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      Wilfried Zaha joins MLS side Charlotte FC in bid to reignite his career and will link up with ex-Premier League manager

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      WILFRIED ZAHA has joined Major League Soccer side Charlotte in a bid to reignite his career.The Crystal Palace icon turned down a £200,000-a-week deal to pursue his Champions League dream with Galatasaray 18 months ago.Wilfried Zaha endured an underwhelming loan spell at LyonCredit: GettyZaha scored 10 goals in 42 appearances for the Turkish side last season before being sent on loan to Lyon – where he has made just six appearances this term.The Ivory Coast international has joined the MLS side, who are managed by ex-Aston Villa boss Dean Smith, as a designated player on loan for the 2025 season.Zaha’s deal includes the option to extend the loan for another year across the 2026 season.Charlotte’s General Manager Zoran Krneta said: “Wilfred is a world class talent who has proven himself at the highest level of the sport as an elite goal scorer and chance creator.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”His performances in the Premier League and on the international level speak for themselves and we are confident that Wilfred can make an immediate impact in Major League Soccer.”“He provides valuable versatility in the attacking areas of the pitch and adds that little bit of magic to our front line that can help us win more games. “We are delighted to add a player of Wilfred’s pedigree and experience to our squad, and we’re excited to welcome him to Charlotte.”Zaha has already started training with his new teammates, who include former Burnley midfielder Ashley Westwood.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYCharlotte begin their MLS campaign against Seattle Sounders on February 22.Zaha has not played at all since a one-minute substitute cameo against Angers on December 7.Wilfried Zaha posts video from flight to new club as he’s finally set to complete shock move after long transfer race He started just one match for Lyon during his loan stint, a 2-1 win at Toulouse on September 29.Lyon boss Pierre Sage said of Zaha in October: “The idea isn’t to fine him for the sake of fining him.”The idea is simply for him to be aware of what we expect from him at our club and I said he needs to understand that we recruited Wilfried Zaha, so we would like to have Wilfried Zaha.”Zaha, 32, struggled for game time in FranceCredit: SNS More

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      Man City accused of persuading transfer target, 18, to buy out his contract as Real Valladolid threaten legal action

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      MANCHESTER City have been slammed over the potential signing of young defender Juma Bah.Spanish side Real Valladolid are accusing City of persuading Bah to buy out his own youth contract in order to secure a move to the Etihad.Man City are being threatened with legal action over a move for Real Valladolid’s Juma BahCredit: GettyAnd Valladolid have threatened to take legal action against the centre back, 18, for breach of contract.According to reports in Spain, City were in talks with the LaLiga side for a deal worth up to £6.75m.But Sierra Leone-born Bah, 18, and his representatives informed Valladolid that they were instead going to pay up the terms of his current youth contract at a cost of around £5m.And Valladolid are furious, because Bah has refused to sign a pro deal that would have cost more to buy out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Spanish club issued a stern statement, saying: “Abdulai Juma Bah and his agent informed Real Valladolid yesterday evening of their intention to unilaterally break the contract that binds both parties.“Previously, yesterday evening, Manchester City sent a statement asking Real Valladolid to open negotiations for the player for a possible permanent transfer.“Today, the Sierra Leonean has decided not to report to his workplace for morning training. For all these reasons, the Club holds the player responsible for the breach of his contractual commitments, and has asked its legal department to initiate disciplinary action in this regard.“The player’s intention, supposedly supported and guided by Manchester City and his agent, has caused great disappointment and indignation at the club.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“The Club considers that Manchester City, a member of the City Football Group, is behind the Player’s decision, and appears to have advised the player to take this route, which puts Real Valladolid in a defenceless position, after having recently rejected financial offers of a higher amount, even more so when the player is in the legally protected period of his youth stage.”And, in recent days, had refused to sign the professional player’s licence, as this would entail an automatic increase in his termination clause.Man City sign Abdukodir Khusanov in £34m deal with ‘tank’ as quick as Usain Bolt roped in to bolster Pep’s defence“Manchester City seems to have advised the player to adopt this path that puts Real Valladolid in a helpless situation.“The player’s intention, supposedly supported and guided by Manchester City and his agent, has caused great disappointment and indignation within Real Valladolid.”Real Valladolid will resort to the appropriate legal and sporting jurisdictions to exercise its rights and defend its interests.”Man City have declined to comment.Bah arrived at Valladolid on loan last summer from AIK Freetown in his native Sierra Leone.The 6ft 5in centre back was so impressive that on January 1 the La Liga club exercised its right to buy him for a fee of about £840,000.If City complete a deal for Bah, he is expected to go straight out on loan to Lens after the French club sold centre half Abdukodir Khusanov to the Premier League champions earlier this week. More

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      Man Utd draw up four-man striker shortlist including Liam Delap and Bryan Mbeumo if one of three stars leave

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have drawn up a four-man striker shortlist, according to reports.But the Red Devils will need to flog at least one of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho or Kobbie Mainoo to fund a striker swoop this month.Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo could leave Man UtdCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford has been frozen out at Old TraffordCredit: ReutersSelling any of these three homegrown products would hugely benefit United from a PSR perspective.Rashford’s £315,000 a week salary makes a move challenging, although he has received interest from Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona.Chelsea and Napoli are keen on Garnacho, meanwhile, with the Blues also holding an interest in Mainoo.According to the Mail, Man Utd scouts have been tracking Prem trio Liam Delap, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile Lille striker Jonathan David is also on their radar.Former Man City academy kid Delap has impressed for Ipswich this season, the 21-year-old scoring eight times for the Tractor Boys.Mbeumo, meanwhile, has 13 Prem goals for Brentford this term, with Cunha, 25, managing 10 for strugglers Wolves.David, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has scored 11 times in Ligue 1 this term – in addition to Champions League strikes against Real Madrid, Atletico, Juventus and Liverpool.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYLiam Delap has impressed for Ipswich this seasonCredit: GettyBryan Mbeumo has bagged 13 times for BrentfordCredit: RexMatheus Cunha has impressed despite Wolves’ strugglesCredit: AlamyJonathan David is out of contract at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyShould the Red Devils manage to flog one of their homegrown trio, United could make a late striker swoop.United are said to be demanding around £75m for Garnacho.Liam Delap talks about joining Ipswich Town While they want a higher fee for Mainoo.Rashford could head out on a loan, with a deal largely dependent on whether they can find a suitor who will take on most of his £315k wages. More

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      Chelsea ‘consider transfer for Dusan Vlahovic and could send star in opposite direction’ with Arsenal also linked

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      CHELSEA are targeting Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic, who has also been linked with rivals Arsenal.The Gunners have found themselves short in attack with Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka injured, while Kai Havertz is not a natural centre-forward.Chelsea are eyeing Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic during the January transfer windowCredit: GettyChelsea are considering Vlahovic as a replacement for wantaway star Christopher NkunkuCredit: GettyChelsea are considering a swap deal involving Renato VeigaCredit: RexAnd the Blues are thinking ahead as Christopher Nkunku has grown frustrated with the lack of minutes in the Premier League and wants to move elsewhere.Nkunku, 27, has been linked with a return to Germany as Bayern Munich pose as a potential new challenge for the former RB Leipzig star, who will be worth in excess of £60million.That is why the West Londoners are now keeping tabs on Vlahovic, 24, as a potential replacement.According to The Times, Chelsea are eyeing the Serbia international and considering a potential swap deal.Read More on FootballThat would see Renato Veiga going to Juventus during the January transfer window.Veiga, 21, has also struggled for minutes under Enzo Maresca, who places him at full-back rather than the player’s preferred position at centre-back.Juventus are keen on the Portugal international as they see him as a potential replacement for the injured Gleison Bremer.Vlahovic has amassed a total of 53 goals and 11 assists in 125 appearances with Juventus ever since his £62m switch from Fiorentina in 2022.Most read in FootballThe Serbia international has fared very well this season as he has registered 12 goals and two assists in 24 appearances across all competitions.The striker only has 18 months left on his contract with Juventus who are facing the risk of losing him for free next year.Dusan Vlahovic shows his football skills when he joins Juventus in training The Serie A giants want to tie Vlahovic to a new deal but are unlikely to offer him a new contract matching his current salary of just under £10m per year. More

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      I’m a football agent – I offered Zinedine Zidane to Newcastle but manager said he was barely Championship level

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      A FOOTBALL agent has revealed how he offered Zinedine Zidane to Newcastle – only for Toon to brand the Frenchman a barely Championship-level player.Barry Silkman is a former footballer who turned out for clubs including Manchester City, Brentford and Crystal Palace.Newcastle turned down a move for Zinedine Zidane in 1996Credit: GettyHe was offered to Toon by super agent Barry SilkmanCredit: PASilkman lifted the lid on the tale in his book, ‘The No-So Secret Football Agent’He went on to become one of the beautiful game’s top transfer gurus, facilitating moves for numerous big names.Silkman worked with aces including Jaap Stam, Micah Richards, Tomas Soucek and Yakubu during a glittering career.But he also came close to sealing one of the biggest transfers in history.In 1996, Silkman fell head over heels for midfield playmaker Zidane – then at French side Bordeaux.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe ace would go on to become a superstar for Juventus and Real Madrid, winning three titles and a Champions League while also leading France to World Cup glory in 1998.At the time, Silkman had a good relationship with Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan and offered Zidane to the Magpies’ manager.However, he was left stunned when Keegan turned down the opportunity to sign Zidane for a bargain £1.2MILLION.The Newcastle gaffer had been informed by his chief scout that Zizou was hardly good enough for Wolves – who were bottom of the Championship at the time.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut years later, Keegan admitted to Silkman that he should have listened after seeing Zidane blossom into an all-time great.Writing in his book, ‘The Not-So Secret Football Agent’, Silkman said: “I was alerted to the talent of a 24-year-old attacking midfielder at Bordeaux and I went along to watch him.I’m a former Newcastle striker who filled ex-England star’s car with rotten fish as revenge for him cutting up my clothes Kevin Keegan’s chief scout claimed Zidane was barely at Championship levelCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdJust two years later Zizou was winning the World Cup with FranceCredit: AP“His name was Zinedine Zidane, and it took me about five minutes to decide that this guy was going to be something very special.“I had brought a number of good players to Newcastle United under Kevin Keegan’s reign and every one of them was a success, so Zidane felt like the perfect fit for a Keegan team.“It was 7 January, 1996, and I told Kevin he could sign Zidane for £1.2million – it was a steal.“I begged Kevin to sign him, but in the end he told me his chief scout thought he wasn’t good enough and years later, Kevin told me he should have listened to me instead of his scout.“Zidane eventually signed for Juventus and the rest is history.“More than 20 years later, Kevin would tell me I was the best agent he ever came across – the only good one in his opinion.“Nice words from a top man who I always got along really well with over the years.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I wish I’d kept the fax that was sent to me from Newcastle United where the chief scout stated, ‘Silky has grossly overrated the player. At best he is good enough for Wolves, who are bottom of the Championship at present’.“I think Zidane was slightly better than the players in struggling Wolves team!” More

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      AC Milan ‘could turn transfer attention to two Man Utd stars’ after being blocked from Marcus Rashford pursuit

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      AC MILAN could now target TWO Manchester United stars after being blocked from signing teammate Marcus Rashford.The 27-year-old is facing a January exit after being axed by Ruben Amorim while simultaneously declaring his desire for a fresh start.The forward has been linked to some of Europe’s top clubs this month, with Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain both interested.Barcelona have also been tipped to make a move if they can scrape some funds together.While SunSport understands that French outfit Monaco are ready to make an ambitious loan bid before deadline day.However, fellow suitors AC Milan are now said to be out of the running.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLESPN claims the Italians have effectively been blocked from signing Rashford as they tie up a deal for England pal and Man City misfit Kyle Walker instead.Milan could only sign one of them due to Serie A rules over foreign non-EU signings.And with Walker the preferred choice, Milan are now targeting fresh options as they look to bolster their forward line for a top four charge.Chelsea ace Joao Felix, who only returned to Stamford Bridge on a permanent deal in the summer, is on their radar.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHowever, Milan could now look to move for one of Rashford’s teammates.Strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have both failed to settle in England.’Best for the team’ – Ruben Amorim gives blunt explanation on Marcus Rashford absence as Man Utd outcast seeks transferThe duo have each enjoyed previous spells in Italy, with Hojlund shining at Atalanta and Zirkzee starring at Bologna.And United could be open to striking a deal, with Juventus also interested in both players.Hojlund and Zirkzee have just five goals between them in the league this season.And they could fancy a return to Serie A should an offer come in, More

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      Marcus Rashford offers olive branch to Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim after being told his exile is ‘best for the team’

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      MARCUS RASHFORD has made it known he bears no grudge towards Ruben Amorim.Sources close to the dumped striker insist he is ready, willing and able to face Rangers in Thursday night’s Europa League clash if selected.Ruben Amorim axed Marcus Rashford from the Manchester United squadCredit: GettyRashford admitted he was ready to leave Old Trafford in DecemberCredit: RexThe 27-year-old was axed by Amorim over his performances in training and his declaration last month that he was “ready for a new challenge” away from Old Trafford.He hasn’t played for Manchester United in nine games and has made the bench only once in that time.But it is understood that he has been putting in extra training sessions to keep fit during his absence and is available to play in the Battle of Britain clash.And that he has no issues with Amorim and is ready to give 100 per cent for the shirt.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAfter leaving him out again for Sunday’s 3-1 defeat by Brighton Amorim doubled-down on his stance over the home-grown star.The boss, who called his side “the worst in Manchester United’s history”, stressed: “It is his choice (not to play).“I don’t want to focus on this bad moment because in the games we lost, Rashford is not here.“I don’t want to put this moment on Rashford. Rashford is out because he is not playing.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”No matter what, I am not going to put out a player I don’t believe is the best for the team.”The Portuguese is unlikely to be moved by the attempt by Rashford’s camp to build bridges and is prepared to see him move on.Ruben Amorim says his team could be the worst in the history of Man Utd United, struggling to juggle finances so critical that they were close to being hit by a Prem points deduction over profit and sustainability rules, want his £315,000 wage off the books.Rashford refused to listen to approaches from Saudi Arabia despite the chance of a £35m per year deal because he fears such a switch would cost him any chance of regaining his England place.AC Milan have dropped interest in him while Borussia Dortmund would like to sign him on loan but would expect United to fund half of his salary.West Ham also have him on their radar with United looking for around £40m.Rashford’s brother and agent Dwaine Maynard wants him to go to Barcelona but the LaLiga club are barred from signing new players due to debts currently running to almost £850m.Why Rashford joining Arsenal is perfect fitBy Martin LiptonMARCUS RASHFORD is at a crossroads.But now the England star has to make the biggest choice he has ever faced – does he care about cash, or about his career?Rashford’s shock admission that he is “ready for a new challenge” after some two decades under the Manchester United umbrella has altered the dynamic around his future.That Rashford might not fit the blueprint of Ruben Amorim – who has now responded to Rashford’s comments – was not exactly a surprise.The Portuguese coach prefers a 3-4-3 formation but appears to have settled on Rasmus Hojlund as his starting central striker and wants two “narrow” inside forwards, with the width coming from the wing-backs.Rashford has always wanted to play through the middle but is often at his best exploiting spaces out wide – and that skillset does not necessarily suit the way Amorim wants to play.Even so, going public with his evident dissatisfaction at being bombed entirely from the squad for the Manchester derby was a major move, even if he vowed there would be “no hard feelings” if he does leave his boyhood club.In truth, Rashford has been leaving United almost from the moment he signed that new £325,000 per week contract in 2023.Something was broken in his connection to the club. His form dropped, his threat dissipated, his issues with the hierarchy deepened.When Erik ten Hag dropped him for hosting a birthday party after a derby defeat, and he later pulled a sickie to miss the FA Cup game with Newport, it felt even then that the writing was on the wall.The facts suggest the love affair has ended. After scoring 30 in all competitions to earn that new deal, he has scored just 15 in the 18 months since it was signed.Amorim’s arrival seems merely to have accelerated what was increasingly inevitable.Now, though, it is up to Rashford to determine what his future will bring.If it is only about the money, then his options might be somewhat limited.It is hard to see a Prem rival coughing up the same £16.9m annual salary – although Rashford’s comments have probably knocked £20m-plus off any transfer fee.But Real Madrid have their fill of big-money strikers and Barcelona’s budget remains restricted by LaLiga financial controls.In Europe, then, that probably leaves PSG – but a move to a one-club league.Or, in the wider world, he could follow the likes of Ivan Toney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Firmino and Co and head to the Saudi desert. Lucrative, yep. Certainly a different environment – and that may be exactly what Rashford both wants and needs. But the football? Not in a million years.What Rashford needs, above all, is to be able to play for trophies and showcase his talents.There is no better stage than the Premier League – which has far more global eyeballs on it than any other domestic competition.And in that Premier League there is one club crying out for a goalscoring No 9, especially if he can also play down the left channel to balance out the side and widen its threat.Rashford has always been more Longsight than London.Yet Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta, might be the perfect fit.The Gunners’ lack of a proper scorer is one of the major factors many fans feel has hurt their title challenge this year.Gabriel Jesus has never been a natural finisher, while Kai Havertz is still a converted midfielder.And while the link-up between Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka makes their right flank deadly, faith in Gabriel Martinelli on the left is waning.There have not been too many who succeeded at Arsenal after leaving United – although Danny Welbeck was not a flop.Rashford has all the attributes to change that history, if he can reproduce what everybody knows is inside him.And by breaking free, giving himself the chance to start all over, Rashford can make a point to Amorim that will resonate for a very long time. 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      Man City sign Abdukodir Khusanov, 20, in £34m deal with ‘tank’ as quick as Usain Bolt roped in to bolster Pep’s defence

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      MANCHESTER CITY have confirmed the signing of 20-year-old defender Abdukodir Khusanov.The rising star joins in a deal understood to be worth £34million – and he will become the first Uzbek to play in the Premier League.Abdukodir Khusanov has completed his £34m transfer from Lens to Manchester CityCredit: X/ ManCityThe defender put pen to paper on a deal until 2029Credit: X/ ManCityKhusanov will become the Premier League’s first Uzbek playerCredit: GettyKhusanov, 20, has enjoyed a stellar season in Ligue 1 and arrives at the Etihad to bolster Pep Guardiola’s back line. He put pen to paper on a four-and-a-half-year contract with City until 2029.The new No45 said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester City, a club that I have enjoyed watching for a long time.“This squad is full of the best players in the world, and I can’t wait to meet them and play alongside them.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“And of course Pep Guardiola is one of the greatest coaches ever and I am so excited to learn from him and improve my game even more.“This is a very proud moment for me and my family to be joining a great club like Manchester City and I’m more than ready for this challenge.”Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: “We are very happy that he has joined us and we are all very excited about what he will bring. “For such a young defender, Abdukodir is already very intelligent, as well as being strong, aggressive and extremely quick.  Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“Working with Pep will only make him better and, speaking to him, he is determined to keep improving. “He is a really exciting signing as we aim to keep progressing to maintain one of the best squads in Europe.”How Brighton proved Man Utd don’t trust Ruben Amorim’s tacticsKhusanov left his homeland aged 18 to join Belarusian club Energetik-BGU in 2022.Less than 18 months later, he signed for Lens in July 2023 for £84,000 – and has now moved on for 400 TIMES that figure, having only established himself as a first-team regular starter this season.Under Will Still’s management, the defender has shone as an aggressive centre-back – prompting his gaffer to declare: “Kodir is a tank.”A physical specimen, he is tall, powerful, strong and lightning quick.In fact, his top speed of 37km/h this season is only just shy of the 37.58km/h pace Usain Bolt averaged to set the 100m world record. He is not the best with the ball at his feet, does have a distinct lack of experience – just 24 Ligue 1 appearances and two in the Champions League – and the language could be a barrier as he settles into a new side desperate for him to hit the ground running. City – who have somewhat stopped the rot with a 6-0 thumping at Ipswich to go five unbeaten in the Premier League – find themselves 12 points adrift of leaders Liverpool and seemingly well out of the title race.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey are still in the FA Cup, though, and will hope to scrape through into the play-off round of the Champions League.And Khusanov may not have to wait long to be thrown into the deep end, with City facing PSG and Chelsea this week. Khusanov will rival Micky van de Ven as one of the Prem’s quickest playersCredit: GettyHe will go up against the likes of Gabriel Martinelli againCredit: GettyKhusanov is not afraid to show his aggressive sideCredit: AFP More