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    Everton close in on loan transfer for Bayern Munich strike sensation Joshua Zirkzee, 19, and eye permanent deal

    EVERTON are closing in on a loan deal for Bayern Munich striker Joshua Zirkzee, according to reports.
    A hamstring injury to Dominic Calvert-Lewin may leave the Toffees short in the coming weeks.

    Joshua Zirkzee is linked with a loan move to Premier League side EvertonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Carlo Ancelotti played without a recognised striker in the midweek win at Wolves.
    Cenk Tosun was on the bench after scoring past Rotherham in the FA Cup, a game which saw young attacker Ellis Simms named among the substitutes.
    And reinforcements could be on the way with 19-year-old forward Zirkzee named as a target.
    According to talkSPORT, Everton are close to securing a loan deal for the Bayern youngster.

    The move would also be with a view to a permanent stay, it is claimed.
    Zirkzee joined the German giants from Feyenoord in 2017 and impressed last season with four Bundesliga goals.
    But he is yet to hit the back of the net in six outings this term.
    Earlier this month, Zirkzee dropped down to the German third division for a runout with Bayern’s reserves against 1860 Munich – but was sent off after 27 minutes.

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    Hansi Flick left the Dutchman on the bench as Bayern were knocked out of the DfB-Pokal to second-tier Holstein Kiel on Wednesday.
    Everton were sweating on the fitness of Calvert-Lewin before this weekend’s game with Aston Villa was postponed.
    Fellow striker Tosun is reportedly nearing an exit from Goodison Park having been dropped for the Wolves win.

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    Man Utd in Erling Haaland transfer boost as Barcelona presidential candidate who vowed to seal transfer withdraws

    MANCHESTER UNITED will be delighted that Emili Rousaud has pulled out of the race to become Barcelona’s next president.
    Rousaud, 54, had vowed to bring Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland to the Nou Camp if he landed the job on January 24.

    Erling Haaland has scored 35 goals in 34 appearances for Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    It was claimed that Rousard had reached an agreement in principle to sign the 20-year-old for the Spanish giants.
    But that will not happen now that he has withdrawn from the race to replace Josep Maria Bartomeu.
    The 54-year-old confirmed that he would prefer to ‘stay out’ as he described the process as a ‘dirty war’.
    As cited by Marca, he said: “It was a day of impressive dignity because, to my surprise, the majority decision was not to agree to join another candidacy, because we cannot tolerate the dirty war and we prefer to stay out.

    “Our sporting and economic proposals were the best.”
    His decision to pull out will come as a huge boost for the other teams that want to sign Haaland.
    The striker has attracted wide interest following his incredible spell of form in Germany.
    Since his arrival from Red Bull Salzburg, he has scored 35 goals in 34 games for Dortmund.

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    United have turned their attention to signing him after cooling their interest in Jadon Sancho.
    But Real Madrid reportedly believe they have a deal for Haaland ‘signed and sealed’.
    It has been claimed that Haaland favours a move to Madrid over Old Trafford.

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    Bayern Munich starlet Chris Richards, 20, joins Rashford and De Bruyne by signing for Roc Nation

    BAYERN MUNICH starlet Chris Richards has joined Marcus Rashford and Kevin De Bruyne by signing with Roc Nation.
    The highly-rated defender, 20, has played seven times for Hansi Flick’s side this season and made his senior internatinal debut in November.

    Chris Richards, 20, has impressed Treble-winning Bayern boss Hansi FlickCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Treble-winning Bayern coach Flick has been impressed with what he’s seen in Richards this season, last month noting he “does his job very well” and is “very calm and always present against his man.”
    Richards, who has 14 caps at Under-20 and U23 level for the US, becomes the 19th footballer on Roc Nation’s books.
    As well as Rashford and De Bruyne, Wilfried Zaha and Romelu Lukaku are among those represented by the firm.
    Head of Football Alan Redmond said: “Chris in an incredible young defender.

    “When you look at the manner in which he has adapted to first team life at Bayern Munich, you see he has rare traits.
    “When you speak to him, it’s even more apparent.”
    Founded by hip hop icon Jay-Z in 2008, with the sports arm coming five years later, Roc Nation also represents the likes of Rihanna and NBA star Kyrie Irving.
    Michael Yormark, Roc Nation Sports International chief, added: “With such a strong footprint in the US and subject matter experts across our international business, we are an agency perfectly positioned to support Chris’ ambition both on-and-off the field.

    Richards has played seven games this season and won his first USA cap in NovemberCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    “Chris is a talent who has the ability to transform the sport in the US and his commitment to want to give back and make the sport accessible to all in his hometown is a great indication of our shared values.
    “Chris is an incredibly exciting prospect in world football, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to be on this journey with him and his family”.

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    Man Utd revenue down almost 20 per cent as Europe’s elite clubs lose more than £1BN due to coronavirus crisis

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S revenue dropped almost 20 per cent as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
    And 20 of Europe’s elite football clubs lost more than £1billion combined as the financial impact on the beautiful game became clearer.

    KPMG Football Benchmark’s The European Champions Report revealed the shocking figures for the 2019-20 season.
    Published this month, it highlights how clubs fared while dealing with the global pandemic.
    And United were among the worst hit of the 20 sampled clubs – as Ed Woodward anticipated last year.
    The Old Trafford side saw their operating revenues fall to £516million, a drop of 18.5 per cent.

    Fellow English sides Liverpool turned over £496m (7.9 per cent drop) and Tottenham took in £408m (12.3 per cent) as they took a slightly softer blow.
    However, Scottish champions Celtic’s revenue dropped by 15.5 per cent.
    From the 20 clubs, Porto came out worst with a staggering 50.5 per cent drop with Roma second on 39.3 per cent.
    Borussia Dortmund and Sevilla were the only two sides to see their revenue increase.

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    The Germans’ went up 0.6 per cent while the LaLiga outfit’s rose by 6.3 per cent.
    PSG (15 per cent), Barcelona (15.7 per cent) and Juventus (13.4 per cent) all saw similar drops in their operating revenues – but the Nou Camp giants still took in more revenue than any other club with £630m.
    Six teams registered net profits last season – Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, Real Madrid, Benfica as well as the two European champions Bayern Munich and Sevilla.
    Out of those, Benfica’s was the biggest with a £37m gain.
    At the other end of the spectrum, Roma and AC Milan had the biggest net losses with £181m and £173m respectively.
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

    Barcelona saw their revenue drop by 15.7 per cent last seasonCredit: Reuters

    Sevilla registered an increase in revenue from the year before and managed a net profitCredit: AFP or licensors

    Manchester clubs have the worst net spend in the past decade by some distance

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    Kiel 2 Bayern 2 (6-5 pens): Gnabry and Sane strike but Bayern’s superstars stunned by lower-league rivals in German Cup

    BAYERN MUNICH were left stunned after being dumped out of the German Cup by second-division side Holstein Kiel.
    The defending champions were shocked 6-5 on penalties after their rescheduled second-round game finished 2-2.

    Bayern Munich crashed out of the German Cup after losing on penalties against Holstein KielCredit: Reuters

    Fin Bartels scored the winning penalty after Marc Roca missed the deciding spot-kickCredit: EPA

    It was the first time Hansi Flick’s side – who won the treble last season – have lost to a lower-tier side in the DFB-Pokal since 2004.
    Bayern did not rest their stars, with Manuel Neuer, Alphonso Davies, Joshua Kimmich, Thomas Muller, Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry all starting, with Robert Lewandowski coming off the bench in snowy conditions in the north of Germany.
    Fin Bartels struck the winning penalty to send the underdogs through after Bayern midfielder Marc Roca saw his spot kick saved by Kiel goalkeeper Ioannis Gelios.
    The Spanish midfielder was the only player to miss a penalty in the shootout.

    The teams had been due to play in December but the game was put back to give Bayern more time to cope with its busy schedule. 
    It looked set to be a long night for Kiel – who sit third in Germany’s second division after a draw with St. Pauli and loss to Osnabruck in their last two games – when ex-Arsenal winger Gnabry put the Bavarian giants ahead inside the first 15 minutes.
    Gnabry, who was back from a shin injury, couldn’t miss when Gelios deflected Muller’s header to the Bayern forward’s feet.
    However, TV replays showed Gnabry was offside when Muller knocked the ball forward. VAR will only come into operation in the next round.

    Kiel players react after Ioannis Gelios denied Roca from 12 yards outCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Bayern have lost to a lower-league side for the first time since 2004Credit: EPA
    Gnabry went close again before Bartels equalized against the run of play before the break.
    Jannik Dehm split the Bayern defence with a through ball and Bartels stayed cool before shooting past Neuer.
    Sane restored the visitors lead with a perfect free-kick just after half-time, but Bayern were then frustrated by the home side’s committed and well-organised defense.
    Gelios did brilliantly to push Jamal Musiala’s effort onto the post and Finn Porath missed a good chance for Kiel at the other end.
    The snow had got heavier when Hauke Wahl headed in Kiels equaliser with the last touch of normal time.
    The Kiel players struggled through the added period but earned the penalty shootout with some dogged defending.
    Lewandowski got Bayern off to a successful start and neither side missed until Gelios saved Rocas effort. Bartels did the rest.

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    Man Utd in Erling Haaland transfer blow with ‘Barcelona now frontrunners due to agent Mino Raiola relationship’

    MANCHESTER UNITED could miss out on Erling Haaland after reports emerged of a Barcelona plot to land the striker.
    Catalunya Radio, via BarcaCentre, report on the Norwegian’s agent being keen to send his client to the Camp Nou.

    Erling Haaland has attracted plenty of attention with his performances for Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Mino Raiola is keen on linking up with Barcelona, according to reports in SpainCredit: Getty – Contributor

    A number of clubs have been linked to Haaland since he broke out at RB Salzburg last season.
    United failed in a reported attempt to sign the youngster as he headed to Borussia Dortmund.
    Stellar form in Germany, including a brace past RB Leipzig on the weekend, has continued his ascendancy.
    Barcelona are reportedly a club Raiola wants to build a good relationship with – and the move is touted for this summer.

    The Catalans are currently undertaking presidential elections which could harbour a spending spree from the successful candidate.
    Eric Garcia and Memphis Depay are thought to be targets for this window despite the club’s difficult financial situation.
    Candidates Emili Rousaud and Joan Laporta, the favourite for the role, are both linked with bids for Haaland.
    After Rousaud last month claimed he had discussed the deal with Raiola, the agent shot back that any talks were ‘fake news’.

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    When a new president is elected, they can call me.
    Mino RaiolaOn Barcelona Rumours

    He told Sport1: “When a new president is elected, they can call me.”
    Real Madrid are also rumoured to be keen on the 20-year-old marksman, but are said to be focusing their efforts on Kylian Mbappe.
    Any potential United deal for Haaland would have to go through Raiola, who has previously spoken against the club in regard to another of his clients, Paul Pogba.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insisted the Frenchman has a ‘good attitude’ after his agent’s bombshell comments suggested a return to Juventus was on the cards.

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    Arsenal and Spurs boost in transfer hunt for Leipzig star Marcel Sabitzer after playmaker ‘rejects new contract offer’

    MARCEL SABITZER has reportedly turned down RB Leipzig’s latest contract offer – alerting Tottenham and Arsenal.
    The North London rivals have both been linked with the Austrian midfielder following his stellar form in the Bundesliga.

    Marcel Sabitzer has been a key player for RB Leipzig since joining in 2015Credit: PA:Press Association

    Jose Mourinho in particular is a fan of Sabitzer’s, following his two-goal demolition of Spurs in last season’s Champions League.
    And Arsenal are thought to be chasing a creative midfielder in the January transfer window.
    A fee of around £30million has been touted with the Leipzig captain’s contract expiring in 18 months’ time.
    But the German club may be tempted to cash in soon if Sabitzer refuses to agree a new contract.

    According to Sky Germany, via Fussball Transfers, the 26-year-old has turned down an extension.
    It is said that Sabitzer would prefer leaving in the summer of 2022, when his deal expires, with the club considering a sale at the end of this season.

    Leipzig sporting director Markus Krösche told Bild recently that talks are more likely to progress in a couple of months’ time.
    He said: “We wanted to end the year first. Both sides will deal with the issue more intensively in the spring.”

    Likewise, Sabitzer has previously insisted that his contract situation will not be discussed until later in the year.
    The player stated last month: “If I read my contract correctly, it expires in June 2022, which means it runs for another 18 months.

    The club have said that there would be no contract talks during the season.
    Marcel SabitzerDecember 2020

    “We’ll have to see about everything else. I’m just doing my job. We have a game every three days, that’s exhausting enough.
    “The club have said that there would be no contract talks during the season.
    “So I’m fully focused on playing a successful season and don’t think about what will happen later on at all.”
    ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

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    Man Utd and Chelsea transfer blow with Dayot Upamecano NOT leaving RB Leipzig this month but can go for £38m in summer

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea have been dealt a transfer blow with Dayot Upamecano not leaving RB Leipzig this month, according to reports.
    However, it is thought he will be sold for £38million in the summer.

    Dayot Upamecano is not expected to leave RB Leipzig this month – but could go for £38m in the summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    The French defender, 22, is one of the hottest young talents with plenty of top clubs chasing his signature.
    As well as United and Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Arsenal were also thought to be keen.
    But transfer guru Fabrizio Romano insists Upamecano will not be going anywhere in January.
    However, he did add the centre-back is expected to move on at the end of the season.

    Upamecano has no shortage of admirers keen to open negotiations with his agent and willing to trigger his £38m release clause.
    The senior French international, who has three caps, joined from sister-club Red Bull Salzburg in 2017 and penned a new contract at Leipzig last summer, tying him down until 2023.
    It appears unlikely he will still be at the club beyond the summer transfer window, let alone for another two-and-a-half years.
    Arsenal and Manchester United were the English clubs most heavily linked last year.

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    RB Leipzig are not open to sell Dayot Upamecano in January. He’s expected to leave the club next summer – many clubs interested and set to open talks with his agent. The release clause value is €42m. ⛔️ #transfers #Leipzig
    — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 11, 2021

    But Liverpool’s injury woes and Chelsea’s recent slump means they may also be fighting for his signature.
    Chelsea splashed the cash last summer with Ben Chilwell and Thiago Silva bolstering the defence.
    But the Brazilian is only a short-term addition at the age of 36 and Upamecano fits the bill in terms of offering value as a long-term signing.
    However, Sport 1 via Marca report that Bayern Munich are already in ‘advanced talks’ with Upamecano’s agent.
    The Bundesliga giants have resigned themselves to losing David Alaba at the end of his contract this summer and see the French star as his suitable successor at the Allianz Arena.
    He has racked up 13 wins from 21 matches this season, keeping nine clean sheets.
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

    The French defender has continued to impress in the Bundesliga this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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