MANCHESTER UNITED are planning a £25million transfer scoop for Benfica ace Goncalo Ramos, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
But the Red Devils will have to act fast as Newcastle and Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich are also sniffing around.
Meanwhile, United are reportedly interested in signing Antoine Griezmann, according to reports. The Athletic claim the Red Devils enquired about the French star in the summer.
Griezmann is currently on loan at Atletico Madrid from Barcelona.
The report adds that United could try to sign the 31-year-old again in January.
Get all the latest news, updates and transfer gossip here…
- Kostas Lianos
Man Utd's Rash decision
Manchester United are in talks to extend Marcus Rashford’s contract.
The move comes amid interest in Rashford from Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.
Transfer expert Pedro Almeida claims United now entered talks with the striker's agents over extending his contract.
The England international's current deal expires next summer, although there is an option to automatically renew it until 2024
- Kostas Lianos
More on Griezmann
Manchester United are ready to pounce on Atletico Madrid loanee Antoine Griezmann in January if the Spanish giants and Barcelona fail to resolve their row over the forward.
Griezmann is currently in the second season of his two-year loan spell back at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Atletico are obliged to pay Barca £34million to turn the versatile attacker's temporary switch into a permanent stay if he plays 45 minutes or more in half their games this term.
Boss Diego Simeone has been doing his best to avoid Atleti paying full price by restricting the France international to just one start in eight games across all competitions.
It has been claimed that the Blaugrana are preparing a lawsuit against Atletico with the latter seemingly finding a loophole around the transfer.
However The Athletic have stated that should the two clubs fail to resolve their dispute, Griezmann could be available for transfer in January.
And this could see United revive their interest in the France international having failed to secure his services in the previous window.
- Kostas Lianos
Cristiano Ronaldo skill
Cristiano Ronaldo showed he hasn’t lost his magic touch by scoring a stunning rabona volley.
Ronaldo was handed a rare start by manager Erik ten Hag as United beat Sheriff Tiraspol 2-0 last Thursday.
The Portugal international netted United’s second goal after Jadon Sancho gave them the lead.
But Ronaldo’s most impressive moment came even before kick-off in the Europa League clash.
Video footage shows the ball being crossed into the veteran’s path, but instead of simply sticking the ball away, he went a step further as he performed an outrageous rabona volley with minimum effort
- Kostas Lianos
Antoine Griezmann interest
Manchester United are interested in signing Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann.
According to The Athletic, United enquired about Griezmann during the summer transfer window.
The versatile forward is currently undergoing a loan stint at Atletico from Barcelona.
The report adds that the Red Devils may try to sign the 31-year-old again in January
- Kostas Lianos
United target Ramos
Manchester United are preparing a £25million bid for Benfica star Goncalo Ramos, reports SunSport's Neil Custis.
Ramos has scored eight goals and registered five assists in 12 matches this season.
It comes with manager Erik ten Hag wanting to continue his redevelopment of the United squad and boost The Red Devils firepower.
Ten Hag does not have a big transfer pot for January, having gone over budget this summer. But there is still recognition of the urgent need for another forward.
Injuries to Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford have exposed how short they are in that department, with Cristiano Ronaldo their only recognised and fit striker
Credit: Getty - Kealan Hughes
Good morning Man Utd fans
Manchester United are preparing a £25million swoop to sign Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos, SunSport can reveal.
Ramos, 21, has scored eight goals and registered five assists in 12 matches this season.
It comes with Erik ten Hag wanting to continue his redevelopment of the Man United squad and boost The Red Devils firepower.
Elsewhere, in an exclusive interview with SunSport, Manchester United legend Bryan Robson revealed regret over the club failing to land Jude Bellingham.
He said: “I watched him closely playing against City and you could see how much he’s progressed since we thought we had landed him at Manchester United a couple of years ago.
“But you can see why he has become such a big target in the market because he is such a big talent. And if he keeps performing like he did against City he will be a big part of England’s World Cup bid…
“Myself, Sir Alex and Eric Cantona all met him with his mum and dad at Carrington and after that meeting we thought he was coming to us.
“We thought we had him and he would have been a great signing for us. But he definitely has it in him to become a great player for England.”
In other news, Cristiano Ronaldo showed he hasn’t lost his magic touch by scoring an incredible rabona volley.
Ronaldo, 37, was handed a rare start by Erik ten Hag as the Red Devils beat Sheriff 2-0 last week.
The Portugal legend netted United’s second goal after Jadon Sancho gave them the lead.
But Ronaldo’s most impressive moment came BEFORE kick-off in the Europa League clash.
Video footage shows the ball being crossed into the veteran’s path, but instead of simply sticking the ball away, he went a step further as he performed an outrageous rabona volley with little effort.
- Tony Robertson
FA Cup replay scrap considered
Premier League clubs are reportedly considering plans to SCRAP replays in the FA Cup.
That’s as part of a “New Deal for Football”, which could also see sides play U21 sides in the Carabao Cup.
The Times claims the proposals are at the heart of talks at Wednesday’s Premier League shareholders’ meeting.
Discussions will take place over ideas to potentially deliver £250million in extra funds to the EFL while also reforming parachute payments.
And one proposal is to permanently cut FA Cup replays in the third and fourth rounds from 2024.
As for the Carabao Cup, teams playing in Europe could field their U21s in a bid to freshen up the competition – or even withdraw entirely.
- Tony Robertson
Robson on England midfield
Following injuries to a number of England midfielders, including Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips and Jordan Henderson, Robson believes a Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham pivot would be the way to go for England at the upcoming World Cup.
He said: "Declan Rice is a given as an England holding midfielder — he’s so solid and reliable.
“Depending on how Gareth Southgate wants to play, Bellingham could have a role alongside him.
“What’s sure is that Gareth has had Bellingham on his radar for some time now — he started playing him when he was still 17.
"Now he’s got 15 caps and we have the two games coming up against Italy and Germany.
“It would be natural to think that Gareth will maintain that progress with him heading into the finals.”
Read the full interview here.
- Tony Robertson
More on Ramos exclusive
He is valued around £25million by Benfica, which United would not go above — despite the player reportedly having a £100m release clause.
However, United boss Ten Hag does not have a big transfer pot for January, having gone over budget this summer. But there is still recognition of the urgent need for another forward.
Injuries to Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford have exposed how short they are in that department, with Cristiano Ronaldo, 37, their only recognised and fit striker.
Ramos scored against Liverpool in last season’s Champions League quarter-final second leg at Anfield.
And he began this campaign in spectacular fashion, with a hat-trick against Denmark’s Midtjylland. In the league he has four goals in six appearances, plus two assists.
Read the full story here.
- Tony Robertson
EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd planning £25m Benfica swoop
Manchester United are preparing a £25million swoop to sign Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos.
Ramos, 21, has scored eight goals and registered five assists in 12 matches this season.
It comes with Erik ten Hag wanting to continue his redevelopment of the Man United squad and boost The Red Devils firepower.
You can read the full story here.
- Tony Robertson
Robson gives Belligham high praise
On Bellingham, Robson said: "He has fantastic anticipation — as we saw in the way he darted into the box to put away his header. But he wins plenty of battles as well.
“A lot of people think he’s more or less an attacking midfielder but he can do the other side of it as well.
“He’s a good size. He’s pretty quick and in fact he’s got a bit of everything about him.
“What he’s got to do, of course, is keep his feet on the ground and work hard to be the best he can be."
Read the full interview here.
- Tony Robertson
More from Robson exclusive
Man Utd's Captain Marvel, as Bryan Robson is still affectionately known, agreed with Gary Lineker's assessment that Jude Bellingham played in a similar vein to himself.
He said: "I definitely think he might have a bit of me in him. It’s all very well flying forward and trying to score but it’s also about protecting your back four.
“That was something I always believed that you had to do as a midfielder."
It came after a tweet Lineker put out saying: "I’ll be very surprised if Bellingham doesn’t play a big part in England’s World Cup campaign. Got a bit of Bryan Robson about him."
Read the full interview here.
- Tony Robertson
Man Utd legend regrets club not signing Bellingham
In an exclusive interview with SunSport, Manchester United legend Bryan Robson revealed regret over the club failing to land Jude Bellingham.
He said: "I watched him closely playing against City and you could see how much he’s progressed since we thought we had landed him at Manchester United a couple of years ago.
"But you can see why he has become such a big target in the market because he is such a big talent. And if he keeps performing like he did against City he will be a big part of England’s World Cup bid…
“Myself, Sir Alex and Eric Cantona all met him with his mum and dad at Carrington and after that meeting we thought he was coming to us.
“We thought we had him and he would have been a great signing for us. But he definitely has it in him to become a great player for England.”
- Tony Robertson
Ronaldo shows off skill
Cristiano Ronaldo showed he hasn’t lost his magic touch by scoring an incredible rabona volley.
Ronaldo, 37, was handed a rare start by Erik ten Hag as the Red Devils beat Sheriff 2-0 last week.
The Portugal legend netted United’s second goal after Jadon Sancho gave them the lead.
But Ronaldo’s most impressive moment came BEFORE kick-off in the Europa League clash.
Video footage shows the ball being crossed into the veteran’s path, but instead of simply sticking the ball away, he went a step further as he performed an outrageous rabona volley with little effort.
Credit: Twitter - Tony Robertson
United contract talks with star duo
Manchester United are in contract negotiations with Diogo Dalot and Marcus Rashford, according to reports.
The pair have been in strong form this season for United, with Dalot putting in a number of strong displays at full-back and Rashford close to his best with three goals and two assists.
And according to Pedro Almeida, United are in discussions with their agents to discuss terms for extensions.
Both players' contracts end in the summer of 2023, meaning either could leave the club for free if terms for an extension are not agreed upon.
Erik ten Hag will be keen to keep them at the club as both have proved vital in his early days with The Red Devils.
- Tony Robertson
Rooney subs player after race shame
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney subbed off one of his players after they were accused of using a racial slur during DC United's 3-2 defeat to Inter Miami.
DC's Taxiarchis Fountas and the visitors' Damion Lowe were embroiled in a 59th-minute scuffle.
Miami ace Aime Mabika then reacted angrily to the confrontation, with referee Ismail Elfath cautioning both Fountas and Lowe before confiding in the two team's captains and coaches.
Following a several-minute delay Fountas was subbed off, but not before the visitors refused to play until something was done.
Inter coach Phil Neville said: "A word was used that is unacceptable in society. It is the worst word in the world."
Meanwhile, Rooney confirmed there would be an inquiry into the incident, adding: "There was a complaint, which I'm sure will get investigated. Not much more I can say."
- Kostas Lianos
Merson on Shaw’s England call-up
Paul Merson revealed he was shocked to learn that Manchester United ace Luke Shaw had been called up for England's two Nations League games later this month.
The Three Lions face off against Germany and Italy in their final matches before the winter's World Cup in Qatar.
And Shaw was included in Gareth Southgate's squad despite playing second fiddle to Tyrell Malacia at club level.
Merson said: "I was shocked with the Luke Shaw one, if I’m being honest.
"The amount of full-backs we have in this country and talented full-backs at that. I was shocked with that"
- Kostas Lianos
Erik's top Ten
Manchester United overspent in the summer transfer window but manager Erik ten Hag is already targeting more signings.
United splashed a whopping £200million and Ten Hag is keen to continue his re-build after seeing positives in performances and results in recent weeks.
However the Dutchman's buying may have to wait beyond the January window as the Red Devils' net spend is double what was originally projected, claim The Athletic.
The next sizeable budget for United isset to be in the summer of 2023
- Kostas Lianos
Phelan pays tribute
Former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan paid tribute to Her Majesty The Queen on the day of the state funeral.
Phelan also praised the way the nation "handled itself" during this time.
The coach tweeted: "RIP Queen Elizabeth II . I have to say I’m proud and moved by the way my nation has handled itself these last few days.
"Respectful, Professional, Patient, Diligent and Inspirational"
- Kostas Lianos
More about Pogba
Ex-Manchester United star Paul Pogba made some shocking revelations relating to a trip back to his home suburb of Lagny-sur-Marne.
Pogba said he was held at gunpoint by an extortion gang — and one of the plotters was his brother Mathias.
The Juventus superstar told police he was confronted by the group that included friends from his childhood and teenage years as well as two masked men armed with assault rifles.
The midfielder claimed he was forced to accompany them to a flat in nearby Roissy-en-Brie, where they demanded more than £11million for “protecting him”.
With the gang demanding £2.6m immediately, the France international tried to withdraw the money but his bank declined to authorise such a large amount.
According to radio station France Info, the blackmailers had to settle for £85,000 in cash instead
- Kostas Lianos
Paul Pogba latest
Former Manchester United star Paul Pogba is under police protection in Italy after being the alleged victim of an £11 million blackmail plot.
Pogba claims he was the victim of violent extortion attempts by a criminal gang which allegedly included his own brother, Mathias.
Le Parisien is reporting that the Juventus superstar has been placed under police protection in Turin.
The report adds that a member of his entourage confirmed the story.
Mathias turned himself in to authorities investigating the blackmail attempts.
The journeyman footballer is then said to have been placed in custody.
According to the Daily Mail he has been charged over the incident
- Kostas Lianos
Knighton bid progress
Prospective Manchester United buyer Michael Knighton revealed his plan to submit a bid is "moving forward as planned".
Knighton tweeted: "Thank you ALL for the wonderful messages of support. There is much going on behind the scenes.
"Things are moving forward as planned.
"I apologise I can't be on this platform more, just bogged down in meetings.
"God bless & every good wish to all of you. Yr support is greatly appreciated"
- Kostas Lianos
Ronaldo's new nickname
Manchester United ace Lisandro Martinez has apparently revealed his new nickname for Cristiano Ronaldo on Instagram.
Ronaldo posted a picture to his personal account of him in action during the victory over Southampton.
Martinez commented: "El bichoooo", which translates to, "The Bug" in English.
It is not yet known why the centre-back used that nickname but it appears the duo have sparked a strong friendship in recent months
Credit: Getty - Kostas Lianos
Antoine Griezmann interest
Manchester United are interested in signing Atletico Madrid loanee Antoine Griezmann.
According to The Athletic, United enquired about Griezmann in the summer.
The versatile forward is currently on loan at Atletico from Barcelona.
The report adds that the Ref Devils could try to sign the 31-year-old again in January
- Kostas Lianos
Food poisoning latest
Manchester United players and staff were hit by a bout of suspected food poisoning after their Europa League victory against Sheriff Tiraspol in Moldova, reports SunSport's Neil Custis.
United travelled back from their 2-0 away win last Thursday straight after the game on a private plane.
But members of the party began to feel unwell on Friday, it is understood up to 12 of the United party were affected.
The Red Devils are trying to look into whether it was something the group had eaten while in Chisinau or on the plane on the way back.
A handful of players missed training on Friday because of it but were good to train Saturday, while others missed that day
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