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      Leeds join Arsenal in Weston McKennie transfer battle as Jesse Marsch’s side open talks with Juventus over deal

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      LEEDS have reportedly joined the race to sign Juventus and USA midfielder Weston McKennie.The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to Arsenal as Mikel Arteta looks to bring in some top quality back-up to Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka.
      Weston McKennie has been linked with a move to the Premier LeagueCredit: EPA
      But now transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has claimed Leeds are also interested in acquiring the American’s services.
      Speaking on social media, he said: “Talks ongoing between Leeds United and Juventus on conditions of Weston McKennie deal.
      “Discussions also on player side over personal terms.”
      McKennie has been a regular in Juventus’ side this season, starting 13 of their 16 games in Serie A.
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      Since initially arriving from Schalke on a loan deal in 2020, he has contributed 13 goals and five assists in 96 appearances for the Italian giants.
      He also impressed at the World Cup, starring for USA as they progressed through to the last-16 before being beaten by Netherlands.
      And McKennie may see the opportunity to link up with fellow countryman Jesse Marsch at Elland Road as an exciting one.
      Leeds boast other American midfielders in the form of Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams.
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      Meanwhile, Romano also revealed that the alternative option for Leeds is Angers man Azzedine Ounahi.
      Ounahi, 22, was sensational at the World Cup as he played a pivotal role in helping Morocco reach the semi-finals.
      Leeds currently sit 15th in the Premier League table, one point above the relegation zone. More

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      Ex-Premier League star unrecognisable after opening his own TIMBER business.. with former team-mate on his staff

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      A FORMER Premier League star has swapped the pitch for timber and looks completely unrecognisable.He, along with another retired Premier League ace, have gone into business together and started a Timber business.
      The two retired Premier League stars have started a timber businessCredit: Paul Cousans – The Sun
      The have a factory in St. Michael’s near Garstang in PrestonCredit: Paul Cousans – The Sun
      The both starred in the Premier League during the 2000sCredit: Paul Cousans – The Sun
      One of the former stars is Garry FlitcroftCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The other retired footballer is David DunnCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The footballer enjoyed a decent career as he won a Cup League during his time on the field.
      And the player in question? Garry Flitcroft.
      The former Manchester City academy graduate made over 400 appearances in his career.
      He won the club’s player of the season award in 1993.
      Fliftcroft transferred to Blackburn in 1996, spending ten years at Ewood Park.
      He won the League Cup in 2002 and retired from playing in 2006 after a lack of form and persistent injuries while at Sheffield United.
      The 50-year-old has now started his own Timber business called ‘Flitcraft’.
      He has a factory in St. Michael’s near Garstang in Preston and works with 24 other people.
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      And one of these is none other than former Blackburn star David Dunn.
      The retired midfielder made over 300 league appearances for Rovers across two spells at the club.
      The two were teammates at the club for five years between 1998 and 2003, when Dunn left for Birmingham City.
      Dunn retired from playing in 2016 after a short spell with Oldham Athletic.
      He went into coaching and spent time at his boyhood club Blackburn before moving onto Blackpool.
      Dunn went on to manage at Barrow, but only lasted 22 matches. He was most recently a first-team coach at Port Vale last year.
      They were team-mates for five years at Blackburn RoversCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      Seven top transfers that could still go through with 7 days of window left including Enzo Fernandez to Chelsea

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      THE January transfer window is set to close in just seven days time as clubs rush to bolster their squads before the end of the month.We are now halfway through the Premier League campaign and there are a host of battles up and down the table.
      Enzo Fernandez has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
      Anthony Gordon has been linked with a move away amid Everton’s strugglesCredit: Getty
      Arsenal and Man City are preparing for a lengthy title fight, while just 10 points separate Newcastle in third from Chelsea in 10th.
      Then down the other end there is an almighty tussle to avoid the drop, with rock bottom Southampton just three points adrift of Leicester in 14th.
      All this is to say the final week of the transfer window could play a crucial role in deciding the outcomes of many teams seasons.
      Here are seven deals SunSport believe could get done before February 1.
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      Enzo Fernandez to Chelsea
      Perhaps the biggest money transfer that could still be done before the end of the window is Chelsea signing Enzo Fernandez.
      The Benfica midfielder, 22, who was sensational for Argentina at the World Cup, is being linked with an £88million move to Stamford Bridge.
      However, his £105m release clause remains a huge stumbling block for the Blues.
      Ivan Fresneda to Arsenal
      Ivan Fresneda could be set to join the Premier League leaders this monthCredit: Getty
      Arsenal are keen to bring in reinforcements if they are to maintain their title challenge and remain ahead of Man City until the end of May.
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      The Gunners have reportedly agreed a £13m fee for Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda.
      However, Borussia Dortmund have also seen an offer accepted, with the LaLiga outfit expected to decide which club the 18-year-old will join in the coming days.
      Nicolo Zaniolo to Tottenham or Newcastle
      Spurs are keen to add Nicolo Zaniolo to their squad in the January windowCredit: Getty
      Tottenham are facing a huge battle to get back into the top four this season.
      Antonio Conte has made it clear his desire to sign players in the January window, with Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo, 23, a priority for Spurs.
      However, Newcastle attempted to hijack the deal on Tuesday with a £31m offer which was rejected by Roma.
      Malo Gusto to Chelsea
      Malo Gusto could be Chelsea’s latest signing in the mid-season windowCredit: Getty
      Chelsea have already seen an £18m bid rejected for 19-year-old right-back Malo Gusto of Lyon.
      But they are understood to be preparing an improved offer as Todd Boehly looks to add to the hundreds of millions he has spent on players since taking over the club.

      Pedro Porro to Tottenham
      Pedro Porro is being heavily linked with a move to Spurs this monthCredit: AFP
      Tottenham are closing in on a £40million deal for Sporting Lisbon defender Pedro Porro.
      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.
      Anthony Gordon to Newcastle or Chelsea
      Everton’s Anthony Gordon nearly joined Chelsea in the summer following a superb end to the 2021/22 campaign.
      Now, amid a turbulent time at Goodison Park, he is being linked with a move away once more despite just three goals in 18 appearances so far this season.
      Chelsea are keen to come back in for him, but Newcastle are also very interested in snapping up the 21-year-old.
      Moises Caicedo to Arsenal or Chelsea
      Moises Caicedo is yet another Brighton player to have emerged as a starCredit: Reuters
      Brighton relentlessly sign and develop players that eventually catch the attention of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.
      Midfielder Moises Caicedo, 21, is the latest Seagulls star to be linked with a move away.
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      He could join ex-team-mate Leandro Trossard at Arsenal as the Gunners are keeping a keen eye on him.
      But Chelsea are another club thought to be interested in the Ecuadorian international. More

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      Sam Allardyce breaks silence over taking over as Everton manager as crisis club looks to replace Frank Lampard

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      SAM ALLARDYCE has revealed he has not been approached for the vacant Everton job.The struggling Toffees sacked Frank Lampard on Monday following a 2-0 defeat at West Ham.
      Sam Allardyce has already had one spell with EvertonCredit: Getty
      Former Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa and ex-Burnley boss Sean Dyche have both been linked with the position.
      While shock rumours emerged that Allardyce was also in contention.
      The 68-year-old previously spent six months in charge of Everton after being appointed boss in November 2017.
      Allardyce took over with Everton 13th in the Premier League, and guided the club to an eighth-place finish before leaving at the end of the 2017-18 season.
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      But the former England manager has confirmed he has not had an approach from the Toffees, who have reportedly been put up for sale by owner Farhad Moshiri.
      He told William Hill and Footy Accumulators: “If I was going to Everton, they’d have already rang me.

      “I have a lot of respect for Farhad Moshiri and the money he has found for Everton.
      “Obviously, they haven’t invested like Newcastle. They have invested in players that haven’t delivered under two different managers.
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      Everton host league leaders Arsenal in their next game
      “I only bought two when I was there, and I am still proud of my achievement because it was the best of any recent manager.
      “They need someone to go over there that can get the team functioning correctly straight away.”
      Allardyce went on to say that the “right manager” can save the Toffees from relegation.
      Everton are currently 19th in the Prem, having won just three league games all season, with fuming fans protesting against the board.
      But Allardyce reckons there is enough talent in the squad to avoid the drop again, having done so narrowly last season.
      He added: “The right manager can save them, but he will have to shut out all of the surroundings, get their players to put their headphones on and block out the white noise.
      “It’s impossible to do it completely with all the media, but they need to focus the first-team players.
      “They will have a real battle to get the problems out and keep Everton up, but it can be done with that squad because they are good enough.
      “I believe they are good enough.” More

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      Arsenal facing battle with Real Madrid in Declan Rice transfer… but West Ham star ‘has already given Gunners his word’

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      REAL MADRID are reportedly interested in signing West Ham midfielder Declan Rice.But Arsenal are still understood to be the frontrunners to sign the England international, with the 24-year-old having already “given his word” to the Gunners.
      Declan Rice is set to leave West Ham at the end of the seasonCredit: Alamy
      Rice will enter the final year of his contract this summer amid interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
      Arsenal and Chelsea are leading the way in their pursuit of the Hammers captain – who is valued at £80million.
      Man Utd have also been linked with him despite signing Casemiro in the summer.
      El Nacional are reporting that the player has told Arsenal he will join them at the end of the season.
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      That is despite Real Madrid president Florentino Perez being a long-time admirer of the midfielder.
      The Los Blancos chief considered a bid for Rice in the past, but ultimately decided against doing so as the England man was deemed not for sale.

      Now he is expected to leave in the summer given both his contract situation and the fact that West Ham are struggling at the wrong end of the Premier League table.
      However, it has been claimed that Real Madrid will not try to sign Rice while Carlo Ancelotti is still manager.
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      And with no sign of the Italian’s imminent departure, the Spanish giants are expected to take a backseat for the time being.
      Rice has played more than 200 games for West Ham, contributing 11 goals and 12 assists.
      He has also already racked up 39 caps for England, scoring twice.
      He is known to have been a boyhood Chelsea fan, with his goof friend Mason Mount also already at the club.
      But Arsenal’s recent interest has thrown a spanner in the works when it comes to his future. More

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      Arsenal star Saka reveals why he is called Bukayo and what it means as talks continue over new long-term deal

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      THE meaning behind Arsenal star Bukayo Saka’s name has been revealed.Saka, 21, is in the form of his life and is consequently among the Premier League’s most in-form talents.
      Bukayo Saka has 14 goals and assists to his name in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      Here’s how Saka performed against Manchester United last weekend
      Such talents saw him score a stunning goal in Arsenal’s 3-2 win over Manchester United last weekend.
      With seven goals and seven assists in the Premier League so far this term, Saka is also one of the highest-contributing forwards in the league, only beaten out by Erling Haaland, Harry Kane and Ivan Toney.
      It has also helped Arsenal’s surprise title charge, leaving Gunners fans jumping for joy as they continue to rack up wins.
      And it seems Saka was born to bring such joy, given the Yoruba meaning of his name.
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      Speaking to GQ magazine, Saka revealed: “My grandma gave it (the name Bukayo) to me because of its meaning.
      “It means ‘God has added joy to my life.’ She wanted me to add joy to the family, so she named me that…Every time she called me, that’s probably what I meant to her.”
      Saka’s religious background has also helped embolden his style of play, with the Hale End graduate explaining: “I can be confident and go into places knowing that God’s got me.
      “That’s why a lot of times I can be fearless.”
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      The winger has just 18 months left on his current contract at Arsenal after the club triggered an extension clause in his deal at the start of the month.
      Speculation on his future has been rife, but talks with the Gunners over a new deal are said to be preparing a fresh push to get a new deal completed before the end of the season. More

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      Mark Clattenburg forced to flee Egypt after shocking abuse as club chief claims ex-Prem referee is in gay relationship

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      FORMER Premier League ref Mark Clattenburg has been forced to flee Egypt where he was in charge of the country’s whistlers.The Englishman has suffered harsh criticism and personal attacks from Mortada Mansour, the president of Zamalek Sporting Club.
      Mark Clattenburg fled Egypt amid shocking abuse from the president of Zamalek Sporting ClubCredit: EPA
      Mansour has been critical of Clattenburg’s role in Egyptian football and has incorrectly claimed that the ex-ref has left his wife to start a gay relationship.
      Clattenburg, 47, has decided to leave Egypt as he feared for his safety following threats from the supporters of Zamalek.
      Once considered one of Europe’s top officials, Clattenburg was also having his referee appointments changed by the League.
      It is also understood Clattenburg felt he was being misled, while he was concerned by the number of dodgy decisions made by some officials.
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      For big games in Egypt, overseas referees are flown in but Clattenburg was having problems in persuading top officials to go to the country.
      Also, Clattenburg, who arrived in August, had not been paid for two months.
      He has been on about £32,000 a month.
      Clattenburg left the English top flight in February 2017 to take over as the head of refereeing in Saudi Arabia and he also had stints working in China and Greece.
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      LEVY LEGACY
      TOTTENHAM fans might have the hump with Daniel Levy but the club chairman still has big plans for the area around the stadium.
      So Spurs supporters can forget any hopes they have of Levy and owner Joe Lewis selling up.
      Joe Lewis and Daniel Levy have grand plans for development around the Tottenham stadiumCredit: Reuters
      Levy is pushing ahead with the complete regeneration of the club’s domain.
      It started with the stadium, along with housing, a sixth-form academy, sports campus and a general upgrade of surrounding areas.
      Just a few weeks ago, Spurs had their plans approved by the local council for their Goods Yard, The Depot and Printworks projects.
      They will provide 646 new homes, green spaces, shops and workspaces on sites in north Tottenham.
      Work has already started on a 180-room hotel while there are also plans for 579 apartments at the southern end of the stadium.
      So if you think the area around White Hart Lane has improved, it will be even more different in a few years — and Levy deserves credit for that.

      LIONS ON TOUR
      ENGLAND fans continue to back the national football team.
      The Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine at Wembley on March 26 is expected to sell out soon.
      England fans continue to support the Three Lions in large numbersCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Fans are also rushing to join the England Supporters Travel Club, which will give them the best chance of getting tickets for the Euro finals in Germany if the Three Lions, as expected, qualify.
      The travel club had more than 21,000 members ahead of the World Cup in Qatar but even more fans are set to join for the next 18 months.
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      Tickets are yet to go on sale for the qualifier against Italy in Naples on March 23.
      There are expected to be a few security issues for away fans. More

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      Erik ten Hag tells Marcus Rashford to snub PSG transfer and help make Man Utd the best team in the WORLD again

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      MARCUS RASHFORD has been told to stick with Manchester United and help make them the best team in the world again.The striker has 18 months left on his contract with the club trying to tie him to a new long-term deal.
      Marcus Rashford has been sensational since the arrival of Erik ten HagCredit: AFP
      Paris Saint-Germain have already made known their interest in the in-form 25-year-old.
      But Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag insists the local lad can achieve all he wants in football if he sticks with the club where he grew up.
      Ten Hag said: “I hope that all our players can have interest from clubs because that means you are doing a good job, that the team is outperforming so that is what we are aiming for.
      “Then, I would say this is the best place to be because we want to construct the best team, first in England, then in Europe, then in the world.”
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      And Ten Hag says the way he is constructing that team is perfect for Rashford and the club.
      He said: “He understands Man Utd is his club, that’s first, but also, in this environment, in this team, he is playing his best football.
      “He is improving and that is about him because he’s working on the good things.
      “He is giving 100 per cent energy in it and he has a good plan and also in this team he can bring his qualities.
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      “So this team can help him be in the right position and to score goals, which he is good at. This team is constructed so that his qualities come to the fore and he knows that.
      “But, definitely yes, he is important for us and if we want to get the success we want, we need him.”
      They certainly would like one or two of his goals on Wednesday night at the City Ground in their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Nottingham Forest as he looks to add to his 17 for the season.
      Of those, nine have come in the last ten games since returning from the World Cup where he scored three for England.
      The Red Devils could do with Antony being on song as well after he came in for criticism during United’s 3-2 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday.
      Ten Hag said: “He can do better.
      “I see space for improvement and we want him to be more direct, but the team is performing better if he is on the pitch and that is a good thing, a good base to build further on.”
      United take on Forest as they target a Wembley final against either Newcastle or Southampton and ending a trophy drought that stretches back to the Europa League triumph under Jose Mourinho in 2017.
      That barren run equals an unwanted 40-year record for the club after going without silverware between their FA Cup successes of 1977 and 1983.
      They have lost two finals since that 2017 triumph, in the FA Cup and Europa League, and fallen at the semi-final stage a further four times.
      Ten Hag said: “It is too long that this club didn’t win a trophy and it belongs to this club to win trophies so we have to get back on track.
      “It’s the best feeling you can have, winning a trophy, and I have the luck in my career to win some trophies and it’s magnificent, especially for the fans, it’s so great.
      “The fans here have some experience of this, especially the older ones.
      “But in this period Manchester United haven’t won trophies, it is too long ago. We are aware of that fact and we have to do it again.”
      Ten Hag says his Manchester United players will be motivated by a red hot atmosphere at The City Ground in their first game there for 24 years.
      Their last visit in 1999 saw the Red Devils run out 8-1 winners with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer coming on as a substitute to score four.
      Ten Hag will be expecting a tighter game on Wednesday evening before a packed crowd on the banks of The Trent.
      He said: “It’s a long time ago United played there and when there is a fanatical audience it is nice to play in front of.
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      “It will be a good atmosphere and I think it will motivate the players and we have to get ready for that.”
      Man Utd (likely XI): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Fred; Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho; Rashford. More