واصل جناح الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد، جاريث بيل، تمرده على الإدارة والمدير الفني، زين الدين زيدان، بتصرف جديد قبل مباراة خيتافي الودية.

وواجه ريال مدريد منافسه خيتافي في مباراة ودية سرية اليوم، الثلاثاء، في تمام الساعة الثانية عشر ظهرًا بتوقيت “القاهرة” على ملعب “ألفريدو دي ستيفانو، وفاز بنتيجة 6-0 قبل انطلاق مشواره في الدوري الإسباني. (طالع التفاصيل)

ويستعد الملكي لمواجهة ريال سوسيداد يوم، الأحد المقبل، على ملعب “أنويتا” في الجولة الثانية من البطولة، بعد تأجيل مباراته في الجولة الأولى أمام خيتافي بسبب انتهاء مشاركاته في الموسم الماضي متأخرًا بسبب دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ولكن المشكلة تكمن هنا بحسب ما ذكرت شبكة “كواترو” الإسبانية في تمرد بيل المستمر، حيث يرغب في الرحيل عن صفوف ريال مدريد ويريد فرض المزيد من الضغط على الإدارة للموافقة على بيعه هذا الصيف.

كان بيل متواجدًا في المدينة الرياضية صباح اليوم، وقبل بداية المباراة الودية أمام خيتافي، أعطى له زيدان حرية مشاهدة المباراة أو الرحيل بعد انتهاء المران.

لكن الويلزي الدولي فضل الرحيل وشوهد يخرج بسيارته من المدينة الرياضية للعودة إلى منزله في تمام الساعة الثانية عشر ونصف ظهرًا، ليكتب فصلًا جديدًا من التمرد وتوجيه رسائل للإدارة مفادها الرغبة في ترك قلعة “سانتياجو برنابيو”.

الجدير بالذكر أن هناك صراعًا إنجليزيًا على ضم بيل في الآونة الأخيرة بين مانشستر يونايتد وتوتنهام (فريقه السابق)، لكن حتى الآن لم يتقدموا بأي عرض رسمي لصالح ريال مدريد.

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Reported Everton target Tanguy Ndombele produced a brilliant performance for Lyon as they picked up a goalless draw in the first leg of their last 16 Champions League tie with Barcelona at the Lyon Olympic Stadium on Tuesday, surely ending the Merseyside outfit’s chances of signing him.

On the chalkboard

Well, The Liverpool Echo reported in November that Toffees chief scout Martyn Glover had been sent to watch the powerful 22-year-old midfielder in action, with the media outlet reporting at the time that the France international was worth £40m.

The Liverpool Echo said that the interest in the Ligue 1 star was evidence that Marco Silva and Marcel Brands were keen to bolster the team’s options in the centre of the park across the January transfer window and then in the summer, which could be a priority given they did no business in that area last month.

Andre Gomes is only on loan from Barcelona, Idrissa Gueye has been heavily linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain while 20-year-old Tom Davies has captained the team in recent weeks.

Could they sign Ndombele?

In a word, no.

Any chance they did have of bringing him to Goodison Park have surely vanished after his latest display in Europe, where he produced a display full of quality and composure against some of the best players in world football.

Not only did the powerful Frenchman shine from a defensive point of view – which is of course important given his usual deep-lying position – but he also made an impact going forward for the Ligue 1 outfit as well, as you can see from his WhoScored stats, as he completed five dribbles and was successful with all three long balls he attempted.

Everton may well be keen to strengthen their midfield this summer, but they won’t be getting Ndombele whose price will be soaring and who will surely be attracting interest from the very best clubs in Europe as he continues to excel at the highest level.

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Celtic have been rebuffed in their attempts to sign Colin Dagba as they step up their search for a right-back, according to reports from French website RMC.

What’s the story?

The 20-year-old has made three Ligue 1 appearances this season for Paris Saint Germain but appears to have a real fan in manager Thomas Tuchel, who doesn’t want the promising defender to leave.

It’s claimed Celtic would have liked to sign Dagba, although no time-frame is given for the Scottish champions expressing their interest, however Tuchel isn’t interested in parting with a youngster who recently signed a contract until 2023.

Search continues

France has proved to be a great recruiting ground for Brendan Rodgers. Moussa Dembele, Odsonne Edouard and Olivier Ntcham have all advanced their careers as Celtic swooped to a double treble.

That track record no doubt helped Celtic to take Timo Weah on loan earlier this month, so it’s natural the Hoops took a look at what PSG have in reserve for the problem position of right-back.

On this occasion the door seems closed but a lot can happen before midnight on Thursday as Celtic step up their search to bring in a right-back to compete with Mikael Lustig.

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Crystal Palace have officially announced the signing of Sao Paulo’s Lucas Perri on loan for the remainder of the season – the Brazilian becomes the Eagles’ first piece of January business and, contrary to the opinions of most, it is a far more important addition than a striker.

Injuries to Vicente Guaita and Wayne Hennessey have left Roy Hodgson short of options between the sticks and it is no surprise that this deal has finally gone through now after the stinker of a performance put in against Liverpool by third choice keeper – and Palace legend – Julian Speroni.

The 39-year-old didn’t look match fit and gifted Mohamed Salah his second of the game as he misjudged a James Milner cross, meaning much of Palace’s hard work was undone.

Which player with “no potential” has just been named Crystal Palace’s worst ever January signing? Find out in the video above…

Keeping the ball out of your net clearly important, but so is putting it away in your opponents’ – goals have been a commodity at SE25 this season and many Palace fans surely feel that an upgrade on the current crop of strikers is desperately needed.

A deal for early January target Dominic Solanke fell through, with the Englishman opting for a switch to Bournemouth instead and Palace fans have more or less been left in the dark since.

The signing of 21-year-old Perri, though, should at least come as a relief to those who felt the club were just staring out the transfer window as it slowly closes.

Here’s what the Selhurst Park faithful had to say on Twitter…

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Leeds United were in electric form against West Bromwich Albion on a special evening for the Whites faithful at Elland Road.

What’s the word?

Leeds has been a city consumed by promotion-fever this season, and that feeling was intensified by a thumping 4-0 win over West Bromwich Albion last week.

It was a game which saw gushing admiration pour in for Marcelo Bielsa and his talented squad of players and David Prutton, a regular Sky Sports pundit, joined the eulogisers as he delivered his verdict on the game, per Yorkshire Evening Post.

The former Leeds man singled out three key players for individual praise, including midfield lynchpin Kalvin Phillips.

‘Tyler Roberts was very good, Pablo Hernandez was very good and Kalvin Phillips kept things ticking along as he does – unsung but highly effective.’

While the role of the defensive midfield enforcer has often been underappreciated and neglected, it’s fair to say that Phillips is far from unsung.

A firm fan favourite – time to bust a myth?

In the role Phillips plays the headlines will seldom belong to him, and Friday’s game served to prove that.

Naturally, Roberts’ creative genius and Pablo Hernandez’s artistry were at the forefront of the post-match reaction throughout the media, but Phillips’ contribution would have been duly noted by the supporters.

That the 23-year-old midfielder has been nicknamed the ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’ and has even prompted some supporters to tip him for an England call-up speaks volumes about the enormity of his reputation at Elland Road.

With the likes of Declan Rice and Fernandinho also joining Phillips by earning gargantuan praise for their performances so far this season, it’s fair to say that attitudes are changing in regard to how holding midfielders are perceived throughout the footballing world.

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Tottenham Hotspur have been one of the most consistent producers of the next generation of talent in recent years, and murmurs emerging from their academy ranks hint that Troy Parrott is one to watch for the future.

What’s the word?

Parrott is a name which Tottenham supporters have become increasingly familiar with in recent weeks in light of Harry Kane’s absence.

After scoring 11 goals in just seven games in the U18’s Premier League this season, it was no surprise that Parrott was mentioned as a potential candidate to replace Kane during his spell on the sidelines.

But, at just 17 years of age, it’s even less surprising that a call-up has yet to materialise. The club’s long-term vision for Parrott, however, is beginning to take shape after the budding goal machine signed a contract extension with the club.

Indeed, according to football.london, Parrott signed his first professional contract with the club on his 17th birthday on Monday, with the player taking to Instagram to express his delight at the ultimate birthday gift.

Daniel Levy has learned from Reo Griffiths setback

That Daniel Levy has wasted absolutely no time in offering the prolific forward a professional contract surely has its roots in Spurs’ transfer history.

Around this time last year, Reo Griffiths was bookmarked as one to watch in Tottenham’s youth ranks. The teenage sensation, like Parrott, boasted a relentless record in front of goal, prompting speculation over his credentials to solve the club’s notable second striker conundrum.

But unforeseeable disappointment laid on the horizon as he completed a permanent transfer away from north London last summer when he agreed terms with Lyon.

Spurs’ inability to keep hold of their academy jewel represented a huge setback and the fact Levy has moved to tie up a deal on Parrott’s 17th birthday is telling: he has seemingly learned his lesson from Griffiths’ departure.

In the midst of an era which is slowly being defined by the willingness of aspiring academy players to challenge themselves away from the comfort and familiarity of English football, Tottenham’s latest agreement should be regarded as an excellent piece of business.

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After a week at Celtic it looks like Jeremy Toljan has been playing his whole career with the Hoops.

The entire month of January seemed to be taken up with the elusive search for a right-back going on until two hours away from the transfer window closing.

In the final couple of days attention turned to the 24-year-old who hadn’t made a single Bundesliga appearance this term.

Two days after touching down in Scotland, Toljan found himself listed as a substitute away to St. Johnstone and when Mikael Lustig picked up a first half knock the German was thrown into a dramatic debut.

Toljan linked up instantly with James Forrest, pushing forward impressively but in a measured way as Celtic hunted down the breakthrough.

In midweek against Hibs, he provided the assist for Ryan Christie to open the scoring and the worries over the problem position started to clear.

During 2018, Jack Hendry, Lustig, Kris Ajer, Cristian Gamboa and Tony Ralston all played at right-back but it now looks like the loan signing from Dortmund has nailed it. His biggest test comes on Thursday when Valencia visit on Europa League duty.

And it’s safe to say, Celtic fans on Twitter are delighted with Toljan’s contributions so far…

وصل قبل قليل، الدولي الإسباني تياجو ألكانتارا، متوسط ميدان بايرن ميونخ، لمركز تدريب ميلوود الخاص بنادي ليفربول الإنجليزي.

تياجو أصبح أقرب من أي وقتٍ مضى من نادي ليفربول، بعدما تواصل الفريق الإنجليزي مع نظيره الألماني، إلى اتفاق شبه رسمي، كما أكد بايرن ميونخ، أن تياجو سينتقل إلى ليفربول، مهنئًا يورجن كلوب مواطنه بالتعاقد مع اللاعب (طالع ماذا قال؟).

كما وجه تياجو رسالة وداعية اليوم الجمعة، لجماهير بايرن ميونخ بعد قضائه 7 سنوات مع الفريق البافاري (طالع تصريحاته).

وكشفت شبكة “فوتبول ديلي” البريطانية، عن وصول ألكانتارا قبل قليل، في سيارة مرسيسدس، وهو يتجه لـ ميلوود. شاهد لحظة وصول ألكانتارا لـ ليفربول

Thiago Alcantara arriving at Liverpool’s training ground to sign for the club! 🔴 pic.twitter.com/6HYgTeyhq0 — Football Daily (@footballdaily) September 18, 2020

ليفربول يسعى للإعلان عن الصفقة، في منتصف اليوم، ليتمكن من تسجيل لاعب برشلونة السابق، في الاتحاد الإنجليزي، ويكون قادرًا على التواجد في مباراة تشيلسي القادمة بالجولة الثانية من البريميرليج.

يُذكر أنّ ألكانتارا في الموسم الماضي شارك في 40 مباراة مع النادي البافاري بمُختلف المُسابقات، وسجّل ثلاثة أهداف وصنع هدفين.

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West Ham United boss Manuel Pellegrini has admitted that he is still unable to put a timeframe on when Jack Wilshere will be available for selection.

What’s the latest?

Pellegrini told reporters on Wednesday, as quoted by football.london:

“We will analyse Jack Wilshere next week, then we will be more clear about his future.”

Whilst there have been positive updates on Samir Nasri and Manuel Lanzini, the same simply cannot be said for Wilshere.

The midfielder joined West Ham on a free transfer last summer following his departure from Arsenal.

The Englishman has only made five appearances for the Hammers, though, the last of which was against Newcastle United at the start of December.

The 27-year-old has missed a serious amount of football over the last few years and it is unclear whether he will be able to return this season.

What is the current issue?

Wilshere was out with an ankle injury in the early stages of the season, before returning in the latter stages of November.

The midfielder picked up yet another problem with his ankle in early December, though, and has been on the sidelines ever since.

Since the start of the 2013-14 season, Wilshere has had five separate ankle injuries, in addition to a broken foot, knee injury and two hairline cracks in his calf bone.

Pl>ymaker FC’s Matchday with Max caught up with Jamaica’s women’s team. See what happened when he met the history makers in the video below…

The fact that Pellegrini was unable to give a proper update is a concern, suggesting that the England international will be unable to return this season.

Wilshere is contracted to West Ham until the summer of 2021, though, and will certainly be hoping that his latest issue proves to be his last.

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Loads of West Ham fans have been reacting to a big update on a possible striker signing, as reports claim they will not move for Maxi Gomez this month.

According to The Evening Standard, West Ham’s £43.5m swoop for Gomez will definitely not happen on deadline day.

The report claims Celta Vigo will not release the striker this month because they are in a relegation battle.

The Spanish outfit currently sit 18th in La Liga, two points adrift of safety, and Gomez is pretty much their only source of goals.

Look away Arsenal fans! American Soccer Fan is back to troll more fans at the London Stadium in the video below…

This is bad news for the Hammers though, who have gone off the boil in recent weeks after a terrific run of form before Christmas, and desperately need a clinical goalscorer.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side could be without Marko Arnautovic for at least a couple of weeks after the striker injured his foot during the defeat at Wolves, and there are still question marks over how committed the Austrian international will be even once he is fit.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below, where fans are fuming at this transfer update…