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      Ex-Man City star Brahim Diaz set to switch international allegiance despite scoring on Spain debut

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      FORMER Manchester City star Brahim Diaz has decided to ditch Spain and switch his international allegiance to Morocco.The 23-year-old AC Milan attacker represented La Roja from the Under-17s to the U21s.
      Brahim Diaz has opted to represent Morocco instead of SpainCredit: Getty
      Then, after a number of drop-outs due to positive Covid tests, he received a call-up to the senior squad in June 2021 for a friendly with Lithuania.
      Diaz marked his senior debut by scoring Spain’s second goal in the 4-0 win.
      He has yet to feature for them since and qualifies for Morocco through his parents, who were born there.
      Diaz resisted the urge to switch his allegiance to them before the World Cup last year, where the African nation reached the semi-finals.
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      However, journalist Lino Bacco claims he has now opted to continue his international career with Morocco, which he is able to do due to not playing competitively for Spain.
      And he added that “he will be with the squad when they next meet in March”.
      Diaz first played professional football for Man City as he made five Premier League appearances for the club between 2016 and 2019.
      City signed the winger from LaLiga side Malaga when he was only 16.
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      Despite his lack of consistent minutes, he had done enough to impress Real Madrid, as the Champions League holders splashed over £15million to bring him to the Spanish capital.
      But after one season, 15 league appearances, and one goal, Diaz was shipped out on loan to Serie A, where has finally cemented himself in the AC Milan squad.
      He has played 71 times in the Italian league and helped the club to the title last season. More

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      Ex-Arsenal ace denied Sevilla transfer due to fitness concerns as Spanish club recall disastrous Anthony Martial loan

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      FORMER Arsenal starlet Jeff Reine-Adelaide was denied a loan move to Sevilla over fitness concerns – with the Spanish club recalling Anthony Martial’s disastrous six-month stay.Sevilla reached an agreement with Lyon for a loan deal with an option to buy for £10.5million.
      Jeff Reine-Adelaide saw the plug be pulled on a loan move to Sevilla over fitness concerns
      Sevilla were keen to avoid a repeat of Anthony Martial’s disastrous six-month loanCredit: PA
      Reine-Adelaide, 25, even under went medical tests, but the results raised concerns for relegation-threatened Sevilla.
      According to L’Equipe, medical staff detected a lack of pace during the tests.
      The midfielder had only recently recovered from a knee injury, and is said to have needed another few weeks to get back up to full match fitness.
      Marca report that Sevilla were keen to avoid a repeat of Manchester United star Martial’s loan, which saw the only highly-rated player pick up three injuries.
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      The Spaniards did not want a serious injury from Reine-Adelaide’s past to creep back up in such a crucial time.
      The six-time Europa League winners are sat 15th in LaLiga after 18 games – one point above the drop zone.
      Sevilla secured a 1-0 win in their last outing against relegation rivals Cadiz.
      Former Barcelona ace Ivan Rakitic held his nerve to convert a late penalty.
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      Reine-Adelaide will now return to Lyon and assess his options.
      The former Arsenal star has only featured 14 times this season, one of those being a start.
      The Frenchman has also failed to register a goal or an assist. More

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      Arsenal eyeing Everton midfielder Onana and Sociedad’s Zubimendi in £100m transfer raid after ‘concerning’ Elneny injury

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      MIKEL ARTETA has confirmed that Arsenal are still in the market for another midfielder before the transfer window closes.The Premier League leaders have already spent £48million this month on Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior.
      Mohamed Elneny has picked up a knee injuryCredit: Getty
      Manager Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal to sign more cover in the midfieldCredit: AFP
      Everton star Amadou Onana is one potential option for the GunnersCredit: Getty
      But now Arteta wants to add another holding midfield player before Tuesday’s deadline amid concerns that Mohamed Elneny could have played his last game for the club.
      With just five days left to complete any further business, Everton’s Amadou Onana and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi are on Arsenal’s radar.
      And the need for reinforcements has been intensified by Elneny’s knee injury, which is feared to be far worse than initially suspected.
      The 30-year-old Egypt international is in the last year of his Emirates contract, although the club has the option of extending it by further 12 months.
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      And there are concerns Elneny could be sidelined for the rest of the season by the injury which he suffered in training two weeks ago.
      Arteta admitted: “Mo has had some issues with his knee that we are assessing and we will have to see how he evolves in the next couple of days.
      “There are concerns about the injury because he’s a player who never complains about anything.
      “We need more cover in midfield but it’s pretty complicated to do that in this market.
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      “But if there’s anyone available who can make us better we will look at it.”
      Arsenal have already rejected Monaco’s request to take Albert Sambi Lokonga on loan for the rest of the season as he is currently their only available midfield cover for Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey.
      But neither Onana nor Zubimendi will come cheaply, with both players currently valued at around £50million by their clubs.
      Matin Zubimendi is valued at £50million by Real SociedadCredit: Getty More

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      AC Milan among clubs monitoring Joao Cancelo as Portugal star falls down pecking order at Man City

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      AC MILAN are among several clubs monitoring Joao Cancelo’s situation at Manchester City.The Portuguese full-back’s Etihad career has stalled since returning from the World Cup last month.
      WC Milan are plotting a move for Man City’s Joao CanceloCredit: Getty
      And the 28-year-old has struggled to get regular games.
      He started the defeats against Southampton and Manchester United.
      But then he was an unused sub in the two games which followed.
      His only other start since the restart was the win at Chelsea – but he was hauled off at half-time by Pep Guardiola.
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      The City boss has opted to use youngster Rico Lewis and a centre back such as Nathan Ake as his full-backs recently.
      That has also seen Kyle Walker left on the bench for the more important games as his difficult season continues.
      Cancelo only signed a contract extension with City 12 months ago.
      He is currently tied to the club until summer 2027.
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      So it would need a huge offer to tempt the champions to sell a player who has been crucial to their recent success.
      Cancelo arrived at the Etihad from Juventus in 2019 and has played 98 times in the top-flight.
      During that period he has helped City to two Premier League titles and he also has a Carabao Cup winners’ medal in his collection. More

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      Ian Wright says Man Utd signing Kane is a ‘no brainer’ as he urges club to offer £60m plus star for England captain

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      ARSENAL legend Ian Wright says Manchester United signing Tottenham star Harry Kane is a “no-brainer” and should offer a once highly-rated player as a sweetener.A centre forward is high on Man Utd’s summer wishlist following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
      United hold an interest in Harry KaneCredit: Getty
      Ian Wright has urged United to pursue a deal for KaneCredit: PA
      And reports suggest Ten Hag will go all out to land Tottenham and England sensation Kane.
      The Three Lions skipper equalled Jimmy Greaves’ Spurs tally of 266 goals for the North London side with the winner at Fulham.
      And despite suggestions Kane may make a U-turn and sign a new contract, United have been urged by Arsenal legend Wright to push forward and pursue a deal AND include a player as a sweetener.
      Wright said on Wrighty’s House: “If Man Utd came now, [for] Harry Kane with a year left, let’s say they put £60m on the table and we’ll throw in someone, Martial, whatever… it’s a very good deal.
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      “If Man Utd have got any serious thinking about what we need to do next, it’s a No9.
      “It seems like a no-brainer that Harry Kane is the person [they should sign]. He takes them somewhere else.”
      Wright believes that despite the possibility of Kane leaving Tottenham trophyless, fans will wish the 29-year-old well.
      Wright added: “Spurs fans will say ‘you know what, good luck Harry’.”
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      Ian Wright says United could offer cash plus Anthony Martial for Harry KaneCredit: PA
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      United have brought in Wout Weghorst to temporarily fill the gap left by Ronaldo.
      However, the on-loan star has struggled to make an impact for the Red Devils.
      Wright says the difference between Arsenal and Man Utd in Sunday’s 3-2 win for Mikel Arteta’s men was the strikers.
      He said: “One of the main differences was Eddie Nketiah, a No9. 
      “That’s what Man Utd didn’t have, because they had [Wout] Weghorst up there but he wasn’t a threat if we’re going to be totally honest, he was not a threat. 
      “When you’re looking at Man Utd’s trajectory at the minute and where they’re moving, Harry Kane for three years, 
      “I think Man Utd would definitely be doing something because Man Utd are not a million miles away with what ten Hag’s doing.”
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      Chelsea want to sell Ziyech to Roma and not rival Prem clubs in transfer blow to Tottenham and Newcastle

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      CHELSEA would prefer to offload unsettled Hakim Ziyech to Roma rather than a rival Premier League club.The Italians want the Moroccan winger but need to sell midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo first to raise funds for a £25million deal.
      Hakim Ziyech could be on his way to Roma in the transfer windowCredit: Getty
      Tottenham and Newcastle have also been linked with Ziyech, 29, who looks set to leave Chelsea this window to end a frustrating two-and-a-half years in English football.
      But the Blues seem prepared to give Roma time to secure the money instead of selling to the highest bidder.
      The transfer window in Italy closes next Tuesday – the same day as in England – but four hours earlier at 7pm UK time.
      Ziyech is keen to move to Italy for a fresh start.
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      He has found himself out of favour with a number of Chelsea managers.
      He was signed by Frank Lampard in July 2020 but tumbled down the pecking order under his successor Thomas Tuchel.
      Wideman Ziyech has not found the going any easier under current head coach Graham Potter.
      That is despite enjoying a starring role for his country at the World Cup last year.
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      Morocco reached the semi-finals then lost the third-place play-off to Croatia in Qatar.
      Fourth is the highest achievement by any African nation at the tournament.
      Ziyech played all of Chelsea’s last game, away at Liverpool, last weekend but only because of the huge injury list.
      He has a contract until 2025 but both parties are keen on a clean break.  More

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      Marcelo Bielsa to TURN DOWN Everton as he demands huge £6m wages to save club from drop after Lampard sacking

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      FARHAD MOSHIRI will have to up his pay offer to Marcelo Bielsa if he is to have any chance of making the Argentinian his new boss.For the managerial guru is understood to have told Everton that he wanted at least as much as the £6million he was paid during his three and a half years in charge of Leeds United.
      Marcelo Bielsa is demanding £6million a year to join EvertonCredit: PA
      And the figure on the table to bring the 67-year-old back to England was not anywhere near that.
      Bielsa, sacked at Elland Road in February, had already expressed doubts about being able to save the Toffees from the drop because of the standard of the squad that Frank Lampard left behind when he was given the axe on Monday.
      It is also claimed that in their talks he told Moshiri that he would need defenders with more pace.
      Bielsa wants a return to the Premier League because he rates it the best in the world – but not at any price.
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      Moshiri made him his No1 choice to succeed Lampard, who became the sixth manager of seven to be dumped by him since 2016.
      He is desperate to get a new man in by the weekend with ex – Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl one option.
      Another is Sean Dyche, ditched towards the end of last season by Burnley, but not a favourite of Goodison chairman Bill Kenwright.
      One of Moshiri’s former managers, Sam Allardyce, has been talked about among the Everton hierarchy about making a return.
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      He has insisted that Moshiri mend what he calls a “broken” club and revealed he had not received a call for talks.
      Yet he would still be interested, having declared that he has sympathy for Moshiri and the near – £600m he has vainly invested in a side now lying second bottom of the Prem. More

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      Newcastle’s first-choice back four are now the four best defenders Dream Team has to offer

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      THIS is it, the crescendo of Newcastle’s defensive dominance.On Tuesday night, the Magpies beat Southampton 1-0 in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.
      Yet another clean sheet means that Eddie Howe’s first-choice back four now occupy the top four spots in the Dream Team rankings where only defenders are concerned.
      The Fab Four
      DREAM TEAM’S TOP 10 DEFENDERS

      KIERAN TRIPPIER (£6.3m) – 179 points
      FABIAN SCHAR (£4.8m) – 129 points
      SVEN BOTMAN (£4.6m) – 103 points
      DAN BURN (£4.6m) – 103 points
      Gabriel (£4.7m) – 101 points
      Joao Cancelo (£6m) – 99 points
      Thiago Silva (£5.5m) – 99 points
      Ben White (£5m) – 96 points
      Diogo Dalot (£3.7m) – 91 points
      Luke Shaw (£4.1m) – 79 points

      Newcastle have kept 16 clean sheets this season, 12 of them coming in the Premier League.
      As a result, Nick Pope (£5m) is the clear front runner in the race for the Golden Glove, he’s three clean sheets clear of his closest rival, Aaron Ramsdale (£4.2m), at this stage.
      Naturally, the England international is also Dream Team’s outright best goalkeeper.
      His overall tally of 126 points is 49 greater than that of David de Gea (£3.8m), the game’s second-best custodian at present.
      Top of the classCredit: getty
      Trippier remains the main man because of his sheer influence on every aspect of his side’s play.
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      He wears the captain’s armband almost every week, is a key contributor to the string of clean sheets, and is hugely influential to the Toon’s build-up play, creating more than his fair share of chances.
      As an in-form Swiss army knife, the England international has hoarded 7+ ratings for fun, 20 of them to be precise, more than anyone else.
      Crucially, he’s also pocketed a whopping SEVEN Star Man awards, one more than Kevin De Bruyne (£7.3m) and Erling Haaland (£8.8m) have collected respectively.
      With an ownership of 50% Trippier is the second-most popular player in the game – only runaway points leader Haaland appears in more teams.
      Dream Team’s top defender (by a huge margin)Credit: getty
      However, Botman and Burn feature in 6.6% and 5% of teams respectively, meaning the vast majority of gaffers have missed out on their significant returns in recent weeks.
      Block picking defenders from one team has long been a legitimate tactic.
      In recent seasons, backing three or four Liverpool, Chelsea or Manchester City defensive assets would have paid out huge dividends if timed correctly.
      But 2022/23’s version feels different, probably because Newcastle players have not had European fixtures to bolster their schedule, not to mention the unexpected nature of their top four push.
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      How long will Newcastle’s supremacy in this field last?
      Well, they’ve got Saints again at home on Tuesday before they resume league duties against West Ham then Bournemouth, two teams in the bottom five… More