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    Jude Bellingham transfer will cost £100million UP FRONT as Dortmund tell Man Utd, City and Liverpool and Co to stump up

    JUDE BELLINGHAM’S admirers will have to pay around £100million up front if they hope to sign Europe’s hottest property in the summer.Both Manchester clubs and Liverpool would love to bring him to the Premier League, while Real Madrid are confident they can trump them all.
    Borussia Dortmund won’t let Jude Bellingham leave on the cheapCredit: Getty
    Borussia Dortmund are understood to have told all interested parties they are prepared to do  business — if the majority of Bellingham’s valuation is paid in one hit.
    And with a fee in the region of £130m being quoted, any serious buyer will have to come up with a huge down payment.
    It has made a top-four finish vital for Liverpool, while United know they need the same after slipping down the pecking order of go-to clubs for players in recent seasons.
    With Bellingham’s wages expected to be in the region of £300,000 per week and a hefty signing bonus, Dortmund expect their stance to flush out the serious bidders.
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    The Bundesliga side have to factor in a five per cent sell-on clause to the England midfielder’s former club Birmingham, agreed as part of the deal which saw them sign the teen for £22m in 2020.
    There is growing feeling in Germany that Madrid and City lead the race for the 19-year-old, due to their financial clout.
    City could raise around £75m if Bernardo Silva is sold at the end of the season, while Ilkay Gundogan is also in the final six months of his contract.
    Despite Madrid’s strong links to Bellingham, boss Carlo Ancelotti recently distanced his side from a swoop.
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    The Italian, who already boasts a midfield including Luka Modric, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Fede Valverde, said: “Bellingham has shown at the World Cup that he is a great midfielder, but so have others.
    “Enzo Fernandez has played very well. Gavi and Pedri as well.
    “Bellingham is one of those very good midfielders, but I’ll stick with the ones we have.” More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo can now play for Al-Nassr as Saudi side terminate Man Utd transfer target Vincent Aboubakar’s contract

    CRISTIANO RONALDO’S Al-Nassr debut is one step closer after the Saudi club ripped up Vincent Aboubakar’s contract.Saudi league rules dictate that clubs can only register eight foreign players in their respective squads.
    Cristiano Ronaldo has moved one step closer to making his Al-Nassr debutCredit: AFP
    Prior to Ronaldo’s stunning arrival, Al-Nassr already possessed a full quota – meaning that one was going to have to leave.
    According to RMC Sport, Aboubakar’s contract was terminated by mutual consent – with the Cameroonian being compensated and now a free agent.
    His departure means that Ronaldo can be registered to play for his new side.
    But the 37-year-old must first serve the ban he received for knocking a mobile phone out of a 14-year-old’s hands last November.
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    He missed the first match of his two-game suspension yesterday, as Al-Nassr beat Al-Ta’ee 2-0 – with Ronaldo watching on from the stands.
    Ronaldo will remain banned for his new team’s trip to Al-Shabab next Saturday, before becoming eligible to make his debut in the January 22 home clash with Ettifaq.
    The forward has begun training with his new side, donning his new Al-Nassr gear as he hit the gym.
    Aboubakar, meanwhile, has been linked with a move to replace Ronaldo at Old Trafford.
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    United chiefs are keen to recruit a striker in January, but don’t have a big budget to do so amid uncertainty regarding the Glazers’ future as owners.
    Aboubakar’s availability as a free agent could attract a swoop from the Red Devils.
    The 30-year-old bagged 13 goals in 39 games for Al-Nassr.
    He previously represented Porto, Besiktas, Lorient and Valenciennes.
    Erik ten Hag’s side have also been linked with their manager’s compatriot Wout Weghorst.
    Vincent Aboubakar netted 13 goals for Al-NassrCredit: AFP More

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    Man Utd targeting shock loan transfer for Burnley ace Wout Weghorst to replace Cristiano Ronaldo and solve striker woes

    MANCHESTER UNITED are considering a shock move for Burnley striker Wout Weghorst. The Dutch hitman, 30, is currently on loan at Turkish side Besiktas. 
    Manchester United are targeting Burnley’s Wout WeghorstCredit: Getty
    Wout Weghorst appeared to bid farewell to Besiktas, where he plays on loanCredit: Rex
    But that deal could be cut short to take him to Old Trafford. 
    Erik Ten Hag is in need of a striker following the termination of Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract. 
    A loan move for Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix has been considered but United are refusing to meet the Spanish side’s asking price. 
    Atletico want a £13.5million loan fee, with Felix’s £6m wages also needing to be covered.
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    And Weghorst, who scored a stunning late equaliser against Argentina in the World Cup quarter-final, has emerged as an alternative. 
    The centre-forward has already amassed nine goals and four assists in 18 appearances across all competitions with Besiktas.
    One of those strikes came today against Kasimpasa – and was followed by a huge hint it could be his last.
    Weghorst was seen kissing the Besiktas badge before appearing to wave goodbye to fans, suggested a move to Old Trafford is very much on the cards.
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    The Netherlands international struggled for Burnley during the second half of last season.
    The ex-Wolfsburg star couldn’t save the Clarets from relegation but still registered two goals and three assists in 20 Premier League appearances.
    United boss Ten Hag needs a striker to boost his team’s top-four hopes.
    The Red Devils are currently fourth with the same points as third-placed Newcastle. More

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    Man Utd transfer blow as Barcelona president reveals Frenkie de Jong won’t be sold ALL YEAR despite Old Trafford links

    BARCELONA president Joan Laporta insists Frenkie de Jong won’t be sold at ANY point this year.And that comes as bad news for Manchester United who had been hoping to finally seal a move for the midfielder this month or at the end of the season.
    Manchester United are long-term admirers of Frenkie de JongCredit: Rex
    United were heavily linked with the Dutchman last year and spent most of the summer trying to sign him.
    Barcelona were said to be open to letting De Jong leave in an attempt to cut down their wage bill.
    But he ended up staying in Spain and has worked his way back into Xavi’s plans after finding himself on the bench in the early weeks.
    De Jong, 25, recently revealed his desire to move to Old Trafford, according to a surprise report from Fichajes.
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    That could have led to the Red Devils reigniting their interest in the ex-Ajax man and opening up the possibility of a reunion with Erik ten Hag.
    But Laporta has insisted that Barcelona’s stance hasn’t changed and he’s not on the market.
    Whether that be this month or in the summer, he clearly stated at any point this year.
    Laporta said: “Frenkie de Jong is not for sale.
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    “He wasn’t for sale in the summer and he won’t leave this year.
    “De Jong is a very appealing footballer, we know that, but I insist he’s not for sale.” More

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    Man Utd starlet Alejandro Garnacho spotted wearing Cristiano Ronaldo’s CR7 underwear during FA Cup win over Everton

    THE spectre of Cristiano Ronaldo was still hanging over Manchester United in the FA Cup win over Everton… as Alejandro Garnacho wore his PANTS.Wonderkid Garnacho was subbed onto the match in the 71st minute as he replaced Anthony Martial in the 3-1 victory at Old Trafford.
    Alejandro Garnacho was spotted wearing CR7 underwear against EvertonCredit: Getty
    The brand is owned by former Manchester United player Cristiano RonaldoCredit: The Mega Agency
    While the 18-year-old did not find the back of the net, he did grab some attention as eagle-eyed fans spotted the Argentine was wearing a pair of CR7-branded underwear.
    At one moment, while lifting his shirt and pulling his shorts up the branding of the pants were visible.
    Ronaldo is one of Garnacho’s footballing idols and his admiration has clearly not waned despite the Portuguese legend’s acrimonious exit from the club late last year.
    United terminated Ronaldo’s contract after he lashed out at boss Erik ten Hag in an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
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    Garnacho was thrilled when he was first able to share the pitch with the 37-year-old forward.
    He pulled off Ronaldo’s iconic ‘SIUUU’ celebration when he scored in the Youth Cup final last season.
    And he has regularly labelled Ronaldo the GOAT, ahead of countryman Lionel Messi.
    Ronaldo has now joined the Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr and became the highest-paid sportsperson of all time when he signed a lucrative £173million-a-year deal
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    He is yet to make his debut for the club due to a two-game ban being enforced by Fifa as well as he club being unable to register him.
    The Saudi Pro League has a rule on the number of foreign players a club can have, and Al Nassr are at its limit which means they have to axe one to make room for Ronaldo. More

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    Man Utd transfer target Chris Rigg, 15, makes surprise debut as Sunderland score TWO added-time goals in FA Cup thriller

    SUNDERLAND’S 15-year-old wonderkid Chris Rigg shone bright during his shock debut in the FA Cup thriller against Shrewsbury Town.Rigg has attracted a lot of interest from the Premier League following some standout performances at youth level.
    Chris Rigg made his Sunderland debut in the FA Cup against Shrewsbury TownCredit: Getty
    Sunderland wonderkid Chris Rigg has been linked with Manchester United and NewcastleCredit: Getty
    The midfielder has been targeted by Manchester United as well as Liverpool, Newcastle and Everton during the January transfer window.
    And the England Under-16 captain’s stock went even higher on Saturday as he came off the bench to help the Black Cats punch their ticket to the fourth round of the FA Cup.
    In doing so he became Sunderland’s youngest outfield player EVER.
    Sunderland beat Shrewsbury 2-1 in a dramatic encounter at Montgomery Waters Meadow.
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    Matthew Pennington opened the scoring for the hosts on 81 minutes, which is when Rigg came on and replaced Edouard Michut.
    It looked like Tony Mowbray’s side were out for the count but the teen sensation helped them do the unthinkable.
    Ross Stewart equalised in the second minute of stoppage time.
    Just when it looked like the two teams would have a replay at the Stadium of Light, Luke O’Nien hit the back of the net to seal a fantastic qualification only two minutes later.
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    Rigg came out looking better than ever, with many considering him the best of his age in the country.
    Newcastle remain strong favourites to sign the talented schoolboy from their fiercest rivals.
    But United are very keen to land one of England’s greatest prospects for the future. More

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    Man Utd star Eric Bailly sent off for kung-fu kick to opponent’s chest as rival is rushed to hospital in an ambulance

    MANCHESTER UNITED loanee Eric Bailly sent a rival to hospital with a horror kung-fu kick to his opponent’s chest.Ligue 1 Marseille, where Bailly is currently playing, were heavy favourites going into their French Cup game against fourth-tier side Hyeres.
    Eric Bailly was shown a straight red for his kick on Moussa N’DiayeCredit: AFP
    N’Diaye was taken to the hospital following the injuryCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    However, they would have to do it the hard way after Bailly was sent for an early bath in the 15th minute.
    The defender was going to clear a ball but missed it completely and then extended his leg into the attacker.
    Bailly was unsurprisingly shown a straight red card for his recklessness, which hurt Hyeres player Moussa N’Diaye.
    N’Diaye was unable to continue as the midfielder was replaced by defender Aboubacar Magnora.
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    He was seen being stretchered off the pitch and placed into an ambulance in order to be taken to hospital.
    N’Diaye is believed to be stable and will undergo tests.
    Despite going down to ten men, Marseille were still able to come out on top in the clash.
    Former Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez opened the scoring with a penalty in the 46th minute before Bamba Dieng made sure of the result with his goal in the 70th minute.
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    Bailly joined the club on a season-long loan in the summer from the Red Devils.
    The 28-year-old has not had the best of times as injuries have limited his time on the pitch.
    The defender has taken knocks to his leg and thigh, which means he has only managed 11 appearances with the Ligue 1 side.
    Bailly is contracted to Manchester United until 2024 and is unlikely to have a future at Old Trafford.
    However, should Marseille qualify for the Champions League then they will be obligated to buy the defender.
    The French side are currently third in the league. More

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    Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag incredibly SNUBS leaders Arsenal as he names two Premier League teams to beat

    ERIK TEN HAG reckons Manchester City and Liverpool are still top dogs in the Premier League.That’s despite leaders Arsenal being five points clear at the top in pursuit of their first league title for 19 years.
    Erik ten Hag’s side are currently fourth in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
    Reigning champions City are their closest challengers, while Liverpool are lingering down in sixth, SIXTEEN points behind the Gunners.
    But prior to this season, the two North East duo have set the standards in English football with their recent battles some of the most intense in Prem history.
    Meanwhile, Manchester United, who’ve won seven games on the bounce in all comps, are currently fourth.
    And Ten Hag believes City and Liverpool are the two clubs the Red Devils need to beat.
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    He said: “I think we should be satisfied with where we are now given the bumps encountered in the early part of the season.
    “We are not yet competitive with Manchester City – and I still see that club as a step too high at the moment.
    “I also expect Liverpool to be right back – and I see them, together with City, as the two teams to beat in England.
    “Also, Arsenal are having a super season and are already far ahead in the league.
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    “We have to battle with Chelsea, Newcastle and Spurs for the Champions League ticket, so the competition is huge.
    “The club’s aim is to play in the Champions League again.
    “That should always be our goal. If we achieve that, it will feel like our championship.”
    United could move within a point of their noisy neighbours if they win next Sunday’s Manchester derby.
    But the Old Trafford club have a Carabao Cup quarter-final with Charlton to focus on before as they look to end their seven-year wait for a trophy. More