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    Premier League clubs set to vote on January transfer rule change that would be a huge blow to Newcastle

    PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are set to vote on a huge rule change ahead of the January transfer window.And should it go through, the laws would be a big blow for Newcastle.
    Ruben Neves’ possible loan from Al-Hilal to Newcastle in January could be bannedCredit: Getty
    Premier League clubs are set to vote on new transfer rules preventing clubs with the same owners from transferring playersCredit: AP
    Premier League clubs are prepared to vote on a proposal to ban loans between associated clubs with the same owners.
    The report claims the 20 top-flight sides may fast-track the new temporary legislation at the next shareholders meeting on November 21.
    A minimum of 14 votes are required from the 20 clubs – a two-thirds majority – in order to pass the new rule through immediately.
    That would be enough to cover the January window before a long-term solution is found in time for the summer.
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    The idea is that the Premier League want to protect the integrity of the competition.
    The suggested rule is not explicitly being put forward to stop Ruben Neves from joining Newcastle on loan – although that would be a deal in jeopardy.
    Both the Toon and Al-Hilal are majority-owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
    As things stand, there is nothing preventing a club signing a player and then loaning or even selling the same individual to one of their other teams when the transfer market reopens.
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    And that means Al-Hilal, who signed Neves from Wolves for £47million in the summer, could strike a deal with Newcastle to allow the Portuguese midfielder to move to St James’ Park in 2024.
    The Magpies are on the hunt for a midfielder after flagship summer transfer Sandro Tonali was banned for ten months for betting offences.
    Premier League bosses have been privately lobbied by some club chiefs after the potential of Newcastle landing the Portuguese star on loan was reported by SunSport last month.
    League chiefs will point to the adoption of the demand for “fair market value” in all related party transactions – including permanent transfers and sponsorship deals – as the blueprint.
    It is felt that the current exclusion of similar measures for loans is an anomaly that should be removed.
    The Premier League outlines related parties as having “material influence over the club or (being) an entity in the same group of companies as the club”.
    It adds that their discretion is based on the “substance of the relationship and not merely the legal form”.
    Newcastle and four Saudi clubs including Al-Hilal would meet that criteria.
    Manchester City would, too, with the other clubs in the City Football Group, including surprise LaLiga leaders Girona, Palermo and New York City.
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    Brighton are linked with Belgian side Union Saint Gilloise while Chelsea and Strasbourg have the same owners.
    So that could lead to a possible backlash from some clubs – although the 14-vote threshold is expected to be met. More

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    Ex-Man Utd ace sold by Sir Alex Ferguson takes ‘one of football’s most daunting jobs’ with 18 players BOYCOTTING team

    ASHLEY WESTWOOD has taken charge of one of the most “daunting jobs” in football.The former Manchester United prospect has been named manager of the Afghanistan national team.
    Ashley Westwood has been named Afghanistan managerCredit: X/AfghanFootball_
    He has been given a one-year contractCredit: Twitter
    Westwood, 47, has signed a one-year contract and has his first match in just eight days.
    The retired defender’s first clash will be against Qatar in a World Cup qualifier.
    However, his biggest task will be getting a team together as 18 stars are currently boycotting the Afghanistan Federation.
    This is due to the allegations that there is corruption within the federation with the players not coming back until President Mohammad Yuosef Kargar resigns.
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    Speaking about the current issues, Westwood said: “I understand player’s concerns and issues.
    “At the end of the day I want to play for me and for this country.
    “I will quickly now go into camp in Qatar with 25 players and I will start to form opinions of the players and how they run and conduct themselves.
    “We will start to make quick decisions about players and those who do not have the right commitment will not be picked.”
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    Noor Husin is one of the players boycotting the teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Former Notts County and Afghanistan ace Noor Husin is one of the players who are currently boycotting the team.
    The now Southend star has claimed that money is being taken that is supposed to help football “grow”.
    He told The Guardian: “I’ve been in the national team for four years now and this issue has always been here
    “None of us come for the money – it’s a great honour to represent the national team and we all fly from different parts of the world.
    “But we’ve seen the corruption inside the federation, how they take the money that they are supposed to be using to help football grow.”
    Westwood never made a senior appearance for the Red Devils before he was sold to Crewe by manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
    He went on to have a colourful career as he played for the likes of Bradford City, Sheffield Wednesday, Northampton Town, Wrexham, Kettering Town and Portsmouth.
    After hanging up his boots he entered the world of football coaching and was named player-manager at Kettering Town.
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    Westwood played for Sheffield Wednesday during his careerCredit: Getty
    He then went on to manage Indian Super League outfit Bengaluru FC and Malaysian side Penang Football Club.
    His most recent job saw him take charge of Punjab FC back in the ISL. More

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    Arsenal, Fulham and Liverpool ‘send scouts to Copa Libertadores final’ tracking Brazil star with transfer agreement

    ARSENAL and Liverpool sent scouts to watch transfer target Andre Trindade in the Copa Libertadores final, according to reports.The midfielder impressed as he helped Fluminense win their first Copa Libertadores title.
    Andre Trindade is wanted by Liverpool, Arsenal and FulhamCredit: AFP
    The midfielder helped Fluminense win the Copa Libertadores at the weekendCredit: AFP
    Trindade, 22, has been monitored by Premier League clubs for several months but he was keen to stay at Fluminense.
    He wanted to help them win the Copa Libertadores and although he could now leave, Fluminense will not sell before the Club World Cup which takes place next month.
    According to Brazilian outlet Globo, Liverpool, Arsenal and Fulham have all sent scouts to watch Trindade.
    The Reds had a £26million offer for the Brazil international rejected in the summer.
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    It is believed Fluminense want closer to £30m to let Trindade leave.
    That means the interested Prem trio would all be able to afford him, with Fulham and Arsenal potentially in most need of a midfielder.
    Fulham had to reject interest in Joao Palhinha in the summer from West Ham and Bayern Munich.
    Meanwhile, reports claim Thomas Partey has told the Gunners he wants to leave amid interest from Juventus.
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    However one journalist has claimed Trindade has verbally agreed to join Liverpool.
    The defensive midfielder has amassed a total of four goals and three assists in 161 appearances for Fluminense. More

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    Ex-Chelsea star Marcos Alonso ‘holds talks over swapping Champions League clubs’ in free transfer from Barcelona

    FORMER Chelsea star Marcos Alonso is reportedly in talks to leave Barcelona for Atletico Madrid.The Spanish defender, 32, moved to the Nou Camp a year ago following a six-year spell at Stamford Bridge.
    Ex-Chelsea star Marcos Alonso could leave Barcelona for Atletico Madrid in a free moveCredit: Getty
    He impressed with 37 appearances last season as Barcelona clinched their first LaLiga title since 2019.
    But Football Transfers claims Alonso is already making plans for when his contract expires next summer.
    Cash-strapped Barca are unlikely to offer the left-back a new deal.
    And Alonso is now said to be in talks with rivals Atletico over a free transfer in 2024.
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    A move to the Wanda Metropolitano would see Alonso reunited with ex-Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta and former Blues striker Alvaro Morata.
    Diego Simeone’s five-man defence suits Alonso to a tee, with the ace also capable of playing at centre-back.
    And it would make Alonso the latest player to star for both Barcelona and Atletico, with Antoine Griezmann the most recent after his to-and-fro transfers.
    Alonso would also have the honour of playing for all three of Spain’s top clubs, having started his career at Real Madrid.
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    He played just once for Los Blancos in the 2009/10 season before heading to England with Bolton.
    Spells at Sunderland and Fiorentina followed for Alonso.
    But he finally got his big break in 2016 when Chelsea signed him for £24million.
    Alonso made an immediate impact as he played a starring role in Antonio Conte’s debut Premier League title win.
    He went on to win an FA Cup, Europa League and Champions League in London, scoring 29 goals across 212 games in the process.
    Alonso has since netted three times in 44 matches since his free transfer to Barcelona.
    And with seven appearances under his belt already this term, he could yet have a big say in this season’s title race. More

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    Forgotten Premier League star signs for League Two side on free transfer after 4 months unemployed following Watford axe

    EX-PREMIER LEAGUE star Dan Gosling has signed for a new club after being unemployed for four months.The 33-year-old was released by Watford in the summer despite recovering from a serious Achilles injury.
    Dan Gosling has joined Notts CountyCredit: Getty
    He has now penned a two-month deal at League Two side Notts County.
    A club statement read: “We’re delighted to add a player of Dan’s pedigree to the squad at such an important time.
    “We believe his obvious quality and experience will enable him to help the team in the short-term.
    “Throughout his career Dan has proven himself to be a hard-working, tenacious and highly accomplished midfielder at the top levels of the game.”
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    Fans were buzzing over the signing, one said: “Hell of a signing for League Two. Top pro. Good luck Gozza.”
    Gosling came through the ranks at Plymouth before moves to Premier League sides Everton and Newcastle.

    The former England Under-21 star then spent six years at Bournemouth, playing 193 times for the club as the Cherries earned promoted and then established themselves in the top-flight.
    A move to Watford followed in 2021, but injuries plagued his time at Vicarage Road as he made just 36 appearances.
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    He slammed his former team-mates, claiming “disgraceful attitudes” resulted in relegation a year after he joined.
    Gosling arrives at Notts County to replace Matt Palmer, who will miss the remainder of the season with a knee problem.
    The club are eyeing back-to-back promotions with them currently second in the League Two table. More

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    Newcastle’s ‘three-man January transfer shortlist revealed’ with Kalvin Phillips top plus double raid on Saudi Arabia

    NEWCASTLE manager Eddie Howe has reportedly added Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips to his transfer shortlist.The Magpies are keen to bolster their midfield in the wake of Sandro Tonali’s 10-month ban from football.
    Newcastle want to sign Kalvin PhillipsCredit: Alamy
    Ruben Neves is also a targetCredit: Getty
    The Magpies have expressed an interest in Gabri VeigaCredit: Getty
    Tonali was hit with the suspension last month after being found guilty of illegal betting.
    He is set to be unavailable until August as a result.
    Howe has now established a list of three midfield targets for the January transfer window as he looks to fill the void left by Tonali.
    And according to Football Insider, former Leeds star Phillips is at the top of his wishlist.
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    Phillips joined Man City from Leeds in a £45million transfer last summer, but he has been limited to just 28 appearances across all competitions.
    Pep Guardiola is now willing to let him leave in January if the price is right.
    Newcastle are also said to be exploring the Saudi Pro League for midfield reinforcements.
    Former Wolves star Ruben Neves is among the targets.
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    The Portugal international joined Al-Hilal in a £47m transfer earlier this year, but Howe wants to bring him back to the Premier League.
    Gabri Veiga could also emerge as a top target.
    The 21-year-old swapped Celta Vigo for Al-Ahli in August despite being targeted by some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea.
    His decision to move to Saudi Arabia prompted criticism from Real Madrid icon Toni Kroos, who branded it “embarrassing”.
    Newcastle have also been linked with in-form Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface.
    The Magpies currently sit sixth in the Premier League table, seven points behind leaders Man City.
    Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali has been banned from football for 10 monthsCredit: PA More

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    Fierce rivals Sunderland and Middlesbrough to lock horns in transfer race for Championship wonderkid

    SUNDERLAND and Middlesbrough are in a North East tug-of-war for rising star Nathaniel Adjei.The battle for the talented 21-year-old is not solely limited to these two bitter rivals, however, with fellow Championship promotion rivals Preston North End also keen on the Ghanaian defender.
    Nathaniel Adjei currently plays for Hammarby in SwedenCredit: Getty
    Hammarby have only lost three league games with Adjei in the line-up this seasonCredit: Getty
    All three want the blossoming centre back on loan in January to help give their chances of reaching the Premier League an extra push.
    Adjei is currently with Swedish top-flight side Hammarby but has alerted scouts in England after already being tracked by Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers.
    Rangers sent scouts to watch him play last month.
    But his options could come from far wider than just the UK, with teams in Belgium and Italy also interested, according to Sky Sports.
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    Adjei is enjoying a fine breakthrough season, having helped Hammarby reach sixth in the table after 29 games.
    A regular starter, he has played in all but nine league games to date, as well as in both of their UEFA Champions League qualifiers.
    In May, Adjei also netted his first goal as a pro.
    When in the lineup, Hammarby have only lost three league games, compared to five without.
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    Their season is set to come to a close following their game against Halmstad on November 12.
    Unfortunately for Hammarby, with fifth the highest possible finishing position in the league, a European berth is no longer on the table.
    The towering 6-foot-2 defender was signed by Hammarby TFF in the Swedish third division on loan in August 2022.
    Come June, he was signed permanently by their main team by manager Marti Cifuentes – who now calls Loftus Road home.
    Adjei’s current contract runs through July 2026.
    In June, he also made his debut for Ghana at the Africa U-23 Cup Of Nations. More

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    Former Arsenal star opens up on ‘catastrophic’ time in brutally honest interview following shock transfer to Euro giants

    CHUBA AKPOM has opened up about the start of his Ajax career, which he has labelled as a “catastrophe”.The former Arsenal striker joined the Dutch giants in the summer in a shock £10.5million transfer from Middlesbrough.
    Chuba Akpom has opened on up life at AjaxCredit: TikTok
    Akpom has scored three goals for AjaxCredit: Rex
    He joined the club from MiddlesbroughCredit: Getty
    Akpom, 28, has not enjoyed the best start to life at his new club.
    Ajax currently sit 11th in the Eredivisie after losing five of their first ten games of the league season.
    The poor form had seen the side drop all the way to the bottom of the league at one point.
    The club has started to rebuild their season in recent weeks with back-to-back wins.
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    Akpom has played his role in the victories scoring three goals off of the bench.
    After the game against Heereveen, Akpom opened up on his time in Holland so far.
    He admitted to not being settled at the club.
    He told ESPN: “It’s been a catastrophe, personally and for the team.
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    “I haven’t felt settled for two months, it’s only this week that I’ve felt settled.
    “I’ve been in a hotel by myself, I’ve not been playing and I feel like I’ve been alone here, but this week I feel back to my normal self.”
    Akpom’s upturn in form has come with the change of manager.
    Maurice Steijn was sacked as manager in October and replaced by John Van ‘t Schip.
    Akpom has praised his new boss for helping improve his mood by speaking to him about his life and not just football.
    He added: “The manager came and spoke to me straight away, on a human level not a football level.
    “He asked how I am, how my family is.
    “We’re footballers but we’re human beings firstly and I really appreciated that little chat with the manager and the assistant.
    Akpom came through the Arsenal academyCredit: Getty
    “But, it’s been really tough for me.
    “I try to stay professional and keep working, but a new country, new environment, new team, in a hotel – it’s really a struggle.”
    Expectations were high for Akpom following his switch from Boro as he was coming off the back of an exceptional season in the Championship.
    The strike finished the season as the league’s top scorer having netted 28 goals in 38 appearances.
    Akpom graduated from Arsenal’s academy and made 12 appearances for their first team before joining Greek side PAOK in 2020.
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    During his Gunners stint, he had loan spells at Brentford, Coventry, Nottingham Forest, Hull, Brighton and Sint-Truidense V.V..
    Following two years in Greece, he signed for Middlesbrough in 2020. More