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    Man Utd and Chelsea transfer blow with AC Milan chief ‘relaxed and confident’ Rafael Leao will happily sign new contract

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea have suffered a dent in their transfer pursuit of Rafael Leao. It comes as AC Milan president Paolo Scaroni revealed he was at ease over contract talks regarding Leao.
    Rafael Leao scored twice for Portugal at the World CupCredit: Getty
    AC Milan’s president is “relaxed” over a new deal for LeaoCredit: Alamy
    Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Scaroni said: “I’m told that Rafa is really happy in Milano and with AC Milan.
    “Paolo Maldini’s taking care of the new deal negotiation so I’m confident and relaxed about it.”
    Leao was in action during the Qatar World Cup for Portugal before they were knocked out by semi-finalists Morocco.
    The attacker netted two goals off the bench. One during their opening 3-2 victory over Ghana and the other in the 6-1 thrashing of Switzerland.
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    Leao has just over 18 months left on his current Milan contract, meaning a transfer move for him is likely to occur in the next two windows if Milan do not want to let him go for nothing.
    Man Utd and Chelsea have been two of the leading parties in the pursuit of the 23-year-old.
    Erik ten Hag’s side are eyeing him as an alternative to Dutch ace Cody Gakpo, who has seen his asking price double since the summer, as they seek a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.
    Meanwhile, Leao’s father gave a cryptic answer when previously asked about a transfer to Chelsea.
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    He said: “The answer is: we are working on it. We are dealing with it because Rafael Leao has a contract that ends in 2024. Until that date, we are dealing with all of that (transfer, contract and Sporting legal dispute).
    “Without Chelsea, without Barcelona, without Real Madrid, we are dealing with that.
    “Rafael loves being in Italy. He has an affection for the Italians that the Portuguese don’t have for him.
    “He won the trophy for best player in Serie A not because he’s handsome, but because he’s the best.”
    However, Scaroni’s latest comments will not bode well for either club’s hopes of signing him. More

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    Man Utd in talks with Alejandro Garnacho over contract extension as Erik ten Hag looks to tie down 18-year-old

    MANCHESTER UNITED will push to offer Alejandro Garnacho a new and improved contract, according to reports.The 18-year-old has enjoyed a stunning breakthrough into Erik ten Hag’s first team this season.
    Alejandro Garnacho is in line for a new Manchester United contractCredit: Getty
    And the Red Devils are keen to offer the young winger fresh terms, according to Fabrizio Romano.
    It’s claimed discussions between United and Garnacho’s camp are currently ongoing.
    Boss Ten Hag is thought to want to tie down the teenager to a long-term deal.
    Garnacho came off the bench to score a stunning last-minute winner against Fulham just before the World Cup.
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    He has also dazzled in the Europa League and Carabao Cup this campaign.
    SunSport exclusively revealed last month Garnacho is set for a TENFOLD salary increase to fend off any interest from Real Madrid.
    United want to add three years to his deal that already runs until 2024, while rocketing his salary to £50,000-a-week, with further incremental rises.
    The youngster has been linked with a potential move to Madrid after his recent rise to stardom.
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    But when goalkeeper David De Gea was recently asked by Spanish reporters about Real’s interest in Garnacho, he declared: “We won’t let him leave.”
    Garnacho joined United’s academy from Atletico Madrid in 2020.
    He has started just one Premier League game this season, but could be handed a key role when the campaign resumes after the World Cup.
    Especially after Cristiano Ronaldo was axed by the Red Devils following his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan.
    Ronaldo is currently a free agent. More

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    Man Utd and Arsenal joined by Newcastle in Christian Pulisic transfer battle with USA winger set to quit Chelsea

    NEWCASTLE are reportedly considering swooping for Christian Pulisic as they join Manchester United and Arsenal in the fight for the American. There is renewed interest in the Chelsea winger after he showed off his abilities in the US’ run to the World Cup last-16.
    After several frustrating months at Chelsea, Pulisic came to the fore at the World Cup with the USACredit: Getty
    Big Premier League clubs are believed to be interested in a January move for Pulisic and Newcastle have now joined the fight.
    The Mirror report that the 24-year-old is one of three targets Eddie Howe’s side are considering to strengthen their Champions League ambitions.
    Chelsea value Pulisic at around £40m but Newcastle are hoping to get the fee reduced.
    They face a battle with Man United and league leaders Arsenal but the pair would reportedly prefer a loan.
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    But the Blues are believed to prefer a permanent deal if they were to cash in on Pulisic.
    The attacker struggled to find a way into either Thomas Tuchel or Graham Potter’s Chelsea teams after thriving in his first season at Stamford Bridge.
    The Magpies will hope he can help boost their efforts to finish in the top 4 after the club’s brilliant start to the season.
    Newcastle sat third going into the World Cup break having won their last five games on the bounce.
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    They have also lost fewer games than Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
    If they cannot land Pulisic, the north-east club have other options.
    Leeds ace Jack Harrison and Brighton star Leandro Trossard are also believed to have caught Newcastle’s eye. More

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    Swansea and Hull in fight to sign Man Utd transfer target Malcolm Ebiowei on loan from Crystal Palace in January

    SWANSEA are out to beat Hull to sign Crystal Palace winger Malcolm Ebiowei on loan in January.Ebiowei impressed Hull boss Liam Rosenior when he was in charge at Derby last term.
    Malcolm Ebiowei is being lined up for a loan deal by Swansea and HullCredit: Getty
    And the Eagles may send the 19-year-old out again to get some more game-time.
    But Swansea are also keen and Ebiowei could line up alongside Swansea’s 16-year-old Aimar Govea, who is caught in a tug of war between Spain and Ecuador.
    Both nations have called up the midfielder, who must decide which to play for.
    Meanwhile, Palace keeper Sam Johnstone is out for up to two months with a back injury.
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    And that may halt Jack Butland’s loan exit plans.
    Butland is back from a broken hand and could have been allowed out.
    But is now likely to have to stay put to cover for Johnstone.
    Butland picked up the injury against Manchester United in a pre-season friendly.
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    Bournemouth were lining up to sign him at the start of the window, but their interest cooled.
    The likes of Rangers and Middlesbrough were also linked with the ex-England international.
    Butland has not made a Premier League appearance since May, in a 3-2 defeat to Everton.
    Jack Butland is back from a broken handCredit: Rex More

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    Man Utd ‘submit £86m transfer bid for Croatia World Cup hero Josko Gvardiol but risk being outbid by Chelsea and City’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly joined the race to sign Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig.United boss Erik ten Hag is eager to strengthen his squad in January, with a new defender at the top of his wishlist.
    Man Utd have joined the race to sign Gvardiol from RB LeipzigCredit: Getty
    And according to Foot Mercato, Gvardiol is his priority target.
    The Red Devils are understood to have already submitted a bid of around £77million for the Croatia international, but they face stiff competition from rivals Manchester City and Chelsea.
    While Chelsea are also believed to have lodged a bid of £77m for the defender, Man City have tabled the highest offer worth over £86m including bonuses.
    Gvardiol is currently one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe with numerous clubs battling for his signature.
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    Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona have also expressed an interest in signing him, while Bayern Munich have scheduled a meeting with his agent.
    But, Gvardiol is said to be keen on a move to the Premier League.
    The 20-year-old has been a stand-out player for Croatia during this year’s World Cup.
    He has played a huge role in helping Zlatko Dalic’s side to the semi-final of the tournament, and received heaps of praise for his performance against Brazil this week.
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    Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand was one of many people to compliment Gvardiol on his aggressive style of defending.
    He said: “I have to say, he has been my favourite defender to watch in the tournament so far.
    “He has got a great presence, he is happy for the battles, very physical and has a wand for a left foot. He has got pace too and I think all those attributes you need as a modern day defender.
    “He can play the ball over various distances, he has pinpoint accuracy. He beats any type of press, is comfortable on either foot and is as comfortable with the ball at his feet as he is running out with it defensively.
    “Also, the aggressiveness. He is willing to get forward, that youth, that fearlessness. He has quick enough feet for someone of his size. Everything about him for me has been so positive.” More

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    Al Nassr drop huge hint they WON’T sign Cristiano Ronaldo as they ‘target shock Roberto Firmino transfer’ from Liverpool

    CRISTIANO RONALDO could be DENIED a move to Al Nassr with the Saudi Pro League side reportedly plotting a move for Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino instead.Ronaldo, 37, became a free agent last month after his Manchester United contract was terminated.
    Ronaldo has been linked with a move to Al NassrCredit: Getty
    The Saudi side are now looking to sign FirminoCredit: Getty
    The Portugal captain infuriated United officials and fans when he blasted the club during a bombshell tell-all interview with Piers Morgan.
    But, he is yet to find a new side with the January transfer window looming.
    Ronaldo has been heavily linked with a move to Al Nassr since his Old Trafford contract was ripped up.
    However, the Saudi side now have their sights set on another Premier League attacker.
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    According to The Mirror, Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino has emerged as a top target for Rudi Garcia and his management team.
    Firmino’s Liverpool contract expires in June, so he will be free to negotiate a pre-contract with any foreign club from next month.
    Al Nassr are understood to be keen to offer the Brazilian a lucrative deal in a bid to tempt him to Riyadh.
    And club chiefs hope that an agreement will be reached, especially as Firmino is no longer a regular name on Jurgen Klopp’s team sheet.
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    The forward has scored nine goals in 21 appearances for Liverpool so far this season.
    But, his form could not warrant a place in Brazil’s squad for this year’s World Cup. More

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    Ex-Man Utd star Chris Smalling ‘to SNUB Inter Milan and Juventus transfers to stay with Jose Mourinho at Roma’

    CHRIS SMALLING is being targeted by Juventus and Inter Milan but prefers to stay at Roma, reports suggest.Smalling, 33, has risen to prominence in Italy ever since joining the Giallorossi in 2019 and has turned into one of manager Jose Mourinho’s most prominent figures in the capital.
    Roma star Chris Smalling has been linked with Inter Milan and JuventusCredit: Getty
    Chris Smalling prefers to stay with Roma manager Jose MourinhoCredit: Getty
    However, the ex-Manchester United ace’s deal runs out in June and wants another big contract as he has already reached an advanced age.
    According to Sky Sports in Italy, the centre-back has attracted interest from both Inter and Juventus.
    Juve are dealing with a crisis after the board was forced to resign over allegations of doctoring wages and inflating player values.
    The Bianconeri look set to approach the transfer market in a more conservative manner and focus on free transfers.
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    Smalling’s agent has also received offers from Inter, who are not satisfied with Francesco Acerbi’s performances at centre-back.
    However, the former England international prefers to stay at Roma after enjoying a lot of success under Mourinho, with whom he won the inaugural Europa Conference League last season.
    According to Tuttosport, however, the defender is looking for a new contract worth more than his current £3million-a-year deal.
    Therefore Smalling would still expect the Romans to match the offers from other clubs to sign a contract extension.
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    The ex-Fulham star joined Roma on loan in 2019 and earned a permanent contract a year later.
    He has scored ten goals and provided four assists in 117 appearances. More

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    Holland boss Louis van Gaal reveals what Argentina players told him after game as ex-Man Utd manager confirms retirement

    LOUIS VAN GAAL revealed that he was teased by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez after the Netherland’s defeat to Argentina on penalties.The Dutch crashed out of the World Cup after Martinez denied Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis in the shoot-out.
    Louis van Gaal confirmed his retirement after the Argentina defeatCredit: Getty
    Wout Weghorst’s dramatic late brace, including a 101st minute leveller, sent the game into extra-time.
    But Holland weren’t able to find a winner and were then beaten 4-3 on penalties, with Lautaro Martinez scoring the decisive kick.
    And after feisty a game which saw 16 bookings and one red card dished out, the ex-Manchester United manager explained what he heard after the crushing loss.
    The 71-year-old said: “I speak a little Spanish, after the game the goalkeeper of Argentina told me that I spoke too much.”
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    Meanwhile, the Aston Villa keeper said: “I heard Van Gaal saying, we’ve got an advantage in penalties. If we go to penalties we win.”
    “I think he needs to keep his mouth shut.”
    Following the defeat, Van Gaal confirmed his 16-month reign as Dutch boss is over, while he’s also retiring from management.
    He said: “First and foremost I won’t be continuing.
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    “I only did it for this period of time.
    “This was my very last match of my third term as head coach.” More