..::Football IV::..

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    'I'm where I want to be' - Rakitic dismisses reports he could leave Barcelona for Inter


    Ivan Rakitic has dismissed reports linking him with a move to Inter, insisting he is happy at Barcelona.

    The Croatia midfielder has been heavily linked with a €50 million (£43m/$56m) move to the Italian side in recent weeks.However, the 31-year-old insists there is nothing in those claims and he has no plans to leave the club anytime soon.

    “I cannot explain it [the Inter rumours]. I respect the other teams a lot. Inter is a great team and we have played against them this year,” he told Mundo Deportivo.“I have team-mates there and I respect them but one thing does not take away the other.

    “I'm where I want to be and if they think about me it's because I'm doing things well, but I'm happy at Barca, my family too and the girls are happy. I do not have another thought.“It is a situation that has not been created by me. I have three years left on my contract and this is the place where I want to be, where I am happy.

    "I'm doing things very well here and I have no other thoughts. I can understand the rumours and that everyone has their opinion. I respect it but I've never had the thought of leaving.“With respect towards all the teams [linked with a move for him]. If such a thing comes it fills me with pride because I'm doing it right, nothing more.”

    Rakitic also admits he cannot explain what happened to his side during their dramatic Champions League semi-final second-leg collapse at Liverpool.The Reds won 4-0 at Anfield to claw back a 3-0 first-leg deficit and reach next month’s final against Tottenham in Madrid.

    Despite being at a loss to explain what happened, Rakitic insists the team need to move on quickly ahead of this weekend’s Copa del Rey final against Valencia."I wish in half a minute I could explain everything, or in half an hour,” he said. “In sport in general, things happen that you cannot explain.

    “Nobody is going to have more hope or more desire than us next year. Barca will be there to win everything. Football has given us a very hard lesson again, but we must leave it behind and prepare this cup final very well and also next season.”
     

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    'Any great player has a place at Real Madrid' - Varane concedes Pogba move a 'possibility'


    Paul Pogba and Eden Hazard joining Real Madrid is possible because great players are always welcome at the club, says Raphael Varane.

    Madrid have been linked with big-money moves for the Manchester United midfielder and Chelsea winger as Zinedine Zidane looks to rebuild his squad following a disappointing 2018-19 season.

    Pogba has struggled to stamp his mark on United since returning in 2016 for a then world-record £89 million, while Hazard appears set to leave Stamford Bridge with just one year remaining on his contract.

    Varane, who has vowed to remain with the club next term despite links to the likes of United and Juventus, believes players of such calibre will always have a place at Santiago Bernabeu.

    "I can't say what I talk to [Pogba] about, but any great player has a place at Madrid and he is one," Varane told Marca ."In Madrid there is a lot of competition. It is a possibility, there is a lot of noise around and we will see in August where he is."

    On Hazard, he added: "I've known him since I started at Lens. He is a top player and it's like I said to explain the case with Pogba, he could also play at Madrid.

    "He is in the best moment of his career with the age and quality he has. When we [France] faced [Belgium] in the World Cup semi-finals we knew we had to have a special plan to stop him."Madrid have long been expected to sign a new striker to replace Karim Benzema, but the former Lyon man hit 30 goals in all competitions this season – his best since the 2011-12 campaign.

    "To play for Madrid for 10 years and also being the number nine you have to be very good and have a huge mental strength. He is very talented and has reached a moment of fulfilment," said Varane."He knows himself very well, he knows what he has to do to be at his best level and he has had a very good season.

    "It may be the best of his career, and it is true that I have seen him very comfortable in his role as leader of the attack. I am very happy for him."
     

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    Deschamps: Pogba and Griezmann must be sure they want to move


    France head coach Didier Deschamps is happy to give Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba his opinion on their futures but has warned them to be sure they make the right choice for their careers.

    Atletico Madrid striker Griezmann confirmed last week that he intends to leave the Wanda Metropolitano at the end of the season, despite only agreeing a new five-year contract last year.Pogba, meanwhile, has been heavily linked with a move to La Liga giants Real Madrid after a largely difficult season with Manchester United.

    Deschamps – who has named both players in his squad for a friendly against Bolivia and subsequent Euro 2020 qualifiers against Turkey and Andorra next month – will give them his view but is keen for them not to come to regret their decisions.

    "Players are making choices, I'm not there to advise them," he told a media conference."I'm here to give them my opinion, but it's about them. It depends on their career, people and family.

    "Most of them ask for my opinion. They can use it or not; it's not my choice."What matters is that when they decide something important, they think it is the correct choice. But sometimes you think, 'yes it's a good choice to join that club' and then it's not. It's easy to say after the fact. It goes well or badly."

    Despite criticism of Pogba's form towards the end of the campaign, he ended 2018-19 with 13 Premier League goals and a further nine assists – more than any of his United team-mates managed – and earned a place in the PFA Team of the Year.

    Deschamps believes people are too quick to find faults in the 26-year-old's game and says he brings a lot more than just goals."I hope you're watching all his games in the Premier League," he added. "We see Paul when he scores and gives assists, but Paul is not just about that. With us, he scores fewer goals, but he was and still is very important.

    "A season lasts 10 months and players can't be at their peak all the time. With France, he knows I'm asking him different things because we have a team, and he's doing it very well."
     

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    'It's the perfect match' - Van Persie urges Man Utd to give Solskjaer time


    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should be given time to turn Manchester United’s fortunes around, says former Red Devils striker Robin van Persie.Solskjaer made a flying start to life in charge at Old Trafford after succeeding Jose Mourinho, initially on a caretaker basis, in December.

    The Norwegian won 14 of his first 17 games in charge to reignite the club’s top-four hopes as well as a dramatic comeback against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

    That fine run prompted United bosses to offer Solskjaer a permanent three-year contract in March.

    However, United’s form dipped dramatically and eight defeats out of their final 12 matches saw them exit the Champions League and miss out on a place in the top four, ultimately finishing sixth.

    That has put Solskjaer’s position under scrutiny even at this early stage in his tenure.However, Van Persie in insistent that Solskjaer is the right man for the job and has called for patience.

    "I think it's the perfect match, it's just they're having a bad spell," he told BBC Sport. "Back in the day it was normal for a manager to get time. Nowadays if you lose six games, you're out. Is that the solution?

    "Give someone time, especially if it's a kid from the club. It's funny because when he started everyone was so positive, they were winning and they made a miracle by beating PSG."Everyone was screaming like, 'Give the guy a permanent deal'. And then since that permanent deal the luck went away a little bit; they've been losing more games than they want to.

    "But he got a three-year deal and everyone should look at the bigger picture. His presence, the way he presents the club, is the proper way in my opinion. He's positive, he wants to achieve big things with the club and that is the only way forward.”

    Van Persie believes Solskjaer’s close association with the club, having been both a player and coach, makes him the ideal man to take the team forward, citing comparisons with legendary former boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

    "He's a man of the club, he played there for more than 10 years, he won the Champions League - actually his goal got them the Champions League - so he has a big part over the years at the club,” he added."He's been a coach of the reserves, he is Manchester United. Similar, in a different way, to [Sir Alex] Ferguson. He was Manchester United and Solskjaer is Manchester United as well.

    "Everyone has that at a certain time. He had a fantastic first period - now the last 12 games have been tough. OK, but next season they have to pick themselves up and go again."
     

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    Bayern Munich chief Hoeness confirms move for Man City star Sane


    Bayern Munich are working on a deal to sign Manchester City forward Leroy Sane, president Uli Hoeness has revealed.

    The 23-year-old has been linked with a departure from City after playing a reduced role in their treble-winning campaign, starting 30 of his 47 appearances in all competitions.German champions Bayern have emerged as the top candidates to sign Sane after seeing star attackers Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery leave.

    Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic was asked about reports suggesting the Bavarian outfit are chasing the former Schalke player and did not dismiss the possibility.

    "I don't comment on names," he said when quizzed on Sane, but added that a few more signings are expected this summer as Hoeness has given a €200 million transfer budget, according to Sport Bild."We will try to do something for the new season, so we must also clarify how much money we have available for it," he added.

    But Hoeness has since clarified that the Bundesliga champions are already advancing on their interest."We are dealing with this player," Hoeness told Sueddeutsche Zeitung.Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski encouraged the club to go after Sane as he believes the Germany international would improve the squad.

    "I’ve already seen many times how good he is," he said . "That’s a player who can immediately take us higher, who improves the team."But City are not ready to let the winger leave just yet, as coach Pep Guardiola believes he is still a crucial part of the team.

    "We are one-and-a-half years trying to sign his [new] contract. We want him,"he told reporters recently.

    "If you want to extend his contract, it's because you want him. You're not going to extend his contract because you don't want him."He added: "He's competing with Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva. It's not easy. If you want to play in for competitions for the quadruple we need Leroy, Sterling, Riyad Mahrez, Bernardo, we can't compete for the quadruple with just two wingers."

    Sane's compatriot and City team-mate Ilkay Gundogan reiterated Guardiola's message dismissing speculation over a transfer."If players in our team at one or another time do not play, it has now become a normal fact that there are automatic rumours," he told Sport Bild last week ."As our coach has already said, the club wants to keep Leroy."
     

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    Barcelona still trying to tempt De Ligt but refuse to increase €75m offer


    Barcelona are piecing together a plan to lure Matthijs de Ligt to Camp Nou from Ajax that avoids the need to deal with his agent Mino Raiola or increasing their current €75 million (£66m/$84) bid, Goal understands.

    A potential move to Catalunya for the highly-rated Dutch defender has hit a stumbling block.Raiola, who also manages the respective careers of the likes of Paul Pogba and Mario Balotelli, has been stung with a three-month worldwide transfer ban.

    That will prevent him from entering his discussions regarding the next move for one of Europe’s most sought-after assets.

    De Ligt is attracting interest from leading sides in England, Spain and Italy, with a big decision set to be made on his future.Barcelona have been leading the race and believe that an agreement can still be reached by convincing the player that they are the right destination for him.

    If that can be done, then they can save time and money on any potential dealings with Raiola.This is a process that was first started more than two years ago, with De Ligt’s obvious potential having figured on their radar for some time.

    Club executives have held discussions in Amsterdam, with it confirmed to Goal that: “If you get the player then it doesn't matter what the agent thinks, it is going to happen if the player wants it to.“All top clubs must buy good players who join to improve the team's level, not settling for plan B because that is wrong.”

    The same sources are convinced that De Ligt remains the best option for Barca, adding: “De Ligt is plan A, maybe the greatest one in Europe, someone who deserves to be chosen.“When you notice a great player who wants to join your club, you must go for him.“When he shows he wants to come, half of the work is done.”

    While Barcelona remain optimistic when it comes to their pursuit of De Ligt, they have made it clear that they will not be dragged into a bidding war.An offer on the table of €75m will not be increased, with those at Camp Nou of the opinion that they can provide opportunities that money cannot buy – such as turning out in the same side as Lionel Messi.

    They are aware that concerns have been raised as to the level of competition on their books.Ernesto Valverde already has the likes of Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet, Samuel Umtiti and Jean-Clair Todibo at his disposal.

    It is possible that there may be departures from the defensive ranks this summer, though, while De Ligt would be a welcome addition for the present and future.
    Barca already have an agreement in place to land Frenkie de Jong from Ajax this summer and believe there is another deal to be done.

    Patience is the order of the day for now, with the Liga champions prepared to bide their time and explore all of their options in a transfer which could be completed without agent interference.
     

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    ‘Spurs switch will see Bale get his desire back’ – Real Madrid’s lack of respect irks Mido


    Gareth Bale can rekindle his passion for football and get his “desire” back were he to end his Real Madrid nightmare and return to Tottenham, claims former Spurs striker Mido.A summer transfer for the Wales international is reported to be on the cards.

    Having fallen out of favour under Zinedine Zidane at the Santiago Bernabeu, and become a scapegoat for some supporters, there is seemingly no way back for the 29-year-old in Spain.

    A retracing of his steps to north London would see Bale find the backing he lacks in Madrid, with a second stint in the Premier League considered by many to be his best option.

    Mido is among those to share that opinion, with the Egyptian disappointed by Real’s handling of a proven performer and talk of a world-class talent having lost his appetite for the game.“I hope that’s not true,” the ex-Tottenham frontman told talkSPORT.“I’ve always known Gareth as a top professional, he gave everything for Tottenham and gave everything for Real Madrid and I believe he deserves more respect.

    “Honestly, I would love to see him back at Tottenham. I remember his first day at Tottenham, I was there and I remember him being shown around the training ground with his mum and dad as a young boy.“I believe if he goes back to Tottenham he will get his desire back. I think Gareth is one of those players who needs to feel loved to play well, and at Tottenham everyone loves him.

    “The news that’s coming out now is really bad because you can see there’s something against him at Madrid and he deserves more respect.”

    It has been suggested that Bale could be targeted by Manchester United in the next transfer window, with the Red Devils having held long-standing interest in his services.Mido, though, believes that familiar surroundings would be the best choice at this career crossroads.

    Asked what his message would be for Bale, a man who spent two years at White Hart Lane between 2005 and 2007 said: “Go back to Tottenham. Come back and play at Tottenham for three or four years.“He’s got so much money, I’m sure he’ll be well off enough now to have a happy life with his family.

    “He needs to feel loved and people love him at Tottenham. If he goes back he will be one of the best players in the Premier League again.”
     

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    Man Utd legend tips striker signing amid Lewandowski & Dybala links


    Manchester United are being backed to bring in another striker this summer, with Andy Cole talking up a move for a proven frontman amid talk of interest in the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Paulo Dybala.

    The Red Devils are expected to be busy in the next transfer window as they seek to recover from a disappointing 2018-19 campaign that delivered a sixth-place finish in the Premier League and no major silverware.

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted that changes are on the way at Old Trafford, with United in the process of drawing up recruitment plans.

    It could be that another forward figures prominently on their wish list, with speculation continuing to suggest that Romelu Lukaku could be moved on, while serious questions are being asked of Alexis Sanchez’s ongoing presence.Cole, who formed part of the club’s 1999 Treble-winning squad, would not be surprised if the Red Devils sought to spend big once again on another goal-getter.

    There has already been talk of raids on Bayern Munich and Juventus for Lewandowski and Dybala, while Lyon’s former Celtic striker Moussa Dembele is said to be another potential target.“Manchester United have always been a club that will buy centre-forwards, that’s the tradition of the club,” Cole told talkSPORT.

    “I can’t see that changing, because they’ve already spent big money on centre-forwards.“Will they add another one? Most probably they will, because to win the championship, to win anything you need to score goals and you need as many goals you can get in the team.

    “So it wouldn’t surprise me if they bought another centre-forward.”United had four players break into double figures in terms of league goals in 2018-19 – Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Lukaku – but lacked inspiration in the final third at times.

    Pogba topped their scoring charts with 13 from midfield, with Solskjaer needing to find someone who is capable of leading the line and providing a prolific presence in a side that has boasted a number of iconic strikers within its ranks down the years.
     

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    'It must be a party' - Ranieri expects raucous farewell for De Rossi


    Claudio Ranieri said he is happy to pay a fine if departing captain Daniele De Rossi wears a special armband in his farewell match.

    De Rossi will leave Roma following their Serie A finale against Parma on Sunday – ending a 19-year association with his hometown team.Roma opted not to renew the 35-year-old's contract and caretaker head coach Ranieri is braced for an emotional game at Stadio Olimpico.

    "De Rossi will play from the first minute with his armband," Ranieri told reporters during his news conference."He deserves a standing ovation from the entire Olimpico. It must be a party, he has to have a great game.

    "I hope there's an atmosphere that Daniele deserves. I want to see the stadium filled with love for Daniele. It must be a party for him, for what he did for Roma and how he did it.

    "For me, what makes Daniele special is how he manages to convey the passion he has for his shirt through his game."I believe that leaving was a bolt from the blue for him. I don't know if he'll wear a special armband, but I'm happy to pay the fine.

    "I'm glad there's a party for Daniele. I'll leave Roma with an open heart, hoping to always see them be great in the future."Sunday's fixture will also see Ranieri leave after the 67-year-old returned to the club following Eusebio Di Francesco's sacking in March.

    Roma are sixth and three points adrift of the Champions League places heading into their season finale."I feel like a European coach, so I'll go wherever there's a project that interests me," former Chelsea and Leicester City manager Ranieri said.

    "I think this is a good group of players, with a nice mix of young and old. Certainly we expected more from some of the young players, but it's okay."The core of the squad is solid and healthy, and everyone wants to do well. We won’t start from scratch.

    "We'll start from a deficit because before we were always in the Champions League, but it won't restart from zero. Instead, we'll start from scratch with a new coach, with his own game and ideas."
     

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    Reims 3 Paris Saint-Germain 1: Final day misery for Tuchel's men

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    Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain ended the season on a disappointing note as they were beaten 3-1 at Reims on Friday.

    PSG wrapped up the league title over a month ago, but a run of three wins in nine in all competitions – a stretch that included a Coupe de France final loss to Rennes – had put a slight dampener on their campaign even before they arrived at a raucous Stade Auguste-Delaune.

    Reims were good value for their two-goal lead with strikes from Baba Rahman and Mathieu Cafaro either side of half-time, although Kylian Mbappe brought the visitors back into contention in the 59th minute.


    But PSG mustered little more without the suspended Neymar and substitute Pablo Chavarria scored an opportunistic third in second-half stoppage time to compound their misery.
    Reims seized control midway through the first half and superb work from Cafaro teed up Remi Oudin to thunder straight at Gianluigi Buffon, before a first-time Moussa Doumbia curler clipped the crossbar.

    The opener deservedly followed in the 36th minute when lax defending from Thomas Meunier allowed Rahman in to slide a finish through Buffon's legs from a tight angle.PSG were initially much improved after the break and Thilo Kehrer glanced a header wide, but Reims retained a threat on the break and doubled their lead when Cafaro drove a fierce strike past Buffon's flimsy right hand in the 56th minute.

    Although Mbappe responded quickly by turning Edinson Cavani's header across the line at close range, the champions could not build any momentum and were picked off in the fourth minute of added time.

    Chavarria, who had been sent on for Cafaro, was given the freedom of the PSG half after chasing down Rahman's long ball and calmly slotted past a stranded Buffon.
     

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    Real Madrid in talks with Lyon full-back Mendy


    Real Madrid are in talks with Lyon over the potential signing of left-back Ferland Mendy as Zinedine Zidane begins a summer overhaul of his squad, Goal understands.

    Los Blancos endured a nightmare 2018-19 season, finishing third in La Liga - 19 points behind winners Barcelona and eight points adrift of city rivals Atletico Madrid in second - were knocked out of the Copa del Rey at the semi-final stage by arch-rivals Barcelona and were dumped out of the Champions League at the last 16 stage by Ajax.In that time, they relieved both Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari of their managerial duties and reinstated Zidane, who had left that summer and is now primed to lead a drastic turnover in playing staff.

    Real Madrid are in talks with Lyon over the potential signing of left-back Ferland Mendy as Zinedine Zidane begins a summer overhaul of his squad, Goal understands.

    Los Blancos endured a nightmare 2018-19 season, finishing third in La Liga - 19 points behind winners Barcelona and eight points adrift of city rivals Atletico Madrid in second - were knocked out of the Copa del Rey at the semi-final stage by arch-rivals Barcelona and were dumped out of the Champions League at the last 16 stage by Ajax.

    In that time, they relieved both Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari of their managerial duties and reinstated Zidane, who had left that summer and is now primed to lead a drastic turnover in playing staff.

    Alternatively, Reguilon could be retained for another season if the right deal cannot be struck.Elsewhere in defence, Eder Militao has already agreed to join, which will likely see Jesus Vallejo and Nacho Fernandez leave the club.Meanwhile, goalkeeper Keylor Navas will likely join a raft of midfielders and forwards in exiting the Spanish capital.
     

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    'It would be a good story for him' - Germany boss Low welcomes Sane to Bayern rumours


    Leroy Sane joining Bayern Munich would be welcomed by Germany head coach Joachim Low after Bayern Munich again stated their interest in the Manchester City winger.Bayern are reported to be readying an €80 million (£70.5m) bid for Germany international Sane.

    The 23-year-old scored 10 goals and supplied as many assists as City defended their Premier League title as part of a domestic treble this season, including strikes in the pivotal wins over Liverpool and Manchester United.

    But Pep Guardiola frequently left Sane on the bench during the closing weeks of the campaign, preferring Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva as his first-choice wide attackers.A spell out of favour evoked memories of the player's shock omission from Germany's 2018 World Cup squad, although Low has since brought Sane back into the fold and believes a switch to Bayern could be beneficial for all parties.

    Speaking at the Sport Bild 100 summit, Low said: "If the transfer happened it would be a good story for him, for Bayern, for the national team and for the Bundesliga."

    The Germany boss recently made the controversial decision to call time on the international careers of three Bayern players - Thomas Muller, Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng - following Die Mannschaft's group-stage World Cup exit and their relegation from their Nations League group.

    Later at the same event, Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge suggested Bayern would press to bring in Sane – as they did three years ago when he joined City from Schalke for a reported initial fee of £37m.

    Rummenigge went on to state that the departure of veteran wingers and club greats Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery creates an opening Sane would not have enjoyed when he left Schalke.
    Sane would be the fourth addition Bayern have added this summer after French defenders Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard and 19-year-old German striker Jann-Fiete Arp. Previously, Bayern had shown an interest in Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, but the teenager's ruptured Achilles may have put any interest on hold.

    The Bundesliga giants have already clinched their seventh straight league title and will be looking to secure a domestic double when they face RB Leipzig in the DFB-Pokal final Saturday.
     

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    Man Utd make €40m offer for Lyon star Dembele



    Manchester United have made an offer in excess of €40 million (£35m/$45m) for Lyon striker Moussa Dembele, Goal understands.

    The French striker, who is being followed by several Premier League clubs, has enjoyed a productive first season with the Ligue 1 side, scoring 23 goals in all competitions since his move from Celtic.

    That has prompted United to make an initial offer worth around €40m as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to improve his attack following a disappointing 2018-19 campaign.

    Goal understands that the Red Devils have been following Dembele since his youth days at Paris Saint-Germain, with club ambassador Eric Cantona having endorsed the move for his fellow Frenchman.Dembele is contracted to Lyon until 2021 meaning the Ligue 1 side, who secured Champions League football for next season with their 4-0 win over Caen last time out, are in a strong position in negotiations.

    It remains to be seen how attracted the 22-year-old is to a move to Old Trafford, however, with Solskjaer's side having to settle for a place in the Europa League after finishing sixth in the Premier League table.Dembele has an impressive record for France at Under-21 level although is yet to earn a senior call-up.

    The future of Romelu Lukaku at Old Trafford remains uncertain, with Inter having been linked with a move for the Belgian.The former Everton striker has struggled to make a sustained and consistent impact at United since his big-money move in 2017 and has recently been speaking about his "dream" to one day play in Serie A.

    United are expected to be active in the summer transfer window as they attempt to put themselves back in contention for a top-four finish next season.

    Solskjaer's side finished a massive 32 points behind champions Manchester City although are expected to complete a move for Swansea City winger Daniel James, with other incomings likely to follow.

    The likes of Jadon Sancho, Nicolas Pepe, Matthijs de Ligt and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have all also been linked with the Red Devils, while there continues to be speculation over the futures of Paul Pogba and Alexis Sanchez.

    David de Gea's position at Old Trafford is also uncertain, with PSG having been mooted as a potential destination for the 28-year-old whose contract expires in 2020.
     

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    Manchester rivals United & City warned €100m not enough for Joao Felix


    Benfica have warned those casting admiring glances in the direction of Joao Felix – with Manchester rivals United and City said to be among his suitors – that €100 million (£88m/$112m) will not be enough to do a deal.The 19-year-old playmaker has emerged as one of the most sought-after talents in Europe.

    His potential has been noted by leading sides across the continent and a scramble for his signature is expected to be sparked at some stage.

    Portuguese champions Benfica will, however, not be parting with a prized asset for any less than they consider him to be worth.They have a man who scored or assisted 31 goals in 2018-19 tied to a contract that includes a €120m (£106m/$134m) release clause and have informed those mulling over summer bids that they will not be moved from that asking price.

    Benfica’s executive manager Domingos Soares de Oliveira has told TVI124: “The goal is to keep the squad. If someone hits 100 million for Felix, the intention is not to sell.“100 million is a lot of money, there has never been a player sold for that amount in Portugal, but the goal is to win on the pitch and we will do everything in that direction.

    “Today, if they do not meet 120 million, the player stays.”Rather than readying themselves for the potential sale of Felix, Benfica are piecing together plans to keep him on their books.

    The Portuguese champions have a deal in place that is due to run until 2023, but are already plotting fresh terms.If they are able to reach a new agreement with Felix, then they will be able to increase his release clause and continue to fend off the mounting interest being shown from afar.

    Portuguese champions Benfica will, however, not be parting with a prized asset for any less than they consider him to be worth.

    They have a man who scored or assisted 31 goals in 2018-19 tied to a contract that includes a €120m (£106m/$134m) release clause and have informed those mulling over summer bids that they will not be moved from that asking price.Benfica’s executive manager Domingos Soares de Oliveira has told TVI124: “The goal is to keep the squad. If someone hits 100 million for Felix, the intention is not to sell.

    “100 million is a lot of money, there has never been a player sold for that amount in Portugal, but the goal is to win on the pitch and we will do everything in that direction.“Today, if they do not meet 120 million, the player stays.”

    Rather than readying themselves for the potential sale of Felix, Benfica are piecing together plans to keep him on their books.The Portuguese champions have a deal in place that is due to run until 2023, but are already plotting fresh terms.

    If they are able to reach a new agreement with Felix, then they will be able to increase his release clause and continue to fend off the mounting interest being shown from afar.