More stories

  • in

    Sir Jim Ratcliffe warns Man Utd fans not to expect superstar signings as he lays out transfer plan

    SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has told fans not to expect the world’s best players to sign for Manchester United.The British billionaire has purchased 27.7 per cent of the club and is in charge of football operations.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has ruled out buying superstar players and would rather find the up and coming world-class talentCredit: PARatcliffe is first focusing on getting in the correct people behind-the-scenesCredit: GT Cycling ClubThere has been speculation about Man Utd splashing the cash in upcoming transfer windows after Ratcliffe previously told supporters he wants to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.But he has admitted his approach in the market is not to buy big-name superstars.Ratcliffe told the GT Cycling Club when they asked about Jude Bellingham: “He’s a great footballer. But It’s not where our focus is. “The solution isn’t spending a lot of money on a couple of great players. They’ve done that if you look at the last ten years.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe later added: “I would rather try and sign the next Kylian Mbappe, rather than spend a fortune trying to buy success. “It’s not that clever buying Mbappe. Anyone can figure that one out.”Ratcliffe says his first job is to get the correct people making decisions at the club.He revealed that it is the job of right-hand man and cycling chief Sir Dave Brailsford’s to find new chiefs.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThey have already secured the services of ex-Manchester City CEO Omar Berrada and they’re also closing in on a deal for Newcastle director of football Dan Ashworth.Ineos are convinced having good people in these positions is the key to success.Sir Jim Ratcliffe discusses Bruno Fernandes and Kylian Mbappe transfer in quickfire Q&ARatcliffe said: “You have to believe with Man Utd, if we get all the details right, all the right people in the right boxes, doing the right things in the right environment, that sporting elite environment. The results will drop out the bottom. “Those things are not right at Manchester United today as we’ve said very clearly.”It’s not a light switch, it’s a much longer road to travel because there’s so many aspects to it.”On the addition of Brailsford at the club, Ratcliffe said: “Dave would never say buy that player because I think he is a very good player, he would never do that. “That’s not his skillset – but we need that skillset at Man Utd.”Ratcliffe could propose a new venue on the land next to the current groundInside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United… More

  • in

    Man Utd ‘want to swap Jadon Sancho for Dortmund team-mate but face transfer competition from Arsenal and Liverpool’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly ready to give Jadon Sancho the boot this summer in a sensational swap deal.The England international was frozen out by Erik ten Hag last September for hitting back at the public blasting he received from the Dutchman following United’s 3-2 defeat to Arsenal.Jadon Sancho has been frozen out by Manchester United boss Erik ten HagCredit: PASancho has been loaned out to former club Borussia Dortmund until the end of the seasonCredit: RexUnited are reportedly interested in using Sancho in a swap deal for Dortmund’s Donyell MalenCredit: REXUnited shipped Sancho out on loan to former club Borussia Dortmund in January to allow him to get some playing time.Ten Hag has yet to re-open the door for an Old Trafford return for the £73million man, who he’s reportedly willing to use as a makeweight to sign Dortmund ace Donyell Malen.That’s according to Bild, who claim United are interested in a potential “swap deal” between the pair.The German newspaper, however, claim Arsenal and Liverpool are also sniffing around the Netherlands international.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMalen, 25, has been in great form for Dortmund this season, scoring 13 goals and racking up five assists in 33 appearances in all competitions.Sancho, 23, has scored once and notched one assist in his nine Bundesliga games so far in his second stint with the black and yellows.Sancho’s contract with Manchester United expires in the summer of 2026, although the Red Devils have the option to extend it for a further year.But, judging from Ten Hag’s recent claim that the club had issues with the winger before the boss’ arrival, it’s likely that his future lies away from Old Trafford.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSErik ten Hag has yet to re-open to the door for Red Devils outcast Jadon SanchoCredit: GETTYTen Hag said: “He’s now at Dortmund. So after he was signed, one year before [I was here], and there were issues.”We have had issues all the way through, and so you can make out his stay at Manchester United so far is not a success.Ten Hag claims there were ‘issues’ with Jadon Sancho BEFORE boss arrived at Man Utd and ‘all the way through'”So now he is going back to Borussia Dortmund, so I wish him the best of luck.”I hope, we all hope he is doing well there, he will be successful. Again, we will see what is going to happen.”[Would things be different if he had apologised?] ‘We have said that before.”And I don’t want every time to return to the point. He knows what he should do and we have made that clear.”It was also so clear and obvious about his performance so let’s stop this discussion. “He is to Dortmund and we wish him the best of luck.” More

  • in

    Man Utd fans convinced Frenkie de Jong wants transfer after spotting antics following FA Cup win over Liverpool

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans are convinced Frenkie De Jong wants to join the club after seeing his social media activity.The Red Devils clinched a dramatic 4-3 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday.Frenkie de Jong has been heavily linked with a move to Man UtdCredit: GettyScott McTominay broke the deadlock just 10 minutes into the clash but two goals in quick succession from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah saw Liverpool take the advantage.Antony fired United level in the 87th minute, forcing the match to extra time when Marcus Rashford cancelled out a Harvey Elliot strike.But Amad Diallo secured a last-gasp winner with just seconds to play.Man Utd supporters both at Old Trafford and on social media were eager to celebrate, but some eagle-eyed fans noticed De Jong’s Instagram activity.Read More on Man UtdThe Dutch midfielder appeared to like a post displaying United’s win.And now fans are convinced that he wants a move to Old Trafford.One person took to X to write: “Frenkie I see you..”Another added: “Man loves us. He wants Barca to pay him off.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third wrote: “He’s probably regretting.”While a fourth commented: “Bro wanna come 😃.”Diogo Dalot goes wild after Man Utd win over LiverpoolDe Jong has been linked with a move to Man Utd since Erik ten Hag took over in the summer of 2022.The Red Devils desperately tried to make him one of Ten Hag’s first signings, but the midfielder snubbed a transfer.However, reports claim he could be open to leaving Barcelona this summer.The La Liga giants will allegedly demand £85million for the 26-year-old. More

  • in

    Cole Palmer set for mammoth Chelsea pay rise less than a year after £42.5million transfer from Man City

    COLE PALMER is reportedly set to receive a bumper pay rise at Chelsea – less than one year since his arrival.The 21-year-old moved to Stamford Bridge from Manchester City in a £42.5 million transfer back in August.Cole Palmer’s wages are reportedly set to almost double at ChelseaCredit: GettyHe penned a seven-year contract that was worth around £75,000-a-week.Palmer has flourished at Chelsea and helped them to reach the FA Cup semi finals with a strike in their 4-2 win over Leicester earlier.His 14 goals and 12 assists have made him the stand-out player for the Blues this term and his displays have also caught the eye elsewhere.England boss Gareth Southgate called him up this week for the upcoming friendlies with Brazil and Belgium after he won his first two caps in November.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLNow the Daily Star says that the “Chelsea hierarchy are preparing to reward his sensational first season” over the coming weeks.And they plan to hand him “a significantly improved contract and salary”.This report states that the attacker’s salary will almost double.He is due to “pocket nearer £150k-a-week next season”, according to this update.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd that will move him nearer to some of his more senior, underperforming, team-mates.While he will be hoping to fire Chelsea to FA Cup joy at Wembley, Palmer is also eyeing success at international level.Chelsea fans furious as Raheem Sterling appears to take penalty off Cole Palmer… before barely troubling goalkeeperThe ace will be desperate to be part of England’s Euro 2024 squad in Germany.And this report claims that he will already have a new lucrative long-term contract on the table ready for him to sign should he board the plane out there.Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling was booed by Chelsea fans after he missed the chance to double their lead against Leicester as his strike was saved by Jakub Stolarczyk.THe veteran appeared to take the ball off regular taker Palmer after being fouled for the spot-kick.Speaking at half-time, former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink fumed: “Palmer is the penalty taker. I used to be a penalty taker. At 1-0 up I’m not giving it away.“I think as a team, Gallagher as a captain has to go to Sterling and say no. Palmer’s scored all five. He needs to take it.” More

  • in

    Everton line up Sunderland wonderkid Oli Bainbridge, 18, as Sean Dyche prepares for summer transfer window

    EVERTON are keeping an eye on Sunderland’s left-back Oli Bainbridge.The powerful 18-year-old prospect is tipped to get into the Black Cats side before the end of the season.Oli Bainbridge could be set to move from Sunderland to Everton in the summerCredit: AlamyBainbridge signed a deal with Sunderland last summer.The contract, penned in June, keeps the youngster tied down to the club until 2025.Sunderland also have the option to extend it by a further 12 months.Academy manager Robin Nicholls was over the moon after confirming Bainbridge’s new deal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe told the club website: “It is great news that Ollie has committed his future to the club for the next few seasons.”He is someone who has displayed strong performance and potential throughout last season and is always looking to develop himself as a player.”This contract is a reflection of the hard work that he and his family have put in for several years now.”Bainbridge was included in Sunderland’s squad for the first time on Saturday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe was an unused substitute in their goalless draw with QPR at the Stadium of Light.The result ended a run of six straight defeats for Sunderland – who have not won since a 3-1 victory over Plymouth on February 10.Fans have incredible theory that sacked Sunderland boss Michael Beale of set up Twitter burner account to defend recordThey have dropped from play-off contention to mid-table obscurity in the Championship, 13 points adrift of the top six. More

  • in

    Crystal Palace line up Afcon winner Oumar Diakite, 20, after missing out on Iliman Ndiaye transfer

    IVORY COAST attacker Oumar Diakite is being tracked by Crystal Palace.Dougie Freedman watched Diakite, 20, score for French club Reims against Paris Saint-Germain last week.Crystal Palace are tracking Reims striker Oumar DiakiteCredit: GettyThe Eagles hoped to sign Senegal’s Iliman Ndiaye from Marseille at the second attempt but he is now in the Ligue 1 side and in no rush to leave.Diakite could be a perfect alternative after a difficult time at RB Salzburg.After 18 months in Austria, where he failed to make a first-team appearance, Diakite joined Reims last summer.He has since shown flashes of the form which saw him register 23 goal contributions in 35 matches for Salzburg’s second team.READ MORE TRANSFER NEWSHis goal against PSG last weekend took his tally to four, with Diakite also adding an assist in a 2-2 draw in Paris.Meanwhile, he has also won 10 caps for African champions Ivory Coast since making his debut in September.Five of those appearances came as the Elephants won the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil back in February.Palace’s interest comes after they were linked with a summer move for Ndiaye last month.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPalace have turned their attention away from Marseille’s Iliman NdiayeCredit: APThe former Sheffield United playmaker had emerged as the Eagles’ top target for next season.However, Ndiaye has started all six of Marseille’s Ligue 1 matches since returning from AFCON.Martin Lipton reacts to the Champions League draw as Arsenal face old foesHe has also scored twice and provided an assist in those matches, which now include a three-match winning streak. More

  • in

    Fulham join Sammy Szmodics transfer race as London rivals do battle for 21-goal Blackburn star

    FULHAM have joined the Sammie Szmodics fan club as the 28-year-old Blackburn hitman keeps on scoring.Last week scout Brian Talbot saw Szmodics make it 21 this term.Sammie Szmodics is attracting interest from Fulham ahead of the summerCredit: RexBrentford are also keen and Rovers hope to stay in the Championship and bag a huge fee if clubs come calling — but relegation may change the picture.John Eustace’s side are currently 17th in the second tier with eight matches remaining.Saturday’s goalless draw at Middlesbrough leaves Blackburn three points above the drop zone.Despite failing to find the target this weekend, though, Szmodics remains top of the scoring charts.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe 28-year-old has 21 goals in 36 league appearances this term as well as three assists.He also scored six goals in three FA Cup matches for Blackburn as they reached the fifth round of the competition.Fulham’s interest comes amid an upturn in form for striker Rodrigo Muniz.The Brazilian has scored seven goals in his last seven Premier League matches after his brace against Tottenham on Saturday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSzmodics’ form has also seen him earn a maiden Republic of Ireland call-up for their upcoming friendlies.Interim boss John O’Shea has included Szmodics for this month’s matches against Belgium and Switzerland.Martin Lipton reacts to the Champions League draw as Arsenal face old foesThe former Peterborough man is also eligible to play for Hungary through his grandfather. More

  • in

    Homesick Newcastle star confirms he wants to quit club to seal transfer to Italy as fans say ‘can’t blame him’

    LORIS KARIUS has revealed he has hired a new agent in order to secure him a transfer to Italy.The 30-year-old German goalie joined Newcastle United in September 2022 as third-choice.Loris Karius has revealed he wants to move to ItalyCredit: AlamyHowever, he was thrust into the spotlight last season when he made his debut in the 2-0 Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester United.And Karius was back in action again after injuries to the two main goalkeepers forced Eddie Howe to use him against Arsenal last month as the Magpies were hammered 4-1.Even though he was on the losing side both times, the former Liverpool stopper did receive credit for his performances.But his contract is not expected to be renewed once it expires in June and the homesick Karius has now admitted that he is desperate to move closer to his girlfriend, football presenter Diletta Leotta, and their newborn baby daughter in Italy.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd he has hired ex-Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio, who is now an agent, to try and land him a transfer back near his family.Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Karius said: “I want to play more.“I would like to sign for an Italian club and I have chosen the agency of Claudio Marchisio to represent me.”Karius, who was previously linked with a move to Italy last year before agreeing a 12-month extension at Newcastle, is engaged to Diletta, who has 8.5 million followers on Instagram.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKarius began his career at Mainz but is best remembered for his time at Liverpool, where he made 49 appearances, including the Champions League final in 2018.They were beaten 3-1 by Real Madrid, with the German at fault for two goals after infamously throwing the ball out for it to deflect off Karim Benzema before fumbling Gareth Bale’s long range effort.Eagle-eyed fans spot Premier League referee ‘try to to tap up Champions League star for Newcastle’ He was subsequently loaned out to Besiktas and spent last season away at Union Berlin before heading to Newcastle on a free when his Liverpool contract expired.Diletta is well known as one of the most prominent presenters in Italian football.She presents Champions League and Serie A action on DAZN in Italy, where she is still based due to her busy career.But she and Karius often post loved up photos together, when their schedules allow.And Newcastle supporters did not seem to be concerned that Karius wanted to get back to his daughter and beautiful partner.One wrote that they “can’t blame him” while another added: “There is no shock there. Every time we play him, we send him out to fail.”The goalie’s gorgeous partner Diletta Leotta is living in ItalyCredit: INSTAGRAM / dilettaleottaShe has become a much-loved host of Italian footballCredit: RexThe couple celebrated the arrival of their first child last yearCredit: INSTAGRAM / dilettaleotta More