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    Rodri names striker better than Man City pal Erling Haaland as fans say ‘there’s still time for him to join Real Madrid’

    MANCHESTER CITY star Rodri has named a striker he believes is better than Erling Haaland.The Norwegian forward, 23, scored a remarkable 54 goals in all competitions to fire the Cityzens to the treble in his first year with the club.
    Rodri has named another striker he believes is better than Erling HaalandCredit: Getty
    Alvaro Morata has been in red-hot form for Atletico MadridCredit: Reuters
    And he has continued that red-hot form this term, finding the net 17 times as well as providing four assists in 18 matches.
    Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone recently claimed that his star frontman Alvaro Morata, the Spanish international who flopped at Chelsea, was on par with Haaland.
    Morata has scored 12 and produced three assists from 15 appearances this season.
    Following those comments, the question was put to a man who knows both stars well.
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    City midfielder Rodri lines up with Haaland for his club and Morata for Spain at international level.
    When facing the media while with the Spanish squad this week, Rodri was faced with the question over who he would select.
    And he opted for the 31-year-old, saying: “Obviously Morata. The truth is that I am very lucky to play with them.
    “Álvaro has been performing for many years in the national team. He is up there with the greats of our history in a number of goals.
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    “And there is little to say about Erling because he has everything ahead of him to be one of the best.”
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    The clip was shared on social media, and one fan was quick to joke “there is still time for him to join Real Madrid” and became a great like Morata.
    A City asked if Rodri was “cracking up” after viewing the footage on social media.
    While another echoed the earlier sentiment by stating that Haaland “must leave City to be recognised”.
    Both Haaland and Morata will be in action for their respective countries over the international break.
    Spain face Cyprus on November 16 in their next upcoming qualifier, while Norway take on Faroe Islands on the same day. More

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    Newcastle fans say ‘write off the season’ as devastating quadruple injury blow adds to crisis

    FABIAN SCHAR has become the latest Newcastle star to be ruled out of international action due to injury.The defender picked up a knock during last weekend’s 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth.
    Fabian Schar sustained a ‘muscular issue’ against BournemouthCredit: Alamy
    Callum Wilson is also set to be out for six weeksCredit: Getty
    Schar was able to complete the game without being substituted.
    But reports in Switzerland claim that the 31-year-old’s issue has lingered.
    The Swiss are set to face Israel in a Euro 2024 qualifier this evening.
    According to local outlet Blick, Schar has “declared forfeit” for the match, despite joining up with his international team-mates.
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    They add that Schar is suffering with “muscular problems”.
    They added that he will instead take part in “customised individual training” back at the team hotel.
    Schar is not expected to recover in time for Newcastle’s home clash with Chelsea after the international break.
    Alexander Isak is the only player that is expected to return to action after the break.
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    Sven Botman is also absent with a long-term injuryCredit: Getty
    Callum Wilson is set to be out of action for another six weeks with a hamstring injury, according to The Telegraph.
    And Sven Botman is likely to remain unavailable for even longer.
    Sean Longstaff is also struggling with a swollen ankle, meaning he is also a doubt for Newcastle’s clash with Chelsea.
    With the likes of Miguel Almiron and Dan Burn already out, Toon fans have lamented the possible loss of another player.
    One wrote on social media: “Think we’re best off writing this season off at this point.”
    Another commented: “I just want to go into a coma until February 1st.”
    A third fan added “Beyond a joke this now.”
    While a fourth exclaimed: “WHEN WILL IT END 😭.”
    SunSport revealed earlier today that Newcastle’s defensive injury woes could provoke boss Eddie Howe to move in the transfer market.
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    The Toon are interested in £20million-rated Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah.
    His signature won’t be easy to seal, however, with Manchester United and West Ham also keen.
    Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah is on Newcastle’s wishlistCredit: Rex More

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    Man Utd ‘convinced’ about signing latest Benfica wonderkid Joao Neves, 19, dubbed ‘the next Bruno Fernandes’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have upped their interest in Benfica wonderkid Joao Neves, according to reports.The Red Devils have held an interest in Neves, 19, since June.
    Man Utd want to sign Joao Neves from BenficaCredit: Getty
    They have closely followed his performances this season by sending scouts to watch several Benfica games.
    And according to Portuguese outlet Record, they are now “fully convinced” about the midfielder.
    Neves began training with the Benfica first team in January following the departure of Enzo Fernandez.
    He has since made 38 senior appearances across all competitions.
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    The teenager has impressed fans since breaking into the first team, with some even calling him the “next Bruno Fernandes”.
    Neves made his international debut for Portugal alongside the Man Utd captain last month in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
    Fernandes is understood to be a huge admirer of him.
    While United hold a strong interest in Neves, Juventus are also keen on signing him.
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    However, Benfica are “in no rush to sell” and the player is “in no rush to leave” amid rumours of a transfer.
    Neves recently signed a new deal with Benfica which runs through to 2028 and has a release clause of £103m. More

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    Newcastle set to battle two Premier League rivals in race to sign £20million-rated Jonathan Tah after double injury blow

    NEWCASTLE are weighing up a January move for Bayer Leverkusen’s £20m-rated defender Jonathan Tah.Eddie Howe is looking for defensive reinforcements after losing Sven Botman and Dan Burn to injury.
    Newcastle could swoop for £20m-rated star Jonathan TahCredit: Getty
    Manchester United and West Ham are among the clubs all around Europe who also like the look of the German international and Newcastle could face stiff competition.
    Tah, 27, has been outstanding in Leverkusen’s impressive start to the season which put them top of the Bundesliga going into this weekend’s fixtures.
    Xabi Alonso’s side also have a perfect record in the Europa League and would be very reluctant to lose Tah before the end of the season.
    But the 6ft 5in centre-back has just over 18 months left on his contract and the German side could feel pressure to cash in if clubs make big offers in January.
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    Tah joined Leverkusen from Hamburg in a deal worth around £6.5m in 2015.
    He has gone on to make 321 appearances for them to date.
    The commanding defender has missed just one game in all competitions so far this term and has already scored four goals.
    Tah has earned 19 caps for Germany and will hope to play a key part in Euro 2024, which they will host.
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    He earned his international debut in 2016 but has flitted in and out of the set-up in the years since.
    Having hardly featured under Hansi Flick, Tah has started Germany’s three games since the former Bayern Munich boss’ dismissal.
    He was part of his country’s squad for Euro 2016 but has not been to a tournament since.
    Eddie Howe could look to bolster his defenceCredit: Getty More

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    Desperate Newcastle make January transfer decision on Kalvin Phillips as Eddie Howe struggles with injury crisis

    NEWCASTLE are reportedly prepared to launch a January bid for Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.Eddie Howe currently has an injury crisis on his hands, with several players subjected to the sidelines.
    Newcastle want to sign Kalvin Phillips in JanuaryCredit: Getty
    Jacob Murphy, Dan Burn, Harvey Barnes, Elliot Anderson, Sven Botson, Callum Wilson, Alexander Isak, Miguel Almiron, Javier Manquillo and Matt Target are all unavailable, meaning the Magpies lack options in key areas.
    They were also hit with another huge setback last month when summer signing Sandro Tonali received a 10-month ban from football for betting breaches.
    Amid Newcastle’s current crisis, Howe has already prepared a list of transfer targets for the upcoming window.
    And according to The Northern Echo, out-of-favour Man City midfielder Phillips is at the top.
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    Due to Financial Fair Play regulations, the Magpies are expected to try signing the 27-year-old on an initial loan deal.
    But they want to include an option to buy in the summer.
    Newcastle inquired about Phillips’ availability earlier this year, but the midfielder wanted to stay and fight for his place at the Etihad.
    Phillips has been limited to just four Premier League appearances this season – all of which have come off the bench.
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    The England international joined Man City in a £45million transfer from Leeds last summer.
    However, he has made just 29 first team appearances since making the switch. More

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    Ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech completes stunning ice hockey transfer and is forced to move countries

    FORMER Premier League goalkeeper Petr Cech has signed for a new ice hockey team.The 41-year-old hung up his gloves in 2019 and launched a career as a shot-stopper in a different sport.
    Petr Cech is set to play in the highest British ice hockey leagueCredit: PA:Press Association
    Cech won four league titles with ChelseaCredit: AP:Associated Press
    He has been playing in the third tier of British ice hockey with Oxford City stars but has now completed a loan move to Belfast Giants.
    The Northern Irish side have signed him amid an injury crisis at the club.
    Cech will now play in the Elite League, which is the top division in the UK.
    The former Chelsea and Arsenal keeper made a guest appearance for the Giants earlier this year in a charity match that raised money for Ukrainian ice hockey amid their war with Russia.
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    Giants coach Adam Keefe was delighted to welcome him back, saying: “Petr is a highly decorated athlete, who knows what it takes to perform at the highest level.
    “We’re very appreciative of the support of both the Oxford City Stars and Petr himself.
    “His support during this loan period will be invaluable.”
    Cech is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers to ever play in the Premier League after winning four league titles as well as five FA Cups and the Champions League during his glittering career.
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    The Czech international represented Chelsea 494 times and featured in 139 games for Arsenal.
    After quitting football four years ago, Cech switched to ice hockey and has since also played for Guildford Phoenix and Chelmsford Chieftains.
    He also worked as Chelsea’s technical and performance adviser for three years before leaving in 2022 when Todd Boehly purchased the club. More

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    Chelsea set to rival Arsenal for Brazilian wonderkid Gabriel Moscardo despite summer transfer snub

    CHELSEA are set to battle Arsenal for Brazilian starlet Gabriel Moscardo, according to reports.The Blues will reprise their interest in the Corinthians wonderkid having failed in an attempt to sign him in the summer.
    Gabriel Moscardo has impressed for CorinthiansCredit: Getty
    Moscardo, 18, opted to stay at Corinthians until the end of the Brazilian season in December before assessing his options.
    Chelsea were believed to have offered £18million, but the price has since gone up.
    According to the Standard, Moscardo could now cost around £26m.
    In addition to Chelsea and Arsenal, Liverpool and Barcelona are also believed to be keen.
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    The Blues hired Corinthians’ former chief scout Allyson Marins last year.
    They have since swooped for a number of Brazilian youngsters.
    In January they spent £18m on Andrey Santos from Vasco da Gama.
    While they have also splashed out on Deivid Washington and Angelo Gabriel.
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    Corinthians have their presidential election on November 25.
    They will not entertain bids for their players before a new president is elected.
    Midfielder Moscardo has so far made 23 first-team appearances for Corinthians.
    He has also played for his country at youth level, debuting for Brazil’s Under-23s at just 17. More

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    Jorginho already planning next transfer away from Arsenal with contract expiring in summer

    JORGINHO could be on the verge of returning to Serie A as his Arsenal contract enters into its final eight months.The 31-year-old joined the Gunners from Chelsea for £12million in January.
    Jorginho has revealed he intends to play in his native Italy before retirementCredit: Getty
    While not a guaranteed starter since then, Jorginho made 14 Premier League appearances during the second half of last season as the Gunners narrowly missed out on the title to Manchester City.
    This term, the Italian has had more of a prominent role and has captained the side for the last three matches in the absence of Martin Odegaard.
    The midfielder’s deal is set to expire next summer, and while there is an option to extend it for a year, his future is firmly up in the air.
    If Jorginho doesn’t agree new terms, he can talk to non-British clubs over signing a pre-contract agreement in January. 
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    Speaking ahead of Italy’s Euro 2024 qualifier against North Macedonia, he said: “I’m very much in doubt, I would like to return to Italy.
    “But I don’t know when the right time would be.
    “I want to return yes, but I don’t know when, I feel I still have things to do at Arsenal.
    “It always takes time when you change teams, but the first six months at Arsenal were not negative, on the contrary.”
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    The former Chelsea star is attracting interest from Lazio, AC Milan and his former side Napoli.
    Meanwhile, La Liga giants Barcelona are also reportedly targeting the Euros 2020 winner in order to fill in for the departed Sergio Busquets.
    Jorginho has started in four of the Gunners’ last five matches, including last month’s 1-0 victory over City.
    He is keeping his options open, though, and is enjoying his time at the Emirates as they look to mount another Premier League title challenge this season.
    The midfielder beat England in the 2020 Euros finalCredit: Rex More