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    Man City ‘are weighing up a transfer for Real Madrid star Ferland Mendy but face competition from PSG’

    MANCHESTER CITY are reportedly weighing up a move for Real Madrid ace Ferland Mendy.According to Sport, City consider Mendy as a transfer priority as they are still looking for a quality left-back.
    Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are believed to be targeting Real Madrid ace Ferland MendyCredit: Getty
    But the reigning Premier League champions are facing competition from Paris Saint-Germain, who also need to strengthen their defence.
    The France international is a key starter for Real manager Carlo Ancelotti.
    However, Los Blancos are not prioritising a new contract for the 27-year-old, whose deal runs out in 2025.
    And the Spanish champions are reportedly looking to sign Bayern Munich star left-back Alphonso Davies.
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    Therefore, the Madrid giants are open to listening to offers for Mendy.
    However, Real won’t consider any bid less than £44m, which is the amount they paid to sign him from Lyon in 2019.
    But Ancelotti’s side is not keen on selling to a direct Champions League rival.
    City manager Pep Guardiola has had to resort to playing right-back Joao Cancelo on the left.
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    PSG boss Christophe Galtier, on the other hand, has not been convinced by either Juan Bernat or Nuno Mendes.
    Real, though, are preparing for Mendy’s potential exit as they are also targeting Rayo Vallecano’s Fran Garcia and Girona’s Miguel Gutierrez along with Davies. More

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    Arsenal icon Thierry Henry ‘wants to return to management with Belgium despite deal being worth less than Martinez’s’

    ARSENAL legend Thierry Henry wants to become the next Belgium manager… and is open to a pay cut, reports suggest.The Belgian national team is looking for its next manager after Roberto Martinez’s resignation following a disastrous 2022 World Cup campaign.
    Thierry Henry has been working as Belgium’s assistant managerCredit: Getty
    Arsenal legend Thierry Henry now wants to take over as Belgium managerCredit: The Mega Agency
    The Red Devils’ dwindling golden generation was knocked out of the group stages following some poor results and reports of backstage turmoil.
    According to HLN, assistant manager Henry wants to succeed Martinez and carry the national team out of its current slump.
    The legendary striker initially joined the team’s coaching staff in 2016 and helped then finish third in the 2018 World Cup.
    But the 45-year-old then pursued a management career of his own as he took over at Monaco but only lasted for three months.
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    The Frenchman then tried his luck in the MLS at Montreal Impact but left two years later as he wanted to be closer to his family in London.
    Despite his limited experience, Henry wants the top job in Belgium even though he is set for a lower salary.

    Martinez earned around €3million (£2.7m) per year, including bonuses.
    The same report from Belgium claims the ex-Everton boss’ replacement will “almost certainly” make even less.
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    That means the Arsenal record goalscorer would bag even less than what he has earned as a pundit at Sky Sports and CBS, who have paid him around €5m (£4.4m) per year.
    However, the ex-Barcelona star is not being deterred by that and has already informed the federation informally without officially applying.
    The likes of Romelu Lukaku and Toby Alderweireld are very positive about Henry but it is unknown how the rest of the core team feels about him.
    However, the France great inspires a lot of respect due to his successful playing career despite his previous coaching spells being short-lived. More

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    N’Golo Kante ‘nearing new Chelsea contract’ in U-turn after shock transfer links with Arsenal and Tottenham

    N’GOLO KANTE is reportedly closing in on a new Chelsea contract.That’s despite shock links with London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham.
    N’Golo Kante is closing in on a new Chelsea deal after a U-turnCredit: AFP
    Kante’s current Blues deal expires this summer.
    And previous reports claimed he was set to become a free agent after a string of injuries.
    Despite being eyed by clubs across Europe, Kante’s preference was to remain in London.
    That put Arsenal and Spurs on red alert, with both sides looking for midfield reinforcements.
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    But Foot Mercato claims Kante and Chelsea have had a change of heart.
    Despite his recent injury setbacks, Graham Potter and Todd Boehly are now keen on keeping Kante in west London.
    Likewise, the player is happy to stay put at Stamford Bridge.
    And a new long-term deal until 2026 is now on the table, with the wages coming close close to Kante’s original demands.
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    Chelsea’s new offer also includes various bonuses based on appearances, of which Kante has made just two this season.
    The player is thought to be quietly pleased with the deal, but has asked for several days to consider it.
    Should Kante opt against it, he could end up joining Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.
    Ronnie’s new side Al-Nassr are said to be monitoring Kante’s situation and could pounce with a stunning wage offer.
    That’s despite already paying Ronaldo a world-record £173million a year.
    Kante has been at Chelsea since 2016 following a £32m move from then-champions Leicester.
    He led the Blues to the title in his first season before landing an FA Cup and Europa League.
    But Kante’s defining moment came when his man-of-the-match performances helped Chelsea secure a second Champions League in 2021. More

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    Chelsea step up Mudryk transfer with Shakhtar Donetsk director seen in Todd Boehly’s personal box during Man City game

    CHELSEA have stepped up their pursuit of wonderkid Mykhailo Mudryk with Shakhtar Donetsk’s director seen in Todd Boehly’s plush personal box.Darijo Srna is in London to discuss the future of the 22-year-old with both Chelsea and Arsenal interested.
    Shakhtar chief Darijo Srna is in Boehly’s personal box at ChelseaCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
    Srna is holding talks with clubs over Mudryk’s futureCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
    Boehly is attempting to hijack a deal for the 22-year-oldCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
    Srna also had dinner with former Shakhtar and Arsenal players Willian and EduardoCredit: Twitter
    Arsenal have already seen an offer worth £62million knocked back.
    Srna also had dinner with former Shakhtar and Gunners stars Willian and Eduardo before heading to Chelsea vs Manchester City.
    But at Stamford Bridge, Srna was sitting in Blues owner Boehly’s personal box for the Premier League clash.
    Chelsea are attempting to hijack Arsenal’s move for Mudryk with Boehly willing to back boss Graham Potter in the transfer market this month.
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    However, Mudryk has been keeping a watchful eye on Arsenal in particular.
    The Ukraine wonderkid watched on an iPad as Mikel Arteta’s men brushed West Ham aside on Boxing Day with a 3-1 win.
    Ahead of Arsenal’s New Year’s Eve clash with Brighton, Mudryk expressed his admiration for Arteta and his former Shakhtar boss Roberto De Zerbi, who is now in charge on the South Coast.
    De Zerbi then tipped Mudryk as a potential future Ballon d’Or winner.
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    And in his latest social media antics, Mudryk liked a mocked up post of him behind bars with the caption calling for him to be freed.
    But it appears he has now unliked the post.
    Mudryk is a target of Arsenal and ChelseaCredit: Getty More

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    Aston Villa closing in on £15million swoop for Real Betis star Alex Moreno as Unai Emery tries to put his stamp on team

    UNAI EMERY is closing in on a £15million swoop for Real Betis left back Alex Moreno.The 29-year-old is regarded as the best uncapped left-back in LaLiga and is highly rated by Emery who admires his defensive discipline as well as his attacking qualities.
    Aston Villa are closing in on Real Betis ace Alex MorenoCredit: Getty
    Villa have informed Betis of their interest and sources in Spain have reported talks between the clubs are ongoing, with Betis already sounding out potential replacements if Moreno does leave.
    The defender was surprisingly left out of Betis’ 4-1 victory against Ibiza in the Copa del Rey yesterday, with fans fearing Moreno could be Villa bound.
    Moreno came close to joining Nottingham Forest for £9m in the summer, only to perform an 11th hour U-turn after fans begged him to stay.
    However, the chance to work with Villa’s high-profile Spanish coach Emery is more appealing to the vastly experienced defender who won the Copa del Rey with Betis last season.
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    Moreno has made 121 appearances for Betis in all competitions since signing from Rayo Vallecano for £6m in 2019 on a five-year-deal.
    There could also be a player on his way out of Villa Park this month.
    Striker Danny Ings is attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs.
    Relegation strugglers Everton are said to have had a loan move rejected by Villa.
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    The 30-year-old has had to settle for mostly bench appearances this term.
    But came to Emery’s rescue on Wednesday night when he snatched a point with a late goal against Wolves. More

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    Arsenal face paying more than £85m for Mykhailo Mudryk hints Shakhtar Donetsk chief – and Man Utd could be to blame

    ARSENAL look like they will have to fork out over £85million for Mykhailo Mudryk – and it could be Manchester United’s fault.The Premier League leaders have been chasing Shakhtar Donetsk’s wonderkid, 22, for several months.
    Arsenal have been told what it will take to sign Mykhaylo Mudryk from Shakhtar DonetskCredit: Getty
    Arsenal have submitted an offer worth £62m, but it was well below the Ukrainian side’s asking price.
    Chelsea have also registered an interest in the Shakhtar winger in recent days.
    However, now both clubs have been offered an insight into what it will take to get the winger this month.
    Shakhtar Donetsk’s sporting director Carlo Nicolini has hinted that United, who splashed out £85m to Ajax for Antony, are to blame for lengthy negotiations as Mudryk is “stronger” than the Brazilian.
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    Nicolini told CalcioNapoli 24: “Given that we have no need for transfers, we said in due time that we evaluate the player stronger than some other profiles, such as Antony.
    “This is the benchmark.
    “The problem is that Italian clubs don’t take advantage of opportunities, like Milan with Enzo Fernandez, who is now worth over £100million.
    “When you arrive in time on a player you have to sink the shot, otherwise the prices change.”
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    Mudryk seems to be keeping a watchful eye over developments at Arsenal in particular.
    Mudryk watched on an iPad as Mikel Arteta’s men brushed West Ham aside on Boxing Day with a 3-1 win.
    He then expressed his admiration for Arteta and his former Shakhtar boss Roberto De Zerbi, who is now in charge on the South Coast, during the Gunners’ 4-2 win at the Seagulls on New Year’s Eve.
    And in his latest social media antics, Mudryk liked a mocked up post of him behind bars with the caption calling for him to be freed – however he now appears to have unliked it.
    Antony, 22, has managed five goals and two assists in his 17 games so far for United.
    Meanwhile, Mudryk has ten goals and eight assists in 18 games for Shakhtar this season.
    Man Utd forked out £85m to Ajax for Antony during the summerCredit: Getty More

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    Major Mudryk transfer update as Shakhtar Donetsk director dines with ex-Arsenal stars before attending Chelsea match

    SHAKHTAR DONETSK’s director dined with ex-Arsenal stars Willian and Eduardo before attending Chelsea vs Manchester City with Mykhailo Mudryk’s future set to be discussed. Mudryk, 22, is a transfer target for both London clubs, with Premier League leaders Arsenal already seeing an offer worth £62million knocked back.
    Shakhtar’s director with Eduardo and Willian in LondonCredit: Twitter
    Mudryk is a target of Arsenal and ChelseaCredit: Getty
    Arsenal aren’t expected to give up on their pursuit of Mudryk despite seeing an opening offer knocked back, with further talks set to take place with Shakhtar’s director, Darijo Srna, in London.
    Srna sat down for dinner with former Shakhtar and Arsenal stars Willian and Eduardo before attending Chelsea’s Premier League clash with defending champions Man City on Thursday night.
    Willian also has ties to the Blues having spent seven years at Stamford Bridge.
    According to Fabrizio Romano, a deal for Mudryk “has been and will be discussed in the next days again in England”.
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    Mudryk has been keeping a watchful eye on Arsenal in particular.
    The Ukraine wonderkid watched on an iPad as Mikel Arteta’s men brushed West Ham aside on Boxing Day with a 3-1 win.
    Ahead of Arsenal’s New Year’s Eve clash with Brighton, Mudryk expressed his admiration for Arteta and his former Shakhtar boss Roberto De Zerbi, who is now in charge on the South Coast.
    De Zerbi then tipped Mudryk as a potential future Ballon d’Or winner.
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    And in his latest social media antics, Mudryk liked a mocked up post of him behind bars with the caption calling for him to be freed.
    But it appears he has now unliked the post. More

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    Erik ten Hag confirms Man Utd’s first January transfer as club make surprise move for England goalkeeper Jack Butland

    MANCHESTER UNITED boss Erik ten Hag has confirmed his first signing of the January transfer window.Goalkeeper Jack Butland is set to join the Red Devils on loan.
    Erik ten Hag has confirmed Man Utd’s first signing of the transfer windowCredit: Getty
    Jack Butland is set to join the Red Devils on loanCredit: Getty
    Erik ten Hag has moved for a new backup for David De Gea and Tom Heaton after Martin Dubravka was recalled by Newcastle early.
    Crystal Palace goalie Butland, 29, will be the Dutchman’s first winter signing.
    Butland has been capped nine times by England and was in the Three Lions’ squad for the 2018 World Cup.
    He underwent a medical at Carrington on Thursday ahead of joining the Red Devils on loan until the end of the season, according to The Athletic.
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    Ten Hag stressed the need to have “three experienced goalkeepers” in his squad.
    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.
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    “It can kill your season. That’s what you have to be prepared for.”
    Butland played a key role in Palace’s run to the FA Cup semi-finals last season.
    But he has made only 10 Premier League appearances since joining the club in October 2020.
    The stopper has not been a Premier League regular since he was relegated with Stoke in 2018.
    He has been on the bench twice for Palace this season, missing the majority of the campaign with an injury he picked up against the Red Devils in pre-season. More