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    Brighton bid for Man Utd target Haidara opening the door for Chelsea and Arsenal to battle it out for Caicedo

    BRIGHTON are reportedly trying to sign RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara.And the Mali international’s possible arrival at the Amex Stadium could allow Moises Caicedo to join Arsenal or Chelsea.
    Amadou Haidara has attracted interest from Man Utd and LiverpoolCredit: Rex
    Moises Caicedo has been sensational for Brighton so far this seasonCredit: Reuters
    Haidara, 24, who signed for Leipzig from RB Salzburg in 2019, has contributed 12 goals and eight assists in 133 appearances for the German side.
    According to The Independent, Brighton have seen an offer for the midfielder rejected by the Bundesliga outfit.
    It is understood that Leipzig do not want to sell in January as they believe it would be a struggle to find a replacement.
    Leipzig are currently just four points off Bayern Munich at the top of the table.
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    But Haidara’s failure to secure a move in January may only postpone his exit as he has a clause in his contract which will allow him to leave in the summer.
    Man Utd and Newcastle have previously been interested in him.
    But if Brighton can secure his services, that may free up Seagulls man Caicedo to depart the club.
    The Ecuadorian, 21, has been linked with a move to both Arsenal and Chelsea.
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    He could yet join former team-mate Leandro Trossard at the Emirates, or Marc Cucurella at Stamford Bridge.
    But Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is determined to keep his midfield maestro.
    Speaking earlier this month, he said: “He is very important for us, it would be difficult to change with another player now.
    “I hope he finishes the season with us, but you know in the transfer market it is always difficult to give you one answer.
    “When there are some bigger teams and they want one of our players, it is good news for us.
    “The best solution for us is he can finish the season with us. Next summer, for him, is better to change team.” More

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    Tottenham confident of completing Pedro Porro transfer in days with £40m deal with Sporting close to being agreed

    TOTTENHAM are growing increasingly confident of completing a £40million deal for Sporting Lisbon defender Pedro Porro in the next few days.Spurs boss Antonio Conte has been on the look-out for a right wing-back to fit his system since the summer, and Porro, 23, is their main target.
    Tottenham hope to wrap up a deal for Porro on WednesdayCredit: Getty
    An offer of £32.5m has already been rejected this month, with Portuguese side Sporting remaining stubborn over the player’s £40m release clause.
    But SunSport understands that following talks between both clubs over the past two days, an agreement is close to being reached to meet that figure this window.
    The £40m deal would include add-ons and bonuses – as Spurs chairman Daniel Levy continues to spend big in order to prove to Conte he can build him a title-challenging squad.
    Once on the books at Manchester City, Porro has made almost 100 appearances in all competitions since joining Sporting on loan in 2020.
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    Should the deal go through, City would benefit with a 30 per cent sell-on clause, having left Manchester permanently in May 2022 for £7.2m.
    The Spain international is expected to be thrown straight into the starting XI to kick-start Tottenham’s season, replacing the likes of Matt Doherty and Emerson Royal.
    The signing would see the north London club’s spending over the course of this season surpass £200m, having spent £170m on seven players in the summer.
    Back on October, Conte said: “We know this situation with the club and the club knows very well we need time and patience, to try to go step by step.
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    “I spoke about the transfer market, that we needed more transfer markets to reach a good level.
    “We know this. At the same time, we want to be competitive, to try to do everything.”
    Despite winning just two of their last six Premier League outings, Spurs are still competing in the FA Cup and Champions League – as well as remaining three points off the top four. More

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    Seven top transfers that could still go through with 7 days of window left including Enzo Fernandez to Chelsea

    THE January transfer window is set to close in just seven days time as clubs rush to bolster their squads before the end of the month.We are now halfway through the Premier League campaign and there are a host of battles up and down the table.
    Enzo Fernandez has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
    Anthony Gordon has been linked with a move away amid Everton’s strugglesCredit: Getty
    Arsenal and Man City are preparing for a lengthy title fight, while just 10 points separate Newcastle in third from Chelsea in 10th.
    Then down the other end there is an almighty tussle to avoid the drop, with rock bottom Southampton just three points adrift of Leicester in 14th.
    All this is to say the final week of the transfer window could play a crucial role in deciding the outcomes of many teams seasons.
    Here are seven deals SunSport believe could get done before February 1.
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    Enzo Fernandez to Chelsea
    Perhaps the biggest money transfer that could still be done before the end of the window is Chelsea signing Enzo Fernandez.
    The Benfica midfielder, 22, who was sensational for Argentina at the World Cup, is being linked with an £88million move to Stamford Bridge.
    However, his £105m release clause remains a huge stumbling block for the Blues.
    Ivan Fresneda to Arsenal
    Ivan Fresneda could be set to join the Premier League leaders this monthCredit: Getty
    Arsenal are keen to bring in reinforcements if they are to maintain their title challenge and remain ahead of Man City until the end of May.
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    The Gunners have reportedly agreed a £13m fee for Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda.
    However, Borussia Dortmund have also seen an offer accepted, with the LaLiga outfit expected to decide which club the 18-year-old will join in the coming days.
    Nicolo Zaniolo to Tottenham or Newcastle
    Spurs are keen to add Nicolo Zaniolo to their squad in the January windowCredit: Getty
    Tottenham are facing a huge battle to get back into the top four this season.
    Antonio Conte has made it clear his desire to sign players in the January window, with Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo, 23, a priority for Spurs.
    However, Newcastle attempted to hijack the deal on Tuesday with a £31m offer which was rejected by Roma.
    Malo Gusto to Chelsea
    Malo Gusto could be Chelsea’s latest signing in the mid-season windowCredit: Getty
    Chelsea have already seen an £18m bid rejected for 19-year-old right-back Malo Gusto of Lyon.
    But they are understood to be preparing an improved offer as Todd Boehly looks to add to the hundreds of millions he has spent on players since taking over the club.

    Pedro Porro to Tottenham
    Pedro Porro is being heavily linked with a move to Spurs this monthCredit: AFP
    Tottenham are closing in on a £40million deal for Sporting Lisbon defender Pedro Porro.
    Spurs boss Antonio Conte has been on the look-out for a right wing-back to fit his system since the summer, and Porro, 23, is their main target.
    Anthony Gordon to Newcastle or Chelsea
    Everton’s Anthony Gordon nearly joined Chelsea in the summer following a superb end to the 2021/22 campaign.
    Now, amid a turbulent time at Goodison Park, he is being linked with a move away once more despite just three goals in 18 appearances so far this season.
    Chelsea are keen to come back in for him, but Newcastle are also very interested in snapping up the 21-year-old.
    Moises Caicedo to Arsenal or Chelsea
    Moises Caicedo is yet another Brighton player to have emerged as a starCredit: Reuters
    Brighton relentlessly sign and develop players that eventually catch the attention of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.
    Midfielder Moises Caicedo, 21, is the latest Seagulls star to be linked with a move away.
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    He could join ex-team-mate Leandro Trossard at Arsenal as the Gunners are keeping a keen eye on him.
    But Chelsea are another club thought to be interested in the Ecuadorian international. More

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    Chelsea’s forgotten man Tiemoue Bakayoko FINALLY set for transfer exit as club ‘agrees to sell him to Adana Demirspor’

    CHELSEA are FINALLY set to sell forgotten man Tiemoue Bakayoko – five years after his last appearance.The Blues spent a whopping £40million to land the defensive midfielder from Monaco in 2017.
    Tiemoue Bakayoko looks set to finally leave Chelsea for Adana DemirsporCredit: Rex
    But after 43 appearances in that 2017-18 season under Antonio Conte, the last of which was the FA Cup final win, the flop signing has not played for the club ever again.
    Now the Frenchman eventually could leave the club.
    According to Turkish transfer expert Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, an agreement is in place between Chelsea and Super Lig side Adana Demirspor.
    And now with a transfer arranged, the Turkish club look on course to sit down with the player to discuss his contract.
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    Bakayoko is nearing the end of a two-year loan at AC Milan, where there is a clause to make the switch permanent.
    This is his second loan to the San Siro giants and fourth temporary stint away from Chelsea – he also joined Monaco and Napoli between his AC Milan spells.
    But it is understood the 28-year-old will be able to terminate the loan deal early to make the switch to Turkey.
    There were suggestions that could have happened last summer when Nice, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest were all interested in the one-cap France international.
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    Bakayoko – who joined Chelsea in the same transfer window as fellow struggler Danny Drinkwater – still has 18 months remaining on his Stamford Bridge contract.
    Should he complete the move to Adana, Bakayoko would link up with the likes of Benjamin Stambouli, Britt Assombalonga, Younes Belhanda and captain Gokhan Inler. More

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    ‘We need this’ – Chelsea fans name Andrey Santos ‘new John Terry’ after inspiring dressing-room speech for Brazil U20s

    CHELSEA fans believe they have the “new John Terry” on their books.That’s after January signing Andrey Santos delivered a passionate dressing room speech before inspiring Brazil to a huge win over rivals Argentina.
    Andrey Santos gave a passionate speech before scoring in Brazil U20s’ win over ArgentinaCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    Chelsea fans reckon they have found the successor to John TerryCredit: AP:Associated Press
    Santos, 18, completed a below-the-radar £18million move to Stamford Bridge from Vasco earlier this month.
    A strong and skilful central midfielder, Santos was wanted by Newcastle before opting for Graham Potter’s Chelsea.
    And he is now showing off his skills by captaining Brazil at the U20 South American Championships.
    The young Samba Boys got off to a flyer in their first match against Peru, with Santos scoring in a 3-0 win against Peru.
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    But things got even better for Chelsea’s new man when he netted his second of the tournament in yesterday’s 3-1 victory over Argentina.
    Brilliant footage has now emerged from Brazil’s changing room before kick-off, showing Santos firing up his teammates with a passionate speech.
    The midfielder held nothing back as he urged his side to secure victory, saying: “Our time has come, now it’s time to put it on the field.
    “Everyone together. F**k whoever they put on the field.
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    Santos completed an £18m move to Chelsea from Vasco earlier this monthCredit: Getty
    “[Brazil’s subs] Next half you will come in and destroy them. Let’s go together and achieve our dreams.”
    The speech certainly excited Chelsea fans, who not only believe they have a successor to Brazilian veteran Thiago Silva, but also one to legendary former captain Terry.
    A Blues supporter declared: “He delivered a John-Terry-like dressing room speech!”
    Another said: “Already a leader. We need those at Chelsea.”
    One noted: “”Reminds you of another certain Chelsea player doesn’t it?”
    Another added: “Thiago Silva energy. We got Brazilian present and future captain.” More

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    Malo Gusto ‘wants to join Chelsea ahead of Man Utd transfer as Blues prepare second bid after failed £18m offer’

    MALO GUSTO reportedly wants to join Chelsea ahead of Manchester United.The Blues are thought to be preparing a second bid after having an £18million offer rejected by Lyon.
    Chelsea are preparing a new bid for Malo Gusto, who is eager to make the moveCredit: Getty
    Chelsea have identified Gusto, 19, as the successor to iconic right-back Cesar Azpilicueta.
    Todd Boehly has already signed six players this month in a bid to back under-fire Graham Potter.
    But the American chief wants more incomings before a new Uefa rule banning long-term contracts kicks in.
    And Gusto is top of the list for Chelsea along with a new central midfielder.
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    The teenager is rated as one of the brightest young talents in French football, prompting the Blues to launch an £18m bid yesterday.
    The offer was turned down by Lyon, who are desperate to keep Gusto despite additional interest from Man United.
    However, that could prove hard as Foot Mercato claims Gusto is desperate to join Chelsea regardless of United’s presence.
    Potter is equally keen to sign Gusto as competition for injury-prone star Reece James.
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    And it’s reckoned Chelsea are now preparing a new bid for the young defender worth between £27m and £35m.
    Should he move to Stamford Bridge, Gusto would become the latest French star to be snapped up by Chelsea.
    The Blues currently boast three Les Bleus aces in N’Golo Kante, Wesley Fofana and new centre-back Benoit Badiashile.
    Before them, attackers like Olivier Giroud, Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda lit up west London.
    And there have been further fan favourites in Claude Makelele, Marcel Desailly and Frank Leboeuf.
    But there have also been several French flops at the Bridge, including Tiemoue Bakayoko, Loic Remy and Lassana Diarra.
    Others like William Gallas and Kurt Zouma evoked mixed feelings when they respectively joined rivals Arsenal and West Ham.
    And Chelsea fans will be hoping Gusto is nothing but a sure-fire hit should he make the switch. More

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    Newcastle join Chelsea in Anthony Gordon transfer race as they ‘open talks’ over winger and Everton name their price

    NEWCASTLE are reportedly set to rival Chelsea in the chase for Everton winger Anthony Gordon.The Blues tried to sign the Englishman in the summer but were unable to agree on a deal with the Toffees.
    Newcastle are reportedly interested in Anthony GordonCredit: Getty
    The Magpies are believed to have “opened talks” with Everton, and there is a deal to be done this month, according to the Daily Mail.
    The report claims that a financial package of £25million with £15m in add-ons could lead to a transfer.
    Although it is thought that Everton are aiming for a fee in the region of £60m.
    It is not thought that the Magpies would be willing to pay that much for the forward, who has scored three goals in 16 Premier League appearances this season.
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    He impressed last campaign as his four goals and two assists in 35 appearances helped the club escape relegation.
    The report also suggests that Eddie Howe’s side would be willing to loan him back to Goodison Park for the remainder of the season.
    This could be a big boost for the Toffees as Gordon could help them in their battle to beat the drop, with the club currently sitting 19th in the Premier League table.
    The Magpies have lost striker Chris Wood this month after he joined Nottingham Forest on loan for the remainder of the season.
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    He made his debut for the side on the weekend during their draw against Crystal Palace.
    The report has also suggested that Newcastle are in talks with clubs from abroad over potential transfers. More

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    Arsenal could hijack Chelsea transfers for TWO Prem stars after Blues pipped them to Mudryk signing

    ARSENAL could reportedly hijack two Premier League targets from Chelsea this summer.The Blues poached winger Mykhailo Mudryk from under the Gunners’ noses this month but could be set to taste their own medicine.
    Chelsea hijacked Arsenal’s deal for Mykhailo MudrykCredit: Getty
    Arsenal could now try and poach Chelsea target Declan RiceCredit: Getty
    The Gunners could also move for another Blues target in Moises CaicedoCredit: Getty
    Arsenal are interested in signing Chelsea targets Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice this summer, according to the Evening Standard.
    Graham Potter’s side have been linked with Rice over the last couple of seasons.
    The West Ham captain was at the Blues’ youth academy until he was 14 years old when he was let go by the club.
    It is expected that he will leave the Hammers this month as he wants to challenge for trophies in his career.
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    And Arsenal are believed to be in the running for his signature in order to boost their midfield options.
    Caicedo however, is another option for the club in order to provide competition to Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey.
    The report suggests that the Ecuadorian wanted to move to Stamford Bridge, but is unwilling to force a move out of Brighton.
    This means a transfer will be on hold until the summer when Arsenal can swoop in.
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    However, the 21-year-old has insisted that he is focused on the Seagulls.
    He told The Argus: “To be sincere with you, I am focused now on Brighton I am here, I’m playing every day.
    “What happens outside doesn’t trouble me, nor does it take that focus away because I’m focused only on here.
    “I’m here today, I’ll be here tomorrow and then we will see.” More