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      How Liverpool shocked dawdling Man Utd and beat them to Cody Gakpo transfer despite Red Devils’ MONTHS of preparation

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      LIVERPOOL have beaten Manchester United in the race for World Cup star Cody Gakpo.And victory will taste even sweeter for Jurgen Klopp after his dawdling rivals were left shocked by Liverpool’s swiftness.
      Cody Gakpo is on his way to Liverpool after months of links with Man UtdCredit: EPA
      Speed was of the essence for Jurgen Klopp as he convinced Liverpool’s boardCredit: Rex
      Erik ten Hag has been left empty-handed after chasing Gakpo since the summerCredit: Getty
      But Klopp’s stunning £37million swoop wasn’t even being talked about before Christmas.
      Indeed, Gakpo was widely expected to link up with Erik ten Hag instead.
      His stunning performances for Holland in Qatar only served to fuel talk of an immediate switch.
      However, Gakpo is now on his way to Anfield after PSV announced an agreement.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      And Liverpool’s focused speed was the key factor in getting a deal over the line.
      Klopp has been left with a barren squad following injuries to forwards Luis Diaz, Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota.
      Mo Salah has at times been a shadow of the player he once was, while Darwin Nunez often makes Timo Werner look like George Best.
      According to Fabrizio Romano, Klopp begged Liverpool’s board to move swiftly for Gakpo in order to save the club’s season.
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      The Reds certainly hit the jackpot a year ago when they landed Diaz from Porto in a stunning January move.
      And Liverpool’s board happily obliged Klopp by giving the green light for a blitzkrieg bid.
      However, the Reds were also able to take advantage of United and their inaction over the past six months.
      Gakpo was known to be a target for then-new boss Ten Hag when he took charge last summer.

      However, United prioritised other deals while believing they could keep the forward on ice.
      Gakpo made no secret of his desire to complete a move to Old Trafford.

      But while Ten Hag continued to push, he was met with resistance by United chiefs.
      The Glazers are finally looking to pack up after years of misery.
      And a decision was made behind the scenes NOT to pursue permanent deals this winter.
      Even with Cristiano Ronaldo’s shock departure, it’s reckoned United will only make loan signings next month – if any at all.
      And that tardiness allowed Liverpool to pounce with immediate effect, while Gakpo was only too pleased to finally seal his Premier League switch.
      Ronaldo’s exit also raised the need for United to get an out-and-out No9, which versatile Gakpo is not.
      Alejandro Garnacho’s unexpected rise means the Red Devils are already well-stocked on the wings.
      And Marcus Rashford has come into his own this term for both club and country.
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      Ten Hag has been further boosted by the return of Anthony Martial from a long-term injury.
      But all eyes will be on Anfield in March when United visit in the league, with Gakpo surely determined to show Ten Hag what he missed out on. More

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      Al Nassr chief calls Cristiano Ronaldo transfer rumours ‘mostly LIES’ with ex-Man Utd star linked with £173m-a-year deal

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      AL NASSR president Musli Al-Muammar has played down reports linking Cristiano Ronaldo with a huge move to the Saudi Pro League.Ronaldo, 37, was released by Manchester United last month following his tell-all interview with Piers Morgan and he is yet to find a new club.
      Ronaldo has been linked with a move to Al NassrCredit: Getty
      Few European clubs have expressed an interest in signing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, meaning he may have to seek a move further afield.
      The Saudi Pro League is currently his expected destination, with Al Nassr reportedly willing to offer him around £173million-a-year.
      However, club president Al-Muammar has downplayed the rumours.
      According to reports in Spain, the Al Nassr chief has said that the circulating reports are “mostly a lie”.
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      Despite Al-Muammar’s claims, sporting director Marcelo Salazar has refused to deny the prospect of a transfer.
      He told Flashscore: “I’m not allowed to say yes or no.
      “Let’s wait and see how things unfold until the end of the year. 
      “As you can see, this is a negotiation of enormous magnitude, not only for the club, but for the country and for world football, and which has to be conducted by higher authorities.
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      “What I can say is that Ronaldo is one of the best in football history.
      “He has always been an example for me as an athlete, for the will he shows to win. And then, as a Portuguese citizen, I was always rooting for him.”
      Ronaldo has also been linked with a return to boyhood club Sporting Lisbon. More

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      ‘I love Arsenal’ – Chelsea transfer blow as Rafael Leao reveals Gunners fandom as he confesses Premier League dream

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      CHELSEA transfer target Rafael Leao has revealed his admiration for Arsenal.Leao, 23, is one of the most sought-after young players in Europe right now, with seven goals and nine assists for AC Milan so far this season.
      Leao has expressed his admiration for ArsenalCredit: Alamy
      His impressive form has attracted interest from numerous Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United.
      However, he recently expressed his love for Arsenal.
      In an interview with RDP Africa, Leao said: “I’ve seen a lot of games this year.
      “I like Arsenal, I think they play very well.”
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      The winger currently has 18 months remaining on his AC Milan contract, but he is yet to agree terms for a new deal.
      Chelsea are expected to submit a lucrative offer in the next few weeks worth upwards of £86million.
      Blues boss Graham Potter is understood to be eager to bolster his squad in January, with Leao the priority target.
      But, Man Utd are also interested in signing the Portuguese superstar.
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      United boss Erik ten Hag had been plotting a move for Cody Gakpo, however the Dutch winger has since agreed to join Liverpool in a shock £37m transfer.
      A statement from PSV read: “PSV and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement on the upcoming transfer of Cody Gakpo.
      “The 23-year-old attacker will immediately leave for England where he will undergo the necessary formalities to complete the transfer.
      “Both clubs are not making any announcements about the transfer fee. ‘But this is a record transfer for PSV.” More

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      Five players Man Utd could sign in January including Ramos and Felix after Liverpool hijack Cody Gakpo move

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      MANCHESTER UNITED were dealt a savage blow when Liverpool hijacked their transfer plan for Cody Gakpo.The Dutch World Cup star looked on course to join the Red Devils from PSV in January.
      Erik ten Hag is looking to add a forward to his Man Utd squadCredit: PA
      Cody Gakpo looked on course to join but is going to LiverpoolCredit: Getty
      But their rivals at Anfield swooped to agree a £37million deal for the Holland forward and steal him away from Erik ten Hag’s grasp.
      So SunSport rounds up five potential transfer targets United could land instead when the market reopens…
      Goncalo Ramos, 21, Benfica
      The Portugal striker proved he can be the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo’s throne in the national team with his World Cup heroics, in particular that hat-trick against Switzerland.
      And he may well be the heir to the throne at club level, too, as United consider another move for the Benfica man.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Ramos has 15 goals and six assists in 22 games for his club this season and those kind of figures could propel United into the top four.
      Goncalo Ramos proved he can fill Cristiano Ronaldo’s bootsCredit: Getty
      Joao Felix, 23, Atletico Madrid
      Another option could be Ramos’ Portugal pal Felix, who is expected to be on his way out of Atletico Madrid.
      The flexible forward has struggled to kick on under Diego Simeone and the LaLiga side could decide to cash in early in the New Year.
      However, the Red Devils face plenty of competition for Felix who has also been linked with Arsenal and now Chelsea.
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      Joao Felix is a target for a host of Premier League clubsCredit: Getty
      Youssoufa Moukoko, 18, Borussia Dortmund
      The Borussia Dortmund star burst on to the scene in 2020 and made his debut a day after his 16th birthday.
      He now has kicked on in the absence of Erling Haaland and Sebastien Haller with 11 goals in 44 Bundesliga appearances.
      Moukoko is out of contract at Dortmund at the end of the season but is also wanted by Chelsea.
      Youssoufa Moukoko’s contract at Borussia Dortmund expires in the summerCredit: Getty

      Dusan Vlahovic, 22, Juventus
      United need to sign a genuine No9 with the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial more effective playing off the flanks.
      And Vlahovic would certainly fit the bill – he is a goalscorer and a good one at that.
      His £70m move to Juventus from Fiorentina 12 months ago has not quite worked out as planned so United could pounce by giving the Serbian the chance to prove himself in the Premier League.
      Dusan Vlahovic may be ready to test himself in EnglandCredit: Getty
      Memphis Depay, 28, Barcelona
      United may have missed out on Gakpo but could make a shock return for fellow Holland ace Depay to Old Trafford be on the cards?
      Few would have envisaged his dramatic upturn when he left United in 2017 but Depay thrived at Lyon and earned his move to Barcelona.
      Read More on The Sun
      But the arrivals of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha this summer have limited his game time.
      So with a host of English clubs circling, Ten Hag may want to work with his Dutch compatriot who has unfinished business and a point to prove.
      Memphis Depay left United in 2017 but could a comeback be on the cards?Credit: Getty More

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      Mykhailo Mudryk hints at £52.5m Arsenal transfer as he watches Gunners in action against West Ham

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      MYKHAILO MUDRYK gave Arsenal fans another reason to cheer on Boxing Day – as he revealed he was watching the Gunners in action.Mikel Arteta’s side came from 1-0 down to complete a 3-1 comeback win over West Ham at the Emirates.
      Mykhailo Mudryk watched Arsenal take on West Ham on his iPadCredit: Instagram @mmudryk10
      The Ukrainian winger was the subject of a £52.5m bid on Boxing DayCredit: Instagram @mmudryk10
      During the game, news broke that the North Londoners had launched an initial £52.5million bid for Mudryk.
      The Gunners offered £35m up front with a further £17.5m in add-ons.
      However, it’s understood Shakhtar Donetsk want at least £60m for their exciting winger.
      But it seems Mudryk already has his eyes on Arsenal as he watched his potential new team-mates in action, much to the excitment of Arsenal fans.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      The Ukrainian star took to Instagram yesterday evening to post a video of Eddie Nketiah’s goal to make it 3-1.
      Mudryk was watching the game on his iPad and unsurprisingly Arsenal fans were delighted by his determination to watch them in action.
      One wrote: “Mudryk not even watching it on TV. He’s watching on his iPad. The boy is committed.”
      Another said: “Obviously Mudryk was watching on his iPad because he’s waiting to board his flight to London.”
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      And a final user commented: “Mykhailo Mudryk on Instagram watching Arsenal win against West Ham.
      “Never seen a player this eager to join another club considering the transfer window isn’t even open yet.”
      Boss Arteta – who singled out Nketiah for praise – was asked directly about Mudryk watching the game and what that could mean regarding a transfer.
      The Spaniard replied: “The good thing in England is that we’re the only ones playing through Christmas, so hopefully a lot of people are watching our game and we’ve given them a good show.”
      Mudryk looks set to sign for the Gunners in JanuaryCredit: Reuters
      Eddie Nketiah celebrated making it 3-1 at the EmiratesCredit: EPA More

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      ‘This board is a joke’ – Man Utd fans FUME as Liverpool pull off shock hijacking of Cody Gakpo transfer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have been left fuming after it emerged that Liverpool had agreed a fee for the transfer of Cody Gakpo. Gakpo had been tipped to join the Red Devils since a move initially fell through in the summer.
      Cody Gakpo is on his way to Liverpool despite being extensively linked to Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Erik ten Hag pushed for a move in the summerCredit: PA
      And progress towards a transfer in January was said to be advancing after United lost the services of Cristiano Ronaldo prior to the World Cup.
      However, PSV have now confirmed that Liverpool agreed a fee to sign the Dutchman after submitting an official bid to PSV worth £37million.
      They said in a statement: “PSV and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement on the upcoming transfer of Cody Gakpo.
      “The 23-year-old attacker will immediately leave for England where he will undergo the necessary formalities to complete the transfer.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      “Both clubs are not making any announcements about the transfer fee. ‘But this is a record transfer for PSV,’ said general manager Marcel Brands.
      “The PSV management completed the transfer on Boxing Day and gave Gakpo permission to travel to England.”
      The news has not gone down with the Man Utd faithful, who already have a less-than ideal relationship with the club’s hierarchy.
      Taking to Twitter, one user wrote: “Missing out on Gakpo will be the biggest mistake, this board is a joke. Can’t wait for the day when this club is sold.”
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      A second user said: “United is a big joke if they should lose Gakpo,” while a third echoed this by saying: “Gakpo lol. Joke of a club.”
      Another user felt sorry for United boss Erik ten Hag, who has extensively pushed for the club to sign Gakpo in January.
      They said: “The fact Ten Hag really wanted Gakpo and the owners have f***ed him over again is a joke though.”
      “How are United fumbling with Gakpo, our board is a joke 🤣,” said another.
      Popular United fan Mark Goldbridge criticised the logic of the move, before reinforcing the point of Ten Hag wanting the move since the summer.
      He wrote: “Gakpo to Liverpool for (£)37m defies Logic.
      “Remember this is a player Ten Hag has wanted since the summer.” More

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      Liverpool AGREE shock £37m Cody Gakpo transfer from PSV Eindhoven as they hijack deal for Man Utd’s top target

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      LIVERPOOL have hijacked Manchester United’s move for Cody Gakpo. The PSV Eindhoven forward will travel to England for a medical “immediately” after the Reds agreed a £37million deal.
      Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Cody GakpoCredit: Getty
      PSV said in a statement: “PSV and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement on the upcoming transfer of Cody Gakpo.
      “The 23-year-old attacker will immediately leave for England where he will undergo the necessary formalities to complete the transfer.
      “Both clubs are not making any announcements about the transfer fee. ‘But this is a record transfer for PSV,’ said general manager Marcel Brands.
      The PSV management completed the transfer on Boxing Day and gave Gakpo permission to travel to England.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Gakpo will cost an initial £37m and the forward could complete a medical in the next 48 hours.
      Liverpool have now won the race for Gakpo, who had offers from Leeds and Southampton in the previous transfer window.
      Chelsea and Arsenal were also believed to be considering a move for the Dutch hitman, who has scored nine goals and set up 12 in 14 league goals this season.
      But United were favourites for his signature after taking an interest in Gakpo following Erik ten Hag’s arrival.
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      The Red Devils were believed to be preparing a January swoop for the 23-year-old after opening talks with his representatives last month.
      Gakpo was also said to be keen on joining United and expressed disappointment at the collapse of his proposed summer transfer to Old Trafford.
      He said: “That was a tough period.
      “I learned from that. I’m going to do it differently. What comes, that comes.
      “I thought about Manchester United, but when that didn’t happen, I couldn’t remember. And I started to doubt. Leeds United did come. Should I go there?
      “Now I wait for everything. I haven’t heard from Manchester United yet. When they come, I’ll think about it. I also seek the help of God in these decisions.”
      Jurgen Klopp hinted at January business when recalling the impact Luis Diaz made after signing in the last winter window.
      He said: “We have two long-term injuries up front.
      “Last January, Luis Díaz came in which was very helpful for that part of the season. Doing something similar this time? If it was a positive move, why not?” More

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      Arsenal launch £55m transfer bid for Mudryk as they make first move in attempt to land Shakhtar Donetsk winger

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      ARSENAL have stepped up their pursuit of Ukrainian superstar Mykhaylo Mudryk with an opening bid of £35million plus a further £17.5m in add-ons.That offer is likely to be rejected by Shakhtar Donetsk, who are looking for as much as £60m for the exciting 21-year-old.
      Arsenal have submitted a bid to sign Mykhaylo MudrykCredit: Getty
      But the Premier League leaders are optimistic that a deal can be struck and believe the player is eager to move to the Emirates in the January transfer window.
      And they hope that offering more of the fee up front could be enough to persuade Shakhtar to cash in on their ten-goal star.
      Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke has already given the green light for a New Year spending spree to boost his team’s shock title bid.
      And with striker Gabriel Jesus likely to be sidelined for the next two months following knee surgery, Mikel Arteta is keen to add more fire power to his squad as soon as the transfer window opens on Sunday.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      But they are not going to have things all their own way and with Manchester City, Chelsea and Real Madrid all having been linked with the player in the past, Shakhtar are hoping that Arsenal’s bid will start an auction.
      Back in November Shakhtar goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin openly admitted a move for Mudryk to Arsenal was in the works.
      He said: “I like that he is focused only on himself, his and the team’s game. Fans don’t really see that much. No one sees what he is doing away from the football field.
      “All these transfer rumours affect him only in a positive way, because he enjoys what he does. 
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      “And, in the team, we can tell him; ‘well, you’re already at Arsenal, let’s all go!”
      That expectation has finally morphed into something tangible for the winger.
      Shakhtar director Carlo Nicolini admitted Arsenal’s interest in a recent interview, but also warned other clubs had expressed an interest in him.
      Mudryk has proven his worth in the Champions League this season, with Celtic and RB Leipzig being on the end of receiving of some particularly dazzling displays. More