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      Liverpool agree £25m Thiago Alcantara transfer after Bayern Munich demanded deal was completed before this weekend

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      LIVERPOOL have agreed a £25million deal to sign Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich.
      On Thursday, Bayern president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed the player’s desire to join the Premier League champions.

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      Thiago Alcantara has been a long-term target for the Anfield clubCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He told Bild: “I can confirm that FC Bayern has finally reached an agreement with Liverpool.
      “It was Thiago’s great wish to do something new at the end of his career.”
      The Athletic outline how talks accelerated during the week after the Bundesliga side set a tight deadline to complete the transfer.

      Speculation over the move has persisted for many months with Thiago having just a year left on his Bayern contract.
      And the Bavarians are said to have pushed for a breakthrough in talks before their season began.
      Bayern start the defence of their Bundesliga crown at home to Schalke on Friday night.
      The 29-year-old is set to cost Liverpool £25m once personal terms are finalised on a four-year contract.

      The Times report on the deal for Thiago, who will take the No6 shirt, being split into a £20m up-front payment with £5m in add-ons.

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      He will become their second major signing of the transfer window after the Reds spent £11.75m on Greek left-back Kostas Tsimikas.
      Manchester United were linked with a late bid for Thiago after deals for Jadon Sancho and Gareth Bale faded.
      But the Red Devils will have to look elsewhere as Jurgen Klopp’s side look set to add the Champions League winner to their midfield.
      Both clubs were criticised by a former Bayern Munich president for the manner they approached the deal – which was likened to “blackmail”.
      Uli Hoeness told Sport1 earlier in the week: “A while ago we agreed on a new four-year contract.
      “Some days later [Thiago] said, ‘I’m looking for a new challenge.’ Which is totally okay.
      “I think he obviously has an agreement with Liverpool or Manchester United or both of them. Now both clubs are bluffing, and no one has contacted Bayern Munich officially.
      “From my point of view, that has no style. They’re trying to blackmail us, by waiting until the last week, when they’re going to make a cheap offer.”

      Despite Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott pushing for more first-team action, playmaker Thiago was targeted amid rumours over Georginio Wijnaldum’s future.
      The Dutch midfielder, 29, has just a year left to run on his Liverpool contract and is linked with Barcelona.
      Reports earlier in the month suggested a £17.7m move was in the offing, with the player said to be keen on a fresh challenge.

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      Sky Sports host has no idea Jurgen Klopp can hear as he describes him dodging Thiago transfer question ‘wonderfully’ More

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      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ‘tells Jadon Sancho Man Utd deal is close’ with pair ‘in regular contact’ as negotiations continue

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      MANCHESTER UNITED boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reportedly spoken to Jadon Sancho to assure him that a deal is close to being agreed.
      Borussia Dortmund have been adamant they will not be selling the 20-year-old, on whom they have slapped a £108million asking price.

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      Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is known to be a huge admirer of England international SanchoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Personal terms are already said to have been agreed with Sancho, but as of yet, the Red Devils have been reluctant to fork out the huge sum of money.
      This has led to the club to fear missing out on him next year, with the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool known to be interested.
      But, according to Norwegian news outlet Dagbladet via the Metro, Solskjaer has been in constant contact with Sancho this summer.
      They state that the ex-Cardiff gaffer recently assured the England international that he will be a United player by the end of the window.

      United have until October 5 to secure his services, otherwise they run the risk of not signing him at all.
      Speaking to Keystone-SDA about the winger recently, Dortmund boss Lucien Favre spoke of his delight that the forward will be remaining in Germany.
      He said: “We need him, no question. Everyone was happy that he stayed.

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      “We don’t need to talk long about its qualities – they are enormous

      “He scores and sets up a lot of goals and can often make all the difference. 
      “But there are some details that Sancho needs to improve. That is quite normal for a 20-year-old.”

      Man Utd target Jadon Sancho embarrasses team-mate so badly in Dortmund training he is walked off pitch in pity More

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      With Bale close to shock Tottenham return, which comebacks were a success and which were flops?

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      THEY say never go back… but don’t tell Gareth Bale.
      The Real Madrid star is nearing a stunning loan deal to return to Tottenham after seven years away.

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      Gareth Bale will hope to recreate these halcyon days if he re-signs for TottenhamCredit: Reuters

      After a somewhat tepid time under Jose Mourinho, Spurs fans will be desperate for their former hero to bang in the goals like the good old days.
      Bale notched 56 goals and 58 assists in over 200 appearances before his £85million exit in 2013.
      But, with a dodgy injury record and a poor relationship with Zinedine Zidane leading to plenty of time spent on the sidelines, there will be plenty of doubters ahead of his return.
      Here, SunSport details four comeback kids Bale can look to for inspiration – and three he dare not emulate.

      THIERRY HENRY

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      Thierry Henry proved his legendary status in North London with his cameo return – as if he needed toCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Arguably no player has had as big an impact at one club during the Premier League era as Thierry Henry at Arsenal.
      Few could blame the Frenchman for trying his luck with Barcelona after eight years in North London – especially as he went on to win the treble.
      Eventually heading to North America, Henry found himself at a loose end in January 2012 and fancied a trip to see some old friends.

      A two-month loan deal was sorted and he reminded Gooners why he was so adored with a winning goal on his debut, against Leeds in the FA Cup.
      Henry played seven games during his second spell and left on a high, bagging a stoppage-time winner in his final appearance.
      MARIO GOTZE

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      Injuries and a mystery illness got in the way of Mario Gotze’s Borussia Dortmund comebackCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Mario Gotze, like most top German players, signed for Bayern Munich while at the peak of his powers.
      The manner of the 2013 switch irked Borussia Dortmund but the player, who was briefly Germany’s all-time record transfer, actually struggled in Bavaria.
      Three years later, he returned and admitted: “I can look at [the move] now through different eyes. I can easily understand that many fans could not understand my decision. I would not make that decision now.”
      Far from the fairytale return, Gotze managed just 16 games for Borussia the following season.
      Things barely improved and the World Cup winner was released this summer.
      DIDIER DROGBA

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      Didier Drogba popped back to Stamford Bridge for a fourth Premier League medal in 2014/15Credit: EPA
      Returning legends can make as big an impact off the pitch as on it, as Didier Drogba showed.
      The Ivorian was far from his prime when pitching up at Chelsea for a second spell in 2014.
      Time in China and Turkey had drained more than a yard of pace from the striker, aged 36 as he rejoined.
      Yet he embodied the Blues’ return to normalcy, coinciding with Mourinho’s second term as manager to bag a Premier League title.
      A talisman around the entirety of the club, Drogba even helped out with vital goals against Spurs, Manchester United and Leicester en route to his fourth league crown.
      KAKA

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      Brazilian playmaker Kaka’s decline was confirmed with a middling return to MilanCredit: AFP
      If any player’s return was set up like Bale’s, it is the story of Kaka.
      Departing AC Milan in 2009 as one of the world’s best players, the Brazilian became a classic Galactico signing for Real Madrid.
      Like Bale, he had his moments in Spain but ultimately struggled to shake off injuries and titles were often evasive.
      Upon departing Real, Kaka was compelled to relive his Milan glory days and signed a free transfer in 2013.
      Tearing his hamstring in his first game, he bounced back to score a reasonable seven goals at the San Siro as the Rossoneri drifted to a disappointing eighth-placed finish.
      DIRK KUYT

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      Dirk Kuyt scored a famous hat-trick as he waved goodbye to FeyenoordCredit: Rex Features
      Returning to your old team can often be a bit of an anticlimax… but not for Dirk Kuyt.
      The underrated Dutchman headed back to Feyenoord in 2015 on the hunt for one last heroic moment to cap his career.
      It finally arrived in his last game for the club, Kuyt bagging a final day hat-trick to seal Feyenoord’s first Eredivisie title in 18 years – which the captain lifted himself.
      In fact, he isn’t the only Premier League favourite with a fantastic Feyenoord return under their belts.
      Robin van Persie returned to Rotterdam for his final 18 months as a professional, scoring 25 times and lifting the KNVB Cup.
      JOE COLE

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      Joe Cole could not recover his best form after almost a decade away from West HamCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      West Ham fans must be yearning for the sort of talents that used to pass through the club, before they were sold on.
      Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole all left for success elsewhere – but one did come back.
      A home league debut equaliser against QPR provided hope of things to come but Cole was not the midfield maestro who had terrified defences for Chelsea in years gone by.
      In an 18-month stay at Upton Park, Cole failed to establish himself in the team.
      The Hammers beat relegation in 2013/14 after a strong second half of the campaign, although the ex-England ace rarely featured when they won.
      MARK HUGHES

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      Mark Hughes (left) was a vital component of Sir Alex Ferguson’s early success at Old TraffordCredit: Getty – Contributor
      British players heading abroad tend to produce mixed results, as Mark Hughes can attest.
      Sparky’s trip to Spain was far less fruitful than Bale’s would prove to be, spending just a season with Barcelona before being loaned to Bayern Munich.

      New Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson wanted the striker back in England and handed over £1.8m to sign him, £200,000 less than Barcelona had paid the Red Devils two years previous.
      Hughes quickly became a staple as Fergie began to build his first imperious side.
      Two Premier League titles and two FA Cups were among his achievements in a seven-year second spell, as well as a pair of PFA Player of the Year gongs.

      Simon Jordan says that Gareth Bale will not solve the problems at Tottenham More

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      Man Utd transfer blow in Jadon Sancho pursuit as Borussia Dortmund boss Favre insists ‘we need him, no question’

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND boss Lucien Favre has revealed Jadon Sancho will be staying at the club to deal Manchester United a major blow in their quest to sign him.
      The 20-year-old has been heavily linked with a switch to the Red Devils, but the Premier League side are refusing to pay his £108million asking price.

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      Borussia Dortmund have been adamant that they will not be selling Jadon SanchoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Manchester United are desperate to prise Sancho away from Germany this summerCredit: Handout – Getty

      It is understood that the England international is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s No1 summer target, but BVB are confident they will be keeping hold of the winger.
      According to the BBC, the Bundesliga outfit do not believe the winger will be leaving this window, despite personal terms said to have been agreed with United.
      And Favre has now stated that Sancho is going nowhere as he spoke of his joy that he will be remaining a part of his squad.
      He told Keystone-SDA via the Daily Mail: “We need him, no question. Everyone was happy that he stayed.

      “We don’t need to talk long about its qualities – they are enormous
      “He scores and sets up a lot of goals and can often make all the difference. 
      “But there are some details that Sancho needs to improve. That is quite normal for a 20-year-old.”
      United have been linked with a host of other wingers should they fail to prise Sancho away from Germany.

      A move for Real Madrid outcast Gareth Bale could be seen as an attractive option with Los Blancos claimed to be open to selling him for £18.5m.
      And Juventus forward Douglas Costa has also been put up for sale, with the 29-year-old free to leave the Old Lady.
      Long-term target Ivan Perisic continues to be linked with United, with Inter Milan keen to offload him as he enters the final year of his contract.

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      David Alaba’s agent ‘demands £18.5m from Bayern Munich for star to extend contract’ as he is branded ‘greedy piranha’

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      DAVID Alaba’s agent has been branded a ‘piranha’ after reportedly demanding £18.5million from Bayern Munich to get the defender to extend his contract.
      Super-agent Pini Zahavi is claimed to be holding out on negotiations until he can pocket a big payday for himself – all while Alaba’s contract ticks down in its final year.

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      David Alaba has reportedly found himself in the middle of a tug of war between his club Bayern Munich and his agent

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      Pini Zahavi is a close friend of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich

      Zahavi’s alleged actions have not gone down well at the club, with former president Uli Hoeness blasting him as a “greedy piranha”.
      Reports from Bild say that one of the main sticking points in Alaba’s extension is the agent fee.
      Zahavi is reportedly demanding a whopping 20 million euros, or £18.5 million, to get Alaba’s signature on the dotted line.
      Bayern Munich have continued to hold out but with the Austrian’s contract running down, they face a race against time to stop him walking out for free next summer.

      The German giants will also be concerned with reports suggesting Manchester City are following the situation closely.
      The stand-off left ex-Beryn chief Hoeness fuming and he did not hold back during a TV appearance when the 77-year-old agent’s name cropped up.
      Hoeness, who stepped down as club president in November, told Sport1: “He [Alaba] has a greedy piranha for an agent.
      “His father, whom I like a lot, he’s letting himself be influenced by him very much.

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      Uli Hoeness had a few choice words for Pini Zahavi who he branded a ‘greedy piranha’
      “It’s purely about money.
      “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. I can understand that Hasan [Salihamidzic] totally flipped out at a meeting. The arguments that are exchanged there defy belief.”
      The revealing comments exposed the Israeli agent’s strained relationship with the club, where he also represents their star striker Robert Lewandowski, 32.
      Hoeness was far more complimentary about Alaba who he called a “super guy.”

      He added: “Hansi Flick absolutely wants to keep him. Everyone wants him to stay. He’s a very good player.
      “I hope that David and his father realise that a four or five-year contract at FC Bayern is the best for them and that they adapt to our wage structure. Then everyone would be happy.
      “The last millions this is about will not make him happier – but would mess up our wage structure. That’s why the club has to be very firm in this matter.”

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      Chelsea took advantage and ‘made good use’ of Covid-19 pandemic to secure Kai Havertz transfer, claims Leverkusen chief

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      CHELSEA made good use of the coronavirus pandemic, according to Bayer Leverkusen chief Rudi Voller.
      The Blues snapped up Kai Havertz, 21, from the Germans in an £70million deal.

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      Chelsea used the coronavirus period to their benefit in the transfer market signing Kai Havertz

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      That is according to Bayer Leverkusen chief Rudi Voller

      That came after they had also splashed the cash on Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Hakim Ziyech.
      While Thiago Silva was brought in on a free.
      The transfer spree has come at a time when the rest of football is desperately trying to stave off the financial implications of the Covid-19 pandemic.
      And German legend Voller thinks the Blues have been shrewd in their business.

      He told Bild: “Chelsea simply made good use of the coronavirus period.
      “Next year it would have been much harder for Chelsea to get Kai.
      “Other interested teams preferred to hold back because of the high transfer fee in this special and uncertain time.
      “We also have significant revenue losses in times of the coronavirus.

      “And we will, of course, take that into account and certainly not completely reinvest the transfer fee we got for Kai.

      “Although we still have to do something to maintain the level or to improve.”
      It recently emerged Havertz reportedly allowed Leverkusen to KEEP his £9million transfer bonus to ensure he got his move to Chelsea.
      Sport Bild detail how Havertz’s interest in joining Chelsea was based around his love of manager Frank Lampard.
      The German is said to have been in contact with the former England star for a number of months.
      And the transfer came to a head in late August when Chelsea transfer fixer Marina Granovskaia sat down with Leverkusen bosses in the south of France.

      The Bundesliga side were adamant they would only sell their prize asset for £90m.
      But the Blues managed to cut a whopping £20m off that asking price, with reports in Germany insisting they are due to make bonus payments on top.
      Havertz is certainly getting a fair deal with his weekly wage purported to be £310,000-a-week, on a five-year contract.

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      David Alaba’s agent is a ‘greedy piranha’, raps ex-Bayern Munich supremo Uli Hoeness in sensational rant

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      DAVID ALABA’S agent Pini Zahavi is a “greedy piranha”, according to ex-Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness.
      The Bundesliga champions have been trying to extend the Austrian’s contract for months, with his current deal having just run into its final year.

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      Hoeness hit out at Alaba’s agent Pini ZahaviCredit: AFP or licensors

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      Uli Hoeness pulled no punches on his TV appearanceCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But they appear to be struggling to find a breakthrough – and former chief Hoeness, 68, believes he knows why.
      The German, who stepped down as club president last November, told Sport1: “He [Alaba] has a greedy piranha for an agent.
      “His father, whom I like a lot, he’s letting himself be influenced by him very much.”

      Israeli super-agent Zahavi, 77, also represents Robert Lewandowski – and appears to have had a strained relationship with Bayern’s hierarchy down the years.
      And Hoeness was scathing of his methods of negotiation.
      He continued: “It’s purely about money.
      “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. I can understand that Hasan [Salihamidzic] totally flipped out at a meeting. The arguments that are exchanged there defy belief.”

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      Zahavi also represents Robert LewandowskiCredit: EPA

      On Alaba himself, however, Hoeness couldn’t have been more complimentary.
      He said: “He’s a super guy.
      “Hansi Flick absolutely wants to keep him. Everyone wants him to stay. He’s a very good player.
      “I hope that David and his father realize that a four or five-year contract at FC Bayern is the best for them and that they adapt to our wage structure. Then everyone would be happy.
      “The last millions this is about will not make him happier – but would mess up our wage structure. That’s why the club has to be very firm in this matter.”

      From my point of view, that has no style. They’re trying to blackmail us
      Uli Hoeness on Manchester United and Liverpool

      Another Bayern star to only have a year remaining on his contract is Thiago Alcantara, and Hoeness, characteristically, pulled no punches when speaking about his potential suitors, Manchester United and Liverpool.
      He said: “A while ago we agreed on a new four-year contract. Some days later he said: ‘I’m looking for a new challenge.’ Which is totally okay.
      “I think he obviously has an agreement with Liverpool or Manchester United or both of them. Now both clubs are bluffing, and no one has contacted Bayern Munich officially.
      “From my point of view, that has no style. They’re trying to blackmail us, by waiting until the last week, when they’re going to make a cheap offer.
      “In that case FC Bayern have to ask themselves the question: do they want to go along with that or do they tell the player that he has to stay.
      “It’s going to be a hot three weeks until [the transfer window closes on] October 5.”

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      Thiago has been linked with Manchester United and LiverpoolCredit: AFP or licensors

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