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      Barcelona release Arsenal transfer target after 14 YEARS as he becomes first casualty following Xavi’s exit

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      SERGI ROBERTO is set to become the first “victim” of Xavi’s Barcelona exit, according to reports in Spain.The news comes amid rumours that Arsenal have been tracking the player.
      Sergi Roberto has been at Barcelona for 14 years but could leave this yearCredit: Getty
      Roberto’s Barca contract runs out on June 30 and he was set to see it extended under Xavi’s leadership.
      But with Xavi confirming he will leave at the end of the season, Barcelona’s hierarchy have decided the player is surplus to requirements, according to AS.
      Xavi was an advocate of Roberto, even making him captain at the start of this season, but announced he will be stepping down due to the pressures of being Barcelona coach.
      Announcing his decision, Xavi said: “I’ve thought about the club and above all the players.
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      “I have the feeling that I am doing the right thing, that I am acting with common sense.
      “I think the club needs a change of dynamics, the dynamic is very negative.”
      Last summer, the Barcelona youth product agreed to take a hefty pay cut in order to help the club with their financial issues.
      The salary decrease left him as one of the lowest-paid players in the squad despite being at Barcelona for 14 years.
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      Sergi Roberto has not featured much this seasonCredit: The Sun
      Injuries have led to Roberto playing a bit-part role for Barcelona this season, making just six appearances in LaLiga.
      The midfielder is currently missing with a muscular issue, and expected to be out until mid-February.
      Roberto’s favoured position is as a midfielder, but he can also operate at full-back.
      That versatility has seen Arsenal maintain an interest in a potential free transfer for Roberto, given they are looking for a cover in their defence.
      Arsenal have also been left consistently short in the midfield this season following a string of injuries to Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny. More

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      Chelsea trio set for exit as three Premier League clubs launch enquiries for Conor Gallagher

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      THREE Chelsea players could still leave before the transfer window slams shut, according to reports.Clubs have just a matter of days to finalise deals before the February 1 deadline.
      Conor Gallagher is no closer to agreeing a new contract at ChelseaCredit: Rex
      Armando Broja is wanted by two Premier League sidesCredit: Alamy
      Trevoh Chalobah has been sidelined with injury all seasonCredit: Getty
      Chelsea are expected to have a busy end to the window with Conor Gallagher, Armando Broja and Trevoh Chalobah all potentially departing.
      Gallagher, 23, sees his contract at Stamford Bridge expire at the end of next season.
      The Athletic report that he is no closer to signing an extension and could be sold this month or in the summer.
      Gallagher has played 28 times this season and captained Chelsea on multiple occasions – but his importance to Mauricio Pochettino will not prevent a sale.
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      There has supposedly been enquiries about him from three teams in the top half of the Premier League.
      Tottenham and West Ham have been heavily linked with the midfielder in the past.

      Meanwhile, Broja, 22, and Chalobah, 24, are both available to leave on a permanent basis or in a loan deal with an obligation to buy.
      The striker faces an uncertain future with Wolves and Fulham interested.
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      Chalobah has not played at all this season due to injury and is looking to get back on the pitch after falling down the pecking order.
      The trio are all up for sale because they are Chelsea academy graduates.
      Selling the stars will help the Blues avoid breaking financial rules as homegrown players count as 100 per cent profit.
      Chelsea also reportedly remain interested in Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran.
      Chiefs view the 20-year-old prospect as a talent for the future.
      Gallagher has impressed in his manager in midfield this season More

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      Andy Robertson reveals Liverpool stars ‘didn’t know where to look’ when Jurgen Klopp told them he was quitting as boss

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      ANDY ROBERTSON has revealed the dressing-room reaction to Jurgen Klopp’s exit.The whole of Merseyside and the football world was in shock on Friday when the German announced that he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.
      Jurgen Klopp rocked Liverpool by announcing his departure on FridayCredit: Getty
      Andy Robertson revealed how the players took the news to ITVCredit: ITV
      Ex-Dortmund boss Klopp took charge in October 2015 and has won all the game’s top honours since as he transformed Liverpool back into one of Europe’s most feared outfits. 
      Klopp will forever be lovingly remembered as the man who ended their 30-year title drought and he also led the Reds to three Champions League finals – tasting success in the 2019 edition.
      The 56-year-old revealed that he had informed Liverpool chiefs of his decision to step down last NOVEMBER.
      However, his players only learned of his exit on Friday ahead of making the announcement public via the club’s social media channels.
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      An emotional Anfield crowd began the long farewell this afternoon as Liverpool thumped Norwich 5-2 to advance to the FA Cup fifth round.
      And Robertson, who made his comeback from a three-month absence following shoulder surgery, opened up to ITV afterwards on what the squad’s reaction was to Klopp’s news.
      The Scottish full-back, 29, said: “Like the rest of the world, it was a bit of a shock.
      “When he told us all, nobody really knew where to look or what to do.
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      “You have to respect his decision, he’s thought long and hard about it with his family and everything like that and, for all he has done with this club, we’ll all be forever grateful.
      “I think he doesn’t want the fans singing his song and that, but I think he’s going to lose that battle as the fans will want to say a proper goodbye to him.
      “But for us players, the one thing he asked of us was business as usual, we have to keep fighting on all fronts, keep winning games and hopefully give him a send-off that he deserves.” More

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      Wolves star Jose Sa lined up for shock transfer to Premier League rivals but could have move scuppered by Keylor Navas

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST owner Evangelos Marinakis wants a new keeper.And the wealthy Greek is scouting the globe for a number one.
      Nottingham Forest are eyeing a swoop for Wolves goalkeeper Jose SaCredit: Alamy
      Marinakis is willing to fund a transfer move for a home goalie, just six months after splashing out on Matt Turner from Arsenal and Odysseas Vlachodimos from Olympiacos.
      But the club are having to work within their budget to avoid any FFP problems.
      One man Forest are keen on is Jose Sa at Wolves.
      However, the Portuguese stopper would cost a decent fee.
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      And that may not be possible at the moment for the Reds.
      So Marinakis currently has his contacts looking around for potential loan captures.
      One option could be a return for Keylor Navas.
      The Costa Rican was on loan at Forest last season, impressing with 17 appearances.
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      Forest could yet look to re-sign Keylor Navas from Paris Saint-GermainCredit: AFP
      Navas is now back at PSG under ex-Barcelona boss Luis Enrique.
      But he is out of the side to Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma.
      And his two appearances have both come in the French Cup.
      Navas’ wages are huge at a reported £200,000 a week.
      But they may come within Forest’s reach following last term’s switch.
      The City Ground club are 16th in the table after just five wins, and are only four points above the drop zone.
      Marinakis showed Steve Cooper the door before hiring Nuno Espirito Santo.
      And he wants to halt Forest’s leaky defence which has already conceded 38 goals. More

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      Man Utd legend David De Gea ‘closing in’ on return to football after six months unemployed

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      FORMER Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea is reportedly closing in on a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab.The 33-year-old has been without a club since leaving Old Trafford in June.
      David de Gea is in talks with Al-ShababCredit: AFP
      Newcastle, Real Betis, Al-Nassr and Bayern Munich were allegedly among the clubs interested in signing him last year.
      However, De Gea is now on the verge of a return to football.
      According to the Daily Mail, the Spaniard is in talks to join Al-Shabab.
      The Saudi Pro League side are also pushing to sign Ivan Rakitic from Sevilla and Newcastle’s Miguel Almiron.
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      Rakitic was left out of Sevilla’s squad today while he prepares to complete the switch.
      He underwent a medical this morning and is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia next week.
      Meanwhile, Newcastle are willing to let Almiron leave St James’ Park this month.
      The Magpies need to sell players before buying in order to comply with Financial Fair Play rules.
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      Almiron is understood to be open to the move.
      Hakim Ziyech, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray from Chelsea, is another name on Al-Shabab’s transfer shortlist. More

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      Newcastle star Joe Willock wanted in shock transfer as Premier League rivals plot swoop

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      NEWCASTLE UNITED have put a ‘not for sale’ sign on Joe Willock despite rival Premier League interest.The shock talk of departures at the Toon prompted inquiries for Willock.
      Newcastle are adamant that Joe Willock is not going anywhere this monthCredit: Getty
      The ex-England U21 midfielder moved to St. James’ Park from Arsenal in 2021 after scoring eight goals in 14 appearances during an initial loan.
      Willock is a big favourite on Tyneside but has been out of the side for much of the season.
      The 24-year-old suffered an Achilles injury and he last appeared in the 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth on November 11.
      Youngster Lewis Miley has thrived in his absence with a number of impressive displays.
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      However, Newcastle have told potential buyers that there is no chance that Willock moves in this window.
      Eddie Howe has publicly conceded that players could still leave before Thursday’s transfer deadline.
      Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson look the most likely to move this month.
      The Toon could also be forced to sell Joelinton this summer over a wage dispute.
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      The Brazilian midfielder, 27, will miss the rest of the season with a thigh injury and may have played for the Magpies for the last time unless he signs a new contract.
      But Kieran Trippier, who has been linked with a shock move to Bayern Munich, has insisted that he will stay with the Magpies.
      And while Willock appears to be going nowhere, QPR are willing to cash in on his brother Chris Willock, 25, as his contract runs down.
      Forward Willock has yet to agree terms and could be ready to move on – with rival Championship interest.

      His brother Chris Willock could be sold by QPR before the deadlineCredit: Getty More

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      Leeds launch loan transfer bid for Everton defender Ben Godfrey after £10m Atalanta move collapses

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      LEEDS have made an official loan approach for Everton’s Ben Godfrey.SunSport revealed Godfrey, 25, saw a £10m move to Serie A club Atalanta collapse this month as a result of the abolishment of favourable tax break rules in Italy.
      Godfrey’s move to Atalanta has fallen throughCredit: Getty
      But Everton boss Sean Dyche has given the green light for the centre-back to leave Goodison Park as the club look to reduce their wage bill and help their case towards FFP rules.
      The tax law, officially known as Crescita Decree, has been abolished.The law allowed high income earners from foreign countries a 50 per cent tax bill discount.
      Previously, it has been a big attraction for overseas players to join and increase the competitiveness in Serie A.
      The Crescita Decree is remarkably similar to the ‘Beckham Law’ in Spain, which allows high-income foreign earners to pay just 24 per cent income tax for their first six years in the country.
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      Beckham took advantage of it following his move from Manchester United to Real Madrid in 2003.
      But the Italian equivalent no longer stands after discussions in the Italian Council of Ministers have led to the rule being binned, making Godfrey’s potential rule too expensive for Atalanta.
      Godfrey has struggled for game time this season and has made just three appearances in all competitions for Everton, including only one Premier League start.
      Godfrey, who has 18 months left on his deal, has made 80 appearances for the Toffees since signing from Norwich in 2020 for £25million.
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      Ben Godfrey has struggled for minutes this seasonCredit: The Sun
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      He has not featured regularly for Everton, however, since a broken fibula forced him to miss the opening half of last season.
      Daniel Farke’s fourth placed Championship side are eager for new additions this month as Leeds push for promotion straight back to the Premier League. More

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      Kieran Trippier breaks silence on January transfer after Bayern refused to meet Newcastle price tag

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      KIERAN TRIPPIER insists he is committed to making history at Newcastle after Bayern Munich’s failed attempt to sign him this month.The England defender says interest from the German giants was a “compliment” but has not proved a distraction as the Toon returned from their winter break with a comfortable FA Cup win over Fulham on Saturday night – with Trippier hoping he has turned a corner after a run of terrible form.
      Trippier says Bayern’s interest was a ‘compliment’Credit: Alamy
      Newcastle have conceded they need to sell top players to balance the books but rejected Bayern’s £12.5million bid for the ex-Tottenham right-back.
      Trippier said: “It is always a compliment when a team like Bayern comes in for you.
      “Nothing has changed since I arrived. I want to play for the club, create history and win a trophy and help the club grow.
      “It is one of those things. Things happen in the background.”As always I have had loads of conversations with the manager and they have been very positive.
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      “I hope everyone knows my commitment to this club. It has not changed since I first arrived.
      “It is a transfer window and I have always been committed. It has not put me off or anything like that.
      “My teammates, manager and owners know how committed I am here and I wanted the supporters to know that as well because for them with all the transfer talk I wanted them to know how committed I am to the club.”
      Trippier spent his winter break in New York with his wife, Charlotte, while Bayern were pushing to make the move happen.
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      A look at how Trippier has performed in the league this seasonCredit: The Sun
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      Asked if close mate Harry Kane had been in touch trying to tempt him to Bavaria, Trippier said: “No! Everyone knows I am close with H. But nothing has changed. I was away on my break. I just had a nice time with my wife.”
      Newcastle have been frank about the need to sell some of their star names in order to balance the books and avoid any potential penalties under Premier League financial rules.
      Eddie Howe has conceded that players could still leave before Thursday’s transfer deadline, with Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson the most likely to move this month.
      Trippier said: “As players we only focus on the pitch.”Whatever happens in the background we give everything for the club and the manager.
      “I personally have not been thinking of that and my team mates have not either. These things happen. I am old enough to know how the transfer window works.”
      As well as having to deal with speculation over his future, Trippier has been battling his worst form since joining the club two years ago.
      Trippier clashed with away fans after defeat at Bournemouth in November before making big mistakes against Everton, Tottenham and Chelsea across a bruising December.
      He said: “I am happy to stand up and say that I’ve been going through some bad moments.
      “It is normal, we’re human. It’s not like we do it on purpose it just happens.
      “I’ve been through this situation in my career before.
      “Hopefully now is a turning point where I can do better, which I know I can. I recognise when I’m in the bad moments and I’m happy to admit that. Hopefully a new year and a new chapter.
      “I’m 33 but I have a lot of talks with the manager, team-mates about things we can do better personally.
      “I watch games back. Win, lose or draw I analyse my performance and know where I can do better.
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      “It might be nice looking at everything you do positive but you always need to go back and look at what you’re doing badly as well as that is how you move forward. That is what I do.”
      The right-back confirmed that he would be fit to face Aston Villa on Tuesday having been taken off at Craven Cottage as a precaution. More