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    Antonio Conte targeted for return to Serie A with Inter and Juventus ‘inquiring’ about Tottenham managers availability

    TOTTENHAM boss Antonio Conte is being lined up for a sensational return to Italy, it’s been claimed.The 53-year-old will return to the touchline on Wednesday night for the first time since undergoing gallbladder surgery in February.
    Antonio Conte’s Tottenham future is currently up in the airCredit: ALAMY
    The Italian has one year left on his contract with Spurs and has been linked with a move back to his homelandCredit: REX
    Conte will return to the touchline on Wednesday after recovering form gallbladder surgeryCredit: Reuters
    Conte will look to guide his troops to a comeback victory over AC Milan, who turned them over in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at the San Siro on Valentine’s Day.
    But according to reports, he could return to the stadium next season as manager of one of Serie A’s big boys.
    That’s according to The Times, who claim Conte’s recent stay in his homeland recovering from surgery has “strengthened his desire” to return.
    Both Inter Milan and Juventus are said to be keen on acquiring his services.
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    It’s claimed Conte’s return to Italy could hinge on Spurs being dumped out of Europe’s elite club competition.
    It’s said an exit at the last-16 stage could “hasten” Conte’s departure from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
    The former Chelsea and Inter boss has a year left on his contract with the north Londoners and has mulled over leaving them for pastures new.
    It’s understood, however, that he’ll see out the remainder of his deal if he’s “happy” come the end of the season.
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    But former Rangers hitman Ally McCoist reckons that both the Italian and striker Harry Kane will leave Spurs at the end of the season.
    The talkSPORT pundit said: “Right now, and it’s guesswork from me.
    “I think they’ll [Tottenham] be looking for a new manager a new centre-forward.
    “If I’m putting myself in Harry Kane’s shoes right now – and this will really finish the Spurs fans off this morning.
    “I’m probably thinking about going to the team [Manchester United] that got beat 7-0 yesterday [Sunday].” More

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    Jose Mourinho ‘wanted by West Ham to become their new boss if David Moyes is axed with offer made to Roma manager’

    JOSE MOURINHO is wanted by West Ham if they sack David Moyes, according to reports.The Hammers have supposedly already made an offer to the Roma boss.
    Jose Mourinho is wanted by West HamCredit: Getty
    Mourinho has another season remaining on his contract at the Stadio Olimpico and it would be a shock if he left.
    The former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss is happy at the Serie A side despite the offer, claim LaRoma24.
    The Italian side are in the fight to qualify for next season’s Champions League, sitting fourth in Serie A and they also remain in the Europa League.
    However, money is supposedly tight after a Financial Fair Play breach in 2020 and the club may have to offload players, which could make Mourinho unsettled.
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    West Ham are on the lookout for a new manager with pressure on Moyes ramping up after a 4-0 loss away at Brighton.
    Fans have become disgruntled at a perceived negative style and a lack of results with a small section of supporters even chanting for the Scot’s sacking at the weekend.

    Despite a summer outlay of over £100million, the side languish in 16th, just a point above the relegation zone.
    The Irons reportedly plan to stick with Moyes but could want a new manager in charge next season.
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    The club have been linked with the likes of Rafa Benitez, Nuno Espirito Santo and former player Michael Carrick.
    Rumours suggest more ambitious moves for Mauricio Pochettino or Mourinho could be made.
    West Ham face Cypriot side AEK Larnaca in the Conference League and play Aston Villa in the Premier League before the international break. More

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    Newcastle star Allan Saint-Maximin wanted by AC Milan in summer transfer with chiefs ‘on the move’ for winger

    NEWCASTLE star Allan Saint-Maximin is reportedly a transfer target for AC Milan. The Serie A giants are considering a move for Saint-Maximin if they lose Rafael Leao in the summer.
    Allan Saint-Maximin is a transfer target for AC MilanCredit: Rex
    According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Milan are already “on the move” looking for Leao’s replacement.
    The Portuguese forward wants to stay in Milan, but there has been no progress in negotiations for a new contract.
    With the 23-year-old’s deal expiring in 2024, Milan could be forced into a sale – boosting Chelsea’s transfer hopes.
    Consequently, the Rossoneri have identified potential replacements.
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    Saint-Maximin is joined on the list by Club Brugge’s Noa Lang.
    Milan enquired about Saint-Maximin last summer, with the Frenchman revealing his frustrations over exit talk in an interview last month.
    A hamstring injury at the end of August stunted a promising start to the season where he had scored once and assisted twice.
    Since returning to fitness the 25-year-old has found starting opportunities limited, partly due to Eddie Howe using Joelinton at left wing.
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    However, he did start the Carabao Cup final and impressed against Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot.
    But the half-time introduction of Aaron Wan-Bissaka changed the complexion of the duel and kept the Frenchman more muzzled.
    Saint-Maximin joined the Magpies from Nice in 2019.
    He has scored 13 times and added 19 assists in 115 games, and was recently named as one of the Premier League’s best dribblers. More

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    Watch Tammy Abraham’s incredible reaction to Roma screamer – but Mourinho doesn’t bat an eyelid

    JOSE MOURINHO and Tammy Abraham had VERY different reactions to Roma’s stunning winner over Juventus.The Giallorossi beat Juve 1-0 on Sunday in a crucial Serie A clash at the Olimpico thanks to Gianluca Mancini’s screamer on 53 minutes.
    Roma boss Jose Mourinho and Tammy Abraham reacted differently to the win over Juventus
    Tammy Abraham celebrated but Jose Mourinho didn’t bat an eyelid
    Bryan Cristante found Mancini who fired a powerful shot from 25 yards that gave Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny no chance.
    The home fans broke into joy in the stands.
    But the Roma dugout was a different story.
    Mourinho was getting ready to bring ex-Chelsea ace Abraham on just moments before Mancini’s screamer.
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    The former Manchester United boss was in discussion with his assistant about their next move while also scribbling into his notepad.
    Once Mancini hit Szczesny’s bottom right corner, Abraham absolutely popped and started running towards his team-mate to celebrate.
    But Mourinho didn’t bat an eyelid and just glanced at the pitch before returning to his notebook.
    Roma’s 1-0 win was a major victory in their chase for second place in the Serie A table.
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    Roma are fourth with the same points as reigning Italian champions AC Milan below them.
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    The Romans are one point below local rivals Lazio and third place.
    Mourinho’s side are a mere three points away from second-placed Inter Milan.
    Juventus, on the other hand, are currently eighth after being slapped with a 15-point deduction earlier this year.
    The Turin giants were accused of inflating transfer fees in dealings with other Italian clubs over three seasons to create millions of pounds in “capital gains” for tax purposes. More

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    Arsenal set for £5.9million windfall with Mikel Arteta’s first-ever Gunners transfer set to quit club

    ARSENAL manager Mikel Arteta’s first ever signing is set to be sold in the summer transfer window, reports suggest.The Gunners’ sporting director Edu is already in the process of trimming the first-team squad and raise funds ahead of next season.
    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could see his first ever signing leave in the summerCredit: Getty
    Arsenal loanee Pablo Mari has stood out at Monza and may command a £5.9m feeCredit: Getty
    According to Football London, Pablo Mari, who is currently on loan at Monza, poses as a highly likely candidate to depart from the Emirates.
    And the Gunners appear set for a £5.9million windfall from a possible deal involving Mari.
    An agreement is highly likely but talks will only take place if Monza avoid the drop.
    However, Raffaele Palladino’s side appear safe as they are currently 10th with 14 points separating them from the relegation zone.
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    Therefore, Mari is among the Arsenal loanees that could command a transfer fee in the summer along with Nicolas Pepe, Folarin Balogun and Nuno Tavares, who currently play at Lille, Reims and Marseille respectively.
    The Spaniard was Arteta’s first ever signing back in January 2020 when he arrived on loan from Flamengo.
    The centre-back signed a permanent deal six months later but failed to break into the Spanish tactician’s line-up and was shipped out on loan at Udinese in January 2022.
    The 29-year-old stayed at the Stadio Friuli for six months and was then loaned out to Monza where he has since been going from strength to strength.
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    Mari hit the ground running upon his arrival at the Stadio Brianteo in August.
    The defender’s momentum was cut short in October when he fell victim to a deadly knife attack in a supermarket near Milan that left one dead and five others injured.
    The ex-Manchester City player underwent surgery and had two muscles repaired.
    But Mari returned to action less than two months later after the incident and has since continued to impress in Palladino’s backline. More

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    Man Utd ‘want Tammy Abraham to solve striking woes but transfer could be scuppered due to £71m Chelsea clause’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are interested in Roma star Tammy Abraham but the transfer could be scuppered due to a Chelsea clause, according to reports. The Red Devils are expected to be in the market for a striker this summer and they have been tracking the man with seven goals this season.
    Tammy Abraham is wanted by Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    Claims from The Athletic suggest that Man Utd scouts have been in regular attendance at the Stadio Olimpico.
    However, Chelsea also have an interest in bringing their former striker back to the club.
    When Abraham was initially sold to Roma for £34million, then Blues director of football Marina Granovskaia negotiated a £71million buy-back clause.
    Chelsea also have to be told if another club comes in for the English striker, meaning they have first refusal on him.
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    Any decision could be influenced by what they decide to do with Romelu Lukaku, who is currently on loan at Inter Milan.
    Roma are battling financial fair play rules after breaching regulations in the 2020/21 campaign.
    They supposedly “may have to consider sacrifices” but don’t have to sell Abraham, with an agreement not possible for under £70million.
    That means he will still be a cheaper option for United than Napoli ace Victor Osimhen, who is valued at over £100million.
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    Jose Mourinho’s side sit fourth in the Serie A table and qualification for next season’s Champions League will strengthen their position when it comes to trying to keep Abraham.
    The centre-forward enjoyed a fine first season in Italy, netting 27 goals in 53 appearances to help his team win the Conference League.
    But the 25-year-old, who became a father for the first time last week, has seen his goals dry up this term.
    He since missed out on earning a place in England’s World Cup squad. More

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    Everton flop Moise Kean sent off 40 SECONDS after being subbed on for Juventus as he kicks Roma ace Mancini

    EVERTON flop Moise Kean was sent off 40 SECONDS after coming on for Juventus in Sunday’s 1-0 loss at Roma.The Italy striker kicked out wildly at matchwinner Gianluca Mancini 20 seconds after arriving in the 89th minute – and departed after another 20 secs.

    Juventus frontman Moise Kean came on after 89 minutes and didn’t even last until stoppage time as he saw red in Roma’s crucial victory

    Kean, 23, had replaced Colombian wideman Juan Cuadrado as Juve piled on the pressure for an equaliser.
    And that desperate last-ditch move from boss Max Allegri promptly became even more despairing.
    Kean instantly saw red for lashing out at defender Mancini, who had cracked a stunning decider for Jose Mourinho’s Roma on 53 minutes.
    Mancini seemed to drag the tumbling Kean in a bizarre tangle as Juventus attacked down the left.
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    The frontman responded by booting the home hero up the backside.
    And although Mancini collapsed in ridiculous fashion, clutching his leg as if shot, Kean had to go. And he duly did.
    One fan posted of Mancini’s reaction: “Love that pause before the guy remembers to fall over
    Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba had also come on as Juve turned up the pressure but failed to find an equaliser.
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    Defeat left Allegri’s men eighth, although they would be behind only Napoli if they hadn’t picked up a 15-point penalty.
    Early on, Juve midfielder Adrien Rabiot’s header was tipped onto a post by Roma keeper Rui Patricio in a cautious first half.
    Mancini’s marvellous moment from 25 yards then provided the only goal of the game.
    But Cuadrado’s free kick hit a post, Angel Di Maria forced Patricio into a one-handed save and a corner also hit the woodwork.
    Stages of acceptance after scoring a worldie, ft. Gianluca Mancini: 𝟭: Look around, make sure you’ve scored. 𝟮: Puff your cheeks to get hyped.𝟯: Start your celebration.𝟰: Take flight 🛫 pic.twitter.com/0xD4HJ4CzX— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) March 5, 2023 More

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    Chelsea star Ruben Loftus-Cheek wanted in £25m transfer by AC Milan with talks ‘already underway’ for midfielder

    AC MILAN are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.The 27-year-old is set to fall down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge when the summer transfer window opens, with Graham Potter and Todd Boehly looking to introduce some more additions to the first team.
    AC Milan want to sign Loftus-CheekCredit: Getty
    He has less than 18 months remaining on his current deal, so Blues chiefs are willing to cash-in on him if an appropriate offer is made.
    Various clubs have expressed an interest in signing him in recent months, including Crystal Palace and Lazio.
    But AC Milan have already opened talks with Chelsea over a potential switch, according to CalcioMercato.
    The Italian outlet reports that Milan boss Stefano Pioli wants to sign Loftus-Cheek as a replacement for out-of-favour midfielder Aster Vranckx.
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    But the Rossoneri will have to match Chelsea’s £25million valuation.
    If Loftus-Cheek did decide to make the switch to Italy, he will join former Blues team-mate Fikayo Tomori at the San Siro.
    Tomori signed a permanent deal with AC Milan in June 2021 after spending six months at the club on loan.
    He has since helped the club to a Serie A title.
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    Loftus-Cheek has made 23 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea this season.
    The Blues currently sit 10th in the Premier League table, 19 points adrift of league leaders Arsenal. More