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      Italy wonderkid Udogie is hitting right notes at Tottenham after flying start – and Azzurri call-up may not be far away

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      DESTINY UDOGIE was born in Verona, the setting from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet – and it is fair to say the Spurs fans have fallen in love with the left-back already.The Italian, 20, born to Nigerian parents was actually signed last summer from Udinese for £15million.
      A young Destiny Udogie at Hellas Verona. Credit: Andrea Molinari of Gianlucadimarzio.com
      But with Antonio Conte already having Ivan Perisic and Ryan Sessegnon on the left, it was thought best that the whizkid return to the club that sold him for a season-long loan.
      Now he is flourishing in the Premier League but not in the position the club originally signed him for at wing-back under Conte, but as an inverted full-back in Ange Postecoglou’s attack-minded, 4-3-3 system.
      Supporters have been hugely impressed with rapid Udogie’s composure and talent on the ball, becoming an auxiliary midfielder at times, as well as his defensive discipline.
      Udogie has been a revelation so far this season
      He has already grabbed two assists in the top flight and at such a tender age, his potential is huge.
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      Yet with the focus primarily on new boss Postecoglou, plus James Maddison and Yves Bissouma stealing the limelight, Udogie’s quick impact may have gone under the radar for fans outside the club.
      The defender’s last name is pronounced ‘ooh-doggy’ and his Nigerian first name of Iyenoma translates to ‘Good News’.
      His dad Franklin has been a driving force in his career, never missing a home game of his son’s back in Italy even on a Sunday when Udogie Snr would attend church. 
      But it was actually his mum Kate who first encouraged his passion for the game after noticing, as Udogie himself told SunSport in Perth this July, that “when I was a baby, I was kicking everything I saw around the house”.
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      Then when Kate was taking older brother Uwa to football practice, she convinced the coach to allow a tearful Destiny to play too.
      Kate told Gianlucadimarzio.com: “Destiny couldn’t stop crying. He wanted to be with Uwa. So I asked the coach to let them train together. He was four years old, Uwa was five. That’s how it all started.”
      Destiny quickly impressed while at local side Nogara, with one on-looker from affiliated club Atalanta, not believing the youngster was actually six by the way he played and, according to Franklin, wanted to check his documents just to be sure!
      Nonetheless, it was a case of try, try, try again for Udogie when it came to joining hometown side Hellas Verona, who rejected him twice after trials.
      Allegedly, it was only thanks to the father of an older team-mate who played in Destiny’s brother’s team alerting the Hellas to the future Spurs star’s talents that he finally joined the Venetian side.
      Udogie played up the ranks with Verona before a move to Udinese in 2021, initially on loan and then permanently.
      His fantastic season with the Bianconeri, netting five Serie A goals, alerted Spurs and Inter Milan but it was the former who won his signature.
      A young Udogie with his family. Credit: Andrea Molinari of Gianlucadimarzio.com
      Back he went to Udinese for the campaign where he did not quite hit the same heights, performing brilliantly against the big sides like AC Milan and Napoli but less well against the lesser sides, as the team won between October and March.
      There was also an incident with a car accident where Udogie lost control of his Mercedes around 3am and crashed into the front of a bar, destroying 12 chairs, three tables, two umbrellas, five large plant-holders and about ten plants.
      The owner described the damage as if “a bomb went off”. Udogie apologised and was fined.
      Udogie was kicking a ball around from a very early age. Credit: Andrea Molinari of Gianlucadimarzio.com
      Udogie, who idolised Real Madrid legend Marcelo as a kid, has certainly put any dip in form from last term well and truly behind him at Spurs, where he has hit the ground running.
      He has fit in extremely well into Postecoglou’s team – and the same can be said off the pitch.
      Udogie is particularly close to fellow Italian and new signing Guglielmo Vicario, who has described the left-back as like his “little brother”.
      But the huge tennis and basketball fan also gets on with pretty much everyone in the squad, helped by his laid-back character who appears unfazed by anything. 
      That latter attribute has certainly helped him put in some mature displays in the few games he has played so far, as has the fact that he will have had 80 senior games under his belt when he starts at home to Sheffield United on Saturday.
      Udogie in action as a youngster. Credit: Andrea Molinari of Gianlucadimarzio.com
      Postecoglou certainly seems to trust him already – the Aussie is a big believer in if you are good enough, you are old enough – and has been pleased with Udogie’s punctuality.
      The Spurs boss said: “He’s been great.
      “I think with Destiny, Micky (Van de Ven) and Pape Sarr, these 20-year-olds, 21-year-olds, and say to them look, ‘You’re not going to be judged on your performances in these early games, not by me, so just go out there and play’.
      “I think they’ve embraced that. They’ve enjoyed that freedom and belief that there was nothing that was going to happen out there that was going to say to me that they’re never going to be a player for this football club, because I was putting them out there.
      “But for them it’s not easy, just putting them out there in the Premier League. It wasn’t just one I was putting in, it was three or four.
      “We spoke about it as a coaching staff, for that first team selection, it could have been easier to go safer. Absolutely.
      “But we needed to change and we needed to challenge things. Guys like Destiny and Micky and these players who have not just gone in there and found their feet, they’ve gone in there and tried to smash it. That’s what I want.”
      Yet there is still some surprise within the club at just how well Udogie has taken to the Premier League, given most foreign signings, particularly young ones, need time to settle.
      His hot form is expected to drop off a bit, as most youngsters fluctuate with their performances.
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      But with the way he is going, it seems a first call-up to Italy’s senior side will not be far away.
      Indeed, reports from his homeland suggest Azzurri chief Luciano Spalletti sees Udogie as one of a handful of starlets he may bring into the fold next month. More

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      Gareth Bale says ‘the sky is the limit’ for new big-money Tottenham transfer as he backs him to improve

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      GARETH BALE has said the “sky is the limit” for Tottenham and Wales star Brennan Johnson.Spurs brought the forward to the Lane from Nottingham Forest in a £47.5million deadline day deal.
      Gareth Bale backed Brennan Johnson to be a success for Spurs at the Celebrity Pro Am PGA ChampionshipCredit: Getty
      Johnson scored eight goals and registered three assists in 33 league appearances during his debut season in the Premier League.
      The 22-year-old is in line to make his Tottenham debut this weekend as Spurs welcome Sheffield United to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
      Wales captain and former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey has already described Johnson’s potential as “scary” but admitted that he wished the forward hadn’t signed for Tottenham.
      Bale echoed Ramsey’s praise for Johnson when talking to Sky Sports at the PGA Championship Celebrity Pro-Am at Wentworth.
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      On Johnson’s potential, the former Real Madrid winger said: “He’s doing well, he’s doing well.
      “I think the more he plays now in the top flight, the better he’ll get. Like you said, the sky is the limit.
      “I think as long as he’s playing football and improving, it’s good for Tottenham and it’s good for Wales also.”
      Reacting to Ramsey’s comments, Bale also managed to get in a dig at his former North London rivals, saying he was happy with Johnson’s choice of Premier League club and saying it was: “Better than Arsenal.”
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      Bale also revealed that he was a fan of new Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou and said: “Yeah it’s great, they’ve got their style back. I think that’s something that the club was looking for as well after seeing how he performed and played at Celtic.
      “[It’s a] Great start and hopefully there’s more to come from the team and then there’ll just keep getting better and better with the new manager and the new kind of style.
      “Hopefully they can put themselves up there and give themselves a chance.”
      Bale was also asked about Jude Bellingham, who has had an electrifying impact at Bale’s former club Real Madrid since joining this summer.
      The 20-year-old has five goals and one assist in his four LaLiga games so far this season.
      And Bale has backed him to continue that success, saying: “He’s obviously had a great start at Madrid. He’s scoring goals which is important, especially at a club like that.
      “To get off to a good start at a club like Madrid is obviously important. He’s doing well and hopefully he can keep doing well and keep doing Britain proud.” More

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      The No10 shirt is my favourite and I have a tattoo of it – but I didn’t want Harry Kane’s shirt when I joined Tottenham

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      JAMES MADDISON has inherited Harry Kane’s No 10 shirt at Tottenham – but is adamant that he would rather the club’s all-time record scorer had stayed.The midfielder has No10 tattooed on his leg and took it over at Spurs following Kane’s departure for Bayern Munich in a £100million deal.
      James Maddison has inherited Tottenham’s No10 from Harry KaneCredit: Rex
      Maddison has a No10 shirt tattooed on his legCredit: Getty
      The midfielder is on England duty with Harry KaneCredit: Getty
      And Maddison also believes Tottenham are now a work of art under Ange Postecoglou.
      Maddison said: “I was definitely not waiting for the No10 shirt. I didn’t want it to become free because that meant one thing.
      “I didn’t want Harry to leave but when he did, and the No10 shirt became free and the club asked me, then of course I wanted to wear it.
      “It’s my favourite number. I’ve got it tattooed on me, I loved that number growing up as a kid and was never going to say ‘no’.

      “I wasn’t naive enough to go there thinking there wasn’t a chance Harry Kane could leave Tottenham. I wasn’t going to Tottenham for Harry Kane.”
      Maddison reckons boss Postecoglou has ensured Spurs are suffering ‘no hangover’ from the miserable reigns of Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho.
      And they have managed OK so far without Kane.
      Maddison added: “I knew there was a chance Harry could leave but it wasn’t all doom and gloom.
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      “There was such a good feel with the new manager coming in and new players, and I didn’t feel any hangover from the previous managers.
      “There were connotations around more negative, defensive football and I didn’t feel any hangover from that.
      “Everyone was on a fresh slate and there was a really good energy and feel about the club.
      “I think Harry’s the best No9 in the world and I would have loved to have played with him for more than a couple of pre-season games.
      “But Bayern’s a massive club and I wish Harry all the best.
      “Harry’s probably the best player to ever play for Tottenham, he’s definitely up there as one of the greats. He’s cemented his legacy as a legend and had nothing left to prove.
      “But we’ve got some brilliant players at Spurs. The front line and especially, we can be so fluid with how the manager wants us to play.”
      Maddison is loving life under new Spurs boss Ange PostecoglouCredit: Getty More

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      Eric Dier holds talks with Daniel Levy after being frozen out at Spurs with Saudi transfer window to slam shut

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      ERIC DIER has reportedly held talks with Daniel Levy over his future at Tottenham amid speculation around a move to Saudi Arabia. Dier has been frozen out at Spurs since the arrival of Ange Postecoglou and is yet to be featured in a match day squad this season.
      Daniel Levy arranged talks with Eric Dier over his future at TottenhamCredit: Reuters
      Dier has been left out of the match day squad for every game this seasonCredit: Getty
      It would appear he is not part of new boss Ange Postecoglou’s plansCredit: Getty
      And according to The Telegraph, the 29-year-old sat down with Tottenham chairman Levy last week for a “frank” conversation.
      The details of the chat have been kept private, but it is said the meeting was amicable.
      Dier has been with Spurs for nine years and has always been a key member of their team during that time.
      But things have changed under Postecoglou’s regime and it would appear he is no longer part of the North London club’s plans.
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      The Englishman has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League this summer, but a move will have to be tied up quickly with the deadline rapidly approaching.
      The Saudi window shuts at 10pm UK time on Thursday night which could make an exit from Spurs difficult.
      But last season’s eighth place finishers may want to get a deal sorted as Dier is hurtling towards the end of his current contract.
      The centre-back’s terms are set to expire in the summer after he penned his last deal back in 2020.
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      Dier isn’t the only Tottenham player seemingly frozen out of the first team equation either.
      Former captain Hugo Lloris has also been away from the match day squads at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and is understood to have also spoken with Levy about his future.
      Hugo Lloris has also been frozen out at TottenhamCredit: AFP More

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      Saudi transfer deadline day LIVE: Liverpool face £215m Mo Salah bid, Gerrard wants Jadon Sancho, John Terry EXCLUSIVE

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      CHELSEA legend John Terry is on the verge of agreeing a deal to manage Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabbab, SunSport can exclusively reveal. The former England defender has had stints as an assistant coach with Aston Villa and Leicester, but now he’s set to be Saudi’s latest managerial recruit, following in the footsteps of Steven Gerrard.
      Meanwhile, Liverpool have been offered a staggering £215million for winger Mohammed Salah.
      Al-Ittihad made the eye-watering bid just hours after the Reds rejected £150m, and the Saudi Pro League window is still open until Thursday.
      Elsewhere, Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho is reportedly wanted by Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq.
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      Stay up to date with all the latest from the world of transfer news as the window slams shut.
      Demarai Gray deal details
      Demarai Gray has joined Al-Ettifaq after a turbulent exit from Everton.
      Gray moved to the Middle East following in an £8million deal between the two clubs.
      The 27-year-old penned a four-year deal with Steven Gerrard’s side earlier this week after falling out with the Toffees’ manager Sean Dyche.
      The winger hit out at Dyche last week on social media after falling out of favour at Goodison Park with the following post:
      Everton fans have always been great with me. But it’s so difficult to play for someone who doesn’t show you respect as a personDemarai Gray
      Rooney linked with Birmingham
      DC United manager Wayne Rooney could be set for a shock return to English football as Birmingham are keeping tabs.
      Rooney, 37, cast doubt over his future with the MLS club earlier this week with his contract set to expire in December.
      And now the Manchester United legend could be given a way out as the Championship side emerge as a possible destination.
      The Blues, part-owned by NFL legend Tom Brady, made a strong start to the season under John Eustace – who has a contract until 2025.
      SunSport understands the club is preparing for the eventuality of Eustace leaving the club.
      There is no indication he will be sacked but he has been mooted as a possible successor to Michael Beale at Rangers should the Scottish giants seek a replacement.
      Terry to Al-Shabab
      Chelsea legend John Terry has verbally agreed to become the head coach of Al-Shabab.
      According to Sky Sports, Terry is set for his first ever role as a manager.
      The 42-year-old was approached by the Saudi club’s chiefs around a month ago and has been offered a contract of at least two years and up to four if it is rubber stamped as expected.
      The former England international is currently working on a one-year deal as a consultant in the Blues’ academy.
      The West Londoners have already said they will not stand in his way as a mark of respect to his service to them over almost two decades.
      That is despite the fact a departure will be a big blow to their youth team losing such a figurehead from their camp.
      Gerrard eyes Sancho
      Al-Ettifaq are keeping tabs on Manchester United ace Jadon Sancho before the Saudi Arabian summer transfer window slams shut tonight.
      According to CBS, Steven Gerrard’s side is set to make a dramatic last-minute loan move for Sancho,.
      The winger appears to have no future at Old Trafford having fallen out with manager Erik Ten Hag after lashing out on social media against him.
      The England international’s options are obviously limited but Saudi Arabia and Turkey represent potential options.
      And it appears the 23-year-old could be following Demarai Gray over to Al-Ettifaq to ply his trade under manager Gerrard.
      Mohamed Salah – What we know
      Al-Ittihad are determined to sign Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah today before the Saudi transfer window slams shut at 10pm BST.
      The Reds have been adamant they are unwilling to sell Salah and their resolve has truly been put to the test.
      As per SunSport’s Steve Brenner, the Saudi champions offered a world record £215million for the star forward.
      The Egypt international has been offered a staggering £2.45m a week to quit Anfield with extra incentives.
      The 31-year-old has been tempted with a large percentage of shirt sales, a £55,000 win bonus as well as ambassadorial roles for at least three major Saudi companies for the duration of his contract.
      That could be worth an extra £18m with each firm willing to pay the ex-Roma star £6m each.
      Al-Ettifaq troll Liverpool and rivals
      Al-Ettifaq have trolled rivals Al-Ittihad in their announcement video for Demarai Gray.
      The video used a retro-arcade style and showed the team browsing players to buy from the Premier League.
      The team picked Liverpol and attempted to pick to choose Salah before an image of an angry Jurgen Klopp popped up saying “NO!”
      The ‘player’ then scrolls across to sign Gray.
      The extraordinary clip alludes to Al-Ittihad’s transfer pursuit of Salah and the side may try one last time before the Saudi deadline tonight.
      Lyon want to appoint Julen Lopetgui
      Lyon have made former Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui their primary target for their vacant managerial role.
      The club sacked Laurent Blanc following a poor start to the season and had attempted to appoint Graham Potter earlier today.
      Potter though, did not feel the timing was right on the move.
      Lyon have now turned their efforts towards appointing Lopetegui who left Wolves this summer due to a dispute over transfers.
      Credit: PA
      Al-Ettifaq to make offer for Sancho
      Al-Ettifaq are set to make a dramatic last-minute loan move for Jadon Sancho, according to CBS.
      The winger appears to have no future at the club having fallen out with manager Erik Ten Hag.
      His options are obviously limited by the European transfer being closed but Saudi Arabia and Turkey represent potential options.
      And it appears he could be following Demarai Gray over to Al-Ettifaq to ply his trade under manager Steven Gerrard.
      Demarai Gray presented as an Al-Ettifaq player
      Demarai Gray has officially been unveiled as an Al-Ettifaq player after penning a four year deal with the club.
      The winger will link up with former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson as well as Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, who is the Dammam side’s manager.
      Everton will receive £8million for his signature – a significant profit on the £1.8m they paid to sign him in 2021.

      Manchester City sold Cole Palmer after he placed demands on Guardiola
      FourFourTwo report that Manchester City sold Cole Palmer after he asked Pep Guardiola for increased playing time this season.
      Having made 40 appearances in three seasons since making the step up to senior football, the 21-year-old wanted to become a more regular member of the starting XI and believed the departure of Mahrez opened that door for him.
      However, Pep could not guarantee that Palmer would be given minutes going forward this season.
      So when Chelsea made their £45million offer, all sides welcomed the potential exit.
      Lingard to play for West Ham today
      Jesse Lingard will play for West Ham today in a behind-closed-doors friendly.
      The club are weighing up giving Lingard a cotract after his release by Nottingham Forest.
      He has been training with the club over the summer and Moyes still thinks fondly of his time with West Ham on a short term loan in 2021.
      Lingard did however reject The Hammers last summer to join Forest, which has led to some reluctance on the club’s side to give him a playing contract just yet.
      Details on Gravenberch transfer
      The Athletic report that Liverpool had held talks regarding the signing of Ryan Gravenberch all the way back in April as they looked to reinforce their midfield.
      The signing had been presented as an opportunistic one in some sections of the media – with United also reportedly being in for the midfielder on loan.
      But it turns out Liverpool had been in regular contact with the player and his father from April onwards, with Gravenberch growing frustrated over his role at Bayern.
      Thomas Tuchel had limited the player’s game time as he prefers to operate with two out and out 6’s rather than a player like Gravenberch who is much more box to box.
      Gravenberch’s £35million transfer was confirmed in the closing days of the window with Bayern finally realising they were better off cashing in rather than keeping a player that was unhappy at his lack of game time.
      Demarai Gray signs for Al-Ettifaq
      Demarai Gray has signed for Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq.
      The winger joins the club on a four year deal, with Everton receiving £8million for his services.
      Gray made his desire to leave Everton clear last week, posting on his Instagram story: “[It’s] difficult to play for someone who doesn’t show you respect as a person”
      Everton have made a healthy profit on Gray, having signed him for just £1.8million in 2021.
      John Terry to become Al-Shabbab head coach
      John Terry has verbally agreed to become the head coach of Al-Shabbab, according to Sky Sports.
      The role will be John Terry’s first as a manager.
      Terry, 42, was approached by bosses at Al-Shabab around a month ago and has been offered a contract of at least two years and up to four if it is rubber stamped as expected.
      He is currently working on a one year deal as a consultant in the Chelsea academy.
      Chelsea have already said they will not stand in his way as a mark of respect to his service to them over almost two decades – even though it will be a big blow to their youth team losing such a figurehead from their camp.
      Eric Dier holds talks with Levy
      The Telegraph report that Eric Dier held talks with Daniel Levy this week after being frozen out by new manager Ange Postecoglou.
      The talks were apparently cordial, with no suggestion that there has been a row or a fall out between Dier and Postecoglou.
      The details of the meeting were kept private but it is likely that Dier wanted clarity on his position within the squad after falling down the pecking order behind 19-year-old centre-back Ashley Phillips.
      There is some interest in Dier from clubs in Saudi Arabia so that will be one to keep an eye on today.
      Although it is more likely Dier will see out the remaining year of his Spurs contract before moving to a European club on a free next summer.
      Credit: Getty
      Tebas regrets Messi decision
      LaLiga boss Javier Tebas has told Fabrizio Romano that he regrets that Lionel Messi will not finish his career at Barcelona.
      Messi held talks with the club over the summer about a return to the Nou Camp but ultimately opted to join David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
      Tebas said on the matter: “Leo Messi didn’t finish his career at Barcelona because they couldn’t find an agreement.
      “I wish he could have finished his career in LaLiga. It would have been the best for him, for me, and for Barcelona.”

      Potter rejects Lyon
      Graham Potter has turned down the chance to take over as Lyon boss, according to reports.
      Potter was the club’s number one target after they parted ways with Laurent Blanc following a difficult start to the season.
      But according to Sky, Potter has turned down the move.
      He reportedly felt as though now was not the right time to take on the job, despite being intrigued by the project.
      Potter has been out of a job since being sacked by Chelsea in April this year.
      Credit: PA
      John Terry set for Saudi move
      John Terry is set to begin his managerial career in the Saudi league as manager of Al-Shabbab.
      Terry, 42, was approached by bosses at Al-Shabab around a month ago and has been offered a contract of at least two years and up to four if it is rubber stamped as expected.
      He is currently working on a one year deal as a consultant in the Chelsea academy.
      Chelsea have already said they will not stand in his way as a mark of respect to his service to them over almost two decades – even though it will be a big blow to their youth team losing such a figurehead from their camp.
      Saudi deadline day
      Today marks the last day that Saudi clubs can make transfers before the window re-opens in January.
      It could be a busy day with many Premier League sides still seeing the league as an ideal place to shift their deadwood for a good price.
      But the window also represents a threat for some clubs, particularly Liverpool.
      Al-Ittihad are desperate to complete a move for Mo Salah and could test Liverpool’s resolve one last time with a bid north of £200million.
      Man Utd could move for Palhinha
      Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha. 
      The Portuguese star looked set to move to Bayern Munich this summer, but saw a deadline day move collapse after the cottagers couldn’t find a suitable replacement. 
      And The Athletic are now reporting that United could move for the 28-year-old in January. 
      They would face competition still from Bayern who are said to remain interested in re-entering the race for Palhinha’s signature by The Evening Standard.
      Mbappe not ruling out Prem switch
      Kylian Mbappe is reportedly open to a move to the Premier League next summer.
      The PSG star has just one year remaining on his current deal before he becomes a free agent next year.
      And according to L’Equipe, Liverpool is still a potential destination for the French superstar.
      However it has been widely reported that Mbappe is keen on a move to Real Madrid with PSG officials convinced a deal has already been agreed.
      It is most likely that the World Cup winner will head to Los Blancos next season.
      Credit: Alamy
      Pepe heading for Trabzonspor
      Nicolas Pepe is reportedly edging closer to a move to Trabzonspor.
      According to Foot Mercarto, the Turkish outfit are advancing talks with Pepe over a deal. 
      The move would see the Ivorian join Trabzonspor on a one-year contract if all goes to plan. 
      The Gunners winger has also been linked with a move to Besiktas and also to Saudi Arabia, but it looks as if they could be off. 
      Pepe joined Arsenal in 2019 for £72million, but has failed to live up to his price tag.
      Salah saga ‘over’
      Mohamed Salah’s transfer saga with Al-Ittihad is reportedly over.
      The Liverpool forward has been linked with a move to the Saudi Arabian outfit with the club said to be willing to pay The Reds up to £200m for his services.
      But it looks like the saga could have finally come to an end before Saudi’s transfer deadline day.
      According to Foot Mercato, Salah will now stay at Liverpool and won’t be making a move to the Middle East this summer.
      The news will come as music to the ears of Jurgen Klopp who has been desperate to keep hold of his star man.
      Credit: PA
      Palace include new Olise release clause
      Crystal Palace have reportedly allowed for another release clause in Michael Olise’s new contract with the club.
      Olise almost left the Eagles to join Chelsea this summer after The Blues activated the Frenchman’s £35m release clause.
      But instead Olise signed a new deal at Selhurst Park that will see him stay in South London until 2027.
      However The Evening Standard, have reported that the 21-year-old’s new deal also contains a release clause.
      It is said that the clause doesn’t become active until next summer’s transfer window and it is not yet known what kind of fee would trigger it.
      West Ham face competition for Lingard
      West Ham are reportedly in a battle to sign Jesse Lingard as the free agent assess his options.
      Lingard, whose deal with Nottingham Forest expired this summer, has been training with The Hammers at the start to the campaign.
      It is said that he has impressed David Moyes and the East London outfit are reportedly keen to offer him a short-term deal.
      But it won’t be easy with Football Insider now suggesting that Turkish duo Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are both interested in the 30-year-old.
      Any deal can be completed outside of the transfer window as a result of Lingard’s free agent status.
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      Spurs legend Jurgen Klinsmann says Ange Postecoglou will end 15-year silverware drought

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      JURGEN KLINSMANN reckons Ange Postecoglou can finally break Spurs’ 15-year trophy curse this term.Tottenham have not won any silverware since lifting the 2008 League Cup after beating Chelsea.
      Jurgen Klinsmann speaks in Cardiff ahead of South Korea’s friendly with WalesCredit: Credit: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire.
      Tottenham have not won any silverware since beating Chelsea in the 2008 League Cup final at WembleyCredit: AFP – Getty
      But Spurs legend Klinsmann, now manager of South Korea, believes new boss Postecoglou – with captain Son Heung-min – can deliver trophies.
      And do so without club record goalscorer Harry Kane, who joined Bayern Munich this summer for £104million.
      Tottenham are second in the Prem and Klinsmann said: “This is what you work for – the opportunity to get trophies.
      “Obviously, they have the opportunity to get an FA Cup or even a Premier League.
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      “We all know how dominant Man City is at the moment and how difficult it is.
      “I look at last year and Arsenal were amazing but I see a team that has as much quality as this Spurs side.
      “They have a fantastic manager who is a people person so why can’t they surprise people this year?
      “Son and his team-mates’ goal is to win trophies.
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      “It’s been a long time for Spurs but you start every year with this goal in mind. The players and coach have that ambition.
      “I keep my fingers crossed as one of their biggest fans. I hope they are successful and win something.”
      Klinsmann and Korea skipper Son will see Spurs’ new £47.5m forward Brennan Johnson first-hand in tonight’s Cardiff friendly against Wales.
      Son said: “Brennan showed his quality last year at Nottingham Forest and I can’t wait to see him with my eyes.
      “He’s a very good player – very talented. Welcome to Spurs. I can’t wait to play with him.
      “It’s only been four games this season but we’re looking to keep going in a positive way with Brennan.
      “When he comes to Spurs he will want to improve and go to the next step.
      “He’ll feel the pressure but I can’t wait to have him in our team playing even better fast, attacking football.”
      New Spurs leader Son, 31, kick-started his season with a hat-trick in the 5-2 win at Burnley on Saturday.
      Son scored his first Tottenham goals of the season with a treble in the 5-2 win over Burnley last SaturdayCredit: Reuters
      And Klinsmann says the added responsibility of Son replacing Hugo Lloris as Tottenham captain will improve his game. 
      He said: “Sonny as captain is my right hand. It’s huge. 
      “I’m a big Spurs fan so it makes me proud that he’s captain of both teams. It’s very special. It’s a pleasure and joy to see his natural leadership.
      “He inspires not only the youngsters but the experienced players too because of who he is, what he has done. It’s exciting times ahead for him.
      “Sonny’s in the maturing part of his career. Attacking players live off goals. It’s food for life. The real spice of the game is goals.”
      Son added: “It’s a great honour to be captain for club and country. Being a captain is not about words, it’s by actions.
      “I have to prove to the team that I can be the leader on and off the pitch.
      “I have great players around me with my country and at Tottenham. It was great to score at the weekend.
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      “But I’m always calm and I never rush when I’m not scoring for a few games because I have ten players behind me and that’s why we all love football.
      “They help me to become a better person, player and captain.” More

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      Son Heung-min snubs private jet for commuter train to Cardiff for international friendly vs Spurs pal Ben Davies

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      SON HEUNG-MIN is on almost £200,000-a-week at Tottenham so you would expect Ange Postecoglou’s star striker to be using private jets and chauffeur-driven cars.But the humble South Korea captain, 31, chose an eco-friendly way to make the trip to Cardiff last Sunday ahead of tomorrow’s friendly with Wales – by travelling on the train.
      Tottenham stars Son and Davies arrive at Cardiff Central station for international duty
      Son is set to lead South Korea against Wales in Thursday’s friendlyCredit: Reuters
      Son was fresh from his hat-trick in Spurs’ 5-2 Premier League away win at Burnley.
      And the Prem star travelled on public transport with club team-mate Ben Davies.
      Then they linked up with their respective national teams in the Welsh capital.
      The Tottenham pair casually rocked up at Cardiff Central Station around 5.30pm just over 24 hours after the Turf Moor victory.
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      After getting off the commuter train, they shared a hug on the platform before going their own ways.
      Son then headed to Cardiff Bay where Jurgen Klinsmann’s Korean squad are based at St David’s Hotel.
      While defender Davies, 30, travelled west to Wales’ Vale of Glamorgan HQ.
      It was refreshing to see the wealthy high-profile duo doing normal things.
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      Son is the new captain of Tottenham following the expected departure of Hugo Lloris.
      Postecoglou’s Spurs lie second in the Prem table after collecting 10 points from the first four matches. More

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      Arsenal legend wishes Wales team-mate had not made Spurs switch on deadline-day

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      AARON RAMSEY joked he was unhappy with Brennan Johnson’s £47.5million deadline-day move to Tottenham.The Wales captain spent 11 years with Arsenal between 2008-19 which included two FA Cup final-winning goals for the Gunners.
      Brennan Johnson made the big-money move from Nottingham Forest to Spurs on deadline-dayCredit: https://www.instagram.com/spursofficial/
      Johnson played his final appearance for Forest against Manchester United in a 3-2 defeat at Old TraffordCredit: Reuters
      But Ramsey, 32, reignited his north London rivalry with old foes Spurs after Johnson made the big-money switch from Nottingham Forest last Friday.
      When asked about Johnson’s transfer, Ramsey quipped: “I wish it weren’t to Tottenham!”
      Ramsey has linked up with Johnson for Thursday’s friendly with South Korea and a must-win Euro 2024 qualifier in Latvia next Monday.
      And the Cardiff midfielder reckons ‘scary’ Johnson, 22, can scale new heights under new Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou.

      Ramsey added: “It’s a brilliant move for him. The potential he has is quite scary and hopefully he can take those next steps and go to the next level.
      “He’s going to be important for Wales as well. He’s going to be huge for us over the years to come and we’re all excited that he has another platform to go on and improve himself again.”
      Ramsey was also the subject of a summer move after terminating his Nice contract to return home to boyhood club Cardiff.
      The ex-Juventus and Rangers has scored twice for the Bluebirds this season but his latest effort could not prevent a 3-2 Championship loss at Ipswich on Saturday.
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      But Ramsey, who turned down a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, says he has been rejuvenated on the pitch because he is closer to his family of wife Colleen and three children rather than living on his own abroad.
      Ramsey said: “I just feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulder. I’m feeling a lot more free. That definitely helps on the pitch.
      “It has been difficult being away from the family but you need that balance right to be able to enjoy every aspect, and I feel like I’m enjoying every moment now.
      “I’m looking forward to doing the school run, having three boys screaming in the car in the morning. I’m glad they’re going back to school!
      “I’m absolutely buzzing to be back and getting stuck into the family things as well.”
      Ramsey has scored twice this season on his return to boyhood club CardiffCredit: Getty
      Ramsey once again pledged his support to under-fire Wales boss Robert Page after a woeful run of one win in 12 internationals.
      He added: “We’re all behind the gaffer.
      “What he has done has been quite remarkable, getting to a Euros and the World Cup. Now we are going through a transitional period, we have lost some big players and it was always going to be difficult.
      “We’ve been in this position before. We had to take it to the Hungary game in the last one to qualify for Euro 2020 so hopefully this can be a similar case.”
      Luton captain Tom Lockyer pulled out of the squad on Monday with a thigh injury.
      Meanwhile, Eric Ramsay quit his role as Wales assistant manager after the birth of his second child.
      The 31-year-old Manchester United coach, who joined the Dragons in March, said: “This has been an extremely difficult decision to make.
      “But it is the right one for myself and my family after the recent birth of our second child and taking into consideration the intensity of my role at Manchester United.
      “Having discussed everything with my family, Rob and the Association, we came to the conclusion that it was best to depart my role before the upcoming internationals so that the group can fully concentrate on the fixtures.
      “I’m extremely thankful to everyone at FA Wales; the experiences throughout the last six months have been amongst the proudest moments of my career to date.
      “It was a real pleasure to work with this group of players and I wish everyone nothing but success going forward.”
      Sheffield United first team coach Jack Lester has replaced Ramsay.
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