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      Moises Caicedo back in Brighton training after having dream Arsenal or Chelsea transfer rejected in January window

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      MOISES CAICEDO has been bombarded by different voices with different agendas over the past fortnight – now there is just one he should listen to.Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has been clear from the start that now was not the time, the opportunities in the summer will be bigger and better.
      Moises Caicedo missed out on a January move to Arsenal or ChelseaCredit: Instagram @officialbhafc
      Now he has returned to Brighton training following the transfer sagaCredit: Instagram @officialbhafc
      Now Brighton will want Caicedo to help them challenge for a European placeCredit: Instagram @officialbhafc
      Caicedo is now back in training on the South Coast having been denied a late move to Arsenal or Chelsea, despite his public plea to be allowed to go.
      Owner Tony Bloom stood firm and De Zerbi told the 21-year-old that he could still achieve something special at Brighton over the next four months.
      It is a spell which could open up even more horizons for the midfielder.
      The Seagulls are already expecting bids to come in the summer, and not only from Arsenal.
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      While the Gunners are still keen on adding both Caicedo and Declan Rice to their midfield this summer, Liverpool, Chelsea and a number of big European clubs are circling.
      Brighton have the chance to achieve European football for the first time in their history this summer.
      Should Caicedo help them, then the next window could bring the ideal situation for everyone.
      The Ecuador international would have the pick of the best clubs in Europe and the Seagulls would be able to command a huge fee, as they often do.
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      For now, the midfielder’s reputation among Brighton fans hangs in the balance.
      Many supporters, like the club, feel that their star man has been woefully advised by new agents looking to make a splash.
      Caicedo’s social media post, drafted by his representatives and still present on his Instagram account, went down equally as bad at Arsenal as it did at the Amex.
      But now the talking should be done on the pitch by Caicedo and Caicedo alone.
      Having been told to stay away from training for the final days of the window, the hope is that he will have got his head right and be ready to feature against Bournemouth on Saturday.
      De Zerbi will be the one to make that call, but their FA Cup win over Liverpool while the midfielder was banished from the squad shows that the Italian is acting from a position of strength – especially considering he also sanctioned the sale of Leandro Trossard due to his poor behaviour last month.
      But the former Sassuolo manager will be in no doubt that if he is to help Brighton realise their dream of a top six finish or some silverware this season then he will, at some point, need Caicedo again.
      It is no use coming back in a sulk.
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      Even if the South American does not want to be there, the task now is to prove that he is worthy of a bidding war come the end of the season.
      No more behind the scenes antics from agents or poorly timed public outbursts, Caicedo has four months to restore and enhance his reputation before either leading the Seagulls into Europe or heading for bigger and better things himself. More

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      Erik ten Hag ‘called Dean Henderson to convince him to complete Man Utd transfer return but Forest ace rejected him’

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      MAN UTD boss Erik ten Hag reportedly called Dean Henderson in a bid to cut his Nottingham Forest loan short during the January transfer window.The Dutch head coach, 53, was on the lookout for a back-up keeper last month after Martin Dubravka was recalled by Newcastle.
      Dean Henderson has been Forest’s first-choice keeper this seasonCredit: Getty
      Erik ten Hag tried to get Dean Henderson to return to Man Utd in JanuaryCredit: PA
      It left United with 36-year-old Tom Heaton as the next in line should David de Gea suffer any form of injury.
      Henderson, 25, left Old Trafford to join Nottingham Forest on a season-long loan deal in the summer.
      And the England international later revealed he was furious with Man Utd chiefs, claiming they had promised him the No1 spot last season before De Gea reclaimed it.
      But according to MSN, Ten Hag attempted to repair those bridges in the January window by ringing the keeper and trying to convince him to cut his loan short.
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      The Man Utd boss is said to have raised concerns about the number of goals Forest were conceding.
      Steve Cooper’s men have shipped 35 goals in 20 Premier League games this season.

      However, it is understood Henderson did not want any part of Ten Hag’s proposition as he opted to stay at the City Ground.
      Shortly after the exchange between the pair, Henderson was then sidelined for five weeks after suffering a thigh injury.
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      And Ten Hag ended up bringing in former England man Jack Butland on loan from Crystal Palace until the end of the season.
      Butland, 29, is yet to feature for United, with Heaton picked as the preferred option for the Carabao Cup wins over Charlton and Forest.
      He could earn his first start for the club when they travel to the Nou Camp to take on Barcelona in the Europa League play-off round on February 16. More

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      PSG hoped to exploit Fifa loophole to sign Zenit Saint Petersburg’s Malcom on free transfer after missing out on Ziyech

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN tried to sign Zenit Saint Petersburg star Malcom in January, reports suggest.PSG needed a winger, which is why they also targeted Chelsea ace Hakim Ziyech who fell out of favour at Stamford Bridge despite his 2022 World Cup heroics for Morocco.
      Paris Saint-Germain tried to sign Zneit Saint Petersburg star MalcomCredit: Getty
      Paris Saint-Germain tried to exploit a Fifa loophole for Malcom in JanuaryCredit: Getty
      According to L’Equipe, the reigning French champions’ sporting advisor Luis Campos tried to land the Brazilian for free by exploiting a Fifa loophole.
      That rule allows foreign players from Russian and Ukrainian clubs to temporarily cancel their contracts due to the war.
      FIFA made that decision after Russian president Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion in Ukraine back in February 2022.
      Football clubs and players will only be able to use that rule until June.
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      But in Malcom’s case, it was discovered that Zenit had inserted a clause into his extension last summer which stipulates that he can’t make himself a free agent.
      Therefore, the Russian club can demand a £27m fee for the forward.
      However, PSG were unwilling and unable to meet the ex-Brazil Under-23 international’s release clause.
      That is why the Ligue 1 giants turned to Ziyech and almost signed him on deadline day.
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      But a loan move collapsed after Chelsea sent over the wrong documentation and infuriated PSG.
      Christophe Galtier’s side also targeted other wingers, such as Lyon’s Rayan Cherki and PSV Eindhoven’s Johan Bakayoko.
      PSG needed reinforcement after Pablo Sarabia left Parc des Princes for Wolves earlier in the window. More

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      Everton legend Tony Hibbert, 41, opens up on shock transfer to tenth-tier French side after coming out of retirement

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      EVERTON legend Tony Hibbert has opened up on his shock transfer to a tenth-tier French side.That’s after coming out of retirement at the age of 40.
      Former Everton star Tony Hibbert has lifted the lid on his shock move to FranceCredit: Action Images
      Hibbert, who turns 42 this month, played 328 times across 16 seasons for Everton.
      And he retired from football at the end of the 2015-16 campaign as a Goodison Park icon.
      However, Hibbert has relocated to France after penning a deal with tenth-tier minnows Louzy.
      The defender made the shock move a little over a year ago.
      And he has now lifted the lid on his decision to play once more.
      Hibbert told SoFoot: “[Louzy] is like day and night. That’s what I came for – tranquillity. I’m not here to retire but to do something different, a new experience.
      “With my wife, we searched everywhere in France… I know a few people who live not far from Louzy and we decided to try it.
      “I’m happy here. We laugh a lot, I enjoy spending lots of time with my children and I take the time to work on my business.”
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      According to Louzy president Jerome Archambeau, Hibbert didn’t want any fanfare when he joined in November.
      Archambeau added: “He didn’t want any media. He was clear.
      “The purpose of him coming here was for a change of scenery and to find peace. 
      “He didn’t want complete anonymity but he didn’t wish to make the front page of all the newspapers either.
      “After we posted on Facebook about his arrival, we were harassed constantly. We both couldn’t take it anymore.
      “We received many emails from English supporters, who wanted to buy Louzy jerseys.
      “It’s completely crazy.” More

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      Chelsea new boy Enzo Fernandez among several players added to Dream Team – starting prices revealed

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      A host of new players have been added to Dream Team in the wake of the January transfer window.Most prominent among the new arrivals is Enzo Fernandez, whose move to Chelsea commanded a British record fee of £107million.
      Dream Team gaffers can recruit the Argentina international for £3m but does the World Cup winner have the makings of a successful asset?
      Worth the money?Credit: getty
      Putting aside the massive transfer fee for a moment, the 22-year-old is clearly a talented player who will probably improve the Blues’ midfield functionality and balance but the Stamford Bridge faithful shouldn’t expect a tide of goal involvements.
      As evidenced by his performances in Qatar, Fernandez is a genuine all-rounder in the middle of the park.
      He’s not an out-and-out defensive anchor and he’s not an advanced playmaker; to describe him as box-to-box midfielder wouldn’t be quite right either.
      That he’s so adaptable is one of his great strengths but the fact he’s rarely a goalscorer limits his Dream Team viability.
      An impressive passer of the ball, he chips in with more than his fair share of assists (six for Benfica in the first half of this season) but in the world of Dream Team the best midfielders are those who maintain a high attacking output, goals and all.
      Old Trafford’s newest (temporary) residentCredit: getty
      Elsewhere, Man United have a new centre-midfielder of their own in the form of Marcel Sabizter, on loan from Bayern Munich.
      Primarily, the Austria international has been brought in to deputise for Christian Eriksen (£3.2m), who is expected to be sidelined until April with an ankle injury.
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      The 28-year-old has a more willing engine than the Dane so he may improve the Red Devils’ midfield industry but he’s not as technical proficient in tight areas or as naturally creative.
      Sabitzer certainly isn’t shot shy though, he’s happy to try his luck from distance and will take up advanced positions.
      He was very much a goalscoring midfielder during his time with RB Leipzig but he’s struggled in that department since his move to the German champions.
      Granted, a vast number of his appearances have come as a substitute but even so, two goals in 54 games represents a serious drop off.
      However, if Erik ten Hag can coax Sabitzer’s Leipzig form out of him then he could be great value at £2.5m – Man United play plenty of games this month.
      Spurs got their man eventuallyCredit: getty
      Is Pedro Porro the answer to Spurs’ nagging right-back problem?
      Those familiar with the 23-year-old believe him to be perfectly suited to Antonio Conte’s preferred system and his return of two goals and six assists in 14 league games for Sporting CP this term suggests he has the necessary attributes to play his part in the final third.
      It goes without saying that defenders who supply regular goal involvements are worth their weight in gold – Porro will start at £2.5m.
      NEW ADDITIONS TO DREAM TEAM

      Enzo Fernandez – Midfielder – Chelsea – £3m
      Marcel Sabitzer – Midfielder – Man United – £2.5m
      Illia Zabarnyi – Defender – Bournemouth – £1.5m 
      Hamed Traore – Midfielder – Bournemouth – £2m
      Naouirou Ahamada – Midfielder – Crystal Palace – £1.5m
      Sasa Lukic – Midfielder – Fulham – £1.5m 
      Harry Souttar – Defender – Leicester – £2m
      Keylor Navas – Goalkeeper – Nottingham Forest – £2m
      Felipe – Defender – Nottingham Forest – £1.5m
      Paul Onuachu – Striker – Southampton – £2m
      Kamaldeen Sulemana – Midfielder – Southampton – £2m
      Pedro Porro – Defender – Spurs – £2.5m
      Weston McKennie – Midfielder – Leeds – £2m

      Please be aware that the names listed above are just those added in the latest batch.
      Read More on The Sun
      If there’s a January signing you think is missing it may be that the player was added previously, check the Stats Centre to confirm.
      As is always the case, it’s probably best for Dream Team bosses to wait for a look at how the new arrivals adapt to a new challenge before making any rash decisions. More

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      Barcelona 18 SECONDS late to submit paperwork for LA Galaxy star and face nervous wait to see if they can sign him

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      BARCELONA reportedly face missing out on a transfer for a Major League Soccer prodigy after submitting the paperwork for the transfer 18 SECONDS late.LA Galaxy defender Julian Araujo, 21, was set to join Barcelona Atletic – the club’s B team – on deadline day in a £3.2million ($4m) transfer.
      Julian Araujo is awaiting a verdict on whether he can join BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      Barcelona football director Mateu Alemany revealed the 18 second paperwork discrepancy cost see the deal collapseCredit: Getty
      However, a computer error meant the necessary paperwork to complete the deal was not submitted until 18 seconds after the deadline had passed.
      Barcelona director of football Mateu Alemany explained the situation ahead of the team’s clash with Real Betis.
      He said: “It is true that it could not be done due to a system error. It was for 18 seconds, we will see what FIFA says.”
      Mexican journalist Kery Ruiz added context to the situation on Twitter: “Right now, Julian Araujo is a player for the LA Galaxy. They took a long time yesterday to start the paperwork.
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      “They wanted to sell Bellerín first. They entered documents and allege that the system did not let them upload files.
      “That’s why he’s a few seconds late. This is explained to Fifa today.”
      He later added that while the club are hopeful of a deal going through, the club’s board expect to be left disappointed due to exceptions rarely being made.
      Araujo is an American-born Mexican international who plays at right-back for Galaxy.
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      He made 33 MLS appearances last season, registering five assists as their season ended in the quarter-final play-offs against eventual winners LAFC.
      Gareth Bale, who recently retired, scored in the play-off final and the shootout to help the club win the trophy, though he did not feature in the clash against Galaxy due to a leg injury. More

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      Chelsea interested in Sofyan Amrabat transfer and Todd Boehly ‘made shock deadline day swoop for Fiorentina midfielder’

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      CHELSEA tried to sign Fiorentina star Sofyan Amrabat on deadline day, reports suggest.The Blues had a very busy January transfer window that saw them spend a whopping £326million on eight signings.
      Chelsea made a deadline day bid for Fiorentina star Sofyan AmrabatCredit: Getty
      In fact, the West Londoners spent as much this month as the entire Premier League did in January 2022.
      According to El Chringuito, Chelsea owner Todd Boehly tried another ambitious bid last Tuesday as he targeted Amrabat.
      The midfielder has put together a number of impressive performances in Serie A.
      The 26-year-old was also instrumental during the 2022 World Cup when Morocco became the first ever African nation to make it to the competition’s semi-finals.
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      The Moroccan star has attracted plenty of interest, with the likes of Barcelona and Liverpool leading the pack.
      However, Fiorentina rejected multiple bids for Amrabat as they insisted he was not for sale.
      That is despite the versatile midfielder strongly suggesting he wanted to leave with a cryptic post on deadline day.
      Chelsea ultimately made a sensational last-gasp swoop for Enzo Fernandez.
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      Graham Potter’s side landed Fernandez for a British record £107m after finally reaching an agreement with Benfica.
      Amrabat stayed at Fiorentina, but could attract interest again in the summer transfer window.
      The ex-Club Brugge star has amassed a total of 84 appearances ever since his arrival at the Artemio Franchi in 2020. More

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      Chelsea hero William Gallas issues Benoit Badiashile warning and urges more time for under-fire boss Graham Potter

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      CHELSEA hero William Gallas is confident about Benoit Badiashile’s arrival at Stamford Bridge but hinted he will have to improve on his physicality.Badiashile was one of eight signings the Blues made during a very busy January transfer window as he arrived from Monaco after a £35million deal.
      William Gallas claims Chelsea signing Benoit Badiashile will have to improve on his physicalityCredit: Getty
      William Gallas added that Chelsea manager Graham Potter needs more timeCredit: PA
      Gallas, who spent five years at Stamford Bridge since his arrival from Marseille in 2001, is very confident about his fellow Frenchman who stood out in Ligue 1.
      The former France international used to play in the same position as the West Londoners’ newest centre-back and is confident he can form a strong duo with in-form Thiago Silva.
      But the 45-year-old claims Badiashile struggled in France when it came to physical challenges and will have to up his game in the Premier League.
      Speaking to Genting Casino, Gallas said: “I think he can form a strong partnership with Thiago Silva.
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      “Technically, he is really good. He has a presence and is very calm with the ball at his feet.
      “He has a good left foot and is very composed. All the ingredients are there.
      “I want to see how he responds to a physical challenge. When he has to go one against one with a good opponent.
      “At Monaco, his weakness was his physicality – he struggled against bigger opponents in France.
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      “We know in England that the Premier League is a lot more physical than Ligue 1, so we will have to see how he responds to this challenge.”
      Badiashile will have to hit the ground running quickly as Chelsea have found themselves in a tight spot after tumbling down to 10th place in the Premier League table.
      The Blues’ manager Graham Potter has come under fire but Gallas claims club chiefs should show faith and give him one more season.
      The ex-Arsenal and Tottenham ace believes Potter deserves more time after his stunning work at Brighton.
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      William Gallas spent five years at Chelsea since his arrival from Marseille in 2001Credit: Getty
      Gallas added: “I think it will depend on the owner [Todd Boehly], it is his choice.
      “I think Chelsea should give Graham Potter one more season because he joined the club when the season started, which is always difficult for any manager, so it is hard to judge him properly and, for me, he has to stay.
      “We know that in football, a manager can be firedat any time, but I do think he deserves the opportunity to show the club what he can do because he did well with Brighton.
      “Maybe Potter can do well at Chelsea. We will know at the end of the 2024 season if he is capable of managing a top club.” More