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      Man Utd being put off by Max Aarons £35m transfer asking price by Norwich as Bayern Munich and Everton circle

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      MANCHESTER UNITED may be put off signing Max Aarons due to Norwich’s £35million asking price, according to reports.
      The Red Devils are one of a number of clubs interested in the 21-year-old ahead of the summer transfer window.

      Aarons has made 117 appearances for the CanariesCredit: Alamy Live News

      But despite Aarons appearing certain for a move, Championship table-toppers Norwich won’t budge on their valuation.
      And this decision could lead to United prioritising other investments.
      According to the Express, club chiefs may deem a £35m outlay on Aarons ‘unnecessary’ – choosing to target a new striker and centre-back instead.
      The Red Devils already forked out £50m for Aaron Wan-Bissaka in 2019, and also have talented prospect Brandon Williams in reserve.

      Sevilla defender Jules Kounde has emerged as a serious target, although club chiefs may also be reluctant to match his £68m release clause.
      United want a forward despite being set to hand Edinson Cavani a one-year extension, as they plot a long-term option upfront.
      Even if the Red Devils cool their interest, Aarons will not be short of options.
      SunSport revealed this week that Norwich turned down a £20m bid from Roma last month.

      Aarons, 21, was relegated from the Premier League last seasonCredit: Reuters
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      Everton and Bayern Munich are also interested in the England youth international.
      And Barcelona tried to sign him last summer.
      Norwich sporting director Stuart Webber said: “The only interest was in Max. No other players.
      “We decided not to act on that interest, with Max’s blessing I must add, because it was from abroad and wouldn’t have been quite right for him and definitely wasn’t right for us at that time.
      “It was about keeping the squad together.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Norwich City’s Max Aarons shows off his football skills on the training pitch More

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      Middlesbrough 1 Bristol City 3: Nigel Pearson watches on as Famara Diedhiou’s double ends seven-match losing run

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      NIGEL PEARSON has the Robins rocking again as Bristol City ended a run of seven defeats by thumping Middlesbrough 3-1.
      The newly-appointed 57-year-old watched from the Riverside stands as caretakers Keith Downing and Paul Simpson took charge for the final time.

      Famara Diedhiou got Nigel Pearson off to a flyer in charge at Bristol CityCredit: Rex Features

      The new Robins boss watched from the stands as they trashed Middlesbrough 3-1Credit: PA:Press Association

      Now Pearson, who once famously fought off a pack of wild dogs on a mountain, will be chomping at the bit to get to work as City ravaged play-off chasing Boro.
      They went straight for the throat, and after several snarls, they finally bit on 21 minutes.
      Famara Diedhiou had already forced Marcus Bettinelli into a super stop before he headed home Adam Nagy’s cross.
      City smelt blood and soon doubled their advantage.

      Tyreeq Bakinson fed Nakhi Wells and he cut inside two to slip the ball in for Diedhiou to slot home his second.
      Despite the mask covering his face, there was no hiding Pearson’s joy as he watched on from the stands – even taking his glasses off perhaps in disbelief at what he was seeing.
      And he must have thought he was in dreamland as his team went for the jugular again and made it three before the break.
      Diedhiou brilliantly held off Dael Fry to head on for Wells to flick past Jonny Howson and race clear on goal to finish past Bettinelli – who may well have done better without the invisible bungee rope attached to his back.

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      Far from the ruthless Boro that won at Reading on Saturday, they were more like scared and toothless puppies.
      Paddy McNair’s blocked effort on the line the only thing they had to bark about.
      Warnock threw on Nathaniel Mendez-Laing for the restart – but it was a miracle they needed after a dreadful opening.
      Despite Fry pulling one back from close-range late on, there was not a messiah in sight for Boro, although City fans may feel they now have theirs.

      Dael Fry pulled one back for Boro against Bristol City late on
      Downing said: “Nigel was introduced to the players this afternoon at the hotel and obviously spoke some wise words. He also came down at half time to give some advice. 
      “The players responded well and now we have to take that forward.
      “There are still a number of games left and we have to finish as strongly as we can.”
      Warnock said: “I said at half time the score is embarrassing and I wanted them to win the second half. It was better.
      “Our front three were really good at Reading but they were a waste of time in the first half. It’s so frustrating for me.”

      Neil Warnock leaves fans in hysterics as Cardiff boss stares into TV camera More

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      PSG ‘set to make transfer swoop for Arsenal star Hector Bellerin as Gunners eye Aarons or Lamptey as replacement’

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      ARSENAL face a fight to keep hold of Hector Bellerin with Paris Saint-Germain reportedly plotting a summer swoop.
      Heavily linked with a £30million move last year, the Ligue 1 giants and coach Mauricio Pochettino are said to be big fans of the right-back.

      Hector Bellerin is reportedly interesting a number of European clubsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      A renewed push could force Arsenal’s hand, given Bellerin will have two years left on his contract at the end of the season.
      Cost cutting at Emirates Stadium may tempt a cash-in with the player reportedly considering his future last summer until Mikel Arteta persuaded him to stay.
      According to CBS Sports, PSG are joined by Barcelona and two Serie A clubs in monitoring the Spaniard.
      Bellerin has been a senior figure throughout the Gunners’ mixed campaign so far, which has at least uncovered a resilience at the back and the fourth-best defensive record in the league.

      After almost eight years in the team, the 25-year-old has won three FA Cups at Arsenal and recently returned to the Spanish national setup.
      Should Bellerin leave, the North London club are said to have two potential replacements already in mind.
      Norwich right-back Max Aarons and Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey are named in reports.
      The Canaries rebuffed an approach from Barcelona for their homegrown star last summer and look primed to bounce back to the Premier League.

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      While former Chelsea youngster Lamptey signed a fresh four-year deal with the Seagulls last month amid his impressive form.
      Having let Mesut Ozil, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Shkodran Mustafi leave in January, Arsenal are expected to continue their squad revamp in the summer.
      Separate reports detail a potential swoop for up-and-coming Club Brugge defender Odilon Koussounou, who is also interesting Wolves.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Arteta says Arsenal’s good performance means nothing when they were prepared to win after a 0-1 loss to Man City More

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      Watch Nottingham Forest keeper Brice Samba’s hilarious time-wasting tactics in nervy 1-0 win over Blackburn

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST keeper Brice Samba deployed some hilarious time-wasting tactics in their nervy 1-0 win over Blackburn.
      With the game in added-time, and Forest clinging onto a vital three points, the stopper first appeared to lose the ball… before realising it was in his penalty area.

      Brice Samba deployed some hilarious time-wasting tactics in Nottingham Forest’s 1-0 win over BlackburnCredit: Rex Features

      When he did locate it, and place it to take the kick, he did so clearly outside his six-yard box.
      Samba was then told to moved it back to ensure some more precious seconds ticked on the clock.
      After a hop, skip and jump in his run up, the 26-year-old finally lumped the ball into play.
      Forest won the game thanks to Alex Mighten’s opener on 25 minutes.

      But the day well and truly belonged to Samba, who had already saved Adam Armstrong’s penalty before his late procrastination heroics.
      He initially gave the spot-kick away on the 72nd minute but redeemed himself with a double save to preserve Forest’s lead.
      Manager Chris Hughton said: “We needed a wonderful save from Brice to keep the penalty out but otherwise it’s another clean sheet against another good footballing side who we have restricted to minimum chances.
      “As a unit we had to dig deep and make sure we stopped them from creating anything clear-cut.

      “It was a very good save from Brice for the penalty and he was up against a top striker who has already scored 20 goals this season.
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      “Adam Armstrong is generally a player who hits the back of the net from penalties but Brice did superbly to keep it out and then get up to hold onto the rebound as well so I’m really pleased for him because it caps off a good period for him.”
      Samba told Forest’s website: “I am happy because we got the three points, that is the most important thing.
      “We played well and we deserved it.”

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      Nigel Pearson set to take charge at Bristol City as top target Eddie Howe waits on Premier League job

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      NIGEL PEARSON is set to take over as Bristol City’s new head coach until the end of the season.
      The 57-year-old has been out of work since he was sacked by Watford in July, two games before they were relegated from the Premier League.

      Nigel Pearson is set to take the reigns at Bristol CityCredit: PA:Press Association

      But the Guardian claim that he is set to return to management in the Championship at Bristol City on a short-term contract.
      The report adds that Pearson held productive talks with club officials on Sunday but is unlikely to be in charge for Tuesday’s trip to Middlesbrough.
      TalkSPORT claim the Robins sounded out Eddie Howe but the former Bournemouth manager has his heart set on a Premier League job.
      SunSport previously reported that Newcastle will target the 43-year-old if they axe England compatriot Steve Bruce.

      Bristol City meanwhile gave Dean Holden his marching orders earlier this week following a run of six successive defeats.
      He was only appointed in August on a one-year deal after a spell in interim charge following the sacking of Lee Johnson.
      City started the season with four wins but their recent downturn in form has seen them drop to 15th in the table.
      Pearson was sacked by Watford last year with the Hornets issuing a brutal 12-word announcement at his exit.

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      Pearson slammed the short club statement confirming his exit and claimed players knew about his departure before he did.
      He told The Times: “There was no recognition that I’d even been there really!
      “The thing that really disappoints me is some of the players knew before me. Some of the staff knew before I did.”

      Watford manager Nigel Pearson says government are pushing to restart Premier League to ‘ease the pressure from them somewhat’ More

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      Blackburn training ground up for sale as Venky’s try and bank club £20m during troubling financial year

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      BLACKBURN’S owners are hoping to sell the club’s training ground in a £20million deal to balance the books.
      The Venky’s have submitted plans to the local council to build 170 houses at their Brockhall HQ.

      Tony Mowbray’s Blackburn side currently sit 12th in the Championship tableCredit: PA:Press Association

      It would bring in cash for the Lancashire club who have been making heavy losses in recent years as they learn to live outside the top-flight.
      Venky’s have just written a £7m cheque to bolster Rovers during the current troubling financial crisis and expect to have to find more to cover wages this year.
      Selling Brockhall, their base since the Jack Walker era, will not go down well with fans but there are few options when it comes to raising cash.
      Rovers have their ‘old’ training ground in the area which is still being used and could accommodate both the first team and academy.

      The plans may also meet resistance from local residents as there will be extra traffic in the area. 
      However the area has already been established as a popular spot for upmarket housing.
      It’s not just off the pitch where Blackburn have been struggling as the club sit 12th in the Championship table.
      The 1995 Premier League champions lost 1-0 to Nottingham Forest on Saturday – their fourth consecutive league defeat.

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      Commenting on the result, boss Tony Mowbray said: “I felt we played pretty well today, I quite enjoyed watching the team.
      “I think it’s a harsh result on us but there you go, you have to take it on the chin. We had some opportunities but missed them.”
      Before adding: “I felt we were in the ascendancy for most of the game.
      “That’s the nature of this league. Teams are well coached, they can get bodies behind the ball.
      “In the final third we fell a bit short. We got into some amazing positions to score some goals but we couldn’t finish them.”

      Look back at all 103 goals Rangers have scored so far in their incredible season More

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      Leicester lining up £25m Ivan Toney transfer as Brendan Rodgers prepares for life after Jamie Vardy

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      LEICESTER are tracking Brentford star Ivan Toney as they look towards life without Jamie Vardy.
      Vardy continues to be the main goalscoring threat at the King Power and shows little sign of slowing up despite turning 34 last month.

      Brentford striker Ivan Toney is attracting interest from Leicester after a fantastic seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But boss Brendan Rodgers is realistic the Foxes have to find another regular goalscorer to lead their attack going forward – and Championship hotshot Toney is a major option on their list of targets.
      The 24-year-old has been outstanding in his first season since making the step up from League One Peterborough, scoring 24 goals in 30 league games.
      The Bees are hoping his goals can lead them to promotion to the Premier League.
      But if they miss out they are well aware they would face a battle to keep him in West London.

      There has been plenty of interest from the top flight clubs in the striker, with Newcastle and West Ham both monitoring his progress closely.
      One of the reasons the Hammers did not sign a forward in January was because they would be keen to make a move for Toney in the summer if a deal was available.
      But should Leicester firm up their interest with a bid, there is every chance they could offer the added incentive of Champions League football, which would be a trump card to play.
      Brentford have preferred to concentrate on their promotion push having lost out in the play-offs last season – and if they make the top flight they would want to go into the season with Toney as their main man.

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      But another year in the Championship would see them with little option but to sell, with a price-tag of around £25million likely to be what they would look for.
      Toney revealed to SunSport in November that he compares himself to AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
      He said: “I’ve always liked Zlatan. I just love his confidence. Some people see it as arrogance but you must be like that to succeed. 
      “I’m similar to Zlatan in both my confidence and the way I play. When he wants to do something, he just does it.
      “I have some of that in my game and personality. And I believe I’ll be a Premier League striker.”

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      Rangers boss Steven Gerrard set to beat English clubs to free transfer for Zambia striker Fashion Sakala

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      STEVEN GERRARD hopes to beat a number of English rivals to sign striker Fashion Sakala from Belgian side Oostende.
      The Zambia forward can agree a pre-contract with Rangers — who are red-hot favourites to be crowned Scottish Premiership champions in the coming few weeks.

      Fashion Sakala (right) could be joining Rangers in the summer on a free transferCredit: AFP – Getty

      Several Championship sides have watched Sakala, 23.
      But Gers chief Gerrard looks set to win the race for his services and will be able to offer him Champions League football.
      It was reported last month that the Ibrox outfit were keeping tabs on the forward – who has also attracted interest from clubs in the Middle East.
      Ligue 1 side Lille are another team understood to be eyeing up a move for the forward having scouted him extensively in recent weeks.

      And Sakala – who has chipped in with 13 goals and three assists in 25 games this term – has confirmed he is being tracked by a number of clubs.
      Speaking in January, he said: “Yes, there is interest from other teams. At the same time, talks are ongoing with KV Oostende about a new contract and we will see where we end up.
      Before adding: “If I could choose which league I would want to play in I would pick La Liga or the English Premier League.
      “But I don’t want to be too busy thinking about the future, because then you lose sight of the present.

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      “My focus is on Oostende and I want to help the team. If you are not focused, you risk playing badly and losing points.”
      Commenting on Rangers’ interest in the player, Oostende chief Gauthier Ganaye stated: “We have been keen to try and get Fashion to sign a new contract since we took over at the club.
      “We know there is a lot of interest in Fashion but we have had no approach from Rangers to the club with regards to a pre-contract.
      “We are hoping we can convince Fashion to remain at KV Oostende and continue his development with us.”

      Look back at all 103 goals Rangers have scored so far in their incredible season More