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    Real Madrid line up summer transfer for Man City’s Erling Haaland as agent heads to Bernabeu and release clause emerges

    ERLING HAALAND could be the subject of a transfer tug-of-war in the summer after his agent was reportedly spotted at Real Madrid’s stadium.The Manchester City ace, who has already scored 15 goals this season, has remained in the Spanish giants’ background plans since emerging as one of European football’s most lethal forwards.
    Erling Haaland’s agent was reportedly spotted attending Real Madrid’s match vs BragaCredit: Getty
    Real Madrid are said to be eyeing a move for the Man City ace when his release clause becomes activeCredit: Getty
    Haaland’s agent Rafaela Pimenta has said she always seeks to gives clients ‘options’Credit: INSTAGRAM/Rafaela Pimenta
    Speculation has been rife that Madrid could launch a bid to try and prise the 23-year-old away from Pep Guardiola’s side.
    And this has showed no sign of cooling after Haaland’s agent Rafaela Pimenta was spotted at the Bernabeu to watch Real Madrid’s win over Braga in the Champions League on Wednesday, according to AS.
    That is despite Pimenta not representing any men’s players from either club.
    The report adds that Haaland’s long-term future could be thrown into doubt thanks to a release clause which activates in the summer.
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    That being said, Madrid would need a cough up £175million to match the clause.
    Pimenta, the successor to the late Mino Raiola’s agency empire, has previously insisted on always giving clients options for the future.
    She previously told AS: “I am in favor of freedom. It’s my battle. 
    “One of my priorities as an agent is to offer the player what I call ‘the key to the door’. 
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    “When the player goes to a club I do everything to create the conditions so that the key to the door is in his hands.”
    However, the report suggests there are currently no negotiations ongoing between the parties over a move for Haaland, with such discussions being saved til the summer.
    The Norwegian finished runner-up in this year’s Ballon d’Or behind Lionel Messi, but did claim the Gerd Muller prize for deadliest striker as a consolation.
    Madrid have reportedly had a tough time making a choice between signing Haaland or Kylian Mbappe.
    A report from Italy had suggested they had picked Mbappe over Haaland to combine with new superstar Jude Bellingham.
    This was followed up by reports in Spain saying they had chosen not to sign Mbappe and would instead pick the ex-Borussia Dortmund star. More

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    Eddie Howe breaks silence over controversial Ruben Neves transfer as Prem rivals eye rule change to block Newcastle deal

    EDDIE HOWE hinted Newcastle will fight Premier League rivals over a proposed ban on them loaning players from Saudi Arabia – after admitting he admires Ruben Neves.Premier League clubs will vote later this month on whether to block January loans between teams with the same owners.
    Ruben Neves is a transfer target for Newcastle following Sandro Tonali’s banCredit: Getty
    Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund owns four Pro League clubs in the Gulf nation as well as Newcastle.
    The Toon are scouring the market for midfield reinforcements following Sandro Tonali’s ten-month suspension for illegal betting.
    Neves, 26, plays for PIF-controlled Al-Hilal and is believed to be keen on a Prem return less than five months after leaving Wolves for £47million.
    And Toon boss Howe said: “He was a player we liked when at Wolves.
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    “We are open to signing players from anywhere if they’re good enough and make us better.”
    When asked if Newcastle would fight the changes, Howe added: “You can make that assumption.”
    Premier League chiefs will meet on November 21 to discuss the rule changes, with 14 votes needed for the proposal to be passed.
    They could also restrict Newcastle’s potential to strike sponsorship deals with PIF-owned companies unless they table other bids of the same value.
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    And Howe – who returns to Bournemouth tomorrow – added: “We have to wait and see what the result of that vote is.”
    Elsewhere, the Magpies have been linked with Copenhagen’s brilliantly-named winger Roony Bardghji.
    The 17-year-old scored the Danish side’s winner against Manchester United in the Champions League on Wednesday and is being tracked by a number of top European sides.
    Eddie Howe opened up on the possible ban introduced by the Premier LeagueCredit: Rex More

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    Chelsea and Newcastle eyeing transfer swoop for brilliantly-named Champions League wonderkid who broke Man Utd hearts

    NEWCASTLE have reportedly joined the transfer race chasing Manchester United’s brilliantly-named nemesis.But they could face competition from mega-spenders Chelsea for the talented teen.
    Roony Bardghji is attracting transfer interest from around Europe – including Newcastle and ChelseaCredit: Rex
    Roony Bardghji stunned the Red Devils in the Champions League on Wednesday night with his dramatic 87th-minute winner for Copenhagen.
    That prompted superb chants of “Roony, Roony” from the home fans in a cheeky dig at United’s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney.
    But the 17-year-old sensation was already gaining plenty of interest – and not just because he is a Football Manager wonderkid.
    Chelsea were linked with the exciting winger back in 2021 – as were Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Ajax.
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    And now, according to Jeunes Footeux, Newcastle – who look set to miss out on Ruben Neves in January – have sent scouts over to the Danish capital to watch Bardghji in action.
    It is understood a Magpies scout was even in the crowd for Wednesday’s magic moment as he came off the bench to seal the memorable 4-3 victory.
    Brighton, Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leizpig are also said to be monitoring his incredible progress.
    The fine finish past Andre Onana was Bardghji’s 11th goal in 24 appearances this season – and 15th in 57 games overall.
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    Born in Kuwait in 2005, he moved to Sweden seven years later and shone in Malmo’s academy before transferring to Copenhagen in 2020.
    Bardghji made his Copenhagen senior debut just six days after his 16th birthday – then got his first goal just a week later.
    The Sweden Under-21 international – who already has two Danish Superliga winner’s medals and lifted the Danish Cup last season – is under contract until December 2025.
    But it seems inevitable he will have plenty of offers from some of Europe’s top clubs to leave before then.
    Speaking after the youngster’s breakthrough in 2021, then-Copenhagen boss Jess Thorup said: “It is not the intention that they (Copenhagen’s young stars) should just be here for a few matches and then move on.
    “They should preferably stay here for a few years and help Copenhagen achieve good results.
    “But when the time is right and the really big clubs are there, then that can be the springboard.
    “But right now, he’s just going to play a hell of a lot of games for Copenhagen and make a difference, and that’s hopefully what we’ll see.”
    Bardghji fired past Andre Onana to spark wild scenes inCredit: AFP More

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    Mauricio Pochettino will NOT decide on Chelsea transfers in January with board keen for boss to ‘focus on coaching’

    CHELSEA manager Mauricio Pochettino will not have influence in the club’s transfer activity this January.The Blues have already spent over £1billion in the last three transfer windows after owner Todd Boehly took over in the summer last year.
    Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino will have no influence on January transfersCredit: Getty
    According to transfer insider David Ornstein, the West Londoners will go back in the next market for more reinforcement.
    This time Chelsea are hoping to sign an “elite” striker but may have to opt for a versatile forward that can spearhead the attack instead.
    However, recruitment will be handled exclusively by co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart with support from Boehly.
    Pochettino will have “an input” but very limited as he won’t even be able to veto Winstanley and Stewart’s choices.
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    That is because the Chelsea hierarchy want the Argentine tactician to focus on coaching the team after a turbulent start to the season.
    Pochettino’s side has already been linked with the likes of Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Brighton’s Evan Ferguson and Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface.
    However, the ex-Tottenham manager is also set to welcome Christopher Nkunku back from knee injury for the second half of the season.
    Ornstein wrote for The Athletic: “Lautaro Martinez, Benjamin Sesko, Evan Ferguson and Victor Boniface are mentioned to me a lot by people who work in recruitment.
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    “The demand continues to outstrip the supply. It’s not absolutely guaranteed that clubs such as Chelsea end up signing a pure No 9… Maybe they instead go for a more flexible forward who can contribute goals.
    “Chelsea also have Christopher Nkunku coming back, although they will probably lose Nicolas Jackson to the AFCON.
    “Their recruitment will be led by co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, with support from the owners.
    “My understanding is that Mauricio Pochettino will have an input but that’s about it; no veto, increased power or anything like that.
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    Pochettino will have some input but no power or veto on Chelsea transfersCredit: Rex
    “Chelsea want him to focus on coaching the team and despite some of their results so far this season, I think he’s showing promising signs and will do a really good job.
    “There is a very good chance they will recruit somebody in attack this January and if it’s going to be a No9 the idea would be for it to be an elite one, because they already have Jackson and Armando Broja who will continue to develop.
    “It’s clear they need more potency up front if they are to start scoring more goals, so you can understand why they’re looking to the market.” More

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    Man Utd outcast Anthony Martial wanted by Inter Milan on free transfer to replace former Red Devils target

    INTER MILAN are on the hunt for a forward and are eyeing up Manchester United outcast Anthony Martial, a report claims.After eight years at the Red Devils, the Frenchman seems to be in his final stages at Old Trafford and he could be sold on a free transfer in January.
    Anthony Martial is lined up for a move to Inter MilanCredit: Alamy
    Martial is set to replace former Manchester United target Marko ArnautovicCredit: Reuters
    Martial, 27, has been struggling for game time this term having only played 220 minutes in the league.
    With hopes of landing a place in the French squad for Euro 2024 he will need to secure more appearances.
    And a move to Serie A side Inter Milan could do the trick.
    According to Calciomercato, Inter are ready to make a move on the forward as they aim to replace Marko Arnautovic.
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    The Austrian striker returned to Milan in the summer after 13 years but has unfortunately been sidelined with a hamstring injury.
    Inter’s owner Giuseppe Marotta does not want to gamble with the 34-year-old’s fitness any more and is ready to make a move for Martial.
    The report claims, the chief might secure the Frenchman on a free transfer as United could first accept a loan deal and then £10.5 million for a permanent signing.
    Man Utd had their eyes on Arnautovic last summer but had a £7.6m bid rejected for the ex-West Ham star.
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    Meanwhile,Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to complete his £1.3bn buy-in for a 25 per cent stake of the Red Devils on Monday.
    The British billionaire is prepared to offload players as he cracks down on how the club have blown £1.4billion on transfers in the last decade.
    This includes Martial who arrived in 2015 from Monaco for £36million.
    The French international’s contract is up at the end of the season and it is uncertain whether a renewal will be offered.
    In the last three years, only 15 goals have been scored between leagues and cups and between Manchester and Martial’s loan at Sevilla. More

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    Tottenham ‘set to raid Premier League rivals in surprise transfer’ after Micky van de Ven ruled out by injury until 2024

    TOTTENHAM are set to raid rivals Bournemouth for Lloyd Kelly again as they await Micky van de Ven’s return, a report claims.Ange Postecoglou is set to replace the left-back as the Dutchman has been ruled out with a hamstring injury until 2024.
    Micky van de Ven is set for the sidelines until 2024 with a hamstring injuryCredit: Getty
    Spurs are set to reignite their interest with Bournemouth’s Lloyd KellyCredit: Alamy
    Postecoglou is desperate to find a defensive replacement as their summer signing Van de Ven pulled up with a serious-looking hamstring injury in Monday’s 4-1 defeat to Chelsea.
    The Dutch international is set for a scan once the swelling has gone down before the club decides on his expected return.
    Meanwhile, Spurs centre-back Cristian Romero is suspended for the next three games after being shown the red card.
    This has left the Aussie with Eric Dier and 18-year-old Ashley Phillips as his defensive options.
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    According to the Standard, Tottenham are set to reignite their interest in Kelly who was a deadline day target in the summer.
    The North London club saw a £20million bid turned down by Premier League rivals Bournemouth.
    The 25-year-old is out of contract next summer and should be available at a discounted price.
    Spurs coach Matt Wells who looks after the first team’s defensive players worked with Kelly at Bournemouth and the report claims he is understood to be “an admirer” of the star.
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    The left-footed former England Under-21 international can cover left-back and seems like a great fit for Posteceoglou’s side.
    Kelly joined Bournemouth from Bristol City in a £13million switch in 2019.
    And he has since played 124 times for the Cherries, helping them to promotion from the Championship in 2022.
    But to pave the way for the centre-back Spurs are hoping to cash in on Dier in the January transfer window – who has appeared just one this term.
    This is despite the 29-year-old delivering an impressive performance against the Blues, in which he unluckily had a goal disallowed by VAR for being offside. More

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    Sir Jim Ratcliffe could sack THREE Man Utd chiefs including CEO Richard Arnold when he takes over club on Monday

    SIR JIM RATCLIFFE could swing the axe on THREE senior Manchester United chiefs after his £1.3bn buy-in is complete. Ratcliffe is set to take over 25 per cent stake of United on Monday.
    Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to know how Man Utd have blown £1.4bn in the transfer marketCredit: AFP
    CEO Richard Arnold’s job is in jeopardyCredit: PA
    The British billionaire will immediately control United’s football operations as the Glazer family take a back seat.
    Ratcliffe, 71, is already planning a massive overhaul of the club’s player scouting and acquisition network.
    And that means the jobs of CEO Richard Arnold, football director John Murtough and director of football operations David Harrison are all at risk.
    Harrison was only appointed in February.
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    But Ratcliffe is concerned how the trio have continued to oversee a succession of expensive purchases following the departure of previous chief Ed Woodward.
    In the last decade following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, United have spent a whopping £1.4bn on players.
    And lifelong United supporter Ratcliffe is stunned so much has been spent in exchange for so little success.
    During that time, Old Trafford chiefs have coughed millions on a number of flops.
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    That includes a club record £89m for Paul Pogba, £85.5m on Antony, £75m on Romelu Lukaku, £73m on Jadon Sancho, £59.7m on Angel Di Maria, £44.5m on Anthony Martial and £35m on Donny van de Beek.
    But United haven’t won the title since 2013 and have banked just one FA Cup, two League Cups and a Europa League title since Fergie won 28 major trophies during his glittering reign.
    Erik ten Hag has spent £374m in initial fees since taking charge.
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    But Ratcliffe accepts the Dutchman has credit in the bank following last season’s third-place league finish and Carabao Cup success.
    He also concedes Ten Hag was brought in 18 months ago on the back of a succession of failures before him – David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.
    Ratcliffe has held discussions with co-chairman Joel Glazer over United’s whole football structure.
    The self-made Ineos chemicals billionaire has made it clear he will focus on this side of the operation and his buy-in is expected to spark a series of new appointments.
    Brazilian Anthony – who only arrived in the summer – outcast Sancho and Martial are in line to be dumped in January.
    Brazilian Anthony and outcast Sancho are in line to be dumped in JanuaryCredit: Getty More

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    Mason Greenwood ‘watched by transfer guru lined up for Man Utd job by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’ as he helps Getafe to huge win

    MANCHESTER UNITED target Paul Mitchell was spotted at the stands during the LaLiga clash between Mason Greenwood’s Getafe and Cadiz.Mitchell is one of the world’s most famous and successful sporting directors, who has been credited with scouting some of the world’s best young talent.
    Paul Mitchell watched Manchester United loanee Mason Greenwood in action against GetafeCredit: Rex
    Famous director of football Mitchell has been linked with Man UtdCredit: AFP
    The 42-year-old is currently on high demand after leaving Monaco last month.
    The Mancunian has been linked with a move to United as part of a management shake-up if Sir Jim Ratcliffe completes his 25 per cent takeover and takes control of football operations.
    The ex-Southampton and Tottenham chief recently moved back to his native North West, fuelling talk that the Red Devils would be his next port of call.
    According to Mundo Deportivo, Mitchell – who is still a free agent – was seen at the stands of the Coliseum on Monday watching Getafe beat Cadiz 1-0 thanks to Borja Mayoral’s winner.
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    Greenwood started for Jose Bordalas’ side and also provided the assist on 76 minutes.
    The striker is spending the season with the Spanish side on loan from United.
    The ex-England international has amassed three goals and two assists in nine appearances across all competitions.
    Greenwood was arrested in January last year following charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
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    He was later charged with the offences, before the case was dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February.
    United subsequently launched an internal probe, before deciding that Greenwood could not continue his career at Old Trafford.
    Mitchell continues to be monitored by United but Erik ten Hag’s side is facing competition from Saudi Arabia.
    Saudi clubs are looking at the transfer guru, who scouted the likes of Son Heung-Min, Sadio Mane and Dele Alli, as they plan the next phase of their recruitment drive. More