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    Eden Hazard ‘in transfer talks to join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr’ and end Real Madrid nightmare with move to Saudi

    EDEN HAZARD could be set to join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, according to reports.The Belgian forward, 32, has endured a torrid three and a half years at Real Madrid, playing just 73 times and scoring seven goals.
    Eden Hazard has struggled ever since arriving at the BernabeuCredit: Getty
    Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make is Al-Nassr debut later this monthCredit: AFP
    Last month, the former Chelsea man retired from international football following Belgium’s shock group-stage exit at the World Cup in Qatar.
    And according to Foot Mercato, his club career in Europe could be set to come to an end.
    The report states that Ronaldo’s new side, Al-Nassr, are interested in bringing him to Saudi Arabia.
    Manager Rudi Garcia previously worked with Hazard for four years at Lille.
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    And the Al-Nassr boss is said to have already made contract with Hazard to discuss the move.
    They certainly have the funds to bring the Los Blancos man to the Middle East after showing their lucrative wealth by handing Ronaldo, 37, a £173million-a-year deal.
    The move may also be of interest to Real Madrid as Hazard will enter the final year of his contract this summer.
    The Spanish champions will be keen to scrape back some of the £130m they paid for him before his deal runs out.
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    Meanwhile, Hazard is not the only European player Al-Nassr reportedly have their eye on.
    The Belgian’s ex-Chelsea team-mate N’Golo Kante, 31, has been linked with a move.
    And so has Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid colleague Sergio Ramos, 36, – who currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain.
    Meanwhile, Ronaldo is expected to make his debut against Ettifaq on January 22 after serving a two-match ban.
    Al-Nassr are keen for him to ignore the ban and play against Al-Shabab next weekend.
    But in order to do this they will need to sort out the issue of exceeding the Saudi league’s quota for foreign players – a problem which currently means they cannot register Ronaldo.
    The club will have to either sell or sack one of their foreigners before the Portuguese star is able to play. More

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    Chelsea and Tottenham dealt Josko Gvardiol transfer blow after Croatia defender names ‘dream club’ in Premier League

    CHELSEA have been handed a major transfer blow after Jasko Gvardiol revealed his “dream club” in the Premier League.And it is bad news for Tottenham and Manchester City, too.
    Josko Gvardiol revealed the Premier League team he would love to play forCredit: Getty
    The Croatian defender was already on the wishlists of plenty of English clubs thanks to his stellar rise at RB Leipzig.
    However, his stock soared even higher thanks to his standout performances for Croatia at the World Cup.
    Gvardiol, 20, was arguably the best defender at Qatar 2022.
    As a result, a number of top clubs are weighing up bids for the young centre-back.
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    Chelsea had a bid rejected in the summer but plan to go back in for Gvardiol at the end of the season – that is despite just spending £35million on Benoit Badiashile.
    Tottenham are also interested while City boss Pep Guardiola is said to be keen to bring the ex-Dinamo Zagreb ace to the Etihad.
    However, it is Jurgen Klopp who may be in pole position should he want to snap up the centre-half this summer before a reported £112m release clause kicks in.
    That is because Gvardiol – born in 2002 – admitted he grew up supporting Liverpool.
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    The 19-cap international told RTL Danas: “My dream club? That would definitely be Liverpool.
    “Since I was little, I watched a lot of their matches with my dad.
    “We covered every season in detail. It is a club that has remained in my heart.”
    Liverpool could be in the market for a new defender with Joel Matip, Ibrahima Konate and even Virgil van Dijk both struggling to find their top form.
    The Dutch giant is currently out for at least a month and faces a race to be fit to face Real Madrid in their Champions League showdown. More

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    David Beckham reacts to son Romeo, 20, joining Brentford on loan from Inter Miami until the end of the season

    DAVID BECKHAM has praised his son Romeo after he signed for Brentford B on loan until the end of the season.Right midfielder Romeo, 20, has been with his dad’s MLS side Inter Miami since 2021.
    Romeo Beckham posed with David outside Brentford’s performance centreCredit: Instagram @romeobeckham
    Romeo will be hoping to impress in Brentford’s reserve teamCredit: Instagram @romeobeckham
    He has made 20 appearances for the American outfit’s second side – who play in the third tier – scoring two goals.
    But now he has agreed a short-term loan spell with Brentford’s reserve team until the end of the campaign.
    Following the announcement on Friday, David shared an image on Instagram of him and Romeo holding up a Brentford shirt in front of the club’s performance centre.
    And the Man Utd legend then added the caption: “Exciting start to the year ❤️. Now the hard work and fun begins.
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    “Proud of you mate @romeobeckham.”
    Romeo first trained with the Bees’ B side in October and has been working with the club regularly since the end of the 2022 MLS Next Pro campaign.
    Speaking to Brentford’s official website after signing, he said: “I’m very proud and very happy to be here.
    “I came here at the start to keep fit during the off-season. The chance then came to come on loan here and I’ve never been so excited.
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    “It was a fun season [in the USA] and there were a lot of ups and downs but I’m excited to come here and see what I can do.”
    Romeo scored two goals and provided 10 assists as he helped Inter Miami II to sixth in the MLS Next Pro Eastern Conference last season.
    Brentford B head coach Neil MacFarlane said: “We’ve been absolutely delighted with Romeo since he arrived with us.
    “He came to us from Inter Miami with the aim of working with us during their close season. Romeo has applied himself unbelievably well, he’s really bought into the culture and the group which he has become a big part of.
    “I love his standards and the way he conducts himself on and off the pitch.
    “He’s been able to get fitter and fitter during his time with us and it leaves him in a good place to now step forward having joined us on loan.
    “He is very technical, and he is somebody who can shift the ball quickly and cross.
    “He is also a really good finisher and he has the ability to play a number of positions for us, which is also pleasing.
    “I think it’s testament to us as a club, and as a B team, that Inter Miami have asked us to work with him and [put] trust in us to continue working with him to help him with his development.”
    Romeo was once on Arsenal’s books alongside brothers Brooklyn and Cruz but was released in 2014.
    After a five year absence, Romeo returned to his footballing roots and in 2021 signed for his dad’s MLS side.
    Meanwhile Romeo’s brother Brooklyn, 23, gave up from playing altogether after being released by the Gunners aged 16.
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    He told Variety that he stopped playing after realising it would be “difficult” to live up to his dad.
    David, 47, who played 115 times for England, “wasn’t sad” to see budding chef Brooklyn quit as he wanted his son “to be happy”. More

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    Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid transfer hits snag after boss Carlo Ancelotti goes public with view on signing him

    REAL MADRID’S pursuit of Jude Bellingham is in doubt as manager Carlo Ancelotti claims he is happy with his current midfield.The Borussia Dortmund star, 19, has been heavily linked with joining the Spanish champions in the summer.
    Jude Bellingham is one of the most sought-after stars in European footballCredit: PA
    Recent reports have suggested Real Madrid are the frontrunners to sign the England international ahead of Premier League giants Man City, Liverpool, Man Utd and Chelsea.
    However, Ancelotti has insisted he is more than content with his existing midfield options.
    Los Blancos boast a plethora of talent in the middle of the park including Luka Modric, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Ceballos, Fede Valverde.
    Toni Kroos is also still a part of the squad, although he will retire at the end of the season.
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    But the strength in depth in Ancelotti’s side has led to him dismissing a move for Bellingham.
    Speaking ahead of Real’s game with Villarreal on Saturday, he said: “Bellingham has shown at the World Cup that he is a great midfielder, but so have others.
    “Enzo Fernandez has played very well. Gavi and Pedri as well.
    “Bellingham is one of those very good midfielders, but I’ll stick with the ones we have.”
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    Ancelotti’s comments will be a boost to the host of English clubs chasing Bellingham’s signature.
    The latest reports are that Liverpool are becoming concerned by his price tag given Chelsea are attempting to sign Enzo Fernandez for more than £100million.
    Should the Blues complete a deal for the Argentine, 21, it would almost certainly inflate the Dortmund teenager’s value.
    Bellingham has contributed 19 goals and 21 assists in 112 appearances since arriving in the Bundesliga in 2020.
    He also shone for England at the World Cup, continuing to state his case as one of the best midfielders in the world.
    Dortmund currently sit sixth in the German top flight, nine points adrift of leaders Bayern Munich.
    They have qualified for the last-16 of the Champions League – where they will face Chelsea. More

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    Ex-Chelsea star Ola Aina wanted by Leeds in January transfer as full-back impresses at Torino as contract runs down

    LEEDS are reportedly chasing former Chelsea defender Ola Aina following his impressive spell at Torino.The 26-year-old right wingback left England in 2019 after playing just six times for the Blues.
    Ola Aina has been a regular for Torino since arriving in 2019Credit: Getty
    But in two-and-a-half seasons for Serie A side Torino he has already racked up more than 100 appearances for the club.
    He also returned to the Premier League for the 2020/21 campaign after joining Fulham on loan, playing 31 games in the top flight as the Cottagers were relegated.
    However, his difficult periods in west London do not appear to have deterred Jesse Marsch as Leeds focus on his consistent displays in Italy.
    Aina’s current contract with Torino is due to expire in the summer.
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    And according to Tuttosport, a third stint in England looks to be on the cards after talks stalled over a new deal.
    Leeds attempted to sign him last summer but Aina opted to stay in Serie A.
    Now, though, he could be forced out of the door in the January window as Torino bid to cash in on him before his deal runs out.
    Aina, who has been capped 17 times by Nigeria, is currently out with a thigh injury and expected back towards the end of the month.
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    West Ham and Crystal Palace are also thought to be interested in him.
    But Leeds are keen for defensive reinforcements having conceded 31 goals in 17 Premier League games.
    Marsch’s men sit 14th in the table, without a win in four league matches. More

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    Memphis Depay ‘wants Man Utd transfer’ but Barcelona will demand a fee despite striker’s contract ending in summer

    MEMPHIS DEPAY reportedly wants to make a stunning return to Manchester United on a free transfer this month.But current club Barcelona will allegedly demand a fee despite his contract expiring in the summer.
    Depay would like to return to Man UtdCredit: Getty
    The Dutchman spent two years of his career at Old Trafford, joining from PSV Eindhoven in 2015.
    But after scoring just seven times in 56 appearances, Depay was sold to French outfit Lyon.
    That’s where the versatile attacker would go on to make a name for himself in one of Europe’s top-five leagues, scoring 76 and assisting 55 in 178 games.
    Such form then earned him a free transfer move to Barca in the summer of 2021 on a two-year deal.
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    But in a season and a half, the 28-year-old has scored 14 in 42, and could be heading for the exit door at Nou Camp.
    According to Sport, old club Man Utd is where Depay would like to go this month.
    However, Barca would like to collect a fee for the player DESPITE his contract expiring in the summer.
    Man Utd are also only keen on exploring the loan market, or players with minimal fees attached.
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    The Old Trafford club are in the market for an attacker following the spectacular departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
    The two clubs will also meet in the Europa League round of 32 next month.
    And Barca are reluctant to strength a rival team. More

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    Chelsea ‘contact RB Leipzig’ over Dani Olmo transfer with Blues keen on Spain star if Mykhailo Mudryk picks Arsenal

    CHELSEA will reportedly consider a bid for RB Leipzig forward Dani Olmo if Mykhailo Mudryk opts to sign for Arsenal.SunSport revealed on Friday that Shakhtar Donetsk star Mudryk, 22, is currently torn between the two London clubs.
    Chelsea are being linked with RB Leipzig forward Dani OlmoCredit: Getty
    Graham Potter’s men are keen to secure the £88million man’s services after a late bid to hijack the Gunners’ deal.
    However, they could still miss out on the Ukrainian and be forced to look elsewhere for alternatives.
    It comes amid several injury concerns for Chelsea with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount all suffering fitness issues.
    According to The Mail, Leipzig man Olmo is a target should Mudryk choose Arsenal.
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    The Spain international, 24, who played at the World Cup in Qatar, has contributed 19 goals and 22 assists in 106 appearances for the German club since arriving in 2020.
    Making his international debut while still at Dinamo Zagreb three years ago, Olmo has already racked up 29 caps for his country and bagged five goals.
    A product of the Barcelona youth set-up, he was linked with a return to the Nou Camp in 2021 – as well as a move to Manchester United.
    His current contract with Leipzig runs until 2024.
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    Meanwhile, a cheaper option for Chelsea is thought to be Borussia Monchengladbach’s Marcus Thuram.
    The France star, 25, is out of contract in the summer and being looked at by both the Blues and Man Utd.
    Potter has already signed three new players in the January window – David Datro Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Audrey Santos.
    The ex-Brighton boss will be hoping the arrivals can help boost morale with the club currently languishing in 10th place in the Premier League.
    Following their 1-0 league defeat at home to Manchester City on Thursday, they face them yet again on Sunday in the third round of the FA Cup – this time at the Etihad.
    Mykhailo Mudryk is wanted by both Chelsea and ArsenalCredit: Getty More

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    Mykhailo Mudryk TORN between Arsenal and Chelsea with Premier League pair embroiled in £88m January transfer battle

    MYKHAILO MUDRYK is split over joining Arsenal or Chelsea – triggering a fierce two-way battle between the Premier League giants.The two London rivals are slugging it out for the Shakhtar Donetsk winger with an £88 million price on his head.
    Mykhailo Mudryk is split over a move to Arsenal or ChelseaCredit: Getty
    The Ukrainian club’s top brass are in the capital meeting representatives of both clubs to try to seal a deal during this month’s transfer window.
    Chelsea have offered to outbid any rival offer.
    It was initially believed that the player preferred a move to play for Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.
    But it has emerged that Mudryk is now torn between that and joining Graham Potter’s slow-burn revolution at Stamford Bridge.
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    Arsenal promises a trophy after just half a season with them five points clear at the top of the table.
    But Chelsea are selling themselves on a ticket to long-term success and a return to greatness under new owner Todd Boehly. 
    Shakhtar’s sporting director Darijo Srna and CEO Serhii Palkin have been holding talks.
    And they were in Boehly’s VIP box to see Chelsea lose at home to Manchester City on Thursday night.
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    Meanwhile, Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling has pulled a hamstring and faces time out on the club’s growing sick list.
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    Sterling underwent a scan today and the full extent of the injury will not be known for around 24 hours.
    But he looks certain to join the nine other first teamers on the treatment table.
    Those include fellow new-crock Christian Pulisic after he hobbled off after taking a whack in a crunching tackle from City defender John Stones. More