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    Inside the rise of Conor Bradley, the ‘gift from God’ who turned down Man Utd and Chelsea to become Liverpool star

    CONOR BRADLEY called his first Liverpool goal “a dream” but few back in Aghyaran will be surprised he is now living his fantasy.For them it was only a matter of when, not if, the kid from a hamlet in Northern Ireland would make it big.
    Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hailed Conor Bradley after the win over ChelseaCredit: PA
    The Northern Irish ace is known as ‘a gift from God’ back in West TyroneCredit: PA
    Yet it was in this tiny place in West Tyrone, population 1,384, that Bradley became known as “a gift of God”.
    Everybody who knew him knew that and Jurgen Klopp now knows it too.
    From playing for Dungannon Swifts as a winger, to the organised violence of Gaelic football with St Davogs or becoming Northern Ireland’s primary school cross-country running champion all who knew him believed he would fulfil whatever dream he chose.
    Swifts head of development Dixie Robinson, who signed him aged 14, revealed: “He had tactical know-how beyond his years.
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    “He had a lot of talent to go with that and every time you stepped him up, he answered the call.
    “Conor was a gift of God and a ­fantastic young man.”
    At the right-back’s primary school St Patrick’s, five miles down the road in Castlederg where he was born, they speak of him with fondness, declaring: “He’s a great friend. What marked him out was his temperament and ability to include everyone at play.”
    Tommy Moss of St Davogs GAA said: “Everyone is so very proud of him because he’s really down to earth, a lovely fella, none of this will go to his head. 
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    “That  attitude is everything to do with why he’s made it.”
    His coach at first club St Patricks marvelled after Bradley, 20,  set up two goals in the 5-2 FA Cup win over Norwich last Sunday.
    And then he added another couple of assists plus that unforgettable goal in Wednesday’s 4-1 battering of Chelsea. Rory Lynch said: “His football brain always set him out — he was doing things no one else could do.”
    Manchester United and Chelsea had him over for trials but he had always supported Liverpool.
    By 2019 he was an Anfield academy player and in 2021  Ian Baraclough gave him his debut as a sub against Malta.
    Baraclough, now No 2 at Cheltenham, said: “What Conor shows every time he plays is energy and enthusiasm.
    “When a young lad like that comes into a team it gives everyone a lift.
    “He is  quiet but  there’s a glint in his eye. I suspect there’s a naughty side there — but it will be funny, not nasty.” More

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    Ex-Man Utd ace Jesse Lingard on verge of shock free transfer to South Korea after eight months unemployed

    JESSE LINGARD is on the verge of completing a shock move to South Korean side FC Seoul.The former Manchester United midfielder has been a free agent since leaving Nottingham Forest in the summer.
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    Jesse Lingard is set to complete a surprise transfer to FC SeoulCredit: Getty
    According to Sky Sports, Lingard has verbally agreed a two-year deal with the option of a further year to join FC Seoul.
    The 31-year-old is expected to fly to South Korea to complete the deal in the coming days.
    FC Seoul are six-time K League champions and have twice reached the final of the Asian Champions League.
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    Their squad includes former Swansea and Newcastle midfielder Ki Sung-yeung, who helped the club to a seventh place finish in 2023.
    Lingard had been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia this month.
    However, Al-Shabab were unable to complete the deal before the Saudi Pro League window slammed shut.
    A number of Turkish clubs had also been monitoring Lingard, who even offered himself to Barcelona.
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    He has been available since his Forest deal expired at the end of June last year.
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    Lingard made 20 appearances during his solitary season at the City Ground, scoring twice.
    The former England international has also appeared in the Premier League for the Red Devils and West Ham. More

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    West Ham star Pablo Fornals ‘agrees £7m La Liga transfer’ but Said Benrahma’s Lyon move collapses just before deadline

    WEST HAM ace Pablo Fornals is set to sign for Real Betis.According to transfer insider Ben Jacobs, Betis have agreed a £7million deal with the Hammers for Fornals, 27.
    West Ham ace Pablo Fornals is set to move to Real BetisCredit: Getty
    Fornals will be reuniting with ex-West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini at BetisCredit: Getty
    Fornals will be following Said Benrahma out of the London StadiumCredit: Getty
    The playmaker made 23 appearances this season under David Moyes.
    However, SunSport understands Fornals arrived at the London Stadium alongside his West Ham team-mates in full club tracksuit ahead of this evening’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth.
    And Said Benrahma’s move to Lyon dramatically stalled at the 11th hour.
    A Hammers spokesperson said: “West Ham United can confirm that the Deadline Day deal for Saïd Benrahma to join Olympique Lyonnais was not concluded ahead of the deadline, with a deal unable to be completed before 11pm.”
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    Lyon – who had a camera ready to do a live interview with Benrahma – will appeal to Fifa.
    They thought they had a loan deal with an option to buy for £15m in June.
    Fulham were also interested in the Algeria international.
    However, West Ham turned the Cottagers down as they offered a simple loan deal.
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    Fornals leaves West Ham after almost five years with the club
    Fornals is now set to reunite with former manager Manuel Pellegrini at Betis.
    Pellegrini managed the former Spain international for a few months when he was in charge of the East Londoners.
    Fornals joined West Ham in 2019 from Villarreal, just six months before the ex-Manchester City boss was sacked.
    The versatile midfielder has 23 goals and 19 assists in 203 appearances. More

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    Liverpool reject £15m transfer offer from Nottingham Forest for Caoimhin Kelleher forcing club to turn to Matz Sels

    LIVERPOOL have rejected Nottingham Forest’s £15million bid for back-up goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. Forest have been in the market for a stopper and have made several late deadline day moves.
    Liverpool rejected Nottingham Forest’s £15m bid for Caoimhin KelleherCredit: AFP
    It included a £15million offer to Liverpool for Kelleher, who is back up to No1 Alisson Becker.
    But according to the Daily Mail, the Reds have no intention of selling the understudy and rebuffed Forest’s approach.
    Nuno Espirito Santo – a former keeper himself – has instead turned to Strasbourg’s Matz Sels with a medical now set to follow.
    Kelleher, who came through Liverpool’s academy, has made 12 appearances this season.
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    But only two have come in the Prem, with the other ten divided equally between the Carabao Cup and Europa League.
    With Liverpool chasing a quadruple this season they feel the need to keep Kelleher in the squad and rate him at £20m.
    So after their approach for the Ireland international was rejected, Forest struck a deal for former Newcastle keeper Sels.
    A bid of £5.5m was launched for the Belgian, who spent two years at St James’ Park from 2016-2018.
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    Sels was never a Toon first-teamer but made nine appearances for them in the Championship.
    He also played three times in the FA Cup and two times in the League Cup.
    While Sels spent his time in England as a backup, he has become a first-team regular at Strasbourg, playing 19 times in Ligue 1 this season.
    The keeper, 31, is set to provide competition to Matt Turner and Odysseas Vlachodimos, both of which have struggled at times this season.
    Nuno also looked at England pair Jack Butland of Rangers and Crystal Palace’s Sam Johnstone. More

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    Erling Haaland’s representatives ‘convinced Man City ace must complete stunning Real Madrid transfer – thanks to Messi’

    ERLING HAALAND’S representatives are reportedly convinced he must join Real Madrid.The Manchester City striker has previously been linked with a blockbuster move to the Spanish giants.
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    Erling Haaland’s representatives are convinced he must join Real MadridCredit: Rex
    Lionel Messi has contributed to the decision, according to reportsCredit: Getty
    However, his entourage now believe the time has come to head to the Bernabeu – and it is all thanks to Real’s long-term foe Lionel Messi.
    AS report that Haaland’s representatives believe he must “go to a club like Madrid” to receive the focus and recognition he deserves.
    Their stance comes after the 23-year-old was pipped to Fifa’s The Best award by Messi earlier this month, the report adds.
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    The pair finished level on 48 points from the award’s voting, with the Argentine wizard crowned the winner due to more first place votes from national team captains.
    He also beat Haaland to the Ballon d’Or back in October, where the Norwegian goal machine was instead awarded the Gerd Muller Trophy as the highest-scoring player in the 2022/23 season.
    Haaland scored 52 times in his debut campaign with City as the club won an historic Treble.
    His personal accolades include Uefa’s Player of the Year award, the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and the European Golden Shoe.
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    However, his failure to win either The Best award or Ballon d’Or could now see Real Madrid swoop.
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    The Spanish giants have long been linked with a move for the Norway forward.
    Reports in Spain earlier this month claimed Real were hoping to enlist Jude Bellingham to help bring Haaland to the club.
    The duo played together at Borussia Dortmund and would reunite if Haaland moved to the Bernabeu.
    His City deal currently runs until the summer of 2027, with the prolific striker remaining on form this season.
    Despite missing 12 matches through injury before his return in the win over Burnley on Wednesday, Haaland has scored 19 goals across all competitions.
    He is also joint-top scorer in the Premier League with Mohamed Salah on 14 goals. More

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    Newcastle seal deadline day transfer of highly-rated midfielder Alfie Harrison, 18, from Man City

    NEWCASTLE have confirmed the signing of Alfie Harrison from Manchester City.The midfielder, 18, has signed a two-and-half year deal at St James’ Park.
    Alfie Harrison has signed for Newcastle UnitedCredit: Getty
    Harrison has excelled for City’s Under-18s this season.
    He scored eight goals in as many Under-18 Premier League appearances, in addition to laying on a further four assists.
    Having signed for the Toon for an undisclosed fee, he will initially link up with their academy sides, with a view to eventually breaking into Eddie Howe’s first team.
    Upon completing his move, Harrison said: “The size of the club and what it has got going for it is massive for me.
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    “It’s got a huge, passionate fanbase and I’m looking to really push on with my career now.
    “If I was a kid now, looking at me signing for Newcastle United, it’s what dreams are made of.
    “I’m really looking forward to what is coming and how I can progress in the coming years.
    “I’m an effective player who can add goals and assists.
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    “I really like to create stuff but, on the other side, I’d also say I’m a very passionate player who always wants to win.”
    Harrison helped City to the Under 18 Premier League title last season, scoring six times in 21 appearances.
    Having performed admirably once again at Under-18 level this term, he made his debut for City’s Under-21s in the PL2.
    Newcastle academy director Steve Harper is delighted to have bolstered his ranks with the acquisition of Harrison.
    Harper, 48, said: “We are delighted to secure Alfie’s signature.
    “His hunger to represent Newcastle United and continue his development here was obvious from the outset.
    “He’s a passionate, talented player who we are really looking forward to welcoming to the club and ultimately seeing in a black and white shirt.
    “Alfie’s signing is part of a strategic move to make our PDP group younger, particularly the Under-21s, and I would like to thank the board and everybody involved at the club in making this move happen.”
    Harrison, 18, has penned a two-and-a-half year deal at St James’ ParkCredit: Getty More

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    Transfer Deadline Day LIVE: Armando Broja latest EXCLUSIVE, Spurs eye £50m Solanke deal, Benrahma to Lyon updates

    CHELSEA are willing to offload Armando Broja on Deadline Day – but they are being forced to slash their original asking price by more than £40 million.The Blues initially wanted a whopping £50m for the striker but have now been forced to abandon plans for a permanent sale with Fulham refusing to pay that amount.
    Meanwhile, Spurs are ready to try to push through a £50m-plus deal for Dominic Solanke before the transfer window closes tonight.
    And Said Benrahma is travelling to France ahead of his Deadline Day move to Lyon
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    Follow all the latest moves and completed deals on Deadline Day
    Lazio loan move for Kent
    Ryan Kent is close to completing a loan move to Lazio from Fenerbahce.
    The former Rangers star only joined the Turkish giants on a four-year deal back in July, but has since caught the attention of those in Italy.
    The 27-year-old winger is now due in Rome for a medical and hopes to finalise the transfer before Serie A’s 7pm deadline.

    Copy linkCopiedSwans swoop for Sagoe Jr
    Swansea City have bagged highly-rated Arsenal youngster Charles Sagoe Jr on a loan deal until the end of the season.
    The 19-year-old forward has moved to South Wales subject to international clearance, where he will link up with another young Gunner in Charlie Patino.
    Sagoe Jr made his senior debut as sub in Arsenal’s League Cup win at Brentford back in September, and could go straight into Luke Williams’ squad for the Championship game against Plymouth on Saturday.
    Copy linkCopiedDone Deal: Newcastle sign Harrison
    Newcastle have announced the signing of Manchester City wonderkid Alfie Harrison.
    The midfielder, 18, will link up with Toon’s academy after signing a contract until the summer of 2026.
    The Magpies have paid a small fee up front but City have a 40 per cent sell-on clause written into the deal.
    Harrison said: “The size of the club and what it has got going for it is massive for me. It’s got a huge, passionate fanbase and I’m looking to really push on with my career now.
    “If I was a kid now, looking at me signing for Newcastle United, it’s what dreams are made of. I’m really looking forward to what is coming and how I can progress in the coming years.
    “I’m an effective player who can add goals and assists. I really like to create stuff but, on the other side, I’d also say I’m a very passionate player who always wants to win.”
    Credit: @NUFC Twitter
    Copy linkCopiedFulham foiled by Frankfurt in forward forage
    Fulham’s pursuit of Hugo Ekitike was short-lived.
    The Cottagers enquired about the young Paris Saint-Germain forward this morning, but he now looks set to join Eintracht Frankfurt.
    According to Fabrizio Romano, the 21-year-old will move to the Bundesliga on a loan deal before completing a £26 million move at the end of the season.
    PSG are also understood to have included a sell-on clause for the striker that they signed from Reims last summer.

    Copy linkCopiedMore on Rogers’ Villa move
    One of the biggest deals of this deadline day so far has been Morgan Rogers’ move from Middlesbrough to Aston Villa.
    The 21-year-old will wear the number 27 shirt at Villa Park after making a switch that could end up costing in the region £16 million.
    And that will mean another windfall for Manchester City, potentially netting them close to £4 million.
    The Premier League champions included a 25% sell on clause when they allowed the youngster to join Boro for approximately £1 million in the summer.
    Copy linkCopiedBrighton bring in Reading’s Vickers
    Brighton have raided crisis club Reading for teenage forward Caylan Vickers.
    The Seagulls have moved quickly to capture the 19-year-old, who scored his first senior goal in the Royals’ win over Bolton in Septemeber.
    Both clubs have agreed a deal, and Vickers will undergo a medical on the south coast later today.
    Copy linkCopiedFrank talking on transfer activity
    Brentford boss Thomas Frank does not expect many players in or out of the door at the Gtech before the end of the day.
    There has been plenty of speculation regarding Ivan Toney’s future since he returned to football this month following his betting ban.
    And the Bees had been close to adding exciting forward Antonio Nusa to their ranks before the deal hit a snag.
    However, when asked about potential deals this afternoon, Frank was not confident.
    “[We are looking] but I think it’s unlikely something will happen. Five per cent likely,” he told reporters.
    “I said before the Tottenham game that if we want a player now and it can’t happen then it will happen in the summer.
    “This will be breaking news on Sky, but Ivan Toney will stay.”
    Copy linkCopiedVilla won’t entertain Ramsey offers
    Aston Villa have no interest in discussing offers for young star Jacob Ramsey, according to the BBC.
    The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has been linked to the likes of Newcastle, Tottenham and Bayern Munich this month.
    However, the West Midland’s club are adamant about holding on to the player who has another three years left to run on his contract.
    The England U21 international has struggled with a foot injury this season, but is still considered an integral part of Unai Emery’s squad.

    Copy linkCopiedFulham make offer for Silas
    Fulham have submitted an offer for Stuttgart winger Silas in the last few hours, reports Florian Plettenberg.
    Speaking to Sky Sports News, the German journalist revealed that the Premier League club have asked to take the 25-year-old on a six-month loan with a view to making the switch a permanent one in the summer.
    It is understood that the Congolese international is keen on the move to London, but his club have yet to agree to the move.
    Silas has scored 33 goals and provided 19 assists in 120 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit.
    Copy linkCopiedHolgate to swap Saints for Sheffield
    Mason Holgate is set to cut short his loan spell at Southampton – but he won’t be returning to parent club Everton.
    Instead, the 27-year-old defender will hotfoot it up to Bramall Lane and join Sheffield United for the rest of the season.
    Chris Wilder is a long-term admirer of the former Barnsley man, having attempted to sign him on two previous occasions.
    And the Blades boss is desperate for defensive reinforcements, having also been linked with Joe Worrall and Harry Souttar this window.
    Copy linkCopiedToffees keep faith in God
    Ben Godfrey will stay at Everton despite interest from Leeds.
    The Toffees defender, 26, played in Tuesday’s 0-0 Premier League draw at Fulham.
    It was a rare outing for Godfrey as he made only his second league start – and fourth appearance in all competitions – this season.
    Days earlier, the player looked set to leave Goodison Park as the Merseysiders looked to reduce their wage bill and help their case towards FFP rules.
    Leeds made an official loan offer for Godfrey, who has 18 months left on his deal.
    But it is understood the two-time England international is ready to remain and fight for his Everton place.
    Copy linkCopiedEagles could swoop for Cornet
    Crystal Palace are interested in signing West Ham star Maxwel Cornet, according to reports.
    The Ivorian, 27, has struggled for game time under David Moyes this season.
    He has featured just twice in the Premier League, but did score last time out in the 2-2 draw with Sheffield United.
    The former Lyon and Burnley ace could provide Roy Hodgson with another forward option.
    While they are also said to view Cornet as versatile enough to provide cover for Tyrick Mitchell at left-back.

    Copy linkCopiedCottagers now linked to Ekitike
    There are ten hours of the transfer window remaining so it’s time for Fulham to get active.
    Marco Silva has been crying out for attacking reinforcements for months, but why carefully plan in advance when you can go on a mad trolley dash shortly before the shop shuts?
    That’s the approach favoured by Director of Football Tony Khan and CEO Alistair Mackintosh, who have finally got to work in the market.
    Armando Broja, Sebastien Haller, Said Benrahma and Rayan Cherki have all been contacted in the past 24-hours, and now it’s the turn of Paris Saint-Germain’s Hugo Ekitike.
    The 21-year-old striker was a £30m signing from Reims in June, but he has made just one appearance for PSG this term.
    Copy linkCopiedBlades back in for forgotten Forest man
    Sheffield United are working on a deal to sign Nottingham Forest captain Joe Worrall.
    The centre-back, 27, is behind Murillo, Andrew Omobamidele and Felipe in the City Ground pecking order has been made available for transfer by boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
    The Blades, rock bottom of the Prem, are desperate for defensive cover and have also looked at Leicester’s Harry Souttar, who is the subject of a late enquiry from Leeds.
    Sheffield United are believed to have had a loan offer for Forest defender Worrall rejected earlier in the window but are trying to resurrect the move this afternoon.

    Copy linkCopiedLyon’s Cherki not cheap cheap
    Fulham have had a deadline day approach for Lyon winger Rayan Cherki knocked back.
    The Cottagers held talks with the French club over a loan deal with an option in the summer.
    However, with Marco Silva’s side also having made an attempt to scupper Lyon’s move for West Ham winger Said Benrahma, a deal for Cherki was a non-starter.
    The Ligue 1 club were also demanding more than £30million for the 20-year-old.
    Copy linkCopiedLook who’s a shock target for Juve and Atleti
    Former Everton and Leicester star Ademola Lookman is being targeted by two European giants.
    The talented winger failed to pull up trees during his time in the Premier League which also included a loan spell at Fulham.
    He had more success in his first season while at RB Leipzig but went on to struggle in the Bundesliga before being sold to Atalanta.
    He’s gone on to play the best football of his career in Serie A, racking up 13 goals and eight assists last season and has also experienced a strong start to this campaign.
    And that’s alerted the interest of both Juventus and Atletico Madrd, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
    Lookman has scored seven goals and assisted three this season and is thought of as one of the most talented players in Italy.

    Copy linkCopiedHojbjerg staying put at Spurs
    Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has confirmed he is staying at Tottenham.
    The Dane, 28, has been of interest to several clubs this window, including Juventus and Lyon.
    But his lawyer Lars Halgreen claimed on Monday that the midfielder would not be going anywhere.
    And Hojbjerg, who came off the bench to help Spurs win 3-2 over Brentford on Wednesday, has backed that up.
    The former Southampton man said: “When the lawyer says it, I think we have to listen!”

    Copy linkCopiedTractor Boys bulldoze Dummett rumours
    Ipswich Town say that transfer speculation linking them with a deadline day move for Paul Dummett is “complete nonsense.”
    The Championship high-flyers have been linked with Newcastle’s long-serving defender in certain quarters, but those stories are proving to be “wide of the mark.”
    Kieran McKenna is not against adding to his squad, but only if the right deal presents itself.
    One player who could be on his way to Portman Road is striker Kieffer Moore, who looks set for a loan move away from Bournemouth.
    Copy linkCopiedBaggies hoping to get busy
    West Bromwich Albion are hoping to strengthen their promotion push with a double swoop on deadline day.
    The Baggies have been linked with loan moves for both Aston Villa’s Calum Chambers and Celtic’s Mikey Johnston.
    Carlos Corberan’s side currently sit fifth in the Championship – albeit 14 points behind second-placed Ipswich Town.
    Copy linkCopiedAssignon to sign on with Burnley
    Burnley are on the verge of completing the loan signing of Rennes right-back Lorenz Assignon.
    Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports that the 23-year-old Frenchman will initially move to Turf Moor until the end of the season.
    If successful with the Clarets, the Premier League strugglers will have the option to make the deal a permanent one in the summer.
    The defender was previously a target for Galatasaray, but the Turkish giants have now turned their attentions to Nottingham Forest’s Serge Aurier.
    The arrival of Assignon may also hasten the departure of Connor Roberts to Leeds.

    Copy linkCopiedBenrahma in France for talks
    West Ham’s Said Benrahma has arrived in France in order to negotiate a deadline day move to Lyon.
    That’s the understanding of The Athletic’s David Ornstein, who reports that the winger is finally set for a loan switch to Ligue 1.
    The deal for the 28-year-old is set to include the option to make the transfer permanent come the summer, and could end up being worth £17 million to the Hammers,
    There are some aspects of the transaction still to be ironed out, but is thought that all parties are confident of completion before the window shuts.
    Copy linkCopiedDone Deal: Villa sign Rogers
    Aston Villa have completed the signing of Middlesbrough striker Morgan Rogers for an undisclosed fee.
    The 21-year-old is no stranger to the West Midlands, having been born in Halesowen and formerly on the books of West Bromwich Albion.
    The England U20 forward has seven goals and nine assists to his name this season, excelling in Boro’s run to the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
    Credit: @AVFCOfficial Twitter
    Copy linkCopiedCity windfall if Toon teen turns star
    Manchester City could receive up to £3.5 million if teen striker Alfie Harrison proves to be a success at Newcastle.
    The Toon will only pay a small fee up front but his old club believe the 18-year-old is an exciting prospect – and have a 40% sell on clause written into the deal.

    Copy linkCopiedDahoud heads back to Bundesliga
    Brighton midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud has completed a loan move to Stuttgart until the end of the season.
    The 28-year-old arrived on the south coast from Borussia Dortmund back in July, but has found game time limited at the Amex.
    The Syria-born German international joins fellow Seagull Deniz Undav on loan at VfB.
    Brighton technical director David Weir said: “This is a good move for Mahmoud. It will give him an opportunity to play regularly for a side doing very well towards the top of the Bundesliga.”
    Copy linkCopiedIdah on his way to Celtic
    Norwich City striker Adam Idah has arrived in Glasgow ahead of a deadline day loan move to Celtic.
    The Republic of Ireland international is set to join the Scottish Premiership champions on a temporary deal, increasing Brendan Rodgers’ attacking options for the run-in.
    The 22-year-old has scored seven times for the Canaries this campaign, but has struggled to hold down a starting spot.
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    Luke Littler reveals inspirational three-word message from Man Utd hero Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of Premier League debut

    LUKE LITTLER has revealed that he was told to “keep at it” by his idol Sir Alex Ferguson.The Warrington wonderkid met up with the legendary Scottish Manchester United boss on a recent trip to Old Trafford.
    Luke Littler met Manchester United legend Sir Alex FergusonCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Littler enjoyed a recent visit to Old Trafford to meet his Man Utd heroesCredit: Getty
    Ferguson told Littler to ‘keep at it’ during their brief meetingCredit: Getty
    Littler, 17, then went back to meet up with the full squad at their Carrington training ground a week ago.
    On Sir Alex the youngster – who has been banned from Peter Crouch’s podcast – said: “I didn’t really catch much of what he said. But I did hear him say ‘keep at it’.”
    Littler beat England defender Harry Maguire at darts which brought about huge cheers from the other players.
    He added: “The players just said, keep going. A lot of the players from abroad, they just shook my hand.
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    “I spoke with [Scott] McTominay and Maguire and the coach [Erik] Ten Hag. I didn’t really catch much of what he said, I did hear him say, stick to it and keep at it.”
    Littler, who makes his Premier League debut tonight in Cardiff, is certainly not scared of joining the big boys in the Premier League.
    He added: “This is what I have signed up for – to play with the best of the best.
    “I have got to somehow beat them every week. If I don’t beat them every week, then I will go home, go to the ProTours, get match practice and come back to whatever venue is next.
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    “If I do qualify for the EuroTours, that will help, I will take that as match practice, I need the rankings for Matchplay and Grand Prix.
    “I am looking forward to playing these boys week-in, week-out.
    “I am not bothered who I play. You can only beat what’s in front of you. You can only do your best to beat them.” More