Man Utd have been backed to replace Andre Onana with Marcin Bulka after reportedly making their first offer for the Nice goalkeeper.
The Red Devils brought in Onana in the summer transfer window for €55m after he helped Inter Milan reach the Champions League final last season.

Man Utd make ‘first official offer’ for new goalkeeper

Onana had a shaky start for Man Utd, making a number of mistakes in the first half of the campaign, mainly in the Champions League.
The former Ajax stopper has improved since then and particularly impressed as Erik ten Hag’s side beat arch-rivals Liverpool 4-3 in their FA Cup quarter-final before the international break.
But that hasn’t stopped speculation that Man Utd could look to replace Onana in the next transfer window with Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin linked in recent weeks.
However, Kanal Sportowy journalist Mateusz Borek has insisted that Man Utd have made their ‘first official offer’ of €40m for Nice goalkeeper Bulka as they look to replace Onana.
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And now former Poland international Ludovic Obraniak thinks Man Utd and Real Madrid will be looking into the possibility of tying up a deal for Bulka this summer.


Obraniak told WP SportoweFakty: “I think that is exactly what will happen [Bułka moving to a big club]. Several big clubs will be looking for a goalkeeper. Manchester United will, in my opinion, try to find someone for Onana, and also Real Madrid might go to the market for a goalkeeper after another Courtois injury.”
When asked if Man Utd or Real Madrid would consider Bułka, Obraniak replied: “Absolutely. In my opinion, he’s a player who sooner or later will play for a big club.”
As well as doubts about Onana’s situation at Old Trafford, there have been rumours that Ten Hag could face being replaced at the end of the season unless results and performances improve between now and the summer.
England boss Gareth Southgate has been linked with Ten Hag’s job but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano insists there have been no talks between the former Middlesbrough manager and Man Utd.

Romano: Southgate won’t speak to any club before the Euros

Romano wrote in his Caught Offside column: “Gareth Southgate continues to be linked strongly with the Manchester United job, with some fans asking me about reports that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have already identified him as a leading candidate to replace Erik ten Hag, and that they also plan to bring in his entire coaching staff from the England national team.
“However, it’s important to say that my information is that Southgate won’t speak to any club before the Euros, this is very clear.
“Also, Man United haven’t opened talks with Southgate as of now. I’m still told that Ten Hag’s final two months will be important to understand his future but initial talks with INEOS were positive; so it’s time to be patient and see what happens.”

Liverpool: €100m Real Madrid demand for Mbappe’s ‘main victim’ sees Hughes eye move for West Ham star

Liverpool could abandon their pursuit of Real Madrid forward Rodrygo this summer if the Spanish side refuse to lower their asking price, according to reports.
The Reds could be set to lose Mohamed Salah in the summer transfer window with reports that clubs in the Saudi Pro League will try to tempt Liverpool into selling.

Liverpool on the lookout for Salah replacements

Salah was the subject of a £150m bid last summer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad with reports they were prepared to go to as much as £200m for the Egypt international.
However, Liverpool made it clear to the Saudis that their star player was not for sale at any price but speculation has already started ahead of the next transfer window.
And Liverpool are likely looking for potential options in forward positions if Salah pushes for a move to the Middle East in the summer.
The Reds have been linked to Real Madrid forward Rodrygo over the last couple of weeks with the Brazilian likely to be the ‘main victim’ of Kylian Mbappe’s arrival at the Bernabeu.
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A report in Spain has already claimed that Liverpool have ‘raised’ their offer from €60m to €80m for Rodrygo but now Spanish publication Fichajes insists that Real Madrid are still holding out for €100m to part with the Brazilian.
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Bundas Liga this season,

Liverpool are ‘determined to find a quality replacement’ for Salah and ‘redoubled its efforts by submitting’ a second offer for Rodrygo but Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has made it clear he will not sell the Brazil international for less than €100m.
The report adds that new sporting director Richard Hughes may have to turn to a trio of alternatives if he doesn’t land Rodrygo with Borussia Dortmund’s Donyell Malen, West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen and Juventus’ Federico Chiesa all on their shortlist.

Luis Diaz not top priority for Paris Saint-Germain

Luis Diaz has also been linked with a move away from Liverpool with Paris Saint-Germain understood to be interested in the Colombia international.
However, French football expert Jonathan Johnson insists that Leny Yoro and Bruno Guimaraes will come higher up their list as priorities than Diaz.


Johnson wrote in his Caught Offside column: “There’s been some recent speculation about Luis Diaz being a target for Paris Saint-Germain and my understanding is that the Liverpool forward is definitely a player that PSG are looking at as part of a wider shortlist of potential players to bring in this summer.
“Once they have the freedom to move without Kylian Mbappe being on their books any longer, then they will lower their wage bill and we’ll see how they move to replace Mbappe in attack. My understanding for now is that it’s not necessarily the case that Diaz is a priority target, but it’s more that they’re preparing for the possibility of looking at a player like him – he’s not the only player of that position or profile that they’re considering, but one of many they’re looking at.
“You could perhaps argue, being a Liverpool player, that Diaz is one of the higher profile names on PSG’s list, but if I’m honest I wouldn’t be so sure that that position will be a top priority for PSG this summer. I think they’ll look at other positions, most notably central defence and also defensive midfield.
“So names like Leny Yoro and Bruno Guimaraes are probably names to look out for that will be higher up on PSG’s list, but, for sure, as part of that there could also be Diaz as one of the names on a wider list for this summer.”

Will Arsenal wilt at the Etihad or use it as an unlikely launchpad to glory?

The final international break of the season is done and dusted, much to the delight of the masses, and the tightest Premier League title race in many years is back with a bang, with Manchester City and Arsenal clashing in a game that will help decide who lifts the trophy in May.

It’s more ‘must not lose’ than ‘must win’ for either side, but a City victory will bring that familiar and ominous feeling that Pep Guardiola’s men are about to go on one of those runs again, and put doubt in the minds of most Gunners’ fans.
They have grown up an awful lot this season, appearing a lot more street-smart than last year, undoubtedly helped by the arrival of Declan Rice, and their young stars having another 12 months of experience under their belt, but the Etihad Stadium has long been the club’s kryptonite and is a true test of their credentials.
In the near-eight years since Pep Guardiola landed in the north west of England, Arsenal have lost on all eight of their visits to the home of the champions, seven times in the league and once in the FA Cup.
The combined score in that time is 22-4 in favour of City, with several hammerings along the way – the 5-0 in August 2021 was one of the low points of Mikel Arteta’s four-and-a-half years in charge, while last season’s 4-1 signalled the end of the title race, as well as the rather unfortunate Rob Holding’s Emirates career.
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He plays on the right of

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For context, the last time Arsenal came away with a point from the ground (May 2016), Manuel Pellegrini was the City boss and Arsene Wenger was still two years away from his exit. The only players from the match-day squads still at either club are Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Elneny – no guesses which will start this time around.
Needless to say, a lot has changed since and Arsenal have already ended their overall City hoodoo this season – the league win in October was their first since December 2015, while they also defeated them on penalties in the Community Shield.
Sitting top of the table courtesy of goal difference after a stunning run of big wins, the Gunners simply must take this form into the game on Sunday. There are plenty of reasons for optimism, hope and belief too.

Anfield was another ground on which the Gunners often wilted in recent years, and they came away with a well-earned point from there days before Christmas.
They have also been largely good in big games this season, beating Jurgen Klopp’s men in the return fixture, and not losing to any of the ‘Big Six’ (apologies Newcastle).
Added to that is City’s own rather average record in those games, at least by their standards. Home and away wins came in the derby, but it’s not as if United are a serious side right now.
Liverpool, Chelsea and Spurs all left with creditable draws from the Etihad, while the first two also got a point at home, and it could have been two more for the Reds if not for a very questionable refereeing decision on Jeremy Doku in the dying moments at Anfield three weeks ago.
The international break has also not been kind for Guardiola, with John Stones coming off for England with an abductor issue just days after Kyle Walker hobbled off with a hamstring injury. Both are touch and go for Sunday, as is Manuel Akanji, who missed Switzerland’s win in Dublin. Ederson is already likely to be out.


It would not as a surprise if any played, but it could mean that the world’s most expensive defender, Josko Gvardiol, has to play. God forbid!
With tongue firmly removed from cheek and avoiding any quips about the legitimacy of everything City, it is hardly ideal preparation ahead of the possibly the biggest league game of the season.
On the flip side, Bukayo Saka got a welcome two-week break with one of those convenient ‘knocks’ ruling him out of England duty, as did the three Brazilian Gabriels. Expect all to be fit and firing on Sunday.
The Gunners have possibly the hardest run-in of the three contenders, with trips to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Old Trafford still to come.
Any type of result at the Etihad would be a major launchpad for the final two months of the season. A win would keep them top and move them four clear of City, while a draw would likely see them drop to second behind Liverpool but keep them right in the mix.

A loss wouldn’t be terminal, particularly depending on the nature of it, but it could reopen the wounds of last season, as well as their top-four collapse the year before, that suggest Arteta and his side do not deliver when it matters most.
We know what to expect from City at this point, and they will likely step up as they tend to do. It’s on the Gunners to match and, possibly, better them.
These moments and chances don’t come around too often, especially against City; just ask Klopp.
Will the Etihad be the location of their downfall once more or is it finally Arsenal’s time?

Newcastle accelerate signing of transfer-listed Barcelona ace; Man Utd target and Xabi Alonso favourite also eyed

Newcastle have taken the first step towards signing Barcelona and Brazil winger Raphinha, while deals for a Manchester United target and Bayer Leverkusen full-back could also be explored, according to a report.
Eddie Howe’s side have tumbled back down to earth this term after exceeding expectations last year. The demands of competing in Europe as well as the Premier League played havoc with Howe’s squad, with Newcastle suffering a rash of injuries throughout the season.

Their return to the Champions League ended in the group stage, while their League Cup and FA Cup hopes were both dashed at the quarter-final stage.
Newcastle currently sit 10th in the table and are not on course to qualify for Europe in any guise next season. While they’ll never admit it, a season to consolidate without the added fixture pile-up may be a blessing in disguise.
Howe will fancy his chances of roaring back next term and despite rumoured Financial Fair Play concerns, the Newcastle Chronicle state money is available for splashes in the transfer market.
They acknowledge an outgoing or two will be required, though Howe will get the chance to add quality to his squad.
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On that front, it’s revealed Steve Nickson – who is Newcastle’s Head of Recruitment and a candidate to replace Man Utd-bound Dan Ashworth as sporting director – was talent-spotting at Wembley last week.
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Newcastle size up Raphinha; Barcelona will sell

Nickson was in attendance for Brazil’s 1-0 friendly victory over England and among those in his sights was Barcelona’s Raphinha.
The 27-year-old secured a dream move to Catalonia two summers ago, though the emergence of Lamine Yamal has reduced his importance at Barcelona.
Furthermore, Spanish outlet Sport recently claimed Barca hope to raise a whopping €200m through player sales this summer.
Departures for five players are ‘likely’ – Eric Garcia, Clement Lenglet, Raphinha, Ansu Fati and whichever of Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen attracts the biggest bids.
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Barcelona will hope to recoup all of the £55m (add-ons included) they paid Leeds United back in 2021.
The Chronicle note Raphinha is a long-standing target at St. James’ Park and the upcoming summer may represent the perfect time for Newcastle to finally get their hands on the player who dazzled in England while in west Yorkshire. Nickson’s scouting mission is the first step towards a deal taking shape.

Man Utd target, Leverkusen ace also watched

Elsewhere, Nickson also watched Man Utd centre-back target, Gleison Bremer, during England’s clash with Brazil.
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The 27-year-old was used off the bench and per Fabrizio Romano, can be signed if offers of €60m are bid.
Bremer’s existing deal with Juventus contains a release clause worth that amount that becomes active in 2025. However, a ‘verbal pact’ between Bremer and Juventus will ensure bids of €60m this summer will be considered.
The Chronicle also noted Nickson was in attendance for Spain’s friendly clash with Colombia that took place at West Ham’s ground last Friday.
On Nickson’s watchlist was left-back Alex Grimaldo who has been nothing short of sensational for Xabi Alonso’s table-topping Bayer Leverkusen this season.
Deployed in a more advanced wingback role, Grimaldo, 28, has scored 11 goals and provided 15 assists across all competitions this term.
Given he’s under contract until 2027, the Chronicle concluded a deal won’t come cheaply.
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Leeds Utd rocked as Tottenham and Newcastle both line up brutal transfer raids

Tottenham and Newcastle are both hovering over a Leeds United youngster who’s already drawing comparisons with a modern-day club icon, according to a report.
Daniel Farke is on course to guide his Leeds United side back into the Premier League at the first time of asking. The Whites currently top the Championship table having successfully reeled Leicester City in. Ipswich Town in third place are just a point behind the Whites and Foxes, though Farke will be confident he can secure an automatic promotion place.

Several of Leeds’ top performers this season have also been their among their youngest.
Crysencio Summerville, 22, has arguably been the division’s stand-out player, while 18-year-old Archie Gray has been a revelation regardless of whether he plays at right-back or in central midfield.
Gray has been tipped to move for £100m over the coming years, though today’s update regards an even younger talent.
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According to talkSPORT, the next teen starlet to break into Leeds’ first-team is expected to be holding midfielder Ollie Pickles.
However, the report also states his future may well lay away from Elland Road.
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Spurs, Newcastle hungry for Pickles

Pickles, 16, has featured heavily for Leeds’ Under-18s this term and has also been instrumental in helping the club advance to the semi-final stage of the FA Youth Cup.
Per talkSPORT, Pickles is in line to be fast-tracked into Farke’s senior set-up. It’s also revealed he’s drawing comparisons to modern-day club great Kalvin Phillips who excelled for the Whites between 2014-22.
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But unfortunately for Leeds, Tottenham and Newcastle are circling and both clubs are understood to be weighing up a summer swoop.
Losing a rising young talent is always a bitter pill to swallow for any club, especially when said talent is homegrown.
However, that’s exactly what happened to Leeds in January when Man City lured 15-year-old Finlay Gorman to the Etihad.
The same could happen with Pickles and if brought to north London, he’d be the latest in Spurs’ youthful recruitment drive.
Tottenham have moved for the likes of Ashley Phillips, Lucas Bergvall and Alejo Veliz in recent seasons in an attempt to snap up some of the brightest young talent around.
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If Daniel Levy and Ange Postecoglou get their way, Pickles could soon be added to that list.
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