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Friday Kickoff: Man United plan £100 million transfer spree; France FA could honor Henry; and more

LouisVanGaalManUnited1-CrystalPalace2014EPL (Getty)

By DAN KARELL

Money is not an issue to Manchester United as they look to return to their former heights in the English Premier League and abroad.

According to multiple reports in England, Man United head coach Louis Van Gaal is set to be handed a budget of £100 million to continue to add talent to his squad next summer. The Daily Telegraph reports that Van Gaal has already identified a number of targets, including Atletico Madrid centerback Diego Godin, Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels, Southampton full back Nathaniel Clyne, and AS Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman.

Van Gaal will reportedly also consider his options from his pool of strikers, especially if he decides against triggering the purchase option when Radamel Falcao’s loan ends.

The Dutchman spent in excess of £150 million this past summer improving the squad, adding the likes of Falcao, Angel Di Maria, Marcos Rojo, Ander Herrera, Luke Shaw, and Daley Blind.

If Van Gaal does spend another £100 million, it would take the total spending output to more than £360 million since Sir Alex Ferguson left at the end of the 2012/2013 season.

Here are some more stories to start off your Friday:

FFF LOOKING AT HONORING HENRY

The French Football Federation are open to the idea of honoring Thierry Henry, as he contemplates the next stage of his career.

Following the news of Henry’s departure from the New York Red Bulls, French newspaper L’Equipe raised the idea of having Henry play in France’s next friendly match against Brazil in March, and writing a theatrical version that would see Henry score a goal and be subbed off in the 89th minute to a standing ovation.

FFF president Noel Le Graet said that while he likely wouldn’t have Henry play in a friendly match, he was open to planning a tribute for Henry, as well as other players from the 1998 World Cup-winning squad.

“The idea of recognizing a great player is positive. We will address it,” Le Graet told L’Equipe. “Now, we are also in charge of the preparation of the Euro 2016 and there are still very few matches in the schedule. Only four this year and ten the next. Didier (Deschamps) has to present the best possible team to prepare for the Euros. But we will do something for Henry and also for other great players that we had not managed to bring together.”

Deschamps agreed that Henry was a player worthy of being honored by the national team.

“Titi deserves a tribute and homage may take different forms,” Deschamps told the newspaper. “He stopped his international career four years ago. Certainly, this game against Brazil is a friendly, but we are in 2014 and we will play in March 2015 to prepare for Euro 2016. Everyone can have an opinion on the matter. I have no pressure. Again, I have great respect for Titi, for all he has accomplished. Actually, I do not close the door but I do not open it either. I’ll talk with my president.”

QUICK KICKS

Arsene Wenger claims that Alexis Sanchez is in a fitness danger zone after playing his 27th game in all competition since August. (REPORT)

Manchester City will play Real Madrid next July at the Melbourne Cricket Ground n a pre-season tournament in Australia. (REPORT)

The Paraguayan National Team have hired Argentine manager Ramon Diaz to be their next head coach. (REPORT)

Sampdoria head coach Sinisa Mihajlovic has been suspended for two matches for insulting and intimidating the fourth official at a recent match. (REPORT)

Paris Saint-Germain left back Maxwell has stated that he wants to remain at the club for one more season, and contract negotiations are currently underway. (REPORT)

UEFA have banned clubs based in Crimea from participating in Russian leagues, as the conflict in the region continues between Ukraine and Russia. (REPORT)

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What do you think of these reports? Do you see Man United spending £100 million next summer? Who would you like to see them sign? What kind of tribute do you expect to see for Henry? Should he play one last time for the National Team?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Man u values youth? Nah, Man U just wants to buy a whole starting 11 BC they still cant make it work after spending 150mil€. No way Godin leaves Atletico.

    Reply
  2. I love Man Utd! Yes! Spend, spend, spend. Get us back to the top of the mountain. Bring back the glory years. Everyone over spends, why not us? We have a player or two to break through like Janujaz and Wilson – just enough to say we value youth. Nice!

    Reply

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