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    Man Utd scout Olympiacos wonderkid, 17, who’s already a European champion but face transfer battle for striker

    MANCHESTER UNITED are scouting Olympiacos wonderkid Charalampos Kostoulas ahead of the January transfer window.Kostoulas, 17, is considered by many as the next big thing in Greek football after a stunning campaign with his club’s Under-19s last season and his current success with the senior squad.Manchester United are scouting Olympiacos wonderkid Charalampos KostoulasCredit: ReutersMan Utd sent scouts to watch Kostoulas during Olympiacos’ latest Europa League matchCredit: APSunSport can confirm that the striker’s impressive displays have led to interest from United who sent scouts to Piraeus to watch him in action against Twente in the Europa League last Thursday.Reports from Greece suggest Bayern Munich, Juventus, Fiorentina and Borussia Monchengladbach are also keeping tabs on the Greece Under-21 international.The same reports claim all the aforementioned clubs, bar Bayern, also sent representatives to watch the teenage sensation in action but SunSport can’t confirm at this time.Nevertheless, Olympiacos have big plans for their young star as they will offer him a new contract once he turns 18 in May after becoming a key member of Jose Luis Mendilibar’s squad – his current deal runs out in 2026.Read More on FootballAnd those close to Kostoulas, who counts two goals and an assist in 10 league matches, want him to remain focused and enjoy the holidays with his loved ones without getting distracted from the transfer rumour mill.The centre-forward put together a man-of-the-match performance during the goalless draw with Twente at Georgios Karaiskakis and even earned a penalty kick that Ayoub El Kaabi wasted.The versatile forward, who can lead the attack but also cover the wings and play behind the centre-forward, has already made history despite his young career.Kostoulas was part of Olympiacos’ reserve squad that won last season’s Uefa Youth League after beating AC Milan 3-0 in the final.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat side also defeated the likes of Inter Milan, Lens and Bayern on their way to becoming the first ever Greek club to win a European title last April.The Under-19s completed that triumph one month before the seniors won the Europa Conference League by beating Fiorentina in the final that took place in Athens.Man Utd team-mates in furious on-pitch argument at final whistle after Red Devils scrape past Viktoria PlzenKostoulas was a focal point for Olympiacos’ young side as he registered five goals and two assists in eight appearances in the Youth LeagueThat led to Greek football chiefs awarding him as last season’s best young player in Greece’s second division, where Olympiacos’ B team compete.Kostoulas has stood along with fellow Youth League champion Christos Mouzakitis, who recently became the youngest ever ace to play for Greece in a competitive game at 17 years, 10 months and 23 days old.Man Utd have been investing a lot in young talent lately with the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo breaking into the starting line-up.Man Utd player ratings vs Man City as sensational Amad Diallo turns derby on its headAMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players…Andre Onana – 6He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.Wasn’t tested that much however.Lisandro Martinez – 7Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.Harry Maguire – 8Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.Matthijs de Ligt 78′ – 7A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.Diogo Dalot – 5Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.Bruno Fernandes – 8Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equaliseManuel Ugarte – 7Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.Noussair Mazraoui 78′ – 8The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s bets performers on the day.Mason Mount 13′ – 6Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.Amad Diallo 90′ – 9The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez pass, he then clipped the ball past Edersonn and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.Rasmus Hojlund 78′ – 6Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.SubsKobbie Mainoo 13′ – 6Did a solid job as he came on ina deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forwardJoshua Zrikzee 78′ – 6Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.Antony 78′ – 6Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.Leny Yoro 78′ – 6Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.Victor Lindelof 90′ – 6No time to have any influence on the game. 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    Tragedy in Germany after fan dies during RB Leipzig vs Borussia Monchengladbach as supporters go silent

    A football fan in Germany tragically passed away during RB Leipzig’s game against Borussia Monchengladbach.Supporters fell silent inside the Red Bull Arena after resuscitation was attempted without success.
    Fans fell silent inside the Red Bull Arena following the tragic deathCredit: X / @DWSports
    According to DW Sports, the Leipzig fans remained “nearly silent” following the harrowing incident.
    It has also been reported that a car accident before the game took the life of a Monchengladbach fan.
    This further contributed to the sombre atmosphere in the ground.
    RB Leipzig claimed a 2-0 win over the visitors on a desperately sad night for both clubs.
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    Xavi Simons opened the scoring for the hosts in the 14th minute.
    And Lois Openda made sure of the victory shortly before the hour mark.
    The result sees Leipzig move just one point behind fourth-place Borussia Dortmund in the race for the Champions League spots.
    Meanwhile, Monchengladbach remain down in 14th as they continue to battle relegation from the Bundesliga.
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    At the top of the table, Bayer Leverkusen took a stronger grasp of the title race as they sealed a 2-1 win over Heidenheim.
    The result sees them move eight points ahead of Bayern Munich having played one game more.
    Match suspended after two remote control cars enter pitch and start doing flips in penalty area with player booting one
    Leverkusen thrashed Bayern 3-0 last weekend to hand Thomas Tuchel’s men a mountain to climb if they are to win a 12th successive league crown.
    And Harry Kane’s new club suffered more disappointment in midweek as they lost the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie 1-0 to Lazio. More

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    Chelsea ‘enquire about Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone’ and have edge over PSG in transfer battle

    CHELSEA have enquired about Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone with the Blues having the edge over Paris Saint Germain according to reports.The French U-21 international joined the Bundesliga side in January 2021 from Toulouse.
    Manu Kone could be on the move to the Premier League this summerCredit: Getty
    Kone joined Borussia Moenchengladbach in 2021 from ToulouseCredit: Getty
    The 21-year-old has been in excellent form for Daniel Farke’s side this season and attracted the interest of some of Europe’s top clubs.
    According to German publication Sport Bild Chelsea and PSG have enquired about the midfielder.
    The report added that the Stamford Bridge club have the edge as Kone “dreams” of a move to the Premier League.
    Despite spending over £100million on Enzo Fernandez in January Chelsea are in the market for a defensive midfielder.
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    The Blues are trying to find a solution that would enable Fernandez to operate further forward.
    Fernandez has had to operate deeper of late following the departure of Jorginho to Arsenal, N’Golo Kante’s injury and the lack of a defensive midfielder in the squad.
    Graham Potter’s side have also been linked with moves for West Ham’s Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo of Brighton.
    A summer departure is a possibility for Kone with the report adding that his agents have met Gladbach sporting director Roland Virkus to talk about a summer exit.
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    Gladbach would be looking for in the region of £25m or more for a player who will have two years left on his contract come the summer.
    To date the midfielder has made 50 appearances for Gladbach, scoring three goals with his first for the club coming in the 5-0 win over Bayern Munich in the German Cup. More

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    Arsenal join Marcus Thuram transfer hunt as Newcastle circle for Borussia Monchengladbach winger who is free this summer

    ARSENAL have joined Newcastle in the race to sign Marcus Thuram, according to reports.The Toon’s interest in the Frenchman dates back to last year, with Eddie Howe and Co having considered a January swoop.
    Marcus Thuram has scored ten goals in the Bundesliga this seasonCredit: Getty
    Borussia Monchengladbach managed to retain their star man until at least the end of the season.
    But with his contract set to expire, plenty of would-be suitors are circling around the highly-rated attacker.
    According to Spanish paper Sport, Arsenal are “on alert” due to Thuram’s situation.
    In addition to Newcastle, the Gunners will also face Premier League competition from Aston Villa, managed by former boss Unai Emery.
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    Bringing him to England will be a challenge, however, with Barcelona also in the mix.
    Thuram’s legendary father Lilian played for the Catalan side alongside their current boss Xavi between 2006 and 2008.
    Quizzed about the possibility of his son following in his footsteps, Lilian told RAC1 last month: “Any player dreams of playing for Barca.”
    The LaLiga leaders have repeatedly targeted the free agent market in recent seasons – signing Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen, Sergio Aguero and Memphis Depay upon the expiry of their previous contracts.
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    Also reportedly tracking Thuram are Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Sevilla and Inter Milan.
    He has scored 10 goals in 18 Bundesliga appearances this term.
    His form earned him a place in France’s 26-man World Cup squad, and he even assisted a goal for Kylian Mbappe in the final against Argentina.
    Lilian Thuram played for Barcelona between 2006 and 2008Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    Watch Borussia Monchengladbach ace Manu Kone nutmeg pitch invader being chased by a steward

    BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH ace Manu Kone brutally nutmegged a pitch invader being chased by a steward. The man ran onto the pitch and towards Frenchman Kone after Gladbach’s 4-1 victory against Hoffenheim.
    The fan ran on the pith after Borussia Monchengladbach’s 4-1 win over HoffenheimCredit: https://twitter.com/nocontextfooty
    Manu Kone mercilessly rolled the ball through the man’s legsCredit: https://twitter.com/nocontextfooty
    The 21-year-old Frenchman then somehow lost control of the ball to the stewardCredit: https://twitter.com/nocontextfooty
    The 21-year-old saw the fan coming and with quick feet, rolled the ball through his legs.
    A steward was hot on the fan’s heels and managed to get a kick on the ball shortly after.
    Gladbach players could be seen looking confused as the steward darted after the fan.
    Replying to the video, one said: “I’d be 2 footing him as a pitch invader. We are both getting carried out of the pitch.”
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    Another added: “Smooth.”
    But others picked up on Kone losing control of the ball to the steward.
    A curious fan asked: “Did the steward go on to score a goal?”
    Kone is a highly rated midfielder and has even been linked with a move to the Premier League.
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    Newcastle and Liverpool both hold an interest in the player.
    Despite the lure of the Premier League being strong, both would have to fight off PSG and Bayern Munich if they’re to secure the services of Kone. More

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    ‘They’ve got best snacks’ – Fans in awe of giant battered fish sandwich at Borussia Monchengladbach

    GERMAN giants Borussia Monchengladbach have left hungry footy fans drooling.That’s by serving up a giant battered fish sandwich at their stadium on game days.
    Borussia Monchengladbach are serving up a treat for hungry fansCredit: Getty
    Punters can get this epic giant fish sandwich for just £5.20 on match daysCredit: Instagram @thefootyfood
    Punters are usually forced to endure some terrible grub when going to cheer their side on.
    From a single burnt sausage in a dry bun, to a processed slice of cheese hurled on top of unseasoned chips, there are some shocking match day meals around.
    To make matters worse, fans usually have to pay through the nose to get a taste of the dastardly dishes.
    And even the World Cup failed to live up to standards, with the fan village providing “sad” snacks for guests at £200 per night.
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    But Bundesliga side Gladbach are taking things to the next level by serving up a tasty treat in the form of a huge fish sandwich.
    The battered fillet is supported by a fresh artisan roll, and is so big it sticks out of the bun on either side.
    Some fresh greenery provides the aesthetics, and the sarnie is finished with a generous thick helping of tartar sauce.
    But just when you thought things couldn’t get better, the stunning snack only costs £5.20.
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    Fans on social media have certainly been enjoying Gladbach’s latest creation, with one saying: “Bundesliga got the best snacks.”
    Another simply declared he “would” wolf down the delectable concoction.
    And other supporters tagged their mates to make them aware of the magnificent munch available in Germany.
    However, League Two side Stockport County showed England can mix it with the best at times.
    That’s after cheering up fans over the festive period with a £4.50 CUP of Christmas dinner.
    The genius meal was filled with turkey, roast potatoes and pigs-in-blankets, with the cup also allowing for lashings of gravy to be added. More

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    Chelsea face missing out on Marcus Thuram as Barcelona ‘scout striker ahead of summer transfer’

    CHELSEA are facing an uphill battle to sign Marcus Thuram after Barcelona sent scouts to watch him, according to reports. Thuram, 25, is out of contract in the summer and consequently represents a cut-price option in a heavily inflated January market.
    Chelsea face missing out on Marcus ThuramCredit: Getty
    Chelsea are one of a number of sides who have been linked with a move for the Frenchman, who can play as a winger or a striker.
    However, Barcelona are understood to be taking the most keen look at him.
    According to Mundo Deportivo, the club’s present financial situation is restricting them from being able to freely navigate the market.
    Therefore, they have been seeking cheaper alternatives – a profile Thuram fits due to the nature of his contract.
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    The report indicates the Spanish giants have sent scouts to watch the Borussia Monchengladbach star, with “favourable” reports being returned.
    Thuram is typically deployed through the centre in Germany, but during the World Cup he made his impact off the bench coming from the wing, showcasing his versatility.
    With him thought to be available for just under £10million as well, the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Newcastle, Tottenham and Liverpool have all retained an interest.
    But each of these clubs seem to have transfer target priorities which, for now at least, lie elsewhere.
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    Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is said to have now stepped down from his role as interim sporting director, but it has not stopped the club pressing forward with deals.
    The Blues have verbally agreed to cough up the £10million loan fee for Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix, which they hope will alleviate some of their issues for the remainder of the season.
    Here’s how Thuram has performed in the Bundesliga this season More

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    Man Utd lining up Diogo Costa transfer in summer with Yann Sommer set to join Bayern Munich

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly lining up a move for Diogo Costa this summer.That’s because top target Yann Sommer looks destined to join Bayern Munich.
    Man Utd are ready to swoop for Portugal and Porto goalie Diogo CostaCredit: Getty
    Switzerland and Gladbach ace Yann Sommer is set to join Bayern MunichCredit: Getty
    The 34-year-old Gladbach goalkeeper emerged on United’s radar last month amid doubts over David De Gea’s future.
    Erik ten Hag’s current No1 is out of contract this year and has to accept a huge cut on his £350,000-a-week wages to remain.
    It’s reckoned United were ready to bring forward their move for Sommer after Martin Dubravka was recalled from his loan by Newcastle.
    But Bayern Munich have been tracking Sommer since losing Manuel Neuer to a freak skiing injury.
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    And Blick claims a deal is now close for Switzerland’s No1 to join the German champions.
    However, United have been scouting more than one stopper.
    And CM Journal claims Ten Hag will now look to Porto star Costa to replace De Gea.
    Portugal’s World Cup goalie, 23, is rated as one of the best young talents in Europe.
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    A host of clubs are following Costa, who has a £66million release clause.
    But his agent Jorge Mendes is understood to be working behind the scenes on securing a switch to Old Trafford.
    Chelsea have also been linked with Costa, but they still have big earners Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga on the books.

    And should Costa sign for United, it would also bring an end to De Gea’s stunning 12-year spell at the Theatre of Dreams.
    He could be set for a return to LaLiga, with several clubs reportedly interested following his early years at Atletico Madrid. More