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      Dortmund wonderkid Moukoko set for Bundesliga debut, has a 10-year boot deal with Nike worth £9m, and is a goal-machine

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      WHERE were you when Youssoufa Moukoko made his debut for Borussia Dortmund?
      That could be the question on every football fans’ lips, if this outrageously talented striker appears for the Bundesliga giants this weekend at Hertha Berlin.

      Dortmund star Youssoufa Moukoko has turned 16 and could appear for the Bundesliga giants against Hertha Berlin this weekendCredit: Getty – Contributor

      The German wonderkid is now of age to play first team football, after the Bundesliga changed age eligibility rules.
      And there’s every chance he will be included in the first team squad, having already been in Dortmund’s Champions League squad back in October.
      If he does appear, he will be the youngest ever person to play a professional match in Germany.
      Then, if he faces Club Brugge three days later, he will become the Champions League’s youngest ever player.

      RULE BREAKER
      Unbelievably, Moukoko is so good the Bundesliga have changed their age eligibility rules in order to let him play.
      Previously, players have not been allowed to play in Germany’s top-flight until they are 16-and-a-half.
      But such have been the waves caused by Moukoko’s rapid rise, that this has now been lowered to just 16, which he turns on November 20.
      Furthermore, in anticipation of his German debut the live-wire forward has been training with Lucien Favre’s first team.

      The current Dortmund record was set by Nuri Sahin back in 2005, when he made his debut at 16 years, 11 months and one day – before going on to play for Real Madrid and Liverpool.

      Striker Moukoko has scored goals for fun at youth levelCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Moukoko averaged a goal or an assist every 40 minutes during the 2019-20 seasonCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Last year, Moukoko signed a 10-year boot deal with Nike worth around £9mCredit: Nike
      The German teen, who signed a boot deal with Nike for 10-years worth a reported £9million in 2019, has left observers flabbergasted by his incredible ability at such a young age.
      But his progress is nothing new.
      GOALS, GOALS, GOALS
      At the age of just 12, pre-teen Moukoko was playing for Dortmund’s under-17s and Germany’s under-16s.
      He scored an astonishing 90 goals in 56 games at under-17 level, before bagging 34 in 20 this season for the under-19s – despite having started the season as a 14-year-old.
      And after the Bundesliga’s new ruling, dubbed the “Moukoko rule”, he could make his first-team bow in the winter – and become Dortmund’s youngster-ever player.
      Champions League-winning club legend and youth boss Lars Ricken spoke to German newspaper Bild about Moukoko’s rapid rise.
      “He’s scored a lot of goals, is very inquisitive, hungry for success, hardworking and always comes with a smile that distinguishes him,” he said.
      “That’s what we look at. The tools are there.”

      The Bundesliga lowered the legal age for debutants because of Moukoko’s abilityCredit: Getty – Contributor

      First team striker Erling Haaland welcomes Moukoko to trainingCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      HOW OLD IS HE?
      But such success has been quickly met with doubts about his age, even from inside his own club.
      Dortmund’s Under-23s manager Timo Preus said: “With Youssoufa, I can imagine that his age has only been guessed.
      “Maybe in reality he is one or two years older. But certainly he is not 17. For him that is very difficult.
      “There is nothing to blame him for, the boy is not cheating or anything.”
      However, Moukoko’s dad Joseph has been forced to insist his son is the age he claims he is – even if he refuses to get caught up in the tidal wave of excitement surrounding the lad.

      Moukoko jostles for the ball with Dortmund’s Jadon SanchoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Questions have been asked of Moukoko’s ageCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Moukoko Sr said: “His age is right.
      “Immediately after he was was born I registered him at the German consulate in Yaounde. We have a German birth certificate.
      “For me he is not a wonderkid. I was even better as a kid.”
      CONVEYOR BELT OF TALENT
      Dortmund have a rich heritage in bleeding first class youngsters from their youth set-up to the first team.
      Impressive Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old under Thomas Tuchel in 2016.
      And more recently, Erling Haaland, Jadon Sancho and Gio Reyna have made fans sit up and take notice of their ability.

      Moukoko is the next big thing in Germany and has the world at his feetCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      14-year-old BVB wonder kid Youssoufa Moukoko’s two goals from Wednesday’s U17 victory…followed by a famous celebration ⭐️💎 pic.twitter.com/2ag5LHCTFa
      — Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) June 7, 2019

      The German giants also spent around £30million on Birmingham City starlet Jude Bellingham, who himself only turned 17 back in June.
      Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc said of Moukoko last November: “He’s an outstanding talent and we want him to learn how to train and play with adults.”
      And thanks to the “Moukoko rule”, this November it appears that Zorc can get his wish.

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      David Alaba ‘wants Real Madrid free transfer from Bayern Munich’ and set to begin talks over move in January

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      DAVID ALABA wants a free transfer to Real Madrid from Bayern Munich in January – and talks are set to begin soon, according to reports.
      The left-back’s contract runs out at the end of this season and it is believed he already has his sights set on his next destination.

      The Marca headline links Alaba with a free move to Real Madrid

      Alaba reportedly has requested wages of £260kCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But the situation is far from wrapped up with other European giants like Juventus, Manchester City and Barcelona prepared to offer big money to lure the 28-year-old to their clubs.
      Marca report that Real Madrid are very much the favourites and the Spanish club are getting ready to pounce.
      The article says Los Blancos are ‘counting the days’ to begin negotiations of Alaba’s pre-contract.
      They are hopeful discussions can proceed amicably following previous deals with Bayern, including Toni Kroos and Xabi Alonso.

      And the deal could prove to be good timing for Madrid with their long-serving defender Marcelo under fire for poor performances and Sergio Reguilon sold to Spurs in the summer.
      The rumours of his move comes just days after reports emerged that Alaba was planning a way out of the German club after they failed to meet his wage demands.
      The Austrian is reportedly looking for a bumper package of £260k-a-week with Juventus in the mix to secure his signature.
      Whoever secures Alaba will have to deal with his agent, who Bayern have previously branded a ‘greedy piranha’.

      Club president Uli Hoeness did not take kindly to Pini Zahavi and slammed the agent in a TV interview in September.
      He said: “If you only knew what Mr. Zahavi demands only for himself for David’s signature for an eight-figure sum.
      “That is not at all possible. The arguments that are exchanged there defy belief.”

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      Man Utd ‘to scout Konrad Laimer during RB Leipzig clash next month with Solskjaer eyeing Paul Pogba replacement’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED plan to scout Konrad Laimer when they play RB Leipzig in December, according to reports.
      And the Austrian midfielder could even be seen as a potential Paul Pogba replacement.

      Manchester United are hoping to scout Konrad Laimer in the Champions League game against RB Leipzig next monthCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      According to the Manchester Evening News, United are preparing for the Frenchman to leave the club next summer.
      The report adds that the Red Devils will make the most of the upcoming Champions League clash to cast their eye over Leipzig ace Laimer.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side travel to Germany for their final Group H game on December 8.
      Laimer missed the 5-0 thumping at Old Trafford as he continues rehab from an ankle fracture at the end of August.

      But there is a chance he may be back fit again in time to face United.
      Laimer, 23, came through the Red Bull Salzburg academy and has been dubbed by some as the Austrian N’Golo Kante for his tenacity and ability to win the ball back.
      But while his impressive stats – 11.23 defensive duels and 9.29 recoveries per 90 minutes – exceed any United midfielder, he also offers plenty going forward with his passing and dribbling.
      And Laimer’s confidence in a midfield pairing would suit Solskjaer’s system, allowing Bruno Fernandes to operate in the No10 role.

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

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      As things stand, the Norwegian has turned to Fred and Scott McTominay as the two sitting midfielders with Pogba unable to fit into the side.
      That has led to the £89million man declaring this season ‘the most difficult period of my career’ and increased speculation he will leave next year, despite the club triggering a contract extension.
      His deal now runs until the summer of 2022, meaning next summer would be the last opportunity to command a hefty fee.
      Speaking during the November international break, Pogba opened up on how tough he is finding life at the moment.
      He said: “I had never known such a difficult period in my career.
      “The France team is a breath of fresh air, the group is exceptional, it’s magic.”
      Despite being fully fit all season, Pogba has started just five of United’s 12 matches this season, managing a goal in the Carabao Cup and assists against Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig.
      The two matches he completed the full 90 minutes were the home defeats against Spurs and Arsenal, conceding penalties in both.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Paul Pogba is enduring a tough time at Old Trafford and could leave the club next yearCredit: AFP or licensors

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      Chelsea ‘line up Jude Bellingham transfer as alternative to Declan Rice if they can’t land West Ham star’

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      CHELSEA are reportedly considering bidding for Jude Bellingham if they fail to sign Declan Rice.
      The Blues have been heavily linked with West Ham ace Rice but with the Hammers standing firm on their £80million valuation the West Londoners could move for Borussia Dortmund teen Bellingham, 17, instead.

      Chelsea are considering signing Jude Belligham if they fail to land Declan Rice from West HamCredit: Getty – Pool

      Rice is the first name on David Moyes’ West Ham team-sheet and appears happy in East London having been made skipper with club-captain Mark Noble out the team.
      The midfield ace, 21, is also a first-choice starter for Gareth Southgate’s England side.
      And with reports of a bumper new ‘double-your-money’ London Stadium contract in the offing, it will not be easy to prise Rice away from the Hammers.
      Frank Lampard is a big fan of Rice – who played for the Blues’ academy until he was released aged 14.

      But with N’Golo Kante still on the books in the holding midfield role and the difficult nature of the potential transfer, senior Chelsea figures are suggesting they sign Bellingham instead, according to Eurosport.
      Bellingham has been a permanent fixture in Dortmund’s team since his summer move from Birmingham.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge
      And he has already earned his first England call-up – winning his first cap in the 3-0 friendly win against Ireland last Thursday

      Last week, fellow Chelsea youngster Conor Gallagher said Belligham’s rise to the top gives hope to other up and coming stars.

      Gallagher – on loan at West Brom this season – said: “It gives every young England player hope.
      “I think there have been 22 players in the last four years who have gone up to the seniors from the 21s which is obviously a very high number.
      “Having boys like Jude to go up to the seniors is great to see.”

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      Man Utd aim to complete Jadon Sancho transfer before England’s Euro 2020 campaign but January move ‘all-but impossible’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are hoping to complete Jadon Sancho’s transfer before England start their Euro 2020 campaign, according to reports.
      But a January deal looks to be all-but impossible.

      Manchester United are plotting another approach to land Jadon Sancho in 2021Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      According to 90min.com, the Red Devils are still desperate to land the Borussia Dortmund winger to bolster the right side of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s attack.
      They missed out on the 20-year-old this summer after failing to match the German’s £108million asking price and ended up buying Uruguayan winger Facundo Pellistri and Atalanta’s Amad Diallo instead.
      But the report suggests United will make a fresh approach for Sancho in 2021.
      And they will want it all wrapped up before the rearranged Euros, where he may well excel for England and attract more attention.

      The tournament begins on June 11, with England’s first game two days later.
      90min.com add that landing Sancho in January will be ‘almost impossible’.
      Instead, United may try and secure a deal in the winter transfer window for the player to link up with the squad in the summer – just as Chelsea agreed with Dortmund in 2019 for Christian Pulisic as the American stayed on loan for the rest of the season.
      Old Trafford chiefs know they will need to act quickly in the New Year – and could still attempt to bring the former Man City player back to Manchester immediately in January.

      SunSport understands United told Sancho ‘we haven’t given up on you’ in October when a summer transfer failed to materialise and will go back in for him at the next available opportunity.

      The ex-Manchester City youngster wanted the summer move but refused to force the deal by publicly announcing his desire to leave and jeopardise his relationship with the Bundesliga side.
      But Sancho told close pals he is convinced he will still end up being a United player with a deal revived in 2021.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

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      Arsenal outcast Matteo Guendouzi has ‘enriched’ Hertha Berlin says German club chief as midfielder stars in loan spell

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      ARSENAL outcast Matteo Guendouzi has ‘enriched’ Hertha Berlin, according to club chief Michael Preetz.
      The out-of-favour midfielder joined the German club at the end of the transfer window on a season-long loan and has made an impact on club bosses already in his short stay.

      Guendouzi has impressed in his time at Hertha Berlin so far Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      He had been frozen out of Mikel Arteta’s team after his actions in a loss to Brighton in June, but seems to have made a far better impression at his new side.
      Sporting director Preetz told German outlet Kicker: “Three months ago, Matteo’s loan signing wasn’t possible, but it was at the beginning of October.
      “We are happy that he is here and that he enriched our game from the start.
      “We’ll see everything else next summer. How the prices will develop by then and what Arsenal are planning then, nobody can say today.”

      Guendouzi was booted out of Arsenal’s first team after clashing with Brighton’s Neal Maupay.
      He grabbed the striker by the throat as they squared off in a Premier League game not long after the season restarted after lockdown.
      The 21-year-old then angered Arteta when he refused to apologise for his petulance in an internal disciplinary meeting.
      Guendouzi was then forced to train on his own for the remainder of the campaign.

      Guendouzi’s Arsenal future went up in flames after a clash with Brighton’s Neal MaupayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Since arriving in the Bundesliga, he has made two appearances and has been generally well-received.
      Hertha currently sit in mid-table with seven points from seven games.
      Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell believes Guendouzi should look for a permanent way out, as he’s not convinced he has a future at the Emirates.
      He told Football Insider: “I do not think he will play for Arsenal again.
      “He doesn’t have a future at Arsenal. Mikel Arteta put him in detention after the Brighton game last season, that is what it was – detention.
      “A manager like Arteta wants to see that you can toe the line, take your punishment, keep your trap shut and get working. Guendouzi could not do it.

      “He was given a clean slate at the start of the season, like Mezut Ozil, but they did not toe the line.
      “Arteta is strong enough to exclude players he cannot trust. When a manager cannot trust you he is not going to back you.
      “The good thing is they got him out on loan because you cannot afford to have ill-disciplined players like that in and around the club. The right thing was to get him out on loan.”

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      Arsenal joined by Bayern Munich in Dominik Szoboszlai transfer chase, confirms Matthaus who likens him to Kai Havertz

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      BAYERN MUNICH have joined Arsenal in the transfer chase for Dominik Szobaszlai, claimed Lothar Matthaus.
      And the German holds high hopes for the Hungarian ‘gem’ as he compared the youngster to Kai Havertz.

      Dominik Szobaszlai is on Bayern Munich’s radar ahead of a possible January transferCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Gunners are hopeful of landing a creative midfielder when the transfer window reopens.
      And it was reported talks have already taken place between Edu and the Red Bull Salzburg and Hungary star.
      However, Matthaus – who spent 12 years as a Bayern Munich player, managed Hungary and coached at Red Bull Salzburg – is sure Bayern are tracking Szobaszlai for a transfer.
      Speaking to Munchner Abendzeitung, the 1990 World Cup winner said: “He is a gem. He’s like Kai Havertz.

      “He could move to RB Leipzig in January, but I’m convinced that every top club in Europe has him on their list, including Bayern.
      “In Hungary, Szoboszlai is already being compared to the great Ferenc Puskas.”
      Arsenal could see Szoboszlai as a cheaper alternative to Lyon’s Houssem Aouar because of the £22.5million release clause in his contract.
      And Gunners fans have urged the club to secure his services following his dramatic winner against Iceland to book Hungary’s place at next summer’s European Championships.

      But they face plenty of competition with Real Madrid among the interested parties – and it is little wonder with the left-sided midfielder already racking up five goals and nine assists in 13 games for Salzburg this season.
      Arsenal were dealt a blow when Hungarian national team boss Marco Rossi suggested Szoboszlai may head from Austria to Germany.
      He said: “My feeling is that he is more likely to end up in Germany.
      “He is ready to make the leap, going to the Bundesliga the pace is less.
      “The Austrian football of Salzburg is similar to that of the Bundesliga.”
      ⚠️ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

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      Man Utd transfer target Dayot Upamecano tipped to succeed at Bayern Munich by former RB Leipzig coach Rangnick

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      DAYOT UPAMECANO has been tipped to succeed at Bayern Munich by his former RB Leipzig coach.
      The French defender, 22, remains one of the most sought-after defenders in European football after his stellar rise with Leipzig.

      Dayot Upamecano has been backed to shine for Bayern Munich in the futureCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But despite interest from Manchester United, Real Madrid, Arsenal and injury-ravaged Liverpool – who look set to try and land a centre-back in January – Ralf Rangnick expects his ex-player to head to the Bundesliga champions.
      David Alaba and Jerome Boateng are out of contract at the end of the season and therefore Upamecano could be the suitable replacement – despite signing a new contract at RB this summer.
      Asked whether he would excel at the Allianz Arena, Rangnick told Sport1: “Why not? Bayern know this player well, you can assume that.
      “Physically, Bayern saw that in direct duels no one will run away from him.

      “He might still have one or two risky balls too many in a game, but he will certainly learn in the next few years.
      “I got to know Upa and his family over many years. They not only make decisions that sound good to them in terms of his image, but they also make decisions based on the feeling of what is best for the player himself.”
      And it is not just a former RB Leipzig boss expecting Upamecano to go the very top – but the current one too.
      Julian Nagelsmann backed his man after a high-profile error in the Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

      The percentage of answers have been round up or down from their decimal points

      He said: “Upamecano is on his way to world class but he has to stop these things, obviously. He knows it himself, he is very critical of himself.
      “It’s a learning curve, he only has good intentions and wants to create attacks for us. He simply needs to recognise the right moment to switch from defence to attack.
      “Recognising this situation is a learning curve which he will succeed in, simply because he is that talented.”
      Rangnick also lauded Upamecano’s fellow young French defender Ibrahima Konate as well as promising Bayern Munich 18-year-old Tanguy Nianzou, who they signed from PSG in the summer.
      Leipzig man Konate has recently been linked with Arsenal among other English clubs.

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      Manchester United were thought to be keen but may miss out to the Bundesliga championsCredit: EPA

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