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    Saudi Arabia urged to ‘start working’ on Mo Salah transfer as Man City ace Bernardo Silva ‘edges closer to move’

    MOHAMED SALAH could be the next big name to move to Saudi Arabia after a prominent league official has urged clubs to sign the Liverpool ace. The Saudi Pro League has become a dominant figure in the transfer market since the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) took over four of the league’s biggest clubs.
    Mohamed Salah would be a huge coup for the Saudi Pro League as they try and raise their profile
    Bernardo Silva is reportedly close to making the move to Saudi Arabia
    Huge names in European football have already been enticed by the prospect of playing in the Middle East and many others are being linked with a switch.
    Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante are all now officially part of the Saudi Arabian league with others looking likely to join them.
    Man City star Bernardo Silva could be the next to make the move with reports by CNN Portugal suggesting a transfer to Al-Hilal is close.
    But those in charge in the Saudi Pro League don’t want to stop there with one official having his sights firmly set on Liverpool superstar Salah.
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    Hafez Al-Medlej, an official who has held roles with the Saudi Pro League as well as the Asian Football Confederation has urged clubs in Saudi Arabia to sign the Egyptian attacker.
    He told Koura (via AS) about the ambitions of the league.
    He said: “We are only living the beginning, all transferable footballers will from now on be targeted by Saudi clubs.
    “The experience of China has nothing to do with us, theirs was purely marketing. Soccer there is not the most popular. 
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    “In Arabia we have a state project and it will not be limited to four great teams, but to all of them. Because the passion for football of the Saudis has no limits.
    “Let’s hope that Bernardo Silva, from Manchester City, arrives. We must also start working on the signing of Mohamed Salah since he is overwhelmingly popular in the Arab world and in Europe. 
    “I think Salah still has records to break with Liverpool, so I hope that if he doesn’t come now he will in the future.”
    Salah has consistently been one of the best players in the Premier League since he signed for Liverpool scoring 137 goals in 218 league appearances. More

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    Man Utd could sell ANOTHER starlet in double swap deal for Declan Rice as they consider entering transfer race

    MANCHESTER UNITED could part ways with ANOTHER prodigy in an effort to sign Declan Rice.With Rice being the subject of two bids from Arsenal and expected to be the subject of one from Manchester City, United are behind in the race to land the West Ham star.
    Man Utd are willing to offer two players to get Declan RiceCredit: Getty
    Anthony Elanga could be set to leave as part of a cash-plus-player dealCredit: Getty
    However, Erik ten Hag may look to change these odds by offering cash and TWO players in a deal.
    According to the Daily Mail, United have enquired for Rice in recent days.
    This has come with a view to offer West Ham £40million plus Harry Maguire and Anthony Elanga.
    Elanga, 21, managed just 702 minutes of action under Erik ten Hag last season, frequently finding himself coming off of the bench.
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    The winger was a particular favourite of Ralf Rangnick, who revealed he thought Elanga was “really good” after watching YouTube videos of him.
    Rangnick’s managerial skills may have not been up to scratch during his time as the club’s interim manager following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking, but his talent ID remains highly revered.
    Elanga’s departure from Old Trafford would come after Zidane Iqbal confirmed he was leaving earlier today.
    Reports broke on Tuesday of United accepting a bid worth just shy of £1m from FC Utrecht for the 20-year-old.
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    And today Iqbal, who made history as the first British South Asian to play for United, penned a heartfelt exit in a letter to fans.
    He said: “Manchester United has been my home since I was 5 years old.
    “I have so many incredible memories of my 15 years associated with his amazing club… There are too many people to thank.
    “The Academy is a special place that makes dreams com true for so many. That was certainly the case for me.
    “I’ll never forget standing on the touchline at the Theatre of Dreams waiting to come on for my debut. That feeling of pride will live with me forever.”
    He concluded: “I’ll always be a United fan and i’ll always love this football club.
    “The time is right to go and take on a new challenge… This is a perfect opportunity and I cannot wait to get started.”
    It comes after a Manchester Evening News report stating Ten Hag is playing a more “active role” in the academy.
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    However, their report adds that only stars matching the Dutchman’s high standards will be given first team opportunities.
    The likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo appear to be two stars who the ex-Ajax boss rates, with both being given time in the first team across last season. More

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    Champions League giants ‘serious’ about hijacking Prem transfer of Bristol City star dubbed ‘Guernsey Grealish’

    CHAMPIONS LEAGUE finalists Inter Milan could hijack a Premier League transfer for Alex Scott. Scott, 19, has impressed over the last two seasons with Bristol City, notching six goals and seven assists across 91 appearances.
    Alex Scott has been linked with a transfer to Inter MilanCredit: Getty
    This form has seen the midfielder catch the eye of a number of Premier League outfits, including Tottenham, West Ham and Liverpool.
    However, according to a report from Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb, Inter are now “serious” about bringing him to the Serie A.
    Scott has been estimated to have a value of £25million.
    But the report states Inter could manage to negotiate this fee down to £15.5m.
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    Dubbed the “Guernsey Grealish”, Scott was crowned the Championship’s Young Player of the Season for his efforts last campaign.
    West Ham are thought to be considering the £25m move but will face competition from Wolves and Bournemouth as well as the interest from Spurs and the Reds.
    However, Bristol City boss Nigel Pearson has previously insisted that Scott will not be allowed to leave the club for cheap.
    He told Bristol World: “It’s got to be more than £25m, he shouldn’t go for less than that.
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    Inter star Nicolo Barella has been tipped for a sensational exit from the Nerazzurri.
    With Barella linked with a £69m move to England, Inter’s attention on Scott makes sense with them both playing in the same position. More

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    Denis Zakaria lined up for immediate Premier League transfer return after leaving Chelsea

    DENIS ZAKARIA has been lined up for an immediate return to the Premier League after West Ham reportedly entered the race to sign him.Zakaria has returned to Juventus following his loan spell at Chelsea.
    Denis Zakaria is being lined up for an immediate Premier League returnCredit: Getty
    Zakaria impressed at Chelsea when afforded the opportunity to playCredit: Getty
    Despite the Blues enduring their worst season in Premier League history, Zakaria managed to distinguish himself as a more than capable midfield force when he played.
    This being said, he was only afforded 11 appearances under the three different bosses who managed Chelsea across the season.
    Regardless, West Ham are now said to be lining up a move for the 26-year-old.
    Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports Zakaria is not in Juventus’ plans next season.
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    The Hammers are said to have asked for conditions to get a deal done.
    However, the London outfit are not alone, being one of “many” clubs in the race.
    West Ham’s pursuit of Zakaria suggests they are lining up their replacement for Declan Rice, who was the subject of a rejected £75million plus £15m adds on offer from Arsenal.
    Arsenal’s interest is expected to be followed up with a bid from Manchester City, while Manchester United are also reported to be considering a move.
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    The Hammers are holding firm on their £100m valuation of the 24-year-old.
    In Chelsea’s case, they appear set to win the race for Moises Caicedo, with the two clubs said to be in “final discussions” over a deal.
    Mauricio Pochettino has been busy gutting his squad of players.
    A number of senior stars are set to head to Saudi Arabia, namely N’Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly, Hakim Ziyech and Edouard Mendy.
    Other stars such as Mateo Kovacic, Kai Havertz and Mason Mount appear set to seal moves to rival Premier League clubs. More

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    Man Utd Treble winner tells Declan Rice to SNUB his old club and make Man City transfer instead

    A MANCHESTER United Treble winner has urged Declan Rice to snub his old club in favour of a move to rivals Manchester City.Rice, 24, finds himself in the middle of a three-way transfer tug of war between United, City and Arsenal.
    Rice has been urged to join Manchester CityCredit: Rex
    David Ornstein reported that City will submit an offer today amid “serious interest” in the England international.
    Arsenal looked to be in the driving seat in the race for Rice but after having two bids rejected by West Ham they have left the door open for other clubs.
    United had been put on alert by the rejected bids as they are long-time admirers of Rice, but are operating under financial constraints until the status of their takeover is clearer.
    And former United forward Dwight Yorke has said that if each of the three interested clubs make an offer, the choice for Rice should be straightforward.
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    Speaking to Lord Ping, Yorke said: “If it was me and Manchester City were interested, then they would be the first choice because of how they play and the trophies they win.
    “I wouldn’t rule Manchester United out because they’re on an upwards trajectory and want to get better.
    “I wouldn’t go to Chelsea at the moment because of the disgruntled team.
    “Arsenal would be a good choice if I wanted to stay in London, but Manchester City would be my first choice and Manchester United second.”
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    Dwight Yorke won the Treble with United in 1999Credit: Getty
    Arsenal had been the clear front-runners for Rice’s signature, with the midfielder being the club’s top priority and Rice keen on the move.
    But City’s late interest has thrown a curve-ball into things, and it is believed they will be in a favourable position to land the midfielder given West Ham’s established interest in Kalvin Phillips.
    The Hammers see Phillips as one of their top-targets to replace the departing Rice and a player plus cash deal could suit all parties.
    Arsenal have had a busy start to the transfer window as they look to be on the verge of signing Ajax’s Jurrien Timber, 22, and Chelsea’s Kai Havertz, 24.
    However missing out on Rice would be a significant blow, particularly after missing out on fellow top target Moises Caicedo, 21 – who looks to be Chelsea bound. More

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    Man Utd ‘in huge Mason Mount breakthrough with transfer fee finally close to being agreed with Chelsea’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have moved a step nearer to signing Mason Mount after coming close to agreeing a transfer fee with Chelsea. United have already had two bids for the England international turned down worth up to £45million plus add ons.
    Mason Mount is nearing a move to Man UtdCredit: Getty
    But according to The Mirror, Chelsea are ready to settle at £60m to ensure Mount gets his move.
    The Blues initially wanted £70million for their two-time player of the year and academy graduate.
    But with Mount no closer to agreeing an extension on his contract that expires next summer, Chelsea have been forced to compromise.
    The 24-year-old has 33 goals in his 195 appearances since breaking into the Blues’ first team in 2019.
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    And he would leave Stamford Bridge with a Champions League winners medal to his name.
    But following inconsistent runs in the squad last season and a failure to sign a new deal, the player looks destined to leave.
    United are already believed to have agreed personal terms with Mount with wages of £200,000-a-week.
    Mount could become the third Chelsea midfielder to leave within the summer window.
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    N’Golo Kante has already agreed left on a free to join Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.
    Meanwhile, Mateo Kovacic is due to join Manchester City in a deal worth up to £30m before his contract expires in a year.
    Chelsea’s summer sales look to continue with Edouard Mendy, Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi are also linked with moves to Saudi.
    Mason Mount has agreed personal terms with Man UtdCredit: Getty More

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    Arsenal missed out on buying Juan Mata in 2011 because of ‘Wenger’s dithering’ over fee, before Chelsea signed him

    ARSENAL missed out on signing Juan Mata from Valencia in 2011, according to the club’s former transfer negotiator Dick Law.The Spanish playmaker had agreed personal terms with the Gunners about making the switch to North London, but the club dithered over the price tag set by the LaLiga outfit.
    Arsenal missed out on signing Juan Mata from Valenica in 2011 to Chelsea
    This led rivals Chelsea to swoop in and secure the services of Mata, who had chipped in with nine goals and 18 assists in 43 games during the 2010-11 season.
    Arsenal were crying out for a creative midfielder as they looked to replace Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, who were seeking an exit from the club.
    But Arsene Wenger and the club were put off by the combined value of the transfer fee for Mata as well as his contract, which would have totalled £37million.
    Law had travelled to Spain to meet with Mata’s father, and he has stated that the player was keen to make the move to the Emirates.
    Speaking to The Athletic, he said: “Then we waited. Juan definitely wanted to come to Arsenal, there was no question about that.”
    When asked if Arsenal ever considered paying above their valuation of a player, Law declared that it was never spoken about.
    He added: “I don’t think that calculation ever entered our equation.
    “We didn’t have the money to say, ‘We’ll spend a bit more’.”
    Arsenal have missed out on some of the world’s biggest stars
    Arsenal eventually managed to lure the now Gunners manager Mikel Arteta to the club on deadline day, while Mata enjoyed a stunning season at Stamford Bridge.
    Mata recorded 12 goals and 20 assists in 54 games in all competitions, helping the club to Champions League and FA Cup glory.
    His performances led him to winning Chelsea’s Player of the Year in his first two seasons, before he was sold to Manchester United in January 2014 after falling out of favour under Jose Mourinho.
    Mata is part of a long list of stars who came close to joining Arsenal, with Lionel Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba all linked with moves. More

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    Man Utd starlet Hannibal Mejbri set for stunning transfer as fans worry they’ll ‘buy him back for £86m in two years’

    MANCHESTER UNITED starlet Hannibal Mejbri has been lined up for a stunning transfer as fans worry he’ll be worth “£86million in two years”.The 20-year-old midfielder is highly thought of by United fans after starring on loan at Birmingham City last season.
    Hannibal Mejbri has been lined up for a transfer away from Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    However, he has still made just three Premier League appearances for his parent club, with only one of them coming from the start.
    Mejbri now appears set to leave Old Trafford on a permanent basis this summer in a quest for more first-team opportunities.
    The Manchester Evening News report that Borussia Dortmund are interested in a move.
    It is understood that the deal would see the Tunisia international head to Germany for £13million, plus performance-based add-ons.
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    The news has United fans concerned, with one tweeting: “Dortmund wants another cheap player they will sell for €100m (£86m) in 2yrs. Manchester United would add a buy back clause if they are wise, but I doubt that.”
    Another wrote: “NOOOOOO… So that we’ll later sign him for £100m.”
    A third supporter also added: “You already know he’s going to be worth £80m in 2 years if Dortmund want him.”
    Meanwhile, one rival fan joked: “Knowing United. They will sell and buy him back for £180million in 2 years.”
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    Mejbri made 41 appearances on loan with Birmingham last term and appeared for Tunisia at the World Cup in Qatar.
    He has been at United since 2019, having signed from Monaco for £8.5million as a 16-year-old.
    French side Marseille have also taken an interest in Mejbri in the past. More