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    Premier League side set to get Christmas OFF in bizarre fixture quirk… as Chelsea and Wolves toil on Xmas Eve

    THOMAS FRANK is planning to give his Brentford players Christmas off.Manchester City’s trip to the Club World Cup has effectively given the Bees a bonus winter break because they will not play for ten days.
    Thomas Frank is willing to give his players time off over ChristmasCredit: Getty
    Boss Frank believes his team — flying after three Premier League wins in a row — should be rewarded with a couple of two-day breaks, which is normally unheard of at this intense stage of the season.
    Brentford were due to visit City on December 23 but that has been postponed due to the champions’ trip to Saudi Arabia.
    After facing Aston Villa on December 17, Brentford’s next game is against Wolves on December 27 — also at the Gtech Community Stadium — so Frank is considering shutting the training ground on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
    Not that it takes much to annoy Wolves boss Gary O’Neil, but he is likely to be even angrier as his team must play Chelsea on Christmas Eve.
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    With a likely warm-down session on Christmas Day, he will have no time to prepare for the game at Brentford.
    Another quirk for Bees fans is they will not have to travel far for Premier League matches over the next few months.
    After a trip to Sheffield United on December 9, the next Brentford away game outside of London will be at Wolves on February 10.
    Brentford will also be boosted by the return of their suspended star striker Ivan Toney on January 17.
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    But don’t bet on him staying at the club beyond the end of the transfer window.
    Arsenal and Chelsea are targeting the striker, who has reportedly informed club bosses of his desire to leave.
    It is understood Brentford will demand £80million to let Toney leave. More

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    Inter Milan ‘name price’ for Chelsea and Man Utd transfer target Denzel Dumfries as Erik ten Hag plots January move

    INTER MILAN have set a price for winger Denzel Dumfries as Chelsea and Manchester United plot a January transfer swoop.After the 27-year-old’s stellar performance last season, the Premier League duo have ramped up their effort to sign him.
    Inter Milan have set an asking price for Denzel DumfriesCredit: Getty
    Chelsea and Manchester United are keen on the wingerCredit: Getty
    Dumfries made a name for himself at PSV Eindhoven and has made a remarkable breakthrough at Inter Milan since his debut in 2021.
    The Serie A side signed him to replace Achraf Hakimi and he has done quite the job.
    In his 109 appearances for the Italian giants, Dumfries has secured two Coppa Italia and reached the Champions League final last term.
    He has continued his success with an impressive start this term contributing to six goals in 13 appearances.
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    Inter are desperate to keep their wingman and hopes to renew his contract which expires in June 2025.
    But the club are aware of the growing interest in their starman and they will not let Dumfries go for less than £43.5million, according to Calciomercato.
    The Dutchman has been a constant threat to rivals on the right flank which has attracted both Premier League sides.
    Man United are set to lose two wingers in 2024, as Jadon Sancho’s career at Old Trafford appears to be nonexistent amid his ongoing feud with Erik ten Hag.
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    Ten Hag would love to have a fellow Dutchman on his side to strengthen the Red Devils’ wings and plans to do it in January.
    While the Blues have captain Reece James his injury woes have worried the Argentine.
    Mauricio Pochettino is keen on having Dumfries in his ranks and has been monitoring the player for some time now. More

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    Juventus ‘want Tottenham outcast in January transfer window to replace banned Paul Pogba’

    JUVENTUS want to sign Tottenham outcast Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, according to reports.This comes as Paul Pogba was provisionally suspended last month having tested positive for banned substance DHEA which naturally boosts testosterone production.
    Juventus’ midfielder Paul Pogba faces a four-year ban for a doping offenceCredit: AFP
    Hojbjerg has become somewhat of an outcast this seasonCredit: Rex
    Hojbjerg, 28, has been frozen out in North London this season – starting just once under Ange Postecoglou this season.
    The Australian manager has instead favoured a midfield pairing of Yves Bissouma and Pape Sarr.
    His one start this season only came after Bissouma was forced to serve a one-game suspension following his red card for simulation at Luton Town.
    And now, according to the Telegraph, Hojbjerg is seeking a way out of the capital after slipping down the pecking order.
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    He is high on the list of targets for Juventus as they look for a central midfielder with Paul Pogba currently suspended after returning a positive drugs test.
    Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli was at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday night along with his assistant Giovanni Manna.
    Pogba also tested positive in a second sample and now faces a lengthy ban which could see the end of his career at the top level.
    The Frenchman will face an anti-doping tribunal, and if found guilty, he could be banned for up to four years.
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    Meanwhile, Juventus have been dealt another blow after Nicolo Fagioli was slapped with a seven-month ban for breaching betting rules.
    Hojbjerg was valued at £25million in the summer window when Fulham came knocking.
    The Dane – who has one season left on his contract – has racked up 156 appearances for Spurs since arriving from Southampton for £15m in 2020.
    He came on at half-time for Spurs in their thrilling 4-1 defeat by Chelsea on Monday evening, after James Maddison lipped off injured.
    SunSport previously revealed he is not a natural fit in the free-flowing system of new boss Postecoglou.
    Hojbjerg was a guaranteed starter under former bosses Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte.
    Another player believed to be on Juventus’ radar ahead of the January window is Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips. More

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    Arsenal, Fulham and Liverpool ‘send scouts to Copa Libertadores final’ tracking Brazil star with transfer agreement

    ARSENAL and Liverpool sent scouts to watch transfer target Andre Trindade in the Copa Libertadores final, according to reports.The midfielder impressed as he helped Fluminense win their first Copa Libertadores title.
    Andre Trindade is wanted by Liverpool, Arsenal and FulhamCredit: AFP
    The midfielder helped Fluminense win the Copa Libertadores at the weekendCredit: AFP
    Trindade, 22, has been monitored by Premier League clubs for several months but he was keen to stay at Fluminense.
    He wanted to help them win the Copa Libertadores and although he could now leave, Fluminense will not sell before the Club World Cup which takes place next month.
    According to Brazilian outlet Globo, Liverpool, Arsenal and Fulham have all sent scouts to watch Trindade.
    The Reds had a £26million offer for the Brazil international rejected in the summer.
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    It is believed Fluminense want closer to £30m to let Trindade leave.
    That means the interested Prem trio would all be able to afford him, with Fulham and Arsenal potentially in most need of a midfielder.
    Fulham had to reject interest in Joao Palhinha in the summer from West Ham and Bayern Munich.
    Meanwhile, reports claim Thomas Partey has told the Gunners he wants to leave amid interest from Juventus.
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    However one journalist has claimed Trindade has verbally agreed to join Liverpool.
    The defensive midfielder has amassed a total of four goals and three assists in 161 appearances for Fluminense. More

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    John Terry destroys James Maddison with savage put-down after Tottenham star called out ex-Chelsea captain

    JOHN TERRY destroyed James Maddison with a savage put-down after the Tottenham star called out Chelsea’s former captain.The hilarious incident occurred after JT’s Blues demolished Ange Postecoglou’s title dreamers 4-1 in north London.
    John Terry destroyed James Maddison as he celebrated Chelsea’s 4-1 thrashing of SpursCredit: Instagram @johnterry.26
    Maddison got more than he bargained for after attempting to troll the England legendCredit: Rex
    Previously unbeaten Spurs thought they were on their way to victory with a sixth-minute opener.
    But a comedy of errors saw the hosts reduced to NINE men by the 55th minute.
    And Chelsea, who had already levelled the score in the first half, went on to secure all three points thanks to Nicolas Jackson’s late hat-trick.
    Stamford Bridge legend Terry posted a jubilant message on social media, admitting he and wife Toni partied into the night after Chelsea’s incredible comeback.
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    JT wrote: “When Chelsea beat Spurs 4-1 on a school night and the tequila comes out and you end up dancing and singing on the bar.”
    But this prompted a moody response from Tottenham playmaker Maddison, who was forced off injured during the game and could miss Saturday’s trip to Wolves.
    He said: “Jesus, you have your eyes closed when it was 11 vs 11 first 15 (minutes) JT?”
    Unfortunately for Maddison, who was relegated with Leicester last season, five-time Premier League winner and Champions League holder Terry responded with a brilliantly savage put-down.
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    Fans loved JT’s response to MaddisonCredit: Instagram
    Referring to Spurs’ legacy of collapsing at important moments, especially against rivals Chelsea, he barked: “Madders don’t worry mate you will get used to it.”
    Fans were certainly loving Terry’s brilliant comeback.
    One said: “I love JT so much, best the EPL ever witnessed.”
    Another declared: “This is so cringe from Madders.”
    One noted: “Warra ‘we beat Chelsea in the first 15 minutes’ trophy.”
    Another added: “The king delivered a killer punch.” More

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    Erling Haaland appears to snub Gary Lineker as Man City star keeps Ballon d’Or promise during Young Boys clash

    ERLING HAALAND has snubbed Gary Lineker with a Didier Drogba tribute after scoring against Young Boys on Tuesday night.The Manchester City star kept his Ballon d’Or promise and mimicked the Chelsea legend’s famous goal celebration.
    Erling Haaland snubbed Gary Lineker during his goal celebration against Young BoysCredit: Getty
    Haaland kept his promise that he made at the Ballon d’OrCredit: Getty

    Haaland, 23, mocked Lineker, 62, with his goal celebration as City defeated the Swiss side 3-0 in the Champions League group stage.
    The goal machine scored a penalty and ran to the corner flag while pumping his arms out to the side – just how Drogba used to do it.
    He promised the Chelsea icon he would do his celebration at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
    The prestigious football award show was co-hosted by Drogba and Lineker.
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    And the Ivorian legend urged the Norwegian hotshot to either copy his goal celebration or Linekers trademark ‘fist pumping’ celebration when he next found the back of the net.
    Drogba said: “For your next goal, I challenge you, you have to choose between the Didier Drogba celebration and the Gary Lineker celebration, if you accept the challenge, of course?”
    Haaland replied: “We’ll see next goal. I celebrate in the moment, so I’ll think of both of you when I score my next goal and will decide!”
    City’s next game after the Ballon d’Or was their 6-0 thrashing of Bournemouth.
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    But Haaland surprisingly did not score in the Premier League clash.
    However, he made up for it on Tuesday night against Young Boys with his 23rd-minuted penalty followed by his second-half strike.
    Picking up on Haaland’s tribute Laura Woods asked:  “Do you reckon if he scores again he’ll do one for Gary Lineker?”
    In response, England legend Rio Ferdinand humorously said: “I don’t think he would have seen one of Gary Lineker’s celebrations, would he?”
    City were able to secure qualification to the next round of the European competition thanks to Haaland’s double blast and Phil Foden’s goal.
    Now fans will have to wait and see if Haaland will pull out a Lineker tribute in the Citizens’ next clash against Chelsea on Sunday afternoon. More

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    Ex-Chelsea star Marcos Alonso ‘holds talks over swapping Champions League clubs’ in free transfer from Barcelona

    FORMER Chelsea star Marcos Alonso is reportedly in talks to leave Barcelona for Atletico Madrid.The Spanish defender, 32, moved to the Nou Camp a year ago following a six-year spell at Stamford Bridge.
    Ex-Chelsea star Marcos Alonso could leave Barcelona for Atletico Madrid in a free moveCredit: Getty
    He impressed with 37 appearances last season as Barcelona clinched their first LaLiga title since 2019.
    But Football Transfers claims Alonso is already making plans for when his contract expires next summer.
    Cash-strapped Barca are unlikely to offer the left-back a new deal.
    And Alonso is now said to be in talks with rivals Atletico over a free transfer in 2024.
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    A move to the Wanda Metropolitano would see Alonso reunited with ex-Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta and former Blues striker Alvaro Morata.
    Diego Simeone’s five-man defence suits Alonso to a tee, with the ace also capable of playing at centre-back.
    And it would make Alonso the latest player to star for both Barcelona and Atletico, with Antoine Griezmann the most recent after his to-and-fro transfers.
    Alonso would also have the honour of playing for all three of Spain’s top clubs, having started his career at Real Madrid.
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    He played just once for Los Blancos in the 2009/10 season before heading to England with Bolton.
    Spells at Sunderland and Fiorentina followed for Alonso.
    But he finally got his big break in 2016 when Chelsea signed him for £24million.
    Alonso made an immediate impact as he played a starring role in Antonio Conte’s debut Premier League title win.
    He went on to win an FA Cup, Europa League and Champions League in London, scoring 29 goals across 212 games in the process.
    Alonso has since netted three times in 44 matches since his free transfer to Barcelona.
    And with seven appearances under his belt already this term, he could yet have a big say in this season’s title race. More

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    Man Utd star’s wife and ‘Premier League’s hottest Wag’ risks wardrobe malfunction in very racy dress with thigh split

    MAJA NILSSON risked a wardrobe malfunction as she showed off in a sparkly dress.The wife of Manchester United star Victor Lindelof shared several photos on social media as part of a paid partnership with H&M and Rabanne.
    Maja Lindelof stunned in a sparkly dressCredit: Instagram
    But the thigh split meant she risked a wardrobe malfunctionCredit: Instagram
    Maja shared the photos as part of the launch of her partnership with H&MCredit: Instagram
    Scroll down for more pics of Maja
    Maja stunned in racy dress with a thigh split that risked a wardrobe malfunction.
    She shared some pics on Instagram alongside the caption: “Getting ready for all the parties this winter together with @rabanne and @hm #rabannehm launching the 9th of November!!”
    Fans loved the look and began showering Maja with compliments.
    One said: “Stunning! Love that dress too! 🤩”
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    Another added: “Doesn’t get any finer.”
    A third wrote: “Maja you are so damn pretty !! ❤️”
    And another commented: “Amazing 😍”
    Maja wowed fans with her look for Bonfire NightCredit: Instagram @majanilssonlindelof
    The model was showered with compliments by fansCredit: Instagram @majanilssonlindelof
    Maja, 29, wowed fans at the weekend in a figure-hugging dress for bonfire night that left little to the imagination.
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    And last month the model stunned alongside husband Lindelof as the couple hit the front cover of Vogue Scandinavia.
    They posed together in a series of loved up photos that fans could not get enough of.
    A glimpse into the glamorous life of the Prem’s hottest Wag…
    She has built a reputation as one of the Premier League’s hottest wagsCredit: Instagram @majanilssonlindelof
    Maja boasts 250,000 Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @majanilssonlindelof
    The two began dating in 2013Credit: Instagram @majanilssonlindelof
    The two married in 2018Credit: Instagram @majanilssonlindelof
    And had their first child together in 2019Credit: Instagram @majanilssonlindelof
    They had their second child in 2021Credit: instagram @majanilssonlindelof
    Maja with her husband VictorCredit: Getty
    Maja is a fan of a selfieCredit: instagram
    She recently switched up her haircutCredit: Instagram / @majanilssonlindelof
    Maja showing her support for SwedenCredit: Instagram @majanilssonlindelof
    A golden hour selfieCredit: Instagram/@majanilssonlindelof More