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    Ex-Man Utd star Anthony Martial’s free transfer to Brazilian giants collapses over TWO outrageous contract demands

    FLAMENGO have reportedly turned down the opportunity to sign free agent Anthony Martial.The 28-year-old has been available since leaving Manchester United in July.Flamengo have rejected the chance to sign former Man Utd forward Anthony MartialCredit: PAHe is yet to find a new club despite receiving plenty of interest.Flamengo identified Martial as a target last week after star man Pedro suffered a serious knee injury.But despite initiating talks, the Brazilian side rejected the opportunity to sign him.According to news outlet Meia Hora, Martial’s demands were “unworkable” for Flamengo.Read More in FootballThe Frenchman wanted a three-year contract in Rio de Janeiro.And his preferred salary was deemed far too high by club officials.It is now believed there is no possibility of negotiations progressing.Martial has been linked with several clubs since leaving Man Utd including Atalanta and Lille.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSEarlier this month he was also reportedly offered the biggest contract in AEK Athens’ history.Following his Man Utd departure, Martial’s agent told Sky Sports: “Anthony is on vacation. We are studying the different projects and we will take time.Man Utd’s completed summer transfer deals”Anthony has made sure to be fit and ready for his new club. He has been training normally for two months.”He is 28-years-old. I hear reports that he would be too financially greedy with the clubs. This is not true.”Anthony wants an ambitious project to achieve high club goals and get back into the France team. He will choose his club according to the sporting and family project.”The finances are important for any professional player but they are not his priority.” More

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    Jadon Sancho will only get in Chelsea team ‘if football becomes 24-a-side’, ex-Man Utd star fears

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Andy Cole has warned Jadon Sancho he will struggle at Chelsea “unless football becomes 24-a-side”.The English forward, 24, joined the Blues on Deadline Day on a loan deal with an obligation to buy for around £23million.Jadon Sancho joined Chelsea on loan with an obligation buy at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyManchester United legend Andy Cole has issued a warning to SanchoCredit: PAHe is yet to make his debut for the Blues, but could feature in their trip to Bournemouth on Saturday night.However, Man Utd Treble winner Cole, 52, feels Sancho will struggle to establish a run in Enzo Maresca’s team due to Chelsea’s inflated squad.Speaking to Betfred, he said: “Manchester United paid over £70million for Jadon three years ago, so it’s a lot of money lost isn’t it?”Jadon’s a very talented kid and he’s still only 24 years old, so if Chelsea can get the best out of him, like Borussia Dortmund did last season, then it would be a steal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”There’s so much talent and so much unlocked potential there, so if Chelsea can unlock it and get him to the peak of his powers, then it would ultimately be a very, very good deal for them.”However, you can flip it on its head and ask where he’s going to play?”Unless football becomes 24-a-side, he’s going to struggle like everybody else is at Chelsea because nobody knows what’s going on there.”They’ve got loads of big names but they can only choose 11 players to start, so it will be interesting to see how he does at Chelsea.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSancho scored two and assisted two in the Bundesliga at Dortmund last seasonMaresca has a host of options in the wide attacking positions including Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, Mykhailo Mudryk, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke.Sancho scored two goals and provided two assists in 14 Bundesliga games while on loan at Dortmund during the second half of last season.Erik ten Hag loses again in new role as head of Dutch giants after Man Utd’s horror start to Premier League seasonAside from that short stint back in Germany, he has not played any football since the 2022/23 campaign due to a spat with Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag.Sancho, who has featured 23 times for England, has also not received a cap for his country in three years. More

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    Man Utd ‘want Eberechi Eze’ as they look to make four key transfers next summer to overhaul team

    MANCHESTER UNITED chiefs are already drawing up transfer plans for next summer and want to sign four players, according to reports.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s team are now in charge of the club’s business and they are working on a list of targets to keep an eye on this season.Eberechi Eze is a top target for Man UtdCredit: GettyFree agent Adrien Rabiot remains on the club’s radarCredit: GettyUnited also remain keen on Jarrad BranthwaiteCredit: GettyThe club want a left-back to cover Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia amid injuriesCredit: GettyThe Red Devils want to sign a centre-back, left-back, midfielder and a winger next year.Manchester Evening News claim Eberechi Eze has been identified as a top target for the club.The player is under contract at Crystal Palace until 2027 and there is a £68million release clause in his deal.England star Eze can play as a No10 and out wide, with him set to be “monitored” by Man Utd this campaign.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTheir could be space for him in Erik ten Hag’s squad next season as Antony and Christian Eriksen could leave.SunSport understands the £85m flop is wanted by Fenerbahce on loan, with the club open to offloading him.Meanwhile, Eriksen sees his contract expire at the end of the season.Casemiro also sees his deal end in June and he faces an uncertain future amid poor form.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMan Utd were keen on free agent Adrien Rabiot and Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi in the summer.Talks about the two players could resume, especially if the Frenchman remains unemployed.’Man Utd have wrong bald Dutch manager’ – how Slot schooled Ten Hag at Old TraffordDespite the arrivals of Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt, they could enter the market for a centre-back again in 12 months.Both Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans see their contracts run out next summer.Reports suggest United remain interested in Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite.The Toffees declined bids from worth £43m and £50m from Old Trafford as they are holding out for £80m. With Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia continuing to struggle with injuries, a left-back is also wanted by the club.Shaw has not played for Man Utd since February and Malacia last featured in May 2023.Left-back has become a problem area, with Lisandro Martinez and Diogo Dalot filling in there. More

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    Former Man Utd star reveals Alexander Isak has spoken to him about Newcastle transfer from Premier League rivals

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST winger Anthony Elanga has revealed he spoke to Sweden team-mate Alexander Isak about a potential move to Newcastle.Forest turned down an offer worth up to £50million for Elanga on transfer deadline day.Newcastle made a late push to sign Anthony Elanga on deadline dayCredit: GettyElanga spoke to Newcastle’s Alexander Isak about the potential moveCredit: GettyNewcastle made a last-minute attempt to sign him after missing out on top target Marc Guehi.Eddie Howe was desperate to strengthen his squad wherever possible and turned to Elanga in a bid to bolster his attacking ranks.The 22-year-old was made aware of Howe’s interest and discussed the move with international team-mate Isak.Speaking to Swedish outlet Fotboll Skanalen, he explained: “Isak talked to me about it. But I said the same to him as I say to you.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We have a good relationship and good chemistry when we play together. But I have a contract with Nottingham.”Elanga insists he is more than happy at the City Ground but hasn’t completely ruled out a move in future.He added: “The environment in Nottingham is good. It is clear that you can see that Newcastle are interested, it means that I am playing good football when a big club shows interest.”But Nottingham is also a big club, they have won two Champions Leagues, even though it was before I was born.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSElanga made 36 Prem appearances for Forest last season”But I’m happy in Nottingham and have a contract there.Elanga joined Nottingham Forest in a £15m transfer from Manchester United last summer and has since made 43 appearances.Kieran Trippier goes viral during Newcastle’s clash at Bournemouth after painful moment is caught on Sky Sports camerasThe Sweden international has started all three Premier League games for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side so far this season.He managed five goals and nine assists last term.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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    Victor Osimhen is ‘a few little details’ away from joining Chelsea, claims Mikel as he hints at January transfer

    CHELSEA legend John Obi Mikel claims Victor Osimhen remains “very, very close” to joining the club.The 25-year-old was heavily linked with a move from Napoli to Stamford Bridge over the summer.Victor Osimhen nearly joined Chelsea and talks are set to resume in the futureCredit: GettyChelsea legend John Obi Mikel lifted the lid on negotiationsBut the switch failed to materialise and after he was left out of the Italian side’s squad, he joined Galatasaray on loan until the end of the season.However, the transfer saga is not over yet as Mikel hinted that Osimhen could still join Chelsea.The retired icon, who knows the striker from their days together in the Nigeria team and was involved in talks, told his podcast: “We were very, very close to getting this deal done.”But it was just slight issues, slight little problems that we just couldn’t get over the line. READ MORE ON CHELSEA”I know what Victor wanted, I know what the club offered him, I know where we got to.”We finally got to a compromise. Both sides had to compromise – paperwork, medical and a few issues that we just couldn’t get over the line and then we didn’t have much time.”I think both sides really played their part in terms of getting the deal done and I commend Chelsea for that because I could see the ambition of where they can take this club.”Also on Victor’s side, I think we have to pick this up again. Whatever it is, January or next summer. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”We know where we are, we know where we’ve stopped and it’s just little details that need to be finalised and the deal will be done.”So for me, the club is in a very happy place with Victor and he is in a very happy place.”Chaos as Victor Osimhen is greeted by flare-wielding Galatasaray fans as he leads them in chant at 4am after transferMikel said playing in the Premier League is Osimhen’s dream.But SunSport revealed that the player’s astonishing £500,000-a-week wage demands held up the deal.It would make Osimhen, who has a £110million release clause in his Napoli contract, the highest paid player in the Prem.Mikel said: “Victor is not a greedy boy. He’s not a greedy guy.”He just wants to play football and get what he deserves and that’s not a problem. “A player knowing what he’s worth and demanding to be paid what he what he’s worth, that’s not a problem.” More

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    Man Utd looking to offload Antony with £86m flop keen on exit after losing place in team

    MANCHESTER UNITED flop Antony is pushing for a loan move away from Old Trafford and may have played his last game for the club.SunSport can reveal that Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce remain in pole position to land the Brazilian winger.Antony could leave Man Utd this weekCredit: GettyBut Antony’s former club Ajax are also monitoring the situation – as well as teams in Spain, France and Saudi Arabia.The player has told Man Utd he wants out and the club are believed to be keen to push through a loan deal.The Turkish transfer window is open until Friday.But any permanent departure is not likely to happen until next summer.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAntony joined the Red Devils for £85.5million two years ago on a five-year deal worth a reported £200,000 per week.But he has failed to settle at Old Trafford and has played just one minute so far in the Premier League this season.The 24-year-old has found himself behind the likes of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo in the pecking order – though Jadon Sancho has now left the club.In total, Antony has played 83 times for the Man Utd, scoring 11 goals.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSErik ten Hag pushed to sign the star after working with him at Ajax.But a loan switch is now seen as a pathway to revitalising his career and Mourinho’s Fenerbahce could be the perfect place for that.’Man Utd have wrong bald Dutch manager’ – how Slot schooled Ten Hag at Old TraffordHe will team-up with fellow ex-United star Fred should he join the Turkish Super Lig giants.They are set to face United in the Europa League on October 24. More

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    Erik ten Hag has until Christmas to prove he’s right man for Man Utd or he will be sacked, says Red Devils legend

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Nicky Butt believes Erik ten Hag has until Christmas to prove himself at Old Trafford.Butt admits United’s start to the season has been a shocker — losing to Brighton and Liverpool to kick off the Prem with two defeats in three.Man Utd legend Nicky Butt reckons Erik ten Hag has until Christmas to prove he is the right person for the jobCredit: GettyButt believes the backing showed to the Dutchman means he will have at few months at leastCredit: AlamyThe ex-midfielder, a six-time Red Devils title winner, feels Ten Hag should get until the end of 2024 to prove he is making progress.And Butt is convinced he WILL get that time after chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe opted not to axe him in the wake of beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final, then backed him in the summer transfer market.Butt, 49, said: “It’s not been great. I’m a big Man United fan but I can’t lie to people and say it’s been amazing — because it hasn’t.“Hopefully it will turn and change. At United you’re always under pressure and Ten Hag knows that.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Nobody is going to say that they are going to win the title this year — anyone who claims that are jokers — so they will have to bide their time and stick with the manager.“If they’re not going to do that, then they’d have got rid in the summer.“There’s no point sacking somebody if there is just nobody to come in. Clubs all over the world do it — and it’s crazy.“They sack a manager because it’s not going well and they don’t have any reasonable targets coming in.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Then, they bring another wrong one in and it’s a knock-on effect.“They’ve got to give him a few months now. You can’t just start a season, get three of four games in and get rid of the manager.’Will you let me finish’ snaps Gary Neville live on Sky Sports as Man Utd legend refuses to answer Carragher’s question“If United were going to do this then they should have done that in the close season.“So you have to now stand by him and get to Christmas — then see where we’re at.“To me, it’s right down the spine of the team, it’s wide open and people are just coming right through the middle of us.”Butt’s ex-United team-mate Teddy Sheringham has also slammed Ten Hag’s two-year reign  — claiming the Dutchman is “not good enough” and will be gone by Christmas.But former Ajax chief Ten Hag has tried to add much-needed bite to United’s midfield with the £42.3million signing of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain.And Butt, part of that iconic 1999 Treble-winning Red Devils side, added: “The new lad Ugarte has come in and can fill a gap.Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages.“We have some very talented players, so hopefully the manager can get them playing the way he wants and get some results.“You have to get the players and new signings into the spirit of what Man United is all about.“That’s a big thing. Years ago you were able to watch United and know what you were going to get.“You see it at City and Liverpool but with United, you still struggle to see what style of football it is.”It must have stung Butt and his fellow Class of 92 graduates to watch Pep Guardiola’s City rack up a record four consecutive titles.The ex-England star added: “City are way ahead. What we need to do is get a squad together who can challenge next season.READ MORE SUN STORIES“This season, it’s about getting back into Champions League football and having a run in the cups. If people think it is about winning the league title this year, they are dreaming.“The international break came at a good time as the boss can get players back fit, hopefully, and go again.”Man Utd player ratings vs LiverpoolMANCHESTER UNITED had a horror show against Liverpool as they lost 3-0.Casemiro was so bad he was taken off at half-time.But were there any positive performances at Old Trafford?Andre Onana – 5Nothing he could do about any of Liverpool’s goals and made a few saves to prevent the scoreline from getting worse.Noussair Mazraoui – 5Came close to scoring in the first half and looked solid enough against Diaz although he did push up too high before Liverpool’s opener.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Left Diaz and Domink Szobozslai in acres of space for the opening goal but was left in a tricky spot thanks to Casemiro’s error. Booked for a shocking late tackle on Diaz.Lisandro Martinez – 3Lost Diaz for the second goal which meant the Colombian was able to score unmarked from the penalty spot.Also guilty of giving away the ball too easily and was not tight enough with his marking.Diogo Dalot – 4Was caught out pushing up too quickly for the first goal and did not do enough to stop Mo Salah’s cross in the build-up to Liverpool’s second.Looked dangerous in attack at times but too infrequently as he had plenty of defensive work to do since Rashford did not track Trent Alexander-Arnold.Casemiro – 2A horror show in the first half as he gave the ball away in the lead up to both of Liverpool’s goals.He was caught on the ball for the second after a shocking misplaced pass left his defence vulnerable for the opening goal. Hooked at half-time.Kobbie Mainoo – 4Fell victim to the Casemiro curse as he was shrugged off the ball in a terrible position, allowing Liverpool to add a third with ease.Bruno Fernandes – 5Was United’s most creative spark but that is not saying much. Tried to get his side going in the first half but looked short of ideas and inspiration after the break.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Still appears to be a little rusty and is yet to hit the heights he reached last season.Marcus Rashford – 3Nothing came off for the out-of-sorts forward who must be running out of chances before he is dropped.Joshua Zirkzee – 4Quiet up-front and had little influence on the wing as well, but missed a clear-cut chance with his head and should have turned in Rashford’s cross which he met at the far post.SubsToby Collyer (for Casemiro, HT) – 5A difficult game for the youngster to make his Premier League debut but he put himself about and won a few tackles.Harry Maguire (for De Ligt, 69mins) – 5Shored things up at the back as Liverpool took their foot off the pedal.Amad (for Garnacho, 69mins) – 5Provided a spark on the right and looked more lively than Garnacho.Christian Eriksen (for Zirkzee, 86mins) – N/ANot on long enough to make an impact. More

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    Former England star Darren Bent branded ‘a horrible man’ after revealing his pick for WORST transfer of the summer

    FORMER England striker Darren Bent was labelled a “horrible man” after naming Oliver Skipp the worst transfer of the summer.Midfielder Skipp, 23, joined newly-promoted Premier League side Leicester from Tottenham for £20million.Darren Bent named Oliver Skipp as the worst transfer of the summerCredit: YouTube/talkSPORTSkipp left Tottenham to join Leicester in a £20million dealCredit: GettyBut ex-Tottenham man Bent, 40, is unconvinced by the signing as he questioned what his contribution will be to Steve Cooper’s team.Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “Worst signing, Oliver Skipp, and I feel so bad saying that.”To which co-host Andy Goldstein jokingly replied: “Horrible man.”Justifying his selection, Bent added: “What am I supposed to do?READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I just think, £20million, is that what Leicester needed? Oliver Skipp and Harry Winks. Harry was good last year in the Championship.”The reason why I am not putting Dewsbury-Hall [to Chelsea] in there [is] because Chelsea have just thrown the money left, right and centre at loads of different players, so you almost get lost in it.”I am not saying he [Skipp] is a bad player. Leicester fans can tell me, when they signed Oliver Skipp, did they automatically think ‘right, yes, he gives us the best chance of staying up?’ Does he?”Skipp played 106 games for Tottenham, scoring one goal and providing two assists.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe came off the bench to make his debut in the Foxes’ 2-1 defeat to Fulham.He then made his first start for Leicester when they suffered a 2-1 loss at home to Aston Villa before the international break.PREM RULE CHANGESChanges to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More