Man Utd transfer news LIVE: De Jong has 'no intention' of leaving Barca, Martinez deal CONFIRMED, Eriksen set to sign | The Sun
THERE remains a huge stumbling block in Manchester United's bid to sign Frenkie de Jong: he doesn't want to leave Barcelona.
That is despite Manchester United agreeing a £63million initial fee with the Catalan club for the Dutch midfielder, 25.
Meanwhile a £46m deal for Lisandro Martinez has been confirmed by his personal chef.
United have been working hard on a deal for the Ajax defender, who can also play in midfield, with officials flying to Amsterdam to confirm their final offer.
And the Red Devils are set to sign Christian Eriksen this week, with the midfielder eagerly waiting to join his new team-mates on pre-season tour in Australia, according to reports.
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- Alex Cole
Ten Hag shuts down Ronaldo exit
Erik ten Hag shut down Cristiano Ronaldo exit talk as Manchester United arrived in Melbourne for their Australia tour.
The Red Devils’ boss said “nothing has changed” after insisting earlier this week wantaway icon Ronaldo will STAY for the second year of his contract.
Ron, 37, has reportedly received a £2million-a-week offer from an unnamed Saudi club willing to pay United £25m for the Portugal striker.
But when questioned about the ex-Real Madrid hero ahead of Friday’s friendly with Melbourne Victory, Ten Hag would only say: “We made a statement and nothing has changed.”
- Etienne Fermie
Good morning Man United fans
Cristiano Ronaldo has turned down a mega move to an unnamed Saudi Arabian club.
United were offered £25.4million for Ronaldo and the player would’ve been paid £233m across the next two seasons.
However, Ronaldo has turned a move to Saudi down in favour of staying in Europe.
And it is understood there are two clubs in the running for his signature.
Both Bayern Munich AND former club Real Madrid’s city rivals Atletico are keen.
Lisandro Martinez’s Man Utd move has been leaked… by his personal CHEF.
Kabir Kohli labelled a snap with the Ajax centre-back “Farewell dinner” as United close on a £46m move.
Frenkie de Jong is “blocking” a move to Man Utd, according to reports.
The Red Devils have agreed a fee in the region of £72m with Barcelona for the midfielder.
De Jong, however, is yet to be convinced that he should move to Old Trafford.
And finally, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has been urged to use fringe star Anthony Martial.
According to talkSPORT, the board are urging Ten Hag to work with Martial as they feel he could save the club money in the transfer market.
- Joshua Mbu
Ron turns down Saudi
Cristiano Ronaldo has turned down a mega move to an unnamed Saudi Arabian club.
According to ESPN, United were offered £25.4million for Ronaldo and the player would've been paid £233m across the next two seasons.
However, Ronaldo has turned a move to Saudi down in favour of staying in Europe.
And it is understood there are two clubs in the running for his signature.
Both Bayern Munich AND former club Real Madrid's city rivals Atletico are keen.
- Joshua Mbu
Martinez’s Man Utd transfer ‘CONFIRMED’
Lisandro Martinez’s Menu-nited move has been leaked… by his personal CHEF.
Kabir Kohli labelled a snap with the Ajax centre-back “Farewell dinner” as United close on a £46million move.
It was unclear if Red-Devilled fish was on the menu but Argentina hero Martinez was beaming in the photo next to his rueful-looking cook.
Kohli insisted the move was now a dine deal as he posted: “Man Utd fans – treat him well”.
The elite chef also revealed he pleaded with the 24-year-old to REMAIN with the Dutch giants.
- Joshua Mbu
'De Jong top three midfielders'
Jamie Redknapp says potential Man Utd signing Frenkie de Jong is inside the top three midfielders in world football.
The Red Devils have agreed a fee in the region of £72million with Barcelona for the midfielder
Redknapp told Sky Sports: "I put him in the top two or three midfield players in the world.
"He’s an unbelievable signing.
"He went to Barcelona and it didn’t quite work out for a number of reasons but it doesn’t mean he’s not an incredible player.
"He’s young and I’m sure having worked so closely with the manager at Ajax, that system he’ll play, just in front of the back four, and he’ll be the sort of player who can make things happen.
"He can drive with the ball he’s so creative with his passing, he's got real pace as well.
"I think he’s going to be an amazing signing for them. I’m really excited for the Premier League. I think Haaland and De Jong are two of the best signings we’ve seen for a long time, I genuinely believe that.
"He has all the attributes you want to play midfield. He can cover ground, skilful, great passer… I’ve been really impressed with him. It’s not just a big opportunity for him, it’s a great signing for Man Utd."
- Joshua Mbu
De Jong ‘BLOCKING Man Utd transfer’
Frenkie de Jong is “blocking” a move to Manchester United, according to reports.
The Red Devils have agreed a fee in the region of £72million with Barcelona for the midfielder.
De Jong, however, is yet to be convinced that he should move to Old Trafford.
According to Diario Sport, he would rather stay and fight for his place at Barcelona.
Boss Xavi prefers other options, having added Franck Kessie to a midfield pool already including Pedri, Gavi and Sergio Busquets.
- Joshua Mbu
Cristiano Ronaldo breaks silence
Wantaway Cristiano Ronaldo broke his silence with a tantalising hint – as he posted a training picture wearing just MANCHESTER UNITED shorts.
Ronaldo's physical condition and gruelling commitment to fitness looked more obvious than ever despite him missing United's return to training and their pre-season Asia tour for family reasons.
And his choice of outfit sparked speculation he might rethink his future.
Ron's words alongside the topless gym shot offered little further clue, though, as he merely posted "HARD WORK" .
- Joshua Mbu
Ex-Prem stars’ sons join rivals
Former Premier League stars Emile Heskey and Lee Grant looked proud as punch as their sons celebrated signing for Manchester City.
The former striker, who played for Liverpool and England, and the ex-Manchester United goalkeeper, who retired this summer, were only too happy to wear the colours of the Citizens after Jaden Heskey and True Grant penned their respective scholarship deals.
The duo were among 14 youngsters to commit their futures to the champions’ academy after impressing in City’s lower age groups.
All of the starlets will now be part of the Under-18 team this term and have already begun pre-season training with head coach Ben Wilkinson.
The other teenagers to sign deals were Joel Ndala, Jahmai Simpson Pusey, Justin Oboavwoduo, Isaiah Dada-Mascoll, Lakyle Samuel, Michael Okeke, Alfie Harrison, Ashton Muir, Charlie Gray, Ezra Carrington, Sebastian Naylor and Jacob Wright.
However, it was the offspring of Heskey and Grant that captured the headlines as they aim to follow in their fathers footsteps.
- Joshua Mbu
Ten Hag urged to use Martial
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has been urged to use fringe star Anthony Martial.
According to talkSPORT, the board are urging Ten Hag to work with Martial as they feel he could save the club money in the transfer market.
Martial scored in United's 4-0 win over rivals Liverpool on Tuesday in a pre-season friendly.
- Joshua Mbu
Man Utd line up with tallest striker
Manchester United could line up with the tallest striker AND the shortest centre-back in the Premier League next season.
United have prioritised the signing of Ajax star Lisandro Martinez as Erik ten Hag turns to his former club to boost his defence.
The Red Devils have had a £46million bid accepted by the Dutch champions for Martinez, who could join the pre-season tour of Australia over the weekend.
If the centre-back pens a deal with the Manchester giants he would be the Premier League's shortest at just 5ft 9in.
However, that shouldn't be a problem as the Argentina international still won 79 aerial duels last season, which is four more than United skipper Harry Maguire, who is seven inches taller than him.
The Red Devils also held "initial talks" with Stuttgart star Sasa Kalajdzic's representatives and reports suggest the towering centre-forward is keen to move to Old Trafford.
If Kalajdzic joins United then Ten Hag will also have the tallest striker in the Prem as he stands at 6ft 6in.
Both transfer targets could help the Dutchman put together a line-up that would take the team to new heights after the Manchester giants' worst ever Premier League campaign.
- Joshua Mbu
Ten Hag shuts down Ronaldo exit
Erik ten Hag shut down Cristiano Ronaldo exit talk as Manchester United arrived in Melbourne for their Australia tour.
The Red Devils' boss said "nothing has changed" after insisting earlier this week wantaway icon Ronaldo will STAY for the second year of his contract.
Ron, 37, has reportedly received a £2million-a-week offer from an unnamed Saudi club willing to pay United £25m for the Portugal striker.
But Chelsea have now joined Bayern Munich and PSG in ruling out a move.
Other major European clubs, though, are still thought to be interested.
Ronaldo was given permission to stay off tour for family reasons.
And when questioned about the ex-Real Madrid hero ahead of Friday's friendly with Melbourne Victory, Ten Hag would only say: "We made a statement and nothing has changed."
- Joshua Mbu
Haaland reveals classy Solskjaer message
Erling Haaland has revealed the message he received from ex-Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after signing for rivals City.
The Norwegian, 21, was finally unveiled by the Premier League champions after they completed a £51million move from Dortmund.
He told the Manchester Evening News: “When I signed with City he congratulated me and wrote to me ‘Good luck on going to the wrong side of Manchester’.
“We talk sometimes. As you know, he had a huge impact on my career when I was at Molde. He’s a good guy.”
- Joshua Mbu
Keane on new season hopes
Man Utd legend Roy Keane doesn't believe his former side will catch up on Manchester City or Liverpool in the upcoming season, regardless of transfer activity.
Keane told Sky Bet: "I don’t think they will close the gap.
"I think they will be a bit better. They have quality and the recruitment, but you can’t look beyond Liverpool and Man City.”
He continued: "The manager [Erik ten Hag] no doubt will be given money to spend, how he recruits, four or five experienced players have left the club, which I think is a good thing.
“But I still don’t see United competing with Liverpool and Manchester City, not just yet.”
- Joshua Mbu
Rooney ‘targeting shock transfers of ex-team-mates'
New DC United manager Wayne Rooney is reportedly interested in signing former Manchester United team-mates Jesse Lingard and Ravel Morrison.
And Rooney is expected to add to his squad during the summer transfer window.
This is because DC United currently sit bottom of the Eastern Conference.
According to Marca, he has identified Lingard as a target and DC United are one of several clubs to have made an offer for the ex-Red Devil.
Lingard is a free agent having left Old Trafford at the end of last season when his contract expired.
But DC United will have to compete with the likes of Newcastle, West Ham and Everton if they want to acquire Lingard's signature.
Another ex-Man Utd man that Rooney has his eye on is Ravel Morrison.
- Sam Dymond
Transfer watch: De Jong to United?
Manchester United want Frenkie de Jong, and have chased him all summer.
De Jong is happy to move, and wants to link up again with Erik ten Hag.
And now Barcelona have told the Dutchman he has to leave.
So what's holding up the deal? Just the fact that Barca owe the player £17m in deferred wages, and are trying to brush it under the Nou Camp carpet.
This move will be finalised, but expect it to drag on for some time yet.
Rumour rating: ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️
- Sam Dymond
Rashford revived by Ten Hag appointment
Marcus Rashford is 'ready to go again' after an extended summer break, and admits he is rejuvenated by the arrival of Erik ten Hag as head coach.
Speaking on the club's pre-season tour of Thailand, the forward said of the new manager: "We can do a lot together. For me it is a fresh start and it is something I am looking forward to."
The 24-year-old feels he has taken advantage of the disappointment of being dropped from the England setup, and used the time away to recharge.
"I had just under four weeks off. It has not been natural to have such a long break. This is my first year that I have been with the team since the beginning [of pre-season].
"I feel a lot better than usual when I go away with the national team and come back part way through pre-season."
- Sam Dymond
Erik urged to use Martial
Manchester United officials have urged new boss Erik ten Hag to find a role for outcast Anthony Martial in his new-look squad.
The French forward's time at Old Trafford looked over after he was shipped out to Sevilla on loan during the second half of last season.
However, no permanent transfer materialised, and the 26-year-old found himself back in contention for United's first pre-season game against Liverpool on Tuesday – in which he scored and starred.
Those within the club now believe that Ten Hag can make use of Martial – rather than spending big on Ajax's Antony to fill a similar position.
- Sam Dymond
Breaking: Ajax 'accept' United's Martinez bid
It's all happening at Manchester United all of a sudden.
In the past few moments, talkSPORT sources have announced that Ajax have accepted United's £46m bid for centre-back Lisandro Martinez.
Dutch journalist Mike Verweij earlier revealed that Martinez had not been training with the Amsterdam club this morning, and the transfer is now expected to be completed very soon.
- Sam Dymond
More on De Jong transfer
The transfer of Frenkie de Jong to Manchester United is moving forward, but Miguel Delaney of The Independent has warned that progress is still slow.
He reports that, contrary to reports, the Dutchman is willing to join United, and reunite with his former boss, Erik ten Hag.
However, negotiations are being held up due to £17m that Barca own their midfielder in deferred wages.
The LaLiga club have attempted to navigate the debt in how they've structured the deal, but neither De Jong nor the Red Devils appear satisfied.
The report reveals that talks are ongoing, but could rumble on 'right to the end of the window.'
- Alex Terrell
Breaking: United agree fee for Frenkie
Finally! Manchester United have AGREED a £63m initial fee for Frenkie de Jong plus an extra £8.5m in add-ons.
However, according to Fabrizio Romano, personal terms are still to be discussed and resolved.
De Jong's agent recently admitted that the midfielder's preference would be to remain at the Nou Camp, but he would be unwilling to accept the pay cut that has been in the pipeline at the La Liga club.
This could be the huge breakthrough Erik ten Hag has wanted.
- Sam Dymond
Transfer watch: Martinez to United?
Manchester United and Ajax are set for further negotiations today with the Dutch champions hoping requesting in the region of €50m plus add ons.
Lissandro Martinez wants to move to Old Trafford, and is understood to have already agreed personal terms.
This one will happen barring a last-minute disaster.
Rumour rating: ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️
- Sam Dymond
Saudis' huge bid for Ronaldo
An unnamed Saudi Arabian club have made an eye-watering offer to sign Cristiano Ronaldo.
CNN Portugal report that the Middle East outfit are prepared to offer the Portuguese legend €300m for two seasons.
It is also suggested that the purchasers are prepared to pay Manchester United a transfer fee of €30m for the 37-year-old.
Ronaldo has indicated his desire to leave Old Trafford – albeit for the challenge of elite football – but Erik ten Hag insists he is part of his plans.
- Sam Dymond
United issue De Jong 'ultimatum'
Manchester United have reportedly told Frenkie de Jong to decide on his future by the end of this week – otherwise they will walk away from the deal.
The Red Devils pursuit of the Dutchman has been the summer's drawn-out transfer saga, and appears no closer to a conclusion.
A deal had seemingly been agreed in principle early in the window, but both Barca and De Jong have dragged their heels since.
It is understood that the Catalans need to sell the midfielder to help ease their financial problems – even though they owe the player £17m in deferred wages.
Old Trafford officials are still hopeful of completing the switch, but are also preparing to move on to other targets if there is no progress in the coming days.
- Chisanga Malata
Good morning, United fans
Jesse Lingard will be remembered for his Tik Tok antics at Man United instead of his football skills.
That’s according to talkSPORT host Simon Jordan: “Because he knows that the free transfer side of things will enable his wage packet to be at a certain level and that’s his choice.
“Jesse Lingard will be remembered, for me, for TikTok videos.”
Meanwhile, Leeds have reportedly made contact with Juan Mata’s representatives over a free transfer.
Mata, 34, left rivals Manchester United upon the expiry of his contract at the end of June.
He has attracted interest from several clubs but it is reportedly only Leeds who have made an approach.
According to AS, Leeds sporting director Victor Orta has spoken to Mata’s father about a potential move.
But talks are believed to be slow despite both parties being keen to complete a deal.
Leeds are likely negotiating a significant wage cut since Mata reportedly earned £70,000-a-week at United.
Napoli are in contact with Manchester United regarding a move for Eric Bailly, according to reports.
The Serie A side are preparing for life after stalwart defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
The Senegalese defender, 34, is set to bring eight years at Napoli to an end by signing for Chelsea in a £34m deal.
According to transfer expert Alfredo Pedulla, Napoli are looking to Man United for their Koulibaly replacement.
Finally, Man United will reportedly sell THREE centre-backs as they close in on signing Lisandro Martinez for £46million.
SunSport understands that United are close to finalising Martinez’s transfer as the Premier League giants are thought to have made a breakthrough in their talks with Ajax.
It comes after they previously offered £42m for the defender – just shy of the Dutch side’s £46m asking price – which has now been met.
The Daily Mirror states that the South American’s arrival will result in three other defenders heading out of the exit door.
They claim that Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones will all be sold “to ensure Ten Hag’s squad is not overloaded with centre-backs” this term.
- Justin Lawrence
Man United target in Juve talks
Man United target pau Torres has begun talks with Juventus, according to reports.
The Old Lady want to recruit Torres to fill the gap Matthijs de Light will leave if he completes his switch to Bayern.
Villarreal have slapped a €50m asking price on Torres, but Juve reckon they can lower the number, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
And personal talks with Torres should go smoothly as the centre-back has given his representatives the green light to negotiate with Juve.
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