Real Madrid ‘identify’ Jude Bellingham as target, Joao Felix to Liverpool, – World Cup ball and qualifying updates

Van de Beek offers to rent home for Ukraine refugees

Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek has offered to rent a house for Ukraine refugees as they flee the deadly Russian invasion.

Van de Beek, 24, is on loan at Everton and reportedly keen to make the deal a permanent one.

The Dutchman is due back at Old Trafford in the summer, with three years still to run on his Red Devils contract.

Toffees team-mate Vitaliy Mykolenko told UA Tribuna of Van de Beek’s generous offer.

The Ukrainian said: “Donny van de Beek, a world-class player, approaches me and says: ‘I want to rent a house for people, whether in the Netherlands or in Poland.

‘We will take them from the border, settle them, pay for it'”.

Mykolenko joined in January from Dynamo Kyiv and has played six games, including the FA Cup fifth-round tie against Boreham Wood where he was named captain. 

He has made 21 appearances for his country and is “grateful” for all the support he has been shown at the Merseyside club since the devastating war began.

The 22-year-old said: “I don’t know how to thank these people. Everyone came up and asked how my family was, my friends.

“On the second day the head coach came up and said: ‘if you need a rest, if you need time, take your time’. I am grateful to the club for its support from all sides.

“The administrator in charge of the equipment said: ‘I know what your situation is. I understand how difficult it is for you. Come to us for dinner’.

“A physiotherapist came up and said: ‘I have a room, a bed for two people. Those who have nowhere to live, we are ready to shelter them’. I am pleasantly shocked. Honestly I’m shocked”.

Grealish: Jude much better than me at 18

Jack Grealish heaped praise on England team-mate Jude Bellingham after the teenager put in a Three Lions masterclass.

Bellingham, 18, scooped the Player of the Match award for his performance in the 3-0 friendly win over Ivory Coast on Tuesday.

One person though who was particularly impressed by the youngster was Manchester City ace Grealish.

The £100million man labelled Bellingham as “scary” good, and praised the ex-Birmingham City midfielder for boasting maturity beyond his years.

Grealish gushed: “I haven’t actually (played with a teenager who is that good). It is scary how good he is at 18. He is just so mature. He is built like he is my age at 26. He has so much technical ability and he is mature for his age.”

He went on to joke that Bellingham is streets ahead of where he was in terms of talent at 18-years-old.

He continued: “I can tell you one thing, I was nowhere near as good at 18. I was at Notts County (on loan from Villa) and I was a scrawny little thing as well.

“You see talented 18 or 19-year-old kids but not many are that mature as he is on the pitch. He is so versatile and can play in many different positions on the pitch.

“He can be a six, eight or a 10. It was good to play with him and I think it was my first time playing with him. It is nice to play with a fellow Brummie.”

‘Entering Suarez zone’

Luis Suarez spookily predicted his World Cup qualifying brilliance all the way back in NOVEMBER, writes DYLAN TERRY.

The former Liverpool and Barcelona forward scored the opening goal in Uruguay’s crucial 2-0 win over Chile on Tuesday – netting a beautiful overhead kick.

Federico Valverde also struck late on to secure Uruguay’s place in Qatar in the final round of fixtures.

And Suarez’s goal broke a record held by Lionel Messi as he became the all-time top scorer in South American World Cup qualifiers.

He has now netted 29 times in CONMEBOL qualifying, leapfrogging Messi’s tally of 28.

And his recent impressive form – three goals in four games for Uruguay – was something Suarez remarkably said would happen months ago.

After they successfully qualified for the World Cup, Suarez’s agent Martin Rodriguez shared a screenshot of a message from the player back on November 18 – when Uruguay were SEVENTH in the South American table. And it read: “We are entering SUAREZ ZONE.”

Rodriguez replied with laughing emojis before adding: “After we qualify, I will make them viral.”

Just four months later, Uruguay have finished third and are heading to the finals alongside Brazil, Argentina and Ecuador.

Morrell becomes co-owner of minnows Merthyr

Wales’ Joe Morrell has become a co-owner of Southern League Premier side Merthyr Town.

The Portsmouth midfielder, 25, played in the 1-1 friendly draw with Czech Republic on Tuesday night.

But Merthyr, who have been fan-owned since 2010 when Merthyr Tydfil FC went into liquidation, tweeted on Wednesday night that Morrell is one of their 180 co-owners.

Merthyr tweeted: “We are delighted that Joe Morrell is now officially an owner of Merthyr Town FC. 

“Joe became an owner earlier this week, and has joined our fan-ownership model with over 180 owners currently.”

Merthyr play in the Southern Premier League South, the seventh tier of the English pyramid.

Gunners linked with Leeds ace Raphinha

Arsenal are tipped to fight favourites Barcelona for Leeds winger Raphinha.

The seven-cap Brazil star is expected to move on in the summer, especially of Leeds fail to stay up.

Dortmund tip Erling to go if £100m bid comes in

Erling Haaland will leave Borussia Dortmund this summer if a significant offer is made, according to the club’s CEO.

The Manchester City, United, Real Madrid and Barcelona target is one of the most sought after strikers in Europe.

The goal machine has been on top form this season, with 29 goal contributions in 23 games.

City are reportedly “very optimistic” about striking a deal with the German side for Haaland and would expect to pay around £100million.

And Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has admitted that the club will not be able to keep him if a big money offer is made.

Hammers tipped to keep Utd & Chelsea target Rice

West Ham legend Julian Dicks believes “level-headed” Declan Rice will stay at the club this summer IF investment is made in the squad, writes JOSHUA MBU.

Mainstay England international Rice is attracting interest from a number of the Premier League’s elite.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City are reportedly all keeping an eye on the midfielder’s progress.

The 23-year-old’s defensive capabilities as well as his ball-playing qualities has made him one of the most highly sought-after players in the league.

But if one of the Big Six are to get their hands on Rice this summer, they’ll have to pay West Ham’s deterrent demand of £150million.

There is also a chance Rice stays at West Ham beyond this summer if David Moyes is backed in the transfer market. And Hammers icon Dicks says the club need to match Rice’s ambition.

Speaking to SunSport on how West Ham can keep Rice ahead of a Masters Football event in association with Bookmakers.com, Dicks said: “If they have ambition, then they need to keep their best players.

“Obviously Declan’s the best player there, he’s captain, but they have to invest in the team

“It’s no good expecting Declan to stay at West Ham if they’re not going to invest. They need to spend, probably around £100m-plus to keep him there because football now is not about making money – they earn enough now.”

Dirk hails Utd target Erik

Erik ten Hag has the tools to succeed as Manchester United manager, according to former Liverpool star Dirk Kuyt.

Speaking to Goal, he said: “Ten Hag is a great, experienced coach. He’s done his apprenticeship, if you like, with Bayern Munich’s second team, then Utrecht and now at Ajax.

“He is a great manager who has improved himself so much, on and off the pitch.

‘I know some people were doubting his level of speaking English, his performance in front of the camera.

“But you see him growing every week as a manager, and I think he can do a great job at any top side in Europe.

“His tactics, his way of thinking about football, is very interesting, and it would be great if he was to get an opportunity at a top side.”

Egypt complain about racism and lasers

Egypt have made an official complaint against Senegal after claiming their team faced racism and “terrorised” from home fans in Dakar.

Sadio Mane’s shootout penalty sealed Senegal’s World Cup place, with his Liverpool team-mate Mo Salah missing for Egypt.

Salah was one of several visiting players enduring green laser pointers in the shootout. And the Egypt team bus was reportedly attacked too.

The Egyptian Football Association [EFA] said: “The Egyptian team was subjected to racism after the appearance of offensive banners in the stands aimed at the players, specifically Mohamed Salah.

“Moreover the Senegalese fans terrorised the Egyptian players by throwing bottles and stones at them during the warm-up, as well as attacking the Egyptian team bus, which caused glass shattering and some injuries, which was documented with pictures and videos attached to the complaint.”

Augustin Senghor, President of the Senegalese Federation and vice-president of CAF, insisted he saw nothing wrong.

He said: “From the stands, I didn’t pay attention to the projectiles thrown.

“About the lasers, if it happened this is a first in Senegal. But we know that in Cairo there were a lot of these and [they are used] often in specific countries. Senegal isn’t used to that.

“In my opinion, I didn’t see during this game something that could be considered as chauvinism because the Senegalese are known to be very welcoming.”

Prem set for five subs

Premier League clubs are set to finally agree to introduce five substitutes at a meeting today.

The idea had been fiercely resisted by clubs outside the Big Six.

Three attempts to make the change, introduced for the resumption of the Covid-interrupted 2019-20 season, to part of the formal Prem rulebook, were defeated by a rebellion of the smaller clubs.

But after football’s lawmakers, the International Football Association Board, confirmed a permanent adoption of five substitutes from June 1, another vote will be held by the 20 clubs today.

And Prem chiefs expect the proposal to be accepted in principle to be formally adopted for next season at the annual general meeting in June.

A key factor in the U-turn is the support for the idea from players, captains and managers who agreed that player fatigue was an issue that needed to be addressed.

Fifa unveil World Cup ball

Fifa have officially unveiled the ball that will be used during the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Harry Kane and Co will have adidas’ “Al Rihla” ball at their feet as they bid to bring football home for the first time since 1966.

The Arabic name Al Rihla translates to “the journey” in English, and the final product is the culmination of lengthy testing in adidas’ laboratories.

It has been inspired by the national flag of host nation Qatar, as well as “iconic boats” and culture of the country.

Perhaps suiting Gareth Southgate’s attacking young stars, the ball has been promised by FIFA to “travel faster in flight than any ball in the tournament’s history”.

Ronaldo on Portugal’s World Cup qualification

Cristiano Ronaldo has declared that Portugal have earnt their rightful place in the World Cup.

Speaking after Portugal beat North Macedonia 2-0 following a brace from his Man United team-mate Bruno Fernandes, Ronaldo wrote on Instagram: “Goal achieved, we’re at the Qatar World Cup.

“We’re in our rightful place! Thank you to all the Portuguese people for the tireless support!

“Let’s go Portugal!”

Ten Hag gets praise from Kuyt

Erik ten Hag has the tools to succeed as Manchester United manager, according to former Liverpool star Dirk Kuyt.

Speaking to Goal, he said: “Ten Hag is a great, experienced coach. He’s done his apprenticeship, if you like, with Bayern Munich’s second team, then Utrecht and now at Ajax.

“He is a great manager who has improved himself so much, on and off the pitch.

‘I know some people were doubting his level of speaking English, his performance in front of the camera.

“But you see him growing every week as a manager, and I think he can do a great job at any top side in Europe.

“His tactics, his way of thinking about football, is very interesting, and it would be great if he was to get an opportunity at a top side.”

Ronaldo and Georgina baby cots

Georgina Rodriguez has offered fans the first glimpse of the designer cots the new additions to her family will sleep in.

The heavily-pregnant influencer has also posted photos of the Moses baskets which her twins will use in the first months of their lives.

The cots, called Stokke Sleepi Mini, cost £373 each and have lockable wheels so they can be moved easily from room to room.

Norwegian manufacturer Stokke AS markets them online to future parents as beds that “evolve as your child grows” and boast they offer “maximum air circulation for comfortable sleep.”

The company adds: “Its distinctive oval shape provides your baby with a sense of security by creating a cosy nest-like environment.”

Martin Odegaard wows fans

Martin Odegaard has impressed Arsenal fans once again after displaying some incredible skill during Norway’s international friendly against Armenia.

The midfielder was on the pitch for the full 90 minutes as Norway saw off their opponents in a 9-0 thrashing.

Odegaard stood up to take a short throw before receiving the ball back, nutmegging Gevorg Ghazaryan and tricking two other defenders with great skill.

Not only were fans in the Ullevaal Stadion impressed by what they saw, people went crazy for the video when it emerged on Twitter.

One person said: “Man, that was filthy.”

Salah hit with missiles

Mo Salah was hit by missiles while being escorted off the pitch following Egypt’s defeat to Senegal on Tuesday night.

And since the ugly scenes took place the Egyptian FA have alleged that their team and Salah “in particular” was subjected to racist chants from the Senegal fans.

t was another disappointing night for Salah and his country’s national team as they were once again defeated by Senegal on spot kicks.

The Egypt skipper was then led down the tunnel by security staff as a pitch invasions ensued.

And new footage shows objects being hurled at the Liverpool superstar as he made his way to safety.

San Marino end losing streak

San Marino Under-21s ended a SEVEN-YEAR losing streak last night.

The European minnows went into their clash with Latvia having lost their last 35 matches, dating back to June 2015.

Expectations were obviously low for their Uefa Under-21 Championship qualifier against the Latvians in Serraville.

But the Sammarinese managed to pull off an unlikely upset.

Coached by Italian Matteo Cecchetti, San Marino managed to come away with a spirited 0-0 draw.

The underdogs had lost the reverse fixture 2-0 last year, so managed to grab a crumb of revenge here.

Pain of Algeria boss

Algeria manager Djamel Belmadi was left crumpled on the ground with his head in his hands after his side failed to reach the World Cup in heartbreaking style.

Cameroon made the World Cup this winter instead after winning on away goals.

Players slumped to the turf, many crying their eyes out. Belmadi, 46, was overcome with emotion and collapsed on the sidelines.

Speaking after the game, he said: “We were only 10 seconds away from the World Cup. We collapsed.

“We put our lives on hold for this match and this success and we only had qualification on our minds.

“It is going to be hard to get through the next days.”

Van der Vaart slams Wijnaldum

Ex-Holland international Rafael van der Vaart has slammed PSG midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum for his decision to leave Liverpool last summer.

He then joined PSG on a free transfer but it has not worked out so far for the Holland international.

His poor form has led fellow Dutch midfielder Steven Berghuis to move ahead of him in the national team pecking order.

And compatriot Van der Vaart hopes Wijnaldum now recognises that he made the wrong decision to join PSG.

The ex-Tottenham man said: “Wijnaldum made a mistake in choosing PSG, while Berghuis made an excellent choice choosing to move from Feyenoord to Ajax.

“Now Georgino will understand why making the right choice is so important.”

Harry Kane defends Maguire

Harry Kane is the latest England star to slam fans who booed Harry Maguire before and during the friendly win over the Ivory Coast.

Now captain Kane has followed team-mates Jordan Henderson and Declan Rice in blasting sections of home support who lambasted the centre-half.

The Tottenham striker tweeted: “We’ve worked hard to rebuild our connection with @England fans in the last few years so to hear @HarryMaguire93 booed at Wembley before kick off was just not right.

“The fact that he’s been brilliant on the pitch and given us all so many great memories makes it even harder to understand.

“He doesn’t deserve that reception. He’s got full support in the changing room and should have the same from every England fan.”

Saliba praises Guendozi

Arsenal defender William Saliba congratulated Matteo Guendouzi who scored his first goal for France during the international break.

Guendozi’s on loan at Olympique Marseille from the Gunners, scored his first goal for France in their match against South Africa on Tuesday.

And Saliba wrote on his Instagram story: “Congrats bro on your first Blue goal.”

Fifa doctor dies after Nigeria game

A FIFA doctor died while on duty during Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Ghana.

Fans stormed the pitch at the Abuja National Stadium after Nigeria failed to qualify for this year’s tournament – smashing up their own arena in shocking scenes.

Then on Wednesday morning the Zambian FA confirmed Doctor Joseph Kabungo, who was acting as a doping officer at the game for the Confederation of African Football, had passed away while working.

A statement said: “The Football Association of Zambia joins the rest of the football family in mourning the late Dr Joseph Kabungo.

“Dr Kabungo, a CAF/FIFA medical officer was on duty in Abuja for the second leg, the final qualifying match between Nigeria and Ghana that ended 1-1.”

Newcastle transfer plan without supremo

Newcastle want to strengthen FIVE positions this summer – but will have to do so without incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth, reports claim.

Eddie Howe’s side want to strengthen by signing a new goalkeeper, centre-back, central midfielder, winger and striker.

The window will not be overseen by Ashworth, however, who is currently on gardening leave at Brighton.

Ashworth, 51, resigned from his position at the Amex last month and has been on gardening leave ever since.

The Mail claim that talks are ongoing between Newcastle and the Seagulls to allow him to move north ASAP – but talks require significant progress.

Rudiger’s transfer plans

Man United’s next manager choice could be critical in the club’s drive to recruit Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger.

It’s been reported that the wantaway Chelsea star wants to speak to the new United boss before deciding if he should make a move to West London, according to transfer expert Christian Falk.

Rudiger’s a free agent in the summer and has been linked with several big European clubs including the Red Devils.

Not Gon-na happen

Barcelona whizkid Nico Gonzalez has revealed that he’s turned down offers from Man City and Real Madrid to stay with the Catalan giants.

Gonzalez explained that he wants to stay with Barca for life if they allow him to do so.

He said, reported by Sports Illustrated: “I have rejected offers from Real Madrid and Manchester City because I have always been from Barça.”

“If the club wants, I would love to stay in Barcelona all my life. It’s my dream,”