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    Chelsea ‘keen on Bundesliga superstar as long-term Thiago Silva replacement and defender has release clause in contract’

    CHELSEA are keen on Bundesliga superstar Jonathan Tah to be Thiago Silva’s long-term replacement.The Blues veteran’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season as Mauricio Pochettino’s side are on the hunt to find another centre-back.
    Chelsea are set to find a Thiago Silva replacement as his contract expires at the end of the termCredit: AFP
    The Blues have their eye on Bayern Leverkusen defender Jonathan TahCredit: Getty
    Silva, 39, is renowned as one of the best defenders in the Premier League.
    The Brazilian has made 137 appearances for Chelsea across four seasons after moving from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020.
    But with his contract at Stamford Bridge set to expire next summer, the centre-back’s future at the club is uncertain.
    The West London side will be short of defensive options if Silva departs, as Trevoh Chalobah’s Chelsea spell comes to an end too.
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    And BILD reporter Christian Falk has confirmed the Blues have their eye on Bayern Leverkusen defender Tah.
    He tweeted: “TRUE ✅ Chelsea is interested in centre-back Jonathan Tah (27) of Bayer Leverkusen.
    “Tah has a release clause in his contract (til 2025). He could be the successor of Thiago Silva (39). New Agent of Tah: Pini Zahavi.”
    And according to Transfermarkt the 6ft 5in centre-back is valued at £17million.
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    The 27-year-old has been a key player at the German side but his contract has a release clause in place until 2025.
    Since 2015, when he joined from Hamburg in the second division, Tah has been one of the most impressive defenders in the Bundesliga.
    He has made 321 appearances for Leverkusen who are in fine form to secure the league title to dethrone last year’s winners Bayern Munich.
    Leverkusen will be eager to tie him down with another deal but if they can’t agree terms over a new contract they risk losing their star defender. More

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    Bayern Munich ‘considering three transfer options’ to replace Manuel Neuer… despite legend signing new contract

    BAYERN MUNICH are reportedly scouting three potential long-term replacements for Manuel Neuer.Club legend Neuer, 37, signed a one-year contract extension with the Bundesliga giants earlier this week.
    Manuel Neuer signed a new contract this weekCredit: AP
    The goalkeeper was limited to just 16 appearances across all competitions last season due to a horrific leg injury sustained on a ski trip in December.
    He returned to competitive action in October and has since made seven appearances.
    Neuer fit straight back into the Bayern starting line-up to prove that he still has what it takes to compete at the top level.
    And he was handed a new deal as a result, with back-up keeper Sven Ulreich also extending.
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    Discussing Neuer’s new contract, manager Thomas Tuchel said: “As long as he feels as good and keeps it as he is. We’re not giving it any limits. Then he can stand in goal for as long as he wants.”
    But although the Germany international has committed his future to Bayern Munich, club officials have already started scouting his potential long-term replacement.
    AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan, Switzerland international Gregor Kobel and on-loan Alexander Nubel are being considered.
    Nubel is currently on loan at Stuttgart from Bayern and has impressed in recent performances.
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    But Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg claims Kobel is the ideal candidate to take over from Neuer.
    Plettenberg said: “We really believe that he [Kobel] could inherit Manuel Neuer’s position at some point.”
    Meanwhile, club icon Thomas Muller is expected to remain at the Allianz Arena beyond 2024.
    Gregor Kobel is a top targetCredit: Getty
    Mike Maignan is being considered as a long-term replacementCredit: Getty More

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    Thomas Muller told to leave Bayern Munich with Man Utd ‘seeking transfer for Germany legend’

    THOMAS MULLER has been advised to leave Bayern Munich.And that could pave the way for Manchester United to try and land the Germany legend.
    Thomas Muller could leave Bayern Munich after 23 yearsCredit: Getty
    Muller, 34, is struggling for game time at the Allianz Arena this season – especially following Harry Kane’s arrival.
    The likes of Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sane, Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry and even Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting have also limited his involvement under Thomas Tuchel.
    It means vice-captain Muller has two goals and five assists from 15 appearances this term.
    But those 15 games total just 575 minutes of football and only include six starts.
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    Now Lothar Matthaus has encouraged the 126-cap international to move on after 23 years with Bayern for a new venture elsewhere after nearly 700 first-team appearances.
    World Cup-winning captain Mathaus – who left Bayern for New York MetroStars in 2000 – urged Muller to make a similar move.
    He wrote for Sky Sport in Germany: “At Bayern Munich he will no longer get the minutes he got two years ago. If he has the confidence to play from the start like he did two years ago, then he has to change clubs. You have to say that openly.
    “Muller’s situation looks like a gradual decline.
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    “As far as Muller’s future at Bayern is concerned, the question is what Thomas wants. Is he content with only being a part-time worker or even not playing at all?
    “Muller is rooted in Munich, but perhaps he can imagine a new life experience, for example in North America?”
    But according to Bild, Erik ten Hag will likely attempt to sign Muller in 2024.
    The Dutchman is a big fan of the experienced forward and reportedly reached out to him last winter over a possible transfer.
    Now he could be prepared to go back in for Muller to bolster his squad.
    Muller is said to be keen to see out his contract which expires at the end of the season – although Tuchel would be open to him signing an extension to stay put.
    Matthaus added: “If Thomas is satisfied that he will only be used now and then and the club communicates this clearly to the outside world, it is okay for all parties.”
    Erik ten Hag is keen to land the German legendCredit: Getty More

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    Harry Kane set for weekend off with Bayern Munich’s match postponed as snow also wreaks havoc on UK fixture list

    BAYERN MUNICH’S match with Union Berlin has been postponed due to heavy snow overnight. The German champions – who are two points adrift leaders Bayer Leverkusen – were due to host Berlin.
    Bayern Munich’s match with Union Berlin has been postponed due to heavy snow overnightCredit: Getty
    But heavy snow has forced the game to be called off.
    Bayern’s CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen said: “We very much regret that we have to postpone the match, but the safety of our fans and the supporters of Union Berlin has absolute priority.
    “In addition, access to the Allianz Arena is not guaranteed due to numerous roads closures and various public transport cancellations.
    “We will inform you about a possible new date as soon as possible.”
    Safety risks and the traffic situation were cited for the reason to cancel.
    Buses and trains were cancelled with roads and motorways closed.
    The underground line U6 – which runs from Frottmaning to the Allianz Arena – has been suspended. 
    Munich police even recommend that people do not leave their homes.
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    It is not just games in Germany which have been axed either with EFL and FA Cup games called off.
    Crewe and Bristol Rovers’ tie was just one high-profile match to have been postponement.
    The re-arranged cup tie will be played on Tuesday, December 12, at 7:45pm.
    A potential replay for the tie will be carried out on Tuesday, December 19. More

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    Fans unable to believe their eyes as ‘worst own goal of all time’ is scored in huge German derby clash

    FOOTBALL fans were left shocked after witnessing the “worst ever own goal” during a heated German derby.The unbelievable howler took place during a Bundesliga 2 derby match between Hamburg and St. Pauli at the latter’s Millerntor-Stadion.
    Hamburg scored perhaps the worst ever own goal against St. PauliCredit: Twitter @MunichFanpage
    Guilherme Ramos delivered a poor pass back to goalkeeper Heuer FernandesCredit: Twitter @MunichFanpage
    Fernandes tried to clear it but instead smashed it into his own netCredit: Twitter @MunichFanpage
    The visitors tried to play out from the back as goalkeeper Heuer Fernandes passed the ball to Stephan Ambrosius who then switched it to Guilherme Ramos.
    Ramos, though, delivered a poor pass back to goal which wrong-footed Hamburg’s keeper.
    In an attempt to prevent the ball from going out for a corner-kick, Fernandes tried to clear it but somehow lashed it into his own net even though he was only a yard out.
    Fans couldn’t believe what they witnessed as they stormed social media stating this might have been the worst own goal in history.
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    One fan tweeted: “Hamburg have just scored the worst ever own goal. I actually cannot fathom that.
    “Top of the table clashes have become a bit ridiculous to watch sometimes, attritional and defined by errors.”
    Another commented: “Hamburg have just conceded possibly the worst own goal of all time.”
    A third wrote: “The Hamburg keepers had a mare.”
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    This fan said: “This own goal scored by Hamburg in the derby for St. Pauli is an instant classic. One of the best OGs you’ll ever see.”
    That one stated: “Obviously we’re some way from the inevitable heat death of the universe but if this own goal from tonight’s Hamburg derby is ever surpassed I’ll be very surprised.”
    Finally, this fan posted: “Hamburg have pulled off an incredible own goal in the derby against St Pauli.”
    Fernandes’ blushes were saved as Hamburg came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 and maintain a three-point deficit between them and top-of-the-table St. Pauli. More

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    Harry Kane wraps up from head to toe with only eyes visible while Bayern team-mate wears shorts in freezing training

    HARRY KANE covered himself from head to toe as Bayern Munich trained in freezing conditions on Tuesday.The Bundesliga giants host Copenhagen on Wednesday evening having already qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League with four wins from four games.
    Harry Kane could barely be seen as he wrapped up in the ice cold conditionsCredit: Alamy
    Only Kane’s eyes were visible in Bayern Munich’s training sessionCredit: Alamy
    Hardman Joshua Kimmich was still wearing shortsCredit: EPA
    Bayern forward Leroy Sane joined Kane in wrapping up warmCredit: Alamy
    But they still put in the work 24 hours out from the match as they took to the training pitch for a session.
    The temperature in Munich fell as low as -3C degrees on Tuesday.
    And chilly England captain Kane, 30, wrapped up in multiple layers so that only his eyes were visible.
    Former Manchester City man Leroy Sane, 27, was another player barely recognisable as he covered up.
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    However, Germany international hardman Joshua Kimmich, 28, put his team-mates to shame.
    The midfielder trained in shorts and without a hat as he could be seen laughing at his fellow Bayern pals.
    Despite struggling with the difficult weather conditions, Kane has taken to life in Germany like a duck to water.
    The ex-Tottenham man has made a remarkable start to life in a Bayern shirt and is on course to break a major record in his first season at the club.
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    The attire of most of the Bayern players showed just how cold it wasCredit: AP
    Bayern forward Mathys Tel was another who shielded from the cold with thermalsCredit: Alamy
    Kane has scored a sensational 22 goals in 17 games in all competitions, including 18 in 12 Bundesliga matches.
    It means he is on course to break Robert Lewandowski’s single-season record of 41 goals in Germany’s top flight.
    But Bayern are still not top of the Bundesliga table despite winning 10 and drawing two of their opening 12 matches.
    That is because Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen have dropped just two points, giving them a two-point lead heading into December. More

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    Timo Werner ‘in line for stunning Premier League transfer return’ with RB Leipzig prepared to let Chelsea flop leave

    TIMO WERNER could sensationally return to the Premier League, according to reports.The striker spent two seasons with Chelsea after leaving RB Leipzig for £47.5million in 2020.
    Timo Werner is on Fulham’s radarCredit: Getty
    Werner won the Champions League with the Blues but scored just ten Premier League goals in 56 matches as he struggled to perform consistently.
    The flop rejoined RB Leipzig in 2022, but he could be allowed to leave the club again.
    Reports suggest that the German side are open to loaning him out in January to get his high wages off their bill.
    A move to the Prem is on the cards with Fulham supposedly potential suitors.
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    The Cottagers are in the market for a striker with the club struggling for goals this season after selling Aleksandar Mitrovic to Al-Hilal in the summer.
    There is initial interest in Werner but his wages could prove a problem for Fulham.
    West Ham and Real Madrid have also been linked with him.
    Meanwhile, the West Londoners could go for Wolfsburg’s Jonas Wind instead.
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    Fulham are expected to back Marco Silva in the transfer market after he penned a new long-term deal at the club.
    And funds could be boosted by the possible sale of Joao Palhinha, who was close to joining Bayern Munich before the start of the season.
    Fulham are battling Manchester United and Liverpool for the signing of Brazil international Andre to replace him. More

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    Harry Kane breaks yet more Bundesliga records as England captain surpasses football legend and Man Utd outcast

    HARRY KANE has broken two more Bundesliga records after scoring for Bayern Munich once again.The England captain’s 18th goal of the season put Bayern top of the Bundesliga with Friday’s 1-0 win at FC Koln.
    Harry Kane has broken yet more Bundesliga recordsCredit: Reuters
    Jadon Sancho scored 17 goals for Borussia Dortmund in the 2019/20 seasonCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Kevin Keegan also scored that magical 17 during his time at HamburgCredit: Rex
    His strike extends his lead as the league’s top scorer as Kane poked home after an effort was cleared off the line.
    It means the summer signing from Tottenham is the highest-scoring Englishman ever in the German top flight and the first player to ever reach 18 goals from the first 12 games of a Bundesliga season.
    Kane said afterwards: “It was a really good game for us today.
    “Some people look at the result and might have expected a little more. But it was a fantastic game from everyone. We could have scored three goals in the first half alone.
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    “The result was the most important thing. It never looked dangerous, which is a good sign.”
    His goal haul surpasses the 17 notched in a single season by Three Lions’ legend Kevin Keegan and England winger Jadon Sancho.
    Keegan spent three years in Germany with Hamburg, winning two Ballon d’Ors during that time.
    His 32 Bundesliga goals included 17 during the 1978/79 season as he fired his side to the title.
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    That record was equalled in 2019/20 as Sancho paired 17 assists with an equal number of goals across 32 league appearances for Dortmund.
    He joined Manchester United a year later, clearing the path for Kane to break the record this season.
    As well as 18 league goals, he has also found the net four times in as many Champions League matches.
    Kane previously set a new record for the quickest player to reach 15 Bundesliga goals in a season, but has since been surpassed, as well as outscoring last season’s golden boot winner.
    He is on course to break more records, with Robert Lewandowski’s 22 goals in the first half of the 2020/21 season now in his sights.
    Bayern have four more league matches remaining before the winter break.
    Kane now holds the record for most Bundesliga goals by an Englishman in a single seasonCredit: Reuters
    Keegan was idolised during his time at HamburgCredit: Getty
    Sancho has seen his Man Utd career really hit the buffers after falling out with boss Erik ten HagCredit: Getty More