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      Juventus legend Leonardo Bonucci confesses he was ‘close’ to £100million Premier League transfer but turned it down

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      LEONARDO BONUCCI does not regret turning down Pep Guardiola and Manchester City.The Etihad outfit were prepared to make him the most expensive defender in the world eight years ago.
      Leonardo Bonucci has revealed that Man City tried to sign him in 2016 for £100mCredit: Getty
      Bonucci revealed: “In 2016, Man City and I were close. They offered almost £100million to Juventus but together with the club we decided to continue.
      “There were talks in 2017, too, after Juventus put me up for sale… in the end things had to go that way.
      “Being managed by Guardiola would have been a great achievement because he would have improved me but I can’t complain because I won many trophies, individual awards and the Euros.
      “I always let my heart dictate me, that’s why I stayed at Juventus.”
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      City instead welcomed John Stones in 2016 after having their approach for Bonucci rebuffed by the Old Lady.
      And the Italian is only full of praise for the man who was signed in his place as he gushed about the abilities of Stones.
      He said: “I struggle to find a deficiency in players like Stones, who have won what he did.
      “He’s a leader, reads the game well, has rhythms and is intelligent.
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      “He’s a technical player and a nasty defender. At City, Guardiola saw a perfect role for him, to be more of a ball-playing defender. He makes mistakes but who doesn’t?
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      “He’s still young and has a lot of time to improve and keep winning.
      “In the end, who decides if someone is the best in the world? The fans, but with all due respect, it’s got really whether they like you or not.
      “Stones has done great things and I like him a lot. He’s one of the best in the world.”
      Bonucci now plies his trade with Union Berlin after bidding farewell to Juventus last summer.
      A long way from Turin he faces a new challenge with the German club who are currently sat just one point off the relegation zone in the Bundesliga.
      Manchester City signed John Stones from Everton in 2016Credit: Getty More

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      Pep Guardiola speaks out on ‘bad moment’ for Jack Grealish and his family after terrifying raid during game

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      PEP Guardiola today spoke out following a terrifying raid at Jack Grealish’s home while his family was inside.Man City star Grealish was playing against Everton as his loved ones, including partner Sasha Attwood, cheered him on when the horror unfolded.
      Pep spoke out about the raid on Jack Grealish’s homeCredit: Getty
      They were forced to take cover as cops rushed to the £5.6million home to avoid a potential hostage situation.
      The robbers made off with £1million worth of jewellery and watches, while Grealish’s family were left “really shaken” in the horror.
      Manager Pep said today: “Fortunately nothing wrong happened where the family was inside.
      “It is what it is today in the modern day, with many things happening.
      “It was a bad moment for him and his family but, fortunately, what was not damaged were the people inside.”
      The gaffer also confirmed Grealish would be available to play tomorrow in City’s clash against Sheffield United.
      The crooks managed to get in despite extensive security and perimeter fencing around the England star’s home.
      Cops have been combing the area around the mansion from the ground and air in a desperate bid to apprehend the gang.
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      It is understood Grealish was told about the raid just minutes after Wednesday’s game finished in a City win.
      The club’s head of player support and protocol Manel Estiarte looked concerned as he spoke one-on-one with the winger.
      Grealish then looked worried as he raced down the tunnel at Goodison Park.
      Cheshire Police told The Sun: “At around 9.50pm on Wednesday  December 27 police were called to reports of a burglary.
      “The caller reported that a number of items had been stolen.
      “Officers supported by police dogs and National Police Air Service were deployed and searches were conducted in the local area but there was no trace of the suspects.
      “No arrests have been made at this time and enquiries are ongoing.
      “Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Cheshire Police.”
      Grealish’s partner Sasha was in the house at the time
      The winger was playing at Goodison Park when the thieves broke inCredit: Alamy More

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      Gang who raided Jack Grealish’s home still on loose as terrified neighbours told to ‘lock their doors’

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      THE gang who raided Jack Grealish’s home are still on the loose as terrified neighbours were told to lock their doors.Raiders targeted the England midfielder’s £5.6million Cheshire mansion while he was playing for Manchester City at Everton on Wednesday night.
      Raiders targeted Jack Grealish’s £5.6million Cheshire mansion while he was playingCredit: Getty
      Sources said Jack was told of the break-in minutes after City’s winCredit: Reuters
      Members of his family and his fiancée, Sasha Atwood, were at the property at the timeCredit: Refer to Caption
      Members of his family and his fiancée, Sasha Atwood, were at the property at the time when they heard a disturbance and raised the alarm.
      Thieves made off with £1million worth of jewellery and watches and police are now investigating.
      Sources said Jack was told of the break-in minutes after City’s win at Goodison Park.
      The club’s head of player support and protocol Manel Estiarte appeared to rush onto the pitch to give the Prem ace a message.
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      Jack seemed concerned after having the private conversation and quickly headed down the stadium’s tunnel.
      Cops have now told The Sun that there have been no arrests and there was no trace of the suspects.
      Neighbours were told to lock doors and stay inside.
      A spokeswoman for Cheshire Constabulary said: “At around 9.50pm on Wednesday 27 December police were called to reports of a burglary.
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      “The caller reported that a number of items had been stolen.
      “Officers, supported by the police dogs and NPAS (National Police Air Service), were deployed and searches were conducted in the local area, but there was no trace of the suspects.
      “No arrests have been made at this time and enquiries are ongoing.
      “Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 1722738.”
      Around ten relatives were cheering on the City star in his televised match when they heard noises upstairs and dogs barking frantically.
      A source told The Sun: “The family are really shaken. The gang took a lot of watches and jewellery.
      “They executed their raid when Manchester City were playing live on TV and all his family had gathered downstairs to cheer him on.
      “No one was injured but there was a lot of panic. Everyone was terrified as they were all so vulnerable.
      “It’s an enormous property, so it is understandable why no one heard anything at first.
      “It was also the first time the family had visited  so they were unfamiliar with the property.
      “When the dogs went mad, and they could hear people creeping about, they pressed the security panic alarm.
      “An emergency unit responded immediately, with multiple police cars and a chopper deployed.
      ­”Initially, they feared they could be facing a hostage situation or worse.”
      City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his relief that nobody was hurt.
      Speaking at a press conference, Guardiola said: “Fortunately nothing wrong happened where the family was inside.
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      “It is what it is today in the modern day, with many things happening.
      “It was a bad moment for him and his family but, fortunately, what was not damaged were the people inside.”
      Cheshire Police cops made house to house inquiries after the break-inCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
      Grealish and Sasha bought the mansion last year but have only just moved inCredit: Instagram @sasha__rebecca
      Footie ace theftsBy Stephen Moyes More

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      Kalvin Phillips handed major transfer blow as Eddie Howe reveals Newcastle deal ‘certainly not close’ amid FFP woes

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      EDDIE HOWE admits he “hasn’t had assurances” that he will be handed a January transfer kitty to arrest Newcastle’s slump.The underfire Magpies boss is desperate to add to his struggling squad with so many injuries but he says Financial Fair Play will impact any business next month.
      Kalvin Phillips is hoping to secure a loan move away from Manchester CityCredit: AFP
      Eddie Howe has cast doubt on Newcastle’s ability to spend in the January windowCredit: Alamy
      A defensive midfielder is top of Howe’s wishlist, with Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips on loan their main target.
      Toon are also in the market for a forward to compete alongside Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak as well as a goalkeeper to replace the injured Nick Pope.
      The pressure is rising on Howe after six defeats in seven leaves them ninth in the Premier League and eight points off the top four.
      But asked if the Saudi owners have made money available, Howe said: “No we haven’t had those assurances.
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      “It’s a difficult month as we always say when January comes around, but it is a very difficult month to bring in quality players.
      “Financial Fair Play continues to affect our decision-making so let’s wait and see.
      “FFP is part of our future and isn’t going anywhere, we need to navigate it.”
      Asked about Man City’s England midfielder Phillips, Howe replied: “If nothing’s close, that one’s certainly not close.”
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      Phillips joined Man City from Leeds for £45million in the summer of 2022 but has played very little since arriving at the Etihad.
      He has featured 31 times – all but six of which have come as a substitute.
      And after just one goal and no assists, he is seeking a way out as he bids to secure his spot in Gareth Southgate’s England team for the Euros next summer. More

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      Man City plot shock January transfer raid for Chelsea outcast with Blues set to axe up to five stars

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      MANCHESTER CITY are interested in Chelsea star Ian Maatsen, according to reports.The Blues are set for a mass exodus this January with five players potentially heading for the exit door.
      Ian Maatsen is on Man City’s radarCredit: Getty
      Maatsen is one of those that Chelsea are considering selling in order to balance the books after they splashed £1billion on new players since owner Todd Boehly took over in May last year.
      The 21-year-old left-back spent the previous season on loan at Burnley, helping them earn promotion to the Premier League.
      Vincent Kompany’s side tried to make the move permanent in the summer only for Maatsen to supposedly turn them down.
      He was keen to fight for his place at Chelsea but has made just one Prem start this term.
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      The Athletic report that Man City are keen on him with the West Londoners open to cashing in.
      He would give Pep Guardiola a natural option at left-back with central defenders Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol playing in the role.
      Maatsen’s contract expires in 18 months and there has been no talks over an extension.
      However, Chelsea may want to keep him with Marc Cucurella injured for a couple of months and Ben Chilwell still in rehab after a serious hamstring issue.
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      Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino could reportedly see Conor Gallagher sold in January.
      The midfielder has played 22 times this season and has even captained the side on 12 occasions.
      But with 18 months left on his deal, Gallagher could be sold as he can bring in a large fee.
      This is despite the player being happy to stay.
      Chelsea want to sell academy graduates as they hand the club 100 per cent profit.
      Trevoh Chalobah has not played this season due to injuries and looks set to leave next month.
      Offers for Armando Broja and Malang Sarr will also be considered.
      And several Championship clubs are reportedly interested in signing Alex Matos on loan.
      Chelsea may consider offers for Conor Gallagher in JanuaryCredit: Getty More

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      Man City closing in on Argentine wonderkid in £21million transfer – but fans won’t see him for at least a year

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      MANCHESTER CITY are closing in on a £21.7 million deal for River Plate’s starlet Claudio Echeverri.The 17-year-old attacking midfielder – nicknamed ‘Little Devil’ – has also been chased by Barcelona in recent months.
      Manchester City are closing in on the signing of Claudio EcheverriCredit: Getty
      However, City have good relations with the Argentine club having done the deal to sign Julian Alvarez two years ago.
      And they are willing to let Echeverri spend another year in his homeland on loan before moving over to England – just as they did with Alvarez.
      The treble winners have been monitoring the youngster for some time but talks have stepped up since he starred for his nation at last month’s under-17 World Cup.
      Confirmation of the agreement with City could come when the January transfer window opens on Monday.
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      Chelsea had previously been linked with a move for Echeverri, but he now appears destined to head to the Etihad Stadium.
      The teenage midfielder has impressed for both club and country this year, captaining Argentina at Under-17 level.
      He has scored 13 goals in 23 caps for the side, including five strikes in their run to the U17 World Cup semi-finals.
      Echeverri has since reached six first-team appearances for River Plate, who won their 38th league title earlier this year.
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      Echeverri is set to be loaned back to River PlateCredit: Getty
      The youngster will hope to follow in compatriot Alvarez’s footsteps once he arrives in the Premier League.
      Alvarez followed up his World Cup triumph by winning the treble with City in his debut campaign in 2022/23.
      Across 75 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side, the 23-year-old has scored 27 goals and provided 14 assists.
      Echeverri will hope to emulate compatriot Julian Alvarez’s success at CityCredit: AP More

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      Chelsea, Man City and Barca on transfer red alert as ‘next Lionel Messi’ confirms he WON’T sign new River Plate contract

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      CHELSEA, Manchester City and Barcelona have received a huge boost in their pursuit of Argentine wonderkid Claudio Echeverri.River Plate forward Echeverri, 17, attracted interest following a sensational U17 South American Championship back in April.
      Claudio Echeverri could be set for a move to Europe in JanuaryCredit: Getty
      Echeverri wears the No10 shirt for Argentina’s U17 side, like Lionel Messi does for the senior teamCredit: Getty
      The teenager, who wears the No10 for Argentina’s age group side, scored five goals and provided three assists in eight games at the tournament as his country finished third.
      Now he could be set to follow in the footsteps of iconic Argentine No10 Lionel Messi by moving to Europe.
      That is after he confirmed he will NOT be signing a new contract with River Plate.
      He told ESPN: “I’m NOT going to renew my contract at River Plate.
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      “I’m going to play for the next months and then we see what happens.”
      Echeverri’s deal expires in December 2024, with his release clause set at £21.6million.
      This will increase to £26m in the final days of the January transfer window.
      Manchester City are leading the way in their attempts to sign the attacker – with the Treble winners keen to agree a deal before loaning him back to River for the remainder of the season.
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      This would mirror the transfer made between River and Man City for Julian Alvarez last year.
      But Chelsea are also pushing to secure his services.
      According to Sky Germany journalist Sarah Wieczorak, Mauricio Pochettino’s men want to sign the youngster and then loan him out to Strasbourg – who are also owned by American Todd Boehly.
      Barcelona, Juventus, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are among the other huge clubs sniffing around Echeverri.
      Both Chelsea and Man City are yet to make a formal offer to River Plate. More

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      I faced Guardiola in his first game as a manager – now I’m out to stop him winning only trophy he’s missing at Man City

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      URAWA RED DIAMONDS coach Maciej Skorza has waited 15 years for the chance to lock horns with Pep Guardiola again.And the Pole cannot wait to see if his underdogs can shock the world.
      Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola will face the manager he met in his debutCredit: Getty
      Urawa Red Diamonds coach Maciej Skorza defeated Guardiola in 2008Credit: Getty
      Skorza, 51, was in the away dugout in the Nou Camp as Guardiola’s first game as a coach in 2008 ended in a 4-0 Champions League qualifying win.
      While Wisla Krakow won the second leg 1-0, Guardiola’s side went on to beat Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United 2-0 in the 2009 Final in Rome to complete the first of his many Trebles.
      Skorza, who will step down after the tournament, recalled: “I had the great pleasure to meet Mr Guardiola 15 years ago and I have to admit that from that moment I have admired his work. 
      “He is the No1 manager in the world, so personally it is a special moment to play against his team again after 15 years.
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      “So it is fantastic for me and for my team, because we are playing the best team in the world as well.
      “This is a rare opportunity but our dream is to play in the Final.
      “On paper, City are a better team than us in every aspect. But in football, sometimes, it doesn’t work like that.
      “I believe in my players because we have a fantastic team with fantastic character.
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      “We know we will suffer on the pitch at times but we have to keep going and keep fighting and try to realise our plan.
      “What is important is how we manage the space behind their defence. I believe that we can play a very good game.
      “What the result will be, nobody knows – it’s football. But the most important thing is keeping this team spirit at the top level.”
      Erling Haaland will not be risked after being left out of training, although Kevin De Bruyne could be back on the bench for City.
      Guardiola said: “This is the one trophy we don’t have, so we want to close the circle and have won everything we can win.
      “You have a responsibility to win all the games and every competition.
      “The players know that and we’ll try to perform well.”
      Probable teams: 
      Read more on The Sun
      Manchester City: Steffen; Walker, Stones, Dias, Ake; Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Kovacic; Foden, Alvarez, Grealish
      Urawa Red Diamonds: Nishikawa; Sakai, Scholz, Hoibraten, Akimoto; Ito, Iwao; Okubu, Yasui, Koizumi; Kante. More