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      Newcastle set to go back in for banished PSG star Hugo Ekitike in January loan transfer despite already being snubbed

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      NEWCASTLE are preparing to table a loan bid for Paris Saint-Germain forward Hugo Ekitike, two years after the Frenchman snubbed the club.Eddie Howe’s men are seeking reinforcements in the January window amid an injury crisis at St James’ Park.
      Hugo Ekitike could swap Paris Saint-Germain for Newcastle in JanuaryCredit: Getty
      It is understood they are in the market for a centre-back, central midfielder and forward.
      Injuries to both Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson have left the Toon desperately short up front – which was evident in their 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth before the international break.
      However, Financial Fair Play regulations look set to restrict them from splashing huge sums of cash in the mid-season window.
      As a result, a loan offer for Ekitike, 21, is thought to be a move Newcastle are interested in.
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      According to The Northern Echo, the Premier League side would entertain a loan deal with an option to buy in the summer.
      It comes after Ekitike was one of several PSG stars “banished” as they trained away from the rest of the squad back in August – a group which also included Kylian Mbappe.
      Since then, the ex-Reims forward has seen just eight minutes of action this season and not featured at all since mid-August.
      But it remains to be seen whether he would agree to a move to Tyneside as he previously rejected the chance to sign for the club.
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      Reims had agreed a £33million deal with Newcastle on Deadline Day in January 2022.
      But the transfer fell through as Ekitike waited on a meeting with PSG advisor Luis Campos.
      Speaking about the decision, he said: “I had an appointment with Luis (Campos) which meant a lot for me.
      “It was not so long ago. We talked a lot, he is someone I consider enormously.
      “I wanted to come to PSG before this exchange but it convinced me even more.
      “I don’t put aside everything Newcastle did to get me to come. If I had to go abroad, I would have gone there.
      “But when PSG wants you and you’re French, you can’t refuse.”
      Ekitike joined PSG on loan in the summer of 2022, before the deal was made permanent ahead of this season for around £30m.
      He has played 33 games for the French champions, scoring four goals and providing a further four assists. More

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      I’m a former non-league footballer who married a pop star… now I play against Neymar

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      FORMER Watford and Burnley striker Andre Gray has opened up on his move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Riyadh.Gray, 32, joined the Saudi pro-league in September as a free agent after leaving Greek first division team Aris Thessaloniki.
      Andre Gray played against Neymar just days after joining the Saudi Pro LeagueCredit: 2023 Getty Images
      In an interview with The Times, Gray said he was dropped “straight in at the deep end” in the star-studded Saudi Pro-League when he made his debut against star-studded Al-Hilal.
      Al-Hilal were in the midst of signing the likes of Neymar, Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and dispatched Riyadh by six goals to one.
      He said: “It was probably the best game to get involved in. The stadium was full and all the cameras were on Neymar.
      “But I played against Argentina for Jamaica and there was only one person anyone was interested in: Messi.
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      “So, [hype about superstars] happens all over the world, not just here.”
      Despite the ample money swilling around the Saudi Pro-League, the 32-year- old striker says he earns the same pay packet as he did at Aris Thessaloniki – albeit tax free.
      On being one of the lesser known stars in the league, Gray said: “Look, people are not stupid.
      “There’s a lot of money here, but Saudis aren’t silly. Of course Ronaldo is on what he’s going to be on.
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      “But for most players the money is nothing like what the media have made it out to be.”
      Gray, who worked his way to the Premier League via loan moves to the likes of non-league team AFC Telford United and Hinckley United says the standard of the Saudi league is growing.
      He told The Times the league “is no different to the Premier League, where you have top clubs with big players and massive transfer budgets and then the rest.”
      Gray joined the Saudi Pro League in SeptemberCredit: andregray_/instagram
      Gray made his name at Luton after coming through the ranks at Shrewsbury Twon – where he was twice loaned to the non-leagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      He said: “What they [the Saudi owners] are trying to do is create strong, stable teams, hopefully like ours, who aren’t high profile but have the quality to compete.”
      Gray lines up alongside the likes of former Southampton striker Juanmi and former Sunderland midfielder Didier Ndong as the star foreign players in Al-Riyadh.
      The forward is famously married to former Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock and the couple have two twin daughters.
      He says that his family have not joined him in Saudi yet but have a positive experience when they visit due to the “safety” of the country.
      He said: “My kids — it was the same when my nieces and nephews visited — were just running around.
      “You see kids out at the park after dark and women out late at night by themselves, feeling safe. You don’t get that back home.”
      While Gray is one of the stars in Saudi on a more modest pay packet, he defended Jordan Henderson’s decision to come to Saudi for the money amid accusations of sports washing.
      Henderson joined Al-Ettifaq despite Saudi Arabia’s horrendous record on LGBTQ+ rights and him being an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in Britain, Gray said: “I’m going to defend him. You don’t know his situation.
      “Any person in any walk of life — say you were offered double the amount of money — you’d have to think about it.
      “He is there with an old team-mate [Steven Gerrard is his new manager] and is trying something different when he doesn’t have much time left in his career.”
      On Saudi Arabia as a sports washing project more generally, Gray said: “People are always going to have something to say about footballers coming here and about so-called sportswashing but, the way I see it, is don’t throw stones if you live in a glass house.
      Gray is married to former Little Mix star Leigh-Anne PinnockCredit: Instagram
      “Saudi owns so many businesses in England. They own Newcastle and there’s Man City [owned by the Abu Dhabi United Group], all these other clubs in France, Spain and their ownerships [by Gulf State countries]. It’s the way football is now.
      “For me, a lot of criticism is ignorant, made without coming to the country and seeing it for yourself. There’s an agenda against this league and this place.” More

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      Mo Salah protected by army as punches thrown between security and pitch invaders in shocking scenes during Egypt clash

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      MO SALAH needed army protection from pitch invaders during Egypt’s win against Sierra Leone.Shocking scenes last night saw security staff throw punches at one fan who approached Liverpool’s winger, before tackling another who was wearing a Manchester City shirt.
      Mo Salah was bundled off the pitch by the army as pitch invaders clashed with security
      Punches were thrown in chaotic scenes during Egypt’s win over Sierra Leone
      🚨🎥| Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah almost gets attacked by opposition fans who ran into the pitch during the match, Sierra Leone vs Egypt. 😦pic.twitter.com/9xGOOCDinN— TTS. (@TransferSector) November 19, 2023

      And Salah’s team-mate Mohamed Abdelmonem chased away a yob, who got within inches of the Reds star after sprinting at him from the stands in the 89th minute of Egypt’s 2-0 victory in Liberia.
      Egyptian staff rushed on to the field and formed a protective ring around the 31-year-old as the first invader was hauled away and the third fled back towards the crowd.
      Soldiers surrounded a shaken Salah and marched him off as chaotic scenes saw fans trying to swarm the star and a policeman bafflingly filming the ordeal.
      The first invader appeared to be wearing a Liverpool shirt and crouched at Salah’s feet in a non-confrontational manner.
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      While the City-shirted youngster struggled to hold his trousers up as he was dragged away. 
      But the man chased off by Abdelmonem approached in a far more aggressive manner leaving Salah looking concerned.
      Ex-Aston Villa ace Trezeguet scored both of Egypt’s goals as they made it two wins from two to cement top spot in Africa’s World Cup qualifying Group A.
      Salah assisted the second and was involved in the build-up to the opener.
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      Sierra Leone had Tyrese Fornah sent off on 39 minutes and Abdul Jarju Kabia in the 99th, both for second yellows.
      Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are on red alert after the Saudi Pro League warned it wants to sign stars of the “highest level” in January.
      Al-Ittihad put in a £150million bid for Salah in September and the forward will again be a top priority for Saudi teams. More

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      Premier League cult hero and ex-Sky Sports presenter BANNED from swanky golf course that costs £100,000 to be a member

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      PREMIER LEAGUE cult Jimmy Bullard is putt out of luck.That’s after being banned from a swanky golf where it costs £100,000 to be a member.
      Jimmy Bullard was given the chop from a golf club which costs £100,000 for membershipCredit: Instagram
      Bullard, 45, lit up the Premier league with Wigan, Fulham and Hull during a glittering career which ended in 2012.
      He then moved into the world of TV, becoming a household name on the beloved former Sky Sports show Soccer AM.
      Both as a player and pundit, Bullard was revered by fans up and down the country for his quirky humour and brilliant bravado.
      But his cheeky behaviour also extends to the golf course too.
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      Bullard used to be a member of the exclusive Sunningdale Golf Club in Berkshire.
      The swanky course costs a one-off £92,000 to become a full member.
      And those accepted also have to pay an annual fee of £9,500.
      But Bullard was given the boot after a hilarious incident at a charity golf game earlier this year.
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      Bullard’s beer-fuelled antics did not go down well with club chiefsCredit: Instagram
      While horsing around after a few drinks, Bullard thought it would be a funny idea to tee a ball off a Peroni bottle.
      The incident did not go down well with club chiefs though, who promptly revoked Bullard’s membership.
      And he is still barred to this day, with Bullard telling Stephen Hendry: “I’m not allowed to go again.
      “I had a few drinks and I got carried away. I put a Peroni off the first tee and clipped a ball off it.
      “It’s obviously not the thing to do so I apologise.
      “If there are any Sunningdale members watching, I do apologise. I really want to come back.” More

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      Marcus Rashford smiles in training in injury boost for Man Utd as England stars prepare for final Euro 2024 qualifier

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      MARCUS RASHFORD was all smiles in England training amid fears he was going to be sidelined with injury.The Manchester United star was subbed off for Cole Palmer after 61 minutes during Friday’s 2-0 win over Malta.
      Marcus Rashford trained ahead of the clash with North MacedoniaCredit: Getty
      England play their final qualifier tomorrowCredit: Getty
      The news is a huge boost to Man UtdCredit: Rex
      Rashford went off injured versus MaltaCredit: Getty
      Rashford had collided with Trent Alexander-Arnold just before and looked in pain as he trudged off the pitch.
      Manager Gareth Southgate attempted to play down injury fears, saying: “I think he is probably okay.
      “We just thought given the nature of the collision it was a chance to get Cole into the game.
      “I haven’t assessed too much but I think he was okay when he came off.”
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      And ahead of England’s final Euro 2024 qualifier against North Macedonia tomorrow, the team geared up for the game at Tottenham’s training ground.
      Rashford was involved throughout the session and appeared fully fit.
      The news comes as a relief to Southgate, who has already seen Jude Bellingham, Levi Colwill, James Maddison, Lewis Dunk and Callum Wilson pull out the squad.
      And Kieran Trippier has withdrawn since the Malta win for personal reasons.
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      England have already booked their place at the Euros and will finish top of the group.
      Rashford’s fitness is also a huge boost for Man Utd after Erik ten Hag has already dealt with several injuries this season.
      Andre Onana is no longer with the Cameroon squad after suffering a groin injury.
      Prior to the start of the international break, Danish duo Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen both pulled out of the national squad due to fitness concerns.
      Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Jonny Evans, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Amad Diallo all missed United’s last game against Luton with injury.
      Harry Maguire trained ahead of the North Macedonia gameCredit: Getty
      The Three Lions are top of Group CCredit: Reuters
      Jack Grealish and Harry Kane were involved in a possession gameCredit: Getty
      England warmed up for the match at Tottenham’s training groundCredit: PA More

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      I starred alongside Micah Richards at Man City and then retired at 25 to be an assistant head teacher

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      THIS former Manchester City ace used to star alongside popular pundit Micah Richards.But his career took a very different turn.
      Nathan D’Laryea was once a top prospect at Man City before deciding to retire at 25Credit: Manchester City FC – Getty
      The defender came up through the ranks with Micah RichardsCredit: Getty
      And after retiring at the age of 25, he is now an assistant head teacher.
      Nathan D’Laryea joined City’s youth academy at the age of 12, coming up through the ranks as a top protégé in 2004.
      The defender featured alongside eventual Premier League winner Richards, who now stars as a pundit on Sky Sports, BBC and CBS Sport.
      But D’Laryea never made a single senior appearance for City.
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      After a loan spell at Macclesfield Town in the 06/07 season, he was released on a free transfer.
      D’Laryea then spent two years at Rochdale, where he played just nine times before sealing a move to Conference North semi-pro side Hyde United.
      His first season went swimmingly, scoring once in 33 outings.
      But D’Laryea ended up suffering an injury that eventually forced him to retire at the age of 25.
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      D’Laryea is now an assistant head teacherCredit: Manchester Evening News
      He then made a shock career change by deciding to pursue teaching.
      D’Laryea first studied English Language at the University of Manchester before signing up to the Teach First Leadership Development Programme in 2012.
      And he is now the assistant head teacher at Loreto High School in Chorlton.
      D’Laryea told the Manchester Evening News in 2016: “I wanted a clean break from football which is why I didn’t go down the coaching route.
      “I had done some coaching with disadvantaged children in Bermuda and really enjoyed it.
      “That’s partly why Teach First appealed to me because you’re working with kids from really challenging backgrounds.
      “I’ve found that football has helped me build relationships with the pupils in the schools where I have taught – especially with some of the difficult boys.
      “I quickly settled in. Once kids had heard my back story they tend to be really interested.
      “That’s the good thing about being a career changer. You have something else to offer the kids other than what you’ve learnt at university.” More

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      Forgotten Tottenham star wanted in transfer just months after arrival after being left out in the cold by Postecoglou

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      BOLOGNA are interested in signing Tottenham forward Alejo Veliz on loan, according to reports.The Argentine joined Spurs in a £12million deal from Rosario Central in August.
      Alejo Veliz has made fleeting cameos for Tottenham’s first teamCredit: Alamy
      Veliz poses for a picture with Rodrigo BentancurCredit: Rex
      Boss Ange Postecoglou admires the 20-year-old, but in September talked down his prospects of featuring much for the first-team in the near future.
      The Aussie, 58, said: “It will be a while for him, I think. We’ve just got to let him settle, he’s come halfway around the world.
      “He’s a young guy, it’s a fairly different level. He’s one we’ll invest in in the long-term but I wouldn’t expect him to see any minutes in the first part of the season.”
      Amid numerous injuries to his team-mates Veliz has been involved, making three cameo substitute appearances in the Premier League.
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      The Argentina Under-20 international is attracting loan interest ahead of the January transfer window.
      According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Serie A side Bologna could launch a loan offer for the forward.
      The Italians are seeking an alternative to former Bayern Munich ace Joshua Zirkzee.
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      While forward Sydney van Hooijdonk has been linked with a move away from Bologna, with Veliz a potential replacement.
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      With first team appearances hard to come by, Veliz has featured for Spurs’ Under-21 side.
      He played in two of their EFL Trophy matches, scoring in a 3-1 defeat at Peterborough.
      Tottenham have relied on Son Heung-min and Richarlison up front this term.
      They have recently been linked with making a January swoop for Feyenoord ace Santiago Gimenez.
      Veliz has appeared for Spurs’ Under-21s in the EFL TrophyCredit: Rex More

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      Tottenham ‘enter transfer race for Raphinha’ with Barcelona set to offload Chelsea and Arsenal target after 18 months

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      TOTTENHAM have entered the transfer tussle for Raphinha, according to reports.The Brazilian forward only joined Barcelona in the summer of 2022.
      Raphinha could be on his way back to the Premier League with TottenhamCredit: Getty
      Chelsea and Arsenal both wanted to sign the attacker from Leeds before he followed his heart’s desire and headed to the Nou Camp.
      He managed ten goals in his debut season to help Barcelona win LaLiga.
      But now Mundo Deportivo state the Catalan giants are open to selling Raphinha for the right price.
      Barca’s financial woes are well known and therefore the chance to recoup a significant portion of the £49million they shelled out for Raphinha last year is tempting.
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      And selling the 26-year-old would also help pave the way for Vitor Roque when the teenager arrives in Spain from Athletico Paranaense in 2024.
      Raphinha has lost his place in the starting XI under Xavi this term with the likes of Joao Felix, Fermin Lopez and Ferran Torres preferred to support Robert Lewandowski – not helped by an early red card and an injury this term.
      It means he remains stuck on three LaLiga starts with two goals from his 11 appearances in total.
      Tottenham, though, could have competition from their Premier League rivals for the ex-Elland Road hero, who managed 17 goals for the Yorkshire club across two seasons.
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      That is because both Chelsea and Newcastle are rumoured interested parties ahead of the transfer window reopening in the New Year.
      The news, though, did not go down well with Blues fans who are not convinced Raphinha is an improvement on their current options at Stamford Bridge.
      Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is keen to bolster his attacking options.
      The Australian lost Harry Kane in the summer while Brennan Johnson is still settling and trying to find his top form.
      James Maddison, Richarlison, Manor Solomon, Ryan Sessegnon and Ivan Perisic have all been sidelined by injury.
      There were suggestions Ivan Toney was a possible target but SunSport understands he is deciding between transfers to Arsenal or Chelsea or signing a new contract at Brentford. More