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      Man Utd star Facundo Pellistri wanted by Watford on loan transfer until end of season with his future plans uncertain

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      MAN UTD youngster Facundo Pellistri is being linked with a loan move to Championship side Watford.The Uruguayan forward, 21, has not started for the Red Devils so far this season and only made his first-team debut on Tuesday night against Charlton.
      Facundo Pellistri has struggled for minutes so far this seasonCredit: AP
      But that was just a six-minute cameo, with his lack of game time leading many to question his future at Old Trafford.
      He joined from Penarol for £9million in 2020 but has been farmed out on loan to Alaves on two separate occasions.
      Pellistri did go to the World Cup with Uruguay and started their goalless draw with South Korea.
      And his agent, Edgardo Lasalvia, claimed before the Qatar tournament that he would depart Man Utd if he impressed in the Middle East.
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      Now The Telegraph are reporting that Slaven Bilic wants to bring Pellistri in to bolster his squad.
      Watford are suffering from a number of injuries and are hoping to bring in reinforcements in the January window to help their chances of promotion.
      The Hornets currently sit fourth in the Championship, 11 points adrift of the top two.
      However, despite interest from Watford, Erik ten Hag was glowing in his praise for the winger after he played a part in Marcus Rashford’s second goal against the League One Addicks.
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      The United boss said: “I see a future in him and he is doing really well and we have to see what is the best.
      “He’s progressing, also against Everton [a behind-closed-doors game] I was really happy with his performance, I was happy with his performance in the World Cup, his progress is really good.

      “He’s come on and had an effect so that’s the next step. I say well done, better, and keep going.”
      Lasalvia has reportedly flown to England to get a handle on his client’s short-term future.
      He still has three years on his current deal at Old Trafford, with the club also holding the option of extending his contract by a further 12 months. More

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      Man Utd set to sign Wout Weghorst on loan transfer as striker has Besiktas deal ripped up and ‘flying to UK’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are set to sign Wout Weghorst on loan after agreeing a compensation fee with Besiktas.The Dutchman has been on loan in Turkey from Championship Burnley since the start of the season.
      Wout Weghorst is set to join Man UnitedCredit: Getty
      The Red Devils are eager to secure a short-term replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo after axing the Portuguese veteran in November.
      According to Turkish outlet A Spor, Weghorst is collecting his things and saying goodbyes at Besiktas this morning before flying back to undergo a medical and sign for Man United.
      The Red Devils will pay around £2.65million for his services until the end of the season.
      The Dutchman arrived in English football 12 months ago, signing for Burnley as a replacement for Newcastle-bound Chris Wood.
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      His move didn’t go to plan, however, as he scored just two goals in 20 Premier League appearances as the Clarets were relegated.
      He has since been in fine form after moving to Besiktas, netting nine goals in 18 appearances in all competitions for the Turkish side.
      Weghorst scored against Kasimpasa in his final appearance for Besiktas last Saturday.
      Prior to agreeing a deal, boss Erik ten Hag was warned by Netherlands legend Marco van Basten NOT to sign “too many Dutchmen”.
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      He told Ziggo Sport: ‘It can become dangerous if you have too many Dutch people and things are not going well.
      “You also saw that at Barcelona, when they had five Dutch people. Then it will work against you. Ten Hag has to be careful with that.”

      Wesley Sneijder, meanwhile, thinks that the transfer is a “stunt”.
      The 38-year-old told Veronica Offside: “I think they’ve seen the trick with the free-kick (vs Argentina at the World Cup), so they don’t fall for that in England any more.
      “In terms of a striker, is he really someone United are waiting for? I don’t think so.
      “They still have 300 of those in the Premier League. It must be a stunt. This really can’t be true.”
      Weghorst was claimed to have trained away from his Besiktas team-mates earlier this week after suffering with a small groin injury.
      The Red Devils were previously linked with Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix.
      But the Portuguese star joined Chelsea until the end of the season instead. More

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      Nottingham Forest penalty hero Dean Henderson goes from high to huge low as he faces being barred from Carabao Cup semis

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      DEAN HENDERSON looks set to miss out on the Carabao Cup semi-finals following the cup draw.Nottingham Forest beat Wolves in the quarter-finals after a penalty shootout in which Henderson made two vital saves.
      Dean Henderson may not be able to play in the Carabao Cup semi-finalsCredit: Reuters
      The goalkeeper denied Wolves’ Ruben Neves and Joe Hodge to help Forest make their first appearance in the semi-finals since 1992.
      However, after being the hero, Henderson could now miss out on playing after Forest were drawn against Manchester United in the next round.
      The 25-year-old is on a season-long loan from the Red Devils at the City Ground and could be deemed illegible to play against his parent club.
      When the clubs faced each other in the Premier League in December, Henderson was on the sidelines as Wayne Hennessey took his place in goal.

      Henderson would likely need to get special permission from the Old Trafford side in order to be able to play.
      But with the Red Devils desperate for silverware, it looks likely Hennessey will likely return to the side for the two-legged tie.
      Forest boss Steve Cooper was told that Henderson would not be able to play and admitted that the news has put a “dampener” on the celebrations.
      He said: “Only just thought of that. Got me on the spot there. It is unfortunate.
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      “That has put a bit of a dampener on it.”
      He added: “It is frustrating. 
      “Especially after seeing the night he has had tonight, he was excellent in the penalty shootout but he was more than good in the game. 
      “It’s unfortunate because he’s part of our group, he is so invested in the group and how we work as well as what we’re trying to become. 
      “To do that you need a really good goalkeeper. 
      “Not only is he committing as a goalkeeper, he is buying into being in the city and the greater good of the club. 
      “It has put a dampener on it for me tonight.”
      It would be a blow to Forest’s chances of progress to the final as Henderson is the clear number one at the club.
      Since joining the club in the summer, the shot-stopper has been crucial in keeping the club in a competitive position in the Premier League. More

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      Chelsea manager Graham Potter holds crisis talks with four-man ‘council of war’ in desperate bid to beat slump

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      GRAHAM POTTER has held crisis talks with his four-man council of war as he fights to beat Chelsea’s slump.New loan signing Joao Felix joins a team in freefall with just six points from 24 as they head to in-form Fulham tomorrow.
      Chelsea boss Graham Potter has come under pressure after a run of poor resultsCredit: Getty
      The manager held talks with key leaders such as Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva to try and correct the team’s courseCredit: AFP
      However, new signing Joao Felix could provide a boost for the BluesCredit: Getty
      And embattled boss Potter spoke to first team leaders Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic to try to plot a route back to winning ways.
      Potter said: “I spoke really at length yesterday with Thiago, Aspi, Jorgi, Kova – we had a really good conversation. They again showed their qualities as people. 
      “They were honest, articulated their concerns well. They articulated their positivity, they articulated their responsibility. And I think we are in a place where we can move forward.
      “It is an experienced team. The players are honest and they want to take responsibility. They want to improve, they want to win. There are a lot there, we are quite fortunate. 
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      “But at the same time, we are in a tough moment and there are challenges that affect the players as well. They are human beings. 
      “They are paid to do their jobs, but they are not robots. They are still affected by results and things that are happening in terms of the transition phase of the club. But I have been really impressed.”
      The clear-the-air meeting at the training ground comes as Chelsea struggle to reinvent themselves under new owners.
      Potter claims his job is safe with chairman Todd Boehly despite the alarming lack of form and exit from both domestic cups.
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      Forward Felix has joined until the end of the season in a near £10 million temporary move. Potter will find out tomorrow whether the Portugal World Cup star is eligible to play at Craven Cottage.
      Potter said: “He’s a quality player, can make a difference in the final third of the pitch, young but has obviously had a lot of really good experience. He’s a quality player that gives everyone a lift.
      “He has qualities as a player, as a second striker between the lines and making something happen in the final third. We’re looking forward to working with him.”
      The former Brighton boss also revealed how he that rebuilding Chelsea is “the hardest job in football”.
      He added: “This club was run a certain way for 20 years and run really well. I have a lot of respect for the previous ownership and what they achieved.
      “Unfortunately, they’re not here anymore, and you’ve lost all that leadership. It’s a new ownership, everything has changed pretty quickly.
      “It’s an incredible amount that’s happened. Sometimes that can manifest itself in different ways.
      “It would be disrespectful to expect to just pick it up with all the new staff, structures and people.
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      “It is probably the hardest job in football because of that leadership change and the expectation — rightly of where people see Chelsea.
      “Lots of things went, and you have to try to build it up again.” More

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      Man Utd to face Forest and Newcastle to play Southampton in Carabao Cup semi-final after late evening draw

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will face Nottingham Forest in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.The Red Devils booked their place in the last four of the tournament with a win over Charlton Athletic on Tuesday night.
      The draw for the Carabao Cup semi-finals took place on Wednesday night eveningCredit: PA
      Manchester United will face Nottingham Forest in their semi-finalCredit: Getty
      High-flying Newcastle will face Southampton in their semiCredit: REX
      Southampton pulled off the shock of the quarters by dumping out Manchester CityCredit: REX
      Forest were the last team to join the semi-final party, moving a step closer to a day out at Wembley by edging Wolves in a thrilling penalty shootout on Wednesday night.
      They duo were unexpectedly joined in the final four by Prem strugglers Southampton – who dumped out tournament favourites Manchester City in a famous victory at St Mary’s.

      Saints will have to see off high-flying Newcastle United in their semi-final to book their place in the final.
      The semi-finals will be two-legged affairs, with Forest and Saints respectively playing host to United and Newcastle first.
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      The first leg-leg matches will take place in the week commencing January 23.
      The reverse fixtures will take place the following week, commencing January 30.
      The final will be held at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, February 26.
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      High-flying Newcastle booked their place in the semis with a 2-0 win over Leicester on Tuesday night.
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      The victory at St James’ Park fired Eddie Howe’s soaring Magpies to their first cup semi-final in 18 years.
      Dean Henderson was the hero of Forest’s shootout victory over Wolves.
      But the keeper is unlikely to feature in the tie against United as he’s on loan at the City Ground from the Red Devils.
      Forest stopper Dean Henderson is unlikely to play against parent club Manchester UnitedCredit: PA
      He could line up against his parent club if he receives special dispensation.
      But given United’s eagerness to end their trophy drought, it’s unlikely they’ll allow him to play.
      Forest boss Steve Cooper said of Henderson’s potential absence: “Only just thought of that.
      “Got me on the spot there. It is unfortunate. That has put a bit of a dampner on it.” More

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      Man Utd’s pre-season star Zidane Iqbal ‘wants to leave on loan in January transfer window’ after struggling for games

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      MANCHESTER UNITED starlet Zidane Iqbal is reportedly keen on leaving the club on loan this month.The midfielder starred for the Red Devils during pre-season but is yet to be handed a senior appearance despite being on the bench 11 times this campaign.
      Zidane Iqbal reportedly wants a loan move away from Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      The 19-year-old was on the bench yet again during the club’s 3-0 Carabao Cup win against Charlton.
      He did not make it onto the pitch and had to watch 17-year-old Kobbie Mainoo make his debut at Old Trafford.
      Iqbal is further along in his development than Mainoo but will be thinking about earning more gametime.
      The Iraqi wants to make a temporary move away from Manchester United with a loan this month, according to MEN.
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      However, the report suggests that manager Erik ten Hag does not want to leave his squad light on numbers.
      The Dutch manager only has Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Fred and Scott McTominay, who are older than the youngster.
      With it also being said that coaches think that training with the first team for the remainder of the campaign would be more beneficial for Iqbal and then for him to move on loan in the summer.
      The midfielder, who looks up to former United players Paul Scholes and Angel Gomes, starred for the club in pre-season.
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      Fans were full of praise for his performance in the friendly defeat to Spanish side Cadiz back in December.
      Iqbal has made one appearance for the senior side in his career, having come on as a sub during the Champions League win over Young Boys in December 2021. More

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      I’ve never been happier to make an a*** of myself – I was completely wrong about Arteta at Arsenal, says Piers Morgan

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      WHAT has been the worst prediction in history?
      “A rocket will never be able to leave the Earth’s atmosphere”, declared the New York Times in 1936.
      Mikel Arteta has the fans and players believing in a title winCredit: Alamy
      The ‘All or Nothing’ series on Amazon helped Arteta show off his processCredit: Amazon Prime
      Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka have been key to the Gunners’ success this yearCredit: Getty
      Sun columnist Piers Morgan admits he was wrong about Arteta as Arsenal manager
      “It’ll be gone by June”, pronounced Variety magazine about Rock ‘n’ Roll in 1955.
      “Next Christmas, the iPod will be dead, finished, gone, kaput”, opined Lord Sugar in 2005. (The iPod went on to sell another 400million units).
      All worthy candidates. But I’d like to add my own staggeringly bad contribution to the ignominious reverse-Nostradamus list.
      In May 2022, after Arsenal lost 3-0 to Spurs in the North London Derby, I said Mikel Arteta should be sacked as manager.
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      I complained the massive new three-year contract he had been given the previous week was “a reward for abject failure” and “utterly ridiculous”.
      I then spent the rest of the season reiterating that this was a diabolical decision and he just didn’t have what it takes to lead a great club.
      For all his tough-guy talk and endless “trust the process’ bulls**t”, I said firmly, “Arteta’s been a demonstrable failure at Arsenal”.
      Now, at the time, these weren’t quite the woefully irrational thoughts they appear today.
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      Arsenal had dropped out of the top four, been dumped from both domestic cups by February, and had not even qualified for any European competition, not even the one nobody can remember the name of that nobody wants to be in (That’s the Europa Conference League, Ed.)
      But then, in the summer, everything changed. Arteta signed top-class proven winners Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko from his old club Manchester City, and brought back a matured William Saliba from loan at Marseille. I was encouraged by these signings but still not wildly over-excited.
      In my predictions for this season, on these very pages, I said that Tottenham would finish higher than us in the Premier League.
      I explained: “It kills me to put Spurs above Arsenal but I fear they have a stronger, smartly reinforced squad, the best strike-force duo in Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, and, in their magnificently volatile manager Antonio Conte, a natural-born winner who, unlike Arteta, will view coming third as humiliating failure.”

      Watch Piers Morgan Uncensored weekdays on Sky 526, Virgin Media 606, Freeview 237, Freesat 217 or on Fox Nation in the US

      To be fair to myself, I also predicted Erling Haaland would win the Golden Boot, Cristiano Ronaldo would quit Manchester United, Thomas Tuchel would self-implode at Chelsea, Southampton would fire Ralph Hasenhuttl and VAR would be villain of the year . . . 
      Well, it’s mea culpa time, and I’m talking a Grand Canyon-sized one.
      First, I was completely wrong about Arteta. More pleasingly, I was also completely wrong about Spurs and Conte. And as we head into another North London derby this Sunday, I’m happy to admit I’ve never been happier to make a predictive arse of myself.
      Arsenal’s transformation from mid-table mediocrity to a properly competitive team again has been stunning to watch.
      And it’s all down to Arteta, who if I’d had my way would have been abruptly sent packing eight months ago.
      The Spaniard has shown he most definitely does have what it takes, and we saw his progression first-hand in Amazon’s All or Nothing documentary series about the club.
      At the start, when Arteta was making the players shut their eyes and hold each other’s hands, and playing them You’ll Never Walk Alone on a little radio during training before we got thrashed by Liverpool, I totally understood why big names like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang thought he was bonkers and out of his depth.
      But as the series went on, I watched Arteta grow in confidence, and saw his fiery heartfelt passion for all things Arsenal.
      I also saw him win the respect of his players and of the fans.
      The defining moment for me came when Arteta invited long-time club photographer Stuart MacFarlane to motivate the team in the dressing room before the North London derby in September 2021.
      MacFarlane looked at the players and bellowed: “This is my club. I f***ing love this football club. And I f***ing love all of you. When you go out, first f***ing tackle, listen to the crowd. They will f***ing be on you straight away. Win every tackle.
      “When you score, look in their faces. Look at their emotion, look how much they love you.
      “Show them how much you love them, OK?”
      Photographer Stuart McFarlane motivated the players ahead of a North London derby in 2021Credit: amazon prime
      Arsenal extended Arteta’s contract last summerCredit: Amazon Prime Video
      I loved that and so did the players, who did what they were told and won 3-1, with Arteta hugging MacFarlane at the final whistle.
      When I watched all that play out in the Amazon doc, I began to trust Arteta’s process.
      I understood he needed more time than I’d been prepared to give him, to build a team in his image — one with discipline, tenacity, flair and a winning mentality. And now he has it.
      Arteta’s Arsenal has become a thrilling side, bursting with fabulous youthful talent like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, supported by a rock-solid goalkeeper and defence, and the twin towers of Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka in midfield.
      And in Martin Odegaard, he’s found a natural-born leader with Bergkamp-esque ability to run a game.
      We may not win the League because City’s oil-rich squad is so vast in comparative world class.
      But we’ve got a great chance because Arteta believes we can, his players believe we can and the fans believe we can.
      I’ve never heard the Emirates this loud or united.
      As for Spurs, they have done what Spurs usually do, but what I thought they’d stop doing under Conte — and bottled it.
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      I wouldn’t swap any of their players for our first XI on Sunday, apart from Kane and that’s only because Jesus is injured. I predict a big Arsenal win and Conte to throw his touchline toys out of the pram.
      And to Arteta, I say: I’m sorry for doubting you, Mikel. You’re the real deal. Keep up the great work.
      Arsenal lead the Premier League by five pointsCredit: Colorsport
      The Arsenal squad firmly believe in his methodsCredit: Amazon Prime Video More

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      Leicester in talks over £25m Nico Gonzalez transfer with Fiorentina as Brendan Rodgers eyes star to help struggling side

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      Leicester City have contacted Fiorentina to discuss a potential £25million move for their Argentinian winger Nicolas Gonzalez.The 24-year-old is perfect for Brendan Rodgers, who has been on the hunt for a left-footed right winger since failing to land Ademola Lookman on a permanent deal.
      Leicester City are interested in Fiorentina forward Nicolas GonzalezCredit: EPA
      Gonzalez fits the profile perfectly and would add a goal threat for the struggling Foxes.
      The Fiorentina forward has been a success in Serie A, scoring 13 goals and providing nine assists in 50 appearances since he signed from Stuttgart 18 months ago.
      He signed a five-year contract with the Italian club.
      The Foxes have underperformed this season and have struggled to find consistency in the Premier League.
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      The club are sat 13th in the table, but are still looking over their shoulders as they are only two points above Everton who are 18th.
      Leicester had a quiet summer transfer window with a low spend as Wout Faes was the club’s most expensive purchase as he joined for £15 million.
      The club did bring in big-money during the window as Welsey Fofana was sold to Chelsea for £70m.
      Another top earner Kasper Schmeichel also left the club, but there was no direct first-choice replacement brought in.
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      The Midlands side have previously been reported to be prepared to cash in even further as stars Caglar Soyuncu, Ayoze Perez, Jannik Vestergaard and Dennis Praet have been put up for sale.
      This is to provide funds in order to boost the club’s transfer budget in this month.
      And therefore could be the way the club are hoping to fund the deal for Gonzalez. More