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    Marcus Rashford has produced twice as many points as Erling Haaland since the restart

    HAVING looked totally bereft of confidence for almost the entirety of last season, Marcus Rashford (£5.1m) has rediscovered his best form with aplomb this campaign.In 2021/22, Manchester United’s No10 mustered just five goals in all competitions and a measly 38 Dream Team points.
    This term, he’s already on 15 club goals and 143 Dream Team points.
    Rashford is the third-best forward in Dream TeamCredit: getty
    Game Week 17 was Rashford’s best of 2022/23 so far as he took Everton and Charlton for a combined 28 points.
    He scored one and assisted another as the Red Devils swept aside the Toffees in the FA Cup third round on Friday night, claiming the Star Man award in the process, before he came off the bench to seal his side’s win over the Addicks in the Carabao Cup quarter-final with a late brace on Tuesday night.
    The 25-year-old has scored in six consecutive games since the resumption of the domestic season following the World Cup in Qatar.
    In fact, he’s scored seven goals and provided two assists in his last 426 minutes of action.
    Since the restart, Rashford has plundered a mighty 61 Dream Team points, more than double that of Erling Haaland (£9m) in the same time frame.
    Man of the moment
    Manchester City’s prolific No9 has scored four goals in five outings since for a return of 30 points, a great effort, but it just goes to show how rampant Rashford has been over the festive period and into the new year.
    There are plenty of enticing options up front for Dream Team gaffers to shuffle between right now.
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    Haaland remains a mainstay while Harry Kane (£7.4m) continues on his merry way but Arsenal pair Gabriel Martinelli (£3.5m) and Eddie Nketiah (£2.6m) offer incredible value for money.
    In-form goalscorers Aleksandar Mitrovic (£5.4m) and Rodrigo (£3.8m) are more than viable too, but despite this stiff competition, Rashford has quickly become a must-have asset.
    The remainder January brings two tough tests for Man United in the form of neighbours Man City and league leaders Arsenal (plus two more favourable match-ups against Crystal Palace and Reading) but the England international is too hot to ignore, whatever the schedule.
    Rashford appears in 25% of teams
    Erik ten Hag’s side have won eight games in a row in all competitions and have rallied to the point where they will feel confident of competing against the Premier League’s current top two – they beat the Gunners in September but were comprehensively outplayed in the last Manchester derby.
    Both Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta will be wary of Rashford’s threat but whether they can nullify him is another matter entirely.
    Dream Team bosses should be asking themselves if they can afford to go without Old Trafford’s homegrown hero – three quarters of gaffers are missing out at the time of writing. More

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    Watch Jude Bellingham’s reaction after fan asks Dortmund star to snub Premier League transfer and join Real Madrid

    JUDE BELLINGHAM produced a wry smile when asked by a fan to sign for Real Madrid.The Borussia Dortmund ace was signing autographs for excited young supporters, who mobbed the England midfielder.

    Jude Bellingham was asked by a young supporter to sign for Real MadridCredit: @elchiringuitotv
    Bellingham is currently out in Marbella for the German club’s mid-season training camp as they prepare for the return of the Bundesliga later this month.
    The 19-year-old made his first outing since the World Cup on Tuesday, playing the first 45 minutes of the 5-1 win over Dusseldorf.
    And Bellingham showed that he’s got time for his fans as he stopped and greeted a bunch of kids, who were desperate for an autograph and a snap.
    But one of the youngsters went a step further.
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    In Spanish, one said: “Bellingham, you to Madrid?”
    The ex-Birmingham City man didn’t responded and simply smiled back.
    At the time, he was actually signing a Real Madrid shirt.
    The Spanish giants are one of several clubs Bellingham has been strongly linked with in recent months.
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    In fact, SunSport revealed last month that Madrid were confident they’d beaten off competition from Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea and won the race to sign him.
    PSG and Manchester City are also keen on the ace’s services.

    Bellingham has been in exceptional form this season, scoring nine goals and adding four assists in 27 games for Dortmund.
    That came before he was one of England’s top performers in Qatar, with his form at the World Cup only intensifying speculation surrounding his future. More

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    Romeo Beckham makes Brentford B debut with sons of two other ex-Premier League stars as dad David watches on

    ROMEO BECKHAM was welcomed by a record crowd as he began life in senior English football – alongside a couple more recognisable surnames.Some 553 people turned up at Erith and Belvedere as the glam king helped his side to a 3-2 win, up from their average attendance of 160.
    Romeo Beckham made his debut for Brentford B at Erith and BelvedereCredit: Splash
    And one of them was proud dad David, who sneaked into the ground at half time to avoid crowds.
    And while Beckham was certainly the most famous surname on that pitch, there were a couple more that might have chimed with fans of the Premier League in the 90s.
    No15 for the West Londoners was Max Dickov, son of former Manchester City striker Paul Dickov, while ex-Charlton forward Kevin Lisbie’s lad Kyreece wore No12.
    Jason Wilcox’s son, also called Max, was on the bench.
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    Romeo was brought at right-wing just before the hour – which allowed his old man to see his entire performance.
    At times the 20-year-old even resembled his dad on the pitch, as he showed a fantastic range of passing and excellent set piece deliveres.
    The on-loan Inter Miami ace even took the corner that led to the Bees’ equaliser.
    Following the match, manager Neil MacFarlane was full of praise for Romeo’s attitude since joining the Bees.
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    He said: “His father was an unbelievable player, with an unbelievable character, who had an unbelievable career.
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    “We push the players like they have never been pushed before and he [Romeo] has been incredible and bought into the culture and he should be proud of his debut.”
    And Romeo’s progression to the first team has not been ruled out by manager Thomas Frank, who labelled him an “interesting player”.
    David Beckham and Paul Dickov played against each other in a Manchester derby in 2000 but their sons lined up together last night for Brentford BCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Romeo delivered the corner that led to Brentford’s second goalCredit: Splash
    Proud dad David was in good spirits as he snuck over the fence to watch his son in the second halfCredit: Splash More

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    ‘World’s most beautiful footballer’ desperate to date Cristiano Ronaldo and reveals she is Chelsea fan

    GLAMOROUS footballer Ana Maria Markovic appears desperate to date Cristiano Ronaldo – and revealed she is a Chelsea fan. Ana Maria Markovic – dubbed the world’s most beautiful footballer – has made it no secret she is a big admirer of Ronaldo.
    Ana Maria Markovic is dubbed the world’s most beautiful footballer
    Ana Maria Markovic appears desperate to date Cristiano Ronaldo
    Cristiano Ronaldo is an idol of Ana Maria MarkovicCredit: PA
    She even once claimed she earned an international call up with Croatia after copying her idol.
    And Markovic, 23, looks keen to try and repay Ronaldo, 37, after she posted a selfie and tagged the ex-Manchester United star.
    Unfortunately for Markovic, Ronaldo is in a long-term relationship with Georgina Rodriquez and the couple have just moved to Saudi Arabia following his transfer to Al-Nassr.
    Despite that, Markovic did reveal she is a Chelsea fan, having been asked to name her favourite English side.
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    And despite Croatia’s Mateo Kovacic winning the Champions League with the Blues, Frank Lampard is still her all-time favourite Chelsea player.
    Markovic currently plays for Swiss Women’s Super League club Grasshopper and has nine international caps to her name, with one goal.
    Real Madrid legend Luka Modric is an idol of hers, but Ronaldo is her ultimate inspiration.
    She told 20min: “Modric is definitely a great role model for me. He is a world footballer and represents Croatia.
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    “There are many good players among the women, such as Bachmann.
    “But my absolute favorite player is Cristiano Ronaldo because he’s just so disciplined.
    “I think it’s super important that you give your all in sport and have a good mindset like him.”
    Ana Maria Markovic plays for Swiss Women’s Super League club Grasshopper
    She has one international Croatia goal to her name
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    How Arsenal could line up with Eden Hazard and Mykhailo Mudryk as Mikel Arteta plots double January transfer swoop

    ARSENAL’S hunt for extra firepower in January has seen them linked with a number of targets. Mykhailo Mudryk has been the primary target of the Gunners so far this month, but a sensational report suggests Chelsea legend Eden Hazard could soon don the Gunners colours.
    Mikel Arteta is keen to add firepower to his squad in JanuaryCredit: Getty
    Mykhailo Mudryk has been heavily linked with a transfer to the GunnersCredit: Getty
    While a sensational report has suggested Eden Hazard could move to the EmiratesCredit: Getty
    How Arsenal could line up with Hazard and Mudryk
    Hazard is said to be looking for a path to end his Real Madrid nightmare, with Mikel Arteta’s side under consideration.
    And it could lead to the North London club adding Mudryk and Hazard to their ranks.

    Both Mudryk and Hazard are able to operate on both wings, but the Belgian has experience through the centre as a false nine.
    This could give Arteta an alternative option through the centre of the Gunners attack, with Mudryk and Bukayo Saka in support on the wings.
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    However, while Mudryk has openly flirted with a move to the Emirates, a move for him is proving difficult to materialise due to Shakhtar Donetsk’s high transfer demands.
    Meanwhile, Hazard would go against the type of age profile Arsenal have targeted in recent windows.
    This means their attention could move elsewhere and spread across other areas of the squad.
    Barcelona star Memphis Depay has been linked with a move, and is a very similar player to Gabriel Jesus in terms of what he can offer the team.
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    Arsenal have also been linked with Barca team-mate Alejandro Balde and Palmeiras star Danilo.
    Meanwhile, Tottenham have joined Arsenal in the race for Leandro Trossard, who’s Brighton contract expires in the summer which could lead to a cut-price move in January.
    In an ideal market Arsenal would be able to sign whoever they wanted, but as is the nature of squad building within economic reason, they will only enter the market for the right players.
    In the meantime, Arsenal’s FA Cup clash with Oxford United is reportedly being investigated following allegations of suspicious betting patterns.
    How Arsenal could look if they move for a host of different targets More

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    Man Utd tipped to seal Edouard Mendy transfer as replacement for David De Gea from Chelsea as he holds contract talks

    LOUIS SAHA has claimed signing Edouard Mendy “would make perfect sense” for Manchester United if David De Gea doesn’t sign a new Old Trafford deal.Spanish stopper De Gea, 32, is out of contract at the end of the season.
    David De Gea’s Manchester United contract expires at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
    The Red Devils have been urged to move for Edouard Mendy if De Gea leavesCredit: Getty
    He is reportedly facing a huge pay-cut to his current £375,000-a-week deal in order to stay at the club.
    Although De Gea himself recently claimed he wants to finish his career at Old Trafford amid reports of contract talks.
    But Saha, 44, who spent four years at United, has urged the Red Devils to “take a punt” on Chelsea goalkeeper Mendy if De Gea does leave.
    The Stamford Bridge goalie, 30, has fallen out of favour to Kepa Arrizabalaga in recent months.
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    Saha told Football Odds and Betting: “Man United should take a punt on Edouard Mendy if De Gea leaves.
    “De Gea is still right at the top level, but of course making mistakes like he did against Everton is never good.
    “Over the years, De Gea has done tremendous performances to save the team and he deserves the time and credit for that.
    “If De Gea doesn’t sign a new contract then a move for Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy would make perfect sense.
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    “He has been one of the best goalkeepers in the world the last few years and I’m not sure what happened.”
    United do have the option to extend De Gea’s deal by a further year, but are alleged to have opted against triggering the clause.
    Mendy meanwhile recently snubbed a six-year contract offer from Chelsea.
    SunSport exclusively revealed that Mendy turned down the deal because he believed the Blues didn’t show him enough “respect” over wages.
    Mendy earns around £100,000 a week and wants parity with his Blues rival Kepa who picks up almost twice that. More

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    Arsenal ‘considering shock Eden Hazard transfer move’ with 32-year-old ex-Chelsea star mulling over Real Madrid future

    ARSENAL are considering a shock move for Real Madrid star Eden Hazard, according to reports.The former Chelsea winger is supposedly holding showdown talks over his future with the LaLiga side open to letting him leave.
    Real Madrid seem to be willing to let Eden Hazard leave the club this monthCredit: Getty
    And he could have a surprise offer from the Gunners as they look to bolster their squad for the title race.
    Outlet Mediafoot claims that Hazard could go to Arsenal if their proposed transfer for Shakhtar Donetsk’s Mykhailo Mudryk doesn’t materialise amid competition from Chelsea.
    Reports suggest that initial contact between Mikel Arteta’s side and representatives in the Spanish capital has been made.
    Hazard’s contract expires at the end of the next season and there has supposedly been interest from MLS teams, Fenerbahce and Al-Nassr.
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    The 32-year-old has found minutes hard to come by at Real Madrid this season, being an unused substitute on 16 occasions.
    He has featured only seven times, managing to score just once in all competitions.

    His big money move to Los Blancos back in 2019 has not gone to plan as he has suffered a number of injuries and because of the emergence of Vinicius Junior.
    Hazard was even recently mocked by a fourth-division player in the Copa del Rey as he was hooked off by boss Carlo Ancelotti in the 67th minute.
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    Demanding Real Madrid supporters also slammed his performance in the rare start.
    Hazard’s best days came in England with Chelsea, helping the Blues win two Premier League titles and two Europa Leagues.
    He would offer Arsenal experience and he is hoping to rejuvenate his career having also retired from international football with Belgium after a disappointing World Cup More

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    Enzo Fernandez appears to end Chelsea transfer speculation with passionate celebration after scoring on Benfica return

    ENZO FERNANDEZ appeared to end any Chelsea transfer speculation after passionately celebrating a goal on his return to Benfica. The Argentinian World Cup winner has been subject to heavy interest from the Blues, following his breakout performances in Qatar.
    Enzo Fernandez appeared to suggest he is staying at BenficaCredit: Twitter
    Fernandez, 21, was even left out of Benfica’s 1-0 win over Portimonense last Friday amid Chelsea’s pursuit of the player.
    But the midfielder returned in a cup match against Varzim, scoring on 78 minutes as the game ended 2-0.
    And Fernandez gave the biggest hint yet that he is not leaving after pointing to the Benfica badge and ground, insinuating he is staying put.
    Chelsea were at loggerheads with the Portuguese giants as they refused to pay the playmaker’s £105million release clause and failed in their bid to negotiate.
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    And Benfica manager Roger Schmidt ruled out Fernandez leaving just a day before his return to the starting XI.
    Schmidt said: “The Enzo story is closed, there’s nothing left. He’s our player.

    “He’s in a good position, Enzo is happy, training well, he’s part of the team. He’s a key player. That’s all.”
    Chelsea have now turned their attention to Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix, 23.
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    Felix has agreed to move to Stamford Bridge on a six-month loan, worth £10m, despite interest from Manchester United and Arsenal.
    Chelsea have also signed defender Benoit Badiashile, 21, attacker David Datro Fofana, 20, and 18-year-old midfielder Andrey Santos this month.
    But Chelsea boss Graham Potter could be ready to sell Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 33, who was signed by previous boss Thomas Tuchel.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang faces the axe at ChelseaCredit: Getty More