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    Crystal Palace eye Portuguese boss to take over from Roy Hodgson after snubbing him for flop Patrick Vieira in 2021

    CRYSTAL PALACE have put Portuguese coach Paulo Fonseca on their radar as the long-term successor to Roy Hodgson.The Eagles will wait for the right time to move for the highly-rated Lille boss, who was on their hit list before they picked Patrick Vieira in July 2021.
    Crystal Palace are looking at Paulo Fonseca as their next bossCredit: Rex
    Roy Hodgson agreed to stay on this season but Palace are preparing for when he leavesCredit: Getty
    Hodgson, 76, agreed to stay on for this season but Palace are already working out a plan for when he finally leaves.
    Fonseca, 50, is keen to come to the Prem.
    Ipswich chief Kieran McKenna is also on the shortlist at Selhurst Park.
    Former England boss Hodgson made history by becoming the first opposition manager to go unbeaten in five consecutive games at Old Trafford.
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    His Crystal Palace team claimed all three points in a smash-and-grab 1-0 over against Manchester United.
    Joachim Andersen’s first-half strike proved to be the difference between the two sides as the Eagles got revenge for the 3-0 defeat they suffered against United in their midweek League Cup match.
    Hodgson had been forced to miss Palace’s clash with Aston Villa earlier this season after being taken unwell but was “feeling better” soon after.
    Fonseca’s Lille team currently sit in 11th in the Ligue 1 table after losing their last match against Will Still’s Reims.
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    He has been in charge of the French outfit since June 2022, with Lille finishing fifth in his first full season in charge.
    In McKenna’s case, he has led Ipswich to the top of League One after winning seven of the opening nine games.
    He took over the club in the summer after departing his role as assistant manager at Man Utd.
    Kieran McKenna is also being considered for the roleCredit: Reuters More

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    Reason why Chelsea transfer bid for top striker collapsed revealed by Juventus with Blues even offering Lukaku in swap

    THE reason behind Chelsea’s failed attempt to buy Dusan Vlahovic has been revealed. The Blues submitted a bid to Juventus to try and land Vlahovic in the summer.
    Chelsea saw an offer for Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic rejected in the summerCredit: EPA
    The Blues have spent more than £1billion on transfers since Todd Boehly bought the clubCredit: Rex
    It even saw them offer Romelu Lukaku as a part exchange.
    However, the deal fell through with Lukaku eventually joining Roma on loan and Vlahovic remaining in Italy.
    The reason for the failed bid has now been revealed by Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli.
    Speaking to La Repubblica, he said: “There was an offer from Chelsea for Vlahovic.
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    “We didn’t want to sell Dusan, but given certain numbers we would have accepted.
    “Chelsea never reached that figure, and the exchange [with Lukaku] never took place.”
    Mauricio Pochettino’s side have been plagued by a lack of clinical finishing this season.
    They have scored just five Premier League goals, three of which came against newly-promoted Luton.
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    Meanwhile, Vlahovic has scored four goals in the Serie A.
    Having already spent more than £1billion on transfers under Todd Boehly, Chelsea have been linked with moves for both Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen in the January transfer window. More

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    Forgotten former Man Utd star, 33, signs for Greek minnows after lasting just TEN DAYS at previous club

    FORMER Manchester United midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin has signed for Greek Super League side Kifisia.Schneiderlin, 33, arrived at the club earlier this week and has now been officially announced as a Kifisia player.
    Morgan Schneiderlin has joined Greek side KifisiaCredit: Getty
    The midfielder left Konyaspor just 10 days after joining the club this summerCredit: Getty
    He could make his debut during Kifisia’s league match against Aris on Sunday.
    The midfielder initially joined Turkish side Konyaspor on a free transfer in August, but his contract was mutually terminated after just 10 days due to “family reasons”.
    An official statement from the Super Lig side read: “Professional football player Morgan Schneiderlin, whose transfer we have announced recently, conveyed to our management that he wanted to leave due to family reasons.
    “As a result of the consultations and evaluations, our club approached Morgan Schneiderlin’s request positively and terminated his contract by mutual agreement.”
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    Prior to his move, Schneiderlin enjoyed a short stint with Western Sydney Wanderers after being loaned out by OGC Nice.
    He’d spent two-and-a-half years with the French side prior to that loan and made 59 appearances across all competitions.
    During the peak of his career, the defensive midfielder spent 12 years in England.
    He joined Southampton in 2008 when the South Coast club were in the Championship.
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    They then dropped down to League One, before Schneiderlin helped them return to the Premier League in 2012.
    The Frenchman signed for Man Utd in 2015, where he won the Europa League and the FA Cup during his two year stint before joining Everton in 2017.
    Schneiderlin spent two years with Man UtdCredit: Rex Features More

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    Unemployed former Premier League star plays match for League Two club after being handed career lifeline

    A FORMER Premier League stalwart who is now unemployed has been offered a career lifeline in League Two.Not many will have paid too much attention to the Cheshire Senior Cup showdown between Stockport County and Tranmere Rovers this week.
    A Premier League veteran appeared for Stockport County on trial this weekCredit: Getty
    But for one ex-Sheffield United, Aston Villa and Burnley ace it was a hugely important night.
    The 34-year-old Matt Lowton was released by Burnley during the summer after eight years at Turf Moor.
    Following his arrival from Villa in 2015, he became a key man under Sean Dyche and helped them to the Championship title in his first season there.
    The right-back went on to make 203 appearances for the club and scored three times but last term he began to fall out of favour after Vincent Kompany took charge.
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    He moved to Huddersfield Town on loan in January as Kompany led Burnley to the title and back to the Premier League.
    Then Lowton, who helped the Terriers beat relegation, began pre-season on trial at Birmingham.
    However, Brum boss John Eustace opted against offering the veteran a contract, leaving him jobless going into the campaign.
    Despite the transfer window now being closed, free agents are able to sign for a new club outside of it.
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    Matt Lowton is on trial with a League Two clubCredit: Getty
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    And it has now emerged that he has been offered an opportunity elsewhere in the Football League.
    Lowton is currently on trial with League Two outfit Stockport as he looks to earn himself a contract.
    And that led to him being handed a start for them on Tuesday in their 2-0 defeat to Tranmere Rovers in the Cheshire Senior Cup. More

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    Man Utd stars Sancho and Martial on Barcelona’s budget transfer shortlist of flops and outcasts along with Arsenal duo

    BARCELONA have Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial on their six-man transfer shortlist, it’s claimed.The Spanish champions are also said to be eyeing moves for Arsenal duo Kai Havertz and Jorginho next summer.
    Jadon Sancho is on Barcelona’s stunning six-man transfer shortlistCredit: Getty
    Anthony Martial has struggled for consistent minutes this seasonCredit: Getty
    Barca’s financial problems have had a direct impact on their transfer business in recent seasons.
    In order to manage their issues, the club have been forced to look at free agents, flops, and out-of-favour players from top teams in Europe.
    According to Mundo Deportivo, they have already applied that approach to their plans for next summer.
    The report claims that Barca have drawn up a six-man list of potential targets, which includes Sancho and Martial.
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    Sancho has not played for United since August 26 following his public falling out with Erik ten Hag.
    The Red Devils boss has even banished the winger from attending any first-team activities as their feud continues.
    As a result, Sancho’s future at Old Trafford appears to be over, with Roma joining Barcelona in being linked with a move.
    Meanwhile, Martial has also struggled for consistent opportunities so far this season and is into the final year of his contract.
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    The Frenchman was also booed by his own fans as he replaced Rasmus Hojlund against Brighton earlier this month.
    Xavi is not just looking at United players, though, with the report adding that he has his eye on Arsenal pair Havertz and Jorginho.
    The former Chelsea duo have both joined the Gunners this year, with Jorginho arriving in January ahead of Havertz’s summer move.

    Mikel Arteta has yet to start Jorginho in the league this season and the Italian was linked with an exit in the summer as his contract expires in 2024.
    Havertz, on the other hand, has struggled for form since joining the club and is yet to register a goal or an assist this term.
    He was also dropped for the trip to Everton earlier this month and again started on the bench in last weekend’s North London derby.
    Barcelona’s six-man shortlist does include players from outside the Premier League, though.
    Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt is their sole defensive target, having complained about his playing time with the German giants.
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    The Blaugrana are also one of a number of clubs tracking Athletic Club forward Nico Williams.
    With less than a year remaining on his deal, the Spain winger has provided four assists in four LaLiga matches this season.
    Jorginho is out of contract at the end of this seasonCredit: Getty
    Kai Havertz has struggled for form since joining Arsenal in the summerCredit: Getty More

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    Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp ‘plot transfer raid on Dortmund for £52m former Arsenal flop’ to succeed Mo Salah

    LIVERPOOL are considering a swoop for Borussia Dortmund winger Donyell Malen, according to reports.The Reds risk losing star man Mohamed Salah in January amid mega-money interest from Saudi Arabia.
    Liverpool have expressed an interest in signing Donyell MalenCredit: Getty
    Mohamed Salah has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro LeagueCredit: PA
    Al-Ittihad launched a last-minute £150million bid for the Egyptian on transfer deadline day.
    However, Liverpool turned down the huge offer and refused to sell their star man at the last minute.
    Club chiefs are now said to be bracing themselves for another bid in January.
    And Jurgen Klopp has been scouting for a potential replacement just in case Salah does move on.
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    According to Sport Bild, the Liverpool boss has come down on Malen from Borussia Dortmund.
    Malen’s current contract runs until June 2026, so the Bundesliga giants are demanding at least £52m for his signature.
    The Dutchman has already had experience in England with Arsenal.
    He joined the club’s youth setup in 2015 and spent two years there before being sold to PSV Eindhoven.
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    Malen scored 55 goals and provided 24 assists in 116 appearances for PSV before moving to Borussia Dortmund in 2021.
    He has since scored 23 goals in 80 outings for the German side. More

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    Man Utd ‘already lining up stunning £52m transfer for top winger to replace for Jadon Sancho in January’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are lining up Juventus star Federico Chiesa as a replacement for Jadon Sancho, according to reports.The Red Devils are on the hunt for a winger in January with boss Erik ten Hag having exiled Sancho.
    Federico Chiesa is reportedly on Man United’s wishlistCredit: Rex
    The Red Devils are seeking a replacement for Jadon SanchoCredit: Getty
    Chiesa, 25, could fit the bill and his contract is set to expire in 2025.
    According to Calciomercato, United want to agree a deal for Chiesa in January to bolster their wide options.
    Juve are expected to demand a fee in excess of £52million for the Italian international.
    Chiesa currently earns around £80,000 a week in Turin.
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    His club are hoping to agree a one-year extension on similar money in upcoming weeks, before sitting down for more long-term talks.
    The Euro 2020 winner struggled to recapture his best form after returning from a serious knee injury last season.
    But he has looked more himself this term, scoring four goals and laying on an assist in his first six appearances.
    Meetings are set to take place between Juventus chiefs and Chiesa’s agent Fali Ramadani in the coming weeks.
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    Sancho, meanwhile, doesn’t look likely to return to contention at Old Trafford any time soon.
    He has not featured since August, having been initially dropped for his side’s trip to Arsenal on September 3 for what Ten Hag claimed were poor performances in training.

    The 23-year-old subsequently refuted his manager’s claim, and said that he was being made a “scapegoat”.
    Sancho has since reportedly been banned from all first team facilities, including the canteen.
    Ten Hag, 53, will not entertain the idea of re-integrating the former Borussia Dortmund star until he apologises.
    Dortmund are among the teams interested in signing Sancho in January.
    While Serie A strugglers Roma are also believed to be keen.
    Sancho, 23, has been banished from Man United’s first team squadCredit: Getty More

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    Chelsea legend Frank Leboeuf names five players club should make January transfer moves for

    CHELSEA legend Franck Leboeuf has named FIVE players he believes Mauricio Pochettino should look to sign in January.The Blues’ Argentine boss has endured a rocky start to life at Stamford Bridge.
    Chelsea have been urged to try and sign Napoli’’s Victor OsimhenCredit: EPA
    Chelsea’ legend Frank Leboeuf has named four other men the Blues should try and signCredit: PA
    The 51-year-old has only managed to secure one win and two draws from their opening six Premier League matches.
    That is despite owner Todd Boehly and Clearlake splashing out over £1BILLION on players over the past year.
    Supporters, who have no European football to look forward to this term, were provided with a glimmer of hope of some silverware last night when summer signing Nicolas Jackson secured them victory over Brighton in the Carabao Cup.
    However, former Chelsea defender Leboeuf, who won two FA Cups, a League Cup and the Uefa Cup and Super Cup during his five years at the club, believes Poch still needs a lot more to get them back on top.
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    The French 1998 World Cup winner told Casinos En Ligne: “Chelsea need a striker and an experienced midfielder.
    “I said last season that [Aleksandr] Mitrovic would be good – he’s not world-class, but he’s a leader and a fighter.
    “Victor Osimhen is having problems at Napoli, and maybe Chelsea can go for him in January.
    “There’s also Nantes’ Mostafa Mohamed – I think he could do a good job.
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    “Chelsea also need help in midfield, someone like Toni Kroos or Luka Modric. They may be older and not play as many games, but they could definitely serve the club well.”
    The prospect of any of the above arriving in West London appear to be slim due to a mix of reasons.
    Mitrovic left neighbours Fulham for Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal in a £46m move last month.
    And Boehly’s transfer strategy has been to target younger players that should have a large resale value rather than veterans.
    That would likely rule out Real Madrid’s experienced midfield duo Kroos, 33, and Modric, 38.
    Nantes Egyptian forward Mohamed, 25, would fit the bill and has four goals in five Ligue 1 matches this term.
    Meanwhile, they have been linked with Napoli ace Osimhen for months, and this week’s social media scandal could help them in that pursuit.
    The Nigerian star, 24, refused to celebrate after scoring in last night’s 4-1 win over Udinese.
    Aleksandar Mitrovic swapped Fulham for Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal last monthCredit: Reuters
    Real Madrid’s Luka Modric and Toni Kroos were both named by the FrenchmanCredit: AP
    The hotshot also opted against taking a penalty after being mocked by the Italian club’s TikTok account.
    Napoli’s official TikTok page shared a video mocking the forward for missing a spot kick in their 0-0 draw with Bologna on Sunday.
    The now deleted clip enraged Osimhen and the rest of the squad – and that appeared to lead to him deciding against taking a pen yesterday as he handed over spot-kick duties to Piotr Zielinski, who made no mistake to put the Gli Azzurri 1-0 up.
    Another now-deleted post reportedly saw the club release a video featuring a cropped photo of Osimhen’s head on a coconut with audio over the clip saying: “I’m a coconut.”
    It’s widely viewed as a racial slur.
    Osimhen’s agent, Robert Calenda, wrote on X on Monday: “What happened today on Napoli’s official profile on the TikTok platform is not acceptable.
    “A video mocking Victor was first made public and then, but now belatedly, deleted.
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    “A serious fact that causes very serious damage to the player. And adds to the treatment that the boy is suffering in the last period between media trials and fake news.”
    He then added: “We reserve the right to take legal action and any useful initiative to protect Victor.”
    Egyptian ace Mostafa Mohamed is another player suggested by the ’98 World Cup winnerCredit: EPA More