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      Arsenal set to make William Saliba U-turn and keep defender until at least January despite Fulham transfer links

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      ARSENAL are set to make a surprise U-turn on William Saliba and keep him at the club despite interest from Fulham, it is being reported.
      The defender had been tipped to go out on loan throughout the window and has multiple admirers at home and abroad.

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      Despite months of speculation, William Saliba looks set to stay in North LondonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But now manager Mikel Arteta looks set to keep the 19-year-old at the club and allow him to develop there.
      Saliba’s move abroad fell through on deadline day and he was left out of Arsenal’s Europa League squad, prompting speculation he could still be on his way before the domestic window closes on October 16.
      But the Athletic report the Frenchman will stay at the Emirates until January at least, despite reported interest from Fulham and Brentford.

      The report also says that Saliba could be in Arteta’s Premier League squad, which will be announced on October 20.
      Other reports have suggested the youngster is unlikely to be given much first-team football, even if he stays at the club, as Arteta still believes he has developing to do.
      ESPN claim that the Arsenal manager wants him to improve on defending set-pieces and mature decision-making on the pitch.
      The Gunners gaffer has publicly stated he doesn’t think Saliba is yet up to scratch.

      Following Arsenal’s penalty win over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup earlier this month, Arteta said: “He had year last where Arsenal essentially loaned him to Saint-Etienne and that was a transition year for him.
      “For many reasons, that wasn’t the transition year that he needed because he had a lot of injuries, he had some personal issues and obviously with COVID and the French league getting cancelled, he didn’t have that year, so he needs that year of transition.
      “He needs that year of transition and we are trying to make the right decisions for him to make the best possible year of transition for him to have the player we want for our future.”

      Mikel Arteta pairs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes in Arsenal training More

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      Biggest Championship to Premier League transfers ever with David Brooks and Said Benrahma valued at £30m

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      SAID BENRAHMA and David Brooks will rank among the most-expensive Championship players ever if they complete transfers before deadline day.
      Premier League clubs have until Friday to snap up lower-tier talent after the international window shut.

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      How the top transfers XI would look if Said Benrahma and David Brooks move before Friday

      And Brentford’s Benrahma, 25, is tipped to move to West Ham with interest in Brooks, 23, also high.
      The Hammers have reportedly beaten Crystal Palace to the Algerian star in a deal worth around £30million.
      A medical is being planned amid talks over personal terms.

      Should the pair seal £30m moves to the top-flight, they will enter a star-studded line-up of players to swap the Championship for the Premier League.
      With transfers amounting to £241m ahead of the final days of the market, these two deals would boost the XI’s value past £300m.
      Jordan Pickford only played one full season for Sunderland before a £25m move to Everton, upon the Black Cats’ relegation in 2017.
      Likewise, Nathan Ake (£41m) and Ben Godfrey (£25m) traded back up after Bournemouth and Norwich failed to beat the drop last season.

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      Said Benrahma is reportedly nearing a move to West HamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      David Brooks could also be set for a move to the top-flightCredit: PA:Press Association
      Joining them in defence is Brighton’s Adam Webster, who cost £20m when signing from Bristol City a year ago.
      Moussa Sissoko (£30m) and Georginio Wijnaldum (£25m) certainly landed on their feet after Newcastle’s relegation in 2016 – joining Tottenham and Liverpool, respectively.
      The Reds were downed earlier in the month by the most-expensive striker to have made the step up: Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
      After swapping Brentford for the Midlands in the off-season, the £28m striker bagged his first Premier League goals with a hat-trick in the 7-2 drubbing.

      Completing the most-expensive side are Ryan Sessegnon (£25m) and James Maddison (£22m).
      Should Leicester, Sheffield United or Manchester United complete a touted move for Brooks, he would slot into right-midfield of this line-up.
      A £30m move would edge him ahead of Jarrod Bowen, Neal Maupay and Callum Wilson – who have all bounced up a division with a fair degree of success in the past year.

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      How the PL’s best transfer XI for this summer could look

      Said Benrahma proves he has the right moves in Brentford training More

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      Vasili Kulkov dead aged 54: Former Millwall, Russia and Benfica star dies after battle with cancer and ‘Covid diagnosis’

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      FORMER MILLWALL star Vasili Kulkov has died aged 54 following a battle with cancer.
      The Russian, who was best known for his spells at Spartak Moscow and Benfica, passed away on Saturday.

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      Former Millwall player Vasili Kulkov has passed away

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      The 54-year-old was best known for featuring for Russian giants Spartak MoscowCredit: Alamy

      Os nossos pensamentos estão com os familiares e amigos do Vasily Kulkov. Será, por nós, sempre lembrado como um dos obreiros do primeiro campeonato do Penta. Descansa em paz, campeão 💙#FCPorto pic.twitter.com/dl5kzpo7oF
      — FC Porto (@FCPorto) October 10, 2020

      According to Portuguese outlet Record, Kulkov was also diagnosed with coronavirus shortly before his untimely death.
      The former defender-cum-midfielder had been undergoing chemotherapy for esophagus cancer but his wife Elena Makharadze sadly confirmed his passing over the weekend.
      Kulkov featured for 11 clubs in a varied 440-appearance playing career including stints at Porto and Zenit St Petersburg.
      Yet he is best known on these shores for his brief ill-fated tenure at Millwall.

      The ex-Russian international joined the Lions in a six-month loan deal alongside compatriot Sergei Yuran back in 1996.
      The pair were recommended to then-Millwall boss Mick McCarthy by the legendary Bobby Robson in what was seen as a huge coup at the time.
      But Kulkov, who had made a name with his goal against Arsenal in the 1992 European Cup, turned out for the Lions just six times before his exit.
      However he was a serial winner across the rest of Europe, winning the Portuguese league title twice at rivals Porto and Benfica.

      He also lifted the Portuguese Cup at the latter and tasted domestic glory in his homeland with Spartak.
      Kulkov hung up his boots in 2001 following a stint at amateurs FC Shatura before embarking on a coaching career at C.S. Maritimo and the Russian national team.
      His agent led the tributes to his passing and revealed that the defensive midfielder, who could also play at centre-back, had been unwell for a year.
      Paulo Barbosa told Portuguese daily Diario de Noticias: “Sad news. He had been fighting cancer for over a year and was hopeful. But unfortunately he was unable to win this battle.
      “We were good friends and we used to talk. We were together about a year ago. He was a huge football player and he was a special person.”

      We would like to offer our sincerest condolences to the family, friends and teammates of Vasily Kulkov. May he Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/f6ZOTyELtl
      — FC Zenit in English✨ (@fczenit_en) October 10, 2020 More

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      Millwall chief issues stark warning on devastating damage to communities if clubs go under

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      MILLWALL chief Steve Kavanagh believes the impact on communities will be devastating if EFL clubs go to the wall.
      The Lions bigwig has called on the Government to act swiftly to save Covid-crippled clubs from going bust.

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      Millwall chief executive Steve Kavanagh has highlighted the community work done by football clubsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      His stark warning is that, if they do, many communities across the country could be ravaged by emotional and economic depression for years.
      Speaking to SunSport as part of the Save Our Clubs drive highlighting the work clubs do on and off the field, Kavanagh said: “We’re not just talking about our national sport, the community work done by clubs in this country is vital. It has been for years.
      “Boris Johnson came  to The Den to see it first hand when he was Mayor of London and was highly impressed.
      “And when you take into consideration lockdown and what clubs, including Millwall, did to support their local communities, society and the vulnerable who were scared and did not have food . . . the work that went on was incredible.

      “We sheltered the homeless, we delivered more than 5,000 free dinners to children and care packages to the vulnerable and needy.
      “We didn’t just deliver food packages, with them we  delivered cooking lessons to ensure people could sustain themselves with good food, not just ready meals.
      “We also stored PPE for the NHS, while other clubs allowed stadiums to be used as testing centres.
      “Despite having absolutely no income, Millwall, through our chairman John Berylson, pledged £300,000 to our community trust during this period when we were on our knees.

      “Our community work is valued at more than £10million to Lewisham and the local area. And that is replicated all over the country.
      “If clubs are lost, that will be lost — and that would result in real damage to society.
      “And that’s before you get into job losses in and around football clubs.
      “The Government has to start recognising what football actually does — and not just continue taking from it all the time.
      “It needs to understand what we do for communities outside of actually playing, which is extremely important in itself for wellbeing. And it needs to help.”
      Millwall, who have spent more than £100,000 reconfiguring The Den to make it safe to host matches, have been hit hard by the ban on fans attending matches.
      American Berylson is having to pump in £1m a MONTH to keep them afloat.
      And Kavanagh admitted: “Unfortunately, we have had to make some staff redundant. It’s been really, really sad.
      “But I’m having to try to run a business which is haemorrhaging money and have no idea when its income streams will be returning.”
      The PM plus Culture, Media and Sports Secretary Oliver Dowden have announced rescue packages for the arts — but not our national sport.
      Kavanagh added: “The Government is not treating football fairly and in line with other entertainment businesses.
      “I can’t believe we haven’t lost more clubs in the EFL. That’s a testament to the club owners and chairmen.

      “They’re all putting their hands in their pockets to keep clubs and their community assets alive by feeding the vulnerable and schoolkids, sheltering the homeless and helping the NHS.
      “What worries me is I don’t know where the breaking points for these owners and chairmen are. Even with John.
      “I don’t want to over- dramatise that but when does he say enough is enough? I hope to God I never find out.”

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      Steve Kavanagh, right, is worried that entire areas could be hung out to dryCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      Watch hilariously blunt Crawley boss give grumpy short answers in post-match interview after defeat to Millwall More

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      Gareth Bale expected to be key cog in Tottenham’s transfer hunt for in-demand Swansea defender Joe Rodon

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      GARETH BALE is expected to play a big role in convincing compatriot Joe Rodon to join Tottenham Hotspur from Swansea , according to reports.
      The transfer deadline for Premier League clubs to buy players from each other and around Europe passed on Monday this week.

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      Joe Rodon featured for Wales against England on Thursday nightCredit: Reuters

      But teams still have until Friday to do deals with clubs in the EFL.
      Spurs are still hoping to sign Rodon, 22, before the window shuts for good.
      But SunSport exclusively revealed this weekend that they are facing competition from Leicester.

      In fact, the Foxes have tabled a bid of £20million for the defender, while Tottenham have offered just £7m.
      According to the Star, however, Spurs may have found an edge in their chase for Rodon.
      They claim that the Swansea academy product’s fellow Wales internationals Bale and Ben Davies could play a big part in attracting their team-mate to North London.
      Davies, 27, captained Ryan Giggs’ side against England at Wembley Stadium on Thursday night.

      And he featured alongside Rodon for the opening 45 minutes, as the Three Lions eased to a 3-0 win.

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      Welsh legend Gareth Bale could help persuade Rodon to come to SpursCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Rodon has become a key player for the Swans since their relegation from the Premier League in 2018.
      The centre-back has made 54 first-team appearances, first under Graham Potter, and then current boss Steve Cooper.
      He has played every minute of Swansea’s opening four Championship games this term, as well as their ill-fated League Cup tie with Newport County.

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      Rodon also knows Ben Davies from international dutyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Gareth Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett gives his views on his return to Tottenham More

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      West Ham ‘agree terms’ with Brentford star Said Benrahma as David Moyes closes in on £17m transfer for winger

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      WEST HAM are closing in on a £17million transfer for Brentford star Said Benrahma after agreeing personal terms, according to reports.
      And the Algerian’s wage demands are not expected to be an issue in any deal this time around.

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      West Ham launched a £17m-plus bid for Brentford winger Said BenrahmaCredit: Reuters

      The Bees wide man, 25, has been linked with a move to the Premier League throughout the summer following their failure to win promotion last season.
      According to 90min.com, the Hammers submitted a £17m-plus-add-ons offer to the West London club on Friday night.
      And Italian journalist Nicolo Schira reckons talks are continuing between the two clubs while personal terms with the player are already sorted over a five-year contract.

      Brentford value the winger at around £25m and are yet to accept the offer with just days to go until the transfer deadline.
      Although the international window closed last Monday, Premier League clubs can do business with the EFL up until 5pm on Friday.
      And that could give West Ham time to secure a deal.
      Benrahma was linked with the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal earlier in the summer before Crystal Palace emerged as favourites to land him.

      However, SunSport revealed the ex-Nice forward may have priced himself out of a move with his £16million contract demands, wanting at least £60,000 per week on a five-year deal.

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      The players Premier League sides may still sign in the ‘domestic’ window

      Benrahma, who is seeing former team-mate Ollie Watkins banging in the goals for Aston Villa, missed the first five games of the new season but came off the bench in the Championship clashes with Millwall and Preston.
      In the Carabao Cup, however, his double against Fulham set up a quarter-final with Newcastle.
      West Ham have begun the season strongly with Michail Antonio, Jarrod Bowen and Pablo Fornals all hitting early form.
      But allowing Felipe Anderson out on loan to Porto and the controversial sale of Grady Diangana to West Brom mean there is scope for an extra attacker to bolster the squad and Benrahma fits the bill.

      Said Benrahma proves he has the right moves in Brentford training More

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      Liverpool line up shock transfer move for Stoke outcast Jack Butland after Adrian shipped seven at Villa

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      LIVERPOOL are lining up a shock transfer move for Stoke outcast Jack Butland, according to reports.
      With No1 Alisson injured, Jurgen Klopp was forced to turn to back-up goalkeeper Adrian for the clash at Aston Villa last week.

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      Liverpool are eyeing up Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland as a back-up option to AlissonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But it did not go according to plan for the Spaniard as he shipped seven goals in a humiliating defeat, including the opener when he passed the ball to Jack Grealish inside his own box.
      And according to the Sunday Mirror, Liverpool could turn to Butland to replace as Adrian as the No2.
      Butland, 27, is one of Stoke’s top earners but has not played for the club since a 5-0 defeat to Leeds in July.

      Welsh international Adam Davies has claimed the first-choice spot under Michael O’Neill with the Potters sat 13th in the Championship table.
      Butland broke on to the scene at Birmingham and made his senior England debut aged just 19 to become the Three Lions’ youngest goalkeeper.
      A £4million move to Stoke and a further eight caps followed with the Bristol-born stopper tipped by many to be the national team’s No1 for many years.
      However, after relegation with Stoke in 2018, he has struggled for form in the second tier with no one meeting the club’s £30m valuation for him.

      That asking price will now have dropped significantly.

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      Butland has been frozen out at Stoke and has not featured since a 5-0 defeat to Leeds on July 9Credit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Adrian did not cover himself in glory when he filled in for Alisson as he conceded seven at Aston VillaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      His contract expires at the end of this season but a transfer could still be done before Friday’s domestic transfer deadline.
      And that could see Butland thrown straight in with a debut against Merseyside rivals and table-toppers Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday as Alisson is expected to be out for a few weeks still with his shoulder injury.
      Liverpool did sign goalkeeper Marcelo Pitaluga from Fluminense this week as well.
      However, the 17-year-old is not expected to be thrown into first-team action just yet but instead link up with the development teams.

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      The players Premier League sides may still sign in the ‘domestic’ window

      Manchester clubs have the worst net spend in the past decade by some distance

      Touching moment Jack Butland FaceTimes 11-year-old kid who went viral for practising his goalkeeping in back garden More

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      West Ham eye £8m transfer for Steve Cook from Bournemouth as desperate Moyes prepares to raid Championship for defender

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      WEST HAM are considering a shock move for Bournemouth centre-back Steve Cook, according to reports.
      The Hammers have failed to land a single one of their centre-back targets this summer and have reportedly switched their attention to the £8million Cherries veteran.

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      West Ham are considering a move for £8m Bournemouth man Steve CookCredit: Alamy Live News

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      David Moyes has seen just one new face arrive at the London Stadium this summerCredit: AFP or licensors

      West Ham have made just two signings this summer despite narrowly escaping relegation last term.
      Right-back Vladimir Coufal arrived in a £4m deal from Slavia Prague.
      And Tomas Soucek’s loan was made permanent thanks to a clause included in the initial deal that brought him to the London Stadium in January.
      Cook, 29, is now on the Hammers’ radar, according to the Daily Star.

      The Bournemouth captain won the club’s player of the season award last year as the south coast side were relegated – and he would be available for £8m.
      The Englishman has made 341 appearances for Bournemouth since his 2012 arrival.
      And he could be joined in East London by current team-mate Josh King – who the Hammers are prepared to pay between £12m and £17.5m for.

      David Moyes was hoping to build on the Hammers’ strong finish to last season but he started the new campaign with even FEWER players.
      Albian Ajeti, Jordan Hugill, Josh Cullen, Jack Wilshere and Felipe Anderson have all left the London Stadium.
      And promising young star Grady Diangana was also sold to West Brom for £18m – a move which incurred the fury of disgruntled Hammers supporters and captain Mark Noble.
      The Scot has also seen his club continually linked with centre-backs but fail to get any over the line.

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      How the PL’s best transfer XI for this summer could look

      Wesley Fofana joined Leicester City and the Hammers’ board refused to meet the asking prices for Burnley’s James Tarkowski and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah.
      While Chelsea’s Fikayo Tomori pulled out of a last minute, deadline day loan deal despite the clubs having agreed terms.
      Earlier this year, Moyes spoke of his desire to build a young, hungry team at the Hammers after he started his second spell in charge.
      But despite the ex-Manchester United manager’s impressive impact on the team’s results, it appears he will have to make do with cheaper and older arrivals – if any more at all.
      The Hammers have also been linked with Craig Dawson, 30, from Watford – who were also relegated.

      Jack Wilshere in ‘advanced talks’ with Rangers over shock free transfer for former Arsenal and West Ham star More