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      Arsenal set to make second Dusan Vlahovic transfer raid this summer but Man Utd also want Juventus striker

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      ARSENAL are “very likely” to make a second attempt to sign Dusan Vlahovic, according to reports.But the Gunners could have competition from Manchester United for the striker.
      Dusan Vlahovic could be on his way out of Juventus to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      Arsenal tried to land Vlahovic from Fiorentina in January 2022 but missed out on the transfer when the Serbian decided to join Juventus instead in a £66million deal.
      However, things have not gone to plan for the forward, who is said to want out.
      His 16 goals in 38 games is not a bad return but Juventus are in disarray after crashing out of the Champions League and being slapped with a 15-point Serie A deduction for their illegal transfer activity.
      Now Juve News report Arsenal may try and bounce on the unrest and instability at the Allianz Stadium to bring in Vlahovic.
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      Journalist Niccolo Ceccarini said: “A hot summer also seems to be on the horizon for forwards. One of them is definitely Vlahovic.
      “The Premier League is now moving at another great [level] and is potentially able to present very high offers, and Italy remains of the favourite destinations.
      “Arsenal had already tried to sign him before the transfer to Juventus.
      “The idea remained and at the end of the season, a new attempt is very likely.
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      “In England, however, they are not the only one. Manchester United has also started to move. The situation is evolving.”
      Arsenal responded to missing out on Vlahovic by spending £45m on Gabriel Jesus in the summer.

      The Brazilian settled well into life at the Emirates but required surgery on his knee which has ruled him out since the World Cup.
      That has left Eddie Nketiah as Mikel Arteta’s only senior genuine centre-forward.
      So the prospect of adding Vlahovic as another option come the summer would provide more competition to an attack likely to be playing in the Champions League come September.
      However, United also look on course to be playing at Europe’s top table next season – and are even more in need of a new No9.
      The exits of Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani have seen Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford fill in through the middle before Wout Weghort arrived on loan.
      But the Red Devils will prioritise a new striker – with 19-cap Vlahovic among the options.
      Harry Kane, World Cup hero Goncalo Ramos, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and RB Salzburg star Benjamin Sesko have all been linked as possible alternatives. More

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      Man Utd wonderkid Alejandro Garnacho dines out with family and agent as he closes in on quadruple-your-money deal

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      MANCHESTER UNITED star Alejandro Garnacho joined his agent for a bite to eat as they close in on his new QUADRUPLE-your-money contract.The 18-year-old Argentine has burst into the first-team this season under Erik ten Hag, scoring two goals and producing two assists.
      Alejandro Garnacho was dining out in Hale on Monday as he closes in on a bumper new dealCredit: Zenpix
      The star’s agent was also in attendanceCredit: Zenpix
      Garnacho’s family joined them at CIBO in HaleCredit: Zenpix
      The Argentine ace is set to quadruple his wages at Old TraffordCredit: Zenpix
      Reports emerged last month that United were planning to tie down Garnacho to a long-term deal.
      That was amid speculation that both Real Madrid and Juventus were plotting a swoop for him.
      Atletico Madrid were also keen on snapping up Garnacho but his future appears to lie at Old Trafford.
      It is believed the winger has agreed a wage of £30,000 a week – up from his current £7k weekly package.
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      The length of the deal is reportedly five-and-a-half-years – and the ace and his closest comrades looked to be in a celebratory mood on Monday.
      Garnacho was spotted out with his family and agent, Carlos Cambeiro, at the popular CIBO restaurant in Hale.
      The winger and his representative were joined by the United man’s brother, mother and father at the establishment before they departed and went their separate ways.
      It comes just days after Garnacho was told to accept being taken off just minutes after coming on as substitute against Crystal Palace.
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      The South American replaced Wout Weghorst in the 59th minute of United’s 2-1 victory over the Eagles but he lasted just half an hour before Harry Maguire was brought on in his place following midfielder Casemiro’s red card for throttling Will Hughes.
      Ten Hag said: “It’s not always nice bringing off a player who we brought on but it’s in the interests of the team and the player has to accept that.”

      Garnacho was a product of Atletico Madrid’s youth system after arriving from Getafe in 2015.
      But he made the move to United for £420,000 in 2020 and has gone from strength-to-strength this term.
      Alejandro Garnacho has burst onto the scene with the Red Devils this termCredit: AFP More

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      Newcastle ‘approach Sporting over transfer of £54m-rated Manuel Ugarte’ for dream partnership with Bruno Guimaraes

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      NEWCASTLE have reportedly approached Sporting Lisbon over the possibility of signing midfielder Manuel Ugarte in a £54million deal.The Magpies are keen to strengthen in the summer transfer window as they prepare to build on a stellar first full campaign under Eddie Howe.
      Manuel Ugarte is being tracked by NewcastleCredit: Getty
      The arrival of Brazilian Bruno Guimaraes in January of last year has transformed Newcastle’s midfield as he has quickly become the club’s most important player.
      Uruguayan Ugarte, 21, could well be his perfect partner in the middle of the park as he is more defensive-minded.
      Guimaraes has previously admitted he prefers to play further forward, but is often asked to perform a deeper role to help Howe’s team function more fluidly.
      And he could be pushed further upfield if Newcastle are able to strike a deal for Ugarte – with Record reporting they have already enquired about signing him.
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      Sporting want to keep hold of Ugarte beyond the summer and are keen to tie him down to an improved deal until 2026 or 2027.
      And they are trying to increase his release clause from £54m to £72m.

      That is proving to be a stumbling block in negotiations as Ugarte is only prepared to sign a new deal if his release clause remains the same.
      His existing contract does not expire for three more years, but failing to improve his terms could lead to a departure from Sporting this summer.
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      Ugarte has made 68 appearances for the Portuguese side, contributing one goal and two assists.
      His impressive shielding of the defence has seen him earn six caps for Uruguay.
      He went to the World Cup in Qatar, but was an unused substitute in all three of his country’s games before their group-stage exit.
      Meanwhile, Newcastle are pushing for a place in the Champions League.
      Howe’s men sit fourth in the Premier League table, one point ahead of Tottenham.
      They are also into the Carabao Cup final where they will face Man Utd at Wembley on February 26, hoping to end a 68-year wait for a major domestic trophy. More

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      Man Utd keeping transfer tabs on Yannick Carrasco with 29-year-old’s contract running down at Atletico Madrid

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are keeping tabs on Atletico Madrid star Yannick Carrasco, according to reports.The Belgian is out of contract at the end of next season.
      Manchester United are monitoring Yannick CarrascoCredit: Getty
      And Atletico are open to letting the Belgian leave, sparking interest from the Red Devils.
      But they could miss out on Carrasco as Barcelona reportedly have a £17million agreement in place to sign the winger, according to AS.
      The same report outlines United’s interest, claiming they are keeping an eye on his situation.
      Barcelona could decide not to complete Carrasco’s signing, in which case Atletico would be open to Premier League offers.
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      Tottenham are believed to be interested in the Belgian with Antonio Conte a big fan.
      While United were also offered the chance to sign him in January following the injury to Christian Eriksen.
      The club instead opted for Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer, who arrived on loan.
      Newcastle were also linked to Carrasco last summer but his price tag deterred Toon making a bid.
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      United are set for a busy summer and have reportedly listed three stars for sale – Harry Maguire, Anthony Martial and Alex Telles.
      The Red Devils could try to sign Declan Rice but David Moyes has warned it will take a British record transfer fee to let him go. More

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      Frenkie de Jong’s girlfriend hilariously trolls Man Utd fans over failed transfer ahead of Barcelona Europa League clash

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      FRENKIE DE JONG’S girlfriend had a hilarious response for Manchester United fans desperate to get an update on the Barcelona midfielder. De Jong was at the centre of a long-running transfer saga in the summer as the Red Devils desperately tried to spring him from the Nou Camp.
      Mikky Kiemeney is the glamorous girlfriend of Barca midfielder de JongCredit: Instagram / @mikkykiemeney
      But the deal could not be done and the star now faces playing United twice in the Europa League this month.
      Girlfriend of de Jong, Mikky Kiemeney, couldn’t help but have fun with United fans still pining over a potential move.
      One asked her on Instagram: “when’s Frenkie coming to Manchester?”
      Kiemeney replied by uploading a picture of Barcelona’s upcoming fixtures, pinpointing the European second-leg at Old Trafford on February 23, before a deadpan response of: “23-2 I guess.”
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      Despite the transfer speculation and a row over wages, de Jong has settled back into the Barca team and appeared in all but two league games this season.
      He is fighting to get into a talented midfield which includes young Spain stars Pedri and Gavi and veteran Sergio Busquets, who went off injured in the weekend win over Sevilla.
      Barcelona are a side fit and firing at the moment as they look to win their first league title under Xavi.
      Real Madrid’s loss at Mallorca over the weekend means the Catalan club now have an eight point lead in the La Liga race.
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      It should be a titanic Europa League tussle with a Man United side who are in devastating form of their own.
      Erik ten Hag’s team have only lost one of their last 15 games and have won 12 home matches on the bounce in all competitions.
      With de Jong not joining, United instead swooped for Christian Eriksen and Casemiro who have both boosted the club’s midfield.
      But Eriksen is set to be out until April with injury while Casemiro will be suspended for United’s next three domestic games.
      Marcel Sabitzer was also recruited on transfer deadline day and made his debut off the bench in Saturday’s win over Crystal Palace. More

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      Enzo Fernandez ‘only looking to rent in London for 12 months despite 8-year contract.. and Chelsea star has huge budget’

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      ENZO FERNANDEZ is reportedly looking to rent in London for 12 months despite signing an eight-year deal with Chelsea.The Argentina international joined the Blues in a £115million deal from Portuguese outfit Benfica.
      Enzo Fernandez is reportedly budgeting £2million for rent over the next 12 monthsCredit: Rex
      He made his debut for the club in the 0-0 draw against Fulham.
      Fernandez is now looking to sort out his living arrangements for his time at Stamford Bridge.
      However, he is only looking for a place in the capital for the next 12 months, according to the Daily Mail.
      This is a surprise as he joined the club on a long-term deal.
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      However, the report suggests he has set aside an eye-watering budget of £2m for the year’s rent.
      This means that he is prepared to make a monthly rent payment of up to £166,666.
      It is said that one of his representatives has been in contact with an estate agency to find the right property for him.
      Fernandez was a target for Chelsea following his impressive performances during the World Cup in Qatar as well as his showing for Benfica in the first half of the season.
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      He was awarded with the Golden Boy award as he helped Argentina to victory in the competition.
      The signing took Chelsea’s January spend to £320m as co-owner Todd Boehly attempts to rebuild the side for manager Graham Potter. More

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      Premier League’s most iconic moments wiped out if Man City get points ban including Gerrard slip title and no ‘Aguerooo’

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      THAT epic ‘Sergio Agueroooooo!’ moment against QPR and Mario Balotelli’s ‘Why Always Me?’ T-shirt in a 6-1 Manchester derby romp at Old Trafford.Steven Gerrard falling on his jacksie, letting in Demba Ba and allowing the title to slip.
      Sergio Aguero’s famous goal in 2012 kick-started a golden era for Manchester CityCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Mario Balotelli enjoyed a few memorable moments at Man City, but there were few more famous than his Manchester derby T-shirt from 2011Credit: Action Images – Reuters
      The 2013-14 Premier League title race between City, Liverpool and Chelsea has come to be defined by this jaw-dropping momentCredit: Sky Sports
      Pep Guardiola’s centurions ripping up the record books, while racking up 100 points and 106 goals.
      These are some of the Premier League’s most iconic moments.
      And after the charges laid against Manchester City yesterday, they could all effectively be expunged from the history books.
      It seems unlikely that City will be stripped of their titles won in 2012, 2014 and 2018 — but the threat is there.
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      And if City are found guilty, those triumphs would be tainted, condemned as the products of cheating, with asterisks alongside them in the record books.
      Forget everything you thought you knew.
      City face relegation from the top flight, massive fines and reputational Armageddon. Yesterday’s bombshell charge-sheet has vast potential repercussions for the future, the present and even the past of the Premier League.
      A commission independent of the league will now consider the allegations.
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      City, who deny wrongdoing, will defend the charges robustly and owner Sheikh Mansour has very expensive lawyers.
      Just like Roman Abramovich’s learned friends in the days when we weren’t allowed to call the former Chelsea owner a crony of Vladimir Putin.
      In 2020, City’s legal team successfully overturned a two-year Uefa ban from European club competition for Financial Fair Play breaches — many of these were deemed unproven or were timed out.
      But this Premier League probe, sparked by the work of a Portuguese hacker and a German publication, has gone on for approximately the same length of time as the First World War.
      And its upshot has stunned football’s financial wonks with the scale of its accusations.
      Manchester City have been charged with a list of alleged rule breaches by the Premier League
      When Uefa charged City, the club’s board and their fans were always able to claim they were the victims of a long-standing vendetta from European football’s governing body.
      But nobody, least of all City, believed the Premier League had the teeth or the balls for something on this scale.
      This is what is known in the game as a proper ‘F*** me, Doris’ moment.
      The league’s executive has waved through so many billionaire owners of differing repute, seemingly under a mantra of ‘Greed is Good’.
      Now to allege widespread rule-breaking from the competition’s dominant force and to invite talk of demotion and title-stripping, well, doesn’t it all sound a bit Italian, a bit Glaswegian?
      With defeat at Spurs on Sunday, it has been a dreadful 48 hours for Pep GuardiolaCredit: Getty
      In a list as long as Ederson’s arms, consisting of more than 100 alleged breaches of league rules, City are accused of shady sponsorship revenues, shadowy contracts and failing to comply with investigators.
      If they stick, City will surely be punished with crushing severity.
      Guardiola claimed he would quit if he had been lied to on these issues by club chiefs, including his close Barcelona mates Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain, when similar allegations were made by Uefa.
      A man of principle, surely he could not stand the stench if the charges are upheld?
      And what for City’s domestic rivals? With Liverpool in meltdown and City under threat of expulsion, Newcastle’s Geordie Arabia regime — who are being careful with FFP — will be rubbing their hands at the prospect of a potential title charge as soon as next season.
      Chelsea, who are flying close to a hurricane with FFP, might be more wary about balancing the books but will also sense renewed opportunity.
      Jose Mourinho’s Man United finished second to Man City in the 2017-18 seasonCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      The English old firm of United and Arsenal will be emboldened, too, if the Premier League’s dominant club is brought to its knees.
      Is this what we want, though? City have produced so many extraordinary moments.
      Guardiola’s teams, in particular, have played some of the most gorgeous football ever seen by an English club side.Would we rather it hadn’t happened?
      There is a fascinating debate to be had over whether Financial Fair Play rules are good for the sport.
      These were undoubtedly introduced because of pressure from the established elite clubs to lessen the threat of state-owned nouveau-riche outfits like City, Newcastle and Paris Saint-Germain and to maintain the old status quo.
      Does FFP compromise sporting integrity or safeguard it? It probably depends which team you support.
      Do we prefer the old predictability or a wild west for Middle Eastern money men?
      Gabriel Jesus’ goal at Southampton took Man City to a record-breaking 100 points in 2018Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      And do we want those history books to be rewritten or asterisked?
      Was Martin Tyler’s great goalgasm, when Aguero scored his famous last-gasp winner to secure City’s first Premier League crown in 2012, actually a case of faking it?
      Will Brendan Rodgers become a title-winning Liverpool manager, nine years after the apparent narrow failure of that thrilling Anfield Spring because of Gerrard’s slip?
      And will Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United legacy be reframed after the addition of the 2018 title, which history-making City had initially won by 19 clear points.
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      You can bet the old rascal will be claiming it soon.This is a fascinating development which begs a million questions.
      And for most Premier League supporters — for whom the game is a form of escapism from dull talk of finance and legalities — the most pertinent question is “What can we even believe any more?” More

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      Harry Kane has snatched Spurs’ goals record but Jimmy Greaves would be miles ahead in soft Premier League

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      NOW Harry Kane has broken Jimmy Greaves’ Spurs scoring record, the insoluble debate can begin in earnest.Fans in the rival camps are going to have heated arguments as to which one of the superstar strikers will go down in history as the more lethal in front of goal.
      Harry Kane broke Jimmy Greaves’ goalscoring record for Tottenham against Manchester CityCredit: Getty
      Greaves is considered one of England’s best ever strikersCredit: Getty
      Unfortunately there can be no definitive answer — it is the kind of conundrum that is extremely difficult to unravel.There’s a valid case to be made out for both men.
      For those who will base their evidence purely on facts and figures, Harry is the choice.
      Wearing Tottenham and England shirts, the record books show he has now hit the back of the net more times than Jimmy did.
      But the Kane advocates should bear in mind the 18th-century American statesman Henry Clay’s thought-provoking observation: “Statistics are no substitute for judgment.”
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      One thing is for certain — no single coach could have taught Kane or Greaves how to become prolific scorers.
      The pair of them were blessed with a God-given gift to be in the right place at the right time.
      It’s an uncanny instinct to be able to sniff out scoring opportunities where none seem possible.
      You have to be well over 60 to have had the good fortune and pleasure to experience watching Greaves in his prime — that gives us grandads a huge advantage over most of today’s fans.
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      Kane often hits the back of the net in spectacular fashion from long range and he can be just as effective with his head.
      He appears to have a built-in radar. A classic example of his sixth sense came recently when he scored against Crystal Palace without even bothering to look at the target before letting fly.
      Harry’s nonchalant explanation was: “I’ve been in the game long enough to know where the goalposts are.”
      But Jimmy was the ultimate predator inside the six-yard box, as quick and as deadly as a vexed viper.
      He would pounce on a half-chance, wriggle past bewildered defenders as slippery as an eel escaping a fisherman’s net and stroke the ball past keepers before they could blink.
      Kane is often seen helping out his defence. Greaves believed his own penalty area was foreign territory and he needed a visa to enter it.
      So, how can we possibly separate these two masters of goalscoring?
      For me, there is an undeniable justification why I find it easy to differentiate — I happen to believe it comes down to an accident of birth.
      Jimmy was terrifying the opposition in the middle of the 20th century, while Harry is a product of the far less terrifying 21st.In the winter months of the 50s and 60s, Greaves played on pitches that were ankle-deep mudheaps resembling ploughed fields.
      The leather footballs of his era — particularly when wet — must have seemed like a cannonball fired from Lord Nelson’s warships.
      Unprotected by refs, compared to players now, he had to put up with brutality from assassins masquerading as defenders.Kane plays on pitches as green and level as a snooker table with feather-light balls. VAR oversees everything like a mother hen.
      I’m not wishing to rain on Harry’s parade but I’m convinced if Jimmy was sprinkling his magic in the Premier League, he’d be so far ahead in the scoring stakes he’d be over the horizon.
      As a lifelong West Ham sufferer, I hope fans throughout the country can park their tribalism and admit Greaves and Kane have made an immense contribution to the game.
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      A German philosopher didn’t have football in mind when he said: “Talent hits a target no one else can hit. Genius hits a target no one else can see.” 
      A revealing sentiment applies equally to Jimmy and Harry. More