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      Donny van de Beek hoping to seal last-gasp transfer away in coming days with Man Utd ready ‘to consider ANY offer’

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      DONNY VAN DE BEEK is hoping to escape from his Manchester United nightmare by securing a move to Turkey in the next few days.Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are both interested in signing the Dutch international before their transfer window closes on September 15.
      Manchester United are desperate to offload Donny van de BeekCredit: Getty
      And the Red Devils would be receptive to an offer after leaving the former Ajax man out of their Champions League squad earlier this month.
      Van de Beek is worried he could suffer a similar fate when names are put forward for the Premier League by clubs next week.
      Erik ten Hag has signed Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat during the transfer window to strengthen his midfield.
      That has left Van de Beek surplus to requirements at Old Trafford – but United and the player face a race against the clock to find a solution.
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      United must submit their 25-man Premier League squad by September 13th and Van de Beek is at risk of missing the cut if he remains at the club.
      The former Netherlands international was cut from the Champions League squad – despite injured Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia featuring.
      ESPN report that Ten Hag is willing to accept any offer for the forgotten star.
      The majority of transfer windows across Europe are now closed but clubs in Turkey can sign players until September 15th, giving United a week to agree a deal.
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      Turkish giants Besiktas have confirmed the signing of Eric Bailly on a one-year contract after United agreed a free transfer for the Ivory Coast defender.
      There was hope earlier in the summer that Van de Beek’s departure might generate a fee but there’s now an acceptance he might have to leave on loan.
      The Dutch star, who was nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 2019, still has two years left on the five-year deal he signed when he arrived in a £35million deal from Ajax in 2020.
      The midfielder has endured a difficult time at Old Trafford, making just 60 appearances in all competitions in three years.
      He spent the second half of the 2021-22 campaign on loan at Everton but only played seven times.
      Van de Beek suffered a knee injury in January which ruled him out of the remainder of last season. More

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      Gym bunny Mudryk spends hours doing weights after training… but has so far only proven himself as Chelsea’s darts king

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      MYKHAILO MUDRYK has so far saved his best for the Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia.Chelsea’s £88million winger was a demon at darts and table tennis in the players’ lounge during the summer tour of the US.
      Mykhailo Mudryk has struggled to adapt to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      Chelsea insiders claim the winger is ‘unreal’ in trainingCredit: Getty
      So there is nothing wrong with Mudryk’s hand-eye co-ordination, say club insiders.
      But there are people at Stamford Bridge hoping and praying that Mudryk will come out of his shell soon on the football pitch.
      Because one of Ukraine’s most promising players is yet to deliver on his significant transfer fee.
      Whether that is his fault or not is a matter of opinion. But with just under eight years left on his contract, there is plenty of time to either cheer or lament one of last season’s most curious signings.
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      Mudryk, 22, cost Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly an initial £62m in January with the rest coming in a heck of a lot of add-ons — bonuses paid upon winning things, appearances, that sort of thing.
      The well-meaning joke doing the rounds at Stamford Bridge is that Chelsea are a long way off paying the next instalment because Mudryk is miles away from cementing his place in the mind of head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
      He started his first game for ­Chelsea last January in a goalless draw at Fulham, playing for a team that was in tailspin. He lasted 45 minutes.
      It has been fits and starts ever since, with a total of 20 appearances and no goals.
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      Mudryk’s Chelsea stats
      This season under Poch has brought 67 minutes spread across three games from the bench.
      Mudryk needs experience but also must show he deserves more game time in a classic chicken-and-egg situation at Stamford Bridge.
      Those who know him say the over-riding aspect of his character is shyness.
      Juggling humility with a huge price-tag does not come easy.
      Particularly to a naive kid at a vastly different stage of his career to many of those he shares a dressing room with.
      He is pals with Ukraine and Arsenal left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko, who he could line up with in Saturday’s Euro 2024 qualifier against England.
      However, Zinchenko, a four-time Premier League winner, has just welcomed a new baby into his family.
      Little chance of the two London-based stars bonding over a night out for the next 16 years.
      Ukraine legend and former Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko, a frequent visitor to London, has also spent time with Mudryk, trying to coax him into life.
      There have been several informal chats with Pochettino.
      Mudryk is set to star for Ukraine against England at the weekendCredit: Getty
      Club sources say Mudryk is ‘unreal’ in training. He is jet-fast and skilful when relaxed.
      What England may see this weekend is a hugely talented young player at his best when in the comfort zone of his compatriots.
      He asked to drop back into the Under-21s this summer to play in the European Championship. Find a young, English Premier League player volunteering for that.
      As just one of a swathe of new, youthful signings at Stamford Bridge over the past 15 months and most on long-term deals, there are bound to be comparisons among Chelsea’s next generation.
      Midfielder Enzo Fernandez is the same age as Mudryk yet arrived in the same month as a World Cup winner with Argentina.
      Moises Caicedo is a year younger and a British-record transfer after two years in the Premier League.
      Mudryk has come straight from the modest level of the Ukrainian league. He still has family back home while war rages with Russia.
      That is a lot to contend with for a young man who might well be just graduating from university if he had chosen another path.
      Others who work with Mudryk every day say he is a gym bunny, spending hours working out with weights after training finishes.
      It sounds good but there are those who fear it is because he has no outside life yet.
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      His English is coming on but it is still a long way from feeling comfortable in conversation.
      Mudryk needs to talk the talk and walk the walk for club and country.
      The 22-year-old regularly impresses during trainingCredit: Getty More

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      Demarai Gray completes Al-Ettifaq transfer after ugly Everton exit as club release blunt parting statement

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      DEMARAI GRAY has joined Al-Ettifaq in an £8million transfer from Everton.The 27-year-old penned a four-year deal with the Saudi Pro League side earlier this week after falling out with Sean Dyche.
      Gray has completed a move to Al-EttifaqCredit: Instagram @demarai
      He took to Instagram on Thursday morning to bid farewell to Everton fans.
      But he also fired a parting shot at club chiefs.
      In an official statement, Gray wrote: “After two years with Everton, it’s time to say goodbye.
      “I wish everyone at the club the very best and will be forever proud to have played for this great team.
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      “To the fans, you were always incredible – thank you for your support. You made it a privilege to wear the shirt.
      “There has been a lot of speculation about my situation all summer. The truth is, I gave my all to this club on and off the pitch through good and bad.
      “I was ready to play as much football as possible this season but it felt like this was not going to happen.
      “It’s time for my next chapter. I am match fit and excited to get playing.”
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      The winger recently fell out with Everton boss DycheCredit: Getty
      Everton also released a blunt statement to confirm Gray’s departure.
      It read: “Everton have sold Demarai Gray to Al-Ettifaq on a permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee.
      “Gray moves on after the Blues opted to sell the 27-year-old forward to the Saudi Arabian club. It brings an end to his two-year spell on Merseyside, having signed from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021.
      “Gray made 75 appearances and scored 12 goals for Everton. The Jamaica international started his career with hometown club Birmingham City before joining Leicester City in 2016.”
      The winger hit out at Dyche last week after falling out of favour at Goodison Park.
      He said: “Everton fans have always been great with me. But it’s so difficult to play for someone who doesn’t show you respect as a person.”
      However, the Everton boss hit back at the comments, claiming: “Demarai made it clear that he felt he was getting a move and he told us a move was done, which was interesting to hear from a player.
      “We reminded him of the truth of the fact that no moves are done without this club’s say so.”
      Gray is now set to join Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson at Al-Ettifaq.
      Gerrard was appointed as manager of the Saudi side at the beginning of July, while Henderson completed a £12million transfer from Liverpool three weeks later.
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      Al-Ettifaq announced the winger’s arrival with a video game-inspired clip on social media.
      The video appeared to poke fun at the club’s Saudi Pro League rivals Al-Ittihad, who have so far failed to sign top transfer target Mohamed Salah.
      Al-Ettifaq poked fun at Al-Ittihad, who are trying to sign SalahCredit: Instagram @ettifaq More

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      Unemployed ex-Man Utd star Jesse Lingard ‘to play in secret behind-closed-doors friendly for Premier League club TODAY’

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      UNEMPLOYED Jesse Lingard is reportedly set to feature in a behind-closed-doors friendly for West Ham against Ipswich TODAY.The 30-year-old free agent continues to train with the Hammers and today’s game could influence whether David Moyes will agree to sign him.
      Jesse Lingard is set to play for West Ham today in a friendly against IpswichCredit: EPA
      The free agent left Nottingham Forest last season without a club after failing to score in 17 Premier League outings as Steve Cooper’s side narrowly avoided relegation.
      Since his departure, Lingard has been training in East London to get his fitness up to scratch.
      This has left Moyes on the brink of signing the Englishman again.
      Lingard previously enjoyed a successful half-season loan in 2020-2021 at West Ham under Moyes, scoring nine goals and five assists in only 16 games.
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      According to the Daily Mail, the winger is now lined up to play championship side Ipswich in a friendly later today at Rush Green.
      The game will not be filmed and no footage will be published by either club.
      The former Man Utd star’s performance will assist West Ham on whether they should offer a short-term deal to Lingard.
      West Ham needs to file their 25-man Premier League squad by 13 September with Lingard hoping he makes the cut.
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      If Lingard returns to West Ham, he could face off against former club Forest on November 11.
      Moyes missed out on adding another attacker to his squad at the end of the transfer window, having lost Gianluca Scamacca and Manuel Lanzini over the summer.
      Meanwhile, the former Man Utd star has also been linked to Premier League rivals Wolves.
      Lingard made a name for himself at the Red Devils where he won the FA Cup and the Europa League and scored 32 goals in 232 appearances. More

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      Chelsea legend John Terry in spat with Fulham with fans loving Premier League’s club’s ‘brilliant’ response

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      CHELSEA legend John Terry slammed rivals Fulham on social media for their lack of silverware before the club hit back in hilarious fashion.The Blues icon, 42, won five Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups, one Champions League and one Europa League during his 19-year stint at Stamford Bridge.
      John Terry took aim at a Fulham fan before the club responded superblyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      He retired in 2018 following a one-season spell at Aston Villa, with his final match coming in a 1-0 Championship play-off final defeat to Fulham as Tom Cairney’s goal sent the West Londoners up.
      And one Cottagers supporter reignited the feud with Terry on social media on Wednesday.
      A Brentford fan account shared a picture of Neal Maupay scoring a stoppage-time equaliser against Fulham towards the end of the 2017/18 season.
      The comment was in reference to Bees fans debating their favourite kit.
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      But a member of the Craven Cottage faithful was quick to point out that the Maupay goal – which ultimately denied Fulham an automatic promotion spot – meant they went into the play-offs where they ended up beating Terry’s Villa.
      In response to the image of Maupay celebrating, the fan said: “Because of this we got to witness our club at Wembley. The white wall.
      “@ThomasCairney making John Terry cry on his last ever game. Thank you.”
      Terry, who looks set to take his first role as a head coach at Saudi Arabian side Al-Shabab FC, responded to the tweet less than two hours later as he took aim at Fulham’s trophy cabinet.
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      He replied: “I have won more trophies since I retired than Fulham have in 50 years. 🤣 🏆
      “One team in London and it will NEVER be Fulham! 💙”
      Fulham have never won a major trophy in their 144-year history.
      But their official Twitter account was not shy in getting involved in the spat on Thursday morning.
      They shared a brilliant GIF of Jay Cartwright from The Inbetweeners appearing to tease Terry for snapping back.
      And fans were loving the simple response to Terry’s bolshy comments.
      One said: “Best thing admin have done 🤣🤣.”
      Another added: “Brilliant. My Club 😂😂😂.”
      And a third responded: “He’s gonna cry again.” More

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      Forgotten man Philippe Coutinho on brink of leaving Aston Villa after club agree to send him out on loan transfer

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      ASTON VILLA’S forgotten star Philippe Coutinho is on the brink of joining Qatari side Al-Duhail, according to reports. The 31-year-old has accepted a loan deal with the Middle Eastern team after rejecting offers from European giants.
      Philippe Coutinho is set for a move to Qatar’s Al DuhailCredit: Getty
      The move can still go ahead as Qatar’s transfer window does not close until September 18th.
      Coutinho joined Villa initially on loan from Barcelona in 2022 to work under former Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard.
      He made the switch permanent last summer for around £17million.
      But he managed just one goal and no assists in 2022-23, not featuring after February 18, with just one appearance on the bench in that time.
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      With the summer arrival of Moussa Diaby, and his recent hamstring injury, Coutinho has dropped further down the pecking order of Unai Emery’s squad.
      Now, Fabrizio Romano says Coutinho looks set to join Al-Duhail.
      He tweeted: “Al-Duhail are now closing in on Philippe Coutinho deal!
      “Agreement being sealed with Aston Villa on loan move with salary covered.”
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      Coutinho previously received interest from Turkish side Besiktas and Spanish giants Real Betis.
      Doha-based Al-Duhail have made a perfect start to the new season with two wins from two to sit top of the table.
      There are no real household names in the current squad, with Portuguese defender Ruben Semedo arguably the most famous star.
      Brazilian international Coutinho made a name for himself at Inter Milan and signed for Liverpool in January 2013.
      He shone at Anfield for five years before a massive £145m transfer to Barcelona.
      It did not work out as planned at the Nou Camp, though, leading to a loan to Bayern before returning to England to play at Villa Park. More

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      Spurs legend Jurgen Klinsmann says Ange Postecoglou will end 15-year silverware drought

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      JURGEN KLINSMANN reckons Ange Postecoglou can finally break Spurs’ 15-year trophy curse this term.Tottenham have not won any silverware since lifting the 2008 League Cup after beating Chelsea.
      Jurgen Klinsmann speaks in Cardiff ahead of South Korea’s friendly with WalesCredit: Credit: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire.
      Tottenham have not won any silverware since beating Chelsea in the 2008 League Cup final at WembleyCredit: AFP – Getty
      But Spurs legend Klinsmann, now manager of South Korea, believes new boss Postecoglou – with captain Son Heung-min – can deliver trophies.
      And do so without club record goalscorer Harry Kane, who joined Bayern Munich this summer for £104million.
      Tottenham are second in the Prem and Klinsmann said: “This is what you work for – the opportunity to get trophies.
      “Obviously, they have the opportunity to get an FA Cup or even a Premier League.
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      “We all know how dominant Man City is at the moment and how difficult it is.
      “I look at last year and Arsenal were amazing but I see a team that has as much quality as this Spurs side.
      “They have a fantastic manager who is a people person so why can’t they surprise people this year?
      “Son and his team-mates’ goal is to win trophies.
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      “It’s been a long time for Spurs but you start every year with this goal in mind. The players and coach have that ambition.
      “I keep my fingers crossed as one of their biggest fans. I hope they are successful and win something.”
      Klinsmann and Korea skipper Son will see Spurs’ new £47.5m forward Brennan Johnson first-hand in tonight’s Cardiff friendly against Wales.
      Son said: “Brennan showed his quality last year at Nottingham Forest and I can’t wait to see him with my eyes.
      “He’s a very good player – very talented. Welcome to Spurs. I can’t wait to play with him.
      “It’s only been four games this season but we’re looking to keep going in a positive way with Brennan.
      “When he comes to Spurs he will want to improve and go to the next step.
      “He’ll feel the pressure but I can’t wait to have him in our team playing even better fast, attacking football.”
      New Spurs leader Son, 31, kick-started his season with a hat-trick in the 5-2 win at Burnley on Saturday.
      Son scored his first Tottenham goals of the season with a treble in the 5-2 win over Burnley last SaturdayCredit: Reuters
      And Klinsmann says the added responsibility of Son replacing Hugo Lloris as Tottenham captain will improve his game. 
      He said: “Sonny as captain is my right hand. It’s huge. 
      “I’m a big Spurs fan so it makes me proud that he’s captain of both teams. It’s very special. It’s a pleasure and joy to see his natural leadership.
      “He inspires not only the youngsters but the experienced players too because of who he is, what he has done. It’s exciting times ahead for him.
      “Sonny’s in the maturing part of his career. Attacking players live off goals. It’s food for life. The real spice of the game is goals.”
      Son added: “It’s a great honour to be captain for club and country. Being a captain is not about words, it’s by actions.
      “I have to prove to the team that I can be the leader on and off the pitch.
      “I have great players around me with my country and at Tottenham. It was great to score at the weekend.
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      “But I’m always calm and I never rush when I’m not scoring for a few games because I have ten players behind me and that’s why we all love football.
      “They help me to become a better person, player and captain.” More

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      Man Utd are in centre of another domestic violence storm with Antony’s police probe the latest headache for club

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      MANCHESTER UNITED could have been forgiven for breathing a sigh of relief just before 11pm on Friday.That was the time when Mason Greenwood’s loan move to Spanish club Getafe was confirmed.
      Gabriela Cavallin, left, has made new allegations against former partner Antony, rightCredit: instagram
      Mason Greenwood sealed a deadline day loan move to LaLiga side GetafeCredit: Rex
      And while he remains on the Old Trafford payroll, the young forward is somebody else’s problem — for the next few months at least.
      Yet there was little time for anyone at United to get too comfortable.
      Because another major headache was lurking just around the corner — as often seems to be the case with this club.
      Some United supporters might have thought the 3-1 defeat at the hands of rivals Arsenal on Sunday was bad enough.
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      Then it was compounded by a public ding dong between boss Erik ten Hag and £73million England man Jadon Sancho over his omission from the squad.
      Yet as it turned out, that was nothing.
      Just hours later, it got worse still as United found themselves at the centre of another domestic violence storm.
      On Monday, it emerged that Brazil winger Antony was being investigated by police in both Manchester and Sao Paulo.
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      Man Utd have not yet suspended the Brazilian forwardCredit: PA
      His former partner, Gabriela Cavallin, first made accusations against him in June — but has now published new ones in her homeland.
      She claims the 23-year-old had threatened her while she was pregnant, damaged her breast implant, cut her finger with a glass and threatened to throw her out of a speeding car.
      Meanwhile, the former Ajax star released a statement on his social media later that day strongly refuting the latest accusations.
      Antony acknowledged that the relationship had been “tumultuous” with many verbal rows — but said suggestions of physical aggression were not true.
      Despite his confidence the police investigations would reveal he was innocent, he found himself dropped by his national team for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru.
      In the following 24 hours there were growing calls from domestic violence charities for United to take action themselves.
      One of those came from Countdown presenter and long-standing Red Devils fan Rachel Riley — who had also spoken out strongly about her club’s handling of Greenwood.
      She described the alleged incidents as ‘heinous’ and called for domestic abuse experts to be involved in any decision-making at the club.
      Meanwhile, Andrea Simon, director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition told United ‘the world is watching’ how they handled the situation.
      The club finally released a statement yesterday morning and insisted they are taking the matter seriously.
      But they are waiting for the police investigations on both sides of the Atlantic to be concluded before they decide on a course of action.
      At the moment, the only evidence out there comes from Cavallin — and her version of events has been strongly rebuffed by Antony.
      Currently there is no internal probe being carried out and the feeling at United is that he is innocent until proven guilty.
      But United sources say they have learnt lessons from the criticism they got over their handling of the Greenwood case.
      They have also taken external advice from the PFA and Women’s Aid — and have pledged to co- operate fully with police enquiries.
      Greenwood was only suspended by the club following his arrest in January last year — and, as yet, Antony has not been charged with anything.
      So as things stand, the club have resisted calls to suspend the Brazil winger and — in theory at least — he will be available for selection when Ten Hag’s men return to action in nine days.
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      The hope will be that he is cleared of any wrongdoing in the meantime and be ready to face Brighton at Old Trafford.
      Yet it remains to be seen how being at the centre of such damaging allegations will affect a player who has struggled to justify his huge price-tag since he arrived in Manchester last summer. More