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      Man Utd ‘had lined up Josip Juranovic for January transfer’ before Aaron Wan-Bissaka forced way back into team

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      THE fate of Manchester United’s right-back spot could have been in very different hands, with United reportedly agreeing a deal to sign Josip Juranovic. The Union Berlin star left Celtic during the January transfer window after an impressive opening half to the campaign.
      Josip Juranovic had been lined up for a Man Utd transferCredit: Getty
      But Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s strong form saw him keep his United career aliveCredit: Alamy
      Consequently, the Croatia international was on the radar of a number of big clubs.
      Man Utd’s urgent need for a right-back at the time, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka expected to leave in January, put them down this path.
      Fabrizio Romano has reported the Red Devils had a “right-back in their hands” in the form of Juranovic, with the 28-year-old “top of the list for back-up right-back”.
      However, Wan-Bissaka’s strong post-World Cup form in the absence of Diogo Dalot saw United hold fire on the deal.
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      Erik ten Hag ultimately kept faith with the Englishman to serve as Dalot’s understudy for the rest of the season.
      Barring one glaring mishap against Arsenal – which also partly lies at David De Gea’s feet – the 25-year-old has proven he has a future at Old Trafford.
      Juranovic eventually sealed a £10million transfer to the Bundesliga on January 22.
      He then made an instant impact for his new club, registering two assists in as many games – in a similar vein to Joao Cancelo, who surprisingly moved to Bayern Munich on loan.
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      Man Utd did end up signing one star late on however, in the form of Bayern’s Marcel Sabitzer.
      The Austrian midfielder was brought in on loan as a direct replacement for Christian Eriksen, who was revealed to have sustained an injury until late April or early May.
      Despite this, United confirmed a spot at Wembley as they beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 [5-0 agg], with the added boost of Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial returning, in the Carabao Cup.
      Next up, a Saturday kick-off against Crystal Palace beckons. More

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      Marcel Sabitzer has already had nightmare Old Trafford debut ahead of playing first game for Man Utd

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S new signing Marcel Sabitzer has already had a taste of the Theatre of Dreams – but it was more of a nightmare.Austrian midfielder Sabitzer, 28, has joined the Red Devils on loan from Bayern Munich until the end of the season.
      Man Utd new boy Marcel Sabitzer suffered a nightmare Old Trafford debutCredit: Getty
      The Austrian faced the Devils in the Champions League back in 2020Credit: Getty
      Sabitzer joined Bayern in the summer of 2021 from RB Leipzig, but has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot.
      He has made just seven league starts this season, the last of which came against Borussia Dortmund in October.

      However, Christian Eriksen’s injury means Sabitzer could slot straight into the United team – although he will not be eligible to make his bow against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup tonight.
      That means that his debut could come against Crystal Palace this Saturday.
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      However, Sabitzer will be desperately hoping his next outing at Old Trafford will be better than his last.
      The star was part of RB Leipzig’s side that suffered a 5-0 defeat to United in the Champions League group stage back in 2020.
      Despite only coming off the bench that night, he still ended up with his name going into the referee’s notepad.
      And he also got booked during his one other appearance against his new employers, although that was a much more enjoyable evening for him.
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      In the return group game, Leipzig not only won 3-2, Sabitzer even provided an assist for his team’s early opener.
      Speaking upon joining United, Sabitzer said: “Sometimes in life you have to make quick and important decisions.
      “From the moment I heard about this opportunity I knew it was right for me. I am a competitive player; I want to win and help the club achieve its aims this season. 
      “I feel that I am at my peak as a player, and that I can contribute a lot of experience and energy to the squad.
      “I’m excited to start with my new teammates and manager and to show my qualities to Manchester United fans.”  More

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      Watch ex-Arsenal star Mavropanos score longest own goal in Bundesliga history in huge blunder

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      EX-ARSENAL flop Konstantinos Mavropanos has written his name into German football history… by scoring an own goal from FIFTY YARDS.The Greek centre-back spent four years on the Gunners’ books following a £2million move from PAS Giannina in 2018.
      Konstintinos Mavropanos tried to play a long pass back to his keeperCredit: @DFBPokal_EN
      But the defender misjudged where his keeper was and ended up scoring a remarkable own goalCredit: @DFBPokal_EN
      Mavropanos’ Stuttgart side did end up winning 2-1 to spare his blushesCredit: Getty
      However he made just eight senior appearances, and had two seasons on loan to Stuttgart before a permanent move to the German club last year.
      Mavropanos, 25, played in the Bundesliga side’s German Cup visit to Paderborn on Tuesday night.
      The Athens-born defender took just three minutes to make himself a laughing stock.
      Receiving the ball from a throw-in near halfway, he hit a backpass without looking that flew past Stuttgart keeper Florian Muller.
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      The German FA later announced it was the longest-distance own goal in the nation’s history.
      Stuttgart saved their blushes against second-tier Paderborn late on with goals from Gil Dias and Serhou Guirassy.
      Sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth said: “Konstantinos will be telling his grandchildren about the own goal.
      “It was a memorable start, and a real setback for us.
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      “It is a positive how the boys worked as a team to cancel out the mistake in the opening minutes.  We never lost our heads.”
      Stuttgart are struggling down in 15th in the Bundesliga table, sitting narrowly above the relegation zone.
      Last season, they only avoided the relegation play-offs by virtue of goal difference.
      Mavropanos played just eight times for ArsenalCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Barcelona look to raid Bayern Munich in stunning double transfer swoop after German giants’ shock move for Joao Cancelo

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      BARCELONA are lining up a double transfer raid on Bayern Munich, according to reports.The Spanish giants have identified two major stars as key targets.
      Joao Cancelo’s arrival to Bayern could prompt the exit for two starsCredit: Getty
      However, they will wait until the summer before launching their bids.
      According to Fabrizio Romano, there are no talks ongoing between the two European heavyweights on deadline day – six months on from their bitter row regarding Robert Lewandowski’s move.
      Instead, Barca plan to try and strike at the end of the season for duo Benjamin Pavard and Joshua Kimmich.
      It is reported that French defender Pavard is open to the switch to the Nou Camp.
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      Versatile ace Kimmich, meanwhile, has emerged as a top priority for the 2023-24 season.
      The former RB Leipzig player has shone throughout this seven-and-a-half years with Bayern, winning the Bundesliga in each season.
      Pavard, 26, arrived from Stuttgart in 2019 – a year after winning the World Cup – and the pair combined in the Champions League-winning campaign in 2020.
      However, the double deal could be scuppered by Barcelona’s torrid financial situation.
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      Directo Gol report it would be “economically impossible” to bring Kimmich in.
      The Germany star, 27, earns a reported £330,000 per week at the Allianz Stadium and is tied down until 2025.
      Pavard, though, will enter the final 12 months of his £84,000-a-week contract this summer and is therefore far more affordable.
      And Bayern may be more open to selling him after signing Joao Cancelo from Manchester City, initially on loan with an option to buy.
      BARCA MONEY MESS
      Barcelona have already been told they must reduce their annual spending on wages next season by £158million to comply with financial regulations.
      The LaLiga leaders sold off various rights and deals last summer – including shares in a TV company and the stadium name – to help operate amid their £1billion debt.
      Barcelona signed Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen, Raphinha, Jules Kounde, Marcos Alonso, Hector Bellerin and Lewandowski last summer.
      The £42.5million deal for the Polish striker left the Bundesliga champions fuming – and could scupper Barca’s chances of signing Pavard or Kimmich.
      Bayern – who were already angry at Barca regarding the failed European Super League breakaway – could not believe the Spanish side were allowed to seal the transfer.
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      Boss Julian Nagelsmann raged: “Barcelona, the only club that has no money but then buys every player they want.
      “I do not know how [they do it]. It‘s kind of weird, kind of crazy.”
      Joshua Kimmich is a transfer target for BarcelonaCredit: AFP
      Benjamin Pavard could also be on his way to the Nou CampCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd in talks with Bayern Munich over Marcel Sabitzer transfer as Ten Hag moves quickly to replace injured Eriksen

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are in talks with Bayern Munich over Marcel Sabitzer.Injury to Christian Eriksen has left Erik ten Hag looking for alternatives right at the end of the transfer window.
      Sabitzer has been with Bayern since 2021
      Sabitzer played for RB Leipzig before moving to BayernCredit: Getty
      Sabitzer has been at the German giants for two years but is now facing Premier League interest.
      Talksport report that United have made a move to land the midfielder.
      But Sky Sports Germany report that Chelsea are also interested and have enquired about the star.
      Sabitzer, 28, has made 15 appearances in the league this season but is not always a starter for the Bavarian club.
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      He moved to Bayern in 2021 after a seven-year stint at RB Leipzig.
      His opening season at the club saw him win the Bundesliga title and make 25 appearances.
      The late interest from Man United comes after the club looked set for a calm deadline day.
      Injury to Eriksen in Saturday’s FA Cup win over Reading has left the Red Devils’ midfield looking light.
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      He could be out for three months as they battle for a Champions League spot as well Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Europa League glory.
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      Scott McTominay is also on the sidelines at the moment, leaving Casemiro and Fred as the only recognised senior central midfielders.
      Meanwhile Chelsea have spent heavily throughout the window and look far from done on deadline day.
      They are still trying to push through a move for Enzo Fernandez and need to bolster their midfield with the shock exit of Jorginho to Arsenal looming. More

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      Hertha Berlin chief threatens to ‘SMACK’ reporter in explosive interview just hours before he is sacked

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      HERTHA BERLIN sporting director Fredi Bobic threatened to SMACK a post-match reporter just hours before he was sacked.Bobic, 51, watched his side lose 2-0 to local rivals Union Berlin on Saturday.
      Hertha Berlin chief Fredi Bobic was evidentally angry after the gameCredit: Twitter
      When he moved off camera he proceeded to threaten the reporterCredit: Twitter
      The results leaves Hertha second bottom of the Bundesliga table, while Union moved to within a point of leaders Bayern Munich.
      After the game, RBB’s TV reporter Uri Zahavi quizzed Bobic on his thoughts following the defeat.
      He also asked about the future of manager Sandro Schwarz.
      Zahavi’s final question was: “Can you understand that there is a coaching discussion from the outside?”
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      To which the Hertha chief bluntly replied: “No.”
      Bobic then moved off camera, but could not help having an aggressive word with the reporter.
      He was heard saying: “Please,” before covering the microphone and adding: “If you ask again, you’ll get a scrub.”
      Just a few hours later, Bobic was relieved of his duties by Hertha.
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      And on Monday he came out to apologise for his remark to the reporter.
      He told BILD: “I’m very sorry, I reacted too emotionally. That was just a saying, which of course wasn’t meant that way.
      “Please don’t overestimate that in football shortly after a game.”
      Zahavi has not commented on the matter. More

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      Crystal Palace agree £10.5m Naouirou Ahamada transfer with Stuttgart midfielder undergoing medical today

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      CRYSTAL PALACE have reached an agreement with Stuttgart to sign Naouirou Ahamada for £10.5million. The midfielder will reportedly join on a three-and-a-half-year deal that includes the option for a two-year extension.
      Naouirou Ahamada (front) is on the verge of completing a transfer to Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty
      Ahamada is set to undergo a medical at Selhurst Park this afternoon ahead of the transfer window slamming shut tomorrow, claim the Daily Mail.
      The 20-year-old has impressed for Stuttgart this season, having played 18 times in all competitions.
      He has managed two goals and two assists from a holding midfield position for the team sitting in 15th place in the German top-flight.
      Ahamada joined the Bundesliga club after coming through the ranks at Juventus.
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      The Frenchman never made a first-team appearance for the Old Lady but soon became a regular in the starting line-up at Stuttgart after he initially arrived on loan.
      The Athletic claim the deal for Ahamada is “savvy” as he was expected to generate interest from several top sides in the summer.
      Palace boss Patrick Vieira has supposedly been desperate to bolster his options in the middle of the pitch this month.
      The club have been heavily linked with trying to bring back Chelsea ace Conor Gallagher, who enjoyed a successful loan spell in South London last term.
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      However, SunSport understand that the Eagles could wait until the summer to make a bid for Gallagher.
      Palace are also interested in Tottenham’s Lucas Moura and Watford’s Ismaila Sarr although both potential moves face financial hurdles to overcome.
      The club do look set to keep hold of star man Wilfried Zaha beyond the transfer deadline, but his long-term future is unclear with his contract expiring this summer. More

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      Jude Bellingham forces Bayer Leverkusen into own goal with brilliant move in Dortmund win

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM forced Bayer Leverkusen into an own-goal with a brilliant move on Sunday.The England midfielder starred as Borussia Dortmund beat their rivals 2-0 away from home.
      Jude Bellingham set Borussia Dortmund on their way to victory over Bayer LeverkusenCredit: Getty
      The England midfielder blitzed his opponents into scoring an own-goalCredit: Getty
      But it was Bellingham’s work for the second goal that showed why he is being chased by Europe’s top sides.
      With Dortmund 1-0 up thanks to Karim Adeyemi, the 21-year-old won the ball on the left flank before driving inside towards Leverkusen’s box.
      As he dragged several opponents towards him, Bellingham then zipped a perfect ball across the field to teammate Marius Wolf on the right flank.
      The defender ploughed into Leverkusen’s box before pinging in a cross.
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      And at the same time, Bellingham sprinted inside to get on the end of the ball.
      Leverkusen panicked, and in an attempt to block Bellingham, the ball was turned into his own net by Edmond Tapsoba.
      Bellingham’s sublime piece of play came just days after he blew fans away with a “filthy” bit of skill against Augsburg.
      Man City and Real Madrid are sure to be on red alert as they plot summer moves.
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      Bellingham continues to be tipped for a big-money move in the summerCredit: AP
      But Liverpool are confident they can lure Bellingham to Anfield after a plea from Anfield legend Steven Gerrard.
      The ex-Aston Villa boss said: “All he needs to do is send his diary to me when he’s got a free day.
      “I’ll fly to Dortmund personally, take him out for a nice dinner, and we’ll talk about it!
      “On the back of the World Cup, what he’s doing out in Dortmund. I’m a huge fan of him anyway. 
      “The way he comes across, the way he speaks about the game. Every time I’ve watched him he impresses me.
      “Bellingham ticks all those boxes. He’s the obvious one, but I think it’s important we don’t become obsessed with one midfielder.
      “I think it’s important he stays in this country. He’s 19 years of age. They’re talking about Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
      “I know he’s doing it in Dortmund now, but those clubs are at a higher level than Dortmund. 
      “You can get swallowed up, there’s a lot of world stars. You can get swallowed up by making the move too soon.
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      “In my opinion, staying around England, staying around this country, getting developed. 
      “There’s growth in him, he can evolve. I think staying in England until he hits his peak years is very important for the boy now.” More