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BETIS midfielder Guido Rodriguez is reportedly “aware” of interest from Arsenal.Meanwhile, and PSG are increasingly confident that they can persuade Gianluigi Donnarumma to leave AC Milan this summer.
The Italy goalkeeper is out of contract and both clubs reportedly believe they can meet agent Mino Raiola’s demands.
And England’s Under-21 side are in action against Switzerland this afternoon in the European Under-21 Championships.
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Stay up to date with all the latest football news in our rolling blog…
HUGE RIV-ELATION
Lionel Messi is close to signing a new Barcelona contract, according to Barca legend Rivaldo.
The Argentine superstar’s Nou Camp future has been in doubt since he handed in a transfer request last summer before performing a dramatic new turn.
He is set to become a free agent with Manchester City interested at the end of the year although the election of Joan Laporta as the new Barca president could tempt him to stay.
Rivaldo told Betfair: “Barcelona are massively improving in the last few weeks capitalising on Messi’s superb form and the election of a new president.
“Messi looks much more connected and happier since Laporta’s arrival – a president he knows well.
“For that reason, I’m starting to believe more and more that Messi might reach an agreement with the new board and sign a new contract to stay at the club for a few more years.
“Messi had a confidence boost with the new president election – someone he has a good connection with – raising the chances of him considering to stay for a bit longer.”
ARE YOU FER REAL?
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand bizarrely told Newcastle fans to stump up £300million to buy out owner Mike Ashley if they hate him so much.
Just one win from 18 league games leaves the Magpies facing a third relegation from the Premier League under the despised Sports Direct tycoon.
Rio Ferdinand extraordinarily called on Newcastle fans to pool together £300m to oust Mike Ashley
Ashley is desperate to sell and is currently suing the Premier League over the failed £300m Saudi Arabian-led bid.
And Ferdinand angered the Toon Army by claiming they can have few complaints unless they are willing to put their money where their mouth is.
The former England defender told his YouTube channel: “He doesn’t care what people think. It’s his club and he’s doing what he wants to do.
“Whether you like it or not, he’s the one that’s put the money up and he’s doing what he thinks is right for the club.
“Whether the Geordies don’t like it, a lot of them hate him and don’t like him but, round your money up and take over the club then.”
ADIOS ARO
Manchester City keeper Aro Muric has been sent home from international duty for breaching team discipline, according to reports.
The 22-year-old was part of Kosovo’s squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Spain.
But national boss Bernard Challandes sent Muric packing earlier this week after the Swiss-born keeper broke team rules.
Muric is on a season-long loan to Dutch club Willem II.
He helped City win the 2019 League Cup, making five appearances, but has since been loaned out to Nottingham Forest and Spanish club Girona.
The keeper had rowed with national teammate Edon Zhegrova, according to Dutch outlet AD.
But coach Challandes labelled the claims ‘fake news’. The Swiss-born manager added: “It would be a lack of respect on my part towards Aro Muric if I give out any more information.”
DEAL WITH IT
Manchester United are set to hand Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a new £10million-a-year contract, according to reports.
The Norwegian, first appointed by the Red Devils on a temporary basis in December 2018, is currently contracted until 2022.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is set to be handed a bumper new dealCredit: Getty
And while he is yet to win a trophy, club chiefs are convinced that he is the right man for the long-term.
According to The Mirror, Solskjaer will be handed a new three-year deal, even if they fail to win the Europa League this season.
The 48-year-old is also set for a significant £2.5m rise on his current £7.5m-a-year salary.
MOUNT A COMEBACK
Chelsea star Mason Mount has admitted that new boss Thomas Tuchel ‘lit a fire’ inside him after axing him for his first game in charge
Speaking ahead of England duty this week, he said: “I’ve had that experience before.
“I was on loan at Vitesse Arnhem when I was 18, 19. That first couple of months I didn’t play hardly at all.
“I had that motivation and that fire to want to get into the team. The first game with the manager coming in, he went for a more experienced team.
“I understood that and wanted to get back into the team, so that motivation and that fire that I have inside me came out.
“I really tried to push to get back into the team. It’s been brilliant. We are working very hard.
“We’ve had tough games in this last period but we have come through it. It’s exciting stuff, we continue to work hard. It’s been a great start.”
GO-MART
Real Madrid reportedly expect Martin Odegaard to return to Spain in the summer following his loan spell at Arsenal.
The Gunners signed the midfielder in January for a fee of £1.8million and he has produced some stellar performances for the club.
Real Madrid expect Martin Odegaard to return to SpainCredit: Getty
Goals against Tottenham and Olympiacos, as well as a starring role in the comeback draw with West Ham, have made him an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s plans.
It is said that the Premier League side are very open to the idea of keeping Odegaard past the summer.
But, according to Madrid publication Marca, Real are not contemplating a sale.
Zinedine Zidane gave the Norwegian his first run in the team at the start of the campaign but a knee issue and a lack of match action hindered his form.
Madrid reportedly want to provide Odegaard with a fresh crack at proving himself at the Bernabeu and no purchase option was agreed in his temporary transfer.
REAL DEAL
Liverpool will take the opportunity to scout Nacho when they meet Real Madrid in the Champions League, it has been claimed.
The Spaniard has been vital in Madrid’s recent eight game unbeaten run in the league, playing every match.
It comes while Sergio Ramos is sidelined with injury, and Nacho is expected to keep his place in the squad even upon the captain’s return to fitness.
That will see the centre-half play against Barcelona domestically and Liverpool in Europe.
And according to AS, the English champions, along with Roma, have both been interested in Nacho before.
So, with two legs to watch the 31-year-old in action, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp can take a better look at him.
MARC MY WORDS
Holland legend Marco van Basten wants to scrap the offside rule from football.
The iconic former midfielder wants to do away with the rule as it will make the sport ‘more interesting’.
Van Basten, 56, was Fifa’s technical director between 2016 and 2018 and rule improvements were part of his remit.
The Dutchman told Sky Sports: “I am still very curious about the offside rule because I am convinced that it is not a good rule.
“At least I would like to trial it to show that football is also possible without the offside rule. I am convinced that football would be better without it.
“Football is a fantastic game but I still think that we have to do much more to make it better, more spectacular, more interesting, more exciting. We have to work on that.”
NICK OF TIME
Nicky Butt reportedly left Manchester United after ‘friction’ with the club’s newly-appointed director of football John Murtough.
The official line from the former England midfielder, 46, who won six Premier League titles as a United player, was that he wanted ‘a new challenge’.
Nicky Butt announced he was quitting Old Trafford for a ‘new challenge’ this weekCredit: PA:Press Association
SunSport has exclusively revealed that Derby boss Wayne Rooney is interested in adding Butt to his management team at the Championship outfit.
But according to The Athletic, Butt and Murtough had ‘differing footballing views’.
Murtough was essentially Butt’s line manager in the new coaching set up. The Athletic describes the pair as ‘like chalk and cheese’.
It is also alleged that Butt felt ‘overlooked’ for the technical director role that his former team-mate Darren Fletcher bagged.
Butt helped bring current first-teamers like Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay, Axel Tuanzebe, Dean Henderson and Mason Greenwood through United’s famous academy.
MARI-NO CHANCE
San Marino are massive 250/1 outsiders to beat England, but there are plenty of other bizarre things apparently more likely to happen.

10 things more likely to happen than San Marino beating England

Jeremy Corbyn to be PM – 100/1
Gareth Bale to win the Ballon D’or – 100/1
UK to win the Eurovision song contest – 100/1
Pep Guardiola’s next club to be Newcastle – 100/1
Man Utd to win this season’s Premier League – 150/1
Beyonce to win 2024 US Election – 150/1
Jamie Carragher to be next permanent Liverpool manager – 175/1
Scotland to win EURO 2021 – 200/1
Meghan Markle to call her baby Melania – 200/1
Steven Gerrard to be next permanent Manchester United manager – 250/1

RASH DECISION
Marcus Rashford joined up with the England camp to catch-up with his team-mates and rehab in a social environment but will not play in the World Cup qualifier.
The 23-year-old Manchester United forward is struggling with an ankle injury but The Athletic reports he was desperate to be in and around Gareth Southgate’s side.
Marcus Rashford was eager to see his England palsCredit: PA
Rashford is said to have wanted to be in team meetings ahead of plans for the delayed Euro 2020 tournament this summer.
Rashford is still fully recovering from an ankle blow suffered in the Manchester derby and despite returning for 90 minutes against West Ham, he was hooked at half-time against AC Milan.
The report states he did not suffer ligament damage but bruising and bleeding on the bone initially ruled him out of the first leg in the Europa League.
DIE IS CAST
Diego Costa has reportedly agreed a two-year deal with Portuguese club Benfica.
The striker left Atletico Madrid in December and has fielded numerous offers to return to action.
Premier League club Wolves, Sao Paulo and even Manchester City were discussed as potential destinations for the 32-year-old.
But Benfica emerged as frontrunners earlier this month with a reported contract offer worth £50,000-a-week.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Costa has agreed in principle to sign for the Lisbon side.
The switch will go through in June and see the forward earn a £2.6million signing-on fee.
Costa’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has reportedly been hard at work finding a new club that can offer top-level football to the player.
YOUNG LIONS
England’s Under-21s get their delayed European Champs up and running at 2pm.
Here’s Aidy Boothroyd’s side for the opener against Switzerland with Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah skippering the team.
Gunners team-mate Emile Smith Rowe is handed his first cap.

BREAKING: LIONS IN WAIT
England’s World Cup qualifier with Albania is at risk at being axed over police security fears, according to reports.
The Three Lions were due to face their European opponents in the Albanian capital Tirana on Sunday.
But the Albanian Football Association (AFA) have released a statement claiming the safety of both teams cannot be confirmed because the State Police have not taken over its security.
The statement, posted on Albanian Daily News, read: “Today in the Albanian Football Federation a letter arrived from the Local Police Directorate of Tirana which states the structures of the Local Police Directorate Tirana cannot guarantee the taking of measures before, during and after the Albania-England match.
“Faced with the situation where the state authorities did not react after the request of the AFA for the release of spaces on the perimeter of the National Stadium, we request urgent response to these structures.
“The cancellation of the Albania-England match would have catastrophic consequences for the image of our country, the National Team and in general for Albanian Football.”
KEANE ON CELTIC
Manchester United legend Roy Keane has been made the odds-on favourite to become the next Celtic boss.
John Kennedy is steering the Hoops until the end of the season after Neil Lennon walked away from his second stint in charge.
Roy Keane is being linked with a return to the dugoutCredit: Getty
Roy Keane is being linked with a return to the dugoutAnd outspoken pundit Keane – who finished his career at Celtic Park – could be gearing up for a return to management after formerly taking the reins at Ipswich Town and Sunderland.
Bookmaker Coral’s John Hill said: “Roy Keane had a brief spell at Celtic as a player at the back end of his career and if the betting is anything to go by, he could be set for a return to Glasgow to take over as manager in the summer.
“John Kennedy has a contract until the end of the season, but it is Keane who is the odds-on favourite to take over ahead of the start of the 2021/22 SPL campaign.”
BUBBLING CALDERON
Gareth Bale has been warned about a potential ‘volatile’ reaction from Real Madrid fans if he returns to Spain.
Former Real president Ramon Calderon says Los Blancos supporters will only back him if he recreates his early Bernabeu form.

Calderon, 69 – Real president between 2006 and 2009 – told TalkSPORT: “Fans are very volatile, it depends on his performances.
“If he’s going to play well and score goals like he did when he first came then fans will back him. But if he’s not then problems will come again.
“This club is very demanding, I remember with [Zinedine] Zidane they were booing him for the first five months because they thought we’ve paid a lot of money for a player that wasn’t playing as they expected.
“I’m sure fans will be backing him if he does things well.”
SOL MATES
Manchester United are reportedly ready to offer boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a bumper new deal.
The Norwegian gaffer penned a three-year deal when he was given the Old Trafford job full-time in March 2019.
ESPN reports the club have seen enough progress to offer the former super sub a new deal.
The 48-year-old is approaching his final year in the summer and United brass are wary of causing too much speculation if negotiations drag on.
The club are planning for the long-term under Solskjaer and have installed John Murtough as football director and Darren Fletcher as technical director with the pair’s relationship with the manager key in securing their roles.
ALL BETIS ARE ON
Real Betis’ Guido Rodriguez is aware of Arsenal’s reported interest in him but hasn’t heard from Mikel Arteta.
The 26-year-old midfielder has helped propel Manuel Pellegrini’s side up to sixth in LaLiga.

Reports suggested the Gunners were preparing to trigger his £68million release clause although the Andalusian side are expected to accept a far lower offer amid the pandemic.
Arsenal’s interest was put to Rodriguez and the Argentine international told Estadio Deportivo: “I saw it because friends from Argentina asked me, but I told them that I knew the same as them.
“I am the protagonist because I am in the news but today, I do not know more or less than you who saw it.
“I am very happy [at Betis], I arrived and there was one or two months with a strange situation for everyone with the issue of confinement but the truth is that I am very happy in Seville, with the city, the weather, at the club… I’m very happy.
“It feels a bit [pandemic] when we walk down the street, I would have liked to experience all this with the fans in the stadium. I could only play a few games with the packed stadium.”
MATES RATES
Former Arsenal star Serge Gnabry has named his all-time XI of team-mates past and present.
The German was never really given a proper chance at the Emirates, playing only 18 times for the Gunners first team.

But despite this, four Gooners have made the cut – including current right-back Hector Bellerin and old skipper Laurent Koscielny.
Gnabry, who won the treble with Bayern Munich last season, also claimed Mesut Ozil is the best player he’s ever played with.
SWEDE AND SOUR
Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof revealed the personal sacrifices he has to make to represent Sweden.
The Red Devils centre-back is missing his son’s second birthday to play for his country during the international break.

He wrote on Instagram: “Two years of being a father to this little man. I will always walk side by side with you through life. Happy birthday son.”
Sweden face Georgia in tonight’s World Cup qualifier before playing Kosovo on Sunday and Estonia in a friendly next Wednesday.
CON’S CANCER
Stockport County striker Connor Jennings has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
Jennings, 29, discovered a tumour when undergoing scans for a persistent shoulder problem and low-grade chondroid sarcoma was diagnosed after a biopsy.
The only course of treatment for the former Tranmere and Scunthorpe forward is to undergo surgery, and County have confirmed he will miss the remainder of the National League season.
Jennings has enjoyed a long career in the lower leagues and Conference, and scored the winning goal in Tranmere’s League Two play-off final win over Newport Country in 2019.
ACE FROM MASE
Manchester United ace Mason Greenwood has proved he is also a star off the pitch after sending an ill fan a heartwarming letter.
The England talent, 19, took notice of the teenager’s situation by former Man Utd youth player Nenad Smiljanic.
Mason Greenwood’s handwritten letter to a young #mufc fan who is currently ill in hospital ❤️📝 “… I hope you are soon better and back home. I’m enjoying playing for the first team and hope to score lots of goals for you over the next few seasons. Get well soon.” Class 👏 pic.twitter.com/N2TX0DHWVH— United Zone (@ManUnitedZone_) March 24, 2021

Smiljanic reached out to the Red Devils to see if anything could be done to raise the spirits of the teenager in hospital.
And to his delight, Greenwood took time out of his day to construct a handwritten letter wishing him a speedy recovery.
It read: “How are you? I believe you have not been well, but you are now recovering in hospital.
“I hope you are soon better and back home. It is great that you are a Man Utd fan and I hope we can win something for you this season.
“I’m enjoying playing for the first team and hope to score lots of goals for you over the next few seasons. Get well soon.”
SERG IN DEMAND
Manchester United should ‘break the bank’ for Erling Haaland or Harry Kane rather than sign Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero, according to Ally McCoist.
The Scottish legend and former striker believes a move for Aguero would cause ‘uproar’.
On talkSPORT, he said: “It would cause an uproar, I don’t see it.
“They’ve already gone for the short-term fix of Cavani. I don’t think you’d go for another 32-year-old for a season.
“I think the time has come for Manchester United to go and get Harry Kane or break the bank for Haaland.”
BREAKING
Germany’s World Cup qualifier against Iceland is in jeopardy after one of their players tested positive for Covid-19.
Borussia Monchengladbach star Jonas Hofmann has returned a positive sample leaving the rest of the German squad confined to their rooms – on the morning of their clash with the Icelandics.
Jonas Hofmann has tested positive for Covid-19Credit: Getty
The 23-year-old was previously linked with a move to Chelsea.
Urgent talks are now being held by frantic German FA officials in a desperate attempt to make sure the Group J clash in Duisberg can go ahead as planned.
Bild claims the players are supposed to self-isolate and a team meeting scheduled for this morning has been cancelled in an attempt to reduce any risk of further transmission.
One option could be to roll-out a series of rapid-tests to the entire Germany squad to see if there are any more positive results returned.
If they come back clear then it is hoped that the match can go ahead as planned.
DEVILISH
How Manchester United could line-up next season with Sergio Aguero crossing the city and Hugo Lloris and Pau Torres arriving.

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WORLD champions France have been held to a draw against a Ukraine side they hammered 7-1 just five months ago.A strike from Antoine Griezmann put Les Bleus ahead but an own goal from Presnel Kimpembe earned the Ukrainians a share of the spoils.
THAT’S ALL FOR TONIGHT
France kicked off their qualification campaign for the 2022 World Cup with a 1-1 draw at home to Ukraine.
The French took the lead through a wonderful, curling effort from Antoine Griezmann.
Ukraine hit back in the second half when Serhiy Sydorchuk’s shot was deflected in off Presnel Kimpembe.
Join us on SunSport for more live blogs as the World Cup qualifying campaign continues.
Goodnight!
REACTION FROM LLORIS
“We missed that second goal. We should have done a lot more to get him, especially in the second period. After the break, we lacked aggressiveness and intensity. 
“We take this somewhat unfortunate goal because they were successful. And faced with the low block, we struggled to find the solution. 
“There were good intentions at the start, and we didn’t know how to take advantage of them.
“At half-time we should have taken shelter. It is insufficient for this first match. We will analyze it and move forward. 
“We would have preferred another scenario tonight, but we have to negotiate the next matches in the best possible way. ”
REACTION FROM GRIEZMANN
“What did we miss? No more offensive players who could play side-by-side. 
“We will learn to play against systems like that and try to win the next one. 
“We wanted to win, but we didn’t have a great game. Now we have to see what we have done good and bad and try to improve. 
“My 34th goal in Blue? I’m happy for it. I always try to give the maximum for the team. With work, you can get to this level. ”
REACTION FROM DESCHAMPS
“A poor performance? In view of the result, yes, we could and should have taken shelter. 
We had the chances for the 1st period, after that it was more difficult. Certainly, we had a little less juice. 
But there was also a good Ukraine team in front, even if the goal we take is avoidable. We pushed to the end (…) Obviously disappointed, because for us the ideal would have been to win. 
But it proves that Ukraine is a good selection. This is the first step, we will have two more, which will not be simple. It will be a long journey. And it’s never a long quiet river (…) In the second half, we lacked pep, against a well-grouped team. 
“But despite everything, we had the opportunities to win this match. We will recover well now, before thinking about Sunday’s game ”
POSITIVE POGBA

REACTION FROM SHEVCHENKO

GOOD PERFORMANCE FROM KANTE

44 CONSECUTIVE GAMES FOR FRANCE

GROUP D TABLE

GRIEZMANN STAT-ATTACK

FRANCE STAT-ATTACK

UKRAINE HEAT MAP

FRANCE HEAT MAP

AVERAGE POSITION OF BOTH SIDES

FULL TIME

PEEEEEEEEP!!!!!!!!!
FULL TIME
FRANCE 1-1 UKRAINE
FRANCE 1-1 UKRAINE
90. Chance! Griezmann corner from the left hand side is met by Kimpembe but his header is straight at Bushchan.
There will be four added minutes.
FRANCE 1-1 UKRAINE
87. Ukraine happy to sit back and play on the break, France still pushing forward but look vulnerable to the counter.
The French have just lost their spark in this second half.
FRANCE 1-1 UKRAINE
83. Both sides coming forward trying to win it, but chances are at a premium.
France still forcing the issue, but have just lacked a cutting edge in the second half.
FRANCE 1-1 UKRAINE
80. France really turning the screw looking for a winner, but Ukraine look solid in their defensive shape.
The game is drifting towards a draw with both sides struggling to create clear cut chances.
FRANCE 1-1 UKRAINE
76. Sub for France, Mbappe is replaced by Martial.
FRANCE 1-1 UKRAINE
75. Ukraine still coming forward, they’re looking for another. The away side have really grown into this game.
France still piling on the pressure but yet create any real chances in the second half.
FRANCE 1-1 UKRAINE
72. Sub for Ukraine, Yaremchuk is replaced by Junior Moraes.
FRANCE 1-1 UKRAINE
69. The game is becoming quite stretched as both sides chase the goal that will put them in front.
France still having more of the ball and looking the more likely to score.
FRANCE 1-1 UKRAINE
66. France pushing Ukraine back looking for a second, the away side looking comfortable defensively.
Ukraine are firmly in this game and look lively on the break.
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WALES went down to the world’s number one ranked side despite a brave effort in Belgium.Harry Wilson put the Dragons in front but goals from Kevin de Bruyne, Thorgan Hazard and a Romelu Lukaku penalty ensured the Red Devils claimed the points.
GOODNIGHT FROM BELGIUM
That’s all from Leuven where Belgium – the number one ranked team in the world – have their revenge on Wales for their quarter-final defeat at Euro 2016.
Kevin De Bruyne, Thorgan Hazard and Romelu Lukaku did the damage for Roberto Martinez’s men, who were stunned into action by Harry Wilson’s exquisite opener.
The Belgians are in World Cup qualifying action again in the Czech Republic on Saturday while Wales get the chance to get their campaign up and running against the same opposition on Tuesday.
That’s all from us for tonight, but here’s the match report from this evening’s action in case you need some late night reading before bed.
ROB’S REACTION
Speaking post-match in Belgium, Wales caretaker coach Rob Page has stated that he believes there were lots of positives for his side to take tonight ahead of their upcoming games.
We knew going into the game that they’d have large parts of possession. I thought we scored a wonderful goal against the top team in the world. I’m disappointed to concede the goals in the manner we did, and I told the lads that if you give top teams half a chance you’ll get punished and we absolutely did. We made some changes at half-time, and in the second half, I thought there was a tremendous amount of positives.Rob Page
EDWARDS OPTIMISTIC
Former Wales international Dave Edwards believes there are reasons to be cheerful by his country’s performance this evening despite defeat.
Loads of positives for @Cymru tonight, just unfortunate to be up against a world class team. Hoping Joe Allen’s injury isn’t too bad and we can go a get a big win on Tuesday night!#belwal #redwall— Dave Edwards (@_DaveEdwards) March 24, 2021

DE BRUYNE DOMINATES
Kevin De Bruyne impressed as per usual as he clocked up 90 minutes in the Belgium midfield.
Kevin De Bruyne created more chances (4) and completed more take-ons (4) than any other player against Wales. He also scored his fifth goal in his last four games for club and country. pic.twitter.com/s4iAU5G9L2— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 24, 2021

TOBY SMUG
One Belgium defender has already posted his delight at tonight’s victory.

RED DEVILS RUN CONTINUES
Another home game, another win for the Belgians.
2010 – Belgium haven’t lost a home match in qualifying for the European Championships or World Cup since September 2010 against Germany – they are unbeaten in 25 since, winning 19 and drawing six and scoring 90 goals. Potent.— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 24, 2021

CZECH MATE
Elsewhere in Group E this evening, the Czech Republic have thumped Estonia 6-2 in Lublin.
Jaroslav Silhavy’s team are the early leaders of the group, and now face Belgium in Prague on Saturday before travelling to Cardiff to play Wales on Tuesday.
FULL TIME STATS
Belgium win 3-1, and also had three times as many attempts on goal (12) as the Welsh (4). Half of the Belgium’s 12 attempts came from outside the box.
The Red Devils also enjoyed close to 75%.

FT: BELGIUM 3-1 WALES
The number one ranked team in the world begin their campaign for Qatar 2022 with a win against the Welsh. It’s a role reversal of the Euro ’16 quarter-final with Belgium this time being the team to come from a goal down to win 3-1. Kevin De Bruyne, Thorgan Hazard and a Romelu Lukaku penalty saw Roberto Martinez’s men to victory despite them falling behind to Harry Wilson’s sensational opener.
PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!THERE GOES THE FINAL WHISTLE!
BELGIUM 3-1 WALES
90+2. Roberto Martinez is eager to get Leandro Trossard on, but the ball just won’t go out of play.
Eventually, Tielemens boots over Williams so the Brighton man can replace Dries Mertens.
He’ll get a good three seconds on the pitch.
BELGIUM 3-1 WALES
90. As two minutes of injury time are signalled by the fourth official, Moore is sent scampering into the Belgium area.
The substitute looks up, but with no options in the middle, lays a pass back to Roberts, whose subsequent cross is blocked.
BELGIUM 3-1 WALES
87. Mertens lines up a long shot but it’s straight down the throat of Ward.
BELGIUM 3-1 WALES
85. Wales force a corner, tossed into a packed penalty area from the left, but the referee blows up for a foul on the goalkeeper before Mepham has the chance to set up a frantic final five minutes.
BELGIUM 3-1 WALES
83. A couple of substitutions as the game meanders towards a conclusion.
Tim Castagne comes on for the hosts with the Leicester man replacing Thorgan Hazard while Kieffer Moore comes on for Gareth Bale.
BELGIUM 3-1 WALES
81. By the way, that was Lukaku’s 58th goal for his country but his first against Wales in his fifth appearance against them. It was his 13th shot in those five games against the Welsh.
BELGIUM 3-1 WALES
79. Roberto Martinez’s men are chasing a fourth goal here as Wales tire.
A cross from the right is almost headed in a the far post by Lukaku but Mepham and Lawrence combine to clear.
BELGIUM 3-1 WALES
76. There’s a set to on the near touchline as Roberts and Hazard square up to each other.
The Swansea man has wound up the Belgian on a couple of occasions this evening, and he’s finally blown his fuse.
The situation is calmed down by players and staff before referee Cuneyt Cakir issues a yellow card to Hazard.
BELGIUM 3-1 WALES
73. Romelu Lukaku has his goal!
The Belgian striker sends Danny Ward the wrong way from the penalty spot, stuttering on his run up before placing a left-footed effort into the bottom right corner.
It was a penalty awarded after Chris Mepham had swung a clumsy boot at a loose ball punched out by Ward, but instead made contact with Dries Mertens arriving late in the box.
It’s another defensive mistake from the Welsh, and it will surely mean an opening day win for Belgium.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLL!!ROMELU LUKAKU CONVERTS FROM THE SPOT!!
MEPHAM SWINGS A BOOT AT MERTENS!PENALTY TO BELGIUM!

BELGIUM 2-1 WALES
70. Lukaku is caught offside.
The striker has been in sensational goalscoring form for Belgium in the past year, netting 12 times in his last ten internationals, but has had an extremely frustrating night here.
So far.
BELGIUM 2-1 WALES
67. Another change for Wales as Leeds’ Tyler Roberts replaces goalscorer Harry Wilson.
BELGIUM 2-1 WALES
66. Lukaku is denied a shot inside the Wales penalty area by a scrambling James Lawrence at the second attempt. The Belgium striker gets a second bite at the cherry, but by that time Wales are defending in numbers. De Bruyne fires a follow up wide.
BELGIUM 2-1 WALES
64. Bale tracks back and pays De Bruyne some close attention. The Belgian midfielder is as impressed by the Welshman’s presence as Zinedine Zidane.
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PORTUGAL began their World Cup qualifying campaign with a win that will not live long in the memoryCristiano Ronaldo failed to move closer to Ali Daei’s all-time international record of 109 goals, as an own goal from Azerbaijan captain Maksim Medvedev proved the only difference between the teams.
THAT’S ALL FROM JUVENTUS STADIUM TONIGHT
Matches playing tomorrow:
Israel vs. DenmarkSweden vs. GeorgiaBulgaria vs. Switzerland Scotland vs. AustriaHungry vs. Poland Germany vs. Iceland Moldova vs. Faroe Islands Spain vs. GreeceEngland vs. San Marino Italy vs. Northern Ireland Romania vs. North Macedonia Andora vs. AlbaniaLiechtenstein vs. Armenia
RESULTS AROUND EUROPE TONIGHT
Turkey 4 – 2 NetherlandsNorway 3 – 0 GibraltarMontenegro 2 – 1 Latvia Belgium 3 – 1 WalesSlovenia 1 – 0 Croatia Serbia 3 – 2 Ireland Russia 3 – 1 MaltaCzech Republic 6 – 2 Estonia
Draws: Cyprus 0 – 0 SlovakiaFrance 1 – 1 Ukraine Finland 2 – 2 Bosnia and Herzegovina

RESPONSE FROM PORTUGAL
Defender Domingos Duarte: “We’re happy with the result, it was more important to win. It’s not easy when at the back you do little, you must stay focussed. We just want to win every game.”
Midfielder Joao Palhinha: “They were an opponent who played too deep and it is not easy to score goals. We have a habit of underestimating some selections by their name.”

STATS
Azerbaijan were able to claw some possession back in the second half to 32% after being just 26% at half time. Proving whatever Giovanni de Biasi’s said in the changing rooms at half time to be successful.
Both sides received just one yellow card which links to the Portugal 9 and Azerbaijan 11 fouls committed respectively.
Although the 10 Portuguese corners contributed to the 29 attempts at shots on goal, an own-goal from Azerbaijan was the only time the ball hit the back of the net.
An unexpected 0 goals for Cristiano Ronaldo bringing him no closer to Ali Daei’s all-time international record of 109 goals.

1-0 TO PORTUGAL
After a slow start and an unfortunate own goal which decided the fate of the match, Azerbaijan gained significant momentum throughout the play of the game and should take a lot of confidence in holding back such a renowned and dominate force that is the Portuguese side.
Even though Portugal dominated possession throughout the whole game, Azerbaijan’s ability to maintain composure throughout what was a non-stop game and prevented Portugal dominating the score board.
Magomedaliyev provided a phenomenal performance and was able to recover professionally after the own goal mishap.
The result of this match leaves Portugal at the top of Group A but after Azerbaijan’s unexpectedly impressive performance tonight it will be interesting to see the result of their next few games.

AND THE WHISTLE IS BLOWN FOR FULL TIME!!
1-0 to Portugal is the final score.
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
90 +3 Coming into the last few minute Nuriiev is penalised for a foul as both sides scramble for possession to finish the game.
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
90 3 minutes of added time is announced as Magomedaliyev makes another impressive save at Felix’s attempt at goal.
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
89 Krivotsyuk takes the free kick but Portugal gain possession and continue to apply pressure but a lack of communication appears to leave holes in Portugal’s attack.
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
88 Felix penalised for a handball and as we wait for it to be taken the following substitutions are made, fresh legs being brought on for the last few minutes.
B. Silva for Oliveira
Neves for Palhinha
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
85 Portugal are awarded their tenth corner of the night and a long cross brings Magomedaliyev off his line to save it once again.
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
85 Three more substitutions made.
Makhmudov for Isaev
Emreli for Alaskarov
Ghorbani for Shydaev
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
84 As we come into the last 10 minutes of the game all is still yet to play for as Azerbaijan continue to up the pressure applied on Portugal.
Their strong defensive back line appearing bulletproof in tonights game.
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
82 Bruno Fernandes is penalised with a yellow card and the resulting free kick ends in another saved shot on goal for Portugal.
YELLOW CARD FOR FERNANDES!!!!
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
79 Two attempts on goal in quick successions from Portugal but Magomedaliyev is not giving into the pressure and has secured the ball every time.
Magomedaliyev is having an almost perfect game, discarding the slip of the own goal which hasn’t knocked him off his game.
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
77 More pressure on goal but yet again another missed target from Fernandes set up by Ronaldo with yet another corner awarded to Portugal.
These corners have supplied many a missed opportunity for Portugal to hit the back of the net.
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
75 Foul on Portuguese defender Dias on his own penalty spot conceding a free kick to be taken by Lopes.
André Silva is coming off in replace for the up and coming Joao Felix, the one to watch for Portugal.
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
72 Azerbaijan have really reset in the second half and are able to apply a lot more pressure on the Portuguese who are finding it harder to create the dominance they had in the first half.
It really is shaping up to be a game of two halves.
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
70 As Azerbaijan push up into the Portuguese half the defensive line causing Nuriiev to miss the target, clearing the ball quickly and effectively.
What a missed opportunity to equalise by Azerbaijan!
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
68 After another Portuguese corner, Ronaldo’s attempt at goal is yet again saved right into the hands of Magomedaliyev, who is shaping up to Azerbaijan’s saving grace tonight.
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
67 Silva makes a poor attempt on goal which is again saved by Magomedaliyev who’s having to play a big part in saving Azerbaijan from falling behind any further.
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
65 Azerbaijan are clearly growing in confidence and pushing the Portuguese team back.
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
63 Portugal subs out Neto bringing on forward Rafa Silva, indicating a push for attack.
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
61 Ronaldo penalised for a foul on Hüseynov with Magomedaliyev taking the free-kick.
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CHELSEA and PSG are increasingly confident that they can persuade Gianluigi Donnarumma to leave AC Milan this summer.The Italy goalkeeper is out of contract and both clubs reportedly believe they can meet agent Mino Raiola’s demands.
Meanwhile Juventus have reportedly named their price for Cristiano Ronaldo.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is said to be available for a fee of £21.5m as Juve consider cashing in.
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Stay up to date with all the latest football news in our rolling blog…
RING RING, OLE ON THE PHONE
Erling Haaland is repeatedly called by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as he tries convince him to join Manchester United.
According to AS, Solskjaer phones his Norwegian compatriot regularly to try and sell the idea of Old Trafford.
Borussia Dortmund forward Haaland, 20, is preparing for international duty alongside new skipper and Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard.
The striker has bagged 21 goals in 21 Bundesliga games this season and is wanted by a host of Europe’s top clubs.
DON DEAL
Chelsea and PSG are reportedly more confident they can convince AC Milan Gianluigi Donnarumma to move.
Sport Mediaset suggests both European giants are ready to meet his demands.
Gianluigi Donnarumma could be tempted away from AC MilanCredit: Reuters
The report states the clubs are ready to meet the requirements set out by the player’s agent.
The highly-rated 22-year-old is out of contract this summer and has been previously linked with Manchester United.
JOR DROPPED
Chelsea have suffered another injury blow after Italy manager Roberto Mancini confirmed Jorginho is out with a knee problem.
The Blues midfielder has been a first-team regular since Thomas Tuchel’s arrival at Stamford Bridge.
Jorginho didn’t feature in the 2-0 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid in midweek due to suspension.
But the 29-year-old would have missed the game anyway after picking up a knock in the 0-0 draw with Leeds last Saturday.
Mancini said: “As regards to the midfielders, we are really in a bit of difficulty in the centre.
“We’re missing Jorginho, who wasn’t well. He’d taken a knock to the knee and he wasn’t fit to play in these games so we didn’t risk him.”
TRUE DRAGON
Gareth Bale’s love for Wales is so strong he says he would play for his country even if he was injured.
Wales have not qualified for the global tournament since 1958 and Bale said: “I would never miss a Wales game. Even if I was injured I would try to play.
“My commitment to Wales is not really in question. I love coming away with the national team.
“I love putting on a Wales shirt, playing for the badge, playing for the country, the fans and they showed me so much love over the years.
“Coming into my Wales career the main thing was to play in a major tournament and then we wanted to qualify for multiple tournaments.
“We’ve managed to do that and to be able to tick everything off the list would be to qualify for a World Cup.
“It’s the one thing left that I want to achieve and there’s no time like the present to try and qualify for the World Cup this time. We haven’t done that for a long time. It would be amazing.
“All of us players have dreamed of playing in a World Cup for Wales, it would be amazing and we want to give it our best shot. Possibly it’s the last time I can qualify for a World Cup. Hopefully there is still one more fairytale to happen.”
KEAN ON A SWAP
Juventus are reportedly willing to offer Everton Aaron Ramsey in a swap deal for Moise Kean.
Welshman Ramsey has been heavily linked with a move away from the Serie A giants with Liverpool and West Ham said to be leading the race.
But the midfielder, 30, could be headed to the blue side of Merseyside, according to TuttoJuve.
Kean, 21, is currently on loan with Paris Saint-Germain until the end of the season after a disappointing spell at Goodison Park – managing just two goals in 31 Premier League games.
But the Italian has done well in France, scoring 11 goals in 20 appearances.
While he is behind the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Mauro Icardi, Kean has looked a lot sharper.
The Old Lady are said to be willing to offer cash plus Ramsey – who earns £400,000-a-week – or Douglas Costa for Kean.
BLUE ENGLAND
SunSport compiled a best XI from Chelsea’s England stars over the years.

ON THE BEEB
Real Madrid could once again line up with Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo in attack next season.
A huge summer in the transfer market is being prepared by Los Blancos which could see Zinedine Zidane return to his old favourite ‘BBC’ attack.
Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale romped to glory previously at MadridCredit: Getty – Contributor
Between 2013 and 2019, Madrid claimed four Champions League crowns, one LaLiga title and a Copa del Rey with Bale and Ronaldo partnering Benzema in attack.
The setup broke apart when the Portuguese forward moved to Juventus but a summer swoop is reportedly being pondered.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, Zidane is considering giving the trio another go as he looks to revamp his attack – with their front page talking of going “back to the future”.
Karim Benzema has arguably gone from strength to strength since Ronaldo left but no other replacement has fully made their case.
If Real want to re-sign the 36-year-old, a fee as low as £22million has been touted.
LUC IS IN
Bayern Munich are in advanced talks to sign Lucas Vazquez on a free transfer, according to reports.
The Real Madrid winger is out of contract at the end of the season.
Bayern Munich could poach Lucas Vazquez from Real MadridCredit: Getty
The 29-year-old, who has been linked with a move to Tottenham and Everton in the summer, is yet to agree a new deal in Spain.
And Spanish outlet AS claims Bayern are leading the race but there is no agreement in place despite the two having advanced talks.
The report adds that Vazquez still hasn’t given up on staying at Madrid but would welcome a move to the Bundesliga champions.
Hansi Flick’s side are also said to be keen to close the deal as quickly as possible with the Spain star’s versatility a huge bonus.
While traditionally a winger, Vazquez has provided cover for Madrid at right-back this season as well.
BARC FOR GOOD
Manchester City defender Eric Garcia has shared his excitement at playing alongside Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.
SPORT claims the Spaniard is set to sign a five-year deal at the Nou Camp and become Joan Laporta’s first signing since returning to the club.
The 20-year-old has snubbed several new contracts at the Etihad ahead of a return to Barca – where he spent nine years in their La Masia academy.
Messi meanwhile has been liked with a move in the opposite direction to City but Garcia admitted he is relishing playing with the Argentine in Spain.
He told SPORT: “It would be very special to play alongside Messi because he’s the best footballer in the world.
“We see week after week what he does and it’s incredible.”
RED REVAMP
Here’s how Liverpool could look next season with rumoured target Aaron Ramsey on board.

HAARSH WARNING
Erling Haaland could be a ‘disaster’ signing for Chelsea, according to Blues icon Frank Lebouef.
He told Sky Sports: “Haaland is a beast.
“Of course it would be a plus for Chelsea. But now you have to think financially and economically, and you also have to also think and make sure your dressing room is going to be following the coach.
“If you put Haaland (in the team) you lose [Olivier] Giroud.
“But you might lose [Kai] Havertz, you might lose [Timo] Werner as well. What about [Christian] Pulisic? Where are you going to play [Hakim] Ziyech?
“That is an equation that you have to make sure is going to work and that the results are going to be good for the club.
“You can add talents, that is not a problem. But you have to make sure the chemistry works.
“Otherwise it is going to be a disaster. Having only talent doesn’t make sure you are going to win something.”
BACK UP PLAN
Arsenal will reportedly turn their attention to signing Philippe Coutinho if they’re unable to permanently secure Martin Odegaard’s services.
Norway international Odegaard is currently on loan with the North Londoners until the end of the season.
Arsenal could turn to ex-Liverpool man Philippe CoutinhoCredit: Reuters
After a slow start to life at the Emirates, Odegaard has really come into his own over the last month-and-a-half – prompting calls for the club to sign him permanently.
Gunners chief Mikel Arteta is said to be keen on making the Real Madrid midfielder’s deal permanent.
But according to The Daily Express, the Spaniard will look to pry Coutinho away from Barcelona’s clutches if an agreement for Odegaard can’t be reached.
They claim the Gunners will look to take advantage of an appearance clause in Coutinho’s contract with the Spanish giants in order to bring him back to the Premier League.
NO GOLDEN TUCH
Thomas Tuchel’s sour relationship with Borussia Dortmund could dent Chelsea’s chances of signing Erling Haaland.
Bild claims the German left Dortmund on bad terms and club chiefs are reluctant to sell to a side coached by their former manager.
The report adds that it’s ‘very unlikely’ the Bundesliga outfit will allow Haaland to seal a move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Although Tuchel won a German Cup at Dortmund, his time there is best-remembered for the bust-ups he had.
There were disagreements with senior players, including Mats Hummels, Neven Subotic, Jakub Blaszczykowski and Roman Weidenfeller.
While Tuchel also clashed with former chief scout Sven Mislantat, who would later work for Arsenal.
He was then sacked by Dortmund with chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke saying he was ‘worn out’ dealing with the manager.
NOT SO FAB
Cesc Fabregas may live in Monaco but he is certainly no Formula One star.

ED IN HANDS
Eden Hazard is worth less than 30 per cent of the eye-watering £130million fee Real Madrid agreed with Chelsea for him just two years ago.
The Belgian has had rotten luck with injuries since his mega-money switch from Stamford Bridge in 2019 and that has seen his transfer value plummet.

Hazard, 30, joined Real in June 2019 from Chelsea for an initial fee of £89million – potentially rising to £130m.
But various injuries mean he has played just 36 of Real’s 90 games since he arrived at the Bernabeu and is now worth just £36m, according to Transfermarkt.
His latest problem is a persistent issue with his left ankle which could mean he ‘may never play football again’, according to a top doctor.
Hazard is said to have been in pain – which has got worse recently – since a procedure on it last March.
The winger has also picked up several muscle injuries since he has been at Real and they are linked to the underlying ankle issue, according to Spanish outlet Marca.
ON EUR OWN
The Prem’s Big Six are braced for frustration and disappointment over their attempts to force radical change on the top flight.
Leading clubs now recognise there is no chance they can push through a reduction of the league from 20 teams to 18.
While proposed revamps of Uefa competitions promise more money from 2024, the Big Six fear they will hit a brick wall in their efforts to get the green light to make more cash from selling rights to their own games either overseas or on club channels.
And it sets up a further squabble between the Big Six and the rest of the Prem starting at tomorrow’s “shareholder” meeting of the 20 clubs.
Prem chief executive Richard Masters agreed to engage US-based Boston Consulting to carry out a “Strategic Review” of the structure of the League.
That was a direct response to the Project Big Picture proposals backed by Liverpool and Manchester United as well as EFL chairman Rick Parry.
Masters vowed that he would be open to all ideas, insisting in November that “the status quo is not an option”.
Five months on, the Review will finally be a formal agenda item for the first time at Thursday’s meeting, with clubs to debate the “next steps”.
KOE ON THEN
Ronald Koeman has laid out his summer transfer plan after being given the green light to remain as Barcelona boss.
Doubts over the Dutchman’s role have persisted ever since he was appointed last summer, but a turnaround in form and Joan Laporta’s election as club president have counted in his favour.
Under contract for another season, he is reportedly setting about the task of revamping the side in the next transfer window.
According to Mundo Deportivo, a handful of new signings and a couple of contract extensions are on Koeman’s agenda.
Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum is a favoured option to add energy to the midfield as he becomes a free agent in the summer.
The club have denied reports of a pre-contract agreement with the Dutchman, who Koeman coached in his national team, but the switch is thought to be close.
Further low-cost deals involving long-term targets are eyed in Manchester City defender Eric Garcia and Lyon’s Memphis Depay, both out of contract in June.
PAUL THE OTHER ONE
Manchester City could see Sergio Aguero head straight across town if they don’t renew his contract, Paul Ince has warned.
Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea have all been linked with the Argentine, 32, and Manchester United are the latest club tipped to make an offer.
Former Red Devils midfielder Ince, 53, has told the club to consider Aguero when his contract expires in the summer.
Such a shock swoop could emulate Sir Alex Ferguson’s capture of Eric Cantona from Leeds during Ince’s time at Old Trafford.
He told Ladbrokes: “Sergio Aguero might be leaving Man City, why shouldn’t United make a move for him?
“You could see it now. If he wanted to stay in the Premier League and he’s living in Manchester, then I don’t think it would be a bad thing at all if they went and got Aguero.
“It can happen, who knows? You’ve got to ask the question if you’re United because you never know.”
SHAW THING
Luke Shaw credited Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s man-management for helping him get back in the England squad.
Luke Shaw praised boss Solskjaer’s man-managementShaw told Sky Sports: “His man-management is second to none.
“The way he conducts himself in terms of how he speaks to the players, it gets the best out of them. You can see that.
“He deals with situations perfectly in terms of what is needed, especially at a big club like Manchester United.
“He takes the pressure off the lads and takes it all himself. Sometimes it is not fair because we are the ones on the pitch and we need to take our fair share too.
“For me, especially, from what I had before Ole came in, it is a total difference. It has pushed me to a new level.”
PREM WINNER SHAME
Former Manchester United star Ronnie Wallwork fractured a man’s eye socket in a row over trainers, a court heard.
The 43-year-old punched Alan Mulholland when he stepped on his trainers in a pub in Greater Manchester in 2019.
Ronnie Wallwork playing for Manchester United in 2000Credit: PA
Wallwork admitted GBH and was handed an 18-month suspended sentence at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.
The 2001 Prem winner also must complete 200 hours of unpaid work, a rehab programme and pay £500 in compensation to his victim.
ZERO HERO
The EFL has recorded zero positive tests for Covid-19 for the first time ever.
One year on from the first Covid-19 lockdown, the EFL can confirm that it has recorded zero positive test results for the first time.#EFL https://t.co/rDqCUhhkbz— EFL Communications (@EFL_Comms) March 24, 2021

GAARD OF HONOUR
Arsenal are exploring the possibility of keeping Martin Odegaard for at least another season, according to reports.
Odegaard, 22, is having a growing influence in Mikel Arteta’s side having started five of the six last league matches having joined on loan in January.
And the stats reveal how he is creating more chances than any other of his attacking team-mates.
Odegaard endeared himself to supporters with a goal in the 2-1 victory over North London rivals Tottenham.
He joined Real Madrid in 2015 but has struggled to cement his role in the side having endured three loan spells away from the club before joining Arsenal.
Arteta is now eager to entice him to stay in North London either on another season-long loan or on a permanent deal, according to Eurosport, and Madrid are reported to want around £40m with two years left on his deal.
HEAD START
Heading the ball in training is set to be significantly reduced as the FA and Premier League back new safety guidelines.
Prem chiefs will green light a formal study into the forces sustained by heading balls in different situations.
And FA chief medic Dr Charlotte Cowie explained that Wembley bosses believe the risk to long-term health and dementia means curtailing heading in the professional game is required.
Dr Cowie told a DCMS Select Committee hearing: “There is no argument about decreasing the exposure to the amount of heading in the game.
“But the main exposure is in training, so limiting that in terms of the number and types of headers is definitely the direction we need to go in.”
Dr Cowie was criticised by “staggered” and “appalled” committee chairman, Tory MP Julian Knight, after insisting she was unable to say what the FA’s annual budget was for dementia research.
That came after a series of deaths linked to heading, including the recent passing of 1966 World Cup legends Martin Peters and Nobby Stiles.
BRU-TAL
Bruno Fernandes had to be rested against Leicester to avoid him running himself into the ground.
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed the Portuguese ace would play every single game if it was up to him.
Bruno Fernandes has racked up the game time at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
The Norwegian said: “Bruno has played very, very much football.
“He broke all his records on Thursday night [against AC Milan at the San Siro] physically, statistically, and the boy is not inhuman.
“I know Bruno wants to play but sometimes you make decisions for the benefit of both the team and him.”
Fernandes has covered the seventh most metres in the Premier League this season.
He did come off the bench in the FA Cup quarter-final but couldn’t prevent the Red Devils slipping to a 3-1 defeat at the King Power.
SPURRED ON
Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has emerged as a rumoured transfer target for Manchester United.
At 34, the World Cup winner is said to want to leave North London for one final big challenge of his career.
Hugo Lloris could swap Spurs for Manchester UnitedCredit: AP
A return to Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain or Nice has been reported and now L’Equipe detail a potential move to Manchester.
Lloris is in his ninth season at Tottenham but is yet to win a trophy, although he will get a fresh chance in the upcoming Carabao Cup final.
SunSport recently revealed the club’s plans to replace club captain Lloris at the end of the season.
England trio Sam Johnstone, Nick Pope and Dean Henderson are understood to all be targets for Jose Mourinho.
United star Henderson is finally getting his chance in the team but may seek a move if he is once again dropped to the bench with the club preparing to either sell the former Blades No1 or David De Gea.
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