Man Utd takeover LIVE: Jim Ratcliffe's new bid CONFIRME, Rashford EXCLUSIVE | The Sun
SHEIKH JASSIM has made a SECOND huge bid for Manchester United before the extended deadline.
Believed to be in the region of a massive £5billion, the bid goes head-to-head with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who also wants to purchase the Premier League giant.
SunSport can exclusively reveal that Manchester United bidder Thomas Zilliacus wants to team up with Ratcliffe and Qataris to complete a £6billion takeover.
Speaking to SunSport, The Finnish entrepreneur said: "I have reached out to both Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim to try and join forces and am waiting to hear back."
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- Alex Smith
Elanga on his future
Anthony Elanga has opened up on his future and hinted that he could leave Man Utd.
The winger spoke while away with the Swedish national team and said: "I love the club, but it’s important for me to play.”
"We have a lot of conversations, not only about game time but also what is happening around. That’s the good thing about the club, we talk a lot and they help me a lot."
- Alex Smith
Exclusive: Ferguson to snub United
Brighotn wonderkid Evan Ferguson is set to snub a host of suitors to stay on the South Coast.
Manchester United will send scouts to watch the young Republic of Ireland international play against France tomorrow.
Tottenham and Chelsea are also admirers of Ferguson, who is having a breakout season for the Seagulls.
But the 18-year-old is in no hurry to leave Brighton and believes his development will be better served by remaining at a club where he will have more opportunities to play first-team football.
- Alex Smith
Varane drops transfer hint
Raphael Varane has named the two clubs he would consider joining if he decided to leave Old Trafford in the near future.
In an interview with GQ Magazine, he said: "I will finish my career either in Madrid, or in Manchester, or in Lens.
"I will not move to another club [other than those].
"But Madrid seems complicated to me. Players don't usually go back there.
"The most likely outcome today is that I will finish [my club career] in either Manchester or Lens."
- Alex Smith
Southgate defends Rashford withdrawal
Gareth Southgate has defended Marcus Rashford jetting off to New York after pulling out of the England squad
Three Lions boss Southgate was surprised to see Rashford posting pictures on a mini-break following his withdrawal from the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine with a toe problem.
But diplomatic Southgate said: “Once he’s ruled out of the squad, it’s entirely up to him how he spends his time.
“The players don’t get a lot of breaks. They will be flying off wherever after Sunday’s game.
“If they get 48 hours, with the schedule as it is, they have to take advantage of it.”
Rashford’s holiday is not a great look because the Manchester United forward, 25, has now pulled out of five of the last six non-tournament squads he has been picked for.
- Alex Smith
Exclusive: Garnacho new deal pending
Alejandro Garnacho, 18, is in line for a new £50,000-a-week United contract worth TEN times his current salary.
Talks over a new deal began in December. And United insiders say there is growing confidence Garnacho will put pen to paper soon, when the small print over image rights is agreed.
He is out of contract next year, but United hold a 12-month option to extend that.
The attacker has enjoyed a fine debut campaign, making 29 appearances and scoring five goals.
- Alex Smith
Exclusive: Sheikh offers Glazers NFL sweetener
The billionaire Qatari sheikh trying to buy Manchester United hopes to persuade the Glazer family to sell — by dangling an NFL-sized carrot in front of them.
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani put in an improved world-record £5billion offer to rival Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s bid a day earlier.
SunSport understands the sheikh also discussed a joint venture with the Glazers which could see NFL games in the Middle East.
Sheikh Jassim thinks buying United from the Glazers, who also own the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, could kick-start a relationship which would see NFL teams take American football to the Middle East.
In recent years, team owners, including Joel Glazer, have tried to grow the popularity of the game by sending teams to London to play at Tottenham’s stadium.
And Sheikh Jassim believes the idea could give him the upper hand in ongoing negotiations.
- Alex Smith
Fratessi interest
Man Utd are interested in Davide Frattesi, according to reports in Italy.
The Sassuolo midfielder has signed a new deal at the club, keeping him there until 2026, but United are ready to test their resolve.
Frattesi's strengths are in possession and he could feature in the role Christian Eriksen and Marcel Sabitzer have played in alongside Casemiro in midfield.
- Alex Smith
United eye Ferguson
Man Utd are supposedly lining up a move for Brighton striker Evan Ferguson this summer.
The 18-year-old is enjoying a breakout year on the south coast and is one of the most highly sought after youngsters in the Premier League.
Football Insider report that Brighton are readying themselves for offers.
Erik ten Hag sees bringing in a striker as a priority this summer and is looking to add youth to his attacking options.
Atalanta star Rasmus Hojlund, who has been compared to Erling Haaland, is another potential alternative.
- Alex Smith
Casemiro scores for Brazil
Casemiro netted in Brazil's defeat to Morocco last night.
The World Cup semi-finalists again impressed, beating Brazil 2-1.
Casemiro struck from distance after receiving the ball from West Ham star Lucas Paqueta with his shot managing to find a way through Yassine Bonnou in the Moroccan goal.
Credit: Getty
- Giacomo Pisa
Weghorst on fitting in Ten Hag's plans
Wout Weghorst has started all 18 of Manchester United's games since arriving on loan in January.
Anthony Martial's problems with injury means the Dutchman has been unchallenged for a starting spot.
Speaking on his run in the team, Weghorst said, via the Mirror: "All Ten Hag said was that he needed a striker who could fit into his way of playing. He certainly did not paint the picture as it is now.
"Anthony Martial was his striker and he was doing fine – but he is injury-prone and the manager wanted all positions double-staffed.
"That’s what I came for. But Ten Hag did say clearly ‘It is up to you. You can force things and the best one plays.’ My dream has always been to get the most out of my career. To tap my ceiling. It makes me incredibly proud and happy."
- Giacomo Pisa
Good morning Manchester United fans
The billionaire Qatari sheikh trying to buy Manchester United hopes to persuade the Glazer family to sell — by dangling an NFL-sized carrot in front of them.
SunSport understands Sheikh Jassim, who tabled a £5billion offer for the Red Devils, also discussed a joint venture with the Glazers which could see NFL games in the Middle East.
Sheikh Jassim thinks buying United from the Glazers, who also own the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, could kick-start a relationship which would see NFL teams take American football to the Middle East.
Gareth Southgate has defended Marcus Rashford jetting off to New York after pulling out of the England squad
Three Lions boss Southgate was surprised to see Rashford posting pictures on a mini-break following his withdrawal from the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine with a toe problem.
But diplomatic Southgate said: “Once he’s ruled out of the squad, it’s entirely up to him how he spends his time.
“The players don’t get a lot of breaks. They will be flying off wherever after Sunday’s game.
“If they get 48 hours, with the schedule as it is, they have to take advantage of it.”
Man Utd have sent scouts to watch Evan Ferguson, according to reports.
Football Insider claim the Red Devils are keeping tabs on the Brighton teenager, who has exploded onto the scene this season.
Man Utd met with Romeo Lavia’s dad earlier this month to discuss a potential move, according to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri.
The Southampton star is said to be a target for the Red Devils in the summer.
Teenager Lavia, 19, only joined the Saints from Man City last summer – but has been one of the club’s bright sparks this season.
City have an option to buy the midfielder for £40million in 2024, but that clause hasn’t kicked in yet.
Man Utd have joined the race for Chelsea star Mateo Kovacic, according to 90min.
The midfielder is out of contract in 12 months, and talks over a fresh deal are yet to progress.
- Jon Boon
Southgate defends Rashford
Gareth Southgate has defended Marcus Rashford jetting off to New York after pulling out of the England squad
Three Lions boss Southgate was surprised to see Rashford posting pictures on a mini-break following his withdrawal from the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine with a toe problem.
But diplomatic Southgate said: “Once he’s ruled out of the squad, it’s entirely up to him how he spends his time.
“The players don’t get a lot of breaks. They will be flying off wherever after Sunday’s game.
“If they get 48 hours, with the schedule as it is, they have to take advantage of it.”
- Jon Boon
Jassim's NFL offer
The billionaire Qatari sheikh trying to buy Manchester United hopes to persuade the Glazer family to sell — by dangling an NFL-sized carrot in front of them.
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani put in an improved world-record £5billion offer to rival Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s bid a day earlier.
SunSport understands the sheikh also discussed a joint venture with the Glazers which could see NFL games in the Middle East.
Sheikh Jassim thinks buying United from the Glazers, who also own the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, could kick-start a relationship which would see NFL teams take American football to the Middle East.
In recent years, team owners, including Joel Glazer, have tried to grow the popularity of the game by sending teams to London to play at Tottenham’s stadium.
And Sheikh Jassim believes the idea could give him the upper hand in ongoing negotiations.
- Jon Boon
Ferguson linked
Man Utd have reportedly sent scouts to watch Evan Ferguson, according to reports.
The Football Insider claim the Red Devils are keeping tabs on the Brighton teenager, who has exploded onto the scene this season.
Ferguson, 18, recently netted twice in the 5-0 FA Cup quarter-final win over Grimsby.
He also has three Premier League goals this season, as his star continues to rise.
- Jon Boon
Mitoma blow
Brighton are planning to offer Japanese sensation Kaoru Mitoma a new contract to stave off interest from elsewhere.
Man Utd and Arsenal have been credited an interest with the Seagulls star, following his breakout season in the Premier League.
According to Football Insider, manager Roberto De Zerbi and the club’s board have begun discussion over a new double-your-money deal, which would see his weekly wage rise from £20,000 to £40,000.
Last week, we reported the Red Devils were monitoring the flying winger.
While the Gunners are also said to be fans of the wideman.
- Jon Boon
Hoddle gives Kane blessing for Utd move
Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle has said he wouldn't begrudge Harry Kane moving to Man Utd.
"Trophies are the icing on the cake for footballers," Hoddle told Betfair.
"There are players out there who have won silverware because they were half-decent players playing in a team that won things. You can't say those players are better than Harry Kane.
"So I don't think we should get too carried away with Harry not winning trophies. Harry has got the best out of his career and is continuing to do so – winning a trophy would just be the icing on the cake.
"We don't know if he'll get a move at 34 years old and win his first trophy, that remains to be seen. I'd love to see him win one at Tottenham but if he had to move then nobody would begrudge him. He's been patient with Tottenham.
"He's now at a crossroads and he either signs another long-term deal in the hope things change at Spurs, or he has to sit down and tell them he wants to leave. Things need to be worked out because he does deserve to win a trophy.
"It wouldn't surprise me if he thought he had to move and if the opportunity to do so is there, which it will be, then it also wouldn't surprise me to see him leave."
- Jon Boon
Lavia meeting
Man Utd met with Romeo Lavia's dad earlier this month to discuss a potential move, according to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri.
The Southampton star is said to be a target for the Red Devils in the summer.
Teenager Lavia, 19, only joined the Saints from Man City last summer – but has been one of the club's bright sparks this season.
City have an option to buy the midfielder for £40million in 2024, but that clause hasn't kicked in yet.
Both Man Utd and Arsenal are monitoring the situation – with the idea of making a move when the transfer window reopens.
- Jon Boon
Utd join Kovacic race
Man Utd have joined the race for Chelsea star Mateo Kovacic, according to reports.
The midfielder is out of contract in 12 months, and talks over a fresh deal have stalled.
That has alerted Liverpool and Man City to the Croatian, 28, who could be sold by the Blues in the summer.
Now, 90min claim that Man Utd are keeping tabs on Kovacic as an alternative to Frenkie de Jong.
- Jon Boon
Onana linked
Man Utd are reportedly keeping tabs on Andre Onana.
The Cameroon international has established himself as Inter's No1 this season, following a string of top performances.
According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, United, Chelsea, and Spurs are all monitoring the shotstopper in the few months of the campaign.
The story continues that Onana won't push for a move, but Inter would be interested in selling if they receive a mind-boggling offer.
- Jon Boon
Varane names team he'd leave Utd for
Raphael Varane has revealed the clubs he would leave Man Utd for.
In an interview with GQ Magazine, he said: "I will finish my career either in Madrid, or in Manchester, or in Lens.
"I will not move to another club [other than those].
"But Madrid seems complicated to me. Players don't usually go back there.
"The most likely outcome today is that I will finish [my club career] in either Manchester or Lens."
- Kiro Evans
Marced Man
Marcus Rashford has been questioned over his New York holiday after pulling out of England duty.
The 25-year-old had to withdraw from the internationals with a toe injury but TalkSPORT's Tony Cascarino has questioned the wisdom of the star jetting off on vacation.
He said: "England were [likely] not aware of a trip to New York and that’s going to frustrate Gareth, because Gareth ultimately wants loyalty from his players.
"Some people will say he’s entitled to go on holiday, he’s injured.
"There will be an element of frustration from Southgate, without a doubt. He might say all the right things and say it isn’t an issue, but deep down he’ll probably be thinking, ‘We need more from Marcus’".
- Jon Boon
Utd to rival Gunners for starlet
Man Utd are set to rival Arsenal in the race to sign striker Rasmus Hojlund, according to reports.
The Atalanta star has been dubbed as "the next Erling Haaland".
Man Utd supposedly have concrete interest in Hojlund and he would welcome a move to Old Trafford, giving them an advantage over potential other suitors.
The player is a fan of the club and Sport Witness report that he said: "Now that you ask, I will not hide the fact that I am a huge Manchester United fan.
“So personally, it would be one of the biggest things for me."
Hojlund is valued at over £30million by Atalanta, who signed him for half the price last summer from Austrian outfit Sturm Graz.
- Kiro Evans
Honest Harry
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has suggested it would be a FAILURE for England to not win the Euros.
Maguire started alongside John Stones in the backline as the Three Lions got their qualification efforts underway in tremendous fashion with a win against Italy.
And the 30-year-old defender said: "I believe we have the players to win it.
"I’m with a mindset of, ‘if we don’t win the tournament, it’s been a failure.’ I’ve been at three major tournaments now and I’ve come so close."
- Kiro Evans
Marc Me Out
Tyrell Malacia has spoken about his relationship with Marcus Rashford down United's left-hand side.
The England striker has been in amazing form since the turn of the year while Malacia has rotated with Luke Shaw at left-back.
Before heading off on international duty, the Dutch full back told club media about their blossoming partnership.
He said: "We give each other energy, we speak a lot with each other and, in the dressing room, we sit next to each other. We have a good connection, that’s important and you can see it on the pitch."
- Kiro Evans
The Race is On
Man United will be fighting on three fronts as club football enters its final hurdle from next week.
They will be targeting silverware in the FA Cup and Europa League and have to secure a place in the top 4. These are what their first few fixtures look like after the international break.
2nd April – Newcastle United (A)
5th April – Brentford (H)
8th April – Everton (H)
13th April – Sevilla (H) – Europa League
16th April – Nottingham Forest (A)
20th April – Sevilla (A) Europa League
22nd April – Brighton (N) FA Cup Semi-Final
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