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      Seven striker transfers who could solve Chelsea’s nightmare in front of goal including Kane and Osimhen

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      CHELSEA’S finishing came back to haunt them in last night’s Champions League exit to Real Madrid.The Blues crashed out of Europe after failing to score one single goal against the defending champions.
      Chelsea failed to score a single goal in two legs against Real MadridCredit: Getty
      Todd Boehly is surely on the hunt for a new striker this summerCredit: Alamy
      The 4-0 aggregate scoreline was compounded by a series of fluffed opportunities in the return leg at Stamford Bridge.
      The likes of Marc Cucurella and N’Golo Kante spurned glorious chances to give Chelsea a lifeline.
      And a new striker has to be top of Todd Boehly’s shopping list this summer.
      Despite his £600million spend, Chelsea’s top scorer this season is No10 Kai Havertz with just nine goals.
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      The two out-and-out strikers in the squad, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Armando Broja, boast just four goals between them.
      And even Romelu Lukaku’s underwhelming haul of 15 last term is now looking good.
      Christopher Nkunku, scorer of 17 goals this season and 35 last year, is already on his way to west London.
      And there could yet be a permanent move for Joao Felix, despite only scoring twice since his January loan from Atletico Madrid.
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      But in terms of a proper No9, just who can Chelsea go for when the transfer window opens?
      Here, SunSport’s Anthony Chapman looks at seven options for the Blues…
      HARRY KANE — TOTTENHAM
      THE England captain, 29, looks certain to leave his boyhood club this summer.
      Spurs failed to deliver the silverware promised under Antonio Conte.
      And despite their position in the table, they are almost in as much turmoil as Chelsea — but without the promise of better days ahead.
      Harry Kane looks certain to leave Tottenham this summerCredit: Getty
      Kane is a proven goalscorer, netting 273 times for Spurs with a further 55 goals for his country.
      A move to Stamford Bridge would be highly controversial given the rivalry between Tottenham and Chelsea.
      But with Kane’s contract expiring in 2024, a mega-money offer from Boehly could turn Levy’s head and provide him with ammunition to rebuild Spurs’ squad for their new manager.
      VICTOR OSIMHEN — NAPOLI
      THE Nigerian, 24, is possibly the most sought-after player in world football this summer.
      Osimhen has netted 26 goals in a stellar season for Napoli.
      And he is certain to lead the Italians to their first Serie A title since 1990.
      Osimhen has made no secret of his desire to play in the Premier League.
      Victor Osimhen is enjoying a fine season for NapoliCredit: Getty
      Indeed, his idol is none other than Chelsea legend Didier Drogba.
      Osimhen’s sleek combination of power and pace could work wonders with Chelsea’s creative players, who make plenty of chances but have nobody in the box to put them away.
      Osimhen is sure to come with a hefty price-tag this summer.
      But with Boehly willing to spend big on the right player, and Osimhen thought to not be concerned by a lack of Champions League football for one year, this transfer could be the most likely one on the list.
      IVAN TONEY — BRENTFORD
      THE newly-capped Three Lions star has enjoyed a stellar rise up the ranks throughout his career.
      Toney, 27, spent seven years plying his trade in League One before Brentford took him to the Championship and then the Premier League.
      He has 66 goals in less than three years for the Bees, including 19 this term.
      Ivan Toney has gone from strength to strength in his careerCredit: Getty
      And Toney has the physical and technical hallmarks of a classic Chelsea No9.
      The one thing going against the ace is a potential upcoming ban for betting.
      But Toney has proven his class in the top flight time and again.
      And with Brentford always ready to negotiate for the right price, he could come easier than other names at bigger clubs.
      MARCUS THURAM — EINTRACHT FRANKFURT
      SON of France legend Lillian, Thuram has found his feet this season with 16 goals for Frankfurt.
      Capable of playing as a striker or winger, he has also become an integral part of France’s national squad.
      Thuram, 25, has improved his composure with each passing season.
      And the best news is that he will be available for absolutely nothing after deciding to quit Frankfurt on a free transfer when his contract expires in June.
      Marcus Thuram is available on a free transfer this summerCredit: AFP
      But Chelsea will have to move fast if they want to secure Thuram’s signature.
      That’s because Man United, Tottenham, Newcastle, Juventus and Inter Milan are all plotting to offer him a deal.
      And Chelsea may have go over-the-odds with wages as they will not be able to offer Thuram any European football.
      RANDAL KOLO MUANI — EINTRACHT FRANKFURT
      ANOTHER Frankfurt forward who has shined this season.
      Muani, 24, has established himself as a top forward in Europe with 20 goals in his first season with the Germans.
      Like Thuram, he too has become a regular in Didier Deschamps’ France side.
      And he is now thought to be a top target for Bayern Munich as Thomas Tuchel looks for a striker.
      Kolo Muani would certainly fit in well at Chelsea after developing an all-roundness to his game.
      Randal Kolo Muani has 20 goals in his first season with FrankfurtCredit: AFP
      However, Man Utd have made enquiries into his availability at the behest of Erik ten Hag.
      And incredible reports last month claimed the Red Devils are ready to pay an eye-watering £105m fee.
      Those are the kinds of numbers Boehly would be expecting to deal with regarding someone like Kane or Osimhen.
      And it could be just too much to take, even for the splurge-happy American.
      OLLIE WATKINS — ASTON VILLA
      The former Brentford man, 27, has been on fire since the return of football after the World Cup.
      Watkins has struck 14 times in the league alone for Villa.
      And after moving to a central role, he has helped Unai Emery’s men storm the table into a European spot.
      Ollie Watkins has fired Villa up the tableCredit: Getty
      Watkins hit 14 goals in his first season for Villa too.
      And Brentford fans have not forgotten his plunder of 25 strikes when they narrowly missed out on promotion in 2020.
      Despite not being the biggest name around, Watkins could be exactly what Chelsea need up top — hard graft, a strong mentality and an uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time.
      But Villa will be loathe to let him go, and having paid £33million themselves could demand an over-the-top fee.
      FOLARIN BALOGUN — ARSENAL
      STRANGER things have happened in football.
      But this one cannot be ruled out for several reasons.
      Balogun, 21, has taken Ligue 1 by storm with 18 goals for loan side Reims.
      He’s been putting the likes of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe to shame all season.
      Folarin Balogun has set the French league alight this termCredit: AFP
      But despite impressing, Balogun is not guaranteed a spot in Arsenal’s squad next season — let alone the starting XI.
      Mikel Arteta already boasts numerous players up front and may struggle to find room for Balogun.
      The youngster does not want to be loaned out again though.
      And that could open the door for Chelsea to make an offer Arsenal cannot refuse.
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      It doesn’t hurt that Balogun is from across the pond either, despite having 13 caps for England’s U21s.
      And especially if Christian Pulisic is sold, Boehly could jump at the chance to have another fellow American in his side. More

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      Harry Kane is ‘too old and expensive’ for Bayern Munich claims club legend in boost to Man Utd transfer hopes

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      HARRY KANE is “too old and expensive”, according to Bayern Munich club legend Lothar Matthaus.The England striker’s future is already the talk of the next transfer window with just over a year left on his contract.
      Pundit Lothar Matthaus has given his take on whether Bayern should go all out for Kane this summerCredit: Getty
      Bayern Munich and Manchester United are believed to be the frontrunners for the Tottenham star.
      But the German giants have been urged to swerve Kane by one of their former players.
      Matthaus, who won the league five times in his two spells in Bavaria, believes Kane is not worth the cost at the age of 29 and prefers 24-year-old Victor Osimhen of Napoli.
      He also believes that Spurs’ record top scorer, who will likely command a fee north of £100m, is too expensive.
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      Writing for Sky Deutschland, the 62-year-old said: “I’m excited to see if a new striker comes along.
      “Everyone is talking about Victor Osimhen for his sensational performance at Napoli. You never know if he can do that in Munich, but I think he would be a good fit.
      “Randal Kolo Muani may need a little more room and space than a Bayern striker usually has, but he’s also good in the box and could work in Munich. Harry Kane would be too old and too expensive for me.
      “The price-performance ratio could speak for [Werder Bremen striker] Niclas Füllkrug. He would probably be available for €20-25 million [£17.6m-£22m] and score 25 goals in Munich.”
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      If Kane does not sign a new contract at Spurs, he would be available for free in the summer of 2024.
      This has sparked speculation on his future and could give Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy a decision to make this summer.
      Reports last month suggested that United have even received a boost due to Spurs reported interest in their goalkeeper Dean Henderson. More

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      Liverpool transfer target is ‘better than Jude Bellingham in EVERY way’, claims Van der Vaart

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      LIVERPOOL have been advised to sign Bayern Munich outcast Ryan Gravenberch because he is better than Borussia Dortmund superstar Jude Bellingham “in every way”.That is according to Rafael van der Vaart, who insists Gravenberch outclasses Bellingham even though the England international has been linked with all of Europe’s top hitters.
      Bayern Munich ace Ryan Gravenberch is better than Borussia Dortmund star Jude BellinghamCredit: Getty
      That is according to Rafael van der Vaart, who insists Gravenberch is more physical than BellinghamCredit: Reuters
      The midfielder was targeted by the Reds but manager Jurgen Klopp decided to pull the plug after Dortmund kept raising his staggering release clause, which reached a whopping £130million.
      The Merseysiders have since been linked with Gravenberch, who continues to struggle for minutes at Bayern under Thomas Tuchel just like he did during Julian Nagelsmann’s tenure.
      However, Van der Vaart, who is known for his strong opinions in the Netherlands, is adamant that his fellow Dutchman would be a much smarter deal than Bellingham for Liverpool.
      The ex-Tottenham star believes the 20-year-old would pay dividends in the Premier League because he is more physical than the Dortmund star.
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      Van der Vaart said: “Do you know what the most important thing is when you go to a new club? The first two weeks.
      “You have to show in every training, every practice game that you are a rightful purchase.
      “For Gravenberch, it would actually be good to rent him out to Ajax again.
      “Can you remember any player who sat on the bench at Bayern in the 1990s?
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      “You make a lot of money… Nice and all, but no, you have to play football.
      “What I think the big difference is: Bellingham is at a club a step lower and always plays.
      “I think Gravenberch [is] better than Bellingham in every way. Especially also in physicality.” More

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      Real Madrid ‘want Chelsea quartet and willing to splash out more than £90m on Reece James alone’

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      REAL MADRID are reportedly keen on signing four players from Chelsea.And they are ready to spend £90million alone on star man Reece James.
      Real Madrid are ready to spend £90m on Chelsea star Reece JamesCredit: Rex
      Real are also big fans of contract rebel Mason MountCredit: Reuters
      Chelsea and Real face each other tonight in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash.
      The Spaniards lead the tie 2-0 following last week’s win at the Bernabeu.
      But Real are also looking to beat Chelsea off the pitch as well as on it.
      According to Fijaches, Los Blancos are hoping to sign no less than four players from Stamford Bridge.
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      Top of their list is right-back James, 23, who is regarded as one of the best players in his position.
      The defender only signed a new five-year deal in September.
      Real are in “no hurry” to sign James, but they would like to have him in as a replacement for the ageing Dani Carvajal.
      Next on their list is Mateo Kovacic, who is out of contract in 2024.
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      Real want to re-sign Mateo Kovacic when his contract expires in 2024Credit: Alamy
      Real rate Ruben Loftus-Cheek for his versatilityCredit: Getty
      The 28-year-old spent three years at Real before joining Chelsea in 2018.
      But Los Blancos chiefs are keen on a free transfer return when his deal expires, with the club expecting to lose either Luka Modric or Toni Kroos next year.
      The third player Real want is Mason Mount, also out of contract in 2024.
      Carlo Ancelotti would prefer to make a move this summer as the England man, 24, stalls on signing a new Chelsea deal.
      But Real are also willing to bide their time and land Mount for nothing next year should the Blues play hardball over a fee.
      Finally, the Spaniards are also exploring a move for Ruben Loftus-Cheek, 27.
      They are big fans of the ace’s versatility as a central midfielder and right-sider.
      Like Mount, he is being targeted this summer but could also end up going on a free transfer in 2024. More

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      Premier League cult hero signs for second-tier club in Norway aged 41 and will even wear old club’s colours

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      BLACKBURN legend Morten Gamst Pedersen has signed for Norwegian club Ranheim at the age of 41.The former Rovers midfielder is still yet to hang up his boots – a decade on from departing Ewood Park.
      Morten Gamst Pedersen (right) spent nine years at BlackburnCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      And the Norwegian has now penned a deal with the second-tier outfit in his homeland.
      Pedersen said: “I’m always excited when I come to a new club.
      “I think it’s healthy that my stomach tingles a little.”
      Ranheim’s kit colours are blue and white – the same as Blackburn.
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      And he is excited to be in those colours again.
      He added: “The club is blue and white, something I have enjoyed before, so I hope this adventure will be just as good an experience.”
      Pedersen enjoyed nine years at Blackburn from 2004 to 2013.
      He made 348 appearances, contributing 47 goals and 66 assists.
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      He left the Premier League to join Turkish side Karabukspor for one season, before returning to his home country and signing with Rosenborg.
      Pedersen began a four-year spell with Norwegian side Tromso in 2019, followed by stints at fellow domestic clubs Alta and Asane.
      He has played 666 club games in his career and also racked up 83 caps for Norway – the last of which came in 2014. More

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      Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand reveals ‘rumour’ about Mikel Arteta leaving Arsenal fan co-host worried

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      RIO FERDINAND left the Arsenal supporting co-host of his podcast terrified after sparking a rumour that Mikel Arteta could be leaving.The Gunners’ title hopes suffered a major blow as they were held to a 2-2 draw at West Ham on Sunday.
      Rio Ferdinand has sparked a rumour about Mikel Arteta’s futureCredit: Alamy
      The defender made the cheeky remark on the latest episode of his podcastCredit: YouTube
      But despite that, Gooners are firmly behind the Spaniard after the way he has transformed the club since taking charge in 2019, three years after his six-year stint as a player ended there.
      Arteta guided Arsenal to the FA Cup in 2020 and his team are still top of the Premier League, four points clear of second-placed Man City, who have a game in hand and still have the leaders to play.
      The future still looks extremely bright at the Emirates even if they fall just short this term.
      However, during the latest episode of the Vibe With FIVE podcast, Manchester United legend Ferdinand appeared to throw a spanner in the works.
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      While smiling and laughing, he said: “You’ve got to keep Arteta, first and foremost.
      Co-host and Arsenal fan Joel Beya replied: “What is this about? You’ve been doing this all afternoon.”

      “I heard something,” Ferdinand responded.
      “I heard that Real Madrid and when they come knocking your players will be coachless.
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      “I heard Ancelotti, Don Carlo, the eyebrow, he might be getting off, and that Arteta is looking to go to Real Madrid.
      “That’s the rumour on the streets. The streets are talking. I hope he stays.”
      There has been no suggestions elsewhere to back up Ferdinand’s cheeky rumour.
      And it remains to be seen whether Arteta, who came through Barcelona’s academy, would even be interested in a move to their bitter rivals if Ancelotti does depart and the opportunity arises. More

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      Chelsea and Spurs in battle to land top new boss but which London giant would be the better club to manage?

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      CHELSEA and Tottenham are both on the hunt for new managers.Frank Lampard has taken over as interim boss at Stamford Bridge following Graham Potter’s dismissal.
      Luis Enrique has been linked with both Chelsea and TottenhamCredit: Getty
      Julian Nagelsmann is also on both clubs’ list of potential candidatesCredit: Getty
      And Antonio Conte’s exit from Spurs has seen his assistant Cristian Stellini assume control.
      But both temporary head coaches are expected to step aside once the 2022/23 campaign has been dealt with – although Spurs could move earlier than that.
      And the two London rivals are being linked with the same names as they search for the right manager to lift their respective dressing rooms.
      Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann are two high-profile candidates that are attracting interest from Chelsea and Tottenham.
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      Vincent Kompany is another possible option for both Premier League sidesCredit: PA
      Burnley boss Vincent Kompany is another coach being mooted for both roles following his Championship promotion with the Clarets.
      But which is the more appealing role?
      Well, Jamie Carragher seems to think all of those in the frame would choose Chelsea over Spurs.
      Speaking on The Overlap, he said: “If a manager has an option between Chelsea and Spurs, I think they will choose Chelsea in terms of giving them more chance of window, and maybe a bigger transfer kitty.
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      “The fact that they put Frank Lampard in tells me they may already have someone lined up, but that person will come in the summer.
      “I wouldn’t be surprised if it comes out in the next few weeks that Julian Naglesmann has agreed to join Chelsea, but he wanted some time out and to get ready for the summer and have a pre-season.
      “I might be totally wrong, and they might not have anyone and are still working on it, but to sign Frank straight away and not give it another week to get someone in for a couple of months, makes me feel they have something already lined up to the summer.”
      But is Carragher right? SunSport have taken a look at the pros and cons of taking over at both clubs.
      Chelsea
      Todd Boehly has already sacked managers Thomas Tuchel and Graham PotterCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Owner Todd Boehly’s arrival at Chelsea less than 12 months ago has sparked a chaotic period at Stamford Bridge.
      The Blues have axed Thomas Tuchel and Potter since the American assumed control of the Blues.
      And after one game with assistant Bruno Saltor in charge, Lampard has now taken interim charge until the end of the campaign.
      The managerial merry-go-round has coincided with a £600million spending spree.
      But the swarm of new players has only seen Chelsea drop further and further down the Premier League table – where they now sit 11th.
      It is evident Boehly has great ambition for the club given he has already sacked two coaches in his first season.
      And that may well be a daunting prospect for any coach coming to West London.
      Under Roman Abramovich, managers were expected to win trophies quickly or face the chop.
      And Boehly has shown little sign of changing that outlook in his first year – averaging a new appointment less than every four months.
      The transfer budget may also concern incoming managers as Chelsea have spent so much money in recent windows and are required to stay within Financial Fair Play regulations.
      Players are also set to depart in the summer in order to comply with these rules.
      And Chelsea have plans to build a new £1.5billion stadium which will need to be budgeted for over the coming years.
      But it is a squad brimming with talent – with more than 30 players at the new head coach’s disposal.
      The Blues also have a history of winning trophies.
      Many of the squad still at the Bridge were there when Tuchel helped them win the Champions League in 2021.
      And that winning mentality is something that Boehly has over his rivals across London.
      Managers are also handed generous compensation packages when they depart Chelsea – with Potter receiving more than £20m – another plus for interested candidates.
      Tottenham
      Daniel Levy is searching for a 12th managerial appointment since becoming chairmanCredit: Alamy
      Spurs chairman Daniel Levy was given little choice but to sack Conte following his outburst in the wake of their 3-3 draw with Southampton last month.
      The Tottenham chief, who had to fork out over £15m to Conte, assumed control of the Lilywhites in 2001 and is now searching for a 12th permanent manager in 22 years.
      It is a relatively high number of coaches, but Levy has shown he can give managers time with the likes of Martin Jol, Harry Redknapp and Mauricio Pochettino.
      Spurs’ downfall under Levy has been their lack of trophies – with the club still waiting for their first piece of silverware since 2008.
      And they have also shown a reluctance to spend like some of their rivals.
      Eight of Chelsea’s current squad were brought in for more money than Spurs’ club record transfer fee of £53.8m.
      So it is evident any incoming manager will be working with a smaller budget than Chelsea.
      And they may also lose their most important player in Harry Kane.
      The Spurs talisman’s future remains up in the air as he enters the final 12 months of his contract – with Manchester United heavily linked with the England captain.
      However, Tottenham fans’ expectations are – at least at the beginning – likely to be lower than that of the Chelsea faithful – who have seen their club win five Premier Leagues, two Champions Leagues, five FA Cups and three League Cups over the past two decades.
      Spurs supporters wish for a return to the attacking style Pochettino provided – after defensively-minded coaches in Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Conte.
      So while success may be tougher to achieve than at Chelsea, the fans will almost certainly be more patient.
      Verdict
      Ultimately there are major concerns for any manager taking both jobs.
      Chelsea have big goals and demand success immediately, but are unable to guarantee the finances or time in order to achieve it.
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      Tottenham hold a more attainable level of perceived success – even if getting there may be a challenge – but funds, past failures and Kane’s potential departure could make it an almost impossible task.
      When it comes to the likes of Enrique and Nagelsmann, it might just be easier to hold out until the Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain job comes up. More

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      Man Utd target Jurrien Timber’s girlfriend sparks talk of shock transfer to Premier League rivals by ‘house-hunting’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED reportedly look set for transfer disappointment as Liverpool close in on a move for Ajax’s Jurrien Timber – with the star’s girlfriend house-hunting on Merseyside.The Holland centre-back shone at the World Cup finals, where he played alongside Reds and national captain Virgil van Dijk.
      Liverpool appear to be leading the chase for Jurrien TimberCredit: Getty
      Timber, 21, has won two Eredivisie titles and a Dutch FA Cup in the past two seasons with Ajax.
      Manchester United wanted to sign Timber last summer, but saw their pursuit fall flat as he signed a contract extension.
      However, the 21-year-old recently indicated that he may leave the Dutch champions with the Red Devils still keen.
      But Anfield boss Jurgen Klopp has set his sights on the Utrecht-born ace – and Timber is tempted by the potential move, says Voetbal.
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      Ajax will seek around £50million for the versatile defender, who can also operate at right-back and is under contract until 2025.
      He has made 41 appearances for the Amsterdam club this season, but is eager to leave with Ajax eight points behind leaders and arch-rivals Feyenoord.
      Experts discussed Timber’s future on Dutch TV show Veronica Offside on Monday night.
      Presenter Wilfred Genee insisted: “It appears that Timber’s girlfriend is looking for a house in Liverpool.
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      “He is also very preoccupied with it, so he will probably make a quick departure.”
      Ex-Ajax and Everton winger Andy van der Meyde said: “You can sometimes see now when he’s on the pitch that he is thinking: ‘If only I’d left sooner!’ ”
      And Holland great Wesley Sneijder added: “Timber is a bright lad, and a genuinely good defender.”
      However ex-Real Madrid playmaker Sneijder warned: “He will lose every aerial battle against the ‘wardrobes’ in the Premier League.
      “That will be his downfall. Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez is also short, but he comes out on top everywhere.”
      Timber has won 15 caps, and helped Holland reach the World Cup quarter-finals last December. More