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It was a tight affair throughout most of the contest, with both sides creating but unable to capitalise on chances in a goalless first half, before Fernandes fired home what turned out to be the winner 10 minutes after the break.

"Sunderland AFC have been behind some of the worst decisions in football, but letting Alex Neil go to Stoke will arguably be the worst of a lifetime."

His fee comfortably beats the £40million the Magpies paid for Brazilian Joelinton during the summer of 2019 and takes the club’s spending in the two transfer windows since Amanda Staveley’s consortium took over to around £210m.

It comes as Erik ten Hag turned the air blue as he hailed Manchester United’s fighting spirit following their stunning victory over rivals Liverpool on Monday.

Alexander Isak is 6ft 4ins tall but quick and has 37 caps for Sweden and a fee of £63 million appears to have been agreed.

It comes as Angel Di Maria's wife opens up on their Manchester nightmare - and admits he only joined United for the money.

Newcastle United, who face League Two Tranmere in the Carabao Cup second round, have been targeting attacking reinforcements.

"I get a custard pie for getting it right on Ronaldo from day one!" said Jamie Carragher after being ignored by the striker.

Manchester United boss, Ten Hag told Sky Sports: “You can see what they can achieve because they can play f****** good football.”