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      Tottenham confident of completing Pedro Porro transfer in days with £40m deal with Sporting close to being agreed

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      TOTTENHAM are growing increasingly confident of completing a £40million deal for Sporting Lisbon defender Pedro Porro in the next few days.Spurs boss Antonio Conte has been on the look-out for a right wing-back to fit his system since the summer, and Porro, 23, is their main target.
      Tottenham hope to wrap up a deal for Porro on WednesdayCredit: Getty
      An offer of £32.5m has already been rejected this month, with Portuguese side Sporting remaining stubborn over the player’s £40m release clause.
      But SunSport understands that following talks between both clubs over the past two days, an agreement is close to being reached to meet that figure this window.
      The £40m deal would include add-ons and bonuses – as Spurs chairman Daniel Levy continues to spend big in order to prove to Conte he can build him a title-challenging squad.
      Once on the books at Manchester City, Porro has made almost 100 appearances in all competitions since joining Sporting on loan in 2020.
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      Should the deal go through, City would benefit with a 30 per cent sell-on clause, having left Manchester permanently in May 2022 for £7.2m.
      The Spain international is expected to be thrown straight into the starting XI to kick-start Tottenham’s season, replacing the likes of Matt Doherty and Emerson Royal.
      The signing would see the north London club’s spending over the course of this season surpass £200m, having spent £170m on seven players in the summer.
      Back on October, Conte said: “We know this situation with the club and the club knows very well we need time and patience, to try to go step by step.
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      “I spoke about the transfer market, that we needed more transfer markets to reach a good level.
      “We know this. At the same time, we want to be competitive, to try to do everything.”
      Despite winning just two of their last six Premier League outings, Spurs are still competing in the FA Cup and Champions League – as well as remaining three points off the top four. More

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      Forest Green sack manager Ian Burchnall leaving transfer of Man Utd starlet Charlie Savage up in the air

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      FOREST GREEN have sacked manager Ian Burchnall.The Vegans are bottom of League One after picking up just five wins in 28 games.
      Forest Green have sacked manager Ian BurchnallCredit: Rex
      The club have found it difficult to adjust to the third tier for the first time in their history following promotion from League Two last season.
      Manchester United youngster Charlie Savage was targeted as someone who could help transform their fortunes – but Burchnall’s sacking could plunge that move into doubt.
      Club chairman Dale Vince released a statement on Burchnall saying: “I’m grateful to Ian for all his hard work this season, it’s definitely not been easy.
      “Our first season in League One was always going to be a challenge in itself but it’s been made more difficult by a number of factors, with their roots in last summer.
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      “I believe in Ian as a coach, but circumstances have led us to this place, we’ve recruited strongly in the January window, player wise – now we need to recruit a new head coach – to give ourselves the best chance or staying in this league.”
      Burchnall was also given the opportunity to share some parting words, and he thanked Vince for the opportunity as well as the players and staff he worked with.
      He said: “I want to thank Dale for giving me the opportunity to manage in the Football League.
      “The challenge was greater than I could have thought coming in. I have learnt a lot though. For the fans, I am sorry that I couldn’t make it work and that they didn’t see the best of my team.
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      “I hope for them the team turns it around. They deserve a team in League One. My extended thanks to the players, staff and everyone at the club for their efforts – I wish you all the best for the future.”
      Burchnall’s dismissal now raises some doubts over whether Forest Green will complete the signing of United youngster Savage.
      The 19-year-old was in line to move to The New Lawn Stadium on loan for the rest of the season but the switch could be delayed until after a new manager is appointed.
      Burchnall was axed following Forest Green’s defeat by 10-man Bolton, who had Dion Charles sent off in a case of mistaken identity. More

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      AC Milan prepare loan transfer offer for Saint-Maximin with frustrated Newcastle ace having not started since August

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      AC MILAN are preparing a loan move for out of favour Newcastle star Allan Saint-Maximin, according to reports.The 25-year-old is a fan favourite at St James’ Park.
      Milan would like to sign Saint-Maximin on loan with an option to buyCredit: Getty
      However, he has found game time hard to come by this season, only playing 631 minutes of football.
      In fact, his last Premier League start for the Toon came all the way back in August.
      According to Foot Mercato, AC Milan are keen on taking the Frenchman on loan for the remainder of the season.
      An option to buy Saint-Maximin would also be included in the deal.
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      Newcastle’s pursuit of long-time target Anthony Gordon could play a part in Saint-Maximin’s future.
      The Magpies are looking to bolster Eddie Howe’s squad, who are sat third in the Prem at the halfway point.
      Milan are also keen on an attacker currently playing his trade in Italy.
      Nicolo Zaniolo wants out at Roma and Milan are said to be in discussions over the potential signing.
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      Italian champions Milan are second in the Serie A – but a massive 12 points behind league leaders Napoli, who appear to be running away with this year’s title.
      There’s also just three points between second and sixth, which could see Milan fall down the table.
      Saint-Maximin’s Prem stats More

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      Arsenal’s forgotten star Cedric Soares on brink of joining Fulham on loan until end of season

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      ARSENAL star Cedric Soares is on the verge of joining Fulham on loan, according to reports.The defender has been a bit part player this season with Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu above him in the pecking order.
      Cedric Soares looks set to join Fulham on loanCredit: Getty
      Fulham opened talks with the Gunners earlier this month with Marco Silva making Soares his top priority.
      The pair worked with each other at Sporting Lisbon and Fulham are close to securing a six-month loan deal for the right-back, report ESPN.
      Fulham will cover the entirety of Soares’ wages with the Portuguese reportedly earning close to £100,000-a-week.
      Arsenal were said to be desperate to get the defender off the wage bill and will reassess his future in the summer.

      Soares, 31, has a contract at Arsenal until 2024 and has made 59 appearances for the Gunners.
      He has acted as back-up since arriving at the Emirates but could play an important role at Fulham.
      That’s because Kevin Mbabu hasn’t fallen out of favour under Silva and has made just one Premier League start since his arrival from Wolfsburg.
      And current first-choice Kenny Tete has struggled with injuries during his spell at Craven Cottage.
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      Arsenal have wasted no time in identifying a new right-back and have reportedly agreed a £13.1million fee with Real Valladolid for Ivan Fresneda.
      Borussia Dortmund are also in the race to sign the defender, who will be loaned back to Valladolid regardless of which club he signs for. More

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      Erik ten Hag defends £86m ace Antony after he was blasted as a ‘YouTube player’ – but reveals what he must do to improve

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      ERIK TEN HAG has launched a defence of £86million star Antony after he was slammed as a “YouTube player”.The Brazilian joined Manchester United last summer but has had some negative attention for his flashy playing style.
      Antony has been criticised for not contributing enough since his summer move to Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Boss Erik ten Hag has defended the BrazilianCredit: AFP
      Antony was criticised after the Red Devils’ defeat by Arsenal on Sunday, with club legends Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville demanding he contributes more to the side.
      The 22-year-old has scored five times in his 19 United appearances in all competitions – but has not registered a single assist and is often showboating.
      Manager Ten Hag has defended Antony but admitted the Brazilian can improve.
      United’s manager said: “He can do better, I see space for improvement.
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      “For instance, and I think also you know this, we want him to be more direct and be more involved.
      “But, as I said, the team is performing better if he is on the pitch.
      “That’s a good thing, that’s a good base to build further. I think he has already made an improvement.
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      “In his first three [Premier League] games, he scored three goals.
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      “Now he was scoring against Everton [in the FA Cup], he was scoring against Charlton [in the Carabao Cup], so also that fact, he has an impact.
      “But I think with his capabilities, with his talents, he can do even more. But as I said, I think he has made a [good] contribution in the team.”
      The message came before United’s Carabao Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest as they look to earn their spot in the final.
      Neville’s comments came after Antony was subbed against Arsenal, as he spoke on The Gary Neville Podcast: “I wish they had better quality up front in the final third.
      “Obviously Sancho’s not out there and you would expect that Manchester United would have better options from the bench, but they haven’t at this moment in time.
      “I want to see a little bit more from Antony, to be honest with you. £90million signing.
      “I think that to have to take him off is a disappointment because you’d like to think that, like Martinelli and Saka, who are also young players, that Rashford and Antony could have been the ones on the other side of it that could have counter-attacked for United.”
      Neville went on to suggest that the former Ajax star still has “a bit of work to do”, should he want to improve at United.
      He added: “It’s just not quite happening for him at this moment in time.
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      “He’s got a bit of work to do.
      “He’s got obviously some growth to go through and obviously, he’s newer to England than the other two are, but they’re little complaints at this moment in time.” More

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      Man Utd record holder looks like a new man with bushy beard and grey hair – but can you guess who it is?

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      A MANCHESTER United record holder looks like a new man as he embraces a bushy beard with long grey hair. The 90s Red Devils star, who played alongside the likes of Roy Keane, David Beckham and Gary Neville, has ditched the clean shaven look.
      This 90s United star looks quite different these daysCredit: @BanditBus
      He is rocking a bushy grey beard with long hairCredit: T&C EVENTS
      The ex-Man Utd man is a four-time Premier League winnerCredit: INSTAGRAM: CHOCCY.13
      The unrecognisable look gained mixed reactions from fans who remembered him during his heyday.
      The former forward enjoyed 11 trophy-laden years at Man Utd between 1987 and 1998.
      The ex-Scotland international won three FA Cups, four Premier League titles, the League Cup, the Uefa European Cup Winners Cup and the Super Cup.
      He has also scored more League Cup goals for Man Utd than any other player in the club’s history.
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      The man in question, Brian McClair, netted a remarkable 19 times in the competition, including the winner against Nottingham Forest in the 1992 final.
      The closest United player to that record is Mark Hughes with 16.
      Marcus Rashford and Ryan Giggs are tied in third on 12 each.
      McClair also enjoyed a spell at Aston Villa, where he started his career.
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      McClair was a popular figure at Old TraffordCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS
      The Scot won nine trophies at Man UtdCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS
      The 58-year-old also played for Motherwell and Celtic, winning a league title and the Scottish Cup.
      McClair speaks highly of former boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
      The Scot describes Ferguson as “hard, but fair”.
      Speaking to World Football Index, he said: “I wasn’t the most expensive signing in England but I was the most expensive for a player moving from a Scottish club to an English one which was a big thing at the time!
      “It has always been humbling that Alex Ferguson and Archie Knox wanted me to be one of their first signings for Manchester United.

      “Ferguson and Knox made me a much better player. Sir Alex was always hard, but fair with me, both as a player and a coach.
      “I have nothing but great memories of Manchester United and working with him. Those were great days.” More

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      Man Utd fans devastated as ‘talent we missed out on’ scores ‘absolutely outrageous’ goal

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      MAN UTD fans have been left frustrated after former starlet Angel Gomes scored a wonderful goal for Lille on Sunday night.The English midfielder, 22, came through the youth set-up at Old Trafford and made 10 senior appearances – becoming the first player born in the 21st century to feature in the Premier League.

      Angel Gomes scored a sensational goal for Lille on Sunday
      He joined Lille in 2020 after his Man Utd contract expiredCredit: Getty
      But Man Utd failed to sign a contract extension with Gomes and in 2020 he left the club.
      He then agreed a five-year deal with Lille and was immediately loaned out to Portuguese outfit Boavista.
      Last season, he returned to France and played 30 times.
      In the current campaign he has already racked up 20 appearances, scoring three goals.
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      The latest of those came at the weekend when he bagged the second goal in a 2-0 win over Pau in the French Cup.
      It was a stunning strike, with Gomes picking out the top corner from 30 yards out.
      A clip of the goal did the rounds online, with Man Utd fans quick to vent at their own club for letting him go.
      Reacting on social media, one person said: “Still wish he’d been given more of a chance at United”.
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      While another frustrated Red Devils supporter added: “Sigh, the talent we missed out on”.
      A third said: “Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] has blood on his hands for not playing this guy”.
      And a fourth replied: “Frankly an absolutely outrageous goal from Angel Gomes”.
      Former Man Utd man Jesse Lingard also reacted to Gomes’ superb goal, saying: “Normal for you”.
      While Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White added: “Incredible”.
      Gomes is the godson of former Man Utd winger Nani.
      He has been capped 11 times by England’s U21 side, but is also eligible to represent Angola and Portugal. More

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      Mikel Arteta’s genius tactics video from three years ago resurfaces – and shows difference between Arsenal and Man Utd

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      MIKEL ARTETA’s genius tactics video from three years ago has resurfaced after his instructions paid off in Arsenal’s dramatic 3-2 win over Manchester United.The Spaniard’s men are top of the Premier League, holding a five-point advantage over defending champions Manchester City.
      A three-year-old video shows Arteta instructing his players on how to defend and attackCredit: EPA
      His instructions could be seen paying off in Arsenal’s 3-2 win over Man UtdCredit: Rex
      Zinchenko took Arteta’s defending tactics on boardCredit: TikTok
      Saka received the ball how Arteta has instructed him to
      Arsenal also have a game in hand over City, which could see the Gunners extend the gap to eight points.
      The North London club’s last win may prove to be one of their most important this season.
      A win for United would’ve seen Erik ten Hag’s side close the gap on Arsenal, announcing the Old Trafford club in the title race.
      However, Arsenal held their nerve with Eddie Nketiah scoring a last-minute winner.
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      And throughout moments of the game, Arteta’s tactical instructions were at work.
      In a three-year-old video, Arteta talked on how he wanted to bring the opposition’s wing-play to a grinding halt.
      He said: “Because I don’t like creating lines between the wide players.
      “Why? Because the full back passes to the wide player like this. His back’s to goal. He can’t progress the play.
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      “There’s always someone at his bum. He cannot play forward.”
      In the win over United, Oleksandr Zinchenko can be seen playing out this scenario.
      Gabriel Martinelli tracked the runner in Aaron Wan-Bissaka, while Zinchenko was hot on Antony’s heels, preventing progression down the line.
      Antony was then forced to play the ball backwards.
      In the old video, Arteta also stressed how important a player’s angles are when receiving the ball.
      The Gunners play with inverted wingers; a left-footed Bukayo Saka playing off the right and a right-footed Martinelli off the left.
      Arteta said: “When you do it like this, the angles you create, you’re always receiving the ball like this.”
      Against United, as well as Tottenham, Saka could be seen receiving the ball at angles that opened up spaces on the pitch to exploit.
      It worked a treat against United as he ended up getting a goal, firing in from range.
      Arteta is highly thought of in the Arsenal dressing room, and some of his stars have insisted they’ve never had a coach like the former Gunners midfielder.
      Granit Xhaka, who has gone from zero to hero at the Emirates, said: “I’ve had many coaches in my career, but never one like Arteta.
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      “e seems like he is focused only on football 24 hours a day. He always has a plan A, B – and maybe even a plan Z.
      “But he’s not only top tactically, but he’s also top as a person.” More