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      Franz Beckenbauer death updates: Tributes pour in for World Cup winner and Bayern Munich legend

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      THE world is mourning the sad death of World Cup winner and Bayern Munich legend Franz Beckenbauer.Beckenbauer was twice named European Footballer of the Year and appeared 103 times for West Germany.
      The Bayern Munich legend has also lifted a European Cup Winners’ Cup and his death has sent shock waves around the sporting world.
      Stay up to date with all the tributes…
      ‘Absolute great’ – Gary Lineker
      Gary Lineker has paid tribute to the legend’s ‘grace and charm’.
      Very sorry to hear that Franz Beckenbauer has died. One of the absolute greats of our game. Der Kaiser was the most beautiful of footballers who won it all with grace and charm. RIP.— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) January 8, 2024
      A superstar – on and off the field
      Beckenbauer won the Ballon d’Or in 1972 and 1976, and retired from playing in 1984 following a spell with the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League.
      Despite no coaching experience, he was appointed West Germany manager that year and led his country to the final of the 1986 World Cup and then to the trophy itself at Italia 90.
      There followed a brief spell in charge of Marseille in France before Beckenbauer returned to Bayern, leading the club to the Bundesliga title in 1994 and the Uefa Cup two years later. Beckenbauer also had spells as president at Bayern and vice-president of the German Football Association.
      From one legend to another
      Sir Kenny Dalglish has paid tribute to Franz Beckenbauer on X, calling him a ‘true legend’ of the game.
      It fills me with deep sadness to hear about the passing of Franz Beckenbauer, a true icon of the game. It was a privilege to share one of my proudest moments with him when he presented my 100th cap for Scotland. My thoughts are with him and his family at this time. RIP Der Kaiser pic.twitter.com/32p8T2rEkI— Sir Kenny Dalglish (@kennethdalglish) January 8, 2024
      How Franz Beckenbauer became synonymous with adidas in the 80s
      Franz Beckenbauer became synonymous with adidas in the 80s after endorsing the brand.
      Although adidas still enjoys huge celebrity football endorsements in the modern game such as the likes of Paul Pogba, Toni Kroos and Lionel Messi, it was really Beckenbauer that brought the three stripes and football connection into fruition.
      Franz Beckenbauer: a football poet, gracefully weaving his artistry into the romantic fabric of the beautiful game.𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗲, 𝗥𝘂𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗻, 𝗗𝗲𝗿 𝗞𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿. pic.twitter.com/LE02O4hVpy— adidas Football (@adidasfootball) January 8, 2024
      ‘Outstanding personality’
      Lothar Matthäus, who was Beckenbauer’s captain in 1990 and a close friend, told German newspaper Bild: “The shock is deep, even though I knew that Franz wasn’t feeling well. His death is a loss for football and for Germany as a whole.
      “He was one of the greatest as a player and coach, but also off the field. Franz was an outstanding personality – not only in football – and he enjoyed worldwide recognition.
      “Everyone who knew him knows what a great and generous person Franz was. A good friend has left us. I will miss him – we will all miss him.”
      Piers Morgan pays tribute to football legend
      RIP Frank Beckenbauer, 78. German football legend who was one of only three men to win the World Cup both as player and coach. Sublime defender, great manager, magnificent ambassador for the game. pic.twitter.com/OqP9v6CA3d— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) January 8, 2024
      Everything you need to know (3)
      In addition to his sensational club career, Der Kaiser starred for his country, playing 103 times for West Germany and scoring 14 goals.
      He became West Germany captain in 1972, and subsequently skippered them to Euros glory that year before lifting the World Cup two years later.
      Beckenbauer also enjoyed great success as a manager, guiding his country to further World Cup glory at Italia 1990, Marseille to Ligue 1 success in 1991 and Bayern to Bundesliga and Uefa Cup trophies between 1993 and 1996.
      Everything you need to know (2)
      Having stacked up four Bundesliga titles, four German Cups, three European Cups and a Cup Winners’ Cup, the man dubbed “Der Kaiser” left Bayern after 18 years to move Stateside with New York Cosmos.
      Beckenbauer starred alongside the likes of Pele and Carlos Alberto in the Big Apple, winning the North American Soccer League three times before returning to Germany in 1980, subsequently adding yet another Bundesliga title with Hamburg.
      Franz Beckenbauer’s glittering career – everything you need to know (1)
      Franz Beckenbauer began his legendary career with hometown club Bayern Munich after catching their eye aged just 14.
      The defender went on to debut with Bayern at 18 in 1964.
      He went on to play over 500 times for the Bundesliga giants, winning everything there was to win in the game.
      How Franz Beckenbauer became synonymous with adidas in the 80s
      Franz Beckenbauer became synonymous with adidas in the 80s after endorsing the brand.
      Although adidas still enjoys huge celebrity football endorsements in the modern game such as the likes of Paul Pogba, Toni Kroos and Lionel Messi, it was really Beckenbauer that brought the three stripes and football connection into fruition.
      Franz Beckenbauer: a football poet, gracefully weaving his artistry into the romantic fabric of the beautiful game.𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗲, 𝗥𝘂𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗻, 𝗗𝗲𝗿 𝗞𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿. pic.twitter.com/LE02O4hVpy— adidas Football (@adidasfootball) January 8, 2024

      From one legend to another
      Sir Kenny Dalglish has paid tribute to Franz Beckenbauer on X, calling him a ‘true legend’ of the game.
      It fills me with deep sadness to hear about the passing of Franz Beckenbauer, a true icon of the game. It was a privilege to share one of my proudest moments with him when he presented my 100th cap for Scotland. My thoughts are with him and his family at this time. RIP Der Kaiser pic.twitter.com/32p8T2rEkI— Sir Kenny Dalglish (@kennethdalglish) January 8, 2024

      What made Franz Beckenbauer so special?
      Beckenbauer is an icon of German football having won 104 caps for West Germany, captaining them to glory at the 1974 World Cup before repeating the feat, as manager, in Italy 16 years later.
      He also won numerous other honours, including a hat-trick of European Cups with Bayern Munich in the mid-70s, when he also established his reputation as a defender of supreme talents.
      ‘Outstanding personality’
      Lothar Matthäus, who was Beckenbauer’s captain in 1990 and a close friend, told German newspaper Bild: “The shock is deep, even though I knew that Franz wasn’t feeling well. His death is a loss for football and for Germany as a whole.
      “He was one of the greatest as a player and coach, but also off the field. Franz was an outstanding personality – not only in football – and he enjoyed worldwide recognition.
      “Everyone who knew him knows what a great and generous person Franz was. A good friend has left us. I will miss him – we will all miss him.”
      Summary – Franz Beckenbauer has passed away at 78
      Football legend Franz Beckenbauer has sadly passed away at the age of 78, his family have confirmed
      The Bayern Munich icon is the only man to have both captained and managed World Cup-winning teams.
      Beckenbauer is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
      He won the highest individual honour in football twice, winning the Ballon d’Or in 1972 and 1976.
      Beckenbauer featured at the 1966 World Cup for West Germany against England.

      Everything you need to know (3)
      In addition to his sensational club career, Der Kaiser starred for his country, playing 103 times for West Germany and scoring 14 goals.
      He became West Germany captain in 1972, and subsequently skippered them to Euros glory that year before lifting the World Cup two years later.
      Beckenbauer also enjoyed great success as a manager, guiding his country to further World Cup glory at Italia 1990, Marseille to Ligue 1 success in 1991 and Bayern to Bundesliga and Uefa Cup trophies between 1993 and 1996.
      Everything you need to know (2)
      Having stacked up four Bundesliga titles, four German Cups, three European Cups and a Cup Winners’ Cup, the man dubbed “Der Kaiser” left Bayern after 18 years to move Stateside with New York Cosmos.
      Beckenbauer starred alongside the likes of Pele and Carlos Alberto in the Big Apple, winning the North American Soccer League three times before returning to Germany in 1980, subsequently adding yet another Bundesliga title with Hamburg.
      Franz Beckenbauer’s glittering career – everything you need to know (1)
      Franz Beckenbauer began his legendary career with hometown club Bayern Munich after catching their eye aged just 14.
      The defender went on to debut with Bayern at 18 in 1964.
      He went on to play over 500 times for the Bundesliga giants, winning everything there was to win in the game.
      Beckenbauer – the early years
      Born in Giesling, a working-class district of Munich, in September 1945, Beckenbauer grew up as a fan of 1860 Munich but joined the youth setup at the then unfashionable Bayern instead.
      He was originally a centre-forward and made his debut for the club in 1964, when they were in West Germany’s second tier, as a left winger. 
      Accusations against Beckenbauer
      Beckenbauer’s post-playing life was marred by accusations of wrongdoing, with the then 71-year-old questioned by Swiss prosecutors in March 2017 over suspected corruption linked to the 2006 World Cup, which was held in Germany.
      Beckenbauer headed the initial bid in 2000 and was part of the competition’s organising committee.

      A superstar – on and off the field
      Beckenbauer won the Ballon d’Or in 1972 and 1976, and retired from playing in 1984 following a spell with the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League.
      Despite no coaching experience, he was appointed West Germany manager that year and led his country to the final of the 1986 World Cup and then to the trophy itself at Italia 90.
      There followed a brief spell in charge of Marseille in France before Beckenbauer returned to Bayern, leading the club to the Bundesliga title in 1994 and the Uefa Cup two years later. Beckenbauer also had spells as president at Bayern and vice-president of the German Football Association.
      ‘Outstanding personality’
      Lothar Matthäus, who was Beckenbauer’s captain in 1990 and a close friend, told German newspaper Bild: “The shock is deep, even though I knew that Franz wasn’t feeling well. His death is a loss for football and for Germany as a whole.
      “He was one of the greatest as a player and coach, but also off the field. Franz was an outstanding personality – not only in football – and he enjoyed worldwide recognition.
      “Everyone who knew him knows what a great and generous person Franz was. A good friend has left us. I will miss him – we will all miss him.”
      What made Franz Beckenbauer so special?
      Beckenbauer is an icon of German football having won 104 caps for West Germany, captaining them to glory at the 1974 World Cup before repeating the feat, as manager, in Italy 16 years later.
      He also won numerous other honours, including a hat-trick of European Cups with Bayern Munich in the mid-70s, when he also established his reputation as a defender of supreme talents.
      ‘Absolute great’ – Gary Lineker
      Gary Lineker has paid tribute to the legend’s ‘grace and charm’.
      Very sorry to hear that Franz Beckenbauer has died. One of the absolute greats of our game. Der Kaiser was the most beautiful of footballers who won it all with grace and charm. RIP.— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) January 8, 2024

      How Franz Beckenbauer became synonymous with adidas in the 80s
      Franz Beckenbauer became synonymous with adidas in the 80s after endorsing the brand.
      Although adidas still enjoys huge celebrity football endorsements in the modern game such as the likes of Paul Pogba, Toni Kroos and Lionel Messi, it was really Beckenbauer that brought the three stripes and football connection into fruition.
      Piers Morgan pays tribute to football legend
      RIP Frank Beckenbauer, 78. German football legend who was one of only three men to win the World Cup both as player and coach. Sublime defender, great manager, magnificent ambassador for the game. pic.twitter.com/OqP9v6CA3d— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) January 8, 2024 More

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      in Soccer

      Franz Beckenbauer dead aged 78: German legend widely regarded as one of greatest footballers of all time passes away

      by

      FRANZ BECKENBAUER has passed away aged 78.The German is widely-regarded as one of the greatest players of all-time.
      Franz Beckenbauer has passed awayCredit: Getty
      Beckenbauer won the World Cup in 1974 with West GermanyCredit: Getty – Contributor
      He is widely regarded as one of the best players everCredit: AP:Associated Press
      He was manager of West Germany when they won the World Cup in 1990Credit: Getty
      Beckenbauer was integral in Germany winning the bid to host the 2006Credit: EPA
      The legend passed away surrounded by his familyCredit: Getty
      Beckenbauer with his wife Heidi, son Joel and daughter FrancescaCredit: Getty
      His family confirmed that he died in his sleep surrounded by loved-ones.
      Their emotional statement read: “It is with deep sadness that we announce that my husband and our father, Franz Beckenbauer, passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday, Sunday, surrounded by his family.
      “We ask that you be able to grieve in silence and refrain from asking any questions.”
      Tributes quickly flooded in, with one reading: “We’ll miss you Kaiser. Legend forever. Rest in peace.”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      While a second wrote: “The best defender of all-time. RIP.”
      A third commented: “I am absolutely speechless, rest in peace Kaiser.”
      And another added: “RIP legend. Commiserations to his family.”
      The Sun’s Piers Morgan tweeted: “RIP Franz Beckenbauer. Sublime defender, great manager, magnificent ambassador for the game.”
      Most read in Football
      Comedian and football lover David Baddiel added: “The great Beckenbauer gone now, so soon after Bobby Charlton. Bobby was given the job of keeping him quiet in the 1966 World Cup final. Maybe this is a very profound example of man to man marking.”
      Gary Lineker wrote: “Very sorry to hear that Franz Beckenbauer has died. One of the absolute greats of our game. Der Kaiser was the most beautiful of footballers who won it all with grace and charm. RIP.”
      Beckenbauer’s glittering careerBy Etienne Fermie
      Franz Beckenbauer began his legendary career with hometown club Bayern Munich after catching their eye aged just 14.
      The defender went on to debut with Bayern at 18 in 1964.
      He would play over 500 times for the Bundesliga giants, winning everything there was to win in the game.
      Having stacked up four Bundesliga titles, four German Cups, three European Cups and a Cup Winners’ Cup, the man dubbed “Der Kaiser” left Bayern after 18 years to move Stateside with New York Cosmos in 1977.
      Beckenbauer starred alongside the likes of Pele and Carlos Alberto in the Big Apple, winning the North American Soccer League three times before returning to Germany in 1980, subsequently adding yet another Bundesliga title with Hamburg.
      In addition to his sensational club career, Der Kaiser starred for his country, playing 103 times for West Germany and scoring 14 goals.
      He became West Germany captain in 1972, and subsequently skippered them to Euros glory before lifting the World Cup two years later.
      Beckenbauer also enjoyed great success as a manager, guiding his country to further World Cup glory at Italia 1990, Marseille to Ligue 1 success in 1991 and Bayern to Bundesliga and Uefa Cup trophies between 1993 and 1996.

      Beckenbauer played 103 games for the former West Germany, and played at three World Cups.
      In 1966 he and the late Sir Bobby Charlton were given the tasks of man-marking each other by their respective managers – as the standout players on either side.
      Beckenbauer later captained West Germany’s 1974 World Cup-winning team when they beat Holland.
      Incredibly he missed the 1978 World Cup, as West Germany decided not to pick players that had moved overseas.
      He repeated his 1974 feat as manager, when he led his country to World Cup glory in 1990.
      Beckenbauer – nicknamed Der Kaiser, or The Emperor – is one of only three men, along with Brazil’s Mario Zagallo and France’s Didier Deschamps, to have won the World Cup as a player and as a manager.
      As a player, he lifted the Bundesliga four times with Bayern Munich.
      His glittering career also saw him win the European Cup three times with the German club.
      On an individual level, he won two Ballon d’Or awards in 1972 and 1976 before he moved on to New York Cosmos and Hamburg.
      Fellow Bayern legend Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said of him: “He was so elegant he wasn’t really German. He just oozed class and quality.”
      As a manager, he coached West Germany and Bayern.
      He later became a club president and he played an integral role in Germany’s successful bid to host the 2006 World Cup.
      Off the field, Beckenbauer was married three times.
      The icon first married Brigitte Beckenbauer in 1966 and was with her until 1990.
      Then he wed Sybille in 1990 before splitting 14 years later.
      And Beckenbauer leaves behind current wife Heidi, who he married in 2006.
      The football hero had five children with his three wives – four boys and a girl.
      In 2019 it was revealed that he had gone blind in one eye.
      He was not well enough to fly out to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup, saying at the time: “I had a so-called infarction in one eye. Unfortunately I can’t see anything on the right.
      “I can handle that. And I have to be careful with my heart.
      “But I will not travel to Qatar. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for our team in front of the TV.
      Read more on The Sun
      “People probably think he never lives long. But I’ll try to stay with you for a while.”

      Franz Beckenbauer captained Germany against England in the 1974 World CupCredit: Getty
      He won 14 trophies with Bayern as a playerCredit: Getty
      He was tasked with marking the likes of Johan Cruyff and Bobby Charlton in his careerCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Beckenbauer, who was married three times, poses with wife Heidi and son JoelCredit: Getty More

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      Tottenham transfer blow as ‘Bayern Munich make last-ditch attempt to sign top target in centre-back hunt’

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      BAYERN MUNICH have joined Tottenham in the race to sign Genoa defender Radu Dragusin, according to reports.Dragusin, 21, has been heavily linked with a move to Spurs this month.
      Bayern Munich want to hijack Tottenham’s pursuit of Radu DragusinCredit: Getty
      The Lilywhites sent scouts to watch him in action earlier this season and they are now prepared to table a bid.
      However, according to German outlet Sport BILD, Bayern Munich are also interested.
      Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel is understood to be keen on the prospect of signing the centre-back.
      However, Tottenham are still leading the transfer race for Dragusin.
      Read More on Football
      The Romania international is reportedly valued at around £26million.
      Dragusin made his professional debut for Juventus in 2020 but struggled to establish himself as a regular first team player.
      He was subsequently loaned out three times to Sampdoria, Salernitana and Genoa.
      The defender completed a permanent move to Genoa last January and has since made 62 appearances.
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      Tottenham are also on the verge of signing Timo Werner on loan until the end of the season.
      The deal is expected to include an option to buy for around £14million. More

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      Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel gives brutal response as he’s quizzed over Eric Dier transfer from Spurs rumours

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      THOMAS TUCHEL gave a blunt response when asked about a potential Bayern Munich swoop for Eric Dier.The Bundesliga champions have been strongly linked with a move for the out of favour Tottenham defender.
      Thomas Tuchel answered a question about Tottenham star Eric DierCredit: Getty
      Dier has struggled for game time at Tottenham this seasonCredit: EPA
      Dier, 29, has agreed personal terms with Bayern over a January switch.
      Asked about the England international, former Chelsea boss Tuchel gave nothing away.
      Quizzed how Dier sounds, Tuchel joked: “English!”
      He then kept his cards close to his chest, adding: “Have you already asked the sporting director? There will be no comment from me.”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Fans online, rightly or wrongly, claimed that Tuchel’s comments suggested that he wasn’t that keen on signing Dier.
      One wrote: “So Bayern Munich signed Dier without the manager’s consent.”

      While a second commented: “Clearly not his signing.”
      Another added: “In other words, Eric Dier is the idea of the sporting director not Tuchel’s.”
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      Dier has been out of favour at Tottenham this season.
      He did not play a single minute under Ange Postecoglou’s until the 4-1 defeat to Chelsea on November 6.
      The experienced defender has made four appearances in total this term, with his contract set to expire in June.
      Spurs have had to do without Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero for long stretches this season.
      While Ben Davies pulled up with an apparent hamstring issue during Spurs’ 1-0 FA Cup win over Burnley on Friday night.
      After the match, Postecoglou was asked if his side can afford to lose Dier given Davies’ knock.
      The Aussie gave a considered pause before answering: “Yes.”
      Dier has played 364 times for Spurs since signing from Sporting Lisbon for £4million in 2014.
      He played regularly as the North Londoners contended for the Premier League title under Mauricio Pochettino, and featured in the 2019 Champions League final.
      The 49-cap star earned his place in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad for Qatar, but has struggled for form since.
      Read more on The Sun
      Tottenham are trying to sign Genoa centre-back Radu Dragusin, while Van de Ven has finally returned to fitness.
      Spurs have also bolstered their front line by agreeing a shock loan deal with RB Leipzig for former Chelsea forward Timo Werner.
      Timo Werner has agreed to join Tottenham on loanCredit: Getty More

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      Five clubs Jordan Henderson could transfer to in January as England star tells team-mates Saudi move was huge mistake

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      JORDAN HENDERSON wants to seal a January transfer after telling former team-mates his move to Saudi Arabia has been a mistake.The former Liverpool captain, 33, left Anfield to join Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq in the summer.
      Jordan Henderson could leave Al-Ettifaq after admitting the move was a mistakeCredit: Alamy
      He was all smiles when he signed for Steven Gerrard’s side in July 2023Credit: Reuters
      But it has not worked out as planned with Henderson yet to score and his side on a nightmare run of poor form.
      Now SunSport understands he has had enough and is ready to head back to Europe.
      Leaving before honouring two years of his £700,000-a-week contract would trigger a major tax bill worth around £3.5million.
      However, it could see the midfielder bolster his chances of featuring at Euro 2024.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      But where could Henderson go if he did make the shock early exit?
      RETURN TO LIVERPOOL
      Henderson spent 12 years at Anfield, racking up 492 appearances for the Reds.
      He inherited the captain’s armband from Gerrard and lifted the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Community Shield, Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup.
      Jurgen Klopp brought in Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch in a midfield overhaul – but some extra trophy-winning experience could be vital as Liverpool chase another league title this term.
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      The England international is the only Liverpool captain to lift the Premier League trophyCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      NEWCASTLE
      Newcastle have the local bragging rights after winning the Tyne-Wear FA Cup clash – and they could have even more if ex-Sunderland boy Henderson joins them.
      Newcastle are owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund and the connections to the Saudi Pro League would ease negotiations – especially after Premier League clubs voted to allow transfers between clubs with the same owners.
      Eddie Howe’s squad has been decimated by injuries and a holding midfielder is high on the wish list anyway, with Kalvin Phillips also a target.
      Henderson started out at boyhood club Sunderland, joining aged eightCredit: AP:Associated Press
      CHELSEA
      Chelsea have splashed the cash – more than £1billion to be precise – since Todd Boehly took over at Stamford Bridge in 2022.
      And yet despite the big-money arrivals of Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Lesley Ugochukwu, an experienced head in the middle of the park could be a sensible addition.
      Henderson would certainly provide that and linking up with a host of Three Lions stars could help catch Gareth Southgate’s eye.
      He could line up in midfield with Enzo Fernandez at ChelseaCredit: Getty
      CELTIC
      Henderson was at Liverpool throughout Brendan Rodgers’ tenure as Kop boss from 2012 to 2015.
      And the Northern Irishman may well be keen for a reunion to add a top-quality midfielder into his Celtic team.
      The lower overall quality of the league compared to the Premier League would also work in Henderson’s favour because he turns 34 at the end of the season.
      Brendan Rodgers managed the midfielder at AnfieldCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      MOVE TO GERMANY
      SunSport understands an unnamed German club are also monitoring Henderson’s situation with particular interest.
      Read more on The Sun
      With Bayer Leverkusen the surprise leaders and Bayern Munich, Stuttgart and RB Leipzig all chasing, the Bundesliga is wide open going into the second half of the season.
      Henderson proved he is willing to move abroad when he went to Saudi and the chance to test himself in another of Europe’s top five leagues could be appealing.
      Could Henderson line up with Harry Kane at Bayern Munich?Credit: Alamy More

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      Ex-Arsenal star wins prestigious Bundesliga award amid stunning season as Gunners fans say ‘why did we let him go?’

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      GRANIT XHAKA has won a prestigious Bundesliga award as he continues his fine form for Bayer Leverkusen.The Swiss midfielder joined the German side in the summer for £21.5million.
      Granit Xhaka has been named the Bundesliga’s best defensive/central midfielder so far this seasonCredit: Getty
      However, his performances this term have left Arsenal fans wondering why the club let him go.
      Xhaka won two FA Cups and served as club captain during seven years with the Gunners.
      He is now a key part of Xabi Alonso’s side, which currently sit top of the Bundesliga and remain unbeaten this season.
      The 31-year-old has also been named the Bundesliga’s best defensive/central midfielder so far this season by Kicker.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      He was ranked first in their winter midfield rankings after being placed in the “international class” alongside team-mate Exequiel Palacios.
      Reacting to the news, one fan commented: “Still in shock Arsenal let him go.”
      Another added: “I miss him.”
      A third supporter also wrote: “Underrated part of Arsenal’s run last year.”
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      Meanwhile, one more joked: “Keeping Kane from winning a trophy. Arsenal through and through.”
      Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich are currently four points behind Leverkusen in second place.
      Alonso has guided his team to an unbeaten start in the league, cup and Europe, with Xhaka starting every Bundesliga match so far this term.
      Across all competitions, he has made 23 appearances to help power his side to the top of the table. More

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      Eric Dier agrees stunning deal to join Bayern Munich as Spurs outcast closes in on transfer reunion with Harry Kane

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      ERIC DIER has agreed a stunning switch to Bayern Munich, it’s been claimed.The England defender and midfielder has fallen further down the Tottenham pecking order since Ange Postecoglou’s appointment as manager.
      Eric Dier has fallen further down to the Tottenham pecking order since Ange Postecoglou’s appointment as managerCredit: Reuters
      The England defender and midfielder will be a free agent in the summerCredit: Rex
      Dier, 29, has reportedly agreed a deal to join Bayern MunichCredit: Getty
      Dier, 29, began assessing his options once it became clear he wasn’t part of the Aussie’s plans at the club.
      And the midfielder has agreed a deal in principle to join German giants Bayern, according to reports.
      The Times claim the England international has “reached an agreement in principle” with the Bavarians after initial talks.
      Dier is free to speak to the Bundesliga big boys as his contract with Spurs expires at the end of the season.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel has identified the versatile Dier as a target to bolster his defence, although the former Sporting Lisbon ace is one of four potential options.
      And it’s claimed Bayern believe they have the “green light” to press on with a move for the out-of-favour Spurs star.
      Despite Dier seemingly being surplus to requirements, it’s not known whether or not Spurs would be willing to part ways with him.
      Postecoglu, however, has previously hinted that his future lay away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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      A move to Bayern Munich will see Eric Dier reunited with Harry KaneCredit: EPA
      That came in the form of a refusal to confirm whether or not he was part of his plans last October.
      The former Celtic chief said: “I haven’t had any chats with Eric. He’s training and he’s making himself available.
      “With all these guys, if they feel the need to discuss their future I’m more than happy to do that.
      “But I’m not going to go out and seek it unless I see there’s an issue.”
      Should Spurs agree to sell Dier to Bayern, the move will see the ace reunited with former long-time club team-mate Harry Kane.
      Kane swapped North London for Munich last August in a move blockbuster move worth £82million.
      England skipper Kane has been nothing short of prolific since joining the German champions.
      The 30-year-old has scored a whopping 25 goals in 22 appearances for Tuchel’s troop, breaking the Bundesliga record for the fewest games to find of the back of the net 20 times in the process.
      THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY…
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      Bayern Munich ‘target shock Trevoh Chalobah transfer with Chelsea willing to sell to raise money and avoid FFP breach’

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      BAYERN MUNICH are eyeing a shock swoop for Trevoh Chalobah, it’s been claimed.The defender has been one of the shining lights in what has been a difficult few years for Chelsea.
      Trevoh Chalobah has impressed since returning to ChelseaCredit: RICHARD PELHAM
      Despite the Blues’ defensive woes, Chalobah has impressed since returning from a season-long loan with Lorient.
      And according to reports, his displays over the past season-and-half have caught the eye of German giants Bayern Munich.
      That’s according to The Daily Mail, who claim the Bundesliga big boys are seeking to sign the 24-year-old on an initial loan deal.
      It’s also said that Chelsea are willing to part ways with their academy product to help balance their books and not be in breach of Financial Fair Play regulations.
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      It’s understood the West Londoners are also looking to cash in on Chalobah’s fellow academy graduate Conor Gallagher to avoid an FFP infringement.
      Chalobah was on course to join Bayern on loan last September but pulled the plug on the deal by vowing to fight for his place in the Blues’ starting line-up.
      Manager Mauricio Pochettino said: “If an offer appears, it is because another part of the club accepted it to move or they were trying to find a solution or the player wanted to leave.
      ” You cannot only blame the club, if an offer appears for Jesus [Perez, my assistant], it is because Jesus was open to receiving the offer, no?
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      “Come on, we need to also be clever. Did you receive an offer, Jesus [laughs]?!
      “No, but it is always easy to blame the club and blame the club. In the same way, maybe the player was thinking in pre-season or before the season to move in one direction.
      “If after that didn’t happen, then I am fair with the player. I will give them a chance to perform and play here.
      “Maybe the player decides to stay after but that’s the business. That is not, ‘Oh, the club accepted the offer’ or ‘The player wanted to move’.
      “Come on, it is the business that we know very well.
      “The players that are here if they deserve will have the opportunities to play but they need to be better than the others in their position.”
      Chelsea will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, welcoming Preston North End to Stamford Bridge for their FA Cup third-round clash.
      Chelsea are contemplating selling Trevoh Chalobah to balance their booksCredit: The Times More