to fill the void left by the great Scot.
    Cue United’s often scattergun approach to bringing in new signings with home-grown players like Lingard becoming the collateral damage of an approach that barely hit a barn door.
    Little wonder that he became disillusioned and even bitter.
    True enough, he could have asked for a transfer outright and Ferdinand suggests he should have done exactly that.
    Yet he began the season in hope, with those three caps, having been told by Solskjaer that his loan move had put him back in the frame.
    Instead, thanks to the £73M arrival of Jadon Sancho and the grand return of Cristiano Ronaldo, he found himself marginalised again.
    Some of this is his fault, for sure. He could and should have done more to become a big player.
    Lingard enjoyed some good times at Old Trafford – but it is ending in the worst way
    Questions were asked privately about his focus and indeed attitude.
    But if that was the case and there were doubts about him he should have been sold.
    And he should also have been loaned out last month but the Old Trafford hierarchy tried the cynical approach with Newcastle’s fabulously wealthy new owners.
    But even the Saudis, with all the football money in the world, were not going to be taken as fools.
    And so Lingard sits and waits while his club feels good about itself for trying to get value for him.
    Had they not been so greedy in their asking price of £30M to West Ham last summer they would have got a decent wedge.
    Meanwhile Pogba will play on.
    But then again, they want the Frenchman to stay for the World Cup winner is a means to an end.
    He could help United into the top four, aid Champions League process and – forgive the cynicism – have a huge say in the German being made manager on a permanent basis.
    Ferdinand may point the finger at his former team mate but his former club are just as culpable.
    And if Lingard is not thinking that he is the victim of double standards then he should be.
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