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      Jadon Sancho could complete Dortmund loan in HOURS with £30m Chelsea star set to join Man Utd flop in double-transfer

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      WINGER Jadon Sancho may be within hours of packing his bags to head back to Borussia Dortmund. A six-month loan deal expected to provide Manchester United with a fee of around £3million was being thrashed out on Wednesday night. 
      Jadon Sancho is set to leave Manchester United on loan to Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty
      Sancho scored 50 goals in 137 appearances at DortmundCredit: PA
      Negotiations have also involved how much of the ostracised player’s £270,000-a-week wages will have to be stumped up by the Old Trafford club.
      United bought Sancho from Dortmund for a whopping £73m in 2021. 
      And there is likely to be a clause that could see Sancho return permanently to the Bundesliga side where he starred. 
      Appearances and form will dictate how much that would cost if both parties agree on a sale but any return would see United take a huge hit on the troubled 23-year-old. 
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      But for now, Dortmund, also poised to sign Chelsea’s Dutch ace Ian Maatsen, 21, for £30m, are desperate to bring back Sancho. 
      They want the England man to join their mid-season training break in Marbella which starts next week. 
      Sancho was made an Old Trafford leper by boss Erik ten Hag four months ago after publicly accusing him of lying over allegations he had under-performed in training sessions. 
      But after refusing to apologise to Ten Hag it has seen Sancho frozen out of the United setup.
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      Before being banished he scored 12 goals and grabbed six assists in 82 appearances, often struggling for consistency. 
      Yet with Dortmund, he racked up 50 goals and 64 assists in 137 games.
      United hope his exit could be confirmed at any moment over the next two days.
      The 23-year-old has not played for United since August having been dropped for the 3-1 away loss at Arsenal. More

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      Arsenal lodge complaint to Premier League referees chiefs over treatment of Bukayo Saka as shocking stat revealed

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      ARSENAL have complained to the PGMOL about rough treatment towards Bukayo Saka from the opposition.The Gunners feel Premier League players are not being punished enough for kicking the England international – often escaping yellow cards from referees.
      Arsenal complained to the Premier League about rough treatment of Bukayo Saka by opponentsCredit: Reuters
      The matter was brought up with the Prem’s refereeing body during a conversation last year as part of regular dialogue that all top clubs are involved in throughout a campaign.
      Arsenal referred back to an accumulation of incidents to make their point heard.
      Saka, 22, was the league’s third-most fouled player in 2023 with 87, behind Crystal Palace forward Jordan Ayew (117) and Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes (92).
      The concern has been heightened with Saka carrying an Achilles injury for most of the season, and also hobbled off in a Champions League tie with Lens on October 3.
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      As a result, Saka’s form has dropped, with one goal in his last six Prem outings.
      The complaint will also prick the ears of Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate, who needs Saka fully fit for the start of this summer’s Euros in Germany.
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has spoken on several occasions about Saka not relying on refs to protect him from wild tackles and swipes.
      Back in February, the Spaniard said: “He needs to learn when to take certain balls, what to do with that ball, how to use his body, when to jump. 
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      “There are a lot of things we can train but obviously it is very difficult to understand what the opponent is going to do.”
      The most recent example came during Arsenal’s 2-0 victory at home to Brighton on December 17 when James Milner was guilty of taking out Saka more than once.
      Arteta reacted wildly on the touchline, earning himself a yellow card – his fourth of the campaign.
      This comes after Arteta escaped an FA charge for labelling VAR officials “embarrassing” and “a disgrace” following a controversial 1-0 defeat away at Newcastle on November 4.
      Mikel Arteta was cleared by the FA following his rantCredit: Getty More

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      £50m Man Utd defender handed contract extension as fans fume ‘I can’t believe we’re doing this’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have extended Aaron Wan Bissaka’s contract by 12 months and are planning to open talks over a new deal before the end of the season.The right-back was set to become a free agent at the end of the season.
      Manchester United have extended Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s contract for another 12 monthsCredit: Alamy
      Joining the Red Devils from Crystal Palace in 2019 for £50million Bissaka has struggled to find his old form over the last few seasons.
      But the former England U21 star is set to continue on his weekly £90,000 wage at Old Trafford for at least another year.
      And the club are reportedly willing to offer the defender a new deal on higher terms. 
      However, some fans on social media are fuming after hearing about the news.
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      As one said: ” I can’t believe we are doing this. We should be thinking of signing a new right-back that’s going to compete with Dalot. And then sell Aaron in the summer.”
      While another added: “Oh, Aron Wan-Bissaka is still a Manchester United player?”
      A third then wrote: “Damn united keeping mid players.”
      Talks over a new contract took place in September but they were put on hold as United finalised Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment.
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      And just last week the club handed the London-born ace a new deal for a chance to stay another year in Manchester.
      Meanwhile, Raphael Varane still has not received confirmation on a contract extension and will be available for transfer in the summer.
      Victor Lindelof had his contract extended hours before the January transfer window opened with Hannibal Mejbri expected to be the next star offered a deal. More

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      Last remaining original Premier League manager returns to dugout with non-league side leaving Chris Kamara stunned

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      LENNIE LAWRENCE has been appointed caretaker manager of Hartlepool.The 76-year-old is the last remaining manager from the original Premier League season still in management.
      Lennie Lawrence has been appointed Hartlepool caretaker managerCredit: Getty
      Lawrence took charge of Middlesbrough as they were relegated in 19th place in the 1992/93 campaign.
      Over three decades on, he will now be back in the dugout for the Monkey Hangers’ home clash with Oxford City on Saturday.
      The club have also confirmed they are continuing their search for a new permanent boss after parting ways with John Askey.
      Hartlepool are currently 19th in the National League and just four points above the relegation zone following relegation from League Two.
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      Lawrence, who has been a director at Victoria Park since 2022, previously managed fan-favourite Chris Kamara at Bradford and Middlesbrough.
      The former Soccer Saturday star wished him luck on X, formerly Twitter, as he shared his surprise at the news.
      Kamara wrote: “My gaffer at Boro and Bradford is back at Hartlepool. It’s unbelievable @JeffStelling. Good luck Lenny.”
      After leaving Boro in 1994, Lawrence had spells in charge of Bradford, Luton, Grimsby and Cardiff.
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      During his coaching career, he has also become one of a select few to manage over 1,000 games.
      He has been away from management for over a decade, following a brief two-match stint as Crystal Palace caretaker boss in 2012.
      Lawrence is the last remaining original Premier League managerCredit: Rex More

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      New Man Utd chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe meets under-fire boss Erik ten Hag and his players in ‘positive’ talks at Carrington

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has met Erik ten Hag and his players in the meet-and–greet exercise that all ended in smiles.Ratcliffe and his right hand man Sir Dave Brailsford visited Manchester United’s Carrington training HQ on Wednesday – a day after spending two hours at Old Trafford.
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe met Erik ten Hag and his players for talksCredit: AFP
      A club spokesman confirmed: “It’s no secret that Sir Jim and Sir Dave have been in town for a couple of days.
      “On this occasions they were at the training ground and it was all about getting to know you.
      “Sir Jim also met the staff as well as the women’s team and the whole outcome was very positive.”
      Under–fire boss ten Hag can breath easy for a bit at least despite his struggles and those of a side now wallowing eighth in the Prem.
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      The Greater Manchester–born Ineos overlord finalised a £1billion deal to buy 25 per cent of the Red Devils on Christmas Eve.
      Ratcliffe, Ineos sporting director Brailsford and their team will oversee football operations with the chemical company’s chief exec Jean-Claude Blanc expected to be made CEO while a new football director is likely to be brought in.
      But the new power within the Theatre of Dreams won’t kick into action for weeks until Ratfliffe’s deal is ratified.
      He must first pass the Premier League’s fit and proper person test and his acquisition of Class-A shares is approved by the New York Stock Exchange.
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      Manchester United boss Ten Hag held ‘positive’ talks with Ratcliffe at CarringtonCredit: Getty
      Ten Hag will hope that the January mini–break return of key players like Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro will spark the revival that will take the pressure off him.
      Sun Sport has already revealed that Graham Potter could be a potential replacement for the Dutchman.
      Yet the message from within the club following Ratcliffe’s visits is optimistic, once source revealing: “The overall feeling within the club is one of embracing all of Sir Jim and Ineos stand for.
      “The spirit of Ineos and what he and his team can bring has really lifted the whole place.”
      One player who didn’t get to spend time with Ratcliffe was ostracised £72M winger Jadon Sancho.
      Instead he is preparing to back his bags to head back to Borussia Dortmund in a loan deal likely to be completed by the weekend.
      United want £3M to let him return to the club he left for the big – money deal that has ended with him being banned by ten Hag for publicly suggesting the manager has not told the truth about him over training issues.
      Negotiations are on-going, including how much United will have to pay of his £270,000 a week wages.
      Yet ten Hag is anxious to see the back of him in an arrangement that could see the disposed England attacker remain in Germany permanently at the end of his six-month loan – although almost certainly at less than half of what his current club paid for him.
      Jadon Sancho is set to leave United this month, thoughCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      I was Arsene Wenger’s chief scout at Arsenal – forgotten star could have been next Patrick Vieira if he’d stayed fit

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      EX-ARSENAL player-turned- scout Gilles Grimandi has opened up about his time at the club.The Frenchman made 169 appearances for the Gunners from 1997 to 2002, and won two Premier League titles.
      Gilles Grimandi spent 13 years as chief scout for ArsenalCredit: Getty
      He joined the Gunners as a scout in 2006 after being linked with the director of football position after the club’s relocation to the Emirates.
      The 53-year-old revealed he regularly spoke to Arsene Wenger about his team’s performance and about ideal players to come in.
      And during his second-spell of employment, Grimandi looked to strike a deal for Kylian Mbappe when the forward was 14 and playing for AS Bondy.
      But Grimandi claims that he frequently thinks about what could have been for another forgotten player.
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      He exclusively told Ladbrokes’ Fanzone: “The one player who I think about a lot, who didn’t make it at the club in the way I hoped was Abou Diaby.
      “He was a special talent, who did represent Arsenal 180 times over 10 years, but his body was not ready for the high level of the English game.
      “I really think he could have been a top, top player, similar to the level of Patrick Vieira.
      “It’s just a shame for him because I felt if he could have stayed fit, he could have been a very top player at the club.”
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      Abou Diaby joined Arsenal in 2006 but his 9-year spell was plagued with injuriesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Arsenal’s chief scout thought he’d become the next Patrick VieriaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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      Diaby suffered 42 injuries during his time with the north London side.
      He returned to his homeland in 2015 in an attempt to resurrect his career at Marseille.
      However, he only managed to feature in four matches in his first season at the club and retired in 2019.
      Despite Diaby’s failure to reach his full potential, Grimandi revealed he was most proud of bringing Bacary Sagna to the club. More

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      Erik ten Hag ‘blocking Man Utd player from leaving’ who has only made five Premier League appearances all season

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      ERIK TEN HAG has reportedly blocked Hannibal Mejbri from leaving Manchester United this month.The Red Devils have been badly hit by injuries this season with Ten Hag often having to pick from a depleted squad.
      Hannibal Mejbri has made nine appearances in all competitions this seasonCredit: Getty
      Mejbri, 20, has made five Premier League appearances and Ten Hag is said to be a fan of his tenacity and work rate.
      And although he is keen for the youngster to get more game time, he is not prepared to let him leave just yet, according to the Daily Mail.
      That’s because Casemiro and Mason Mount are still unavailable due to injury.
      Sofyan Amrabat has also missed the last two matches and Ten Hag is only willing to loan out Mejbri once the midfield injury issues are resolved.
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      The United boss has had his hands tied in recent weeks despite the return from injury of Christian Eriksen.
      Youngster Kobbie Mainoo was drafted into the first team against Everton in November and has since featured in all but two Premier League games.
      United are exploring ways to improve the squad now Sir Jim Ratcliffe has a say in the running of football matters.
      Crystal Palace star Michael Olise has impressed since returning from injury and the Red Devils are plotting a move, though might have to wait until the summer.
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      United are willing to offload some players this month with Jadon Sancho expected to exit on loan amid interest from Borussia Dortmund.
      Anthony Martial is coming to the end of his contract, while Brazilian Antony has received huge criticism following a nightmare 18 months at Old Trafford. More

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      Amad Diallo says Sky Sports report about him is ‘not true’ after Man Utd fans left worried by latest update

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      MANCHESTER UNITED star Amad Diallo has confirmed he is not going to the Africa Cup of Nations.The tournament begins with host nation and the winger’s homeland Ivory Coast kicking things off against Guinea-Bassau on January 13.
      Amad Diallo was not called up to the Ivory Coast squad for AFCONCredit: Getty
      Diallo made his comeback from a serious knee injury in United’s 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, playing 36 minutes.
      It was his first appearance of the season and it fuelled speculation that the fit again ace may head off to AFCON.
      However, manager Jean-Louis Gasset has already chosen his squad and Diallo did not make the cut.
      Sky Sports incorrectly reported that the 21-year-old had been called up to Ivory Coast’s team.
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      But before the social media post was deleted, fans were worried they were going to lose Diallo for several matches.
      However, the former Rangers and Sunderland star calmed fears, tweeting: “Not true.”
      Diallo will instead stay at Man Utd and fight for his place in the starting XI.
      Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag will be without Cameroon’s Andre Onana and Morocco’s Sofyan Amrabat as both will feature at AFCON.
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      The final of the tournament is on February 11.
      Therefore, the duo could miss up to six games depending on when they join up with their national teams for training, how far they go in the tournament and if Man Utd progress in the FA Cup.
      Diallo could miss out on silverware with Ivory Coast one of the favourites to win the AFCON.
      Forest trio Willy Boly, Serge Aurier, Ibrahim Sangare and Brighton’s Simon Adingra are in their squad.
      Ex-Premier League stars Sebastien Haller and Nicolas Pepe are also involved but Wilfried Zaha misses out. More