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      Man Utd ‘had lined up Josip Juranovic for January transfer’ before Aaron Wan-Bissaka forced way back into team

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      THE fate of Manchester United’s right-back spot could have been in very different hands, with United reportedly agreeing a deal to sign Josip Juranovic. The Union Berlin star left Celtic during the January transfer window after an impressive opening half to the campaign.
      Josip Juranovic had been lined up for a Man Utd transferCredit: Getty
      But Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s strong form saw him keep his United career aliveCredit: Alamy
      Consequently, the Croatia international was on the radar of a number of big clubs.
      Man Utd’s urgent need for a right-back at the time, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka expected to leave in January, put them down this path.
      Fabrizio Romano has reported the Red Devils had a “right-back in their hands” in the form of Juranovic, with the 28-year-old “top of the list for back-up right-back”.
      However, Wan-Bissaka’s strong post-World Cup form in the absence of Diogo Dalot saw United hold fire on the deal.
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      Erik ten Hag ultimately kept faith with the Englishman to serve as Dalot’s understudy for the rest of the season.
      Barring one glaring mishap against Arsenal – which also partly lies at David De Gea’s feet – the 25-year-old has proven he has a future at Old Trafford.
      Juranovic eventually sealed a £10million transfer to the Bundesliga on January 22.
      He then made an instant impact for his new club, registering two assists in as many games – in a similar vein to Joao Cancelo, who surprisingly moved to Bayern Munich on loan.
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      Man Utd did end up signing one star late on however, in the form of Bayern’s Marcel Sabitzer.
      The Austrian midfielder was brought in on loan as a direct replacement for Christian Eriksen, who was revealed to have sustained an injury until late April or early May.
      Despite this, United confirmed a spot at Wembley as they beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 [5-0 agg], with the added boost of Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial returning, in the Carabao Cup.
      Next up, a Saturday kick-off against Crystal Palace beckons. More

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      Arsenal star Jakub Kiwior’s agent names three top level clubs Gunners beat to transfer of Poland defender

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      ARSENAL beat three top Italian clubs to the signature of Poland defender Jakub Kiwior.The Gunners bought the 22-year-old for £21million from Serie A side Spezia.
      Jakub Kiwior had interest from three top Italian clubsCredit: Getty
      Kiwior also impressed while playing at the Qatar World Cup last November-December.
      And the defender’s fine performances saw a number of top clubs register an interest in Kiwior.
      Italian giants Napoli, AC Milan and Juventus were all keen, the player’s agent has revealed.
      Sasha Baranov told TV Play: “All the important Italian clubs other than Inter Milan showed interest, including Napoli, AC Milan and Juventus.
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      “However, with Napoli’s current situation, they didn’t need to change their team in January and wanted to continue talks in the summer.
      “You all know what happened at Juventus, while Milan also waited, and you know what happens when the Premier League clubs come in.
      “When a side like Arsenal come along, it becomes difficult for a 22-year-old to say no.
      “If it was Juventus or another big club coming in, it may well have been the same situation, but Arsenal are the only side who really pushed the talks forward.
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      “We honestly didn’t expect it to all move so fast, we thought he would stay in January and leave Spezia in June.
      “Arsenal came in and the player did not put pressure on his club, he just said that if the move was to happen, then good, otherwise he was happy to wait.”
      Kiwior is yet to make an appearance for Arsenal but was on the bench for the 1-0 FA Cup loss to Manchester City. More

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      Blackburn suffer paperwork disaster leaving Lewis O’Brien facing six months without playing after transfer from Forest

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      BLACKBURN ROVERS are appealing the EFL’s decision to reject applications for two deadline day transfers that has left Lewis O’Brien and Ethan Brierley in limbo.The governing body ruled that the Championship club failed to submit the relevant paperwork to secure deals for the Nottingham Forest midfielder and Rochdale ace before last night’s 11pm cut-off.
      Lewis O’Brien faces an anxious wait as Blackburn launch their appeal to the EFLCredit: Getty
      Rovers had the opportunity to present their case at a hearing earlier today and stated that they had filed the documentation and info requested by the league in their bid to get the deal rubber-stamped.
      However, the EFL have rejected the Ewood Park outfit’s mitigating factors as to why it was submitted late.
      Rovers thought they had pulled off a deadline day coup with the capture of 24-year-old O’Brien.
      The 24-year-old was initially joining on loan with the option for a permanent deal should they secure promotion.
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      The 19-year-old Brierley was also wanted by a host of other Championship clubs after bursting into the Rochdale first-team, but Rovers looked to have won the race for his signature.
      However, both face an anxious wait to discover their futures despite passing their respective medicals after the moves did not get the necessary sign-off from the EFL.
      And O’Brien will be particularly worried as he could now be left out of Forest’s 25-man Premier League squad for the second part of the campaign if he has to stay at the City Ground.
      That would leave him with the prospect of no football for the remainder of the season.
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      However, Rovers have confirmed they have launched an appeal, with a statement reading: “One of the deals was a very ambitious target and it was only confirmed that he was able to join us late Tuesday afternoon.
      “Due to the complex nature of the various agreements to be included within the overall registration, legal advisors were brought in to assist in part of the process.
      “Despite the club’s best endeavours to complete all the required elements of this loan transfer, due to events we believe to be outside of our control, the deadline for submission was late and despite the club stating the mitigating reasons for the delayed submission, our application has today been rejected by the EFL.
      “Our application for the second deal – for the permanent transfer of a promising young player – was also delayed due to unsigned paperwork and technical issues encountered by the club at the point of submission.
      “Once again the EFL has not accepted these issues were an impediment to the paperwork being lodged on time and has also rejected this application.
      “The club will now appeal the EFL decision to reject both applications and will submit documents ahead of the Tuesday, February 7 deadline.” More

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      Nottingham Forest announce Andre Ayew on free transfer as Steve Cooper’s men sign 30th player this season

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST have announced ANOTHER new signing after securing free agent Andre Ayew.The striker, 33, previously worked with boss Steve Cooper at Swansea.
      Nottingham Forest have announced the signing of Andre AyewCredit: Getty
      The Ghana star has penned a deal until the end of the seasonCredit: @officialnffc
      Now he has agreed to link-up with him again at the City Ground to help them try and secure Premier League safety.
      Ghana captain Ayew, who will wear the No.42 shirt, said after penning a contract until June: “It’s a great feeling to sign for Nottingham Forest.
      “I know how big the club is and I know how much the club means to the city and the fanbase.
      “It’s always been difficult whenever I’ve played against Forest and at The City Ground and I love the stadium.
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      “Steve Cooper is someone who knows me very well and knows how to work with me both on and off the pitch.
      “We have a strong relationship, he’s a special coach and a special human being and someone who I really look up to.
      “I know what I can bring to the team, I’m ready to give my all and make sure that we are able to stay in the Premier League.”
      Incredibly, he is the club’s 30th new signing since they won promotion last season.
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      Ayew left Qatari club Al-Sadd SC at the end of January after an 18-month spell in the Middle East.
      The star, whose brother Jordan plays for Crystal Palace, scored nine goals in 55 Premier League games during his stints at West Ham and Swansea.
      He has also racked up 113 caps for Ghana, scoring 24 goals including one at the Qatar World Cup.
      Everton, who failed to bring in any additions during January, were hoping to snap him up before Forest usurped them in the transfer chase. More

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      How Wolves nearly signed Enzo Fernandez for just £17m transfer fee less than year before Chelsea paid £107m

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      WOLVES nearly signed Enzo Fernandez for just £17million – just seven months before his £107m Chelsea transfer.The Argentine World Cup winner completed his British-record move from Benfica to Stamford Bridge on deadline day this week.
      Chelsea paid a British-record £107m for Enzo FernandezCredit: Getty
      The Blues smashed the previous record held by Manchester City when they paid £100m for Aston Villa in 2021.
      However, Fernandez could have been lining up in the Premier League from the beginning of the season – up the M40 at Molineux.
      As reported by talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, Wolves were “very close” to landing Fernandez from River Plate in a bargain £17m transfer.
      In the end, the deal did not get over the line and Benfica picked the midfielder up for an initial £9m plus add-ons – inserting a whopping £107m release clause in his contract, although savvy River Plate pocket £26.5m of that.

      The 22-year-old linked up with the Portuguese giants after his boyhood club were knocked out of the Copa Libertadores and he continued his rapid rise.
      But it was at the World Cup that his stock soared as Fernandez was named Young Player of the Tournament and played a key role in Argentina ending their 36-year wait to be crowned world champions.
      Fernandez played every minute of the knockout rounds as Argentina beat Australia, Holland, Croatia and France.
      Chelsea tried to make a move to land the exciting talent early in the January transfer window but Benfica rejected their advances.
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      But when the Blues went back and triggered his release clause in the final days of the window, they managed to get the deal over the line.
      Fernandez will wear the No5 at Stamford Bridge after it was vacated by Jorginho, who made the switch across London to Arsenal.
      And he could make his debut under the lights tomorrow night when Fulham make the short trip to the Bridge.
      Relegation-threatened Wolves, meanwhile, signed Matheus Nunes and Boubacar Traore in the summer before adding Mario Lemina, Pablo Sarabia and Joao Gomes in January to bolster their midfield.
      Fernandez only left boyhood-club River Plate in July 2022Credit: Getty
      He teamed dup with Lionel Messi to win the World Cup in QatarCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-Chelsea star Loic Remy signs for Brest on free transfer until end of season as he continues career aged 36

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      LOIC REMY has joined Brest as a free agent until the end of the season, reports suggest.Former Chelsea ace Remy has been without a club ever since he left Turkish outfit Adana Demirspor last summer.
      Loic Remy has joined Brest as a free agent until the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
      Brest star Loic Remy enjoyed plenty of success at ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      According to L’Equipe, however, the striker has signed a six-month contract with Brest in a bid to relaunch his career at 36 years old.
      The former France international has been training with the Ligue 1 outfit for the past 10 days in order to maintain fitness.
      Brest manager Eric Roy knows the centre-forward very well as he coached him at Nice and invited him over to practice with his players after his “complicated time abroad”.
      Roy previously said: “I worked with Loic at Nice, when he was young. We have always kept in touch, and we get on well.
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      “He’s had a complicated time abroad, so I invited him to train with us. We are happy to welcome him.”
      Chelsea bought Remy from Queens Park Rangers for £10.5million nine years ago after he completed a loan stint at Newcastle.
      The attacker enjoyed plenty of success at Stamford Bridge as he won the Premier League and League Cup in 2015.
      The Frenchman amassed a total of 12 goals and three assists in 47 appearances during his three-year spell at the Blues until his departure for Las Palmas in 2017.
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      The forward also spent one year on loan at Crystal Palace while he was still on the West Londoners’ books.
      Remy has his work cut out at Brest as they are embroiled in an intense relegation struggle.
      Roy’s side is 15th in the Ligue 1 table with only one point separating them from the drop zone. More

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      Everton cult hero John Heitinga named Ajax boss for rest of season after Alfred Schreuder is axed amid club chaos

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      AJAX have announced John Heitinga as their interim manager until the end of this already turbulent campaign.The reigning Dutch champions sacked Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag’s successor Alfred Schreuder last week.
      Ajax have named John Heitinga as their new manager until the end of the seasonCredit: Rex
      New Ajax manager John Heitinga replaces Alfred SchreuderCredit: AFP
      The Amsterdam giants have now confirmed that former Under-23 coach Heitinga, 39, will be in charge until June when a permanent appointment will be made.
      Ajax announced: “Ajax and John Heitinga have agreed on the 39-year-old ex-football player remaining head coach of Ajax 1 for the rest of the season.

      “Dwight Lodeweges has been appointed as assistant coach in Heitinga’s technical staff, with immediate effect.”
      Schreuder’s short stint at Ajax came to an end after a run of seven competitive games without a win, even though they only lost once to PSV Eindhoven.
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      The final nail in the coffin for the Dutch tactician was a draw with Volendam.
      Everton cult hero Heitinga replaced him and ended the winless streak with a 4-1 win at Excelsior on Sunday.
      But he still has a lot of work to do with Ajax sitting fourth in the table, five points behind Eredivisie leaders Feyenoord.
      Ajax chief executive Edwin van der Sar said: “We are convinced that this is the right solution. John is on a clear and steady path, which has resulted in him developing himself very well over the years.
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      “Gerry Hamstra, Klaas Jan Huntelaar, and I have had multiple conversations, and we obviously held some with John. We feel confident about John’s qualities and the vision he has.
      “While looking for additions to the technical staff, we unanimously agreed on Dwight Lodeweges. His knowledge and extensive coaching experience work complementary to John and the rest of the staff.
      “The team now has to win, work on their confidence, and develop themselves further. We still have a lot to fight for this season.”
      Heitinga enjoyed a successful career as a footballer that saw him win two Eredivisie titles with Ajax.
      Ajax sacked Alfred Schreuder after a run of seven winless matchesCredit: Getty
      The former centre-back was also part of the Netherlands squad that made it to the 2010 World Cup Final.
      The Dutchman spent five years at Everton after his move from Atletico Madrid in 2009.
      The interim boss also played for Fulham in 2014 until he signed for Hertha Berlin a few months later.
      Heitinga finished his career at Ajax in 2016 and soon took over as youth coach. More

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      ‘I’d have driven him there’ – Former England star stunned that Brighton rejected Arsenal’s £70m transfer bid for Caicedo

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      FORMER England star Danny Murphy has been left stunned that Brighton did not take the money Arsenal offered to sign Moises Caicedo. Caicedo was the subject of two massive bids of £60million and £70m from the Gunners in the January transfer window.
      Moises Caicedo saw a transfer to Arsenal thwarted by BrightonCredit: PA
      However, despite Caicedo openly pleading with the club to sanction the transfer, Brighton held firm.
      Instead, the Seagulls banished Caicedo from training until the transfer deadline had passed, with Caicedo returning to training, as planned by the club, today.
      But Liverpool icon Murphy believes Brighton were silly to not cash in while they had the chance.
      Speaking to talkSPORT, Murphy said: “£70million for Caicedo? I’d have driven him there.
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      “I mean, he could do a cruciate next month.”
      Despite being a regular starter for the South Coast outfit, Brighton did not need Caicedo to overcome the challenge of FA Cup champions Liverpool when the two sides clashed at the weekend.
      Goals from Lewis Dunk and Kaoru Mitoma saw Brighton through to the fifth round of the tournament at the expense of Jurgen Klopp’s side.
      In addition, Arsenal opted for the more shrewd purchase of out of favour Chelsea star Jorginho, who arrived on deadline day for £12m after Chelsea splashed a British transfer record of £107m on Enzo Fernandez.
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      Later on, Murphy argued the drama surrounding Caicedo could impact his performances on the pitch.
      He added: “I’m sure he is [a good professional], i’m just saying there’s a possibility it will weigh on him.
      “And the fact is £70m – he’s good, but that is more than a fair price.” More