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    Chelsea closing in on transfer for Sporting wonderkid Dario Essugo despite young stars’ concerns about joining Blues

    CHELSEA are closing in on a deal for Sporting Lisbon star Dario Essugo.The Blues want to sort out a fee with the Portuguese side quickly as the 19-year-old midfielder’s reputation grows on loan at Las Palmas.Chelsea are closing in on a deal for Sporting Lisbon star Dario EssugoCredit: GettyEssugo’s reputation grows while on loan at Las PalmasCredit: GettyEssugo will only be keen if he is to be part of the squad — a growing issue with young stars chased by the London club.Striker Eli Junior Kroupi, 18, chose Bournemouth instead of Chelsea last week when he quit French side Lorient.And the Blues’ Argentinian centre-half Aaron Anselmino, 19, refused a loan to Strasbourg because he does not want to be moved around.Essugo joined Sporting in 2014 at the tender age of nine years old.Read More on FootballAfter eight years within the Lisbon giants’ youth ranks, the defensive midfielder earned a senior call-up.The Portugal Under-21 international would then split his time between the first and B team.That led to recent loan stints at Chaves and of course Las Palmas.Essugo has amassed a total of one goal in 14 appearances with the LaLiga outfit this season.Most read in FootballThis comes after a total of 25 appearances with Sporting the last four years.Essugo made history with the Portuguese outfit in 2021 when he became the club’s youngest ever player to wear the jersey at just 16 years and six daysChelsea vs West Ham: Player Ratings BreakdownChelsea didn’t bring any new players during this past January transfer window.The Blues just recalled Gabriel Slonina, Trevoh Chalobah, David Datro Fofana and Anselmino from their loan stints. More

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    Real Madrid ‘make William Saliba No1 transfer target’ but Arsenal convinced he would be world’s most expensive defender

    REAL MADRID are prioritising a transfer swoop for Arsenal star William Saliba.Saliba, 23, has been established as one of the best defenders in the Premier League where he has formed a rock-solid duo with Gabriel Magalhaes at centre-back.Real Madrid see Arsenal star William Saliba as an ‘absolute priority’Credit: GettyArsenal wopuld only let Saliba leave for a record transfer feeCredit: RexAnd that has led to immense interest from some of the world’s elite clubs for the Gunners’ star.According to RMC Sport, Real have made the France international an “absolute priority” ahead of the summer transfer window.However, the North Londoners are demanding a massive fee for their star Frenchman.Arsenal see Saliba as the best centre-back in the world following two goals in 33 appearances across all competitions this season.Read More on ArsenalMikel Arteta’s side is not keen to sell the ex-Saint-Etienne star any time soon.However, if Arsenal have no option then they are planning to demand a hefty fee.The same source claims the Premier League giants are convinced Saliba will go down in history as the most expensive defender if he leaves the Emirates.That means Arsenal won’t consider any bid worth less than £80million.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat is how much Manchester United splashed to sign Harry Maguire from Leicester in 2019 and made him the most expensive defender in football history.Saliba has a contract with Arsenal until 2027, which means the club is in no rush.Meet Ayden Heaven: Arsenal’s next William SalibaThe Frenchman joined the Gunners in 2019 from Saint-Etienne but was immediately sent back on loan to the French outfit to gain more experience.That led to more loan stints to Nice and Marseille until he was finally established in Arsenal’s first team in 2022.Since then, Saliba has stood out for Arteta’s side with a total of seven goals and two assists in 116 appearances. More

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    Man Utd rejected two loan offers from clubs in Italy for struggling striker in closing days of transfer window

    MANCHESTER UNITED knocked back a couple of cheeky loan bids from Italy to land Rasmus Hojlund in the closing days of the transfer window.AC Milan made a tentative inquiry for the Danish striker, before they switched their sights to Chelsea’s Joao Felix after getting a firm no-go.Man Utd rejected several loan bids from Italian clubs for Rasmus HojlundCredit: GettyAnd former club Atalanta – who sold him to United 18 months ago – got the same answer when they asked about taking him back for the rest of the season.Hojlund, 22, has struggled to make an impact since his £64 million move, and has not scored a goal this calendar year.But with strikers in short supply at Old Trafford, United never entertained the idea of letting him leave.And sources insist Ruben Amorim still has faith that he will come good.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnited did let two other forwards go during the January window though.Flop winger Antony was packed off on loan to Real Betis.While £325,000-a-week misfit Marcus Rashford joined Aston Villa for the remainder of the season.United opted against signing a replacement for either man, with target Mathys Tel ending up at Tottenham on deadline day.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Red Devils did manage to make one senior signing for Amorim.A cool £30million was dropped on Lecce left-back Patrick Dorgu – who ended up making his debut on the RIGHT during yesterday’s controversial FA Cup win against Leicester.Fans spot Sir Alex Ferguson YAWNING as he watches woeful Man Utd – but get distracted by who he’s sitting next toHis arrival eventually saw Tyrell Malacia complete a return to Holland with PSV Eindhoven.And United are now fully focused on drawing up targets for this summer’s transfer window. More

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    Roy Keane breaks silence on Marcus Rashford’s shock transfer to Aston Villa and has MAJOR concern

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Roy Keane questioned Marcus Rashford’s shock decision to join Aston Villa.Rashford, 27, left United after two decades with the club as he fell out of favour soon after the arrival of new manager Ruben Amorim.Roy Keane questioned Marcus Rashford’s move to Aston Villa from Manchester UnitedCredit: ITVRashford joined Villa after falling out of favour at Man UtdCredit: GettySince December 12, Amorim left the star forward out of his squad for every game apart from one, in which he was an unused sub.The Portuguese head coach then suggested he was so unhappy with the way the England international trained he’d rather pick 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital instead.That led to Rashford joining Villa on loan during this past January transfer window.And Amorim admitted he could not get United’s fallen star to buy into his plan.Read More on Man UtdRashford is looking to regain his former goalscoring prowess at Villa Park.But Keane is not convinced Unai Emery’s side will turn the Man Utd academy graduate’s career around.The popular pundit questioned how Rashford will manage to get his “hunger” back at Villa after losing it at Old Trafford.Keane told ITV before United’s FA Cup clash with Leicester: “It is sad but has been on the cards the last year or two. Clearly they didn’t get on.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”The strange things is I thought he’d go abroad for a new adventure, but to go to Villa surprised me. “If he has lost the hunger at United, how is he going to get it at Aston Villa?”Aston Villa boss Unai Emery opens up on how Marcus Rashford has trained after shock loan transfer from Man Utd Rashford could make his debut with Villa on Sunday’s FA Cup clash against Tottenham in front of his new team’s home crowd. More

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    Vinicius Jr ‘REJECTS new Real Madrid contract’ as Saudi league’s stunning £1BILLION offer edges closer

    VINICIUS JUNIOR has rejected a new contract from Real Madrid amid intense interest from Saudi Arabia, reports suggest.Vinicius, 24, currently pockets a staggering £12.5million per year at Real, with whom he has a contract until 2027 with a release clause worth a whopping €1billion (£830m).Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr has turned down a new contractCredit: RexVinicius has attracted intense interest from Saudi ArabiaCredit: RexHowever, the star forward has been receiving interest from Saudi Arabia as club chiefs are willing to break the bank for his signature with an offer close to his astronomical asking price.Meetings reportedly took place between Vini’s representatives and Saudi officials in December following an initial approach last summer.That led Los Blancos to the negotiating table as they look to tie up the Brazil international with a new long-term contract that would knock back interest from the Saudi Pro League’s riches.Meetings have been held between the reigning European champions and Vinicius’ camp as well as close family.Read More on FootballAccording to The Athletic, however, Real’s opening bid has been turned down by Vinicius and his team.The new offer included a pay rise that didn’t satisfy the Brazilian but talks will continue.Saudi chiefs are willing to take Vinicius’ earnings to a staggering £168m per year.The officials from the Middle East want to offer the Real star that amount over a five-year period, meaning his contract will be worth £865m.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Spanish giants are desperate to keep him and insist it would take a bid close to the player’srelease clause for them to even consider selling.But they will not stand in his way should he be tempted by the cash on the table.Vinicius Jr wins Fifa The Best award after Ballon d’Or controversy while Man Utd ace Garnacho also bags top prizeVinicius is said to be generally happy at Real, where he has won three LaLiga titles, the 2023 Copa del Rey and two Champions League trophies during his successful seven-year spell in Madrid. More

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    Man City boss Pep Guardiola APOLOGISES to Jack Grealish with England man playing just 604 Premier League minutes

    MANCHESTER CITY manager Pep Guardiola is “so sorry” Jack Grealish isn’t playing enough this season.Grealish, 29, became the most expensive British signing in Premier League history four years ago when he joined City from Aston Villa following a staggering £100million deal.Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola apologised to Jack Grealish for his lack of minutesCredit: GettyGrealish has been struggling for a place in Man City’s starting line-upCredit: RexThe versatile forward hit the ground running under Guardiola, 54, and he was a key part of the treble-winning side during the 2022-23 campaign.However, the England international has significantly slowed down the last two seasons, something that led to a heartbreaking omission from England’s Euro 2024 squad last summer.Grealish has only managed a mere two goals and four assists in 22 appearances across all competitions this term – that adds up to just 604 Premier League minutes.The ex-Villa star hasn’t been part of Guardiola’s starting line-up since January 11 when the Citizens demolished Salford City 8-0 in the FA Cup.Read More on FootballGrealish will be hoping to start in the competition’s fourth round on Saturday at Leyton Orient where the Catalan tactician can rotate.Guardiola addressed the issue with an apparent public apology to his player.However, the City boss insists this is not personal and instead this comes down to better displays by the likes of Jeremy Doku and especially Savinho.Guardiola said: “I’m so sorry he doesn’t get the minutes that maybe he deserves.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But [in] the end, the contributions from Jeremy or Savinho have been massive this season, this is the only reason why.”It’s not personal, or [that] I don’t like Jack, or I don’t have confidence in him.Brilliant moment Jack Grealish joins Aston Villa fans in Bruges pub on FaceTime after being dropped from Man City squad”Of course when you play one player more minutes than another, you have more confidence [than him] right now. “But I know his attributes, it’s just for the fact that for the impact of Savinho.It’s [Savinho’s] first season; his impact in goals, and assists, the last game at Arsenal made an incredible step-up defensively and challenging duels. And this is the reason why.”SunSport revealed that Grealish’s lack of minutes at the Etihad led to interest from Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan during the January transfer window amid doubts about his Man City future. More

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    Aston Villa boss Unai Emery opens up on how Marcus Rashford has trained after shock loan transfer from Man Utd

    ASTON VILLA manager Unai Emery has lifted the lid on how Marcus Rashford has been training after his dramatic exit from Manchester United.Rashford, 27, left United under a cloud after two decades with the club as he fell out of favour soon after the arrival of new manager Ruben Amorim.Marcus Rashford was criticised by Ruben Amorim for the way he trained at Manchester UnitedCredit: Aston VillaAston Villa boss Unai Emery is very happy with the way Rashford trainsCredit: GettySince December 12, Amorim left the star forward out of his squad for every game apart from one, in which he was an unused substitute.The Portuguese tactician then suggested he was so unhappy with the way the England international trained he’d rather pick 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital instead.That led to Rashford joining Villa on loan during the January transfer window.And Amorim admitted he could not get the United star to buy into his plan.Read More on Man UtdHowever, Emery insists he is very happy with the way Rashford trains under him.The Spanish tactician, who pushed hard for that signing, described his new player’s efforts as “fantastic”.Emery said: “Today he trained fantastic, tomorrow again, Sunday match. “We will enjoy each step and then the future is only building with the present.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRashford is looking to regain his former goalscoring prominence during his temporary stint at Villa, which could become permanent in June.The United academy graduate could make his debut against Tottenham in the FA Cup on Sunday at Villa Park.Marcus Rashford says joining Aston Villa from Man Utd was an easy decisionAnd Emery, who convinced Rashford to join him after a long phone call, is relishing the challenge of helping his new player regain top form.The Villa boss added: “I’m very happy with the window we did, I’m very happy with him,””The conversation I had with him was a very normal conversation with a player and coach, speaking about football.”I only want the best football from him. As a person as well into the dressing room like one more player helping us.”I think his potential is huge potential to exploit. I don’t want to know the reason he is leaving from Manchester but I am very happy keeping him here.”I am very happy to try to exploit and help him recover his performances, individually and collectively. My challenge with him is huge. His challenge with us is exciting.” More

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    Tottenham’s Europa League squad announced with £200,000-a-week star and £12.5m signing left OUT

    TOTTENHAM have announced their renewed Europa League squad… and there are a few surprises.Spurs punched their ticket straight into the Last 16 after finishing fourth in the league phase.Tottenham have left two major names out of their renewed Europa League squadCredit: ReutersTimo Werner was omitted from Tottenham’s Europa League squadCredit: GettyTottenham January signing Antonin Kinsky was also axedCredit: GettyThe North Londoners were allowed to make three changes to the squad ahead of the knockouts.Manager Ange Postecoglou added two January signings in Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel.Danso, 26, moved to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on loan from Lens with an obligation to buy for around £21million.Tel, 19, also joined on loan from Bayern Munich with an option to buy for about £52m, which would then lead to a six-year contract.Read More on FootballThe forward initially rejected Tottenham but changed his mind after a long phone call with Postecoglou, who won him over after he explained how he plans to use him on the pitch.Danso and Tel were joined in the Europa League squad by Djed Spence, who has shone bright this season amid Spurs’ injury hell, as the third change.Postecoglou had to make two major omissions to make space for the aforementioned trio.That led to Timo Werner and another January signing in Antonin Kinsky being axed.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKinsky, 21, joined Tottenham from Slavia Prague after a £12.5m deal as an emergency transfer following Guglielmo Vicario’s injury and a series of gaffes from back-up goalkeeper Fraser Forster last month.However, Vicario is expected to return from an ankle injury and Postecoglou decided to have Brandon Austin as the Italian shot-stopper’s back-up after also axing Forster.’Horrendous’ – Jamie Carragher reveals moment Postecoglou’s Tottenham reign changed and they’ve been ‘awful’ ever sinceWerner has fallen down the pecking order following a series of below-par performances.The winger, who earns about £200,000 per week amid his loan stint from RB Leipzig, recently received some brutal criticism from Postecoglou, who claimed: “He wasn’t playing anywhere near the level he should”.The Germany international is also dealing with a hamstring injury, which could have contributed to his omission.Radu Dragusin has also been axed following a knee injury that could sideline him for the rest of the season.Tottenham Europa League squad 2024/25Here’s Tottenham’s renewed Europa League squad for the knockouts stage:Goalkeepers: Vicario, Austin, Whiteman, GunterDefenders: Danso, Udogie, Romero, Porro, Spence, Davies, Van de Ven, Dorrington, Cassanova, King, HardyMidfielders: Bissouma, Maddison, Gray, Bergvall, Kulusevski, Johnson, Odobert, Sarr, Bentancur, Moore, Hall, Kyerematen, OlusesiForwards: Son, Richarlison, Tel, Solanke, Lankshear, Scarlett, Ajayi, Williams-Barnett More