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      Julen Lopetegui holding out on Premier League job as he is linked with Man Utd manager role

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      JULEN LOPETEGUI has revealed he is holding out for a managerial job in England.Lopetegui left Wolves in August due to a lack of backing in the transfer market despite an impressive record last season that kept the team in the top flight.
      Julen Lopetegui has revealed he is holding out for a manager job in the Premier LeagueCredit: Rex
      Since then the 57-year-old has continued to live in Wolverhampton, where he insisted he was “very, very happy” while speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Euro Leagues podcast.
      This is because he wants to continue his career in the Premier League.
      He confessed the desire in an interview with Sky Sports, in which he called English football culture “special” and also admitted he had already turned down jobs from overseas.
      He said: “It’s why I’ve said no to different countries and different situations because I would like to stay here in England. I feel like our team here is just starting and we want to achieve our dreams.
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      “The way the country lives football here is special – it’s the best league in the world, the most competitive league in the world, the best environment for the players, coaches and fans too.
      “I have fought for titles, I have fought for different aims but of course for the most important thing to feel like you have a project you can put your stamp on it, where you can work and improve the performance of the whole club.
      “If you ask me, I’d like this kind of challenge and to be able to achieve each aim the club has.
      “I have to be ready. When you accept a challenge, it’s not just about the players and the way you want to play…
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      “I think you have to understand where you are, what’s the culture of the club and the history too.”
      Reports last week claimed Lopetegui was “well placed” to replace Erik ten Hag as the boss of Manchester United.
      However, despite the Dutchman remaining in his post for the time being, Lopetegui is remaining patient.
      And it means he would have likely been gutted to see Nuno Espirito Santo appointed as boss of Nottingham Forest following the sacking of fan-favourite Steve Cooper.
      Lopetegui has previously managed the Spanish national team, Real Madrid and Sevilla, winning the Europa League with the latter. More

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      Tottenham step up Radu Dragusin transfer chase and are already in talks to hijack Man Utd’s top target

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      TOTTENHAM have Genoa ace Radu Dragusin in their sights as they step up their search for a new centre-back.The Romanian was watched by Spurs scouts against his former club Juventus on Friday night.
      Radu Dragusin is being tracked by several Premier League clubsCredit: Getty
      Dragusin’s agent Florin Manea revealed this week he has had discussions with the North Londoners over his £26million-rated client.
      Manea said: “With Tottenham it was just a discussion about Radu. There is an interest from them, we will see what will happen in the next period.”
      Dragusin helped Genoa win promotion to Serie A last term, having joined from Juve in 2020.
      The 21-year-old is reportedly also on the radar of Manchester United and Arsenal.
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      He was signed by the Old Lady under Fabio Paratici, who went on to become Spurs’ managing director of football.
      Paratici stepped down from his role at Tottenham last April, but then went on to work for them on a consultancy basis and has been spotted at Spurs’ games this season.
      Bringing in a new recruit to the middle of defence is Tottenham’s top transfer priority when the window opens next month.
      A host of players are under consideration, including Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly and Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace. Though Everton’s Ben Godfrey is understood not to be a target.
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      Talks have already begun between Spurs and Nice over the possible signing of in-demand Jean-Clair Todibo, who is valued in the £30million-plus bracket.
      Left-back Ben Davies has been filling in for the injured Micky van de Ven since the Dutchman damaged his hamstring in the 4-1 home defeat to Chelsea at the start of November.
      While the disciplinary record of Van de Ven’s centre-back partner Cristian Romero means more depth in that area is even more of a necessity. More

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      Raging Man Utd fans say ‘SCRAP the season’ as club chief reveals January transfer plans

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      RAGING Manchester United fans want to “scrap the season” after the club revealed their January transfer plans. Red Devils supporters have endured a difficult first half of the season under Erik ten Hag.
      Manchester United fans could be left disappointed in JanuaryCredit: Getty
      There are unlikely to be many ins or outs in the upcoming transfer windowCredit: Reuters
      The club sit seventh in the Premier League, have already been dumped out of the Carabao Cup and finished bottom of their Champions League group – with 12 defeats from 25 matches overall.
      And supporters’ mood took another dent following the latest fans’ forum.
      Fans were hoping for various incomings and outgoings to boost the campaign.
      But those hopes were dashed by United’s Chief Operating Officer Collette Roche.
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      She told attendees not to expect much activity in the upcoming transfer market.
      Roche said: “We have been consistent in saying we do not see January as the optimal time to do business.”
      And the update has not gone down well with fans.
      One said: “And this is way we fail and already scrap this season off.”
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      Another wrote: “Did she forget we bought Bruno in a January window – that turned out ok?”
      A third sarcastically added: “Good strategy, whatever we’ve been doing for the last decade is working well so keep up the good work.”
      And a final user replied: “Being consistent with our business strategies is only a positive if we’ve been consistently good, which we haven’t.”
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s imminent £1.25billion investment to purchase 25 per cent of the club is set to go through this week before Christmas.
      But with Financial Fair Play regulations and the lengthy due process of Ratcliffe’s arrival mean big-money signings are off the cards until next summer.
      Jadon Sancho and Donny van de Beek could both leave – if clubs come in with suitable deals for the pair of outcasts.
      But Anthony Martial and Antony – despite being unwanted by Ratcliffe – may end up staying.
      A fifth of Ratcliffe’s investment is dedicated to improvements at he crumbling, decaying and leaking Old Trafford.

      But it is understood those plans are also being shelved following the huge rise in costs of materials.
      Instead of structural improvements or any rebuilding work, United are more likely to spend money on a “facelift” with fresh paintwork and updates to executive suites. More

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      Former Arsenal and Liverpool starlet wakes up a free agent after ripping up contract with League One club

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      FORMER Premier League star Ovie Ejaria is unemployed after seeing his contract ripped up at Reading.The 26-year-old came to an agreement with the League One club to mutually end his deal ahead of the January transfer window.
      Ovie Ejaria is now a free agentCredit: Getty
      Ejaria has not played this season due to injury problems and managed just eight league games last term.
      His contract was set to end this summer but it has been “amicably” terminated early.
      Reading have been keen to reduce expenditure and they will now save money on his wages.
      Ejaria was tipped for big things as a youngster and was on the books of both Arsenal and Liverpool.
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      He made eight senior appearances for the Reds and his debut came in 2016.
      The midfielder was subsequently loaned out to Sunderland, Rangers and Reading.
      He then moved to the Royals permanently for £3.5million in 2020.
      Ejaria also earned one cap for England’s Under-21s back when he was dubbed a wonderkid.
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      And he was part of a star-studded Under-20s squad that won the World Cup in 2017, which featured the likes of Dominic Solanke, Fikayo Tomori, Ademola Lookman and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
      Reading are currently 23rd in League One and are in the midst of a relegation battle. More

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      Chelsea’s Benoit Badiashile already lined up for shock transfer exit less than 12 months after £35m move from Monaco

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      BENOIT BADIASHILE could leave Chelsea just a year after signing for the club, according to reports.The centre-back joined the Blues from Monaco for £35million in January 2023.
      There is interest from Lyon in Benoit BadiashileCredit: Getty
      But he could already be set for a move back to Ligue 1 with Lyon making him a “priority” target, claim Foot Mercato.
      The French giants have at least £45million to spend in next month’s transfer window and they are desperate for additions amid their shock relegation battle.
      Lyon are seven-time winners of the title but currently sit 16th – just two points off the bottom of the table.
      Therefore, they are determined to bolster their defence and Badiashile is on their radar.
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      The Frenchman has played 16 times for Chelsea, scoring one goal.
      He has struggled for minutes this season, making just five appearances due to injury problems.
      But Mauricio Pochettino will not want to lose the 22-year-old as he has now recovered and started four of the Blues’ last five Premier League games.
      Speculation suggests Badiashile is willing to fight for his place at Stamford Bridge and he has six-and-a-half years left on his contract.
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      Although Lyon are reportedly hopeful they can seal a deal due to their strong relationship with Chelsea chiefs.
      It saw the likes of Malo Gusto and Diego Moreira move between the two clubs in the summer. More

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      Man Utd outcast Jadon Sancho thrown lifeline as RB Leipzig enter transfer race – and fans all want same swap deal

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      RB LEIPZIG are reportedly interested in signing Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho.The 23-year-old was axed from the United squad in September following a public fallout with Erik ten Hag.
      RB Leipzig are interested in Jadon SanchoCredit: Getty
      Following the club’s 3-1 defeat to Arsenal, Ten Hag claimed that Sancho had been left out of the squad due to his performances in training.
      However, the England star immediately hit back with a social media statement and argued that he was made a “scapegoat”.
      Sancho has since been removed from the Man Utd WhatsApp group and told to train separately from the first team.
      He is not expected to return to the squad any time soon, so club officials are determined to offload him in January.
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      And according to BILD, RB Leipzig are interested.
      Man Utd are expected to sell Sancho for a fraction of the £73million fee they paid for him in 2021.
      However, his £350,000-a-week wages are understood to be a problem for RB Leipzig.
      United fans are now calling for the club to go for a swap deal including Lois Openda, who has scored 14 goals in 24 games so far this season.
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      Sancho has made just three Premier League appearances this season
      Man Utd fans want to sign Lois Openda
      One person wrote: “We want Openda.”
      Another commented: “Good Give us Openda/(Timo) Werner and take Sancho.”
      While a third simply said: “Openda please!”
      Borussia Dortmund have also held an interest in bringing Sancho back in recent months.
      The Bundesliga giants had been keen on the prospect of a swap deal including Donyell Malen.
      However, SunSport exclusively revealed last week that Dortmund had cooled their interest.
      A source said: “The situation with Sancho is turning into a nightmare. Club, manager and player are keen for a deal to happen in January.
      “They’ve been working flat out to try to get something in place. A loan move is in the interest of all parties but, so far, nobody has come in with a firm offer.
      “Dortmund were interested but there is a concern that Sancho won’t be fit enough to hit the ground running, which is putting them off.”
      Read more on The Sun
      Sancho spent four years with Borussia Dortmund before joining Man Utd.
      He scored 50 goals and provided 64 assists in 137 appearances for the German side. More

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      Man Utd ‘want controversial swap transfer for former Leeds star’ in bid to offload Jadon Sancho

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are eyeing a shock swap deal with Barcelona involving Jadon Sancho, according to reports.The Red Devils are open to sending the exiled winger to Spain in order to sweeten a deal for Raphinha.
      Jadon Sancho is looking for a Man Utd escape routeCredit: Alamy
      Man Utd are supposedly open to replacing him with Barcelona’s RaphinhaCredit: Getty
      Man Utd want to sell Sancho in January with him yet to feature since his public fall out with Erik ten Hag.
      The England star has not played since claiming the manager treats him like a “scapegoat” after being left out a matchday squad on September 3.
      And having refusing to apologise to Ten Hag, Sancho is currently banned from first-team training.
      There was interest in the 23-year-old from Juventus, who have since reportedly pulled out the race.
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      RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund and Saudi Arabian clubs remain possible destinations.
      But speculation from Spanish outlet SPORT says that Barcelona could join the battle for him.
      The Catalan giants want to offload Raphinha with Man Utd keen and they are willing to offer Sancho and cash in a deal for the ex-Leeds star.
      However, the Brazilian currently does not want to leave the Nou Camp despite struggling for form this season.
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      Raphinha has scored just two goals in 16 matches this season.
      Claims also suggest that a Saudi Arabian club could tempt him to the Middle East if a return to the Premier League does not materialise.
      The 27-year-old has previously been linked with Chelsea and Tottenham. More

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      Jim Ratcliffe ‘to complete £1.25bn Man Utd investment before Christmas’ but should fans expect much in their stockings?

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE is reportedly set to complete his £1.25billion investment in Manchester United before Christmas.But fans are being warned not to expect their stockings to be full of presents despite the billionaire’s arrival.
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to complete his 25 per cent purchase of Manchester UnitedCredit: AFP
      Jadon Sancho could leave in January but there are unlikely to be any big-name signingsCredit: Getty
      The Ineos chief and lifelong Red Devils supporter is stumping up the mega cash for a 25 per cent stake in the Old Trafford club.
      Talks have rumbled on for months but now the Daily Mail claim it could finally get over the line and announced this week in a big festive boost.
      However, it will likely take between six and eight weeks for approval to come through.
      And to make matters worse, the report adds that immediate big-name transfers and major improvements to Old Trafford are off the cards.
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      SunSport exclusively revealed that Ratcliffe wants to oversee a huge clearout at United – both in the dressing room and the boardroom.
      Richard Arnold is already on his way out as the hunt for a new CEO continues with Dave Brailsford, Jean-Claude Blanc and Dougie Freedman in line.
      On the pitch, Antony and Anthony Martial as well as outcasts Jadon Sancho and Donny van de Beek could all be let go if deals can be agreed.
      But due to Financial Fair Play restrictions, United cannot afford to stump up huge transfer fees to improve the squad in January – despite calls for improvements across the pitch after a stuttering season that has featured 12 defeats from 25 matches and an early Champions League exit.
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      And in a further blow for hopeful Manchester United fans, work will not begin on updating the stadium just yet.
      Part of the £1.25bn investment includes £250million dedicated to the infrastructure with Old Trafford now crumbling, decaying and leaking.
      But while sorting out these problems remains a top priority for Ratcliffe, it is understood those plans are being shelved for the time being.
      United employed architects to draw up various ways of improving Old Trafford – including a full demolition and rebuilding job.
      But the prices of materials have soared over the last year, pushing up the costs of any construction work.
      And it means the £250m would not even be enough just to replace the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand.
      Instead, the Mail report suggests Old Trafford could be given a “facelift”.
      That may include some paintwork around the ground and improved executive suites which in turn will help to drive up much-needed corporate revenue.
      Major improvements to Old Trafford could be put on hold due to rising costsCredit: Alamy
      The billionaire Ineos chief has grand plans to transform his beloved Red DevilsCredit: PA More