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    Erik ten Hag opens door to Harry Maguire transfer exit as boss tells benched defender to make ‘decision’ on future

    ERIK TEN HAG has opened the door for Harry Maguire to leave Manchester United.Club captain Maguire has found game time limited this season due to the preference of Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof at right centre-back ahead of him.
    Harry Maguire has been told he has a ‘decision’ to make on his future by Erik ten HagCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    The 30-year-old has been out of favour under the Dutch bossCredit: Getty
    Even full-back Luke Shaw has been more readily utilised as a left centre-back when Lisandro Martinez is not fit, rather than Maguire being deployed there.
    Indeed, of the 16 Premier League games the 30-year-old played in, only half saw him named in the starting XI.
    Talking to The Times about Maguire’s place in the squad, Ten Hag said: “Yes, but he has high competition there with Raphaël Varane [at centre back], who’s fantastic. That describes everything.
    “No one would be happy with this situation [on the bench].
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    “He is not as well. He trains always on [the] best levels, so with 100 per cent effort.
    “So he handles that situation well and he’s in that manner and in his captaincy he’s important for the squad.”
    Following his fall down the pecking order, Ten Hag believes Maguire has a “decision” to make on his future.
    When asked whether the former Leicester star would stay at Old Trafford beyond the summer, the Dutchman replied: “Let’s say I’m happy he’s here and when we needed him he did his job.
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    “But it’s also a decision he has to make.”
    After calling Maguire up for his latest International squad, Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate warned Maguire: “It’s not a situation that can continue forever.”
    In his interview, Ten Hag also spoke about the likes of David de Gea, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jadon Sancho, detailing their progression throughout the season.
    The former Ajax boss also called on the club to back him in the summer market, after failing to invest in January with the ownership of the club still up in the air.
    He said: “When you see the investment in the Premier League — [in the] summer window we did [spend] as well, to be fair.
    “In the winter window, we didn’t do anything. We had loan players [Wout Weghorst, Marcel Sabitzer and Jack Butland] but when you look around, all the other clubs invested to be in the top four and we didn’t invest.
    “You can’t ignore that. If you want to be competitive in this league, you have to invest. I need signings, yes.”
    Ten Hag also appeared to hint Mason Greenwood, who saw attempted rape and assault charges dropped in February, could sensationally stay at United.
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    It came on the topic of needing more firepower, with Ten Hag saying Greenwood “showed in the past that he is capable” of performing the striker role.
    However, he emphasised Greenwood’s future was not up to him. More

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    Jude Bellingham to complete £130m Real Madrid transfer this week or next as he informs Dortmund chiefs he wants to leave

    JUDE BELLINGHAM is on the verge of moving from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid — although both clubs are still haggling over the final fee.His German side are holding out for £130million and the England midfielder looks certain to land his massive move this week or next.
    Jude Bellingham is closing in on a £130m move to Real MadridCredit: Getty
    The deal would include £105m up front with £25m in add-ons and is a huge increase on the £30m Dortmund paid Birmingham three years ago.
    Bellingham’s father Mark has been involved in the negotiations with Real Madrid, who first made contact two years ago.
    The 19-year-old has favoured a move to Spain rather than Manchester City or even Liverpool, who withdrew because they could not afford him.
    Bellingham’s contract could be six years long.
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    Dortmund failed to win the title on the final day and Bellingham was ruled out with a knee injury, which makes him a doubt for England.
    Bellingham did NOT say goodbye to the fans on the pitch after the game but was the last player to leave on Saturday evening and said farewell to the club’s security staff.
    Marca claims on Monday morning he then held talks with Dortmund chiefs informing them he wants to leave.
    The Germans gave Bellingham their blessing, but are adamant they will get the right price for their star man from Real Madrid.
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    Carlo Ancelotti’s side have been hoping to land Bellingham for a basic fee of £85m but Dortmund insist that is not enough.
    Bellingham was named as the Bundesliga player of the season yesterday after scoring eight goals and providing five assists in 31 league appearances.
    He said: “My team-mates and coaches have helped me to develop.
    “I came to the club as a talented lad but I have added elements to my game that have taken it to the next level and that’s down to them.” More

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    Erik ten Hag refuses to confirm David de Gea will be Man Utd’s No1 as boss sends stark warning to blunder-prone keeper

    MANCHESTER UNITED manager Erik ten Hag refused to guarantee David de Gea will be his No1 next season.De Gea’s contract runs out in June but Ten Hag has been confident the Spanish stopper will extend his 12-year stint at Old Trafford with a new deal.
    Manchester United star David de Gea will sign a new deal, claims manager Erik ten HagCredit: Getty
    Ten Hag insists there is no guarantee De Gea will be his No1 next seasonCredit: Rex
    However, the Dutch tactician is adamant there will be no promises for the 32-year-old and hinted he may sign another goalkeeper to provide competition.
    Ten Hag told The Times when asked if De Gea will be at United next season: “Yes, but I will not say he’ll always be my No1 because in a club like Man United there must be competition in all positions.
    “You can’t do it with 11 players. It is impossible. You need double positions.”
    Ten Hag has shown he likes to play out from the back throughout this season.
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    Although De Gea is an elite shot-stopper, he still struggles with his footwork.
    And, despite winning the Golden Glove for the most clean sheets in the Premier League, he has committed a number of costly blunders this season while trying to carry out his manager’s tactics.
    The ex-Ajax boss admitted the Spain international had to “step up” but insists he is happy with his progress.
    Ten Hag added: “It’s not what I want, it’s more what top football demands nowadays.
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    “If you observe the biggest teams, you have to be capable of playing from the back, and use your keeper as a plus one in your back, otherwise it’s very simple for opponents to put you under pressure.
    “He [De Gea] had to step up. In a number of games, he showed progression.”
    But if the United keeper agrees to renew he will have to accept a substantial pay cut.
    SunSport recently revealed the Spaniard has a new deal on the table, which would see his present £375,000-a-week basic salary drop by nearly 50 per cent. More

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    Declan Rice ‘phone call’ with Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel revealed with ‘time running out’ for Arsenal to seal transfer

    DECLAN RICE has reportedly held a phone call with Thomas Tuchel over a summer move to Bayern Munich.And further reports claim an initial £95million bid is set to be submitted by the German champions as they look to beat Arsenal to the punch.
    West Ham star Declan Rice has reportedly held a phone call with Thomas Tuchel over a move to Bayern MunichCredit: Rex
    Tuchel’s side are ready to launch a £95million move after winning the Bundesliga titleCredit: Getty
    West Ham captain and England star Rice is hot property as he approaches the final year of his contract.
    And, although the Londoners have an option to extend it for a further season, it’s reckoned there’s a gentleman’s agreement to sell Rice for a record British transfer fee – currently held by £107m Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
    Arsenal are thought to be leading the race after narrowly missing out on their first Premier League title in almost two decades.
    Manchester United are also monitoring the situation as they mull an attempt to hijack Arsenal’s deal.
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    And Rice’s choice could have a huge bearing on the future of Chelsea star Mason Mount, with the pals hoping to play at the same club next season.
    However, Bayern have thrown a spanner in the works after making their interest known last week.
    Boss Tuchel wanted to bring Rice to Stamford Bridge during his Chelsea days.
    And Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg claims the pair held a productive phone call over the weekend, with both sharing a mutual appreciation.
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    He says Rice is open to joining Bayern, with the Germans now ready to up their pursuit.
    But they will have to move quickly, with Arsenal apparently closing in on his signature.
    Meanwhile, the Mirror claims a bid is already set to arrive from Bayern
    The Bundesliga giants are said to be ready to splash £95m on Rice, with Tuchel “determined” to beat Mikel Arteta.
    Bayern are unlikely to be able to pay anything like that fee up front, but could offer a structured deal or players in return.
    And they hope an early bid could put a swift end to the transfer saga once and for all. More

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    Erik ten Hag drops biggest hint yet Mason Greenwood could sensationally STAY at Man Utd as talks over future continue

    ERIK TEN HAG has dropped his biggest hint yet that Mason Greenwood could end up staying at Manchester United.The striker saw attempted rape and assault charges dropped in February.
    Erik ten Hag has dropped a huge hint that Mason Greenwood could end up stay at Man UtdCredit: Getty
    Ten Hag says Greenwood has ‘shown he’s capable’ of scoring goalsCredit: PA
    And he has not played in 16 months after the Red Devils launched their own investigation earlier this year.
    SunSport exclusively revealed last month that Greenwood has told pals he will never play for United again.
    And we also told you that Juventus are ready to offer the 21-year-old a fresh start in Italy alongside former teammate Paul Pogba.
    But Ten Hag has now hinted that Greenwood could yet have a future at Old Trafford.
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    Speaking to the Times, the Dutch boss was asked whether he needs another striker to help out top scorer Marcus Rashford.
    Talk then turned to Greenwood, who hit 36 goals in 130 games for United.
    And Ten Hag said: “[He] showed in the past that he is capable of doing that.”
    But the tactician made it clear that Greenwood’s future is not up to him.
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    Referring to what he wants up front, Ten Hag explained: “What we need besides Marcus Rashford is one extra player with scoring abilities whether it’s coming out of our own squad or we have to sign one.”
    As for Rashford’s incredible transformation, Ten Hag added: “What I have done? He’s a good football player, incredibly good and his finishing attributes are high.
    “So, first of all, I make a culture where he can perform. Then I get him motivated and then construct a way of play where he can do it.
    “And fitness, as well, don’t forget that part. When those four aspects are there Marcus Rashford will score.
    “He can play as a centre forward, can play from the left, can play from the right. When you see his stats, he is scoring everywhere but he feels more comfortable as a centre forward or from the left.” More

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    Southampton demand £40m for Ward-Prowse transfer as West Ham lead chase for record-breaking midfielder

    SOUTHAMPTON are hoping to land up to £40million for captain James Ward-Prowse this summer despite their relegation.The Saints see Ward-Prowse, 28, as one of their few chances to receive a big fee during the transfer window as they look to fund a rebuild in the summer.
    James Ward-Prowse may have played his last game for SouthamptonCredit: Getty
    Fellow midfielder Romeo Lavia, a target for Liverpool, will also command big money, but there are few others who match their value.
    Despite dropping to the Championship, Ward-Prowse still has three years left on his deal and will be in demand this summer, leading to Southampton’s optimistic valuation.
    West Ham have long tracked the England midfielder and are keen to add Fulham’s Joao Palhinha alongside him as they look to replace Declan Rice, a target for Arsenal and Manchester United.
    Despite the Ward-Prowse’s age, suitors still feel there is a potential resale value in any deal given his goal and assist record as well as his set-piece ability.
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    A goal on Sunday took his Premier League tally for the season to nine goals, with four assists.
    Ward-Prowse also created more chances than any other English midfielder in the Prem this season with 74.
    No talks have been held between Ward-Prowse and interested clubs at this stage, with the Saints academy graduate planning some time away following his final Southampton game against Liverpool on Sunday.
    He scored Southampton’s first goal in the thrilling 4-4 draw before receiving a standing ovation when substituted with four minutes to play.
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    Asked about that moment and whether it was his goodbye, Ward-Prowse said: “It is nice of course, this is a club that has meant a lot to me.
    “I’ve been here for 20 years and had a fantastic journey, I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.
    “You never know what is going to happen in the future.
    “I come away this season with my head held high knowing I’ve done everything I can for this club, not only this year but ever since I came through the door as an eight year old.
    “To play a part in not maintaining that Premier League status hurts me but I’m sure this club will be back in the future.”
    Southampton have confirmed the appointments of Darren Mowbray as head of recruitment and Mark Bitcon as director of performance. More

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    Neymar ‘called by Man City boss Guardiola to ask about his intentions’ with star set for transfer away from PSG

    PEP GUARDIOLA called Neymar to enquire about his intentions ahead of the transfer window, according to reports.Neymar’s Paris Saint-Germain future is in doubt this summer.
    Neymar’s PSG future is up in the airCredit: Getty
    Pep Guardiola reportedly called Neymar to determine his intentions ahead of the summerCredit: Alamy
    The forward’s season was curtailed by injury and he has frustrated the club with some of his behaviour, such as attending the Monaco Grand Prix while his team-mates celebrated winning the league.
    Neymar brushed shoulders with A-list celebrities at the race and his mind appears to be away from football.
    Manchester City boss Guardiola is keen to know exactly what Neymar is thinking ahead of the transfer window and called up the Brazilian for a chat, according to L’Equipe.
    The report adds that Neymar is unlikely to move to the Etihad, despite Guardiola’s interest in his wellbeing.
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    The superstar has, however, been linked with a transfer to the Premier League amid interest from Newcastle and Manchester United.
    PSG are said to be prepared to listed to offers for Neymar, with SunSport revealing Man Utd could make a move.
    But that might only happen if potential owner Sheikh Jassim takes over the club.
    United star Casemiro is reportedly trying to persuade his Brazil team-mate to move to Old Trafford.
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    The injury-hit PSG forward has managed 13 goals and 11 assists in just 20 Ligue 1 games this season.
    However, he turns 32 next season and currently earns a staggering £600,000-plus per week under his current contract that runs until 2025 More

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    Five Leicester stars who could be flogged in summer transfer overhaul including trio on radar of Champions League clubs

    LEICESTER could sell a number of big stars following relegation from the Premier League.The Foxes reportedly have a top ten Prem budget and a squad assembled for hundreds of millions of pounds.
    Champions League clubs are circling around some of Leicester’s biggest starsCredit: Getty
    But with income set to fall dramatically in the Championship Leicester will likely have to sell their prized assets after reporting losses of £92million last year.
    Many will want to leave in search of top-flight football with defender Caglar Soyuncu one of several likely to leave when their contracts expire in June – the Turk is believed to have agreed to join Atletico Madrid.
    A handful of stars are wanted by Champions League teams with the club set for a squad overhaul this summer.
    SunSport takes a look at five big names who could be off when the transfer window opens.
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    James Maddison
    The England international is destined to leave and he is likely to join a Champions League club.
    Newcastle made bids for Maddison, 26, in January and last summer but saw a £40m offer knocked back.
    The Magpies are believed to have made the midfielder their number one transfer target this summer with sporting director Dan Ashworth keen.
    And Leicester may be resigned to losing him with former manager Brendan Rodgers admitting Maddison needs to play at the highest level.
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    Newcastle have made James Maddison their number on transfer targetCredit: Getty
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    Youri Tielemans
    Tielemans, 26, is certain to leave when his contract expires at the end of next month.
    He rejected fresh terms last year when he was being pursued by Manchester United.
    The Belgian was linked to the Red Devils again in January but Arsenal now appear to be leading the race for his signature.
    It is claimed the Gunners have held talks with the midfielder’s representatives, though Newcastle and Liverpool are also said to be monitoring his situation.
    Youri Tielemans is set to leave on a free transferCredit: Getty
    Harvey Barnes
    The winger is another Leicester star attracting attention from Newcastle and is likely to follow Maddison and Tielemans out of the exit door.
    Tottenham and Aston Villa are reportedly “watching developments closely” too with Leicester demanding £60m for the 25-year-old.
    He still has two years remaining on his contract but the Foxes may look to cash in while they can to put towards a squad rebuild this summer.
    Leicester have set an asking price of £60million for Harvey BarnesCredit: Getty
    Wilfred Ndidi
    Ndidi, 26, is another Leicester star whose form has dropped dramatically over the last 12 months.
    But he has been linked to the likes of Real Madrid, PSG and United in the past so is likely to court interest once again.
    He also has just one year remaining on his contract so there could be an opportunity for a club to strike a bargain.
    Wilfred Ndidi has been linked to some top clubs in the pastCredit: Getty
    Ricardo Pereira
    The right-back was superb for Leicester before his cruciate ligament injury, which kept him out for 10 months.
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    Pereira once had Barcelona, Tottenham and PSG vying for his signature but at 29-years-old a move back to his native Portugal may be more likely.
    Injury has reduced his game time in recent seasons so he may be keen to move on to revitalise his career.
    Ricardo Pereira could be ready for a fresh challengeCredit: Getty More