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    ‘Unfortunately Nicolo Zaniolo is staying’ – Jose Mourinho breaks silence on Roma star’s dramatic transfer twist

    JOSE MOURINHO has confirmed that “unfortunately” he expects Nicolo Zaniolo to stay at Roma this month.The 23-year-old has made it clear he wants to leave the club – but on Friday he reportedly snubbed a move to Bournemouth.
    Nicolo Zaniolo looks set to stay at Roma this monthCredit: Getty
    Zaniolo made it clear he wanted to leave Roma, but reportedly snubbed a move to BournemouthCredit: Getty
    The Cherries were claimed to be willing to pay around £26million to sign the playmaker.
    But Sky Sports Italia claim Zaniolo refused to take part in negotiations with the Premier League club, leaving Roma furious.
    He now seems set to stay at the club this month, despite making it clear he wants to leave, with Tottenham and AC Milan reportedly not willing to match Bournemouth’s offer.
    And Mourinho has spoken for the first time since the latest twist in the saga.
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    When asked how he would handle the situation, he said: “Zaniolo has been saying for a month that he wants to leave. Unfortunately, it looks like I was right.”
    The former Chelsea, Manchester United and Spurs boss added: “I say unfortunately, because the player has been saying for a month that he wants to leave.
    “If a player tells everyone he no longer wants to wear the Roma jersey, I have to say unfortunately.
    “When a player tells you, the club and his team-mates: ‘I don’t want to wear the Roma jersey, I don’t want to play, I don’t want to go back to training…’ I have to say unfortunately.
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    “The ideal situation is for the player to be happy.
    “I said that I expected him to stay, but as things stand today, I have to add unfortunately to that sentence.”
    Zaniolo will not be part of the squad for Sunday’s huge meeting with bitter rivals Napoli.
    Mourinho and Co are fifth in the Serie A table going into the game with the league leaders.
    Zaniolo has played 128 times for Roma, and has been capped 11 times by Italy. More

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    Watford tell Aston Villa and Crystal Palace that Ismaila Sarr transfer won’t come cheap as they demand £25million

    WATFORD aim to hold out for a £25million fee for star man Ismaila Sarr as his name comes up on Premier League radars.Top-flight clubs hoping for a bargain deal or even a drop in price have been reminded of the valuation — and the fact the Hornets are not about to cave in. 
    Ismaila Sarr is being linked with a return to the Premier LeagueCredit: Rex
    Aston Villa are keen and Crystal Palace have been long-term admirers of the Senegal winger, 24 — but that price tag is too high for both.
    He joined Watford for a club-record £40million three and a half years ago.
    And he has gone on to contribute 31 goals and 22 assists in 114 appearances for the club.
    Sarr also represented his country at the Qatar World Cup, starting all four of Senegal’s games before they were eliminated by England in the last-16.
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    Last month, Sarr’s former Watford team-mate Troy Deeney praised the Senegalese attacker’s ability.
    In an exclusive column for SunSport, he said: “From the moment he joined us at Watford back in the summer of 2019, we knew he was something special at 21 years old.
    “His blistering pace is frightening. He runs so effortlessly.
    “When you are a big guy like me and you can’t run, it is quite disheartening.
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    “He is genuinely a nice bloke, and funny. His English was not great at the start but rather than being embarrassed by it, he made fun of himself which was quite endearing.
    “At the same time, when Ismaila is on it, he is scary.
    “I remember watching him in the Europa League for Rennes against Arsenal in the 2018-19 season and he tore them a new one.
    “He has the ability to do that, especially in his natural position on the flanks. If you play him down the middle, you lose something from his game but he can be deadly on the right or left.”
    Watford occupy a play-off spot in the Championship, sitting fourth after 29 games.
    But they are a huge 13 adrift of an automatic promotion spot, with Burnley and Sheffield United opening up a substantial gap to the chasing pack. More

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    Bournemouth want ex-QPR and Blackpool winger Bright Osayi-Samuel from Fenerbahce but transfer will cost £12million

    BOURNEMOUTH are making a dramatic late swoop for speedy winger Bright Osayi-Samuel and bidding to bring him back from Turkey.The Cherries hope to do a deal with Fenerbahce for the former Blackpool and QPR wideman as they desperately look for new attacking options.
    Bright Osayi-Samuel is being linked with a move to BournemouthCredit: Getty
    Osayi-Samuel, 25, is settled in Istanbul with a first-team slot so it will be a hard task to move him to the Premier League.
    Bournemouth’s transfer team are big fans of the versatile Nigerian and would find the funds for a player who could fill several roles for them.
    Osayi-Samuel has operated as a right wing-back for the Turkish giants but can also play on either flank and up top.
    Bournemouth are initially suggesting a loan with a view to buy but that may not work for any party.
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    If new owner William Foley finds the money for a bid of around £12million and the contract is right, then the move is on.
    But Bournemouth will not be signing midfield target Nicolo Zaniolo from Roma.
    The Italian, 23, reportedly refused to meet with executives from Bournemouth this week after they had flown to Italy in an attempt to complete a transfer.
    Tottenham and AC Milan had expressed an interest in signing him, but Bournemouth were willing to table the best bid.
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    According to Sky Sports Italia, the Cherries were keen to match Roma’s £26.4m asking price in order to swiftly complete the deal.
    However, after club chiefs flew out to Italy to meet with Zaniolo, the player refused to take part in negotiations and instead sent his agent Claudio Vigorelli to the meeting.
    Roma have been left furious with the midfielder as a result and the club are now believed to be considering disciplinary action against him. More

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    Arsenal ‘submit second Moises Caicedo transfer bid worth £70m but determined Brighton refuse to sell star midfielder’

    ARSENAL have reportedly submitted a second offer worth £70million in an attempt to sign Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo.But the Seagulls are understood to be standing by their decision not to sell the Ecuadorian, 21.
    Moises Caicedo has attracted interest from both Arsenal and ChelseaCredit: Getty
    Caicedo released a statement on Friday night urging Brighton to accept the Gunners’ original £60m bid.
    Chelsea had also already seen an offer worth £55m turned down by the south-coast outfit.
    Brighton responded to Caicedo’s demand by telling him to stay away from training until after the January transfer window closes on Tuesday.
    He was also informed he would play no part in their FA Cup clash with Liverpool on Sunday.
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    Now, according to The Mail, Arsenal have returned with a second offer consisting of £60m plus £10m in add-ons.
    It comes after Thomas Partey was taken off at half-time during the Gunners’ 1-0 defeat to Man City in the FA Cup on Friday .
    Brighton insist they will not sell, but reports suggest they may considering a deal at £80m.
    The young midfielder, who has been a key part of Roberto De Zerbi’s side this season, is concerned he will not be in demand in the summer if Arsenal and Chelsea turn their attention towards West Ham captain Declan Rice.
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    That’s why he took to Instagram on Friday in a desperate attempt to convince Brighton to allow him his move.
    He wrote: “I am grateful to Mr. Bloom and Brighton for giving me the chance to come to the Premier League and I feel I have always done my best for them. I always play football with a smile and with heart.
    “I am the youngest of 10 siblings from a poor upbringing in Santa Domingo in Ecuador.
    “My dream always to be the most decorated player in the history of Ecuador.
    “I am proud to be able to bring in a record transfer fee for Brighton which would allow them to reinvest it and help the club continue to be successful.
    “The fans have taken me into their hearts and they will always be in my heart so I hope they can understand why I want to take up this magnificent opportunity.”
    Brighton sit sixth in the Premier League table and are in contention for a European place.
    Meanwhile, Arsenal are keen to bolster their squad in order to maintain their title challenge.
    And Chelsea are continuing to swoop for a host of players having already splashed nearly £200m in the January window. More

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    Man Utd transfer blow as Tottenham ‘very confident’ Harry Kane will snub Spurs exit and sign new long-term contract

    TOTTENHAM remain “very optimistic” that Harry Kane will reject a move to Manchester United or Bayern Munich in favour of signing a new long-term contract, according to reports.Kane, 29, has been heavily linked with a move away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in recent months.
    Tottenham are confident that Kane will sign a new contractCredit: Rex
    Both Man Utd and Bayern Munich have expressed an interest in signing him in a mega money transfer when the summer window opens.
    But, Tottenham are convinced that he will stay in north London.
    According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, club chiefs are “very optimistic” that he will pen a new deal.
    Kane’s current contract expires in June 2024, but following recent talks between his agent and Tottenham, the striker is close to agreeing fresh terms.
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    The England skipper became Tottenham’s joint all-time top goalscorer on Monday when his first-half strike earned Spurs a 1-0 win at Fulham.
    He now sits level with Jimmy Greaves on 266 goals for the Lilywhites.
    Kane will have the opportunity to set a new record when Tottenham take on Preston in the FA Cup fourth round this weekend.
    Antonio Conte could put out a full-strength squad as his side look to continue their mission to end a 15-year trophy drought.
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    Tottenham new boy Arnaut Danjuma could make his first appearance for the club after joining on loan from Villarreal.
    The Dutch forward was on the verge of signing for Everton before Frank Lampard was sacked earlier this week.
    After deciding against a move to Goodison Park, Danjuma quickly agreed terms to join Spurs on loan until the end of the 2022-23 season. More

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    Leicester ‘launch £20m bid for Leeds winger Jack Harrison after hijacking club’s swoop for Lyon ace Tete’

    LEICESTER have launched a £20million bid for Leeds winger Jack Harrison, according to reports.Brendan Rodgers has been eager to bolster his squad this month in an attempt to climb the Premier League table after a poor start to the season.
    Leicester have launched a £20m bid to sign HarrisonCredit: Alamy
    The Foxes have already signed Danish defender Victor Kristiansen in a £17.5million transfer from FC Copenhagen.
    And on Friday they successfully hijacked Leeds’ pursuit of Shakhtar Donetsk winger Tete, who spent the first half of the 2022-23 season on loan at Lyon.
    Although the deal for the Brazilian is yet to be finalised, Leicester have already started to pursue their next transfer target.
    According to The Athletic, the Foxes have made an offer of £20m for Harrison.
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    The Leeds winger has less than 18 months remaining on his current contract, but Jesse Marsch is eager to offer him an extension.
    Harrison spent three seasons on loan at Elland Road from Manchester City before signing a permanent deal with the Peacocks in 2021.
    He has since made 185 appearances for Leeds.
    While Harrison could be on his way out, Leeds officials are in the process of bringing Juventus star Weston McKennie to the club.
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    The USA international will join the club on loan until the end of the season.
    Leeds will then have the opportunity to trigger his £29m buy-out clause in the summer. More

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    Sporting ‘want shock Hector Bellerin transfer if Pedro Porro joins Spurs with ex-Arsenal man struggling at Barcelona’

    SPORTING LISBON are reportedly eyeing up Barcelona full-back Hector Bellerin as a replacement for Tottenham target Pedro Porro.The former Arsenal man, 27, has started just five games for the Catalan giants since joining from Real Betis in the summer.
    Hector Bellerin has failed to make any real impact since joining BarcelonaCredit: Getty
    He has already been linked with a move to Jose Mourinho’s Roma.
    But according to The Athletic, Sporting are now “exploring the possibility” of acquiring Bellerin if their wingback Porro leaves for Spurs.
    Antonio Conte’s men are keen to get a £40milion deal over the line for the 23-year-old Spaniard, although no agreement has yet been reached.
    Meanwhile, Bellerin is understood to be “open” to joining Sporting should such a deal materialise.
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    His contract is set to expire with Barcelona in the summer.
    Sporting have been linked with Brighton man Tariq Lamptey, 22, as a replacement for Porro.
    But the Seagulls’ reluctance to let the Ghanaian international go has forced the Portuguese club to look elsewhere.
    And while Sporting are keen on Bellerin, they are yet to contact Barcelona about a potential move.
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    If Porro does leave, he will leave a big void to fill in the Sporting team.
    His superb performances saw him receive a Spain cap in 2021.
    And he has been sensational for Sporting so far this season, contributing three goals and 11 assists in 25 matches.
    Two of his best displays came against Tottenham in the Champions League, before Sporting failed to qualify through the group. More

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    Tottenham eye Piero Hincapie transfer but will refuse to meet Bayer Leverkusen’s huge fee for defender

    TOTTENHAM are keen on signing Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie after a starring role at the 2022 World Cup.The left-sided centre-back, 21, has attracted interest from a host of elite clubs worldwide after some standout displays for Ecuador in Qatar.
    Tottenham are keen on signing HincapieCredit: Getty
    Spurs are exploring a deal for Hincapie but will be unwilling to match Bayer Leverkusen’s £80million valuation.
    Boss Antonio Conte wants a new defender in this window to beef up a struggling defence.
    Tottenham’s leaky back-line has shipped 31 goals in only 21 Premier League games.
    And Hincapie is high on Conte’s shortlist.
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    A summer deal would be more likely for a player who is happy at his current club and still learning his trade.
    And Hincapie could reportedly be snapped up for £20m this month before being loaned back to Leverkusen until the end of the season, in a deal similar to that of Pape Matar Sarr.
    The presence of Conte and Harry Kane at Tottenham are trump cards for Hincapie.
    Spurs have already signed Arnaut Danjuma on loan from Villarreal until the end of the season.
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    But, their pursuit of top target Pedro Porro is on the verge of falling through.
    Tottenham are currently struggling to agree a payment structure with Sporting Lisbon for the defender, who is priced at £40m.
    Porro had already agreed to sign a five-and-a-half-year contract with the Lilywhites following the Portuguese League Cup final this weekend. More