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    Chelsea and Man Utd transfer moves for French wonderkid set to be hijacked as ‘Real Madrid line up swoop’

    A TRIO of Premier League clubs face a huge battle with Real Madrid to snap up French wonderkid Leny Yoro.The defender is only 18 but is already impressing in his homeland for Lille’s first-team.A host of clubs have entered the chase for Lille’s wonderkid Lenny YoroCredit: GettyHis performances have led to him being dubbed the “new Raphael Varane” due to similarities with Manchester United’s French World Cup-winning ace.We revealed previously how Liverpool were eyeing him up as a potential long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk.Man United and Chelsea also have an interest in bringing him to England  while Paris Saint-Germain hope to keep him in Ligue 1. Now Spanish outlet AS claims that Real Madrid are lining up a move to add another teenage sensation to their ranks after securing the services of Endrick – the 17-year-old who scored Brazil’s winner against England on Saturday.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe same outlet also reiterates how Chelsea have been keeping tabs on Yoro and that Bayern Munich have an interest also.But they are adamant that Madrid are in pole position to land him as they look to inject youth in their ageing backline.Lille were determined to hang on to Yoro during the January window and managed to succeed with that but it could prove to be a lot harder come the summer.The French U21 international will be entering the final 12 months on his deal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThey were originally reported to be holding out for £85m when French rivals PSG enquired two months ago.However, this update states that his price-tag is now £51m.Football icons’ strange hobbiesThat could also make him the most expensive defender to be sold by a Ligue 1 club ever.Paulo Fonseca, his boss at Lille, has already gone on record to state that he expects big things for the starlet.He said: “He’s a very mature player and I think he has a great future ahead of him.” More

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    Arsenal ‘match Chelsea’s £51m offer for Ousmane Diomande’ with Sporting Lisbon star set to spark transfer battle

    ARSENAL are set for a bidding war over Sporting Lisbon star Ousmane Diomande after matching Chelsea’s offer ahead of the summer transfer window.The Gunners’ manager Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his defence at the end of the season and Diomande, 20, has stood out in his eyes after some impressive performances in Portugal.Arsenal have matched Chelsea’s offer for Sporting Lisbon star Ousmane DiomandeCredit: GettyDiomande has also attracted interest from Newcastle and Bayern MunichCredit: GettyThe centre-back has been so influential for Ruben Amorim’s side that he has attracted interest from the Gunners and the Blues as well as Bayern Munich and Newcastle.At the beginning it was Chelsea that led the transfer chase with an offer of €60million (£51m), plus bonuses.According to Record, however, Arsenal have matched their rivals’ bid for the Ivory Coast international.However, Sporting value Diomande at €80m (£69m) and are in no rush to sell as his contract doesn’t run out until 2027.Read More on ArsenalTherefore, both Premier League giants may have to cough up a larger sum for the Ivorian’s services.However, the same source claims there’s a strong possibility the African star will leave the Estadio Jose Alvalade in the summer.Arsenal have been keeping tabs on the defender since 2022 when he was in still Midtjylland’s books.And now the North Londoners have informed both the player’s camp as well as Sporting about their intention to sign him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERDiomande joined the Lisbon giants last year despite not making a single appearance for Midtjylland, who loaned him out to Portuguese minnows Mafra in his one and only year with the Danish outfit.The towering defender has since amassed a total of two goals and one assist in 29 appearances with the Primeira Liga team.How Arteta turned Havertz from expensive flop to Arsenal’s gamechangerArsenal and Chelsea are currently focused on the Premier League as Arteta’s men are pushing for a first title since 2004.Mauricio Pochettino’s men, on the other hand, are languishing in the bottom half of the table with five points separating them from seventh place, which usually leads to European qualification. More

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    Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes Man Utd star off transfer list after being ‘impressed by attitude’ and will give him a pay-rise

    SCOTT MCTOMINAY has convinced Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS Group to try and keep him at Manchester United – and double his wages.The 27-year-old Scottish midfielder, who scored in United’s 4-3 win over Liverpool before the international break, still has just over a year left on his current package.Scott McTominay is set to double his money at Manchester UnitedCredit: EPAThe academy graduate pockets £60,000-a-week, with the club also having an option to extend that by another year.He was one of several players that were reportedly deemed surplus to requirements by United chiefs as they looked to raise cash by offloading unwanted men.However, the Daily Star says that his impressive form has “ensured he is firmly back in favour”.It has “also convinced the club’s new football hierarchy he is a vital part of the future” at Old Trafford.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThey state that McTominay’s “performances on the pitch – and exemplary attitude off it – are exactly what is required moving forward” to get the team back competing at the top.And that he “can expect to double his money to £120,000-a-week” with the new offer.McTominay is United’s second top scorer this term with nine goals in all competitions, which is double his previous career best for a single season.And his displays and availability had alerted a host of other clubs that have continued to circle.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe was believed to be a £45m target for both Newcastle and West Ham last summer.McTominay has also been in top form for his country.Sir Jim Ratcliffe, 71, needs a PB in London Marathon if he’s to make Man Utd’s FA Cup semi-final after kick-off switchAhead of his 48th cap in the 4-0 defeat to Holland on Friday, he had been named as Scotland’s Player of the Year for 2023.That was down to his sensational form in their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign that saw him produce seven goals in eight games for Steve Clarke’s men. More

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    Man Utd could miss out on Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite transfer with Premier League rivals ready to gazump them

    MANCHESTER CITY are keeping tabs on Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports.Branthwaite, 21, has been heavily linked with a move away from Goodison Park in recent months.Man City are interested in signing Jarrad BranthwaiteCredit: AlamySince breaking into the first team at the start of the campaign, the centre-back has made 31 appearances across all competitions.And his impressive form has attracted interest from the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham and Real Madrid.According to the Daily Mail, Man City are also considering a swoop.City officials like the fact Branthwaite is young, homegrown, and showing tactical traits similar to John Stones.Read More on Man UtdHowever, Everton want at least £60million for him this summer.That could put the defender out of Man Utd’s price range.Branthwaite earned his first senior England call-up earlier this month.He was an unused substitute during the team’s 1-0 defeat to Brazil on Friday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBranthwaite has impressed for Everton this seasonHowever, the Everton star could be in line to make his debut against Belgium on Tuesday.Speaking after his Three Lions call-up, Branthwaite told Everton TV: “It’s a dream come true.Gareth Southgate admits ‘we don’t like losing’ but takes positives from Brazil loss”To represent your national team at any level is a massive achievement, but for it to be the senior squad, I’m over the moon.”I found out in training. The gaffer pulled me and told me I’ve been selected, so I was buzzing when I heard the news.”You can only affect what you do on the pitch and give yourself the best possible opportunity to be selected, and that’s by putting in good performances on the pitch.”That’s what your only focus can be, really, and that’s been from when I came into the team to now – it’s just to keep delivering that high level and see where that takes me.”I messaged my dad and he said he’s very proud of me. He said: ‘All of the family is proud’, so it’s a lovely feeling. I just can’t wait to join up with the team.”They’re obviously really tough fixtures, but I’m really happy to just be in the squad, take every moment in and see where it takes me.” More

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    Saudi side look set to continue mega-money spending spree as Al-Hilal ‘target £86MILLION for former Leeds forward’

    AL-HILAL are chasing former Leeds star Raphinha, according to reports.The Saudi Pro League side forked out over £300million on new signings last summer.Raphinha has been linked with a Barcelona exitCredit: RexTheir most high profile acquisition was Neymar, who arrived in a £77.6m deal from Paris Saint-Germain.While they also signed the likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic, Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Kalidou Koulibaly, Renan Lodi and Malcom.According to Spanish outlet Sport, Al-Hilal are targeting a big-money swoop for Raphinha.They add that the Saudi side are willing to splash £86m on the Barcelona star.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAl-Hilal could go “all out” for Raphinha, who may be available as Barca look to ease their financial woes.The Brazilian joined the Catalan giants from Leeds in a £57m deal in the summer of 2022.He has so far played 78 times for Barca, scoring 15 goals and laying on 22 assists.This season he has been limited to 12 LaLiga starts, having suffered with muscular injuries.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERLast night he was in action for Brazil at Wembley, as the Samba Boys beat England 1-0.He played 78 minutes at the national stadium before being replaced by Savio.Watch Raphinha PUNCH Marcos Alonso’s seat repeatedly in meltdown after Barcelona star is subbed against Man UtdRaphinha, 27, has also been linked with a Prem return this season.Back in November it was claimed that Newcastle and Chelsea are keen.While Tottenham were also claimed to be showing an interest. More

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    Man Utd ‘send scouts to watch Barcelona wonderkid, 19, score screamer on international duty’ to bolster shaky defence

    MANCHESTER UNITED sent scouts to watch Barcelona defender Mikayil Faye score a stunner on his Senegal debut on Friday night as they line up a potential summer transfer.The centre-back, 19, is yet to feature for Barcelona’s first-team but his performances for their B side have already earned him a national team call-up.Mikayil Faye is being linked with a move to Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyHe lined up in a back three as Senegal claimed a comfortable 3-0 victory in the friendly.And Faye, who has three goals for Barcelona B, produced a remarkable moment of magic on the stroke of half-time.The ball came out to him 30 yards from goal and his wonderful left-footed strike flew into the top corner to double Senegal’s lead.According to The Mail, Man Utd have been following his progress for three months.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe youngster, who can play as a left-back or centre-half, joined Barcelona from NK Kustosija in Croatia one year ago.But Man Utd face an uphill task if they are to tempt Barcelona to sell Faye.The LaLiga champions rejected £13million offers from Nice and Lens in January – with their asking price believed to be in the region of £25m.However, that has not deterred interest from some top clubs.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBayer Leverkusen and Inter Milan are two sides understood to be keen on the defender.Leverkusen could prove to be the biggest challengers to Erik ten Hag’s men as they are keen to bolster their squad in the summer to help keep manager Xabi Alonso and give him a real chance of competing in the Champions League.Sir Jim Ratcliffe, 71, needs a PB in London Marathon if he’s to make Man Utd’s FA Cup semi-final after kick-off switchBut Man Utd could yet land the Senegal international – who would provide much-needed defensive cover.Ten Hag has been hampered by injuries at left-back and centre-back this season – most notably Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez. More

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    Donny van de Beek’s future up in the air as German giants make shock decision on Man Utd star

    DONNY VAN DE BEEK is set to return to Manchester United this summer with Eintracht Frankfurt unlikely to make his loan permanent.The Dutchman, 26, joined the Bundesliga side on loan in January having hardly featured for the Red Devils this term.Donny van de Beek has played six times for Eintracht FrankfurtCredit: GettyVan de Beek, 26, struggled for game time at Man UtdCredit: RexVan de Beek viewed the loan switch as a chance to revive his career away from Old Trafford.Things have not gone to plan, however, with the midfielder having only managed six appearances for his loan side, failing to register a goal or assist.He has lost his starting place in recent weeks, with Eintracht disappointed in his output.According to German outlet Bild, the Bundesliga side do not want to active their £8.5million option to buy Van de Beek.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former Ajax ace will have a year remaining on his United contract come the summer.Van de Beek was managed by Erik ten Hag during his successful stint in Amsterdam.But Ten Hag’s arrival in Manchester failed to kickstart Van de Beek’s United career.He made just two brief substitute appearances for the Red Devils during the first half of this season, prior to moving on loan.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERVan de Beek joined Man Utd in a £39m deal in 2020.He has played 62 times for the Red Devils, scoring two goals and laying on a pair of assists.Gabby Agbonlahor says that Donny Van de Beek should be given a chance in the Man Utd midfield The playmaker spent the second half of the 2021-22 season on loan at Everton.He played seven times for the Toffees, netting once. More

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    Arsenal ‘chasing Forest star for shock transfer as embattled club frantically aim to balance books after FFP breach’

    ARSENAL are targeting Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White ahead of the summer transfer window, reports suggest.The Gunners are pushing for their first Premier League title since the Invincibles’ triumph in 2004 as they currently sit top of the table.Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is already looking on summer transfersCredit: GettyHowever, the North Londoners are always keeping an eye on the summer market as manager Mikel Arteta’s rebuild continues.And according to The Star, Arteta is planning on some major transfer business come June.The Spanish tactician is looking to reshape his ranks and the club is keen on adding Gibbs-White, 24, to the squad.This comes amid reports suggesting Emile Smith Rowe could be on his way out of the Emirates.Read More on ArsenalAnd Forest’s playmaker is seen as the perfect replacement for Smith Rowe if the academy graduate decides to go after a different challenge.The same source claims Nottingham are weighing up cashing in on their star man.This comes after the Tricky Trees were hit with a four-point deduction for breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules.And thus player departures are on the cards as Forest look to balance the books.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERGibbs-White is currently fully focused on Nuno Espirito Santo’s side amid another intense relegation scrap.The recent points deduction has seen Forest plummet to the drop zone in 18th place.Morgan Gibbs-White’s stunning Wag Britney goes braless in daring dress to surprise him on Valentine’s Day The attacking midfielder joined Evangelos Marinakis’ club in 2022 following a record £44.5million deal with Wolves.The former England youth international has since justified his price with a total of 71 appearances in the last two seasons.Arsenal are keeping tabs on Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-WhiteCredit: Rex More