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    Man Utd star is ‘trying to persuade Neymar to join’ after club hold talks with PSG over Brazil superstar

    A MANCHESTER UNITED star is trying to persuade Neymar to join the club, according to reports.SunSport revealed the Red Devils will line up a sensational move for the Brazilian should the Qatari takeover bid prove successful.
    Neymar could be set to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summerCredit: Getty
    Now L’Equipe claim talks have taken place between the Old Trafford club and Paris Saint-Germain over the possible blockbuster transfer.
    It is suggested the French giants are open to selling the world’s most expensive footballer – which could leave Kylian Mbappe as the undisputed main man at the club with Lionel Messi also set to depart the Parc des Princes.
    And the report adds that one key United man is doing his bit to lure Neymar to Manchester.
    Casemiro plays with the £198million superstar for the Brazil national team – along with current United men Antony and Fred.
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    And as his incredible debut season draws to a close, he is hoping to have another big impact by convincing Neymar to make the switch so they can play alongside each other at club level, too.
    Neymar, 31, is undoubtedly one of the most talented footballers of his generation and would bring plenty of flair and trophy-winning experience to Erik ten Hag’s squad.
    One Red Devils fan labelled their instrumental midfielder “Agent Casemiro” for his tactics.
    However, reports suggest as many as four Premier League clubs are chasing after Neymar’s signature – including Champions League-bound Newcastle.
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    The injury-hit PSG forward has managed 13 goals and 11 assists in just 20 Ligue 1 games this season.
    However, he turns 32 next season and currently earns a staggering £600,000-plus per week under his current contract that runs until 2025.
    And other supporters want Casemiro to tap up fellow Brazilian sensation Vinicius Junior instead of Neymar.
    The Real Madrid winger is in red-hot form but could be looking to leave Spain after the latest horrific onslaught of disgusting racist abuse.
    Casemiro has enjoyed a fine season at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
    Neymar and Casemiro are team-mates for BrazilCredit: AFP More

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    Liverpool on verge of Mac Allister transfer from Brighton – but there’s a catch

    LIVERPOOL are close to signing Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister but will have to be quick, reports suggest.Mac Allister is the Reds’ top target ahead of the summer transfer window as manager Jurgen Klopp needs to bolster his midfield.
    Liverpool are on the verge of signing Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister but need to do it in JuneCredit: Getty
    According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, an agreement on personal terms is “90 per cent done” between the Merseysiders and the versatile midfielder.
    However, Liverpool will have to be quick as the Argentina international’s contract includes a fixed amount that can only be triggered in June.
    Klopp’s side will have to act swiftly to also avoid a potential transfer war with Chelsea as their incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino is a big fan of the 24-year-old.
    Romano told his YouTube show Here we Go: “There is a fixed amount into the contract of Alexis Mac Allister at Brighton.
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    “We could say that this is working like a release clause. Yes, there is an exit clause for Alexis Mac Allister to leave Brighton.
    “Formally, it’s something that Alexis Mac Allister’s camp and Brighton decided when he signed a new contract months ago.
    ” In that moment they decided the fixed amount for Alexis Mac Allister to leave the club in the summer and to leave the club in June. So early in the window.
    “This is why Liverpool want to be fast, the agreement on personal terms is 90 per cent done.
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    “So Alexis Mac Allister is really really close to Liverpool but this clause is also helpful on club side.
    “Liverpool need now to complete the agreement on these details and then in that moment will be able to complete the deal.
    “But they know it is crucial to reach a full agreement with the player also on the final details to avoid any potential competition from other clubs with Mauricio Pochettino a big fan of Mac Allister.” More

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    Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez makes stunning offer to help club pull off sensational swoop for PSG ace Lionel Messi

    ASTON VILLA keeper Emi Martinez has made a remarkable offer to bring Lionel Messi to the club.Martinez, 30, and Messi, 35, won the World Cup together with Argentina in Qatar at the end of last year.
    Emi Martinez has made a startling offer to bring Lionel Messi to Aston VillaCredit: Reuters
    Messi and Martinez won the World Cup together in QatarCredit: The Times
    Messi was joint top scorer in Qatar as he led his country to the trophy for a third time.
    And Martinez played a key role in the triumph as he was the hero in two penalty shoot-outs and received the Golden Glove for best keeper.
    Now Messi is weighing up his options as he prepares to make what could be the final move of his club career.
    He is set to leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season after two years, having been booed by his own fans last month.
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    The Barcelona legend has been linked with a move back to the Catalan giants, although it is unclear whether they will be able to afford his wages.
    Messi has also reportedly received a lucrative £350million-a-year offer from Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal.
    But Martinez has come out and offered to reduce his wages in order to bring his fellow countryman to the Midlands.
    He told ESPN: “If they are whistling Messi, I would bring him here… at Villa. 
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    “Hey, man, we’ll drink mate, we eat asados [roasted meat] every week. I will cut my salary, we’ll do our best.”
    Villa are in line for a Europa Conference League place next season as they sit seventh in the Premier League table.
    But a move for Messi remains a somewhat fanciful dream as the Argentine approaches the final stages of his career.
    After PSG handed him a two-week suspension for missing training due to a trip to Saudi Arabia, the Ligue 1 champions’ fans booed him upon his return to the side.
    And the fractured relationship between Messi and the club has brought an end to any discussions about him extending his stay in the French capital. More

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    Man Utd ‘learn Marcel Sabitzer transfer price from Bayern’ as fans say ‘keep him there’

    MANCHESTER UNITED will have to pay £22million to sign Marcel Sabitzer permanently.But fans aren’t too eager for a deal to be struck this summer.
    Bayern Munich want £22million from Man Utd for loanee Marcel SabitzerCredit: Getty
    The Austrian midfielder has made a good impact since his January loan move from Bayern Munich.
    Sabitzer, 29, has three goals in 18 appearances under Erik ten Hag.
    But injury means his season is already over – and potentially his Red Devils career.
    United are keen on making several big signings this summer.
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    And money is tight amid an ongoing takeover saga.
    However, should Ten Hag wish to keep Sabitzer past his loan, Sky Sports says it will cost him £22m.
    Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel does not have the ex-RB Leipzig star in his plans for next season.
    And the Germans are more than open to doing business as they prepare a mini-rebuild.
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    But Red Devils fans do not appear to be keen on keeping Sabitzer permanently as they reacted to the news.
    One said: “Good player but always injured, then useless. Bayern knows this and wants to sell.”
    Another declared: “No thanks, he’s done a job but has hardly justified a permanent move.”
    One noted: “Bayern bought him for £12m, barely played him and now want nearly double. Joke.”
    Another added: “Good stop-gap while Eriksen was injured but can’t see the need for him.” More

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    Stoke flop lined up for sensational Real Madrid transfer as club look for Benzema competition

    STOKE reject Joselu is reportedly being eyed up for a sensational return to Real Madrid.The Spanish forward, 33, has enjoyed a superb few years back in Spain after a difficult time in the Premier League.
    Joselu has been superb for a struggling Espanyol side this seasonCredit: EPA
    During his stint in England, he registered just four goals in 27 games for Stoke, before he joined Newcastle where he hit the back of the net on seven occasions across two seasons.
    But since heading back to his home country, Joselu has impressed in LaLiga.
    His 36 goals in 113 appearances for Alaves earned him a move to Espanyol.
    And while the Catalan club are battling relegation, he has still managed to net 16 times in 34 appearances this season.
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    Joselu, who scored twice in two appearances for Real Madrid in 2011, was also called up to the Spain squad in March – where he netted twice on his debut against Norway.
    According to Relevo, he is now the subject of interest from Real Madrid as they seek competition for star striker Karim Benzema.
    Carlo Ancelotti’s men are set for a disappointing season after being beaten to the league title by Barcelona and suffering a Champions League semi-final exit at the hands of Manchester City.
    They did win the Copa del Rey, but that is not expected to satisfy Real bosses.
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    Benzema, 35, has enjoyed another strong season with 29 goals – albeit 15 fewer than his 2021/22 campaign.
    And Los Blancos bosses are discussing the idea of bringing Joselu in to support the talismanic Frenchman.
    The Spanish international’s contract with Espanyol runs until 2025.
    He was signed on a free transfer last summer after his Alaves deal expired.
    Meanwhile, three defeats in five LaLiga games have seen Real Madrid drop below Atletico Madrid to third in the table. More

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    Man City ready to meet Gundogan’s new deal demands after being sparked into action by Arsenal transfer interest

    MANCHESTER CITY aim to keep Ilkay Gundogan out of Arsenal’s clutches by getting him to agree on a new deal.Gunners manager Mikel Arteta wants a reunion with the  Etihad skipper who he worked with when he was Pep Guardiola’s No 2 up until 2019.
    Manchester City are planning to offer Ilkay Gundogan a new contractCredit: Getty
    He had been linked with a move to ArsenalCredit: AP
    The German’s City contract expires at the end of the season and early talks failed to find an agreement.
    Barcelona indicated they were willing to offer him a two-year deal and Gundogan was holding out for a similar offer from his current club.
    The stand-off alerted Arsenal, who ran the champions close in the title race, to the possibility they could bring him to the Emirates for free this summer.
    However, there is now optimism that a compromise can be reached which will see him extend his seven-year stay at the Etihad.
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    The deal proposed by City is believed to be structured differently to the one he has been offered at the Nou Camp but is closer to what he was looking for.
    And if he does stay, it would be a timely boost for Guardiola who has regularly stated wants the German – his first signing at City back in 2016 – to stay.
    Gundogan scored twice in each of his last two league starts – against Leeds and Everton – to put them on the brink of a third straight title.
    He lifted the trophy at the weekend despite not getting on against Chelsea – and is now hoping to get his hands on two more before the season finishes.
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    The feeling is Guardiola would have thrown his captain on for a few minutes at the end to say his goodbyes if he had thought it was going to be his Etihad farewell.
    His situation has taken on increasing importance with summer target Jude Bellingham expected to join Real Madrid rather than the English champs.
    Guardiola is looking to strengthen his midfield this summer with Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic one name under consideration along with Celta Vigo’s Gabri Veiga.
    Brighton’s World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister is also a player the Etihad chief admires – although he is expected to join Liverpool.
    Meanwhile, City remain in talks with teen defender Rico Lewis over a new deal – but are yet to finalise terms.
    The 18-year-old full-back showed his versatility and quality again during the 1-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday and has been praised by Guardiola for his contribution to the title success. More

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    Troy Deeney, 34, released by Birmingham as star falls victim to 13-player end-of-season cull

    TROY DEENEY has been released by Birmingham City.The former Premier League star is one of 13 players to be released by the Championship side.
    Troy Deeney has been released by Birmingham CityCredit: Reuters
    The 34-year-old lifelong Blues fan and SunSport columnist signed from Watford two years ago and scored 11 goals in 54 Championship appearances for his boyhood heroes.
    Other senior players who have been told they can leave include former captain Harlee Dean, Jordan Graham, defenders Kevin Long, George Friend and French left-back Maxime Colin.
    Blues boss John Eustace has also lost five loan players who have returned to their parent clubs as new owner Tom Wagner and Knighthead Capital Management clear the decks of some of their highest earners.
    City suffered losses of £24.8million in their last financial figures and an estimated £12million for the first six months of the current one.
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    Some of Blues’ released stars could renegotiate new deals according to club sources.
    Krystian Bielik, Hannibal, Reda Khadra, Dion Sanderson, Auston Trusty have all also left the club following the end of their loans.
    Prior to Deeney’s arrival at Birmingham, he spent 11 years at Watford.
    He became a club legend at Vicarage Road as he scored 140 goals in 419 games for the club.
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    Deeney was able to help the club earn promotion to the Premier League in 2015.
    He also made one of the most memorable moments in Championship history by scoring an iconic playoff semi-final goal against Leicester City in 2013. More

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    Nottingham Forest want quick Dean Henderson transfer and could pay Man Utd goalie’s full £110,000-a-week wages

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST are ready to start their summer rebuild and want Manchester United’s £30million-rated goalie Dean Henderson to join them on a permanent deal.The 26-year-old England international impressed on loan last season until he suffered a thigh injury in January which required surgery.
    Nottingham Forest want to sign Dean Henderson on a permanent deal this summerCredit: Getty
    Keylor Navas is expected to return to PSG this summerCredit: Getty
    Forest moved swiftly to bring in Paris St Germain’s experienced back-up Keylor Navas, who became a cult figure with fans as he helped Forest avoid the drop.
    However, the former Real Madrid star will return to Paris this summer and Forest boss Steve Cooper wants Henderson installed as his permanent No.1 so he can hit the ground running when he returns to full fitness.
    The ‘keeper still has two years left on his United contract but he appeared to burn his bridges when he described his parent club’s treatment of him as ‘criminal,’ shortly after joining Forest.
    He is keen to establish himself as a first-choice so he can push Jordan Pickford and Nick Pope for the England No.1 shirt at next year’s European Championships in Germany.
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    Although he earns £110,000 a week at United, Forest are prepared to invest in players who can provide the spine of their team for years to come and Henderson fits the bill.
    Cooper is keen to avoid the summer signing stampede which was unavoidable last season after Forest were promoted through the play-offs.
    He also wants to secure a permanent deal for Atletico Madrid’s £25million-rated left-back Ronan Lodi.
    The left-back has been a regular at the City Ground this season and has put in some brilliant performances to help the club beat the drop.
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    Meanwhile, Serge Aurier’s extension clause has kicked in automatically now Forest’s Premier survival has been confirmed.
    The former Spurs star joined the club in September as a free agent following his release from LaLiga side Villarreal.
    He has played 22 times in the Premier League this season, scoring one goal. More