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      Arsenal ‘to launch final Youri Tielemans transfer bid as club fear Leicester ace will sign January pre-contract abroad’

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      ARSENAL are reportedly set to launch a final transfer bid to sign Youri Tielemans next month.The Belgian international, 25, has been chased by the North London club since last summer.
      Arsenal are set to make a last-ditch offer for Youri Tielemans next monthCredit: EPA
      Despite entering the final 12 months of his contract, Tielemans remained at the King Power and has been crucial in helping the club recover from their poor start.
      But he is free to speak to overseas clubs regarding a free transfer from January 1 with his deal expiring in June.
      Leicester had been determined to keep him but an extension still appears to be off the table.
      Now Arsenal are reportedly set to test the waters when the window re-opens to try and convince the Foxes to cash in while they still can.
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      The Daily Mirror states that “any decent offer will be very tempting for the Thai-owned Foxes whose financial fortunes have been hit this term with no European football”.
      Leicester forked out £40million for Tielemans to Monaco in 2019 and know they could potentially recoup around half that fee if they sell next month.
      And the Gunners hope that they can beat off any competition from abroad by snapping him up quickly.
      Tielemans, who was part of Belgium’s dismal World Cup campaign, has remained tight-lipped about his future all season.
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      He said back in September: “I’m not going to speak too much about my contract situation at the moment.
      “My family is very happy there [in Leicester] and that’s important. I didn’t leave in the summer as I always said the project had to be the right one.
      “Just because things are getting worse now at Leicester doesn’t mean I should regret [staying]. Whether you are in your last contract year or not, it’s also not the case that I talk to the club every day about my extension or not. That’s work for my agent.” More

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      Tottenham ‘join Inter Milan and Juventus in transfer race for ex-Man Utd and England star Chris Smalling from Roma’

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      TOTTENHAM have joined Inter Milan and Juventus in the race to sign Chris Smalling, according to reports. The 33-year-old’s Roma contract expires at the end of this season.
      Chris Smalling is reportedly wanted by SpursCredit: Reuters
      It remains unclear whether the Italian side are willing to offer him a new deal with the player supposedly wanting an improved two-year contract.
      Smalling reportedly would like to stay at Roma as he has become a key man in Jose Mourinho’s defence, helping them win the Conference League last season.
      Mourinho was shocked that he was not part of the Three Lions squad going to the World Cup.
      Smalling has been capped 31 times by England but has not been in a the national team set-up since 2017.
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      The former Manchester United star has rediscovered top form after leaving his homeland and this season he’s featured in all 21 matches for Roma, scoring three goals.
      His good performances have led to Spurs considering a move for him, claim Sky in Italy.
      The North London club would be able to offer Smalling a move back home as manager Antonio Conte looks to bolster his defence ahead of the second half of the campaign.
      Tottenham appear keen to bring in a new defender with Harry Maguire linked to the club.
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      However if Smalling leaves Roma and prefers to stay in Italy then he has options in Inter and Juve.
      The Bianconeri are in crisis after all their board resigned and therefore money for transfers may be restricted, meaning free signings could suit them.

      Meanwhile, Inter have reportedly been left underwhelmed by the performance of centre-back Francesco Acerbi.
      As a result they could swoop for Smalling to replace him. More

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      Pep Guardiola ‘talking with Croatia World Cup star Josko Gvardiol’ as Man City prepare world-record transfer fee

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      MANCHESTER CITY are readying a world-record transfer bid for Croatia star Josko Gvardiol, according to reports.The centre-back, 20, has cemented his status as one of the hottest prospects in football with some impressive performances during the World Cup.
      Pep Guardiola is reportedly preparing a world-record bid for a new defenderCredit: Getty
      Man City want Josko Gvardiol after his impressive World Cup displays for CroatiaCredit: Getty
      Unfortunately his and Croatia’s dreams ended on Tuesday night when they were beaten 3-0 by Argentina in the semi-final.
      However, exciting things could still be on the horizon for the RB Leipzig ace as a host of clubs from across Europe chase his services.
      Chelsea have been linked with him for months as have Manchester United and Real Madrid have also entered the chase for his signature.
      Now a new report in France states that Pep Guardiola is preparing to “short-circuit” the competition with a bumper offer.
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      Foot Mercato claims their bid will amount to £86.1million.
      United and Chelsea’s offers are only thought to be up to £81.8m.
      They also claim the German giants have a meeting scheduled with the player’s representatives too.
      But they claim Man City want to blast their competition out of the water by investing heavily in Gvardiol.
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      Boss Guardiola has allegedly already spoken with the defender regarding the move and to sell his project to him.
      Gvardiol remains under contract until 2027 and his employers are under no pressure to sell.
      But City are ready to try to convince them with a transfer offer that will total £94.7m and also includes a 20 per cent sell-on clause.
      That would make Gvardiol the most expensive defender in world football – usurping the £85m Manchester United paid for Harry Maguire.
      And City are also prepared to try and sweeten the deal by buying him next month but allowing him to remain at Leipzig for the rest of the campaign on loan. More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘relationship with Jorge Mendes erodes as clubs begin bypassing agent to contact Portugal star’

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO’S relationship with long-time agent Jorge Mendes is believed to be falling apart, according to reports.The Portuguese superstar, 37, succeeded in having his Manchester United contract ripped up last month following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
      Cristiano Ronaldo and Jorge Mendes have had a relationship for nearly 20 yearsCredit: Reuters
      Mendes’ relationship with Ronaldo is thought to be erodingCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Following his departure from Old Trafford, he then concentrated on trying to win the World Cup with Portugal.
      But their quarter-final exit at the hands of Morocco means he flies back from Qatar a free agent in search of a new club.
      Ronaldo has been linked with big offers from Saudi Arabian sides Al Hilal and Al-Nassr.
      But it remains to be seen whether he will take up those offers – with European interest thought to be few and far between.
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      And according to AS, clubs are now bypassing Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, and speaking to the player himself.
      Mendes, 56, has represented Ronaldo ever since he left Sporting Lisbon to join Man Utd in 2003.
      But now he is thought to be less involved in the Real Madrid legend’s dealings.
      And Antero Henrique, head of the Qatar Stars League, is trying to convince Ronaldo to stay in Qatar after experiencing the culture at the World Cup.
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      However, Henrique has reportedly gone straight to the player in an attempt to lure him back to the Middle East – with Mendes thought to be working on an alternative proposal for his client.
      Ronaldo scored just one goal at the World Cup and was dropped after the group stage.
      But he did equal the men’s international appearance record in the defeat to Morocco, earning his 196th cap for Portugal – a career which includes 118 goals. More

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      Arsenal ‘want to re-sign youth flop Ismael Bennacer in AC Milan transfer’ with star’s contract expiring in 18 months

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      ARSENAL want to re-sign their former youth star Ismael Bennacer.The 25-year-old featured once for the Gunners first team during the 2015-16 season after his arrival from Arles.
      Arsenal want to bring Milan star Ismael Bennacer back to the clubCredit: Getty
      But after struggling for more action, he was sold to Italian side Empoli in 2017.
      Arsenal lived to regret it as Bennacer’s excellent displays saw him earn a move to Milan two years later.
      And the Algeria international has since become a key member for the Rossoneri.
      In three years he’s been with the Serie A giants, Bennacer has featured in over 100 matches in all competitions.
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      And those include the 40 he made last season as Milan won their first Scudetto title since 2011.
      He remains under contract until 2024 – but TuttoMercatoWeb are claiming the Gunners are readying a swoop to bring him back.
      Bennacer has allegedly received an offer from Milan to extend his deal.
      They have offered him around £3.4 million-a-year to stay until 2027.
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      However, he does reportedly have “several admirers in the Premier League, Arsenal above all” to go elsewhere.
      It has previously been said how Arsenal chiefs were left furious at their decision to sell Bennacer five years ago. More

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      Man Utd ‘could have signed Croatia World Cup penalty hero Livakovic for £4.3m but chose Dubravka loan transfer instead’

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      WORLD CUP hero Dominik Livakovic could have signed for Manchester United last summer, according to reports. Livakovic has twice been Croatia’s penalty shootout hero during a stellar World Cup and will be hoping to help them make the final when they take on Argentina later tonight.
      Dominik Livakovic could have signed for a number of Premier League clubs last summerCredit: Rex
      He saved three penalties in the last 16 shootout against Japan before denying Rodrygo to send Brazil crashing out in the quarter-finals.
      And it has now been revealed the 27-year-old could have signed for the Red Devils in the summer for as little as £4.3million.
      According to The Athletic, Livakovic was on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs, including United, Leicester City and Nottingham Forest.
      However, rather than sign the Dinamo Zagreb stopper to provide back-up to David de Gea, they instead went for a loan move for Newcastle’s Martin Dubravka.
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      He joined Tom Heaton among United’s keepers after Dean Henderson went on loan to Forest.
      Forest themselves were close to signing Livakovic for £5.1m before deciding to sign a higher-profile keeper following the departure of Brice Samba.
      Leicester, who struggled with goalkeeper Danny Ward in goal at the start of the season, were also offered Livakovic in the summer.
      But like their Prem counterparts, they went for a cheaper option and signed Alex Smithies on a free transfer.
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      Livakovic is now sure to be on the market for a far higher price than he was previously.
      Indeed, the Croatian’s World Cup exploits are certain to prove influential in him getting a move to a big side.
      Only Poland’s Wojciech Szczesny has more saves than Livakovic and he has registered the best post-shot expected goals to goals allowed value of any goalkeeper at the tournament, with a +3.1 rating.
      This means he has prevented 3.1 more goals than an average keeper would have.
      Erik ten Hag remains in the market for a long-term goalie solution, with doubts remaining over De Gea’s ability to distribute the ball effectively.
      Livakovic’s World Cup numbers in this regard are also noteworthy.
      He ranks among the goalkeepers with the lowest passing lengths at the World Cup.
      Furthermore, he ranks in the top 10 for pass completion among goalkeepers including passes over 30 yards and has a 100 per cent success rate for passes between 15 and 30 yards.
      Such figures may convince United to complete a belated swoop for him. More

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      Erling Haaland’s dad Alfie hints at Man City transfer exit as he reveals date he thinks superstar striker will quit club

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      ERLING HAALAND’s dad has AGAIN hinted that the Man City striker may move from the Etihad in the near future.The 22-year-old, signed for £51.4million from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, has bagged a ludicrous 18 goals in his first 11 league games.
      Erling Haaland’s dad Alfie says the striker ‘wants to prove he can win in any league’Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      The hot shot has scored an incredible 23 goals in 18 games so far this seasonCredit: PA
      But dad Alfie, who also starred for City, doesn’t expect his goal-machine son to stick around in the Premier League despite his flying start.
      Speaking via DAZN, Alfie said: “My impression is that [Erling] wants to prove he can win in any top league.
      “He spent two and a half years in Germany and could do something like that in the future.
      “Stay three years in Premier League and then move to Italy, Spain or France.
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      “Nothing has been decided in this regard, but it’s a possibility as Erling can win in any team.”
      Alfie did, however, throw City fans a bone as he suggested he may be completely wrong.
      He added: “Erling could stay at Manchester City for 15 years because he is happy and we are talking about a great club.”
      The powerhouse striker has signed a five-year deal at City, but that is understood to contain break clauses.
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      Previously, his old man suggested he could make a switch to La Liga or Serie A.
      Alfie told The Times: “He could have 2½ years in Germany, 2½ in England, and then in Spain, Italy, France, right?”
      “We do not know if it will be like that, but I think he would like to test his abilities in the big leagues.” More

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      Ten Hag warns Maguire he’s still way down Man Utd pecking order despite World Cup heroics and can LEAVE club if he wants

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      HARRY MAGUIRE has been told he can fight for his Manchester United place — or leave the club.Erik ten Hag is prepared to give the England defender, 29, the chance to battle his way back into favour at Old Trafford.
      Harry Maguire was brilliant for England throughout the World CupCredit: Getty
      But he was dropped shortly after Erik ten Hag’s arrival at Man Utd and has not been a regular sinceCredit: Getty
      But the Red Devils boss says it will be the England centre-back who chooses where his future lies, as he faces up to returning from starting at the World Cup to sitting on United’s bench.
      Asked if Maguire could go, Ten Hag said: “Only when he doesn’t want to be in these circumstances any more.
      “Until that moment, I am happy with him.”
      Ten Hag dumped Maguire after back-to-back defeats against Brighton and Brentford in United’s first two games of the season.
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      The Dutchman says his £85million man — the most expensive defender on the planet — “performed badly” and lost confidence.
      Not for the first time, Maguire looked like a different animal wearing the white of his country as opposed to the red of his club as he started all five games for the Three Lions.
      But that cuts no ice with the Dutchman who stressed: “I can only battle this after being asked many times if he is good enough.
      “It is clear he is good enough to play at the highest level. Then it is up to him to show that confidence on the pitch and he didn’t show that in all the games.
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      “We want him to bring that back to Manchester with him so he can bring it on the pitch for United. When he is playing with his confidence like now he is a massively important player for us and that is what everyone expects.
      “That’s what Harry expects from himself. He has that high standard, he wants to play at the highest level, he wants to lead the defensive line, so it is up to him.
      “I’m sure he has the potential to play in our style and fit into our system. He had a period in Manchester where he performed badly and then, of course, there are difficulties but when he is confident in himself, he will put that on the pitch.
      “When he is working hard you will get that confidence and you are seeing that with the way he was playing for England.
      “I expect from him, the team knows what they expect from him.
      “If he does that he will be a great player for us.”
      He had a period in Manchester where he performed badly and then, of course, there are difficulties but when he is confident in himself, he will put that on the pitch.Erik ten Hag on Harry Maguire
      Gareth Southgate showed faith in Maguire, who had started only one Prem game in three months after getting the axe following United’s horror show 4-0 defeat against the Bees.
      But he is unlikely to find regular action when he returns to Old Trafford, having been demoted to Ten Hag’s fourth-choice centre-back behind Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof.
      Ten Hag added: “It is up to him to contribute and to play himself back into the team.
      “We have 16-18 players in the squad and that is what you need at the top level if you want to play for trophies.”
      Chelsea and Barcelona have previously shown an interest in Maguire.
      SunSport revealed that Barca enquired about him as part of drawn-out summer negotiations when United tried and failed to sign Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
      But the Red Devils may have to take a hit of up to £40m if they decide to cash in on a player they fought so hard to land from Leicester in 2019.
      Maguire, who has two and a half years left on his deal, believes he proved in Qatar that he belongs at the top level.
      After England’s quarter-final defeat by France, the 53-cap Three Lions star said: “I’ve played every game and I’m proud of my mentality to prove to myself again.
      “I don’t need to prove to others but at the moment, I don’t look at myself.
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      “I look at the team and every time I put this shirt on, I want the team to do well.
      “But I’d have much preferred to have had a bad game against France and gone through.”
      Maguire shortly before flying home from the World Cup after defeat to FranceCredit: Reuters More