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United to face 'competition' from Premier League clubs for La Liga winger
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F01%2Fruben-amorim.jpg "Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim on January 5, 2025")
Manchester United may have to be braced for competition from a number of Premier League clubs for Real Betis winger Jesus Rodriguez.
The Red Devils somehow managed to advance into the semi-finals of the Europa League after beating Lyon 5-4 on Thursday night, winning their quarter-final tie 7-6 on aggregate.
Harry Maguire scored the winner in the second half of extra time, with boss Ruben Amorim utilising him as an auxiliary striker in the dying moments of the game.
The fact that United had to resort to using Maguire in the forward line will be concerning to the Portuguese manager, and it would not be surprising if he looked to upgrade his side's attacking options in the summer.
Arteta given 'green light' to sign Premier League striker ahead of 2025-26
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F11%2Fmikel-arteta_2.jpg "Mikel Arteta of Arsenal after his side's match against Leicester City, on February 15, 2025")
Arsenal have reportedly been handed a green light from Aston Villa and Unai Emery to sign striker Ollie Watkins in the summer transfer window.
The Gunners advanced into the semi-finals of the Champions League when they beat Real Madrid 2-1 on Wednesday in the second leg of their quarter-final clash, progressing after winning 5-1 on aggregate.
Midfielder Mikel Merino was once again used as the team's centre-forward, and the Spaniard performed admirably in attack, registering two assists in the second leg.
Kai Havertz has predominantly been used by Mikel Arteta in the number nine position, but the German has faced criticism for his displays in front of goal this term.
Liverpool renewal revolution continues as 23-year-old 'in line' for fresh contract
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F16%2Fvitezslav-jaros.jpg "Liverpool's Vitezslav Jaros and Caoimhin Kelleher pictured on February 1, 2025")
Liverpool reportedly intend to offer goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros a contract extension after successfully tying down Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk to fresh terms.
The Reds are set for an extraordinary April, having confirmed new deals for Salah and Van Dijk at a time where they are only two wins away from guaranteeing the Premier League title.
Salah's two-year renewal until 2027 was announced last Friday, before Liverpool also confirmed that captain Van Dijk had agreed to stay on for another couple of seasons on Thursday.
The Premier League leaders have seemingly failed to persuade Trent Alexander-Arnold to continue at his boyhood club, though, as the right-back is set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer when his terms run out.
£47m decision made: Barca 'reveal' Williams stance ahead of summer market
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F11%2Fnico-williams.jpg "Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams pictured on March 13, 2025")
Barcelona will reportedly not be reigniting their interest in Athletic Bilbao attacker Nico Williams during this summer's transfer window, with a potential move for the Spain international off the table.
The Catalan outfit signalled a willingness to pay the €55m (£47m) release clause in Williams' Athletic deal last summer, but the attacker turned down the chance to make the move to Hansi Flick's side in order to continue with at San Mames.
The 22-year-old was outstanding for Spain at Euro 2024, scoring twice and one assist in six appearances at the competition, while he scored eight goals and registered 19 assists in 37 appearances in all competitions for Athletic last term.
This season, Williams has 10 goals and seven assists in 41 appearances, and he is bidding to help Athletic win the Europa League and also claim a top-four spot in the La Liga table.
Man Utd, Spurs 'hold talks' to sign goalkeeper, but Neuer theory could scupper deal
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F16%2Fkaua-santos.jpg "Eintracht Frankfurt's Kaua Santos pictured on April 13, 2025")
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly both been in contact with Eintracht Frankfurt to enquire about a possible move for goalkeeper Kaua Santos this summer.
The 22-year-old was an unknown quantity when he joined Die Adler from boyhood club Flamengo in 2023, but he has quickly come into his own in the Europa League in particular.
Santos excelled during Frankfurt's 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of their quarter-final last week, making five saves and claiming five crosses to secure a positive result for his side.
Santos is set to guard the posts again in Thursday's second leg, where Frankfurt have the upper hand against Tottenham and will meet Bodo/Glimt or Lazio in the semi-finals if they can progress on home soil.
How much? Barca 'put off' by €100m asking price of Chelsea-linked striker
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F04%2Fvangelis-pavlidis_1.jpg "Benfica's Vangelis Pavlidis celebrates on January 21, 2025")
Barcelona have reportedly been put off by the €100m (£85.9m) price-tag of Benfica forward Vangelis Pavlidis.
The Catalan club are still on course to clinch a quadruple this season after advancing through to the Champions League semi-finals at the expense of Borussia Dortmund earlier this week.
Focusing on Pavlidis, the towering forward has enjoyed a brilliant debut campaign in the Primeira Liga since a £15m switch from AZ Alkmaar last summer.
The striker has netted 15 goals and provided five assists across 29 top-flight appearances, making him Benfica's talisman at the top end of the pitch.
Amorim's options dry up as £30m Delap 'prefers two clubs' over Man United
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F05%2Fliam-delap_1.jpg "Ipswich Town's Liam Delap pictured on February 1, 2025")
Manchester United have apparently suffered a setback in their efforts to sign Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, who favours a move to one of two Premier League rivals instead.
The former Manchester City man is expected to be available for a relatively modest fee this summer, as Kieran McKenna's men are on the brink of being sent straight back down to the Championship.
Ipswich are 14 points adrift of safety in the Premier League table with just six games left to play, meaning that their demotion could be confirmed if they suffer defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.
Even though Delap's Ipswich deal runs until the summer of 2029, the Tractor Boys would be fighting a losing battle to keep him if they were to go down, as the 22-year-old has demonstrated his top-flight quality this season.
Decision made: Man United 'willing' to sell attacker 'in cut-price summer deal'
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F12%2Frasmus-hojlund-alejandro-garnacho.jpg "Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho on March 16, 2025")
Manchester United would consider selling Rasmus Hojlund for a cut-price fee during this summer's transfer window, according to the club's former chief scout Mick Brown.
There is currently a host of speculation surrounding Hojlund's future, with the 22-year-old struggling to make his mark this season; Juventus are believed to be keen, while Napoli are also thought to be keeping a close eye on the developments.
Hojlund scored 16 times for Man United during the 2023-24 campaign following his arrival from Atalanta BC, but it has been a struggle this term, only managing eight goals in all competitions, with five of those coming in the Europa League.
The Denmark international has a contract at Old Trafford until June 2028, with the option of a further 12 months, but he could be on the move during this summer's transfer window.
'Definitive answer' - Man United 'suffer' Goretzka transfer blow
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F38%2Fleon-goretzka.jpg "Bayern Munich's Leon Goretzka pictured on August 31, 2024")
Manchester United have reportedly suffered a blow in their pursuit of Bayern Munich man Leon Goretzka.
The Red Devils are looking to qualify for next season's Champions League via glory in the Europa League, with the top-flight strugglers facing Lyon in their quarter-final second leg on Thursday night.
Ruben Amorim's side are level with the French outfit following last week's 2-2 draw, meaning that Old Trafford will witness a winner-takes-all affair this time around.
While Man United fight to climb into the Champions League, Goretzka and Bayern Munich suffered a heart-breaking exit from the competition on Wednesday night.
'Non-starter' - Chelsea 'explored' shock summer move for Van Dijk
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F12%2Fvirgil-van-dijk.jpg "Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool during his side's EFL Cup final clash against Newcastle United, on March 16, 2025")
Chelsea reportedly explored a shock move for Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.
The Dutchman has now signed a new deal at Anfield, where he is expected to lift his second Premier League title as captain at the end of May.
Van Dijk has supposedly agreed to a fresh two-year contract on Merseyside, committing him to the club until the conclusion of the 2026-27 campaign.
The centre-back has been a towering force for Arne Slot's men this term, with the Reds sitting pretty at the summit of the Premier League standings.
Chelsea 'set asking price' for defender amid Juventus interest
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F16%2Frenato-veiga.jpg "Juventus defender Renato Veiga in April 2025.")
Chelsea have reportedly determined a suitable asking price for Renato Veiga ahead of the summer transfer window.
Prior to the start of this season, the Blues spent in the region of €14m (£12m) to secure the services of the versatile Basel defender on a seven-year contract.
Although Veiga would make 12 starts and six substitute outings in all competitions during the first half of the season, he rarely played in his preferred position of centre-back.
As a result, Chelsea gave the green light for the 21-year-old to make the loan switch to Juventus for the remainder of 2024-25, with the hope being that he would earn experience in the middle of their defence.
Spurs defender 'wants to quit' if Real Madrid come calling this summer
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F16%2Fmicky-van-de-ven-cristian-romero.jpg "Tottenham Hotspur's Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero on April 10, 2025")
Micky van de Ven would like to leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer if Real Madrid make an offer for his services, according to a report.
The 23-year-old has impressed across 45 appearances for Spurs in all competitions since joining from Wolfsburg in August 2023, but his time in North London has largely been hampered by injuries.
Van de Ven has been reduced to 16 outings in all tournaments so far this season, but that has not stopped the rumour mill linking the pacey Dutchman with a possible big-money move elsewhere.
Speculation over Van de Ven's future has intensified after the player's agent recently touted his services and hinted at a move away from Tottenham, earmarking Real Madrid as a potential future destination.
Sesko could surpass Gvardiol as Europe's elite 'learn asking price' of Leipzig star
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F10%2Fbenjamin-sesko.jpg "RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko celebrates on February 26, 2025")
A host of Europe's top clubs have reportedly discovered the asking price of in-demand RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko ahead of the summer transfer window.
After excelling in Austria with Red Bull Salzburg, Sesko has since elevated his game to new heights in Germany with Leipzig, where he has scored 37 goals in 82 appearances since joining the club in 2023.
The 21-year-old netted 18 goals in 42 matches during his debut campaign with Die Roten Bullen when he initially had to settle for a rotation role, making an impact on several occasions off the substitutes' bench.
This season, Sesko has started 36 of his 40 games across all competitions, netting 11 times in the Bundesliga and four goals in both the Champions League and DFB-Pokal.
"It was always Liverpool" - Van Dijk signs new contract as deal length, wages revealed
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F16%2Fvirgil-van-dijk.jpg "Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk on April 6, 2025")
Liverpool have confirmed that captain Virgil van Dijk has signed a contract extension at Anfield, just six days after Mohamed Salah penned fresh terms of his own.
The Netherlands international was also due to become a free agent at the end of the current campaign but recently revealed that there had been "progress" in attempts to strike an agreement over a new contract with Liverpool.
Van Dijk's priority was always to continue at Anfield, where he has developed into one of the best centre-backs in Premier League history since making the move from Southampton in January 2018.
Now ending any speculation surrounding his future, Van Dijk has officially signed a renewal with the Reds, and the 33-year-old insisted that it was "always Liverpool" when giving his first interview after his extension.
Man United summer clear-out 'planned' as Amorim looks to make his mark
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F08%2Falejandro-garnacho.jpg "Manchester United attacker Alejandro Garnacho on February 22, 2025")
Manchester United's summer clear-out could reportedly see as many as 10 first-team players leave Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have had their worst-ever Premier League campaign in terms of points, with the team currently down in 14th spot in the table, and they suffered a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United at St James' Park on Sunday afternoon.
Man United can still save their season, though, with Ruben Amorim's side in the quarter-finals of the Europa League; the second leg of their last-eight clash against Lyon will take place on Thursday night, and the tie is level at 2-2 following the first leg.
According to Football Insider, Man United are preparing to let as many as 10 first-team players depart at the end of the campaign in order to raise vital funds to oversee a revamp.
Bargain summer deal: Man United 'can sign' Sporting star 'for £39m'
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F50%2Fruben-amorim.jpg "Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim on December 1, 2024")
Sporting Lisbon are reportedly willing to sell central defender Goncalo Inacio during this summer's transfer window, with Manchester United believed to be have been placed on red alert.
The 23-year-old has again been a strong performer for Sporting during the 2024-25 campaign, making 35 appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals and registering three assists in the process.
Inacio has a contract in Lisbon until June 2027, with his release clause set at €60m (£51.5m), but it is understood that the Portugal international will be able to leave for less during the summer market.
According to A Bola, the Portuguese giants are prepared to sell the defender for €45m (£39m), making him a bargain in the upcoming market considering his quality and potential to get even better.
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