MANCHESTER UNITED have joined Arsenal in the bidding war over Leicester star Youri Tielemans, according to reports.
And the club are in a four-way fight for Ivan Toney. With less than three weeks to go before the Premier League season begins, it emerged that Newcastle and Leeds were circling around the Brentford striker.
Elsewhere, the club have completed their third signing of the transfer window in Argentinian defender Lisandro Martinez.
Martinez, 24, was heavily linked with Arsenal but the Red Devils beat their Premier League rivals to the punch.
Meanwhile, Frenkie De Jong is still keen on a move to Manchester United, according to reports, despite claims that he would not leave Barcelona.
- IN: Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez
- 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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Stay up to date with all the latest from Old Trafford…
- Sam Dymond
Ten Hag team taking shape
It's now just 20 days until Manchester United begin Premier League life under Erik ten Hag with a home game against Brighton – and the Dutchman's starting XI is beginning to take shape.
However, how the Red Devils line up against Albion hinges on two major questions: will Frenkie de Jong sign for United? And will Cristiano Ronaldo stay?
Should Ten Hag convince both that his United project is worth being a part of then expect both to go straight into the team.
Other areas up for discussion include Lisandro Martinez's role and his possible partner in defence, and whether Anthony Martial will be offered the chance to rejuvenate his Old Trafford career.
- Sam Dymond
Ronaldo wipes £50m off United value
Manchester United’s share price has dropped 5% to its lowest point in history with £50m wiped off the club's market value since news emerged that Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave.
The 37-year-old returned to Old Trafford last season, breaking shirt sale records and providing a huge commercial boost to the club in the process.
However, since the Portuguese forward announced his intentions to depart, the MANU share price has dropped a further 5% from 11.01 to 10.42 – its lowest ever price.
Anaam Raza of Saxo Markets said: “Manchester United’s share price fell to an all-time low last week following the news that star player Cristiano Ronaldo has asked to leave the club.
“Since the reports emerged, $60million (£50million) has been wiped off the club’s market value with its share price falling another 5% to its lowest point since joining the New York Stock Exchange in 2012.
“The team’s failure to capture Champions League football this season has coincided with the downward trajectory of the club’s shares – falling 37% since October."
- Sam Dymond
Ron could join Real rivals
Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly convinced Diego Simeone to bring him back to Madrid – to play for Atletico.
The Real Madrid legend, 37, is desperate to leave Manchester United this summer and play Champions League football.
Ronaldo still has one year remaining on his Old Trafford contract but is yet to return for pre-season training with the Red Devils.
However, the veteran forward has found that interest in him is not as high as he anticipated with a number of clubs ruling themselves out of the running to sign him.
Both Chelsea and Bayern Munich have declared that they are not interested, while the star himself has zero interest in taking up a lucrative offer from an unnamed Saudi Arabian club.
However, Spanish outlet Diario AS are now claiming that Ronaldo could be about to return to the Spanish capital.
He shot to superstardom with Atletico’s city rivals Real, scoring 311 goals in 292 LaLiga matches between 2009 and 2018 and winning the Champions League four times.
And that made him public enemy No. 1 with their neighbours, who he could now be about to sensationally join.
- Sam Dymond
United consider shock Toney switch
Manchester United have already frustrated Brentford by making one signing – and now could double that pain with another.
The Red Devils confirmed the purchase of Christian Eriksen last week, and this weekend were linked with Bees striker Ivan Toney.
The Sunday Mirror revealed that United have been keeping a close eye on developments regarding the 26-year-old.
Along with Eriksen, Toney was a key reason for Brentford's successful first season in the Premier League.
The former Newcastle forward netted 12 times last term, five of which came from the penalty spot.
- Sam Dymond
Martinez prefers central defence role
Manchester United's new signing Lisandro Martinez has moved to Old Trafford in order to play as a centre-back.
There had been speculation that at just five foot and nine inches tall, the Argentine may find the physical aspect of defending in the Premier League overwhelming.
And with Erik ten Hag having previously used the 24-year-old as a defensive midfielder, it had been suggested that he would be used to protect the back line.
However, The Athletic has revealed that Martinez much prefers to play at centre-half, and they believe that's where United's new boss intends to use them.
The revelation suddenly casts speculation on the future of Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane.
- Gary Stonehouse
Morning, United fans
United rushed through Lisandro Martinez's signing but might wait until the last minute to land Frenkie de Jong.
Argentina centre-back Martinez joined from boss Erik ten Hag's old club Ajax for £55million.
But the on-off saga over Barcelona midfielder de Jong took another twist.
United broke through last week by reportedly agreeing a £72m fee, only for the Holland star to again show reluctance to move.
But with De Jong so important to his former manager Ten Hag, it's claimed the Red Devils are prepared to hold out until September 1, the final day of the transfer window.
Meanwhile, Martinez arrives amid claims Old Trafford bosses initially rated Villarreal's Sapin star Pau Torres as the better option.
But Ten Hag preferred Martinez and stood firm to get his man.
Wantaway legend Cristiano Ronaldo has blasted 'fake' claims his car was at first club Sporting Lisbon – amid transfer speculation.
And outgoing Juventus frontman Paulo Dybala is tipped to rebuff interest from United, as well as other Prem giants, by joining Roma ahead of Inter Milan.
- Ian Tuckey
To be Frenk, we're prepared to wait
Manchester United are willing to wait until the final day of the transfer window to seal a deal for Frenkie de Jong, according to reports.
The Red Devils have been locked in talks with Barcelona for over two months but are still yet to sew up a deal.
Club bosses thought they’d made a breakthrough earlier this week, when they agreed a £72million fee after John Murtough and Richard Arnold flew over to Catalonia.
But the deal hit a snag, with claims De Jong does not want to leave Barca.
The Dutchman has flown out to the US with his team-mates for Barcelona’s pre-season tour, while club president Joan Laporta has maintained that he is not for sale.
Despite these difficulties, the Mirror claim boss Erik ten Hag is urging United chiefs to keep trying to get the deal done.
The Dutchman, 52, sees his former Ajax prodigy as integral to his plans and is willing to wait until the final day of the transfer window to get his man.
Should De Jong sign on August 31, he will have missed matches against Brighton, Brentford, Liverpool and Southampton.
- Ian Tuckey
‘Race for Broja could weaken Blues’ bid to nab Declan’
Chelsea’s long-term hopes of signing Declan Rice could de dented if West Ham fail to sign Armando Broja.
That’s the claim from football.london tonight, although the Hammers remain favourites to land Blues’ striker Broja – ON LOAN.
Chelsea and Manchester United are the frontrunners to eventually lure West Ham’s England midfielder Rice.
And the feeling from some is that the Blues could have extra ‘leverage’ if London Stadium chief David Moyes’ ends up buying Albania star Broja.
- Ian Tuckey
Ronaldo blasts 'fake' Sporting link
Manchester United's wantaway star Cristiano Ronaldo broke his silence amid intense speculation about his future.
Ronaldo addressed reports suggesting his car was spotted in Sporting Lisbon's car park hinting he may be going back to the same club United first signed him from in 2003.
Sensational reports from Portugal suggested the Real Madrid legend's vehicle was outside Sporting's Jose Alvalade Stadium amid claims he will rejoin his old club on loan for the coming season.
Sport TV Portugal issued a photo of the car with the following statement on Instagram: "A photo circulates on social media that they say is of the Portuguese's car in the garage of Jose Alvalade."
However, Ronaldo was quick to slam those rumours insisting they are false.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner commented underneath that photo with a brief statement, which read: "Fake."
Ronaldo has informed United chiefs of his desire to leave Old Trafford as he wishes to play in the Champions League next season.
The 37-year-old didn't join the Red Devils in pre-season due to "family reasons". The star forward, though, hasn't found a lot of suitors interested in snatching him away from Manchester.
PSG reportedly turned down the opportunity to sign him when he was offered by his agent Jorge Mendes.
- Ian Tuckey
James names least-favourite position
Manchester United youngster James Garner has issued a message to manager Erik ten Hag regarding his least preferred position.
Ten Hag has tried Garner, 21, in various different roles around midfield but the United ace appears to least favour the No10 position.
The midfielder proved to be versatile during last season’s loan stint at Nottingham Forest and helped Steve Cooper’s men return to the Premier League.
But the England Under-21 international admits he prefers to play as a defensive or central midfielder rather than a playmaker.
Garner told Manchester Evening News: “This season I’ve played as a 6, 8 and in the No10 position.
“For me, I enjoy 6 or 8 as long as playing. In the academy, I was always a centre-back at six or seven but got moved into midfield and it went from there. I’m enjoying my time.”
- Ian Tuckey
Lisandro puts Utd in with a shout
Rio Ferdinand reckons Lisandro Martinez could be a pivotal signing for Manchester United.
The Argie defender has agreed a deal to join Erik ten Haag at Old Trafford.
And Ferdinand has revealed he sees Martinez as a leader – and believes his versatility will be key for the Dutch tactician.
Ferdinand said: “I think he’s a good signing. The more I have looked into him, the better. I listened to [Jurrien] Timber and he said that ‘I wasn’t at my game at a certain point and Martinez always shouts at me’ – so he’s got that element of being a leader.
“United have needed that for a long time, he will demand of others. He is very aggressive, physical and can play. His question marks are his height and his pace – they are the only two.”
- Ian Tuckey
Lisandro's Heaven 'n Holl
Incoming United centre-back Lisandro Martinez boasts stunning stats with Dutch champions Ajax.
And the Argentina star not only topped the Eredivisie's aerial duel figures. he also completed more passes per 90 than any top-flight players who featured in 10-plus games.
OptaJoe revealed some of what the Red Devils can expect…
- Ian Tuckey
‘Armando battle could dent Blues’ bid to nab Rice’
Chelsea’s long-term hopes of signing Declan Rice could de dented if West Ham fail to sign Armando Broja.
That’s the claim from football.london tonight, although the Hammers remain favourites to land Blues’ striker Broja – ON LOAN.
Chelsea and Manchester United are the frontrunners to eventually lure West Ham’s England midfielder Rice.
And the feeling from some is that the Blues could have extra ‘leverage’ if London Stadium chief David Moyes’ ends up buying Albania star Broja.
- Ian Tuckey
Red Devils ready for long Jong wait
Manchester United are willing to wait until the final day of the transfer window to seal a deal for Frenkie de Jong, according to reports.
The Red Devils have been locked in talks with Barcelona for over two months but are still yet to sew up a deal.
Club bosses thought they’d made a breakthrough earlier this week, when they agreed a £72million fee after John Murtough and Richard Arnold flew over to Catalonia.
But the deal hit a snag, with claims De Jong does not want to leave Barca.
The Dutchman has flown out to the US with his team-mates for Barcelona’s pre-season tour, while club president Joan Laporta has maintained that he is not for sale.
Despite these difficulties, the Mirror claim boss Erik ten Hag is urging United chiefs to keep trying to get the deal done.
The Dutchman, 52, sees his former Ajax prodigy as integral to his plans and is willing to wait until the final day of the transfer window to get his man.
Should De Jong sign on August 31, he will have missed matches against Brighton, Brentford, Liverpool and Southampton.
- Ian Tuckey
Dybala to snub Red Devils and Gunners
Paulo Dybala is ready to snub Manchester United in favour of Roma, according to reports.
Dybala, 28, left Italian giants Juventus last month after his contract expired and has been the subject of interest from a number of clubs since.
Among these are the Red Devils and Arsenal, who both want to push into the top four next season in order to get Champions League football.
However, Tuttomercatoweb claims the Argentine is now ready to accept Roma’s contract proposal following a phone call from Jose Mourinho.
Reports in Italy say an official offer will be submitted within 24 hours, with Roma expecting an answer in the next few days.
- Ian Tuckey
'United chiefs wanted Pau but Ten Hag preferred Lisandro'
Manchester United chiefs reportedly wanted to sign Villarreal star Pau Torres before Erik ten Hag pushed for Lisandro Martinez.
The Ajax defender, 24, is set to complete a move to Old Trafford after the Dutch champions accepted a bid of £55million.
Ten Hag worked with the Argentine for three years in Amsterdam and was keen to bring Martinez with him to Manchester.
The United boss even had to persuade the club's recruitment department to sign Martinez after previously targeting Torres, report The Telegraph.
Torres has attracted interest from several clubs including Chelsea, Tottenham and Juventus – with the Red Devils first registering their interest in the defender last year.
As recently as June reports claimed United were the favourites to land Torres in a potential £43m move.
But the club instead decided to back Ten Hag's judgement by bringing in Martinez – even though he may be the more expensive option.
Ten Hag is also said to be keen on signing another Ajax defender – Jurrien Timber. But Timber wants to stay at Ajax as he believes it is "too risky" to move to United where he is not guaranteed game time.
- Ian Tuckey
'Race for Broja could weaken Blues' bid to nab Declan'
Chelsea's long-term hopes of signing Declan Rice could de dented if West Ham fail to sign Armando Broja.
That's the claim from football.london tonight, although the Hammers remain favourites to land Blues' striker Broja – ON LOAN.
Chelsea and Manchester United are the frontrunners to eventually lureWest Ham's England midfielder Rice.
And the feeling from some is that the Blues could have extra 'leverage' if London Stadium chief David Moyes' ends up buying Albania star Broja.
- Ian Tuckey
Man Youri-nited?
Manchester United are showing increasing interest in Arsenal target Youri Tielmans, reports tonight suggest.
The Express claim Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag has a long-running interest in the Leicester midfielder.
The Belgium hero's contract runs out at the end of the season.
And the Gunners, as well as Newcastle, are alreeady said to be monitoring his situation.
It's suggested the Foxes might be tempted to cash in on the 25-year-old if they receive a bid of £25million-plus.
- Ian Tuckey
Spurs in Depay bid
Tottenham made a £14million bid for ex-Manchester United attacker Memphis Depay, according to reports.
The Dutchman is wanted by Spurs in order to further boost their attacking options next season.
However, he wants to stay at Barcelona to fight for his place.
Depay has just one-year left on his contract with Barca which has prompted them to sanction his departure.
And following the signing of Raphinha, the contract renewal of Ousmane Dembele, and the arrival of Robert Lewandowski, game-time next season could be limited.
Spurs have already signed Clement Lenglet from Barca on loan this season and are now hoping to strike a second deal with them.
Spurs aren't willing to climb to the £17m asking price set by the club, but are willing to pay £14m, as reported by Sport.
When Depay joined last summer he was seen as the club's main striker, a position now under significant threat after the January arrival of ex-Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and now Lewandowski.
- Ian Tuckey
Garner prefers no ten, Hag
Manchester United youngster James Garner has issued a message to manager Erik ten Hag regarding his least preferred position.
Ten Hag has tried Garner, 21, in various different roles around midfield but the United ace appears to least favour the No10 position.
The midfielder proved to be versatile during last season's loan stint at Nottingham Forest and helped Steve Cooper's men return to the Premier League.
But the England Under-21 international admits he prefers to play as a defensive or central midfielder rather than a playmaker.
Garner told Manchester Evening News: "This season I’ve played as a 6, 8 and in the No10 position.
"For me, I enjoy 6 or 8 as long as playing. In the academy, I was always a centre-back at six or seven but got moved into midfield and it went from there. I’m enjoying my time."
- Ian Tuckey
Ron's treatment is well below Spar
Spartak Moscow have trolled Cristiano Ronaldo over the Manchester United forward's struggle to find a new club.
The 37-year-old has told the Red Devils he wants to QUIT this summer to play Champions League football.
Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo didn't join his team-mates on their pre-season tour of Thailand due to "family reasons".
He is instead training alone as he searches for a club willing to prise the Portugal international away from Old Trafford.
An unnamed Saudi side are said to have offered United £25million and Ronaldo £2M-A-WEEK, but he has rejected the proposal in his bid to remain in Europe.
Chelsea have been heavily linked with Ronaldo after new owner Todd Boehly was offered the chance to sign him by the player’s representative Jorge Mendes.
- Ian Tuckey
Red Devils ready for long Jong wait
Manchester United are willing to wait until the final day of the transfer window to seal a deal for Frenkie de Jong, according to reports.
The Red Devils have been locked in talks with Barcelona for over two months but are still yet to sew up a deal.
Club bosses thought they'd made a breakthrough earlier this week, when they agreed a £72million fee after John Murtough and Richard Arnold flew over to Catalonia.
But the deal hit a snag, with claims De Jong does not want to leave Barca.
The Dutchman has flown out to the US with his team-mates for Barcelona's pre-season tour, while club president Joan Laporta has maintained that he is not for sale.
Despite these difficulties, the Mirror claim boss Erik ten Hag is urging United chiefs to keep trying to get the deal done.
The Dutchman, 52, sees his former Ajax prodigy as integral to his plans and is willing to wait until the final day of the transfer window to get his man.
Should De Jong sign on August 31, he will have missed matches against Brighton, Brentford, Liverpool and Southampton.
- Ian Tuckey
De Jong keen' on Man Utd move
Frenkie de Jong IS reportedly keen on joining Manchester United despite the Barcelona midfielder's public stance that he intends to stay in Catalonia.
And it has been claimed that the 25-year-old is in constant contact with former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag over a reunion at the Theatre of Dreams.
However SunSport understands Old Trafford chiefs remain convinced he will link up with them.
According to the Mirror, United are prepared to wait until the final day of the window to secure the services of De Jong.
They say he is publicly declaring he doesn’t want to leave Barca in his bid to be paid what is owed to him after he took a reduction in wages during the coronavirus pandemic.
But privately, he is willing to make the move to England where he is in “constant dialogue” with Ten Hag over a United switch.
- Alex Cole
Martinez can play defensive-mid role
Man Utd icon Rio Ferdinand discussed the idea of Lisandro Martinez playing DM for the Red Devils.
When quizzed about where he would play, Rio revealed: “I think it’ll be a mix [of centre-back and defensive midfield]. I saw a quote from Ten Hag’s assistant and how they were surprised of how well he played in there.
"If it suits them to play him in midfield and have the extra body and resilience in there, in front of the back four and that extra protection from someone who knows how to defend – then I think it may be utilised.
“But if we’re against a lesser team where we will see more of the ball and dominate possession then he may slot back into the centre-back position – he gives us that option in which we’re lacking in that area.”
- Alex Cole
When in Rome for Dybala
Paulo Dybala is ready to snub Manchester United in favour of Roma, according to reports.
Dybala, 28, left Italian giants Juventus last month after his contract expired and has been the subject of interest from a number of clubs since.
Among these are the Red Devils and Arsenal, who both want to push into the top four next season in order to get Champions League football.
However, Tuttomercatoweb claims the Argentine is now ready to accept Roma’s contract proposal following a phone call from Jose Mourinho.
Reports in Italy say an official offer will be submitted within 24 hours, with Roma expecting an answer in the next few days.
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