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      Bruno Fernandes REFUSING to sign new Man Utd contract until he has transfer plan assurances amid £200k-a-week talks

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      BRUNO FERNANDES has demanded assurances about Manchester United’s plans before he commits to a new long-term deal.
      And Edinson Cavani wants to quit Old Trafford, with his dad insisting he “does not feel comfortable” in England after being banned following the “negrito” Twitter storm.

      Bruno Fernandes – like Edinson Cavani – is refusing to sign a new Man Utd deal and wants transfer assurancesCredit: Getty

      United have approached Fernandes about a double-your-money £200,000-a-week five-year contract.
      But the 26-year-old Portuguese playmaker has asked about the club’s intentions in the transfer market.
      Last week United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer warned fans to forget about a big summer spending spree due to the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
      However, Fernandes wants to know there is a commitment in the boardroom to do what it takes to get the Red Devils back to the top at home and in Europe.

      The former Sporting Lisbon midfielder has had a huge impact since his £55million move in January last year.
      But he is one of the lowest paid of the regular first-team stars, having signed a £100,000-a-week 5½-year deal, which has the option of a further 12 months.
      That puts him way behind top earner David De Gea’s £375,000 a week and Paul Pogba’s £290,000.
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      United are ready to double his wage and boost it with incentives.
      Meanwhile, Cavani’s father delivered his bombshell news ahead of tomorrow’s Europa League last-16 first-leg tie against AC Milan.
      He claims the striker remains unhappy at being banned for three games for using the word “negrito” on social media.

      Luis Cavani said: “My son does not feel comfortable in England and wants to be close to the family again. He was very bothered by the sanction.”
      On top of the ban, Uruguayan Cavani, 34, was fined £100,000 and ordered to complete face-to-face education following his post in November.
      It came in response to a friend coming off the bench to score twice in a 3-2 win at Southampton.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Cavani, who joined United on a free in October, claimed the phrase was a sign of affection.
      Reports have emerged that he wants to return to South America and join Argentine side Boca Juniors.
      His dad added: “I want Edinson to play in a team that fights for something important. My son’s idea is not to continue here.”

      Man Utd set to block Bruno Fernandes from playing for Portugal over quarantine red list fears More

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      Ex-Arsenal kid Robbie Burton has no regrets over transfer exit as he looks to down rivals Tottenham for Dinamo Zagreb

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      WHEN Dinamo Zagreb came in for Robbie Burton in February last year, the Arsenal kid did not hesitate.
      The Croatian giants, who blooded stars like Luka Modric, Davor Suker and Robert Prosinecki, hoped to get in on the wave of young British players swapping the Premier League for a challenge abroad.

      Ex-Arsenal ace Robbie Burton, 21, quit boyhood side Arsenal for Dinamo ZagrebCredit: Getty

      And having failed to break into boss Mikel Arteta’s first team, the former Under-23 skipper opted to leave the Emirates after 14 years for an £800,000 fee.
      Since cementing his place in the team, the Gravesend-born player has helped Dinamo to the top of the Croatian top flight.
      And tomorrow he has an old rival in his sights as they play Tottenham in the Europa League.
      Burton, 21, told SunSport: “It was a risk to move here. I felt I was ready for first-team football and I’d got to an age where I needed that experience.

      “The history of Dinamo bringing through top, young, players like Modric has always been excellent.
      “The way they brought through world-class midfielders attracted me. So many Croatia internationals came through here.
      “It’s a great place to be as a young player.”
      Burton, who has been capped by Wales at U21 level, impressed in Freddie Ljungberg’s U23 team’s run to the 2018 FA Youth Cup final, where they were beaten by Chelsea.

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      Burton came close to making his competitive Gunners bow when Unai Emery named him on the bench for a League Cup tie against Nottingham Forest in 2019.
      But after finding his way to Arteta’s senior squad blocked, he put seeking regular first-team football in front of pursuing his boyhood dream.
      He added: “When the offer came from Dinamo, it was very hard to turn down. I don’t have any regrets about leaving Arsenal.
      “I supported them as a kid and I had 14 years there, so I always wanted to play for the first team. I was disappointed that I never got a competitive game for them.
      “Getting this chance has helped me as a footballer and as a person.
      “I could have stayed in England and not come out of my comfort zone. I could have stayed at Arsenal for another year.

      “Taking this step was a leap into the unknown. I’m glad I did it.
      “The pitches here aren’t as good as in England, but the football and the players are very technical.
      “They manipulate the ball very well. The players’ attitude is excellent.
      “I’ve had to adapt. We have a lot of the ball at Dinamo most games, which is something I’m used to from Arsenal.
      “We’ve got the quality to beat Spurs, but we don’t look too far ahead. Spurs is next and beyond that, we’ll see what happens.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Despite the disappointment of giving up on Arsenal, Burton does not rule out a return to North London — but NOT at Tottenham!
      He added: “No, I really don’t think I could do it.  My heart is with Arsenal.
      “It was my dream to play for the Arsenal first team, so to have not quite been able to accomplish that is probably the biggest thing that I hold on to. Maybe one day? Who knows?”

      Jose Mourinho reacts to Tottenham’s fantastic 4-1 win against Crystal Palace More

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      Everton star Robin Olsen and his family confronted by gang with machetes during terrifying burglary

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      A PREMIER League goalkeeper and his family were confronted by a gang with machetes during a terrifying burglary.
      Everton’s reserve stopper Robin Olsen, 31, was at home with his wife and two young children when the gang wearing balaclavas smashed their way in and demanded valuables.

      Everton goalie Robin Olsen and his family endured a terrifying burglaryCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Make-up artist Mia, their five-year-old daughter Alicia and son Alexander, two, were held by the gang while another robber armed with a knife marched Robin around the property.
      Fearing for his family’s safety, the Swedish international, 31, handed over several expensive pieces of jewellery and a watch.
      The raid, which comes weeks after Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti was targeted, happened on Saturday ­evening at the family’s rented home in Hale Barns, Cheshire.
      A source said: “This wasn’t just a ­burglary, it was the worst kind of home invasion. A gang armed with machetes threatening your wife and children.

      Everton reserve keeper Robin Olsen with his wife, make-up artist Mia Lindgren

      The Swedish international handed over several expensive pieces of jewellery and a watchCredit: Sportimage

      “Robin was terrified. He’s not bothered about the theft of material things, it’s the effect it’s had on his family. They are deeply traumatised by it. It’s every parent’s worst nightmare. The family have moved out and the club has given each player their own security guards.”
      The area is popular with scores of ­Premier League players. 
      A source said: “News of this burglary has sent shudders through the football world because the house was targeted when they knew the player and his ­family were in. Everyone has been told to increase security.”

      Chelsea boss Tuchel comments his defencesive tactics against Everton
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      Failed Newcastle takeover head Mohammed Bin Salman switches attention to Inter Milan with Italians in financial chaos

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      SAUDI ARABIA’S Public Investment Fund have switched their attention from Newcastle to Inter Milan.
      The sovereign wealth fund withdrew their £340million Magpies bid last July after rejecting the Premier League’s offer of arbitration to determine who would own the club.

      Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is looking at an Inter Milan takeoverCredit: Getty

      As Newcastle owner Mike Ashley fights the league in the courts over the collapsed takeover, the Toon Army hope there could still be a resolution.
      But SunSport understands PIF are in talks with the Italian giants, who are valued at around £850m.
      Inter are owned by China’s Suning Holdings and have been desperate to sell since the end of last year.
      The Serie A leaders’ finances are a mess, with debt totalling £650m and industry insiders insisting they are close to going bust.

      And a source said: “The Saudis made an approach for Inter Milan a week or so ago.
      “You can’t buy two clubs at the same time and they look to have given up on Newcastle.
      “They have plenty of muscle to take over Inter’s debts.
      “Inter are top of Serie A and are in the new Champions League – they tick all the boxes.”

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      Last week, Ashley said he is fighting “tooth and nail” with the Prem to sell to the consortium headed by PIF, which also includes Amanda Staveley and the Reuben brothers.
      The sticking point for the league was whether PIF – whose chairman is Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman – and the Saudi state are separate entities.
      The Prem contend that PIF is controlled by the Saudi state but Newcastle disagree and are seeking to overturn the ruling via arbitration.

      West Brom vs Newcastle United as it happened More

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      Kai Havertz finally ready to deliver for Chelsea and silence doubters after £62m transfer from Bayer Leverkusen

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      KAI HAVERTZ is finally ready to deliver for Chelsea and silence those who questioned his £62MILLION price tag.
      The German winger has been boosted in particular by his part in Monday’s 2-0 win over Everton which locked his team into the Premier League top four.

      Kai Havertz is finally hoping to get his Chelsea career going after a tough startCredit: Getty

      Havertz had to overcome coronavirus and adapt to English football but now feels more settled.
      He said: “It wasn’t easy to come here. Everything was new. Seven months ago I came. Now it’s time to perform. I know that.
      “I know many people have doubts about me. I just try to keep working. A performance like this will give me confidence.
      “The first seven months were not easy for me but you have to keep working and I did that.

      “I think it was a good performance from me, but you cannot say this after one performance.
      “You have to be strong in the next few matches as well and that’s my goal. I will try to improve.”
      Ex-Bayer Leverkusen starlet Havertz, 21, has struggled to find a natural place in the team but as a makeshift centre-forward he put pressure on the Toffees and played a part in both goals.
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      He said: “I played like a false nine and that’s good for me. I like to have freedom on the pitch.
      “I think we can do a lot better — our goal is the Champions League, and I think there will be some tough matches coming.
      “I think 11 games without a loss is very strong — but we can keep on going.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      The Blues have four days to recover before going to Leeds but captain Cesar Azpilicueta, 31, reckons they have cracked the punishing routine of playing twice a week.
      He said: “From the striker to the goalkeeper the team is working very hard. Everyone is doing their dirty job.
      “I’m happy because you need that effort in the Premier League.”

      Chelsea star Kai Havertz tests positive for coronavirus and will miss Champions League clash with Rennes More

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      Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer HAS got mean side and will rap players if they need it, reveals captain Harry Maguire

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      HARRY MAGUIRE reckons people are misguided if they think Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is too much of a Mr Nice Guy.
      There is a perception among some outside the club that boss Solskjaer does not have the tough edge to drive Manchester United back to the top.

      Harry Maguire has revealed Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can be toughCredit: Getty

      But captain Maguire claims that is simply not the case.
      The England centre-back, 28, said: “I feel he’s done brilliantly — he’s very cool and calm.
      “But he’s also got the side of him where he can turn when he needs to and when the players need a little telling-off.”
      Solskjaer made Maguire captain in January last year after Ashley Young’s departure to Inter Milan and the pair have a good relationship as they plot a course for United to get back to winning trophies.

      Maguire explained: “We’re close. We speak a lot before training and before games.
      “I give my ideas to him on how I feel the group is and the mentality of the team.
      “Also what we can improve on and where we can go as a club — and he’s exactly the same.
      “I’m doing everything I can to be a successful captain.

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      “Obviously the main thing is to start lifting trophies and start winning football matches on a more continuous, consistent basis. I really demand a lot.”
      The Three Lions defender’s tough mentality comes from when he was a youngster playing football with his two brothers.
      He said: “We had a very competitive childhood in the garden, kicking each other all the time — and digging up my dad’s turf!
      “My mum wasn’t too happy. But my dad was a footballer himself, who played in non-league and he just loves his football.
      “The football was always on the TV and we grew up with it.
      “Everything we did was so competitive, whether it was football or without it.

      “Losing hurts. It hurts a lot now, it hurt when I was a kid as well. It’s hard to bounce back from losing but you also get that with more experience.”
      That losing feeling is not something United have had of late.
      They have been defeated in just one of their last 17 games and ended Manchester City’s incredible 21-match winning run on Sunday with a 2-0 derby victory at the Etihad.
      Next up it is AC Milan tomorrow at Old Trafford in the first leg of their last-16 Europa League tie.
      Maguire was thrilled when the draw matched his team against another of the great names in European football.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      He added: “When I was growing up, AC Milan were a massive club.
      “The San Siro is an iconic stadium, so when we got drawn and people told us about who we got, it was an exciting tie.
      “It’s going to be a great match to be involved in and a great tie to play in.”

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      Christian Pulisic looking at Chelsea transfer exit this summer unless he gets more game time amid Man Utd interest

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      CHRISTIAN PULISIC will look to quit Chelsea this summer unless he gets proper game time.
      The American attacker has yet to start a single Premier League game under Thomas Tuchel, his former Borussia Dortmund boss.

      Christian Pulisic will look to quit Chelsea if Thomas Tuchel doesn’t give him more actionCredit: Reuters

      And Manchester United are among a host of clubs who are watching unsettled Pulisic’s situation closely.
      He only played a minute of Monday’s 2-0 win over Everton and has come off the bench six more times.
      His only start came in the Blues’ 1-0 FA Cup win against Barnsley a month ago — and he was subbed off in that.
      Now the £58million signing from Dortmund is growing increasingly impatient.

      And 22-year-old Pulisic is even now prepared to take a pay cut on his £150,000-a-week wages to secure regular first-team action.
      Pulisic was one of Frank Lampard’s stars after football came out of lockdown last season, scoring 11 goals in what was his debut campaign.
      But he has since struggled with a string of injuries and managed only two goals before Tuchel replaced axed Lampard.
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      Tuchel has not started Pulisic in a Prem game since taking over at ChelseaCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Asked about Pulisic this week, German Tuchel said: “I can say nothing but good things about him.
      “Maybe his biggest problem is I know him from Dortmund and he started only in cup games.
      “But I know what impact he can have in the last 20 or 30 minutes.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      “He was a bit unlucky in the last few games. It isn’t a lack of trust or quality — it is just he will have to be patient.”
      Yet Pulisic does not want to be a back-up player under Tuchel.
      And he has told his advisors that he is keen to leave if his situation does not improve.

      Tuchel yells out the nickname of Chelsea captain Azpilicueta wrong before Pulisic steps in to correct new boss More

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      Aston Villa star Ezri Konsa in-line for shock England call-up with Gareth Southgate impressed by young defender

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      ASTON VILLA’S Ezri Konsa could be 90 minutes away from a dramatic England World Cup call-up.
      Gareth Southgate or one of his leading scouts will be at St James’ Park to take a final check on the central defender against Newcastle on Friday.

      Aston Villa star Ezri Konsa is in-line for an England call-up this monthCredit: Getty

      The 23-year-old is set to be fast-tracked into the squad for this month’s World Cup qualifiers against San Marino, Albania and Poland.
      Southgate will name his squad a week tomorrow, going into those three key clashes.
      The England manager has been impressed by Konsa after watching him star against Leicester and Leeds recently.
      The Londoner was a World Cup winner with England’s Under-20s in 2017 and has won seven caps at Under-21 level.

      But the £12million bargain buy from Brentford also qualifies for the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola through his parents.
      He could even play for Portugal as he qualifies for citizenship and play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Liverpool and Spurs have both been linked with Konsa but Villa will be determined to hang on to their emerging star.
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      Meanwhile, crocked pals Jack Grealish and James Maddison face a huge challenge to prove their fitness to Southgate, with the pair both battling to make their team’s games this weekend.
      Grealish has missed Villa’s last four games with a leg injury, while Maddison’s troublesome hip injury has sidelined him for the same amount of games.
      SunSport understands the pair are sweating to make their respective fixtures against Newcastle and Sheffield United as they frantically try to convince Southgate of their match readiness.

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