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      Nathan Ake seemingly a good bet for Dream Team gaffers in wake of Joao Cancelo’s departure

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      MANY Dream Team gaffers will still be reeling from the revelation that Joao Cancelo’s (£6m) time at Manchester City is at an end.The Portuguese full-back is joining Bayern Munich on loan with a view to a permanent switch in the summer following a disagreement with Pep Guardiola.
      It wasn’t that long ago that the 28-year-old was viewed as one of the most important figures at the Etihad and among the best players in in world football in his position.
      Cancelo has amassed mountains of Dream Team points in the last three years and many managers, particularly those who support the defending Premier League champions, will be gutted to see him leave.
      A sour end to a happy marriageCredit: getty
      As the old saying goes: when God closes a door, he opens a window.
      Whether Man City bring in a new recruit before the transfer window closes remains to be seen but at this stage it seems likely that Nathan Ake (£3.7m) will be first-choice left-back for the remainder of the season.
      The Dutchman has fulfilled the role a few times already this term and popped up in a Cancelo-esque area last Friday night to combine with Jack Grealish (£3.7m) for City’s winner against Arsenal in the FA Cup.
      Factor in a clean sheet plus the Star Man award and Ake has pocketed a very handy 18 points in Game Week 20.
      No defender has earned more points this Game Week which, given the developments in the transfer market, is immaculate timing.
      A well-timed winner
      Ake has 76 points overall but perhaps more pertinently, he averages 3.6 points-per-game.
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      To put that into context, that’s more than Lisandro Martinez (£4.4m), Luke Shaw (£3.8m), William Saliba (£3.5m), John Stones (£5.2m) and Oleksandr Zinchenko (£4.1m).
      If the ex-Bournemouth defender is to be a first-team regular for the remainder of the campaign then he is reasonably priced at £3.7m right now – although expect that to rise this Friday after his 18-point haul.
      He’s helpfully cheaper than the aforementioned Stones, Ruben Dias (£5.9m) and Aymeric Laporte (£4.6m).
      Go Dutch!
      Generally speaking, Man City’s defence has not provided as many points as usual this season but most gaffers would still back them to register their fair share of clean sheets, especially of presented with a favourable run of fixtures.
      Dream Team may be losing one of its superstars in Cancelo but the best managers always look for an opportunity in the wake of a problem and Ake may well fit the bill for those in need of a mid-range defender. More

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      Mauricio Pochettino lined up by Real Madrid with ex-Spurs boss admired for his ‘anti-Barcelonism’ by Florentino Perez

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO is being lined up as the next Real Madrid boss, according to reports.That’s because Bernabeu chief Florentino Perez reportedly admires the ex-Spurs manager’s “anti-Barcelonism.”
      Real Madrid are eyeing Mauricio Pochettino due to his anti-Barcelona stanceCredit: EPA
      Poch, 50, has been out of work since being sacked by Paris Saint-Germain last summer.
      Tottenham are believed to be keeping tabs on the Argentine, who became a fan-favourite during his five-and-a-half years in London.
      And SunSport understands Poch would also be open to taking over at Chelsea should Graham Potter get the sack.
      However, Spanish outlet Sport claim the tactician could find himself replacing Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.
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      The Los Blancos boss is under pressure after falling behind Barcelona in the title race.
      And Poch could be the man Real turn to should they relinquish their crown.
      It’s also believed Bernabeu president Perez is a big fan of Poch due to his strong anti-Barcelona stance.
      Pochettino enjoyed two spells playing for their Catalan rivals Espanyol before starting his managerial career with the same LaLiga side.
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      And Poch has made no secret of the fact he will “never” take charge at the Nou Camp.
      Last year, he said: “I will never manage Barcelona. That is impossible.
      “I have this idea of life, a connection with a part of that city that makes that impossible.” More

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      Jody Morris named Swindon manager as Frank Lampard’s former Chelsea assistant lands first boss job

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      JODY MORRIS has been named Swindon’s new manager.The League Two club had been in search of a replacement for Scott Lindsey, who jumped ship to take charge of Crawley.
      Jody Morris has been named Swindon’s new manager
      And they turned to ex-Chelsea assistant boss Morris, who undertakes his first managerial role.
      Morris said: “I’m incredibly excited to be joining Swindon Town as First-Team Head Coach.
      “This is a great opportunity at a wonderful football club that is steeped in history, and I can’t wait to get started.
      “My footballing philosophy is completely aligned with that of the club, and upon meeting Sandro, I was presented with a strategy and vision that I’m really keen to be a part of.
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      “I’m extremely proud to be leading such a forward-thinking club, with an owner and technical director that are passionate and committed to bringing success here.
      “We now turn our attentions to an important 19 league games, with promotion at the forefront of our ambitions, and we want to take this incredible fanbase on a long and successful journey.”
      Despite having no managerial experience, Morris has been involved with much high-level coaching in previous years.
      He was Lampard’s No2 both at Derby and Chelsea, helping the Rams reach the play-offs and the Blues get into the top four despite a transfer ban.
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      Morris left Stamford Bridge after Lampard’s sacking and has not worked in football since.
      The 44-year-old has also spent four years as Chelsea’s academy coach, having come through their youth system and making over 100 appearances for the senior team.
      It could be a baptism of fire for Morris with Swindon in the middle of a congested scrap for promotion from League Two.
      They are 6th but only five points separate fifth and 15th.
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      Interim boss Gavin Gunning was in charge as the Robins enjoyed a bonkers game with Gillingham.
      The Wiltshire-based club went 1-0 up within the opening minute but then found themselves 3-1 down before the 15 minute mark.
      A brace by Charlie Austin, who returned to his childhood club last month, rescued a point.
      Frank Lampard and Jody Morris worked at Chelsea togetherCredit: Getty More

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      Tottenham nab Chelsea wonderkid as striker Jude Soonsup-Bell, 19, signs three-year-deal after completing transfer

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      TOTTENHAM have snapped up a wonderkid from the Chelsea youth academy.The North London side have completed the deal to sign Jude Soonsup-Bell.
      Tottenham have signed Jude Soonsup-Bell from ChelseaCredit: Getty
      The 19-year-old has signed a contract with Spurs that will run until 2025.
      The club put out a statement confirming the transfer that read: “We are pleased to confirm the addition of Jude Soonsup-Bell to our Development Squad.
      “The 19-year-old forward has signed from Chelsea and agreed a deal that will run until June 2025.”
      As per the statement, Soonsup-Bell will link up with the development squad initially.
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      The forward will then look to progress into Tottenham’s first team with Spurs’ striker options limited.
      The promising whizkid has been prolific in his career at youth levels so far and even managed four goals in one game against Barnsley in the FA Youth Cup – the first Blues player to achieve the feat in 59 years.
      He signed his first professional contract in 2021 with Chelsea.
      Later that year, in December, he made his senior debut for the club in the Carabao Cup clash against Brentford.
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      The 19-year-old shared the news of the move on his Instagram page for his 101,000 followers.
      He posted a picture of himself signing the Spurs contract.
      He wrote: “Verified Extremely excited to have signed for such a great club @spursofficial 🤍.
      “Can’t wait to get started on this new journey, looking forward to many years of success 🤍 #coys.” More

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      How Arsenal could line up with Jorginho in new formation after transfer from Chelsea – so which star will be dropped?

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      ARSENAL are preparing to welcome Jorginho into the fold as they continue their push for the Premier League title.The Gunners have reportedly agreed a £12million deal with Chelsea for the 31-year-old Italy international.
      Jorginho is set to become an Arsenal player on deadline dayCredit: Getty
      How Arsenal could line up with Jorginho in the team
      Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey have formed a superb partnershipCredit: Reuters
      His arrival gives Mikel Arteta some much-needed depth in the middle of the park.
      Up to now, Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka had very little behind them in terms of back-up.
      But Jorginho coming to the Emirates will provide some serious competition for places.
      And Arsenal fans will already be speculating about who could make way for the former Napoli man if he was to force himself into the starting XI.
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      Arteta has consistently played a 4-3-3 formation throughout the campaign so far.
      But Jorginho could switch things up a little, with the Arsenal boss potentially moving to more of a 4-2-3-1.
      And getting the Italian into the team would mean one of Xhaka or Partey dropping out.
      It is more likely to be Xhaka given Partey has become arguably Arsenal’s most important player.
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      That would be harsh on the Swiss midfielder given his superb form this season, but it would give Arteta a strong option off the bench.
      And he can afford to tinker with the side given the rest of his XI is so stable.
      A back five of Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White, Gabriel, William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko is not expected to be broken up any time soon..
      And the front four of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah have been superb ever since Gabriel Jesus’ injury.
      Arsenal sit five points ahead of Man City with a game in hand.

      Next up for the league leaders is a trip to Everton – who will be hoping the arrival of Sean Dyche gives them a new lease of life.
      Arsenal then host Brentford, before a mouth-watering clash with title rivals Man City at the Emirates on February 15. More

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      Southampton close in on £26m transfer of Braga striker Vitinha after Prem strugglers meet release clause

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      SOUTHAMPTON have triggered the £26m release clause of Braga striker Vitinha.The 22-year-old has been in fine form in the Portugal top flight so far this season, scoring 13 goals in 27 games in all competitions.
      Southampton have activated Vitinha’s £26million release clauseCredit: Getty
      Vitinha has also shone in the Europa League for Braga, scoring four and assisting once in five matches despite crashing out of the group stages.
      And SunSport understands the goal-shy Saints are ready to splash the cash in order to bring the Portuguese Under-21 international to St Mary’s before Tuesday’s deadline.
      A bid has also been lodged for Lyon’s Moussa Dembele, who is out of contract in the summer, as a fall-back for the Vitinha deal.
      Dembele, the former Celtic and Fulham striker would likely cost no more than £3m, with this window being the last chance for the Ligue Un club to receive any sort of fee.
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      New Southampton boss Nathan Jones has been desperate to find a focal point up top to improve on their 17 goals in 20 Premier League games thus far.
      Che Adams is the top scorer in all competitions with just eight strikes, while Ward-Prowse has seven as Southampton sit bottom of the Prem.
      The Saints have strengthened with three signings this month including £12m Carlos Alcaraz.
      Mislav Orsic and James Bree have also arrived from Dinamo Zagreb and Luton Town respectively.
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      Meanwhile, Jones has ruled out Adams leaving, with the striker linked to Everton.
      Asked whether he would sanction a move, Jones said: “No, let’s be honest. That’s not going to happen.” More

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      Paris Saint-Germain ‘in talks with Chelsea’ over Hakim Ziyech deadline day loan transfer with option to buy

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN are in talks to sign Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech, according to reports.The winger has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge and could be allowed to leave on deadline day.
      PSG are in talks to sign Hakim Ziyech on loanCredit: Getty
      The arrivals of Mykhailo Mudryk, Joao Felix and Noni Madueke mean Ziyech’s game time could decline even further – he has started only four Prem games this season.
      PSG want to sign the Morroco international on loan, according to The Athletic.
      The two clubs are engaged in negotiations and the deal could include an option to make the move permanent.
      Three other Champions League teams are reportedly interested in Ziyech, 29, but time is running out.
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      Chelsea need to trim their squad as they are unable to register all of their January signings for the Champions League.
      And they have reportedly blocked a £40million approach for Conor Gallagher from Everton.

      Instead they could let Jorginho go to Arsenal – six months before his contract is due to expire.
      Chelsea are also keen to make another addition and have not given up on the signing of Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
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      They have bid a British-record £105m for the Argentina international, with the sum set to be paid in six instalments.
      A Chelsea bid worth £112m – £6m more than his £105m release clause – was turned down this month as it was structured to be paid in three £37.3m yearly instalments. More

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      Arsenal confident they will bag £75m Brighton star Caicedo.. but STILL plan to make move for West Ham’s Rice in summer

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      ARSENAL are still hoping to land a last-gasp deal for Moises Caicedo ahead of the transfer deadline.But whatever happens with the Brighton midfielder will not affect Arsenal’s plans to sign West Ham captain Declan Rice this summer.
      Arsenal are pushing to sign £75m Moises Caicedo from BrightonCredit: Getty
      That move will not put them off launching a swoop for Declan Rice in the summerCredit: Getty
      The Premier League leaders have been given the green light by owner Stan Kroenke to get the Caicedo deal over the line.
      That is even if it means paying a club-record fee.
      They have already had two bids rejected by Brighton owner Tony Bloom, who maintains that the 21-year-old Ecuador international is not for sale at any price.
      But they are ready to make one last bid to persuade the Seagulls to cash in and are willing to go as high as £75million.
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      Arsenal’s refusal to take ‘no’ for an answer suggests talks could go to the wire tonight after Caceido submitted an official transfer request at the weekend.
      The Gunners noted that Brighton have just signed a potential replacement after agreeing a £5.25m deal for the Swedish Under-21 star Yasin Ayani from AIK Solna.
      They also believe Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi is coming around to the idea of selling Caicedo after he said: “I’d like it if he can finish the season with us but we are ready to go forward without him.”
      Brighton are sixth in the Premier League and through to the FA Cup fifth round.
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      Caicedo is seen as a key figure to their hopes of qualifying for Europe for the first time in their history.
      He has been told to stay away until the window has closed.
      However, De Zerbi is happy to accommodate the player’s return to the team despite the club’s unhappiness with his behaviour. More