MANCHESTER UNITED are hopeful of completing their big-money transfer for Jadon Sancho NEXT WEEK, according to reports.
The Red Devils have been after Sancho since 2019 and could finally be on the verge of landing their man.
Paris-Saint German goalkeeper Keylor Navas is also said to be on United's transfer radar, while England star Kieran Trippier is 'close' to an Old Trafford move.
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- William Pugh
DEM DILEMMA
Man Utd have received a transfer boost with reports stating Ousmane Dembele and Barcelona have made ‘no progress’ over a new contract.
The Frenchman, 24, is currently under contract at the Nou Camp until next summer.
Barcelona are desperate not to let the player they bought for an initial £97million in 2017 walk away for free when his deal expires.
But according to Marca, negotiations regarding an extension got underway on Tuesday and have not started well.
Both sides will be hopeful of reaching an agreement – but if not, Barcelona will look to cash in this summer, especially considering their dire financial situation.
As many as ten Barca stars including Philippe Coutinho and Antoine Griezmann are on the chopping block as the club look to help balance the books. And that could open the door for United to swoop.
Credit: AFP - William Pugh
MELON ME 'EAD SON
England's ootie stars have been twisting their melons to sink Scotland tomorrow — by working out with fruit-patterned underwater balls.
Players love kickabouts with “watermelon balls” at their training base. The soft, coloured globes can be kicked or thrown up to 10ft under water.
The team — managed by Gareth Southgate — had a splashing time at St George’s Park yesterday as the final countdown began to the Battle of Britain Euro 2020 showdown at Wembley.
Coaching staff at the camp in Burton-on-Trent, Staffs, introduced the bizarre balls in place of the unicorn pool inflatables which players loved at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
They allow the stars to enjoy fun games with minimal impact on tired joints and muscles. Tyrone Mings, 28, Phil Foden, 21, Kyle Walker, 31, and Jordan Pickford, 27, were snapped with their new toys.
Credit: Getty - William Pugh
FIX UP, LOOK SHARP
Manchester United will open their next Premier League campaign at home to Leeds before trips to Southampton and Wolves.
And they wrap up the season with games against Brighton (a), Chelsea (h) and Crystal Palace (a).
- William Pugh
NOU PAY DEAL
Holland star Memphis Depay wants to become part of the Koeman League.
The former Manchester United player is out of contract from French side Lyon.
And there are rumours he will soon move to Barcelona for a reunion with compatriot Ronald Koeman.
Depay said: “Everyone knows that I have been negotiating with Barcelona for some time.
“I want to play for Ronald Koeman. Now we have to wait, but there will be news soon.”
Credit: EPA - Marc Mayo
GOOD MORNING RED DEVILS FANS
Real Madrid have confirmed Sergio Ramos will leave the Spanish capital this summer.
Manchester United have been heavily linked with the player, although local rivals Manchester City and French giants Paris Saint-Germain are also believed to be interested.
Kieran Trippier, meanwhile, is rumoured to be worried about Atletico Madrid pricing him out of a move to Manchester United.
The Spanish champions are said to want £34million for the defender – far more than United are reportedly willing to pay.
Arsenal have made their move for Ben White, reportedly having a first offer of £40m rejected by Brighton for the United target.
And Cristiano Ronaldo's mum reckons the ex-United star has at least three years left in him.
He's been linked with a return to Manchester this summer.
But it looks like any potential deal for Kingsley Coman is off as Bayern Munich are believed to have no interest in selling the player this summer.
That may encourage United to complete the signing of Jadon Sancho, who – according to reports – remains their No1 target.
- Thomas Blow
SCOT FREE
Harry Maguire gave England a massive Euros boost by insisting he is fit to play against Scotland on Friday.
The Manchester United skipper has made a rapid recovery from the ankle ligament injury he picked up at Aston Villa last month.
Yet the central defender is still unlikely to start against the Scots, with boss Gareth Southgate looking certain to keep faith with John Stones and Tyrone Mings.
Asked if he is fit to start at Wembley, Maguire, 28, said: “Yes definitely.
"I’ve done a few sessions now and feel like my fitness is there, so I’m available for the game.
“The injury was a setback club football-wise. Internationally, I wanted to come into this with a lot of games under my belt with full fitness.
“But I feel good and I’ve been in full training.”
- Thomas Blow
NOU PAY DEAL?
Memphis Depay wants to join Barcelona.
The former Manchester United player is out of contract from French side Lyon.
And there are rumours he will soon move to Spain for a reunion with compatriot Ronald Koeman.
Depay said: "Everyone knows that I have been negotiating with Barcelona for some time.
"I want to play for Ronald Koeman. Now we have to wait, but there will be news soon."
- Thomas Blow
‘FROM BADGER TO BOND’
Roy Keane stunned ITV viewers by transforming from “raggedy badger to smooth Bond” by ditching his bushy beard.
While Italy brushed off Switzerland, many armchair fans were bristling at the Manchester United legend’s unexplained new Keane-shaven look.
One suggested the former hardman had “shaved his beard because he was annoyed you all said he looked handsome”.
And in another reference to Keane’s cut-throat reputation as a player, one viewer tweeted: “He’ll probably have a full beard by the end of the game.”
One wondered: “Does Roy Keane just take his beard off and let it run wild for a couple of weeks every six months or so?
“Last night he looked like a raggedy old badger today smoother than Bond.”
- Thomas Blow
JADON SANCHO LATEST
Reports suggest Manchester United could seal the transfer of Borussia Dortmund ace Jadon Sancho very soon.
That is according to The Times, as 'Dortmund believe that a deal could be finalised next week'.
And transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that 'United’s camp have been in contact with Sancho over the weekend'.
Talks with Dortmund over a potential €95million (£81m) price, bonus details and payment structure will continue in the next days.
But the Red Devils' initial £60m won’t be enough to complete the transfer.
- Thomas Blow
RAMOS – WHERE WILL HE GO?
Manchester United are believed to be desperate to sign a centre back to improve the defence and Sergio Ramos has been a long-term target.
Co-chairman Joel Glazer has promised Ole Gunnar Solskjaer funds in the transfer market.
Ramos is now a free agent but would still demand huge wages wherever he ends up.
Pep Guardiola is keen to bring in more experience and leadership into his squad, especially with Fernandinho and Sergio Aguero leaving.
And the 180-cap international – with 671 Real Madrid appearances – certainly fits the bill with a two-year deal reportedly being offered.
Paris Saint-Germain may also look to try and secure a deal.
- Thomas Blow
BREAKING NEWS – RAMOS LEAVES REAL
Sergio Ramos has left Real Madrid.
The LaLiga club have confirmed his departure.
The 35-year-old played more than 670 games for the Spanish giants in a 16-year spell.
And he's been linked with a move to Manchester United.
- Thomas Blow
VARANE ON POGBA
Manchester United target Raphael Varane has been praising his France team-mate Paul Pogba in a recent press conference.
The Real Madrid defender said: "He's [Pogba] a complete player.
"He knows when he has to defend; he knows when he has to attack; he knows when he has to organise; he's found this balance in his game.
"And these qualities, we know them.
"He's always had great games and he also brings a lot to the group with his character and he gives leadership on the pitch.
"He's involved; he's gaining in confidence; he's gained in maturity – we started together."
- Thomas Blow
UNITED PREM PREVIEW
Manchester United have created a preview of the 2021-22 Premier League season.
Take a look…
- Thomas Blow
JAMES STARS IN WALES WIN
Dan James put in a superb performance as Wales beat Turkey 2-0 at Euro 2020.
The United winger came off in the 94th minute after working tirelessly to ensure his country got three points.
Wales' next game is against Italy in Rome on Sunday.
- Thomas Blow
TRIPP-ING OUT
Kieran Trippier is reportedly worried that Atletico Madrid will ‘price him out’ of a dream move to Manchester United.
The England full-back, who helped the Three Lions to a 1-0 win over Croatia in their first game of Euro 2020 on Sunday, has emerged as a key target for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Norwegian is not believed to have made signing a right back a priority over the summer window but is now allegedly ‘intrigued by the prospect’ of bringing Trippier to United.
However, that all depends on whether the deal is right for the Red Devils.
The Times claims that United are not currently willing to meet the £20million-plus price tag placed on the defender’s head by Atletico – but Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano claims it is even as high as £34m.
The LaLiga champions’ manager Diego Simeone is a huge fan of the ex-Burnley man and does not want to see the 30-year-old leave.
- Thomas Blow
THREESY DOES IT
Cristiano Ronaldo’s mum has revealed her son will play for another three more years – as his club future remains up in the air.
The Juventus forward is still one of the most lethal finishers in the game and has previously revealed a desire to play into his 40s.
And he's been linked with a move to Manchester United.
Ronaldo, known for his strict diet and fitness regime, kickstarted his Euros campaign with two goals in Portugal’s opening day 3-0 win over Hungary.
Cheering him on was his mother Maria Dolores, who predicted her boy will be playing at least until he is 39.
Per La Gazzetta dello Sport, she said: "Cristiano is in good shape, he will play three more years."
- Thomas Blow
KINGSLEY COMAN LATEST
Manchester United have reportedly received a blow in their pursuit of Kingsley Coman with the Bayern Munich winger now expected to remain in Bavaria.
The French winger had been heavily linked with a move away from the Allianz Arena after claims he rejected a contract extension.
It has been stated that the 25-year-old believed the salary was too low, and he wanted to earning the same as £14.5million-a-year Leroy Sane.
This led the Red Devils to target the former Juventus ace as a cheaper alternative to Borussia Dortmund forward Jadon Sancho.
But according to Goal, it appears it is Sancho or nothing for United with Coman considered as a key player in new Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann’s plans.
With Coman under contract until 2023, the Bundesliga champions are in no rush to sell the ex-Paris Saint-Germain man.
They will only part ways with the player should a potential suitor stump up a fee in the region of £60million.
- Thomas Blow
HAAL ABOARD
Erling Haaland has reportedly agreed personal terms over a summer transfer to European champions Chelsea.
Ian McGarry of The Transfer Window Podcast claims Borussia Dortmund’s strike sensation has struck a deal to join Thomas Tuchel’s men after a stunning season in Germany.
Haaland, 20, scored 41 goals in 41 games for the Bundesliga giants, having netted 16 times in 18 outings the previous term.
Tuchel believes the Norway international is the man to fire his Champions League winners to next year’s Premier League title.
And it appears all that’s left is for Chelsea to agree a potential club record transfer fee with Dortmund after getting Haaland to sign off on personal terms.
McGarry said: "Personal terms for Haaland are signed off. It’s just a case of Chelsea agreeing a fee with Dortmund."
He's previously been linked with Manchester United.
- Thomas Blow
MAN UTD FIRST SIX
Manchester United will start their Premier League campaign with a massive clash against Leeds United at Old Trafford.
Here are the Red Devils' first six Prem fixtures (subject to change)…
- Leeds United (H) – August 14 – 3pm
- Southampton (A) – August 21 – 3pm
- Wolves (A) – August 28 – 3pm
- Newcastle (H) – September 11 – 3pm
- West Ham (A) – September 18 – 3pm
- Aston Villa (H) – September 25 – 3pm
BRIGHT IDEA
Brighton have reportedly rejected a £40million bid from Arsenal for defender and Manchester United target Ben White.
Sky Sports claims the Gunners launched their ambitious offer on Wednesday for Graham Potter’s England star.
But Brighton rejected the offer after reportedly slapping White with a £50m price-tag following his Euros call-up.
However, it’s added that Arsenal remain undeterred and are expected to return with an improved offer.
NOT SO GREEN
Mason Greenwood has been named on the 100-man longlist for the 2021 Golden Boy award.
The Manchester United forward, 19, was dealt a cruel blow after being forced to withdraw from England’s Euro 2020 squad due to injury.
Greenwood had been named in the 33-man provisional squad and had been tipped to make the final 26.
But the Old Trafford whiz has been given some good news after being named among the 100 nominees for the prestigious Golden Boy award.
Last year, Greenwood finished 12th as Erling Haaland won the crown.
But the young striker will have another chance of glory in 2021 after he was named as one of 15 Premier League representatives on the list.
- Joe Brophy
PRE-SEASON BREAK
England’s Prem stars will get a two-week break next season – although not an official one.
But overseas players from outside Europe face a globe-trotting fortnight while team-mates have their feet up.
The FA and Prem agreed to a three-season trial of the “mid season player break” starting in February 2020.
But the impact of the pandemic on last season’s congested fixtures meant the trial was temporarily abandoned – and there is no return of the “split” fixtures for the 2021-22 campaign.
Instead, the new fixtures list showed consecutive weekends at the end of January and beginning of February without Prem games.
That is partly because the FA Cup fourth round will take place on the weekend of February 5th and 6th.
But with Fifa having squeezed in a series of catch-up World Cup qualifiers in Africa, Asia, South America, Concacaf and Oceania for the last week of January, it meant no Prem games were possible for January 29.
With League matches due on the weekend of January 22 and then again in the midweek starting Tuesday February 8, it could see a number of Gareth Southgate’s squad having as much as 17 days off if they are rested for the FA Cup tie.
Other Europeans will also be able to take advantage of the rest.
But the likes of Egypt’s Mo Salah, Korea’s Heung-min Son and Brazilians Ederson, Alisson and Richarlison will all be expected to head back to their home continents to play two or three 2022 qualifiers before returning to the UK.
- Joe Brophy
HEY JUDE
Luke Shaw has been impressed with Manchester United target Jude Bellingham on England duty.
- Joe Brophy
RUD BEHAVIOUR
Antonio Rudiger will escape action for his apparent “bite” on Paul Pogba.
Chelsea defender Rudiger appeared to nibble the back of Pogba’s neck and tweak his nipple in the latter stages of the first half of Germany’s opening group F defeat by France.
The incident was spotted by the cameras and looked at by the VAR officials on duty at Uefa’s Nyon base.
And despite the pictures being shared globally, Uefa have confirmed that no disciplinary case has been opened by inspectors, clearing Rudiger to face Portugal in Germany’s next game in Munich on Saturday.
- Joe Brophy
BELLI RUB
Chelsea are reportedly interested in deals for Manchester United targets Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland.
The Blues are long-term admirers of the Borussia Dortmund pair and tried to sign Bellingham, 17, before he moved to Germany.
That interest has not gone away following his quick adaptation to playing for one of the Bundesliga’s top clubs.
But the Blues will have to tread carefully in dealing with Dortmund, in the knowledge that they also hold the key to the future of Haaland.
As reported by Goal, Chelsea hope a good relationship can be struck up with the German team.
If they can find a mutually-beneficial route to signing Haaland, there is said to be optimism that Borussia will be more open to doing a deal for Bellingham further down the road.
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