More stories

  • in

    Mason Greenwood given lifeline by legendary Premier League manager after charges dropped

    MASON GREENWOOD has been offered a football lifeline — by his former boss Jose Mourinho at Roma.Mourinho reached out to the troubled Manchester United star over joining the Serie A club on loan.
    Mason Greenwood remains suspended by Manchester UnitedCredit: AFP
    Roma boss Jose Mourinho is said to have contacted GreenwoodCredit: Rex
    Greenwood is still suspended as United chiefs investigate his conduct following his January 2022 arrest to “determine the next steps”.
    Greenwood, 21, was charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and assault.
    But police confirmed in February that Greenwood “no longer faces criminal proceedings” as the Crown Prosecution Service had dropped all charges.
    The England forward believes a fresh start at United is unlikely, despite manager Erik ten Hag and several team-mates offering him support.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Mourinho has contacted the player to offer him a second chance, if United decide to send him on loan or cancel his deal.
    A source said: “Jose rang Mason’s dad and also spoke with Mason. He told him the best way out of his current situation is to start playing football — and that eventually all the hassle will fade away.
    “Mason was pleased that he got in touch and it has lifted his spirits.
    “He wants to get back playing and is just waiting for United to tell him what the future holds.”
    Most read in Football
    Other Italian clubs Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan have also been linked with the player.
    But Mourinho has a strong bond with Greenwood after giving him a chance as Red Devils boss.
    In 2018, Mourinho picked Greenwood as a 16-year-old to go on their pre-season tour of the US.
    Ex-United ace Nicky Butt revealed Mourinho identified Greenwood as a future first-team star — at 15.
    Butt, who worked at United when Mourinho was boss from 2016 to 2018, said: “I was his academy boss so I wondered what it would be like.
    “The reality was that he was approachable and friendly. He was single-minded and selfish — and that’s what the best managers are.
    “He asked, ‘Who is this kid Greenwood?’ when Mason was 15. He said, ‘Bring him to train with us’, and I said, ‘We can’t, because he’s at school and there are rules’.”
    Former Red Devils defender Chris Smalling — who played with Greenwood — left Old Trafford for Roma on loan in 2019.
    Read More On The Sun
    The 33-year-old has just signed a two-year deal to stay there.
    And ex-Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham also plays for the Italians. More

  • in

    Fulham line up £20m Yunus Musah transfer as they look to beat AC Milan to World Cup and ex-England U18 star

    FULHAM are bidding to land United States midfield dynamo Yunus Musah from Valencia in a £20million deal.Cottagers boss Marco Silva has money to spend and hard-running Musah is top of his wish-list — with the Spanish side willing to sell.
    Yunus Musah looks set to leave Valencia this summerCredit: Getty
    AC Milan are looking into a deal with the 20-year-old but insiders have revealed Fulham are “all over” the transfer and hope to pull off a coup.
    New York-born Musah has 24 caps plus European experience, so he is ideal for Fulham as they look to build on a good campaign.
    Musah will be sold to the highest bidder and, despite Milan trying hard to get him, they have yet to reach the asking price.
    The lure of Serie A is big for the player and the possibility of also having fellow American Christian Pulisic joining him there, too.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    But Fulham think that the chance to come to the Premier League and London is even more attractive.
    Musah already knows English football well, having represented the Three Lions at every level up to U18 before opting for the Stars and Stripes before the World Cup.
    Fulham’s need may increase if a huge bid comes in for star man Joao Palhinha and they are left with a hole to fill.
    The Cottagers also plan to sign up another US international, with a new contract in the pipeline for 25-year-old left-back Antonee Robinson.
    Most read in Football
    The defender has attracted interest from Manchester City.
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    But he is now settled in London and could be willing to commit beyond next summer if the terms are right.
    Fulham plan to push the boat out and keep one of their prized assets.
    Silva led the West London side to a 10th place finish in the Premier League last season. More

  • in

    Man Utd ‘have made an offer to Adrien Rabiot’ and Juventus star is ‘considering joining’ Premier League side

    MANCHESTER UNITED have made a contract offer to Adrien Rabiot, according to reports.And it is said the Juventus midfielder is considering joining the Red Devils.
    Adrien Rabiot could join Manchester United as a free agentCredit: Getty
    Rabiot’s deal at Juventus expires on Friday at the end of June.
    And while he remains in negotiations with the Old Lady over an extension, United are reportedly trying to cut in and sign the Frenchman.
    According to Goal Italia, the Old Trafford giants submitted their proposal to Rabiot earlier today.
    And the outlet state the former Paris Saint-Germain star will genuinely weigh up the offer.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Rabiot, 28, has been linked with a move to the Premier League for several years.
    However, the former Manchester City academy youngster switched PSG for Juventus in 2019 after winning five Ligue 1 titles.
    United have allegedly twice met with Rabiot’s fiery agent and mum, Veronique – firstly last summer and again more recently.
    It appeared a move looked off again with talks at Juve progressing positively, but the latest twist could be good news for United supporters.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
    But landing Rabiot could suggest Erik ten Hag is not confident of successfully securing a move for Mason Mount.
    United have had three bids rejected for the wantaway Chelsea midfielder – the latest for £55m – as the Blues hold out for £65m.
    Moises Caicedo, Muhammed Kudus and even Taylor Booth have been lined up as possible alternatives.
    Marcel Sabitzer’s loan from Bayern Munich has expired while Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek could be making exits from Old Trafford this summer. More

  • in

    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.
    READ MORE ON TONALI
    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.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
    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

  • in

    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.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    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 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣.”
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
    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

  • in

    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.
    READ MORE ON CHELSEA
    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.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
    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

  • in

    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.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    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.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    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

  • in

    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.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    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.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    “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