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    Tottenham snap up £12m goalkeeper in first January transfer – and rule change means he can play in Europa League

    TOTTENHAM have signed Czech ­keeper Antonin Kinsky for around £12million.Kinsky  — who has signed from Slavia Prague — is Ange Postecoglou’s first signing of the January transfer window.Antonin Kinsky has signed for Spurs for £12m from Slavia PragueCredit: GettyThe 21-year-old could be in contention for a debut in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg with Liverpool or Sunday’s FA Cup third round tie at Tamworth.He will provide cover for the injured Guglielmo Vicario and competition for Fraser Forster and Brandon Austin, who made his senior debut against Newcastle.Due to a Uefa rule change, Kinsky will be able to play in the Europa League knockout stages even though he played for another club in the competition.He said: “I’m really happy, it has been amazing to sign the contract. Tottenham are a big name and I’m really happy.Read more in football“I spoke with the coaches, I spoke with the sporting director and I got the feeling this is going to be the right choice.”Hours after Kinsky’s arrival was confirmed, Spurs No 1 Vicario posted a video of himself on Instagram walking without crutches or a protective boot as he continues his recovery from a fractured ankle.Back in November, Vicario fractured his ankle in a clash against Manchester City.Despite that blow, boss Postecoglou revealed the Italian is doing his upmost to return to action soon.Most read in FootballThe Aussie tactician said: “He’s going well, typical of Vic, he’s pushing every boundary. Obviously, he’s still a fair bit away, but whatever timeline that is, he will make sure he’s back as quickly as possible.”He’s still very much around the group. We saw him last night, he’s also training every day.Tottenham fans protest ‘Levy out’ with black balloons as Spurs chairman akwardly watches on during Liverpool loss”He’s so invested in what we’re doing, helping the keepers, helping the whole group.”He’s one of the leaders and, yes, he’s progressing well.”While Vicario has missed eight Premier League games, veteran Forser has filled his boots.Spurs are winless in their last four matches. More

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    Chelsea wonderkid Cesare Casadei ‘AGREES to permanent transfer exit as Torino launch bargain £10m bid’

    CHELSEA look set to offload wonderkid Cesare Casadei after he AGREED a permanent transfer away. The 21-year-old midfielder was signed in 2022 from Inter Milan in a deal worth £12.6m after he was touted for big things. Cesare Casadei could be on his way out of ChelseaCredit: GettyCasadei was named player of the tournament at the Under-20 World Cup for Italy and looked to be a star of the future. He spent time on loan at Reading and Leicester before being recalled to the Blues squad in January 2024. Incoming manager Enzo Maresca decided to keep Casadei in his side after taking over in the summer. But the player has been limited to just six appearances all season – five in the Europa Conference League and one in the Carabao Cup.READ MORE IN football Casadei has only made Chelsea’s Premier League bench four times – failing to make an appearance. It has led to speculation over his future and now Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Casadei has agreed to join Torino back home in Italy. A deal between the two clubs is now being thrashed out – believed to be in the region of £10m. Chelsea’s terms with Torino is also set to include a buy-back option.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCasadei is said to have attracted attention from Napoli, Lazio and Monza as well with the player keen on a return home. Maresca did not sign Casadei at Chelsea but the two worked together at Leicester – where the midfielder was played in a more advanced role. Moment Luke Littler copies Chelsea legend’s celebration during World Darts Championship clash with Nathan Aspinall The Stamford Bridge boss praised Casadei in October following a run of Conference League performances. Maresca said: “I am very happy with the way he is playing. “I had Cesare last year and he was playing a little bit in different position. This year, we are using him like a holding midfielder. “The reason why is because I think we go in the direction where the middle you need physical players. Cesare is very big, physically strong and helps us when we want to press. “On the ball, he is improving a lot. Tonight he played one touch, so we are very happy. “For him, it’s the same as the rest; many things he can do better but he is in the right direction.”Enzo Maresca has worked with Casadei at Chelsea and LeicesterCredit: Getty More

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    Man City planning transfer raid for England U20 wonderkid after string of impressive clean-sheets

    MANCHESTER CITY are interested in Sunderland goalkeeper Matty Young.City were keen on the 18-year-old stopper before he made his first-team breakthrough on loan at Salford.Man City are tracking goalkeeper Matty YoungCredit: GettyYoung had to wait for a regular start in League Two before finally making the No1 shirt his after 18 games.Since coming into the side, he has conceded just one goal in eight matches.And he is in the midst of reeling off a stunning run of six clean sheets in a row.Salford now have the joint-best defence in the league with AFC Wimbledon and are second in the table.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYoung incredibly now has the chance to audition in front of Pep Guardiola on Saturday night as Salford face City in the third round of the FA Cup.The wonderkid joined Sunderland at the age of seven and has risen through the youth ranks, winning their Young Player of the Year award.He spent last season on loan at non-league club Darlington.Young has been capped by England at Under-18, 19 and 20 levels.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe teenager’s Under-20 debut came in a 1-1 draw against Poland in November.January could be busy for City as the champions are reportedly eyeing a double raid for Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush and Atalanta midfielder Ederson to reignite their season.Beleaguered Man City boss Pep Guardiola involved in bizarre interview when discussing Rico Lewis red card More

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    Man City get huge transfer boost as Lens wonderkid hints he’s ready for big move and club set to cash in

    MANCHESTER CITY target Abdukodir Khusanov has indicated that he would welcome a January move to the Etihad.The Uzbeki defender plays for Lens and is rated in the £20million bracket by his club.Abdukodir Khusanov of RC Lens has emerged as a target for Man CityCredit: GettyKhusanov is only 20 and would be viewed as one for the future rather than someone to help reignite City’s season.But he has been playing regularly for Lens since moving there in July 2023.Sources close to the centre-back say they believe Khusanov is ready to play for a top club — while Lens might be tempted to do a deal for the right price this month.City aim to add reinforcements in this winter window and also have Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush, 25, on their list.Read more in footballSources in his home country of Egypt have suggested a move for the £50m-rated star is close — but it is understood that nothing is advanced.Marmoush is having the season in his life in Germany and can play in different positions as well as central striker.In the Bundesliga he has already scored 13 times in 15 games.While he has transferred that form to the continent, scoring four times in six matches in the Europa League.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMarmoush has caught the attention of several Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal.However, it’s the Cityzens who have stolen a march on their rivals.Erling Haaland swears in live TV interview after Man City win as Sky Sports reporter laughs nervouslyManager Pep Guardiola has called for the club to be “wise” in the transfer market after they have struggled to find their form in this campaign.”I don’t know right now. It’s not easy, it will not be easy,” he said.”Maybe we sign, maybe we don’t sign anyone. The club has to be wise, don’t sign players just to add players.”For the situation that we have and for the perspective of players that have had consistent injuries for many, many, many times, of course the club has to do it but I don’t know if it will be possible to do it.” More

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    Oli McBurnie BLOCKED from rejoining Sheffield United… but Blades could bring back another old-boy instead

    OLI MCBURNIE has seen a reunion with Sheffield United BLOCKED by Las Palmas.The Scotland striker, 28, joined the LaLiga outfit in July on a three-year deal after he was released by the Blades.Ollie McBurnie has been blocked from returning to Sheff UtdCredit: GettyMcBurnie is currently playing for Las Palmas in SpainCredit: GettyHe has played 15 times for the Spanish side – scoring twice.But manager Chris Wilder was pushing the promotion-chasing club to re-sign the forward he originally signed in 2019.However, Las Palmas have rejected the approach from them and other clubs.McBurnie joined Sheffield United from Swansea for £17.5million – with a fee potentially rising to £20million.Read more on footballAt the time, it was a transfer record for a Scottish player.The fee was beaten a few days later by Kieran Tierney’s £25 million move from Celtic to Arsenal.McBurnie found Premier League goals hard to come by.In the 2022-23 season he was instrumental in Sheffield United’s promotion to the top tier.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis 29 goals in 159 games made him a cult hero for the club.Off the pitch, McBurnie has courted controversy.Sheffield United stars held back as Championship clash with Portsmouth descends into brawl at full-time whistleIn 2019, he was charged with drink driving – later earning a ban.Then in 2020, he received a warning from the FA for his conduct amongst Swansea City supporters whilst attending the South Wales derby for allegedly making a rude gesture towards Cardiff City fans.In 2021, a social media video emerged that appeared to show McBurnie in an altercation with another man.North Yorkshire Police said that a 24-year-old man had been arrested in connection with an incident where a 21-year-old victim sustained facial injuries.The following month, North Yorkshire Police said that the case had been concluded, with a penalty notice and caution issued to two of the men involved in the incident.In June 2022, McBurnie and Sheffield United teammate Rhian Brewster were charged with common assault by Nottinghamshire Police “in relation to disorder at the conclusion of a game at the City Ground on 17 May 2022”.Ex-Blades star McBurnie pictured arriving Nottingham Magistrates’ Court in 2022Credit: PABoth players “strenuously denied” the allegations.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe charges against Brewster were dropped, but the case against McBurnie would go to trial after he pleaded not guilty to an assault charge.McBurnie was found not guilty in December 2022. More

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    ‘Pressures imposed on a hometown player can be extreme… that could make Alexander-Arnold’s mind up’, says Deeney

    THERE are several reasons why Trent Alexander-Arnold is likely to leave Liverpool this summer.Firstly, he has achieved pretty much everything he can at Anfield — and if he signs off with a Treble this season, then it will absolutely be a case of ‘job done’.Trent Alexander-Arnold could leave Liverpool to Real Madrid to escape the added pressure of being a hometown heroCredit: GettyTroy Deeney experienced it when he joined boyhood club BirminghamCredit: GettySecondly, the lure of Real Madrid is a temptation that few players can ever resist. They are the greatest and most famous club in the world.But there’s another reason that may play a part in his decision-making — and that is the pressures imposed on a hometown player which can be extreme.I experienced that in a very different way when I joined Birmingham City, the club I had always supported.I was 33 then, towards the end of my career and the club was a shambles at that point, so that’s very different to Trent on both levels.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut in an age in which the ‘local hero’ has become a rarity, the added pressures can be really trying.When you play for your local club, everyone in the fanbase thinks they know you. Everyone thinks you should care more than the rest of the players — and, in a way, you do.Many supporters will have played Sunday league football against you as a kid, or gone to school with you, or they know someone in your family.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOr they see you in Asda and want to give you advice, or want to know what’s going on.When I was at Birmingham, my mum went to work and every day someone said to her, ‘Tell Troy, Blues should do this or that’ and she would reply, ‘I haven’t told him what to do since he was 15!’’New MOTD host’ Gabby Logan’s live TV interview with Liverpool boss Arne Slot ends awkwardly And heaven help you if you went out locally on the Saturday night after a defeat, even to a low-key family do, without any alcohol.That is sacrilege when you are playing for your own club.For Trent, at a club the size of Liverpool, those issues will be amplified further.Don’t get me wrong, playing for — and especially skippering — the club I support was one of the absolute highlights of my career.It was right up there with reaching an FA Cup final and spending five years as a Premier League captain.Leading the Blues out at St Andrew’s was the thing that most made the little boy inside my head say, ‘Wow, how did we get here? This is epic’.It was an enormous privilege — but being the local lad does take a toll.The best thing for Trent would be to parade the Premier League trophy at Anfield and then head off into the Spanish sunTroy DeeneyThat will be another factor for Trent, who has spent nine years as a first-teamer at Anfield and has been the highest-profile Scouser at the club for almost all of that time.Weirdly, if or when, he signs for Real, he will have less pressure because he won’t be a megastar like Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr or Jude Bellingham.And he won’t be the local boy. He can just focus on being an excellent right-back.Trent, who is out of contract this summer, has already been getting stick from supporters because he hasn’t signed a new deal — at a level which would not exist if he was not a Liverpool boy.This is unfair to me — and as a player I struggled to fully understand it — but it’s a phenomenon that certainly exists.Alexander-Arnold would not be the star man at Real MadridCredit: GettySteven Gerrard felt the pressure as the local hero of LiverpoolCredit: GettySteve McManaman is regarded as a hero at both Anfield and Real MadridCredit: AFPI don’t think the idea of achieving complete legendary status at a club is a factor among modern players, as it may have been in the past.While Steven Gerrard achieved that at Anfield, he did once hand in a transfer request, wanting to join Chelsea, before signing a new deal with the Reds.And Steve McManaman is a Liverpool lad who made the move to the Bernabeu and that didn’t damage his legacy on Merseyside, as he is considered a great at both clubs — having won two European Cups with the Spanish side.I don’t think Trent’s move will be done this month, despite Real making an approach, as that wouldn’t really suit any of the parties.Liverpool need him as they fight on four fronts, while Trent can go on a free at the end of the season, earning him a bigger signing-on fee.’DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD’Real are making a move now to protect against any other big-money interest from Saudi Arabia. Trent will stay fully committed to the club for the rest of the season, even if he is effectively working his notice at Anfield.Every other player in that dressing room will understand that Trent — like Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk — is either keeping his options open or preferring another challenge elsewhere.But being a hometown hero can be a double-edged sword.The best thing for Trent would be to parade the Premier League trophy at Anfield — perhaps along with two or three more pieces of silverware — and then head off into the Spanish sun.RUBEN TIME TO LOOK ‘N’ LEARNIF Manchester United can avoid a six-goal defeat at Anfield on Sunday, that would be a decent effort.That’s how bad things are at Old Trafford — and how good things are for runaway Prem leaders Liverpool right now.Ruben Amorim faces his latest tough assignment as Manchester United boss when they face LiverpoolCredit: GettyI think it’s a blessing in disguise for Ruben Amorim that United are having such a bad run early in his reign.He will learn so much about his players’ characters and their abilities and will be able to make proper judgments about who he wants going forward.Had United got a few more decent results after winning the Manchester derby, it would have only papered over the cracks and made it more difficult for Amorim to make those decisions.He is being very honest about the situation and I feel the club need to hit rock-bottom — which they are close to but haven’t yet. READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited should flog Casemiro to Saudi Arabia and end the Marcus Rashford saga by letting him go this month, while bringing in two or three players to add the energy and desire Amorim needs.But only after a full pre-season and a busy summer of ins and outs can we properly judge Amorim.United have endured their fair share of hammerings by Liverpool recentlyCredit: PAMan Utd ratings vs Newcastle as Joshua Zirkzee is hooked after half an hour and Kobbie Mainoo the only bright sparkKOBBIE MAINOO’S performance was the only silver lining as Manchester United suffered a fourth consecutive defeat.Newcastle struck twice in the opening 19 minutes as they threatened to tally up a cricket score at Old Trafford.Joshua Zirkzee was ruthlessly subbed after half an hour after struggling in a No10 role – but there was no recovering for Ruben Amorim’s side.Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the United display…Andre Onana – 5Little he could do about both goals and was barely tested other than that.Noussair Mazraouri – 4The first two goals came down his side as he failed to close down the crosses that were turned in by Isak and Joelinton.But he was positive in possession and put in a few dangerous crosses.Matthijs de Ligt – 5Did not do much wrong for Newcastle goals but can be criticised for his failure to organise his defensive team-mates.Harry Maguire – 4Lost Isak for the opener as he was caught ball watching.Almost made amends but his diving header cannoned back off the post.Lisandro Martinez – 3A complete mismatch as he attempted to battle Joelinton for a cross the Brazilian turned in.Also lost Isak for the opener and even faced the wrong way as the cross came in.Diogo Dalot – 5Offered some much needed stability on the left flank and produced a good cross for Maguire’s headed chance.Casemiro – 3Dismal throughout. So far off the pace and barely made a pass.Missed a guilt-edge chance to pull one back on the stroke of half-time.Christian Eriksen – 4Similarly inept in protecting his defence as Casemiro, as he was overran time and time again.He did at least put a few passes together and improved after Mainoo came on.Amad Diallo – 4A tricky evening up against the hardworking Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall so was largely ineffective.Joshua Zirkzee – 2Nothing went his way and the fans quickly got on his back. He was hauled off in the 33rd minute and his substitution was greeted with cheers by the Old Trafford faithful.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Fed off scraps but did not stop running and was a rare bright spark – came very close with a low shot that whistled past the post in the first half.SubsKobbie Mainoo (for Zirkzee) – 6Turned things around after his introduction and made things happen with his accurate passing.Set up Casemiro for a chance the Brazilian should have buried.Leny Yoro (for Martinez, 64mins) – 6Had a good chance from a corner but sent his free header wide.Alejandro Garnacho (for Casemiro, 64mins) – 4Struggled to make an impact as he failed to beat a man.Antony (for De Ligt, 83 mins) – 5Not enough time to influence the match. More

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    ‘Trent’s gone then’ – Fans convinced Liverpool’s latest transfer deal proves Alexander-Arnold is leaving

    LIVERPOOL’S first move of the transfer window has left fans convinced Trent Alexander-Arnold will leave in January.The England star is wanted by Real Madrid and the Spanish giants have seen a £20million bid for him rejected.Trent Alexander-Arnold is being heavily linked with a move to Real MadridCredit: GettyLiverpool have recalled Calvin Ramsay, who plays for Scotland u21sCredit: Willie VassBut supporters reckon Liverpool are planning for his departure, having recalled youngster Calvin Ramsay from his loan at Wigan.The 21-year-old right-back signed a season-long loan deal at the Latics in the summer.But the Scot’s stay at the League One club has now been terminated after 12 appearances.Fans reckon it could have ended as he is ready to play back-up to Connor Bradley in the second half of the season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne said: “Trent’s replacement.”Another added: “This does not bode well.”A third wrote: “Trent’s gone then.”Despite fan concern, The Athletic report Ramsay is in line for another loan later this month.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Alexander-Arnold could still leave his boyhood club as his contract is up at the end of the season.Real Madrid are supposedly ready to hand him a £100million contract via huge wages and a massive signing-on fee.Fans hail ‘agent Jude Bellingham’ as England star is spotted with Real Madrid transfer target in nightclubLiverpool face Manchester United on Sunday and Arne Slot was asked about his future, with the boss responding said: “I can tell you that he is playing on Sunday.“And hopefully he brings the same performance he has brought in for the last half year. Everyone has seen how a great a half of the season he has had.“I see him on the training ground every day, working his a**e off and is fully committed to us and he will play on Sunday – if they don’t tell me he is sick. But I don’t expect that.” More

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    Liverpool consider shock Elliot Anderson transfer as they send scouts to watch Nottingham Forest star

    LIVERPOOL are tracking one of the Premier League’s rising stars in Elliot Anderson.The league-leaders have sent chiefs to watch the midfielder’s last six games and the Nottingham Forest ace has been earning rave reviews from their scouts.Elliot Anderson is wanted by LiverpoolCredit: RexForest, who are enjoying a brilliant season, signed the 22-year-old from Newcastle in the summer and are under no pressure to sell the midfielder.But Liverpool have now identified the player as a target and will want to be at the front of the queue if he becomes available at the end of the season.Anderson’s switch from Newcastle to Forest for a reported £35m took many by surprise.But he was determined to move to the City Ground where he was promised regular first-team action amid the Toon’s need to sell a homegrown player due to Profit and Sustainability Rules.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he’s grabbed the opportunity and become a key part in Forest’s remarkable first-half of the season.Before the 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday that took them up to third in the league, he said the team have their eyes on European qualification. Anderson revealed: “Everyone dreams. We have a bit of banter every now and then and we chat about it.”We’re on some great momentum at the moment – it’s four in a row and everyone is buzzing.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Obviously, it is brilliant to be there but as everyone says we have to take it game by game.”On paper, we’ve got some great players in the squad. It’s all clicking. Everyone is full of confidence and we’re going in the right direction.”Premier League club unveil ‘beautiful’ new-look training ground with games room, ice baths and state-of-the-art kitchen Anderson hasn’t just caught the eye of Liverpool. He has also hugely impressed Alan Shearer.Both played for Wallsend Boys Club as youngsters before being picked up by the Toon.Speaking earlier this week, Shearer said: “What a season he’s having. It’s been a great move for him, he’s got an energy about him, a class about him.” More