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    Player leaves non-league club shell shocked after signing and posing in club gear before performing U-turn hours later

    A NON-LEAGUE side have been left shell-shocked after a player left the club just hours after joining.FC United of Manchester had signed striker Bobby Grant only to see him leave for a better offer shortly after.
    Bobby Grant had signed for FC United of Manchester
    He left the club just hours later after being announced
    Grant, 33, was announced as a player for the club on social media with a picture of him wearing the team’s training wear.
    The striker even gave a two-minute interview with the Rebels’ in-house media.
    During the interview, he insisted that he “jumped at the chance” of joining the club and that he could “not wait to get going”.
    However, Grant will not be playing for the club in their upcoming fixtures in the Northern Premier League.
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    He instead opted to sign for a different club after receiving a “better offer”.
    FC United of Manchester announced the shock decision on social media.
    The club posted: “Deal off….
    “Bobby Grant contacted the club last night to state that he’s decided to sign for another club after receiving a more attractive offer yesterday evening.”
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    The Rebels still managed to win their following match against Guiseley 3-2 after a late penalty.
    The victory came without the help from Grant, who instead turned out in front of 68 fans.
    He is now playing for Litherland REMYCA FC, who play two divisions BELOW the Rebels in the North West Counties League Premier Division.
    Grant and Litherland lost their first game together as they were beaten 4-3, without the striker getting on the scoresheet.
    He is a former EFL and National League star having turned out for the likes of Wrexham, Rochdale, Scunthorpe and Fleetwood Town. More

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    Eden Hazard snubbed mammoth £1MILLION-A-WEEK Saudi transfer to retire, reveals ex-Chelsea team-mate

    CHELSEA legend Eden Hazard retired from football despite being offered £1MILLION-A-WEEK deals by Saudi Arabian clubs, according to ex-team-mate John Obi Mikel.The Belgian, 32, announced he was hanging up his boots last month after a 16-year professional career.
    Eden Hazard announced his retirement from football last monthCredit: Getty
    John Obi Mikel has claimed Hazard rejected £1million-a-week offers from Saudi ArabiaCredit: Action Images – Reuters
    It came after a torrid four years at Real Madrid in which he continually picked up injuries.
    Hazard played just 76 games across four seasons for the Spanish giants as his body regularly broke down.
    Yet despite his fitness problems, it is understood he still received several lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia.
    This was the reason some were surprised he opted to retire rather than cash in at the end of his career.
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    But Mikel, 36, who spent five seasons alongside Hazard at Stamford Bridge, has now explained the forward’s explanation for his decision.
    Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s Vibe With Five, he recalls Hazard telling him: “‘Should I go to Saudi Arabia, where I’m going to take a million a week, and then what? I got about two or three offers to go to Saudi Arabia.’
    “He said, ‘Mikel, I’ve got a lot of money. You know how I live my life. I don’t spend too much money. So, I have money now to live with my family and to bring up [my children].”
    Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand responded to Mikel’s revelation by insisting he has “respect” for Hazard’s choice.
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    Eden Hazard enjoyed a hugely successful 16-year professional career
    He rejected Saudi despite many of the world’s biggest stars moving to the country – including Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema.
    Hazard won two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, League Cup and two Europa Leagues at Chelsea.
    That was after he claimed a Ligue 1-Coupe de France double with Lille in 2011.
    And despite a tough time in the Spanish capital, he still finished with two LaLiga titles, a Copa del Rey and the Champions League.
    Announcing his retirement, he said: “You must listen to yourself and say stop at the right time.
    “After 16 years and more than 700 matches played, I have decided to end my career as a professional footballer.
    “I was able to realise my dream, I have played and had fun on many pitches around the world.
    “During my career I was lucky to meet great managers, coaches and teammates – thank you to everyone for these great times, I will miss you all.
    “I also want to thank the clubs I have played for: LOSC, Chelsea and Real Madrid; and thank the RBFA for my Belgian Selection.
    “A special thank you to my family, my friends, my advisors and the people who have been close to me in good times and bad.
    “Finally, a huge thank you to you, my fans, who have followed me for all these years and for your encouragement everywhere I have played.
    “Now is the time to enjoy my loved ones and have new experiences.See you off the field soon my friends.”
    Mikel has also lifted the lid on what Hazard was like in training during his time at Chelsea.
    He claims he was so lazy, he didn’t even bother to tie his boot laces. More

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    Newcastle set to go back in for banished PSG star Hugo Ekitike in January loan transfer despite already being snubbed

    NEWCASTLE are preparing to table a loan bid for Paris Saint-Germain forward Hugo Ekitike, two years after the Frenchman snubbed the club.Eddie Howe’s men are seeking reinforcements in the January window amid an injury crisis at St James’ Park.
    Hugo Ekitike could swap Paris Saint-Germain for Newcastle in JanuaryCredit: Getty
    It is understood they are in the market for a centre-back, central midfielder and forward.
    Injuries to both Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson have left the Toon desperately short up front – which was evident in their 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth before the international break.
    However, Financial Fair Play regulations look set to restrict them from splashing huge sums of cash in the mid-season window.
    As a result, a loan offer for Ekitike, 21, is thought to be a move Newcastle are interested in.
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    According to The Northern Echo, the Premier League side would entertain a loan deal with an option to buy in the summer.
    It comes after Ekitike was one of several PSG stars “banished” as they trained away from the rest of the squad back in August – a group which also included Kylian Mbappe.
    Since then, the ex-Reims forward has seen just eight minutes of action this season and not featured at all since mid-August.
    But it remains to be seen whether he would agree to a move to Tyneside as he previously rejected the chance to sign for the club.
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    Reims had agreed a £33million deal with Newcastle on Deadline Day in January 2022.
    But the transfer fell through as Ekitike waited on a meeting with PSG advisor Luis Campos.
    Speaking about the decision, he said: “I had an appointment with Luis (Campos) which meant a lot for me.
    “It was not so long ago. We talked a lot, he is someone I consider enormously.
    “I wanted to come to PSG before this exchange but it convinced me even more.
    “I don’t put aside everything Newcastle did to get me to come. If I had to go abroad, I would have gone there.
    “But when PSG wants you and you’re French, you can’t refuse.”
    Ekitike joined PSG on loan in the summer of 2022, before the deal was made permanent ahead of this season for around £30m.
    He has played 33 games for the French champions, scoring four goals and providing a further four assists. More

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    Forgotten Tottenham star wanted in transfer just months after arrival after being left out in the cold by Postecoglou

    BOLOGNA are interested in signing Tottenham forward Alejo Veliz on loan, according to reports.The Argentine joined Spurs in a £12million deal from Rosario Central in August.
    Alejo Veliz has made fleeting cameos for Tottenham’s first teamCredit: Alamy
    Veliz poses for a picture with Rodrigo BentancurCredit: Rex
    Boss Ange Postecoglou admires the 20-year-old, but in September talked down his prospects of featuring much for the first-team in the near future.
    The Aussie, 58, said: “It will be a while for him, I think. We’ve just got to let him settle, he’s come halfway around the world.
    “He’s a young guy, it’s a fairly different level. He’s one we’ll invest in in the long-term but I wouldn’t expect him to see any minutes in the first part of the season.”
    Amid numerous injuries to his team-mates Veliz has been involved, making three cameo substitute appearances in the Premier League.
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    The Argentina Under-20 international is attracting loan interest ahead of the January transfer window.
    According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Serie A side Bologna could launch a loan offer for the forward.
    The Italians are seeking an alternative to former Bayern Munich ace Joshua Zirkzee.
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    While forward Sydney van Hooijdonk has been linked with a move away from Bologna, with Veliz a potential replacement.
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    With first team appearances hard to come by, Veliz has featured for Spurs’ Under-21 side.
    He played in two of their EFL Trophy matches, scoring in a 3-1 defeat at Peterborough.
    Tottenham have relied on Son Heung-min and Richarlison up front this term.
    They have recently been linked with making a January swoop for Feyenoord ace Santiago Gimenez.
    Veliz has appeared for Spurs’ Under-21s in the EFL TrophyCredit: Rex More

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    Tottenham ‘enter transfer race for Raphinha’ with Barcelona set to offload Chelsea and Arsenal target after 18 months

    TOTTENHAM have entered the transfer tussle for Raphinha, according to reports.The Brazilian forward only joined Barcelona in the summer of 2022.
    Raphinha could be on his way back to the Premier League with TottenhamCredit: Getty
    Chelsea and Arsenal both wanted to sign the attacker from Leeds before he followed his heart’s desire and headed to the Nou Camp.
    He managed ten goals in his debut season to help Barcelona win LaLiga.
    But now Mundo Deportivo state the Catalan giants are open to selling Raphinha for the right price.
    Barca’s financial woes are well known and therefore the chance to recoup a significant portion of the £49million they shelled out for Raphinha last year is tempting.
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    And selling the 26-year-old would also help pave the way for Vitor Roque when the teenager arrives in Spain from Athletico Paranaense in 2024.
    Raphinha has lost his place in the starting XI under Xavi this term with the likes of Joao Felix, Fermin Lopez and Ferran Torres preferred to support Robert Lewandowski – not helped by an early red card and an injury this term.
    It means he remains stuck on three LaLiga starts with two goals from his 11 appearances in total.
    Tottenham, though, could have competition from their Premier League rivals for the ex-Elland Road hero, who managed 17 goals for the Yorkshire club across two seasons.
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    That is because both Chelsea and Newcastle are rumoured interested parties ahead of the transfer window reopening in the New Year.
    The news, though, did not go down well with Blues fans who are not convinced Raphinha is an improvement on their current options at Stamford Bridge.
    Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is keen to bolster his attacking options.
    The Australian lost Harry Kane in the summer while Brennan Johnson is still settling and trying to find his top form.
    James Maddison, Richarlison, Manor Solomon, Ryan Sessegnon and Ivan Perisic have all been sidelined by injury.
    There were suggestions Ivan Toney was a possible target but SunSport understands he is deciding between transfers to Arsenal or Chelsea or signing a new contract at Brentford. More

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    Luka Modric ‘will QUIT Real Madrid at end of season’ after 12 years as ‘next career step is revealed’

    REAL MADRID legend Luka Modric looks set to leave the club this summer, according to reports.His 12-year stay in the Spanish capital may finish when his contract expires at the end of the season.
    Luka Modric is set to end his stay with Real MadridCredit: Getty
    Modric’s agent previously hinted that the 38-year-old has already had offers from several other teams.
    And there is speculation he could be the next big star to sign for a Saudi Arabian club.
    Modric is supposedly open to moving to the Middle East if the offer is “suitable”.
    Saudi sides are again expected to splash the cash this January.
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    But any deal for Modric will have to wait until the summer as Real Madrid want to keep him as cover in midfield.
    A transfer to Saudi Arabia will see him follow down the same path as other Los Blancos heroes and Ballon d’Or winners Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
    Modric has played 503 games for Real Madrid, winning three LaLiga titles and five Champions Leagues.
    But he has started just six games this season after being pushed out the side by Jude Bellingham.
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    And Modric does not want his career to slow down after helping Croatia move one step closer to Euro 2024 qualification with a 2-0 win over Latvia last night.
    He previously said he no plans to hang up his national team boots. More

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    Man Utd ‘ready to trigger Antoine Griezmann’s shockingly low release clause and TRIPLE his wages’ in stunning transfer

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly prepared to triple Antoine Griezmann’s Atletico Madrid wages in a bid to lure him to Old Trafford.The Red Devils have endured their worst start to a season in 61 years.
    Man Utd are interested in signing Antoine GriezmannCredit: Getty
    They currently sit sixth in the Premier League table and are at risk of crashing out of the Champions League in the group stages.
    Erik ten Hag is now eager to strengthen his squad in January, with several stars already on his transfer wishlist.
    And according to Catalan outlet El Nacional, Griezmann is considered a top target.
    United officials have travelled to Spain to hold discussions with the Frenchman’s entourage over a potential transfer.
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    In an attempt to lure him to the Premier League, they have allegedly offered to triple Griezmann’s Atletico Madrid salary, which will see him earn around £350,000 per week.
    The report also adds that the striker has a £21.9million (€25m) release clause, making him an affordable target.
    Griezmann first joined Atletico Madrid in 2014 after completing a £24m transfer from Real Sociedad.
    He left to sign for Barcelona after they activated his £105m buy-out clause in 2019, but experienced a dip in form.
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    The striker returned to Atletico Madrid on an initial season-long loan in 2021 before completing a permanent move the following year.
    He has scored 169 goals and provided 77 assists for the Spanish giants. More

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    Man Utd fans hail ‘agent’ Bruno Fernandes as he publicly plants transfer seed into Portugal team-mate’s head

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans hailed “agent” Bruno Fernandes for publicly planting a transfer seed.The Red Devils captain, 29, is currently on international duty with Portugal.
    Joao Neves is a transfer target for Manchester UnitedCredit: EPA
    And during the camp, he openly discussed the idea of linking up with Portuguese sensation Joao Neves for club as well as country.
    Fernandes told Sport TV: “I would love to have him at United.
    “But it’s Joao choice…
    “He has top quality.
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    “He’s a great player but it depends on the coach’s ideas.
    “He will have a great future, in United or somewhere else.”
    And the comments to the media got plenty of United supporters very excited indeed as they heaped praise on their skipper for tapping up teenager Neves.
    One said: “Agent Bruno, you have one thing to do.”
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    Another wrote: “Agent Bruno doing his thing, expect to see the player at MUFC in the summer.”
    A third added: “That’s why I love him so much.”
    A fourth said: “Come to Manchester United.”
    And a final user commented: “Something is cooking here.”
    Neves only turned 19 in September but is already one of the brightest talents for boyhood club Benfica and is being eyed by Erik ten Hag.
    After coming through the academy, the midfielder broke into the first team following Enzo Fernandez’s £106million exit to Chelsea in January.
    He forced his way into the starting XI by the latter stages of the 2022-23 season as Benfica won the league title and scored his first goal in the Lisbon derby against Sporting.
    Last week, the 5ft 9ins technically-gifted talent – who signed a new contract in the summer until 2028 – repeated the trick against Benfica’s arch-rivals with a 94th-minute winner.
    Neves represented Portugal through the youth levels and made his senior debut against Bosnia and Herzegovina last month.
    Bruno Fernandes would love to have the teenager join him at Old TraffordCredit: Getty More