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      Mauricio Pochettino ‘worried’ about Christopher Nkunku injury as he gives grim update on Chelsea striker

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO is “worried” about Christopher Nkunku as injuries continue to plague the start of his Chelsea career.The French forward, 26, only made his Blues debut in December after being sidelined with a knee problem for the first four months of the season.
      Christopher Nkunku has only played four times for Chelsea since joining in the summerCredit: Reuters
      And he marked his first match in a Chelsea shirt with a consolation goal in a 2-1 defeat to Wolves.
      He then started in a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, before he came on as a second-half substitute in a 3-2 victory over Luton.
      But Nkunku has been absent for Chelsea’s last two games due to a hip injury he picked up in training.
      They were a 4-0 win over Preston in the FA Cup and a 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.
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      He said: “We’re disappointed and a little bit worried because we want him involved again as soon as possible.
      “We are still assessing him, we don’t know what is going to happen.
      “It’s complicated with Christopher. It’s now between eight and 10 days since he could train.
      “He was so close to feeling comfortable again, he started the game against Crystal Palace.”
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      It means Chelsea – who have spent £1billion on players over the last 18 months – have received just four appearances and one goal for the £52million they spent on Nkunku in the summer.
      And Pochettino, who is preparing for a West London derby against Fulham on Saturday lunchtime, is still looking for a member of his squad that can consistently lead the line up front.
      Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Armando Broja have all played as the No9 in recent weeks.
      But a positive update for Chelsea fans is defenders Ben Chilwell and Benoit Badiashile are set to return from injury and be included in the squad for their home clash with rivals Fulham.
      Pochettino added: “The good news is having players like [Trevoh] Chalobah, Chilwell, Badiashile and [Carney] Chukwuemeka so close to being involved again and help the team to perform.” More

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      Dominic Solanke makes Premier League history after stunning season that has led to Newcastle transfer rumour

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      DOMINIC SOLANKE has made history after his stunning form in the Premier League.The 26-year-old has swooped the Premier League Player of the Month award for December.
      Dominic Solanke has been voted as the Premier League Player of the Month for DecemberCredit: Rex

      Solanke netted six goals in the league last month as Bournemouth put together a superb run of form to claw their way up to 12th in the table.
      The former Liverpool man bagged his first ever Premier League hat-trick during December when he stuck three past Nottingham Forest keeper Matt Turner in a thrilling 3-2 victory for the Cherries.
      And with Bournemouth losing just one of their six games last month it is no surprise that star man Solanke was voted as the league’s player of the month.
      Solanke makes history by receiving the award as the first Bournemouth player in the history of the Premier League to pick up the accolade.
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      Speaking in a video on the south coast club’s social media, he said: “I am delighted to win the Player of the Month for December.
      “It was a great month, some big wins and special moments including my first Premier League hat-trick. 
      “So I just wanted to thank all of the players and staff at the club, and most importantly the fans.
      “The support has been amazing and hopefully we can carry on for the rest of the season.”
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      Solanke netted his first ever Premier League hat-trick last month against Nottingham ForestCredit: Getty
      Solanke has been an unstoppable force at times this season and now has a total of 12 league goals in 19 appearances this term.
      Only Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland have found the back of the net more times than the Englishman.
      And his astonishing form has earned him some reported interest from a number of big clubs including Arsenal and Newcastle United.
      The Magpies are said to be keen on bringing in Solanke with boss Eddie Howe previously signing the bagsman when he was in charge at Bournemouth.
      Although Howe has since admitted that it is unlikely they will be able to make deal work for Solanke with the one time England international too expensive for the Toon Army.
      He said: “I love Dominic Solanke, I signed him and I rate him very, very highly.
      “But we have not made an enquiry for him and we don’t have the ability to sign a player of that level.”
      Solanke was joined on the December honours list by Aston Villa boss Unai Emery who was voted as the Premier League Manager of the Month.
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      The 52-year-old tactician has shocked everyone by leading his Villa side to a superb start to the season.
      The Villans currently sit second in the league table – just three points off Liverpool at the summit.
      Eddie Howe has said it will be hard for him to re-unite with Solanke despite Newcastle linksCredit: Getty
      Aston Villa gaffer Unai Emery has been voted as the Premier League Manager of the MonthCredit: Getty More

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      Conor Gallagher unlikely to quit Chelsea with Spurs circling… but England midfielder not part of Poch’s long-term plan

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      CONOR GALLAGHER is now “unlikely” to leave Chelsea this month – but Tottenham will not give up on signing the player.SunSport has learned that Mauricio Pochettino has made clear that selling Gallagher, 23, this month would be a mistake. 
      Conor Gallagher is unlikely to leave Chelsea in the January transfer windowCredit: Getty
      Tottenham won’t give up on Chelsea ace Gallagher and will come back in the summerCredit: Rex
      It means Spurs are unlikely to get their wish of a January transfer switch but they will come back in for him over the summer. 
      Our source said: “Tottenham want to sign Conor, but there’s a massive timing issue at play.
      “Chelsea had been open-minded to letting the player go a couple of months ago and Spurs thought the deal was in place. 
      “But in recent weeks Conor has become of vital importance to the team and the manager thinks letting him go now could lead to major problems in the second half of the season. 
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      “He’s not necessarily a part of Pochettino’s long-term plans but he is seen as a vital part of the project for the time being.
      “Gallagher is in no rush to leave the club and wants to help them to turn the season around.
      “He is also massively popular with the fans and the board will fear a massive backlash if they let him go and he takes Spurs, one of Chelsea’s biggest rivals, into the Champions League while they are left stuck in the middle of the table.”
      Ange Postecoglou wants to secure a midfielder in the break between Sunday’s trip to Manchester United and the FA Cup fourth-round game against Manchester City.
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      Gallagher has been a keen man for Chelsea this season, outperforming expensive signings
      He wants an all-action star who can be in imposing presence in the middle but also alternate with James Maddison in a more advanced position if required.
      Gallagher has been the player who best fits the profile, and Chelsea have previously indicated they are willing to do a deal for the right price.
      That could be up to £50million, although there are more potential complications. 
      “Conor is basically the player Poch trusts most for his tactical ideas, he is perfect for the 4-3-3 system.
      “So many others still need to get used to that system, and Pochettino is reluctant to let such a player go during such an inconsistent period of results so early in his time.”
      Gallagher is enjoying the greater responsibility at Chelsea, having captained the side in the absence of Reece James and Ben Chilwell. More

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      Tottenham announce Radu Dragusin transfer as Romania star joins after ‘rejecting twice as much money from Bayern’

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      TOTTENHAM have announced the signing of Radu Dragusin from Serie A outfit Genoa. The 21-year-old centre-back joins the north London side on a deal that will run until 2030.
      Radu Dragusin has signed for TottenhamCredit: Rex

      The deal is understood to be valued at around £21.5million plus add-ons.
      Spurs outcast Djed Spence will move the other way as he will join Genoa on loan for the remainder of the season.
      Dragusin had been linked with a move to Bayern Munich, but has chosen the to join Tottenham instead.
      He’s reported to have turned down double the money from the Bavarians in favour of making the move to the Premier League.
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      Dragusin is said to have left his agent in disbelief after making the decision, but is keen to progress his career over opting for financial benefits.
      The star’s agent, Florin Manea, admitted that an offer from Bayern was submitted while they were on the way to the airport.
      He told Romanian news outlet GSP: “We stopped dead. We were on our way to the airport. I said we have to think carefully and evaluate.
      “Bayern are one of the biggest clubs. I can’t believe I turned Bayern down! But that’s the decision.
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      “I took it with Radu and his family. I informed Bayern that this was the decision, that they came in at the last minute and that it was difficult to change our decision.
      “Maybe in the future, we will get there. We are a little overwhelmed.
      “To turn down Bayern… But it was ultimately what Radu and his family wanted.
      “He is happy. We’re going to Tottenham.”
      Menea revealed that the offer was substantially more than he is set to receive at Spurs.
      He said: “There was quite a difference [between offers]. Almost half as much, if not more, but never mind the amounts.
      “They were never a priority. We always choose the steps we think are right. I think he weighed that he always wanted to get to the Premier League.”
      Spurs welcomed their new man to the club on social media and revealed he will wear the number six on the back of his shirt.
      Dragusin is the second new arrival to Ange Postecoglou’s side this month after they sealed a deal for Chelsea flop Timo Werner on loan from RB Leipzig.
      Dragusin will wear the number six for SpursCredit: Rex
      He joins Timo Werner in north LondonCredit: Rex More

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      Newcastle face having to sell huge star to comply with FFP rules after confirming £150million losses

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      NEWCASTLE fans were told NOT to expect any “significant” transfers this month as Financial Fair Play kicks in.And the Toon Army were also warned they may have to accept the summer sale of Bruno Guimaraes or Sven Botman to grow the cash “headroom” required for squad improvement.
      Newcastle posted losses of £73.4m for 2022-23Credit: Getty
      Toon chief executive Darren Eales unveiled the club’s accounts for last term.
      While Newcastle announced losses of £73.4million in 2022-23 despite revenues up £70m to a record £250m – after spending £153m on new players – Toon chiefs are confident they are not at risk of breaching Prem FFP rules.
      The Magpies were £70.7m in the red for the 2021-22 financial year.
      But despite Eddie Howe’s men dropping to ninth in the table, 11 points off a Champions League spot, and being evicted from Europe, Eales indicated the manager will not have a spending pot in the winter window.
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      Eales said: “January isn’t a great window for us to be doing business. 
      “That doesn’t mean we won’t do any business, as we saw with Anthony Gordon last year.
      “But it’s difficult to do any major surgery when you’re in the middle of the season and you are trying to bring quality in. 
      “Clubs are less willing to lose those types of players in January. Summer is always better from a value and a planning perspective.”
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      Eales added: “We have had a number of injuries and we have got some very good players coming back in the second half of the season. 
      “That will be the first couple of things, but like everything, we have to approach it on the medium- to long-term basis rather than knee-jerk reactions. 
      “You have seen from the accounts the level of investment in the squad. 
      “We always have to be mindful of the Profit and Sustainability Rules stuff and making sure we are always going to be compliant long term.”
      Eales admitted Newcastle’s spending patterns would be different without those Prem restrictions but conceded one major summer sale might make financial sense.
      ‘EVERYBODY HAS THEIR PRICE’
      Guimaraes, Botman or Alexander Isak would be the obvious options – with the former already being linked with PSG and Barcelona.
      SunSport also revealed homegrown ace Sean Longstaff could be sold if the right offer comes in – with any money received for the midfield straight profit.
      And Eales explained: “If we’re going to get to where we want to get to, at times it is necessary to trade your players. 
      “Whether that is because of the players’ contract length, the offer is too good to refuse, you need to reload in certain areas, all of this could make sense to trade.
      “In the world of PSR, everybody has their price.
      “Look at Liverpool. They sold Philippe Coutinho to bring in Allison and Virgil van Dijk.
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      “Jack Grealish went from Aston Villa and they have reinvested and reloaded, while West Ham made that decision on Declan Rice. 
      “It’s just the nature of the beast. If you trade players on it creates more headroom to spend and you have to keep growing that headroom.”
      Bruno Guimaraes could be sold to help balance the booksCredit: Getty More

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      Erling Haaland shows what he thinks of Jadon Sancho’s time at Man Utd as ex-team-mate seals return to Dortmund

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      MANCHESTER CITY superstar Erling Haaland is pleased to see Jadon Sancho ending his Manchester United struggles by returning to Borussia Dortmund.Sancho joined United in 2021 following a staggering £73million deal with Dortmund where he enjoyed a stunning four-year stint but failed to replicate his brilliant displays at Old Trafford.
      Man City star Erling Haaland is happy to see Jadon Sancho leaving Man UtdCredit: Getty
      Haaland praised Sancho’s return to Borussia Dortmund
      Haaland and Sancho spent a year playing together at DortmundCredit: EPA
      The winger only managed a mere 12 goals and six assists in 82 games with the Red Devils until his public fallout with manager Erik ten Hag in September saw him getting exiled from the first team.
      Ten Hag left him out of his squad for the crunch Premier League clash against Arsenal due to his “performances in training”.
      The England international then hit back on social media claiming he was turned into a “scapegoat” by the Dutch tactician.
      The 23-year-old couldn’t find his way back to the first team and that led to a return to Dortmund on loan.
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      BVB have brought Sancho back to the Signal Iduna Park until the end of the season after an agreement that doesn’t include an option to buy.
      The Bundesliga giants paid a loan fee of £3m and will cover part of the Manchester City academy graduate’s wages.
      Ex-Dortmund superstar Haaland was very happy to see Sancho returning to his old stomping grounds where he will get a chance to rediscover his old form.
      The star striker spent a year in Germany playing with United’s struggling ace, who registered a whopping 50 goals and 64 assists in 137 appearances.
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      And the Norway international celebrated that move by taking to social media and sharing a picture of Sancho putting the Dortmund shirt back on.
      Haaland issued the following caption on Instagram: “Beautiful.”
      The Premier League’s joint-leading goalscorer also enjoyed tremendous success at Dortmund where he rose to global superstardom during his two-year stint.
      The ex-Red Bull Salzburg star amassed 86 goals and 23 assists in 89 appearances before joining City in 2022 following a £51m deal. More

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      Forgotten Chelsea star David Datro Fofana has loan transfer cancelled with European giants ‘plotting move’

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      CHELSEA star David Datro Fofana has seen his Union Berlin loan terminated as he is linked with another move away from Stamford Bridge.The Ivorian striker, 21, scored twice in 17 appearances for the Bundesliga club after joining them in the summer.
      David Datro Fofana’s loan at Union Berlin has been terminatedCredit: Getty
      In October, the German outfit suspended him after he reacted angrily to being substituted during a Champions League clash with Napoli.
      Fofana, who joined Chelsea for £8million 12 months ago, snubbed a handshake from Union manager Urs Fischer for which the club issued him with a one-week ban.
      He later apologised for his actions.
      Now Chelsea have confirmed he has returned to West London, but he is expected to leave on loan again before the end of the month.
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      Last week, it was reported Sevilla are keen to bring Fofana in for the rest of the campaign.
      The LaLiga side are down in 16th place in the Spanish top flight and have scored just 23 goals in 19 matches.
      Fofana made four appearances for Chelsea last season before being sent on loan in the summer.
      He bagged his first goal for Union in a 1-1 Champions League draw with Napoli in November.
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      He finally got off the mark in the Bundesliga by scoring against Koln in the last game before the winter break last month.
      Fofana has been capped three times by the Ivory Coast but failed to make the cut for their Africa Cup of Nations squad.
      Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is still searching for a top-level striker to lead the line despite the Blues having spent £1billion over the last 18 months.
      Cole Palmer, Armando Broja and Nicolas Jackson have all been used up front in recent weeks.
      Chelsea sit 10th in the Premier League table, 12 points adrift of the top four.
      And they were beaten 1-0 away at Middlesbrough in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday night. More

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      Steven Gerrard hits back with X-rated response as Gary Neville opens up on time he ‘tapped him up’ for Man Utd transfer

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      LIVERPOOL legend Steven Gerrard issued a brutal X-rated response to Gary Neville after the Manchester United great revealed he tried to convince him to move to Old Trafford.Gerrard enjoyed 17 glittering years with the Reds that saw him winning two FA Cup trophies, three League Cup honours, the 2001 UEFA Cup and of course the 2005 Champions League.
      Gary Neville tried to convince Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard to join Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Neville revealed Gerrard rejected his pitch and remained loyal to LiverpoolCredit: YouTube @The Overlap
      Gerrard revealed he gave Neville a ‘polite f*** off’ back in 2004Credit: Getty
      Many clubs tried to move the legendary midfielder away from Merseyside, such as Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Chelsea who almost landed him shortly after the Miracle of Istanbul.
      However, the loyal Liverpool soldier stayed put at Anfield until 2015 when he flew across the pond for LA Galaxy and retired a year later.
      Legendary United manager Sir Alex Ferguson also tried to test Gerrard’s devotion when he asked Neville to approach him ahead of Euro 2004 when they both played for England
      The Merseysiders’ popular captain, though, “categorically” rejected the former full-back’s pitch insisting he is never leaving Liverpool.
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      Neville said on the latest edition of Stick to Football as per Sky Bet: “Stevie told this in his book, where I went into his room with England and asked him to sign for Manchester United.
      “I was meeting up with England for the Euros, and he [Ferguson] rang me and said it’s ambitious, but his words were, ‘Tell him I’ll go and fetch him, and I’ll walk him back down the East Lancs’.
      “I went to see Stevie, and he quite categorically [rejected it] pretty quickly.
      “He said he would never get out of Liverpool and his family would never get out of Liverpool.”
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      Gerrard caught wind of Neville’s recent revelation and pulled no punches as he took to Instagram to response.
      The Al-Ettifaq manager doubled down on his previous claims by stating he was only trying to be polite to the now Sky Sports pundit when he actually wanted to tell him something much worse.
      Gerrard posted a story which read: “It was a polite f*** off.” More