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      Man Utd wanted to sign me but dream transfer fell through… I still have a copy of the offer on my phone

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      MANCHESTER UNITED tried and failed to sign Luigi Turci in 1999 – a moment the goalkeeper still regrets.The Red Devils were on the lookout for an Italian keeper following their Treble success in the previous campaign.Manchester United came close to signing Luigi Turci in 1999Credit: GettyMark Bosnich had already arrived on a free to provide competition for the No2 spot, with Peter Schmeichel still at the peak of his powers.United reportedly wanted Gianluigi Buffon but he rejected the club in favour of staying at Parma.So instead Turci was identified and United made an offer to Udinese to sign the goalie.But they were too late as the Serie A side had already confirmed their squad, with Sir Alex Ferguson instead opting for another Italian, Massimo Taibi.READ MORE ON MAN UTDTurci regrets the failed move to this day and he even still has a copy of the fax that details the proposed transfer.He told TV Play’s Twitch channel: “In 1999-2000 Manchester United made an offer to Udinese to sign me, but unfortunately Udinese had already presented the UEFA list and Ferguson took Taibi in my place.“United were looking for an Italian goalkeeper: the first to be contacted was Buffon, but he refused.“The second was me, but the times didn’t match. To this day I regret that missed transfer, I have a copy of the fax on my phone.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeanwhile, United are expected to look to Serie A again this summer as they try to entice Victor Osimhen away from Napoli.The striker dreams of playing in the Premier League but Chelsea are fighting for his signature and could make a bid when the transfer window re-opens.Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney, 38, lands new job as TNT Sports pundit… and he could be in line for Match of the Day More

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      Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea target Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s dad reveals wonderkid’s summer transfer plans

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      KHVICHA KVARATSKHELIA’s dad has dealt a massive blow to Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal who had all hoped to sign the Napoli star in the summer.The Georgian wonderkid is set to remain at the Serie A club next season after fans speculated about the star’s future in Italy.Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s dad has revealed Napoli’s summer transfer plansCredit: GettyKvaratskhelia, 23, who is under contract at the Italian side until 2027 has been a top transfer target amongst the European giants.But for all the clubs interested in signing the winger including Chelsea, Arsenal and United it looks unlikely the Napoli player will be going anywhere – at least for now.The star’s father Badri confirmed Kvaratskhelia’s summer plans to Radio Serie A.He said: “I am so happy with Napoli’s title and that my son Khvicha contributed to winning it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I am grateful to Italy and Naples for having welcomed and appreciated him as a person and as a footballer.“He’s the only one who can choose whether to stay at Napoli, but I think he will continue wearing the Napoli shirt. In any case, I will respect his decision.”Despite being key in Francesco Caizona’s squad scoring nine goals and making six assists this season he is still one of the lowest-paid players at the club.The Georgia international was instrumental in Napoli’s first league title win in 33 years last season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe scored 14 goals and assisted 14 in all competitions and had stellar performances in Juventus’ 5-1 defeat in January and Liverpool’s 4-1 loss in the Champions League.With Napoli’s poor season so far as they look unlikely to qualify for the Champions League next term many of Europe’s biggest clubs have been interested in signing the winger.The Biggest January Flop Signings In Premier League HistoryAlongside the Premier League clubs, Barcelona and PSG are said to be keeping tabs on Kvaratskhelia. More

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      Lazio finish with EIGHT MEN against AC Milan as referee ‘loses control’ with ex-Arsenal bad boy among red cards

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      LAZIO’S home clash with AC Milan ended in farce after they received THREE red cards in the “ugly” showdown.The hosts were reduced to ten men when Luca Pellegrini received his second caution on 57 minutes.Lazio and Milan’s clash ended in a huge confrontation after a chaotic finishCredit: RexEx-Arsenal star Matteo Guendouzi was one of THREE players sent-off for LazioCredit: GettyManagers Stefano Pioli and Maurizio Sarri were even rowing on the touchlineCredit: RexNoah Okafor pounced late on to win it for AC MilanCredit: GettyIt’s all kicking off in Rome as Lazio go down to 8 men! 💥Lazio have two men sent off in two minutes! 🟥They were already down to 10-men… 😳 pic.twitter.com/QmETrOhLUW— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 1, 2024

      However, it was in the closing stages when tempers really began to boil over as Lazio lost it in the Serie A showdown.Noah Okafor scored the only goal when breaking the deadlock with only two minutes of normal time remaining.Then, in the 94th-minute, Adam Marusic was given his marching orders for seemingly something he said after a foul went against them.TNT Sports commentary team described the scenes as “getting out of hand” before claiming the referee Marco Di Bello had “lost control” as the chaos continued seconds later.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMilan’s Rafael Leao went into the book after another foul but it was Lazio who ended the game with only EIGHT men.Former Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi was issued a straight red after he reacted to a foul by Christian Pulisic, who was booked, by shoving the American over.Fortunately the final whistle arrived shortly after, but even that led to a huge confrontation on the pitch and some pushing and shoving between both the Lazio and Milan squads.One of the most contentious incidents in the explosive match was the second yellow card for Pellegrini.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe was attempting to shepherd the ball out of play while his team-mate Taty Castellanos was down with a facial injury, only for Pulisic to pounce and stop it going out before he was hauled down by the Lazio star.That led to a row between their boss Maurizio Sarri and his counterpart Stefano Pioli.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersThe Milan boss said: “Sarri told me ‘The ball was going out of play’ – but the referee did not blow the whistle.“Pulisic is a fair player, he did what he did. I don’t see why the onus should’ve been on us to put the ball out of play. If that is what they wanted, then why didn’t they do it?”Pioli added: “It was an ugly, tense match. We had a slow tempo in the first half and should’ve moved it around quicker, finding more space.“It was a balanced game with very few chances. We started better after the break and made the most of Lazio’s errors.”The win moved Milan to within a point of third-placed Juventus while Lazio remain ninth following the third loss in four.The sending-off of Lazio’s Luca Pellegrini ignited the bad bloodCredit: RexReferee Marco Di Bello then gave Adam Marusic his marching ordersCredit: Getty More

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      Victor Osimhen ‘wants to join Chelsea’ over Man Utd and Arsenal, reveals Blues icon who is trying to seal transfer

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      VICTOR OSIMHEN wants to join Chelsea, a Blues legend has claimed.The 25-year-old Nigerian earned legendary status last season and was instrumental in Napoli ending their 33-year wait for the Serie A title.Reports are mounting that Chelsea are winning the race to sign Victor OsimhenCredit: GettyJohn Obi Mikel says his fellow Nigerian wants to join the BluesCredit: GettyOsimhen scored 26 goals in 32 top-flight matches and has continued that red-hot form this term despite several controversies.The hotshot was linked with a host of Europe’s biggest clubs over the summer as both Manchester United and Chelsea chased his signature.After a move failed to materialise, the Premier League duo and rivals Arsenal were then put on red alert after a controversial TikTok post left the player contemplating SUING his employers back in September.Then it emerged that Chelsea were leading the race to try and sign him – despite Napoli working hard to secure their talisman to a new long-term deal.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLiverpool were another club linked with him despite him eventually agreeing an extension with Napoli until 2026.However, the Italian media appear to be convinced that Osimhen is heading to Chelsea in the summer transfer window.And a compatriot of the star who enjoys legendary status with the Blues has claimed that the hotshot wants to move to West London.According to Calciomercato, John Obi Mikel appeared to be trying his best to get Osimhen to join his old side Chelsea in quotes he reportedly said at the Web Summit Qatar event.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe 2012 Champions League winner said: “I think there is genuine interest on both sides.“I am convinced that Victor wants to come to Chelsea.Watch Man Utd and Chelsea transfer target Osimhen ‘cook’ three players with ‘casual elite tekkers’ during kickabout“He obviously wants to follow in my footsteps and the footsteps of the Nigerian players who played for Chelsea, like Victor Moses and Celestine Babayaro.“And there is London, a fantastic city: there is no comparison with Liverpool or places like that.”Mikel then added: “He has so many clubs interested in him, like Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, but I’m pushing, sending him messages, trying to make sure there is only one club in his mind: the Blues!”Osimhen is believed to be prioritising a move to the Premier League and is seeking around £250,000-a-week wages, which both Arsenal and Chelsea would be willing to pay.He reportedly has a release clause worth £111m that Chelsea are willing to activate. More

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      Juventus ‘set to TERMINATE Paul Pogba’s contract’ after ex-Man Utd star banned four years for doping

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      JUVENTUS will terminate Paul Pogba’s contract after he was hit with a four-year ban from football, according to reports.The ex-Manchester United star tested positive for banned substance DHEA in August. Paul Pogba could see his deal at Juventus terminatedCredit: ReutersPogba, 30, has not stepped foot on the pitch since September after he was handed a provisional suspension.The Anti-Doping Prosecutor’s Office have now slapped the midfielder with a four-year ban, meaning he cannot play again until 10 September 2027.It was reported back in December last year by La Gazzetta dello Sport that Juventus would rip up Pogba’s contract should he be officially found guilty of the offence.The Frenchman is supposedly on £130,000-a-week in Turin.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile, there has also been suggestions that Pogba could retire from football.He now plans to appeal the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland.A ban can be reduced if he can prove the banned substance was in his system due to contamination or by accident.In a statement, Pogba said: “I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping’s decision and believe that the verdict is incorrect.Most read in Football”I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me.”When I am free of legal restrictions the full story will become clear, but I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations.Watch as Paul Pogba leaves Floyd Mayweather’s exhibition with John Gotti III after mass brawl breaks out”As a professional athlete I would never do anything to enhance my performance by using banned substances,”And have never disrespected or cheated fellow athletes and supporters of any of the teams I have played for, or against.”As a consequence of the decision announced today I will appeal this before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.”Pogba has played just 12 times for Juventus since returning to the club after his six-year spell at Man Utd.The Red Devils signed him from Juve in a club record £89million deal in 2016.He went on to win the Europa League and make 225 appearances for United.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the 2018 World Cup winner fell out of favour at Old Trafford and left for a return to the Old Lady two years ago.Juventus have said they have are aware of the ban but are making no official comment.Pogba’s career
      2009 – Paul Pogba joins Manchester United’s academy from Le Havre as a 16-year-old.
      2012 – Pogba leaves Old Trafford in a free transfer to Juventus having made just seven appearances for the Red Devils.
      2014 – Representing France in his first World Cup, Pogba is named the tournament’s best young player as France bow out in the Quarter-Finals.
      2016 – Pogba returns to Man United in Premier League record £89.3m deal after winning four consecutive league titles for Juventus.
      2017 – Aged just 24 Pogba lifts both the Europa League and League Cup in his first season back at Man Utd.
      2018 – Pogba wins the World Cup with France and scores crucial goal in 4-2 final win over Croatia.
      2022 – After making over 225 appearances for Man Utd, Pogba returns to Juventus in another free transfer.
      2023 – Pogba is provisionally suspended from professional football in September amid a doping investigation.
      2024 – The star is banned for FOUR years after he tested positive for banned substance DHEA, which naturally boosts testosterone production, in August of the previous year More

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      Serie A rocked by new ‘spygate’ drama as coach found hiding in TREE and taking notes at rivals’ training session

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      SERIE A has been rocked by a new “spygate” drama after a coach was found hiding in a tree while taking notes of a rival training session.Jose Mourinho’s former side Roma reportedly caught a member of staff from upcoming opponents Torino spying at their training ground over the weekend.
      A Torino staff member was caught spying on Roma’s training session ahead of their Serie A matchCredit: Getty
      Il Messaggaro claims Michele Orecchio was found hiding in a tree while taking notes by a security guard.
      Roma, now managed by Daniele De Rossi, welcome Torino to the Stadio Olimpico on Monday night.
      And Orecchio was thought to be gathering intel for the upcoming tactical battle.
      It’s not known how long he was hiding for, or how much information he gathered.
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      But De Rossi is said to have immediately halted Roma’s session until the coast was clear
      Amazingly, it’s not the first time Orecchio’s been caught spying on the capital club either.
      Last season, he was nabbed while in possession of recording equipment outside Roma’s training ground.
      Orecchio was reportedly busted by Mourinho’s assistant Nuno Santos.
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      But there was no punishment of any kind for the Torino man.
      And his mission clearly backfired after Roma downed the Turin side 1-0.
      What next for Jose Mourinho? Dave Kidd takes a look at The Special One’s options
      De Rossi’s men currently lie sixth in the table after winning four of their last five games.
      As for Torino, they are tenth and just one point behind reigning champions Napoli.
      Serie A’s “spygate” mission comes five years after the infamous Championship debacle between Leeds and Derby.
      Marcelo Bielsa sent a member of staff to watch Frank Lampard’s side before their league meeting.
      The Leeds man was caught in the act, but Bielsa insisted he had done nothing “illegal.”
      And the now-Uruguay manager proceeded to reveal detailed notes of all Leeds’ opponents to the media in a bid to prove his point. More

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      Serie A star rushed to hospital with MALARIA just ten days after Ivory Coast ace celebrated Afcon victory over Nigeria

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      FIORENTINA and Ivory Coast star Christian Kouame has been hospitalised after contracting malaria.The winger, 26, was a part of the Ivorians’ triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this month.
      Christian Kouame has contracted malaria and been hospitalised in FlorenceCredit: Getty
      But when he returned to Italy to link up with his club, he was suffering from a fever.
      This led to tests in Florence as medics looked to work out the issue.
      And Fiorentina have now confirmed Kouame has been diagnosed with malaria.
      A club statement read: “Christian Kouame took a malaria test on Wednesday morning after developing a fever and a feeling of malaise during the night between February 20th and 21st.
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      “The test came back positive.
      “Christian has gone into hospital to receive treatment and will continue to be assessed over the coming days.”
      Kouame, who started three of Ivory Coast’s six games at the tournament, is the third Afcon player to test positive for malaria.
      Mali star Moussa Diarra contracted the illness, while compatriot and Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma also tested positive for the virus, but was still available for selection until his country were eliminated in the last 16.
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      Kouame, who has 26 international caps, has made 22 appearances for Fiorentina this season, scoring one goal and providing one assist.
      But his departure for Afcon at the beginning of 2024 coincided with a huge downturn in the club’s form.
      Inside Ivory Coast’s bonkers route to Afcon final after sacking manager mid-tournament and humiliating defeat
      They have won just one of seven Serie A games without Kouame, losing four.
      They were also beaten 3-0 by Napoli in the semi-finals of the Italian Super Cup. More

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      Former Premier League striker M’Baye Niang rushed to hospital after horror car crash

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      Former Premier League striker M’Baye Niang has been rushed to hospital after wrecking his car.The Senegal international spent the first half of 2017 on loan to Watford from AC Milan.
      M’Baye Niang was involved in a horror car crash in ItalyCredit: Getty
      Niang made 16 Premier League appearances for WatfordCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He made 16 top-flight appearances, scoring in the Hornets’ wins over Burnley and West Brom.
      France-born Niang joined Italian Serie A club Empoli last month from Turks Adana Demirspor.
      But the 29-year-old was rushed to hospital on Tuesday morning after his Mercedes SUV collided with several parked cars in Empoli, near Florence.
      Niang has previously figured in a series of motoring mishaps in Italy and France.
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      Empoli sporting director Pietro Accardi said: “M’Baye Niang advised us promptly about the accident that took place.
      “As a club we know that since the lad’s arrival at Empoli he has usually gone out early each morning, to join a prayer group with others who practise the same faith as him.
      “The player then returned home.
      “M’Baye is well.  He passed all the normal tests from the competent authorities.”
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      Niang trained later in the day, and is expected to be fit for Saturday’s relegation six-pointer at Sassuolo.
      He landed a motoring ban in Italy aged just 17 for driving without a licence – and pretending to be an older Milan clubmate – in 2012.
      The striker crashed his Ferrari into a tree while with Montpellier in 2014, and received a suspended 18-month jail term for an alleged hit-and-run incident that left 11 people injured.
      And two years later the accident-prone attacker suffered ankle and shoulder injuries after another car smash.
      Play stopped as Watford player M’Baye Niang carries a baby bird off the pitch More