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      Burnley eye Mohamed Simakan in £15m transfer after troubled window saw them miss out on Craig Dawson

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      BURNLEY want French centre-half Mohamed Simakan and are pushing boss Sean Dyche to make a £15million bid.
      The Clarets scouts have backed an offer for the 20-year-old Strasbourg star, who has emerged as their favourite defensive target for the next window.

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      Burnley are set to make a £15m bid for Strasbourg defender Mohamed SimakanCredit: AFP – Getty

      AC Milan tried to buy Simakan in the final days of the summer transfer window, while West Ham considered him as a £9m investment signing.

      Dyche had various disagreements with his staff and owner Mike Garlick that disrupted plans.
      Disputes within Turf Moor were behind the failure to sign Watford defender Craig Dawson, 30, who joined the Hammers on loan.

      Dyche did manage to hold onto James Tarkowski throughout the window though, despite bids of as much as £30m from West Ham and Leicester.
      The Clarets knocked back all offers for the 27-year-old, who still has two years of his contract remaining.
      Dyche was full of praise for the centre-back – who could now be joined at the club by Simakan, who has so far made 25 appearances for Strasbourg.
      He said: “It’s tough for players. They have a lot of noise around them, even more so than ever, certainly way more than in my day, although I was no good!

      “They’ve got media streams, social media, rumours, conjecture all going on all the time. So it’s more difficult for players now, I believe.

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      Simakan has captured the attention of sides across Europe with his impressive performances for the Ligue 1 sideCredit: AFP or licensors

      “But Tarky is a top pro. He always has been since we got him in here.
      “People forget he had to wait a while to get into the team and he was out there every day doing it and he’s still doing it now.
      “I’m sure he’s focused and committed to what’s going on here now. It’s probably helpful to close the window down to clear up any situations that are spinning around on the outside, the noise as I call it.”

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      Tottenham superstar Gareth Bale proved how good he was early on by showing me up at training, admits Darren Bent

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      DARREN BENT knew Gareth Bale was really something else when the shy kid put him to shame in training.
      Bent was the big £16.5million signing of three recruits unveiled by Spurs back in 2007, joined by Younes Kaboul and 18-year-old prospect Bale.

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      Gareth Bale played alongside Darren Bent during his first spell at TottenhamCredit: Action Images – Reuters

      Skinny, timid and quiet, striker Bent was trying to figure out what his new team-mate was all about — until the penny dropped with one moment of magic from the Welsh wizard.
      Ex-England star Bent said: “It was crazy. I knew they were signing Bale, a good young talent from Southampton, and Kaboul on the same day.
      “I just remember he was a really nice guy who kept himself to himself.
      “I wouldn’t say he was a loner, he joined in with a little bit of banter and a lot of people liked him — he was just a really nice kid.

      “But one particular time, I think it was going to be fitness testing in the indoor sports hall. And we were mucking about, there was a goal there with a couple footballs.
      “So we started mucking around hitting some free-kicks, I knew he had scored a few free-kicks that first season at Southampton.
      “When I hit one, which was quite nice, I was really happy with it. And then he had a go.
      “He absolutely wellied one into the top corner. He just turned to me and said, ‘Well, I guess we know who is taking free-kicks this year then’.”

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      Bale’s first couple of seasons in north London were not as smooth as he hoped —  he went two years before tasting victory in a Premier League game for Spurs.
      And talkSPORT pundit Bent said: “With Gareth it was kind of like he was a shy youngster. We knew he had the ability but I think he was just trying to figure out where was his best position.
      “Was he a left-back? Was he a wingback? Was he a winger? I think that was probably one of the things he struggled with most — but I knew that he probably wasn’t a left-back.
      “You could see the potential was there. Not only that. Technically, he knew  he had the lot.
      “But — from where he started at Spurs in his first couple of seasons — we probably would have never envisaged him turning into the Gareth Bale that we see today.
      “He was quite skinny and was really quite timid with it, he hadn’t grown into his body yet. I think he was still trying to find his way.
      “But I just remember when I left and went to Sunderland, we played them a couple of seasons later. I remember just thinking, ‘Wowzers, where has this monster come from?’.
      “All of a sudden he had the size. So put that with the speed and power he had — which was exceptional. Then add confidence to that mix and you  become unstoppable, which is what he did.”

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      Bale and Bent arrived at Spurs on the same day back in 2007Credit: Action Images
      Bale, 31, is likely to make his second debut for Spurs on Sunday, with West Ham in the firing line.
      And his old team-mate is convinced Bale still has the game to shine, even though he is not as spectacular a player as before.
      Bent added: “I might be wrong but I don’t think we’re going to see the same Gareth Bale that we saw prior to him leaving.
      “Or even the first couple years at Real Madrid, where he was all action, the marauding runs.
      “Age will catch up with you, not only that, he has had a few injuries.
      “But even if you can get 70 to 80 per cent of the Gareth Bale we saw before, then you are still getting an exceptional player — one of the best in the world.”
       TOTTENHAM (likely): Lloris, Doherty, Dier, Sanchez, Reguilon, Winks, Ndombele, Bale, Bergwijn, Son, Kane.
      Tune in to Darren Bent’s Boot Room on talkSPORT every Sunday at 6pm-9pm.

      Gareth Bale tears up Tottenham training and scores wonder goal leaving fans drooling about first game back More

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      Gareth Bale signing means Tottenham’s front three are as good as anybody.. even Liverpool

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      THERE has been loads of talk about a bailout this week — but it’s the thought of seeing a Bale in which really excites me.
      The first appearance in the second coming of a man I rated as the third-best player in the world when we last saw him in a Tottenham shirt.

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      Gareth Bale could be set to make his debut for Tottenham against West Ham Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      And that’s not bad given he was trailing only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo!
      All being well, Gareth Bale will today play his first game in a season-long loan back in N17.
      And we should all be rubbing our hands at the prospect . . . I know I certainly am.

      What a forward line Jose Mourinho has got now — Harry Kane, Son Heung-min  and Bale.
      In my book that stands  comparison alongside Liverpool’s (above) . . .  and  any around in fact.
      Imagine if you’re a defender and you see those three names on the teamsheet. It’s mouth- watering for most but knee- trembling for anyone trying to stop them.
      I’ve heard people saying that the Bale we see now won’t be a patch on the one who left Spurs for Real Madrid seven years ago — but I’m not having that.

      Gareth is a naturally fit lad and looks after himself. And even if he has lost half a yard of pace, possibly even a yard,  so what?

      He was that quick he’ll still be faster than 90 per cent of those he comes up against.
      There is so much of Gareth’s game that reminds me of Ronaldo. It’s scary how good he is.
      Bale can pick the ball up on the edge of his own box and before you know it, he’s beaten half-a-dozen players and is in the opposition one.
      But it’s not all about pace, so forget any idea that he won’t be half the player if he’s not as fast as before.

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      Tottenham will be hoping Bale can replicate the form that led to his megabucks move to Real Madrid Credit: PA:Press Association
      His left foot is like a sledgehammer and he’ll smash a few in from 30 yards, for sure.
      And, like Ronaldo, the rest of his game is so good that you  forget how dangerous he is in the air, too.
      It just amazes me that Zinedine Zidane fell out with him, because Gareth is such a nice kid that I’d think that was almost impossible.
      Maybe Zidane just didn’t fancy him and Tottenham fans should be thanking their lucky stars for that, because it means they’ve got a great player on a great deal.
      Oh, and one more thing for anyone who thinks that at 31 Bale is over the hill . . . he’s four years younger than Ronaldo, so he’s hardly drawing his pension.

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      Tottenham’s summer swoop for Gareth Bale could prove to be a shrewd financial moveCredit: EPA
      Spurs have played a blinder  because they aren’t even paying a fee. There are bang-average players on loan and clubs are forking out £2m or £3m for the privilege.
      Tottenham won’t be paying anything like some of the silly figures I’ve seen guessed at towards his wages either. It’s a great move for Gareth and a great one by Daniel Levy.
      How ironic that he’s likely to make his return for one of my old clubs today against another, in West Ham.
      They’re in good form themselves, so I know they’ll fancy it. But with the squad Spurs have they should be title challengers this year — even if some think I’m mad to say so.

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      Jose Mourinho has some formidable attacking options with Bale, Harry Kane and Son Heung-min in his squadCredit: PA:Press Association
      Pretty much two internationals in every position, strength in depth . . . Jose knows they have got to be in the mix.
      Let’s face it, Spurs should be up there. They’ve got the best stadium, the best training ground and now one of the best squads as well.
      I remember the old training ground wasn’t too shabby either, by the way. It was certainly a world away from the one I left  at Portsmouth when I went there in 2008.
      Actually, we didn’t even have one — our sessions were on a university pitch and we had to be off there at 11am so they could use it.

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      We were training on a public park with no hot water for about four months, with players like Teddy Sheringham, Patrik Berger and Eyal Berkovic.
      I walked into Spurs and thought, ‘This is unbelievable’ — and that was before they moved into the current one.
      When the work started on that, I always wondered why Daniel never asked me where I wanted my office to be.

      Gareth Bale tears up Tottenham training and scores wonder goal leaving fans drooling about first game back More

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      EFL clubs threaten to withhold taxes in desperate attempt to secure Government bailout after coronavirus hell

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      EFL clubs are threatening to refuse to pay their taxes this week — unless the Government bails them out.
      The revolutionary plan to get emergency financial aid was discussed at a meeting between hard-up teams.

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      EFL clubs are threatening to refuse to pay their taxes this week unless the Government bails them outCredit: PA:Press Association

      A monthly PAYE tax payment is due by each of the EFL’s 72 clubs to HMRC on Thursday but there is a plot for ALL owners to band together and refuse.
      It has been brewing for weeks and was on the table at a ring-round of executives and chairmen last week.
      A hardcore band of Championship chiefs are behind the idea, however many clubs in League One and League Two are happy to join in.
      It will need teams to stick together — but the mood within the ranks is that they are now simply desperate for cash.

      The ultimate punishment for clubs who do not pay tax is a winding-up order.
      One leading mover in the plot said: “It is the nuclear option but we are at this stage if there is no help from the Government or Premier League.
      “If we all do not pay, the Government can dish out winding-up orders on each of us — and shut the industry if they want.“But that would not be a good look.”
      The EFL is enduring the biggest crisis in its history, with supporters banned from grounds due to Covid-19. Yet players and staff have been back on full salaries and the tax is due.

      Many clubs were using the furlough scheme to help — however now the game is up and running that has gone.
      Many are struggling to pay HMRC anyway, but others think this is a chance to make a stand and bring the Government back to the table.
      The Premier League were told to help out, yet offers so far have fallen well below the request for £250million.
      There is anger among the clubs and that was shown when League One and League Two rejected an immediate grant worth around £400,000 each last week.
      The solidarity shown with that decision — due to Championship teams being offered nothing — is now set to carry on to the looming showdown with the tax man.

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      Man Utd eye Federico Valverde transfer as Real Madrid midfielder starts to fulfil potential

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have put Real Madrid’s Uruguay superstar Federico Valverde on their hit-list.
      The midfield magician has pushed his way into the Spanish side’s team this season and started to justify his big reputation.

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      Man Utd have put Real Madrid’s Uruguay superstar Federico Valverde on their wish listCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Valverde, 22, has been tipped for the top for years but is slowly proving his quality in LaLiga — and long-term admirers United are on red alert.
      And with Paul Pogba openly admitting he likes the idea of a move to Real Madrid in the future, United are keeping an eye on Valverde in case a swap becomes possible.
      Valverde has a £640MILLION buyout clause, which shows how much Real think of him.
      It would be unusual for United to sign a player from a major European rival at his age but Pogba could be a very intriguing pawn in the game.

      Old Trafford boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had confirmed the club triggered the one-year extension in Pogba’s contract.
      His deal was up at the end of this season with no announcement that the club had taken up the opportunity to extend it by a further year.
      Solskjaer said: “Paul’s our player, he’s going to be here for another two years and sure he’s focused on doing his best for us and we want to see the best from Paul and I’m sure in the next couple of years we’ll get the best out of him.”
      Just last week the Frenchman once again flirted with Real, who he said it would be a ‘dream’ to play for.

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      Paul Pogba said it would be a ‘dream’ to play for Real Madrid Credit: EPA

      Pogba said: “Yes, all footballers would like to play for Real Madrid.
      “Maybe it is a dream. It is a dream for me, why not one day? As I have said, I am at Manchester United and I like my club.
      “I am performing at Manchester United, I am enjoying myself and I want to do everything I can to get the club back to where it deserves to be.
      “I am going to give my maximum, like my teammates. I prefer to concentrate on football and on returning to fitness.”

      Man Utd star Paul Pogba confirms he’d like Real Madrid transfer ‘one day’ but insists he’s happy at Old Trafford More

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      Former Man Utd boss David Moyes reveals he had a HELICOPTER waiting to complete Gareth Bale transfer in 2013 before snub

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      DAVID MOYES has revealed he had a HELICOPTER ready to sign Gareth Bale – only for the ace to snub Manchester United and join Real Madrid instead.
      Bale is likely to come up against Moyes’ West Ham tomorrow on his second debut for Tottenham, but had the Scottish boss had his way he would have been managing the Welsh star at Old Trafford in 2013.

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      David Moyes flopped as Manchester United managerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Gareth Bale turned down a move to Manchester United, picking Real Madrid insteadCredit: Action Images – Reuters

      The Hammers boss said: “Gareth Bale was probably the first name I thought of when I got the job. I thought Gareth Bale was a Manchester United player. He was the right type.
      “I wanted Gareth Bale to be my first signing at Manchester United. But it was already down the road a bit with Real Madrid. I tried to hijack it. I tried to get him.
      “Manchester United offered more money than Real Madrid. They offered more money to the player.

      “We did everything we could to try and get the player. We even had a helicopter at the training ground to take him and bring him back. We thought we had a chance.

      “But he chose Real Madrid and he made a brilliant decision because he went on to win four Champions Leagues. He’s had a brilliant career.”
      Bale could well line up on the right wing after Jose Mourinho revealed his ‘favourite position’.
      Moyes is back in the West Ham dugout for the first time after recovering from Covid-19 – and he revealed the two wins against Wolves and Leicester in his absence had him dancing round his living room.
      He added: “My TV was I think a minute behind the game, so Pearcey was ringing and saying ‘we’ve scored again’ and I’m going ‘you beauty’ and I haven’t even seen the goal going in on the telly.

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      “He was telling me the goalscorer before I’d got it through.
      “But to be fair the lads were great, the staff were great, if anyone didn’t think Alan Irvine was a good coach and organiser, or if they didn’t think Stuart Pearce was a great motivator, Nolan learning his trade, Paul Nevin, they were all brilliant at their jobs.
      “The good thing is having the cameras at the training ground so in the morning I would watch training and go in afterwards if I didn’t like something. It gave me a chance to be involved as much as I can.”

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      Klopp slams Kop flops for not listening in Liverpool’s 7-2 drubbing at Villa and fires warning ahead of Merseyside derby

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      JURGEN KLOPP has broadcast a warning to his stars loud and clear: Listen to your master’s voice.
      The Liverpool boss goes into the lunchtime Merseyside derby revealing how unhappy he was with some players during the 7-2 humiliation by Aston Villa.

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      Klopp has slammed his players for not listening to him during the 7-2 loss at VillaCredit: AP:Associated Press

      And he has had a word in the ear of several of those he condemns for not paying attention to his instructions a fortnight ago.
      Even the hard of hearing would normally be able to get the message from the German famous for barking orders from the touchline.
      More so now that there is no background noise in stadiums due to the coronavirus fan ban.
      Klopp said: “No crowds helps us communicate more but football is not a sport where you commentate on every situation.

      “All the work we do is on the training pitch and with no crowds it is easier – one of the very, very few advantages.”
      Which is why he was so furious that some of his players cocked a deaf ’un at Villa Park and would not respond to what he was trying to tell them.
      Klopp rarely, if ever, criticises his players in public – but, clearly annoyed, he revealed: “The conversation with the team at Villa was going in the wrong direction.
      “When I tried to make things clear the boys wouldn’t look at me.

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      Liverpool were thumped 7-2 in their most-recent game against Aston VillaCredit: Alamy Live News

      “It’s not that I am a radio commentator, but we have these discussions after the game with one or two of the boys.”
      Klopp goes into his 12th meeting with his rivals from across Stanley Park having won seven and drawn the other four he has managed.
      The Kop boss complained bitterly before the break with most of his team headed off on international duty.
      He was deeply concerned he might lose some of them for a derby that looks far more dangerous to his team than the previous 11.
      For once Everton go into the clash at the top of the Premier League and with a three-point lead over their neighbours.
      Liverpool were so worried about the livelihood of their players – not just through injury but also over exposure to Covid – that they created their own ‘Air Anfield’ to get them home safe and sound.
      Klopp added: “There was an extra challenge because this time we had a triple-header of international games, something we have never seen and I hope not again.
      “The FAs of different countries have every reason to want to keep the players safe and they obviously trust their specific plans.
      “We know most of the boys are very careful and that they were training in a closed environment and most of the FAs were serious on testing programmes.
      “Still, we brought back most of the boys in private planes and we await results of more tests, but we expect them all to be negative.”

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      Klopp has been full of praise for Ancelotti ahead of the Merseyside derbyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      New Reds signing Thiago Alcantara and Sadio Mane tested positive before the international break but both are now available.
      It is TEN YEARS to the day since Everton last beat their local rivals but Klopp is wary of Toffees chief Carlo Ancelotti and his team.
      He said: “They have a sensational manager. This is going to be a proper challenge and my derby record is not something I even think about.
      “It is ten years since Everton won and for my part long may it continue.
      “But Calvert-Lewin, I really expected him to make big steps in the next few years and he did.
      “He has everything you need in a top striker. He has size, mobility, speed and desire – technically he’s really, really good, in the air, finishing with his head, both feet.

      “Now it all works together – both wings have top-class players with James and Richarlison.
      “Midfield, Allan plus whoever plays there, if it’s Sigurdsson or whoever.
      “So it’s a really, really good team and the last line works better because in a good team it’s easier to defend.”

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