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      Leicester launch £35m Boubakary Soumare raid as they back Brendan Rodgers in transfer market amid Tottenham links

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      BRENDAN RODGERS is making a stunning £35million bid to bring French midfielder Boubakary Soumare to Leicester City.The Foxes hope to agree a fee with Lille for their powerful star and offer him a deal worth around £5m to join them.
      Boubakary Soumare is wanted by Leicester in a £35million dealCredit: Rex
      It is a huge statement by Leicester who are prepared to back Rodgers as they prepare for Champions League football – and keep him happy.
      Soumare, 22, has been on Premier League wish lists for a couple of years, but the price tag has put off all previous attempts to sign him.
      Newcastle and West Ham looked but stepped back, while Tottenham and Manchester United have also been linked.
      However, Leicester are serious about spending big and hope to clinch the deal immediately.
      Soumare has been a key part of Lille’s title bid with the Ligue 1 leaders one point clear of current champions Paris Saint-Germain.
      Having made a name for himself at Stade Pierre-Mauroy after leaving PSG as a youngster, he has aroused the interest of several teams.
      Soumare has over 100 appearances for Lille and 12 for France Under-21s.
      The midfielder rejected a move out of Lille in January and boss Christophe Galtier praised how the player has dealt with speculation over his future.
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      Leicester are ready to back Brendan Rodgers in the transfer market this summerCredit: AP

      Galtier said in February: “At every transfer window, we talk about him.
      “I know that he was in demand this winter, but he was very clear with the president, he wants to continue with us.
      “The competition, the transfer window, the situation has not always been easy for him, but I think he has greater clarity in his mind.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Leicester vs West Brom as it happened More

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      Roy Keane says Man Utd have ‘best fans in world’ and insists protests come from ‘love’ as Liverpool game delayed

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      ROY KEANE said Manchester United have the ‘best fans in world’ and insisted the protest that saw their clash with Liverpool postponed came from ‘love’ for the club. The Premier League clash was called off an hour after its propsed kick-off time as furious supporters protested both inside out outside Old Trafford.
      Liverpool’s away trip to Man United was cancelledCredit: Reuters
      Roy Keane said Manchester United have the ‘best fans in world’Credit: Getty
      Amid safety cancers, both clubs alongside police authorises decided to postpone the match.
      The actions of United supporters came under question as they stormed the Old Trafford pitch, set off flairs and even threw bottles.
      Greater Manchester Police condemned fans’ actions as ‘reckless and dangerous’ as two officers were injured in skirmishes.
      But ex-captain Keane admitted he felt sympathy for the fed up fanbase and joked the flair was aimed at Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher.
      He said on Sky Sports: “I think it’s come to a tipping point for the United fans.
      “It was peaceful, I think they threw one or two bottles and a couple of flares, I think that was towards Jamie to be fair!
      “I think they’ve had enough, enough is enough for these United fans.United have got some of the best fans in the world, a huge club.
      “We’ve seen today that it’s coming to an end, they’re thinking enough is enough with the ownership of the club with the stuff over the last few weeks.
      “There’s stuff with the Super League, not being able to support the club here. Enough is enough now and the United fans want the Glazers out.

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      Fellow pundit Graeme Souness was less than impressed after the broadcaster’s box was targeted, insisting they could have been ‘dead or permanently scarred’.
      Souness, 67, said: “Somebody threw a can of beer up here. If that hits you in the wrong place you’re dead.
      “A flare got thrown up here. If it hits one of us we are laying in a hospital bed permanently scarred with half a face.”
      Even after the angry supporters were moved on it was decided the game could not go ahead.
      A United statement read: “Following discussion between the Police, The Premier League, Trafford Council and the clubs, our match against Liverpool has been postponed due to safety and security considerations around the protest today.
      “Discussions will now take place with the Premier League on a revised date for the fixture.
      “Our fans are passionate about Manchester United, and we completely acknowledge the right to free expression and peaceful protest.  “However, we regret the disruption to the team and actions which put other fans, staff, and the police in danger.
      “We thank the police for their support and will assist them in any subsequent investigations.”
      Chaos erupted outside Old Trafford as crowds formedCredit: Alamy
      Furious fans made their feelings knownCredit: AFP
      The Premier League said: “Following the security breach at Old Trafford, the Manchester United vs. Liverpool game has been postponed.
      “This is a collective decision from the police, both clubs, the Premier League and local authorities.
      “The security and safety of everyone at Old Trafford remains of paramount importance.
      “We understand and respect the strength of feeling but condemn all acts of violence, criminal damage and trespass, especially given the associated COVID-19 breaches.
      “Fans have many channels by which to make their views known, but the actions of a minority seen today have no justification.
      “We sympathise with the police and stewards who had to deal with a dangerous situation that should have no place in football.
      The rearrangement of the fixture will be communicated in due course.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Furious fans broke onto the Old Trafford pitchCredit: AFP More

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      Jamie Carragher says Man Utd protesters gave him no trouble as Liverpool legend claims those in stadium were ‘peaceful’

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER revealed Manchester United protesters gave him no trouble as the Liverpool legend claimed those in the stadium were ‘peaceful’. Thousands of Manchester United supporters stormed onto the pitch, as they gathered to protest against the Glazers’ ownership prior to today’s clash with Liverpool.
      Furious fans broke onto the Old Trafford pitchCredit: AFP
      A planned protest against the Red Devils’ owners, the Glazers, led to a stand-off with policeCredit: AFP
      Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville address the protestsCredit: Sky Sports
      A group congregated around Sky’s studio, where pundits Graeme Souness, Micah Richards and Roy Keane joined Dave Jones for coverage of today’s game.
      The broadcasters were forced to duck for cover, as a member of the Old Trafford invaders launched a flare towards them.
      Commentator Carragher and Gary Neville – who both voiced support for protests against the European Super League – were also caught in the crosshairs.
      But Carragher said: “The frustration with the ownership and I must say I’m obviously a Liverpool supporter in this stadium with Manchester United fans coming past me, but I do think in this situation, football rivalry goes out of this.
      “Listen, it’s been peaceful, there’s no problem in the stadium, I’m unsure about outside the stadium, but it’s been a peaceful protest.
      “They’re very unhappy with their owners, not just of what they’re doing in terms of buying a striker, or buying a player in the summer, I think as supporters and how they’ve been treated at this club and how they’ve gone about it.
      “The frustration comes from that and it’s obviously heightened with what happened with the Super League.
      “Yes, we all want to see a game of football, we don’t want to see any trouble but I can’t stand here and have a go at Manchester United fans.
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      “My own supporters, Liverpool, probably 10 or 15 years ago were doing these type of things, marching outside of stadiums to get rid of Hicks and Gillett.
      “I would not have a go at any Manchester United fan as long as it’s peaceful and there’s no trouble.
      “Football means a lot for a lot of people and Manchester as much as anybody.
      “A peaceful protest and they’ve only got themselves to blame, the ownership.”
      The chaos inside and outside Old Trafford caused the game to be postponed amid safety concerns.
      A statement read: “Following discussion between the Police, The Premier League, Trafford Council and the clubs, our match against Liverpool has been postponed due to safety and security considerations around the protest today. Discussions will now take place with the Premier League on a revised date for the fixture.

      “Our fans are passionate about Manchester United, and we completely acknowledge the right to free expression and peaceful protest.  “However, we regret the disruption to the team and actions which put other fans, staff, and the police in danger.
      “We thank the police for their support and will assist them in any subsequent investigations.”
      “Following the security breach at Old Trafford, the Manchester United vs. Liverpool game has been postponed.
      “This is a collective decision from the police, both clubs, the Premier League and local authorities.
      “The security and safety of everyone at Old Trafford remains of paramount importance.
      “We understand and respect the strength of feeling but condemn all acts of violence, criminal damage and trespass, especially given the associated COVID-19 breaches.
      “Fans have many channels by which to make their views known, but the actions of a minority seen today have no justification.
      “We sympathise with the police and stewards who had to deal with a dangerous situation that should have no place in football.
      “The rearrangement of the fixture will be communicated in due course.”
      Chaos erupted outside Old Trafford as crowds formedCredit: News Images
      Furious fans made their feelings knownCredit: PA More

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      Man Utd stars received 3,300 incidents of social media abuse since September 2019 with 86 per cent of attacks racist

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S players have received a sickening 3,300 incidents of social media abuse since September 2019 – the majority of them racist.The astonishing figure has highlighted the rise in social media abuse of their stars, up 350 per cent in that time scale.
      Man Utd players received a sickening 3,300 incidents of social media abuse since September 2019Credit: AFP
      Premier League’s anti racism campaignCredit: AFP
      In a wide ranging investigation set out by the club they found that 86 per cent of these posts were racist, while eight per cent were homophobic or transphobic.
      It peaked in January 2021 with over 400 abusive player posts recorded.
      The disgusting racist posts contained either the ‘N word’ (and variants on the spelling) or emojis used with racist intent.
      United are joining a worldwide social media boycott by sports stars and organisations from 3pm today until 23.59pm on Monday in response to the sustained attacks.
      The club monitored Players of the men’s and women’s first team and academy in that period from September 2019 to February of this year.
      Manchester United’s Group Managing Director Richard Arnold said: “We have been actively campaigning against discrimination for some time through our All Red All Equal initiative.
      “The level of support we have received for this work from our fans has been hugely encouraging but these figures show that despite that, the level of abuse our players and fans receive is on the up.
      “It must be said that while these numbers are shocking, they do only represent a 0.01 per cent of conversations that take place on social media about the club and the players.

      “By taking part in this boycott this weekend, we, alongside the rest of English football, want to shine a light on the issue.
      “It will generate debate and discussion and will raise awareness of the levels of abuse our players and our fans receive.”
      United also monitored abuse of their own fans noting a sharp rise in user-to-use attack from the summer of 2020 with 43 per cent of these posts racist while 7 per cent were homophobic or transphobic.
      United have also taken action against six of their own fans for abusing Tottenham’s Heung-Min Son on social media following their match with Spurs on 11 April.
      They have suspended three season ticket holders, two official members and one who was on the season ticket waiting list.
      The Sun is standing united with English football this weekend in response to the ongoing discriminatory abuse of players on social media.
      All of our Twitter accounts including Sport, Football, TV and Showbiz will stop posting from 3pm, Friday 30th April until 11.59pm, Monday 3rd May.  
      Social media boycott receives major corporate backing from McDonald’s THE social media boycott led by English football has received major corporate backing after McDonald’s became the biggest company to throw their weight behind the project.
      Clubs, players and staff of all men’s and women’s teams across the country will down tools on their work on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at 3pm today as they protest against the lack of action the tech giants take to stop abuse and discrimination.
      A string of sponsors and other sports have joined in, including in Formula One where Lewis Hamilton has vowed to follow suit this weekend.
      And now McDonald’s – one of the biggest commercial market players in the UK – have decided they too will cease all activity on social media until the end of Monday.
      That includes all marketing messages they would normally send out, and their decision to join the fold will only add weight to the growing pressure on the platforms to actually make changes instead of just talking.
      McDonald’s are the longest-running commercial sponsors working with the FA in England and felt they could not stand by and watch the abuse continue without making a stand.
      A McDonald’s Spokesperson said: “As a long-standing partner of The FA, we join this collective stand against online abuse and discrimination.
      “McDonald’s UK is deeply committed to inclusive and respectful environments, which is why we have worked closely with our social media platform partners over the last year to stop online abuse and discrimination.”
      All the company’s main accounts and grassroots Fun Football channels on all social media platforms will pause from 3pm on Friday until 11:59pm on Monday, responding only to customer services enquiries.
      A Facebook spokesperson said: “No one should have to experience abuse anywhere, and it’s against our policies to harass or discriminate against people on Instagram or Facebook.
      “We agree with and have already made progress on many of the players’ suggestions, including taking tougher action against people breaking our rules in DMs.
      “We continue to work with UK police on hate speech, and respond to valid legal requests for information, which can be essential for investigations.
      “We’ll continue listening to feedback and keep fighting hate and racism on our platform.” More

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      Man Utd kid Anthony Elanga, 18, idolised Arsenal legend Thierry Henry growing up and his dad was Cameroon World Cup star

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      MANCHESTER United’s youngsters have profited from the club’s Europa League campaign by getting valuable minutes and experience on the pitch.And we could see exciting forward Anthony Elanga handed his opportunity next, after he was seen getting on a plane to Granada for the quarter-final tie.
      Anthony Elanga is the latest promising talent coming through the Man Utd ranksCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      18-year-old forward and Swedish youth star Elanga won the prestigious Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award last seasonCredit: Sportsfile
      Elanga was spotted on the flight to Granada for the Europa League quarter-final tieCredit: Getty
      The 18-year-old Swedish youth star is the latest talent off the United conveyor belt that could be set for his debut in the competition.
      His dad Joseph was a professional footballer, who earned 17 caps for Cameroon and was called up to the 1998 World Cup squad.
      Last season, Anthony was handed the prestigious Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award, previously won by Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood.
      Elanga was rewarded for his rapid progress with a new long-term deal at Old Trafford.
      KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY
      Anthony’s father Joseph could say he taught him everything he knew.
      But the elder Elanga, now 41, wasn’t a forward like his son. He was a defender, who made a career for himself in Europe – in countries including Greece, Sweden and Denmark, before retiring in 2012.
      His best years were with Malmo from 2000-2005, who he won the Swedish championship with in 2004. He would join the club for one season again in 2010 and win a second league title.
      Joseph was a member of the Cameroon 1998 World Cup squad, but didn’t play a game.
      During his career, however, he did manage to gain 17 caps for his country.
      Joseph Elanga played in Europe for clubs including Malmo and Brondby (pictured here)Credit: Getty
      Elanga Sr played 17 times for Cameroon and was picked for their 1998 World Cup squadCredit: Alamy
      A THREAT UPFRONT
      United’s youth sides are blessed with promising forwards, with the likes of Shola Shoretire, Charlie McNeill and Dillon Hoogewerf all showing they have a bright future in the game.
      Like them, Elanga has the ability to play out wide or though the middle as a No9.
      Predominantly right-footed, he uses his pace and skill to beat his man, often cutting in before unleashing a shot on goal.
      His solo runs are reminiscent of a young Ryan Giggs, who could take three or four players out of a game in one swashbuckling gallop.
      Elanga has been with the Red Devils since the U12s, joining the academy from Sunday League side Hattersley FC.
      In March Elanga signed a long-term deal with the Red DevilsCredit: Getty
      Elanga has an eye for goal, scoring six times in 12 games for the U23s this seasonCredit: Getty
      Predominantly right-footed, Elanga likes to drift to the left and cut in towards goalCredit: Getty

      In 2019-20, after a prolific season with the U18 side with who he scored seven times in nine games, he was the recipient of the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award
      This season, he graduated to the U23s, where he has six goals and two assists in 12 Premier League 2 games. But his season was recently disrupted by a broken collarbone.
      HOPEFUL FOR THE FUTURE
      With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer giving youth a chance, Elanga – who scored two goals in five matches for Sweden’s U17s – has already excited the Norwegian boss in training.
      “He’s got an X factor, some attributes, it’s not like a gift, but he’s got the acceleration, pace, speed, that’s a given for wingers and he’s got qualities I like,” Solskjaer explained.
      “He’s a goalscoring winger, he’s confident, he likes to beat men, right foot, left foot, he’s got a great attitude.”

      Humble Elanga understands he has to work hard to achieve his goal of first team footballCredit: Instagram anthonyelanga
      Elanga can see a pathway to the United first team after seeing the likes of Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood flourish under Ole Gunnar SolskjaeerCredit: Getty
      Elanga is equally as positive for his future, and knows what he has to do to impress his boss.
      Back in November he told PA, “You look at the likes of Mason and Rashy, there is a pathway there.
      “It just shows you that if you’re willing to put the work into it and continue to work hard day in, day out in training there’s a pathway for you there.”
      HEROES IN THE GAME
      In an interview with The Athletic last year, Elanga revealed who he styles his game on.
      “Thierry Henry was my idol and I tried to match my game with his,” he said.
      “He was quick. He could play anywhere across the front three – striker, left wing, right wing – and that’s how I want to replicate my game.”

      Solskjaer says Elanga has an X-Factor about him and a promising futureCredit: Getty
      Elanga idolises Thierry Henry and tries to copy his hero’s gameCredit: Getty

      Manchester United legend Gary Neville caught a glimpse of Elanga in full flight, when he co-commentated on United Under-21s 6-0 win over Salford City in the EFL Trophy last year.
      He said the youngster was a “nightmare to play against” and called his goal “Thierry Henry-esque.”
      If he’s half the player Henry was, United have got themselves some talent here.
      Solskjaer says Man Utd striker Marcus Rashford in doubt for Granada match More

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      West Ham desperate for Jesse Lingard transfer and will do ‘whatever it takes’ to land Man Utd and England ace

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      WEST HAM will do ‘whatever it takes’ to sign Jesse Lingard permanently from Manchester United, it has been claimed. Lingard left Old Trafford in January after being frozen out of the side and joined the Hammers until the end of the season.
      West Ham will do ‘whatever it takes’ to sign Jesse Lingard permanently from Manchester UnitedCredit: Rex
      It proved pivotal for the playmaker, who has re-found his form with six goals and four assists in eight matches for West Ham.
      The Hammers are desperate to keep Lingard, 28, but do not have a clause in the loan deal to make the move permanent.
      A West Ham source reportedly told Sky Sports: “We will do whatever it takes to sign him. He’s been outstanding for us.”
      Lingard even received a call up in England’s last round of World Cup qualifiers after two years in the wilderness.
      He started against San Marino and came off the bench against Albania and Poland, with England winning all three.
      He travelled to and scored in the 2018 World Cup and is now fighting for a place on the plane for this summer’s delayed European Championship.
      Lingard boosted his chances again in West Ham’s weekend win over Wolves with a magnificent 60-yard run, which resulted in a goal.
      After the Hammers 3-2 win, United legend Gary Neville said: “He does an incredible amount of running.
      Jesse Lingard has been on fire since joining West Ham
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      “It’s what he does. He’s good out of possession and good in possession.
      “At Manchester United. because there is that expectation of what you need to be, to be a wide player there, he’s always going to get a difficult press.
      “But if he was playing in a world-class team, if he was, say, Ji-Sung Park 10 years ago playing with Ronaldo and Rooney, doing that supplementary role, then people would be saying he’s perfect for this squad.
      “The problem is he was not playing in Manchester United teams as good as that, so he gets a bit of stick. He’s a really good player. He’s going to have a great career.

      “Manchester United have sent him out to West Ham to boost his career, maybe with the thought of boosting his price tag, but they might be thinking, ‘Actually, we might want him back, he could be a real help to us’.
      “If Jesse wants to play, and you can see he does want to play, then he needs to leave, because he’s not going to play every single week for a Manchester United team that’s competing for second or first place in the league.
      “But if he’s willing to go back there and compete and be the player that Dan James has been for the last few weeks, in and out, then there’s no doubt he can play for Manchester United.”
      Trevor Sinclair says Jesse Lingard should stay at West Ham More

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      Man Utd starlet Charlie Savage looking to one-up dad Robbie and follow in Scott McTominay’s footsteps

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      CHARLIE SAVAGE hopes to go one better than his old man — and make the grade at Manchester United.But the 17-year-old midfielder says Scott McTominay, not his dad Robbie, is the main inspiration behind his goal to reach the Old Trafford first team.
      Man Utd starlet Charlie Savage, 17, hopes to go one better than his old man RobbieCredit: Getty
      Savage says Scott McTominay is the main inspiration behind his goal to reach the first teamCredit: Getty
      Robbie Savage was a member of United’s Class of 92 alongside the likes of David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Nicky Butt.
      He never made a senior appearance for United but went on to have a fine career with Leicester, Birmingham and Derby.
      Savage Sr, now a pundit, also won 39 caps for Wales in midfield.
      Now his son Charlie is making waves with both United and Wales and hopes to follow in the footsteps of Red Devils academy graduate McTominay.
      Savage Jr admitted: “The main inspiration for me is Scott — he’s the best with us. He comes over to talk to us. He had it difficult in the youth team.
      “He didn’t play many matches but he just kept going and he proved it’s not always the standout players who make the first team.
      “Sometimes it’s the players who might have had a back seat but they keep pushing and pushing.
      “Scott, Marcus Rashford and also Brandon Williams all inspire us to improve and move forward.”
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      Savage Jr is a regular for United’s Under-18s and is highly rated.
      He was born in Leicester in 2003, when his dad was playing for the Foxes.
      Now he wants to represent Wales like dad Robbie — and last month made his Under-18 debut in a defeat to England.
      With his long hair flowing, Savage Jr is eerily similar to his famous father.
      But he is more of a creative threat than his enforcer dad — plus a fine passer.
      Charlie said: “My first game for Wales was two or three years ago and I’ve come through the age groups.
      “I’ve always dreamed of playing for my country, it makes me proud.

      “Last season was difficult because I was injured but this season I’ve played pretty much all the matches at United — and I feel like I am progressing really well.
      “My dad doesn’t really say too much to me. He leaves that to the coaches who know better!
      “He’s there if I need him but he always stresses to me how big a thing it is to play for your country — and that I should be proud of what I’ve achieved so far.
      “It’s an honour for me to play for Wales.”
      Charlie was watched against England by his dad, who was forced to stand on a hill outside Cardiff International stadium because of Covid regulations. Robbie then picked his son up in a Bentley.
      It was quite the contrast to his junior Welsh team-mates, driving off in their Volkswagen Polos.
      Charlie said: “It’d be nice to replicate what he did and make it to the Wales first team.
      Savage Jr is a regular for United’s Under-18s and is highly rated
      Robbie Savage with his son Charlie
      “We are different. He was tenacious, whereas I’m more of a ball player.
      “I think I’m a better finisher than him too! He won’t like me saying that — but if I can have half the career he had, then I’ll be very happy.”
      Savage faced England in the same Wales side as captain Keelan Williams, the brother of Liverpool and Wales defender Neco.
      Charlie will now hope to follow a similar path in the next few seasons.
      Wales Under-18 boss Rob Edwards said: “I’ve got to say Charlie has a great attitude.
      “His presence in our camp is very professional. We set the standards of an elite environment and Charlie has come in and been a great character.
      “He played very well against England. The players wouldn’t be here if we didn’t think they had potential.”
      Gary Neville names the clubs he would have played for if Man Utd sold him More

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      Man Utd whizkid Brandon Williams eyed by Southampton in loan transfer after January snub

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      SOUTHAMPTON would like to revisit a loan move for Manchester United whizkid Brandon Williams.Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl wants more depth in the full-back areas and likes Williams’ ability to play both on the left and right.
      Southampton would like to revisit a loan move for Brandon WilliamsCredit: Getty
      Hasenhuttl tried to borrow Williams, 20, from United in January but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer refused to let him go.
      Southampton are hopeful Solskjaer will reconsider his stance for next season though, with Williams starting just three games this term.
      Brentford’s Rico Henry is another name Saints could consider this summer, particularly if the Bees fail to win promotion and Ryan Bertrand walks away on a free
      Meanwhile are keen to sign Theo Walcott permanently in the summer after being wowed by his performances and attitude this season.
      Saints are generally hunting younger reinforcements but will make an exception for loanee Walcott.
      The 47-cap England star, now 32, has impressed since arriving from Goodison Park in January and set up Nathan Redmond’s winner against Burnley on Sunday.
      Walcott will be a free agent when his Everton contract expires in June, but is confident his future will be determined soon.
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      He said: “To be quite frankly honest, I have just been looking forward to getting fit. Simple as that.
      “That thing will sort itself out, I am sure. I am just looking after myself and working hard playing for Southampton at this moment in time.
      “We will see what the future takes.”
      Southampton v Burnley as it happened More