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      Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock admits he has never suffered such a frustrating transfer window ahead of Watford clash

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      NEIL WARNOCK is “bitterly disappointed” with Middlesbrough’s transfer window and admits he has never experienced one like it.
      The 71-year-old saved the Teessiders from relegation after taking over with eight games to go last season and is preparing for tonight’s Championship kick-off at Watford.

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      Neil Warnock admits Middlesbrough’s transfer window has left him frustratedCredit: PA:Press Association
      Yesterday he secured experienced goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli on a season-long loan deal from Fulham to add to the free transfer arrival of Grant Hall from QPR earlier in the summer.
      But Warnock says he expected to have at least four or five new faces on board before the trip to Vicarage Road but has so far failed to land the two strikers and midfielder he wants.
      However, despite the lack of new arrivals to bolster his depleted squad, the veteran remains upbeat about getting extra bodies in to boost Boro’s promotion hopes before the October deadline.

      Warnock said: “I did expect us to have four or five players by now if I’m honest when I took over at the start of the season, but for one reason or another, it’s not been possible.
      “I am bitterly disappointed at that, but we’ve just got to get on with it.
      “I’m happy with the lads we do have, but it’s clear we need to get players in.
      “You look at our bench and it’s very fragile at the minute. There’s no point kidding ourselves about that.

      “But we know what we have to do and just for one reason or another we’ve not been able to get them in.
      “I’ve spoken to quite a number of players over the past few weeks and we’ve just not been able to get them over the line.
      “We’ve just got to keep positive, and also try and get the best out of what I’ve got. They’re a good group and this will be a great challenge for us.”

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      Marcus Bettinelli will make his debut at Watford after joining Boro on loanCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Due to the unique landscape created by the financial impact of the Covid outbreak, Warnock concedes that clubs, including Boro, must be sensible in the market.
      Although he admitted he has found it the most difficult one of his long career.
      Warnock, who has named Britt Assombalonga as new club captain, said: “I think there’s a mixture of quite a few things not helping us.
      “We’ve lost ten players since Covid. The reality is, we escaped relegation on the last day of the season and the squad is very, very thin and we’ve got to get players in.
      “We are all aware of that. I’ve never seen a market so difficult, if I’m honest. We just have to remain positive and do the best we can.
      “We’ve been close to three of four over the summer and for one reason or another we’ve just not got them over the line.
      “To go for four or five players and not get any of them over the line, that’s something that’s never happened before for me.

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      Britt Assombalonga has been named new Boro captainCredit: Getty Images
      “I think a lot of players are maybe still expecting what was on the table 12 months ago. It’s a different ball game now because of this pandemic.
      “But we haven’t been able to get deals over the line for various reasons.
      “We’re all disappointed – everybody at the club – that we’ve not got more bodies in. But that’s life at the moment. You’ve just got to carry on.
      “I always believed we needed four or five new players if we were to get into the top areas of the league, and I’m still optimistic we can bring some in.”
      Former Arsenal striker Yaya Sanogo, now a free agent, is believed to be heading to the North East to finalise a move over the coming days.

      And Wigan midfielder Sam Morsy is another of Warnock’s top targets.
      Warnock added: “I’ve been asked about 15 players since the start of the summer who we’ve supposedly been close to getting over the line.
      “So until I actually see someone sign on the dotted line I can only be optimistic.”

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      Neil Warnock swoops to sign Marcus Bettinelli for promotion-chasing Middlesbrough after Areola’s shock arrival at Fulham

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      NEIL WARNOCK has boosted his Middlesbrough promotion charge with a swoop for Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli.
      The 28-year-old passed a medical this week and will now spend the season on-loan at The Riverside after the shock arrival of Alphonse Areola from Paris Saint-Germain at Craven Cottage.

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      Marcus Bettinelli jas joined Middlesbrough on a season-long loan from FulhamCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      And his signing solves a major dilemma for the Boro boss, who wanted more experience between the sticks.
      Bettinelli, who was called up to the England squad two years ago, has played over 100 games for Fulham since coming through their academy.
      But after failing out of favour under Scott Parker last season he is heading north for regular action in the Championship following the Cottagers promotion to the Premier League.

      He is expected to go straight into the starting XI for Boro’s league opener at Watford on Friday.
      A delighted Warnock said: “I’m really pleased. I’ve been tracking Marcus since he first got into the team at Fulham a good few years ago and when the opportunity arose to bring him here, I was quick to the call.
      “He’s a good lad, he’ll fit in well and speaking to him, I’ve been really impressed by his attitude and his desire to play for us.”
      That could spell the end of 22-year-old Aynsley Pears’ Boro career.

      Despite being No1 for the majority of last term, the club are prepared to listen to offers for him after he entered the final year of his contract.
      Dejan Stojanovic, 27, was preferred to Pears for the Carabao Cup victory over Shrewsbury last Friday, but Warnock is still not convinced by the Austrian.
      He only joined Boro in January but he now looks set to play back-up to Bettinelli.

      Meanwhile, former Real Madrid goalkeeper Tomas Meijas is free to leave the Teessiders if he can find a club after he was not allocated a squad number by Warnock.
      Warnock is also looking to bring in two strikers to bolster his squad, with ex-Arsenal man Yaya Sanogo heavily linked.
      Bettinelli will be the second new arrival this summer following the free transfer signing of ex-QPR captain Grant Hall in defence.

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      Harry Arter eyed as shock Besiktas transfer target with Bournemouth midfielder wanted by Turkish clubs

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      HARRY ARTER has emerged as a surprise target for three clubs in Turkey.
      Super Lig sides Besiktas, Ankaragucu and Denizlispor are all interested in signing the midfielder on a permanent deal.

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      Harry Arteta is a summer transfer target for three Turkish sides including BesiktasCredit: AFP – Getty
      Arter, 30, is back training with Bournemouth after two seasons away from the club on loan.
      The first was spent at Cardiff where he suffered relegation from the Premier League.
      The latter was with Fulham, working under brother-in-law Scott Parker, with whom he won promotion to the top flight via the play-offs.

      It remains to be seen if the Cottagers move to bring Arter in on a permanent basis.
      Though it looks unlikely after they bolstered their midfield ranks.
      Harrison Reed completed a transfer from Southampton following his successful loan spell in West London last term.
      And on the same day Mario Lemina joined on loan, also from the Saints.

      Ireland international Arter has one year remaining on his deal at Bournemouth, who are back in the Championship after their five-year stay in the Premier League ended last term.

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      The Ireland international joined Bournemouth in 2010 and has made 255 appearances for the CherriesCredit: AFP or licensors

      The former Charlton youngster was spotted by now-Cherries boss Jason Tindall during his one season with Woking in 2009-10.
      He moved to the Vitality a decade ago, racking up 255 appearances and 29 goals for the club.
      Bournemouth begin their bid to get back in the Premier League on Saturday when they host Blackburn.

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      Fulham eyeing Benfica star Florentino Luis on season-long loan transfer with AC Milan also showing interest

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      FULHAM are eyeing Benfica star Florentino Luis on a season-long loan – with a £27m option to buy.
      The Portuguese ace has been scouted by Scott Parker as a possible option to bolster his midfield.

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      The midfielder has scored one goal in 21 games for Benfica
      The 21-year-old has also been looked at by AC Milan, along with a number of other top European clubs
      The Cottagers are looking to sign another central midfielder in their fight to stay in the Premier League this season.
      Florentino has made 21 appearances for Benfica and scored one goal since being promoted to their first-team.
      Meanwhile, AC Milan are closing in on a move for Chelsea flop Tiemoue Bakayoko on loan.

      A deal for the 26-year-old is stalling over an obligation to buy with the Blues demanding £27m at the end of the campaign.
      Stamford Bridge chiefs wants £4.5m for a year-long loan.
      But the Italian giants have only been prepared to offer £2.7m so far.

      The Rossoneri also do NOT want an obligation to buy at the end of his spell, and would only pay £22.5m anyway.

      Bakayoko is desperate for a return to Italy after a successful spell with AC Milan in 2018-19.
      He made 31 appearances for the club, and scored one goal, before heading back to Monaco last season.
      The ex-Rennes ace has had a disastrous spell at Chelsea after joining for a hefty £40m in the summer of 2017.

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      Cardiff SACK Nathaniel Mendez-Laing ‘with immediate effect’ and announce termination in bombshell 27-word statement

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      CARDIFF have sacked Nathaniel Mendez-Laing in mysterious circumstances.
      The winger, 28, has departed the Welsh side with immediate effect after his contract termination was announced in a brief 27-word statement.

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      Cardiff have terminated Nathaniel Mendez-Laing’s contract with immediate effectCredit: PA:Press Association
      There has been no reason given for his departure.
      But WalesOnline claims it is due to an alleged breach of contract.
      Cardiff’s bombshell announcement on Wednesday afternoon read: “Cardiff City Football Club has, with immediate effect, terminated the contract of Nathaniel Mendez-Laing.
      “The Club will not be making any further comment on the matter.”

      Mendez-Laing joined Cardiff on a free transfer from Rochdale in 2017.
      And he went on to score 14 goals in 92 appearances.
      Mendez-Laing helped Cardiff reach the Championship play-off semis last term.
      And fans are sure to be thankful the club have a ready-made replacement in Liverpool loanee Sheyi Ojo.

      Cardiff also have other options on the wing including Josh Murphy, Junior Hoilett and Gavin Whyte.
      Cardiff kick off their new Championship campaign at home to Sheffield Wednesday.
      And they could also hand a debut to wing-back Jordi Osei-Tutu, who has signed on loan from Arsenal.

      Erm.. what? Explanation needed, you can’t just say you won’t be making further comments.
      — DL🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (@D_Lebeau97) September 9, 2020

      That’s our best winger hope ur planning on replacing him
      — Reza (@Rez_Davies7) September 9, 2020

      Obvs dont know the circumstances but in footballing terms absolutely gutted – my fave player of current crop 😱
      — th@und@d@wg ™ (@thaundadawg) September 9, 2020

      Fans reacted in disbelief to the news of Mendez-Laing’s exit, with one tweeting: “Erm.. what?
      “Explanation needed, you can’t just say you won’t be making further comments.”
      Another said: “That’s our best winger hope you’re planning on replacing him.”
      One added: “Obvs don’t know the circumstances but in footballing terms absolutely gutted – my fave player of the current crop.”

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      Man Utd lose coach Quinton Fortune from promotion-winning U23s side as he joins Reading’s backroom team

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      QUINTON FORTUNE has left his role as assistant coach of Manchester United under-23s to join the backroom team at Reading.
      The former Red Devils midfielder joined the club’s setup in July 2019 and helped Neil Wood’s side to promotion to Premier League 2 Division One.

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      Quinton Fortune was an assistant for the United under-23s last season
      Fortune will now link up with new Reading manager Veljko Paunovic ahead of his first season in the Championship.
      The South African joined United in 1999, going on to make 126 appearances in seven seasons at Old Trafford.
      He left the club for Bolton Wanderers in 2006 but returned in 2012 to work on his coaching badges.
      The Wood and Fortune partnership led United to second in the Premier League 2 Division Two before the season was decided by points per game.

      Nick Cox, head of United’s academy, said: “Everyone at the Academy wishes Quinton the best of luck in his new role.
      “All of our coaches, as well as the players, receive a huge amount of development and this is another example of the type of progress that an individual can make within the Academy system.

      “The Under-23s’ promotion was a great achievement for Neil Wood and his staff so we’d like to thank Quinton for his role in that.”
      Fortune admitted he could leave the club in June but hoped he would return as Man United manager some day.

      He told the UTD podcast: “Look, I may have to go out and learn somewhere else and become a manager.
      “But the dream, the ultimate dream, is to come back and be the manager of Manchester United.”

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      Man Utd youngster Dylan Levitt signed by Charlton on season long loan transfer after impressing on Wales debut

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      MANCHESTER UNITED youngster Dylan Levitt has signed for Charlton on a season long loan.
      United legend Ryan Giggs gave Levitt his full Wales debut last week and the midfielder’s impressive performance has caught the eye of the Addicks.

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      Man Utd midfielder Dylan Levitt has signed for Charlton on loan
      The teenager played the full 90 minutes in his country’s 1-0 win in Finland.
      And Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also has faith in the holding midfielder having given him his first team bow against Astana in the Europa League last year.
      Charlton boss Lee Bowyer wanted to add energy to his midfield and has managed to secure a deal.
      The Addicks had promising West Ham star Josh Cullen on loan last season in midfield but the 24-year-old has returned to the London Stadium.

      Levitt’s impressive passing ability from a deep lying midfield role is said to have alerted Giggs to his potential some time ago.
      And Giggs was so impressed, he handed him his first senior call up in May 2019 for Wales’ Euro 2020 qualifiers against Croatia and Hungary.
      Levitt’s mentality is said to be one his biggest strengths and his international gaffer wants him in his squad for many years to come.
      He previously told United’s website: “When Dylan was in the [Euro] squad, we had must-win games so I couldn’t really throw him in and put him in that pressure cooker.

      “But, in training, he’s one of the best.

      “He’s my kind of player – a good character, quiet but tough, and he’s one that I’ll be taking a big look at over the next year or so.
      “I want him to develop and if he does and, if he plays more games, then he’ll definitely be in the reckoning.
      “He’s a really intelligent player with a good range of passing and he stands out in training in every session.”

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      Sunderland re-sign Danny Graham, 35, on free transfer after striker’s release from Blackburn

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      VETERAN striker Danny Graham has agreed to re-join Sunderland on a free transfer after being released by Blackburn.
      Having signed for £5million in 2013, Graham managed just one goal in 42 matches for the Black Cats.

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      Blackburn fans’ favourite Danny Graham is stepping down to League One with old club SunderlandCredit: Reuters

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      Targetman Danny Graham has a point to prove with the League One Black CatsCredit: Alamy Live News
      But boss Phil Parkinson has offered the 35-year-old a one-year deal to compete with fellow forwards Will Grigg, Charlie Wyke and Aiden O’Brien.
      Sunderland had to fight off League One rivals Ipswich for the ex-Middlesbrough and Swansea man.
      And he arrives back in the north east after being a fans’ favourite in his four years at Ewood Park.
      Graham leaves Blackburn after 57 goals in 191 games, also winning their 2018-19 player-of-the-year award.

      But he only bagged four Championship goals last season.

      He did, though, notch up his 600th career appearance on a dramatic final day of the season.
      Coming on as a sub, he failed to save Rovers from a 3-2 defeat at Luton that enabled the home side to stay up – as they moved out of the bottom three for the first time since December.
      Now he hopes to help Sunderland return to that level after their two campaigns in the third tier. More