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    Aston Villa and Everton in Moussa Dembele transfer battle with Lyon’s outcast striker available on cut-price deal

    ASTON VILLA and Everton are reportedly battling it out for the signature of Lyon’s Moussa Dembele. According to Foot Mercato the two Premier League sides are hoping they can attract the Frenchman after seeing him fall out of favour across the Channel.
    Moussa Dembele has made 159 appearances for Lyon, scoring 69 goals, but has found himself out of the team
    Dembele, 26, has only managed two goals in the Ligue 1 this season so far and has not been able to live up to his previous heights.
    The former Celtic man – who has long been linked with Manchester United – is available for a cut-price free with his contract set to expire in the summer.
    Everton are struggling for goals this season and have had long-standing injury issues with striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who himself has only scored once this season in the league.
    Dembele would offer a different attacking option for Frank Lampard’s side who are languishing in the relegation zone.
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    Meanwhile, Aston Villa are in talks to sell Danny Ings to West Ham for around £15million.
    Unai Emery’s side did secure the signing of Colombian teen Jhon Duran this week.
    But Dembele would represent a ready-made replacement for Ings as the Villans look to continue to progress under the former Villarreal boss.
    Villa are rumoured to prefer a free transfer for the Lyon forward in the summer when is contract expires, but may have to change their opinion in light of Everton’s interest.
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    Lyon are said to be open to allowing Dembele to move away from the club in a transfer.
    The 26-year-old had a loan spell with Atletico Madrid in 2021, but failed to impress, making only seven appearances and failing to score.
    Former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette is currently the starting forward for Lyon, taking Dembele’s place, and has impressed on his return to the French outfit with 11 goals in 19 league appearances this season. More

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    Nottingham Forest line up double transfer swoop for Newcastle’s Chris Wood and Croatia World Cup hero Dominik Livakovic

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST are looking to bring in both Chris Wood and Dominik Livakovic to reinforce injury-hit squad. Steve Cooper’s side are reportedly trying to make additions both upfront and in goal in their bid to push further away from the relegation zone.
    Chris Wood is yet to complete a full 90 minutes for Newcastle in the league this season
    Dominik Livakovic played every minute of every game for Croatia in the World Cup
    The Forest boss is currently without Taiwo Awoiniyi and Dean Henderson due to injury and is desperate to replace them to maintain their recent upsurge in form.
    The Athletic report that the club are close to sealing a loan move for Newcastle striker Wood who has fallen out of favour at St James’ Park behind Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak.
    The 31-year-old New Zealand international is said to be likely to join on an initial loan with an option for Forest to sign the forward permanently.
    Wood’s time at Newcastle has been short and uninspiring having managed just five goals in 39 appearances since a £25million move from Burnley a year ago.
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    Meanwhile Manchester United loanee Henderson picked up a thigh injury in the 2-0 victory over Leicester at the weekend and Forest fear it could keep him out for a while.
    Henderson’s switch from United expires in the summer and, with David De Gea yet to sign a new contract at Old Trafford, Forest may struggle to get him permanently.
    And, according to Germanijak, Dinamo Zagreb goalkeeper Livakovic is viewed as a perfect replacement.
    The Croatian international stunned with his performances in the World Cup and helped his country finish third in the tournament.
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    The 28-year-old is reportedly available for a transfer fee of around £8million and Forest are said to be leading the race for his signature.
    Back-up goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey is expected to start for Forest in their clash against Bournemouth at the weekend, who by contrast has a terrible World Cup after his red card against Iran. More

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    Ilkay Gundogan ‘AGREES to join Barcelona in free transfer at end of season’ after seven years at Man City

    ILKAY GUNDOGAN is set to join Barcelona in the summer, reports claim.Reports in Spain say the 32-year-old will leave Manchester City when his contract expires at the end of the season.
    Ilkay Gundogan is set to join Barcelona at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
    Gundogan has an agreement in place to join the LaLiga giants, according to Spanish outlet El Chiringuito.
    He has been free to talk to overseas clubs since January 1st as he is in the final six months of his contract.
    The German midfielder has played 278 games for Manchester City since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2016.
    He was the first signing of the Pep Guardiola era.
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    But he is alleged to want a new challenge when his current deal comes to an end.
    Gundogan was elected as club captain for the current campaign by his City team-mates after Fernandinho left.
    He has won four Premier League titles, four League Cups and the FA Cup during his time at the Etihad.
    But, with his contract expiring, Gundogan has been linked with a move in recent weeks.
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    And cash-strapped Barcelona appear to have won the race for his signature.
    The club’s lack of finances means they have been targeting free transfers.
    Frank Kessie, Marcos Alonso, Hector Bellerin and Andreas Christensen all joined Barca for free last summer.
    Barca also looked at signing N’Golo Kante, another star who is out of contract at the end of the season, according to the Telegraph.
    But the Frenchman appears set to extend his deal with Chelsea, with the Spaniards now moving for Gundogan. More

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    Trossard vs Mudryk: How cut-price Brighton star compares to Chelsea’s mega-money signing as Arsenal close in on transfer

    ARSENAL are hoping to sign Mykhailo Mudryk alternative Leandro Trossard in a cut-price deal from Brighton.The Gunners missed out on the Ukraine wonderkid with London rivals Chelsea securing his signature.
    Arsenal are negotiating for TrossardCredit: Getty
    Chelsea snatched Mudryk away from ArsenalCredit: PA
    Chelsea forked out upwards of £88million on the electric winger, who has penned an eight-and-a-half year deal.
    Wantaway Brighton star Trossard, 28, is seen as a possible alternative to Mudryk, with Mikel Arteta’s men leading the Premier League after 18 games played.
    The Belgium international is out of favour on the South Coast amid a public spat with manager Roberto De Zerbi.
    Italian De Zerbi criticised Trossard, whose deal expires in the summer, for his attitude.
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    Discussions with Arsenal remain ongoing, but are at an advanced stage, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
    But how does Trossard compare to Mudryk?
    Well, since the start of the 2021 season, Trossard has played 27 more games than the 22-year-old.
    Trossard has also played 2,593 minutes more than the Chelsea new boy.
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    Mudryk’s stats are better per 90
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    The experienced Prem winger has netted 15 times in those 50 appearances, averaging 0.3 goals per 90.
    On top of his 15 strikes, Trossard registered five assists, which works out at 0.1.

    Mudryk, meanwhile, has just nine goals in the Ukrainian league, but per 90 has proved to be more productive at 0.39.
    The ex-Shakhtar Donetsk ace registered 13 assists in 23 games, working out at 0.56 per 90.
    Combined, Mudryk has 0.95 goals/assists per 90, compared to Trossard’s 0.4.
    While the stats don’t lie, it’s worth noting Trossard has been operating in a far tougher league during that time.
    But Mudryk’s stats are among the reasons why new manager Graham Potter is excited to work with him.
    Following the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace last weekend, the Chelsea boss said on his new signing: “You’re never surprised in the transfer window because things happen sometimes like you don’t expect.
    “He (Mudryk) is a young player with a big future.
    “He’s exciting, one-versus-one, can threaten the goal. I think our supporters already like him.
    “I’m the head coach and as you know, I’ve had enough to worry about and what is right for the club.
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    “If I’m here for the length of his contract, I’ll be happy.”
    Meanwhile, Arsenal fans are divided over the potential arrival of Trossard. More

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    Jude Bellingham’s team ‘tell Real Madrid they are in talks with Liverpool’ over stunning transfer

    JUDE BELLINGHAM’S team have told Real Madrid that they are in talks with Liverpool, according to reports.The Borussia Dortmund star is one of the most in-demand players in Europe.
    Jude Bellingham is likely to leave Borussia Dortmund this summerCredit: Getty
    Bellingham, 19, is under contract with the Bundesliga side until 2025.
    But he is likely to leave in the summer.
    The ex-Birmingham City starlet is being chased by the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.
    It’s Liverpool and Real Madrid that are at the front of queue, however.
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    The latter are reportedly in talks with Bellingham’s team over a transfer.
    But they have now been warned that conversations are also happening with Jurgen Klopp’s Reds.
    Former player and football insider Jan Aage Fjortoft tweeted: “Re: Jude Bellingham
    “I understand Team Bellingham have told Real Madrid they are talking to Liverpool too.
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    “At the moment “no favourites”. As they at this stage are investigating their options.”
    Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti previously distanced his side from a move for Bellingham.
    He said: “Bellingham has shown at the World Cup that he is a great midfielder, but so have others.
    “Enzo Fernandez has played very well. Gavi and Pedri as well.
    “Bellingham is one of those very good midfielders, but I’ll stick with the ones we have.”
    The Dortmund star hasn’t played in a competitive match since England’s World Cup quarter-final elimination to France.
    Bundesliga action will finally resume this weekend, with Dortmund set to host Augsburg on Sunday. More

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    Arsenal fans split on Leandro Trossard transfer with many annoyed as Brighton outcast trends on Twitter

    ARSENAL fans are divided over the potential transfer of Leandro Trossard.The Gunners are reportedly in advanced talks to sign the Brighton winger but are yet to agree a fee.
    Arsenal fans are split on the potential signing of Leandro TrossardCredit: PA
    But some Arsenal supporters feel Trossard, 28, is too old after the Gunners missed out on 22-year-old Mykhailo Mudryk to Chelsea.
    Frustrated fans have made their feelings known – so much so that “he’s 28” began to trend on Twitter.
    One fan said: “The key is that he’s 28, fallen out with the manager badly and has contract ending in summer with one year option. You can get a Kvara, Mitoma or Gnoto for less than £10million if scouted properly. He has no resale value and would never be a starter. We can’t let Brighton skin us on this.”
    Another added: “He’s 28 and we don’t need forward anymore.”
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    And a third said: “He’s 28, not fast, can disrupt the flow in the dressing room with disciplinary issues the only advantage is that he plays both wings comfortably. This is a panic buy.”
    But the majority fans are happy with Arsenal’s pursuit of Trossard as they feel he can make an impact in their title push with the Belgian able to play several positions.
    Trossard has scored seven goals in 16 Premier League games this season but has fallen out with Seagulls manager Roberto De Zerbi so could be on the move.
    One Arsenal fans dismissed worries about his age, saying: “He’s 28 he’s in his best years, got PL experience and a decent player for £20m it’s a no brainer surely.”
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    Another added: “Trossard is a baller I don’t care if he’s 28. We need readymade players for the next six months. This is probably the best chance to win the league we will get, even if we do complete again. It’s on a plate for us.”
    A third said: “He’s 28?? three to four years left in him! Why is it short-term? Can play anywhere across the front three. Premier League ready! Scores and assists, presses brilliantly.”
    And another remarked: “‘But he’s 28’ some of our fanbase are clowns.” More

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    Tottenham ‘launch Nicolo Zaniolo loan transfer offer with obligation to buy’ but face competition from Prem rivals

    TOTTENHAM are interested in signing Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo on loan with an obligation to buy, reports suggest.However, Spurs will be facing competition from Premier League rivals West Ham as well as Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.
    Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo has been linked with a loan move to TottenhamCredit: Getty
    That is according to transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, who reports that the Giallorossi are open to selling the playmaker in the January transfer window.
    The Italy international has just 18 months left in his contract and Roma chiefs have debated about whether to extend his deal.
    Tottenham have been keeping tabs on the 23-year-old since August and their interest persists.
    The North Londoners’ managing director Fabio Paratici has proposed a loan deal with an obligation to buy as long as certain terms are met.
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    West Ham are also eyeing the Italian after finding themselves in a relegation battle in the Premier League.
    And Dortmund are still looking to bolster their attack after losing star striker Erling Haaland to Manchester City last summer.

    However, Roma have slapped a €40million (£35m) release clause and won’t accept any offers below €35m (£31m).
    In fact, Jose Mourinho’s side are already monitoring potential replacements in case Zaniolo leaves mid-season.
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    The versatile midfielder has amassed a total of two goals and three assists in 17 appearances across all competitions this season.
    The ex-Inter Milan star joined Roma in 2018 and has since registered 24 goals and 18 assists in 128 matches. More

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    Newcastle interested in Dominic Calvert-Lewin transfer with £35m Everton star on list of new striker targets

    NEWCASTLE are interested in Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin – with Eddie Howe eyeing a £35million move.The Toffees striker has had a torrid season, scoring just once as he battles a number of niggling injuries.
    Dominic Calvert-Lewin has struggled to keep fit at Everton this seasonCredit: Getty
    Frank Lampard’s side – who are 19th in the Premier League – are struggling on and off the pitch amid a fan mutiny.
    And SunSport understands Everton are bracing themselves for bids for their star England striker.

    Newcastle want the 25-year-old this month but would be willing to wait until the summer if a deal can’t be reached.
    And a space in the squad for a striker could open up at St James’ Park with Chris Wood a target for Nottingham Forest.
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    A source said: “Calvert-Lewin is at right at the top of the list of targets Newcastle have.
    “They were interested in him last summer, and that interest remains.
    “They think he could be a striker that could help take them to the next level both in the league, and in Europe.”
    Calvert-Lewin has already missed nine games this season as he battles a knee injury.
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    However, he is back and trying to get Everton out of their on-field crisis as their season implodes.
    Meanwhile, Lampard is understood to have told the Toffees board he must keep his top players if they want to stay up.
    There is interest in Jordan Pickford and Anthony Gordon alongside Calvert-Lewin during this window.
    All three are expected to quit the club if they were to be relegated to the Championship.
    That moved a step closer on Saturday after a shocking 2-1 defeat at home to Southampton. More