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      Arsenal and Wales legend Aaron Ramsey wants new Nice deal after rebuilding career in France following Juventus hell

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      AARON RAMSEY wants to extend his stay in Nice by signing a new contract.The Wales captain, 32, joined the French club on a 12-month deal last summer following a nightmare spell with Juventus.
      Aaron Ramsey has enjoyed his first season with Nice in Ligue 1Credit: Getty
      But injury-plagued Ramsey has managed to stay fit for the majority of the Ligue 1 season to make 34 appearances across all competitions for Nice. 
      The former Arsenal star said: “Things have panned out quite nicely this season.
      “We have worked hard, the coaches, medical staff and myself to make sure that I am in my best shape to go out and play.
      “That communication has been key. Managing my load throughout the week has been important. It’s been a real team effort.
      Read More on Arsenal
      “I feel good and that’s backed up by the amount of minutes and games I have played this year.”
      Ramsey added: “I feel very comfortable at the moment. Playing games, having opportunities and the coaches have been great to me.
      “They have given me a few days off here and there to go back and see my family. That’s been a challenge, there’s no doubt about that.
      “Football-wise, it’s a great club and it’s going in the right direction and this year we have taken a step forward so there’s no problems with that point of view.
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      “Of course, I’d like to be a part of that. I’m sure we will be in discussions at the end of the season.”
      A key factor in those talks for Ramsey will be whether his family join him on a permanent basis in the south of France.
      His wife Colleen and their three children have remained in Wales since he moved to Rangers in January 2022.
      When asked if his family would move to the Cote d’Azur, Ramsey added: “Of course, there’s a lot of decisions to make at the end of the season and what is best for me and my family. 
      “It’s not an easy thing to get that balance right. But that’s definitely something we will look into and is definitely an option.
      “We will see. Let’s finish off the season and then we can go from there.”
      While Ramsey is happy at Nice, Argentina superstar Lionel Messi is to leave the French top-flight and leaders Paris Saint-Germain when his contract expires at the end of the season.
      Ramsey said: “He’s still a Paris player at the moment.
      “I can’t comment on speculation. That’s their problem and his. That’s nothing to do with me.”
      Nice, who beat Rennes 2-1 on Saturday, are eighth in the table but caretaker boss Dider Digard’s side, owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos, reached the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League.
      The Wales captain is keen to extend his stay in the south of FranceCredit: Getty
      Ramsey struggled at Juventus after a raft of injuriesCredit: Getty
      Ramsey added: “In spells this season we have seen what this team and club are capable of doing.
      “Now it’s about getting consistency over the course of a season and taking the next step of competing and fighting for Champions League places or the league. That’s the next step for this club to take.
      “The coach has come in with his staff and done a fantastic job. It’s not easy to come in mid-season and to go on the run we went on to arrive at a quarter-finals.
      “He’s been a player, he understands and he knows what is important to do and how to get the best out of the team. He’s been brilliant and there would be no arguments to see him there next season.”
      Ramsey has only scored once for Nice – back in August against Toulouse and knows his stats should be better.
      He said: “The way I play and the attacking opportunities that I like to get into, I would have liked to have scored more goals this season.
      “There’s still a few games left to get a few but on the whole I’ve had some opportunities.
      “Going forward, scoring more goals and killing the game when we have that opportunity is something we can improve on as a team. 
      “I know I have the capability of scoring goals and I want to score more.”
      Ramsey’s Wales are in talks to play South Korea in a Cardiff friendly in September before they travel to Latvia in a Euro 2024 qualifier.
      Read More on The Sun
      Wales chief executive Noel Mooney said: “We’re really close to agreeing to playing in Cardiff in September against South Korea, which Jurgen Klinsmann manages.
      “We are hoping we can announce that quite soon. We’re close but it’s not done yet.”
      Ramsey stood out at Arsenal where he began his senior careerCredit: PA More

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      Man Utd transfer target Frenkie de Jong told to reduce salary AGAIN as Barcelona try to free up funds for Messi

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      MANCHESTER UNITED transfer target Frenkie de Jong is set for a meeting to discuss his Barcelona future, according to reports.De Jong was one of United’s main transfer priorities last summer and the club even had a £72million bid accepted by Barcelona.
      Barcelona want Frenkie de Jong to accept a wage reductionCredit: Getty
      Barcelona are keen on re-signing Lionel MessiCredit: PA
      But the midfielder refused to make the move and Erik ten Hag instead signed Casemiro from Real Madrid.
      However, the Red Devils boss is still said to be keen on De Jong, who is facing an uncertain future at the Nou Camp.
      Barcelona want the 26-year-old to agree to a salary reduction amid their financial problems, according to Mundo Deportivo.
      De Jong could extend his contract, which expires in 2026, for another two or three years.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      But Barca want to cut his wage – something De Jong may reject given he is owed £14.5m by the club after deferring his wages during the coronavirus pandemic.
      Barcelona also asked De Jong to accept a wage reduction last summer and they could be tempted to sell once again if he refuses.
      The LaLiga leaders are desperate to re-sign Lionel Messi, whose time at Paris Saint-Germain appears to be approaching an end.
      The 35-year-old was suspended by the club after an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia which saw him miss training on Monday.
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      PSG are reportedly set to allow his contract to expire, with Barca chiefs ready to pounce.
      On Messi potentially returning, vice president Rafa Yuste said: “We’ve been in contact with Leo Messi’s camp.
      “Leo knows how much we appreciate him and I’d love for him to come back.
      “For sure Messi loves Barca and the city, so we hope to find the right conditions to continue his history here.” More

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      Inside David de Gea’s mega savings that leave thrifty Man Utd goalkeeper able to almost HALVE pay for new deal

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      MANCHESTER UNITED goalkeeper David De Gea has reportedly racked up £20million worth of savings in recent years.The Spaniard has just one month remaining on his contract, but he is set to sign a new deal before the summer transfer window opens.
      De Gea has saved £20million during his playing careerCredit: Alamy
      Although he is currently the top earner at Old Trafford – on £375,000-a-week – De Gea is expected to accept a huge pay-cut in order to stay at the club.
      From July, he is expected to rake in £200,000-a-week – almost half of what he’s been earning for the past four years.
      However, according to The Daily Mail, the goalkeeper has stockpiled enough money to cover the losses.
      De Gea has gathered £20m of savings in the firm he uses to hold his image rights cash.
      Read More on Man Utd
      The Spaniard runs a firm called Bedamarse Limited to take in payments linked to his name.
      De Gea joined Man Utd from Atletico Madrid in 2011 and has since made 539 appearances for the Red Devils.
      However, Erik ten Hag is reportedly keen on signing a new goalkeeper in the summer transfer window, so the Spaniard could fall down the pecking order from next season.
      United are reportedly interested in signing Dinamo Zagreb goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.
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      The 28-year-old has a £9m release clause which is being considered by the Red Devils.
      Ten Hag is also keen on the prospect of signing David Raya from Brentford.
      Raya has so far refused to sign a new deal with the Bees, so a transfer could be on the cards this summer. More

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      Newcastle vs Arsenal LIVE: Stream, TV, score – Odegaard slams Gunners ahead from range – latest updates

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      ARSENAL are up against Newcastle in the Premier League – and they’re ahead!The Gunners weathered an early storm which saw Newcastle hit the post before being denied a penalty. But Martin Odegaard put them ahead with a long-range strike soon after.

      Kick off time: 4:30pm GMT
      TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/ Sky Sports Premier League
      Live stream: NOW
      Newcastle XI: Pope, Trippier, Botman, Schar, Burn, Joelinton, Willock, Guimaraes, Murphy, Wilson, Isak
      Arsenal XI: Ramsdale, White, Gabriel, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Xhaka, Jorginho, Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli, Jesus

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Stay up to date with all the action from St James’ Park…
      Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
      35. The Newcastle fans are not happy with what they perceive to be time wasting from the Arsenal players.
      There’s a certain irony to it given the…ahem…game management from their own players during the 0-0 draw at the Emirates earlier in the season.
      Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
      33. Xhaka is down in midfield after a late Schar lunge, but that does not stop Arsenal breaking five-on-three.
      It’s a very promising situation led by Martinelli, but he opts for an elaborate back-heel to Jesus inside the penalty area that Newcastle manage to snuff out.
      Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
      32. Another sharp Wilson spin – this one 25 yards from goal – threatens to open up Arsenal once again.
      However, young Kiwior reads the moment very well, and gets across to cover.
      Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
      30. Half-hour gone at St James’ Park and it’s been explosive.
      Another hour of this and we’re in for a real treat.
      Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
      29. Ramsdale is called into action again!
      The Arsenal goalkeeper races out to claw Murphy’s cross away from the foot of Wilson, but that was much closer than it should have been after Ramsdale hesitated in coming off his line.
      Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
      27. Willock! Well saved, Aaron Ramsdale!
      Wilson turns inside the box, and that draws two Arsenal defenders to the ball.
      It opens up space for the arriving Willock, but he fires straight at the goalkeeper of his former club.
      Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
      26. Fabian Schar receives treatment for a knock, and that offers Mikel Arteta to gather his team on the touchline for an impromptu teamtalk.
      I imagine it’s along the lines of ‘calm down, and stop missing one-on-ones.’
      Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
      25. For all their exciting attacking intent, Newcastle look open – very open – without the defensive coverage of Sean Longstaff in midfield.
      Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
      24. Another chance for Arsenal!
      This time Xhaka splits the home defence to leave Saka through on goal.
      Tearing away from Botman, the England international takes aim but strikes straight at Pope.
      Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
      23. The Gunners have settled down, and now Jesus is starting to make a nuisance of himself, twisting and turning away from a crowd of Newcastle defenders.
      Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
      22. It’s fair to say that Martin Odegaard has dragged Arsenal back into this match single-handedly.
      Or single-left-footedly.
      Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
      21. Martinelli! Oh, it could have been two!
      A brilliant 14-pass move from the back eventually sees Odegaard slip Arsenal’s flying Brazilian in on goal, but his shot is blocked by the feet of Pope.
      Not to be undone, the sensational Odegaard wins the ball back, and curls one towards the corner; Pope makes another save.
      Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
      19. Arsenal do much better from this Trippier delivery, blocking Wilson’s header and then launching the ball clear.
      Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
      18. There is absolutely no let up here, and Newcastle win another corner as Trippier’s cross is headed behind by Zinchenko.
      It’s from the same side that led to that initial penalty award.,
      Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
      16. Brilliant from Martinelli to keep Arsenal’s lead in tact!
      Murphy appeared to have sprung the Gunners’ defence, but tracking back at pace was the Brazilian, whose toe on the ball was enough to take it away from the Newcastle forward.
      Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
      14. Well, well, well…
      Nobody saw that coming after the opening 14 minutes here, and that includes Nick Pope.
      Newcastle look to have cleared their lines when Dan Burn headed out, but the visitors recycled the ball which was worked back to Martin Odegaard 30 yards out.
      Newcastle failed to close him down, and the Arsenal captain promptly fired a left-footer into the bottom corner from distance.
      It could be a crucial goal!
      Against the run of play!

      Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal
      13. Odegaard lifts the free-kick into the box, only for Dan Burn to power clear with a header.
      Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal
      12. There’s no let up for Arsenal from Newcastle’s electric start, but Martinelli and Jesus try to do their bit.
      The former advances the Gunners up the field, and the latter wins a free-kick.
      Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal – VAR overturn decision!
      10. Sure enough, calamity referee Chris Kavanagh is sent to the pitchside monitor to review the incident.
      The official takes his time, and then returns to reverse his decision.
      The Newcastle players aren’t happy. The Newcastle fans aren’t happy. But Jakub Kiwior is one relieved young man.
      The action restarts with a drop ball.
      Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal – Penalty to Newcastle!
      8. Chris Kavanagh has pointed to the spot!
      A corner is worked to Guimaraes on the edge of the penalty area, and his first time shot crashes into Kiwior.
      The ball definitely struck the defender’s arm, but did it come off his knee first?
      Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal
      6. Arsenal fans love an overhead plane with a banner, but I’m not sure if they’re anything to do with this one.
      One above St James’ Park currently reads ‘Free all Saudi prisoners’.
      Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal
      5. The atmosphere inside St James’ Park is unbelievable.
      Arsenal need to show true champion metal, and ride through this early onslaught.
      Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal
      3. Now Isak tries his luck with an effort that’s deflected behind for a corner.
      “The woodwork has been rattled, and so have Arsenal,” notes Gary Neville on co-commentary.
      Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal
      2. Off the post!
      Jacob Murphy helped Newcastle to an electric start against Tottenham last month, and almost did the exact same against their North London rivals here.
      The forward’s left-footed curler thumps the base of the woodwork, and ricochets beyond the waiting Wilson.
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      Newcastle 0 Arsenal 2 LIVE RESULT: Odegaard strike and Schar own goal seals massive win for Gunners – latest updates

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      ARSENAL have beaten Newcastle 2-0 in the Premier League in a spirited display at St James’ Park. The Gunners weathered an early storm which saw Newcastle hit the post before being denied a penalty. But Martin Odegaard put them ahead with a long-range strike soon after.
      And Fabian Schar’s own goal has made it 2-0 to Mikel Arteta’s side as they hung on to a crucial win in the title race.

      Kick off time: 4:30pm GMT
      TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/ Sky Sports Premier League
      Live stream: NOW
      Newcastle XI: Pope, Trippier, Botman, Schar, Burn, Joelinton, Willock, Guimaraes, Murphy, Wilson, Isak
      Arsenal XI: Ramsdale, White, Gabriel, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Xhaka, Jorginho, Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli, Jesus

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Stay up to date with all the action from St James’ Park…
      Goodbye from St James’ Park
      That’s all from us in the north-east – but Arsenal refuse to go away just yet.
      By wining this captivating contest, the Gunners are determined to take their title race with Manchester City to the wire.
      And even if Mikel Arteta’s exciting young team are unable to reel in Pep Guardiola’s superstars, they can at least take heart in their top-two finish – confirmed following today’s result.
      They may yet be joined in the Champions League by Newcastle next season.
      Despite defeat here, the Toon remain on course for their first top-four finish in 20 years, particularly with Manchester United currently one goal down to West Ham.
      Thanks for joining us, and goodnight.
      Extra! Read all about it!
      Before we sign off for the evening, why not relive the action by enjoying Dave Kidd’s match report of Arsenal’s 2-0 win at Newcastle United?
      All logic and reason dictated that the title race was over – but Arsenal laughed in the face of commonsense here. Mikel Arteta’s men kept the heat on Manchester City by inflicting only Newcastle’s second home defeat of the season with a performance of resilience, intelligence and class. Dave KiddThe Sun

      Gunners close the gap
      Perhaps there’s still life in the title race after all.
      Manchester City’s lead at the top is cut to one point following Arsenal’s win today, and next up for the league leaders – sandwich between two Champions League semi-finals with Real Madrid – is a visit to a desperate Everton.
      Meanwhile, Newcastle’s momentum has been halted and the Toon could slip to fourth by the end of the evening with Manchester United in action against West Ham now, but they still have Champions League football in their own hands.

      By Jorg! What a performance
      Discarded by Chelsea, Jorginho put in another quality display in the heart of the Arsenal midfield as his side pulled out a big win in their fight for the title.
      The Italian picked up Sky Sports’ Man of the Match, and afterwards followed Martin Odegaard in praising the grit shown by his side.
      “I’m really pleased to see that our team can play these kind of games, we understand sometimes that it’s not possible, it’s not easy to go through a game with just passes,” he said afterwards.
      “Sometimes you need to fight. I’m very proud of the team and the way they fought until the end.”

      Gunners claim Toon scalp
      With victory over Newcastle this evening, Arsenal have now beaten 17 of the other 19 teams in this season’s Premier League.
      The exceptions? Top of the table Manchester City (lost 3-1 and 4-1) and bottom of the table Southampton (drew 1-1 and 3-3).
      Odegaard praises ‘ugly’ Arsenal
      Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard dragged his side through a difficult first 15 minutes at St James’ Park, scored the opening goal, and then led by example as he, Jorginho and Granit Xhaka put in impressive midfield performances.
      To come here and win is not easy. We had to be very smart and to be ugly at times. It is a big step for a young team like ours to come here and do the things that we did. It shows we have come a long way.Martin OdegaardSky Sports

      Match stats from St James’ Park
      Newcastle racked up 12 shots – five of them on target – but couldn’t find a way past Aaron Ramsdale, who clocked up a tenth Premier League clean sheet of the season.

      Full time – Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal
      A big, big win for Arsenal.
      The Gunners overcame a buoyant and blistering Newcastle side, riding their luck in the opening exchanges, to land a vital blow in the title.
      Martin Odegaard’s opener and Fabian Schar’s own-goal were the difference in an absorbing contest that was as fierce as it was frenetic.
      The results means the Londoners close the gap on leaders Manchester City to one point, having now played a game more. To coin an old phrase around here, they’re still fighting for this title…
      Newcastle, meanwhile, may have been beaten but shouldn’t be disheartened as they chase Champions League football. That goal still remains very much in their hands.

      Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal – Schar and Nketiah yellow cards
      90+5. Fabian Schar has a yellow card to add to his own goal and he’s been fooled into a melee by Nketiah down by the corner flag.
      Some pushing and shoving eats up the final minute of the game, and the Arsenal substitute will happily take his caution alongside his opponent because it means his side are seconds away from victory.

      Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal
      90+3. Saint-Maximin’s pace causes problems for Arsenal again down the left, but White stays alert and turns the subsequent cross behind for a corner.
      Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal
      90+2. Saint-Maximin almost halves the deficit, coming in off the left and whipping a shot towards the far corner.
      Down low to touch behind once again is Ramsdale.
      Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal
      90. Six minutes of additional time are signalled by the fourth official.
      Can Newcastle do the remarkable and rescue something here?
      Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal
      89. Fabian Schar goes close to making amends for his own goal with a crisp shot on the rise from 30 yards.
      It beats Aaron Ramsdale – but beats the crossbar too.
      Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal – Arsenal substitutions
      87. A final two changes for the Gunners, who give Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus a well-earned rest.
      On for the closing moments are Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson.
      Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal
      85. Some cheeky antics from Aaron Ramsdale as he goes down holding his face after colliding with Miguel Almiron.
      The Arsenal goalkeeper holds his face as if injured, but in truth there is nothing wrong with him.
      Newcastle do not like being confronted with their own antics.

      Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal
      84. Anderson goes down in the box under pressure from Xhaka, but even Chris Kavanagh isn’t going to be fooled by that one despite the roars from the home fans.
      No penalty.
      Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal
      83. A rare spot of football breaks out with Anderson exciting down the right.
      Two quick passes inside present Guimaraes with an opportunity, but out of nowhere Tierney gets a foot in to intercept.
      Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal – Newcastle substitutions
      81. And there’s more.
      Elliott Anderson and Matt Targett are on. Joelinton and Dan Burn make way.
      Couldn’t Newcastle have just made those with their other two four minutes ago?
      Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal – Arsenal substitutions
      80. And we’re now in the stop-start multiple substitutions section of the game.
      It’s now the turn of Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey to come on as Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli depart.
      Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal – Newcastle substitutions
      78. Hmmmm. Perhaps Eddie Howe has given up on this one.
      What other reason could there be for the introduction of Anthony Gordon?
      The former Everton man is joined by Allan Saint-Maximin in coming on for the final 12 minutes, the pair replacing Callum Wilson and Joe Willock.
      Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal
      76. Into the final quarter of an hour, and now we’ll really see what Newcastle have got.
      How about those Champions League credentials?
      Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal – Burn yellow card
      74. The first yellow card of the game is finally shown by Chris Kavanagh – and it might yet be a red.
      Dan Burn is cautioned for catching Saka on the ankle with a lunge, and VAR are checking it for serious foul play.
      In fairness to the giant defender, it was more clumsy than malicious, and the decision ultimately comes through that the caution should stand.
      Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal
      72. Nick Pope is undone at his near post again, and this time it proves crucial!
      On the break, Gabriel Martinelli toys with Sven Botman, pausing twice, and then beating him for pace to the byline.
      With a yard of space, the Brazilian slams over a low cross that Fabian Schar instinctively turns past his own goalkeeper and into the net.
      In the St James’ Park heavens, the Arsenal fans celebrate. They are closing in on a big win.

      An own goal!

      Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
      69. Those in attendance need two sets of eyes at the moment – one to watch the play, and the other to keep track on everything that is taking place off the ball.
      In terms of the game, Pope makes hard work of a Jesus strike from an acute angle, pushing it behind for a corner when he should have really claimed it with both hands.
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      Arsenal ‘confident of Declan Rice transfer’ with Gunners ready to ‘QUADRUPLE’ West Ham star’s salary

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      ARSENAL believe they can seal a deal for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice this summer, according to reports.The Gunners have held an interest in the 24-year-old since January.
      Arsenal are willing to make Rice one of the club’s highest earnersCredit: Getty
      And according to The Star, they are willing to pull out all the stops in order to secure his signature.
      Rice currently earns £60,000-a-week at West Ham, but Arsenal are expected to QUADRUPLE that after negotiating a transfer fee.
      The Hammers are understood to be demanding £100million for their star man.
      But because the midfielder has just one year remaining on his contract, and he is expected to decline any offers of extension, Arsenal could attempt to sign him for less.
      Read More on Arsenal
      While on England duty at the World Cup, Rice admitted that he would love to play in the Champions League.
      He said: “One hundred per cent I want to play in the Champions League. For the last two or three years, I’ve been saying that.

      “I’ve been playing consistently well for my club, and I feel like I really want to keep pushing. I see my friends here who are playing Champions League and for big trophies.
      “You only get one career, and at the end, you want to look back at what you’ve won and the biggest games you’ve played in.”
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      West Ham have already lined up a potential replacement for Rice.
      Rob Newman, the club’s head of recruitment, is believed to have been monitoring Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Djibril Sow. More

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      Ex-Man Utd flop Nick Powell to quit Stoke with Potters to use his massive wages to go on summer transfer overhaul

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      NICK POWELL is leaving Stoke at the end of his lucrative contract.Talented attacker Powell wants a new challenge after his four-year spell at the club.
      Stoke ace Nick Powell is set to leave in the summer transfer windowCredit: Getty
      Powell played for Manchester United before joining StokeCredit: Getty
      And he will be one of the better free agents on the market.
      The former Manchester United prospect, 29, was on a big deal at Stoke.
      His exit will give Potters boss Alex Neil extra space in the budget to sign a couple of new faces.
      Neil has stated that Stoke will concentrate on “educated gambles” in the upcoming summer transfer window.
      Read More on Football
      The Scottish tactician outlined his plans ahead of Monday’s Championship clash at Watford.
      Neil said: “There are going to have to be some educated gambles.
      “There might be a certain quality we can acquire we need to take an element of risk on.
      “If we were to take a hard line on that and say everyone is going to have to have played 90 per cent of games completed or we don’t sign them… I don’t think we’re at that stage yet.
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      “That might be in a couple of windows when we have the basis of a core squad and we’re adding the final touches. We’re not there at the moment.
      “We need to get to a point where the fundamentals are in place and know this is the group we’re going to go forward with in the next two or three seasons.
      “I think that is what the club needs. It hasn’t had that for a number of years.
      “Then we can push that on and start to add the bits around it.
      “Preferably we want players who don’t get injured and recruitment is a big part in that but there will be a few educated gambles, I imagine, in there.” More

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      Tottenham ‘make Xabi Alonso main target’ for new manager amid reports Levy is ready to pay compensation

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      TOTTENHAM are keen to appoint Xabi Alonso as the club’s new first team manager, according to reports.Spurs have been without a permanent manager since the dismissal of Antonio Conte in March.
      Tottenham reportedly want Alonso as the club’s new managerCredit: Reuters
      Former midfielder Ryan Mason is currently at the helm having taken over from Conte’s former assistant Cristian Stellini, who was sacked after just four games as interim boss.
      But Daniel Levy is keen to appoint a new manager before the 2023-24 campaign kicks off.
      According to The Mirror, Alonso has emerged as the main target for the job.
      The Spaniard is currently in charge of Bayer Leverkusen, but Levy is reportedly willing to pay a release fee – which is understood to be the equivalent of one year’s salary – in order to secure his services.
      Read More on Tottenham
      However, despite his rumoured return to the Premier League, Alonso recently hinted that he could remain in Germany next season.
      He said: “I’ve been in football for many years, rumours are normal but we still have a lot to achieve. 
      “That’s why my head is 100 per cent here for the last few months. And my head is also 100 per cent here for next season.”
      Alonso enjoyed a successful playing career before transitioning into management.
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      He won the Champions League and the FA Cup during his five-year stint with Liverpool before joining Real Madrid in 2009.
      The midfielder then added to his vast trophy collection in Spain by winning a LaLiga title, two Spanish Cups and another Champions League title.
      Alonso also won several accolades with the Spanish national team, including two European Championship titles and a World Cup.
      He retired from his playing career in 2017 after a three-year stint with Bayern Munich and made the transition into management in 2019 when he was appointed head coach of Real Sociedad B.
      He left Spain in May 2022 and became manager of Bayer Leverkusen in October.
      The Spaniard has since led the club to a Europa League semi-final.
      If Alonso declines the offer to become Spurs manager, Levy is expected to turn to Feyenoord boss Arne Slot. More