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    RB Leipzig forced to pay Liverpool £1.3m compensation after Reds’ Champions League clash moved from Anfield

    RB LEIPZIG will have to fork out £1.3million after German law forced Liverpool to move their Champions League match to Budapest.
    A 2-0 win for the Reds in the ‘away’ leg last month has put them on course for a spot in the quarter-finals.

    Liverpool and RB Leipzig will play both of their last-16 games in BudapestCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Anfield was due to host Wednesday’s second leg of the clubs’ last-16 tie.
    However, a Saxony ruling which demands all returnees from the UK quarantine for 14 days upon arrival means the game must be played at a neutral venue.
    Like the first leg of the tie, the return game will take place at Puskas Arena in the Hungarian capital.
    Bild report on this change triggering a Uefa clause that will earn Liverpool compensation for being unable to play their home tie at Anfield.

    This will amount to ten per cent of the £13m match fee, or £1.3m.
    Uefa guidelines stipulate that, as the visiting club are responsible for the venue change, they must pay up.
    It is not expected that Liverpool had to pay compensation for the reverse fixture being taken out of Leipzig, as UK law enabled them to travel to and from Germany.
    A Government red list has been drawn up whereby returnees from 33 countries must undergo a hotel quarantine for ten days upon arrival.

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    Elite sports people are not exempt from this regulation but, in any case, Germany is not currently on the list.
    The same cannot be said for Portugal, which forced both legs of Arsenal’s Europa League tie with Benfica to be moved.
    Because the two nations are on each other’s banned lists, Uefa compensation was exchanged between the clubs for both games, reported by the Mail to amount to £44,000.
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    Arsenal missed out on Jadon Sancho, Christian Pulisic AND Jude Bellingham transfers, reveals ex-head of recruitment

    ARSENAL could have signed Jadon Sancho, Jude Bellingham and Christian Pulisic, a former club scout has revealed.
    Steve Morrow headed the Gunners’ youth recruitment for almost a decade, during which a number of near misses passed by the club.

    Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho ultimately ended up at Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Chelsea star Christian Pulisic was rejected by Arsenal before also heading to DortmundCredit: PA

    Among them was Borussia Dortmund star Sancho, who interested Arsenal before he signed for Manchester City in 2015 and again two years later.
    Morrow, 50, told Goal: “Every top club will say there were near misses.
    “Jadon Sancho was certainly one of those.
    “We missed out on him once when he moved from Watford and went up to Manchester City, and then again when he reached that age at City when young players have a choice to make.

    “Jadon felt that his future was away from Manchester and we were very, very close to signing him, but the family felt at the time that the best opportunity for him was at Dortmund and off he went.”
    Bundesliga giants Borussia have become famous for scouting out young talent but Morrow noted every top team’s extensive knowledge.
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    Jude Bellingham signed for the German side last year amid huge competition for the Birmingham youngster.

    Arsenal tracked the midfielder for some time and Morrow left in 2019 having attempted a deal with Bellingham before he broke out.
    And Chelsea star Christian Pulisic is another who ended up at Dortmund, having arguably come even closer to signing for the club while on trial.
    Former defender Morrow added: “There have been others. Jude Bellingham was another one that was very similar to that.
    “When he came to the end of his contract at Birmingham City and was debating whether to stay there and sign a scholarship or move somewhere else, we were very close to that one as well.
    “But sometimes it just doesn’t happen and you have to accept it.

    I did see Pulisic’s potential but he was certainly behind physically in terms of the same age group with our boys.
    Steve Morrow

    “Through our connections in the States, Christian was one that I actually had over at London Colney as a 14-year-old.
    “He came in and did quite well, but he was small and underdeveloped physically when he came to us.
    “I did see his potential but he was certainly behind physically in terms of the same age group with our boys.
    “I wanted to bring him back again, but it just didn’t work out and he went to Germany unfortunately.”
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    Northern Irish scout Steve Morrow (centre) spent most of his time working under Arsene Wenger (right)Credit: Getty – Contributor

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    Erling Haaland well on way to matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s football exploits – and he even jumps as high as him too

    ERLING HAALAND channelled his inner Cristiano Ronaldo on Saturday in Borussia Dortmund’s 4-2 defeat against Bayern Munich.
    The 20-year-old struck twice inside the opening nine minutes to fire BVB into an early 2-0 lead at the Allianz Arena.

    Borussia Dortmund ace Erling Haaland starred in the 4-2 defeat against Bayern MunichCredit: Reuters

    Haaland has been compared to Cristiano Ronaldo due to his jumping abilityCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    But the visitors left Bavaria without even a point, as Robert Lewandowski banged in a hat-trick, while Leon Goretzka also got on the score sheet.
    Haaland – who has scored 29 goals in 28 games in all competitions this term – continues to leave fans stunned by his goalscoring exploits.
    But supporters were left equally as taken aback when he was snapped leaping high into air, with BT Sport quipping: “Erling Haaland can now levitate.”
    His jump has been compared to Ronaldo’s astonishing 8ft 5in header he scored in Juventus’ win over Sampdoria in December, 2019.

    And the five-time Ballon d’Or winner also showed off his superhuman jumping capabilities in the Old Lady’s 3-1 victory against Sassuolo in January.
    Comparing Haaland’s leap against Bayern to Ronaldo, one Twitter user commented: “Haaland doing an Air CR7.”
    Another messaged: “Wow! Higher than CR7?”
    A third added: “Or as CR7 would say…ohh nice jump. If you practice you may become good at it.”

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    Erling Haaland’s incredible Champions League stats since the start of last campaign

    Haaland – who has incredibly scored more Champions League goals than Ronaldo and Lionel Messi combined since the start of last season – has been linked with a number of clubs in the summer.
    And Bayern boss Hansi Flick failed to rule out Haaland replacing Lewandowski at the club in the future.
    Asked about about the possibility of that happening prior to Saturday’s clash between the two teams, Flick told Sky Germany: “Very, very much is possible in life, nothing can be ruled out.
    “But that is a long way off. He has a long-term contract in Dortmund and is an option for many top clubs.”

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    Bayern Munich CONFIRM Erling Haaland transfer interest as Hansi Flick claims deal ‘very much possible’ for Dortmund star

    BAYERN MUNICH confirmed their interest in Erling Haaland as manager Hansi Flick admitted a transfer is ‘very much possible’.
    Star striker Haaland has emerged as one of the hottest commodities in Europe, and put it on full display against the German champions.

    Bayern Munich confirmed their interest in Erling HaalandCredit: EPA

    Hansi Flick admitted a transfer for is Erling Haaland ‘very much possible’Credit: Reuters

    He scored twice in nine minutes to stun Bayern into an early deficit.
    But the match ended 4-2, thanks to a hat-trick from hitman Robert Lewandowski.
    His manager Flick was asked about Haaland one day replacing Lewandowski, with a deal far from out the picture.
    He told Sky Germany before the game: “Very, very much is possible in life, nothing can be ruled out.

    “But that is a long way off. He has a long-term contract in Dortmund and is an option for many top clubs.”
    Bayern prized Lewandowski away from their rivals in 2014, having also done the same with Mario Gotze and Mats Hummels.
    But Gotze and Hummels both ended up returning to Dortmund.
    Bayern are not the only ones interested in 20-year-old Haaland, who improved to 19 goals in as many Bundesliga games.

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    Manchester United last season failed in a move for the forward, despite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer meeting with the player.
    And now United are joined by City and Chelsea in the pursuit for the serial goalscorer.
    Real Madrid are also linked with Haaland, with the view of replacing frontman Karim Benzema, 34.
    Haaland’s contract expires in 2024, but a £65million release clause is understood to come into play two years beforehand.

    But any buyers looking to act fast in next summer’s window can be expected to front £150m for Dortmund’s prize possession.
    As a result, Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke does not expect any mega-money offers for Haaland or strike partner Jadon Sancho, 20.
    Watzke said: “Overall, I don’t think that crazy things will happen.”

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    Bayern 4 Dortmund 2: Lewandowski hat-trick cancels out Haaland’s double as champions seal stunning comeback to go top

    ERLING HAALAND’S early double set up a dazzling Der Klassiker – but Robert Lewandowski’s hat-trick in Bayern’s incredible comeback win showed he is still the master for now.
    Manchester United and Chelsea target Haaland fired Dortmund 2-0 up inside nine minutes but Lewandowski’s treble treat and Leon Goretzka’s flashing drive put Bayern two points clear in the Bundesliga.

    Bayern Munich legend Robert Lewandowski won the battle of the strikers as his treble overturned Erling Haaland’s quickfire double for DortmundCredit: AP:Associated Press

    Polish superstar Robert Lewandowski rounded off Bayern’s revival in the 90th minute when he made it 4-2Credit: AFP

    Haaland’s poaching had mocked the absence of frontpartner Jadon Sancho as he suggested once again he could shatter Lewandowski’s German top-flight goal records, should he resist the lure of a huge summer move.
    The Norwegian began the year by reaching 25 Bundesliga goals quicker than anyone ever – just 25 matches – and last month became the only player to hit 17 goals in his first 13 Champions League games.
    Meanwhile, in January, Lewandowski, 32, broke the 20-goal league record held by Gerd Muller for strikes in the first half of the season as his duel with Haaland hots up.
    United would need to pay a huge sum to land Haaland in the upcoming transfer window as the 20-year-old’s £65million release clause only kicks in next year.

    And he maybe added a few more millions to his value with his staggering start on Saturday night as Dortmund battled in vain to return to the top four.
    After just 74 seconds he lashed a 20-yarder that deflected into the bottom corner off Jerome Boateng.
    Then he flashed home a near-post second goal after Nico Schulz’s brilliant pass fed Thorgan Hazard for a left-wing cross.
    But after Dortmund wasted gaping chances to extend their lead in a cracking Klassiker, Lewandowski’s cool head summed up Bayern’s superiority once he gave them hope on 26 minutes.

    Dortmund mob striker Erling Haaland for his early double in the Bundesliga title clash with pacesetters Bayern MunichCredit: AFP or licensors

    Erling Haaland doubled Dortmund’s lead – before Bayern battled back wellCredit: Getty – Pool
    The Poland superstar swept home former Manchester City winger Leroy Sane’s cross – then levelled from the penalty spot after VAR confirmed Mahmoud Dahoud had tripped Kingsley Coman.
    Bayern edged the second period but only struck twice to clinch victory in the final three minutes.
    Leon Goretzka rifled them in front before Lewandowski pounced to dumbfound Dortmund.
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    Nonetheless, Haaland’s admirers watched on wondering just how valuable his predatory skills are.
    United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer fanices him as a long-term successor to Edinson Cavani, as well as a more out-and-out forward than Anthony Martial.
    And Chelsea are interested as ex-RB Leipzig star Timo Werner has so far failed to settle in the Premier League, while 34-year-old Olivier Giroud is tipped for a summer exit from Stamford Bridge.

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    Joachim Low ‘turned up at Jamal Musiala’s doorstep to beg Bayern Munich star to snub England for Germany call-up’

    JOACHIM LOW went to great extents to seal Jamal Musiala’s commitment to Germany, it has been claimed.
    The winger, 18, has enjoyed a rapid rise at Bayern Munich – sparking a battle between England and Die Mannschaft for his international allegiance.

    Jamal Musila has chosen to represent Germany at international levelCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Joachim Low went to great lengths to secure the talented wingerCredit: Reuters

    Last month, Musiala confirmed his decision to sign up for the German team.
    A call-up is expected for the March internationals after he hit four goals for Bayern.
    The starlet was born in Stuttgart but moved to London as a child, where he played for Chelsea’s academy.
    Despite moving back to Germany with Champions League holders Munich in 2019, he had represented the Three Lions at Under-21 level as recently as November.

    Both countries held talks with Musiala and his family, and The Times liken Low’s efforts to turning up on the player’s doorstep, asking him to join him at the Euros.
    The World Cup winning coach, 61, is said to have offered the forward a starring role in his side, which won just three of eight games in 2020.
    Speaking after making his decision, Musiala stated his love for both countries but opted for the land of his birth.
    He told The Athletic: “England is home for me.

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    “It is difficult to find words for what England means for me because I have so many memories connected to very positive emotions.
    “I have a heart for Germany and a heart for England. Both hearts will keep on beating.
    “I’ve thought about this question a lot, ‘What is best for my future?’, ‘Where do I have more chances to play?’.
    “In the end, I just listened to the feeling that over a long period of time kept telling me that it was the right decision to play for Germany, the land I was born in. Still, it wasn’t an easy decision for me.”
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    Arsenal ‘tell Matteo Guendouzi he’s played last game for club and WILL be sold in £25m transfer this summer’ after loan

    ARSENAL have told Matteo Guendouzi he has played his last game for the club and will be sold in the summer, reports say.
    The Frenchman was shipped on loan to Hertha Berlin in Germany at the start of the season.

    Arsenal have told Matteo Guendouzi he will be sold in the summer, reports sayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    It came after Guendouzi fell out with manager Mikel Arteta, when the Spaniard returned to the Emirates in 2019.
    Arsenal looked at selling the midfielder in the summer, offering him in swap deals.
    But they had to settle for a loan, with Guendouzi since making 18 appearances for Hertha.
    He has impressed in the Bundesliga, sparking hope he could return to Arsenal once his spell away expires.

    But according to Football Insider, Arteta has no plans in bringing Guendouzi back into his squad.
    And Arsenal are even said to be dropping his price tag from £30million to £25m in an attempt to attract buyers.
    But with the 21-year-old entering the final year of his contract at the end of this season, the Gunners could struggle to move him on.
    Recently, Guendouzi has started three of the last four on the bench.

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    Hertha boss Pal Dardai told Bild last month: “It’s like puberty for him, he’s kind of a rebel. He has to work and learn like an animal.”
    Guendouzi burnt his bridges with Arteta following a bust-up at a Dubai training camp in February last year.
    And after a red card in an altercation with Brighton’s Neal Maupay last season, the rebel was not seen in the Premier League again.

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    Man Utd ‘scouting Bayer Leverkusen star Edmond Tapsoba, 22, over transfer’ after being alerted to Burkina Faso defender

    MANCHESTER UNITED are scouting Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Edmond Tapsoba after receiving a tip-off in Germany, reports say.
    The defender has emerged as one of the hottest prospects in the Bundesliga over the last 12 months and he is said to have attracted attention from two other Premier League clubs.

    Man Utd are reportedly scouting Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Edmond TapsobaCredit: AFP or licensors

    But according to The Express, United have been keeping tabs on the 22-year-old on the advice of a ‘well-respected figure in Germany’.
    Tapsoba signed for Leverkusen from Vitoria Guimaraes in January 2020, costing an initial £15.5million in a deal that could still rise to £21.5m in add-ons.
    It is understood they were impressed by his confidence in bringing the ball out from the back and maturity at such a young age.
    Tapsoba has now played every minute of league action this season, besides two games he missed due to coronavirus in late November.

    He has also formed a partnership at the back with United academy graduate Timothy Fosu-Mensah, who left Old Trafford for Leverkusen.
    Tapsoba’s previous deal included a release clause believed to be in the region of £44m, with Leverkusen uninterested in any offers below that sum.
    They recently tied him down the Burkinabe international to a new contract that will run until 2026, with his release clause now likely to have been increased.
    Tapsoba is right-footed, and United have long been in the market for a left-footed defender to partner Harry Maguire, who is currently paired with either Victor Lindelof or Eric Bailly.

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    Dayot Upamecano and Nathan Ake – who later signed for City – were both considered earlier this season but manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer failed to bring in a centre-back.
    Tapsoba was the subject of a last-minute enquiry from Liverpool in the winter window as the champions desperately looked to bring in defensive reinforcements.
    But they were told by Leverkusen to pay the £44m release clause, with Jurgen Klopp instead signing Ben Davies from Preston and Ozan Kabak from Schalke.
    Tapsoba has also been a target for Leicester and Wolves with both eyeing a summer move.

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