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      Barcelona in race against time to appoint Europe’s hottest manager… leaving Liverpool with two different targets

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      BARCELONA will battle it out with Liverpool to sign Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorin.The Portuguese coach has been a top contender at the Catalan giants to replace Xavi but has impressed the Reds to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.Barcelona are in a race against time sign Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben AmorimCredit: GettyLiverpool are now targeting Amorim as Xabi Alonso has confirmed he will stay at Bayer LeverkusenCredit: AFPBecoming a popular target at a series of European clubs the Catalan giants are in a race against time to secure the 39-year-old’s signature.Barca were frontrunners to sign the Sporting Lisbon coach up until last week when it was revealed Xabi Alonso will remain at Bayer Leverkusen.The football world assumed Amorim would head to Spain and Alonso would go to either Anfield or Bayern Munich.But with Sporting’s staggering release clause of £11.1m nothing had yet been confirmed with the Catalan giants.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLiverpool always saw Amorim as their second choice and the Reds have the upper hand in talks as his agent – Raul Costa – is also a representative of Reds winger and Colombian international Luis Diaz.SunSport understands that the Merseysiders have been in contact with Costa on several occasions this campaign in an attempt to sound out Amorim.Amorim joined Sporting in 2020, and signed a new four-year deal back in 2022, but the club acknowledge he is a manager in demand across Europe for his work in Portugal.Sporting ended their 19-year wait for a league title under Amorim in 2021, and have lifted successive league cups in 2021 and 2022.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERMeanwhile, it is understood that the recent appointment of Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes in technical roles had brought some change to the Anfield club’s thinking.Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi and Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi are among those on an expanded list at Anfield.Liverpool preparing transfer for ‘next Mo Salah’ but face competition for £51m Eintracht Frankfurt star Julian Nagelsmann is also being considered by a series of clubs after it has been made know the German national team boss is open to going back to club football after Euro 2024.Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi is also on the Reds radar to replace KloppCredit: AFPInter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi is also being targeted by LiverpoolCredit: GettyJulian Nagelsmann could be an option if he chooses to return to club football next seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal learn price of top transfer target Viktor Gyokeres as they get set to battle Chelsea for Sporting star

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      ARSENAL’S top No9 transfer target Viktor Gyokeres is set to be sold this summer for £68million by Sporting Lisbon.The Gunners will have to battle it out with Chelsea for the in-form striker as both Premier League sides are desperate for a talisman.Sporting are set to sell Arsenal’s top transfer target Viktor Gyokeres for £68m this seasonCredit: AFPGyokeres has been in top form for Sporting since moving from Coventry last July in a £20million deal. The 25-year-old has scored 37 goals and 14 assists in 50 games for club and country this season and for Sporting alone he has tallied 22 goals in 24 games.This has sparked interest from Arsenal who have been on the hunt for a powerful striker this year and Chelsea who have also been analysing his performances closely this season.The Swedish international goals have helped Sporting take the top spot in the Portuguese league above local rivals Benfica who they defeated in the cup to line up a potential double this term.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLClub officials are expected to cash in on Gyokeres by demanding £68m this summer.AC Milan have also been linked with Gyokeres but the forward is thought to prefer a move to the Premier League after starting his career with Brighton in 2018.Arsenal have been set on finding a No9 after going a season without a designated striker.They have been keen on Brentford and England star Ivan Toney and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen for some time now.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut The Athletic reporter David Ornstein has confirmed that the Gunners are no longer targeting the pair as Arsenal are more interested in Gyokeres alongside Benjamin Sesko and Evan Ferguson.Ornstein said: “The likes of Sesko & Gyökeres are well thought of. As is Ferguson but the price Brighton would want & the season he has had so far perhaps makes him less likely at the moment. I snapped Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas with worst tackle of my life – I had to get his number and apologise afterwards”I don’t see it being an Osimhen or Toney. There will be other options too.” More

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      One of Europe’s hottest managers Ruben Amorim considers leaving job ahead of potential Premier League arrival

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      LIVERPOOL managerial target Ruben Amorim is considering leaving Sporting Lisbon at the end of the season.With Jurgen Klopp ending his nine-year stint at Anfield in the next few months, the Reds’ first-choice replacement Xabi Alonso has announced he will be staying at Bayer Leverkusen.Ruben Amorim is considering his position as Sporting managerCredit: GettyPortuguese coach Amorim, 39, is on Liverpool’s shortlist – and has a £12.8m release clause at Sporting this summer, which drops to £8.5m in 2025.But SunSport understands that Amorim is already reflecting on his future at Sporting with a switch to the Premier League on his mind.Sporting are currently top of the Portuguese top flight – leading Benfica by a point with a game in hand – but Amorim is open to departing even if they clinch the title.Liverpool have the upper hand in talks with Amorim as his agent – Raul Costa – is also a representative of Reds winger and Colombian international Luis Diaz.READ MORE ON PREMIER LEAGUESunSport understands that the Merseysiders have been in contact with Costa on several occasions this campaign in an attempt to sound out Amorim.Amorim joined Sporting in 2020, and signed a new four-year deal back in 2022, but the club acknowledge he is a manager in demand across Europe for his work in Portugal.Sporting ended their 19-year wait for a league title under Amorim in 2021, and have lifted successive league cups in 2021 and 2022.They have also impressed on the European stage, beating Mikel Arteta’s Prem title-chasing Arsenal in the Europa League last-16 last season before losing in the quarters.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Portuguese manager has also been linked with the Manchester United job should they part ways with Erik Ten Hag this summer.Liverpool have appointed a new sporting director, Richard Hughes, who will take over in June, while Fenway Sports Group have reunited with former sporting director Michael Edwards. Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?The pair will be ultimately responsible for selecting a new manager.Liverpool’s search includes Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, who also has a release clause of £12m.The Seagulls go to Anfield on Sunday looking to derail Liverpool’s title charge, and Klopp has called Italian De Zerbi a “top coach” in the build-up. More

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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