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ENGLAND head to Albania for the second game of their World Cup 2022 qualifiers.The Three Lions kicked off their campaign in style on Thursday night with a 5-0 win over European minnows San Marino.

Kick-off: 5pm
TV/live stream: ITV 1/ ITV Hub
Albania XI: Berisha; Hysaj, Ismajli, Djimsiti, Veseli; Laci, Bare, Memolla; Uzuni, Cikalleshi, Broja
England XI: Pope; Walker, Maguire, Stones, Shaw; Rice, Phillips, Mount; Foden, Kane, Sterling

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ALBANIA 0-0 ENGLAND
6. A couple of players have lost their footing early on, while passes have gone astray too. The pitch has come in for some criticism ahead of today’s fixture, and looks as though it will be a factor.
Still, it’s the same for both sides, etc, etc
ALBANIA 0-0 ENGLAND
5. A positive run from Sterling off the right draws three Albania defenders out of position, but his pass to Phillips is short of its target, and the opportunity of an opening evaporates.
ALBANIA 0-0 ENGLAND
3. Good pressure from Sterling forces Djimsiti into punting the ball out of play.
It’s a high-pressing possession game from the Three Lions in these early stages.
ALBANIA 0-0 ENGLAND
2. Shaw is looking to make up for lost time, and goes for an early surge with the ball down the left.
The Manchester United man gets the better of two players before being cut off by Ismajli.
ALBANIA 0-0 ENGLAND
1. Both teams take the knee, and then it’s England – in all white – that get the action underway.
Albania are in their red shits and black shorts, the referee is Orel Grinfeeld from Israel.
PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!HERE WE GO!
TRENT WITH BEST WISHES
Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold may be out of form and out of favour as far as England are concerned, but he’s still fully behind the Three Lions.

HERE COME THE TEAMS!
Etrit Berisha and Harry Kane lead their teams out in Tirana, and line-up on the pitch for the national anthems.
SOUTHGATE SETS HIS STALL OUT
England coach Gareth Southgate has been speaking ahead of kick-off, and has expressed what he hopes to see from the team he’s selected this evening.
We’ve got a team where our defenders can play and build a game well, and we have forwards who can finish well. But in actual fact, the key is that our defenders defend extremely well and show resilience, and our forwards defend from the front. I think we have the capabilities to do that with this team. [Albania] are well coached by a very experienced Italian. It’s a really good test for us, and if we want to be a top team, we need to come to places like this and dictate the game, and withstand everything that’s thrown at us.Gareth SouthgateITV
KANE AND ABLE
With 12 goals, Harry Kane was the top scorer in the last set of qualifiers for a major tournament, the yet-to-take-place Euro 2020, and will now be targeting another glut as the Three Lions embark on the road to Qatar 2022.
In the process of firing his country to finals, the striker has scored in each of his last seven away qualifying matches, the longest ever run by an England player.
Kane has also scored at 16 different stadiums as an England player with only Tom Finney (17), Michael Owen (25) and Wayne Rooney (27) have scored a goal at more different venues for England.
A SHAW THING
Luke Shaw has been Manchester United’s standout performer in 2021, and his recall to the international stage is just reward.
Today he starts his first England game in two and a half years.

IT WAS TWENTY YEARS AGO TODAY…
…that Sven-Goran Eriksson sent his team to play.
On this day in 2001, England beat Albania 3-1 in Tirana in a World Cup qualifier that left the Three Lions in pole position in Group 9, ahead of Germany on goal difference with two games to play.
Following a drab first hour, Michael Owen opened the scoring in the 73rd minute before Paul Scholes sealed victory with five minutes to go. Although Altin Rraklli pulled one back for the home side in injury time, there was still time for Andy Cole to score his first international goal – at the 13th time of asking.
It was a game also notable for Ashley Cole’s first of 107 caps, and England haven’t returned to Albania until today.
Captain David Beckham celebrates with Andy Cole after England’s third goal in Albania.
THREE LIONS GOAL HUNGRY
You can only beat what’s in front of you, but England have done just that in their recent qualifying games for major tournaments – and have done so in style.
42 – England have scored 42 goals in their last nine qualifiers for major tournaments (W8 L1), netting five or more goals in six of those games under Gareth Southgate. Barrage.— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 28, 2021

POPE KEEPING IT CLEAN
Nick Pope has got the nod once again to start in Albania, and the Burnley goalkeeper is 90 minutes away from making history on the international stage.
Pope hasn’t conceded a goal in any of his five appearances for his country so far, and, having become only the second England stopper to do so after Chris Woods, he could today become the first to keep clean sheets in each of his first six international matches.

ENGLAND SUBSTITUTES
13 Henderson, 22 Johnstone, 12 Trippier, 14 Lingard, 15 Coady, 16 James, 17 Ward-Prowse, 18 Calvert-Lewin, 19 Mings, 20 Chilwell, 21 Watkins, 23 Bellingham
ENGLAND XI
Gareth Southgate makes six changes to the side that started against San Marino on Thursday, three of which come in his back four. Kyle Walker and Luke Shaw are the full-backs in place of Chelsea pair Reece James and Ben Chilwell while it’s Harry Maguire who partners John Stones in the centre instead of Conor Coady. In midfield, Declan Rice gets the nod over James Ward-Prowse while Phil Foden and captain Harry Kane replace Jesse Lingard and Dominic Calvert-Lewin up front. It’s a 4-2-3-1 formation for Southgate with Kane leading the line.
1 Pope; 2 Walker, 6 Maguire, 5 Stones, 3 Shaw; 4 Rice, 8 Phillips; 10 Sterling, 11 Mount, 7 Foden; 9 Kane

ALBANIA SUBSTITUTES
12 Selmani, 23 Strakosha, 3 Lenjani, 8 Gjasula, 9 Memushaj, 10 Manaj, 13 AJeti, 15 Hoxhallari, 19 Doka, 20 Ramadani, 21 Kallaku, 22 Kamberi
ALBANIA XI
Edoardo Reja makes five changes to the team that beat Andorra as he switches from a 3-5-2 to a 3-4-3. Hysen Memolla comes in on the left in place of Thursday’s goalscorer Ermir Lenjani while Freddie Veseli replaces the injured Marash Kumbulla. Qazim Laci starts in midfield over Klaus Gjasula with Ledian Memushaj and Rey Manaj also dropping to the bench; Myrto Uzuni and Armando Broja start in advanced positions.
1 Berisha; 18 Ismajli, 6 Djimsiti, 5 Veseli; 4 Hysaj, 7 Bare, 14 Laci, 2 Memolla; 17 Broja, 16 Cikalleshi, 11 Uzuni
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐢 𝐳𝐲𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐫! 🇦🇱..11 kuqezinjtë ♥️🖤 janë gati për përballjen e sotme ndaj Anglisë 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿! 🕤 18:00📺 RTSH & Digitalb#ForcaShqipëria pic.twitter.com/52AytEhuUI— FSHF (@FSHForg) March 28, 2021

THE TEAMSHEETS ARE IN!
GOOD AFTERNOON FROM TIRANA
Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup qualifier between Albania and England.
After the challenge of San Marino, it’s the Albanians next for the Three Lions in Group I – otherwise known as ‘The Group of Life.’
Albania, of course, will provide a much sterner test, having evolved into a perfectly competent football nation over the past 25 years.
And Edoardo Reja’s team’s arguably had the more impressive result with their 1-0 victory in Andorra last time out, and have now won their last four games on the international stage.
However, the knee injury sustained to Roma centre-back Marash Kumbulla on Thursday is a huge blow to the Eagles’ hopes of avoiding defeat against England for the first time.
Meanwhile, Gareth Southgate is expected to make changes to his side with three games now scheduled for each country over these international breaks.
However, Nick Pope will remain in goal in the continued absence of the injured Jordan Pickford, and could become the first England keeper in history to keep clean sheets in each of his first six matches for his country.
At the other end of the pitch, Harry Kane is in line for a recall. The England captain has scored in his last seven qualifiers away from home, the longest ever such run by a Three Lions player.
We’ll have confirmation of today’s two teams shortly with the action due underway at the Air Albania Stadium at 5pm.

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CRISTIANO RONALDO has reacted angrily after Portugal had a last-minute goal ruled out in Serbia.Meanwhile Liverpool are still pursuing a transfer move for Dutch forward Donyell Malen, along with the two Milan clubs.
And Thierry Henry has received wide support for quitting social media over the treatment of athletes who have been targeted by racism.
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ON GAARD
Paul Merson has urged Arsenal to drop Martin Odegaard until they can secure a permanent deal for the Real Madrid talent.
Odegaard has scored twice during his loan spell with the Gunners but Merson does not think he should be guaranteed a place in the side.
Martin Odegaard’s future is up in the airCredit: Reuters
Pundit Merson told the Daily Star: “Martin Odegaard looks a really good player and I hope Arsenal have a chance of signing him permanently.
“Because if they don’t have a chance of making his loan permanent next season, why is he playing?
“If they know he doesn’t want to stay, he shouldn’t be playing because he’s taking opportunities away from people like Emile Smith Rowe.
“So I hope Arsenal have done their homework and know what the situation is – I’d be disappointed if they haven’t already made a bid to be honest.”
ENGLAND TEAM
Less than half an hour until England get their World Cup qualifier underway in Albania.
Gareth Southgate has made six changes with Phil Foden and Harry Kane starting in attack.

RAM RAID
Tottenham have asked Juventus about a shock summer swoop for Arsenal icon Aaron Ramsey, according to reports in Italy.
The Serie A giants are set to offload the £400,000-a-week star, 30, as part of a cost-cutting squad overhaul this summer.
Liverpool and Everton have already been linked with the Gunners icon, with the Reds viewing Ramsey as the perfect replacement for out-of-contract Georginio Wijnaldum.
But now Tottenham have emerged as shock suitors for the Welshman.
Credit: Getty
STAY OR GO?
Harry Kane then. This story will run and run. It promises to be the transfer saga of the summer.
Will he leave Tottenham?
Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
KANE SHOULD GO
Ex-Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has urged his former teammate Harry Kane to quit the club – if he wants to win trophies.
In an interview with TalkSport, Defoe said: “If you’d have asked me this question a few years ago, I’d have said he should have stayed there, what he’s done at the football club – he’s a legend.
“Since I’ve come away from that and gone to Rangers, I’ve seen that mentality and played for another big club, the importance of playing for that club and winning every game, that mentality, the standards and demands.
“You have to win and bring silverware, otherwise it’s not good enough. When you actually achieve that and the feeling you get from that, wow man. I wish I had that earlier on in my career.
“If Harry Kane wants that and wants to win trophies then it looks like he has to go.
“I don’t think it will be easy for him to leave and he might be looking at it and want to finish off being the highest goalscorer in the club’s history and see where that takes him.
“He can hopefully win a few trophies, but if he’s really craving medals then he really has to go.”
Credit: PA:Press Association
ROB LEE SLAMS ANTHONY MARTIAL
Former England international Rob Lee has hit out at Man Utd forward Anthony Martial for his ‘terrible’ attitude.
He told: Football Fancast: “He’s such a talented lad, he’s quick and he can finish well but some days, he just doesn’t seem interested.
“His attitude seems terrible. So yeah, if somebody would give me £50 million for him, I’d snap their hand off.”
Credit: AFP
LUK AT THAT RECORD
Romelu Lukaku scored yet again for his country last night, as Belgium drew 1-1 with the Czech Republic.
And the strike was his 59th for his country, as he boasts an astonishing record for the Belgian Red Devils.
With his side trailing 1-0 courtesy of Lukas Provod’s 50th minute effort, Lukaku found himself one on one with the last defender on the hour mark.
He twisted one way, then the other, before finishing past Tomas Vaclik in the Czech goal.
His effort saw the Inter Milan striker pull even further ahead at the top Belgium’s all-time leading goalscorer standings.
Current team-mate Eden Hazard is second on the list, 27 behind on 32 goals from 106 caps aged 30.
Credit: EPA
DYB-ING WAR
Manchester United and City are among SIX clubs set to be offered Paulo Dybala as part of a sensational summer swap deal, according to reports.
Juventus have long been keen to move on the Argentine international, 26, with the forward close to a move to Old Trafford in the summer of 2019.
Credit: Getty
ATLETICO SET LLORENTE PRICE
Atletico Madrid have reportedly set an asking price for Man Utd target Marcos Llorente.
The Spanish winger will set the Red Devils back a whopping £103million, according to Marca.
Credit: Getty
GEOR BLIMEY
Liverpool ace Georginio Wijnaldum was involved in a heated touchline row with Holland boss Frank De Boer.
The Reds midfielder was hauled off with just 11 minutes left of his country’s 2-0 win against Latvia in their World Cup qualifier on Saturday.
But he reacted badly when his number came up and was visibly upset with his national manager.
The two had a frosty exchange of words as he made his way off.
Find out what the Liverpool man said about it after the game by clicking on our story here.

LUKAK-BLUE
Chelsea have received a boost in their pursuit of Romelu Lukaku with Inter Milan reportedly ready to listen to offers.
But any San Siro departure for the former Blues striker is said to depend on whether Inter can land Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero on a free.
The Belgian has been a revelation at the San Siro but the Serie A giants are prepared to sell to help combat the financial impact of Covid-19, according to the Star.
Chelsea are said to be considering a move for the former Manchester United forward if they fail to land No 1 striker target Erling Haaland.
Lukaku was on the books at Chelsea between 2011 and 2014 and he is one of five hitmen that could make a summer switch to Stamford Bridge.
Credit: Reuters
.
DALOT DEAL
Manchester United and AC Milan have opened talks over the permanent transfer of Diogo Dalot.
The 22-year-old is currently on-loan at the Serie A club from Old Trafford and has appeared 24 times this term.
Now The Metro claims Milan have tabled a £12million offer to try to sign the Portuguese defender permanently.
Dalot is happy in Italy and is believed he would be open to extending his stay there.
However, Milan – like most teams across Europe – are struggling to splash huge sums on players, resulting in their bid being short of the £19m United handed over to Porto in the summer of 2018.
He is on around £40,000-a-week, well within the wage structure Milan can afford with other team members on a lot more than him.
Credit: Getty

‘VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SIGN KANE’
Spurs striker Harry Kane will be ‘virtually impossible’ for clubs to afford this summer, according to Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol.
Kane’s comments this weekend have sparked speculation over his future with Tottenham.
But it has now been reported that due to financial strains caused by the coronavirus pandemic along with the price Daniel Levy will demand, it is unlikely the England forward will depart at the end of the season.
Credit: AFP
SHAW THING
Gareth Southgate has been praising Manchester United full-back Luke Shaw ahead of England’s game against Albania this evening.
The Three Lions coach said: “He’s been very good. Luke played in the first Under-21 game I took charge of.
“There’s never been any doubt in our mind about Luke’s quality.
“It’s been great to see him playing on the front foot as a full-back, with his defending and he’s been really ambitious with his attacking.
“He looks like he’s in good condition to drive forward, he’s got excellent quality with the ball, it’s a good moment for him.
“He’s aggressive against his wingers, he’s difficult to play against one-vs-one, he’s getting better with his cover defending for his centre-backs.
“He’s got to find the level he’s shown at his club and play his game.”
Credit: Getty
TIMO FOR ERLING?
The Express are reporting that Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel wants to include Timo Werner as part of a swap deal for Erling Haaland.
The Borussia Dortmund striker has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs including Manchester City and Manchester United.
And Blues manager Tuchel is said to have asked Abramovich to put the part-swap deal into action.
Credit: Getty
RECAP
Little recap of some of the biggest stories so far today then.

Kane casts doubt over his Spurs future
Pjanic is staying at Barcelona
Odegaard could move permanently to Arsenal
Lukaku may be on his way out of Inter

LUK-ING TO SELL
Inter Milan could be set to sell Romelu Lukaku in the summer, according to The Star.
The Belgian striker has scored 25 goals and provided seven assists in 34 games for the Serie A league leaders this season.
However, in order to balance their books Inter may be willing to let him go for the right price.
Chelsea and Manchester City have both been linked with the former Man Utd man.
Credit: AFP
ODEGAARD TO STAY AT ARSENAL
Arsenal have convinced Martin Odegaard to stay at the club beyond the end of the season, according to The Express.
The Norwegian is currently on loan at the Emirates from Real Madrid but was set to return to the Bernabeu in the summer.
However, it is now believed that Odegaard will put pen to paper to remain at Arsenal for the foreseeable future.
Credit: Getty
SEVEN CLUBS FOR KANE
Check out our piece on Harry Kane and the seven clubs he could move to this summer.
We look at the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid or even an outside shout of Chelsea? Really?!
Credit: MARK PAIN PHOTOGRAPHY
WIJNALDUM MOVE UP IN THE AIR
Georginio Wijanldum’s contract expires at Liverpool this summer and he has been linked with a move to Barcelona.
However, with Miralem Pjanic now pledging his future to the Catalan side, the Reds midfielder may not be wanted by Ronald Koeman’s side.
So, will Wijnaldum find another home or could Liverpool make a play to try and keep him?
Credit: Getty
NOU MOVE
Miralem Pjanic is staying put at Barcelona despite his lack of game time, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The 30-year-old has been out of favour at the Nou Camp, but will stick it out with the Spanish giants.
Pjanic played for Bosnia against Finland earlier this weekCredit: EPA
VILE RACIST ABUSE
Wales stars Rabbi Matondo and Ben Cabango suffered disgusting racist abuse sent online following the 1-0 win over Mexico.
Matondo, who won his eighth Wales cap against the Mexicans, revealed he was called a ‘n*****’ on Instagram.
The ex-Manchester City wideman, who is on loan with the Potters from German side Schalke, posted in response: “Disgraceful”.
Then Matondo added on his Twitter account: “And it continues…another week of @instagram doing absolutely nothing about racial abuse. My insta will get taken down if I post any clips from my games though… #priorities”
Cabango, who helped Wales keep a clean sheet on just his third international appearance, also highlighted the racist abuse he received on social media.
His post read: “It’s 2021 and it’s still happening” in reply to a vile message which read: “F***ing monkey’.
Matondo was the subject of horrific racial abuseCredit: Reuters
PAIN IN THE ARSENAL
Arsenal fear Real Madrid will demand £50million for Martin Odegaard this summer, according to reports.
And the Gunners will reportedly face stiff competition from London rivals Chelsea.
Arsenal signed the midfielder on loan in January for a fee of £1.8m and he has produced some stellar performances since.
Real valued him at £30m at the time but refused to include an option-to-buy clause in the deal.
And after his outstanding showing for the Gunners since, they are concerned Real will make them cough up £50m to bring him in on a permanent deal.
Whether Arsenal are able to do that remains to be seen.

MESLIER MOVE
Paris Saint-Germain are lining up a move for Leeds keeper Illan Meslier, according to The National.
The young shot stopper has impressed for the newly promoted side so far this season.
And now the 21-year-old could be on the end of a big money move to the French champions in the summer.
Credit: Getty
HOLD THE STERLING
Manchester City have put contract talks with Raheem Sterling on hold.
A new £320,000 per week deal is said to be in the works, but will not be done any time soon.
Credit: Getty
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CRISTIANO RONALDO has reacted angrily after Portugal had a last-minute goal ruled out in Serbia.Meanwhile Liverpool are still pursuing a transfer move for Dutch forward Donyell Malen, along with the two Milan clubs.
And Thierry Henry has received wide support for quitting social media over the treatment of athletes who have been targeted by racism.
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STERLING EFFORT
Raheem Sterling will have to wait to put the finishing touches to a new £320,000-a-week deal.
The Manchester City winger has held initial discussions on fresh terms but they have now been put on hold.
Raheem Sterling’s contract talks are on holdCredit: Getty
RON RAGE
Cristiano Ronaldo threw his captain’s armband away in disgust after his late goal was disallowed in Portugal’s 2-2 draw in Serbia.
The Juventus star thought he had netted a dramatic winner but the linesman claimed it did not cross the line.
Cristiano Ronaldo makes his thoughts very clear after being denied a late winner against Serbia
With no VAR in use, the goal was not awarded and Ronaldo was left frustrated after his side squandered a 2-0 lead.
Diogo Jota scored twice to put Portugal in charge but Serbia fought back to deny them.
NO LUX OF THE IRISH
The final whistle has gone and the Republic of Ireland have lost 1-0 at home to Luxembourg. Yes you read that one correctly.
It looked bad enough with the game petering out at 0-0 but Gerson Rodrigues’ 85th minute effort has delivered one of the most embarrassing nights for Irish football.
Stephen Kenny’s worst night as Ireland bossCredit: PA
Stephen Kenny is still waiting for his first win as Ireland manager after a disastrous start to his reign.
Ireland’s World Cup qualifying campaign already looks ruined. Where do they go from here?
LUX OVER
Incredible scenes as Luxembourg take a 1-0 lead over the Republic of Ireland.
Gerson Rodrigues smashes the ball home from long range and Ireland are facing a humilating defeat.
OUT OF LUX?
Less than half an hour remaining and it is still Republic of Ireland 0-0 Luxembourg.
The hosts are desperately short on inspiration but surely this would be a new low?
Republic of Ireland are being held by LuxembourgCredit: Getty
Can Ireland find a winner to avoid an embarrassing draw?
MOORE THE MERRIER
Wales have taken the lead in their friendly at home to Mexico with Kieffer Moore neatly finishing off an attack from close range.
Elsewhere, Republic of Ireland are still being held 0-0 at home to the mighty Luxembourg in their World Cup qualifier.
Kieffer Moore opens the scoring for WalesCredit: AP
POPE BLESSING
England boss Gareth Southgate has confirmed Nick Pope will start their next two World Cup qualifiers.
The Burnley goalkeeper was barely used during England’s rout against San Marino but is likely to be busier against Albania and Poland.
Nick Pope will start England’s next two gamesCredit: Reuters
It means Manchester United keeper Dean Henderson will again be on the bench for the next two matches.
Pope has the chance to hold on to the jersey and put pressure on Jordan Pickford when the Everton keeper returns from injury.
WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY
Chelsea are reportedly pushing for this summer’s Premier League transfer window to be extended into September.
The Blues have proposed the window opens a week later, in the middle of June, allowing it to remain open until September 7.
Chelsea boss Thomas TuchelCredit: Rex
There has also been talk of another domestic-only window, which allows transfers between English clubs, being held.
A domestic-only window was held last year between October 5 and 16.
Do you think the transfer window needs to be open for longer this summer?
GAB’S GIFT
Martin Odegaard has picked out Arsenal striker Gabriel Martinelli as the club’s most talented youngster.
The likes of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe have excelled this season but teenager Martinelli has caught the eye of the Norway star.
Gabriel Martinelli has impressed Martin OdegaardCredit: Getty
Odegaard said: “Obviously we have Bukayo and Emile and they are already playing so much.
“But I think one guy who hasn’t played that much lately is Martinelli.
“He’s such a big talent, you see him in training every day and you see it.
“He’s a really talented player with a lot of qualities.
“So I think definitely he’s one for the future. And he’s so young still, so I will go with him.”
Which Arsenal youngster gets your vote as the most talented?
BALE OUT
Gareth Bale’s future remains up in the air with the attacker not part of Real Madrid’s plans next season.
Bale is currently on loan at Tottenham but insisted he was heading back to Spain at the end of the season.
Gareth Bale is on loan at SpursCredit: Getty
Do you think Spurs should try and get Bale back again next season? Has he shown enough back in London?
FIRST DYBS
Arsenal are mulling over a move for Juventus forward Paulo Dybala.
The Gunners are focused on holding on to Martin Odegaard but are making alternative plans in case Real Madrid refuse to play ball.
Paulo Dybala is out of favour at JuventusCredit: Getty
Dybala has struggled for game time at Juve this season and only has just over a year left on his contract.
Arsenal are not the only club to express an interest in him with Chelsea and Spurs also recently linked with the Argentina forward.
JORGIN-GO?
Chelsea star Jorginho has raised doubts about his future at Stamford Bridge by admitting he ‘misses’ Naples.
The 29-year-old, who was signed from Napoli in 2018, has also complained about the ‘cold’ London weather.
He said: “There are no words to describe how much I miss Naples.
“‘Who wouldn’t miss Naples? It’s so cold in London, they don’t even know what the sun is.”
Jorginho has played 126 times for Chelsea since arriving at the club in 2018Credit: EPA
REMINDER
A reminder of one of the big stories of the last couple of days.
Manchester United have reportedly made a £68.5million enquiry for Atletico Madrid winger Marcos Llorente.
What do we make of that?
Llorente could be involved in a big money move this summerCredit: AFP
PIERRE-SHAPED
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has shocked fans by getting a new hair style on international duty.
The Arsenal forward was sporting the fresh look on social media after Gabon qualified for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations.
Aubameyang shared his new hair style on InstagramCredit: Instagram @willy.aubameyang
The 31-year-old shared an Instagram story by Willy Aubameyang, his half-brother and former international colleague, featuring his new box braids.
The 34-year-old tagged recording artists Travis Scott and Sean Paul in the post, who are believed to be the inspiration behind the fresh trim.
The older sibling was also sporting the braids, posting the caption: “New song coming soon.”
JESUS INTEREST
Chelsea are reportedly looking to secure a deal for Porto midfielder Jesus Corona this summer.
According to The Mail, the Blues are hoping to reach an agreement for the 28-year-old before June.
Corona has scored three times in 40 games for the Portuguese side so far this season.
Corona could find himself at Stamford Bridge this summerCredit: Getty
WILL-ING TO IMPROVE
Arsenal star Willian has admitted that he is enduring the worst spell of his career this season in North London.
But the Brazilian, 32, is determined to show Gunners fans his best form.
Willian has failed to score in 30 appearances so far for ArsenalCredit: Getty
Asked if this is the ‘worst professional moment to date, he said: “I think so.
“I feel ready to reach the level I reached at Chelsea.
“That is my goal, what I hope for, especially at the end of the season.
“I will try to do my best to help Arsenal in the best way possible, and reach the level I had when I was playing at Chelsea.”
AL NOT WELL ON TYNESIDE
Newcastle striker Miguel Almiron has said he wants to play for a team that ‘fights more’ amid speculation over his future.
The Magpies forward has struggled since arriving at the club and could well leave this summer.
And recent comments to Paraguayan radio station ABC Cardinal, he made a bizarre set of comments.
He said: “I would like to play in a team that fights more,” before then adding “Here I am happy and I feel comfortable.”
Almiron has netted just 13 times in 78 games for NewcastleCredit: AP
WE WANT KOU
Liverpool have reportedly made an ‘informal offer’ of around £34.2million for Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly.
The Senegalese defender has been with the Serie A side since 2014, impressing throughout his stint with the club.
But he has frequently been linked with a move to several European giants.
And now The Express believe Liverpool have put a proposal to Napoli for Koulibaly to sign for them this summer.
Koulibaly could finally move away from Napoli this summerCredit: Getty
SHOPPING HAAL
Real Madrid are reportedly set to sell six first team stars in a bid to bring in either Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe.
Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Gareth Bale, Isco, Vinicius Jr and Raphael Varane could all be on their way out of the Bernabeu in order to free up funds for a superstar signing.
Marcelo and Varane are two of six players who could be forced out this summerCredit: Getty
There is no doubt a clear-out is needed at Madrid.
However, is spending a huge amount on just one or two players really the way forward?
DON OF ANFIELD
Liverpool are eyeing a move for PSV forward Donyell Malen this summer, according to The Star.
The 22-year-old Dutchman left Arsenal in 2017 as a teenager, but has thrived ever since.
Malen has scored 51 goals in 110 games for PSV and is now on the radar as a target for some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Liverpool have struggled for goals recently and Malen is reportedly seen as someone who could arrest that issue for Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Malen could fix Liverpool’s woes in front of goalCredit: Getty
LUKING BACK
Chelsea will consider a sensational swoop to re-sign Romelu Lukaku if they fail in their transfer pursuit of Erling Haaland, according to reports.
But the Inter Milan striker doubts he will make a return to the Premier League.
Lukaku officially left Chelsea for Everton way back in 2014Credit: Getty
The Blues are desperate to bring in a new No9 when the summer window opens with Haaland their first choice.
But with the Borussia Dortmund man wanted by plenty of Europe’s top clubs, it is thought Chelsea are preparing a list of back-up options.
And according to The Telegraph, Thomas Tuchel is considering going for Lukaku.
KEANE ON JUDE
Manchester United legend Roy Keane has labelled Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham ‘the complete midfielder’ after his performance for England against San Marino on Thursday.
The former Red Devil said: “Bellingham looks like a complete midfielder.
“He’s still a kid playing regularly in Germany. 
“He’ll be disappointed with missing the chance, but at 17 he has nice composure, happy to break forward, very good night’s work.
“He will be disappointed with the chance, he tries to complicate it when he should just side-foot it.”
Bellingham was superb for England earlier this weekCredit: Getty
NO TIME TO BE SAD
Liverpool forward Sadio Mane has vowed to ‘keep fighting’ despite the Premier League champions’ difficult run of results.
The Reds are currently down in seventh place, five points off the top four, but Mane remains passionate in his belief they can turn things around.
Mane’s form has dropped off this season following a stellar spell with the RedsCredit: Getty
He told The Mirror: “We have to deal with the situation and not stop believing, but keep fighting, keep our motivation and go again.
“When you are a fighter you never try to make excuses, we are here to find solutions. Being together with my teammates always gives me high energy. 
“In football – and in life in general – you can’t expect anything and for years and years this complicated situation has not happened.
“We have always been successful, but now this has happened and we can see it is like how life is.”
FINAL PLEA
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has made one final plea with the owners of the club to agree a new deal with Georginio Wijnaldum.
The Dutch midfielder’s contract runs out this summer and he has been linked with a number of clubs including Barcelona and Inter Milan.
Wijnaldum has been a crucial player for Klopp’s side for the best part of five yearsCredit: AFP or licensors
But, according to 90Min Klopp has tried to make a last ditch play to keep him at Anfield.
Wijnaldum joined Liverpool from Newcastle back in 2016 and has played 226 times for the Premier League champions, scoring 22 goals.
ERL OF CATALUNYA
Erling Haaland could be set to join Barcelona in the summer, according to The Express.
The Norwegian superstar has been linked with a move to several Premier League sides including Manchester United and Manchester City.
Haaland has been linked with a host of the European superpowersCredit: Getty
But despite the Catalan giants’ financial difficulties, they are now being rumoured as potential suitors for the Borussia Dortmund striker.
Haaland has scored 39 goals for club and country already this season and is now widely regarded as one of the best forwards in the world.
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