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      Brighton star becoming ‘new Ivan Toney’ as De Zerbi admits ‘it’ll be very tough to keep him for another year’

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      BRIGHTON’S Joao Pedro is on track to becoming the new Ivan Toney, according to fans.And the Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi fears he will not able to hold onto his star penalty taker for much longer.
      Joao Pedro has been likened to Ivan Toney by fansCredit: AFP
      Pedro’s superb penalty taking resembles Toney’s success rate from 12 yardsCredit: Reuters
      Brighton boss De Zerbi now fears he cannot hold onto to Pedro for much longerCredit: Getty
      Pedro, 22, was Brighton’s hero on Thursday night as he added another two spot-kicks to his tally for the season – helping to lead his side to a 4-2 win over Tottenham.
      This term alone, the Brazillian star has netted eight penalties across all competitions.
      His talent for hitting the back of the net from 12 yards has even been likened to Brentford’s Toney.
      As one fan said on Twitter: “Joao Pedro is the coolest penalty taker after Ivan Toney”.
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      Up until Toney’s suspension – which he will be serving until the new year – the Englishmen has scored 28 out 30 spot-kicks.
      With 11 successful penalty efforts across his senior career, Pedro could line up as one of the leagues greatest such as Alan Shearer, Harry Kane and Frank Lampard in the future.
      And boss De Zerbi admitted he might not be able to keep the gifted forward for much longer.
      The Seagulls chief said: “I hope to work with Joao Pedro for another year but I think it will be very tough.
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      “He was the best player on the pitch. It was another incredible performance. He defended for 90 minutes like a centre-back”.
      The one-cap Brazil international joined Brighton for £30million at the start of the summer.
      The former Fluminense star impressed Brighton after his terrific form at Championship side Watford.
      Across his three years at the Hornets, Pedro scored 24 goals across 109 appearances. More

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      Mikel Arteta’s unsuccessful tactic notes revealed as Arsenal boss holds up instructions to attack West Ham’s ‘hotzone’

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      EAGLE-EYED fans spotted Mikel Arteta’s unsuccessful tactic as his notes were pictured during Arsenal’s shock 2-0 defeat to West Ham.The main focus of the Spaniard’s masterplan appears to be to attack West Ham’s so-called “hotzone”.
      Arteta’s notes revealed his tactical tweaksCredit: Getty
      The notes revealed a plan to attack West Ham’s ‘hot zone’Credit: Getty
      However, for all the Gunners tried, none of their 30 shots hit the back of the next against David Moyes’ side.
      Arteta chucked the kitchen sink at West Ham in the second half after Konstantinos Mavropanos’ header made it 2-0 and made a number of attacking changes.
      Eddie Nketiah, Reece Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe were all thrown on but failed to make a difference.
      Bukayo Saka went closest for the Gunners when he hit the post in the second half.
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      A zoomed in picture of the note showed that Arteta scribbled down a note telling his players to overload the West Ham box in the first half.
      The note also revealed tweaks to Arsenal’s 4-3-3 system depending on game state.
      After the match, Arteta admitted that his front three of Saka, Martinelli and Jesus were not effective enough.
      He said: “West Ham won the game but I think we deserved much more.
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      Credit: The Sun
      Konstantinos Mavropanos came back to haunt his former clubCredit: Reuters
      “We tried, and tried and tried but the difference was maybe in the boxes. You have to make the difference in the boxes.”
      He was also aggrieved by West Ham’s first goal, which saw the ball cross the line before Jarrod Bowen pulled the ball back for Thomas Soucek to finish.
      He said after the game that VAR technology is not up to the required standards: “If the technology we have at the moment is not good enough to give us that answer (of whether the ball went out), what we have to do is, without that, win the game.
      “I haven’t seen it. They’re saying it’s not conclusive. It’s a shame that with the technology we have, it’s not that clear so we can say whether it’s out or in. 
      “It’s done. It’s gone. There’s nothing we can do about it now.” More

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      David Moyes set to sign new West Ham deal as board move to end contract speculation after stunning Arsenal win

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      DAVID MOYES is set to sign a new West Ham contract after taking the Hammers into the top six.The Scot, 60, delivered West Ham’s first trophy in 43 years winning the Europa Conference League in June but has been under huge pressure at times over the past 12 months.
      David Moyes is set to secure a new West Ham contractCredit: Getty
      West Ham clinched a famous win over Arsenal on Thursday eveningCredit: AFP
      Moyes’ current deal expires at the end of the season and, while all sides have been relaxed about the situation, he is set to agree a new two-and-a-half year contract and put any speculation to bed.
      Having flirted with relegation at times last season, the board at the London Stadium came close to sacking the former Manchester United boss on more than one occasion but stuck by him and have been rewarded.
      The veteran manager could well have left the club had he not won the Conference League title in Prague.
      Fans have criticised Moyes’ pragmatic playing style at times this season, but his record with the club cannot be argued with.
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      The ex-Everton manager returned to the club four years ago this week to get the out of relegation trouble and has since taken them into Europe for three straight seasons.
      And the Hammers capped their calendar year with an impressive 2-0 win over title challengers Arsenal, following last weekend’s victory against Manchester United.
      West Ham’s tally of 33 points is the most the East Londoners have ever managed at the halfway point of a Premier League season.
      And the Hammers’ top three Premier League points hauls after 19 games in a season have all come under Moyes.
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      Asked about his contract following the win at the Emirates, Moyes said: “There’s plenty of time to talk about that. We’re not in any great rush. We can get that done when we’re ready. I’m enjoying my time.
      “When we came back here, we came back to make sure West Ham didn’t get relegated.
      “That was four years ago now. Since then, we’ve grown and I think the team are growing and getting better.
      “We won’t be challenging all the top teams all the time because we’re not dining at that table but we’re coming now and again to these teams and giving them a game.”
      He then went on to add: “I’m really happy with the environment I’m working in here.
      “I’ve got a great team of players we have built over the four years and had some success and we’ll see if we can keep it going.
      “I’m sure the contract will be sorted in due course. We’ll find how things go.”
      The Hammers boss recently raised concerns over how players in his squad would cope with the uncertainty over his future, while a lack of clarity over who would be in charge at the London Stadium could have impacted business in the January window as well as next summer. More

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      Man Utd ‘ready to make transfer offer for £26m France midfielder as Amrabat and Casemiro continue to struggle’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to make an offer for French international Youssouf Fofana, according to reports.As Sofyan Amrabat and Casemiro continue to struggle in Erik ten Hag’s side, the £26million-rated Monaco star is set to be a potential replacement.
      Manchester United are to make a move for Monaco’s £26million rated Youssouf FofanaCredit: Getty
      United are on the hunt for another midfielder as Casemiro is out with an injuryCredit: PA
      Fiorentina loanee Sofyan Amrabat has failed to make an impression at United this seasonCredit: Alamy
      The midfield’s poor performance this season has not gone unnoticed and Ten Hag is ready to bring reinforcements in the new year.
      According to Caught Offside, the Red Devils are monitoring Fofana with a view to launching a bid.
      At just £26m, the 24-year-old would prove quite a steal.
      Man Utd and Monaco now just need to sort an agreement in the coming weeks.
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      Fofana has been a key player this term for Monaco and started in all 15 of his Ligue 1 runouts.
      He has the physical and technical qualities to go far in English football but it is whether he can adapt quickly in the Premier League.
      The ex-Strasbourg star can play as a central and defensive midfielder.
      Fofana has one goal and three assists to his name across all competitions this season.
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      Fofana would find it hard to turn down any approach from Old Trafford, according to the report.
      Man Utd haven’t had the same Casemiro this season as they did last year with the 31-year-old struggling to impress.
      His injury has kept him sidelined since October forcing the Dutch boss to look elsewhere for a midfielder.
      Meanwhile, Fiorentina loanee Amrabat has not fulfilled the expectations those at United would have hoped for.
      The Moroccan international did not even feature in the matchday squad for the Red Devils 3-2 victory against Aston Villa.
      He has now been named in his country’s Afcon squad and could miss a huge chunk of January – perhaps as many as six games. 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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      Newcastle could complete stunning Arsenal double-transfer as Eddie Howe ‘tracks two stars frozen out by Arteta’

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      NEWCASTLE are lining up a shock double transfer swoop on Arsenal, according to reports. The Magpies face a crucial January transfer window amid poor form, a depleted squad littered with injuries, Sandro Tonali banned and financial restrictions making money tight.
      Emile Smith Rowe has struggled for game time this season at ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Aaron Ramsdale could be reunited with Eddie Howe at Newcastle after losing his placeCredit: Reuters
      Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento all arrived for big money in the summer with Chris Wood and Allan Saint-Maximin the two significant departures.
      But with the Toon already close to profit and sustainability rules limits, it is understood Eddie Howe is targeting loan deals and free agents for the second half of the season.
      A versatile forward to add goals, a midfielder to cover for Tonali and a goalkeeper while Nick Pope is sidelined by his shoulder injury are among the key priorities.
      And according to The Athletic, two of those holes could be plugged by Arsenal outcasts – Aaron Ramsdale and Emile Smith Rowe.
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      Ramsdale, 25, is warming the bench this season following David Raya’s arrival from Brentford and, despite Mikel Arteta’s promise to rotate his goalkeepers, the £30million England international is barely getting a look in.
      Howe signed Ramsdale at Bournemouth and therefore the pair know each other well.
      And if a loan move can be negotiated, it could suit all parties.
      David De Gea has also been linked with a switch to St James’ Park.
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      But although a free agent, the Spaniard would demand big wages and be a direct threat to Pope as the No1 choice.
      Sam Johnstone at Crystal Palace and Tottenham’s forgotten man Hugo Lloris are other targets.
      Further forward, Smith Rowe could be lined up to inject some added creativity into the Newcastle team, especially with Tonali, Barnes and Jacob Murphy unavailable.
      Smith Rowe, 23, has struggled for game time this season with injuries and selection – limiting him to just 116 minutes of Premier League action across six appearances.
      His one assist came in his only start as the Gunners thumped Sheffield United 5-0 in October.
      Chelsea and West Ham have also been linked with the three-cap Three Lions international this season.
      ‘NO ASSURANCES’
      The Athletic report also names Athletic Bilbao ace Nico Williams, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Serhou Guirassy from Stuttgart and Boulaye Dia of Salernitana as other targets.
      Toon target Kalvin Phillips looks set to join Juventus on loan while Conor Gallagher’s £40m price tag set by Chelsea is simply too much for a January deal.
      Howe – who insists there will be no first-team exits from St James’ Park next month – is feeling the heat after six defeats in seven.
      And asked about money available for the upcoming window, he said: “No we haven’t had those assurances.
      “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.
      Read more on The Sun
      “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.”
      Newcastle’s squad has been struck by a wave of injuriesCredit: Reuters
      Smith Rowe and Ramsdale could both head to St James’ Park on loanCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-Man Utd coach Kieran McKenna lined up for first Premier League job after taking Championship by storm with Ipswich

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      IPSWICH boss Kieran McKenna has taken the Championship by storm but could now be in line for his first role in the Premier League.The former Manchester United coach got the Tractor Boys promoted from League One last season.
      Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna is admired at Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty
      Palace are on the hunt for a Roy Hodgson replacement as they have not won their last eight gamesCredit: Getty
      And Ipswich are now flying in the Championship, sitting second after their Boxing Day draw with leaders Leicester – five points clear of third place Southampton.
      And McKenna’s work has not gone unnoticed, with a move to Crystal Palace to replace Roy Hodgson reportedly on the cards.
      Things have not been so bright for 76-year-old Hodgson, with the Eagles failing to win in their last eight games.
      And, according to the Telegraph, McKenna is admired at the South London club and is one of the top targets to replace their veteran boss.
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      Palace hoped to keep Hodgson until the end of the season before they hired a younger boss to implement a new vision at Selhurst Park.
      But McKenna’s ability, coupled with the team’s poor form, may force Palace into accelerating their vision, though that will depend on whether he is open to a move.
      With Hodgson’s contract not up until the end of term the club would have to pay the former England boss off.
      And McKenna will not come cheap as Palace would have to pay compensation for him.
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      The report claims McKenna may not be open to leaving Ipswich mid-season, having built a strong relationship with the club’s fans, players, and board.
      But a crack at the Premier League would be difficult to turn down.
      Palace are just three points above third-from-bottom Luton Town and with a tough fixture list ahead a sacking may be imminent.
      Hodgson did a superb job to save Palace from relegation last season and his team has managed to score just 19 goals in their 19 games so far this season.
      Newly unemployed Steve Cooper also features on Palace’s list of candidates to replace Hodgson.
      However, it may be too soon for the Welshman to return to the dugout as he was only sacked by Nottingham Forest 11 days ago. More

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      Roberto Firmino lined up for stunning Premier League return with Liverpool legend ‘frustrated’ after Saudi transfer

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      ROBERTO FIRMINO is being lined up for a stunning Premier League return, according to shock reports.The Brazilian forward, 32, left Liverpool as a free agent after 111 goals in 362 appearances across eight years in the summer.
      Roberto Firmino is considering leaving Al-Ahli just six months after joining the Saudi Pro League clubCredit: Getty
      He signed a mega-money, three-year contract with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ahli who also signed Edouard Mendy, Riyad Mahrez, Allan Saint-Maximin and Franck Kessie.
      New captain Firmino made the dream start when he scored a hat-trick on his competitive debut.
      But he is goalless in his subsequent 17 matches and has been dropped from the starting XI since October amid criticism from supporters.
      Now it is understood Firmino has already grown frustrated in the Middle East.
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      And, less than six months after arriving, the striker is considering leaving.
      According to talkSPORT, Sheffield United are keen to snap him up.
      Al-Ahli may be willing to arrange a loan transfer in January.
      The Blades’ Premier League return has been a struggle with the Bramall Lane side bottom of the table with just two wins from 19 matches.
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      The report adds Paul Heckingbottom was monitoring Firmino’s situation but with the manager replaced by Chris Wilder, it is unclear if a formal approach will be made.
      United have managed just 15 goals with Cameron Archer and Oli McBurnie leading the way with three each – Gustavo Hamer is the only other member of the squad with more than one.
      There is also interest from Turkey and other Saudi Pro League clubs, while Firmino would also consider heading home to Brazil.
      Al-Ahli ideally want the former Reds hero to stay in Saudi Arabia, though.
      Al-Shabab, Al-Ettifaq and Al-Fateh all remain linked with a swoop – especially as Al-Shabab have enough budget left to cover all of his wages.
      But Steven Gerrard can only bring in his fellow Anfield legend to struggling Al-Ettifaq if parent-club Al-Ahli cover at least half of Firmino’s wages.
      Gerrard told talkSPORT: “I obviously know Bobby extremely well, I’ve been a massive fan. I’ve followed him for years.
      “At the moment he’s Al-Ahli’s player so it’s very difficult for me to comment on that situation.
      Read more on The Sun
      “But I’ve loved Bobby Firmino since the first day I watched him and I’m a huge fan.
      “He belongs to another club, so I won’t sit here and name names.”
      It has been a difficult return to the Premier League for Sheffield UnitedCredit: Reuters
      Steven Gerrard could try and lure Firmino to Al-EttifaqCredit: Getty More