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    Man Utd transfer blow as AC Milan target World Cup star to replace Newcastle-bound Sandro Tonali

    MANCHESTER UNITED have suffered a transfer blow as AC Milan target an international star to replace Sandro Tonali.Tonali is on the verge of leaving the San Siro and completing a £65million move to Newcastle United.
    AC Milan have identified a potential replacement for Sandro TonaliCredit: Getty
    The Italian midfielder has agreed terms on a six-year deal with the Magpies, with the signing said to be imminent.
    That is despite the 23-year-old reportedly breaking down in tears when he was told by Milan that they were selling him.
    Milan’s hunt for a replacement is already underway, with the club interested in signing Sofyan Amrabat.
    Tuttomercato report, via Football Italia, Milan expect Amrabat to leave Fiorentina this summer and are making movements regarding a deal.
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    Although no offers have been tabled for the Moroccan so far, an official approach from Stefano Pioli’s side could come within days.
    Fiorentina are understood to value Amrabat at £26million this summer as he enters the final year of his contract.
    His performance’s at last year’s World Cup have caused an increased interest in his services.
    Morocco’s shock run to the semi-finals even prompted Barcelona to make an approach for Amrabat in January.
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    The move fell through, though, as Barca could only offer a loan with an option to buy.
    Atletico Madrid have also been linked with a move this summer, along with several Premier League clubs, including United.
    The Red Devils’ interest has been confirmed by Amrabat’s brother Nordin, who has claimed United made a loan approach with an option to buy in January.
    Sofyan Amrabat is expected to leave Fiorentina this summerCredit: Getty
    Amrabat is expected to move clubs this summer, having been given permission to leave the Morocco squad ahead of schedule earlier this month to help him find a new team.
    Having played in the friendly match against Cape Verde, Amrabat was absent from the subsequent Africa Cup of Nations qualifier with South Africa.
    Manager Walid Regragui later confirmed this was as “he’ll be signing for a new club soon”. More

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    Man Utd fans say Onana is ‘better than Weghorst’ as keeper transfer target burns defender and scores goal in training

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans have labelled keeper target Andre Onana “better than Wout Weghorst” after he scored a brilliant goal in training.The Inter Milan shot-stopper, 27, is being heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer.
    Andre Onana sprinted through to score during training
    It was reported over the weekend that the Red Devils are set to seal a £43million deal for the Cameroon international.
    He is set to replace David de Gea in between the sticks as the Spaniard’s contract is up and he is not expected to remain Erik ten Hag’s No1.
    But Man Utd fans were shown on Sunday that Onana is more than just a keeper.
    He shared a training video on Instagram which saw him turn and outpace a defender, before he slotted the ball neatly into the far corner.
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    Alongside the clip, he added the caption: “Mamma Miaa. Denzel Dumfries [this] is the last time I teach you how to score.”
    And United supporters were thoroughly impressed by Onana’s finishing skills as they insisted he would be an improvement on Weghorst up front.
    The Dutchman, 30, netted just twice in 31 games for Ten Hag’s men after arriving on loan from Burnley in the January window.
    Reacting to Onana’s video, one United fan said: “Our new keeper is a better finisher than Weghorst 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣.”
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    Another added: “Better striker than ice cold Martial and pressing monster Weghorst.”
    A third replied: “Wout Weghorst doesn’t bag that goal I promise you.”
    And a fourth responded: “We’ve found David de Gea and Weghorst’s replacements in one person with less budget.”
    Onana appears to be the frontrunner to succeed De Gea.
    But he is not the only target United are being linked with as Everton’s Jordan Pickford is also being mooted as a potential option.
    Onana is being linked with a move to Manchester United this summerCredit: Getty More

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    Ruben Loftus-Cheek lined up for huge European transfer as club ‘makes contact’ with Chelsea

    CHELSEA midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek is reportedly being linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.The Blues are in the middle of a summer clear-out as they look to balance the books after spending £600million across the last two transfer windows.
    Ruben Loftus-Cheek is being linked with a move away from Stamford BridgeCredit: Rex
    Kalidou Koulibaly and N’Golo Kante have already completed moves to Saudi Arabian clubs Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Christian Pulisic, Trevoh Chalobah, Edouard Mendy, Mason Mount, Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz are all potentially departing before the new season.
    And Sportitalia are now reporting AC Milan are keen to sign Loftus-Cheek, 27.
    The Italian giants are in the market for a midfielder as Ismael Bennacer is set to miss the start of the new campaign with a knee injury.
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    Stefano Pioli’s men are also preparing to lose Sandro Tonali – who is expected to be announced as a Newcastle player at the beginning of next month.
    As a result, Loftus-Cheek could solve some of Milan’s problems as he eyes more game time.
    The Lewisham-born star, who has received 10 caps for England, started 19 Premier League matches last season.
    But he struggled to make a positive impact and even spent nine games being utilised as a right-wingback.
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    AC Milan are understood to be keen on the midfielder – who has not played for England since 2018.
    But they face competition from local rivals Inter Milan after they recently met with Chelsea chiefs to discuss a number of deals including Loftus-Cheek.
    He appeared to say goodbye to Blues supporters during the final game of last season as the Stamford Bridge faithful gave him a standing ovation when he was substituted.
    Loftus-Cheek has racked up 155 appearances for the West London outfit, contributing 13 goals and 18 assists since making his debut in 2014.
    He has won the Premier League and Europa League during his nine-year stint with the club. More

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    Serie A legend looks unrecognisable with grey goatee in Lionel Messi exhibition match after ditching long locks

    A SERIE A legend looks totally unrecognisable after ditching his iconic long locks.The former player hung up his boots and retired way back in 2005.
    This former footballer looks very different these days after appearing in an exhibition matchCredit: TWITTER @SC_ESPN
    But in those 18 years, he has not lost his magic touch in front of goal.
    He played in a Maxi Rodriguez testimonial alongside Argentine hero Lionel Messi, who scored a hat-trick on his 36th birthday.
    However, it was the ex-striker who looked completely different as he dispatched a classy penalty into the top corner for the Newell’s Old Boys XI – although the grey goatee could be a giveaway.
    With his side trailing 2-0, he stepped up and delivered from 12 yards before hugging the beaten goalkeeper.
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    Previously, the former footy ace was spotted at tennis’ ATP Cup in Australia.
    A photo, taken back in January 2020, shows the serial goalscorer watching his compatriots Argentina taking on Spain in Perth.
    Look carefully and again you may recognise the goatee beard – a lighter shade of silver these days.
    But the hairstyle is a neater clipped cut – a drastic change from the flowing mane with which he scored 350 career goals, including 219 in Italy’s top flight.
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    The mystery man is, believe it or not, Gabriel Batistuta.
    Batistuta, now 54, started his career at Newell’s Old Boys – the same club as Messi – before a year apiece with rivals River Plate and Boca Juniors.
    But it was in Italy he enjoyed most of his success, spending nine seasons with Fiorentina – returning 203 goals in 331 appearances.
    He joined Roma in 2000 and had a loan spell with Inter Milan in 2002-03 before finishing his club career in Qatar with Al-Arabi.
    Batistuta won one Serie A, a Serie B, the Coppa Italia and two Supercoppa Italianas and was the top scorer in Italy’s top flight in 1994-95.
    The Argentina international managed an impressive 56 goals in 78 caps and lifted the Copa America twice.
    Only Messi, who took his tally to 98 with two in the World Cup final and now is clear on 103, has more strikes for the Albiceleste.

    The mystery footballer looks completely different in his retirementCredit: Getty
    He enjoyed an illustrious career, especially in ItalyCredit: Getty
    Gabriel Batistuta in action for Fiorentina, for whom he scored 203 timesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    He made the controversial switch to Roma in 2000Credit: EPA More

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    Man Utd transfer blow as Napoli star Victor Osimhen opens talks over new mega-money contract with Serie A giants

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S pursuit of Victor Osimhen has hit the rocks with the striker opening talks over a new deal with Napoli, it’s been claimed.The Nigeria international spearheaded Napoli’s charge to their first Scudetto in over 30 years last season, scoring 26 goals in 32 Serie A appearances.
    Manchester United are interested in signing Napoli Victor OsimhenCredit: REX
    Osimhen has been lined up as an alternative to Spurs’ Harry KaneCredit: GETTY
    But Osimhen’s agent is in talks with Napoli over a new deal at the Diego Armando Maradona StadiumCredit: GETTY
    United are long-term admirers of the 24-year-old and view him as an alternative to Tottenham skipper Harry Kane.
    But they could be forced to turn their attention elsewhere as fresh talks over a bumper new deal for Osimhen, who is said to earn around £95,000-a-week at the moment, are reportedly underway.
    Sky Italia claim Osimhen’s agent recently discussed a new deal with Napoli chief Aurelio De Laurentiis – who doesn’t want to sell the striker on the cheap.
    Osimhen has two years left on his current contract at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
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    But he recently suggested he could extend his stay in Naples, telling TG5: “‘I’m at a great club and my career is growing constantly.
    “I am already at one of the biggest clubs and I could not ask for more. Forza Napoli always!”
    United’s potential pursuit of Oshimen could, however, be aided by his desire to play in England’s top flight.
    He said: “I think playing in one of the top five leagues in the world (Serie A) is an amazing feeling for me.
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    “A lot of people worldwide consider the Premier League as the best and the strongest league.
    “But now, I’m in one of the best leagues in the world which is the Italian Serie A.
    “I’m working so hard to make sure that I achieve my dream of playing in the Premier League someday.
    “But like I said, it’s a process and I just want to keep on this momentum and continue to do well.” More

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    Chelsea icon Cesar Azpilicueta ‘seals Inter Milan transfer’ after agreeing two-year deal and return to Champions League

    CHELSEA icon Cesar Azpilicueta has reportedly sealed a transfer to Inter Milan after agreeing a two-year deal.The move will see the Spaniard make a return to the Champions League, with the Blues not in Europe next season.
    Cesar Azpilicueta is set to join Inter Milan on a free transfer from ChelseaCredit: Getty
    Fabrizio Romano reports that Azpilicueta has agreed personal terms with the Italian giants and will join on a two-year deal.
    He is now set to complete a free transfer, with Chelsea happy to cancel his contract a year early to allow him to leave for the Champions League runners-up.
    It means Azpilicueta’s 11-year stay at Stamford Bridge will come to an end this summer.
    The 33-year-old joined the club from Marseille for £7million in 2012 and has made over 500 appearances in blue.
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    He has also won two league titles and the Champions League amongst nine major honours during that time.
    Azpilicueta had looked set to leave Chelsea last summer after entering talks with Barcelona, only to instead stay and sign a new deal.
    Chelsea are looking to trim their squad in order to make room for new signings as Mauricio Pochettino overhauls his side.
    Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and Hakim Ziyech all look set to depart, with several Saudi Arabian clubs said to be interested.
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    N’Golo Kante has already finalised a move to the Middle East, joining Al-Ittihad on a free transfer.
    As for incomings, Chelsea confirmed the signing of Christopher Nkunku this week, having signed an agreement for the Frenchman before the end of the season.
    The club also remains in talks to sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo. More

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    Champions League giants ‘serious’ about hijacking Prem transfer of Bristol City star dubbed ‘Guernsey Grealish’

    CHAMPIONS LEAGUE finalists Inter Milan could hijack a Premier League transfer for Alex Scott. Scott, 19, has impressed over the last two seasons with Bristol City, notching six goals and seven assists across 91 appearances.
    Alex Scott has been linked with a transfer to Inter MilanCredit: Getty
    This form has seen the midfielder catch the eye of a number of Premier League outfits, including Tottenham, West Ham and Liverpool.
    However, according to a report from Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb, Inter are now “serious” about bringing him to the Serie A.
    Scott has been estimated to have a value of £25million.
    But the report states Inter could manage to negotiate this fee down to £15.5m.
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    Dubbed the “Guernsey Grealish”, Scott was crowned the Championship’s Young Player of the Season for his efforts last campaign.
    West Ham are thought to be considering the £25m move but will face competition from Wolves and Bournemouth as well as the interest from Spurs and the Reds.
    However, Bristol City boss Nigel Pearson has previously insisted that Scott will not be allowed to leave the club for cheap.
    He told Bristol World: “It’s got to be more than £25m, he shouldn’t go for less than that.
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    Inter star Nicolo Barella has been tipped for a sensational exit from the Nerazzurri.
    With Barella linked with a £69m move to England, Inter’s attention on Scott makes sense with them both playing in the same position. More

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    Tottenham rushing to complete transfer of goalkeeper Vicario with move at risk of being HIJACKED by Italian club

    TOTTENHAM are hoping to complete the signing of Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario – and keep him out of the clutches of Inter Milan.Vicario, 26, is close to a £16.3milion switch from Serie A side Empoli to North London.
    France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris looks set to leave Tottenham in the coming weeksCredit: EPA
    Spurs have identified Empoli’s Guglielmo Vicario as a replacement for LlorisCredit: Getty
    It is widely believed in his homeland that Inter were lining up a move for the stopper should Chelsea target Andre Onana leave this summer – so Spurs have moved quickly.
    Tottenham have been after a new stopper with long-serving captain Hugo Lloris wanting to leave this summer.
    They had targeted Brentford’s David Raya but with the Bees’ asking price of £40million proving prohibitive, they have now turned to Vicario.
    Reports coming out of Italy have suggested Vicario has already agreed a five-year deal with the North Londoners.
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    Vicario has had two stellar seasons helping Empoli retain their Serie A status.
    New Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou wants a goalkeeper who is comfortable with the ball at his feet and Vicario is understood to have worked on that area considerably of late.
    The stopper has earned plenty of admirers at home and abroad for his displays – including from Champions League finalists Inter.
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    Vicario was born in Udine in North-East Italy and began his career with hometown club Udinese.
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    His route to the Premier League has been far from easy, having to work his way up the Italian lower leagues with the likes of Fontanafredda, Venezia and Perugia.
    He finally reached Italy’s top flight with a move to Cagliari in 2020, but it was only when he joined Empoli on loan a year later that he became a Serie A regular, before turning the move permanent last summer.
    Vicario is yet to earn a senior cap for Italy but was on the bench for the Azzurri for the Nations League finals this month.
    Spurs’ former managing director of football Fabio Paratici, who resigned in April, was understood to be a big fan of Vicario.
    Fans will be hoping Vicario proves far more of a success than the last Italian stopper recommended by Paratici in Pierluigi Gollini, who failed to make an impact when joining on loan from Atalanta the season before last. More