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      How Man City dragged Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea into ugly bidding wars for SIX players costing them millions

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      MANCHESTER CITY have reportedly pulled out of the race to sign Declan Rice, clearing the way for Arsenal to seal a deal.Pep Guardiola’s men saw a £90m offer rejected by West Ham earlier this week.
      Sheikh Mansour has invested heavily as Manchester City ownerCredit: Getty
      Pep Guardiola has often forced rival clubs to pay over the odds to fend off their interestCredit: AFP
      And the Gunners’ third bid now looks to have finally seen off competition from the Premier League champions.
      But City are no strangers to forcing rival clubs into paying more for their targets.
      Manchester United and Chelsea have both been on the receiving end of a bidding war with those at the Etihad.
      Here are six examples of Man City ramping up the price of a player by getting involved in a bidding war.
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      Fred – Transfer to Man Utd for £52m
      Fred signed for Manchester United back in 2018Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Brazilian international Fred was reportedly set to join Man City in 2018 when they agreed a £44.5m deal with Shakhtar Donetsk.
      In the end, he ended up moving to the red side of Manchester when United trumped their rivals with a £50m bid.
      And while the midfielder has racked up more than 200 appearances for the Red Devils, many supporters would argue he is yet to repay his substantial transfer fee.
      Jorginho – Transfer to Chelsea for £50m
      Chelsea pipped Man City to the signing of Jorginho five years agoCredit: Getty
      Many forget Jorginho was once on the verge of a move to the Etihad.
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      The Italian, 31, who has since left Chelsea for Arsenal, looked set to leave Napoli for Man City in 2018 as the Sky Blues closed in on a £46.5m deal.
      This forced Chelsea into eclipsing them with a late £50m offer as they hijacked City’s negotiations with the midfielder.
      But Guardiola waited patiently for 12 months, before snapping up Rodri the following summer – with the Spaniard going on to star for the English champions.

      Harry Maguire – Transfer to Man Utd for £80m
      Harry Maguire joined Man Utd for a British record fee four years agoCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Harry Maguire was a wanted man in the summer of 2019 as he prepared to leave Leicester.
      Man City were interested in acquiring the England international, but refused to exceed £65m.
      United then paid a considerable amount more than their city rivals – clinching a record £80m deal.
      And it’s safe to say it has not worked out for Maguire, who has struggled for form since joining four years ago.
      He looks set to depart Old Trafford this summer after spending much of last season on the bench.
      Cristiano Ronaldo – Transfer to Man Utd for £12.9m
      Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Man Utd in 2021Credit: Getty
      Cristiano Ronaldo returned for a second stint with Manchester United in 2021.
      But not before he was heavily linked with a STUNNING move to Man City.
      Guardiola’s side were reportedly offered the opportunity to sign the Portuguese legend, before United swooped in to offer Juventus £12.9m for the man who was entering the final year of his contract.
      He scored 27 goals in 54 appearances during his spell back in England, but ultimately ended up leaving in difficult circumstances as the club ripped up his deal following an astonishing interview with Piers Morgan.
      Alexis Sanchez – Swap deal to Man Utd for Henrikh Mkyhitaryan
      Alexis Sanchez joined Man Utd from Arsenal back in 2018Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Alexis Sanchez joined Man Utd in 2018 after Arsenal agreed a swap deal for Henrikh Mykhitaryan to go the other way.
      But Man City’s interest in the Chilean forced United into offering the player an astonishing £500,000-a-week salary.
      This was nearly DOUBLE the £290,000-a-week City were prepared to pay Sanchez.
      But Guardiola’s men had the last laugh as he bagged just five goals in 45 games for United before leaving for Inter in 2020.
      Declan Rice – Transfer to Arsenal for £105m
      Declan Rice looks set to leave West Ham for ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Rice looks set to become the latest player to sign for one of Man City’s Premier League rivals – after the Sky Blues had jacked up the price.
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      City’s £90m bid was rejected by West Ham, shortly before Arsenal then stormed in with a £105m offer.
      It remains to be seen whether he will be a success at the Emirates, but there is no denying the Gunners have had to fork over a remarkable fee to secure his services ahead of City. More

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      Distraught Man Utd fans moan ‘we are a JOKE now’ after finding out ‘sickening’ summer transfer budget

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      DISTRAUGHT Manchester United fans have moaned “we are a joke now” after discovering their “sickening” summer transfer budget.The Red Devils are yet to make a senior signing this summer as Erik ten Hag looks to bolster his squad.
      Erik ten Hag has been given £100million to spend this summerCredit: PA
      Ten Hag is keen to build on last season’s third place finish, having secured a return to the Champions League in his debut season.
      However, he has so far been able to do any transfer business ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
      His budget for the summer, though, has now been revealed, with the Daily Star reporting the Dutch manager has been given £100million to spend.
      The report adds that Ten Hag will be able to boost his available funds with player sales, with the budget squeezed by Financial Fair Play regulations.
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      United fans are unimpressed with the budget, with one tweeting: “It’s official, we are a joke now.”
      Another supporter added: “It’s sickening.”
      A third also wrote: “Yeah it’s over I’ll see you in 2024.”
      One more dissatisfied fan commented: “We are doomed.”
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      United have been strongly linked with a number of players despite failing to complete a signing.
      The club have seen multiple bids knocked back by Chelsea for Mason Mount and have paused their pursuit after their £55million offer was rejected.
      Ten Hag could reunite with Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus after the Dutch giants named their price for the United target.
      Erik ten Hag is yet to make a senior signing at Manchester United this summerCredit: AFP
      Brighton & Hove Albion remain the favourites to sign the Ghana international, though.
      One player who will definitely not be moving to Old Trafford, however, is Adrien Rabiot.
      United had been keen to re-open talks over a move but the Frenchman has instead signed a new deal with Juventus. More

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      Chelsea to begin talks with Brighton over Moises Caicedo as they look to beat Man Utd to transfer

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      CHELSEA are expected to step up talks over a move for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo over the next week.The Ecuador international is a key target for new boss Mauricio Pochettino, and the Seagulls have accepted that he could leave this summer.
      Chelsea are pushing to sign CaicedoCredit: Getty
      Brighton rejected a £70million bid from Arsenal for the 21-year-old in January before tying him down to a new long-term deal following the window.
      Caicedo’s longer deal, and impressive performances since his plea to leave in January, means Chelsea will have to offer a package close to £100million to agree a deal.
      Insiders at Stamford Bridge feel a deal is not close at this stage while Brighton are yet to receive a bid from any club.
      Early talks between the player’s camp and interested parties have begun and been encouraging, though there are no agreements over personal terms in place with any club.
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      Manchester United are also keen on the Brighton star, with frustrations growing at Old Trafford over their pursuit of Chelsea’s Mason Mount.
      The Blues have turned down three different bids from Manchester for the England midfielder.
      Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi admitted at the end of his record-breaking season on the south coast that star players were likely to leave.
      He said: “I think it can be the last game of Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo.”
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      “I think it is right they can leave, change team and play at a higher level.”
      World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister has already left for Liverpool in a deal which could reach £55million, and Caicedo is expected to be the next to leave so long as owner Tony Bloom’s valuation is met.
      De Zerbi has added veteran midfielder James Milner and former Borussia Dortmund man Mahmoud Dahoud on free transfers as they look to replace the big names departing. More

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      Liverpool defender Nat Phillips set to be offered career lifeline from Championship club in £10m transfer

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      LEEDS have expressed an interest in signing out-of-favour Liverpool defender Nat Phillips, according to reports.The Whites were relegated to the Championship last month and they are now expected to lose several first team stars as a result.
      Leeds want to sign Phillips from LiverpoolCredit: Getty
      Defenders Rasmus Kristensen and Robin Koch have already been linked with a move away, with Roma and Manchester United understood to be interested.
      Leeds officials are now on the hunt for reinforcements, with Liverpool defender Phillips on their shortlist.
      According to The Athletic, the Whites are interested in signing the 26-year-old.
      Liverpool are thought to be asking for up to £10million for the out-of-favour star.
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      However, it could be difficult for Leeds to complete a deal without a manager.
      Sam Allardyce, who took charge of the club for the final month of the 2022-23 campaign, announced his departure earlier this month.
      And club officials are yet to announce his successor.
      Daniel Farke has been linked with the job, so he could be keen on the prospect of signing Phillips if he takes over at Elland Road.
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      The former Borussia Monchengladbach boss wanted to sign the defender during his time as Norwich manager.
      Phillips has made 29 appearances for Liverpool since his debut in 2020.
      He struggled to break into the first team and has since fallen down the pecking order at Anfield.
      The defender was limited to just five first team appearances last season. More

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      Man City and Bayern Munich in transfer war over Kyle Walker as Guardiola launches bid to convince England star to stay

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      PEP GUARDIOLA is reportedly “fighting” to keep defender Kyle Walker as Manchester City look to fend off interest from Bayern Munich.The England international, 33, is being heavily linked with a move to the Bundesliga champions this summer.
      Kyle Walker could sign a new deal with Manchester City or leave for Bayern MunichCredit: Reuters
      He is entering the final year of his contract at the Etihad, so Man City are aware they may have to sell him now in order to secure a fee.
      However, according to Bild, Guardiola “doesn’t want to let him go”.
      And the Premier League champions have offered Walker a new deal in a bid to persuade him to stay in Manchester.
      It remains to be seen whether it will match Bayern’s contract offer – which runs until 2025 with the option of an additional year.
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      Thomas Tuchel is keen to land Walker as a replacement for Benjamin Pavard – who is expected to leave the club this summer.
      The German head coach is understood to be a fan of the ex-Tottenham man’s “defensive qualities, speed and mentality”.
      It is now up to Walker to decide whether he would like to pen an extension with City or embark on a new challenge with Bayern.
      He arrived at the Etihad from Spurs for £50million back in 2017.
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      Walker has gone on to win a huge number of trophies including five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four Carabao Cups and the Champions League.
      And he has racked up an impressive 254 appearances across six seasons with City.
      But he was in and out of the team during the second half of last season as Guardiola switched to a back three consisting of Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake – with John Stones moving into midfield.
      Walker did start the FA Cup final victory over Manchester United, but had to settle for being an 82nd minute substitute in the Champions League final triumph over Inter Milan. More

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      Premier League icon jokes ‘I’ll drive Harry Kane’s f***ing car to Bayern myself’ after Tottenham star ‘agrees transfer’

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      PREMIER LEAGUE icon Alan Shearer has joked that he will drive Harry Kane to Bayern Munich himself amid rumours he could leave Tottenham.The England captain is the subject of £60.2million offer from the Bundesliga champions.
      Harry Kane is wanted by Bayern MunichCredit: Rex
      All-time Premier League top scorers
      Kane has just one year remaining on his current deal but Spurs have rejected the transfer bid and do not want to sell.
      He supposedly wants to join Bayern and has agreed a deal in principle with the club.
      Kane has never won a trophy in his career but is chasing down Shearer in the all-time Premier League goalscoring charts.
      The ex-Newcastle and Blackburn legend netted 260 times.
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      As for Kane, he has scored 213 goals.
      Shearer is worried his record could be broken if the 29-year-old stays at Tottenham any longer.
      He joked to The Athletic: “If Harry wants to join Bayern, I’ll drive his f***ing car there myself; anything to protect my Premier League goalscoring record.
      “In truth, any hope there is probably forlorn.
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      “Harry is nearly 30, but he looks after himself, he’s steered clear of major injuries and he’s perfectly capable of coming back to England in a couple of years’ time and banging in enough goals to overtake me.
      “Still, though. Give me the keys and a sat nav and off I’ll go.”
      Shearer has the record along with a Prem title, which he won at Blackburn in 1994/95.
      Alan Shearer’s record is under threat from Harry KaneCredit: Getty More

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      West Ham in talks with ex-Chelsea star to replace Declan Rice as Arsenal and Man City battle it out for midfielder

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      WEST HAM are considering a swoop for Juventus midfielder Denis Zakaria, according to reports.The Hammers are set to lose club captain Declan Rice this summer.
      Declan Rice is set to leave West Ham this summerCredit: PA
      West Ham want to sign Denis ZakariaCredit: Alamy
      Both Arsenal and Manchester City are battling for the midfielder’s signature, but West Ham’s eye-watering asking price is proving to be a stumbling block.
      The Gunners submitted a huge bid worth £105million on Tuesday, which, if accepted, would see Rice become the most expensive British player in the Premier League.
      However, the proposal is yet to be approved by Hammers chief David Sullivan.
      Talks are still ongoing, but West Ham have already earmarked a potential replacement.
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      According to Sky Sports Italy, the Hammers have been in contact with Zakaria.
      Juventus are said to be reluctant to send the 26-year-old out on loan again, so they could let him leave on a permanent basis.
      Zakaria joined the Italian side in a £7.4m transfer from Borussia Monchengladbach in January 2022.
      He made just 15 appearances before joining Chelsea on a season-long loan.
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      However, he struggled for game time and was limited to just 11 appearances across all competitions at Stamford Bridge.
      SunSport exclusively revealed last week that West Ham have also expressed an interest in signing Amadou Onana from Everton.
      The midfielder comes with a £50m price tag.
      Former Arsenal star Matteo Guendouzi has also been linked with a move to the London Stadium. More

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      David de Gea likely to leave on free transfer as Man Utd face starting pre-season with third choice Tom Heaton in goal

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been left in a goalkeeping limbo with a fortnight to go before their first pre-season game.Right now Erik ten Hag has no idea who will be between the posts come July 12 in Oslo when they face Leeds.
      David de Gea looks poised to depart after declining a deal on lower payCredit: Getty
      Tom Heaton could begin pre-season between the sticks as Man Utd battle to resolve the futures of top two keepers De Gea and Dean HendersonCredit: Getty
      David de Gea has refused to sign on reduced terms with his contract up this week.
      The Spanish keeper, 32, had previously been the highest paid player at £375,000 but the club wanted to reduce that to £200,000 on a new one-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.
      De Gea verbally agreed but nothing was signed on either side and the club went cold.
      Negotiations are said to be continuing but it is looking increasingly likely he will leave as a free agent after 12 years at Old Trafford.
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      Ten Hag is clearly not convinced by De Gea even admitting after the 2-1 FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City earlier this month that his distribution from the back needed to be worked on.
      Meanwhile he is not against retaining Dean Henderson, 26, following his loan spell at Nottingham Forest.
      But without either, 37-year-old Tom Heaton is left as United’s senior goalkeeper.
      United have been enquiring about Inter Milan’s Andre Onana but would only offer £30million while the Serie A Champions League finalists want £50million for the Cameroon international.
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      Ten Hag coached Onana, 27, at Ajax and knows his ability at playing out from the back which is crucial to the Dutch coach.
      Inter director Piero Ausilio is in contact with United about a possible deal.
      Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag has a dilemma over the goalkeeper roleCredit: Getty More