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    Man Utd target France World Cup star Randal Kolo Muani but face competition from Bayern Munich for £53m striker

    MANCHESTER UNITED are interested in France international Randal Kolo Muani, according to reports.The Red Devils are desperate to add a striker in the January transfer window after axing Cristiano Ronaldo.
    Manchester United are reportedly interested in Randal Kolo MuaniCredit: AP
    And Muani, 24, is a target for United, according to French newspaper L’Equipe.
    They are even said to be preparing a £53million January offer for the Eintracht Frankfurt forward.
    But the Red Devils are set to face stiff competition for his signature.
    German giants Bayern Munich are also reported to be interested.
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    Muani himself is claimed to prefer the idea of staying in Germany and joining the Bundesliga champions.
    He also wants to see out of the rest of the campaign with Frankfurt – having only joined the club in the summer from Nantes.
    Muani has scored five goals and provided 10 assists in 14 Bundesliga appearances this season.
    He has also netted twice in six Champions League outings.
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    Journalist Nicolo Schira says Frankfurt want £53m-£62m to part ways with the forward.
    However, United boss Erik ten Hag has suggested the Red Devils are short of funds this month.
    On the club’s striker issues, Ten Hag said: “I think we have a good team when all the players are available.
    “But with many games coming up, I think there is a need.
    “But you need one who can have an impact, otherwise you are just burning money and you don’t strengthen the squad and it doesn’t help you.”
    Elsewhere, reports claim Muani’s France team-mate Marcus Thuram is also attracting interest from United.
    Thuram’s Borussia Monchengladbach contract expires at the end of the season. More

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    ‘He’s our player’ – Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui rules out Matheus Nunes transfer exit after Liverpool ‘launch £44m bid’

    JULEN LOPETEGUI has ruled out selling Matheus Nunes amid Liverpool’s interest.The Reds are looking for midfield recruits to bolster the spine of the team to help with their top four charge.
    Matheus Nunes is a target for Liverpool but Wolves don’t want to sellCredit: Getty
    They have already signed forward Cody Gakpo in a £37million deal from PSV.
    But with the January window now open, The Telegraph reported that Liverpool submitted a £44m bid to prise Portugal star Nunes away from Wolves.
    However, new boss Lopetegui appears to have ruled out the departure of the 24-year-old – who only arrived in a club-record £42.2m deal in the summer.
    The ex-Real Madrid and Spain boss said: “We can say that Matheus is our player, he’s a Wolves player and he’s happy to be here.”
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    Jamie Carragher blasted the club’s recruitment committee for not signing a midfielder in the summer, before urging them to splash £200m on new players.
    Following the club’s 3-1 loss to Brentford, he said: “Liverpool’s transfer team have been lauded more than any in Premier League, but this is on them.
    “They’ve gone from team challenging for four trophies to one that’s struggling for a Champions League place. Liverpool didn’t sign a midfield player in the summer.
    “They can’t get in the top four without signing a midfielder. I can’t see it changing before the end of the season.
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    “They’re a team in transition. They’ve got a lot of young players who have been great for the club, but they need to go big in the summer.
    “You think of what (Manchester) United and Chelsea have spent and they’re still not close to winning the league.
    “Liverpool need to spend £200m. They need to sign three midfielders. They need to be at least £40-50m players.
    “People keep talking about Bellingham, but for me it’s as important to get a Wijnaldum type, who – alongside Fabinho – can protect that back four, stop players running through.” More

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    Man Utd ‘open to selling Aaron Wan-Bissaka despite strong performances in Dalot’s absence with clubs keen on transfer’

    MANCHESTER UNITED could sell Aaron-Wan Bissaka this January, reports claim. That’s despite the 25-year-old performing well in the recent wins over Burnley, Nottingham Forest and Wolves.
    Aaron Wan-Bissaka could reportedly leave Manchester United this monthCredit: Rex
    Wan-Bissaka has covered for the absent Diogo Dalot.
    Portuguese right-back Dalot is Erik ten Hag’s No1 choice but has been sidelined since picking up an injury at the World Cup.
    And Wan-Bissaka has helped United keep a clean sheet in all three of their recent games.
    But he could still be sold this month, according to The Athletic.
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    Wan-Bissaka has been linked with a move away after falling out of favour at Old Trafford.
    It’s claimed several clubs have expressed an interest in signing the defender before the end of the current transfer window.
    Signed for £50million from Crystal Palace in 2019, Wan-Bissaka had played just four minutes of action this season until Dalot’s injury.
    He has been linked with a return to the Eagles.
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    And Selhurst Park boss Patrick Vieira fuelled rumours of a swoop in December.
    He said on Wan-Bissaka: “Listen, he is a Man Utd player. We have to respect that and there’s nothing more to say about that.
    “He is a good player, there is no doubt about that. He’s related to this football club, and I think he’s been loved by the fans.
    “But again, he’s a United player.
    “I hope we’re going to be busy [in January]. We always work hard to try to improve the squad but we know how tough and difficult it is to find the players to improve the team.
    “We are quite short on numbers but it is important to find the right players.” More

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    Awkward moment Cristiano Ronaldo looks baffled as he’s greeted by chorus of ‘SIUUU’ chant by press at Al-Nassr unveiling

    CRISTIANO RONALDO suffered an awkward moment when he was greeted with chants of “SIUUU” by the media at his official Al-Nassr unveiling.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, 37, is now the highest-paid sportsperson ever after he signed a lucrative £173million-a-year deal with the Saudi Pro League club.
    Cristiano Ronaldo has been unveiled by Al-Nassr todayCredit: Getty
    Cristiano Ronaldo had an awkward moment as journalists shouted ‘Siu’ at his official unveilingCredit: Twitter @footballdaily
    Ronaldo, who was released by Manchester United last month after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan, arrived in Riyadh on Monday and was greeted by a large group of adoring fans.
    The forward then underwent his medical on Tuesday ahead of his official unveiling, which took place at Al-Nassr’s home stadium – Mrsool Park.
    But as he was presented in front of the waiting media, he soon had an awkward look on his face as some of the journalists began chanting his famous “Siuuu” goal celebration.
    Ronaldo’s signature celebration has become a viral hit over the years, from school playgrounds to courts at the Australian Open, kids and athletes alike have been mimicking the Portuguese by throwing their arms out and yelling ‘Siuuu’ at the top of their lungs.
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    It’s almost a decade since Ronaldo first performed the celebration against Chelsea in its current form during a 2013 pre-season friendly.
    And the new Al-Nassr star previously revealed that it originally came about as a way to feel more connected to the Real Madrid fanbase.
    Speaking in 2019, he said: “I started to say ‘si’, it’s like ‘yes’, when I was in Real Madrid.
    “When we would win, everyone would say ‘siiiii’ and so I started to say it. I don’t know why, it was natural.
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    “I was in the USA and we played against Chelsea and I don’t know where this is coming from, the celebration.
    “I just scored the goal and it just came out. It was just natural, to be honest.
    “Since that, I started to do it more often and I feel like the supporters and the fans see it and they’re like ‘Cristiano, siiiiiiuuuu’.
    “I’m like ‘wow! People are reminded of me because of it!’ So it’s good, and I’ll continue doing it like that.”
    After sitting through the cringe-worthy moment, Ronaldo then revealed that he had “multiple” offers from clubs in Europe and across the world before joining Al-Nassr.
    He said: “For me, this is a great opportunity in football and to change the mentality of the new generation.
    “Nobody knew, but I can say now, I had many opportunities in Europe, many clubs, in Brazil, in Australia, the US, even in Portugal there were many clubs that tried to sign me.
    The Portuguese superstar has been performing the ‘Siu’ celebration since 2013Credit: Getty
    “But I gave my word to this club, for the opportunity to develop not only the football but the other part of this amazing country.”
    Ronaldo added: “For me it is a good challenge. I know what I want and, of course, what I don’t want as well.
    “So for me, it is a good chance to change, help, with my experience and knowledge to grow many important points.
    “Also, I want to give a different vision of the country, the football and the perspective of everybody and this is why I took this opportunity.”
    Ronaldo’s name has been displayed across the city of Riyadh since he was announced as an Al-Nassr player on Friday.
    Hundreds of fans have flocked to the club’s official shop in a bid to get their hands on his iconic No7 shirt.
    Read More on The Sun
    And those in attendance at Friday’s Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Khaleej continued to chant his name throughout the seventh minute of the match in celebration following the announcement of his arrival.
    Ronaldo is now expected to Al-Nassr debut on January 14 in a derby against Al-Shabab. More

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    Man Utd and Chelsea transfer blow as ‘Bournemouth contact Juventus over shock January swoop for Weston McKennie’

    CHELSEA and Manchester United have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Weston McKennie after Juventus were reportedly contacted by Bournemouth.The Cherries, who face off against United tonight, are battling to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
    Juventus has been contacted by Bournemouth over the sale of Weston McKennieCredit: Getty
    And now with their new owners backing, including Hollywood actor Michael B. Jordan, the club have launched an audacious bid to sign the American midfielder.
    According to Calciomercato, Juventus want to keep French World Cup star Adrien Rabiot at the club until the end of the season, and prefer to lose McKennie instead.
    The report suggests Bournemouth have made “the most concrete steps” regarding a transfer for the 24-year-old.
    Juventus want to sell McKennie for between £31m and £35million.
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    And following Bournemouth’s initial contact, they will reportedly follow it up with a bid in the next few days, but McKennie’s interest in the move is unknown.
    United tracked McKennie in the summer after negotiations to sign Rabiot collapsed.
    Last month it was reported McKennie was wanted by clubs including Chelsea, Tottenham and Borussia Dortmund.
    The Bundesliga outfit do reportedly remain keen, but they are second in the race to Bournemouth.
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    McKennie’s sale would allow them to fund a move for Real Valladolid right-back Iván Fresneda.
    Bournemouth’s takeover was completed last month and was worth £120m.
    The leader of the bid, Bill Foley, is said to be worth £1.2b. More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo claims ‘multiple’ clubs in Europe tried to sign him as he’s unveiled by Al-Nassr following £173m deal

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has claimed that “multiple” clubs in Europe tried to sign him as he was unveiled by Al-Nassr.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, 37, is now the highest-paid sportsperson ever after he signed a lucrative £173million-a-year deal with the Saudi Pro League club on Friday.
    Cristiano Ronaldo claims ‘multiple’ clubs in Europe wanted him before he joined Al NassrCredit: Reuters
    Ronaldo, who was released by Manchester United last month after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan, arrived in Riyadh on Monday and was greeted by a large group of adoring fans.
    The forward then underwent his medical on Tuesday ahead of his official unveiling, which took place at Al-Nassr’s home stadium – Mrsool Park.
    Thousands of fans were in attendance to welcome the former Real Madrid star to the club.
    And he has now insisted that he rejected offers from clubs across the globe in order to move to Saudi – contrary to various reports claiming there was a serious lack of interest in him.
    READ MORE ON CRISTIANO RONALDO
    Ronaldo said: “For me, this is a great opportunity in football and to change the mentality of the new generation.
    “Nobody knew, but I can say now, I had many opportunities in Europe, many clubs, in Brazil, in Australia, the US, even in Portugal there were many clubs that tried to sign me.
    “But I gave my word to this club, for the opportunity to develop not only the football but the other part of this amazing country.”
    Ronaldo added: “For me it is a good challenge. I know what I want and, of course, what I don’t want as well.
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    “So for me, it is a good chance to change, help, with my experience and knowledge to grow many important points.
    “Also, I want to give a different vision of the country, the football and the perspective of everybody and this is why I took this opportunity.”
    Ronaldo’s name has been displayed across the city of Riyadh since he was announced as an Al-Nassr player on Friday.
    Hundreds of fans have flocked to the club’s official shop in a bid to get their hands on his iconic No7 shirt.
    And those in attendance at Friday’s Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Khaleej continued to chant his name throughout the seventh minute of the match in celebration following the announcement of his arrival.
    Ronaldo is now expected to Al-Nassr debut on January 14 in a derby against Al-Shabab. More

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    Chelsea make last ditch bid to HIJACK Arsenal’s January transfer for Mykhaylo Mudryk

    CHELSEA are attempting to hijack Arsenal’s move for Mykhaylo Mudryk and are set for talks with the Blues in London this week.Arsenal’s latest offer for the Shakhtar Donetsk star is £62million, but is still well below the Ukrainian side’s asking price.
    Chelse have submitted a bid to sign Mykhaylo MudrykCredit: Getty
    Despite the Gunners having already agreed personal terms over a five-year deal, worth around £120k-a-week, with Mudryk, Chelsea are set to enter the fray having already started discussions.
    If the Blues agree to meet the asking price, around £60million with another £20million in add-ons, and offer better terms than the Gunners they could pip the Premier League leaders to the deal.
    And Shakhtar sporting director, Darijo Srna, is set to travel to London for talks this week.
    Todd Boehly is set to spend big this month in order to help Graham Potter turn their poor form around.
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    Benfica’s World Cup winning midfielder, Enzo Fernandez, is a target, but they may not have the funds to sign both the Argentine and Mudryk in the same window.
    Mudryk has long teased a move to The Emirates, having openly discussed his desire to join the club as well as posting pictures of him watching recent games on social media.
    A move to join Mikel Arteta’s side is still Mudryk’s preference, but the feeling is The Gunners are still a long way off.
    The north Londoners remain confident a deal can be struck this month and are pushing to agree terms before Shakhtar travel to Turkey next week for a training camp.
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    However, Chelsea’s talks could mean the saga drags on across the window.
    The winger has 10 goals and eight assists in 18 appearances in all competitions this season and is Arsenal’s No1 target this month.
    The Gunners are in need of a forward to take the burden off of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, who have played almost every game this term, especially following Gabriel Jesus’ knee surgery.
    THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY…The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    Man Utd transfer blow as Barcelona boss Xavi rules out letting key target Frenkie de Jong leave in January

    MANCHESTER UNITED have suffered a fresh blow in their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong after Xavi revealed Barcelona’s January transfer plans. De Jong’s transfer to Old Trafford was one of the saga’s of the summer, but the move failed to materialise despite both clubs pushing hard for it.
    Frenkie de Jong is a long-term target of Manchester UnitedCredit: AFP
    But Xavi has revealed Barcelona have no plans to let anyone leave in JanuaryCredit: EPA
    After failing to land De Jong, United ended up signing Casemiro to bolster their midfield.
    But the Red Devils have retained their interest in the Dutchman.
    However, a January move appears to have been ruled out by Barca boss Xavi after he revealed he believed it would be a “quiet” window at the Nou Camp.
    Xavi told reporters in Spain: “I don’t want Memphis (Depay) or any other player to leave in January.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    “I think it’s going be a quiet window for us.”
    It comes after a sensational report claimed De Jong was now keen on a Camp Nou exit.
    The Blaugrana’s situation has led them to use a number of financial “levers” to take out loans against the club’s future revenue in order to balance the books.
    However, a fresh report from Catalunya Radio has indicated the club cannot repeat the same trick they used last summer to bring in the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde.
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    The Spanish giants are also said to be around £176million over their wage budget, an issue not helped by the club’s Champions League group stage elimination.
    Regardless, Erik ten Hag and Co are having issues of their own at Old Trafford.
    Cristiano Ronaldo – who has now been unveiled by Al Nassr – departed the club after his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan, and Anthony Martial continues to be plagued by fitness issues.
    Ten Hag has reiterated the need for the club to find a striker which matches their sporting and financial needs, but said they will not “burn money.”
    He said: “I think we have a good team when all the players are available.
    “But with many games coming up, I think there is a need (to sign a striker).
    “But you need one who can have an impact, otherwise you are just burning money and you don’t strengthen the squad and it doesn’t help you.”
    After missing out on Cody Gakpo, the likes of Joao Felix, Marcus Thuram, and Olivier Giroud are being considered by United. More