JESSE LINGARD could be used as bait in Manchester United's pursuit of Jadon Sancho, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
Dortmund are keeping tabs on 28-year-old Lingard and are big admirers – which United may use in a move for one of their top targets in Sancho.
The 21-year-old ex-Man City ace is high on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s wish list again, after a failed swoop last summer.
The German giants are understood to want £100m – but that price could be brought down with the inclusion of Lingard.
Meanwhile, Roy Keane said Bruno Fernandes "spent the half of the night crying on the pitch" during United's 4-2 defeat by Liverpool.
Club legend Keane said: "I don’t want to be critical of Fernandes but he spent half the night crying on the pitch.
"United players were looking for Liverpool to kick the ball out of play but you only stop with a head injury."
Get all the latest Man Utd news and transfer updates here…
- Jack Figg
GOOD MORNING RED DEVILS FANS
Manchester United have lined up Jadon Sancho and are willing to use Jesse Lingard as part of the deal to sign the Borussia Dortmund attacker.
West Ham boss David Moyes hopes Lingard will consider a permanent move from United after his success on loan.
The Red Devils have been linked with a move for Getafe midfielder Mauro Arambarri.
United are preparing to make an offer for Atletico Madrid midfielder Marcos Llorente.
The Europa League finalists are stepping their pursuit of Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.
- Simon Mail
NEAR AND VAR
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly lining up a £40million swoop for Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane.
Despite seeming certain to finish second in the Premier League and reaching the Europa League final, Manchester United are keen to strengthen their backline.
Missing Harry Maguire against Liverpool, United were ripped apart in their home defeat on Thursday.
Solskjaer wants to launch a move for Varane to play alongside captain Maguire in central defence.
The Frenchman, 28, has only 12 months left on his contract at the Bernabeu with talks over an extension having broken down.
And United believe they can secure his signature this summer for a fee of around £40m.
Credit: Getty - Simon Mail
VILE ABUSE
Manchester United midfielder Fred has been subjected to more horrific racist abuse on social media just two weeks after the social media boycott.
The Brazilian started for the Red Devils in their home defeat to Liverpool on Thursday evening.
And after the match he was sent the vile racist abuse via the comment section of an Instagram post from Man Utd's win over Aston Villa on Sunday.
Fred was subjected to vile abuse onlineCredit: Reuters The shocking remarks included racial slurs and 'monkey emojis'.
A Facebook spokesperson told Sky Sports: "The racist abuse on Fred's post is unacceptable and we don't want it on Instagram.
"We've removed a number of comments and taken action against the accounts that posted them.
"We encourage people to use our safety features, including Comment Filters and Message Controls, which can meaningfully decrease the abuse people experience.
"No single thing will fix this challenge overnight but we're committed to doing what we can to keep our community safe from abuse."
- Simon Mail
RED GREG
Has Conor McGregor thrown his hat in the ring to invest in Manchester United?
This might be a stretch but the UFC superstar has highlighted his support for the club by posting an image of him as a kid wearing a United shirt.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Conor McGregor Official (@thenotoriousmma)
- Joshua Mbu
'JESSE HAS ENJOYED HIMSELF'
West Ham boss David Moyes is hoping that on-loan Man Utd player Jesse Lingard considers a permanent move to the club in the summer.
But has admitted that he is not sure how realistic a move is.
“I am not actually sure how realistic it is,” said Moyes.
"Obviously, I think Jesse has enjoyed himself, I hope he has… we have enjoyed having him and he is Manchester United’s player so they can decide what to do with him – and if they want to let him go then let’s hope he would consider us as one of his options.
“We have enjoyed having him and I am sure he has enjoyed being here as well, he is getting a lot of accolades and is back in the England squad.
“I hope he goes on to make the Euros and in time we will find out if Jesse is going to be a Manchester United player or if he will play for somebody else.”
- Joshua Mbu
STAR MAN
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has had a good season for Man Utd1
- Joshua Mbu
MAUR THE MAN
According to Spanish newspaper Diario AS, Man Utd are interested in signing Getafe midfielder Mauro Arambarri in the summer.
The 25-year-old has impressed this season despite Getafe struggling in LaLiga.
And relegation is a possibility for the Spanish side.
Atletico Madrid are also believed to be interested in the midfielder who could be available for around £16million.
- Joshua Mbu
FERGUSON BACKS SOLSKJAER
Former Man Utd manager and cub legend Sir Alex Ferguson has backed current boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Ferguson believes that Solskjaer understands the fundamental principles that the club is built on.
“I think Ole was always very communicative,”
Sir Alex told the BBC:“Even when he was on the bench – and he spent a lot of time on the bench!
“He would take notes of training sessions and he had a will and way forward that he wanted to be a manager.
“For a club like Manchester United, it's a results industry. Without question. If you don't get results, questions are going to be asked.
"
He is getting results and has really done very well and, which is really important for this club, is to introduce young people.
“He has given young players a chance. I think that will always be the foundation of Manchester United.
"
From Matt Busby, from Alex Ferguson to what Ole is doing – the young guys, if they're good enough, play them. It's never a problem at this club.”
Credit: GETTY IMAGES - Joshua Mbu
STAT ATTACK
Bruno Fernandes is Man Utd's top-scorer this season!
The Portugal international also tops the charts in the assists department with 11. Important.
- Joshua Mbu
JESSE SPEAKS
Jesse Lingard has shared a video on Twitter thanking the fans for voting him Player of the Month, as well as voting for his goal against Wolves to win Goal of the Month.
The Man Utd player – on loan at West Ham – preached a message of hope, and told fans to 'be yourself'.
He said: "This is a great moment for me on a personal level after the difficulties of the past, so for me to pick up these two awards – POTM & GOTM – proves with a positive attitude and staying strong, you can achieve anything.
"This is for anyone who has ever been told they're not good enough, or that they need change who they are to fit in.
"I would always say stay true to yourself, be yourself, you know, keep dancing, keep doing what you love and I'm sure you'll reach your goals in the long run."
This is for anyone who has ever been told they're not good enough, or that they need change who they are to fit in.
Jesse Lingard
- Joshua Mbu
ON THIS DAY
On this day 14 years ago, current Man Utd boss played his last game for the club!
- Joshua Mbu
AT THE DOUBLE
Jesse Lingard was name Premier League Player of the Month earlier today,
And he has also added Goal of the Month to go alongside it! His solo effort in the win against Wolves won him the award.
- Joshua Mbu
POTM
Jesse Lingard – on loan at West Ham – has won Premier League POTM for April!
The midfielder scored four, including a stunning solo goal away at Wolves, and provided one assist.
- Joshua Mbu
'LETS THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT THIS'
RB Leipzig's Dayot Upamecano has revealed that he nearly joined Premier League giants Man Utd.
But his parents advised him to 'think carefully' about the potential move.
"I was a young boy. I wanted to sign for them straight away. Manchester United! But then my parents took me aside and said: 'Let's think carefully about this," said Upamecano when speaking to The Athletic.
"We thought about it for a long time and then decided that going 'etape par etape' [step by step] was the best option for me.
"Everything Ralf [Rangnick] said came true."
- Joshua Mbu
MAIN MAN
Bruno Fernandes has been absolutely sensational since joining!
- Joshua Mbu
LINGARD STAY?
Former Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer believes that West Ham won't be able to afford Jesse Lingard this summer.
And that could mean that Lingard stays at Man Utd.
Speaking to Football FanCast, Palmer explained: " don’t think they’ll be able to get Lingard on a permanent deal. I think he’s played his way back into the Manchester United starting line-up.
"He we will have to see how he does, but he will probably start at the Euros.
“Manchester United are a massive club and West Ham just don’t pay that type of money on a regular basis and David Moyes knows that.”
- Joshua Mbu
LLORENTE ON THE RADAR
Manchester Utd are interested in signing Atletico Madrid's star midfielder Marcos Llorente, according to reports.
And the Red Devils are believed to be 'preparing' an offer worth £68million.
Spanish outlet AS are reporting that Atletico are desperate to tie the 26-year-old to a new deal despite his current deal expiring in 2024.
The versatile midfielder has been instrumental in Atletico's title charge, chipping in with 12 goals and providing 11 assists in LaLiga.
Llorente can play as a striker, winger and as a midfielder.
Llorente is one of the most versatile players in world footballCredit: GETTY IMAGES - Joshua Mbu
MAGUIRE MISSED
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted that his side miss club captain Harry Maguire.
The Red Devils have been on the receiving end of two-straight Premier League defeats in a matter of days.
And last night's loss came at the hands of top-four hopefuls Liverpool.
Solskjaer said: "Harry [Maguire] has been really important for us so of course we’re going to miss him but he’s out so we have to deal with that.
"It’s about regrouping and building our own confidence again as we have two games and a final.
“The attitude was right and the focus was fine, we were ready for it. We didn’t build on the good times.
"We should have gone more for it at the start of the game. Sometimes we let them off the hook and let them play out.
“Tuesday. We need to find ourselves straight away. We need to build that momentum and confidence. We should go into that final ready.”
- Joshua Mbu
HALF A CENTURY
Marcus Rashford has now scored 50 goals at Old Trafford, but at the next milestone he'll be hoping for a better result.
- James Orr
LING AND A PRAYER – EXCLUSIVE
By Daniel Cutts
Jesse Lingard is being eyed by Borussia Dortmund over a sensational switch – and could be used in a deal to bring Jadon Sancho to Manchester United.
The England winger has had a stunning loan spell at West Ham.
And Hammers boss David Moyes is keen to sign him on a permanent deal this summer.
His £100,000-a-week wage demands are an issue though, and are putting doubt on him staying at the London Stadium beyond this season.
Dortmund are keeping tabs on the 28-year-old and are big admirers – which United may use in a move for one of their top targets in Sancho.
The 21-year-old ex-Man City ace is high on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s wish list again, after a failed swoop last summer.
The German giants are understood to want £100m – but that price could be brought down with the inclusion of Lingard.
Dortmund are keen to get as much as possible for Sancho, as they have to hand City 15 per cent of the overall transfer fee.
- William Pugh
GOOD MORNING UNITED FANS
Manchester United fans staged another Old Trafford protest against the Glazer family ahead of the game with Liverpool.
A large gathering of supporters made their voices heard, 11 days after the first pre-game protest led to the derby being postponed.
This time no fans entered the stadium amid a heavy police presence and the evening passed by fairly peacefully.
One Liverpool team bus was blocked in by cars and pedestrians but it proved to NOT be the vehicle containing the squad, who arrived without drama.
In the game, Bruno Fernandes smacked a cross into Nat Phillips to put United ahead.
But Liverpool were on top by the break as Diogo Jota smartly flicked home a leveller before Roberto Firmino’s brace.
Marcus Rashford got United back in it but Mohamed Salah’s late sealer meant a poor night for the hosts.
In transfer news, the Red Devils will cash in if West Ham can qualify for the Champions League.
SunSport understands there’s a clause in Jesse Lingard’s loan deal which will net United a £500,000 bonus if they finish in the top four.
The agreement could help West Ham seal a permanent transfer for the 28-year-old, who is valued at around £20m and also wanted by Borussia Dortmund.
- Marc Mayo
NEXT UP
After a busy midweek, Manchester United actually have the weekend off…
Leicester were due up but their FA Cup final appearance mean Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men can sit on tonight’s result until Tuesday.
Relegated Fulham travel to Old Trafford on May 18 at 6pm, for a game live on Sky Sports.
- Marc Mayo
FERGIE TIME
Sir Alex Ferguson is "grateful for three extra years" after being "terrified" of losing his speech and memory following a brain haemorrhage.
The legendary ex-Manchester United manager says his attitude to life has changed after collapsing in 2018 and needing emergency surgery.
He said of his new outlook: "Probably not taking things too seriously in terms of knowing that you're vulnerable…
"If I go tomorrow I'll be grateful for three years extra I had. That's a feeling I've had for quite a while now."
- Marc Mayo
RIP JORDAN
Liverpool paid a touching tribute to nine-year-old fan Jordan Banks, who died after being hit by lightning while playing football.
Reds' players warmed up in "JORDAN 7" shirts before facing Manchester United at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
Jordan was struck on a pitch in Blackpool on Tuesday and died soon afterwards in hospital.
Liverpool vice-skipper James Milner, who was not in action at United, also sent a special message in memory of Jordan, having praised him in January for astonishing fundraising for charity.
Next to a picture of a smiling Jordan, Milner posted: "A special boy taken far too soon. RIP Jordan, YNWA."
Credit: AFP - Marc Mayo
NO GR-EAL
Manchester City are set to back out of a deal to sign Jack Grealish, according to reports.
The Aston Villa star is valued at £80million with Manchester United also said to be keen.
But, as reported by The Times, the position is not a priority for City with the fee seen as too high.
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