SOLSKJAER LAST MAN STANDING FOR FERNANDES
Manchester United appear to be the last team standing in the battle to sign Bruno Fernandes. Because, according to the Daily Mail, everyone else has packed up and gone home.
It seemed like Tottenham represented the biggest threat to whatever hopes United held of bringing the Portugal midfielder to Old Trafford but Spurs have apparently denied any interest. Just like Manchester City did before them.
Sporting Lisbon have tried their best to build up a buzz around Fernandes, whose form last season was exciting enough. The attacking midfielder scored 32 goals and offered 18 assists, but even those ridiculous statistics haven’t been enough to whip up the bidding war Sporting were hoping for.
It seems United are the only side to remain open to the possibility of paying £50million for the Portugal international. Though they may redirect those funds to Spain instead…
BETIS MAKE UNITED FAVOURITES FOR SPURS TARGET
Real Betis are trying to kick off their own tug-of-war between Man Utd and Spurs with Giovani Lo Celso in the middle.
Mauricio Pochettino has been the favourite to land the Argentina midfielder but Betis are coming around to the idea that United’s interest in the 23-year-old is genuine. The Independent is quoting a report from Estadio Deportivo which claims that Betis vice-president and chief executive Jose Miguel Lopez Catalan travelled to England this week and their trip resulted in United becoming favourites for the star.
Lo Celso’s buy-out clause is said to be £89million but Betis have agreed that £67million will do the trick. Pochettino is said to be turning the screw on the Spurs hierarchy and Lo Celso reportedly prefers the thought of moving to north London, but Betis are trying to make life as difficult and as expensive as possible for Daniel Levy.
UNITED CHASING FIVE MORE
Here’s a round-up of the other United whispers because there are bloody loads of them…
Marca reckons Paul Pogba only wants to move to Real Madrid, despite Juventus’s interest. You best get Florentino Perez to cough up then, PP…
Mino Raiola is tied up at the moment with Matthijs De Ligt. AS, though, says the Ajax defender’s mum and girlfriend have been spotted looking for property in Paris.
United might not mind that De Lugt appears bound for PSG as they now reckon they can win the race for Harry Maguire. The Daily Mail claims Man City have baulked at Leicester’s asking price of £80million, though reports earlier this week suggested Ed Woodward was reluctant to pay up too.
The Red Devils will also have to fork out for Aaron Wan-Bossaka, though Sky Sports claims the Crystal Palace full-back is keen on the move.
There are widespread reports of United’s growing confidence of signing Sean Longstaff from Newcastle. The Daily Star says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants the deal done before the Red Devils take off for their pre-season jolly to Australia on July 7.
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Belgian journalist Kristof Terreur claims United have been back in touch with Monaco regarding Youri Tielemans. Leicester are still hoping to sign the midfielder on a permanent basis but the Foxes hoped to have the deal done by now. It appears to be a straight race between Solskjaer and Brendan Rodgers.
One last thing: ESPN says Woodward is finally planning on getting around to making an improved contract offer to David de Gea. Get a wriggle on, Ed.
AND THE REST
Frank Lampard will be appointed the new Chelsea boss after Maurizio Sarri rejected a late plea to stay… Lampard wants Didier Drogba as part of his backroom staff, but not John Terry… Willian is set to sign a two-year deal to stay at Chelsea… Arsenal are still trying to shift Mezut Ozil off the books to fund moves for other targets… but the Gunners will offer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang a new contract… Arsenal are preparing an offer for Flamengo midfielder Reinier Jesus… Ajax want just over £30m for Hakim Ziyech with Liverpool and Arsenal both linked… Aleksandar Mitrovic is on the verge of a move to Real Betis… Dejan Lovren’s agent is talking to AC Milan… Leeds will rebuff any enquiries for Jack Clarke and Kalvin Phillips… Gonzalo Higuain wants to end his career at Juventus… Lazio want £44.5m for goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha who has been linked with Arsenal and Tottenham… Brighton are keen on Genk captain Leandro Trossard… Leicester are confident of signing Luton defender James Justin.