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      Man Utd, Arsenal & Chelsea transfer target ‘available for £43m from summer as Bundesliga star’s release clause leaked’

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      SEVERAL of the Premier League’s top clubs have been put on high alert after Benjamin Sesko’s alleged release clause was revealed.The 20-year-old arrived at RB Leipzig last summer from their Austrian sister club RB Salzburg.
      Sesko is one of Europe’s most highly rated young forwardsCredit: Getty
      His rapid progression from the Austrian league to the Bundesliga has naturally drawn comparisons with Erling Haaland, given they both made their names at Salzburg before big Bundesliga moves.
      Sesko started the season rapidly with a goal on both his Bundesliga and Champions League debuts for Leipzig.
      His debut goal in the Champions League made him the club’s youngest player to score in Europe, at just 20 years and 111 days old.
      The goals have become less consistent of late, which is natural for a youngster acclimatising to one of Europe’s top leagues.
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      Sky Sports Germany report that the forward will be available for a bargain £43million this summer due to the way his transfer to Leipzig was constructed.
      As part of Leipzig signing Sesko for £20.4m in the summer with £5m in add-ons, the cheap release clause was added this summer as a ‘compromise’ in the deal.
      Chelsea have previously been linked to a summer deal for Sesko, with the Blues seeing the Slovenian as a cheaper option to their long-term target, Victor Osimhen.
      As a stop-gap until then the club appear to be chasing Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran, who has rarely featured for Unai Emery’s side this season.
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      Sesko is finding his feet at LeipzigCredit: The Sun
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      Arsenal in the past have also seen Sesko as a viable alternative to Ivan Toney, and will wait until the summer to sign a forward anyway.
      United were heavily linked with Sesko in the summer when they opted to sign Rasmus Hojlund instead.
      However, it is well known that the Red Devils remain in the market for a no9 as competition for the Hojlund. More

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      Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd and England careers in doubt after showdown Ten Hag talks amid fears star is going off rails

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      MARCUS RASHFORD’S Manchester United and England careers have been thrown into doubt with fears he is going off the rails.The forward had showdown talks early yesterday morning with Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag as he fights for his future.
      Marcus Rashford’s Manchester United and England careers are in doubtCredit: Getty
      Erik ten Hag sat down for showdown talks with the forward and his brother on MondayCredit: Alamy
      Rashford arrived at Carrington after being dropped for the Newport win following his sickieCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      EXCLUSIVE: Downing tequila, falling into bed fully clothed then calling in sick to Man Utd… inside Marcus Rashford’s 12-hour bender

      It comes after he missed training on Friday claiming he was ill, before it emerged he was partying until the early hours of that morning in Belfast.
      Rashford’s agent, his brother Dwaine Maynard, was also present at the Carrington talks.
      The local lad could face Wolves on Thursday but is expected to be fined two weeks’ wages — around £650,000.
      In a statement, United said: “Marcus has taken responsibility for his actions. This has been dealt with as an internal disciplinary matter, which is now closed.”
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      There are now major concerns at Old Trafford over the way Rashford, 26, is leading his life.
      It has become an open topic at United — with their 30-goal top scorer from last season out of form and looking unhappy.
      Ten Hag said the forward had been left out the squad for Sunday’s 4-2 FA Cup win over Newport as he had “reported ill”.
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      But there was clearly more to it.
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      Ten Hag said: “He reported ill and the rest is an internal matter. As I said, we will deal with it.”
      England, with the Euros this summer, are understood to be closely monitoring the situation.
      It is not the first time Rashford has been in hot water this season.
      Ten Hag had to warn him over celebrating his birthday in Manchester’s China White hours after United had been thumped 3-0 by cross-town rivals City in October.
      Rashford was benched for a 1-0 win at Wolves last season when he arrived late for the pre-match team meeting, claiming he had overslept.
      But he came on to score the second-half winner.
      ACE RASH’S TIPPLES TIMELINE
      WEDNESDAY JAN 24
      9.55am: Rashford arrives for Man United training.4.21pm: Private jet leaves Manchester.5.17pm: Plane lands at Belfast International airport. Rashford checks into the Fitzwilliam Hotel and visits the Dirty Onion and Lavery’s bar.
      THURSDAY JAN 25
      1.06pm: Picture posted online of Rashford at Larne FC.2pm: Arrives at Sarah Adair’s restaurant.4.30pm: Leaves restaurant.9.40pm: Rashford sends a driver to bring Sarah to Villa Italia restaurant.
      FRIDAY JAN 26
      00.30am: Rashford filmed going into Thompson’s Garage nightclub.2am: Rashford leaves and the group go back to his hotel — although a source close to the player insists it was at 1.15am.2.50am: The star passes out fully dressed.5am: Rashford and his minders leave hotel.7am: Private jet leaves Belfast airport.8am: Plane touches down at Manchester airport.
      SUNDAY JAN 28
      Rashford is dropped from FA Cup game against Newport County. United boss Erik ten Hag says Rashford’s behaviour is an “internal matter” and he will “deal” with it.
      MONDAY JAN 298.45am: Rashford arrives for training.

      Ten Hag initially accepted his reason that he was too ill to train last Friday but then learned Rashford was out until the early hours before getting a private jet back to Manchester.
      The Dutch boss has been a tough disciplinarian — exiling Jadon Sancho for a social media post that questioned the manager.
      Sancho has been loaned to Borussia Dortmund.
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      Ten Hag also ended Cristiano Ronaldo’s second spell early after the superstar became a disruptive influence.
      Local-lad Rashford has been at United since he was seven — bursting into the limelight aged 17.
      Ten Hag has proven he is not afraid to make the tough calls on big namesCredit: Reuters
      Gareth Southgate will be considering whether to take Rashford to Euro 2024Credit: PA More

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      Major TV change for Carabao Cup final between Liverpool and Chelsea as kick-off time announced amid police fears

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      A MAJOR scheduling change has been forced on the Carabao Cup final between Chelsea and Liverpool amid police fears. The Wembley showpiece was due to kick off at 4.30pm on Sunday.
      A major TV change has been forced on the Carabao Cup final between Chelsea and LiverpoolCredit: PA
      But the Metropolitan Police requested that it be brought forward after the rivalling Premier League sides made it to the final.
      Cops deemed the fixture as “high risk” and requested that it gets under way no later than 3pm.
      And now their wish has been granted, with kick-off moved back 90 minutes.
      An EFL spokesperson said: “Following representations from the @metpoliceuk, the local safety advisory group has determined the 2024 @Carabao_Cup Final will now kick-off at 3pm.
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      “Having previously scheduled the usual 4.30pm kick off time with @wembleystadium and @SkySports, it is disappointing to note the change at this late stage.”
      The FA has issued a 3pm TV blackout on Saturdays since the 1960s and is set to stay for another five years.
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      But it does not apply for Sundays, meaning the Carabao Cup clash can proceed with the amended time
      The game will be broadcast by Sky Sports.
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      Chelsea booked their place in the final by overcoming a 1-0 first leg loss to Middlesbrough by winning the return tie 6-1.
      Liverpool meanwhile overcame Fulham to set up a repeat of the 2022 final, which the Reds won on penalties.
      Liverpool won the Carabao Cup in 2022Credit: Marc Aspland – The Times More

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      Erling Haaland reveals he has same pre-match routine as dart sensation Luke Littler as he prepares for Man City comeback

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      ERLING HAALAND stunned fans as he revealed he has the same pre-match routine as Luke Littler.Haaland, 23, is at the peak of his powers as one of the best strikers on the planet with his incredible physique and goalscoring ability.
      Erling Haaland is back to full fitness and can continue his pre-match routineCredit: Getty
      Luke Littler gets ready for matches by playing FC 24Credit: Kelly Deckers / PDC
      Littler, meanwhile, turned 17 last week and has burst on to the scene by rivalling the very best darts players on the planet.
      But, while Haaland represents the blue half of Manchester and Littler supports United, the pair do have something in common.
      That is because they both wind down ahead of big games by spending time on their consoles playing FC 24.
      The video game is the rebranded version of FIFA – and City star Haaland can play with his own character.
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      Asked about his ritual, Haaland said: “I don’t have any special routines.
      “I try not to think too much before a game.
      “Normally the night before a game, I play on my PlayStation and try and relax as much as I can. 
      “I like to score with myself on FC 24, that’s about it.
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      “I don’t do anything special, I just try and relax and look forward to the game.”
      And Haaland’s routine matches that of Littler.
      The darts sensation, who reached the World Darts Championship final with his mesmeric run at Ally Pally, has made no secret of his love of the game.
      Former world champ Michael Smith posted a picture on Instagram of Littler in his famous purple darts shirt opening Ultimate Team packs on his phone before facing Dirk van Duijvenbode at the Dutch Masters.
      Then just 24 hours after losing the final to Michael van Gerwen, Littler did a TikTok live stream playing FC 24 with girlfriend Eloise Milburn.
      The Nuke has 200,000 followers on the social media platform – and fans loved just how down-to-earth he is.
      One said: “Na Luke Littler was just in the Dutch Masters final 24 hours ago, now he’s sat on FIFA opening packs on TikTok. What a guy.”
      Another declared: “I go onto TikTok and see Luke Littler streaming FUT Champs, if you don’t already love the boy then something is wrong with you.”
      One noted: “3k people watching Luke Littler play Pro Clubs is peak entertainment.”
      Haaland will be hoping to replicate Littler’s recent success after finally returning to full fitness.
      The Norwegian has been out since December 6 with a small foot fracture.
      Speaking at the launch of his new Nike boots, the Treble winner said: “I’ve been injured a bit but now, I’m finally back and I look forward to wearing this boot and hopefully scoring some goals.
      “I want to keep doing the same as I did last season, to score more goals and win more trophies.
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      “Now I know how it is to win the Champions League and the Premier League. I would love to do it again.
      “I will try to do my best and I want to help the team to make it happen.”
      Littler and girlfriend Eloise Milburn did a TikTok live stream playing FC 24Credit: Instagram @LukeTheNuke
      He even opened Ultimate Team packs during the Dutch MastersCredit: https://www.instagram.com/michael180smith/ More

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      Unemployed ex-Chelsea striker Diego Costa, 35, set for return to football after finishing four-month Botafogo spell

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      DIEGO Costa is lined up to join Brazil giants Palmeiras after finishing his four-month spell at Botafogo.The 35-year-old is a free agent after not renewing his contract with the Serie A side and is already looking for his next adventure.
      Diego Costa is lined up to move to Brazilian giants PalmeriasCredit: Getty
      The former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid forward is coming to the end of his glittering career.
      After his time at Wolves last season he jetted back to his native Brazil to spend his swansong on home soil.
      And transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano said Costa could be heading 1,400miles north east from Botafogo to last season’s Brazilian champions Palmerias.
      He tweeted: “Diego Costa could return to Brazil once again as his camp has been in direct contact with Palmeiras in the recent days.
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      “Discussions taking place for former Chelsea and Atléti striker joining Palmeiras.”
      Costa’s ‘track record with Brazilian clubs has not been as successful as his time in Europe.
      In the last three seasons, he has played 66 matches and scored 11 goals.
      Before his move to Wolves in 2022 the veteran striker made his debut in Brazil’s Serie A with Atletico Mineiro.
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      However, he failed to bring his goalscoring prowess with him, striking just four goals across the whole term.
      And during his four months at Botafogo, Costa found the back of the net three times in 12 appearances.
      Costa made his name with Atletico Madrid, firing them to La Liga victory, a Copa del Rey title and a UEFA Super Cup. They also reached the 2014 UEFA Champions League final.
      In 2014, he was signed by Chelsea in a deal worth £32 million.
      During his time in West London, Costa won three trophies, including two Premier League titles and a League Cup – scoring 52 goals in 83 appearances. 
      Costa then returned to Atletico in 2018 where he won a UEFA Europa League title and another UEFA Super Cup. More

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      Alex Scott sends warning to fans over FAKE Instagram accounts being made in her name as she blasts ‘annoying scam’

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      ALEX SCOTT sent a warning to her fans over FAKE Instagram accounts being made in her name and blasted the “annoying scam”. The ex-Arsenal and England star insisted she has just one Insta handle and urged followers to ignore any others posing as her.
      Alex Scott sent a warning to her fans over FAKE Instagram accounts being made in her nameCredit: @alexscott2
      She blasted the ‘annoying scam’Credit: @alexscott2
      Speaking on her verified @alexscott2 account, she said: “I’m getting quite a lot of messages – thank you for actually sending me the messages.
      “I keep having fake IG accounts made in my name which is so annoying because I keep having to go and report them and they put up another one.
      “So just to let you all know that I only have one real IG account. The one which has a blue tick – wahey – so you know it’s me.
      “I don’t have any ones the side, no ones for family and friends, just the one.
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      “So please don’t follow or press the link that it says to buy my book on those other ones because it’s all a scam. Scam, scam, scam.
      “So just wanted to let you all know. And thanks for all sending me the messages to let me know that these people keep trying to do this, which is so annoying.”
      Scott released her book, How (Not) To Be Strong, in 2022 and it chronicles her life and career.
      The former footballer – who made 140 international appearances with 12 goals – retired in 2017.
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      She has since moved into presenting and punditry and in 2021 made history as the first first full-time female host of Football Focus.
      Scott also recently went public with partner Jess Glynne and the happy couple holidayed in Mexico.
      The pair are believed to have been officially dating since November.
      The former footballer moved into presenting and punditry after retirementCredit: The Mega Agency
      Scott shared snaps from her romantic getaway with singer Jess GlynneCredit: instagram
      The pair are believed to have been officially dating since NovemberCredit: Alex Scott/instagram More

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      Five Liverpool stars who could follow Klopp out door including Salah, Van Dijk and Alisson in transfer exodus

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      JURGEN KLOPP’S shock announcement that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season has led to speculation as to which players may follow him out the door.The German boss looked to be mid-way through rebuilding his squad and has the Reds sitting first in the league.
      Virgil van Dijk has said that he could follow Klopp out the exit doorCredit: PA
      But he informed Liverpool he does not have the energy to see out the remaining years of his contract in November last year.
      Klopp informed fans of his shock decision on Friday.
      Talk has naturally turned to which players from the Klopp era could follow the boss in leaving Anfield this summer.
      Virgil van Dijk opened the door to speculation over his future when he said he would like to see who replaces Klopp before committing his future to Liverpool.
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      So here’s a look at the players that could follow Klopp in leaving…
      Virgil van Dijk
      Van Dijk is the only player so far who has addressed his future in relation to Klopp’s.
      The Liverpool captain was asked whether he would follow Klopp in quitting Liverpool at the end of the season and said: “That’s a big question. I don’t know.
      “The club will have a big job on their hands. To replace not only the manager but the whole staff, there are so many things that will change.
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      “I’m very curious which direction that will go in but when that will be announced we will see our situation. I can’t say much about it.
      “Obviously it will be the end of Jurgen Klopp’s era. I am very glad that I am still part of it. That is why I don’t like to speak about it. I am still part of it.”
      Van Dijk has opened the door to sepculationCredit: Alamy
      Mohamed Salah
      Liverpool’s undoubted talisman was already subject to intense transfer speculation before Klopp made his shock announcement.
      The winger was subject to several bids from Saudi clubs last summer – with some bids upwards of £150million.
      At 31, Salah is entering the latter stages of his career and Liverpool will already have one eye on an eventual successor.
      His 14 goals in 20 appearances in the league this season will be hard to replace, but an expensive Saudi transfer could represent the perfect opportunity for Liverpool to further rebuild their squad.
      Salah has been linked to several Saudi clubsCredit: EPA
      Alisson
      At the club since 2018, Alisson is hardly a frontrunner to leave, with The Reds no doubt keen to hold onto him.
      Despite turning 31 last year, Alisson is still the best keeper in the Premier League.
      But, his rare status as a superstar goalkeeper could attract interest from Saudi should they look to make another landmark signing this summer.
      Alisson could seek a new challengeCredit: Getty
      Joe Gomez
      Never a guaranteed starter at Liverpool, Gomez could look to leave in search of guaranteed minutes.
      Gomez, 26, has stepped in when needed across the defence during Klopp’s reign and has been ably deputising for Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas at left-back of late.
      He has been linked to the likes of West Ham and Newcastle in the past and could finally leave this summer in search of a new challenge.
      Gomez has been linked with a Premier League move in the pastCredit: Getty
      Joel Matip
      Joel Matip’s season ended in December when he suffered an ACL injury.
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      A favourite under Klopp, he will be playing under a new manager at Liverpool when he finally completes the lengthy rehabilitation process for the injury.
      At 32 now, Liverpool may look to cash in on the defender should an adequate offer arrive in the summer window.
      Matip’s season ended in OctoberCredit: PA More

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      Man Utd and Chelsea ‘linked with late transfer swoop for Barcelona flop’ who’s worth a staggering £216m

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      CHELSEA and Manchester United are both keen on signing former Barcelona star Martin Braithwaite.The clubs both need to strengthen their forward lines and are battling it out to bring the Espanyol striker to the Premier League.
      Chelsea and Manchester United are keen to sign Espanyol striker Martin BraithwaiteCredit: Rex
      The January transfer window comes to an end on Thursday at 11pm.
      And Braithwaite – who is also a successful businessman with a £216m empire – could end up being a last-minute signing.
      The 32-year-old is the top scorer in the Spanish second division this season with 11 goals.
      Espanyol sit fifth in the table and are in the fight for an immediate promotion back to La Liga.
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      However, an unusual detail in the striker’s contract means Chelsea and United would prefer to sign him this summer.
      He currently has a £6million release clause in his contract, which expires next summer.
      But should Espanyol get promoted, he will be able to leave for free.
      If the club remains in the second tier the forward will be worth £500,000.
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      Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag needs to add firepower up front, with neither Marcus Rashford or Rasmus Hojlund reaching ten goals yet this season.
      The Blues are still in a transition period, with Mauricio Pochettino’s misfiring side stumbling to a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa on Friday.
      Braithwaite’s hopes of making Denmark’s Euro 2024 squad would be boosted if he can secure top-flight football.
      The Dane was at Barcelona for two-and-a-half years, scoring ten goals in 58 games.
      But he was released by the Catalan giants after he reportedly refused to have his contract mutually terminated, leading to claims he held Barca to “ransom”. More