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      Xabi Alonso warned Liverpool job will be like ‘putting his head in a guillotine’ by former team-mate

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      FORMER Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has claimed that whoever replaces Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, he will be ‘putting their head in a guillotine’. He then went on to say taking the job at Anfield was not far off the impossible task of trying to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. 
      Xabi Alonso will be ‘putting his head in a guillotine’ if he goes to Anfield.Credit: Getty
      Following the German’s shock announcement that he would be leaving the reds this summer, Xabi Alonso shot up to 8/11 favourite to replace him. 
      In an interview with Betfred, Johnson said: “It’s such a hard situation because any manager that goes in next is essentially putting their head in a guillotine.”
      “If they maintain the same level of success, people will say, ‘as you should do because you’ve inherited a great team in a good moment’, so they almost expect it.”
      “So you’re potentially setting yourself up to fail. 
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      “For this reason, I think this will put a lot of the big names off. 
      “It’s almost like the next manager will have to come in and take one for the team.”
      And, in spite of the recent rumours, Alonso has not expressed any interest in a move to England,
      Johnson, 39, went on, saying: “Liverpool are going to struggle to replace Jurgen Klopp in the same way that Manchester United have struggled to replace Sir Alex Ferguson.”
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      He cited the reason for this being that managers of the Ferguson / Klopp calibre were a rare find and ‘don’t come around often.’
      The situation echoes 2013, when an unlucky David Moyes attempted to fill the gigantic shoes left by Ferguson.
      Klopp speaks out after Liverpool suffer huge loss to Arsenal
      But Johnson reckons there is a crucial difference this time around.
      He said: “Liverpool are run very well and most of the foundations are already in place.
      “They’re in a position where they’re probably one of the few clubs where the manager and the coaching staff are the only things that they need to change.”
      And in spite of his scepticism about the Anfield role, Johnson does think Alonso is a ‘good option.’
      This is mainly due to the six years he spent playing for Liverpool, winning the Champions League with them in 2005.
      Xabi Alonso is perfect man for the jobBy Dan King
      XABI ALONSO ticks almost every box to succeed Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager, and if Bayer Leverkusen don’t let their lead at the top of the Bundesliga slip the case for him to do so will be irresistible.
      The former Kop idol knows the club inside out after five seasons at Anfield and has made no secret of his enduring affection.
      Alonso has already forged a reputation as an innovative coach playing an attractive, pressing style, usually in a fluid 3-4-2-1 formation.
      He has taken Leverkusen from second bottom of the Bundesliga to seven-points clear at the top, putting them on course to be crowned German champions for the first time in their 120-year history.
      It’s worth remembering that both Rafa Benitez and Klopp arrived at Anfield with proof they could dethrone clubs who dominated their leagues.
      For Alonso to do the same, in only his second season as a top-flight manager, would mark him out as something special.
      It is that lack of long-term experience that would still make appointing him to replace Klopp a gamble.
      But otherwise, he looks like the perfect candidate as Liverpool are forced to plan a future without the man who made them champions of England, Europe and the world.

      He said: “Being an ex-legend of the club and a fan favourite will mean that Xabi’s given time.
      “This doesn’t necessarily mean that he’s going to be successful, but I think the fans will have more patience with him.
      “They will give him more leeway than they would with a manager that doesn’t already have an affiliation with the club. 
      “So from that side of it, I think it could be a good option.”
      Reportedly, the 42-yearold had been contacted by Liverpool three months ago, soon after Klopp informed his club of his impending departure.
      The purpose of contact was to discover if Alonso had any interest away from Bayern Leverkusen, who currently sit top of the Bundesliga.
      The former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder finally broke his silence on the Anfield rumours last week, saying: “At the moment I am really happy here and enjoying my work.
      “Each day and game is a challenge. We are in an intense and beautiful journey here at Leverkusen.
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      “Speculation is normal, but I have great respect and admiration for what Jurgen has done at Liverpool.”
      Other candidates for the job include, Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, Sporting’s Ruben Amorim and Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann. More

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      Virgil van Dijk says he was to blame and NOT Alisson for ‘turning point’ that saw Liverpool crash to Arsenal defeat

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      VIRGIL VAN DIJK took the blame for a shocking defensive cock-up as  Arsenal blew the title race wide open.Gabriel Martinelli capitalised on a calamitous mix-up between Liverpool skipper Van Dijk and keeper Alisson to fire the Gunners 2-1 ahead at the Emirates.
      Curtis Jones, left, reflects with Virgil van Dijk and keeper Alisson Becker after the howler that let in Gabriel Martinelli to restore Arsenal’s leadCredit: PA

      Martinelli, left, had a simple chance to make it 2-1 in the Gunners’ 3-1 victory after confusion between Liverpool duo Alisson and Van DijkCredit: PA
      Alisson also blundered when substitute Leandro Trossard put the ball through his legs for Arsenal’s third — leaving Mikel Arteta’s men two points behind Liverpool at the summit.
      Champions Manchester City,  who travel to Brentford on Monday night, will go top if they win their two games in hand.
      And Van Dijk said after Sunday’s 3-1 loss: “It’s a very tough day. I  take full responsibility for Martinelli’s goal as that was a turning point in the match and I should have done better.
      “It’s a split decision and I chose to let the ball bounce, try and put my body in between, Alisson touched me a little bit and that’s why he couldn’t clear it properly.
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      “It hurts and it hurts for the rest of the team — but especially for me. It was a big turning point.
      “These things have not happened too many times in my career but I will recover  as I learn from things that don’t go well.”
      Liverpool, reduced to ten men with an 88th-minute red for Ibrahima Konate, suffered just their second league defeat this season.
      Reds’ boss Jurgen Klopp, who is quitting at the end of this season, refused  to criticise Van Dijk and Alisson.
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      He said: “Our main guys had a misunderstanding. They’re human beings.”
      Bukayo Saka opened the scoring before Gabriel’s bizarre own goal following an error by William Saliba saw Liverpool level on the stroke of half-time.
      But the Reds’  mistakes — with pundit Roy Keane saying the  defending was like  a ‘pub team’ —   ended their 21-match domestic unbeaten run.
      Klopp added: “We would have loved to win here but we were not good enough.
      “But today, nobody celebrates as champions and nobody is relegated. We have time to create our own destiny.
      “At the end  I didn’t think for a second about the number of games left for City. I am not nervous. We expect them always to win their games.”
      Arsenal have won three Prem games on the bounce, lifting them  into second, and Arteta hailed his players for a season-defining triumph.
      Asked if they now have the mentality to win the title, Arteta said: “Absolutely. We have shown that today against the most  in-form team in Europe.
      “To be the best and have the best mentality, you have to do it every three days. That is the challenge that we have.
      “It was a huge game that was going to  dictate where we  are and where we’re going to be.”
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      And midfielder Declan Rice added: “We knew the importance of the game.
      “We’ve got ourselves back on track.”
      🗣️ “I do believe Arsenal can go all the way” 🗣️ “Don’t forget about Pep, Pep’s the man!”The Super Sunday panel debate whether Arsenal have enough to go up against Manchester City for the title 🤔 pic.twitter.com/ZYuAdY5Tk4— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 4, 2024 More

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      Kylian Mbappe ‘CHOOSES next club’ ahead of summer transfer exit after Real Madrid and Liverpool battled for PSG star

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE has reportedly decided where he will be playing his club football next season.The PSG star has found himself in a drawn out transfer battle with Real Madrid and Liverpool amongst the clubs fighting for his signature.
      Kylian Mbappe has reportedly chosen his next clubCredit: AFP

      Mbappe’s current deal in Paris expires at the end of the season when he will become a free agent.
      And according to French outlet Le Parisien, the 25-year-old has decided that he will join Real Madrid when that deal comes to an end in the summer.
      It is reported that Madrid are optimistic that they can get a deal done for Mbappe who is expected to sign a contract that will see him take a pay-cut from his current terms at PSG.
      But the superstar is said to be negotiating terms that would still make him the highest earner at Los Blancos.
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      Real Madrid have long been eyeing a deal for Mbappe, but other suitors have also been linked with the World Cup winner.
      It was claimed that Liverpool are “serious candidates” to convince the pacy bagsman to make a Premier League switch.
      While PSG are said to be doing their best to convince Mbappe to remain at the Parc des Princes.
      After Foot RMC reported that the Ligue 1 outfit are willing to offer their man a never-before-seen contract that would see him earn a jaw-dropping £1.8MILLION PER WEEK.
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      The Parisians reportedly accepted a world-record £259m bid for Mbappe from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in the summer.
      But the former Monaco man turned down the opportunity to ply his trade in the Middle East in favour of remaining in Europe.
      Mbappe has been free to negotiate with clubs outside of Ligue 1 since January 1 as he heads into the final six months of his contract.
      He continues to impress on the pitch despite the swirling speculation around his future going on off of it.
      The France international has netted 20 goals and registered four assists in his 19 league appearances this season. More

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      Jurgen Klopp in stitches as press conference interrupted after journalist gets call from DENTIST ahead of Arsenal clash

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      LIVERPOOL manager Jurgen Klopp was left with a big pearly smile after a hilarious incident during his press conference.Klopp is gearing up for the Reds’ smash-mouth Premier League clash with Arsenal on Sunday at the Emirates.
      Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp interrupted his presser as a reporter was called by the dentistCredit: Twitter @SkySportsPL
      And the German tactician attended his pre-match press conference to face the media as he bids for his second Premier League crown in what will be his final season at Anfield.
      But suddenly the 56-year-old was distracted after one journalist’s phone starting ringing right in front of him.
      The ex-Borussia Dortmund boss picked it up and noticed it was the dentist calling one of the reporters.
      The departing Liverpool manager decided to interrupt the conference and alert the owner as he thought that could have been an emergency.
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      Klopp said while showcasing his own pearly white teeth: “The dentist is calling, this might be important.”
      The owner of the phone swiftly apologised: “Oh sorry, that is quite important.”
      Klopp announced he will be leaving Liverpool in June after nine successful years at Anfield.
      The Merseyside favourite will be departing with some incredible memories as he won every trophy available, including the Premier League and Champions League.
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      Klopp also had his teeth fixed in Liverpool at the Dental Excellent UK clinic run by Dr Robbie Hughes, who gave him a completely different set of gnashers.
      Hughes also treated some of his former Liverpool players, like Roberto Firmino, Philippe Coutinho, Jordan Henderson and Sadio Mane.
      Klopp has previously spoken very highly of his dentist’s work, so it comes as no surprise that he interrupted his own press conference to flag that important call.
      Klopp had his own dental work done during his time with LiverpoolCredit: AFP
      But Klopp went to have his teeth fixed and got a pearly smileCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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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

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      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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      Liverpool reject £15m transfer offer from Nottingham Forest for Caoimhin Kelleher forcing club to turn to Matz Sels

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      LIVERPOOL have rejected Nottingham Forest’s £15million bid for back-up goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. Forest have been in the market for a stopper and have made several late deadline day moves.
      Liverpool rejected Nottingham Forest’s £15m bid for Caoimhin KelleherCredit: AFP
      It included a £15million offer to Liverpool for Kelleher, who is back up to No1 Alisson Becker.
      But according to the Daily Mail, the Reds have no intention of selling the understudy and rebuffed Forest’s approach.
      Nuno Espirito Santo – a former keeper himself – has instead turned to Strasbourg’s Matz Sels with a medical now set to follow.
      Kelleher, who came through Liverpool’s academy, has made 12 appearances this season.
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      But only two have come in the Prem, with the other ten divided equally between the Carabao Cup and Europa League.
      With Liverpool chasing a quadruple this season they feel the need to keep Kelleher in the squad and rate him at £20m.
      So after their approach for the Ireland international was rejected, Forest struck a deal for former Newcastle keeper Sels.
      A bid of £5.5m was launched for the Belgian, who spent two years at St James’ Park from 2016-2018.
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      Sels was never a Toon first-teamer but made nine appearances for them in the Championship.
      He also played three times in the FA Cup and two times in the League Cup.
      While Sels spent his time in England as a backup, he has become a first-team regular at Strasbourg, playing 19 times in Ligue 1 this season.
      The keeper, 31, is set to provide competition to Matt Turner and Odysseas Vlachodimos, both of which have struggled at times this season.
      Nuno also looked at England pair Jack Butland of Rangers and Crystal Palace’s Sam Johnstone. More

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

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      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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      in Soccer

      Fans reckon they’ve worked out Virgil van Dijk’s next club after Liverpool star dropped THREE major clues

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      FOOTBALL fans believe they have worked out the club Virgil van Dijk will join if he leaves Liverpool.Speculation surrounding the Dutch defender’s future ramped up on Monday after he refused to commit to a post-Jurgen Klopp era.
      Virgil van Dijk has hinted he could leave LiverpoolCredit: Reuters
      Van Dijk has played all but two of Liverpool’s Premier League games this season
      Following Klopp’s announcement that he will leave Anfield at the end of the season, Van Dijk, 32, was questioned as to whether he will remain at the club following the German head coach’s departure.
      To which he replied: “That’s a big question. I don’t know. The club will have a big job on their hands, that is well known.
      “To replace not only the manager but the whole staff and there are so many things that will change.
      “I’m very curious which direction that will go in, but when that will be announced we will see our situation.”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      And with his contract up at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, fans are now pointing to THREE reasons why Van Dijk will sign for Barcelona.
      Firstly, the centre-back, who joined Liverpool for £75million in 2018, named the Nou Camp as his favourite away ground back in 2022.
      Speaking to Gary Neville on The Overlap, he said: “I would say Camp Nou, Barcelona [is my favourite away stadium].
      “Obviously, for myself, watching a lot of Barcelona games when I was younger and then being able to play in it [was amazing].
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      “With Celtic the first time, we got beat 6-1, which was tough, but to be able to play there was a big one.
      “I really enjoyed playing there. [The pitch is] massive. It’s incredible. It’s absolutely insane.”
      Secondly, in the same interview, he then named Barcelona icon Ronaldinho as his footballing idol.
      He added: “It’s just the way that he was, especially after the second season that he joined Barcelona.
      “He was the difference-maker, you know? He was the one that everybody was looking to see, and his goals, his tricks and his flair.
      “Obviously, you [Neville] played against him a couple of times, and at that point, he was the best player in the world.
      “He definitely inspired me in different ways because I’m not a striker, but he influenced who I am today.”
      And thirdly, Van Dijk further illustrated his love for Barcelona last month when he included Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi and Brazilian icon Ronaldo in his dream five-a-side team.
      Van Dijk has played 246 games for Liverpool, winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Club World Cup.
      Triple exit
      VVD is not the only player whose future is a concern following Klopp’s announcement.
      It’s understood that a bid from Saudi Arabia for Mohamed Salah is expected this summer.
      The Egyptian was linked with a mega-money move to the Saudi Pro League last summer.
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      Alisson is also said to be on the sights of the oil-rich nation.
      The goalkeeper has been an essential cog in the Klopp trophy-winning machine. More