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      Tottenham hope to finally solve right-back riddle with Porro after spending £90m on flops to replace Walker & Trippier

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      SINCE Kyle Walker was sold to Manchester City in 2017, it has been more a case of wrong wing-back than right wing-back for Tottenham.Around £90million had been spent on replacements — but none have held a candle to £50m Walker.
      Pedro Porro is looking to break Spurs’ right-back hoodooCredit: Getty
      After eight years at Tottenham, Walker has gone on to have a successful career at Manchester CityCredit: Getty
      Ex-Tottenham full-back Trippier has impressed at NewcastleCredit: Getty
      Now they hope to have the answer in new boy Pedro Porro.
      The Spaniard, 23, should be a perfect fit for the 3-4-3 formation employed by Antonio Conte, who yesterday had surgery to remove his gallbladder.
      Porro revealed his new chief’s tactical set-up was key in deciding to join on loan from Sporting Lisbon, with an obligation to turn it into a £37.3m permanent deal in the summer.
      He said: “It will be a very good thing for me and that’s why I was so struck by the prospect of playing here.”
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      Yet Matt Doherty’s qualities also looked like they would suit Conte’s system.
      But if Doherty was such a hit then it is unlikely Spurs would have agreed to terminate the £15m man’s deal — with 18 months to run — to let him join Atletico Madrid for free.
      It was strange given the understanding on Tuesday morning was that Doherty would move to Atletico on loan.
      But with Djed Spence being farmed out to Rennes earlier that day, taking Spurs to the limit of eight international loans, a new arrangement had to be found.
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      Fellow right wing-back Spence only arrived in July from Middlesbrough in a £15m deal.
      But the 22-year-old made just six appearances and NO starts, prompting a switch.
      Retained Emerson Royal, who cost an initial £21m — which could rise to £26m — when he joined in August 2021, may have the faith of the club.
      But the same cannot be said for many fans. Right-back Serge Aurier cost £23m and ended up having his deal terminated.
      His arrival saw Kieran Trippier sold to Atletico in 2019.
      But given Trippier is the most consistent English right-back in the Prem at Newcastle, that sale has not aged well.
      Neither has the £12m departure of academy graduate Kyle Walker-Peters to Southampton.
      But the past is the past and Porro is the future. After the heftiest outlay yet, it would be a gut-puncher if this one did not work out. More

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      Moises Caicedo back in Brighton training after having dream Arsenal or Chelsea transfer rejected in January window

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      MOISES CAICEDO has been bombarded by different voices with different agendas over the past fortnight – now there is just one he should listen to.Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has been clear from the start that now was not the time, the opportunities in the summer will be bigger and better.
      Moises Caicedo missed out on a January move to Arsenal or ChelseaCredit: Instagram @officialbhafc
      Now he has returned to Brighton training following the transfer sagaCredit: Instagram @officialbhafc
      Now Brighton will want Caicedo to help them challenge for a European placeCredit: Instagram @officialbhafc
      Caicedo is now back in training on the South Coast having been denied a late move to Arsenal or Chelsea, despite his public plea to be allowed to go.
      Owner Tony Bloom stood firm and De Zerbi told the 21-year-old that he could still achieve something special at Brighton over the next four months.
      It is a spell which could open up even more horizons for the midfielder.
      The Seagulls are already expecting bids to come in the summer, and not only from Arsenal.
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      While the Gunners are still keen on adding both Caicedo and Declan Rice to their midfield this summer, Liverpool, Chelsea and a number of big European clubs are circling.
      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.
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      For now, the midfielder’s reputation among Brighton fans hangs in the balance.
      Many supporters, like the club, feel that their star man has been woefully advised by new agents looking to make a splash.
      Caicedo’s social media post, drafted by his representatives and still present on his Instagram account, went down equally as bad at Arsenal as it did at the Amex.
      But now the talking should be done on the pitch by Caicedo and Caicedo alone.
      Having been told to stay away from training for the final days of the window, the hope is that he will have got his head right and be ready to feature against Bournemouth on Saturday.
      De Zerbi will be the one to make that call, but their FA Cup win over Liverpool while the midfielder was banished from the squad shows that the Italian is acting from a position of strength – especially considering he also sanctioned the sale of Leandro Trossard due to his poor behaviour last month.
      But the former Sassuolo manager will be in no doubt that if he is to help Brighton realise their dream of a top six finish or some silverware this season then he will, at some point, need Caicedo again.
      It is no use coming back in a sulk.
      Read More on The Sun
      Even if the South American does not want to be there, the task now is to prove that he is worthy of a bidding war come the end of the season.
      No more behind the scenes antics from agents or poorly timed public outbursts, Caicedo has four months to restore and enhance his reputation before either leading the Seagulls into Europe or heading for bigger and better things himself. More

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      Sheff Utd ‘set for shock takeover as African billionaire tables £90million bid for cash-strapped club amid transfer ban’

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      CASH-STRAPPED Sheffield United are reportedly set for a shock £90million takeover from an unnamed African billionaire after being placed under a transfer embargo for missed payments.The Blades are chasing promotion back to the Premier League and are sat second in the Championship after 28 games played and hold a 12-point advantage over third-place Middlesbrough.
      Prince Abdullah could sell Sheffield United to an unnamed African billionaire for £90mCredit: Getty
      Sheffield United are chasing promotion back to the Premier LeagueCredit: Alamy
      But they were placed under a transfer embargo last month amid financial difficulties.
      Sheffield United are unable to buy players for the next 18 months after failing to keep up with payment instalments on signings.
      This included payments to Liverpool for forward Rhian Brewster, who was signed in October 2020 for £23.5m.
      Winning promotion back to the big time could ease the Blades’ financial fears – as could a takeover.
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      And according to the Daily Mail, Sheffield United are subject of a £90m takeover bid from an unnamed African billionaire.
      The interested party would like to purchase the club from current Saudi owner, Prince Abdullah.
      American Henry Mauriss was close to buying the club last year only for the takeover to collapse after he failed the EFL’s test.
      The latest African bid is seen as much more viable.
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      If Sheffield United’s financial situation remains uncertain, they could be forced to sell key players.
      Sander Berge was linked with a £20m return to the Premier League with Fulham.
      An astonishing 15 players could also leave for nothing in the summer.
      Oliver Norwood, Wes Foderingham, Oli McBurnie and Billy Sharp are among the big names set to leave the club. More

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      Erik ten Hag ‘called Dean Henderson to convince him to complete Man Utd transfer return but Forest ace rejected him’

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      MAN UTD boss Erik ten Hag reportedly called Dean Henderson in a bid to cut his Nottingham Forest loan short during the January transfer window.The Dutch head coach, 53, was on the lookout for a back-up keeper last month after Martin Dubravka was recalled by Newcastle.
      Dean Henderson has been Forest’s first-choice keeper this seasonCredit: Getty
      Erik ten Hag tried to get Dean Henderson to return to Man Utd in JanuaryCredit: PA
      It left United with 36-year-old Tom Heaton as the next in line should David de Gea suffer any form of injury.
      Henderson, 25, left Old Trafford to join Nottingham Forest on a season-long loan deal in the summer.
      And the England international later revealed he was furious with Man Utd chiefs, claiming they had promised him the No1 spot last season before De Gea reclaimed it.
      But according to MSN, Ten Hag attempted to repair those bridges in the January window by ringing the keeper and trying to convince him to cut his loan short.
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      The Man Utd boss is said to have raised concerns about the number of goals Forest were conceding.
      Steve Cooper’s men have shipped 35 goals in 20 Premier League games this season.

      However, it is understood Henderson did not want any part of Ten Hag’s proposition as he opted to stay at the City Ground.
      Shortly after the exchange between the pair, Henderson was then sidelined for five weeks after suffering a thigh injury.
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      And Ten Hag ended up bringing in former England man Jack Butland on loan from Crystal Palace until the end of the season.
      Butland, 29, is yet to feature for United, with Heaton picked as the preferred option for the Carabao Cup wins over Charlton and Forest.
      He could earn his first start for the club when they travel to the Nou Camp to take on Barcelona in the Europa League play-off round on February 16. More

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      PSG hoped to exploit Fifa loophole to sign Zenit Saint Petersburg’s Malcom on free transfer after missing out on Ziyech

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN tried to sign Zenit Saint Petersburg star Malcom in January, reports suggest.PSG needed a winger, which is why they also targeted Chelsea ace Hakim Ziyech who fell out of favour at Stamford Bridge despite his 2022 World Cup heroics for Morocco.
      Paris Saint-Germain tried to sign Zneit Saint Petersburg star MalcomCredit: Getty
      Paris Saint-Germain tried to exploit a Fifa loophole for Malcom in JanuaryCredit: Getty
      According to L’Equipe, the reigning French champions’ sporting advisor Luis Campos tried to land the Brazilian for free by exploiting a Fifa loophole.
      That rule allows foreign players from Russian and Ukrainian clubs to temporarily cancel their contracts due to the war.
      FIFA made that decision after Russian president Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion in Ukraine back in February 2022.
      Football clubs and players will only be able to use that rule until June.
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      But in Malcom’s case, it was discovered that Zenit had inserted a clause into his extension last summer which stipulates that he can’t make himself a free agent.
      Therefore, the Russian club can demand a £27m fee for the forward.
      However, PSG were unwilling and unable to meet the ex-Brazil Under-23 international’s release clause.
      That is why the Ligue 1 giants turned to Ziyech and almost signed him on deadline day.
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      But a loan move collapsed after Chelsea sent over the wrong documentation and infuriated PSG.
      Christophe Galtier’s side also targeted other wingers, such as Lyon’s Rayan Cherki and PSV Eindhoven’s Johan Bakayoko.
      PSG needed reinforcement after Pablo Sarabia left Parc des Princes for Wolves earlier in the window. More

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      Dream Team’s February Monthly competition starts Friday night – winner takes home a PlayStation 5!

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      DREAM TEAM’S February monthly competition gets underway with Chelsea v Fulham on Friday night.With transfers refreshed before Game Week 21’s fixtures begin, managers should be able to get their XIs in good shape for the month ahead.
      A reminder that the gaffer who racks up the most points between February 3rd and March 2nd will take home a brand new PlayStation 5, worth £449 RRP.!
      Remember, you can check the monthly leaderboard anytime HERE.
      January’s winner will land a late Christmas presentCredit: DREAM TEAM
      If your XI is struggling in the classic Season game, fear not, a fruitful few weeks could land you a PS5 as only points gained during the given scoring period are taken into account for our monthly competitions.
      With that in mind, you could tailor your team specifically to February’s remaining fixtures once transfers are refreshed, ignoring long-term viability, with a view to scooping the monthly prize.
      Alternatively, you can create a new team and fill it full of players with favourable fixtures for the month in question – each Dream Team gaffer is allowed a maximum of ten teams per season.
      And of course, if you’re happy with your progress in the classic Season game and believe your best XI is also likely to rack up plentiful points in the coming weeks then you don’t need to alter your strategy at all.
      You can even get involved if you didn’t sign-up for Dream Team at the start of the season.
      Simply create an XI ahead of this weekend’s fixtures and if your team achieves the most points between February 3rd and March 2nd then the PS5 will be yours.
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      Previous Dream Team Monthly winner David Bradbury and his grandsons
      West Brom supporter David Bradbury won August’s Monthly competition and was ‘over the moon’ when his victory was confirmed.
      “My grandsons will be even more pleased when I pass the PS5 onto them!” he told us.
      “I always try to pick players that do not get rotated and manage to stay injury free. I have been doing Dream Team since it started and this shows that perseverance pays off in the end.
      “I am very grateful for your generosity. I will be trying my hardest to stay in contention for the rest of the season.”
      A reminder that Dream Team assets score points in all competitions so gaffers hoping to replicate David’s success would do well to study the schedule.
      Good luck! More

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      Man Utd star Raphael Varane STUNS France by retiring from international football aged just 29 after World Cup final loss

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and World Cup-winning defender, Raphael Varane, has STUNNED France by retiring from international football aged 29, according to reports.Varane made 93 appearances in his near decade-long international career.
      Raphael Varane has retired from international footballCredit: Getty
      But according to Le Parisien, the defender does not want to push on towards the century mark and will retire from international football.
      Varane played at the World Cup in Qatar last November-December and helped his country reach a second consecutive final.
      However, France were beaten on penalties by Argentina after a 3-3 thriller.
      Varane would like to spend more time with his family, as well as limited the chances of big injuries in the latter stages of his career.
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      Across the span of his career, Varane has missed an astonishing 90 club games through injury, the worst layoff coming in 2013 with a meniscus rupture.
      The Man Utd ace also recognises it’s time for the next generation of French defenders to take over.
      The likes of Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konate, William Saliba, Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile are all tipped to have bright careers.
      Varane’s decision comes despite Euro 2024 taking place next year – the only major competition he is yet to win.
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      In his statement, beside a phot of him holding the World Cup trophy, wrote: ‘Representing our great country for a decade has been one of the greatest honors of my life.
      “Each time I wore this special blue jersey, I felt immense pride. 
      ‘The duty to give everything, to play with my heart and to win every time we entered the field.
      “I have been considering this for several months and have decided that it is the right time for me to retire from international football.
      ‘As a child, I remember following France 98, this team, these players who made us experience indescribable emotions.
      “I dreamed of doing like our heroes and, 20 years later, I had one of the best experiences of my life, one that made me really proud. 
      ‘We brought the Cup home!! I will never forget him. I still feel every single emotion I felt that day, July 15, 2018.
      “It was one of the greatest and most memorable moments of my life.
      ‘Even after the defeat in the final last year, with certainly a great run, you welcomed us as heroes when we returned. To each and every one of you, a thousand times THANK YOU!”
      The ex-Real Madrid ace made his debut for Les Bleus in March 2013, starting in the 3-1 win over Georgia.
      Varane was part of the 2018 World Cup-winning team, helping France redeem themselves for the 2016 Euros loss on home soil – a tournament he missed through injury.
      He played every single game at the Russia tournament, not missing a single minute of football.
      France won the final 4-2 against Croatia to secure their second-ever world crown.
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      In the same year, Varane won a fourth Champions League title with Real and a fourth Club World Cup, solidifying himself as one of the best players in the world.
      In 2018 on an individual level, he was part of the Fifa Pro World11, Uefa Team of the Year, Uefa Champions League Squad of the Season, Fifa World Cup Fantasy Team, Fifa World Cup Dream Team and the IFFHS Men’s World Team. More