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    Man Utd, Arsenal and Liverpool ‘to rival City in race for £50m-rated Brentford star after red-hot start to 2023-24’

    MANCHESTER CITY are facing competition from three Premier League rivals for Brentford’s Aaron Hickey.Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United have joined the race and are ready to make bids for the £50million-rated Scottish defender.
    Liverpool, Man Utd and Arsenal have joined Man City in the race to sign Aaron HickeyCredit: Getty
    The 21-year-old full-back has been in remarkable form for both club and country – attracting interest from a the Premier League’s big-hitters in the process.
    SunSport exclusively revealed earlier this year that City were chasing Hickey, who was then rated at £30m.
    And Pep Guardiola remains keen on the Bees star, despite seeing his side win six out of six in a flawless start to the season.
    But it won’t be easy, with the Mirror reporting title rivals Arsenal and Liverpool, as well as neighbours United interested too.
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    German giants Bayern Munich who already poached Harry Kane from the Prem this summer, are also keen.
    And Hickey’s performances have seen his price-tag continue to rise too, with Brentford set to demand at least £50m.
    Bees boss Thomas Frank will be gutted if he loses another key asset with Rico Henry sidelined due to a serious knee injury, and suspended talisman Ivan Toney set to depart in January.
    Frank spoke about Hickey’s versatility and importance in the Bees squad.
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    He said: “With Aaron there is a lot of talk about whether he is a right back or a left-back, but I am in that privileged position that he can play on both sides and will most likely go on the left.
    “He is both-footed and has huge ability, we don’t have that many full-backs so he is very important.
    “He is a player we signed a year ago with big ambitions and his future and it is going in the right direction for him.”
    Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has made it clear how much he rates Hickey’s ability to play on either flank and is ready to fight for his signature.
    United meanwhile are desperate to add to their full-backs with Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka suffering injuries.
    Liverpool are keen to reboot what Jurgen Klopp is calling ‘Liverpool 2.0’ with youthful talent and Hickey fits the bill perfectly.
    The Brentford star started out as a left-back for Hearts before making his way to the Serie A side Bologna in 2020.
    Hickey then made his debut in 2022 for the Premier League and has since made a remarkable start under Frank. More

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    Wonderkid Liverpool transfer target, 18, reveals ‘Chelsea is my dream club… I’ve supported them since I was 8 years old’

    WONDERKID and Liverpool transfer target Patrick Dorgu has revealed it is his dream to play for CHELSEA.The 18-year-old Lecce full-back only made his Serie A debut this season but Liverpool are long term admirers of the defender and are tracking his progress closely.
    Dorgu dreams of playing for ChelseaCredit: Getty
    But in an interview with Danish outlet Ekstra Bladet, Dorgu said: “Chelsea is my dream to play for. I have been a fan of them for over 10 years, so it would be a huge dream to play for them.”
    The interview may pique the interest of Chelsea’s hierarchy, who have targeted players under 25 as part of an aggressive transfer policy that has seen them spend over £1billion on players.
    The club have also struggled at left-back this season, with Mauricio Pochettino opting to play centre-back Levi Colwill there in an attempt to provide defensive solidity.
    The position looked to be nailed-on for vice-captain Ben Chilwell but he started the season playing in an advanced left wing position.
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    Chilwell has since been dropped from the team as Pochettino continues to tinker in an attempt to turn the club’s fortunes around.
    The Blues also have Marc Cucurella and Ian Matsen on their books who can both play the position so are hardly under stocked in that area.
    A more pressing issue for the Blues is signing a forward that can be relied upon to score consistently.
    Nicolas Jackson has struggled to settle at The Bridge and has so far scored just one goal in his six Premier League appearances.
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    Frustration has clearly boiled over for the forward and his five yellow cards in six games means he will be suspended for Chelsea’s short trip to Fulham on Monday night.
    Liverpool could be a more viable option for Dorgu as The Reds look to succession plan for Andy Robertson, 29.
    Kostas Tsimikas was an option as a successor, but has so far looked to only be a back-up for Jurgen Klopp’s side rather than a potential permanent first-team fixture. More

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    Mo Salah gives never-seen-before insight into Liverpool contract talks after sharing Harvard document online

    MOHAMED SALAH has provided a never-seen-before insight into his Liverpool contract talks as part of a Harvard study.The 31-year-old Egyptian forward was on the scoresheet again on Sunday as the Reds beat West Ham 3-1 at Anfield.
    Mo Salah has provided a fascinating insight into his Liverpool contract talksCredit: PA
    This was the document page that the star shared from Harvard on InstagramCredit: Instagram / @mosalah
    That also secured him a place in the history books as he equalled a Premier League record.
    The Kop legend’s early penalty made him only the fifth player to either score or assist in each of his side’s initial six opening games of the season, adding his name to fellow icons David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Sergio Aguero, and Erling Haaland.
    However, after scoring his 190th goal for Liverpool, he took to social media to share something that certainly caught the eye.
    Harvard Business School have just released details of how Salah’s agent, Ramy Abbas Issa, negotiated his new contract last year.
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    His previous deal was due to expire in June 2023, but after months of haggling, he eventually penned a three-year extension that almost DOUBLED his wages to £400,000-a-week.
    The Harvard Business School has been reviewing the contract negotiations and how an agreement was finally reached as part of their study program.
    Harvard Business School Professor, Anita Elberse, had released a snippet of their study on social media, saying: “New case alert! An examination of the unparalleled Mohamed Salah, his agent Ramy Abbas, and their contract negotiations with Liverpool FC last summer.”
    And Salah shared a page of it on his Instagram story to his near 63 million followers, giving supporters a glimpse into the mindset, discussions and what was holding up the talks.
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    According to the document, Abbas, who was in Dubai, was on the phone to Salah, who was back home in Egypt on holiday in June 2022, and said: “I am starting to fear that we may not be able to come to an agreement on a new contract, Mohamed – their latest offer is still very far from what we want.”
    It then quotes Salah as saying: “I want to stay with Liverpool but the club needs to show that they want me to stay as well.”
    It then goes on to discuss whether it was right or wrong to push for more money and the relationship and past between Salah and Issa.
    Salah is also quoted as saying about his long-term representative: “We are partners. I know he’ll always do what is best for me.”
    The page shared only provides a snippet, but now fans will be eagerly awaiting to see if any more interesting titbits from the study drop. More

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    Jurgen Klopp ‘rejected chance to leave Liverpool after being offered new manager job’

    LIVERPOOL boss Jurgen Klopp reportedly rejected Germany’s offer to take over as head coach ahead of Euro 2024.The German national team recently hired Julian Nagelsmann as their new manager shortly after Hansi Flick became the first ever coach to be sacked from Die Mannschaft.
    Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp remains committed to the RedsCredit: EPA
    Klopp was offered the role of Germany boss but decided to remain at LiverpoolCredit: Rex
    However, Klopp was their first choice for the dugout and were even willing to let him continue at Liverpool until June when he would take on the new role full-time.
    According to The Telegraph, the German tactician was approached earlier this month to lead his national team ahead of the Euros which take place in his home country this June.
    But the 56-year-old ruled himself out of the race as he remains committed to the Reds.
    That led to Germany swooping in for Nagelsmann, who was sacked by Bayern Munich last season.
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    But the 36-year-old’s deal runs out after Euro 2024, which means the German FA could still go back for Klopp.
    However, the ex-Borussia Dortmund boss appears determined to honour his contract with the Merseysiders, which runs out in 2026.
    The Liverpool boss is focused on leading the club’s major rebuild amid an all-time high relationship with club owners the Fenway Sports Group.
    The former Mainz manager also praised Nagelsmann’s appointment as a “great solution”.
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    Klopp told RTL: “We’re building Liverpool 2.0 here, we want to attack again and not just look at how much longer can we go on.
    “I have a loyalty to Liverpool. My heart is here in Liverpool. You can’t just cut out the eight years.
    “I think Julian is a great solution because he is a great coach. He had already proven at 28 that he is a fantastic coach.
    “He has eight years of experience. Others have that at 45 or 50 – at the highest level.” More

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    Bruno Guimaraes ‘agrees new £120k-a-week Newcastle deal’ but fans are terrified about transfer release clause fee

    BRUNO GUIMARAES has reportedly agreed a new contract with Newcastle, which includes a worrying release clause for supporters.The midfielder has reportedly penned a deal with the Magpies that will run until 2028.
    Bruno GuimaraesCredit: Getty
    Guimaraes, 25, joined Newcastle in January 2022 and has gone on to become a key member of the team.
    The player’s performances have helped the club get back to the Champions League.
    However, he has also attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
    LaLiga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid were both tipped with interest in him during the summer.
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    While Liverpool failed with a club record bid worth £100million for the Brazilian.
    Fabrizio Romano has reported the new contract but has also claimed that it will include a £100m release clause.
    The release clause has worried some Newcastle fans as it is a figure that is achievable for Europe’s major clubs.
    One fan moaned: “£100m release clause is too low.”
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    A second questioned: “Loves the club n keen to stay but puts release clause in?”
    A third Tweeted: “£100m release clause? Lmao, he’s gone in January then. Too easy to trigger.”
    A fourth wrote: “Is that the best they can do?”
    A fifth commented: “Release clause! Why 😭😭.”
    A sixth said: “£100m release clause? That’s a great deal for Guimaraes. He will easily leave when he wants.”
    Another added: “Loves the club so much he’s had a release clause put in, he is just head over heels!”
    Guimaraes’ deal is said to be worth £120,000-per-week. More

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    Liverpool ‘targeting incredible move for Real Madrid superstar if Mo Salah completes Saudi transfer in 2024’

    LIVERPOOL will reportedly target Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo next year if Mo Salah leaves for Saudi Arabia.The Reds are keeping their eye on the 22-year-old winger who may be falling down Carlo Ancelotti’s pecking order.
    Liverpool are set to have Rodrygo Goes as a target in the next transfer windowCredit: Getty
    Salah was courted by Al-Ittihad during the final days of the summer transfer window for a mammoth £170million – but the Reds swiftly declined the offer.
    One reason Liverpool were reluctant to sell the Egyptian star was the lack of time to source a replacement.
    If Salah is open to a switch to Saudi in January, the Reds can expect renewed interest in the new year for their main man.
    According to Fichajes Jurgen Klopp may be expecting his departure as he has been on the hunt for a Salah successor – and it looks like he has found his match.
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    Klopp is keen on Brazilian ace Rodrygo who will enter the final year of his contract at Real next year and will be available to purchase.
    There is a catch however as Ancelotti’s side will be asking for a big price and are willing to listen offers that exceed the mark of £86.5million, according to Todo Fichajes.
    A price tag that is half of what the Saudi’s have said to be willing to pay for Salah.
    This comes as Los Blancos are expecting the arrival of Kylian Mbappe next season and are not prepared to sell their star winger Vinicius Junior.
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    Rodrygo made a move to the Bernabeu for £40m in 2019 from Brazilian giants Santos.
    He has since become a key part of the Madrid team – winning the La Liga title in his debut season and incredibly scoring a goal in his first match within a minute.
    The superstar has racked up 171 appearances and scored 38 goals as well as winning two La Liga’s, a Champions League and a Copa del Rey during his four years at the club.
    But the reports claims his start to this La Liga campaign has been “inconsistent” with Brahim Diaz potentially being Ancelotti’s preferred option.
    This may be the perfect chance for the Reds to swoop in a snatch the Brazilian who they have had their eyes on since his days at Santos. More

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    Mo Salah ‘ready to QUIT Liverpool for Saudi transfer in summer’ claims rival.. as pair face awkward encounter THIS WEEK

    MO SALAH was ready to quit Liverpool for Saudi Arabia, claims West Ham star Michail Antonio.Al-Ittihad offered the Reds a staggering world record £215million for the Egyptian.
    Mo Salah wanted to leave Liverpool, claims West Ham’s Michail AntonioCredit: Alamy
    Antonio could be set for an awkward encounter with Salah this weekendCredit: Getty
    But Liverpool turned down the bid, which came after the English transfer window had closed.
    But Antonio believes Salah was keen on the move and would not have hesitated to leave if Liverpool had accepted the bid.
    The striker told The Footballers’ Football podcast: “He didn’t turn that down, no way. He was locked up and the Reds had put that red arrow across: ‘You are not going anywhere’.
    “He did not stop that at all. To be fair to him, he didn’t kick up a fuss and let them do what they were doing.
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    “But I know for a fact that he was ready to go.”
    Antonio made the confident claim about Salah’s wishes just days before the pair are set to meet in the Premier League.
    That means there could be an awkward encounter at Anfield on Sunday.
    However before that clash both teams are in Europa League action with Liverpool facing a trip to Austria to play LASK.
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    West Ham won the Europa Conference League last season and will be aiming to continue their recent success in Europe against TSC Bačka Topola. More

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    Man Utd in three-way transfer battle with Arsenal and Liverpool for Red Bull Salzburg wonderkid Oscar Gloukh

    MANCHESTER UNITED, Arsenal and Liverpool are monitoring Israeli wonderkid Oscar Gloukh.The Premier League big boys had scouts watching the 19-year-old (below) during the international break.
    Oscar Gloukh is being monitored by Man Utd, Arsenal and LiverpoolCredit: Rex
    And it appeared he impressed, scoring the equaliser against Romania to boost his country’s chances of qualifying for Euro 2024.
    Attacking midfielder Gloukh played against England in this summer’s European Under-21 Championship and was a standout.
    Previously, he had played against a Three Lions youth team in the Euro 2019 final – finding the net with a brilliant strike.
    He joined Red Bull Salzburg from Maccabi Tel Aviv for £6million in January.
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    The youngster has already scored three goals in 24 games for the Austrian side.
    Gloukh was previously linked to Barcelona, Ajax and Borussia Dortmund.
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    It was reported that the Catalans were very close to signing the youngster, but their interest came after Salzburg had already agreed a deal.
    He said: “I was very excited that (Barcelona) wanted me, but they were late for the bidding and came back when we had already closed the Salzburg deal.
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    “In the end, I think we made the right decision to go to Salzburg and not to Barcelona. It makes more sense for my development as a player.” More