MANCHESTER UNITED are eagerly preparing for the return of club football when the coronavirus outbreak begins to subside.
And La Liga have given the Red Devils a welcome boost in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid's Saul Niguez.
Get all the latest news and gossip from Old Trafford here…
SAUL SURVIVOR
Manchester United have been handed a boost by the Spanish FA (RFEF) and La Liga in their pursuit of Saul Niguez.
The RFEF have outlined plans to curtail the Spanish top flight and award European places as the table currently stands, should it not be able to restart.
That would leave Saul's club, Atletico Madrid, in a Europe League position with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Sevilla and Real Sociedad progressing to the Champions League.
The proposals appear to have the backing of La Liga president Javier Tebas.
He said: “Nulling and voiding the season is not an option on the table,.
“But we are reviewing multiple scenarios, such as what happens if we play behind closed doors and what happens if we play with crowds and what happens if games aren’t played
“We have to look at all possibilities, but we’re not working towards a situation where we don’t complete the season.”
Saul Niguez has a £130.5m release clause, but if Atletico find themselves in need of cash then the £70m Man Utd are willing to pay could force the Spanish club's hand.
MORNING, UNITED FANS
Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang and James Rodgriguez are in talks over summer moves to Old Trafford.That's if you believe the pick of the overnight gossip surrounding United.
Off the field, the main news is United and the rest of the Premier League's Big Six joining forces to fight any bid to set a cut-off date for the season.
SunSport earlier revealed how some Prem clubs want a June 30 guillotine on the table at a meeting today.
Back to that transfer speculation.
Arsenal skipper Aubameyang was linked with a deadline move to United in January – and according to some reports is closer still to making a switch this time, many weeks before the transfer window even opens.
Barcelona and now Real Madrid appear to be United's main rivals for the Gabon striker as he enters the last year of his contract.
And Real Madrid playmaker James Rodriguez is reportedly just as set for Old Trafford,.
It's claimed the Colombian's super-agent Jorge Mendes has already held negotiations with United chiefs.
Ex-Arsenal target Thomas Meunier is also being talked up as a United and Spurs target as the right-back has failed to agree a new PSG deal.
And Shakhtar Donetsk's Brazilian starlet Tete says he dreams of lifting trophies for United, Barcelona or Liverpool.
NEV IS EFL PEACEMAKER
Gary Neville is acting as a peacemaker in the wage row between EFL clubs and players.
The Manchester United legend has been involved in talks between PFA chiefs, clubs and players during the coronavirus cash crisis.
TV pundit Neville is a co-owner of League Two club Salford, but his appearance in video conferences and general talks has been a surprise for other club executives.
The EFL are happy for ex-defender Neville, 45, to be taking an active role.
While he had already been contacted by a number of managers and players for advice.
One EFL owner said: “He has spoken really well and has a lot of respect — which is useful in these difficult times.”
EFL chiefs said on Tuesday they had come to an agreement with the PFA to propose 25 per cent wage deferrals to League One and League Two players.
On social media, Neville wrote: “This is how to do it. Collaborate and work together. Well done @EFL and @PFA”
Neville is also supporting the NHS with his co-owned Hotel Football in Manchester being offered for use by doctors and nurses.
FIRST AID FROM THE RED BOS
Mark Bosnich is swapping the microphone for the telephone as he helps out during the coronavirus crisis.
The former Aston Villa, Manchester United and Chelsea keeper is part of a collaboration between the Red Cross and Australia’s Football Federation to help the most vulnerable during the lockdown.
Bosnich is going to help pack food parcels and deliver them to homes in his native country.
But he will also be on the end of the line to chat to those stuck on their own and lonely during this time.
Bosnich, 48, said: “I just want to be available for anyone in need, 24/7, to talk to them and make them know that there is someone there for you.
“It’s not just to chat about football but just to chat. I hope it can help in some way because a lot of people will feel lonely and isolated at this time.
“I will also be helping to pack up food parcels and deliver them to the elderly and vulnerable and we are aiming to do this with prominent footballers throughout the country.”
BLOCKED FOR SIX
The Premier League's Big Six will join forces and dismiss calls to set a cut-off date for the season.
SunSport reported how a number of top clubs want a June 30 guillotine on the table at a meeting today.
But the Big Six have put up a united front in their determination to play out the season in full.
That would mean they are just one club short of being able to block the rest of the Prem’s push for a definitive closing date.
And with league chiefs also firmly opposed to any idea of an early finish, the rebel alliance will be under pressure to back down.
One of clubs’ biggest concerns is player contracts ending on June 30, potentially making a nonsense of the rest of the season.
But one well-known club executive said: “This is simply not the time to be having these conversations. It is far, far too early.”
League chiefs have modelled a number of return scenarios, looking at resuming in June, July or August. Even the latter would allow next season to start in September and finish by mid-May although top clubs may have to sacrifice the Carabao Cup.
With the Big Six staring at total losses of £580m if the season is cut off — more than the other 14 clubs put together — there is no sign of resolve being loosened.
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