JESSE LINGARD could be used as bait in Manchester United's pursuit of Jadon Sancho, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
Dortmund are keeping tabs on 28-year-old Lingard and are big admirers – which United may use in a move for one of their top targets in Sancho.
The 21-year-old ex-Man City ace is high on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s wish list again, after a failed swoop last summer.
The German giants are understood to want £100m – but that price could be brought down with the inclusion of Lingard.
Get all the latest Man Utd news and transfer updates here…
- Jake Lambourne
FREDY, SET, GO
Brazil coach Tite has lifted the lid on why he called Fred back to the national team set-up.
He told ESPN: "It's because of his performances.
"The high level that he has been showing at United, a team that is runner-up in the Premier League."
Fred has started 26 top-flight games for the Red Devils this term having forced his way back into the starting XI under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
- Jake Lambourne
CAV SOME OF THAT
Edinson Cavani has revealed why he rushed in to protect Mason Greenwood during the youngster's scuffle with Gianluca Mancini and Rick Karsdorp away at Roma.
He said: "There are times when you’re out there when I believe you need to protect and stand up for one of your team-mates.
"Sometimes because it might be down to a lack of experience on their part, and they might make a mistake. Many times, it is because you believe that a situation that they are involved in during a stand-off just isn’t fair.
"In that incident against Roma, what I felt was that he was arguing face to face with the Roma defender which is something that can happen in football.
"The next minute, a third guy came on the scene and began pushing him when he clearly wasn’t part of the original argument. I told him he should keep out of the incident and that’s why I went to help Mason and offer him some protection.
“I also tried to separate the players so the incident would calm down. We were in a key period of the game and he could have been given a red card.
"I got a yellow card for my trouble, but the main thing was really to protect and defend him and to try to prevent everything escalating further."
- Jake Lambourne
RON HIS WAY?
Cristiano Ronaldo won't be returning to Sporting Lisbon in the summer, according to his agent Jorge Mendes.
This works as a major boost for Manchester United, who are reportedly keen on a reunion with Ronaldo ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 36-year-old's mother, Dolores Aveiro, fuelled speculation that Ronaldo could return to Sporting after they won their first Primeira Liga title for the first time in 19 years.
She said: "I'll talk to him to bring him back. Next year he will play in Alvalade [Sporting's stadium]."
But agent Mendes poured cold water on that prospect, as he remarked: "Cristiano is proud of the title won by Sporting, in fact, as he has publicly demonstrated.
"But at the moment his career plans do not go through Portugal."
- Jake Lambourne
BIRTHDAY BOY
Man Utd legend Patrice Evra has turned 40 today.
The Frenchman won five Premier League titles during his time with the Red Devils, as well as three League Cups and one Champions League.
He left in 2014 to join Juventus after scoring ten goals in 379 appearances.
- Jake Lambourne
JAM FILLING
James Garner is hoping his loan spells at Watford and Nottingham Forest this season will see him be a regular for Man Utd next term.
Speaking to the Red Devils' official magazine Inside United, he said: "I
’ve been working hard, physically and mentally, and it’s something I’m trying to add into my game
.“Hopefully, when I come back at the end of the season, I’ll sit down with the coaches and see what’s best for me and what’s going to be best for my development. I’ll take it from there really.
"Commenting on his dream of being a regular United starter, he said: "
I think that’s ultimately the dream.
"
I’ve been at the club since seven or eight and the main focus is to be in the first team and do whatever takes to be with the first team.
“Like I’ve said, I’ll just keep working hard, keep my head down and have to see what is going to be best for my development. But, ultimately, my dream is to be with the first-team and play for United.
" - Jake Lambourne
FRED DEVIL
Man Utd midfielder Fred has earned himself a call-up to the Brazilian national team following his fine form.
The 28-year-old has not featured for the Selecao in almost two-and-a-half-years.
His last of his 11 outings came in October 2018 where he played 45 minutes against Saudi Arabia.
Taking to Twitter, Fred expressed his delight at being named in Tite's squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay.
He said: "Great joy to represent my country again. Always proud to be summoned. Let's go again!"
- Jake Lambourne
VAR-CICAL
Man Utd are reportedly battling Liverpool for the signing of Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the Reds have held talks with the Frenchman's entourage about a move to Anfield in the summer.
Los Blancos could cash in on the defender with the player having just a year left on his contract.
Real president Florentino Perez recently fuelled speculation the World Cup winner could depart.
He said: "Varane? I’m happy with our team. But if players don’t want to stay at Madrid they can leave.”
United are determined to sign a centre-half in the upcoming window as Ole Gunnar looks to find a partner for Harry Maguire.
- Jake Lambourne
DAY AND NIGHT
RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano has revealed that he nearly joined Premier League giants Man Utd.
But his parents advised him to ‘think carefully’ about the potential move.
Upamencano will link up with Bayern Munich in the summer.
Speaking to The Athletic, the Frenchman said: "I was a young boy. I wanted to sign for them straight away. Manchester United!
"But then my parents took me aside and said: ‘Let’s think carefully about this.
“We thought about it for a long time and then decided that going ‘etape par etape’ [step by step] was the best option for me.
“Everything Ralf [Rangnick] said came true.”
- Alex Terrell
LLOR AND ORDER
Manchester United are reportedly preparing a £68million bid for Atletico Madrid's Marcos Llorente.
The Red Devils are known to be huge admirers of the 26-year-old, having first targeted the midfielder in January 2020.
Llorente has been instrumental for Diego Simeone's men this season with Atletico on the brink of winning their first LaLiga title since 2014.
The ex-Real Madrid ace – who won the 2018 Champions League with Los Blancos – has chipped in with 13 goals and 12 assists in 43 games in all competitions this term.
His fine form hasn't gone unnoticed, and United were reportedly set to turn their interest into a formal offer in March.
And now the Mirror have stated the Europa League finalists are ready to make a £68m bid to secure Llorente's services.
- Jack Figg
GOOD MORNING RED DEVILS FANS
Manchester United have lined up Jadon Sancho and are willing to use Jesse Lingard as part of the deal to sign the Borussia Dortmund attacker.
West Ham boss David Moyes hopes Lingard will consider a permanent move from United after his success on loan.
The Red Devils have been linked with a move for Getafe midfielder Mauro Arambarri.
United are preparing to make an offer for Atletico Madrid midfielder Marcos Llorente.
The Europa League finalists are stepping their pursuit of Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.
- Simon Mail
NEAR AND VAR
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly lining up a £40million swoop for Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane.
Despite seeming certain to finish second in the Premier League and reaching the Europa League final, Manchester United are keen to strengthen their backline.
Missing Harry Maguire against Liverpool, United were ripped apart in their home defeat on Thursday.
Solskjaer wants to launch a move for Varane to play alongside captain Maguire in central defence.
The Frenchman, 28, has only 12 months left on his contract at the Bernabeu with talks over an extension having broken down.
And United believe they can secure his signature this summer for a fee of around £40m.
Credit: Getty - Simon Mail
VILE ABUSE
Manchester United midfielder Fred has been subjected to more horrific racist abuse on social media just two weeks after the social media boycott.
The Brazilian started for the Red Devils in their home defeat to Liverpool on Thursday evening.
And after the match he was sent the vile racist abuse via the comment section of an Instagram post from Man Utd's win over Aston Villa on Sunday.
Fred was subjected to vile abuse onlineCredit: Reuters The shocking remarks included racial slurs and 'monkey emojis'.
A Facebook spokesperson told Sky Sports: "The racist abuse on Fred's post is unacceptable and we don't want it on Instagram.
"We've removed a number of comments and taken action against the accounts that posted them.
"We encourage people to use our safety features, including Comment Filters and Message Controls, which can meaningfully decrease the abuse people experience.
"No single thing will fix this challenge overnight but we're committed to doing what we can to keep our community safe from abuse."
- Simon Mail
RED GREG
Has Conor McGregor thrown his hat in the ring to invest in Manchester United?
This might be a stretch but the UFC superstar has highlighted his support for the club by posting an image of him as a kid wearing a United shirt.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Conor McGregor Official (@thenotoriousmma)
- Joshua Mbu
'JESSE HAS ENJOYED HIMSELF'
West Ham boss David Moyes is hoping that on-loan Man Utd player Jesse Lingard considers a permanent move to the club in the summer.
But has admitted that he is not sure how realistic a move is.
“I am not actually sure how realistic it is,” said Moyes.
"Obviously, I think Jesse has enjoyed himself, I hope he has… we have enjoyed having him and he is Manchester United’s player so they can decide what to do with him – and if they want to let him go then let’s hope he would consider us as one of his options.
“We have enjoyed having him and I am sure he has enjoyed being here as well, he is getting a lot of accolades and is back in the England squad.
“I hope he goes on to make the Euros and in time we will find out if Jesse is going to be a Manchester United player or if he will play for somebody else.”
- Joshua Mbu
STAR MAN
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has had a good season for Man Utd1
- Joshua Mbu
MAUR THE MAN
According to Spanish newspaper Diario AS, Man Utd are interested in signing Getafe midfielder Mauro Arambarri in the summer.
The 25-year-old has impressed this season despite Getafe struggling in LaLiga.
And relegation is a possibility for the Spanish side.
Atletico Madrid are also believed to be interested in the midfielder who could be available for around £16million.
- Joshua Mbu
FERGUSON BACKS SOLSKJAER
Former Man Utd manager and cub legend Sir Alex Ferguson has backed current boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Ferguson believes that Solskjaer understands the fundamental principles that the club is built on.
“I think Ole was always very communicative,”
Sir Alex told the BBC:“Even when he was on the bench – and he spent a lot of time on the bench!
“He would take notes of training sessions and he had a will and way forward that he wanted to be a manager.
“For a club like Manchester United, it's a results industry. Without question. If you don't get results, questions are going to be asked.
"
He is getting results and has really done very well and, which is really important for this club, is to introduce young people.
“He has given young players a chance. I think that will always be the foundation of Manchester United.
"
From Matt Busby, from Alex Ferguson to what Ole is doing – the young guys, if they're good enough, play them. It's never a problem at this club.”
Credit: GETTY IMAGES - Joshua Mbu
STAT ATTACK
Bruno Fernandes is Man Utd's top-scorer this season!
The Portugal international also tops the charts in the assists department with 11. Important.
- Joshua Mbu
JESSE SPEAKS
Jesse Lingard has shared a video on Twitter thanking the fans for voting him Player of the Month, as well as voting for his goal against Wolves to win Goal of the Month.
The Man Utd player – on loan at West Ham – preached a message of hope, and told fans to 'be yourself'.
He said: "This is a great moment for me on a personal level after the difficulties of the past, so for me to pick up these two awards – POTM & GOTM – proves with a positive attitude and staying strong, you can achieve anything.
"This is for anyone who has ever been told they're not good enough, or that they need change who they are to fit in.
"I would always say stay true to yourself, be yourself, you know, keep dancing, keep doing what you love and I'm sure you'll reach your goals in the long run."
This is for anyone who has ever been told they're not good enough, or that they need change who they are to fit in.
Jesse Lingard
- Joshua Mbu
ON THIS DAY
On this day 14 years ago, current Man Utd boss played his last game for the club!
- Joshua Mbu
AT THE DOUBLE
Jesse Lingard was name Premier League Player of the Month earlier today,
And he has also added Goal of the Month to go alongside it! His solo effort in the win against Wolves won him the award.
- Joshua Mbu
POTM
Jesse Lingard – on loan at West Ham – has won Premier League POTM for April!
The midfielder scored four, including a stunning solo goal away at Wolves, and provided one assist.
- Joshua Mbu
MAIN MAN
Bruno Fernandes has been absolutely sensational since joining!
- Joshua Mbu
LINGARD STAY?
Former Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer believes that West Ham won't be able to afford Jesse Lingard this summer.
And that could mean that Lingard stays at Man Utd.
Speaking to Football FanCast, Palmer explained: " don’t think they’ll be able to get Lingard on a permanent deal. I think he’s played his way back into the Manchester United starting line-up.
"He we will have to see how he does, but he will probably start at the Euros.
“Manchester United are a massive club and West Ham just don’t pay that type of money on a regular basis and David Moyes knows that.”
- Joshua Mbu
LLORENTE ON THE RADAR
Manchester Utd are interested in signing Atletico Madrid's star midfielder Marcos Llorente, according to reports.
And the Red Devils are believed to be 'preparing' an offer worth £68million.
Spanish outlet AS are reporting that Atletico are desperate to tie the 26-year-old to a new deal despite his current deal expiring in 2024.
The versatile midfielder has been instrumental in Atletico's title charge, chipping in with 12 goals and providing 11 assists in LaLiga.
Llorente can play as a striker, winger and as a midfielder.
Llorente is one of the most versatile players in world footballCredit: GETTY IMAGES
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