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    Leeds in ‘advanced negotiations’ over £26m transfer for Georginio Rutter as they look to secure second January signing

    LEEDS are reportedly close to making Hoffenheim star Georginio Rutter their second January signing.Jesse March’s side secured the signing of Max Wober from RB Salzburg earlier this week.
    Leeds are closing on a £26m deal for Georginio RutterCredit: Getty
    And the club have wasted no time in strengthening the squad further with a deal for Rutter close.
    According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Leeds are in advanced negotiations with Hoffenheim over the forward.
    The two clubs are set for more talks in the coming days with the fee believed to be in the region of £26million.
    Rutter, 20, has agreed personal terms with Leeds and a transfer could be concluded shortly.
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    The striker was left out of Hoffenheim’s matchday squad to face Servette.
    And the club released a statement confirming interest from a Premier League side.
    It read: “For the time being, Georginio Rutter will not take part at all in training or in the friendly match against Servette. Since yesterday, there have been rumours circulating of a move to the Premier League for the Frenchman.”
    Hoffenheim’s sporting director Alexander Rosen added: “Georgi has been confronted with a major issue, that is taking a lot of his energy.
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    “He is a young man and it is therefore understandable that he is preoccupied by the current situation.
    “From our side, it is a case of dealing with a young man in a responsible manner and for that reason, we have decided that he should not participate in full training with the first team right now.”
    The Frenchman has scored 11 goals in 64 games for Hoffenheim, including two in 15 league games this season. More

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    Man Utd transfer chief John Murtough reveals club ‘WON’T be busy in January’ leaving fans shocked amid striker shortage

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S transfer chief has revealed the club “WON’T be busy in January” – leaving fans stunned.The Red Devils are in need of a new striker following Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit.
    John Murtough revealed there will not be lots of activity in the January market for Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    But director of football John Murtough put the brakes on supporters’ expectations.
    Murtough said at a fans’ forum in December: “While we will be exploring options, I don’t expect it to be a busy January window.
    “January is a difficult time to find players that teams are willing to let go.
    “It’s no secret that we’re looking for a new centre-forward.
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    “We’ll see what’s possible in January but we only want to bring in players who are good enough, and who will make the squad stronger.
    “We’re not going to sign players for the sake of making signings.
    “You also need to remember that we invested over £200million in the squad last summer and, as a club, we need to remain financially disciplined and compliant with FFP rules.
    “As always, the main focus remains on the summer window, and we’re already well under way with our planning for next summer.”
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    Some fans were furious with the comments, though.
    One replied: “Total rubbish they are basically writing off another season when United are in the top four and in all their cup competitions.
    “Last year it was waiting for our new manager in the summer, do these people think our fanbase is believing their spin.”
    Another said: “Load of nonsense. Simply passing the buck and saving more pennies for the [Glazers].
    And a third added: “Can’t wait for this man to be sacked – couldn’t learn from the troubles of last season.”
    New manager Erik ten Hag oversaw huge spending in the summer to bring in Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, Tyrell Malacia, Antony and Lisandro Martinez for more than £200m.
    But the Dutchman has made it clear he still wants to bring in further recruits, especially after slamming the club’s recent record in the window.
    Ten Hag said: “The club has bought an unimaginable number of players in recent years who have not been good enough.
    “Most purchases have been average – and at United average is not good enough.
    “United’s shirt weighs heavily. Only real personalities, who can perform under great pressure, can play here.”
    The club were interested in landing Holland World cup star Cody Gakpo but he joined Liverpool for £37m instead.
    Joao Felix continues to be linked with a loan move while an Old Trafford return for Memphis Depay’s remains on the cards.
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    But in terms of genuine No9s, the latest player targeted by United is Burnley’s Wout Weghorst.
    The 30-year-old is currently on loan at Besiktas in Turkey but the deal could be terminated to allow a temporary move to the Theatre of Dreams. More

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    ‘Interesting player’ – Brentford boss Frank breaks silence on Romeo Beckham transfer and hints he could STAY beyond loan

    BRENTFORD boss Thomas Frank praised Romeo Beckham and suggested he could stay beyond his loan spell from Inter Miami.Romeo, who is the son of Manchester United legend David, has been training with the Bees’ B side since the conclusion of the MLS season in September.
    Romeo Beckham will spend the rest of the season at Brentford on loan from Inter MiamiCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Brentford boss Thomas Frank claims Romeo Beckham may stay beyond loan spellCredit: Rex
    And the winger will further his development in west London until the end of the Premier League campaign after impressing Frank and his coaching staff.
    The Danish tactician described the 20-year-old as an “interesting” as well as “promising” player and confirmed there will be opportunities to break into the first team.
    Frank said: “Yeah, I’ve seen him.. I think he’s an interesting player.
    “We hope, of course, like a lot of others that he can make it to the first team.
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    “Yeah, [he is] promising. Anyone who has got a contract here – be it a permanent deal or loan deal – there is always the opportunity to stay, of course.”
    Romeo has been with his dad’s MLS side since 2021 and has made 26 appearances for the second side – who play in the third tier – scoring two goals along the way.
    Proud father David congratulated his son on Instagram as he posted: “Exciting start to the year. Now the hard work and fun begins. Proud of you mate.”
    Romeo told Brentford’s official website after signing: “I’m very proud and very happy to be here.
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    “I came here at the start to keep fit during the off-season. The chance then came to come on loan here and I’ve never been so excited.
    “It was a fun season [in the US] and there were a lot of ups and downs but I’m excited to come here and see what I can do.” More

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    Man Utd given Joao Felix transfer deadline as Atletico demand £9.5m loan fee AND commitment to buy at £70.5m

    MANCHESTER UNITED have until the middle of next week to secure a loan deal for Joao Felix, according to reports.The Atletico Madrid forward, 23, joined the Spanish giants for £113million back in 2019.
    Joao Felix is being heavily linked with a move away from Atletico MadridCredit: EPA
    But he has failed to live up to that price tag, contributing just 38 goals and 14 assists in 130 games.
    An alleged falling out with Diego Simeone means Atletico are now willing to offload him.
    However, they are refusing to let Man Utd seal the Portuguese international for a cut-price.
    Felix’s agent Jorge Mendes met with the LaLiga side’s CEO Miguel Angel Gil on Thursday to put forward the Red Devils’ loan offer of £3m.
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    United also said they would be willing to pay the player’s wages.
    But according to The Mirror, Atletico rejected that bid and are thought to be holding out for a loan fee of £9.5m AND an obligation to buy for £70.5m.
    They are now giving United until the middle of next week to complete a deal.
    Erik ten Hag’s men are understood to have first option on Felix and will have 48 hours to match any other offers.
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    Arsenal are also renewing their interest following a failed pursuit in the summer, with Mendes set to meet Gunners chiefs to discuss the move.
    Felix scored for Atletico against Elche on December 29 but was then left out of Simeone’s squad for their Copa del Rey win over Oviedo on Wednesday.
    Meanwhile, United are lining up Burnley striker Wout Weghorst as an alternative should they miss out on Felix.
    The 30-year-old Dutchman is currently on loan at Besiktas, but he appeared to say goodbye to the fans after scoring for the Turkish side on Saturday.
    Man Utd are in need of a striker following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
    Their only options to lead the line currently are Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford – who is proving effective on the left-hand side. More

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    David De Gea facing HUGE pay-cut to stay at Man Utd as club look to implement ‘Ronaldo rule’ on wages

    MANCHESTER UNITED star David De Gea will reportedly have to accept a significant pay-cut to stay at Old Trafford.De Gea’s £375,000-a-week contract runs out in June and United are said to have offered the goalkeeper a far lower “take it or leave it” deal.
    Manchester United star David De Gea will have to accept a major pay cut to stayCredit: PA
    Manchester United have introduce a “Ronaldo rule on wages”Credit: Getty
    According to the Daily Mail, the Red Devils have introduced a “Ronaldo rule” to ensure nobody is paid significantly more than their team-mates.
    Salaries will be capped at £200,000-per-week with the Spain international the first to be impacted.

    The 32-year-old will be offered a new deal in the region of £180,000-£200,000-a-week.
    Before Ronaldo’s dramatic departure from Manchester and subsequent move to Al-Nassr, he was earning a staggering £480,000-a-week.
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    But chief executive Richard Arnold, director of football John Murtough and manager Erik ten Hag will now employ a squad-wide pay cap in order to avoid a culture of jealousy.
    Bruno Fernandes signed a new five-year deal in 2022 and is believed to be earning within the pay bracket.
    The same goes for Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Casemiro’s salaries.
    And United have also imposed wage sanctions in players’ contracts for failing to qualify for the Champions League.
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    Recent reports suggest De Gea is willing to accept a pay cut to remain at Old Trafford.
    The Spaniard said last week he is confident talks to stay at the club will end “in a good way”.
    However, United are preparing for contingency plans in case De Gea doesn’t put pen to paper.
    That is why they are also keeping tabs on Borussia Monchengladbach’s Yann Sommer and Porto’s Diogo Costa among others. More

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    Wout Weghorst waved ‘goodbye’ to fans before talking to his club about Man Utd transfer claims Besiktas coach

    BESIKTAS manager Senol Gunes has claimed Wout Weghorst said “goodbye” to the fans on Saturday amid speculation over a move to Manchester United.The Dutchman, 30, is currently on loan at the Turkish outfit from Burnley.
    Wout Weghorst headed to the Besiktas fans after scoring on SaturdayCredit: Getty

    But there are strong rumours he could end his spell there prematurely if Erik ten Hag’s side are able to strike a deal.
    Weghorst scored the winner in Besiktas’ 2-1 victory over Kasimpasa on Saturday.
    It takes his tally to nine goals in 18 appearances for the club this season.
    After netting his side’s second goal, he walked towards the adoring fans, kissed the badge and appeared to thank them for their support before waving to the crowd.
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    Boss Gunes took this as the Netherlands international bidding farewell, but insists Weghorst must speak to the club about his situation.
    Following the win at the weekend, the Besiktas head coach said: “Weghorst is an important player for us.
    “It is not enough to say goodbye to the audience. He also needs to talk to the club. I have heard of such a development, but it is not clear.
    “I’ll consider [him] leaving after I talk to both him and the club.”
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    Man Utd are in need of a striker following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
    Their only options to lead the line currently are Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford – who is proving effective on the left-hand side.

    A loan move for Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix has been considered but Man Utd are refusing to meet the Spanish side’s asking price. 
    Atletico want a £13.5million loan fee, with Felix’s £6m wages also needing to be covered.
    And Weghorst, who scored a stunning brace against Argentina at the World Cup, has emerged as an alternative.
    However, he did struggle in England with Burnley during the second half of last season.
    The Clarets were relegated as the ex-Wolfsburg man mustered just two goals and three assists in 20 Premier League appearances. More

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    Chelsea new-boy David Datro Fofana’s old club want transfer CANCELLED and have written to Fifa to stop £10.5m deal

    THE boyhood club of Chelsea’s latest signing, David Datro Fofana, have attempted to CANCEL his move to Stamford Bridge.The Blues confirmed the arrival of the striker, 20, from Molde last month for £10.5million.
    Chelsea unveiled new signing Fofana earlier this weekCredit: Getty
    It means Graham Potter’s men have now already secured three new signings in the January window – Fofana, Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile, 21, and young Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos, 18.
    However, according to The Mail, Fofana’s childhood side, Abidjan City, have written to Fifa alleging his first professional move to Molde two years ago was “unlawful”.
    The row is the result of a dispute between Abidjan City and Fofana’s mother over whether she signed a consent form for him to join the Norwegian club in 2016.
    At the time, he was just 15 years of age.
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    Club president Marco Taddei wrote: “We, therefore, invite you to intervene with the Chelsea club so that the player’s transfer is suspended until the dispute between the Molde FK club and ourselves is settled.”
    Chelsea insist the player is fully registered with them.
    Fofana, who has been capped three times by Ivory Coast, went on to contribute 24 goals and 10 assists in 65 games for Molde – a run of form which saw him earn his move to Chelsea.
    His arrival comes amid an injury crisis for the Blues as they languish down in 10th place in the Premier League table.
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    Potter has a host of players sidelined including N’Golo Kante, Mason Mount, Ben Chilwell, Edouard Mendy, Reece James, Armando Broja, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Wesley Fofana.
    Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic also went off with problems in the first half of their 1-0 loss to Manchester City on Thursday evening.

    The depletion has seen Chelsea become incredibly active in the January transfer market.
    They are furiously pursuing Benfica and Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez, 21, although his £106m release clause is proving a stumbling block.
    And they are also hoping to hijack Arsenal’s deal for Shakhtar Donetsk forward Mykhailo Mudryk, 22.
    Chelsea have already spent more than £300m since the end of last season.
    Potter’s men face Man City for a second time in three days on Sunday when they travel to the Etihad for an FA Cup third-round clash. More

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    Man Utd planning to introduce ‘Ronaldo rule’ which will limit player salaries to £200k a week to avoid jealousy

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly preparing to introduce a “Cristiano Ronaldo rule” which will see salaries limited to £200,000-a-week.The Red Devils’ most recent annual wage bill was around £228m – the biggest in the Premier League.
    Cristiano Ronaldo was earning nearly £500,000-a-week at Man UtdCredit: Reuters
    David de Gea will see his wages slashed dramatically if he signs a new dealCredit: Getty
    Before Ronaldo’s departure to Al-Nassr, he was earning a staggering £480,000-a-week, while keeper David de Gea is still raking in £375k every seven days.
    However, according to The Mail, chief executive Richard Arnold, director of football John Murtough and manager Erik ten Hag are set to employ a squad-wide pay cap in order to avoid a culture of jealousy in the dressing room.
    And that means De Gea, who is out of contract this summer, will be offered a new deal in the region of £180,000-£200,000-a-week.
    The Spanish keeper, who has been at Old Trafford since 2011, revealed last week his belief that talks with the club will end in a “good way”, but this new wage reduction could dampen that optimism.
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    Bruno Fernandes signed a new five-year deal back in April and is believed to be earning within the pay bracket.
    Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Casemiro are said to be on similar salaries.
    And the Man Utd players have wage sanctions written into their contracts for failing to qualify for the Champions League.
    Luke Shaw, whose deal expires in 2024, will reportedly be offered a wage packet in the same range.
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    However, this self-imposed cap will make it difficult to tie down Marcus Rashford.
    It was reported in the summer that Paris Saint-Germain were willing to pay the England international a staggering £850,000-a-week to bring him to the club.
    That would more than quadruple his current weekly wage which stands at £200k.
    United did trigger an extension in his deal earlier this season to keep him until the end of the 2023/24 campaign.
    But they will still be eager to secure a long-term contract given his recent form.
    Rashford already has 13 goals and six assists in 24 appearances for Ten Hag’s side this season. More