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    Van Nistelrooy slams Gakpo for ignoring advice on Liverpool transfer as he reveals Man Utd was his ‘dream move’

    RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has slammed Cody Gakpo for ignoring his advice about joining Liverpool.That’s by revealing the striker wanted a “dream move” to Manchester United instead, according to the Telegraph.
    Cody Gakpo was warned off a winter move to Liverpool by Ruud van NistelrooyCredit: Getty
    The PSV boss admits Man Utd was Gakpo’s ‘dream move’ ahead of LiverpoolCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Gakpo, 23, was strongly linked with an Old Trafford transfer and came close to a deal last summer.
    But the Dutch international was unable to resist when Jurgen Klopp came calling after the World Cup.
    And Gakpo ended up swapping PSV Eindhoven for Liverpool in a £35million transfer.
    However, the ace has not started well at Anfield, failing to find the target in six matches.
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    Gakpo, who scored 34 goals in his final 18 months in Eindhoven, has looked uncomfortable playing in a variety of roles for Liverpool.
    And PSV boss Van Nistelrooy has reportedly now hit out at Gakpo for ignoring his advice about waiting until the summer for a “dream” switch to United.

    The former Red Devil said: “Gakpo’s dream move was Man United. I advised him to wait until the summer.
    “Something happened and he refused my advice and listened to Virgil van Dijk who tempted him to join his team.”
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    New Holland boss Ronald Koeman also feels Gakpo has made a mistake joining Liverpool.
    He added: “Gakpo has ended up in a team that is not doing well. If you don’t score or you’re not important and you don’t win matches, it’s very difficult, especially for a young player.
    “If that someone aged 28 with experience it would be different. The level in England is higher than in the Netherlands.
    “But they are also young boys, aren’t they? Like Ryan Gravenberch going to Bayern Munich and not playing. Then that is difficult.” More

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    Man Utd share price rockets with Qatar group poised to bid for the club in DAYS with Glazers listening to offers

    MANCHESTER UNITED’s share price rocketed amid news that a Qatar group is poised to bid for the club.The Glazers revealed in November that they were willing to listen to offers for either a stake in the Premier League giants or an outright purchase.
    The Glazer family are listening to offers for the clubCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    United’s share price has rocketed since new of a Qatar group bidCredit: Getty
    A number of parties have expressed an interest in buying United, which could be purchased for a world-record price for a sports franchise at close to, or above, £6billion.
    Interest comes from the Far East, Middle East and United States with Raines Group, the merchant bank, tasked with the sale.
    British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who happens to be a Man Utd fan, is also keen.
    But according to the Daily Mail, a Qatar-based investment group will make a “huge bid” for United.
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    And that sent United’s share price rocketing by the close of play on Tuesday.
    They went up 6.30 per cent in after-hours at $21.12 last night, according to Benzinga Pro.
    According to this latest update, an offer for United is expected to be made in the coming days ahead of the mid-February deadline set by the Glazers.
    The investment group are said to be confident that their bid will blow any competition out of the water.
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    The Qataris are also putting fan engagement at the heart of their takeover bid.
    They will seek the views of supporters on the future of Old Trafford.

    However, a stumbling block that could block a takeover is Qatar Sports Investments’ ownership of PSG.
    One entity cannot own two clubs in the same competition — and United and PSG could meet in Europe.
    The bid for United would come from separate, individual Qatari investors and there is ZERO interest in taking a partial stake – something the Glazers have been interested in.
    French giants Paris Saint-Germain are currently under Qatari ownership, but as we reported previously, they are unable to redevelop the club’s iconic Parc des Princes stadium.
    But the potential United makeover could see Old Trafford demolished and completely rebuilt. More

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    Chelsea in huge blow as top scout Kenneth Zandvliet is stolen by Heerenveen as backroom overhaul continues

    CHELSEA have suffered a blow to their recruitment department after losing the services of Kenneth Zandvliet.The scout has swapped Stamford Bridge for Dutch side Heerenveen.
    Kenneth Zandvliet worked as a Chelsea scout for four years
    But Zandvliet has now left to become Heerenveen’s head of scoutingCredit: sc Heerenveen
    He has joined the club as their new head of scouting, replacing the outgoing Peter Maas.
    Speaking on Heerenveen’s website, Zandvliet said: “SC Heerenveen is regarded as a club where young talent likes to come to develop themselves.
    “It is a great challenge to continue this and thus identify the right players for the club.
    “Together with the scouting team and Ferry [de Haan], I would like to contribute to the further development of scouting at SC Heerenveen.”
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    Zandvliet has left his role at Chelsea after four years as a European scout at the club, mainly aimed at identifying players Under 23.
    Prior to this, the 56-year-old’s experience in scouting stemmed from his time with Go Ahead Eagles and as head of youth scouting at FC Twente.
    The move comes after Chelsea hired All Blacks mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka to try and cultivate a winning culture.
    Heerenveen technical manager Ferry de Haan revealed he was pleased to bring in the Dutch scout.
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    He added: “Kenneth is very experienced with scouting and player evaluation.
    “We look forward to his contribution to the further development of the scouting team.
    “He has gained a lot of experience at the absolute top and we can of course use this knowledge.”
    In the last two windows, Zandvliet had his work cut out by helping Chelsea with a whopping 16 transfers.
    This included a staggering outlay of £326million in January.
    However, Chelsea were left blue faced after only being able to add three new stars to their Champions League squad. More

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    Man Utd interested in shock swoop for ex-Chelsea star Tammy Abraham as striker alternative to Victor Osimhen

    MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly placed Tammy Abraham on their transfer wishlist.The Red Devils lost Cristiano Ronaldo in December but brought in Wout Weghorst on-loan to bolster their forward line.
    Tammy Abraham is among the names on Man Utd’s transfer wishlistCredit: Rex
    However, boss Erik ten Hag is looking to bring in a new striker this summer and has identified Napoli’s Victor Osimhen as his No1 target.
    They have also been linked with a swoop for Harry Kane, who became Tottenham’s record-goalscorer last weekend.
    Now a report in the Telegraph have claimed that United have also drawn up a list of potential back-up options.
    And one of those is Roma’s former Chelsea star Abraham, who is under contract until 2026.
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    The England international, 25, has proven himself to be a more than capable goalscorer in Italy since he joined Jose Mourinho’s side in 2021.
    He grabbed 17 Serie A goals and 27 in all competitions last season to help the club claim the inaugural Europa Conference League.

    But this term he has not been quite as prolific with just seven from his 27 appearances.
    Arsenal and Aston Villa have both been linked with moves to bring back the star back to the Premier League previously.
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    The switch to Roma ended Abraham’s 17-year affiliation with Chelsea.
    He joined the academy at Under-8s level and became a first-team regular after loans with Bristol City, Swansea and Aston Villa. 
    In 82 first-team appearances for the Blues, he managed 30 goals – including 12 in the 2020/21 season to make him the joint-top scorer. 
    The London-born ace also has three goals in 11 caps for England but was not selected as part of Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad. More

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    Barcelona looking to seal deal for ‘next Suarez’ Vitor Roque as 17-year-old Brazilian wonderkid stars at Paranaense

    BARCELONA are reportedly closing in on the signing of Vitor Roque.The teenage sensation, known as “Tigrinho” in his native Brazil, has been earmarked for a transfer to the Camp Nou.
    Vitor Roque has been tipped for a transfer to BarcelonaCredit: AFP
    The Brazilian wonderkid has scored six goals in six games at the U20 South American ChampionshipsCredit: EPA
    Roque currently ply’s his trade for Brazilian Serie A outfit Athletico Paranaense.
    And according to Sport, Spanish giants Barcelona believe the 17-year-old has the mentality and characteristics to replace Luis Suarez in the medium term.
    However, more immediately he would fill the space left by Memphis Depay following his cut-price transfer to Atletico Madrid.
    Roque has been in terrific form for the Brazil Under 20 side at the 2023 U20 South American Championships, with six goals in as many games.
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    This tally puts him just three behind the record set by Neymar in 2011.
    The report indicates the Blaugrana have contacted two main figures at the South American club in order to get a deal over the line.
    The first is legendary coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who moved into a football coordinator role following his retirement from management.
    The other is club CEO Alexandre Mattos, who is regarded as one of the most effective operators in the country after his success building the reigning champions Palmeiras.
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    Barcelona’s financial limitations mean a transfer will need to be a cost-savvy one, with his current market value estimated to be under £10million.
    But before the next window rolls around they will have a Europa League play-off clash against Manchester United to contend with. More

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    Newcastle set to revive James Maddison transfer bid in summer but face competition from Man City

    NEWCASTLE will reportedly “make a renewed attempt” to sign James Maddison this summer – but they face “intense competition” from Manchester City.The Magpies have been long-time admirers of the 26-year-old Leicester City star.
    Man City have joined the chase for James MaddisonCredit: Getty
    They even lodged two bids worth £40million and £45m last summer.
    However, both offers were turned down and the player stayed put at the King Power.
    Since then Maddison has gone on to enjoy a fine campaign with the struggling Foxes and earned a place in Gareth Southgate’s England World Cup squad.
    The ex-Coventry City and Norwich ace is back in the team at Leicester after recent injury woes and he scored his eighth goal of the season in Saturday’s 4-2 win at Aston Villa.
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    Newcastle had an enquiry knocked back last month but the Northern Echo states that they “have not given up on a deal” for the attacker.
    Especially since Maddison has not signed a new contract at the King Power Stadium and is in the final 18 months of his deal.
    But this fresh update says that Eddie Howe’s side “are unlikely to have things their own way if Leicester decide to cash in this summer”.
    And that is because Man City have also added Maddison to their own transfer wishlist.
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    Pep Guardiola seems likely to lose Bernardo Silva from his squad at the end of the season.
    He will task City’s recruitment team with finding a replacement with proven Premier League pedigree – and Maddison certainly fits that bill.
    Discussing their summer transfer plans, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe confirmed that some wheels are already in motion but added that they are also ready with alternatives should anything change.
    He said: “We would have an idea (of summer targets), but that changes.
    “That can change in the blink of an eye. If you plan things right, you can look a few months ahead, but you always need to be reactive to what happens on a day-to-day basis as well.” More

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    Liverpool ‘want £45m Nico Williams transfer from Athletic Bilbao but face competition from Premier League rivals’

    LIVERPOOL are reportedly targeting a £45million deal for Spain star Nico Williams.But they face competition from Premier League rivals Aston Villa for the Athletic Bilbao ace.
    Liverpool are chasing a £45m deal for Athletic Bilbao star Nico WilliamsCredit: Getty
    Williams, 20, has been in good form this season with three goals and four assists in 20 matches.
    The youngster was part of Spain’s World Cup squad in Qatar, playing in all four of their matches.
    And AS claims Williams is now being lined up for a mega-money move to the Premier League following previous links with Man United.
    Liverpool are big fans of the wide forward, who is out of contract next year.
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    Jurgen Klopp has struggled to get a tune out of new signings Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo.
    And with Roberto Firmino’s future unclear, Williams has emerged as an ideal target.
    But there are two issues for Liverpool, the first being the price.
    Williams has a release clause of £45m, and Bilbao will not let him go for anything less.
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    The second issue is that Aston Villa are also keen on signing Williams.
    Unai Emery knows the winger well from his last spell as Villarreal boss.
    And Villa has shown they are not afraid to splash the cash for the right signing.
    Williams could now have a huge decision to make at the end of the season, having also been linked with Juventus.
    Yet there is every chance he ends up signing a new contract, with brother Inaki still starring for Bilbao despite seeing his consecutive appearances record come to an end. More

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    Philippe Coutinho wants to stay and fight for Aston Villa future as Galatasaray target last-minute transfer

    PHILIPPE COUTINHO is ready to stay and fight to win back his place at Aston Villa.Turkish giants Galatasaray had been linked with an 11th-hour loan deal to land the 30-year-old before today’s Turkish transfer deadline today.
    Philippe Coutino wants to stay at Aston Villa and fight for his placeCredit: Getty
    They were keen on the forward, who cost Barcelona £142m in 2018, however Coutinho was happy to honour the four-year deal worth £125,000-a-week which he signed last May.
    Table-topping Galatasaray have now switched their attention to Roma’s wantaway midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo who is on the brink of completing an £18million move to the Istanbul giants.
    Turkey is still reeling from the devastating effects of the earthquake which caused so much destruction and it is unlikely Galatasaray will make an official approach to Villa at this late stage.
    Coutinho was linked with a return to South America last month after falling down the pecking order at Villa Park under new boss Emery.
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    The former Liverpool star has not managed a single goal or assist this season and is yet to start a Premier League game since Emery’s arrival.
    Coutinho was brought to Villa Park by former Anfield team-mate Steven Gerrard on loan from Barcelona in January 2022.
    After an impressive half a year, he signed permanently last summer but struggled to hit the same heights from the first six months.
    Coutinho has managed only eight starts in his 20 appearances this season with Emi Buendia and Leon Bailey often picked instead of him.
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    Coutinho has zero goals and assists in the Premier League
    Meanwhile Galatasaray are pulling ahead in the Turkish league, having moved six points ahead of Fenerbahce.
    The league leaders are unbeaten in nine and look on course for their first league title in four years, dethroning Trabzonspor. More