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    Newcastle make James Maddison transfer their No1 priority as Eddie Howe goes back in for Leicester star

    NEWCASTLE have made James Maddison their No1 transfer priority, according to reports. The Magpies tried to sign the playmaker last summer with bids of £40million and £45m.
    Leicester rejected two bids from Newcastle for James Maddison – but could face a thirdCredit: Getty
    However, Maddison stayed put at Leicester and has been in red-hot form this season with seven goals and four assists earning him a place in Gareth Southgate’s England World Cup squad.
    But the 26-year-old has not played since November 12 due to problems with his knee and has seen a specialist to get on the pitch for his struggling Foxes side.
    However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says the Toon are preparing to go back in for Maddison this summer when he moves into the final 12 months of his King Power contract.
    Asked about Newcastle’s links with Maddison and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Romano told wettfreunde: “I think that Milinkovic-Savic will stay in Lazio until the end of the season.
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    “Lazio wants to extend Milinkovic-Savic’s contract, so it will be very difficult to sign him but he is a very good player. Very underrated in my opinion.
    “Newcastle’s priority is James Maddison from Leicester.
    “They really love him but it will probably not be a possibility to sign him in January.
    “I think they will attack the Maddison situation again in the summer.”
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    Southgate appeased the cries of fans and pundits across the country by taking Maddison to Qatar alongside Toon trio Nick Pope, Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier.
    However, he did not play a single minute as he remains stuck on just one England cap from way back in 2019.
    The playmaker will be desperate to recover from his ongoing knee injury with Brendan Rodgers feeling the pain of having his creative star missing.
    The Foxes have lost all four Premier League matches since the World Cup and now sit just two points above the relegation zone.
    By contrast, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle are flying high with the Saudi owners well ahead of schedule to get the club competing with England’s elite clubs once again.
    The Magpies are third, just one point behind Manchester City and well on course for Champions League qualification.
    Maddison was in scintillating before the World CupCredit: Reuters More

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    Chelsea joined by Man City and Real Madrid in Josko Gvardiol transfer race as RB Leipzig demand £80m fee for defender

    MANCHESTER CITY and Real Madrid have joined Chelsea in the race to sign RB Leipzig defender Josk Gvardiol, according to reports.Chelsea tried to sign Croatia star Gvardiol, 20, in the summer.
    Man City and Real are also keen on GvardiolCredit: Alamy
    However, their efforts to lure the rapid defender to Stamford Bridge in a £79million deal failed with the player signing new terms at Leipzig.
    Following a barnstorming debut World Cup campaign last November-December, Gvardiol’s list of suitors has grown.
    Gvardiol was touted as the defender of the tournament, but Croatia’s run to a second consecutive final came to an end in the semis at the hands of Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
    According to Fabrizio Romano, via wettfreunde, Man City and Real are keen on the highly rated defender.
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    However, a summer move is more likely to take place rather than an early January switch.
    The transfer guru said: “Chelsea have long been the big favourites because they made an offer in the last 24 hours of the summer transfer window.

    “€80 million + €10 million in additional payments, making a total of €90 million to sign the player until June 2023.
    “Leipzig said no and decided to keep the player and extend his contract, so nothing happened in the end.
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    “Chelsea are still following the situation but they have just signed Benoit Badiashile as a left-footed centre-back. Now the race is open.
    “Other clubs are also interested in Gvardiol. Manchester City and Real Madrid are after Gvardiol.
    “There is a feeling that Gvardiol will switch in the summer and not in January.” More

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    Liverpool planning double midfield transfer for Jude Bellingham and Matheus Nunes as Jurgen Klopp plans squad overhaul

    LIVERPOOL are planning a double midfield transfer swoop for Jude Bellingham and Matheus Nunes, according to reports.The Reds are in dire need of a facelift in the middle of the park.
    Liverpool are big admirers of BellinghamCredit: Getty
    Nunes is also on the Reds’ radarCredit: Getty
    Jordan Henderson, James Milner and star man Thiago are over 30, while holding midfielder Fabinho is nearing it at 29.
    Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Arthur have rarely featured for the Reds this season due to injury struggles.
    And according to the Daily Mail, Jurgen Klopp is set to freshen up his midfield options with Bellingham and Nunes being targeted.
    Liverpool are huge admirers of Bellingham, 19, who is Borussia Dortmund’s star man, as well as a starter for Gareth Southgate’s England.
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    The player is good friends with Reds captain Henderson and right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.
    However, Bellingham is attracting interest from most of Europe’s elite clubs.
    Real Madrid and Manchester City are two other teams keeping tabs on the ex-Birmingham ace.
    Bellingham would be rumoured to cost £88million plus future add-ons, which could take the deal towards £125m-£130m.
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    Nunes, meanwhile, only joined Wolves in the summer from Sporting Lisbon.
    And despite Wolves’ Premier League woes, Nunes has been a standout performer.
    Nunes joined Wolves for a club record £42m and the Midlands club are unlikely to take a loss on the 24-year-old.

    He also has a big reputation with City boss Pep Guardiola, who once described him as one of the best midfielders in the world, even while he was playing his trade in Portugal.
    Klopp got a closer look at Nunes on Tuesday night, when his Liverpool team beat Wolves 1-0 in an FA Cup third round replay. More

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    Mudryk Chelsea bonuses revealed as Shakhtar confirm Arsenal never came close to transfer and deride ‘Ballon d’Or clause’

    SHAKHTAR DONETSK have revealed the bonuses involved in Mykhailo Mudryk’s move to Chelsea.And it was confirmed that it was those “achievable and realistic” bonuses that led to the Blues blowing Arsenal out of the water for Mudryk.
    Mykhailo Mudryk joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk despite Arsenal interestCredit: Getty
    Shakhtar Donetsk revealed the bonuses involved in Mykhailo Mudryk’s Chelsea dealCredit: Getty
    The West Londoners hijacked their rivals’ bid to land the winger in the January transfer window after reaching a deal worth a total of £88million with Shakhtar.
    The Ukrainian giants’ CEO Sergei Palkin confirmed that Chelsea beat the North Londoners thanks bonuses largely related to them winning the Premier League and Champions League.
    However, there is no added clause relating to the 22-year-old potentially winning the Ballon d’Or, like his previous manager Robert De Zerbi – now at Brighton – predicted.
    And those terms will remain active across the entirety of the Ukraine international’s eight-and-a-half-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
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    Palkin told The Athletic: “We can talk about bonuses, but these bonuses should be somehow achievable and realistic, let’s say.
    “Therefore, in this case, Chelsea was much more serious and fair in some points.
    “Chelsea’s offer for Mudryk has no Ballon d’Or clause. It is achievable bonuses that we feel can be reached.”
    Palkin also confirmed that talks with Arsenal were off before Chelsea swooped in.
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    Shakhtar weren’t happy with the Gunners’ final offer worth €70million (£62m) plus €30m (£26m) in add-ons.
    Palkin added: “When they proposed the final offer of €70million plus €30million [in add-ons], we sat down and started to talk internally about how it will be fulfilled in terms of the payments, the fixed part and the bonus issues.
    “We realised we will not close this deal [with Arsenal].” More

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    Everton ‘make contact with Marko Arnautovic’ as they plot January transfer for former Man Utd target

    EVERTON have made contact with Bologna over the possibility of signing Marko Arnautovic, according to reports.The Austrian was a target for Manchester United in the summer but a transfer did not materialise.
    Marko Arnautovic could return to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
    But now the Toffees are keen to bring in the striker as they look to bolster their squad in an attempt to boost their Premier League survival hopes.
    Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb claim Everton have seen a loan bid for Atalanta forward Duvan Zapata rejected.
    Reports also suggest that Everton have had an offer turned down for Udinese striker Beto.
    Therefore, the club have turned their attention to Arnautovic, having already made contact with the player’s representatives.
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    The 33-year-old is best remembered for his spells in the Premier League with Stoke and West Ham.
    And he is still finding the net now at Bologna in Serie A, netting eight goals in 16 matches this season.
    Arnautovic is currently out with an injury that is expected to keep him sidelined until the end of January, handing him time to sort out the potential move.
    Everton are in desperate need for more players with Frank Lampard’s men joint bottom of the table on 15 points.
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    With pressure building on the Merseyside club’s board, they are keen to bring in a number of quality players.
    The team have found the back of the net only 15 times this term, the second lowest number by a side in the division.
    To solve their problems, they have also been linked with Man Utd’s Anthony Elanga and Lille’s Timothy Weah. More

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    Ex-Arsenal youngster Robbie Burton set to be given chance in English football as Huddersfield enquire about transfer

    HUDDERSFIELD have enquired about former Arsenal trainee Robbie Burton.The Welshman, 23, ended his contract with Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb by mutual consent last week.
    Ex-Arsenal academy star Robbie Burton could be on his way to HuddersfieldCredit: Getty
    As well as Championship strugglers Huddersfield, League One duo Barnsley and Portsmouth have also asked about the availability of the Kent-born midfielder, who is available as a free agent.
    He came through the Arsenal academy for 14 years and captained the Under-23s before he turned down a new contract to step out of his comfort zone.
    Burton left London for Zagreb for around £800,000 in February 2020.
    The Wales U21 international signed a five-year deal with the Croatian side.
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    However, after making his Europa League debut, he joined Istra 1961 on loan for the first half of last season.
    Burton then had a six-month stint to League of Ireland Premier League club Sligo Rovers for the remainder of the campaign.  
    After the end of the campaign, Burton held talks with Zagreb and both parties agreed he should look for a new club after 18 appearances and no goals.
    Huddersfield sit 22nd in the Championship as Mark Fotheringham looks to guide his side to safety and avoid relegation.
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    The Terriers, who were 90 minutes from the Premier League but lost the play-off final to Nottingham Forest, have been active in the January transfer window.
    Albanian Florian Kamberi joined as a free transfer while Matthew Lowton, Anthony Knockaert, Martyn Waghorn and Joseph Hungbo have all signed loan deals at the John Smith’s. More

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    Five keepers Tottenham could sign to replace Lloris including Oblak and Pickford after Frenchman’s derby blunder

    TOTTENHAM are making plans to replace Hugo Lloris as their No1 this season.The Frenchman is under contract at White Hart Lane until 2024, but has endured a torrid season.
    Hugo Lloris made a terrible blunder against ArsenalCredit: Getty
    The Frenchman couldn’t believe his gaffeCredit: Alamy
    Lloris, 36, has made more errors leading to goals than any other player in the Premier League this term.
    His latest blunder came against Arsenal in Sunday’s North London derby, inexplicably fumbling the ball into his own net.
    Tottenham have begun the process of sounding out successors for Lloris, who has been at the club since 2012.
    Here, SunSport takes a look at some of the potential contenders to become Spurs’ new first choice stopper for next season.
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    JORDAN PICKFORD
    Tottenham possess an interest in Everton stopper Jordan Pickford.
    Despite the Toffees’ struggles this season, a more mature Pickford has impressed between the sticks.
    The England No1’s Goodison contract runs until 2024 and he is understood to be happy on Merseyside.
    But Everton getting relegated to the Championship could force them to sell their star stopper, with Spurs well placed to pounce.
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    Jordan Pickford has impressed despite Everton’s plightCredit: Getty
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    DAVID RAYA
    Like Pickford, Brentford’s David Raya will also have just one year remaining on his contract at the end of the season.
    The two-cap Spanish international was claimed to be “high on Spurs’ list of targets” by the Telegraph earlier this month.
    Raya, 27, could opt for a new challenge after four years at Brentford.
    Recently chatting to Spanish paper AS about his future, Raya said: “Every player has goals and wants to improve. Now I am focused on my team and in the summer, we will see what happens.”
    David Raya is a commanding figure for BrentfordCredit: Rex
    JAN OBLAK
    The Atletico Madrid stopper emerged as a shock Tottenham target earlier this season.
    Amid reports that his previous £107million release clause had been “significantly lowered”, Jan Oblak was linked with Spurs last September.
    Oblak, 30, has been at Atletico since 2014, but the Spanish side are now reportedly open to parting ways.
    He has made 377 appearances in total for Diego Simeone’s side, keeping an impressive 183 clean sheets.
    Jan Oblak emerged as a shock Spurs target earlier this seasonCredit: Rex
    ILLAN MESLIER
    Despite having already made over 100 appearances for Leeds United, Illan Meslier is just 22-years-old.
    The Frenchman is a compatriot of Lloris and has represented his country at youth level.
    Meslier will have an eye on succeeding the Spurs No1 as France’s first choice at some point and will likely feel that a transfer will boost his case.
    Chelsea and Newcastle have also been linked with the Leeds star.
    Illan Meslier could replace his French compatriot at White Hart LaneCredit: Getty
    ROBERT SANCHEZ
    Like Raya, Robert Sanchez has earned two Spain caps.
    The Brighton star, 25, hasn’t looked back since become the Seagulls’ No1.
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    A good shot-stopper that is competent with the ball at his feet, Sanchez is likely to be in demand.
    With his contract running until 2025, he has also been linked with Manchester United and Chelsea.
    Robert Sanchez quickly became a star at BrightonCredit: Reuters More

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    Amazing XI of biggest transfers that could still happen in January including Dusan Vlahovic to Arsenal

    THE Premier League’s top clubs are gearing up to splash the cash in what could turn out to be the most exciting January transfer window yet.Chelsea have been the biggest spenders so far this month with £88million Mykhailo Mudryk their latest recruit.
    Chelsea have been the biggest spenders this month with Mykhailo Mudryk their latest recruitCredit: PA
    Leandro Trossard looks set to leave Brighton after a huge fall-outCredit: Alamy
    Meanwhile a host of their domestic rivals are also looking to add to their squads.
    Leaders Arsenal are desperate to bolster their attack while Manchester United have already brought in Wout Weghorst on loan.
    And it is not only in England that the prospect of big-money moves could occur.
    Here SunSport has compiled a best XI of the possible signings that could still take place during this January transfer window…
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    Jordan Pickford – GK
    The goalkeeper has told Everton he wants to STAY at the club but the England number one and the struggling Merseyside club are deadlocked in a row over pay.
    And that has alerted Manchester United and Tottenham, who are now both willing to nearly double his £100,000-a-week wages to secure his signature.
    It still seems unlikely that Pickford would jump ship this month from the Premier League’s joint-bottom club, but as we know in football, anything can happen.
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    Pedro Porro – RB
    Tottenham are set for fresh talks this week with Sporting Lisbon over the signing of defender Pedro Porro.
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    Spurs have identified Porro, 23, as one of their top targets this month.
    But Sporting are reluctant to let the Spaniard go in this window.
    So far they have insisted Spurs pay up the full £39.9million written into his release clause.
    Josko Gvardiol – CB
    Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City have all been linked with the Croatian – who has revealed Liverpool are his “dream club” in the Premier League.
    RB Leipzig’s Croatian star’s stock soared even higher thanks to his standout performances for Croatia at the World Cup.
    Gvardiol is adamant that he will stay at the club as are Leipzig, but a late big-money offer could quickly change everything.
    Piero Hincapie – CB
    Tottenham are also weighing up a £20m January move for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.
    Spurs boss Antonio Conte has made a new left-sided centre-back one of his main priorities and is among the many admirers of Ecuador international Hincapie.
    The 21-year-old caught the eye at the World Cup in Qatar and is on the radar of a number of clubs following impressive performances for Leverkusen since his arrival in Germany in 2021.
    Sergio Gomez – LB
    Manchester City ace Sergio Gomez is reportedly being targeted by both Juventus and Inter Milan.
    Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri wants him to replace Alex Sandro, who might not renew his contract at the end of the season.
    City only signed him from Anderlecht last summer but he has yet to make a breakthrough, and Italian media claims they are ready to do business for around £35m.

    Gianluca Prestianni – RW
    Real Madrid and Barcelona are locked in a transfer battle to sign Argentina wonderkid Gianluca Prestianni.
    The 16-year-old is currently playing in his homeland for Velez Sarsfield.
    Despite his young age, the winger has already made his senior debut for the club.
    That made him the third-youngest player ever to appear in Argentina’s top-flight after legends Diego Maradona and Sergio Aguero.
    The two LaLiga giants are continuing to monitor his progress before opting to launch a bid.
    Scott McTominay – CM
    Newcastle are reportedly chasing Manchester United’s Scott McTominay with the star concerned by his lack of recent match action.
    He is “widely liked” by Eddie Howe and the management team at St. James’ Park.
    And he is also allegedly open to a move with Newcastle set to launch a transfer bid if they get the green light that he is available from Old Trafford chiefs.
    Declan Rice – CM
    Declan Rice has been identified as Arsenal’s No.1 target.
    West Ham midfield star Rice is entering the final year of his contract at the London Stadium this summer – although there is an optional extra year – and he may finally opt to jump ship.
    A number of top clubs are interested in the 24-year-old, but the Gunners are ready to battle Chelsea, Manchester United and Man City for his signature to bolster their title dream.
    Leandro Trossard – LW
    The Belgian is unsettled at Brighton after falling out with boss Roberto De Zerbi.
    Trossard, 28, has been frozen out by the Italian after reportedly being involved in a training ground bust up with a team-mate.
    Spurs have allegedly had a £12m bid for the winger rejected already.
    Memphis Depay – FW
    Newcastle have reportedly launched a transfer bid for Memphis Depay as they look to snap-up the Barcelona star.
    And they are ready to battle Atletico Madrid all the way to secure the Dutch forward’s signature this month.
    The former Manchester United man, who can play wide or up front, has fallen out of favour at the Nou Camp this term under Xavi.
    He has been limited to just four appearances all season and has allegedly been told that he can leave during the January transfer window.
    Dusan Vlahovic – FW
    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is also keen to bolster his attack, and he is ready to launch another move for Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic.
    The Serbian, 22, snubbed a switch to the Emirates last January when opting for Turin instead.
    But now Juventus could be tempted to let him leave due to the financial problems at the club.
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    It is claimed the North Londoners are preparing a £71m bid for Vlahovic, who has also attracted interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.
    He’s scored 16 goals in 36 games for Juventus.
    Arsenal are readying another move for Dusan VlahovicCredit: Getty More