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    Newcastle swoop for wonderkid, 17, dubbed ‘best of his generation’ after beating Europe’s elite in race to sign forward

    NEWCASTLE are set to swoop for Georgian wonderkid Vakhtang Salia – a teen dubbed “the best in his generation”.The Magpies have agreed terms with Dinamo Tbilisi for the 17-year-old, who has already scored in the Uefa Europa Conference League.Newcastle are poised to sign Georgian talent Vakhtang SaliaCredit: .The Georgia U21 international can play as both a centre-forward and attacking midfielder, and has made 27 first-team appearances already.A host of Europe’s top clubs have been monitoring his progress but it is Newcastle who have won the race to land him.Salia has agreed terms to join the Premier League giants in January – but the Toon Army will have to wait a while to catch a glimpse of him.The ace will remain with Dinamo Tbilisi for the rest of the season before heading to Tyneside next summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUefa Elite Scout Mikha Gabechava, now at KAA Gent, was at Dinamo when the ace was first noticed.And he says he has every key ingredient to make it big at St. James’ Park.He said: “Absolutely. I think it will take time, maybe two or three seasons, but I definitely think he has enough potential to reach that level. He is the best in his generation.”Gabechava added to Magpie Media: “There are two things in particular that I love about him. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“One is the fact that he never stops when his team is out of possession – he’s so aggressive in pressing and contributes well to a high press.“That’s something that you won’t see very frequently from such a young player (especially from Georgia), but it’s also a crucial attribute for a physically demanding division like the Premier League.Video emerges of Roy Keane throwing ball at Alan Shearer’s head amid Erling Haaland debate“And his ball-striking ability – wow, he connects very well with the ball, shoots with great power with both feet.“I believe that he has the striker’s instinct which could make him a great poacher in the future.”Salia will become the second Georgian after Temuri Ketsbaia to pull on the Black and White Stripes.Meanwhile Kieran Trippier is desperate to leave the North East and has three clubs ready to help him go. More

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    Eddie Howe and Paul Mitchell ‘hold clear-the-air talks’ after Newcastle boss left fuming with shocking transfer window

    EDDIE HOWE and Paul Mitchell have reportedly held “clear-the-air talks” after Newcastle’s lacklustre transfer window.The Magpies only brought in five players during the summer, with Lloyd Kelly arguably the biggest arrival.Eddie Howe has reportedly spoken to Paul MitchellCredit: AlamyNewcastle’s sporting director has criticised the club’s transfer businessCredit: GettyThe defender joined the club on a free transfer, while Lewis Hall’s loan from Chelsea was made permanent.Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos arrived but will be back-up to Nick Pope.Newcastle also sold Yankuba Minteh to Brighton and Hove Albion in a £30million deal.The club tried and failed to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace with their highest bid worth £70m being rejected.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSporting director Mitchell criticised the club’s business earlier this month, which was met with silence from Howe.The I Newspaper has now claimed the pair have put an end to their civil war after holding clear-the-air talks.It is reported that the pair have “ironed out” their differences and can now “move forward”.Howe confirmed that he had spoken to a board member this week, which is believed to have been chief executive Darren Eales.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe manager has also called for unity in order to boost results on the pitch.He said: “I think the club is unified, I don’t see any issues.What’s new this season? Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25.Newcastle failed to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal PalaceCredit: AFPLloyd Kelly was one arrival at St James’ ParkCredit: Getty”It depends where you’re talking about that unification, but the unification between me, the players, the supporters and the board is really strong.”However, when asked if he had spoken to Mitchell, he refused to give much away.He added: “I’m not going to go there.”I’m not going into it every week in terms of our contact.”But collaboration, as I said last week, is what we’re looking to do to take the club forward.”Just so people know, I’ve had conversations with senior members of the board this week.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So I’m in regular communication with them, trying to collaborate and work together for the benefit of the club.”That’s always in my heart, and that will always be the case while I’m the manager of the club.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Former Premier League star Sergio Rico set for shock transfer just 16 months after cheating death in horror horse fall

    FORMER Premier League star Sergio Rico is set for a shock transfer 16 months after cheating death.The goalkeeper suffered a head injury in May 2023 in a horse-riding accident, which left him in an induced coma for three weeks.Sergio Rico is set to return to footballCredit: APHe escaped death after a horse-riding accident in 2023Credit: Instagram @sergioricogonzalez1Rico, 31, was reported to have been just “half a centimetre” from dying but thankfully survived.He was treated at the Virgen del Rocio Hospital in Sevilla and was supported by his family and wife Alba Silva.Despite getting the green light from doctors to return to playing, he did not feature for Paris Saint-Germain again.He left the French giants at the end of the last season and is currently a free agent.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Spaniard is believed to be set to return to the pitch with a new club.French outlet Le Parisian has claimed that he is in advanced negotiations to join Qatar side Al-Gharafa.It is suggested that he will fly to the Middle East to complete a move in the “coming hours”.After he was brought out of the coma, Rico admitted that football was a big reason why he survived.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “The truth is that I owe everything to football. It is my entire life.”A doctor told me that my arteries were more resistant than those of a normal person who didn’t play as much sport as me.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsRico spent a season on loan at Fulham earlier in his careerCredit: Getty – Contributor”I feel very lucky to be alive, because it was a very serious accident and my life was at stake.”When I awoke from my coma I asked the doctor if I would be able to play football once again.”He was very surprised, and started saying how I had suffered a serious accident.”But he said yes, I could, and I was so relieved I almost jumped out of my hospital bed.”Life is very important. Nobody wants to die, but had I been forced to retire from football, I ask myself would it have been worthwhile?”Rico last played a professional match in LaLiga during a loan spell at Real Mallorca in 2022.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe spent the 2018/19 season on loan at Fulham and featured 29 times in the Premier League.Rico managed to usurp Marcus Bettinelli from the starting line-up but could not prevent the club from being relegated.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Former Arsenal star ‘ready to end retirement just FOUR WEEKS after quitting game with shock transfer’

    A FORMER Arsenal star could be tempted out of retirement just four weeks after hanging up his boots.The ex-Gunners favourite, who left the Emirates in 2017, confirmed his emotional decision in a statement last month.A former Arsenal star is being considered for a high-profile moveCredit: Action Images – ReutersHaving played at the highest level, he admitted that he’d lost the hunger for the game, despite still being physically able at 34.In his statement, he wrote: “I’ve made friends for life, created unforgettable memories and met people who have made an incredible impact on my life. Everything that I have and everything that I am I owe to the beautiful game of football…”But I also gave the game all I had. I gave the game 18 years of my life, every day, without excuses. Today, though my body still feels ready for challenges, my heart is not there anymore.”I feel that right now it is time to give all of my attention to my family – my amazing wife Marina and our two beautiful children Liam and Noelia.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJust weeks after making his decision, however, Wojciech Szczesny may be tempted to return.According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona chiefs are mulling over a shock move for the Polish goalkeeper.The Catalan giants are looking to bring in a new stopper, after No1 Marc-Andre ter Stegen suffered a nasty knee injury against Villarreal last weekend.Ter Stegen, 32, underwent successful knee surgery on Monday, and is expected to be ruled out for at least seven months.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWojciech Szczesny confirmed his retirement last monthCredit: GettyMarc-Andre ter Stegen suffered a nasty injury at the weekendCredit: RexIn the short-term, La Masia graduate Inaki Pena, 25, will take the gloves.But Barca chiefs want to recruit a more experienced option.What happened to Highbury?Szczesny made 35 appearances in Serie A for Juventus last season.Barca bosses hope that the allure of playing for another huge club could tempt him out of retirement.Another factor could be talismanic Polish striker Robert Lewandowski.The forward, 36, has a long-standing relationship with Szczesny, having played with him for his national team for many years.In fact, the duo took to the field together as recently as the summer, when both featured at Euro 2024 in Germany.Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano adds that Barca have approached Szczesny’s representatives CAA Stellar.Should Barca fail to sign Szczesny, they could look to former Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas.The Costa Rican, 37, is a free agent having left Paris Saint-Germain at the end of last season.He rejected advances from Brazil and Saudi Arabia over the summer, and has remained fit by training at Costa Rican side Deportivo Saprissa.Navas made six appearances in total for PSG last season, including four in Ligue 1, as he backed up first choice Gianluigi Donnarumma.The 6ft 1in stopper was most recently a first choice during the second half of the 2022-23 campaign, which he spent on loan at Nottingham Forest.READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite his history with Real Madrid, it’s claimed that Navas would have no qualms about joining Barcelona.He is represented by agent Jorge Mendes, who has close ties with the Catalan club.Keylor Navas left Paris Saint-Germain in the summerCredit: Getty More

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    Newcastle star Callum Wilson on transfer radar of TWO Premier League clubs as ex-England striker aims to revive career

    CALLUM WILSON is a target for TWO Premier League clubs in January, SunSport understands.The Newcastle striker has yet to feature this term due to an injury he sustained in pre-season.Callum Wilson is wanted by two Premier League clubs ahead of the January transfer windowCredit: PABut the England forward is close to returning and both Fulham and Brentford are monitoring the player.Both are interested in adding him to their squad in January – with Brentford seeing Wilson as the ideal potential replacement for Ivan Toney.Fulham, meanwhile, are keen to add to their striking options and have money to spend.Wilson is thought to be open-minded to a switch having found himself having to play second-fiddle to Alexander Isak.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNow 32, it makes sense for Newcastle to move Wilson on not least because injury problems continue to plague him.A back issue kept him out of action during pre-season, and he hasn’t been available for the beginning of the new Premier League campaign.The £46,000-a-week striker has been a great servant for Newcastle, leading the line expertly and being hailed as “incredible” by Howe last year.But only nine league starts came his way in 2024/25, and he’s keen to try and secure more game-time.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWilson’s current Magpies deal also expires next summer, which means now is the last opportunity to receive a fee for his signature, prior to losing him on a free in 2025 instead.Newcastle are also keen to free up funds to move for targets in January, including Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.Anthony Gordon leaves Newcastle training in never-before-seen £190,000 car as fans say ‘looks like an armoured vehicle’Wilson remains sidelined as he recovers from an injury sustained in pre-seasonCredit: Alamy More

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    Kieran Trippier ‘desperate’ to quit Newcastle with Mourinho circling after wife moves out and ditches wedding ring

    KIERAN Trippier is “desperate” to move on from Newcastle United – and three top European clubs are racing to sign the defender.His marriage is in trouble after his wife Charlotte moved 200 miles across the country to start a new life with their kids.Kieran Trippier is desperate to quit Newcastle for a new club in JanuaryCredit: GettyHis wife Charlotte has moved 200 miles across the country with their childrenCredit: GettyBoth Charlotte and Trippier have been spotted without their wedding ringsCredit: SplashThe mum-of-three has also ditched her wedding ring after Trippier was spotted without his.It comes after the full-back was spotted wrapping his arms round a mystery woman at a karaoke bar before scooping her up by the bottom during a night out with team-mates.However, the couple have not commented publicly on the rumours they have split.The retired England full-back almost left St James Park in the summer, but was unable to secure a deal before the transfer window slammed shut.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSaudi giants Al Ittihad tried to secure his signature, and Everton also tried to land him on a season long loan.But both deals collapsed and Trippier is now a frustrated figure at Newcastle having started the season on the bench.SunSport understands Eddie Howe would like to keep the ex-Atletico Madrid and Spurs star, but Trippier has told the club he’s desperate for game-time, and wants to move on in January.And he’s indicated he wants a fresh start outside the Premier League and overseas.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThree clubs are now vying for his signature.Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce are believed to be in the driving seat, having shown an interest in the player over the summer.Stunning party girl caught up in Newcastle ace Kieran Trippier’s marriage riddle revealed as tattooed call centre workerKieran Trippier’s career statsManchester City, 2009-11 – 0 appearancesBarnsley, 2010-11 (Loan) – 44 apps, two goalsBurnley, 2011-15 – 185 apps, six goalsTottenham, 2015-19 – 114 apps, two goalsAtletico Madrid, 2019-22 – 86 appsNewcastle, 2022-Present – 96 apps, four goalsEngland, 2017-24 – 54 caps, one goalTrophies – LaLigaItalian clubs AC Milan and Atalanta are also monitoring developments, though.All three clubs are believed to be keen to explore the option of loaning Trippier with a view to signing him permanently next summer.However, Newcastle are believed to be keen to tie up a permanent deal.Newcastle turned down a bid of £15million from Bayern Munich for Trippier last January.At 34, it is thought Trippier is desperate to play regular first-team football and he has retired from international football to focus on getting the most out of his club career.Jose Mourinho is leading the race to sign the former England defenderCredit: ReutersFenerbahce, AC Milan and Atalanta are all keen on signing TrippierCredit: Reuters More

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    Forgotten Premier League star, 41, offers to come out of retirement to save Barcelona after horror Ter Stegen injury

    A FORGOTTEN Premier League goalkeeper has offered to come out of retirement to play for Barcelona.The LaLiga giants have been rocked by the season-ending injury to star stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.Barcelona are considering signing a free agent goalkeeper after Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s injuryCredit: RexClaudio Bravo has offered to come out of retirement to play for the clubCredit: GettyThe German international ruptured his patella tendon in his right knee during Barcelona’s 5-1 win over Villareal. This means that manager Hansi Flick has been left with just Inaki Pena as his sole option between the sticks.Ter Stegen, 32, is expected to be out for at least eight months and was pictured in a wheelchair in hospital after the injury.Barcelona have now been linked with a move to bring a new goalkeeper in to cover during his absence.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, the club would have to dip into the free agent market to sign a stopper due to the transfer window being closed.Former Manchester City ace Claudio Bravo, 41, has offered his services to Barcelona.He told WinWin: “If Barcelona want me, I will be ready to come out of retirement.”The Chilean starred for Barcelona during his playing career in a two-year spell between 2014 and 2016.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBravo won the LaLiga title in both seasons at the club as well as the Champions League and Club World Cup in 2015.After playing 75 times in all competitions, he left the club in 2016 and joined Manchester City.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsKeylor Navas could be an option as he is without a clubCredit: GettyBravo retired from playing earlier this year after four seasons with Real Betis.Barcelona could also turn to other free agents, such as former Real Madrid stopper Keylor Navas.The Costa Rica ace has been without a club since leaving Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season.Reports have also claimed that Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski could try to tempt ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny out of retirement.The Polish star hung up his gloves in the summer after Juventus released him.Former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius could also be an option as he available after he left Newcastle.Loris Karius is a free agentCredit: AlamyWho are these famous footballers? More

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    Unemployed ex-Premier League star offered surprise route back to top flight five years after he burst on to the scene

    FREE AGENT Aaron Connolly is on the verge of becoming part of Sunderland’s promotion push.The 24-year-old forward has been without a club since he was released by Hull City in June.Aaron Connolly is on the verge of joining Sunderland on a free transferCredit: GettyThe 24-year-old burst onto the scene with two goals against Tottenham in 2019Credit: Getty Images – GettyRepublic of Ireland international Connolly burst on the scene with Brighton in 2019 with a brace against Tottenham Hotspur.He played 24 times in the Premier League that season, scoring three goals, but he failed to capitalise on that bright start.Connolly had loan spells with Luton, Middlesbrough and Italian club Venezia before heading to Hull in January 2023.He scored eight goals for the Tigers in the Championship last term but that was not enough to earn him an extension.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, he is set to be handed a career lifeline by Regis Le Bris’ high-flying Black Cats.Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough was their fourth in five league matches and early pace-setters West Brom are the only side ahead of them.Sunderland’s bright start has come despite 19-year-old Eliezer Mayenda being their only recognised striker.Le Bris secured the signing of Ahmed Abdullahi on deadline day, but the Nigerian arrival from Gent was instantly ruled out for three months due to needing groin surgery.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSummer recruit Wilson Isidor, a left winger, can also operate as a forward but the North East side have moved to bolster their options.Talks are progressing well between them and Connolly’s representatives and both parties will hope that the ace could be involved for the weekend’s trip to Watford.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelWho are these famous footballers? More