OptiNews - Friday 29 December 2017 to Thursday 04 January 2018

Sourced from Mirror.co.uk article

Exclusive - Sturridge wants Southampton move but Liverpool have set lofty price

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Frustrated Daniel Sturridge IS interested in a move to Southampton - but fears a move would be blocked by Liverpool.

Stoke also want the 28-year-old marksman who is determined to quit Anfield next month in search of regular first-team football.

But Liverpool are set to rebuff loan bids. The club will only be tempted to allow Sturridge to leave if an offer of £25million is made.

Sources close to the England striker have indicated he has become disillusioned by Liverpool’s stance - particularly given his team ethic despite his lack of action.

Sturridge has knuckled down without complaining publicly about his ongoing bit part role with Roberto Firmino the man striker.

Whether on a loan or on a permanent basis, Sturridge now wants to play for a club that values him enough to give him regular first-team football.

Spanish clubs Valencia and Sevilla have had an interest for some time while Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez also has Sturridge on his shortlist for a new striker.

Southampton are ready to sell their Italian striker Manolo Gabbiadini, eleven months after signing him for £14.6million.

Gabbiadini exploded into life on the south coast with six goals in his first four games but has not been the same player since a groin injury in March put him out for a month.

With Charlie Austin set to miss two months with a hamstring injury, Southampton are in dire need of reinforcements up front.

The problem for Sturridge is that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is more intent on allowing Danny Ings leave on loan to regain full fitness with Stoke interested.

Sturridge would then be kept as cover unless Liverpool were to receive an offer they could not refuse.

The marksman’s future did not form part of the discussions over Virgil van Dijk’s record £75million transfer. But it means Southampton do now have the cash to meet Liverpool’s valuation of Sturridge.

Mirror Sport revealed before Christmas that the striker fears his World Cup hopes will be all but over if he is still at Anfield in February.

Gareth Southgate has made it clear that only players that are playing regularly stand a chance of making it to Russia next summer.

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Sourced from Mirror.co.uk article

Leicester boss Puel reveals his plans to change Harry Maguire’s game

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Claude Puel has revealed he is coaching Harry Maguire to be a top ball-playing defender like Virgil van Dijk.

French coach Puel worked with Van Dijk at Southampton last season in his one term in charge on the South Coast.

He says Van Dijk,26, progressed under him leading to Liverpool to bid for the Dutch stopper in the summer.

The Reds finally got their man this week in a world-record £75million deal for a defender.

Now Puel, in charge at Leicester, has turned his attentions to improving England international defender Maguire.

Hands-on coach Puel has a reputation for bringing on young talent since working with Eden Hazard at Lille.

He has already had a big impact at the King Power Stadium with England U21 starlet Demarai Gray.

Now he has high hopes too for stopper Maguire,24, signed from relegated Hull in June for £17million.

Puel explained: “Virgil in the beginning was a player comfortable with the ball with good qualities and good potential.

“But he played before with the defence just on the box without space behind him, without cover for the full-back.

“Last season we tried to play higher up the pitch, to have possession and to defend one against one, with 15 metres in his back.

“It is different things and an evolution, he made progress about this.

“For Harry it is a little bit the same thing, to take confidence one against one, to stay in contact with his striker.

“After, he has good technique and is comfortable also with the ball.

“We look to make progress sometimes on set-pieces and also in anticipation.

“But he is a young player with quality and an international player.

“He has to continue his form and improve. I am satisfied about him.”

Maguire, who has three England caps, produced some indifferent displays earlier this term.

But he was outstanding in the EFL Cup quarter-final loss on penalties to Man City which impressed Pep Guardiola.

He then followed it up in the 2-2 draw against Man United with a last-gasp equaliser.

Puel is enjoying coaching Maguire and says he loves trying to develop young talent.

He believes it is important for the future of English football to improve players rather than just buy ready-made stars.

But Puel admits it can be hard for coaches, who don’t always get enough time from impatient owners.

Puel added: “English football needs to develop young English players for the national team.

“It will be important to develop all the players, not just to buy the best players in the world.

“It’s about technique, intelligence with the ball, and to build something with young players into the team, it’s a long process.

“I don’t know if all the owners and chairman are ready to respect the results because it’s the Premier League.”

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 30/12/2017 02:59:31

| | DAILYTIMESPK |
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| Arsenal Transfer News: Saints Linked to Theo Walcott in Latest Gunners RumoursBLEACHERREPORT |
| | Theo Walcott is open to leaving Arsenal in January, but would prefer a loan moveREADSOUTHAMPTON |
| | Liverpool striker Sturridge ‘keen’ to join SouthamptonREADSOUTHAMPTON |

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 30/12/2017 03:59:35

| | WATCH: ‘Ask him about his comments’ - Jose Mourinho pokes fun at Jurgen Klopp over Virgil van Dijk dealIRISHINDEP |
| | Liverpool News - Southampton keen to do one more business with Reds in the January transfer windowTHEKOPTIMES |

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Sourced from A tweet by stighefootball tweet

@stighefootball - Sam Tighe :santa:t2::christmas_tree:

Southampton’s transfer strategy has long been to buy young, develop and sell on for a huge profit. Wages naturally… https://twitter.com/i/web/status/946811656134451202

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 30/12/2017 08:00:16

| | Van Dijk fee ‘not nice’, says KloppFOURFOURTWO |
| | Mourinho: There is no financial fair play, clubs do what they wantFOURFOURTWO |

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Our final matchday of 2017! :innocent:

:soccer: #MUFC :vs: #SaintsFC
:trophy: @premierleague
:round_pushpin: Old Trafford
:clock3: 5.30pm GMT
:calling:https://twitter.com/i/web/status/947028414984159233

Retweets: 1

Favourites: 8

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Sourced from Daily Star article

Virgil van Dijk will have to up the intensity at Liverpool, warns ex-Premier League star

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Virgil van Dijk could be in for a shock at Liverpool, says Matt Upson

Van Dijk will become the world’s most expensive defender when he completes his switch from St Mary’s to Anfield on New Year’s Day.

Ex-Arsenal, Birmingham, West Ham and England man Upson has no doubts about Van Dijk’s ability, but thinks he’ll have some serious adapting to do under Jurgen Klopp.

“I think he’s a big part of the jigsaw,” Upson said.

“What do you get? You get a very imposing figure, physically he’s very dominant, he wins most of his aerial battles.

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 30/12/2017 10:01:15

| | Report - Liverpool could beat Arsenal to the second January window signing following van Dijk’s arrivalTHEKOPTIMES |
| | The 22-year-old who can be the perfect signing to partner Virgil Van Dijk at Liverpool | | Where football transfer …THETRANSFERTAVERN |
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| Michael Owen: What I really think about Liverpool FC signing Virgil van DijkSPORTREVIEWCOM |
| | Pochettino sets Alderweireld and Kane prices after Van Dijk saleFOOTBALLLONDON |
| | 2 young Man United players Mourinho must trust to batter Southampton | | Where football transfer rumours fly or die!THETRANSFERTAVERN |
| | Michael Owen states his prediction for Man United v SouthamptonSPORTREVIEWCOM |
| | 'van Dijk signing could be the making of Matip at Anfield’GOLIVERPOOL |
| | Mark Lawrenson warns Liverpool FC signing Virgil van Dijk about Anfield 'pressure’SPORTREVIEWCOM |
| | Scottish game is shown upHERALD |
| | Jose Mourinho reveals ‘big frustration’ ahead of Man United v SouthamptonSPORTREVIEWCOM |
| | Jose Mourinho confirms Anthony Martial and Antonio Valencia will miss Southampton clashTHEPEOPLESPERSON |

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Sourced from Daily Star article

Virgil van Dijk offered to Barcelona and Paris St-Germain before Liverpool finalised deal

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Virgil van Dijk could have joined Barcelona or PSG rather than Liverpool

Van Dijk will become the world’s most expensive defender when his switch from Southampton to Anfield is rubber-stamped on New Year’s Day.

Liverpool have been after the Dutch defender since the summer, when they were willing to spend £60m on his services.

The Merseyside giants looked set to get him but put their foot in it when Jurgen Klopp was caught tapping the player up.

And they were almost made to pay big time, with Southampton touting their prized asset around to some of Europe’s biggest hitters.

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Read Southampton

New content from (- Read Southampton)

| Southampton face competition from Premier League side for Sturridge | Southampton will face competition from Stoke in the race to sign Daniel Sturridge from Liverpool. The Daily Mail … 30-12-2017 |

Older content…

| Theo Walcott is open to leaving Arsenal in January, but would prefer a loan movea day ago |
| Liverpool striker Sturridge ‘keen’ to join Southamptona day ago |
| Extent of Charlie Austin’s injury revealed by Pellegrinoa day ago |
| Manchester United vs Southampton: Match Previewa day ago |
| Kelvin Davis replaces Eric Black as First Team Assistanta day ago |
| Opposition Dangerman: Manchester United (A)a day ago |
| Saints’ Predicted XI: Manchester United (A) - Pellegrino to revert to a back five?a day ago |
| Southampton closing in on mystery French signinga day ago |
| Southampton linked with a move for £13m-rated Atletico wingera day ago |

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

We’re wishing a happy 49th birthday to a #SaintsFC legend! :tada:

Have a great day, @FrannyBenali! :innocent:

Retweets: 4

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 30/12/2017 11:01:54

| | Revealed: 48% of Man Utd fans think Mourinho should drop this off-form star for SouthamptonFOOTBALLFANCAST |
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| Photo: Dejan Lovren breaks silence after Liverpool FC’s signing of Virgil van DijkSPORTREVIEWCOM |
| | Revealed: 87% of Man United fans want this attacker in the team against SaintsFOOTBALLFANCAST |
| | Manchester United vs Southampton: Three players who must startTHEPEOPLESPERSON |

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Sourced from Daily Star article

Liverpool signing Virgil van Dijk must improve one thing or he could flop - Dean Saunders

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That’s the verdict of former Reds striker Dean Saunders.

Van Dijk handed in a transfer request last summer in a failed attempt to force through a transfer for Liverpool.

He finally sealed his dream move to Anfield six months later, but Saunders is concerned about the Dutchman’s personality fitting in at Liverpool.

“I have seen van Dijk with the chips down and I’ve got to be honest, I hope I’m wrong, but his attitude has got to be better than he has shown,” Saunders told talkSPORT.

“If I’m Liverpool manager I might think he’ll do that to me.”

Former Saints boss Claude Puel claimed van Dijk could become the best defender in the world at Liverpool but others remain.

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 30/12/2017 12:02:09

| | Southampton must buy these three Premier League stars with the Van Dijk moneyFOOTBALLFANCAST |
| | Carragher hands Liverpool star Van Dijk important advice | FutnSoccerFUTNSOCCER |
| | Austin Sidelined For Two MonthsVITALFOOTBALL |
| | Expected Starting XIs: Man United seriously depleted, Southampton frustrated by injuryFOOTBALLFANCAST |
|

| 3 Players Who Could Follow Van Dijk To Liverpool Including His Fellow CountrymanTHEKOPTIMES |

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Where in the world are you following today’s game from, #SaintsFC fans? :earth_africa:

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@wesleyhoedt - Wesley Hoedt

Matchday! #SaintsFC #MUNSOU #PL

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Sourced from London Evening Standard article

Manchester United vs Southampton | Teams, streams, predictions and odds

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Manchester United will hope to bounce back from successive draws when they host a struggling Southampton side on Saturday.

Jose Mourinho’s Christmas spell has not gone to plan after his side followed a disappointing 2-2 draw at Leicester with a another point against Burnley on Boxing Day.

It means United have not won in three matches after defeat to Bristol City in the Carabao Cup quarter-final earlier this month.

But United will fancy their chances against a Southampton side who have managed just one point from four and shipped 11 goals in their last four Premier League games.

Manchester United host Southampton at Old Trafford with kick-off scheduled for 5.30pm on Saturday, December 30.

The match will be televised on BT Sport 1 and BT 4K UHD from 5pm on Saturday night.

You can also follow the match LIVE on Standard Sport, follow team news and goal updates from 4.30pm.

Can’t see the live blog? Click here for the desktop version.

Romelu Lukaku looks set to retain his place in Manchester United’s team against Southampton, despite Jose Mourinho insisting he is jaded.

Mourinho said his striker, who has played every single minute of United’s 20 Premier League games, is “tired” having scored just four times in 19 games yet feels he cannot give him a rest.

Anthony Martial and Matteo Darmian both returned to training on Thursday but remain doubtful with the knocks that kept them out against Burnley, while Chris Smalling and Antonio Valencia are also unlikely to feature. Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini and Eric Bailly are all out.

Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk will join Liverpool on January 1, so will not feature in Saturday’s Premier League clash with Manchester United.

Charlie Austin is unavailable as he must serve the second of his three-match ban for violent conduct and the forward is also affected by a significant hamstring injury.

Ryan Bertrand (hamstring) faces a late fitness test, but Cedric Soares (ankle) will not feature for Mauricio Pellegrino’s side.

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Sourced from Daily Star article

Man Utd team news: Mourinho without three stars against Southampton, four major doubts

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Man Utd vs Southampton: Jose Mourinho has a number of injury concerns for Old Trafford clash

Mourinho said Lukaku, who has played every single minute of Manchester United’s 20 Premier League games, is “tired” having scored just four times in his last 19 outings but admitted he cannot rest the striker.

Anthony Martial and Matteo Darmian both returned to training on Thursday but remain doubtful with the knocks that kept them out of the 2-2 draw with Burnley.

Chris Smalling and Antonio Valencia are also unlikely to feature, while Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini and Eric Bailly are all out through injury.

Meanwhile, Southampton will be without Virgil van Dijk after the club agreed a £75m deal with Liverpool for the defender.

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 30/12/2017 13:02:21

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| Jose Mourinho: What I really think about Liverpool FC signing Virgil van DijkSPORTREVIEWCOM |
| | £18m-rated Liverpool forward sparking Premier League interest - reportFOOTBALLFANCAST |
| | Jurgen Klopp has used two words to describe spending £75m on Virgil van DijkGIVEMESPORT |
| | Harry Kane race set for summer but will English clubs steal march on Real?THEOBSERVER |
| | Three Van Dijk replacements Southampton should considerHEREISTHECITY |
| | Liverpool FC still want promising 23-year-old despite Virgil van Dijk signing - reportSPORTREVIEWCOM |

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