MANCHESTER UNITED are keen on completing the transfer of Boubacar Kamara in the January transfer window, according to reports.
The French defensive midfielder, 22, has been impressing for Marseille and would fit the age and profile to become Ralf Rangnick's first signing at Old Trafford.
Erling Haaland has been told he can leave Borussia Dortmund, with United one of a few clubs in the race for the Norwegian striker.
Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford is keen on a shock transfer to Barcelona, according to reports from Spain.
PSG are also said to be interested in the England star.
Rashford has 18 months left on his contract and has not yet been a regular for United this season.
But another United striker is said to be even closer to joining the Catalans, with Edinson Cavani reportedly close to becoming a player-coach at the Nou Camp.
Meanwhile, reports from Germany suggest Manchester United are the only serious bidder for Dortmund's Erling Haaland.
And indeed the German side are said to be keen for Haaland to move to Old Trafford if they are forced to sell.
Mason Greenwood could also be forced out as a result, with the England international already said to be "upset" that Cristiano Ronaldo is the first name on the teamsheet.
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Get all the latest Man Utd transfer news, gossip and updates here.
- Etienne Fermie
Looks Al-right
Manchester United have reportedly made contact with River Plate over signing their super-striker Julian Alvarez.
And the Red Devils could snap him up for just £17million – £4m less than his release clause – if they act fast.
United put in a call to the South American side in the last few weeks, according to Argentine newspaper Ole.
Alvarez, 21, has been in scintillating form – scoring 24 and providing 15 assists in 46 games.
Some of Europe’s biggest clubs are said to be keen on the five-cap Argentina international.
Bayern Munich, Juventus, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid have all been linked.
- Etienne Fermie
Walk in the Park
What a goal this was by Park Ji-sung.
Amid the news that the South Korean is back in English football, coaching at QPR, feast your eyes on this brilliant effort from his Man United days.
- Etienne Fermie
Playing the field
Manchester United target Erling Haaland hasn’t ruled out staying at Dortmund next season.
The in-demand striker’s agent Mino Raiola said: “Haaland can wait for everyone.
“We don’t have a pre-agreement with any club.
“We will look for the best option, and I also never ruled out another year at B. Dortmund”.
- Etienne Fermie
A Real threat
Real Madrid are serious contenders to beat Manchester City and United in the race for superstar Erling Haaland.
The two Prem giants are certain to be in the frame if the 21-year-old striker decides to leave Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
But the German club have warned the Manchester rivals they face competition from the Bernabeu when bidding does start.
Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke said: “No matter where I go, everyone speaks to you about Erling Haaland.
“All I know is a guarantee that Real Madrid are very interested in him — I could name 25 others.
“It could be that he leaves, but it can also be that he stays.”
- William Pugh
GOOD MORNING MAN UTD FANS
Manchester United are interested in signing Marseille star Boubacar Kamara ahead of the January transfer window.
According to El Nacional, United are in the driving seat in the transfer war for Kamara, who could become interim manager Ralf Rangnick’s first signing.
Rangnick is ‘convinced’ the midfielder is the right transfer for the Red Devils and talks with the Frenchman are at an ‘advanced stage’.
It’s even claimed the move could be announced in the first few days of January.
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke confirmed Real Madrid’s transfer interest in United target Erling Haaland.
Watzke told BILD TV: “No matter where I go, everyone speaks to you about Erling Haaland.
“All I know is a guarantee that Real Madrid are very interested in him. I could name 25 others now.
“But I know for sure, it can be that he leaves, but it can also be that he stays.
“A few days ago I had a very good conversation with Mino Raiola. When we are in a target corridor, the conversations are always quite friendly.
“And that phone call was quite friendly. We will certainly have another meeting in the next few weeks.
“The overall development of Haaland is in the foreground.
“Just like with [Robert] Lewandowski, I would like to be proud of Erling at some point if he wins the Champions League.
“Personally, I think it’s good for him if he stays in the Bundesliga a little longer.”
And Raiola confirmed his client doesn’t have a “pre-agreement” with any of his suitors, including United.
Raiola told NOS: “Haaland can wait for everyone.
“We don’t have a pre-agreement with any club.
“We will look for the best option, and I also never ruled out another year at Borussia Dortmund.”
Finally, Barcelona are cautious about signing United star Edinson Cavani in the January transfer window because of the his continued injury woes.
Barca have been strongly linked with a move for Cavani next month.
According to SPORT, however, the striker’s latest injury setback means the club are thinking twice about making a bid.
The Uruguay international’s latest injury is a recurring problem to his Achilles tendon.
It’s caused him to miss the Manchester giants’ last eight league games, meaning Barca may shelve their pursuit for the 34-year-old
- Kostas Lianos
Pogba advice
Manchester United legend Patrice Evra believes Paul Pogba has things to “fix” at the club.
Evra said during a Q&A with FourFourTwo: “He’s such a great player – and maybe some people can’t understand why he can play so well with France for the national team and not as well for Manchester United.
“He needs to fix that, give more love to the fans, then they have to give more love to him in return.
“I think some of the old legends can sometimes go in too personal on him, which I don’t like. He’s a great guy”
- Kostas Lianos
O-Mi not again
Premier League games could again take place behind closed doors.
A meeting between Prem clubs decided matches would continue as normal after Christmas – despite a rise in positive COVID-19 cases.
According to The Times, fixtures could end up taking place without fans.
Omicron cases are on the rise and although supporters have shown proof of a negative test or a coronavirus passport to gain admittance, they could soon be blocked from attending if the government steps in.
Fears around a high R figure mean the government could introduce further restrictions.
And if Premier League stadiums are needed as makeshift vaccination centres, fans may have to be excluded from live matches for the foreseeable future.
In such a scenario, matches could be shown live on TV, as was the case from Project Restart until the end of last term
- Kostas Lianos
Out of the race
Newcastle have ‘pulled out of the race’ for Manchester United ace Jesse Lingard.
That is according to The Athletic, who report that Lingard has opted to stay and ‘fight for his place’ after interim manager Ralf Rangnick replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
That means the Magpies, who have found themselves in a desperate bid to avoid relegation, will have to look for reinforcements elsewhere.
The England international is into the final months of his contract and is also targeted by West Ham
- Kostas Lianos
‘No pre-agreement’
Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland’s agent Mino Raiola confirmed his client doesn’t have a “pre-agreement” with any of his suitors, including Manchester United.
Raiola told NOS: “Haaland can wait for everyone.
“We don’t have a pre-agreement with any club.
“We will look for the best option, and I also never ruled out another year at Borussia Dortmund”
- Kostas Lianos
More from Park
“Chris [Ramsey] has lots of experience and I see how he listens to people.
“He listens to opinions and then makes his own decision based on the best way he can influence players. That is why he has such a good reputation as a coach.
“It has surprised me how much I have learnt. It is not just about your skill or ability, it is about your mentality too.
“People might think being a coach is quite similar to being a player. For me, I have realised it is totally different”
- Kostas Lianos
Park is back
Ex-Manchester United star Park Ji-Sung is training Queens Park Rangers’ Under-16s team as part of his coaching B license.
Park, who spent time at both United and QPR, is learning under QPR’s head of coaching Chris Ramsey.
The former midfielder told the club’s official website: “Having played for QPR I am really interested to see how they develop their younger players.
“I have learnt lots from the players as well as the coaches”
- Kostas Lianos
Barc in business
Barcelona want to sign Manchester United’s Edinson Cavani and Manchester City’s Ferran Torres next month, according to reports.
That is according to Mundo Deportivo, who report that Barca want to secure two signings next month to put them back on the right track.
The Blaugrana are desperate to sign Torres, who wants to return to LaLiga and it’s claimed he has already verbally agreed a five-year deal with Xavi’s side.
Barcelona also want another striker, however, to provide ‘malice and mischief’ in the box – with Cavani an experienced option.
Ideally, Xavi would like both signings completed by the time he takes his team to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup.
Both legs against rivals Real Madrid will take place between January 12 and January 16
- Kostas Lianos
More from Watzke
Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke added that he had a “friendly” chat with Manchester United target Erling Haaland’s agent Mino Raiola and claimed the striker should consider staying in the Bundesliga.
Watzke added: “And that phone call [with Raiola] was quite friendly. We will certainly have another meeting in the next few weeks.
“The overall development of Haaland is in the foreground. Just like with [Robert] Lewandowski, I would like to be proud of Erling at some point if he wins the Champions League.
“Personally, I think it’s good for him if he stays in the Bundesliga a little longer”
- Kostas Lianos
Cavani caution
Barcelona are cautious about signing Manchester United star Edinson Cavani in the January transfer window because of the his continued injury woes, reports suggest.
Barca have been strongly linked with a move for Cavani next month.
According to SPORT, however, the striker’s latest injury setback means the club are thinking twice about making a bid.
The Uruguay international’s latest injury is a recurring problem to his Achilles tendon.
It’s caused him to miss United’s last eight league games, meaning the Blaugrana may shelve their pursuit for the 34-year-old
- Kostas Lianos
Mad for him
Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke confirmed Real Madrid’s transfer interest in Manchester United target Erling Haaland.
Watzke told BILD TV: “No matter where I go, everyone speaks to you about Erling Haaland.
“All I know is a guarantee that Real Madrid are very interested in him. I could name 25 others now.
“But I know for sure, it can be that he leaves, but it can also be that he stays.
“A few days ago I had a very good conversation with Mino Raiola. When we are in a target corridor, the conversations are always quite friendly”
- Kostas Lianos
Kam on over
Manchester United are interested in signing Marseille star Boubacar Kamara ahead of the January transfer window.
According to El Nacional, United are in the driving seat in the transfer war for Kamara, who could become interim manager Ralf Rangnick’s first signing.
Rangnick is ‘convinced’ that the midfielder is the right transfer for the Red Devils.
And talks with the Frenchman are at an ‘advanced stage’.
It’s even claimed that the transfer could be announced in the first few days of January
- Jake Lambourne
Game pass
Legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson warned Cristiano Ronaldo ‘you won’t play every game’ upon signing him in 2003.
Ferguson told the Inside View: “I always remember, that when we had the discussion [about Ronaldo signing], I think the thing I wanted to impress on his agent, in particular, [was that] he won’t play every game.
“But if he’s so good, I can’t stop him. You always play your best players.
“The opening game of the season, he was substitute. He came on and he was absolutely bloody fantastic! The crowd was magnificent, the crowd loved it.
“So here we had a situation: Do I play him the next game or do I put him back on the bench? That was a big problem, that, you know.”
- Jake Lambourne
Juan-ted man
Barcelona want to sign Manchester United star Juan Mata in January, according to reports.
The Star claims United could let Mata leave on a free transfer next month.
And Barca are ready to swoop for the experienced playmaker.
- Jake Lambourne
Merry news
Premier League matches WILL go ahead after Christmas, according to reports.
The 20 clubs’ executives met on Monday to discuss whether or not to halt the season due to a rise in Covid cases.
And the majority of the clubs decided to continue playing over the festive period, report The Athletic, despite the recent spike in positive Covid cases.
Omicron continues to cause chaos across the country. And while the government have not brought in a lockdown at this stage, the Premier League took the initiative by calling emergency talks.
During the meeting Liverpool proposed moving a round of fixtures and despite support from other clubs the idea was rejected due to the complexity involved.
There was also debate about postponing the season completely, but this idea reportedly had no support from any of the Prem clubs.
Read more HERE.
- Jake Lambourne
Serg in interest
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is ‘almost certain’ to leave Lazio by the summer, amid his rift with Maurizio Sarri.
The Serbian has long been linked with the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Real Madrid.
And reports claim that one of these clubs could finally be getting their man by next summer.
TuttoMercato claim that Milinkovic-Savic’s relationship with ex-Chelsea manager Sarri has reached an ‘all-time low’.
They reckon that he is set to be dropped for their next game, against Venezia on Wednesday night.
And a summer transfer is certain, unless he leaves even sooner.
They add that he could even leave in January if a good offer comes in.
- Jake Lambourne
Lights, Kamara, action
Man Utd are closing on a deal for Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara as Ralf Rangnick looks to build a team to suit his 4-2-2-2 formation.
The 63-year-old German coach began playing the new formation as soon as he arrived at Old Trafford last month.
It has seen him field two deep-lying midfielders, with Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes behind a front two of Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford.
But Kamara, who could sign for Man Utd in the first few days of the January transfer window, would offer Rangnick some more quality at the base of his midfield.
At the moment, the Red Devils often field the partnership of Fred and Scott McTominay.
Nemanja Matic is also an option for Rangnick, while Paul Pogba is currently out with an injury.
Here’s how United could look with Kamara in the team.
- Jake Lambourne
Park the bus
Former Manchester United hero Park Ji-Sung is training QPR’s U16s team as part of his coaching B license.
The 40-year-old, who spent time at both Manchester United and QPR as a player, is learning under R’s head of coaching Chris Ramsey.
Speaking to QPR’s official website, Park said: “Having played for QPR I am really interested to see how they develop their younger players.
“I have learnt lots from the players as well as the coaches.”
He added: “Chris [Ramsey] has lots of experience and I see how he listens to people.
“He listens to opinions and then makes his own decision based on the best way he can influence players. That is why he has such a good reputation as a coach.
“It has surprised me how much I have learnt. It is not just about your skill or ability, it is about your mentality too.
“People might think being a coach is quite similar to being a player. For me, I have realised it is totally different.”
- Jake Lambourne
Latest odds
Ralf Rangnick is favourite to be Manchester United manager at the beginning of next season, according to Betfair.
Mauricio Pochettino was previously the clear frontrunner but his odds have drifted from 4/6 to 2/1 over the last seven days.
United’s original plan when relieving Ole Gunnar Solskjaer of his duties was for Rangnick to lead the side for the remainder of the 2021-22 campaign.
The German would then move into a consultancy role at Old Trafford with a new boss taking the reins.
But that’s no longer a given with the 63-year-old now 6/4 favourite to extend his stay and lead United into the 2022-23 season with Betfair.
- Jake Lambourne
Du are ya?
Arsenal target Dusan Vlahovic is clearly not been put off his stride by speculation regarding his future after the striker netted yet again in Serie A at the weekend.
The Fiorentina forward scored in his side’s 2-2 draw against Sassuolo, and in doing so equalled Man Utd legend Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for most Serie A goals in a calendar year.
Vlahovic’s goal was his 33rd strike in 2021, equalling the record set by Ronaldo just 12 months ago.
The record could yet be broken though, with Vlahovic having ONE game left in 2021 to become the stand alone Serie A record holder for goals in a calendar year.
That game is against Verona on Wednesday, while interestingly the other goal in Fiorentina’s 2-2 draw with Sassuolo was scored by Gunners loanee Lucas Torreira.
Against Verona Vlahovic will bid to go one better than CR7 managed in 2020 before the Italian top flight’s two-week winter break.
- Jake Lambourne
Fergie time
Peter Schmeichel claims Sir Alex Ferguson was afraid of just one player – Steve McManaman.
Schmeichel said: “Ferguson was terrified of McManaman.
“McManaman was the only opposing player he ever paid attention to in the Premier League.
‘I mean, he would mention Alan Shearer and other major opposing players in team talks but never with any fear.
“However, McManaman always had him in a sweat. And, to be fair, Steve was a fantastic footballer.
“Fergie’s thinking was always that if you took McManaman out of the game, you took Liverpool out.”
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