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    Inside the rise of Conor Bradley, the ‘gift from God’ who turned down Man Utd and Chelsea to become Liverpool star

    CONOR BRADLEY called his first Liverpool goal “a dream” but few back in Aghyaran will be surprised he is now living his fantasy.For them it was only a matter of when, not if, the kid from a hamlet in Northern Ireland would make it big.
    Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hailed Conor Bradley after the win over ChelseaCredit: PA
    The Northern Irish ace is known as ‘a gift from God’ back in West TyroneCredit: PA
    Yet it was in this tiny place in West Tyrone, population 1,384, that Bradley became known as “a gift of God”.
    Everybody who knew him knew that and Jurgen Klopp now knows it too.
    From playing for Dungannon Swifts as a winger, to the organised violence of Gaelic football with St Davogs or becoming Northern Ireland’s primary school cross-country running champion all who knew him believed he would fulfil whatever dream he chose.
    Swifts head of development Dixie Robinson, who signed him aged 14, revealed: “He had tactical know-how beyond his years.
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    “He had a lot of talent to go with that and every time you stepped him up, he answered the call.
    “Conor was a gift of God and a ­fantastic young man.”
    At the right-back’s primary school St Patrick’s, five miles down the road in Castlederg where he was born, they speak of him with fondness, declaring: “He’s a great friend. What marked him out was his temperament and ability to include everyone at play.”
    Tommy Moss of St Davogs GAA said: “Everyone is so very proud of him because he’s really down to earth, a lovely fella, none of this will go to his head. 
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    “That  attitude is everything to do with why he’s made it.”
    His coach at first club St Patricks marvelled after Bradley, 20,  set up two goals in the 5-2 FA Cup win over Norwich last Sunday.
    And then he added another couple of assists plus that unforgettable goal in Wednesday’s 4-1 battering of Chelsea. Rory Lynch said: “His football brain always set him out — he was doing things no one else could do.”
    Manchester United and Chelsea had him over for trials but he had always supported Liverpool.
    By 2019 he was an Anfield academy player and in 2021  Ian Baraclough gave him his debut as a sub against Malta.
    Baraclough, now No 2 at Cheltenham, said: “What Conor shows every time he plays is energy and enthusiasm.
    “When a young lad like that comes into a team it gives everyone a lift.
    “He is  quiet but  there’s a glint in his eye. I suspect there’s a naughty side there — but it will be funny, not nasty.” More

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    Transfer Deadline Day LIVE: Armando Broja latest EXCLUSIVE, Spurs eye £50m Solanke deal, Benrahma to Lyon updates

    CHELSEA are willing to offload Armando Broja on Deadline Day – but they are being forced to slash their original asking price by more than £40 million.The Blues initially wanted a whopping £50m for the striker but have now been forced to abandon plans for a permanent sale with Fulham refusing to pay that amount.
    Meanwhile, Spurs are ready to try to push through a £50m-plus deal for Dominic Solanke before the transfer window closes tonight.
    And Said Benrahma is travelling to France ahead of his Deadline Day move to Lyon
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    Follow all the latest moves and completed deals on Deadline Day
    Lazio loan move for Kent
    Ryan Kent is close to completing a loan move to Lazio from Fenerbahce.
    The former Rangers star only joined the Turkish giants on a four-year deal back in July, but has since caught the attention of those in Italy.
    The 27-year-old winger is now due in Rome for a medical and hopes to finalise the transfer before Serie A’s 7pm deadline.

    Copy linkCopiedSwans swoop for Sagoe Jr
    Swansea City have bagged highly-rated Arsenal youngster Charles Sagoe Jr on a loan deal until the end of the season.
    The 19-year-old forward has moved to South Wales subject to international clearance, where he will link up with another young Gunner in Charlie Patino.
    Sagoe Jr made his senior debut as sub in Arsenal’s League Cup win at Brentford back in September, and could go straight into Luke Williams’ squad for the Championship game against Plymouth on Saturday.
    Copy linkCopiedDone Deal: Newcastle sign Harrison
    Newcastle have announced the signing of Manchester City wonderkid Alfie Harrison.
    The midfielder, 18, will link up with Toon’s academy after signing a contract until the summer of 2026.
    The Magpies have paid a small fee up front but City have a 40 per cent sell-on clause written into the deal.
    Harrison said: “The size of the club and what it has got going for it is massive for me. It’s got a huge, passionate fanbase and I’m looking to really push on with my career now.
    “If I was a kid now, looking at me signing for Newcastle United, it’s what dreams are made of. I’m really looking forward to what is coming and how I can progress in the coming years.
    “I’m an effective player who can add goals and assists. I really like to create stuff but, on the other side, I’d also say I’m a very passionate player who always wants to win.”
    Credit: @NUFC Twitter
    Copy linkCopiedFulham foiled by Frankfurt in forward forage
    Fulham’s pursuit of Hugo Ekitike was short-lived.
    The Cottagers enquired about the young Paris Saint-Germain forward this morning, but he now looks set to join Eintracht Frankfurt.
    According to Fabrizio Romano, the 21-year-old will move to the Bundesliga on a loan deal before completing a £26 million move at the end of the season.
    PSG are also understood to have included a sell-on clause for the striker that they signed from Reims last summer.

    Copy linkCopiedMore on Rogers’ Villa move
    One of the biggest deals of this deadline day so far has been Morgan Rogers’ move from Middlesbrough to Aston Villa.
    The 21-year-old will wear the number 27 shirt at Villa Park after making a switch that could end up costing in the region £16 million.
    And that will mean another windfall for Manchester City, potentially netting them close to £4 million.
    The Premier League champions included a 25% sell on clause when they allowed the youngster to join Boro for approximately £1 million in the summer.
    Copy linkCopiedBrighton bring in Reading’s Vickers
    Brighton have raided crisis club Reading for teenage forward Caylan Vickers.
    The Seagulls have moved quickly to capture the 19-year-old, who scored his first senior goal in the Royals’ win over Bolton in Septemeber.
    Both clubs have agreed a deal, and Vickers will undergo a medical on the south coast later today.
    Copy linkCopiedFrank talking on transfer activity
    Brentford boss Thomas Frank does not expect many players in or out of the door at the Gtech before the end of the day.
    There has been plenty of speculation regarding Ivan Toney’s future since he returned to football this month following his betting ban.
    And the Bees had been close to adding exciting forward Antonio Nusa to their ranks before the deal hit a snag.
    However, when asked about potential deals this afternoon, Frank was not confident.
    “[We are looking] but I think it’s unlikely something will happen. Five per cent likely,” he told reporters.
    “I said before the Tottenham game that if we want a player now and it can’t happen then it will happen in the summer.
    “This will be breaking news on Sky, but Ivan Toney will stay.”
    Copy linkCopiedVilla won’t entertain Ramsey offers
    Aston Villa have no interest in discussing offers for young star Jacob Ramsey, according to the BBC.
    The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has been linked to the likes of Newcastle, Tottenham and Bayern Munich this month.
    However, the West Midland’s club are adamant about holding on to the player who has another three years left to run on his contract.
    The England U21 international has struggled with a foot injury this season, but is still considered an integral part of Unai Emery’s squad.

    Copy linkCopiedFulham make offer for Silas
    Fulham have submitted an offer for Stuttgart winger Silas in the last few hours, reports Florian Plettenberg.
    Speaking to Sky Sports News, the German journalist revealed that the Premier League club have asked to take the 25-year-old on a six-month loan with a view to making the switch a permanent one in the summer.
    It is understood that the Congolese international is keen on the move to London, but his club have yet to agree to the move.
    Silas has scored 33 goals and provided 19 assists in 120 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit.
    Copy linkCopiedHolgate to swap Saints for Sheffield
    Mason Holgate is set to cut short his loan spell at Southampton – but he won’t be returning to parent club Everton.
    Instead, the 27-year-old defender will hotfoot it up to Bramall Lane and join Sheffield United for the rest of the season.
    Chris Wilder is a long-term admirer of the former Barnsley man, having attempted to sign him on two previous occasions.
    And the Blades boss is desperate for defensive reinforcements, having also been linked with Joe Worrall and Harry Souttar this window.
    Copy linkCopiedToffees keep faith in God
    Ben Godfrey will stay at Everton despite interest from Leeds.
    The Toffees defender, 26, played in Tuesday’s 0-0 Premier League draw at Fulham.
    It was a rare outing for Godfrey as he made only his second league start – and fourth appearance in all competitions – this season.
    Days earlier, the player looked set to leave Goodison Park as the Merseysiders looked to reduce their wage bill and help their case towards FFP rules.
    Leeds made an official loan offer for Godfrey, who has 18 months left on his deal.
    But it is understood the two-time England international is ready to remain and fight for his Everton place.
    Copy linkCopiedEagles could swoop for Cornet
    Crystal Palace are interested in signing West Ham star Maxwel Cornet, according to reports.
    The Ivorian, 27, has struggled for game time under David Moyes this season.
    He has featured just twice in the Premier League, but did score last time out in the 2-2 draw with Sheffield United.
    The former Lyon and Burnley ace could provide Roy Hodgson with another forward option.
    While they are also said to view Cornet as versatile enough to provide cover for Tyrick Mitchell at left-back.

    Copy linkCopiedCottagers now linked to Ekitike
    There are ten hours of the transfer window remaining so it’s time for Fulham to get active.
    Marco Silva has been crying out for attacking reinforcements for months, but why carefully plan in advance when you can go on a mad trolley dash shortly before the shop shuts?
    That’s the approach favoured by Director of Football Tony Khan and CEO Alistair Mackintosh, who have finally got to work in the market.
    Armando Broja, Sebastien Haller, Said Benrahma and Rayan Cherki have all been contacted in the past 24-hours, and now it’s the turn of Paris Saint-Germain’s Hugo Ekitike.
    The 21-year-old striker was a £30m signing from Reims in June, but he has made just one appearance for PSG this term.
    Copy linkCopiedBlades back in for forgotten Forest man
    Sheffield United are working on a deal to sign Nottingham Forest captain Joe Worrall.
    The centre-back, 27, is behind Murillo, Andrew Omobamidele and Felipe in the City Ground pecking order has been made available for transfer by boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
    The Blades, rock bottom of the Prem, are desperate for defensive cover and have also looked at Leicester’s Harry Souttar, who is the subject of a late enquiry from Leeds.
    Sheffield United are believed to have had a loan offer for Forest defender Worrall rejected earlier in the window but are trying to resurrect the move this afternoon.

    Copy linkCopiedLyon’s Cherki not cheap cheap
    Fulham have had a deadline day approach for Lyon winger Rayan Cherki knocked back.
    The Cottagers held talks with the French club over a loan deal with an option in the summer.
    However, with Marco Silva’s side also having made an attempt to scupper Lyon’s move for West Ham winger Said Benrahma, a deal for Cherki was a non-starter.
    The Ligue 1 club were also demanding more than £30million for the 20-year-old.
    Copy linkCopiedLook who’s a shock target for Juve and Atleti
    Former Everton and Leicester star Ademola Lookman is being targeted by two European giants.
    The talented winger failed to pull up trees during his time in the Premier League which also included a loan spell at Fulham.
    He had more success in his first season while at RB Leipzig but went on to struggle in the Bundesliga before being sold to Atalanta.
    He’s gone on to play the best football of his career in Serie A, racking up 13 goals and eight assists last season and has also experienced a strong start to this campaign.
    And that’s alerted the interest of both Juventus and Atletico Madrd, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
    Lookman has scored seven goals and assisted three this season and is thought of as one of the most talented players in Italy.

    Copy linkCopiedHojbjerg staying put at Spurs
    Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has confirmed he is staying at Tottenham.
    The Dane, 28, has been of interest to several clubs this window, including Juventus and Lyon.
    But his lawyer Lars Halgreen claimed on Monday that the midfielder would not be going anywhere.
    And Hojbjerg, who came off the bench to help Spurs win 3-2 over Brentford on Wednesday, has backed that up.
    The former Southampton man said: “When the lawyer says it, I think we have to listen!”

    Copy linkCopiedTractor Boys bulldoze Dummett rumours
    Ipswich Town say that transfer speculation linking them with a deadline day move for Paul Dummett is “complete nonsense.”
    The Championship high-flyers have been linked with Newcastle’s long-serving defender in certain quarters, but those stories are proving to be “wide of the mark.”
    Kieran McKenna is not against adding to his squad, but only if the right deal presents itself.
    One player who could be on his way to Portman Road is striker Kieffer Moore, who looks set for a loan move away from Bournemouth.
    Copy linkCopiedBaggies hoping to get busy
    West Bromwich Albion are hoping to strengthen their promotion push with a double swoop on deadline day.
    The Baggies have been linked with loan moves for both Aston Villa’s Calum Chambers and Celtic’s Mikey Johnston.
    Carlos Corberan’s side currently sit fifth in the Championship – albeit 14 points behind second-placed Ipswich Town.
    Copy linkCopiedAssignon to sign on with Burnley
    Burnley are on the verge of completing the loan signing of Rennes right-back Lorenz Assignon.
    Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports that the 23-year-old Frenchman will initially move to Turf Moor until the end of the season.
    If successful with the Clarets, the Premier League strugglers will have the option to make the deal a permanent one in the summer.
    The defender was previously a target for Galatasaray, but the Turkish giants have now turned their attentions to Nottingham Forest’s Serge Aurier.
    The arrival of Assignon may also hasten the departure of Connor Roberts to Leeds.

    Copy linkCopiedBenrahma in France for talks
    West Ham’s Said Benrahma has arrived in France in order to negotiate a deadline day move to Lyon.
    That’s the understanding of The Athletic’s David Ornstein, who reports that the winger is finally set for a loan switch to Ligue 1.
    The deal for the 28-year-old is set to include the option to make the transfer permanent come the summer, and could end up being worth £17 million to the Hammers,
    There are some aspects of the transaction still to be ironed out, but is thought that all parties are confident of completion before the window shuts.
    Copy linkCopiedDone Deal: Villa sign Rogers
    Aston Villa have completed the signing of Middlesbrough striker Morgan Rogers for an undisclosed fee.
    The 21-year-old is no stranger to the West Midlands, having been born in Halesowen and formerly on the books of West Bromwich Albion.
    The England U20 forward has seven goals and nine assists to his name this season, excelling in Boro’s run to the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
    Credit: @AVFCOfficial Twitter
    Copy linkCopiedCity windfall if Toon teen turns star
    Manchester City could receive up to £3.5 million if teen striker Alfie Harrison proves to be a success at Newcastle.
    The Toon will only pay a small fee up front but his old club believe the 18-year-old is an exciting prospect – and have a 40% sell on clause written into the deal.

    Copy linkCopiedDahoud heads back to Bundesliga
    Brighton midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud has completed a loan move to Stuttgart until the end of the season.
    The 28-year-old arrived on the south coast from Borussia Dortmund back in July, but has found game time limited at the Amex.
    The Syria-born German international joins fellow Seagull Deniz Undav on loan at VfB.
    Brighton technical director David Weir said: “This is a good move for Mahmoud. It will give him an opportunity to play regularly for a side doing very well towards the top of the Bundesliga.”
    Copy linkCopiedIdah on his way to Celtic
    Norwich City striker Adam Idah has arrived in Glasgow ahead of a deadline day loan move to Celtic.
    The Republic of Ireland international is set to join the Scottish Premiership champions on a temporary deal, increasing Brendan Rodgers’ attacking options for the run-in.
    The 22-year-old has scored seven times for the Canaries this campaign, but has struggled to hold down a starting spot.
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    Cody Gakpo invites former Man Utd manager to watch him as Liverpool VIP guest against Chelsea

    CODY GAKPO invited former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal to watch him in action against Chelsea. The Dutchman started on the bench at Anfield for the Blues’ trip.
    Cody Gakpo alongside Liverpool boss Jurgen KloppCredit: AP
    And he had a special observer in the stands as commentators revealed Van Gaal was a VIP guest of his.
    The ex-United boss watched on as Chelsea were hammered 4-1 – and fans joked he is eyeing up Mauricio Pochettino’s job.
    One said: “Louis van Gaal waiting in line for Chelsea manager.”
    Another added: “Is Van Gaal the replacement for Pochettino or he just came to see the match.”
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    Van Gaal spent two years at Old Trafford from 2014-2016, leaving with an FA Cup to his name.
    He retired after his stint in Manchester but in 2021 returned to take charge of the Netherlands for a year.
    Van Gaal resigned after the winter World Cup in 2022 and has been out of the managerial game since after revealing a battle with prostate cancer.
    But he has worked as an advisor for Ajax since October.
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    Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is also preparing for the next step in his career after announcing he will leave at the end of the season.
    It had fans fearing that Van Gaal was at Anfield as a potential successor to Klopp.
    One said: “What is van Gaal doing at Anfield? I hope he’s not taking over for Klopp.”
    Another added: “Don’t tell me Liverpool is in contact with Van Gaal.”
    Louis Van Gaal at AnfieldCredit: TNT Sports More

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    Chelsea ‘reject Armando Broja transfer bid from Premier League rivals’ as frustrated Blues fans say ‘who bewitched us?’

    CHELSEA have allegedly rejected an approach from Wolves for Armando Broja.Albanian striker Broja, 22, is available for sale and has a hefty £50million price-tag on his head.
    Wolves have had a loan offer for Armando Broja rejected by ChelseaCredit: Getty
    He has scored just twice in 19 appearances this term under Mauricio Pochettino with the boss yet to be convinced of his talents.
    The Blues are ready to sell him and fellow Chelsea academy graduate Trevoh Chalobah to help ease FFP.
    Selling the duo would help them avoid breaking financial rules as homegrown players count as 100 per cent profit, hence enabling them to have more spending power for new additions.
    But it seems that Chelsea are only interested in allowing Broja to leave on a permanent basis.
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    Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claimed on social media: “Understand Chelsea have rejected formal approach from Wolves for Armando Broja.
    “Wolves have asked for Broja on loan but Chelsea have no intention to proceed at current conditions.”
    However, some fans seem desperate to see the back of the powerful forward as they responded to the news online.
    One posted: “Who bewitched Chelsea? This was an opportunity for Chelsea to clear the dead woods.”
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    Another claimed “Chelsea don’t need him” while a third said that “they should just let him go for real man”.
    A fourth pleaded: “Let this man goooo!”
    While a fifth said: “Broja isn’t all that why are they gassing him up.”
    Wolves are not the only club that have been linked with Broja, with their Midlands rivals Aston Villa also keen.
    And Chelsea are interested in Villa striker Jhon Duran, 20, with chiefs viewing the 20-year-old prospect as a talent for the future, meaning a swap deal may be able to be negotiated. More

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    Man Utd, Arsenal & Chelsea transfer target ‘available for £43m from summer as Bundesliga star’s release clause leaked’

    SEVERAL of the Premier League’s top clubs have been put on high alert after Benjamin Sesko’s alleged release clause was revealed.The 20-year-old arrived at RB Leipzig last summer from their Austrian sister club RB Salzburg.
    Sesko is one of Europe’s most highly rated young forwardsCredit: Getty
    His rapid progression from the Austrian league to the Bundesliga has naturally drawn comparisons with Erling Haaland, given they both made their names at Salzburg before big Bundesliga moves.
    Sesko started the season rapidly with a goal on both his Bundesliga and Champions League debuts for Leipzig.
    His debut goal in the Champions League made him the club’s youngest player to score in Europe, at just 20 years and 111 days old.
    The goals have become less consistent of late, which is natural for a youngster acclimatising to one of Europe’s top leagues.
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    Sky Sports Germany report that the forward will be available for a bargain £43million this summer due to the way his transfer to Leipzig was constructed.
    As part of Leipzig signing Sesko for £20.4m in the summer with £5m in add-ons, the cheap release clause was added this summer as a ‘compromise’ in the deal.
    Chelsea have previously been linked to a summer deal for Sesko, with the Blues seeing the Slovenian as a cheaper option to their long-term target, Victor Osimhen.
    As a stop-gap until then the club appear to be chasing Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran, who has rarely featured for Unai Emery’s side this season.
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    Sesko is finding his feet at LeipzigCredit: The Sun
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    Arsenal in the past have also seen Sesko as a viable alternative to Ivan Toney, and will wait until the summer to sign a forward anyway.
    United were heavily linked with Sesko in the summer when they opted to sign Rasmus Hojlund instead.
    However, it is well known that the Red Devils remain in the market for a no9 as competition for the Hojlund. More

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    Five Premier League transfers that could still go through this week as cash-strapped clubs make last-ditch moves

    THE January transfer window has been a busy time of year for clubs in previous years.Last year’s window broke records thanks in large part to Chelsea’s huge spending spree, but this winter could hardly be more different.
    The likes of Conor Gallagher have an uncertain future ahead of the transfer deadlineCredit: Rex
    Instead of splashing the cash, clubs have been pinching pockets to ensure they comply with Premier League profit and sustainability rules.
    This has seen a number of low cost or loan deals come about as opposed to huge spending.
    For some clubs, however, complying with financial rules also means selling players.
    SunSport have looked at five transfers which could still go through before Thursday’s transfer deadline.
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    Jhon Duran
    Aston Villa star Jhon Duran is the most likely target for the Blues this monthCredit: Alamy
    It is no secret that Chelsea are after a new frontman, and Aston Villa star Jhon Duran appears to be their man after the Blues stepped up their interest last week.
    The 20-year-old has been billed as the most realistic target for Mauricio Pochettino’s side considering his young age and smaller wages compared to other targets such as Karim Benzema.
    Conor Gallagher
    Gallagher remains heavily linked to Tottenham before the window shutsCredit: Getty
    While Chelsea want to sign a forward, their huge transfer outlay means the club must sell, with Tottenham-linked Conor Gallagher representing pure profit from an FFP perspective due to coming through the academy.
    Reports have suggested Chelsea want £50m for Gallagher, who has captained the team for most of the season and has just 18 months left on his contract at Stamford Bridge.
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    Miguel Almiron
    Miguel Almiron could be sold to help Newcastle comply with FFPCredit: Getty
    Miguel Almiron looks set to be the main casualty of Newcastle’s need to comply with financial fair play rules as Al Shabad and Al Ahli have emerged as potential destinations for the 29-year-old.
    The Toon are preparing for his exit with belts tightened at St. James’ Park after the club posted losses of £73.4m in their 2022/23 accounts.
    Kieran Dewsbury-Hall
    A transfer for Kieran Dewsbury-Hall will depend on whether Brighton or Brentford match Leicester’s asking priceCredit: Getty
    Kieran Dewsbury-Hall has been linked with a Premier League return in recent days with Brighton and Brentford both keeping tabs on the Leicester star.
    However, any deal will depend on the clubs meeting the Foxes asking price of £35m, with talks being held.
    Jacob Ramsey
    Eddie Howe denied reports saying Newcastle have made an approach for £50m-rated Jacob RamseyCredit: Getty
    Aston Villa Jacob Ramsey has attracted interest from a number of top clubs both in England and abroad, namely Tottenham, Newcastle and Bayern Munich, with a reported price tag upwards of £50m.
    Reports suggested Newcastle have made an approach to sign the 22-year-old, though Eddie Howe swiftly denied a move had been made. More

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    Man Utd and Chelsea ‘linked with late transfer swoop for Barcelona flop’ who’s worth a staggering £216m

    CHELSEA and Manchester United are both keen on signing former Barcelona star Martin Braithwaite.The clubs both need to strengthen their forward lines and are battling it out to bring the Espanyol striker to the Premier League.
    Chelsea and Manchester United are keen to sign Espanyol striker Martin BraithwaiteCredit: Rex
    The January transfer window comes to an end on Thursday at 11pm.
    And Braithwaite – who is also a successful businessman with a £216m empire – could end up being a last-minute signing.
    The 32-year-old is the top scorer in the Spanish second division this season with 11 goals.
    Espanyol sit fifth in the table and are in the fight for an immediate promotion back to La Liga.
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    However, an unusual detail in the striker’s contract means Chelsea and United would prefer to sign him this summer.
    He currently has a £6million release clause in his contract, which expires next summer.
    But should Espanyol get promoted, he will be able to leave for free.
    If the club remains in the second tier the forward will be worth £500,000.
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    Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag needs to add firepower up front, with neither Marcus Rashford or Rasmus Hojlund reaching ten goals yet this season.
    The Blues are still in a transition period, with Mauricio Pochettino’s misfiring side stumbling to a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa on Friday.
    Braithwaite’s hopes of making Denmark’s Euro 2024 squad would be boosted if he can secure top-flight football.
    The Dane was at Barcelona for two-and-a-half years, scoring ten goals in 58 games.
    But he was released by the Catalan giants after he reportedly refused to have his contract mutually terminated, leading to claims he held Barca to “ransom”. More

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    Mauricio Pochettino sneaks up on Sky Sports News reporter while live on air during Chelsea training

    MAURICIO POCHETTINO was keen to keep track of what reporters were saying about him today.Sky Sports presenter Paul Gilmour posted a picture on X (formerly known as Twitter) of Pochettino standing close to him and listening in to what the reporter was saying to camera.

    He captioned the post: “When you’re live on @SkySportsNews from Chelsea training and the gaffer sneaks up to listen in.
    “Thankfully I was saying nice things.”
    The likelihood of reporters saying nice things about Chelsea has increased after a more positive run of results for the club.
    Chelsea returned from their winter break with a 1-0 victory over local rivals Fulham.
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    They followed that up with a 6-1 thrashing of Middlesbrough in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.
    They then drew 0-0 with Aston Villa on the weekend to earn an FA Cup replay.
    Sky Sports presenter Dharmesh Sheth responded to the post with: “hahaha brilliant!!”
    A Chelsea fan also responded with a laughing emoji.
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    A third said: “Did you interview him after this?” Alongside three laughing emojis.
    Chelsea have the chance to continue a recent upturn in form when they travel to Liverpool on Wednesday.
    Their reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge ended in a 1-1 draw, which will give Blues fans hope against the league leaders.
    Chelsea’s form in the league generally this season has been less than stellar.
    The club currently sit in ninth place – although they are just one point off a Europa Conference League spot. More