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    Chelsea in stitches at Liverpool’s latest transfer target as they spot bizarre coincidence after beating Reds to stars

    CHELSEA fans made light of Liverpool’s little-known latest transfer target after spotting a funny coincidence. Jurgen Klopp’s side are desperate to recruit further midfield options before the transfer deadline.
    Wataru Endo is set to sign for LiverpoolCredit: Rex
    They have already sold Fabinho and Jordan Henderson earlier this summer, while James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita all left on free transfers.
    But, after being snubbed in favour of Chelsea by Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, the Reds remain short of options.
    So Liverpool have turned their attention to Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo, according to Fabrizio Romano.
    But Chelsea fans loved how close the name sounds to Enzo Fernandez and Caicedo.
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    One said: “They couldn’t get Enzo now they are going for Endo.”
    Another added: “Caicedo + Enzo = Endo.”
    And, with the deal coming out of the Blue, one fan joked: “They couldn’t wait till tomorrow!! Cos Chelsea hijack.”
    And a second commented: “Signing some random won’t help them compete.”
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    Endo has been given permission to travel to England to complete his move, worth £15.5million.
    He has just a year remaining on his Stuttgart contract and the Bundesliga club had been eager to renew his deal.
    But Endo is keen to join Liverpool after learning of their interest.
    He joined Stuttgart, initially on loan, from Sint-Truiden in 2019.
    He had moved to European football with the Belgian side a year earlier from J-League outfit Urawa Red Diamonds.
    In addition to holding midfield, Endo can also play at centre-back.
    The 50-cap international was named in Japan’s squads for the last two World Cups.
    He featured in Stuttgart’s season opener last weekend, scoring in his side’s 4-0 DFB-Pokal win over TSG Balingen.
    Jurgen Klopp is desperate for a new midfielderCredit: Getty More

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    Man City 1 Sevilla 1 (5-4 pens): Guardiola gets first trophy of the season after Cole Palmer rescues City in Super Cup

    MANCHESTER CITY rose from the ruins in the Greek capital to lift a fourth trophy of the summer.The Champions League winners looked to be missing out on the Super Cup as a first half header from Yasser En Nasyri put Seville in front.
    Man City rose from the ruins in the Greek capital to lift a fourth trophy of the summerCredit: Getty
    Kyle Walker lifts the trophy is City get their first silverware of the seasonCredit: Getty
    But Cole Palmer pulled Pep Guardiola’s level after the break and this time they held their nerve in the shoot-out.
    Unlike in the Community Shield, City scored all five of their penalties – with Erling Haaland among those successful
    And midfielder Nemanja Gudelj blasted his kick against the bar to spark wild celebrations among those in sky blue.
    England Under 21 star Palmer is expected to leave the Etihad before the end of the transfer window.
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    But he is doing his bit to persuade Pep Guardiola to keep him as he added a second half header to the beauty he got at the Community Shield.
    City secured their first piece of silverware after seeing off Sevilla on penalties.
    And at the very least, Palmer he is giving his club a dilemma as the clubs queue up to take him for the campaign ahead.
    It had been a testing night for the Champions League winners who trailed to a super early header from Yasser En Nesyri.
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    And but for keeper Ederson, the Morocco World Cup star could have had a hat-trick.
    The game did not kick off until 10pm local time yet it was still a stifling 29 degrees in the Greek capital.
    Pep Guardiola’s squad is stretched already due to injury.
    So he will no doubt be concerned about how much it will take out of his troops ahead of Saturday night’s clash with Newcastle.
    However it was the chance to win another piece of silverware to add to the three they won in the space of three unforgettable weeks in the spring.
    City have never won this competition and as Rodri said on the eve of the game, it was an opportunity to put the club on the European map.
    Manager Guardiola has won it three times – twice with Barcelona and also with Bayern Munich.
    New £77 million signing Josko Gvardiol was given a first start with Ruben Dias left out due to concussion protocols.
    Youssef En-Nesyri opened the scoring for Sevilla
    En-Nesyri celebrates giving the Spaniards a shock opener

    Kevin de Bruyne’s place was taken by another recent arrival from Croatia, Mateo Kovacic but Phil Foden was given a chance to play in the middle.
    City began nervously as Manuel Akanji was robbed by former Tottenham man Erik Lamela but he fluffed his shot.
    A series of chances came at the other end as Bono got down well to save a low shot from Palmer.
    And the keeper was there again to block a header from Ake – although the Dutch defender should have scored.
    Gvardiol tried his luck from long range after Bono chose to punch a cross by Kyle Walker – but skied his effort over the bar.
    A Jack Grealish curler was then pushed away by the Moroccan keeper – who has an offer on the table to move to Saudi Arabia this month.
    He was clearly trying to catch the eye with some of his stops – but they had been effective and important.
    Because his team broke away and scored with their first effort on target thanks to his countryman Youssef En Nesyri.
    Cole Palmer equalised for Man City with a stunning headerCredit: Getty
    The youngster has made a flying start to the seasonCredit: Getty
    The World Cup star got in between Ake and Gvardiol to get on the end of Marcos Acuna’s delicious cross – and beat Ederson with an emphatic header.
    Loic Bade was perhaps fortunate to escape with only a yellow card as he pulled back Erling Haaland who would have been in on goal.
    And it summed up a frustrating half for City as Rodri’s header was deflected onto the roof of the net.
    Then Grealish teased over a cross which eluded everyone in the box but dropped just wide of the far post.
    City could count themselves slightly unfortunate to be behind to the Europa League specialists – but they could have been two down soon after the re-start.
    Skipper Walker flew into a challenge on Lucas Ocampos on his flank and mis-timed it – leaving Guardiola on his knees.
    The Argentine rolled over a cross for En Nesyri – whose shot was saved by the legs of Ederson when the Brazilian shouldn’t really have seen it.
    At the other end City – who lacked their usual zip in the hot weather – were finding Seville’s well organised defence tough to break down.
    Erling Haaland leads the celebrations despite a rare goalless nightCredit: Getty
    Manchester City’s Jack Grealish and Rodri celebrateCredit: PA
    But just after the hour they finally managed it as Rodri lifted a cross from the left over the head of Haaland.
    Coming in behind him was Palmer who guided his header back across Bono and into the far corner.
    His performances are giving Guardiola something to think about as his club look to replace Riyad Mahrez.
    The Algerian – clearly watching in Saudi Arabia – tweeted his appreciation of his young apprentice after the goal.
    En Nesyri could have put the Spaniards back in front straight away but Ederson raced off his line to make another super stop.
    He was one of the heroes in the Champions League final in June – and was doing his bit here too.
    But so too was Palmer who showed great feet to fashion a chance for himself before bringing a smart save out of Bono.
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    It was all City now but Seville were hanging on as Walker’s low cross was deflected just out of the reach of Foden.
    Ake then saw a downward header pushed over by the keeper in the last minute as the game drifted towards a penalty shoot-out, which City won 5-4.

    Manchester City players celebrate after winning the penalty shoot-outCredit: PA More

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    Real Madrid ready to HIJACK Saudi Arabian club in shock transfer for Man City star after losing key man to injury

    REAL MADRID could hijack Aymeric Laporte’s move to Saudi Arabia.Al-Nassr agreed a fee with Manchester City for the Spain defender, 29.
    Real Madrid could hijack Aymeric Laporte’s move to Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
    But Laporte is weighing up whether he fancies the Middle East despite all the riches on offer.
    He is also waiting to see if Madrid show any interest after losing their  Brazil star Eder Militao to a torn ACL.
    Laporte lost his place in Pep Guardiola’s team following the arrival of Swiss international Manuel Akanji last August.
    The Spain international was limited to just 12 Premier League appearances.
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    Now City have paid £77million to sign Croatia star Josko Gvardiol, pushing Laporte even further down the pecking order.
    Joining Al-Nassr would see Laporte link up with Cristiano Ronaldo and former Liverpool striker Sadio Mane.
    While the Saudi giants are also reported to be interested in signing Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson.
    The Brazilian is understood to be tempted by the move with Al-Nassr likely to offer Alisson huge wages.
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    Laporte would be the third member of the Treble winning squad to leave this summer following the departures of Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez. 
    He has two years remaining on his contract so this is perhaps the last summer City will be able to cash in on the defender for a big sum.
    He was also spotted taking photos of the Etihad after City’s last home game at the end of last season, hinting he could be on the way out of the club.
    Aymeric Laporte is linked with a move away from Manchester CityCredit: Getty More

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    Liverpool set to HIJACK Man Utd transfer for Sofyan Amrabat with deal ‘to be finalised in next few days’

    LIVERPOOL are looking to hijack Manchester United’s move for Sofyan Amrabat, Dutch reports say. Jurgen Klopp has been in search of a midfielder all summer having seen Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Naby Keita and James Milner leave.
    Liverpool are looking to hijack Manchester United’s move for Sofyan AmrabatCredit: Getty
    But he has so far been left empty handed after Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia both snubbed Anfield for Chelsea.
    Now, according to AD in the Netherlands, Liverpool are close to signing Amrabat.
    It is claimed the Premier League club are “on track to finalise the deal in the coming days.”
    That would come as a blow to Manchester United, who have long been linked with the Moroccan international.
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    Klopp had announced that a deal with Brighton to sign Caicedo was done after Brighton accepted a £111million bid.
    But the player had his heart set on Chelsea, who later came in with a Premier League record offer of £115m.
    Lightening then struck twice after Liverpool came to terms with Southampton over the signing of Lavia.
    But again, the man himself wanted Chelsea and is now close to a move after Southampton accepted a deal worth £58m.
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    Liverpool were forced to play forward Cody Gakpo in midfield during their 1-1 draw at Chelsea on Sunday.
    Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure has since emerged as an alternative signing for Klopp before the window shuts.
    But Real Madrid have no intention of selling Liverpool’s top target Aurelien Tchouameni.
    Jurgen Klopp is in the market for a midfielderCredit: Getty More

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    Meet Man Utd chief executive Richard Arnold, the man tasked with Mason Greenwood decision

    RICHARD ARNOLD will have the final say over whether Mason Greenwood plays for Manchester United again.Greenwood, 21, has not played for the Red Devils since being arrested in January 2022.
    Richard Arnold has been Man United’s CEO since February 2022Credit: AFP
    Mason Greenwood has not played for Man United since January 2022Credit: Getty
    The forward was subsequently charged with attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
    All charges were dropped in February this year, after which United launched their own internal investigation.
    As part of a lengthy statement released today, the Red Devils confirmed: “The fact-finding phase of our investigation is now complete, and we are in the final stages of making a decision on Mason’s future.
    “Contrary to media speculation, that decision has not yet been made and is currently the subject of intensive internal deliberation. Responsibility ultimately rests with the Chief Executive Officer.
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    “Once made, the decision will be communicated and explained to the club’s internal and external stakeholders.”
    It is claimed that Arnold had been planning to release a video explaining the decision to bring Greenwood back into the fold, prior to United’s own statement.
    The club was reportedly aiming to release the video message to staff and fans on August 4 announcing the striker’s return.
    This was mysteriously scrapped, however, with Greenwood’s United future still in the balance.
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    Arnold, 52, has been United’s CEO since succeeding Ed Woodward in February, 2022.
    He attended the King’s School in Chester, before going on to study at the University of Bristol.
    Following his studies he went on to work in a senior management role for PricewaterhouseCoopers in 1993.
    He then joined Global Crossing Europe six years later.
    Arnold entered the football world when he joined Man United in 2007, initially being appointed a group commercial director.
    He gradually worked his way up the administrative chain at Old Trafford, eventually landing a seat on the board.
    Before succeeding Woodward, who he first met during his university days, Arnold oversaw sponsorship contracts.
    Since taking on the CEO gig at United, Arnold has appointed manager Erik ten Hag.
    During this period, the Red Devils secured Champions League qualification last season, in addition to winning the League Cup.
    Following the disastrous 2021-22 campaign, Arnold was filmed branding United’s season a “f***ing nightmare” in a Cheshire pub.
    After catching wind of a plot by a group of supporters to protest outside his house, Arnold met with 12 fans at the Boot Inn pub in Willington, Cheshire – pulling no punches when it came to Woodward’s reign as CEO.
    He said: “We’ve f***ing burned through cash. We spent a billion pounds on players, we spent more than anyone in Europe.
    “I am not thrilled with where we are, it doesn’t sit easy and we’ve got to get this sorted.
    “You can’t go to our training ground and go ‘show me where that billion pounds is here’.
    “I don’t think we’ve done well with the money we’ve spent historically. We’ve blown through an enormous amount of money.
    “Last year was a f***ing nightmare. I was hating every minute of it.”
    Arnold was claimed to have confirmed at the meeting that United were trying to sign Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona, a deal that did not go on to be completed.
    The Red Devils signed Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro and Antony during Arnold’s first transfer window as CEO.
    They went on to release Cristiano Ronaldo in November last year, before signing Wout Weghorst and Marcel Sabitzer on loan in January.
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    United have spent around £160m so far this summer on Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount and Andre Onana.
    Ten Hag’s side won their Premier League season opener 1-0 against Wolves on Monday night.
    Arnold met disgruntled fans in a Cheshire pub last summer
    Arnold succeeded Ed Woodward as United CEOCredit: PA
    The 52-year-old has been at United in varyinhg capacities since 2007Credit: PA More

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    How SEVEN Premier League teams could qualify for Champions League this season thanks to new rules

    AS many as SEVEN Premier League sides could compete in next season’s Champions League after new rule changes were set out by Uefa.That’s because next season the Champions League format is changing from its current 32 team system to one that will include 36 teams.
    The Premier League will be granted at least one additional Champions League qualification place if an English club wins the Champions League this seasonCredit: Getty
    If you were in need of a reminder of the current system, the competition begins with a group stage consisting of four teams split into eight groups.
    The top two teams from each group qualify for a round of 16 with the number of teams halved with each round until a winner is found in the final.
    But next year will see the Champions League move to a ‘Swiss model’ which will see 36 teams play in one league – attempting to then qualify for the knockout rounds.
    Each team will play four additional games for a total of five home ties and five away ties – although unlike a traditional league system, not everyone will play each other.
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    The top eight teams will advance to the round of 16, with teams placed between ninth and 24th entering a play-off round to meet them.
    The new model will allow four additional teams to enter the tournament – which will be decided by how well each country’s teams compete in the previous year’s tournament.
    How will the additional four places be awarded?

    One place will go to the club ranked third in the championship of the association in fifth position in the UEFA national association ranking
    One place will be awarded to a domestic champion by extending from four to five the number of clubs qualifying via the so-called ‘Champions Path’
    The final two places will go to the associations with the best collective performance by their clubs in the previous season (total number of points obtained divided by the number of participating clubs)

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    The bullet point Premier League clubs will be most interested in is the final one – as it rewards a league for how far its clubs got in the previous year of the competition.
    So for example with last year’s tournaments being dominated by sides from England and Italy, both leagues would have had an additional spot in the Champions League – meaning Liverpool and Atalanta – both fifth in their respective leagues – would have entered the competition.
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    Manchester City won the Champions League against Inter Milan, while West Ham beat Fiorentina to claim the Europa Conference League.
    For this to happen in the 2024/25 campaign, this year’s English clubs would have to provide one of the top two performances across the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League.
    Given English performances in Europe in recent years it is likely that this season will see fifth place finish in the Champions League next season.
    But seven participants entering the tournament next season is highly unlikely.
    An English club would have to place in the top two of the Champions League, Conference League and Europa League.
    And the English clubs would also have to win the Champions League and Europa League to therefore qualify for next year’s competition.
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    But, they would also both have to finish outside of the Premier League’s top five – which given the quality of team needed to win both competitions seems unlikely to happen.
    But there is at least, in theory, a chance that as many as seven Premier League teams will compete in a revamped ‘Swiss model’ Champions League – if a particularly weird season was to unfold. More

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    Liverpool ‘step up Ryan Gravenberch transfer pursuit but Bayern star prefers Ten Hag reunion at Man Utd’

    LIVERPOOL are reportedly chasing Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch.But the ex-Ajax player is believed to prefer linking up with ex-boss Erik ten Hag over at Old Trafford, according to Foot Mercato.
    Liverpool and Manchester are keen to sign Bayern Munich’s Ryan GravenberchCredit: Getty
    According to Santi Aouna, Jurgen Klopp is keen to sign the Dutch midfielder after he had a difficult debut season in the Bundesliga.
    He tweeted: “Liverpool have reactivated their pursuit of Ryan Gravenberch this week.
    “The player is open to a move to England.
    “Talks ongoing with his entourage.
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    “The Bayern midfielder is still on Manchester United’s list, although no offer has yet been made.”
    After completing a £16m move from Ajax last summer, Gravenberch, 21, scored only once in 33 appearances across all competitions.
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    However, he was limited to just three league starts as he failed to establish himself under both Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel.
    The Dutch international is now ready to depart the Allianz Arena and make a move to England but it may not be to Anfield.
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    Prior to completing a £16million move to Bayern last summer, Gravenberch played under Ten Hag at Ajax from 2018-2022.
    He made 72 appearances and scored seven goals during his spell for ten Hag’s team.
    Meanwhile, Klopp is desperate for a new defensive midfielder after Sunday’s 1-1- draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
    After losing seven numbers of last season’s squad the Reds have only recruited Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
    Now missing out on Moses Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Mauricio Potchettino Liverpool is on the hunt to fill in the gaps left by Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.
    However, no offers have been made yet from either Premier League side. More

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    Chelsea star Lewis Hall’s loan transfer to Crystal Palace at risk of being hijacked by Premier League rivals

    CRYSTAL PALACE’S move to sign Chelsea’s Lewis Hall is at risk as Premier League rivals Newcastle are making their move.According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano Newcastle are eager to bring Hall to St James’ Park.
    Newcastle are now looking to make a move on Chelsea’s Lewis HallCredit: Getty
    He confirmed in a tweet: “Newcastle are keen on signing Lewis Hall from Chelsea as new fullback — as Crystal Palace deal is in stand-by.
    “Hall signed new six year deal at Chelsea but could leave on loan. Not easy to find way due to FFP but Newcastle interest is genuine.”
    The 18-year-old has signed a new six-year deal at Chelsea with the option for a further year, after a remarkable first 12 senior appearances at Stamford Bridge.
    Hall was then set to make a move to Selhurst Park to make his debut for the Eagles on Saturday away at Sheffield United.
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    But Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is keen to make a move on the midfielder even with the Financial Fair Play rules in his way.
    Howe has revealed the club needs to be “creative” with their dealings for new signings to avoid any sanctions, according to the Daily Mail.
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    Howe said: “It means we can’t just go out and slap money on the table and buy a player.
    “We don’t have the resources to do that at the moment with FFP restrictions.
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    “It’s about trying to find a different way rather than paying money in the here and now.”
    The Magpies must avoid big spending this summer and Hall is a viable option as the club are on the hunt for a centre-back.
    Hall has been at Chelsea since he was eight years old and made his debut for the club at just 17 under former manager Thomas Tuchel in early 2022.
    But even though Hall may have been born in Slough, his brother Conor Hall has expressed the family’s love for Newcastle.
    He said: “My gran is a Sunderland supporter, and my grandfather is a Newcastle supporter.
    “So when my dad was born, he had the choice and he picked Newcastle.
    “It’s kind of followed down to me and my little brother Lewis.”
    This could mean Hall’s emotional link to Newcastle could lead the youngster to make his way to St James’ Park. More