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    Top 10 worst clubs at transfers revealed with Arsenal and Man Utd among six Premier League teams to feature

    ARSENAL and Manchester United have both been named amongst the top 10 worst clubs at transfers.Six Premier League teams feature in the top 10 after new research from CIES Football into transfers.
    Arsenal are one of six Premier League clubs in the 10 worst teams at transfers after a huge loss on Nicolas PepeCredit: Getty
    Barcelona rank as the worst at transfers, having spent over £1billion on the likes of Philippe CoutinhoCredit: Getty
    Clubs have been ranked based on transfers between 2014 and 2023, with their fees spent and received calculated into a total profit or loss.
    Fortunately for Arsenal and United fans, they do not rank top amongst the clubs with the worst transfer records.
    Instead, Spanish giants Barcelona have the biggest loss on deals during the period in question.
    Barca spent over £1billion on the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann between 2014 and 2023.
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    The trio were signed for a combined £330million, only to have since been sold for a total of £77m.
    Overall, the Spanish champions only received £524million in fees to give a transfer loss of £540million.
    Chelsea were the only other club in the top 10 to spend over £1billion, with Todd Boehly’s free-spending Blues ranked second.
    Since his takeover in 2022, the club have not held back in the transfer market, but have failed to recoup their large fees, leaving a loss of £413million.
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    Romelu Lukaku is one of three players Chelsea have spent over £95million onCredit: Getty
    Amongst those brought in during the research period, Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Romelu Lukaku were all signed for over £95million each.
    Arsenal rank third, with former club record signing Nicolas Pepe amongst their big money flops across the last decade.
    Pepe scored 27 goals in 112 appearances for the club before joining Trabzonspor on a free transfer in September.
    The Gunners have lost £373million on transfers, seeing them finish just ahead of Paris Saint-Germain.
    Neymar’s £198million move to the French capital in 2017 remains the world transfer record.
    However, PSG failed to recoup half of that amount when he left for Al-Hilal last summer.
    United complete the top five, with their £85.5million signing of Antony in 2022 contributing to a £280million loss on transfers.
    PSG failed to recoup half of the world record £198million fee spent on Neymar in 2017Credit: PA:Press Association
    Antony’s £85.5million move to Manchester United sees them into the top fiveCredit: EPA
    The Brazilian has come under fire for his performances since joining the Red Devils after arriving for the second biggest fee in the club’s history.
    Paul Pogba remains United’s record signing, though, but left for free in 2022 at a loss of £90million.
    Aston Villa, Everton and Liverpool also appear in the top 10, along with Italy’s AC Milan and Juventus.
    Although Villa spent just £313million from 2014 to 2023, the club recouped only £94million according to CIES.
    A majority of that figure comes from Jack Grealish’s then British record move to Manchester City in 2021.
    In contrast, Juventus’ transfer expenditure fell just short of £900million, but their incoming fees of over £700million see the Old Lady only ranking as high as 10.
    Everton are eighth after big losses on Yannick Bolasie, Davy Klaasen and Yerry Mina, despite profits on both Lukaku and Richarlison.
    Yannick Bolasie is one of a number of players Everton suffered big losses onCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    Lille’s capture and sale of Victor Osimhen helps them rank as the best club at transfersCredit: AFP
    City rivals Liverpool are a place below in ninth after spending £82million less.
    However, the Reds have only sold three players for over £50million, despite breaking their transfer record twice since 2018.
    As for the best clubs at transfers, French side Lille are ranked first.
    Thanks in part to the sale of Pepe to Arsenal in 2019, Lille have made £330million in profit on transfers since 2014.
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    Victor Osimhen and Sven Botman have also been sold for large profits during that period.
    Ajax and RB Salzburg complete the top three, with no English clubs featuring in the top 10 best clubs at transfers. More

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    Jadon Sancho unrecognisable from Man Utd sulker as he stops to sign autographs and pose for photos with fans ‘back home’

    JADON SANCHO is loving life back at Dortmund — and is unrecognisable from the sulking character who struggled at Manchester United.Few at Old Trafford were sorry to see Sancho return to his old club on loan until the end of the season.
    Jadon Sancho was banished from Manchester United’s first team following a public row with Erik ten HagCredit: PA
    The England midfielder re-joined former club Borussia Dortmund on loan this monthCredit: GETTY
    Sancho is back enjoying his football and looks unrecognisable from the player who recently left Old TraffordCredit: REX
    The winger, 23, was warned by Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl and coach Edin Terzic he had to be far more professional off the pitch than during his first four-year spell.
    Sancho was told if he was not prepared to change, then he should stay in Manchester.
    Yet Dortmund chiefs have been impressed – almost shocked – by his incredible transformation.
    A smiling Sancho, who claimed he was “back home”, has stopped his car after training every day to sign autographs, pose for pictures and chat to delighted fans.
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    He is only driving away once he knows all supporters have got what they want.
    Previously, Sancho never did anything like this.
    In his first spell before moving to United for £73million in July 2021, Sancho wore the No 7 shirt but has now been given No 10.
    In just one week back at Dortmund, the club sold 5,000 Sancho shirts.
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    Jadon Sancho looks happy as Larry to be back playing in front of Dortmund fansCredit: AFP
    The player made his return as a sub in a 3-0 victory at Darmstadt – having not featured for United in five months.
    His first start came in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Cologne.
    Sancho won a spot-kick, then had a row with Niclas Fullkrug as he fancied taking it.
    Fullkrug insisted on having the spot-kick and there were no issues after the game.
    It was a similar story with England with Sancho’s attitude.
    But maybe he has finally grown up and can resurrect his career at club and international level.
    NEW DEMAND
    As you would expect, Manchester United’s allocation of just 1,433 tickets for Sunday’s FA Cup tie at Newport were snapped up quickly.
    Despite United’s dodgy form on their travels this season, demand for tickets has never been higher.
    There have been more than 10,000 applications for every away game – with an average allocation of about 2,500.
    Manchester United will travel to Rodney Parade this weekend to take on Newport County in the FA CupCredit: ALAMY
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    Chelsea fans can sit in a “luxury padded seating” area behind Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge – a section called The Dugout Club.
    Eight of the 28 seats were unsold for last night’s Carabao Cup semi-final with Middlesbrough, which probably had something to do with the £720 price tag.
    It was in The Dugout Club for the match with Fulham this month where a bunch of actors, all wearing green velvet jackets, stood up and brushed their teeth and read books as part of a weird publicity stunt for the movie Argylle.
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    The film is backed by Blues chairman Todd Boehly, who chose the spot for maximum publicity.
    It obviously helped there were plenty of seats available. More

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    Man Utd ‘lead Arsenal in Joshua Zirkzee transfer race’ with Red Devils ‘only club to have held talks’ with ex-Bayern ace

    MANCHESTER United lead the race to sign Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee despite interest from rivals Arsenal.The Red Devils are the only club to have held transfer talks with the former Bayern Munich star.
    Manchester United lead the race to sign Bologna forward Joshua ZirkzeeCredit: Rex
    Zirkzee, 22, rose through the youth system at Bayern Munich but struggled to make the breakthrough at senior level before joining Bologna in 2022.
    After a slow debut year in Italy, the forward has impressed this term after scoring seven goals and creating two assists in 19 Serie A appearances this year.
    Erik ten Hag is desperate to bolster his frontline and is eyeing up to sign the ex-Netherlands U21 star in the summer.
    Reports have claimed that Zirkzee’s contract with Bologna includes a £34m release clause.
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    But club director Marco Di Vaio has confirmed that option exists only for his former employers Bayern.
    However, a deal to return to the Bundesliga is unlikely as Man Utd are the only club to begin formative talks to recruit the Dutchman.
    Zirkzee, who remains under contract with Bologna until 2026, has been integral in the club’s push for Champions League qualification.
    Thiago Motta’s side are seventh in the standings but sit just two points behind Fiorentina in fourth.
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    Arsenal are also keen on the 2019-20 Champions League winner alongside Tottenham and Ajax.
    Zirkzee caught Europe’s attention after his successful debut season with Bayern.
    He assisted the German giants to a continental treble – the Bundesliga, Champions League and DFL Super Cup.
    And his goal-scoring prowess could come in hand at Old Trafford as Ten Hag has not seen the best in Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund. More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr plot shock double transfer raid on Man Utd and could save ten Hag £500k-a-week in wages

    CRISTIANO RONALDO’S Al-Nassr are in line to make a double transfer raid on Manchester United stars Casemiro and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.The Red Devils are preparing to offload some of their highest-earning stars and a deal with the Saudi side could reduce United’s weekly salary by £500,000.
    Al-Nassr has expressed their interest in signing Casemiro this summerCredit: Getty
    The Saudi Arabian side are also keen to recruit Aaron Wan-BissakaCredit: Getty
    United’s football director John Murtough flew to Riyadh last month to open talks on potential transfer deals for a number of Red Devil players.
    Old Trafford are open to selling their highest-earner Casemiro this summer.
    The Brazillian is on £375,000 -a-week and has not played since the start of November due to a hamstring injury,
    Ten Hag’s side hopes to recoup as much of the £70million fee paid to Spanish giants Real Madrid last year.
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    And the nearly 32-year-old could be en route to reuniting with his former Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.
    The Saudi Pro League side are not only eyeing up the midfielder but also defender Wan-Bissaka.
    The 26-year-old is currently on £90,000 a week meaning if United sell both stars to the Gulf State they could save nearly half a million a week on their salaries.
    After Al-Nassr saw a £20m bid rejected for Tottenham’s right-back Emerson Royal last week they are keen to retry their efforts on Wan-Bissaka.
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    The Englishman’s future in Manchester is uncertain as the club triggered a 12-month contract extension in December but did not offer the defender a long-term deal.
    His agents held contract talks with United chiefs earlier this month but the outcome was unsuccessful.
    Even though Wan-Bissaka’s former side Crystal Palace and West Ham have expressed their interest they will find it difficult to match the oil-rich state-owned Saudi side’s offer.
    Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane – who earn £250,000 and £340,000 respectively – have also not received a contract extension and are set to leave as free agents in the summer. More

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    Man Utd told to sign Karim Benzema ‘even if only for a training session’ as Erik ten Hag plots Martial replacement

    MANCHESTER UNITED have been urged to sign Karim Benzema on loan this month.Erik ten Hag has been linked with a move to bolster his attacking options before the January transfer window closes.
    Karim Benzema could leave Al-Ittihad before the end of the January transfer windowCredit: Getty
    Andy Cole has urged Manchester United to sign Benzema on loanCredit: Getty
    Benzema could provide the solution, with former Red Devils striker Andy Cole telling his old club to snap up the Frenchman.
    The 36-year-old is currently training alone at Al-Ittihad after returning to the club 17 days late from a recent holiday.
    Asked whether United should pursue the loan signing of Benzema, Cole told Betfred: “150 per cent. I would sign him if it was only for a training session.
    “I was very surprised when he left Real Madrid in the summer, but I understand why it happened. That money he’s earning in Saudi Arabia is generational wealth. It’s for his kids and his kids’ kids.
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    “When you’re at that age in your career and you’ve already won four La Liga titles, five Champions League trophies and the Ballon d’Or, I can understand why he went to Saudi. 
    “Could he do it in the Premier League at his age? 100 per cent considering the way he looks after himself.
    “If Manchester United have the opportunity to sign him, then they should definitely try and make that happen.”
    Benzema is reportedly unhappy at Al-Ittihad and wants a temporary move away from the Saudi champions.
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    AFP claim he feels “under pressure” and has rejected the club’s offer of a loan move to another Saudi Pro League side.
    Chelsea have been tipped as a potential destination for the former Real Madrid forward if he returns to Europe.
    Benzema joined Al-Ittihad on a three-year deal in the summer and has since scored 12 goals in 20 appearances.
    He won the Ballon d’Or in 2022 after winning both La Liga and the Champions League with Real Madrid, finishing as top scorer in both.
    Erik ten Hag has been linked with signing a new striker this monthCredit: Getty More

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    Arsenal and Man Utd blow as Premier League rivals ‘enter race for in-demand Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite’

    TOTTENHAM are interested in signing Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, according to reports.The Toffees star, 21, has emerged as a key player under Sean Dyche this season.
    Jarrad Branthwaite has impressed for Everton this seasonCredit: Rex
    His impressive form has seen him linked with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal.
    According to the Mail, Spurs are also keen on Branthwaite, despite already improving their defence this month.
    Ange Postecoglou’s side beat off competition from Bayern Munich to sign Radu Dragusin from Genoa in a deal worth £21.5million plus add-ons.
    Djed Spence also moved in the opposite direction on loan as part of the deal, with Tottenham covering his wages.
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    Despite Dragusin’s arrival, Spurs remain interested in strengthening their back line.
    Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have both missed numerous games due to injury and, in the latter’s case, suspensions.
    Postecoglou had to make do with a makeshift centre-back partnership comprised of Emerson Royal and Ben Davies earlier in the campaign.
    Branthwaite joined Everton from hometown club Carlisle in 2019.
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    He went on to impress in loan spells at Blackburn Rovers and PSV Eindhoven, before breaking into Dyche’s starting XI this season.
    The strapping 6ft 5in defender is an England Under-21s regular and skippered Lee Carsley’s side in their last match.
    Gareth Southgate has kept an eye on his form this term, watching him in person at Goodison Park last month.
    Tottenham are trying to get a deal over the line for highly-rated Club Brugge winger Antonio Nusa this month.
    The Lilywhites remain in talks with the Belgian side, who are said to be demanding £25m for the 18-year-old’s signature.
    A deal this month would likely see Nusa remain at Brugge on loan until the end of the season.
    As for outgoings, SunSport revealed earlier this week that Tottenham had rejected a £20m bid from Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr for defender Emerson Royal.
    Royal, 25, is happy at Spurs, but the Saudi Pro League side could launch a new bid.
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    Tottenham may consider offers for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg before the end of the month.
    But they will only let him leave on a permanent deal or on a loan with an obligation to buy.
    Emerson Royal has attracted interest from Saudi Arabia this monthCredit: Rex More

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    Premier League’s hottest Wag Maja Nilsson goes braless as Man Utd ace’s partner called ‘so fine’

    MAJA NILSSON dazzled fans by going offline and onto stripes.The wife of Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof posted snazzy snaps – one bra-less in a stripey outfit, another in a long dress – as she returned to England after a week on holiday and away from social media.
    Maja Nilsson Lindelof wowed fans with this lookCredit: Instagram @majanilssonlindelof
    Maja goes with the flowing dress as she shared picsCredit: Instagram @majanilssonlindelof
    The Swede hoped to see snowballs back in EnglandCredit: Instagram @majanilssonlindelof
    Unfortunately for Victor Lindelof, Man Utd’s form hasn’t been as bright as his top in this snap from an earlier get-away with MajaCredit: Instagram @victorlindelof
    And while her army of followers went all slushy with their comments, Maja admitted she was dreaming of solid snow.
    Instead of course the Swedish fashion entrepreneur, 30, was welcomed back by Storm Isha.
    But at least the Unicef ambassador was also greeted with a whirlwind of praise from fans, who called her “the world’s prettiest” and “just so beautiful”.
    It’s 11 months since Maja was “officially” named as the most attractive Wag in the Premier League.
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    But sadly for Lindelof and Co, her formal rating of 9.7 out of 10 far outweighs any individual marks given to United’s players amid another mediocre season.
    And unfortunately for her husband, the Red Devils’ leaky defence means the only Nil he usually sees in the first half these days is in his wife’s surname. 
    Maja announced her comeback to these shores by posting glamorous pictures along with the words: “A week offline with my little family and friends.. time for England and hoping the SNOW IS STILL THERE!!”
    Warm responses included: “Always so good looking” and “so fine”.
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    But there were a few chilly replies from spoilsports, who warned the influencer “nope, just rain” and “gale force winds”.
    Luckily for Maja, her following is a force of nature itself – as her total number of fans on Instagram has now swelled to the brink of 250,000.
    A glimpse into Maja’s glam life…
    Maja and Victor married six years agoCredit: Instagram @majanilssonlindelof
    The two began dating in 2013Credit: Instagram @majanilssonlindelof
    And had their first child together in 2019Credit: Instagram @majanilssonlindelof
    They had their second child in 2021Credit: instagram @majanilssonlindelof
    Maja with her husband VictorCredit: Getty
    Maja is a fan of a selfieCredit: instagram
    She recently switched up her haircutCredit: Instagram / @majanilssonlindelof
    Maja showing her support for SwedenCredit: Instagram @majanilssonlindelof
    A golden hour selfieCredit: Instagram/@majanilssonlindelof
    Maja Lindelof stunned in a sparkly dressCredit: Instagram More

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    Why Mason Greenwood ‘will be top priority’ for new Man Utd boss as huge decision on star striker looms

    MASON Greenwood will be at the top of Manchester United’s questions to answer this transfer window.With new ownership and a new CEO, United has tightened the purse strings this January.
    Greenwood is unlikely to play again for United, despite performing in SpainCredit: Getty
    Greenwood has reportedly attracted attention from BarcelonaCredit: Rex
    Manager Erik Ten Hag has been restricted to “cheap buys” as the club also has to abide by Financial Fair Play regulations.
    One way around this could be to sell some players, as they are doing with Jadon Sancho. 
    Another of those on the chopping block could be Mason Greenwood.
    The striker is currently playing in Spain for Getafe FC and is unlikely to ever play for the Red Devils again.
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    Since the move, the 22-year-old has scored five goals and provided four assists in 10 games since moving to Getafe in September.
    New CEO Omar Berrada is known as a capable businessman and could see Greenwood as an easy way to make some dosh.
    Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and AC Milan are all keeping tabs on Greenwood’s form.
    SunSport revealed last week that Berrada’s former club Barcelona are eyeing a £40million move and are prepared to offer the winger Lionel Messi’s old number 10 shirt to secure his services.
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    Selling him could free up cash for the striker United desperately needs.
    United are reportedly interested in Brentford’s Ivan Toney or Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy.
    Greenwood was recently interviewed on his time at Getafe.
    He said: “Everything’s fine, I adapted pretty quickly. My team-mates took me under their wing and I’ve just been happy ever since coming here, training and playing the games.
    “The fans mean a lot to me. The best feeling so far is when I scored my first goal here at the stadium and it meant a lot to me, I heard the fans quite a lot.”
    United turned to the loan market over the summer as spending continued to be tight and its ownership drama ongoing.
    Contract extensions are another thing that will impact United’s ability to spend with several players seeing their contracts run down.
    The club are considering extensions for Casemiro, Raphael Varane and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
    But, with the ownership dramas over and Sir Jim Ratcliffe pledging to invest into the club, the summer window could see some big signings.
    Greenwood had reportedly been set to be welcomed back into the fold by Erik ten Hag before SunSport exclusively reported United had made a U-turn due to the volatile reaction.
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    He had not played prior to joining Getafe since January 2022 after being arrested on suspicion of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
    All charges against Greenwood were dropped this February.
    Manchester United could see Greenwood to free up some cash for a new strikerCredit: Rex More