Real Madrid would have to pay massive fee for David de Gea

Real Madrid will have to shell out a total of £52m to secure the services of David de Gea over the summer, according to reports.
The Spaniard was on the verge of a move to the Bernabeu back in August 2015, only for the deal to fall through during the dying moments of the transfer window.
It was reported by Marca earlier in the season that the release clause on De Gea’s new contract stretched to €65m.
However, according to the Mail Online‘s Jack Gaughan, there is no such clause included in De Gea’s contract, meaning that Madrid will have to launch an astronomical bid to land the Spaniard’s signature this summer.
One can understand why Man United fans have developed something of an over-reliance on De Gea over the past few years: the post-Fergie era, after all, has been hallmarked by the superb Spaniard digging a mediocre-at-best defence out of trouble on numerous occasions. The number of times he preserved Louis van Gaal

‘s time at Old Trafford is nothing short of startling.
But with Mourinho now at the helm, perhaps we can adopt a different mindset. De Gea, whilst still important, is no longer the standout performer in this current side, with attacking talents such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan generating a far greater influence. Manically bemoaning his departure would be to miss the wider message conveyed by the badge: that attack, and not the man between the sticks, comes first.

Bastian Schweinsteiger admits he didn’t even get to say goodbye to Man United team mates

Bastian Schweinsteiger has revealed he didn’t even get the chance to say goodbye to his Manchester United team-mates before signing for Chicago Fire.
The German midfielder’s move to the MLS was officially confirmed by the club on Wednesday afternoon and he has since been introduced by his new team.
His stay at Old Trafford ended last week after he signed a one-year contract for a salary said to be around £3.6million.
Speaking about his move, Schweinsteiger claimed he was so rushed that he didn’t even have the opportunity to say goodbye.
“It was not so easy because the decision was a bit late so I couldn’t say a proper goodbye to the team,” he said

.
“Also they had a match away against – I can’t remember – but they had a match on Sunday so I couldn’t really tell them because I didn’t want the focus on me, I wanted to have the focus on the team and the game. So I was very happy that they won.
“I had a great time there, especially with the team-mates and the staff there, it was a good time and I enjoyed it there.”
The way Bastian has handled everything from his exile, his hard work, his return and even his exit has been absolutely class and it’s honestly such a shame that it didn’t work out for him at Old Trafford.
He could make his debut for Chicago Fire this weekend as they face Montreal Impact at Toyota Park and hopes are he can continue to build on his impressive career.

Monaco wonderkid speaks about Real Madrid speculation

Monaco striker Kylian Mbappe has responded to speculation linking him with a big money move to Real Madrid in the summer by claiming they only sign players at the peak of their games.

Mbappe, 18, has become one of the stories of the season across Europe after bursting onto the scene with unbelievable success and is now being linked with high profile moves to all of Europe’s biggest clubs.

The France international has reportedly emerged as a target for Madrid but the Monaco ace has poured cod water over those suggestions after claiming he is not at the stage of his career in which Zinedine Zidane’s side look to sign players.

“Today, I am at Monaco,” Get French Football

quote Mbappe as telling reporters during the international break. “Real Madrid, we will see later. For the moment, I am at Monaco.

“Real Madrid is a great club. But I still have a lot to learn. Real Madrid is a club that you should go to when you are mature, at the top of your game. I do not think that I am at the top of my game yet.”



No player aged 21 or under has scored more goals in Europe’s top five leagues this season than Mbappe (14).

Mesut Ozil refuses to rule out Bundesliga return

Arsenal star Mesut Ozil has opened the door to a potential return to the Bundesliga after refusing to rule out a move back to his place of birth.

Ozil hasn’t played club football in Germany since leaving Werder Bremen for Real Madrid in 2010 but his immediate future beyond the end of the season remains uncertain.

The Germany international will have 12 months to run on his existing deal with Arsenal at the end of the season and talks about a renewal have been shelved until the summer.

It currently appears that Arsenal will be forced to sell their main creator and the 28-year-old has refused to exclude Germany as a potential playing destination in the future.

“I don’t want to exclude that [a return to Germany],” Ozil told SportBild, via Get German Football. “Many family member – my mother especially – would welcome it if I were closer to home.

“I still have a year on my contract and I love running for this club. At the moment, everything is still open.”

It’s been a thoroughly disappointing season by Ozil’s usual very high standards but Arsenal would still be worse off without his influence in the attacking third.

In fact, only Cesc Fabregas (32) has registered more assists as Ozil in the last three Premier League campaigns (28).

Jose Mourinho to trigger £85m release clause for game-changing Man Utd target

Man Utd are reportedly planning to meet the £85m release clause in Antoine Griezmann’s contract with Atletico Madrid to sign him this summer.
The 26-year-old has established himself as one of the leading players in Europe with his form for Atleti and France in recent years, and in turn it’s no surprise that he’s attracted interest from elsewhere.
With 22 goals and 11 assists in 40 appearances so far this season, he has continued to lead by example for Diego Simeone’s men, but it might not be for much longer.
According to The Telegraph

, Griezmann remains the priority for United this summer above the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Romelu Lukaku, while it’s added that Paul Pogba has been doing his part to convince his fellow Frenchman to make the move to Manchester.
The report goes on to state that there are various factors that could come into play to scupper Jose Mourinho’s plans to add another marquee signing to his squad, namely if Simeone decides to stay on in the Spanish capital or if United fail to qualify for the Champions League.
In turn, while meeting the staggering £85m release clause would go some way to making the transfer much smoother, it still won’t be simple as the French international will have to weigh things up and decide whether or not this summer is the right time to move on.
Following their big-money acquisition of Pogba last summer, it appears as though the transfer strategy in place at Old Trafford will now focus on bringing in one big name each year with Mourinho likely to be hopeful of strengthening elsewhere too.
However, he’ll be more than aware of the fact that the next couple of months will be massively important in setting the path that United go down both on the pitch and in the transfer market.

Barcelona given major boost in €50m pursuit as Arsenal star open to switch with talks ongoing

Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin is reportedly keen on a return to Barcelona, and his agent has been in contact with technical director Robert Fernandez.
The Catalan giants have struggled at right-back this season as they failed to adequately replace Dani Alves following his summer move to Juventus.
In turn, it’s likely to be a priority for them at the end of the season, and according to Mundo Deportivo

, Bellerin remains their first-choice option to solve the issue in the short and long term.
The report claims that the Spanish international holds no ill-feeling towards his former club as he was forced to move on in search of first-team football and is seemingly open to a second stint with Barca.
Furthermore, it’s added that Fernandez has spoken to his agent on several occasions, and while Bellerin remains happy at Arsenal, if there was a club that he would leave them for it would be the La Liga giants.
Given the way he has progressed at the Emirates over the last two years and the prominent role he now plays for Arsene Wenger’s side, losing the 22-year-old would be a major blow for the Gunners regardless of his poor recent form which has been another factor in Arsenal’s troubles over the past few months.
It’s claimed that it would take a bid of around €50m to prise him away from north London, while Manchester City are also interested but will be snubbed as Bellerin has no desire to join another Premier League side.
With so many question marks hanging over Arsenal ahead of the summer, they will be desperate to avoid these stories from becoming major distractions as they face an uphill task to now finish in the top four in the Premier League this season.
Bellerin will continue to be seen as an important part of their future, but time will tell if the appeal of returning to Barca is too strong to turn down.

Lallana blow gives Klopp derby headache

Adam Lallana's thigh injury is a significant setback for Jurgen Klopp as he seeks to strengthen Liverpool's Champions League qualification chances with victory over Everton in Saturday's Merseyside derby.

Lallana is expected to be out for a month, having suffered the injury during the closing stages of England's 2-0 victory over Lithuania at Wembley last Sunday.

The former Southampton midfielder been one of the most reliable performers this season in a Liverpool side who have lacked consistency, and his absence will be felt keenly as Reds boss Klopp attempts to secure a top-four Premier League finish.

They sit fourth going into the weekend's fixtures, with a four-point advantage over Manchester United in fifth.

United do have two games in hand, but that is no guarantee that they will make up the gap, as they have matches at Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham before the end of the season.

Liverpool's form going into the international break was encouraging; home wins over Arsenal and Burnley were followed by a draw at Manchester City, and they will start favourites against Everton, who have not won at Anfield since September 1999.

Sadio Mane's goal in the seventh minute of stoppage time gave Klopp's team a 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture at Goodison Park in December, and a win on Saturday would secure a first league double over their local rivals since 2011-12.

Liverpool will be helped by the likely return of Jordan Henderson after more than a month out with a foot injury, with the England midfielder having resumed full training during the international break.

Klopp is in no doubt that Champions League qualification is in Liverpool's hands.

"In this moment, we should only think about how we can do it," he said.

"Would it be a disappointment if we don't reach it? Yes because we think we should qualify for it.

"Is it possible that we don't qualify? Yes because of the league, because of the opponents and all that stuff.

"But it is our big target, of course. We want to do everything to get it."

HORRIFIC

Everton have injury problems of their own as they make the short trip to Anfield without defender Seamus Coleman, who broke his leg in horrific circumstances while playing for the Republic of Ireland last week.

Coleman is likely to be out for between nine and 12 months after his tibia and fibula bones were broken in an awful challenge by Wales defender Neil Taylor during the 0-0 draw in Dublin.

Images of the challenge showed just how bad the injury was, although the Everton right-back had successful surgery last Saturday, and the club are confident that he will make a full recovery.

That was not the only injury setback for Everton during the international break, with midfielder James McCarthy suffering a recurrence of his persistent hamstring problems while with the Republic of Ireland, and having to be withdrawn from the side to face Wales shortly before kick-off.

Despite those problems, Ronald Koeman's side are in good spirits, lying seventh, just six points behind Liverpool, having lost only once in 12 league matches since the two sides last met.

Everton have not beaten Liverpool home or away since October 2010, enduring a run of 13 derbies in all competitions without victory.

However, Koeman is optimistic, saying: "There has been a big difference in many years in derby results, but I think we are now more close to Everton beating Liverpool.

"We had a good game at home and were only defeated by a goal in the 97th minute.

"The team will be ready on Saturday to give Liverpool a big challenge."

Hazard, Chelsea look to switch focus back to title race

Chelsea will aim to resume their steady march towards the Premier League title after an international break in which the focus was on the future of Eden Hazard.

The 26-year-old Belgian star sat out Chelsea's last game at Stoke City as well as Belgium's fixtures during the recess with a calf problem but should return for the visit of Crystal Palace to Stamford Bridge.

The forward, though, has still found himself the centre of attention following reports this week he is a target for Real Madrid.

Hazard has been one of the main factors in Chelsea’s dominance of the Premier League table this season -– Antonio Conte's side face Palace sitting ten points clear, with ten games remaining –- after rediscovering the form he showed in the 2015 title triumph.

Chelsea are determined to hold on to the player but the interest from Spain has provided an unwanted distraction as Conte attempts to maintain his team's concentration during the run-in.

But the head coach's efforts won't have been helped by comments made this week by former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon who insisted Hazard's future will be decided by the player himself.

Calderon told talkSPORT radio station: "Chelsea aren't a selling club, so it wouldn't be easy, but as always it would depend on the wishes of the player. If he wants to leave, he will leave – that's always the point."

There has been no indication Hazard wants to leave and Conte will expect the player's response against a much-improved Palace to underline his commitment to remaining at Stamford Bridge.

The return of striker Diego Costa, who missed Spain's meeting with France because of ankle injury, will also help Conte's side pick up from where they left off before the break.

The victory at Stoke was secured by a late goal from Gary Cahill that came as a blow to second-placed Tottenham who have been hoping to capitalise on any slips made by Conte's side.

With an FA Cup semifinal meeting with Tottenham also looming at the end of April, Conte remains on course for a league and cup double in his first season in English football after leaving the post of Italy coach last summer.

'DISAPPEARING EGG TIMER'

A few weeks ago, the visit of Palace would have been viewed as a routine three points for the Blues.

However, they have shown significant signs of improvement recently with manager Sam Allardyce confident he has plugged the defensive holes that contributed to the team's fall into the bottom three.

Four victories in the last six games -– each secured on the back of a clean sheet -– have moved Allardyce’s side four points and two places clear of the relegation zone.

New signings Mamadou Sakho and Luka Milivojevic have been credited with adding steel to the side.

Wilfried Zaha’s form has helped reignite the debate about the winger's decision to reject England, despite winning two caps in friendly internationals, and commit himself to Ivory Coast.

Speaking after last Sunday’s World Cup qualifier against Lithuania, England coach Gareth Southgate appeared to suggest Zaha had imposed a timescale for his selection by England.

However, the comments drew a strong response in a statement that came through the player’s agent

Will Salthouse said: "Wilfried did not impose a timescale or set a date by which he had to be selected by England, there was no 'disappearing egg timer'. The 'private' meeting with Mr Southgate was very amicable.

"It was Wilfried's personal choice and it was his right as a senior player to accept the opportunity to represent his nation of birth and that of his family heritage.

"His 'desire' or 'passion' should never have been publicly questioned for making that decision.”

Mkhitaryan reaps rewards of United's patience

Henrikh Mkhitaryan insists he was never concerned about his Manchester United career despite making a slow start to life at Old Trafford.

The United playmaker made just one substitute appearance in two and a half months earlier this season as he struggled for fitness and form following his arrival from Borussia Dortmund.

But, as the Armenian prepared for United's home game with West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, the 28-year-old claimed he was never concerned about his place in Jose Mourinho's plans.

"Our life is worthless without difficulties," Mkhitaryan said. "Every person must be able to handle difficulties and the same concerns me.

"But it was not difficult for me to overcome these difficulties as I knew that sooner or later I would get my chance and I would use that.

"Yes, there are cases when a person faces much tougher problems, but he or she must be ready to face them. I just waited for my chance. I worked and I worked hard, waiting for my chance, got it and used that."

Since being replaced at halftime of his first league start, against Manchester City in September, Mkhitaryan has emerged as an increasingly influential figure in a United team that has won the League Cup and is still hunting success in the Europa and Premier Leagues.

And, having scored in Armenia's World Cup qualifying win over Kazakhstan at the weekend, he could return to the starting line-up for the visit of West Brom, having been on the bench for United's last outing, a 3-1 win at Middlesbrough two weeks ago.

INJURY TROUBLE

United midfielder Paul Pogba, who suffered a hamstring injury in the Europa League win over FC Rostov, has not recovered in time to play and is one of five senior players unavailable for the return to league action.

Central defenders Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, both injured while on international duty with England, will also be absent, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ander Herrera continue to serve suspensions.

"So we lose four and I think Paul Pogba is also out. So we lose five. So we are in a bit of trouble," said Mourinho, whose team are four points behind fourth-placed Liverpool in the race for Champions League qualification.

"I don't know how but both central defenders got injured in the English camp even before the match. The match was on the Sunday against Lithuania and they were injured in the training session."

Having beaten Arsenal 3-1 in their last game before the international break to move to 43 points, West Brom's only significant concern is the form of leading striker Salomon Rondon.

The Venezuelan ended a 15-game goal drought this week when he scored for his country in a 3-1 defeat to Chile but is likely to be a substitute at Old Trafford.

With Rondon not due back from his international travels until 48 hours before kick-off, he is expected to be held back for the midweek trip to Watford with Wales forward Hal Robson-Kanu in line to start against United.

"He's been disappointed he's not been playing," Albion manager Tony Pulis said of Robson-Kanu.

"He's made me aware of that. Every training session he's been first-class and when we win games there's no one happier than him.

"He's been a real stalwart in respect of his experience and character.

"Most clubs I've been at, you know you get it right because the people out of the team are still really competitive and hard-working for the team."

Monchi leaves Sevilla amid Roma reports.

Sevilla said on Thursday that highly respected sporting director Ramon Rodriguez Verdejo, better known as "Monchi", was leaving the club after guiding it through its most successful era.

Spanish media reports say Monchi, who has admirers across Europe, will go to Roma in Italy in a similar role.

"FC Sevilla and Ramon Rodriguez Verdejo, Monchi, have reached a deal for the departure of the club's sporting director," the club announced in a short statement, adding a press conference would be held on Friday with further details.

Since taking over as sporting director in 2000 the former goalkeeper has helped guide Sevilla from Spain's second division to five Europa League or Uefa Cup titles.

Moreover, Monchi did it while raking in hundreds of millions of euros as the likes of Dani Alves, Sergio Ramos and Ivan Rakitic headed for greener pastures and replacing them at a fraction of the cost.

In a February interview with AFP he hinted at a move: "I have said many times that France and Italy are the models that are perhaps the leagues that attract me most because the figure of sporting director has more weight."

Arsenal star makes Real Madrid admission: I can’t wait for this to happen

ARSENAL star Mesut Ozil insists Real Madrid still hold a place in his heart.


The German spent three seasons at the Bernabeu prior to his £42.5m switch to Arsenal in 2013.

He won La Liga, Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana titles during his time in the Spanish capital and it’s clear he has fond memories of his time there.

His former side come up against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals next month and Ozil is eagerly anticipating the clash of two heavyweights.

"It's not a secret. My heart beats for Real Madrid,” Ozil told German publication Bild.

“I played Real Madrid and until today I still have a lot of friends in the first team and in the club.

“For these reasons, I will cross my fingers for Real Madrid during the match against Bayern Munich.”


But the 28-year-old has warned Real to expect a tough game having experienced it first hand when Arsenal suffered a 10-2 aggregate defeat to the Bundesliga champions in the previous round.

"The power of Bayern Munich? We (Arsenal) experienced it,” he added.

“When they loosen up, they are difficult to stop, it is the same for Real Madrid. It will be difficult, but I cannot wait to see this game."

Andreas Pereira still “dreaming” of a Manchester United future playing for Jose Mourinho

The attacking midfielder is gaining valuable experience this season playing regularly for relegation-threatened La Liga side Granada but stated that his long-term aim is to become a star at Old Trafford.


Pereira told United’s official website: “I’m playing well. I’m trying to do my job and am getting a lot of minutes. For me, it’s been very good playing here at a high level in Spain, in La Liga, every week.
“I get to train and focus hard for the games and, for me, it’s been very good. Unfortunately for the team, it’s been a bit difficult this season but we’re trying to get out of this situation as quickly as possible.
 “It was nice to hear from Jose Mourinho and it’s nice that the people at United trust me and I always feel that they are watching. For me, that’s very important. I’m doing my thing here but I’m still a United player.


“[Assistant manager] Rui Faria sometimes sends me messages and asks how it is going. He contacted me to say I scored a good goal and I am happy when I get recognised for doing good things and to know that they’re watching.
“I speak with Adnan [Januzaj] sometimes and [Paul] Pogba, Timothy [Fosu-Mensah], [Eric] Bailly, [Antonio] Valencia. I keep in touch with lots of players, [Juan] Mata too, as I was there a long time and they’re my friends.
“I miss them as well, to be honest, so it’s good to keep in touch. Sometimes, when we have days off, we try to see each other but it’s difficult with the flights here as there are none direct from Manchester.

Manchester United to demand over world record fee for star player

Hands off
Manchester United will demand a world-record fee for a goalkeeper if Real Madrid come calling for David De Gea in the summer.

The Spaniard has been a long-term target for the club in recent windows and nearly moved if not for paperwork issues the other year.

Now, Los Blancos may come back in for the player and United will demand a world-record fee for a goalkeeper if so.

Continuously impressing, De Gea has become one of, if not the best goalkeepers in the English top flight.

The current world record fee for a goalkeeper is £33m in which Juventus paid for Gianluigi Buffon.

United reportedly want double that, with £66m roughly their asking price.

It is yet to be seen whether Real Madrid would pay that but it is safe to say we have not heard the last of this.


Competition
Manchester United will face strong competition from Bayern Munich for the signature of Antoine Griezmann.

The German club are actually now thought to be in the drivers seat for the player.

Griezmann has impressed yet again for Atletico Madrid and could well make a big move this summer.

'Even Jesus did not please everyone' - Ronaldo artist defends sculpture of Madrid star

The unveiling of a piece of work to honour the Portuguese superstar at Madeira airport has caused quite a stir, but the forward is said to be a fan

The artist behind a much-maligned sculpture of Cristiano Ronaldo claims the Real Madrid superstar is happy with the design.
An unveiling at Madeira airport on Wednesday caused quite a stir, with the design being questioned by many.
Ronaldo: I didn't ask for this!
Ronaldo was on hand to pass judgement on the work, though, and was happy to pose for photographs as he was honoured by the island on which he grew up.
Emanuel Santos, creator of the piece, insists the 32-year-old also gave his approval before the grand reveal, with the Euro 2016 winner clearly not overly concerned by the opinion of others.
"Even Jesus did not please everyone. This is a matter of taste, it’s not as simple as it seems," Santos said in an interview with Portuguese website Globo Sports..

Cazorla´s season is over for Arsenal

Santi Cazorla will not play again for Arsenal again this season, according to Arsene Wenger, who also revealed Petr Cech is set to miss the next two matches.
Spain playmaker Cazorla has made just 11 appearances this term, the last of which came in October’s 6-0 Champions League win over Ludogorets, due to a problematic ankle and Achilles injury.
Reports had suggested he would not return in this campaign despite undergoing surgery back in December and Wenger has now confirmed that is the case, with speculation sure to follow over the 32-year-old’s long-term future, as his contract expires at the end of the season.
Cech suffered a calf injury in the 3-1 defeat to West Brom last time out and will miss the upcoming Premier league games against Manchester City and West Ham, with Wenger hoping the goalkeeper will be fit to face Crystal Palace on April 10.
“Unfortunately no [update on Cazorla], I think the season is over for him,” said Wenger ahead of Sunday’s home game with City.
“We have lost Petr Cech at West Brom – he will not be fit for Sunday. I think he could miss Sunday, Wednesday and maybe available again after.”
Lucas Perez (thigh) will not face City, but star duo Alexis Sanchez (ankle) and Mesut Ozil (hamstring) have come through the international break without suffering setbacks.
“Lucas is a thigh problem and then that should be it basically,” added Wenger.
“We got a message from Sanchez, it was a kick. Bone bruising. He could normally play. The only thing we didn’t know was if the ligament was touched or not, but it was just a kick.
“Ozil is in contention to start again. He played 20 minutes for Germany in Azerbaijan, he has come back focused and worked very hard this week.”
The pressure is on for Arsenal against City with Wenger’s men sitting down in sixth position having lost six of their last nine games in all competitions.

Man Utd eyeing Bakayoko, Gimenez

The Independent is reporting that Manchester United are keeping close tabs on Tiemoue Bakayoko and Jose Maria Gimenez.
While many believe that Atletico’s Antoine Griezmann is the number one name on club’s hit-list, the manager rather wants to add players with plenty of fighting spirit.
It is hardly surprising that he is after one of Europe’s hottest prospects, Monaco starlet Tiemoue Bakayoko, who has been heavily linked with a summer move to Chelsea.
The 22-year-old is almost certain to leave Stade Louis II for greener pastures in the summer, but he will command a sizeable transfer fee.
At the same time, Jose Mourinho wants to reinforce his defence with Jose Maria Gimenez, the player who has shown a great deal of promise, but has struggled for playing time this season.
Having made mere 9 La Liga appearances this term, the Uruguayan is exploring his options and he probably wouldn’t mind leaving Atletico Madrid for Manchester United.

Where would Coutinho fit in at Barcelona?

If ‘Operation Coutinho’ was not underway before the international break, it certainly is now with Neymar joining the growing chorus of players attempting to lure the Liverpool star to Barcelona.
The duo have been starring for Brazil over the last week or so, helping Tite’s side qualify for World Cup 2018 with four games to spare, and yes both players were on target in their 3-0 win over Paraguay on Tuesday.
Ahead of the game Neymar had already cast flirtatious glances in his team-mate’s direction, with words that will surely have left Jurgen Klopp seething.
“A Premier League player that I would like to have in Barcelona is Coutinho,” he said in an interview with PokerStars. “I believe Philippe Coutinho is a player that would totally fit in Barcelona.”
Camp Nou calling
Neymar is not the first to talk up a move for Coutinho with Xavi and Rivaldo both doing their bit for their former club.
“There are not many players that can improve Barcelona but, if you are asking me if he is one of them. He would suit Barcelona’s philosophy well,” Xavi told Goal.
Rivaldo, who won two Liga titles during his five years at Camp Nou, went one step further and says he expects a deal to be done.
“I think that this transfer might happen because Barcelona is always going to attract the best, isn’t it?” he told Sky Sports News
“He is one of the players who stands out and I believe that this transfer – if he goes to Barcelona – would be a good thing for Barcelona for sure.
“He is a player who would definitely help Barcelona. Of course, Barcelona is a big club, but with a player like him, it would definitely be a big help.”
Where does Coutinho fit in?
Barcelona look set to relinquish their title this season, they are now 9/4 to win La Liga, and certainly need to strengthen this summer. Although Coutinho signed a new long-term deal just two months ago, making him Liverpool’s best paid player, the signs suggest he could be the man.
Which of course begs the question: where on earth does he fit into a side that already features arguably the greatest frontline ever seen in Neymar, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi, all of whom are undroppable?
At Liverpool Coutinho plays out wide on the left of a front three, scoring six and assisting five in 20 Premier League appearances for the Reds this season, yet that’s Neymar’s position at Camp Nou and there is no chance of him being replaced.
Coutinho can also play out on the right or as a No.10, but again that would involve dropping either Suarez or Messi, which is simply not going to happen.
The Brazilian has been talked about as a long-term replacement for 32-year-old Andres Iniesta, and he could drop deeper and play in a central midfield role, yet that does not make the use of his sensational skills on the ball and goalscoring ability.
However, Barcelona’s recent shift in formation to a 3-4-3 could just provide ideal for Coutinho. The Brazilian could line up on the right of a front three alongside Neymar and Suarez with Messi at the tip of the midfield diamond.
Barcelona would then possess an even greater attacking threat, if that is possible to imagine, and potentially a more balanced side than at present with Coutinho performing a similar role to Neymar only on the opposite flank.
Coutinho’s friendship with both Neymar and Suarez has been well-documented which suggests he could fit seamlessly into the line-up, particularly as he also knows the city well having spent half a season on loan at Espanyol from Inter.
While a deal is far from done, and Liverpool will undoubtedly be desperate to hang onto the jewel in their crown, the growing feeling is that they could lose him his summer should Barcelona come calling.

Cristiano Ronaldo bust draws mirth after Madeira airport unveiling

Cristiano Ronaldo has the looks, the medals and the money. And now even an airport -- in Madeira, where he was born -- has been renamed in his honor, with a new bust to boot also unveiled Wednesday of the Real Madrid star.


Eight months after the four-time world player of year held the Euro 2016 trophy aloft after Portugal's 1-0 win over France in Paris, the Aeroporto da Madeira in Funcal is now the "Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport."

If Ronaldo is now an airport, it was his visage on the bust that arguably stole the show -- at least on social media.
BBC presenter Dan Walker remarked the bust's appearance bore a striking resemblance to the former Republic of Ireland international striker Niall Quinn. Other wags opined the bust's image was more like ex-Liverpool Norwegian international defender John Arne Riise.


It's not the first time Ronaldo has been immortalized in bronze, with a 10-foot statue outside his own personal museum towering over his hometown of Funchal.
Which prompted football writer Tom Williams to point out that when it came to statues Ronaldo has had "appalling luck."

'Record Real move all down to Hazard'

Chelsea's Eden Hazard will decide on a move to Real Madrid at the end of the season, with the Spanish giants prepared to pay a world record transfer fee, according to former club president Ramon Calderon.

The Belgium midfielder is under contract with Premier League leaders Chelsea until June 2020 but Hazard, a childhood fan of Real coach Zinedine Zidane, has been repeatedly linked with a move to the Bernabeu.

But Calderon reckons it will cost Real a world record fee of £100 million to make the move a reality.

"Chelsea aren't a selling club, so it wouldn't be easy, but as always it would depend on the wishes of the player. If he wants to leave, he will leave – that's always the point," Calderon told Talksport Radio's Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show on Tuesday.

"It's all about the player. The player must say, 'I want to leave and go to Real Madrid', and that will be the moment they start negotiating."

Hazard, who arrived at Stamford Bridge from Lille in 2012, has regained his best form under Blues manager Antonio Conte, with west London club Chelsea 10 points in front at the top of the table with 10 league games of the season left.

"Chelsea will ask for a lot of money, I think that's what the situation will be at the end of the season," Calderon said.

"Chelsea knows quite well how much has been paid in the market over the last few years, with (Cristiano) Ronaldo, (Gareth) Bale and (Paul) Pogba – £100 million is now the bar."

Brazil close in on spot at Russia 2018.

Brazil could become the first side to guarantee qualification for the 2018 World Cup if they beat Paraguay at home and both Ecuador and Chile drop points.

Group leaders Brazil face Paraguay in Sao Paulo and will move on to 33 points if they win what would be their eighth consecutive qualifier.

Ecuador and Chile are tied in fifth place with 20 points, behind Uruguay on 23, Argentina 22 and Colombia 21.

If Ecuador do not beat Colombia and Chile fail to take maximum points from Venezuela then they would not both be able to overtake Brazil.

The top four teams in the South America region qualify automatically for Russia 2018 and the fifth-placed side go into a playoff against a side from Oceania.

There will be four more rounds of games after Tuesday's matches.

Brazil are the only team to play in every World Cup but they were humiliated on home soil in 2014 when eventual winners Germany hammered them 7-1 in the semifinals.

Coach Tite has got them back on track after Dunga's unhappy spell in charge and their recent form - a South American record seven qualifying wins in a row - has established them as one of the favourites to win the World Cup for a record-extending sixth time.

They are strongly fancied to beat seventh-placed Paraguay, even though the visitors have won or drawn their last four competitive fixtures in Brazil.

Thirty two teams will take part next year's tournament, with hosts Russia already assured of a place.

Italy add to Dutch misery.

Italy recovered from an early own goal to beat the Netherlands 2-1 away in a friendly on Tuesday and cap a miserable few days for the hosts who sacked manager Danny Blind at the weekend.

Italy's Alessio Romagnoli deflected the ball into his own net after 10 minutes but Eder equalised within 60 seconds and centre back Leonardo Bonucci swept home a loose ball from a corner in the 32nd minute for the winner at the Amsterdam Arena.

Defeat for the Dutch came after a tumultuous period in which their World Cup qualification hopes were handed a severe blow by a 2-0 loss in Bulgaria on Saturday after which Blind was fired.

Under caretaker coach Fred Grim, the Netherlands began in fiery fashion on Tuesday and a quick set of passes between Davy Klaassen and Quincy Promes inside the Italy area saw the ball come off Romagnoli's foot into the net to put the hosts ahead.

But the Italians were level within a minute as a floated free kick was poorly cleared by Wesley Hoedt straight to Eder who fired home from outside the area. It was a replica of the second goal the Dutch conceded in Sofia on Saturday.

Netherlands defender Bruno Martins Indi headed against the bar from Memphis Depay's corner after 27 minutes but five minutes later Italy went in front when Romagnoli's effort from a corner brought a superb one-handed save from Jeroen Zoet, only for Bonucci to crash the ball into the roof of the net.

An error by Bonucci early in the second half gave Promes a chance but he was denied by a fine save from Italy’s teenage goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Torino's Serie A top scorer Andrea Belotti came off the bench to force several good saves from Zoet, who also denied debutant Leonardo Spinazzola in the final 10 minutes.

Veteran Wesley Sneijder's cameo appearance near the end held out some promise for the Dutch but although he conjured up two shots in the closing stages they were both saved by Donnarumma, who was making his first start in the national team.

Ronaldo scores but Sweden wreck party.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated his Madeira homecoming with an early strike but Sweden wrecked the party by hitting back from two down to win 3-2 with a last-gasp own goal in a friendly on Tuesday.

The match, Ronaldo's first appearance for Portugal on the island where he was born, took place on the eve of a ceremony to name Funchal airport after the 32-year-old Real Madrid forward, giving the whole evening a testimonial feel.

But the celebrations turned to misery for the 10 000 crowd as Joao Cancelo put through his own goal in stoppage time to hand Sweden an unlikely victory against the European champions.

The first half went entirely to script as Ronaldo, whose last professional match in Madeira was a league game with Sporting in 2003, turned in Gelson Martins' cross after 18 minutes for his 71st international goal.

Ronaldo volleyed narrowly wide before again combining with Martins, whose pass was turned into his own net by Sweden captain Andreas Granquivst in the 34th minute.

Portugal were fielding an experimental team and Sweden, who had already exploited some gaps in the defence during the first half, pulled one back through Viktor Claesson in the 57th.

Ronaldo went off to a standing ovation on the hour but then had to watch from the bench as his side capitulated.

Claesson got in front of his marker to prod the ball home from a corner in the 76th before Niklas Hult steamed down the left and sent over a low cross which Cancelo, under no pressure, turned into his own goal at the far post.

Ronaldo already has a museum dedicated to him in Funchal, with a three-metre bronze statute of the four-times world player of the year on the seafront not far from the main entrance.

Bolivia beat Messi-less Argentina.

Argentina, weakened by the last-minute suspension of Lionel Messi, suffered a fourth defeat in their World Cup qualifying campaign as a spirited Bolivia won 2-0 in La Paz on Tuesday.
Bolivia scored either side of halftime through Juan Arce and Marcelo Martins and were deserved winners against an Argentina side who defended poorly throughout an exciting end-to-end encounter.
The defeat left twice World Cup winners Argentina provisionally third on 22 points in the 10-team South American qualifying group, but with Chile, Ecuador and Colombia all within two points and with a game in hand.
Argentina were already without suspended regulars Javier Mascherano, Lucas Biglia and Gonzalo Higuain and their task was made even tougher when captain Messi was handed a four-match ban for swearing at a match official hours before the game started.
Bolivia appeared fired up by the decision and got the goal their early pressing deserved through Arce after 31 minutes.
The skinny winger outmuscled Facundo Roncaglia on the penalty spot to head home a deep cross from Pablo Escobar on the right.
Roncaglia was at fault again for the second goal seven minutes into the second half.
The Celta Vigo defender failed to prevent Jorge Flores from escaping to the byline to cross for an unmarked Marcelo Martins.
The big striker had all the time in the world to steady himself and hammer the ball past helpless Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero.
Argentina came into the game more when Sergio Aguero replaced Angel Correa 10 minutes into the second half but they could not get a goal and they are now likely to slip down the South American qualifying table.
The top four teams qualify automatically for Russia 2018 and the fifth-placed side goes into a playoff with a team from Oceania.
Fourth-placed Colombia and Ecuador, in fifth, play later on Tuesday, while Chile, in sixth, face bottom side Venezuela.

Deulofeu helps Spain tame France.

Spain's Gerard Deulofeu scored one and created another but had to share the limelight with the video assistant referee in a 2-0 friendly win over France in Paris on Tuesday.
David Silva put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot on 68 minutes after Deulofeu was fouled in the box by France defender Laurent Koscielny.
Deulofeu, who is currently on-loan at AC Milan, then converted a Silva cross nine minutes later, but his celebrations were briefly curtailed by an offside flag. The goal, however, was awarded after German referee Felix Zwayer asked the video assistant to check the decision.
Video technology had already played a key role in the match after France striker Antoine Griezmann, who plays in Spain with Atletico Madrid, had hit the back of the net with a header early in the second half.
His effort, however, was disallowed after replays showed defender Layvin Kurzawa, who was involved in the move, was offside.
The game really came to life in the second half and will no doubt feed the debate on the use of video technology, which is currently being tested ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Tuesday's match was the first time it had featured in an international in France.
"If the final decisions are correct, then why not, but it does change football a bit," said France coach Didier Deschamps.
"It played against us tonight but I guess it will be the same for everybody. That's the way football is going and we need to adapt to it," he added.
Les Bleus, relying on a somewhat experimental side with midfielder Corentin Tolisso winning his first cap and teenage winger Kylian Mbappe starting for the first time, shone only on occasions against a Spain side who exited Euro 2016 in France at the last-16 stage.
With their hosts looking nervous, Spain dominated for large spells but were toothless in attack and had only a couple of shots on target in a relatively dull first half.
Spain survived a few early scares with Mbappe failing to catch keeper David De Gea off guard with an angled shot, while a Koscielny header was cleared off the line by Gerard Pique.
The visitors threatened for the first time three minutes later when a powerful drive from midfield maestro Andres Iniesta flew just wide.
France, who have plenty of potential up front but created few clear chances while again looking shaky at the back, failed to thrill the home crowd, three days after they beat Luxembourg 3-1 to stay top of World Cup qualifying Group A. They resume their campaign with a trip to Sweden on June 9.
Spain, who top Group G, visit Macedonia on June 11.

Delhi hosts India's first Fifa tourney

he Under-17 World Cup will kick off in New Delhi, marking India's first-ever Fifa tournament, world football's governing body said on Monday despite initial concern over air quality in the world's most polluted capital.
After a week-long inspection, authorities selected six cities across the country including Mumbai and New Delhi for the under-17 matches, Fifa said.
"The match schedule has been created following a thorough analysis of players' health, competition format, team movements, weather, local festivities, geography and other factors," said Jaime Yarza, head of Fifa tournaments, in a statement.
Last month Fifa Under-17 World Cup tournament director Javier Ceppi said that air quality in Delhi was a "serious concern", particularly since the tournament will be held in the same month as the Diwali festival, when residents celebrate by setting huge amounts of fireworks.
Pollution levels spiked to record levels in Delhi around Diwali last year, forcing schools to shut as authorities ordered a series of emergency measures including a temporary ban on construction.
A 2014 World Health Organisation survey of more than 1 600 cities ranked Delhi as the most polluted.
Monday's statement said at least eight matches would be held at each venue, with India's football-mad city of Kolkata set to host the final at its Salt Lake Stadium.
While cricket is India's No 1 sport, Kolkata is often regarded as the premier football city and it is just as common to see youngsters kicking a ball on the streets as wielding a bat.
India are currently 130th in the Fifa world rankings, wedged between minnows Suriname and the Dominican Republic and with little sign that an upturn in fortunes is around the corner.
The Under-17 World Cup will be held from October 6-28.

Deschamps ready for Spain

A rejuvenated France will take on Spain in a gala friendly on Tuesday, with French coach Didier Deschamps suffering a timely embarrassment of riches from which to pick in a bid to extend a seven-match unbeaten streak.
Fresh from a 3-1 victory over Luxembourg in a World Cup qualifier at the weekend, the Euro 2016 runners-up will line up against a Spanish side that has dipped since winning the treble of two Euros (2008, 2012) and the 2010 World Cup, but remains strong on paper.
As for any friendly, falling as it does between World Cup qualifiers and a heavy club schedule, Deschamps will likely rotate his squad, notably with the League Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco scheduled for Saturday.
"I'll try to give the maximum number of my players some game time," said Deschamps.
Spain's Chelsea striker Diego Costa, scorer of one of the goals in Spain's 4-1 win over Israel in Friday's World Cup qualifier, suffered an ankle injury in training on Sunday which could rule him out of the friendly.
"He is staying with the squad but his participation in the game on Tuesday in Paris is uncertain," the Spanish federation said.
The Netherlands take on Italy, who are vying with Spain for top spot in their World Cup qualifying group, at the worst possible time.
Danny Blind was sacked as Dutch coach following a 2-0 defeat by Bulgaria that left the team's chances of reaching the World Cup finals hanging by the slenderest of threads.
"We were on the right track in Bulgaria, but it's a pity that it ends like this," he said, with his assistant Fred Grim to take charge in Amsterdam.
Blind, 55, had been in charge since July 2015, succeeding Guus Hiddink, but Saturday's loss in Sofia left the Dutch in fourth place in qualifying Group A, six points behind leaders France.
Only the group winners are guaranteed a place in the 2018 finals in Russia.
And in Russia, the home side host Belgium in what will be the first football game played at Sochi's Fisht arena.
The stadium, which hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the Winter Olympics in 2014, was then transformed into a 47 600-seat football ground, where four matches of June's Confederations Cup, including a semifinal, will be played in preparation for the World Cup.
Belgium look clear favourites, with Russia never having beaten them in the post-Soviet era and coming off the back of a first ever defeat to an African team on Friday, when they lost 2-0 to Ivory Coast.
Madeira's Maritimo Stadium will be packed to capacity as Portgual captain Cristiano Ronaldo returns to his home island with the European champions hosting Sweden.

48 World Cup teams unacceptable -Rummenigge

The decision-making process that led Fifa to increase the number of teams at the World Cup to 48 starting with the 2026 tournament is unacceptable, European Club Association (ECA) chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said on Tuesday.
The ECA, an organisation representing 220 soccer clubs, opposes the world governing body's decision which Rummenigge, the former Germany international who is also Bayern Munich's chief executive, has previously dismissed as "nonsense".
Rummenigge said on Tuesday there were also issues with transparency in that specific Fifa process, without elaborating.
"I believe it is quite clear Fifa knows we are unhappy that they increased the number of (World Cup) participants by 50 percent," Rummenigge told reporters after the ECA general assembly.
"This is a fact. The way of the decision-making and the transparency was not acceptable from our point of view.
"They are using our players, our employees in favour of the World Cup," he said. "We have every right to find a solution."
Fifa voted in January to increase the size of the World Cup from 32 teams to 48 from 2026, fulfilling a campaign promise of its president Gianni Infantino, who was elected last year.
Fifa says the tournament will not last longer than it does at present but big clubs in particular are angry at the prospect of losing even more players to their national teams.
CROWDED CALENDAR
Clubs have already complained about what they say is a crowded calendar of international matches for which they must release their players on a regular basis.
"I would call now especially on Fifa and (European soccer's governing body) Uefa to reduce the number (of international matches). We (have) arrived at a point where players have to play too many games," Rummenigge said.
These organisations should "think more about football and not financial and political issues," he added.
Last year the ECA supported controversial changes to the Champions League club competition, which critics said put finance before football.
European body Uefa rearranged the group stage slots in favour of its four top-ranked leagues – Spain, England, Germany and Italy – by guaranteeing them four places each among other changes.
"The club competition reform is without a single doubt very good news for all clubs in Europe," Rummenigge, whose association has threatened to set up a pan-European league of its own in the past.
"Everyone in European club football... will benefit from this reform. The reform will make the Champions League more emotional and stronger than ever before."

Tottenham and Arsenal target Ross Barkley

Tottenham and Arsenal are set to fight it out this summer for Everton playmaker Ross Barkley, according to the Daily Star.
The reports suggest that both north London clubs would be willing to pay £30million for the highly rated England star this summer.
Barkley will have just one year left on his contract in the summer. Everton boss Ronald Koeman has recently stated that negotiations are expected over a new deal in the near future.
The Toffees are cutting it fine, though, as their Premier League rivals are circling.
Could quit for Champions League football
There are rumours doing the rounds that Barkley is keen to quit his boyhood club to play Champions League football next season. That sounds familiar! It would be hard to stomach for Toffees fans to lose Barkley in the summer, as he is one of their own.
The 23-year-old came through the youth team at Everton. He is considered the club’s best youth product since Wayne Rooney. In truth, there has been no indication what the playmaker will do in the summer.
However, the national press seem to like selling Everton players to the so-called ‘bigger clubs’. This could just be rumours or a ploy from his representatives to get Barkley a bigger contract at Everton.
Is finally fulfilling his potential
Ross Barkley has always been a bit of an enigma. At times he looks like he can beat a whole team on his own, while at other times he runs around like a headless chicken, making poor decision after poor decision.
Current Everton boss Ronald Koeman has brought more of the world-beater out of Barkley than the headless chicken. Barkley is a lad who seems to lack confidence, but when he is playing with confidence he can be a joy to watch.
His balance and his ability to go past players are rare qualities, well in English players they are anyway. The playmaker’s good run of form has coincided with Everton’s resurgence and late challenge for a top six place, which they are odds of 5/1 to achieve.
Suddenly he is playing with confidence and making the right passes. He is doing the simple things right. Barkley is starting to look more worthy of all those Paul Gascoigne comparisons earlier in his career.
The Wavertree-born star is by no means the finished article, yet. However, he is producing the goods on a far more consistent basis for Everton and much credit needs to go to Koeman.
Would he be better off at Everton?
It seems that Barkley may well be better served staying at Everton. For all the criticism he receives, he is loved by the fans because he is regarded as the fan on the pitch. Barkley is the lifelong fan that is fulfilling his dreams by pulling on the famous royal blue jersey.
There are also cons to moving to both Arsenal and Tottenham. At the moment Arsenal are struggling to make the top-four and are ahead of Everton only on goal difference. There is also uncertainty about the future of Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.
The signing may make sense to the north London club. Both Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil are being heavily linked with an exit from the club in the summer, as they are in the same contract situation as Barkley himself.
A move to Tottenham also has its cons. Spurs are going places under Argentinian boss Mauricio Pochettino and have a promising young team. One of those talented youngsters at White Hart Lane is England midfielder Dele Alli.
A combination of Alli and Barkley in the midfield may sound like a dream. However, for me, they would likely want to occupy the same space. Arguably both players are number tens but have thrived in more free roles in recent months.
I believe this could be a similar problem to the one that England had with Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard. They may well both be good players, but maybe they would not thrive in the same team.
Ross Barkley has a big dilemma ahead of him this summer. Unlike striker Romelu Lukaku, he has strong emotional ties to the club. However, just like Everton’s former youth product Wayne Rooney, he may choose with his head rather than his heart.
The playmaker will know that his decision this summer could well shape the rest of his career. For his sake, I just hope he makes the right one.
Will Ross Barkley be playing for Everton next season?

Belgium 1-1 Greece: 5 Things We Learned as Nine-Man Greece Hold on for a Point

Greece got a good result away at Belgium, even after being reduced to ten men early in the second half and nine in the dying moments of injury time. Here are five things we learned from the encounter.

5. Never Doubt the Greeks

The Greeks showed that they can never be counted out. They won the Euros in 2004 in an incredible run that was foreseen by none. They showed flashes of that team, holding an incredible Belgian roster to just four shots on target, a pretty good result considering their own roster. The point is vital for the Greeks who now sit second, ahead of Bosnia, a very important result if they wish to qualify for the World Cup in Russia.

4. Hazard and De Bruyne Were Missed

Without world-class winger Eden Hazard and midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who missed the game due to injury, Beligum looked lost out there in attack, only getting a goal thanks to a superb strike from Lukaku. The result showed how much the players mean to the Belgian national team, who struggled without them. The winger already has 77 caps to go along with 17 goals for the side, and De Bruyne has 50 caps and 13 goals. Luckily for Belgium and their respective clubs, the players should return in the next few weeks.

3. Numbers Don’t Matter

Despite a numerical disadvantage as early as the 65th minute, Greece were able to get a much needed point. Things got worse when they were reduced to nine men late in injury time, but it was too late for Belgium to capitalize. They were able to effectively defend, and they were solid to get a well-deserved point. Greece are on the path to qualification for Russia, and this performance will certainly boost their confidence.

2. Lukaku World-Class

The Belgian striker has been impressive all season, and he currently tops the Premier League top scorers list with 21 goals, an impressive feat. The Belgian is only 23 years old, and he could become one of the best players in the world if he continues on this route. He scored a beauty against Greece, a goals that salvaged them a point, and fans should be thanking the Everton striker. He has a bright future ahead of him, and he could lead the Belgian national team in the next few years.

1. Belgium Disappointing

Belgium continued to disappoint against Greece, wasting a valuable opportunity to grab all three points, especially after Tachtsidis’ expulsion early in the second half. For a team that was ranked number one in the world at one point by FIFA, they have looked lacklustre and failed to perform accordingly. They arguably have the best team in the world, sporting names such as Nainggolan, Mertens, Lukaku, and Hazard. Belgium have failed to utilize their superiority in talent so far, and they need to perform better if they wish to pose a threat in the next World Cup.
Belgium XI: Courtois 5; Alderweireld 5.5, Ciman 5.5 (Mirallas 84′, N/A), Vertonghen 5.5; Chadli 5, Fellaini 5 (Dembele 66′, 5.5), Witsel 6, Nainggolan 6, Ferreira Carrasco 5.5, Mertens 5; Lukaku 7
Unused Subs: Mignolet, Sels, Vermaelen, Tielemans, Dendoncker, Foket, Origi, Thorgan Hazard, Batshuayi
Greece XI: Kapino 6; Torosidis 5.5, Manolas 6, Papastaphopoulos 6, Tzavellas 5.5; Mandalos 5.5 (Zeca 84′, N/A), Samaris 5.5, Tachtsidis 5, Stafylidis 5; Mitroglou 6.5 (Vellios 90+’, N/A), Fortounis 5.5 (Tziolis 67′, 5)
Unused Subs: Glykos, Kyriakidis, Ikonomou, Androutsos, Maniatis, Siopis, Diamantakos, Bakasetas, Gianniotas
Referee: Felix Brych

Montagliani stakes claim to 3 automatic slots at 2026 North American World Cup

If the United States, Canada and Mexico jointly bid for the 2026 World Cup and are successful, all three should be allowed automatic berths in the competition according to the region’s top administrator.
CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani (pictured) told The Associated Press that continental bodies should decide how to allocate their quota of World Cup entries.
“I don’t think we should be dictating how a confederation allocates their slots from a hosting standpoint. That’s up to them,” Montagliani said.
It is unclear whether FIFA would guarantee direct entry to multiple hosts even though FIFA President Gianni Infantino has encouraged multi-nation bids for an expanded 48-team World Cup. UEFA recently decided to limit direct qualification to a maximum of two co-hosts for their 24-team European Championship.
Infantino is due to meets Montagliani and the five other confederation presidents at a FIFA Bureau meeting in Zurich when World Cup slots could be discussed.
Montagliani has also apparently held talks with his South American counterparts about staging another joint Copa America after the successful 2016 Centenario event.
How would that affect the Gold Cup, traditionally CONCACAF’s blue riband event played every two years?
“Do we really need it (the Gold Cup)?” Montagliani asked. “Is it just clogging the calendar for the players?”
After the turmoil of recent years, CONCACAF will hold its annual assembly on April 8 with a new spirit of optimism, Montagliani says.
“There is unity in CONCACAF. We have delivered on everything we said,” said Montagliani, the body’s fourth president since 2011, his three predecessors have all been caught up in football’s corruption scandal.
Montagliani, who chairs the new football stakeholders committee, said that the international calendar and the transfer system are among the initial priorities for a body which brings together representatives of the players, clubs and leagues.
“Everybody understands that if people are coming to the committee with a zero sum game mentality, nobody is going to win,” he said.

Arsenal forward wants more playing time

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has revealed he is looking for more game time until the end of the season after dropping down the pecking order under Arsene Wenger this season.

Giroud

has lost his place in the team to Alexis Sanchez this season but was still happy enough to commit his long-term future to the club when he signed a new deal in January.

However, the France international still isn’t happy about his lack of playing time and is hoping he will feature more often for Arsenal after the international break.

“It is true that I am seeking more playing time with my club and that I need to play matches consistently in order to feel good,” Giroud told Canal Plus, via Get French Football.

“I am working a lot to win back a starting spot, but the coach has several options. So I am not more preoccupied by the situation that that, I have always known to work with humility and I am confident about the future,”



Giroud has only started eight Premier League games this season and has been forced to make a further 12 appearances off the bench. However, despite barely getting on the pitch he has still scored eight goals and registered three assists in that time.

In fact, only Nolito has scored as many goals as Giroud as a substitute in the Premier League this season (4).