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    Real Madrid’s secret weapon ‘falls in love’ with Phil Foden after Man City star runs the show in crunch Man Utd clash

    REAL MADRID’S chief scout has reportedly “fallen in love” with Phil Foden after his latest Manchester City display.The midfielder ran the show in his side’s derby day victory over Manchester United.Phil Foden has reportedly caught the eye of Real Madrid’s chief scoutCredit: RexJuni Calafat has ‘fallen in love’ with Foden according to sensational reports in SpainFoden scored twice as City came from behind to secure a 3-1 win at the Etihad Stadium.According to sensational reports in Spain, Real Madrid’s Juni Calafat has been left enamoured with the 23-year-old.The Spanish giants’ chief scout believes Foden would make a great addition to their squad, claims Defensa Central.Their report adds that the England international is seen as an alternative to a “more complicated” deal for Erling Haaland.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCalafat has been dubbed Los Blancos’ secret weapon for his part in their transfer business across recent seasons.He is understood to have been key in the deals to sign Federico Valverde, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.The 51-year-old Spaniard, who grew up in Brazil, has also proved particularly crucial in their recruitment of Brazilian players.Calafat has been a Real Madrid scout for a decade and was promoted to chief scout in 2017.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHis eye for Foden comes after the City academy graduate took his tally to 18 goals for the season on Sunday.Foden has also contributed 10 assists for Pep Guardiola’s side so far this term.Phil Foden ‘would walk into Arsenal’s starting XI’ after Pep Guardiola labelled Man City’s derby hero ‘Prem’s best player’ – but are two players better?The playmaker currently has over three years left on his City contract after penning a new deal in October 2022. More

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    Neymar flirts with transfer away from Al-Hilal just seven months after joining Saudi Pro League team

    NEYMAR is eyeing a move away from Al-Hilal just seven months on from joining, according to reports.The Brazilian, 32, signed for the Saudi Pro League side in a £77.6million deal from Paris Saint-Germain last summer.Neymar has made five appearances for Al-HilalCredit: GettyHe has so far played just five times for Al-Hilal, after suffering a devastating knee injury while on international duty last October.Doctors have already ruled the forward out for the rest of the season, which could mean that he never plays for Al-Hilal again.According to German outlet Bild, Neymar wants to join Inter Miami.David Beckham’s MLS franchise have a number of Neymar’s former Barcelona team-mates on their books, including Lionel Messi.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSergio Busquets and Jordi Alba also ply their trades by South Beach, while Luis Suarez joined the gang ahead of this season.During a trip to the F1 last week, Neymar admitted that he’d love to reunite with Messi.He said: “I hope we will play together again. Leo is a great person. I hope he’s happy in Miami. If he is, I will be too.”Neymar has also been linked with former club Santos.Most read in FootballThe attacker began his career with the Brazilian side, scoring 72 goals in 140 appearances before leaving for Barcelona.He went to watch their 1-0 win over Corinthians last month, and even spoke with manager Marcelo Teixeira.’Not happy’ – F1 fans fume as Man Utd legend walks out on live TV grid interview with Martin Brundle to chat to NeymarOn their chat, Teixeira said: “It was a short conversation, but it’s always the short conversations that have a good effect.”Neymar is contracted to Al-Hilal until 2025, and it’s unlikely that the Saudi Pro League team will let him go without a fight.He is set to return to fitness for the start of the next European season in August, having already been ruled out of the Copa America.Neymar reunited with former Barca pal Lionel Messi at PSGCredit: ReutersNeymar, 32, visited the F1 last weekendCredit: Reuters More

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    Forgotten Premier League ace traded for £140k as Lionel Messi and star-studded Inter Miami squad left without key star

    INTER MIAMI have traded defender DeAndre Yedlin to FC Cincinnati.The former Newcastle star was stripped of the captaincy after Lionel Messi signed for the club last summer.DeAndre Yedlin was replaced as Inter Miami captain by Lionel Messi last yearCredit: GettyAnd his four-year contract, which he penned in 2022, has not been cut short.Inter Miami announced he has been traded to Cincinnati, and in return the club will gain “important roster flexibility”.David Beckham’s club will also acquire £136,117 in 2024 General Allocation Money.Yedlin, 30, made 82 appearances for Inter Miami and helped them win the Leagues Cup last year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLInter Miami porting Director Chris Henderson said of the trade: “DeAndre has been a leader for us on and off the field, and we’re very thankful for everything he has done for Inter Miami.”I’ve known him since his academy days in Seattle, and have been proud to see his success here, including helping the team lift its first trophy.”This trade gives us the flexibility to continue building our roster. Our ambitions remain high and we will look to use the space created by this move to improve our squad as we aim to compete for titles.”While Cincinnati manager Chris Albright said: “We’re excited to welcome DeAndre and his family to Cincinnati.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”He is a natural leader who will add valuable experience and quality to our group. We are confident he will be a great fit for us on and off the field, and we look forward to him joining us.”Yedlin said in a social media post: “Thank you Inter Miami for the opportunity! We miss you all.”Let’s get it Cincinnati!”Lionel Messi ‘hits toddler with wayward free-kick’ in latest MLS clash with Inter Miami but scores twice in 5-0 win More

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    Tottenham chasing transfer for former Man Utd target who has ARSENAL crest tattooed on body and idolised Patrick Vieira

    TOTTENHAM are interested in signing Sporting Lisbon star and huge Arsenal fan Morten Hjulmand, according to reports.Spurs are claimed to have sent scouts to watch the midfielder in action.Morten Hjulmand has impressed for Sporting LisbonCredit: GettyThe midfielder has the Arsenal crest tattooed on his left armCredit: RexHjulmand, 24, has made no secret of his Arsenal obsession, however, and even has their crest tattooed on his upper left arm.According to Portuguese paper Record, Spurs sent scouts to watch him in action as Sporting beat rivals Benfica 2-1 last Thursday.They add that the North Londoners could launch a summer bid for the Dane, as they look to upgrade on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Oliver Skipp.Hjulmand is claimed to have idolised Patrick Vieira as a kid.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd speaking about how he got into the Gunners, he said: “My dad supported Arsenal and we watched games together when we were younger.”Hjulmand began his professional career with Austrian side Admira Wacker in 2018.He later earned a move to Italian side Lecce in 2021, before joining Sporting in a £15.4million deal last summer.The all-action ace has swiftly become a key man, making 36 appearances so far this term in all competitions.Most read in FootballManchester United are also claimed to be interested in Hjulmand.Earlier this year it was suggested that the Red Devils had sent scouts to watch him six times this season.Tottenham fans say ‘that’s just ridiculous’ as transfer deadline day signing runs rings around defenders in viral video In January it was reported that Erik ten Hag’s side tried to offer Facundo Pellistri in part exchange for Hjulmand.United star Christian Eriksen has even acted as a mentor for the Sporting star, who broke into the Danish national team set-up last year.Hjulmand, 24, is said to have idolised Patrick Vieira as a kidCredit: Getty More

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    Brentford lining up transfer for on-fire USA striker with Ivan Toney set to leave in summer

    BRENTFORD are checking on Norwich’s American striker Josh Sargent.The Bees will be in the market for a frontman with goalscorer Ivan Toney set to be sold in the summer.Josh Sargent is attracting interest from NorwichCredit: AlamyIvan Toney is set to leave the Bees in the summerCredit: GettyThe likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are in for the 27-year-old.Meanwhile, Sargent has improved at the Championship club and may be ready to make the step back up to the top flight.The 24-year-old star has previous Prem experience with Norwich and can lead the line like Toney.Sargent has scored 11 goals in 17 matches this season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe netted 13 times last term and just two the year before while he was in the Premier League.Norwich currently sit seventh in the Championship and will likely keep hold of their star player should they earn promotion.Sargent has been capped 23 times by the United States. Any new Brentford striker will have to compete for a starting spot with Igor Thiago.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Brazilian will arrive in West London in the summer from Club Brugge.Thiago, 22, has agreed a five-year deal with Thomas Frank’s side.Arsenal transfer target Ivan Toney suggests Thomas Frank ‘doesn’t want me’ in cheeky interview after Brentford goal More

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    Chelsea ready to pay massive compensation fee for Brighton scout so he can help struggling Blues this summer

    CHELSEA are ready to pay the compensation for super-scout Sam Jewell and hire him this summer.Jewell, 34, is leaving Brighton and has been put on gardening leave.Sam Jewell will leave Brighton this summerCredit: Photograph: BHAFCTodd Boehly is set to pay a huge fee to bring him to Stamford BridgeCredit: ReutersBut the Blues can buy him out of his contract with a “big six-figure sum”.The fee is much less than Manchester United will have to pay for Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth.It has been reported that it will take £20million to lure him away from St James’ Park.As for Jewell, he has been working in a head of recruitment role at Brighton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe moved up the ranks when the Seagulls lost Ashworth to the Toon at the start of last season.Jewell has been integral to Brighton’s ability to find emerging talents from across the globe.He has been involved in the signings of Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister, who have both left and generated the club huge profits.Should Jewell join Chelsea, he will be the latest to switch the South Coast for Stamford Bridge.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCaicedo, Marc Cucurella and Robert Sanchez have all made the move on the pitch.Manager Graham Potter and coaches Billy Reid, Bjorn Hamberg, Bruno Saltor and Ben Roberts all changed Brighton for Chelsea before they were sacked by the Blues.’Chelsea are failures, Gary Neville was right’ Crystal Palace Youtuber Dee Kurnaz has his say on The Sun’s Tap InAnd Chelsea’s chief analyst Kyle Macauley and sporting director Paul Winstanley both joined the club from the Amex Stadium. More

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    Chelsea and Man City set to pounce for Bayern golden boy Jamal Musiala with ex-England youth star keen on return to Prem

    MANCHESTER CITY and Chelsea are keeping tabs on Jamal Musiala’s ongoing contract talks at Bayern Munich.And they are ready to go head-to-head for the German golden boy if he fails to agree a new deal with the Bundesliga giants.Jamal Musiala has interest from Premier League clubsCredit: RexMusiala, 21, has two years left on his current terms, and although Bayern want to tie him down to an extension, there is still no sign of an agreement.Sources claim the highly-rated Stuttgart-born midfielder fancies a return to England.He previously spent seven years in Chelsea’s Academy.Musiala lived over here for nearly a decade, after his parents moved from Germany when he was seven, and his old club would love to take him back.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut City are equally keen and sent a delegation to watch him in Bayern’s recent 3-0 defeat to leaders Bayer Leverkusen.Talks over a £150,000-a-week new deal have been going on since October.Yet Musiala is aware of the Premier League interest and knows he is in a strong bargaining position.He has scored nine goals and registered four assists in all competitions so far this season.Most read in BundesligaHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALLMusiala netted the title-winning goal for Bayern last season and was their second top scorer.He has also been capped 25 times by Germany after changing his allegiance from England while he was an Under-21 international.Gareth Southgate says he would have liked Jamal Musiala to stay as an England player instead of playing for Germany More

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    Chelsea set for major coaching shake-up with new special role despite Mauricio Pochettino insisting they don’t need it

    CHELSEA are set to sign set-piece specialists despite manager Mauricio Pochettino dismissing their importance.The Blues have lagged this season under Pochettino as they are 11th in the Premier League and lost the Carabao Cup final to Jurgen Klopp’s young Liverpool side – despite splashing £1billion in two years.Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is set to sign set-piece specialistsCredit: GettyChelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino insisted there is no need for set-piece specialistsCredit: RexThe West Londoners are also struggling in set-pieces as Pochettino’s men have only scored six times from set plays this term, while other teams are already in double figures.According to The Telegraph, Chelsea’s co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali have already sounded out candidates to work within the new department.The set-piece department will operate across the entire club, rather than focusing solely on the senior team.However, there is no indications as to how closely those coaches would work with Pochettino and his staff.Read More on ChelseaThe Argentine tactician insisted he doesn’t need that kind of help by declaring “football belongs to the players, not to the specialists”.Pochettino said last month: “We work a lot on set-pieces. We have specialists. “We are a coaching staff in charge of everything. We have a group of analysts for set-pieces. “After that, it is about the quality of the player. It is about the takers. We don’t have a specialist. Maybe Chilly [Ben Chilwell] is good in the delivery, but we don’t have a specialist after that.Most read in Football“When you have good takers, and of course, Wolves have good takers, and like Manchester City have or other clubs. “It is not down to the work. We work similarly. But the problem is to have good takers.”Jade Lebeouf’s most liked Instagram postsThis turn of events raises questions as to how much influence Pochettino currently has at Chelsea.When asked about Conor Gallagher’s contract, which runs out in 2025, the ex-Tottenham boss suggested this is between the club and the player as he has to stay “in his place”.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPochettino said on Friday: “It’s only between the club and Conor that can make the deal. I am the coach that needs to be in my place. I cannot say nothing.”Asked why he would not comment, the ex-Southampton boss said: “Because there is nothing to win for me. What am I going to say? I am the head coach. “My job is to coach the team and to pick the decisions for tomorrow [against Brentford], for the starting 11 and squad, and try to improve the players and try to win games. That is my job.“We have a very good relationship with the owners and sporting directors. “My office is always open and we have a very good relationship and dialogue. We are open to help in the way they think or believe we can help.” More