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    Liverpool target claims ‘I had my suitcase packed.. there was an issue’ as deadline day transfer for Salah heir crumbled

    LIVERPOOL almost signed Pumas star Cesar Huerta just before the summer transfer window slammed shut but a late “issue” led to the deal falling apart.Huerta, 23, has been in impressive form in the Mexican league and has already amassed two goals as well as one assist in six appearances.Pumas star Cesar Huerta almost joined Liverpool but a late deal fell throughCredit: GettyHuerta was targeted with Liverpool star Mohamed Salah’s contract running out in JuneCredit: PAThe Reds kept tabs on the winger during the summer with star man Mohamed Salah’s contract running out in June.The Mexico international revealed he came so close to a move at Anfield that he even had a suitcase packed and ready to go.However, negotiations hit a snag and the forward ultimately remained at Pumas.Huerta told AS: “There was an issue.Read More on Football”I had my suitcase ready, but it fell through because of an issue.“I know that sooner or later, if I keep doing things right, I’ll get the opportunity. “I know it’s a train that only comes once and I’m focused on Pumas.”There were rumours suggesting Huerta was going to join Sunderland on loan immediately after putting pen to paper with Liverpool as part of the deal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, similar speculation suggests the Black Cats pulled out of the arrangement.Huerta joined Pumas from Guadalajara in 2022 and quickly rose to prominence.Dream Team Transfer Suggestions for Gameweek 4The Mexican has 17 goals and 12 assists in 76 appearances with the club.Five Mo Salah strops at LiverpoolFive times things have got heated during Mo Salah’s Liverpool career.West Ham 2 Liverpool 2 – April 28, 2024Salah gets into a heated argument with Klopp as he refuses to shake the manager’s hand before coming on at the London Stadium.Liverpool 3 Sheffield United 1 – April 4, 2024Salah shakes his head as he is subbed off during Liverpool’s 3-1 win over the basement club.Chelsea 1 Liverpool 1 – August 13, 2023Salah storms off the pitch after being replaced on 77 minutes on the first day of the season.Brighton 1 Liverpool 1 – November 28, 2020Salah throws his arms up in the air and barely looks at Klopp after being subbed off. Brighton go on to equalise with a last minute penalty.Burnley 0 Liverpool 3 – August 31, 2019Salah gets in a public spat with Sadio Mane after failing to pass to the winger. Team-mate Roberto Firmino says the row had been brewing for some time.Read the full article from Jack Rosser More

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    Carney Chukwuemeka, 20, may be STRANDED at Chelsea as Blues ‘reject loan bids and will only accept permanent transfer’

    CHELSEA want to sell Carney Chukwuemeka and are not interested in loaning him out, according to reports.The 20-year-old is part of the club’s “bomb squad” that has been exiled from Enzo Maresca’s plans and are training away from the first-team.Carney Chukwuemeka looks set to remain in Chelsea’s ‘bomb squad’Credit: AlamyWhile many of the other axed stars secured loan moves away like Raheem Sterling to Arsenal and Trevoh Chalobah to Crystal Palace, Chukwuemeka remains at Stamford Bridge.And the midfielder now looks set to be stranded at Chelsea until the January transfer window at least.Reporter Fabrizio Romano claims the Blues are only keen on selling Chukwuemeka permanently and will not accept loan bids.The Turkish transfer window does not close until tomorrow and Galatasaray have supposedly been open to signing the player on a short-term deal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Romano says there has been “no concrete talks” due to Chelsea’s stance on him.West Ham were open to signing Chukwuemeka on loan on Deadline Day but instead opted for PSG’s Carlos Soler.His name was also reportedly brought up in negotiations over Jadon Sancho’s move to Chelsea from Manchester United.Chukwuemeka joined the Blues from Aston Villa for £20million in 2022.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe is just two seasons into a six-year contract, allegedly earning £100,000 per week.The England Under-20 international has played just 27 times for Chelsea, scoring two goals.Angry Chelsea fan slams Todd Boehly’s transfer policy and claims no Blues supporters are happy with his running of the ‘unrecognisable’ club More

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    Forgotten Premier League star, 35, set to reignite fierce Man Utd rivalry after sealing shock free transfer to PAOK

    FORMER Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren is poised to face Manchester United this season after signing for Greek side PAOK.The Croatian centre-back, 35, was a free agent after being released by Lyon at the end of the 2023/24 campaign.Dejan Lovren is set to return to Old Trafford four years after leaving LiverpoolCredit: GettyLovren played 10 Ligue 1 games for Lyon last seasonAccording to Sport 24, he has penned a two-year deal with PAOK – who won the Greek title last season.And his new club will face Man Utd in the Europa League after drawing them in the league phase.PAOK will travel to Old Trafford to face Erik ten Hag’s men on November 7.Lovren, who played Man Utd numerous times during his stint in the Premier League, joined Liverpool from Southampton in 2014 in a deal worth £20million.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe spent six years at Anfield, playing 185 games and scoring eight goals.He won the Premier League and Champions League under Jurgen Klopp before leaving for Zenit St Petersburg in 2020.Lovren played in two Champions League finals, as well as a Europa League final.He then won three Russian league titles in a row with Zenit, before he joined Lyon in 2022.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAt international level, Lovren enjoyed a 13-year international career with Croatia during which he played 78 games and bagged five goals.He reached and started the 2018 World Cup final – after Croatia beat England in the semis.Tactical analysis of Man Utd star Manuel UgarteThey lost 4-2 to France in the final.After he helped Croatia beat England 2-1 in the last four, Lovren claimed he was one of the best defenders in the world.He said: “People said I had a difficult season but I don’t agree with that.”I showed why I took Liverpool to the final of the Champions League and now with the national team, and now I’m in the World Cup final.”I think people should recognise that I’m one of the best defenders in the world.” More

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    Arsenal ‘linked with incredible swap transfer’ to solve their striker woes with Gabriel Jesus moving the other way

    ARSENAL have allegedly expressed an interest in signing Marcus Thuram from Inter Milan.The Gunners failed to sign a new striker this summer despite being linked with the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen.Arsenal allegedly want to sign Marcus ThuramCredit: AFPThe Gunners have been linked with a swap deal that could involve Gabriel JesusCredit: ReutersMikel Arteta is still understood to be keen on the idea of signing a striker in January or next summer.And French forward Thuram is reportedly a target.According to Inter Live, the Gunners have been linked with a swap deal that would see Gabriel Jesus join Inter Milan.However, the Italian giants would also likely demand a “substantial” fee.Read More in FootballJesus joined Arsenal from Manchester City two years ago but has struggled with several injury issues.Arteta now regularly starts Kai Havertz in the No9 position.Arsenal could decide to sell the Brazilian next year if they can find a strong enough replacement.Meanwhile, Thuram has four goals and two assists in just three games so far this season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Frenchman joined Inter from Borussia Monchengladbach last summer and has since made 49 appearances.Thuram also has 26 France caps.Arsenal wages 2024-25 revealed More

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    ‘I’m not happy with what I see’, warns Dutch legend as he slams Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd transfers

    RAFAEL VAN DER VAART has criticised Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag’s transfer business at Old Trafford.Ten Hag, 54, has signed 21 players that cost a whopping total of £611million during his two-year stint as United manager.Rafael van der Vaart slammed Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United signingsCredit: GettyMan Utd boss Ten Hag has signed many Dutch players and former Ajax starsCredit: GettyVan der Vaart is concerned with Matthijs de Ligt’s move to Man UtdCredit: RexThe Dutchman has landed four compatriots in Tyrel Malacia, Wout Weghorst, Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt who cost a total of £98.7m.He also brought in five players that used to compete under him at Ajax in Andre Onana, Noussair Mazraoui, Lisandro Martinez, Antony and De Ligt who cost a staggering 251.4m.Van der Vaart, 41, is “not the biggest fan” of that strategy because that brings even higher pressure to the manager when results don’t go his way.And United’s performances haven’t improved under the Dutch tactician, who already counts two losses in three Premier League matches this season after the opening victory over Fulham.Read More on Man UtdTen Hag has found himself under fire again and the ex-Tottenham star believes his compatriot will only “survive” at the helm if he gets on a winning run after the international break.Van der Vaart told SunSport: “Yes, it’s tough, I think, he’s been there a few years and really spent a lot of money for his own players, which I don’t really like. “When you as a coach, you bring a lot of Dutch people in or players, I am not the biggest fan of that because when you lose a few times then the pressure is even higher, and the football is also not really getting better. “I saw them against Liverpool, and that, of course, it’s a tough pill to swallow because it’s like the biggest game – like the North London Derby – and you lose without a chance. Most read in Football”Now he needs a lot of wins. Then he will survive but we will have to wait and see.”Van der Vaart is especially concerned with De Ligt’s move to Old Trafford as he is “disappointed” with recent performances.Man Utd wages 2024-25 revealedThe ex-Real Madrid star always thought the centre-back is a “top player” but also considered him to be a “wild” defender when he went for tackles during his time at Ajax under Ten Hag.After stints at Juventus and Bayern Munich, the Netherlands legend is “not happy” with De Ligt’s development as he still notices some similar flaws.Van der Vaart said when asked if De Ligt is the answer to United’s defensive woes: “A few years ago I would say 100 per cent but when he left Ajax , I have to say, I’m a little bit disappointed in his development. “So I think he is quality. He’s fantastic. He’s a great guy. Works hard for your team, the best, top player but he makes too many mistakes. You also need a little bit of luck, and he is in the phase now that he’s really unlucky. And then he’s a little bit wild. “He was a little bit too wild [at Ajax]. So that means, going into tackles.And you think, ‘Hey, stay relaxed. Just look how the situation ends’. “And he went to Italy. Then I found out there he’s gonna learn how to defend. But I’m not happy with what I see.”Players ‘don’t look happy’Van der Vaart is adamant it is very hard for any manager to follow up Sir Alex Ferguson’s trophy-laden 27-year spell at United.However, the former midfielder insists there is still “no energy” at the Red Devils and players “don’t look happy” when they’re playing.Van der Vaart added: “Sometimes it’s difficult to replace the coach who really fits to the culture and everything. And Ferguson was, of course, there for so many years. And he’s also a lot of the times in the stadium, so he never left and that sometimes maybe is difficult. “And the manager struggles with the pressure. But they have good players. They spent a lot of money, but somehow, inside the team, inside the club, it doesn’t work and it’s difficult to say something about that from the outside. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But also, when they play they don’t look happy. It’s not like they are, ‘Oh, nice. We have another game. We’re gonna kill it’. No, it’s all, ‘Oh, s**t, we have to go again’. No energy.”Rafael van der Vaart was speaking on behalf of BetMGM. Play the new £1million Golden Goals game this season by predicting Premier League scores at https://www.betmgm.co.uk. BeGambleAware 18+Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd signingsHere’s the full list of all the Manchester United signings that have taken place under manager Erik ten Hag:Antony – £85m Rasmus Hojlund – £72m Casemiro – £70m Mason Mount – £60m Lisandro Martinez – £57m (Further £2.2m in solidarity payments to Martinez’s former clubs)Leny Yoro – £52m (plus £6m in add-ons)Manuel Ugarte – £50.8Andre Onana – £47.2mMatthijs de Ligt – £43m Joshua Zirkzee – £36mNoussair Mazraoui – £17mTyrell Malacia – £14.6mAltay Bayindir – £4.3mChristian Eriksen – FreeJonny Evans – FreeSofyan Amrabat – Loan (£8.5m)Sergio Reguilon – Loan (No fee)Marcel Sabitzer – Loan (Undisclosed or No fee)Wout Weghorst – Loan (£2.5m compensation to cancel Besiktas loan, £2.6m fee to Burnley)Martin Dubravka – Loan (£2m)Jack Butland – Loan (Undisclosed or No fee) More

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    Kylian Mbappe ‘reached agreement to join Premier League giants before Real Madrid transfer but PSG wanted £338MILLION’

    KYLIAN MBAPPE reportedly reached an agreement to join Liverpool two years ago.But the move fell through after Paris Saint-Germain demanded an eye-watering £338million transfer fee.Kylian Mbappe was reportedly set to join Liverpool in 2022 before PSG demanded a £338m feeCredit: GettyMbappe, 25, left the French giants for Real Madrid this summer in a stunning free transfer after seven years in Paris.The World Cup winner left on rocky terms after initially being left out of Luis Enrique’s squad at the start of the season.Mbappe had come close to joining Real for free in 2022 before penning a new short-term contract.And PSG were unhappy they were not able to receive a fee for their star man, who cost £150m when he joined from Monaco in 2017.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, L’Equipe claims the Ligue 1 champs almost cashed in on Mbappe two years ago, shortly after he signed his new contract.It’s said that the striker quickly became unhappy with PSG’s transfer business, having allegedly been promised the arrivals of Robert Lewandowski and Bernardo Silva.With deadline day approaching, Mbappe requested a late exit.And that saw bids arrive from both Liverpool and Real.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt’s reckoned Mbappe went as far as to agree personal terms on a contract with Liverpool that would eventually allow him to join Real in the near future.Jurgen Klopp’s side were even willing to pay £169m to get a deal over the line.Watch Cristiano Ronaldo play ‘pick the better player’ out of stars including David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and MbappeBut PSG put a stop to proceedings when they demanded DOUBLE that fee — totalling a world-record £338m.Liverpool withdrew their offer, while Real also failed to follow through with an official bid.And the rest is history with Mbappe seeing out his PSG contract to join Los Blancos for free.However, it’s noted by Get French Football News that PSG denied L’Equipe’s story, claiming Liverpool “could not have the funds to sign Mbappe.”Kylian Mbappe ‘snaps up £15m mansion in Beckham’s old neighbourhood’ next door to Real Madrid legend and Hollywood starBy Gerard CouzensKYLIAN MBAPPE has reportedly splashed out more than £15million on a mansion in Madrid.The French superstar, whose drawn-out transfer to Real Madrid has finally being confirmed, is said to have finalised the purchase late last month.Respected Spanish daily La Razon says the house he has bought is in the exclusive Madrid suburb of La Moraleja, where David Beckham spent most of his time living when he was in the Spanish capital.And it says his neighbours will include former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and his stunning model wife Pilar Rubio as well as Hollywood star Richard Gere and his Spanish publicist wife Alejandra Silva.La Razon said Mbappe had considered the gated estate of La Finca where Jude Bellingham lives and Cristiano Ronaldo still owns property as an option.But it reported the 25-year-old, who threw an extravagant party for 250 guests at a stylish Italian restaurant a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, ended up opting for La Moraleja a 15-minute drive from Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex because it was “more comfortable.”Read more on Mbappe’s property hunt. More

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    Man Utd flop Memphis Depay joins Corinthians after Atletico exit as Ronald Koeman gives update on international future

    FORMER Manchester United star Memphis Depay has joined Brazilian side Corinthians.The Dutchman was a free agent after leaving Atletico Madrid at the end of last season.Memphis Depay has joined Brazilian giants CorinthiansCredit: Instagram @corinthiansHe played in every game for Holland at the EurosRonald Koeman says Depay still has an international futureCredit: RexDepay, 30, has penned a deal at Corinthians until December 2026.The ex-Barcelona, Lyon and PSV striker featured in all six of Holland’s matches at Euro 2024 – but he was not selected for the current international window.Manager Ronald Koeman also axed Steven Bergwijn from the squad because he moved to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad from Ajax for £17.7million.But he has promised to not do the same to Depay, explaining: “I disapproved of Steven Bergwijn’s move to Saudi, with Memphis it can be different.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”The level of the league in Brazil is different, so yes, he can still be part of the national team – but it depends on his fitness and if he reaches his level.”Koeman explained Depay’s current absence from the squad, saying: “It’s primarily because he doesn’t have a club. That means you don’t play football and you can’t be with the national team.”On former Tottenham star Bergwijn, Koeman said last week: “The book is basically closed to him. He knows what I think about this.”When you are 26, your main ambition should be sporting, not financial. These are choices that players make.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I have never been in that situation because I could go to Barcelona.”He could have stayed at Ajax, that’s not bad, is it? Rooney reveals he gave Depay a ‘talking to’ after Dutch star turned up to Man Utd game in a Rolls Royce and cowboy hat”You have to respect that choice, but personally I wouldn’t have moved.” More

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    Stockport County coach’s dream move to Real Madrid COLLAPSES at last minute in blow to Carlo Ancelotti

    STOCKPORT assistant coach Andy Mangan’s dream move to Real Madrid has fallen apart.Mangan, 38, was scouted by Real and seemed set to moving to the Santiago Bernabeu after sparking up a close relationship with manager Carlo Ancelotti’s son Davide.Stockport assistant boss Andy Mangan’s dream move to Real Madrid is offCredit: RexReal Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti wanted Mangan to ‘refresh’ his coaching staffCredit: GettyCarlo’s son, who is an assistant manager behind his dad at Los Blancos, undertook a coaching course with the Stockport tactician.SunSport exclusively revealed that Mangan was in talks with the reigning European champions.According to the Sunday Times, however, the sensational move is now “off”.That is because Mangan was denied a work permit in Spain.Read More on FootballThat is a major blow to Carlo as he wanted him to “refresh” his coaching staff.The Ancelottis are understood to have been looking for an English coach with experience in the EFL.It is also reported that Davide plans to take Mangan with him when he embarks on his own managerial career.Since joining Stockport in July, Mangan has been credited with playing a key role in their rise to the top spots of the League One table.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe has built a reputation as an “attacking specialist” and that is what attracted Real’s attention.Prior to his foray into coaching, Mangan had a lengthy career in the lower leagues as a player.Watch Jude Bellingham’s expletive-laden instructions to Mbappe and Co at half-time of Real Madrid drawFollowing his two-year spell as assistant manager with Bristol Rovers, he was even given a chance to take over as caretaker boss. More