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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe arrives at Old Trafford for £6billion takeover talks as he is given tour 24 hours after Qataris

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      IT WAS the turn of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos co-owners to get the VIP tour of Manchester United today ahead of their prospective takeover bid.We reported yesterday how his rivals, the potential new Qatari owners, arrived for a look around the club on Thursday.
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe has this morning received his VIP tour of Man Utd ahead of his takeover bidCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      He was spotted arriving at the Theatre of Dreams alongside a host of his Ineos colleaguesCredit: Zenpix
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe was greeted by Man Utd CEO Richard ArnoldCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Sir Jim is bidding to take over the club along with the QatarisCredit: Zenpix
      Sir David Brailsford (right) accompanied the billionaire to the Theatre of DreamsCredit: PA
      Sir Jim and other bidders have until Wednesday to make their second offerCredit: PA
      Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani, a member of the Gulf state’s ruling royal family, has tabled a bid believed to be under the Glazers’ £6billion asking price.
      Al Thani’s bid is reportedly worth £5bn but he is promising to wipe the club’s debt and fund upgrades for both Old Trafford and Carrington.

      But one of Britain’s richest men, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and his Ineos group also made a bid.
      Locally-born United supporter Ratcliffe, 70, has pitched that he will put “Manchester back into Manchester United” with a “British bid to make the club a beacon for a modern, progressive, fan-centred approach to ownership”.
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      And today it was his turn to head to Old Trafford to take a look at what he could be buying.
      Andy Currie and John Reece, the co-owners of Ineos with Jim, were in attendance at the Theatre of Dreams as was Rob Nevin, chair of Ineos Sport and long-time right hand man to the billionaire.
      And they were also joined by Jean Claude Blanc, CEO of Ineos Sport, and Sir Dave Brailsford, Director of Sport at Ineos Sport.
      Ratcliffe – who owns Ligue 1 side Nice – was snapped arriving at Old Trafford and being greeted by chief executive Richard Arnold. 
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      Just like the officials representing the Middle East, the group are believed to be meeting staff members of various departments, including football, financial and commercial as well as receiving a tour of the Theatre of Dreams and the Carrington training ground.
      Both the stadium and training HQ are in need of a revamp, and the trip will have allowed them to assess how much would be needed for a makeover.
      The Daily Mail are now reporting that second bids now need to be in by midweek, with Wednesday the likely deadline, in a “tightening of process” with any final bids set to have an Easter deadline.
      Second offers will be invited to be made to the US bank Raine Group, who are handling the sale on behalf of the Glazers.
      They will then consult with American owners before determining who their preferred bidder is and then giving them full access to United’s accounts and then further negotiations could take place.
      Two other bidders that are believed to be from the USA are also allegedly in the frame and will be doing the same.
      Ratcliffe is a petrochemicals tycoon who at his peak was worth around £21BILLION.
      He runs multi-billion-pound chemicals giant Ineos, which owns French club Nice, Swiss side Lausanne, plus a third of Formula One team Mercedes.
      Sir Jim and his team pose for the cameras outside of Old TraffordCredit: PA
      Sir Jim jetted in from Nice early on Friday morningCredit: Reuters
      He was then driven straight to United’s legendary home for talksCredit: Zenpix
      Representatives of Man Utd’s potential new Qatari owners were at Old Trafford yesterdayCredit: JOHN MATHER/IMAGE VIEWPHOTOGRAPHY
      Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani is believed to have bid around £5bnCredit: AFP More

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      Barcelona ‘prioritise signing Man City outcast’ Joao Cancelo but will have to pay £17.5m loan transfer fee

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      BARCELONA have reportedly made Manchester City outcast Joao Cancelo their “priority signing” this summer.The defender, 28, joined German club Bayern Munich on loan for the rest of the season after falling out with Pep Guardiola.
      Barcelona have prioritised signing Joao Cancelo from Man CityCredit: Getty
      The pair were reportedly involved in a training ground bust-up after Cancelo found out he was dropped for the club’s FA Cup clash against Arsenal.
      This came as Guardiola tweaked his system after questioning his players’ hunger to win the Premier League again.
      With Cancelo’s and the City boss’ relationship becoming strained, the club took the bold decision to allow Cancelo to leave on loan.
      The Portuguese international started life at Bayern in impressive fashion and already has one goal and four assists from his eight appearances.
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      However, it has now emerged that the star is growing frustrated after being benched by the Bundesliga side’s boss Julian Nagelsmann.
      And it seems unlikely that Bayern will take up their option to buy him permanently for £60m.
      But he will still have another option regarding his future with Barcelona making him a priority signing, according to Spanish outlet SPORT.
      City are allegedly prepared to do business and would sanction another loan departure.
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      Although they are demanding a fee of at least £17.5m from Barcelona to borrow him.
      Nou Camp president Joan Laporta has already revealed that he will attempt to sign a new full-back over the summer.
      Veteran Sergi Roberto is the only recognised right-back in the current squad.
      City signed the player in a £60m deal three-and-a-half years ago from Juventus.
      Cancelo only signed a contract extension with City 12 months ago and is currently tied to the club until summer 2027. More

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      N’Golo Kante to sign new two-year Chelsea contract, with option for one more, as Blues secure key man despite injury woe

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      CHELSEA are ready to back N’Golo Kante despite his injury record as he closes in on a new deal.Final details are yet to be confirmed.
      N’Golo Kante is set to sign a new long-term Chelsea deal despite his injury woesCredit: PA
      But the French midfielder is poised to sign a two-year contract with the option of a third.
      That’s after his season was ravaged by fitness problems.
      Kante, 31, has not played since mid-August.
      And he needed hamstring surgery during the World Cup while his France team-mates went all the way to the final in Qatar.
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      His current deal expires at the end of this season.
      But Chelsea are confident the inspirational star is over the worst of his ills.
      SunSport understands the new contract will be a straight two-season agreement.
      That will take Kante up to his 33rd birthday and possibly beyond.
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      And it will not contain any ‘pay-as-you-play’ clauses.
      Kane signed for the Blues for £29million in 2016 after lifting the Prem trophy with Leicester.
      He has since gone on to win every major tournament both domestic and foreign bar the EFL Cup.
      And Kante is regarded as one of Chelsea’s best players when fully fit. More

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      Antonio Conte drops huge hint Man Utd target Harry Kane could quit Tottenham in summer transfer

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      ANTONIO CONTE has dropped a big hint on Harry Kane’s future. England captain Harry Kane has been extensively linked with a transfer over the summer window, with the likes of Manchester United very interested.
      Antonio Conte has hinted at Harry Kane’s departureCredit: Getty
      Kane is having another great season under the ItalianCredit: Rex
      Previous reports have suggested Tottenham will demand £100million for their record goalscorer, but United chiefs believe they will lower this if Spurs finish outside of the top four.
      However, other reports suggest the North Londoners will block Kane from leaving and risk his contract expiring in 2024.
      Regardless, Conte has confirmed the club’s intention to keep Kane, but gave no assurances over such a move.
      Speaking in his press conference ahead of the clash against Southampton, Conte said: “For sure, the club wants to involve Harry Kane for the rest of his career in my opinion.
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      “Because when you have this type of player, a world class striker like him, for sure you want him to stay here for the rest of his career.
      “But then you know football, you know football.
      “Sometimes it’s unpredictable but I think it’s not in my task to make a decision. This is a decision for the club and for Harry.”
      Kane is enjoying another stellar season, scoring 22 goals and adding four assists in all competitions. With his league tally bettered only by Erling Haaland.
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      Erik ten Hag is prioritising an out-and-out striker in the summer in order to lessen the demand on Marcus Rashford – who has 26 goals this season.
      Dusan Vlahovic has been linked in the event United cannot land Kane, though Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is likely to be their other main option for the position.
      But despite Osimhen’s exploits, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry reckons United should sign Kane due to his Prem experience. More

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      Former Arsenal transfer target Houssem Aouar switches nationality from France after making one cap

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      EX-ARSENAL transfer target Houssem Aouar has switched nationalities after earning one cap for France.The Lyon midfielder, 24, started for Didier Deschamps’ side in a 7-1 friendly win over Ukraine in October 2020.
      Houssem Aouar made one appearance for France in 2020Credit: Getty
      He has now confirmed he has switched his allegiance to AlgeriaCredit: Instagram @houssem_aouar
      But he has not received any minutes for the national team since then and failed to make France’s squads for the Euros or World Cup.
      Now he has opted to switch allegiance and represent Algeria – the country where both his parents were born.
      It comes on the eve of the March international break.
      However, it remains unclear whether or not he will be selected this month as he continues his recovery from injury.
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      Algeria qualified for back-to-back World Cups in 2010 and 2014, reaching the last-16 of the latter before being eliminated by Germany.
      Since then, they have failed to reach the finals of the last two tournaments.
      But they have enjoyed recent success at the Africa Cup of Nations, claiming their second title in 2019.
      Meanwhile, Aouar’s club situation is still unclear.
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      The Lyon man was heavily linked with a move to both Arsenal and Liverpool in the summer.
      However, he ended up staying put and is now set to become a free agent at the end of the season.
      Foot Mercato are reporting that Napoli, Roma, Real Betis and Eintracht Frankfurt are all interested in him. More

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      Arsenal in huge boost after triggering Marcelo Flores’ contract by extra two years amid fear of losing starlet on free

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      ARSENAL have renewed the contract of highly-rated youngster Marcelo Flores, reports suggest.Flores currently plays on loan at Real Oviedo in Spain’s second division and shows huge promise.
      Arsenal have extended youngster Marcelo Flores’ deal by two yearsCredit: Getty
      Marcelo Flores has never played for Arsenal at senior level but is already a Mexico internationalCredit: Getty
      The attacking midfielder’s deal was set to expire in June and he attracted plenty of interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
      According to the Evening Standard, however, the Gunners have extended the 19-year-old’s contract for another two years.
      The North Londoners have triggered a clause included in Flores’ previous deal that allows them to keep him until 2025.
      Arsenal did the same with fellow rising star Charlie Patino’s contract earlier this season.
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      Manager Mikel Arteta sees potential in Flores, who is already a Mexico international with three caps under his belt.
      That is despite the fact the Mexican hasn’t played a single game with Arsenal at senior level.
      The talented teenager trained with the first team in the past and was named on the bench against Crystal Palace last April.
      Arteta and sporting director Edu are already planning ahead for the future amid their first Premier League title challenge since 2004.
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      Arsenal are heavily focused on recruitment after two successful transfer windows that saw the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jorginho and Leandro Trossard elevate the team.
      Flores is one of many young players Arteta could invest in next season.
      Another youngster that has made a strong case for the senior squad is Folarin Balogun, 21, who is shining bright while on loan at Reims and has scored more goals than Lionel Messi and Neymar in Ligue 1. More

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      Wannabe Man Utd owners spotted at Old Trafford as Qatari banker’s takeover team get VIP stadium tour

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’s potential new Qatari owners arrived for a tour of their prospective purchase this morning.Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani, a member of the Gulf state’s ruling royal family, has tabled a bid believed to be under the Glazers’ £6billion asking price.
      Representatives of Man Utd’s potential new Qatari owners were at Old Trafford this morningCredit: JOHN MATHER/IMAGE VIEWPHOTOGRAPHY
      Mr Shahzad Shahbaz, president of Nine Two Foundation, was in attendance at Old Trafford on behalf of the Qatari bidCredit: JOHN MATHER/IMAGE VIEWPHOTOGRAPHY
      They arrived at the Theatre of Dreams in a convoy of black motorsCredit: JOHN MATHER/IMAGE VIEWPHOTOGRAPHY
      They arrived at the Theatre of Dreams in a convoy of black motorsCredit: JOHN MATHER/IMAGE VIEWPHOTOGRAPHY
      The reps are also believed to have met staff from several departments at Man UtdCredit: JOHN MATHER/IMAGE VIEWPHOTOGRAPHY
      Al Thani’s bid is reportedly worth £5bn but he is promising to wipe the club’s debt and fund upgrades for both Old Trafford and Carrington.
      One of Britain’s richest men, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and his Ineos group also made a bid.

      Locally-born United supporter Ratcliffe, 70, has pitched that he will put “Manchester back into Manchester United” with a “British bid to make the club a beacon for a modern, progressive, fan-centred approach to ownership.”
      Now all interested parties have been told that they have 10 days to submit their next offer to purchase the club.
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      However, representatives from the Qatari offer were spotted outside of Old Trafford earlier today as they attended presentations by the club.
      Shahzad Shahbaz, president of Nine Two Foundation, was in attendance at Old Trafford on behalf of the Qatari bid as was Yasir Shah, managing director of Bank of America.
      And several lawyers from international law firm Macfarlanes accompanied them.
      The officials representing the Middle East were believed to be meeting staff members of various departments, including football, financial and commercial as well as receiving a tour of the Theatre of Dreams and the Carrington training ground.
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      Both the stadium and training HQ are in need of a revamp, and the trip will have allowed them to assess how much would be needed for a makeover.
      Rival Sir Jim and his representatives will get their turn tomorrow before second offers will then be invited to be made to the US bank Raine Group, who are handling the sale on behalf of the Glazers.
      They will then consult with American owners before determining who their preferred bidder is and then giving them full access to United’s accounts and then further negotiations could take place.
      Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani was not in attendance himself earlier.
      But his team of execs from Bank of America, who are acting for the Qatari and lawyers, travelled up by train from London to the North West instead.
      Ratcliffe, who owns Ineos and Ligue 1 side Nice, is believed to be jetting in himself on Friday from Southern France.
      And two other bidders that are believed to be from the USA are also allegedly in the frame and will be doing the same.
      Yasir Shah (centre), managing director of Bank of America was also spotted with the groupCredit: JOHN MATHER/IMAGE VIEWPHOTOGRAPHY
      A team of execs from Bank of America, who are acting for the Qatari and lawyers, were in attendanceCredit: JOHN MATHER/IMAGE VIEWPHOTOGRAPHY
      They were spotted assembling outside of the club megastore this morningCredit: JOHN MATHER/IMAGE VIEWPHOTOGRAPHY
      Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani is believed to have bid around £5bnCredit: AFP
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team will get their tour of United on FridayCredit: PA More

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      Man Utd ready to join Jude Bellingham transfer race and battle rivals to seal Premier League and British record deal

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are set to join the battle for Jude Bellingham.They are reportedly prepared to seal a Premier League and British transfer record deal this summer.
      Man Utd have joined the race for Jude BellinghamCredit: Getty
      Bellingham, 19, is arguably the hottest property on the market after becoming a star player for Borussia Dortmund and England.
      The ace has already clocked up 164 club games and 22 international caps.
      Having left Birmingham for Dortmund in 2020, Bellingham is expected to return to his homeland this summer.
      Liverpool are leading the race as Jurgen Klopp plans an overhaul of his midfield.
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      And Manchester City are also keeping tabs with Ilkay Gundogan’s contract expiring.
      But the Telegraph claims United could soon emerge as frontrunners after throwing their hat in the ring.
      Erik ten Hag has “genuine interest” in bringing Bellingham to Old Trafford.
      And a source close to the player claims “everything is open” with Dortmund looking to keep hold of him for one more year.
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      If the Germans do agree to let Bellingham go it’ll come at a mighty price.
      They want at least £110million for their star man after also making note of interest from Real Madrid.

      That would see Bellingham break the £100m British record fee paid by Man City for Jack Grealish.
      And it would also be more than £106m record Premier League signing Enzo Fernandez, signed by Chelsea on January deadline day.
      United are also in the market for a new No9 this summer, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos linked.
      But Arsenal legend Thierry Henry believes Tottenham star Harry Kane would be the perfect fit for Ten Hag.
      He said: “Because of the Premier League and he knows the league, if I’m Man Utd I go Kane.
      “That doesn’t mean Osimhen is not a good player of whatever, it has nothing to do with that. I think Osimhen can adapt in any league.
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      “But if I’m Man United, I would look at it like OK, this guy doesn’t need to adapt to anything, he has a way of dropping and can allow Marcus Rashford to run in behind him when he drops.
      “Kane can play anywhere also by the way.” More