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      Said Benrahma risks transfer stalemate as Brentford ace demands £16m contract – putting off Premier League suitors

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      SAID BENRAHMA wants a massive £16million contract as the race for the Brentford ace takes an expensive turn.
      Speedy winger Benrahma was expected to be one of the Bees to fly the nest after the club missed out on the Premier League.

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      Said Benrahma is looking for a big Premier League paydayCredit: AP:Associated Press

      But despite Crystal Palace leading the hunt for the Algerian, 25, no deal has been finalised because of the  overall cost of the transfer.
      Benrahma, who also has a couple of advisers, seemed sure to leave but he is looking for a basic of £60,000-a-week plus extras — and a five-year contract.
      On top of a fee in the £20m region, it makes the whole swoop too rich for his admirers — although there is still time for him to get a Premier home in the extended window.
      Palace may come again if West Brom firm up their interest in a deal for winger Andros Townsend — though the Baggies may struggle to raise the funds.

      Albion like the former England international and would pay around £6m, while Eagles are reluctant to part unless they get a replacement.
      Townsend has started the season well for boss Roy Hodgson, so West Brom will have to push hard to make the move happen.

      But after Palace went down 4-0 to Chelsea on Saturday, Benrahma’s chance of becoming an Eagle may have improved.
      The talented star showed top flight clubs what he can do in midweek after helping Brentford batter Prem side Fulham 3-0 in the Carabao Cup.

      The Bees got revenge for their play-off final defeat at Wembley to Scott Parker’s side and Benrahma was at the heart of the display – bagging two goals including a sensational solo strike.

      Said Benrahma proves he has the right moves in Brentford training More

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      Crewe facing police and EFL investigations over alleged coronavirus breaches before postponed Oxford clash

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      CREWE are facing a dual police and EFL probe for acting like Covidiots at Oxford.
      Furious U’s boss Karl Robinson accused the Alex of breaking coronavirus rules after one of their players tested positive and another showed symptoms.

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      Oxford boss Karl Robinson fumed at Crewe’s behaviourCredit: Alamy Live News

      Saturday’s League One game between the sides was only called off 32 minutes before kick-off.
      BBC Radio Stoke claimed Railwaymen midfielder Ryan Wintle had tested positive for Covid-19, with team-mate Omar Beckles reporting being unwell.
      Crewe said in a statement a player had been “notified this morning that he is Covid-19 positive” — yet Oxford claim he still travelled with the team to the ground instead of self-isolating.
      And Robinson insisted Crewe still wanted to play the match.

      The U’s chief stormed: “All the players have been in our dressing room but I’ll refrain from commenting on that.
      “One of their players got tested because of a young child and that player still ate with the team that night and travelled on the team coach.
      “Crewe turned up about twenty-five to two and told us about what was going on — and that’s the first we heard of it.
      “They didn’t want the game called off but I did not think that was right.”

      Police are investigating MP Margaret Ferrier, who travelled from Glasgow to London with Covid symptoms then returned home after testing positive.
      She has been suspended by the SNP and the Met are looking at possible offences related to Health Protection Regulations.
      Crewe now face a similar probe, while an EFL spokesman confirmed last night they will be talking to the club about the incident.
      Crewe directors refused to comment before leaving the Kassam Stadium.
      But injured Oxford captain John Mousinho fumed: “A few players were uncomfortable about the notion of playing but, thankfully, the decision was  taken out of our hands.
      “They have been in our dressing room and it was a sensible decision to call the game off.
      “There are rumours Crewe knew about the positive test this morning and we are not happy about that. I’m glad it did come to light.

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      Oxford boss Karl Robinson pleads his caseCredit: Alamy Live News

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      Oxford’s squad hear their game is called offCredit: Alamy Live News
      “The worst thing would have been to play because there is contact out there on the pitch.
      “The lads were just not comfortable about playing and I was surprised when the Crewe players came out on to the pitch.
      “I don’t know why they were out there — we were baffled by that.”
      The match is expected to be rescheduled for Tuesday week.
      An EFL statement read: “Crewe has advised the EFL it is unable to fulfil the fixture as players and first-team staff are now required to self-isolate  in line with EFL and Government guidance.
      “A revised date for the rearranged fixture will be confirmed in due course.”

      Watch as Andy Carroll juggles ball in box before scoring sublime goal for Newcastle in Crewe friendly More

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      Euros matches in England under threat as Govenment admit coronavirus could wipe out seven Wembley games

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      THE GOVERNMENT admit they cannot guarantee the Euros will go ahead in England next summer.
      Secretary of State for Sport Oliver Dowden confessed the coronavirus pandemic could prevent Wembley staging its seven planned matches.

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      Secretary of State for Sport Oliver Dowden has worries over the Euros taking place in EnglandCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Asked yesterday whether it was realistic the Euros will be staged next June, Dowden told SunSport: “I very much hope so.
      “But, given this virus and the unpredictability of it, I can’t give a cast iron assurance.
      “Fans wouldn’t want it to go ahead if it wasn’t safe to do so.
      ⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

      “But if it is safe to do so, then, of course, we will work to achieve that.
      “We’re planning on that basis, but this disease is with us this winter.
      “In making decisions on this I’m going to be driven by the health first.”
      The Euros were to begin on June 12 this year — taking place in 12 cities across 12 Uefa countries.

      They were postponed until June 12 next year as a result of the global Covid-19 crisis.

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      Fans aren’t even allowed in stadiums in England – the Euros seem like a distant dreamCredit: Getty – Contributor
      But the recent spike in positive cases, forcing major European nations back into local lockdowns, has raised fears that the tournament may be thrown into turmoil.
      The UK’s spike also forced the Government to extend its ban on fans inside stadiums, with Premier League bosses fearing that will remain in place ALL season.
      Dowden’s comments come just 24 hours after Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp raised serious Covid concerns over players jetting across the globe to play for their countries during the upcoming international break.
      UEFA’S 30% CAPACITY TRIAL
      Wembley is scheduled to stage England’s three group games, plus a last 16 clash, both semis and the final.
      Uefa last week announced supporters will be allowed into stadiums for its tournaments with a 30 per cent stadium capacity limit.
      But Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin said: “While we all face a common enemy in Covid, different countries have different challenges.
      “We will allow for a coherent approach on a country-by-country basis — not on a competition-by-competition basis.”
      When prompted if the Government will have a cut-off point on making a decision, Dowden added: “Yes, there will be one, but we have got time and we’ll be doing this with a view to making the Euros happen.
      “I really don’t want to delay them again. If you do then you start to get a tremendous backlog of sports, they start to run into one another.”

      Eddie Hearn leaves Matchroom bubble after testing positive for coronavirus More

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      Romelu Lukaku ‘laughing’ at Man Utd for allowing Inter Milan transfer, claims Berbatov

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      DIMITAR BERBATOV says Romelu Lukaku is now “laughing” at Manchester United for selling him.
      The ex-Old Trafford striker believes the club need to sign a centre-back and a goalscorer — after flogging Lukaku to Inter Milan for £73million  last term.

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      Striker Romelu Lukaku has been in smiles better form since joining Inter Milan from Man UtdCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Dimitar Berbatov believes he has been proved right that it was a mistake for Man Utd to offload Romelu LukakuCredit: Getty – Contributor

      The Belgium frontman went on to hit 38 goals and already has three in two games for the Italians this term.
      Berbatov, 39, said: “I said letting him go was a mistake and now he’s probably sitting at home laughing.
      “I like the strikers United have but they need that goalscorer that guarantees you 30, 25, or 20 goals.”
      He told BBC 5 Live’s Friday Social: “ “I think United should buy a defender, a centre back, one or two. 

      “Lack of concentration, positioning, tactical discipline, awareness of where the strikers are.
      “Hopefully they will buy a defender before the transfer window is closing.”
      Former Spurs’ star Berbatov added: “Not long ago United was the team that was fighting for the title.

      “Now it’s a success if they get to top four, which I think is not right.

      “But times have changed. The teams on top now are Liverpool and City and they should measure themselves against these two teams.”
      “Not long ago United was the team that was fighting for the title.”

      Solskjaer reveals Man Utd ‘have been working’ on transfers but refuses to stick boot into Woodward over failed targets More

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      Man Utd on brink of Edinson Cavani transfer and think veteran can echo Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s impact

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are on the brink of landing Edinson Cavani on a free transfer.
      And club insiders are convinced the Uruguay striker can have a similar impact on the club as cult hero Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

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      Free agent Edinson Cavani is set to join Manchester United on a two-year dealCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      The Red Devils are hoping Cavani will have a similar impact to Zlatan IbrahimovicCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Cavani, 33, was released by Paris Saint-Germain in June and is due in Manchester on Sunday ahead of agreeing a two-year contract worth about £200,000-a-week.
      As long as he passes the medical there should be no problems finalising a deal because both parties are determined to make it happen.
      Some fans are already voicing fears that the move will see the club plunge into a financial fiasco like the one that cost £66million in wages for flop Alexis Sanchez.
      But sources insist the top brass view it more like the move that saw Ibrahimovic become a terrace idol.

      Cavani’s wages will be half the salary Sanchez was on — and he is said to be desperate to prove himself in England.
      And United believe he will be a  boost to the development of their young strikers.
      He joined PSG from Napoli seven years ago and his 200 goals made him the club’s leading scorer.
      Atletico Madrid, Benfica and Inter Miami had all expressed an interest in him, but could not meet his wage demands.

      And while United will pay top dollar in salary, it is a far cry from the £108m Borussia Dortmund demanded for first-choice target Jadon Sancho.
      Last night Dortmund’s sporting director Michael Zorc insisted Sancho was going nowhere.
      The England winger was missing from the squad for Saturday’s 4-0 win over Freiburg.
      But Zorc told Sky: “Jadon  is our player and he’s got a long-term contract with us.
      “He was ill — there’s no transfers reason, that’s why Jadon is not playing.”

      Ex Man United star Angel Gomes scores wondergoal in Portuguese Primeira Liga More

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      Callum Hudson-Odoi transfer exit a possibility before deadline day, admits Chelsea boss Frank Lampard

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      FRANK LAMPARD admitted he cannot say for certain that Callum Hudson-Odoi will not make a deadline-beating move to Bayern Munich.
      The Chelsea chief insists Hudson-Odoi, who made his first Prem start of the season in yesterday’s 4-0 win over Crystal Palace, is a key part of his plans.

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      Callum Hudson-Odoi is once again being courted by Bayern MunichCredit: Rex Features

      Yet Bayern also declared their interest in the England attacker and are desperate to sign him.
      Hudson-Odoi, 19, only signed a five-year deal at the Blues 12 months ago and Lampard will hold talks with him before tomorrow’s deadline.
      Lampard said: “There is no definitive answer — by Monday we will know the answer.
      “Bayern might have declared their interest, which is one thing, but Callum is absolutely part of my plans.

      “What Callum wants comes into consideration.
      “He is our player and everything has to be right for everyone.
      “Callum showed what we wanted, especially in the second half when he was more aggressive, took on the full-back and got crosses in.”
      Bayern were linked with Hudson-Odoi before he agreed to his long-term contract with Chelsea.

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      Frank Lampard has refused to rule out a move away for Callum Hudson-OdoiCredit: PA:Press Association

      And they remain big fans, with boss Hansi Flick hailing the Chelsea attacker as ‘one of the biggest talents’.
      Quizzed over Hudson-Odoi in a press conference, Flick said: “I don’t know what will happen.
      “But he is one of the biggest talents in his position. So it is normal that a club like Bayern deals with him.”

      Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi shows off amazing ball control with Christian Pulisic More

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      Chelsea flop Tiemoue Bakayoko agrees loan to Napoli after AC Milan and PSG pulled out over Blues’ £30m transfer demands

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      CHELSEA have agreed to loan £40million flop Tiemoue Bakayoko to Napoli.
      The Blues had been in talks with AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain over a £30m deal for the French midfielder, which would see an initial loan turned into a permanent transfer next summer.

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      France midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko appears set for his third loan spell away from Chelsea, this time with NapoliCredit: Getty – Contributor

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      Chelsea have already offloaded Ross Barkley on loan, with fellow midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek possibly followingCredit: PA:Press Association

      But neither Milan or PSG were prepared to meet the valuation Chelsea put on the 26-year-old and both clubs have ended their interest.
      Napoli have now swooped in to take the midfielder on a season-long deal after agreeing to pay a £4.5m fee.
      Bakayoko will travel to Italy tomorrow to rubber stamp the move.
      But Chelsea have been left frustrated as they were unable to include an option to buy in the negotiations.

      Nonetheless, Sky Sports Italia say Bakayoko is “enthusiastic” about the chance for a fresh start.
      He has made just 24 Premier League starts for the Blues since joining in July 2017.
      His last two years have been spent on loan with AC Milan and Monaco.

      And it is Milan who came closest to a deal before Napoli pounced for a temporary switch.

      AC reportedly wanted a loan ahead of a £23m move next summer – not enough for Chelsea.
      The Blues have also offloaded Ross Barkley on loan to Aston Villa, with a third midfielder, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, also tipped for a temporary exit before Monday’s transfer deadline.

      Frank Lampard admits he has been playing Chelsea new boys Havertz and Werner out of position due to injuries in squad More

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      Premier League clubs refusing EFL bail-out after discovering Championship owners are worth £32bn

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      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs will further resist an EFL bail-out after learning that Championship owners are worth more than £32BILLION.
      Top-flight teams are coming under increased Government pressure to stump up the £250m EFL chairman Rick Parry says is necessary to keep his 72 clubs alive.

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      Chien Lee tops the list as the head of the on £7bn consortium owning BarnsleyCredit: Getty – Contributor

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      Stoke City’s owners Denise Coates and family are worth around £6.9mCredit: PA:Press Association

      But as Parry held a further meeting with Prem chief Richard Masters to thrash out a lifeline deal, the anger of club bosses has reached new levels.
      Latest figures for the 24 Championship owners, compiled from a number of financial sources, estimate the total wealth of the clubs in the upper tier of the EFL adds up to an eye-opening £32.367bn.
      One senior Premier League source told SunSport: “When you look at what the Championship owners are worth between them you have to ask why they need any money from the Premier League.”
      £250m IS 0.77% OF THEIR WEALTH
      Meeting the £250m figure Parry has publicly stated is needed for the EFL clubs to all remain alive, would add up to just 0.77 per cent of their collective wealth.

      And that sum does NOT include the £7.72bn fortune owned by steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, frequently ranked as Britain’s wealthiest person, who has one third of QPR.
      The list is led by the £7bn wealth of the consortium owning Barnsley, led by Chinese-American Chien Lee.

      There are also billionaire owners at Stoke, Sheffield Wednesday, Coventry, Blackburn, Bristol City, Cardiff, Preston and Reading.
      Prem sides do have sympathy for clubs in Leagues One and Two, who are almost entirely reliant on gate income.

      But they will have private talks over the weekend to plot their next step ahead of Tuesday’s next virtual “shareholder” meeting.

      Houssem Aouar could be on his way to the Premier League with Arsenal favourites to land him More