MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly leading the race for Dutch winger Cody Gakpo, who could cost around £30million.
The PSV star, who has also been linked with Leeds, is said to have snubbed a move to Elland Road.
Elsewhere, goalkeeper David de Gea has hinted that he wouldn't be against signing a new long-term contract at Old Trafford.
De Gea's £375,000-a-week deal is set to expire in the summer but the Spaniard reportedly wants to stay as United's number one in between the sticks.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 700th club goal in Manchester United's crucial 2-1 win at Everton and has been praised the Toffees' boss Frank Lampard.
The Everton boss admitted that reaching the landmark is "outstanding" and labelled Ronaldo as one of the greatest players of all time.
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- Sam Dymond
Carrick in line for Boro job
Michael Carrick is said to have his pick of two Championship jobs as he prepares to take his first steps into full time management.
The former Manchester United player and coach is understood to be wanted by both Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion.
Indeed, the Football Insider believe that Carrick is in advanced talks with Boro, and could agree to become their new boss this week.
However, Albion will provide competition, having placed the ex-midfield ace at the top of their managerial shortlist.
The second tier clubs have recently parted with bosses Chris Wilder and Steve Bruce respectively.
- Sam Dymond
Leicester linked again to Donny
Donny van de Beek has once again been linked with a move to Leicester City.
The Dutch midfielder has been told he is surplus to requirements at Manchester United after a nightmare two years at the club.
It was hoped that a reunion with former boss Erik ten Hag would kickstart his Old Trafford career, but together they have been unable to replicate the success the 25-year-old had at Ajax.
And not even a loan spell at Everton last season could help play Van de Beek into form.
However, according to transfers journalist Ekrem Konur, the Foxes are going to hand the player another chance at cracking the Premier League.
It's said that Brendan Rodgers' outfit will make a €15m approach in January.
- Anthony Chapman
Morning, United fans
Manchester United chiefs want Jude Bellingham but manager Erik ten Hag would still prefer to sign Frenkie de Jong.
And the Red Devils are favourites to land Cody Gakpo, while speculation over Diogo Dalot continues.
That's the pick of the overnight transfer gossip, amid more claims that Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to stay for the rest of the season.
There could be disagreement between Old Trafford supremos and Ten Hag over who United's main midfield transfer target should be.
The Dutchman reportedly regards De Jong as “virtually irreplaceable” despite missing out on the Barcelona star in the summer.
And it's thought Ten Hag has stayed in touch with Barca over his fellow countryman,
But club bigwigs are said to hope the Red Devils pursue 19-year-old Borussia Dortmund hero Bellingham.
PSV Eindhoven's Holland winger Gakpo, 23, has ruled out joining Leeds, which leaves United well placed if they come up with a £30million offer.
And there's still talk of Barcelona, Juventus and Roma monitoring right-back Dalot.
Finally, France could omit United frontman Anthony Martial from their World Cup squad due to his injury record.
- Ian Tuckey
‘Red Devils in pole place for Cody'
Manchester United target Cody Gakpo is reportedly ‘no longer keen on a move’ to Leeds.
PSV Eindhoven’s Holland winger, 23, was said to have agreed personal terms with Jesse Marsch’s men.
But it now appears United are well placed to sign Gakpo – if they match PSV’s £30million valuation.
The Athletic say Leeds have been told Gakpo has now ruled out a move to the mid-table side.
- Ian Tuckey
Ten Hag ‘clashes over Frenkie and Bellingham’
Erik ten Hag has reportedly clashed with Manchester United chiefs over midfield transfer targets Jude Bellingham and Frenkie de Jong.
It’s claimed Ten Hag would still prefer to come back in for Barcelona’s De Jong, but club supremos prefer 19-year-old Borussia Dortmund hero Bellingham.
United failed to land Holland ace De Jong in the summer despite having a £64million bid accepted.
And the Independent say Ten Hag has stayed in touch with Barca.
The Express say the Dutchman rates De Jong as a “virtually irreplaceable” part of his jigsaw for reviving the Red Devils.
Liverpool and Chelsea have also been linked with England ace Bellingham.
- Ian Tuckey
Neville hails Bukayo
Gary Neville reckons Bukayo Saka has “everything you’d want in a young wide player”.
England star Saka struck twice as Arsenal sunk Liverpool to return top of the Prem yesterday.
And Manchester United legend Neville: told his weekly post-game Podcast on YouTube: “He is a big talent. Tough kid. When you watch him he looks like he wants the ball all the time.
“He’s enthusiastic, he brings life to the crowd, sparks the crowd, everything that you’d want in a young wide player.
“He works back, he’s tenacious, he’s a really good player, a really really fantastic player.”
- Ian Tuckey
Red Devils make Dream Day for fans
Manchester United players made precious memories for excited fans at the club foundation's 'Dream Day'.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 37, and England star Harry Maguire were among the stars helping out at the event.
Marcus Rashford, Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, David De Gea, and Lisandro Martinez all made appearances among the first team squad.
The heart-warming session was for fans who suffer from serious and life-limiting illnesses.
The supporters traveled from across the country to meet the Old Trafford icons and watch them train at the Carrington HQ.
It gave the children a chance to meet their heroes and have photos taken and autographs signed.
It was the first Dream Day to take place since 2019 due to Covid.
Club captain Maguire was chuffed to have been part of the festivities and explained why it is so crucial.
The centre-back said: "We know how much these days mean to our club; ever since I joined the club, it's been clear to me how much we do in the community and how important that is.
"Putting smiles on fans' faces and making them happy is what it's all about. We've really missed days like this, so it's great to have fans back."
- Ian Tuckey
'Utd target Gakpo rules out Leeds move'
Manchester United target Cody Gakpo is reportedly 'no longer keen on a move’ toLeeds.
PSV Eindhoven's Holland winger, 23, was said to have agreed personal terms with Jesse Marsch's men.
But it now appears United are well placed to sign Gakpo – if they match PSV's £30million valuation.
The Athletic say Leeds have been told Gakpo has now ruled out a move to the mid-table side.
- Ian Tuckey
Martial's World Cup fear
Anthony Martial could face World Cup heartbreak and miss out on selection over his injury record, according to reports, writes TONY ROBERTSON.
The Manchester United forward has struggled with injuries this season which has seen him earn meagre minutes on the pitch.
And despite his impressive record when playing this season, his persistent injuries are set to rule him out of contention for France in their World Cup squad selection.
According to RMC, Didier Deschamps looks set to snub the 26-year-old in favour of a more durable forward option.
Martial was forced off once again during United’s most recent fixture, with Martial providing an assist for Antony’s equaliser against Everton.
However, after just 29 minutes he was then forced to come off, going straight down the tunnel as he was replaced by eventual match-winner Cristiano Ronaldo.
Prior to the game at Goodison Park Martial enjoyed a fruitful cameo against Omonia Nicosia in the Europa League, scoring a goal as United came from behind to win 3-2.
This added to the brace he scored in the Manchester derby as a substitute. In fact, in just 133 minutes of football this season he has contributed to five goals – a rate of a goal or assist every 26.6 minutes.
- Ian Tuckey
City also keen on Bellingham
Manchester United could face competition from neighbours City for Jude Bellingham – as well as Chelsea, Liverpool and Real Madrid.
The Independent claim Pep Guardiola's champions have loomed into contention for Borussia Dortmund's England midfielder, 19.
Real are regarded as favourites to sign Bellingham but Dortmund hope to keep him until at least next summer.
- Ian Tuckey
Dalot still linked with exit
Speculation Diogo Dalot could leave Manchester United is still swirling.
The Portugal right-back has been a regular choice since Erik ten Hag took over in the summer but Barcelona, Juventus and Roma are reportedly keen.
Spanish media seem the main source for suggestions Dalot might exit Old Trafford when his contract expires in the summer.
But United have the option to extend his deal for another year.
- Ian Tuckey
Ten Hag 'clashes over De Jong and Jude'
Erik ten Hag has reportedly clashed with Manchester United chiefs over midfield transfer targets Jude Bellingham and Frenkie de Jong.
It's claimed Ten Hag would still prefer to come back in for Barcelona's De Jong, but club supremos prefer 19-year-old Borussia Dortmund hero Bellingham.
United failed to land Holland ace De Jong in the summer despite having a £64million bid accepted.
And the Independent say Ten Hag has stayed in touch with Barca.
The Express say the Dutchman rates De Jong as a "virtually irreplaceable" part of his jigsaw for reviving the Red Devils.
Liverpool and Chelsea have also been linked with England ace Bellingham.
- Ian Tuckey
Messi is 'provocative' and Ronaldo 'self-centred'
Ex-Liverpool keeper Jerzy Dudek has labelled Lionel Messi "provocative" and Cristiano Ronaldo "self-centred" in a scorching analysis of Real Madrid legends.
In his autobiography, Dudek is said to have opened up on former rivals and team-mates.
Italian outlet Il Posticipo quote the former Poland stopper as stating: "It was very provocative (things Messi said), as were Barcelona and their coach Pep Guardiola.
"They were always willing to bother you and many times they managed to do it perfectly.
"I've seen and heard Messi say such rude things to Pepe and Ramos that you can't even imagine that they can come out of the mouth of a person who seems so calm and friendly."
Dudek added: "Raul was a very arrogant character, but overall he was a normal guy.
"Cristiano Ronaldo, on the other hand, is very self-centred but he really wants to win.
"Surely he would prefer a 1-0, with a goal of his, than a 5-0 without him scoring. Other than that, he's an absolutely normal guy, but I understand he can be perceived differently from the outside."
- Ian Tuckey
Nev: Saka's got the lot
Gary Neville reckons Bukayo Saka has "everything you'd want in a young wide player".
England star Saka struck twice as Arsenal sunk Liverpool to return top of the Prem yesterday.
And Manchester United legend Neville: told his weekly post-game Podcast on YouTube: “He is a big talent. Tough kid. When you watch him he looks like he wants the ball all the time.
"He’s enthusiastic, he brings life to the crowd, sparks the crowd, everything that you’d want in a young wide player.
"He works back, he’s tenacious, he’s a really good player, a really really fantastic player."
- Ian Tuckey
The You Camp
Barcelona are reportedly plotting a free transfer swoop for Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans – despite links to Manchester United and Arsenal.
The Belgian international, 25, only has nine months remaining on his contract and looks unlikely to pen an extension after refusing offers already.
He will be free to negotiate and agree a pre-contract agreement with any clubs outside of England from January 1.
He was linked with a host of clubs over the summer, with United and Arsenal keen.
However, now Spanish publication Sport claims Barcelona are eyeing a swoop next summer.
The Nou Camp giants have been interested in Tielemans for months.
And SER are claiming that Xavi and his coaching staff are big fans of his.
- Ian Tuckey
Alejandro 'set for contract talks'
Manchester United will hold talks with wonderkid Alejandro Garnacho over extending his contract, according to a new report.
AS, via SportWitness claim that the Red Devils want to tie down ther Argentinian to a longer deal.
His current contract expires in 2025, and Erik ten Hag is desperate to keep him at the club.
- Ian Tuckey
Rio backs 'excellent De Gea
Rio Ferdinand says David de Gea's match-winning display at Everton shows he's still an "excellent" keeper.
But Manchester United legend Ferdinand admits the Spaniard might be ousted if the Red Devils continue playing out more from the back.
Ferdy said: "That’s not his biggest strength. He’s good enough I think with his feet, but his biggest strength is his shot-stopping.”
"He’s an excellent goalkeeper. It’s all down to the way Erik ten Hag wants to play football.
"If he wants to play out from the back like he did with Ajax, it’s all about someone who is actually better with their feet."
- Ian Tuckey
Martial injury record could mean Qatar snub
Anthony Martial could face World Cup heartbreak and miss out on selection over his injury record, according to reports, writes TONY ROBERTSON.
The Manchester United forward has struggled with injuries this season which has seen him earn meagre minutes on the pitch.
And despite his impressive record when playing this season, his persistent injuries are set to rule him out of contention for France in their World Cup squad selection.
According to RMC, Didier Deschamps looks set to snub the 26-year-old in favour of a more durable forward option.
Martial was forced off once again during United's most recent fixture, with Martial providing an assist for Antony's equaliser against Everton.
However, after just 29 minutes he was then forced to come off, going straight down the tunnel as he was replaced by eventual match-winner Cristiano Ronaldo.
Prior to the game at Goodison Park Martial enjoyed a fruitful cameo against Omonia Nicosia in the Europa League, scoring a goal as United came from behind to win 3-2.
This added to the brace he scored in the Manchester derby as a substitute. In fact, in just 133 minutes of football this season he has contributed to five goals – a rate of a goal or assist every 26.6 minutes.
- Ian Tuckey
Vlachodimos on Red Devils' keeper list
Man Utd are reportedly keen to bring in Odysseas Vlachodimos as a replacement for David De Gea, according to reports.
Mediafoot claim that the Red Devils see the Benfica goalie as a longterm replacement for the Spaniard.
The shotstopper was signed from Panathinaikos in 2018 and has been an ever-present.
- Sam Dymond
Next five up for United
Erik ten Hag, Cristiano Ronaldo and co. got their Premier League season back on track with a win at Everton last night, and now they're preparing for the packed schedule ahead.
Manchester United have ten games in the spare of the next 34 days before the season breaks for the World Cup.
Six of those are fixtures are in the league, and these are the first five:
- Sam Dymond
United try to resolve ticket shambles
Manchester United are desperately trying to resolve ticketing chaos caused by the Metropolitan Police.
The Red Devils were initially offered an allocation of 2,994 seats for the Premier League game at Chelsea last month – and promptly sold out.
However, the game was postponed following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, and rearranged for October 22.
And The Met have taken the unusual decision to demand United's visiting support is cut by 624 for the new date due to 'policing concerns'.
According to The Athletic, United feel this action is 'unjustified'.
Old Trafford administrative staff have contacted ticket holders to offer them the option of swapping their place at Stamford Bridge for a guaranteed ticket to the away games at either Aston Villa, Fulham, Wolves or Arsenal.
- Sam Dymond
Barca looking at United's DD
Barcelona are interested in snapping up Diogo Dalot on a free transfer at the end of this season.
The Portuguese defender is out of contract at Old Trafford in June, and – while Manchester United have the option of triggering an automatic 12 month extension – there has not yet been any indication of the club renegotiating his deal.
Erik ten Hag said last week that he wanted the club to hold fire on offering any new contracts while he assesses his squad.
Dalot had been a bit part performer at United since his arrival in 2018, but this season he has cemented himself as the side's first choice right-back, starting every Premier League game.
Scouts from Barca are understood to have been in attendance for some of those performances, and look keen to make a move should the Red Devils give them the green light.
- Sam Dymond
Ronaldo reaches 'a beautiful number'
What a difference a few days can make.
Cristiano Ronaldo couldn't hit a barn door in Cyprus on Thursday night despite the desperation of his teammates to set him up.
But yesterday at Everton, the Portuguese legend was on song and on target as he came off the bench.
Ronaldo's winning goal was the 700th of his club career, and this afternoon he has spoken via social media.
"700 club goals. What a beautiful number we’ve achieved together!" he Tweeted.
"Thank you to all my teammates, coaches, clubs, family and friends and, of course, my fans.
"United we continue!"
Credit: @Cristiano Twitter - Sam Dymond
De Gea salutes Casemiro experience
Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea was full of praise for Casemiro after the Red Devils returned to winning ways with a 2-1 success at Everton in the Premier League.
The £80m midfielder was handed his first league start by Erik ten Hag at Goodison Park, and impressed despite making a disappointing start.
The Brazilian lost possession shortly before Alex Iwobi curled in a fifth minute opener, but he made up for it with a wonderful assist for Cristiano Ronaldo's winner.
"He has brought massive experience. He has won everything. He is very calm on the pitch and I think you saw today, even after the mistake for the goal, he won the ball all the time," De Gea said afterwards.
"He helped the team and recovered the ball a lot. The experience he has is massive. He helps the team a lot."
- Sam Dymond
Lampard pays tribute to Ronaldo
One of the greatest goalscorers in Premier League history has praised one of the best that the game has ever seen.
Frank Lampard watched Cristiano Ronaldo score the 700th goal of his club career to beat his Everton side yesterday, but still found the good grace afterwards to acknowledge the extraordinary achievement.
“It is outstanding," admitted Lampard. "He is one of the greatest players to have graced the game, and in an era when we have had him and Messi. The comparisons between them doesn’t matter.
“They are both incredible players in football history. The numbers they have racked up are abnormal numbers that have become normal.
"When he was on 699, I wanted him to score in the Europa League the other night. But in the cold light of day you have to give him credit. It is amazing.”
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