MANCHESTER UNITED still believe they will sign Frenkie de Jong this summer, according to reports.
The Red Devils have agreed a £72m package with Barcelona for the Dutchman and are waiting for the player to accept the offer.
Meanwhile Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to training.
However, the Portugal captain is still demanding his contract be ripped up so he can join a Champions League club on a permanent basis, according to reports.
Ronaldo was back in Manchester for showdown talks with the United hierarchy yesterday and even caught a glimpse of the team's friendly against Wrexham.
There, he saw Christian Eriksen net his first goal for the club in his first appearance.
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- Sam Dymond
Don't rule out Bayern bid
The standoff between Barcelona and Frenkie de Jong is expected to be resolved in the coming days, according to AS.
The Spanish publication believe that an agreement regarding the £17m that is owed to the player in deferred wages is near.
A positive outcome is likely to trigger De Jong's transfer away from the Nou Camp.
Manchester United are in pole position to take advantage, but Chelsea are also in the mix if Barca consider lowering their valuation.
And the media outlet reckons that Bayern Munich should not be ruled out of the running with the suggestion being that the Bundesliga champions could make a late bid for the 25-year-old.
- Sam Dymond
Red Devils to keep Bal
Zidane Iqbal has reportedly played his way into Erik ten Hag’s first-team plans at Manchester United.
The 19-year-old midfielder, who made his debut for the Red Devils last December, has shone in pre-season, most notably in the 4-0 win over Liverpool.
A host of clubs were interested in taking the teenager on loan this season, but the Daily Mail states that Ten Hag will snub all approaches to keep the ace with his squad.
Iqbal's talents have taken him to the international stage too with the youngster already having been capped twice by Iraq.
- Sam Dymond
Old Lady better call Saul
Paul Pogba has only been back at Juventus for 17 days, but already his club are looking for a replacement.
And that's because the unfortunate Frenchman tore the meniscus in his right knee during one of his first training sessions after returning to the Old Lady.
The former Manchester United star was originally expected to be out for two months, but the player and his club are now considering surgery which would would see him miss November's World Cup – and rule him out until 2023.
In the circumstances, Atletico Madrid have contacted Juve to offer Saul Niguez as a direct replacement for Pogba.
Atleti are keen to get midfielder Saul, who had an unspectacular loan spell at Chelsea last season, off their wage bill.
- Sam Dymond
Chelsea frank on Frenkie future
Chelsea have no intention of matching Manchester United’s €80m bid for Frenkie de Jong.
Spanish publication Sport reveal that the Londoners would only consider an offer for the Dutchman if Barcelona were to significantly lower their valuation.
Speculation has suggested that De Jong would prefer a move to the Blues given the pull of both the capital and Champions League football.
However – despite De Jong’s ability to cover in defence – Thomas Tuchel is not prepared for the club to spend such a large chunk of its budget on a position that he considers them to already be well-stocked in.
- Sam Dymond
Transfer watch: De Jong to United?
We all just want this over one way or the other, right?
Today's update – courtesy of journalist Rob Blanchette – is that Frenkie de Jong has told Erik ten Hag that he will join Manchester United, but is waiting for the £17m in deferred wages that he is owed by Barcelona.
The wait goes on.
Rumour rating: ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️
- Sam Dymond
Antony 'pushing' for United move
Ajax may have raised their asking price for Manchester United target Antony, but that's only made the Brazilian more eager to join the Red Devils.
Dutch outlet De Telegraaf report that the forward has recently held talks with his club in order to push through a transfer to Old Trafford.
But the Amsterdam club aren't willing to do business, having expressed their concern about the number of key players that have already left this summer.
As a result, the Dutch champions have increased Antony's asking price, hiking it from £67m to £84m.
The 22-year-old struck eight goals and provided four assists in23 Eredivisie appearances last season.
- Sam Dymond
Martinez: I'm joining world's best
New Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez has given his first interview since joining the Red Devils.
And the former Ajax defender has revealed that he believes he has moved to the best league in the world.
The Argentine completed his long-awaited move to Old Trafford yesterday, and immediately made it clear just how delighted he was.
The 24-year-old told the club's official website that he was excited for the challenge ahead, having been hooked by the competitiveness and passion of the league.
I think the Premier League is the best league in the world. It’s really intense, it’s very difficult, and it's also very physical. Every game, I really want to watch.
Lisandro Martinezmanutd.com
- Sam Dymond
Red-faced Ronaldo returns to training
But still wants out of Manchester United.
Sky Sports News have revealed this morning that the forward's stance has not changed despite showdown talks with his club earlier this week.
The Portuguese star wants to leave Old Trafford in order to continue playing in the Champions League despite having another year to run on his current deal.
However, there have been no officials bids for the forward, and the Red Devils are adamant that the 37-year-old will see out his contract.
And in rather sheepish fashion, Ronaldo has finally returned to training with his teammates at Carrington this morning.
- Sam Dymond
Salzburg troll United over Sesko
Red Bull Salzburg have outlined what it will take for Manchester United to nab wonderkid Benjamin Sesko.
The 19-year-old scored in a pre-season friendly win against Liverpool on Wednesday evening – and also showed off his box of tricks with an outrageous piece of skill.
After Fabrizio Romano reported United were keen on forward Sesko, Salzburg's social media team wrote on Twitter with a thumbs up emoji: "We want 300million + Bruno."
But his goal and skill against Liverpool this evening has seen Salzburg reconsider their price tag.
The social media were at it again in hilarious fashion after the Slovenian star left James Milner red-faced.
They joked that Sesko's performance against the Reds had has added another £700MILLION to his transfer value.
RB Salzburg also want Bruno Fernandes PLUS United's match day mascot if they are to lose the wonderkid.
Trolling the Red Devils on Twitter, they joked: "Update: We now want 1 billion, Bruno and Fred the Red for Sesko."
Credit: @FCRBS_en Twitter
- Sam Dymond
Ron wants to rip up contract
Cristiano Ronaldo has demanded that Manchester United tear up his contract to allow him to leave the club on a free transfer.
The Red Devils legend is desperate to exit Old Trafford this summer in order to join a team competing in the Champions League.
United, however, have no intention of cashing in on the Portuguese superstar, and are adamant he'll see out the final year of his £360,000-a-week contract.
And there are even reports that they even want him to EXTEND his current deal by another year – in which case they may be willing to let him go out on loan this season.
But Ronaldo has reportedly asked the club to terminate his existing deal so he can pursue a move to a team competing in Europe's elite club competition.
That's according to The Daily Mail, who claim the 37-year-old informed the club of his desire to be released from his contract in a meeting with agent Jorge Mendes on Tuesday.
- Sam Dymond
Doubting Thomas vetoed Ronaldo move
Cristiano Ronaldo was set for a move to Chelsea this summer – only for Thomas Tuchel to block the transfer.
According to Spanish journalist Manu Sainz, the Portuguese legend had agreed in principle to join the Londoners.
The proposal came after new Blues owner Todd Boehly was spotted meeting with agent Jorge Mendes last month.
However, Tuchel soon expressed his concerns with the prospective deal – and the club instead turned to Raheem Sterling.
Ronaldo is desperate to leave Manchester United in order to continue playing in the Champions League, but is yet to receive any concrete offers.
- Sam Dymond
Atleti unveil anti-Ronaldo banner
Atletico Madrid fans revealed an anti-Cristiano Ronaldo banner at a pre-season game last night.
The Spanish club's supporters made it clear where they stand on the 37-year-old amid rumours suggesting he could move to the Wanda Metropolitano.
The large sign could be seen during their friendly at Numancia, and simply read 'CR7 not welcome'.
Credit: @samleveridge Twitter - Chisanga Malata
Good morning Man Utd fans
Christian Eriksen marked his Man Utd debut with a goal yesterday.
The midfielder made his first Red Devils appearance in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Wrexham.
And Eriksen made a statement by hitting the target to delight fans.
Fellow new signing Lisandro Martinez also played just hours after his move from Ajax was finalised.
But wantaway ace Cristiano Ronaldo played no part as he watched the match from the sides.
Meanwhile, Man Utd will give 16-year-old Bosnian goalkeeper Tarik Karic a trial with the academy.
Karic will have the chance to impress when he joins up with the club for a trial spell.
The talented teenager had been offered the chance to spend a week with United's youth set-up in September.
Karic currently plays in the academy for Bosnian top-flight outfit FK Zeljeznicar.
Finally, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic would reportedly rather join Man Utd over Arsenal.
Tuttosport claims the Lazio midfielder is keen on a Premier League switch this summer.
United and Arsenal are both thought to be interested in the Serb.
But he would choose United over the Gunners if he received offers from both sides.
- Anthony Chapman
Salzburg ‘name’ Sesko’s Utd price
RB Salzburg have jokingly told United how much to pay for Benjamin Sesko.
They first tweeted: "We want 300 million + Bruno."
But after Sesko scored Salzburg’s winner against Liverpool, the price went up.
Salzburg declared: "Update: We now want 1 billion, Bruno and Fred the Red for Sesko."
- Anthony Chapman
Ron demands Man Utd exit
Cristiano Ronaldo told Manchester United chiefs "let me leave" during showdown talks at Carrington yesterday.
During talks with Ronaldo and his agent Jorge Mendes at Carrington yesterday, club chiefs outlined the forward's importance and role within their vision.
Despite the Portuguese star making his desires clear, United have maintained that he is NOT for sale.
But Ronnie wants out amid links with Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid.
- Anthony Chapman
Atletico a no-go for Ron
Atletico Madrid fans have warned their club not to sign Cristiano Ronaldo.
A statement from supporters read: "Given the possibility that the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo is more than just a rumour we express our absolute rejection of any hypothetical incorporation into our club.
"The aforementioned player represents the antithesis of the values that are the hallmarks of our Atleti, such as effort, generosity, simplicity and humility.
"Even in the unlikely event that a player in decline such as Cristiano Ronaldo could secure a title; we would not accept his signing.
"The sense of belonging to our Atletico is not something that is within his reach, to his misfortune, so he could never achieve our affection or recognition.
"Therefore, we ask the club to reject his possible signing, if he has ever been considered."
- Anthony Chapman
Martinez ready to make impact
Lisandro Martinez can’t wait to get going at new club Man Utd.
He said: “It’s an honour to join this great football club. I’ve worked so hard to get to this moment and now that I’m here I’m going to push myself even further.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be part of successful teams in my career and that’s what I want to continue at Manchester United.
"There will be a lot of work to get to that moment, but I firmly believe that under this manager and coaches.
“And together with my new teammates, we can do it.”
- Anthony Chapman
United trial for young goalie
Man Utd will give 16-year-old Bosnian goalkeeper Tarik Karic a trial with the academy.
Karic will have the chance to impress when he joins up with the club for a trial spell.
The talented teenager had been offered the chance to spend a week with United's youth set-up in September.
Karic currently plays in the academy for Bosnian top-flight outfit FK Zeljeznicar.
- Anthony Chapman
Eriksen ready to make impact
Christian Eriksen spent two years away from the Premier League playing at Inter Milan.
But only Kevin de Bruyne has more assists than Man Utd's new signing since his English football debut for Spurs in 2013.
Can Eriksen add to that incredible tally during his time at Old Trafford?
- Anthony Chapman
Ronnie cheers on United pals
Cristiano Ronaldo was in attendance for Man Utd's friendly against Wrexham.
But he played no part in the behind-closed-doors friendly.
The Mail claims Ronnie played the role of cheerleader as he supported his teammates from the sidelines on Wednesday.
Ronaldo is back at Carrington as he bids to negotiate a stunning summer exit.
- Anthony Chapman
United in Sergej Arsenal boost
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic would reportedly rather join Man Utd over Arsenal.
Tuttosport claims the Lazio midfielder is keen on a Premier League switch this summer.
United and Arsenal are both thought to be interested in the Serb.
But he would choose United over the Gunners if he received offers from both sides.
- Anthony Chapman
Eriksen off mark for United
Christian Eriksen marked his Man Utd debut with a goal today.
The midfielder made his first Red Devils appearance in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Wrexham.
And Eriksen made a statement by hitting the target to delight fans.
Fellow new signing Lisandro Martinez also played just hours after his move from Ajax was finalised.
- Anthony Chapman
Ronaldo shows off new pants
Cristiano Ronaldo put his transfer drama aside by showing off his ripped physique in his branded underwear.
He shared a sultry black-and-white snap of himself and his muscly figure in just his pants sweating it out in a sauna.
The 37-year-old captioned the post which has 3.3million likes: “Genetics loads the gun, lifestyle pulls the trigger.”
That is just about as cryptic as where Ronaldo's future lies.
- Alex Cole
More on De Jong
Barcelona are attempting to hijack Chelsea’s £55m move for Jules Kounde but telling De Jong they cannot afford his contract.
De Jong’s departure would reportedly save Barca £34m in wages.
Add to that his hefty transfer fee and Barcelona would likely be able to register new signings including Frank Kessie and Andreas Christensen.
De Jong could still decide to stay however as he is reportedly only willing to leave for one club – Chelsea.
But the Blues have not matched United’s bid and are hesitant to do business with Barca after losing out on Raphinha and possibly Kounde too.
- Alex Cole
Conversations with Ten Hag helped me sign with United, says Eriksen
Christian Eriksen claims that Erik Ten Hag is one of the main reasons he signed for Manchester United this summer.
Eriksen was asked why his preference was to come to Old Trafford this summer.
He said: “First of all, the football.
“I mean, I’m a guy who wants to play football and I think, with the idea of the manager coming in and the ideas he had, and also with my conversations with him, I mean I could see myself playing football in Manchester.
“And, at the same time, it’s a very, very big club – if not the biggest. If you pronounce it anywhere, they know where it’s from, they know where the locals come from.
“It has a big history and it’s a nice feeling to be part of something that is that big in history.”
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