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    Man City confirm £11m Sergio Gomez transfer from Anderlecht as left-back becomes fourth summer signing

    MANCHESTER CITY have officially confirmed the signing of left-back Sergio Gomez on a four-year deal.The 21-year-old has joined the champions for £11million from Belgian side Anderlecht.
    Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Sergio GomezCredit: Instagram / @mancity
    Gomez has joined City on a four-year dealCredit: Instagram / @mancity
    The Spain U21 star has joined the champions for £11millionCredit: Instagram / @mancity
    Gomez is Pep Guardiola’s fourth signing of the summer – following Erling Haaland, Kalvin Phillips and Stefan Ortega through the doors at the Etihad.
    The Spanish U21 star had a medical with City over the weekend and was spotted at a Manchester hotel on Saturday.
    Gomez will take the No21 shirt and fill the void left by Oleksandr Zinchenko after the Ukrainian ace left for Arsenal earlier this summer.
    Speaking after making the move official, Gomez said it was a “dream come true” to join the Cityzens.
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    The left-back revealed: “I am incredibly proud and happy to have joined Manchester City.
    “City are the best team in England and in Pep Guardiola I have a chance to learn and develop under the most outstanding manager in world football.
    “To be able to be part of this club is a dream come true for me and something any young player would aspire to.
    “The number of trophies City have won over the past few years has been incredible and the style of football the team plays under Pep is the most exciting in Europe.”
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    Gomez registered an impressive 15 assists in 49 games for Anderlecht last season.
    His six goals in nine games for Spain U21 mean he will be a threat going forward from left-back.
    And Gomez can’t wait to get started under Guardiola.
    He continued: “Playing for and being guided by Pep and his coaches is going to be very special.
    “I’ve heard so much about the City fans and how passionate they are, so I can’t wait to get started and to try and help the Club achieve even more.”
    In signing Gomez, City have got themselves another boyhood fan to join Phil Foden and Haaland.
    Gomez revealed he had a David Silva No21 shirt growing up – the same kit number he has taking after signing for the club.
    He told Man City’s website: “Since we were kids, my brother really liked Manchester City. He passed me the like for Manchester City.
    “When he went on a school trip to London, I asked him to buy me the Manchester City shirt with the name and number of David Silva. At that time, I was wearing the number 21 too.
    “He was one of my favourite players in that position because when I was a kid I used to play in Silva’s position. That’s the story of the shirt and I have kept it well since.” More

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    Man Utd offered Griezmann or Morata in swap transfer for Cristiano Ronaldo with Atletico Madrid keen on wantaway star

    ATLETICO MADRID are willing to offer Antoine Griezmann and Alvaro Morata to Manchester United in exchange for Cristiano Ronaldo, according to reports.The LaLiga side are still interested in signing the Portuguese veteran, despite a backlash from fans against the idea earlier in the summer.
    Alvaro Morata could be available to Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    Antoine Griezmann could head to Old TraffordCredit: Rex
    Ronaldo, 37, is claimed to have been impressed by Diego Simeone’s eagerness to have him onboard.
    According to The Times, Atletico would be willing to throw in a forward to help sweeten a deal for Man United.
    The Spanish giants are claimed to be open to using ex-Chelsea striker Morata or France star Griezmann to get a deal over the line.
    It’s added that Erik ten Hag has now changed his stance on selling Ronaldo.
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    At the start of the summer, the Dutchman was keen to work with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
    But he is believed to have grown frustrated by the former Real Madrid forward’s antics – from skipping United’s pre-season tour for “family reasons” to leaving the friendly against Rayo Vallecano early.
    Ten Hag, 52, used Ronaldo from the bench in United’s opener against Brighton, before restoring him for their 4-0 thrashing at Brentford.
    SunSport revealed last week that a number of United stars believe that the atmosphere within the dressing room would improve if Ronaldo was to be sold.
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    The Red Devils’ No7 bagged 18 Premier League goals last season and is determined to play for a Champions League team.
    He believes that he had a gentleman’s agreement with the United board that he would be allowed to depart if his side failed to finish in the top four.
    Morata, 29, spent last season on loan at Juventus – netting 12 times in 48 games.
    He got off to a perfect start to the season last night upon his Atletico return – netting twice in a 3-0 victory over Getafe.
    Griezmann, 31, was introduced from the bench and bagged his side’s third.
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    United have also been linked with a £45m move for Atleti forward Matheus Cunha.
    The 23-year-old, who scored six goals in 29 LaLiga outings last term, replaced Morata in the 83rd minute of last night’s clash.
    Cristiano Ronaldo’s Man United future hangs in the balanceCredit: Rex More

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    Barcelona slammed for ‘mafia’ treatment of Man Utd and Chelsea transfer target Frenkie de Jong by Rafael van der Vaart

    BARCELONA have been slammed for their “mafia” treatment of Manchester United and Chelsea target Frenkie de Jong.Holland legend Rafael van der Vaart reckons the Spaniards have acted like crooks regarding De Jong’s future this summer.
    Barcelona have been accused of ‘mafia’ treatment regarding Frenkie de Jong’s futureCredit: Getty
    Rafael van der Vaart has slammed Barcelona for their unacceptable behaviourCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Xavi Hernandez claims the midfield playmaker has a huge role at Barcelona this season.
    But behind the scenes, club president Joan Laporta has tried putting the squeeze on De Jong by making him take a major pay cut.
    That’s despite the club splashing out on expensive new signings including Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha.
    Meanwhile, De Jong is still owed over £14MILLION in unpaid wages from last season.
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    And Barca are now threatening to take legal action unless De Jong backs down.
    The situation has led to Chelsea and Man United both vying for the ace’s signature.
    Incredibly, De Jong’s preference is to REMAIN at Barcelona despite his treatment there.
    But one man who won’t shy away from what’s been going on is compatriot Van der Vaart.
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    The decorated attacker, who spent two seasons at Real Madrid, has hit out at Barca for their unfair tactics against De Jong.
    He believes the star is absolutely entitled to the contract he signed with the Catalans.
    And if there was a problem, it could easily have been resolved had Barcelona not taken such a hard stance from the outset.
    Van der Vaart told Ziggo Sport: “You can’t treat people like that.
    “Frenkie earns too much? First you sign a contract and then you fulfil it or you go on good terms, but not like that.
    “This is mafia and they must be punished.” More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire ‘among five angry stars to demand transfers in crisis meeting with Man Utd board’

    CRISTIANO RONALDO and Harry Maguire are two of FIVE Manchester United players that have demanded transfers in a crisis meeting with the board.The Red Devils sit bottom of the Premier League table after two games following back-to-back defeats – including a drubbing at the hands of Brentford on Saturday.
    Ronaldo wants United to sign more players before the end of the windowCredit: Reuters
    Captain Maguire has joined Ronaldo in calling for transfersCredit: Getty
    New manager Erik ten Hag is already under pressure to improve the side’s form just over two months into his reign as head coach.
    And he is hoping more new faces will be brought in before the end of the summer transfer window.
    But with only Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen having arrived so far, FIVE current United stars have now urged United chiefs to ensure they bolster the squad.
    According to The Mirror, Ronaldo, Maguire, Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw and Bruno Fernandes have told the club they need more signings to help them out this season.
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    The report states that the players feel there has been a “lack of ambition” in the transfer market.
    They are unhappy with the arrival of just three players in response to five leaving the club.
    Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard and Edinson Cavani all departed on free transfers when their contracts expired at the end of the last campaign.
    Meanwhile, the pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong continues to rumble on, with United’s offer having now expired.
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    They have also been in negotiations for Juventus and France international Adrien Rabiot.
    But while a £15million fee rising to £20m has been agreed with the Serie A giants, a failure to agree personal terms has stalled the deal.
    Among the other players linked with a move to Old Trafford include Atletico Madrid forward Matheus Cunha, Barcelona star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Paris Saint-Germain striker Mauro Icardi. More

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    Man Utd ‘eyeing £45m Matheus Cunha’ as Atletico Madrid back-up becomes desperate Erik ten Hag’s latest transfer target

    MANCHESTER UNITED are interested in signing Atletico Madrid star Matheus Cunha, according to reports.The striker, 23, scored six goals in 29 LaLiga games for Atletico last season.
    Manchester United target Matheus Cunha has a £45million price tagCredit: Reuters
    And he has attracted attention from United, who are on the lookout for a striker with Cristiano Ronaldo’s future up in the air.
    According to ESPN, Cunha is on United’s shortlist of targets and would be keen to make the move.
    But he has four years remaining on his contract and could cost up to £45million, report the Daily Mail.
    Atletico are looking to offload players and have offered United Alvaro Morata, who has spent the last two years on loan at Juventus.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    But United do not want Morata and there are also no plans to swap Cristiano Ronaldo for Cunha despite the Spanish giants previously showing interest in the Portuguese.
    Jamie Vardy is another striker believed to be on United’s wishlist with the 35-year-old in the final year of his Leicester contract.
    United have reportedly joined Chelsea in the race to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Barcelona would be open to selling the Gabon striker as part of their own struggles to revamp their squad.
    Out of favour Paris Saint-Germain ace Mauro Icardi is another option for the Red Devils along with Espanyol’s Raul de Tomas, who is reportedly subject to transfer talks.
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    Erik ten Hag is also looking to strengthen his midfield with the addition of former Juventus star Adrien Rabiot.
    The Frenchman is available on a free transfer and appears to be close to finalising a move to Old Trafford. More

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    Man Utd flops ‘shot to pieces and will finish in the BOTTOM HALF if they sell Cristiano Ronaldo’, warns Gary Neville

    MANCHESTER UNITED will finish in the BOTTOM HALF of the Premier League table if they sell Cristiano Ronaldo, according to club legend Gary Neville.The Red Devils sit bottom of the Premier League table after two matches, beaten 2-1 by Brighton and humiliated 4-0 by Brentford on Saturday.
    Ronaldo has made it clear his desire to leave Old Trafford this summerCredit: Alamy
    Neville feels United could be worse off without Ronaldo at the clubCredit: PA
    Ronaldo has made it clear his desire to leave Old Trafford this summer in search of Champions League football.
    But Neville feels if he leaves and United fail to replace him then things will only get worse for Erik ten Hag’s side.
    Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, he said: “United are damned if they do, damned if they don’t on Ronaldo.
    “It seemed like the best thing was to facilitate a move away. Now, if they lose him, there is NO goalscoring left.
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    “If they don’t bring players in, or players don’t perform, and Ronaldo leaves, I think they can finish bottom half of the Premier League.
    “They are absolutely demoralised and shot to pieces.
    “Erik ten Hag in pre season got them to a confident level. But they have gone back to default.
    “To not got the players he wanted is an absolute shocker.
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    “United will ride the wave and get through this season but will have to live through the rockiest times since getting relegated 40 years ago.
    “Stick with what you’re doing [vs Liverpool] and hope the results come.
    “However, he has to be pragmatic next Monday, that’s about physicality and picking the players he trusts the most to get a result.”
    Next up for United is a daunting home clash with long-time rivals Liverpool on Monday night.
    It remains to be seen whether Ronaldo – who started against Brentford – will keep his place in Ten Hag’s side for the visit of Jurgen Klopp’s men. More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo ticks all the boxes for Chelsea, says Paul Merson, who urges Thomas Tuchel to make transfer move

    CHELSEA should sign Cristiano Ronaldo because he “ticks all of their boxes”, according to former Arsenal star Paul Merson.The Portuguese superstar, 37, has made it clear his desire to leave Old Trafford in search of Champions League football.
    Ronaldo has made it clear his desire to leave Old Trafford this summerCredit: Reuters
    Merson does not understand why Chelsea do not sign RonaldoCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    But he has struggled to find a club to take him, with the likes of Bayern Munich ruling themselves out of a move.
    Chelsea had been heavily linked with the Real Madrid legend, but last month they too ruled themselves out of a deal.
    It is something Merson cannot wrap his head around, particularly following their 2-2 draw with Tottenham on Sunday.
    The Blues dominated their London rivals but failed to take their chances and were undone by a stoppage-time equaliser.
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    Speaking to Sky Sports, Merson said: “I cannot believe they didn’t or haven’t gone in for Cristiano Ronaldo. He just ticks all of the boxes Chelsea are lacking.
    “Playing for Chelsea is not like playing for Manchester United, who are working from the halfway line.
    “Chelsea are on the edge of the box, dominating games.
    “Chelsea have unbelievable wing-backs, they dominate football matches, if they were putting the ball into the box for Ronaldo I would dread to think how many goals he could score.”
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    Chelsea are keen to replace Romelu Lukaku this summer and have been linked with a move for Barcelona star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
    However, it was reported on Monday that the former Arsenal man is happy to stay at the Nou Camp.
    Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s future remains up in the air despite United being two games into the new season.
    Erik ten Hag’s side have lost both Prem matches so far – 2-1 to Brighton and 4-0 to Brentford.
    One potential move for Ronaldo remains a return to Sporting Lisbon on loan.
    If he cannot find a transfer before the end of the window then he will be forced to play in the Europa League for the first time in his career. More

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    Chelsea ‘closing in on £12m transfer of Inter Milan wonderkid Cesare Casadei after having two bids rejected’

    CHELSEA are closing in on the £12million transfer of Inter Milan wonderkid Cesare Casadei, according to reports.The Blues have had two offers rejected for the 19-year-old midfielder.
    Cesare Casadei could make a £12m move to Chelsea this weekCredit: Getty
    But the Guardian report they will go back in with a third bid they feel confident should be enough for a player who is still yet to make a senior appearance for cash-strapped Inter.
    And a deal may well get completed as early as this week.
    However, Chelsea face competition from Nice for the rising star’s signature.
    Thomas Tuchel has plenty of options in midfield plus is still chasing Frenkie de Jong.
    READ MORE CHELSEA STORIES
    So Casadei could be placed into the development squad or sent back to Serie A on loan.
    The 6ft 1in ace was recently talked up by Italian national team coach Maurizio Viscidi as one to keep an eye on.
    The 62-year-old told Gazzetta dello Sport he was particularly impressed by his attacking qualities in the box – which he rates better than current Italy international Nicola Barella and Davide Frattesi.
    The goalscoring talent notched 16 goals for the Inter youth team from the middle of the park – and was crowned their young player of the year.
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    However, the Italy Under-19 international – who has three goals in ten caps – is yet to make the breakthrough into the senior side at the San Siro under Simone Inzaghi.
    Casadei would be the latest teenager to make the move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
    Highly-rated Aston Villa midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka signed for £20m while goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina, 18, joined from Chicago Fire.
    And the Guardian report adds they still hope to add Palmeiras’ Endrick before the end of the transfer window on September 1. More