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    Sunderland line up transfer for Uruguay U20 World Cup hero to replace £8million Ross Stewart

    SUNDERLAND want Uruguayan striker Luciano Rodriguez from Liverpool of Montevideo.Head of recruitment Stuart Harvey was in South America last week trailing the teenager.
    Sunderland want Uruguayan striker Luciano Rodriguez from Liverpool of MontevideoCredit: Getty
    Ross Stewart moved to Southampton for £8million in the summerCredit: PA
    The 19-year-old, looks an ambitious target but the Black Cats have funds from selling Ross Stewart to Southampton for £8million in the summer.
    Rodriguez hit the  winner when Uruguay beat Italy 1-0 in the Under-20 World Cup final in June and is keen on a move to Europe — so Sunderland want to be in a position to move fast.
    Meanwhile, Sunderland are set for a transfer battle with fierce rivals Middlesbrough over rising star Nathaniel Adjei.
    The race for the talented 21-year-old is not solely limited to these two bitter rivals.
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    Fellow Championship promotion rivals Preston North End also keen on the Ghanaian defender.
    All three want the blossoming centre back on loan in January to help give their chances of reaching the Premier League an extra push.
    Adjei is currently with Swedish top-flight side Hammarby but has alerted scouts in England after already being tracked by Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers.
    Rangers sent scouts to watch him play last month.
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    But his options could come from far wider than just the UK, with teams in Belgium and Italy also interested.
    Adjei is enjoying a fine breakthrough season, having helped Hammarby reach sixth in the table after 29 games.
    A regular starter, he has played in all but nine league games to date, as well as in both of their UEFA Champions League qualifiers.
    Sunderland and Middlesbrough are interested in rising star Nathaniel AdjeiCredit: Getty More

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    Wolves keeper Jose Sa headhunted for huge £40m Saudi transfer as club begin replacement search

    WOLVES goalkeeper Jose Sa is the latest Premier League star to be headhunted by Saudi Arabia’s mega-rich clubs.The Portuguese international, 30, only signed a new deal at Molineux in September.
    Jose Sa is the latest Premier League star to be headhunted by Saudi Arabia’s mega-rich clubsCredit: Getty
    But Sa could now be in for a much bigger pay day in the Middle East.
    Wolves’ goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler has already started looking at replacements abroad.
    Molineux chiefs would get a big fee for Sa — possibly around £40million.
    Meanwhile, ex-Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui wants a Prem return and is taking in games as he awaits the call.
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    He enjoyed it there and only left amid unhappiness with their financial cuts.
    Lopetegui later admitted to being reduced to tears as he left Wolves.
    Opening up on his Molineux departure, he told The Athletic: “Something changed.
    “And once things changed, more than I could have thought, it was then a case of deciding what to do.”
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    He then continued: “It was not easy for me. It was a pity. I remember a lot of workers, and us too, we were crying.
    “The environment and the commitment that we have created at Wolves in a short time is not normal. And I remember this with a big, heavy heart. This was special.”
    On what happened to make him leave, he added: “[It’s] for the club, not for me. They have their reasons and I respect all of their reasons.
    “They decide what they want, but they can decide this and I can decide my future and my life.”
    Ex-Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui wants a Prem returnCredit: PA More

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    Man Utd hire US firm to find top talent scout as Red Devils fear they’re falling behind two rivals in transfer market

    MANCHESTER UNITED are using an American recruitment firm to find them a new top talent spotter.United have hired the Los Angeles-based Pace agency to sift through candidates for an ‘emerging talent scout’ role.
    Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United are using an American recruitment firm to find them a new top talent spotterCredit: Getty
    The Red Devils think that they are falling short in that department compared to neighbours Manchester City and Prem rivals Chelsea.
    But outsourcing rather than using their own people to discover someone suitable is a surprise move.
    The first stage of the interview process is also different.
    Candidates are interviewed via a computer before their answers are analysed.
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    It comes after Sir Jim Ratcliffe made his first major power play at United by axing the club’s chief executive Richard Arnold.
    Ineos supremo Ratcliffe is set to take control of 25 per cent of the Red Devils for £1.3billion from loathed US owners the Glazers.
    And his first move was to get rid of Arnold, who has spent 16 years at Old Trafford and took over from Ed Woodward as CEO last year.
    Former Juventus chief executive Jean-Claude Blanc, Ineos’ Sport CEO, has emerged as one of the favourites to take the role.
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    He works closely with the Ineos director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford, the British cycling mastermind who is believed to have regularly visited United’s Carrington HQ ahead of Ratcliffe’s imminent deal, which will see the Brit billionaire take on sporting operations.
    Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman is in the frame for a similar role at United when Ratcliffe takes over sporting control at Old Trafford.
    He has helped Palace sign the likes of Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise, Joachim Andersen, Marc Guehi and Cheick Doucoure.
    Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman is in the frame for a United roleCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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    Arsenal tipped to replace ‘bizarre’ Kai Havertz with transfer for £74m star whose ‘footballing IQ is off the charts’

    ARSENAL have been urged to ditch Kai Havertz just months after his £65million move from Chelsea.And they should instead upgrade to fellow German Florian Wirtz, whose “footballing IQ is off the charts.”
    Arsenal have been urged to ditch Kai Havertz months after his £65m move from ChelseaCredit: Reuters
    The Gunners have been told to move for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian WirtzCredit: AP
    Havertz, 24, was snapped up by Mikel Arteta over the summer after netting just 19 league goals in three seasons at Chelsea.
    Arsenal were convinced the forward would thrive in a new midfield position instead of up top.
    But after playing 19 times in all competitions for the Gunners, Havertz has just one goal and one assist at the Emirates.
    And former Arsenal youngster Jermaine Pennant reckons Arteta has messed up big time in the transfer market.
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    He does not understand what attracted Arsenal to Havertz after the player’s dismal form at Chelsea.
    And Pennant has urged the Gunners to move for an immediate replacement in Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Wirtz, who has been linked with Liverpool and Man City.
    The 20-year-old has six goals and 10 assists in 17 outings this term, helping his side to the top of the Bundesliga table.
    But Arsenal will have to dig deep once again, with Wirtz valued at £74million by Leverkusen.
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    Jermaine Pennant does not understand why Arsenal signed HavertzCredit: Getty
    Pennant told King Casino Bonus: “I need to talk about Kai Havertz. That signing hasn’t worked.
    “I thought I’d give him some time to settle in but that period is now over. I think he’s been a poor signing.
    “I don’t understand what he brings to the team as he’s not scoring or assisting. It’s bizarre as Arteta seems to believe in him.”
    On Wirtz, Pennant added: “I think Arsenal should have gone for Wirtz, his footballing IQ is off the charts.
    “He’s not a speed merchant but he’s clever on the ball and he seems to always pick the right pass.
    “His assists are great, he has an eye for goal and I think he’d be a fantastic addition to Arsenal, he’d fit in perfectly there.” More

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    Arsenal set to move for Valencia’s wonderkid centre-back who scored HAT-TRICK for Spain U19s

    ARSENAL are reportedly planning a transfer swoop for a defender that scored a HAT-TRICK for Spain’s Under-19 side.Mikel Arteta’s team are hoping to once again battle for the Premier League title this term as well as continue their progression in the Champions League.
    Yarek Gasiorowski scored a hat-trick from centre-half for Spain’s U19s this weekCredit: Getty
    Arsenal have been linked with a January move for the Valencia youngsterCredit: Getty
    He has been linked with a number of potential targets so far ahead of the January window opening.
    And a striker, with Brentford’s Ivan Toney believed to be top, is among his priorities.
    However, now a fresh report from Diario AS has claimed Valencia’s teen starlet Yarek Gasiorowski is wanted as well.
    Arsenal have tried and failed to land the 18-year-old centre-back in the past due to Brexit regulations regarding foreigners.
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    Premier League clubs are unable to sign players under 18 but they are said to have remained in contact with the Spaniard.
    And this update claims that they are preparing to try again as Arteta continues to try to secure reinforcements.
    Gasiorowski emerged through the youth ranks with Valencia and is now considered to be one of the best young centre-backs in Europe.
    He moved up into their first-team squad last summer and he has made a number of substitute appearances for the LaLiga side over recent weeks.
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    But he hit the headlines this week while on international duty for his country’s U19 team.
    He scored a hat-trick in Spain’s opening Euro qualification clash as they trounced Moldova 5-0.
    Gasiorowski is under contract at Valencia until 2025 and that package also has the option to be extended until 2027.
    It also contains a release of £17.5m, which will rise once he hits certain appearance milestones. More

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    Roma boss Jose Mourinho plots transfer swoop for TWO Chelsea outcasts frozen out by Mauricio Pochettino

    JOSE MOURINHO is reportedly plotting a double transfer swoop on Chelsea as he eyes up a pair of outcasts.The Roma boss has already reunited with Chris Smalling from Manchester United and plucked both Tammy Abraham and Romelu Lukaku from the Blues after taking the Serie A job.
    Trevoh Chalobah is a transfer target for RomaCredit: Getty
    Malang Sarr has been frozen out by Mauricio PochettinoCredit: Getty
    And now Calciomercato report he wants another two men from his former employers at Stamford Bridge.
    It is understood Mourinho has identified both Trevoh Chalobah and Malang Sarr as transfer targets.
    Neither player has even managed to make it into a matchday squad this season under new boss Mauricio Pochettino.
    England Under-21 ace Chalobah, 24, has been sidelined by a thigh injury while fellow centre-back Sarr continues to be overlooked.
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    Chalobah came through the academy but there are suggestions he is being “forced out” of the club – with Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund and Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern Munich all monitoring his situation.
    Sarr, 24, does not even have a squad number and was left out of the Premier League squad but did not get sent out on another loan – after heading to Porto and Monaco in recent seasons since his free arrival from Nice in 2020.
    Instead, Poch has preferred the likes of Axel Disasi, Thiago Silva and Levi Colwill.
    Wesley Fofana also remains unavailable due to injury while Benoit Badiashile and Bashir Humphreys both have one Carabao Cup appearance.
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    But with £100,000-a-week Sarr out of contention and Chalobah facing a huge uphill task to get significant game time at Chelsea, Mourinho is keen to offer them an escape route.
    Roma sit seventh in Serie A – 13 points adrift of leaders Inter – but are well in contention of the Champions League places.
    Mourinho has tended to go with a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Diego Llorente and Evan Ndicka this term.
    Smalling only has three appearances this term but the possible additions of Sarr and Chalobah could suit the out-of-favour Chelsea duo – especially in a three-man defence.
    Jose Mourinho is trying to get Roma back into the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty More

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    Chelsea chasing Monaco’s ‘next Kylian Mbappe’ Malamine Efekele despite 19-year-old still yet to make senior debut

    CHELSEA are reportedly chasing Monaco starlet Malamine Efekele – who has been dubbed the “next Kylian Mbappe.”That’s despite him being yet to make his senior debut for the French giants.
    Chelsea are after Monaco striker Malamine Efekele, who is yet to make his senior debutCredit: Getty
    The 19-year-old has been compared to Kylian MbappeCredit: Alamy
    Efekele, 19, is regarded as one of Ligue 1’s top prospects after starring for Monaco’s youth sides.
    Capable of playing on either wing or through the middle, he has put in top performances in both the Championnat U19 and the Premier League International Cup.
    And according to Foot Mercato, Chelsea are leading the race to sign Efekele next summer.
    The forward is out of contract in 2025 and is being chased by “top level clubs” in Germany, Spain and France.
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    But Chelsea have made it their business to sign football’s brightest kids.
    Todd Boehly has already bankrolled £1BILLION-worth of signings, with most of those arrivals being 23 years old or under.
    The Blues have particularly struggled in attack under Mauricio Pochettino.
    Eight of their 21 goals scored so far in the top flight have come in the last two matches, with Chelsea netting just 13 times in the previous 10 games.
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    Efekele would likely jump at the chance to move to Stamford Bridge.
    And fans are also sure to take a keen interest in a player regarded by many in France as the “new Mbappe.”
    Just like the 2018 World Cup winner, Efekele came through the AS Bondy academy before joining Monaco.
    And he has even been personally trained by Mbappe’s father Wilfrid at the French training base at Clairefontaine.
    Efekele, who has one cap for France’s U20s, is now training with Monaco’s senior squad.
    And a first appearance is sure to be just around the corner as his side sit just three points off Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germian after 12 games. More

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    Juventus ‘meet Thomas Partey agents as they look to push through huge triple transfer’ amid Jadon Sancho speculation

    JUVENTUS have met with Arsenal ace Thomas Partey and his representatives ahead of the January transfer window.Juve have identified Partey as the perfect replacement to fill in for the suspended Paul Pogba, who tested positive for banned substance DHEA which naturally boosts testosterone production.
    Juventus have held a meeting with Arsenal ace Thomas ParteyCredit: Alamy
    Juventus have also been linked with Manchester United outcast Jadon SanchoCredit: Getty
    Pogba also returned a second positive sample and now faces a lengthy ban which could see the end of his career at top level.
    The star midfielder will face an anti-doping tribunal, and if found guilty, the 30-year-old could be banned for up to four years.
    According to Foot Mercato, Juventus are thinking ahead and that is why they held a meeting with Partey as well as his agents to discuss a potential move in the winter market.
    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been deprived of the midfielder throughout the season following another string of injuries that have limited him to a mere five appearances across all competitions.
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    The Ghana international played a big part in the Gunners’ push for the Premier League title last term but it seems like Arteta is planning for life without him after the arrival of Declan Rice last summer.
    However, Partey is not the only player Juventus are looking to sign in the New Year.
    The Bianconeri are also looking to complete a deal for Sassuolo’s Domenico Berardi and Napoli’s Piotr Zielinski.
    And Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri wants club chiefs to move quickly.
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    The Serie A giants have also been linked with a shock swoop for Manchester United outcast Jadon Sancho.
    United appear open to letting Sancho go after his public spat with manager Erik ten Hag in September saw him being axed from the first team.
    However, the Red Devils have refused to talk with the Italians about a possible loan deal as Ten Hag’s side prefers to sell the winger outright. More