MANCHESTER UNITED are set to unveil Raphael Varane after the Real Madrid centre-back flew into the UK to complete a medical.
Meanwhile, reports in Germany suggest the Red Devils are still eyeing a swoop for Bayern midfielder Leon Goretzka.
And we've the very latest on Erling Haaland's future, as well as an important update from Spain on Keiran Trippier.
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Follow all the latest updates below…
- Sam Dymond
UNITED'S LIVE SHOWS
Manchester United will be shown live three times in the Premier League during October after the updated television schedule was announced.
The Red Devils begin the month with a lunchtime meeting at home to Everton before taking on another Merseyside club, old rivals Liverpool, three weeks later.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men end October with a trip to London to take on Tottenham.
All three games will be screened by Sky Sports.
- Sat Oct 2nd: Man Utd v Everton – 12.30pm (Sky Sports)
- Sun Oct 24th: Man Utd v Liverpool – 4.30pm (Sky Sports)
- Sat Oct 30th: Tottenham v Man Utd – 5.30pm (Sky Sports)
THE NAME GAME
Fancy playing as Manchester United on the next edition of Football Manager? Then you best be prepared to jump on the editor otherwise it will be the board of Man UFC that will giving you a vote of confidence.
Sports Interactive, developers of the long-running award-winning game, and Sega have reached a settlement with United over a trademark dispute that will see the football club's official name removed from later versions.
CHECK VAR
United are closing in on the signing of Raphael Varane and the centre-back could possibly start against Everton on Saturday.
Varane, 28, has flown to the UK and will undergo a medical after spending the time in quarantine.
He is also expected to sign a four-year contract with the option of a further year after United agreed a £47million deal with Real Madrid.
But the Frenchman faces a race against the clock if he is to be confirmed as a Red Devil before Everton visit tomorrow lunchtime.
If the move is finalised, Varane could play his first United game alongside Victor Lindelof in defence.
Harry Maguire is back in training but may not start after missing most of pre-season.
Fellow England stars Jadon Sancho and Luke Shaw find themselves in a similar position so may also have to accept a place on the bench.
- Giacomo Pisa
SOLSKJAER SPEAKS
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been speaking to manutd.com ahead of this weekend's pre-season clash against Everton.
On the topic of Edison Cavani and Jadon Sancho, who have not yet joined up with the squad, Solskjaer said:
"Hopefully they’ll be fit when they come back in with us.
"They’re due to come in after the weekend.
There are different circumstances as to why they haven’t joined us yet, but it’s a long season and they had to have a little more time off."
- Giacomo Pisa
FIXTURE LIST
There's just EIGHT days to go now until Manchester United kick off their 2021/22 campaign.
The Red Devils host bitter rivals Leeds United in what is a mouthwatering clash.
But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be unlikely to be able to start either Jadon Sancho or Raphael Varane as neither players will be ready to play 90 minutes.
- Giacomo Pisa
THE WAIT CONTINUES
Manchester United fans are set to have to wait a little longer to see new £73million signing Jadon Sancho in action, ETIENNE FERMIE reports.
The England winger is only expected to return to pre-season training over the weekend after his exertions at Euro 2020.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had originally hoped to get him involved in tomorrow's Old Trafford friendly against Everton.
But Sancho, as well as fellow new recruit Raphael Varane, now faces a race against time to be involved in United's Premier League opener versus Leeds next weekend.
Solskjaer, 49, is hopeful that the duo will at least be available from the subs' bench.
- Giacomo Pisa
SIGN HIM UP
Manchester United have "taken the initiative" to sign Kieran Trippier, according to Spanish outlet Marca.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to add a full-back to provide competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw.
And Trippier himself is eager to return to England after a successful two year spell in Madrid that included winning La Liga last season.
The 30-year-old wants to return to near where he grew up to see out the final few years of his career, but he does still have another year on his Atletico contract with the club having the option to extend it by a further year.
- Giacomo Pisa
DA-LOAN
Manchester United will only agree to loan Diogo Dalot back to AC Milan if it involves a firm commitment for a permanent signing, KOSTAS LIANOS reports.
Dalot joined United from Porto in 2018 following a high recommendation by former manager Jose Mourinho, which led to a £19million deal between the two clubs.
However, the full-back has since struggled to stand out for the Red Devils having only amassed a mere 35 appearances across all competitions.
That led to a successful loan stint at Milan last season where he played a total of 33 matches.
The Portugal international impressed so much that the Rossoneri would love to have him back but United would only return to the negotiating table if a certain term is met.
According to the BBC, the Manchester giants would only allow another loan deal if the Italian giants agree to include a clause for a permanent transfer.
- Giacomo Pisa
'THIS IS MY HOME'
Victor Lindelof will not shy away from the challenge for game time due to Raphael Varane's arrival at Old Trafford, telling manutd.com how happy he is at Old Trafford.
He said: "I’m coming into my fifth season and this is my home.
"I’m very, very happy here, as are my family. Of course, I want to take that role and become more of a leader and fight to help the younger guys to improve as well.
"I think it’s good in a team when you have a few players who can do that – to try to speak and demand a little bit more from the players. I try to do my bit there."
- Giacomo Pisa
CHEEKY
Paul Pogba certainly enjoyed this finish from training yesterday.
The 28-year-old Frenchman has just 11 months left on his Old Trafford contract and has been linked with a move to PSG.
And although he hasn't officially rejected United's extension offer, the Frenchman will take his time before deciding where his future lies, according to the Telegraph.
- Giacomo Pisa
LOOKING AT LEON
With Paul Pogba's Manchester United future up in the air the Red Devils are keen to add a midfielder to their ranks.
Saul Niguez has been widely tipped with a move to Manchester, but the club are also still said to be eager to tie up a deal for Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka, according to reports from Germany.
There had been interest in the 26-year-old earlier in the summer, but that seemed to have cooled in recent days.
That's because Bayern are said to have opened talks on a new contract for the German international who is in the final year of his contract, but United remain hopeful a deal is still on the cards.
This one isn't over yet…
- Giacomo Pisa
SOLSKJAER WANTS MORE
Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar has revealed "anything can happen" in terms of more arrivals this summer, sparking excitement among Manchester United fans.
Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez has been strongly linked with an Old Trafford switch for a reported £41million.
And speaking on the prospect of new signings, Solskjaer has said: "Anything from now is a bonus.
"I have to say that with the two signings we’ve got, we’ve strengthened where we wanted to strengthen.
"Let’s see what happens. You never know in football.
"Anything can happen, ins and outs."
- Giacomo Pisa
GOOD MORNING MAN UTD FANS
Raphael Varane has flown into Manchester to have his medical ahead of his initial £34million move from Real Madrid.
A deal for the 28-year-old French World Cup winner was announced last week but a delay in the paperwork for Varane's visa meant his flight to Manchester was put on hold.
That is now all sorted, with an official announcement expected shortly.
Meanwhile, United are reportedly hoping to sell 10 players this month to fund moves for Atletico Madrid star Kieran Trippier and Rennes ace Eduardo Camavinga.
Solskjaer is looking to assemble a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League title after back-to-back top-four finishes.
According to ESPN, the Red Devils are looking to recoup £100million, with Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial, Phil Jones and Diogo Dalot up for sale.
Andreas Pereira, Daniel James, Alex Telles, Axel Tuanzebe and Brandon Williams are also believed to have been deemed as surplus to requirements.
And the Manchester giants are also said to be prepared to cash in on Paul Pogba, who has just a year left to run on his contract.
- Kostas Lianos
HAALAND BOOST
Chelsea have given up on their pursuit to sign Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland this summer.
That's according to The Athletic, who claim that the Blues have turned their attentions on Romelu Lukaku.
Haaland was the west Londoners' top target but a deal was always going to be difficult following the departure of Jadon Sancho to Manchester United.
It would have also taken an astronomical fee for the west Londoners to land the 21-year-old this month.
The Norway international has also been linked with United, who could try and trigger his £68million release clause that becomes active next summer
- Kostas Lianos
RICE TOUCH
West Ham star Declan Rice is keeping his options open but won't force a move away from the London Stadium.
Rice has returned to training with the Hammers after an break following his exploits at Euro 2020 with England.
The midfielder has been linked with a move to Manchester United as well as Chelsea during the summer transfer window.
According to the Daily Telegraph, however, the 22-year-old is happy enough in east London and won't try to push for an exit
- Kostas Lianos
G-REALLY EMOTIONAL
Jack Grealish posted an emotional message to Aston Villa following his move to Manchester City.
City announced that Grealish, who was previously linked with Manchester United, has joined their ranks following a record-breaking £100million deal.
The forward looked back at his 19-year stint at Villa Park and claimed he remains a Villa fan.
Here’s what the England international had to say:
- Kostas Lianos
NEVE-S HAPPENING
Arsenal appear to be out of the bidding war for Wolves star, and Manchester United target, Ruben Neves as Granit Xhaka is set to sign a new deal.
Xhaka appeared close to moving to Roma but it seems like he will be staying at the Emirates after all.
According to Football London, the Gunners were lining up a bid for Neves to replace the Switzerland international in the middle of the park but it seems like there is no need anymore.
This works as a huge boost for United, who are also on the lookout for a midfielder as Paul Pogba could leave
- Kostas Lianos
GREALISH REACTS
Manchester City signing, and former Manchester United target, Jack Grealish is happy to have joined the “best team in the country”.
Grealish said: “I am incredibly happy to have joined Manchester City. City are the best team in the country with a manager considered to be the best in the world – it’s a dream come true to be part of this club.
“Over the past 10 seasons, they have won major trophies consistently. Pep [Guardiola] coming here has taken them to the next level and the football this team plays is the most exciting in Europe.
“To play for Pep and learn from him is going to be special and it’s something any top footballer would want.
“The facilities are amazing, and I honestly can’t wait to get started, meet everyone and get playing”
- Kostas Lianos
THE MAN AIM
Manchester United star Harry Maguire has warned his team-mates theyneed to be mentally ready and focused ahead of the start of the new season.
Maguire said: “It’s been a great few days to start with.
It’s a great setting, right on the golf course, although we’ve not played much golf!
“We’re working hard and we’re 10 days away from the season starting so our preparations are going on – we need to make sure we’re ready and focused, and mentally ready for a long, tough season, but an enjoyable one”
- Kostas Lianos
GREALISH JOINS CITY
Manchester City have announced the signing of Jack Grealish from Aston Villa.
Grealish moves to the Etihad after City reached a whopping £100million deal with Villa.
This marks the priciest transfer in British football history.
The England international passed his medical earlier today and is set to link up with Pep Guardiola’s men.
Manchester United were also previously interested in the forward but he ultimately joined rivals City
- Kostas Lianos
ALL SMILES
Morale has been sky high during Manchester United's pre-season training camp in Scotland.
The likes of Paul Pogba, Fred, Bruno Fernandes and Luke Shaw have been snapped smiling ear to ear.
This is going to be a big season for United as they are hoping for a Premier League title challenge following some key additions.
The Red Devils have already signed Tom Heaton as well as Jadon Sancho and are expecting Raphael Varane
- Kostas Lianos
LINDELOF INJURY
Manchester United ace Victor Lindelof revealed that he played through a back injury last season.
Lindelof told United's official website: "I feel much better now.
"I've been working very hard on my back, especially during the break. I struggled a lot with it last season and had to really play through it.
"I played a game and then would need to rest for a couple of days and then it was straight into another game.
"That was tough, but like I say, I have been working very hard with different types of exercises and treatment – and I feel much better"
- Kostas Lianos
MESSI ANNOUNCEMENT
Barcelona confirmed that Lionel Messi’s departure comes down to “financial and structural obstacles”.
A statement from Barca read: “Despite FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi having reached an agreement and the clear intention of both parties to sign a new contract today, this cannot happen because of financial and structural obstacles (Spanish Liga regulations).
“As a result of this situation, Messi shall not be staying on at FC Barcelona. Both parties deeply regret that the wishes of the player and the club will ultimately not be fulfilled.
“FC Barcelona wholeheartedly expresses its gratitude to the player for his contribution to the aggrandisement of the club and wishes him all the very best for the future in his personal and professional life”
- Kostas Lianos
MESSI OUT
Barcelona have announced that Lionel Messi will be leaving the club this summer.
Barca confirmed that Messi is set to roll credits on his stunning 17-year stint at the Nou Camp.
At first it looked like the two sides reached an agreement over a new five-year contract that would see the star forward taking a 50 per cent salary cut.
However, talks fell through in a meeting on Thursday and thus the Argentina international is now officially up for grabs
- Kostas Lianos
POGBA WARNING
Paul Pogba may not find it easy to leave Manchester United during the summer.
That is according to former United boss David Moyes' old warning about the Glazers and their exit policy.
Moyes previously said: "I have to say I learnt a lesson a little bit from the owners of Manchester United at that time.
"I think Wayne [Rooney] eventually put a transfer request in, and the owners of Manchester United turned around and said, 'You don't think we listen to transfer requests? We've had far better players, many better players put in transfer requests. We tell them when we want them to leave Manchester United’"
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