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Galatasaray confirm interest in Man United's Scott McTominay and Tottenham’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg as opening bids rejected

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Galatasaray have confirmed their interest in Manchester United’s Scott McTominay and Tottenham’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

The Turkish club's vice-chairman has said they are in talks with the Red Devils over signing their midfielder, who was the subject of a £30million offer from West Ham last summer.

According to the Manchester Evening News, the Red Devils have rejected early bids for the Scotland international.

Galatasaray’s vice-chairman Ibrahim Hatipoglu has also confirmed the club have been monitoring Spurs star Hojbjerg.

However, there is no interest in Man United full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who was linked with an exit in January.

"McTominay's transfer fee is being discussed," Hatipoglu said, as quoted by Haber Sari Kirmizi. "Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is a good player, he has many suitors, he wants to see all options.

"There is no talk of single-digit figures for right-back and midfield transfers. But we have allocated a budget of less than €10million for right-back.

"There is no negative situation regarding Guela Doue [Rennes right-back]. Negotiations are ongoing [for] McTominay and Doue. Wan-Bissaka is not our priority."

Midfielder McTominay is out of contract next year, but Man United have the option of an additional year for the 27-year-old.

The Hammers’ bid fell below the club’s valuation of £40million.

Since then, the Scot had an impressive season for United, scoring ten goals and starting in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.

It remains to be seen whether Galatasaray can match the club’s valuation.

Wan-Bissaka also has just one year left on his deal, so this summer is the perfect opportunity for Man United to cash in.

Hojbjerg, meanwhile, was put on the market earlier this summer, with Tottenham open to offers for him.

His current deal expires next summer, and Juventus and AC Milan have been linked with the former Bayern Munich star.

Hojbjerg has made 184 appearances for Spurs, netting 10 times and grabbing 16 assists.

Galatasaray were crowned Turkish Super Lig champions last season, beating fierce rivals Fenerbahce by three points.

They have already signed former Chelsea player Michy Batshuayi from their foes in a controversial move that led his child to be the subject of death threats as a result.

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'Tottenham fan' Lamine Yamal was baptised by Lionel Messi and celebrated 17th birthday on eve of Euro 2024 final

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Lamine Yamal's reputation as football's brightest next thing shouldn't be a surprise given that he was 'blessed' by one of the greats.

The Spanish wonderkid is just one match away from inspiring his country to Euro 2024 glory with La Roja bidding to beat England on Sunday night to the top prize in European football.

Much has been made of Yamal's achievements at the age of 16, but Sunday's Euro 2024 final comes one day after he celebrated his 17th birthday on July 13.

Still, the La Masia graduate has broken a number of incredible records.

He is the youngest ever player to appear, score and assist at a European Championship.

More impressively, perhaps, Yamal broke Pele's long-standing record, dating back to 1966, by becoming the youngest player ever to feature in a major-tournament semi-final.

Inspired by Messi, Yamal was only a baby when he first met the Barcelona legend on the photo shoot of a charity calendar.

Messi was pictured helping to bathe a baby Yamal, with some describing it as a 'football baptism' - and the kid's father believes that the early meeting could have been destiny.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Mounir Nasraoui said, "They are coincidences in life. Blessing from Leo to Lamine? or from Lamine to Leo. Maybe it was Lamine who blessed Messi.

"For me, my son is the best. Lamine is a special case."

It wasn't the only time that Yamal and Messi have crossed paths though, with the pair pictured meeting years later.

An image has emerged from 2019 with Messi posing with the youngster who is clutching a boot bag.

Interestingly, Yamal can be seen sporting a Tottenham branded tracksuit, suggesting that he may well have a soft spot for the Premier League side.

While it can't be confirmed if the teen sensation is a Tottenham fan, he'll be hoping to shake off Spurs' trophyless reputation when he takes to the stage in Berlin on Sunday night.

While having a LaLiga title on his resume after bagging one assist in one league appearance in 2022/23, victory in the Euro 2024 final would be the first significant title in the teenager's medal collection.

Having bagged three assists and netting a stunner against France in the semi-finals, Yamal will be riding high going into the showpiece event.

If he has, in fact, been blessed by Messi then Yamal is set for a career strewn with trophies and medals but even the Argentine GOAT had to start somewhere.

Victory over Gareth Southgate's side could be the first major step on Yamal's journey to footballing immortality.

"Lamine is a natural football talent on an exceptional scale," said Spain boss Luis de la Fuente on the eve of the final. "There are very few like him.

"His greatness will be measured in how much he manages to stay even more humble each day. Football has so many ups and downs. One day you're being praised, the next criticised – a lot.

"He has to keep a balance and the maturity which allows you to avoid the great highs and the great lows. Because this is the history of football, it will always happen.

"The special thing right now is how difficult it is to do what he's doing at 16 with such naturalness. But our responsibility as those who help shape him, above and beyond coaching, is to help him maintain his values, humility, responsibility, professionalism. These things will make him an even better person as he grows up, and then an even better footballer.

"To our great fortune, he's Spanish and hopefully we'll be enjoying a great footballer, if he has luck, for a long time at the top of the world game."

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Dele Alli and Memphis Depay named alongside ex-Arsenal and Manchester United stars in best free agent XI

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Football clubs across the globe may be looking to splash the cash this summer - but they'd be fools in overlooking some high-profile free agents.

Goalkeeper David De Gea is still on the lookout for a new club a year after being released by Manchester United.

He is one of a number of ex-Red Devils stars who are searching for their next adventure.

Meanwhile an Arsenal cult hero, Tottenham fan favourite and multiple Champions League winner with Real Madrid are also all out of contract.

With Euro 2024 set to conclude on Sunday, it is expected that teams across Europe will soon open their purse strings in an attempt to strengthen their squad.

But there are plenty of players available for nothing that would save clubs a fortune.

Here talkSPORT.com have drafted up an XI compiled of free agents in a 4-3-3 formation.

Goalkeeper

De Gea may have spent a year out of football, but he remains in tip-top shape - as shown by training footage shared by the Spaniard.

The 33-year-old was on Newcastle and Madrid's radar to provide back-up cover, but no deal came to fruition.

Having departed United with 545 appearances under his belt, the 2013 Premier League champion would be a welcomed addition to any side.

Defence

Slotting in at right-back is Real Madrid veteran Lucas Vazquez, whose nine-year spell at the club appears to have come to an end.

The 33-year-old, who has won five Champions League titles at the Bernaubeu, had been expected to sign a new one-year deal, but nothing yet has been announced.

In the middle of defence is former Real and United man Raphael Varane, who was released by the Old Trafford outfit following his dazzling display in the FA Cup final win over rivals Manchester City.

He has been heavily linked with a switch to Serie A newcomers Como in what would be a huge coup for the Italian minnows.

Varane would then partner Mario Hermoso at centre-back, with the 28-year-old shockingly allowed to leave Atletico Madrid despite playing in 45 matches last campaign.

And at left-back is Ryan Sessegnon, fresh from his release at Tottenham where he was plagued by numerous injury setbacks during his five-year stay.

But the 24-year-old, who was limited to just 57 outings for Spurs, could soon be on the move with Crystal Palace a potential option.

Midfield

Featuring in a lone defensive midfield role is Adrien Rabiot, who has been in action for France at Euro 2024.

The 29-year-old is available on a free transfer after five successful years at Juventus, where he appeared in 212 games - winning one Serie A title and two Coppa Italias.

Ex-Spurs hero Dele Alli would then play in midfield following his release at Everton.

Though he will be allowed to continue using the Toffees' Finch Farm training facilities as he targets a comeback to the beautiful game.

And Borussia Dortmund legend Marco Reus would be the other after he decided not to extend his 12-year stay at Signal Iduna Park - although rumours suggest an MLS deal will materialise quickly.

Attack

Fresh from helping Inter Milan win the Serie A title, former Arsenal and United forward Alexis Sanchez features on the left wing.

The two-time FA Cup winner contributed to seven goals in the Italian top-flight, showing he's still capable of producing golden moments at the age of 35.

The right winger would then be Anthony Martial - another player United allowed to move on this summer following his injury troubles.

But the 28-year-old is believed to have no shortage of suitors, with a return to France one potential avenue for Martial.

And leading the line is Memphis Depay, who has departed Atletico having scored nine goals in the 2023/24 campaign.

Depay has been Holland's starting striker at Euro 2024 where he has helped them reach the semi-finals, where they face England on Wednesday - live on talkSPORT.

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Five biggest Premier League transfers so far this summer as Tottenham, Aston Villa and West Ham splash cash

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The 2024 Premier League summer transfer window is open, and clubs are starting to splash the cash.

July 1 marked the start of a new PSR [profit and sustainability rules] period, which means that teams up and down the land can start to spend a bit more freely.

June saw many clubs scrambling to sell players before the PSR deadline of June 30, leading to some strange deals between rivals to ensure no one got a points deduction.

But now those worries are over for another year, top-flight clubs are looking at strengthening their squads ahead of the upcoming season.

A lot of money has already been spent, but here are the biggest deals so far...

Minteh joined Newcastle in the summer of 2022 and was loaned out to Feyenoord.

Under new Liverpool manager Arne Slot, the winger played Champions League football and impressed in the Eredivisie.

In 37 appearances, the Gambia international scored 11 goals and assisted six more and Newcastle fans were looking forward to seeing him on Tyneside.

However, with the threat of a PSR-related points deduction looming, the Toon reluctantly sold Minteh to Brighton.

Anderson is another PSR-related sale for Newcastle, who found themselves looking at a double-digit points deduction.

The Geordie had no intention of leaving the Toon and signed a new contract with the club in September 2022.

But to avoid selling Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak or Bruno Guimaraes, Anderson was sacrificed.

Nottingham Forest are getting a young, versatile player with plenty of Premier League experience, and he should prove to be a great addition.

Gray is a top midfield talent who looked far too good for the Championship.

Therefore, Leeds knew that missing out on promotion last season could potentially cost them their young star.

Brentford thought they had his signature wrapped up, with a deal agreed in principle.

But Leeds rejected that offer at the last moment, and Tottenham swooped in for someone who should go straight into the first team.

Maatsen was nearly a Champions League winner last season while on loan at Borussia Dortmund, but lost the final to Real Madrid.

But for numerous reasons, Chelsea have decided to move the Dutchman on, and Aston Villa have picked up a potential top left-back.

While in the Bundesliga, Maatsen proved to be an excellent attacking outlet.

Therefore, under Unai Emery's guidance, you can expect big things from Maatsen.

Julen Lopetegui's top target since becoming West Ham's manager was Kilman.

The Spaniard worked with the Englishman at Wolves and was a big fan of the centre-back.

Kilman has great technique and adds some much-needed youth and pace to the ageing West Ham defence.

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Former Tottenham star Eric Dier shows off ripped physique ahead of new season as Manchester United close in on teammate

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Eric Dier is looking in incredible shape ahead of the new season with the Bayern Munich defender training alone following his Euro 2024 snub.

The 30-year-old linked up with the German giants on an initial loan deal from Tottenham in January, which has been turned into a permanent move.

Despite being overlooked by Ange Postecoglou in north London, he quickly won over Thomas Tuchel in Bavaria where he featured in 20 games in all competitions.

His impressive form helped the Allianz Arena outfit reach the semi-finals of the Champions League, where they lost to eventual champions Real Madrid.

And his displays resulted in him being tipped to return to the England squad after two years.

But Gareth Southgate decided against naming in his side, with the ex-Spurs star instead putting himself through the paces as he prepares for the upcoming campaign under new Bayern boss Vincent Kompany.

Dier has taken to Instagram where he has shared images of his ripped physique while using the training facilities of LaLiga side Mallorca.

The former Sporting Lisbon defender is due back at Bayern on July 15 to begin pre-season training.

And he is set to pit his wits against Tottenham twice this summer, with Bayern to face Spurs in South Korea on August 3, before battling them in the Visit Malta Cup at his former stomping ground the following week.

While Dier has been joined by Michael Olise at Bayern following his move from Crystal Palace, he looks set to lose his centre-back partner to Manchester United.

talkSPORT understands that Matthijs de Ligt is closing in on a reunion with Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford having worked together at Ajax.

Dier had forged a formidable partnership with De Ligt, which saw Dayot Upamencano and Kim-min Jae drop to the bench.

But the Dutchman is poised to now make the move to England - despite thousands of Bayern fans signing a petition in an attempt to stop the sale.

And he is expected to be joined by his compatriot Joshua Zirkzee at the Theatre of Dreams, with the striker to provide competition for Rasmus Hojlund up top.

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‘Everyone is heartbroken' - Leeds address starlet Archie Gray's sale to Tottenham in lengthy statement

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Leeds are ‘heartbroken to see one of their own depart’ they have said a statement explaining Archie Gray’s move to Tottenham.

Ever since the final whistle blew at the Championship play-off final and they were condemned to another season in the second tier, their fans have been worrying over would head towards the exit this summer.

On that list of players deemed too good for another year in the EFL was academy product Gray, a big fan favourite with help from his relation to former Leeds aces father Andy, great-uncle Eddie and grandfather Frank.

Now, Leeds fans’ nightmare of losing Gray has come true, with the 18-year-old being sold to Spurs this week.

Upon announcing the deal, Leeds wrote a lengthy statement on the decision, stating it was one the club made with a ‘heavy heart’.

It read: “Leeds United can confirm Archie Gray has completed a permanent transfer to Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur for an undisclosed fee, after the north London outfit met a release clause that was triggered by the club’s failure to get promoted at the first attempt.

“Gray progressed through the ranks of the Academy at Thorp Arch and became involved with the first team setup at the age of just 15, when he was named on the bench for the Whites against Arsenal in the top-flight in 2021.

“He subsequently went on to make his senior debut in last season’s Sky Bet Championship opener against Cardiff City at Elland Road, aged 17.

“Going on to become a mainstay and thriving in the side under manager Daniel Farke at right-back, he played a key role in helping the Whites reach the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final.

“Throughout his time at the club, Gray also featured on the international stage, earning 24 caps for England at youth level, from Under-15s to Under 21s.

“He now departs having made a total of 52 first team appearances for the Whites in all competitions.

“Understanding the attraction of Premier League and European football, the club, with a heavy heart, agreed the transfer, but the move has strengthened the board’s resolve to ultimately return Leeds to a position where it can meet the footballing ambitions of even its brightest stars.”

Leeds also pointed out the benefits of selling their homegrown talent in terms of keeping within the Championship’s financial regulations.

It continued: “Whilst we understand that supporters will be hugely disappointed to lose such a home-grown talent, and a family name so synonymous with Leeds United, the move improves the club’s chance to compete for automatic promotion next season by increasing our ability to build a competitive squad within the league’s financial control regulations.

“Everyone at Leeds United is heartbroken to see one of our own depart and would like to thank Archie for all his efforts and professionalism. He leaves with the very best wishes for his future career and in the knowledge that Leeds will always be his home.”

Leeds captioned their post on X of the statement: “Heartbroken to see one of our own depart, Archie Gray leaves with the best wishes of everyone at LUFC as he joins Tottenham.”

Gray himself has since issued a statement on Instagram about his exit.

He posted a gallery with the caption: "I can’t thank everyone at leeds united enough for the past 11 years, from the all the coaches I’ve had from when I first came at 7 years old to all the coaching staff now.

"I have enjoyed every second of my time at the club and have so many great memories for life from watching in the stands to playing on the pitch.

"I would also like to say a massive Thank you to all of the managers that I have had but especially Daniel Farke, for trusting me this year and giving me the opportunity to play and teaching me so much about the game I am so grateful for him and all the coaching staff.

"Along the way I have made friends for life and I am also grateful for every team mate I’ve been with from the age of 7 to the teammates last season.

"And for the fans you are amazing and I can’t Thank you enough for the support you have given me and hopefully Harry in the next few years to come. We will cross paths again."

Even former Leeds player Jermaine Beckford told talkSPORT he did not think Gray would be sold when addressing his side’s play-off loss in May.

However he did say he thought ‘one or two others’ would be sold.

Despite sitting top of the Championship for periods last season, Leeds lost out on winning promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking to runners-up Ipswich and champions Leicester.

They were condemned to the play-offs and suffered a 1-0 loss to Southampton in the final at Wembley - a game Gray played the entirety of.

Now, Daniel Farke will be under pressure to get the Yorkshire outfit back to the top flight at the second attempt.

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Tottenham announce signing of Archie Gray from Leeds as defender heads in opposite direction

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Tottenham have confirmed the signing of Archie Gray.

Spurs activated the 18-year-old forward's £40million release clause and he passed a medical on Monday.

Defender Joe Rodon has joined Leeds as part of the deal, meaning Spurs will pay £25m-£30m.

It is believed that Brentford had initially offered over his release clause to get a deal done quickly and he was even set to undergo a medical.

But the move was shot down over issues with the payment structure.

Leeds academy product Gray had been offered a contract worth £75,000-a-week, an attractive package for the 18-year-old.

The deal was set to smash Brentford's current transfer record, which stands at £30m when they agreed a deal with Belgian side Club Brugge for Brazilian forward Igor Thiago in February.

Gray was also on the radar of Chelsea, Liverpool, Aston Villa and West Ham.

But now is now a Tottenham player, the club have announced.

The England youth international only made his senior debut on the opening day of the 2023/24 season.

He went on to make 52 appearances for the Whites in all competitions - chipping in with a goal and two assists.

Starting the campaign as a central midfielder, Gray went on to make the majority of his appearances at right-back, showcasing his versatility.

Leeds had hoped to secure Premier League football for themselves, but missed out on automatic promotion to Leicester and Ipswich.

Despite making it to the play-off final, Daniel Farke's side were beaten by Southampton, subjecting them to at least one more year in the second-tier.

It is believed that Gray's departure will see them comply with Profit and Sustainability rules, which would put them in a strong position should Crysencio Summerville be subject to any offers.

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Ryan Sessegnon training with Premier League rival in bid to reignite career after Tottenham exit

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Ryan Sessegnon is training with Crystal Palace with a view to a signing a contract.

The left-sided player is currently without a club having left Tottenham at the end of his contract this summer.

Now 24, Sessegnon will be keen to reignite his career after a frustrating few years in north London.

Should a move come off, he'd like join as competition for Tyrick Mitchell at left wing-back.

Crystal Palace are looking for reinforcements with Michael Olise set to join Bayern Munich in a £60million deal.

After progressing through Fulham's youth academy, he was fast-tracked into the first team squad at the age of 16 where he took no time at all to show his quality.

Scoring seven goals in 31 games in his first season, Sessegnon scored 16 goals and offered eight assists to help Fulham to promotion in 2017/18 - all before his 18th birthday.

In that season he won Championship Player Of The Year, Young Player Of The Year and was also named in the Team Of The Year.

Sessegnon then scored twice and got six assists in his first-ever Premier League season, earning a move to Tottenham that was worth around £25million.

Playing primarily as a left winger for Fulham, Sessegnon found himself playing as a left wing-back for Spurs, struggling for form.

Most notably, it was a persistent run of hamstring injuries that stopped Sessegnon from showing his best self, making just 57 appearances in five years in north London.

He did, however, enjoy a decent loan spell with German side Hoffenheim in 2020/21 where he made 29 appearances, five of which came in the Europa League.

Sessegnon has also made 20 appearances for England under-21s, as well as playing a key role in helping the Young Lions to the European Under-19 Championship in 2017, as well as being named the tournament's Golden Boot winner.

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Archie Gray to Tottenham a done deal as Spurs activate Leeds starlet's release clause

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Archie Gray to Tottenham is a done deal, talkSPORT understands.

Spurs are understood to have activated his release clause, of £40million, and he underwent a medical on Monday ahead of his switch from Leeds

Joe Rodon is also set to join Leeds as part of the deal, meaning Spurs will pay £25m-£30m.

It's believed that Brentford had initially offered over his release clause to get a deal done quickly and he was even set to undergo a medical.

But it was shot down over issues with the payment structure.

Leeds academy product Gray had been offered a contract worth £75,000-a-week, an attractive package for the 18-year-old.

The deal was set to smash Brentford's current transfer record, which stands at £30m when they agreed a deal with Belgian side Club Brugge for Brazilian forward Igor Thiago in February.

The Bees will now be forced to the drawing board to get the deal done.

Gray was also on the radar of Chelsea, Liverpool, Aston Villa and West Ham.

But now he will become a Tottenham player.

The England youth international only made his senior debut on the opening day of the 2023/24 season.

He went on to make 52 appearances for the Whites in all competitions - chipping in with a goal and two assists.

Starting the campaign as a central midfielder, Gray went on to make the majority of his appearances at right-back, showcasing his versatility.

Leeds had hoped to secure Premier League football for themselves, but missed out on automatic promotion to Leicester and Ipswich.

Despite making it to the play-off final, Daniel Farke's side were beaten by Southampton, subjecting them to at least one more year in the second-tier.

It is believed that Gray's departure would see them comply with Profit and Sustainability rules, which would put them in a strong position should Crysencio Summerville be subject to any offers.

Club chairman Paraag Marathe failed to rule out Gray from departing Elland Road last month.

He said: "It’s a little too early to answer specific questions. I can’t talk on specific players right now.

“If I can paint the big picture, there are certain things we need to do and we’ll make sure we’re fully compliant with PSR.

"There are certain trade-offs we have to make. We have to get to the drawing board to work out which moves we have to make.

“Obviously, Archie’s a tremendous player, but every season brings change. I can’t yet comment but we’ll see what happens.”

As for Brentford, they will be looking to improve on last term's 16th place finish in the Premier League.

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Tottenham among clubs across Europe chasing Leeds starlet Archie Gray

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Tottenham are among the clubs chasing Archie Gray, talkSPORT understands.

The Leeds United starlet is one of the hottest prospects in English football following a stunning breakthrough season in the EFL.

Gray also has interest from Spain and Germany, with the 18-year-old tipped to go on to big things.

Leeds could be forced to sell the teenager after missing out on promotion to the Premier League last term.

The Whites were firmly in the hunt for automatic promotion, but fell short with Leicester and Ipswich claiming the top two spots.

Daniel Farke's side did make it to the play-off final, only to be beaten 1-0 by Southampton at Wembley Stadium.

While the season ended in disappointment for the club, it was one to remember for Gray.

The great nephew of Leeds legend Eddie Gray made his debut on the opening day of the 2023/24 season and went on to make 52 appearances for the club.

Starting the season as a central midfielder, Gray went on to make the majority of his appearances at right-back, showcasing his versatility.

Gray isn't the only Leeds star who is in demand from clubs in the Premier League though.

Earlier this month Brighton opened talks over a move for Crysencio Summerville.

talkSPORT understands that Leeds expect to lose the £30million-rated Summerville having missed out on promotion to the Premier League.

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