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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

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      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’

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      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’

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      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

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      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

      Man Utd’s biggest transfers ever, both in and out, including Ronaldo

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      Mesut Ozil reveals love of ‘Turkish Real Madrid’ Fenerbahce ahead of potential January transfer but rules out Schalke

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      MESUT OZIL admitted he loves Fenerbahce and compared them to Real Madrid ahead of a potential January switch to the Turkish side.
      The Gunners outcast also ruled out a return to Schalke in a Twitter Q&A.

      Mesut Ozil compared Fenerbahce to Real Madrid ahead of his potential move thereCredit: Reuters

      I grew up as a @Fenerbahce fan as a kid in Germany – every German-Turkish person supports a Turkish team when they grow up in Germany. And mine was Fenerbahce. Fenerbahce is like Real Madrid in Spain. The biggest club in the country 🇹🇷 https://t.co/Y3hEba79IO
      — Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) January 11, 2021

      I definitely will. There are two countries I want to play football in before I retire: Turkey 🇹🇷 and USA 🇺🇸. If I went to Turkey, I could only go to Fenerbahce. https://t.co/TL68kUL62M
      — Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) January 11, 2021

      A deal to take Ozil to Fenerbahce is ‘closer than it has ever been before’, according to club president Ali Koc.
      And Ozil fuelled the fire with a public display of affection on Twitter.
      Berkay asked: “Why do you like Fenerbahçe since you were young Mesut and what is the main thing that makes you a Fenerbahce fan?”
      The 32-year-old replied: “I grew up as a Fenerbahce fan as a kid in Germany – every German-Turkish person supports a Turkish team when they grow up in Germany.

      “And mine was Fenerbahce. Fenerbahce is like Real Madrid in Spain. The biggest club in the country.”
      Ozil has been tipped to join Fenerbahce, with his brother even posting a picture of their badge on his Instagram story along with a winking face emoji.
      And the playmaker has also been linked with a return to Schalke – where he played between 2005-08.
      His friend and former Gunners team-mate Sead Kolasinac is there on loan but Ozil poured cold water on the idea of going back to the struggling German side.

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      Don’t want to steal @seadk6 the show😎 No, to be honest I will always have sympathy for @s04 and I wish them all the best from the bottom of my heart. But it’s not really an option for me right now… https://t.co/VjYTtzr3lo
      — Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) January 11, 2021

      Mesut Ozil picked the best players he has played with at Arsenal

      He wrote: “Don’t want to steal the @seadk6 show.
      “No, to be honest I will always have sympathy for Schalke and I wish them all the best from the bottom of my heart.
      “But it’s not really an option for me right now.”
      Ozil also named Alexis Sanchez in his best ever Arsenal team-mate XI during the Q&A.
      And he also revealed he would sooner retire than play for Tottenham.
      On Sunday, SunSport exclusively revealed Ozil is happy to leave Arsenal in January and let the North Londoners pay his contract off over the next three years.
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

      Arsene Wenger is a special coach in my career, one that I have total respect for. He is a great coach with numerous titles. Most of all, he’s a great, sincere person. I associate him with my greatest Arsenal successes. I will always remember that time with him positively. https://t.co/PsPAwwbUxP
      — Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) January 11, 2021

      He made the difference in the last couple of games as a No 10 – really happy for him… and that he showed that playing with a No 10 still can make sense in today’s football. 🔟💪🏼@emilesmithrowe https://t.co/GDJeYTcSkz
      — Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) January 11, 2021

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      Robert Lewandowski reveals Jurgen Klopp became father figure for him after he tragically lost his own dad aged 16

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI has revealed how Jurgen Klopp became a ‘father figure’ after his dad passed away when he was a teenager.
      The Bayern Munich goal machine was named the best player in the world in 2020 at last month’s FIFA awards to complete his rise to the very top of the game.

      Robert Lewandowski was a key part of Jurgen Klopp’s much-loved Borussia Dortmund teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Robert Lewandowski was named the FIFA player of the year for 2020Credit: AFP

      It capped a long journey that began as a child when his father would make four-hour trips to take the budding striker to training.
      The Poland international told The Players Tribune: “If I didn’t have parents who were willing to drive me there, my football dream would have been over before it even began.
      “They were both P.E. teachers, and my dad happened to be my P.E. teacher. So after school he would drive me to training, wait two hours for my session to finish and then drive me home.”
      Lewandowski was just 16 when his father sadly passed away after a long illness.

      He had spells playing for Delta Warsaw, Legia Warsaw II, Znicz Pruszkow and Lech Poznan before his big break with Borussia Dortmund in 2010.
      Lewandowski gradually became one of the world’s most complete attackers under Klopp’s tutelage.

      The 2020 Fifpro world XI includes four Liverpool stars, as well as Messi, Ronaldo and Lewandowski
      And he acknowledges that his relationship with the German was key to his progression.
      Lewandowski said: “I could talk to Jurgen about anything. I could trust him. He is a family man, and he has so much empathy for what goes on in your private life.”

      The key? Well, Lewandowski believes it is because Klopp was a ‘strict’ teacher.
      The 32-year-old added: “He was not content to let you be a B student, you know? Jurgen wanted A+ students. He didn’t want it for him. He wanted it for you.”
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      It’s fair to say that nothing got past Klopp and his man-management skills.
      Lewandowski said: “I remember one time we were in the dressing room after having a weekend off. And, you know, the classic trick when a player has been out drinking is to eat a lot of garlic the morning after, so that your breath doesn’t stink of alcohol. So Jurgen came in before training and began sniffing around.
      “He was like a hunting dog. Sniff, sniff. Sniff, sniff.

      “Finally, he said, ‘I smell… something… is it garlic?’
      “Of course he knew that it was. And we knew that he knew. But he just left the question hanging in the air and walked away without saying a word more.
      “It was silent for a moment, and then we all looked at each other and started laughing.”

      Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski delighted with FIFA award after outstanding year More

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      Man Utd defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah set for £1.5m Bayer Leverkusen transfer after rejecting new contract offer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah is set to join Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, according to reports.
      According to the Manchester Evening Standard, the 23-year-old is set to join Leverkusen for just £1.5million after rejecting United’s contract offer earlier this season.

      Fosu-Mensah joined Manchester United back in 2014 and made his debut against Arsenal in 2016

      Leverkusen currently sit third in the Bundesliga and a permanent move could be good for Fosu-Mensah, who has made just 30 appearances in six years.
      The report also states that Fosu-Mensah was being tracked by former club Ajax and German side Hertha Berlin last season, but United triggered a one-year extension.
      Fosu-Mensah’s preferred destination is believed to be Ajax but the move is unlikely to happen.
      United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer acknowledged the possibility of Fosu-Mensah leaving in January or for free in the summer.

      Solskjaer told reporters: “I’m not sure if Timo is going to stay or [if] he’s going to take an option now.
      “He’s not played enough, so of course he’s been allowed to speak to clubs, with a view to leaving now in January.
      “It’s difficult when you’ve got good players, talented players, and you can’t give them game time. 
      “He’s now at the stage where he needs to go and play again.

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      “It might be [at the] end of January, or it might be in the summer that he finds somewhere else.
      “So he’s working hard, Tim, he’s ready for a move for any club that he feels ready for.”
      Fosu-Mensah arrived at Carrington in 2014 as a 16-year-old from Ajax, and made his debut back in 2016 against Arsenal alongside United superstar Marcus Rashford.
      Unlike his United team-mate, Fosu-Mensah has found it hard to force his way into the starting line-up and he may very well look to move on in search of regular first-team football.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

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      Man Utd would win Premier League title if Solskjaer seals Erling Haaland transfer this month, claims Agbonlahor

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      MANCHESTER UNITED could win the Premier League this season if they signed Erling Haaland, claims Gabby Agbonlahor.
      United are behind leaders Liverpool only on goal difference, but are armed with a game in hand over their great rivals.

      Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland has attracted attention from across EuropeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been urged to sign Erling HaalandCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      And to boost their chances of a first league title since 2013, former Aston Villa forward Agbonlahor has urged Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to sign goal machine Haaland.
      He told talkSPORT: “You look at the Premier League teams that could do with him now – Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, they could all do with him.
      “What would he do for any of those clubs now? If they had him in January, whoever signed him would win the league.”

      Haaland has attracted attention across Europe – including from Real Madrid and Barcelona – having scored 19 in 16 games for Borussia Dortmund this season.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford
      The Norwegian striker joined the Bundesliga giants last year, having snubbed a move to Old Trafford.
      Manager Solskjaer met with the 20-year-old but failed to convince him move to Old Trafford as he instead joined Dortmund for just £18m.

      Now, Agbonlahor reckons the Germans could demand £180m for their star man, but tipped Bayern Munich and Madrid as the frontrunners to sign him.
      He said: “He’s the most complete striker out there for me.

      “We’re talking about Premier League clubs wanting him. I think Bayern Munich or Real Madrid are the favourites to get him.
      “I feel like Borussia Dortmund can ask for whatever they want. If you’re talking about £100million for Sancho, you’re talking £180m for Haaland.
      “You’re talking ridiculous money. He’ll be the most expensive player ever when he leaves Dortmund because he’s getting better.
      “He’s learning, he looks hungry. He’s not happy just to be at Dortmund and score goals, he’s trying to improve his game and he’s going to get better and better.”

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