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      Thomas Frank warns Arsenal off Ivan Toney transfer as Brentford boss claims striker looks even BETTER after ban

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      THOMAS FRANK has told Arsenal to back off in their hunt for Ivan Toney. The Brentford striker, 27, will be available to play after the club’s Premier League trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
      Ivan Toney is set to return to play after serving an eight-month ban for breaching betting rulesCredit: Getty
      Brentford boss Thomas Frank has told Arsenal to back off from making a deal with the strikerCredit: Getty
      Toney could feature in the FA Cup meeting with Wolves next Friday, having not played since a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool on May 6 after being handed an eight-month ban for breaching betting rules.
      The Bees need him more than ever amid their miserable run of just one win in their last seven league matches. 
      Chelsea and Tottenham are also keeping tabs on Toney but a source recently told SunSport that Frank is desperate for Toney to stay to turn Brentford’s season around. 
      Frank said: “As far as I know Ivan is a Brentford player. I want to keep him and I’m looking forward to him playing with us.”
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      When asked if he was desperate to keep hold of Toney in the transfer window, Frank replied: “I really would like to. I’m a head coach. 
      “Desperate is a big word. I want to have my best players with me at all times. From my perspective, I don’t want to sell him. 
      “That’s because I think he’s fantastic. I’m enjoying him every day. 
      “Having him back will be like signing an unbelievably good Premier League striker. He’s looking forward to finally contributing to the team.
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      “I see the same determination and willpower from him to want to train well and be ready to play.
      “Maybe a tiny bit more in terms of a comeback and wanting to be at his best.”
      Toney joined the Bees back in 2020 from League One side Peterborough for a club-record transfer fee of £15million.
      He scored 20 goals in 33 Premier League appearances last term season, helping Brentford into ninth place in the table.
      His contract runs out at the end of the 2024/25 campaign. More

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      Title winner Kasper Schmeichel ‘open to Premier League transfer return and could join Liverpool legend’

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      KASPER SCHMEICHEL is reportedly open to making a Premier League return in January.The 37-year-old won the title with Leicester in 2016 and made 276 top-flight appearances for the club during his 11-year stay.
      Kasper Schmeichel is open to a Premier League return in JanuaryCredit: AFP
      However, Schmeichel left the Foxes for Nice last summer before moving to Belgian side Anderlecht in September.
      He has gone on to become the club’s starting goalkeeper but could now be on the move once again.
      According to talkSPORT, Schmeichel is open to a Premier League return when the transfer window re-opens.
      Bottom side Sheffield United are one of a number of clubs in the market for a new keeper, the report adds.
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      Chelsea and Newcastle could also be potential destinations after injuries to Robert Sanchez and Nick Pope, respectively.
      The Blades are currently seven points from safety after their Boxing Day defeat to Luton,
      Chris Wilder’s side have won just one of their last eight and just twice in the league all season.
      A move to Bramall Lane could also see Schmeichel join ex-Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino.
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      The Brazilian has grown frustrated in Saudi Arabia just six months after leaving Anfield.
      Sheffield United are understood to be interested in Firmino, who has not started a league match since the end of October.
      Al-Ahli would reportedly be willing to sanction a loan move next month, although the Blades face competition from clubs in Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
      Firmino scored 111 goals in 362 appearances for the Reds across an eight-year stay in England.
      He also won seven major trophies including the Champions League, Club World Cup and Premier League.
      Sheffield United are also interested in ex-Liverpool forward Roberto FirminoCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea ‘set to INCREASE ticket prices to fund Todd Boehly’s £1bn-plus transfer spree’ – despite lying tenth in table

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      CHELSEA are set to increase their ticket prices next season following Todd Boehly’s £1BILLION spending spree, according to reports.The Blues have splashed a remarkable amount of cash since the American, 50, took over from Roman Abramovich last year.
      Todd Boehly has spent more than £1billion on transfers since taking over last yearCredit: Rex
      But it has failed to amount to much on the pitch as they finished 12th in the Premier League last season, just 10 points above the relegation zone.
      And new manager Mauricio Pochettino has struggled since arriving in the summer, with Chelsea sitting 10th after just seven wins from 19 matches.
      Yet the on-field difficulties are not the only aspects of the club that will anger Blues fans.
      That is because The Standard are reporting the club are preparing to increase ticket prices ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
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      No “firm decisions” have been made, but talks in recent meetings with elected fans and club officials have left supporters expecting a price rise.
      It comes after Boehly and Clearlake froze ticket prices last season.
      Revenue streams such as matchday income need to be increased to ensure a sustainable business model following their seismic spending across the last three transfer windows.
      Inflation is another major reason why Chelsea need to raise ticket prices as the cost of maintaining and operating Stamford Bridge has increased by 31 per cent over the past five years.
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      The Blues have the lowest operating margin out of the tradition top six clubs in the Premier League.
      The club’s general admission tickets have not risen since the 2011/12 season.
      This means they have effectively reduced by 32 per cent over the past 11 years.
      Chelsea have the second-lowest ticket prices out of the top six after Manchester City.
      Just three of the 20 Premier League clubs did not choose to increase their ticket prices ahead of the new season.
      Earlier this month, a survey conducted by the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust revealed most supporters would accept a four per cent increase in ticket prices.
      However, most also believe the existing prices to be fair, while the club has also been criticised by the CST after they opted to remove coach subsidies for away travel.
      And the Chelsea Women Supporters Group slammed the decision to raise ticket prices to watch the league champions. More

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      Carlo Ancelotti signs new Real Madrid deal as boss, 64, snubs Brazil following Jude Bellingham praise

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      REAL MADRID boss Carlo Ancelotti has signed a new contract until 2026.The Italian manager, 64, had been wanted by Brazil ahead of the 2025 Copa America and the World Cup in 2026, but Madrid have managed to tie him down for another two-and-a-half years.
      Carlo Ancelotti has penned a new deal with Real MadridCredit: Getty
      Jude Bellingham has heaped praise on AncelottiCredit: Reuters
      Over two spells as Real Madrid boss the former Chelsea and Everton manager has won the Champions League twice and has one LaLiga title.
      But with English star Jude Bellingham lighting up Spanish football, Los Blancos could be on their way to another title – sitting top going into their winter break.
      And Real sensation Bellingham has put his excellent start down to Ancelotti.
      He said recently: “I put in my efforts and a fierce commitment to excel at work, but the credit goes to Mr. Ancelotti who found the right position for me and gave me more freedom on the field.
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      “So now I’m flying on the field.”
      Real Madrid won the LaLiga title and Champions League in 2022 under Ancelotti – who began his second spell in June 2021.
      And while they failed to secure either of those trophies last season, he did scoop the Copa del Rey.
      During his first stint as boss, Ancelotti won the Champions League and Copa del Rey.
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      Meanwhile, Brazil were eliminated from last year’s World Cup by Croatia in the quarter-finals.
      The five-time champions have not reached a World Cup final since they last won the tournament in 2002.
      But they have claimed three Copa Americas in that time – in 2004, 2007 and 2019.
      Brazil are waiting anxiously on the fitness of all-time top scorer Neymar – who is in a race to make their Copa America squad after suffering an ACL injury while playing for Al-Nassr in October. More

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      David Moyes set to sign new West Ham deal as board move to end contract speculation after stunning Arsenal win

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      DAVID MOYES is set to sign a new West Ham contract after taking the Hammers into the top six.The Scot, 60, delivered West Ham’s first trophy in 43 years winning the Europa Conference League in June but has been under huge pressure at times over the past 12 months.
      David Moyes is set to secure a new West Ham contractCredit: Getty
      West Ham clinched a famous win over Arsenal on Thursday eveningCredit: AFP
      Moyes’ current deal expires at the end of the season and, while all sides have been relaxed about the situation, he is set to agree a new two-and-a-half year contract and put any speculation to bed.
      Having flirted with relegation at times last season, the board at the London Stadium came close to sacking the former Manchester United boss on more than one occasion but stuck by him and have been rewarded.
      The veteran manager could well have left the club had he not won the Conference League title in Prague.
      Fans have criticised Moyes’ pragmatic playing style at times this season, but his record with the club cannot be argued with.
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      The ex-Everton manager returned to the club four years ago this week to get the out of relegation trouble and has since taken them into Europe for three straight seasons.
      And the Hammers capped their calendar year with an impressive 2-0 win over title challengers Arsenal, following last weekend’s victory against Manchester United.
      West Ham’s tally of 33 points is the most the East Londoners have ever managed at the halfway point of a Premier League season.
      And the Hammers’ top three Premier League points hauls after 19 games in a season have all come under Moyes.
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      Asked about his contract following the win at the Emirates, Moyes said: “There’s plenty of time to talk about that. We’re not in any great rush. We can get that done when we’re ready. I’m enjoying my time.
      “When we came back here, we came back to make sure West Ham didn’t get relegated.
      “That was four years ago now. Since then, we’ve grown and I think the team are growing and getting better.
      “We won’t be challenging all the top teams all the time because we’re not dining at that table but we’re coming now and again to these teams and giving them a game.”
      He then went on to add: “I’m really happy with the environment I’m working in here.
      “I’ve got a great team of players we have built over the four years and had some success and we’ll see if we can keep it going.
      “I’m sure the contract will be sorted in due course. We’ll find how things go.”
      The Hammers boss recently raised concerns over how players in his squad would cope with the uncertainty over his future, while a lack of clarity over who would be in charge at the London Stadium could have impacted business in the January window as well as next summer. More

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      Kalvin Phillips handed major transfer blow as Eddie Howe reveals Newcastle deal ‘certainly not close’ amid FFP woes

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      EDDIE HOWE admits he “hasn’t had assurances” that he will be handed a January transfer kitty to arrest Newcastle’s slump.The underfire Magpies boss is desperate to add to his struggling squad with so many injuries but he says Financial Fair Play will impact any business next month.
      Kalvin Phillips is hoping to secure a loan move away from Manchester CityCredit: AFP
      Eddie Howe has cast doubt on Newcastle’s ability to spend in the January windowCredit: Alamy
      A defensive midfielder is top of Howe’s wishlist, with Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips on loan their main target.
      Toon are also in the market for a forward to compete alongside Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak as well as a goalkeeper to replace the injured Nick Pope.
      The pressure is rising on Howe after six defeats in seven leaves them ninth in the Premier League and eight points off the top four.
      But asked if the Saudi owners have made money available, Howe said: “No we haven’t had those assurances.
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      “It’s a difficult month as we always say when January comes around, but it is a very difficult month to bring in quality players.
      “Financial Fair Play continues to affect our decision-making so let’s wait and see.
      “FFP is part of our future and isn’t going anywhere, we need to navigate it.”
      Asked about Man City’s England midfielder Phillips, Howe replied: “If nothing’s close, that one’s certainly not close.”
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      Phillips joined Man City from Leeds for £45million in the summer of 2022 but has played very little since arriving at the Etihad.
      He has featured 31 times – all but six of which have come as a substitute.
      And after just one goal and no assists, he is seeking a way out as he bids to secure his spot in Gareth Southgate’s England team for the Euros next summer. More

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      Newcastle could complete stunning Arsenal double-transfer as Eddie Howe ‘tracks two stars frozen out by Arteta’

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      NEWCASTLE are lining up a shock double transfer swoop on Arsenal, according to reports. The Magpies face a crucial January transfer window amid poor form, a depleted squad littered with injuries, Sandro Tonali banned and financial restrictions making money tight.
      Emile Smith Rowe has struggled for game time this season at ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Aaron Ramsdale could be reunited with Eddie Howe at Newcastle after losing his placeCredit: Reuters
      Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento all arrived for big money in the summer with Chris Wood and Allan Saint-Maximin the two significant departures.
      But with the Toon already close to profit and sustainability rules limits, it is understood Eddie Howe is targeting loan deals and free agents for the second half of the season.
      A versatile forward to add goals, a midfielder to cover for Tonali and a goalkeeper while Nick Pope is sidelined by his shoulder injury are among the key priorities.
      And according to The Athletic, two of those holes could be plugged by Arsenal outcasts – Aaron Ramsdale and Emile Smith Rowe.
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      Ramsdale, 25, is warming the bench this season following David Raya’s arrival from Brentford and, despite Mikel Arteta’s promise to rotate his goalkeepers, the £30million England international is barely getting a look in.
      Howe signed Ramsdale at Bournemouth and therefore the pair know each other well.
      And if a loan move can be negotiated, it could suit all parties.
      David De Gea has also been linked with a switch to St James’ Park.
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      But although a free agent, the Spaniard would demand big wages and be a direct threat to Pope as the No1 choice.
      Sam Johnstone at Crystal Palace and Tottenham’s forgotten man Hugo Lloris are other targets.
      Further forward, Smith Rowe could be lined up to inject some added creativity into the Newcastle team, especially with Tonali, Barnes and Jacob Murphy unavailable.
      Smith Rowe, 23, has struggled for game time this season with injuries and selection – limiting him to just 116 minutes of Premier League action across six appearances.
      His one assist came in his only start as the Gunners thumped Sheffield United 5-0 in October.
      Chelsea and West Ham have also been linked with the three-cap Three Lions international this season.
      ‘NO ASSURANCES’
      The Athletic report also names Athletic Bilbao ace Nico Williams, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Serhou Guirassy from Stuttgart and Boulaye Dia of Salernitana as other targets.
      Toon target Kalvin Phillips looks set to join Juventus on loan while Conor Gallagher’s £40m price tag set by Chelsea is simply too much for a January deal.
      Howe – who insists there will be no first-team exits from St James’ Park next month – is feeling the heat after six defeats in seven.
      And asked about money available for the upcoming window, he said: “No we haven’t had those assurances.
      “It’s a difficult month as we always say when January comes around, but it is a very difficult month to bring in quality players.
      Read more on The Sun
      “Financial fair play continues to affect our decision-making so let’s wait and see.
      “FFP is part of our future and isn’t going anywhere, we need to navigate it.”
      Newcastle’s squad has been struck by a wave of injuriesCredit: Reuters
      Smith Rowe and Ramsdale could both head to St James’ Park on loanCredit: Getty More

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      Roberto Firmino lined up for stunning Premier League return with Liverpool legend ‘frustrated’ after Saudi transfer

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      ROBERTO FIRMINO is being lined up for a stunning Premier League return, according to shock reports.The Brazilian forward, 32, left Liverpool as a free agent after 111 goals in 362 appearances across eight years in the summer.
      Roberto Firmino is considering leaving Al-Ahli just six months after joining the Saudi Pro League clubCredit: Getty
      He signed a mega-money, three-year contract with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ahli who also signed Edouard Mendy, Riyad Mahrez, Allan Saint-Maximin and Franck Kessie.
      New captain Firmino made the dream start when he scored a hat-trick on his competitive debut.
      But he is goalless in his subsequent 17 matches and has been dropped from the starting XI since October amid criticism from supporters.
      Now it is understood Firmino has already grown frustrated in the Middle East.
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      And, less than six months after arriving, the striker is considering leaving.
      According to talkSPORT, Sheffield United are keen to snap him up.
      Al-Ahli may be willing to arrange a loan transfer in January.
      The Blades’ Premier League return has been a struggle with the Bramall Lane side bottom of the table with just two wins from 19 matches.
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      The report adds Paul Heckingbottom was monitoring Firmino’s situation but with the manager replaced by Chris Wilder, it is unclear if a formal approach will be made.
      United have managed just 15 goals with Cameron Archer and Oli McBurnie leading the way with three each – Gustavo Hamer is the only other member of the squad with more than one.
      There is also interest from Turkey and other Saudi Pro League clubs, while Firmino would also consider heading home to Brazil.
      Al-Ahli ideally want the former Reds hero to stay in Saudi Arabia, though.
      Al-Shabab, Al-Ettifaq and Al-Fateh all remain linked with a swoop – especially as Al-Shabab have enough budget left to cover all of his wages.
      But Steven Gerrard can only bring in his fellow Anfield legend to struggling Al-Ettifaq if parent-club Al-Ahli cover at least half of Firmino’s wages.
      Gerrard told talkSPORT: “I obviously know Bobby extremely well, I’ve been a massive fan. I’ve followed him for years.
      “At the moment he’s Al-Ahli’s player so it’s very difficult for me to comment on that situation.
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      “But I’ve loved Bobby Firmino since the first day I watched him and I’m a huge fan.
      “He belongs to another club, so I won’t sit here and name names.”
      It has been a difficult return to the Premier League for Sheffield UnitedCredit: Reuters
      Steven Gerrard could try and lure Firmino to Al-EttifaqCredit: Getty More