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    Arsenal ‘linked with incredible swap transfer’ to solve their striker woes with Gabriel Jesus moving the other way

    ARSENAL have allegedly expressed an interest in signing Marcus Thuram from Inter Milan.The Gunners failed to sign a new striker this summer despite being linked with the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen.Arsenal allegedly want to sign Marcus ThuramCredit: AFPThe Gunners have been linked with a swap deal that could involve Gabriel JesusCredit: ReutersMikel Arteta is still understood to be keen on the idea of signing a striker in January or next summer.And French forward Thuram is reportedly a target.According to Inter Live, the Gunners have been linked with a swap deal that would see Gabriel Jesus join Inter Milan.However, the Italian giants would also likely demand a “substantial” fee.Read More in FootballJesus joined Arsenal from Manchester City two years ago but has struggled with several injury issues.Arteta now regularly starts Kai Havertz in the No9 position.Arsenal could decide to sell the Brazilian next year if they can find a strong enough replacement.Meanwhile, Thuram has four goals and two assists in just three games so far this season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Frenchman joined Inter from Borussia Monchengladbach last summer and has since made 49 appearances.Thuram also has 26 France caps.Arsenal wages 2024-25 revealed More

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    ‘I’m not happy with what I see’, warns Dutch legend as he slams Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd transfers

    RAFAEL VAN DER VAART has criticised Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag’s transfer business at Old Trafford.Ten Hag, 54, has signed 21 players that cost a whopping total of £611million during his two-year stint as United manager.Rafael van der Vaart slammed Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United signingsCredit: GettyMan Utd boss Ten Hag has signed many Dutch players and former Ajax starsCredit: GettyVan der Vaart is concerned with Matthijs de Ligt’s move to Man UtdCredit: RexThe Dutchman has landed four compatriots in Tyrel Malacia, Wout Weghorst, Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt who cost a total of £98.7m.He also brought in five players that used to compete under him at Ajax in Andre Onana, Noussair Mazraoui, Lisandro Martinez, Antony and De Ligt who cost a staggering 251.4m.Van der Vaart, 41, is “not the biggest fan” of that strategy because that brings even higher pressure to the manager when results don’t go his way.And United’s performances haven’t improved under the Dutch tactician, who already counts two losses in three Premier League matches this season after the opening victory over Fulham.Read More on Man UtdTen Hag has found himself under fire again and the ex-Tottenham star believes his compatriot will only “survive” at the helm if he gets on a winning run after the international break.Van der Vaart told SunSport: “Yes, it’s tough, I think, he’s been there a few years and really spent a lot of money for his own players, which I don’t really like. “When you as a coach, you bring a lot of Dutch people in or players, I am not the biggest fan of that because when you lose a few times then the pressure is even higher, and the football is also not really getting better. “I saw them against Liverpool, and that, of course, it’s a tough pill to swallow because it’s like the biggest game – like the North London Derby – and you lose without a chance. Most read in Football”Now he needs a lot of wins. Then he will survive but we will have to wait and see.”Van der Vaart is especially concerned with De Ligt’s move to Old Trafford as he is “disappointed” with recent performances.Man Utd wages 2024-25 revealedThe ex-Real Madrid star always thought the centre-back is a “top player” but also considered him to be a “wild” defender when he went for tackles during his time at Ajax under Ten Hag.After stints at Juventus and Bayern Munich, the Netherlands legend is “not happy” with De Ligt’s development as he still notices some similar flaws.Van der Vaart said when asked if De Ligt is the answer to United’s defensive woes: “A few years ago I would say 100 per cent but when he left Ajax , I have to say, I’m a little bit disappointed in his development. “So I think he is quality. He’s fantastic. He’s a great guy. Works hard for your team, the best, top player but he makes too many mistakes. You also need a little bit of luck, and he is in the phase now that he’s really unlucky. And then he’s a little bit wild. “He was a little bit too wild [at Ajax]. So that means, going into tackles.And you think, ‘Hey, stay relaxed. Just look how the situation ends’. “And he went to Italy. Then I found out there he’s gonna learn how to defend. But I’m not happy with what I see.”Players ‘don’t look happy’Van der Vaart is adamant it is very hard for any manager to follow up Sir Alex Ferguson’s trophy-laden 27-year spell at United.However, the former midfielder insists there is still “no energy” at the Red Devils and players “don’t look happy” when they’re playing.Van der Vaart added: “Sometimes it’s difficult to replace the coach who really fits to the culture and everything. And Ferguson was, of course, there for so many years. And he’s also a lot of the times in the stadium, so he never left and that sometimes maybe is difficult. “And the manager struggles with the pressure. But they have good players. They spent a lot of money, but somehow, inside the team, inside the club, it doesn’t work and it’s difficult to say something about that from the outside. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But also, when they play they don’t look happy. It’s not like they are, ‘Oh, nice. We have another game. We’re gonna kill it’. No, it’s all, ‘Oh, s**t, we have to go again’. No energy.”Rafael van der Vaart was speaking on behalf of BetMGM. Play the new £1million Golden Goals game this season by predicting Premier League scores at https://www.betmgm.co.uk. BeGambleAware 18+Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd signingsHere’s the full list of all the Manchester United signings that have taken place under manager Erik ten Hag:Antony – £85m Rasmus Hojlund – £72m Casemiro – £70m Mason Mount – £60m Lisandro Martinez – £57m (Further £2.2m in solidarity payments to Martinez’s former clubs)Leny Yoro – £52m (plus £6m in add-ons)Manuel Ugarte – £50.8Andre Onana – £47.2mMatthijs de Ligt – £43m Joshua Zirkzee – £36mNoussair Mazraoui – £17mTyrell Malacia – £14.6mAltay Bayindir – £4.3mChristian Eriksen – FreeJonny Evans – FreeSofyan Amrabat – Loan (£8.5m)Sergio Reguilon – Loan (No fee)Marcel Sabitzer – Loan (Undisclosed or No fee)Wout Weghorst – Loan (£2.5m compensation to cancel Besiktas loan, £2.6m fee to Burnley)Martin Dubravka – Loan (£2m)Jack Butland – Loan (Undisclosed or No fee) More

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    Kylian Mbappe ‘reached agreement to join Premier League giants before Real Madrid transfer but PSG wanted £338MILLION’

    KYLIAN MBAPPE reportedly reached an agreement to join Liverpool two years ago.But the move fell through after Paris Saint-Germain demanded an eye-watering £338million transfer fee.Kylian Mbappe was reportedly set to join Liverpool in 2022 before PSG demanded a £338m feeCredit: GettyMbappe, 25, left the French giants for Real Madrid this summer in a stunning free transfer after seven years in Paris.The World Cup winner left on rocky terms after initially being left out of Luis Enrique’s squad at the start of the season.Mbappe had come close to joining Real for free in 2022 before penning a new short-term contract.And PSG were unhappy they were not able to receive a fee for their star man, who cost £150m when he joined from Monaco in 2017.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, L’Equipe claims the Ligue 1 champs almost cashed in on Mbappe two years ago, shortly after he signed his new contract.It’s said that the striker quickly became unhappy with PSG’s transfer business, having allegedly been promised the arrivals of Robert Lewandowski and Bernardo Silva.With deadline day approaching, Mbappe requested a late exit.And that saw bids arrive from both Liverpool and Real.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt’s reckoned Mbappe went as far as to agree personal terms on a contract with Liverpool that would eventually allow him to join Real in the near future.Jurgen Klopp’s side were even willing to pay £169m to get a deal over the line.Watch Cristiano Ronaldo play ‘pick the better player’ out of stars including David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and MbappeBut PSG put a stop to proceedings when they demanded DOUBLE that fee — totalling a world-record £338m.Liverpool withdrew their offer, while Real also failed to follow through with an official bid.And the rest is history with Mbappe seeing out his PSG contract to join Los Blancos for free.However, it’s noted by Get French Football News that PSG denied L’Equipe’s story, claiming Liverpool “could not have the funds to sign Mbappe.”Kylian Mbappe ‘snaps up £15m mansion in Beckham’s old neighbourhood’ next door to Real Madrid legend and Hollywood starBy Gerard CouzensKYLIAN MBAPPE has reportedly splashed out more than £15million on a mansion in Madrid.The French superstar, whose drawn-out transfer to Real Madrid has finally being confirmed, is said to have finalised the purchase late last month.Respected Spanish daily La Razon says the house he has bought is in the exclusive Madrid suburb of La Moraleja, where David Beckham spent most of his time living when he was in the Spanish capital.And it says his neighbours will include former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and his stunning model wife Pilar Rubio as well as Hollywood star Richard Gere and his Spanish publicist wife Alejandra Silva.La Razon said Mbappe had considered the gated estate of La Finca where Jude Bellingham lives and Cristiano Ronaldo still owns property as an option.But it reported the 25-year-old, who threw an extravagant party for 250 guests at a stylish Italian restaurant a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, ended up opting for La Moraleja a 15-minute drive from Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex because it was “more comfortable.”Read more on Mbappe’s property hunt. More

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    Man Utd flop Memphis Depay joins Corinthians after Atletico exit as Ronald Koeman gives update on international future

    FORMER Manchester United star Memphis Depay has joined Brazilian side Corinthians.The Dutchman was a free agent after leaving Atletico Madrid at the end of last season.Memphis Depay has joined Brazilian giants CorinthiansCredit: Instagram @corinthiansHe played in every game for Holland at the EurosRonald Koeman says Depay still has an international futureCredit: RexDepay, 30, has penned a deal at Corinthians until December 2026.The ex-Barcelona, Lyon and PSV striker featured in all six of Holland’s matches at Euro 2024 – but he was not selected for the current international window.Manager Ronald Koeman also axed Steven Bergwijn from the squad because he moved to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad from Ajax for £17.7million.But he has promised to not do the same to Depay, explaining: “I disapproved of Steven Bergwijn’s move to Saudi, with Memphis it can be different.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”The level of the league in Brazil is different, so yes, he can still be part of the national team – but it depends on his fitness and if he reaches his level.”Koeman explained Depay’s current absence from the squad, saying: “It’s primarily because he doesn’t have a club. That means you don’t play football and you can’t be with the national team.”On former Tottenham star Bergwijn, Koeman said last week: “The book is basically closed to him. He knows what I think about this.”When you are 26, your main ambition should be sporting, not financial. These are choices that players make.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I have never been in that situation because I could go to Barcelona.”He could have stayed at Ajax, that’s not bad, is it? Rooney reveals he gave Depay a ‘talking to’ after Dutch star turned up to Man Utd game in a Rolls Royce and cowboy hat”You have to respect that choice, but personally I wouldn’t have moved.” More

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    Stockport County coach’s dream move to Real Madrid COLLAPSES at last minute in blow to Carlo Ancelotti

    STOCKPORT assistant coach Andy Mangan’s dream move to Real Madrid has fallen apart.Mangan, 38, was scouted by Real and seemed set to moving to the Santiago Bernabeu after sparking up a close relationship with manager Carlo Ancelotti’s son Davide.Stockport assistant boss Andy Mangan’s dream move to Real Madrid is offCredit: RexReal Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti wanted Mangan to ‘refresh’ his coaching staffCredit: GettyCarlo’s son, who is an assistant manager behind his dad at Los Blancos, undertook a coaching course with the Stockport tactician.SunSport exclusively revealed that Mangan was in talks with the reigning European champions.According to the Sunday Times, however, the sensational move is now “off”.That is because Mangan was denied a work permit in Spain.Read More on FootballThat is a major blow to Carlo as he wanted him to “refresh” his coaching staff.The Ancelottis are understood to have been looking for an English coach with experience in the EFL.It is also reported that Davide plans to take Mangan with him when he embarks on his own managerial career.Since joining Stockport in July, Mangan has been credited with playing a key role in their rise to the top spots of the League One table.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe has built a reputation as an “attacking specialist” and that is what attracted Real’s attention.Prior to his foray into coaching, Mangan had a lengthy career in the lower leagues as a player.Watch Jude Bellingham’s expletive-laden instructions to Mbappe and Co at half-time of Real Madrid drawFollowing his two-year spell as assistant manager with Bristol Rovers, he was even given a chance to take over as caretaker boss. More

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    Former Chelsea star Victor Moses makes shock return to English football as fans say ‘this came out of nowhere’

    FORMER Chelsea star Victor Moses has returned to English football by signing for Luton.The 33-year-old was a free agent after leaving Spartak Moscow in the summer but has put pen to paper for the Championship Hatters.Victor Moses has joined LutonCredit: X @LutonTownThe winger was a free agent after leaving Spartak MoscowCredit: GettyHe joined the club on trial initially and took part in training before featuring in a behind-closed-doors match last week.Moses impressed Luton boss Rob Edwards and the club offered him a deal which he was happy to sign.Edwards said of his capture: “Victor is one we’ve been talking to for quite a while. He trained with us last week and played 60 minutes in a behind closed doors game, and we made a decision because we think he’s able to come in and help us.“He gives us more strength in depth and versatility, because he’s someone who can play both sides or as a number ten.READ MORE ON CHELSEA“He’s played for so many different clubs in different ways and shapes, and under different managers, so he’s tactically aware. We think he’s someone who can provide some really good competition for us.“I don’t want to put too much pressure on him and expect too much too soon. He’s not going to come in and start the games straight away. He’s got to get used to what we do and how we play, but he’s fit, he’s able to come in and affect it now, and he definitely makes the squad stronger.”Moses helped Chelsea win the Premier League in 2017 before leaving on several loan spells.He joined Inter Milan on a temporary basis in 2019-20 and helped them win Serie A, with both of Moses’ league title wins coming under Antonio Conte.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe versatile star has a wealth of experience which also includes spells in Turkey and Russia, along with 38 Nigeria caps, and fans are delighted to see him back in England.One supporter reacted saying: “Good to see him back in England, all the best Victor.” Man Utd flop Jadon Sancho makes bizarre claim about Enzo Maresca being reason he joined Chelsea but it doesn’t add upAnother added: “We have manifested a return of a #Barclaysman to England.”And a Luton supporter reacted to the signing saying: “Well this came out of nowhere! Welcome Victor.”Edwards praised Moses’ humility and hopes he can be a big addition to the squad on and off the pitch.He added: “He’s someone who we can learn from as well. He’s won a Premier League title under Antonio Conte playing in a similar sort of role to what we ask some of our lads to do, so we’ll be able to pick his brains.“He’s had a fantastic career, been there and done it. He’s got an amazing CV. But alongside that he’s a really good lad, a quiet, unassuming, down to earth person.“What tells you about his humility is that he’s been willing to come in, basically on trial with us, to show how hungry he is to play for Luton Town. We are really excited about working with him.” More

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    Mario Balotelli incredibly snubbed by Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters over two key concerns

    FORMER Premier League star Mario Balotelli has reportedly been snubbed by Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters over two key concerns.The former Manchester City and Liverpool star is a free agent after leaving Turkish side Adana Demirspor for a second time.Mario Balotelli is still without a club after being snubbed by Kerala BlastersCredit: GettyBalotelli, 34, is yet to find any takers after a rollercoaster career that’s seen him play for 12 different clubs.But reports in India claimed Kerala Blasters were lining up a surprise move.They were tempted to offer a proposal making Balotelli the biggest name in the Indian Super League.However, Kerala Blasters eventually decided to pull the plug on a deal for two reasons.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGoal claims the first was that chiefs believed it to be an unrealistic move, with Balotelli’s standing in the game “intimidating.”And the second was that the Italian’s bad-boy image was also too hot to handle.It now means Balotelli, who won a Premier League title with City after scoring 30 goals in 80 games, remains on the hunt for a new home.His travels around Europe have seen him play in Italy, France, England, Turkey and Switzerland.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd Balotelli is yet to try his luck further afield, with Saudi Arabia proving to be a popular destination for ageing stars.His transfer dilemma comes after footage emerged of him in July falling over in the street during a boozy night out.Footage of Mario Balotelli falling in street during boozy night out with palsBalotelli, a Treble winner with Inter Milan in 2010, was caught on camera enjoying himself with pals.But he appeared to have had a bit too much to drink, with Balotelli seen lying on the floor as friends attempted to lift him up,And after getting criticised for his behaviour, 36-time Italy international Balotelli fired back on social media.He said: “I wanted to tell you that I saw the video where I fall down with my friends, we roll around, joke, run.”I don’t see the problem with having a night out with friends, having fun and joking around, without hurting anyone.”What am I being judged for? Why didn’t you show all the photographs and videos I made with people? I was open to everyone.”Instead, after Italy play like that, the news that goes around is that I’m drunk… Come on, let’s think about important things.”Mario Balotelli’s career statsThose numbers in full:Lumezzane, 2005-2006: 2 games, 0 goalsInter Milan, 2006-2010: 86 games, 28 goalsMan City, 2010-2013: 80 games, 30 goalsAC Milan, 2013-2014: 54 games, 30 goalsLiverpool, 2014-2015: 28 games, 4 goalsAC Milan, 2015-2016: 23 games, 3 goalsNice, 2016-2018: 76 games, 43 goalsMarseille, 2018-2019: 15 games, 8 goalsBrescia, 2019-2020: 19 games, 5 goalsMonza, 2020-2021: 14 games, 6 goalsAdana Demirspor, 2021-2022: 35 games, 19 goalsSion, 2022-2023: 19 games, 6 goalsAdana Demirspor, 2023-2024: 16 games, 7 goalsItaly, 2010-2018: 36 games, 14 goalsTrophies: Serie A x3, Italian Cup, Italian Super Cup, Champions League (Inter Milan); Premier League, FA Cup (Man City) More

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    ‘I’ve made it clear I want to go’, says Liverpool hero as star appears to take swipe at club’s transfer activity

    CAOIMHIM KELLEHER says he has “made it clear” to Liverpool he wants to leave the club.The Irish keeper, 25, stepped in for the injured No1 Alisson last season and played 26 games in all competitions.Caoimhin Kelleher is urging Liverpool to let him leaveCredit: SportsfileArne Slot signed Georgian keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili in the summerCredit: GettyBut Alisson returned for the final seven Premier League games of the campaign, before new Reds boss Arne Slot signed Georgian international Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia for £29million in the summer.Mamardashvili, 23, will not join Liverpool until next summer but is expected to be the long-term replacement for Brazil shot-stopper Alisson.And Kelleher, who started for Ireland in their 2-0 loss to England on Saturday, insists he feels it is the right time to leave Anfield.Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: “I’ve made it clear in the last few years that I want to go and be a No1 and play week in, week out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The club’s made that decision to get another goalkeeper and from the outside looking in, it looks like they’ve made a decision to go in a different direction.”Liverpool rejected a £15million bid from Nottingham Forest for Kelleher in the January transfer window.He has also been linked with a move to Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic.And Italian giants Juventus were even mooted as a possible destination during the summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKelleher played ten Premier League games last season in Alisson’s absenceNone of those ended up materialising, but not for Kelleher’s want of trying.He added: “Sometimes from the outside looking in, it looks like that’s 100 per cent my decision [to stay] but at times it’s not always in my hands.Watch frosty moment between Liverpool star Van Dijk and Man Utd striker Zirkzee in tunnel before Holland clash”It’s been reported that Liverpool have rejected a few bids as well.”My ambition is clear that I think I’m good enough and I want to go out and prove it.”Kelleher made seven saves against England but could do nothing about the goals from Declan Rice and Jack Grealish.Celtic, Brighton and Forest are among the clubs continuing to be linked with him. More