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    Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea among Prem giants in transfer battle for Brazil wonderkid dubbed ‘Little Messi’

    PALMEIRAS teen sensation Estevao Willian is attracting interest from THREE Premier League clubs.Willian recently broke into the Brazilian powerhouses’ first team following a string of impressive displays for their youth sides.
    Estevao Willian has made waves for Palmeiras at the tender age of 16Credit: GETTY
    The Brazilian is being tracked by Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester UntedCredit: GETTY
    Word has spread quickly about the 16-year-old midfielder’s talents, so much so that Spanish giants Barcelona are already plotting to swoop for him.
    But according to reports, they’re not the only clubs interested in acquiring his services.
    According to Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are all tracking the teenager’s progress.
    They claim the Premier League trio are “bidding hard” to try tosnap up the starlet – who has a whopping £51million buyout clause.
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    The Spanish sporting newspaper also claims French champions Paris Saint-Germain are among the versatile midfielder’s suitors.
    But the quartet’s respective bids to sign him could be scuppered by the teen – who has been dubbed the Little Lionel Messi – himself.
    Mundo Deportivo claims “Messinho” has his heart set on playing for Barca and the Palmeiras brass will respect his wishes by snubbing other offers.
    Willian revealed his desire to play for the Catalans last year, telling Mundo Deportivo: “[My dream is] to play for Barcelona.
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    Estevao Willian dreams of playing for Spanish giants BarcelonaCredit: EPA
    “Which is one of the best clubs in the world.
    “I was born watching Neymar, Messi and Suarez play for Barcelona, and that’s the dream I have.
    “I watch almost every Barca match. I’m a fan of the club.
    “I have a great admiration for the players who play there, and I hope to be there too.
    “Yes, it would be a dream come true.” More

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    Five clubs Jordan Henderson could transfer to in January as England star tells team-mates Saudi move was huge mistake

    JORDAN HENDERSON wants to seal a January transfer after telling former team-mates his move to Saudi Arabia has been a mistake.The former Liverpool captain, 33, left Anfield to join Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq in the summer.
    Jordan Henderson could leave Al-Ettifaq after admitting the move was a mistakeCredit: Alamy
    He was all smiles when he signed for Steven Gerrard’s side in July 2023Credit: Reuters
    But it has not worked out as planned with Henderson yet to score and his side on a nightmare run of poor form.
    Now SunSport understands he has had enough and is ready to head back to Europe.
    Leaving before honouring two years of his £700,000-a-week contract would trigger a major tax bill worth around £3.5million.
    However, it could see the midfielder bolster his chances of featuring at Euro 2024.
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    But where could Henderson go if he did make the shock early exit?
    RETURN TO LIVERPOOL
    Henderson spent 12 years at Anfield, racking up 492 appearances for the Reds.
    He inherited the captain’s armband from Gerrard and lifted the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Community Shield, Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup.
    Jurgen Klopp brought in Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch in a midfield overhaul – but some extra trophy-winning experience could be vital as Liverpool chase another league title this term.
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    The England international is the only Liverpool captain to lift the Premier League trophyCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    NEWCASTLE
    Newcastle have the local bragging rights after winning the Tyne-Wear FA Cup clash – and they could have even more if ex-Sunderland boy Henderson joins them.
    Newcastle are owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund and the connections to the Saudi Pro League would ease negotiations – especially after Premier League clubs voted to allow transfers between clubs with the same owners.
    Eddie Howe’s squad has been decimated by injuries and a holding midfielder is high on the wish list anyway, with Kalvin Phillips also a target.
    Henderson started out at boyhood club Sunderland, joining aged eightCredit: AP:Associated Press
    CHELSEA
    Chelsea have splashed the cash – more than £1billion to be precise – since Todd Boehly took over at Stamford Bridge in 2022.
    And yet despite the big-money arrivals of Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Lesley Ugochukwu, an experienced head in the middle of the park could be a sensible addition.
    Henderson would certainly provide that and linking up with a host of Three Lions stars could help catch Gareth Southgate’s eye.
    He could line up in midfield with Enzo Fernandez at ChelseaCredit: Getty
    CELTIC
    Henderson was at Liverpool throughout Brendan Rodgers’ tenure as Kop boss from 2012 to 2015.
    And the Northern Irishman may well be keen for a reunion to add a top-quality midfielder into his Celtic team.
    The lower overall quality of the league compared to the Premier League would also work in Henderson’s favour because he turns 34 at the end of the season.
    Brendan Rodgers managed the midfielder at AnfieldCredit: Action Images – Reuters
    MOVE TO GERMANY
    SunSport understands an unnamed German club are also monitoring Henderson’s situation with particular interest.
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    With Bayer Leverkusen the surprise leaders and Bayern Munich, Stuttgart and RB Leipzig all chasing, the Bundesliga is wide open going into the second half of the season.
    Henderson proved he is willing to move abroad when he went to Saudi and the chance to test himself in another of Europe’s top five leagues could be appealing.
    Could Henderson line up with Harry Kane at Bayern Munich?Credit: Alamy More

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    Chelsea line up January transfer for £20m Athletic Bilbao defender Aitor Paredes with Blues’ star centre-back set to go

    CHELSEA are looking to bring Athletic Bilbao defender Aitor Paredes in to strengthen their backline this month.Blues defenders have struggled for both form and fitness this year with both Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah missing the entirety of the season so far with injury.
    Paredes scored in his last game for Athletic ClubCredit: EPA
    Benoit Badiashile is also out with muscle fatigue with the Blues struggling for clean sheets.
    Chelsea have already seen a deal for Benfica’s 20-year-old centre-back Antonio Silva fail but have wasted no time in turning their attentions to Paredes instead.
    SunSport understand that Chelsea have sent a scout to watch Paredes, 23, seven times this season, including in Thursday’s 2-0 win over Sevilla, where he scored the second goal of the game.
    Paredes is a product of Athletic Club’s academy and has become a stalwart at the heart of the side’s defence.
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    The Basque club are currently fourth in LaLiga and on course for a spot in the Champions League next season.
    Chelsea value Paredes’ ability to pass the ball out from the back alongside his strong athletic profile.
    The player is known for both his strength and recovery pace and looks set to earn a call-up to the Spanish national team for the upcoming Euros.
    SunSport understands Chelsea have asked Athletic Club’s board to set a price but they have so far been reluctant to do so.
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    A look at Paredes’ stats this seasonCredit: The Sun
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    The defender is contracted at the club until 2025 and could be available for around £20million.
    Paredes has already been approached by Real Madrid this month, with Inter Milan also showing an interest.
    Chelsea could be forced to move quickly for Paredes with two of their defenders being linked with a move away from the Bridge.
    Thiago Silva, 39, has been linked with a free transfer back to his old club Fluminense, where he started his career.
    And Trevoh Chalobah could reunite with old manager Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich, who are also trying to sign Tottenham’s Eric Dier. More

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    Chelsea flop Timo Werner on verge of sensational loan transfer to Spurs in blow to Man Utd’s hopes of January swoop

    TOTTENHAM are on the verge of signing Timo Werner on loan from RB Leipzig.Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenburg reports that a deal is nearly done to bring the German forward to North London on a six-month deal.
    Werner is near to joining TottenhamCredit: Getty

    Spurs are keen to insert an option to buy into the loan, with that being the final part of the negotiation currently.
    According to Fabrizio Romano, the forward has reached a personal agreement with Tottenham – and has been left out of Leipzig’s friendly against St.Gallen today.
    RB Leipzig’s official account confirmed that he had been left out of the squad to arrange a transfer.
    Werner spent two unsuccessful years as Chelsea’s frontman between 2020 and 2022.
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    The Blues were convinced to part with £47million to sign the German forward after he hit 28 goals in 34 games in the 2019-20 season.
    But after registering 23 goals and 21 assists in his 89 appearances for Chelsea he was deemed surplus to requirements and sold back to Leipzig in the summer of 2022.
    Werner enjoyed a middling first season back at the club where he once shone, scoring nine and registering four assists in his 29 Bundesliga appearances.
    But this season he has fallen down the Leipzig pecking order behind Lois Openda and Yussuf Poulsen.
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    That meant Leipzig were keen to get the player off their wage bill in January and Spurs have swooped in to do a deal.
    Werner has attracted interest from several Premier League teams this window – including Manchester United, Aston Villa and West Ham.
    United value the striker’s Premier League experience, and wanted to bring him in as competition for the struggling Rasmus Hojlund.
    Likewise, Aston Villa wanted to bring the forward in as back up for Ollie Watkins.
    Werner may have been rewarded with more game time at West Ham given Michail Antonio’s latest struggles with injury.
    But it looks as though the German international has ultimately been convinced by Ange Postecoglou’s project at Spurs.
    The pacy forward, who can operate off the left or through the middle will provide a similar profile to Spurs captain Son Heung Min – who is away with South Korea for the Asia Cup this month. More

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    Chelsea outcast David Datro Fofana ‘lined up for shock transfer to LaLiga giants’ with star to be recalled from loan

    SEVILLA are ready to make a January loan swoop for Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana, according to reports.The Ivorian, 21, has spent the first half of the season at Union Berlin in the Bundesliga.
    David Datro Fofana joined Chelsea from Molde 12 months agoCredit: Getty
    The striker has spent the first half of the season on loan at Union BerlinCredit: Reuters
    He has netted just twice in 17 appearances, with Union having slumped to 15th in the table.
    Fofana was suspended by the German side in October after reacting angrily to being substituted against Napoli in the Champions League.
    The forward snubbed a handshake from his manager Urs Fischer and had to be consoled on the bench.
    He was subsequently banned by his club for a week, with Fischer sacked the following month.
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    According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Sevilla want to bring Fofana to Spain for the second half of the campaign.
    The reigning Europa League winners are hoping to bolster their front line, having so far endured an underwhelming campaign.
    Quique Sanchez Flores’ side are 16th in LaLiga, just one point above the relegation zone.
    Fofana joined Chelsea from Molde in an £8million deal 12 months ago.
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    He made four appearances for the Blues last term before being sent to Union Berlin.
    The 5ft 11in ace bagged his first goal for Union in a 1-1 Champions League draw with Napoli in November.
    He finally got off the mark in the Bundesliga by scoring against Koln in the last game before the winter break last month.
    Fofana has been capped three times by the Ivory Coast but has failed to make the cut for their 2024 Africa Cup of Nations squad. More

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    Troy Deeney picks his six Prem wonderkids to watch this year from Palmer to Mainoo… plus one familiar name in the EFL

    HERE are my six Premier League players that are under 23 to watch in 2024 — and one from the Championship with a familiar name.Manchester United and Chelsea each supply two starlets – despite the Prem giants both enduring a mediocre first half of the season.
    Che;sea’s Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill should have much more to celebrateCredit: Reuters
    MICHAEL OLISE – Crystal Palace winger, 22
    One of those I’m most excited by due to his explosiveness, tight control and ability to put the ball in the net.
    Arsene Wenger hailed him as one of the best young talents at the moment — I think that says it all.
    Olise’s been  unfortunate with injuries so his game time has been limited this season but five goals and one assist in nine games is not bad going.
    Michael Olise can scale even greater heights if he’s luckier with injuriesCredit: Getty
    COLE PALMER – Chelsea striker, 21
    Not only is this guy one of the best  in England right now, but I will expand that and say one of the best on the planet. He is that good.
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    Punters said he made a mistake leaving his boyhood Manchester City in the summer in a shock £42.5million switch after winning it all at such a young age.
    But the young man has proven to be worth every penny of his price tag, and does not look fazed in the slightest.
    I am certain he is going to have another amazing year in a Chelsea shirt, with the Euros also on the horizon…

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    LEVI COLWILL – Chelsea centre-back, 20
    Strong, fast. Just two things separate this kid from the rest in his position. Chelsea and England are lucky to have such a talent on their hands.
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    Produced some top displays as Young Lions won the Under-21 Euros  over summer and fitted in seamlessly back at Chelsea after Brighton loan.
    Tipped to become one of the  Premier League’s best centre-backs.
    RASMUS HOJLUND – Man Utd striker, 20
    He might not be everyone’s cup of tea, and he may be struggling to find the net in this poor United team right now, but he is definitely someone to watch this year.
    The Dane has not got the Prem goals underneath him just yet – just the one in fact – but he causes defenders so many problems.
    He is sharp, responsive and has good finishing skills when he gets the right delivery, something that has been lacking from his United teammates so far.
    Before we know it, the whole world will be wanting to watch him – not just this year but for the foreseeable future.
    Rasmus Hojlund is short of goals for Man Utd but broke his Prem duck with a late Boxing Day winner at home to Aston VillaCredit: Getty

    HARVEY ELLIOTT – Liverpool midfielder, 20
    This probably would not be a popular pick by most football fans but this guy just loves proving the haters wrong and has really developed under Jurgen Klopp.
    He always puts in a strong performance when asked of him in both the Prem and in Europe – whether it is off the bench or starting from the off and he knows where the goal is.
    He has captained the England U21s on several occasions and it will not be long before he gets that senior national team call-up he dreams of.
    Given time, he will become an absolute asset to Liverpool, who already have so many exciting attackers in their ranks, none more so than Mohamed Salah.
    Harvey Elliott will become a key man for Jurgen Klopp’s RedsCredit: Getty
    KOBBIE MAINOO – Man Utd midfielder, 18
    In what has been a dull season for United, this teenager is the bright spark, and I have been watching him with interest since pre-season.
    Unfortunately, he was hit with injury – had he not, he may well have caught everyone’s attention sooner and nailed down a starting spot in Ten Hag’s side.
    But he has bounced back and United fans have not stopped raving about the potential on show. Credit to him, he has stepped into some big shoes.
    Kobbie Mainoo has been the shiniest beacon of hope for the Red DevilsCredit: Getty
    We may not be sure of United under Ten Hag, but we are sure of how much better Mainoo makes them when he is in the team.
    JOBE BELLINGHAM – Sunderland midfielder, 18
    While Jude Bellingham rips it up in Spain with Real Madrid, his younger brother Jobe is proving why people say they share many of the same traits on the pitch.
    The physique. The ball control. The strength. The swagger.
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    Mostly appearing in an advanced midfield role since signing from Birmingham last summer, his coaches have said his greatest attribute is his eagerness to learn.
    It is only a matter of time before Sunderland make a huge profit on the bargain £1.5m they paid for him when a big boy comes in and snaps him up.

    Jobe Bellingham is two years younger than brother Jude but with similar assets and has been praised for his willingness to learnCredit: Getty More

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    Bayern Munich ‘target shock Trevoh Chalobah transfer with Chelsea willing to sell to raise money and avoid FFP breach’

    BAYERN MUNICH are eyeing a shock swoop for Trevoh Chalobah, it’s been claimed.The defender has been one of the shining lights in what has been a difficult few years for Chelsea.
    Trevoh Chalobah has impressed since returning to ChelseaCredit: RICHARD PELHAM
    Despite the Blues’ defensive woes, Chalobah has impressed since returning from a season-long loan with Lorient.
    And according to reports, his displays over the past season-and-half have caught the eye of German giants Bayern Munich.
    That’s according to The Daily Mail, who claim the Bundesliga big boys are seeking to sign the 24-year-old on an initial loan deal.
    It’s also said that Chelsea are willing to part ways with their academy product to help balance their books and not be in breach of Financial Fair Play regulations.
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    It’s understood the West Londoners are also looking to cash in on Chalobah’s fellow academy graduate Conor Gallagher to avoid an FFP infringement.
    Chalobah was on course to join Bayern on loan last September but pulled the plug on the deal by vowing to fight for his place in the Blues’ starting line-up.
    Manager Mauricio Pochettino said: “If an offer appears, it is because another part of the club accepted it to move or they were trying to find a solution or the player wanted to leave.
    ” You cannot only blame the club, if an offer appears for Jesus [Perez, my assistant], it is because Jesus was open to receiving the offer, no?
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    “Come on, we need to also be clever. Did you receive an offer, Jesus [laughs]?!
    “No, but it is always easy to blame the club and blame the club. In the same way, maybe the player was thinking in pre-season or before the season to move in one direction.
    “If after that didn’t happen, then I am fair with the player. I will give them a chance to perform and play here.
    “Maybe the player decides to stay after but that’s the business. That is not, ‘Oh, the club accepted the offer’ or ‘The player wanted to move’.
    “Come on, it is the business that we know very well.
    “The players that are here if they deserve will have the opportunities to play but they need to be better than the others in their position.”
    Chelsea will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, welcoming Preston North End to Stamford Bridge for their FA Cup third-round clash.
    Chelsea are contemplating selling Trevoh Chalobah to balance their booksCredit: The Times More

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    Thiago Silva ‘lined up for emotional return to old club’ aged 39 with Chelsea star available on free transfer in summer

    CHELSEA star Thiago Silva is being lined up with a transfer to former club Fluminense, according to reports.The centre-back made his name at the Brazilian side, earning a move to AC Milan with his impressive performances.
    Thiago Silva is wanted by former side FluminenseCredit: Rex
    He initially signed for them on loan from Spartak Moscow, but made his move permanent in 2007.
    Silva, 39, made 143 appearances for Fluminense before being snapped up for £8.5million.
    But he could be set to add to that tally with the South American giants keen to bring the defender back to his homeland, report The Mirror.
    Silva’s future is unclear with his Chelsea contract expiring in the summer.
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    He could be tempted to return to Fluminense following their Copa Libertadores success last year.
    However the veteran admitted Chelsea could be his final club as he is considering retirement.
    Silva said: “The end of my career is getting closer… it’s not easy.
    “You’ve to think about when you want to retire, where do you go as final club, the family, my kids play at Chelsea.
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    “I’m just focused on enjoying my final year of contract at Chelsea.
    “I don’t know what’s gonna happen next year but I’m very happy with my career.”
    Meanwhile Chelsea are at risk of losing another defender with former boss Thomas Tuchel keen to bring Trevoh Chalobah to Bayern Munich. More