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      Leeds key man Wilfried Gnonto emotionally hobbles off with ankle injury for Italy in huge relegation blow

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      LEEDS will be sweating over the fitness of star man Wilfried Gnonto.That’s after the forward went off injured in Italy’s Euro qualifier against Malta.
      Leeds star Wilfried Gnonto went off injured in Italy’s game against MaltaCredit: Getty
      Gnonto twisted his ankle after running past a defenderCredit: AP
      Gnonto, 19, has developed into a key player for Leeds since his move from Zurich in September.
      The former Inter Milan academy star has chipped in with four goals this season.
      And his Lionel Messi-esque style has made Gnonto a smash hit with the Elland Road faithful.
      However, Leeds risk being without their talismanic teen for Saturday’s trip to Premier League leaders Arsenal.
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      Gnonto lined up for Italy in their Euro 2024 qualifier against Malta on Sunday, winning his 10th cap in the process.
      Roberto Mancini’s men stormed into a 20th minute lead through Mateo Retegui, and went on to win 2-0.
      But moments later Retegui’s goal, Gnonto was forced off the field after appearing to twist his ankle while dribbling past a defender.
      The wing wizard looked to be in some pain as he bravely tried to hobble on.
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      And Gnonto soon signalled to the bench that he could no longer continue.
      The Leeds star limped off the pitch as Mancini watched on with concern.
      But it will be club boss Javi Gracia who could be dealt the bigger blow.
      Leeds are languishing in 14th place after just six wins this term.
      They are only ONE points above the dreaded drop zone.
      And to make matters worse, 18th-place West Ham still have a game in hand on them.
      Gnonto will now be hoping he can spring back into action for next weekend’s crunch game at the Emirates.
      But it remains to be seen how long he remains in Yorkshire for, with Serie A giants Juventus reportedly plotting to bring him back to Italy this summer.
      Gnonto may have options in England too, with Arsenal, Man City and Chelsea all admirers. More

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      Steven Gerrard lavishes praise on England star who he says is ‘far better than I was at his age’

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      STEVEN GERRARD has singled out Jude Bellingham for praise and said the Dortmund star is “far better” than he was at the same age. The 19-year-old produced another solid display as England comfortably beat Ukraine.
      Jude Bellingham received special praise from his hero after the gameCredit: Getty
      Bellingham was also one of the stars of the show in the Three Lions’ brilliant first-half display and win against Italy earlier this week.
      The midfielder joined Channel 4’s TV pundits after the Wembley win to discuss the game.
      Alongside Gerrard was England Euros winner Jill Scott, Ukraine’s Andriy Shevchenko and Joe Cole.
      Bellingham could not hide his glee at being stood next to Liverpool legend Gerrard.
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      He said: “Definitely [Gerrard is a role model]. The things that Stevie could do in terms of the way he could carry a team and the way he could single-handedly win a game and do everything as a midfielder.
      “I’ve said it all the time that I looked up to you and your game and it’s a pleasure to be stood here right now.”
      In response, a flattered Gerrard said: “Let me tell you right now that you’re a lot further ahead than I was at your age so you’re heading in the right direction.”
      When pressed for more explanation, Gerrard prompted laughter from Bellingham and his fellow pundits when he said: “Well for one, he’s got a better body than I had at 19…”
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      Liverpool fans were loving the respectful interaction between the pair with Bellingham linked with the Reds amid frenzied transfer speculation.
      One said: “Bellingham flirting with Liverpool again, with agent Gerrard in attendance.”
      Another said: “Liverpool fans will enjoy this… any doubt that Jude Bellingham admirers Steven Gerrard and Liverpool dispelled here.
      “This kid is so impressive on and off the pitch.”
      While another joked: “Jude Bellingham and Steven Gerrard… get a room”.
      The former Birmingham man continues to impress for club and country and was one of the star players in the Qatar World Cup.
      For Dortmund this season, he has 10 goals in 34 appearances in all competitions. More

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      Arsenal fans have ‘never been so glad to miss out on a player’ as Mudryk is sat down by Saka in England clash

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      IT IS fair to say that Mykhailo Mudryk hasn’t exactly set English football alight so far.The 22-year-old winger was the subject of the fiercest tug-of-war of the January transfer window as Chelsea and Arsenal fought it out for the baby-faced Ukrainian international.
      Arsenal fans are breathing a sigh of relief they have Bukayo Saka and not Mykhailo MudrykCredit: Getty
      Chelsea eventually won that battle by meeting Shakhtar Donetsk’s £89million demand for a player with little more than a season of senior football under his belt.
      And after seeing Bukayo Saka shine, Arsenal fans are already claiming it was a lucky escape for their club because Mudryk has been doing his best impression of the Invisible Man ever since.
      Of the seven appearances he has made for his new club, he has finished on the winning side just once. 
      So for the majority of the sell-out Wembley crowd, this was a chance to see what all the fuss has been about.
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      And 60 minutes later, they are still no wiser.
      To be fair to Mudryk, he was no worse than most of his team-mates and marginally better than quite a few of them.
      Yet it still wasn’t enough to spare him the embarrassment of being hooked on the hour by coach Ruslan Rotan, who only last week had called him “a diamond to be cherished.”
      The former head of the Shakhtar academy Andres Carrasco Carrillo had even gone as far as to describe Mudryk as ‘a genius’ in the match day programme.
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      Mudryk did not have a memorable game at Wembley
      So it was little wonder that Mudryk looked so unimpressed when the board with his number on it was held up before he had made any kind of significant contribution.
      One relieved Arsenal fan said: “I have never been so glad we didn’t get a player.”
      Another declared: “He’s bang average. Arsenal dodged a bullet.”
      One asked: “Has he played football before he came to Chelsea?”
      Another added: “Overrated is an understatement, Chelsea should phone the police as they’ve been well and truly robbed.”
      Considering his match stats, Mudryk really could have no cause for complaint.
      One shot off target, no key passes, one dribble, no free-kicks won and dispossessed four times.
      LOTS TO PROVE
      But in his defence, it has to be pointed out that Ukraine were so far below England’s level that it was almost impossible for anyone in yellow to shine.
      Maybe it was the emotion of the occasion after receiving the kind of welcome to Wembley never before afforded to a visiting team.
      If ever it was acceptable to wear a half-and-half scarf, this was it.
      And draped in the Ukrainian flag as he belted out the national anthem, Mudryk certainly looked as though he meant business in his country’s opening European Championship qualifier.
      But twice in the space of a minute he was beaten to a through ball by the pace of Kyle Walker.
      And his next notable contribution didn’t arrive until midway through the first-half when he inadvertently blocked a shot from team-mate Ruslan Malinovskyi.
      He briefly threatened to open England’s defence with a quick first time pass on the turn but striker Roman Yaremchuk had strayed offside in the build-up.
      RAW TALENT
      And five minutes later Ukraine were two down as first Harry Kane and then Bukayo Saka delivered quick-fire goals to leave England on cruise control.
      And the sight of Saka cutting inside to curl one into the top corner only rubbed salt into Mudryk’s wounds.
      Two months ago the Ukrainian Player of the Year had set his heart on becoming Saka’s Arsenal team-mate.
      He had even admitted in an interview with Oleksandr Zinchenko’s wife that he was dreaming of a move to the Emirates.
      But that was before the League leaders were gazumped by Todd Boehly’s Chelsea’s billions and he suddenly found himself drifting along in mid-table and unsure of his place in Graham Potter’s pecking order.
      Now he is playing catch-up with that massive price tag weighing him down while having to deal with the disappointment of another no-show.
      His frustration was evident in first-half stoppage time when he tried to launch a kamikaze charge right through the heart of the England defence before being stopped dead in his tracks by Kane tracking all the way back to make a tackle.
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      And if he was hoping that things might improve after the break, well, he was out of luck again.
      No-one doubts that there is a real talent waiting to sparkle, it’s just taking longer to reach the surface than most of us were expecting. More

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      N’Golo Kante contract talks ‘into final stages’ with star expected to commit future to Chelsea after long lay-off

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      N’GOLO KANTE’S contract talks are into the final stages, according to reports.And the midfielder looks set to commit his future to Chelsea.
      N’Golo Kante is set to sign a new two-year contract at ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Kante, 31, is out of contract at the end of this season in just three months’ time.
      Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are both monitoring his situation in the hope of securing a free transfer, while Liverpool were also linked.
      However, they are all expected to be left disappointed with Fabrizio Romano stating Kante is close to putting pen to paper on an extension at Stamford Bridge.
      SunSport understands that the deal will likely run until 2025 – with Chelsea having the option to trigger an additional 12 months.
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      The Frenchman enjoys life in London so has been keen to stay put having made 262 appearances since joining from Premier League champions Leicester in 2016.
      The negotiations have rumbled on despite Kante not featuring since August due to a hamstring injury that also ruled him out of the World Cup.
      It means he is yet to play under manager Graham Potter, who took over in September.
      Potter said this month: “Managers before me have spoken very highly of N’Golo because he’s a top, top player.
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      “He’s been a huge miss for us. Great for us for him to be back. We have to be mindful.
      “We have to take the steps to get him back up to speed.”
      Kante returned to training earlier in March and was an unused sub against Everton before turning out in a behind-closed-doors 3-0 friendly win against Charlton on Friday.
      Mason Mount – who withdrew from the England squad as he regains fitness – and Thiago Silva cheered on Kante at the Cobham training ground.
      Fellow midfielder Mount even wore a ‘Kante 7’ home Chelsea shirt backwards to show his support.
      The struggling Blues will be back in action a week on Saturday, welcoming Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge, before facing Liverpool and Real Madrid either side of a trip to Wolves. More

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      Two Man Utd and England stars hold talks to switch international allegiance after being left in the cold

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      TWO Manchester United stars have reportedly held talks about switching their allegiance from England in a bid to get international football. The Three Lions have begun attempts to qualify for Euro 2024, with victory over Italy giving Gareth Southgate’s side the best possible start.
      There is no shortage of English talent for Gareth Southgate to pick fromCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      But competition to get into the squad let alone the starting line-up remains incredibly fierce with well-known Premier League names left out.
      And Red Devils stars Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe have reportedly been approached about jumping ship.
      Congolese publication Leopard Leader Football report that Wan-Bissaka’s family have spoken “at length” to DR Congo manager Sebastien Desabre about the full-back making the switch.
      The 25-year-old has made one appearance for DR Congo’s U20s in an 8-0 friendly loss to England’s underage group in 2015.
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      He would then switch to the Three Lions after being called up to the U20 and then U21 squad, making 5 appearances in all.
      Meanwhile Tuanzebe, who is also of Congolese descent, was reportedly contacted by Congo officials as well and had “positive” talks.
      Like Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe has never player a senior international for either country and is still free to pick.
      The 25-year-old, currently on loan at Stoke City, has also made a handful of appearances at youth level for England.
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      Competition for places has rarely been tougher in the English set-up with Wan-Bissaka particularly in a fight at right-back.
      Kyle Walker, Reece James, Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold all appear to be ahead of the Man United man, with the latter also left out of the most recent squad.
      There has also been speculation over Wan-Bissaka’s future at club level with reports earlier this year linking the star with a return to Crystal Palace.
      The defender initially appeared to not be on Erik ten Hag’s radar but he has been seeing much more football since the turn of the year.
      Wan-Bissaka faces incredible competition at right-back for EnglandCredit: Alamy
      Tuanzebe’s career has been held back after a back injury kept him out for several monthsCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea set to sign 18-year-old Norwich star Alex Matos on a free transfer but fans are all saying the same thing

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      CHELSEA are set to sign Norwich wonderkid Alex Matos on a free transfer.But fans all said the same thing in response to the possible deal.
      Another young prodigy is set to join the Chelsea academy in Alex MatosCredit: Getty
      EXCL: Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign U-18 talent Alex Matos (2004) from Norwich 🚨🔵 #CFCDeal entering closing stages, it will be done on a free transfer with add-ons.English winger will become part of Jim Fraser project, pushing for signing to build top U21 squad. pic.twitter.com/Dj8WosbGx2— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 24, 2023

      As reported by Fabrizio Romano, the Blues are closing in on securing a contract for Matos.
      The versatile 18-year-old winger and midfielder, born in 2004, can join for nothing – although some add-ons are expected.
      At Chelsea, the Englishman will link up with Jim Fraser’s project to build a strong Under-21s team.
      Head of youth development and recruitment Fraser identified Matos as the perfect candidate with bags of potential.
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      But supporters are convinced he will fall into the trap of plenty of other Chelsea youth stars over the years.
      One said: “Why are these kids joining Chelsea, zero pathway, just stocking piling talent. At this point will they even get consistent game time at youth-team level?”
      Another wrote: “Why do kids sign for Chelsea. No chance ever of progressing. Out on loans to Darlington in 6 months. One day kids will learn.”
      And a third added: “Suspect we will never hear from him again. So sad these young lads’ heads are turned.”
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      Matos started out at Luton before switching to Norwich at U12s level.
      He has progressed through the ranks, featuring for the U18s as a schoolboy and signing a scholarship at Carrow Road in 2021.
      This season, he has racked up an impressive three assists in 13 appearances for the Canaries in the Premier League 2.
      At international level, he has appeared for England U15s.
      Matos would link up with Jimmy-Jay Morgan in the Chelsea academy.
      The striker turned down the advances of Manchester City and Arsenal to join Chelsea from Southampton for £6million in February.
      Within weeks of joining the Blues, though, Morgan flew out to Los Angeles to have surgery on a knee problem found during his medical.
      Jimmy-Jay Morgan joined Chelsea from Southampton in FebruaryCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League cult hero looks unrecognisable with grey beard as he plays in legends match

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      A PREMIER LEAGUE cult hero looked transformed as he took to the pitch for Rangers Legends.A Gers legends XI lost 4-3 to a World XI at Ibrox, with heroes including Jack Wilshere, Kris Boyd and Yakubu taking part.
      The midfielder lined up for Rangers Legends against a World XICredit: SNS
      The Portuguese showed his age with his grey hairCredit: Willie Vass
      But one player caught the eye thanks to his unique look.
      The Portuguese made 50 appearances for Rangers between 2008-10 following a lengthy spell in the Premier League.
      He arrived in the UK in 2004 after signing for Tottenham, before a three-year spell at Portsmouth where he won the FA Cup.
      The 44-year-old was even hospitalised while playing for Harry Redknapp’s side against Manchester City.
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      A horrific elbow from City’s Ben Thatcher led the midfielder to suffer a seizure on the pitch, and he required oxygen before being taken to hospital.
      The player in question is Pedro Mendes, who still has his famous flowing locks from his playing days.
      But he is showing his age as both his head and beard are full of grey hairs.
      Mendes was playing for Rangers Legends alongside goalkeeper Roy Carroll.
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      Pedro Mendes played for Rangers between 2008-10Credit: Reuters
      He won the FA Cup with PortsmouthCredit: PA:Press Association
      Mendes moved to the Premier League with Tottenham in 2004Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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      The pair were involved in an iconic Prem moment in 2004 when Carroll spilt Mendes’ 55-yard drive over the goalline.
      The keeper quickly clawed the ball back into play and the goal was not given, despite appearing to cross the line. More

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      Arsenal’s on-fire striker Folarin Balogun refuses to close door on quitting club after lighting up Ligue 1 on loan

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      FOLARIN BALOGUN has fuelled speculation he could leave Arsenal by revealing he would be open to returning to Stade Reims.The striker has been a hit on loan at the Ligue Un club with 17 goals in 27 league games.
      Folarin Balogun is open to returning to Stade Reims next seasonCredit: AFP
      His form could encourage Mikel Arteta to use the youngster in the first team next season.
      But Balogun is not closing the door to a potential exit and would be open to moving back to Reims.
      When asked about his future in an interview with Ligue Un he said: “Contractually I have to go back because the loan was only for one year so that was always the agreement.
      “I’m not sure what is going to happen in the future.
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      “A lot could happen in football, a lot could change, and it just depends on the conversations we have between me and the club in the summer, and we’ll see what happens.
      “I mean there’s no door that’s closed. Of course I have had a good year here and to a lot of people it makes sense for me to come back here. So yeah I mean I don’t know what the future will bring.”
      Balogun also needs to decide his international future after being left out of the England squad.
      He appeared to be frustrated by his omission and posted a message hinting at a potential switch to the USA saying: “In life go where you are appreciated.”
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      The 21-year-old then jetted out to Orlando, Florida this week – where the USMNT had a training camp.
      USA interim boss Anthony Hudson also revealed he had held talks with Balogun over a potential switch.
      He said: “As I said before, we’ve had dialogue we’ve spoken.
      “He’s out here, having a bit of a break and some training, and we’ve had some discussions. So yeah, now it’s about him just enjoying the rest of his trip.
      “It’s been good, because it’s been an opportunity for us just to share about our program and who we are and what we do.
      “And look, that’s it, I hope we get the chance to speak to him again. So it’s been good to meet him, and I know a few of the guys who have spoke to him as well.” More