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    Man Utd ‘target Bayern stars Leroy Sane, Leon Goretzka and Alphonso Davies in stunning triple January transfer swoop’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are targeting Bayern Munich stars Leroy Sane, Leon Goretzka and Alphonso Davies, according to reports.The Red Devils are aiming to strengthen their squad following a poor start to the season under Erik ten Hag.Flying winger Leroy Sane is on Man Utd’s radarCredit: GettyLeon Goretzka has largely been stuck on the bench for Bayern this seasonCredit: RexAlphonso Davies is on Man Utd’s radarCredit: GettyThe Dutchman, who coached Bayern’s reserves between 2013 and 2015, did business with his former club during the summer – sealing a £60million double swoop for Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.And according to Sky Germany, Man Utd’s raid on the Bundesliga giants is far from over.They claim that the Red Devils are monitoring Sane, Goretzka and Davies’ situations heading into January and next summer.Having undergone groin surgery after Euro 2024, Sane has hardly featured for Bayern this season.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe former Manchester City winger, 28, has been limited to just 32 minutes of action in Vincent Kompany’s first six Bundesliga games in charge.Despite his lack of action this season, Sane’s stock remains high at Old Trafford, particularly due to his exploits with neighbours City between 2016 and 2020.Like Sane, Goretzka has also seen his game time limited under Kompany.The midfielder has played just one minute in the Bundesliga, with a further pair of substitute appearances in the Champions League.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTen Hag’s Man Utd signingsThe Dutchman has brought in 21 players since moving to Old Trafford in 20222022-23:Antony, (Ajax) £86mCasemiro, (Real Madrid) £70mLisandro Martinez, (Ajax) £46mTyrell Malacia, (Feyenoord) £13mChristian Eriksen, (Brentford) freeMartin Dubravka, (Newcastle) loanWout Weghorst, (Burnley) loanJack Butland, (Crystal Palace) loanMarcel Sabitzer, (Bayern Munich) loan2023-24:Rasmus Hojlund, (Atalanta) £72mMason Mount, (Chelsea) £60mAndre Onana, (Inter Milan) £47mSofyan Amrabat, (Fiorentina) loanAltay Bayindir, (Fenerbahce) £4.3mJonny Evans, (Leicester) freeSergio Reguilon, (Tottenham) loan2024-25:Leny Yoro, (Lille) £52mManuel Ugarte, (Paris Saint-Germain) £50mMatthijs de Ligt, (Bayern Munich) £45mJoshua Zirkee, (Bologna) £36.5mNoussair Mazraoui, (Bayern Munich) £12.8mGoretzka, 29, has won five Bundesliga titles and the Champions League since joining Bayern in 2018.It’s claimed that the experienced German international would like to stay and fight for his place at the Allianz Arena.A day in the life of workaholic Ten Hag revealed by ex-Man Utd coach who jokes ‘his wife is on verge of divorcing him’But should he remain out of favour with Kompany, he could consider a move elsewhere.Davies, meanwhile, has been a regular starter for Bayern this term.But with his contract set to expire in the summer, the 23-year-old is in control of his future.Man Utd would love to tempt the Canadian to Old Trafford on a free transfer.But Real Madrid are still thought to be favourites to secure Davies’ highly-coveted signature.De Ligt and Mazraoui joined United in the summer having both worked with Ten Hag at Ajax.The Red Devils boss has now spent over £200m reuniting with five of his ex-Ajax stars.In addition his two summer signings, he has also forked out to bring Antony, Andre Onana and Lisandro Martinez to Old Trafford.READ MORE SUN STORIESDe Ligt and Mazraoui weren’t the first players that Ten Hag has recruited from Bayern, either.In January 2023, United signed Marcel Sabitzer on loan from the Bundesliga giants, although he went on to sign for Borussia Dortmund the following summer. More

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    Arsenal fans left praying Real Madrid scouts are watching Belgium vs France after star man’s ‘disasterclass’

    ARSENAL fans are hoping Real Madrid scouts watched William Saliba after his disastrous performance against Belgium.The defender lined up for France but had a first half to forget in Brussels.William Saliba had a nightmare first half against BelgiumCredit: APThe defender conceded a penalty after fouling Lois OpendaCredit: ReutersSaliba, left, lost the striker as he headed homeThe Arsenal star was at fault for Belgium’s goal and he also conceded a penalty.Saliba tried to close down Lois Openda inside the area but slipped and brought down the Belgium striker, though Aston Villa star Youri Tielemans missed the penalty.Fans noticed Saliba was even at fault in the build-up as he played Openda onside, and he did not cover himself in glory just before half-time either.The centre-back was caught in possession as he tried to start a run from deep, before losing track of Openda who was able to head in unmarked.READ MORE ON ARSENALFans were quick to criticise the 23-year-old with one saying: “Saliba disasterclass.”How to cure England’s Bellingham, Foden and Palmer headacheA third wrote: “He let him onside and conceded the pen what a horror show.”Real Madrid have reportedly sent scouts to watch Saliba following his impressive start to the campaign for Arsenal.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd Gunners fans were left hoping they watched his display against Belgium as he displayed weaknesses the Premier League rarely sees.Most read in FootballOne Arsenal supporter said: “Saliba playing like s**t on the world stage which means Madrid won’t come in for him.”Arsene Wenger was ‘lucky’ at Arsenal and ‘not a football man’ says Souness in extraordinary blast at ex-Arsenal boss Another added: “Saliba is such a real one for putting up this stinker to ward off Real Madrid’s scouts ❤️”Saliba performed better after half-time and helped France secure a 2-1 win, despite them having Aurelien Tchouameni sent off 15 minutes from time. More

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    Erik ten Hag ‘set to play Jonny Evans in shock new position’ vs Brentford amid Man Utd’s horror injury crisis

    MANCHESTER UNITED could be forced to play Jonny Evans in an unusual position against Brentford.The defender was supposed to be a back-up this season but he has been drafted in to play due to another injury crisis at the club.Jonny Evans could be set for a new role against BrentfordCredit: GettyErik ten Hag has a tricky decision to make due to a defensive crisisCredit: GettyDefenders Leny Yoro, Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire and now Noussair Mazraoui are all sidelined with injury.That means Diogo Dalot is the only fit defender who is able to play at left-back.And with Mazraoui out injured Dalot could have to switch flanks, with Evans filling in at left-back.Another option for Erik ten Hag is to play Lisandro Martinez in that role, meaning Evans would continue in his natural position in central defence alongside Matthijs de Ligt.READ MORE ON MAN UTDVictor Lindelof could also be drafted into the side after replacing the injured Mazraoui against Aston Villa.That is Lindelof’s only appearance so far this season but would be able to play at right-back, with Dalot continuing on the left.Evans, 36, is one of United’s most senior players and he claimed the recent pressure on Ten Hag is not helping the squad.He said: “The other night [after the 3-3 draw with Porto] he got a bit emotional, you could see it on him, letting that game slip away.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”You could see everyone was running into the ground to get a half decent result.”It does affect the players. It’s on our minds too.A day in the life of workaholic Ten Hag revealed by ex-Man Utd coach who jokes ‘his wife is on verge of divorcing him'”I think the more experience I’ve got in my career I’ve made sure I do everything you do to be ready and give everything I can to the team.” More

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    Chelsea outcast Ben Chilwell linked with shock Napoli transfer but host of Premier League rivals also in the hunt

    BEN CHILWELL could be the latest Premier League star to join the exodus to Napoli.SunSport can reveal the Italian giants – who have already signed Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour – are tracking the Chelsea full-back.Ben Chilwell could join Napoli in JanuaryCredit: ReutersHe’s expected to leave Stamford Bridge in January and Napoli boss Antonio Conte is believed to be a huge fan of the England defender.Chilwell could move on loan with an option to sign a long-term deal at the end of the season.But Napoli won’t have it all their own way. It’s understood a host of Premier League clubs are also admirers of Chilwell.Fulham, Palace and Ipswich are all monitoring the situation and could make their move in January as well.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe England ace almost left Chelsea over the summer but stayed at Stamford Bridge after failing to find a new club.But sources say the ex-Leicester City full-back is concerned about the lack of game-time he is likely to get in West London so is open to a move.Chelsea are also thought to be keen to explore the option of letting Chilwell leave as they grapple with the demands of trying to manage a massive squad.It comes just weeks after it seemed Chilwell had secured a dramatic pathway back into the fold at Chelsea after being named in their Premier League squad.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe £50 million defender was one of the infamous ‘bomb squad’ of unwanted stars banished to train away from the rest of the first-team1 squad by hardline head coach Enzo Maresca during the transfer window.But after failing to find a new club for the one-time England left-back, Chilwell was later included on the 25-man list of players for top flight games this season in a surprise U-turn.Cole Palmer labelled ‘aura personified’ as Chelsea ace stars in nine-minute Burberry ad without saying a wordChilwell’s last appearance for Chelsea was as a two-minute sub appearance in the FA Cup semi final defeat to Manchester City back in April.Chelsea managed to offload many of those stars in a frantic finish to the latest transfer window – Raheem Sterling joined Arsenal, Trevoh Chalobah is on loan at Crystal Palace and keeper Kepa Arribalaga joined Bournemouth on loan too.No deals could be done for Chilwell and he will now remain at Chelsea until January at the earliest.His long term place at Stamford Bridge looks shaky with Marc Cucurella and Levi Colwill ahead of him in the pecking order at left back. More

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    Premier League club unveil ‘beautiful’ new-look training ground with games room, ice baths and state-of-the-art kitchen

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST have unveiled their “beautiful” new-look training ground.Owner Evangelos Marinakis pumped in millions of pounds to revamp the facility.Nottingham Forest have unveiled their new-look training groundCredit: YouTube/Nottingham Forest FCThe epic games room includes sofas and pool tablesCredit: YouTube/Nottingham Forest FCBarista-style coffee is on hand for the players and staffCredit: YouTube/Nottingham Forest FCThe multi-million-pound update has been a major improvementCredit: YouTube/Nottingham Forest FCAnd the results are a stunning update that the players insist is “making them better”. The Nigel Doughty Academy base underwent major renovation work following the club’s promotion back to the Premier League in 2022.So much so that it looks unrecognisable from just two years ago. Forest shared a five-minute video on social media giving fans a tour of the premises. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe clip starts with manager Nuno Espirito Santo welcoming the camera crew into the building and then shows off various new aspects of the training ground.That includes plush meeting rooms, a video room decked out with comfy dugout-style branded seats, analysts’ suites kitted out with plenty of screens and a squeaky-clean changing room completed with motivational text. But the more impressive parts of the training ground facelift include the swanky recovery swimming pools, ice baths, showers and sauna.There is also a 405-square-metre open-plan gym, treatment room and physio area to ensure Forest’s players are in the best condition possible come matchday. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThey revamped the canteen into a modern dining lounge with a new team of chefs and nutritionists in the state-of-the-art kitchens – plus an in-house Joe & The Juice barista coffee set-up with a red espresso machine. The club, though, have placed particular emphasis on the team culture at the training ground.Leicester’s amazing new world-class £100m training groundSo Marinakis ordered the creation of a new social and relaxation area which features sofas, pool tables and a Teqball table – although there is no golf course on site like at East Midlands rivals Leicester City’s epic £100m centre.One of the biggest improvements has been outside, though, with the Nigel Doughty Academy training pitches now an exact replica of the playing surface at their home stadium. Club captain Ryan Yates, who joined the Forest academy aged eight, insists the squad are reaping the rewards of the improved “world-class” infrastructure. Yates said: “It’s improved dramatically especially since we gained promotion to the Prem, it’s so obvious to see. “Having the barista and these small touches go a long, long way to making it feel like a proper Premier League training ground.The recovery pools look super sleekCredit: YouTube/Nottingham Forest FCPlayers will make the most of the new showersCredit: YouTube/Nottingham Forest FCNuno Espirito Santo welcomed the cameras insideCredit: YouTube/Nottingham Forest FCThe data gurus have their own suiteCredit: YouTube/Nottingham Forest FCWalls of screens give plenty of opportunity for analysisCredit: YouTube/Nottingham Forest FC”The backing from the owner is massive.”You can tell going in the levels are completely different, it’s absolutely top class.”When we got promoted, the training pitches weren’t at the best standard, now they are basically identical to the City Ground which is just huge.”Training on a pitch that is immaculate every single day is really helping the lads become better players. It’s a huge investment making sure the pitches are world class.”The difference from when I first came as an eight-year-old… it’s almost unrecognisable.”Delighted Forest fans are also very excited about the transformation and flooded the YouTube video with comments.One said: “It is beautiful, thank you so much to all involved.”Another wrote: “Looks absolutely amazing.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA third added: “Fantastic, a world away from where we were 5-10 years ago, we are very lucky to have such an ambitious owner.”And a final user simply typed: “Love it.”The boot room is home to the players’ footwearCredit: YouTube/Nottingham Forest FCPhysios will do their treatment in the open-plan areaCredit: YouTube/Nottingham Forest FCThe gym is stacked with branded equipmentCredit: YouTube/Nottingham Forest FCForest’s players can pump weights with the club badge onCredit: YouTube/Nottingham Forest FCForest fans are delighted with the updateCredit: YouTube/Nottingham Forest FCThe video room has rows of comfy red seatsCredit: YouTube/Nottingham Forest FCA new team of chefs and nutritionists are enjoying the updated kitchensCredit: YouTube/Nottingham Forest FC More

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    Man Utd ‘strike deal to send THREE stars to another of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s clubs THIS WEEK’ in rarely-seen move

    SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has sent three Manchester United wonderkids to train with another Ineos club.The British billionaire acquired a 27.7 per cent stake in the Red Devils last December.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has sent three academy players to another club he runsCredit: AlamyHabeeb Ogunneye is one of those selected to goCredit: GettyDefender Jack Kingdon has gone after leading the Under-18s to glory last seasonCredit: AlamyEthan Williams got the nod after a fine season in front of goal last termCredit: GettyRatcliffe and his chiefs are now in charge of football operations at Old Trafford.Ad they have made the decision to send three highly-rated youngsters to Lausanne.The Ineos group also run the Swiss club.Habeeb Ogunneye, Jack Kingdon and Ethan Williams travelled there today and will be involved in first-team training sessions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe rarely-seen move is a “reward” for the 18-year-old trio and will help their development, claim the Manchester Evening News.Ogunneye has been on the bench for seven Premier League games but is still waiting for his debut.The right-back has caught the eye for the Under-21s this term.Kingdon signed his first pro contract in the summer and has previously trained with United’s first-team.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe defender is captain of last season’s Under-18s Treble-winning side.And as for Williams, he scored 17 goals and grabbed nine assists for the young champions and he has also mixed with the senior squad before.What happened to these five forgotten Manchester United wonderkidsLausanne were acquired by Ratcliffe in 2017 and they currently sit tenth in the Swiss Super League.French side Nice are also in his football portfolio. Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More

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    I’m a former Premier League star who was arrested for cock-fighting… now I’m back playing aged 43

    AN ex-Premier League star once arrested for cock-fighting has made a shock return to football.Fabio Rochemback hung up his boots ten years ago and has spent the last decade away from the game. Fabio Rochemback has made a shock return to footballCredit: InstagramThe Brazilian spent three years at MiddlesbroughCredit: PA:Press AssociationBut he has now joined Brazilian amateur side Guarany de Xaxim on a short-term deal.The club compete in the regional Santa Catarina Championship.Rochemback captained the side to a 3-2 win on his first appearance.The 43-year-old is best remembered by the three seasons he spent at Middlesbrough.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe played 91 times for the club and was part of the team that made the Uefa Cup final in 2006.The midfielder also had spells at Barcelona and Sporting Lisbon.Rochemback, who was capped seven times by Brazil, was nicknamed The Cannon thanks to his trademark powerful long shots.Since retiring, he hit the headlines in 2017 when he was arrested on suspicion of involvement in a cock-fighting ring.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnimal fighting is a crime in Brazil and the ex-player was detained by cops in a raid of an event in Rio Grande do Sul.Police said 89 roosters and £24,000 in cash was also seized that evening.Football icons’ strange hobbiesRochemback had a farm raided by the authorities six years earlier.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Moment Wojciech Szczesny says ‘I won’t tell anyone’ after Barcelona star’s chat with Cristiano Ronaldo in tunnel

    REAL MADRID legend Cristiano Ronaldo met with new Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny backstage during the international break.Szczesny, 34, attended Poland’s Nations League clash with Portugal at the Kazimierz Gorski National Stadium in Warsaw on Saturday and watched Ronaldo and co beat his national team 3-1.Cristiano Ronaldo and Wojciech Szczesny met backstage before Poland vs PortugalCredit: X @updates_fcbarcaSzczesny revealed to Ronaldo his son is a big fan, but ‘won’t tell anybody’Credit: AFPSzczesny came out of retirement to join Barcelona, who used to be Real Madrid legend Ronaldo’s rivalsCredit: ReutersThe ex-Arsenal keeper retired from all football last season, following seven year at Juventus.However the Polish stopper incredibly made a stunning U-turn last month to sign for LaLiga giants Barcelona, following an injury to their No1 Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Szczesny still is not part of Michal Probierz’s Poland squad.But, as he gears up for a return between the sticks, he paid a visit to his former international team-mates before their marquee clash.Read More on FootballThat is where the ex-Juventus star got the chance to catch up with Portugal captain Ronaldo backstage, while flanked by his starstuck kids.The pair played together at Juventus and Szczesny was caught on camera telling the five-time Ballon d’Or winner that his son is a fan and wanted an autograph.That was when the keeper joked he “won’t tell anybody” given Barcelona and Real’s fierce rivalry.Szczesny told Ronaldo: “I play for Barcelona now.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRonaldo responded: ” I know.”Szczesny continued: “But he [his son] is one of your fans. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anybody.Szczesny reveals he was fined £34k for being 113 seconds late for training Ronaldo replied: “Unbelievable, from retirement to a big club.”Ronaldo spent nine glittering years with Real as he amassed a staggering 450 goals and 131 assists in 438 appearances while also winning two LaLiga titles and four Champions League trophies.The Manchester United legend left Los Blancos in 2018 for Juventus where he played with Szczesny for three years before returning to Old Trafford. More