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    Inter Milan ‘keeping keen on Chris Smalling transfer’ as ex-Man Utd star ‘refuses to sign new Roma contract’

    INTER MILAN are reportedly keeping tabs on Chris Smalling.That’s with the ex-Manchester United star reportedly refusing to sign a new deal at Roma.
    Inter Milan could pounce for Roma’s Chris Smalling on a free transferCredit: Rex
    Calciomercato claims Smalling’s future is up in the air as he approaches the end of his contract in Italy’s capital.
    The 33-year-old has enjoyed a career resurgence after joining Roma from United in 2019.
    Smalling has played 121 games for the Serie A giants.
    And he had a key role in last season’s Europa Conference League victory under Jose Mourinho.
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    But it’s reckoned Smalling is considering his options as he approaches his final years in the game.
    Roma are unwilling to give the veteran the wages he believes he deserves, while also offering Smalling just a one-year extension.
    And Inter are now said to be preparing a free transfer swoop at the end of the campaign.
    The 2021 champions could lose two of their own centre-backs on frees this summer, with Milan Skriniar and Matthijs de Vrij yet to commit their futures.
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    And Smalling is seen as the ideal replacement should either man leave.
    Juventus were also in the running for the ace before being hit with a 15-point deduction for a “transfer scam”.
    But Smalling could yet end up staying at Roma provided they offer him at least a further two years on his new deal.
    The 31-time England international is expected to have his future decided by the end of the January transfer window. More

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    Liverpool transfer target Amrabat ‘spotted at Barcelona stadium for win over Getafe’ as he is linked to LaLiga giants

    LIVERPOOL have been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of Sofyan Amrabat after he was spotted watching Barcelona at the Nou Camp, according to reports.The Moroccan midfielder was one of the standout performers at the World Cup, helping fire his nation all the way to the semi-finals in Qatar.
    Sofyan Amrabat is wanted by both Liverpool and BarcelonaCredit: Getty
    His inspired displays have led to several top clubs entering a battle to sign the Fiorentina star.
    But it appears Barcelona could be leading the race as the 26-year-old was seen watching the team from the stands as they beat Getafe 1-0 on Sunday night, claim outlet Relevo.
    Amrabat supposedly tried to keep his identity under wraps by wearing a cap, but he was still spotted.
    The player did not attend any meetings with club chiefs, yet they do have a good relationship with Amrabat’s representatives.
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    It could take a bid of £35million to sign him.
    And Barca supposedly want a midfielder as they look to identify a replacement for veteran Sergio Busquets.
    The Catalan giants are also keeping tabs on Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi in case they cannot seal the deal for the La Viola ace.
    Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid are also keen on Amrabat, who previously expressed his desire to work with Diego Simeone.
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    Liverpool have shown an interest in the player too, with manager Jurgen Klopp desperate to freshen up his midfield options after a disappointing campaign so far.
    The Reds have been linked with England and Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham but face fierce competition from Manchester City, Real Madrid and Manchester United. More

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    Arsenal consider Weston McKennie transfer bid with Juventus ready to sell USA midfielder for cut price £18m

    ARSENAL are reportedly interested in making a move for Juventus star Weston McKennie.The USA international has made 15 appearances in Serie A this season, scoring once.
    Arsenal are reportedly considering a move for Weston McKennieCredit: Rex
    Juventus are willing to cash in on the player for £18million with Arsenal interested, according to Calciomercato.
    The Gunners would have to fight off interest from Premier League rivals Bournemouth and Aston Villa.
    The report suggests that the former Schalke star would be open to a move to a “top club”.
    Mikel Arteta’s side have been linked with a host of central midfielders.
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    The Spaniard is believed to be keen on adding some more depth to his midfield.
    The club currently have Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey as their cemented first choices.
    West Ham star Declan Rice is one player that has been heavily rumoured with a summer move to the club, but he would be a more costly investment.
    However, it is believed that the England international is keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium after ‘liking’ a post on social media celebrating the club’s win over Manchester United.
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    The Turin-based side is currently in turmoil after being deducted 15 points after being 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.
    It was stated that Juventus had manipulated the system to free up their spending powers in the market. More

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    Zlatan Ibrahimovic set to retire at end of season aged 41 with AC Milan star struggling to keep fit with knee injuries

    ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC is reportedly set to retire at the end of the season.The AC Milan star, 41, has been recovering from a knee operation since last summer.
    Zlatan Ibrahimovic is reportedly set to retire in the summerCredit: Reuters
    He is hoping to return for the Italian side’s Champions League last-16 tie with Tottenham.
    But he is expected to miss the first leg on February 14, while it remains unclear whether he will be available for the return fixture in London on March 8.
    Now a report from Gazzetta dello Sport has stated that Ibrahimovic is set to hang up his boots in the summer.
    He will then assume an ambassadorial role with Milan – who he has thrived with across two spells.
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    Back in September, when he was sidelined indefinitely with the anterior cruciate ligament injury, Ibrahimovic ruled out any form of end to his 24-year playing career.
    He told Gazzetta dello Sport: “I am arrogant, zero fear. I’m well, I’m working every day to come back.
    “You will surely see it. When I come back, I will be heard, you can count on it. I will do it with violence.
    “Patience is needed, that’s the key now.
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    “I’m not going to retire, I’m coming back and I won’t give up.”
    The Swede scored eight goals in 27 appearances for Milan last season and played a crucial role in them winning the Serie A title.
    Ibrahimovic has won the Italian league on five occasions – three times with Inter Milan and twice with AC Milan.
    He claimed two scudettos with Juventus which were retrospectively revoked.
    Ibrahimovic also won two Eredivisie titles with Ajax, the LaLiga crown with Barcelona, and four Ligue 1 titles with Paris Saint-Germain.
    Across his club career, he has netted 510 goals in 862 games.
    And he has also racked up 121 caps for Sweden, scoring a superb 62 times. More

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    Watch ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny make horror week worse for Juventus as he gifts Ademola Lookman goal

    WOJCIECH SZCZESNY’S horror blunder summed up Juventus’ week.The ex-Arsenal keeper gifted Ademola Lookman an early opener as Juve were held 3-3 by Atalanta two days after being docked 15 points.
    A nightmare start for Juventus 😳Wojciech Szczęsny can’t keep out Ademola Lookman’s shot at the near post as the Old Lady’s problems continue. pic.twitter.com/9XTR54xDna— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) January 22, 2023

    Keeper Wojciech Szczesny looks back after Ademola Lookman’ s fierce shot somehow squirmed past him but Juve fought back to draw at home
    Massimiliano Allegri’s men have plunged from joint second to ninth after being heavily penalised for a transfer scam.
    And any hope of clawing back towards even a Europa League place was put in peril within four minutes by Champions League hopefuls Atalanta.
    Jeremie Boga’s fine pass set Lookman surging forward on the right for a flashing near-post shot that Szczesny fumbled in.
    Admittedly, the former Everton striker’s shot swerved viciously at the last moment.
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    But Szczesny accepted the blame after failing to get his whole body behind the ball.
    Some fans pounced on the mistake far better than the Pole did on the ball with jibes on social media.
    One said: “How on earth is Szczesny still playing for Juventus?
    “Every clip you seem to see of him on here is of him making an error. Surely they could get a better, more consistent keeper?”
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    And one wished they had retained Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon, now 44, who left for Parma in 2021.
    That post read: “Honestly Buffon is still way better. They should’ve kept him.”
    But a penalty from Argentina’s World Cup hero Angel Di Maria and an angled strike from Szczesny’s international team-mate Arkadiusz Milik put Juve 2-1 up.
    Denmark right-back Joakim Maehle and Lookman with his second goal then restored Atalanta’s lead early in the second period.
    Brazilian defender Danilo rescued a home point for Juventus with a clever clever free-kick into the corner on 65 minutes.
    But it still leaves Juve 11 points off the top six.
    It followed quickly after they were shocked by a 15-point deduction following claims they inflated transfer fees in dealings with rival Italian clubs for three years.
    That freed up millions of pounds in “capital gains” for tax purposes, boosting Juve’s ability to splash out on signings.
    Juventus were initially acquitted but Italian FA prosecutors successfully asked for the case to be heard again.
    Szczesny looks a lkittle bashful as he applauds fans after the lively drawCredit: Getty More

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    Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech in talks over Roma transfer with winger keen to link up with Jose Mourinho in Serie A

    HAKIM ZIYECH could be the first victim of Chelsea’s January transfer spree by joining Roma.The winger has been targeted by the Italians as he finds himself squeezed out at Stamford Bridge.
    Hakim Ziyech could be set to leave ChelseaCredit: Getty
    Talks are underway with Roma boss Jose Mourinho keen to sign the Moroccan World Cup star.
    Ziyech has found himself back in the first team at Chelsea in recent weeks but fears for his long term future.
    He struggled for a place in boss Graham Potter’s side before the World Cup in November and is only getting game time due to injuries and new arrivals.
    Chelsea have Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic on their injury list and have just signed £88m wideman Mykhailo Mudryk.

    Ziyech had fancied a move to Barcelona but would be keen to move to Serie A to play under Mourinho if it means more game time.
    He joined Chelsea from Ajax for around £35m in 2020.
    The left-footed ace has since made 98 appearances, scoring 14 times and laying on 11 assists.
    Prior to the World Cup he started just one Prem match this term, while Thomas Tuchel was still at the helm.
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    But recent injuries have brought him back into contention – being selected to start three of his side’s last four.
    These outings included yesterday’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool, during which he was unable to conjure a goal.
    Chelsea have so far splashed £186.5m on permanent signings this month, as well as a further £10m loan fee on Joao Felix. More

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    Nicolo Zaniolo’s agent ‘spotted in London’ to seal Roma star’s transfer to Tottenham but West Ham could hijack move

    NICOLO ZANIOLO’S agent is in London to seal a move to Tottenham, according to reports.The Italian is up for grabs this month with Roma willing to cash in.
    Nicolo Zaniolo is available for transfer this monthCredit: Rex
    Spurs are looking to strengthen this month following a dismal run of form that has seen them fall five points outside the top four.
    According to Calciomercato, Zaniolo’s agent has travelled to London in order to negotiate with Tottenham.
    They add that the Lilywhites are the 23-year-old’s preferred destination.
    While in London, Zaniolo’s representative could also talk to West Ham.
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    Although the attacking midfielder would rather join Spurs, the Hammers could try to hijack the deal.
    Roma are said to want around £35million for Zaniolo.
    Tottenham would initially like to bring him in on loan, although Roma would want an obligation to buy included.
    It’s claimed that the Serie A side would not accept less than £31m for Zaniolo.
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    Both Spurs and West Ham could face further competition from Borussia Dortmund.
    The Bundesliga side want to bolster a midfield that could lose Jude Bellingham this summer.
    Zaniolo has made 128 appearances for Roma since joining from Inter Milan in 2018.
    He has managed 24 goals and 18 assists from midfield.
    The in-demand star suffered with a shoulder injury earlier this season, but has played 17 times this term.
    He missed Roma’s win over Fiorentina last weekend through illness. More

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    Serie A side Salernitana rehire manager Davide Nicola just TWO DAYS after sacking him in bizarre U-turn

    SALERNITANA have reappointed manager Davide Nicola just TWO DAYS after sacking him.Nicola lost his job after the Serie A strugglers were embarrassingly beaten 8-2 by Atalanta on Sunday.
    Davide Nicola was sacked after Salernitana’s 8-2 defeat against AtalantaCredit: Rex
    But Nicola was reappointed by the Serie club A two days laterCredit: Getty
    The defeat was their fourth in five league matches and leaves them 16th in table.
    According to Football Italia, Salernitana even held talks with potential new managers, including Rafa Benitez, but they weren’t able to come to an agreement.
    And in an extraordinary turn of events, Nicola was rehired just 48 hours after his departure.
    That’s because President Danilo Iervolino phoned him and asked him to come back and make a fresh start.
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    Nicola explained exactly what took place in a message on Twitter.
    He said: “I will tell you the truth. I received a call from President Iervolino yesterday.
    “With his methods, which are always lovely and friendly, he explained to me the reasons for his painful decision which he had to take to highlight discontinuity after a bad defeat against Atalanta in Bergamo.
    “I apologised, taking responsibility for a performance that was not adequate and the resulting heavy defeat.
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    “I believe in this team and its men and this great club.
    “I strongly demanded the President reconsider his decision knowing to deal with a human soul that has a deep sensitivity to understanding and strongly wants to build a different football. I love Salerno and strongly believe in this project.
    “The President has always given us passion, personality and desire to reach impossible targets. He firmly believes that when men push in the same direction, they can do extraordinary things.
    “I thank the President for calling me; this means that the new football is made of passion and heart, and I want to repay his trust with all my love.
    “I thank director Morgan De Sanctis for the mediation. Without him, this operation would not be possible.
    “We have weeks of hard work ahead to reach our targets.
    “Let’s start again, all together and recount another extraordinary history of football, giving the Granata fans the same passion and sense of belonging they always show us.
    “This is Salerno, this is Salernitana, much more than just a football club.”
    Nicola’s first game back at Salernitana is a visit from leaders Napoli on Saturday. More