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    Man Utd need four of FIVE transfer signings as squad cannot compete for Premier League title, claims Gary Neville

    GARY NEVILLE believes Manchester United need to sign “four of five” transfer targets in order to challenge for the Premier League title.
    The club’s only bit of business so far this summer is the loan extension for Odion Ighalo.

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    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs to make at least four new signings before the transfer window closes, according to Gary NevilleCredit: Getty – Pool
    But legendary defender Neville reckons Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs to make some quality additions and to get deals over the line.
    United have spent this summer chasing Jadon Sancho but that transfer looks like it will not get done until next year now.
    So with just a month to go until the window closes, Neville urged Solskjaer to get new faces through the door – just as Manchester City and Chelsea have.
    Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “The Manchester United squad, as it stands today, cannot challenge for the Premier League title this season.

    “The squad needed four or five improvements and it still needs four or five improvements. 
    “They do have to sign players. They do have to get players in so that they can break into the top two.
    “That has to be Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s goal this season and to do that he needs support.
    “The board will know that, but they’ve got to get the deals done.”

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    The former right-back reckons. the squad needs bolstering right across the pitchCredit: PA:Press Association

    United finished in the top four last season and therefore qualified for the Champions League.
    But Neville still thinks signings are needed across the pitch.
    He added: “They have to sign a world class centre-back. For me, another midfield player.
    “I also think a right winger, a centre-forward and you have to look at left-back because of Luke Shaw’s injuries and the fact he has obviously been in and out of the team in the last two or three years.
    “So, I think there are definitely four or five players required and to not get three, I think it would be a problem because of what the other clubs are doing.”

    The Red Devils are close to completing a £40million deal for midfielder van de Beek from Ajax.
    They also want to bolster their defence but any approach for Dayot Upamecano looks set to be rejected.
    He only signed a fresh three-year contract with RB Leipzig a month ago and the Bundesliga outfit have taken to Twitter to remind interested parties they will not be selling.

    Man Utd fans hijack Jadon Sancho’s Instagram live video to urge him to complete transfer before he cuts it short More

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    Man Utd looking to offload Jesse Lingard and Andreas Pereira ASAP to raise transfer funds with Solskjaer axing duo

    OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER wants to sell Jesse Lingard and Andreas Pereira as soon as possible, according to reports.
    As revealed by SunSport in March, the pair are both thought to be out of his plans at Manchester United for the new season.

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    Jesse Lingard is among the Manchester United players who could be sold to raise transfer fundsCredit: AFP
    And therefore, according to the Daily Mail, the club are keen to offload the duo and raise some vital transfer funds.
    The two midfielders came through the academy but are deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.
    Solskjaer also has the likes of Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay, Fred, Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata already in the squad plus Donny van de Beek who is set to arrive imminently.
    Lingard, who turns 28 in December, and Benfica-target Pereira, 24, both played 40 times across all competitions last season and started 25 of those.

    The England international got four goals and two assists whereas his Brazilian team-mate managed two goals and four assists.
    United are determined to get more transfer business done with just over a month to go in the window.
    The extension of Odion Ighalo’s loan is the only incoming so far in the window.
    Jadon Sancho’s move looks to be off for another year as the hunt for a winger continues.

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    Andreas Pereira came through the United academy but his time at the club looks set to come to an endCredit: EPA

    However, the Red Devils are close to completing a £40million deal for midfielder van de Beek from Ajax.
    The club also want to bolster their defence but any approach for Dayot Upamecano looks set to be rejected.
    He only signed a fresh three-year contract with RB Leipzig a month ago and the Bundesliga outfit have taken to Twitter to remind interested parties they will not be selling.

    Man Utd legend Paul Scholes tells Jesse Lingard he needs transfer exit and reckons Solskjaer is ready to sell More

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    Donny van de Beek ‘convinced to join Man Utd after phone call from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer outlining his plans’

    DONNY VAN DE BEEK was convinced to sign for Manchester United after an inspirational chat with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, it’s claimed.
    The Dutch midfielder is set to join the Red Devils from Ajax in a £40million move, with the player to pen a five-year deal at Old Trafford.

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    Dutch midfielder Donny van de Beek is set to join Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reportedly helped convince Van de Beek to make the move to Old TraffordCredit: AP:Associated Press
    Van de Beek has completed a medical ahead of his impending switch, with United set to announce his arrival imminently.
    And according to The Athletic, he was persuaded to sign for the club after a phone call with Solskjaer.
    They claim he left the conversation convinced that his future lies at the Theatre of Dreams.
    It has been stated that van de Beek was excited at where the Norwegian gaffer sees his role in the side.

    The United boss allegedly told the 23-year-old that he will be playing alongside Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes in an ultra-attack minded midfield.
    But in a blow for van de Beek, he looks set to miss out on his favourite No6 shirt, with that number belonging to the French World Cup winner.
    Van de Beek’s transfer has got the seal of approval by Marcus Rashford who “liked” a tweet about the player.
    And the midfielder’s dad has expressed his joy that his son is set to link up with one of the world’s biggest clubs.

    Speaking to omroepgelderland.nl, proud father Andre said: “This is a dream come true.
    “It’s the perfect moment for him to make this step to such a beautiful club.
    “Many clubs were interested, but Donny decides himself.”

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    Man Utd ‘waiting on new Roma bid’ for Chris Smalling to keep defender in Italy on permanent basis

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly waiting on a new bid from Roma to sign Chris Smalling on a permanent deal.
    The England star impressed on loan at the Serie A side last season and has been described as keen to extend his stay in the Italian capital.

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    Roma are gearing up for a fresh approach to sign Manchester United defender Chris SmallingCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Manchester United expect to receive a new bid soon from AS Roma to sell Chris Smalling on a permanent deal. Man Utd board are also working to sign a new CB if a ‘good opportunity’ will be on the market on next weeks. 🔴 #MUFC #ManUtd
    — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2020

    He has now returned to Old Trafford but United are said to be open to his exit as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer frees up room in his squad for new signings.
    As SunSport revealed, the £20million price tag placed on Smalling’s head has proved a large obstacle for Roma.
    But according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Roma are readying a fresh offer to land the former Fulham ace in the coming days.
    He tweeted: “Manchester United expect to receive a new bid soon from AS Roma to sell Chris Smalling on a permanent deal.

    “Man Utd board are also working to sign a new CB if a ‘good opportunity’ will be on the market (in the coming) weeks.”
    Smalling’s old club Fulham have also been linked with the England international should he wish to continue his career at home.
    Newcastle, Everton and West Ham are also rumoured to be interested in his signature.

    United have already begun preparing for Smalling’s departure but missed out on a move for Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes.

    The Red Devils have since been linked with a move for RB Leipzig ace Dayot Upamecano.
    The Bundesliga side are unwilling to part ways with the 21-year-old but despite this, United are said to be hopeful that a deal can be struck.
    Should Smalling fail to secure a move away, he could yet have a future at Man United with Solskjaer clearly rating the defender.

    The Norwegian stated last month: “I think Chris has shown over his Manchester United career how valuable he is at Manchester United.
    “This season was about him being a regular and going to Roma and showing how good a centre-back he is, I wanted to give Harry [Maguire], Victor [Lindelof] and maybe Axel [Tuanzebe] a chance.
    “It was best for him to go and play for a year in Roma and he has shown he will be valuable, I’ve been speaking to Chris throughout. I’ve been delighted with his season.”

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    Man Utd trolled by RB Leipzig over Upamecano transfer as Germans say he is NOT for sale after signing new deal

    MANCHESTER UNITED were trolled on social media by RB Leipzig as the Germans reiterated Dayot Upamecano is not for sale.
    The Red Devils have been linked with the 21-year-old defender, with their interest ramping up in recent days.

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    RB Leipzig trolled Manchester United after reports circulated that the Red Devils wanted to sign their defender Dayot Upamecano just a month after penning a new dealCredit: AFP or licensors
    But the Bundesliga side took to Twitter to emphasise their man will not be leaving this summer – just weeks after Borussia Dortmund refused to sell Jadon Sancho.
    Exactly a month since he penned a new three-year deal with the club, RB Leipzig retweeted the tweet confirming the extension and added: “ICYMI” – meaning “in case you missed it”.
    The message riled plenty of United supporters who are desperate to see their team sign a new centre-back this season.
    But RB Leipzig and other fans were loving the Champions League semi-finalists’ hard-ball approach.

    Upamecano has no shortage of suitors with the likes of Arsenal and Real Madrid also interested in the French youth international.
    The defender’s new deal with the Germans has a £40million release clause that can be activated next summer.
    Leipzig are unwilling to part ways with the ex-Red Bull Salzburg man but despite this, United are said to be hopeful that a deal can be struck.

    And with the likes of Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Chris Smalling to potentially leave, Solskjaer has highlighted a central defender as a top priority.

    United are looking to switch their attention to Upamecano once they complete the signing of Donny van de Beek from Ajax.
    The Red Devils have agreed a £40m deal with the Dutch outfit, with the 23-year-old to pen a five-year contract at the Theatre of Dreams.

    Watch as France U21 defender Dayot Upamecano blows away Bundesliga opponents for RB Leipzig More

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    Van Dijk calls van de Beek’s Man Utd transfer a ‘great step’ as Liverpool star puts rivalry aside for Holland pal

    VIRGIL VAN DIJK has hailed Donny van de Beek’s move to Manchester United as a “great step”.
    The 23-year-old midfielder has completed a medical ahead of his £40million transfer to Old Trafford from Ajax.

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    Donny van de Beek has won 10 caps for the Netherlands Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    SunSport understands the former Ajax midfielder underwent tests in Holland – as his dad hailed his “dream” move.
    And Liverpool defender Van Dijk is thrilled to have another Dutchman in the Premier League, even if it is across enemy lines.
    As reported by De Telegraaf, the Holland captain said: “I wish Donny the best wholeheartedly,
    “It is great for him and for the Dutch national team. 

    “It’s a great club and step for Donny, and the same goes for Nathan Aké (to Manchester City).”
    The signing also got the seal of approval by Marcus Rashford who “liked” a tweet about the Dutch international.
    But he won’t be able to wear his favourite No.6 shirt when he arrives, as it is taken by French star Paul Pogba, meaning he may have to take on the cursed No.7 jersey.

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    How Man Utd could line up next season with Van de Beek in the side

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    Dutch reports claim Van de Beek told pals he wanted to join United and the Prem side led the way with no other club offering anywhere near the £40m mark.

    Real Madrid were on the verge of landing van de Beek for around £49m last summer but the deal fell through.
    Sunsport has considered how the Red Devils could line-up with Van de Beek with Ole Gunner Solskjaer tweaking the line-up to fit Pogba and Bruno Fernandes in midfield.

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    Donny van de Beek completes Man Utd medical as his dad hails ‘dream’ transfer

    DONNY VAN DE BEEK has completed a medical ahead of his £40million transfer to Manchester United.
    SunSport understands the former Ajax midfielder underwent tests in Holland and there were no issues.

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    Van De Beek has completed his medical ahead of his move to Man UtdCredit: AP:Associated Press
    Van de Beek is set to be denied his favourite shirt number when he joins the Old Trafford club, with Paul Pogba already wearing the No 6.
    But that seemed to matter little as proud dad Andre hailed his son’s “dream” move.
    Speaking of 23-year-old Donny’s transfer, he told omroepgelderland.nl: “This is a dream come true. It’s the perfect moment for him to make this step to such a beautiful club.
    “Many clubs were interested, but Donny decides himself.”

    Van de Beek missed missed Saturday’s friendly with Eintracht Frankfurt with coach Erik ten Hag suggesting there were developments, saying: “We are looking at how that will end.”
    And he was allowed to miss training with the Netherlands so he could undergo his medical.
    Former United No 1 Edwin van der Sar, now director of football at Ajax, revealed his old club’s interest back in June.

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    How Man Utd could line up next season with Van de Beek in the side
    And Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes he is the right kind of signing in terms of profile and cost for what is a very difficult transfer window.

    Van de Beek previously told mates he wanted to join United, and they were the only Premier League side offering anywhere near the £40m mark.
    After seeing what Bruno Fernandes has gone on to achieve, United chiefs will be hopeful their first signing of this window will prove just as effective.
    Real Madrid were on the verge of landing van de Beek for around £49m last summer but the deal fell through.
    And new Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman knew him well from his time in charge of the national team.

    But the financial strain on many LaLiga clubs – plus the Lionel Messi situation – put paid to a move there.
    Van de Beek was a shining light as Ajax made it all the way to the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019 before losing out to Tottenham in heart-breaking fashion on away goals.
    The box-to-box style player scored ten goals from midfield last term and is seen as the perfect foil for Paul Pogba and Fernandes by Solskjaer.

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    Estelle Bergkamp is the stunning daughter of Arsenal legend Dennis and is the girlfriend of Man Utd target van de Beek

    DONNY van de Beek is on the verge of joining Manchester United for £40million, after the Red Devils agreed a fee with Ajax.
    But many years ago his Wag’s dad used to view the Premier League giants as a fearsome rival.

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    Estelle Bergkamp is the daughter of Arsenal legend DennisCredit: https://www.instagram.com/estellebergkamp/?hl=en

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    Dennis Bergkamp’s daughter now dates Man Utd target Donny van de BeekCredit: https://www.instagram.com/estellebergkamp/?hl=en

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    The Bergkamp family with daughter EstelleCredit: https://www.instagram.com/estellebergkamp/?hl=en
    The 23-year-old midfielder dates Dennis Bergkamp’s daughter, Estelle, 24.
    They met in Amsterdam and a relationship between the pair soon blossomed.
    And now it looks like she could be joining Donny in Manchester.
    EARLY YEARS IN LONDON
    Bergkamp was one year into his Arsenal career, when he welcomed Estelle into the world with wife Henrita.

    She was born in London, where Dennis would stay for 11 years and win three Premier League titles with the Gunners.
    In fact, when she was a small girl she joined her dad on the pitch at Highbury and was snapped holding the Premier League trophy.
    Football has always been in her family, so it was no surprise that she would soon start dating a footballer.
    A NEW DUTCH MASTER
    Last summer, Estelle and van de Beek began dating.

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    Estelle was originally born in LondonCredit: https://www.instagram.com/estellebergkamp/?hl=en

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    Dennis Bergkamp won three Premier League titles with Arsenal in 11 yearsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/estellebergkamp/?hl=en

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    Estelle soon moved to Amsterdam after her dad hung up his bootsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/estellebergkamp/?hl=en

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    Since becoming an item van de Beek and Estelle have become travel buddiesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/estellebergkamp/?hl=en

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    The loved-up pair enjoyed a romantic break in ParisCredit: https://www.instagram.com/estellebergkamp/?hl=en
    Initially, they kept their romance under wraps, however the allure of showing off their happiness on Instagram was too much to resist.
    Last Christmas, the pair shared a romantic snap cuddling in front of a Christmas tree.
    She captioned the cute pic: “Merry christmas from us.”
    ROMANTIC HOLIDAYS
    Since they became an item, Estelle and Donny have become best travel buddies.

    And, of course, they’ve taken us on their adventures through snapshots on social media.
    The pair can be seen in various clenches in destinations as glamorous as Ibiza and the South of France.
    Next stop, it appears, will be Manchester.

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    Estelle and van de Beek celebrated Christmas together last year

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    The Dutch beauty is often seen on a glamorous holiday Credit: https://www.instagram.com/estellebergkamp/?hl=en

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    Estelle celebrated her dad being a Premier League champion on the Highbury pitch

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    Estelle could soon be headed to Manchester with boyfriend van de BeekCredit: https://www.instagram.com/estellebergkamp/?hl=en More