RAFAEL LEAO is being tracked by Erik ten Hag ahead of a transfer chasae, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
The Portuguese forward, 23, has scored four goals and had seven assists in Serie A and the Champions League this season in just 12 games.
United target Joao Felix wants to leave Atletico Madrid after being frozen out by Diego Simeone.
The forward, 22, cost Atleti £112million in 2019 – but has failed to kick on.
Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham is set to spark a bidding war between Real Madrid, Chelsea, Liverpool, Mancheter City and United.
Bellingham, 19 has quickly become one of the world's most sought-after midfielders.
And the England international could be in for a sensational move to the Premier League next summer.
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- Alex Terrell
No old heads at Toon
Eddie Howe does not want to sign ageing superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo to spark a Newcastle revolution.
The minted Magpies are turning away from short-term fixes as they plot a way to the top of the tree.
Howe admitted he is making special plans to stop 37-year-old Ronaldo at Old Trafford on Sunday.
But he added: “It is not really a signing we would necessarily look to make.
“We’re trying to provide long-term growth, we have got a longer-term vision.
“We have quite an ageing squad, so we need to invest in more young players."
- Alex Terrell
De Gea set to break Man Utd appearance record
David de Gea is closing in on Alex Stepney's all-time appearance record for Manchester United.
The Spaniard, 31, will be presented with a commemorative plate as he plays his 500th game for the Red Devils against Newcastle today.
- Alex Terrell
More on Leao
The Portuguese's reluctance to sign a new deal has raised United's hopes that he could be up for grabs next summer, with a fee of around £60m being mentioned.
If Ten Hag did bring him to Old Trafford, it would raise further doubts about the long-term future of French striker Anthony Martial in particular.
And SunSport revealed last week that David Beckham's Inter Miami are eyeing a sensational swoop for Cristiano Ronaldo in January.
Meanwhile, Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw will be given another 12 months to prove they should be part of Dutchman Ten Hag's renovation.
Both full-backs are in the final year of their contracts at United and will be free to speak to interested clubs on the continent in January.
Carrington insiders insist Dalot and Shaw want to stay and United's option of 12-month extensions will ensure they do not lose them for nothing if they fail to convince the manager.
- Alex Terrell
Exclusive: Hitman Leao a top Ten target
AC Milan striker Rafael Leao is high on Erik ten Hag’s hitlist for next summer, writes PHIL THOMAS.
Manchester United’s boss is already compiling a dossier on potential targets, including the 23-year-old Serie A star.
United had scouts at the San Siro on Tuesday night to watch Leao against Chelsea – as they did in the first Champions League meeting between the teams at Stamford Bridge earlier this month.
Portugal international Leao is gaining a growing band of admirers with two of United’s big rivals, Manchester City and Chelsea, both among them.
But Ten Hag is a huge fan of the speedy left-footer, who can play down either flank as well through the middle.
Leao is in the final 18 months of his AC Milan contract and has so far rejected improved terms.
The Italians are offering him a pay rise to around £110,000 a week to sign a new five-year deal. But Leao has given no indication of doing so.
- Alex Terrell
I glove what I do
David de Gea is the last link with Manchester United's glorious past now he wants to be part of a golden new era.
This afternoon the United keeper will join an elite band when he plays his 500th game for the club, against Newcastle.
But although De Gea is in the last year of his contract, he has no plans to leave the place he has called home for 11 years.
A new deal may yet still be unsigned but that is only a matter of time … because the Spaniard wants to hang around and herald a bright new dawn under boss Erik ten Hag.
De Gea, 31, said: "This is my club and this is where I feel good. I feel very well, I'm playing well and I think I have many more years left.
"So I feel confident and yes, I would like to stay here more years and set records of games and records of everything.
"I want to try to help the young people here as well with my experience and to win trophies. I feel very, very good in games and training.
"So I want to play more years and try to win trophies and help the team every day."
- Nyle Smith
Last time out at against Newcastle
Manchester United escaped with a draw after an abject display at Newcastle when the sides last met.
Just seven minutes into the game, Allan Saint-Maximin beat two defenders before firing into the top corner to give the Magpies a shock lead.
But Edinson Cavani poked the ball home for the Red Devils as they got out of jail at St James' Park.
A lot has changed for both sides since then which should set up a fantastic match.
- Nyle Smith
A new challenge for United
Manchester United welcome Newcastle to Old Trafford on Sunday and spirits should be high following their Europa League win.
Scott McTominay's stoppage time goal sunk Nicosia Omonia who were seconds away from scraping a draw from United.
But the Red Devils will have to play a lot better for the three points this time round as they'll be up against a rejuvenated Newcastle who have a had a good start to the season.
Eddie Howe's side come into this match off back-to-back wins against London clubs Fulham and Brentford.
- Nyle Smith
Joao Felix £113m 'rejected' bid
Manchester United reportedly had a £113million bid rejected by Atletico Madrid this summer.
Sport Witness claim that the Red Devils had enquired about Felix shortly after wrapping up Casemiro from Real Madrid.
It has been claimed that the Portuguese star is unhappy with his playing time under Diego Simeone.
And with the World Cup fast approaching, rumours suggest that Felixis seeking a move elsewhere.
- Jon Boon
Utd's Greenwood statement
Man Utd have made a statement regarding the charges for Mason Greenwood.
It reads: “Manchester United notes that criminal charges have been brought against Mason Greenwood by the Crown Prosecution Service.
"He remains suspended by the club, pending the outcome of the judicial process."
- Jon Boon
Herrera backs Rashford
Ander Herrera believes Marcus Rashford can become "one of the biggest Manchester United players" in the club's 144-year history.
The former Old Trafford favourite has backed Rashford and says it's unfair to compare him to the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Speaking to ESPN, Herrera, who left United for PSG in 2019, says: "Sometimes we are not fair with some players – we are not fair with Marcus or – I could give you more examples – with Vinicius [Junior] or with these kinds of players you cannot compare them with Messi or Cristiano.
"It’s like Spanish midfielders, we are compared with Xavi [Hernandez] and [Andres] Iniesta. We are going to lose [that comparison], of course.
"You have to judge them individually. Marcus can be a fantastic player for Manchester United. He is, in fact – he has done some amazing things at the club."
- Jon Boon
De Jong felt Barcelona 'pressure' to leave
Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong has claimed he knew Barcelona were going to "pressure" him into leaving.
The club wanted to sell him to Manchester United over the summer but De Jong did not want to go.
De Jong told Ziggo Sport: "I was calm. I decided in May that I wanted to stay. My opinion has never changed during this entire period.
"I stayed calm. But then you know the pressure would start to come.
"Yes, from the newspapers, from the president, exactly. From everywhere actually. But I wanted to stay at Barca so it never baffled me."
- Jon Boon
Hectic schedule
United's next six games are coming thick and fast. Here's the hectic schedule.
- Newcastle United (H) – Premier League – October 16
- Tottenham Hotspur (H) – Premier League – October 19
- Chelsea (A) – Premier League – October 22
- Sheriff Tiraspol (H) – Europa League – October 27
- West Ham United (A) Premier League – October 30
- Real Sociedad (A) – Europa League – November 3
Casemiro's mates
Brazilian ace Casemiro is settling into life at Old Trafford, following his move at the end of the last transfer window.
And already he's making friends.
The former Real Madrid midfielder has revealed his four closest pals at the club.
He has formed a close bond with Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Dalot, Fred and Antony.
Greenwood charged
Mason Greenwood has tonight been charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and ABH.
The Man Utd striker, 21, spent three nights in custody after police swooped on his home in Bowdon, Greater Manchester, in January.
Police today confirmed Greenwood has been charged with attempted rape, ABH and coercive and controlling behaviour.
It comes after he was arrested today on suspicion of being in contact with his alleged victim.
Greenwood will appear at Greater Manchester Magistrates' Court on Monday, the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed.
The alleged offences are said to have taken place between December 1, 2018, and October 15, 2022.
Cavani nets brace
Former Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani has scored twice for Valencia.
The 35-year-old scored once penalty to equalise versus Elche before putting them ahead.
Cavani departed Old Trafford when his deal expired at the end of last season.
- Alex Smith
Herrera makes HUGE Rashford claim
Ex-Manchester United ace Ander Herrera has said that Marcus Rashford has what it takes to become one of the best player's in the club's history.
Rashford looked devoid of confidence last season but he has found new life under Erik ten Hag.
Herrera told ESPN: "Of course, he's showing that he makes the difference when he's fit and in a good moment.
"He has the best teacher in the team, the best example with Cristiano, but sometimes we are not fair with some players.
"We are not fair with Marcus or I could give more examples, like Vinicius, with this kind of player, you can't compare them to [Lionel] Messi and Cristiano because it's like comparing Spanish midfielders to Xavi and Iniesta – we're going to lose.
"Marcus has everything to become one of the biggest United players in the history.
"He's back at his best, he's scoring and helping the team. I follow all of the games, I follow all of the results and I'm still in contact with David [de Gea]."
- Alex Smith
Howe warns United
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has stated that his team will head to Old Trafford with no fear of Man Utd.
He said in a press conference: "We're going to try and attack it and get a positive result.
"Manchester United have outstanding individuals and a great manager. They're developing their style of play and philosophy.
"We have to go in with no fear and believe we can win. The performance levels have been very high. If you can go into these games with confidence and a good feeling, it gives you the best chance of a positive result.
"The next group of games are tough but we're going to try and attack them, rise to the occasion and give our all to get a positive result."
Credit: PA - Alex Smith
Saint-Maximin OUT for Newcastle
Newcastle star Allan Saint-Maximin has suffered an injury setback just one week after returning to action.
The French winger was out with a hamstring strain but appeared off the bench last weekend.
However, after six weeks on the out he could miss the next three matches as the injury has not heeled, according to the Daily Mail.
- Alex Smith
Casemiro speaks highly of Ten Hag
Casemiro has praised manager Erik ten Hag despite his restricted minutes since arriving at Old Trafford.
Speaking to United's media team the Brazilian said: "I believe it’s his desire to win, his ambition and hard work.
"Not just him, but all the coaching staff. They always want to win, they never get complacent. They’re always looking to do something new, always wanting to make a difference in games.
"I believe Manchester United have a great manager, it was there to see at Ajax, I think he’s doing a good job here. It’s a diverse group of players, different players, I believe we’ll adapt to his style of play."
- Alex Smith
De Jong angry at Xavi
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is reportedly fuming at manager Xavi because he has been left on the bench for a number of key games.
The Dutchman was chased by Man Utd all summer but a transfer did not materialise.
He has started just four matches out of a possible 12.
Spanish outlet Sport say he is "disgusted" over his playing time.
- Emillia Hawkins
United enquire about Martinez
Manchester United have reportedly made an enquiry about signing Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, both United and PSG have approached Inter to discuss the striker's situation.
But, Martinez is only focussed on the Nerazzurri as things stand.
Credit: Alamy
- Emillia Hawkins
De Gea set for huge milestone
David De Gea is set to make his 500th appearance for Manchester United on Sunday.
The goalkeeper, who joined the Red Devils from Atletico Madrid in June 2011, will become just the 11th player in United's history to reach the milestone.
To celebrate the occasion, he will be presented with an engraved plate ahead of kick-off at Old Trafford tomorrow.
He will also wear a unique pair of specially designed gloves during the match against Newcastle.
Credit: Getty - Emillia Hawkins
Maguire OUT of Newcastle clash
Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Harry Maguire will not return to the Manchester United squad ahead of tomorrow's match against Newcastle.
Maguire picked up a knock while on international duty for England last month.
After the Red Devils' 1-0 win over Omonoia on Thursday, the Man Utd boss said: "Harry Maguire will not make this, but it doesn’t take long, I think.
"I think that next week he will be back in the team training or over next week."
- Alex Terrell
Exclusive: Outcast striker Greenwood arrested after 'bail breach'
Mason Greenwood has been arrested on suspicion of breaching his bail conditions.
The Man Utd striker, 21, was bailed after his arrest on suspicion of rape, assault and making threats to kill.
He has now been arrested for allegedly breaching those conditions after police swooped on his £15,000-a-month mansion this morning.
Greenwood is being questioned today by officers.
The striker has been waiting to discover his fate since he was first held in January this year.
He spent three nights in custody after he was arrested at his rented home in Bowdon, Greater Manchester.
Greenwood was bailed on February 2 and has been keeping a relatively low profile since.
He was originally due to answer his bail on April 30 but the decision was pushed back after a court hearing in June.
The England international remains suspended by Utd but still receives his £75,000-a-week salary pending the outcome of any criminal proceedings.
- Emillia Hawkins
Too Keane?
Manchester United legend Roy Keane has been slammed by Richard Keys and Andy Gray for "hammering everything" in his punditry.
The former midfielder has built a reputation for his no-nonsense analysis on Sky Sports and ITV.
But in a joint interview with the Telegraph, Keys and Gray – who were sacked by Sky in 2011 – criticised pundits for being too harsh.
Keys said: "Not everything in football is s***. But it is if you watch British television.
"I've had this conversation with (Arsene) Wenger. He said to me, 'Why do Sky spend £1.1billion on a three-year cycle of broadcast rights and then spend that period destroying it?'
"He's right. I don't understand it either. If Andy or I had offered a scintilla of the same criticism to the modern player, we would have been out on our ear."
Keys added: "The guys who are criticising were probably the most sensitive of their time.
"When he was manager at Ipswich, Roy hammered me. Now here he is on everybody’s wishlist, because he comes along and hammers everything else."
Credit: Getty
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