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    ‘Wishful thinking’ – Man Utd and Liverpool get HUGE transfer boost as Dortmund chief casts doubt on Bellingham future

    BORUSSIA DORTMUND have confirmed that they want to keep Jude Bellingham – although they admit it could be “wishful thinking”.The 19-year-old England star is arguably the most sought-after player in Europe with a host of top clubs chasing him.
    Dortmund have confirmed they want to keep Jude BellinghamCredit: Rex
    Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have both supposedly seen early moves knocked back by the midfielder himself.
    Bellingham appears to be against joining either of those two amid interest from the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid.
    However, we revealed last week how Los Blancos are feeling that the financial wealth of the Premier League has led them to believe that a return to England for the ex-Birmingham City ace is on the cards.
    Bellingham is under contract at Dortmund until 2025 – meaning they are under no immediate pressure to cash in on him this summer.
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    However, they do know that his price tag is likely to be at its peak come the end of the season.
    The Bundesliga club’s sporting director Sebastian Kehl has now confirmed that there is no guarantee they will look to sell him and says they are desperate to hang on to him.
    But he also admitted that there have been no advanced talks over an extension and that a new deal seems unlikely.
    Kehl said: “There has been no new development. We’ll have to be patient for a little longer.
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    “But of course we try to keep Jude Bellingham at Borussia Dortmund as long as possible because he is an incredibly important player who has shown once again this season how he identifies with this club and makes the team better.
    “Things develop due to market mechanisms. So of course I have my thoughts and also have my wishful thinking. I can’t say whether that will happen in the end.
    “From Borussia Dortmund’s point of view, the wishful thinking would be to keep a player of this quality at this club for as long as possible.
    “I would also like to have kept Erling Haaland or Jadon Sancho at Borussia Dortmund, because you can only imagine if we had managed to keep all three players in one team, what opportunities would then arise.”
    Kehl added: “We will always try everything to keep players of this quality at BVB – because we are ambitious, because we want to win titles. For this we need not only good, but also outstanding players.”
    Dortmund and Bellingham have enjoyed a six-match winning streak since returning from the World Cup.
    They welcome Chelsea to Germany for the first-leg of their last-16 Champions League clash on Wednesday. More

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    Joao Felix could make Chelsea transfer move permanent as Atletico Madrid eye shock swap deal for Blues ace

    CHELSEA are reportedly keen on turning Joao Felix’s loan move into a permanent one.The 23-year-old has had an eventful start to life at Stamford Bridge having been sent off on his debut before scoring on his return after suspension.
    Chelsea reportedly want to make Joao Felix’s loan move a permanent oneCredit: Getty
    And the Blues are keen on extending his stay with the club, according to Spanish outlet Relevo.
    Felix’s agent is Jorge Mendes, who also represents record signing Enzo Fernandez.
    So Chelsea have recent experience dealing with the Portuguese agent.
    American owner Todd Boehly is reported to have an “excellent” relationship with Mendes.
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    Atletico are claimed to be open to letting Felix leave in the summer for around £88million, having previously demanded £115m-£130m for his signature.
    Talks between the two clubs will reportedly take place when Felix’s current loan deal expires at the end of the campaign.
    Meanwhile, Fichajes are reporting that Atletico are keen on Chelsea outcast Christian Pulisic.
    The winger is currently out injured but the arrivals of Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and Felix have only added to competition for places.
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    Christian Pulisic could reportedly leave Chelsea in the summerCredit: Reuters
    Atletico’s interest in Pulisic potentially raises the possibility of a swap deal for Felix involving the American, which could bring down the amount of cash the Blues would have to shell out.
    Pulisic has entered the final 18 months of his contract and is set to be put up for sale in the summer.

    As well as Atletico, Pulisic also has several Premier League clubs chasing his signature, including Manchester United.
    Pulisic has played 136 games for Chelsea since signing from Borussia Dortmund in 2019, scoring 26 goals and providing 21 assists.
    Despite winning the Champions League, he has failed to taste regular action since joining the club for £58million. More

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    Man Utd ‘joined by Liverpool in £107m Victor Osimhen transfer race with Jurgen Klopp to be given monster summer kitty’

    LIVERPOOL have reportedly joined Manchester United in the transfer chase for the £107 million-rated Victor Osimhen.And Reds boss Jurgen Klopp will allegedly have a huge summer kitty to rebuild his squad at Anfield.
    Liverpool will battle Man Utd for Victor Osimhen this summerCredit: Rex
    The 24-year-old Nigerian star Osimhen has fired Napoli 15 points clear at the top of the Serie A table in their pursuit of a first title since 1990.
    Recent reports have emerged suggesting Man Utd are preparing to launch a staggering £107million transfer bid.
    Such a deal would equal the current British transfer record set by Chelsea’s acquisition of Enzo Fernandez in January.
    Despite the potentially huge offer, Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis remains defiant over the possibility of a sale and wants to keep the hitman.
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    However, it could now be about to get even harder to hold on to the ace.
    Fichajes have claimed that Liverpool are now battling United for Osimhen.
    And The Times states that the Reds will have “significant funds” available this summer to bring in new additions.
    Liverpool challenged for the quadruple last season but missed out on both the Champions League and Premier League title.
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    But Klopp’s ageing squad have failed to replicate that stunning form this term with the club currently languishing ninth in the top-flight despite last night’s Merseyside derby win over Everton.
    This latest update states that the German still has the backing of club chiefs and they will give him a chance to improve his side alongside the Anfield team’s new head of research.

    Osimhen left Lille for Napoli for £62.4m in 2020 and has scored 41 goals in 69 Serie A appearances since.
    He remains under contract until 2025 but no talks over an extension are believed to have yet taken place.
    The Red Devils lost Cristiano Ronaldo in December but brought in Wout Weghorst on-loan to bolster their forward line.
    Erik ten Hag is looking to bring in a new striker this summer for the long-term and has identified Napoli’s Osimhen as his No1 target. More

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    Chelsea ‘want David Raya transfer to replace Kepa and Edouard Mendy with Brentford No1’s contract running out’

    CHELSEA are reportedly monitoring Brentford goalkeeper David Raya ahead of a potential summer move.Bees stopper Raya, 27, is out of contract in 2024.
    David Raya has been linked with a move away from BrentfordCredit: Reuters
    He has turned down two offers from Brentford to extend his deal.
    And Chelsea are keeping an eye on his situation, according to football.london.
    Kepa Arrizabalaga has reclaimed the No1 jersey at Stamford Bridge from Edouard Mendy, but still faces an uncertain future at the club.
    Mendy meanwhile snubbed a six-year contract offer from the Blues in December.

    And Raya is said to be attracting interest from the Stamford Bridge side, who are eyeing a new long-term No1.
    Both Manchester United and Tottenham are also claimed to been keen on the stopper.
    The Spaniard has been superb for Brentford this season, including in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Saturday.
    Bees boss Thomas Frank spoke about his goalkeeper recently, declaring that the stopper is worth at “at least £40million” -despite his expiring contract.
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    On the topic of Raya’s deal, the Dane said: “If he turns it down twice that’s a signal he doesn’t want that.
    “I thought we put two really good offers out there but that’s fine it’s a free world we can’t force anyone.

    “I hope he will stay forever of course that looks like it could be very difficult with the contract situation he must be at least £40million if not more.”
    Raya also opened up on his future over the weekend, revealing he doesn’t believe now is the “right time” to sign a new deal with the Bees.
    He said: “I don’t think it’s the right time to sign a contract at the moment.
    “I’m really, really happy and right now I’m just thinking about doing the best for the team and trying to push for Europe.
    “I was offered a new contract last year and one in January but we didn’t reach an agreement. I would like to see what happens in summer, however I’m happy at Brentford.
    “For now a new contract is secondary, the most important thing is the team and the games. We’ll see where we are in May. You never know what’s around the corner.
    “There’s nothing I can say about what’s going to happen in the summer. I don’t even know what’s going to happen on Saturday.” More

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    Tottenham star Richarlison on Real Madrid’s three-man transfer shortlist as Spanish giants prepare for huge summer spree

    TOTTENHAM star Richarlison is reportedly on Real Madrid’s transfer shortlist this summer.Carlo Ancelotti managed the Brazilian during his time as Everton manager.
    Real Madrid are looking at a move for Spurs star RicharlisonCredit: AP
    And ESPN claims the four-time Champions League winner is keen on a reunion at Madrid.
    Richarlison, 22, only joined Spurs from Everton last summer for £60million.
    But he has failed to score in 14 league appearances under Antonio Conte.
    And cash-strapped Spurs could be open to negotiating a deal for the right price.
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    Richarlison isn’t the only player on Ancelotti’s shopping list though.
    The tactician would also gladly take Juventus hitman Dusan Vlahovic.
    The Serb’s future has come under the spotlight after his club were hit with a 15-point penalty for financial irregularities.
    Chelsea and Manchester United have also been linked, but Real could have edge should they follow up their interest with an offer.
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    Dusan Vlahovic is also on Real’s shortlistCredit: EPA
    The Spaniards are exploring a move for Kingsley ComanCredit: Getty
    The Spanish giants would also like to sign a new wide forward after missing out on PSG’s Kylian Mbappe last year.
    And it’s believed France teammate Kingsley Coman could end up making the move from Bayern Munich.
    He has already starred at PSG and Juventus, and Real Madrid could be the next elite side on his CV.
    Coman could end up replacing Marco Asensio, who is out of contract this summer.
    His future remains unclear, while current back-up striker Mariano is expected to leave. More

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    Man Utd outcast Harry Maguire ‘is growing to accept’ summer transfer exit as Champions League club plot move

    HARRY MAGUIRE is “growing to accept” he will leave Manchester United this summer – with a Champions League giant already on his trail.But it means boss Erik ten Hag taking a hit of around HALF on the £80million United paid Leicester for the England centre-back four years ago.
    Man Utd defender Harry Maguire has publicly insisted he is focused on results rather than his own situation and will wait for his chancesCredit: Rex
    Old Trafford chief Erik ten Hag could be ready to take a massive loss to move on Maguire after limiting the England defender’s game-timeCredit: AFP
    The Mail claim both club and player are moving towards agreement on a departure in the next transfer window.
    Ten Hag has settled on Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez as his first-choice defensive pairing.
    And he’s even chosen left-back Luke Shaw above Maguire in the middle.
    The Three Lions’ duo were, however, picked together when Ten Hag rested Varane and Martinez for Sunday’s 2-0 Premier League win at Leeds.
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    Maguire is under contract until 2025 and earning about £180,000 a week.
    But West Ham were interested in a January loan move and Italian side Inter Milan are said to be serious admirers.
    The second-placed Serie A club also reportedly inquired about borrowing him last month ahead of a possible bid in the summer.
    Maguire has admitted he “doesn’t want to get used to” his bit-part role.
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    But he has also insisted he expects to get plenty of game time as United’s fixtures pile up.
    After returning to play the whole game at Leeds, he said: “It’s not about me, it’s about the club being successful and I want to be a part of it.
    “I’m the captain and I put the team miles before myself. Whether I’m playing or not, I want the team to do well.
    “I’m still getting my minutes. Everyone wants to start games, and it’s disappointing when you don’t. 
    “You have four international centre-backs at this club and there will always be two who are unhappy. I just have to be ready when the chance comes.”  More

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    How Southampton could line up under Wayne Rooney including some familiar faces from Man Utd

    SOUTHAMPTON are searching for their third new manager of the season following the sacking of Nathan Jones.The 49-year-old Welshman survived just three months in the position before being given the boot by Saints bosses on Sunday.
    Wayne Rooney has been linked with the Southampton vacancyCredit: Getty
    It means the south-coast outfit are looking for another new head coach – 14 games after Jones’ predecessor Ralph Hasenhuttl was axed.
    A number of candidates have been mooted as possible options including Jesse Marsch, Steven Gerrard, or even Hasenhuttl once more.
    But a shock name that has been thrown into the hat is DC United boss and record England scorer Wayne Rooney.
    The Man Utd legend, 37, is reportedly “interested” in the vacancy… and his arrival could spell a host of changes in the Southampton team.
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    How Southampton could line up under Rooney
    Christian Benteke is playing under Rooney at DC UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Nathan Tella is on loan at Burnley from SouthamptonCredit: Getty
    Rooney could bring a couple of his trusted lieutenants back to England with him.
    Among them is former Man Utd talent Ravel Morrison – who has played under Rooney at both Derby and DC United.
    Ex-Liverpool, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke is also plying his trade at DC United but could be open to a European return.
    Rooney could also call on his Man Utd connections to bring in other reinforcements.
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    And one man who is seeking first-team football is full-back Brandon Williams – who has played just 95 minutes of football this season.
    The Red Devils were prepared to send him on loan to Norwich in the 2021/22 campaign and may be willing to do the same again in the coming months.
    Saints loanee Nathan Tella, who has scored 14 goals for Burnley this season, could also return to the fray.
    But all of these possible signings and loan players will be looking at the result of Southampton’s relegation fight.
    They sit bottom of the table with just four wins from 22 games, a run which has left them four points adrift of safety.
    Ravel Morrison played against Rooney and then under him at DerbyCredit: Getty
    Brandon Williams has struggled for game time at Old TraffordCredit: Getty More

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    Southampton ‘want boss of Premier League relegation rivals’ to replace sacked Nathan Jones

    SOUTHAMPTON are reportedly hoping to snatch a manager of one of their Premier League rivals to replace Nathan Jones.Jones, 49, was dismissed by the Saints on Sunday morning after just 14 games in charge.
    Nathan Jones was sacked by Southampton on SundayCredit: Getty
    SunSport revealed last week that the former Luton manager had lost the faith of many members of his squad.
    This came shortly after he infuriated his players by saying they were part of the reason he did not change his preferred playing style.
    With Southampton currently rock bottom of the Premier League, club chiefs are eager to introduce a new manager as soon as possible.
    We reported yesterday how one report claimed that Jesse Marsch, who was axed by relegation rivals Leeds United last week, was on the shortlist.
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    However, now the Daily Mail claims Southampton have a “strong interest” in Nottingham Forest’s Steve Cooper.
    The 43-year-old led England Under-17s to World Cup glory back in 2017.
    He then took charge of Swansea in 2019 and led them to two consecutive Championship play-off finishes.
    Cooper left the Welsh side after two years but returned to the dug-out to take charge of Forest, who were bottom of the Championship when he arrived, in September 2021.
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    But he masterminded a remarkable revival that led to them winning promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs.
    And despite a sticky start to life in the top-flight after a remarkable summer signing spree, he has now steadied the ship with the club sitting 14th and six points above the drop zone.
    The Welshman penned a new long-term deal at the City Ground earlier this season that runs until 2025.
    However, according to this fresh update, that has not deterred the Saints.
    The Saints want Nottingham Forest head coach Steve CooperCredit: Getty More