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    Man Utd ‘working on free transfer for Switzerland keeper Yann Sommer’ raising doubts over David De Gea’s future

    MANCHESTER UNITED are looking to bring in Yann Sommer on a free transfer, according to reports.Sommer is currently at Borussia Monchengladbach, but can leave the club on a free transfer when is contract expires in the summer.
    Yann Sommer and Switzerland crashed out of the World Cup round of 16, losing 6-1 to PortugalCredit: AP
    Reports are suggesting that Erik ten Hag has is eyes set on Sommer and will look to add him to his list of goalkeepers in the summer.
    And the 33-year old would be able to sign a pre-contract with Manchester United from January 1.
    ESPN say United are currently working on the deal during the World Cup break.
    Sommer’s arrival could mean that David De Gea will be shown the exit door at Old Trafford.
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    The Spaniard has been with United since 2011 and is the side’s current longest serving player alongside Phil Jones.
    The Red Devils signed Newcastle’s Martin Dubravka on loan at the start of the season, but he is expected to return to the North East once his deal ends.
    Dean Henderson is also at United’s disposal, but is currently out on loan at Premier League side Nottingham Forest.
    Henderson is expected to return to Old Trafford at the end of the season as there is no buy option for Forest in his contract.
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    There has been much speculation around the future of De Gea as he was left out of Spain’s World Cup side after struggling to adapt to Ten Hag’s style of play.
    Sommer was part of Switzerland’s campaign in Qatar, but conceded a whopping six goals in his side’s thrashing to Portugal which saw the Swiss exit the tournament in the round of 16.
    The Bundesliga shot-stopper has managed 335 appearances for Monchengladbach, keeping an impressive 90 clean sheets during his tenure. More

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    Arsenal should target two January transfers including ‘next Ian Wright’ Ivan Toney, claims Ray Parlour

    WITH Gabriel Jesus sidelined by injury, Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has urged the Gunners to sign Brentford ace Ivan Toney.Parlour, 49, drew comparisons between the Bees talisman and Arsenal hero Ian Wright.
    Ivan Toney has scored 10 Premier League goals this seasonCredit: PA
    Ray Parlour compared Toney to Arsenal legend Ian WrightCredit: PA
    Parlour claimed France international Marcus Thuram could be another transfer targetCredit: Getty
    Summer signing Jesus had surgery on his knee this week and is set to be out of action for three months.
    That could see Arsenal forced to bring in a striker when the winter transfer window opens.
    And Parlour reckons Toney, who has 10 goals in 14 Premier League games this season, could be the answer.
    The 26-year-old has been charged by the FA over 232 alleged breaches of betting rules.
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    But Parlour told Sports Lens: “The problem you’re going to have in January is who’s available? I’ve always said Ivan Toney of Brentford.
    “I’d go and try to get him if I could. I don’t think you’ll get him in this window but he’s who I’d go for.
    “I think he’s similar to Ian Wright the way he plays and scores his goals.”
    Parlour also listed Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram as a possible option.
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    The 25-year-old has netted 10 goals in 15 Bundesliga games this season, and is currently at the World Cup with France, who face England in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
    He is also out of contract at the end of the season, which could see the Gunners try and pick him up on the cheap in January.
    Parlour continued: “I know Marcus Thuram at Borussia Monchengladbach could be available because his contract is up at the end of the year.
    “I do know Edu was looking for a winger [or] forward when I spoke to him in preseason.
    “He wanted a winger who could go past someone and offer something a bit different to what they’ve got now.
    “Someone pacey like a Marc Overmars… that’s what I’d be looking to bring in.”
    Parlour played 466 games for ArsenalCredit: The Sun More

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    Arsenal could be forced to rip up January transfer plans and shelve Mykhailo Mudryk move after Gabriel Jesus injury

    ARSENAL could have to postpone their planned January transfer swoop for Mykhailo Mudryk after news Gabriel Jesus could be sidelined long-term.The Gunners have been dealt a huge blow to their title hopes with the star facing months out after surgery on his knee.
    Arsenal may have to postpone their transfer pursuit of Mykhailo Mudryk next monthCredit: Getty
    The Gunners have been rocked by the news Gabriel Jesus will be sidelined long-termCredit: Instagram
    They have confirmed that their star striker, signed from Manchester City for £45million in the summer, had gone under the knife after returning from the World Cup.
    Arsenal are currently unclear on how long Jesus’ recovery will take, but the striker could be facing months out.
    Jesus, 25, has five Premier League goals so far this season and has been key to them going into the break five points clear at the top of the table.
    The former Manchester City man suffered the injury in Brazil’s final group stage game against Cameroon, his first start at Qatar 2022 having come off the bench against Serbia and Switzerland.
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    In a statement, the North Londoners said: “Gabriel Jesus has successfully undergone surgery to his right knee after suffering an injury during the Brazil v Cameroon World Cup group stage match on Friday.
    “Gabby will now begin his rehabilitation programme. Everyone at the club is supporting Gabby and will be working hard to get him back on the pitch as soon as possible.”
    The injury could force Mikel Arteta to go back into the transfer market to sign another striker to continue challenging Manchester City for the title.
    Arsenal spent £120million in the summer but only have one other out-and-out striker in the squad, Eddie Nketiah.
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    The former England Under-21 international is yet to start a Prem game this season and has no goals in 12 league appearances from the bench.
    Arsenal are keen on signing Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mudryk, 21, but may have to rethink their plans as the Ukrainian is not a centre forward.
    Brazil boss Tite was accused of the Arsenal man knowing there was a concern over his knee but firmly denied those claims, calling them “evil lies”.
    Tite said: “I don’t like hearing lies out there, evil lies.
    “At no time do we play for victory at the risk of a player’s peril. The liar who’s out there – because that’s the name isn’t it, the haters, right?
    “We are responsible, we are personally responsible, we are ethical and it would never have happened. I didn’t want this to happen, it’s a shame, we are very sorry for Gabriel.”
    Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, still in Qatar with England, quickly got in touch with his teammate after hearing of the injury.
    Saka said: “He’s a very, very, very important player for us.
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    “It’s not good to hear the news, obviously I’ve messaged him. It was definitely not good news when I heard that.”
    After a training camp in Dubai and friendlies against Lyon, AC Milan and Juventus, Arsenal return to Premier League action on Boxing Day against West Ham. More

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    Liverpool ‘held secret transfer meeting with Sofyan Amrabat before Morocco star flew out to World Cup’

    LIVERPOOL held a secret meeting with Moroccan star Sofyan Amrabat ahead of the World Cup over a potential transfer, according to reports.The 26-year-old midfielder currently plays for Fiorentina in Serie A and has had a host of clubs monitoring him for months.
    Moroccan World Cup star Sofyan Amrabat’s representatives ‘had a meeting with Jurgen Klopp’Credit: Getty
    Tottenham were keen last summer but failed to agree a fee with the Italian side.
    They are still believed to hold an interest in the ace – but now Liverpool look to be leading the chase.
    That is according to Foot Mercato, who are claiming that Jurgen Klopp wants to strengthen in the middle of the park in the January window.
    And they state that led to the Reds boss actually meeting with Amrabat’s entourage prior to his heroics for his country in Qatar.
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    They state the meeting was “positive” and that they have “planned to see each other again after the 2022 World Cup”.
    But the Anfield giants are not the only ones hoping to snap him up from Fiorentina.
    Inter Milan want to keep him in Italy and are monitoring his situation “carefully”.
    Fiorentina still have the option to extend Amrabat’s contract by a further year and keep his transfer value high.
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    However, the player is said to have “dreamed” about playing in the Premier League and Liverpool’s interest could prove too hard to resist.
    The star’s focus is currently on helping his country to create more history at the World Cup.
    He played the full 120 minutes with the help of pain-killing injections before Morocco shocked Spain by dumping them out of the tournament on penalties on Tuesday night.
    Now he and his team-mates are preparing for their quarter final with Portugal on Sunday. More

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    PSG go public in Jude Bellingham transfer race as they join Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid in £130m battle

    PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN have joined Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid in the £130million race for Jude Bellingham.The Ligue 1 champions have even gone public with their admiration for the England and Borussia Dortmund star.
    PSG have publicly declared their admiration for England star Jude BellinghamCredit: Getty
    Bellingham, 19, has been the Three Lions’ main man at the Qatar World Cup.
    The midfielder shined in several roles before coming into his own as a tenacious No10 against Senegal.
    And Bellingham will be at the forefront of England’s quarter-final clash against France on Saturday.
    But outside the World Cup, things are heating up regarding his club future.
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    Borussia Dortmund expect to lose Bellingham next summer, and want £130m for their star man.
    Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid have all throw their hats in the ring.
    But there’s a new suitor for Bellingham in Ligue 1 champions PSG.
    They already boast the world’s best young forward in Kylian Mbappe.
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    And it appears they want Bellingham to join him in the French capital next year.
    President Nasser Al-Khelaifi has now gone public in his praise of the England ace.
    But he concedes it will be a tough transfer battle as “everybody” wants to sign Bellingham.
    Nasser Al-Khelaifi said: “Amazing player, what a player.
    “England are lucky to have him, to be honest. He’s one of the best players in the tournament.
    “Amazing – his first World Cup. He’s calm and relaxed, confident – amazing.
    “Everybody wants him, I’m not going to hide it.
    “He’s at his club and we have respect, so if we want to talk to him we’ll talk to the club first.” More

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    Newcastle prepare for ‘one in, one out’ January transfer window as Eddie Howe looks to strengthen squad

    NEWCASTLE UNITED are reportedly not set to splash the cash next month to continue their top four push – with “one in, one out” the most likely scenario.Boss Eddie Howe has led the Magpies from bottom of the league last winter when he took charge to the top three ahead of the World Cup break.
    Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has spoken about his ambitions for the January transfer windowCredit: Getty
    They are currently on a five-match winning run and he wants to improve his squad once the transfer window re-opens.
    Despite the huge wealth of their Saudi Arabian owners, Howe knows that FFP rules could limit his budget.
    He will hold a meeting in the Middle East country, where the Toon are currently enjoying a training camp, with co-owners Amanda Staveley, Mehrdad Ghodoussi and Jamie Reuben and sporting director Dan Ashworth to prepare for the upcoming window.
    However, The Mail states that they understand “one in, one out” is “the most likely scenario after a year in which the Saudi-backed owners have spent in excess of £200m” on new additions.
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    Speaking to the publication, Howe said: “As a manager, I am always looking to improve the team. I will never sit here and be content – I don’t think that is the right way to manage.
    “My way to take the team to new heights is to improve through the training of the players we have. If we can’t get to a certain level, then we need to find that in the transfer market.
    “In my position, you are keen to sign the best players you can – but those players come at a premium. Sven Botman wasn’t cheap, Alex Isak (£60m) wasn’t cheap. Those are players who can influence the starting XI.
    “Do we have the finances for that? I do not know. That might impact our options.
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    “It is a considerable outlay the club have to find and with FFP, I’m not sure that’s available to us. You have to work within the guidelines of the club.”
    The 45-year-old former Bournemouth manager added: “The squad, in my eyes, looks different to what it did in the summer because of how well players have done – and from my perspective, I can’t ignore that.
    “We look like, on paper, we have a very strong squad when everyone is fit. Everyone is not fit currently, and that has a bearing on what you look to do in January.
    “I am not expecting too much business, whether incoming or outgoing, but it is football and it is January, so it’s unpredictable.
    “We can’t predict what is going to happen with our own squad, in terms of fitness and availability, so we do need to be ready to act if we need to.” More

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    Arsenal and Chelsea scouts ‘left stunned by Porto winger Pepe’ but player is only available in £65m transfer

    ARSENAL and Chelsea are reportedly due to battle it out for Porto winger Pepe.The 25-year-old Brazilian was first linked with the Gunners back in the summer.
    Porto star Pepe has left Chelsea and Arsenal scouts amazedCredit: AFP
    Arsenal and Chelsea are both chasing Porto winger Pepe along with JuventusCredit: Getty
    However, his hefty price tag put off Mikel Arteta from making a moving.
    Scouts have continued monitoring the star’s progress this term, and a fresh report has claimed that both Arsenal and Premier League rivals Chelsea have been blown away by his performances.
    Portuguese outlet A Bola allegedly left their talent spotters “with their mouths open”.
    And they are not the only clubs considering a move.

    Italian giants Juventus are now believed to have placed him on their wishlist.
    But any transfer move for the South American will be costly.
    Porto are holding out for at least £65million for Pepe – which would trigger his release clause.
    He began his career at local side Foz do Iguacu back in his homeland.
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    After bursting on to the scene there, he was soon snapped up by Gremio and won the Campeonato Gaucho for four straight years.
    He helped himself to 20 goals in 86 league appearances for them, which led to Porto making their move.
    The Brazilian U23 international headed to Portugal in 2021 and he has helped them to the Primeira Liga title plus the Taca de Portugal, the country’s version of the FA Cup, and Supertaca Candido de Oliveira, which is similar to the Community Shield. More

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    Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd in Joao Felix transfer battle as Atletico Madrid demand £120m for out-of-favour star

    ARSENAL, Chelsea and Manchester United are in a battle to sign Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix, according to reports.The Portugal ace is enjoying a fine World Cup and has three of English football’s top clubs on his radar.
    Joax Felix is likely to leave Atletico Madrid this summer according to the club’s ownerCredit: Getty
    This comes after reports that Felix has fallen out with manager Diego Simeone, with their relationship said to be beyond repair.
    As a result, the club’s owner Gil Marin has admitted the 23-year-old is up for sale.
    He said: “The relationship between the coach and him is not good, nor is his motivation.
    “The most reasonable thing is to think about his departure, although I would love him to stay. But it is not his will.”
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    Therefore, Relevo claim that Prem giants Arsenal, United and Chelsea are all in the running.
    But the forward, who’s scored once and assisted twice in four games at the World Cup, will cost around £120m.
    Felix, who became the fourth-most expensive player EVER when he arrived from Benfica for £113m in 2019, still has more than four years left on his deal.
    United desperately need a forward following Ronaldo’s departure, while Arsenal are hoping to sign one in January with Gabriel Jesus facing around three months on the sidelines.
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    Meanwhile, Chelsea have been short of goals with Kai Havertz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scoring just four times between them in the league.
    But the Prem trio face competition from both Bayern Munich and PSG, who are also sniffing around. More