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Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos hailed Carlo Ancelotti's son Davide as “a phenomenon” in an emotional tribute to the coach.

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• Ceballos calls Davide “a phenomenon” in farewell post
• Ancelotti's son seen as top Rangers candidate
• Pair left Real Madrid and will go separate ways

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  In an emotional Instagram post, Ceballos praised not only Madrid's departing head coach, but also sang high praise for his son, who served as an assistant at Madrid. Earlier this week, Davide posted a farewell to the club, thanking the team and fans as he leaves to pursue a new challenge.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  With Ancelotti stepping down to prepare for his next role with the Brazil national team, his son has emerged as a frontrunner for the vacant Rangers job. The 35-year-old is reportedly ahead of former Gers manager Steven Gerrard in the race to replace Philippe Clement, who was fired amid a disappointing season.

• WHAT CEBALLOS SAID

  In a long Instagram post, Ceballos paid tribute to Ancelotti, thanking the legendary coach for his guidance, humility, and care. He added of the coach's son: "Davide, a phenomenon, with a huge future as a coach."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR DAVIDE?

  Rangers are expected to accelerate talks in the coming weeks, with Davide seen as a promising option to lead the Scottish club. While, his dad prepares for a new role with Brazil, the 35-year-old will have a chance to step out of his shadow and make a name for himself as a head coach.

Sunderland are desperate to restore their former glories by earning promotion to the Premier League, which could offer a platform for Regis Le Bris to make savvy additions during the transfer window.

Sunderland's inconsistent form likely to deny automatic promotion

Despite a storming start to the campaign, Sunderland have become one of the Championship’s more erratic sides. They now sit eight points behind Sheffield United in the hunt for automatic promotion.

Pulling back that margin inside 11 matches isn’t impossible, but Regis Le Bris will be mentally prepared for the agony and ecstasy the playoffs have to offer should they fail to catch the Blades.

The Black Cats lost out in the same format to Luton Town at the semi-final stage in 2022/23. Old wounds can provide unwanted flashbacks, but they can also serve as motivation to right the wrongs of the past.

Le Bris also knows that promotion will likely have a telling impact on their transfer activity. Sunderland are aware that Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg are attracting heavy interest and may be difficult to retain this summer. However, speculation regarding potential incomings at the Stadium of Light is also escalating.

Reports suggest Hansa Rostock’s Ahmet Gurleyen is on the Black Cats’ radar and could be available for just £414,000. No matter the division they ply their trade in next campaign, there is always scope for financially advantageous deals to occur in the North East.

On that token, Sunderland are eyeing a midfielder who has emerged as one of the most promising stars to come out of his nation in recent years.

Sunderland plot swoop for Motherwell sensation Lennon Miller

According to Graeme Bailey via EFL Analysis, Sunderland are among a clutch of clubs in the running to sign Motherwell’s Lennon Miller this summer as the midfielder continues to star at Fir Park.

Sheffield United, Middlesbrough, Leeds United and top flight sides such as Liverpool and rivals Newcastle United are also mooted to have shown interest in the Scotland Under-21 international.

Sunderland agree deal to sell £5,000-a-week player who Tony Mowbray loved

This comes after talks in the last few weeks.

By
Charlie Smith

Mar 6, 2025

Branded as “an exceptional talent” by Motherwell chief executive Brian Caldwell, Miller has registered four goals and six assists in 30 appearances across all competitions this term.

Only 18 years of age, the prodigious star has already worn the captain’s armband at his club. He is viewed as one of the hottest properties in Scottish football and the Steelmen estimate that he could be worth just under £10 million, even with his contract rolling into its final year.

Demonstrating versatility in the engine room, Miller has won 128 duels and 71.8% of his tackles on Scottish Premiership duty. Offensively, the Wishaw-born man has created 42 chances, so it is easy to see why his list of admirers is growing.

Sunderland are set to be in a decent position to land his services if they gain promotion this term. Nevertheless, whether he will opt for the Stadium of Light remains to be seen.

Tottenham Hotspur are planning to hold talks over signing a marquee player this summer, with the Spurs transfer target also ready to demand an exit from his club at the end of this season in a potential boost for Johan Lange and Daniel Levy.

Tottenham preparing for AZ Alkmaar after dramatic Bournemouth draw

Ange Postecoglou is under intense pressure to come away from their Europa League second leg tie against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday with nothing but a win, given the competition is their last chance to take anything positive from this regrettable campaign.

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Spurs reportedly have a title-winner in their sights.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Mar 11, 2025

Spurs are 13th in the Premier League and out of both domestic cups, so the Lilywhites are pinning all of their hopes on overturning the 1-0 deficit from their first-leg encounter with AZ.

They warmed up for the clash with a dramatic 2-2 draw against Bournemouth, and Spurs were forced to overcome a deficit in that game as well. Goals from Pape Matar Sarr and Son Heung-min earned the north Londoners a point from two goals down, and despite the hectic nature of their latest result, Postecoglou’s side can perhaps take some encouragement.

“Chaotic game for sure,” said Postecoglou on Tottenham’s draw with Bournemouth.

“We added to the chaos and it was a little bit self-inflicted, especially in the first half, just with the ball we were really careless with our passing and that allowed the game to be played on the terms Bournemouth would like with their transition football. So yeah chaotic but at 2-0 down it would have been very easy, particularly with the atmosphere as it was, for the boys to just let the game get away from us, but credit to them, they found a way to get back into the game and we got something out of it.”

Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero also got a much-needed run out ahead of Spurs’ clash with AZ tomorrow, with the duo previously missing for large periods of the campaign through injury.

Their absences were sorely felt, and it prompted the club to strike a last-gasp loan-to-buy deal for Kevin Danso from RC Lens, who has gone on to impress.

As well as this, Spurs made a high-profile £70 million January bid for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, which was swiftly rejected by the Eagles.

Tottenham planning summer talks to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace

Even though their initial winter offer was turned down, Postecoglou’s side haven’t given hope of eventually striking a deal for the England international.

According to CaughtOffside, Tottenham are planning to re-open talks for Guehi in the summer, and it is believed the centre-back is ready to demand an exit from Selhurst Park as he enters the final year of his contract.

The £75-80 million defender, as stated in this report, is also attracting interest from Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle United – so it will by no means be an easy race for Spurs to win as elite English sides clamour for Guehi’s services.

Guehi, labelled a “sensational talent” by Palace chairman Steve Parish, also wants a long-term contract until 2030 from interested clubs.

Jamaica have been told that their "bigger than football" decision to bring Mason Greenwood on board needs "acceptance from the nation".

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• Made one appearance for Three Lions in 2020
• FIFA has sanctioned allegiance switch
• Reggae Boyz yet to welcome ex-Man Utd star on board

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Reggae Boyz have a green light from FIFA when it comes to adding former Manchester United forward Greenwood to their ranks. The one-cap England international is ready to pledge allegiance to the Caribbean nation.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  No official switch has been announced as yet, despite 2026 World Cup qualifying being well underway, with ex-United coach and England boss Steve McClaren still waiting to discover whether the 23-year-old – who has been starring in France for Marseille – will join his ranks.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  There are several factors to be taken into consideration when it comes to Greenwood – not just his sporting ability. He saw all charges in a case relating to allegations of attempted rape, assault and coercive and controlling behaviour dropped in February 2023.

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  WHAT FRANK SINCLAIR SAID

  Quizzed on whether Jamaica will want to get Greenwood registered as soon as possible, former Reggae Boyz star Frank Sinclair – speaking in association with – told GOAL: "It’s a really difficult one. An obvious football answer would be, absolutely. Because of what he brings as a footballer, he makes this Jamaica squad a lot stronger. But, it’s deeper than that. There are a lot of people that don’t feel the same way about him as a person.

  "It depends on what Jamaica and Steve McClaren want to do in creating a culture in the international squad. It’s a hard one to answer. From a football sense, yeah, of course you want Mason Greenwood in your squad because he gives you a greater opportunity of qualifying for the World Cup.

  "At the same time, there are things in the world that are bigger than football and it’s a difficult question to answer. It would have to be acceptance from the nation, from the players, from the staff, 100 per cent backing him because there are going to be a lot of people that are going to be trying to dig holes and put him in them. It’s not a case of here’s your dual passport, you can play for Jamaica now. There is a lot more that comes with representing Jamaica.

  "I was in the second batch of English-based players that joined the national squad and it wasn’t just about football for me. My decision behind playing for Jamaica was twofold. One was, I felt like there wasn’t going to be an opportunity to play for England, because of where I was at at the time and the football I was playing, winning trophies etc, I thought that if I was ever going to play for England it would have been now.

  "The second was to support the nation in trying to help players get out of the nation and play all over Europe. That was a big thing for me because we had to get that exposure to the national team to help the Jamaica-based players start to achieve. That was the expectation of the squad, as well as improving the squad going to the 1998 World Cup."

Trent Alexander-Arnold revealed that he has been taking Spanish lessons for a "few months" after his unveiling ceremony with Real Madrid.

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• TAA surpised fans by spekaing fluent Spanish
• Revealed he has been learning for a "few months"
• Lavished praise on new manager Xabi Alonso

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Alexander-Arnold’s switch to Real Madrid has officially begun with the defender unveiled as the Spanish giant’s latest summer acquisition. Although his contract with Liverpool was due to expire on June 30, Real Madrid paid a fee to bring the England international to the Spanish capital ahead of schedule, enabling him to feature in the upcoming Club World Cup.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Alexander-Arnold has signed a six-year contract with the La Liga titans. His deal also includes a staggering €1 billion (£840 million) release clause, which has been the standard for all marquee signings at Real Madrid.

• WHAT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD SAID

  During the unveiling ceremony, Alexander-Arnold surprised many by delivering his entire speech in fluent Spanish. It was a polished performance that showcased his effort to integrate into Spanish life and Real Madrid culture from day one. He later revealed in a press conference that he had been studying the language for "a few months" in preparation for the move.

  "I think he [Perez] was happy with the amount of Spanish I was able to speak, which I think surprised a lot of people," said Alexander-Arnold.

  "For me, it was important to be able to do that and it shows that the intent I have got is to come here and have a good start, to get off on the right foot and to achieve something straight away, starting with the Club World Cup."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  In his first media appearance in Madrid, Alexander-Arnold also took time to reflect on one of his idols and the current Real Madrid manager, Xabi Alonso.

  "He is someone who probably impacted my game a lot growing up, seeing him pass a ball. I explained this to him as well," he said.

  "Watching him pass a ball – seeing it influenced me to go and train harder at that and have a great hunger to be able to do that and to set standards. Of course, we have not had chance to formally meet yet. We will have a proper chat I am sure over the next few days and be able to talk about what he expects from me.

  "It's not just me who is new here. He is a new manager who has got to get his ideas across to the whole team, which might take some time. But he has shown how amazing he is – managerial wise and as a player. His knowledge of football is there in abundance. I am excited. I will be a sponge around him, trying to soak up all the information I can to learn from him."

Arsenal are now considering a £40m offer for an “exceptional” midfielder who’s been likened to Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, according to a report.

Berta determined to sign a midfielder

Incoming sporting director Andrea Berta could be set for a busy first summer transfer window, and one of his main goals is to bring in a new central midfielder, with Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi being named as a key target.

Zubimendi has been a target for quite some time, but while signing the Spaniard is seemingly a priority, there are other options in mind, with the Gunners reportedly submitting a £58m bid to sign Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes last week.

Alongside a central midfielder, Mikel Arteta is also considering options in a slightly more advanced role, with River Plate’s Franco Mastantuono emerging as a target in attacking midfield, although there could be competition from Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Arsenal now shortlist "sensational" £42m PL forward; Arteta's a big fan

The Gunners have set their sights on a Premier League attacker.

By
Dominic Lund

Mar 26, 2025

A report from Caught Offside has provided an update on Arsenal’s pursuit of another attacking midfielder, revealing the race to sign Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha is now hotting up, with a number of Premier League clubs considering moves.

Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and the Gunners are all named as potential suitors for Nmecha, with the English clubs potentially willing to make a €48m (£40m) offer for his services, depending on how his injury situation unfolds.

The midfielder is currently sidelined with a knee ligament issue, meaning he has not featured for Dortmund as of late, and the interested parties are waiting for him to return before making any concrete moves.

The German side need to trim their squad in the summer transfer window, in order to balance the books, so it is deemed likely the 24-year-old will be sold.

"Exceptional" Nmecha could be versatile option for Arteta

The German has been impressing in the Bundesliga for quite some time, with former manager Nuri Şahin lauding him for his versatility earlier in the campaign: “I can only judge him based on the last ten or eleven months. But I think he has everything, he has an exceptional profile for a midfielder. He can play in the number six role, but can also play at number eight and ten.”

Earlier in his career, the maestro was also compared to De Bruyne by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, most likely due to his vision, creativity and passing ability. The Hamburg-born midfielder doesn’t record the same attacking numbers as the Man City star, having picked up just one assist this season, but his ability to play in multiple positions makes him an intriguing option.

There is no doubt Arteta needs to add depth to his squad, with the injuries Arsenal have suffered this season exposing their lack of experienced back-up options, and Nmecha could be a suitable signing, if he is able to overcome his injury issues.

West Ham United have now accelerated their plans to sign an “incredible” midfielder who could be well-suited to Graham Potter’s style of play.

Potter eyeing additions in multiple areas

In what is set to be Potter’s first summer transfer window as West Ham boss, the manager has set his sights on additions in a number of different areas, but it appears as though he is particularly keen on bringing in a new striker.

However, Potter has instructed the hierarchy to sign Lille striker Jonathan David, amid widespread interest in the Canadian, the Hammers may have to move on to other options, and they have now made contact over a deal for Fiorentina’s Moise Kean.

New defenders are also of interest to the Irons, and they are now in the race to sign Burnley’s Maxime Esteve, who has been a major part of the best defence in Europe this season, while they are also well-placed to sign Southampton full-back Kyle Walker-Peters.

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By
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Mar 18, 2025

In terms of central midfielders, Lille’s Angel Gomes has been a major target for quite some time, with Potter’s side pushing to sign the Englishman back in January, and there has now been a new update on their pursuit.

In an interview with Football Insider, scout Mick Brown has now revealed West Ham are accelerating their plans to sign Gomes, who is perfect for Potter’s style of play.

“The way Gomes plays, I think, suits the way Graham Potter wants to play and keep the ball.

“I think there are some concerns about how he’d perform in a combative game when things are against you.

“Their scouts have been watching him in France and they’ll know whether those concerns I spoke about are going to be an issue for them.

“If they decide it’s not a problem, they’ll be in the mix for him, I’m sure.”

"Incredible" Gomes starring in Ligue 1

The 24-year-old’s performances for Lille earned him a call-up for England earlier this season, and it is clear to see why, given that he has put in some impressive displays in France, particularly impressing with his long-range passing ability.

Passing is one of the best parts of the England international’s game, ranking extremely high on a number of key metrics over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

Given Potter’s possession-based style of play, the former Manchester United man could be exactly what is needed in West Ham’s midfield, and it is promising news they are thought to be stepping up their pursuit.

Manchester United are keen on signing Algerian midfielder Hicham Boudaoui from INEOS-owned Ligue 1 side Nice.

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• Man Utd show interest in Boudaoui from Nice
• Man Utd scouts attended Algeria's clash against Sweden
• Amorim looking to bulk up Man Utd squad

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Per , United reportedly sent scouts to Friends Arena in Solna as Sweden took on Algeria in an international. The club officials closely monitored the performance of Boudaoui, who featured in the starting lineup and spent an hour on the pitch. The Premier League giants are now thinking of signing the 25-year-old, who has been tipped to leave the French club this summer.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Last summer, the Red Devils were not allowed to sign players from Nice due to their shared ownership and the two clubs were competing in the Europa League. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, at that time, had reportedly agreed not to move any player to Old Trafford from the Ligue 1 side until September 2025, to comply with UEFA rules. This means that a move for Boudaoui can only be possible on the transfer deadline day on September 1.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Boudaoui, who joined Nice in 2019, played an important role in the club finishing among the top four teams and securing a Champions League qualifier slot. He appeared in 36 matches across all competitions and scored two goals and provided four assists.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  After a nightmare 2024-25 campaign, Ruben Amorim is looking to bulk up his squad this summer. They have already completed their first signing of the season as Matheus Cunha joined the club from Wolves and are now eyeing a move for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo.

With the FA Cup quarter-finals taking place this weekend, four clubs will book their places at Wembley for the semi-finals.

Wembley has hosted the last four every year since 2008, with stadiums like Old Trafford and Villa Park standing in during the famous ground’s rebuild at the turn of the century.

But why is Wembley Stadium not saved for the competition’s finale?

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By
Ross Kilvington

May 12, 2025

The answer is a rather boring one: money. In fact, it was decided back in 2003 – during the new stadium’s construction – that semi-finals would be staged under the famous arch to help pay for the new ground.

Wembley first hosted the semi-finals in the early 1990s, including derbies between Arsenal & Tottenham Hotspur and Sheffield United & Sheffield Wednesday.

The last season before Wembley was knocked down (1999/00) also saw two semi-finals in the capital, with Aston Villa and Chelsea prevailing before the Blues repeated the trick in the final.

Now something of an annual tradition, Wembley hosts a pair of semi-finals across one weekend each season, though it is not without its opposition.

Firstly, football purists will argue that Wembley should be saved for the showpiece event of the final, while there are occasionally geographical factors to consider, particularly when two northern sides are paired together.

This year’s draw meant that there would only be one London representative in the last four, with Crystal Palace taking that berth after seeing off Fulham in the only all-London quarter-final tie.

It seems unlikely things will change any time soon, given the semi-finals have been staged at Wembley for 18 seasons and counting, especially with the ground filling up with passionate supporters no matter who’s involved.

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By
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Oct 30, 2024

Gianluigi Buffon has written to Luciano Spalletti to express his 'utmost respect' for the manager after he was sacked from his role as Italy boss.

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• Buffon shares open letter to Spalletti
• Manager sacked by Italy over a week ago
• Legend expressed his gratitude to coach

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The legendary former goalkeeper, who now leads the national team delegation, bid a heartfelt farewell to the coach over a week since he announced in a press conference that he had been sacked in the wake of their defeat to Norway. "I did not resign, I would not have resigned. You fire me," Spalletti later clarified after a fiery exit, but Buffon has reached out with a gracious open letter.

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• WHAT BUFFON SAID

  The former Juventus goalkeeper wrote on an Instagram post: "Dear Luciano, I chose to wait a few days to avoid writing in the heat of the moment, but I wanted to thank you publicly and personally for your work over the years at the helm of the national team. You have faced this challenge with passion, competence and a great sense of responsibility at a delicate time for Italian football. Without ever losing sight of your vision and the humanity that has always accompanied you," reads the message.

  "We have shared some wonderful moments and some more difficult ones, but always with the utmost respect and awareness that we are serving a mission that goes beyond the pitch, and a shirt that represents our Italy. Best of luck for your future, both personally and professionally."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Spalletti was appointed coach of the Italian national team in September 2023 and despite being sacked after the Norway game, remained in charge for the victory against Moldova on June 9. During his two years at the helm of the Azzurri, Spalletti also led the national team in the 2024 European Championship, which ended in the round of 16 with a defeat against Switzerland.

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Gennaro Gattuso has been appointed as Spalletti's replacement. He was chosen by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) for the challenging task of leading Italy through the qualifiers for the next World Cup. The FIGC had previously approached Claudio Ranieri and Stefano Pioli before turning to the former midfielder.