8.30pm Man Utd transfer news LIVE: Kante shock interest, Jadon Sancho UPDATE, Smalling to Roma, Alex Telles latest – The Sun
MANCHESTER UNITED are still hopeful of landing Jadon Sancho in this transfer window.
Meanwhile, reports suggest the Red Devils are also targeting a shock move for N'Golo Kante as Frank Lampard looks to raise funds for his squad.
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Get all the latest Manchester United news and transfer gossip here…
NEW RED DEVIL
John Barnes reckons Gareth Bale should join Man United this summer despite links with Chelsea, Liverpool and Spurs.
Barnes told BonusCodeBets: “If Gareth Bale was to come to the Premier League, I couldn’t imagine Liverpool or Chelsea wanting to sign him, especially from a financial point of view.
“In terms of the way he plays, Manchester City would be best suited for him, but they aren’t going to want to sign him.
'Tottenham Hotspur is a club who he has played for before but is he the type of player that Jose Mourinho wants, I don’t think so.
“Manchester United is probably the best club for him, but it is whether they want him despite considering his age and the salary he comes with.”
NO FREE RIDE
The Premier League have launched a crackdown on illegal streaming services and IPTV ahead of the new season.
England's top flight aims to put a stop to ALL illegal online match viewing in a bitter blow to freeloading armchair fans everywhere.
The Prem have thrown money at the problem in a bid to finally quash the money sapping issue.
And Scottish tech firm Visualworks have developed cutting edge software to help them in their fight, according to the Daily Record.
The tool will warn users of the dangers of signing up to free or low price IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) services.
FACING THE MU-SIC
Mason Greenwood was spotted arriving at Man United's training ground for talks with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The youngster was sent home from England duty along with Man City ace Phil Foden after they breached coronavirus protocols by inviting girls to their hotel room in Iceland.
Greenwood looked sheepish as he pulled up at Carrington on Thursday.
And Solskjaer will speak to him about his responsibilities as a Manchester United player.
THIA-GO
Manchester United target Thiago Alcantara has reportedly agreed terms with Liverpool.
Sport Bild claims the Bayern Munich has struck a deal for a three-year Anfield contract.
Liverpool finally look to have beaten United to Thiago’s coveted signature.
But talks remain ongoing with Bayern over a transfer fee, with the Germans looking for £27.5million.
FROM SUNSPORT'S MARTIN LIPTON
Prem players have agreed to dump the Black Lives Matter slogan in favour of a new anti-racism message.
The 20 club skippers confirmed SunSport’s report that the Black Lives Matters logo worn during last season’s restarted campaign will be replaced by the sleeve badge declaring “No Room For Racism”.
The badge will feature on all player and officials’ shirts throughout the season to “act as a constant reminder of the commitment by the Premier League, its clubs, players and PGMOL to eradicate racism”.
Players will continue to “take a knee” in support of the anti-racism movement, a gesture inspired by the death of American George Floyd at the hands of police in Minnesota earlier this summer.
FATI CHANCE
Rivaldo also wants Barcelona to be patient with young starlet Ansu Fati following interest from Man Utd.
He told Betfair: “The youngster Ansu Fati impressed while playing very well and scoring for Spain this week, so the press is already saying he can become a regular starter at Barcelona.
“Koeman will give him chances to shine this season, but Fati is only 17 and it's important the club don't put too much pressure on him.
“Fati needs time and space to keep improving. He has a bright future ahead.
“But things have to go slowly without trying to rush his breakthrough. Barça has to be careful with him.”
BALE OUT
Brazil legend Rivaldo has urged Man Utd target Gareth Bale to sort out his Real Madrid future.
He told Betfair: “The Gareth Bale situation continues without a solution.
“The player even mentioned that is ready to play again for the club but I don't see Zidane forgetting recent internal problems that Bale raised, so perhaps that chance will never come.
“It's important for the player to get back on track as a part of the squad because he is a great player.
“If that's not possible then both parties should make an effort to find a solution that allows Bale to leave for another club where he can get back to the pitch.”
HE'LL LEARN
Former Manchester United hitman Dimitar Berbatov has urged blundering Mason Greenwood to “stay in the right lane”.
The retired Bulgarian’s warning comes after Greenwood and Man City’s Phil Foden were caught sneaking Icelandic beauties into their hotel room while on international duty.
Gareth Southgate sent the boy’s home following their antics and now the 18-year-old is set for crunch talks with boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as Man United move to protect the player.
Berbatov is encouraging the talented attacker to get his head down and bounce back.
The Betfair ambassador told the Daily Mirror: “I hope his England antics don’t hamper his chances [of Man United selection]. We have all been young players and done stupid things.
“He will get some sort of a punishment, he can apologise and learn from those mistakes and hopefully they’ll never be repeated again.”
UNITED FIXTURES
Here are the Red Devils' opening games of the Premier League season.
And, of course, their clashes against other 'Big Six' teams.
KANTE BELIEVE IT
Manchester United are plotting a shock transfer swoop for N'Golo Kante, according to sensational reports.
The French midfielder's future is still unclear with the Blues thought to be open to the idea of moving him on to raise funds.
Roman Abramovich has splashed out £230million this summer to bring in Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Kai Havertz and Ben Chilwell.
And the sale of Kante would help reduce the deficit.
Now according to Tuttosport in Italy, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is ready to make an ambitious bid to land the star.
United already have Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay, Nemanja Matic and Fred at their disposal in midfield – plus summer-signing Donny van de Beek from Ajax.
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THEN AND NOW
Marcus Rashford has shared a throwback snap of himself and a pal at his old school.
The Manchester United star re-visited Button Lane Primary School in Wythenshawe.
The picture shows Rashford and a friend having a free school meal, which he has been heavily campaigning to expand.
HIGH MARC FOR UNITED
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reiterated how proud the club are of Marcus Rashford, in his quest to end child hunger in the UK.
The United boss told Radio 5Live: “He’s an exceptional human being, we’re all proud at the club of what Marcus has done.
“And when you use some of your own experience to change lives for the better for people — that’s what Marcus has done, he’s dug deep into his own memories of what others have done.
“I’m sure his family are incredibly proud of what he’s done, as a club we are very proud of what he has done.
“These sorts of players are fantastic to coach and manage, because you know they always want to improve.
“Football is his job, but if there is something you feel so passionate about and if you can spend some time on it, why not when you can help so many people.”
A DEAL CAN BE ‘DON
Jadon Sancho is the one who is pushing for a move to Manchester United, according to multiple reports.
The England winger has reportedly adjusted his salary expectations, as well as those of intermediaries.
United’s initial bid of £90million plus £18m in performance-related incentives has fallen short of Borussia Dortmund’s asking price.
But according to FourFourTwo writer Sam Pilger, United have made “significant progress in the last few days.”
MORE OLE ON DONNY
The United boss added: “Our forwards scored quite a few goals last season, Bruno came in and scored goals but we need goals throughout the squad because we didn't score enough to be challenging at the top.
“He’ll add his creativity, his reading of the game, his understanding of the game.
“He can see space and arrive at the right time. The timing of his movement is fantastic.”
DON'S THE RIGHT BLEND
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reckons Donny van de Beek is just what his midfield needs, after the addition of Bruno Fernandes.
Solskjaer told Radio 5Live: “When we signed Bruno Fernandes, we knew we needed that kind of player, now we've signed Donny and he's a type of player I felt we needed in the squad.
“He's the type of person that will fit the culture, fit the team and will improve us next season and for years to come.
“Donny is a versatile player; a very intelligent, clever player.
“He's got loads of energy, enthusiasm, [he’s] developing all the time.
“He scores goals and we need to add goals from midfield.”
ROME IS WHERE THE HEART IS
Chris Smalling is training on his own at Carrington as he tries to force through a return to AS Roma.
The United centre-back has been told he can leave Old Trafford permanently if the Serie A club pay the asking price.
But the transfer is uncertain, with Roma so far unwilling to match the Red Devils’ £18million asking price.
According to BBC Sport, he has been working out solo as he keeps up his fitness with his fingers crossed for a transfer.
IT'S NOT ABOUT THE MONEY
Former Manchester United midfielder Danny Drinkwater has reminded fans he is not a mercenary after an awful few years at Chelsea.
The midfielder, 30, played just six first-team games on loan at Burnley and Aston Villa last season.
He told the Telegraph: “Look, I know my Chelsea move hasn’t worked out how anybody would have wanted and I’ve made mistakes, but it’s not as simple as me just not playing football or picking up a wage. “Money doesn’t solve anything. The pay cheque doesn’t really help at all, you don’t even think about money.
“There have been things that come above football that have not been as simple as I’d like. I’m not looking for sympathy, f— me “I don’t want that, but I suppose I’d just like people to understand it’s not all gravy when you earn so much money and that I do care.”
BALE PAY-OFF
Real Madrid are reportedly willing to cover HALF of Gareth Bale’s £600k-a-week wages to ensure he leaves this summer.
The wantaway Welshman publicly criticised Los Blancos for “making it very difficult” for him to leave earlier this month.
But this latest news could pave the way for a summer exit putting long time admirers Manchester United on red alert.
It emerged yesterday the Spanish giants are willing to accept just £22million for their out of favour winger.
And now Real are willing to take another financial hit in order to get the ex-Tottenham man off their books, according to Spanish outlet AS.
Both United and Spurs had their ears pricked when Bale lifted the lid on his Bernabeu turmoil while on Wales duty.
'BRI-LLIANT
Hannibal Mejbri stole the show as United's Under-21s beat Salford City 6-0 in the EFL Trophy last night.
The club, owned by the Class of '92, were smashed for six as the French midfielder, 17, was on fire at Moor lane.
He scored an early opener, finishing high into the roof of the net from a tight space, before providing one for Mark Helm.
New signing Arnau Puigmal also got on the score sheet against the League Two club, while Helm also grabbed an assist.
FAN PLAN IN BALANCE
Prem boss Richard Masters has admitted he is in the dark over when fans will be allowed back into grounds, reports MARTIN LIPTON.
League chiefs had hoped to open all turnstiles from October 1 with a staged return of supporters for the first time since March.
Clubs including Spurs and Manchester United were keen to run trials of selected fans at their opening home game of the campaign this month.
But with the Government having banned “social” gatherings of more than six people and Doncaster races putting the final three days of the St Leger meeting behind closed doors, Masters was unable to say how it will affect Prem plans.
He said: “We are always subject to a government decision and they haven't made that decision yet.
“All I can say is that the Premier League and the Premier League clubs stand ready willing and able to continue with our test events and test proposals and open our turnstiles from October 1 if we are given permission to do so.”
TELL ME MORE
Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign Porto left-back Alex Telles for £22.7million, according to reports.
According to Duncan Castles, Telles was one option – although Paris Saint-Germain are also interested.
He told the Transfer Window Podcast: “[United] have been looking for a left-sided, left-footed centre-back and a left-back, or a full-back of some type, preferably a left-footed left-back.
“I can tell you that they've been offered the Porto left-back Alex Telles.
“Twenty-seven years old, relatively cheap wages, €2m [£1.8m] gross but out of contract in June 2021.
“Porto, I'm told, want €25m [£22.7m] for the player who has been offered to Paris Saint-Germain, that deal hasn't been able to be concluded.”
REDS WILL RISE AGAIN
Gary Neville expects Manchester United to come back stronger from the Harry Maguire and Mason Greenwood incidents, just like Cantonal, Beckham and Ronaldo have in the past.
The Sky Sports pundit said: “These moments can invigorate the squad and bring them together. They can create a spirit when you think everyone is against you and you think you are being criticised.
“I think of the big moments at Manchester United — Eric Cantona’s return season or David Beckham coming back from a World Cup when there was high pressure.
“The Wayne Rooney-Cristiano Ronaldo thing was a hugeincident, well beyond the Harry Maguire incident.
“It was a national thing, two great players, but they went on to win the Champions League and Premier Leagues together.”
MASE'S NERVOUS WAIT
Mason Greenwood will hold talks with Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer — once he gets the all-clear from his Covid-19 test.
The forward and England team-mate Phil Foden were sent home after breaking coronavirus restrictions by inviting women into their Icelandic hotel.
But United are determined to protect their 18-year-old star from further fallout as they get ready for the new Premier League season, which starts against Crystal Palace at home on September 19.
Solskjaer welcomed £40million signing Donny van de Beek for his first day at the club since his move from Ajax last week.
The 23-year-old was pictured alongside Solskjaer and Harry Maguire at Carrington.
GOOD MORNING UNITED FANS
The Red Devils have reportedly made a breakthrough over agent fees in their Jadon Sancho pursuit.
SunSport told you on September 2 that Borussia Dortmund star Sancho has already reached an agreement with United over wages.
And ESPN now claim the Red Devils have made some progress negotiating agent fees.
However, United remain locked in talks with Dortmund over a transfer fee after having an initial bid of £70million – rising to £110m in bonuses – rejected.
Meanwhile, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits United do not have “new millions” as Borussia Dortmund stand firm over Sancho's fee.
After being quizzed by Radio Five Live whether he would be OK without any further additions, he appeared to warn the Bundesliga outfit his side will not be held to ransom over the 20-year-old.
Solskjaer said: “I am very happy working with these players and the squad.
“We always trying to improve and to see if there’s any way possible that we can improve this squad and bring players in that will have the right level of quality and the right personality and have all the right criteria.
“We all know this summer and this year has been a very strange one and it’s important that everyone understands that this has an effect on football and not everyone can spend millions and millions, and new millions.”
And finally, Napoli's expensive summer signing Victor Osimhen turned down a move to United – because he did not want to compete with fellow Nigerian Odion Ighalo.
That is the claim of Oshimhen's brother who insisted the 21-year-old did not want to battle for a starting spot with countryman Ighalo out of respect.
Hetold Complete Sports: “It is very true that Manchester United wanted Victor but he told me something like he had too much respect for Odion Ighalo to be competing for shirts with his senior colleague.
“My brother holds Ighalo in high esteem and he just didn't see himself going to Old Trafford to battle for a striking role with the highest goalscorer at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt.”
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