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    Ex-Arsenal flop Willian has ‘top clubs’ trying to sign him in transfer window despite being told he was ‘finished’

    FULHAM forward Willian is receiving interest from “top clubs”, according to his agent Kia Joorabchian.The Brazilian, 34, left England to return home and play for Corinthians in 2021 after a nightmare 12 months with Arsenal.
    Willian has impressed for Fulham so far this seasonCredit: Rex
    Most felt his time at the top level was over as he approached his mid-30s.
    But the winger, who contributed 63 goals and 62 assists in 339 games for Chelsea, then returned to the Premier League in September as he signed for newly-promoted Fulham.
    And he has impressed under Marco Silva, registering five goal contributions in 12 league starts.
    According to Joorabchian, Willian’s return to form has seen big teams come in for him.
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    However, the player’s representative insists he is staying at Craven Cottage.
    Joorabchian told talkSPORT: “I think 99% of people would have said that he [Willian] was finished when he left Arsenal: ‘He’s finished – he’s done. His career is over.’
    “Yesterday, we got a call from two top clubs. One said: ‘This guy never ages.’ The other said: ‘He’s like Peter Pan. How much would it cost to pull him out?’
    “We said: ‘It’s not happening – he is staying at Fulham.’”
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    Fulham are flying high in seventh place in the Premier League table, below Brighton only by virtue of goal difference.
    Next up for Silva’s men is a West London derby away at Chelsea on Friday.
    They then travel to Sunderland for an FA Cup fourth-round replay following a 1-1 draw at the weekend.
    Fulham, who have never won a major trophy in their 144-year history, have not reached the fifth round of the FA Cup since 2017. More

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    Ex-Arsenal star Hector Bellerin close to leaving Barcelona… but transfer could be scuppered by Spurs at last minute

    BARCELONA right-back Hector Bellerin could reportedly have a loan transfer to Sporting Lisbon scuppered by his old club Arsenal’s rivals, Tottenham.Bellerin, 27, joined Barcelona on a free transfer from Arsenal last summer, but he has been limited to just seven appearances so far this season.
    Hector Bellerin’s loan move to Sporting has been scuppered after Tottenham failed to sign Pedro PorroCredit: Getty
    He has less than six months remaining on his contract, but the LaLiga giants are open to offloading him before the end of the 2022-23 campaign.
    The Athletic reported that Bellerin was on his way to Portugal.
    Sporting were close to signing the Spaniard on loan until the end of the season.
    Bellerin was supposed to act as a replacement for Pedro Porro, who before Monday was on the verge of joining Tottenham in a £40million transfer.
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    But Sporting moved the goalposts and the deal is now OFF.
    The Portuguese club tried to change the terms of the deal at the last minute leaving Porro devastated, according to The Athletic.
    That could see Bellerin’s transfer scuppered by old rivals Spurs, leaving him stranded at the Camp Nou.
    Sporting had originally planned to sign Tariq Lamptey on loan, however Brighton were unwilling to let him leave on a temporary basis.
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    Bellerin spent 10 years at Arsenal before joining Barcelona last year.
    He fell out of favour at the Emirates Stadium in 2021 and consequently joined Real Betis on loan.
    The Gunners then decided to terminate his contract so he swapped North London for the Nou Camp.
    Barcelona sit at the top of the LaLiga table, six points clear of rivals Real Madrid. More

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    Tottenham target Nicolo Zaniolo forced to call police as he’s confronted by angry Roma fans after transfer request

    TOTTENHAM transfer target Nicolo Zaniolo was forced to call the police after he was confronted by angry Roma fans.Zaniolo, 23, angered supporters after handing in a transfer request.
    Nicolo Zaniolo was chased by angry Roma fans and the police were calledCredit: Getty
    Manager Jose Mourinho confirmed that the 11-cap Italian has been asking to leave for a month and has missed the last three matchdays as a result.
    Mourinho said ahead of last weekend’s 2-1 loss to Serie A leaders Napoli: “It has been a month since the player said that he wants to leave.
    “After Spezia, I gave them a day off and an optional training session.
    “All those who didn’t play came to work and these are the ones we want.
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    “If a player tells everyone that he doesn’t want to wear the Roma shirt, I have to say that he stays in spite of me.
    “What I can say today is that Zaniolo will not be in Naples and I focus on those who will be.”
    And according to Calciomercato, following the loss, Roma ultras gathered in front of Zaniolo’s house in the Casal Palocco area of Rome.
    The report says the angry fans sang: “S**t! If we lost it’s all your fault. Go away!”
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    Zaniolo was reportedly chased away by the angry fans and the police were called.
    The ultras quickly dispersed upon the police’s arrival.
    The playmaker’s mother, Francesca Costa, has called the hatred “excessive” after a wall in Trigoria had a message for Zaniolo which attacked her.
    Corriere Della Sera says a nasty message read: “Zaniolo executioner, your mother is a great s**t.”
    Francesca said: “Having originated all this hatred seems a little excessive to me.”
    Zaniolo has been linked with a move to the Premier League.
    Tottenham are one of many said to be keen on the Roma ace.
    Bournemouth were also rumoured to be monitoring Zaniolo’s situation, while Newcastle are said to be keen. More

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    Joao Cancelo lands in Munich to complete loan transfer with £62m option to buy after falling down Man City pecking order

    BAYERN MUNICH have sealed a shock swoop for Manchester City’s unsettled defender Joao Cancelo – who has landed in Germany to complete his medical.Sunsport revealed last week that several clubs were monitoring the former Juventus star’s situation after he lost his place at the Etihad.

    Joao Cancelo is set to sign for Bayern Munich on loanCredit: AP
    AC Milan were among them but Bayern made significant progress over the weekend.
    And they secured the Portugal international’s services on an initial loan deal on Monday.
    Cancelo arrived in Munich this afternoon and will undergo a medical this evening.
    SunSport understands the shock deal includes an option to buy the 28-year-old at the end of the season for around £61.5 million.
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    That would see the English champs make a small profit on the player they signed in a £60m deal three-and-a-half years ago.
    Even so, it would still be a surprise move for Man City given their well-documented problems in the full-back areas.
    Yet, his career at City has stalled since he returned from the World Cup last month.
    He started the defeats against Southampton and Man Utd but was an unused sub in the two games which followed.
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    His only other start since the restart was the win at Chelsea – but he was hauled off at half-time by Pep Guardiola.
    The Etihad boss has opted to use youngster Rico Lewis and centre-back Nathan Ake as his full-backs recently.
    He was an unused sub in the FA Cup win over Arsenal on Friday night and post match Guardiola referred to him as ‘Mr Cancelo’ – hinting at a possible problem.
    Cancelo only signed a contract extension with City 12 months ago and is currently tied to the club until summer 2027.
    Fellow full-back Kyle Walker has also found himself marginalised this season – and that has seen Turkish giants Fenerbahce show an interest.
    Cancelo is believed to have brought the offer from Bayern to City’s attention and the champions decided to listen.
    Joao Cancelo’s form has dipped since he returned from the World CupCredit: PA
    They are aware he wants to play more regularly and felt that may not happen for the remainder of the season at the Etihad.
    Guardiola has been utilising a different style and formation recently and does not feel Cancelo’s game is best suited to it.
    The speed of Rico Lewis’ emergence has taken Guardiola by surprise and gives him valuable cover in the full-back area.
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    Whlle City’s only recognised left-back is Spanish youngster Sergio Gomez, both Nathan Ake and Aymeric Laporte can fill in there.
    The signing of Manuel Akanji in the summer means Pep now has five centre-backs in his squad so playing one out of position is not seen as a major problem. More

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    Inter Milan ‘ask about shock Harry Maguire transfer from Man Utd’ after failing in Victor Lindelof approach

    INTER MILAN are keen on signing Manchester United captain Harry Maguire, according to reports.The England centre-back has fallen down the pecking order at the Red Devils this season and could be set for a shock move away despite starring at the World Cup.
    Harry Maguire is wanted by Inter MilanCredit: PA

    The Serie A side have made an inquiry about the 29-year-old’s availability and it is believed a loan deal has been proposed.
    However, the player would like to wait until the summer to decide on his long-term future.

    The Daily Mail claim that Maguire is prepared to be patient for his chances in case injuries and suspensions become problems for manager Erik ten Hag.
    Maguire recently stressed he did not want to become a bit-part player at Man Utd.
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    Speaking after his start in the FA Cup win over Reading, he said: “I’m 29 and haven’t really been in this position in my career before.
    “I don’t want to get used to it but it is part and parcel of football. I’m pushing, training well, and when chances come, I need to take it.
    “It was two-and-a-half weeks since my last start but I’ve felt I have looked after myself.
    “I’ve been working hard in training. The lads who have been playing have been doing well. I have to be ready when my chance comes.
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    “We’re all going to be needed for the second half of the season.”
    Maguire has been in the starting XI for just 20 per cent of Premier League matches this season.
    Overall, he has played 16 times under Ten Hag with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane the first choice centre-back pairing.
    Inter are in the market for a new central defender as Milan Skriniar is reportedly close to joining Paris Saint-Germain.
    Simone Inzaghi’s team have also gone in for Maguire’s team-mate Victor Lindelof this January as a potential replacement.
    The approach was rejected by Man Utd, who are looking to keep hold of their key players with a busy fixture schedule ahead.
    The Red Devils are still going strong in all competitions this term and face many midweek games with the Europa League restarting soon, with a tough trip to Barcelona coming up.

    Inter Milan have already tried to sign Victor Lindelof this monthCredit: Getty More

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    Arsenal in Moises Caicedo transfer boost as Brighton agree £5m deal for potential midfield replacement Yasin Ayari

    ARSENAL have received a boost in their hunt for Moises Caicedo after learning Brighton are close to signing a potential replacement.The Seagulls have agreed a £5.25million fee with AIK Solna for Swedish Under-21 international Yasin Ayari.
    Yasin Ayari is set to complete a move to BrightonCredit: Getty
    It could indicate that Brighton will soften their stance on Moises CaicedoCredit: Getty
    And Arsenal are hoping that could still open the door for Caicedo to depart before tomorrow’s transfer deadline.
    Brighton announced today that Yasin, 19, has signed a contract to 2027 after completing a medical for his move to the Amex, subject to international clearance.
    In a statement, Brighton technical director David Weir said: “Yasin is a versatile and technical midfield player, who is good on the ball and capable of playing across the midfield.
    “He’s had an impressive spell in Sweden with AIK, and we are delighted to have completed his transfer and to be welcoming him to the club.
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    “He will need time to settle here and acclimatise to the Premier League, but we are really looking forward to working with him.”
    Brighton insist that his arrival will not affect their determination to keep hold of Caicedo as Roberto De Zebri’s team look to secure European qualification for the first time in the club’s history.
    Caceido has been told to stay away from training until the transfer window closes after submitting an official transfer request at the weekend.
    He was not involved in Sunday’s FA Cup win against Liverpool, but with Alexis Mac Allister suspended after collecting five yellow cards, he could return to first-team action for Saturday’s home game against Bournemouth
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    Arsenal submitted an improved bid of £65m plus a further £5m in add-ons on Sunday evening which was immediately rejected by Brighton.
    But they are refusing to take “no” for an answer and are now contemplating going back with a club record £75m offer for the unsettled 21-year-old.
    Elsewhere, Arsenal are said to be closing in on a deal for Real Valladolid full-back Ivan Fresneda.
    Fresneda was left out of his side’s recent clash against Valencia.
    The right-back will reportedly cost the Gunners £13m. More

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    Crystal Palace agree £10.5m Naouirou Ahamada transfer with Stuttgart midfielder undergoing medical today

    CRYSTAL PALACE have reached an agreement with Stuttgart to sign Naouirou Ahamada for £10.5million. The midfielder will reportedly join on a three-and-a-half-year deal that includes the option for a two-year extension.
    Naouirou Ahamada (front) is on the verge of completing a transfer to Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty
    Ahamada is set to undergo a medical at Selhurst Park this afternoon ahead of the transfer window slamming shut tomorrow, claim the Daily Mail.
    The 20-year-old has impressed for Stuttgart this season, having played 18 times in all competitions.
    He has managed two goals and two assists from a holding midfield position for the team sitting in 15th place in the German top-flight.
    Ahamada joined the Bundesliga club after coming through the ranks at Juventus.
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    The Frenchman never made a first-team appearance for the Old Lady but soon became a regular in the starting line-up at Stuttgart after he initially arrived on loan.
    The Athletic claim the deal for Ahamada is “savvy” as he was expected to generate interest from several top sides in the summer.
    Palace boss Patrick Vieira has supposedly been desperate to bolster his options in the middle of the pitch this month.
    The club have been heavily linked with trying to bring back Chelsea ace Conor Gallagher, who enjoyed a successful loan spell in South London last term.
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    However, SunSport understand that the Eagles could wait until the summer to make a bid for Gallagher.
    Palace are also interested in Tottenham’s Lucas Moura and Watford’s Ismaila Sarr although both potential moves face financial hurdles to overcome.
    The club do look set to keep hold of star man Wilfried Zaha beyond the transfer deadline, but his long-term future is unclear with his contract expiring this summer. More

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    Arsenal star Kieran Tierney offered January transfer exit with Juventus and Inter Milan circling defender

    ARSENAL star Kieran Tierney is attracting transfer interest from Italian giants Juventus and Inter Milan, according to reports.The Scotsman, 25, has fallen behind Oleksandr Zinchenko in the pecking order at the Emirates.
    Juventus and Inter Milan are interested in Kieran TierneyCredit: Getty
    And with the Gunners going strong at the top of the Premier League, he faces a big fight to reclaim the starting left-back spot.
    According to Tutto Mercato, Tierney could seal a January transfer to Italy with Juve and Inter both keen.
    However, a transfer could depend on whether Arsenal can sign a replacement.
    Real Valladolid’s Ivan Fresneda has been linked with a move to the Gunners to bolster the full-back department.
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    But the 18-year-old wonderkid largely operates on the right side of the defence.
    Fresneda is also wanted by top four rivals Newcastle.

    And Borussia Dortmund have made a bid too.
    But he is believed to have his heart set on Arsenal after missing training last week.
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    Juve are in desperate need of reinforcements with the Old Lady sat 13th in Serie A.
    Inter, meanwhile, are sat second and 13 points behind league leaders Napoli.
    Kieran Tierney’s Premier League stats More