CRISTIANO RONALDO is edging closer to reaching a compromise with Man Utd over his future.
It is reported that agent Jorge Mendes has told him to sign a new deal at Old Trafford in exchange for being sent out on loan in the coming season.
But one club he will not be joining is Atletico Madrid, whose president has said a deal for the former Real Madrid ace is "impossible".
United are also looking at alternatives to Frenkie de Jong.
The club have indicated that they were led to believe a deal for the Dutchman was possible and are said to have been surprised by his determination not to join.
As a result, moves for the likes of Declan Rice, Ruben Neves and Youri Tielemans are being considered.
However, a deal for Rice is not likely to take place this summer unless West Ham reduce their £100m-plus asking price.
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- 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
De Jong offered ultimatum by Barca
Barcelona have reportedly offered Frenkie de Jong an ultimatum – accept a wage reduction or leave the club.
Manchester United have been pursuing the midfielder all summer and had a £71.5million bid accepted by the Spanish giants.
But it is proving difficult for the Red Devils to persuade De Jong to join since he is happy at Barcelona and wishes to play Champions League football.
So Barca are trying to force him out by telling the Dutchman he only has a future at the Nou Camp if he reduces his salary, report Cope.
Barcelona already owe De Jong £17m in unpaid wages after the midfielder agreed to defer the payment of his salary during the pandemic.
Yet the club is asking him to accept a pay cut – in a summer when they have spent big sums on the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha.
- Alex Cole
Man Utd trail Monaco defender Benoit
Manchester United and Chelsea are both interested in Monaco centre-back Benoit Badiashile, according to reports.
However the Ligue 1 side are demanding a fee of at least £42.5million for the highly rated 21-year-old.
- Alex Cole
Kick-off in 11 days
Manchester United will welcome Brighton to Old Trafford on the opening day of the 2022-23 Premier League season.
It could be a tricky first test for Erik ten Hag as the Seagulls beat United 4-0 in their last encounter, albeit at the Amex.
- Alex Cole
Latest on Ronaldo
Ronaldo sat in on the tour debrief yesterday with new boss Erik ten Hag as the squad looked back on the 17-day trip to Thailand and Australia.
The 37-year-old played no part in that tour — but plans to be as professional as ever despite his wish to quit.
His former manager Sir Alex Ferguson was also at the training ground yesterday, along with former chief executive David Gill and current Old Trafford supremo Richard Arnold.
United claimed this was to attend a lunch which had been scheduled for some time and the timing had nothing to do with Ronaldo.
However, it is believed the superstar had a chat with Fergie, and also former United and England skipper Bryan Robson in the Carrington canteen.
- Alex Cole
More on Rashford editing the Beano!
Rashford will also be seen with Billy Whizz and Bananaman, and even creates his own prank as part of Harsha’s Prank Academy.
Meanwhile, the Beano are donating 20p of every issue sold to the Marcus Rashford Book Club.
This is in partnership with National Literacy Trust and Macmillan Children’s Books.
Craig Graham, Editorial Director at Beano Studios said: “Wow! Marcus Rashford guest editing Beano – that’s not something you get to say every day.
"We’re absolutely delighted to partner with Marcus, NatWest and MacMilllan Children’s Books to make this amazing guest editorship happen.
"We’re so thrilled with this week’s very special comic and hope kids pick up a copy to enter the incredible world of reading.”
- Alex Cole
Rashford to appear in the Beano
Marcus Rashford is set to star and guest edit a special edition of hit kids comic the Beano.
The England hero has moved into another art form, appearing alongside Dennis the Menace and Co.
He is editing the strip – released today – and will be spotted in adventures alongside the whole Beanotown gang.
The front cover has the 24-year-old as a cartoon, with Dennis and Minnie either side.
The United ace will make a number of appearances throughout alongside The Bash Street Kids.
- Alex Cole
United ready themselves for final Antony push
Manchester United are reportedly ready to make one final bid for Antony despite Ajax setting an asking price in excess of £65m.
And, while Old Trafford sources have been keen to point out that the forward would not be arriving as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, there still seems some work to do if either player is to feature against Brighton on the opening weekend.
- Gary Stonehouse
Morning, United fans
United insist wantaway Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale… just as Neymar was included on a list of four possible replacements.
The wantaway legend, 37, is still odds-Ron with bookies to stay at Manchester United as they insisted he's not for sale despite crunch talks yesterday.
But it's claimed Neymar is on a four-man shortlist to replace Ronaldo if the Red Devils fail to keep him for the second year of his contract.
Monaco’s Wissam Ben Yedder, Brentford star Ivan Toney and Stuttgart frontman Sasa Kalajdzic are the more realistic names mentioned.
Wantaway Cristiano Ronaldo finally talked over his future with United – while Neymar is on a list of four possible replacements.
That's the main take overnight as the Red Devils fight to keep legend Ron.
The striker's agent Jorge Mendes was with the Portugal striker, 37, as he reportedly rejected a new deal or a loan exit.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid say it would be "impossible" for them to sign the ex-Real hero.
But it's claimed United are making transfer plans in case Ron does depart
Meanwhile, Ajax are refusing to rule out selling Antony.
But Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag might need to offer £67m to have any chance of luring the Brazil winger.
Lastly, Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is now tempted to move to the Premier League – but would prefer Chelsea over United.
- Ian Tuckey
Ronaldo NOT for sale
Manchester United will not budge on their stance that Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale after he returned to Carrington on Tuesday.
SunSport revealed that the Portugal superstar is determined to quit Old Trafford after their failure to qualify for the Champions League.
But he has found his employers are doubling down on the view that they will not sell him this summer.
Ronaldo was given compassionate leave by United for the first three weeks of pre-season training due to a family issue back in his homeland.
However, he was back at their training HQ on Tuesday morning — his private jet landing at Manchester Airport — before he drove in with his agent Jorge Mendes just after 10am.
The 37-year-old sat in on the tour debrief with new boss Erik ten Hag as the squad looked back on the 17-day trip to Thailand and Australia.
- Ian Tuckey
Blues and Man Utd trail Monaco defender Benoit
Chelsea and Manchester United are both interested in Monaco centre-back Benoit Badiashile, according to reports.
However the Ligue 1 side are demanding a fee of at least £42.5million for the highly rated 21-year-old.
Chelsea are reportedly interested in Badiashile after Barcelona hijacked their £55million deal with Sevilla for Jules Kounde.
Rumours suggest Thomas Tuchel has already started to target alternatives as the Blues want to bring in three centre-backs, they have only signed one so far in Kalidou Koulibaly.
Man Utd are also keen on Badiashile to bolster their defensive options claim L’Equipe.
Erik ten Hag has already purchased Lisandro Martinez from his former club Ajax but amid claims United are looking to offload the likes of Eric Bailly and Phil Jones another addition may be needed.
- Ian Tuckey
Victor to snub Prem
Victor Osimhen has revealed he will stay at Napoli after claims that the former ‘Arsenal target’ has told Chelsea and Tottenham he fancies a Prem move.
Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Newcastle have also been linked with the Nigeria striker, 23
But Osimhen told Corriere Dello Sport: “I’m in Napoli. And I have great respect for my club.
“They are just rumours of the market. I’m fine here and I’ve never had such close relationships with everyone as at this moment.
“I spoke to the president, he is the one who decides, and he reassured me by explaining the club’s plans.
“I am happy with what he told me and the purchases are of quality: words were followed by deeds. I am very happy to play with Napoli and we will see in the future.”
- Ian Tuckey
'Wissam, Toney, Neymar, Kalajdzic' on Utd list
Manchester United have reportedly put Neymar on a four-man list of options to replace wantaway striker Cristiano Ronaldo.
Monaco’s Wissam Ben Yedder, Brentford hero Ivan Toney and Stuttgart frontman Sasa Kalajdzic are other contenders, according to the Mirror.
Red Devils chiefs held talks with Portugal legend Ronaldo today as he finally reported to Carrington after missing the start of pre-season.
Ron, 37, rocked Old Trafford when he made clear his desire to leave earlier this summer.
He missed their tour of Thailand and Australia for personal reasons, and has been training on his own in Portugal.
The veteran forward arrived at Carrington at around 10:45am today flanked by agent Jorge Mendes, before leaving the facility just shy of 5pm.
United maintain Ronaldo is NOT for sale this summer. But should they fail to get CR7 back onboard, with Atletico Madrid being linked with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, they are reportedly looking at other options.
- Ian Tuckey
Best XI of Prem players driven to be coaches
FEATURE: Former England striker Jermain Defoe and Manchester City legend Yaya Toure will join Tottenham’s coaching set-up, writes DYLAN TERRY.
And SunSport has put together the best team of Prem truend top-flioght coaches – NOT including managers.
In goal, Brazil legend Claudio Taffarel joined Liverpool as a goalkeeping coach towards the end of last year.
In defence, Chelsea legends Ashley Cole and John Terry are back in the Prem – at Stamford Bridge and Everton respectively. And ex-Arsenal ace Kolo Toure is now part of Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester set-up.
In central midfield, Tottenham‘s new coach and brother of Kolo Toure, Yaya, is joined by Jack Wilshere and Gary McAllister.
Ex-England international Wilshere returned to Arsenal earlier this month as their U18 head coach, while former Scotland man McAllister is assistant to Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa.
On the flanks we have Kevin Nolan, who played for Bolton, Newcastle and West Ham during his playing career, and is now on the coaching staff of Hammers manager David Moyes.
And on the other side is Enzo Maresca – a former Italian midfielder who played for the likes of West Brom, Juventus and Sevilla, and who is now a trusted lieutenant of Pep Guardiola‘s at Manchester City.
Then joining Defoe up front is former Portugal striker Luis Boa Morte, 44, who played for Arsenal, Southampton and West Ham and has returned to Fulham on Marco Silva’s coaching staff.
- Ian Tuckey
Christian in, Cristiano out?
Manchester United hailed Christian Eriksen's unveiling today – as a welcome diversion from the unravelling of Cristiano Ronaldo's future.
As new midfielder Eriksen posed for snaps posted by United's media team, rebel Ron was meeting club talks over his exit demands.
- Ian Tuckey
Ajax not ruling out Antony sale
Ajax are refusing to rule out selling Manchester United target Antony.
The Red Devils were particularly keen on the Brazilian, who excelled under Erik ten Hag last season, earlier this summer.
Ajax told United chiefs that Antony would cost them £67million and links subsequently went cold.
Having already sold a host of players, including Lisandro Martinez to Old Trafford, Ajax are hoping to keep their current squad as it is going into the new season.
But Ajax technical manager Gerry Hamstra doesn't feel that he can rule anything out.
He told Voetbal International: "We want to keep this group together. I assume that no one leaves this core anymore. Of course you can never say never, I have learned that by now.
"But we also talk about it with the players, have conversations. Also with boys who may have a wish to leave. Ajax players are drawn, that is logical."
- Ian Tuckey
Ron to Atletico 'impossible'
Atletico Madrid tonight claimed signing Manchester United rebel Cristiano Ronaldo would be "impossible".
The Spanish giants – fierce rivals of Ron's old club Real – insist talk of such a move is "definitely not true".
Portugal striker Ronaldo, 37, is understood to have met United chiefs today for critical negotiations.
- Ian Tuckey
Transfer watch: Antony to United?
Manchester United are reportedly ready to make one final bid for Antony despite Ajax setting an asking price in excess of £65m.
And, while Old Trafford sources have been keen to point out that the forward would not be arriving as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, there still seems some work to do if either player is to feature against Brighton on the opening weekend.
Rumour rating: ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️
- Ian Tuckey
Frenkie fight gets harder for Utd
Long-term Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong has finally agreed to leave Barcelona for the Premier League – but only if it means joining Chelsea.
Spanish outlet Sport reveal that the Dutchman is willing to depart the Nou Camp, but not to the club that want him – and that leaves both Barca and United in a quandary.
The Catalans are keen to sell the 25-year-old to help ease their financial issues that include the £17m they owe De Jong in deferred wages.
However, Chelsea’s speculative bid is understood to be much lower than that of the €80m the Red Devils were prepared to pay.
United still want the player, but seem unable to convince him that his future lies at Old Trafford.
And so after weeks of bluff and bluster, both Barcelona and Manchester United could end up losing out.
All Chelsea need to do is act smart, and they could pick up De Jong on the cheap – and he can play at centre-half.
- Ian Tuckey
Neymar on '4-man shortlist to replace Ron'
Manchester United have reportedly put Neymar on a four-man list of options to replace wantaway striker Cristiano Ronaldo.
Monaco's Wissam Ben Yedder, Brentford hero Ivan Toney and Stuttgart frontman Sasa Kalajdzic are other contenders, according to the Mirror.
Red Devils chiefs held talks with Portugal legend Ronaldo today as he finally reported to Carrington after missing the start of pre-season.
Ron, 37, rocked Old Trafford when he made clear his desire to leave earlier this summer.
He missed their tour of Thailand and Australia for personal reasons, and has been training on his own in Portugal.
The veteran forward arrived at Carrington at around 10:45am today flanked by agent Jorge Mendes, before leaving the facility just shy of 5pm.
United maintain Ronaldo is NOT for sale this summer. But should they fail to get CR7 back onboard, with Atletico Madrid being linked with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, they are reportedly looking at other options.
- Ian Tuckey
'No offers yet' for Tielemans
Leicester chairman Aiyawatt SrivaddhanaprabhaIt insists "no offers yet" have come in for reported Manchester United and Arsenal target Youri Tielemans.
The Belgium midfielder was expected to hold talks with Foxes' boss Brendan Rodgers over his future.
But Srivaddhanaprabha suggests there's no reason for negotiations so far.
He told 90min: “It’s nothing. There haven’t been any offers yet. There hasn’t been anything concrete or a proposition yet."
Tielemans has one year left on his contract – amid claims the Gunners are wavering in their interest.
- Ian Tuckey
Utd linked to shock Neymar bid.. if Ron goes
There's talk tonight Manchester United could target Neymar – should Cristiano Ronaldo get his wish to leave.
There's a lot of enormous "ifs" involved in that, of course.
But the latest suggestion is that Old Trafford chiefs WOULD try to replace Ronaldo – and that PSG striker Neymar would be considered.
Only last week, though, the Brazil legend was odds-on to stay with the French champions.
- Ian Tuckey
Best XI of Prem players driven to be coaches
FEATURE: Former England striker Jermain Defoe and Manchester City legend Yaya Toure will join Tottenham’s coaching set-up, writes DYLAN TERRY.
And SunSport has put together the best team of Prem truend top-flioght coaches – NOT including managers.
In goal, Brazil legend Claudio Taffarel joined Liverpool as a goalkeeping coach towards the end of last year.
In defence, Chelsea legends Ashley Cole and John Terry are back in the Prem – at Stamford Bridge and Everton respectively. And ex-Arsenal ace Kolo Toure is now part of Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester set-up.
In central midfield, Tottenham‘s new coach and brother of Kolo Toure, Yaya, is joined by Jack Wilshere and Gary McAllister.
Ex-England international Wilshere returned to Arsenal earlier this month as their U18 head coach, while former Scotland man McAllister is assistant to Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa.
On the flanks we have Kevin Nolan, who played for Bolton, Newcastle and West Ham during his playing career, and is now on the coaching staff of Hammers manager David Moyes.
And on the other side is Enzo Maresca – a former Italian midfielder who played for the likes of West Brom, Juventus and Sevilla, and who is now a trusted lieutenant of Pep Guardiola‘s at Manchester City.
Then joining Defoe up front is former Portugal striker Luis Boa Morte, 44, who played for Arsenal, Southampton and West Ham and has returned to Fulham on Marco Silva’s coaching staff.
- Ian Tuckey
From Hugh-bird to Man Hugh
Manchester United have added ex-Cardiff coach David Hughes to their academy set-up.
The 44-year-old left the Bluebirds earlier this month and will be Professional Development Phase coach at Old Trafford, mainly working with the Under-21s.
But he will also have an input into the development of players across the 17 to 23 age group.
Retired defender Hughes had a short and injury-hit spell at Aston Villa in the late 1990s.
The Welshman played most of his career for Shrewsbury Town before earning a £450,000 move to Cardiff, where injuries forced him to hang up his boots in 2003.
- Ian Tuckey
Ron 'escapes' by back door
Cristiano Ronaldo escaped Carrington this afternoon after a day of crunch talks through the back gate.
The wantaway 37-year-old took opted to leave via the road less travelled.
After arriving at Manchester United's HQ this morning, Ronaldo spent the day at Carrington before heading home just before 5pm.
He pulled down the vanity mirror of his luxury Bentley to cover his face as he left the site.
Ronaldo arrived for discussions earlier today accompanied by his super-agent Jorge Mendes.
He arrived at 10.45am, and on that occasion used the main entrance to the facility.
Mendes did not appear to be in the same car as Ronaldo as the five-time Ballon d'Or winner rolled out of the back gate at Carrington this afternoon.
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