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    Leicester join transfer race for Craig Dawson from West Ham after finally selling Wesley Fofana to Chelsea for £70m

    LEICESTER have entered the race to sign West Ham defender Craig Dawson after finally selling Wesley Fofana. The Hammers have received approaches from both Aston Villa and Wolves in recent days, with the 32-year-old keen to secure a move.
    Craig Dawson has a number of interested clubs including LeicesterCredit: Getty
    West Ham boss David Moyes has added further depth at centre-back this summer with Thilo Kehrer and Nayef Aguerd arriving.
    A pre-season injury to Aguerd means that Moyes would want to replace Dawson should he leave.
    Talks have been held over a loan deal for Southampton defender Jan Bednarek, while the East London side have also asked about a deal for Leander Dendoncker at Wolves should Dawson move to Molineux.
    Wolves have already rejected an £8.5million offer from Everton for the Belgian, who can play as a defensive midfielder or central defender.
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    West Ham tried to sign Dendoncker, 27, from Anderlecht before he joined Wolves in 2018.
    Dawson has less than one year left on his deal at the London Stadium meaning the Hammers will want to secure a fee for the former West Brom man.

    West Ham paid Watford £2m to sign Dawson after he initially joined the club on loan.
    Given the interest in the defender, there is hope that they could make a profit on that deal should he move before the deadline.
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    Asked about Dawson’s future, Moyes said: “Ideally, we wouldn’t [lose him] but it’s probably a much more complicated situation than what it is.
    “So it is an ongoing thing at the moment and we’ll just have to see how it goes.”
    Leicester – who play Manchester United just before the transfer window closes – have Jonny Evans and Daniel Amartey as well as out-of-favour duo Caglar Soyuncu and Jannik Vestergaard as their remaining centre-backs after the £70m sale of Fofana to Chelsea. More

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    Justin Kluivert’s Fulham loan transfer ‘COLLAPSES after Roma star is denied work permit by the FA’ due to Brexit rules

    FULHAM’S move for Justin Kluivert has reportedly collapsed after the Roma star was denied a work permit due to Brexit.Di Marzio claims a loan transfer is totally off after the ex-Ajax winger was blocked from playing in England by the FA.
    Justin Kluivert has been denied a work permit to join Fulham due to Brexit rulesCredit: Getty
    Fulham agreed personal terms with Kluivert this month after new signing Manor Solomon picked up a major injury.
    After initial resistance from Roma, the Cottagers finally struck an agreement last week to bring Kluivert, 23, to the Premier League.
    However, the Times claims Brexit rules ended the Dutch ace’s hopes of cracking England’s top flight.
    It’s reckoned Kluivert, who spent last term on loan at Nice, was due to undergo a medical on Wednesday before discovering there was no chance of the move happening.
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    A new points system is in place for work permits after free movement of labour from the EU ended.
    Kluivert’s last season at Roma was during the 2020/21 campaign, when he made just two appearances before joining RB Leipzig on loan.

    And it means he was not given enough points to claim a UK work permit post-Brexit.
    Roma are said to be livid regarding the situation, as Kluivert had his heart set on Fulham and rejected other offers which came in.
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    It means the son of Holland legend Patrick has just one day remaining to sort an exit or find himself warming the bench in Italy.
    As for Fulham, they are hoping to confirm a hat-trick of signings before the market closes.
    The Cottagers remain locked in talks with Lyon over a £13million deal for playmaker Houssem Aouar.
    Marco Silva is also eyeing a move for PSG left-back Layvin Kurzawa.
    Finally, ex-Chelsea and Arsenal winger Willian is set to join for free after leaving Corinthians. More

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    Arsenal braced for Gabriel Martinelli raid as AC Milan line up £43m transfer for attacker if Chelsea sign Rafael Leao

    ARSENAL winger Gabriel Martinelli has emerged as a shock target for AC Milan as a possible replacement for Chelsea target Rafael Leao.Portuguese forward Leao has been linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge before Thursday’s deadline in a potential £126.1million transfer.
    Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli has been linked with a move to AC MilanCredit: AP
    Milan have reportedly identified Martinelli as a possible replacement for Rafael LeaoCredit: Getty
    It has been claimed that the Blues are in talks with the Serie A champions with Thomas Tuchel desperate to bolster his attack.
    And according to Calciomercatoweb, Milan have already identified who they want to replace the 23-year-old with should they sell him this window or in the future.
    Brazil international Martinelli is on the Rossoneri’s radar with the 21-year-old to be their No1 target.
    With the player tied down at the Emirates until 2024, Milan are said to believe they have a chance at prising the youngster away from North London.
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    It has even been said that Milan feel as though an offer in the region of £43million could be enough to secure his services.
    Despite whispers from Italy, there is no suggestion from Arsenal that they intend to allow Martinelli to leave anytime soon.

    And it remains to be seen whether the Gunners would accept £43m for a player deemed as vital for Mikel Arteta.
    Following Martinelli’s impressive start to the season, it is understood that Arsenal are keen to extend his stay at the club.
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    He is set to receive a huge pay rise having nailed down a starting position on the left wing.
    Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has likened Martinelli to former Liverpool and Barcelona ace Luis Suarez.
    Speaking on his Vibe with Five YouTube channel, he said: “Martinelli, if he stays fit, this guy, I’ve told you this before what Arteta told me.
    “He could be the next Suarez-type player.” More

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    Top ten biggest deadline day transfers including Bale to Real Madrid and Arsenal’s hat-trick of last-minute deals

    AS THE hours tick down to the 11pm transfer deadline, there are plenty of big deals still in the pipeline. Clubs in the Premier League and across Europe will be scrambling to finish their summer business in time.

    A number of top stars may still be on the move including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Youri Tielemans and Mykhaylo Mudryk.
    But it would take some massive deals on Thursday to break into the top ten of deadline day transfers – with the top one surely set to stay for a long time…
    Gareth Bale: Tottenham to Real Madrid, £85.3m (2013)
    Not only is Bale’s switch to the Bernabeu the biggest transfer on deadline day ever, but it was once the world record.
    The long saga eventually culminated in the Welsh wizard spending nine years with Real, winning 16 trophies including five Champions Leagues before joining Los Angeles this summer.
    Gareth Bale completed his world-record transfer on deadline day in 2013Credit: Reuters
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    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: Dortmund to Arsenal, £55m (2018)
    Arsenal fans were understandably excited when the club dropped £55m on Aubameyang.
    Things started brilliantly for the Gabon international, so much so that he was awarded a huge new contract and the armband – before being struck by the captaincy curse and was shoved out by Mikel Arteta.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is the second-biggest deadline day signing but left Arsenal for freeCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Fernando Torres: Liverpool to Chelsea, £50m (2011)
    This was a landmark transfer on a bonkers day in 2011 as Chelsea broke the record for the amount spent by an English club to lure Torres from Anfield.
    Despite his huge success for Liverpool, El Nino simply failed to deliver for the Blues and will always be recognised as a major flop in West London.
    Fernando Torres endured a torrid time at Stamford BridgeCredit: AFP
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    Thomas Partey: Atletico to Arsenal, £45m (2020)
    Arsenal toyed with Atletico by triggering his release clause right at the end of the window, forcing them to sell the Ghana man.
    Partey took his time to adjust to English football but is now showing why the Gunners splashed the cash with his dominant performances in midfield.
    Thomas Partey arrived in October 2020 when the transfer window dates were changed for CovidCredit: Getty

    Mesut Ozil: Real Madrid to Arsenal, £42.5m (2013)
    See Aubameyang. Another big-name signing that enthralled supporters with his sheer mastery.
    But after being handed a mega £350,000-per-week contract, it all went downhill and the club bought him out of his contract to let him leave for free.
    Mesut Ozil had a superb start at Arsenal but left under a cloudCredit: Getty – Contributor
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    Ronaldo: Inter to Real Madrid, £40.5m (2002)
    One of the most talented footballers of all time really rubbed salt into Barcelona’s wounds by joining Real Madrid, five years after leaving the Nou Camp for Inter.
    His five years produced 104 goals in 177 games but just two major honours, LaLiga in 2003 and 2007, as the Galacticos underdelivered.
    Ronaldo joined Real Madrid for £40.5m in 2002Credit: Reuters
    Anthony Martial: Monaco to Man Utd, £36m (2015)
    The Frenchman’s transfer broke the record fee paid for a teenager – with a further £22m in potential add-ons.
    Martial made an immediate impact with his stunning finish against Liverpool on his debut but has struggled to kick on – but now hopes to resurrect his United career under Erik ten Hag.
    Anthony Martial scored his famous goal against Liverpool on his United debutCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
    Andy Carroll: Newcastle to Liverpool, £35m (2011)
    Just a few hours before the Torres deal was signed, Carroll was the most expensive footballer in British transfer history after this ludicrous move from Newcastle.
    Unlike Luis Suarez who also arrived at Anfield in January 2011, it proved a waste of cash as Carroll managed 11 goals in 58 games before injury-hit spells at West Ham, Newcastle, Reading and West Brom.
    Andy Carroll was a major miss but Luis Suarez a big hit at LiverpoolCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
    Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: Arsenal to Liverpool, £35m (2017)
    Oxlade-Chamberlain was determined to be a central midfielder after Arsene Wenger insisted on using him out wide, even at wing-back.
    The England international landed a major switch to Liverpool.
    Despite Premier League, League Cup, FA Cup, Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup winner’s medals, it has still been personally disappointing for the Ox who has been ravaged by injuries.
    Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has struggled for a consistent run in the Liverpool teamCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    Danny Drinkwater: Leicester to Chelsea, £35m (2017)
    This one went right down to the wire but the Blues may be wishing they didn’t get it over the line after all.
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    A year after snapping up N’Golo Kante for £30m the previous year, Chelsea raided Leicester again by offering Drinkwater a big-money move to Stamford Bridge.
    However, it did not work out at all as Drinkwater was released this summer with just 12 Premier League appearances and four loans.
    This was a familiar sight for Danny Drinkwater after he joined Chelsea from LeicesterCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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    Southampton set to beat Man Utd and Arsenal to Cody Gakpo transfer after ‘agreeing £25m fee with PSV and personal terms’

    SOUTHAMPTON are reportedly set to win the race for PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo.Radio Solent claim the Saints have beaten Manchester United and Arsenal to the Dutch winger after striking a £25million deal with his club.
    Southampton are set to sign PSV Eindhoven star Cody GakpoCredit: Getty
    Gakpo, 23, had been strongly tipped to move to England before tonight’s Dutch transfer deadline.
    But Southampton have appeared from nowhere to snatch a deal at the last moment.
    Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side are flying high after beating Chelsea 2-1 last night.
    And they have now agreed a £25m deal with PSV for Gakpo’s signature.
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    Personal terms have also been secured and a move now looks imminent.
    Gakpo had been strongly linked with Man United despite their £84m capture of Ajax star Antony.
    Arsenal were also looking at Gakpo for more depth on the flanks.
    Yet it’s Saints who have emerged victorious after a transfer battle also involving Newcastle and Leeds.
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    The deal will be seen as a huge coup for Hasenhuttl, who has already reinforced with attacking talents such as Joe Aribo and Sekou Mara.
    Southampton’s business isn’t over yet either.

    Additional reports claim they have struck a loan deal with Arsenal for Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
    The versatile star can cover a number of positions for Saints.
    And the agreement also includes an option to buy next summer. More

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    Brentford ‘ready to hijack Arsenal’s Mykhaylo Mudryk transfer and smash their club record with £26m bid’

    ARSENAL have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Mykhaylo Mudryk with Brentford ready to launch a club-record offer for the Shakhtar Donetsk winger.The 21-year-old is understood to be on Mikel Arteta’s radar ahead of a possible late swoop before Thursday’s deadline.
    Shkahtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk has been linked with moves to Arsenal and BrentfordCredit: Getty
    Personal terms are claimed to have already been agreed with the Ukraine international over a switch to the Emirates.
    Mudryk himself fuelled speculation of a move to North London after “liking” a picture on Instagram which discussed a potential transfer to Arsenal.
    But according to The Athletic, Brentford have renewed their interest in the forward having had a bid rejected last year to sign him in January.
    Mudryk confirmed he had turned down a move to the Bees as he pledged his loyalty to Shakhtar.
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    But it is believed he would now welcome a move to England having expressed his desire to play in the Premier League at some point.
    And it has been said that Brentford are ready to offer a club-record £26million for the exciting youngster.

    Their current record transfer stands at £16m rising to £20m when they brought in forward Keane Lewis-Potter from Hull earlier this summer.
    Though The Athletic have stated that despite Brentford and Shakhtar being in talks, a deal will be difficult to complete.
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    The news outlet declared that Arsenal are keen on Mudryk, but they are now pursuing a central midfielder instead.
    That is due to the injuries picked up by Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny.
    Brazilian starlet Danilo has been touted as an option, with reports claiming Arsenal had offered Palmeiras £20m.
    Meanwhile it remains to be seen whether Arsenal turn their interest in Leicester’s Youri Tielemans into a formal bid. More

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    Chelsea in talks to sign AC Milan winger Leao and Dinamo Moscow midfielder Zakharyan in stunning double transfer swoop

    CHELSEA are pushing to sign Rafael Leao and Arsen Zakharyan before tomorrow’s transfer deadline, according to reports.The Blues have already introduced a number of new additions this summer including Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella and most recently Wesley Fofana, who joined in a £70million move earlier today.
    Leao is valued at £126mCredit: AFP
    Chelsea are plotting to trigger Zakharyan’s release clauseCredit: Getty
    However, following the club’s 2-1 defeat to Southampton on Tuesday Thomas Tuchel is eager to recruit some new faces before the 11pm transfer curfew.
    According to The Times, Chelsea are in talks to sign AC Milan winger Leao AND Dinamo Moscow midfielder Zakharyan.
    Tuchel wants to add a forward and a midfielder to his ranks within the next 24 hours.
    Zakharyan, 19, is available for just £12.6m so Blues chief Todd Boehly should have no problem with splashing the cash to trigger his release clause.
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    However, Leao, 23, is currently valued at £126m which puts Chelsea in a difficult position in terms of negotiations with other deals still in the pipeline.
    The Blues are also in talks with Bundesliga side RB Leipzig over the potential transfer of Josko Gvardiol.

    The centre-back could set Chelsea back £77m if a deal were to be completed.
    Tuchel is eager to strengthen his defensive set-up after the lacklustre display against Southampton.
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    If Chelsea can secure deals for Leao, Zakharyan and Gvardiol it will take the club’s total summer spend up to an eyewatering £480m, smashing the record of the highest amount spent by any club in a single transfer window.
    Real Madrid are the current record holders having spent £272m on signing Eden Hazard, Ferland Mendy, Luka Jovic, Eder Militao and Rodrygo in 2019. More

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    Newcastle join Arsenal in Youri Tielemans transfer race as Eddie Howe targets two midfield signings before deadline

    NEWCASTLE are rivalling Arsenal for the signature of Youri Tielemans, according to reports. The Leicester midfielder’s contract at the King Power expires next summer.
    Youri Tielemans is wanted by Newcastle and Arsenal ahead of deadline dayCredit: Getty
    And with the Foxes open to selling the 52-cap Belgian star, the Toon are now in the race.
    According to the Daily Mail, Eddie Howe wants to land two new midfielders before Thursday’s 11pm deadline.
    As well as a holding midfielder, it is thought the Magpies boss wants to make a last-ditch swoop for Tielemans.
    Tielemans, 25, is understood to be ready to move on because he wants to play in Europe again after Leicester missed out for this season.
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    But the project underway at St James’ Park – bankrolled by the Saudi Public Investment Fund – could be an appealing option.
    According to Sky Sports, the Foxes would accept around £25million for the FA Cup-winning hero and club-record signing.
    Leicester play Manchester United tomorrow night, with the full-time whistle blowing just an hour before the transfer window closes.
    However, it is understood Newcastle and Arsenal have not submitted an official bid yet.
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    The Gunners were tipped to go all out for Tielemans earlier in the window – with Manchester United and Liverpool also linked.
    Mikel Arteta might be tempted to make a move, though, following injuries to Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny.
    Magpies chief Howe has already spent more than £100m of the Saudi money so far this summer.
    Of that, £60m was on record-buy Alexander Isak who has got his work permit sorted in time to face Liverpool.
    Sven Botman, Matt Targett and Nick Pope also arrived to bolster the Newcastle defence.
    It is reported Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa could be the ideal No6 Howe is looking for.
    Like Tielemans, the Brazilian, 24, is into the final year of his deal but is also a target for Atletico Madrid. More