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      Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi: The GOAT debate ended once and for all by the stars who played with BOTH legends

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO or Lionel Messi?For close to TWO DECADES, fans have bickered in pubs, parks and playgrounds about which superstar is better.
      Who is truly the greatest of all-time: Messi or Ronaldo?
      Now more than ever supporters seem to be arguing the case for their favourite on social media.
      Both have enjoyed glittering careers, winning loads of trophies, scoring hundreds of goals and earning mountains of personal accolades.
      In truth there is no way us mere mortals can truly know whether Ronaldo or Messi is the best of all-time.
      So we’ve gone to those who know them best to find out who they think is No1.
      Below are 12 stars who played alongside both during their careers – and who THEY believe to be the best ever…
      PAULO DYBALA
      Dybala is a current team-mate of Messi and Ronaldo – and couldn’t separate the two
      The Argentina ace diplomatically claimed: “It is impossible to make a comparison between the two of them or say who is the best.
      “They are at a level on a par with each other and well above everybody else and that has been the case for several years.”
      RESULT: Draw

      DECO
      Deco couldn’t split Ronaldo and Messi
      THE midfield maestro played alongside Messi during the Argentine’s early days at the Nou Camp – while starring alongside Ronaldo for Portugal.
      But when asked to end the ‘who’s better’ debate, Deco refused – and picked Barcelona pal Ronaldinho instead.
      Deco revealed: “From the outset, it is clear that Leo and Cristiano are the greatest.
      “Especially because no one thought they could take so many years to this level, but the one that impressed me most despite not being so decisive was Ronaldinho.
      “For me, he will always be the best.
      “We met in Barcelona and immediately connected with him, the moments I lived with him are difficult to compare to anything. It was magical.”
      RESULT: Draw
      ANGEL DI MARIA
      Di Maria considers it an honour to play alongside Messi
      THE Paris Saint-Germain winger teamed up with Ronaldo at Real Madrid – where they won the 2014 Champions League – and has played many times with Messi for his country.
      But on who was better, Di Maria claimed Messi was the one, saying: “It was a dream to have the possibility to play with [Wayne] Rooney, [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic, Cristiano [Ronaldo], Leo [Messi]…
      “Leo is the best of the four.
      “With all the great players I have played with, it’s hard to choose. But if I had to pick one, it would be Leo.
      “Messi is the best in the world – there is no question about that.
      “When I am an old man I will tell my grandchildren bedtime stories about when I won the Champions League, hopefully when I won the World Cup…
      “But most of all I will tell them their grandfather used to play with Lionel Messi.”
      RESULT: Messi
      GABRIEL HEINZE
      Heinze was the only star to play alongside both who opted for Ronaldo
      THE Argentine left-back played with Ronaldo at Manchester United and Messi for his country – but their paths would have crossed at Newell’s Old Boys too, when Messi was a lad.
      Over the years, Heinze has had his say on both.
      In 2008, he claimed: “If I had to pay for one player I would choose [Ronaldo].
      “I don’t think Cristiano will get any better as a footballer, he is already next to God in his ability.”
      But in 2016, he added: “Leo is inexplicable. He does not come from this planet. And as a person, he leads such a quiet life that is admirable.”
      Despite his glowing praise, technically he did not overturn his decision to name Ronaldo in 2008…
      RESULT: Ronaldo
      GONZALO HIGUAIN
      Higuain currently plays alongside both Messi and Ronaldo
      A FORMER team-mate of Ronaldo’s at Juve – following a spell together at Real Madrid – and Messi for Argentina, Higuain knows all about both.
      And he revealed: “[Ronaldo and I] had already played together with Real. Many years have passed, and I have found another player, a more mature person, with a family.
      “I enjoyed playing alongside him before and I am glad that we are back together.
      “I’m a forward and I have the chance to play with Messi. It’s a privilege to play alongside him.
      “Every time he gets the ball you need to be on your toes because you know that at any moment he can give you a great ball or pull your marker away from you.
      “He does things that a striker can anticipate but a defender can’t.”
      RESULT: Draw
      FERNANDO GAGO
      Fernando Gago opted for Messi over Ronaldo having played with both
      ANOTHER former Real team-mate of Ronaldo who played alongside Messi for Argentina, Gago was in no doubts as to is the better player.
      Gago claimed: “For me he [Ronaldo] is not No1. For me, the best in the world is Messi because of the way he plays, moves with the ball and changes matches.
      “Messi has incredible ability and I love the way that he plays.
      “We know that he has the ability to win a match in half a second and that gives you peace of mind.
      “In every game I have the feeling that he can make us win at any time. Messi’s way of leading is with the ball, sometimes a glance is enough.
      “He has an incredible personality, he understands the game perfectly, he has fought for 14 years to be the best without letting himself down, and that shows how he is.
      “He is the best I have seen in my life, without a doubt.”
      RESULT: Messi
      EZEQUIEL GARAY
      Garay opted for his fellow Argentine Messi over Ronaldo
      YET another former Los Blancos team-mate of Ronaldo who starred on the international scene with Messi, Garay also ranks Leo as the No1.
      Garay revealed: “When people ask me who is the best player ever, I say Leo.
      “From the first time I saw him with Argentina Under-15s to this day he continues to amaze me. He has no limit.”
      RESULT: Messi
      ANDRE GOMES
      Gomes spent time with Messi at Barcelona and still plays with Ronaldo for Portugal now
      THE Everton midfielder spent two years playing alongside Messi at Barcelona, and is captained by Ronaldo for the Portuguese national team.
      And he claimed: “[Ronaldo] is a very important player, who is always present and ready to play.
      “He is very serious about the responsibility of leading our country, we have great spirit, and he’s a great example for all of us.
      “Everyone knows that Messi is very, very good. He does things in games that you cannot explain; he just knows different things and can do it.
      “In training it is a show, because every day he can invent something new.
      “You think you’re used to it, but there is always one day you go to the dressing room surprised by something he has done.”
      RESULT: Draw
      HENRIK LARSSON
      Larsson opted for Messi over Ronaldo thanks to their time at Barca
      THE Swedish legend won the Champions League with Messi, early in the now-PSG star’s career – at Barcelona – and played 13 times alongside Ronaldo during his loan spell at Old Trafford.
      But Larsson knows who he’d choose, saying: “Cristiano is unlucky to be playing at the same time as Messi.
      “Ronaldo is a very good player, but Messi is even better.
      “He is out of this world. He’s so good that it’s almost incredible.
      “When you see him with the ball at his feet it’s hard to believe that anybody else could do the same. He’s a fantastic player to see.”
      RESULT: Messi
      GERARD PIQUE
      Gerard Pique chose long-standing Barca pal Messi over Ronaldo
      THE Spaniard played with Ronaldo early in his own Man Utd career and until this summer was a long-serving team-mate of Messi at the Nou Camp.
      He has his favourite though, saying: “Cristiano is a perfect machine, a hard worker who always wants to improve.
      “I always said that Messi has some talent that no one has.
      “For me it’s like Messi is not human but [Ronaldo] is the best of the humans.”
      RESULT: Messi
      NELSON SEMEDO
      Semedo is a former team-mate of Messi, while he plays with Ronaldo for Portugal
      HAVING won back-to-back LaLiga crowns at Barcelona before moving to Wolves, along with the Uefa Nations League with Portugal, Semedo has enjoyed success with both Messi and Ronaldo.
      And he claimed: “Real Madrid have noticed [Ronaldo’s] absence a lot.
      “I cannot say that it was bad for [Barcelona] that Cristiano left. With him it would have been a more difficult league for us, more competitive.
      “He is a player that requires a lot of attention and care.
      “Messi is spectacular. It’s a privilege to play with him, he always surprises, he’s from another planet.”
      While the quotes suggest he favours Messi, there is no concrete evidence to prove it, so this goes down as a draw.
      RESULT: Draw
      CARLOS TEVEZ
      Carlos Tevez has partnered both forwards up front during his career
      A FORMER Man Utd team-mate of Ronaldo during some trophy-laden years and a long-serving Argentina colleague of Messi, Tevez knows both stars very well.
      On the debate, he said: “Cristiano always stopped in the gym after training: for him it is an obsession and, being the best in everything.
      “Messi plays another sport. For Messi to score three goals [in any given game] is normal.”
      Much like Semedo, while it feels Tevez would sway towards Messi, he’s not come out and said it just yet…
      RESULT: Draw
      SO WHO IS THE WINNER?
      Lionel Messi takes the win over old frenemy Cristiano Ronaldo, according to those who’ve played with bothCredit: Reuters
      WITH six draws from the 12 players, many were either unsure of who is truly better or unwilling to rock the boat.
      But of the six who did commit to giving an answer, FIVE chose Messi, with just one player picking Ronaldo.
      So that settles it then? Probably not…
      Sir Alex Ferguson overheard criticising Solskjaer for benching Cristiano Ronaldo against Everton in chat with Khabib More

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      Fiorentina say Arsenal and Man City transfer target Vlahovic has rejected ‘HUGE contract offer’ and give up on striker

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      ARSENAL and Manchester City target Dusan Vlahovic has rejected a new deal at Fiorentina which would have made him the highest-paid player in the club’s history.The Serbia forward, 21, now has 21 months left on his contract and that is likely to put a number of Europe’s top clubs on alert.
      Vlahovic scored 21 goals in 37 Serie A games for Fiorentina last seasonCredit: Getty
      Fiorentina were confident of tying their star striker down to a new deal but the club’s billionaire owner Rocco B. Commisso says talks have broken down.
      In a statement on the club’s website, he said: “As you know, Fiorentina made a very significant offer to the player.
      “Our proposal would have made him the highest-paid player in the history of the club.
      “We also improved our offer on a number of occasions in order to accommodate the requests of both Dusan and his entourage.
      “However, despite our efforts, those offers have not been accepted.”
      Commisso added the club will now “acknowledge the wishes of the player and his entourage and quickly identify feasible, appropriate solutions”.

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      We reported last month how the Gunners were tracking Vlahovic after Commisso admitted he was struggling to agree terms with the player.
      LaLiga champions Atletico Madrid were also reported to have had a £51million bid rejected in the summer for the star, who bagged 21 goals in 37 Serie A games last season.
      And after failing in an attempt to bring in Tottenham and England talisman Harry Kane in the summer, City were linked with a move for the 10-cap Serbia international.
      Arteta commiserates Arsenal’s goalless draw against Brighton More

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      Man Utd line up FREE Franck Kessie transfer in attempt to replace Paul Pogba next summer with AC Milan deal running out

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are lining up a free transfer for AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie to potentially replace Paul Pogba should the Frenchman decide to leave, reports say. Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham are also interested in signing Kessie, whose contract expires in June 2022.
      Kessie is one of Milan’s most valuable assetsCredit: GETTY IMAGES
      According to Calciomercato, talks between Milan and Kessie over a new contract are at a stalemate.
      And the Ivorian international’s situation has alerted Man Utd, who have a contract situation of their own with star man Pogba.
      The 28-year-old’s contract expires in the summer, but United have set a Christmas deadline on when they want an answer on whether he’ll sign a new deal.
      Should the midfielder sign a contract extension, he could top an eye-watering £400,000-a-week.
      LaLiga giants Real Madrid have been long-term admirers of Pogba, but there are doubts over whether they can financially afford to sign him and his international team-mate Kylian Mbappe in the same summer.
      But should Pogba decide to leave United, Kessie is a good alternative.

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      The midfield powerhouse is four years Pogba’s junior and has better defensive attributes, something United have been crying out for in their midfield.
      West Ham’s Declan Rice is another name United have been looking at to bolster their midfield options.
      But the England international would cost upwards of £80million.

      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Man Utd star Raphael Varane discusses his relationship with Paul Pogba More

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      Tammy Abraham ‘called up to England squad for October World Cup qualifiers’ after shining since Chelsea transfer exit

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      TAMMY ABRAHAM has reportedly been called up to the England squad after a sensational start to the season with new club Roma.The 24-year-old swapped the Premier League for Serie A in the summer as he left Chelsea to he join up with former Blues boss Jose Mourinho in Italy in a deal worth £34million.
      Abraham has excelled since joining Roma in the summerCredit: Getty
      And the decision to leave Chelsea has paid off for Abraham as he has hit the ground running at Roma.
      The striker has scored four goals and provided two assists in just nine games for Mourinho’s men.
      According to The Athletic, he has been rewarded for his sensational form at the start of the campaign by earning himself a recall to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the first time in 10 months as they prepare for World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Hungary.
      He is not thought to be replacing anyone in the squad.
      Abraham has six caps for his country, making his debut in a friendly against Germany back in 2017.
      He then went on to score his first international goal two years later in a 7-0 win over Montenegro.

      The England squad that was announced by Southgate last week
      Abraham featured 32 times for Chelsea last season, scoring a solid 12 goals.
      But opportunities for the England man began to dry up when Frank Lampard was sacked and Thomas Tuchel arrived in January.
      He then searched for a way out and found a move in the form of Roma and Mourinho.
      Abraham joins a host of attacking options in Southgate’s squad including the likes of captain Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka.
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      England sit top of their World Cup Qualifying group, four points clear of second place Albania.
      The are yet to lose in the qualification process, with their only dropped points coming last time out away in Poland when they conceded a stoppage time equaliser to draw 1-1.
      Southgate’s side travel to face Andorra on Saturday before hosting Hungary three days later.
      Abraham’s only England goal came two years ago against MontenegroCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd More

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      Romantic Locatelli gets engaged to stunning partner Thessa Lacovich after scoring winner for Juventus against Torino

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      ROMANTIC Manuel Locatelli enjoyed the perfect weekend – backing up his winning goal by getting engaged.The Juventus midfielder curled into the bottom corner to secure a 1-0 win against Torino on Saturday.
      Manuel Locatelli proposed to his fiancee Thessa Lacovich this weekend
      She showed off her sparkling new ring on social media
      And then he capped off a memorable 24 hours by getting down on one knee – with his stunning partner Thessa Lacovich saying yes.
      The Italy Euro 2020 hero – who joined Juve in the summer – ensured he made it a special occasion for his 23-year-old lover.
      E-commerce guru Lacovich took to social media to show fans an insight into the proposal.
      The happy couple headed to the Mandarin Oriental on Lake Como for an idyllic mini-retreat along with their dog Teddy.
      Their luxury hotel room included a balcony with gorgeous views over the lake.
      Locatelli brought a bouquet of roses and prepared a tasty banquet of sweet treats as their celebrated their engagement.

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      And his fiancee showed off the sparkling ring and captioned the posts: “Yes with all my heart.”
      She later added to her 72,000 Instagram followers: “Ask me if I’m happy.”
      Alvaro Morata’s excited wife Alice Campello commented: “What a thrill.”
      Locatelli also took to social media and simply said: “Yes.”
      Juventus celebrated the joyful news on social media – but manager Max Allegri was fully focused on praising his midfielder for his performances on the pitch rather than off it.
      Allegri said: “He has come in well, he has a lot of room for improvement even if he has already improved because he varies his plays and puts himself in the position of a director.
      “He is good and has technique.”
      The midfielder scored the only goal in the Turin derby with four minutes leftCredit: Rex
      The balcony had spectacular views over Lake Como More

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      Man Utd’s draw with Everton looks like good result after shock defeats for European giants including SIX leaders losing

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S draw with Everton on Saturday was made to look like a decent result after SIX of Europe’s league leaders all lost.The Red Devils drew 1-1 at Old Trafford to make it four games without a win but Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich were just some of the teams who said: “Hold our beers.”
      Man Utd could only draw 1-1 with Everton at Old Trafford on SaturdayCredit: PA
      But several of Europe’s biggest teams – including PSG – lost at the weekend which made United’s point look a little betterCredit: Getty
      Bayern Munich were beaten 2-1 at home to Eintracht Frankfurt in the BundesligaCredit: Getty
      Anthony Martial scored his first goal since February to put United 1-0 up at the end of the first-half before Andros Townsend levelled with 25 minutes to go.
      Everton had a winner disallowed in the closing stages and United were lucky to come away with a point.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under severe pressure having benched Cristiano Ronaldo and not having won since September 19 – a fortunate 2-1 win at West Ham.
      United sit fourth in the Premier League after the disappointing point but Europe’s big guns made it look like a solid draw.
      Bayern were beaten 2-1 at home to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga – their first league defeat of the season.
      Leon Goretzka put them 1-0 up before on the half hour mark before Martin Hinteregger and Filip Kostic’s goals either side of half-time saw the visitors take the points.

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      Bayern remain top but are now level on 16 points after seven matches with Bayer Leverkusen who won 4-0 at Arminia.
      In France, PSG were beaten 2-0 at Rennes.
      Gaiten Laborde and Flavien Tait scored a quickfire double within two minutes of the start of the second-half.
      Neymar was slammed by Le Parisien who gave the Brazilian a 2.5/10 rating.
      And ex-PSG and West Ham ace Edouard Cisse, 43, also tore into him after the defeat – calling the Brazilian a spoilt brat and saying he bosses everyone around.

      LaLiga’s leadership race took a turn as Real Madrid lost 2-1 at Espanyol.
      Raul de Tomas and Aleix Vidal scored for the home side before Karim Benzema’s strike on 70 minutes proved to be nothing more than a consolation.
      Real also stayed top but are now level with city rivals Atletico AND Real Sociedad with just goal difference separating the three who are on 17 points after eight matches.
      Benfica’s grip on the top spot in Portugal’s Primeira Liga got weaker with a 1-0 home defeat to Portimonense thanks to Lucas Possignolo’s second-half effort.
      Porto and Sporting are just one point behind the Lisbon outfit who have 21 points from their first eight games.
      Ajax also lost at home by the same scoreline. Utrecht were their assailants with Dutch left-back Django Warmerdam scoring the winner.
      They have 19 points from their opening eight with PSV now just a point behind them at the top of the Eredivisie, and Utrecht now within two.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Finally, ten-man Zenit lost 2-1 at home to Sochi in the Russian Premier League.
      The visitors moved to within five points of first-placed Zenit who are still four points above second placed Dynamo Moscow.
      According to Reddit user Danny Boy, the odds of the league leaders of Spain, Germany, France, Russia, Portugal and Holland at the weekend were 244,497/1.

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      Micah Richards teases Roy Keane over his love for Man Utd icon’s old Arsenal rival Patrick Vieira More

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      Rio Ferdinand slams Man Utd for failing to sign Juventus star Federico Chiesa as Chelsea prepare fresh transfer bid

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      RIO FERDINAND reckons Manchester United may have missed a trick when they failed to add Federico Chiesa to their ranks in the summer.And it is thought Chelsea could be set to make another move for the Juventus loan star amid reports of the Blues bid being rejected.
      Rio Ferdinand questioned why Man United and other Prem sides have not signed Federico Chiesa
      Chiesa, 23, is in the second year of a two-year loan at Juve from Fiorentina and helped Italy to win Euro 2020 championship. 
      The forward, who made 46 Juve appearances last term, wowed pundits including Ferdinand when he netted the winner during the Italians’ 1-0 Champions League group stage defeat of Chelsea. 
      Speaking of Prem clubs failing to buy the player in the summer, Ferdinand told BT Sport: “He’s a huge player and he’s been linked with a few clubs in England.
      “I’m sure they’re thinking ‘why didn’t we get him?’
      “He’s just a fantastic footballer. The intensity with which he plays with, we saw in the Euros. 
      “He was the main goal threat for the Italians who went on to win the tournament.
      “He’s that modern-day striker who can play anywhere across the front line and he’s as comfortable out wide as he is through the middle. 
      “He unnerves defenders with that pace, he’s so direct.”
      Ferdinand’s fellow BT Sport commentator Joe Cole also praised Chiesa, who notched up 15 goals in 46 games across all competitions for Juve last season. 

      And the Chelsea academy coach reckons the Azzurri winger’s playing style is similar to Atletico Madrid’s Luiz Suarez. 
      Cole told BT Sport: “The biggest attribute he’s got is he plays with a humility.
      “He’s hustling and bustling like a young Luis Suarez character, he can make something out of nothing.
      “Every club in Europe will want a slice of him when he becomes available.”
      Chiesa made a switch to Juventus on a two-year loan prior to a permanent move which could be in the region of £54million if certain terms are met. 
      It is reported that Chelsea are preparing to make an offer of around £85million with Bayern Munich and Liverpool also thought to be keen. 
      But it is thought Massimo Allegri’s side considers the forward to be a key part of their plans.
      It reported the club are looking to sign the player permanently for £43m next year.

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      Man Utd legend Ferdinand hails Chelsea’s Rudiger as best centre-back in Premier League More

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      Man Utd ‘push on in Franck Kessie transfer chase’ with Milan ace available to negotiate free switch in just THREE months

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have stepped-up their interest in AC Milan star Franck Kessie, according to reports.The midfielder, 24, is out of contract at the end of the season and can negotiate with non-Italian clubs from January.
      Several Premier League teams are reportedly interested in signing Franck KessieCredit: Reuters
      According to La Gazzetta dello Sport via Calciomercato, Man Utd have identified Kessie as a potential replacement for Paul Pogba, 28.
      Like Kessie, Pogba’s current deal runs out in June and it’s still unclear whether he’ll put pen to paper on an extension.
      Kessie reportedly wants an €8million yearly salary – around £132,000-a-week – but Milan are only offering €6.5m.
      The Ivory Coast international’s alleged wage demands are well within Man Utd’s budget, with the club currently paying Pogba £290,000-a-week.
      The Frenchman is one of 11 players earning at least £132,000-a-week at Old Trafford.
      Kessie has been a key part of Milan’s midfield since joining the Italian giants from Atalanta in June 2017, making 147 Serie A appearances.

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      Man Utd’s Premier League rivals Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea are also believed to be keen on bringing the midfield maestro to England.
      And some rumours suggest Spurs are willing to pay Kessie his desired wage.
      Pogba’s Man Utd future remains uncertain, with reports claiming Juventus and Barcelona are interested in signing the player.
      The Red Devils are also believed to have identified Tottenham ace Tanguy Ndombele, 24, as a potential replacement for Pogba.
      But Raphael Varane has publicly urged his club and international team-mate to stay in Manchester beyond next summer.
      The French defender told Norwegian TV: “It is of course his decision, but of course I hope he stays here for a long time.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Franck Kessie talks about his time at AC Milan and plans for the future More