Live Blog
- 28 Apr 2020, 15:33
- Updated: 28 Apr 2020, 15:33
MANCHESTER UNITED are gearing up for a big summer in the transfer market, but they could have to sell some big names to afford Jadon Sancho following Ed Woodward’s comments.
However, one man who won’t be quite as expensive as Sancho is Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who the Gunners are reportedly willing to sell for just £30m.
Follow all the latest Old Trafford news and transfer gossip below…
7 minutes ago28th April 2020
HAVE JUAN TO REMEMBER
Juan Mata has posted an adorable photo of himself as a toddler on his 32nd birthday.
42 minutes ago28th April 2020
‘MY CLUB’
United captain Harry Maguire has shared a photo of a story from a fan on social media.
Damian Masters wrote: “Thank you Manchester United. As a family we have held season tickets there for 5 generations now.
“About 11 years ago, my Dad had a heart attack at Old Trafford, just before the first game of the season.
“Thanks to the staff and medical team he is still with us today.
“As somebody over 70 with underlying health problems my Dad is self isolating.
“Today Old Trafford rang him offering to send him a food parcel, and even said they would call him twice a week to make sure he doesn’t feel lonely or isolated, just to have a chat.”
52 minutes ago28th April 2020
YED’S NOT RED
Tottenham have joined the race for French attacker Wissam Ben Yedder, according to reports.
L’Equipe claim Jose Mourinho’s side are interested in signing the former Sevilla ace, now at Monaco.
Real Madrid and Liverpool are also reported to be interested in the eight-cap international.
2 hours ago28th April 2020
VALL-UE FOR MONEY
United are plotting a swoop for Mohammed Salisu from Real Valladolid with the defender having a bargain £10.45million transfer release clause.
The Ghanaian ace has impressed in his maiden season in LaLiga, featuring in the starting XI for all but one match.
The 21-year-old penned a new deal with the Spanish side in May last year which expires in 2022.
But according to AS, he has a bargain release clause of just £10.45m in his contract.
Valladolid are reportedly keen for the defender to sign a new deal which would include a higher release clause.
Salisu has been instrumental in manager Sergio’s defence this season, clocking up 27 top flight appearances and one goal.
Sam Street2 hours ago28th April 2020
RICE AND SHINE
Chelsea have received a mega boost in their pursuit of Declan Rice with Man Utd said to be no longer interested in the midfielder.
Earlier today, SunSport exclusively told you that West Ham are willing to sell Rice for a fee of around £70m as David Moyes looks to raise funds to bring in more young and hungry players.
But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been encouraged by the performances of Nemanja Matic and Scott McTominay this season and is therefore no longer looking for a holding midfielder.
Earlier this month, Rice went on the record as saying he is keen to play with boyhood pal and Blues midfielder Mason Mount at club level.
2 hours ago28th April 2020
RED AND WHITE
Liverpool and United are still “monitoring” Ben White, according to reports.
The Athletic claim the two clubs are still interested in the Brighton centre-back, who has been spending this season on loan at Leeds.
3 hours ago28th April 2020
DEADLINE ON THE TABLE
Premier League chiefs have been handed a four-week Uefa deadline to produce their restart plans.
The directive has come from Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin and general secretary Theodore Theodoridis.
But the chances of any football in Europe getting the green light have suffered a blow.
A German virus expert suggested players would still be at Covid-19 risk, despite the Bundesliga’s safety plans for resuming on May 9, while Italy’s resumption plans were deemed “insufficient”.
SunSport reported Uefa’s revised August 2 deadline for seasons across the continent to be completed.
But a new circular stated: “National Associations and/or Leagues should be in a position to communicate to Uefa by May 25, 2020, the planned restart of their domestic competitions — including the date of restart and the competition format.”
4 hours ago28th April 2020
DEC’S VERSATILE
Jamie Carragher reckons one-time United target Declan Rice could be deployed as a centre-back.
The Liverpool legend said: “To be honest, he reminds me a little bit of myself. I started in midfield and became a centre back. I’m a big fan of him.
“There’s a slight criticism in terms of how he receives the ball, there’s an art to that.
“If you go to the ball and you’re not in a great position, players won’t give you the ball. But he can pass and I think he’s got something about him.
“At centre back, everything will be in front of him. I think that’s why I was never going to be a great midfield player. In terms of stepping out with the ball, I think he’d be perfect in a back three.
“Of course, he has to improve in certain areas but every young player has to improve.”
4 hours ago28th April 2020
ON THIS DAY
Back in 2013, return of a champion to his former shire.
5 hours ago28th April 2020
FORWARD THINKING
Arsenal are looking to sell Chelsea and United target Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for just £30million.
Mikel Arteta is desperate not to lose his 20-goal top scorer for nothing next year.
The £60m Gabon striker is about to enter the final year of his Emirates contract — and has rebuffed all the club’s efforts to extend his stay.
Now Gunners hierarchy appear happy to let him leave for half of what they paid for him, with the coronavirus pandemic slashing funds in the transfer market.
With the threat of a fourth successive season out of the Champions League looming, Arsenal have already agreed a 12.5 per cent pay cut with most of their players to tide them through the global crisis.
Now former Gunners midfielder Arteta is facing a major issue to overhaul his squad — and with a severely restricted transfer budget.
5 hours ago28th April 2020
THROWBACK
This was Sky Sports’ first promo video for the Premier League back in its inaugural season in 1992/93.
Brilliant!
We all know what happened next, United fans….
5 hours ago28th April 2020
UP IS DOWN
Arsenal and Manchester United have been dealt a huge blow in their pursuit to sign Dayot Upamecano with the player reportedly agreeing a deal to join Bayern Munich.
The French centre-back is widely expected to leave RB Leipzig at the end of the season with the German side keen to offload him to avoid losing him on a free transfer next year.
Mikel Arteta’s side were believed to be in pole position to land him with the Gunners known to be long-term admirers of the 21-year-old.
And the Red Devils had also identified him as a key target in the summer as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to find a defensive partner for Harry Maguire.
6 hours ago28th April 2020
BOX CLEVER
These are ridiculous numbers for Mason Greenwood, who is surely going to be one red hot striker.
Courtesy of Statman Dave.
6 hours ago28th April 2020
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JUAN
It’s Feliz Cumpleaños to the one and only Juan Mata, who turns 32 today.
And who could forget this wonderful moment at Anfield?
6 hours ago28th April 2020
GET A JOG ON
Scott McTominay has followed up his impressive 16-minute 5k effort by heading down the running track for proper training.
The United midfielder seems keen to prove himself after being accused of running his 5k in 1km intervals.
Of course, if it’s not on Strava, it didn’t happen.
7 hours ago28th April 2020
WE DIDN’T BUTT HEADS
Nicky Butt has rubbished claims that Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho didn’t understand United’s traditions.
The club’s head of first-team development said: “I think it’s harsh on Van Gaal and Mourinho, and David Moyes to a point, because they didn’t come into Man Utd and go, ‘this is it, move it all to one side, disrespect Man Utd and we’ll do it this way.
“They didn’t. They never did – it’s a myth that they did.
“Mourinho was brilliant with me. He spoke to me every single day at breakfast and asked about the kids.
“He did a few meetings with the kids when they were going to Portugal [in the UEFA Youth League] and telling them what to expect and so on.
“If me and you and Ben [Thornley] and Maysie [David May] said ‘Let’s go and work at Real Madrid’, you’re not going to know anybody.”
7 hours ago28th April 2020
UNDER THE HAMMER
Declan Rice is the star name up for grabs as West Ham prepare for a huge squad overhaul.
Club insiders say ‘nobody is safe’ from the cull which will be triggered partly by cash flow issues caused by the coronavirus pandemic but also because boss David Moyes wants to reshape the squad for the long term.
And although Moyes would rather keep £70million-rated Rice, Chelsea are keen to re-sign the prospect they let go at 15.
Manchester United and Arsenal have also been linked with the England holding midfielder, 21, who has become a key player for the Hammers.
N’Golo Kante, talented rookie Billy Gilmour and Jorginho are competing for two midfield spots at Chelsea.
It is most likely Brazil-born Italy international Jorginho, 28, would be allowed to leave to make way for Rice’s return.
Sam Street8 hours ago28th April 2020
WISS UPON A STAR
Manchester United are involved in a transfer tussle with the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Real Madrid for Monaco’s Wissam Ben Yedder.
The striker has banged in 18 goals in Ligue 1 this season after Monaco activated his £35m release clause to sign him from Sevilla last summer.
But the French principality find themselves short of cash due to coronavirus with Cesc Fabregas reportedly willing to forego his entire £130,000-a-week pay packet until normality is restored.
Ben Yedder will be remembered by United fans for his performances with Sevilla, having bagged both goals in a destructive Champions League display at Old Trafford when the Spanish side ran out 2-1 winners to knock Jose Mourinho’s men out.
Sam Morgan9 hours ago28th April 2020
GOOD MORNING UNITED FANS
Yesterday was a busy day as Premier League stars abroad face a two-week quarantine headache with clubs set to recall stars for training restart.
Prem chiefs have also been given a four week deadline by Uefa to produce restart plans for the season plan to resume in June before mid-July finish and start next season in August after coronavirus delay.
And the House of Commons was told the government is in talks with England’s top flight to return ASAP to boost bored fans and to ‘support whole football community’.
In transfer news, Man Utd transfer target Wilfred Ndidi insists he is happy at Leicester with Arsenal showing interest.
United are ‘serious’ about signing Edinson Cavani but face competition from Juventus and Atletico Madrid for the 33-year-old PSG star.
And everyone’s apparent target Declan Rice could be sold as West Ham prepare for huge overhaul of their squad.
Elsewhere, Red Devils legends Gary and Phil Neville had a hilarious Instagram spat as Sky pundit brands brother a ‘bell’ over 1k sprints.
And former right-back Rafael blasted Man Utd’s transfer policy and insists ‘just because a player costs £150m does not mean he’s good for team’.
Finally, SunSport exclusively revealed Marcus Rashford is closing in on a return after visiting the training ground to finish treatment on back injury.
William Pugh17 hours ago27th April 2020
ALL HANDS ON DEC
Declan Rice is the star name up for grabs as West Ham prepare for a massive squad overhaul.
Club insiders say ‘nobody is safe’ from the cull which will be triggered partly by cash flow issues caused by the coronavirus pandemic but also because boss David Moyes wants to reshape the squad for the long term.
And although Moyes would rather keep £70million-rated Rice, Chelsea are keen to re-sign the prospect they let go at 15.
Manchester United and Arsenal have also been linked with the England holding midfielder, 21, who has become a key player for the Hammers.
N’Golo Kante, talented rookie Billy Gilmour and Jorginho are competing for two midfield spots at Chelsea.
It is most likely Brazilian Jorginho, 28, would be allowed to leave to make way for Rice’s return.
William Pugh17 hours ago27th April 2020
FOUR YOU TO SORT IT
Premier League chiefs have been handed a four-week Uefa deadline to produce their restart plans.
The directive has come from Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin and general secretary Theodore Theodoridis.
But the chances of any football in Europe getting the green light have suffered a blow.
A new circular stated: “National Associations and/or Leagues should be in a position to communicate to Uefa by May 25, 2020, the planned restart of their domestic competitions — including the date of restart and the competition format.”
William Pugh18 hours ago27th April 2020
ICYMI
BRUNO’S A FAMILY MAN
United midfielder Bruno Fernandes is enjoying lockdown with his family.
The Old Trafford ace was in red hot form after his switch from Sporting Lisbon.
And he has been enjoying some time back in his home country after the pause in the season.
William Pugh19 hours ago27th April 2020
THE GAME IS AFOOT
Europe’s major leagues are ready to give football fans a huge lockdown tonic – with the Prem and especially the Bundesliga firming up plans to resume action.
England’s top flight clubs will tuck into “Project Restart at a meeting on Friday while the German League could resume as early as May 9 – although in Spain LaLiga chiefs are being more cautious.
Read the full story here.
William Pugh21 hours ago27th April 2020
GOT OFF SCOTT FREE
Scott McTominay revealed he never wanted to go out on loan in an interview with Man Utd’s official podcast.
“You hear loads of stories about players going on loan, and I always had it in my head that I don’t want that.”
🗣️ @McTominay10 reveals all in our new UTD Podcast ⤵️#MUFC #MUAcademy
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 27, 2020
William Pugh21 hours ago27th April 2020
ICYMI
HAV SOME OF THAT
Chelsea are set to rival Man United for the signing of Kai Havertz, 20, according to reports.
The Bayer Leverkusen star is set to leave the Bundesliga club at the end of this season and could join one of the Premier League big boys.
The Athletic report that Chelsea’s interest in Philippe Coutinho has been “exaggerated” though, but are interested in Havertz.
1.45pm Man Utd news LIVE: Aubameyang available for £30m EXCLUSIVE, Ben Yedder £40m battle, Sancho transfer L - The Sun
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