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      I never wanted to join Rangers but my dad threatened to PUNCH me if I didn’t agree transfer, Italy legend Gattuso says

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      RINO GATTUSO has revealed his father threatened to punch him if he didn’t sign for Rangers as a kid because of the money on offer.The Italian World Cup winner is now manager of Valencia, but was famously brought to Ibrox by the late Walter Smith in 1997, before he was shipped out to Salernitana a year later in a £4 million deal because Dick Advocaat didn’t rate him.
      Gattuso’s talents were identified by Walter Smith but his stay in Scotland was shortCredit: John Gunnion
      Gattuso achieved cult hero status at Ibrox.Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The midfielder went on to a glittering career including World Cup glory with Italy and two Champions League wins with AC MilanCredit: Scottish News and Sport
      From there, he went on to move to AC Milan and won two Champions Leagues, two Serie A titles and that 2006 World Cup with his country.
      And, in an interview in Spain, he admitted had no intention of signing for Rangers as a 17-year-old, until the intervention of his father.
      He recalled: “I didn’t want to go to Glasgow. I had played two games in Serie B and was promoted to Serie A with Perugia, where I played eight games without a contract. Then I played the Under 19s Finals with Italy.
      “One day my father comes and tells me that a representative of Glasgow Rangers has come to town and has offered a contract to me.
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      “I didn’t want to leave and I told this to my father.
      “He told me that the money they were offering was so much he couldn’t even write down the total figure. He told me it was four times his total earnings in his lifetime.
      “When I still said no, he said he would punch me if I didn’t accept it, so I signed for Rangers!”
      “I went to Glasgow and I didn’t know anyone and didn’t have two words in English.
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      “But after two weeks, I looked more Scottish than a Scottish player. I trained three or four times a day, I would go to the gym for hours.
      “I built myself up with this mentality. I knew I didn’t have great technique, but I prepared myself to mentally kill my opponent. I have dedicated my life to football.”
      In total Gattuso featured in 49 Rangers games – starting 36 after the contractual wrangle with Perugia.
      He scored five goals including his first in the UEFA Cup against Strasbourg and despite developing a reputation as a firebrand midfielder, he was never sent off in Scotland – but did amass 12 yellow cards. More

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      Man Utd ‘will only LOAN players in January’ despite being desperate for striker after losing Cody Gakpo transfer race

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will only sign players on loan in January, according to reports.That’s despite Erik ten Hag desperately searching for a new striker after losing out to Liverpool for Cody Gakpo.
      Erik ten Hag will only be allowed to sign players on loan next monthCredit: Reuters
      Cristiano Ronaldo’s shock exit has left United light on options in the forward department.
      And Ten Hag was hoping to finally conclude a deal for PSV Eindhoven star Gakpo after missing out on him last summer.
      However, the forward’s fine performances for Holland at the World Cup convinced Liverpool to make a lightning-quick swoop.
      And United have to go back to the drawing board in their bid for a new No9.
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      But the Mail claims Ten Hag will have NO cash available for a permanent transfer.
      The Glazers are finally looking to sell up after years of misery at Old Trafford.
      And as a result, there are no funds for new long-term signings.
      It means Ten Hag will be reduced to scouring the loan market for players.
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      That will greatly limit the amount of stars available, with five other big names on United’s shortlist.
      Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos and Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic would certainly command large transfer fees.
      Meanwhile, Barcelona’s Memphis Depay and Borussia Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko are out of contract in the summer.
      And although available to sign pre-contract agreements, an immediate move for either would also need United to fork out a sizeable sum.
      One star thought to be on the loan list is Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix, who is sure to interest Ten Hag.
      However, it’s reckoned the fee to cover his wages alone resembles that of a transfer fee for most players.
      And Chelsea are also in pole position for the Portugal international as they too eye a new hitman. More

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      Benfica ‘fear Newcastle will trigger Enzo Fernandez’s £105m transfer release clause after £88m bid rejected’

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      BENFICA are worried that Newcastle will trigger Enzo Fernandez’s mammoth £105million release clause, according to reports.The 21-year-old was named Young Player of the Tournament at the World Cup after helping Argentina to glory in Qatar.
      Enzo Fernandez is a reported transfer target for NewcastleCredit: Getty
      His showings added to interest that was already there before the tournament thanks to his stellar performances for Benfica.
      The Portuguese giants rebuffed an £88million offer for the midfielder last week, which A Bola believe was from Newcastle.
      Although the same newspaper claims there are fears the mega-rich Magpies could trigger his release clause.
      Manchester United and Liverpool are also thought to be keen admirers of Fernandez.
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      Benfica president Rui Costa recently declared no players would be sold for below their release clauses.
      But should Newcastle stump up the cash, the Portuguese outfit would be powerless to keep him.
      Costa previously insisted: “We have the sole objective of having a winning season, no player will leave – unless it is due to the clause – which at this moment is fundamental for the squad.
      “What I can promise our supporters is what I did at the beginning of the year. This is a sporting project, not a financial one.
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      “Fortunately, we are not experiencing financial problems and we have no need to sell players.”
      Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has guided his team to second in the Premier League, and could look to strengthen in January.
      The Magpies are reported to be on the hunt for a midfielder, and Howe was questioned about Fernandez following the World Cup.
      And he responded: “I’m aware of him, and I know him.
      “But I think the transfer fee might be quite lumpy.” More

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      Man Utd, Liverpool and Newcastle target Enzo Fernandez breaks silence on transfer links with spiky statement

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      WORLD CUP winning midfielder Enzo Fernandez has broken his silence amid links of a big money move to the Premier League.The 21-year-old Argentina international was crowned Young Player of the Tournament for his standout showings in Qatar.
      Enzo Fernandez has spoken out amid links of a big money transferCredit: PA
      The Argentina midfielder was named Young Player of the Tournament at the World CupCredit: Getty
      His performances at the World Cup heightened speculation of a transfer to the Prem.
      Fernandez had already caught the eye in action for Portuguese side Benfica during the first part of the season.
      Manchester United and Liverpool are both reported to be keen admirers of the midfielder.
      High-flying Newcastle have also been linked with a swoop.
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      But Fernandez himself has remained coy on the matter, insisting he is “focused” on current club Benfica.
      Speaking on transfer rumours, he said, via Globo: I don’t know anything about that. 
      “It’s up to my agent, I don’t want to get involved. 
      “I’m focused on Benfica, in a few days we have an important game.”
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      Fernandez could return to club action in Friday’s Primeira Liga trip to Braga.
      More stellar performances will only increase rumours of a move.
      Although Fernandez is alleged to have a hefty £105million release clause in his contract.
      And Benfica president Rui Costa recently claimed no player will leave unless their release clause is met, with Goncalo Ramos also linked with a transfer.
      Costa declared: “We have the sole objective of having a winning season, no player will leave – unless it is due to the clause – which at this moment is fundamental for the squad.
      “What I can promise our supporters is what I did at the beginning of the year. This is a sporting project, not a financial one.
      “Fortunately, we are not experiencing financial problems and we have no need to sell players.” More

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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.
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      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.
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      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.
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      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