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    Man Utd face transfer battle with Chelsea and Newcastle for Dumfries as Inter Milan ace’s agent ‘flies to UK for talks’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are set to face a transfer battle with their Premier League rivals for Inter Milan star Denzel Dumfries, according to reports.Chelsea and Newcastle are ready to rival the Red Devils for the right-back.
    Denzel Dumfries has been linked with several Premier League clubsCredit: Getty
    Dumfries’ representatives have supposedly flown to England to hold talks with those interested, claim Gazzetta dello Sport.
    Inter have set a price tag of £44million, although reports suggest a £35million bid could be enough.
    The Serie A side could have to sell to help balance the books and the player’s deal expires in the summer of 2025.
    Dumfries has featured 23 times for Inter this season, scoring two goals and assisting three.
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    The 26-year-old also impressed at the World Cup with the Netherlands.
    He played every minute for his country and even got a goal and two assists in Qatar before they were knocked out in the quarter-finals to winners Argentina on penalties.
    Man Utd would like to sign a full-back to compete with Diogo Dalot in the long-term.
    Erik ten Hag is reportedly willing to let Aaron Wan-Bissaka leave Old Trafford but any move for Dumfries could have to wait for the summer due to financial reasons.
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    Chelsea are looking for a wing-back to rival Reece James.
    The Blues have made an attempt to bring in Lyon’s Malo Gusto but he looks set to stay at the club.
    They have also been linked with a move for Sporting Lisbon star Pedro Porro but Tottenham look set to sign him. More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo facing BAN over £79million Juventus wages scandal with superstar among 22 players ‘paid off books’

    CRISTIANO RONALDO is reportedly facing a ban over his £79million Juventus wages scandal.That’s amid claims he was among 22 players who was “paid off the books” by the disgraced Italian giants.
    Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly facing a Serie A ban amid Juventus’ scandalCredit: Getty
    Juventus have been hit with a 15-point ban in Serie A after prosecutors found them guilty of accounting breaches.
    The likes of now-Tottenham director Fabio Paratici were handed bans from football.
    And the Mirror claims some players could now also get suspended from Italian football.
    It’s said the likes of Ronaldo, Giorgio Chiellini and Paulo Dybala were paid deferred wages “off the books” after agreeing to deferrals during the Covid pandemic.
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    Ronaldo is said to have been paid £79.5m despite only agreeing to a deferral of £17.2m.
    And should it be proven they were knowingly complicit, they could receive 30-day suspensions in Italian football.
    Spurs were rocked last week when director of football Paratici was handed a two-and-a-half year ban from the game by an Italian court.
    He was found guilty of orchestrating a transfer scam over three seasons at Juventus.
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    The shock finding means the FA is now likely to be asked to implement the suspension by its Italian counterparts.
    SunSport understands Wembley chiefs are unclear if the sanction is one that they must automatically apply or await direction from Fifa.
    But normally associations accept the disciplinary decisions of fellow governing bodies and while it is expected Paratici will appeal the verdict – of the Federal Appeals Court – his future at Tottenham appears bleak.
    Juventus 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.
    It was stated that Juve had manipulated the system to free up their spending powers in the market.
    Juve and eight clubs, including Sampdoria, Genoa and Parma, were initially acquitted in May.
    But that verdict was appealed to the Federal Appeals Court and Italian FA prosecutors asked the case to be reheard and for serious sanctions at last week’s hearing.
    Prosecuting lawyer Giuseppe Chine had only asked for an immediate nine-point penalty.
    Instead, the “Old Lady” were deducted 15 points, ripping the heart out of their Serie A campaign. More

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    Everton ‘consider Marko Arnautovic as they look to sign two forwards – but Ziyech transfer unlikely after Lampard axe’

    EVERTON are reportedly weighing up a move to sign Marko Arnautovic.The Austrian forward is currently playing his trade in Serie A with Bologna.
    Marko Arnautovic is a reported target of EvertonCredit: Getty
    The Toffees are in need of reinforcements and have already seen one major transfer target fall by the wayside.
    Arnaut Danjuma had a medical at the club and was expected to sign, only for Tottenham to swoop in and hijack the deal.
    Now the Toffees have switched their attentions to the former Stoke City and West Ham star along with another forward, according to the Daily Mail.
    This season the 33-year-old has been in good form in Italy, netting eight goals in 16 appearances for Bologna.
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    Manchester United was interested in signing the forward in the summer.
    But a move failed to materialise after fan backlash to the proposed transfer.
    When asked about the transfer in August, Arnautovic told a press conference: “The market is the market.
    “I’ve been in the world of football for many years and I know there could be clubs interested during the transfer window.
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    “But now I am focused on Bologna.”
    If a deal to Goodison Park comes off, Everton will be hoping he will be able to help fire them to Premier League safety.
    The report also states that Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech, on the other hand, will not be moving to the club.
    Recently axed boss Frank Lampard was a fan of the Moroccan winger, but following his exit, interest is now believed to have cooled.
    Hakim Ziyech is unlikely to make the move to Goodison ParkCredit: Getty More

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    AC Milan prepare loan transfer offer for Saint-Maximin with frustrated Newcastle ace having not started since August

    AC MILAN are preparing a loan move for out of favour Newcastle star Allan Saint-Maximin, according to reports.The 25-year-old is a fan favourite at St James’ Park.
    Milan would like to sign Saint-Maximin on loan with an option to buyCredit: Getty
    However, he has found game time hard to come by this season, only playing 631 minutes of football.
    In fact, his last Premier League start for the Toon came all the way back in August.
    According to Foot Mercato, AC Milan are keen on taking the Frenchman on loan for the remainder of the season.
    An option to buy Saint-Maximin would also be included in the deal.
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    Newcastle’s pursuit of long-time target Anthony Gordon could play a part in Saint-Maximin’s future.
    The Magpies are looking to bolster Eddie Howe’s squad, who are sat third in the Prem at the halfway point.
    Milan are also keen on an attacker currently playing his trade in Italy.
    Nicolo Zaniolo wants out at Roma and Milan are said to be in discussions over the potential signing.
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    Italian champions Milan are second in the Serie A – but a massive 12 points behind league leaders Napoli, who appear to be running away with this year’s title.
    There’s also just three points between second and sixth, which could see Milan fall down the table.
    Saint-Maximin’s Prem stats More

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    Leeds join Arsenal in Weston McKennie transfer battle as Jesse Marsch’s side open talks with Juventus over deal

    LEEDS have reportedly joined the race to sign Juventus and USA midfielder Weston McKennie.The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to Arsenal as Mikel Arteta looks to bring in some top quality back-up to Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka.
    Weston McKennie has been linked with a move to the Premier LeagueCredit: EPA
    But now transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has claimed Leeds are also interested in acquiring the American’s services.
    Speaking on social media, he said: “Talks ongoing between Leeds United and Juventus on conditions of Weston McKennie deal.
    “Discussions also on player side over personal terms.”
    McKennie has been a regular in Juventus’ side this season, starting 13 of their 16 games in Serie A.
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    Since initially arriving from Schalke on a loan deal in 2020, he has contributed 13 goals and five assists in 96 appearances for the Italian giants.
    He also impressed at the World Cup, starring for USA as they progressed through to the last-16 before being beaten by Netherlands.
    And McKennie may see the opportunity to link up with fellow countryman Jesse Marsch at Elland Road as an exciting one.
    Leeds boast other American midfielders in the form of Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams.
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    Meanwhile, Romano also revealed that the alternative option for Leeds is Angers man Azzedine Ounahi.
    Ounahi, 22, was sensational at the World Cup as he played a pivotal role in helping Morocco reach the semi-finals.
    Leeds currently sit 15th in the Premier League table, one point above the relegation zone. More

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    Man Utd transfer target Victor Osimhen’s move to Napoli from Lille being investigated with concerns over deal

    NAPOLI’S move for Victor Osimhen is set to be investigated by Italian authorities.The Serie A side signed the Nigerian from Lille in 2020 for a fee that could reach £70million including add-ons.
    Victor Osimhen joined Napoli from Lille in 2020Credit: Rex
    Juventus were slapped with a 15-point deduction last week 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.
    According to Italian outlet Il Mattino, authorities now want to take a closer look at Napoli’s dealings.
    Under the microscope will be their signing of Osimhen, although the Naples prosecutor will require six months to complete their probe.
    In particular, investigators will consider the potential falsification of financial documents.
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    In Juventus’ case, prosecutors were able to use leaked phone conversations and email exchanges as evidence.
    This is not expected to be the case for other clubs.
    Osimhen, 24, has performed well since joining Napoli.
    His performances on the pitch have attracted interest from the likes of Manchester United.
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    The 6ft 1in forward has bagged 42 goals in 81 appearances for Napoli, also laying on 13 assists.
    He has enjoyed a particularly prolific campaign this time around, netting 13 goals in 15 Serie A games.
    Should Osimhen move to Man United this summer, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano expects them to have to pay a club record fee.
    He said: “My personal opinion is that Napoli will not accept anything less than £105m/£115m.”
    Juventus were slapped with a 15-point deduction last weekCredit: Rex More

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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