MANCHESTER UNITED are closing in on a deal for ex-Lazio star Thomas Strakosha.
The goal keeper is currently a free agent and the Red Devils are reportedly ready to bring him in to replace Dean Henderson.
Meanwhile manager Erik ten Hag is still in hot pursuit for a reunion with Frenkie de Jong but Barcelona are not willing to budge on their reported £69 million fee.
However, a move for PSG's Leandro Paredes is being prepared if a deal for De Jong is unable to be done.
And SunSport can exclusively reveal that Cristiano Ronaldo secured a 'six figure' bonus just DAYS before telling United that he wants out.
- IN: Tyrell Malacia
- OUT: Paul Pogba (released), Juan Mata (released), Jesse Lingard (released), Nemanja Matic (Roma), Edinson Cavani (released), Lee Grant (released), D'Mani Mellor (released), Reece Devine (released), Paul McShane (released), Connor Stanley (released), Paul Woolston (released)
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- Justin Lawrence
United target De Jong alternative
Man United have reportedly identified PSG star Leandro Paredes as an alternative to Frenkie de Jong.
United are keen on signing De Jong, but negotiations with Barcelona have stalled as the Dutch midfielder doesn't want to leave.
But United are sizing up Paredes as a solution to De Jong, according to Sport.
The Red Devils have already been in contact with the Ligue 1 Champions to sign Paredes, the report adds.
However, talks haven't started well as PSG are demanding just under £30m for the Argentine, the publication added.
- Justin Lawrence
Man United ditch Russian aircraft
Man United had to hire a massive 747 from Texas to fly the team out to Bangkok having dumped Russian carrier Aeroflot, NEIL CUSTIS WRITES.
And understandably they followed a route to avoid the troubled region of Ukraine and Russia as commercial carriers from the UK have had to since February.
The club had a sponsorship deal dating back to 2013 with Aeroflot.
That was abruptly ended in February of this year when Russia began its invasion of Ukraine.
United have subsequently had to alter their travelling arrangements with the summer tour party always being the biggest exodus of staff from Old Trafford and Carrington.
The club have had to enlist specialist firm Atlas who flew out the 747 from the United States to Manchester to carry 120 players and staff all in business class seats.
The plane has previously been used to transport NFL squads and staff.
- Justin Lawrence
Pogba 'refuses to sign United shirt'
Paul Pogba allegedly refused to sign a Man United shirt when greeting fans in Turin.
Pogba joined Juventus from Man United this summer after a tumultuous time at Old Trafford.
And he was in no mood to put the bad blood behind him as he signed autographs for Juve supporters, a clip appears to show.
Whilst strolling with his agent Rafaela Pimenta, a viral video seems to show the France international saying no and waving his finger when a United shirt is presented to him, Manchester Evening News reported.
- Justin Lawrence
Eriksen will sign 'next week'
Christian Eriksen will be a Man United player early next week.
That's according to Fabrizio Romano who claims United are waiting for the midfielder's lawyers to get the paperwork signed for the deal to commence.
Romano told CaughtOffside: "Manchester United have had a verbal agreement with Christian Eriksen for a week, they have sent the contracts to his lawyers and are awaiting the signatures.
“The club’s idea is to complete medical examinations and signatures as early as next week.”
- Justin Lawrence
Milan fight off United interest
AC Milan have moved to offer Fikayo Tomori a new contract amid interest from Man United, reports claim.
United had enquired about the centre-back who helped the Rossoneri lift the Scudetto last season.
But Milan have no plans to let Tomori leave, and will offer him a new bumper deal to ensure he stays put beyond 2025, according to Calciomercato.
His contract ends that year, but Milan want him to stay for at least another two years after that, it was added.
- Justin Lawrence
Ten Hag ramps up pressure
Erik ten Hag is determined to sign Antony and Lisandro Martinez and wants Manchester United to match Ajax's asking price for the pair.
United have made bids for both Antony and Martinez but have fallen short of Ajax's asking price.
According to The Times a £42million offer has been made for Martinez who is also attracting interest from Arsenal.
But Ajax are holding out for more, just as they are with Antony – slapping a £70m asking price on the Brazilian, which is reportedly £19m more than United have offered.
That is why Ten Hag is said to be pressing transfer chiefs to up their bids with both Antony and Martinez believed to be keen on joining.
- Justin Lawrence
Ronaldo's six-figure bonus payment
Cristiano Ronaldo took a bonus payment “well into six figures” just days before he told Manchester United he wanted a move.
United insiders revealed Ronaldo hit the jackpot as soon as the second year of his contract kicked in at the end of June.
The windfall was part of the deal he agreed on his Old Trafford return from Juventus last summer.
An Old Trafford insider said: “The contracts all renew at the start of July and then the news about Cristiano wanting to leave came out.”
Ronaldo, 37, took a near 50 per cent pay cut as his salary and bonuses was £900,000-a-week in Italy.
But United loaded up on annual bonuses.
- Justin Lawrence
Transfer advantage Man United have
Erik ten Hag has given Man United the edge in transfer talks with Lisandro Martinez ahead of Arsenal.
Ten Hag managed Martinez when he was Ajax boss, and the defender's keen to reunite with his ex-head coach in Manchester.
That's the reason why United lead the Gunners in the race for Martinez's signature, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.
Jones told Give Me Sport: "For me, United just have the edge over Arsenal when it comes to this transfer. That’s because of the ten Hag factor and they’re further ahead in their progress as a team.
“I know when compared to a lot of teams that they’re competing with, they’re behind, but with Arsenal, they’re ahead.”
- Justin Lawrence
Fergie's blind spot
Former Manchester United star Nani has claimed Sir Alex Ferguson would turn a blind eye to his players turning up training drunk over the festive period.
The Portuguese winger says his former boss had such good man management skills he allowed it to slide if his players showed up worse-for-wear in the hectic Christmas and New Year programme.
Nani revealed that no-nonsense Fergie recognised the demands over that time were so tough it was important for his United squad to let their hair down.
Speaking to Tribuna Expresso, he said: "If I had the next day off, for example, then I could have some fun…on special days like Christmas or New Year – no one in England cares about that.
"On New Year, we could even go to training drunk and the coach didn't care about it.
"That's the side of [Sir Alex] that knew how to deal with the players and have the perception to say, 'this day is special, I can't make demands'.
"We had been playing non-stop all year long. It was a joy, a moment of relaxation, a different kind of training – clowning around. I won't lie, I liked nights out."
- Jack Figg
Good morning Man Utd fans
Long-term target Frenkie de Jong has reportedly said ‘No’ to joining the Red Devils, according to a report in Spain.
The Dutch midfielder has been a target for new boss Erik ten Hag, who is looking for a replacement for the departing Paul Pogba.
But de Jong is said to be ready to snub a reunion with his old Ajax manager, in favour of staying with the Catalans.
Sport via Managing Barca claim de Jong has rejected United’s offer.
Meanwhile, Bobby Brobbey has suggested he would be willing to join Man Utd, who appear to have stolen a march for his signature.
The 20-year-old is expected to leave RB Leipzig this summer – with Ajax also competing to resign him.
Erik ten Hag famously gave him his debut in 2020, and it has been suggested the Dutch tactician wants to bring his former star to Old Trafford – with a fee of around £13million mooted.
And Cristiano Ronaldo took a bonus payment “well into six figures” just days before he told Manchester United he wanted a move.
United insiders revealed Ronaldo hit the jackpot as soon as the second year of his contract kicked in at the end of June.
The windfall was part of the deal he agreed on his Old Trafford return from Juventus last summer.
- Jon Boon
Ronaldo bonus
Cristiano Ronaldo took a bonus payment “well into six figures” just days before he told Manchester United he wanted a move.
United insiders revealed Ronaldo hit the jackpot as soon as the second year of his contract kicked in at the end of June.
The windfall was part of the deal he agreed on his Old Trafford return from Juventus last summer.
An Old Trafford insider said: “The contracts all renew at the start of July and then the news about Cristiano wanting to leave came out.”
Ronaldo, 37, took a near 50 per cent pay cut as his salary and bonuses was £900,000-a-week in Italy.
But United loaded up on annual bonuses.
- Jon Boon
Jones backed to come good at United
Phil Jones is being backed to finally have the last laugh on the sneer-leaders who mocked him for years.
No player has been savaged as much as the Manchester United centre-back, who has spent huge chunks of his Old Trafford career battling injuries.
The 30-year-old is doing so again now, sitting out the pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia to make sure he is fit for next month’s big kick-off.
Jones has refused to throw in the towel and knocked back loan moves in his determination to prove he can still become a United regular.
And with Erik ten Hag’s arrival meaning a level playing field for everyone, at last there is a shaft of light for a man Sir Alex Ferguson once said could be United’s finest-ever player.
Now former team mate David Dunn has backed him to come good this campaign.
“Jonesy was always a special player — he could cover ground quickly, he was athletic, very determined and so resilient, which he’s had to be," Dunn told SunSport.
“He was so tough, as well. And I don’t just mean physically but mentally, which has always been the way at Blackburn. So I know Jonesy will have no problem bouncing back.
“I think he’s had a raw deal but he’s so versatile.
“He can play right-back, centre-back, central midfield, all over the pitch.
“I see it as a gift but it has probably had a detrimental effect on him at times.
“I know he’s had injuries but for all the problems he is still only 30 and don’t forget, that means he hasn’t got the miles on his legs.”
- Jon Boon
Wag the finger
Paul Pogba wagged his finger and said "no" after a fan asked him to sign a Manchester United shirt today.
The Frenchman left Old Trafford for a second time earlier this summer and is on the cusp of returning to Juventus.
Credit: AJG Credit: AJG - Jon Boon
De Jong snub
Man Utd long term target Frenkie de Jong has reportedly said 'No' to joining the Red Devils, according to a report in Spain.
The Dutch midfielder has been a target for new boss Erik ten Hag, who is looking for a replacement for the departing Paul Pogba.
But de Jong is said to be ready to snub a reunion with his old Ajax manager, in favour of staying with the Catalans.
Sport via Managing Barca claim de Jong has rejected United's offer.
- Jon Boon
Utd arrive in Thailand
Man Utd stars looked grim-faced as they touched down in Thailand for their pre-season tour.
The Red Devils are due to play rivals Liverpool in a friendly on July 12 at the Rajamangala National Stadium.
Credit: AFP Credit: AFP Credit: AFP
- Jon Boon
Brobbey hijack
Bobby Brobbey has suggested he would be willing to join Man Utd, who appear to have stolen a march for his signature.
The 20-year-old is expected to leave RB Leipzig this summer – with Ajax also competing to resign him.
Erik ten Hag famously gave him his debut in 2020, and it has been suggested the Dutch tactician wants to bring his former star to Old Trafford – with a fee of around £13million mooted.
- Jon Boon
Ten Hag's thoughts on Malacia
Tyrell Malacia became boss Erik ten Hag's first signing at Old Trafford.
And the Dutchman has given his verdict on the player's attributes.
"I think he's the modern left-back or full-back," ten Hag said.
"He suits the profile [we were looking for] and most important from every full-back is that he closes the right area.
"He can also take part in the offensive side of our game – and can do that really well. I think he will really contribute to the team."
- Justin Lawrence
Ten Hag speaks on energy
Erik ten Hag has revealed he's naturally energetic when discussing his team's buoyant spirit since he took over.
Ten Hag told MUTV: "I think it’s the way I am. Of course, I want to bring the energy in my team.
“But. I must say, the players do really well. They are really focused. They bring, for themselves, the energy.
“You see they enjoy playing football. They enjoy playing football together and they really work well together.”
- Justin Lawrence
Ten Hag gets Rashford advice
Erik ten Hag has been urged to throw his support behind Marcus Rashford next season by club legend Dwight Yorke.
Yorke told MUTV: "I think if Erik can certainly take my advice, and I know he is vastly more experienced than me, it's what I would be doing because I see a player.
"I was a player and I can see a player in Marcus, a guy who has an enormous amount of talent, an enormous amount of talent. Even in training, the kind of things he does.
"I'm just amazed he's not in a good place for some reason and that's part of the manager's job, to make sure he gets him back playing the kind of football I know Marcus can produce.
"It's just incredible. What I would be doing if I was Erik would be saying to Marcus: you are my guy, let's get going again. Show him some trust and believe in him. I am sure he will be producing the goods I know that he is capable of."
- Justin Lawrence
Ten Hag tried to sway Matic
Erik ten Hag reportedly tried to convince Nemanja Matic to stay at Man United this summer.
The 33-year-old was one of several high-profile names to leave United upon last season's conclusion.
But Ten Hag unsuccessfully attempted to sway Matic into staying put, according to The Athletic.
However. Matic went onto to join former United boss Jose Mourinho at Roma on a one-year contract.
- Justin Lawrence
Out of this Strakos-phere
Man United are edging closer to bringing in ex-Lazio keeper Thomas Strakosha.
The 27-year-old was available on a free transfer after leaving Lazio this summer.
And United have moved swiftly to sign the keeper, talkSPORT revealed.
Strakosha's proposed arrival comes as counterpart Dean Henderson hones in on a move to Nottingham Forest.
- Justin Lawrence
Pogba's Juventus contract broken down
Paul Pogba's contract with Juventus has been broken down after he completed his move from Man United nears completion.
Pogba is in Turin undergoing his medical, and once complete, he'll sign a three-year contract, which includes an option to add a fourth with the Italian giants.
And the deal will see Pogba rake in a staggering £6.7m net annually, plus £1.6m in bonuses, Football Italia revealed.
The French ace will also benefit from the Growth Decree Law, which allows those who come to the Serie A to receive massive tax breaks for three years, the report added.
- Justin Lawrence
Mata makes Fernandes shirt joke
Juan Mata has joked that Bruno Fernandes was happy when he left so he could get his No.8 shirt.
Mata has been the shirt's owner since he joined United from Chelsea in 2014.
But he vacated the shirt when he left this summer.
Fernandes has now been given the No.8 shirt, and Mata jokingly claimed the Portuguese playmaker was delighted when it became available after he left this summer.
When United stopper David de Gea aksed Mata how he felt about the shirt swap during as hilarious Twitter exchange, he responded: "“He told me he was sad the day he knew we weren't going to keep playing together… but I think he was quite happy @B_Fernandes8 #Number8," alongside a crying laughing face emoji, a long nose emoji, and a shrug.
- Justin Lawrence
Man United glum pre-season pics
Man United stars looked grim-faced as they touched down in Thailand for their pre-season tour.
The Red Devils are due to play rivals Liverpool in a friendly on July 12 at the Rajamangala National Stadium.
But as the United stars arrived to cheering crowds, the mood among the squad looked glum.
Fringe ace Donny van de Beek mustered a wave at the United-mad crowd.
The squad then posed for photos before taking off.
- Justin Lawrence
Ronaldo has Champions League desire
Cristiano Ronaldo's desire to play in the Champions League next season is behind his decision to quit Man United.
That's according to football journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.
He told Wettfreunde: "It’s hard to say what the right choice is for him because I thought Manchester United would have been the right choice for him. Because he came back home.
“He really wants to play in the Champions League. His aim is to continue with his Champions League records. His agent is trying to find the best solution for him for next season. That’s why he’s talking to some clubs."
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