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      Liverpool forced to abandon plans to replace Jurgen Klopp with Xabi Alonso… and may turn to Europe’s hottest prospect

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      LIVERPOOL are unlikely to appoint Xabi Alonso as their new manager, according to reports.The Reds are on the lookout for a boss to replace Jurgen Klopp with him quitting at the end of the season.Xabi Alonso supposedly wants to stay at Bayer LeverkusenCredit: APRuben Amorim is an alternative for LiverpoolCredit: RexBrighton’s Roberto De Zerbi is also an optionCredit: PAAlonso has been the hot favourite to takeover from the legendary German – but the club may now have to look elsewhere.The Times report that Liverpool believe the highly-rated Spaniard wants to stay at Bayer Leverkusen for at least one more season.Alonso’s side have not lost a game in all competitions this campaign and are aiming to lift the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and Europa League.His possible plans to stay at Leverkusen leave Bayern Munich also needing a re-think.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Bavarian giants also had their hearts set on appointing him as their new boss.Liverpool will now reportedly turn their attention to Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim and Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi.Amorim is supposedly popular among chiefs at Anfield.He guided Sporting to their first league title in 19 years in 2021 and has since lifted two domestic cups and taken them into the knockout rounds in Europe.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAs for De Zerbi, his style of play has caught the eye of several top clubs and he has Premier League experience.The Italian guided the Seagulls into the Europa League last 16 before defeat to Roma in their first ever season in a Uefa competition.Meanwhile, shock reports have linked ex-Manchester United gaffer Ralf Rangnick with the Bayern job.Unearthed video shows Xabi Alonso admitting Liverpool job is his DREAM after Jurgen Klopp quit More

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      Arsenal made Ousmane Diomande transfer target while scouting ANOTHER star as they’re set for £50m battle with Chelsea

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      ARSENAL are mulling over a summer bid for Sporting Lisbon central defender Ousmane Diomande.SunSport revealed earlier this month that the Gunners took notice of the 20-year-old Ivorian during a scouting mission at a Sporting vs Benfica clash out in Portugal.Ivorian defender Ousmane Diomande is a transfer target for ArsenalCredit: GettyThe main focus of that trip was to see Sweden’s Viktor Gyokeres, 25, ahead of a potential move for the red-hot forward with 36 goals in 39 games in all competitions so far.However, Diomande also stood out – and SunSport understands Arsenal are considering their options regarding an imminent move for the centre-back.Chelsea are likely to rival them for the player, who has a release clause of around £68.6million, but that fee could drop to £50m with significant contractual add-ons included.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is interested in strengthening his defence, providing depth and cover for their first-choice centre-back pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDiomande has played the majority of this campaign for Sporting in a back three, so is comfortable featuring in wide positions – something Arteta likes in his defenders.Ideally, Arteta would go into the start of next season with four central defenders at his disposal, adding to Saliba, Gabriel and Jakub Kiwior.But any bid depends on how much money they can raise through sales, as well as how much they are willing to spend in other areas, such as in attack.Arsenal’s priority going into the summer is a No9 – and Gyokeres is among the list of names the club are considering splashing out on.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBrentford’s Ivan Toney is also a consideration, but Arteta will likely wait until the end of the season before deciding on the profile of striker his team needs compared to the options he already has.Gabriel Jesus has spent a lot of this season injured, while Kai Havertz has contributed from deeper positions when leading the line.What happened to Highbury?A winger is also on Arteta’s wish list, providing cover for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.In the meantime, Aaron Ramsdale, Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson and Cedric Soares could all be leaving the club in a summer clear-out. More

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      Arsenal ‘match Chelsea’s £51m offer for Ousmane Diomande’ with Sporting Lisbon star set to spark transfer battle

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      ARSENAL are set for a bidding war over Sporting Lisbon star Ousmane Diomande after matching Chelsea’s offer ahead of the summer transfer window.The Gunners’ manager Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his defence at the end of the season and Diomande, 20, has stood out in his eyes after some impressive performances in Portugal.Arsenal have matched Chelsea’s offer for Sporting Lisbon star Ousmane DiomandeCredit: GettyDiomande has also attracted interest from Newcastle and Bayern MunichCredit: GettyThe centre-back has been so influential for Ruben Amorim’s side that he has attracted interest from the Gunners and the Blues as well as Bayern Munich and Newcastle.At the beginning it was Chelsea that led the transfer chase with an offer of €60million (£51m), plus bonuses.According to Record, however, Arsenal have matched their rivals’ bid for the Ivory Coast international.However, Sporting value Diomande at €80m (£69m) and are in no rush to sell as his contract doesn’t run out until 2027.Read More on ArsenalTherefore, both Premier League giants may have to cough up a larger sum for the Ivorian’s services.However, the same source claims there’s a strong possibility the African star will leave the Estadio Jose Alvalade in the summer.Arsenal have been keeping tabs on the defender since 2022 when he was in still Midtjylland’s books.And now the North Londoners have informed both the player’s camp as well as Sporting about their intention to sign him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERDiomande joined the Lisbon giants last year despite not making a single appearance for Midtjylland, who loaned him out to Portuguese minnows Mafra in his one and only year with the Danish outfit.The towering defender has since amassed a total of two goals and one assist in 29 appearances with the Primeira Liga team.How Arteta turned Havertz from expensive flop to Arsenal’s gamechangerArsenal and Chelsea are currently focused on the Premier League as Arteta’s men are pushing for a first title since 2004.Mauricio Pochettino’s men, on the other hand, are languishing in the bottom half of the table with five points separating them from seventh place, which usually leads to European qualification. More

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      Arsenal and Chelsea transfer blow as top target to begin new contract negotiations including bumper £102m release clause

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      SPORTING LISBON are opening talks on a new mage transfer release clause for Viktor Gykores to “protect” them from the Premier League clubs circling.The Swedish striker cost a club-record £17m last summer from Coventry City but he has already repaid that faith with his scintillating form.Sporting’s hope to convince Viktor Gyokeres to sign a new deal with an improved release clauseCredit: AFPThe 25-year-old has scored 27 goals in 33 appearances, as well as recording double figures in assists, to catch the eye of Europe’s big guns.Both Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with the hotshot – with the latter allegedly having a £74m approach rejected in January.Previous reports had claimed that Sporting Lisbon were holding out for the £87m release clause fee that was part of his package.Now A Bola have claimed that the Portuguese league leaders want to secure him to a new agreement that would not only land Gyokeres a bumper pay rise but would also offer them “greater protection”.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey are well aware of the growing interest in their star striker.As well as Arsenal and Chelsea, Bayern Munich are also keen to bring him to the Bundesliga while French giants Paris Saint-Germain have joined the transfer chase.This update also adds that several Spanish teams are in the hunt – but a host of the interested clubs may soon be ruled out of signing him.Sporting Lisbon are hoping that the reward of a pay rise would see Gykores pen his new contract and agree to a release clause of a whopping £102m.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd that would ensure that any sale of their prized-asset would turn out to be a record departure for the club.The agents of Gykores, who was snapped up by Coventry in 2021 after failing to make the grade at Brighton, are also allegedly making a trip to Portugal in April.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersAnd Sporting will be looking to use that time to thrash out terms on the updated agreement.Meanwhile, the transfer speculation does not seem to be having any adverse effect on the player himself.He fired a hat-trick against Boavista on Sunday as the 6-1 victory ensured they remain a point ahead of rivals Benfica, who have played a game more, at the top of the table.The forward will now be hoping to take that form on to the international stage with Sweden, who he has scored five times in 19 caps for.They take on Portugal away tonight in a friendly before taking on Albania on home turf on Monday. More

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      Chelsea ‘steal march on Arsenal and Newcastle in race for £68m Sporting star Ousmane Diomande’

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      CHELSEA are leading the race to sign Ousmane Diomande, according to reports.The defender, 20, has impressed since joining Sporting Lisbon from Midtjylland last year.Ousmane Diomande has impressed for Sporting Lisbon this seasonCredit: GettyHis strong performances for Sporting have already attracted plenty of Premier League interest.According to Portuguese paper Record, Chelsea are very keen on Diomande.They claim that the Blues have already made contact with his representatives ahead of potentially getting a deal done.Chelsea would reportedly be willing to pay around £51million up-front for the Ivory Coast international.READ MORE ON CHELSEASporting are claimed to want a further £17m in add-ons, which Record claim Chelsea would be willing to pay.Newcastle and Arsenal are also interested in Diomande.And should Chelsea’s potential FFP concerns lead to them having to tighten the purse strings this summer, Diomande could move to the Toon or Gunners.Elsewhere, Juventus are also believed to be interested in the commanding 6ft 3in ace.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL But the Serie A side would be unlikely to be able to match Sporting’s asking price.Diomande has made 43 appearances for the Portuguese giants since signing in January 2023.Pochettino reacts to Chelsea_s draw at Brentford, PAHis side currently top their league, while they are also fighting on the European front.Earlier this week Diomande featured as they drew 1-1 with Atalanta in the Europa League round of 16.They will travel to Italy next week for the second leg.Diomande, 20, was in action for Sporting earlier this weekCredit: Getty More

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      Tottenham chasing transfer for former Man Utd target who has ARSENAL crest tattooed on body and idolised Patrick Vieira

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      TOTTENHAM are interested in signing Sporting Lisbon star and huge Arsenal fan Morten Hjulmand, according to reports.Spurs are claimed to have sent scouts to watch the midfielder in action.Morten Hjulmand has impressed for Sporting LisbonCredit: GettyThe midfielder has the Arsenal crest tattooed on his left armCredit: RexHjulmand, 24, has made no secret of his Arsenal obsession, however, and even has their crest tattooed on his upper left arm.According to Portuguese paper Record, Spurs sent scouts to watch him in action as Sporting beat rivals Benfica 2-1 last Thursday.They add that the North Londoners could launch a summer bid for the Dane, as they look to upgrade on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Oliver Skipp.Hjulmand is claimed to have idolised Patrick Vieira as a kid.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd speaking about how he got into the Gunners, he said: “My dad supported Arsenal and we watched games together when we were younger.”Hjulmand began his professional career with Austrian side Admira Wacker in 2018.He later earned a move to Italian side Lecce in 2021, before joining Sporting in a £15.4million deal last summer.The all-action ace has swiftly become a key man, making 36 appearances so far this term in all competitions.Most read in FootballManchester United are also claimed to be interested in Hjulmand.Earlier this year it was suggested that the Red Devils had sent scouts to watch him six times this season.Tottenham fans say ‘that’s just ridiculous’ as transfer deadline day signing runs rings around defenders in viral video In January it was reported that Erik ten Hag’s side tried to offer Facundo Pellistri in part exchange for Hjulmand.United star Christian Eriksen has even acted as a mentor for the Sporting star, who broke into the Danish national team set-up last year.Hjulmand, 24, is said to have idolised Patrick Vieira as a kidCredit: Getty More

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      Liverpool ‘draw up two-man shortlist’ including ‘one of Europe’s brightest coaches’ if they fail to hire Xabi Alonso

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      LIVERPOOL have identified two alternatives to Xabi Alonso in their search for a new manager, according to reports.The Reds are on the lookout for a new boss with Jurgen Klopp stepping down at the end of the season.
      Xabi Alonso is wanted by LiverpoolCredit: AP
      Sporting’s Ruben Amorim is an alternativeCredit: Alamy
      Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann could be available in the summerCredit: AFP
      Alonso is believed to be the club’s first choice amid his stunning season at Bayer Leverkusen.
      The 42-year-old former Liverpool player has led the German side to top of the Bundesliga, the semi-final of the DFP-Pokal and the last-16 of the Europa League.
      With Alonso also attracting interest from Bayern Munich, Anfield chiefs are aware they need other options.
      Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim and Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann are on Liverpool’s wishlist, claims The Telegraph.
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      Amorim, 39 is a highly-rated young gaffer, guiding the club to their first league title in 19 years in 2021.
      He has since lifted two domestic cups and taken them into the knockout rounds in Europe.
      Meanwhile, Nagelsmann, 36, has had success at both RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich.
      He is currently in charge of the German national team and will take them into Euro 2024 this summer.
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      However, his contract expires after the tournament.
      Liverpool have also been linked with Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi.
      Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers More

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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