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      West Ham re-open transfer talks to sign Jota and end former Celtic star’s Saudi Arabian hell

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      WEST HAM have re-opened talks to sign ex-Celtic forward Jota from Al-Ittihad.The Portuguese winger, 24, joined the Saudi Pro League champions for £25million in July but has endured a nightmare stint in the Middle East.
      Jota could end his Saudi Arabian nightmare before the end of the windowCredit: Getty
      Al-Ittihad failed to register him to play in the league as the division’s rules state each club is only allowed eight foreign players in their squad.
      It means he has not featured in the Saudi Pro League since the start of September.
      He has played just six times over the last four and a half months, with those appearances coming in the AFC Champions League and Club World Cup.
      SunSport exclusively revealed back in November that his old Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou was weighing up a move for him in the January window as he looks to bolster his Tottenham side.
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      But now it appears West Ham are eyeing a deal for the attacker.
      The switch would be a loan move if David Moyes’ men are able to get it over the line – after they ended their interest in Nordsjaelland teenager Ibrahim Osman.
      But it is also understood there is a tax issue involved in the deal for Jota which could prove difficult to resolve.
      This is because Jota would have to pay a huge amount of tax to HMRC should he return to Britain having earned a tax-free salary in the Middle East.
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      Jota’s Saudi Arabian nightmareJota moved for £25million from Celtic to Al-Ittihad in the summer – with the Saudi Pro League champions also signing Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante.
      Yet his time in the Middle East has been a nightmare as Al-Ittihad decided not to register him for their squad to compete in the Saudi Pro League.
      That was due to the division’s rules that clubs are only allowed eight foreign players in their contingent.
      It means he has played 11 times since leaving Celtic and just six times since September.
      And he now appears to have joined the likes of Jordan Henderson, Aymeric Laporte and Karim Benzema in wanting out of Saudi Arabia.

      Foot Mercato are reporting positive talks have taken place between the clubs and that all parties believe an agreement can be reached.
      Jota, who has scored two goals for Al-Ittihad, is waiting to be given the green light to travel to the UK to undergo his West Ham medical.
      He is just the latest in a line of ex-European-based stars to be disgruntled by life in Saudi Arabia.
      Jordan Henderson left Liverpool for Al-Ettifaq in the summer, only to terminate his own contract and sign for Ajax earlier this month.
      Jota’s team-mate and Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema is being heavily linked with a move away from Al-Ittihad.
      And former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte recently slammed the Riyadh traffic in a scathing assessment of the country’s transport network. More

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      Divock Origi’s Nottingham Forest loan to be cancelled after just NINE games with ex-Liverpool star to seal transfer

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      DIVOCK ORIGI is set to leave Nottingham Forest to join LA Galaxy on loan, according to reports.The striker has had a disastrous spell at the City Ground after failing to find the target in nine matches.
      Divock Origi is set to join LA GalaxyCredit: Getty
      He joined on loan in the summer from AC Milan but that deal is set to be cut short to allow a move to LA Galaxy, report Sky Sports News.
      Forest must sanction his departure but they are expected to do so given his struggles.
      Reports in Italy claim LA Galaxy’s loan deal for Origi will include an obligation to buy for £4.25million.
      Origi’s switch to Forest has proven to be a disaster with Premier League agents ranking the transfer as one of the worst of the summer.
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      Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are also planning some January business of their own with Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa targeted.
      However, the Portuguese stopper would cost a decent fee and that could scupper a deal because of Forest’s need to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.
      The club is already facing a minimum six-point deduction after being accused of breaching FFP profitability and sustainability rules.
      Forest reported an annual loss of £45.6m in their last accounts – but have a defence against the charge.
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      The club will point to the £47.5m sale of Brennan Johnson to Tottenham in the summer, claiming they would have complied with FFP rules if they had sold the winger to Brentford for £30m earlier in the transfer window.
      However, for the club’s sustainability they argue it was better to accept nearly £50m for Johnson in August. More

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      Chelsea trio set for exit as three Premier League clubs launch enquiries for Conor Gallagher

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      THREE Chelsea players could still leave before the transfer window slams shut, according to reports.Clubs have just a matter of days to finalise deals before the February 1 deadline.
      Conor Gallagher is no closer to agreeing a new contract at ChelseaCredit: Rex
      Armando Broja is wanted by two Premier League sidesCredit: Alamy
      Trevoh Chalobah has been sidelined with injury all seasonCredit: Getty
      Chelsea are expected to have a busy end to the window with Conor Gallagher, Armando Broja and Trevoh Chalobah all potentially departing.
      Gallagher, 23, sees his contract at Stamford Bridge expire at the end of next season.
      The Athletic report that he is no closer to signing an extension and could be sold this month or in the summer.
      Gallagher has played 28 times this season and captained Chelsea on multiple occasions – but his importance to Mauricio Pochettino will not prevent a sale.
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      There has supposedly been enquiries about him from three teams in the top half of the Premier League.
      Tottenham and West Ham have been heavily linked with the midfielder in the past.

      Meanwhile, Broja, 22, and Chalobah, 24, are both available to leave on a permanent basis or in a loan deal with an obligation to buy.
      The striker faces an uncertain future with Wolves and Fulham interested.
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      Chalobah has not played at all this season due to injury and is looking to get back on the pitch after falling down the pecking order.
      The trio are all up for sale because they are Chelsea academy graduates.
      Selling the stars will help the Blues avoid breaking financial rules as homegrown players count as 100 per cent profit.
      Chelsea also reportedly remain interested in Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran.
      Chiefs view the 20-year-old prospect as a talent for the future.
      Gallagher has impressed in his manager in midfield this season More

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      Thomas Tuchel hints at next job after Bayern Munich as furious fans say ‘get him out of the club’

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has dropped a huge hint on where he wants to manage next – and it left Bayern Munich fans fuming.The 50-year-old German boss has found himself under-pressure this term.
      Thomas Tuchel has revealed his desire to manager in SpainCredit: Getty
      He guided the club to the Bundesliga title last season after taking charge in March but Bayern currently trail leaders Bayer Leverkusen by two points.
      Tuchel has been criticised by some of Bayern’s former legendary players over his transfer signings and only has just over a year remaining of his contract.
      Now he has sparked speculation about his future by revealing that he would love to manage in Spain.
      And those remarks come on the same weekend that Barcelona manager Xavi announced that he is stepping down this summer after Saturday’s 5-3 defeat to Villarreal left them 10 points adrift of LaLiga leaders Real Madrid.
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      Tuchel, who won the Champions League during his time in charge of Chelsea, said: “Moving abroad would appeal to me again.
      “Spain has an extraordinary league. From my perspective, and based on my experience working with Spaniards, they are characterised by a tremendous amount of self-confidence.
      “When you speak with Spanish players, I quickly get the sense that you are engaging with the person.”
      His remarks did not seem to go down well with Bayern supporters as they soon vented their fury over the comments on social media.
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      “Get him out the club man,” wrote one.
      Another declared: “He wants to coach Barcelona.”
      A third claimed: “He literally is campaigning for the Barca job.”
      Another wrote: “Well, there is an open spot in Barcelona, and we, as Bayern fans, will be more than delighted to see you leave our club.”
      While a fifth said: “No respect for the club paying his wages.”
      Meanwhile, Tuchel could emerge as a target for another club.
      The Express have also claimed that his name has been added to the list of possible replacements for Erik ten Hag should Manchester United sack the Dutchman. More

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      Wolves star Jose Sa lined up for shock transfer to Premier League rivals but could have move scuppered by Keylor Navas

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST owner Evangelos Marinakis wants a new keeper.And the wealthy Greek is scouting the globe for a number one.
      Nottingham Forest are eyeing a swoop for Wolves goalkeeper Jose SaCredit: Alamy
      Marinakis is willing to fund a transfer move for a home goalie, just six months after splashing out on Matt Turner from Arsenal and Odysseas Vlachodimos from Olympiacos.
      But the club are having to work within their budget to avoid any FFP problems.
      One man Forest are keen on is Jose Sa at Wolves.
      However, the Portuguese stopper would cost a decent fee.
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      And that may not be possible at the moment for the Reds.
      So Marinakis currently has his contacts looking around for potential loan captures.
      One option could be a return for Keylor Navas.
      The Costa Rican was on loan at Forest last season, impressing with 17 appearances.
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      Forest could yet look to re-sign Keylor Navas from Paris Saint-GermainCredit: AFP
      Navas is now back at PSG under ex-Barcelona boss Luis Enrique.
      But he is out of the side to Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma.
      And his two appearances have both come in the French Cup.
      Navas’ wages are huge at a reported £200,000 a week.
      But they may come within Forest’s reach following last term’s switch.
      The City Ground club are 16th in the table after just five wins, and are only four points above the drop zone.
      Marinakis showed Steve Cooper the door before hiring Nuno Espirito Santo.
      And he wants to halt Forest’s leaky defence which has already conceded 38 goals. More

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      Sheff Utd will listen to transfer offers for Wes Foderingham in huge blow to keeper who wants to stay

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      SHEFFIELD United will listen to offers for keeper Wes Foderingham – and cash in if they can before his deal runs out in the summer.Foderingham has been the regular No1 but Blades are willing to sell him rather than lose him for nothing at the end of the season.
      Sheffield United goalkeeper Wes Foderingham is set to be soldCredit: Getty
      It is a shock blow for the keeper who hoped to sign a new deal but faces losing his place to new boy Ivo Grbic.
      The 33-year-old shotstopper singed for the club in 2020 on a three-year contract.
      It was under ex-manager Paul Heckingbottom Foderingham became Utd’s first choice goalie during the 2021-2022 campaign.
      Last season, he was instrumental in their promotion to the Premier League.
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      Foderingham kept an impressive 18 clean sheets as the club finished runners-up to Burnley.
      He has appeared 95 times for his side, however it appears that he may now play second-fiddle to Sheffield United’s latest signing.
      Last week, they bought Croatian international Grbic for an undisclosed figure from Atletico Madrid.
      He was selected in Croatia’s 2022 World Cup squad, although he has yet to appear for his country.
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      Grbic was understudy to Slovenian captain Jan Oblak at Atletico, who he joined in 2020.
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      On joining Sheffield United, he said: “I am really happy to be here. It is a big thing for every player to move to the Premier League.
      “This is the best challenge for me. I’m sure it will be an amazing experience and it will be fun to play in front of our fans. I want to be involved as soon as possible.
      “I’ve played in some good leagues in France and Spain, and played in the Champions League with Lille and played 15 or 16 games for Atletico last season which is a big club. I know I am ready now for this challenge.” More

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      Ipswich offering Blackburn striker Sam Gallagher three-year-deal as they close in on £2million transfer

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      IPSWICH TOWN are offering Sam Gallagher a three-year deal to tempt him to leave Blackburn Rovers.Striker Gallagher is out of contract in the summer although Rovers have an option on him.
      Ipswich are swooping for Blackburn striker Sam GallagherCredit: Rex
      So far the Tractor Boys have failed to agree a fee but the player is up for it.
      Ipswich are close to reaching £2 million but Blackburn would struggle to find a replacement at this stage.
      Elsewhere in the Championship, Preston are making late checks on Wigan keeper Sam Tickle ahead of a surprise move.
      North End have fancied Tickle before but he has been closing in on a new deal with Latics where he came through this season.
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      However Ryan Lowe’s scouts are back on Tickle’s trail and could step in, especially if they have late interest in Freddie Woodman.
      Birmingham City have also short-listed Tickle who has made the big breakthrough this season.
      Meanwhile, North End’s local rivals Blackpool will make a final attempt to land midfielder Owen Moxon from Carlisle – but face competition.
      The Cumbrians know Moxon won’t extend his contract and may now sell him.
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      However other League One clubs including table-toppers Portsmouth are circling as the auction starts.
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      Which Championship supremo had a secret meeting with an out of work boss at a hideaway location?
      The club official’s team has been struggling for results lately and remarkably he had a long chat with a manager with experience in the second tier.
      Despite public shows of support for the current manager all may not be quite so cuddly in private. More

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      Man Utd legend David De Gea ‘closing in’ on return to football after six months unemployed

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      FORMER Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea is reportedly closing in on a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab.The 33-year-old has been without a club since leaving Old Trafford in June.
      David de Gea is in talks with Al-ShababCredit: AFP
      Newcastle, Real Betis, Al-Nassr and Bayern Munich were allegedly among the clubs interested in signing him last year.
      However, De Gea is now on the verge of a return to football.
      According to the Daily Mail, the Spaniard is in talks to join Al-Shabab.
      The Saudi Pro League side are also pushing to sign Ivan Rakitic from Sevilla and Newcastle’s Miguel Almiron.
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      Rakitic was left out of Sevilla’s squad today while he prepares to complete the switch.
      He underwent a medical this morning and is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia next week.
      Meanwhile, Newcastle are willing to let Almiron leave St James’ Park this month.
      The Magpies need to sell players before buying in order to comply with Financial Fair Play rules.
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      Almiron is understood to be open to the move.
      Hakim Ziyech, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray from Chelsea, is another name on Al-Shabab’s transfer shortlist. More