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      Jose Mourinho ‘held talks’ over shock new job with Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler’s old team while still at Roma

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      JOSE MOURINHO allegedly held talks with Robbie Fowler’s former club BEFORE he was sacked by Roma.The 60-year-old’s chaotic two-and-a-half year stint at the Stadio Olimpico came to an end a fortnight ago.
      Jose Mourinho held talks over a job at a Middle East club before he was sacked by RomaCredit: Rex
      Robbie Fowler used to manage to Saudi second tier outfit previouslyCredit: Getty
      His contract at Roma was set to finish at the end of the season but they made the decision to terminate it early.
      That resulted in him receiving a £3m payout after being axed – taking Mourinho’s career earnings from sackings to a mega £80m.
      The Portuguese coach won the Europa Conference League in his first season with Roma but he struggled in Serie A.
      They finished sixth in his two full seasons in charge and were way down in ninth when he left and was replaced by club legend Daniele De Rossi as the new manager.
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      The Daily Mirror claim that Mourinho was always going to leave Roma this year and had already held talks regarding another job.
      They state that he “had been in discussions to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadsiah” – the team Liverpool icon Fowler was axed by just four months into the season despite not losing a league game.
      They are currently top of the Saudi First Division League, the tier below the money-mad Saudi Pro League, and now have ex-Sevilla man Michel in charge.
      But this report alleges that “the Spaniard has only been keeping the seat warm for Mourinho” as the Special One had a “tacit agreement with the ambitious Saudi club that he would consider joining them providing they gained promotion to the Saudi Pro League” this term.
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      Mourinho’s sacking has led to approaches “from other interested parties” as Al-Qadsiah are not keen on making any changes that could disrupt their promotion charge.
      The report states that “Napoli are considering replacing under pressure Walter Mazzarri” with the ex-Chelsea and Manchester United manager while fellow Saudi side Al-Shabab were rebuffed by Mourinho. 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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      Man Utd ‘had £85.5m bid for Milinkovic-Savic rejected by Lazio’ before midfielder left for just £34m to Saudi Arabia

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      MANCHESTER UNITED had an £85.5million bid for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic rejected by Lazio, it has been revealed. The midfielder had long been on United’s radar but in the summer he left Italy for the Saudi Pro League, joining Al-Hilal for £34m.
      Sergej Milinkovic-Savic now plays for Al HilalCredit: Getty
      Former Lazio sporting director Igli Tare has now spoken out to confirm United and AC Milan both bid for Milinkovic-Savic.
      But he denied that the player was let go by the Serie A giants.
      He told TV Play: “Many things have been said about Milinkovic-Savic that are not true, from losing him as a free agent to the idea he didn’t want to stay.
      “The only true thing is that President Claudio Lotito rejected a very important offer, worth over €100m (£85.5m), from Milan and Manchester United.
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      “I don’t want to get into why the sale did not go through, as Lotito wanted to maintain a strong squad and keep the promises he had made to the coach.
      “Let us not forget that the season which was interrupted by COVID, Lazio were on the verge of winning the Scudetto.”
      Milinkovic-Savic, 28, has nine goals in his 22 appearances for Al-Hilal, where plays alongside Neymar and Aleksandar Mitrovic.
      But recent reports link Milinkovic-Savic with an exit from Saudi already.
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      According to Italian outlet, Il Messaggero, the Serbian told his former Lazio team-mates that he would “like to return” to the club.
      It would add him to a growing list of players who want to make their way back to Europe.
      SunSport reported in October how a number of stars were unhappy after leaving European football, and now a mass of this talent want out.
      England international Jordan Henderson was one such star.
      Henderson, 33, sealed a transfer to Ajax just six months after signing a bumper £700,000-a-week contract for Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq from Liverpool.
      Meanwhile, Karim Benzema is said to have left Saudi chiefs furious after reportedly arriving 17 DAYS late for Al-Ittihad training.
      Elsewhere, Jota has been linked with a transfer to the Premier League after he was not registered in his sides squad. More

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      Jose Mourinho spotted for first time since Roma sacking as ex-manager joined by huge entourage on sightseeing trip

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      JOSE MOURINHO has been spotted strolling around Rome eight days on from his sacking.Roma dispensed of the Portuguese’s services last week as they sat ninth in the Serie A table.
      Jose Mourinho wore a cap and scarf as he headed outCredit: The Mega Agency
      Mourinho, 60, was joined by a small entourageCredit: The Mega Agency
      The group walked through the streets of RomeCredit: The Mega Agency
      Mourinho remains in the Eternal City a week on from his Roma sackingCredit: The Mega Agency
      Mourinho was spotted visiting the Castel Sant’AngeloCredit: The Mega Agency
      Mourinho has a family base in Belgravia, Chelsea from his days managing the Blues.
      But as of this morning he remained in Italy despite having said a tearful goodbye to Roma last week.
      The 60-year-old wore blue jeans, a white fleece, navy scarf and cap as he went for a walk through the city.
      He was joined by a small entourage as he made his way around.
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      Mourinho was spotted by Rome’s spectacular Castel Sant’Angelo.
      The sprawling rotunda dates back nearly 2,000 years to Hadrian’s days as Roman Emperor.
      Hadrian’s ashes remain in the building, which is now a museum having previously been used as a fortress.
      Mourinho appears to be willing to enjoy some downtime before accepting his next challenge.
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      The former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss has already snubbed an offer to return to work.
      According to ESPN, Mourinho has rejected an approach from Saudi Arabian side Al-Shabab.
      The self-proclaimed Special One has previously admitted his desire to work in Saudi Arabia.
      But he doesn’t yet appear to believe that the time is right, preferring to stay in Europe.
      Al-Shabab sit 11th in the Saudi Pro League and are ironically set to play Roma in a friendly this afternoon.
      Their squad includes Yannick Carrasco, Habib Diallo and Romain Saiss.
      Mourinho has already received interest from clubs on the continent, but has indicated that he will not rush back into work, preferring to wait for the right opportunity.
      Former Chelsea hero Frank Leboeuf reckons that Mourinho fancies a crack at international football.
      He told ESPN: “I remember interviewing Mr Mourinho when he was at Madrid or Chelsea when he came over to Los Angeles.
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      “He admitted that the last thing he would love to do in his coaching career would be to get the Portuguese national team job. I think that’s going to be his goal.
      “It’s tricky right now with Roberto (Martinez) but I really think he can be patient and see how it goes during the Euros and then maybe jump into the seat if he has the chance to.”
      Mourinho was axed by Roma after a chaotic two-and-a-half years in chargeCredit: AP More

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      I dared AC Milan hardman to eat a SLUG for €5,000 in training session – he ate it immediately

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      GENNARO GATTUSO was once dared to eat a slug for €5,000 by his AC Milan team-mates.The Italian hardman shocked his fellow players by eating it instantly.
      Gennaro Gattuso (right) was once dare to eat a slug for €5,000Credit: Getty
      Gattuso had been dared by ex-Milan defender Kakha Kaladze after the slugs were spotted on the floor at their training ground.
      Fellow defender Gianluca Zambrotta previously recalled the incident, explaining: “One day, we were at training and there were slugs on the floor.
      “Kakha Kaladze said to Gattuso: ‘I will give you €5,000 if you eat a live slug’. He picked one up, ate it and gave the money to charity.”
      The AC Milan legend giving the money to good causes made the dare all the more epic.
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      Andrea Pirlo also claimed in 2022 that the dare was part of a €10,000 bet amongst the players.
      Speaking on Juventus’ All or Nothing series, he explained: “Once we made a bet… you know the snails, the ones without their shells, so big?
      “We said, ‘Come on Rino, if you eat it we will give you 10 thousand euros, we collect them and then you give them to the intern workers.’
      “He took the slug, he sent it down, we didn’t give a s***. He wanted to kill us all.”
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      Gattuso ate the slug despite the health risks associated with doing so.
      Promising Australian rugby player Sam Ballard passed away in 2018 after being left paralysed by an infected slug he swallowed for a dare.
      46-year-old Gattuso spent 13 years with Milan as a player, scoring 11 goals from midfield across 468 appearances.
      He won 10 major trophies during that time, including both Serie A and the Champions League on two occasions.
      The former midfielder was also a World Cup winner with Italy in 2006.
      Having returned to Milan as manager between 2017 and 2019, Gattuso is now in charge of French giants Marseille.
      Gattuso instantly ate the slug and donated the money to charityCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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      Gigi Riva dead aged 79: Tributes pour in for Serie A icon who won Euros with Italy before becoming national team coach

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      LEGENDARY Italian footballer Gigi Riva has passed away at the age of 79.The striker, who is Italy’s all-time record scorer with 35 goals in 42 appearances, died in hospital after falling ill at his home in Sardinia.
      Gigi Riva has passed away at the age of 79Credit: Getty
      He spent his entire career with CagliariCredit: Getty
      He was a key player in helping the Azzurri win Euro 1968, bagging the opener in the final against Yugoslavia.
      He also helped Cagliari win the only Serie A title in their history in 1970.
      Riva spent all but the first season of his career with Cagliari, scoring 207 goals in 374 appearances across a 13-year stint.
      This makes him Cagliari’s top scorer by more than 100 goals.
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      In 2005, the club retired the No11 jersey in honour of Riva’s achievements.
      After hanging up his boots, Riva went on to become a coach for the Italian national team in 1988.
      And he remained a part of the backroom staff until 2013.
      He was a member of the technical staff during Italy’s 2006 World Cup triumph.
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      And after the tournament, captain Fabio Cannavaro praised Riva for his contribution towards the country’s fourth World Cup win.
      Paying tribute to Riva following his death, legendary Italian keeper Dino Zoff said: “I’m losing a great friend, we’ve had a long life together.
      “From the military to many memories in the national team. Infinite sadness, I’m deeply saddened, I can’t speak.”
      Inter Milan also reacted to Riva’s passing, adding: “FC Internazionale Milano expresses its condolences for the passing of Gigi Riva and rallies around the family and the entire world of football in this moment of mourning.”
      Hours before Riva’s death was confirmed, Cagliari posted: “We are with you, go Gigi ❤️💙.”
      He goes down as an Italian legendCredit: Getty
      He scored 35 goals in 42 appearances for his countryCredit: Getty
      Riva was a part of the national team set-up until 2013Credit: AFP More

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      AC Milan list Arsenal and Chelsea stars Kiwior and Chalobah on transfer shortlist as alternatives to top target

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      AC MILAN have three Premier League players on their shortlist as they look to sign a centre-back, according to reports.The Serie A side are dealing with a defensive injury crisis with Fikayo Tomori, Pierre Kalulu and Malick Thiaw all sidelined.
      Jakub Kiwior is wanted by AC MilanCredit: Getty
      Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah is an option for AC Milan despite them being concerned over his injury problems this seasonCredit: Getty
      Milan have already recalled Matteo Gabbia from his loan at Villarreal but are still keen to enter the market this month.
      The club reportedly hold an interest in Clement Lenglet, who is on loan at Aston Villa.
      But the Frenchman could be recalled and sent out again by Barcelona due to him only playing ten games in all competitions this season.
      However, Milan know a deal will be difficult to complete for their top target.
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      Sky Italia claim Arsenal star Jakub Kiwior is an alternative option.
      The Polish centre-back knows Serie A from his time at Spezia and he could be allowed to leave this January.
      Speculation also suggests Trevoh Chalobah might move to the San Siro.
      But Milan have doubts over the Chelsea ace’s fitness as he has not played all season due to a hamstring problem.
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      They already have former Blues stars Olivier Giroud, Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tomori at the club.
      A loan for Atletico Madrid and ex-Leicester defender Caglar Soyuncu was also explored, but he will join Fenerbahce.
      And Torino rejected Milan’s offer for Alessandro Buongiorno.
      Clement Lenglet could be recalled from his loan at Aston Villa and sent out to AC MilanCredit: Getty More

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      Sheffield United ready to flog defender Anel Ahmedhodzic to Napoli and replace him with forgotten Everton star

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      SHEFFIELD UNITED want a stunning £20million for centre-half Anel Ahmedhodzic with Italians Napoli and Atalanta interested.The Blades could let him go in this window to give boss Chris Wilder cash to spend.
      Anel Ahmedhodzic is wanted by Napoli and AtalantaCredit: Getty
      Mason Holgate could be loaned to Sheffield United this monthCredit: Getty
      Ahmedhodzic, 24, fancies Serie A and is hoping for a deal.
      The Bosnian has played 14 times in the Premier League this season and has even captained Sheffield United on four occasions.
      Wilder will spend the fee received from selling one of his star players on a keeper and possibly two centre-backs.
      The club are haggling over terms on a loan for Mason Holgate.
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      He is currently at Southampton until the end of the season but SunSport exclusively revealed parent club Everton want to recall him due to a lack of playing time.
      The Toffees want most of the defender’s salary paid if he is to switch clubs again this month.
      The Blades are also interested in Bournemouth centre-half Chris Mepham, who sees his contract end in 18 months.
      He has played just eight matches this season and the Cherries are open to cashing in.
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      Strasbourg’s Gerzino Nyamsi is an alternative but would cost around £6m, with the French side not interested in loaning him to Bramall Lane.
      Meanwhile, the Blades are closing in on a £2m deal for Atletico Madrid keeper Ivo Grbic.
      The two-time capped Croatian has not played this season as he is Atleti’s second choice stopper. More