MANCHESTER UNITED are closing in on the transfer of Real Madrid defender Rafael Varane, according to reports.And the club have confirmed the HUGE signing of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund.
A United statement read on the move, worth a reported £73m: “Manchester United is delighted to announce it has reached agreement in principle with Borussia Dortmund for the transfer of Jadon Sancho.
“The signing is subject to contractual terms and a medical, which will be completed after Jadon’s involvement in the UEFA European Championship..
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DOUBEL TROUBLE
David De Gea and Dean Henderson’s futures are in doubt now Manchester United have secured the services of four goalkeepers.
The club have signed Tom Heaton on a three-year deal and extended Lee Grant’s stay by a year meaning the club are now overloaded in that department.
It is clearly a move in preparation for the departure of one of their first-team keepers who shared goalkeeping duties between them last season. Neither De Gea, 30, or Henderson, 24, want to play second fiddle to the other next season.
Now the Red Devils will wait to see if there are offers for either. De Gea lost his Premier League first team place for a time towards the end of last season.
Henderson did not fully grasp his opportunity with De Gea returning at the end and taking his place in the Europa League Final.
But he was poor as United drew 1-1 with Villarreal and lost on penalties with De Gea not getting nearing one of the 11 spot-kicks he faced and then crucially missed his own.
WHAT A BAUM-MER
Manchester United look set to miss out on target Christoph Baumgartner after he pledged his future to Hoffenheim.
The Red Devils have been keeping tabs on the Austrian since January as they look to bolster their midfield ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
But their pursuit of the 21-year-old will have to put on hold until at least next season, according to Buli News. The youngster’s contract expires in 2025 and he has no plans of changing that in the coming years.
Baumgartner reckons staying put at the Rhian-Neckar Arena is the best thing for his career right now. When asked about his future, he said: “My clear plan is to play for Hoffenheim next season.
“I definitely extended my contract in March with the intention to play here next season.
“I believe I have the biggest opportunity to develop further here. For me, that means playing consistently at a high level with more room for improvement.”
BEFRIEND IT LIKE BECKHAM
Victoria Beckham has been crowned England’s ultimate Wag ahead of the Three Lions’ Euro 2020 quarter-final clash with Ukraine.
Manchester United legend David’s wife has topped the list of the most popular partner just ahead of Coleen Rooney and Abbey Clancey.
England’s current Wags were allowed to roar on Gareth Southgate’s men during their 2-0 win over Germany at Wembley.
They included Harry Kane’s missus Katie Goodland, Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan Davison and Harry Maguire’s fiancee Fern Hawkins.
Yet according to a survey by bettingexpert.com of over 1000 Brits ahead of the game, the partners of former players were more popular.
And it was England’s most famous Wag – Victoria – who remains the biggest fan-favourite with over half the vote.
Credit: Getty – Contributor
SPECIAL ARRIVAL
Former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho touched down in Rome today and was greeted by hoards of supporters at the airport.
The Portuguese coach was taken from Lisbon to the Italian capital in a private plane piloted by Roma’s owner Dan Friedkin.
His arrival comes just hours before England land there for their Euro 2020 last eight clash with Ukraine.
But the former Tottenham manager will not be watching the Three Lions in action – instead he will begin his new job at Roma. The 58-year-old was sacked by Spurs in April just days before the Carabao Cup Final.
He soon agreed to take charge of the Serie A outfit at the end of the campaign and in the meantime has been working as SunSport’s exclusive Euro 2020 expert.
Now the ex-Chelsea and Manchester United boss is in Italy and shared a snap of himself arriving at Fiumicino ahead of pre-season training.
Credit: Reuters
Credit: AFP
HE THINKS IT’S AL OVER
Former Manchester United target Toby Alderweireld has reportedly told Tottenham he wants to quit the club this summer.
The Belgian centre-half joined Spurs in 2015 from Atletico Madrid after impressing before that on loan at Southampton. He has played nearly 200 appearances for the North London side and helped them reach the Champions League final in 2019.
Now The Athletic claims his time with Spurs may soon be over and that he is searching for a new side. Harry Kane’s future still remains unclear and this latest development will not help new boss Nuno Espirito Santo with his pre-season plans.
Tottenham have been in the market for a new centre-half and reportedly had a £15.5million offer for Takehiro Tomiyasu rejected by Bologna.
SunSport exclusively revealed last week that Spurs are confident they will land the Japanese defender this summer.
The North London club felt their initial bid of £12.9m plus an extra £2.6m in add-ons would be enough to clinch the 22-year-old. But Bologna are holding out for an extra £1.5m for Tomiyasu, taking the price to £17.2m.
Credit: Getty
VARANE BOOST
Raphael Varane’s agent has been given the green light by Real Madrid to discuss a potential transfer to Manchester United.
Varane is entering the final year of his contract with Real and doesn’t seem very likely to extend.
Therefore, according to Marca, Los Blancos have allowed the defender’s representative to hold talks with United.
Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is determined to sign a top centre-back to partner up with Harry Maguire in defence
MATA PRAISE
Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes has praised team-mate Juan Mata after signing his contract extension.
Mata put pen to paper on a new one-year deal with United and Fernandes seems to be completely on board with that.
Even though he now has to wait for the No8 shirt for another year.
More below:
I guess I’ll have to wait for the number 8 another year… 😒😂Congrats brother!! Well deserved! An example and an inspiration on and off the pitch 🤩 @juanmata8 https://t.co/kziTxCVMIu— Bruno Fernandes (@B_Fernandes8) July 2, 2021
NEXT PRIORITY
Manchester United are very close to making Jadon Sancho’s move to Old Trafford official.
Now the next order of business will be a new contract for star midfielder Bruno Fernandes.
That is according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who expects new updates this month.
More below:
Manchester United next priority will be Bruno Fernandes contract. After adding another top salary with Jadon Sancho, Man Utd board know they’ve to progress in discussions [already opened] with Bruno about a new agreement. 🔴 #MUFCUpdates expected this month.— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 1, 2021
CAVANI LINK
Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho wouldn’t be on his way to Manchester United if it wasn’t for Edinson Cavani.
That’s according to the Athletic, who claim United would have prioritised the signing of a centre-forward had Cavani not signed an extension.
But the Uruguay international put pen on paper on a new one-year deal.
And thus, the Red Devils focused on Sancho, who will link up with the rest of the squad after England’s Euro 2020 campaign
RAMOS SNUB
Sergio Ramos snubbed a move to Manchester United after leaving Real Madrid in the summer transfer window.
Ramos is set to join Paris Saint-Germain on a two-year deal as a free agent.
According to the Daily Star, however, the 36-year-old held talks with United about a possible switch to Old Trafford before sealing his move to PSG.
The Red Devils were willing to hand over a £200,000-a-week deal, with the option of a second season, whereas PSG offered a straight two-year deal but with reduced wages.
HEATON REACTS
Tom Heaton is very happy to have returned to Manchester United, the same club where he spent his youth days.
Heaton told United’s official website: “For me to have the opportunity to come back after spending 13 great years here as a kid, it’s an incredible feeling and I’m really, really excited to get started.
“I’m just seeing it as a fantastic opportunity as I still feel I’ve got an awful lot to give and I’ve got the bit between my teeth.
“I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running. I feel in great shape and I’m looking forward to coming in to compete with the other goalkeepers”
HEAT-ING UP
Manchester United have announced the signing of ex-Burnley and Aston Villa goalkeeper Tom Heaton.
Heaton has put pen to paper on a deal until June 2023, with the option for a further year.
The 35-year-old shot-stopper spent 13 years at United as a youngster without ever making a senior appearance.
The England international is set to become manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s third-choice goalkeeper behind David de Gea and Dean Henderson
FANS NOT ALLOWED
England supporters who travel to Rome for the Euro 2020 quarter-final match against Ukraine, which will feature plenty of Manchester United stars, will not be allowed into the stadium even if they have a ticket.
The Italian embassy in London have warned that “anybody who has been in the UK in the previous 14 days, irrespective of their nationality or residency will not be admitted to the stadium, even if they have a ticket.”
They added: “Anyone who is found to be failing to observe quarantine will be punished as laid down by the law.
“Fans based in the UK should therefore not travel to Italy to attend the match on Saturday at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.”
The embassy also said that those “who can prove that they have arrived in Italy at least six days previously, have observed five days of quarantine, and have taken a post-quarantine Covid-19 test with a negative result will be allowed into the Stadio Olimpico”.
But they added: “Being exempt from quarantine in Italy for any legal reason, will not translate into permission to enter the stadium.”
HAALAND LINK
Chelsea are reportedly preparing an offer for Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland, who has also been linked with Manchester United.
That is according to the Daily Mail, who claim the Blues are close to landing star striker Haaland.
The report suggests the Norway international expects a move to the west Londoners this summer after another successful season in Germany.
However, Chelsea are still facing a fierce bidding war with Manchester United, Manchester City and Real Madrid.
MATA STAYS
Juan Mata has agreed to stay at Manchester United for one more year.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Mata put pen to paper on a one-year extension after his previous contract expired at midnight on Wednesday.
The winger has played a major part in the club ever since 2014 when he moved to Old Trafford from Chelsea.
The Spain international was part of the teams that won the FA Cup and Community Shield in 2016 as well as the EFL Cup and Europa League a year later
VAR REVIEW
Manchester United are reportedly closing in on a deal for Real Madrid ace Raphael Varane.
That is according to ESPN, who claim United have received encouragement over a transfer for Varane following a deal for Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho.
The report adds that the centre-back is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s top defensive target and Real are prepared to negotiate a realistic fee for the 28-year-old.
The Red Devils are already said to have held ‘some discussions’ for the France international – whose contract at Los Blancos is due to expire in June 2022.
The Manchester giants’ efforts to sign Varane have stepped up following France’s surprise round-of-16 exit at Euro 2020 against Switzerland.
United are allegedly confident that a deal can be done for around £43million – a sharp decrease from Madrid’s initial £60m valuation
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POGBA FUTURE
Manchester United star Paul Pogba is set to enter the final 12 months of his Old Trafford deal.
According to the Daily Express, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could try and sign a midfielder if Pogba’s contract saga continues.
That is why the Red Devils have been linked with the likes of West Ham star Declan Rice and Bayern Munich ace Leon Goretzka.
The Manchester giants will start focusing on other targets once Jadon Sancho’s move from Borussia Dortmund is completed
GORETZKA LINK
Manchester United have been linked with a shock swoop for Bayern Munich star Leon Goretzka.
That is according to Bild, who claim that Goretzka has emerged as a potential target due to contract problems between the midfielder and Bayern.
The Germany international’s deal expires next year and talks have opened over an extension.
But the 26-year-old’s demands are reportedly giving the German champions a ‘headache.’
United are reportedly in the market for a central midfielder with West Ham star Declan Rice also posing as a top target
SANCHO SITUATION
As you probably already know, Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund announced yesterday that a deal has been struck between them regarding Jadon Sancho.
Sancho will join United after Euro 2020 with the Manchester giants paying Dortmund £73million for the star winger.
And the England international is set to become United’s second-highest earner.
The 21-year-old will pen a five-year deal at Old Trafford worth £91million – or £350,000 per week.
That will see Sancho’s wages more than treble from the £100,000-per-week deal he is on at Dortmund
MORNING MAN UTD FANS
Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund announced yesterday a deal has been agreed to take Jadon Sancho to Old Trafford after Euro 2020.
United will pay the Germans £73million for the England winger who will join when he is released from Three Lions duty.
Sancho is to become United’s second-highest earner.
He will pen a five-year deal at Old Trafford worth £91million – or £350,000 per week.
That will see his wages more than treble from the £100,000-per-week deal he is on at Dortmund.
And it will also see him among the very best-paid players in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad.
Elsewhere, United want to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin this summer.
The Red Devils are on the hunt for a new striker as a long-term No9 replacement for Romelu Lukaku.
And they have identified the Everton front man as the ideal candidate.
Calvert-Lewin, 24, enjoyed the best season of his career in 2020-21 with 21 goals in 39 appearances to be the Toffees’ crowned player of the year.
And finally, United are reportedly closing in on a deal for Real Madrid star Raphael Varane.
ESPN claim the Red Devils have received encouragement over a transfer for the France World Cup winner following a deal for Jadon Sancho.
The report adds that Varane is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s top defensive target and Madrid are prepared to negotiate a realistic fee for the 28-year-old.
United are already said to have held ‘some discussions’ for the centre-back – whose contract at the Bernabeu is due to expire in June 2022.
And the club’s efforts to sign Varane have stepped up following France’s surprise round-of-16 exit at Euro 2020 against Switzerland.
United are allegedly confident that a deal can be done for around £43m – a sharp decrease from Madrid’s initial £60m valuation.
SANSIBLE SIGNING
Manchester United icon Denis Irwin has heaped praise in Jadon Sancho after it was confirmed the club have agreed a deal to sign him.
The former left-back said: “Quality player, very clever, great pace and an eye for a goal.”
United have agreed a £73million deal to bring the England winger to Old Trafford from Borussia Dortmund this summer.
👀 A club legend had his say on today’s big news in the latest episode of 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝘿𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙮…#MUFC— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 1, 2021
REDS FIXTURES
Manchester United welcome Leeds to Old Trafford to open next season’s Premier League campaign.
That’s followed by a trip to Southampton.
And the Red Devils finish their campaign with a visit from Chelsea before travelling to Crystal Palace on the final day.
OH WHAT A PHIL-ING
Phil Jones has been a Manchester United player for ten years.
And the Red Devils were quick to praise the centre-back for his contributions with a video montage posted online.
NEV-Y DUTY
Gary Neville has backed Mason Mount to return to the England team to face Ukraine after missing two Euro 2020 games in a row.
The Chelsea star, 22, was ruled out of the win over Czech Republic after being told to self-isolate before watching the Germany game from the bench.
Gareth Southgate also took a midfielder out of the Wembley triumph to set up with a back five, a decision he may reverse in Rome.
Former defender Neville picked his expected team for Saturday on Twitter and called on the Three Lions boss to use a 4-2-3-1 formation.
There has been a clamour for Jack Grealish to feature more heavily all tournament but the Manchester United legend opted for Mount instead.
Neville, 46, added that the Aston Villa playmaker ‘could’ feature having also preferred Phil Foden on the right wing.
NEAR AND VAR
Manchester United are reportedly closing in on a deal for Real Madrid star Raphael Varane.
ESPN claim the Red Devils have received encouragement over a transfer for the France World Cup winner following a deal for Jadon Sancho.
The report adds that Varane is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s top defensive target and Madrid are prepared to negotiate a realistic fee for the 28-year-old.
United are already said to have held ‘some discussions’ for the centre-back – whose contract at the Bernabeu is due to expire in June 2022.
And the club’s efforts to sign Varane have stepped up following France’s surprise round-of-16 exit at Euro 2020 against Switzerland.
United are allegedly confident that a deal can be done for around £43m – a sharp decrease from Madrid’s initial £60m valuation.
Credit: Getty
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