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    Arsenal set to land multi-million pound windfall as Napoli line up Gunners flop to replace Man Utd target Min-jae

    ARSENAL could be set to make millions if Manchester United manage to land Napoli’s Kim Min-jae.The Red Devils are in hot pursuit of the defender and reports this week have suggested they are within touching distance of landing him.
    Kim has been rock solid in Napoli’s title-winning season after his 2022 move from FenerbahceCredit: Getty
    And any move could have the knock-on effect of giving Arsenal a boost to their transfer kitty.
    This is because Napoli are likely to go into the market to sign a replacement and they have been linked to a player Gunners fans will know well.
    The Italian side are believed to be poised to sign Dinos Mavropanos, who was at Arsenal for four years.
    But when he left in 2022 for Stuttgart, wily Arsenal negotiators added a sell-on clause into his contract, according to Londonworld.
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    This means that Arsenal could made a tidy profit from any sale that Stuttgart make.
    Mavropanos only made eight appearances in all competitions for the Gunners during his entire time at the club.
    He has already surpassed that total since joining Stuttgart permanently, having spent the previous two seasons on loan at the club.
    The German side sit second-bottom of the Bundesliga table with just two games to save themselves from relegation.
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    In contrast Napoli have been flying all season and won Serie A at a canter.
    They will now be gearing up for a summer of trying to hang onto their biggest stars.
    Along with Kim, the likes of Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have been linked away from Gil Azzurri.
    Kim has appeared in all but two of Napoli’s league games this season and the 26-year-old has been outstanding since signing last summer. More

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    Forgotten Man Utd kid labelled ‘top player’ by Jose Mourinho left unemployed at 26 after release from League One club

    FORMER Manchester United defender Cameron Borthwick-Jackson has been left without a club after being released by Burton.The left-back, 26, was one of 10 players axed by the League One side after failing to secure a new deal.
    Cameron Borthwick-Jackson played 14 games for Man Utd under Louis van GaalCredit: Reuters
    He has been released by Burton after two years with the League One clubCredit: Getty
    It comes just three years after he left Old Trafford to join Oldham in the fourth tier.
    He made 14 appearances for Man Utd under Louis van Gaal during the 2015/16 campaign – including 10 in the Premier League.
    But following loans at Wolves, Leeds, Scunthorpe, and Tranmere, he eventually left permanently to sign for Oldham.
    Borthwick-Jackson contributed two goals and two assists for the League Two side during the 2020/21 campaign.
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    And he then joined Burton in 2021 on a two-year contract.
    The ex-Man Utd man has registered two goals and four assists in 72 games for the Staffordshire club.
    And they finished safely in mid-table this season, 11 points adrift of the relegation zone.
    But Borthwick-Jackson’s performances were not enough to convince Burton to extend his deal.
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    That is despite him once claiming that former Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho had described him as a “top player”.
    Speaking to FourFourTwo seven years ago, he said: “I speak to him [Mourinho] all the time. He’s always keeping eyes on me and he has people watching.
    “When I first came into pre-season I got injured early on, and as I recovered he asked me how I was and things like that.
    “When I came back he said: ‘the squad’s a bit too big but I see a future for you here’ and that I’m a ‘top player’.
    “He told me to go out and get some experience.”  More

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    Ex-Everton defender who boss Carlo Ancelotti FORGOT about left unemployed at 29 after release from Championship side

    FORMER Everton star Luke Garbutt who Carlo Ancelotti FORGOT about is now without a club.That’s after being released by relegated Championship side Blackpool.
    Former Everton ace Luke Garbutt is without a club after his latest contract expiredCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The defender was once forgotten about by then-boss Carlo AncelottiCredit: Alamy
    Garbutt has been released by Blackpool after three seasonsCredit: Alamy
    Garbutt, 29, spent 11 years at Everton after coming up through their academy.
    He played just 12 times for the Toffees while taking in multiple loans.
    Garbutt was let go in 2020 when his Goodison Park contract expired.
    At the time, then-Everton boss Ancelotti was left red-faced during a press conference when asked about Garbutt’s exit.
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    The Italian looked confused before claiming he’d never heard of the defender before.
    Ancelotti said: “Who? I am surprised about this question, I don’t know.”
    Luckily for the four-time Champions League winner, Garbutt took it in his stride.
    The left-back said: “Don’t get it twisted, I chose to find the funny side. Other players would feel disrespected by the club and manager.
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    “It’s not Ancelotti’s fault, it’s the club. However, it’s a belter though.”
    Following his Everton exit, Garbutt was quickly snapped up for free by Blackpool.
    He helped them achieve promotion to the Championship in 2021.
    But after four goals in 63 games, it has now been confirmed that Garbutt will leave following Blackpool’s relegation to League One.
    He’s not the only name let go, with former Chelsea youngster and Leeds star Liam Bridcutt also released.
    Blackpool are also on the hunt for a new manager following Mick McCarthy’s brief stint.
    Stephen Dobbie is currently interim boss.
    And Man United coach Eric Ramsay, who recently landed a new gig as Wales assistant, is in the frame to take charge. More

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    Man Utd ‘chasing Sadio Mane’ in shock summer transfer but face competition from top four rivals

    MANCHESTER UNITED are in the hunt to sign Sadio Mane this summer but face competition from Newcastle, according to reports.The ex-Liverpool winger is expected to leave Bayern Munich after just one season with the club.
    Sadio Mane could secure a move back to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
    Sky Sports in Germany claim they want to get rid of him after a troubled campaign.
    The Senegalese international punched team-mate Leroy Sane after a Champions League tie versus Manchester City.
    Mane was suspended and fined a reported £250,000.
    He earns a supposed £17.4million per year, meaning many sides are likely to be priced out.
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    Man Utd would be able to afford him and are interested as he would be able to add versatility and experience to the attack.
    Mane wanted a move to the Red Devils prior to signing for Liverpool in 2016.
    Meanwhile, Newcastle are in for the 31-year-old as Eddie Howe looks to bolster his attacking options with European football on the horizon.
    Chelsea were also reportedly keeping an eye on Mane’s situation but already have a bloated squad with plenty of wingers.
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    A switch back to Anfield appears unlikely after Jurgen Klopp signed the likes of Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez since his departure.
    Outside the Premier League, the Champions League winner could head to Barcelona but would need to take a pay cut as the club battle ongoing financial constraints.
    Teams from Saudi Arabia could also be keen as they look to add more high-profile players to their league. More

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    Man Utd wanted Cristiano Ronaldo to go to Barcelona instead of Real Madrid in 2009, where he could’ve played with Messi

    CRISTIANO RONALDO and Lionel Messi’s rivalry almost never happened as the Portuguese star almost joined Barcelona.The former Manchester United ace broke the football transfer record when he left the club in in 2009 for Real Madrid in an £80million deal.

    Los Blancos had already splashed out on Karim Benzema, Xabi Alonso and Ballon d’Or winner Kaka in response to Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering debut season as Nou Camp chief the year before.
    But they were almost denied the jewel in returning president’s Florentino Perez’s masterplan if Sir Alex Ferguson had got his way.
    The legendary Scot was desperate to avoid losing Ronaldo to Real once he’d accepted that the former Sporting Lisbon winger was set to leave.
    Fergie had even said back in 2008 that he wouldn’t sell Madrid a ‘virus’ let alone his best player.
    And according to Spanish newspaper AS, the United boss realised at the time that Barcelona were the only other club who could afford Ronaldo, who now plays his football in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr.
    Fergie apparently contacted the Catalans to encourage a bid but the Portugal captain had already set his mind on a move to the Bernabeu.
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    Guardiola’s most notable signing that summer involved an infamous swap deal with Inter Milan involving Samuel Eto’o and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
    But the acquisition of Ronaldo would have not only ushered in an era of pure dominance for Barcelona, but also have cancelled out his famed rivalry with Messi.
    Whether Manchester City chief Pep could have managed to get the two to play together is up for debate, as he boasted an embarrassment of attacking riches while in charge of Barca.
    While Arsenal legend Thierry Henry flourished for Barca on the left wing, Ronaldo could have occupied the opposite flank to leave Messi in the hole behind Ibra.
    Yaya Toure and Sergio Busquets may have had to share a spot on the substitutes bench, with Spanish duo Xavi and Iniesta holding down the two spots in the middle.
    Messi was asked by Mundo Deportivo last year whether he would pass to Ronaldo if the two were on the same team.
    The Argentine joked: “I guess so, in the end, yes.”
    Cristiano Ronaldo sealed a then-world record transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid in 2009Credit: PA:Empics Sport
    The Portuguese superstar was also offered to Barcelona which would have made him teammates with Lionel MessiCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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    Five Leeds stars who could be axed in summer transfer window as star man ‘dreams’ of Champions League move

    LEEDS are in serious danger of being relegated to the Championship, meaning several players could be set to leave the club.The Whites sit 18th in the Premier League table, one point adrift of safety with two games to go.
    Wilfried Gnonto could leave Leeds this summerCredit: AFP
    Keeper Illan Meslier’s time at Leeds could also come to an endCredit: AFP
    Weston McKennie could head back to parent club JuventusCredit: AP
    Interim boss Sam Allardyce is a mastermind at keeping sides up and faces games against West Ham and Tottenham to save their top-flight status.
    With Southampton relegated and Leicester on the verge of going, many believe one of Leeds, Everton and Nottingham Forest will join them.
    After a chaotic season at Elland Road a number of clubs will look to take advantage and will have certain players on their summer shopping lists whether Leeds beat the drop or not.
    Wilfried Gnonto
    The teenager, 19, joined from Zurich last summer but he has big aspirations of playing Champions League football one day.
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    He is boyhood Inter Milan fan and said in an interview it is his dream to play for the club.
    And he could make it after impressing in his debut year in the Premier League.
    Gnonto may have only scored four times, but the attacker’s energetic displays and technique have really caught the eye.
    Leeds fans fumed when Javi Gracia refused to start him and more have called for him to get more minutes under Big Sam, this won’t leave such a talent happy.
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    Illan Meslier
    The goalkeeper has had a shaky season for Leeds, conceding 67 goals this season, more than any other stopper.
    Despite not being helped by his defence, Meslier made several high-profile mistakes in recent weeks and Allardyce has dropped him for Joel Robles.
    The 23-year-old signed by Marcelo Bielsa without a doubt has potential and has been linked with moves to Chelsea and Manchester United in the past.
    His Leeds spell could be over due to his bad form and he would be a lucrative asset to sell if the club went down.
    Weston McKennie
    The American midfielder joined the club in January on loan from Juventus due to his links with ex-boss Jesse Marsch.
    Leeds reportedly have the option to make the signing permanent for £30million.
    But they certainly won’t be able to afford that if they get relegated and he has also failed to perform consistently.
    McKennie could be in line for another new club this summer as he is surplus to requirements at Juve.
    Rodrigo
    Leeds may have to cash-in on Rodrigo with his deal up next yearCredit: Getty
    Rodrigo has been one of few shining lights for Leeds in a bleak season.
    The Spaniard has netted 14 goals in all competitions this term.
    Rodrigo, 32, is an experienced attacker and sees his deal expire at Elland Road in the summer of 2024.
    Prem and European sides could fancy a move as Leeds may be forced to to cash-in before losing him on a free.
    Tyler Adams
    Tyler Adams will be on the list of many top sidesCredit: Getty
    Adams will have no shortage of suitors should Leeds get relegated or stay in the league.
    The 24-year-old has been linked with switches to both Arsenal and Newcastle.
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    Adams captained the Unites States at the World Cup last year and has Champions League experience, having played for RB Leipzig.
    The combative midfielder only joined Leeds last summer and has a contract until 2027, but it seems unlikely he would stay put to play in the Championship if the worst happens. More

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    How Arsenal could line up next season with FOUR ex-Man City stars and Declan Rice in new-look XI

    ARSENAL are beginning to lick their wounds after the cruellest of ends to a season.But Mikel Arteta is already putting plans together for a fresh title challenge next term.
    Arsenal are ready to fight for the title again by moving for West Ham’s Declan RiceCredit: Reuters
    The Gunners already boast two ex-Man City stars and want another two this summerCredit: Reuters
    And he could end up with FOUR ex-Man City star’s in his first XI — as well as top target Declan Rice.
    Arsenal saw any chance of winning their first title since 2004 disappear with defeat to Brighton last weekend.
    A shocking collapse after leading the race for 93 per cent of the season means City could clinch their third straight title by Saturday evening.
    However, Arteta is refusing to take his eyes off the prize and is already planning for the next campaign.
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    Arsenal boast two former Etihad stars in Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko among their ranks.
    But fresh reports claim they are now ready to raid City again for two more.
    The first is flying wing-back Joao Cancelo, currently on loan at Bayern Munich.
    Despite being a star defender in his first two seasons, the Portugal ace fell victim to Guardiola’s change of formation this term.
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    Joao Cancelo is in Mikel Arteta’s sightsCredit: Getty
    Arsenal also fancy Ilkay Gundogan on a free transferCredit: PA
    Cancelo, 28, is unlikely to have a future when he returns to City this summer.
    And Arsenal are now hoping to open negotiations at the end of the season.
    The other City slick in Arteta’s sights is said to be Ilkay Gundogan.
    Pep’s German captain, 32, has exploded into life once again towards the end of term.
    But he is out of contract this summer and has refused to commit his future to City.
    SunSport understands Barcelona are leading the charge to sign Gundogan.

    But the Spaniards continue to be wrapped up in financial difficulties.
    Re-signing Lionel Messi is their priority.
    And that could open the door for Arsenal to make Gundogan an offer he can’t refuse.
    Finally, Arteta is ready to smash the club’s transfer record for West Ham and England star Rice, 24.
    Arsenal’s current top fee stands at £72million, which they paid Lille for Nicolas Pepe in 2019.
    But with Granit Xhaka going to Bayer Leverkusen, plus doubts over the long-term futures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho, a midfield shake-up is needed.
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    Rice is eager to play Champions League football next season.
    And Arsenal are willing to pay up to £90m to prise the anchorman from the Hammers. More

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    Ex-Man Utd star has theory why Phil Jones refused to quit Man Utd despite fact he should have ‘left a long time ago’

    A FORMER Manchester United star reckons he knows why Phil Jones has stayed at the club for so long.The centre-back, 31, is in his 12th season at Old Trafford following a 2011 move from Blackburn Rovers.
    A former Man Utd star reckons he knows why Phil Jones has refused to leave until nowCredit: Getty
    Despite enjoying his start to life at United, Jones eventually suffered several injury setbacks.
    And he’s played just 13 times in the last four years.
    Jones is now set to be released when his contract expires this summer.
    The Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League winner’s exit will call time on his up-and-down football career.
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    Jones already turned down the chance to play a testimonial after more than a decade of loyal service.
    And former Red Devil Dimitar Berbatov reckons he knows why Jones has refused to quit United before now.
    The Bulgarian scored 56 goals in four seasons at the club, winning two Premier League titles.
    And Berbatov believes that once you get a taste of life in the famous red shirt, you become extremely reluctant to let it go.
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    Dimitar Berbatov reckons United is too great a club for many to simply walk away fromCredit: Getty
    He told Betfred: “I believe Phil should have left a long time ago because it was obvious that he wasn’t in the plans of a couple of Manchester United’s recent managers. 
    “He was obviously not going to play, his time was up and he needed to leave sooner, but it is what it is. I wish him the best of luck in the future.

    “Has he been unfairly criticised? We’ve all been there and sometimes you get criticism you deserve and sometimes you don’t. That’s football. 
    “In Phil’s case, I can understand it because when you go to Manchester United, you don’t want to leave. 
    “Trust me. I can understand why he’s stayed at the club for so many years.” More