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    Lionel Messi has ‘verbal agreement’ to snub summer transfer and STAY at PSG with talks over contract extension imminent

    LIONEL MESSI has made a “verbal pact” with Paris Saint-Germain to stay at the club beyond the end of the season, according to reports.The Argentine, 35, will become a free agent in the summer if he does not agree a new deal with the French champions.
    Lionel Messi is set to extend his stay in Paris beyond two seasonsCredit: Getty
    He has been linked with a return to Barcelona or a move to the MLS to join Inter Miami.
    But according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Messi and PSG have an informal agreement and will not hurry the details of the contract extension.
    Speaking on Twitter, Romano said: “Lionel Messi and Paris Saint-Germain have verbal pact to continue together. 🔴🔵🇦🇷 #PSG
    “There will be a new meeting with his camp to discuss length of contract, salary and more.
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    “Nothing signed this week, no rush as the plan is already clear: Messi will continue in Paris.”
    Messi struggled during his first year in the French capital, contributing 11 goals and 15 assists in 34 games.
    But since the start of the 2022/23 campaign the South American icon has rediscovered some of his best form.
    He already has as many goal contributions this term than in the entirety of last season – 12 goals and 14 assists in just 19 matches.
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    In November, he paused his time at PSG to head to the World Cup.
    And Messi produced a remarkable set of performances throughout the tournament as he achieved a career-long goal of lifting the World Cup with Argentina.
    His seven goals and three assists inspired Lionel Scaloni’s men to glory as Argentina became three-time world champions.
    He is yet to play for PSG since the World Cup but flew back to Paris on January 1 and is set to train in the coming days.
    Christophe Galtier’s side are four points clear at the top of Ligue 1.
    They are also in the last-16 of the Champions League and will face Bayern Munich in the first leg of a blockbuster tie on February 14, before the return leg on March 8. More

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    Leicester ‘want shock Martin Dubravka transfer in January’ after Newcastle goalkeeper’s Man Utd loan was terminated

    LEICESTER CITY are reportedly keen on signing Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka after his loan move at Manchester United was terminated.Dubravka, 33, made just two Carabao Cup appearances for the Red Devils after joining in the summer and failed to make an appearance in the Premier League.
    Leicester are keen on Dubravka, who had his loan at United terminatedCredit: Getty
    He appeared in cup wins over Aston Villa and Burnley, though was criticised by fans for his performance against the Clarets.
    The keeper twice produced errors that almost led to a Burnley goal, sparking fury amongst the fanbase.
    As a result, Toon decided to end his loan early, forcing United to bring forward their pursuit of Yann Sommer.
    But his return to St James’ Park might not last long, as according to the Guardian, Leicester are keen on the former Newcastle No1.
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    The Foxes have struggled this term with Danny Ward in goal after legend Kasper Schmeichel departed for Nice.
    Brendan Rodgers’ men have, however, managed to steer themselves three points clear of the drop zone after a poor start to the campaign.
    A move could materialise with the Slovakia shot-stopper unlikely to dislodge Nick Pope.
    The England international has played a key role in Newcastle holding their own inside the top four.
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    Toon are third after 17 games played, collecting 34 points.
    Eddie Howe’s side are back in action on Tuesday night against league leaders Arsenal.
    Three points will push Newcastle within six of the Gunners, and lift them above defending champions Manchester City. More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo officially unveiled as Al-Nassr player after jetting to Saudi Arabia following £175m-a-year deal

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has officially been unveiled as an Al-Nassr player.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, 37, became the highest-paid sportsperson of all time when he signed a lucrative £173million-a-year deal with the Saudi Pro League club on Friday.
    He was seen in the full Al-Nassr kit for the first timeCredit: Reuters
    After a press conference, Ronaldo took to the Mrsool Park pitchCredit: AP
    Ronaldo addressed the thousands of Al-Nassr fans in the stadiumCredit: Reuters
    The ex-Man Utd star discussed the reason for his move in a press conferenceCredit: Reuters
    He described it as ‘a new challenge’Credit: Reuters
    Ronaldo said: ‘In Europe, my work is done’Credit: AP
    Georgina Rodriguez was in attendance with Ronaldo’s familyCredit: Getty
    He arrived in Riyadh on Monday evening and was greeted by a large group of adoring fans.
    Ronaldo then had his official medical on Tuesday morning ahead of his official unveiling, which took place at Al-Nassr’s home stadium – Mrsool Park.
    Thousands of fans were in attendance to welcome the former Real Madrid star to the club.
    Upon his arrival, he said: “I want to give a different vision of the country, of the football and the perspective of everybody.”
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    He later added: “I’m coming here to win, to play, to enjoy.”
    Ronaldo’s name has been displayed across the city of Riyadh since he was announced as an Al-Nassr player on Friday.
    Hundreds of fans have flocked to the club’s official shop in a bid to get their hands on his iconic No.7 shirt.
    And those in attendance at Friday’s Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Khaleej continued to chant his name throughout the seventh minute of the match in celebration following the announcement of his arrival.
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    Ronaldo was unveiled as an Al-Nassr player on Tuesday eveningCredit: AFP
    He arrived at Mrsool Park on TuesdayCredit: Reuters
    Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in a free transfer following his dramatic exit from Manchester United.
    The forward had his contract ripped up following a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan.
    During the 90-minute conversation with the SunSport columnist, Ronaldo said that he felt “betrayed” by the Red Devils.
    He also criticised United boss Erik ten Hag and admitted that he did not respect the Dutchman.
    In the same interview, Ronaldo revealed that he had previously turned down the chance to play in Saudi Arabia.
    He said: “It’s hard. It’s hard. But in the same way, I thought that I was very happy here; that I [am] still capable to score goals and make people happy.
    “I still believe that I can score many many goals and help the team because I still believe that I’m still good and capable to help national team – even Manchester United.
    “But if you don’t feel around you that the energy’s on your side, it’s difficult. Of course, the criticism is gonna exists all the time. Ah he’s 37, he’s not the same.
    “But I want to see if some guy of my age maintain the level that I show. You’re not gonna teach me that. Nobody is gonna teach me that.”
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    However, after a disappointing World Cup campaign he quickly changed his mind.
    Ronaldo is expected to Al-Nassr debut on January 14 in a derby against Al-Shabab.
    Billboards across Riyadh have been used to welcome Ronaldo to Al-NassrCredit: AFP More

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    Man Utd bring forward Yann Sommer pursuit as they look to complete goalkeeper transfer this month after Dubravka recall

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly planning to move for Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer this month rather than wait.The Red Devils have been left short after Newcastle recalled Martin Dubravka from his loan at Old Trafford.
    Man Utd are making a move for Moenchengladbach’s keeper Yann SommerCredit: Getty
    The 33-year-old Slovakian failed to make a single Premier League appearance for United as he was unable to dislodge No1 David De Gea.
    The stopper was restricted to just two Carabao Cup outings following his arrival but is now back at the Toon.
    And TalkSPORT are now claiming that United are “ready to bring forward their move” for Sommer after being “short-handed” by Dubravka’s exit.
    The 34-year-old has just represented his country at the World Cup and becomes a free agent in June when his contract at Borussia Monchengladbach.
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    This report states that United “were already working on a deal” to sign him at the end of the campaign.
    Now they are “hoping to persuade” the Bundesliga club to do business now.
    Erik ten Hag’s side are looking to snap-up the veteran for a knockdown fee.
    And they will be hoping to get a potential transfer sorted as soon as possible in order to get cover in.
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    Sommer came through the ranks back in his homeland with Basel but left them for Gladbach in 2014.
    He made the Bundesliga team of the season in 2020 and has played over 300 matches for the club.
    He has also won 80 caps for Switzerland. More

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    Man Utd ‘consider shock Olivier Giroud transfer bid’ as they eye ex-Arsenal and Chelsea ace to replace Cristiano Ronaldo

    OLIVIER GIROUD is a shock transfer target for Manchester United, according to reports. Man Utd are on the look out for more firepower in the January transfer window, but have a specific criteria of player they are after in both a sporting and financial sense.
    Olivier Giroud has emerged as a shock transfer target for Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    And with the club weighing up a deal for Joao Felix, Giroud has emerged as an alternative option for Erik ten Hag.
    According to The Times, the fitness struggles of Anthony Martial and the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo – who arrived in Saudi Arabia for his Al Nassr transfer last night – have led them to consider the ex-Chelsea and Arsenal ace.
    However, the 36-year-old is expecting to be offered a new deal at AC Milan when his current deal expires at the end of the season.
    On the club’s striker issues, Ten Hag said: “I think we have a good team when all the players are available.
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    “But with many games coming up, I think there is a need.
    “But you need one who can have an impact, otherwise you are just burning money and you don’t strengthen the squad and it doesn’t help you.”
    Utd have scored 24 league goals this season, a figure which sees them rank 10th in the Premier League for the metric.
    A rejuvenated Marcus Rashford has shouldered the majority of the burden this season with 11 goals in all competitions.
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    However, Martial, who plays through the middle, has started just four times in the league and six times overall.
    United are in desperate need of a more robust forward who fits the criteria the club are searching for.
    After missing out on a transfer for Cody Gakpo, Atletico Madrid’s Felix appears to be the main target, but the £18.5m cost of a loan deal is a stumbling block.
    This means Giroud, who scored four goals at the World Cup, could be in line for a surprise transfer.
    In addition, Ten Hag has revealed he has “reservations” about recalling in-form winger Amad Diallo from his loan at Sunderland.
    The 20-year-old has scored six goals in 20 games for the Black Cats, and despite his squad’s issues Ten Hag wants Diallo to continue his progress.
    He said: “We consider everything but I have a little bit of reservation about that because I don’t want to stop the process.
    “He has made really good progress there so I’m happy with that.
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    “But young players need experiences and when we decide for him to come back, he has to be a player who can compete for the starting XI or minimum to come on for a lot of games and make an impact.”
    Ten Hag has welcomed Jadon Sancho back to United ahead of the clash against Bournemouth tonight, but he remains some way off selection consideration. More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo repeats infamous World Cup wink 17 years after England clash as he arrives for Al-Nassr unveiling

    CRISTIANO RONALDO flashed fans his famous wink as he arrived in Riyadh ahead of his official Al-Nassr unveiling.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, 37, became the highest-paid sportsperson of all time when he signed a lucrative £173million-a-year deal with the Saudi Pro League club on Friday.
    Ronaldo winked at fans after arriving in RiyadhCredit: Twitter
    The winger will be unveiled as an Al-Nassr player on TuesdayCredit: EPA
    Ronaldo angered England fans with a wink at the 2006 World CupCredit: BBC
    And he is now preparing for his official unveiling at Mrsool Park, which is due to take place on Tuesday afternoon.
    Upon his arrival at the King Khalid International Airport on Monday, Ronaldo was greeted by a group of adoring Al-Nassr fans, with many eager to offer him bouquets of yellow and blue flowers.
    The Portugal skipper was thrilled with the reception and appeared to show his appreciation by winking at the supporters.
    Al-Nassr posted an image of Ronaldo winking on Twitter with a caption which read: “GOAT’s wink.”
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    Ronaldo angered England fans when his protests led to Wayne Rooney being sent off during the 2006 World Cup quarter-final in Germany.
    Following the shock red card, the then-21-year-old winked at his teammates, sparking fury from the Three Lions.
    Despite the initial frustration, Rooney recently revealed that the incident actually brought him and Ronaldo closer during that period at Manchester United.
    The duo spent five years together at Old Trafford before Ronaldo left for Real Madrid in 2009.
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    He went on to play for the La Liga giants for nine years before joining Juventus.
    The attacker then re-signed for Man Utd in 2021, but he fell out of favour at Old Trafford last summer.
    His contract was sensationally ripped up in November following a bombshell interview with SunSport columnist Piers Morgan. More

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    Brighton to extend Leandro Trossard’s contract to 2024 in order to stave off Chelsea and Newcastle transfer interest

    BRIGHTON are set to extend Leandro Trossard’s contract to prevent a potential transfer to Newcastle or Chelsea.The Belgian sees his deal at the Seagulls expire at the end of this season.
    Brighton look set to trigger the option for a one-year extension in Leandro Trossard’s contractCredit: Reuters
    Brighton do not want to lose their main man for free, they therefore will trigger the one-year extension option in his contract, claim talkSPORT.
    This would tie him down to the end of the 2023/24 season with Roberto De Zerbi’s side then keen to make him put pen to paper on a new and improved long-term deal.
    Trossard has impressed for Brighton ever since his arrival from Genk in 2019.
    The 28-year-old has started every game they have had in the league this season, scoring seven times and assisting a further three.
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    His versatility has proved key as Trossard is comfortable playing as a striker, left-winger or attacking midfielder.
    The likes of Newcastle, Chelsea and Manchester United have been linked with moves for him.
    Graham Potter managed him during his time at Brighton and is reportedly interested in raiding his former club.
    The Blues were supposedly eyeing a £30million switch for the talented international.
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    On a potential transfer, Trossard said back in September to Het Niuewsblad: “Our coach did leave for Chelsea but speculations about me following him make no sense.
    “If the opportunity arises, I want to go. But I want to play and not sit on the bench.”
    The Toon have also been rumoured to be interested and could be more likely to give him the first-team spot he wants. More

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    ‘Very good player but bloody hell’ – Gary Neville left stunned as Chelsea fork out record Enzo Fernandez transfer fee

    GARY NEVILLE admits he’s been left stunned by Chelsea’s decision to sign Enzo Fernandez.That’s because the Blues are ready to spend a record £112million on the World Cup winner this month.
    Chelsea are set to sign Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez for £112mCredit: Getty
    Gary Neville can’t believe the Blues are set to spend so much on the World Cup winnerCredit: Getty
    Fernandez, 21, played a key role in Argentina’s triumph at Qatar 2022 last month, scooping the Best Young Player award.
    And just six months after joining Benfica from River Plate for around £15m, Fernandez is now set for a stunning Premier League switch.
    Ambitious Chelsea are ready to smash Jack Grealish’s £100m Man City move by spending £112m on the midfielder.
    Todd Boehly wants to build a squad of top youngsters at Stamford Bridge.
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    And Fernandez will be the focal point of Graham Potter’s side for years to come.
    But one man who has his doubts over the move is Man United legend Neville.
    He believes that Fernandez is undoubtedly a top player, having enjoyed success at club and international level.
    However, Neville reckon Chelsea are paying “one hell of a price” to get a deal over the line, and finished his thought with a simple: “Bloody hell!”
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    Neville tweeted: “Are Chelsea paying €127m for Enzo Fernandez? That’s one hell of a price. A very good player but bloody hell!”
    Fernandez isn’t the only player set to join Chelsea shortly, with Monaco centre-back Benoit Badiashile on the verge of a £33m switch.

    Vasco’s Brazilian winger Andrey Santos has also agreed an £18m deal.
    And Chelsea confirmed an £8m move for Molde striker David Datro Fofana last week. More