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    Tottenham lining up £25m transfer swoop for Belgian wonderkid Arthur Vermeeren and believe they have edge over Arsenal

    TOTTENHAM are aiming to pull off a stunning £25million swoop for Belgium’s teenage sensation Arthur Vermeeren in January.The Royal Antwerp midfielder is only 18 but played a huge role in leading the club to a first Pro League title in 66 years last term.
    Arthur Vermeeren is attracting plenty of interest from Europe’s elite clubsCredit: Rex
    Spurs, Arsenal and Chelsea have all sent scouts to watch Vermeeren play this season.
    He is also attracting the attention of Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona.
    But Spurs have leapt to the front of the queue as they fancy a deal similar to the one which brought Destiny Udogie to North London 18 months ago.
    Spurs paid a large part of the £18m fee up front for left-back Udogie — then loaned him back to Italian side Udinese.
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    The Italian has since gone on to excel at Tottenham, making 15 appearances so far this term.
    Udogie, 21, has also broken into his national side, making his Italy debut against Malta in October.
    Vermeeren, meanwhile, has already played 64 times for Royal Antwerp.
    He played in every minute of their Champions League campaign this season, even scoring in the 3-2 win over Barcelona.
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    Like Udogie, he also made his international debut in October.
    The midfielder earned his first senior Belgium cap against Austria.
    Spurs are back in action on Thursday evening when they take on Brighton.

    Ange Postecoglou’s side went into Christmas fourth in the table, just four points off top spot despite a savage run of injuries.
    They have been spurred on of late by resurgent Richarlison’s four goals in three games, the latest coming in their 2-1 win over Everton on Saturday.
    Destiny Udogie has excelled for Spurs since joining from UdineseCredit: Getty More

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    Tottenham eye transfer raid for Dominic Solanke after cooling interest in alternative Premier League striker

    SPURS are monitoring Dominic Solanke – as they look to sign a striker in the Summer.The Bournemouth hitman, who scored a hat-trick against Nottingham Forest at the weekend, has taken the Premier League by storm this year. 
    Solanke scored a stunning hat-trick against Nottingham Forest on SaturdayCredit: Getty
    And Sun Online can reveal that Tottenham are “closely watching” the striker’s progress. 
    A source said: “Spurs want to sign a striker in the Summer. The club hasn’t replaced Harry Kane so recruiting a new forward is a big priority and Solanke is someone they are closely monitoring. 
    “They’ve sent scouts to watch him already several times this season, and they will continue to track him into the New Year. 
    “He ticks a lot of boxes for Spurs, and Bournemouth know if he carries on showing the kind of form he is then they will struggle to stop other clubs from sniffing around him. They are bracing themselves for bids.”
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    Spurs are also keen on Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, but interest in the Irishman has reportedly cooled and Solanke is seen as a “better prospect”.
    The source added: “Tottenham want a focal point striker who has scored 11 goals in the Premier League, and Solanke has shown this season that he has the potential to play at a higher level. 
    Spurs will be closely watching him between now and the end of the season. 
    Our story comes amid reports Arsenal are also looking at the Bournemouth hitman.
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    Liverpool are in line to make millions should Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke leave the seaside club this season.
    Solanke played 27 times for Liverpool after signing from Chelsea six years ago and went on to join the Cherries in a deal which totalled £24 million back in 2019.
    But the deal includes a buy-back option, and 20 per cent sell-on clauses.
    His goals at the weekend took his tally to 11 in 17 games in the Premier League this term, with only Erling Haaland and Mo Salah ahead of him in the goalscoring charts. More

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    Clue Sir Jim Ratcliffe will make FULL Man Utd takeover as clause in £1.3billion deal is revealed

    SIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S 25 per cent stake in Manchester United could turn into a complete takeover thanks to a clause in the agreement.British billionaire Ratcliffe, 71, was confirmed as having acquired a minority stake in the Red Devils on Sunday.
    Sir Jim Ratcliffe could buy the remaining 75 per cent of the club from the Glazer familyCredit: Reuters
    The Glazers have owned Manchester United since 2005Credit: Getty
    It was also revealed he will take charge of the footballing operations at Old Trafford.
    But the 25 per cent stake could well lead to a complete takeover in the coming years.
    That’s because, according to The Mail, a clause in the deal says that if the Glazers want to sell then they first have to offer their shares to Ratcliffe.
    Ratcliffe was initially interested in a majority stake, before he settled for 25 per cent – which cost him £1.3billion.
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    Man Utd fans are keen to end the Glazers reign after 18 years at the helm.
    Red Devils supporters have held a number of protests against the family in that time.
    And they could finally see the back of them if they choose to sell their remaining shares to Ratcliffe – who is a boyhood Man Utd fan.
    Following his 25 per cent takeover, the Brit said: “As a local boy and a lifelong supporter of the club, I am very pleased that we have been able to agree a deal with the Manchester United board that delegates us management responsibility of the football operations of the club.
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    “Whilst the commercial success of the club has ensured there have always been available funds to win trophies at the highest level, this potential has not been fully unlocked in recent times.
    “We will bring the global knowledge, expertise and talent from the wider INEOS Sport group to help drive further improvement at the club, while also providing funds intended to enable future investment into Old Trafford.
    “We are here for the long term and recognise that a lot of challenges and hard work lie ahead, which we will approach with rigour, professionalism and passion.
    “We are committed to working with everyone at the club – the board, staff, players and fans – to help drive the club forward.
    “Our shared ambition is clear: we all want to see Manchester United back where we belong, at the very top of English, European and world football.” More

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    Man Utd fans moan ‘this recruitment team man’ as they club target transfer for little-known youngster to help Hojlund

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans have lambasted their club amid reports linking them with a move for Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee.Erik ten Hag’s attackers have struggled to find the back of the net so far this season, with Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Anthony Martial and Rasmus Hojlund mustering just four Premier League goals between them.
    Rasmus Hojlund has struggled since arriving at Manchester UnitedCredit: Rex
    Joshua Zirkzee is being linked with a move to Old TraffordCredit: Getty
    Hojlund, 20, joined from Atalanta for £72million in the summer and scored five goals in Man Utd’s disappointing Champions League campaign.
    But he is still yet to net in 14 Premier League appearances – the latest of which came in a dismal 2-0 defeat to West Ham on Saturday.
    According to Sport1, Man Utd are now considering an approach for Dutchman Zirkzee, 22, to improve Ten Hag’s options.
    The ex-Bayern Munich man swapped Germany for Italy last year and has scored 10 times in 37 appearances for Bologna.
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    But Man Utd’s attempts to acquire Zirkzee could prove complicated.
    Bayern have a £19m buy-back option on him and a 50 per cent sell-on clause should he leave Bologna.
    It is also estimated Man Utd would have to pay between £30m and £35m to steal him away from the Serie A side.
    However, Red Devils fans are not happy with their club being linked with Zirkzee.
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    Zirkzee has scored seven Serie A goals so far this season
    One said: “Why buy another young striker to play alongside another young striker? This recruitment team mannn 🤦🏽‍♂️.”
    Another added: “Nah wtf. He’s so average.”
    A third replied: “Instead of focusing on the midfield that can’t create a single chance for strikers, we are in for another striker 😂😂😂.”
    While a fourth responded: “How about a made striker like Ivan Toney.”
    Man Utd have lost eight of their 18 Premier League games so far this season.
    They are eight points adrift of the top four heading into Christmas – and have already been eliminated from the Champions League following just one win from six group-stage matches. More

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    Wolves ready to swoop for Sam Johnstone from Crystal Palace with Jose Sa eyeing transfer to Premier League rival

    WOLVES are ready to go for Crystal Palace keeper Sam Johnstone — as Jose Sa waits for a move.Johnstone, 30, could be available following the August signing of Dean Henderson from Manchester United, who is now fit and starting.
    Wolves are interested in signing Sam JohnstoneCredit: Getty
    Jose Sa could leave Wolves to join Nottingham ForestCredit: Getty
    England man Johnstone only lost his place through injury but will be fit soon.
    Wolves have been on his trail since the summer when Henderson, 26, joined Palace.
    Wolves are in the market for a new No 1, with Sa in the sights of Nottingham Forest and also clubs in Saudi Arabia.
    Sa, 30, was on Forest’s watch list before and the appointment of ex-boss Nuno Espirito Santo has put him back on the Midlanders’ radar.
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    The Wolves ace would be available at the right price.
    And Neil Cutler, the keeper coach at Molineux, has worked with Johnstone in the past.
    Palace gave Johnstone a new contract last month but the signing of Henderson puts them under pressure to keep both happy.
    Johnstone joined Palace on a free from West Brom in July 2022 and is pushing for a spot in England’s Euro 2024 squad.
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    That means Wolves could have to pay a decent fee, while Newcastle are also keeping tabs on him following the injury to Nick Pope.
    Pope was ruled out for the rest of the season after damaging his shoulder in the win over United last month. More

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    Spurs will have to pay Chelsea £50million for Conor Gallagher but have a transfer lined up to raise funds

    TOTTENHAM will have to find £50m for Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher.Signing the England International won’t come cheap for Spurs with The Blues valuing their star highly.
    Tottenham will have to pay £50m if they want to sign Conor GallagherCredit: Getty
    Spurs could raise funds for the deal by selling Pierre-Emile HojbjergCredit: Getty
    Gallagher has been an important cog in Mauricio Pochettino’s side this season and has attracted the interest of the North London outfit.
    He has even captained the side on multiple occasions after injuries to Reece James and Ben Chilwell.
    But the midfielder, 23, may go in the summer – with a transfer chain bringing Tottenham the money if Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is sold to Fulham or Bayern Munich.
    Hojbjerg had been the subject of interest for a move away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the previous transfer window, but deal never came to fruition.

    Gallagher isn’t the only Chelsea youth graduate that Spurs are looking at a deal for either.
    Tottenham and rivals Newcastle have been told to forget about a move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who rose through the ranks at Stamford Bridge.
    Spurs are keen on the England centre-back, 23, while Toon have also made an inquiry.
    But the Eagles will not budge in January unless the fee is massive.
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    Ange Postecoglou is desperate to bolster his back line while Newcastle chief Eddie Howe hopes Dan Burn’s return from injury eases the pressure short term.
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    Neither club is likely to have that sort of ready cash, putting them in the queue when the auction for Guehi starts next summer.
    Arsenal and both Manchester clubs like Guehi while Chelsea can match any bid as part of the deal which took him to Palace for £20million in 2021.

    Marc Guehi is hot property at the moment with a number of top clubs interested in the centre-backCredit: Getty More

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    Tottenham and Newcastle quoted massive transfer asking price for Marc Guehi with Palace desperate not to lose him

    RIVALS Tottenham and Newcastle have been told to forget about a move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.Spurs are keen on the England centre-back, 23, while Toon have also made an inquiry.
    Marc Guehi is a target for Premier League rivals Newcastle and TottenhamCredit: Alamy
    But the Eagles will not budge in January unless the fee is massive.
    Ange Postecoglou is desperate to bolster his back line while Newcastle chief Eddie Howe hopes Dan Burn’s return from injury eases the pressure short term.
    Neither club is likely to have that sort of ready cash, putting them in the queue when the auction for Guehi starts next summer.
    Arsenal as well as both Manchester clubs also like Guehi, while Chelsea can match any bid as part of the deal which took him to Palace for £20million in 2021.
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    Meanwhile, Spurs will also have to find £50m for Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher.
    He was selected for friendly matches against Switzerland and Ivory Coast, making his debut in a 2-1 win against the Swiss.
    However, a move away from Palace could hinder his chances of making the Euro 2024.
    A potential big-money move would bring added pressure, and could hinder his form moving before the tournament.
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    The midfielder, 23, may go in the  summer — with a transfer chain bringing Tottenham the money if Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is sold to Fulham or Bayern Munich.
    Guehi has become part of Gareth Southgate’s plans in recent internationals. More

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    Man Utd line up £16m alternative to Serhou Guirassy as Stuttgart striker wants Tottenham transfer instead

    MANCHESTER UNITED are tracking Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri… as Serhou Guirassy has his eye on a move to rivals Tottenham.The Red Devils are desperate to add some quality to Erik ten Hag’s squad in January after a torrid season so far.
    Manchester United are tracking Sevilla striker Youssef En-NesyriCredit: Getty
    Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy wants a move to Tottenham instead of Man UtdCredit: EPA
    They have already lost seven of their opening 17 Premier League games, having been plagued with injuries and a spate of signings failing to match expectations.
    Among them is £72million summer recruit Rasmus Hojlund, who has yet to score domestically.
    And United have been closely watching Bundesliga sensation Guirassy who, by contrast, has already netted 17 times in Germany.
    However, SunSport understands the Guinea striker would prefer a move to Spurs.
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    And now Ten Hag has sent scouts to watch Sevilla and Morocco frontman En-Nesyri instead.
    United talent-spotters have monitored him in recent weeks and will be in attendance for Saturday’s LaLiga clash against Atletico Madrid.
    En-Nesyri has been Sevilla’s main man up front since January 2020, helping them to two Europa League crowns.
    And he has been the shining light in a tough season for the Andalusians so far, with the Spanish heavyweights languishing in 14th in the table.
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    This term alone he has scored eight goals and created four assists.
    But with Sevilla already out of Europe after a disastrous Champions League campaign, and with qualification next season in major doubt, they could now choose to cash in on their attacking star.
    En-Nesyri is under contract until June 2025, but he could be sold for a fee of around £16m.
    That’s because Sevilla are going through serious financial struggles, having already fired two coaches this season and still having to pay their wages.
    They now want to lower the expenses by selling some of their prime assets in the next few weeks.
    And En-Nesyri fits the bill having also shone for Morocco in last year’s fantastic run to the World Cup semi-final, including a superb winning goal against Portugal in the quarters. More