Man Utd transfer news LIVE: Interest in £34m Tchouameni, Goretzka BOOST, Pogba ‘will NOT sign new deal this year’

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UTD'S GORETZKA BLOW

Manchester United's hopes of signing Germany midfielder Leon Goretzka have been dashed after he reportedly agreed a new Bayern Munich contract with the club.

The 26-year-old, who had been high on United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's wishlist, will remain with the German giants until 2026, according to Goal journalist Ronan Murphy.

The former Schalke star, who netted ten times and provided nine assists in 39 starts for Bayern last season, was on Solskjaer's radar since July.

The Norwegian was lining him up as a potential replacement for contract rebel Paul Pogba whose future is up in the air.

And as Goretzka, who had one more year on his contract was stalling on penning a new deal with Bayern, United were ready to swoop in and sign him on the cheap.

But Bayern weren't willing to let their star midfielder go and boss Julian Nagelsmann told Goretzka that he wanted him to stay at the Allianz Arena.

During the speculation about United's interest, he said: "Of course I have talked to him about my plans for him. I've told him I'd be happy if he extended and I'm also confident.

"I'll continue to focus on the sports side of things and show him he can be one of the most dangerous midfielders in Europe. He has potential to get even better."

VARANE CAN REIGN

Manchester United fans have been promised a player who oozes class as they prepare for Raphael Varane’s Red Devils debut.

The £41million signing from Real Madrid is set to line up alongside captain Harry Maguire in the heart of United’s defence at Southampton on Sunday.

And manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can’t wait to see the French World Cup winner in a Manchester United shirt ten years after they just missed out on his signature.

Solskjaer said: “He’s quick, strong, good in the air, he can play with both feet.

"The short answer is everything about him is what you want.

“The Champions League wins he’s had, the World Cup win, everything about him is class.”

Varane, 28, has been fitting in quickly with his new teammates so he can hit the ground running at Saint Mary’s.

Solskjaer said: “He’s been humble, he’s been inquisitive he asks questions he doesn’t want to learn by a mistake in a game he wants to learn it on the training field before he comes on the pitch.

JESSE FUTURE STILL IN DOUBT

England midfielder Jesse Lingard could still leave Manchester United before the transfer deadline - to gain regular football.

The former West Ham loanee, 28, missed out on the opening match of the season against Leeds due to Covid-19 but scored in a behind closed doors friendly against Burnley in midweek.

And Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has publicly praised Lingard, stating he is part of his plans for the season.

But, after Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick and Paul Pogba grabbed four assists in the win over Leeds, Lingard could struggle for game time.

And that could lead the attacking midfielder to search for a move elsewhere, according to The Times.

The report claims Lingard is keen to play his way back into the England set-up once again, but he knows he will only have a shot at that by playing regular football at club level.

NO GO

Manchester United's hopes of signing Bayern Munich star Leon Goretzka have been dashed after he reportedly agreed a new contract with the club.

The 26-year-old, who had been high on United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's wishlist, will remain with the German giants until 2026 according to Goal journalist Ronan Murphy.

The former Schalke star, who netted ten times and provided nine assists in 39 starts for Bayern in all competitions last season, was on Solskjaer's radar since July.

The Norwegian was lining him up as a potential replacement for contract rebel Paul Pogba whose future is up in the air.

And as Goretzka, who had just one more year on his contract, was stalling on penning a new deal with Bayern, United were ready to swoop in and sign him on the cheap.

But Bayern weren't willing to let their star midfielder go and now they have finally tied him down to a new long-term contract.

MAN NEW

Manchester United take on Southampton this weekend with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer having something of a dilemma on his hands.

The Red Devils boss saw his side obliterate rivals Leeds with a 5-1 mauling in their Premier League season opener last week.

Solskjaer will be sorely tempted to name an unchanged team.

But the Norwegian has revealed Jadon Sancho is ‘in contention’ to make his first start, having played the final 15 minutes off the bench at Old Trafford.

The England winger, 21, also started the behind-closed-doors friendly win over Burnley midweek as he edges closer to a full debut following his £73million move from Borussia Dortmund.

Raphael Varane, 28, is also in the running to make his debut.

The Frenchman didn’t feature in last weekend’s Leeds mauling or Burnley victory.

But Varane has been training all week, with Solskjaer having to choose between him and Victor Lindelof.

MELLOR'S STELLAR

D'mani Mellor's rise through Manchester United’s ranks looks set to continue with the starlet being added to the Red Devils’ senior squad.   

The promotion marks a major step forward for the centre-forward who suffered a serious knee injury in November 2020.

The striker, 20, got on the scoresheet during United Under-23’s 2-2 draw with Leicester in their Premier League Two season-opener last week.

KYL FOR HIM

Manchester United have reportedly drawn up a four-man striker shortlist for next summer – and Kylian Mbappe is on it.

The Paris Saint-Germain hitman’s current deal runs out in June 2022 and has been linked with a move to Real Madrid.

United’s current leading forward Edinson Cavani, 34, is also out of contract in 10 months’ time and is widely expected to join Boca Juniors.

According to ESPN, the Red Devils are keeping a close eye on Mbappe’s situation and are ready to meet his high salary demands.

The World Cup winner, 22, would be a sensational replacement for Cavani after hitting 79 goals in 82 Ligue 1 appearances for PSG.

But it’s thought Mbappe’s preferred choice is a move to the Spanish capital before September after weeks of speculation.

The other three players rumoured to be on United’s shortlist are Erling Haaland, 21, Harry Kane, 28, and Lautaro Martinez, 23.

GUNNERS AHEAD OF MAN UTD SPENDING

Arsenal are the Premier League’s biggest spenders this summer following back-to-back eighth-placed finishes.

With the Gunners without European football for the first time since the 1995-96 season, Mikel Arteta has made it his mission to bolster his side.

Left-back Nuno Tavares was the North Londoners’ first arrival after he joined from Benfica for £8million.

Belgian midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga was then signed from Anderlecht for £17m, before Arsenal splashed out £50m to bring in Ben White from Brighton.

Arsenal announced the £30m transfer of Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid on Friday morning, with Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale poised to join for £24m.

And according to Sky Sports, Arsenal have forked out £129m on the five players – £15m more than Manchester United have spent so far.

JAY DAY

England winger Jadon Sancho will reportedly become the joint third-highest paid player in the Premier League once he finalises his move to Manchester United.

The 21-year-old will earn £350,000-a-week at Old Trafford, believed to be more than Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling.

SunSport have previously revealed Sancho will sign a five-year contract worth £91MILLION when he arrives at Old Trafford after Euro 2020.

The departing Borussia Dortmund star will become the joint third-highest paid player in England, receiving the same salary as Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The highest earner in the Prem is Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, believed to be taking home £385k every week.

Second on the list is Sancho's soon-to-be team-mate David de Gea, earning a reported £375,000-a-week at Old Trafford.

TABLE TOPPERS

Manchester United have announced that summer arrivals Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane are both in contention to start against Southampton.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side face the Saints at St Mary’s on Sunday following their 5-1 win against rivals Leeds at Old Trafford last week.

And while there may be temptation for the Red Devils to name an unchanged team, the club have declared the starting XI could be tinkered.

Sancho made his United debut against Leeds as a second half substitute, while Varane was announced as a new signing prior to the clash at the Theatre of Dreams.

In a statement released on United’s website, the table-toppers said: “Jadon Sancho came off the bench last time out and is pushing for his first start since his summer switch from Borussia Dortmund.

“Another of our close-season captures, France international Raphael Varane, has been training all week after being unveiled at Old Trafford before the Leeds opener.

“The classy centre-back could also be in contention for a place, although he was not involved in the friendly with Burnley in midweek.”

ASSIST KING

Paul Pogba can be backed to get one or more assists against Southampton at 40/1.

The Manchester United star got FOUR assists last week as they beat Leeds 5-1 at Old Trafford.

And he’ll be confident in supplying the United front line again this weekend when they head to St Mary’s.

United play Southampton at 2pm on Sunday and to claim the offer simply sign up to William Hill and place a £1 bet on Pogba to get an assist.

And if he does you will then get the enhanced winnings in free bets.

The special offer is for mobile customers only with a £1 maximum bet, and the bet must be placed before kick off at 2pm.

WILLIAM HILL PAUL POGBA TO GET AN ASSIST AT 40/1*

MAD WORLD

Manchester United are reportedly competing with Tottenham and Leicester in the race to sign PSV winger Noni Madueke.

The 19-year-old has earned rave reviews during his time in Holland since departing Spurs' academy for the Eredivisie side in June 2018.

Madueke, who rejected a proposal from United three years ago, cemented himself as a regular in PSV's first team last campaign where he chipped in with nine goals and eight assists in 32 games.

And the England youth international - valued at around £20million by the Dutch giants - already has five strikes to his name from just seven outings this term.

According to the Daily Mail, scouts from the Red Devils, Spurs and the Foxes were in attendance for his recent appearance in Wednesday's Champions League qualifying clash against Benfica.

All three clubs are said to have had representatives at the Estadio da Luz where Benfica edged out a 2-1 win in the first leg.

They also state it's not just English clubs that are interested in the teenager, with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich watching the player.

Serie A side's Juventus, Roma and Atalanta also had the chance to see the forward in action against the Portuguese outfit.

PER'S FLAMENGO SHOW

Andreas Pereira is set to swap Old Trafford for Rio de Janeiro with a loan move to Brazilian giants Flamengo. 

It is reported the club will have the choice to make a £17million permanent bid for the player who has fallen down Manchester United’s pecking order.

And Italian football expert Fabrizio Romano claims the Red Devils will receive a 20 per cent share of a future sale of the midfielder.

And it is claimed Flamengo will not pay a loan fee but share salary costs with the Old Trafford giants and have an option to buy the player in 2022.

Pereira, 25, is thought to be keen to get more game time in a bid to be in Brazil’s squad for the World Cup next year.

The versatile midfield man, who was an unused sub during United’s 5-1 demolition of Leeds, has been at the club since 2011.

BETTING OFFER

Bruno Fernandes can be backed to score against Southampton at a huge 40/1.

The Manchester United ace scored a hat-trick on the opening day of the season as they beat Leeds 5-1 at Old Trafford.

And he’ll be looking to fire United to another victory when they pitch up at St Mary’s on Sunday.

New William Hill customers can back him to score at 40/1 with a maximum £1 bet.

The offer is only available on mobile and must be placed before 2pm on Sunday – when the match kicks off.

And if Fernandes does score the enhanced winnings will be paid in free bets.

WILLIAM HILL GET BRUNO FERNANDES TO SCORE AT 40/1*

FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

MAN NEW

Manchester United take on Southampton this weekend with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer having something of a dilemma on his hands.

The Red Devils boss saw his side obliterate rivals Leeds with a 5-1 mauling in their Premier League season opener last week.

Solskjaer will be sorely tempted to name an unchanged team.

But the Norwegian has revealed Jadon Sancho is 'in contention' to make his first start, having played the final 15 minutes off the bench at Old Trafford.

The England winger, 21, also started the behind-closed-doors friendly win over Burnley midweek as he edges closer to a full debut following his £73million move from Borussia Dortmund.

Raphael Varane, 28, is also in the running to make his debut.

The Frenchman didn't feature in last weekend's Leeds mauling or Burnley victory.

But Varane has been training all week, with Solskjaer having to choose between him and Victor Lindelof.

HAA LA LAND

Erling Haaland could be on the move in January with his £64million release clause to reportedly become active on September 1.

It had been thought that the Borussia Dortmund striker's buyout clause wouldn't come into play until next summer.

But according to Spanish outlet Marca, potential suitors will be able to snap him up on the cheap in the winter transfer market.

That is because they state his £64m clause comes into effect at the start of next month, though it is believed Haaland plans to see out the coming season with BVB.

However that may not stop the likes of Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona from looking to snap him up in the New Year.

TCHOU OF CLASS

Man Utd are interested in signing French midfield sensation Aurelien Tchouameni, according to reports.

And could launch a late move to sign the £34m-rated Monaco midfielder.

According to journalist Duncan Castles on the Transfer Window Podcast, with Paul Pogba’s current contract situation – United are preparing for the possibility of life after the Frenchman.

Castles said: “Manchester United, [Tchouameni] very much falls within their scouting remit.

“The targeting of that kind of younger cadre of players who can develop into top stars has been more of a focus in recent years.

“He is an obvious fit for Manchester United if the change in midfield happens that we’ve been talking about for so long, which is that Paul Pogba doesn’t sign a new contract at Man Utd or is sold this summer.

“Again, most likely avenue for that to happen is Paris Saint-Germain at present.

“Then you bring in Tchouameni who would certainly be much lower maintenance than Pogba, should be more consistent in his performance.

“If they have that space in their squad created by Pogba, then Tchouameni is one of the options to replace.

“He would be cheaper than options like Declan Rice, who has been mentioned as an option for them. I’m told Monaco value him at around €40m.”

TALL ORDER

Manchester United wonderkid Joe Hugill is blessed with a magical left foot capable of hurting the opposition.

It's one reason why the Red Devils paid Sunderland £300,000 for the 17-year-old in 2020.

Hugill impressed last season with United's U21 team in an EFL Trophy win over Rochdale, coming close when he hit the woodwork and scoring the winning penalty (with his right foot) in a shootout after the sides drew 0-0 after 90 minutes.

The 6ft 2in star showed he is a capable target man - as comfortable receiving the ball on the deck as he is leaping for a long ball in the air.

And boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hinted Hugill is closing in on a first-team role after dazzling with four goals in a 6-3 win over Liverpool for the U23 side back in Janary.

Asked whether £36m signing Amad Diallo was pushing for his chance, the Norwegian responded: "We’re going to give him the time to settle in.

"If we go from that game [vs Liverpool], I’d pick Joe Hugill.

"Four goals by Hugill, he’s a top striker as well, we’re looking forward to seeing his development."

NOT GONNA LINGA

Jesse Lingard could leave Manchester United this summer in search of first-team football.

The 28-year-old missed out on the opening match of the season against Leeds due to Covid-19 but scored in a behind closed doors friendly against Burnley in midweek.

And Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has publicly praised Lingard, stating he is part of his plans for the season.

But, after Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick and Paul Pogba grabbed four assists in the win over Leeds, Lingard could struggle for game time.

And that could lead the attacking midfielder to search for a move elsewhere, according to The Times.

The report claims Lingard is keen to play his way back into the England set-up once again, but he knows he will only have a shot at that by playing regular football at club level.

West Ham gave him a platform to show off his skills to Gareth Southgate last season and he was rewarded with an England recall after scoring nine goals in 16 games.

The Hammers are said to be keen on securing a permanent deal for Lingard but are refusing to meet United’s £25million asking price.

TABLE TOPPERS

Manchester United have announced that summer arrivals Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane are both in contention to start against Southampton.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side face the Saints at St Mary’s on Sunday following their 5-1 win against rivals Leeds at Old Trafford last week.

And while there may be temptation for the Red Devils to name an unchanged team, the club have declared the starting XI could be tinkered.

Sancho made his United debut against Leeds as a second half substitute, while Varane was announced as a new signing prior to the clash at the Theatre of Dreams.

In a statement released on United’s website, the table-toppers said: “Jadon Sancho came off the bench last time out and is pushing for his first start since his summer switch from Borussia Dortmund.

“Another of our close-season captures, France international Raphael Varane, has been training all week after being unveiled at Old Trafford before the Leeds opener.

“The classy centre-back could also be in contention for a place, although he was not involved in the friendly with Burnley in midweek."

GOOD MORNING RED DEVILS FANS

Jesse Lingard could leave Manchester United this summer in search of first-team football.

The 28-year-old missed out on the opening match of the season against Leeds due to Covid-19 but scored in a behind closed doors friendly against Burnley in mid-week.

After Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick and Paul Pogba grabbed four assists in the win over Leeds, Lingard could struggle for game time.

And that could lead the attacking midfielder to search for a move elsewhere, according to The Times.

Former Man Utd defender Rafael da Silva has revealed what current player at the club he loves watching. 

Like many other United fans, the defender singled out Bruno Fernandes.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “He is crazy. When he came to Manchester United everyone knew he was a good player, but not that good.

“He’s been amazing. It’s fun to watch him play. He’s a very clever player. I love watching him play for United.”

Paul Pogba is not set to sign a new contract with Manchester United this summer, according to reports.

Though the Frenchman is reported to be warming to the idea of staying with the Red Devils, he is set to wait until after the end of the transfer window on August 31 before considering a new deal.

If Pogba does not sign a new contract he will be free to leave for nothing next summer.

Man Utd are interested in signing French midfield sensation Aurelien Tchouameni, according to reports.

And could launch a late move to sign the £34m-rated Monaco midfielder.

According to journalist Duncan Castles on the Transfer Window Podcast, with Paul Pogba’s current contract situation - United are preparing for the possibility of life after the Frenchman.

LEW MOVE

Manchester City are the 3/1 favourites to land Robert Lewandowski after it emerged today he wants to leave Bayern Munich.

The Poland striker, 32, is said to want a new challenge and is keen on a move away from Munich.

And Betfair have priced City as 3/1 to snap him up as they look to bring in a striker to replace Sergio Aguero.

Robert Lewandowski next club – Betfair odds

• Manchester City – 3/1
• Real Madrid – 12/1
• PSG – 16/1
• Manchester United – 16/1
• Liverpool 25/1
• Juventus 25/1
• Barcelona 33/1
• Tottenham 33/1
• Chelsea – 33/1

QUITE WRIGHT

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has said Bruno Fernandes reached "another level" against Leeds when he scored a hat-trick.

Speaking to The Ringer, Wright said: "What I saw from Bruno Fernandes was somebody that was playing the game as if he was giving everybody a taste of what he can do without the fans there.

"When the fans came in, the man has just gone to another level of performance. It was almost as if he was saying: 'I am announcing myself now.'"

IT’SAUL GOOD

Here’s how midfielders linked to Man Utd compare to main man Paul Pogba.