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    Benfica ‘fear Newcastle will trigger Enzo Fernandez’s £105m transfer release clause after £88m bid rejected’

    BENFICA are worried that Newcastle will trigger Enzo Fernandez’s mammoth £105million release clause, according to reports.The 21-year-old was named Young Player of the Tournament at the World Cup after helping Argentina to glory in Qatar.
    Enzo Fernandez is a reported transfer target for NewcastleCredit: Getty
    His showings added to interest that was already there before the tournament thanks to his stellar performances for Benfica.
    The Portuguese giants rebuffed an £88million offer for the midfielder last week, which A Bola believe was from Newcastle.
    Although the same newspaper claims there are fears the mega-rich Magpies could trigger his release clause.
    Manchester United and Liverpool are also thought to be keen admirers of Fernandez.
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    Benfica president Rui Costa recently declared no players would be sold for below their release clauses.
    But should Newcastle stump up the cash, the Portuguese outfit would be powerless to keep him.
    Costa previously insisted: “We have the sole objective of having a winning season, no player will leave – unless it is due to the clause – which at this moment is fundamental for the squad.
    “What I can promise our supporters is what I did at the beginning of the year. This is a sporting project, not a financial one.
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    “Fortunately, we are not experiencing financial problems and we have no need to sell players.”
    Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has guided his team to second in the Premier League, and could look to strengthen in January.
    The Magpies are reported to be on the hunt for a midfielder, and Howe was questioned about Fernandez following the World Cup.
    And he responded: “I’m aware of him, and I know him.
    “But I think the transfer fee might be quite lumpy.” More

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    Man Utd, Liverpool and Newcastle target Enzo Fernandez breaks silence on transfer links with spiky statement

    WORLD CUP winning midfielder Enzo Fernandez has broken his silence amid links of a big money move to the Premier League.The 21-year-old Argentina international was crowned Young Player of the Tournament for his standout showings in Qatar.
    Enzo Fernandez has spoken out amid links of a big money transferCredit: PA
    The Argentina midfielder was named Young Player of the Tournament at the World CupCredit: Getty
    His performances at the World Cup heightened speculation of a transfer to the Prem.
    Fernandez had already caught the eye in action for Portuguese side Benfica during the first part of the season.
    Manchester United and Liverpool are both reported to be keen admirers of the midfielder.
    High-flying Newcastle have also been linked with a swoop.
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    But Fernandez himself has remained coy on the matter, insisting he is “focused” on current club Benfica.
    Speaking on transfer rumours, he said, via Globo: I don’t know anything about that. 
    “It’s up to my agent, I don’t want to get involved. 
    “I’m focused on Benfica, in a few days we have an important game.”
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    Fernandez could return to club action in Friday’s Primeira Liga trip to Braga.
    More stellar performances will only increase rumours of a move.
    Although Fernandez is alleged to have a hefty £105million release clause in his contract.
    And Benfica president Rui Costa recently claimed no player will leave unless their release clause is met, with Goncalo Ramos also linked with a transfer.
    Costa declared: “We have the sole objective of having a winning season, no player will leave – unless it is due to the clause – which at this moment is fundamental for the squad.
    “What I can promise our supporters is what I did at the beginning of the year. This is a sporting project, not a financial one.
    “Fortunately, we are not experiencing financial problems and we have no need to sell players.” More

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    How Liverpool shocked dawdling Man Utd and beat them to Cody Gakpo transfer despite Red Devils’ MONTHS of preparation

    LIVERPOOL have beaten Manchester United in the race for World Cup star Cody Gakpo.And victory will taste even sweeter for Jurgen Klopp after his dawdling rivals were left shocked by Liverpool’s swiftness.
    Cody Gakpo is on his way to Liverpool after months of links with Man UtdCredit: EPA
    Speed was of the essence for Jurgen Klopp as he convinced Liverpool’s boardCredit: Rex
    Erik ten Hag has been left empty-handed after chasing Gakpo since the summerCredit: Getty
    But Klopp’s stunning £37million swoop wasn’t even being talked about before Christmas.
    Indeed, Gakpo was widely expected to link up with Erik ten Hag instead.
    His stunning performances for Holland in Qatar only served to fuel talk of an immediate switch.
    However, Gakpo is now on his way to Anfield after PSV announced an agreement.
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    And Liverpool’s focused speed was the key factor in getting a deal over the line.
    Klopp has been left with a barren squad following injuries to forwards Luis Diaz, Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota.
    Mo Salah has at times been a shadow of the player he once was, while Darwin Nunez often makes Timo Werner look like George Best.
    According to Fabrizio Romano, Klopp begged Liverpool’s board to move swiftly for Gakpo in order to save the club’s season.
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    The Reds certainly hit the jackpot a year ago when they landed Diaz from Porto in a stunning January move.
    And Liverpool’s board happily obliged Klopp by giving the green light for a blitzkrieg bid.
    However, the Reds were also able to take advantage of United and their inaction over the past six months.
    Gakpo was known to be a target for then-new boss Ten Hag when he took charge last summer.

    However, United prioritised other deals while believing they could keep the forward on ice.
    Gakpo made no secret of his desire to complete a move to Old Trafford.

    But while Ten Hag continued to push, he was met with resistance by United chiefs.
    The Glazers are finally looking to pack up after years of misery.
    And a decision was made behind the scenes NOT to pursue permanent deals this winter.
    Even with Cristiano Ronaldo’s shock departure, it’s reckoned United will only make loan signings next month – if any at all.
    And that tardiness allowed Liverpool to pounce with immediate effect, while Gakpo was only too pleased to finally seal his Premier League switch.
    Ronaldo’s exit also raised the need for United to get an out-and-out No9, which versatile Gakpo is not.
    Alejandro Garnacho’s unexpected rise means the Red Devils are already well-stocked on the wings.
    And Marcus Rashford has come into his own this term for both club and country.
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    Ten Hag has been further boosted by the return of Anthony Martial from a long-term injury.
    But all eyes will be on Anfield in March when United visit in the league, with Gakpo surely determined to show Ten Hag what he missed out on. More

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    Al Nassr chief calls Cristiano Ronaldo transfer rumours ‘mostly LIES’ with ex-Man Utd star linked with £173m-a-year deal

    AL NASSR president Musli Al-Muammar has played down reports linking Cristiano Ronaldo with a huge move to the Saudi Pro League.Ronaldo, 37, was released by Manchester United last month following his tell-all interview with Piers Morgan and he is yet to find a new club.
    Ronaldo has been linked with a move to Al NassrCredit: Getty
    Few European clubs have expressed an interest in signing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, meaning he may have to seek a move further afield.
    The Saudi Pro League is currently his expected destination, with Al Nassr reportedly willing to offer him around £173million-a-year.
    However, club president Al-Muammar has downplayed the rumours.
    According to reports in Spain, the Al Nassr chief has said that the circulating reports are “mostly a lie”.
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    Despite Al-Muammar’s claims, sporting director Marcelo Salazar has refused to deny the prospect of a transfer.
    He told Flashscore: “I’m not allowed to say yes or no.
    “Let’s wait and see how things unfold until the end of the year. 
    “As you can see, this is a negotiation of enormous magnitude, not only for the club, but for the country and for world football, and which has to be conducted by higher authorities.
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    “What I can say is that Ronaldo is one of the best in football history.
    “He has always been an example for me as an athlete, for the will he shows to win. And then, as a Portuguese citizen, I was always rooting for him.”
    Ronaldo has also been linked with a return to boyhood club Sporting Lisbon. More

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    ‘I love Arsenal’ – Chelsea transfer blow as Rafael Leao reveals Gunners fandom as he confesses Premier League dream

    CHELSEA transfer target Rafael Leao has revealed his admiration for Arsenal.Leao, 23, is one of the most sought-after young players in Europe right now, with seven goals and nine assists for AC Milan so far this season.
    Leao has expressed his admiration for ArsenalCredit: Alamy
    His impressive form has attracted interest from numerous Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United.
    However, he recently expressed his love for Arsenal.
    In an interview with RDP Africa, Leao said: “I’ve seen a lot of games this year.
    “I like Arsenal, I think they play very well.”
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    The winger currently has 18 months remaining on his AC Milan contract, but he is yet to agree terms for a new deal.
    Chelsea are expected to submit a lucrative offer in the next few weeks worth upwards of £86million.
    Blues boss Graham Potter is understood to be eager to bolster his squad in January, with Leao the priority target.
    But, Man Utd are also interested in signing the Portuguese superstar.
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    United boss Erik ten Hag had been plotting a move for Cody Gakpo, however the Dutch winger has since agreed to join Liverpool in a shock £37m transfer.
    A statement from PSV read: “PSV and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement on the upcoming transfer of Cody Gakpo.
    “The 23-year-old attacker will immediately leave for England where he will undergo the necessary formalities to complete the transfer.
    “Both clubs are not making any announcements about the transfer fee. ‘But this is a record transfer for PSV.” More

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    Five players Man Utd could sign in January including Ramos and Felix after Liverpool hijack Cody Gakpo move

    MANCHESTER UNITED were dealt a savage blow when Liverpool hijacked their transfer plan for Cody Gakpo.The Dutch World Cup star looked on course to join the Red Devils from PSV in January.
    Erik ten Hag is looking to add a forward to his Man Utd squadCredit: PA
    Cody Gakpo looked on course to join but is going to LiverpoolCredit: Getty
    But their rivals at Anfield swooped to agree a £37million deal for the Holland forward and steal him away from Erik ten Hag’s grasp.
    So SunSport rounds up five potential transfer targets United could land instead when the market reopens…
    Goncalo Ramos, 21, Benfica
    The Portugal striker proved he can be the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo’s throne in the national team with his World Cup heroics, in particular that hat-trick against Switzerland.
    And he may well be the heir to the throne at club level, too, as United consider another move for the Benfica man.
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    Ramos has 15 goals and six assists in 22 games for his club this season and those kind of figures could propel United into the top four.
    Goncalo Ramos proved he can fill Cristiano Ronaldo’s bootsCredit: Getty
    Joao Felix, 23, Atletico Madrid
    Another option could be Ramos’ Portugal pal Felix, who is expected to be on his way out of Atletico Madrid.
    The flexible forward has struggled to kick on under Diego Simeone and the LaLiga side could decide to cash in early in the New Year.
    However, the Red Devils face plenty of competition for Felix who has also been linked with Arsenal and now Chelsea.
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    Joao Felix is a target for a host of Premier League clubsCredit: Getty
    Youssoufa Moukoko, 18, Borussia Dortmund
    The Borussia Dortmund star burst on to the scene in 2020 and made his debut a day after his 16th birthday.
    He now has kicked on in the absence of Erling Haaland and Sebastien Haller with 11 goals in 44 Bundesliga appearances.
    Moukoko is out of contract at Dortmund at the end of the season but is also wanted by Chelsea.
    Youssoufa Moukoko’s contract at Borussia Dortmund expires in the summerCredit: Getty

    Dusan Vlahovic, 22, Juventus
    United need to sign a genuine No9 with the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial more effective playing off the flanks.
    And Vlahovic would certainly fit the bill – he is a goalscorer and a good one at that.
    His £70m move to Juventus from Fiorentina 12 months ago has not quite worked out as planned so United could pounce by giving the Serbian the chance to prove himself in the Premier League.
    Dusan Vlahovic may be ready to test himself in EnglandCredit: Getty
    Memphis Depay, 28, Barcelona
    United may have missed out on Gakpo but could make a shock return for fellow Holland ace Depay to Old Trafford be on the cards?
    Few would have envisaged his dramatic upturn when he left United in 2017 but Depay thrived at Lyon and earned his move to Barcelona.
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    But the arrivals of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha this summer have limited his game time.
    So with a host of English clubs circling, Ten Hag may want to work with his Dutch compatriot who has unfinished business and a point to prove.
    Memphis Depay left United in 2017 but could a comeback be on the cards?Credit: Getty More

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    Mykhailo Mudryk hints at £52.5m Arsenal transfer as he watches Gunners in action against West Ham

    MYKHAILO MUDRYK gave Arsenal fans another reason to cheer on Boxing Day – as he revealed he was watching the Gunners in action.Mikel Arteta’s side came from 1-0 down to complete a 3-1 comeback win over West Ham at the Emirates.
    Mykhailo Mudryk watched Arsenal take on West Ham on his iPadCredit: Instagram @mmudryk10
    The Ukrainian winger was the subject of a £52.5m bid on Boxing DayCredit: Instagram @mmudryk10
    During the game, news broke that the North Londoners had launched an initial £52.5million bid for Mudryk.
    The Gunners offered £35m up front with a further £17.5m in add-ons.
    However, it’s understood Shakhtar Donetsk want at least £60m for their exciting winger.
    But it seems Mudryk already has his eyes on Arsenal as he watched his potential new team-mates in action, much to the excitment of Arsenal fans.
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    The Ukrainian star took to Instagram yesterday evening to post a video of Eddie Nketiah’s goal to make it 3-1.
    Mudryk was watching the game on his iPad and unsurprisingly Arsenal fans were delighted by his determination to watch them in action.
    One wrote: “Mudryk not even watching it on TV. He’s watching on his iPad. The boy is committed.”
    Another said: “Obviously Mudryk was watching on his iPad because he’s waiting to board his flight to London.”
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    And a final user commented: “Mykhailo Mudryk on Instagram watching Arsenal win against West Ham.
    “Never seen a player this eager to join another club considering the transfer window isn’t even open yet.”
    Boss Arteta – who singled out Nketiah for praise – was asked directly about Mudryk watching the game and what that could mean regarding a transfer.
    The Spaniard replied: “The good thing in England is that we’re the only ones playing through Christmas, so hopefully a lot of people are watching our game and we’ve given them a good show.”
    Mudryk looks set to sign for the Gunners in JanuaryCredit: Reuters
    Eddie Nketiah celebrated making it 3-1 at the EmiratesCredit: EPA More

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    ‘This board is a joke’ – Man Utd fans FUME as Liverpool pull off shock hijacking of Cody Gakpo transfer

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans have been left fuming after it emerged that Liverpool had agreed a fee for the transfer of Cody Gakpo. Gakpo had been tipped to join the Red Devils since a move initially fell through in the summer.
    Cody Gakpo is on his way to Liverpool despite being extensively linked to Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    Erik ten Hag pushed for a move in the summerCredit: PA
    And progress towards a transfer in January was said to be advancing after United lost the services of Cristiano Ronaldo prior to the World Cup.
    However, PSV have now confirmed that Liverpool agreed a fee to sign the Dutchman after submitting an official bid to PSV worth £37million.
    They said in a statement: “PSV and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement on the upcoming transfer of Cody Gakpo.
    “The 23-year-old attacker will immediately leave for England where he will undergo the necessary formalities to complete the transfer.
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    “Both clubs are not making any announcements about the transfer fee. ‘But this is a record transfer for PSV,’ said general manager Marcel Brands.
    “The PSV management completed the transfer on Boxing Day and gave Gakpo permission to travel to England.”
    The news has not gone down with the Man Utd faithful, who already have a less-than ideal relationship with the club’s hierarchy.
    Taking to Twitter, one user wrote: “Missing out on Gakpo will be the biggest mistake, this board is a joke. Can’t wait for the day when this club is sold.”
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    A second user said: “United is a big joke if they should lose Gakpo,” while a third echoed this by saying: “Gakpo lol. Joke of a club.”
    Another user felt sorry for United boss Erik ten Hag, who has extensively pushed for the club to sign Gakpo in January.
    They said: “The fact Ten Hag really wanted Gakpo and the owners have f***ed him over again is a joke though.”
    “How are United fumbling with Gakpo, our board is a joke 🤣,” said another.
    Popular United fan Mark Goldbridge criticised the logic of the move, before reinforcing the point of Ten Hag wanting the move since the summer.
    He wrote: “Gakpo to Liverpool for (£)37m defies Logic.
    “Remember this is a player Ten Hag has wanted since the summer.” More