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    Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg lined up for stunning transfer to Spanish giants with Spurs future plunged into doubt

    ATLETICO MADRID are keen on Tottenham’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.SunSport revealed earlier this month that the Dane’s future in North London is looking uncertain as he is not a natural fit in the free-flowing system of new boss Ange Postecoglou.
    Atletico Madrid have expressed an interest in HojbjergCredit: Getty
    Spurs are by no means desperate to sell him as he is a model pro but would be open to letting him go next month.
    A number of clubs have been weighing up a move – with Spanish giants Atletico among them.
    Though SunSport understands there has been no contact yet between the two clubs.
    Hojbjerg, 27, has racked up 145 appearances for Spurs since arriving from Southampton for £15million in 2020.
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    He was a favourite of pragmatic bosses Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte.
    Yet it is questionable if he would start in the attack-minded Postecoglou’s side, which has just been bolstered by the arrival of James Maddison for £40m plus add-ons.
    Spurs, who have already added goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario for £16m from Empoli, are looking at strengthening at centre-back now.
    Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba, Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo and Wolfsburg’s Micky van de Ven – dubbed the quickest central defender in the Bundesliga – are all on their radar.
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    Meanwhile, Cristian Romero is being linked with a move away.
    Juventus reportedly want to re-sign the Argentina international. More

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    Man City flop Ferran Torres ‘offered Premier League return’ just 18 months after joining Barcelona

    BARCELONA are reportedly prepared to sell Ferran Torres this summer.The LaLiga champions are set to let go of several first team stars in a bid to free up space on their wage bill.
    Barcelona want to sell Torres this summerCredit: Getty
    And according to Spanish journalist Gerard Romero, Torres is one of the names on the transfer list.
    Barcelona are said to be demanding £35million for the out-of-favour striker.
    Torres has already received three offers from the Premier League, but he is reluctant to leave the Nou Camp.
    The 23-year-old joined Barcelona in a £55million transfer from Manchester City in January 2022.
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    He has scored 14 goals in 71 appearances since joining the club, but he fell out of favour last summer following the arrival of Robert Lewandowski.
    Barcelona are expected to complete the signing of Vitor Roque in the next few weeks, which would likely see Torres fall further down the pecking order.
    Newcastle are understood to be interested in signing striker.
    The Magpies would be willing to match Barcelona’s £35m asking price.
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    Arsenal were linked with a swoop for the Spaniard in January, however they are yet to submit an official bid.
    Unless Torres is sold this summer, Barcelona will likely struggle to recruit and register players due to their financial issues. More

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    Chelsea ‘want Liverpool and Man City target as Mason Mount replacement’ if England star joins Man Utd

    CHELSEA want to sign a Liverpool and Manchester City target to replace Mason Mount if the England star joins Manchester United.Mount’s future at Stamford Bridge remains uncertain as he enters the final year of his contract.
    Chelsea have identified their Mason Mount replacementCredit: Getty
    United have been strongly linked with a move for the midfielder, but their latest bid of £55million was rejected.
    That had prompted the Red Devils to consider alternative targets before they reopened talks with Chelsea this week.
    Although United remain determined not to meet the Blues’ £65million asking price, Chelsea have reportedly identified a replacement for Mount.
    According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea will make a move for Gabri Veiga if Mount moves to Old Trafford.
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    Celta Vigo midfielder Veiga is understood to have a £34million release clause and has been the subject of considerable Premier League interest.
    Chelsea had previously been linked with a move before Liverpool entered the race for Veiga.
    The Reds have already opened talks over a move, whilst Manchester City are also now considering an approach.
    Veiga scored 11 goals and provided four assists in LaLiga last season, earning him a place in Spain’s squad for the Under-21 Euros.
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    His future will likely not be resolved until the end of the tournament, with the final scheduled for July 8.
    The 21-year-old will hope to be back in action when Spain face Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
    Chelsea want to sign Spanish midfielder Gabri VeigaCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd plot transfer for Benfica wonderkid branded ‘the next Ruben Neves’ as they target 18-year-old

    MANCHESTER UNITED are interested in signing Benfica wonderkid Joao Neves, according to reports.Erik ten Hag is exploring ways to improve the squad this summer but the Red Devils are still yet to make a signing.
    Manchester United are eyeing Benfica wonderkid Joao NevesCredit: Getty
    Chelsea star Mason Mount and Brighton’s Moises Caicedo have emerged as two key targets but United could also add youth to their midfield.
    Neves is just 18-years-old but he made 20 appearances in his breakthrough season at Benfica, including three games in the Champions League, and he has been likened to Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves.
    And according to transfer guru Gianluca Di Marzio his performances have attracted attention from United.
    Bayern Munich and Wolves are also reported to be interested in the midfielder, with Neves potentially leaving Molineux to join Al-Hilal.
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    But United could be the first to make a bid – once they wrap up moves for Mount and Caicedo.
    The Red Devils have had three offers knocked back by Chelsea for Mount, with the Blues demanding £65million.
    Club representatives have also contacted Brighton over a potential deal for Caicedo, who could cost £80m.
    If United manage to secure a major target there may only be enough left in the budget for a youngster like Neves.
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    That’s because Ten Hag has reportedly been given just £100m to spend on new recruits.
    It is believed Ten Hag will be able to boost his available funds with player sales, with the budget squeezed by Financial Fair Play regulations. More

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    Why Bayern Munich are convinced they will sign Harry Kane as they line up stunning £80m transfer bid for Tottenham star

    BAYERN MUNICH are convinced they will sign Harry Kane, according to reports.Kane has reportedly agreed personal terms with the German giants ahead of a potential blockbuster move.
    Bayern Munich are confident they can sign Harry KaneCredit: AFP
    Bayern would provide a chance for Kane to finally win silverwareCredit: Reuters
    Thomas Tuchel is keen to bring Kane to the BundesligaCredit: Getty
    Now Bayern are ready to test Tottenham’s resolve with an £80million bid after seeing a previous offer rejected.
    SunSport understands Daniel Levy will remain stubborn in negotiations but that has not deterred Bayern’s advances.
    And according to German journalist Christian Falk the Bundesliga champions are confident of striking a deal due to an alleged agreement Kane has with Levy.
    Bayern are even said to be prepared to wait until when next summer when Kane will be out of contract and available on a free transfer.
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    Falk, who writes for Bild, told BBC 5 Live: “Thomas Tuchel is working like a manager in England so can decide who is coming and who is not and there have been talks with Kane’s family.
    “Bayern Munich would not have made an offer if they weren’t sure that Harry Kane would go. First step was clearing the detail with Kane’s family and then making the offer.

    “The point is that Bayern are in another league. Kane has a gentleman’s agreement with Daniel Levy that he is allowed to go to another league if there is another offer that he is really interested in.
    “Now, yes, Harry Kane wants the move because you know the thing about Tottenham and titles. If you go to Bayern Munich, it’s a title guaranteed and this is the main interest for Kane at the moment.
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    “If he won’t move this summer, then they will wait. Tottenham have to decide if they want to get €80m, or even €90m, but next year there is no money for Harry Kane.”
    Privately, Levy has not given up hope of convincing Kane to pen a new deal in North London.
    And the club insist no bid has been lodged for their star man.
    Real Madrid had been keen but have reportedly cooled their interest.
    Manchester United have also been linked with Kane but didn’t hold out much hope that the signing was possible. More

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    Man Utd suffer fresh transfer blow as star SNUBS them for Champions League giants despite club planning improved bid

    MANCHESTER UNITED transfer target Kim Min-jae is on the verge of joining Bayern Munich, according to reports.The Red Devils had been pushing to sign the 26-year-old defender since the transfer window opened.
    Kim is on the verge of joining Man UtdCredit: Getty
    They came close to sealing a deal last month, but Bayern swooped in to hijack talks.
    And according to German football reporter Florian Plettenberg, the Bundesliga giants are on the verge of an agreement with Napoli.
    Bayern Munich are prepared to trigger Kim’s £43m release clause.
    The defender is expected to pen a five-year deal worth around £10m-a-year.
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    Man Utd had planned to improve their bid, but Kim made the decision to join Bayern earlier this month.
    The Red Devils are now assessing alternative defensive options.
    Axel Disasi, a highly rated French international, has emerged as a potential target.
    The 25-year-old has made 129 appearances for Monaco since joining from Reims in 2020, scoring 12 goals.
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    Jean-Clair Todibo, 23, is another alternative.
    The Frenchman has enjoyed a varied career despite his age, having joined Barcelona as a youngster in 2019.
    Following loans to Schalke and Benfica, he signed for Nice in 2021 and has since made 103 appearances for the club. More

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    Chelsea hero Malouda names Mbappe’s next club, predicts Pochettino’s debut season and reveals how Arteta can use Havertz

    CHELSEA legend Florent Malouda insists it is “only a matter of time” until Kylian Mbappe joins Real Madrid… but could still move to the Premier League at some point.Mbappe has informed PSG he won’t trigger the option to extend his contract until 2025, which means he will be a free agent next summer and the French champions are not keen to lose him for nothing.
    Florent Malouda believes Kylian Mbappe will join Real Madrid if he leaves Paris Saint-GermainCredit: Getty
    Malouda, though, believes Mbappe could join the Premier League at some pointCredit: Getty – Contributor
    This stunning development has put Europe’s top bidders on high alert with Manchester United linked with an interest for the star striker who may cost more than €250million (£216m).
    However, Malouda believes Real are the France international’s likeliest destination if he decides to depart from Parc des Princes but it will all come down to a project that fulfils his ambitions.
    That is why the former winger believes the only Premier League team that could attract Mbappe is Manchester City as he aspires to win the Champions League in the near future.
    Malouda told SunSport, via Genting Casino: “For me, it is only a matter of time before he plays for Real Madrid. He has that desire to wear the white shirt because he liked the team when he was young. Eventually, I think he will try the Premier League, but right now, I don’t see any team apart from Manchester City that would attract him. It is not the right time for him to come to the Premier League.
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    “Everybody associated with PSG and France would love him to stay, but his priority is the sports aspect and the project. He wants a competitive project and PSG have to do their part. Kylian could play for any club in the world. This isn’t about money. He is looking for greatness and wants to find a club that can match his talents and give him the opportunity to win the Champions League.
    “He had the opportunity to go to Madrid and he extended his contract, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he found an agreement with PSG in the future. I would be very surprised if he left this summer. I think from his point of view, everything has always been clear: he wants PSG to give him a project that can fulfill his ambitions.”
    Malouda retired in 2018 after a celebrated career that saw him spend six years at Chelsea after his arrival from Lyon in 2007 and went on to win the Double in 2010 as well as the Champions League in 2012.
    The former France international still watches his former club and insists new manager Mauricio Pochettino will have his hands full after a disastrous campaign that saw the Blues finishing 12th.
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    The 43-year-old expects Pochettino to be under immense pressure and is adamant he can only hit the ground running if he wins over the dressing room.
    Malouda added: “He needs to rebuild a lot of things. He needs to rebuild an identity and a culture. He has already been studying what happened at Chelsea last season and has been talking to people at the club.
    “There were a lot of problems at the club last season, and you could tell that something was very wrong, the results and where Chelsea finished the league confirm that. He is the leader now and he needs to demonstrate that leadership from the first day. There are so many people that will be looking towards him, the players, the staff, the fans. They want to see Chelsea back at the top. He has to lead them with confidence.
    “He will understand the size of the job that he is taking on and he will know that he will be under pressure almost immediately. He has been doing a huge amount of work behind the scenes and he will know that having a good pre-season is the first step in the journey.
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    Malouda predicts Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino will be under tremendous pressureCredit: Getty
    “To get off to a good start, he will have to get the players on his side. He will need to completely believe in his methods and the targets that he will set. It’s a huge job, and he has experience, but he will need his players to support him and give everything from the first match of the season.”
    Pochettino has started by offloading players from Chelsea’s bloated squad and one of the club’s most notable departures is Kai Havertz, who joined London rivals Arsenal after a £65m deal.
    Malouda believes Havertz’s move to the Emirates signals at a new strategy by the Gunners with manager Mikel Arteta opting for players with experience of winning trophies, like Gabriel Jesus.
    The Frenchman doesn’t expect the Germany international to play as a No9, like he did last season for the West Londoners, but could instead feature as a “supporting attacking midfielder”.
    Malouda believes Kai Havertz will play as a “supporting attacking midfielder” at ArsenalCredit: https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1674138215266111501/photo/1
    Malouda said: “I think this is part of Arsenal’s strategy. They are looking to bring players into their squad that are a certain age with the experience of winning trophies.
    “You must also think that Mikel Arteta has a development plan for Kai Havertz and he will know exactly how he will use him to make Arsenal better. I think this is a signing that is similar to when Arsenal bought Gabriel Jesus last summer.
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    “I definitely don’t see him as a number nine. I see him as more of a supporting attacking midfielder who can play around the striker. He has the ability to make long runs and he is comfortable arriving in the box and timing his runs well. I think he needs to create things in the midfield.
    “I’m sure his game will be more suited to Arsenal than at Chelsea because Arsenal play with a lot of interchanging and movement between positions.” More

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    Tottenham CONFIRM £45m James Maddison transfer but darts-themed unveiling clip has fans fearing worst

    TOTTENHAM have hit the bullseye by confirming the transfer of darts-mad James Maddison on a five-year deal from Leicester.The North Londoners agreed a deal with the Leicester playmaker, 26, for £45million.
    James Maddison has completed his £45m move to TottenhamCredit: Getty
    Maddison put pen to paper on the big-money contractCredit: Getty
    The unveiling video showed the playmaker playing darts
    Tottenham announced the signing with a not-so-cryptic tweet.
    The short video posted showed a Spurs shirt hanging up in the dressing room before a so-called mystery person picked up three darts from a towel.
    Maddison is a huge darts fan and has regularly been spotted at Ally Pally for the PDC World Championships.
    But the video did not explicitly mention Maddison, prompting some witty replies from some fans.
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    One said: “Don’t tell me we’ve signed Eric Bristow to play left-sided centre-back.”
    Another joked: “Let’s hope we haven’t signed Micheal van Gerwen.”
    And a third added: “Raymond van Barneveld is fully Coys.”
    But the official confirmation followed shortly after at 9pm, with Tottenham tweeting: “Welcome, @Madders10!” with the full video of a smiling Maddison landing a bullseye on the darts board before posing for the camera.
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    Maddison – who was forced to delete old tweets slamming Spurs – spent five years at the King Power, scoring 55 goals in 203 games, and leaves as a three-cap senior England international as well as an FA Cup and Community Shield winner.
    However, following Leicester’s shock relegation, it was a matter of when, not if, he left the East Midlands club to return to the Premier League.
    Leicester were keen to wrap up a deal sooner rather than later in order to reinvest the money as part of their major squad overhaul – with Conor Coady and Harry Winks set to join Enzo Maresca’s side in the Championship.
    The Foxes initially wanted to hold out for £60m and hoped a bidding war between Tottenham and Newcastle would bump up the price.
    However, SunSport revealed the Toon’s interest had cooled – paving the way for Spurs to seal the deal.
    Maddison follows Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario through the door at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ahead of Ange Postecoglou’s first season in charge.
    Dejan Kulusevski has also made his loan deal permanent for £26m while Pedro Porro will do the same for £39m this week.
    Maddison put pen to paper on the big-money contractCredit: Getty
    He regularly celebrates by pretending to throw a dartCredit: Getty
    The video initially showed a not-so-mystery person picking up dartsCredit: Twitter
    The England international seemingly hit the bullseye with his shotCredit: Twitter
    The playmaker loves a trip to Ally Pally for the PDC World ChampionshipsCredit: Getty More