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8am Man Utd news LIVE: Pogba expects to stay, Premier League fixtures REVEALED, Sancho and Havertz transfer LATEST – The Sun

MAN UTD are continuing their preparations for the return of the Premier League, and a likely Friday night clash with Jose Mourinho's Tottenham.

And Paul Pogba now expects to stay at the club with reports that the Red Devils' record signing has significantly upped the intensity in training sessions ready for the restart.

Follow all the very latest news from Old Trafford below…

  • PAUL FACTOR

    Paul Pogba now believes he will stay at Man Utd next summer after coronavirus finance woes torpedoed hopes of a move away, writes SunSport's Martin Blackburn.

    Pogba's Red Devils team-mates have reportedly been blown away by what they have seen from the World Cup winner since their return to training.

    Blackburn adds: “Pogba has been doing ball work for nine days now.

    “His lateral movement is at 100 per cent, while his GPS levels are back to where they were before his latest injury in the new year, according to sources at the training ground.”

    Pogba has been working closely with superstar Bruno Fernandes in training and the rest of the squad are said to have been hugely impressed with what they've seen in the duo's sessions with Nemanja Matic and Angel Gomes.

  • MORNING MAN UTD FANS

    Red Devils target Kai Havertz wants guaranteed game time at his next club in order to consider his next move.

    According to the Manchester Evening News, Bayer Leverkusen would look to sell Havertz in the coming months because of financial difficulties as a knock-on effect of coronavirus.

    Meanwhile, United are said to be “very close” to agreeing a deal with Velez Sarsfield for teen sensation Thiago Almada.

    Spanish news outlet Todo Fichajes claim United are front-runners for the player who had also interested Manchester City.

    In other news, United hope to flog Alexis Sanchez, Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo to fund a transfer spree with Jadon Sancho their No1 priority, according to reports.

    The Red Devils know it will take a huge bid of around £105million to land the Borussia Dortmund winger this summer, even with the financial impact of coronavirus.

    But according to the Evening Standard, United know they face a tricky task raising the cash from player sales this summer.

    And finally, United are set to offer Brandon Williams a bumper new deal following his breakthrough season.

    The 19-year-old, who has played 12 times in the Premier League, currently pockets £4,000-per-week at Old Trafford.

    But according to The Athletic, Williams is set for a huge pay rise as part of the deal offered by United.

  • NEW PROBLEM

    The Premier League are reportedly “fully considering” calls to pull the plug on Newcastle's £300m takeover.

    Public Investment Fund and dealmaker Amanda Staveley were hoping to complete the deal that would finally see Mike Ashley relinquish control.

    But now, according to The Telegraph, Premier League executive Richard Masters has been contacted by lawyers representing the fiancee of murdered Jamal Khashoggi.

    Hatice Cengiz insists the deal, which would give the PIF an 80 per cent stake in Newcastle, is in breach of the PL’s owners’ and directors’ test.

    Journalist Khashoggi was murdered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018.

    Independent investigators claim Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was directly involved — which he denies.

  • VICTOR-IOUS

    Rumoured Man Utd target Victor Osimhen's asking price is lower than originally expected, according to reports.

    After a breakout season for the Nigerian in Ligue 1, Lille have been expected to demand a fee similar to the £72million received by Arsenal for Nicolas Pepe last year.

    But according to Alfonso Pedulla, a potential suitor could now land the 21-year-old for between £49m and £53m.

    Arsenal, Chelsea, Napoli and Spurs are also believed to be interested.

  • SHEA CLASS

  • VIDEO NASTY

    Man Utd duo Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard have leapt to the defence of an autistic boy who was the victim of alleged bullying on a video circulated on Twitter.

    The clip, which has now been taken down, appears to show one boy slapping the victim and then making him kiss his female friend's shoes.

    Others can be heard laughing in the background.

    The black boy is also allegedly racially abused by the two white aggressors before another boy steps in claiming to be his brother.

    The incident took place on playing fields in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.

    Rashford, who appears to know the victim, tweeted out: “This is a lovely young boy with autism. The other 2 in the video, I have no words to describe. The video speaks for itself.

    “I got you my guy, always. I appreciate the love and support you send me constantly. Keep that head of yours high. Love, your friend, MR.”

    Lingard then made contact with someone on Instagram who had shared the details.

  • WATCH AND WERN

    BIG NEWS!

    Chelsea have agreed a £50million deal for RB Leipzig star Timo Werner to deal potential suitors Man Utd a blow.

    The striker looks set to sign a five-year contract after Frank Lampard made it clear he is ready to meet the German's release clause.

    Werner will pocket around £175,000-a-week, making him one of Chelsea’s top earners.

    But there is still the danger of Liverpool making a last-gasp bid.

    Lampard’s men have already signed Hakim Ziyech from Ajax in a £37m deal.

  • REAL TALK

    Gareth Bale's agent says the Real Madrid star does NOT want a Premier League return this summer to deal Man Utd a major blow.

    Jonathan Barnett told BBC Radio 4: “I have no idea what his value is. His salary is quite high and also where he wants to go is very important in his life. I can’t put a figure on it.

    “It’s for the clubs to decide what they want to pay for him.

    “As I’ve always said, he’s quite happy at Madrid. He has a very nice lifestyle, I don’t see why he wouldn’t see his career out in Madrid probably.

    “It’s his life that he wants to lead. Financially he will want enough for the rest of his life and all his children and grandchildren. He’s won nearly everything in the world except the World Cup.

    “To come back and play [in England] would be a big thing but I don’t think he wants to do that at the moment as he’s quite happy to play at Real Madrid.”

  • FULL FIXTURE LIST

  • PREM FIXTURES IN

    Manchester United will kick off their return to Premier League action with a trip to Tottenham on Friday 19 June.

    United will visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in an 8pm kick-off live on Sky Sports.

    They will then host Sheffield United on Wednesday 24 June at 6pm, also live on Sky Sports.

    The following weekend on Saturday 27 June they will play Norwich in the FA Cup quarter-final, live on BBC.

    Before a trip to Brighton on Tuesday 30 June, kicking off at 6pm live on Sky Sports.

  • IT'S TOTT IDEAL

    Daniel Levy has called for talks to find a way to get fans back into stadiums after Tottenham were forced to take a £175million loan from the Bank of England to deal with the crisis caused by Covid-19.

    Tottenham Hotspur Stadium limited has taken the finance available through the government’s CCFF Scheme to help the club through the financial turmoil caused by the global pandemic.

    But with social distancing measures likely to remain in place for months to come, the Spurs chairman says it is vital for live events industries to come up with a plan with the government which would ease the cash-crisis caused by playing in empty stadiums.

    Levy said: “We have always run this Club on a self-sustaining commercial basis. I said as early as 18 March that, in all my 20 years at the Club, there have been many hurdles along the way but none of this magnitude – the COVID-19 pandemic has shown itself to be the most serious of them all.

    “It is imperative that we now all work together – scientists, technologists, the Government and the live events sector – to find a safe way to bring spectators back to sport and entertainment venues.

    “Collectively we have the ability to support the development of new technologies to make this possible and to once again experience the passion of fans at live events.”

  • MILIK-ING IT

    Man Utd could secure a cut-price transfer for Arkadiusz Milik after Napoli reportedly dropped their £45million asking price for anyone but Juventus.

    The Polish striker has found the net 12 times in 22 appearances for Gennaro Gattuso's side this term.

    Naples chief Aurelio De Laurentiis is prepared to cash-in on the Pole for an offer below their original £45m asking price.

    Juventus are believed to be interested in acquiring Milik's services but De Laurentiis is unwilling to sell to a Serie A arch rival.

    According to La Repubblica, it is Arsenal that are in pole position to land the 26-year-old this summer, but face a fight from a number of Premier League clubs.

  • DEVIL DELIGHT

    View this post on Instagram

    Getting that goalscoring feeling back 😍 #MUFC #BrunoFernandes #McTominay #Martial

    A post shared byManchester United (@manchesterunited) on

  • INJURY RATES SET TO SOAR

    Players may be at an increased risk of injury as professional sports rush back into action following the coronavirus stoppage, a global union representing 85,000 athletes said on Thursday.

    Some football leagues in particular have condensed a large number of fixtures into a short space of time in an attempt to complete the season.

    “Many players will not have had access to the necessary training methods to ensure that they have the necessary fitness and conditioning to compete,” said the World Players' Association (WPA), whose members play in the NBA, MLB, NHL, NFL, European soccer and Australian Rules football, among others.

    It added: “At the same time, many sports will be eager to make up for lost time and revenue which may result in compressed schedules and elevated demands on playing and training load.”

    WPA executive director Brendan Schwab pointed to a study conducted by Australian sports scientist Joel Mason last month which suggested an increased injury rate in the Bundesliga since Germany's professional soccer league restarted on May 16.

    According to the study, a pre-stoppage rate of 0.27 injuries per match this season climbed to 0.88 in the first round of matches following the restart.

  • 'ADA BOY

    Manchester United are “very close” to agreeing a deal with Velez Sarsfield for teen sensation Thiago Almada, according to reports.

    Spanish language site Todo Fichajes claim United are front-runners for the player who had also interested Manchester City.

    There were reports the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was looking at the winger as an alternative to Jadon Sancho.

    But if these reports are to be believed, the transfer could be further down the line than at first glance.

  • STANDING UP TO BULLIES

    Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard are being hailed for standing up for a kid with autism who was racially abused in public.

    Rashford tweeted about young footballer Kieran who was seen as the victim of an alleged vile racist rant with a white man in Huddersfield.

    The United and England striker tweeted: “This is Kieran, a lovely young boy with autism. The other 2 in the video, I have no words to describe.

    “The video speaks for itself. Kieran, I got you my guy, always.

    “I appreciate the love and support you send me constantly. Keep that head of yours high. Love, your friend, MR”

  • DILLY DALLY

    Top flight clubs avoided a vote – but effectively kicked the can down the road – if a second wave of coronavirus kicks in, reports MARTIN LIPTON.

    While there remains a split over what should happen if the season is “curtailed” by a second outbreak of Covid-19, the clubs opted to avoid a spat.

    And rather than pit the divisive issue to a vote, the teams took a position that it was not necessary to fight over a situation that may never actually arise.

    An agreement was reached that the debate will only be reopened if the season is forced into stopping for a second time.

    That avoided the faultlines between the clubs being further exposed.

    If the season cannot be finished, a points-per-game option is available, but clubs facing relegation are not keen on it.

  • PREM'S HIGH FIVE

    Premier League clubs have again put off a decision on what to do if the restarted League cannot be completed, reports MARTIN LIPTON.

    In a surprise move, the clubs agreed that the issue will not discussed UNLESS it becomes necessary because of a second shut-down.

    But the clubs did vote to approve a vote urged by Chelsea which means managers will be able to make five substitutions for the rest of the season.

    And there was also approval for another Chelsea proposal for teams to put nine players on the bench for the final part of the campaign.

    The latest meeting of the 20 Shareholder clubs lasted just under three hours.

  • KIDS ARE ALRIGHT

    Andreas Periera shared a picture at home with his baby, while wearing compression shorts.

    The Brazilian, 24, may see his gametime at United limited though, after the signing of Bruno Fernandes.

    View this post on Instagram

    Recuperando de boa com minha neném 🥰

    A post shared byAndreas Pereira (@andreaspereira) on

  • HAIRLINE ON THE WAYNE

    Wayne Rooney is back in training for Derby – sporting an impressive bushy beard and a thinning hairline.

    This is despite spending thousands on hair transplants over the years.

    The former Manchester United and England striker was put through his paces ahead of the Championship season resuming after the coronavirus suspension.

    But lockdown didn't look like it had done much for his thinning scalp.

    SunSport previously reported how the 34-year-old has spent as much as £30,000 on hair transplants.

    He has also been accused of using a spray-on hair thickener during match games to cover up.

  • HAVE A LOOK IN

    Kai Havertz wants guaranteed game time at his next club in order to consider his next move, according to reports.

    The German attacking midfielder/forward, 20, has been linked with a series of big moves this summer.

    And according to the MEN, Bayer Leverkusen would look to sell Havertz in the coming months because of financial difficulties as a knock-on effect of coronavirus.

    United’s top transfer priority remains landing Jadon Sancho, while Jack Grealish is also a realistic option in midfield.

    It remains to be seen whether United would have the funds to afford all three transfers though, with Chris Smalling earmarked to a permanent move to Roma for £25million.

  • JESSE'S NEW DO

    Midfielder Jesse Lingard has been showing off his new locks as United players continue training.

    View this post on Instagram

    🤘🏾😁 #GetDisWork

    A post shared byJLingz👑 (@jesselingard) on

  • SERGE IN INTEREST

    United remain favourites to sign Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, thanks to their title challenge in Italy.

    That’s even though the club appear not to need him.

    Here are Betfair's odds on potential clubs:

    • 11-4- Man Utd
    • 10-3- Real Madrid
    • 4-1- Chelsea
    • 6-1- Tottenham
    • 15-2- Paris Saint-Germain
    • 9-1- Juventus

    TRIPLE EXIT

    United hope to flog Alexis Sanchez, Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo to fund a transfer spree with Jadon Sancho their No1 priority, according to reports.

    The Red Devils know it will take a huge bid of around £105million to land the Borussia Dortmund winger this summer, even with the financial impact of coronavirus.

    But according to the Evening Standard, United know they face a tricky task raising the cash from player sales this summer.

    All three players are out on loan this season, with Sanchez heading to Inter Milan.

    But his massive £505,000-a-week wages mean it will be very difficult to find a club willing to pay out a significant transfer fee as well as come close to paying his salary – especially considering Sanchez turns 32 this year and has scored just three league goals since signing for United in January 2018.

    Smalling, meanwhile, has enjoyed a fine season with Roma this term, racking up 28 appearances and winning over plenty of fans in Italy and the club hope for a £25m sale.

    HE'S ON BRAND

    United are set to offer Brandon Williams a bumper new deal following his breakthrough season.

    The 19-year-old, who has played 12 times in the Premier League, currently pockets £4,000-per-week at Old Trafford.

    But according to The Athletic, Williams is set for a huge payrise as part of the deal offered by United.

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side are keen for his new contract to reflect his importance within the first-team.

    Williams could see his wages multiply significantly to put him on par with some of his team-mates at Old Trafford.

    In comparison, fellow left-back Luke Shaw rakes in £190,000-per-week and Diogo Dalot takes home £50,000.

    Source: Read Full Article

12.20pm Man Utd news LIVE: Saul Niguez announces shock ‘new club’, Premier League fixtures TODAY, Sancho transfer LATEST – The Sun

MAN UTD are increasing their preparations for the return of the Premier League on June 17.

We're expecting the full fixture list to be announced today with United's trip to Tottenham on Friday June 19 leading the return.

We've the very latest on the long-running saga with Jadon Sancho after the forward netted a hat-trick for Dortmund while Saul Niguez has revealed his long-awaited 'new club'.

Follow all the very latest news from Old Trafford below…

  • PREM STREAMING ON AMAZON

    Amazon is set to stream live Premier League games, WITHOUT the need for a Prime membership.

    The online shopping giant-turn-video-service will broadcast 33 games for free in the UK.

    Great news for footie fans!

  • SPEED DIAL

    Manchester United star Paul Pogba has a dilemma on his hands with THREE top European sides chasing his signature, according to reports.

    It was previously revealed the French ace was “open” to a move to Paris-Saint Germain but is also wanted by Juventus and Real Madrid.

    Le10Sport claim Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane has even called Pogba's super agent Mino Raiola to reaffirm his side's interest in the player.

    Pogba's contract runs until 2021 and Zidane took the proactive step of ringing Raiola as reports emerged that Juventus and PSG were stepping up their interest.

    Pogba could return to former club Juve with rumours he is keen on a fresh start after failing to justify his £89million price tag at the Red Devils.

    Thomas Tuchel's PSG are thought to interest Pogba as a potential destination but it is understood Madrid are now leading the race after Zidane's decisive action.

  • NEW CLUB FOR SAUL

    Saul has announced that he and Nike are creating a new club in his home city of Elche in a shiny new promotional video from the sportswear manufacturer.

    Unfortunately there is no announcement he is joining United.

    See, told you it would be earth shattering.

    View this post on Instagram

    ‪THERE IS A NEW TEAM IN THE CITY @clubcostacity ‬ ‪🔗 http://www.clubcostacity.com ‬

    A post shared bySaul Ñiguez (@saulniguez) on

  • UNITED FANS WAITING FOR SAUL

    Any time now on this EARTH SHATTERING announcement.

    Utd fans are like…

  • BEND IT LIKE BRUNO

    Enjoy this marvellous free-kick from Bruno Fernandes.

    Can't. Stop. Watching.

  • 'DREAM TARGET'

    United are putting finding a new striker on hold in order to sign Jadon Sancho, according to reports.

    The Red Devils have tied Odion Ighalo down till January, while Mason Greenwood’s rise to prominence has been one of the under-the-radar success stories of the season already.

    Sancho, 20, was magnificent as he scored a hat-trick in Dortmund’s 6-1 win at Paderborn on Sunday.

    Pundits, fans and former players want Sancho at Old Trafford and now Real Madrid are reportedly ready to join the chase, even though they have previously targeted Kylian Mbappe.

    But according to the Standard, Sancho is Solskjaer’s ‘dream’ target, giving them some of the best attacking options in the Premier League, if they do nail him down.

  • SAUL FOR NOTHING?

    Atletico Madrid star Saul Niguez is enjoying teasing United fans with his “announcement” due at 11.30am Spanish time.

    Needless to say that was a few minutes ago and there is still nothing new on his social media.

    No doubt he'll have a new sponsor to plug, rather than anything significant.

  • GOAD ME ALL YOU WANT

    United target Jack Grealish admits he will find it hard in fan-free zones when the Premier League return – as he thrives off the abuse from boo boys just like Cristiano Ronaldo used to.

    He told the Express and Star: “I love all that. I love when people are on my back and targeting me.

    “I always remember when I was a kid – and I am not saying I am anywhere near his level – but Cristiano Ronaldo used to come to Villa and the fans used to absolutely cane him.

    “He used to thrive off it and that is what I try to do. I try to thrive off the hatred from the fans.”

  • BRIDGE THAT GAP

    The Premier League’s most-successful player Ryan Giggs has hailed Liverpool’s contribution to his Wales squad, with the likes of Harry Wilson, Ben Woodburn and Neco Williams all on the Anfield books, albeit not in the first team.

    Giggs said: “I think what we have seen this year is a fantastic team, managed by a great coach in Jurgen Klopp.

    “It pains me to say as a United fan, but they are doing fantastic this season.

    “Obviously they'll go on in whatever way and they'll win the league and they'll deserve it.

    “They're a great team to watch and there are certain things I've taken out of the way Liverpool play and taken it onto some of the things I've wanted to do with Wales.

    “It pains me to say, hopefully United will bridge that gap and catch up with them.”

  • EVERYONE WOULD WANT HIM

    United target Harry Kane leaving Tottenham to win trophies is a “possibility”, claimed Harry Redknapp.

    Speaking to talkSPORT, the 73-year-old said: “I'd like to see him stay, but they do need to win something.

    “It's been a long time and you can only see them winning a cup competition.

    “It's a difficult one, I'm sure [Kane] loves the club, he's come through the youth system and it's his team.

    “But he's also ambitious and I would think if it doesn't happen this year he could possibly look to move on.

    “And everybody in the world would want him. He's a top, top player and a great guy.”

  • BLANCO CHEQUE

    Real Madrid are ready to enter the £105million race for England star Jadon Sancho.

    Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane has been impressed with the Borussia Dortmund youngster, who has hit 20 goals in 20 games this term.

    And the Real chief reckons he can beat favourites Manchester United to the punch and grab the 20-year-old.

    Spanish media outlet as claim the LaLiga giants have a strong relationship with Dortmund and hope to use this to take their prized asset.

    United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to team Sancho up with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in a frontline full of pace to put the fear into Premier League rivals.

    AS claim United had a £125m offer turned down at the start of this year.

  • JACK SORRY

    United target Jack Grealish is hoping to draw a line under the controversy surrounding him agreeing to visit a friend during the coronavirus lockdown in March.

    Police were called to the Dickens Heath area of Solihull to reports a Range Rover had crashed into two parked cars, with pictures emerging online of the Aston Villa captain at the scene in slippers and a bright blue hoodie.

    And in an interview with The Guardian, he said: “I knew straight away that I had to come out and apologise myself, which I wanted to do; I didn't want to hide behind a club statement.

    “I am old enough now and mature enough to know that I'd done wrong.

    “I know I am a footballer but I'm still human and we all make mistakes and straight away I knew I'd made a mistake.

    “I’m also a role model as well to a lot of people out there, especially young children who might look up to me.”

  • JADON-ALDO

    United target Jadon Sancho has been likened to Cristiano Ronaldo by former Red Devil Wes Brown.

    The 40-year-old said: “We need someone exactly like that at the club.

    “We’ve had them over the years and I’m sure if we were to sign him he would bring that excitement back to the club.

    “We’ve had players like that in the past, like with Cristiano Ronaldo.

    “They’re the type of player who draw three or four defenders out and make the game a lot easier for the other players.

    “If we could do it, it would be a brilliant signing.”

  • BETTER CAUL SAUL 2/2

    “He will always tell the club if he’s leaving but that will be at the right time if he leaves.

    “Do you think he will put a post on Twitter saying that he’s going to another club?

    “Doesn’t that sound to you like a bit of a commercial exercise of some kind? It does to me. I may be completely wrong but it sounds to me like a big commercial thing.

    “That’s not how Saul does things.

    “Atletico Madrid will tell you they don’t expect anything because he’s not leaving.

    “So I think I answered that there. But it has kept you busy and yes some media are mentioning Manchester United etc. We will see on Wednesday.”

  • BETTER CAUL SAUL 1/2

    Saul Niguez is set to reveal his 'new club' at 10am this morning.

    But Manchester United fans have been warned not to expect them to signing him by Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.

    He said: “By the way there’s no information, nobody knows what it is, apart from the people involved of course, but it’s pretty obvious in my eyes, well that’s what I think.

    “First of all, he’s a big Atletico Madrid fan, or he feels very close to the club.

    “He has renewed his contract despite having interest from others.

  • PREM FIXTURES TODAY

    The Premier League is expected to announce the complete fixture list for Project Restart at some point today.

    Manchester City vs Arsenal and Aston Villa v Sheffield United will kick off proceedings on Wednesday 17 June, but we are set to find out what time and on what TV channel.

    Manchester United's trip to Tottenham is expected to be the first game of the weekend on Friday 19 June.

    The league schedule is looking like full match rounds on six long weekends, with three midweek slots including games on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

    The midweek rounds are expected to be 23-25 June, 7-9 July and 14-16 July.

    Stay with us for all the latest…

  • MORNING MAN UTD FANS

    Despite making an extraordinary start to life at Old Trafford, new star Bruno Fernandes has admitted that he feels he needs to get even better.

    He told Instagram account Talent Ain’t Enough: “My vision of coming to Manchester United is that I'm at one of the best clubs in the world, for me, the best club in England.

    “My idea for the next years are doing better than I have until now.

    “For me, in games it is not good enough because now is maybe the most difficult part.

    “The players start to recognise your game, start to know how you move, how you pass, how you shoot and the things become difficult now.

    “So now I need to improve more and to work more and understand more the teams who I play against because they will understand me better, but I need to be prepared to understand better the difficulties they can have.”

    Fans can look forward to seeing Bruno and Co soon, with the Premier League expected to announce the times for the remaining fixtures today with the big restart incoming.

    Meanwhile, the Red Devils continue their chase for Jadon Sancho, with former defender Wes Brown likening the 20-year-old’s potential impact to that of Cristiano Ronaldo.

    Also on the transfer front, former Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has admitted that Harry Kane could leave the North Londoners – with Man United keen admirers of the England skipper.

    And finally, Marcus Rashford led the many footballers taking part in Blackout Tuesday as sport united in the aftermath of George Floyd's death.

    Millions of people took part in the social media demonstration against racial injustice, amid protests across the United States and in London.

  • IRON-BRU – ICYMI

    Bruno Fernandes has admitted he will have to adapt his game when Manchester United make their Premier League return later this month.

    He told Talent Ain't Enough: “My vision of coming to Manchester United is that I'm at one of the best clubs in the world, for me, the best club in England.

    “My idea for the next years are doing better than I have until now.

    “For me, in games it is not good enough because now is maybe the most difficult part. The players start to recognise your game, start to know how you move , how you pass, how you shoot and the things become difficult now.

    “So now I need to improve more and to work more and understand more the teams who I play against because they will understand me better, but I need to be prepared to understand better the difficulties they can have.”

  • IGGY POP

    Odion Ighalo has vowed to take Manchester United “higher and higher” after signing up for another six months.

    The Nigerian’s loan from Shanghai Shenhua has been extended until January 2021 after his original agreement was set to end last weekend.

    And the delighted 30-year-old said: “I’m really happy. It’s a dream for me to be here. I’m buzzing and ready to go.

    “Since the first day I arrived, I made it clear that I wanted whatever it takes to continue that work.

    “Like I’ve said, since I was young, I’ve been supporting this club and playing for it is a dream.

    “Now I’ve extended my loan, it makes it even more clear and I’m committed as I know, in my head, I’m here until January.

    “I just want to work hard and enjoy it, support the team and do whatever I can to make us go higher and higher.”

  • FRIENDLY FOES

    Premier League clubs have been granted permission to play friendlies under strict conditions, prior to the division's return later this month.

    Having not played since March, teams are hoping to sharpen up with matches prior to the league's restart, an idea that the Telegraph reveal has been accepted by the Premier League.

    Matches will be able to take place at training grounds or stadiums, although sides must travel for more than 90 minutes – and players must journey to games in their own cars and in kit.

    No referees will be admitted, so coaching staff will have to officiate.

  • WIZARD OF OS

    Manchester United target Victor Osimhen has been urged by Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr to leave Lille this summer.

    The 18-goal 21-year-old has also been linked with Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham – and Rohr believes that playing at a higher level will help his Super Eagles chances.

    He told Le Quotidien du Foot: “Victor Osimhen, I think, will have a very big opportunity to go from Lille, perhaps in the Premier League, to a very, very big club.

    “If we have players playing at a very high level for their clubs, our level at the Super Eagles would grow also.

    “(But) if he is signing for a very big club – you have seen the clubs ready to buy him now – he is not so sure to play because there’s big competition for the starting places in the team.

    “(Although) it would be better to play in a better club than Lille.”

  • ON THE MARC

    Marcos Rojo is set to return to Manchester United after making just one appearance while on loan at boyhood club Estudiantes.

    The 30-year-old left Old Trafford in January, but suffered a knee injury early into his time back in Argentina.

    Covid-19 put his hopes of appearing further for Estudiantes at risk – and despite his will to stay – manager Leandro Desabato has admitted that it's unlikely.

    He told Radio Late 931: “We have to wait, but Rojo is likely to leave.”

  • BRU MUST BE JOKING

    BRUNO FERNANDES admits he needs to improve or risk stagnating after starting life at Manchester United with a bang.

    The Portuguese international signed for the Red Devils in January for £46.5million before going on to win the Prem’s Player of the Month for February.

    But speaking to Instagram account Talent Ain’t Enough, the 25-year-old said: “My vision of coming to Manchester United is that I'm at one of the best clubs in the world, for me, the best club in England.

    “My idea for the next years are doing better than I have until now.

    “For me, in games it is not good enough because now is maybe the most difficult part.

    “The players start to recognise your game, start to know how you move , how you pass, how you shoot and the things become difficult now.

    “So now I need to improve more and to work more and understand more the teams who I play against because they will understand me better, but I need to be prepared to understand better the difficulties they can have.”

  • SPREADING THEIR WINGS

    Manchester United are considering bids for three wide attackers this summer, should their move for primary target Jadon Sancho fail.

    The Red Devils have made ensnaring the 20-year-old a priority – although he will likely cost more than £100million.

    According to the Manchester Evening News, United have eyes for three fellow wingers if their Sancho pursuit grinds to a halt.

    These include another former Manchester City academy rebel in Rabbi Matondo at Schalke – as well as Bournemouth star David Brooks and young Argentine Thiago Almada from Velez Sarsfield.

  • ADRIEN RABI-GO

    Juventus could let Manchester United target Adrien Rabiot leave this summer after just one year at the club, according to reports.

    Tuttmercatoweb claim that while the Frenchman's “technical and physical” skills aren't in question, his “attitude and desire” aren't up to scratch for Juve bosses.

    This uncertainty has prompted interest from a number of Premier League clubs, including the Red Devils… as well as Arsenal and Everton.

    Bonuses take the Frenchman's contract to just shy of £200,000-a-week in Turin, which any potential suitor would have to match.

    And Juve chiefs would want a transfer fee of at least £26million for the 25-year-old.

Source: Read Full Article

George Floyd protests LIVE: London Black Lives Matter demonstration takes place today as curfews ignored across US – The Sun

THOUSANDS of Brits are expected to descend on London's Hyde Park from 1pm today as worldwide outrage continues to flare over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

People across the UK have also been asked to "take the knee" on their doorsteps at 6pm in solidarity.

This comes as demonstrators defied curfews in the US.

In New York City, police officers trying to wind down a day of peaceful protests allegedly arrested at least 40 people for breaking a 7pm curfew as looting broke out around Manhattan.

In LA, protesters staged a post-curfew sit-in outside Mayor Eric Garcetti's home.

They held up their hands and chanted "peaceful protest" while ignoring the police's orders to move.

And in Atlanta, tensions increased between protesters and police just before the 9pm curfew as officers launched tear gas into crowds.

Follow below for all the latest news and updates from the protests…

  • BIDEN TO ATTEND FLOYD FUNERAL

    Joe Biden will attend George Floyd’s funeral in Houston, Texas, next week, an attorney for Floyd's family said.

    A public viewing for Floyd will be from noon to 6 p.m. local time on Monday at the Fountain of Praise church in Houston, USA Today reported.

    The funeral and burial will take place the following day.

    Family lawyer Benjamin Crump said the former Vice President will be in attendance.

  • LA POLICE CHIEF UNDER FIRE OVER LOOTERS COMMENTS

    LAPD chief Michel Moore is under fire for saying George Floyd looters are “as responsible for his death as those officers’”.

    He said: “We didn't have protests last night, we had criminal acts.

    “We didn't have people mourning the death of this man, George Floyd, we had people capitalising.

    “His death is on their hands as much as it is those officers.”

    But he was forced to apologise after a furious backlash.

  • MUM OF FLOYD'S DAUGHTER REVEALS GRIEF

    THE mother of George Floyd's daughter has spoken out about her grief over her former partner's death, saying their six-year-old child will never be walked down the aisle by her father.

    “He was a good man,” said Roxie Washington, in a news conference in Minneapolis on Tuesday. “I'm here for my baby and I'm here for George because I want justice.”

    Floyd's daughter Gianna was standing by her mother, who choked back tears as she demanded justice for the 46-year-old, who died during an arrest last week.

    “I don't have a lot to say, I can't get the words together right now. I want everyone to know that this is what those officers took from me,” she said, referencing their daughter.

    Read more here.

  • $10MILLION DONATED TO FLOYD’S FAMILY

    A GoFundMe raising money for George Floyd's funeral and to support his family has topped $10 MILLION in just a few days.

    The “Official George Floyd Memorial Fund” saw more than 390,000 donors put their hands in their pockets – and the number is still rising.

    This reportedly makes it one of the most successful GoFundMe campaigns of all time in terms of money raised.

    Donations have dwarfed the initial target of $1.5million and the page has been shared on social media 241,200 times.

  • STORE OWNER SAYS HE WON’T CALL COPS AGAIN

    The owner of the store where George Floyd allegedly tried to use fake $20 note before his death says staff will no longer call cops because it “almost always does more harm than good”.

    Mahmoud Abumayyaleh, owner of Cup Foods grocery store, said he and his family were “deeply saddened for our part of this tragedy”.

    He said that the incident should serve to “teach us all an important lesson about dealing with police”.

  • AUSSIE REPORTER BEATEN WITH BATONS BY COPS

    An Aussie reporter has told how she was beaten with batons by cops and shot with rubber bullets while covering George Floyd protests in the US.

    Amelia Brace, of 7NEWS, was whacked with a baton and her cameraman Tim Myers was struck in the chest on live TV near the White House on Tuesday.

    She said: “It was an absolutely terrifying experience.

    “We’re definitely a bit worse for wear today.

    “I can feel it across my shoulders where I was whacked with that baton and we’ve got welts from the rubber bullets.

    “It’s similar to if you were shot too closely with a paintball gun.”

  • TRUMP 'CONSIDERED USING TANKS AGAINST PROTESTERS'

    Donald Trump considered using 'tanks' or other armoured military vehicles to help restore order in the US, its reported.

    Trump hoped to make the aggressive action in Washington an example for the rest of the country, according to an anonymous senior White House official quoted by other publications.

    Two Pentagon officials also told AP that the president had ordered military aircraft to fly above the capital on Monday night as a 'show of force' against demonstrators.

  • RIOTS IN PARIS OVER FLOYD CASE

    Violence flared in Parislast night after at least 20,000 demonstrators turned up at a banned protest against alleged racist policing.

    Tear gas and baton charges were used by cops as they came under attack outside the Paris Tribunal, the modern court complex in the north of the city.

    Protests against George Floyd, whose death in police custody has sparked disturbances across the USA, have spread around the world.

    The Paris demonstration was originally planned for Tuesday evening by supporters of Adama Traore, a 24-year-old black Frenchman of Malian origin who died in similar circumstances to Mr Floyd in July 2016.

  • BUSH SAYS 'TIME TO EXAMINE FAILURES'

    George W Bush has said it is time for America to “examine our tragic failures” and called the protests that have gripped the nation over the past few days a “strength”.

    The former president released a lengthy statement a week after George Floyd died in Minneapolis after a police officer knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes during an arrest.

    “It is a strength when protesters, protected by responsible law enforcement, march for a better future,” he wrote in the statement published on Tuesday.

    “This tragedy — in a long series of similar tragedies — raises a long overdue question: How do we end systemic racism in our society?”

    Read more here.

  • TRUMP CALLS FOR END TO RIOTING

    Donald Trump has said protesters in New York are “out of control” and demanded mayor Bill de Blasio “put down rioting now”.

    The president tweeted: “New York’s Finest are not being allowed to perform their MAGIC but regardless, and with the momentum that the Radical Left and others have been allowed to build, they will need additional help.

    “NYC is totally out of control. @NYCMayor & @NYGovCuomo MUST PUT DOWN RIOTING NOW!”

  • TEENAGER CALLS OUT DEMOCRATS WHO ACCEPTED POLICE DONATIONS

    Following the death of George Floyd, a 19-year-old college student from Queens has called out New York Democrats who have accepted police donations.

    Aaron Fernando of John Jay College of Criminal Justice shared his spreadsheet, “Who's Taking Cop Money?”, on Twitter on May 29.

    Since then, eight elected Democrats have vowed to donate their police-funded contributions to bail fund or criminal justice reform organizations.

    Before updating the spreadsheet, Fernando said he required elected officials to send him proof that they had reallocated their funds.

    “Your contributors are a reflection of who you are,” he told CNN.

  • MAN SUSPECTED OF IMPERSONATING NATIONAL GUARD MEMBER ARRESTED

    A man suspected of impersonating a National Guard member was arrested in Los Angeles on Tuesday, according to reports.

    CBS Los Angeles reported that Gregory Wong, 31, had been spotted by an actual member of the National Guard who noticed Wong's uniform didn't look right.

    Wong was reportedly carrying an M-4 rifle and charged with transportation of an assault weapon.

    According to reports, Wong told police he was going to a friend's establishment to provide security.

  • LA POLICE ARREST PROTESTORS OUTSIDE MAYOR'S RESIDENCE

    Police began to make arrests in Los Angeles after protestors gathered outside the mayor's residence hours after curfew.

    Many of the protestors were sitting on the ground with their hand up, chanting “Peaceful protest,” CNN reported.

    Crowds cheered as arrested protestors were led away, before they were lined up against a wall to provide their information.

    Those arrested were then bused away from the scene, according to reports.

  • UBER AND LYFT PAUSE RIDE SERVICES IN NYC IN KEEPING WITH CURFEW

    Uber and Lyft paused their rise services in New York City on Tuesday night to be in keeping with the city's curfew.

    According to reports, the move came at the request of the city, which asked that for-hire vehicles be shut down from 8 p.m. Tuesday until 12:30am Wednesday.

    Yellow cabs, however, would continue to operate.

    Many pedestrians in the city are already cautious of using the subway because of the COVID-19 risk.

    The pausing of for-hire services left essential workers – who are exempt from the curfew – to pick from walking, biking, yellow cabs or other forms of public transport on Tuesday night.

  • NORTH CAROLINA POLICE ARREST PROTESTOR WITH AR RIFLE

    Police in Charlotte, North Carolina, said in a tweet that they have arrested a protestor who was armed with an “AR Rifle with two 30-round magazines.”

    The announcement comes after police in Charlotte said earlier that they had been required to use “chemical agents” to calm protests in the area.

    CMPD News tweeted: “After being assaulted with bottles, rocks, and chemical agents multiple dispersal orders were given.

    “Officers gave protestors multiple avenues to leave the area. After refusal to leave, chemical agents were deployed to protect officers and the public.”

  • DC NATIONAL GUARD INVESTIGATING HELICOPTER USE

    The National Guard in Washington, DC, is investigating the use of its helicopters on Monday night, officials said.

    Helicopters were cited doing low-level passes above crowds in an apparent attempt to disperse protestors in the capital.

    DC National Guard tweeted on Tuesday: “DCNG Commanding General has directed an investigation into the actions of our rotary aviation assets June 1.

    “Our priority is the safety of our Guardsmen who support civil authorities.

    “We are dedicated to ensuring the safety of citizens and their right to protest.”

    The incident followed President Trump's Rose Garden address, after which he walked to visit a visit to a nearby church.

  • TRUMP ASKS WHEN NEW YORK WILL CALL FOR HELP

    President Donald Trump tweeted about the ongoing protests in New York City on Tuesday night, asking when the state's governor would call for help.

    The president cited Fox News to describe the “chaos, lawlessness, and destruction.”

    “When will Governor Cuomo call the federal government for help?” Trump tweeted.

    Several protestors were arrested or detained as scuffles broke out between police and protestors in Chelsea, western Manhattan.

  • DOWNING STREET EXPRESSES 'ALARM' AT SCENES IN US

    The prime minister's official spokesperson has described the scenes unfolding in the US as “very alarming”, the Telegraph reports.

    Recent days have seen many of the protests over the death of George Floyd end in violent clashes between demonstrators and police.

    Dozens of instances of police using teargassing, beating, or using rubber bullets on peaceful protesters have also been documented.

    The Number Ten spokesperson said: “The violence is clearly very alarming.

    “People must be allowed to protest peacefully.”

  • ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY JOINS CRITICISM OF TRUMP

    The Archbishop of Canterbury has joined church leaders in the US to condemn Donald Trump after protesters were teargassed to make way for a photo-op.

    Police yesterday cleared demonstrators outside the White House so the president could pose for a photo holding a bible in front of a church.

    Welby shared a social media post by Michael Curry, the American bishop who spoke at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

    Curry said Trump “used a church building and the Holy Bible for partisan political purposes” and that the stunt “did nothing to help us or to heal us”.

    Commenting on the post, Welby said: “I thank God for Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s leadership and for all in the US who are striving for racial justice and reconciliation.”

  • LAPD MAKES 1,200 ARRESTS IN ONE DAY

    The Los Angeles Police Department made 1,200 arrest on Monday, NBC News reports.

    The figure of roughly equal to amount of people usually arrested over the course of a week.

    A law enforcement source told NBC News that the majority of the arrest were for breaches of curfew or, to a lesser extent, looting.

    Officials said they expected the number of arrests to rise this week as officers became more accustomed to the tactics of looters.

  • FLOYD CLIP ‘REMINDED ME OF BEING BEATEN BY POLICE AS A CHILD’, SAYS FORMER NYPD CAPT

    A former NYPD captain has spoken of how watching the George Floyd footage reminded him of being beaten by police as a child.

    Capt. Eric Adams, who spent more 20 years in the police and also founded a group to combat police brutality, was speaking during an interview with CNN’s Wolf Blitzer.

    “I cannot tell you what I feel right now,” he said.

    “When we saw George Floyd on the ground with a foot on his neck, it reminded me of, as a child, being beaten by police and urinating blood for weeks after.

    “And going into a police department and fighting against police abuse.

    “This is a moment for me. Seeing young people taking to the streets across our country. It brings me joy.”

    He went on to express concern about those protests that have descended into violence, saying: “You cannot end violence by using violence.

  • AUSTRALIA INVESTIGATING US POLICE ATTACK ON JOURNALISTS

    The Australian government is investigating an alleged attack by US police on two Australian journalists covering unrest outside the White House, its foreign minister has said.

    Marise Payne was speaking after footage broadcast on live television appeared to show an officer hitting a man holding a television camera with his riot shield.

    The officer then appears to punch the man before pushing him along the street.

    Prime Minister Scott Morrison has reportedly asked the Australian Embassy in Washington DC to investigate the incident with a view to launching a formal complaint.

    Payne said: “I want to get further advice on how we would go about registering Australia's strong concerns with the responsible local authorities in Washington.”

  • ACHIEVING JUSTICE FOR ALL IS THE DUTY OF ALL, SAYS GEORGE BUSH

    Former president George W Bush has released a long statement on the death of George Floyd, saying it is the responsibility of all Americans to help achieve justice for all.

    “We can only see the reality of America's need by seeing it through the eyes of the threatened, oppressed, and disenfranchised,” he wrote.

    “We know that lasting justice will only come by peaceful means. Looting is not liberation, and destruction is not progress.

    “But we also know that lasting peace in our communities requires truly equal justice.

    “The rule of law ultimately depends on the fairness and legitimacy of the legal system.

    “And achieving justice for all is the duty of all.”

  • AT LEAST 125 VIOLATIONS OF PRESS FREEDOM RECORDED

    At least 125 violations of press freedom have been recorded by journalists covering unrest in the US following the death of George Floyd, a media watchdog has said.

    The Committee to Protect Journalists said that dozens of journalists had been targeted with tear gas, pepper spray, or rubber bullets, in a number of cases while displaying their press credentials.

    Up to 20 arrests of journalists have also been reported.

    The group went on to call on local and state authorities to ensure that the press is exempted from any curfews and that such exemptions are honoured.

  • EU ‘SHOCKED AND APPALLED’ BY GEORGE FLOYD DEATH

    The European Union is ‘shocked and appalled’ by the death of George Floyd, the body’s foreign policy chief has said.

    Speaking to reporters, Josep Borrell called the behaviour of the officers involved an “abuse of power”.

    “Like the people of the United States, we are shocked and appalled by the death of George Floyd,” he said.

    “All societies must remain vigilant against the excessive use of force.

    “We condemn racism of any kind.

    “We trust in the ability of the Americans to come together, to heal as a nation”.

Source: Read Full Article

Arsenal news LIVE:

ARSENAL fans are eager to see their team in action once again as Project Restart draws nearer.

It's just over a fortnight until the Gunners are set to face Man City on June 17, while we've also the very latest on their approach for Ryan Fraser.

Follow all the latest updates from North London below…

  • CRY NO MOUR

    Jose Mourinho has told players worried about the season restarting to stop being selfish and get on with it.

    The Tottenham boss admitted last week he was worried about players getting injured by the rush to resume the campaign.

    But after the Government gave the green light for the Premier League to return on June 17, the Special One seems to have changed his mind.

    He said: “We shouldn’t be selfish, we shouldn’t demand too much. It’s our time to give.

    “Everyone has pre-season injuries in normal seasons so we cannot expect now not to have an injury here and there.

    “We cannot ask for more than the authorities are giving us, which is maximum security.

    “I think now it’s time just to play and to give people what they want.”

  • HOOPLESS WITHOUT IT

    Tony Cascarino reckons Arsenal need a Michael Jordan-type character to get the best out of Mesut Ozil.

    He said on TalkSPORT: “You have to be real on this, because when you pay someone a huge indifferent salary compared to everyone else at a football club, he has to make the difference on the field.

    “So that’s going to come with criticism, as much as you might think it’s unfair and some people think it’s bullying, it carries a price.

    “When you watch The Last Dance and you see how Michael Jordan got more out of a player, you sort of think you wish Arsenal had that type of player to get more out of Mesut Ozil.

    “Not just the manager, but a player sitting next to him in the dressing room who might be thinking you’re not doing enough.”

  • GUNNERS ROUND-UP

    After another busy week of preparation, it now looks likely that the Premier League will be returning on June 17.

    Arsenal will face Man City on that date, knowing that three points would take them above North London rivals Spurs into eighth place.

    In the transfer market, Ryan Fraser’s move to the Emirates has moved a step closer after he signed up with Mikel Arteta’s agent, according to the Mirror.

    The Bournemouth winger has left long-term representative Jon McLeish and will become a free agent on July 1.

    Arsenal are confident of landing the left winger, who had 15 assists and eight goals last season, on a Bosman.

    In the long-running Thomas Partey saga, the Gunners are reportedly still the side “most interested” in signing the Atletico Madrid star.

    Partey has been repeatedly linked with a move to North London but talks surrounding a deal appear to have been pushed back by the outbreak of Covid-19.

    Spanish media outlet AS suggest that before the coronavirus crisis, the Gunners and boss Mikel Arteta were ready to stump up the money for the 26-year-old's release clause.

    And finally, TalkSport host Georgie Bingham has labelled the decision to give Mesut Ozil £350,000-per-week as Arsenal's 'biggest mistake of the last 10 years'.

    She said: “Listen, nobody’s career can be all flowers and rainbows and I realise that and I think Ozil has had a really tough time.

    “I also think there are times when he gets hung out for no reason. But I also think it is Arsenal’s biggest mistake of the last 10 years.

    “I think Arsenal were really stupid handing it out and it’s something that we beat them with.”

Source: Read Full Article

A beer a day can help you live longer by protecting against insomnia, dementia and even OBESITY – The Sun

A DAILY beer can help you live longer, research suggests.

Scientists discovered some brews are bursting with health-boosting probiotics.

They claim a daily tipple can “be very good for you” and protects against obesity, insomnia and dementia.

Experts found strong Belgian beers — such as Hoegaarden, Westmalle Tripel and Echt Kriekenbier — are particularly rich in probiotic yeast.

It is credited with fighting conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, autism and bowel cancer.

Unlike most beers, they are fermented twice ­— once in the brewery and again in the bottle.

The process increases the strength of the beer.

Importantly for health, in-bottle fermentation uses a different strain of yeast to that found in traditional pints.

It not only converts sugar into alcohol, but it produces acids that kill off harmful bacteria.

Professor Eric Claassen, a gut bacteria expert at Amsterdam University, said: “In high concentrations, alcohol is bad for the gut, but if you drink just one of these beers every day it would be very good for you.”

Other research, from the University of Nebraska, USA, found some bottled beers contain up to 50 million probiotic or “good” bacteria.

Prof Claassen told an event held by probiotic drink maker Yakult: “In the Middle Ages, people made beer because the water was not drinkable.

“The yeast killed off bad bacteria in the water.”

Source: Read Full Article

CNN crew arrested on live TV amid George Floyd protests in Minneapolis

A CNN crew was arrested on live TV as they covered protests in Minneapolis over the death of George Floyd.

Correspondent Omar Jimenez, and the crew with him, were handcuffed and detained by Minnesota State Police just after 5 a.m. local time, according to the network.

The crew was informed they were being detained because they were told to move and did not, one member said.

Officers in body armor and riot gear moved toward the crew after they first arrested a protester behind them, the live feed shows.

Jimenez identified himself as a CNN reporter, and told the officers the crew would move to wherever they were told.

“This is the scene here playing out in Minneapolis,” Jimenez says on air as one officer holds his arm. “This is part of the advanced police presence we’ve seen here in really minutes, when we saw that the local police showed up with the fire department at the building we showed you which was burning.”

“This is part of the state patrol unit that was advancing up the street, scattering the protests at that point for people to leave the area,” he said. “So we walked away, cleared the area.”

At that point, a second officer told him he was under arrest, and the pair handcuffed him.

They did not respond to his questions about why he was being arrested.

Jimenez and the crew had been reporting near the Minneapolis Police Department’s 3rd Precinct, which was set on fire amid the protests.

Source: Read Full Article

3pm Man Utd news LIVE: Bale transfer bid revealed, Pogba trains with Fernandes, Sancho LATEST, Ighalo deal ‘close’ – The Sun

MANCHESTER UNITED are pressing on with training as the fans move a step closer to seeing an iconic midfield partnership of Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes.

But the French World Cup winner may not be at Old Trafford much longer with Real Madrid back in the hunt for his signature.

Get all the Red Devils news, updates and gossip here…

  • AXEL TO GRIND

    Luke Shaw has named the Manchester United youngster you simply cannot get out the gym.

    Axel Tuanzebe, on this evidence, not a bad pick…

  • BREAKING: PROJECT RESTART ON TRACK

    The Premier League is set to return on 17 June with Manchester City hosting Arsenal and Aston Villa taking on Sheffield United.

    Project Restart has been handed a huge boost after talks between the 20 clubs were held today.

    It is understood that the “majority” of Premier League clubs are keen to get the ball rolling next month.

    The initial plan was for football to return on Friday June 12 – but it is now expected to be delayed by just under one week.

    Players need more time to get back to match fitness to avoid the risk of injuries.

    But the four clubs with games in hand, due to the Carabao Cup final, are preparing for a midweek start before the full resumption days later.

  • DUTCH DYNAMO

    Over 250 games, four Premier League titles, a League Cup, Club World Cup and a Champions League.

    Not bad for a 34-year-old costing £2million!

    Edwin van der Sar retired on this day, nine years ago.

  • PO-PO A GO-GO

    Police in England have reportedly given the green light for MOST Premier League games taking place at regular venues.

    Neutral grounds were touted as a major part of Project Restart but were met with fierce opposition from several teams.

    The Mail now reports that police are happy for games to be held across the country, in each of the 20 grounds.

    Yet they still hold reservations over a small number of high-profile matches that could still attract fans to gather outside the ground – breaking coronavirus restrictions.

  • OD MOVE

    Manchester United’s £140million loan has boosted their chances of signing some big names this summer.

    But Paul Pogba has been heavily linked with a move away from the club after making just seven league appearances this season.

    Solskjaer has confirmed Pogba is fit to play when football returns and he has been pictured at Carrington this week.

    Real Madrid have reportedly offered United four big-name stars in a swap deal for the French World Cup winner.

    Martin Odegaard, James Rodriguez, Lucas Vasquez and former Manchester City midfielder Brahim Diaz will be included.

    And SunSport’s Joseph Miles has put together a tantalising sneak preview of what such a United line-up might look like – if the deal goes through…

  • MONEYBALL

    Latest figures released by financial giant KPMG have Manchester United chasing the coattails of the world’s most valuable club.

    Worth £2.95billion, Real Madrid are just ahead of Manchester United in second – at £2.84bn.

    Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Liverpool make up the top five with the Premier League leaders rising two places since the previous valuations.

    Manchester City are followed by Chelsea in seventh place, falling behind the Reds at a decreased value of £1.88bn.

    Tottenham jump up to eighth and Paris Saint-Germain are next.

    Hanging on in the top ten, Arsenal’s worth fell 13.2 per cent and is now rated at £1.57bn.

  • ODS ON

    Odion Ighalo has reportedly urged parent club Shanghai Shenhua to let him stay at Manchester United on loan until the campaign is concluded.

    The 30-year-old's spell at Old Trafford is set to come to an end on Sunday unless the Chinese club and the Red Devils can come to an arrangement.

    He is desperate to see out the season with United as he knows this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent the team he loves.

    According to the Manchester Evening News, such is his desire to remain at the Theatre of Dreams, Ighalo has made a personal plea to Shanghai to let him remain in England.

    Shanghai are believed to only be willing to discuss terms on a permanent transfer or a loan with an obligation to buy for £20million, but United are seeking only an extension.

  • MERCS OF THE JOB

    Marcus Rashford arrived at Manchester United's training ground in his new £150,000 custom Mercedes-AMG G63 this morning – and it looks like a TANK.

    The England star, 22, cruised into Carrington in his incredible new ride – which can do 0-60mph in just 4.5 seconds.

    The 4.0-litre V-8 engine in Rashford's new wheels brings with it a staggering 577 horsepower.

    The car starts at around £140,000 – but that's before all the upgrades and custom features.

    As well as the usual fittings, the Man Utd star's bonnet is customised, as well as featuring a camo-style paint job.

  • GAAL-ING

    Louis van Gaal has opened up on the difficulty he had in bringing in the players he wanted to Manchester United.

    Speaking to Voetbal International, the Dutchman recalled how clubs charged the Red Devils a premium at a time they desperately needed a squad overhaul.

    He said: “Manchester United did not have the qualities to become champions and had an outdated selection with ten players over thirty, five over 35.

    “So I told them I was going to rejuvenate and which players should come. I didn’t get one of those.

    “Then you end up in a different segment and as a coach you have to push your boundaries. You don’t expect that at the richest club in the world. A turnover of £600million and can’t buy the players you need.

    “You should buy number one and not number seven. Of course, the selling club also thinks, ‘If you are so rich, you also have to pay the highest amount imaginable for a player’.

    “That was what happened with transfers. Then you have to do with the numbers seven or eight on your wish list. For which you actually pay way too much money, on which the coach is judged and convicted.”

  • IGHAL-GO?

    Odion Ighalo was seen driving to Manchester United training on Thursday morning with talks over loan extension to continue.

    Old Trafford chiefs have just THREE DAYS to negotiate a deal that would see the Nigerian extend his stay in Manchester.

    Initially signed as emergency injury cover for Marcus Rashford – who suffered a fracture in his back – Ighalo has become a key man this season.

    However, his loan deal expires on June 1 – by which point the Premier League and Europa League seasons should have finished.

    Solskjaer wants to extend the loan spell by a further three months – but Shanghai Shenhua have so far rejected that proposal.

  • RACE TO THE VIN-ISH LINE

    Manchester United are seeking to gain the upper hand in the battle over Eduardo Camavinga.

    The teenager has impressed many with his displays for Rennes in Ligue 1.

    And Real Madrid have long been tipped to seal the midfielder’s services at the age of just 17.

    However Metro report on United’s hopes that offering to loan Camavinga back to Rennes for a season will help along any deal with the French club.

    In April, the player’s asking price was reportedly £53million.

  • CUP GLORY

    Louis van Gaal has revealed that his time at Manchester United was the “greatest achievement” of his career.

    That is despite winning league titles with Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich – and a World Cup third-place with his native Netherlands.

    He told Voetbal International: “Despite those disappointments, Manchester United did win the FA Cup.

    “Manchester United has actually been the greatest achievement of my career.”

  • COUT SOME SLACK

    Philippe Coutinho is edging closer to a Premier League return with Arsenal, Man Utd and Chelsea battling for his signature, according to reports.

    The former Liverpool playmaker is looking for a new club this summer with Barcelona hopeful of cashing in.

    Arsenal are making the strongest case to bring him to the Emirates with boss Mikel Arteta ready to make him the lynchpin in his side.

    According to Mundo Deportivo, Coutinho feels Arteta's style of football would help him achieve his best form on the field.

    The article also states how the player would be itching to get his career back on track in England's top flight.

    Man Utd remain interested but prioritise the signings of Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho and Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish.

  • GOUW AND GET ‘EM

    Former Manchester United goalkeeper Raimond van der Gouw has backed David De Gea to shrug off mistakes and bounce back to being among the game’s top keepers.

    The Dutchman told MUTV: “De Gea is fantastic – he has shown that he is one of the best goalkeepers in England. Not only for one year, but for the last couple of years.

    “Last season he made a couple of mistakes, but that’s normal. He’s a human being, and if I look back at when I was at Manchester United, when I first saw Peter Schmeichel I thought he would never make a mistake.

    “But then during the Treble season he had a bad spell and you wonder how that is possible. De Gea is fantastic, but he can make mistakes. So do all top players!

    “Fantastic players are always looking over their shoulders and if they make a mistake people say they’re not as good anymore.

    “This is ridiculous because they are human beings. For a goalkeeper, you have to be stable and if you make a mistake, make sure next time you are in the right place so you can stop the ball.”

  • JACK ALL

    Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has opened up on the devastation of seeing Robin van Persie leave for Manchester United in 2012.

    After the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri left, the Dutchman headed to Old Trafford and wrestled back the Premier League title from rivals City.

    Wilshere feels that, had the Gunners kept their stars, they could have won the trophy themselves.

    He told 5 Live: “He had just scored 30 goals the season before. He was our captain.

    “It felt like we were just about to challenge [for the title] again and all of a sudden he left to go to our biggest rivals. It was difficult to take.

    “I was there when Fabregas left, Nasri left, big players. If we had kept that team together I think we would have gone on to win the Premier League — and who knows from there?”

  • PREM RETURN EXPLAINED

    Are you a little lost trying to find out when the Premier League is returning? Well have no fear as SunSport has answered all your questions ahead of today's important meeting between the clubs.

    What date is Project Restart likely to take place?

    What's gonna happen with the TV money?

    What time will the matches be?

    Our man Dave Fraser is on hand to fill you in with everything you need to know about the Premier League's return.

  • GUNNAR COPY THEM

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits Manchester United have been watched the Bundesliga with interest since it restarted.

    United are interested in Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho, but Solskjaer says they whole league is providing them with guidance.

    “We’ve been watching what’s been happening in Germany,” he said.

    “For us to follow their template, it’s important they can show everyone the way. It’s been great watching some live football, not just the old classics. We’ve been spending hours analysing our own games.

    “There’s no doubt that football is a bit different with no fans. There’s that extra edge with the fans that you’re not going to replicate. Football is for the fans but we want to play football and fans can watch on telly at least, if we can get to the next stage. Hopefully we can.”

  • GOOD MORNING MAN UTD FANS

    Man Utd have taken out a £140million loan to get through the coronavirus crisis.

    And it should go some way to ensuring Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can still bring in stars like Jadon Sancho when the transfer window re-opens.

    United could raise further funds by selling Paul Pogba to Real Madrid, who are offering a list of stars to form a swap deal.

    The Red Devils also want to sign Aston Villa star Jack Grealish.

    United revealed revenues for the first three months of 2020 were down almost £30m — while net debt soared to £429.1m.

    The first 18 days of lockdown cost them £23m, with Woodward insisting: “It will not be business as usual for some time.”

    United sources say the loan will be used mainly to safeguard the club through this tough period.

    Meanwhile, United reportedly rejected the chance to sign Thierry Henry before he joined Arsenal as Sir Alex Ferguson claimed “he's always f***ing injured”.

    According to Old Trafford's former head of security Ned Kelly the Red Devils were the Frenchman's “first choice” ahead of the Gunners.

    Kelly told beIN Sports: “In the tunnel after the game my phone goes, Eric's [Cantona] older brother Jean-Marie says, 'Ned, tell Alex [Ferguson] that Thierry Henry wants to come to the club',

    “Now this was before he went to Arsenal, his first choice was Manchester United. So I go to the boss and say, 'boss, I've just had Jean-Marie Cantona on the phone, he had said Henry wants to come to the club'.

    “He [Ferguson] says, 'no way, he's always f****** injured'. He went to Arsenal, the rest is history.”

    Finally, Man Utd are set to let Dean Henderson stay at Sheffield United for the rest of season – despite his loan deal expiring in June.

    The England hopeful, 23, is currently on loan at Bramall Lane with United chiefs facing a moral dilemma over whether to recall him.

    United and the Blades are both vying for the final Champions League qualification spot, worth £60million.

    But Old Trafford chiefs are set to be kind and allow him to finish off the 2019-20 season at Sheffield United.

    The current campaign has been on pause since March after the coronavirus pandemic forced all sport into lockdown.

    Premier League chiefs are now hoping to restart next month, with Friday June 12 the initial proposed date, although some reports claim it could be pushed back to June 26.

  • POG OFF

    Real Madrid could offer Manchester United four big-name stars including Martin Odegaard in a desperate bid to land Paul Pogba.

    Old Trafford maintain £89m record buy Pogba is not for sale but Real, also hit by the pandemic, feel a swap deal is an option.

    And on top of Odegaard, 21, those who could also be offered in part exchange are James Rodriguez, Lucas Vazquez and ex-City midfielder Brahim Diaz.

  • IN-THE-RED DEVILS

    Man Utd have taken out a £140million loan to get through the coronavirus crisis.

    And it should go some way to ensuring Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can still bring in stars like Jadon Sancho when the transfer window re-opens.

    United could raise further funds by selling Paul Pogba to Real Madrid, who are offering a list of stars to form a swap deal.

    The Red Devils also want to sign Aston Villa star Jack Grealish.

    United revealed revenues for the first three months of 2020 were down almost £30m — while net debt soared to £429.1m.

    The first 18 days of lockdown cost them £23m, with Woodward insisting: “It will not be business as usual for some time.”

    United sources say the loan will be used mainly to safeguard the club through this tough period.

  • CURL OF THE BURL

    Ex-Southampton manager George Burley has revealed they'd once knocked back a £3million Manchester United bid for Gareth Bale… as they'd just received £12m from Arsenal for Theo Walcott.

    Burley told The Athletic: “He was like a winger playing at full-back, Manchester United were interested in him. I remember going to a hotel and speaking to Sir Alex and his chief executive.

    “We'd already sold Theo Walcott for £12million [to Arsenal] and they offered three or four million so we said 'no way'.

    “I think they were a little bit worried about his defensive side of the game, which we were working at, but he could handle that.”

  • FERR ENOUGH

    The Standard claims Man Utd are preparing a move for Valencia star Ferran Torres.

    The ace can play on either wing and could be an alternative to Jadon Sancho.

    The Borussia Dortmund star could cost £100m and Torres would be a cheaper alternative.

  • SOL DESIGN

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits he would love to extend Odion Ighalo's Man Utd loan.

    He told MUTV: “The loan deal went until the end of May now, so obviously he’s supposed to be going back.

    “We’re in dialogue. They’ve been great towards us, his club, and allowed him to play for his dream club.

    “It’s been a dream for him and hopefully he can finish off what he started, hopefully with a trophy for us.

    “At the moment, nothing has been agreed. Their league is going to get started soon so we’re just waiting to see.”

  • MAKING HIS MARC

    Marcus Rashford has given Manchester United a huge boost by confirming his injured back feels “good” ahead of the season restarting.

    Rashford posted three photos of himself training in his back garden.

    He wrote alongside the pictures: “Feels great to have the ball at my feet again. Weather isn't too bad either. Hope you've all had a great day!”

    One fan responded to the message by asking: “How's the back Marcus?”

    And the Old Trafford hero replied: “I'm feeling good mate, thank you!”

  • RODDY HELL

    Former Wigan striker Hugo Rodallega claims he often saw Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney “drinking like a madman”.

    Speaking to friend and fellow Colombian footballer Johan Arango, Rodallega said: “If people knew how many times I bumped into Rooney in Manchester drinking like a madman or the number of times I saw Gerrard on a bar dancing shirtless…

    “They are human beings, there is nothing wrong with it.

    “I can count with one hand the number of footballers who don't drink. All of them, all of us, go out and drink.

    “I have always said it. I enjoy drinking and dancing. I love salsa dancing.

    “There is nothing wrong with it. I know we are footballers, but we are human beings too.”

Source: Read Full Article

7.30am Arsenal news LIVE: Coutinho transfer UPDATE, Sanllehi contact with ‘other clubs’, Kluivert for Mkhitaryan swap – The Sun

ARSENAL are back in training as they prepare for the likely return of the Premier League next month.

And they could be about to complete a double Barcelona deal as they reportedly begin talks with Philippe Coutinho while the Catalans significantly drop their asking price for fellow Gunners target Ousmane Dembele.

Get the latest news, gossip and updates from the Emirates here…

  • GOOD MORNING, ARSENAL FANS 

    Arsenal are back in pole position for Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser – and still in the chase for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot.

    That's the verdict on the transfer speculation front overnight, with Spurs said to be keen on Scotland star Fraser and Manchester United interested in Frenchman Rabiot.

    The Gunners seemed overwhelming favourites to sign Fraser – until recent reports suggested the 26-year-old had a preference for linking up with Jose Mourinho.

    Now, though, the path once again seems clear for Mikel Arteta to make the pocket-sized dynamo one of his first signings.

    As for the enigmatic Rabiot, he has struggled to maintain a regular place for the Serie A kings this season.

    And the Gunners have been increasingly mentioned over a player who could cost around £27million.

    Spanish outlet  Mundo Deportivo suggest Arsenal are also keen on ex-Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho – if they could tempt Barcelona into an initial loan deal.

    Arteta might baulk at the  £71.5m fee – so he would first want to make sure the Bayern Munich loanee rediscovers the scintillating form he has lost since departing the Premier League in January 2018.

    Chelsea and even Liverpool are also reportedly monitoring the 27-year-old's situation.

    Meanwhile, Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas still feels angry over Wayne Rooney's “dive” during Arsenal's famous 'Pizzagate' clash in 2004 when Manchester United ended the Invincibles' 49-game unbeaten run.

    Fabregas told ex-United defender Rio Ferdinand on FIVE’s new Locker Room YouTube series: “The emotion was that we lost against a great team, which can happen, but we didn’t feel we should have lost.

    “We didn’t think it was the right time to lose our Invincible run.”

  • PLAY-DAY LOANS: EXPERT VIEW

    As SunSport revealed some Prem clubs might consider payday-style loans, a financial expert involved in this area explains why the sport has arrived at such a situation.

    The specialist said: “Football has lived way beyond its means for years and now they’ve run out of money.

    “It’s like any other market in a downturn, so when you’re desperate for money you go to the people who have it and they dictate the terms.

    “Firms are being asked for loans from clubs who don’t necessarily have the assets to command better rates.

    “Liquidity in football clubs is very low and most of those looking for cash are asking for tide-over money of £30m-50m over six months.

    “There’s no rule to say the lender can’t set whatever rate it likes if they know the client is desperate.”

  • PLAY-DAY LOANS

    Cash-strapped Premier League clubs are considering payday-style loans with huge interest rates to stay in business.

    City investors are looking to cash in on the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic by charging 25 PER CENT on borrowings up to £100million.

    At least four struggling Prem outfits are at the mercy of private equity or venture capitalist firms offering loans at rates massively above the Bank of England base rate of 0.1 per cent.

    Lack of match-day revenue and uncertainty over how and when football will return have created a black hole in revenue for clubs.

    And with games behind closed doors likely in the immediate future, clubs are unable to borrow cash against season ticket sales and normal game-day income.

    They are also discouraged from using potential earnings from broadcast deals as collateral for loans.

  • REVAMPED GUNNERS?

    Here is how the Arsenal team could be laid out in a 3-4-3 formation if they sign Icardi, Coutinho and Fofana.

    What a side this would be!

  • BUK TO THE FUTURE

    Bukayo Saka appears to have told Manchester United and Liverpool they must be kidding if they hope to sign him.

    Arsenal have reportedly been struggling to reach an agreement with speedster Saka, 18, over extending his contract beyond 2021.

    But the ex-Gunners schoolkid posted a cute picture of himself in his very earliest days with the Londoners – smiling serenely as he posed in a teamshot.

    Saka's Instagram snap soon attracted tens of thousands of likes – with, inevitably, many fans urging him to pen a new deal.

  • FIXTURES AND FITTING

    Most clubs are expected to back the Premier League proposals put forward in phase two – including for returning to action next month

    And Sky Sports claim the end of the week could see top flight bosses put forward draft plans as virtually the last step before the season resumes amid the coronavirus crisis.

    That could include a provisional fixture list, including the date when football will officially return.

    June 19 is one date commonly mentioned. But some Premier League clubs want a further week to prepare.

  • PREM CLOSE TO AGREEING RETURN DATE

    THE Premier League's eagerly-awaited return date could be decided this week.

    And a blockbuster clash between Manchester United and Spurs could be the first game back after the coronavirus pandemic.

    Players are already preparing to step up training to include close-contact, with coaches reportedly being brought in to monitor contact.

    Stars and managers can discuss any remaining concerns over phase two of Project Restart when they hold separate video calls with the Premier League on Tuesday.

    On Wednesday, clubs can then vote on whether to move to the next stage of training, which could be brought in before the end of this week.

  • GUNNERS FLYIN' FOR RYAN

    Arsenal are heading Spurs in the race to sign Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser, reports suggest.

    The Scotland star is available for free when his contract runs out this summer.

    And despite recent talk that the 26-year-old favoured Tottenham, the Daily Mail now say the Gunners are “confident” of signing Fraser.

    He admitted he was flattered to be linked with an Emirates move last year, but also said it had affected his form.

    And before the coronavirus pandemic halted football this season, he had managed just one just one goal and four assists.

  • GAS FUMES AT ROONEY

    Cesc Fabregas still feels angry over Wayne Rooney's “dive” during Arsenal's famous 'Pizzagate' clash in 2004 when Manchester United ended the Invincibles' 49-game unbeaten run.

    The Gunners and Chelsea legend told ex-United defender Rio Ferdinand on FIVE’s new Locker Room YouTube series: “Every single time he had the ball. You know Wayne dived for the penalty against Sol [Campbell].

    “So we felt emotional. The emotion was that we lost against a great team, which can happen, but we didn’t feel we should have lost.

    “We didn’t think it was the right time to lose our Invincible run.

    “So yeah that was the main thing to be honest. Everyone was really, really upset.”

  • CLOSER ENCOUNTERS

    Premier League stars were cleared to kick off close-contact training on Sunday in a boost for the return of top-flight football.

    New Stage Two guidance lets elite athletes train in pairs and small groups and waives the two-metre social distancing rule.

    The news put a smile on the face of Wilfried Zaha as he began Crystal Palace training on Sunday.

    And the easing of restrictions came as just two new positive results returned from 996 Premier League tests last week. They were logged at different clubs and the figure is four fewer than the week before.

    More testing is due today and tomorrow before league bosses decide on Wednesday whether full-contact training will resume.

  • RAUL IN IT TOGETHER

    Gunners' head of football Raul Sanllehi has been holding talks with other club chiefs around Europe to test the waters ahead of the transfer window amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to reports.

    Nobody knows how the market is going to settle when it does open, and how much player transfer fees will fall by.

    One thing is for certain, clubs will be tied into contracts and big-money transfers are simply less likely to happen than in the last few decades.

    Football.London has even speculated that the Gunners could lose £144million if there are no fans at the Emirates in 2020/21.

  • RACE TO GRAB RAB

    United have joined Arsenal in the race to land wantaway Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, according to reports.

    Rabiot, 25, has only managed 11 Serie A starts after struggling to cement his role in Juve's congested midfield.

    And now boss Maurizio Sarri will offload if he receives an offer in the region of £27million.

    According to Gazzetto dello Sport, United are looking to make their move and have already held talks with his mother Veronique who acts as his agent.

    Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to bolster his squad when the transfer window opens and sees Rabiot as a bargain buy.

    It is also suggested that United have sent scouts to watch him in action on several occasions over the campaign.

  • FO TO MEET FRIEND

    Arsenal could get William Saliba's time at Emirates Stadium off to the perfect start – by immediately reuniting him with Saint-Etienne centre-back partner Wesley Fofana.

    The 19-year-old duo were regulars at the back together in the second half of the 2019-20 campaign – being shown faith by former Leicester and Southampton manager Claude Puel.

    With the Ligue 1 season having been halted because of the coronavirus pandemic, Saliba's loan spell at Saint-Etienne appears to have come to a premature end.

    But that doesn't mean that he is necessarily finished playing with Fofana.

    According to French website But! Football Club, the Gunners have been put on alert by Fofana's breakthrough performances this season and are interested in bringing him to North London.

    Last season Arsenal fought off interest in Saliba from Tottenham Hotspur by allowing the French youth international to stay in France on a season-long loan following the £25million transfer.

  • BLIND DATE

    Clubs are set to find out if the Premier League will resume in mid-June.

    Manchester United and Tottenham are expected to be the clubs given the green light to play the Friday night game which was postponed back in March.

    June 19 is the date being proposed, after doubt was cast over whether June 12 would work.

    Either way it'll be a Friday night game to kick us off.

    According to ESPN, clubs are demanding three weeks of contact football before resuming matches.

  • SHKOD GOALS

    Mustafi wants you to know… he's good (and don't forget the sunscreen).

  • CONCEPT'S A WINNER

    One Arsenal fan has re-imagined the 2002 Double-winning side's kit in a modern iteration.

    It's very impressive indeed.

  • NOT SO SUPER

    The Women’s Super League and Championship seasons have been ended, according to the FA.

    Promotion and relegation are yet to be decided.

  • HOW GUNNERS COULD LINE UP

    Here is how the Arsenal team could be laid out in a 3-4-3 formation if they sign Icardi, Coutinho and Fofana.

    What a side this would be!

  • HANGING ON THE COUT TAILS

    Barcelona are hoping to draw Arsenal into the race to sign Philippe Coutinho, to jack up the sales figure on his proposed £71.5million value.

    Chelsea are known to be interested in the Brazilian’s signature, while he recovers from an operation had during his loan spell at Bayern Munich.

    The German giants do not want to keep Coutinho and that brings Chelsea into the picture.

    But, according to Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal would prefer a loan with a view to a permanent move.

    The claim Raul Sanllehi is “expected to initiate contact” with Coutinho’s agent Kia Joorabchian.

  • JUSTIN TIME

    Arsenal could attempt to force a swap deal with Roma for Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Justin Kluivert.

    The Armenian failed to impress in North London, as was the case during his two-and-a-half year stint at Manchester United.

    The former Dortmund man has impressed this term, with six goals and four assists in 17 appearances for Roma.

    The Gunners are understood to want £10million for Mkhitaryan.

    But including Kluivert, 21, would certainly smooth things over, with the Dutchman scoring seven and providing two assists this term.

  • SHOT IN THE FOOT

    Gary Neville revealed he and brother Phil missed England’s ‘dentist’s chair’ night out before Euro 96 – on the advice of David Platt.

    Boss Terry Venables and his squad were slammed after photos from their trip to the Far East emerged of stars such as Paul Gascoigne and Teddy Sheringham glugging down alcoholic cocktails poured into their mouths as they laid back on a dentist’s chair in one of the city’s rowdy bars.

    Former Manchester United defender Neville said: “We were going to go out to be fair, but David Platt came over to me, Phil, Nick Barmby and Jason Wilcox and said ‘Lads, I’ve been around England squads a long time, I know these lads and tonight is one to miss.

    “So me, Phil, Barmby, Wilcox, Platt and Sol Campbell ended up sitting on our own in this room in the hotel.

    “It was only the day after when the story broke that we realised what David Platt meant.

    “Me and Phil were only 19 and 20 at the time and we weren’t going to go against what David Platt said.”

  • NOT SO FA FETCHED

    Arsenal could get William Saliba's time at Emirates Stadium off to the perfect start – by immediately reuniting him with Saint-Etienne centre-back partner Wesley Fofana.

    The 19-year-old duo were regulars at the back together in the second half of the 2019-20 campaign – being shown faith by former Leicester and Southampton manager Claude Puel.

    With the Ligue 1 season having been halted because of the coronavirus pandemic, Saliba's loan spell at Saint-Etienne appears to have come to a premature end.

    But that doesn't mean that he is necessarily finished playing with Fofana.

    According to French website But! Football Club, the Gunners have been put on alert by Fofana's breakthrough performances this season and are interested in bringing him to North London.

    Last season Arsenal fought off interest in Saliba from Tottenham Hotspur by allowing the French youth international to stay in France on a season-long loan following the £25million transfer.

  • KEN YOU HELP?

    Kenny Sansom’s family have called on his former clubs to support the England legend as he fights for his life.

    The former Arsenal and Crystal Palace defender has been in hospital for five weeks after a violent assault last month.

    His brother and three children have been at Sansom’s bedside virtually ever since as he tries to recover.

    But yesterday a source close to footballer said he was likely to need a lot of support if he was to overcome this battle.

    They said: “With all the money flying around the game, Kenny’s family are hoping that the sport will support him and help him to get back on his feet.

    “They know that nobody owes Kenny anything but he really is going to need all the help he can get.”

  • BRING AND 'BI

    United have joined Arsenal in the race to land wantaway Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, according to reports.

    Rabiot, 25, has only managed 11 Serie A starts after struggling to cement his role in Juve's congested midfield.

    And now boss Maurizio Sarri will offload if he receives an offer in the region of £27million.

    According to Gazzetto dello Sport, United are looking to make their move and have already held talks with his mother Veronique who acts as his agent.

    Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to bolster his squad when the transfer window opens and sees Rabiot as a bargain buy.

    It is also suggested that United have sent scouts to watch him in action on several occasions over the campaign.

Source: Read Full Article

Coronavirus UK LIVE: Dominic Cummings told to resign for lockdown breaches by Tory MPs as death toll hits 36,675

DOMINIC CUMMINGS is facing calls to resign as the Prime Minister's senior adviser following reports he breached lockdown rules.

He allegedly travelled to his parents in Durham in late March, before being spotted out at a nearby beauty spot on April 12, when he claimed to be self-isolating with coronavirus.

Mr Cummings was later reportedly seen in Houghall Woods with his wife Mary Wakefield on April 19, despite being in Downing Street a few days earlier.

Witnesses say they were shocked when they saw the senior aide 260 miles from his London residence despite the Government message at the time being to remain at home.

Senior Tory politicians have come to his defence, but at least seven MPs from the party have so far called on the senior adviser to resign from his post.

This follows after the death toll rose by 282 to reach 36,675.

Brits have been told to not flout the current lockdown rules over the May Bank Holiday weekend or risk sending the UK back to "square one."

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the public that any breaching of the measures could see stricter restrictions installed once again.

Follow our coronavirus live blog for all the latest news and updates…

Source: Read Full Article

7am Arsenal news LIVE: Kolasinac wife brought stun gun into UK, Aubemeyang PSG interest, Santi Cazorla return LATEST – The Sun

ARSENAL have returned to training in small groups as the Premier League takes its first baby steps towards a restart.

But will Gunners fans ever see captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the flesh again as PSG prepare to test the water with a £35m transfer bid?

Follow all the latest updates and gossip from North London below…

  • GOOD MORNING, ARSENAL FANS

    Mikel Arteta looked as perky and healthy as ever as the Arsenal boss confirmed both his own recovery from coronavirus and the return of serious training.

    The Spaniard’s positive Covid-19 test in March was the trigger for the suspension of football across the country.

    But Arteta oversaw – from a distance – stars like David Luiz, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Shkodran Mustafi during strictly-controlled, socially-distanced practice sessions.

    Talking of skipper Aubameyang, Gunners fans have been pulling their hair out with frustration this summer – amid continuing stories linking the striker with numerous other clubs – now including PSG.

    But this time the suggestion was that the Gabon superstar had been doing something like that himself – as photos posted by Arsenal showed his lockdown locks in a rather unflattering manner.

    At least speculation over a switch to a major Premier League rival seems to have faded – with Chelsea even briefly mentioned, along with longer-term admirers Manchester United.

    Meanwhile, centre-back Mustafi has been linked with AC Milan – despite his improved form since Arteta took over.

    Todo Fichajes claim the Germany ace, 28, is not part of Arsenal's long-term plan. 

    The Gunners and Chelsea are both said to be tracking 18-year-old full-back Kaan Kurt, who has been playing in the German fourth tier for Borussia Monchengladbach II.

  • STUN GUNNER

    The Wag held for bringing a stun gun into the UK was the wife of Arsenal’s Sead Kolasinac.

    Anxious Bella Kolasinac, 27, bought the weapon for ­protection following a knife attack on her husband and Gunners team-mate Mesut Ozil in the street last year.

    Security fears saw her flee to Germany soon after and she obtained a legal permit there to carry an “electro shocker”.

    But she did not realise the powerful device was illegal in Britain — and yesterday The Sun told how she was held by Border Force officers at London Biggin Hill Airport when it was found in her luggage.

    She could have been jailed for six months for importing a banned weapon but was let off with a caution after the flight from Frankfurt on Sunday.

    A spokesman for Kolasinac, 26, said: “It was all a misunderstanding. The electro shocker was still in its packaging and didn’t have any batteries.

    “Bella was able to prove she sent emails to the flight operators to make sure she could import it.”

  • NO SIGN OF PEPE PAYBACK

    Jeremie Aliadiere has his doubts about Nicolas Pepe's £72million transfer fee.

    The former Arsenal striker said: “I saw what he did with Lille last season and he is an amazing player.

    “So, I’m not denying his talent.

    “What I’m seeing, though, is the most expensive player in Arsenal’s history and even if you don’t want to think about the money, the fact is that money is, unfortunately, a big thing in football.

    “And when you spend that much money on a player, you expect more goals and you expect more assists.”

  • BAYERN DECLINE TO PAY COUTINHO FEE

    Bayern Munich will spark more talk of Philippe Coutinho returning to the Premier League by declining to pay a £110million option to buy the Barcelona playmaker.

    Chelsea, Manchester United, Aarsenal and even old club Liverpool have been linked with the Brazil star, 27, although financial restraints due to the coronavirus pandemic make a summer transfer less likely.

    Bayern chairman  Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told Der Spiegel: “The option expired and “we haven't activated it.

    “Now we're going to draw up squad planning internally (for next season) and we'll see if he still has a role to play with us or not.”

    Coutinho started just 15 of Bayern's 25 games, coming on as substitute eight times, before the Covid-19 lockdown halted football action. 

    But with Barca insisting he could still have a role back at the Nou Camp, he hopes to impress now the Bundesliga has restarted.

  • MIK'S EMOTIONS

    Mikel Arteta led the way at Arsenal training yesterday to show he has made a full recovery from coronavirus.

    The Spaniard’s positive Covid-19 test in March was the trigger for the suspension of football across the country.

    But Arteta was pictured back on the grass at London Colney and Gunners stars David Luiz, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Shkodran Mustafi looked happy to see their fit-again boss again during the social distancing session.

    As Arsenal continued to prepare for Project Restart next month, Premier League clubs have been asked how they want to finish the season in a shock move.

    Officials are keen to know what way the table would be settled if the full 38-game campaign does not end.It is the first step towards a vote on the ideal outcome and one that will get the necessary 14-club backing.

    The plan is still to play on and restart the matches next month, but a date has not been decided yet and the Prem need a set plan if that fails.

  • FUTURE IS UP IN THE PIERRE

    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's future seems more up in the air than his air.

    Just as the Arsenal skipper was mocked on social media for his untidy locks on returning to training, so he was being linked with PSG, in addition to longer-term suitors Barcelona.

    The Gabon striker is entering the final year of his contract, although Premier League interest seems to have died down, Manchester United having initially been rated as strong contenders.

  • PREM 'CONFIDENT' OF RETURN

    Premier League chief executive Richard Masters insists they are “as confident as we can be” about restarting in June.

    He said the Prem would be “flexible” about a restart date, having previously targeted June 12 after the coronavirus pandemic halted action on March 13.

    Masters told the BBC: “There is some momentum. We've taken the first step.

    “It's great for everybody, including the fans, to see our players back on the training ground.”

    He said the Prem would learn from the Bundesliga's return last weekend, which went smoothly despite being behind closed doors.

    British football could even be played out to empty stands until next year.

  • SPLIT END OF THE PIERRE SHOW

    Shocked fans have been teasing Arsenal skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang over his post-lockdown hairstyle after the Gunners put out photos of the players back in training.

    The Gabon striker himself seemed to relish the return to practice sessions, albeit strictly controlled and individualised.

    But supporters were less than charitable about less-flattering locks, posting comments in social media like “Lol what happened to Aubameyang” amid coiffure comparisons to Liverpool frontman Sadio Mane.

  • CUT-OUTS FOR SHUT-OUTS

    Three Premier League clubs are interested in having cardboard cut-outs in empty stands when top-flight football returns.

    SunSport understands those behind the new ‘Stay at Home – Be at the Game’ project have held talks with club officials – two sides in the top half of the table – about adopting the concept.

    If those discussions prove successful, then £20 recyclable and water-proof cut-outs could be placed in stadiums when the Premier League resumes in June.

    Some of the money raised will be donated to the NHS in the fight against coronavirus.

    Top US sporting bodies like the NBA and MLS have also shown an interest as international sport looks set to return behind closed doors in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

    It is the brainchild of ingenious German super-fan Ingo Muller, who has organised almost 14,000 cut-outs of fans and season-ticket holders for his beloved Borussia Monchengladbach.

    It will go live to the world when the Bundesliga side face Bayern Leverkusen at the Borussia-Park on Saturday afternoon.

  • GAEL HOWLS AT DEFENCE

    Ex-Arsenal left-back Gael Clichy has slated the Gunners for leaking too many goals.

    Admitting that his spell in North London also saw them concede too many, he said: “Even today’s team they have that quality to score four goals in 10 minutes.

    “Don’t ask me why Arsenal have always been able to do this but they can also even today concede goals for fun.”

  • MILAN'S TAF LOVE

    Arsenal centre-back Shkodran Mustafi is being linked with AC Milan – despite his improved form since Mikel Arteta took over as Gunners boss.

    TodoFichajes claim the Germany star is not part of Arsenal's long-term plan.

    And they say the 28-year-old is on a list of rearguard targets for Serie A giants Milan, who are worried about their poor defensive record.  

  • STRICTLY BALL ROOM

    With the Gunners back in training at London Colney, Arsenal have underlined what a different world it is practicing under the coronavirus lockdown.

    In a statement on their website, they say: Our first-team squad is strictly abiding to the Government protocols which were developed with club doctors, independent experts, players and managers.

    “They will undergo regular testing for COVID-19 and must keep a safe, two-metre distance from each other at all times as they work outside.

    “Only players and key staff are permitted at London Colney at this time.

    Our players must bring their own kit, boots and water bottles with them each day.”

  • GUNNERS WILL BE PATENT

    Arsenal target Willian has reiterated that he is keen to stay at Chelsea for the rest of the season, even if that means playing into July and August.

    The Brazilian, 31, has a contract till June 30, but according to the Athletic the winger will continue at Stamford Bridge no matter what.

    The terms of any short-term deal into July and August are unclear.

    And Willian is wanted by Arsenal and Tottenham ahead of next season, with no shortage of options elsewhere around Europe.

  • KURT-SHIP

    Arsenal and Chelsea are both tracking German teenager Kaan Kurt.

    The full-back has played this season for Borussia Monchengladbach II in the country's fourth tier but has yet to appear for the club’s first team.

    Kurt, 18, who has played at German international youth level right through until the under-19s, mostly plays as an attacking right-back but can also operate on the left.

    He is contracted with Gladbach until 2022 and would cost about £4million.

    Kurt also played three times for Turkey's under-17s and has attracted interest from Fenerbahce.

  • VID-S THE BILL

    Mikel Arteta will look again at signing World Cup star Domagoj Vida to sure up their defence.

    The Gunners’ shambolic defence has been an Achilles heel for three consecutive managers, Arteta included.

    According to Turkish paper Aksam, the required sum to sign the 31-year-old former Dynamo Kyiv ace is just £6million.

    Such experience could be crucial adding some steel to Arteta’s defence with William Saliba set to come in at the end of the season.

    Vida was impressive alongside Dejan Lovren in Croatia's march to the World Cup final two summers ago and had been tipped for moves to one of Europe's big clubs, but he went to Besiktas in the end.

  • BAME CONCERNS

    The Government will today be asked for immediate research on whether BAME players are at enhanced risk by the planned return to contact training, reports MARTIN LIPTON.

    PFA deputy chief executive Bobby Barnes will urge the country’s deputy chief medical officer, Jonathan Van Tam, to intercede and demand proper answers.

    The fears of the players has been articulated by Watford’s Troy Deeney, worried about the impact of potential Covid-19 infection on his five-year-old son.

    Chelsea have also given fearful N’Golo Kante dispensation not to return to training unless he feels confident in his health and safety.

    But while Barnes has previously spoken to Premier League chiefs over the concerns, asking for more research to be undertaken before the green light can be given by the players, the union chief will now press the issue again.

    By going direct to Van Tam at a three-way video meeting this afternoon, also attended virtually by League bosses and medical chiefs, Barnes wants to make it clear that the issue must be properly addressed before players will assent to a full training ground return.

  • ROBERT THE GOOSE

    Ray Parlour has revealed that Arsene Wenger told Pat Rice to stop having a go at Robert Pires, because he would go into his shell.

    Parlour told talkSPORT: “Arsene Wenger knew exactly the characters he could have a go at and the players he couldn’t.

    “I remember Pat Rice, we came in at half-time in one game and Robert wasn’t playing well, and Pat went to have a shout at him…

    “But Arsene Wenger said: ‘No, shut up Pat!’

    “’Keep going Robert,’ he said. ‘Keeping getting the ball, keep trying’.

    “You knew if you had a go at Robert you might as well take him off, because he wouldn’t respond to that.

    “Other players respond to people having a go at them, so as a manager you really have to know the characters you can really have a go at and will respond to it, and Arsene Wenger had that.”

  • GRIEF IS A THIEF

    Jose Antonio Reyes’ heartbroken mum Mari has lost 6st while grieving for the ex-Arsenal star after his tragic death.

    The former Real Madrid winger's dad Paco was speaking to Spanish publication Marca almost a year on from the 116mph car crash that took his life.

    He said: “You can't even imagine [the pain].

    “My only way out is to go to the cemetery at nine in the morning and home again.

    “We didn't leave here [our house] at all. My wife has already lost 6st and she hasn't stepped onto the street.

    “I haven't even seen a football match.”

  • PRICE WAS A TAD DIERE

    Jeremie Aliadiere has his doubts about Nicolas Pepe's £72million transfer fee.

    The former Arsenal striker said: “I saw what he did with Lille last season and he is an amazing player.

    “So, I’m not denying his talent.

    “What I’m seeing, though, is the most expensive player in Arsenal’s history and even if you don’t want to think about the money, the fact is that money is, unfortunately, a big thing in football.

    “And when you spend that much money on a player, you expect more goals and you expect more assists.”

  • ON THIS DAY

    It was 15 years ago that Patrick Vieira lifted the FA Cup after the Gunners beat Manchester United on penalties in the FA Cup final.

    The domestic cup was the last major trophy he won with Arsene Wenger's side.

  • WILL POWER

    Arsenal target Willian has reiterated that he is keen to stay at Chelsea for the rest of the season, even if that means playing into July and August.

    The Brazilian, 31, has a contract till June 30, but according to the Athletic the winger will continue at Stamford Bridge no matter what.

    The terms of any short-term deal into July and August are unclear.

    And Willian is wanted by Arsenal and Tottenham ahead of next season, with no shortage of options elsewhere around Europe.

  • DANI’S DATE

    Has Arsenal midfielder Dani Ceballos revealed the start date for the Premier League?

    The Spaniard, on loan from Real Madrid, has suggested the players are getting ready to restart on June 20.

    The 23-year-old told RTVE: “We are going to start a week late with respect to what is being talked about in Spain, which is June 12, and we are going to start the league on the 20th.

    “Forty-eight hours ago we passed the tests and the truth is that the entire team have given a negative result.”

  • 'TYPICAL ARSENAL'

    Clichy has also described how the Gunners conceded four goals after being 4-0 up at Newcastle in 2011, infamously drawing 4-4 at St James' Park.

    He told Premier League Productions: “This was typical Arsenal.

    “We could go anywhere and play anyone off the park then all of a sudden we could crumble in just a few minutes.

    “We were young, we had plenty of talent but people were talking about what we were missing and maybe that was a bit of experience.

    “We were an amazing team but we lacked character, if you want.

    “Even with a lead of three goals, we could feel the fans pushing and after the second goal I could feel that it was going to be difficult [to win].”

  • LACK AT THE BACK

    Gael Clichy has taken a pop at the current Arsenal squad, saying they still leak goals.

    Admitting that his spell in North London also saw them concede too many, he said: “Even today’s team they have that quality to score four goals in 10 minutes.

    “Don’t ask me why Arsenal have always been able to do this but they can also even today concede goals for fun.”

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