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      Erik ten Hag confirms Man Utd ‘close to’ Wout Weghorst loan transfer but striker CAN’T make debut against Man City

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      ERIK TEN HAG has confirmed Manchester United are on the brink of confirming Wout Weghorst’s loan signing from Burnley until the end of the season.But the Dutch striker cannot make his debut in the Manchester derby tomorrow because the deal is not yet officially over the line.
      Wout Weghorst will join Manchester United on loan until JuneCredit: Getty
      Erik ten Hag was keen to add a new striker this monthCredit: Getty
      Weghorst, 30, was on loan with Besiktas but will have the temporary deal terminated early to make the switch to Old Trafford.
      United will pay Burnley a £3million fee – and cover the forward’s wages of around £40,000 per week.
      Erik ten Hag confirmed to the press the deal is virtually done.
      The Dutchman said: “We are close.
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      “He will not be available for tomorrow”.
      Weghorst will be the club’s second January signing after missing out on both Cody Gakpo and Joao Felix but landing Jack Butland.
      Erik ten Hag was keen to bring in a centre-forward after Cristiano Ronaldo’s explosive Piers Morgan interview saw him axed.
      Anthony Martial has started up front in recent matches with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Elanga also capable on filling in as a No9 if needed.
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      But the 6ft 6ins forward, who excelled for AZ Alkmaar and Wolfsburg before joining Burnley, will now provide another option in attack for Ten Hag.
      The 19-cap Holland ace has just two goals in 20 Clarets appearances but has shone for Besiktas either side of his stunning goal at the World Cup.

      The Red Devils’ incoming striker has not been registered in time to be involved at Old Trafford tomorrow, meaning he will have to wait until Wednesday’s trip to Crystal Palace.
      United host champions City for the lunchtime kick-off desperate to get revenge for the 6-3 defeat earlier in the season.
      Ex-United defender Rio Ferdinand is confident his former side can challenge Pep Guardiola’s men.
      He told SunSport: “I’m going into this derby thinking, ‘We can give them a game’.
      “You can see players gaining in confidence. For far too long we were going into games thinking, ‘Obviously, we are going to get beat here today but I don’t know how many’.
      “Or we were going to the likes of Brentford and concede one and it could be three or four.

      “When we have been feeling that as Man United fans, it is now nice going to games not feeling like that.
      “I am now going to a game not looking through my fingers, expecting crazy s*** going on. I am going there now with a bit of, ‘I fancy us today. I fancy us to beat them and dominate the ball’, because you can see something tactically that has been consistently coming out every week now.”
      Weghorst scored for Holland at the World CupCredit: Getty
      The striker struggled for goals at BurnleyCredit: Getty More

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      Where Tottenham’s ‘Magnificent Seven’ are who were signed with Gareth Bale money in 2013, from Soldado to Paulinho?

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      IN 2013, Spurs were forced to blow up their squad following the world-record sale of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid.The Welshman had scored 26 goals in the previous campaign, sweeping the Premier League’s various individual awards ahead of the likes of Luis Suarez and Eden Hazard.
      Spurs recruited the ‘Magnificent Seven’ in the summer of 2013
      Gareth Bale was unveiled at Real Madrid in September 2013Credit: AFP
      But there was a problem – Tottenham missed out on Champions League qualification by a point.
      Daniel Levy was bullish that he could keep his star asset, but Real Madrid turned on their charm offensive and it soon became just a matter of when, not if.
      So Spurs got busy, signing seven new players for more than £100million – as the line went, they’d ‘sold Elvis, and signed The Beatles’.
      But while Bale was off winning Champions League titles with Madrid, Spurs’ new signings were producing contrasting performances.
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      So let’s take a look at what became of the ‘Magnificent Seven’.
      ROBERTO SOLDADO – £26m
      Spurs thought that they had secured a prolific goalscorer in SoldadoCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      Soldado, 37, joined Levante from LaLiga rivals GranadaCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
      Spaniard Soldado was probably the most exciting of the acquisitions, when he arrived from Valencia for £26m, fresh from wowing at the Confederations Cup and banging in 24 goals in LaLiga.
      Despite no lack of trying, his time at White Hart Lane was a disaster, however, as he only managed seven goals in 52 Premier League appearances – with five of them coming from the penalty spot.
      Levy did manage to squeeze £10m out of Villarreal for his services in 2015, and he has since played for Fenerbahce and Granada.
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      Now 37, he plays for Spanish second division side Levante – where he has 10 goals in 35 games across two seasons.
      PAULINHO – £17m
      The Brazilian struggled to make an impact at SpursCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Paulinho played for Saudi side Al-Ahli after reinventing himself in ChinaCredit: AFP or licensors

      Another that arrived off the back of a stellar Confederations Cup, Spurs fans thought they were getting ‘the Brazilian Frank Lampard’ when Paulinho arrived in N17.
      Initial performances were steady, with a late back-heeled winner at Cardiff prompting pandemonium among the travelling supporters.
      Things went downhill very quickly, however, with Paulinho being red carded in Andre Villas-Boas’ final game in charge, before becoming a nervous wreck barely capable of completing a five-yard pass by the end.
      He was offered a career lifeline by Chinese Super League giants Guangzhou Evergrande, where he became a big star – via a very strange, if not totally unsuccessful year at Barcelona.
      Paulinho, 34, linked up with Saudi side Al-Ahli but signed a deal with Corinthians in 2022.
      VLAD CHIRICHES – £8m
      The Romanian struggled to cut down on his mistakes at TottenhamCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The Sun
      A considerably scarier-looking Chiriches playing for Sassuolo in Serie ACredit: Reuters
      Fans were excited at Chiriches’ arrival, as they thought they’d unearthed a hidden gem from Steaua Bucharest, with a penchant for playing the ball out from the back.
      And while he was very laid back, it often proved to be to the team’s detriment, as his casual style tended to gift opponents easy goals, while leaving fans’ hearts in their mouths.
      Like Soldado and Paulinho, Chiriches lasted two seasons at the Lane, before being shipped off to Napoli.
      The Romanian managed just 48 appearances across four seasons at San Paulo, before joining Sassuolo on loan two years ago – before making it permanent for just shy of £10m.
      Last summer, he was snapped up by Cremonese – and at 33 still plays in Serie A.
      NACER CHADLI – £7m
      Chadli became a useful player in his three years at SpursCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      One of the more successful acquisitions of that summer, Chadli became a popular figure at Spurs despite an underwhelming start.
      The Belgian joined from FC Twente, having scored against Tottenham home and away in the 2010-11 Champions League campaign.
      But it was not until his second season that he really began to shine, scoring 13 goals as Mauricio Pochettino began to transform the club’s fortunes.
      He left for West Brom in 2017, eventually joining Istanbul Basaksehir in 2020, via stints at Monaco and Anderlecht.
      This season, the Turkish team have loaned the now 33-year-old to Belgium side KVC Westerlo.
      ETIENNE CAPOUE – £9m
      Etienne Capoue struggled to make a big impact at SpursCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Capoue helped Villarreal beat Manchester United in the Europa League finalCredit: Getty – Pool
      Neither wildly awful nor outstandingly memorable, Capoue is possibly the most forgettable player of the seven.
      With Sandro having regressed due to knee injuries, Capoue initially seemed to be the perfect foil for Mousa Dembele in his place.
      But the Frenchman fell out of favour despite steady performances, although was hung out to dry following a few awful displays as a makeshift centre-back.
      He lasted one season beyond Pochettino’s arrival in 2014, before joining Watford.
      Capoue made 11 outings in the Championship in the first half of the 2020-21 season, before signing for Villarreal in the January transfer window.
      And his impact was immediate as he helped the Spanish side beat Manchester United in the Europa League final – the club’s first major trophy in their history.
      While he was also crucial in their Champions League run last season to the semi-final.
      CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – £11m
      Eriksen was a talismanic figure at Tottenham for more than six seasonsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Eriksen is now starring for Man UtdCredit: Getty
      Without doubt the most successful acquisition of that summer, Christian Eriksen was an outstanding, indispensable member of the squad for six years, before eventually departing for Inter Milan in January 2020.
      A bargain at £11m, the Dane papered over cracks during Tim Sherwood’s tenure, pulling out a brilliant goal or moment of genius time and time again to dig the team out of trouble.
      He then became vital to Pochettino’s side, so much so that they struggled to adapt whenever he was absent.
      Eriksen admitted his desire to ‘try something new’ after losing the 2019 Champions League final and joined Inter six months later.
      The playmaker helped Inter win the Serie A title last season, but his playing career hung in the balance after he suffered a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.
      However, he returned to the Premier League last season on a short term deal with Brentford.
      His excellent performances earned Eriksen a move to Man Utd, where he has enjoyed a stellar season.
      ERIK LAMELA – £30m
      Lamela joined Spurs just two days before Bale’s move to Madrid was confirmedCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      Erik Lamela became the last of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ to depart North London for Spain.
      Argentine Lamela, 30, actually had a bizarre start at Spurs, starting just three league matches in his first season before disappearing back to his homeland following a back injury early on in Tim Sherwood’s tenure.
      He returned following his compatriot Pochettino’s arrival, wrestling for a starting berth before sustaining a troublesome hip injury in October 2016 that would keep him out for 13 months.

      Lamela again recovered and returned to action – chipping in with 255 appearances before joining Sevilla in a swap deal with Bryan Gil heading in the opposite direction.
      His most memorable moment will be his ‘rabona’ strike in the 2-1 defeat against Arsenal, with his strike winning the Premier League Goal of the Season award. More

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      Man Utd to hand Wout Weghorst debut in derby against City this weekend after striker completes loan transfer in time

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      MANCHESTER UNITED look set to name Wout Weghorst in their squad for the derby with City tomorrow as they close in on finalising his deal.The Dutch international striker, 30, has been on loan at Besiktas from Championship Burnley since the start of the season.
      Wout Weghorst looks set to be part of Man Utd’s squad to face CityCredit: Rex
      But the Red Devils will pay around £2.65million compensation to the Turkish club to secure his services until the end of the season.
      United are desperate to secure a short-term replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo after axing the Portuguese veteran in November.

      We reported yesterday how Weghorst has collected his things and said his goodbyes at Besiktas prior to flying to England to undergo a medical at Old Trafford.
      He is due at their Carrington training HQ this morning to wrap-up the move before midday so that he can be registered in time to face Man City.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      And now the Evening Standard are claiming United are planning on handing him a debut in the crunch clash at the Theatre of Dreams.
      Erik ten Hag is likely to remain with the red-hot Marcus Rashford out on the left and Antony on the right of the attack after the Brazilian’s goals against both Everton and Charlton.
      Even though they are confident that Weghorst will be on-board, Anthony Martial is still expected to lead the line as the main centre-forward.
      But with his recent struggles in front of goal, it seems almost certain that Weghorst will be thrown straight in the deep end and given the opportunity to become an instant hero off the bench.
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      He first arrived in English football 12 months ago, signing for Burnley as a replacement for Newcastle-bound Chris Wood.
      His move didn’t go to plan, however, as he scored just two goals in 20 Premier League appearances as the Clarets were relegated.
      He has since been in fine form after moving to Besiktas, netting nine goals in 18 appearances in all competitions for the Turkish side.
      Weghorst scored against Kasimpasa in his final appearance for Besiktas last Saturday.
      How Utd could line-up against City with Weghorst on the bench More

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      Mykhailo Mudryk breaks silence over Arsenal transfer as he prays on Instagram following third offer to Shakhtar Donetsk

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      MYKHAILO MUDRYK has broken his silence over a transfer to Arsenal, posting on Instagram following a third offer being submitted to Shakhtar Donetsk.The Gunners have been tracking the 22-year-old Shakhtar wonderkid for some time.
      Mudryk posted a praying emoji to his InstagramCredit: Instagram
      Arsenal have submitted a third offer to Shakhtar for the wonderkidCredit: Getty
      But they’ve seen two offers be turned down by the Ukrainian club, who are keen to collect a fee close to £88million.
      According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have approached Shakhtar with a third offer close to £62m plus add-ons.
      And Negotiations are ongoing with Shakhtar over the add-ons package.
      Personal terms are not expected to be an issue with Mudryk, with the player wanting the move.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      After news of a fresh approach broke, Mudryk took to Instagram and posted a praying emoji on his story.
      His post has caught the attention of fans.
      One not so pleased Toon fan tweeted: “The most embarrassing transfer saga of recent years.
      “The constant twerking is sickening..”
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      Another said: “We are all praying with you at the Church of Arsenal brother Mudryk!”
      He has also posted a photo of himself on Instagram wearing a Gunners shirt.
      Mudryk has been keeping an eye on Arsenal for some time.
      He openly revealed he watched the Gunners’ Boxing Day bashing of West Ham, where Mikel Arteta’s men ran out 3-1 winners.
      Mudryk also praised Arteta during Arsenal’s win at Brighton on New Year’s Day.
      The player has had a good domestic and European season so far.

      He has ten goals and eight assists in 18 games.
      Three of his goals have come in the Champions League, where he netted against RB Leipzig and twice against Celtic.
      Mudryk has been in top form in the Champions League More

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      Chelsea flop Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s hopes of rejoining Barcelona face huge stumbling block due to LaLiga rule

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      PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG looks set to face failure over any potential return to Barcelona after a LaLiga rule emerged prohibiting a move. The Gabon striker has endured a tough spell since signing for Chelsea, and now reportedly wants to return to the Nou Camp.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang won’t be allowed to move back to BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      But it seems his wishes will fall on deaf ears after it was revealed such a move is not legal.
      Fifa rules stipulate that a player cannot play for more than two clubs in a season unless the calendar is different – opening up the possibility of an MLS move.
      Since Barcelona were his previous club, a transfer is fine under these rules.
      However, the Royal Spanish Football Federation has a rule which makes a deal impossible.
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      Article 130 reads: “A player may be registered in only one team of a club, without the possibility of being withdrawn and released by the same club in the course of the same season, except in cases of force majeure or regulatory provision.
      “Likewise, during the course of the season, he/she may not be registered and play in more than three different teams.”
      In addition, La Liga’s Article 141.5 says: “Footballers whose licence is cancelled may not, in the course of the same season, obtain a licence in the same team of the club to which they were already associated.”
      This means that had the move been a loan instead, a return would have been permitted.
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      Barcelona would have “loved” the idea of bringing back the 33-year-old, who scored 13 times in 24 games for them last season.
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      Aubameyang joined Chelsea in £10million deal in the summer, but has failed to impress on his return to England.
      He has scored just three times in 16 games and not performed well either.
      The ex-Arsenal ace would have been hoping to prove a point after being frozen out at the Gunners by Mikel Arteta.
      In the club’s Amazon: All or Nothing series, Arteta revealed he had a dossier of all his past indiscretions.
      He told a member of his coaching staff: “I have everything documented, with the dates, the times, the conversations, how it happened, why it happened . . . because if one day it’s needed.
      “(Aubameyang) has been late, apart from all the (other) issues, many times.” More

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      Lionel Messi’s dad ‘in Riyadh’ for talks with Al-Hilal over stunning £245m-a-year transfer to eclipse Cristiano Ronaldo

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      SAUDI ARABIAN club’s interest in Lionel Messi may not all be smoke and mirrors after reports emerged suggesting the World Cup winner’s father was in the country. It was reported that Al-Halil want to bring Messi to the Middle East following the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Lionel Messi’s father is said to be in Saudi Arabia after reports of a mega-money contract offerCredit: Getty
      Messi won the World Cup the last time he was in the Middle EastCredit: Reuters
      A move to the country would see him reignite his rivalry with RonaldoCredit: PA
      Local media have reported that the Argentine’s Dad, Jorge, was spotted in the country’s capital of Riyadh, though outlet The New Arab could not verify this.
      Regardless, the financial power in the region has already been confirmed, after Al Nassr completed the signing of Ronaldo in a record-breaking deal worth £173million a year.
      However, Al Halil – Al Nassr’s rivals – are said to have offered a deal worth EVEN MORE to Messi.
      Al Hilal currently sit third in the Saudi Pro League, three points behind table toppers Al Nassr, with the pair making up the “Riyadh derby.”
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      Indeed, the report indicates Messi would earn a staggering £245m a year, £70m more than ex-Manchester United star Ronaldo.
      Messi’s contract at current club Paris Saint-Germain expires at the end of the season.
      But a verbal agreement is said to have been reached between the two parties over an extension.
      Messi enjoyed himself the last time he was in the Middle East, as he won the World Cup in neighbouring Qatar.
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      And following a break to celebrate his win, Messi scored with a trademark finish on his return to PSG.
      Fresh reports have emerged which alledge former Barcelona board members exchanged abusive messages about Messi.
      The Argentine was labelled a “sewer rat” and “hormonal dwarf” by Barca’s former legal chief Roman Gomez Ponti in a scathing attack.
      In the meantime, Messi has also earned a spot in Fifa’s “The Best” award as one of 14 nominees, though Ronaldo has been snubbed for this. More

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      Liverpool snubbed by ‘next Erling Haaland’ as Norwegian prodigy Andreas Schjelderup joins Benfica instead in £12.5m deal

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      LIVERPOOL have reportedly missed out on a deal to sign the “next Erling Haaland”. This is because 18-year-old sensation Andreas Schjelderup has moved to Benfica.
      Andreas Schjelderup has scored 10 goals in 17 games for NordsjallandCredit: Getty
      Schjelderup, who plays for Danish side Nordsjælland, has reportedly agreed to move to Portugal for £12.5million plus 20 per cent of any future sale.
      Benfica representatives are apparently set to fly to Copenhagen to finalise the deal.
      And Fabrizio Romano has revealed the winger was the subject of interest from Liverpool.
      He indicated there were “concrete talks” between the two parties, but that ultimately Benfica was deemed to be the “best step” in his fledgling career.
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      The Norway U21 star has lit up the Danish league this season, scoring 10 goals in 17 appearances.
      The transfer will make him the second most expensive Norwegian teenager ever, after none other than Manchester City ace Haaland – who Liverpool also missed out on.
      Brentford, who have a host of Scandanavian talent, were also interested in a transfer along with clubs from Belgium, Holland, Spain and Germany, as reported by TV2.
      Jurgen Klopp’s side have already signed Cody Gakpo this January, with the Dutchman making his full debut in the controversial FA Cup tie against Wolves.
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      And despite claims there could be “investment” in January, Liverpool have failed to make any new additions, with fans and Jamie Carragher critical over not signing a new midfielder – though a £44m bid for Matheus Nunes was rejected.
      Indeed, owners FSG confirmed they were considering selling the club if the right offer came in. More

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      Wayne Rooney’s DC United sign Leeds star Mateusz Klich as Man Utd legend says he’s tracked ‘first-rate’ star for years

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      DC UNITED have signed Leeds star Mateusz Klich, leaving his new manager Wayne Rooney thrilled. The MLS side have completed the transfer for the midfielder on a two-year deal with an option to extend the contract by an additional 12 months.
      Mateusz Klich has been unveiled at DC UnitedCredit: Instagram / @cli5hy
      He was given a special send off by his team-mates and fansCredit: Reuters
      Manager Wayne Rooney has had his eye on Mateusz Klich for three yearsCredit: Getty
      He arrived at Elland Road back in 2017 and swiftly became a fans’ favourite, helping the side gain promotion and then stay in the Premier League.
      The 32-year-old was a key figure under Marcelo Bielsa but Jesse Marsch has not started him in a league match this season.
      Klich said an emotional farewell to the club after they drew with West Ham 2-2.
      The Polish star was seen crying as his team-mates formed a guard of honour for him, all while wearing replicas of his No43 shirt.
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      He joins DC United with a big challenge ahead after the club finished bottom of the Eastern Conference last season.
      But his manager is full of confidence that he can be the key to a better season in 2023.
      Rooney showed his delight in signing him even claiming he had been scouting him for three years.
      The ex-Manchester United striker told the DC United website: “Mateusz is a first-rate midfielder who will add top-level experience to our roster.
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      “I’ve been watching him since he helped lead Leeds to promotion to the Premier League.
      “His vision, range of passing, and scoring ability will be a huge asset for us this season.”
      Klich played a total of 195 times for Leeds, finding the back of the net on 24 occasions.
      He has been capped 41 times by the Polish national side and previously had spells at FC Twente and PEC Zwolle.
      Klich will join a squad featuring former Prem stars Christian Benteke and Ravel Morrison in Washington. More