MANCHESTER UNITED are hoping for a return to training on May 18 but Paul Pogba has surprisingly been encouraged to leave the club by Red Devils icon Rio Ferdinand.
Juventus are ready to make the World Cup winner a top target and reportedly willing to offer Aaron Ramsey and Douglas Costa in exchange.
Follow all the latest Old Trafford news and transfer gossip below…
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RAM RAID
Juventus have made Paul Pogba their top transfer target this summer, reports Italian journalist Niccolo Schira.
The report adds that Chief Football Officer Fabio Paratici is willing to offer Aaron Ramsey and Douglas Costa to Man Utd in order to lure Pogba back to Turin.
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GOOD MORNING UNITED FANS
Or should that be G'Day – as the Premier League is looking to go Down Under to play their final 92 matches.
Talks are ongoing for a stunning scheme for the matches to take place in four stadiums in Perth, Western Australia.
English agent Gary Williams has masterminded the plan after Red Devils legend Gary Neville put forward the idea that the matches could take place abroad.
Williams has been in contact with the Australian government and Ministry for Sport to get their backing for the eye-catching idea.
It has already been put to the Prem, while several clubs have also been alerted and are happy to oblige.
One club official said: “We go on world tours in pre-season. This is no different. And the climate in Australia is ideal just now.”
Williams’ eight-point proposal to the Prem is:
1. Fly all 20 squads to Perth. Airlines would be delighted with the custom and are available.
2. Base them in their own hotels, with facilities, and isolate for up to afortnight if they have to. Perth is currently in tourist ‘off season’anyway.
3. Play games at several top venues in the city, behind closed doors or even with a limited number of local fans.
4. Slash the number of medical tests needed, possibly only two in total rather than the proposed twice a week.
5. Remove the need for police to control closed venues in England when the games are played.
6.End concerns about travel arrangements and hotel stays. The clubs would use the same bases, close to grounds, for the duration.
7. Allow families to travel over towards the end of the campaign to give them a much-needed break in a safeenvironment.
8 Easy for TV coverage, with various kick-off times to suit English schedules.
Perth has four major sporting venues that can be used — Optus Stadium (capacity 65,000), Perth Oval (20,500), cricket’s WACA (24,500) and Joondalup Arena (16,000).
Brummie Williams said: “I have had discussions with contacts at Premier League clubs and they like the idea. I have also spoken with government officials and they are enthusiastic. We are speaking again this week.
“Everybody is safe here. The government has lifted many restrictions.”
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HUG OF WAR FOR WHIZKID
United hope to beat Tottenham to the signing of Sunderland’s young striker Joe Hugill.
Old Trafford chiefs are in touch with the Black Cats about a deal that would see the rangy frontman join them for a six figure fee.
Jose Mourinho’s Spurs were in pole position for Hugill and sent top spy Ian Broomfield to watch him in the last days before lockdown.
But now United are ready to take advantage of the delay and make their move.
Hugill, 16, plays well above his age group and is rated as good as any of his type of forward for his age.
United are looking for emerging talent and have already poached Hugill’s team-mate Logan Pye.
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CAN'T HELP SMALLING IN LOVE
Roma boss Paulo Fonseca is confident that Arsenal target Chris Smalling wants to stay at the Stadio Olimpico – and will do all he can to make it happen.
Although cutting a deal with the Red Devils once the season ends is far from straightforward for Roma, Fonseca is optimistic of at least sealing another temporary deal, while the Gunners were keen before he made the loan switch to Serie A.
The Portuguese coach told ESPN: “I will do everything I can to keep him at Roma next year too.
“I know he wants to stay, let's see what happens.
“He's an amazing man, so humble, so professional. He is adored by the fans and established himself as one of the leaders in the dressing room.
“It's not easy for English central defenders to adapt so quickly to Italian football, the record there isn't good. But he has been amazing.”
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BOTCH-IT RESTART
Bosses at a Premier League club have told their players they can OPT OUT of Project Restart for health and safety.
But that sparked outrage among fellow top-flight pros, unhappy they have not received the same offer.
The revelation came on the players’ WhatsApp group which was initially between the 20 club captains — but has swelled to over 100 members.
Now a growing number of stars believe that they are being railroaded into playing again before it is safe, with a June 12 resumption mooted
SunSport understands one club has emailed its squad individually, making it clear if they are uncomfortable with playing a game — let alone the remainder of the campaign — then they are free to avoid it.
It has caused stars from players at remaining clubs as they do not want individuals to be open to criticism if they take their own decision not to play, preferring to be a united front.
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PREM PONDER EFL CASH BOOST
EFL clubs could receive a multi-million-pound handout from the Premier League if they get their season going.
The remarkable gesture has been discussed by several top-flight owners who are concerned for the levels outside the elite.
And the news was relayed in a confidential memo sent out from the PFA to players yesterday.
The leaked document read: “The Premier League are conscious that behind-closed-doors football is costly for the EFL and have obligations to support the lower leagues…
“It may be that once they get back playing they will know the financial damage they face and then look to help the EFL.”
This money would be extra cash and on top of the existing ‘solidarity’ payments that help many clubs to survive.
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PERTH-ECT PREM SOLUTION?
The Premier League is being offered an amazing Plan B escape route — to end the season in sunny Australian city Perth.
Worried chiefs are trying to find ways of playing the final 92 games in England — with a neutral venue masterplan in place — but are constantly finding hurdles.
TV pundit Gary Neville claimed the top flight should finish behind closed doors overseas.
And now English agent Gary Williams is masterminding the astonishing alternative.Williams, who lives in the Western Australian capital, has received backing from the local Perth senator.
He is also in contact with the Australian government and Ministry for Sport to get their backing for the eye-catching idea.
It has already been put to the Prem, while several clubs have also been alerted and are happy to oblige.
One club official said: “We go on world tours in pre-season. This is no different. And the climate in Australia is ideal just now.”
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FIRST TIME WAS THE BEST
It was worth the 26-year wait. Manchester United finally got their hands on the league title again — 27 years ago on Sunday — after Nick Henry’s winner for Oldham at Aston Villa had sealed the deal 24 hours earlier.
A sun-kissed Monday evening on May 3, 1993, saw scenes of joyous celebrations at Old Trafford as Alex Ferguson’s men basked in the glory of becoming the first winners of the Premier League.
Ryan Giggs, then only 19, said: “The overriding emotion was relief because we’d finally done it.
“It was one of my best days driving into Old Trafford. You used to drive right up to reception and I was in my little red Ford Escort Mexico and the fans were rocking and climbing all over the car.
“It was just an amazing night. One of my greatest nights ever.”
Giant centre-back Gary Pallister added: “It was my favourite title because I’ve never known an emotion like it inside Old Trafford.
“Robbo (Bryan Robson) reckons the time they beat Barcelona — he scored two and Diego Maradona played — was incredible. All those emotions were on display in the crowd when we ran out as champions.”
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MEC US A £53M OFFER
United have been handed a huge transfer boost with the news that RB Leipzig star Dayot Upamecano could leave for £53.25million.
The Frenchman has been earning rave reviews in the Bundesliga, with a host of top European clubs believed to be in the transfer hunt for him.
Speaking to Sport 1, as reported by Goal, Leipzig managing director Oliver Mintzlaff hinted that Upamecano could be heading out.
He also suggested star striker Timo Werner, heavily linked with Liverpool and Chelsea, is another big name who could switch clubs.
He said: “In the Covid-19 crisis, we have other issues greater than concerns about contracts.
“That’s the case with Timo Werner and that will be the case with Dayot Upamecano. I have the economic stability of the club in mind.”
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SANCHEZ HAS TASTE FOR CHILE
Alexis Sanchez is being tipped to finish his career with home country giants Universidad de Chile – after the Manchester United striker's injury-hit loan spell with Inter Milan.
Antonio Conte seems sure to reject the Italian club's option to make the 31-year-old's deal permanent.
But despite his slump in form since leaving Arsenal in January 2018 Salnchez is still attracting interest from clubs like Roma.
And now Universidad de Chile president José Luis Navarrete has told DirecTV: “I have talked with Alexis Sánchez and he’s a fan of La U.”He wants to retire or play in the Universidad de Chile.”
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BACK FOR RABIOT
United have been closely following Adrien Rabiot to see if he is open to a transfer this summer, according to reports.
Tuttomercatoweb claim the Red Devils have been scouting the Frenchman, 25, at Juventus, but there are also reports they are interested in Aaron Ramsey and Miralem Pjanic.
Rabiot was initially overlooked by former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri during his first year in Italy after leaving from Paris Saint-Germain.
But those appearances have picked up since December.
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RON IS JACK'S ICON
Jack Grealish revealed he grew up loving Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic No7 Manchester United shirt.
The jersey has also been worn by club legends David Beckham as well as Eric Cantona and remains available for a marquee signing in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's current side.
Old Trafford fans will be hoping Grealish's reveal marks a subtle transfer hint, with Solskjaer interested in the £80million rated playmaker.
In an Instagram Q&A, the 24-year-old was asked what number he would wear if he had to change from his current No10.
And he replied: “I used to love seven growing up because of Cristiano.”
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IM-MENS CONTRIBUTION
Manchester United youngster Timothy Fosu-Mensah has been handing out 50 Euro vouchers to struggling families back in his native Holland.
The 22-year-old defender wanted to help out struggling families in Bijlmer, the area of Amsterdam from which he hails.
He had 100 vouchers to donate to families struggling to put food on the table.
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FLOWER POWER
Marcus Rashford has told Manchester United's academy starlets, get shooting in the garden!
The Old Trafford youth product said: “The news you got yesterday was probably not what you wanted to hear.
“I know all you want to do is play because I’m the same but the decision has been made to protect everyone involved.
“When I was in the academy I used to find a spot in the garden and aim for targets just so I could practice my accuracy, get creative!
“Now is not the time to fall out of love with the game it’s a time to remember why you fell in love with it in the first place.
“You’ve got this and we can’t wait to see you all back next season!”
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ALREADY SET THE TONE
Arsenal legend Tony Adams believes United target Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be sold in the summer as his former employers continue to be a selling club.
Asked by Sky Sports whether it is likely he will leave, he said: “Quite possibly, he could walk out the door.
“I loved [former manager] Arsene Wenger's principles, that no player was bigger than the club, and he moved players on if it made sense for the club financially.
“He was strong with that and he got Champions League football every year but it did stand in the way of recruitment – so we have become a club that is selling the best players.
“If I was a coach I'd be saying 'Don't sell Aubameyang at any price, we need to recruit, bring players through the academy and keep our best players'.”
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ASSIST KING
Andy Cole has hailed David Beckham on Goldenballs' 45th birthday.
Becks provided a stunning 98 assists during his decade-long United career, with 85 goals scored.
And Cole was the beneficiary of so many of those wicked balls into the box.
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Happy Birthday [email protected] 🎈⚽️🎉
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SPECIAL WHINE
Jose Mourinho has revealed the only time he shed tears after a defeat was NOT when he lost with United, but when Real Madrid lost on penalties to Bayern Munich back in 2012.
The Portuguese had already steered Los Blancos to a record-setting year in La Liga but was denied the chance to make it a Champions League double against the Germans.
He said: “Unfortunately, that's football.
“Cristiano, Kaka, Sergio Ramos… three complete monsters of football, there's no doubt about that, but they're also human.
“That night is the only time in my career as a coach that I've cried after a defeat. I remember it well… Aitor [Karanka] and I pulled up in front of my house, in the car, crying…
“It was very hard because we were the best that season.”
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JUDE'S STORY SO FAR
Here is how Jude Bellingham's stats stack up this season for Birmingham.
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'HEN PECKERS
United target Victor Osimhen is reportedly the subject of a shock transfer bid from an unnamed club.
According to French outlet Telefoot, Lille have received an offer of £75million including bonuses for their 21-year-old striker.
Tottenham and Inter Milan have also been linked with a move for the pacy star but Liverpool are said to be in the driving seat.
Osimhen had scored 18 times in his 38 appearances for Lille before the season was suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The Nigerian international only joined the Ligue 1 outfit from Belgian club Charleroi last July.
Osimhen still has over four years left on his contract at Lille, which means any interested suitors will have to fork out big to sign him.
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JUDE'S RISE SO FAR
Here is how Jude Bellingham has progressed with Birmingham City this season.
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ALARM BELLS?
United have been unable to force through their £30million move for Birmingham City starlet Jude Bellingham – despite Sir Alex Ferguson's intervention.
The t's have not been crossed or the i's dotted – which has given three other clubs chasing the midfielder hope they can get him.
Bellingham is still undecided over where his future lies, according to Bleacher Report, but Sir Alex's role has put United in the box seat.
The 16-year-old has become the most wanted teenager in the Premier League after a stunning season for the Blues.
German side Borussia Dortmund remain confident of getting the player.
But it is thought that the player's family are anxious about a move to a different country at such a tender age.
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JIM'LL FIX IT
Raul Jimenez has declared he's happy to stay at Wolves – but could not turn down a chance to sign for Real Madrid or Barcelona.
Several clubs have been linked with the Mexican, 28, as he nears the end of his second year leading the line at Molineux.
While speculation does not concern Jimenez, he has not been afraid to state his ambitions of challenging for titles and believes Wolves are still some way off that target.
He told ESPN Mexico: “I find [rumours] through social media.
“They have already put me at Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and every day comes out a new team that want me.
“I have to be calm. If they are talking about me it is because I am doing things well.
“I would like to continue in England. I am happy, adapted and I like the idea [of staying].”
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WRAP YOUR FOOT AROUND IT
David Beckham is celebrating his 45th birthday in style – with some homemade bacon sarnies and presents wrapped in his own personalised paper.
Wife Victoria, 46, posted images on her Instagram account of the paper with tiny images of her husband on it.
She also posted a picture of the sandwich on a plate with the message 'Love you' in tomato sauce.
Mrs B also shared a photo from 1997 when the pair first got together, accompanied by photos of their dogs.
She posted: “Happy birthday to the best daddy. Celebrating in lockdown and missing @brooklynbeckham and all our friends and family today. We all love you so much xxx.”
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THINGS LOOKING UP
United have been handed a huge transfer boost with the news that RB Leipzig star Dayot Upamecano could leave for £53.25million.
The Frenchman has been earning rave reviews in the Bundesliga, with a host of top European clubs believed to be in the transfer hunt for him.
Speaking to Sport 1, as reported by Goal, Leipzig managing director Oliver Mintzlaff hinted that Upamecano could be heading out.
He also suggested star striker Timo Werner, heavily linked with Liverpool and Chelsea, is another big name who could switch clubs.
He said: “In the Covid-19 crisis, we have other issues greater than concerns about contracts.
“That’s the case with Timo Werner and that will be the case with Dayot Upamecano. I have the economic stability of the club in mind.”
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CHARITY MAN
Victor Lindelof has announced he has joined Unicef as ambassadors, along with wife Maja.
The United defender said: “Now more than ever what we do for others is so important.”
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So happy to announce that @MajaNilssonLindelof & I are joining the @unicefsverige family. To be in this position makes me incredibly proud. Now more than ever what we can do for others is so important 💙#unicefsverige
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