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    Andre Onana’s agent reveals he snubbed two Premier League transfer offers to join Man Utd

    ANDRE ONANA rejected offers from two Premier League teams before reuniting with long-lost mentor Erik ten Hag.The Cameroonian keeper finally joined Manchester United in a £47.2million deal last month after weeks of negotiations.
    Andre Onana rejected transfer offers from Spurs and ChelseaCredit: Getty
    But he could easily have ended up playing for the Red Devils’ rivals – had it not been for his history with the boss.
    According to Onana’s agent Albert Botines, both Tottenham and Chelsea had meetings regarding the goalie’s future back in April.
    He told Calciomercato: “It all started a few months ago, towards April, many inquired about the player.
    “Tottenham have asked for information. Chelsea have had a very strong interest.
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    “There were meetings in London and Chelsea also met with Inter, but Ten Hag was key. 
    “We are looking forward to facing great managers like Guardiola and trying to win titles with Manchester United. We have a great desire to excel.”
    Onana, 27, spent five years with Ten Hag at Ajax between 2017 and 2022 forming a strong bond and winning three Eredivisie titles and two KNVB Cups.
    And Ten Hag always wanted the ex-Inter Milan shot-stopper to succeed from David De Gea between this sticks at Old Trafford this season.
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    Meanwhile, Spurs were on the hunt for a long-term successor for Hugo Lloris who is keen to leave the club this summer.
    Chelsea too sought someone to rival Kepa Arrizabalaga for the spotlight but both teams failed to steal Onana.
    Onana believes Ten Hag and the Red Devils will be ambitious and supportive of his risk-taking style of play.
    Onana wanted to rejoin Erik ten Hag at Man UtdCredit: Getty More

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    Seven strikers Tottenham could sign to replace Harry Kane including Man Utd outcast and Nottingham Forest star

    TOTTENHAM face the very real possibility of starting the season without Harry Kane for the first time since he broke through nearly a decade ago.Bayern Munich are continuing to negotiate with Spurs as the England captain enters the final 12 months of his contract.
    Harry Kane could be on his way to Bayern MunichCredit: Getty
    The Lilywhites are holding out for £100million – with Bayern reportedly unwilling to stretch beyond the £86m mark.
    But Kane’s path out of North London is still one that could be walked this summer as the Bundesliga champions put the pressure on.
    His exit would immediately see Tottenham fans asking who could replace him as their talisman up front – with back-up Richarlison netting just three goals in 35 appearances last season.
    But are there actually many viable options for Ange Postecoglou’s men? SunSport has taken a look at seven names in the frame.
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    Anthony Martial
    Anthony Martial is being linked with a move away from Manchester UnitedCredit: AFP
    Manchester United agreeing a deal for Rasmus Hojlund could spell the end for Anthony Martial.
    The Frenchman, 27, who has 88 goals in 298 games for the Red Devils, has been unable to stay fit since returning to Old Trafford at the beginning of last season.

    And Erik ten Hag finally seems to have lost his patience when it comes to relying on him as a first-choice option.
    Spurs could take advantage of that situation, with a price tag of around £20m mooted last summer.
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    Ivan Toney
    Ivan Toney could be on Spurs’ radar as a suitable Kane replacementCredit: Rex
    Ivan Toney may be banned until 2024, but Spurs could still see a huge upside in bringing him to the club.
    Last season, the 27-year-old was only outscored in the Premier League by Erling Haaland and Kane.
    The Englishman has netted 32 top-flight goals in 68 games for the Bees – an astonishing record for a striker playing in a side promoted from the Championship just two years ago.
    But Brentford manager Thomas Frank recently claimed he would want “£100m plus” for his talisman – something that could prove to be a roadblock for Spurs.

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    Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting
    Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting could move to Spurs if Kane joins BayernCredit: Getty
    Kane’s arrival at Bayern could spell the end for Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting – who has bagged 35 goals in 88 matches since joining the side.
    The former Stoke man, 34, signed a one-year extension with the German giants back in March to keep him at the club until next summer.
    But his game time will drop off a cliff if Kane is to finalise a move to the Bundesliga champions.
    And that could allow Tottenham to offer him more minutes – while they acquire him on the cheap given his contractual situation.
    According to Transfermarkt, his market value stands at around £5m.
    Lautaro Martinez
    Lautaro Martinez is another potential option for SpursCredit: AP
    Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez would be one of the most expensive options Spurs could go for.
    The Argentine, 25, was quoted as being priced at around £75m when linked with a Premier League move last year.
    He is being monitored by Chelsea as they search for a recognised No9 to replace Romelu Lukaku – who is an unwanted man at Stamford Bridge.
    But Spurs’ cash injection following a Kane transfer could make them the frontrunners for Martinez – who has bagged 102 goals in 238 games for Inter.
    Dominic Calvert-Lewin
    Dominic Calvert-Lewin has played second fiddle to Kane for EnglandCredit: Alamy
    Dominic Calvert-Lewin knows what it’s like to fill the boots of Kane – as he has done for England on several occasions.
    Plagued by injuries in recent times, the 26-year-old is a talented striker who frequently shows his quality when fully fit, bagging 47 Premier League goals in 181 games.
    And while he may not be the most exciting signing, he is thought to be available for around £20m as he enters the final two years of his deal at Goodison Park.
    Randal Kolo Muani
    Randal Kolo Muani has been linked with an Eintracht Frankfurt exit for some timeCredit: Getty
    Randal Kolo Muani, 24, has been mooted as a Premier League arrival for some time.
    His 23 goals and 17 assists in 46 games for Eintracht Frankfurt last season have seen him heavily linked with Man Utd.
    He was also a breakout star at the World Cup for France – where he netted in the semi-final.
    But now United – who would have had to pay around £105m for Kolo Muani – look set to sign Hojlund, meaning Tottenham could lead the chase for the French star.
    Brennan Johnson
    Brennan Johnson could allow Richarlison to play through the middleCredit: Alamy
    Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson is an alternative option for Spurs.
    The Welshman, 22, bagged eight Premier League goals for Steve Cooper’s side last season.
    And he could be someone who occupies the right flank for Spurs – while also acting as a goalscoring threat.
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    This would enable Richarlison to move into the centre – with the Brazilian helped out in the goals department by Johnson and Son Heung-min.
    Forest rejected Brentford’s £30m bid for Johnson, so he would set back Spurs even more than that if they were to land him. More

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    Real Madrid to use incredible loophole to register Jude Bellingham to make space for new transfer after passport demand

    REAL MADRID are looking to use an incredible loophole to register Jude Bellingham this season.The Spanish giants would make space to register a new signing after making a passport demand for their English midfielder.
    Real Madrid could use a loophole to register Jude Bellingham for next seasonCredit: Getty
    Bellingham completed a £115million move to Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund earlier this summer.
    Ahead of his first season in Spain, Los Blancos are looking into a loophole as they prepare to register him for the upcoming campaign.
    According to Marca, Real Madrid are hoping to avoid registering Bellingham as a non-EU player.
    The club are waiting for confirmation that the 20-year-old has been issued an Irish passport.
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    If the application is successful, it would mean Bellingham can be included as a European Union player.
    LaLiga’s registration rules limit each club to just three non-EU players in their squad.
    Bellingham is eligible for an Irish passport through his paternal grandmother, according to his dad Mark.
    Mark previously shared a snap of Bellingham wearing an Ireland shirt as a child.
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    Jude Bellingham could have played for Ireland through his paternal grandmotherCredit: Twitter
    He went on to play for England instead of Ireland, though, and has already won 24 caps for the Three Lions.
    Real Madrid have previously used a similar loophole to register new signings as EU players in the past.
    The club secured Spanish citizenships for Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Eder Militao after they moved to the Santiago Bernabeu.
    British players have to be listed as non-EU in Spain following Brexit.
    Other European countries, including Italy, have given British players a special status to allow them to be registered.
    By registering Bellingham as Irish, Real Madrid will also be free to sign another non-EU player before the end of the transfer window.
    However, the move will not impact on their pursuit of Kylian Mbappe this summer.
    Mbappe would not count towards their non-EU quote, with France still being a part of the European Union.
    Jude Bellingham has already played for England at the Euros and the World CupCredit: Rex More

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    Mauricio Pochettino in brutal dig at Chelsea transfer policy as he brands new signing as someone to ‘send on some loan’

    MAURICIO POCHETTINO has launched a brutal dig at Chelsea’s summer transfer policy after the club’s latest signing.Chelsea agreed a £23.5million fee with Rennes for the signing of 19-year-old midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu with the midfielder expected to complete the move shortly.
    Pochettino has expressed frustration with Chelsea’s summer transfer policyCredit: Rex
    Ugochukwu is the latest example of Chelsea signing young players with bags of potential – but some are not quite ready for the first teamCredit: Getty
    Pochettino is keen to bolster a Chelsea midfield that currently boasts 23-year-old Conor Gallagher as its most experienced player in the central midfield role.
    Ugochukwu made 35 appearances for Rennes last season despite his young age and has represented France at Under-19 level nine times.

    But it’s clear that the Argentine does not see Ugochukwu as a player that will boost his midfield options, at least in the short term.
    When asked whether the signing boosted his midfield after Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over rivals Fulham in a pre-season friendly, the manager said: “My information is he is a player that is from France that maybe they are signing with the idea to send on some loan, using a different club but that information was already in your laptop. 
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    “There is nothing to say too much.”
    The dismissal of Ugochukwu’s signing comes after Pochettino warned that Chelsea’s upcoming season could be a “mess” if Chelsea’s 29-man squad is not thinned.
    The window has seen experienced midfielders Mason Mount and Matteo Kovacic leave.
    And Pochettino is keen to replace these outgoing stars with some much needed experience in the midfield.
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    The club remain keen on a deal for 21-year-old Brighton midfielder who has two seasons of Premier League experience under his belt.
    The midfielder shone last year, and was subject to two bids from Arsenal during last season’s January window.
    Chelsea have so far had two bids for Caicedo rejected this summer, the second of which was worth £80m.
    Brighton are holding out for their full £100m asking price amid reports that Chelsea bosses will attempt to negotiate this fee down.
    Meanwhile Chelsea have agreed a £39m fee for 25-year-old French defender Axel Disasi from Monaco.
    The centre-back, who has made four appearances for the French national team will provide some much-needed defensive reinforcement after Wesley Fofana’s latest knee injury. More

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    I’m Champions League winner who made £50m and is engaged to Little Mix pop superstar – but now I’m unemployed at 29

    CHAMPIONS LEAGUE winner Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has enjoyed a roller-coaster career.From trophy-laden Arsenal and Liverpool spells to starring for England, the Ox has played on the biggest stages of all.
    Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is currently without a clubCredit: Getty
    Oxlade-Chamberlain has been with Perrie Edwards since 2017Credit: INSTAGRAM/PERRIE EDWARDS
    The pop star gave birth to their first child last summerCredit: INSTAGRAM/PERRIE EDWARDS
    But after seeing out the final year of his Anfield contract, he now finds himself unemployed at just 29.
    With £50million in career earnings in the bank, according to Capology, and stunning Little Mix star fiancee Perrie Edwards at his side, Oxlade-Chamberlain is plotting his next move.
    Oxlade-Chamberlain began dating the pop superstar in 2017 and they had a son together last year.
    He is able to spend more time with his family as his search for a new club continues.
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    The 29-year-old is supposedly on the radar of Premier League sides Aston Villa and Brentford.
    He has also been linked with Besiktas in Turkey and an unnamed Saudi Arabian side.
    Oxlade-Chamberlain began his career at Southampton before being swiftly snapped up by Arsenal.
    He spent six years at the Gunners, winning three FA Cups with the club.
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    The 35-cap England star then sealed a £35million move to Liverpool.
    He played 146 times for the Reds, winning the Premier League and Champions League.
    His career in recent years has been plagued by injuries, playing just 13 matches last season.
    But that hasn’t put him off a stunning return to football.
    He told the Mirror: “I still want success, I’ve had a taste of it here, they’ve been the best years ever.
    “So, if by any chance, I can have another sniff of achieving anything like that again then I’d bite your hand off.

    “I think I need to go and play somewhere as consistently as possible. They say you’re coming into your peak at 29, so I want to go and test myself, play consistently somewhere.
    “I’m still hungry, I still feel I have a lot of games left in me and a lot of energy left in me. I don’t like to say a point to prove, but that’s always been my attitude.”
    Perrie Edwards and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are engagedCredit: Instagram @perrieedwards More

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    Marseille stunned by Sheffield United’s sky-high Iliman Ndiaye transfer demand with Blades out to keep striker in Prem

    SHEFFIELD UNITED want a stunning £30million for star forward Iliman Ndiaye — to the surprise of French giants Marseille.The Blades are holding out for the massive fee for the Senegalese speedster, who is entering the last year of his contract.
    Iliman Ndiaye has one year remaining on his Sheffield United contractCredit: Getty
    Marseille were advised by middle-men that it would only take £11m to get Ndiaye, 23.
    They are also prepared to include a sell-on percentage.
    For all Marseille’s interest, they have made no direct official contact with United — but now know their huge valuation.
    Ndiaye’s boyhood club are also prepared to wait until the end of next season when he will become a free agent.
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    Ndiaye enjoyed a stellar 2022-23 campaign, scoring 14 goals and assisting 11 times as the Blades achieved automatic promotion to the Premier League.
    His form saw him earn a call-up to the Senegalese national team for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
    He made three appearances from the bench at the tournament, registering one assist.
    But Marseille could switch to Strasbourg striker Habib Diallo, who is available for £14m.
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    Ironically, he is on Blades’ wish list if Ndiaye goes.
    Meanwhile, United face an anxious wait for new signing Benie Traore to get a visa.
    The Ivorian forward flew from Sweden to Portugal to sign forms during the club’s tour but is still waiting for his UK papers. More

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    Rasmus Hojlund ‘says his goodbyes’ to Atalanta stars with Man Utd in ‘advanced talks’ over transfer

    MANCHESTER UNITED look close to sealing the signature of top target Rasmus Hojlund – after he was spotted shaking hands and saying his goodbyes to Atalanta players after today’s friendly with Bournemouth.Hojlund was an unused substitute during Atalanta’s 3-1 win over the Cherries – with the Bergamo club unwilling to risk an injury to the forward ahead of his expected move to United.
    Rasmus Hojlund was left on the bench during Atalanta’ friendly with BournemouthCredit: Reuters
    Atalanta do not want to risk an injury to the forward as a move gets closerCredit: PA
    Sky Sports News presenter Marc McAdam tweeted that Hojlund: “went to a number of the Atalanta players on the pitch to shake hands; looked like he was saying his goodbyes.”
    He then added: “Only a matter of time before United agree a deal for the striker now…”
    Atalanta have received bids from both PSG and United over the past week, worth £42million and £51m respectively.
    Hojlund’s preference is to join United and the forward has reportedly already agreed personal terms with the Red Devils.
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    Atalanta were originally holding out for a club record fee for the striker – valuing him at £68m.
    But after it became clear that he wanted to leave, and both PSG and United appeared unwilling to meet Atalanta’s asking price, the Italians have sought a quick resolution to the saga.
    United are desperate to sign a new No9 – with injury-prone Anthony Martial the only striker currently available in their squad.
    Erik Ten Hag grew tired of the Frenchman’s injury struggles and made Hojlund his top priority signing after it became clear United would not have the capacity to sign Harry Kane.
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    Ten Hag wants a deal for the forward to be wrapped up “as soon as possible” as he looks to have his team ready for the start of the upcoming Premier League season.
    And while United are keen to get a deal over the line – they have made it clear to Atalanta that they will not pay over £60m for his signature.
    In terms of outgoings, United rejected a £20m offer from West Ham for Harry Maguire last night.
    The England centre-back looks certain to leave United this summer after being stripped of the captaincy by Ten Hag.
    Boss David Moyes is now expected to return with a bigger offer and work on convincing Maguire to move to the Europa Conference League champs. More

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    Chelsea ‘agree £23.5m fee with Rennes for 19-year-old next Vieira Lesley Ugochukwu with midfielder set for medical’

    CHELSEA have agreed a £23.5million deal to sign Rennes wonderkid Lesley Ugochukwu, according to reports.The 19-year-old has impressed since breaking through with his hometown team.
    Lesley Ugochukwu is set to leave Rennes for ChelseaCredit: Getty
    Ugochuwku has drawn plenty of interest with his displays in Ligue 1 – but Chelsea have won the race for his signature.
    According to The Athletic, the midfield wonderkid is set to undergo a medical ahead of signing a long-term contract with the Blues.
    Chelsea have already agreed personal terms with the French youth international.
    Mauricio Pochettino’s side have undergone a huge midfield clear out this summer.
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    Mason Mount departed for Manchester United, while Mateo Kovacic joined Manchester City.
    N’Golo Kante penned a lucrative contract to move to the Saudi Pro League – leaving Conor Gallagher and Enzo Fernandez as Chelsea’s only senior midfielders.
    Andrey Santos and Carney Chukwuemeka could also look to force their way into contention.
    It is not yet clear whether Ugochuwku will go straight into Chelsea’s first-team squad.
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    Should they decide to loan him out, they could look to send him to sister club Strasbourg, who were taken over by Todd Boehly’s BlueCo consortium earlier this year.
    Rennes-born Ugochuwku is already fluent in English.
    Speaking to The Athletic last month, the teenager cited two French Premier League icons as his midfield idols.
    He said: “When I was small, I would watch the skills of players like [Paul] Pogba and [Patrick] Vieira on YouTube.
    “They inspired me a lot because of the way they play. When I grew up, my academy coach sometimes called me ‘Vieira’ because they could see some techniques that he had before. I kind of see myself in both players.”
    On Vieira specifically, he added: “It’s an advantage being tall and powerful. People like Vieira inspire me a lot because of what he did for Arsenal.
    “It’s something that I want to do during my career, to live like that and for people to say, ‘Lesley was that kind of player’.”
    The 6ft 3in starlet has already made 60 first team appearances for Rennes, following in Eduardo Camavinga’s footsteps as a teenage midfielder to come through the club’s esteemed academy.
    Patrick Vieira has been cited as one of Ugochukwu’s idolsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More