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    Tottenham could hijack Barcelona transfer for wonderkid Lucas Bergvall, 17, after Man Utd missed out

    TOTTENHAM are preparing to hijack Barcelona’s move for Swedish prodigy Lucas Bergvall, according to reports.The midfielder, 17, has impressed a host of Europe’s top clubs while playing for Djurgarden in his home country.
    Lucas Bergvall has a number of big clubs chasing his signatureCredit: Getty
    He also had trials with Manchester United three years ago, but ultimately did not sign for the Red Devils.
    Djurgarden’s sporting director, Bo Andersson, recently hinted that a move to the Nou Camp could be on the cards.
    But The Mail now understand Tottenham have made an enquiry for the teenage sensation.
    Box-to-box midfielder Bergvall, who excels with his technical ability and passing range, has scored three goals in 28 appearances for Djurgarden.
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    He also made his debut for Sweden’s national team earlier this month in a 2-1 win over Estonia.
    And Barcelona remain the frontrunners to sign the wonderkid, with a price of £8.5million being reported.
    But Tottenham have now joined a host of other big clubs in pursuing him – along with Newcastle, Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt.
    It comes as Spurs man Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is linked with a move away from North London.
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    The Dane, 28, is being monitored by Fulham and Newcastle and could yet depart before the end of the January window on Thursday.
    But comments from Djurgarden chief Andersson will temper Tottenham’s expectations around signing Bergvall as it appears a Barcelona switch is close.
    He said: “Yes, I can confirm that we have been in contact and in dialogue with Barcelona.
    “But it’s not a negotiation yet. There was some contact with Barcelona last week but this week we haven’t spoken to them.” More

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    Jose Mourinho ‘held talks’ over shock new job with Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler’s old team while still at Roma

    JOSE MOURINHO allegedly held talks with Robbie Fowler’s former club BEFORE he was sacked by Roma.The 60-year-old’s chaotic two-and-a-half year stint at the Stadio Olimpico came to an end a fortnight ago.
    Jose Mourinho held talks over a job at a Middle East club before he was sacked by RomaCredit: Rex
    Robbie Fowler used to manage to Saudi second tier outfit previouslyCredit: Getty
    His contract at Roma was set to finish at the end of the season but they made the decision to terminate it early.
    That resulted in him receiving a £3m payout after being axed – taking Mourinho’s career earnings from sackings to a mega £80m.
    The Portuguese coach won the Europa Conference League in his first season with Roma but he struggled in Serie A.
    They finished sixth in his two full seasons in charge and were way down in ninth when he left and was replaced by club legend Daniele De Rossi as the new manager.
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    The Daily Mirror claim that Mourinho was always going to leave Roma this year and had already held talks regarding another job.
    They state that he “had been in discussions to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadsiah” – the team Liverpool icon Fowler was axed by just four months into the season despite not losing a league game.
    They are currently top of the Saudi First Division League, the tier below the money-mad Saudi Pro League, and now have ex-Sevilla man Michel in charge.
    But this report alleges that “the Spaniard has only been keeping the seat warm for Mourinho” as the Special One had a “tacit agreement with the ambitious Saudi club that he would consider joining them providing they gained promotion to the Saudi Pro League” this term.
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    Mourinho’s sacking has led to approaches “from other interested parties” as Al-Qadsiah are not keen on making any changes that could disrupt their promotion charge.
    The report states that “Napoli are considering replacing under pressure Walter Mazzarri” with the ex-Chelsea and Manchester United manager while fellow Saudi side Al-Shabab were rebuffed by Mourinho. More

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    Chelsea target Karim Benzema ‘lined up for mystery transfer outside of Europe as he tries to escape Al-Ittihad’

    KARIM BENZEMA is being lined up with a move to another Saudi Arabian club, according to reports.The striker joined Al-Ittihad in the summer, ending his 14-year stay at Real Madrid.
    Karim Benzema could join another Saudi clubCredit: Getty
    He penned a lucrative deal with the Saudi side and is believed to be earning £83.5million a year.
    However Benzema has become unsettled at the club and has been linked with a transfer this month.
    Chelsea and Manchester United registered an interest in a loan deal but finances proved a sticking point.
    Benzema, 36, could still leave Al-Ittihad this month with L’Equipe reporting talks are underway to move the striker to a club based in Riyadh – Saudi Arabia’s capital.
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    Former club Lyon have also shown an interest in their former star with the club languishing towards the bottom of Ligue Un.
    United reportedly held talks to sign Benzema with club chiefs keen to add more experience to the frontline alongside Rasmus Hojlund.
    But with Benzema one of the highest earners in world football it has proved tricky to lure him away.
    The five-time Champions League winner has pushed to move however and was made to train alone earlier this month after returning to Al-Ittihad 17 days late after a holiday.
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    Benzema was due to report for training on January 2 but a source close to the club claim Al-Ittihad were unable to contact him for 10 days.
    He then took a further five days to return to report back for training with the club.
    Benzema also deactivated his Instagram, which has 36million followers, while he holidayed in Mauritius with his ex-wife Chloe de Launay. More

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    Five Premier League transfers that could still go through this week as cash-strapped clubs make last-ditch moves

    THE January transfer window has been a busy time of year for clubs in previous years.Last year’s window broke records thanks in large part to Chelsea’s huge spending spree, but this winter could hardly be more different.
    The likes of Conor Gallagher have an uncertain future ahead of the transfer deadlineCredit: Rex
    Instead of splashing the cash, clubs have been pinching pockets to ensure they comply with Premier League profit and sustainability rules.
    This has seen a number of low cost or loan deals come about as opposed to huge spending.
    For some clubs, however, complying with financial rules also means selling players.
    SunSport have looked at five transfers which could still go through before Thursday’s transfer deadline.
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    Jhon Duran
    Aston Villa star Jhon Duran is the most likely target for the Blues this monthCredit: Alamy
    It is no secret that Chelsea are after a new frontman, and Aston Villa star Jhon Duran appears to be their man after the Blues stepped up their interest last week.
    The 20-year-old has been billed as the most realistic target for Mauricio Pochettino’s side considering his young age and smaller wages compared to other targets such as Karim Benzema.
    Conor Gallagher
    Gallagher remains heavily linked to Tottenham before the window shutsCredit: Getty
    While Chelsea want to sign a forward, their huge transfer outlay means the club must sell, with Tottenham-linked Conor Gallagher representing pure profit from an FFP perspective due to coming through the academy.
    Reports have suggested Chelsea want £50m for Gallagher, who has captained the team for most of the season and has just 18 months left on his contract at Stamford Bridge.
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    Miguel Almiron
    Miguel Almiron could be sold to help Newcastle comply with FFPCredit: Getty
    Miguel Almiron looks set to be the main casualty of Newcastle’s need to comply with financial fair play rules as Al Shabad and Al Ahli have emerged as potential destinations for the 29-year-old.
    The Toon are preparing for his exit with belts tightened at St. James’ Park after the club posted losses of £73.4m in their 2022/23 accounts.
    Kieran Dewsbury-Hall
    A transfer for Kieran Dewsbury-Hall will depend on whether Brighton or Brentford match Leicester’s asking priceCredit: Getty
    Kieran Dewsbury-Hall has been linked with a Premier League return in recent days with Brighton and Brentford both keeping tabs on the Leicester star.
    However, any deal will depend on the clubs meeting the Foxes asking price of £35m, with talks being held.
    Jacob Ramsey
    Eddie Howe denied reports saying Newcastle have made an approach for £50m-rated Jacob RamseyCredit: Getty
    Aston Villa Jacob Ramsey has attracted interest from a number of top clubs both in England and abroad, namely Tottenham, Newcastle and Bayern Munich, with a reported price tag upwards of £50m.
    Reports suggested Newcastle have made an approach to sign the 22-year-old, though Eddie Howe swiftly denied a move had been made. More

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    Man Utd and Chelsea ‘linked with late transfer swoop for Barcelona flop’ who’s worth a staggering £216m

    CHELSEA and Manchester United are both keen on signing former Barcelona star Martin Braithwaite.The clubs both need to strengthen their forward lines and are battling it out to bring the Espanyol striker to the Premier League.
    Chelsea and Manchester United are keen to sign Espanyol striker Martin BraithwaiteCredit: Rex
    The January transfer window comes to an end on Thursday at 11pm.
    And Braithwaite – who is also a successful businessman with a £216m empire – could end up being a last-minute signing.
    The 32-year-old is the top scorer in the Spanish second division this season with 11 goals.
    Espanyol sit fifth in the table and are in the fight for an immediate promotion back to La Liga.
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    However, an unusual detail in the striker’s contract means Chelsea and United would prefer to sign him this summer.
    He currently has a £6million release clause in his contract, which expires next summer.
    But should Espanyol get promoted, he will be able to leave for free.
    If the club remains in the second tier the forward will be worth £500,000.
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    Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag needs to add firepower up front, with neither Marcus Rashford or Rasmus Hojlund reaching ten goals yet this season.
    The Blues are still in a transition period, with Mauricio Pochettino’s misfiring side stumbling to a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa on Friday.
    Braithwaite’s hopes of making Denmark’s Euro 2024 squad would be boosted if he can secure top-flight football.
    The Dane was at Barcelona for two-and-a-half years, scoring ten goals in 58 games.
    But he was released by the Catalan giants after he reportedly refused to have his contract mutually terminated, leading to claims he held Barca to “ransom”. More

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    When does the 2024 January transfer window close? All info as Premier League teams scramble before deadline day

    TIME is running out for clubs to get their business done in the January transfer window – and there could be some blockbuster deals in the pipeline.Jadon Sancho was frozen out of the Manchester United first team by Erik ten Hag before returning to Borussia Dortmund on loan.
    Jadon Sancho went on loan back to Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty
    Timo Werner completed a shock loan move to TottenhamCredit: Rex
    Ex-Chelsea star Timo Werner made a shock switch from RB Leipzig to join up with Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham.
    And all eyes are on Brentford’s talisman Ivan Toney as teams circle in an attempt to land his signature this winter.
    But when exactly does the January transfer window slam shut?
    When does the January transfer window close?
    The January transfer window will officially close for Premier League sides THIS Thursday, February 1 at 11pm GMT.
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    However, leagues across Europe have agreed to the same deadline to make sure that deals cannot be completed outside of the window in England.
    This means clubs in La Liga, Ligue 1, Serie A and the Bundesliga also have to wrap up their deals by Thursday, February 1 at 11pm.
    It is the same time for the Championship clubs and the rest of the EFL.
    What notable deals have been completed in the January transfer window?
    Jadon Sancho returning back to Borussia Dortmund from Manchester United has been arguably the biggest deal of the window.
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    However, another huge deal this January is out-of-favour Manchester City star Kalvin Phillips making the loan switch to West Ham.
    Kalvin Phillips made the switch from Man City to West HamCredit: Getty
    Tottenham have also been busy as they recruited Timo Werner on loan as well as beating Bayern Munich to former Genoa star Radu Dragusin for £25million.
    In terms of outgoings, Chelsea starlet Ian Maatsen joined Borussia Dortmund during the same week as Sancho.
    And Sergio Reguilon ended his loan spell with the Red Devils before joining Brentford in another loan deal. More

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    Virgil van Dijk throws Liverpool future in doubt as he drops huge quit hint after Jurgen Klopp announces summer exit

    VIRGIL VAN DIJK has thrown his Liverpool future into doubt following Jurgen Klopp’s announcement that he will step down as manager.The centre-back has just 18 months remaining on his contract and he refused to commit his long-term future to the club.
    Virgil van Dijk refused to commit his long-term future to LiverpoolCredit: Getty
    The centre-back has impressed in the Premier League this season
    Van Dijk, 32, was asked if he will be part of the next era at Anfield after Klopp leaves at the end of the season.
    He replied saying: “That’s a big question. I don’t know.
    “The club will have a big job on their hands. To replace not only the manager but the whole staff, there are so many things that will change.
    “I’m very curious which direction that will go in but when that will be announced we will see our situation. I can’t say much about it.
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    “Obviously it will be the end of Jurgen Klopp’s era. I am very glad that I am still part of it. That is why I don’t like to speak about it. I am still part of it.
    “That is my main focus and we will see at the end of the season. Hopefully, we have the success that we all dream of and fight for each day and, by then, there will probably be more clarification for what the club wants for the future and then we will see.”
    Several key figures are set to leave the club including sporting director Jorg Schmadtke and coaches Pep Lijnders, Peter Krawietz and Vitor Matos.
    It appears Van Dijk is waiting to see who arrives as their replacements before deciding his future.
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    But he was adamant the squad’s mentality is still the same following Klopp’s decision to step down.
    He added: “Nothing has really changed. Obviously things will change at the end of the season and in the new season but at the moment it doesn’t and we have to keep doing the same things.
    “It’s easier said than done but I sense the rest of the boys think like that as well and it is the job for me to ensure we keep it that way. Today [Norwich match] was a good day. The manager said it in his press conference: ask everything there and then we go back to focusing on what we want to achieve.

    “That’s how I see it as well. We can speak about the situation about what will happen next year every week but it doesn’t change. It’s noise we don’t need and that’s why we focus on getting the job done and that’s why I feel nothing has changed.
    “It is still the same but at the end of the season there will be different things happening of course but that is for the club to sort out.”
    Former Red Xabi Alonso is the favourite to take over at Anfield following his success with Bayer Leverkusen, guiding the German club to the Bundesliga summit.
    While Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and Tottenham’s Ange Postecoglou are also understood to be on Liverpool’s radar.
    Jurgen Klopp has won five major honours with LiverpoolVan Dijk’s illustrious Anfield careerBy Tony Robertson

    VIRGIL VAN DIJK has been one of the best defenders in world football since joining Liverpool in January 2018.
    The Dutchman, 32, became the club captain this season following the exit of Jordan Henderson, though he has always been a central figure of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
    He helped the Reds end their 30-year English league title drought and has also helped to deliver the Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup.
    Individual awards have also been no stranger to the imperious defender.
    He has been named in the PFA Player of the Year three times, the Uefa Team of the Year three times, Fifa FIFPRO World XI three times and been named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season. He also finished runner up in the Ballon d’Or in 2019.
    His Liverpool record, with 246 appearances and 21 goals, has seen him named the Reds Players’ Player of the Season and Fans’ Player of the Season. More

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    West Ham re-open transfer talks to sign Jota and end former Celtic star’s Saudi Arabian hell

    WEST HAM have re-opened talks to sign ex-Celtic forward Jota from Al-Ittihad.The Portuguese winger, 24, joined the Saudi Pro League champions for £25million in July but has endured a nightmare stint in the Middle East.
    Jota could end his Saudi Arabian nightmare before the end of the windowCredit: Getty
    Al-Ittihad failed to register him to play in the league as the division’s rules state each club is only allowed eight foreign players in their squad.
    It means he has not featured in the Saudi Pro League since the start of September.
    He has played just six times over the last four and a half months, with those appearances coming in the AFC Champions League and Club World Cup.
    SunSport exclusively revealed back in November that his old Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou was weighing up a move for him in the January window as he looks to bolster his Tottenham side.
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    But now it appears West Ham are eyeing a deal for the attacker.
    The switch would be a loan move if David Moyes’ men are able to get it over the line – after they ended their interest in Nordsjaelland teenager Ibrahim Osman.
    But it is also understood there is a tax issue involved in the deal for Jota which could prove difficult to resolve.
    This is because Jota would have to pay a huge amount of tax to HMRC should he return to Britain having earned a tax-free salary in the Middle East.
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    Jota’s Saudi Arabian nightmareJota moved for £25million from Celtic to Al-Ittihad in the summer – with the Saudi Pro League champions also signing Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante.
    Yet his time in the Middle East has been a nightmare as Al-Ittihad decided not to register him for their squad to compete in the Saudi Pro League.
    That was due to the division’s rules that clubs are only allowed eight foreign players in their contingent.
    It means he has played 11 times since leaving Celtic and just six times since September.
    And he now appears to have joined the likes of Jordan Henderson, Aymeric Laporte and Karim Benzema in wanting out of Saudi Arabia.

    Foot Mercato are reporting positive talks have taken place between the clubs and that all parties believe an agreement can be reached.
    Jota, who has scored two goals for Al-Ittihad, is waiting to be given the green light to travel to the UK to undergo his West Ham medical.
    He is just the latest in a line of ex-European-based stars to be disgruntled by life in Saudi Arabia.
    Jordan Henderson left Liverpool for Al-Ettifaq in the summer, only to terminate his own contract and sign for Ajax earlier this month.
    Jota’s team-mate and Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema is being heavily linked with a move away from Al-Ittihad.
    And former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte recently slammed the Riyadh traffic in a scathing assessment of the country’s transport network. More