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      Arsenal legend Thierry Henry claims to know ‘real reason’ Jurgen Klopp is leaving Liverpool

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      ARSENAL legend Thierry Henry claims Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp decided to leave because he “has to take care of himself”.Klopp shocked the world last month when he suddenly announced he will step down as the Reds’ head coach in June after nine glittering years.
      Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp announced he is leaving in JuneCredit: Getty
      Arsenal legend Thierry Henry claims he knows the real reason Klopp is leaving LiverpoolCredit: PA
      The German tactician made this difficult decision after running out of energy and understanding he can’t keep dealing with the immense pressure year after year.
      And Henry believes the 56-year-old’s shock announcement just “tells a story” of how demanding elite football really is.
      The legendary striker added that the kind of success Klopp had at Liverpool, which saw him winning every title available, takes a massive toll in the long run.
      The France Under-21 manager likened his exit to that of Pep Guardiola, who took a year off after his stunning stint at Barcelona came to an end in 2012 before eventually joining Bayern Munich.
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      Arsenal’s record goalscorer insists the ex-Borussia Dortmund boss made the right call as he needs some time to regain his “sanity” and catch up with his family.
      Henry reached out to Klopp via CBS Sports: “Good for you.
      “Pep was at Barcelona, took a sabbatical year. Klopp is at Liverpool, is stopping. Xavi is at Barcelona, he is also stopping. Three great clubs.
      “That’s a dream job normally and they are stopping. That tells you a story. The pressure, everybody has a voice, social media and whatnot.
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      “It is tough to be a manager and no one cares about you. You’re going to have to take care of yourself at one point.
      “I understand that it’s very nice for fans and everybody involved, journalists, but do not think only about yourself and thinking that the Premier League will miss Klopp, that Liverpool will miss Klopp.
      Klopp gives latest update on Alexander-Arnold injury after Burnley win
      “We know that, we know that is true. But he was missing his family, he was missing his own time, he was missing his sanity. So good for him. When I got the news, I was like: ‘Good for you’.” More

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      Pedro Neto set for Wolves transfer exit with Man Utd and Arsenal among host of Premier League suitors

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      WOLVES will finance Gary O’Neil’s summer transfer moves by selling one of their A-list stars.And it seems certain Portuguese wing-king Pedro Neto will be the next cab off the Molineux rank, with Saturday’s opponents Tottenham one of the clubs keen to do business.
      Pedro Neto could be set to leave Wolves in the summer transfer windowCredit: Rex
      O’Neil needs a summer transfer kitty to fund a new striker, centre-half and a new winger to replace Neto, in order to meet strict Profit and Sustainability Rules.
      At the moment Wolves are just about breaking even on PSR, therefore they must sell off one of their assets and 23-year-old Neto is the likeliest to leave.
      The truth is, if it hadn’t been for injuries, Neto would already have been snapped up by one of the Premier League’s top-six clubs a long time ago.
      Arsenal are long-term admirers of the little Portuguese winger, while Liverpool were ready to test the waters with a bid in 2021.
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      However, Neto suffered a crippling broken knee cap against Fulham in April that season which ruled him out for almost a year, killing any potential deals.
      There was a further setback for the forward at the start of the 2022-23 season when he suffered another crippling injury at West Ham in October which kept him out until the following March.
      Happily for Wolves he has now returned to his best form and is injury free again.
      If Mohamed Salah decides to follow Jurgen Klopp out of Anfield this summer, Neto would be an obvious candidate to replace him.
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      Manchester United have also reportedly held talks about the ex-Braga star.
      Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglu is expected to compete with Arsenal to try and lure Neto to North London.
      Wolves star Pedro Neto shows his skills on the training pitch
      Italian giants Juventus lead the continental interest in him, while Bayern Munich are well aware of the English market too.
      Whoever does win the race to sign the Portuguese international will have to smash Wolves’ transfer record in order to do so.
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      Manchester City paid the Molineux club a record £53million in September to land Matheus Nunes.
      But the bidding will need to start at £60m and could even top £70m if Neto has a strong end to the season and sparks a bidding war between clubs.
      Wolves boss O’Neil will be a reluctant seller.
      He recently revealed how he intends to wring every minute he possibly can out of a fully-fit Neto this season.
      Neto just too important for Wolves
      “I remember talking to him during a break in play at Manchester United and he was starting to look a little bit tired with 15 minutes to go,” O’Neil recently revealed.
      “I said: ‘You can look as tired as you want – you’re not coming off. You’re too good to come off! Get a couple of deep breaths in because it’s not happening’.
      “He came off an awful lot towards the end of games and I felt someone as quick as he is – and explosive as he is – it’s worth keeping him on.
      “When the opposition begins to get tired, it will open up for him and he will get some big opportunities. That’s why he never comes off.
      “The fitness staff said to me a few times during games: ‘Pedro’s numbers are quite high’.
      “I replied: ‘Yeah, that’s fine, we’ll rest him tomorrow’. He’s important to what we do.”
      Wolves open for deal
      But Wolves are realistic and owners Fosun want the club to be self-sustainable.
      They intend to follow Leicester City’s blueprint of selling off a major player every season to finance further moves in the transfer market.
      Importantly, Wolves recognise Neto deserves a chance to play at the very top level for a regular Champions League club.
      They realise they landed a top quality star when they plucked him from Braga for £16m in 2019.
      Lazio, where he played on loan before moving to Molineux, never got the best out of their young starlet who only made five first-team appearances in two years in Rome.
      Earlier in his career Neto turned down a move to Barcelona in favour of playing regular first-team football at Braga, so he has been known to all the biggest clubs since he was a teenager.
      But at 23 he now represents a buyer’s dream.
      His stats of two goals and eight assists in 15 games for Wolves this season are impressive enough.
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      But they would surely soar with one of the giants of the Premier League.
      As O’Neil said: “He is ready to show the world just how good he is and exactly what he has in his locker.”
      Neto has stood out for Wolves this season in the Premier League
      Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham are eyeing Wolves star NetoCredit: Rex More

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      My dad was a deaf footballer and I have epilepsy but I’ve scored against Man Utd and now I’m going to play against Messi

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      A FOOTBALL star who has epilepsy and whose father represented Great Britain’s deaf team has just secured a dream move that will see him come up against Lionel Messi.Matt Crooks will be aiming to put the Argentine superstar to sword just like he did the icon’s great rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Matt Crooks’ dad was a deaf footballer and he also has epilepsyCredit: Getty
      The star has just left Middlesbrough to make the move to the MLSCredit: PA
      The 30-year-old was unveiled as MLS side Real Salt Lake’s new signing yesterday after he joined them for an undisclosed fee from Middlesbrough.
      The 6ft 4in midfielder departs Boro as a huge fan favourite following his two-and-a-half years at the Riverside.
      He made 115 appearances for the club, scoring 23 times, including a famous strike against Manchester United.
      The Leeds-born ace grew up supporting the Red Devils, but his equaliser in the FA Cup back at Old Trafford sent the fourth round tie to penalties, which Boro went on to win 8-7, after Ronaldo had earlier missed a spot-kick.
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      Crooks penned an emotional farewell after his exit was confirmed, saying: “Only six months ago, I described this place as home and that it will remain.
      “But life is short and we only get one go at it, and to have the chance to experience football and life in another country with my family was one I was keen to take up.
      “Under each manager came different challenges and plenty of positions, yet all provided me with memories which I am sure I’ll be able to look back on fondly. Reading at home, United away, Spurs at home, Chelsea at home. Fantastic.
      “Good luck to everyone involved with the club for the rest of this campaign, I’m sure the lads and staff will give everything ’til the season ends.”
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      He played in various positions under several different managers at Middlesbrough, but he is looking forward to being deployed as a No10 out in America – and facing one the greatest ever in that position too.
      Crooks said: “MLS is getting a bigger name and a better reputation.
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      “Obviously with the likes of Messi and what have you coming over, that’s really enhanced the sport over here. I’m just looking forward to it.
      “I wouldn’t say I’m a Salt Lake or an RSL professor just yet, but I’m looking forward to getting to know more. That’s what I’m coming over for.
      “I think my role will be as one of the 10s. I think you’d like me to be in that 10 role.”
      Crooks’ journey to America has been incredible off the pitch as well as on it.
      As a player, he started at Huddersfield Town before having spells at Halifax, Hartlepool, Accrington, Rangers, Scunthorpe, Northampton and Rotherham before Boro.
      Away from the turf, the popular player with epilepsy, overcame the loss of a long-time footballing friend as well as growing up in a family where both his parents were deaf.
      Speaking previously to BBC, he said: “My dad is proud to be deaf, my mum is proud to be deaf, but I’m the same way about epilepsy in a way.
      “It’s a dangerous condition and can have serious consequences, but it’s part of me and part of who I am so I should embrace it and not live in fear of something happening.”
      He is not the only member of his family with an impressive sporting career.
      His father Dave represented Great Britain in football at four deaf Olympics and amassed a collection of one gold, a silver and a bronze medal.
      Crooks said: “My dad doesn’t forget to remind me about it.
      “He did a good job of making the most of what he had, even if it held him back in other parts of his life, he still made sure sport was a big part of his life and that’s something I get from him.
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      “It’s classed as a disability, but I’ve never looked at it and thought they’re disabled, they’re just deaf and it’s a different world to the hearing world. It’s not something to be looked down on.”
      Crooks is also involved in two charities, The Peter Doody Foundation – which aims to normalise epilepsy – and the Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust – where he is the vice-chair and trustee, in honour of his late ex-Huddersfield team-mate.
      The much-loved star famously scored for Boro against Man Utd at Old TraffordCredit: Getty More

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      Bayern Munich ‘made shock last-gasp transfer bid for Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk in January’

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      BAYERN MUNICH had a last-minute approach for Mykhailo Mudryk rebuffed by Chelsea last month, according to reports.The Ukrainian, 23, joined the Blues in a £97million deal from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023.
      Mykhailo Mudryk has struggled to make a big impact at ChelseaCredit: Alamy
      But he has since struggled to leave his mark at Stamford Bridge.
      Mudryk has made 19 Premier League appearances this season under Mauricio Pochettino, scoring three goals and laying on a further trio of assists.
      He has been out of favour in recent weeks, however, failing to start any of the Blues’ last five Premier League games.
      According to The Athletic, Bayern Munich considered a swoop for Mudryk last month.
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      The German giants required reinforcements on the wing after being hit by Kingsley Coman’s injury.
      Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano adds that Bayern called Chelsea to enquire about Mudryk’s availability.
      He the claimed that Thomas Tuchel’s side were met by an immediate “no” from Chelsea.
      And that the Blues are “happy” with Mudryk.
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      Bayern eventually decided to bring forward Bryan Zaragoza’s move from Granada.
      In December they agreed a deal worth around £12.8million to sign the Spanish international at the end of the season.
      Watch Mykhailo Mudryk tell cameraman to film him from better angle with Chelsea fans calling flop signing ‘unreal’
      Following Coman’s injury, they opted to pay en extra £3.4m to bring forward the move.
      Bayern had a busy January window, also recruiting Eric Dier and Sacha Boey from Tottenham and Galatasaray respectively.

      Despite their new additions, the reigning champions fell 3-0 to Bayer Leverkusen last weekend.
      The result left them trailing Xabi Alonso’s unbeaten side with just 13 games remaining. More

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      Man Utd on transfer red alert over Matthijs de Ligt with defender unhappy at Bayern Munich

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have received a boost in their pursuit of Matthijs de Ligt as he is reportedly unhappy at Bayern Munich. His future at the German giants is in doubt, having falling down the pecking order under Thomas Tuchel.
      Matthijs de Ligt could want to quit Bayern Munich in the summerCredit: Getty
      De Ligt has made just 11 starts in all competitions this season as Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae are the preferred defensive pairing.
      It has led to reports claiming he is unhappy with his lack of playing time.
      There has also been suggestions that his relationship with Tuchel has become strained and he could therefore push to leave this summer.
      De Ligt was an unused substitute as Bayern lost to title rivals Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 on Saturday.
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      Eric Dier played ahead of him and after the defeat, the Dutchman appeared to make a dig at his boss as he replied “top fit” to claims he was injured.
      The centre-back has three-and-a-half years left on his deal at Bayern.
      He only joined the club 18 months ago from Juventus for around £68million.
      But Man Utd could reignite their interest should De Ligt want out.
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      He has long been admired by chiefs at Old Trafford and was linked with the club prior to his move to Bavaria.
      Erik ten Hag could fancy a reunion with the player he coached at Ajax amid uncertainty over Raphael Varane’s future.
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      The Frenchman’s contract expires at the end of next season. More

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      Newcastle ‘target double transfer raid on Bournemouth for Billing and Kelly’ but face battle with European giants

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      NEWCASTLE are targeting a double transfer raid on Bournemouth for Lloyd Kelly and Philip Billing.The Magpies are looking to strengthen their squad this summer after an underwhelming season.
      Newcastle are chasing Bournemouth duo Lloyd Kelly and Philip BillingCredit: Getty
      But after reportedly recording a financial loss of over £70million, Eddie Howe will not have a big budget to play with.
      And the Mail claims Newcastle are now lining up a free swoop for Bournemouth defender Kelly.
      The versatile centre-back is out of contract this summer and unlikely to pen a new Cherries deal.
      Kelly, 25, would provide cover in the middle and at left-back.
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      And Toon are preparing to move for him at the end of the season despite Kelly already receiving offers from several European sides.
      AC Milan, Monaco and Stuttgart are all thought to have presented contracts, with Premier League players able to discuss moves with foreign sides six months before their current deals expire.
      Newcastle are also said to be keeping a close eye on Kelly’s teammate Billing.
      The 27-year-old midfielder has found himself sidelined by Andoi Iraola.
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      And he could be available for just £15m.
      Billing is seen as a bargain replacement for Joelinton, who is out of contract in 2025.
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      His wage demands mean he’s unlikely to land a new Toon deal.
      The Magpies will therefore look to sell the Brazilian, who is currently injured, at the end of the season.
      And should they manage to land Billing for £15m, they can put the rest of Joelinton’s fee towards balancing the books.
      Billing has been at Bournemouth since 2019 after joining from relegated Huddersfield.
      He’s gone to score 31 goals in 179 outings, but most of his 18 league appearances this term have come from the bench.
      As for Kelly, he joined the Cherries from Bristol City in 2019 and has three goals in 117 games.
      He’s played only 11 times in the league this season and was subbed off at the break in Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at Fulham. More

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      Chelsea and Arsenal scouting Athletic Bilbao star with Blues fans convinced ‘this will be the end of Mudryk or Sterling’

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      ARSENAL and Chelsea have sent scouts to watch Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams amid an impressive season.Williams, 21, is shining bright for Bilbao this season with five goals and 10 assists in 24 appearances across all competitions.
      Arsenal and Chelsea have sent scouts to watch Athletic Bilbao star Nico WilliamsCredit: Getty
      Chelsea fans believe Williams would be an upgrade compared to Raheem Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk
      Arsenal and Chelsea are facing competition for Williams’ signature
      According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners and the Blues have sent representatives “multiple times” in the Basque Country to follow the Spain international’s progress.
      However, there is nothing advanced between the player and any of the Premier League rivals at this stage.
      The transfer race is “completely open” meaning more suitors could swoop in for Williams and create competition for Arsenal as well as Chelsea.
      Romano told CaughtOffside: “Arsenal have also sent their scouts to follow Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao multiple times, and it’s the same for Chelsea as they included him in the list last summer.
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      “The race is completely open, and nothing is advanced with either club so far.
      “He’d be great in the Premier League in my opinion – a physical and technical player; very good one.”
      Chelsea fans urged owner Todd Boehly and manager Mauricio Pochettino to move quickly for Williams’ signature.
      In fact, a section of the West Londoners’ faithful see the Spaniard as a massive upgrade to Raheem Sterling and £97m struggling star Mykhailo Mudryk.
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      One fan tweeted: “He will most probably replace Sterling, which is an instant upgrade.”
      Another commented: “Great player, but would definitely be the end for Mudryk yeah, they either trust him or they go and get Nico and try to move Mudryk on.
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      “Interested to see if they put the trust in Mudryk’s development or not.”
      A third posted: “Bring him in. Finally we get someone that runs with purpose.”
      This fan said: “Sign him up.”
      And that one wrote: “We have to get him.” More

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      Todibo opens door to Premier League transfer amid Man Utd and Chelsea links and doesn’t want to give Nice ‘false hope’

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      NICE defender Jean-Clair Todibo has opened the door to a potential summer transfer.The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in recent months.
      Jean-Clair Todibo is open to a summer moveCredit: Getty
      Both Chelsea and Manchester United are understood to be interested in signing him.
      Todibo’s current contract is set to expire in 2027 but he could be sold this summer for around £35million.
      The Frenchman has admitted that he would be open to a transfer, but he is not prepared to make a full decision until the summer.
      Todibo said: “I am at Nice and we’re having a great season. I don’t have my head elsewhere. If I did it would be difficult for me personally and for the group too.
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      “I feel really good at Nice. We’ll see what happens in the summer but we’re not there yet. I don’t want to get ahead of myself.
      “I don’t want to give false hope. For now, I’m here at Nice.”
      The ex-Barcelona star added: “Football moves quickly, you never know what’s going to happen. I’ll wait until the summer to make my decision. 
      “If my decision is to stay, I’ll announce it, if it is to leave, I’ll announce it too and I’ll thank everyone, but we’re not there yet.”
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      Todibo also revealed that he wants to leave something “beautiful” behind at Nice in case he does leave at the end of the campaign.
      He said: “There are important games coming up. The goal is that if it is to be my final season at Nice, then I want to leave here having done something beautiful with the club.
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      “The supporters and the club deserve players who give everything on the pitch, and to achieve something substantial. Personally, if I am to leave, I want to leave something good behind.”
      Todibo has provided two assists in 18 games for Nice so far this season. More