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    Man Utd have option to EXTEND Kobbie Mainoo deal until 2028 in major transfer boost with star on lowest salary in squad

    MANCHESTER UNITED have an option to extend Kobbie Mainoo’s contract by 12 months.The midfielder, 19, has two years left on his current deal, which led to fears manager Ruben Amorim could be forced to sell him in the summer.Man Utd hold an option to extend Kobbie Mainoo’s contractCredit: AlamyBut United have a contractual option to keep Mainoo until 2028 — giving them control over his short-term future.The clause is understood to be one-sided, so Mainoo does not have  to agree for it to be activated.United still hope Mainoo will sign a longer contract as Amorim sees him as key to his plans.He earns about £20,000-a-week and his representatives want to raise that.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe 12-month option could prove crucial in protecting the England international’s transfer value, which the club have set at £70million.Chelsea are monitoring Mainoo’s situation with a view to making a summer bid.But the Stockport-born academy graduate is also thought to favour a move overseas should he seek a transfer. United declined to comment when contacted by SunSport.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe club have used 12-month options before as a way of giving them flexibility over their squad.Mainoo has been out of action for a month with a muscle injury.Which Manchester United stars should stay and go?Amorim has not given a recent update on his return date but it will not be before this month’s international break. More

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    Joshua Kimmich ‘set to SNUB Arsenal free transfer’ as Bayern Munich star ‘has concrete offer from Champions League club’

    JOSHUA KIMMICH is not interested in joining Arsenal, according to reports.The Bayern Munich star, 30, is set to be out of contract this summer.Joshua Kimmich remains a key man at Bayern MunichCredit: GettyKimmich’s impending free agency has attracted plenty of transfer interest, including from North London.Arsenal are said to be keen on bringing the midfielder to the Emirates.But according to German outlet Bild, Kimmich is not enthusiastic about a potential move to the Gunners.They add that Bayern remain hopeful of keeping their stalwart at Allianz Arena.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLClub chiefs have offered Kimmich a new contract, but have not been impressed with his response.It’s said that staying at Bayern is a more likely outcome than moving to Arsenal, however.Liverpool are also said to have taken a look at Kimmich.But the most concrete interest has come from Paris Saint-Germain.Most read in BundesligaJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe French champions have tabled a serious offer for the German international.Despite interest from Arsenal and Liverpool, as it stands Kimmich’s future appears to lie either in Paris or Munich.Harry Kane scores from a distance in Bayern Munich training The 97-cap star has remained an important player for Vincent Kompany despite his contract status.He has started all but one match in all competitions this season, including last night’s 3-0 drubbing of Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.Kimmich has made 427 appearances for Bayern since joining from RB Leipzig in 2015.The all-action midfielder has won eight Bundesliga titles, three German domestic cups and the Champions League. More

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    £51m incoming Arsenal star Martin Zubimendi is modern day Claude Makelele with a sprinkling of Sergio Busquets

    LAST summer, Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi was seriously tempted by a move to the Premier League.Liverpool were keen to give new manager Arne Slot the midfielder he craved – an impressive ball-playing, tackle-crunching Spaniard who has been tipped to be the next Rodri.Martin Zubimendi is a top summer target for ArsenalCredit: GettyHe has been likened to a modern-day Claude MakeleleCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdZubimendi also has similar traits to Barcelona legend Sergio BusquetsCredit: EPAUltimately however, Slot and Liverpool were turned down, with Zubimendi persuaded to remain at his beloved Sociedad by his coach Imanol Alguacil and sporting director Roberto Olabe.They reportedly did so by preparing a presentation on the pros and cons of a Prem switch, pulling on the 26-year-old’s San Sebastian heartstrings with pictures of his favourite local tapas restaurants and mountain hikes he enjoys in the Basque Country.Zubimendi claimed recently: “It is where I feel most comfortable”.It worked, but what Alguacil and Olabe did not anticipate was a similar approach by Arsenal and boss Mikel Arteta – a Basque boy convincing another Basque boy to make London his new home next season for £51m. The Gunners appear to have got their man.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSArteta and Arsenal’s presentations for potential new signings are nothing new, leaving most players and agents who experience it astounded by the level of detail and care put into them, led previously by ex-sporting director Edu and his assistant Jason Ayto – now the interim.Zubimendi was no different, sold on the project and vision at the Emirates almost instantly, as well as wanting to follow in Arteta’s inspiring footsteps, having also left his birthplace of San Sebastian for the bright lights of Barcelona in 1997 aged 15.Arsenal and Sociedad also have a great relationship and respect at board level, having recently negotiated Mikel Merino’s North London arrival for around £32m last summer.It has left Liverpool and Slot gutted, and they’re not the only ones. Real Madrid, Manchester City and Manchester United are all huge fans of the player.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd ironically, United now get to watch him up close on Thursday night in their Europa League last 16 first leg clash away at Real Sociedad.For all the noise around him over the past few years, Zubimendi is not a loud character. He is down-to-earth, humble, at times even shy and anxious.Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal to ‘step up’ as focus switches to Champions League It is said that while making the decision over whether to sign for Liverpool, he isolated himself at home, refusing to use his phone to fully lock in on a big decision that he also consulted his family over.However, he is a different beast when he steps on the pitch. In the last summer window, Arsenal bought Merino because he was a “dual monster”.Zubimendi is not too far behind in that respect.He is aggressive, assertive. A snarling, hungry athlete of a man who covers every blade of grass competing for space, the ball or a well-timed tackle.A modern-day Claude Makelele with a sprinkling of Sergio Busquets. Put simply, Zubimendi is the cog between the defence and the midfieldAnd right now in Europe, he is the closest thing to City’s Rodri.In the Euro 2024 final against England back in July, Spain were rocked by Rodri’s injury that forced him off at half-time. And yet, his absence was barely felt with Zubimendi on to replace him.He is used to pressure. Even with the eyes of the world on him days after performing his Liverpool U-turn, he did not miss a single training session, even taking part in a team photo shoot.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has also had to overcome the odds to even reach this position. In his early years at Sociedad, the coaches were initially not keen on him, favouring other players and only signing him up at the last minute – a decision that proved wise.Over a decade on and he is positioned to light up another big occasion, showing United – and the rest of England – what they can expect should he grace the Prem next season.Zubimendi is a full Spain internationalCredit: GettyHe was a part of the squad that won Euro 2024Credit: Getty More

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    Man City ready to go through tribunal to snap up 15-year-old wonderkid Jeremy Monga from relegation-bound Leicester

    MANCHESTER CITY are ready to make a move for Leicester City wonderkid Jeremy Monga.The teenage star has already featured on The Foxes’ first team bench despite being only 15.Jeremy Monga is extremely highly-rated at LeicesterCredit: GettyThe versatile winger has been captain of England’s Under-16s too and trained with City’s U-21s squad as a result of his potential.But that has only helped to catch the eye of some of Europe’s top clubs and City are now hovering and hoping to tie up a move this summer.Leicester are five points adrift of safety in the Premier League with only 11 games to play. They looked doomed for relegation.Even so, the club is desperate to hang onto budding talents like schoolboy Monga to help them bounce back into the top flight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBecause of his age any deal will have to go through a tribunal with mega-rich Man City forced to pay compensation to Leicester should they nab one of the club’s brightest prospects.Monga featured in all three of Leicester Under-21s’ EFL Trophy matches earlier this season.Last month he was even named on Ruud van Nistelrooy’s bench for the Foxes’ 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.He has featured seven times in the PL2 this season, scoring once and laying on an assist.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMonga has so far earned eight caps for England’s Under-16s.He scored in a 7-3 win over Denmark last month.Fans plead with Pep Guardiola as they spot secret Mo Salah charm offensive after Liverpool loss More

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    Tottenham ‘send scouts to watch 19-year-old Fenerbahce star’ – only for Jose Mourinho to leave him on the bench

    TOTTENHAM reportedly sent scouts to watch Fenerbahce star Yusuf Akcicek in action — only for Jose Mourinho to leave him on the bench.19-year-old wonderkid Akcicek burst onto the scene last season with 15 appearances in all competitions.Tottenham sent scouts to watch Yusuf Akcicek in action for FenerbahceCredit: GettySpurs were left empty-handed as Jose Mourinho benched the youngsterCredit: RexAnd he has added another 14 games to that tally this term after breaking into Mourinho’s Super Lig XI at the start of the year.Akcicek is regarded as one of Turkey’s most promising centre-backs.And he played the full 90 minutes in Fenerbahce’s fiery top-of-the-table derby against Galatasaray, which ended in a 0-0 stalemate and saw Mourinho slapped with a hefty ban and fine for his post-match comments.The ace put in another top performance in his side’s 4-1 Turkish Cup win over Gaziantep last week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFootboom claims his recent performances caught the attention of several teams, including Tottenham.And the Londoners decided to send a scout to Istanbul for Fener’s weekend league game against Antalyaspor.However, the Spurs man went home with an empty report after Akcicek was surprisingly left out of the side.Former Tottenham boss Mourinho instead opted for Mert Muldur as one of his three centre-backs.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd when he replaced the latter during the match, the Special One sent on Alexander Djiku while Akcicek remained on the bench.It now remains to be seen if he returns to Fener’s side on Thursday.Roy Keane gives savage response to James Maddison’s dig as Ian Wright tells Tottenham star ‘you can’t f***ing win’The Turks take on Scottish side Rangers in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie.The return match takes place a week later, with no league match in between.But Tottenham are likely to continue their interest in Akcicek as Ange Postecoglou looks to combat the defensive injury crisis that has plagued his side all season. More

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    Chelsea snap up Arsenal star Gabriel’s cousin in £11.5m transfer from Corinthians

    CHELSEA are set to sign Arsenal star Gabriel’s cousin, according to reports.The Blues have struck an £11.5million deal with Corinthians for wonderkid Denner Evangelista.Denner Evangelista is set to move to Chelsea when he turns 18Credit: Instagram @denner_evangelistaHe is Arsenal star Gabriel’s cousinCredit: GettyThe 17-year-old will sign a whopping seven-year contract and make the move to Stamford Bridge when he turns 18 next year.Denner, who is an attacking left-back, is yet to make a senior appearance for Corinthians.But the teenager caught Chelsea’s eye in the prestigious Copinha event involving some of the best youth sides in Sao Paulo.Denner registered three goals and one assist in the tournament.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBy moving to London, he follows the same path as his cousin Gabriel.Brazilian media report that Denner is related to the Arsenal centre-back and he is understood to have attended one of his matches last year.Corinthians wanted to keep Denner at the club and begin to integrate him with the first-team.But having failed to agree an improved contract with the player, they decided to cash-in.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSCorinthians have negotiated a 15 per cent sell-on clause to profit from any future sale.Denner joins a long list of South American youngsters who have joined Chelsea.Cole Palmer branded ‘gift that keeps on giving’ after Chelsea star reveals his meal deal sandwich Brazilian duo Andrey Santos, 20, and Deivid Washington, 19, are both out on loan at Strasbourg and Santos respectively. Meanwhile, 17-year-old pair Kendry Paez and Estevao Willian are both set to join Chelsea at the end of the season.Estevao has hit 30 goals and assists for Palmeiras this season, becoming the first to reach the milestone since Neymar in 2010.Argentine defender Aaron Anselmino, 19, is another on Chelsea’s books and he was recently recalled from a loan spell at Boca Juniors. More

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    All this week’s transfer exclusives from SunSport’s man in the know as Aston Villa battle Everton for Mings replacement

    ALAN NIXON is SunSport’s Boss of Goss.Check out this week’s red-hot transfer whispers from our man in the know…Joel Ordonez is wanted by both Aston Villa and EvertonCredit: GettyTHRILLY JOELASTON VILLA are fighting Everton for Joel Ordonez — who stands between them and Champions League glory.The Club Brugge star, 20, can play centre-half and right-back and looks ideal for the Premier League with his ability and strength.Ecuadorian international Ordonez helped shut Villa out in the group stage and they have been on his trail ever since.The sides meet again on Tuesday in their last-16 first leg — and Everton will be watching closely as they are desperate to land him, too.Ordonez, 20, is rated at £40million by the Belgian side and Villa see him as an ideal replacement for Tyrone Mings.The Toffees also plan a summer revamp and fancy him as the right-sided centre-back in a five at the back.Everton also rate Maxime Esteve, 22, at Burnley but he plays on the left.ROB’S JOB WAITRob Edwards could be forced to wait for his next jobCredit: GettyFORMER Luton boss Rob Edwards faces a frustrating wait for a new job because of a huge compensation fee on his head.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSInterested clubs were told the 42-year-old would cost them £1million as part of his Hatters exit package.Blackburn overlooked Edwards and has been linked with Middlesbrough — but may be sitting it out until the ‘transfer’ fee drops in the next 12 months.MOYES IN DARKDavid Moyes made his return to Everton earlier this seasonCredit: ReutersNEW Everton owners The Friedkin Group are looking for a football supremo to be overlord for their whole organisation.The Americans also own Roma and want someone to run both clubs in the future.Director of football Kevin Thelwell is set to leave his role at Goodison — as we revealed — and now boss David Moyes is waiting to learn what structure the new owners plan to put in place . . . and where it leaves him.MAXED OUT IN MILAN SPREEMaxime Estève is a target for AC MilanCredit: GettyAC MILAN scouts made a shock visit to check out Burnley centre-half Maxime Esteve.The classy Frenchman, 22, may move in the summer — and will definitely do so if the Clarets fail to win promotion.Crystal Palace star Mateta stretchered off with horror injury after shock kung-fu kick from Milwall keeper who sees redEverton are keen on Esteve while Crystal Palace have shortlisted him.But the Italians are on the trail of a player too good for the second tier.CATS CHASE QUICK CASHKyril Louis-Dreyfus owns 64 per cent of SunderlandCredit: ReutersSUNDERLAND are in talks with US financiers MSD Holdings about a quick £35million loan.Wealthy Kyril Louis-Dreyfus owns Black Cats yet they are still seeking funding — even with interest at £5m a year.The timing is odd as Sunderland chase a Prem jackpot and have players to sell for big money this summer.But the cash is wanted quicker than that.A REAL DEAL BUT NOT FOR HORNETSMillonarios striker Neyser is wanted by WatfordCredit: ConmebolWATFORD’S chances of signing young Colombian star Neyser Villarreal look slim — as Porto set up a deal.The Portuguese giants have been ‘promised’ striker Villarreal, 19, by his agent and could get him for nothing at the end of the year.Brazil’s Vasco da Gama made a £3million bid plus extras that his club Millonarios accepted but the player and agent refuse to speak to them.WHICH Premier League sporting director is making a fool of himself in the VIP box at games?The foreign wheeler-dealer is given to celebrating goals wildly and arguing about refereeing decisions with rival fans and even directors.This loud chap was recently seen gesturing so much that a ‘minder’ in the entourage was forced to calm a brewing row with home supporters.ROBINS KEEN ON NEW RECRUITSMark Robins is concerned by the squad at Stoke CityCredit: PASTOKE boss Mark Robins will look for a major change in recruitment plans in the summer.Robins, 55, has been alarmed by a thin squad bulked out with young players and loan captures.The Potters have tried to sign their own players but ended up with a mixed bag.That is partly because of so much upheaval with Robins their third boss this season.PRODIGAL SONDavid Moyes Jr is wanted by Hull CityCredit: AlamyHULL are after David Moyes Jr for a top scouting role.The Everton manager’s son has previous experience with West Ham, where he worked for his dad.Now the Tigers hope to tempt the ex-agent to their transfer team, which has changed regularly over the past couple of years.ROVERS RETURNValerien Ismael is looking to add to his staff at BlackburnCredit: GettyBLACKBURN boss Valerien Ismael will bring in coach Adam Murray in the summer.Eastbourne gaffer Murray worked with the Frenchman at Barnsley and Besiktas and will join Rovers No .2 Dean Whitehead at Ewood Park.Ismael took over last month and is happy with the rest of his staff. More

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    Scott McTominay is perfect solution to Man Utd’s midfield dilemma – he dominates rivals, works hard and scores goals

    SCOTT McTominay is the perfect man to solve Manchester United’s midfield dilemma – if only they hadn’t sold him last summer.None of Ruben Amorim’s current midfielders fit his profile or provide goals (except Bruno Fernandes) and can offer something at both ends of the pitch.Scott McTominay has excelled at NapoliCredit: ReutersMcTominay left Man United for Serie A side Napoli for £30million in the summer, and the transfer split the fanbase.Some fans felt that McTominay was short of the level required at the club.Others, however, were adamant that his blend of physicality and aggression in the central areas were just what the current squad was missing.With the benefit of hindsight, the latter group of fans look to have won the argument.read more in footballNapoli has become home to McTominay, and the fans love him.Napoli sit second in Serie A, one point behind leaders Inter Milan, and the midfielder has played 23 matches so far with six goals and three assists.Contrast this with the ongoing misery at United.Amorim is missing a player in the midfield with the profile of McTominay.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThey are missing his blend of power and aggression, and someone who is equally at home in the attacking or defensive roles.Here Chris Beaumont of We Scout Strikers explains why Man United are missing the Scottish international.Ability to drive through the midfieldAs a rule, Amorim’s midfielders do not typically take the responsibility to move through the zones while in possession of the ball.Ruben Amorim blames results on the pitch for Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s brutal Man Utd cuts They are all neat and tidy technically, and Fernandes, when he gets on the ball in deeper positions, is an aggressive and progressive passer of the ball.But United are lacking a midfield player with the physical capacity to make repeated high-intensity runs through the thirds to link the defence and attack.This is one of McTominay’s biggest strengths, as he has shown so far during his time in Italy with Napoli.Indeed, there is an argument to be made that McTominay would be capable of playing either as one of the two deeper midfielders or as one of the two more advanced midfielders in Amorim’s system at Man United.Here, we see McTominay taking possession of the ball in deeper areas for Napoli. He moves into the final third before seeing the run of Romelu Lukaku ahead of him and playing through the last line.It is fair to say that McTominay is the kind of player who thrives on physical duels.He likes to take possession of the ball and drive forward into any space that the opposition are willing to give him.He is not a standout one-on-one attacker who uses deception and quick feet to outplay opposition defenders.But he does have the physical profile to be exceptionally dangerous once he begins to move with momentum.At the moment, Man Utd are missing a player who has the conditioning and capacity to be effective in both the defensive and attacking phases of the game.For as much as Amorim favours a structured midfield with two deeper players and two more advanced players, there is scope for players to be more fluid in moving towards those zones.This is where a more traditional box-to-box profile like McTominay would be helpful.McTominay takes the ball from just inside his own half and as the opposition backtrack he continues to take the space given to him before shooting from the edge of the areaEverything about the way that Man United play at the moment feels very structured.The would benefit from a player like McTominay who can inject some chaos to the game.McTominay can dominate duelsPart of what has made McTominay so effective since he moved to Napoli has been that his dominance in one-on-one duels, both defensive and attacking.He gives his team an effective platform that they can play into all over the pitch.Whether he is playing as a deeper or more advanced midfield player, his ability to receive the ball when under pressure and to shield the ball allows his team to move forward in a more secure manner.We often see McTominay in the opposition half in possession with multiple defenders around him.While he will never be the most silky smooth or technical of midfielders, he is effective at holding possession, and his physical attributes often allow him to play through pressure and get the ball to a teammate.This is another aspect of his profile that United are currently missing in midfield.McTominay takes the ball under intense pressure from opposition midfielders but because he can stay on the ball he then finds an angle to pass out from the pressure to find the free manMcTominay is so physically strong that he will often attract multiple defensive players over towards the ball as they look to regain possession.If he can then escape the press, he will create space that his teammates can look to exploit.Tactically, this means that Napoli often seem to have a spare man moving into space as they attack into the final third.This is also something that United are badly missing this season.They never seem to be able to create an overload in the attacking phase that they can exploit but having a physical player to hold the ball and bring others into the game would solve that issue.At the moment Man United would benefit from having one of their midfielders who could get on the ball and hold possession before bringing others into the game.Again, there are multiple opposition players looking to engage and close down McTominay as he is in possession of the ballGoalscoring threatMcTominay has developed into something of an underrated player in front of goal as his career has progressed.With his size and frame, he is a threat from set pieces in the area, but he is also underrated with his movement and the timing of his runs from deep.Often, he attacks space with late runs from outside the area, and he can shoot with accuracy and power when coming onto the ball in advanced areas of the pitch.While this has been a notable boost for Napoli this season, his goal contributions are one reason that the club’s fans have so quickly taken to the Scottish midfielder.This has been something that United have lacked from those who play in the deeper midfield positions.McTominay routinely makes good runs to support the attack from deeper positions. He occupies space around the edges of the area and when the ball is cut back into his path he is a dangerous finisher.It would be fair to say that McTominay is not the most natural or clean of finishers but there is no doubting the fact that he is effective in front of goal.He can finish off either foot or with his head and he is dangerous when attacking in transition.All of these are aspects of the game that United are currently severely lacking.There is a real argument that they would have been better served keeping the Scottish international in their midfield.At the moment, Man United are getting goals mainly from the likes of Amad Diallo or Bruno Fernandes, producing some magic.There is no doubt that a midfield player who is so powerful and effective in front of goal like McTominay would have brought something to Amorim’s team.McTominay makes a forward run to get beyond the striker and to get into a more central position. As he receives the pass he can drive through the last line and he goes on to finish the chanceConclusionThe decision to allow Scott McTominay to leave United in the summer is looking more and more like a poor one.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile the deal was beneficial as McTominay was an academy product who represented pure profit his profile is one that United appears to be missing.As the season progresses, his power and ability to affect the game centrally could have brought real value to Amorim’s United squad. More