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      Former Man Utd star Jesse Lingard JOINS new club for a month as he trains with Premier League legend

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      JESSE LINGARD has joined Steven Gerrard at Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq.The former Manchester United star is a free agent after leaving Nottingham Forest.
      Jesse Lingard has joined Al-Ettifaq on a training basis for the next monthCredit: Getty
      Lingard will work with Steven Gerrard ahead of a potential permanent moveCredit: Twitter @Ettifaq_EN

      And he will link up with Liverpool legend Gerrard for the next month on a training basis.
      Fabrizio Romano adds that if Lingard impresses during his effective trial, he could end up joining Al-Ettifaq permanently.
      Lingard, 30, remains without a club despite his Forest contract ending in June.
      He scored twice in 20 appearances for Steve Cooper’s side.
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      And Lingard has since been training with former loan side West Ham, where he previously netted nine times in 16 games.
      However, an offer to rejoin David Moyes’ side has not materialised.
      And Lingard could now become the fifth ex-Premier League star to link up with Gerrard, who has settled into his new life by wearing traditional garb on Saudi National day.
      Former Liverpool duo Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum, ex-Everton winger Demarai Gray and one-time Fulham star Moussa Dembele all ply their trade under Gerrard.
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      Al-Ettifaq have enjoyed a strong start to the new Saudi season, winning five of their opening seven matches.
      Lingard will now train with them for the next month in a bid to prove his fitness.
      And should all parties come to an agreement, the 32-time England international could end up penning a contract to join the Middle Eastern giants permanently.
      Should a transfer arise, Lingard will be hoping to finally recapture his previous form at United.
      Working his way up from the academy, the versatile midfielder ended up scoring 35 goals in 232 games before departing for free in 2022.
      Lingard’s last international appearance for England came a year before that.
      But a wildcard spot in Gareth Southgate’s squad at next summer’s Euros seems unlikely, despite Al-Ettifaq’s Henderson continuing to turn out for the Three Lions.
      Earlier this month, Hammers boss David Moyes admitted he was giving Lingard every chance to get himself fit.
      He said: “Jesse has trained with us for three weeks and he’s improved greatly from when he first came in.
      “He’s in really good condition – much better condition than he was when he first came in.
      “I have to say, when Jesse joined us two years ago I think he scored nine goals in 15 games and was probably the difference between us getting into Europe for the first time.
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      “I want to give him every opportunity to get himself back in condition and see how he does.
      “So there’s no real update on it at the moment, just to say that he’s back and getting much closer to the levels of fitness where you’d hope he would be.” More

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      Vincent Kompany denied Man Utd transfer as Sir Alex Ferguson became ‘smitten’ with little-known star on scouting mission

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      VINCENT KOMPANY missed out on a transfer to Manchester United because Sir Alex Ferguson became “smitten” with a little-known star.The Belgian former defender, 37, became a hero across town at Manchester City.
      Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany could have joined United insteadCredit: PA:Press Association
      Sir Alex Ferguson’s scouting mission for the Belgian defender was distractedCredit: PA
      In 11 years at the Etihad, Kompany won ten major honours including four Premier League titles to etch his name into the club’s folklore and cement his legendary status.
      But it could have been very different indeed.
      That is because Ferguson had identified Komapany as a transfer target all the way back in 2004 when he was still at Anderlecht, four years before his £7million move to City.
      A list of wanted defenders, published in Fergie’s Leading book, showed Kompany’s name alongside Gabriel Heinze, Gerard Pique and Philippe Mexes.
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      Heinze and Pique both joined while Mexes snubbed United to go to Roma instead.
      However, a swoop for Kompany collapsed when Ferguson got distracted on a scouting mission.
      The legendary Old Trafford boss said in 2018: “When I went to the Celtic vs Anderlecht Champions League tie in Glasgow in November 2003, it was to watch the Belgian defender Vincent Kompany.
      “However, my attention soon gravitated to Celtic’s energetic young midfielder, slight of stature but with an assured, calm way about him.
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      “What I witnessed was a player with a tremendous set of midfield fundamentals — his movement off the ball, his penetration of the Anderlecht midfield.
      “I came away smitten by his performance, not least the timing of his runs.
      “Leaving Parkhead I was totally determined to get Liam Miller to Manchester United.”
      Irishman Miller completed a switch to United in the summer of 2004 and made 22 appearances, including nine in the Premier League.
      He headed to Leeds on loan in 2005, though, before a journeyman career in England, Scotland and Australia.
      Miller played for hometown club Cork City in 2015 and spent the final year of his playing days at Wilmington Hammerheads in 2016.
      Tragically, the former midfielder died in February 2018, four days before his 37th birthday, after receiving treatment for pancreatic cancer.
      Kompany, meanwhile, stayed with Anderlecht for another two years and then signed for Hamburg.
      The 89-cap ace, who faces United as Burnley manager on Saturday, said in 2015: “United asked about me, but I had other priorities at the time.
      “I was studying for my A-levels and my mother made me finish my education before I could concentrate on football.
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      “It’s a massive honour to be captain of Manchester City and I can tell you that I feel really good.
      “I have put my sweat and blood into this club. I’m passionate about the club and I want success as much as the owners.”
      Ferguson named Kompany as a transfer target way back in 2004
      Liam Miller, right, signed for United in the summer of 2004Credit: Getty
      Kompany’s Burnley side host Manchester United on Saturday nightCredit: Getty More

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      De Gea ‘could RETIRE from football’ if he doesn’t receive suitable transfer offer after ‘disappointing’ Man Utd exit

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      DAVID DE GEA could retire from football if he does not receive a suitable offer.The Spanish goalkeeper has been a free agent since leaving Manchester United.
      David de Gea could retire if he does not receive a suitable offerCredit: Reuters
      De Gea left Old Trafford after failing to agree a new deal with the Red Devils before his contract expired at the end of June.
      He has so far been unable to find a new club and is now considering retirement, according to The Guardian.
      The 32-year-old has turned down a number of approaches in recent months, including from Saudi Arabia.
      De Gea is understood to not be motivated by money and would instead prefer to be the first choice keeper at a top club.
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      He has been training alone and maintaining his fitness ahead of a possible return.
      The report adds that De Gea is keen to play for a club who are capable of challenging for major trophies.
      De Gea is also said to be “disappointed” with the manner of his United exit.
      He was offered a new deal with reduced by the Red Devils before his exit, with Erik ten Hag unsure on him and wanting to sign a replacement in the summer.
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      Prior to his exit, De Gea had been United’s highest paid player on a reported £375,000-per-week.
      Across 12 years at Old Trafford, De Gea made 545 appearances for United.
      During that time, he also won eight major trophies, including a league title and the Europa League. More

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      Tottenham have BUY-BACK clause to re-sign Harry Kane after £100m exit, chairman Daniel Levy sensationally tells fans

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      DANIEL LEVY claims Tottenham have a buy-back clause to re-sign Harry Kane from Bayern Munich.The Spurs chairman made the sensational claim at a fans’ forum on Tuesday.
      Daniel Levy claims Spurs have a buy-back clause to re-sign Harry Kane from Bayern MunichCredit: Alamy
      Levy reportedly made the claim at a Spurs fans’ forum on TuesdayCredit: AFP
      Kane, 30, departed his boyhood club for the German champions in a £100million transfer over the summer.
      It brought an end to an incredible Tottenham career, during which the England captain netted 280 goals in 435 games.
      However, club chief Levy claims Spurs may not have seen the last of the legendary forward.
      Speaking at a Tottenham fan forum on Tuesday, Levy reportedly declared: “There is a buy-back clause.”
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      It is unclear what the figure is, or when Spurs can reactivate it.
      Kane penned a four-year deal with Bayern until 2027, as the Germans smashed their transfer record with a £100m agreement.
      He has so far netted four goals in five games under ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel.
      But he missed out on the chance to win his first-ever career trophy as Bayern lost the German Super Cup final 3-0 to RB Leipzig.
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      As for Spurs, they seem to be enjoying life post-Kane.
      New boss Ange Postecoglou has guided them to second in the table with four wins from five games.
      Reflecting on the Aussie’s style of management, Levy added: “He’s just a normal bloke, direct and honest, he doesn’t play games, doesn’t say one thing to me and another to someone else, and this club needed to go back to its roots.
      “There was a lot of pressure on me, (Spurs) needed a manager to focus on the team, youth, the club, and be part of the team. He’s a breath of fresh air.”
      Postecoglou also had his say on Kane’s exit, as well as Spurs’ transfer signings.
      The former Celtic supremo said: “We had more targets but Brennan [Johnson] was a great signing, the right profile a great guy, he will play the way we play. 
      “I left Daniel to his own work but pestered the people around him.
      “With Harry leaving it could have been chaotic but I felt everyone dealt with it well. In the cold light of day I felt we ended up in a good place after the window.”
      Levy added: “I want to win as much as anyone else. The frustration of not winning and the pressure from some players and a large part of the fan base impacted me, it was a lot of pressure. 
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      “We came so close with Mauricio Pochettino and we changed strategy and hired win-now managers. It didn’t work, wrong hires. 
      “So maybe it will take longer, maybe we need this strategy and that’s why I hired Ange.” More

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      Arsenal ‘close to triggering £51m release clause for ‘next Sergio Busquets’ and he could replace Partey in January

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      ARSENAL are reportedly plotting a move for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi.The Gunners are ready to meet the midfielder’s release clause of £51m.
      Arsenal are close to triggering Martin Zubimendi’s £51m release clauseCredit: Getty
      Arsenal were previously linked with a move for the 24-year-old – who has been compared to Barcelona superstar Sergio Busquets by Spanish media outlets.
      Mikel Arteta wanted to bring in Zubimendi as competition for Thomas Partey.
      But the move didn’t happen, and the midfielder slammed the door shut on transfer rumours shortly after the summer window opened in June.
      Arsenal instead signed Jorginho from Chelsea in January, before signing Declan Rice and Kai Havertz for combined fees of over £150m in the summer.
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      But with doubts now over the future of Partey after reported interest from French giants Juventus – the Gunners are going to try their luck again for Zubimendi.
      According to Spanish outlet Nacional, Arsenal are ‘close’ to triggering Zubimendi’s release clause, despite the fact that he is a ‘favourite’ of Barcelona manager Xavi.
      The deep-lying midfielder played a key role in helping Sociedad qualify for the Champions League this season and has started this campaign strongly.
      Nacional claim that the Gunners are pursuing his signature in January, meaning they could move on Partey during the same window.
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      Juventus are reportedly keen on signing the Ghana international, who is currently out of action with a groin problem.
      Meanwhile, Zubimendi style of play could add another edge to Arteta’s midfield.
      Speaking in October 2022 in an interview with The Guardian’s Sid Lowe, Zubimendi gave Arsenal supporters an insight into his playstyle – and the Busquets comparisons.
      He explained: “Us pivot midfielders have the bad luck that maybe we don’t get recognised, but if you understand football you know Busquets’ value.
      “We’ve normalised him playing well so much we don’t always appreciate him.
      “He’s set the bar so high that pivots are asked to do things we weren’t before. But that’s nice: you have to aspire to that.” More

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      Julian Nagelsmann ‘confirmed as new Germany coach for Euro 2024’ just six months after Bayern Munich sacking

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      JULIAN NAGELSMANN has been appointed as the new German national team coach for Euro 2024, according to reports.The 36-year-old was sacked from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich just six months ago.
      Julian Nagelsmann has been appointed as the new Germany managerCredit: Getty
      The former Bayern manager has been out of work since last season as he was replaced by ex-Chelsea and PSG coach Thomas Tuchel.
      Nagelsmann had been linked to the then-vacant role at PSG, only for Luis Enrique to be named the new manager in the French capital. 
      Now he is set for a return to the dugout for the national team, according to German outlet Bild. 
      Germany will host the Euro 2024 and the national team has been without a manager after sacking Hansi Flick last week.
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      Despite not being a manager at the Bundesliga side anymore Nagelsmann was still under contract until 2026.
      Bayern thought they would be able to demand a fee for any side willing to take him.
      But the Bundesliga side recognises the importance of him leading Germany into next summer’s home European Championships.
      The 2014 World Cup champions suffered two group-stage exits at the last two World Cups and crashed out of Euro 2020 in the last 16 to England.
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      They have recorded just three wins from their last 12 fixtures – beating Oman, Costa Rica and Peru.
      For this reason, they are not demanding a fee from the German FA in order to release Nagelsmann.
      This will be Nagelsmann’s second time replacing Flick as he took over his role at Bayern in 2021. More

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      Harry Kane opens up on Man Utd transfer interest after claims he ‘had heart set on Old Trafford’ before joining Bayern

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      HARRY KANE has opened up on Manchester United’s transfer interest after claims he “had his heart set on Old Trafford”.According to reports, Kane was keen to join the Red Devils, but a change of heart by Erik ten Hag led him to a Bayern Munich switch instead.
      Harry Kane is set to face Man United tomorrowCredit: Alamy
      Erik ten Hag had a change of heartCredit: Getty
      Kane, 30, had been Man United’s key transfer target at the beginning of the summer.
      But as the reality of what Tottenham would demand for him despite his contract status became clear, the Red Devils decided to pivot to Rasmus Hojlund instead.
      According to the Mail, Kane would have been willing to see out the final year of his Spurs contract before joining United on a free transfer, had they given him the requisite assurances.
      However, Kane has now given his own view on the saga, explaining, via Fabrizio Romano: “Man United option for me last summer? Obviously there were talks with different clubs.
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      “But FC Bayern was a club I was really interested in. Once they came in there weren’t many other options. Manchester is a big club but I’m very happy here.”
      Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy was reportedly under pressure from his boss Joe Lewis to cash in on Kane rather than lose him for nothing next year.
      But Kane would have been willing to resist if a move to Old Trafford was in play.
      When the Red Devils forked out £72million for Rasmus Hojlund, however, the England captain gave up on the switch and decided to prioritise Bayern Munich.
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      Man United moved to sign Rasmus HojlundCredit: Getty
      He subsequently signed for the Bundesliga champions in a £104m deal just a day before the start of the Premier League season.
      Kane has scored four goals in his first four matches in the German top flight.
      The forward is set to meet English opposition tomorrow night, for the first time since leaving Spurs, when Bayern welcome Man United to Allianz Arena.
      He is likely to see England team-mates Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire in Munich.
      While his former Spurs pals Christian Eriksen and Sergio Reguilon could also be involved.
      Kane could see old Spurs pal Sergio ReguilonCredit: Getty More

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      Barcelona line up Alexander Isak as long-term Robert Lewandowski replacement – and he hasn’t ruled out transfer before

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      BARCELONA have their eyes set on Newcastle striker Alexander Isak to replace veteran Robert Lewandowski, according to reports.Barca boss Xavi is said to be a big fan of the forward and is on the hunt to bolster his forward options.
      Barcelona have their eyes set on Alexander IsakCredit: Getty
      Barca are looking to find a replacement for Robert LewandowskiCredit: Getty
      According to the Spanish outlet Fichajes, Xavi is currently planning for the club’s long-term future without former Bayern Munich superstar Lewandowski.
      The 35-year-old joined the Catalonian side last summer for £38million after his record-breaking spell in the Bundesliga.
      But the Spaniard is concerned the Polish striker’s career may be coming to an end and is desperate to start searching for a replacement – and is keen on signing Isak.
      The report claims that Lewandowski’s time at Barcelona isn’t up just yet as the club will not be “making any serious moves for Isak until next summer.”
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      The report adds that the Magpies would be looking for the same fee they paid if they part ways with the forward.
      For Xavi’s side, this will be tough as the club is still in financial trouble.
      Isak, 23, made a name for himself while a Borussia Dortmund player on loan at Dutch side Willem II in 2019.
      He became the first player to ever score three penalties in a Dutch second-division match.
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      Having left Dortmund for Real Sociedad the forward then signed for Eddie Howe’s side for a club record of £63m last summer.
      He has scored 12 goals in 31 matches for the Magpies but has had to fight for a starting role against Callum Wilson.
      The Swedish international’s contract does not finish until 2028 meaning it will not be an easy task for Barca to get his signature.
      But the Blaugrana have been long-time fans of Isak having previously been linked with the Swedish star before his move to the Premier League.
      When asked in 2021 about a potential move to Nou Camp the former Real Sociedad player told Spanish outlet El Diario Vasco he needed to remain “calm”.
      He said: “You have to be calm. I am. My goal is to finish the season in the best way, there is one game left and I said that I feel good here, I’m very good.
      “What happens is that nobody knows what will happen in the future. Neither you nor I. I take everything very calmly,” More