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    Cristiano Ronaldo ‘to join Al Nassr on January 1 as ex-Man Utd ace agrees free transfer’, according to incredible report

    CRISTIANO RONALDO will join Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr on January 1, an incredible Spanish report claims.However, SunSport understands a deal is yet to be sealed.
    Sensational reports claim Cristiano Ronaldo will join Saudi Arabian side Al-NassrCredit: Getty
    Ronaldo had his Manchester United contract ripped up after his sensational interview with Piers MorganCredit: Reuters
    Spanish outlet Marca say Ronaldo will head to the Middle East to join Saudi outfit Al-Nassr next month.
    The 37-year-old is claimed to have made a decision on his next club after being axed by Manchester United.
    Marca reported last week that Ronaldo had agreed a stunning £173million-a-year deal with Al-Nassr.
    The two-and-a-half year proposal would see the Portuguese ace become the highest paid sportsperson in history.
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    Marca claim the initial deal will be worth around £86m, but will be significantly boosted by advertising and sponsorships.
    Ronaldo revealed he previously turned down an incredible £3m-a-week offer to play in Saudi Arabia in the summer, with Al-Hilal believed to have been interested.
    But now nine-time Saudi champions Al-Nassr are claimed to have won him over.
    Marca say Al-Nassr showed the most interest in Ronaldo after Manchester United ripped up his contract two days before the World Cup.
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    Elsewhere, it was reported by the Sunday Mirror that Ronaldo currently remains open to offers.
    Following his sensational interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo was said to be waiting until after the World Cup to make a decision on his future.
    Sporting Lisbon are believed to be keen on bringing Ronaldo back to the club where he made his professional debut.
    Chelsea were interested in the summer, and owner Todd Boehly could be tempted once again to try and bring in Ronaldo as a statement signing.

    Although manager at the time Thomas Tuchel wasn’t so eager, and reports suggest current boss Graham Potter feels the same way.
    Meanwhile Saudi Arabia’s Sports Minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, recently said he we “love to see Ronaldo play” in the country.
    He recently told the BBC on a potential Ronaldo move to the Middle East: “Anything is possible, I would love to see Ronaldo play in the Saudi league.
    “It would benefit the league, the sports eco-system in Saudi and it will inspire the youth for the future. He’s a role model to a lot of kids and has a big fanbase.”
    Ronaldo initially asked to leave Old Trafford in the summerCredit: Reuters More

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    Ghana star Mohammed Kudus open to Premier League transfer despite Barcelona interest with Ajax set to demand £40m

    GHANA star Mohammed Kudus is open to a move to the Prem  — but wants Champions League football.Ajax are likely to ask for around £40million to part with their attacking midfielder who scored twice in the World Cup group stage.
    Mohammed Kudus in action for GhanaCredit: Getty
    Barcelona are keen on the 22-year-old although sources close to Kudus say he could consider offers from England — but only if the Champions League is on the table.
    That means a move will be more likely in the summer when qualification for next season is known.
    Tottenham have previously been linked with a move for Kudus.
    The North London outfit reportedly sent scouts to watch him during pre-season in hopes of adding another attacker to Antonio Conte’s side.
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    They failed in their efforts to land him and Kudus has since scored ten times for the Dutch Champions.
    This includes four goals and two assists in the Champions League.
    And following his strong start to the season, Kudus declared himself to be at least on par with crocked Brazil ace Neymar.
    On Neymar he said: “He’s not better than me.
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    “He’s just a higher profile player, that’s all.”
    The pair got into a tasty head-to-head when their two countries met in September.
    Kudus added: “He was defending his country and I was defending mine.
    “I wasn’t about to let him push me around. What makes him better, for now, is that he has achieved a lot.
    “I’ll get there soon.”
    Ghana ended up being eliminated from the World Cup at the group stage but were still in a jubilant mood after seeing Uruguay crash out with them. More

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    Canada World Cup star Jonathan David issues come-and-get-me transfer plea to Man Utd and Chelsea

    CANADA striker Jonathan David is keen on a Premier League move. The Lille ace has attracted interest from Manchester United and Chelsea having bagged nine league goals this season in France. 
    Jonathan David would be open to leaving LilleCredit: Getty
    The 22-year-old did not score at the World Cup before Canada’s exit but insists he has improved as a player despite his nation crashing out following three defeats. 
    David said: “The Premier League is the best league in the world and every player would want to play there some day. 
    “I have been focused on trying to enjoy the World Cup and enjoy the moment. 
    “What happens now I do not know, we will see.” 
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    The Maple Leafs only scored two goals in Qatar – one own goal – but won a legion of new fans with their fearless style. 
    They will host the 2026 tournament along with the United States and Mexico. 
    After losing 2-1 to Morocco on Thursday, David added: “Any player who plays at the World Cup, no matter what the outcome, you become a better player, you learn from it, and it helps you grow,”
    “The future is bright, despite the three losses. 
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    “There are some good things we take and learn from to try and do better in the future. 
    “What makes the difference at the highest level is the smallest things, not finishing our chances and not holding onto scorelines.” More

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    Piers Morgan tells Arsenal to sign Holland World Cup star in January transfer window to compliment Gabriel Jesus

    PIERS MORGAN has told Arsenal to sign one of the Netherlands’ star players after he impressed in their World Cup win over USA. Louis van Gaal’s side were 3-1 winners as they made it to the quarter-finals and one man caught the eye of the Gunners fan.
    Piers Morgan wants Arsenal to sign one of the Dutch’s World Cup starsCredit: Splash
    Memphis Depay is wanted at Arsenal by Piers MorganCredit: AP
    Memphis Depay netted the opening goal of the game and Morgan believes he could be a good January signing and be the perfect partner to Gabriel Jesus.
    He took to Twitter saying: “Arsenal should sign Memphis in January. Such a good player and would work well up front with Jesus.”
    There is a possibility that Depay, 28, could be open to the move with his game time at Barcelona restricted.
    He has featured just three times this season scoring one goal for the Catalan giants having seen his minutes on the pitch drop since the arrival of Robert Lewandowski.
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    He has also been battling injury.
    The attacker’s deal expires at the end of this campaign and Barca could look to cash in before losing him for free.
    Amid their financial problems, Depay was nearly forced out the club with Barcelona stripping him of his No.9 shirt and giving it to Lewandowski.
    They even considered ripping up his contract.
    He was close to leaving over the summer but a transfer did not materialise.
    He was linked with Juventus, Tottenham and Chelsea.
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    The ex-Manchester United man was also reportedly a target for his former club.
    Arsenal are hoping to have a busy January transfer window as they look to stay ahead of Manchester City in the title race.
    They could look for a new forward, with Gabriel Jesus facing a month out with a knee injury.
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    The Gunners have a five point lead over Pep Guardiola’s side.
    Mikel Arteta’s team are back in action after the World Cup on Boxing Day when they face West Ham. More

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    Man Utd blow in transfer hunt for World Cup ace Kim Min-jae with Napoli set to rip up South Korean’s £39m release clause

    MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly received some bad news in their pursuit of Napoli and South Korea defender Kim Min-jae.The 26-year-old centre-back has impressed for his country at the World Cup in Qatar, playing an integral part in them reaching the last 16 for just the third time in their history.
    Kim Min-Jae has been superb for South Korea at the World CupCredit: Getty
    His superb form at international level comes after an excellent start to the season in Italy.
    Min-jae joined Napoli from Fenerbahce for £16million in the summer and made 20 appearances before the World Cup break, scoring two goals.
    And his presence at the heart of their defence has seen them open up an eight-point lead at the top of the Serie A table.
    They also won their Champions League group, beating Liverpool, Ajax and Rangers along the way to set up a second round clash with Eintracht Frankfurt.
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    His swift rise has grabbed the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
    United are one of those, but Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are also monitoring his progress.
    Erik ten Hag’s men were hopeful a £39m fee would seal a deal for the South Korean given that is the release clause in his Napoli contract.
    However, Calcio Mercato are reporting that Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis already wants to rip up his current deal – and the existing release clause – in order to tie him down for the foreseeable future.
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    If the Italians were to pen a new contract for Min-jae, that would make him a far more expensive acquisition for United.
    Ten Hag is keen to add to the centre of his defence despite establishing an impressive partnership between Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.
    The accomplished pair have kept club captain Harry Maguire out of the side – although the England international is currently showing his quality for the Three Lions at the World Cup.
    Meanwhile, Min-jae’s ability will be tested on Monday when South Korea come up against tournament favourites Brazil for a place in the quarter-finals.
    They reached the second round after scoring an injury-time winner against Portugal – a goal which saw them leapfrog Uruguay on GOALS SCORED in an incredibly dramatic conclusion to Group H. More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo transfer war begins as second Saudi club prepare ‘crazy proposal’ for superstar after Man Utd axe

    CRISTIANO RONALDO is attracting even MORE interest from Saudi Arabia, according to reports.The Portuguese superstar, 37, saw his Manchester United contract terminated last month.
    Cristiano Ronaldo is currently playing at the World Cup as a free agentCredit: Getty
    He is now playing for his country at the World Cup as a free agent.
    And reports earlier this week claimed Saudi outfit Al-Nassr have offered Ronaldo a staggering £173-million-a-year deal to join them in the January window.
    They want to try and acquire the five-time Ballon d’Or winner on a two-and-a-half-year contract worth £3M per week.
    But they may face competition from local rival Al Hilal – albeit not until the summer.
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    That is according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
    Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said: “There is another club that wants Cristiano Ronaldo.
    “This club is Al Hilal. It’s true that Cristiano Ronaldo was approached by people close to Al Hilal.
    “People at the club are prepared to make another important and crazy proposal.
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    “There is one interesting point though. I am told Al Hilal are not able to sign players in January.
    “They will only be able to sign players in the summer. That’s why at the moment it is complicated.
    “In January, that’s why Al-Nassr are pushing and they would love to sign Ronaldo but Al Hilal also have an interest.
    “The priority of Cristiano Ronaldo remains to have a new club as soon as possible.”
    Ronaldo previously discussed offers from Saudi during his explosive interview with Piers Morgan before the World Cup.
    When Morgan pressed him on the offer from an unnamed Saudi Arabian club, the Portuguese star confirmed “yes it’s true” and claimed he turned it down “in that moment”.
    He was then asked how difficult it was rejecting such a lucrative offer, to which he replied: “It’s hard. It’s hard. But in the same way, I thought that I was very happy here [at Man Utd]; 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.
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    “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.” More

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    Chelsea transfer blow as ‘AC Milan look to tie down Ismael Bennacer to new long-term contract’

    CHELSEA have been dealt a transfer blow with AC Milan reportedly trying to tie Ismael Bennacer down to a new long-term contract.The 25-year-old holding midfielder is attracting plenty of attention by shining in the base of Milan’s midfield.
    Ismael Bennacer looks on course to sign a new deal at AC MilanCredit: Alamy
    However, as one of the first names on Stefano Pioli’s team sheet at the San Siro, the club are desperate to keep him.
    And according to Calciomercato, negotiations started a few months ago regarding an extension.
    Bennacer’s current deal runs until the summer of 2024 – just 18 months away.
    Talks were put on hold when the Rossoneri changed hands.
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    However, the club have received fresh hope with Bennacer signing with a new agent, Enzo Raiola, six weeks after ditching his former rep.
    Bennacer’s £42million release clause expired in the summer for the player described as one of the key leaders on and off the pitch.
    It is understood he has previously rejected an offer worth £50,000 per week – because he wants to at least double his current £28,000 weekly wages.
    And with both player and club keen to get a deal done, it comes as a stinging blow to Bennacer’s Premier League admirers.
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    Chelsea are interested with N’Golo Kante and Jorignho’s futures unclear while Manchester United have also been linked with the man who spent two years on Arsenal’s books but made zero appearances between 2015 and 2017.
    Liverpool, meanwhile, continue to be linked with a move for the 44-cap Algeria ace. More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo misses Portugal training ahead of World Cup clash with South Korea ‘amid Saudi Arabia transfer offer’

    CRISTIANO RONALDO missed Portugal training today ahead of their final group game amid speculation over a record-breaking move to Saudi Arabia.The 37-year-old has reportedly been offered the chance to become the highest-paid sportsperson of all time by Al-Nassr.
    Cristiano Ronaldo sat out training with Portugal todayCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    The superstar is a free agent after leaving Manchester United last week.
    But SunSport understands Ronaldo is still keen to play Champions League football and has not agreed the offer of a two-and-a-half year contract worth £173 million-a-year, despite reports in Marca.
    However, his current focus is on trying to fire Portugal to World Cup glory.
    A brace from Bruno Fernandes sealed a 2-0 win over Uruguay, even though Ronaldo tried to claim the first, and booked their spot in the last-16 with a game to spare.
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    They still have South Korea to play on Friday – which could see Fernando Santos rest some of his players.
    And perhaps that is why the Real Madrid legend failed to train alongside his team-mates earlier.
    Portuguese supporters have little to fear regarding their talisman as Abola claims he has no physical problems.
    And he was instead doing individual training in the gym.
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    He was not the only one to miss out on Portugal’s penultimate session.
    Porto midfielder Otavio only went through some recovery work.
    While injured PSG pair Danilo Pereira and Nuno Mendes are still recovering from their respective knocks. More