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      Man Utd takeover LIVE: Maguire and Onana secure Champions League win, Jim Ratcliffe faces competition for ‘No.1 target’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED pulled off a huge Champions League win over Danish outfit Copenhagen last night.Harry Maguire’s header and Andre Onana’s stoppage-time penalty save sealed three crucial points for the Red Devils.
      Meanwhile, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Manchester United face competition from Saudi Pro League clubs for highly-rated sporting director Paul Mitchell.
      The former Tottenham and Southampton chief has been linked with a move to Old Trafford as part of a management shake-up if the British billionaire buys into the club and takes control of football operations.

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      Follow ALL of the latest from Old Trafford below…
      Kobbie boost
      Kobbie Mainoo has finally returned to Manchester United match action after injury.
      The midfielder, 18, started for the Red Devils’ under-19s against Copenhagen in the Uefa Youth League on Tuesday.
      The whizkid made his first appearance since hurting his ankle on the club’s USA tour back in July.
      He played 45 minutes before being replaced by Jayce Fitzgerald at half-time.
      Reacting to Mainoo’s inclusion in the starting line-up, one United fan commented: “Kobbie is back finally!”
      Another added: “Lovely, this is fantastic.” Meanwhile, a third supporter wrote: “Mainoo back in the squad, nice!”
      The 18-year-old midfielder had impressed in pre-season before suffering an injury setback.
      He returned to training earlier this month, with footage from Carrington exciting United fans.
      ‘Tyrell training again’
      United’s left-back curse could be easing as Tyrell Malacia is reportedly back in training.
      England star Luke Shaw has been out injured since August.
      And although Sergio Reguilon arrived from Tottenham on loan, centre-back Victor Lindelof had to fill in on the left of defence in Saturday’s 2-1 Prem win at Sheffield United.
      But the Manchester Evening News say Holland ace Malacia is now training individually and did ball-work yesterday.
      The Holland ace has been out with a knee problem.
      Prem giants queue up for Nico
      Arsenal, Spurs and Liverpool have reportedly all recently asked Athletic Bilbao about winger Nico Williams – so will United follow suit?.
      The 10-cap Spaniard, 21, is out of contract next summer.
      Williams is thought to have turned down Aston Villa in the last transfer window.
      But 90min say Premier League clubs are keener than ever on the starlet.
      Athletic are said to be optimistic Williams will extend his deal.
      But his list of admirers is growing – especially after four assists in seven LaLiga games this season.
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      Want to contribute to our conversations around Manchester United?
      Well, you can by joining the WhatsApp channel via this link to keep up to date with all the goings on at Old Trafford.
      Here’s why I say ‘Can’t believe we let Ronaldo go’
      United fans suddenly rue Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit 10 months ago after his latest stunner for Al-Nassr.
      The Portugal legend’s 25-yard cracker on the 38-year-old’s weaker, left foot left completed his double in a 4-3 win over Al-Ahli.
      One Red Devils’ supporter “can’t believe we got rid of him” ago – while another fan claimed even left-footed GOAT rival Lionel Messi had never scored such a great goal from the same boot.

      Ronaldo followed a free-kick special at the weekend with an even better display as Al-Nassr made it five straight wins in the Saudi Pro League.
      And in fact both goals in a spelllbinding top-four clash against Al-Ahli came with his left foot.
      But one armchair observer said of Ron’s contribution: “Say what you want about the league he’s playing but for a 38 year old, he’s amazing.”
      Another wrote: “Messi is left footed and I’ve never seen him do that.”
      And amongst the many GOAT claims – including a “Best of all time” assessment – was this measured verdict: “Still one of the top five players in the world.”

      Scuff justice for ‘wonderful s***house’ Garnancho
      United sealed a crucial Champions League win over Copenhagen thanks to a last-gasp penalty save from Andre Onana.
      But some fans noticed that his team-mate influenced the spot-kick.
      Alejandro Garnacho appeared to scuff the penalty spot while the referee wasn’t looking – just moments before Jordan Larsson’s shot was saved.

      Fans took to social media to react, with one person writing: “Garnacho you wonderful s***house.”
      Another added: “GARNACHO I LOVE YOU.”
      A third person wrote: “Bro went straight into business as soon as referee whistles for penalty.”
      While a fourth joked: “HAHAHAHA MY S***HOUSE STARBOY.”
      Man Utd went on to win the game 1-0 thanks to Harry Maguire’s second-half strike.
      The Red Devils have now jumped up to third in Group A, behind Bayern Munich and Galatasaray.

      Strike ratings
      Marcus Rashford – 6
      Should have opened the scoring when he was set up in front of Grabara only for a heavy touch to ruin his run.
      Was inconsistent down the left.
      Rasmus Hojlund – 7
      A strong performance against his former club and could have bagged a goal.
      Hojlund also produced some brilliant balls for his team-mates that led to some real goalscoring opportunities.
      Antony – 5
      The Brazilian didn’t show any product in his runs or dribbling once more.
      United manager Ten Hag made the right call as he took him off early in the second half.
      Midfield ratings
      Sofyan Amrabat – 6
      Returned to his natural position after stints at left-back amid Man Utd’s injury crisis. But he couldn’t really shine next to Scott McTominay and United really improved after Christian Eriksen’s introduction.
      Scott McTominay – 6
      A strong performance from the in-form Scot, but he improved after Eriksen came on. McTominay would have received a higher grade if he hadn’t given away that penalty by carelessly fouling Mohamed Elyounoussi with a high foot at the death.
      Bruno Fernandes – 7
      Another solid performance by the United captain.
      Man Utd ratings – defence
      Andre Onana – 8
      Silenced his critics with a stunning penalty save in the final moment of the match.
      He also denied Lukas Lerager with a stunning lunge to his right.
      Diogo Dalot – 7
      A composed performance by the full-back, who was especially dangerous when moving forward.
      Dalot’s wondergoal against Sheffield United really boosted his confidence and it showed at Old Trafford.
      Raphael Varane – 7
      He inspired confidence from the first minute alongside Harry Maguire.
      Got the better of his one-on-ones and was rock-solid throughout.
      Harry Maguire – 8
      The former Man Utd captain honoured his club’s most famous skipper Sir Bobby Charlton with his best performance in months.
      And after some brutal criticism, Maguire sealed United’s first Champions League victory with a stunning defensive display and clinical header.
      Sergio Reguilon – 6
      He only returned from injury and showed promising signs for the difficult matches ahead.
      However, he did also show signs of nerves throughout the game.
      Sofyan Amrabat – 6
      Returned to his natural position after stints at left-back amid Man Utd’s injury crisis. But he couldn’t really shine next to Scott McTominay and United really improved after Christian Eriksen’s introduction.
      Man Utd ratings – defence
      Andre Onana – 8
      Silenced his critics with a stunning penalty save in the final moment of the match.
      He also denied Lukas Lerager with a stunning lunge to his right.
      Diogo Dalot – 7
      A composed performance by the full-back, who was especially dangerous when moving forward.
      Dalot’s wondergoal against Sheffield United really boosted his confidence and it showed at Old Trafford.
      Raphael Varane – 7
      He inspired confidence from the first minute alongside Harry Maguire.
      Got the better of his one-on-ones and was rock-solid throughout.
      Harry Maguire – 8
      The former Man Utd captain honoured his club’s most famous skipper Sir Bobby Charlton with his best performance in months.
      And after some brutal criticism, Maguire sealed United’s first Champions League victory with a stunning defensive display and clinical header.
      Sergio Reguilon – 6
      He only returned from injury and showed promising signs for the difficult matches ahead.
      However, he did also show signs of nerves throughout the game.
      Sofyan Amrabat – 6
      Returned to his natural position after stints at left-back amid Man Utd’s injury crisis. But he couldn’t really shine next to Scott McTominay and United really improved after Christian Eriksen’s introduction.
      Who could have scripted Onana & Harry as the heroes?
      It was Sir Bobby Charlton himself who famously called this legendary ground the “Theatre of Dreams”, writes NEIL CUSTIS.
      But nobody could have dreamed this one up. Not Harry Maguire, not Andre Onana.

      The outpouring of emotion on the pitch and in the stands showed what it all meant.
      Maguire the goalscorer in the 72nd minute.Then in the seventh minute of injury time and with the last kick of the game substitute Jordan Larsson – son of ex-United striker Henrik – had a penalty saved by the much-criticised United No1. Incredible, just incredible.
      What of Maguire. Dumped out the team last season and then humiliated when the captain’s armband was taken off him.
      He was up for sale if there were any takers. Maguire was not going quietly.

      He wanted a proper pay off to go and Manchester United could not reach an agreement. So he was staying and that inner determination that got him to Old Trafford in the first place has shone through since.
      What an example to sulking stars…
      READ THE FULL REPORT HERE
      FT: Man Utd 1 FC Copenhagen 0
      FOR REACTION GO TO OUR MATCH BLOG
      Latest: Man Utd 1 FC Copenhagen 0
      Harry Maguire’s 72nd minute header has left United edging closer to their first Champions League group points of the season.
      The England defender headed in at the backpost when sub Eriksen crossed the ball back in after a corner was half cleared.
      FOR ALL THE ACTION GO TO OUR MATCH BLOG
      SH under way: Man Utd 0 FC Copenhagen 0
      Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag replaced Amrabat with Christian Eriksen for the second period.
      Amrabat briefly looked United’s sole inspiration in the first period.
      But change in the engine room was definitely needed.
      There’s not been much different so far, though.
      FOR ALL THE ACTION GO TO OUR MATCH BLOG
      HT: Man Utd 0 FC Copenhagen 0
      Huge room for improvement for the Red Devils.
      FOR ALL THE ACTION GO TO OUR MATCH BLOG
      Latest: Man Utd 0 FC Copenhagen 0
      Into first-half stoppage time – with Copenhagen finishing as the stronger side.
      FOR ALL THE ACTION GO TO OUR MATCH BLOG
      Latest: Man Utd 0 FC Copenhagen 0
      Sofyan Amrabat has looked the man most likely for United as they finally patch together some reasonable moves.
      But the Red Devils survived a big scare early on.
      Harry Maguire’s meek challenge enabled Mohamed Elyounoussi to surge into United’s half for a cross that beat Raphael Varane and left Diogo Goncalves free to mis-hit a volley off the bottom of the post.
      FOR ALL THE ACTION GO TO OUR MATCH BLOG
      Fitting tribute
      United fans gathered outside Old Trafford this evening to pay tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton.
      Sir Bobby passed away peacefully on Saturday after a three-year battle with dementia.
      He was one of the greatest players to ever represent Man Utd and England.

      The Red Devils returned to Old Trafford tonight for the first time since Sir Bobby’s passing.
      And hundreds of fans gathered at the stadium hours before kick-off to pay tribute to the club legend.
      Flowers, scarves and photographs were placed around the iconic United Trinity statue ahead of the Champions League match against Copenhagen.
      Man Utd CEO Richard Arnold also placed a wreath on the 1966 World Cup hero’s seat in the Director’s Box with a card that read: “Loved. Adored. Never forgotten. Thank you. The Manchester United family.”

      Latest: Man Utd 0 FC Copenhagen 0
      Applause rang round Old Trafford for the tribute to club legend Sir Bobby Charlton.
      And now this Champions League group game is under way.
      FOR ALL THE ACTION GO TO OUR MATCH BLOG
      Maguire keeps place as Reguilon returns
      Here’s how winless United line for their third Champions League group game – at home to Copenhagen.
      Harry Maguire keeps his place in central defence, with Raphael Varane returning to partner him.
      Sergio Reguilon is back on the left of defence.
      And in midfield Casemiro’s suspension means in an intriguing link-up for Scott McTominay and Sofyan Amrabat.
      FOR ALL THE BUILD-UP, ACTION AND REACTION GO TO OUR LIVE MATCH BLOG

      Maguire keeps place as Reguilon returns
      Here’s how winless United line for their third Champions League group game – at home to Copenhagen.
      Harry Maguire keeps his place in central defence, with Raphael Varane returning to partner him.
      Sergio Reguilon is back on the left of defence.
      And in midfield Casemiro’s suspension means in an intriguing link-up for Scott McTominay and Sofyan Amrabat.
      FOR ALL THE BUILD-UP, ACTION AND REACTION GO TO OUR LIVE MATCH BLOG

      Tonight’s match odds
      The Red Devils are overwhelming favourites to land their first Champions League group points of the season tonight.
      And the Betfair odds equally suggest tonight’s Old Trafford visitors FCCopenhagen have little hope.
      MATCH ODDS
      Man United 2/9, Draw 7/2, FC Copenhagen 15/2.
      Utd honour Sir Bobby
      United face Copenhagen in a must-win Champions League clash after two straight group losses.
      Tonight’s Danish opponents Copenhagen will be aiming to build on their spirited 2-1 loss to Bayern Munich as they seek their first win in this year’s competition.

      United players and staff will wear black armbands this evening to pay its respects to the late Sir Bobby Charlton.
      The 1966 World Cup winner passed away aged 86 on Saturday after a battle with dementia.
      Since Sir Bobby’s death, former Man Utd and England players have joined fans at Old Trafford to lay flowers and scarves outside the Trinity Statue, as well as sign a book of condolences.
      The club have outlined how they will pay their respects to Sir Bobby this evening, the statement read: “We will honour and remember Sir Bobby at our men’s first-team game against FC Copenhagen on Tuesday through a special pre-match tribute, which will conclude with a minute’s silence before kick-off.

      “A wreath will be in place on Sir Bobby’s seat within the Director’s Box, players and staff will wear black armbands and Sir Bobby will be remembered on the cover of the matchday programme.”
      Pressure mounts on Sofyan tonight
      Casemiro’s suspension tonight means Sofyan Amrabat is under even more pressure.
      United host Copenhagen in the Champions League tonight without their main anchorman midfielder.
      And that means Amrabat is tipped for a more defensive role as he battles to settle down since his summer arrival from Fiorentina.
      United legend Gary Neville is among those who have pointed out the Moroccan is far from a natural holding midfielder.
      Pressure mounts on Sofyan tonight
      Casemiro’s suspension tonight means Sofyan Amrabat is under even more pressure.
      United host Copenhagen in the Champions League tonight without their main anchorman midfielder.
      And that means Amrabat is tipped for a more defensive role as he battles to settle down since his summer arrival from Fiorentina.
      United legend Gary Neville is among those who have pointed out the Moroccan is far from a natural holding midfielder. More

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      Kevin De Bruyne ‘contacted by Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr with Saudis keen to meet Man City ace in shock transfer plot’

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      KEVIN DE BRUYNE has reportedly been contacted by Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr over a shock transfer. The Manchester City star was made captain by Pep Guardiola at the Etihad this summer.
      Kevin De Bruyne is a shock transfer target for Al-NassrCredit: Getty
      Cristiano Ronaldo joined the Saudi Pro League club and sparked a wave of transfersCredit: Getty
      De Bruyne will enter the final 12 months of his current deal next year.
      But talks over a new contract have been postponed until he recovers from the hamstring injury suffered on the opening day of the season.
      And now Al-Nassr are said to be keen to pounce on the stall.
      According to reporter Rudy Galetti, the Saudi Pro League side got in touch with De Bruyne’s agent.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      The club are keen to arrange a meeting with the Belgian’s representatives to sit down and discuss a possible move.
      Al-Nassr want to explain their long-term project in the hope of convincing the playmaker to make the incredible switch to the Middle East and link up with Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic and ex-City pal Aymeric Laporte.
      SunSport understands, though, that De Bruyne will reject any big-money offers from Saudi Arabia because he wants to finish his career at the Etihad.
      But even so, fans are already relishing the prospect of De Bruyne linking up with Ronaldo.
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      One said: “Ronaldo to reach 1000+ goals.”
      Another wrote: “If he joins then Al-Nassr are winning the league.”
      A third added: “Good. I like this. CR7 x KDB.”
      And a final user commented: “Cristiano scoring 60 goals with 40+ headers at 39.”
      De Bruyne has become a Manchester City legend since his then-club-record £55million move in 2015.
      He boasts an incredible return of 96 goals and 153 assists in 358 appearances and lifted 13 trophies – including last season’s memorable Treble.
      The former Chelsea man inherited the armband following Ilkay Gundogan’s exit but managed just 23 minutes against Burnley before limping off. More

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      Striker who’s tearing up Bundesliga and outscoring Harry Kane available to Premier League clubs on tiny release clause

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      SERHOU GUIRASSY has teared up the Bundesliga this season by outscoring Harry Kane – but will now be up for grabs in the Premier League.The goal-scoring menace has a bargain release clause that makes him an attractive target for many of the top English clubs in the new year.
      Serhou Guirassy has teared up the Bundesliga this termCredit: Getty
      Serhou Guirassy has scored 14 goals in eight games
      Guirassy has lit up the Bundesliga this term with his scoring prowess smashing in 14 goals in eight league games.
      His name may not be that familiar to Premier League fans yet but Stuttgart’s tiny release clause for the 27-year-old may change that.
      The little-known striker has topped the goal-scoring charts across all five of the European top leagues this season so far.
      And the Guinean international is the only player in those top five leagues this century, other than Cristiano Ronaldo, to score 14 goals so early on the term.
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      He has outscored the likes of Harry Kane, Robert Lewandowski and Erling Haaland who are widely regarded as the world’s best strikers.
      But what makes Guirassy even more attractive is his release clause is worth just £15million and will be active in both winter and summer transfer windows, according to SkyDE.
      And the forward has already caught the eye of some of the Premier League clubs.
      Fulham are desperate to replace Aleksander Mitrovic following his £50million move to Al-Hilal over the summer.
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      As summer signing Raul Jimenez has failed to score in his first eight league appearances for the West London club.
      The Cottagers are keen to redeem their poor start to the season and escape the bottom half of the table with a new No9.
      But they are certain to face competition from their league rivals for the Stuggart superstar.
      As for the England captain, Harry Kane who is currently straggling behind Guirassy in second place in the Bundesliga goal-scoring charts with just nine goals this campaign.
      And Bayern Munich are trailing one point behind rivals Stuggart in the table as they both chase for the league title.
      Guirassy is the top goal-scorer in the Bundesliga way ahead of Harry Kane
      Guirassy joined the Bundesliga side on a permanent deal from Rennes after spending the second half of last season on loan at the German club.
      This season against Mainz and Wolfsburg the prolific goal scorer bagged two hat-tricks.
      But the Guinean star is not just a poacher and has proven himself to be an all-round forward.
      This term he has an impressive pass success rate of 78% and averages 1.9 key passes per game, according to WhoScored.com
      His remarkable performance against Wolfsburg saw Guirassy receive a 9.58 rating and made 18 passes with a 72% pass success rate.
      At the Mercedes-Benz Arena, he hit the with five of out his six shots and scored all three of his goals in a 15-minute spell.
      Guirassy has shown his versatility in the penalty box and both the wings against Wolfsburg
      Guiarrasy was effective in creating chances and making shots
      He was very active in Wolfsburg’s half, touching the ball more than anyone else and threatening the opponent’s goal from both wings and the centre.
      He has shown he is strong, fast, agile and can play as a lone striker or in a two-man attack.
      And the football rating site has also ranked Guirassy with an 8.6 rating making him the hottest player in Europe.
      He has beaten the likes of Jude Bellingham who was rated an 8.09 and has scored nine goals in eight games.
      Read More on The Sun
      Guirassy has even surpassed the Premier League’s top-rated star James Maddison who was rated a 7.85.
      Guirassy is definitely one to watch and will certainly have the English teams chasing for his signature next year.
      Sehrou Guirassy has a bargain release clause of just £15m that is valid in January 2024Credit: Getty More

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      Unemployed former Newcastle star rejected ‘weird’ transfer offer before emotional release from boyhood club

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      MATTY LONGSTAFF has opened up about rejecting a “weird” transfer offer from Serie A side Udinese before being released by Newcastle.Longstaff, 23, is a boyhood Newcastle fan and says he “lived the dream” after breaking into the Magpies’ first team.
      Matty Longstaff has revealed he rejected a move from Udinese in favour of staying at NewcastleCredit: PA
      The midfielder started his Newcastle career with a bang in October 2019 when he scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 victory over Manchester United.
      Despite earning just £850-a-week when breaking into the Toon first team, his excellent initial form soon saw Europe’s big boys sniffing around for his signature.
      Manchester United were the first of the big clubs linked, with Italian giants Inter Milan also joining the race for the midfielder’s signature.
      Despite making a great start to life in a Newcastle shirt, Longstaff soon found himself dropping down the pecking order behind the likes of Joelinton and his brother Sean, 25.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Loans to Aberdeen and League Two sides Mansfield and Colchester United soon followed before Matty was released this summer.
      Speaking to SportBible about his rise and current situation, Matty said: “Out of nowhere, you suddenly become this hot thing and everyone’s talking about you, making offers or seeing whether you’re interested.
      “It was a weird one, really. I went from playing U23’s football to having clubs from all around the world trying to sign me.”
      When his £850-a-week development contract ran out, Matty still had attractive offers from the likes of Udinese and Marseille.
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      Longstaff struggled to rediscover his form on loan at AberdeenCredit: Kenneth Ramsay
      The midfielder cruelly suffered an ACL injury while on loan at ColchesterCredit: Getty
      But he says the global situation owing to Covid-19 played a factor in him not taking a move overseas.
      He said: “A few teams were sniffing around. Udinese was a deal that got offered but again, it was a weird one.
      “At the end of that season, there was Covid. The world just stopped. You never really knew what was going to happen.
      “I was in the middle of negotiating contracts. My heart was at Newcastle, though.
      “After what I’d just done, there was no way I wanted to leave but Udinese made an offer. We spoke to them but with the pandemic and everything going on, it was a strange time.
      “I spoke to other teams but when your heart is with a club, and you’re still so young, I just didn’t see beyond Newcastle. You think it’s going stay like that.”
      After committing his future to Newcastle, Longstaff began to struggle for form and fitness.
      His loan at Colchester United last season was cut short when the midfielder damaged his ACL on Boxing Day – and is still completing his rehabilitation with Newcastle despite not having a club.
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      “You go from being at the top to the bottom,” said Matty. “I guess me and Sean have both experienced that.
      “When Sean first came through at Newcastle, he was flying. He was being talked about everywhere and then suddenly he was at the bottom and that was similar to me.
      “I came through, did really well and then I was sent out on loan before ending up down at the bottom.
      “It’s football. It’s just one of those things. You have your highs and lows.
      “When I was breaking through, I was at the top and at the minute, I’m probably at the bottom with the injury and things but I guess when you’re there, there’s only one place you can go.
      “I’m really motivated to get back. I want to be a top player.”
      Despite being released by Newcastle this summer, the club have allowed him to stay around and get back to full fitness following his injury.
      The midfielder said: “The club have been unbelievable with me throughout.
      “They have allowed me to stay around the place to do all my rehab, which means I’ve got top physios looking after me every day. If I need extra help on the pitch, the staff will always be there.
      Read More on The Sun
      “They’ll often ask how I’m getting on mentally, as well, and still treat me like I’m one of their players.
      “It just shows how good they are as human beings. They’ve all played the game and had injuries. They know what it’s like.” More

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      Chelsea and Man City ‘consider £60m transfer bid for in-demand Italy star to bolster defensive ranks’

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      CHELSEA and Manchester City are considering a move for Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni, according to reports.The centre-back is one of the most in demand players in the world having previously turned down opportunities to move.
      Chelsea and Manchester City are interested in signing Alessandro BastoniCredit: Getty
      He rejected Tottenham when former manager Antonio Conte made an approach over a year ago.
      Now Chelsea and City have turned their eye to Bastoni too, report Calciomercato.
      But Inter will hold out for a hefty transfer fee with the Italy defender priced at £60million.
      The Serie A giants are not under pressure to sell as Bastoni penned a five-year deal in the summer.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Manchester United have been linked to Bastoni in the past.
      While Pep Guardiola could decide to focus transfer funds elsewhere after signing Josko Gvardiol in the summer.

      Chelse have spent over £1billion since Todd Boehly took over.
      But the Blues are still exploring ways to improve their squad after a shaky start to the season.
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      Brentford star Ivan Toney is believed to be of interest, with Arsenal also keeping tabs on the striker.
      Toney could be available for as little as £65m too as he has not played for several months due to his ban for betting breaches. More

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      Brentford set shockingly low Ivan Toney asking price with Chelsea and Arsenal set for striker transfer tussle

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      BRENTFORD have set a shockingly low asking price for Ivan Toney despite a high level of interest in the striker, a report claims.The suspended star is wanted by a number of Premier League sides including Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham.
      Brentford have set a shockingly low asking price for Toney despite interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and SpursCredit: PA
      Ivan Toney is serving a betting ban until January next yearCredit: Alamy
      Toney, 27, was banned from football for eight months after being found guilty of 232 betting offences in May.
      He is not due to return to the pitch until the middle of January, but the Sun revealed he has been training with Brentford after striking a secret deal with the FA.
      But Toney’s inactivity has not stopped top Premier League teams from trying to snatch him from the Bees mid-season.
      It seems he will, at least, stay in the capital with title-chasing Gunners and Spurs as well as Mauricio Pochettino’s Blues all keen.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      However, even with the huge amount of interest, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported on the Debrief Podcast that the deal can be sealed for just £65million.
      That’s despite a fee of around £80m being suggested before Toney’s betting issues came to light.

      Toney – whose contract expires in 2025 – has been the Bees’ key man since their promotion to the Premier League, scoring 32 goals over the past two seasons, including 20 last campaign.
      But boss Thomas Frank admitted they could cash in in January.
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      Speaking last month, he admitted: “We are a selling club, if the right price is there, if it’s the right time for the player to go.
      “If they have developed well with us, been on the journey and now they’re proven good enough to go to the top clubs, then  it’s the right thing.”
      Toney’s end destination is unclear as Mikel Arteta is desperate to add a traditional No9 to his squad in order to fight for the league title.
      But the Spaniard is reluctant to spend big bucks after his splurge this summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and David Raya.
      Chelsea are not just keen on Toney, but Napoli’s Victor Osimhen too as they bid to recover from their poor start to the season.
      Tottenham have been the surprise package of the season so far, sitting unbeaten and top of the Premier League after nine games.
      However, they remain on the lookout for a goalscorer to replace Harry Kane, who left for Bayern Munich in the summer. More

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      Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand breaks silence on Jim Ratcliffe investment and fears ‘player turmoil’

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      RIO FERDINAND has told Sir Jim Ratcliffe to reveal his grand plans for Manchester United or risk more dressing-room turmoil.Ratcliffe, 71, is set to buy a 25 per cent stake in the club in a £1.3billion deal with the Glazers — and have  control of football operations.
      Rio Ferdinand has called for Sir Jim Ratcliffe to elaborate on his plans for Man UtdCredit: PA
      But United legend Ferdi, 44, declared: “We’ve not had it explained what 25 per cent looks like from a  business standpoint, to appease the anxiety.
      “Most fans wanted a new ownership. It’s not that now, so communication is vital.
      “If Mr Ratcliffe is coming in and wants to hit the ground running, show some signs of influence.
      “One of the key areas he needs to zone in on is communication with the fanbase.
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      “They are so important with the tone around the ground and that influences players.
      “If you can control the  hype,  you have a better chance of keeping the dressing room  tightknit and emotions to a level to perform.
      “At the moment, the grey area for every single element of the football club is not healthy.”
      There is a proposal of a new United football committee, which could include Sir Jim’s INEOS colleague Sir Dave Brailsford.
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      Ratcliffe is set to buy a 25 per cent stake in the clubCredit: AFP
      However, with negotiations still being finalised after Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani withdrew his £5bn offer to buy the Red Devils, there remains confusion over the exact role and power Ratcliffe will take on from the club’s US  owners, the Glazer family.
      Asked if Erik ten Hag’s squad have the mentality to deal with the noise on and off the pitch, Ferdinand added: “It is hard  to say whether this squad can deal with stuff like this.
      “You are demanding a lot from them.
      “They are a team  still trying to find out who they are.
      “But I wouldn’t have any player being able to have the excuse. I’ve seen it, I’ve been there.”
      The ongoing uncertainty over the drawn-out takeover — the Glazers put United up for sale in November last year — has coincided with the team’s poor start to the season. Ten Hag’s side are eighth in the Premier League and already eight points behind leaders Tottenham after just nine games.
      They have also lost their opening two Champions League fixtures  to Bayern Munich and Galatasaray and sit bottom of Group A as they host Copenhagen tomorrow.
      Ferdinand added: “When stability isn’t there underneath, that’s when you need to come to the front as an owner and say how it is. It puts everyone at ease.
      “That’s not going to right everything, just by communicating but it goes a long way and squashes a few of those loud voices.”
      The former England defender suggested British billionaire Ratcliffe should use United’s former chief executive David Gill as inspiration.
      Ratcliffe poses as a favourite to take over at Man UtdCredit: Getty
      Gill, now 66, was in the job from 2003-13, overseeing great success under legendary  manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
      Ferdinand, who won six Prem titles, the Champions League and three EFL Cups at United between 2002-14, said: “In my time, David Gill left us in no uncertain terms about the direction of the club and a clear, ‘This is the project’.
      “We went through a lull when Jose Mourinho and Chelsea were dominating, as well as Arsenal and that was when my contract renegotiation was going on.
      “People were courting me but I was absolutely clear and happy with the club’s aspirations.
      “If there were any issues, you went to see him. Plain and  simple. I don’t know if that’s going on at the club now.
      “Technical staff could be telling players what the project is.
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      “But do the players really believe it when there is no voice or face at the top?”
      Manchester United v Copenhagen is live exclusively on TNT Sports 2 tomorrow. For more info visit tntsports.co.uk/football More

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      Ajax sack manager in bid to avoid shock relegation with former World Cup star to take charge of team

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      AJAX have sacked their manager Maurice Steijn after a disastrous start to their campaign.The Dutch giants have endured a turbulent season that has seen them dropping to the relegation zone and losing five out of 11 matches across all competitions.
      Ajax have been enduring a disastrous campaign and a relegation struggleCredit: Rex
      Ajax have sacked manager Maurice Steijn ahead of the Brighton gameCredit: Rex
      The Amsterdam outfit have also lost a staggering four out of their first seven matches in the Eredivisie, of which they have only won one.
      That means Ajax are now 17th in the table with only one point separating them from Volendam, who are at the bottom.
      This marks their worst ever position in the Dutch top flight.
      Steijn was hired in June after a stunning campaign with Sparta Rotterdam.
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      The Dutch tactician led Sparta to sixth place after winning 17 out of 34 league games.
      The 49-year-old replaced Everton cult hero Johnny Heitinga and signed a contract until 2026.
      Steijn’s assistant Hedwiges Maduro has been placed in caretaker charge.
      That means Maduro will be in charge of the team on Thursday when they visit Brighton in the Europa League.
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      The 38-year-old is a former Ajax player himself, who enjoyed a successful career as he also played for Valencia and Sevilla.
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      The ex-Groningen star also played for Holland in the 2006 World Cup.
      Steijn said: “This morning, I sat down with the board, and we continued our talks later this afternoon.
      “We came to the conclusion that this is what is best for Ajax, although I regret that.
      “Everyone who knows me knows I have done everything to take Ajax back to the place where this club belongs. But I failed to do so.
      “I want to thank the supporters and the people I have worked with here, and I hope Ajax will find its way up again soon.” More