FEE AGREED: Man united have finally reached agreement to sign £45m superstar, medical booked already as player set to undergo medical tomorrow, announcement soon

Manchester United’s search for a new centre-back is well underway, with Harry Maguire appearing all but destined to move to London.

West Ham are working on finding common ground over personal terms and wrapping up a solid defensive signing for David Moyes

after agreeing a fee in the region of £30m earlier this week.

The Red Devils, meanwhile, have opened their own search for Maguire’s replacement, as it’s understood Erik ten Hag doesn’t quite trust Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof. Eric Bailly’s position at Carrington is even worse and he is expected to follow Maguire out of the exit door.

With Lisandro Martinez the only reliable central defender at his disposal, the Dutch coach is pushing for another big investment in the backline.

As per Spanish outlet, Nacional, Ten Hag considers former Barcelona defender Jean-Clair Todibo to be the best fit for his squad.

The 23-year-old Frenchman got a move to Camp Nou very early in his career, and as a result, struggled to instantly make an impact in a struggling and unbalanced Barca side.

Underwhelming loan moves to Schalke and Benfica followed before a return to his home country with Nice in 2021.

At Nice, he has established himself amongst the best defenders in Ligue 1 and appears ready for another shot at making it at a big club. However, the INEOS-owned outfit values him very highly and is understood to be demanding 50 million euros (£43.3m) for his transfer.

Regardless, Ten Hag is convinced of his qualities and is requesting Todibo’s signing even at that price. It appears the ball is now in the court of United’s recruitment team who also have to figure out a way to fit the signing of midfielder Sofyan Amrabat into their budget.

Also…

Declan Rice revealef his greatest shock since joining Arsenal as he talks more about the club’s dream

Declan Rice completed a £105m deal to Arsenal

Declan Rice has revealed his greatest shock since joining Arsenal and says he has been ‘blown away’ by Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.

He became Arsenal’s record signing and one of the most expensive signing in Premier League history when he finally completed a £105m move from West Ham earlier in the summer.

Rice will look to help Arsenal win some silverware this season after captaining West Ham to Europa Conference League glory last season.

The England star confessed he is already ‘seeing the game in a completely different way’ since working closely with Arteta and admits he has been ‘shocked’ by the winning mentality at the Emirates Stadium.

The gunners almost won the Premier League for the first time since 2004 last season, picking up 84 points to finish narrowly behind Manchester City.

He said, ‘In the last four weeks, I’ve grown so much already and learned so much about football that I hadn’t seen before,’

‘I’m honestly seeing the game in a completely different perspective already. Tactically, on the ball, off the ball. I’m glad to know I’m learning so much because I’m trying to push myself to learn.

Rice admits is loving playing under Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta

‘Since the Community Shield, I feel I’ve taken a big step; everything is beging to click. I was blown away by Arteta] and working with him day-to-day, it’s just another level.

‘Seeing how he works, how his mind operates, picking up stuff, seeing how he goes into precise detail on the opposition, and how he wants to improve us as players, individually and collectively, I’ll say is really impressive.

‘It’s just the precise details of what he goes into, so there are no excuses on match day. You can’t say, “we’ve not worked on this or that at the moment”.

‘You’re given everything and it’s literally down to you to go and perform. The precise details you go into are on another level, and I’ve never seen that before.

‘From the moment I walked in the door, the thing that enticed me most is how much [winning] is drilled into the club, and the way the manager is drilling it into the players about winning, and not being far off being one of the best teams in the world.

‘That’s what intrest me and that’s why I came to Arsenal; to win trophies, to play under Mikel, and play with these players. It’s such an exciting project to join.’

Rice made his first official Arsenal appearance in last weekend’s Community Shield final as Arteta’s side won Manchester City on penalties.

This coming season the Gunners kick-start their 2023-24 Premier League campaign on Saturday with a home match against Nottingham Forest.

Arsenal could line-up the same team that started the Community Shield final, with fellow summer signing Kai Havertz filling in place of the injured Gabriel Jesus up front.

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Only one choice remains for Manchester United to conclude on Mason Greenwood decision

Manchester United will not release Mason Greenwood after reports said the talks had entered the ‘final stage’.
Mason Greenwood was suspended from Manchester United last year after photos and videos surfaced on social media alleging he abused his partner at home.
Although he was arrested and prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service, the charges were eventually dropped as key witnesses failed to appear.

He was recently filmed training in private ahead of his possible return to the United squad, with the cameraman responsible for the footage claiming Greenwood’s entourage were threatening to destroy his equipment.
However, it has now been reported that United have only to decide whether to send him back to the first team or go on a season-long loan, suggesting he will not be sacked by the club, which was a possible option. “Mason is working harder than ever on the training ground,” a source told The Sun.

“He desperately wants to get back into the squad as soon as possible and he wants to put the last 18 months behind him.
“The talks about his future are in the final stages and the players and the coach are behind him.
“The only thing to decide is whether he will return to the first team or whether he will be loaned out for a season.”

It had previously been reported that both Erik ten Hag and the United squad would support Greenwood in his return to the club.
Manchester United will kick off their Premier League season against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford on Monday 14 August.

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The Man Utd deal making progress as Fabrizio Romano confirms a second deal will follow immediately

According to Fabrizio Romano, Man Utd are making “progress” with a crucial deal for the winger which will see a quick deal following.
With Rasmus Hojlund safely on the bench, Man Utd’s attention is focused on bringing in a new defensive midfielder. Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat is in Ten Hag’s sights, although the exits must take place before a bid can be made.

To that end, Fred’s chances of walking away in the next few weeks have been listed as 100% by Fabrizio Romano. Elsewhere, Donny van de Beek’s planned transfer to Real Sociedad is set to begin. A move for backup Andre Onana is the order of the day as Dean Henderson joins Nottingham Forest. Steve Cooper’s side will be the first to sign Matt Turner from Arsenal, although they will continue to push to sign Henderson before the window closes.

Elsewhere, a confirmed goal move by centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo rested on Harry Maguire discharging first.
It is clear that in the final month of the period there is a lot of going in and out at Old Trafford out front. Another release – this time involving Facundo Pellistri – is in the works. But before the Uruguayan winger can leave on loan, Man Utd are urging the 21-year-old to sign a new contract.

Pellistri’s current contract is for just two years and after impressing Ten Hag in limited appearances last year, Man Utd see a future for Pellistri at Old Trafford.
Therefore, Fabrizio Romano reported that Man Utd are “making progress” regarding a new contract for Pellistri. The priority is a “long-term deal” and once Pellistri is signed he will be able to leave on loan.

As for where he’s headed, it’s Dutch side FC Twente who are being hyped again. They are seen as Ten Hag’s favorite destination for Pellistri. Ten Hag had previously completed his playing career with the club between 1996 and 2002.
Other clubs that have shown interest in Pellistri include Bologna, Real Betis, Gremio and Boca Juniors.

But if Pellistri writes new terms and Ten Hag gets their way, then Twente will be the winger’s next stop for the 2023/24 season.

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Transfer market rumours: Man Utd signs Real Madrid player; Arsenal choose a goalkeeper; Mbappé wants to transfer Liverpool; Real Madrid rival Chelsea for Vlahovic

Plus Barcelona’s plan to bid for Bernardo Silva

The latest on Chelsea’s pursuit of Michael Olise

Erik ten Hag’s desire to draw

Kylian Mbappé would rather join Liverpool this summer than any other candidate if he can’t move to Real Madrid, and Reds sponsors are ready to help fund a loan move for Paris Saint-Gilles striker Germain. (football insider)

Barcelona are struggling to pay Bernardo Silva and can only offer Manchester City a loan deal with a €75m purchase commitment, but only if they sell one of their great players first. (Sport)

One player who could leave Barcelona is right-back Sergino Dest, available for around €10m. (The Athletic)

Chelsea have made a verbal offer of €30m for Crystal Palace striker Michael Olise, but are keen to find out more about his hamstring injury before making a written offer. Manchester City are also enthusiastic about the French. (Hawkins fabric)

Arsenal are interested in signing a deal to sign Aston Villa winger Emiliano Buendia. (Football Transfers)

Erik ten Hag wants Manchester United to sign Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni who is also wanted by Bayern Munich. (Sport)

Real Madrid will face Chelsea over the signing of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic if they fail to sign Kylian Mbappé this summer. (SER padlock)

Brentford plan to turn down Arsenal’s opening offer for goalkeeper David Raya but will continue negotiations with the Gunners. (the athlete)

To fend off interest from Bayern Munich, Manchester City have offered defender Kyle Walker another new contract. (the athlete)

Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz is also on Man City’s radar as a possible replacement for Riyad Mahrez. (soccer transfers)

Tottenham are planning to sign another centre-back after signing Micky van de Ven: Edmond Tapsoba from Bayer Leverkusen. (The Football Insider)

Mikel Arteta reveals how Arsenal convinced Declan Rice to sign

Arsenal signed Rice for a British-record £105m fee this summer
Gunners had to outbid Manchester City to get a deal done
Rice has played in a handful of different positions during pre-season

Mikel Arteta has praised Declan Rice for how quickly he bought into Arsenal’s project during initial talks with the midfielder this summer.

Rice had interest from across the Premier League as he prepared to leave West Ham United and it was Arsenal who ultimately managed to convince the England international to join, although they had to outbid Manchester City with a £105m offer that made Rice the most expensive British player in history.

The two sides are due to meet in Sunday’s Community Shield, before which Arteta looked back on his first discussions with Rice.

“We just explained our thoughts on him, the place we are building and what his role is going to be in the club,” Arteta recalled. “He and his family bought into that from day one and we’re delighted to have him.

“The important thing now is that when we have a target we have the resources that we need to bring that player in but as well that we can convince him and what we tell him excites him, that he feels inspired and he wants to be part of it.

To be continued…

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Transfer Boost; Journalist reveals ‘world-class’ star could join Arsenal from Man City

Important update released on the future of the future Man City star.
Manchester City are yet to make a decision on Joao Cancelo’s future despite continued interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal, transfer insider Dean Jones has suggested in an update to reporters.
Cancelo spent the second half of the 2022/23 season on loan at Bayern Munich and speculation about his next move is growing.

Manchester City transfer news – Joao Cancelo

There was likely a case of ‘what could have been’ for Cancelo at the end of last season as the Portugal international watched his City team-mates win the Champions League and complete the treble.
Naturally, Cancelo was absent from City’s squad at the time, having been loaned out to Bayern Munich during the January transfer window following an alleged row with manager Guardiola.

From Guardiola and City’s perspective, the move was a masterstroke, but as the season drew to a close and Cancelo – who was described as “world class” while on loan at Bayern Munich – is on the point of returning to the club for one of the questions during the season are increasingly asked about the next step for the full-back.

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth recently told reporters that Guardiola is ready to sell Cancelo during this transfer window. However, finding a suitable destination for the 44-time Portugal international could prove difficult.

What did Dean Jones say about Cancelo and Man City?

Speaking to reporters, transfer insider Jones admitted City were ready to cut ties with Cancelo but claimed they were struggling to find a candidate.
Speaking about the 29-year-old, Jones said: “The situation at the back is interesting considering Cancelo is still expected to leave and there was also a lot of uncertainty around Kyle Walker.
“Regardless of the outcome, I’ve been told that links to players like Alphonso Davies and Achraf Hakimi are completely untrue. They don’t look at players or players they particularly like.
“We all know City are changing their style of play and the transfer of Gvardiol is likely to happen which will add weight to the left flank of their defence.
“Cancello’s situation is strange at the moment. You would think that if he returns to City now, with the right effort and focus, he could easily find his way back into the team.

“But we also know that Guardiola has moved away from the model in which Cancelo was successful and that, moreover, he seems happy at the idea of not leaving it at that.” “The big question is where will he go? Barcelona are ready if he’s cheap enough or on loan. So if there’s something coming soon, it’s probably this. Arsenal have been touted and this matter is very quiet at the moment – but it may not stay that way.
“My information is that if Cancelo is still available later, Arsenal may well try to get a deal done. It’s not completely forgotten, it’s just not a top priority. More luxury.”

What next for Man City?

As alluded to by Jones, Cancelo isn’t the only defensive player linked with a move away from City, with Walker subject to interest from German outfit Bayern Munich (BILD).

Elsewhere, Sky Sports reporter Sheth told SPORTCAST in another interview that Aymeric Laporte is another player considering his options, with an Etihad Stadium exit a possibility this summer.

That’s because, according to The Athletic, the Premier League champions are closing in on a deal for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, who looks set to replace Laporte in the City squad.

It means a busy couple of weeks are expected for City in the transfer market, as Guardiola aims to build a side not only capable of defending their Premier League crown, but also their European title too.

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Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd open £70m striker talks, Chelsea £112m bid, Arsenal agreement

Express Sport brings you up to date with all the latest transfer news, gossip and done deals on Friday, June 9.

We are now just five days out from opening of the summer transfer market but that hasn’t stopped a number of clubs from pouncing on targets in a bid to get their business wrapped up early. On Thursday, Liverpool unveiled their first summer capture in the form of Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister and there is already optimism that more arrivals will follow the World Cup winner through the door in due course.

There are so many intriguing factors in play this summer in the Premier League which could become more competitive than ever next season.

Champions Manchester City are already working on arrivals behind the scenes as they prepare for Saturday’s Champions League final against Inter Milan.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are ready to launch a club-record bid for Declan Rice after West Ham’s Conference League triumph in Prague in a bid to beat Bayern Munich to the punch.

Manchester United are already making plans to sign a striker while Newcastle are looking to invest once again following their eye-catching return to the Champions League.

Then there is Liverpool, Brighton, Aston Villa, Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham and big-spending Chelsea, who are heading into an exciting new era under Mauricio Pochettino.

So where is everyone shopping? Express Sport has you covered with the latest transfer news on Friday, June 9.

Messi taunted by Aguero over MLS move

Lionel Messi’s arrival in Major League Soccer has quickly become one of the most hotly-anticipated transfers in world football. But the Argentina legend will have his work cut out to enjoy the levels of success he is used to this season. The 35-year-old agreed to join David Beckham’s Inter Miami this week after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain was allowed to expire at the end of the Ligue 1 season.

Messi’s former international team-mate Sergio Aguero has recognised the tall order facing his friend and told ESPN Argentina: “I spoke to Messi yesterday. I sent him a message with a screenshot of the Eastern Conference standings and I said, ‘your team is behind. You have to move up to 8th/9th.’ Messi cracked up. He said, ‘we have to make the play-offs.’”

Hudson-Odoi set to be part of Chelsea fire sale

Chelsea could be forced to rue a missed transfer opportunity this summer, with Callum Hudson-Odoi reportedly poised to leave for a bargain fee. Once tipped to be one of the Blues’ future stars, the winger failed to inspire during a recent loan spell with Bayer Leverkusen and he could be among those on the chopping block as Mauricio Pochettino reshuffles his new squad.

A loan spell at Leverkusen yielded only one goal in 21 appearances, and the German outfit are not expected to try and sign the 22-year-old permanently. According to Corriere dello Sport, Hudson-Odoi could be available for just £10million this summer.

Accepting a fee that low would be particularly painful for Pochettino’s Chelsea, who rejected a lucrative offer from Bayern Munich back in 2020. The Bavarian giants tabled a season-long loan proposal with a staggering £70m option to buy Hudson-Odoi, who was a teenager at the time. They also lodged a £30m bid to sign him permanently the year prior.

Raya valuation ‘too high’

Manchester United and Tottenham are said to be in agreement that Brentford’s £40million asking price for David Raya is too high, with both clubs reportedly willing to walk away from negotiations.

Raya has earned rave reviews as part of Brentford’s dream run in the Premier League. But a deal for the goalkeeper could be off the table before negotiations have even fully begun as neither Spurs or United are prepared to bid as high as £40m for the Spaniard, according to the Evening Standard.

Ancelotti ‘troubled’ by Perez’s Real Madrid transfer plan

Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly growing frustrated with the higher powers at Real Madrid due to their reluctance to push on with his personal transfer targets ahead of next season. The Italian is desperate for Los Blancos to put an offer on the table for Tottenham star Harry Kane, though other players are being prioritised despite not being entirely attainable.

Relevo reports that the ex-Everton boss has made it no secret in meetings that he wants Kane to be pursued vigorously. Florentino Perez was present on those occasions and agreed with the demand, but it is reported that he has since had a change of heart.

Everton contract updates as players depart

Everton have offered new contracts to Seamus Coleman, Tom Davies and Andy Lonergan.

Fellow goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has turned down an offer to remain at Goodison Park and will now depart.

Yerry Mina and Andros Townsend are also leaving Merseyside this summer on free transfers.

The Toffees also recently opted against triggering their £4.5m option to buy Conor Coady.

Newcastle budget details emerge

The Mail are reporting that Eddie Howe will have just £75m to spend this summer.

That could potentially be stretched to £100m via player sales but the Magpies need to be careful to ensure they remain in compliance with FFP regulations.

James Maddison has quickly emerged as Howe’s top summer transfer target but Tottenham are also in the hunt for the Leicester playmaker.

Moises Caicedo, Scott McTominay and Conor Gallagher are also among the names on their shortlist.

Newcastle budget details emerge

Done deal: Naby Keita joins Werder Bremen

Liverpool have confirmed midfielder Naby Keita will be joining Werder Bremen on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the month.

The Guinea international midfielder spent five years at Anfield and won seven trophies during his time on Merseyside including the Champions League and Premier League.

Keita is understood to have taken a significant pay-cut to pursue a return to Germany where he previously featured for RB Leipzig before joining the Reds for £52.75million in the summer of 2018.

His departure – alongside the exits of James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – have sparked Jurgen Klopp’s summer midfield rebuild with Manu Kone and Khephren Thuram among the targets of interest following the signing of Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister

Roca heading for Leeds exit door

Real Betis are upping their interest in Leeds midfielder Marc Roca.

That’s according to Relevo, who say the La Liga outfit are already working on a deal to sign the Spanish midfielder.

He only joined the Whites last summer from Bayern Munich but Roca could be available on the cheap following Leeds’ relegation.

The former Espanyol maestro could lead the Elland Road exodus with more team-mates expected to follow him out of the door.

Chelsea in for Lautaro

The Times are reporting that Chelsea are now targeting Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez.

The Argentine has been in breathtaking form of late, helping fire Inter to the Champions League final with a second-leg winner against AC Milan.

Martinez also notched twice for Inter in their 2-1 Coppa Italia triumph over Fiorentina a few weeks ago.

Real Madrid are also interest having recently lost Karim Benzema to Saudi Arabian giants Al-Ittihad.

Maguire wants United stay

TalkSPORT claim Harry Maguire wants to stick it out at Manchester United decided Erik ten Hag favouring a sale.

Maguire has fallen out of favour this season despite being the club’s captain and may have to look elsewhere if he wishes to play regular football.

But the report claims he wants to fight for his place instead of pursuing a transfer, a decision that is unlikely to prove popular at United.

The Red Devils need to raise cash to spend and Maguire is one of their most sellable assets this summer.

Tottenham have been credited with interest in the Manchester United centre-back.

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transfer boost; Journalist reveals ‘world-class’ star could join Arsenal from Man City

Manchester City transfer news – Joao Cancelo

What did Dean Jones say about Cancelo and Man City?

What next for Man City?…