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    Man Utd blow in transfer hunt for World Cup ace Kim Min-jae with Napoli set to rip up South Korean’s £39m release clause

    MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly received some bad news in their pursuit of Napoli and South Korea defender Kim Min-jae.The 26-year-old centre-back has impressed for his country at the World Cup in Qatar, playing an integral part in them reaching the last 16 for just the third time in their history.
    Kim Min-Jae has been superb for South Korea at the World CupCredit: Getty
    His superb form at international level comes after an excellent start to the season in Italy.
    Min-jae joined Napoli from Fenerbahce for £16million in the summer and made 20 appearances before the World Cup break, scoring two goals.
    And his presence at the heart of their defence has seen them open up an eight-point lead at the top of the Serie A table.
    They also won their Champions League group, beating Liverpool, Ajax and Rangers along the way to set up a second round clash with Eintracht Frankfurt.
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    His swift rise has grabbed the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
    United are one of those, but Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are also monitoring his progress.
    Erik ten Hag’s men were hopeful a £39m fee would seal a deal for the South Korean given that is the release clause in his Napoli contract.
    However, Calcio Mercato are reporting that Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis already wants to rip up his current deal – and the existing release clause – in order to tie him down for the foreseeable future.
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    If the Italians were to pen a new contract for Min-jae, that would make him a far more expensive acquisition for United.
    Ten Hag is keen to add to the centre of his defence despite establishing an impressive partnership between Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.
    The accomplished pair have kept club captain Harry Maguire out of the side – although the England international is currently showing his quality for the Three Lions at the World Cup.
    Meanwhile, Min-jae’s ability will be tested on Monday when South Korea come up against tournament favourites Brazil for a place in the quarter-finals.
    They reached the second round after scoring an injury-time winner against Portugal – a goal which saw them leapfrog Uruguay on GOALS SCORED in an incredibly dramatic conclusion to Group H. More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo transfer war begins as second Saudi club prepare ‘crazy proposal’ for superstar after Man Utd axe

    CRISTIANO RONALDO is attracting even MORE interest from Saudi Arabia, according to reports.The Portuguese superstar, 37, saw his Manchester United contract terminated last month.
    Cristiano Ronaldo is currently playing at the World Cup as a free agentCredit: Getty
    He is now playing for his country at the World Cup as a free agent.
    And reports earlier this week claimed Saudi outfit Al-Nassr have offered Ronaldo a staggering £173-million-a-year deal to join them in the January window.
    They want to try and acquire the five-time Ballon d’Or winner on a two-and-a-half-year contract worth £3M per week.
    But they may face competition from local rival Al Hilal – albeit not until the summer.
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    That is according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
    Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said: “There is another club that wants Cristiano Ronaldo.
    “This club is Al Hilal. It’s true that Cristiano Ronaldo was approached by people close to Al Hilal.
    “People at the club are prepared to make another important and crazy proposal.
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    “There is one interesting point though. I am told Al Hilal are not able to sign players in January.
    “They will only be able to sign players in the summer. That’s why at the moment it is complicated.
    “In January, that’s why Al-Nassr are pushing and they would love to sign Ronaldo but Al Hilal also have an interest.
    “The priority of Cristiano Ronaldo remains to have a new club as soon as possible.”
    Ronaldo previously discussed offers from Saudi during his explosive interview with Piers Morgan before the World Cup.
    When Morgan pressed him on the offer from an unnamed Saudi Arabian club, the Portuguese star confirmed “yes it’s true” and claimed he turned it down “in that moment”.
    He was then asked how difficult it was rejecting such a lucrative offer, to which he replied: “It’s hard. It’s hard. But in the same way, I thought that I was very happy here [at Man Utd]; that I [am] still capable to score goals and make people happy.
    “I still believe that I can score many, many goals and help the team because I still believe that I’m still good and capable to help national team – even Manchester United.
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    “But if you don’t feel around you that the energy’s on your side, it’s difficult. Of course, the criticism is gonna exists all the time. Ah he’s 37, he’s not the same.
    “But I want to see if some guy of my age maintain the level that I show. You’re not gonna teach me that. Nobody is gonna teach me that.” More

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    Chelsea transfer blow as ‘AC Milan look to tie down Ismael Bennacer to new long-term contract’

    CHELSEA have been dealt a transfer blow with AC Milan reportedly trying to tie Ismael Bennacer down to a new long-term contract.The 25-year-old holding midfielder is attracting plenty of attention by shining in the base of Milan’s midfield.
    Ismael Bennacer looks on course to sign a new deal at AC MilanCredit: Alamy
    However, as one of the first names on Stefano Pioli’s team sheet at the San Siro, the club are desperate to keep him.
    And according to Calciomercato, negotiations started a few months ago regarding an extension.
    Bennacer’s current deal runs until the summer of 2024 – just 18 months away.
    Talks were put on hold when the Rossoneri changed hands.
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    However, the club have received fresh hope with Bennacer signing with a new agent, Enzo Raiola, six weeks after ditching his former rep.
    Bennacer’s £42million release clause expired in the summer for the player described as one of the key leaders on and off the pitch.
    It is understood he has previously rejected an offer worth £50,000 per week – because he wants to at least double his current £28,000 weekly wages.
    And with both player and club keen to get a deal done, it comes as a stinging blow to Bennacer’s Premier League admirers.
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    Chelsea are interested with N’Golo Kante and Jorignho’s futures unclear while Manchester United have also been linked with the man who spent two years on Arsenal’s books but made zero appearances between 2015 and 2017.
    Liverpool, meanwhile, continue to be linked with a move for the 44-cap Algeria ace. More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo misses Portugal training ahead of World Cup clash with South Korea ‘amid Saudi Arabia transfer offer’

    CRISTIANO RONALDO missed Portugal training today ahead of their final group game amid speculation over a record-breaking move to Saudi Arabia.The 37-year-old has reportedly been offered the chance to become the highest-paid sportsperson of all time by Al-Nassr.
    Cristiano Ronaldo sat out training with Portugal todayCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    The superstar is a free agent after leaving Manchester United last week.
    But SunSport understands Ronaldo is still keen to play Champions League football and has not agreed the offer of a two-and-a-half year contract worth £173 million-a-year, despite reports in Marca.
    However, his current focus is on trying to fire Portugal to World Cup glory.
    A brace from Bruno Fernandes sealed a 2-0 win over Uruguay, even though Ronaldo tried to claim the first, and booked their spot in the last-16 with a game to spare.
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    They still have South Korea to play on Friday – which could see Fernando Santos rest some of his players.
    And perhaps that is why the Real Madrid legend failed to train alongside his team-mates earlier.
    Portuguese supporters have little to fear regarding their talisman as Abola claims he has no physical problems.
    And he was instead doing individual training in the gym.
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    He was not the only one to miss out on Portugal’s penultimate session.
    Porto midfielder Otavio only went through some recovery work.
    While injured PSG pair Danilo Pereira and Nuno Mendes are still recovering from their respective knocks. More

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    Bayern Munich ‘working on stunning £90million Harry Kane transfer’ after Oliver Kahn admitted interest in Tottenham star

    BAYERN MUNICH are “working on” landing Tottenham striker Harry Kane in a blockbuster £90MILLION transfer.The Spurs striker, 29, is under contract with the North London club until 2024.
    Harry Kane has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich for several monthsCredit: PA
    However, rumours of a potential departure to the Bundesliga champions have been circulating for some time.
    And Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn fuelled that speculation earlier this week when he praised the England captain.
    He told Sky Sports Germany: “Kane is very good player, but there are also many other very good players. I’ve read that [gossip] everywhere.”
    According to Sky Sports, Bayern are exploring the possibility of a move for Kane.
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    And a transfer for Spurs’ talisman would reportedly set them back in the region of £70-90m.
    But the German giants remain unconvinced a deal could be completed.
    Spurs chief Daniel Levy fended off strong interest from Manchester City last year as he kept hold of Kane after a lengthy transfer saga.
    Since then, talk of a departure has gone away – particularly following the appointment of manager Antonio Conte 12 months ago.
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    But now interest from Bayern has led to speculation once more, with Kane expected to make a decision on his future after the World Cup.
    And with the forward set to enter the final 12 months of his current deal in the summer, Tottenham may feel now is the time to cash in on their legendary striker.
    Kane has netted a breathtaking 261 goals in 408 appearances for the Lilywhites and is just five short of the club record set by Jimmy Greaves.
    He also has 51 goals for his country and is only two shy of Wayne Rooney’s record.
    Kane has made a superb start to the season for Spurs, registering 13 goals in 22 matches.
    But they are already in danger of another trophyless season after falling behind Arsenal and Manchester City in the Premier League title race and exiting the Carabao Cup to Nottingham Forest.
    Kane is yet to win a major trophy in his career and could leave Spurs in search of silverware. More

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    Man Utd transfer blow as ‘Real Madrid turn attention to Enzo Fernandez after being priced out of Jude Bellingham move’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have been dealt a blow with Real Madrid turning their attention to Argentina star Enzo Fernandez, according to reports.The 21-year-old is currently starring at the World Cup, with his standout moment a stunning goal against Mexico.
    Enzo Fernandez has been in impressive form for Benfica this seasonCredit: Alamy
    The young midfielder curled home a beauty to help his side remain on course to reach the last-16.
    Fernandez’s bright start to the tournament comes after a fine campaign with Benfica, who were the surprise package in the Champions League this season.
    Across all competitions, he’s registered three goals and five assists.
    According to sources in Portugal, including Sport, United are very keen on his services.
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    But Marca believe the Red Devils now have to fight off competition from Real Madrid.
    That’s because the La Liga champions see Fernandez as an alternative to Jude Bellingham.
    The Borussia Dortmund star is Madrid’s top target, but the amount of names in the running, including Liverpool, is leading to them shopping elsewhere.
    And the next name on their list is Fernandez.
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    That will undoubtedly come as a blow to United.
    This comes after the Old Trafford club already faced a tough battle, with his recent contract extension meaning he has a £103m release clause. More

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    Man Utd ‘turn transfer attention to Real Sociedad ace Martin Zubimendi with Erik ten Hag tempted by £52m release clause’

    MANCHESTER UNITED manager Erik ten Hag is tempted by Martin Zubimendi’s £52m release clause, according to reports.Erik ten Hag is rebuilding the club and has enjoyed a productive opening few months of his Old Trafford reign.
    Erik ten Hag is said to be tempted by Real Sociedad ace Martin ZubimendiCredit: Rex
    Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Antony all arrived in the summer transfer window.
    But Ten Hag is still looking to strengthen his squad ahead of the second half of the season.
    And Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reckon United are monitoring the progress of Real Sociedad star Zubimendi.
    The 23-year-old has established himself as a regular in midfield for the La Liga outfit in the last two-and-a-half years.
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    As a result, he has United on his radar and Ten Hag in particular.
    The report claims they’re following him closely, while Barcelona are also interested and Unai Emery wants to bring him to Aston Villa.
    Zubimendi only recently penned a new contract at Sociedad until the summer of 2027.
    But he has a £52m release clause.
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    United currently have Fred, Scott McTominay, Casemiro, Eriksen and Donny van de Beek competing for just two midfield places.
    But there’s doubts over Fred’s future with his contract expiring in 2023, while Van de Beek could leave due to his lack of minutes under Ten Hag. More

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    Man Utd told transfer target ‘Kim Min-jae is available for just £40m from Napoli next summer.. but only for TWO WEEKS

    MANCHESTER UNITED target Kim Min-jae could be available for £40m next summer – but for just TWO WEEKS. Erik ten Hag has done a great job since replacing Ralf Rangnick in the Old Trafford dugout.
    The Napoli defender might be available for £40m but for just two weeksCredit: Rex
    United’s win over Fulham before the break saw them climb to fifth and move three points behind fourth place Tottenham with a game in hand.
    But while the Red Devils are improving at the top end of the pitch, their defensive frailties are clear to see.
    Only Spurs (21) have conceded more Prem goals than them (20) in the top eight this season.
    Therefore, Ten Hag is hoping to bolster his numbers at the back, with Min-jae being targeted.
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    The 26-year-old only arrived at Napoli in the summer, but his outstanding form for the Serie A leaders has caught United’s eye.
    The South Korea international penned a three-year contract in Naples but could make a swift exit.
    That’s because Fabrizio Romano claims that he has a release clause of £40m.
    However, that clause will only be active for just a fortnight, which means United will have to act quickly.
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    United are likely to offload centre-back pair Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe, who will be free agents at the end of the season.
    They’ll also have a decision to make over the future of Victor Lindelof with his deal expiring in 2024, so a central defender could soon be needed. More