ManU lure is Fab for Monaco defender
MONACO midfielder Fabinho would be tempted by a move to Manchester United.
The 23-year-old has been linked with a move away from the principality, having helped Leonardo Jardim’s men to impressively win Ligue 1 and reach the Champions League semi-finals.
Fabinho, who can also slot in at right-back, has – like many of his team-mates – been attracting admiring glances from some of European football’s biggest clubs.
United are among those linked with the Brazil international, who told Esporte Interativo in his homeland that he would be open to an approach.
“If Mourinho invites me (to join United) it would be very tempting, but, first of all, I would have to talk with my agent and with Monaco to make the things right,” Fabinho said.
“But Manchester United is a great team and I would think about it, for sure.”
Tottenham’s Eric Dier and Nemanja Matic at Chelsea are other midfield options said to be under consideration as United look to strengthen this summer. Reports that the latter has already verbally agreed personal terms have been dismissed by the club.
Benfica’s Victor Lindelof has been United’s only summer acquisition to date and Press Association Sport understands the club intend to make three or four high-quality additions in total.
Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata is a player Mourinho hopes to bring to Old Trafford, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s injury and impending exit meaning a frontman has become a priority.
CLYDEBANK manager Kieran McAnespie has set his team a target of a top-half finish in the Super Premier Division this season.
The former St Johnstone defender took over at Holm Park in January following the departure of Bankies legend Budgie McGhie.
Clydebank finished second in the Super First Division last season which meant the club gained promotion.
McAnespie now says he wants his side to finish within the top six rather than just cement their place in the league.
He said: “I want to finish in the top half of the table this season, I don’t want us to go up with the aim of just consolidating our place in the league.
“I want us to do well. I was born a winner and I want my team to be winners, however, I’ve also got to be realistic.
“I know there a lot of strong teams in the Premier Division that will make things tough for us but that doesn’t mean we can’t aim high.
“It goes without saying that we want to avoid relegation but I don’t want us to make that our sole aim.”
Clydebank return to the Super Premier Division for the first time since 2015 and McAnespie admits the club are happy to be back in the top-flight.
He said: “This club is absolute buzzing at the moment, getting promoted means so much to everyone connected to this club.
“Everyone has a smile on their face and to know I’ve looking to bring in eight new played a part in making that players but admits he hasn’t happen gives me an enormous been able to complete any deals senset.eofwell-being.”y
McAnespie has re-signed He said: “I’ve got nine players nine players from last season’s re-signed and I’m looking to add squad, however, he has chosen another eight which would take not to renew the contracts of us to a squad of 17. eight players. “The players I want to keep
Nicky Little has departed the I’ve managed to keep and the club and will play for Pollok ones I’ve let go just weren’t in next season while Mark Burmy plans for this season. bidge has left Holm Park to go “I have a couple of verbal on trial with Stenhousemuir. agreements with players but
The Bankies boss says he’s nothing has been confirmed yet so I won’t be mentioning any names.
“I’m a bit cynical that way, my many years in football has taught me that a deal isn’t done until there’s a signature on paper.”
McAnespie has set up some tough pre-season fixtures that he says will give his side a good test ahead of the new campaign.
Clydebank’s first friendly of the summer will see them travel to The Rock on July 15 to play Championship side Dumbarton. They will then play St Mirren’s under 20s on Wednesday, July 19 at Glasgow Green before facing Camelon Juniors away from home on July 22.
The Bankies round off their pre-season with two more away fixtures, the first will see them square off against Hamilton Accies on July 26.
Whereas their final friendly will see them come up against last year’s Junior Cup quarterfinalist Gartcairn on Friday, July 28.
McANESPIE said: “All of the friendlies will be tough, we are playing two very good junior sides as well as two senior teams.
“We are also playing St Mirren’s under 20s and that will be a hard game as well because they’re full time and we’re not.
“All five games will be tough and that’s the way I want it, obviously the main aim is to build up the players fitness but I also want to test the player.”
Clydebank are currently without a chairman after Gordon Robertson left the club at the end of last month to reunite with Budgie McGhie at Kilbirnie Ladeside.
McAnespie admits he hasn’t noticed any change since Robertson’s departure and says he doesn’t expect to either.
He said: “Gordon leaving hasn’t affected the club as far as I can tell and I thinks that because the club is run so well.
“Gordon was great with me and he is really well like here because of all the work he’s done for the club over the years.
“But as I said, I haven’t noticed any changes and I don’t see any reason why anything should change.”