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      I’m related to Brazil legend Zico… now I’m making my own way at top European club and Man Utd even came calling

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      TOP clubs from around Europe are in the battle to sign wonderkid Eduardo Quaresma.The centre-back is a distant relative of Brazil legend Zico.
      Eduardo Quaresma has been linked with several top clubsCredit: AFP
      He is a distant relative of Brazil great ZicoCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      Zico, 70, is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in history.
      He earned 71 Brazil caps and was likened to Pele.
      And now Quaresma is trying to follow in his footsteps and already has several big clubs chasing his signature.
      Manchester United, Chelsea, Juventus and Inter Milan have all previously been linked with the centre-back.
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      Quaresma, 21, came through the ranks at Sporting Lisbon.
      The club’s academy has a reputation for nurturing top talents after bringing through the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo.
      After making his debut at the age of 18, Quaresma was then loaned out to Portuguese side Tondela and then he had a spell with Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim last season.
      He has now returned to Sporting and is a mainstay in the side, having played 25 times for the club.
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      However, unlike his famous relative Zico, the defender instead represents Portugal and not Brazil.
      He is still waiting for his first senior call-up, but he is a regular for their Under-21s.
      Zico has been asked about his connection to Quaresma, he said: “It is true that I have a Portuguese family, but I was not aware of this connection with the boy. 
      “I hope the boy is very successful, that he finds his place at the club, that he can make his dreams come true.
      “I sincerely hope that Eduardo brings much glory to Sporting and achieves success in his career. That’s what’s important.
      “It is also important that, regardless of your surnames, you continue to work.
      “The important thing is that he continues to dedicate himself and fight for his space, that he plays the football he knows.”
      Sporting Lisbon youngster’s debut goes ‘from heaven to hell in four minutes’ as team-mates rush to console him More

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      I’m the coach who discovered Cristiano Ronaldo – I knew he was destined for greatness after seeing three star qualities

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO’S former Sporting Lisbon Laszlo Boloni boss revealed the Portuguese icon was destined for greatness after spotting three key things.And his journey to become one of the best players in the world began with his first-team debut in August 2002.
      Laszlo Boloni revealed three key things he saw in Cristiano Ronaldo to know he was going to become one of the bestCredit: instagram
      Ronaldo has gone on to win 33 trophiesCredit: Getty
      The Al-Nassr star has gone on to win 33 trophies in his spell-bounding career, including seven league titles, five Champions Leagues, and a European Championship for Portugal.
      And at just 17-years-old was when Ronaldo made his first appearance in the 58th minute of Sporting CP’s Champions League qualifiers against Inter Milan.
      While the game ended 0-0 Sporting coach Boloni knew this was the beginning of something great for the youngster.
      The 70-year-old spotted not only his physical and technical ability but Ronaldo’s maturity that went beyond his years.
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      The Romanian said to Marca: “I went to see the youth team and asked if Cristiano could come along with the first team because he was in good physical condition, was really quick and had great technical ability.
      “None of this was a surprise. When I saw him in action, I decided that he wasn’t going to go back to playing with the youth team.
      “He played and behaved like someone way beyond his years. In the dressing room he was a bit of a joker, but on the pitch he was exceptional.
      “To have the level of maturity that he did isn’t common for someone of 16 to 17 years of age.
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      “I didn’t know that he was going to be one of the best ever, but I did know that, if he avoided injuries, he would be a very good player.”
      Boloni who is currently in the leading role at Ligue 1 side Mertz even said Ronaldo could overtake Portuguese greats Luis Figo and Eusebio.
      He continued: “At that time I was asked about him in an interview and I said that he would surpass Luis Figo and even Eusebio.
      “Comparing a young player to those two, who are considered Gods in Portugal, caused me some problems. Ronaldo, though, has proven that I was right all along.”
      During the strikers youth playing days, Boloni also revealed how Ronaldo even played in the wing
      He added: “He was young and only weighed 60kg, so it was going to be difficult for him to hold up the ball when up against 100kg center-backs.
      “On the flank, with the speed and dribbling ability he had, he would be far more effective.”
      Alongside the Real Madrid icon during his early days in Lisbon was Fabio Paim – who is the only player Ronaldo has said will surpass him – but his career quickly took a turn for the worse.
      The wonderkid at Sporting who was meant to be better than RonaldoFabio Paim was supposed to become the best footballer in the world
      Paim is the only player Cristiano Ronaldo has publicly stated is better than him.
      The winger was snapped up by Sporting Lisbon’s academy at eight, leaving home to live in Lisbon and the hype quickly gained momentum.
      Paim’s talent seemed destined to propel him to greatness – and exceed fellow Sporting Academy prodigy Ronaldo who is three years older.
      But he failed to make a single senior debut at Sporting and went on loan to Chelsea in 2008.
      Paim became “overwhelmed” by money and fame and splashed his cash on cars, women, alcohol and partying.
      Then at 22 he “mentally” retired and continued a journeyman career in China, Angola, Lithuania, Qatar, Malta and Brazil, simply to fund his lavish lifestyle.
      And in 2019, Paim’s life took its worst turn when he was arrested for carrying 5g of cocaine. 
      He then ended up in the infamous Caxias prison for 12 months which is next to where the Portugal national team trained and where Paim would be forced to watch Ronaldo from his cell window. More

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      Chelsea ‘launch £73m transfer bid for Gyokeres but Sporting instantly reject it as they hold out for release clause’

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      CHELSEA have reportedly made an offer to sign Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres.The striker has been in scintillating form since his summer move from Coventry with 20 goals and ten assists in 24 games.
      Sporting Lisbon rejected Chelsea’s opening bid for Viktor GyokeresCredit: AFP
      Chelsea need a forward and have been linked with a move for Gyokeres for several weeks.
      And according to Portuguese outlet Record they have made an opening bid for the Swedish international worth £74million.
      That offer has reportedly been rejected by Sporting, who are unwilling to let the forward leave for less than his £87m release clause.
      Arsenal have also been credited with an interest in Gyokeres but the 25-year-old revealed he doesn’t “care about any interested parties at the moment”.
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      He said: “I think it’s a bit like when Sporting came in to sign me.
      “I’m very happy here and I don’t care about any interested parties at the moment.
      “I’m enjoying every day here and not thinking about what’s going on around me.
      “Yes, there’s talk of big clubs, but for now it’s just news. That’s all.”
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      Chelsea have alternative options in mind with Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran the most recent player to be linked.
      The Blues reportedly have a shortlist of five names which includes Victor Osimhen and Dusan Vlahovic. More

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      Injury hit West Ham consider shock Marcus Edwards transfer as ex-Tottenham star shines for Sporting Lisbon

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      WEST HAM are considering a move for Sporting Lisbon winger Marcus Edwards as they scramble for attacking reinforcements.The Hammers are urgently looking to add to their forward line this month after being hit by an injury crisis.
      Marcus Edwards has emerged as a target for West HamCredit: Reuters
      Edwards, the former Tottenham youngster, is being considered alongside Jack Clarke and Ajax’s Steven Bergwijn.
      Hammers boss David Moyes is short of quality up top after Lucas Paqueta and Jarrod Bowen limped off against Bristol City on Sunday.
      Scans have shown that Paqueta could be sidelined for up to two months, though there is hope the Brazilian could return within six weeks.
      There is better news on top scorer Bowen, who will be out for up to three weeks with his ankle injury.
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      Moyes is also without the threat of Mohammed Kudus, who is away at the African Cup of Nations with Ghana.
      The shortage of quality up front has drastically altered West Ham’s plans for this month, with the club ready to push the limits of Financial Fair Play regulations.
      Danny Ings and Said Benrahma are up for sale this month but injuries are likely to put a stop to both of them leaving.
      Wolves have been in talks over a loan move for Ings, who is one of West Ham’s highest earners but has scored just three goals since joining from Aston Villa last year.
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      The club’s winter break will be cut short next week when they face Bristol City in an FA Cup third round replay.
      Edwards has seen his career take off since moving to Sporting.
      The 25-year-old has managed a creditable 41 goals and 36 assists in 187 games in Portugal. More

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      Man Utd offer Facundo Pellistri in swap transfer for Christian Eriksen’s close friend with £69m release clause

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have offered Facundo Pellistri in a swap deal for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Morten Hjulmand.But the bid has been rejected by the Portuguese club as they wait on the Red Devils to trigger his £69million release clause.
      Morten Hjulmand is being closely monitored by Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Hjulmand, left, is close friends with Manchester United man Christian Eriksen, rightCredit: AFP
      Man Utd have been to watch defensive midfielder Hjulmand at least six times already this season.
      Old Trafford scouts have seen him play in both the Primeira Liga and Europa League.
      And Erik ten Hag’s men also have the additional lure of Christian Eriksen who is Hjulmand’s close friend.
      Eriksen is understood to be a mentor to the 24-year-old when they play together for Denmark.
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      And Rasmus Hojlund is another Danish international at Man Utd.
      But the offer of Uruguayan international Pellistri – who has featured nine times in the league this season – is not being entertained by Sporting.
      Hjulmand arrived at Sporting from Lecce for around £15m.
      He has featured in all but one of the Portuguese side’s 24 games since joining the club.
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      Facundo Pellistri has been offered as part of a swap deal for HjulmandCredit: Getty
      Hjulmand has been a rock in midfield for Sporting this season
      And he has contributed one goal and two assists in all competitions.
      It is not the first time Hjulmand has been linked with a move to the Premier League.
      While at Lecce, the midfielder was mooted as a potential target for Southampton.
      But Man Utd will be a more attractive proposition for the Sporting man as Ten Hag looks to bolster his midfield options.
      Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat have struggled since arriving in the summer.
      And Casemiro also struggled at the start of the season before suffering an injury.
      Man Utd are languishing in eighth in the Premier League table, nine points adrift of the top four.
      And they are heading into a tough run of fixtures against Tottenham, Wolves, West Ham and Aston Villa.
      Pellistri has struggled to make an impact for Man Utd so far this season More

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      Chelsea ‘contact Sporting Lisbon over double transfer swoop’ but face paying more than £150MILLION for duo

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      CHELSEA have reportedly enquired about signing two current Sporting Lisbon stars.Mauricio Pochettino is keen to add to his squad in January and is already making moves ahead of the window re-opening.
      Chelsea have made contact with Sporting Lisbon for Viktor GyokeresCredit: Getty
      The Blues boss is understood to have a new central defender and striker at the top of his transfer wishlist.
      Sporting duo Ousmane Diomande and Viktor Gyokeres could both fill those areas, but would cost Chelsea £156million to sign.
      According to The Standard, Chelsea have made contact with the Portuguese league leaders about signing both players.
      Diomande has been identified as a primary defensive target, but Chelsea’s initial enquiry has been knocked back.
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      Sporting are said to only be willing to sell for his £69million release clause, having signed Diomande from Midtjylland for just £6.5million in January.
      His former club would also be owed 20 per cent of any transfer fee, further complicating the deal.
      The Ivory Coast international has already made 37 appearances for Sporting, missing just one match this term across all competitions.
      Pochettino is keen to add to his defensive options following Wesley Fofana’s long-term injury.
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      The Blues have also been told to pay Ousmane Diomande’s £69million release clauseCredit: Getty
      Meanwhile, Trevoh Chalobah is also up for sale and Thiago Silva could leave when his contract expires in the summer.
      As for Gyokeres, Sporting have again demanded the Blues meet his £87million release clause.
      The Portuguese giants are reluctant to sell their top scorer, who signed from Coventry for £17million in the summer.
      Gyokeres has scored 17 goals and provided eight assists in 20 appearances for Sporting, including a goal and assist against Porto on Monday.
      Victor Osimhen, Ivan Toney and Club Brugge’s Antonio Nusa are also striker targets for Chelsea.
      Meanwhile, Pochettino is also said to be eyeing a midfielder, but as a lower priority.
      The report adds he could use Andrey Santos if he is recalled from his loan at Nottingham Forest instead of making a new signing. More

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      Arsenal chasing £52m-rated Sporting Lisbon star Goncalo Inacio after spate of defensive injuries

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      ARSENAL are keeping tabs on Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio.However, SunSport understands the Gunners are unlikely to be active in the January window in terms of both incomings and outgoings.
      Arsenal are chasing a deal to sign Goncalo InacioCredit: Getty
      Mikel Arteta’s side have battled several injury issues already this season, especially in defence with full-backs Jurrien Timber and Takehiro Tomiyasu out until the new year.
      Arteta and Arsenal are content with the defensive options they currently have, and would only be prepared to spend again should another serious injury crop up.
      Yet having splashed the cash in the summer – forking out a combined £170m on Declan Rice and Kai Havertz – the North Londoners would prefer to stick rather than twist.
      Centre back duo William Saliba and Gabriel are fully fit for now, while Jakub Kiwior and Ben White also provide alternative solutions in that position.
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      However, Arteta is likely to prioritise reinforcements at the back in the summer with 22-year-old central defender Inacio someone the North Londoners are monitoring.
      Inacio made his senior Sporting debut as a teenager in October 2020 and has risen to become one of the most exciting prospects in the Primeira Liga.
      He has also broken into the Portugal national team under Roberto Martinez, earning his first cap back in March.
      Consequently, Inacio has a £52m release clause in a contract that expires in June 2027 and the Sporting are prepared to hold out for an offer close to that value.
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      The likes of Manchester United and Liverpool are also interested in the player, yet Sporting are expecting to keep hold of one of their prized assets until at least the summer.
      Tomiyasu and crocked midfielder Thomas Partey are targeting a January 7 return to face Liverpool in the FA Cup third round before heading off on international duty.
      Tomiyasu [calf] will represent Japan in the Asian Cup from mid-January, while Partey [thigh] could be away for a month as he competes in the African Cup of Nations for Ghana.
      Mohamed Elneny picked up a calf knock away at PSV in the Champions League group stages earlier this month but should also be back soon ahead of Egypt’s AFCON campaign.
      Timber – who has been out since August with an ACL injury – is hopeful of being involved in Arsenal’s Champions League last 16 first leg tie at Porto in mid-February. More

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      Pepe, 40, sent off for second time in 14 games for throwing fist at Sporting star… and even own boss can’t defend him

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      PEPE has been sent off for the second time in 14 games after throwing a fist at a Sporting Lisbon player.The Porto defender is known for going into the referee’s book due to his hot-headed reputation.
      Pepe was sent off in the match against Sporting LisbonCredit: Getty
      It was the 16th dismissal of his careerCredit: Getty
      FC Porto, Expulsão, Pepe (VAR), 51mFC Porto: Pepe é expulso com vermelho directo! Pepe atinge Matheus Reis quando tentava afastar o adversário, o jogo estava parado. Alertado pelo VAR, Nuno Almeida foi ver as imagens e exibe o vermelho direto ao cap#LigaPortugalBetclic #SCPFCP pic.twitter.com/qs2ZXtKtR7— VSPORTS ARCHIVE (@VsportsArchive) December 18, 2023

      Pepe, 40, was facing Sporting on Monday evening in a massive Primeira Liga clash.
      The veteran defender lashed out at wing-back Matheus Reis while positioning the ball for a free-kick.
      The Sporting star bumped into the back of the former Real Madrid man who then responded by swinging his fist backwards, catching his opponent’s face.
      The incident was initially missed by referee João Pinheiro but was caught on a VAR check.
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      Pinheiro was left with little option but to give Pepe his marching orders for the 16th time in his career.
      The Portuguese ace walked off sarcastically clapping the official.
      Porto were already behind in the game as a former Coventry star Viktor Gyokeres netted in the first half.
      Just nine minutes after Pepe’s red card the scoreline got worse as Pedro Goncalves bagged Sporting’s second goal.
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      Porto boss Sérgio Conceição admitted that the decision was “correct” after the match.
      The manager even claimed that he saw Reis “bleeding”, however, did insist that Pepe was “provoked”.
      He said: “I see that the expulsion is correct.
      “I didn’t see the play in detail, but I saw that Matheus Reis was bleeding. But there is always this huge provocation.
      “Pepe is a man who has given us so much and will continue to do so. We are all with him.”
      It is the second time this season that Pepe has seen red having been dismissed in the Supertaca against Benfica. More