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    Fans are only just realising why its called a ‘derby’ in football when two big local rivals meet

    THERE are few things in football that get the nerves tingling more than a big derby match.From Celtic v Rangers to Liverpool v Everton to Fenerbahce v Galatasaray, the most heated matches often come when two teams who are geographically close meet in a huge game of football.
    Liverpool’s home of Anfield is just a stone’s throw away from rival Everton’s Goodison ParkCredit: Getty
    These derby clashes are often spoke about for days and provide memories few fans will ever forget.
    But many football supporters have no idea why these high-profile games are called “derbies”.
    The phrase is often thrown about in the media as fans look forward to a grudge match where emotions will undoubtedly be running high.
    But few know that the origin of the phrase is disputed and could potentially go back centuries.
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    One theory is that the phrase comes from the Derby horse race which was founded by the Earl of Derby in 1780, according to the BBC.
    Another theory also has the Earl of Derby at the heart of it.
    Some believe the phrase originated from a match between Liverpool and Everton in 1914.
    Anfield and Goodison Park are famously separated only by Stanley Park, which was then owned by the Earl.
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    It is believed the “derby” term was coined in a newspaper in reference to the park’s ownership with the phrase quickly spreading to other local clashes.
    Derby matches sees two teams who are close in location and stature go head-to-head in a game.
    But the term has also been used to describe matches like El Clasico despite Barcelona and Real Madrid far apart in terms of geography but sharing a long and bitter history as Spain’s two most successful clubs.
    The fiercest derbies in England includes the North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham, the Manchester Derby between United and City and the Merseyside Derby.
    Rivalries abroad also often catch the eye, with the likes of Marseille and PSG in France, Olympiacos and Panathinaikos in Greece and Boca Juniors and River Plate in Brazil famous for their intense atmospheres. More

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    Liverpool outcast Oxlade-Chamberlain thrown shock transfer lifeline and could play Champions League football next season

    ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN has reportedly been thrown a transfer lifeline by a Champions League-chasing club with the Liverpool ace set to end his disastrous spell at Anfield. The 29-year-old joined Liverpool from Arsenal in a £33.4million 2017 transfer.
    Fenerbahce are keen on forgotten Liverpool star Alex Oxlade-ChamberlainCredit: Rex
    Oxlade-Chamberlain has won some of the world’s best trophies, including a Premier League and Champions League title while playing for the Reds.
    However, on an individual level, the ex-England international has struggled for consistency, mainly due to injury.
    The winger-turned-midfielder has missed an astonishing 88 games through injury while on the books at Liverpool.
    And this summer, his stay on Merseyside is set to come to an end when his contract expires.
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    But he could get a quicker escape before the end of the season, with Fenerbahce keen on him, according to Aspor.
    The Turkish winter transfer deadline was extended to March 5.
    And Fenerbache could play a small fee to free Oxlade-Chamberlain from Liverpool should they make a move.
    Oxlade-Chamberlain has played just 11 times this season, starting five of those games.
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    The Turkish giants are currently sat second in the Super Lig, behind rivals Galatasaray by nine points.
    They could slash Galatasaray’s nine-point lead down to six as they have a game in hand.
    Fenerbahce are on course to qualify for Europe’s top club competition via the league, with the top two teams in the Turkish league earning a spot.
    They could also earn a spot by winning the Europa League.
    Fenerbahce topped Group B and will contest the round of 16 next month. More

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    Bournemouth want ex-QPR and Blackpool winger Bright Osayi-Samuel from Fenerbahce but transfer will cost £12million

    BOURNEMOUTH are making a dramatic late swoop for speedy winger Bright Osayi-Samuel and bidding to bring him back from Turkey.The Cherries hope to do a deal with Fenerbahce for the former Blackpool and QPR wideman as they desperately look for new attacking options.
    Bright Osayi-Samuel is being linked with a move to BournemouthCredit: Getty
    Osayi-Samuel, 25, is settled in Istanbul with a first-team slot so it will be a hard task to move him to the Premier League.
    Bournemouth’s transfer team are big fans of the versatile Nigerian and would find the funds for a player who could fill several roles for them.
    Osayi-Samuel has operated as a right wing-back for the Turkish giants but can also play on either flank and up top.
    Bournemouth are initially suggesting a loan with a view to buy but that may not work for any party.
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    If new owner William Foley finds the money for a bid of around £12million and the contract is right, then the move is on.
    But Bournemouth will not be signing midfield target Nicolo Zaniolo from Roma.
    The Italian, 23, reportedly refused to meet with executives from Bournemouth this week after they had flown to Italy in an attempt to complete a transfer.
    Tottenham and AC Milan had expressed an interest in signing him, but Bournemouth were willing to table the best bid.
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    According to Sky Sports Italia, the Cherries were keen to match Roma’s £26.4m asking price in order to swiftly complete the deal.
    However, after club chiefs flew out to Italy to meet with Zaniolo, the player refused to take part in negotiations and instead sent his agent Claudio Vigorelli to the meeting.
    Roma have been left furious with the midfielder as a result and the club are now believed to be considering disciplinary action against him. More