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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

    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

    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

    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

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    Everton have ‘serious look’ at Timothy Weah transfer with USA’S Lille winger targeted over £13.25m deal

    EVERTON are interested in signing Lille forward Timothy Weah, according to reports.The USA international caught the eye at the World Cup with an impressive finish in the 1-1 draw with Wales.
    Everton could make a move for Timothy Weah this monthCredit: Reuters
    But he has struggled for form in front of goal in Ligue 1 this season, with zero goals in ten games.
    Despite that, Frank Lampard is seriously considering a move for Weah, according to L’Equipe.
    There are several clubs linked with the 22-year-old, who missed the early part of the season with a foot injury.
    L’Equipe’s report suggests there could be a Premier League transfer battle with Fulham and Brighton also monitoring Weah’s situation.
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    LaLiga outfit Sevilla are also taking a look at the forward who could reportedly cost around £13.25million.
    Weah began his career at Paris Saint-Germain but failed to make an appearance for the club after progressing through the youth ranks.
    He enjoyed a loan spell at Celtic scoring four goals in 18 appearances but he has never been prolific in front of goal.
    In fact, Weah has scored only eight goals in 85 games for Lille, though he often operates as a winger for the French side.
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    Everton are keen to add goals to their attack this month having also entered the race to sign Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma.
    He netted 16 goals in 34 appearances in La Liga and the Champions League last season but he is also attracting interest from Aston Villa. More

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    Wolves in talks over Pablo Sarabia transfer with PSG star only having 18 months left on contract

    WOLVES are in talks to sign Pablo Sarabia from Paris Saint-Germain, according to reports.The Molineux club are keen to strengthen their ranks, having endured a poor first half of the campaign.
    Pablo Sarabia has made 98 appearances for Paris Saint-GermainCredit: Getty
    Former boss Bruno Lage was sacked in early October, with Steve Davis subsequently taking charge of eight matches as caretaker.
    After weeks of trying Wolves finally got their man, as they appointed Lopetegui just prior to the World Cup.
    And the former Spain and Real Madrid coach is already using his vast network of contacts and experience to attract fresh talent to Wolves.
    According to The Athletic, Lopetegui’s side have entered negotiations to sign Sarabia this month.
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    It’s not yet known whether they are hunting a permanent deal, or merely a loan with possible obligation to buy.
    Sarabia, 30, has just 18 months remaining on his contract at Parc des Princes.
    Therefore, PSG are not expected to demand a large fee.
    Lopetegui, 56, picked Sarabia as his captain as he coached Spain to Under-19 Euros glory in 2011.
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    He was also at the helm of Sevilla when Sarabia was granted his move to PSG in 2019.
    Winger Sarabia has gone on to make 98 appearances for the French giants, scoring 22 times and laying on 12 assists.
    Following the arrival of Lionel Messi in the summer of 2021, however, he was deemed surplus to requirements, being loaned to Sporting Lisbon.
    Following 21 goals and silverware with the Portuguese side he returned to the fold at PSG this season, making 19 appearances under Christophe Galtier.
    But he could quit for more regular playing time at Molineux.
    Lopetegui has quickly moved to bolster his front line, signing Matheus Cunha on loan from Atletico Madrid on Christmas Day.
    And his side are also claimed to be in talks with Nice to sign former Southampton and Fulham midfielder Mario Lemina.
    Julen Lopetegui is keen to further bolster his Wolves squadCredit: Getty More

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    Liverpool suffer new blow with World Cup hero Sofyan Amrabat set to snub transfer in favour of Atletico Madrid move

    LIVERPOOL target Sofyan Amrabat wants to join Atletico Madrid, according to reports.The Moroccan played an integral role during his side’s amazing run at the World Cup in Qatar.
    Sofyan Amrabat starred at the World Cup for MoroccoCredit: Getty
    With Fiorentina star Amrabat a key cog in the heart of midfield, Morocco became the first African side ever to reach a World Cup semi-final.
    His superb performances in the Middle East attracted plenty of interest, with Liverpool said to be keen on recruiting him to bolster their midfield.
    According to Foot Mercato, however, he has his heart set on Atletico.
    A deal will not be easy to complete, however, with Fiorentina likely to demand a big fee.
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    During the World Cup, Amrabat already appeared keen to play for Atletico, gushing over the qualities of coach Diego Simeone.
    He told Spanish paper Marca: “What Simeone does, what he achieved… He coached Atletico de Madrid for many years.
    “I like his style of play. He won a lot and I have a lot of respect for him.
    “The players on your team are physically strong and aggressive. I like to play that way.”
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    Amrabat, 26, is under contract with Fiorentina until 2024.
    La Viola have made attempts to renew his deal, but face an uphill battle to keep him.
    Liverpool’s No1 midfield target, however, is England star Jude Bellingham.
    But Borussia Dortmund are set to demand upwards of £100million – with Manchester City, Real Madrid and Chelsea all also in the mix.
    Jude Bellingham is Liverpool’s No1 midfield targetCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd chiefs ‘admit they OVERPAID for Antony transfer’ as fans grow frustrated with £85.5m star’s one-dimensional play

    MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly admitted they overpaid for Antony in the summer.The Brazilian 22, joined from Ajax for £85.5million following a lengthy transfer saga.
    There are polarising opinions about Antony at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
    The deal put him fourth on the list of the Premier League’s most expensive players behind Jack Grealish, Romelu Lukaku and Paul Pogba.
    He hit the ground running with goals in each of his first three league matches.
    But since then he has managed just two goals and produced performances which have divided Man Utd fans.
    A display which typified that division was the 3-0 win over Charlton on Tuesday.
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    Antony scored the opening goal of the game with a wonderful curling effort into the far corner.
    But he was then on the receiving end of groans from the Old Trafford faithful for the rest of the match.
    His desire to constantly cut in on his left foot frustrated the home supporters as he slowed down United’s attacks on several occasions.
    He was then replaced by Marcus Rashford on the hour mark, before the England international bagged a late brace.
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    According to ESPN, Man Utd are aware they paid over the odds for the South American attacker.
    However, they insist there were legitimate reasons for doing so.
    They included a lack of alternatives, Antony’s stated desire to join, and growing interest from other clubs threatening to increase his price tag.
    Despite his Jekyll and Hyde performances so far this season, Erik ten Hag defended him back in October, saying: “He is a young player we have to develop, but he has to develop himself.
    “We have to expect more from him. He needs challenges. That’s why he came to the Premier League.
    “He will step up. In the first weeks, he’s scored goals, he did good stuff, but also I see a lot of room for improvement in his game.”
    Man Utd are preparing to add to their attacking options by signing Wout Weghorst on loan until the end of the season.
    Ten Hag’s men currently sit fourth in the Premier League, two points ahead of Tottenham but nine behind leaders Arsenal ahead of Man City’s visit on Saturday afternoon. More

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    Man Utd will still struggle to seal top striker and midfield transfer targets in summer without HUGE squad overhaul

    MANCHESTER UNITED will find it tough to seal their top striker and midfield targets in the summer without a huge cull first, according to reports.The club will need to spend big to bring in their preferred players at the end of this season and they could face financial challenges in doing so.
    Erik ten Hag may have to sell players so he can afford to buy his top transfer targetsCredit: AFP
    Many first-team stars could be sold to balance the books and allow for manager Erik ten Hag to continue his re-build of the squad.
    The Telegraph report that even if the Glazer family sell the club it will not lead to a major boost in transfer funds for the summer.
    This is because Man Utd still owe other sides £307million in unpaid transfer instalments and UEFA’s new financial rules could prevent them further.
    The governing body are set to restrict spending to 70 per cent of total revenues by 2025/26 with it dropping ten per cent each time over the next three seasons.
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    United reportedly splash out more than 80 per cent of revenues on transfers, wages and agents fees at the moment.
    As a result, it is more important than ever that United qualify for the Champions League due to the extra money they would gain.
    Another season out the elite competition would lead to a 30 per cent cut in their £75million-a-year deal with sponsors Adidas.
    So that Ten Hag can buy top targets like Tottenham’s Harry Kane, Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong and Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, the club could have to sell players.
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    United may decide to cash-in on the likes of Harry Maguire, Fred, Donny van de Beek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka to raise funds.
    Reports suggest Ten Hag could have to choose between a marquee attacker or midfielder.
    With the budget tight, the Red Devils are restricted to just loan signings in January with the club nearing completion of a deal for Wout Weghorst.
    The club are aware of their financial limitations and have cheaper striker alternatives on their list of targets such as, Goncalo Ramos of Benfica and Mohammed Kudus at Ajax. More