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    Crystal Palace eyeing January transfer bargains with money man John Textor set to splash cash at new club Lyon instead

    CRYSTAL PALACE money man John Textor is ready to complete his multi-million-pound takeover of French side Lyon this week.The American, 57, has found new backers for the project after he hit snags in his original bid to do a deal that would have seen Palace brought into a ‘super group’ of clubs.
    Palace hoped John Textor would help them splash out but must wait to seeCredit: Getty
    Now Textor is finalising the Lyon swoop, he will immediately give the French outfit cash for January signings.
    Anxious Palace are still waiting to see if they will be the ‘losers’ — if Textor has used his funds on the Lyon project at their expense.
    Palace were hoping Textor would be spending most of his cash on them rather than have to wait in the queue — but they could be further down his priorities.
    Fellow Americans Josh Harris and David Blitzer, also major shareholders, have their own networks going, too.
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    Steve Parish is the only significant figure at Palace totally committed to them alone.
    The Eagles are currently searching the loan and bargain markets for the two or three players they want until extra funds arrive.
    Meanwhile, 30-year-old star man Wilfried Zaha is tipped to run down his contract.
    That could put alert Arsenal and Chelsea on alert for a summer free transfer.
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    And the Eagles could offer new contracts to keeper Vicente Guaita and striker Jordan Ayew.
    Both have been regulars as Patrick Vieira’s side prepare for the Prem return in 11th place. More

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    I wouldn’t be surprised if Cristiano Ronaldo RETIRES, says ex-Man Utd team-mate Patrice Evra, as star searches for club

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has been tipped to RETIRE from football by old Manchester United pal Patrice Evra.That’s after seeing his “dream” of winning the World Cup with Portugal come to a cruel end.
    Cristiano Ronaldo has been tipped to retire after Portugal’s World Cup exitCredit: Getty
    Former Man Utd team-mate Evra believes Ronaldo’s ‘dream’ is overCredit: Getty
    Ronaldo, 37, went into Qatar 2022 with high hopes after having his United contract terminated.
    The veteran striker was eager to lead Portugal to glory in a bid to secure a new deal with a Champions League club.
    But Ronaldo’s vision faded after being axed by Fernando Santos for Portugal’s final two games.
    And he left the pitch in tears after being shown the exit in the quarter-finals by Morocco.
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    Ronaldo, who trained at old side Real Madrid earlier this week, is yet to receive any lucrative offers to remain in Europe.
    Indeed, the only concrete contract he’s received is from Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.
    Linked clubs including Chelsea and Bayern Munich continue to distance themselves from Ronaldo.
    And even his international future remains unclear after long-time supporter Santos was sacked by Portugal’s FA.
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    Former United team-mate Evra now reckons Ronaldo could opt for retirement.
    The Frenchman claims Ronnie has little left to play for after his World Cup dream went down in flames.
    And with no top offers on the table, it would “not surprise” Evra if Ronaldo decided to call it a day.
    Evra told Sky Sports: “When I have talked to him I haven’t spoken about what he is going to do next.
    “We have been talking more about life and family, but I don’t know. Messi is saying he will retire [from the World Cup] but I don’t know if Ronaldo will.
    “Sometimes, when you are getting so much criticism, especially at the end of your career, you are like ‘OK, I think it’s time to stop’.
    “That must be a feeling, especially when you are not in the starting XI of your national team, because that is what Cristiano wanted: to play, be fit and win the World Cup with his country.
    “This was his dream; now he doesn’t have that dream. Although I won’t talk for Cristiano, I wouldn’t be surprised if he says he is retiring.
    “Now everything Cristiano does he is a ‘bad person’, a ‘bad player’ or whatever. I wouldn’t be surprised if he decides to retire.” More

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    Cardiff City hit with transfer embargo for failing to pay £15m fee for tragic Emiliano Sala who died in plane crash

    CARDIFF CITY have been hit with a transfer embargo after failing to pay the first part of the £15million transfer fee for Emiliano Sala.The Argentine striker died in a tragic plane crash in January 2019 as he flew to Britain after completing his record move.
    The consequences of Emiliano Sala’s tragic transfer to Cardiff continueCredit: AFP
    However, the fall-out resulted in the Bluebirds refusing to pay the first instalment to Sala’s previous club Nantes.
    Cardiff lost an appeal and were ordered by Fifa to make the initial payment of £5.3m but the club continue to dispute the ruling.
    Now, though, they have confirmed they are currently under an embargo and therefore unable to make any new signings.
    Chairman Mehmet Dalman, though, is “confident” the punishment will be lifted before the January transfer window opens.
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    He told BBC Radio Wales Sport: “I wish I had the power to lift the shadow of this situation from the club.
    “People at this club want this resolved.
    “People should not forget that a 28-year old man was killed when he there was no need for that accident to happen.
    “There is a human side to this story, it is not just a financial one.”
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    Cardiff are currently in talks with the EFL and Fifa to find a solution while they wait for a Swiss Federal Court verdict to their Court of Arbitration for Sport appeal which is expected to be returned early in 2023.
    Dalman’s club signed 17 new players in the summer transfer window – and yet sat just a point above the Championship relegation zone going into this weekend’s fixtures.
    He added: “There are lots of legal discussions going on and they will continue to go on, but we have received our first invoice from Nantes.
    “We haven’t paid it and at this stage have no intention of paying it, until certain negotiations come to fruition.
    We haven’t paid and have no intention of payingMehmet Dalman
    “This puts the EFL in a position where they automatically put us under a transfer embargo, but until January that is pretty meaningless anyway.
    “Until January I am sure there will be other developments. We are working hard to ensure we can do business then.
    “Should fans be worried we won’t be able to buy anyone in January? Yes and no.
    “We certainly would like to add more players, the manager [Mark Hudson] is keen to do that and we’ve told him to plan accordingly because we believe this is temporary not permanent.
    “But of course it is unpredictable.
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    “I don’t know Mark dreadfully well, but he’s a professional, he understood our position.
    “He didn’t necessarily like it. But we have told him to get his targets in place.” More

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    Chelsea target Brazil wonderkid Vitor Roque, 17, but Athletico Paranaense striker has amazing £87m buyout fee

    CHELSEA will try and sign Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Roque, according to reports.But the Blues may face a tough task to land the youngster – because he has a staggering £87million buyout clause.
    Chelsea want to sign Brazilian teenager Vitor RoqueCredit: Getty
    The 17-year-old Roque is one of the hot prospects for the future of Brazilian football alongside Endrick.
    Real Madrid pipped the Blues to land 16-year-old Endrick for £60m this week.
    But according to AS, Chelsea are leading the charge for Roque from Athletico Paranaense.
    However, Paris Saint-Germain are said to be very interested, Barcelona are keen and Real Madrid will also try their luck.
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    The rapid and bullish striker is attracting plenty of attention with his performances in the Brazilian Serie A, but with his dribbling ability he is equally effective on the wing.
    He made his debut aged 16 – although he was dragged off after just 18 minutes – before helping Ronaldo’s club Cruzeiro earn promotion to Serie A and then joined Paranaesne in April 2022.
    He has racked up seven goals in 36 appearances since the switch.
    Roque featured in the Copa Libertadores final – a 1-0 defeat to Flamengo – and is under contract until 2027.
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    But because he turns 18 in February, he will be eligible to move to Europe in the summer transfer window.
    Roque may well follow in the footsteps of compatriots Endrick, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior by making the transfer aged 18.
    However, with all three of those heading to the Bernabeu, Chelsea will hope to buck the trend with the latest talent.
    And he would fit the new transfer strategy under Todd Boehly of snapping up exciting teenage players with the view of developing them into first-team stars.
    The likes of Eddie Beach (18), Carney Chukwuemeka (18), Gabriel Slonina (18), Omari Hutchinson (18), Zak Sturge (18) and Cesare Casadei (19) all signed for Chelsea in the summer. More

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    Newcastle make £50m Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia major transfer target as Real Madrid and PSG monitor Georgian ace

    NEWCASTLE have identified Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as a major transfer target, according to reports. Kvaratskhelia, 21, has been lighting up the Serie A and the Champions League with Napoli.
    Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been a star for Napoli this seasonCredit: AFP
    He caused nightmares for Liverpool’s defence in the 4-1 loss to NapoliCredit: Getty
    The winger has eight goals and 10 assists in 17 games for the Italian giants this season.
    And following his good form he has now gained the attention of financial powerhouses Newcastle.
    The Toon are on the lookout for ways to improve their team, and have already landed major talent on the continent such as Sven Botman and Bruno Guimaraes.
    Kvaratskhelia is the latest star identified to improve their team.
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    The Times report Newcastle sent scouts to watch the Georgian prior to the World Cup.
    Their findings have determined the Magpies will make him one of their primary targets in the next two transfer windows.
    The report suggests Kvaratskhelia, affectionately nicknamed “Kravadona” by Napoli fans in reference to club legend Diego Maradona, is rated in the region of £50million.
    This represents a big profit line for Napoli considering their investment of just £10m in acquiring him from Dinamo Batumi last summer.
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    However, Newcastle will face stiff competition from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, with the pair also monitoring him.
    Kvaratskhelia represents a new breed of winger which is both technically brilliant and physically imposing – with Manchester United transfer target Cody Gakpo another example.
    He stands at 6ft tall, is quick, and has footwork not too unlike his Argentian namesake.
    Indeed, his dangerous exploits were made painfully aware to Liverpool in the Champions League as he starred in the 4-1 demolition of Jurgen Klopp’s side in September. More

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    Man City ‘sign Kylan Midwood from Sheff Utd after beating more than four clubs to 15-year-old England wonderkid’

    MANCHESTER CITY have signed Sheffield United wonderkid Kylan Midwood, beating more than four clubs to the 15-year-old’s signature, according to reports.Midwood has impressed in the Blades’ academy ranks and had City, as well as four other clubs chasing after him.
    Done, completed. Manchester City have signed U15 Sheffield United top talent Kylan Midwood, it’s done and sealed. 🚨🔵 #MCFCMore than four clubs beatedn to the signing with the mission to develop the young players at the best level in the Academy. pic.twitter.com/cqMoODkds2— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 16, 2022

    But according to Fabrizio Romano, it is City who have won the race for Midwood and plan to develop him to the “best level”.
    The Italian journalist revealed earlier this month that Chelsea Liverpool, Leeds, and Newcastle were also keen.
    Midwood will be the next talented youngster to leave the Blades this year.
    Will Lankshear joined Tottenham in the summer believed to be for a fee around £2million.
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    City have invested heavily in their academy.
    In 2014, the club shelled out £200m on developments.
    Stars such as Phil Foden and Cole Palmer have risen through the ranks to play in Pep Guardiola’s first team.
    Some players have, however, slipped through the cracks and have gone on to make a name for themselves elsewhere.
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    Jadon Sancho left for Borussia Dortmund as a teenager, and after taking Germany by storm he joined Manchester United in a big money move.
    Juventus ace Adrien Rabiot was also once on City’s books. More

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    11 World Cup stars who’ve put themselves in the transfer shop window including Gakpo to Man Utd and Gvardiol to Chelsea

    THE World Cup is always a glorious chance for stars to make a name for themselves and put themselves in the shop window.And even though Qatar 2022 has been staged in November and December, rather than the normal summer festival, plenty of players certainly made their mark.
    Cody Gakpo enhanced his reputation with three goals for HollandCredit: Alamy
    Premier League fans may see a lot more of this Goncalo Ramos celebration in 2023Credit: Reuters
    Now with the transfer window just a fortnight away, clubs will no doubt be clamouring to beat off the competition and land their targets.
    SunSport has picked out 11 Qatar heroes who may have secured big-money moves in the New Year thanks to their performances at the World Cup…
    Cody Gakpo, 23, PSV & Holland
    Arguably the most obvious choice of all, Gakpo was the main man for Holland with goals in all three group games to fire them to the top of Group A.
    He is currently tearing it up for PSV in his homeland but is a primary target for compatriot Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.
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    The axe of Cristiano Ronaldo means another forward is needed – but the Red Devils have been warned it will take a record fee for PSV to sell.
    Goncalo Ramos, 21, Benfica & Portugal
    Talk about hitting the ground running – Ramos hit a superb hat-trick on his full international debut after replacing Cristiano Ronaldo.
    And immediately the transfer rumour mill started spinning in overdrive.
    Manchester United are considering a swoop for the Benfica man with 14 goals and six assists for his club this term – but they face competition from Newcastle and Bayern Munich.
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    Josko Gvardiol, 20, RB Leipzig & Croatia
    Yes he was linked with Chelsea in the summer before they landed Wesley Fofana – but Gvardiol’s stock has gone through the roof after his performances in Qatar.
    Gvardiol – the masked defender – was rarely beaten and proved a dominant force, helping Croatia reach the semis before Lionel Messi weaved his magic.
    Chelsea lead the race for a January deal although Manchester City and Real Madrid are also weighing up bids.
    Josko Gvardiol has been one of the best players at Qatar 2022Credit: EPA
    Sofyan Amrabat, 26, Fiorentina & Morocco
    Amrabat was arguably Morocco’s standout player in a team of record-breaking heroes with his dominant displays in midfield.
    His game against Spain was particularly impressive and has got plenty of clubs taking notice of former Watford man Nordin’s younger brother.
    Secret talks have already taken place with Liverpool – but Nordin wants his sibling to join PSG.
    Sofyan Amrabat gained plenty of attention with his performances for MoroccoCredit: AP
    Enzo Fernandez, 21, Benfica & Argentina
    The central midfielder has been a key cog in Argentina’s run to the final in Qatar, breaking up play and helping deliver the ball for the attack to cause chaos.
    Liverpool are said to have “agreed” a deal with Benfica for the rising star, who is also a target for City, United and Wolves.
    However, recent reports state Fernandez has a staggering £104million release clause in his contract.
    Enzo Fernandez could also be on his way out of BenficaCredit: Getty
    Mohammed Kudus, 22, Ajax & Ghana
    The attacking midfielder was poised to join Everton in the summer before a late deal fell through – and he proved what the Toffees were missing at the World Cup.
    Kudus scored twice in the thrilling win over South Korea and bolstered his reputation – then declared he is no worse than Neymar.
    Everton look to be in pole position over a £40m transfer to England with the likes of Tottenham and Barcelona also circling.
    Mohammed Kudus may be on his way to Everton after a summer move failedCredit: Reuters
    Youssoufa Moukoko, 18, Borussia Dortmund & Germany
    Somehow Moukoko has only just turned 18, having burst on to the scene with Borussia Dortmund what feels like years ago.
    Now a first-team regular with 11 goals in 59 appearances, he was named in Hansi Flick’s Germany squad – and left as one of the few to come away with much credit.
    Despite only coming on in the 90th minute in the Japan defeat, Moukoko is wanted by some of Europe’s elite as Chelsea and Barca on a cut-price deal with his contract ending in the summer.
    Youssoufa Moukoko only got a couple of minutes of action for Germany in QatarCredit: Getty
    Azzedine Ounahi, 22, Angers & Morocco
    Let’s be honest, not too many outside of France and Morocco had heard much about Ounahi four weeks ago.
    But his brilliance for the Atlas Lions in Qatar thrust him onto the world stage.
    Leicester were the first club linked with making a £39m bid to Angers for the box-to-box midfielder but West Ham and Newcastle may rival the Foxes for his signature.
    Leicester could pay £39m to land Azzedine Ounahi from AngersCredit: Getty
    Dominik Livakovic, 27, Dinamo Zagreb & Croatia
    There were question marks over the Croatian goalkeeper situation heading to Qatar – but now it is simply exclamation marks instead.
    Livakovic kept clean sheets against Morocco and Belgium before saving a record four penalties in the shootout wins over Japan and Brazil.
    He could have joined United or Nottingham Forest in the summer but now Leeds are leading the race after Bayern pulled out.
    Dominik Livakovic has excelled between the sticks for CroatiaCredit: AP
    Harry Souttar, 24, Stoke & Australia
    Born in Scotland, representing Australia.. and flourishing in Qatar…
    Souttar was a colossus at the heart of the Socceroos defence.
    He played a key role in the Aussies reaching the knockout stages where they were beaten by Argentina.
    Now back with Championship side Stoke, the club he joined from Dundee in 2016, and fully fit after his ACL injury in 2021, he will surely be snapped up by a Premier League club in the New Year – but the Potters want £25m.
    Harry Souttar was a beast at the back as the Aussies reached the last 16Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Randal Kolo Muani, 24, Eintracht Frankfurt & France
    Muani has grabbed his sliding doors moment after Christopher Nkunku limped out of France’s final training session before the World Cup and the new Frankfurt ace stepped up.
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    Despite 12 minutes of international football under his belt, he played well in the full 90 of the Tunisia defeat but then came off the bench and scored 44 seconds later to wrap up the semi-final win over Morocco.
    Tottenham and Liverpool were both keen on Muani before the World Cup – but now they are likely to need to stump up at least £69m if they can prise him away from the Bundesliga, where he has scored five and assisted ten in 14 games.
    Randal Kolo Muani sealed France’s spot in the final seconds into just his fourth capCredit: AP More

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    Liverpool identify their ‘next Thiago’ as they enter talks for £30million World Cup star

    LIVERPOOL have been keeping a keen eye on the World Cup in Qatar and may have found their next bargain.Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat could find himself in the Premier League in the new year with interest from Liverpool after his stellar performances during the World Cup with Morocco.
    Sofyan Amrabat has impressed for Morocco at the World CupCredit: Getty
    His displays were vital in helping Morocco become the first African team in history to reach the semi-finals of the competition.
    According to Footmercato, the 26-year-old would be available to the Reds for just £30million, the same price as Spanish maestro Thiago cost them from Bayern Munich in 2020.
    Jurgen Klopp has made it known he is looking for options to improve the midfield after injury worries with Jordan Henderson and Thiago earlier in the season.
    Jude Bellingham has been heavily linked to a move to Merseyside yet a price tag of over £100million has put that move in doubt.
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    Amrabat left fans impressed after his performances against Spain and Portugal.
    With a value way less than that of Bellingham’s, the Moroccan has reportedly become the more appealing option for Klopp.
    The midfielder is most comfortable playing just ahead of the defence, which he has excelled at for Morocco, helping them keep clean sheets in four of their six games during the tournament.
    Liverpool fans will see Amrabat as a perfect replacement for Fabinho who has struggled for form since the start of the season after being one of their key players.
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    If the Moroccan does make the move over to the Premier League, he will be following in his older brothers footsteps with Nordin Amrabat featuring in the league for Watford during the 16/17 season. More