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Manchester United plot huge £80m Chelsea transfer swap of Willian-plus-cash for Anthony Martial

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Jose Mourinho is targeting a sensational £80million swap deal, involving Willian and Anthony Martial.

The Manchester United boss is a big admirer of Willian from his time as Chelsea boss, while the Blues are keen on Martial, United’s French striker.

However, Old Trafford chiefs would only consider selling him to the Londoners if Willian is part of the deal.

Along with Nemanja Matic, Willian was one of two Chelsea players Mourinho wanted to sign when he joined United in summer 2016, six months after leaving Stamford Bridge.

He is a fan of the 29-year-old Brazilian’s speed, team ethic and strong mentality, but faces a battle to persuade his former employers to let him go.

Mourinho wanted to sign Chelsea duo Willian and Nemanja Matic two years ago, and is halfway there(Image: PA Wire)

United’s top brass are also in no hurry to allow Martial to leave, but Mourinho has become increasingly frustrated that the 22-year-old – signed from Monaco three years ago when predecessor Louis van Gaal was in charge – is not developing.

Martial – and fellow frontman Marcus Rashford – failed to impress when standing in for the injured Romelu Lukaku in Friday’s shock 1-0 defeat away to relegation candidates Brighton, increasing Mourinho’s annoyance.

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The France international – who is also attracting interested from Juventus – cost £36million when he signed him from Monaco.

Martial did not make the most of just his fourth league start since January on Friday (Image: AFP/Getty)

United had to stump up another £8m when the youngster went past 25 goals and will have to pay a further £8m if Martial – currently on 18 caps – reaches 25 appearances for his country.

The player signed a four-year deal that is up next summer, but includes a fifth year option on the club’s side.

Reports in France suggest Martial has so far refused United’s offer of a new contract.

He fears his lack of regular starts under Mourinho are damaging his international future, and is worried he could miss out on a World Cup squad place in Russia this summer.

Mourinho signed Willian for Chelsea when he started his second spell there in summer 2013 (Image: Getty)

With Antonio Conte set to be replaced at Stamford Bridge for next season, any deal would be put on hold until Chelsea have sorted his successor.

But if owner Roman Abramovich believes a Martial-Willian swap is a good deal, he’ll rubber-stamp it regardless of who the Blues’ manager is.

United would want £40m cash from Chelsea as Mourinho values Martial at £80m in current market conditions, with Willian worth £40m.

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Osimhen Crowned 2023 CAF Footballer of the Year

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Victor Osimhen has been named the 2023 African Footballer of the Year, cementing his status as one of the world’s top players.

Osimhen surpassed competition from Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah for the prestigious award.

The Super Eagles forward concluded a remarkable year in the imperial Moroccan city of Marakesh, ending Nigeria’s 24-year wait for Africa’s top individual prize, last won by legendary Kanu Nwankwo in 1999.

During the event, Osimhen expressed gratitude, acknowledging the impact of Nigerian legend Emmanuel Amuneke, who coached him at the U-17 level, and the support from fans and fellow players.

“It’s a dream come true for me. I want to thank everyone who has seen me through life’s journey, in achieving my dreams and goals. I appreciate Nigerians and Africa for their unwavering support and encouragement,” he said.

Osimhen recognised the influence of Emmanuel Adebayo, Solomon Kalu, and other African legends, expressing gratitude to his role model, Didier Drogba.

The award reflects Osimhen’s outstanding performances with Napoli, where he played a pivotal role in their Serie A title run, scoring 26 league goals and becoming the first African to win the top scorer award, breaking George Weah’s record in the Italian top-flight.”

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Lionel Messi Secures Historic 8th Ballon d’Or Triumph

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Lionel Messi, the renowned Argentine football icon, clinched the coveted 2023 Ballon d’Or, setting a new record for the 2022 World Cup champion.

In a glamorous event held in Paris, Messi, who now plays for Inter Miami, received the prestigious award on Monday night. This achievement is widely seen as a well-deserved recognition for his pivotal role in guiding the Abiscelete to World Cup victory in the previous year.

Aged 36, Messi succeeded Karim Benzema as the recipient of this award, which acknowledges his exceptional performances during the last season when he inspired Argentina to triumph at the World Cup.

His remarkable displays in Qatar, where he led his nation to a historic victory, enabled him to surpass strong competition, notably from Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. Haaland secured the second spot in the final voting, with Mbappe finishing third and Kevin De Bruyne taking fourth place.

Messi, a former Barcelona superstar, left an indelible mark at the World Cup, scoring seven crucial goals. His exceptional performance led to him being named the tournament’s best player, especially after Argentina’s victory over France in the final.

While Messi’s World Cup heroics were undeniable, his final season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was relatively lackluster. Subsequently, he made a move to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.

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His former PSG teammate, Mbappe, made a strong case for the Ballon d’Or with his outstanding World Cup performance, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with eight goals, including a memorable hat-trick in the final for France.

Norwegian striker Erling Haaland had a remarkable season, scoring an incredible 52 goals in 53 games for Manchester City. This stellar performance played a pivotal role in helping Pep Guardiola’s team secure a historic treble in the English Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.

Both Haaland and De Bruyne were nominated for the Ballon d’Or from their exceptional contributions to the success of Manchester City.

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“B Sample Reveals Presence of Testosterone in Pogba’s Test Results”

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Juventus and France midfielder Paul Pogba’s ‘B’ sample has confirmed the presence of testosterone, a source close to the case told AFP on Friday.

The 30-year-old former Manchester United player, a World Cup winner in 2018, faces a ban of up to four years.

The original test by the Italian anti-doping agency (Nado) showed the presence of testosterone metabolites.

On Friday, Pogba learned that the analysis of his B sample, carried out on the previous day, had produced the same result.

The player’s entourage declined to comment.

Under the World Anti-Doping Code, Pogba is liable to a four-year suspension, which could be halved if he proves that he was not at fault.

The ban could even be limited to a few months if the use of the substance took place “out of competition and is not related to his level of performance”.

Pogba’s representatives said last month that the testosterone came from a food supplement prescribed by a doctor he consulted in the United States.

Testosterone promotes muscle development.

Contacted by AFP, Nado was unable to confirm this information “due to a decision by the Italian privacy authority”.

Pogba has seven days to submit his defence to Italy’s National Anti-Doping Tribunal, which will investigate his case and request a sanction, a process that could take several weeks.

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In addition to the proceedings of the Italian sports justice system, a judicial investigation will be opened by the Turin public prosecutor’s office, as doping is a criminal offence in Italy.

Since the announcement of his positive test, Pogba has been unable to train with Juventus, the club to which he returned in July 2022 after six seasons with United.

The announcement came shortly before Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri’s press conference on the eve of the Turin derby against Torino, at which he simply said he was “sorry for Paul”.

Contacted by AFP, the club, which has also suspended payment of his estimated annual salary of 8 million euros (8.4 million dollars), did not respond.

Pogba started the season attempting to bounce back from string of injuries last season and from summer surgery.

His sample was reportedly taken at his club’s opening match of the Serie A season, a win at Udinese on August 20, during which he was an unused substitute.

After the first sample tested positive on September 11,  Pogba’s agent Rafaela Pimenta said she was “awaiting the second sample and cannot have an opinion before the results”.

“What is certain is that Paul Pogba never wanted to break a rule,” she added.

 

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