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    Cristiano Ronaldo ‘helps Al Nassr create two-man manager shortlist’ as they target elite coach

    CRISTIANO RONALDO is helping Al Nassr to whittle down their managerial shortlist to just two names, reports suggest.Al Nassr sacked previous boss Rudi Garcia with the club three points off of top spot in the Saudi Pro League.
    Cristiano Ronaldo is helping Al Nassr pick their next head coachCredit: Getty
    It comes after Rudi Garcia was sackedCredit: AFP
    A club statement read: “Al Nassr can announce that Head Coach Rudi Garcia has left the Club by mutual agreement.
    “The board and everyone at Al Nassr would like to thank Rudi and his staff for their dedicated work during the past eight months.”
    The final straw for Garcia appeared to come following reports of a dressing room row with players after the 0-0 draw with Al Feiha.
    And after reportedly relaying his dissatisfaction with the Frenchman’s approach to the board, Ronaldo has now been drafted in to help pick their next manager.
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    According to CBS Sports, Ronaldo has told the club to go all out to sign one of his former bosses.
    These candidates being Jose Mourinho and Zinedine Zidane.
    Reports have already suggested the former has been handed a huge offer which could land him £52million-a-year.
    With his Roma future in doubt, the Portuguese is said to be “seriously thinking” about the offer.
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    Indeed, both have had enormous success with Ronaldo in the past.
    The ex-Real Madrid and Manchester United star won three back-to-back Champions Leagues with Zidane.
    While from a personal point of view, he enjoyed his most prolific goalscoring season under Mourinho, hitting 60 goals in 2011/12.
    Ronaldo wields significant power in the club’s decision-making processes along with his eye-watering £173m-a-year deal at the club.
    In Garcia’s absence, Under-19 coach Dinko Jelicic has been given the job, with a big match against Al-Hilal coming up on Tuesday.
    Zinedine Zidane is one of the managers Ronaldo wants Al Nassr to bring inCredit: AFP
    Jose Mourinho is the other target he has earmarkedCredit: Reuters More

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    Man Utd icon Paul Scholes predicts Jude Bellingham’s transfer and says ‘I don’t know why, I’ve just got that feeling’

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Paul Scholes has made a prediction about Jude Bellingham’s future.The Borussia Dortmund and England midfielder, 19, is being heavily linked with a big-money move in the summer.
    Jude Bellingham is expected to leave Borussia Dortmund in the summerCredit: Getty
    Paul Scholes hopes Bellingham will join Man Utd but feels another club have the edgeCredit: Alamy
    A host of Europe’s top clubs are thought to be interested in signing him including Man Utd, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
    Liverpool reportedly pulled out of the race earlier this week as they do not intend to spend such a hefty fee – thought to be around £130million – on one player.
    And Scholes feels Man Utd are in the running to secure the teenage superstar’s signature.
    Speaking on BT Sport, he said: “I think they [Man Utd] are contenders [to sign him].
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    “If you went back a couple of years you’d have said no chance. Even back to the start of this season.
    “But now I think they have to be. He would look at this team and think this is up and coming for the next few years.”

    Yet despite Scholes’ hope that Bellingham will move to Old Trafford, he feels 14-time European champions Real Madrid will ultimately come out on top.
    He added: “I do think he’ll sign for Real Madrid – I don’t know why. I’ve just got that feeling.
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    “But I do hope he comes here [Old Trafford]. He could make United a proper team.”
    Bellingham has contributed 20 goals and 25 assists in 127 games for Dortmund.
    That includes a superb 17 goal contributions for the club this season.
    He has also already racked up 24 caps for his country and was one of England’s standout players at the Qatar World Cup.
    Despite a huge amount of interest in Bellingham, Dortmund are still hoping to keep hold of him for one more season.
    The club are planning to offer the midfielder a new deal that would see his annual salary increase by 150 per cent to £13million.
    It is also claimed his contract would include a £131m release clause. More

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    Chelsea ‘extend Enzo Fernandez’s deal until 2032’ just months after £106m transfer to be longest contract in football

    CHELSEA have extended Enzo Fernandez’s contract by another year to keep him at the club until 2032, according to reports.The 22-year-old joined the Blues from Benfica at the end of the January transfer window for a British transfer record £107million.
    Enzo Fernandez’s lengthy contract has been extended by another yearCredit: Alamy
    Fernandez agreed an eight-and-a-half-year deal until 2031 as the club amortised the lucrative fee – which works out at around £11m per season – over a lengthy period in order to circumvent Financial Fair Play regulations.
    The option of an additional year was also included within Fernandez’s deal.
    And now TyC Sports journalist Cesar Luis Merlo is reporting that has been triggered by Chelsea.
    It means Fernandez is now under contract with Chelsea until the summer of 2032 – when he will be 31 years of age.
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    The decision to extend his contract just three months after joining the club comes as Uefa are reportedly preparing to change the rules regarding the length of contracts.
    Europe’s governing body are looking at implementing a five-year limit on the length of a player’s deal in a bid to close the loophole being exploited around amortisation and Financial Fair Play.
    That could mean Chelsea also look to extend the deals of January signings Mykhailo Mudryk and Benoit Badiashile in the coming months.
    Mudryk’s contract runs until 2031, while Badiashile’s ends just 12 months earlier.
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    Meanwhile, Fernandez has hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge by impressing in the heart of Chelsea’s midfield.
    Speaking about the World Cup winner acting as a key figure in the dressing room, interim boss Frank Lampard said: “Enzo is becoming a leader, but he’s 22, I think it’s quite difficult for us to talk about that, he’ll have to find his way.

    “Games like [the quarter-final first-leg tie at the Bernabeu] are a great chance to perform and show the personality that makes you a proper leader.”
    In response, Fernandez said: “I always dream to be a leader because when I started, I always wanted to be an example.
    “To be defined like that so young makes me really proud. I always give my best and try to be an example for everyone.”
    Chelsea will look to end a run of five games without a win when they host Brighton on Saturday.
    Lampard’s side could move back into the top half of the Premier League table with a positive result against the high-flying Seagulls. More

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    Real Madrid ‘step up £44m hunt for Reece James transfer but fans joke the Chelsea man ‘failed the Vinicius test’ in loss

    REAL MADRID have reportedly stepped up their chase of Reece James.The Chelsea star could be available for just £44million this summer.
    Real Madrid believe they can land Chelsea star Reece James for just £44mCredit: Rex
    Fans joked James has already failed the Vinicius Jr testCredit: AFP
    But some fans jokingly fear James may not be up to the mark after “failing the Vinicius Jr test.”
    James, 23, has become one of Chelsea’s most important players after working his way through the academy.
    He has already won a Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup after 145 games.
    And Chelsea rewarded James’ talent by doubling his wages on a new five-year deal in September.
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    However, the Blues face a fire-sale this summer after Todd Boehly’s £600million spending spree unbalanced the books.
    Real Madrid are big fans of James as they eye a new right-back to replace Dani Carvajal.
    And Marca claims Los Blancos are ready to step up their pursuit by making a £44m bid, with Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies also on their radar.
    They believe it could be enough to secure James’ signature with Chelsea needing a quick cash injection.
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    Real got the chance to witness the defender first-hand in last night’s Champions League win over the Blues.
    But James’ attacking threat was nullified by Carlo Ancelotti’s clever tactics.
    And he also struggled to keep up with flying winger Vinicius Jr, who had a field day on the left wing.
    Indeed, some supporters jokingly fear James may not be good enough for Real after his below-par performance.
    One said: “Reece was being evaluated without knowing yesterday and it doesn’t look good.
    “He failed the Vini test.”
    Another declared: “He had a stinker this week.”
    One added: “James is finished, should not be a target at all.” More

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    Liverpool ‘could axe 13 PLAYERS to fund summer rebuild’ with a host of first-team stars set to be flogged

    LIVERPOOL may have to offload up to 13 players this summer, reports suggest.The Reds are enduring a turbulent season that could see them missing out on the top four.
    Liverpool have been enduring a turbulent campaign in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
    Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp may axe up to 13 players in the summerCredit: Alamy
    The Daily Express predicts that manager Jurgen Klopp may have to wield the axe on several players to raise funds for reinforcement, especially if the Merseysiders miss out on Champions League cash.
    Liverpool may start by letting go of players whose contracts run out in June.
    Adrian, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Roberto Firmino could all leave.
    Arthur is highly likely to return to Juventus after an unsuccessful loan stint at Anfield.
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    Caoimhen Kelleher, Sepp van den Berg, Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips could all find themselves on the chopping block as well after failing to earn first-team opportunities.
    Joel Matip has struggled for fitness in the last 18 months and may have to make way if Klopp is able to get an upgrade at centre-back.
    The same goes for Kostas Tsimikas, even though the left-back has shone bright while deputising for Andy Robertson.
    James Milner and Joe Gomez help Liverpool meet the criteria for homegrown players in their Premier League and European squads.
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    But both of them could be on the way out, especially Milner whose deal comes to an end in June.
    Liverpool are currently eighth in the Premier League table with 12 points separating them from fourth place.
    The Reds are facing immense competition for Champions League qualification with the likes of Newcastle and Manchester United also making a strong case. More

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    Man Utd step up pursuit of £60m-rated Joao Palhinha as Fulham target Porto star as replacement

    FULHAM are eyeing a move for Porto midfielder Mateus Uribe – as a potential replacement for Manchester United target Joao Palhinha.The Cottagers are wary that Palhinha’s incredible form is attracting several suitors – despite the midfielder only arriving in west London from Sporting Lisbon for £20million last summer.
    Manchester United continue to monitor Fulham star Joao PalhinhaCredit: Rex
    Fulham have identified Porto ace Mateus Uribe as Palhinha’s replacementCredit: Reuters
    United are monitoring the Portugal international’s situation, with Fulham expected to demand at least £60m for his services.
    And SunSport understands that 32-year-old Uribe is seen as the perfect man to step in should they lose Palhinha earlier than expected.
    Fulham have made contact with Porto and Uribe’s representatives already, and with the Colombian’s contract expiring at the end of June, a deal would be simple to execute.
    However, Atletico Madrid and Lazio are also believed to be in the mix to land the player on a free.
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    Boss Marco Silva is a big fan of Uribe, and in an ideal world would like to partner him with Palhinha, but knows it will be a tough ask to keep the latter at the club next season.
    Uribe joined Porto from Mexican side Club America back in 2019, and has helped the Portuguese giants to six major trophies, including two league titles.
    Meanwhile, Palhinha has been a mainstay in the Fulham midfield in his debut Premier League campaign, and a big factor in the club rising up the table.
    The 27-year-old was close to joining Wolves before Fulham nabbed him at the last minute.
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    But it is now anticipated United will make their move in the coming weeks.
    Palhinha has amassed a total of four goals in 31 appearances this season.
    Uribe, on the other hand, has registered four goals and one assist in 42 matches across all competitions. More

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    Tottenham join Man Utd and Arsenal in Ansu Fati transfer race after wonderkid falls down Barcelona pecking order

    TOTTENHAM have joined Manchester United and Arsenal in the bidding war for Barcelona’s out-of-favour wonderkid Ansu Fati, reports suggest.Spurs will also rival Bayern Munich for Fati, who has slipped down the pecking order at Barca shortly after being handed Lionel Messi’s legendary No10 jersey.
    Tottenham have rivalled Arsenal and Manchester United for Barcelona star Ansu FatiCredit: Rex
    The 20-year-old has struggled for minutes under manager Xavi due to inconsistent form and nagging injury setbacks.
    According to Mundo Deportivo, the winger’s struggles have led to the Blaugrana giving his agent Jorge Mendes permission to explore offers from other clubs. 
    That works as a major boost for Tottenham, United, Arsenal and Bayern ahead of the summer transfer window.
    However, the Premier League giants and reigning Bundesliga champions may have to cough up a whopping £90million for his signature.
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    Spurs will need reinforcement in attack with star man Harry Kane’s future in doubt after another trophyless season.
    Kane’s contract also runs out next year, which means the North Londoners are facing the prospect of losing him for free.
    Tottenham have also been lacking the brilliance of last season’s Premier League joint-top goalscorer Son Heung-min, while star signing Richarlison hasn’t lived up to expectations.
    United are also looking for reinforcement after losing Cristiano Ronaldo, while the Gunners want to form a frontline that will help establish them as Prem title contenders.
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    However, Fati appears keen to stay at Barcelona and prove he is worthy of a spot in the starting line-up.
    That is despite the Catalan giants’ need to raise £178m to sign new players amid their ongoing financial woes.
    The Spain international insists on his wish to prove himself even after his father Bori urged him to leave the Nou Camp due to a lack of minutes. More

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    Arsenal want to re-sign former player who they gave up on after just one appearance in two years

    ARSENAL want to re-sign Ismael Bennacer, reports suggest.Bennacer is one of the main stars of reigning Italian champions AC Milan.
    Ismael Bennacer is wanted by ArsenalCredit: Alamy
    And he gave them one foot in the Champions League semi-final after rifling home the only goal of their 1-0 win over Napoli in the quarter-final.
    However, his good form is now attracting interest, with Arsenal and Liverpool both interested in his services.
    The reports from Italy, via Football 365, suggest Arsenal could even try to tempt Milan into a sale by offering Folarin Balogun in a swap deal.
    Bennacer, 25, was on the books at Arsenal between 2015 and 2017.
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    But he was never able to make a lasting impression, only making one appearance in the senior team.
    From Arsenal the Algerian international went to Empoli.
    And by 2019 he was picked up by AC Milan in a £14million deal.
    Since joining the San Siro club, he has made 139 appearances.
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    Bennacer did sign a new four-and-a-half-year deal at Milan only in January, and according to Transfermakrt, his market value now sits at £35m.
    Arsenal are in the market for the midfielder, having been heavily linked with both Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo.
    A shock report earlier today also suggested Arsenal had made contact with Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante. More