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      West Ham ready to smash their transfer record to beat Newcastle and Chelsea to Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface

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      WEST HAM are prepared to break their transfer record to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Victor Boniface.The 23-year-old striker has been linked with both Newcastle and Chelsea.
      West Ham could smash their transfer record to sign Victor BonifaceCredit: Reuters
      Hammers’ technical director Tim Steidten is pushing for the massive swoop and could pull it off before the window shuts.
      Boniface has been a huge hit in the Bundesliga since joining in the summer from Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium.
      Steidten is trying to set up a deal with his former club Leverkusen.
      West Ham have the cash for a splash and manager David Moyes is behind the idea of going big for a proven striker.
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      The Irons have long-term doubts over Michail Antonio and Danny Ings, who could both be shifted out if Boniface is landed.
      They are both on big wages so it would help to balance the books.
      West Ham could also be selling Said Benrahma later this month amid reported interest from French clubs.
      Boniface only joined Leverkusen last summer but they could be prepared to sell at a big profit and then go and find a replacement.
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      The powerful frontman has scored ten times so far in the German top-flight and is the young and exciting type who would also keep his value.
      Boniface misses the Africa Cup of Nations with injury but should be fit soon and the lay-off is not a problem for West Ham.
      The Hammers have also made a surprise inquiry for Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran.
      The Colombian, 20, wants more game time and may fancy a move.
      However, Villa are unlikely to do business for Duran, who has other admirers including Chelsea, unless there is a big offer rather than a loan deal on the table. More

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      Man City could throw huge spanner in works by blocking Man Utd’s new CEO Omar Berrada from working until NEXT SEASON

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have pulled off a massive coup by landing Omar Berrada as their new chief executive from neighbours City.Berrada has resigned from his post at the Etihad after 13 years, the last eight as City’s chief football operations officer.
      Omar Berrada [right] has quit Man City to help Man Utd’s rebuildCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe has tempted Omar Berrada to Man Utd by offering him a bigger roleCredit: PA
      Yet he may not be able to start his role in trying to lead United back to the top until next season if he has to serve a notice period.
      The Spaniard has been a key figure in City’s rise to become Europe’s premier team, and Etihad insiders insist he will leave with their blessing and no ill-feeling.
      They are adamant the management structure is so solid that there will be no destabilising knock-on once Berrada has gone.
      City’s football operations department is headed by chairman Khaldoon al Mubarak and run by senior figures Txiki Begiristain, Ferran Soriano and Brian Marwood.
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      Yet there is no doubt Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has vowed to make United great again after his £1.3billion investment, will see his first major move as a huge statement of intent.
      City confirmed his decision in a statement which said: “Manchester City Football Club can confirm that Omar Berrada has resigned from his role as chief football operations officer at City Football Group.
      “The club understands his decision to look for a new challenge and he leaves with our thanks and best wishes.”
      For all Berrada is one of a 130-strong football operations team at the Etihad, there is no doubt his cross-town move will impact both clubs.
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      He played a key role working alongside chief executive Soriano and director of football Begiristain over transfers and contracts and joined City after eight years in a commercial role with Barcelona.
      Berrada, 46, has wide-reaching and wide-ranging contacts and was attracted by the chance of having greater responsibilities at Old Trafford.
      Yet he faces a massive job in his role as Richard Arnold’s successor, with the gap between United and City wider than at any stage – in every department on and off the field.
      Arnold left United before the deal to sell a 25 per cent stake was sealed with Ratcliffe’s Ineos team.
      While City are disappointed – but accepting – at losing him, they also believe their own operation will not be weakened.
      And there is no suggestion it will have any impact on manager Pep Guardiola’s long-term future at the club.
      But Berrada may still have a major role left at City as he is expected to be a key witness when the champions face an independent commission later this year.
      They have been accused by the Premier League of 115 counts of breaking profit and sustainability rules.
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      And in his position within the football and commercial side of the City Football Group operation, both on the football and commercial side of the club, Berrada will be a key figure when the hearing begins.
      Sources believe his Old Trafford appointment points towards City’s innocence as United would be unlikely to risk handing such a high profile position to someone whose reputation would be hugely damaged with a guilty verdict. More

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      Chelsea willing to let Armando Broja leave on a ‘sweet deal’ this month as Premier League rivals eye transfer

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      TODD BOEHLY and Chelsea’s transfer chiefs are prepared to LOAN striker Armando Broja now — just as long as there is a £35million sale in the summer.The Stamford Bridge club are willing to help interested parties who might have Financial Fair Play problems get the transfer done.
      Armando Broja could leave Chelsea on loan this monthCredit: Reuters
      Slough-born Broja, 22, is on several hit-lists, with Wolves and Fulham among his admirers.
      But a lot of Prem outfits are finding this window tricky because of the financial restrictions.
      Therefore, a loan with an obligation to buy for £35m at the end of the season suits the Blues.
      Chelsea did a similar ‘sweet’ deal with Newcastle when they sent Lewis Hall to them on loan with a view to a buy in the summer.
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      The Toon agreed a £28m fee with £7m coming in add-ons for the 19-year-old back in August.
      Newcastle are currently battling financial regulations and are finding it difficult to add to the squad this January.
      Eddie Howe was keen on signing Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips on loan but a £7m fee has reportedly put them off.
      As for Broja, he has featured 17 times in all competitions for Chelsea this season, scoring two goals.
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      He was previously loaned out to Southampton for the 2021/22 campaign.
      Broja is on Wolves’ radar after the club loaned out strikers Fabio Silva and Sasa Kalajdzic.
      Meanwhile, Fulham are keen with reports linking Rodrigo Muniz with a move away. More

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      Who is Omar Berrada? Man Utd’s new CEO signed from rivals City

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has continued his overhaul of Manchester United by appointing a new CEO, Omar Berrada.And this signing took place directly from local rivals Manchester City with the capture of their Chief Football Operations Officer.
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe is continuing his Old Trafford shake-upCredit: AFP
      Who is Omar Berrada?
      Omar Berrada has joined Man Utd from Man City as their new CEO.
      Berrada takes over from United’s interim CEO Patrick Stewart – who had been in the role since Richard Arnold’s exit.
      He spent 13 successful years at City as their Chief Football Operations Officer, working closely with director of football Txiki Begiristain on transfers and contracts.
      It was also during last season that City announced record-breaking profits and revenues.
      Berrada was a key player in City’s Treble success both on and off the pitch, and played a big role in the signing of Erling Haaland in the summer of 2022.
      Omar Berrada, right , alongside City ambassador Mike Summerbee
      Both Ratcliffe and the Glazers made a joint decision to go with Berrada after Ineos had initially identified and pursued him.
      City’s statement on Berrada’s exit read: “Manchester City Football Club can confirm that Omar Berrada has resigned from his role as chief football operations officer at City Football Group.
      “The club understands his decision to look for a new challenge and he leaves with our thanks and best wishes.”
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      Man City picked up an historic Treble last seasonCredit: Getty
      Before his tenure at City, Berrada was the Head of Sponsorship at Barcelona.
      City’s website describes Berrada: “Omar’s expertise in sponsorship and media rights reflects 11 years of senior-level experience in the sports industry and five years in the telecommunications sector.” More

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      West Ham ‘targeting TWO England stars including Arsenal ace in shock January loan transfers to boost European dream’

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      WEST HAM are interested in securing loan deals for England duo Kalvin Phillips and Emile Smith Rowe, according to reports.Boss David Moyes wants to bolster his squad ahead of the January transfer deadline.
      Kalvin Phillips has hardly featured for Man City this seasonCredit: Getty
      Emile Smith Rowe has started once in the Prem this termCredit: Rex
      The Hammers are set for a busy second half of the season, as they compete in the Premier League and in Europe.
      Following Lucas Paqueta’s recent calf injury, Moyes is eager to recruit a new attacking midfielder.
      Arsenal star Smith Rowe would fit the bill, having struggled for game time during the last 18 months.
      The 23-year-old did not start a single Premier League game last season as he battled injuries.
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      This term he has started just once in the Prem, being limited to just 137 minutes in the league.
      According to The Guardian, the Hammers have enquired about Smith Rowe’s availability.
      The attacking midfielder has earned three England caps, but has not featured for Gareth Southgate’s side since March 2022.
      West Ham are also keen on Manchester City outcast Kalvin Phillips.
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      The East Londoners tried to sign the midfielder in January 2022 during his final season at Leeds.
      Moyes, 60, remains a fan of the 28-year-old, whose regular England squad spot could be under threat.
      City are claimed to be demanding a £7million loan fee for Phillips, who they bought for £45m in July 2022.
      The Hammers are hoping to negotiate the loan fee down as the window nears its conclusion.
      But they could face competition from the likes of Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Newcastle and Crystal Palace.
      Phillips has played just 89 minutes of Premier League football across four cameos this season.
      Last month, Guardiola said of the out-of-favour midfielder: “I don’t know what’s going to happen. I feel so sorry for my decision for him. I’ve said that many times.
      “He doesn’t deserve what has happened to him and I’m so sorry.
      “The only thing I can say about him is I am asking for good personalities and characters and he is a perfect example. And after that I have to give him something and I didn’t do that.”
      David Moyes is keen to bolster his squadCredit: Rex More

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      Brighton confirm transfer for FM24’s most-signed star with brilliant video as fans say ‘admin trying to rival Burnley’

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      BRIGHTON have confirmed the signing of Football Manager 2024’s most-signed star.The Seagulls unveiled Argentine youngster Valentin Barco on Saturday with an FM24-themed video.
      Brighton have confirmed the signing of Valentin Barco from Boca JuniorsCredit: Getty
      The Seagulls announced the transfer with a Football Manager-themed videoCredit: X / @OfficialBHAFC
      Barco has penned a four-and-a-half-year deal through to 2028 after arriving from Boca Juniors.
      It is understood the 19-year-old, who had previously been linked with Manchester City, cost a fee in the region of £8million.
      To announce their first January signing, Brighton released a video showing them signing Barco on FM24.
      The left-back is the most-signed player on the latest edition of the popular video game series, after being brought in 237,810 times by virtual managers this year.
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      Reacting to the video, one fan commented: “Trying to rival Burnley’s announcement videos.”
      Burnley have earned a reputation for inventive announcement videos, including this ET themed one.
      Another added: “FM fans around the world are crying.”
      Meanwhile, a third supporter simply wrote: “What a signing.”
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      Barco is currently on international duty with Argentina’s under-23 side at the South American qualifiers for this summer’s Olympics.
      The teenager offers versatility down the left, having already played as far forward as left-wing for Boca.
      After coming through the club’s academy, he was part of a side which reached the Copa Libertadores final last year.
      He made 35 senior appearances for the Argentine giants and played four times for his country at last summer’s under-20 World Cup.
      Barco is currently the most-signed player on FM24Credit: Getty More

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      Fans convinced Roy Hodgson set to be sacked with replacement already lined up after ex-Chelsea boss spotted at Arsenal

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      FANS are convinced Roy Hodgson will be sacked by Crystal Palace and that the troubled club have already decided on his replacement.The Eagles suffered a damaging 5-0 defeat to Arsenal today and watching from the stands was unemployed boss Graham Potter.
      Roy Hodgson faces an uncertain future at Crystal PalaceCredit: Reuters
      Graham Potter was spotted at the Emirates Stadium todayCredit: Rex
      Pressure is mounting on Hodgson, 76, as his side have won just once in their last 11 outings.
      They are now just five points off the relegation zone.
      And fans voiced their anger at the club with a banner that read: “Wasted potential on and off the pitch. Weak decisions taking us backwards.”
      Many supporters believe Hodgson will be sacked before Palace’s next game against Sheffield United on January 30.
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      And some are confident Potter will take over after his appearance at the Emirates Stadium.
      Fans said: “Potter at Arsenal vs Palace – him being the successor to Hodgson sounds logical and right.”
      Another speculated: “Potter at the game. New Crystal Palace manager?”
      A third wrote: “Hodgson out. Potter in.”
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      Potter, 48, has not had a job since being sacked by Chelsea in April last year after seven months with the Blues.
      The ex-Brighton boss has been in no rush to return to the dugout and is supposedly waiting for the right club.
      How much can be read into his appearance at Arsenal is unclear, with the former Malmo chief having been in attendance at Southampton last weekend.
      Former Nottingham Forest gaffer Steve Cooper has also been linked with the Palace dugout. More

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      Angry Joachim Andersen confronts Palace supporters after Arsenal mauling with fans convinced he told them to ‘f*** off’

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      JOACHIM ANDERSON fronted up to fuming Crystal Palace fans after their 5-0 loss at Arsenal.And fans online are convinced the defender had an X-rated pop at the travelling supporters.
      Joachim Andersen was visibly frustrated at full timeCredit: AFP
      The experienced defender didn’t hide his angerCredit: Reuters
      Andersen couldn’t prevent his side from shipping five to ArsenalCredit: Rex
      Roy Hodgson’s side have been in wretched form, winning just one of their last 11 games in all competitions.
      They offered little resistance at the Emirates, losing 5-0 courtesy of goals by Gabriel Magalhaes, Leandro Trossard, a Gabriel Martinelli double and a Dean Henderson own goal.
      During the closing stages of the match, away fans unfurled a damning banner.
      It read: “Wasted potential. On and off the pitch, weak decisions. Taking us backwards.”
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      They then introduced a second, which read: “No shared vision. No structured plan. Parish out, Yanks out.”
      At the end of the match, beleaguered Crystal Palace players went over to acknowledge their supporters.
      As experienced defender Andersen went over, fans watching on TNT Sports were left convinced that he told the away end to “f*** off”.
      One wrote on social media: “Joachim Andersen telling Palace fans to f*** off, the beautiful game.”
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      While a second posted: “Andersen mouthing “what do you want? f*** off, man” while clapping the fans sums it all up. this club is cooked.”
      A third pondered: “Can’t imagine Andersen mouthing ‘What do you want?, f*** off’ to the Palace fans will go down too well with them at the end.”
      Another added: “Palace in complete disarray. Andersen telling fans to f*** off at the end too.”
      It is not clear exactly what Anderson said.
      As fans unfurled their banners, Palace owner Steve Parish, watching on from the directors’ box, remained stony faced.
      Palace’s wretched form has seen them crash out of the FA Cup while falling to 14th in the Prem table.
      Fans booed boss Hodgson in mid-week when he substituted Eberechi Eze as his side trailed Everton at Goodison Park.
      With the 76-year-old under pressure, Palace have been linked with Steve Cooper and Graham Potter.
      The latter was spotted watching today’s match from the stands.
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      Ahead of the game, Palace fans had their drum confiscated.
      They subsequently let off banned blue and red flares.
      Palace fans unfurled a banner towards the end of the gameCredit: PA
      Another sign called for the board to goCredit: PA
      Fans let off flares ahead of kick offCredit: Reuters
      Cops confiscated Palace fans’ drumCredit: Getty More