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    Former Arsenal transfer target Houssem Aouar switches nationality from France after making one cap

    EX-ARSENAL transfer target Houssem Aouar has switched nationalities after earning one cap for France.The Lyon midfielder, 24, started for Didier Deschamps’ side in a 7-1 friendly win over Ukraine in October 2020.
    Houssem Aouar made one appearance for France in 2020Credit: Getty
    He has now confirmed he has switched his allegiance to AlgeriaCredit: Instagram @houssem_aouar
    But he has not received any minutes for the national team since then and failed to make France’s squads for the Euros or World Cup.
    Now he has opted to switch allegiance and represent Algeria – the country where both his parents were born.
    It comes on the eve of the March international break.
    However, it remains unclear whether or not he will be selected this month as he continues his recovery from injury.
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    Algeria qualified for back-to-back World Cups in 2010 and 2014, reaching the last-16 of the latter before being eliminated by Germany.
    Since then, they have failed to reach the finals of the last two tournaments.
    But they have enjoyed recent success at the Africa Cup of Nations, claiming their second title in 2019.
    Meanwhile, Aouar’s club situation is still unclear.
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    The Lyon man was heavily linked with a move to both Arsenal and Liverpool in the summer.
    However, he ended up staying put and is now set to become a free agent at the end of the season.
    Foot Mercato are reporting that Napoli, Roma, Real Betis and Eintracht Frankfurt are all interested in him. More

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    Arsenal in huge boost after triggering Marcelo Flores’ contract by extra two years amid fear of losing starlet on free

    ARSENAL have renewed the contract of highly-rated youngster Marcelo Flores, reports suggest.Flores currently plays on loan at Real Oviedo in Spain’s second division and shows huge promise.
    Arsenal have extended youngster Marcelo Flores’ deal by two yearsCredit: Getty
    Marcelo Flores has never played for Arsenal at senior level but is already a Mexico internationalCredit: Getty
    The attacking midfielder’s deal was set to expire in June and he attracted plenty of interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
    According to the Evening Standard, however, the Gunners have extended the 19-year-old’s contract for another two years.
    The North Londoners have triggered a clause included in Flores’ previous deal that allows them to keep him until 2025.
    Arsenal did the same with fellow rising star Charlie Patino’s contract earlier this season.
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    Manager Mikel Arteta sees potential in Flores, who is already a Mexico international with three caps under his belt.
    That is despite the fact the Mexican hasn’t played a single game with Arsenal at senior level.
    The talented teenager trained with the first team in the past and was named on the bench against Crystal Palace last April.
    Arteta and sporting director Edu are already planning ahead for the future amid their first Premier League title challenge since 2004.
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    Arsenal are heavily focused on recruitment after two successful transfer windows that saw the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jorginho and Leandro Trossard elevate the team.
    Flores is one of many young players Arteta could invest in next season.
    Another youngster that has made a strong case for the senior squad is Folarin Balogun, 21, who is shining bright while on loan at Reims and has scored more goals than Lionel Messi and Neymar in Ligue 1. More

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    Wannabe Man Utd owners spotted at Old Trafford as Qatari banker’s takeover team get VIP stadium tour

    MANCHESTER UNITED’s potential new Qatari owners arrived for a tour of their prospective purchase this morning.Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani, a member of the Gulf state’s ruling royal family, has tabled a bid believed to be under the Glazers’ £6billion asking price.
    Representatives of Man Utd’s potential new Qatari owners were at Old Trafford this morningCredit: JOHN MATHER/IMAGE VIEWPHOTOGRAPHY
    Mr Shahzad Shahbaz, president of Nine Two Foundation, was in attendance at Old Trafford on behalf of the Qatari bidCredit: JOHN MATHER/IMAGE VIEWPHOTOGRAPHY
    They arrived at the Theatre of Dreams in a convoy of black motorsCredit: JOHN MATHER/IMAGE VIEWPHOTOGRAPHY
    They arrived at the Theatre of Dreams in a convoy of black motorsCredit: JOHN MATHER/IMAGE VIEWPHOTOGRAPHY
    The reps are also believed to have met staff from several departments at Man UtdCredit: JOHN MATHER/IMAGE VIEWPHOTOGRAPHY
    Al Thani’s bid is reportedly worth £5bn but he is promising to wipe the club’s debt and fund upgrades for both Old Trafford and Carrington.
    One of Britain’s richest men, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and his Ineos group also made a bid.

    Locally-born United supporter Ratcliffe, 70, has pitched that he will put “Manchester back into Manchester United” with a “British bid to make the club a beacon for a modern, progressive, fan-centred approach to ownership.”
    Now all interested parties have been told that they have 10 days to submit their next offer to purchase the club.
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    However, representatives from the Qatari offer were spotted outside of Old Trafford earlier today as they attended presentations by the club.
    Shahzad Shahbaz, president of Nine Two Foundation, was in attendance at Old Trafford on behalf of the Qatari bid as was Yasir Shah, managing director of Bank of America.
    And several lawyers from international law firm Macfarlanes accompanied them.
    The officials representing the Middle East were believed to be meeting staff members of various departments, including football, financial and commercial as well as receiving a tour of the Theatre of Dreams and the Carrington training ground.
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    Both the stadium and training HQ are in need of a revamp, and the trip will have allowed them to assess how much would be needed for a makeover.
    Rival Sir Jim and his representatives will get their turn tomorrow before second offers will then be invited to be made to the US bank Raine Group, who are handling the sale on behalf of the Glazers.
    They will then consult with American owners before determining who their preferred bidder is and then giving them full access to United’s accounts and then further negotiations could take place.
    Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani was not in attendance himself earlier.
    But his team of execs from Bank of America, who are acting for the Qatari and lawyers, travelled up by train from London to the North West instead.
    Ratcliffe, who owns Ineos and Ligue 1 side Nice, is believed to be jetting in himself on Friday from Southern France.
    And two other bidders that are believed to be from the USA are also allegedly in the frame and will be doing the same.
    Yasir Shah (centre), managing director of Bank of America was also spotted with the groupCredit: JOHN MATHER/IMAGE VIEWPHOTOGRAPHY
    A team of execs from Bank of America, who are acting for the Qatari and lawyers, were in attendanceCredit: JOHN MATHER/IMAGE VIEWPHOTOGRAPHY
    They were spotted assembling outside of the club megastore this morningCredit: JOHN MATHER/IMAGE VIEWPHOTOGRAPHY
    Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani is believed to have bid around £5bnCredit: AFP
    Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team will get their tour of United on FridayCredit: PA More

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    Man Utd ready to join Jude Bellingham transfer race and battle rivals to seal Premier League and British record deal

    MANCHESTER UNITED are set to join the battle for Jude Bellingham.They are reportedly prepared to seal a Premier League and British transfer record deal this summer.
    Man Utd have joined the race for Jude BellinghamCredit: Getty
    Bellingham, 19, is arguably the hottest property on the market after becoming a star player for Borussia Dortmund and England.
    The ace has already clocked up 164 club games and 22 international caps.
    Having left Birmingham for Dortmund in 2020, Bellingham is expected to return to his homeland this summer.
    Liverpool are leading the race as Jurgen Klopp plans an overhaul of his midfield.
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    And Manchester City are also keeping tabs with Ilkay Gundogan’s contract expiring.
    But the Telegraph claims United could soon emerge as frontrunners after throwing their hat in the ring.
    Erik ten Hag has “genuine interest” in bringing Bellingham to Old Trafford.
    And a source close to the player claims “everything is open” with Dortmund looking to keep hold of him for one more year.
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    If the Germans do agree to let Bellingham go it’ll come at a mighty price.
    They want at least £110million for their star man after also making note of interest from Real Madrid.

    That would see Bellingham break the £100m British record fee paid by Man City for Jack Grealish.
    And it would also be more than £106m record Premier League signing Enzo Fernandez, signed by Chelsea on January deadline day.
    United are also in the market for a new No9 this summer, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos linked.
    But Arsenal legend Thierry Henry believes Tottenham star Harry Kane would be the perfect fit for Ten Hag.
    He said: “Because of the Premier League and he knows the league, if I’m Man Utd I go Kane.
    “That doesn’t mean Osimhen is not a good player of whatever, it has nothing to do with that. I think Osimhen can adapt in any league.
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    “But if I’m Man United, I would look at it like OK, this guy doesn’t need to adapt to anything, he has a way of dropping and can allow Marcus Rashford to run in behind him when he drops.
    “Kane can play anywhere also by the way.” More

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    Thibaut Courtois reveals Eden Hazard’s sad reaction to missing out on opportunity to revive Real Madrid career

    EDEN HAZARD’S head dropped after he returned from the World Cup to sit on the Real Madrid bench, keeper Thibaut Courtois has revealed.Hazard, 32, has not played a single minute of LaLiga or Champions League football since Belgium were knocked out in the group stage in Qatar three months ago.
    Thibaut Courtois, left, has spoken about team-mate Eden Hazard’s strugglesCredit: Getty
    He has now retired from international competition and had hoped to revive his Real Madrid career as he prepares to enter the final year of his contract.
    Hazard has contributed just seven goals and 11 assists during his four seasons in the Spanish capital.
    But any ideas he had of forcing his way back into Carlo Ancelotti’s team have been dashed in recent months.
    The ex-Chelsea man even failed to secure any game time in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with Liverpool when they had wrapped it up 6-2 on aggregate.
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    Ancelotti made five changes towards the end of the game, but Hazard was not one of them.
    And Courtois has confirmed the lack of opportunities has had an impact on his former Belgian team-mate’s mental state.
    As reported by Marca, he said: “When Hazard returned from the World Cup, he trained very well and was waiting for an opportunity because the Brazilians were not there.
    “The opportunity did not come and he lowered his head a bit. He has never disrespected anyone.”
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    Real Madrid are expected to try and sell Hazard in the summer in a bid to avoid him leaving on a free in 2024.
    Earlier this week, he revealed he wants to stay at the Bernabeu despite no longer speaking to Ancelotti.
    Talking to Diario AS, he said: “I would like to stay. I’ve always said that. I hope to play and to show that I can still do it.
    “People have doubts, that’s normal, I understand. But for me, I’m still here next year. You never know, but a transfer is not in my plan.
    “There’s respect between Ancelotti and I. But I’m not going to say we talk to each other, because we don’t. But there will always be respect.
    “I have to have respect a guy like Ancelotti. For what he represents for football, and for what he’s done in his career.”
    However, Ancelotti attempted to quash talk of a fractured relationship with Hazard before their second leg against Liverpool.
    He said: “The relationship is not cold. He has been very honest, we don’t talk much and it’s the truth.
    “Many times it’s a matter of character, you feel better talking to one person than to another.
    “This is not the most important thing, for me it’s that even though we don’t talk much and he doesn’t play, he respects me. I value this a lot and I respect him in the same way.
    “If he doesn’t play a lot it’s because there’s a lot of competition. In his position there’s a player who is contributing a lot and it’s Vinicius.”
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    Premier League leaders Arsenal were linked with a move for Hazard in January.
    A move to Turkish giants Fenerbahce and Galatasaray was also mooted last summer. More

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    Arsenal legend Thierry Henry breaks down difference between Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen and tells Man Utd who to sign

    ARSENAL legend Thierry Henry has broken down the key difference between Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen.And he has also told Manchester United which of the two they should sign this summer.
    Thierry Henry has revealed the key difference between Harry Kane and Victor OsimhenCredit: Rex
    Man Utd want to sign a new striker this summerCredit: Alamy
    United have been regularly firing under Erik ten Hag this term, with Marcus Rashford leading the way on 26 goals in all competitions.
    But it’s reckoned the Red Devils want an out-and-out No9 to share the load.
    United have been linked with the likes of Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos.
    And there’s still potential for Wout Weghorst’s Burnley loan to be made permanent.
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    However, should United be prepared to spend big, there are two elite strikers on the market in Tottenham’s Kane and Napoli’s Osimhen.
    Kane, 29, is out of contract in 2024 and could finally depart Spurs after another barren campaign which has so far yielded 22 goals.
    SunSport understands he is a major target for United, who are confident of pulling off a deal should they make a bid.
    As for Osimhen, 24, his 19 strikes have put Napoli on the verge of the Serie A title.
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    Henry reckons Man Utd should sign Kane over OsimhenCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    And four goals in the Champions League has also seen his side reach this year’s quarter-finals.
    But Arsenal legend Henry reckons United should choose Kane over Osimhen.
    That’s due to the England captain’s Premier League experience.
    And Kane’s ability to drop deep would also free up more space in front of goal for Three Lions pal Rashford.
    Henry told CBS Sport: “Because of the Premier League and he knows the league, if I’m Man Utd I go Kane.
    “That doesn’t mean Osimhen is not a good player of whatever, it has nothing to do with that. I think Osimhen can adapt in any league.
    “But if I’m Man United, I would look at it like OK, this guy doesn’t need to adapt to anything, he has a way of dropping and can allow Marcus Rashford to run in behind him when he drops.
    “Kane can play anywhere also by the way.
    “[Osimhen’s future?] We go back to a Chelsea, we go back to a United if I’m thinking Premier League.
    “Paris Saint-Germain would look for a nine because they are looking for a nine. So many teams I’m thinking, where is a nine missing?
    “We know Erling Haaland is there [at Man City], let’s not talk about Kane and where he’s gonna go or maybe stay.
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    “But those are the teams that I’m thinking are playing without a nine at the minute, or maybe they might lose one, because PSG sometimes use Kylian Mbappe inside, and we all know he’s not a nine.
    “Is he gonna stay or not? But he [Osimhen] is gonna go wherever he wants to go. I think he can adapt to a lot of sides.” More

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    ‘It’s very worrying’ – Carragher tells Alexander-Arnold to ‘have a long think’ and urges Liverpool to buy new right-back

    JAMIE CARRAGHER insists Liverpool need to buy a new right-back to give Trent Alexander-Arnold “serious competition” as his “defending is not good enough”.The defender, 24, was criticised again as the Reds were dumped out of the Champions League with 6-2 aggregate defeat to Real Madrid.
    Trent Alexander-Arnold and Liverpool have endured a difficult campaignCredit: Rex
    Ex-Reds star Jamie Carragher has urged them to buy a new right-back this summerCredit: Getty
    Alexander-Arnold played a key role in Jurgen Klopp’s title-winning side and has also lifted the Champions league, FA Cup and League Cup.
    His set-piece and crossing abilities have won him plenty of plaudits, but his defensive frailties have been exposed numerous times in what has been a disappointing campaign for both him and Liverpool.
    Alexander-Arnold has played regularly for the past five years, but Anfield legend Jamie Carragher has urged Klopp to go out and buy him “help” this summer.
    He told CBS Sports: “It’s very, very worrying. Not just for Liverpool as a team, but for him.
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    “And what I mean by that is, this can’t continue, what’s happened this season and the amount of times he’s been lacking defensively.
    “The problem they’ve got in that position is, they’ve never had real competition for Trent Alexander-Arnold. And one of the reasons for that is because he’s been so good.
    “You’re then thinking ‘Who do you buy?’. How much do you spend for someone who’s not really going to play every week?
    “I think Liverpool are at the point now where they have got to go buy a right-back.
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    “It’s Jurgen Klopp’s decision how good that right-back is, how much he costs, but that lad needs serious competition.
    “He’s been playing now at the top level every season, week in week out with no rest.
    “He’s won everything, he’s been fantastic and he’s done everything I could ever dream of.

    “I’m so proud of him, a local lad coming through the ranks. But he needs help.
    “At the end of this season, he needs to have a long think about where he is as a right-back.”
    Alexander-Arnold was forced to do plenty of defending in Madrid
    Carragher added: “I’ve always defended him because he plays for one of the best teams in the world.
    “So you do a lot more attacking than you do defending. We all know his defending is not good enough. And I don’t think it’ll ever be good enough. 
    “We’re talking about a player who has played 260 games – it’s not going to massively improve.
    “When Liverpool drop off and aren’t one of the best teams in Europe, then you’re doing more defending and less attacking.
    “We’re seeing the worst traits of Trent and not his strengths going forward. And that is a massive problem.
    “I thought this problem would rear its head when Klopp left, and Liverpool went back to how they played when I was a player, where most seasons we were trying to qualify for top four.
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    “But if Liverpool are trying to qualify for the Champions League on a yearly basis, I am not sure Trent is your man at right back.
    “If Liverpool go back to being one of the best teams in Europe, which they will try to do next season, he is your man. But right now the lad needs help.” More

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    ‘He deserves better’ – Tottenham fans ‘feel sorry’ for Harry Winks as he gives update on club situation

    TOTTENHAM supporters are full of sympathy for Harry Winks after he revealed that no-one, including Antonio Conte, has contacted him from the club during his time at Sampdoria.The 27-year-old England international fell out of favour at his boyhood side under the Italian.
    Harry Winks is on a season-long loan at Sampdoria from TottenhamCredit: Getty
    That led to a season-long loan switch to Serie A side Sampdoria in August – but it soon turned into a nightmare.
    Midfielder Winks suffered an ankle injury that prevented him from making his debut for the Italians until January.
    Now he is back and looking to help fire Sampdoria from the foot of the table to top-flight safety.
    And he admitted that he feels “indebted” to them for their support through his rehab as he revealed that he had not heard a single thing from his parent club.
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    Winks told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “I feel indebted to Sampdoria, if I had been available from the start I would have given my all.
    “The club has always supported me, it was important for my ankle to fully heal.
    “No one from Spurs has contacted me, not even the coach.”
    And that has left supporters raging.
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    One tweeted: “Feel sorry for him yes not been great the last few season but probably another player getting mistreated by the club which a sad as Winks has passion for us.”
    Another wrote: “I’ve always thought Harry Winks seemed like a top bloke and he’s definitely Spurs through and through. To see that he’s been treated like this by the club is disheartening.”
    While another added: “He deserves better.”
    Winks, who is under contract at Spurs until 2024, has been with the North London club since he was five-years-old.
    Sampdoria are believed to have an option to buy him permanently, but when quizzed on his future, the ten-capped Three Lions ace said: “I have a loan contract until June, I’m satisfied with this experience.
    “I don’t know what my future will be after June and I don’t even think about it now.” More