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    Arsenal, Fulham and Liverpool ‘send scouts to Copa Libertadores final’ tracking Brazil star with transfer agreement

    ARSENAL and Liverpool sent scouts to watch transfer target Andre Trindade in the Copa Libertadores final, according to reports.The midfielder impressed as he helped Fluminense win their first Copa Libertadores title.
    Andre Trindade is wanted by Liverpool, Arsenal and FulhamCredit: AFP
    The midfielder helped Fluminense win the Copa Libertadores at the weekendCredit: AFP
    Trindade, 22, has been monitored by Premier League clubs for several months but he was keen to stay at Fluminense.
    He wanted to help them win the Copa Libertadores and although he could now leave, Fluminense will not sell before the Club World Cup which takes place next month.
    According to Brazilian outlet Globo, Liverpool, Arsenal and Fulham have all sent scouts to watch Trindade.
    The Reds had a £26million offer for the Brazil international rejected in the summer.
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    It is believed Fluminense want closer to £30m to let Trindade leave.
    That means the interested Prem trio would all be able to afford him, with Fulham and Arsenal potentially in most need of a midfielder.
    Fulham had to reject interest in Joao Palhinha in the summer from West Ham and Bayern Munich.
    Meanwhile, reports claim Thomas Partey has told the Gunners he wants to leave amid interest from Juventus.
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    However one journalist has claimed Trindade has verbally agreed to join Liverpool.
    The defensive midfielder has amassed a total of four goals and three assists in 161 appearances for Fluminense. More

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    Liverpool to fight Man City for £80m-rated Bundesliga wonderkid as potential transfer replacement for Mo Salah

    LIVERPOOL have joined several top sides in the battle to sign Florian Wirtz, according to reports.The 20-year-old is already a transfer target for the likes of Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Chelsea.
    Florian Wirtz is a target for LiverpoolCredit: Rex
    He could replace Mo Salah should he leave for Saudi ArabiaCredit: Alamy
    And now Liverpool are trying to muscle their way in ahead of a move at the end of the season.
    The Daily Star report that Jurgen Klopp is a huge fan of Wirtz and plans to use his contacts and reputation in Germany to sign his compatriot.
    Liverpool supposedly believe that Wirtz could fill the boots of Mo Salah should he leave Anfield amid interest from Saudi Arabian clubs.
    Wirtz is valued at £80million by Bayer Leverkusen.
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    He is capable of playing anywhere across the front line and has been predominantly used in the No10 role by manager Xabi Alonso.
    Wirtz broke into the Leverkusen team as a teenager when Kai Havertz joined Chelsea in 2020.
    He burst onto the scene and netted five Bundesliga goals before his 18th birthday and then became the youngest player to reach 50 appearance in the league’s history soon after.
    Wirtz then suffered an ACL injury last year and saw his season cut short.
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    But he has now made a full recovery, scoring six goals and registering nine assists in 15 matches this term.
    He’s also earned 12 caps for Germany in his career.
    Manchester United reportedly had first refusal on him while Ralf Rangnick was at the club but the opportunity is now gone. More

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    Meet the Copa Libertadores wonderkid who is most bought star on FM24 and in ‘advanced transfer talks’ with Man City

    BOCA JUNIORS wonderkid Valentin Barco will have all eyes on him at the Copa Libertadores Final, while Manchester City keep tabs on the rising star.The biggest match of the season in Latin America takes place tonight at the Maracana and Barco is set to compete for Boca against Fluminense.
    All eyes will be on Boca Juniors wonderkid Valentin Barco at the Copa Libertadores finalCredit: Getty
    Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is keen to sign Barco next yearCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    The promising prospect joined the Argentinian giants in 2014 at the tender age of 10 years old and was called up to the senior squad two years ago.
    The 19-year-old already counts a total of 30 appearances under his belt and also picked up a goal as well as three assists along the way.
    The versatile left-back, who can also play in midfield and attack down that flank, is also the the most purchased player on FM24, which was pre-released last month.
    And video-game art could emulate life soon as the Argentina Under-20 international’s contract with Boca runs out next year in December and reports in Argentina suggest he want to move to Europe.
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    Barco has already attracted interest from the likes of City, Liverpool as well as Chelsea, who will only need to cough up a mere £8.7million for his signature.
    According to Diario Sport, it is the Treble winners who are “very advanced” for the signing of the versatile star.
    In fact, reports suggest City manager Pep Guardiola is “enchanted” with him and wants to sign him next summer.
    And Guardiola looks set to offer him the exact same opportunity he has given to fellow Argentine youngster Julian Alvarez.
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    That means the Spanish tactician would refuse to loan him out and give him plenty of chances to make his starting line-up.
    Liverpool will have eyes on the Copa Libertadores Final as well as they will also be keeping tabs on Fluminense midfielder Andre.
    According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea also see Barco as a top replacement for Marc Cucurella.
    Brighton tried to sign him in the summer as well before he opted to stay in Buenos Aires. More

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    Liverpool ‘believe they CAN complete shock transfer for Mbappe’ and have ‘been in contact with his team for SIX YEARS’

    LIVERPOOL still believe they can complete a shock move for Kylian Mbappe after SIX YEARS of talks with his camp, French reports say. Mbappe’s PSG future remains in doubt after he refused an extension of the contract this summer, which expires at the end of the season.
    Liverpool still believe they can sign Kylian Mbappe, French reports sayCredit: Alamy
    Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal made a world record bid of £257million for Mbappe but the player had no interest in a move.
    Real Madrid looked the most likely destination for the 2018 World Cup winner, who was banished to play with PSG’s B-team.
    Mbappe has since returned – after summer exits for Neymar and Lionel Messi – and he has since scored 12 goals in as many matches.
    But with the forward still yet to sign a new deal, which is entering its final six months, a transfer away looks increasingly more likely.
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    According to L’Equipe, a contract renewal is not being ruled out but Liverpool are a club named who hope to capitalise on the situation.
    The Reds tried to sign Mbappe in 2017 before he joined PSG from Monaco, with Jurgen Klopp said to have met for talks with the star.
    And it is claimed the club and Mbappe’s reps have remained in contact in the period since.
    But Madrid lead the race to sign the attacker.
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    Mbappe’s future took a further twist following the news he could be forced to axe his own mum as his agent,  according to Marca.
    Under a new Fifa rule, Lamari does not have the required licence to be a registered agent.
    As a result she has not been listed on the Fifa Agent Platform and cannot represent any footballer.
    This applies to negotiating player contracts and collecting payment for her involvement in deals.
    Lamari will not be able to obtain the relevant licence until May 2024 and will have to pass an exam first.
    She also risks being reported to Fifa if she continues to serve as Mbappe’s representative, which could land both of them a hefty fine.
    Kylian Mbappe could be forced to axe his mum Fayza LamariCredit: Getty More

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    Brave ex-Liverpool and Leeds star opens up on having brain tumour while PLAYING and recovery from life-saving operation

    DOMINIC MATTEO has bravely opened up on the brain tumour which nearly cost him his life.The former Leeds United and Liverpool defender was diagnosed with a rare cancerous tumour in 2019 after suffering from persistent headaches.
    Former Liverpool and Leeds star Dominic Matteo was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2019Credit: REUTERS
    Matteo underwent emergency surgery to remove the tumourCredit: BBC
    Matteo has had to relearn how to read and writeCredit: BBC
    Matteo has revealed doctors told him he had the tumour during his playing daysCredit: Reuters
    Matteo was immediately referred to Leeds General Infirmary after the diagnosis, but his condition worsened.
    The former Scotland international suffered a seizure due to the immense pressure being put on his brain.
    And doctors had no choice but to perform emergency surgery to remove the tumour – from which he is still recovering.
    Now, Matteo – who hung up his boots in 2009 – has revealed doctors informed him the tumour had most likely already formed while he was still playing.
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    Recalling the ordeal to the BBC, Matteo, 49, said: “You can’t believe it, can you?
    “Obviously you get told what it is and it’s been a childhood cancer and you’ve probably played your whole career with a brain tumour in your head.”
    Now that he’s out of the woods, Matteo feels comfortable enough to crack some light-hearted jokes about the ordeal.
    He continued: “I might have been a better player mightn’t I?”
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    Dominic Matteo’s head after surgeryCredit: BBC
    Matteo’s family were held together during the difficult time by wife Jessica.
    Recalling her husband’s illness, she said: “It started off with headaches and a little bit of blurred vision.
    “And within 48 hours, Dom was blind. He had a massive seizure, he was in a wheelchair and he had very little speech.”
    She told the Daily Mail last year: “Dom’s surgeon Ryan Mathew took him down to theatre at 5.15pm and told me to go home to try to get some sleep.
    “But I didn’t sleep a wink. I perched on the edge of my bed waiting for the phone call, which finally came at 3am, after Dom had been in theatre for almost 10 hours.
    “It seemed like an eternity, but it was the best phone call of my life.
    “Ryan said he’d removed 90-95 per cent of Dom’s tumour and that he was doing really well.
    “He said he was sorry that he may have lost the sight in Dom’s right eye.
    Dominic Matteo owes much of his recovery to his wife JessicaCredit: BBC
    “But I was overwhelmed with relief and gratitude that he was OK.”
    Matteo’s arduous, and still ongoing recovery, has included having to relearn how to read and write.
    He has come a long way and admits he’s still not fully processed the life-changing ordeal.
    Matteo said: “It was so surreal, really.
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    “Because, like you say, you go from working doing TV or, you know, and the next thing you know you’re fighting for your life.
    “I think when I look back and look back at the photos of the surgery you’re going through, you’re llke, ‘Wow.'” More

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    Ex-Arsenal transfer chief explains why Gunners made infamous £40m+£1 bid for Suarez, when there was NO release clause

    ARSENAL’S former transfer chief Dick Law revealed why the club made their infamous £40million and £1 bid for Luis Suarez.The Uruguay international looked set to move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer of 2013 after Liverpool failed to qualify for the Champions League.

    PA:Press Association

    Luis Suarez was heavily linked with a switch from Liverpool to Arsenal in summer 2013 The now 36-year-old, who plays for Brazilians Gremio, had a clause in his contract with the Reds that they had to inform him of any transfer bid if it was more than £40m.
    And Law insisted that Arsenal were always aware the figure was not a buy-out clause and they simply added the extra pound to kick-start negotiations.
    But Liverpool owner John W. Henry took offence to the offer and, after it was publicised, he tweeted: “What do you think they’re smoking over there?”
    Suarez ended up remaining at Anfield for another season where he was named PFA Player of the Year before sealing a £75m move to Barcelona.
    Several years later and the striker was available for a nominal fee, leaving Barcelona for Atletico Madrid in 2020, where he won the LaLiga title.
    The Gunners’ then-transfer guru Law would later explain that the North London side had never wanted to antagonise their Premier League rivals. More

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    Liverpool ‘verbally agree’ January transfer of exciting Brazil star in huge blow to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta

    LIVERPOOL have agreed personal terms with one of Brazil’s most highly-rated stars, reports suggest.Fluminense ace Andre Trindade, who has also been linked with Arsenal, is said to be close to joining the Reds.
    Liverpool have reached a verbal agreement with Fluminense star Andre TrindadeCredit: AFP
    Liverpool transfer target Andre has also been linked with ArsenalCredit: Getty
    However, Liverpool appear to have stolen a march on the Gunners as they seem closer to landing the versatile midfielder.
    According to sports journalist Francois Plateau, the Brazil international has already reached a verbal agreement with the Merseysiders.
    However, there is no official agreement between Liverpool and Fluminense at this stage.
    Jurgen Klopp’s side are still facing competition as there have been other clubs getting in touch with the Brazilian club as well as Andre’s camp.
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    This comes amid reports claiming Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is looking to strengthen in midfield with Thomas Partey linked with a move to Juventus.
    Liverpool have been monitoring the 22-year-old since the summer but their advances were turned down due to the Copa Libertadores.

    Reports suggested Klopp’s side offered £25million for the No6, who can cover all positions in the middle of the park.
    However, talks could move faster after Saturday’s Copa Libertadores Final which will see Fluminense facing off against Boca Juniors at the Maracana.
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    Andre’s commitments with the Tricolor will then be completed for the season and he could thus be free to move to Anfield if his release clause is met as he still has a contract until December 31, 2026.
    The defensive midfielder has amassed a total of four goals and three assists in 160 appearances for Fernando Diniz’s side despite his young age.
    The youngster’s impressive performances also led to a senior debut with Brazil in June as well as a total of two caps. More

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    ‘Croatian Messi’ once chased by Chelsea and Liverpool joins minnows on free transfer after being axed by Jose Mourinho

    THE ‘Croatian Messi’ has joined a third-tier team in his hometown after his axe by Jose Mourinho’s Roma.Ante Coric, 26, was expected to become one of football’s top talents after bursting on to the scene as a youngster.
    Ante Coric was dubbed the ‘Croatian Messi’ but was released by Roma this summerCredit: Silvia Lore/NurPhoto
    He was wanted by the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City in England while Barcelona and Bayern Munich were also keen.
    The Zagreb-born midfielder spent four years as an academy star at Red Bull Salzburg before returning to Croatia to join Dinamo Zagreb.
    There, he was named in Gazzetta Dello Sport’s 2017 ’30 Best Under-20 Players in Europe’ and won four league titles, leading to his Lionel Messi comparisons.
    And he was even part of the final 23-man Croatia squad at Euro 2016.
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    But in 2018, Roma won the race to sign him, paying £5.2million to land the rising star on a five-year deal.
    However, Coric struggled to make the step up and managed just three first-team appearances.
    The playmaker then went on loans to Almeria, VVV-Venlo, Olimpija Ljubljana and Zurich.
    And he was left unemployed in the summer when his Roma contract expired with no extension offered by Mourinho’s Serie A giants.
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    But now the four-cap senior Croatia international has found a new club.
    Coric put pen to paper with Kustosija, who play in Croatia’s Druga NL third tier.
    The Zagreb-based outfit currently sit seventh in the table and play at a stadium with a capacity of just 2,550 – a far cry from Roma’s iconic 70,000-seater Stadio Olimpico.
    Coric made a name for himself at Dinamo Zagreb as a youngsterCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    One of his three Roma appearances was in the Champions League against compatriot Luka ModricCredit: AFP or licensors More