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      Man Utd transfer target Rasmus Hojlund’s alarming dip in form explained by Atalanta manager

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S interest in Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund has played a part in his dip in form, his manager has revealed.The Red Devils are in the market for someone to lead the line for Erik ten Hag’s side next season.
      Rasmus Hojlund has attracted interest from Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      And Danish attacker – who has been dubbed Erling Haaland 2.0 – has been the subject of rumours around an Old Trafford move as a result of his superb performances.
      But in recent months he has dropped off, with just one goal in his last seven Serie A appearances – which came at the weekend.
      And while Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini recognises there are numerous reasons for this, he insists transfer speculation has been one of them.
      Speaking to Tuttosport, he said: “The qualities are all there, at the beginning we had to get to know him but he immediately stood out for his great will to break through.
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      “He did very well after the first stop [part of the season], then he was called up to the national team and too many rumours distracted him, then there was the [abductor] injury.”
      He went on to add: “Today’s goal demonstrates his power, if he knows how to improve he can take away great satisfaction.
      “You have to know how to accept his moments, he will mature in all aspects.”
      Hojlund, 20, has contributed 15 goals and six assists in 40 appearances for Atalanta this season.
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      Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen are understood to be the leading candidates on Man Utd’s wishlist of strikers.
      But Hojlund is undoubtedly in the frame and revealed his love for the Red Devils earlier this year.
      He said: “Now that you ask, I will not hide the fact that I am a huge Manchester United fan.
      “So personally, it would be one of the biggest things for me [to sign for United], but of course that doesn’t mean that I would turn down other big clubs if the offers come at some point.”
      Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini feels Hojlund has been distracted by transfer interestCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League clubs on red alert over Vinicius Jr after hinting he is ready to quit Spain over racist abuse

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      PREMIER LEAGUE giants are on high alert to launch a summer raid on Brazilian superstar Vinicius Jr after he hinted he is ready to quit Spain.The South American ace became embroiled in a war of words with LaLiga chief Javier Tebas following the racism storm and red card in Real Madrid’s defeat at Valencia.
      Vinicius Jr pointed out racist abuse from the standsCredit: Getty
      Vinicius Jr, who had demanded action from the referee after pointing out one alleged racist in the Mestalla crowd, was later dismissed despite appearing to be the victim of an assault by opponents.
      The incidents – angrily condemned by Real boss Carlo Ancelotti – left the 22-year-old publicly throwing his LaLiga future into doubt.
      He wrote on Twitter: “It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third. 
      “Racism is normal in LaLiga. The competition thinks it’s normal, the Federation does too and the opponents encourage it. 
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      “I’m so sorry but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists. Unfortunately, for everything that happens each week, I agree. 
      “But I am strong and I will go to the end against racists. Even if far from here.”
      That last comment suggested the Brazilian is ready to force a move from Madrid – with only Prem clubs able to afford his likely £100m fee and £360,000 per week current salary.
      Yet the chances of Madrid placating the player seemed to have lessened after Tebas’ intervention.
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      Instead of defending the player and condemning the racists – videos showed the chants of “monkey” were not confined to a handful of Valencia fans – Tebas appeared determined to bring him down.
      The LaLiga boss wrote: “Since those who should not explain to you what it is and what LaLiga can do in cases of racism, we have tried to explain it to you.
      “But you have not shown up for either of the two agreed dates that you requested yourself. 
      “Before criticising and insulting LaLiga, it is necessary that you inform yourself properly. 
      “Do not let yourself be manipulated and make sure you fully understand each other’s competencies and the work we have been doing together.”
      That, unsurprisingly, brought an even more aggressive response, as Vinicius Junior blasted back: “Once again, instead of criticising racists, the president of LaLiga appears on social media to attack me.
      “As much as you talk and pretend not to read, the image of your championship is shaken. See the responses to your posts and have a surprise.
      “Omitting yourself only makes you equal to racists. I’m not your friend to talk about racism. I want actions and punishments. Your hashtag doesn’t move me.”
      Fifa responded by a statement from President Gianni Infantino which offered “full solidarity” to the player, adding: “There is no place for racism in football or society and Fifa stands with by players who have found themselves in such a situation.”
      Infantino then criticised the Spanish authorities for not following Fifa’s controversial “three-step process” in which fans are warned the match will be abandoned if racist chants continues.
      But there was full-throated backing for the player from Kick It Out, whose head of player engagement Troy Townsend said: “Vinicius Jr has now been subjected to racism numerous times this season while simply playing football for Real Madrid, and it has clearly taken its toll. 
      “How could it not? And yet the response from the Spanish football authorities has been to criticise him.
      “Perpetrators of this shocking and continued racism need to be punished and banned by clubs. 
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      “Clubs need to be held accountable and be sanctioned by LaLiga. Spanish authorities need to take further action against this problem. So far, it is not working.
      “Currently, the welfare of Vinicius Jr is not being protected, and that needs to change. This behaviour should not be tolerated by anyone involved in football.”
      Vinicius, 22, alerted the referee to the situationCredit: Rex More

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      Kasper Schmeichel’s Nice future in doubt after less than 12 months with Leicester legend to be allowed to leave

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      NICE will allow Kasper Schmeichel to leave the club this summer, according to reports.Schmeichel, 36, joined the Ligue 1 side in a shock transfer from Leicester last summer after an 11-year spell at the King Power.
      Nice will reportedly allow Kasper Schmeichel to leave this summerCredit: Getty
      He has kept 11 clean sheets in 34 Ligue 1 appearances so far this season, helping the club to achieve the second-best defensive record in the division.
      But despite his efforts, Schemichel’s future at the Allianz Riviera is in doubt.
      According to French outlet L’Equipe, Nice will not stand in the way of the goalkeeper if he decides leave the club this summer.
      Several members of the squad are said to be growing annoyed by Schmeichel’s training methods.
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      His lack of leadership, along with his preference to manage himself, is causing tensions to rise.
      If Schmeichel does depart, reserve goalkeeper Marcin Bulka will likely step up to become the club’s No 1.
      Earlier this month, the Dane admitted that he would be open to a return to Leicester.
      During an appearance on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, he said: “I don’t think my chapter with Leicester will ever end.
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      “I still say we, the club will always be a part [of me].
      “I came to Leicester as a young man needing a home and needing somewhere to be accepted for who I was and not for what everyone else thought I should be.
      “Leicester gave me that, and even after 11 years there’s still something unwritten for me there.”
      Schmeichel joined Leicester from Manchester City in 2011 and played an integral role in some of the club’s most significant moments.
      He helped the Foxes earn promotion from the Championship in 2014 before contributing to the club’s incredible Premier League title win two years later.
      The goalkeeper also won the FA Cup and the Community Shield during his spell at the King Power Stadium.
      But in his absence they are now facing relegation, with the Foxes 19th in the table with two games remaining. More

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      Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool handed transfer update as Barcelona star Gavi reveals future plans

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      BARCELONA midfielder Gavi insists he wants to stay at the club despite interest from the Premier League.Several teams were put on high alert earlier this year when Barcelona’s attempt to register the 18-year-old as a first team player was rejected by LaLiga.
      Gavi has revealed he wants to stay at BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      Gavi had just signed a new long-term contract – which includes a £870million release clause.
      However, rules mean he will be be available on a free transfer until cash-strapped Barcelona resolve the issue.
      Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool have all expressed an interest in signing the Spain starlet, but his head has yet to be turned.
      Gavi told Movistar: “I want all of you to be calm on my future… I’m very calm.
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      “Since I was little I’ve wanted to stay at Barca. It’s my dream club, I always say it.
      “Don’t worry, let everyone be calm.”
      Last month, Barcelona boss Xavi admitted he is desperate for Gavi to remain at the club.
      He also suggested that the teenager wouldn’t be as happy elsewhere.
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      When asked about Gavi leaving, he said: “I don’t think Gavi would be happy at another club.
      “He has everything here. He is 18 years old. He’s a key player of our team.
      “For me, he’s a footballer that is outstanding.
      “I don’t know what he’ll decide but I think his future is here at the club.”
      Gavi joined Barcelona’s world renowned La Masia academy at the age of 11 in 2015.
      He signed his first professional contract in 2020 and was promoted to the senior squad ahead of the 2021-22 campaign.
      The Spaniard made his first team debut in August 2021 and has since scored four goals in 93 appearances for the La Liga giants. More

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      Man Utd plot double transfer raid on Barcelona despite BOTH players publicly rejecting Old Trafford move

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly interested in TWO Barcelona stars, despite BOTH of them rejecting the Red Devils last season.Erik ten Hag is hoping to bolster his squad in the summer United set to return to the Champions League.
      Frenkie de Jong has been linked with Manchester United for more than a yearCredit: Alamy
      Ronald Araujo could also leave Barcelona this summerCredit: Alamy
      And they are understood to be plotting a return for Barcelona duo Frenkie de Jong and Ronald Araujo.
      According to Mundo Deportivo, United are planning to swoop for centre-back Araujo if the Catalan giants’ financial situation means they fail to register him for the 2023/24 campaign.
      The Uruguayan defender, 24, has been a key part of Xavi’s defence which has conceded just 15 goals in 35 LaLiga games this season.
      But United failed to sign him last summer when he opted to pen a contract extension to keep him at Barcelona until 2026.
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      He then came out and told ESPN: “I am really happy and I am convinced that staying is the right decision because there are good years ahead for the club. I was always certain I wanted to stay.
      “There were big offers from abroad, but I’m happy at Barcelona. My family love it here and the fans and my team-mates have always made me feel at home. I’m grateful for the effort the club have made.
      “We all gave a little bit to reach an agreement, which is what we all wanted. [The Premier League interest] didn’t distract me at all.
      “I was convinced what I wanted. It’s true money is a factor, but for me it’s not the most important thing.
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      “I am happy at Barcelona. The idea is to be here for many years, and maybe in two years I can renew again and go for even more [success]. That’s the intention. I am convinced that with the team and the project we are building.”
      De Jong also publicly rejected a move to Man Utd last summer after a long-running transfer saga.
      The Dutch midfielder, 26, who is also under contract until 2026, starred for Ajax under Ten Hag and was thought to be a done deal to come to Old Trafford on a number of occasions.
      But he ended up staying, telling NOS: “The club was in a difficult situation and they could have sold me for a big fee. But I didn’t want to go and stayed.
      “Manchester United spoke with Barca, even though I wanted to stay. I want to be at Barca for as long as I can.”
      Barcelona recently regained the LaLiga title following an impressive domestic campaign.
      But they were eliminated by United in the play-off round of the Europa League – having been knocked out of the Champions League in the group stage for the second successive year.
      Barcelona are thought to be in the process of offloading players so they can afford to bring Lionel Messi back to the club.
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      The Argentine icon, 35, is set to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
      And while a romantic return to Barcelona has been mooted, a move to Saudi Arabia now appears most likely for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner. More

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      Man Utd and Chelsea looking to poach Arsenal history-maker Ethan Nwaneri, 16, in transfer swoop

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea are trying to poach Arsenal’s record-breaking youngster Ethan Nwaneri, according to reports.And Manchester City have also entered the tug of war for the 16-year-old’s signature.
      Ethan Nwaneri could be leaving Arsenal when his current contract expiresCredit: Getty
      Nwaneri became the youngest player in Premier League history when he came off the bench at Brentford in September aged just 15 years and 181 days.
      His schoolboy terms at the Emirates expire this summer and he is yet to agree an extension.
      And according to The Athletic, rival Premier League clubs are ready to swoop.
      The Manchester clubs and Chelsea have identified the youngster as an exciting talent and continue to monitor the situation in the hopes of landing the midfielder.
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      But while the Prem giants hope to snap up Nwaneri, the report adds Arsenal still remain confident they can keep hold of him.
      They have offered a fresh deal and negotiations are said to be underway once again – but a decision is yet to be made.
      Nwaneri was not even born when the Emirates Stadium opened and the schoolkid is yet to complete his GCSEs.
      He joined Arsenal when he was nine and made his Under-18s debut at 14, scoring a stunning solo goal.
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      And he got his chance in the first team when injuries took their toll on Mikel Arteta’s squad earlier in the season.
      Arsenal have already convinced Nwaneri’s Gunners and England U17s team-mate Myles Lewis-Skelly to put pen to paper on a contract extension in North London.
      The pair are currently at the European U17 Championships in Hungary and have both been on the scoresheet already.
      Nwaneri grabbed the only goal of the game against Croatia in their Group D opener before Lewis-Skelly opened the scoring in the 4-1 win over the Netherlands.
      England face Switzerland in their final group game on Wednesday. More

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      Arsenal battling Man Utd for Mason Mount with Chelsea star one of three high-profile midfield targets

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      ARSENAL are eyeing up a move for Mason Mount as one of THREE midfield targets this summer.But the Gunners face competition from Manchester United and Liverpool, while Chelsea remain keen to agree a new deal with the England international, 24.
      Chelsea have failed to tie Mason Mount down to a new contractCredit: Getty
      Mount has been heavily linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge at the end of the season as he prepares to enter the final 12 months of his contract.
      Negotiations between the Blues and the player have stalled during this season.
      And that has opened the door to a potential departure, with owner Todd Boehly keen to offload any members of the squad with less than one year left.
      According to The Athletic, Chelsea are set to make one final push to agree terms with Mount – who has been with the club since 2005.
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      But Arsenal, Liverpool and Man Utd are all circling as they look to prise him away from West London.
      Mikel Arteta is seeking additional central midfielders to support Thomas Partey, Jorginho and Granit Xhaka.
      Xhaka, 30, is also being linked with a departure to Bayer Leverkusen this summer as he too enters the final year of his contract.
      Alongside Mount, Arsenal are understood to be interested in Premier League captains Declan Rice and Ilkay Gundogan.
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      Rice, 24, is expected to leave West Ham at the end of the season.
      Man Utd and Chelsea are admirers of the Hammers midfielder, but the Gunners have identified him as their “main target”.
      And Manchester City skipper Gundogan, 32, is another possible acquisition for Arsenal.
      The German midfielder, who lifted the Premier League title on Sunday, is out of contract at the end of the season.
      Barcelona are widely agreed to be the frontrunners to sign the ex-Borussia Dortmund man.
      But Arsenal are also keeping tabs on him should the opportunity to strike a deal arise.
      Declan Rice is expected to leave West Ham this summerCredit: Getty
      Ilkay Gundogan is out of contract at the end of the seasonCredit: AP More

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      Man Utd on red alert with Mohammed Kudus set to quit Ajax but face transfer fight with two rivals including Arsenal

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been put on red alert over a transfer move for Mohammed Kudus – but face a fight with two rivals for his signature.Erik ten Hag is looking to return to his old club once more for reinforcements after already raiding them for Lisandro Martinez and Antony last summer.
      Man Utd have been put on red alert in the chase to sign Ajax’s Mohammed KudusCredit: Rex
      He has been keeping tabs on Kudus for months with Arsenal and Liverpool also linked.
      The 22-year-old Ghana attacker has acquired a long-list of admirers after scoring 22 goals in 48 matches for club and country this term.
      He remains under contract until 2025 but sparked speculation that he could be set for a move by recently snubbing a new one-year extension.
      Now The Athletic has claimed that he has “made the Dutch side aware of his intention to exit” once the transfer window re-opens.
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      The publication backs up claims that United and Arsenal are plotting a swoop.
      However, they also state that Newcastle are among the clubs also keen on snapping him up.
      Ajax are expected to demand at least £40million for Kudus.
      But that asking price “might be influenced by which teams are in for him”.
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      Kudus moved to Ajax from Nordsjaelland in July 2020.
      He also came close to a move to the Premier League last summer with Everton, only for Ajax to put a block on the switch.
      But Kudus has continued to shine despite that setback and also impressed at the World Cup with two goals for Ghana. More