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    Man Utd transfer blow as target James Maddison signs bumper contract extension at Leicester

    JAMES MADDISON has signed a bumper new contract at Leicester to put to bed any rumours of a Manchester United transfer.
    The England playmaker, 23, finally put pen to paper on the deal which ties him down at the King Power until 2024.

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    James Maddison has penned a new four-year deal at Leicester CityCredit: Reuters

    And that will come as a hammer blow to any remaining hopes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had of signing the former Coventry and Norwich star.
    Speaking to LCFC.com, Maddison said: “I’m so happy to sign a new contract for this football club.
    “It’s an incredibly exciting time to be a Leicester City player with so many positive things happening on and off the pitch and I’m delighted to be part of that.
    “What we’ve achieved as a club this season is a huge step forward for us and I know there’s so much more to come from this team.

    “I’ve enjoyed every moment since joining Leicester City.
    “The supporters have been incredible to me and we’ve a fantastic set of players in that dressing room who are determined to show what we’re capable of doing together in both Europe and the Premier League next season.”
    As revealed by SunSport, Maddison agreed the new deal worth around £95,000 per week last month.
    But with the Foxes on their short summer break, it is likely they waited until the players returned for pre-season to officially confirm the extension.

    He even installed a rooftop bar on his Leicestershire home as he prepares to stick around for the next few years.
    The England international, who made his senior Three Lions debut last November, has made 76 appearances for City, scoring 16 goals.

    He was named the club’s Young Player of the Season for the 2018-19 campaign but missed the final part of last season through injury as the Foxes blew their chances of Champions League qualification.
    Earlier on Monday, fellow midfielder Nampalys Mendy also signed a new deal.
    The Frenchman, who signed in 2016, was out of contract at the end of the season but has agreed a three-year extension as Brendan Rodgers looks to keep a bolstered squad to compete in Europe next season.

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    Maddison made his England debut last November but missed the end of the season through injuryCredit: PA:Press Association

    Aston Villa face FA probe over pitch invasion after fan shoved James Maddison following Carabao Cup win over Leicester More

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    Man Utd ‘willing to splurge £153m on Ansu Fati transfer’ before Barcelona hand whizkid new deal with £360m buyout clause

    MANCHESTER UNITED are willing to splurge £153MILLION on Ansu Fati before Barcelona hand him a new contract which includes a £360m buyout clause, according to reports.
    The Red Devils refused to meet Borussia Dortmund’s £108m valuation of Jadon Sancho earlier this month.

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    Man Utd have turned their attention to £153m-rated Ansu FatiCredit: AP:Associated Press

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    Man Utd have all-but given up on Jadon SanchoCredit: PA:Press Association
    Instead, club chiefs offered around £60m to £70m up front, with the remainder paid in instalments.
    But United are rumoured to be willing to pay £45m MORE on Fati, claim Mundo Deportivo.
    Still aged just 17, Fati’s stock will only continue to rise after his breakout season at the Nou Camp.
    The young winger was quickly placed on Barcelona’s “untouchables” list, along with fellow youngster Riqui Puig.

    Three years Sancho’s junior, the pair have very different futures ahead of them.
    Sancho is seen as a short-term talent by Borussia Dortmund – who will happily cash in as soon as their £108m valuation is met.
    It is now likely Sancho will stay for one more season and will be sold next summer after Man Utd missed the August 10 deadline set by the German giants.

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    Ansu Fati is being lined up to become the natural successor to Lionel MessiCredit: Getty Images – GettyMeanwhile, Fati is being tipped as being the reincarnation of Lionel Messi.

    The 33-year-old club legend shocked the Laliga giants by suggesting he wants to quit the Nou Camp this summer – with Paris Saint-Germain hoping to sign him.
    Fati is now being lined up to become Barca’s shining light for the next decade and beyond.
    Barcelona are said to be readying a new contract for the young Spaniard in order to tie him down for the long haul.
    However, as with all LaLiga players, there WILL be a release clause in his contract.
    Desperate to avoid losing Fati, Barca are set to make his release fee nearly DOUBLE the world-record transfer fee – currently the £198m Paris Saint-Germain spent on Neymar – at £360m.

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    Fati played 33 times in all competitions for Barcelona last season, scoring eight times.
    He also earned his first two caps for the Spain Under-21 squad – and has now been named in his first full senior squad, for the opening two games of their 2020-21 Uefa Nations League campaign.
    And Man Utd appear to have turned their attention fully to Fati having all-but given up on Sancho.

    Barcelona wonderkid Ansu Fati scores ridiculous goals in training including mid-air back-heel volley More

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    Five stars Man Utd could sign instead of Jadon Sancho including Kingsley Coman and Douglas Costa as transfer alternative

    MANCHESTER UNITED appear to have missed out on signing Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho this summer.
    The two clubs failed to agree on a transfer fee before the August 10 deadline set by the Bundesliga giants.

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    Man Utd are searching for an alternative to Jadon SanchoCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Dortmund insisted on £108million in one lump sum, while Man Utd had hoped to pay just £60m-£70m up front, with the rest paid in instalments.
    With Sancho well into the swing of his pre-season training, reports in Germany claim he will stay for at least one more season.
    Now Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must look elsewhere to add some much-needed natural width to their attack.
    SunSport takes a look at five Sancho alternatives, including Champions League hero Kingsley Coman…

    KINGSLEY COMAN

    Kingsley Coman has won 20 trophies despite playing just 193 games
    COMAN scored the winner as Bayern Munich beat Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday’s Champions League final.
    At just 24, the France winger still has his best years ahead of him and has bags of trophy-winning experience.
    Coman has won 20 trophies in just 193 club career games – as well as winning a league title EVERY season and two in just one campaign.

    The Bayern star could be just the man to take over the role reserved for Sancho at Old Trafford next season.
    DOUGLAS COSTA

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    Douglas Costa is a cut-price option for SolskjaerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    UNITED are claimed to have made a £27m bid for Douglas Costa – but Juventus are holding out for £36m.
    The Brazilian winger, 29, is one of SEVEN stars set for the axe at the Serie A champions.
    Man Utd have famously chased Costa for years, spanning several managers – and could rekindle their interest in 2020.
    But, there are still lingering doubts over his fitness – after Costa nearly retired from football following a spate of injuries.
    JACK GREALISH

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    Jack Grealish has long been on Man Utd’s radarCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    UNITED have been heavily-linked with the Aston Villa star – who’s capable of playing on either wing or as a No10.
    His versatility could make him arguably a better signing than Sancho.
    The latest reports claim United are set to offer Villa Sergio Romero plus cash for Grealish in order to try to get a deal over the line.

    OUSMANE DEMBELE

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    Man Utd could make a move for Dembele but Barca won’t sell easilyCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
    ONE of many Barcelona big-money flops, Dembele had been tipped with a summer exit.
    But Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu recently named the France star on his seven-strong list of “untouchables”.
    However, United are set to test Barcelona’s resolve with a big-money bid – albeit less than the £138m paid by the Spaniards to bring him in from Dortmund.

    DAVID BROOKS

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    David Brooks is on Man Utd’s radar in a £40m switchCredit: Getty
    BOURNEMOUTH recently admitted their whole squad is up for sale following their relegation from the Premier League.
    Brooks – who like Sancho came through Manchester City’s academy – is a “serious” target for Man Utd, according to reports.
    And while United may need to fork out £40m to sign Brooks, that’s still a bargain compared to Sancho.

    David Brooks transfer will cost £40million as Solskjaer identifies Jadon Sancho alternative More

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    Patrice Evra reveals why he and Cristiano Ronaldo told Man Utd boss Solskjaer to sign Bruno Fernandes

    PATRICE EVRA has revealed the integral role he and Cristiano Ronaldo played in bringing Bruno Fernandes to Manchester United.
    The pair were good friends in their three years together at Old Trafford, even if the Frenchman occasionally found his pal a touch too competitive.

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    Cristiano Ronaldo and Patrice Evra gave Manchester United the green light after discussing Bruno Fernandes between themselvesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has certainly made the most of Fernandes’ arrivalCredit: Getty – Pool
    And they combined to advise Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on his transfer plans when Fernandes was being monitored at Sporting CP.
    As a Portuguese national team colleague, Ronaldo spoke to Evra for a recommendation to guide the United boss’ thinking.
    Evra told The Guardian why the signing was necessary, stating: “United have qualified for the Champions League. It’s not a big achievement but it’s massive progress from where we’ve come.
    “I love Ole. One game we’re on the bench and I started talking. He said, ‘Patrice. I’m focused’.

    “He would analyse everything so he knows which defender is getting tired. That’s why we called him the Baby Faced Assassin. He helped United win the Champions League [in 1999] that way.
    “United can’t challenge Liverpool or Man City. Not yet. There’s been massive damage but we’re moving in the right direction.

    “When they wanted to sign Bruno Fernandes, Ole texted me. I asked for advice from Cristiano Ronaldo.
    “Cristiano says, ‘Bruno’s a good guy and very professional’.

    “I say, ‘Ole, I’ve spoken with Cristiano. Let’s go for it’.
    “And Fernandes had a massive impact. Without him I don’t think we would have qualified for the Champions League.”
    Indeed, attacking midfielder Fernandes was vital to a successful end to the campaign in Manchester.
    A stunning tally of 12 goals and eight assists in 22 games helped United breach the FA Cup and Europa League semi-finals, with third place in the Premier League secured.

    Cristiano Ronaldo no longer ‘untouchable’ at Juventus and could be sold for £54m with Paris Saint-Germain considering shock transfer More

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    Paul Pogba will stay at Man Utd with Frenchman set for contract talks, confirms agent Mino Raiola

    PAUL POGBA’S agent Mino Raiola has stated that the Manchester United midfielder will be remaining at Old Trafford this summer.
    The 27-year-old has just one year left on his deal at the Theatre of Dreams, leading to reported interest from Real Madrid and Juventus.

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    Manchester United Paul Pogba will not be leaving the club this transfer windowCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    There were even rumours that Pogba could be involved in a swap deal with Juventus star Paulo Dybala.
    But SunSport exclusively revealed in July how the World Cup winner was to remain at United with the club keen to tie him down for five years.
    And now Raiola has confirmed that Pogba is going nowhere this transfer window, with contract talks set to take place.
    Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, he said: “Paul Pogba will stay at Manchester United.

    “Pogba is key player for Man Utd, they have an important project and he’s 100 per cent included.
    “Man Utd will not accept any bid this summer to sell Pogba. We’re going to speak about a new contract soon, no stress.”
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer earlier this month spoke of his optimism that Pogba will commit his future to the Red Devils.
    He said: “Since coming back from injury he has been a delight. He has worked really hard, he is happy and he is playing well.

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    Mino Raiola has claimed that Pogba will begin contract talks with the Red Devils in the near futureCredit: Getty – Contributor

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    “We are going to see the best of Paul in the next couple of seasons, I’m sure. And I’m looking forward to seeing him grow with this team.
    “He will have to be one of the leaders, one of the main figures, because he is just coming to his peak time as a footballer at 27.
    “I am really looking forward to working with him.”

    Paul Pogba close to agreeing five-year Man Utd contract in huge boost for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s project More

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    Man Utd defender Chris Smalling ‘wanted by Newcastle, Everton, West Ham and Fulham’ after impressive Roma loan

    SEVERAL Premier League sides are reportedly circling for Chris Smalling after the defender’s Roma renaissance.
    An impressive loan spell at the Stadio Olimpico has reignited the defender’s career, with the Italians also hoping for more of the Manchester United man.

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    Chris Smalling is a wanted man but may prefer a second spell in RomeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    As SunSport revealed, the £20million price tag placed on Smalling’s head by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has proved a large obstacle for the Giallorossi.
    But Fulham, Newcastle, Everton and West Ham are now all named as interested parties.
    Website 90min reckon the English sides have a better chance of forking out the required fee for the 30-year-old.
    West Ham and Everton are seeking a rise up the table after disappointing campaigns last time out while Steve Bruce’s Newcastle are adjusting to life after the Saudi-funded takeover of the club collapsed.

    A move to newly-promoted Fulham would mean a Craven Cottage return for Smalling, who joined the West London outfit from Maidstone in 2008 before a surprise £12m switch to Manchester.
    Roma remain determined to sign their star of last season, who is said to fancy another year in the Italian capital, but they also face competition from Inter Milan.

    Should a deal be out of their grasp, the club recently purchased by American billionaire Dan Friedkin will reportedly look to Sokratis Papastathopoulos of Arsenal.
    And yet, a sensational second chance at Old Trafford is not out of the question.

    With his United career seemingly buried 12 months ago, Smalling has shown his “value” to boss Solskjaer and may get a fresh crack at the first-team.
    The manager stated: “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.”

    Chris Smalling says he has no regrets about joining Roma More

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    Man Utd boost in £40m David Brooks transfer chase as Bournemouth admit ALL players are up for sale

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S hopes of signing David Brooks have been boosted after Bournemouth admitted they “won’t stand in anybody’s way” if a star wants to leave.
    New Cherries boss Jason Tindall has accepted that, following relegation to the Championship, each of their players has a price.

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    Man Utd have been handed a boost in their chase of David BrooksCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Rumours are circulating that United will need to bid £40million to sign Welsh winger Brooks.
    The 23-year-old barely played in Bournemouth’s relegation campaign after ankle surgery but is considered a top prospect after an impressive debut season the year before.
    And Tindall will allow Brooks a move if the price is right.
    He told the Bournemouth Echo: “We as a football club have got a value of what we believe for our players.

    “And if that value is met then players have got the opportunity to then discuss with whoever they need to discuss with and then make the decision they feel is right for them.
    “But first and foremost, it needs to be right for the football club and once it’s right for the football club then, as you’ve seen in the past, I don’t think it’s a club that will stand in anybody’s way providing that the club’s happy with and it meets the valuation of the player.”
    BOUR OFF
    Nathan Ake and Aaron Ramsdale have already departed Vitality Stadium for a combined £58.5m.
    Boss Tindall hopes the exodus will not go on much longer with Brooks, Josh King and Callum Wilson touted for moves.

    He noted: “Until any offers come in for any players then they remain in Bournemouth regardless anyway.
    “The squad are happy here. They know they’re at a fantastic club and it’s a club that’s going places and want to achieve something this year.

    “I think when you’ve got that purpose as a player where you’re going into a season where you’re looking to be successful and achieve something, I think it’s a great thing to have and people want to be a part of that.”
    United remain determined to sign Jadon Sancho but have so far been unable to persuade Borussia Dortmund to sell up.
    A £108m price tag continues to be reported as the sticking point in bringing the England winger back to Manchester.
    Should the bid collapse, Brooks is said to be a target along with Juventus star Douglas Costa.

    How Man Utd could line up vs Crystal Palace with Jadon Sancho and Upamecano in but Rashford out after landing transfers More

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    Man Utd and Real Madrid dealt transfer blow with Eduardo Camavinga revealing he will stay at Rennes this season

    RENNES starlet Eduardo Camavinga will NOT move to Manchester United or Real Madrid this summer.
    The French midfielder, still just 17, has stated that he wants to remain with the Ligue 1 club for at least another year.

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    Eduardo Camavinga featured 36 times for Rennes last seasonCredit: AFP or licensors
    LaLiga giants Real were thought to be the frontrunner for Camavinga after months of speculation.
    However, amid reports that the player wants a 2021 switch to Madrid, he has committed his future to the team that gave him a debut at a mere four months after his 16th birthday – a club record.
    Camavinga revealed on Telefoot: “I have two years of contract left, I will be with Rennes this season.
    “[The speculation] doesn’t bother me at all.

    “It’s football. There are true things and there are false things.”
    Despite being rated at £25million by some of Europe’s top clubs, Camavinga is intent on a normal life.

    He continued: “I live normally but I try not to be too careful, I let my parents handle it all.
    “I live my teenage life, I go out, I go to school.”

    Rennes are likely to face a plethora of offers for the teenager next summer, particularly with Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich also said to be keen on his services.
    United could come back in with fresh interest as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to maintain the youthful energy of his squad.
    Rennes chief Olivier Letang has admitted that Camavinga’s desires will be a major factor in how the Brittany club deal with his future.
    The club president previously said: “If it were up to me I would like to keep him for another 10 years.
    “There are requests, there is a market, there are also the player’s wishes.”

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