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      Man City tracking 17-year-old Turkish wonderkid Arda Guler over summer transfer after impressing at Fenerbahce

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      MANCHESTER CITY are reportedly keeping tabs on Turkish wonderkid Arda Guler. A summer transfer move could be in the offing for the impressive 17-year-old who has caught the eye after breaking into Fenerbahce’s first team.
      Guler is attracting admirers from across Europe with his performancesCredit: Getty
      Pep Guardiola kept his cards close to his chest in the January window with only Argentine midfielder Maximo Perrone entering the club.
      But Turkish sports newspaper Fanatik report the club are already weighing up a summer move for Guler.
      They claim he has impressed scouts with his recent performances and is seen as having “superstar potential”.
      The silky midfielder plays with a confidence beyond his years and has demonstrated fantastic footwork during his first-team appearances for Fenerbahce.
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      The scouts are also believed to have been impressed with his quick decision-making and ability to read the game.
      But they added that he could improve on his physicality and tempo.
      The report claims Man City are ready to swoop for the young star at the end of the season.
      But PSG have also been linked to Guler and could pounce themselves.
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      The teenager has made eight league appearances for Fenerbahce this season and contributed two goals.
      He plays at the Turkish club alongside World Cup star Enner Valencia, former Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi and ex-Bournemouth frontman Joshua King.
      The club currently trail Galatasaray by six points in the Turkish Super Lig title race. More

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      How Chelsea could line up at Fulham with Graham Potter planning HUGE overhaul with Enzo Fernandez and Mudryk starting

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      GRAHAM POTTER is ready to unleash a host of new signings as Chelsea look for revenge against Fulham tonight.The Blues are still reeling from last month’s 2-1 derby defeat at Craven Cottage.
      Enzo Fernandez could be thrust straight into Chelsea’s starting XI against FulhamCredit: Getty
      Mykhailo Mudryk is also hoping for a full debut after coming off the bench against LiverpoolCredit: PA
      But Chelsea are set to line up with a bold new look in the return game at Stamford Bridge.
      As many as four of Potter’s eight new signings look set to slot straight into the starting XI.
      New £107million record signing Enzo Fernandez looks set to start as Chelsea rush to register him before today’s 4pm deadline.
      N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Denis Zakaria are out injured, while Jorginho was sold to league leaders Arsenal on deadline day.
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      And Fernandez may have to dictate the midfield tempo immediately.
      Conor Gallagher could line up next to the Argentina World Cup winner.
      But Ruben Loftus-Cheek is also in with a shout after returning from an injury.
      Meanwhile, Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke could get the nod on the flanks as Potter looks for a greater threat from out wide.
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      Chelsea could include four new signings in their starting XI tonight
      Hakim Ziyech could yet end up starting on the right despite seeing a late move to Paris Saint-Germain collapse.
      However, Raheem Sterling is only likely to be on the bench following his own injury woes.
      Up top, Kai Havertz should beat Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to the striker’s spot, with Mason Mount operating as a No10.

      And in defence, Benoit Badiashile is almost certain to partner evergreen Thiago Silva after keeping clean sheets in the last two matches.
      Kalidou Koulibaly is available if Potter prefers more experience though.
      And Cesar Azpilicueta could yet come in at right-back as he looks to usurp Trevoh Chalobah.
      The Blues have plenty of options, and still have other stars out injured or suspended
      Reece James is also available after recovering from his injury setback, but Potter confirmed yesterday the England star does not have 90 minutes in his legs yet.
      The same applies to Ben Chilwell, with Marc Cucurella or Lewis Hall ready to start at left-back instead.
      And Potter is also ready to keep Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal despite Edouard Mendy’s availability, with young American Gabriel Slonina also in town.
      As for Chelsea’s other new faces, David Datro Fofana will be hoping to secure a spot on the bench.
      But Joao Felix is still suspended after being sent off in the Craven Cottage defeat.
      Lyon right-back Malo Gusto doesn’t join until the summer.
      And Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos is still awaiting a work permit as he plays at the South American U20 Championships.
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      Potter has a few more youth options up his sleeve though, with Carney Chukwuemeka and Omari Hutchinson featuring before January’s splurge.
      But although there could soon be a return for centre-back Wesley Fofana, striker Armando Broja will miss the rest of the campaign with a cruciate ligament rupture. More

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      Newcastle join Jude Bellingham transfer race along with Real Madrid as Eddie Howe targets shock deal for Dortmund star

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      NEWCASTLE have joined Real Madrid in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund and England wonderkid Jude Bellingham, according to reports.Bellingham, 19, is one of the most in-demand teenagers in world football.
      Newcastle have joined Real Madrid and Co in the race to sign Jude BellinghamCredit: Getty
      His performances at the World Cup last November-December reaffirmed himself on the transfer wish list of some of Europe’s top clubs.
      Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City have all been linked with the ex-Birmingham ace.
      On mainland Europe, Real Madrid hold a heavy interest in signing the midfielder.
      However, Real and Co have been joined by Newcastle in the race to sign Bellingham, according to SportBild.
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      The Magpies are flying high in the Premier League, sat third after 20 games played.
      Eddie Howe’s men are on course to secure European football of some kind for next season, with a Champions League finish on the cards.
      Newcastle also have a Carabao Cup final to look forward to at the end of the month, where they will place Man Utd.
      Dortmund intend to achieve a club record sale for Bellingham in the summer.
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      The German giants rate Bellingham at around £125million, which Newcastle may be able to pay due to their newly mega-rich status following the Saudi takeover.
      Bellingham is continuing his World Cup form back at club Dortmund.
      The midfield dynamo has ten goals across all competitions this season.
      He is also being trusted to captain the team at times. More

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      Gary Neville’s apology in full after liking tweet about Mason Greenwood as Manchester Utd striker has charges dropped

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      GARY Neville has said he was “clumsy” for liking a tweet about Mason Greenwood after the striker’s charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control were dropped. The football pundit, 47, insisted it is being misinterpreted, adding: “I obviously condemn any violence against women.”
      Gary Neville said he was ‘clumsy’ for liking a tweet about GreenwoodCredit: PA
      Mason Greenwood had all charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control dropped on ThursdayCredit: AFP
      He caused a storm last night for liking a tweet by former CPS director of public prosecutions Nazir Afzal, which said Greenwood was “an innocent man, that’s all we need to know”.
      The tweet insisted “you are innocent till PROVEN guilty”, adding: “We don’t have trial by media. We don’t have evidence that any witnesses were lying.
      “We don’t do ‘victim or complainant blaming’.”
      But Neville had to back-track last night, writing: “I liked a tweet relating to the Mason Greenwood news this afternoon from Nazir Afzal. (the former director of public prosecutions).
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      “This like is being misinterpreted. It was a clumsy like as I obviously condemn any violence against women.”
      He also removed his likes from any tweet to do with Greenwood.
      It came after striker Mason Greenwood, 21, had all charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control dropped on Thursday.
      But angry Man Utd fans said the club should boot him out.
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      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.
      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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      Arsenal transfer target Moises Caicedo’s agent slams Brighton for not allowing midfielder to seal Gunners move

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      ARSENAL transfer target Moises Caicedo’s agent has slammed Brighton for not allowing the player to seal a January move to the Emirates.Caicedo, 21, attempted to force a late move away from the Seagulls last month.
      Moises Caicedo’s agent has opened up on the failed attempt to leave BrightonCredit: PA
      The midfielder took to social media to publicly plead with the club to allow him to seal a dream move to Arsenal, who tabled a number of bids, with the highest being £70million.
      Chelsea were also keen on Caicedo with manager Graham Potter having previously signed and managed the player at Brighton before taking the role at Stamford Bridge.
      Caicedo’s agent, Manuel Sierra, has slammed Brighton for denying is client a dream move.
      In an interview with Marca90, translated by Ole, Sierra said: “The offers were received, you see what is on the table and Moises says that he wants to go forward, that it is the dream of his whole life, that it is an opportunity that may not be repeated in life… and we helped draft the statement.
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      “In that statement, he expresses his wish and his gratitude to the club because they gave him the chance to fulfil his dream of playing in the Premier League.
      “We don’t know what can happen tomorrow, maybe he trains and gets injured.
      “We can’t know what’s going to happen.”
      Sierra has also claimed that Brighton were aware that Caicedo would make a public statement.
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      Sierra added: “Moises asked the club for permission to publish the statement, he is the one who does not train and he does not go to the game (vs Liverpool) because they decide to give him the weekend off.
      “Brighton did not separate him.
      “They understand the situation and they love him very much.
      “It was a consensual agreement.”
      The wantaway star is back in training for Brighton.
      Brighton have the chance to achieve European football for the first time in their history this summer.
      Should Caicedo help them, then the next window could bring the ideal situation for everyone.
      The Ecuador international would have the pick of the best clubs in Europe and the Seagulls would be able to command a huge fee, as they often do. More

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      Man Utd activated ’emergency protocol’ to seal Marcel Sabitzer loan transfer after being offered ten midfielders

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      MANCHESTER UNITED were reportedly forced to activate an “emergency protocol” to sign Marcel Sabitzer.That’s after Erik ten Hag was offered TEN midfielders on transfer deadline day.
      Man Utd activated an ’emergency protocol’ to sign Marcel Sabitzer from Bayern MunichCredit: Getty
      United pounced late in the window to wrap up a loan deal for Bayern Munich star Sabitzer.
      The Red Devils announced earlier in the day that Christian Eriksen was out injured for around three months.
      And ESPN claims it was all hands to the pump as United’s top chiefs got involved in talks with Bayern.
      Football director John Murtough, his deputy Andy O’Boyle, director of data science Dominic Jordan and head of recruitment Steve Brown were all needed to get a deal over the line.
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      And the “emergency protocol” paid off as United submitted the paperwork to sign Sabitzer before the 11pm deadline.
      However, Ten Hag was first presented with his choice of 10 midfielders by United’s footy boffins.
      The players were all deemed “fit, available and worth investing in”, giving Ten Hag a headache the day before the deadline.
      But it was Sabitzer who the Dutchman eventually plumped for.
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      And Ten Hag revealed his delight at getting a loan deal completed once the transfer was confirmed.
      He said: “We’re really happy with the transfer because we need it.
      “To bring a quality player in on deadline day, that is difficult, but we got this opportunity.”
      Director Murtough added: “Marcel is a player that we have watched for a long time.
      “The opportunity arose quickly and we knew that he was someone with the ability and character to make an impact.
      “He adds further quality to our squad and experience to the dressing room, and all of us are pleased to be welcoming him to United.” More

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      Man Utd ‘had lined up Josip Juranovic for January transfer’ before Aaron Wan-Bissaka forced way back into team

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      THE fate of Manchester United’s right-back spot could have been in very different hands, with United reportedly agreeing a deal to sign Josip Juranovic. The Union Berlin star left Celtic during the January transfer window after an impressive opening half to the campaign.
      Josip Juranovic had been lined up for a Man Utd transferCredit: Getty
      But Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s strong form saw him keep his United career aliveCredit: Alamy
      Consequently, the Croatia international was on the radar of a number of big clubs.
      Man Utd’s urgent need for a right-back at the time, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka expected to leave in January, put them down this path.
      Fabrizio Romano has reported the Red Devils had a “right-back in their hands” in the form of Juranovic, with the 28-year-old “top of the list for back-up right-back”.
      However, Wan-Bissaka’s strong post-World Cup form in the absence of Diogo Dalot saw United hold fire on the deal.
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      Erik ten Hag ultimately kept faith with the Englishman to serve as Dalot’s understudy for the rest of the season.
      Barring one glaring mishap against Arsenal – which also partly lies at David De Gea’s feet – the 25-year-old has proven he has a future at Old Trafford.
      Juranovic eventually sealed a £10million transfer to the Bundesliga on January 22.
      He then made an instant impact for his new club, registering two assists in as many games – in a similar vein to Joao Cancelo, who surprisingly moved to Bayern Munich on loan.
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      Man Utd did end up signing one star late on however, in the form of Bayern’s Marcel Sabitzer.
      The Austrian midfielder was brought in on loan as a direct replacement for Christian Eriksen, who was revealed to have sustained an injury until late April or early May.
      Despite this, United confirmed a spot at Wembley as they beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 [5-0 agg], with the added boost of Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial returning, in the Carabao Cup.
      Next up, a Saturday kick-off against Crystal Palace beckons. More

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      Chelsea vs Fulham: Blues look to put January mega-money signings to use against noisy neighbours – stream, TV, odds

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      CHELSEA have not been shy in splashing the cash since Todd Boehly replaced Roman Abramovich as owner.But now, Graham Potter has his work cut out inspiring a charge up the Premier League table – starting on Friday night against noisy neighbours Fulham.
      British record signing Enzo Fernandez could feature in Chelsea’s West London derby clash against Fulham on Friday nightCredit: Getty
      Graham Potter has a job on his hands leading Chelsea to Europe with the struggling giants tenth in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      The Blues are currently languishing in TENTH in the standings, 21 points adrift of league leaders Arsenal and ten points off the top four.
      Chelsea spent a staggering £259.1million in the summer before shelling out a further £329.9m in January – including the British record £106m move for Enzo Fernandez from Benfica.
      Potter was unable to offload Hakim Ziyech, with plenty more deadwood likely to be shifted come the summer.
      Now Potter will have to work some magic to work out his best XI and how to keep all of his big-name stars happy despite a logjam in the burgeoning squad.
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      For Chelsea, the second half of the season starts now and it absolutely must be an improvement on the shocking first few months.
      Unfortunately for them, they come up against West London rivals Fulham – who beat them 2-1 just three weeks ago.
      For so long, the Cottagers have been hidden in their shadow, but now they sit ABOVE Chelsea in the standings after their promotion last summer.. and deservedly so.
      Fulham sit in seventh, but are only two points above their neighbours.. and the Blues have a game in hand.
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      So for Chelsea, there is lots more than local bragging rights to play for.
      But can Potter get his hands on a crucial three points?
      What is their form like?
      Chelsea: With just one win from six games in 2023, it’s fair to say their form has been abysmal.
      They edged past Crystal Palace 1-0, drew to Liverpool and Nottingham Forest and lost to Man City twice – including the 4-0 FA Cup mauling – and Fulham.
      Fulham: A strong start to the new year saw them beat Leicester, Hull and Chelsea.
      But since then, they’re winless – losing to Newcastle and Tottenham in the league, while drawing with Sunderland most-recently in the cup.
      Chelsea’s top scorer is Havertz with just five goals
      Fulham are enjoying a fantastic season
      What is the team news?
      Potter is dealing with an injury crisis and is set to continue without N’Golo Kante, Denis Zakaria, Christian Pulisic, Edouard Mendy and Armando Broja.
      Trevoh Chalobah is a doubt and Joao Felix is still serving a three-match ban.
      Raheem Sterling and Wesley Fofana returned to first team training but they have both been predicted miss out on the Fulham fixture.
      However, English duo Reece James and Ben Chilwell are reportedly ready to be included in the matchday squad.
      British record transfer Enzo Fernandez could be thrown in at the deep end if his registration paperwork is completed in time.
      And Mykhailo Mudryk could be given his full debut after an impressive 20-minute cameo off the bench against Liverpool having avoided an FA ban after a video of himself using a racial slur came to light.
      Elsewhere, Marco Silva has no added injury concerns but the Fulham boss will be hoping Neeskens Kebano can recover from his Achilles tendon injury.
      New signings Sasa Lukic and Cedric Soares could be involved.
      Star men
      Chelsea: Despite missing so much time with injury, the return of Reece James could prove huge for the Blues.
      Adept at right-wing-back or on the right of a central three, the England man – who missed the World Cup – is so important to everything the club do in defence and attack.
      So while all eyes might be on the new mega-money signings, don’t forget about James.

      Fulham: Willian famously turned out for Chelsea between 2013 and 2020.
      Since then, he’s played for Arsenal and now Fulham in London alone – with a short stint at Corinthians in between.
      The 70-cap Brazil international has been superb for the Cottagers this term and could be their key figure back at Stamford Bridge.
      What have the managers said?
      Graham Potter: “It’s an exciting test for me of course and for the staff and everybody but it’s an exciting one. We’ve got a lot of really good players.
      ‘We’ve got Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Raheem Sterling and Ruben Loftus-Cheek back in the squad. They’re not ready for 90 minutes but certainly in the squad.
      ‘Wesley Fofana’s been training partly with the team and he’ll be stepping that up next week.
      “And then we’re still without Denis Zakaria, Christian Pulisic, Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante and Armando Broja.”
      Marco Silva: “I know everyone is talking about Chelsea because it was a big amount of money in January but it is not the first time.
      “If it is too much money or not, it is not for me to talk about it… lucky them they have all this power to sign new players.
      “There were two positions we wanted to strengthen in our squad, the right-back position and we wanted to create more competition in our midfield as well, to give us different solutions.
      “It was a busy last day for us as a football club, I know you like it, but we don’t like it so much as a football club.
      “Cedric knows the football club and has played in the Premier League already and has a lot of knowledge that will help us for sure.
      “Lukic is another mature player as well in a good age, another quality player who will give something different for us and create competition. I think both of them will raise the level of our team.”
      What are the odds?
      Chelsea – 11/20
      Draw – 3/1
      Fulham – 9/2
      *Odds courtesy of Betfair are correct at time of publication
      When is Chelsea vs Fulham?
      Chelsea’s London derby with Fulham will take place TONIGHT, February 3.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 8pm UK time.
      Stamford Bridge is the allocated venue for this huge match and it can host approximately 41,837 fans.
      Fulham ran out 2-1 winners when the sides last met in January.
      What TV channel is Chelsea vs Fulham on and can it be live streamed?
      Chelsea vs Fulham will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.
      Coverage is expected to commence from 7pm on both channels – a whole hour before kick-off.
      Subscription members of NOW TV and head to the website to stream the entire action.
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      Alternatively, read SunSport’s live blog for minute-by-minute coverage of the match.
      SunSport prediction
      Chelsea 1 Fulham 1 More