MANCHESTER UNITED have moved a step closer to signing Frenkie de Jong, with the midfielder having reportedly cleared out his Barcelona locker.
Other developments could also push the move closer, with Bayern Munich about to complete the signing of Liverpool's Sadio Mane.
That would allow them to sell Robert Lewandowski to Barcelona if the Catalan club can secure the funds through, among other things, selling De Jong.
But Cristiano Ronaldo's future could be up in the air with the striker reportedly considering leaving Old Trafford as he doesn't feel involved under Eric ten Hag.
Meanwhile United have edged closer to the signing of Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, according to reports.
The French international is considering his future in Turin, with United or Paris Saint-German his most likely destination.
The 27-year-old has just one year remaining on his contract, and could be available for as little as £13m.
Elsewhere, Paul Pogba's upcoming documentary 'The Pogbmentary' sees the Frenchman declare his desire to prove to his former employers that they made a mistake with his contract negotiations.
Pogba, 29, tells his agent Mino Raiola: "My thought process is to show Manchester they shouldn't have waited this long to offer a contract and to show other clubs that Manchester made a mistake in not offering a contract."
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- Justin Lawrence
Ronaldo 'wants Man United exit'
Cristiano Ronaldo wants to QUIT Man United this summer, a shocking report has claimed.
The Old Trafford icon is seeking new pastures as he doesn't feel part of new United boss Erik ten Hag's future plans, according to La Repubblica.
Ten Hag's planning a complete squad overhaul, and Ronaldo isn't feeling welcome, the report adds.
Which is why his agent Jorge Mendes is hunting for a new club for the Portuguese attacker, it's also claimed.
Roma, who are managed by Ronaldo's ex-boss Jose Mourinho , has emerged as a possible destination for the disgruntled forward, along with Sporting Lisbon, the report continued.
However, it remains to be seen how either club will be able to afford Ronaldo'a mammoth £480,000 weekly wages.
- Justin Lawrence
Man United chase trio
Man United are yet to sign a player in this summer's transfer market.
But the Red Devils are eyeing three signings, according to Jonathan Shrager.
The trio on United's wishlist consists of Frenkie de Jong, Vintinha and Malcolm Ebiowei, the football journalist claimed on Twitter.
- Justin Lawrence
In-Fred-ible
Man United star Fred and wife Monique Salum are enjoying an idyllic holiday.
The couple shared a kiss as they posed for a picture on Fernando de Noronha, a tiny volcanic island 200 miles off the coast of Brazil.
Monique, 28, posted another photo to Instagram of herself posing in a pink bikini in front of the stunning crystal-clear waters.
The duo also gazed romantically into each other's eyes as Monique perched on a rock overlooking Fred.
- Justin Lawrence
Verdict's still out on Ten Hag
Erik ten Hag has got a mammoth task on his hands trying to fix the chaos at Man United.
That's according to Teddy Sheringham.
He said to Lord Ping: “I don't know an awful lot about Ten Hag, but he's got a tough job on his hands.
"The scale of the job at United is huge and I felt that, at this moment in time, United needed someone that knows and has experience of the Premier League, which Ten Hag doesn’t have."
- Justin Lawrence
‘The Antonio Conte factor’
Tottenham’s signing of Yves Bissouma despite interest from Arsenal and Man United shows players want to join the Lilywhites ahead of their rivals.
That’s the view of Jamie O’Hara who reckons Spurs boss Antonio Conte possesses the pulling power over his Prem counterparts.
O’Hara told Grosvenor Sport: “I know there were other teams after him – Arsenal, Man United – but it seems as if players are starting to pick Spurs over anyone else, which is the Antonio Conte factor.
“The Bissouma move is extra sweet for Spurs fans. That’s the biggest thing right now, Spurs are getting players over their rivals like Arsenal.
“For Spurs to get a player of that quality over Arsenal just shows where they are now and how big getting that Champions League spot was.
“It’s showing that Spurs are going to attract the better players to their team.”
- Justin Lawrence
Never-before-seen Ronaldo pictures
Georgina Rodriguez has shared some sweet, never-before-seen pictures of the Ronaldo clan to celebrate Cristiano Jr's 12th birthday.
Cristiano Ronaldo paid a touching tribute to his eldest son earlier on Friday – even hinting the pair could play TOGETHER one day.
And long-term partner Georgina got in on the act in the afternoon – uploaded TEN adorable family snaps.
She added an incredible series of pics including family holidays from sun-kissed beaches to snowy mountains, while also throwing some sneak peeks behind the scenes of the Ronaldo household.
Among the pics was one adorable image of Cristiano Snr trimming his lad's hair – presumably during the first lockdown.
- Justin Lawrence
Mata offered Middle East move
Juan Mata has been offered an £8.5million-a-year jackpot to swap Manchester United for the Middle East.
The Spain midfielder is ending his eight-year Old Trafford stay with his contract expiring at the end of the month.
Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal have now reportedly offered Mata £8.5m a season to join them.
The Riyadh club currently numbers ex-United and Watford striker Odion Ighalo in their ranks.
- Justin Lawrence
De Jong 'clears locker'
Frenkie de Jong has reportedly cleared out his locker at Barcelona's training ground amid rumours of his departure.
The midfielder, 25, has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in recent months.
According to Spanish outlet AS, he has completely cleared out his locker at Barcelona's training ground.
He is also refusing to rule out the possibility of a move away, with Man Utd the only club interested in a swoop.
- Justin Lawrence
Tevez set for manager role
Carlos Tevez is reportedly on the verge of landing his first managerial job.
That’s because the former Manchester United and City star is set to be named boss of Argentine side Rosario Central.
Various reports in his homeland claim Tevez, 38, is set to beat highly-rated Pablo Sanchez to the coveted role.
Both men met with Rosario chiefs for extensive interviews this week.
But it’s Tevez who has come out on top, despite Sanchez being the more experienced gaffer.
- Sam Dymond
Odds slashed on Eriksen's United move
Christian Eriksen is said to be considering his offers after it was revealed that he would be moving on from Brentford this summer..
The Dane's former club Tottenham had looked in pole position for a reunion, but Manchester United have since emerged as favourites to land the midfielder.
The odds on Eriksen moving to Old Trafford have been slashed in the past week, tumbling from 13/2 to 6/5.
Who will Eriksen join before September 3?
- Manchester United 6/5
- Tottenham 6/4
- Newcastle 12/1
- Everton 25/1
- Man City 33/1
- Leicester 33/1
- Liverpool 33/1
Odds from Betfair correct at time of post publication.
United's 'concrete steps' towards Rabiot
Manchester United have taken 'concrete steps' towards signing Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, according to Calcio Mercato.
The Italian outlet report that the 27-year-old French international is considering a move away from Turin, and his most likely destination if he leaves is either United or Paris Saint-Germain.
With only one year left on his current contract with the Old Lady, Rabiot is likely to be available for around €15m.
The article continues to state that such a transfer fee would 'not be a problem' for the Red Devils.
Pogba: United made a mistake
Wantaway midfielder Paul Pogba is eager to prove to Manchester United that they made a mistake with his contract negotations.
The French international is set to leave Old Trafford in order to return to Juventus on a free transfer when his deal expires at the end of this month.
In a new Amazon documentary, The Pogbmentary, the player dismisses the Red Devils' £300,000-per-week contract offer – a £10,000 weekly upgrade on his current £290,000 deal – as 'nothing'.
Pogba tells his agent, the late Mino Raiola: "My thought process is to show Manchester they shouldn't have waited this long to offer a contract and to show other clubs that Manchester made a mistake in not offering a contract."
De Jong deal in jeopardy
Frenkie de Jong's long-awaited transfer from Barcelona to Manchester United could be on the verge of falling through.
The catalyst for the Dutchman's proposed move to Old Trafford was the cash-strapped Catalans desperate need for income.
However, a membership vote at the Nou Camp last night saw members green light president Joan Laporta's plan to sell off sponsorship, ultimately putting the club back on a secure financial footing.
The suggestion is that Barca will no longer need to sell to survive, and could pull the plug on the deal.
However, the LaLiga giants could still be willing to move forward with the transfer if they can land Xavi's preferred choice in midfield, Manchester City's Bernardo Silva.
No Timber date for United
Dutch starlet Jurrien Timber looks set to stay at Ajax despite keen interest from Manchester United.
The 21-year-old, who can play at centre-half or right-back, is regarded as one of the best young defenders in Europe, having excelled under the tutelage of Erik ten Hag in Amsterdam.
Timber was widely expected to follow his former manager to Old Trafford this summer, but Dutch journalist Mike Verweij (via the Manchester Evening News) believes the player's preference is now to remain in the Netherlands.
It's the latest transfer blow to the Red Devils, who are enduring a frustrating summer after missing out on Darwin Nunez to Liverpool.
Chelsea and United tracking Jones
Several Premier League clubs including Chelsea and Manchester United are tracking the progress of Middlesbrough ace Isaiah Jones, report 90 Min.
The 22-year-old earned rave reviews in the Championship last season after being converted from a winger to right wing-back under Chris Wilder.
Indeed, his impressive performances were the main reason why Boro's decision to allow Djed Spence to leave on loan was not widely slammed.
However, Jones appears content to remain with the Teessiders for now despite the lure of the top flight.
He told Ur Fresh TV: "It's always nice to hear praise, but when people say to me, 'you should be in the Premier League' and 'you should leave Middlesbrough', I'm like, 'No, I really enjoy it here'. I'm improving here every day."
Tottenham have also been linked with a move for the London-born star.
- Jack Figg
Good morning Man United fans
Man United are set to miss out on a huge lump sum after Andreas Pereira’s transfer to Flamengo collapsed, reports claim.
The Brazilian spent last season on loan with Flamengo who has the option to make his transfer permanent for just over £9m.
However, they have reportedly opted against activating the clause, the Mirror reported.
The Brazilian Serie A side wanted to extend his loan deal, but United rejected the proposal.
And now he’s headed back to Old Trafford this summer, the report adds.
Elsewhere, Crystal Palace are reportedly leading the race to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka on loan from Man United.
That’s according to 90min who claim United are willing to let Wan-Bissaka leave on loan this summer.
Meanwhile, Man United have lost youth coach Justin Cochrane to Brentford.
The Bees will reportedly name Cochrane as a first-team coach at the club.
He was swayed by the opportunity to work with Brentford boss Thomas Frank, according to The Athletic.
Finally, Louis Saha has slammed Paul Pogba for his comments about Man United.
Saha said: “All those quotes are unnecessary. When I look at all the legends they do their talking on the field. You’re doing a documentary, good for you, do it, if it provides the results you want, fine – I won’t judge that.
“But in terms of the respect for the team and [what the] player deserves, to provide results on the field, he hasn’t done that.
“I don’t think he will be happy with his era at Manchester United. It benefits the documentary but doesn’t benefit him or the club.”
- Justin Lawrence
De Jong leans towards Man United
Frenkie de Jong is leaning towards a move to Man United.
That's according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.
He told Give Me Sport: "But, I think, the noises we’re hearing is that there’s a willingness from all parties to do a deal.
"The fact that Erik ten Hag is at Manchester United, he’s their new manager and they’ve worked very closely together, and arguably he’s had the best form of his career under that manager.
"I think there is maybe a leaning towards ‘yes’ – he would be open to making that move to Old Trafford.”
- Justin Lawrence
Saha slams Paul Pogba
Louis Saha has slammed Paul Pogba for his comments about Man United.
Saha said: "All those quotes are unnecessary. When I look at all the legends they do their talking on the field. You’re doing a documentary, good for you, do it, if it provides the results you want, fine – I won’t judge that.
“But in terms of the respect for the team and [what the] player deserves, to provide results on the field, he hasn’t done that.
“I don’t think he will be happy with his era at Manchester United. It benefits the documentary but doesn’t benefit him or the club.”
- Justin Lawrence
Greenwood's next court hearing
Mason Greenwood will face a court bail hearing next week as an investigation continues following his arrest.
The Manchester United star will have his bail application heard in closed court next week after he was arrested on suspicion of raping and assaulting a woman.
An investigation into the allegations remains ongoing and Greater Manchester Police have applied to the courts to extend his bail.
The hearing will take place next Thursday June 23 at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court.
But the press and public won’t be allowed to attend – and Greenwood, 20, is not expected to be there.
- Justin Lawrence
Man United lose Cochrane
Man United have lost youth coach Justin Cochrane to Brentford.
The Bees will reportedly name Cochrane as a first-team coach at the club.
He was swayed by the opportunity to work with Brentford boss Thomas Frank, according to The Athletic.
Cochrane will be an extra member of Frank’s backroom team, the report adds.
- Justin Lawrence
Man United given transfer tips
Man United need to sign core players similar to Bruno Fernandes, according to Louis Saha.
He told Sky Sports: "I think the core of the team. Down the middle it’s very important from defence to striker. This has to be built with full confidence. So buy competition. Have players who can hit the ground straight away.
"We had a very special signing with Bruno Fernandes. That’s the type of calibre the team needs.
"I think at the moment the biggest signing is the manager. He needs to feel confident he can make an impact and signings would make a difference."
- Justin Lawrence
Palace lead Wan-Bissaka race
Crystal Palace are reportedly leading the race to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka on loan from Man United.
That's according to 90min who claim United are willing to let Wan-Bissaka leave on loan this summer.
And Palace are the favourites to land him, the report adds.
- Justin Lawrence
Eriksen race heats up
Ex-Liverpool ace Jose Enrique has urged his former side to pip Man United to sign Christian Eriksen.
He told The Athletic: "Another interesting player that could be our solution to our midfield and spending nothing because he [Eriksen] is a free agent.
"He is a short-term solution but then we can wait for [Jude] Bellingham next season.
"He will play if he deserves to play like everyone else."
- Justin Lawrence
Man United transfer fee blow
Man United are set to miss out on a huge lump sum after Andreas Pereira's transfer to Flamengo collapsed, reports claim.
The Brazilian spent last season on loan with Flamengo who has the option to make his transfer permanent for just over £9m.
However, they have reportedly opted against activating the clause, the Mirror reported.
The Brazilian Serie A side wanted to extend his loan deal, but United rejected the proposal.
And now he's headed back to Old Trafford this summer, the report adds.
- Justin Lawrence
David Beckham on Wag behaviour
David Beckham admits the England Wags of 2004 and 2006 – including his own wife Victoria – went “a bit too far” during major tournaments.
Speaking with ex-Manchester United teammate Gary Neville on The Overlap, Beckham said: “There was a lot of attention around the families but I always believed, as an England captain, having the kids around and wives or girlfriends wasn’t a bad thing.
“But looking back, that whole culture, there was a lot of attention, and whether people behaved themselves in the right manner… I don’t know.
“Even Victoria, she is the first to say when she looks back: ‘What was I doing? What was I wearing? Why would I do that?’ I think it went a bit too far.
“There was more spoken about the Wags than the football. At that time, for the players, you want to focus on the tournament rather than anything else.
“I do think it went too far but I do believe having them there at the right time is a good thing.”
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