More stories

  • in

    Sergio Ramos nears Real Madrid transfer exit after failing to agree terms in latest showdown talks amid Man Utd links

    SERGIO RAMOS looks likely to end his 16-year spell at Real Madrid after reports in Spain detailed a lack of progress in contract talks.Los Blancos club president Florentino Perez is said to have met the defender twice in recent months to thrash out a renewal.
    Sergio Ramos is out of contract at the end of the seasonCredit: The Sun
    But, according to Marca, their last face to face ended with both parties looking towards a fresh start in the summer.
    Ramos, 35, is out of contract at the end of next month and has reportedly been offered a new one-year deal that features a ten per cent pay cut.
    As one of the club’s highest earners, he is described as open to the possibility of taking home a reduced salary to help Madrid through the difficult financial period of the pandemic.
    But the Spaniard is unwilling to abandon his demand for a two-year contract.
    Such a commitment is not viewed favourably by Real given the centre-back’s fitness difficulties this season.
    Ramos has made only 21 appearances in all competitions while suffering from a number of knee and muscle problems.
    Having returned to the team for the Champions League defeat to Chelsea, he was immediately unavailable once more with a fresh knock ruling him out of the draw at home to Sevilla.
    A replacement is already incoming with Bayern Munich’s David Alaba tipped to sign for Madrid when he becomes a free agent in the summer.
    CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: CLAIM UP TO £800 IN CASINO BONUS CASH

    And Raphael Varane may also need to be replaced amid talk of a move to Manchester United.
    The Red Devils are said to be in the mix for Ramos too along with Paris Saint-Germain.
    Mauricio Pochettino was recently asked about the potential move and opted not to comment, adding: “Like every team we want to improve in all positions.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Take a look at some of the best tattoos on famous football players including Sergio Ramos More

  • in

    Sancho ‘pushing for Man Utd transfer ahead of Euro 2020’, Haaland unlikely after Cavani deal, Heaton ‘set to join’

    JADON SANCHO remains Manchester United’s top summer transfer target, according to Gary Neville.And reports suggest that the England star is pushing for a £78m move, which could be completed before Euro 2020.
    Sancho has gone up in the pecking order of Man Utd targets following Edinson Cavani’s contract extension, which means a new striker is unlikely to be required for another year.
    Meanwhile the Red Devils are said to be on the verge of signing Tom Heaton as backup goalkeeper.
    Sergio Romero and Lee Grant are almost certain to leave the club this summer while the club may only be big enough for one of David de Gea and Dean Henderson.
    Get all the latest Man Utd news and transfer updates here…
    ALTERNATIVE LINE-UP
    Here is another way the Red Devils could set-up at Old Trafford against fierce old rivals Liverpool.
    Which do you prefer?

    UNITED FRONT
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made ten changes for Manchester United’s defeat to Leicester City on Tuesday night.
    Just 48 hours later they are set to face Liverpool in their re-scheduled fixture on Thursday evening.
    Here is how we think they will line-up.

    MOYES’ FAVOURITE
    West Ham captain Mark Noble has revealed Jesse Lingard is David Moyes’ favourite player at the club.
    And the Hammer skipper revealed new signing and ex-Manchester United man Jesse Lingard is currently the Scot’s No1 man.
    Noble said: “Jessie Lingard at the minute, mate. They live in the same apartment block as well. The gaffer loves it as well.
    “Jessie will be with all of us and the gaffer will go like, ‘Jess, thanks for bringing me that bottle of wine the other night!’. Jess will just swallow his adam’s apple, he won’t have a comeback.”

    KAHN’T IMAGINE
    Bayern Munich legend Oliver Kahn claims the Bundesliga champions can’t sign Borussia Dortmund ace Erling Haaland in the summer.
    Kahn, who will take over from Karl-Heinz Rummenigge as CEO later this year, believes the prospect of Bayern spending over €100million (£86m) for a player is “unimaginable”.
    The club director told Bild: “Sorry, whoever spoke about that didn’t understand the situation.
    “A package that costs – as we heard – over €100m is unimaginable for FC Bayern at the moment.”
    This is a major transfer boost for Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona who’ve been keeping tabs on Haaland
    ESL PENALTIES
    As reported earlier, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus are under UEFA investigation for their involvement in the European Super League fiasco.
    The three elite clubs are facing a two-year ban from the Champions League unless they agree to give up on their ESL plans.
    Last month, 12 clubs, including Manchester United, attempted to break away and form this closed competition but nine of them pulled back and signed a declaration with UEFA promising that if they ever try to break away they will be fined €100million (£86m).
    However, Real, Barca and Juve are not giving up on their plans and thus an investigation has been launched that could lead to a two-year ban from UEFA’s elite competition and thus a £100m loss per year
    GETTY IMAGES
    KROENKE STANCE
    Arsenal staff have been informed that the Kroenke family are not intending to sell the club despite fan dissatisfaction.
    That is according to The Athletic, who report the announcement was made during an all- staff call on Monday.
    This poses as a major blow for Spotify co-founder Daniel Ek, who is trying to buy the club with the help of Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp.
    Gunners supporters have staged two protests against majority shareholder Stan Kroenke’s ownership after the European Super League fiasco, which involved Manchester United, and are planning another one on their final Premier League match of the season against Brighton on May 23.
    KLOPP ON UNITED
    Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp described Manchester United’s packed fixture as a “crime”.
    United will have to play three matches in five days after their game with Liverpool was postponed due to fans protesting at Old Trafford and The Lowry Hotel.
    That forced Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to weaken his team that lost 2-1 to Leicester on Tuesday
    Klopp said: “It was the lineup that I expected because I knew he had to make changes.
    “They play on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday and I’ve said this many times, with all the things that happened, to play Sunday-Tuesday-Thursday is a crime. It’s not the fault of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the players, so if it was me, would I have done the same? Yes”
    FERN GRASP
    Atletico Madrid have stepped up contract renewal talks with star midfielder Marcos Llorente.
    Manchester United have made contact with Llorente and are planning an €80million (£69m) bid.
    The Spain international has also attracted interest from Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain as well.
    According to AS, this has prompted Atletico to make haste in their efforts of tying up the 26-year-old to a new deal
    SANCHO PUSH
    Borussia Dortmund ace Jadon Sancho is pushing his agent to secure a transfer in the summer.
    That is according to Manchester Evening News, who claim that Sancho felt let down that his representative Emeka Obasi failed to materialise a move to United following protracted negotiations.
    This comes after reports suggesting that United want to land the winger before the summer’s delayed Euro 2020 competition.
    Dortmund are reportedly open on letting the England international go for a cut-price after making a “gentlemen’s agreement” with him that will allow him to leave if certain conditions are met
    JAD DO IT
    Reports from Bild suggested that Manchester United want to sign Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho before this summer’s delayed Euro 2020 competition.
    Sky Germany have backed that claim saying that United wish to wrap up the transfer of Sancho as soon as possible.
    The Euros start in June 11 and the winger is expected to be part of England manager Gareth Southgate’s side.
    The 21-year-old has reportedly made a “gentlemen’s agreement” with Dortmund that would allow him to leave the club if certain terms were met
    GETTY IMAGES
    UEFA ACTION
    UEFA have opened a disciplinary investigation into Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus over their involvement in the European Super League fiasco.
    Last month, 12 elite clubs joined forces in their bid to form a closed competition which sparked global outrage from fans, players, coaches and pundits.
    Last week, the other nine ‘founding members’, including Manchester United, signed a ‘Club Commitment Declaration’ with UEFA that saw them agree to a €100million (£86m) fine if they entered into a similar breakaway project in the future.
    UEFA released the following statement: “In accordance with Article 31(4) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspectors have today been appointed to conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of UEFA’s legal framework by Real Madrid CF, FC Barcelona and Juventus FC in connection with the so-called ‘Super League’ project.
    “Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course”
    PEP TALK
    Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand praised Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola after his Premier League title win.
    Ferdinand said on BT Sport: “You’ve got to give credit where it’s due.
    “Pep and his men have bounced back. He went back to the drawing board, fixed things up and they came out flying. Deserved champions.
    “I love him, he’s a maverick. This season, what he’s done especially, tactically the way he’s changed his team.
    “He’s thickened up his midfield, got more bodies in, played with a false number nine, getting more bodies in the midfield to control the pace of the game, not making it a basketball game, up and down. It was more about controlling possession, strangling teams”
    YES, BUTT
    Manchester United hero Nicky Butt understands the reason behind the fans’ protests against the Glazer family but has urged the supporters to keep it peaceful.
    United fans staged a demonstration at Old Trafford as well as The Lowry Hotel and some of them even broke into the team’s ground almost two weeks ago.
    Butt told Manchester Evening News: “I think everyone has a freedom to say what they want and have their thoughts heard, but you can sometimes overstep the mark and it did that the other night.
    “Obviously nobody wants to see police officers being injured, that spoils it because there’s a lot of good fans out there who want to protest the right way”
    HAALAND WARNING
    Borussia Dortmund are confident that star striker Erling Haaland is going to stay at the club.
    Haaland has attracted immense interest from Europe’s biggest hitters, such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea.
    But Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke believes the Norway international is going to stay and advised the doubters to remember how they thwarted United’s intense interest for Jadon Sancho last summer.
    Watzke told SportBild: “Your assumption is fundamentally wrong: Because there are no conditions from us.
    “I have the clear expectation Erling Haaland will still play for us next season. And I don’t worry about anything else.
    “I suspect they also know about the contractual situation and our attitude. I’m really completely relaxed here. With Jadon Sancho, nobody believed us until deadline day last summer that he would stay – and he is still here today”
    SOU-PER MAN
    Arsenal legend Ian Wright claims Brighton star Yves Bissouma should snub a move to Liverpool and opt for Manchester United.
    Wright said on the Wrighty’s House podcast: “You look at Bissouma and Bissouma is looking at Liverpool, and we know that Liverpool have had their problems this season.
    “If you’ve got to choose between Liverpool and Man United in the current climate, I’m probably going to go with Man United.
    “What’s going on at Liverpool is there are a lot of players getting into that 30 age bracket – [Virgil] Van Dijk, [Jordan] Henderson, the three guys up-front.
    “You think to yourself, yeah Liverpool magnificent what they have done the last couple of years.
    “But you look at Man United and what Man United are on the cusp of doing and it’s a much more attractive proposition right now.
    “And I’m not being disrespectful for Liverpool. But where’s the funding?”
    GETTY IMAGES
    GREEN PASTURES
    Premier League hall of famer Alan Shearer is confident Manchester United ace Mason Greenwood is going to experience tremendous success in his career.
    Shearer also described Greenwood as “the most natural finisher England have”, and that includes Tottenham superstar Harry Kane.
    The Newcastle legend told The Athletic: “Mason Greenwood is going to score a stack of goals over the next 10 to 15 years.
    “That’s my confident prediction. I also believe he’s the most natural finisher England have and that includes Harry, who has worked prodigiously to make himself one of the best players in the world.
    “Greenwood has a left foot, a right foot and a short backlift, allowing him to get his shot away quickly. If we need to score a goal, I’d be very happy to chuck him on”
    KANE RULE HIM OUT
    Manchester United are still keeping tabs on Tottenham star Harry Kane.
    That is according to Football Insider, who claim that United are still after an elite striker even though Edinson Cavani signed a one-year extension with the club.
    Kane is among their top targets even though his £100million evaluation is fraught with complications.
    The Red Devils have also been linked with Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland
    HEATON UPDATE
    Manchester United appear set to sign Tom Heaton from Aston Villa.
    Heaton is a United academy graduate who never managed to break into the first team due to Edwin van der Sar’s presence at the time.
    It’s important to clarify that the 35-year-old’s imminent arrival at Old Trafford doesn’t mean either David de Gea or Dean Henderson, who’ve been battling over the No1 spot, are on their way out.
    In fact, the agreement states that the ex-Burnley star will be a third-choice goalkeeper
    SANCHO LATEST
    Manchester United will try and sign Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho before this summer’s delayed Euro 2020.
    United have been keeping tabs on Sancho for over a year and tried to land him last year but their £91million offer was turned down by Dortmund.
    But now the Red Devils have the chance to buy him for £78m after the Bundesliga giants made a “gentlemen’s agreement” with the winger.
    Dortmund’s hierarchy agreed to let the England international go at the end of the season if certain terms are met
    GETTY IMAGES
    GOOD MORNING UTD FANS,
    Manchester City are champions of England once again after the Red Devils lost at home to Leicester.
    Pep Guardiola’s dominant side have now lifted their third title in four years after blowing away the rest of the field.
    City should have spent Saturday evening celebrating their title triumph but were forced to put the champagne on ice after losing 2-1 at home to Chelsea.
    But it was just a matter of when before their champion status was confirmed with three matches to spare when Caglar Soyuncu headed home Leicester’s 66th-minute winner at Old Trafford.
    And Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has sent a message of congratulations to their neighbours.
    He said: “If we want to take up the challenge with them we need to strengthen our squad. Congratulations to them. They have had a fantastic season.
    “I am very pleased with my boys that have made it to the last 10 days with a Manchester City side ahead of us that are lauded as the best in Europe.
    “We want to take the next step [to bridge the gap to City] and it might be that we need a couple more to strengthen the squad.”
    Meanwhile on the transfer front, SunSport has revealed that Roma have joined the race for Brighton star Ben White – the defender loads of major clubs across Europe are scrambling to sign.
    The Italian sleeping giants have turned their attention to White on the instruction of new boss Jose Mourinho.
    When Mourinho agreed to take charge in the Eternal City he made it clear the side needed strengthening, and the 23-year-old Seagulls ace is one of the names he gave them.
    But the chances of Roma being able to seal a deal for White are remote, because there is so much interest in him Brighton know they can place a huge valuation on him – in excess of £45million.
    Liverpool were watching him closely after that year at Elland Road, making inquiries to the Seagulls as the club were rejecting bids up to £25m from Leeds.
    But it is not just Jurgen Klopp who admires from afar, Arsenal and Manchester United have also been tracking his performances in the Premier League.
    And finally, United are ready to press ahead with a £15million bid for winger Kamaldeen Sulemana – and hope he will be qualified to play for them by the start of next season.
    United sent top scout Tommy Moller Nielsen to watch Sulemana score in FC Nordsjaelland’s 2-2 draw against Copenhagen on Monday night after tracking the 19-year-old all season.
    And SunSport understands they are set to make a move for the Ghana international soon.
    United know they may need to act fast in order to beat Ajax, Bayer Leverkusen, Lyon and Monaco in the race for his signature.
    VAN BLASTEN
    Marco Van Basten has warned Donny van de Beek being a ‘big boy’ at Ajax is not the same as cutting the mustard at Manchester United.
    He told ZiggoSport: “It just shows what a great life [players] have when they play at Ajax.
    “They all think very quickly that they are a big boy here and can make it in other countries.
    “But in the Netherlands, there is a nice competition.
    “In a team like Ajax you are really helped, especially in the No10 position.
    “Then you often see that they go abroad and it is a different story.”
    MANCHESTER UNITED 1 LEICESTER 2
    If it is any consolation to Manchester United fans this has put a severe dent in Liverpool’s hope of qualifying for the Champions League.
    Maybe that was the plan all along for the protesters.
    Get the game against Klopp’s men postponed leading to fixture congestion that forced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to field a severely weakened side allowing Leicester to get a vital three points towards securing a place in the top four.
    Read Neil Custis’ match report HERE.

    WINGING IT
    Manchester United will reportedly push through a £78million transfer for Jadon Sancho BEFORE Euro 2020.
    And Borussia Dortmund will not stand in the winger’s way after blocking his proposed Old Trafford switch last summer.
    Bild claims Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is eager to make a big statement in the transfer window.
    GUARD OF HONOUR
    Manchester City are champions of England once again after neighbours Man United lost at home to Leicester.
    Pep Guardiola’s dominant side have now lifted their third title in four years after blowing away the rest of the field.
    City should have spent Saturday evening celebrating their title triumph but were forced to put the champagne on ice after losing 2-1 at home to Chelsea.
    But it was just a matter of when before their champion status was confirmed with three matches to spare when Caglar Soyuncu headed home Leicester’s 66th-minute winner at Old Trafford.
    TH£ RICH LI$T
    Five of the Premier League’s Big Six have been named in Forbes’ top 50 most valuable sports teams on the planet just weeks after their failed European Super League money-grabbing plot.
    Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham were among 12 European giants to sign up for the controversial breakaway competition last month.
    Incredibly, FIVE of the greedy Premier League’s Big Six are among Forbes’ top 50 most valuable sports teams on the planet – worth a combined £13BILLION.

    Load more entries… More

  • in

    Man Utd ‘not top of list’ for Jack Grealish transfer, claims agent as clubs chase Aston Villa star

    ASTON VILLA have been told to expect interest in Jack Grealish this summer – but not necessarily from Manchester United.The Red Devils were strongly linked with a move for the England midfielder last summer.
    Jack Grealish will be a wanted man again this summerCredit: PA
    Jonathan Barnett has not ruled out a move with ‘many clubs’ keenCredit: Getty – Contributor
    And a winger is expected to be high on their wishlist again at the end of the season, with Jadon Sancho already linked.
    But Grealish’s agent, Jonathan Barnett, does not believe United will be among the favourites to seal a deal.
    When asked by SNTV for an update, he replied: “The truth is we don’t know.
    “There are many clubs [interested] and I wouldn’t put Manchester United at the top of that [list].
    “But he could stay. He could stay as well so it’s a conversation the club will have with Jack and ourselves then we’ll see where we go.”
    Grealish is back in training in his bid to return before the end of the season and make Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad.
    CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: CLAIM UP TO £800 IN CASINO BONUS CASH

    Barnett stated his belief that the midfielder is focused on Villa before attempting to make a big impact on the summer tournament.
    In an interview with Sky Sports, the agent said: “He loves Villa, but I think we just have to wait to see how things pan out.
    “At the moment he is a Villa player and he has had no thoughts about anything else. We have to do what is best for Jack and for everybody else.
    “I think he is a very special player. I think he maybe should have been playing for England a little earlier.
    I think he could be a big star in the summer. I only hope that he is given a chance and that will be great.Jonathan Barnett

    “It is unfortunate that he has got this injury at the moment but that will be fine. He has got a great mentality.
    “On the field, he knows exactly what he wants to do, how to do it.
    “I think he could be a big star in the summer. I only hope that he is given a chance and that will be great.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Man Utd plot shock triple transfer swoop for Haaland, Sancho and Grealish after extending Bailly deal More

  • in

    Jadon Sancho top Man Utd transfer target with Haaland and Kane not in plans – Neville, Maguire injury UPDATE

    JADON SANCHO remains Manchester United’s top summer transfer target, according to Gary Neville.The England winger was pursued all last summer but some reports had suggested United had moved on.
    However, former skipper Neville says Sancho still remains the top priority over the likes of Harry Kane and Erling Haaland.
    Meanwhile Harry Maguire faces a race against time to be fit for the Europa League final.
    Get all the latest Man Utd news and transfer updates here…
    TEAM NEWS
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has sprung a shock with a heavily rotated side for tonight’s clash against Leicester.
    🚨 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🚨Ole makes 🔟 changes the side which beat Aston Villa — let’s go, Reds! 👊#MUFC #MUNLEI— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 11, 2021

    FERG-ET IT
    Sir Alex Ferguson won a staggering 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups, two European Cups and the Club World Cup during an illustrious 26-year spell at Manchester United.
    But the serial winner realised right at the beginning of his managerial career with East Stirlingshire in 1974 the need for players with mental resilience as well as technical ability in order to be successful.
    He told the Guardian: “I remember my first away game as a manager, 1974. We got beat 5-2 by Albion Rovers.
    “I went home that night and I told myself, ‘If I don’t get mental toughness in my players, I’ll never make it as a manager.’
    “That was at the forefront of all my methods of management – to make sure players could cope with the strains and challenges of being a top footballer.
    “I’ve always tried to endow them with that talent of being mentally tough. I’m very lucky. Aberdeen had some mentally tough players.”
    TOUGHEN UP
    Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as ‘tough as old boots’.
    The Scot told the Guardian: “At United, all the best players were mentally tough.
    “Ronaldo is tough, honestly, as old boots. He was always going to be a great player because he had it up there [Ferguson taps his head].
    “We played a part in that because Eric Harrison, the [youth] coach, made it tougher for the youngsters.
    “He said, ‘If you don’t have mental toughness, you’ll never make United’s first team.’”

    NEXT LEVEL
    Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has advised all top clubs to sign Marquinhos.
    United are on the lookout for a top defender to team up with Harry Maguire at the back and Ferdinand claims the Paris Saint-Germain star would take anyone to the “next level”.
    The pundit said in his Vibe with Five YouTube channel: “If any team is in the market for a centre-back, right now, out of the top teams, with the finances, Marquinhos is the only place I’m going.
    “Big-game player. Every big game you see that guy play he turns up.
    “Fit as you like, quick, robust, hardened, battle-hardened, understands the big-game environments.
    “Top, top player, great attitude, leader, got it all. If I’m looking for a centre-back of experience who can take me to the next level, he’s the one I’m going for”
    LEICESTER INJURIES
    Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers is dealing with some injury problems of his own ahead of tonight’s clash with Manchester United.
    Former United ace Jonny Evans is out with a muscle injury and won’t get to face his former club.
    James Justin is sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury whereas Harvey Barnes is still dealing with a knee problem.
    Captain Wes Morgan will also miss this crucial encounter due to a back injury
    UNITED INJURIES
    Manchester United won’t be without absences tonight against Leicester at Old Trafford.
    Former Foxes star Harry Maguire is sidelined with an ankle injury and has found himself in a race against time in his bid to reclaim fitness ahead of the Europa League final against Villarreal.
    Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will also be without Anthony Martial, who is still recovering from a knee injury.
    Daniel James is also out with a knock whereas Phil Jones has missed the entire season due to a knee problem
    GETTY IMAGES
    FIRST SIGNING
    Manchester United’s new director of football John Murtough is close to completing his first transfer.
    According to the Daily Telegraph, United are closing in on Aston Villa goalkeeper Tom Heaton.
    However, Heaton’s imminent arrival doesn’t mean either David de Gea or Dean Henderson, who’ve been battling for the No1 position, are on their way out of Old Trafford.
    Instead, the United academy product is joining up as a third-choice goalkeeper
    OPEN THE GATE
    Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has advised Gareth Southgate to pick Mason Greenwood for Euro 2020.
    Solskjaer said: “It’s not my job. Gareth knows Mason well enough. He knows Mason can turn a game around in one split second.
    “He’s working, learning on the job, getting more robust. He’s played more than 100 games for us – he’s been incredible.
    “He’ll have a long, long future with England. I’m sure Gareth will think long and hard about which 26 he’s going to pick.
    “I like him, so it says itself what I would have done”
    OLE SPEAKS
    Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is targeting a win against Liverpool and Leicester to raise fans’ spirits following the recent protests.
    Solskjaer said before tonight’s clash with Leicester: “Security measures are being looked at.
    “I hope we can keep the protests – if there are protests – down to loud voices, nothing violent. We want to listen, the players want to play the game.
    “We’re playing Liverpool – of course we want to beat Liverpool and we want to beat Leicester. So we’re going to do everything we can for our fans to celebrate what we’re doing on the pitch”
    CHECKMAIT
    Manchester United are keeping tabs on West Brom loanee Ainsley Maitland-Niles ahead of the summer transfer window.
    That is according to the Daily Mail, who claim United as well as Everton are considering a summer swoop for Maitland-Niles.
    However, both teams view him more as a right-back rather than a midfielder.
    The 23-year-old has impressed at The Hawthorns and seems set to return to Arsenal at the end of the season.
    POLICE PRESENCE
    The police has made its presence felt outside Old Trafford ahead of Manchester United’s clash with Leicester.
    This comes after last Sunday’s protests that saw a chunk of fans breaking inside United’s ground and staging a demonstration outside The Lowry Hotel where the team was staying.
    More protests have been scheduled for the remaining home fixtures, including tonight’s clash with the Foxes.
    Red Devils fans demonstrated against the Glazer family, who own the club, following the European Super League debacle
    Paul Cousans/Zenpix Ltd..
    FERGUSON STATEMENT
    Legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson opened up about the emergency surgery for a brain haemorrhage he had back in 2018.
    Ferguson had temporarily lost his voice after the operation and feared that his memory was next.
    The 79-year-old told The Guardian, ahead of the release of his documentary Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In: “That was a big worry for me.
    “It happened after the operation when I lost my voice. That was the most frightening part.
    “I knew I was alive but, on my own, I started thinking: ‘I wonder if they’re telling me the truth?’ The operation was a success but you’re in that loneliness. It can be frightening”
    LET’S CAV IT
    Edinson Cavani signed a one-year extension with Manchester United on Monday.
    Cavani joined United from Paris Saint-Germain last summer and has been on quite a roll since.
    The striker has recorded a total of 15 goals and five assists in 35 matches across all competitions.
    The Uruguay international has been especially influential in the Europa League where he has registered five goals and three assists in four games
    JESS AMAZING
    Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes has named the “best player in the Premier League”, who currently doesn’t play for the club.
    Fernandes praised Jesse Lingard, who’s currently out on loan at West Ham and enjoying a stunning return to form.
    The Portugal international told United’s official website: “If you see Jesse, I think Jesse, at the moment, if you watch the last 10 games, has been top, top, top level.
    “For me, if you watch the last 10 games, he’s been the best player in the Premier League, scoring and assists in every game.
    “Everyone here is really, really happy for him. He has confidence back, he has his swag back, because he is feeling confident. We are really, really happy for what he’s doing”
    CLOCK TICKING
    Manchester United want to complete Jadon Sancho’s signing before this summer’s delayed Euro 2020 competition.
    That is according to Bild, who claim United don’t want their fresh bid for Sancho to turn into another saga.
    The Red Devils are lining up an £80million swoop for the star winger, which is lower than last year’s £91m offer.
    The Euros are set to kick off on June 11 when Turkey face Italy
    HAALAND BOOST
    Manchester United’s decision to offer Edinson Cavani a one-year extension works as a major boost for other clubs keeping tabs on Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland.
    United have been linked with Haaland in the last few months but Cavani’s new deal means the Red Devils may not be keen on going after another striker.
    That gives the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona more hope of signing Haaland in the summer.
    However, Dortmund have proven to be fierce negotiators, as shown by United’s failed bid to sign Jadon Sancho last year, and will demand at least £30million for the Norway international
    GETTY IMAGES
    SAN STORM
    Manchester United are lining up an £80million swoop for Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho.
    That is according to the Daily Star, who claim United will make an offer that’s lower than their £91m bid that was rejected in the summer.
    Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been rating Sancho as a top target for a while now.
    And this time Dortmund appear more keen to sell their star winger
    KANE GO ON
    Manchester United transfer target Harry Kane has been urged to leave Tottenham in the summer in order to boost his chances of winning silverware.
    Newcastle legend Alan Shearer believes it is now time for Kane to seek greener pastures as time will soon start to run out on his career.
    Shearer told Match of the Day: “I left Blackburn a season after we won the title and we were nowhere near winning the title so that kind of make my mind up because I wanted to do then go on and do things.
    “If Harry wants an excuse then Tottenham and that team are giving him one because they didn’t show up for the cup final and they didn’t show up again today [against Leeds].
    “If I was in his position then I’d be looking elsewhere to go and try to win some trophies”
    MAGUIRE LATEST
    Manchester United star Harry Maguire is set to miss the final four Premier League games of the season.
    Maguire suffered an ankle injury on Sunday against Aston Villa and is in a race against time for full fitness ahead of the Europa League final against Villarreal on May 26.
    United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is not the only one sweating over the centre-back’s condition as the same goes for England boss Gareth Southgate.
    The Three Lions kick-off their Euro 2020 campaign next month at home to Croatia on June 13, with the 28-year-old a key figure in Southgate’s preferred back-five.
    HAA-RDLY LIKELY
    Manchester United are going to focus on Jadon Sancho and ditch plans to sign Erling Haaland as well as Harry Kane.
    That is according to United legend Gary Neville, who doesn’t expect the Red Devills to go after another striker with Edinson Cavani signing a new one-year deal.
    Neville told Sky Sports: “I don’t think they will sign another striker.
    “I haven’t got the contacts on the inside that I used to have so it’s my assumption.
    “They’ve been desperate for Sancho. You look at Manchester United’s recruitment last summer and they didn’t get Sancho and they were criticised for that. I criticised them for that.
    “But they could look incredibly smart this year if they get him nearer half the price and they’ve waited 12 months”
    GETTY IMAGES
    GOOD MORNING RED DEVILS
    Edinson Cavani has put pen to paper on a new one-year deal with Manchester United.
    The striker has been in blistering form in recent weeks and ended speculation of a move to Boca Juniors with the confirmation on Monday.
    He said: “I have been touched with how much the supporters have wanted me to stay, and I will give everything to bring them happiness and joy with my performances on the field.”
    On a sour note for the club, SunSport expect Harry Maguire to miss the rest of the Premier League season.
    The race is on for the United captain to reach the Europa League final while the Red Devils await the results of an ankle scan.
    He will definitely miss tonight’s clash with Leicester, kicking off at 6pm on BT Sport.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is unhappy that his side faces three games in five days after Thursday’s Liverpool game was rescheduled following fan protests.
    Ahead of rotating his team, the Norwegian complained: “Talking about integrity in the league and stuff, don’t blame me when I have to make changes because I have to.
    “It’s not safe for them to play all four so I have to prioritise. I wish I could have said ‘let’s go full out in all the games’ but it’s impossible.
    “That’s the hard bit for me, knowing if I do play this 11 on Tuesday and then again on Thursday it’s impossible. I run too much of a risk in injuring them.”
    NEXT UP
    Tuesday, May 11, 6pm.
    Mark it in your diary for Manchester United’s next match action as the Red Devils host Leicester.
    Avoiding defeat will be enough to keep their technically-feasible title hopes alive while the Foxes are in need of a good result in their top-four bid.
    The game is live on BT Sport.
    Credit: AP
    DON’T ROO WORRY
    Marcus Rashford’s No 1 target is bringing silverware back to Manchester United — not breaking Wayne Rooney’s goals records.
    The England forward admits United’s four-year trophy drought has been frustrating, with the Red Devils painfully losing a string of semi-finals.
    Rashford said: “It’s about silverware. 
    “Nobody has been as happy as we were since we won the Europa League in 2017. We’ve got to semi-finals and finals and keep getting beaten. 
    “It’s frustrating. Your personal things get put to one side as you want to achieve the team things so bad. 
    “So I just think about scoring and assists for the team.”
    OPEN THE FLOOD-GATE
    Gareth Southgate has been told that ‘special’ Mason Greenwood can turn a game around for him in a split second at the Euros.
    England boss Southgate was at Villa Park on Sunday to see Greenwood crack home a second-half goal to put Manchester United ahead in a 3-1 win over Aston Villa.
    And Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: “I’m sure Gareth knows.
    “He knows Mason well enough. He knows Mason can turn a game around in one split second.
    “He’s working, learning on the job, getting more robust and he’s played more than 100 games for us and is our top goal scorer as a teenager, he’s been incredible.
    “He’ll have a long, long future with England and I’m sure Gareth will think long and hard about which 26 he’s going to pick. I like him, I like the boy which says itself what I would do.”
    AJ ON THE PRIZE
    Marco van Basten has warned Ajax’s stars to use Donny van de Beek as a cautionary tale when thinking of leaving the club.
    The Dutchman has failed to star for Manchester United since his move from Amsterdam last year.
    And club legend van Basten told Ziggo Sport: “It just shows what a great life they have when they play at Ajax.
    “They all think very quickly that they are a big boy here and can make it in other countries, but in the Netherlands, there is a nice competition.
    “In a team like Ajax you are really helped, especially in the No.10 position. Then you often see that they go abroad and it is a different story.”
    Credit: EPA
    Load more entries… More

  • in

    Man Utd ‘on verge’ of Tom Heaton transfer with Aston Villa keeper returning to club for free to replace Sergio Romero

    MANCHESTER UNITED are on the verge of signing Aston Villa goalkeeper Tom Heaten to replace Sergio Romero, according to reports.Argentinian stopper Romero, 34, has long been looking to force a move away from Old Trafford – with both himself and his wife lashing out at the Red Devils last year following a failed move to Everton.
    Man Utd want to sign Tom Heaton on a free transfer with his contract expiring next monthCredit: Reuters
    United want a reliable, experienced third-choice goalkeeper to replace Sergio RomeroCredit: Getty
    But Romero will finally leave Man Utd after six years at the club when his contract expires this summer.
    Despite having David De Gea and Dean Henderson at the club United are keen to replace Romero with an experienced third-choice stopper to act as a role model to the younger players.
    And they are set to look to their past to fill the void – with ex-youth academy product Heaton linked, according to the Telegraph.
    Heaton, 35, is in the frame to join after losing his place at Aston Villa to Emi Martinez, who joined from Arsenal a year ago.
    Last month, SunSport exclusively revealed United were in for Heaton – as well as another former Red Devils ace, Sam Johnstone.
    The West Brom goalkeeper, 28, will be looking for a move back to the Premier League following the Baggies’ relegation – which was confirmed at the weekend.
    While England hopeful Johnstone is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first choice of signing, it’s unlikely he’s settle for the role of No 3 keeper.
    Heaton is out of contract this summer and is already able to negotiate pre-contract terms with clubs.
    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
    Heaton spent eight years on the books of the Man Utd squad after working his way through the youth ranks between 2002 and 2010Credit: Getty – Contributor

    The three-cap England goalkeeper recovered from a serious knee injury to serve as Martinez’s No2 at Villa Park this term.
    However, ex-Burnley man Heaton is yet to play a single minute in 2020-21 and is destined to leave the Midlands side after just two seasons.
    Heaton spent eight years at United between 2002 and 2010, but failed to play a single game – loaned out six times before being sold to Cardiff.
    Meanwhile, Romero could link up with former United boss Jose Mourinho this summer.
    Mourinho was unveiled as new Roma boss last week and could look to Romero to provide competition for first-choice Pau Lopez.
    Romero helped United win three trophies under the Special One – including the Europa League-League Cup double in 2016-17.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Solskjaer blasts ‘don’t blame me for making changes’ amid Man Utd fixture chaos More

  • in

    Man Utd ready to step up £15m transfer bid for Ghana wonderkid Sulemana, 19, after he scores twice in front of top scout

    MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to press ahead with a £15million bid for winger Kamaldeen Sulemana – and hope he will be qualified to play for them by the start of next season.United sent top scout Tommy Moller Nielsen to watch Sulemana score in FC Nordsjaelland’s 2-2 draw against Copenhagen on Monday night after tracking the 19-year-old all season.
    Man Utd are set to step up their bid to sign £15m-rated wonderkid Sulemana from NordsjaellandCredit: Getty
    And SunSport understands they are set to make a move for the Ghana international soon.
    United know they may need to act fast in order to beat Ajax, Bayer Leverkusen, Lyon and Monaco in the race for his signature.
    But any move represents a gamble by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
    Under the new post-Brexit transfer rules, Sulemana does not have enough points to gain a work permit.
    That could change this summer if the Danish league climbs one place in the Uefe co-efficients, which would then see him meet the new UK points regulations.
    Another possible hope for United would be if Sulemana makes one more competitive appearance for Ghana.
    That too would again see his points tally rise enough to gain a work permit to play in England.
    Ajax director of football Marc Overmars is also understood to have watched him on Monday night.
    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

    The Dutch giants have initially told Nordsjaelland they would be prepared to pay £10m to secure a deal.
    The teenager has caught the eye after an impressive first full season at Nordsjaelland.
    Sulemana has scored ten goals in 28 appearances for the Danish giants in 2020-21.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Solskjaer blasts ‘don’t blame me for making changes’ amid Man Utd fixture chaos More

  • in

    Man Utd transfer for Jadon Sancho ‘put on hold after Mason Greenwood emergence’ as Dortmund star puts Chelsea on alert

    JADON SANCHO is no longer a ‘priority signing’ for Manchester United following the impressive form of Mason Greenwood, according to reports.Greenwood, 19, has scored five goals in his last five Premier League games, taking his tally for the season to 11 in all competitions.
    Sancho scored twice for Dortmund against Leipzig at the weekendCredit: Getty
    Greenwood has had a sensational run of form towards the end of the campaignCredit: Reuters

    And according to Manchester Evening News the forward’s emergence has put United’s interest in Sancho on the back-burner.
    The Borussia Dortmund star has netted 14 times and assisted a further 18 in a sensational season for the German side.
    Earlier this week Bild reported that he had decided he wants to return to England next season, with Man Utd and Chelsea the front-runners.
    However, there is now a belief that Greenwood’s success cutting in from the right-hand side of a front three means Man Utd may not feel it is necessary.
    But the Times understands that Edinson Cavani signing a new deal now means the club’s attention has turned to Sancho because they no longer need a striker.
    And Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher feels Sancho coming in could hinder Greenwood’s development at Old Trafford.
    Speaking on Monday Night Football, he said: “There’s a lot of talk about Cavani today because he’s signed, but the big thing for me is Greenwood. I think he’s a superstar.
    “In terms of bringing Sancho in, if you bring him in he’s got to play probably 70 to 80 per cent of games on the right hand side.
    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

    “I just don’t think Mason Greenwood is ready yet to have him and (Edinson) Cavani as the centre-forwards.
    “You’ve either got a really old guy who has done brilliantly or a really young guy who is maybe not ready physically to lead the line for United.
    “I think Greenwood has started 19 games this season. Next season that natural progression is to go to 30, 35 starts.
    “I think Manchester United buying a Harry Kane or a (Erling) Haaland and actually using Greenwood from the right, coming inside on his left foot.
    “I think he’s brilliant at that, I really do. I think physically it helps him because he’s not straight down the middle holding the ball up.
    “I’d just be really wary for Manchester United, if they brought Sancho in, would that stunt the growth of Mason Greenwood?
    “I’m not quite sure, at his age, he can play centre-forward consistently. I think Manchester United need a centre-forward more than they need a right-sided player, and I think of Greenwood a lot.
    “I’m not quite sure about Greenwood playing centre-forward right now. In three or four years time when he’s physically bigger and stronger, yes.
    “But what he’s doing at the moment at the right side, getting a lot of goals now. I think Sancho could come in and maybe play better and get more crosses in, but could he get more goals than Greenwood from that position? I’m not quite sure.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Jadon Sancho scores some narrow goals in training with Borussia Dortmund More

  • in

    Man Utd ‘lining up £80m Jadon Sancho transfer bid’ – cheaper than offer Borussia Dortmund rejected last summer

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly eyeing up an £80million summer swoop for Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has once again made the England international his No1 target having failed to secure his services last year.
    Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho has been linked with a summer switch to Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    The Red Devils were claimed to have had a £91m offer rejected by BVB for Sancho as the German outfit held out for £108m.
    And United have retained their interest in the winger, who has chipped in with 14 goals and 18 assists in 35 games in all competitions this term.
    According to the Daily Star, the Europa League finalists will make a fresh move for the player with BVB open to selling the ex-Manchester City youth star.
    They state that United will test Dortmund’s resolve with an £80m opening offer.
    It has also been reported that Sancho’s team-mate Erling Haaland is also a key target, though he is likely to prove too costly at £150m.
    Sancho opened up on his future following the 3-2 win against RB Leipzig on Saturday where he scored two second half goals.
    He told ESPN: “Will I leave the club? I don’t know about my future.
    “I am very happy here in Dortmund at the moment. I love the club, the fans and the team.
    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

    “They gave me my first professional start. The fans motivate and push me to the limit.”
    Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc revealed earlier this month that there is a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ to allow Sancho to leave at the end of the campaign.
    He said: “We already had a gentlemen’s agreement with Jadon last year that he can move under certain conditions.
    “However, this agreement doesn’t exist with Erling.”
    Jadon Sancho scores some narrow goals in training with Borussia Dortmund More