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

    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

    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

    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

    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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    Tanguy Ndombele ‘agrees to join Galatasaray on loan transfer’ with fellow Tottenham outcast set to join him

    TANGUY NDOMBELE has agreed a move to Turkish side Galatasaray on a loan deal, according to reports.The midfielder will be joined by fellow Spurs outcast Davinson Sanchez at the Super Lig club.
    Tanguy Ndombele has agreed a move to GalatasarayCredit: Getty
    Davinson Sanchez will also be moving to the Turkish sideCredit: Getty
    Ndombele is set to fly to Istanbul later to finalise the move according to Fabrizio Romano.
    This comes as Turkey’s transfer window does not close until September 15th and are able to continue making offers past the European deadline.
    The transfer guru has confirmed the deal is in place and the 26-year-old has already completed the first part of medical tests.
    The Frenchman became Spurs’ record signing when he joined from Lyon for £55million in 2019.
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    He has enjoyed two loan spells while being at the North London club- one at former club Lyon for just six months and Napoli all of last season.
    Spurs boss Agne Postecoglou was keen to offload Ndombele this summer and had interest from Galatasaray rivals Fenerbahce.
    However, the forgotten star is now set to join teammate Sanchez in the Turkish capital.
    Romano confirmed Sanchez will be joining the Turkish giants on a permanent transfer.
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    The 27-year-old joined Spurs in 2017 for a fee of £42million from Ajax.
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    He has played 205 games for the club, scoring five goals.
    However, he made just eight Premier League starts last season after falling out of favour due to poor form.
    The Colombian international previously received interest from Real Betis, Sevilla and Spartak Moscow.
    But the Tottenham flop will be making his way as well to Istanbul as the final details of his deal are being decided.
    Meanwhile, Giovani Lo Celso who was on loan at Villarreal last season was almost certain to be shown the exit door.
    Romano confirmed this is not true as he added Lo Celso is expected to stay at Spurs and that decision was made 10 days ago.
    Giovani Lo Celso is set to stay at TottenhamCredit: Getty More

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    Brennan Johnson joins Tottenham in £47.5m transfer… but could be in for awkward meeting with new team-mate

    TOTTENHAM have completed the £47.5million signing of Nottingham Forest star Brennan Johnson.But the Spurs new boy may face an awkward meeting when he comes face-to-face with new team-mate Richarlison.
    Brennan Johnson has joined Tottenham on deadline day for £47.5mCredit: https://www.instagram.com/spursofficial/

    Richarlison was wiped out by Johnson after juggling the ballCredit: Twitter @ESPNUK
    The Welsh forward, 22, has completed a stunning deadline day move to North London, penning a six-year deal in the process.
    Forest boss Steve Cooper paid tribute to Johnson, saying: “Whilst we’re obviously going to miss Brennan and the memories he’s given so many of us when he’s lit up The City Ground on the right wing, we’re extremely proud of him and we’re pleased that he’s got this move as he enters the next stage in his career.
    “Everyone knows how great he is on the pitch, but what many people don’t see is the kind, humble and genuine young man he is off it.  
    “He was always learning, always showed great humility and had a superb nature in the way he interacted with his team-mates and staff.
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    “All credit must go to his family especially his mum and dad, Alison and David, who should be so proud of the incredible young man they have raised.
    “He will be missed by everyone, but he will always be a Red.”
    After joining Spurs, Johnson could first be forced to immediately repair his relationship with Richarlison following an on-field incident last season.
    It came in August 2022 when Tottenham beat Forest 2-0 at the City Ground thanks to a Harry Kane brace.
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    But much of the post-match reaction focused on an altercation between Johnson and Richarlison.
    Spurs’ Brazilian attacker, 26, seemed to be mocking Forest late on in the game when he juggled the ball near the touchline.
    But Johnson was not in the mood for the South American’s antics.
    Moments later, he took Richarlison out with a late, aggressive challenge – receiving a yellow card for his troubles.
    Now, 12 months on from that incident, the pair are set to become team-mates in North London.
    Reacting to the clip – which re-emerged on social media as Johnson closed in on a move to Spurs – one person said: “Johnson and Richarlison have some bridge building ahead.”
    Another added: “Looking forward to the Richarlison x Brennan Johnson reunion.”
    And a third replied: “Johnson meeting Richarlison for the first time should be awkward.”
    Johnson registered 29 goals and 12 assists in 109 appearances for Forest.
    He has also racked up 19 caps for Wales, netting twice for his country.
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    Meanwhile, Richarlison has contributed just four goals and four assists in 39 matches since arriving at Tottenham.
    Now set to become the main forward following the departure of Kane, he will be looking to improve on his record of one Premier League goal in 27 games. More

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    Wales boss Robert Page backs Brennan Johnson to be a success ahead of possible Spurs move

    ROBERT PAGE has backed £50million-rated Brennan Johnson to cope with a move to Spurs.But the Wales boss has warned Tottenham fans that the Nottingham Forest forward, 22, will not replace Harry Kane.
    Nottingham Forest forward Johnson has been the subject of interest from TottenhamCredit: Getty
    Johnson caused Manchester United problems in last Saturday’s 3-2 defeat at Old TraffordCredit: Reuters
    Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs lead the chase for Johnson ahead of tomorrow’s transfer deadline day.
    The Londoners are bidding to fill the daunting striker void left by record goalscorer Kane, who joined Bayern Munich for £104million.
    Page said: “He’s more than capable of handling it. You can’t go into a club expecting to fill somebody’s else’s boots.
    “He’s a very different type of player to Harry. I wouldn’t even think of the Harry Kane situation and going in to fill that. He’s his own man.
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    “He’s just got to go, he’s his own person and player. It would be a great move for him. If he goes there, he goes on his own ability and what he can offer to the team.
    “I liken it to what Dan James went through at Manchester United.
    “He had one great season at Swansea, but Brennan has had more than one great season in the Championship. He has scored in the Premier League and his record is there to be seen. 
    “Young players today – and Brennan falls into this category – are a confident breed and he’s more than capable of playing at that level.”
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    Page knows Johnson’s dad David well and reckons the Wales attacker will keep his feet on the ground despite all the transfer attention.
    Page, who watched Johnson cause Manchester United problems in the 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford last Saturday, added: “Brennan has a good support network around him.
    “I know his dad, who used to play so he’s been through all this himself. You need that network as a young lad.
    “I don’t believe he will get carried away with it. He will stay grounded and won’t change.
    We certainly won’t allow that in the changing room in the Wales set-up.”
    Johnson was named yesterday in Page’s 25-man squad for the September 7 friendly at home to South Korea before the Euro 2024 must-win qualifier in Latvia four days later,
    Leeds winger Daniel James is out with an adductor injury.
    While Kieffer Moore and Joe Morrell – who are available for the Cardiff friendly with South Korea – are banned for the trip to Riga after receiving red cards against Armenia and Turkey in June.
    Tom Lockyer is recalled for the first time since collapsing in Luton’s Championship play-off final triumph over Coventry at Wembley in May.
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    The Hatters captain underwent an operation to address an irregular heartbeat but the centre-back has since returned to action to lead Rob Edwards’ men in the top-flight.
    Wales squad:Goalkeepers: Hennessey, Ward, A Davies, King,Defenders: Roberts, Williams, Rodon, Mepham, Lockyer, Cabango, B Davies, FoxMidfielders: Ramsey, Ampadu, Wilson, Morrell, J James, Burns, SheehanStrikers: Moore, Johnson, Brooks, Broadhead, Bradshaw, Cullen. More

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    Tottenham consider ‘Conor Gallagher bid with Cole Palmer Chelsea transfer opening door to late £50m deal’

    CHELSEA’S late swoop for Man City’s Cole Palmer could pave the way for Conor Gallagher to join Spurs, according to reports.The Blues are set to steal highly-rated Palmer from the Treble winners in a shock £45m deal before tomorrow’s transfer deadline.
    Chelsea are set to sign Manchester City’s Cole PalmerCredit: PA
    This has paved the way for Spurs to open an offer for Conor GallagherCredit: Getty
    Gallagher, 23, has been a key asset starting in every fixture under new boss Mauricio Pochettino.
    He even captained Chelsea in their Carabao Cup victory over Wimbledon on Wednesday night.
    But Palmer’s arrival will see the England star drop down the Stamford Bridge pecking order.
    And, with Chelsea still needing to recoup funds from their huge transfer binge, Gallagher is set to be shown the exit.
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    According to the Telegraph, this has encouraged Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou to make a late pivot for Gallagher as he is desperate for midfield talent.
    Gallagher will not come cheap, however, with Chelsea already rejecting a bid worth £40m from West Ham last month.
    And a bid of around £50m might be necessary for Postecoglou to get him.
    Brennan Johnson is another one of the Aussie’s top targets as he continues trying to cover the massive hole left by Harry Kane.
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    But Spurs are refusing to pay for his hefty £50m price tag which is stalling talks with the Nottingham Forest youngster.
    They are also set to be pipped by Brighton to a loan deal for Barcelona star Ansu Fati.
    Crystal Palace’s Ebere Eze has also been linked but the Eagles will fight to keep the winger.
    Spurs are refusing to pay for Brennan Johnson’s £50m price tagCredit: Alamy More