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    Chelsea close in on new head of recruitment as Brighton place Paul Winstanley on gardening leave

    CHELSEA appear to be closing in on another raid on Brighton – this time for head of recruitment Paul Winstanley.The Blues appointed Seagulls boss Graham Potter earlier this season after deciding to sack Thomas Tuchel.
    Graham Potter could be about to be joined by his old Brighton mate Paul WinstanleyCredit: Getty
    And now, according to The Athletic, Todd Boehly and co are poised for another South Coast snare.
    It is reported that Winstanley has been “placed on gardening leave” as talks progress with Chelsea.
    The 43-year-old is believed to have formally resigned from his role at the Seagulls.
    And he is expected to follow Potter to Stamford Bridge.
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    As well as their manager and now seemingly head of recruitment, Brighton also lost their technical director when Dan Ashworth left for Newcastle.
    Potter, meanwhile, is going through somewhat of a blip for the first time since he took over at Chelsea.
    The won five of his first six games in his new job – but hasn’t triumphed in the Premier League since beating Aston Villa 2-0 on October 16.
    The latest Prem defeat was a 1-0 loss to top-of-the-table Arsenal.
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    Potter is now whisking his Chelsea squad away for a warm weather boot camp just up the road from the World Cup.
    Those players not involved in the tournament are heading to Abu Dhabi for a ten day training trip so that new boss Potter can iron out tactical problems and get to know some of his players better.
    The plan is to leave early next month for around ten days and be back in England to coincide with the end of the World Cup on December 18.
    Todd Boehly could be set to complete ANOTHER raid on BrightonCredit: Alamy More

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    Bayern Munich ‘split over Harry Kane transfer move’ with some believing Tottenham striker ‘wouldn’t suit their style’

    PART of the Bayern Munich hierarchy are reportedly unconvinced by the prospect of signing Harry Kane.Reports last month suggested the Bundesliga champs had made Kane their No1 transfer target.
    Harry Kane has been linked with a move to Bayern MunichCredit: Reuters
    Now though it’s claimed not everybody at the club is sold on the idea of signing him.
    German outlet Sport Bild say some Bayern insiders believe Kane, 29, does not suit the club’s style of football.
    Bayern failed to recruit an out and out striker in the summer after Robert Lewandowski left for Barcelona.
    And with Kane into the final two years of his Tottenham deal, rumours of a swoop at the end of the season have emerged.
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    Sky Germany previously reported that Bayern are ready and waiting to make their move if no new deal is signed.
    The Bundesliga champions were previously linked with a move for the Spurs talisman over the summer.
    But with some bigwigs thought to be unconvinced, their chances of signing the striker could take a hit.
    Kane himself addressed the rumours in October, saying: “I’m focusing on Tottenham Hotspur and trying to do our best.
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    “For sure Bayern are a top, top club but all my concentration is on Tottenham.”
    Key figures at Bayern have made no secret of their admiration for the England skipper.
    CEO Oliver Kahn said of Kane: “He is under contract with Tottenham.
    “Sure, an absolute top striker, but that’s all a dream of the future.”
    While Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann said: “He’s very strong, brilliant with head and both feet. He could score a lot in the Bundesliga.
    “I don’t know the price, but it’s really tough for Bayern Munich to reach it. We’ll see what happens in the future.” More

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    Man Utd consider transfer for Napoli star Victor Osimhen as they compile list of striker targets

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly considering a transfer for Napoli star Victor Osimhen.That’s as Erik ten Hag begins to compile a list of strikers to target next summer.
    Man Utd are looking at making a move for Napoli star Victor OsimhenCredit: Rex
    Osimhen, 23, has emerged as one of Europe’s top forwards this season with eight league goals in just 10 appearances.
    Tottenham are thought to be weighing up a move as doubts linger over Harry Kane’s future.
    But the Manchester Evening News claims United are also preparing to join the race in 2023.
    Boss Ten Hag has made no secret of his desire to bring in more attacking options.
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    Cristiano Ronaldo is unlikely to stay past the end of his contract next summer.
    And reports claim former side Sporting Lisbon could even move for him in January.
    That makes the addition of a new forward a priority.
    Osimhen boasts same physical and technical prowess as current United strikers like Marcus Rashford.
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    But Ten Hag will have to pay through the nose for Napoli’s star man, with the Italians themselves forking over £70million for Osimhen in 2020.
    Another name thought to be on United’s list is Bayern Munich’s Eric Choupo-Moting.
    Despite flopping in the Premier League with Stoke five years ago, he has since gone on to win numerous trophies with Bayern and Paris Saint-Germain.
    At 33 years of age, Choupo-Moting would likely only be a quick fix.
    And reports in Germany claim an inquiry has indeed been submitted, although the player’s preference to stay at United. More

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    Newcastle’s owners pump £70MILLION into club ahead of January transfer window as they continue overhaul

    NEWCASTLE’S owners have pumped a further £70.4million into the club as their Saudi revolution gathers pace.Toon chiefs are looking to build a side “that can compete consistently at the highest levels of English and European football”.
    Newcastle United chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan and the club’s Saudi chiefs are set to invest another £70m-plusCredit: Getty
    But instead of bankrolling a January spending spree, the Champions League-chasing Magpies insist this latest raft of cash will be used for “infrastructure and day-to-day operations”.
    The Saudi Arabia-led consortium bought Premier League Newcastle for £305m last October.
    And this latest funding takes their total investment to over £450m.
    That is after making similar cash injections in November 2021 and January 2022.
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    Newcastle are upgrading their run-down training ground as they look for a new permanent site.
    A number of improvements to St James’ Park have also already been completed.
    They have also pledged further backing as they seek to rebuild the Tynesiders following years of decline under former owner Mike Ashley. 
    And CEO Darren Eales said: “We are at the beginning of a long-term plan that aims to build a club that can compete consistently at the highest levels of English and European football.
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    “We need to develop the whole business, as well as the playing squad.
    “And we need to do so while adhering to the Financial Fair Play rules.
    “This additional investment further enables us to continue implementing the business plan.” More

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    Man City ‘open talks to sign Jude Bellingham and emerge as favourites for transfer ahead of Liverpool and Real Madrid’

    MANCHESTER CITY have reportedly “opened talks to sign” Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund.And they are now also allegedly the favourites to snap-up the teenage sensation ahead of transfer rivals Liverpool and Real Madrid.
    Speculation is mounting over Man City’s pursuit of Jude BellinghamCredit: Getty
    The 19-year-old England international midfielder has emerged as one of the best talents in the continent and continues to gain admirers with performances at Dortmund.
    Bellingham has emerged as one of the most sought-after players on the planet and has eight of Europe’s biggest clubs chasing his services.
    However, the Daily Mail are now reporting that his “next club will be Manchester City” when he eventually leaves Dortmund.
    They claim that “initial conversations have been held at City’s end” but that “a move may not materialise for some time” should he impress at the World Cup as that could price him out of the market.
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    Bellingham already has nine goals in 20 games this term.
    He still has two-and-a-half years on his deal at Dortmund and is believed to be currently valued at around £130m.

    The ace came through Birmingham City’s academy and was quickly identified as a star of the future.
    He was playing regularly for the club in the Championship by the age of 17 before moving to Dortmund.
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    Since then Bellingham has gone from strength to strength at the German club.
    And he has forced his way into the England team.
    Now with the World Cup fast approaching, Bellingham will be looking to grow his reputation even further in Qatar. More

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    Arsenal hold ‘positive talks’ with wonderkid Mykhaylo Mudryk… but Shakhtar Donetsk want £65MILLION

    ARSENAL have reportedly upped their game in the pursuit of wonderkid Mykhaylo Mudryk.Mudryk, 21, has been linked with The Gunners for some time now.
    Mykhaylo Mudryk has been heavily linked with a transfer to ArsenalCredit: Getty
    And it now seems Arsenal are stepping up the chase for him after holding talks with the Ukrainian winger, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
    Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “We know they (Arsenal) wanted a winger. Raphinha was the dream, but it was not possible to proceed.
    “They have had very positive contacts on Mudryk on the player’s side, but then they decided not to proceed with Shakhtar because they wanted more than £40m to £45m.
    “Now Shakhtar want more than £60m to £65m. But Arsenal are still following the player.
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    “They consider Mudryk a top talent and so Arsenal are still there but let’s see because now the race is open with many top clubs, but Arsenal will be busy in the next few weeks.”
    SunSport understands The Gunners are planning a trio of transfers in the January transfer window, with Mudryk, Yeremy Pino and Palmeiras star Danilo all lined up.
    Mudryk has been in terrific form for his club side this season, with his Champions League performances in particular grabbing the attention of viewers.
    The Shakhtar Donetsk ace has seven goals and seven assists in 14 games this season.
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    This includes three goals and two assists in the Champions League group stages as his club came third in their group.
    But following their elimination from the group stages they have been offered a European lifeline in the Europa League round of 32 play-off against Rennes.
    Other clubs who shared the same fate were not so lucky however, with Barcelona facing a nightmare draw against Manchester United. More

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    Facundo Pellistri ‘will look to QUIT Man Utd in January transfer window after failing to play single game under Ten Hag’

    MANCHESTER UNITED star Facundo Pellistri is hoping to leave in January, according to reports.The winger has not played a single minute under Erik ten Hag and he is still waiting for his senior debut for the Red Devils.
    Facundo Pellistri reportedly wants to leave Man UtdCredit: PA
    He missed out on a loan move away in the summer due to injury and now he’s recovered he finds himself as something of a forgotten man.
    Pellistri joined the club in 2020 for a fee of around £9million from Uruguayan side Penarol.
    He was dubbed a wonderkid when he signed and was recommended to the club by ex-striker Diego Forlan before they beat Lyon to his signature.
    Pellistri was loaned out to LaLiga outfit Deportivo Alaves for 18 months, playing 35 times but failing to register a goal or assist.
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    His contract expires in 2025 and there is a chance he could leave Old Trafford temporarily to rediscover his form but reports from outlet AS suggest he would prefer a permanent switch.
    United are reportedly hoping he will have a good World Cup for Uruguay so they can sell him for more.
    The emergence of fellow youngster Alejandro Garnacho means Pellistri’s days are numbered and opportunities are blocked.
    The 20-year-old could be one of a number of outcasts allowed to leave by Ten Hag as he looks to overhaul the squad.
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    The likes of Brandon Williams and Aaron Wan-Bissaka could depart this winter.
    Cristiano Ronaldo’s future remains uncertain amid claims the club want to bring in Bayern Munich ace Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting as a replacement.
    Ronaldo has been linked with moves to Al-Hilal and Sporting Lisbon. More

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    Chicago Cubs owners the Ricketts family ‘express interest in buying Liverpool’ after failing in Chelsea takeover bid

    THE Ricketts family, owners of the Chicago Cubs, are reportedly interested in taking over Liverpool.Fenway Sports Group put the Reds up for sale on Monday morning, shocking fans by exploring the possibility of leaving Merseyside after 12 years at the helm.
    FSG have put Liverpool up for sale after more than a decade in chargeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Joe Ricketts has owned the Chicago Cubs since 2009Credit: Getty
    Joe’s son Tom is the chairman of the Chicago CubsCredit: Getty
    Liverpool supporters are now eagerly awaiting the possibility of billionaires stepping forward to purchase the club.
    And, according to The Times, the Ricketts family have expressed an interest in the Premier League outfit.
    Joe Ricketts founded the brokerage firm TD Ameritrade in 1975 and the family are now thought to be worth around £3.2billion.
    Joe’s son, Thomas, is the current Chicago Cubs chairman and has been ever since they bought the baseball team for £785million in 2009.
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    He shares ownership of the club alongside sister Laura and brothers Pete and Todd.
    They celebrated the Cubs winning the World Series back in 2016.
    The Ricketts family were in the frame to buy Chelsea from Roman Abramovich earlier this year – before Todd Boehly eventually purchased the club.
    But the Americans fell out of contention before the Boehly deal was completed following a racism row.
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    As revealed by Splinter, leaked emails showed 81-year-old Joe writing: “Christians and Jews can have a mutual respect for each other to create a civil society.
    “As you know, Islam cannot do that. Therefore we cannot ever let Islam become a large part of our society.
    “Muslims are naturally my (our) enemy due to their deep antagonism and bias against non-Muslims.”
    Ricketts also says in an exchange with son Pete, a serving politician, that he believes Islam “is a cult and not a religion”.
    He went on to say the religion of Islam is “Based on ‘kill the infidel’ a thing of evil”.
    The Ricketts family did make it through to the next round of bidding despite the leaked emails.
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    But Chelsea fans then protested the Ricketts potential takeover outside Stamford Bridge before their clash with Brentford in April.
    They subsequently missed out on purchasing the club, but could now return to English football to try and agree a deal for Liverpool. More