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    Conor Gallagher joins Atletico Madrid in £34million transfer after England star brutally forced out of Chelsea

    ATLETICO MADRID have announced the arrival of Conor Gallagher.The midfielder has finally completed a £34million switch from Chelsea after being frozen out at Stamford Bridge.Conor Gallagher has completed a £34million move to Atletico MadridCredit: Atletico MadridAnd the Spanish giants announced the capture with a cartoon drawing of an animal, captioning the post: “Beware of the pitbull.”Gallagher, 24, has already started training where he has been re-united with former Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta, who has helped translate instructions.Gallagher was subject to a bid from Atletico earlier this month amid interest from Aston Villa.He even flew to Madrid to finalise the transfer, only for it to collapse as Samu Omorodion turned down the proposed swap deal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat left Gallagher in limbo and the midfielder was forced to return to London while the clubs thrashed out a deal.Gallagher had met Atletico chiefs, players and even had a tour of the Metropolitano stadium before flying back.Chelsea rescued the deal by offering £40m to sign Joao Felix.Felix arrived in London on Tuesday and underwent a medical ahead of putting pen to paper on a six-year deal, with the option of a further year.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGallagher was a key player for Chelsea last seasonGallagher’s open letter to fans“To everyone at Chelsea, thank you for making my dreams come true. It’s been an absolute honour every time I put on the shirt, and it was a dream come true to captain the team on many occasions.“I loved every moment. These memories will last forever. I appreciate all the love and support from the fans. Hearing the chant of my name at the Bridge is a special feeling, and the banner you displayed [against Spurs] meant the world to me.“Thank you for everything. I wish the club all the best for the future, and I hope to see you all soon at Stamford Bridge.”The Blues paid tribute to Gallagher and thanked him for his service following his departure after 18 years at the club.The club said in a statement: “We wish Conor the very best as he begins a new chapter in his career.”Gary Neville claims Raheem Sterling ‘may be punching back on behalf of Gallagher and Chalobah’ after Chelsea statementThe player himself released an open letter to Chelsea fans.Prior to his move Gallagher was placed in Chelsea’s ‘bomb squad’ – a group of players frozen out as the club tried to find ways to move them on.The England star was banished from the first-team squad, meaning he was not allowed to train with manager Enzo Maresca or even enter the first-team building.Gallagher will be one of many more leaving Stamford Bridge in the next few days as the club desperately try to trim their squad.Where will they get changed? Jamie Carragher’s huge Chelsea rantPREMIER LEAGUE legend Jamie Carragher let rip at Chelsea’s transfer market activity, going on an epic rant about the west Londoners…He told Sky Sports: “Chelsea have just got to stop buying players and players have got to stop signing for Chelsea.”If I was a player and look at Chelsea, why would you sign?”The only reason you’d sign is because someone might say – your agent might say – ‘We’re getting a seven-year deal’.”You know what I’d say? ‘Back yourself as a player, sign a four-year deal at a proper club and back yourself to do well’.”And then when you’re due for renewal your money goes up anyway.”I don’t understand why you’d sign a seven-year deal. Back yourself.”He continued: “All players need competition. But every team I played in there were seven or eight players who knew they were playing every week.”Then you’ve got six or seven players who are fighting for three positions, and then you’ve got another six players who know they are squad players.”And of the Blues’ swollen array of talent, Carragher asked: “Where are they going to fit in the changing room?”How are you going to put on a training session.” More

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    Premier League fans set to get first look at upgraded stadium that saw 900 season ticket holders booted out their seats

    ASTON VILLA fans are set to get their first glimpse at the stadium upgrades that forced 900 season ticket holders out of their regular seats.The club have ambitious plans to redevelop Villa Park and significantly increase the capacity – but for now have made some smaller changes.Aston Villa are set to push ahead with plans to redevelop Villa ParkCredit: GettyThe club received planning permission to completely rebuild the North Stand in 2022 but decided against it last year.Chris Heck, Villa’s president of business operations, claimed it was not the right time to undergo a redevelopment.In December, he said: “We have 42,000 seats. A substantial amount. To add on 10,000 right now doesn’t seem practical to me.”We talk about Villa Park being a fortress. It is true. I think it would be a bad idea to tear down one of the stands for two years while we are playing like we are.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Going forward, I think everything should be about all fans and not just one particular stand.”They are extremely ambitious ideas. During the summer months I became concerned we were adding too many seats too fast.”I believe it was important we took a step back and re-evaluate what is best for our fans.”The aim is to eventually increase the stadium’s capacity to 52,000 seats.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSVilla Park is set to host some matches at Euro 2028 so any major work could be completed by then.For now, Aston Villa have pushed on with some more minor changes that fans will be able to see this weekend when they host Arsenal on Saturday.Watch sweet moment Jack Grealish says ‘do you still like me-‘ to young Aston Villa fan who asks him to sign shirtThe club have looked at improving the current facilities at Villa Park during the summer break.Among the changes are the installation of new rail seating, additional seats to increase capacity and new hospitality areas across a range of price points.Approximately 900 season ticket holders in the North, Doug Ellis and Trinity Road stands have been displaced as a result.Villa aren’t the only club making changes.Crystal Palace are also set to make huge upgrades to their stadium.Club officials have received the green light to build a new state-of-the-art stand that will house 15,300 fans at Selhurst Park.It will take the capacity of Selhurst Park from 25,486 to over 34,000.READ MORE SUN STORIESManchester City’s Etihad Stadium currently looks like a building site.Meanwhile, Fulham are opening their new Riverside Stand across the course of the current campaign. More

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    Man Utd squad enjoy team-bonding meal at £120-per-head restaurant after PFA Awards with injured stars making appearance

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S players enjoyed a team-bonding meal at a £120-per-head restaurant after the PFA Awards.Erik ten Hag’s men splashed out at contemporary Chinese restaurant Tattu, with crocked trio Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro and Tyrell Malacia making appearances.Man Utd players enjoyed a team bonding meal after the PFA AwardsCredit: SplashNew boy Leny Yoro showed off his foot injury as he used crutches at the restaurantCredit: SplashLuke Shaw was also present after picking up a calf problem in pre-seaosnCredit: SplashTyrell Malacia was in good spirits as he continues his fitness journeyCredit: SplashBruno Fernandes opted for a cool lookCredit: SplashUnited beat Fulham 1-0 in their Premier League opener thanks to new striker Joshua Zirkzee’s late goal.And following last night’s PFA awards, players treated themselves to some tasty dishes to celebrate a successful start to the new season.One set menu at Tattu, dubbed the “Emperor’s Choice”, costs £119 per person.Stars tucked into a succulent Chinese meal with dishes including red belly pork, wagyu beef, green pepper lobster and Singapore shiitake noodles.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut there was no sign of boss Ten Hag as he prepares for Saturday’s trip to Brighton.United’s players took a relaxed approach to the bonding session, with new boys Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui enjoying their first taste of Manchester’s nightlife.Marcus Rashford, Casemiro, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans must have gone to the same stylist as they dressed themselves in black shirts and light trousers.While captain Bruno Fernandes opted for a stylish cream jacket with baggy blue jeans.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAlejandro Garnacho, Diogo Dalot, Kobbie Mainoo, Rasmus Hojlund, Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen, Amad Diallo and Hannibal Mejbri were also seen on the night out.But it was the sight of injured defenders Shaw, Yoro and Malacia that will have put a smile on fans’ faces.Best ten new Premier League kits for next seasonJoshua Zirkzee scored United’s winner against Fulham on his debutCredit: SplashMatthijs de Ligt got his first taste of Manchester’s night lifeCredit: SplashNoussair Mazraoui was also present at the night outCredit: SplashAlejandro Garnacho is hoping for a big seasonCredit: SplashKobbie Mainoo has become a key player for UnitedCredit: SplashThe latter did not make a single appearance last season and is still not fit.Yet Malacia appeared to be in good spirits as he opted to dress in bright colours.As for Shaw, he wore a baggy white jumper after picking up a calf injury in pre-season.The left-back started the Euro 2024 final for England after returning from a problem sustained in February.Christian Eriksen was joined by Jonny EvansCredit: SplashCasemiro opted for a similar outfit to EvansCredit: SplashThe duo were then followed by Marcus RashfordCredit: SplashVictor Lindelof was the fourth man to combine a black shirt with light trousersCredit: SplashRasmus Hojlund looked smart in his gearCredit: SplashAnd he hopes to be fit again after next month’s international break.Finally, new centre-back Yoro showed the extent of his foot injury as he made his way into the restaurant on crutches.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe £50million summer signing underwent foot surgery at the start of August after fracturing his metatarsal.And he will not be back until November at the earliest.Lisandro Martinez was all smilesCredit: SplashDiogo Dalot enjoyed his night outCredit: SplashAmad Diallo made a splash in pre seasonCredit: SplashHannibal Mejbri joined teammates for dinnerCredit: SplashThe Red Devils are now preparing to travel to BrightonCredit: Splash More

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    Man Utd flops set unwanted Premier League record as Arsenal and Man City fill almost entire PFA Team of the Year

    MANCHESTER UNITED hit another new low as they set an unwanted Premier League record.It’s the first time in the Prem era United have gone two seasons in a row without having a player in the PFA Team of the Year.Man Utd hit another new low as they set an unwanted recordCredit: GettyIt’s the first time in the Prem era United have gone two seasons in a row without a player in Team of the YearCredit: GettyIn a season full of unwanted records that saw them finish in an unprecedented eighth in the Prem, the Red Devils have added yet another bad omen.While the red side of Manchester has been subject to a downward spiral since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, players have still managed to often sneak into the Team of the Year XI.Of course, years have come where no United player has featured in the star-studded XI, but it’s never happened for TWO consecutive seasons.Cristiano Ronaldo – who returned for his second spell in 2021 – was the last Old Trafford player to make the top line-up in 2021/22.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWhile Bruno Fernandes and Luke Shaw made the 2020/21 XI after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer finished second behind Manchester City.Paul Pogba made the XI in 2019 – even though United finished sixth.David de Gea was often their saving grace, featuring as the No1 goalkeeper for four consecutive years between 2015-2018.This time round the PFA Team of the Year features five Arsenal players and four City stars.Most read in FootballThe 2023/24 Premier League Team of the YearFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal loanee David Raya – who joined on a permanent basis from Brentford this summer- edged out Alisson to a spot between the sticks.While William Saliba, Virgil van Dijk, Gabriel and Kyle Walker made up a back line of zero City representatives for the first time since 2020.Arsenal vs Wolves: Player RatingsRodri was named in the heart of the midfield trio, while Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard also got the nod in the XI.Phil Foden, Erling Haaland and Aston Villa’s topscorer Ollie Watkins made up the front three.The last time United went two seasons without a player featuring in the best starting XI was between 1986-87 and 1987-88. But it did happen THREE times in a row between 1979 – 1980, when Liverpool and Arsenal were dominating the league.Arsenal stars dominated the starting XIGianfranco Zola presents Cole Palmer with his PFA Young Player of the Year trophyCredit: PA More

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    Premier League 2023/24 Team of the Year revealed with FIVE Arsenal players lining up and only four clubs featuring

    THE PFA Premier League Team of the Year has been announced – with runners-up Arsenal dominating the star-studded XI.Mikel Arteta’s Gunners fell agonisingly short in a thrilling final day of the 2023/24 season, ultimately coming up two points adrift of eight-time champs Manchester City.Arsenal stars dominated the PFA Team of the YearDeclan Rice was named in the midfield XI after a stellar debut season for ArsenalCredit: GettyGabriel got the nod at the backCredit: GettyPhil Foden claimed the most coveted prize on the nightThe Emirates side played superbly all season – and their squad has been rewarded by their fellow pros by having no fewer than FIVE stars voted into the campaign’s best XI.While Premier League champions Man City only have FOUR players in the line-up.Arsenal loanee David Raya – who joined on a permanent basis from Brentford this summer- edged out Alisson between the sticks.While top defensive duo William Saliba and Gabriel were an obvious choice at the back.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe PFA opted for another centre-half in Virgil van Dijk to shore up the back-line.The Liverpool captain, who finished third in Jurgen Klopp’s final season, beat title winners John Stones and Ruben Dias to the other position, with Kyle Walker in at right-back.Rodri was named in the heart of the midfield trio, while Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard also got the nod in the XI.That means it’s the first time since 2019 that Kevin de Bruyne has failed to make the best starting side.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd in a repeat of last year, only FOUR clubs are represented – Arsenal, City, Liverpool and Aston Villa.It’s the first-time Phil Foden and Ollie Watkins have been picked in the PFA XI, both notching 19 goals a piece.Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher make Prem predictions as Man Utd icon reveals why his club will come above Liverpool And Erling Haaland jumps straight back into the PFA Premier League Team of the Year for the second successive campaign.Foden was named the PFA Player of the Year, having already landed the Football Writers’ Association award three months ago.Chelsea and England whiz Cole Palmer claimed the Young Player of the Year gong at the Manchester Opera House.Haaland’s 27 goals means he nabbed the Golden Boot for the second year in a row.Notable exemptionsSuperstar Palmer – who enjoyed the best-ever Premier League debut campaign – failed to get the nod in the XI despite scoring 22 goals last term.While Bukayo Saka also failed to make it after his form somewhat dropped off towards the end of last season.Despite many believing De Bruyne is the greatest ever Prem midfielder, the Belgium international missed most of the early campaign through injury.He still managed ten assists and four goals in 21 domestic appearances.Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is another notable exception.READ MORE SUN STORIESSalah struck 18 times to take his overall Premier League tally to 155, a number since raised to 156 after striking at Ipswich on Saturday.The Egyptian star is a two-time recipient of the PFA Player of the Year award – in 2017/18 and 2021/22.Man Utd fan and rapper Aitch attends the PFA Awards 2024Credit: GettyJules Breach and Alex Scott stunned on the red carpet before the ceremony commencedCredit: GettyOllie Watkins and his finacee Ellie Anderson arrivaed to pick up his first mention in the team awardCredit: RexPep Guardiola wore a dashing suit to the awards night in ManchesterCredit: GettyFoden arrived with missus Rebecca Cooke and young son RonnieCredit: GettyThe Man City ace won PFA Player of the YearCredit: PA More

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    Enzo Maresca wasting Cole Palmer by playing him in the WRONG POSITION, according to Premier League legend

    MICHAEL OWEN has insisted Enzo Maresca is playing Cole Palmer out of position.Chelsea fell to an abject 2-0 defeat to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday – and Palmer barely got a look in.Palmer started from the right wing on SundayCredit: RexMichael Owen believes Palmer needs to play through the middleCredit: AlamyThe England forward, 22, looked a shadow of himself from last season, where he often single-handedly guided Chelsea’s output.Neither Palmer or Christopher Nkunku could get a look in from the wings and were limited to passenger roles for much of the afternoon.While Palmer started on the right-wing, he excelled in a No.10 role last season, scoring 27 goals and bagging 15 assists for the Blues.And former Liverpool striker Owen believes Palmer needs to be given a freedom role to create and dictate from the middle.Most read in FootballHe told Premier League Productions: “Chelsea have bought so many players that can play on the right-wing, haven’t they?”You’ve got players who aren’t even in the squad who can play in that position too like Raheem Sterling.”I’m sure the manager watched how good Palmer was last season and the position he played in and everything else.”And you would just think that when you’re picking a team, your best players play in their best positions and you fit around them.”Most read in FootballPalmer was limited to a few forward passes in Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat to CityFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile Palmer can play wide and even as an 8 from deeper, it is widely agreed that he is at his best when driving through the centre of the pitch.But he did play wide for England at the Euros, providing an assist and scoring in the final after arriving from the bench on both occasions.Gary Neville claims Raheem Sterling ‘may be punching back on behalf of Gallagher and Chalobah’ after Chelsea statementOwen added: “I would prefer him to be at his best and getting more of the ball in a more central area.”If I was the manager, he’d be first on the team sheet in his favoured position and then I’d work around it.”But it seems like they’ve bought so many players that they’re trying to shuffle the pack.”We heard the manager before the game say Palmer can play in any of those positions around the front and I’m sure he can.”Palmer last season and Maresca’s dilemmaPalmer joined Chelsea from Man City for £40m plus add-ons and enjoyed a sensational debut campaign.The attacking midfielder would go on to pick up the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season award last season after returning 22 goals across 34 Prem matches for Chelsea.He is contracted to Stamford Bridge for the next nine years, after extending his stay for another two seasons this summer.READ MORE SUN STORIESMaresca, though, has a conundrum on his hands in terms of squad selection, as club chiefs keep adding to their near £1.2billion spent on transfers since Todd Boehly arrived in 2022.Chelsea have several wingers on their 43-man roster waiting on the side-lines for minutes, and have just added Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid to the mix.His Premier League stats last season More

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    Jamie O’Hara slams ‘bang out of order’ Guglielmo Vicario after Tottenham star’s behaviour towards debutant team-mate

    JAMIE O’HARA has slammed Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario for his stoppage-time outburst during their 1-1 draw at Leicester.The Italian shot-stopper berated debutant Lucas Bergvall after the 18-year-old’s error forced Vicario into making a late save.Guglielmo Vicario gave debutant Lucas Bergvall a piece of his mindCredit: RexAfter the 18-year-old lgave the ball away and conceded a chanceCredit: RexLate substitute Bergvall lost the ball from deep in the 90th minute, allowing Leicester’s Wilfred N’didi to get a shot off at Vicario.After forcing a corner, Vicario, 27, sprinted towards the worried-looking youngster, pointing and waving his arms to give him an earful.And former Spurs midfielder O’Hara was left fuming with the “bang out of order” verbal tirade.O’Hara told Grosvenor Sport: “I really liked Lucas Bergvall when he came on, he was really bright and really comfortable on the ballREAD MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”He looked like James Maddison, the way he was drifting into pockets. He wanted the ball over the pitch and performed well.”I’m really annoyed with Guglielmo Vicario, because of the way he dug Bergvall out when he gave the ball away and conceded that chance. “Not one Spurs player was showing for it. The way he came out, all guns blazing, shouting at the young lad – that’s bang out of order!”Vicario is meant to be a leader, but he wasn’t shouting at Christian Romero when he left Jamie Vardy free in the six yard box for a free header.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I hated that as a player, and if it was me, I would’ve turned around to him and put him in his place. “Bergvall is going to be a top player for Tottenham. Vicario needs to sort himself out and not do that again because that is poor leadership.”Catfish and the Bottlemen announce concert at Tottenham Stadium Many Spurs fans were split by Vicario’s criticism, particularity towards such a young new arrival.Some thought his hairdryer treatment towards the teenager was unnecessary, while others felt he was showing the leadership skills needed for the Premier League.Jamie Vardy returned to the Premier League with a bangCredit: GettyBergvall joined Tottenham over the summer from Swedish side Djurgarden.The midfielder signed a five-year deal at the club after his £8.5million transfer was confirmed.Rubbish Romero O’Hara later added: “Romero for Leicester’s equaliser was awful!”Vardy is one of the most clinical strikers the Premier League has ever seen – he has eight opening game goals.”And Romero walks past him and gives Vardy space in the six-yard box with a free header! Come on, Romero is a World Cup winner, he needs to do better.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile Vicario told The Athletic this summer: “I’m one of the oldest players in this group.”It’s just my second year, but I feel like I have more responsibilities than last season. It’s a big honour for me to have this opportunity to be with the young players more and to speak with them.”Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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    Seven Man Utd stars that could still leave this summer including Scott McTominay and £350k-a-week flop Casemiro

    SEVEN Manchester United players could still leave before the end of the month.The transfer window closes on August 30 and Erik ten Hag’s men have already offloaded a number of individuals this summer.Erik ten Hag could still say goodbye to a host of players before the end of the windowCredit: PAThey have included Mason Greenwood, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Willy Kambwala and Donny van de Beek.Raphael Varane, Anthony Martial and Brandon Williams were also among those to depart at the end of their contracts.Yet with incoming transfers such as Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui, Man Utd are still looking to trim their squad in the coming days.SunSport has taken a look at seven players who could be saying farewell to Old Trafford and bring in more than £100million in the process.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLScott McTominay – £35mMan Utd are understood to be holding out for £35m for Scotland international and academy product Scott McTominay.He is receiving interest from three Premier League clubs – Fulham, Crystal Palace and Brighton.Serie A giants Napoli are also keeping tabs on the midfielder – who scored 10 goals last season.Scott McTominay could be set to leaving in the coming daysCredit: GettyChristian Eriksen – £5mChristian Eriksen is reportedly available for a cut price of just £5m.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Red Devils are keen to get his £150,000-a-week wages off their books.He was linked with a return to Ajax at the end of last season.Christian Eriksen is thought to be available for a cut priceCredit: GettyFans convinced Van Nistelrooy will succeed Ten Hag as Man Utd manager after spotting what he did at end of Fulham clash Victor Lindelof – £13mFiorentina are interested in Swedish centre-back Victor Lindelof – who has now been at Man Utd for seven years.The arrivals of Yoro and De Ligt have knocked him further down the pecking order and Lindelof’s exit is understood to be a welcome resolution for all parties.Victor Lindelof has been linked with a transfer away for some timeCredit: AlamyHannibal Mejbri – LoanHannibal Mejbri could be set for a loan move to Scottish giants Rangers.The Tunisian international, who is also a target for Copenhagen, caught the attention of Gers boss Philippe Clement during a pre-season friendly between Man Utd and the Glasgow outfit.Clement is said to have made Hannibal a “priority” as the end of the window draws closer.Hannibal Mejbri’s lack of game time could finally see him force his way outCredit: ReutersJadon Sancho – £35mJadon Sancho returned to Man Utd from his Borussia Dortmund loan and is believed to have reconciled with Ten Hag following their spat last season.However, he is still being linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer.Sensational reports in Germany earlier this month claimed Chelsea are interested in acquiring him – with the fee thought to be in the region of £35m.Jadon Sancho remains on the periphery of Erik ten Hag’s squadCredit: GettyFacundo Pellistri – £9mFacundo Pellistri may finally get his permanent move away from Man Utd.After two loan spells at Alaves and another with Granada, he is receiving interest from Greek side Panathinaikos.Pellistri has featured just 25 times for the Red Devils since joining for £9m four years ago.Facundo Pellistri is another who could be on the way outCredit: GettyCasemiro – £17mCasemiro, who earns £350,000 per week, was linked with a transfer to Saudi Arabia earlier this summer.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe former Real Madrid man, who joined for £60m in 2022, did start the 1-0 win over Fulham on Friday.But Man Utd could still look to cash in if the right offer comes in from the Middle East.Casemiro is receiving interest from Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty More