MANUEL AKANJI prefers to join Manchester United over Arsenal in the summer, reports suggest.
The Borussia Dortmund defender, 27, has been informed that he is no longer part of Dortmund manager Edin Terzic's plans and won't be used in the team's remaining pre-season games.
Elsewhere, United have been linked with a move for Ajax star Antony all summer, but now Liverpool have joined the battle for his signature.
And wantaway Cristiano Ronaldo is continuing to train alone as the Manchester United forward keeps up his his fitness in his native Portugal.
The 37-year-old has informed the Red Devils of his desire to leave this summer after the club failed to secure Champions League football.
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- Justin Lawrence
Ronaldo's played last United game
Cristiano Ronaldo will not play another game for Man United.
That's according to media guru Piers Morgan who told talkSPORT: "I have had quite a lot of contact in the last week.
"I certainly think it'd be highly unlikely if Cristiano Ronaldo plays another game for Manchester United.
"I just think mentally he's moved on. I'm not going to say what we've said to each other but like I said from the start I don't think Cristiano feels Manchester United share his ambitions.
"I think he feels that the signings they're making, the commitment they showed last season, where they finished up and a lack of Champions League football."
- Justin Lawrence
Keane gives United transfer tips
Roy Keane has told Man United the areas they need to strengthen in ahead of the new season.
Keane reckons the whole squad's core needs replenishing.
But his main focus is United's midfield department.
The Irishman said to Sky Bet: "Off the top of my head it’s the midfield.
"They need some top quality players in the middle. They need some physicality, some energy. That’s where I’d start.
"Of course, the whole core of the team needs improving… the full-backs, the striker and I’m not convinced with the goalkeeper either."
- Justin Lawrence
Akanji prefers United over Arsenal
Borussia Dortmund ace Manuel Akanji prefers to join Manchester United over Arsenal in the summer, reports suggest.
Akanji, 27, has been informed that he is no longer part of Dortmund manager Edin Terzic's plans and won't be used in the team's remaining pre-season games.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Bundesliga outfit are looking to offload the centre-back as soon as possible and are searching for a club to pay his £21million release clause.
Arsenal are among the clubs that have been offered the chance to sign the Switzerland international.
However, the 27-year-old would rather join Erik ten Hag's revolution at United.
- Justin Lawrence
Lingard 'poised for Forest move'
Jesse Lingard is on the brink of completing a move to Nottingham Forest, reports claim.
The winger left United for free this summer after being deemed surplus to requirements.
But he could remain in the Premier League with Forest who have tabled an exorbitant offer to the former England star, according to The Guardian.
Forest are said to be in advanced talks with Lingard, and will smash their wage structure to complete the transfer, it was added.
- Justin Lawrence
United face De Jong competition
Man United's hopes of signing Frenkie de Jong could be upended by Chelsea.
The Red Devils have been aggressively pursuing De Jong this summer, although the midfielder wants to stay with Barcelona.
However, the Blues are also eager on De Jong, and plan to table a bid for him in the next few hours, Foot Mercato reported.
It comes another United rival, Liverpool, plotted a coup to snatch Ajax ace Anthony from the Old Trafford giant's grasp.
- Justin Lawrence
Man United face Anthony heartache
Man United could face transfer heartache with rivals Liverpool approaching Ajax over Antony, according to reports.
United had hoped of reuniting Ten Hag with Antony, 22, who is rated at £59million by Ajax.
However, according to Football Insider, Man Utd could miss out on Antony with rivals Liverpool approaching Ajax over the player.
- Justin Lawrence
De Jong used as centre-back
Man United target Frenkie de Jong was used as a defender in Barcelona's 6-0 win over Inter Miami.
Barca and United have already agreed to price over De Jong.
But the Dutch midfielder has been reluctant to leave to Nou Camp.
And he was deployed as a centre-back as the club trounced David Beckham's side.
- Justin Lawrence
De Beek's optimism
Donny van de Beek has put his Man United resurgence down to the club's new manager Erik ten Hag.
He said after playing a starring role in United's pre-season win over Crystal Palace: "Of course you think a lot about football, but you have to stay yourself and never change as a player.
"It also depends on which manager is in the club and which kind of players he likes.
"I just do my best and I have to push every day. Everyone can improve, me as well, so I am always looking at how I can improve."
- Jack Figg
Morning, United fans
Bruno Fernandes has praised three Red Devils who could replace Cristiano Ronaldo – but Chelsea want United's top target Frenkie de Jong.
Midfielder Fernandes hailed ‘aggressive’ front trio Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford after a third win in three friendlies without Ronaldo.
Martial netted his third tour goal and Rashford his second in yesterday's 3-1 defeat of Crystal Palace in Melbourne.
And Fernandes told MUTV: "We are feeling good, obviously the result helps a bit but we are playing good football.
“There are a lot of things to improve yet but we have time to get ready before the first game of the season.
“I think we have been much more aggressive, firstly the three guys up front… when they press they really press."
Meanwhile, Donny van de Beek backed United skipper Harry Maguire after he was booed at the game in front of 76,499.
VDB said: “I heard it as well… But I think if I saw the game I think Harry was playing really well.
“He was aggressive, he got so many balls, so that means he has a big personality."
It comes as Chelsea have reportedly told Barcelona they want Holland star De Jong.
Ronaldo’s partner Georgina Rodriguez is said to be keen on the wantaway striker returning to Madrid – amid interest from his old club Real's big rivals Atletico.
Finally, West Ham are closing on ex-loanee Jesse Lingard, but Nottingham Forest are also being linked with the United midfielder.
- Ian Tuckey
De Ligt confirms Prem snub for Bayern
Bayern Munich have confirmed the signing of defender Matthijs de Ligt from Juventus.
The 22-year-old Holland international had been heavily linked with Chelsea after talks over a new deal with Juve broke down.
But he has now snubbed the Blues in favour of sealing a transfer to the German champions in a deal which runs until 2027.
Speaking about the move, he told the club website: “I’m very happy to become a player for this great club.
“FC Bayern are the most successful club in Germany, one of the most successful clubs in Europe and in the world.
“I felt the genuine appreciation from the sporting management, the coach and the board right from the start, which convinced me.
“On top of that, FC Bayern is a brilliantly run club with big aims. I’m very glad that I’m now becoming part of the FC Bayern story.”
- Ian Tuckey
Was Fernandes having dig at Ron?
Bruno Fernandes praised ‘aggressive’ front three Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford after Manchester United made it three wins in three friendlies without Cristiano Ronaldo.
Martial netted his third tour goal and Rashford his second in today’s 3-1 defeat of Crystal Palace at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
United midfielder Fernandes told MUTV: ‘We feeling good, obviously the result helps a bit but we playing good football.
“There are a lot of things to improve yet but we have time to get ready before the first game of the season
“I think we have been much more aggressive, firstly the three guys up front they have been really aggressive, when they press they really press, really strong to squeeze the last line and make the midfielder come a little bit higher.
“When we recover the ball we are closer to the goal too. We have freedom also when we recover the ball, there is loads of space in the middle and we are playing much better on the ball too.”
Ronaldo’s Portugal team-mate added: “We all know everyone wants to score goals but the main ones are the strikers.
“They know they are there to give us goals, they are doing really well and we have to keep support on them to keep them happy. They live for goals so we have to give that to them.”
- Ian Tuckey
Red Devils favourites if Dembele leaves Lyon
Manchester United have been priced as the leaders of the race to sign Lyon forward Moussa Dembele.
Sky Bet place United at 5/1 favourites to sign the former Fulham striker, ahead of Southampton, Arsenal and West Ham.
The Red Devils face a shortage of strikers currently, with only Cristano Ronaldo and Anthony Martial as recognised ‘number nines’ at the club currently.
And both of their futures at the club are uncertain.
Sky Bet odds
Manchester United – 5/1
Southampton – 6/1
Arsenal – 8/1
West Ham – 12/1Martial was sent on loan to Sevilla for the latter half of last season after falling out of favour at Old Trafford, but has lead the line impressively in United’s pre-season friendlies so far, scoring in all three games.
Ronaldo has not made the trip to Thailand and Australia, citing personal reasons, and has also made his intentions clear that he wants to play Champions League football next season, which Manchester United cannot offer.
The Portuguese came out saying he wishes to leave the club, but is finding a new one hard to come by.
New United manager Erik ten Hag has since said the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is in his plans for next season and is not for sale.
- Ian Tuckey
Chelsea tipped to join Frenkie race
Chelsea have told Barcelona they want Manchester United's prime target Frenkie de Jong, reports say.
The Holland midfielder has seemed reluctant to move, even though United hoped they had agreed a fee last week.
And with Chelsea hovering in the background for the past two weeks,it's now claimed their interest has got serious.
that's a big blow to the Red Devils as De Jong could already be valued as highly as £72million.
- Ian Tuckey
Bruno hails United frontline
Bruno Fernandes praised 'aggressive' front three Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford after Manchester United made it three wins in three friendlies without Cristiano Ronaldo.
Martial netted his third tour goal and Rashford his second in today's 3-1 defeat of Crystal Palace at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
United midfielder Fernandes told MUTV: ‘We feeling good, obviously the result helps a bit but we playing good football.
"There are a lot of things to improve yet but we have time to get ready before the first game of the season
"I think we have been much more aggressive, firstly the three guys up front they have been really aggressive, when they press they really press, really strong to squeeze the last line and make the midfielder come a little bit higher.
"When we recover the ball we are closer to the goal too. We have freedom also when we recover the ball, there is loads of space in the middle and we are playing much better on the ball too."
Ronaldo's Portugal team-mate added: "We all know everyone wants to score goals but the main ones are the strikers.
"They know they are there to give us goals, they are doing really well and we have to keep support on them to keep them happy. They live for goals so we have to give that to them."
- Ian Tuckey
Clauss set to snub Prem giants for Marseille
Several Premier League clubs have been linked with Lens wing-back Jonathan Clauss this summer including Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United.
Indeed, United were reported to have submitted a €7m bid yesterday afternoon and were thought to be in advanced talks.
However, the news this morning is that the players has agreed a move to Marseille.
Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Jonathan Clauss will undergo medical tests as new OM player in the morning.
“Full agreement completed after the opening bid made 10 days ago, Lens have accepted €8m fee. Manchester United links, wide of mark.”
- Ian Tuckey
De Jong knuckles down to Barca training
Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong looks like he is enjoying pre-season with Barcelona – with his proposed move to Old Trafford still up in the air.
A broad agreement for a £72million deal is already in place, according to Sportsmail.
The Netherlands midfielder, 25, was put through his paces in a training session in Florida ahead of today’s friendly against Phil Neville’s Inter Miami.
The La Liga giants held an open training session in front of fans in Miami ahead of the clash with David Beckham’s club.
New United boss Erik ten Hag was De Jong’s boss at Ajax and is keen to put him at the centre of his rebuilding job at Old Trafford.
But negotiations are dragging on and the star is now undergoing his summer prep work with the Catalans rather than the Red Devils.
Sportsmail say one of the sticking points is that De Jong “is embroiled in a contract stand-off with cash-strapped Barcelona, who owe him more than £17m in deferred wages.”
They reveal Barca chiefs are “desperate to get the Dutchman’s wages off their books to abide with Financial Fair Play rules.”
- Ian Tuckey
Hammers step up Lingard talks but Forest keen too
West Ham are continuing talks with Jesse Lingard over a return to the club – but face competition from Nottingham Forest.
Hammers boss David Moyes is keen to see the former Manchester United midfielder back at the London Stadium on a free transfer this summer.
Lingard, 29, shone across a six month spell in the second half of the 2020/21 season, scoring nine goals in 16 appearances for the Hammers to help fire them to a top six finish.
West Ham tried to bring Lingard back last summer as well as in January but could not strike a deal with Manchester United.
However, the east Londoners are now facing competition from newly promoted Nottingham Forest who are keen to bring Lingard to the City Ground.
There are fears at the London Stadium that Forest may be offering a bigger wage than the Hammers are willing to, though they are able to offer European football next season.
The England international left Old Trafford at the end of his contract last month and has been training alone to remain fit for a new club.
He is thought to be holding out for a contract in the region of £180,000 a week.
- Ian Tuckey
Georgina 'wants Spain return for Ron'
Cristiano Ronaldo's partner Georgina Rodriguez wants him to return to Madrid, according to reports.
The Manchester United star is pushing for an Old Trafford exit this summer, having not attended their pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia.
Ronaldo, 37, wants to leave the Red Devils to contend for the biggest trophies in the latter stages of his career.
According to Spanish newspaper Diario Sport, however, there are also other reasons.
They claim that Georgina wants to return to Spain, with Madrid top of the list.
Georgina and Cristiano met in the Spanish capital in 2016, when the forward was playing for Real.
But he could return to the city to represent rivals Atletico. Boss Diego Simeone is interested in bringing the Portuguese star back to LaLiga.
- Ian Tuckey
Utd & Chelsea target Clauss has Marseille medical
Jonathan Clauss is undergoing a medical at Marseille ahead of a £6.8million move from Lens, according to reports.
Manchester United and Chelsea have both been tracking the full-back.
But he appears set to snub the Premier League to stay in Ligue 1.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Clauss is on the verge of signing for Marseille after arriving in the city to undergo his medical.
Despite strong interest in the 29-year-old wing-back from England, Lens have accepted just £6.8m for him from a Ligue 1 rival.
He will join Granada's Luis Suarez as a new addition for l'OM. Clauss had just one year remaining on his Lens contract.
He joined them in 2020 after working his way up the leagues in France and then Germany.
Clauss played in the French lower divisions before signing for second-tier German side Arminia Bielefield. After joining Lens following their promotion to Ligue 1, Clauss made his first ever top-flight appearance aged 28.
- Ian Tuckey
Villarreal close on Cavani
Villarreal are in talks to sign former Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani on a free transfer.
The 35-year-old is without a club following the expiry of his contract at Old Trafford, and could be heading to LaLiga for the first time.
According to journalist Ekrem Konur, the Yellow Submarine have tabled a two-year deal for the Uruguayan international, and he is expected to join the club in the coming days.
- Ian Tuckey
Red Devils favourites if Dembele leaves Lyon
Manchester United have been priced as the leaders of the race to sign Lyon forward Moussa Dembele.
Sky Bet place United at 5/1 favourites to sign the former Fulham striker, ahead of Southampton, Arsenal and West Ham.
The Red Devils face a shortage of strikers currently, with only Cristano Ronaldo and Anthony Martial as recognised 'number nines' at the club currently.
And both of their futures at the club are uncertain.
Sky Bet odds
Manchester United – 5/1
Southampton – 6/1
Arsenal – 8/1
West Ham – 12/1Martial was sent on loan to Sevilla for the latter half of last season after falling out of favour at Old Trafford, but has lead the line impressively in United's pre-season friendlies so far, scoring in all three games.
Ronaldo has not made the trip to Thailand and Australia, citing personal reasons, and has also made his intentions clear that he wants to play Champions League football next season, which Manchester United cannot offer.
The Portuguese came out saying he wishes to leave the club, but is finding a new one hard to come by.
New United manager Erik ten Hag has since said the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is in his plans for next season and is not for sale.
- Ian Tuckey
Bayern complete De Ligt deal
Bayern Munich have signed Juventus centre-back Matthijs on a five-year deal.
Chelsea and even Man Utd were linked with the Holland defender.
- Ian Tuckey
Hammers closing on Lingard
West Ham are reportedly winning the race to sign Jesse Lingard.
The in-demand England midfielder is a free agent after his contract with Manchester United expired last month.
Sky Sports report he has other offers on the table but favours a return to the London Stadium.
Reporter Dharmesh Sheth tweeted: "West Ham United in negotiation with Jesse Lingard's representatives.
"[There is a] growing feeling the player will choose to return to the club. He has other Premier League offers."
Lingard joined David Moyes' Irons in January 2021 as the sun started to set on his Old Trafford career.
He reminded everyone of his quality with nine goals in 16 appearances for a side which now regularly secures European football.
- Ian Tuckey
Donny backs booed Maguire
Harry Maguire was backed by his teammates after suffering barracking for Manchester United's 3-1 friendly win over Crystal Palace in Melbourne.
The Old Trafford skipper was booed for most of the first half from sections of the 76,499 crowd.
But teammate Donny van de Beek said: “I heard it as well. I didn't know really what happened.
“But I think if I saw the game I think Harry was playing really well.
“He was aggressive, he got so many balls, so that means he has a big
personality.“He has a lot of experience, so I think that's positive what he
showed in his performance.” - Ian Tuckey
De Jong knuckles down to Barca training
Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong looks like he is enjoying pre-season with Barcelona – with his proposed move to Old Trafford still up in the air.
A broad agreement for a £72million deal is already in place, according to Sportsmail.
The Netherlands midfielder, 25, was put through his paces in a training session in Florida ahead of today's friendly against Phil Neville's Inter Miami.
The La Liga giants held an open training session in front of fans in Miami ahead of the clash with David Beckham's club.
New United boss Erik ten Hag was De Jong's boss at Ajax and is keen to put him at the centre of his rebuilding job at Old Trafford.
But negotiations are dragging on and the star is now undergoing his summer prep work with the Catalans rather than the Red Devils.
Sportsmail say one of the sticking points is that De Jong "is embroiled in a contract stand-off with cash-strapped Barcelona, who owe him more than £17m in deferred wages."
They reveal Barca chiefs are "desperate to get the Dutchman's wages off their books to abide with Financial Fair Play rules."
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