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    Ex-Chelsea boss Tuchel and former Man Utd chief Rangnick linked with Germany manager and director jobs

    FORMER Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel could replace Hansi Flick as Germany boss, according to reports.The World Cup giants crashed out in the group stage in Qatar, four years after suffering the same fate in Russia.
    Thomas Tuchel was sacked by Chelsea back in SeptemberCredit: AP
    Ralf Rangnick is the current manager of AustriaCredit: Getty
    On Monday, Oliver Bierhoff, the director of the national team, resigned following the nightmare campaign.
    And Flick’s job is hanging in the balance, with the ex-Bayern Munich manager releasing a rather damning statement following Bierhoff’s departure.
    He said: “My coaching team and I are finding it difficult at the moment to imagine how the gap created by Oliver’s departure can be closed professionally and personally.”
    If Flick, 57, is sacked or chooses to resign from his post, Kicker understand that ex-Chelsea man Tuchel is one of the frontrunners to replace him.
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    The German coach, 49, was dismissed by the Blues back in September after a string of poor results.
    But overall he was a success at Stamford Bridge, winning the Champions League less than six months into his spell at the club.
    He could be joined in the Germany set-up by ex-Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick.
    Rangnick, 64, left Old Trafford after a short stint as interim head coach last season, taking a managerial job with the Austria national team.
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    But he is now being linked with replacing Bierhoff as the Germans’ director of football.
    Rangnick was Tuchel’s head coach at Ulm in 1997 where the pair formed a relationship.
    Three years later, he then gave Tuchel a role as a youth coach at Stuttgart.
    Another candidate linked with Germany’s sporting director role is Hertha Berlin’s Fredi Bobic. More

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    Newcastle ‘to move for Brazil wonderkid Andrey Santos, 18, in January to beat Barcelona to transfer for in-demand star’

    NEWCASTLE are reportedly aiming to beat Barcelona to the signing of Brazilian wonderkid Andrey Santos.Santos, 18, has emerged as a target for Newcastle ahead of a potential January move.
    Newcastle minority owners Amanda Staveley and husband Mehrdad GhodoussiCredit: AFP
    Andrey Santos has been linked with a move to Newcastle
    According to the Northern Echo, the central midfielder has been on the club’s radar for some time.
    Newcastle will face a battle to sign him with Barcelona also expressing an interest in the teenager.
    However, the Spanish giants financial situation continues to strain them heavily, opening the door for Newcastle to swoop in if they can stay within the Premier League’s Financial Fair Play regulations.
    The teenager currently ply’s his trade out in the second tier of Brazilian football with Vasco da Gama.

    He appeared 36 times for the Brazilian outfit last season, scoring eight goals.
    This being said, Santos’ role is not that of a goalscoring midfielder.
    Instead Santos tends to play in a deeper midfield role where he breaks up play, proven by his 62 tackles and 26 interceptions last season.
    A transfer for Santos is in line with Newcastle’s new transfer policy of trying to recruit the best talent around the World.
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    It is a policy which saw them land Australian wonderkid Garang Kuol.
    Kuol almost completed a shock comeback for the Socceroos against Argentina at the World Cup but saw his last minute shot dramatically saved by Emiliano Martinez.
    This new transfer policy came into effect after the club’s current owners – a Saudi Arabian headed Public Investment Fund – brought the club from previous owner Mike Ashley.
    Ashley has been in news today after his Frasers Group served an eviction notice to Coventry City.
    It comes after the group brought the Coventry Building Society Arena last month.
    On the other hand, Newcastle’s owners pumped an additional £70million into the club last month. More

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    Tottenham have ‘concrete interest’ in Club Brugge’s Denmark World Cup star Andreas Skov Olsen ahead of January transfer

    TOTTENHAM are keen on signing Club Brugge ace Andreas Skov Olsen, according to reports. The 22-year-old featured for Denmark at the World Cup as they failed to make it to the knockout stages.
    Andreas Skov Olsen is wanted by Tottenham in the January transfer windowCredit: Getty
    Spurs have supposedly been monitoring him at the tournament alongside multiple other targets.
    Outlet Het Nieuwsblad claim that Tottenham have a “concrete interest” in the winger.
    The club’s director of football Fabio Paratici is a big fan and sees him as similar to Dejan Kulusevski.
    Skov Olsen has impressed at Club Brugge this season, scoring eight goals and registering four assists in all competitions and helping the Belgian side make it to the last-16 of the Champions League.
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    The Dane joined them at the beginning of this year and won the league title in the last campaign following his January move.
    He first burst on to the scene as a teenager impressing in his homeland for Nordsjaelland, before moving to Bologna prior to joining Brugge.
    Skov Olsen has been on Tottenham’s watchlist for some time – they were first linked with him back in 2019 when he was still a teenager.
    Spurs are keen to strengthen their squad in January as they look to finish in the top four again.
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    Paratici reportedly also has his eye on Juventus and USA star Weston McKennie.
    The midfielder’s minutes have been restricted this season at Juve but his performances in Qatar have alerted a number of top teams.
    Tottenham return to Premier League action after the World Cup on Boxing Day when they face Brentford. More

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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