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      Conor Gallagher unlikely to quit Chelsea with Spurs circling… but England midfielder not part of Poch’s long-term plan

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      CONOR GALLAGHER is now “unlikely” to leave Chelsea this month – but Tottenham will not give up on signing the player.SunSport has learned that Mauricio Pochettino has made clear that selling Gallagher, 23, this month would be a mistake. 
      Conor Gallagher is unlikely to leave Chelsea in the January transfer windowCredit: Getty
      Tottenham won’t give up on Chelsea ace Gallagher and will come back in the summerCredit: Rex
      It means Spurs are unlikely to get their wish of a January transfer switch but they will come back in for him over the summer. 
      Our source said: “Tottenham want to sign Conor, but there’s a massive timing issue at play.
      “Chelsea had been open-minded to letting the player go a couple of months ago and Spurs thought the deal was in place. 
      “But in recent weeks Conor has become of vital importance to the team and the manager thinks letting him go now could lead to major problems in the second half of the season. 
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      “He’s not necessarily a part of Pochettino’s long-term plans but he is seen as a vital part of the project for the time being.
      “Gallagher is in no rush to leave the club and wants to help them to turn the season around.
      “He is also massively popular with the fans and the board will fear a massive backlash if they let him go and he takes Spurs, one of Chelsea’s biggest rivals, into the Champions League while they are left stuck in the middle of the table.”
      Ange Postecoglou wants to secure a midfielder in the break between Sunday’s trip to Manchester United and the FA Cup fourth-round game against Manchester City.
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      Gallagher has been a keen man for Chelsea this season, outperforming expensive signings
      He wants an all-action star who can be in imposing presence in the middle but also alternate with James Maddison in a more advanced position if required.
      Gallagher has been the player who best fits the profile, and Chelsea have previously indicated they are willing to do a deal for the right price.
      That could be up to £50million, although there are more potential complications. 
      “Conor is basically the player Poch trusts most for his tactical ideas, he is perfect for the 4-3-3 system.
      “So many others still need to get used to that system, and Pochettino is reluctant to let such a player go during such an inconsistent period of results so early in his time.”
      Gallagher is enjoying the greater responsibility at Chelsea, having captained the side in the absence of Reece James and Ben Chilwell. More

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      Newcastle suffer huge blow as star midfielder Joelinton ruled out for six weeks with ‘freak’ injury

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      NEWCASTLE midfielder Joelinton is out for at least SIX WEEKS after suffering a “freak” injury.Eddie Howe’s squad are already riddled with problems as the likes of Nick Pope, Joe Willock, Harvey Barnes, Matt Targett, Jacob Murphy and Callum Wilson all remain sidelined.
      Joelinton is set to be sidelined until at least the end of FebruaryCredit: Rex
      Eddie Howe is already dealing with a number of injury problems in his squadCredit: Reuters
      Now Brazilian Joelinton, 27, is the latest player hampered with a fitness issue as he is set to miss a significant chunk of the season with a quad problem.
      Howe, 46, confirmed the disappointing news on Friday morning as his team prepare to welcome champions Manchester City this weekend.
      He said: “The prospects over the next couple of weeks aren’t good. It’s an injury that will see him miss a minimum of six weeks.
      “It’s a real blow for us as he’s a key player. He’s had a stop-start season unfortunately. He was so consistent last year but he’s had a few different problems [this year].
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      “We have nobody immediately coming back but there is nobody like Joelinton. So this is a big one.
      “Joey has got a problem with his tendon in his quad. It’s a difficult place to get an injury hence the reason why he’s out.
      “He’s very disappointed and we’ve been trying to pick him up. Joey’s injury is a freak one where he’s standing up and been caught off balance.”
      Joelinton has played 23 games so far this season, scoring three goals and providing four assists.
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      Joelinton has been a key player for Eddie Howe this seasonCredit: Rex
      Joelinton has been crucial Newcastle this season
      He missed a handful of matches back in September due to a hamstring injury, but has started 10 of Newcastle’s last 12 Premier League games.
      Newcastle sit ninth in the table, 11 points adrift of the top four following a poor run of results.
      They have lost five of their last six league matches, but did beat local rivals Sunderland 3-0 in the FA Cup on Saturday. More

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      I won two league titles at Arsenal… a misunderstood team-mate could have been next Ronaldo – he left Adams on the floor

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      ARSENAL hero Paul Merson insists Nicolas Anelka was “definitely” destined to become better than Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario.Anelka, who underwent a stormy career, joined the Gunners from Paris Saint-Germain in 1997 at the tender age of 17 years old and still managed to turn heads immediately after his arrival.
      Arsenal hero Paul Merson insists Nicolas Anelka could have been better than RonaldoCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Merson watched Anelka dominating Tony Adams and Steve Bould in trainingCredit: Rex
      Merson spent a few months playing with Anelka at ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Merson, who won two titles with the club, spent a few months with the famous striker in north London and was absolutely mesmerised by his talent as he absolutely stood out on the pitch.
      The Sky Sports pundit was also left in awe during training as he witnessed the ex-France international dominating notoriously tough defenders in Tony Adams and Steve Bould “every two minutes”.
      In fact, the former England international watched the then teenager leaving both veteran centre-backs “on their backside” before beating legendary goalkeeper David Seaman.
      Merson told the League of Legends show: “I played with a kid who came over to England and I definitely thought that he was going to be better than the Brazilian Ronaldo – and that was Anelka.
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      “When he came over, he was about 17 and he was leaving Tony Adams and Steve Bould on their backside every two minutes.
      “We used to do this one-on-one where we would stand in between the halfway line and the 18-yard box and the defender would start on the 18-yard line.
      “The boss would chip the ball into you and you would have to take on the defender one-on-one and then you’d have to try and beat the goalkeeper. I don’t think he ever missed.
      “He managed to get past the defender, whoever he was doing it against, then Dave Seaman would come out and he would go round him like he wasn’t there.
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      “I seriously thought that he was going to be the best in the world – and he should have been. He should have been as good as Ronaldo.”
      Anelka underwent a nomadic career that saw him leaving Arsenal for Real Madrid only two years after his arrival at Highbury, where he won the Double in 1998 and amassed 28 goals in 90 appearances.
      The Frenchman’s stint at the Santiago Bernabeu barely lasted a year and he returned to PSG before coming back to England in 2001 for Liverpool and Manchester City a year later.
      In 2005 the now 44-year-old signed for Fenerbahce but returned to the UK for a third time as he was signed by Bolton a year later.
      And Anelka found himself at top level once more in 2008 when he put pen to paper on a contract with Chelsea where he won the Premier League as well as two FA Cups until his departure in 2012.
      Short stints followed with Shanghai Shenhua, Juventus, West Brom and Mumbai City where he retired in 2015. More

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      Nemanja Matic breaks silence on Rennes ‘strike’ as ex-Man Utd ace blames himself after club issued furious statement

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      NEMANJA MATIC has broken his silence after going on strike at Stade Rennais.The former Manchester United star is reportedly trying to push through a transfer from the Ligue Un club.
      Nemanja Matic has been absent dealing with a family matterCredit: Getty
      Matic joined Rennes last summer from Roma but has reportedly grown unhappy and is keen to leave.
      The midfielder reportedly wants to return to the Premier League and is considering RETIRING if an immediate transfer exit gets blocked.
      It was then claimed Matic went on strike to force a move but he has denied the allegation, suggesting he was dealing with a personal matter.
      He said in a statement on Instagram: “Dear supporters, I want to end any speculation and say that last summer I was honoured by Stade Rennais’ invitation to be part of an ambitious project that needed a player of my characteristics and experience.
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      “After six months at the club I can confirm our club has become an exceptional club for all players, especially young ones.
      “Unfortunately, due to my mistake, I did not manage to adapt my private things to my professional one.
      “I could not enrol my children into the international school they have been attending since the beginning of schooling.
      “That is why I was away the last three days, to try and solve this big problem for me and my family and tomorrow I’m going back to Rennes where I will decide the next steps with the club together.”
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      Matic was spotted at a train station a few days ago following weeks of tension with club chiefs.
      Reports suggest he has struggled to gel with team-mates and there have been complications regarding his children’s schooling.
      Rennes confirmed in a statement that Matic had failed to attend the team’s latest training session and described the behaviour as “wholly incomprehensible”. More

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      Chelsea fans baffled as huge clash is moved to Friday night despite NOT being picked for TV

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      CHELSEA fans have been left baffled after their FA Cup clash against Aston Villa was moved to Friday January 26.The game has not been selected for TV coverage as Manchester City’s visit to Tottenham will take place that evening.
      Chelsea’s match against Aston Villa has been moved to a Friday nightCredit: Reuters
      ITV is set to air that clash, leaving Blues fans bemused as to why their game has been moved.
      The FA Cup rights are shared by ITV and the BBC this season, with the two broadcasters set to show a selection of matches across the weekend of January 27-28.
      Fans were up in arms after a potential Black Country Derby was pencilled in for 11.45am on the Sunday, with West Brom set to face Wolves or Brentford.
      But Chelsea supporters have also hit out and questioned why their match has been moved for seemingly no reason.
      One fan said: “What a farce.”
      Another added: “Why are we on the Friday there is absolutely no excuse…. we play Tuesday then Friday. Why???”
      A third wrote: “Ridiculous. Three days after the Carabao Cup tie!!🙈😡”
      And another commented: “That is embarrassing TV scheduling how are we playing Tuesday then we’re put on Friday and not even on TV.”
      Most read in FootballFA CUP FOURTH ROUND GAMES ON TV

      Tottenham vs Man City – 8pm, 26 Jan – ITV1
      Ipswich vs Maidstone – 12:30pm, 27 Jan – BBC One
      Fulham vs Newcastle – 7pm, 27 Jan – ITV4
      West Brom vs Brentford/Wolves – 11:45am, 28 Jan – ITV1
      Liverpool vs Norwich/Bristol Rovers – 2:30pm, 28 Jan – ITV1
      Newport County/Eastleigh vs Man Utd – 4:30pm, 28 Jan – BBC One

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      Four other games have been chosen for TV too with Newcastle’s trip to face Fulham and Ipswich’s clash with non-league outfit Maidstone being shown on Saturday January 27.
      Fulham’s clash with the Magpies could be the reason why Chelsea’s game has been moved as the two clubs never play at home on the same day.
      Liverpool’s bid to get in to the fifth round will also be shown on TV as they take on either Norwich City or Bristol Rovers.
      While Manchester United’s visit to one of Newport County or National League side Eastleigh will also be televised. More

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      Jadon Sancho gets warm reception from Dortmund dressing room as he rejoins old club after being frozen out at Man Utd

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      JADON SANCHO received a warm welcome at Borussia Dortmund as he rejoined his former team-mates in the dressing room.After being frozen out of Manchester United’s first team the 23-year-old will spend the rest of the season with the Bundesliga giants on loan.
      Jadon Sancho received a warm welcome from his former teammates in the Borussia Dortmund dressing roomCredit: X @BVB
      Sancho will spend the rest of the season with the Bundesliga giantsCredit: X @BVB
      Sancho was spotted hugging midfielder Marcos ReusCredit: X @BVB
      The Manchester United outcast returns to Dortmund after leaving in 2021Credit: Getty
      Sancho returns to Dortmund after spending four years at the club from 2017 to 2021.
      And a video released by the German giants sees Sancho entering the dressing room with a cheerful “hello” followed by a big hug from Marcos Reus and Giovanni Reyna.
      Sancho can also be heard saying: “It’s good to be back.”
      The England international was handed a black and yellow Dortmund jersey with the number “10”.
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      The fans’ favourite scored 50 goals and got 64 assists in 137 games, during his time in Germany earning him a £73million move to Man Utd.
      But he has suffered a nightmare at Old Trafford, struggling to hit top form as he found the back of the net just 12 times in 82 games.
      Sancho is now looking to revive his career after spending four months in exile at Manchester United.
      He has not played any football since his public fallout with Erik ten Hag.
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      Sancho was left out of the squad for United’s trip to Arsenal in September with the boss citing his “performances in training.”
      The attacker then took to social media and claimed he was made a “scapegoat” by the Dutchman.
      He then refused to apologise and was banned from training and all first-team facilities.
      Sancho’s Red Devils contract runs until 2026 and his parent club are paying £100,000 of his weekly £290,000 salary while he is in Germany.
      Dortmund supposedly do not have an option to buy included in the loan deal.
      They will pay United £3m for the loan, which could rise to £3.4m if clauses relating to appearances and Champions League qualification are met. More

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      Newcastle face having to sell huge star to comply with FFP rules after confirming £150million losses

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      NEWCASTLE fans were told NOT to expect any “significant” transfers this month as Financial Fair Play kicks in.And the Toon Army were also warned they may have to accept the summer sale of Bruno Guimaraes or Sven Botman to grow the cash “headroom” required for squad improvement.
      Newcastle posted losses of £73.4m for 2022-23Credit: Getty
      Toon chief executive Darren Eales unveiled the club’s accounts for last term.
      While Newcastle announced losses of £73.4million in 2022-23 despite revenues up £70m to a record £250m – after spending £153m on new players – Toon chiefs are confident they are not at risk of breaching Prem FFP rules.
      The Magpies were £70.7m in the red for the 2021-22 financial year.
      But despite Eddie Howe’s men dropping to ninth in the table, 11 points off a Champions League spot, and being evicted from Europe, Eales indicated the manager will not have a spending pot in the winter window.
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      Eales said: “January isn’t a great window for us to be doing business. 
      “That doesn’t mean we won’t do any business, as we saw with Anthony Gordon last year.
      “But it’s difficult to do any major surgery when you’re in the middle of the season and you are trying to bring quality in. 
      “Clubs are less willing to lose those types of players in January. Summer is always better from a value and a planning perspective.”
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      Eales added: “We have had a number of injuries and we have got some very good players coming back in the second half of the season. 
      “That will be the first couple of things, but like everything, we have to approach it on the medium- to long-term basis rather than knee-jerk reactions. 
      “You have seen from the accounts the level of investment in the squad. 
      “We always have to be mindful of the Profit and Sustainability Rules stuff and making sure we are always going to be compliant long term.”
      Eales admitted Newcastle’s spending patterns would be different without those Prem restrictions but conceded one major summer sale might make financial sense.
      ‘EVERYBODY HAS THEIR PRICE’
      Guimaraes, Botman or Alexander Isak would be the obvious options – with the former already being linked with PSG and Barcelona.
      SunSport also revealed homegrown ace Sean Longstaff could be sold if the right offer comes in – with any money received for the midfield straight profit.
      And Eales explained: “If we’re going to get to where we want to get to, at times it is necessary to trade your players. 
      “Whether that is because of the players’ contract length, the offer is too good to refuse, you need to reload in certain areas, all of this could make sense to trade.
      “In the world of PSR, everybody has their price.
      “Look at Liverpool. They sold Philippe Coutinho to bring in Allison and Virgil van Dijk.
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      “Jack Grealish went from Aston Villa and they have reinvested and reloaded, while West Ham made that decision on Declan Rice. 
      “It’s just the nature of the beast. If you trade players on it creates more headroom to spend and you have to keep growing that headroom.”
      Bruno Guimaraes could be sold to help balance the booksCredit: Getty More

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      Erik ten Hag lines up another Ajax star to replace Martial as Man Utd fans say ‘keep this man away from transfers’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have lined up another Ajax star to replace Anthony Martial, according to reports.Martial has six months remaining on his United contract and is set to leave as a free agent this summer, despite United having the option to extend his deal by another year.
      Ten Hag may turn to a former player again by bringing Brian Brobbey to Old TraffordCredit: Getty
      As reported by The Athletic, Martial has rejected opportunities to move during this transfer window as he looks for a bigger payday as a free agent.
      And according to The Mirror, Ten Hag may look to bring in a forward he has worked with before in Brian Brobbey, 21.
      The United boss handed Brobbey his Ajax debut back in 2020 and would be keen on him as a summer signing.
      While Ten Hag wants to bring in a forward in January, the club are likely limited by FFP to only bring one in on loan – ruling out a move for the Dutch forward.
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      United scouts will continue to track the player ahead of a possible summer move when Martial leaves as a free agent.
      Arsenal, who have also been looking for a forward in this market, have also taken a look at Brobbey.
      Brobbey scored six goal on his debut season for Ajax in 2020 before leaving to join RB Leipzig for free.
      After failing to score in his 14 appearances for the German side he was loaned back to Ajax in January 2022 before signing for them permanently.
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      A look at how Brobbey has performed this seasonCredit: The Sun
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      His 12 goals on his return helped Ajax and Ten Hag to their last Eredivisie title.
      Ten Hag reportedly instructed United to enquire over the signing of Brobbey when he joined United in the summer of 2022, however he re-signed permanently for Ajax after they exercised his £16million buy-back clause.
      It wouldn’t be the first time United have signed a player Ten Hag has managed before, and fans aren’t too happy about that prospect.
      The Dutchman brought in Antony for £80m shortly after joining the club and instructed the club to sign Sofyan Amrabat on loan last summer and both have fallen well below expectations.
      Lisandro Martinez also played for Ten Hag at Ajax and has been good on the whole, but Tyrell Malacia less so.
      On the Brobbey links, one fan on Twitter said: “Keep this man away from the transfers man.”
      Another wrote: “He’s signing another flop.”
      Brobbey has eight goals and four assists in 15 Eredivisie games this season. More