Tag: Football

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Manchester United’s pursuit of Matthijs de Ligt may have hit a significant roadblock following a key transfer decision by Bayern Munich that could directly affect the Dutch defender’s future.

United have been keen on securing De Ligt this summer, especially after their recent signing, Leny Yoro, suffered an injury that will sideline him for at least three months.

Negotiations between United and Bayern had been ongoing, with personal terms reportedly already agreed upon with De Ligt.

However, the transfer discussions were put on pause as the Premier League club sought to raise funds through player sales.

Complicating matters further, Bayern Munich’s new defensive acquisition, Hiroki Ito, recently sustained an injury, leading the club to reconsider De Ligt’s potential sale.

This development could significantly diminish United’s chances of landing the 24-year-old center-back.

Initially, Bayern had plans to bring in Jonathan Tah as an additional defensive reinforcement, which would have facilitated De Ligt’s departure.

The Bundesliga giants had agreed on a deal with Bayer Leverkusen for Tah last month, but talks with the 28-year-old center-back have since stalled.

According to reports from the German outlet kicker, Bayern Munich has now decided against signing Tah, with some within the club expressing doubts about the player’s fit. This decision leaves United in a precarious position regarding their pursuit of De Ligt.

Glimmer of hope for United

Despite this setback, there remains a glimmer of hope for United. Bayern is still actively pursuing Rennes’ young talent, Désiré Doué, with a potential transfer fee of around €60 million. However, Bayern must first offload players to finance the move.

Given De Ligt’s high wages and his current role under Vincent Kompany, where he is not considered a first-choice starter, Bayern may still be open to selling the former Ajax star if the right offer comes in.

Talks between Bayern and United are believed to be ongoing, keeping the possibility of a transfer alive.

Additionally, United is also reportedly interested in signing Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern, potentially in a double deal involving both De Ligt and Mazraoui.

While the decision to pass on Tah has undoubtedly complicated matters, it has not completely closed the door on a potential move for De Ligt this summer, offering some hope for Erik ten Hag’s side as they navigate this challenging transfer window.

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When Scott Parker took over at Burnley Football Club, he probably didn’t expect to be speaking about Manchester United wanting to buy one of his players.

Although it did happen fairly recently, when Wout Weghorst swapped Turf Moor for Old Trafford, the chances of another player moving across the North West would have been extremely short.

Yet, here we are.

After Sky Sports reported that Manchester United want to sign Burnley midfielder Sander Berge, many were in disbelief.

Not because Berge is not a good player.

It’s mainly because everyone thought that Manuel Ugarte would be moving to Manchester instead.

But in what would be an epic sliding doors moment, it seems that an opportunity may have fallen on Berge’s lap instead.

Not surprisingly, the player himself wants to move to Old Trafford.

Having taken over from Vincent Kompany, Scott Parker must now be wondering whether he’ll be starting the new Championship season with Sander Berge in his squad.

Talking to talkSPORT ahead of the new season kicking off, Parker responded to questions asked about the link to United.

Host Andy Goldstein, known to be a MUFC fan himself, asked “I know Sander Berge has been linked to my club [Manchester United]. But that would be unprofessional of me to ask what the latest is there, so I won’t go there at all.

“Let me ask you though, how important are Norwegian defensive midfielders to Burnley this season?”

What did Scott Parker say about Sander Berge?

Responding to the question, Parker was keeping his hands close to his chest.

“I will just laugh that one off,” he responded.

“It’s like anything, I’m sure there will be movement this year with all sorts in terms of players coming in and players leaving.

“But individual situations… I wouldn’t want to comment on that.”

It seems that Scott Parker was rather non-committal one way or another when it comes to the future of Sander Berge.

The former Fulham and Bournemouth manager has been around the game long left to know that it will be hard for his side to keep Berge if United do come calling with a substantial offer.

His response seems to indicate that as well.

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With transfer deadline day only a matter of weeks away, United are looking at a number of targets to sign a midfielder this summer.

The main focus of this market has easily been PSG’s Manuel Ugarte.

Ugarte has already agreed personal terms with the Premier League side, with all now resting on the clubs coming to an agreement on the transfer fee.

Unfortunately there is a considerable difference between PSG’s valuation of €60 million and United’s offer of €35 million.

Acting proactively, United have been looking at other potential midfielders on their shortlist to not miss out elsewhere.

Now, it’s been reported that United are in regular contact for one of their previous targets.

United fight for Youssouf Fofana

Sky Sports have now confirmed that United are in continual “dialogue” with AS Monaco for Youssouf Fofana.

The report explains that there is a “deal to be done” for the midfielder this summer.

Fofana is entering his final year of contract, making it essential for Monaco to sell the star before he leaves for free next summer.

Speaking to OneFootball earlier this summer, Monaco’s CEO Thiago Scuro said: “There were good opportunities for him to leave last summer. It was his decision to stay because of his personal goals.”

He continued: “It was a very good decision for us because he had a very good and consistent season, for him too as it was probably his best season at AS Monaco.

“He is probably one of the players that we are open to selling. We will see the opportunities that he has. It is still too early to make a decision.”

It was previously understood that AC Milan have been leading the race for the France international’s signature. However, United’s re-entry into the fold appears to have blown it wide open, giving them a strong chance of signing Yousouf Fofana this summer.

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Former Manchester United goalkeeper, David de Gea is set to return to the pitch with the Spanish goalkeeper set to join a top Italian club.

The 33-year-old has spent a year away from football following his Premier League exit. After being replaced by Andre Onana,, de Gea left United as a free agent and decided to take abreak in his career to decide on his next steps.

The Spanish shotstopper spent 12 years at United joining from Atletico Madrid in 2011 for around £22 million. While at Old Trafford, de Gea performed incredibly, breaking and still holding United’s clean sheet record. The goalkeeper wracked up an impressive 35% clean sheet rate with 190 clean sheets in 545 matches.

This impressive ability helped the squad to win the Premier League in 2012/13, the FA Cup in 2016, the Europa League in 2016/17, as well as two Carabao Cup titles and three Community Shield victories.

Now, de Gea is negotiating a deal to see him return between the sticks in Serie A.

David de Gea and his next club

Sports journalist Gianluca di Marzio has announce that the record-breaking shot-stopper is currently in talks to join Italian club Fiorentina.

The player and club are in talks for a one-year contract including an option to etend by an extra year.

The Spanish star is yet to have played in Italy, having come through the Atletico Madrid youth academy before joining United.

Fiorentina are keen to strengthen their defence after coming eighth last season, only just getting into the UEFA Conference League.

It was previously reported that de Gea would be returning to football in Italy, however with discussions talking place to join Genoa. However, with a bigger club like Fiorentina knocking, it’s understandable that the iconic goalkeeper would look to the Florence-based side instead.

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Manchester United are desperate to sign a midfielder this summer and now one of their key targets has commented that he wants to join the Red Devils.

United are frantically scouring the market for alternatives to PSG’s Manuel Ugarte who is looking less and less likely to move to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have recently entered discussion with Barcelona for Frenkie de Jong. The Dutchman has been a long-term target for United, with the summer of 2022 spent focussing on securing the midfielder.

United are also re-entering the race for AS Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana, set to do battle with AC Milan who are negotiating a transfer fee with the Ligue 1 club.

News has recently emerged of another target of United’s, Martin Zubimendi agreeing to join Premier League rivals Liverpool.

Now, United received a bit of a boost, with one of their key targets has indicated that he would love a move to Old Trafford.

Sander Berge wants to join United

Burnley midfielder Sander Berge has become a recent target for United, with the midfielder looking to remain in the Premier League after Burnley were recently relegated.

Sky Sports have recently reported that Berge wants to move to Old Trafford this summer.

We know that the Red Devils have already agreed personal terms with the 26-year-old who will be o £100,000 per week at United.

It’s also understood that the newly demoted Championship side are looking for £30 million for the star, however United are currently only looking to spend £20 million.

The news of the Norwegian wanting to move to Old Trafford may work in United’s favour by pushing for the move on his end, adding pressure to Burnley to agree a deal.

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Manchester United’s goal-scoring woes were a significant issue last season.

The Red Devils endured extended periods where they struggled to find the back of the net, resulting in numerous matches ending in draws or losses when they could have been victories.

Preseason has shown that United’s scoring difficulties persist. The match against Liverpool highlighted this problem.

Despite dominating the game and creating numerous chances, United failed to score, while Liverpool capitalised on their limited opportunities, netting three goals.

In an effort to address this issue, United brought in Joshua Zirkzee early in the transfer window and reintegrated Jadon Sancho into the team again, providing more attacking options.

However, the club’s struggles in offloading players have not deterred the new management from seeking additional talent before the window closes.

Recent rumors suggest United may look to add more attacking depth, with Ivan Toney once again being linked to the club.

United interested in signing Argentina attacker

Reports now indicate that United have reportedly turned their attention to Fiorentina and Argentina attacker Nicolas González.

According to Spanish outlet Marca, via Fichajes, United have identified a surprise candidate to strengthen their attack.

The report states, “the latest target that is now being discussed at Old Trafford undoubtedly gives a high margin for surprise.”

It continues, “The British have on their agenda none other than Nico González, a 26-year-old Argentine who is a key piece of Fiorentina.”

Gonzalez is described as a “player of great quality” and someone who is “undoubtedly liked by big teams.” His transfer would likely “require a high outlay.”

The Argentine, who was part of the Copa America-winning squad in 2021, had an impressive season last year, scoring 16 goals and providing five assists as Fiorentina reached the final of the Conference League.

The 26-year-old has been labeled as “a very versatile offensive player that can fulfil multiple roles.”

He possesses “the speed and trickery in 1vs1 of a winger, the vision to find space of an attacking midfielder, and the ability to get into good finishing positions, as well as to convert them, of a striker.”

Should United manage to sell Antony or if Jadon Sancho moves on, the team could be left short in the wing areas.

Gonzalez’s versatility would undoubtedly be valuable.

Additionally, with Rasmus Hojlund sidelined for six weeks at the start of the season, there is added pressure on new signing Zirkzee.

The arrival of another goalscorer would certainly ease the Dutchman’s transition period.

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Recently relegated Burnley have now revealed their asking price for Manchester United target Sander Berge.

United are now looking to the midfielder following their deal for Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte stalling.

The Red Devils are also renewing interest in some of their previous midfield targets.

Early talks have begun with Barcelona around long-term target Frenkie de Jong, with United also re-entering the race for AS Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana.

However, United have now received more information to support their pursuit of Berge.

Burnley reveal valuation of Sander Berge

United have already been in contact with the Norwegian’s representatives, and now, the Premier League side know what the have to work with when negotiating with Burnley.

It’s understood that personal terms have been discussed, with the 26-year-old set to earn £100,000 per week at Old Trafford. However, the talks between clubs remain in the way of the holding midfielder moving to Manchester.

The Sun have reported that the Championship side have announced their asking price of £30 million.

It’s understood that United are happy to offer £20 million, however this still falls short by £10 million.

Berge arrived at Burnley last summer from Sheffield United for £12 million, giving the Clarets a £8 million increase on their return for the midfield if they were to accept United’s initial offer.

Since arriving at Burnley, Berge has become a stand out player for the squad and has proven experience in the Premier League with a year at Turf Moor and two seasons with Sheffield United. Overall the star has made 66 Premier League appearances to his name, with three goals and four assists.

The Norwegian international also has 46 caps under his belt playing alongside close friends Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard who have also been lighting up the Premier League.

If a move to United is indeed going to complete this summer, then the midfielder will see himself once more facing off against his countrymen, including in the Manchester Derby against Haaland.

However, a deal may not be quite so imminent, with new boss Scott Parker reportedly happy to hold out for the £30 million with the club having a £100 million parachute payment behind them.

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Erik ten Hag is keen to strengthen his midfield this summer with players like Casemiro and Christian Eriksen starting to falter. Unfortunately for United however, the club may be set to miss out on one of their key targets, with the Spanish midfielder set to join rivals Liverpool.

When it comes to the midfield, United have been solely focus on PSG’s Manuel Ugarte for some time now. However, the deal is still not complete with the two clubs struggling to agree a transfer fee.

However, by holding out for Ugarte, United are falling behind in the race for a number of their alternate targets.

The Red Devils looked to AS Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana, however AC Milan now appear to be front runners in negotiations, whilst Arsenal appear to be in the lead to sign Adrien Rabiot.

Now, United look set to miss out on another one of their targets.

Liverpool set to sign Martin Zubimendi

Whilst United have been looking at Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi as a strong option alongside Kobbie Mainoo, it looks like Liverpool have beaten them to it.

Reports from Spainish publication Relevo have announced that Zubimendi has agreed to a move to Anfield.

Previously the midfielder has rejected the likes of Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Barcelona, however he seems to be quite happy with a move to join Arne Slot’s side.

The 25-year-old had a great showing at Euro 2024 in Germany, where he was part of the Spanish team to lift the trophy. The energy he showed throughout his four appearances at the tournament showed what he was capable, injecting pace into the game when he came onto the pitch.

It’s unsurprising that so many top teams have been knocking on Sociedad’s door for the star, however this could be a wake up call for United.

With a number of players now appearing to be swaying elsewhere, the Red Devils seem to be on the back foot for a number of major targets as the transfer window draws on.

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Fulham had been heavily linked with Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay.

Manchester United, on the other hand, have been linked with a range of midfielders who could potentially replace McTominay in the squad.

After having two bids rejected by United, it’s now believed that Fulham have moved on.

In what could be quite an ironic plot twist, Fulham are now seemingly after a player that has been recently linked with a move to Old Trafford.

Shortly after news emerged that United were moving on from Manuel Ugarte, all sorts of names were being reported in the media as to who was the alternative to the PSG midfielder.

One of those names have been linked with a move to England for a very long time.

Fluminense midfielder Andre Trindade first came to the attention of English football fans when he was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool.

Before the Merseysiders brought in Wataru Endo, many believe that Andre was on the way to join Jurgen Klopp’s side.

However, nothing emerged from that.

More recently, Andre has been linked with Manchester United as well as Fulham.

And now it seems that Fulham have had two bids rejected for the midfielder.

South America football expert Tim Vickery was on talkSPORT and discussed the current state of affairs for Andre.

Fulham’s Andre bid rejected by Fluminense

According to Vickery, Fulham have offered between £20-£25m for the midfielder, but Fluminense have said no.

Vickery believes that the value of Andre, who is only just coming back from a long term injury, has gone down since Liverpool were in for him. So the Brazilian side may need to take whatever they can now.

Fuham’s biggest challengers for his signature are labelled as Manchester United, who Vickery claims have been looking at the player. He’s believed to be a player who could play alongside Kobbie Mainoo in that United midfield and cost a lot less than Manuel Ugarte too.

So it seems that there might be something there.

If Andre can show the form that caught the eye of several clubs last season and can be purchased at a reasonable price, he could prove to be a shrewd signing for Manchester United.

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West Ham United’s pursuit of Aaron Wan-Bissaka may be coming to an end with the London-based side looking at other alternatives.

Wan-Bissaka has been at the centre of intense interest from both West Ham United and Inter Milan. Whilst the right-back had agreed personal terms with The Hammers for a five year contract, the player and club had not fully agreed on a wage value.

West Ham appeared content with United’s asking price of £18 million, however Wan-Bissaka’s representatives were pushing for the 26-year-old to receive some of the fee.

The defender was well aware that this is United’s final chance of cashing in on him, with his contract ending next summer, meaning he could sign on to a new club for free in January, ready to next summer.

Ultimately this means he could get an even bigger signing bonus, yet the deal being cheaper for the club. This option is one being strongly considered by Inter, with Wan-Bissaka keen on a move from the Premier League.

Now, it looks as though West Ham are backing away from the deal, with the club unable to come to an agreement for a deal.

West Ham identify Wan-Bissaka alternatives

The Telegraph have reported that although Wan-Bissaka is still highly regarded by West Ham, the club can’t “trash out” a deal for the right back.

The Hammers are now turning to Newcastle United’s Kieran Trippier as their new key target for right-back.

The London-based club had also looked at Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters, however it appears to be Trippier who is solely in their sights.

The regular Newcastle captain arrived at Newcastle in 2022 from Atletico Madrid for €14 million (£12 million) and has since helped the Magpies qualify for the Champions League.

This summer, much like Wan-Bissaka, sees Trippier entering the final year of his contract, making it the last transfer window for Newcastle to make a sale with the defender.

With West Ham now looking elsewhere, the ball appears to be in Inter Milan’s court, but the question is will they bid for him now, or can they make it through another season without him before they could sign him on a free?

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