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    Ex-Chelsea star Ola Aina wanted by Leeds in January transfer as full-back impresses at Torino as contract runs down

    LEEDS are reportedly chasing former Chelsea defender Ola Aina following his impressive spell at Torino.The 26-year-old right wingback left England in 2019 after playing just six times for the Blues.
    Ola Aina has been a regular for Torino since arriving in 2019Credit: Getty
    But in two-and-a-half seasons for Serie A side Torino he has already racked up more than 100 appearances for the club.
    He also returned to the Premier League for the 2020/21 campaign after joining Fulham on loan, playing 31 games in the top flight as the Cottagers were relegated.
    However, his difficult periods in west London do not appear to have deterred Jesse Marsch as Leeds focus on his consistent displays in Italy.
    Aina’s current contract with Torino is due to expire in the summer.
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    And according to Tuttosport, a third stint in England looks to be on the cards after talks stalled over a new deal.
    Leeds attempted to sign him last summer but Aina opted to stay in Serie A.
    Now, though, he could be forced out of the door in the January window as Torino bid to cash in on him before his deal runs out.
    Aina, who has been capped 17 times by Nigeria, is currently out with a thigh injury and expected back towards the end of the month.
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    West Ham and Crystal Palace are also thought to be interested in him.
    But Leeds are keen for defensive reinforcements having conceded 31 goals in 17 Premier League games.
    Marsch’s men sit 14th in the table, without a win in four league matches. More

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    Memphis Depay ‘wants Man Utd transfer’ but Barcelona will demand a fee despite striker’s contract ending in summer

    MEMPHIS DEPAY reportedly wants to make a stunning return to Manchester United on a free transfer this month.But current club Barcelona will allegedly demand a fee despite his contract expiring in the summer.
    Depay would like to return to Man UtdCredit: Getty
    The Dutchman spent two years of his career at Old Trafford, joining from PSV Eindhoven in 2015.
    But after scoring just seven times in 56 appearances, Depay was sold to French outfit Lyon.
    That’s where the versatile attacker would go on to make a name for himself in one of Europe’s top-five leagues, scoring 76 and assisting 55 in 178 games.
    Such form then earned him a free transfer move to Barca in the summer of 2021 on a two-year deal.
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    But in a season and a half, the 28-year-old has scored 14 in 42, and could be heading for the exit door at Nou Camp.
    According to Sport, old club Man Utd is where Depay would like to go this month.
    However, Barca would like to collect a fee for the player DESPITE his contract expiring in the summer.
    Man Utd are also only keen on exploring the loan market, or players with minimal fees attached.
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    The Old Trafford club are in the market for an attacker following the spectacular departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
    The two clubs will also meet in the Europa League round of 32 next month.
    And Barca are reluctant to strength a rival team. More

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    Chelsea ‘contact RB Leipzig’ over Dani Olmo transfer with Blues keen on Spain star if Mykhailo Mudryk picks Arsenal

    CHELSEA will reportedly consider a bid for RB Leipzig forward Dani Olmo if Mykhailo Mudryk opts to sign for Arsenal.SunSport revealed on Friday that Shakhtar Donetsk star Mudryk, 22, is currently torn between the two London clubs.
    Chelsea are being linked with RB Leipzig forward Dani OlmoCredit: Getty
    Graham Potter’s men are keen to secure the £88million man’s services after a late bid to hijack the Gunners’ deal.
    However, they could still miss out on the Ukrainian and be forced to look elsewhere for alternatives.
    It comes amid several injury concerns for Chelsea with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount all suffering fitness issues.
    According to The Mail, Leipzig man Olmo is a target should Mudryk choose Arsenal.
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    The Spain international, 24, who played at the World Cup in Qatar, has contributed 19 goals and 22 assists in 106 appearances for the German club since arriving in 2020.
    Making his international debut while still at Dinamo Zagreb three years ago, Olmo has already racked up 29 caps for his country and bagged five goals.
    A product of the Barcelona youth set-up, he was linked with a return to the Nou Camp in 2021 – as well as a move to Manchester United.
    His current contract with Leipzig runs until 2024.
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    Meanwhile, a cheaper option for Chelsea is thought to be Borussia Monchengladbach’s Marcus Thuram.
    The France star, 25, is out of contract in the summer and being looked at by both the Blues and Man Utd.
    Potter has already signed three new players in the January window – David Datro Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Audrey Santos.
    The ex-Brighton boss will be hoping the arrivals can help boost morale with the club currently languishing in 10th place in the Premier League.
    Following their 1-0 league defeat at home to Manchester City on Thursday, they face them yet again on Sunday in the third round of the FA Cup – this time at the Etihad.
    Mykhailo Mudryk is wanted by both Chelsea and ArsenalCredit: Getty More

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    Mykhailo Mudryk TORN between Arsenal and Chelsea with Premier League pair embroiled in £88m January transfer battle

    MYKHAILO MUDRYK is split over joining Arsenal or Chelsea – triggering a fierce two-way battle between the Premier League giants.The two London rivals are slugging it out for the Shakhtar Donetsk winger with an £88 million price on his head.
    Mykhailo Mudryk is split over a move to Arsenal or ChelseaCredit: Getty
    The Ukrainian club’s top brass are in the capital meeting representatives of both clubs to try to seal a deal during this month’s transfer window.
    Chelsea have offered to outbid any rival offer.
    It was initially believed that the player preferred a move to play for Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.
    But it has emerged that Mudryk is now torn between that and joining Graham Potter’s slow-burn revolution at Stamford Bridge.
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    Arsenal promises a trophy after just half a season with them five points clear at the top of the table.
    But Chelsea are selling themselves on a ticket to long-term success and a return to greatness under new owner Todd Boehly. 
    Shakhtar’s sporting director Darijo Srna and CEO Serhii Palkin have been holding talks.
    And they were in Boehly’s VIP box to see Chelsea lose at home to Manchester City on Thursday night.
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    Meanwhile, Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling has pulled a hamstring and faces time out on the club’s growing sick list.
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    Sterling underwent a scan today and the full extent of the injury will not be known for around 24 hours.
    But he looks certain to join the nine other first teamers on the treatment table.
    Those include fellow new-crock Christian Pulisic after he hobbled off after taking a whack in a crunching tackle from City defender John Stones. More

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    Liverpool ‘fear Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez transfer could ruin their bid to land Jude Bellingham’

    LIVERPOOL are reportedly concerned that Enzo Fernandez’s transfer to Chelsea could price them out of a move to land Jude Bellingham. Chelsea are in talks to sign Fernandez, 21, in a move which will almost certainly eclipse £100million.
    Chelsea’s pursuit of Enzo Fernandez has left Liverpool concernedCredit: Getty
    They fear it may price them out of a move for Jude BellinghamCredit: Getty
    However, with the Blues first bid being rejected by Benfica – with the Portuguese side wanting his buyout clause paid up front in full – Liverpool are getting sweaty under the collar.
    Writing for CaughtOffside, Christian Falk said Jurgen Klopp’s side were “a little afraid” about the repercussion’s of the deal.
    He said: “I heard that Liverpool are taking a good look at what is happening between Chelsea and Enzo Fernández.
    “They’re waiting to see if someone covers his release clause, as it can then be used as a benchmark for Bellingham.
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    “If you see that Enzo Fernández is going for this amount of money to a club like Chelsea, everyone will say ‘okay, what is the price of Bellingham then?’ because he’s an English player and had a really good World Cup.
    “It won’t be less, perhaps a little bit more because he’s English.
    “They’re a little afraid of this potential deal and they’re keeping a close eye on whether it will affect Bellingham’s asking price. So, it’s good for Dortmund if this happens.”
    Falk revealed Liverpool’s summer budget will be between £200-250m.
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    And with a deal for Bellingham already being earmarked to be as much £125m, Fernandez going for similar money could see the Englishman’s value skyrocket.
    There is hope for Liverpool that a pre-agreement could be struck with Borussia Dortmund this month, according to Falk.
    However, the situation regarding the owners putting the club up for sale has caused doubt over the ability of the Reds to make a deal swiftly.
    That being said, Bellingham will almost certainly move on in the summer.
    Falk added: “There’s not much in the way of hope that Jude Bellingham will stay at Borussia Dortmund.
    “There isn’t a clause in his current contract allowing him to leave in the summer but they told him that if there’s a big opportunity for him (to leave), he can do that.
    “They have to talk, if he wants to talk. I think they will have to talk. I noted on Twitter a few weeks ago that his father is very keen on the prospect of his boy going to Liverpool.”
    Liverpool also still face competition for Bellingham from the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City and Manchester United, while Chelsea also retain an interest of their own.
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    While Chelsea remain in discussions to sign Fernandez, it has not stopped them making other additions.
    18-year-old Andrey Santos was just announced as their latest signing, making him the third arrival to Stamford Bridge after Benoit Badiashile and David Datro Fofana. More

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    Tottenham fans all say the same thing as footage emerges of Ndombele appearing to row with Napoli boss

    TANGUY NDOMBELE appeared to engage in a heated argument with his Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti last night.The Frenchman is on loan with the Serie A side from Tottenham until the end of the season.

    Tanguy Ndombele appeared to argue with his managerCredit: BT Sport
    The Frenchman didn’t back down when confronted by his managerCredit: Rex
    Napoli possess an option to make Ndombele’s transfer permanent at the end of the season for around £26.5million.
    But after his exchange with Spalletti, Spurs supporters are pessimistic that the Italian table toppers will take them up on the deal.
    The Neapolitans fell to their first defeat of the season last night, going down 1-0 to champions Inter Milan.
    Ndombele began the match on the bench, before replacing Frank Anguissa with just 14 minutes to go.
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    He was unable to help his side find an equaliser during his cameo, and appeared to frustrate his boss in the process.
    In a clip shown on BT Sport, a visibly frustrated Spalletti gesticulated with his arms and seemed to ask Ndombele: “Why you stay there?”
    The midfielder waved his arms and appeared to answer back to his manager, before animatedly pointing across the pitch.
    He then turned his back on Spalletti, shrugging his shoulders as he walked off.
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    After watching the clip, one Tottenham fan wrote: “It’s not looking good for selling him permanently.”
    To which another responded: “It’s gonna take a miracle.”
    Another added: “I don’t think Napoli will be making Tanguy Ndombele’s deal permanent…”
    A further supporter moaned: “It’s getting to the point we’re gonna have to terminate his contract.
    “He’s not good enough to play in any top league, and teams outside of them won’t pay his wages.”
    Spurs smashed their transfer record to sign Ndombele for £65m back in 2019.
    He made 91 appearances for Spurs over the following two-and a-half years – representing five managers in the process, including caretaker Ryan Mason.
    His final appearance came in an FA Cup tie against Morecambe 12 months ago.
    He was booed by his own fans that day, as he walked off the pitch with his side trailing the League One strugglers 1-0 with 21 minutes left.
    A loan return to former club Lyon followed in the second half of last season, before he joined Napoli on a temporary deal last summer.
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    He has made 19 appearances for the Serie A side this season, but has only completed 90 minutes once.
    Ndombele remains contracted to Tottenham until 2025.
    Ndombele, 25, was booed off by Spurs fans during an FA Cup tie against Morecambe last seasonCredit: Reuters More

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    Enzo Fernandez ‘AXED from Benfica squad for next game’ as Chelsea haggle over £106m transfer fee

    BENFICA have reportedly axed Enzo Fernandez for their next game amid links to Chelsea.The World Cup winner returned to the team in their 3-0 defeat to Braga before flying home to Argentina for New Year’s celebrations.
    Enzo Fernandez will not play a part in Benfica’s next matchCredit: EPA
    That angered manager Roger Schmidt who claimed the midfielder may have played his last game for Benfica.
    Schmidt is set to leave Fernandez out of Benfica’s next match against Portimonense, reports A Bola.
    It comes after the Benfica boss slammed Chelsea for turning Fernandez’s head by submitting a “disrespectful” bid.
    Chelsea were negotiating over Fernandez’s whopping £106million buyout clause but saw their offer of cash plus players rejected by the Portuguese giants – who want the cash up front.
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    Fernandez is said to have informed Benfica that he wishes to leave the Stadio da Luz, much to the annoyance of manager Schmidt.
    And he has reportedly agreed personal terms with Chelsea ahead of the move.

    The Blues submitted an offer worth £112m which was to be paid in three installments.
    But Benfica snubbed the bid, demanding his buyout clause be paid up front.
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    Schmidt said of Chelsea’s pursuit: “We don’t want to sell Enzo. There is a club who wants our player.
    “They know we don’t want to sell the player [and] they tried to get the player on their side and they know that they can only get this player when they pay the [release] clause.
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    “So it’s a very clear situation for what the club is doing who want to buy Enzo.
    “It’s disrespectful against all of us, against Benfica. And I cannot accept what they are doing.” More

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    Jack Butland hails ‘top class’ David de Gea and Tom Heaton after completing loan transfer to Man Utd

    JACK BUTLAND is excited at the prospect of working with David De Gea and Tom Heaton after joining Manchester United on loan.The goalkeeper agreed to join the Red Devils for the remainder of the season after Martin Dubravka was recalled by Newcastle.
    Jack Butland has joined Manchester United on loan
    Butland is excited at the prospect of working with David De Gea and Tom Heaton
    And he is looking forward to working alongside “top class” keepers and helping United achieve their goals this season.
    He spoke to United’s media team after the move was confirmed and he revealed how proud he was to sign for the club.
    Butland said: “This is an amazing club and one that I am now proud to represent.
    “I’m really looking forward to working with an unbelievable goalkeeping group, supporting each other every day to create the best training and playing environment for the team.
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    “I’ve played against David De Gea and represented England alongside Tom Heaton; they are top-class keepers.
    “I am relishing the opportunity to compete alongside and support them as team-mates.
    “There is a lot that this group can achieve this season and I’m excited to play my part in helping everyone to reach these ambitions.”
    Ten Hag confirmed Butland’s arrival on Thursday and spoke of the importance of having three senior goalies in the squad.
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    The Dutchman said: “We have some young ones and they do well but we have so many games so you need three good goalies in training but also when problems are coming you need experience in goal to get what you are aiming for.
    “I’m really happy with David, it’s quite clear, he’s our No1, he’s a really good performer but there’s always something that can happen with David as well and you have to be prepared for that.
    “Last year I had a situation with Ajax where we had three goalies injured and you don’t want a position that you play for trophies and you have to put in a young keeper.
    “It can kill your season. That’s what you have to be prepared for.” More