MANCHESTER UNITED are preparing for a last-day showdown with Leicester as they target a top four Premier League finish.
Off the field, it's set to be a frantic transfer window as the Red Devils are reportedly looking at FOUR high profile names, while we've got the very latest on the pursuit of Jack Grealish and Jadon Sancho.
Follow all the latest United transfer gossip and news below…
SMALL CHANGE
Chris Smalling is confident of completing his transfer to Roma from Manchester United – and has even posed in next season's kit.
The former England centre-half has been a revelation on loan at the Italian side this season.
He has been christened 'Smalldini' after AC Milan and Azzurri legendary international Paolo Maldini.
And the 30-year-old – deemed not good enough by England boss Gareth Southgate and United chief Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – wants to seal a permanent deal in the Eternal City.
Smalling was pictured in an image on the club's Twitter site in the new kit along with other stars.
But United refuse to let him leave on another season-long loan deal.
PREDICTED XI
Here is how SunSport think Manchester United will line up against Leicester tomorrow.
There's just the small matter of Champions League football riding on Sunday's game.
COMAN GET HIM
Manchester United are reportedly lining up Kingsley Coman as an alternative summer signing to Jadon Sancho.
The Bayern Munich winger could find himself out of the picture with Leroy Sane landing in Bavaria next season.
And the Red Devils are intent on landing a winger to bolster their attack, having followed Sancho for so long.
However, a deal with Borussia Dortmund is not guaranteed in the pandemic-affected market and the club are said to be formulating a back-up plan.
According to The Athletic, United have already held talks over a deal for Coman, possibly on a loan basis.
WILF HE OR WON'T HE
Manchester United are on red alert after Roy Hodgson admitted Wilfried Zaha wants to leave.
And Crystal Palace have given their star winger the green light to leave if the right offer comes in, according to the Times.
Hodgson said: “Wilf has made it clear, ever since I came to the club really, that he would relish a move and would like to move on and find some pastures new.
“But he's a very valuable player and the club realises his value and appreciates his value.
“So really everything will depend I guess – as it always does – what sort of offers the club is going to receive for him and how they will equate that with the need to keep him or the need, maybe, to satisfy his wishes, and allow him to go after giving good service to the club for a period of time.”
MONEY UTD
David De Gea is Manchester United's highest paid player but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under pressure to give his No1 jersey to returning loanee Dean Henderson next season.
FOR CHRIS SAKE
After Roma posted this photo of Chris Smalling as part of their new kit marketing campaign, rumours have emerged suggesting a deal to take the centre-half to Italy on a permanent deal is close.
Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport suggest a deal is very close, as they also confirmed that the two clubs have been in negotiations and news was expected in the next few days.
FOR FOXES SAKE
Manchester United have posted footage of their squad getting ready for tomorrow's game with Leicester at the King Power.
The Red Devils only need a point to secure a Champions League spot for next season.
THE ONE SHOW
Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa is targeting Manchester United keeper Sergio Romero and Arsenal's Emiliano Martinez.
The Whites, promoted back to the Premier League after a 16-year absence, have made signing a goalkeeper their top priority.
Romero, 32, has also proved a very capable deputy when called upon to fill in for regular Old Trafford stopper David De Gea.
He has also been very much on the sidelines and with the possibility that Dean Henderson could return from his loan at Sheffield United, the South American could find his opportunities even scarcer at Manchester United next term.
SLAM ANDREAS
Andreas Pereira has labelled Liverpool rivals Virgil van Dijk and James Milner as “arrogant” and admitted he “doesn’t like” the Reds stars.
The Brazilian midfielder was speaking to Brazilian youtube site Desimpedidos, using the Portuguese word marrento to describe Dutchman Van Dijk which translates as a combination of mean and arrogant.
When asked about Milner, Pereira said: “I don't really like that guy.
“And to tell you the truth, I don't like that guy, the defender, Van Dijk. He is marrento, man. Even the way he plays is kind of arrogant.”
Pereira said Arsenal's David Luiz and Chelsea's Willian were his two favourite Brazilians in the Premier League.
MORNING UNITED FANS
Jadon Sancho is out on his own as United's top transfer target in attack – after Spurs promised Jose Mourinho hre was no need to sell England skipper Harry Kane.
Indeed, Sancho apart, most of the transfer speculation around Old Trafford is now at the other end of the pitch.
With David Gea's form and future under scrutiny, Atletico Madrid's Jan Oblak is the latest keeper to be linked with United.
And of course Dean Henderson, 23, could yet return from his superb loan spell with Sheffield United – as he chases an England place at Euro 2021.
Oblak has a £109million release clause, with Chelsea also said to be interested in the Slovenian.
The other major area of concern seems to be central defence.
And with neighbours City the new favourites to land Napoli's Kalibou Koulibaly, Old Trafford boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly locked in a fight with Arsenal for Lille centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes.
But Everton, Inter Milan and Napoli are also monitoring the Brazil star, 22.
Meanwhile, it has been claimed United will not let Alexis Sanchez and Chris Smalling further extend their loan stays with Inter and Roma respectively.
The suggestion is Old Trafford chiefs would prefer permanent transfers for ex-Arsenal striker Sanchez, 31,and ex-England defender Smalling, 30.
KANE'S STAYING
Jose Mourinho has received assurances from Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy that the club will NOT have to sell Harry Kane – often linked with Manchester United – this summer.
The ex-Old Trafford chief said: “Have I had assurances I will not need to sell key players this summer? Yes.”
Mourinho knows with no Champions League football next season, he will have to cut his cloth accordingly in the transfer market.
He said: “There will be small changes — a big overhaul needs a lot of money.
UTD'S £70M SHOOTOUT
United are staring at a £70MILLION black hole if they fall at the final Champions League hurdle on Sunday.
And Chelsea also risk losing out on £50m should Frank Lampard’s side stumble against Wolves.
A point for United and the Blues will be enough on the season’s final day.
Defeat at Leicester would see the Foxes leapfrog United — who could drop to fifth and end up back in the Europa League if Chelsea also get a point at home to Wolves.
Champions League qualification is worth around £80m, in comparison to the £30m on offer in Uefa’s secondary competition.
But United would face a further £20m cut as part of their kit deal with adidas, which states a reduction in the annual £75m fee if they fail to qualify for Champions League football for two straight years.
The financial costs of missing out will be all the greater in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis and the £330m TV rebate shared between the Prem clubs.
JAN COULD BE THE MAN
Unitedare eyeing Atletico Madrid keeper Jan Oblak.Chelsea are also keen on the Slovenian – who is understood to be open to a fresh challenge – as a replacement for the unconvincing Kepa Arrizabalaga.
But United want to be kept in the loop on Oblak’s situation with the future of error-strewn David De Gea in doubt.Oblak’s release clause stands at 120million euros – around £109million.
But with Atletico in need of cash to fund other signings due to the impact of coronavirus, a lower figure could be accepted for their No1.
The ambitious stopper, 27, is interested in a move to a club competing for honours after six years at Atletico without a league title.
ANSU THE QUESTIONS
Barcelona will do all they can to fend off any bids for rumoured United target Ansu Fati, the 17-year-old winger.
Reports in Spain even suggest United have already had a bid of around £90million rejected for the Spain Under-21 star.
Now Barca reportedly want to hold talks with Fati about extending his stay.
UTD NO TO SANCHEZ, SMALLING EXTENDING LOANS
United will not let Alexis Sanchez and Chris Smalling further extend their loan stays in Italy as they hope to arrange permanent transfers, reports say.
Ex-Arsenal striker Sanchez, 31, has been in improved form post-lockdown, while ex-England centre-back Smalling, 30, has shone for Roma all season.
And unless an arrangement is reached the duo will return before Europa League matches next month.
Sky Sports suggest United want the players back when the lengthened Serie A season ends on August 2.
Old Trafford chiefs did allow them to remain in Italy two extra months to finish the Italian top-flight after it was temporarily halted by the coronavirus pandemic.
But now it is thought United want the loan clubs to stump up to buy Sanchez and Smalling – or lose them back to England.
TELL A TRANSFER STORY
Porto's Alex Telles is being linked with a £22.7million tug-of-war between Chelsea, Manchester United and Chelsea.
The Blues are reportedly the keenest – as they weigh up potential options at left-back if Leicester's £80m-rated Ben Chilwell proves too expensive.
Telles, 27, won his only Brazil cap last year, having joined Porto from Galatasaray in 2016.
STADIUMS AT 25% CAPACITY NEXT SEASON
Premier League teams are likely to be without packed stadiums for at least another year as a result of coronavirus.
That’s according to leading government adviser James Calder, who told The Associated Press that only 25 per cent of capacity will be filled once arenas are able to open their doors to the public.
Since last month’s restart, all Prem teams have been playing games behind closed doors.
Fans have had to make do with watching matches on their TV.
And it was hoped supporters would soon be able to watch their favourite sides in action live.
However, Calder says it will be “very difficult” for Premier League sides to host full stadiums while there is no vaccine available.
And if the green light is given to arenas opening their doors, a maximum of just 25 per cent of seats will be filled.
COMAN UTD?
United are reportedly lining up Kingsley Coman as an alternative summer signing to Jadon Sancho.
The Bayern Munich winger, 24, could find himself out of the picture with Leroy Sane landing in Bavaria next season.
And the Red Devils are intent on landing a winger to bolster their attack, having followed Sancho for so long.
However, a deal with Borussia Dortmund is not guaranteed in the pandemic-affected market and the club are said to be formulating a back-up plan.
According to The Athletic, United have already held talks over a deal for Coman, possibly on a loan basis.
Having extensively scouted the winger, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side are said to see him as a perfect fit for the team thanks to his direct style – and the player is described as keen to make the move.
UTD AND ARSENAL RACE TO BAG MAG
United have reportedly joined Arsenal in the race for Lille star Gabriel Magalhaes.
The Daily Record claims Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to sign a new centre-back this summer.
And he has apparently identified Gabriel as the man to partner Harry Maguire next season.
The 22-year-old Brazilian had a fine campaign with Lille as they finished fourth in Ligue 1.
And it’s believed Gabriel is available for a bargain £22.5million.
POSSIBLE TEAM FOR PREM FINALE
With United probably needing a point to stay in the top four, here's their possible starting XI at Leicestr on Sunday.
DAVID WILL FIND TOP GEA AGAIN
Under-fire United David De Gea is just going through a bad patch – made worse by Dean Henderson's emergence on loan with Sheffield United.
That's the claims of Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel as speculation mounts Old Trafford boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will seriously consider De Gea's future in the summer.
Schmeichel said: “I really feel for him because he has been unbelievable for so many years and every goalkeeper goes through periods [of poor form].
“There is a lot of pressure also in the sense that you now have an England goalkeeper coming through and, like it or not, in this country when you have an English goalkeeper, that means so much and they really do tend to build them up.”
OLE: OUR FOXES' FINAL
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has described Manchester United's game with Leicester on Sunday as a “final”.
And the Norwegian is likely to approach the game as such as United look to secure their Champions League spot for next season.
LINGARD: JADON WOULD BE 'GREAT' BUY
Jesse Lingard believes United target Jadon Sancho would be a “great addition”.
Borussia Dortmund reportedly want at least £80million for the 20-year-old attacker.
And the Bundesliga giants are said to have been eyeing potential replacements, including Werder Bremen's Milot Rashica.
Ligard, 26, speaking in his role as ambassador for American Pistachio Growers, said: “Jadon is a brilliant player.
“It is obviously up to him.
““I’ve seen him with England, I’ve seen his qualities and I feel like he’d be a great addition to any team.”
JUDE SNUBBED UTD AFTER SANCHO CHAT
New Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham has revealed chatting to United target Jadon Sancho helped convince him to snub them and move to Germany.
The 17-year-old was the subject of a fierce transfer tug-of-war.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side showed him and his family around their Carrington training complex – even getting Sir Alex Ferguson to come along and chat with the youngster.
But eventually Bellingham “fell in love” with Dortmund and decided to move to Lucien Favre's side in a £25million deal.
LEICESTER INJURY NEWS
Brendan Rodgers faces several personnel shortages ahead of Sunday’s top four showdown against Manchester United.
James Maddison, Ben Chilwell, Ricardo Pereira and Christian Fuchs are all out injured.
The Foxes hope Marc Albrighton is going to be fit for the clash at King Power Stadium, while star defender Caglar Soyuncu is suspended.
Source: Read Full Article