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Virgil van Dijk sends clear message to Andy Robertson over Tottenham transfer

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Virgil van Dijk sends clear message to Andy Robertson over Tottenham transfer - Daily Express
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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has expressed his desire for Andy Robertson to remain at the club amid ongoing discussions about a potential move to Tottenham before the January window closes. Robertson had been in talks with Liverpool over a new contract when Spurs unexpectedly showed interest earlier this week, leading to ongoing negotiations between the two clubs. Liverpool acknowledges the significant contributions of their vice-captain over the past eight-and-a-half years and it is understood that the Scotland captain is keen to secure regular first-team football ahead of his country's first World Cup appearance since 1998 later this year.

Club captain Van Dijk revealed he has discussed the situation with his deputy and hopes the long-serving left-back will stay on Merseyside for the rest of the season at least. "Of course I speak to him," said Van Dijk. "I speak to him every day, he's my vice-captain. Robbo is a very important member of our team and I want him to stay but whatever happens, let's see.

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"Do I expect him to be here on Wednesday [for the Qarabag game]? That's not on me, is it? Let's speak about [my best memories of him] when [a move] happens."

Van Dijk's comments came after Liverpool's 13-match unbeaten run was halted by a 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth, with Amine Adli scoring the decisive goal after the Reds had equalised Evanilson and Alex Jimenez's goals through a header from the skipper and a strike from Dominik Szoboszlai.

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The defeat could be a significant blow to their hopes of securing a spot in next season's Champions League, and Van Dijk concedes that fatigue was a factor following a 3-0 Champions League victory over Marseille earlier in the week. The central defender commented: "What can explain tiredness? What do you think?

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"Last season we did not have many injuries. Look at the last line in the last minutes of the game, that says quite a lot. Tiredness, yeah. Listen, they created chances because we were very open at times. If you then don't make the right decision in possession, you can get counter-attacked.

"I don't start to worry personally [about the top-four race] But the matter of fact is about what we do in the week. We are trying to find consistency and we still don't have it, that is something we need to focus on.

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"We played Bournemouth who are very intense. When we only have myself and Wata (Wataru Endo) as the last two, if we lose the ball then there is a lot of space. We are having a difficult season in terms of ups and downs but now we have an opportunity on Wednesday to qualify for the top eight of the Champions League. That is our target but today is tough to take.

"It was tough. I'm disappointed. The first goal, I take full responsibility for that even though it was a very difficult ball to judge. In the second half, we tried to do that. The second goal, we can all speak and say we should have kicked the ball out, we should have done this.

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"But to concede like that puts ourselves in We find ourselves in a position where we must work harder than ever. It was good that we scored before half-time but we fought so hard in the second half but did not create very big chances. We came in promising positions and eventually scored an equaliser but the throw-in in the end, it is difficult to take.

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"First half, up until the first goal, I don't think there was anything wrong in my feeling. The 1-0 and 2-0 in a very short space of time was a big blow, you have to fight back and be very strong mentally. The goal before half time helped, it gave us a big push. Second half we were obviously pushing a lot.

"We could not create open, big clear-cut chances, they created bigger chances because we were wide open at times trying to score our goal, that is the situation. The thing is, that is part and parcel. In the good times, these things happen as well, the other side of it.

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"I am just as involved as everyone else. Today as well, unfortunately. I will always take that responsibility. Today is difficult because you lose, in a difficult season already. We have to turn that feeling around as quickly as possible to get the job done on Wednesday. That is the life.

"Last Wednesday we had a lot of praise, team and personal, and everything was all good. Today, the flip side, all the other things will be mentioned because it's the life we live. We have to take responsibility and I will definitely take responsibility."

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Ex-Tottenham star backs Harry Redknapp to replace Frank

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Ex-Tottenham star backs Harry Redknapp to replace Thomas Frank on one condition - Daily Express
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Time is running out for Thomas Frank to rescue the situation at Tottenham, following yet another disappointing Premier League outcome. A late Cristian Romero goal secured a 2-2 draw at Turf Moor against Burnley, but it did little to appease the travelling faithful.

The away supporters made their feelings abundantly clear with a wave of boos and chants of "We want Frank out", leaving no doubt about their stance on the manager's position. As pressure mounts on the board and ownership regarding the appointment of the head coach, the window to salvage matters is rapidly closing.

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With that in mind, former Tottenham player Jamie O'Hara has shared his view on the crisis, advocating for the bold move of bringing back Harry Redknapp, but only as a caretaker boss until the end of the season. Speaking on talkSPORT, he commented: "Look, Harry's been out of the game for a while, but he still watches football.

"He's got an affiliation to the football club, a love there. The fans loved him. I would take Harry Redknapp, I would. For an interim manager until the end of the season.

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"Give him some backroom staff, people that can coach, take the sessions for him, he manages the team. He's been my manager, Harry Redknapp. He'll get his arm around you, he'll give you some confidence and he'll say, 'Go and play and express yourselves.'

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"And I think that's what the players need. I don't know if Thomas Frank has just got these players with the handbrake on. I think Harry Redknapp would take the handbrake off these players and say, 'Go and enjoy your football.'"

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Appointing the 78-year-old would represent a gamble, even temporarily, considering he's been away from the sport for almost a decade. Redknapp's most recent managerial stint came in 2017, when he took charge of Birmingham City for several months to steer them clear of relegation danger in the Championship.

His departure that September marked his retirement from management after 34 years in the dugout, with his tenure at Tottenham standing out as one of the pinnacle moments of his career. Given the transformation the Premier League has undergone since then, and how competitive the division has become, such an appointment could be viewed as a considerable gamble.

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Whilst such speculation circulates amongst Tottenham supporters and pundits, Frank has urged his squad to "keep going" amid their current difficulties. Speaking to the media following the stalemate with Burnley, he said: "First and foremost, I want to thank them [the fans] for travelling and supporting the team throughout the game, which they do.

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"I'm sure they can recognise and acknowledge especially the first half, and the improvement we've done there, and could and should have put it out of sight. But also acknowledge the will-power and character of the team that keeps running, keep fighting, to the end.

"We just need to keep going. We do so many things right. But there's no doubt, that when it's not dropping so easy for us, the consistent performances we've done, which I think I said that many times, they actually are in an OK level.

"But apparently because of where we are now, we need to do more, to make sure we get the wins over the line. Especially in the Premier League. And one of the bits is to play every third or fourth day, to perform, that demands a lot of mentality.

"We have a few injuries, that doesn't help, but that's part of it. Never any complaints from me, that's reality. But that's where we need to be strong enough as a team to keep performing every third or fourth day."

At present, the boss remains at the helm, though it remains uncertain whether this represents a temporary reprieve given Tottenham's challenging fixture schedule ahead. Eintracht Frankfurt await in the Champions League during the week, which could provide some relief with a top-eight finish in the competition, although falling short would mean an additional two matches added to an already packed calendar.

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Then there are fixtures against Manchester City, Manchester United, and Newcastle, all ahead of the crucial North London Derby versus Arsenal. These could prove to be the sort of matches where Frank excels, considering how he orchestrated victories over those sides during his tenure at Brentford.

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Thomas Frank reacts as Tottenham fans demand sack after Burnley draw

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Thomas Frank reacts as furious Tottenham fans demand sack after Burnley draw - Daily Express
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Tottenham supporters were left seething once more at Thomas Frank after their team scraped a draw against struggling Burnley, thanks to a late header from Cristian Romero. The away fans didn't hold back their anger towards Frank as he exited the pitch, with chants predicting his imminent dismissal echoing around the stadium.

Despite the hostility, Frank stood firm, expressing gratitude to the fans: "First and foremost I want to thank them (the fans) for travelling and supporting the team. I am sure they can recognise the willpower and character of the team to fight to the end. You can't say we didn't do everything to win. We just need to keep improving. The only way it can be is calm heads, carry on and keep doing what we think is the right thing. I think the message to the fans, as I said the whole time, is that we're working very hard on making sure everything is going in the right direction, and that we’ll keep doing that.

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"I'm sure they can recognise and acknowledge, especially the first half, and they proved we've done that. We could, should have been out of sight. But also they acknowledge the willpower and character of the team that keep running, keep fighting to the end. We just need to keep going."

Spurs initially took the lead through Micky van de Ven, but Axel Tuanzebe levelled the score just before the break, and Lyle Foster put Burnley in front in the second half. It was Romero's goal that salvaged a point for Spurs.

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Frank reflected on the match, saying: "It was a game we dominated and created chances. We should have scored a second one and then we are out of sight. We can never, ever, ever concede that goal just before half-time.

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"Then we concede another bad goal. We should never be that open. Then we had a strong end with strong character with a lot of offensive subs to get the equaliser. We had three or four very big chances and scored one of them.

"This is a game where we created a lot, and did more than enough to win the game. We just didn't defend well enough in two situations." The late equaliser from Romero proved a crushing setback for Burnley manager Scott Parker, whose side remain seven points adrift of safety.

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"Disappointed with conceding so late," Parker said. "It was a big improvement from us today and I thought our reaction was superb. "But we need to turn draws into wins. We have improved and we stood up and faced up today ... but got hit by a hammer blow."

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Four managers Spurs can appoint immediately if Thomas Frank axed

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Four managers Tottenham can appoint immediately if Thomas Frank axed after Burnley draw - Daily Express
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Thomas Frank is in increasing danger after a draw away at relegation-battling Burnley continued Tottenham's dire run of form in the Premier League. Despite beating Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League in midweek, Spurs have won just one of their last eight league games and two of their last 14. Cristian Romero rescued a late draw for Tottenham with a 90th-minute equaliser. But the away team had initially taken the lead through Micky van de Ven at Turf Moor before goals from Axel Tuanzebe and Lyle Foster turned the game in Burnley's favour. Romero was pictured shaking his head at full-time after another league match without a win. Spurs' recent run leaves Danish coach Frank in trouble despite his side's form in Europe, which gives them a chance of a top-eight finish. So who could the 14th-placed north Londoners appoint to immediately replace Frank if he loses his job in the near future? Express Sport takes a look…

Xabi Alonso

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Surely the dream candidate, Alonso would take a bit of convincing given it appears a return to Liverpool is possible in the coming months with Arne Slot’s future uncertain. The Spaniard only left Real Madrid eight days ago but departed with a 70 per cent win percentage, with his axe owing largely to political problems.

The man who brought Leverkusen their first ever Bundesliga title, in an unbeaten campaign too, would still be a huge coup for Spurs despite how things soured at the Bernabeu. Could a intensely detailed tactician who is seen as a 'project' manager be enticed by the project of overhauling a sorry Spurs side?

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There's plenty of talent already available at the club and they have the pull and finances to recruit more players who would suit Alonso. But still the shadow of Liverpool looms large.

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Ange Postecoglou

It would be a massively surprising appointment to go back, but the Greek coach is available after being sacked by Nottingham Forest in October after just 39 days in charge.

Spurs axed Postecoglou a mere fortnight after winning the Europa League final but they lost 22 of their 38 Premier League matches last season and finished 17th. That makes a return unlikely. Yet the Australian later promised fans "season three is better than season two" and never got to prove that.

Could the 59-year-old return to turn things around? Crucially, he'd make Spurs more fun to watch again. But they would also risk losing plenty more league matches given his high-risk style of play.

Enzo Maresca

Spurs have had a few former Chelsea managers previously, so why not Maresca? The Italian is being tipped for the Manchester City position should Pep Guardiola leave this summer after doing a very respectable job at Stamford Bridge.

Like Alonso, Maresca only left his last job earlier this month and the reasons behind his departure were largely political. Whether Spurs can tempt Maresca to give up on the idea of potentially coaching City later this year remains to be seen.

But the 45-year-old is without doubt one of the best coaches available right now. The issue though is that he will want plenty of power given what went wrong at Chelsea, so that could prove a sticking point with the Spurs hierarchy.

Thiago Motta

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Motta has been without a job since last March when he was sacked by Juventus but before that he did brilliantly at Bologna, taking them to the Champions League, and also avoided relegation with Spezia against the odds. He remains a coach of great promise.

The former Italy midfielder employs a progressive style of play that would enamour him with Spurs fans given their Frank frustrations. The Juve job perhaps came too early but right now Tottenham's expectations are low and it is a project that might suit Motta, allowing him punch above his weight once more.

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Tottenham player ratings vs Dortmund as Xavi Simons and three 8/10s save Frank

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Tottenham player ratings vs Dortmund: Xavi Simons and three 8/10s save Thomas Frank - Daily Express
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Tottenham alleviated some pressure on under-fire manager Thomas Frank by putting 10-man Borussia Dortmund to the sword 2-0 thanks to a brilliant first-half performance. Spurs rise into the Champions League's top eight after securing just their second win in their last nine games across all competitions. Captain Cristian Romero put the home team in front 14 minutes in and before the half-hour mark, Daniel Svensson was controversially sent off for a foul on Wilson Odobert.

The Europa League winners took advantage to double their lead in the first half through a fortuitous Dominic Solanke goal. Dortmund were the top scorers in the Champions League before this week but Spurs saw out a welcome clean sheet at a rain-soaked Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to secure a much-needed victory. The result takes some pressure off Frank who was facing the sack if his side lost this match. Express Sport rates and slates the Spurs players...

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Tottenham player ratings vs Dortmund

Guglielmo Vicario - 6

A couple of shaky moments in the first 20 minutes but kept a clean sheet after saving well from Nico Schlotterbeck in stoppage time.

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Pedro Porro - 7

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Helped thwart a dangerous Karim Adeyemi counter-attack at 0-0 and played a nice one-two with Wilson Odobert for the second goal. Was influential going forward and had more touches than anyone else on the pitch. Wasted a late counter-attack he might have scored from though.

Cristian Romero - 8

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The captain stepped up to help deliver a vital win. A good finish for his first Champions League goal in over five years and defended well. A real threat from set-pieces.

Kevin Danso - 7

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Really strong in the air on his return to the team. Has now kept two clean sheets in his last three starts.

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Destiny Udogie - 7

A bit more reserved offensively than Porro on the other side but defended well throughout to protect the clean sheet.

Archie Gray - 7

Near perfect with his passing and good on the other side of the ball too. Important to Spurs' dominating the game but booked for unnecessarily losing his cool with Julian Ryerson late on.

Lucas Bergvall - 7

A solid showing, one foul in a dangerous area on the edge of the Spurs box aside, before being forced off with a knock. Yet another injury concern for Spurs.

Wilson Odobert - 8

A great performance down the right and comes away with two assists - the first a product of refusing to give up and the second a brilliant one-two and cross into Solanke.

Xavi Simons - 9

Ran the show in the first half, impressing on the ball and off it. Pulled off some beautiful passes and crosses while running relentlessly. Should have had an assist from a terrific through ball to Randal Kolo Muani or from a late counter-attack that Pedro Porro spurned. Some wayward shots the only criticism.

Djed Spence - 8

Really dangerous in the attack for what was a rare left-wing outing. Kept Yan Couto really busy while also putting in the hard yards defensively.

Dominic Solanke - 7

A fortunate finish but on the scoreline all the same - his first of the season. Otherwise on the periphery but his goal gave Spurs crucial breathing room. Rewarded his manager's decision to axe Mathys Tel from the squad for him.

Substitutes

Jun'ai Byfield (Bergvall 62) - 6

A first-team debut for the 17-year-old academy talent.

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Randal Kolo Muani (Solanke 70) - 6

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Man Utd 'make contact' for Barcelona transfer after £35m agreement

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Man Utd 'make contact' for Barcelona transfer as £35m agreement forces INEOS' hand - Daily Express
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Atletico Madrid are reportedly set to challenge Manchester United in their pursuit of Barcelona's young talent, Marc Casado. Following the sale of Conor Gallagher to Tottenham, Diego Simeone's team is believed to be seeking midfield reinforcements, searching in the same market as United.

Tottenham secured the signing of England and former Chelsea star Gallagher for £35million earlier this month. However, Spanish reports suggest that Atletico, with their newly acquired funds, might shift their focus to La Liga rivals, thereby competing with United.

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Mundo Deportivo claim that Atletico are keen to renew their interest in the 22-year-old, having kept tabs on the Spanish midfielder last summer. Casado's future at Camp Nou is uncertain after his limited game time under Hansi Flick, making only sporadic appearances in his 19 matches so far.

His frustration is evident, with his most recent league appearance being a brief 11-minute stint during the 2-0 victory over Villarreal.

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While Casado would prefer to play football abroad if he were to leave, he wouldn't turn down an opportunity to join Simeone's squad.

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Consequently, United are being encouraged to move swiftly or risk missing out on his signature this month after making contact regarding a move, with the transfer window closing on February 2.

Midfield could be the next area requiring reinforcement at Old Trafford, given Manuel Ugarte's uncertain situation, whilst Casemiro appears poised to depart when his contract expires in the summer.

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Kobbie Mainoo has been the subject of speculation regarding his future after receiving limited opportunities under former boss Ruben Amorim.

Nevertheless, the England international was handed his first league start of the campaign during Saturday's 2-0 victory over Manchester City, giving Michael Carrick's caretaker spell a triumphant beginning.

Elsewhere, Flick has delivered a blunt message to his squad and those emerging from the renowned La Masia academy. The German's remarks follow Dro Fernandez's impending controversial departure, with reigning French champions and Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain frontrunners to secure the 18-year-old's services.

He said: "If you want to play for Barca, you have to give everything...100 per cent. That's what I want to say to everyone who is with us now or could be with us in the future. Same applies for La Masia youngsters training with the first team.

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"They have to be here 100 per cent. These colours must be defended, that's what I want to see. As for the rest, I don't want them."

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Liverpool transfer news: Jones to Tottenham as £20m deal green light

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Liverpool have less than two weeks to secure their first senior signing of the winter transfer window. The Reds brought in Mor Talla Ndiaye earlier this month, but he will be joining their under-21s. James Norris is the only player to have left so far, having been signed by Shelbourne on New Year's Day.

At this point in the market, departures rather than arrivals are the main topic of conversation at Anfield, with several players attracting interest from clubs across Europe. Here, Express Sport examines the latest transfer rumours involving the Reds, with a focus on Curtis Jones and Federico Chiesa.

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Curtis Jones catches attention

According to The Times, Tottenham have expressed an interest in Jones. Spurs have already signed Conor Gallagher this winter and could now bring Jones together with his former England team-mate.

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The pair have twice played for the senior side together, having previously teamed up for the Under-21s. Both will be hoping to make it back into Thomas Tuchel's squad for the World Cup this summer.

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Gallagher has already moved for more game time and played the full 90 minutes on his debut for Spurs. Jones, on the other hand, has started all but one of Liverpool's last 10 matches, the only exception being the 0-0 draw with Arsenal, when he was an unused substitute.

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Federico Chiesa green light

Juventus are reportedly eyeing Liverpool's Federico Chiesa as a potential addition to their attacking line-up, according to Italian news outlet Calciomercato. The Reds are believed to be seeking around £20million for the winger, with a preference for a permanent deal, while Juventus would favour a loan-to-buy arrangement.

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Chiesa himself is said to be open to a return to Italy and willing to lower his wage demands to facilitate a move, giving the deal a green light.

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The return of Mohamed Salah from the Africa Cup of Nations could pave the way for Chiesa's departure, as the Egyptian's presence further limits his playing time under Arne Slot. However, Chiesa expressed contentment at Anfield during the summer, stating: "I am playing for one of the best teams in the world."

He added: "I just have to wait and be ready and prove that I can play for this team. The coach has treated me very well."

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Man Utd can sign perfect free agent for Michael Carrick's replacement

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There’s been a spring in the step of everyone connected to Manchester United this week. Having feared the worst heading into Saturday’s derby against Manchester City, a stellar performance from the Red Devils saw United thump their rivals on an afternoon to remember at Old Trafford.

After the dismay of the Ruben Amroim era, the result has sparked a renewed sense of optimism among the United faithful, whose attention is now firmly focused on qualifying for the Champions League. Should interim Michael Carrick manage to guide United back into the top four (or perhaps even top five, depending on how the coefficient plays out), there has been some talk of handing the ex-England international the job on a full-time basis.

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There’s plenty for the United hierarchy to figure out between now and then, but one thing they could be looking to do is secure the signature of one of the Premier League’s most underrated players. What’s more, should they play their cards right, the record English champions won’t even need to spend a penny on transfer fees, given the player in question is approaching the end of his contract. Whether Everton have an option for an extra year remains to be seen, but according to the Toffees website, his deal is set to expire in the summer.

James Garner came through the academy at United and following a couple of loan spells, he joined Everton permanently in 2022. Since then, the midfield general has gone from strength to strength, with manager David Moyes recently tipping him for a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.

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The upside for United is that Garner is only 24 years old and has plenty room for improvement. On top of that, whoever is in charge next season is likely to need more than one midfield addition, given the current state of United’s squad.

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Carlos Baleba has been touted as the most likely signing, as United look to replace Casemiro, who is currently heading for the exit door himself. Brighton are unlikely to let him go on the cheap, meaning Garner could represent a cost-effective option to help bolster their ranks.

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According to stats provided by FBRef, Garner averages around three tackles per 90 minutes, and is also responsible for two clearances each matches. While he might not slide straight into the United starting XI, Garner is a utility option, who could help share the load, especially if United find a route back into Europe.

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Tottenham star booted out of Champions League squad and angry with Thomas Frank

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Mathys Tel has been kicked out of Tottenham's Champions League squad, marking the second time he has been dropped in Europe this season. Thomas Frank confirmed that Tel, who signed from Bayern Munich for £30million last summer, has been axed now that Dominic Solanke is back fit. The France international had already been left out of the Spurs squad back in September.

Solanke's return allows Spurs to exploit a loophole in UEFA regulations to bring him back into the squad. But while the centre-forward is back, Tel pays the price and will not be in the squad for their final two league phase matches against Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt. Announcing the news, Frank explained in a pre-match press conference: "I made the decision. It was not a nice decision to have to make but unfortunately that is football. The way the rules are, the only option was Dom or Mathys and I chose Dom.

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"Because I think Mathys has done very well the last couple of games and if I could pick from all the players he would start tomorrow, but I can only choose between the two of them. It's a tough one for Mathys, but he is not in the squad tomorrow." Fabrizio Romano reports that Tel and his representatives have been left furious with the decision to exile the attacker.

Asked how he feels fans will react to the decision to drop the 20-year-old, Frank replied: "I do not know. I hope people understand that it is not a straightforward decision. It is him or Dom [Solanke] in the team tomorrow. That is the decision. I believe it is the right one and that is what I went with."

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The Tottenham manager faced jeers at the weekend when he substituted Tel during the 2-1 loss to West Ham. Solanke replaced the Frenchman in the 62nd minute while the Hammers led 1-0. Frank admitted post-match: "I need to take decisions, of course. So I had to take one offensive player off.

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"And I feel Wilson [Odobert] is a bit better to the right and wanted two strikers on the pitch. So that was the decision. There was nothing wrong with Mathys' performance."

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The Spurs boss is under mounting pressure with the Dane's record reading just 11 wins and 12 defeats in 32 matches in charge at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank said at his pre-Dortmund press conference: "If your back is against the wall, you fight. I am energetic and I fight. It is not about me, we need to win football matches and we need to do that together. We are ready and focused on the game together and the players look good."

Asked if he can win the fans back over, a confident Frank added: "Yes, I am not in doubt of that. In this game, you always need resilience. The three biggest things in showing resilience is having good values and I believe I am a guy that has good values.

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"Second is you know reality and the reality is that one in five people don't like you no matter what you do and one in five love you no matter what you do - both sides are probably biased, no matter what you do.

"And then there is the three and five, if you behave well, are respectful and show integrity then you are sweet. The reality is not everyone will like you."

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Tottenham star taken to hospital as players fall ill during chaotic AFCON final

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Tottenham star taken to hospital as players fall ill during chaotic AFCON final - Daily Express
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Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pape Matar Sarr has been taken to hospital in the wake of Senegal's controversial Africa Cup of Nations final triumph over Morocco. The Spurs star did not get onto the pitch in his country's triumph over the tournament hosts.

It's understood he fell ill in Rabat and was taken to hospital not long after the final had ended. He reportedly began feeling unwell at half-time. He was sent out to warm-up when Lamine Camara picked up an injury just before the first half ended. However, Camara did not come off and Sarr was struck down by illness 45 minutes after Krepin Diatta and Ousseynou Niang were forced to withdraw from the game during the warm up.

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In video footage which emerged after the match, Diatta was seen hunched over in a ball on the pitch during the warm-up, while Niang had to be physically carried and helped to his team's dressing room by his team-mates. After the match, Camara confirmed the aforementioned trio were taken to hospital, when he said: "They're in the hospital, but I hope they're doing well."

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A further update was also issued by Senegalese outlet Taggat, who wrote: "The three players are doing well, according to the doctor, at Mohammed VI Hospital in Rabat. Ousseynou Niang will return to the hotel. Krepin Diatta and Pape Matar Sarr are still being kept at the hospital for further observations."

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Meanwhile, Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, the club Niang plays for, has stated he is back with his Senegal team-mates, writing: "Niang felt unwell before the game and was taken to hospital along with two teammates. It has since been confirmed he is doing well and has rejoined the Senegalese squad."

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After the match, Senegal full back Ismail Jakobs launched a phenomenal accusation claiming the illnesses in the Lions of Teranga's camp may not have been a coincidence. In the mixed zone, he told reporters: "A lot happened before the match. I think a lot will come out afterwards. It wasn’t just this situation. Plenty happened before the match too. But you’ll find out. A lot happened to Krepin, Ousseynou, and Pape Matar Sarr at halftime."

Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana-Gueye also paid tribute to the players who were struck down by illness before the final, saying: "This victory is for them; we had that in mind."

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The final will be remembered for the chaos which erupted after the 90th minute. Senegal had a 92nd minute goal contentiously ruled out for a foul, before Morocco were awarded an even more controversial penalty in the 98th minute.

Senegal boss Pape Thiaw ordered his players to leave the pitch and when they returned, 17 minutes after the spot-kick was given, Brahim Diaz attempted to chip his penalty down the middle, but it fell into the arms of ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Senegal won in extra-time thanks to an extraordinary goal from Pape Gueye.

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