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      Former Man City star ‘set for shock Premier League return’ to rivals after starring in Bundesliga

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      KO ITAKURA is reportedly set for a Premier League return with Liverpool and Tottenham reportedly interested in the Borussia Monchengladbach star.The former Manchester City centre-back has caught the attention of the Premier League again after his impressive spell in the Bundesliga.
      Liverpool and Tottenham are interested in signing Borussia Monchengladbach’s Ko ItakuraCredit: Getty
      Itakura joined Monchengladbach for £4million during the summer of 2022 after helping former side Schalke get promoted to the Bundesliga.
      The Japanese star has since made 34 appearances for Monchengladbach.
      And in August last year, the 26-year-old won the club’s Player of the Month award.
      But according to reporter Fabrizio Romano Itakura is “one to watch in 2024 as top clubs are monitoring Japanese CB.”
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      The transfer guru added that Liverpool “have sent their scouts multiple times to follow Itakura’s performances”.
      And Ange Postecoglou is “monitoring” the defender who he also eyed up while managing at his former club Celtic.
      The ex-City star, who never played for Pep Guardiola’s side, is still tied to the German club until 2026.
      And Romano confirmed his “release clause is NOT valid in January.”
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      Itakura is currently valued at £13million according to Transfermarkt.
      In January 2019, he joined City but was immediately loaned to Eredivisie club Groningen until the summer of 2021 before heading to then tier two side Schalke.
      The 21-cap Japan international can play both in centre-back and defensive midfielder positions which could suit Jurgen Klopp as Joel Matip and Stefan Bajcetic are out with injuries.
      Postecoglou’s side need defensive reinforcement after losing Cristian Romero to a hamstring injury on Christmas Eve to add to Spurs’ injury crisis. More

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      Birmingham to approach Steve Cooper to replace Wayne Rooney following his sacking but know it’ll be a short conversation

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      BIRMINGHAM CITY will approach Steve Cooper as their first port of call after sacking Wayne Rooney.However they accept it is likely to be a short conversation and they face an uphill battle to convince the former Nottingham Forest boss to turn his back on a possible rapid return to the Premier League.
      Birmingham are set to approach ex-Nottingham Forest manager Steve CooperCredit: Getty
      Wayne Rooney was sacked on Tuesday after just two wins from 15 games in chargeCredit: Getty
      Blues CEO Garry Cook dusted himself down on Tuesday and started the recruiting process – again – 13 weeks after he pinned his hopes on Rooney.
      A call to Welshman Cooper heads his “To do list,” after the Roo Revolution bombed spectacularly, with Ralph Hasenhuttl, Reims head coach Will Still, Jesse Marsch, Paul Heckingbottom and England Under-21 head coach Lee Carsley also being considered.
      Former Manchester United and England icon Rooney was axed shortly after his side crashed 3-0 to Leeds United on New Year’s Day.
      A club statement confirmed: “Birmingham City has today parted company with Manager, Wayne Rooney, and First Team Coach, Carl Robinson.
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      “Despite their best efforts, results have not met the expectations that were made clear at the outset. Therefore, the Board feels that a change in management is in the best interests of the Football Club.
      “The Board would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Wayne and Carl for all of their efforts.”
      Chief Executive Officer, Garry Cook, commented: “Unfortunately, Wayne’s time with us did not go as planned and we have decided to move in a different direction.
      “The search for a successor begins with immediate effect.
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      “We are committed to doing what is necessary to bring success to St. Andrew’s.”
      Rooney, 38, was only appointed at St. Andrew’s in mid-October, on a three-and-a-half-year deal, with Birmingham sitting sixth in the play-off places.
      He was tasked with implementing: “No fear football,” and a possession-based style of play.
      However, he won just two of 15 matches in charge and left with Birmingham languishing 20th in the Championship, just six points off the drop zone after 26 matches.
      Rooney failed to win over a sceptical group of players, who were relieved to discover he had been axed when they arrived for training.
      On Tuesday, Roo vowed to rebuild his shattered reputation and revealed he would take a break with his family before returning to management.
      “Football is a results business – and I recognise they have not been at the level I wanted them to be,” he confessed in a statement.
      “However, time is the most precious commodity a manager requires and I do not believe 13 weeks was sufficient to oversee the changes that were needed.
      “Personally, it will take me some time to get over this setback.
      “I have been involved in professional football, as either a player or manager, since I was 16.
      Read more on The Sun
      “Now, I plan to take some time with my family as I prepare for the next opportunity in my journey as a manager.”
      Professional Development Coach, Steve Spooner, will take temporary charge of Blues for Saturday’s FA Cup tie at Hull City. More

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      Forgotten Chelsea star ‘to have Premier League loan RIPPED UP as Newcastle enter race for January transfer swoop’

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      NEWCASTLE reportedly are keen to sign Chelsea’s Andrey Santos – whose loan contract at Nottingham Forest is set to be ripped up.Eddie Howe is on a mission to solve the Magpie’s struggles after suffering four defeats in their last five games.
      Newcastle are keen to sign midfielder Andrey SantosCredit: Getty
      Santos’ loan contract at Nottingham Forest is set to be ripped up by the BluesCredit: Getty
      Santos, 19, has failed to make an impact at the City Ground since his move from Chelsea at the start of term.
      The Brazilian midfielder cost the Blues £11million last January from Vasco Da Gama.
      But the midfielder was sent out on loan to Nottingham to earn more game time this term.
      However, he has only made two appearances for Forest and the Blues are not happy as they are expected to cut his contract this month, Nizaar Kinsella from Standard Sport claims.
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      And despite a “huge competition” of midfielders at Chelsea from Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher, Romeo Lavia and Lesley Ugochukwu, the youngster could return.
      As CaughtOffSide’s Ben Jacobs reported, “The Blues can break the loan arrangement should Santos fail to reach a certain number of appearances by January”.
      And Jacobs claimed Newcastle have reignited their interest in Santos.
      The Rio de Janeiro-born star was strongly linked with a move to St James’ Park before he made the switch to Stamford Bridge in 2023.
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      After losing 4-2 to Liverpool on Monday night, Howe’s side has been sliding down the Premier League standings in the past few weeks.
      The Magpie’s interest in Santos is said to be “long-standing” and the Englishman could do with midfield reinforcement as Sandro Tonali is suspended until next season.
      Newcastle has also been linked with forgotten Manchester City star Kalvin Phillips, who only has two starts for the European champions since joining for £45million 18 months ago. More

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      Vladimir Coufal’s agent slams West Ham and reveals defender is ‘NOT happy’ with new contract

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      VLADIMIR COUFAL’S agent has hit out at West Ham for not giving the defender a pay rise this season.SunSport revealed on Monday that the right-back was considering his future at the London Stadium due to his contract situation.
      Vladimir Coufal’s agent has slammed West Ham’s new contract extension for the starCredit: Alamy
      West Ham have extended his current deal, which was due to expire in the summer, by another year after activating an option in the contract.
      But the 31-year-old’s representative, Karol Kisel, says the Czech Republic international “deserves better”, calling for a longer deal on bigger money.
      Speaking to Czech site inFotbalu, Kisel said: “Cuf certainly deserves a better salary from the club and a new, improved, longer-term contract for his long-term performances in the West Ham jersey, in addition to the title in the Conference League.
      “So far, even after negotiations, West Ham’s management sees it differently and has only exercised the option of a one-year extension.
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      “Cuf is not happy about it as we expected a better offer.”
      West Ham yesterday confirmed that Coufal’s close friend and compatriot, Tomas Soucek, had agreed a new deal until 2027 on improved terms.
      Coufal has made 132 appearances for the Hammers since his bargain £5million signing from Slavia Prague in 2020, helping the club win their first trophy for 43 years, the Europa Conference League, in his home country last June.
      Had West Ham not taken up the option to extend his contract, Coufal would have been able to discuss terms with overseas clubs ahead of a free transfer in the summer from this week.
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      Meanwhile, West Ham are waiting on the results of a scan on Mohammed Kudus after he picked up a hamstring injury in the win over Arsenal.
      Kudus would have missed the Premier League clash with Brighton regardless of injury as he was set to join up with Ghana in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations.
      The expectation is that the former Ajax winger will still be able to take part in the tournament, although he has been delayed in joining up with Chris Hughton’s squad. More

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      Five jobs Wayne Rooney could go for next including Salford to become Class of 92’s manager after Birmingham sacking

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      WAYNE ROONEY is now looking for a new job after being sacked by Birmingham City.The England and Manchester United legend has endured an absolute nightmare since he took charge of the Blues when they were sitting in the play-off spots in October.
      Wayne Rooney is looking for a new job after being sacked by Birmingham CityCredit: Alamy
      The 38-year-old endured a nightmare spell at St Andrew’s and won just twiceCredit: Getty
      The 38-year-old won just two of his 15 matches in charge after replacing John Eustace.
      That poor run saw Birmingham plummet from sixth to 20th in the Championship.
      Yesterday’s 3-0 defeat to Leeds proved to be the final straw for Brum’s American owners, including NFL icon Tom Brady, as they confirmed Rooney’s departure this morning.
      And now the former Derby County and DC United boss has found himself unemployed with his reputation as a manager taking another huge hit after the ill-fated stint at St Andrew’s.
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      After guiding Derby to safety in his first season in charge, he still won plaudits the following year when they were relegated from the Championship amid turmoil off the pitch.
      Rooney resigned after they dropped to League One and went on to join MLS side DC United, who he played for towards the end of his iconic career.
      But he struggled to make much of an impact in America as he racked up just 13 wins and 26 defeats from his 52 games at the helm.
      And even though he is undoubtedly still a huge name in the game, his record in the dug-out suggests that he would be a massive gamble for any potential employers.
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      However, there may still be a few options on the table for Wazza, and here are five possible jobs for him that could help the ex-striker transform his reputation:
      SALFORD CITY
      The League Two club are owned by his former Manchester United team-mates Nicky Butt, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Gary and brother Phil Neville.
      Salford enjoyed four promotions in five years after the Class of ‘92 bought them with money man and majority shareholder Peter Lim in 2014.
      However, their dream of reaching the Premier League is in danger of imploding as they remain stuck in the fourth tier and they responded to their recent woes by sacking Neil Wood following the 5-1 defeat by Tranmere on Boxing Day.
      A number of names have already been mentioned as potential successors, but Rooney could land himself a new job fast if he decides to go for it and try and work for his pals.
      INTER MIAMI
      Beckham also owns MLS side Inter Miami and has enjoyed great success since the arrival of Lionel Messi in attack.
      Golden Balls previously employed close mate Phil Neville as manager, but he sacked him in June and replaced him with Gerardo Martino.
      They have been on a great run since, but should Becks opt to perform an old England friends act, then Rooney may have an opportunity to go back to the MLS.
      SAUDI ARABIA
      A huge array of big-name players and managers have moved to the mega-rich Saudi Pro League over the past 12 months.
      And the opportunity to employ another legendary figure in Rooney may prove to be an attractive option for one of their clubs as they look to continue establishing the league.
      ENGLAND
      A bit of a long-shot, but with Gareth Southgate expected to depart after this summer’s Euros, the England job could soon become available.
      With no obvious candidates out there to come in, Rooney could attempt to convince FA chiefs to take a punt on him.
      He already has plenty of experience on the international stage and assured his place in the history books by surpassing Sir Bobby Charlton’s Three Lions scoring record while captaining our country – a figure since surpassed by Harry Kane.
      And for anyone doubting him, Wazza could point out that Southgate’s only experience at club level before he got the gig was at Middlesbrough, where he suffered relegation from the Premier League.  
      MANCHESTER UNITED
      Perhaps an even bigger long-shot than the England one.
      But he knows the club inside and out after an epic 13-year playing career at Old Trafford that resulted in him winning the lot under Sir Alex Ferguson.
      Read more on The Sun
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe has finally completed his deal to purchase 25 per cent of United, and with pressure continuing to mount on Erik ten Hag, the new chiefs could opt for a change in the dug-out.
      And it is not as if bad managerial records at other clubs has put United off in the past given Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s recent spell in charge. More

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      Non-league sensation Fletcher Holman lands dream Premier League transfer from sixth tier Eastbourne Borough

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      WOLVES have signed non-league prodigy Fletcher Holman from Eastbourne Borough.The striker has caught the eye following an impressive campaign last season when he scored 17 goals.
      Wolves have signed striker Fletcher HolmanCredit: Rex
      Eastbourne Borough announced they had reached an agreement with Wolves over the transfer, which is subject to a medical and league approval.
      The 19-year-old has five goals in 17 games in the National League South this term.
      Wolves may feel they have another gem on their hands after signing Max Kilman from non-league Maidenhead.
      The centre-back is now Wolves captain and has made 128 appearances for the club since his 2018 move.
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      Holman could follow Kilman’s path by first joining up with Wolves’ Under-23 team.
      However Gary O’Neil may feel the youngster is ready for the first-team with his side in FA Cup action this weekend against Brentford.
      O’Neil has impressed since taking over from Julen Lopetegui with Saturday’s 3-0 win over Everton moving Wolves up to 11th in the Premier League.
      Wolves have made their first January capture and show no signs of slowing down.
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      SunSport understands they are tracking another youth prospect – 16-year-old Liam Brazier who plays for League One side Port Vale.
      The youngster is also said to be attracting interest from Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. More

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      Real Madrid ‘risk losing SIX first-team stars’ including Ballon d’Or winner as Ancelotti prepares for transfer exodus

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      REAL MADRID are allegedly at risk of losing six key first team players this summer.Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Nacho Fernandez and Lucas Vazquez are all out of contract in June.
      Luka Modric is out of contract in JuneCredit: Getty
      Toni Kroos is also out of contract, but he is likely to stayCredit: Getty
      And according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid officials are yet to negotiate fresh terms with them.
      Los Blancos usually open talks with players during the second half of the season, so those affected will likely be in limbo for another few months.
      Kepa Arrizabalaga and Joselu Mato are also set to leave the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the season when their loan spells expire.
      Kroos is expected to stay at Real Madrid, while the others are reportedly considered to be dispensable.
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      The Spanish giants currently sit top of the La Liga table, level on points with Girona.
      Carlo Ancelotti is eager to add to his squad in the summer, with a number of players set to leave.
      Kylian Mbappe could finally swap Paris for Madrid following years of interest.
      The Frenchman is expected to leave PSG as a free agent at the end of the season.
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      Kepa Arrizabalaga is set to leave when his loan expiresCredit: Getty
      Real Madrid have held a long-term interest in signing him.
      And as of today Mbappe is free negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs.
      Los Blancos are prepared to offer him a huge deal, but they want an answer from the forward by mid-January.
      However, Liverpool are now said to be serious contenders in the race for the striker. More

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      Liverpool are ‘serious candidates’ to land Mbappe as Real Madrid may have shot themselves in foot with transfer approach

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      LIVERPOOL have emerged as “serious candidates” to sign Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.The 25-year-old has entered the final six months of his contract in the French capital.
      Kylian Mbappe has entered the final year of his contractCredit: Rex
      Mbappe possesses a player option to extend his deal by a further 12 months, although last summer he wrote to club chiefs informing them that he had “no intention” of doing so.
      The forward was subsequently exiled from PSG’s pre-season tour, with the Ligue 1 champions even accepting a world-record £259million bid from Al-Hilal for their star man.
      After snubbing a move to Saudi Arabia, Mbappe later returned to PSG’s first team and has been in electric form ever since.
      His future remains in the balance, with Liverpool and Real Madrid both showing “credible” interest in signing him.
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      According to Le Parisien, the Reds pose the biggest threat to PSG’s hopes of convincing Mbappe to stay.
      Jurgen Klopp has long been a huge fan of the French superstar, with Liverpool having reportedly dreamed of signing him for nine years.
      The Reds’ long-term admiration hasn’t gone unnoticed by Mbappe, who could be intrigued by a move to Anfield.
      Kop chiefs would love to sign him in a bid to consistently compete with Manchester City.
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      And with Mohamed Salah attracting strong interest from Saudi Arabia, Mbappe could even be a long-term replacement for the Egyptian.
      Real Madrid were long thought to be in the driving seat to sign Mbappe.
      But latest reports suggest that he has been unimpressed by the Spanish side’s “hardball tactics” in negotiations.
      Mbappe could yet still perform a U-turn from his stance last summer and decide to extend at PSG again.
      It’s claimed that he would struggle to find conditions as “tailor-made” for him at other potential suitors as they are at Parc des Princes.
      Mbappe has scored 18 goals in 16 Ligue 1 appearances so far this season.
      He has also added a further three in the Champions League. More