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    Chelsea and Benfica chiefs almost got into ‘physical confrontation’ during tense £107m Enzo Fernandez negotiations

    CHELSEA and Benfica chiefs were reportedly close to a “physical confrontation” during tense negotiations for Enzo Fernandez.The Argentina World Cup winner joined the Blues in a record £107million deadline day move.
    Enzo Fernandez talks almost caused a ‘physical confrontation’ between Chelsea and BenficaCredit: Getty
    And he could make his debut in tonight’s league derby against Fulham at Stamford Bridge.
    But it was tough going for Todd Boehly’s men as they endured relentless hours of talks with their Benfica counterparts.
    The deal even looked to be off on one or two occasions as the parties struggled to agree on the structure of payments.
    And Portuguese outlet Record says Chelsea and Benfica chiefs almost got into a “physical confrontation” as a result.
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    Chelsea deny the report.
    It’s also reckoned Benfica wanted Mateo Kovacic included as part of the deal before accepting they couldn’t meet his £5m-a-year salary.
    And the report adds a frustrated Fernandez threatened to post a video criticising Benfica’s management team unless Chelsea’s offer was accepted.
    Benfica president Rui Costa certainly hasn’t held back from expressing his disdain over the manner of Fernandez’s exit.
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    He claims Fernandez’s attitude made it impossible for the midfielder to play again for Benfica, with the prospect of a cheaper summer deal dismissed by the player and Chelsea.
    Costa declared: “I’m sad to have lost the player but I have a clear conscience that I’ve done the best for Benfica. Enzo showed no desire to stay at Benfica.
    “From the moment Enzo realised he had the value of the clause, it was uncompromising.
    “We insisted but the player did not show openness to continue at Benfica.
    “I proposed to Chelsea that he stay until the summer for a lower sale value.
    “The player, even so, did not want to continue at Benfica. And this is where everything changed.
    “A player who, even with the possibility of not losing a euro and with a secure Chelsea contract, does not want to continue, could never stay at Benfica.
    “This player could no longer enter the locker room.” More

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    Nottingham Forest vs Leeds LIVE: Latest updates, score and team news for Premier League game

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST host Leeds in a throwback Premier League clash at the City Ground. Both sides are looking to avoid a relegation battle but Leeds are three points behind Forest and will be hoping to pull themselves out of the rubble.

    Start time: 2pm – Sunday, Feb 5
    TV/Live stream: Sky Sports Premier League
    Forest XI: To follow
    Leeds XI: To follow

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    Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag breaks silence on Mason Greenwood’s attempted rape & assault charges being dropped

    MANCHESTER United boss Erik ten Hag has broken his silence about Mason Greenwood. The Red Devils’ gaffer said he has “nothing” to add after the striker, 21, was cleared of all charges, adding: “I can’t say anything about it.”
    Erik ten Hag has broken his silenceCredit: Reuters
    Mason Greenwood had all charges droppedCredit: Reuters
    He also refused to say whether he had spoken with or met Greenwood, or if he would be part of the club’s own probe into the situation.
    Ten Hag told a press conference: “As I said, in this moment, I can’t give comment about the process.
    “I can’t say anything about it, I refer to the statement of the club and at this moment I can’t add anything.”
    And asked if yesterday’s news affected the squad ahead of its match tomorrow, he said: “We have always to focus on the game. That’s our job. That’s why we are here.”
    Greenwood had all charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control against him dropped yesterday.
    Greenwood said he was “relieved” yesterday after all criminal charges against him — including attempted rape — were dropped by prosecutors.
    The Man United star was informed that the Crown Prosecution Service had also withdrawn charges of actual bodily harm and coercive or controlling behaviour.
    The move came after 12 witnesses — including the woman at the centre of the allegations — refused to co-operate.
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    Striker Greenwood, 21, said: “I am relieved that this matter is over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support.”
    But United bosses announced the club is now conducting its own probe into his behaviour surrounding the claims — which surfaced online in January 2022.
    Greenwood — who the club suspended following his arrest — will be unable to train or play for the Red Devils for the duration of the season.
    A spokesman said: “The club will now conduct its own process before determining next steps.
    “We will not make any further comment until that process is complete.”
    Last night dozens of United fans urged the club to get rid of Greenwood — who is on a £75,000-a-week contract. 
    Others said they should stick by him as he had not been convicted of any crime.
    He was arrested in January 2022 after harrowing images were posted on social media, along with video and audio footage, suggesting he had been physically abusive towards a woman.
    He was charged last October and had been due to stand trial this November.
    The charges came despite the alleged victim telling cops in April 2022 she no longer wanted him prosecuted and would not give evidence  in court.

    Police continued the case as they regarded her as a “vulnerable victim”.
    Last Friday The Sun told the CPS that we understood it was struggling to build a case.
    It confirmed our information at 2pm yesterday, when the end of proceedings was announced.
    A CPS spokesman said: “A combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.
    “We have explained our decision to all parties.
    “We would always encourage any potential victims to come forward and report to police and we will prosecute wherever our legal test is met.”
    Greenwood has made 129 United appearances, scoring 35 goals and has one England cap.
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    He last played on January 22 last year against West Ham.
    Prior to his arrest, he was valued at around £50million and regarded as one of European football’s hottest young talents. More

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    Aston Villa vs Leicester LIVE: Score, latest updates, team news for Premier League game

    ASTON VILLA host Leicester this weekend in the Premier League in what should be an entertaining clash. Unai Emery’s side haven’t lost in the league since Boxing Day but the Foxes are yet to win a league game in 2023.

    Start time: 3pm – Saturday, Feb 4
    TV/Live stream: Not televised in UK
    Villa XI: To follow
    Leicester XI: To follow

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    Brentford vs Southampton LIVE: Score, team news and latest updates for Premier League clash

    SOUTHAMPTON travel to the capital for a crucial Premier League clash against Brentford this weekend. The Saints will be looking to pull themselves out of the relegation spots but will find tough against a tricky Bees side.

    Start time: 3pm – Saturday, Feb 4
    TV/Live stream: Not televised in UK
    Brentford XI: To follow
    Southampton XI: To follow

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    Mikel Arteta breaks silence over Moises Caicedo failed transfer from Brighton on deadline day before Jorginho deal

    MIKEL ARTETA has broken his silence over Moises Caicedo’s failed transfer from Brighton to Arsenal. The Premier League leaders tirelessly chased the Ecuadorian throughout the winter window and had a bid of up to £70million rejected.
    Moises Caicedo stayed at Brighton after transfer interest from ArsenalCredit: Instagram @officialbhafc
    Mikel Arteta broke his silence over Moises Caicedo’s failed transferCredit: Getty
    Following the injury of Mohamed Elneny, 30, Arsenal were forced into signing an extra midfielder.
    And after Brighton held firm on keeping Caicedo, Arteta turned to Jorginho in a shock £12m move from Chelsea.
    He said: “We knew that in this market you have to adapt and be flexible and ready for inconvenience.
    “We had a big one with Mo and we needed a player in that position. (Jorginho’s) a great character who’ll bring leadership and quality in that position.”
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    Elneny is expected to face the rest of the season on the sidelines while Thomas Partey, 29, is a doubt going into the game with Everton tomorrow.
    Asked if Partey will play, Arteta responded: “Let’s see. That one is still a doubt.
    “Let’s see how he comes in and if he’s able to train or not. He’s not ruled out and it’s not significant but hopefully, he’ll be fine.”
    Jorginho, 31, was a surprise signing for Arsenal, ending the Italian’s four-and-a-half years in West London.
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    He said: “He was a big influence because I know that he tried a few times to get me before and it didn’t happen due to other reasons, not because of my wishes.
    “So of course, he had a big influence. I’m very excited for this new challenge, and I just can’t wait to be on the pitch to be honest!

    “Everything has happened so fast. I was a bit surprised, but I took the opportunity of this amazing challenge.
    “It’s an important shirt. It’s an amazing club, a big one, and I’m really excited and happy to be here.”
    Arsenal unveiling new signing JorginhoCredit: Getty More

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    Brighton vs Bournemouth LIVE: Latest updates, score and team news for Premier League match

    BRIGHTON are up against south coast rivals Bournemouth at the Amex in their next Premier League match. The Seagulls are flying high this season and are bang in form under Roberto Di Zerbi, but Bournemouth are looking to stay out of a relegation dog fight.

    Start time: 3pm – Saturday, Feb 4
    TV/Live stream: Not televised in UK
    Brighton XI: To follow
    Bournemouth XI: To follow

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    Newcastle vs West Ham LIVE: Score, latest updates, team news for Premier League match-up

    NEWCASTLE host West Ham in the Premier League and they’ll be looking to keep up their unbeaten run. The Hammers, however, are hoping to lift themselves out of the relegation zone, but they face a tough task at St James’ Park.

    Start time: 5.30pm – Saturday, Feb 4
    TV/Live stream: Sky Sports Premier League
    Newcastle XI: To follow
    West Ham XI: To follow

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