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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

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    Rooney gives brutal response to Lingard transfer links amid claims Man Utd legend wants to sign former team-mate

    DC UNITED manager Wayne Rooney has shut down reports suggesting he wants to bring former Manchester United team-mate Jesse Lingard to Major League Soccer.Lingard, 30, was released by Nottingham Forest earlier this month and is yet to find a new club.
    Lingard will become a free agent next monthCredit: Alamy
    Some reports speculated that he could reunite with former United pal Rooney in the US this summer.
    However, Rooney has since dismissed all rumours linking the midfielder with a move to DC United.
    He said: “The Jesse Lingard [rumour]?
    “I don’t know where that has come from. From my point of view we have no interest in signing him.”
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    When asked if he will sign any players this summer, the United legend added: “We are obviously looking, there is a few players we have identified who we will work hard to try and bring in and there is things we can move round to try and do that.
    “We have to be at our best, work at our best and we have to find the best way to free money up to bring players in.”
    Lingard spent 22 years at Man Utd before leaving as a free agent last summer.
    He made 232 senior appearances for the Red Devils, but fell out of favour towards the end of his spell.
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    The midfielder signed a one-year deal worth up to £150,000-a-week with Nottingham Forest last summer.
    But he was limited to just 20 appearances during the 2022-23 campaign. More

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    Man Utd boss Ten Hag ‘infuriated’ as Glazers ‘refuse to sanction transfer spending until takeover complete’

    MANCHESTER UNITED boss Erik ten Hag has reportedly been left “infuriated” by his side’s lack of transfer activity.The Glazers are reportedly refusing to sanction any spending until their takeover saga is complete.
    Erik ten Hag is not pleased with Man Utd’s lack of activity in the transfer marketCredit: AP
    The Glazers are refusing to spend until United’s takeover saga is completeCredit: AFP
    The Americans have been fielding bids for majority and minority stakes in Old Trafford since November, with their valuation standing at a mammoth £6billion.
    Sir Jim Ratcliffe, one of two main frontrunners, is looking to seek majority control by a slim margin.
    While on the other side, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani wants 100 per cent control as he plots a stunning investment.
    But despite the club being on sale for seven months, with the Glazers previously targeting a March deadline, United’s ownership saga remains in limbo.
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    As a result, they are yet to sign any players this summer despite making a fresh bid for Chelsea’s Mason Mount yesterday.
    And The Mirror claims boss Ten Hag has been left “infuriated” by the situation.
    He believes United need at least three new signings – a goalie, a striker and a midfielder – to compete for next season’s title.
    But the Glazers are unwilling to release transfer funds until they have concluded their sale of the club.
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    And Ten Hag fears missing out on all of his top targets while rivals strengthen in key areas.
    The Red Devils have already lost Napoli’s Kim Min-Jae to Bayern Munich, while Arsenal look set to win the race for Ajax’s Jurrien Timber.
    The Gunners are also closing in on West Ham’s Declan Rice, with Chelsea hoping to land Brighton’s Moises Caicedo.
    Meanwhile, Ten Hag’s unhappiness has raised fears among fans that he could resign.
    One tweeted: “I won’t be surprised if Erik Ten Hag walk. I wouldn’t begrudge him this. He deserves better.”
    Another wrote: “Could genuinely see Ten Hag walking from this s***show of a situation, the delay with this takeover is DISGUSTING.”
    As another commented: “This is getting out of hand. We already have some budget. Why don’t they use it to book the top targets?” More

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    Barcelona fans hail ‘our new queen’ as it emerges Gundogan’s stunning wife is to thank for his Arsenal transfer snub

    BARCELONA fans thanked Ilkay Gundogan’s wife after reports she helped convince her husband to sign for the Spanish champions.Gundogan, 32, is said to have reached an agreement with the Catalan giants as he prepares to complete a free transfer.
    Ilkay Gundogan’s wife Sara Arfaoui has been praised by Barcelona fansCredit: Getty
    She is said to have been integral in her husband moving to the LaLiga championsCredit: Getty
    His Manchester City contract expires at the end of June.
    The German international was heavily linked with a move to City’s Premier League rivals Arsenal.
    But Spanish media have now claimed his wife Sara Arfaoui – a French model and TV presenter – has been calling on Gundogan to join Barcelona “for years”.
    She is said to have been the “one who pushed the hardest to make it happen”.
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    And supporters of the LaLiga winners were quick to praise her for helping complete her husband’s transfer – which is set to be a two-year deal.
    One said: “Our new queen.”
    Another added: “Ladies and gents, we have a new favourite 💐.”
    A third responded: “Her Majesty The Queen. Thank you for your service.”
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    Sara married Gundogan last yearCredit: Instagram @sarabenamira
    She is understood to have wanted to move to Barcelona for a number of yearsCredit: Instagram @sarabenamira
    Sara has immediately received positives messages from Barcelona fansCredit: Rex
    And a fourth replied: “Legend in my book.”
    Gundogan, 32, who came to England from Borussia Dortmund in 2016, was instrumental in Man City’s historic Treble-winning season – in which they captured the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
    The former Borussia Dortmund lit the blue touch paper in the FA Cup final against Manchester United with a superb volley after just 12 seconds – before he added the winner in the second half.
    But he was coy about his future after helping City secure their second of three trophies.
    He said: “To be honest, I don’t need these kinds of days to feel appreciated and to feel special in this club.
    “I know that, that’s why I’m here seven years, all the ups and downs that I’ve had so far.
    “Nothing is decided yet, so we’re going to see what is going to happen.”
    Sara is a French model and TV presenterCredit: Instagram @sarabenamira
    Sara has nearly 650,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @sarabenamira More