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MANCHESTER CITY will have to stump up a sensational £600K PER WEEK for Erling Haaland’s signature, as exclusively revealed by SunSport.And Arsenal are reportedly being drawn into a five-way battle to sign Fiorentina forward Dusan Vlahovic, 21.
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NEV’S MIAMI ROCKED BY COVID-19
Phil Neville’s hopes of hitting the ground running in Miami have been hampered by COVID-19.
The Manchester United legend and former England Lionesses boss is in Sarasota gearing up for his MLS kick-off on April 18 but three pre-season training matches against Charleston, New York Red Bulls and Nashville were all canned tonight after a number of positive tests.
SunSport understands a mix of players from the teams involved have been infected but Neville is confident the setback won’t derail the hopes of getting his side ready for the season opener against LA Galaxy. 
Inter Miami, who have suffered from COVID problems in the past after star striker Gonzalo Higuain missed last term’s play-off match with Nashville, have also cancelled a press conference with Neville which was scheduled for Wednesday.
Inter’s first training-ground ‘scrimmage’ of the pre-season against Paul Dalglish’s Miami FC was postponed last Saturday also because of health concerns.
Neville will at least be boosted by having the whole squad at his disposal next week at their South Florida base. 
HAYES OF GLORY
Vic Akers says seeing Emma Hayes’ “look of pressure” brought back memories of  his rollercoaster Champions League triumph at Arsenal.
And the former Gunners Ladies chief believes  Hayes’ Chelsea can conquer Europe, just as his side did 14 years ago.
Akers, who founded Arsenal Ladies in 1987, is widely regarded as a trailblazer for women’s football.
His North London outfit — who notched up five domestic and league cup doubles — are still the only English side to have won the top contest for Europe’s elite clubs.
But Akers, who had Hayes with him in the dugout during that 2007 Champions League win against Sweden’s Umea, believes this could be Chelsea’s year.
TOP DEC
Listen Declan Rice and you could easily come away convinced England will win the Euros.
West Ham man Rice is adamant England’s current crop — many of whom reached the last four of the 2018 World Cup — are not concerned with the failings of the ‘Golden Generation’, which never made a semi-final in the noughties.
Declan Rice is confident going into the summer
Southgate’s men prepare to face Poland in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley on Wednesday night, their final competitive match before the Euros kick off in June.
Rice, 22, said: “When you are training with them, you take a step back and look at the attacking players we’ve got and you are gobsmacked by the talent they have.
“But now, it’s about going out on to the international stage and putting it into a trophy. There has always been talk of the Golden Generation failing — but we don’t look too much into that.
“We know we have enough quality to beat any team in the world. It is just about doing it on the day. There is a lot of pressure in tournaments. Can we stick to the game plan and put on a performance?
“But some of the players here… I’m always watching games and people like Phil Foden. He’s amazing to watch.”
BEEK BOOST
Donny van de Beek banished his Manchester United blues on Tuesday night as he netted in Holland’s 7-0 win against Gibraltar.
The midfielder, 23, has struggled to impress at Old Trafford following a £40million move from Ajax last summer.

Van de Beek has featured just 13 times in the Premier League for United, making just two starts.
But he took full advantage after coming off the Holland bench in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Gibraltar.
Van de Beek scored the second-last goal in a 7-0 thrashing for Frank de Boer’s men.
And Holland have now won two on the bounce having suffered a dismal 4-2 defeat to Turkey in the first match of their qualifying campaign last week.
WILDER MOOR
Chris Wilder will be Burnley’s No 1 choice as manager should Sean Dyche move to Crystal Palace this year.
Dyche is the Premier League’s longest-serving boss, having joined the Clarets in October 2012.
But there is a growing belief that despite new owners at Turf Moor, he would consider moving on.
Wilder, 53, took Sheffield United from League One to the Prem in three seasons and is the main man for chairman Alan Pace.
And Dyche, 49, is very much on the radar of Palace chief Steve Parish.
Current Selhurst Park boss Roy Hodgson, 73, is only under contract until the end of the season.
Wilder was axed by Sheffield United earlier this month following a breakdown in his relationship with the Blades’ ownership.
HUGE HAUL-AND
Manchester City will have to fork out a mind-blowing £600,000-a-week to land Erling Haaland in a package costing over £300MILLION.
The Norwegian hotshot, 20, whose transfer fee this summer will be more than £150m, wants to be the highest-paid player in Premier League history.
Erling Haaland will cost a total of over £300M if he joins Man City this summer
It would work out at an incredible £156m in wages over a five-year contract — bringing the overall deal for Haaland above £300m.
Paris Saint-Germain are the only other club who could get close to this sort of offer.
City are desperate to land a new forward after confirmation that Sergio Aguero will leave this summer.
City boss Pep Guardiola is a huge fan of Tottenham striker Harry Kane — but the Etihad club were given short shrift by Spurs last summer.
They believe Tottenham would make it impossible for the England captain, even if he wants to leave.
GREALISH AGENT PREDICTS ‘BIG DEALS’
Jack Grealish’s agent Jonathan Barnett sent speculation over the Manchester United target spiralling by predicting “very big deals” of his own.
England and Aston Villa playmaker Grealish, 25, has performed far better than the player United signed last summer instead, Donny van de Beek.
Villa skipper Jack Grealish was linked to Man Utd last summer and speculation is mounting they could be back in for him in the next transfer windowCredit: Getty
Barnett told The Athletic: “I am expecting three or four very big deals of my own that will break a lot of records.
“Hopefully, they will come about. For the smaller clubs, I think there won’t be as many transfers. We have some very good players.
“We have probably the best young player in the world in Camavinga. We have got Grealish. We have got Konate at Leipzig. But then I have got over 100 players.”
WALES 1 CZECH REPUBLIC 0
DAN JAMES nodded in the late winner to leave the 10-man Czechs as Schick as a parrot.
The visitors were completely in charge of the game until the red card for their striker Patrik Schick early in the second half.
Dan James heads a late winner for Wales
Connor Roberts had also seen red for the Dragons by the time James popped up to seal a huge win.
Gareth Bale atoned for a disappointing first-half miss by swinging over a delicious cross from the left wing.
And Manchester United’s James climbed highest to power a header into the ground and past the dive of Tomas Vaclik.
It was the perfect tonic for the Dragons to take into this summer’s Euros after a nightmare few months for the FA Wales.
And whatever happens in the summer, they will resume the qualifiers in September with genuine hope of reaching next year’s World Cup.
The Dragons celebrate after Dan James saw off the Czech Republic
‘MILAN FIGHT ARSENAL FOR DUSAN’
Arsenal would face rivalry from AC Milan and Atletico Madrid for Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic.
Dusan Vlahovic has hit two goals in seven games for SerbiaCredit: EPA
That’s according to Italian outlet Calciomercato as the Serbia star shines in Serie A.
Vlahovic, 21, hit a hat-trick against Benevento earlier this month, reportedly spiking interest from elite clubs In Italy, Spain and Germany.
Milan, Roma, Madrid and RB Leipzig are said to be amongst those interested.
WOLE TRAFFORD
Manchester United are reportedly set to raid noisy neighbours City for top youth scout Stephen Ajewole.
And that has sparked fears at the Etihad of their transfer secrets being leaked to their rivals.
According to the Daily Mail, United want to bring Ajewole in as the new lead scout for the Under 15-18s.
The swoop is being headed up by United’s head of youth recruitment David Harrison.
Harrison left his role as head of European youth scouting at City to join United in 2017.
Ajewole has been described as an ’emerging recruitment specialist’.
He joined City as a UK southern football scout in August 2014 and has predominantly been based in London.
JAMES DENIES SUPPORTING LIVERPOOL
Daniel James has come clean to deny he was a Liverpool fan as a child… but admits he supported Chelsea.
The Manchester United winger idolised Blues’ legends Eden Hazard and Didier Drogba, plus Juan Mata, who has since swapped Chelsea for the Red Devils.
James, 23, told United’s website: “When I signed for United, I can’t remember who it was, one of the Sky Sports (pundits) said: ‘he supports Liverpool’.
“I was thinking I don’t support Liverpool, but I never wanted to come out and say I supported Chelsea as a youngster.
“When I started playing for Swansea it [Chelsea] was the team I followed, but you don’t end up supporting them really.
I used to look at their players when I was younger – Hazard, Mata and Drogba – and they were players that I loved. You kind of grow out of that.”
NEW LEEDS’ DATES FOR LIVERPOOL AND UTD
Leeds have new dates for their home Premier League clashes with Liverpool and Manchester United.
Fading champs Liverpool will now play at Elland Road at 8pm on Monday, April 19, two days later than originally scheduled.
And United’s match has been put back a day to 2pm, Sunday, April 25.
THE BOOTH HURTS
Aidy Boothroyd has described the England Under-21 manager position as ‘the utterly impossible job’.
The under-fire Young Lions chief feels that way because of how he sees the pressure to produce players for the seniors conflicting with an expectation to win.
Boothroyd can point to a number of stars in Gareth Southgate’s squad that he has helped develop including Mason Mount, Phil Foden and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
But he has copped serious flak for England’s woeful performance so far at this month’s Under-21 Euros.
His side are on the brink of a group-stage exit for a second tournament running – barring a minor miracle in Wednesday evening’s do-or-die clash with Croatia.
The debacle in Slovenia means the ex-Watford boss is unlikely to have his contract renewed when his current terms expire this summer.
Boothroyd said: “The England senior job has been called the impossible job. Well, the Under-21s job I think is the utterly impossible job.
“The reason I say that is because of the amount of players that have to be produced for the senior team and the expectation to win. 
“There’s a reason why we haven’t won (the Under-21 Euros) for 37 years and there’s a reason we have not progressed as much as we thought we would. That’s because our primary aim is to get players through to Gareth and that’s what we have done.”
‘FIVE OFFERS’ FOR AGUERO
Outgoing Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero already has around five contract offers for next season, including neighbours United, but Barcelona remain favourites to sign him.
United are keen to add a specialist No9 next season, with Uruguay’s Edinson Cavani tipped to return to South America next summer.  
SABITZER OPEN TO A MOVE
Manchester United and Tottenham target Marcel Sabitzer insists he is in no rush to sort out his RB Leipzig future but is open to a move at some stage.
The Austria midfielder has been linked with several European giants as second-placed Leipzig aim to dethrone Bundesliga champs Bayern Munich.
Sabitzer told Bild: “I have a contract until 2022 – and not just until the summer.
“It has become popular to ask players about his future as soon as he enters the final 18 months of his contract, but that doesn’t mean that everything has to be decided at that moment.
“Those in my inner circle know what I’m thinking, but I’m not stressed about it. I feel good in Leipzig and at the club, plus we’re successful.
“We have a realistic chance of winning titles here – and there are people at the club who really want to win something.
“That’s why I see Leipzig as a great club, but RB don’t have to be the only great club on my CV. After all, I’m only 27.”
WALES CROCK RAMSEY TRAINING WITH JUVE
Aaron Ramsey was back in training with Juventus – hours before Wales’ crunch 2022 World Cup qualifier with the Czech Republic.
The Juve midfielder, 30, pulled out of the Dragons squad for this month’s three internationals with a thigh injury.
But the Serie A giants revealed Ramsey made a return to training with Andrea Pirlo’s side on Tuesday and took full part as they prepared for the Turin derby against Torino on Saturday.
A training update on the Juventus website read: “Today’s training session which, like last week, saw the Juventus players not involved in their respective national teams undergo possession and technical exercises [Paulo] Dybala and Ramsey took part in the whole group session.”
Ex-Arsenal star Ramsey has played in just one of Wales’ last ten internationals since the Dragons qualified for Euro 2020.
That has led to a section of Welsh support questioning Ramsey’s commitment in playing for his country.
Caretaker boss Robert Page said when he named his squad for the fixtures against Belgium, Mexico and Tuesday’s clash with the Czechs: “I understand where the fans are coming from but if you’re injured, you’re injured.
“No-one will be more frustrated than Aaron right now. But I wouldn’t question his commitment, and whenever he plays he adds value to the team.”
HOW CITY COULD LOOK WITH MESSI AND HAALAND
Manchester City are set to take a fresh turn next season, following the news that Sergio Aguero will leave the club at the end of the current campaign.
The Argentine has scored a stunning 257 goals in 384 appearances during a glittering ten-year spell with the club.

But, alas, all good things must come to an end.
And City fans can at least console themselves with the star-studded shopping list that their team are rumoured to possess.
Pep Guardiola’s side, given their enormous wealth, are always linked with the world’s biggest names.
But should they secure this summer’s targets, including Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi, City will surely step into a different stratosphere altogether.
SKIPP’S BIG LEAP DURING LOCKDOWN
Norwich loanee Oliver Skipp says living on his own during lockdown has helped him develop as a person – and therefore as a player.
The Tottenham midfielder, 20, is spending a season with the Championship-leading Canaries.
“I’ve had to live on my own due to lockdown restrictions – it’s helped me to develop outside of football and you can’t underestimate how important it is to get that right to make sure you are performing on the pitch.”🗣️ 𝗢𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗽𝗽#THFC ⚪️ #COYS— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 30, 2021

And he told the official Spurs website: “I’ve had to live on my own due to lockdown restrictions.
“It’s helped me to develop outside of football and you can’t underestimate how important it is to get that right to make sure you are performing on the pitch.
“I’ve had to live on my own due to lockdown restrictions.
“It’s helped me to develop outside of football and you can’t underestimate how important it is to get that right to make sure you are performing on the pitch.” 
LIVERPOOL LEAD CHASE FOR UTD TARGET KALIDOU
Liverpool are leading the race for £42million Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly, according to reports.
The Reds are aiming to strengthen their defence this summer, following a torrid season of injuries this term.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are believed to be ‘finalising’ their £34m move for RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate, 21.
And according to Gazzetta dello Sport, they have also made contact with Napoli over signing their star defender this summer.
Koulibaly, 29 has been a rock at the back for the Partenopei since 2014. But with his contract set to enter its final year, Napoli may finally be about to cash in on the Senegalese superstar. Manchester United, Everton and PSG are all believed to be interested.
But the report claims that a union with compatriot Sadio Mane at Anfield is ‘most tempting’ to the player himself, and that Liverpool are ‘clearly ahead’ of the competition.
Napoli are believed to be making plans to replace their key man, with signing Feyenoord’s Marco Senesi on their agenda.
As for Konate, RB Leipzig sporting director Markus Krosche has launched a desperate plea to keep the 21-year-old.
He said: “I think that this is not an option for Ibu. He has a long contract with us and he knows what we mean to him and what he means to us.”

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE REVAMP ROW
A decision on a new format for the Champions League has been delayed by a disagreement over the competition’s commercial rights.
An expanded 36-team competition to begin in 2024 had been set for approval by UEFA’s executive committee on Wednesday, but will now not be rubber-stamped until at least the next ExCo meeting on April 19.
It is understood the board of the European Club Association (ECA), which represents the views of the continent’s most powerful clubs, was split and could not give its formal support to the UEFA proposal when it met on Monday.
This was because some clubs remain convinced they should control the commercial aspects of the competition, such as television and sponsorship rights.
ECA members dominate the UEFA club competitions committee which then met on Tuesday morning, and it is understood that because the reform package did not have their approval it could not go forward to the executive committee.
UEFA said on Wednesday: “UEFA can confirm that a meeting of the executive committee will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, March 31, and that the future of club competitions post-2024 will be one of the topics discussed.
“However, any official decision in this respect will only be made at the next UEFA executive committee meeting on April 19, in order to finalise ongoing discussions.”
HAVERTZ ON THE UP NOW
Chelsea midfielder Kai Havertz said: “It’s been a tough season, I know things haven’t been going smoothly.
“But that’s normal when you first go abroad, it takes half a year or longer to adjust.
“Things are going well right now so I don’t want to overthink those negative impressions from the past.
“I am positive and hope the next weeks will be every bit as good.”
NOT O-KAI
Kai Havertz has opened up on his ‘tough’ first season at Chelsea.
And the £71million man admits ‘things have not gone smoothly’ following his move from Bayer Leverkusen last summer.
Kai Havertz admits his first season at Chelsea has been tough
Havertz, 21, has struggled to adapt to life in England, bagging seven assists and five goals in 32 Chelsea games.
He’s netted just once in the Premier League and is yet to open his Champions League account.
Havertz’s failure to settle has seen him deployed in numerous positions, from central midfielder to right winger and most recently as a striker.
A strong bout of coronavirus also set him back earlier this term.
However, time is very much firmly on Havertz’s side.
New boss Thomas Tuchel appears to be getting the best out of him, playing Havertz as close to goal as possible.
And although things haven’t gone to plan in London so far, Havertz is refusing to ‘overthink’ the situation, adding he is confident he can end his debut English campaign on a high.
LEW OUT FOR 4 WEEKS
Crocked Robert Lewandowski will not just miss Poland’s World Cup qualifier against England at Wembley on Wednesday night but also four more weeks.
Bayern Munich striker Lewandowski sprained right-knee ligaments in Poland’s 3-0 qualifying win over Andorra on Sunday, having scored twice.
Robert Lewandowski was injured against Andorra and taken off as a precautionCredit: Getty
UTD LOSE £105m IN 5 SEASONS THROUGH INJURIES
Manchester United have paid out an eyewatering £105million to injured, unavailable players over the last five seasons.
While boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s predecessor Jose Mourinho liked to whinge about transfers, the Red Devils actually pay enormous sums to their star players.

One problem, however, has been getting them all fit and healthy.
A study conducted by Bonusfinder found that United players have spent a combined 6378 days injured, missing a total of 1105 games in the process since 2016.
In this time, Paul Pogba, Marcos Rojo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic were costly absentees – while defenders Luke Shaw, Phil Jones and Eric Bailly have also spent their fair share of time on the treatment table.
Arsenal are second on the list, despite their players having missed more games than United’s. Gunners’ players have missed 1122 games during a total of 6577 days on the treatment table – costing nearly £80m.
CHELSEA TO FACE PORTO TWICE AT SEVILLA
Chelsea will play both their Champions League quarter-final second legs against Porto at Sevilla.
The Blues will visit Spain rather than the Portuguese giants’ own country on April 7 before playing their ‘home’ leg six days later at the same Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium in Seville.
Covid-19 travel restrictions continue, with Portugal previously on the UK ‘red list’.
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WALES’ next game in the World Cup qualifiers aren’t getting any easier as they take on group leaders Czech Republic TONIGHT. Gareth Bale & Co. lost their first clash of the qualifying phase 3-1 with Belgium and will be hoping to bounce back.

Kick-off: 7.45pm
TV / live stream: Sky Sports Main Event, S4C
Wales XI: Ward; Mepham, Rodon,J Lawrence; C Roberts, Morrell, Ampadu, N Williams; Bale, Wilson, James
Czech Republic XI: Vaclik; Coufal, Celustka, Kudela, Boril; Holes, Soucek; Provod, Darida, Jankto; Schick

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THAT’S ALL FROM CARDIFF
It’s been a night of drama and celebration in South Wales – all that was missing was the home crowd that would have so loved this.
The Welsh were not at their best but remained resolute throughout, and finally won through thanks to the first headed goal of Dan James’ career.
If that goal had the Red Wall roaring from their living rooms, so too did Joe Rodon’s heroic block deep into stoppage time that denied the Czech Republic the latest of equalisers.
We’re off to catch our breath, but why not relive the exhilarating action with our match report of another 1-0 Wales win.
Thanks for reading, and goodnight.

PROUD PAGE
Wales’ caretaker coach Rob Page has praised his players for digging in and earning themselves all three points despite being second best for long periods against the Czech Republic.
We’re disappointed about aspects of the performance, but it’s a win – and that’s what we’ve done in recent times, found a way to win. We knew we were in for a battle and it didn’t disappoint. The goal was a bit of a throwback with the left-winger crossing it and the other winger attacking it at the far post. After their sending off, we wanted to get another centre-forward on and went with a back four. Then Connor [Roberts] gets sent off and we’ve had to make changes again. It was a team performance, it was a squad performance, and I’m really proud of them.Rob PageSky Sports
HOW IT STANDS
Elsewhere in Group E, Belgium have hit Belarus for eight to leave the world’s number one team top of the pile.
However, that huge win for Wales here in Cardiff has moved them a point behind the Czech Republic with a vital game in hand.
🇧🇪 8-0 🇧🇾🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 1-0 🇨🇿🔥 Belgium show why they’re the #1-ranked team in the world, while Wales throw the group wide open with victory in Cardiff 🐉 #WCQ pic.twitter.com/KQpcCLmdnr— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) March 30, 2021

DRAGONS DEFENCE FIRING
With the likes of Joe Rodon and James Lawrence putting their bodies on the line for their country this evening, it’s easy to understand why Wales are clocking up the clean sheets.

BALE THE CREATOR
Gareth Bale may the top scorer in the history of the Wales national team, but the goal getter has turned provider in recent games.
His cross tonight for Dan James’ header was his fourth assist in as many internationals.
🅰️ vs. Ireland 🅰️ vs. Finland 🅰️ vs. Belgium🅰️ vs. Czech Republic Gareth Bale has now provided an assist in each of his last four games for Wales. pic.twitter.com/OqtYIEsI6b— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 30, 2021

HEADS DAN WINS
Dan James was the matchwinner, and the Manchester United man has been speaking after the game about the importance of this win, and about the first headed goal of his career.
It’s a massive result, especially after the loss in the first game. [Gareth Bale] is looking for the cross, and at first, I didn’t think he was going to cross it because he can’t see Kieffer [Moore] in the box. In the last four or five games at club level, I’ve had headers that I’ve been disappointed with, but thankfully this went in.Dan JamesSky Sports

FULL TIME STATS
Wales were probably second best for most of this contest, but came out on top for those crucial moments in both boxes.

THE ROD WALL
Dan James was the hero at one end. At the other, it was Joe Rodon, who denied Ondrej Celustka at the death with a sensational block.

FT: WALES 1-0 CZECH REPUBLIC
Wales are up and running in Group E courtesy of Dan James’ late header. The Manchester United forward expertly converted Gareth Bale’s cross to earn Rob Page’s men a crucial three points, just minutes after Wales had been reduced to ten men due to Connor Roberts’ sending off. The Czech Republic had a man of their own sent off earlier in the half when Patrik Schick saw red following a tussle with Roberts.
PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!IT’S ALL OVER AND WALES HAVE WON IT!
WALES 1-0 CZECH REPUBLIC
90+2. What a block from Rodon!
The Czechs work a throw-in into a packed penalty area, where the ball falls to Celustka ten yards from goal.
It’s point blank range for the Czech Republic defender as he powers his shot goalwards, but there – out of nowhere – is Rodon to dive in and deflect over.
It’s celebrated by the Wales players as if they had qualified for the World Cup.
WALES 1-0 CZECH REPUBLIC
90. Four minutes of stoppage time are signalled.
Wales are almost there.
WALES 1-0 CZECH REPUBLIC
87. The Czech Republic go for broke with two more changes that include the arrival of Burnley striker Matej Vydra. Also on is Antonin Barak as Vladimir Coufal and Ondrej Kudela depart. Good riddance to the latter.
WALES 1-0 CZECH REPUBLIC
86. Kieffer Moore gets on the end of James Lawrence cross, but puts his shot wide.
The presence of the Cardiff striker up top has certainly added another dimension to Wales’ play.
WALES 1-0 CZECH REPUBLIC
84. The Czechs respond to falling behind by making a double change. Pavel Kaderebek replaces Lukas Provod as Lukas Masopust comes on for Jakub Jankto.
WALES 1-0 CZECH REPUBLIC
82. A brilliant goal! A simple goal! A crucial goal!
Gareth Bale makes half a yard for himself on the left wing, and whips a beautiful cross into the six-yard box.
Daniel James isn’t renowned for his heading ability, but gets up well and executes a superb downward header back across and into the corner. Tomas Vaclik had no chance!

GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLLL!!DANIEL JAMES BREAKS THE DEADLOCK!!
WALES 0-0 CZECH REPUBLIC
79. A chance for Dan James to make himself a hero…
…but he’s brilliantly denied by Tomas Vaclik!
The Wales forward had beaten the offside trap to move in on goal, but couldn’t get around the goalkeeper.
WALES 0-0 CZECH REPUBLIC
77. It’s ten-a-side now as Connor Roberts sees red!
The Swansea man is off for two bookable offences, the second of which saw him cautioned for catching Soucek with a leading arm.

RED CARD!!CONNOR ROBERTS IS DISMISSED AND IT’S TEN AGAINST TEN!!
WALES 0-0 CZECH REPUBLIC
75. As we approach the final quarter of an hour, it’s the ten men of the Czech Republic who look the more likely to nick a goal if one is to come.
Rob Page knows that, and is preparing to make another change to switch the game back in Wales’ favour.
WALES 0-0 CZECH REPUBLIC
73. James tracks all the way back to his own six-yard box, and keeps Coufal under wraps by taking a cross off his toes.
The Wales forward read the game extremely well there.
WALES 0-0 CZECH REPUBLIC
69. A dipper from Darida!
The Czech Republic midfielder demonstrates lovely technique as a bouncing ball sits up nicely for him outside of the box, but his effort flies a yard over the crossbar.
WALES 0-0 CZECH REPUBLIC
67. Coufal shows he can do the defensive aspects required of a modern day full-back as well as the attacking elements.
He stands up brilliantly to James’ run, and wins the ball back off the Manchester United forward.
WALES 0-0 CZECH REPUBLIC
65. James is in on goal but is denied by both the dive of Vaclik and the flag of the linesman.

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PORTUGAL fought back from a goal-down to beat minnows Luxembourg 3-1.Cristiano Ronaldo notched his 103 international goal as the European champions survived an ALMIGHTY scare to pick up the win.
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LUXEMBOURG 1-3 PORTUGAL
Where Ronaldo stands in the all-time international goalscorers list after his volley tonight…

LUXEMBOURG 1-3 PORTUGAL
No L’s here for Ronaldo.

LUXEMBOURG 1-3 PORTUGAL
Ronaldo was denied a second late on from a stunning double save.

FT: LUXEMBOURG 1-3 PORTUGAL
It’s ALL over!
The European champions were given an almighty scare but fought back to see the game out well.
They now sit top of group A on seven points alongside Serbia.
LUXEMBOURG 1-3 PORTUGAL
90: Luxembourg’s goalscorer Gerson Rodrigues heads down the right wing for another burst forward but it comes to nothing.
Portugal are going to see this out.
LUXEMBOURG 1-3 PORTUGAL
86: RED CARD FOR LUXEMBOURG!
Already on a yellow, Chanot puts his arm across the onrushing Renato Sanchez and he’s handed his second card and is sent off!
Chanot seems absolutely shocked and looks like he didn’t know he was already on a yellow.
LUXEMBOURG 1-3 PORTUGAL
80: Job done for Portugal.
Sub Joao Palhinha finds space in the box and heads home from close range straight from a corner.
That’s the Sporting Lisbon midfielder’s first goal for his country.
LUXEMBOURG 1-3 PORTUGAL
80: GOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLLL
Game. Set. Match.
LUXEMBOURG 1-2 PORTUGAL
77: Ronaldo misses not once…but TWICE!
The Portugal talisman is clean through on goal but hits the ball straight at keeper Moris, and his rebound is then also saved!
He then taps the ball in after it ricochets over to him but he’s offside.
LUXEMBOURG 1-2 PORTUGAL
70: Sebastien Thill curls in a free-kick which looks to have caught Anthony Lopes on the backfoot…
But the Portugal stopper tips it over the bar!
LUXEMBOURG 1-2 PORTUGAL
Cool, cool finish from Ronaldo for what currently is the winning goal.

LUXEMBOURG 1-2 PORTUGAL
65: Ronaldo concedes the foul, taking down Martins.
Luxembourg’s free-kick comes to nothing.
LUXEMBOURG 1-2 PORTUGAL
60: Spaces opening up all over the pitch now with Luxembourg tiring.
Portugal dominating play at the moment.
LUXEMBOURG 1-2 PORTUGAL
56: Sebastien Thill about to come on for Luxembourg, replacing his brother Olivier.
A third Thill brother, Vincent, is still on the pitch, meaning three different Thill brothers have featured for the hosts tonight.
Luxembourg really are giving a licence to Thill.
LUXEMBOURG 1-2 PORTUGAL
53: CHANCE FOR LUXEMBOURG!
End to end stuff here. Rodrigues charges through down the right hand side and fires a shot in but it hits the side netting.
LUXEMBOURG 1-2 PORTUGAL
50: Cancelo dinks a cross into the area and it’s turned in by Ronaldo who volleys home form close range.
Goal No 103 for Portugal for Ronaldo!
Portugal have turned this around.
GOOOOOOAAAAAALLL
50: Ronaldo SCORES!!!!!
LUXEMBOURG 1-1 PORTUGAL
48: Ronaldo with a low diving header in the area but its straight into the keepers clutches.
Either way, the whistle’s gone and would have been offside.
LUXEMBOURG 1-1 PORTUGAL
47: Portugal on the up.
Renato Silva shows some trickery on the edge of the area but his shot is deflected wide.
The resulting corner proves fruitless.
PEEEEEEEPPPP
46: And the second half begins!
LUXEMBOURG 1-1 PORTUGAL
The players are out for the second half (well, Portugal are. We wait for the hosts)…
LUXEMBOURG 1-1 PORTUGAL
They may not have had an easy the night that they thought was in store, but perfect time to equalise for the Portuguese.

LUXEMBOURG 1-1 PORTUGAL
45: My word that really was right on the stroke of half time.
Pedro Neto twists and turns on the left wing before chipping in a cross for former Wolves team-mate Diogo Jota.
Jota gets free in the box and powers in an unstoppable header!
Devastation for Luxembourg. What a time to score!
LUXEMBOURG 1-1 PORTUGAL
45: GOOOOOOOOOOAAAALLL
Diogo Jota equalises
LUXEMBOURG 1-0 PORTUGAL
44: Another chance for Portugal, and this time its for Ronaldo!
He gets between two defenders in the box but just can’t connect with a header, the ball seeming to come uncharacteristically off his shoulder instead.

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SERGIO AGUERO is to leave Man City this summer, the club have confirmed.Meanwhile Chelsea are reportedly looking to include Timo Werner in a potential swap deal for Erling Haaland with Borussia Dortmund.
And Arsenal are reportedly being drawn into a five-way battle to sign Fiorentina forward Dusan Vlahovic, 21.
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RON ROW ARMBAND AUCTIONED
Cristiano Ronaldo’s angrily-discarded captain’s armband is up for auction to raise money for a sick child in Serbia.
Little Gavril Djurdjevic, who is just six months old and from the city of Kragujevac, suffers from spinal muscular atrophy.
Ronaldo’s discarded armband is on sale to raise funds for a sick child in Serbia
Skipper Ronaldo protested after his late winner for Portugal against Serbia was ruled out
Humanitarian organisation Together for Life hopes to raise €2.5million (around £2.1m) needed for his treatment.
And they are now selling Ronaldo’s Portugal armband to the highest bidder over the next three days in an online auction to help reach that target.
It was taken from the pitch of Belgrade’s Rajko Mitic stadium by a worker, who donated it to Together for Life and baby Gavril, after Portugal’s 2-2 World Cup qualifier against Serbia on Saturday.
The charity auction marks an incredible twist to the tale.
Ronaldo marched over to the linesman to argue in vain that his shot had crossed the line, replays backing up his case.
The referee booked a raging Ronaldo, who walked off the field waving his arms in disbelief before ripping off his captain’s armband and launching it to the floor.
RAI’S BLAZE AT MANC RIVALS
Super-agent Mino Raiola has stirred it up with neighbours Manchester United and City.
He told the Athletic: “I don’t give a f**k if I never do another player with Man Utd. I’m not in their hands. I’m independent.
“Guardiola? I’ve closed the book a long time ago. Everybody knows what I think of him personally; he can say what he thinks for me personally.”
ZANFIELD OF DREAMS
Fenerbahce midfielder Ozan Tufan is being closely monitored by Liverpool, reports suggest.
Reported Liverpool target Ozan Tufan celebrates scoring against NorwayCredit: AP
Anfield spies were said to have watched the Turkey star – likened to Yaya Toure for his box-to-box energy – in this week’s World Cup qualifiers, including a 4-2 win over Holland.
Tufan, 26, was rated man of the match when netting in a 3-0 win over Norway.
Valued at £13million, he is under contract at Turkish giants Fenerbahce until 2023.
And Turkish-Football.com say Liverpool are amongst his main admirers.
TORREIRA MUM TRAGEDY
Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira’s mum has tragically passed away from coronavirus.
Viviana Di Pascua, 53, was recently admitted to hospital in Uruguay and taken to the intensive care unit.
Uruguay star Torreira had an exceptionally close relationship with his mum
Toreira had a portrait of his mum put on his leg at the beginning of this year
But her health deteriorated on Tuesday and shortly after her death was announced by local media.
The footballer had already been allowed to leave his loan post with Atletico Madrid in order to return home to Uruguay.
And it was reported by local media that Torreira and his family had been staying in a hotel in Salto to be close to Viviana.
Back in January, Torreira showed the love he has for his mum by getting a portrait of her on his leg.
On his left leg, almost on the shin itself, is the portrait of her.
Torreira regularly posted pictures of the pair together on social media.
THE THREE LAMS?
Frank Lampard could be a shock replacement for Aidy Boothroyd as England Under-21s manager.
The ex-Chelsea boss will reportedly be a top candidate if the FA makes a change.
The Young Lions look likely to be seeking a new boss this summer after another dismal European Championship performance.
They have lost their opening two games of the tournament – going down to Switzerland and Portugal without scoring a goal – and look certain for an early exit.
The Daily Mail claims recently-axed Chelsea boss Lampard will be among the top candidates the governing body want to speak to about the position.
LUK AND LEARN
Luke Shaw’s agent has revealed how the star was helped through his feud with Jose Mourinho and not forced out of Manchester United ‘just to make money’.
Jonathan Barnett, who also looks after the likes of Gareth Bale and Jack Grealish, has revealed the work put in behind the scenes to rescue the defender’s confidence.
He explained to The Athletic: “My job in that situation is to make sure the player’s spirits are kept up.
“We try behind the scenes to help them understand what’s gone wrong. A lot of it is personal.
“We had to rebuild his confidence, which we did. We took certain steps. But Luke is a very strong man. He never got too down.
“His family had to be there for him and we had to be there for him. We didn’t say, ‘You’ve got to leave Man United, we’ve got to go because we need to make money’.
“We didn’t force Luke Shaw out of Man United. He wanted to stay there. And that’s what he’s done. And today, he’s a great, great player.”
STANDING TOGETHER
Arsenal have demanded social media companies act now to eradicate abuse on their platforms.
The Gunners have launched their own Stop Online Abuse campaign in a bid to help fight the vile attacks which continue to blight players and fans.
A club statement said: “All of us at Arsenal – players, staff and fans – stand together to address the flow of abusive posts and messages on social media platforms.
“We call on everyone to join forces and identify, condemn and highlight abuse when they see it.
“This is about changing attitudes and making a difference every day.
“We do this through our community work and the Arsenal for Everyone programme – but it’s time for us all to work together.
“We also echo the demands made to social media platforms by the footballing community.”
DEMANDS FOR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

Racist/discriminatory messages/posts should be filtered/blocked before they are received
Operate robust/transparent/swift measures to take down abusive material if it does get into circulation
Users subject to verification that allows for accurate ID of person behind the account. Steps taken to stop a user that has sent abuse from re-registering
Our platforms should actively assist investigating authorities in identifying the originators of discriminatory posts.”

BADGE OF HONOUR
Inter Milan have released their rebranded club badge.
And it’s fair to splay it has split opinion – how do you rate it?

TUF ENOUGH
Liverpool are reportedly stepping up their interest in Turkish international Ozan Tufan.
The Fenerbahce midfielder has earned comparisons to Yaya Toure for his box-to-box energy.
Anfield boss Jurgen Klopp reportedly sent spies to check on the 26-year-old in Turkey’s recent World Cup qualifiers.
Tufan helped his country to a shock 4-2 win over Holland – then did even better last Saturday.
He put in a man-of-the-match display, scoring two spectacular goals as his nation beat Norway 3-0 in Malaga.
Tufan is under contract until 2023 and Fenerbahce would demand at least a £13million transfer fee.
The fact he can operate on either wing as well as in his primary role as a defensive midfielder makes him an attractive option for Kop.
KYL-LER MISTAKE
Borussia Dortmund missed out on signing Kylian Mbappe for FREE just 12 months before his £153million move to Paris Saint-Germain.
The 22-year-old French striker is now one of the most sought-after talents on the planet with a host of clubs chasing his services.
However, former Dortmund chief scout Sven Mislintat has now revealed how close he came to getting the hotshot to the Bundesliga side for NOTHING a year prior to his huge PSG move.
The ex-Arsenal head of recruitment told the Kicker meets DAZN podcast: “It was a real shame that we couldn’t get Kylian in.
“Kylian Mbappe was [available] free of charge at a certain point and there were many suitors. But we had no chance of winning that [race].
“If you had been able to steal Mbappe from Monaco for free at the time, it would of course have been a mega deal.”
RIP CLAUDE
Arsenal sent their condolences to the family of former AFTV regular Claude Callegari who has sadly died.
The Gunners wrote: “Sending our condolences to Claude’s family, friends and everyone who cherished him.
“His passion for the club was undeniable and he will be missed.”
Gooners also paid tribute on social media after it was announced that the outspoken fan favourite had passed away.
Sending our condolences to Claude’s family, friends and everyone who cherished himHis passion for the club was undeniable and he will be missed ❤️— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 30, 2021

QUICK SERG
Sergio Aguero has the best goal-per-minute ratio in Premier League history.
The Argentine will leave Manchester City at the end of the season as one of the league’s greats.

WEL DONE
Rebecca Welch will make history as the first female referee to take charge of an EFL game.
Welch will whistle Harrogate Town vs Port Vale on Monday April 5.
Breaking News: Rebecca Welch becomes the first female referee to be appointed to an @EFL game as she takes charge of Harrogate Town v Port Vale on Monday 5th April. Congratulations, Rebecca! pic.twitter.com/1GO5ZKNS3v— The Referees’ Association (@RefsAssociation) March 30, 2021

SPAIN AGAIN
Chelsea will play BOTH legs against Porto in Sevilla’s Roman Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium.
Covid-19 travel restrictions mean the games can’t take place in Portugal.
And the Blues will hope for another positive result in Andalusia after a stunning group stage effort in December.
Chelsea thumped Sevilla 4-0 in their own backyard with Olivier Giroud netting all the goals.
And Thomas Tuchel will be hoping his side can excel again at what is now a happy hunting ground.

FINDING JACK
A documentary portraying Jack Charlton’s remarkable life revealed the difficult relationship with his brother.
Finding Jack Charlton, which was aired on Monday, relived the Leeds United legend’s life both on and off the field. Jack died aged 85 in July after suffering from lymphoma and dementia.
The Charlton brothers had a difficult relationshipCredit: Getty
During his illustrious career he won two league titles with Leeds, the FA Cup and League Cup and, of course, the historic World Cup in 1966.
Jack is also a hero in Ireland after helping them qualify for their first World Cup as a manager in 1990 in which 500,000 fans welcomed them back onto Irish soil in Dublin after their knockout.
But his relationship with Manchester United legend Sir Bobby, who was two years his junior, suffered after they fell out in 1996.
Jack accused Bobby of not visiting their mother Cissie before her death in the same year.
Bobby, who won the Ballon d’Or in 1966, would reveal his wife Norma and Cissie had a falling out and he opted to take the side of his other half.
CONFIDENCE TRICKS
Gareth Bale admits that he DOES suffer from a lack of confidence.
The Wales captain has had a mixed season at Tottenham, with form and fitness issues under boss Jose Mourinho.
Bale – who has ten goals in 25 games for Spurs so far this season – explained: “Confidence is a massive thing in football.
“Whether you are the best player or the worst, having confidence as a footballer — especially for me — is one of the most important things.
“Playing in the final third you need to take risks. You really need to feel good about yourself and to be able to beat a defender, shoot and score goals.
“I’m building my confidence up slowly which has been good — and that has shown in my performances and with scoring goals.
“I need to keep improving, keep putting in good performances. And then hopefully they can keep on getting better and better to lead into the Euros.”
FERGIE FEUD ROUND TWO
Controversial super-agent Mino Raiola has reignited his feud with Sir Alex Ferguson by firing fresh shots at the Manchester United legend.
The pair fell out back in 2012 when Paul Pogba’s representative convinced him to leave the Red Devils due to a lack of first-team football.
Mino Raiola has reignited his Fergie feud over Paul Pogba
Now the Dutch-Italian Raiola has fired back at the 79-year-old, claiming he only liked ‘yes’ men and comparing him to disgraced ex-Fifa president Sepp Blatter.
And he also says that United’s owner the Glazers proved him right about his client when they signed him back for £89.3m after Ferguson’s retirement.
He told The Athletic: “When Ferguson criticised me, that was my biggest compliment anybody could give me.
“Ferguson is used to people coming in and, ‘Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir’.
“All I have to say that when Ferguson left Manchester United the club’s owner [the Glazers], by buying back Paul Pogba, told me that I was right.
“Because I didn’t want to take Paul Pogba away. He [Ferguson] didn’t believe in Paul Pogba.”
MO GO ZONE
Mo Salah has failed to give assurances that his future belongs at Liverpool.
The Egyptian superstar, 28, has been linked with high-profile moves to both Real Madrid and Barcelona with hints he is looking for a new challenge.
Liverpool’s disastrous title defence, which sees them struggling to qualify for a top four finish, is fuelling speculation over Salah’s morale at the club.
His frustration was laid bare when he was hooked off after 62 minutes in a defeat against Chelsea at the beginning of March.
Salah still has two years left on his contract at Anfield but admitted the future ‘is not up to him.’
When asked whether he sees himself at another club after four years at Liverpool, he told Marca: “It is not up to me. We’ll see what happens but I prefer not to talk about this now.”
GO AL IN
Chelsea are reportedly refusing to give up in the race to sign David Alaba for free this summer – but his £400,000-a-week wage demands remain an issue.
However, Manchester City have decided to end their interest in the Austrian defender.
David Alaba will be on the move this summerCredit: AFP
Alaba, 28, revealed he will leave Bayern Munich after 13 years on a free transfer this summer when his contract expires.
Real Madrid and Barcelona appeared to be battling it out for his signature with no transfer fee required.
But despite reports in Germany that Alaba had rejected approaches from Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, the player’s agent confirmed his client has not decided just yet.
And Pini Zahavi – who also looks after Bayern team-mate Robert Lewandowski – refuted suggestions it is simply a two-horse race for Alaba between the LaLiga giants.
He told Kicker: “David has to choose who wins the race. But we are still talking with other clubs. There is no deadline.”
PIR PRESSURE
Juventus are preparing for a summer clear out with five players up for sale, according to reports.
The current Serie A champions are way off the pace in the table, ten points behind leaders AC Milan.
New boss Andrea Pirlo, who replaced Maurizio Sarri, looks destined to become the first Juve manager in ten seasons to fail in winning the league.
And as a result, the Italian legend is set to revamp his side and sell unwanted stars, the Daily Mail claims.
Among those is ex-Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey, 30, who joined on a free transfer in 2019.
Injuries have halted the Welshman’s momentum this season and leaves his future uncertain.
Similarly, Paulo Dybala’s time in Turin has also come under question, with the Argentine’s contract expiring next summer and the forward, 27, is not set to receive an extension, leaving Juve wanting to cash in now to prevent him leaving on a free.
CHEEKY JIBE
Nemanja Matic has teased team-mate Bruno Fernandes after the ghost goal that never was denied Portugal victory against Serbia.
Matic has retired from international football but was still delighted to see his countrymen hold Euro 2016 winners Portugal to a 2-2 draw.
But the ball appeared to be across the line late on only for a lack of goalline technology and the officials contriving to deny Cristiano Ronaldo who stormed of and threw down his captain’s armband.
Matic shamelessly shared an image of the ball on the line and tagged Fernandes and Ronaldo in his Instagram story.
He wrote: “Just on the line. Is it all clear now?”
Matic shared this to his Instagram story
JAMES GAINS
James Rodriguez promised there is ‘more to come’ from his Everton spell.
And he heaped praise on his father-figure manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Colombian Rodriguez, 29, signed for Everton from Real Madrid on a free last summer and has recorded five goals and four assists in his 18 Premier League appearances.
But as he looks set to return after a five-match absence through a calf injury, the ex-Bayern Munich star is confident he can still improve.
He told the Everton website: “I’m reasonably happy with how I am playing. I think there’s more to come and I can hit some better form but when I’ve performed well, it’s had a positive effect on the team.
“And that’s what I want: for the team to play good football and perform at a high standard.
“I’ve come to a good club, a club that wants to achieve big things.”
DOUG DEEP
Douglas Costa’s loan spell at Bayern Munich will reportedly not be extended this summer.
The Brazilian midfielder returned to the Bundesliga giants from Juventus in October.
Douglas Costa looks set to leave Bayern Munich againCredit: Getty
The 30-year-old, previously linked with Manchester United, has failed to impress Bayern boss Hansi Flick.
And Goal claims the Champions League holders have already made the decision not to renew the loan or look to make it a permanent transfer.
Costa originally signed for Bayern in 2015 from Shakhtar Donetsk and shone during his two years there before heading to Juventus on loan.
That led to a permanent move, but an on-pitch row with Federico Di Francesco during a match against Sassuolo in early 2018 angered club officials.
Things continued to get worse for Costa as he struggled for match action and he eventually ended up returning to Bayern looking to revive his career.
LUMPING ON LAMPS
Frank Lampard could be a shock replacement for Aidy Boothroyd as England Under-21s manager.
The ex-Chelsea boss will reportedly be a top candidate if the FA makes a change.
The Young Lions look likely to be seeking a new boss this summer after another dismal European Championship performance.
They have lost their opening two games of the tournament – going down to Switzerland and Portugal without scoring a goal – and look certain for an early exit.
The Daily Mail claims recently-axed Chelsea boss Lampard will be among the top candidates the governing body want to speak to about the position.
SHAWLY NOT
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claimed Luke Shaw is the second best finisher at the club behind Mason Greenwood.
The Norwegian overlooked the likes of Marcus Rashford, Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial in favour of his resurgent left-back.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer backed Luke Shaw and Mason Greenwood as the club’s best finishersCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Even the talismanic Bruno Fernandes is behind Shaw in the finishing ranks.
Shaw said in February that the boss rates his finishing: “You should ask the manager he normally says me.
“I understand people will say I don’t score many goals but he’s actually said to me I was one of them [best finishers]. I don’t know if he was being nice or not.”
And Solskjaer backed up his player and said: “I’ve said that to Luke, yeah.
“He is behind Mason Greenwood, Luke has a very good finishing technique when he gets in that position so I encourage him to get up there.”
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SERGIO AGUERO is to leave Man City this summer, the club have confirmed.Meanwhile Chelsea are reportedly looking to include Timo Werner in a potential swap deal for Erling Haaland with Borussia Dortmund.
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KON AIR
SunSport’s Charlie Wyett says: “Liverpool are in pole position to land RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate for £33million.
“A number of European clubs have been watching the French centre-back, 21.
“But the Premier League champions are the only ones prepared to meet his buy-out clause.
“Liverpool have drawn up a five-man list for potential central defenders this summer.
“And this includes Ozan Kabak, 21, who joined on loan from Schalke in January.”

LUKE AT HIM NOW
Luke Shaw knows he is drinking in the last chance saloon with England — but promises he will never betray Gareth Southgate’s trust again.
The Manchester United left-back made his long-awaited return during Sunday’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying win in Albania.
And Shaw confessed: “I have some massive regrets about my England career and I couldn’t stop thinking about the mistakes I had made in the past.
“I have pulled out of a lot of squads and I was letting the boss down because maybe I wasn’t in the best condition around that time.
“The last time I played before Sunday was against Spain in 2018 and I’ve given it so much thought over the past two years.
“I tried to keep in touch with the manager just to let him know that things have changed, but I had a few discussions with my family and they thought that maybe I wouldn’t get back into it.
“But deep down I always believed that if I worked hard I could earn a recall and Gareth has given me another chance so now I need to prove to him that I want to be a part of this squad.
“I remember watching the last World Cup and seeing how well the squad was doing and it really made me want to get involved.
“Maybe at that time I wasn’t mentally right. I had injury problems but maybe they were ones that could have been dealt with.”
MO SWEAT
Arsenal star Mohamed Elneny curled in a beauty as Egypt battered Comoros 4-0 on Monday evening.

COMPUTER SAYS GO
Manchester United will qualify for the Champions League – but Newcastle are heading for the Championship next season, according to a supercomputer.
Thomas Tuchel is expected to get his Blues into the top four, joining champions Manchester City, second-place United and Leicester in third.

RACE FOR EUROPE
Meanwhile, Vladimir Coufal was coy on whether the team will qualify for the Champions League.
He said: “David Moyes is a big personality for Scottish football and for our Premier League. He is very helpful. Still he is asking about something, what do we need.
“Hopefully, I wish [to qualify for the Champions League]. But we will see. We have to stay with our feet on the ground and we will see at the end of the season.
“West Ham is very popular now in Czech Republic. It’s very pleasant and I really enjoy it.”
HAMMER BLOW
Vladimir Coufal has claimed the Czech Republic side stand by Ondrej Kudela following allegations that he racially abused Rangers’ Glen Kamara.
The West Ham star said: “Of course, everyone from the Czech team stands by Ondrej and everyone is glad that he is here.
“He is an important part of our squad. Other things that happened, I can’t comment on.
“I think Ondrej is happy he could be here. He is a big professional and for him, it’s no problem.”
JACK POT
Jack Grealish returned to training with Aston Villa today to end his five-week injury exile ahead of a swift return against Fulham on Sunday.

LEAGUE OF HIS OWN
Thomas Muller has addressed Pep Guardiola’s Champions League hoodoo that the Spaniard suffered at Bayern Munich and Manchester City.
He told the Times: “A team with Guardiola is always in shape to win it.
“But the problem is in the knockout stage you have only two games and many crazy things can happen.
“It is more random than in 38 games like the Premier League. In the last two years, Liverpool was amazing but normally a good team with Guardiola wins the league, for sure.
“The way he prepares his teams, his team against smaller teams, he is the best. But when top teams play against each other, the difference is not big enough to put away the random facts.”

GUARD UP
Thomas Muller also gushed over former boss Guardiola, who is set to win a third Premier League title with Manchester City.
He enthused: “Our advantage was that Pep came after our big win [the Champions League and German double] in 2013 — we had no time to rest on our success because Pep kicked our ass in every training session.”
MULL IT OVER
Thomas Muller has refused to rule out a move to the Premier League.
He told The Times: “I’m not fixed to this club.
“I have a special relationship, I love Bayern before I started playing for them, but when there is a situation where you have to decide maybe to play for a different club it would be no shame and no problem at all.
“Maybe like with Thiago [Alcantara, now at Liverpool].”

AGUERO SPEAKS OUT
The Manchester City legend has released his own statement on social media following his exit announcement.

CITY LIMITS
Manchester City have confirmed Sergio Aguero will leave the club this summer.
The Argentina striker, 32, is City’s all-time leading goalscorer with 257 goals in 384 games.
Aguero joined the club in 2011 from Atletico Madrid for £35million.
And he has led City to numerous trophies including four Premier League titles.
But Aguero will part ways with the club after ten years when his contract expires at the end of the current campaign.

CLASS ABOVE
Manchester City Chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak has revealed the club will build a Sergio Aguero statue alongside David Silva and Vincent Kompany.
He told the club’s website: “Sergio’s contribution to Manchester City over the last 10 years cannot be overstated.
“His legend will be indelibly etched into the memories of everyone who loves the Club and maybe even in those who simply love football.
“This is not yet the moment for farewell words and speeches. There is still much to achieve in the remainder of the time we have with Sergio, and we look forward to his contributions to the challenges which lay ahead.
“In the meantime, it gives me great pleasure to announce that we will be commissioning an artist to create a statue of Sergio to live at the Etihad Stadium alongside the ones under construction for Vincent and David. And we look forward to the opportunity to bid Sergio a fitting farewell at the end of the season.”
AGUER-NO
Manchester City have confirmed that Sergio Aguero is set to leave on a free transfer this summer.

MAKING THEIR MARC
Manchester United have joined Tottenham and Liverpool in the race for RB Leipzig captain Marcel Sabitzer.
The 27-year-old Austrian, who captains the high-flying Bundesliga side, is catching the eye of several Premier League teams with his performances this season.
And now Bild have reported that the Red Devils are keen to bring the midfielder to the club in the summer window.

SAN HERO
Romelu Lukaku is set for talks over a bumper new Inter Milan contract, according to reports.
The Belgian striker, 27, has been in red-hot form since making the switch to the San Siro in 2019.
That has led to speculation of transfer interest from the likes of ex-employers Chelsea as well as Barcelona.
But the Daily Mail state Inter are trying to tie their No9 down to an improved deal.
Talks are expected to begin later in the year to discuss a pay rise.

MORE FROM HAVERTZ
He added: “It has been difficult to change everything. It’s hard for me but I’m seven months here and getting used to the place now.
“I haven’t seen much of the country or the city of London. Every day I just go to training and then come back and spend the rest of the day at home.
“It’s not easy but people have more problems than me. I do what I love – I play football and that’s my job right now.
“Hopefully there will be a big change soon and then I hope the experience in England will be much better with fans and everything.”
KAI IN THE SKY
Kai Havertz is confident he has put a ‘tough’ start to life at Chelsea behind him.
He told the club’s website: “It’s been a tough season.
“I know things haven’t been going smoothly but I think that’s normal when you first go abroad. It takes half a year or longer to adjust.
“Things are going well right now so I don’t want to over-think those negative impressions from the past. I am positive and hope that the next weeks will be every bit as good.”

FANDEMONIUM
The Government has confirmed it will back allowing 20,000 fans to attend the FA Cup Final – in a bid to speed up the return to full houses by the end of the summer.
One of next month’s FA Cup semis is also in line to have be watched by a crowd as well – although that will be entirely made up of no more than 4,000 local residents.
Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston is working with the FA, Premier League and other sports bodies ahead of the scheduled May 17 date for turnstiles to be re-opened for crowds of up to 10,000.
Huddleston told LBC: “We’re finalising the details but the figure of 20,000 for the FA Cup Final is one I recognise and that seems to be the ambition.
“We would like as many as possible as we believe is safe because these are important tests and processes to get the systems in place in terms of hygiene and other things.
“On May 17 the goal is for major outdoor events to have capacities of 10,000 so the pilot would be pushing it beyond that, which is quite important.”
REAL PROBLEM
Arsenal and Real Madrid have agreed to delay talks regarding Martin Odegaard’s future until the summer.
Mikel Arteta appears keen on keeping the attacking midfielder on a permanent basis but Los Blancos have yet to decide whether he is part of their plans for next season.
According to Goal, the two clubs have decided to wait until the end of the season before holding talks over a possible permanent deal involving the 22-year-old.
Arsenal are reportedly worried that his parent club will demand a staggering fee of £50million once they return to the negotiation table.
AUBA THE TOP
Alexandre Lacazette teased ‘sexy boy’ Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for his new haircut.
The Arsenal No9 filmed his team-mate heading back into the Arsenal dressing room and shared the video on his Instagram story.
Aubemayang, 31, returned to Gunners training after the international break rocking Travis Scott-style braids.
Alongside his pink, blue and yellow fluorescent t-shirt, ripped jeans, trainers, watch, chain and shades, the Arsenal skipper was looking rather dapper indeed.
And Lacazette ensured his 3.1million Instagram followers got a glimpse of his welcome behind the scenes at London Colney.
The Frenchman, 29, shouted: “Travis Scott is in the f***ing building, show it to the gram, yes show it to the gram, sexy boy!”

KNEE BOTHER
Manchester United have dealt a new injury blow with Anthony Martial a doubt for France’s game against Bosnia.
The striker, 25, bagged an assist in Sunday’s 2-0 win against Kazakhstan.
But Martial was forced off the pitch after picking up a knock to his knee.
And RMC Sport now claims the forward is set to miss France’s third World Cup qualifier against Bosnia on Wednesday.
It’s said Martial took damage to the fibula on his left knee.
And it now remains to be seen if the ace will be fit for United’s Premier League clash against Brighton on Sunday.

RED ALERT
Ibrahima Konate’s phone has been ‘ringing all over the place’ since strong Liverpool links emerged this morning.
Asked about the reports by L’Equipe, he responded: “I woke up, I saw my phone ringing all over the place.
“I just wanted to tell them, ‘Hey, I played yesterday, I’m tired, leave me alone.’
“Frankly, I don’t even watch this.
“We can’t focus on that, there are the Euros and then my return to the club.
“You have to focus on that and not on the external things.”
AMERICAN DAN
Daniel Sturridge is at the centre of a transfer tug of war in the MLS, according to reports.
The former Liverpool striker is wanted by David Beckham’s side Inter Miami as well as rivals DC United.
Sturridge, 31, is a free agent after leaving Turkish team Trabzonspor last year.
And Daily Mail report that American sides Inter Miami and DC United are trying to sign the striker.

BALE OUT
Gareth Bale has called for a sporting boycott on social media to eradicate vile abuse online.
The Wales captain’s team-mates Rabbi Matondo and Ben Cabango were the latest footballers to receive racist abuse on Instagram after the 1-0 win over Mexico on Saturday.
Bale said: “If everyone came together and decided to boycott social media to make a statement, if we had a campaign, not just one or two people, where a lot of big influential people in sport and in other forms of life came off social media to make a statement, then yes, I definitely think it could help.
“If that is the case then I would obviously be all for that.”

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