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    West Ham ready to cut losses on £20m flop who has played just 43 minutes all season as Potter starts to clear decks

    WEST HAM are in talks to sell Luis Guilherme to a Saudi Arabian side just six months after signing him for £20million.The 18-year-old arrived from Palmeiras to much fanfare but has played just 43 minutes across five sub appearances this season.West Ham could sell Luis Guilherme just six months after signing himCredit: RexCashing in on him would raise funds for new boss Graham PotterCredit: PAThe Hammers need to raise funds to make signings for new boss Graham Potter this month and may cut their losses on Guilherme.Saudi clubs were interested in the Brazilian during the summer and West Ham pushed hard to bring him to London over the Gulf, with the player saying a move to the Premier League was a “dream” come true.Al-Ittihad and Al-Qadsiah are both showing an interest in the versatile attacker.Former boss Julen Lopetegui backed Guilherme to make the step up to competing in the Premier League soon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, despite being short on attacking talent, new boss Potter opted to start central midfielder Carlos Soler on the left in the 3-2 win over Fulham on Tuesday night.Soler scored one and played a role in setting up Tomas Soucek’s goal too.West Ham are desperate to land a striker this month following injury to Niclas Fullkrug, who joins Michail Antonio, Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville on the injury list.Talks have been held over a move for Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi, while RB Leipzig’s Andre Silva is also under consideration.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThey would like to sign Brighton’s Evan Ferguson but the Seagulls are yet to decide whether or not to loan him out.Potter has also identified the midfield as an area in need of improvement, and wants to add a ball-playing holding midfielder this month.Graham Potter is appointed the new manager of West Ham Chelsea duo Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Carney Chukwuemeka have been linked with moves across the capital.Julen Lopetegui’s disastrous reignBy Jack FiggJULEN LOPETEGUI replaced David Moyes in May 2024 ready to start a new reign at West Ham – now it’s over before it even got started.The former Spain manager arrived in London with the experience of working with big stars – but his reputation in England needed mending. He won the Europa League with Sevilla in 2020 – joining Wolves two years later. But Lopetegui left after one season having guided Wolves to 13th but walking out over their financial constraints. Following a year out of work, the ex-Real Madrid player agreed to take over from Moyes – who only 12 months earlier led them to the Europa Conference League trophy. But Lopetegui got off to a horror start to life in London, going winless in his first four matches.That is despite spending £123m on signings with the likes of Maximilian Kilman, Niclas Fullkrug and Aaron Wan-Bissaka arriving in the summer.And Lopetegui’s tenure hit an all-time low following a 5-0 loss at home to Liverpool and 4-1 defeat at Man City. The Hammers board had seen enough and started to draw up potential replacements after deciding to sack Lopetegui. More

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    Real Madrid ABANDON transfer pursuit of Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold after star’s slump in form

    REAL MADRID are abandoning their pursuit of Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, reports suggest.Alexander-Arnold, 26, has been intensely linked with a move to Real during the January transfer window.Real Madrid are abandoning their pursuit of Liverpool star Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: GettyReal don’t believe Liverpool will let Alexander-Anrold leave mid-seasonCredit: AlamyIn fact, Los Blancos have been so keen that they reportedly offered a £20million fee despite the fact the full-back’s contract runs out in June.According to Relevo, however, the reigning Spanish and European champions are beginning to pull back in their pursuit of the England international.That is because Real see no chance of Liverpool releasing TAA during the winter market.The high-flying Reds are favourites to win the Premier League as they are six points ahead of second place with a game in hand.Read More on FootballAnd the Merseysiders’ title push could be affected if manager Arne Slot lost one of his key players mid-season.That is despite Alexander-Arnold’s recent slump in form, which led to intense criticism from fans.A section of the Anfield faithful fear that Real’s interest got into the defender’s head.The right-back was met by groans and moans during his disasterclass in the 2-2 draw against struggling rivals Manchester United two weeks ago.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesTrent’s defensive frailties have long been documented, despite noticeable improvements in recent months.Liverpool are also facing the risk of losing two more stars for free in the summer transfer window.How Man United destroyed Trent in spectacular Liverpool draw amid £100m Real Madrid transfer talksAnd those are defensive rock Virgil van Dijk as well as megastar Mohamed Salah. More

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    Man Utd rivals ‘believe Ratcliffe will sanction transfer of homegrown star this month with Mainoo and Garnacho targeted’

    PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are bracing themselves for Manchester United to put the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford on the market.According to The Telegraph, United’s rivals believe part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will put homegrown talent up for sale to stay within financial rules.Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo could attract transfer attentionCredit: PAThat would mean Rashford, Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho would be at risk of being sold by the Old Trafford board.It was announced today that all 20 Premier League clubs avoided charges over profit and sustainability rules (PSR) for the 2023-24 campaign.But United’s financial losses mean they give themselves little room for manoeuvre without Champions League football next season.The club currently sit 13th in the league – with European football well out of sight for now.READ MORE IN football But their PSR position would be helped by selling a homegrown player generating “pure profit” after being developed by the club.That is opposed to selling on a player they have already bought – with Rashford, Mainoo and Garnacho all academy products.Rashford, 27, is in talks to leave United after revealing in December that he is ready for a “new challenge”. His reps were in Italy to speak to AC Milan while the likes of Monaco, Arsenal and Tottenham are also linked. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMainoo’s future was thrown into doubt after failing to agree terms on a new contract – with his existing deal expiring in the summer of 2027. Chelsea and Bayern Munich are among those monitoring the midfielder’s situation, as revealed by SunSport. And Garnacho has fallen out of favour under United manager Ruben Amorim – having been dropped for the Manchester derby in January. He has since returned to the squad – but is still linked with a move away with Napoli interested in the winger. Man Utd squad transfer verdictSunSport gives its verdict on what Man Utd stars should stay or go in the first phase of Ruben Amorim’s squad rebuild:Andre Onana – StayDespite being guilty of some erratic performances, Andre Onana remains a world-class goalkeeper and United would struggle to find better in the market.The defence has begun to look more solid in recent weeks now Amorim has had time to coach the structure into the team, and hopefully, that will be converted into clean sheets going forward.Noussair Mazraoui – StayThe best signing from the summer window so far, Noussair Mazraoui has proven to be everything Man Utd needed and more.Versatile, reliable and passionate no matter whether he plays at wing-back or centre-back, it is a no-brainer to keep the Moroccan.Leny Yoro – StayAfter a pre-season injury, Leny Yoro has taken some time to bed in but he has shown some superb moments in a Man Utd shirt already like his lung-busting run to block a Liverpool shot in the 2-2 draw at Anfield earlier this month.At the age of 19 he will only get better and while too much expectation should not be thrust on him just yet, the early signs suggest he could be a mainstay in defence for years to come.Harry Maguire – GoThe last time we did this list Harry Maguire was one of our main defensive options to be sold, but since Amorim has come with the back three the England international has barely put a foot wrong.The issue with Maguire is that while he is perfectly suited to a back three, he will be 32 in the summer and has just one year left on his contract, so if a serious offer comes in he should regrettably be sold.Matthijs de Ligt – StayMatthijs de Ligt has been very hit or miss since arriving in the summer. Capable of heroic last-ditch tackles like he did at Arsenal and also capable of some very silly passages of play like his handball against Liverpool.In many ways, the Dutchman seems like a younger version of Maguire and given some more time to bed in he should improve even more.Lisandro Martinez – StayHas really started to grow into the Amorim system in recent games after a very sticky patch of form.He is one of the team’s best progressive passers in the build-up phase and has the dogged mentality this team will need to improve and claw its way up the table.Luke Shaw – GoIt’s been said that one of the best abilities is availability, and that rings incredibly true for Luke Shaw.World class on his day and is clearly still capable of finding those levels, as seen at less than full fitness with England at the Euros. But he is simply not available often enough to warrant keeping.Tyrell Malacia – GoTyrell Malacia is still recovering his match sharpness from his two-year injury layoff, so it is a bit harsh to make a verdict on him so soon.The current concern is that United will need to aggressively recruit specialist left wing-backs in the summer, and Malacia so far has not looked totally comfortable playing there.Manuel Ugarte – StayQuestion marks were being raised about him after his first few games. But under Amorim, Manuel Ugarte has once again become the lynchpin of his midfield.He knows the system inside out and is one of the Premier League’s most proficient ball winners. It would be madness to consider his sale next summer.Kobbie Mainoo – StayDespite reports that Chelsea and Bayern Munich want to sign the 19-year-old, Kobbie Mainoo should be one of the few genuinely untouchable stars at the club and his contract situation needs sorting ASAP.He has quality and aspects to his game not possessed by many other midfielders, and with improvements to the stars around him, he and Ugarte should be able to form an effective partnership for many years to come.Casemiro – GoCasemiro unfortunately seemed to lose his legs going into his second season at Man Utd. And with the 3-4-3 system demanding even more running from him, it is clear he simply does not fit the bill for what the club need going forward.It would also help the club’s financial goals to see him sold due to his massive £375,000-a-week wages being taken off the books.Bruno Fernandes – StayThe club captain, Bruno Fernandes has faced a lot of criticism since taking the armband for his erratic decisions and losing his temper.Yet he remains the best player in the squad by some distance and shows the mentality the squad needs to improve. Besides it’s not like United’s most famous captain of the Premier League era, Roy Keane, was exactly cool-headed.Antony – GoThere’s a definite case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history, with games too often passing him by and lacking quality when he is involved.That being said, he has improved in a number of brief cameos when featuring as a wing-back under Amorim. But unless there is a plan for him to learn the position and become a specialist he should be moved on.Marcus Rashford – GoIt was not supposed to end like this. Once the darling of Old Trafford and Carrington, Marcus Rashford’s comments admitting he wanted a new challenge were probably the final nail in the coffin for his Man Utd future.There is a classy player in there if he can find the motivation to love his football again. A sale to a rival should be ruled out for fear of exactly that, while a sale overseas should be targeted and pushed by the club.Amad Diallo – StayHas taken a real liking to his role as either the right No.10 in the 3-4-3 or as the right wing-back.Amad Diallo has been one of the team’s best players this season and was rewarded with a new deal as a result.Alejandro Garnacho – GoArguably the trickiest star on the list, Alejandro Garnacho has bags of raw talent to elevate him to being world-class. But recent off-field issues and poor form have doubt cast on his future.If, as reports suggest, a major bid of £60m from the likes of Napoli comes in there will be a tough decision to make. Though it may be the financial situation of the club which ultimately tips the scale.Joshua Zirkzee – GoJoshua Zirkzee has certainly been hit-and-miss at United so far. He has had some games and moments where he has looked very impressive, and others where he is simply not good enough.He has a very unique profile which makes him top drawer in the right system, it is just United will probably never play the right way for him to truly excel.Read our verdict on the full Man Utd squad here.Former Man Utd star slams Rashford and says he should move to MLS More

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    Tottenham join transfer race for Randal Kolo Muani with PSG star ‘seduced’ by thought of Premier League switch

    TOTTENHAM have reportedly launched a bid for Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani.SunSport revealed Spurs, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City are battling for his signature.Tottenham have reportedly submitted an offer for Randal Kolo MuaniCredit: GettyThe 26-year-old is being pushed out of the Ligue 1 club just 16 months after signing for almost £80million.Having made just 14 appearances across all competitions this season, he is believed to be unhappy in Paris and would be open to another move.Juventus and United are also among the clubs that have allegedly looked at the striker in recent months.However, they could be surpassed in the transfer race by Tottenham.Read More in FootballFrench outlet L’Equipe claims Spurs have today submitted a bid for Kolo Muani.Spurs have proposed a loan with the option to make the deal permanent at the end of the season.PSG are not willing to rush into any decision, although Daniel Levy’s “strong” relationship with Nasser Al-Khelaifi could sway things in Tottenham’s favour.Kolo Muani is understood to be “seduced” by the idea of playing in the Premier League – another factor that could give Spurs the upper hand in the race.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnge Postecoglou is determined to strengthen his squad with the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and the Europa League still up for grabs this season.Spurs have already signed two new players since the start of the January window.How Spurs can destroy Arsenal’s title hopes with Ange Postecoglou ‘wheels of chaos’ tacticTeenage winger Yang Min-Hyeok joined the club from Gangwon FC on New Year’s Day.Meanwhile, goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky signed in a £12m move from Slavia Prague.The 21-year-old has already made two first team appearances, keeping a clean sheet in each. More

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    Marcus Rashford ‘prioritises Barcelona transfer but Man Utd outcast gives European giants 24-hour deadline to seal loan’

    MARCUS RASHFORD has made Barcelona his preferred new home but has slapped a 24-hour deadline on any decision, according to reports.The Manchester United outcast, 27, has fallen out of favour under new boss Ruben Amorim and hasn’t played since December 12, when he played under an hour in the Europa League clash vs Viktoria Plzen.Barcelona want Marcus Rashford with the Man Utd outcast giving the club a deadline of Wednesday to make a decisionCredit: APBarcelona boss Hansi Flick is a long-term admirer of Marcus RashfordCredit: AlamyRashford admitted he is looking for a “new challenge” with a host of European giants interested, leaving his team-mates fuming.Several clubs have since expressed an interest in signing the forward, including Tottenham, West Ham, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan.But Barcelona are leading the race, with boss Hansi Flick desperate to land his long-term target, according to Sport.The German chief had chased Rashford during his time as Bayern Munich boss, citing his versatility as a major asset.READ MORE SPORT STORIESAnd now he has reignited his interested in the wantaway United forward to provide support for Robert Lewandowski amid a packed schedule.However, the Barcelona board is split as to whether Rashford is the right fit for club – both on and off the pitch.At present, the club are only willing to go ahead with a loan deal – with Rashford giving the Catalan giants a deadline of Wednesday to make a decision,After Man Utd’s penalty shootout win over Arsenal in Sunday’s FA Cup clash, Amorim remained tight-lipped over Rashford’s future.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAsked if the forward has played his last game for the club, the Portuguese boss responded: “I don’t know, We will see.”He is a player for Manchester United, we will see, he has to work.Ruben Amorim explains why Marcus Rashford is still exiled at Man Utd despite ‘wanting to play’ “He has to represent his club, and he loves his club, but I have to make choices.”I have already spoken about how I make the choices.”It is what it is, so let’s continue, let’s see the next game and, like I said, I have to make a selection.”Why Rashford joining Arsenal is perfect fitBy Martin LiptonMARCUS RASHFORD is at a crossroads.But now the England star has to make the biggest choice he has ever faced – does he care about cash, or about his career?Rashford’s shock admission that he is “ready for a new challenge” after some two decades under the Manchester United umbrella has altered the dynamic around his future.That Rashford might not fit the blueprint of Ruben Amorim – who has now responded to Rashford’s comments – was not exactly a surprise.The Portuguese coach prefers a 3-4-3 formation but appears to have settled on Rasmus Hojlund as his starting central striker and wants two “narrow” inside forwards, with the width coming from the wing-backs.Rashford has always wanted to play through the middle but is often at his best exploiting spaces out wide – and that skillset does not necessarily suit the way Amorim wants to play.Even so, going public with his evident dissatisfaction at being bombed entirely from the squad for the Manchester derby was a major move, even if he vowed there would be “no hard feelings” if he does leave his boyhood club.In truth, Rashford has been leaving United almost from the moment he signed that new £325,000 per week contract in 2023.Something was broken in his connection to the club. His form dropped, his threat dissipated, his issues with the hierarchy deepened.When Erik ten Hag dropped him for hosting a birthday party after a derby defeat, and he later pulled a sickie to miss the FA Cup game with Newport, it felt even then that the writing was on the wall.The facts suggest the love affair has ended. After scoring 30 in all competitions to earn that new deal, he has scored just 15 in the 18 months since it was signed.Amorim’s arrival seems merely to have accelerated what was increasingly inevitable.Now, though, it is up to Rashford to determine what his future will bring.If it is only about the money, then his options might be somewhat limited.It is hard to see a Prem rival coughing up the same £16.9m annual salary – although Rashford’s comments have probably knocked £20m-plus off any transfer fee.But Real Madrid have their fill of big-money strikers and Barcelona’s budget remains restricted by LaLiga financial controls.In Europe, then, that probably leaves PSG – but a move to a one-club league.Or, in the wider world, he could follow the likes of Ivan Toney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Firmino and Co and head to the Saudi desert. Lucrative, yep. Certainly a different environment – and that may be exactly what Rashford both wants and needs. But the football? Not in a million years.What Rashford needs, above all, is to be able to play for trophies and showcase his talents.There is no better stage than the Premier League – which has far more global eyeballs on it than any other domestic competition.And in that Premier League there is one club crying out for a goalscoring No 9, especially if he can also play down the left channel to balance out the side and widen its threat.Rashford has always been more Longsight than London.Yet Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta, might be the perfect fit.The Gunners’ lack of a proper scorer is one of the major factors many fans feel has hurt their title challenge this year.Gabriel Jesus has never been a natural finisher, while Kai Havertz is still a converted midfielder.And while the link-up between Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka makes their right flank deadly, faith in Gabriel Martinelli on the left is waning.There have not been too many who succeeded at Arsenal after leaving United – although Danny Welbeck was not a flop.Rashford has all the attributes to change that history, if he can reproduce what everybody knows is inside him.And by breaking free, giving himself the chance to start all over, Rashford can make a point to Amorim that will resonate for a very long time. 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    Jorginho ‘begins negotiations’ over Arsenal exit as ex-Chelsea defender tasked with convincing Italian to join

    FLAMENGO reportedly want to sign Jorginho in a free transfer from Arsenal this month.The 33-year-old’s Arsenal contract expires in June and he is yet to agree terms for an extension.Jorginho is wanted by Brazilian side FlamengoCredit: GettyNow that he is within the final six months of his deal, Jorginho is free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with any club abroad.Flamengo are understood to be among his potential suitors, but club officials want the midfielder to join sooner rather than later.Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte claims the Serie A giants are pushing to sign Jorginho this month.However, they do not want to pay a transfer fee.Read More in FootballThat means they will have to rely on Arsenal releasing him early.Flamengo have proposed a three-year deal to Jorginho.Reports last week claimed that Jorginho’s representatives held preliminary talks with Palmeiras.However, it is believed that no formal offer was discussed between the Brazilian side and Arsenal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFormer Chelsea full-back Filipe Luis has already spoken with Jorginho to reaffirm the position he will have in the team.Jorginho joined Arsenal in a £12million transfer from Chelsea two years ago.Arsenal vs Manchester United: Player Ratings (2)The Italian has since made 70 appearances for the Gunners. More

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    Arsenal ‘will sign Martin Zubimendi at end of season’ after pipping Liverpool in transfer for Real Sociedad star

    ARSENAL have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi at the end of the season.The midfielder has been targeted by several top Premier League clubs in recent months.Arsenal have won the race to sign Martin ZubimendiCredit: GettyBut the Gunners have won the race for his signature and will trigger his £51million release clause, report the Daily Mail.Arsenal wanted to sign the Spaniard immediately but Real Sociedad refused to let him go before the end of the season.Zubimendi was courted by the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City in the summer but did not want to leave.Arsenal were understood to not be in contention then, although Mikel Arteta has been sounding out a move for his compatriot for the last 12 months.READ MORE ON ARSENALArteta signed Mikel Merino in the summer to add to his midfield options, with Jorginho and Thomas Partey out of contract in the summer.Zubimendi played a role in Spain’s Euro 2024 success in the summer and came on in the final against England.He has won 15 caps for his country and also helped Real Sociedad qualify for the Champions League last season.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArsenal have been tipped to sign a forward this month given injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, but Arteta said the club will not rush into transfers.Most read in FootballHe said: “We are actively looking in the market to improve the squad. That’s been like that since day one.”How Spurs can destroy Arsenal’s title hopes with Ange Postecoglou ‘wheels of chaos’ tactic More

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    Chelsea ‘offer Christopher Nkunku in swap transfer for Bayern Munich’s 19-year-old sensation Mathys Tel’

    CHELSEA have offered Christopher Nkunku in a sensational swap deal for Bayern Munich ace Mathys Tel.The Blues have been keeping tabs on £40million-rated Tel, 19, since last summer.Chelsea continue to monitor Bayern Munich ace Mathys TelCredit: GettyChelsea have offered Christopher Nkunku in exchange for TelCredit: AlamyAccording to The Mail, the West Londoners have made an enquiry for the winger during the January transfer window.Meanwhile, Bayern are keen to bring Nkunku, 27, back to Germany after his stunning four-year stint at RB Leipzig.And Bild reporter Christian Falk claims Chelsea have proposed a swap deal.The Premier League giants have offered the France international to Bayern in exchange for his younger compatriot.Read Moe on ChelseaTel has seen his playing time limited at the Allianz Arena with only 12 appearances across all competitions under his belt.But Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund insists the club want to hold on to the France Under-21 international.Freund said: “Mathys is a great talent and should play an important role for us.“Our clear goal is for Mathys to make his breakthrough with us. Of course if a player is unhappy, we can talk about it. But we are very happy with him”.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesNkunku, on the other hand, hasn’t been able to cement a place in Enzo Maresca’s starting line-up with Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer proving to be more clinical.The versatile forward has only scored two goals in 18 Premier League appearances.Chelsea clash with Shamrock Rovers temporarily stopped as Christopher Nkunku pelted with TOILET ROLLHowever, the Frenchman has amassed a total of 13 goals and four assists in 28 appearances across all competitions.Chelsea, though, are keeping their options open as it’s often hard to land major targets during the winter market.That is why club chiefs are also keeping tabs on Ipswich Town’s in-form star Liam Delap.Nevertheless, Chelsea are prioritising a centre-back with Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi posing as their top target. More