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      How Liverpool shocked dawdling Man Utd and beat them to Cody Gakpo transfer despite Red Devils’ MONTHS of preparation

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      LIVERPOOL have beaten Manchester United in the race for World Cup star Cody Gakpo.And victory will taste even sweeter for Jurgen Klopp after his dawdling rivals were left shocked by Liverpool’s swiftness.
      Cody Gakpo is on his way to Liverpool after months of links with Man UtdCredit: EPA
      Speed was of the essence for Jurgen Klopp as he convinced Liverpool’s boardCredit: Rex
      Erik ten Hag has been left empty-handed after chasing Gakpo since the summerCredit: Getty
      But Klopp’s stunning £37million swoop wasn’t even being talked about before Christmas.
      Indeed, Gakpo was widely expected to link up with Erik ten Hag instead.
      His stunning performances for Holland in Qatar only served to fuel talk of an immediate switch.
      However, Gakpo is now on his way to Anfield after PSV announced an agreement.
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      And Liverpool’s focused speed was the key factor in getting a deal over the line.
      Klopp has been left with a barren squad following injuries to forwards Luis Diaz, Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota.
      Mo Salah has at times been a shadow of the player he once was, while Darwin Nunez often makes Timo Werner look like George Best.
      According to Fabrizio Romano, Klopp begged Liverpool’s board to move swiftly for Gakpo in order to save the club’s season.
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      The Reds certainly hit the jackpot a year ago when they landed Diaz from Porto in a stunning January move.
      And Liverpool’s board happily obliged Klopp by giving the green light for a blitzkrieg bid.
      However, the Reds were also able to take advantage of United and their inaction over the past six months.
      Gakpo was known to be a target for then-new boss Ten Hag when he took charge last summer.

      However, United prioritised other deals while believing they could keep the forward on ice.
      Gakpo made no secret of his desire to complete a move to Old Trafford.

      But while Ten Hag continued to push, he was met with resistance by United chiefs.
      The Glazers are finally looking to pack up after years of misery.
      And a decision was made behind the scenes NOT to pursue permanent deals this winter.
      Even with Cristiano Ronaldo’s shock departure, it’s reckoned United will only make loan signings next month – if any at all.
      And that tardiness allowed Liverpool to pounce with immediate effect, while Gakpo was only too pleased to finally seal his Premier League switch.
      Ronaldo’s exit also raised the need for United to get an out-and-out No9, which versatile Gakpo is not.
      Alejandro Garnacho’s unexpected rise means the Red Devils are already well-stocked on the wings.
      And Marcus Rashford has come into his own this term for both club and country.
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      Ten Hag has been further boosted by the return of Anthony Martial from a long-term injury.
      But all eyes will be on Anfield in March when United visit in the league, with Gakpo surely determined to show Ten Hag what he missed out on. More

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      Al Nassr chief calls Cristiano Ronaldo transfer rumours ‘mostly LIES’ with ex-Man Utd star linked with £173m-a-year deal

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      AL NASSR president Musli Al-Muammar has played down reports linking Cristiano Ronaldo with a huge move to the Saudi Pro League.Ronaldo, 37, was released by Manchester United last month following his tell-all interview with Piers Morgan and he is yet to find a new club.
      Ronaldo has been linked with a move to Al NassrCredit: Getty
      Few European clubs have expressed an interest in signing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, meaning he may have to seek a move further afield.
      The Saudi Pro League is currently his expected destination, with Al Nassr reportedly willing to offer him around £173million-a-year.
      However, club president Al-Muammar has downplayed the rumours.
      According to reports in Spain, the Al Nassr chief has said that the circulating reports are “mostly a lie”.
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      Despite Al-Muammar’s claims, sporting director Marcelo Salazar has refused to deny the prospect of a transfer.
      He told Flashscore: “I’m not allowed to say yes or no.
      “Let’s wait and see how things unfold until the end of the year. 
      “As you can see, this is a negotiation of enormous magnitude, not only for the club, but for the country and for world football, and which has to be conducted by higher authorities.
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      “What I can say is that Ronaldo is one of the best in football history.
      “He has always been an example for me as an athlete, for the will he shows to win. And then, as a Portuguese citizen, I was always rooting for him.”
      Ronaldo has also been linked with a return to boyhood club Sporting Lisbon. More

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      ‘I love Arsenal’ – Chelsea transfer blow as Rafael Leao reveals Gunners fandom as he confesses Premier League dream

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      CHELSEA transfer target Rafael Leao has revealed his admiration for Arsenal.Leao, 23, is one of the most sought-after young players in Europe right now, with seven goals and nine assists for AC Milan so far this season.
      Leao has expressed his admiration for ArsenalCredit: Alamy
      His impressive form has attracted interest from numerous Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United.
      However, he recently expressed his love for Arsenal.
      In an interview with RDP Africa, Leao said: “I’ve seen a lot of games this year.
      “I like Arsenal, I think they play very well.”
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      The winger currently has 18 months remaining on his AC Milan contract, but he is yet to agree terms for a new deal.
      Chelsea are expected to submit a lucrative offer in the next few weeks worth upwards of £86million.
      Blues boss Graham Potter is understood to be eager to bolster his squad in January, with Leao the priority target.
      But, Man Utd are also interested in signing the Portuguese superstar.
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      United boss Erik ten Hag had been plotting a move for Cody Gakpo, however the Dutch winger has since agreed to join Liverpool in a shock £37m transfer.
      A statement from PSV read: “PSV and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement on the upcoming transfer of Cody Gakpo.
      “The 23-year-old attacker will immediately leave for England where he will undergo the necessary formalities to complete the transfer.
      “Both clubs are not making any announcements about the transfer fee. ‘But this is a record transfer for PSV.” More

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      Five players Man Utd could sign in January including Ramos and Felix after Liverpool hijack Cody Gakpo move

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      MANCHESTER UNITED were dealt a savage blow when Liverpool hijacked their transfer plan for Cody Gakpo.The Dutch World Cup star looked on course to join the Red Devils from PSV in January.
      Erik ten Hag is looking to add a forward to his Man Utd squadCredit: PA
      Cody Gakpo looked on course to join but is going to LiverpoolCredit: Getty
      But their rivals at Anfield swooped to agree a £37million deal for the Holland forward and steal him away from Erik ten Hag’s grasp.
      So SunSport rounds up five potential transfer targets United could land instead when the market reopens…
      Goncalo Ramos, 21, Benfica
      The Portugal striker proved he can be the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo’s throne in the national team with his World Cup heroics, in particular that hat-trick against Switzerland.
      And he may well be the heir to the throne at club level, too, as United consider another move for the Benfica man.
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      Ramos has 15 goals and six assists in 22 games for his club this season and those kind of figures could propel United into the top four.
      Goncalo Ramos proved he can fill Cristiano Ronaldo’s bootsCredit: Getty
      Joao Felix, 23, Atletico Madrid
      Another option could be Ramos’ Portugal pal Felix, who is expected to be on his way out of Atletico Madrid.
      The flexible forward has struggled to kick on under Diego Simeone and the LaLiga side could decide to cash in early in the New Year.
      However, the Red Devils face plenty of competition for Felix who has also been linked with Arsenal and now Chelsea.
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      Joao Felix is a target for a host of Premier League clubsCredit: Getty
      Youssoufa Moukoko, 18, Borussia Dortmund
      The Borussia Dortmund star burst on to the scene in 2020 and made his debut a day after his 16th birthday.
      He now has kicked on in the absence of Erling Haaland and Sebastien Haller with 11 goals in 44 Bundesliga appearances.
      Moukoko is out of contract at Dortmund at the end of the season but is also wanted by Chelsea.
      Youssoufa Moukoko’s contract at Borussia Dortmund expires in the summerCredit: Getty

      Dusan Vlahovic, 22, Juventus
      United need to sign a genuine No9 with the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial more effective playing off the flanks.
      And Vlahovic would certainly fit the bill – he is a goalscorer and a good one at that.
      His £70m move to Juventus from Fiorentina 12 months ago has not quite worked out as planned so United could pounce by giving the Serbian the chance to prove himself in the Premier League.
      Dusan Vlahovic may be ready to test himself in EnglandCredit: Getty
      Memphis Depay, 28, Barcelona
      United may have missed out on Gakpo but could make a shock return for fellow Holland ace Depay to Old Trafford be on the cards?
      Few would have envisaged his dramatic upturn when he left United in 2017 but Depay thrived at Lyon and earned his move to Barcelona.
      Read More on The Sun
      But the arrivals of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha this summer have limited his game time.
      So with a host of English clubs circling, Ten Hag may want to work with his Dutch compatriot who has unfinished business and a point to prove.
      Memphis Depay left United in 2017 but could a comeback be on the cards?Credit: Getty More

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      ‘I still haven’t got an answer’ – Lingard slams Man Utd ‘false promises’ and questions whether his axing was ‘political’

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      JESSE LINGARD has slammed Manchester United in a blistering attack, claiming he was sold “false promises” and that his axing may have been “political.”The 30-year-old left United when his contract expired last summer before joining Nottingham Forest on a free transfer.
      Jesse Lingard has slammed Man Utd’s ‘false promises’Credit: Getty
      Lingard reckons his axing under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may have been politicalCredit: AFP
      Lingard found himself frozen out of the team by former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      And he ended up playing just 16 times in the league before walking out on the Red Devils.
      Lingard had been expecting to see more action after nine goals in a brief loan spell at West Ham.
      However, the 32-time England international claims he was sold a dream by Solskjaer upon his return to United, who initially promised game time before ignoring him completely.
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      And Lingard adds he was never told why he was not featuring for his boyhood club, questioning whether his omissions were to do with dressing room politics after also being unused by Ralf Rangnick.
      Lingard told the Telegraph: “I don’t know why I wasn’t playing. I don’t know what the problem was, whether it was politics or whatever.
      “I still haven’t got an answer to this day. I didn’t even ask. 
      “I’d rather that someone out of respect for me being there that long told me ‘this is why you’re not playing’, but I never got that.
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      “It was false promises. I was training hard and I was sharp, I was ready to play them games. 
      “When you’re working hard in training and don’t play at the end of it, it’s very frustrating.
      “I had to grind out that last year because I knew I’d be on a free.
      “I’m not really the type of guy to sulk, around the dressing room I’m always that bubbly character with good vibes.  
      “I was getting on with my training and doing my work, then here and there I’d come on and try to give my best. The last year was difficult.”
      Lingard scored 36 goals in 232 games for United after joining as an eight-year-old in 2000.
      He made his senior debut in 2014 under Louis van Gaal and went on to win an FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League.
      Lingard also won 32 caps for England, scoring six times, with his last appearance coming over a year ago.
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      Since joining Forest in the summer, Lingard is yet to hit the target in 13 league appearances.
      And with his contract expiring next year, it remains to be seen if he remains at the City Ground, especially if Forest get relegated. More

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      Ten Hag won’t lose sleep over missed Man Utd transfer targets as he backs Marcus Rashford to score 20 goals this season

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      ERIK TEN HAG will not lose any sleep if he fails to bring in more firepower next month — because he believes Marcus Rashford can be a 20-goal hitman.Ten Hag is making steady progress in his mission to take Manchester United back to the top.
      Erik ten Hag believes Rashford can be a 20-goal-a-season manCredit: AFP
      The Man Utd manager would love a new striker in January but believes he has options at his disposalCredit: Getty
      Yet the lack of a clinical finisher could still derail their top-four challenge.
      They managed just 20 goals before the World Cup break — half the amount City scored — and have also lost last year’s top marksman in Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Ten Hag would love to add a new striker in January, with Dutch forward Cody Gakpo on his hit list.
      But the United gaffer reckons the solution could already be on the books — if Rashford’s flying form continues over the next few months.
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      The England striker hit three goals at the World Cup and scored a stunning solo effort in Wednesday’s 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Burnley.
      United then confirmed they had triggered a 12-month contract extension for Rashford — along with Luke Shaw, Fred and Diogo Dalot — until 2024.
      Ten Hag sees no reason why Rash cannot prove to be a master blaster over the second half of the campaign now he is back to his brilliant best.
      Ahead of hosting struggling Nottingham Forest tomorrow, he said: “I always thought he is capable of scoring 20 goals in the Premier League. He got three in the World Cup, so he has the potential to score those numbers in the league.”
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      For all that Ronaldo was a shadow of his lethal former self over the final few months of his United career, he still managed 18 Prem strikes last term — one more than Rashford’s best-ever haul.
      Yet Ten Hag thinks the fact his side are still on the coat-tails of the top four, despite a stop-start opening half of the season, proves their problems up front are not as serious as feared.
      He added: “When you analyse the first 14 games we’ve played, we do not have a problem in the front line.
      “Often players have not actually been 100 per cent fit and I have had to play them.
      “When we get players fit and available we will score more goals.
      “It’s a good sign that we are still fifth. Although we are aware that we need to score more goals, we need to improve on many more elements.
      “We have to play better as a team, get better results and have more dominance in the games to get to a high level.
      “Yes, we are aware we have lost a striker so need to get one in — but that also has to be the right one who brings quality to the team.
      “The criteria is high here at Manchester United.”
      For all their lack of goals, there is no disputing that Ten Hag is gradually turning the 20-time champions into a more solid unit.
      They beat Liverpool, Arsenal and Spurs before last month’s World Cup shutdown and there is certainly more steel to a side that have been easy-beats too often in recent seasons.
      But Ten Hag certainly is not getting carried away just yet.
      He added: “For me, you can always do better. When you are satisfied it brings you to laziness and I don’t want that.
      “I give the best I have every day and want to see a better version of myself every day. That’s what I focus on internally.
      “I am confident we will get the process right and it will come. But we have to do better — and that also counts for the manager.”
      Anthony Martial believes United are in good shape to push up the table now.
      The Red Devils reached the World Cup break with only one defeat from their last 12 matches in all competitions.
      And Ten Hag and Co are four points behind fourth-placed Tottenham but with two games in hand.
      Asked on MUTV if United should be optimistic, Martial said: “Yes, and why not. We’ve a very good team of players, with a great dynamic about us and a lot of victories already under our belt.
      “We now just have to keep on in those winning ways we have shown in these recent matches.
      “We have lots of matches coming up now but, apart from those who went off to the World Cup, there has been time for some rest.
      “And those players will now also have had a few days off, so we hope we will all return in good shape for the challenges ahead and to win all the matches we can.”
      Martial was overlooked for the France squad so was one of the group of United players not involved in Qatar.
      The 27-year-old has had an injury-disrupted season so far but has four goals in the eight games he has played.
      Martial, now likely to get the nod to face Forest, said: “We’ve put in a lot of good work and it has been a bit like a pre-season for us.
      “We’ve worked hard on fitness training and getting into top shape physically and I have benefited a lot from that personally.”
      United are still expected to be without defenders Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane following their involvement in the World Cup final.
      But Harry Maguire — who largely impressed for England — could return to the side after missing the Clarets clash through illness.
      Ten Hag explained: “We had some problems with illness like Harry but he was back on the training pitch on Friday so I’m happy with that.”
      Apart from missing his two centre-backs, Ten Hag said the rest of the United players who played in Qatar were in good spirits.
      The Dutchman explained: “The players had massive impressions out at the World Cup but now they are back and you can feel their energy.
      “They are looking forward to the restart of the Premier League.
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      “Varane and Martinez are not there yet — but we are hoping that their comeback is soon.”
        MANCHESTER UNITED (likely): De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw, Casemiro, Eriksen, Antony, Fernandes, Rashford, Martial.
      Man Utd have been heavily linked with a move for Holland and PSV star Cody GakpoCredit: Getty More

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      ‘This board is a joke’ – Man Utd fans FUME as Liverpool pull off shock hijacking of Cody Gakpo transfer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have been left fuming after it emerged that Liverpool had agreed a fee for the transfer of Cody Gakpo. Gakpo had been tipped to join the Red Devils since a move initially fell through in the summer.
      Cody Gakpo is on his way to Liverpool despite being extensively linked to Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Erik ten Hag pushed for a move in the summerCredit: PA
      And progress towards a transfer in January was said to be advancing after United lost the services of Cristiano Ronaldo prior to the World Cup.
      However, PSV have now confirmed that Liverpool agreed a fee to sign the Dutchman after submitting an official bid to PSV worth £37million.
      They said in a statement: “PSV and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement on the upcoming transfer of Cody Gakpo.
      “The 23-year-old attacker will immediately leave for England where he will undergo the necessary formalities to complete the transfer.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      “Both clubs are not making any announcements about the transfer fee. ‘But this is a record transfer for PSV,’ said general manager Marcel Brands.
      “The PSV management completed the transfer on Boxing Day and gave Gakpo permission to travel to England.”
      The news has not gone down with the Man Utd faithful, who already have a less-than ideal relationship with the club’s hierarchy.
      Taking to Twitter, one user wrote: “Missing out on Gakpo will be the biggest mistake, this board is a joke. Can’t wait for the day when this club is sold.”
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      A second user said: “United is a big joke if they should lose Gakpo,” while a third echoed this by saying: “Gakpo lol. Joke of a club.”
      Another user felt sorry for United boss Erik ten Hag, who has extensively pushed for the club to sign Gakpo in January.
      They said: “The fact Ten Hag really wanted Gakpo and the owners have f***ed him over again is a joke though.”
      “How are United fumbling with Gakpo, our board is a joke 🤣,” said another.
      Popular United fan Mark Goldbridge criticised the logic of the move, before reinforcing the point of Ten Hag wanting the move since the summer.
      He wrote: “Gakpo to Liverpool for (£)37m defies Logic.
      “Remember this is a player Ten Hag has wanted since the summer.” More

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      Liverpool AGREE shock £37m Cody Gakpo transfer from PSV Eindhoven as they hijack deal for Man Utd’s top target

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      LIVERPOOL have hijacked Manchester United’s move for Cody Gakpo. The PSV Eindhoven forward will travel to England for a medical “immediately” after the Reds agreed a £37million deal.
      Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Cody GakpoCredit: Getty
      PSV said in a statement: “PSV and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement on the upcoming transfer of Cody Gakpo.
      “The 23-year-old attacker will immediately leave for England where he will undergo the necessary formalities to complete the transfer.
      “Both clubs are not making any announcements about the transfer fee. ‘But this is a record transfer for PSV,’ said general manager Marcel Brands.
      The PSV management completed the transfer on Boxing Day and gave Gakpo permission to travel to England.
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      Gakpo will cost an initial £37m and the forward could complete a medical in the next 48 hours.
      Liverpool have now won the race for Gakpo, who had offers from Leeds and Southampton in the previous transfer window.
      Chelsea and Arsenal were also believed to be considering a move for the Dutch hitman, who has scored nine goals and set up 12 in 14 league goals this season.
      But United were favourites for his signature after taking an interest in Gakpo following Erik ten Hag’s arrival.
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      The Red Devils were believed to be preparing a January swoop for the 23-year-old after opening talks with his representatives last month.
      Gakpo was also said to be keen on joining United and expressed disappointment at the collapse of his proposed summer transfer to Old Trafford.
      He said: “That was a tough period.
      “I learned from that. I’m going to do it differently. What comes, that comes.
      “I thought about Manchester United, but when that didn’t happen, I couldn’t remember. And I started to doubt. Leeds United did come. Should I go there?
      “Now I wait for everything. I haven’t heard from Manchester United yet. When they come, I’ll think about it. I also seek the help of God in these decisions.”
      Jurgen Klopp hinted at January business when recalling the impact Luis Diaz made after signing in the last winter window.
      He said: “We have two long-term injuries up front.
      “Last January, Luis Díaz came in which was very helpful for that part of the season. Doing something similar this time? If it was a positive move, why not?” More