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    Chelsea join Liverpool in £44m Matheus Nunes transfer battle with Wolves star set to leave after just one season

    CHELSEA have joined Liverpool in the £44million transfer chase for Wolves star Matheus Nunes.The 24-year-old became the Molineux club’s record signing last summer in a £42m deal from Sporting Lisbon.
    Chelsea are also eyeing a move for Wolves star Matheus NunesCredit: Rex
    Despite the struggles of Wolves this term, he has been the standout performer.
    Brazilian-born Portuguese international midfielder Nunes has attracted a host of admirers with his displays.
    We reported earlier this month how Liverpool are plotting a swoop for him at the end of the season.
    Jurgen Klopp is desperate to revamp his midfield and wants Nunes and Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham.
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    Now The Telegraph is reporting that Chelsea are ready to compete with the Anfield side for his signature in the summer.
    They claim that Nunes “is on the list of possible signings” but Wolves will not let him go cheap.
    The ace, who featured twice for Portugal at the World Cup, “is expected to cost at least £55m”.
    Chelsea boss Graham Potter has had to do without the injured N’Golo Kante since taking charge and fellow midfielder Jorginho is expected to depart once his contract expires.
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    Now the middle of the park is allegedly “an area targeted for additions during the next two windows” aftre splashing out elsewhere across the pitch.
    Meanwhile, Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui ruled out selling Nunes this month last week.
    He said: “We can say that Matheus is our player, he’s a Wolves player and he’s happy to be here.” More

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    Liverpool join Chelsea and Arsenal in Moises Caicedo transfer race as Brighton star hires new agents

    LIVERPOOL are reportedly ready to battle Arsenal and Chelsea to sign Brighton star Moises Caicedo.The 21-year-old Ecuadorian has taken the Premier League by storm since heading to the Amex initially under now-Chelsea boss Graham Potter.
    Liverpool are battling Arsenal and Chelsea to sign Brighton’s Moises CaicedoCredit: Reuters
    Under current manager Roberto De Zerbi – who is desperate to keep the ace – Caicedo’s development has continued at a rapid pace, with Brighton continuing to march up the table.
    We reported this week how Arsenal, who have already snatched one player from the Seagulls this month, had joined the scramble for his signature.
    Chelsea were reported to have had a £55million offer rejected last week as Brighton hold out for as much at £100m.
    And the midfielder has also hired a new agent as speculation mounts over his future.
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    Now transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has offered a fresh update on the situation. 
    He tweeted: “Three clubs are exploring Caicedo deal after new agents’ statement: Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool are informed on the situation, as revealed on Monday.
    “Brighton, not intentioned to sell unless they receive really huge proposal.”
    Winger Leandro Trossard joined Arsenal in a £27million deal from Brighton and made his debut during the 3-2 win over Manchester United on Sunday.
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    The Seagulls have become serial recruiters of top talent which is then flipped for a huge profit margin, as evidenced by sales such as Marc Cucurella, Ben White and most recently Trossard.
    Trossard arrived at the Amex Stadium in 2019 for just £18m, while the respective fees they got for Cucurella and White saw Brighton receive more money than what it cost them to build their stadium.
    Caicedo is set to be the next name on that list of profitable acquisitions by the club after he cost them just £5m Independiente del Valle two years ago.
    And his price tag may swell amid Liverpool’s interest. 
    The Reds have endured a miserable campaign so far and Jurgen Klopp is believed to be looking to bolster his ageing midfield ahead of the next campaign. More

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    Brighton bid for Man Utd target Haidara opening the door for Chelsea and Arsenal to battle it out for Caicedo

    BRIGHTON are reportedly trying to sign RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara.And the Mali international’s possible arrival at the Amex Stadium could allow Moises Caicedo to join Arsenal or Chelsea.
    Amadou Haidara has attracted interest from Man Utd and LiverpoolCredit: Rex
    Moises Caicedo has been sensational for Brighton so far this seasonCredit: Reuters
    Haidara, 24, who signed for Leipzig from RB Salzburg in 2019, has contributed 12 goals and eight assists in 133 appearances for the German side.
    According to The Independent, Brighton have seen an offer for the midfielder rejected by the Bundesliga outfit.
    It is understood that Leipzig do not want to sell in January as they believe it would be a struggle to find a replacement.
    Leipzig are currently just four points off Bayern Munich at the top of the table.
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    But Haidara’s failure to secure a move in January may only postpone his exit as he has a clause in his contract which will allow him to leave in the summer.
    Man Utd and Newcastle have previously been interested in him.
    But if Brighton can secure his services, that may free up Seagulls man Caicedo to depart the club.
    The Ecuadorian, 21, has been linked with a move to both Arsenal and Chelsea.
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    He could yet join former team-mate Leandro Trossard at the Emirates, or Marc Cucurella at Stamford Bridge.
    But Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is determined to keep his midfield maestro.
    Speaking earlier this month, he said: “He is very important for us, it would be difficult to change with another player now.
    “I hope he finishes the season with us, but you know in the transfer market it is always difficult to give you one answer.
    “When there are some bigger teams and they want one of our players, it is good news for us.
    “The best solution for us is he can finish the season with us. Next summer, for him, is better to change team.” More

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    Brighton eye Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in January transfer – but only if Liverpool let him leave for FREE

    LIVERPOOL star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could reportedly leave the club before the end of January, but only if he is let go for FREE.The 29-year-old has appeared just 10 times for Liverpool this season, with these boasting a measly 449 minutes of action.
    Brighton are among the club’s interested in signing Alex Oxlade-ChamberlainCredit: AP
    The 29-year-old is out of contract in the summerCredit: Rex
    Despite his lack of minutes, the former Arsenal star’s talents remain desired around the Premier League provided he can stay fit.
    His contract runs outat the end of the season, and clubs are queueing up to try and coax him into a deal to join them.
    High-flying Brighton are among them – following the sale of Leandro Trossard to Arsenal – and are so keen they are even willing to strike a deal this month.
    However, any deal will rest on whether Liverpool will allow “Ox” to leave for free.
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    According to the Daily Mail, the interested clubs are optimistic that Liverpool will let him leave this month without demanding a fee.
    With him on £120,000 per week, Liverpool would be keen to allow him to leave considering his playing time is set to be drastically reduced.
    The Reds have signed Cody Gakpo in the window, and will soon have the likes of Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz returning from injury.
    Oxlade-Chamberlain signed for Liverpool from Arsenal in 2017 for £35million.
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    Following a bright start to his career at Anfield, injuries have limited both game time and form.
    This has resulted in him playing just 143 games for the club in all competitions. More

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    Liverpool now favourites in Jude Bellingham transfer race ahead of Real Madrid and Man City as Dortmund talks hot up

    LIVERPOOL are reportedly the favourites to sign Borussia Dortmund sensation Jude Bellingham.The 19-year-old England starlet is one of the most sought-after names on the planet after a stellar World Cup.
    Jude Bellingham is expected to leave Borussia Dortmund in the summerCredit: Getty
    Bellingham has previously been linked with Liverpool, as well as the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United and Manchester City.
    And it’s the Reds who are currently favourites to sign the midfielder, according to Sky in Germany.
    Anfield boss Jurgen Klopp is claimed to be “pushing” to sign Bellingham in the summer.
    The former Birmingham City man is Klopp’s No1 transfer target as he looks to overhaul an ageing midfield.
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    But Sky say Real Madrid and City are also targeting the teenager.
    However, Liverpool are claimed to be leading the race for his signature.
    Klopp is not reported to have spoken to Bellingham personally about joining the club, but the boss has spoken to Anfield transfer chiefs about signing the midfielder.
    SunSport exclusively revealed at the weekend that Bellingham is set to turn down a new Dortmund contract.
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    That will kickstart the auction for the highly sought after England international.
    Sky Germany claim Bellingham does not have a release clause in his Dortmund contract.
    As a result, the German club are set to demand between £88million and £132m for his signature.

    The Bundesliga outfit want to keep hold of their superstar midfielder for another season.
    Bellingham has netted 10 times in 23 games in all competitions for Dortmund this season, including a wondergoal in his first game back after the World Cup. More

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    Liverpool transfer target Amrabat ‘spotted at Barcelona stadium for win over Getafe’ as he is linked to LaLiga giants

    LIVERPOOL have been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of Sofyan Amrabat after he was spotted watching Barcelona at the Nou Camp, according to reports.The Moroccan midfielder was one of the standout performers at the World Cup, helping fire his nation all the way to the semi-finals in Qatar.
    Sofyan Amrabat is wanted by both Liverpool and BarcelonaCredit: Getty
    His inspired displays have led to several top clubs entering a battle to sign the Fiorentina star.
    But it appears Barcelona could be leading the race as the 26-year-old was seen watching the team from the stands as they beat Getafe 1-0 on Sunday night, claim outlet Relevo.
    Amrabat supposedly tried to keep his identity under wraps by wearing a cap, but he was still spotted.
    The player did not attend any meetings with club chiefs, yet they do have a good relationship with Amrabat’s representatives.
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    It could take a bid of £35million to sign him.
    And Barca supposedly want a midfielder as they look to identify a replacement for veteran Sergio Busquets.
    The Catalan giants are also keeping tabs on Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi in case they cannot seal the deal for the La Viola ace.
    Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid are also keen on Amrabat, who previously expressed his desire to work with Diego Simeone.
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    Liverpool have shown an interest in the player too, with manager Jurgen Klopp desperate to freshen up his midfield options after a disappointing campaign so far.
    The Reds have been linked with England and Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham but face fierce competition from Manchester City, Real Madrid and Manchester United. More

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    Man Utd, Liverpool and Co in huge Jude Bellingham transfer boost with England star set to turn down MEGA Dortmund deal

    JUDE BELLINGHAM is expected to turn down a double-your-money new deal when he meets Borussia Dortmund bosses this week.And that will officially kickstart the £100million-plus auction for the 19-year-old England midfielder, who is wanted by Liverpool, Real Madrid and both Manchester clubs.
    Jude Bellingham is set to reject a new deal at Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty
    Dortmund have a sit down planned with Bellingham over the next couple of days and want a swift answer on his plans.
    It is understood the Bundesliga outfit are prepared to make him the highest-paid player at the club, on around £180,000 a week, for a further five years.
    Yet Dortmund are equally aware Bellingham wants to test himself at a higher level, following his eye-catching performances at the World Cup.
    SunSport revealed this month that would-be buyers have been told they must pay 75 per cent of any total fee up front — with his former club Birmingham also due a cut.
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    They are happy not to stand in Bellingham’s way if he does insist he wants to go, as long as he gives them an answer which gives them time to line up a replacement.
    Bellingham can expect to receive offers of around £300,000-a-week wages but the grounded teenager has always insisted will put his football progression before finances.
    That has raised hopes at Anfield that he will join them, with reports his father Mark has been talking to Jurgen Klopp’s side.
    The Merseysiders know they will be blown out of the water if it does come down to a bidding war.
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    Meanwhile, Dortmund forward Youssoufa Moukoko signed a two-year contract extension with the club to 2026 yesterday after a long negotiation for the teenager to remain.
    The 18-year-old, who became Germany’s youngest World Cup player when he featured at the tournament in Qatar in November, has long been a target for several major European clubs.
    Moukoko enjoyed a strong first half to the season that led to his Germany call-up, having scored six Bundesliga goals and set up another three.
    Dortmund sports director Sebastian Kehl said: “Youssoufa is an exceptional player we have trained and in who we still see great development potential.”
    Moukoko, who has been at Dortmund since the age of 12, is considered among the most-gifted forwards of his generation, having become the youngest  Bundesliga scorer at 16.
    He said: “It is no secret that I feel well at Dortmund.
    “I played youth football here, took my first steps in professional football and now I am ready to take the next step in my development together with the club.” More

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    Liverpool teen Calvin Ramsay wanted by Watford and Swansea in loan transfer with star wanting first-team experience

    LIVERPOOL teenage defender Calvin Ramsay is a loan target for Championship pair Watford and Swansea.The right-back, 18, has already made his Reds debut after signing from Aberdeen last summer.
    Liverpool are reluctant to let Calvin Ramsay leave on loanCredit: Getty
    And he has done enough to catch the eye of Hornets boss Slaven Bilic and Swans chief Russell Martin.
    Both sides are chasing promotion and believe the one-cap Scotland defender could help them.
    Liverpool are reluctant to let Ramsay out even though he is still in the shadow of Trent Alexander-Arnold and his chances of a start will be slim this season.
    Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has huge faith in the starlet they signed ahead of many rivals and is happy for him to stay put.
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    A heavy schedule of Premier League and cup games in the run-in also means he could be called upon but the Championship rivals are ready to pounce if he becomes available.
    Liverpool are also in talks to extend Roberto Firmino’s contract with the Brazilian in the last six months of his deal.
    It would only be a short-term extension, but Firmino is happy to stay at the club.
    Meanwhile, club legend Steven Gerrard pleaded with Liverpool to sign Jude Bellingham ahead of the draw against Chelsea.
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    He said: “All he needs to do is send his diary to me when he’s got a free day.
    “I’ll fly to Dortmund personally, take him out for a nice dinner, and we’ll talk about it!
    “On the back of the World Cup, what he’s doing out in Dortmund. I’m a huge fan of him anyway. The way he comes across, the way he speaks about the game. Every time I’ve watched him he impresses me.” More