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    Ex-Chelsea boss Tuchel and former Man Utd chief Rangnick linked with Germany manager and director jobs

    FORMER Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel could replace Hansi Flick as Germany boss, according to reports.The World Cup giants crashed out in the group stage in Qatar, four years after suffering the same fate in Russia.
    Thomas Tuchel was sacked by Chelsea back in SeptemberCredit: AP
    Ralf Rangnick is the current manager of AustriaCredit: Getty
    On Monday, Oliver Bierhoff, the director of the national team, resigned following the nightmare campaign.
    And Flick’s job is hanging in the balance, with the ex-Bayern Munich manager releasing a rather damning statement following Bierhoff’s departure.
    He said: “My coaching team and I are finding it difficult at the moment to imagine how the gap created by Oliver’s departure can be closed professionally and personally.”
    If Flick, 57, is sacked or chooses to resign from his post, Kicker understand that ex-Chelsea man Tuchel is one of the frontrunners to replace him.
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    The German coach, 49, was dismissed by the Blues back in September after a string of poor results.
    But overall he was a success at Stamford Bridge, winning the Champions League less than six months into his spell at the club.
    He could be joined in the Germany set-up by ex-Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick.
    Rangnick, 64, left Old Trafford after a short stint as interim head coach last season, taking a managerial job with the Austria national team.
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    But he is now being linked with replacing Bierhoff as the Germans’ director of football.
    Rangnick was Tuchel’s head coach at Ulm in 1997 where the pair formed a relationship.
    Three years later, he then gave Tuchel a role as a youth coach at Stuttgart.
    Another candidate linked with Germany’s sporting director role is Hertha Berlin’s Fredi Bobic. More

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    Man Utd and Chelsea blow as Real Madrid ‘agree anti-Haaland clause’ in bid to land Brazilian wonderkid Endrick

    REAL MADRID have stolen a march on their rivals in the bid to sign Brazilian wonderkid Endrick by agreeing to an anti-Erling Haaland clause, a report says.Palmeiras forward Endrick, 16, is considered one of the best football prospects in the world and is on the radar of Europe’s top clubs.
    Real are receptive to the idea of ditching their long-time interest in Haaland in order to sign EndrickCredit: Getty
    Real tried to sign Haaland before he joined CityCredit: Getty
    The likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal are all keen, as are Spanish giants Real and Barcelona.
    However, according to Marca, Real are receptive to the idea of dropping their long-time interest in Manchester City’s Haaland in order to sign Endrick.
    The Brazilian’s representatives believe the two players have playing styles that are too similar and would be detrimental to the teenager’s progression.
    Endrick will celebrate his 18th birthday in the summer of 2024, the age at which he would be able to join Real’s senior squad.
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    At the same time, goal machine Haaland will be turning 24, and will be available for a transfer due to a clause in his City contract.
    Real hold reservations over any deal.
    However, Haaland’s wages would not fit Real’s pay structure and there are concerns that he will be reluctant to commit his long-term future to the project.
    There are also concerns over the Norway ace’s injury record in recent seasons.
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    Haaland has netted an impressive 23 goals across all competitions this season.
    An impressive 18 of those strikes have come in the Premier League, where City trail league leaders Arsenal by five points. More

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    Jadon Sancho set to link up with Man Utd team-mates at Carrington next week after individual training regime in Holland

    JADON SANCHO is set to link up with his Manchester United team-mates next week at the Carrington training ground.The English winger has been on an individual training regime in Holland after missing out on a spot in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad.
    Sancho has been training alone in HollandCredit: https://twitter.com/UtdPlug/status/1595485609845571608
    He is due to reunite with his team-mates at Carrington next weekCredit: Getty
    The former Borussia Dortmund start was sent abroad to train alongside Dutch coaches on the advice of Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag in order to keep fit and refocus.
    Sancho has struggled to find his best form since his big-money move to Old Trafford.
    After starring in the Bundesliga, Sancho was the subject of a £73million transfer move.
    However, the 22-year-old has often looked like a shadow of the skillful player that lit up Germany.

    In his 52 games for the Red Devils, he has only scored eight and assisted four goals.
    That is in stark contrast to his 50 goals and 64 assists in 137 appearances for Dortmund.
    Ten Hag still sees promise in the forward and is hoping that the training camp can help him improve his form.
    Sancho’s poor performances saw him dropped from England, but Ten Hag believes the snub was down to the player having an illness.
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    Last month, he said: “He has had some really good performances and was going in a good direction.
    “But the last few weeks he struggled with illness. Then it’s normal that you don’t get the nomination. Every manager will take only fit players to the World Cup.”
    Sancho appears to be focused on getting back to his best and even deleted all of his Instagram posts. More

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    Georgina Rodriguez wows in red underwear despite husband Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Manchester United

    WORLD Cup Wag Georgina Rodriguez is still a red devil — despite hubby Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Manchester United.The 28-year-old mum is modelling for undies firm Yamamay ahead of packing her family’s luxury bags to leave the UK.
    World Cup Wag Georgina Rodriguez modelling for undies firm Yamamay ahead of leaving the UK after hubby Cristiano Ronaldo parted ways with Manchester UnitedCredit: Mega
    Georgina and family will be cheering on as his Portugal side take on SwitzerlandCredit: Getty
    Ronaldo and former shop worker GeorginaCredit: Getty
    Ronaldo, 37, and United ended his £500,000-a-week deal after he blasted the club and manager in an interview.
    The footballer has shifted his fleet of posh motors and last week removal vans were seen at the house packing up their belongings.
    In a statement last month, United said: Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect.
    “The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wishes him and his family well for the future.”
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    Georgina and family will be cheering on as his Portugal side take on Switzerland tonight. More

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    Man Utd transfer news: Bookies reveal FULL LIST of most likely forward signings in January to replace Cristiano Ronaldo

    MANCHESTER UNITED are actively pursuing a new striker in January following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.And there are several high-profile targets who could join Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford during the winter, according to bookmakers Betfair.
    Cody Gakpo is Manchester United’s most likely January addition, according to BetfairCredit: GETTY
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    Ronaldo, 37, left United shortly after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV.
    His departure was “mutually agreed” but leaves the club short on genuine striking options with 24 matches of the campaign remaining.
    Reports suggest Ten Hag will look to remedy that situation in January, and Betfair think there’s one stand-out option in Cody Gakpo.
    Gakpo, 23, has shone for the Netherlands at the World Cup.
    He’s scored three of Holland’s eight goals, adding to the 13 he’s already registered for PSV Eindhoven in the 2022-23 season.
    SunSport understand United chiefs are ready to make an approach, and could be prepared to meet PSV’s £50million valuation.
    Gakpo, though, has insisted his full focus is on helping the Netherlands to World Cup success.
    Man Utd transfer odds – forwardBetfair odds

    He said: “I’m not thinking about that now. I’m just really focused on the tournament, trying to keep performing well and helping the team and hopefully when we become world champion then I can think about that.”
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    Behind the 7/4 favourite Gakpo is Atletico Madrid’s Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha at 12/1.
    However, Cadena Ser claim Wolves are close to winning that battle with Cunha possibly being the first signing of the Julen Lopetegui era.
    Brentford’s Ivan Toney is next at 14/1 ahead of 16/1 shot Mohamed Kudus, who’s also earned plaudits for his performances in Qatar.
    The final name in the frame is Paris Saint-Germain and France superstar Kylian Mbappe (50/1), who is reportedly eyeing a Parc des Princes departure.
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    Man Utd ‘line up Yann Sommer free transfer with Switzerland goalkeeper tipped to REPLACE David de Gea’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are lining up a free transfer for Yann Sommer, according to reports. The Borussia Mönchengladbach goalkeeper is in the final year of his deal and is able to move for free in the summer.
    Yann Sommer is out of contract at the end of the seasonCredit: Rex
    He’s also able to sign a pre-contract from January.
    BILD report the Red Devils are pursuing him as a long-serving keeper David De Gea as no.1.
    The Spanish stopper has been at Old Trafford for over a decade and has experienced patchy form during periods of his long stay.
    He has also failed to impress Spain manager Luis Enrique who not only left him out of the World Cup squad but did not even include de Gea in the preliminary 55-man set up.
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    In contrast Sommer started Switzerland’s first two games before missing their last match with illness.
    The 33-year-old has been at Mönchengladbach since 2014 and impressed with his performances.
    He previously spent seven years in the first-team of FC Basel.
    Reports have suggested Man United have been trying to find a De Gea replacement for months.
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    The club have been linked with a move for Porto keeper Diogo Costa.
    Scouts are reported to be watching him closely.
    The 23-year-old is comfortable in possession and would help Erik ten Hag produce his preferred style of play of passing it out from the back. More

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    Meet Cody Gakpo’s stunning girlfriend who could become latest Man Utd Wag as they target January transfer

    HOLLAND star Cody Gakpo won’t be coming alone to Old Trafford if he signs for Manchester United in January.Gakpo will be bringing along his model girlfriend Noa van der Bij, who he has been dating since at least December 2020.
    PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo has been dating model girlfriend Noa van der BijCredit: @noavdbij
    Noa van der Bij has followed Cody Gakpo in Qatar to cheer him on at the World CupCredit: @noavdbij
    Noa van der Bij has been supporting Cody Gakpo while playing for the NetherlandsCredit: @noavdbij
    Noa has been working as a junior booker for Cachet Models ever since completing her studies in management at Avans University of Applied Sciences.
    The blonde beauty is very active on social media and that has helped her attract over 17,000 followers on Instagram.
    And she appears to be very much into the high life as she has posted photos of her in various exotic places, such as Monaco, Ibiza, Saint Tropez and Curacao.
    Noa may be set for another trip as this time she could be on her way to the UK with her boyfriend Gakpo.
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    The PSV Eindhoven star has been enjoying a stunning World Cup campaign with three goals in four matches for Holland in Qatar, with Noa cheering him on from the stands.
    SunSport understands United are ready to swoop in for the winger in the January transfer window in a £50m deal.
    The Red Devils and PSV have yet to enter talks, but there is a belief a deal could be ironed out next month.
    That is because United manager Erik ten Hag and Gakpo share the same agent.
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    Cody Gakpo will be bringing Noa van der Bij with him to Manchester United if he joinsCredit: @noavdbij
    And Eindhoven are willing to sell the 23-year-old at the right price, as they want to cash in on his current World Cup success.
    The Manchester giants tried to sign the Dutchman in the summer but instead got Antony from Ajax.

    Gakpo still had the chance to move to the Premier League but refused to board a private jet to Leeds and wasn’t attracted by Southampton’s club-record bid.
    However, United have rekindled their interest as they need a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.
    Noa van der Bij appears to be loving the high life with some stunning tripsCredit: @noavdbij
    Noa van der Bij has travelled to various luxurious places while in a relationship with Cody GakpoCredit: @noavdbij More

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    Man Utd set to launch Cody Gakpo transfer in January – and PSV are willing to sell striker for £50million

    MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to swoop in January to land Holland’s World Cup star Cody Gakpo. PSV are willing to cash in on the attacker to maximise his value following his three goals in Qatar. 
    Cody Gakpo has been starring for the Netherlands at the World CupCredit: Getty
    United were interested in the 23-year-old in the summer but backed out of a potential deal after signing Anthony from Ajax for £85.5million. 
    But the Red Devils want attacking reinforcements following Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit and Gakpo is keen on the move. 
    The Dutchman, who lined up against the USA, wants to be used as a striker despite being played as a winger and a number 10 for his club and country. 
    Both clubs are yet to enter talks but with United boss Erik Ten Hag and Gakpo sharing the same agents, there is belief a deal can be ironed out as soon as the window opens next month.
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    PSV want at least £50m for their academy graduate who has already hit 12 goals and 14 assists in all competitions this season. 
    Gakpo has a contract until 2026 with his boyhood club, but has assurances he will be allowed to leave if their asking price is met.
    The Holland star was set for a deadline day move to Leeds in the summer with the club’s transfer chief Victor Orta flying to Eindhoven on a private jet only for PSV to block the deal at the last minute. 
    Everton, Southampton and West Ham have also shown an interest and Gakpo still has his sights set on a Premier League move.
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    In an interview last month he revealed: “I always said if I stay here, it’s my childhood club. It’s not a punishment.
    “I like being here, I want to win trophies here and do my best for the club.
    “But if I got the chance to go to the Premier League or something, of course I would have to consider that option.” 
    Following the 3-1 win over the USA to secure a quarter-final spot against Argentina, Gakpo was asked about his future.
    He said: “After. I’m not thinking about that now.
    “I’m just really focused on the tournament, trying to keep performing well and helping the team and hopefully when we become world champion then I can think about that (the future).
    “No, not really (is it hard to concentrate). I’m just trying to keep focused and the other players don’t really talk about those things which also helps me in this situation. 
    “We came here with a goal which is to try to become world champion.
    “We believe in that and we’re going to fight and improve every day. We’re growing in the tournament, improving every game and this was another step higher.”
    However, Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk hit out at a potential move by suggesting Man Utd were not the level of club Gakpo should sign for.
    He said: “Is Manchester United and Real Madrid the same level at the moment?
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    “No disrespect, not at all. I definitely think he has that next step in him. I definitely feel like it could happen, whether that is in the winter or the summer or next year, time will tell.
    “He is a great boy who works hard, very talented and definitely there is more in him. we are so pleased he is doing so well for us. Long may it continue.” More