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    Man Utd and Chelsea transfer target Frenkie de Jong spotted at airport ‘flying to London’ amid Barcelona exit talk

    FRENKIE DE JONG is travelling to London ahead of a potential move to Chelsea.The Dutchman has been linked with the exit door from Barcelona all summer, with Manchester United leading the race for his signature early on.

    Frenkie De Jong arriving at the airport in BarcelonaCredit: @10JoseAlvarez @elchiringuitotv
    De Jong has been linked with a transfer to Chelsea and Manchester UnitedCredit: @10JoseAlvarez @elchiringuitotv
    De Jong in action for Barcelona over the weekendCredit: Rex
    But now after appearing on the bench for the second time this season De Jong appears to be set to seal a transfer to the Premier League.
    De Jong, 25, was pictured at an airport where a plane was scheduled to take off to fly to London.
    It has previously been reported Chelsea struck an agreement with Barcelona over a transfer fee of around £63million.
    New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has already splashed a massive amount of cash on improving Thomas Tuchel’s squad, with over £180m already spent.
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    Deals for Leicester’s Wesley Fofana and Everton’s Anthony Gordon are also in the works, with the former flying to the US to complete a medical ahead of a move which could reach a world record fee for a defender.
    United also reportedly struck an agreement but their efforts to ensure De Jong reunited with Erik ten Hag have thus far proved fruitless.

    However, despite the transfer interest of these clubs De Jong’s movements are reportedly not transfer related.
    Samuel Marsden has reported the Barcelona squad were given a few days off following their 4-0 victory over Real Valladolid.
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    He maintains the most likely scenario regarding De Jong’s future is him staying at Barcelona, with no change to his salary conditions.
    Further reports have suggested De Jong’s reason for travel is the wedding of International team-mate and current Man United star Donny van de Beek, who gave him an invitation. More

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    Bristol City star Nathan Baker forced to retire aged 31 after picking up horror head injury last season

    BRISTOL CITY star Nathan Baker has been forced into early retirement after picking up a horrific head injury last season.Baker, 31, suffered the gruesome injury in Bristol’s clash against Sheffield United last November.
    Bristol City Nathan Baker has announced his retirement from football aged 31 after suffering a head injury last seasonCredit: Rex
    Baker suffered a gruesome head injury against Sheffield United just five weeks after getting stretchered off the pitch when Bristol took on West BromCredit: PA
    The former Aston Villa star spent nine months at home recovering before taking advice from medical professionals who told him he should retireCredit: Action Images – Reuters
    The defender was hospitalised for 24 hours after falling awkwardly following an aerial duel with a Blades player.
    And he’s been ruled out of action ever since the incident that happened just five weeks after he had a similar injury against West Brom.
    Baker had to be stretchered off the pitch while receiving oxygen in the match against the Baggies which also saw two fans taken to hospital.
    The ex-Aston Villa made a full recovery before the unfortunate clash of heads against Sheffield United.
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    He subsequently spent nine months at home recuperating with the help of medical professionals who have advised him that continuing to play football “represents a significant risk to his ongoing and future health.”
    And now Bristol have confirmed that Baker’s taken heed of that advice.
    The club announced on Twitter: “#BristolCity regrets to announce the retirement of defender Nathan Baker on medical grounds.
    The 31-year-old will step away from the game as a consequence of the head injury he sustained at Sheffield United on November 28th, 2021.”
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    Baker followed this up by saying: “Football has been a massive part of my life from a very young age, so this has not been the easiest decision for me, however I must take the advice from the medical team and consultants.
    “It’s sad to think I won’t be playing football again, there are so many things I’m going to miss, such as my teammates, the friendships made, plus a good tackle! But I must put my health and family first, it’s not worth the risk.
    “I’d like to thank all the staff at Bristol City for doing all they can to help me through this tough time. And I’d like to thank the fans who have supported me throughout my career at Bristol City and Aston Villa.
    “I’m so grateful and lucky to have had the opportunity to play for such great clubs and even represent my country. There are so many memories that will always stay with me.”
    Bristol boss Nigel Pearson shared Baker’s disappointment, adding: “It’s a sad day for any player when they have to step away from the game, especially in Nathan’s case when it’s a lot earlier than he had planned.
    “However, the health and safety of players must come first and we fully support the advice given to Nathan to ensure his health is the primary concern.
    “Nathan was a fabulous servant to our club and popular in dressing room as well in the stands with the supporters. We wish him all the best for the future as he starts his life away from the pitch with his young family.”
    Baker made 324 appearances, and scored five goals along with five assists in a fruitful career that saw him play for Aston Villa, Lincoln City, Millwall, and Bristol.
    He joined Villa’s academy aged 13 in 2004 before making his professional debut in 2010.
    The Englishman made 123 appearances for Villa, and spent time on loan with Lincoln and Milwall, then moved to Bristol in 2017 where he featured in 148 matches. More

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    Chelsea star Conor Gallagher wanted back by Crystal Palace as Patrick Vieira makes £27m transfer bid for midfielder

    CRYSTAL PALACE have launched a £27million bid in an attempt to sign Conor Gallagher from Chelsea, according to reports.Gallagher, 22, enjoyed a successful loan spell at Selhurst Park last season.
    Crystal Palace are pushing to sign Gallagher in a permanent transferCredit: Dan Weir / MatchDay Images Limited
    In 39 appearances for the Eagles he scored eight goals and assisted five, making him an integral presence in midfield.
    But now he could be set for a permanent return to South London.
    According to The Times, Crystal Palace have made a £27m bid for Gallagher.
    The Eagles are hopeful that both Chelsea and the midfielder will agree to a permanent transfer rather than a second consecutive loan.
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    Palace boss Patrick Vieira refused to rule out the prospect of a permanent transfer earlier this year.
    In May, he said: “Conor has been fantastic for us.
    “He felt like he is at home the way he has been performing for us. He understands the way that we want to play the game, and he brings his energy and his determination.
    “We know that he has to go back to Chelsea. Then, what will happen? We don’t know.
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    “But what is important is that he came for a year, and he worked hard and worked well, and he gave something to the team and the football club. It was a win-win.
    “He was really happy with us. He played really well, which allowed him to go to England.

    “He’s happy, so we are happy.”
    Gallagher was called-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the first time during his loan spell with Crystal Palace, so he could opt for a return to increase his chances of a World Cup call-up.
    The midfielder has already made four appearances for Chelsea this season.
    Last week, he was sent off just 28 minutes into the Blues’ Premier League clash with Leicester after receiving two yellow cards.
    Thomas Tuchel’s side went on to win the match 2-1 despite the disadvantage. More

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    Liverpool plan shock transfer bid for Sheff Utd ace Sander Berge to solve midfield crisis but must meet £35m buy-out fee

    LIVERPOOL are reportedly planning a shock transfer swoop on Sheffield United star Sander Berge to solve their deepening midfield crisis.The Reds currently have a depleted midfield due to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Thiago, Curtis Jones, and Naby Keita all being out injured.
    Liverpool have turned to Sheffield United star Sander Berge to solve their deepening injury crisisCredit: Arron Gent/News Images
    Chamberlain picked up a hamstring injury in Liverpool’s pre-season game against Crystal Palace and could be out until October.
    Thiago suffered the same fate as Chamberlain in the Reds’ season opener against Fulham, and has been ruled out of action for six weeks.
    This has left the Reds with a gaping hole in their midfield that needs to be filled after club boss Jurgen Klopp focused on strengthening other areas of the pitch this summer.
    He signed two forwards – Fabio Carvalho and club record buy Darwin Nunez – along with right-back Calvin Ramsay.

    But the Reds have now set sights on the Blades’ midfield dynamo Berge who’s scored two – and provided one assist in six Championship games this season, the Yorkshire Post reported.
    Although the Reds will have to fork out £35m to meet the Norwegian’s release clause fee, the report added.
    However, the Reds need to move fast if they want to sign Berge with the transfer deadline edging closer.
    The Reds’ dire need for more squad depth has been evident during their stuttering start to the season that’s seen them win just one out of four games.
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    The Reds were outplayed by Man United last week when they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford.
    But Jurgen Klopp’s side redeemed themselves with a 9-0 win over Bournemouth on Saturday. More

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    Ex-Man Utd prodigy Ravel Morrison scores wonder goal but Wayne Rooney’s awful start at DC United continues with 3-2 loss

    EX-MANCHESTER UNITED prodigy Ravel Morrison showed fans he’s still got it with a wonder goal for Wayne Rooney’s DC United side against Atlanta United.Morrison, 29, vigorously burst onto the scene when he signed for the Red Devils aged 17 in 2010.
    Ravel Morrison scored a stunner for DC United against Atlanta UnitedCredit: Alamy
    But it wasn’t enough to stop Wayne Rooney’s side from losing 3-2 in the MLS matchCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    He rubbed shoulders with Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard, and his vast array of talent led former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson to label him, “the best player I’ve ever seen at that age.”
    It was during his two year stint at Old Trafford that he built his relationship with Rooney.
    But the pair’s careers took different turns as Rooney became one of Premier League’s greatest ever strikers, while Morrison descended into obscurity.
    However, Rooney handed Morrison a career lifeline when brought the forgotten attacker to Derby County on a free transfer when the United icon managed the Rams.
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    And Morrison repaid Rooney’s faith in him by following the United legend to America when he took over as DC United boss this summer.
    Rooney’s had a tough time in the MLS side’s dugout so far, losing two of his four opening games at the club.
    But he would’ve cracked a smile after witnessing Morrison’s beauty against Atlanta in the Eastern Conference on Sunday.
    Morrison opened the scoring just after half-time with a stellar volley from 25 yards out, MLS footage showed.
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    He latched onto a botched clearance from an Atlanta player by bringing the ball down on his chest before sweetly piledriving the ball into the bottom right-hand corner.
    But his wondergoal wasn’t enough to stop Rooney’s side slumping to a 3-2 loss to Atlanta who staged a resounding fightback.
    It was DC United’s fourth successive defeat which has left them bottom of the MLS table.
    Luckily, Rooney’s been able to take his mind off his side’s woes on the pitch with the company of his family over the past week.
    Rooney’s wife Coleen and their kids spent the last seven days in the US with the England icon before jetting back to the UK yesterday. More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo agent Mendes returns to Chelsea for talks as Aubameyang deal stalls – but Tuchel still reluctant

    MANCHESTER UNITED striker Cristiano Ronaldo could still join Chelsea with his agent Jorge Mendes reportedly returning to hold talks with the West Londoners.A move to Stamford Bridge was rumoured last month after Mendes met with new Blues owner Todd Boehly to discuss a potential transfer.
    Cristiano Ronaldo is still seeking an exit away from Manchester United in his quest to play Champions League footballCredit: AFP
    SunSport exclusively revealed how Boehly was keen to snap up the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
    But Chelsea ultimately pulled out of a deal to sign the 37-year-old with boss Thomas Tuchel turning down the chance to bring him in.
    It was recently claimed how Tuchel was told NOT to secure the services of the Portugal international by his German compatriot and ex-United interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
    After snubbing Ronaldo, Chelsea turned their attention to Barcelona’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in they hope they could lure him back to England after his Arsenal exit earlier this year.
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    However SunSport understands Tuchel’s hopes of a reunion with the 33-year-old is stalling over personal terms with Chelsea only prepared to offer him a one-year deal.
    According to the Independent, this has led Ronaldo’s representative to return to Chelsea to investigate whether they would resurrect a deal for the forward.
    But they state that as of the weekend, Tuchel still has reservations over Ronaldo.
    But Chelsea do hold an interest in Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha, who is in the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park.
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    United manager Erik ten Hag has refused to guarantee whether Ronaldo will stay at United beyond the summer having started him from the bench in the club’s last two games.
    Asked if the Real Madrid legend will remain at Old Trafford, Ten Hag said: “I can’t say that.
    “We plan with him. We stick to the plan. We want him to stay. That is what I want.”
    Pressed on whether Ronaldo will still be a United player come Friday morning, Ten Hag could only add: “I hope so.” More

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    Caleb Chukwuemeka set to follow Chelsea star brother Carney out of Aston Villa with Burnley showing transfer interest

    BURNLEY are reportedly preparing a late bid for Aston Villa starlet Caleb Chukwuemeka.The striker, 20, is the brother of 18-year-old midfielder Carney, who recently joined Chelsea for £20million.
    Aston Villa’s Caleb Chukwuemeka is being eyed by BurnleyCredit: Willie Vass
    Chukwuemeka has made three appearances for Villa after joining last summer for £300,000 from Northampton.
    But the Mail says boss Steven Gerrard is ready to cut his losses after just one year by sanctioning an exit before deadline day.
    Vincent Kompany’s Burnley are now said to be readying an offer after their mixed start to the Championship season.
    The Manchester City legend is trying to rebuild his newly-inherited squad with top young talents.
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    And Burnley hope to get a deal over the line this week.
    But the Clarets face a battle for Chukwuemeka’s coveted signature.
    It’s reckoned several League One clubs are prepared to immediately hand the attacker a key player role.
    Meanwhile, Dutch top-flight outside Go Ahead Eagles are keeping tabs after losing all four of their opening Eredivisie matches.
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    And Borussia Dortmund are also interested in adding Chukwuemeka to their reserve squad, having raided English teams in the past for Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham.
    Chukwuemeka scored seven goals and bagged eight assists in just 12 outings for Villa’s U23s last term.
    But like brother Carney, he is hoping for a more important role in the near future.
    And Chukwuemeka now looks destined to follow his sibling out of the door at Villa Park. More

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    Man Utd transfer target Cody Gakpo CONFIRMS interest with Erik ten Hag eyeing two new strikers with Antony to join

    PSV EINDHOVEN star Cody Gakpo has CONFIRMED Manchester United are keen on signing him.That’s despite the Red Devils closing in on an £84million swoop for Ajax ace Antony.
    PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo has confirmed Man Utd are keen on signing himCredit: Getty
    Erik ten Hag is eager to bolster his squad with two top attackers before deadline day.
    And a deal for Brazilian wide-man Antony, 22, is finally on after Ajax rejected several previous offers.
    United’s bid falls just short of their club-record £89m move for Paul Pogba from Juventus in 2016.
    But it appears Ten Hag is still not finished in the market.
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    Cristiano Ronaldo remains keen on ditching his Old Trafford teammates after they failed to qualify for the Champions League.
    And United are hoping to end the transfer window with another forward after signing Antony.
    Reports claim Ten Hag is interested in a swoop for Barcelona’s Memphis Depay – who flopped in a previous spell at United under Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho.
    However, Gakpo has put the cat amongst the pigeons by claiming United are incredibly keen on his services.
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    The Holland international, 23, was linked with a move to the Theatre of Dreams earlier this month.
    But PSV’s reported £40m asking price was holding United off from making a bid.
    Yet with the Dutch side dropping down to the Europa League after defeat in their qualifier against Rangers, Gakpo could now be available for a cheaper fee.
    And the player himself is adamant United are ready to pounce with just days left in the market.
    Gakpo declared: “There are also other options, United are a serious option.
    “I can hear it all. I try to shut myself off from it, but it’s difficult.”
    Should Gakpo join alongside Antony, it would leave United with seven senior attackers for just three positions.
    And that would increase the likelihood of Ronaldo quitting for a fresh start.
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    However, additional reports claim it could be Anthony Elanga who is sacrificed – at least for this season.
    That’s because Everton are hoping to land him on loan if Anthony Gordon winds up at Chelsea. More