12pm Erling Haaland and Donny van de Beek swap interest, Ibrahimovic left in tears, Neto £50m EXCLUSIVE
MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly open to using Donny van de Beek as a makeweight to sign Erling Haaland.
Meanwhile SunSport can exclusively reveal that the Red Devils are interested in bringing Pedro Neto to Old Trafford in a £50m summer transfer.
Stay up to date with our blog, below, for all the latest from Old Trafford…
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
- Joe Brophy
FRESH LIONS
England boss Gareth Southgate revealed his 26-man squad last week for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, with a few United stars expected to face San Marino.
Here’s how they could lined up…
- Joe Brophy
MARC UP
Marcus Rashford is the most-valuable player on the planet – worth a staggering 15 per cent of Manchester United’s entire squad value.
According to the latest data from CIES Football Observatory, the England forward, 23, is valued between £130million and £170m.
- Joe Brophy
BECKS BACKING
David Beckham is confident superstar players Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will be interested in signing for his MLS side Inter Miami.
Speaking to ESPN: “When we announced Miami, there was always going to be talk about what players we were going to bring in, whether it was Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar.
“There was always going to be those discussions. I actually don’t think it’s a tough one for players to decide, to be honest, because it’s a great place.
“Obviously, it’s a great city, I feel like we’ve got a great fan base, but I also understand there’s great talent in Miami and South Florida, and I think we have a real opportunity.
“Miami is a city that has that pull on players who have been playing in Europe that are big stars.”
- Joe Brophy
STRING TO THEIR BOW
Salford have turned to Derby’s Under-23 coach Gary Bowyer as their new boss until the end of the season.
Manchester United legend Gary Neville sacked Richie Wellens yesterday with the club’s promotion campaign on the rocks.
Bowyer said in a statement posted on Salford’s website: “I’m delighted to be here, I’ve got to first and foremost thank Wayne Rooney, Darrell Russell at Derby County for being so helpful to allow me to come here.
“Obviously today is a case of meeting the players and setting the expectations of what we expect of them from now until the end of the season.
“We want them to be playing aggressive football both with and without the ball, and have a right good go at these remaining 11 games.
“We have an opportunity like everybody else in this league to try and force our way into the reckoning to try and get into the play-offs and see if we can do that.”
- Joe Brophy
ONE IN, WIJN OUT
Liverpool are reportedly in the running to sign Manchester United target Aaron Ramsey this summer.
A new midfielder could be on the agenda at Anfield with Georginio Wijnaldum’s contract expiring.
And a potential replacement has been named in the Italian press.
According to CalcioMercato, Juventus star Ramsey is considering interest from both Liverpool and West Ham.
- Joe Brophy
HITTING BACK
Fred has called for people to ‘fight’ against racist abuse on social media after being targeted at the weekend.
The 28-year-old Brazilian was the victim of sickening racism online following Man Utd’s 3-1 defeat to Leicester in the FA Cup on Sunday.
- Joe Brophy
DAN THE MAN
Rob Page has claimed that Wales are set to reap the benefits of Dan James' return to form with Manchester United.
He said: “DJ played in the past even without playing minutes at club level.
“But it is beneficial for us if you have players coming in who are playing week in, week out.
“He has now got himself back into the team and worked really hard to get back into the team.
“He looks a threat every time he plays. I think it was always going to be the case with DJ he went from Swansea playing Championship football to being thrown in the deep end.
“He has gone into a huge club in Man United and impressed rightly so from the start.
“But with a young player you are going to get levels of inconsistency and you have to manage that.
“I think Man United have done that now. At the right time they have pulled him out."
- Joe Brophy
BEEK SALE
Donny van De Beek could be offered as a ‘makeweight’ in potential dealings with Borrusia Dortmund, reports say.
The Dutchman has struggled for minutes this season, causing his future to remain in doubt.
According to 90Min, United are willing to use Van de Beek in player plus cash deals with Dortmund in the summer.
They have been linked with both Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland in the past, two targets believed to still be wanted by United.
- Joe Brophy
STICK OR TWIST
Manchester United will sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer if he does not win them the Europa League, according to former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy.
Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: "They can't be blaming tiredness for a loss at Leicester in the FA Cup and their squad not being strong enough.
"United competing in the Europa League is not good enough, first and foremost, the fans know that, the club know that and Ole knows that.
"Not progressing in the Champions League was a massive, massive blow for them. Yes, they're going to get in the top four… but so they damn should!
"He's in a position for me where the Europa League, for me, has become monumental for him and the club.
"I like him and I'm not one who wants to see managers sacked and I do think they've made some strides forward, but Manchester United have to be doing better.
"If they don't win the Europa League and only finish in the top four then I think they'll make a change."
- Joe Brophy
LION HEARTS
England players, including Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw, have been given permission to take the knee before the World Cup qualifiers.
The gesture in support of Black Lives Matter was in doubt because Fifa see it as a political issue.
But Uefa now oversee the World Cup qualifiers meaning England's players and their opponents will be free to take the knee.
- Joe Brophy
RUUD AWAKENING
Ruud Van Nistelrooy has discussed the pressures of being Manchester United's number nine following continued doubts around Anthony Martial.
He told Rio Ferdinand's YouTube channel, Vibe with Five: "It's a big responsibility, of course.
"When people are welcoming you, everyone is on a great positive vibe and that's the beginning.
"After one or two seasons, the responsibility and you start to feel that, with every game.
"That's the pressure you have to deal with. As the expectations grow, the press are there, one game you don't score and it's a big problem. That's something you have to deal with and it's a huge responsibility."
- Joe Brophy
GOOD-BAILLY
Eric Bailly believes Manchester United only want him to sign a new contract so they can receive a larger transfer fee this summer.
The Ivorian, who arrived at Old Trafford in 2016, has 15 months left on his current deal at the club.
A friend of the defender told Sky Sports: “Eric loves the club and the fans, his family are settled in Manchester and he’d like nothing more than to spend the rest of his career at Old Trafford.
“But he feels the club has been very disrespectful towards him and frankly he’s had enough.
“He feels that no matter what he does, he will never be first choice for Ole.
“He now realises he’s too good and too young to spend his time sitting on the bench.”
- Marc Mayo
GOOD MORNING MAN UTD FANS
Erling Haaland could QUIT this summer if Borussia Dortmund miss out on the Champions League.
Dortmund now sit fifth in the Bundesliga, a massive 18 points adrift of leaders Bayern Munich.
Worryingly, they’re four points adrift of Eintracht Frankfurt in the final Champions League spot.
And Donny van De Beek could be offered as a ‘makeweight’ in potential dealings with Dortmund.
The Dutchman has struggled for minutes this season, causing his future to remain in doubt.
Elsewhere, Ryan Giggs and his former partner are at loggerheads over their pet dog after their split.
The Man Utd great and PR worker Kate Greville both want ownership of six-month-old puppy Mac.
The pair, who split after police were called to his home and arrested him on suspicion of assault, had even bought another dog, Atlas, which they hoped would be company for Mac.
- Jack Figg
SEEYA SERGE
Sergio Romero has all but confirmed his Old Trafford exit by putting his luxury mansion up for sale.
The sprawling Cheshire pad is up for an eye-watering £3.5million or can be rented for £22,000-a-month.
The high-spec pad has six bedrooms all with en-suites.
There is a triple garage for any luxury motors the undoubtedly wealthy new occupants may have.
It boasts 10,000 sq feet and five reception rooms which provide plenty of space to host guests. And it even has a games room complete with table tennis table.
The house sits at the end of a secure gated drive in an area popular with footballers from both Man Utd and their bitter rivals City.
- Jack Figg
PS-GLEE
PSG are reportedly ready to rival Barcelona for Memphis Depay.
Mundo Deportivo claims Mauricio Pochettino is a big fan of the Lyon striker.
And he is keen to raid PSG’s rivals for their star man this summer.
Manchester United flop Depay, 27, is out of contract at the end of the campaign and will be available on a free transfer.
Barcelona were thought to be leading the race for his signature, with boss Ronald Koeman making Depay one of his key players during his time managing the Netherlands.
But joining PSG would allow Depay to stay in France, where he’s resided since January 2017.
- Jack Figg
EDIN NOWHERE
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed that Manchester United are talking to Edinson Cavani about a new deal.
And that the Uruguayan star is listening.
As Sun Sport revealed Cavani has grown unhappy over the sound of silence from within Old Trafford regarding a new deal.
He had been preparing to quit at the end of the season when his year’s contract runs out to realise a boyhood dream of playing for Boca Juniors.
The 34-year-old striker’s father declared he would be leaving while there are reports that he already has a verbal agreement with the Argentine club.
But Solskjaer said: “We want a competitive squad and we need someone up there to score the goals for us.
“So we’re looking at it. We’re speaking to Eddy. Edinson is a top striker and whatever he decides to do, let’s see. But we’re in good dialogue with him."
- Jack Figg
HAARD EXIT
Man Utd have been given a boost in their pursuit of Erling Haaland – with the striker set to QUIT this summer if Borussia Dortmund miss out on the Champions League, according to reports.
The Norwegian wonderkid, 20, showed his frustration on Saturday as he stormed off the pitch following his side's 2-2 draw with Koln.
Haaland scored twice including a last-gasp equaliser to salvage a point for his side.
But he was left fuming as he hurled his shirt aside and raced down the tunnel.
Dortmund now sit fifth in the Bundesliga, a massive 18 points adrift of leaders Bayern Munich.
Worryingly, they're four points adrift of Eintracht Frankfurt in the final Champions League spot.
And now, AS have claimed Haaland could walk away from Dortmund this summer, with Man Utd and Real Madrid poised, if they miss out on a seat at Europe's top table.
The Spanish publication has even claimed Haaland has spoken to his agent, Mino Raiola, to make it crystal clear he wants to quit if Champions League football is off the table at the Westfalenstadion.
- Jack Figg
THE PAT RACE
Man Utd and Arsenal and Arsenal are locked in a transfer battle for RB Leipzig striker Patson Daka.
The 22-year-old Zambian international has scored 20 goals in just 18 Austrian Bundesliga games so far this season.
And, according to Salzburger Nachrichten, his performances have caught the eye of numerous Premier League clubs including Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City.
Daka, who netted 27 times last season and has already equalled that tally in all competitions this time around, has spoken before about his admiration for those in the English top flight.
Back in January, he told BBC Sport: "To see our big brothers like Aubameyang, Salah and Mane, it's something that gives me the dream that I can also make it.
"I can be like them. They are my inspiration, knowing that they also come from Africa.
"I think when people are making those kind of comparisons, it's great, looking at the status of Sadio Mane, the kind of football he plays and the kind of person that he is."
- Jack Figg
ZLAT’S MY BOY
Former Man Utd striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic broke down in tears after being asked what his family thought of his return for Sweden.
The AC Milan star revealed his youngest son Vincent cried when he left him for international duty.
Ibrahimovic said: “Vincent really cried when I left him. But now it’s okay.
“I have two little ones at home who kick the ball around, my wife asks me to tell them to stop but I say no, we can buy new things if they break them.”
The former Manchester United star decided to come out of international retirement to lead Sweden at this summer’s rescheduled Euro 2020.
The 39-year-old retired from international duty in 2016 but has decided to have another crack.
Ibrahimovic held a press conference on Monday following his return for Sweden.
The striker was emotional after being asked about his family’s reaction to his return.
- Jack Figg
DOR OPENING
Donny van De Beek could be offered as a 'makeweight' in potential dealings with Borrusia Dortmund, reports say.
The Dutchman has struggled for minutes this season, causing his future to remain in doubt.
According to 90Min, United are willing to use Van de Beek in player plus cash deals with Dortmund in the summer.
They have been linked with both Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland in the past, two targets believed to still be wanted by United.
Credit: Reuters - Jack Figg
DOGFIGHT
Ryan Giggs and his former partner are at loggerheads over their pet dog after their split.
The Man Utd great and PR worker Kate Greville both want ownership of six-month-old puppy Mac.
The pair, who split after police were called to his home and arrested him on suspicion of assault, had even bought another dog, Atlas, which they hoped would be company for Mac.
A source said: “Ryan and Kate got lots of joy from Mac and got another dog so he had a play companion.
“But do they keep the dogs together or do they split them up and both take one?
“They both want the dogs and neither side wants to give in.”
- Jack Figg
CUT PRICE KOULI
Everton have joined Manchester United in the race to sign Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
Napoli are reportedly prepared to cut the hefty £89million price tag for Koulibaly.
According to Football Insider, Everton have set their sights on the Napoli defender and are ready to make an offer for him.
But the Toffees will face plenty of competition for the powerful centre-back if they are to sign him.
Manchester United are keen on Koulibaly and it appears Napoli are prepared to lower their asking price.
The Italians rejected a £95m offer from the Red Devils in 2018 but reportedly could consider a bid of around £39m this summer.
The pandemic has crippled the financial position of clubs across Europe and Napoli are set to accept a significantly lower offer for Koulibaly.
- Jack Figg
'NO EXCUSE'
Harry Maguire has admitted United 'must do better' as they were dumped out of the FA Cup.
Leicester beat Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men 3-1, and skipper Maguire addressed the defeat on Instagram.
He wrote: "A tough one to take – It’s been a relentless run of games and today shown, still no excuse we know we must do better.
"Still lots to play for and we must bounce back."
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Harry Maguire (@harrymaguire93)
- Jack Figg
ODE TO ERLING
Arsenal fans want 'agent' Martin Odegaard to convince United transfer target Erling Haaland to join the club.
Norway team-mates Odegaard and Haaland were spotted chatting in training and Gunners fans are eyeing a cheeky move.
Odegaard has been a revelation since joining Arsenal on loan from Real Madrid.
But now optimistic Gunners fans have encouraged Odegaard to have a word with Borussia Dortmund star Haaland about moving to London.
Fans described their midfielder as 'Agent Odegaard' on social media as they joked about the prospect of landing Haaland.
Richard Cozens tweeted: "When you pray he's telling him to come to Arsenal but they'll both end up at City."
- Jack Figg
A look back out how manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reflected on United's FA Cup exit against Leicester.
Source: Read Full Article