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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been told by Emmanuel Petit that his side can beat Real Madrid on Tuesday, but they must follow one "simple key".

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Arsenal take on Madrid on TuesdayPetit gives Arteta instructionsSides meeting for first time since 2006Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The former Arsenal and France midfielder believes that Arsenal must defend well and finish ruthlessly across both legs if they are to reach the Champions League semi-finals. The Gunners lost to Bayern Munich 3-2 on aggregate at this stage of the tournament last season and Arteta will be determined to prove his side can compete with the biggest and best sides in Europe. Petit suggests that Arsenal can make the most of Madrid's struggles this campaign, but need to do one "simple" thing.

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Asked how Arsenal can beat Madrid by pokerfirma.com, Petit responded: It's simple. They need to defend well as a unit against Madrid. The likes of Vinicius, Bellingham and Mbappe are players that can hurt you at any time.

"They have so many top players that can make the difference and they've done it in the past in the Champions League. These are the kinds of players they have to come up against. If they can play as a unit and they can show great character defensively, then they will have a chance.

"Then they would have to be very clinical. This is something that teams have been struggling with against Real Madrid in the last few years. When opportunity comes, when you have the chance to score, you have to take it. And we all know that Arsenal, at the moment, don't have the striker for that.

"I've seen so many games over the last few years when Madrid were dominated by opponents. Matches where the opponent were having so many chances to score, and they didn't take it. Real are very clinical all the time, so for me these are the two main things: play strong defensively, show unity, character and personality. But in the meantime, up front, when one opportunity to score comes up, you have to take it."

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It is perhaps easier said than done to defend well against Real Madrid. The likes of Mbappe, Vinicius, Rodrygo and Bellingham have enough talent to frighten any defence in the world and Arsenal, without their star defender Gabriel, will have to be faultless to stop the glittering attack. The Gunners are, however, boosted by the return of Bukayo Saka, who scored on his return to football against Fulham this week. The Englishman then played the entire second-half at Goodison Park on Saturday as preparations for the Champions League clash ramp up.

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

Arsenal host Real Madrid on Tuesday before heading to the Spanish capital the following week. It will be the first time the sides will have met since 2006, when Thierry Henry scored in a 1-0 win at the Bernabeu to knock out Los Blancos.

Rangers are now leading the race to sign a Scottish Premiership midfielder, having recently ramped up their interest, according to a report.

Rangers struggling against lower opposition

The Gers kicked off 2025 in emphatic fashion, defeating bitter rivals Celtic 3-0 at Ibrox, which should have been a turning point in their season. However, since then, they have struggled against some of the weaker sides in the division.

Philippe Clement’s side have shared the spoils in their last two matches, most recently failing to put Dundee to the sword despite dominating possession, and there is arguably little to no chance of catching Celtic.

Despite some poor results this season, Clement continues to retain the backing of the board, with chief executive Patrick Stewart recently saying: “We are backing Philippe at this time as a board. It’s about taking a deeper look at the issues, addressing those problems, and staying focused on building a stronger future for the club.

“Changing a manager isn’t a silver bullet solution.”

Enquiry made: Rangers could sign a "vastly experienced" Barron upgrade

Rangers could target a player who can potentially leave his club for free

ByRoss Kilvington Jan 11, 2025

If Rangers are going to challenge for the league title next season, however, it is likely that Clement will need to strengthen his squad, and the manager has now identified a major target in midfield.

According to a report from The Sun, the Light Blues are now ramping up their interest in Dundee midfielder Lyall Cameron on a pre-contract agreement.

Cameron has just a few months left on his contract, meaning the Gers can sign him for free at the end of the season, should Dundee be unable to reach an agreement on a new deal.

Clement is said to be a big fan of the 22-year-old, and there is seemingly a good chance he could be on his way to Ibrox this summer, as Rangers are now leading the race for his signature.

Cameron could replicate Barron at Ibrox

Connor Barron arrived at Ibrox from Aberdeen last summer, and he has quickly gone on to establish himself as an important player, starting the vast majority of Scottish Premiership games this season.

Cameron’s performances for Dundee indicate he could be capable of emulating his Scotland U21s teammate, having put in some top-drawer performances this term. The Scot has picked up eight goals and seven assists in 27 appearances in all competitions, showcasing his versatility by featuring in both attacking and defensive roles, as well as left-midfield.

Football writer Kai Watson has lauded Cameron as a “quality player” for his “excellent” performances this season, while also stating that he is now ready to play for a bigger club.

As such, it is promising news that Rangers are leading the race for his signature, and they should look to get a deal done as soon as possible.

Runaway campaign comes to a crashing halt as Vince, McDermott set stage

David Hopps07-Jul-2022Hampshire 186 for 6 (McDermott 61, Brathwaite 4-30) beat Birmingham Bears 82 (Fuller 4-17) by 104 runsBirmingham were the bullies of the North Group. They reached 200 in half of their 14 matches, overpowering most of their opponents at will. But the 15,000 or so who came to Edgbaston at such short notice for this Vitality Blast quarter-final with their anticipation whetted found the bullies receiving their come-uppance in no uncertain manner as Hampshire routed them with a 104-run win.Hampshire’s 186 for 6 was decent, founded upon an opening stand of 91 in 9.1 overs from James Vince and Ben McDermott – Vince, 31 from 22, the slightly sulky stylist, McDermott, 61 from 36, after a careful start as pugnacious as he has been all summer. But they bowled with great intelligence, too, finding more purchase from the pitch than Birmingham did and making their big-hitting batting line-up seem ponderous and one-dimensional as they dismissed them in only 13.3 overs.For the second successive season, Hampshire have repaired a potentially disastrous start in South Group to reach Finals Day yet again. Group form, and home advantage, both in Yorkshire’s defeat of Surrey 24 hours earlier, and here at Edgbaston, has so far been immaterial.This season’s sequence of big scores at Edgbaston suggested Hampshire’s score was around par, and a sun-drenched crowd sat back for the expected onslaught. But perhaps a clue to the contrary lay two pitches away – the surface on which Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root put India to the sword in the Test. The groundstaff have had limited preparation time and Hampshire found just enough seam and swing to place pressure on Birmingham that they were unable to withstand.Birmingham, who had shown their propensity for wholesale collapse when they were dismissed for 101 at Edgbaston by Yorkshire earlier in the season, had another bad night. They lost three wickets in the Powerplay. Paul Stirling was deceived by an excellent back-of-the-hand slower ball by Nathan Ellis, the Australian seamer who left Punjab Kings in the IPL for Hampshire but who has had an uneventful campaign. Alex Davies was bowled by Brad Wheal’s first ball, still on the move as he attempted a ramp shot and lost his middle stump. Sam Hain, who would have been run out on 5 had Tom Prest hit direct from extra cover, tried to charge Wheal and picked out deep midwicket; such advances down the wicket have been a key element in Hain lifting his strike rate this season, but Wheal appeared to read his intentions.James Fuller’s stock has never been higher. With bat and ball, he has been an influential figure in Hampshire’s recovery. He prevented any middle-overs recovery with a spell of 4 for 17. Adam Hose, who can pepper deep midwicket at will if he has chance to free his arms, was expertly yorked. Chris Benjamin, of similar mould, was presented with a full, wide delivery and hauled it inexpertly to mid-on. Carlos Brathwaite took a view at 64 for 6 and two balls later he was walking back to the pavilion, too, as he holed out at mid-on. The fourth was Dan Mousley: an offside slice. The rest was just a matter of time.Hampshire’s innings had started without a care in the world, only to come to a sudden halt. There are people on the internet who are obsessed with how much deceleration a human body can stand. it’s not the fall that gets you, just the sudden change in G-force at the end, although some scientists have it that you are better facing backwards.Hampshire tested the theory. They decelerated suddenly – from 93 without loss in 9.1 overs when the innings threatening to head off into outer space, co-pilots McDermott and Vince at the helm, as if Babylon Zoo by Spaceman was blaring them forward, to 94 for 2 off 9.3. They hit a force of nature name of Carlos Brathwaite. Hampshire eventually recovered. For the songsters among you, that is more than can be said for Babylon Zoo.Brathwaite has been given the captaincy of the Bears at the age of 33 and he did not want to miss a Finals Day on his home ground. Hampshire had broken Birmingham’s left-arm spinner, Danny Briggs, who spilled 33 from his first two overs, and he needed to act. He resorted, almost without variation, to the wide yorker and his figures of 4 for 30 suggested he resorted to it well.Vince’s eyes were popping out of his head when he was dismissed, caught at the wicket, but not because of deceleration, only because he felt the noise was his bat scraping against the ground. He left with a mournful expression engaged. McDermott followed three balls later, dragging on as he tried to run the ball to third man.Prest soon departed lbw, reverse-sweeping a flatter delivery from Mousley, but Joe Weatherley and Ross Whiteley restored the innings with a fourth-wicket stand of 69 in 39 balls. While Brathwaite honed his wide yorkers, Hampshire made progress at the other end with Briggs and Lintott conceding 76 between them from six overs. Birmingham held some daunting skiers in the closing stages as they tried to keep a foothold in the game.From the final ball of the innings, Brathwaite hurled himself to his right at the bowler’s end to prevent an overthrow off his bowling. He had reason to feel that he had done everything to keep the Bears in the match, but it turned out that he had done nothing of the sort. It is Hampshire who will return to Edgbaston in nine days’ time to face the winners of Saturday’s match-up between Somerset and Derbyshire.

The transfer window has been open for three weeks at this point, and despite being in desperate need of some reinforcements, Tottenham Hotspur have made just one signing.

Now, it’s important to say that the £12.5m acquisition of the young goalkeeper Antonín Kinský was a necessity and looks like it could be a brilliant deal to boot, but given the state of the team’s season, it’s not enough.

Ange Postecoglou’s side have been ravaged by injury in defence, and now that Dominic Solanke is out, their options up top look less than ideal.

So, it’s not all that surprising that, over the last week or so, the club have been linked with a whole host of players, including Southampton’s exciting Tyler Dibling, although even with all the hype around him at present, he’s worth millions less than one of Postecoglou’s most essential players.

Tottenham's transfer targets

So, one of the names that keeps coming up in connection with Tottenham this month is Lecce sensation Patrick Dorgu, who’s been pulling up trees in Serie A this season and already has a tally of three goals and one assist in 20 league appearances.

However, while the interest from Spurs certainly feels genuine, recent updates from transfers expert Fabrizio Romao suggest that Manchester United have now gotten ahead of them in the chase.

From the defence to the middle of the park, the Lilywhites have also been credited with an interest in Palmeiras’ midfield destroyer Richard Ríos on more than one occasion this month.

In the words of respected analyst Ben Mattinson, the Colombian international is a “press-resistant” monster with an “engine which allows him to get up and down the pitch all game,” and could therefore be the ideal long-term replacement for the increasingly disappointing Yves Bissouma.

However, he reportedly has a €100m – £84m – release clause in his contract, which could prove an insurmountable barrier.

Now, while defensive and midfield additions are essential for Postecoglou’s side to advance, it’s frontline additions that will excite the fans, and a name heavily linked with the club this week is Southampton gem Dibling.

The 20-year-old is supposedly available for around £55m this month, and while that might sound like a lot for someone so young, his performances this term suggest he’d be more than worth it.

For example, in just 24 appearances, the up-and-coming “game-breaker,” as dubbed by Mattinson, has scored four goals and provided two assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every four games.

However, while that is undeniably impressive for such a young player on such a poor side, his valuation is still dwarfed by that of one of Spurs’ star attackers, who occasionally plays in the same position.

The Spurs' star worth millions more than Dibling

So, to get straight to the point, the player in question is none other than the sensationally gifted Dejan Kulusevski.

The Swedish superstar has been one of the few shining lights for Spurs this season and, according to Football Transfers, is worth up to €73.8m, which comes out to a cool £63.3m, or around £8.3m more than Dibling could cost the club.

Now, that is undoubtedly an enormous valuation, but over the last couple of years, and indeed this season, it would be fair to say it’s more than justified.

For example, in just 33 appearances for Postecoglou this year, and in spite of moving between midfield and right-wing, the “world-class” 24-year-old, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored nine goals and provided eight assists.

That means the former Juventus star is currently averaging a goal involvement every 1.94 games, which, for a team struggling as much as the North Londoners are, is seriously impressive.

Appearances

33

Minutes

2355′

Goals

9

Assists

8

Goal Involvements per Match

0.51

Minutes per Goal Involvement

138.52′

Ultimately, Spurs should still do what they can to sign Dibling this year as he looks like he could go right to the very top and Kulusevski would be a superb player to learn from.

Their new Bale: Spurs working to sign £34m gem with "super high potential"

The exceptional Spurs target has shades of Gareth Bale about him.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jan 21, 2025

Arsenal icon Thierry Henry and Hollywood actors Jeff Goldblum and Terry Crews jetted in to watch Cesc Fabregas' Como beat Torino 1-0 in Serie A.

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Henry watches Como beat Torino 1-0Actors Crews and Goldblum join himManager Fabregas celebrates winFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images EntertainmentWHAT HAPPENED?

A raft of celebrities were at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia to see Como beat Torino thanks to Anastasios Douvikas' first-half winner on Sunday. This is not the first time some famous faces have been to the ground, with Keira Knightley and Hugh Grant previously spotted in the stands.

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The victory was also gleefully celebrated by Como boss Fabregas at full time in front of the home fans. The result took them 12 points clear of the relegation zone as their presence in the Serie A for next season was virtually assured.

DID YOU KNOW?

France legend Henry is a minority shareholder at Como, hence why he has attended multiple games at the Italian outfit. Actor Mark Strong was also seen at the Torino contest.

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Fabregas' Como, who are up to 13th in the table, are next in action on Saturday away to Lecce in Serie A.

New Zealand will be looking to take on-field strides to match their recent off-field advances; South Africa must put a highly forgettable England series behind them

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Jul-2022EnglandOverview
So how to beat Australia? As teams ponder this, they’re faced with two options: do more of the same but better, or shake things up a bit. When you’re struggling to get close, the latter eventually makes sense. England still have proven match-winners like Katherine Brunt, taking career-best figures at the age of 37, and Sophie Ecclestone, just 23 but so masterful with her left-arm spin and handy with the bat she is a mainstay in the side. Then there’s the ever-reliable allrounder Nat Sciver and calm-as-you-like Heather Knight, the England captain who has been managing a hip problem over the past week and whose fitness could prove key for the home team. But many of England’s bold new moves have paid off too. Sophia Dunkley has impressed after the surprise omission of regular opener Tammy Beaumont, 20-year-old quick Issy Wong has effortlessly added fire and pace, and teenage left-arm seamer Freya Kemp grabbed two wickets on debut.Related

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CWG 2022 – India are medal contenders, but the gold seems reserved for Australia

Squad
Heather Knight (capt), Maia Bouchier, Katherine Brunt, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Freya Davies, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Nat Sciver, Bryony Smith, Issy Wong, Danni WyattRecent form
England staged a remarkable turnaround at the ODI World Cup; after a three-game losing streak that threatened to derail their campaign they won the next five to reach the final, where they lost to you-know-who. After sweeping three ODIs against South Africa, the hosts revamped their squad and defeated the same opponents by the same margin.Player to watch
Alice Capsey’s international debut less than a week ago was a long-awaited one, and she’s only 17! Having burst onto the scene in last year’s Hundred, England appeared to follow Knight’s advice for a softly, softly approach towards introducing players so young. But she earned her senior call-up for the T20Is against South Africa and England showed they’re no longer afraid to throw her in at the deep end, promoting her to No.3 in the final game when Dunkley fell first ball. Capsey smashed 25 off 17 balls including four consecutive fours. She took a wicket with her second ball on debut in the previous game, so now that the allrounder’s induction is complete, it will be fascinating to see what’s next.Can Lea Tahuhu find a second wind in her career?•ICC/Getty ImagesNew ZealandOverview
Irrespective of how their form has been, their big-tournament temperament has been suspect for a while. CWG 2022 is another opportunity to set things right, especially after the disappointment of the 50-over World Cup at home where they failed to make the semi-finals. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) hasn’t let that dampen the optimism, though, by announcing late last month a landmark deal that brings the women’s pay at par with the men across formats and age-groups. The impact of this could be seen long-term, when it transcends to a wider pool of players, with lesser attrition and 100% professionalism. For all the revolution off the field, they’ll also want on-field results to dictate the change. New Zealand are in a group of death, with one of them, England or South Africa likely to miss out. That is, of course, assuming Sri Lanka don’t pull off massive upsets.Squad
Sophie Devine (capt), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Claudia Green, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Hayley Jensen, Fran Jonas, Amelia Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Jess McFadyen, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea TahuhuRecent form
New Zealand haven’t played since their World Cup exit. They’ve had enough time to reboot and regroup ahead of what promises to be a busy next seven months leading into the 2022 T20 World Cup in South Africa. Some of the players did feature in the FairBreak Invitational Tournament in Dubai in May.Player to watch
Left out of the original squad for the Games, fast bowler Lea Tahuhu is back after Jess Kerr and Lauren Down withdrew. The joint highest wicket-taker for New Zealand in ODIs, Tahuhu will be itching to prove a point after also being ignored from the annual central contracts for 2022-23. Tahuhu didn’t have a poor World Cup campaign by any means, picking up 10 wickets in six games at an average of 20.80. New Zealand’s inability to make the semi-finals coupled with a vision to move forward may have forced the selectors to look beyond her. The late call-up now could be a tonic her career needs for possibly a second wind.South Africa need more of Laura Wolvaardt’s red-hot form•Cricket Ireland/Keniry PhotographySouth AfricaOverview
South Africa have gone from being considered one of the favourites in big tournaments to freefall against England. The retirement of opening batter Lizelle Lee and non-availability of regular captain Dane van Niekerk, who has not recovered from ankle surgery in time, and Marizanne Kapp, who returned home for family reasons, has robbed them of much-needed experience and fast-forwarded their generational change. Their batting, in particular, lacks the intensity and aggression to keep up with T20 pace and the absence of a match-winning spinner is a concern. In a group with England and New Zealand, they may find it tough to reach the knockouts.Squad
Suné Luus (capt), Chloé Tryon, Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Mignon du Preez, Lara Goodall, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Delmi Tucker, Laura WolvaardtRecent form
South Africa won three out of four series after the last T20 World Cup (and drew the fourth with West Indies) including beating Ireland 2-1 in June. But they come into the Games on the back off losing six white-ball matches to England this summer, not to mention their ODI World Cup semi-final.Player to watch
Laura Wolvaardt is the batter with the biggest reputation and is enjoying a good year. After five fifties at the ODI World Cup, she was the seventh leading run-scorer in the Fairbreak tournament, and reached a half-century three times in six white-ball innings against England. She has adjusted well to batting at No. 4 in the shortest format and prefers batting outside the powerplay with the field spread.Can Nilakshi de Silva help Sri Lanka to punch above their weight?•Sri Lanka CricketSri LankaOverview
Since Sri Lanka’s group-stage exit in the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2020, Chamari Athapaththu has played 20 T20s including seven in the FairBreak Invitational Tournament where she scored a whopping 313 runs at a strike rate of 139.11 and an average over 52. Her gigs also included the Women’s Big Bash League and the Women’s T20 Challenge of 2020.But Sri Lanka have played just ten T20Is since the global event in Australia – only better than Bangladesh’s four among Full Members – which have included the Women’s World Cup Qualifier that had to be called off midway, and the Commonwealth Games Qualifier that they cruised through.It will not be too out of place to say that Sri Lanka are one of the underdogs of the Commonwealth Games. Alongside them in Group B are England, New Zealand and South Africa, against whom they have won a grand total of three T20Is. And once again, it will be up to Athapaththu to lead the way with a squad that has a lot of familiar and a couple of new faces.Squad
Chamari Athapaththu (capt), Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne, Malsha Shehani, Nilakshi de Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Ama Kanchana, Achini Kulasuriya, Inoka Ranaweera, Udeshika Prabodhani, Sugandika Kumari, Rashmi Silva, Oshadi Ranasinghe Anushka SanjeewaniRecent form
Sri Lanka have been on a losing spree after sealing the lone spot in the CWG Qualifier in January 2022. They lost 3-0 to Pakistan in Karachi before going down 2-1 against India at home.Player to watch
Undoubtedly, most of Sri Lanka’s fortunes in the competition will hinge on how Athapaththu performs. But with 194 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of over 110 in T20Is in 2022, Nilakshi de Silva could be a key component of the Sri Lanka middle order. During the CWG Qualifier, she added an unbeaten 87 with Harshitha Samarawickrama – the highest fourth-wicket T20I partnership for Sri Lanka – en route to an unbeaten 49 that helped them beat Malaysia. Even against India at home earlier this month, a 77-run stand with Athapaththu helped Sri Lanka to their only win of the series.

In what has been quite the trend over the years, Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly turned their attention to Portugal once again in the hope of landing a Ruben Neves repeat.

Wolves transfer news

Those at the Molineux have already welcomed one much-needed fresh face this month in the form of Emmanuel Agbadou, who should instantly provide new manager Vitor Pereira with a defensive boost given Wolves’ lack of options in that department. Now, they’ve seemingly shifted their focus towards further reinforcements in pursuit of avoiding Premier League relegation this season.

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On that front, names such as Renato Veiga have already been mentioned in what would be an impressive arrival from Chelsea. Whether the Blues will be willing to sell their versatile defender remains to be seen, however. Wolves could certainly do with his ability to step into midfield though, given that Mario Lemina is reportedly heading for the exit door to swap the Midlands for Saudi Arabia.

Failing to sign Veiga won’t simply stop Wolves in their tracks if Lemina departs, of course, and it seems as though another potential replacement has already emerged this month.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Wolves have now submitted an opening £10m bid to sign Manu from Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes with the deal now underway. Just 23 years old and a controlling defensive midfielder, Manu’s arrival from Liga Portugal would have shades of Ruben Neves’ arrival from Porto all those years ago.

If Manu is anything close to Neves then Wolves will be in for a treat if they can get any deal over the line before the end of the month. Their former midfielder is now written into the Molineux history books even after completing a move to Saudi Arabia in 2023 and now those in the Midlands could see a similar rise in the case of Manu.

Manu can follow successful Neves path

When Wolves signed a young Neves from Porto in 2017, it was seen as a major coup – and rightly so. The midfielder was ready for the top-flight but Wolves managed to lure him their way and went onto benefit almost instantly. As a result, his departure was always going to hurt and leave Wolves in desperate need of a technical player to bless Pereira’s midfield, which is exactly where Manu could come in.

The Vitoria star can play in defensive midfield and at centre-back to offer Pereira yet another solution alongside Agbadou in that department. Meanwhile, he could simply become a natural replacement for the departing Mario Lemina and find himself next to the likes of Joao Gomes or Andre in the middle of the park.

Breaking that Brazilian partnership up in Wolves’ midfield could prove to be a difficult task for Manu, but that competition will only benefit Pereira’s side as the fixtures come thick and fast in their battle to avoid Premier League relegation.

Former Real Madrid and Ajax manager Leo Beenhakker has died at the age of 82.

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Beenhakker a managerial greatTook charge of Ajax & Real MadridDutchman dies at the age of 82Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Dutchman enjoyed an impressive managerial career, taking charge of Madrid, Ajax, Feyenoord, Netherlands, Real Zaragoza and more over the space of 50 years. Tributes have poured in for the ex-Poland boss following news of his death on Thursday, April 10.

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An Ajax statement read: "Ajax extends heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Leo Beenhakker. Beenhakker was a coaching icon and a truly unique figure at Ajax."

Madrid added: "Real Madrid C.F., its president and board of directors, are deeply saddened by the death of Leo Beenhakker, the legendary Real Madrid coach who led the Whites between 1986 and 1989, and in 1992. Real Madrid would like to express their condolences and affection to his family, clubs, and loved ones."

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During his glittering managerial career, Beenhakker won two league titles with Ajax and three La Liga titles with Madrid. When he managed Trinidad and Tobago at the 2006 World Cup, he was awarded the Chaconia Medal (Gold Class) – which is the country's second highest state decoration. It's clear he will be missed by many.

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AFPWHAT NEXT?

While preparations for his funeral are likely to be underway soon, he famously once said: "Football should excite. It’s not just about winning, but about how you win."

Former England batter issues statement after meeting with Rafiq organised by PCA

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Aug-2022Gary Ballance has issued an unreserved apology for using “racist” language towards Azeem Rafiq when the two were team-mates at Yorkshire.ESPNcricinfo revealed last year that the use of the word “P**i” by a player – subsequently identified as Ballance – when referring to Rafiq had been deemed “banter” by an independent report into allegations of racism at Yorkshire. Ballance at the time expressed his “regret” but said the language used came in the context of “a situation where best friends said offensive things to each other”.Ballance is one of seven individuals at Yorkshire charged by the ECB, alongside the club itself, after an investigation into the revelations that followed Rafiq’s emotional testimony before parliament in November 2021.Related

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It was reported by that Ballance and Rafiq spoke earlier this week in a meeting facilitated by the Professional Cricketers’ Association. Ballance, who has not played at all this season due to ongoing mental health issues, subsequently released a statement through Yorkshire.”I have wanted to meet Azeem in person for quite some time, but I had to make sure I was in a good place when I did so,” Ballance said. “Azeem has been through similar mental health challenges and understands why this has taken me a little time.”I apologise unreservedly to Azeem for the words I used when we played together. I did use unacceptable – at times, racist – language. If I had realised how much this hurt Azeem, I would have stopped immediately. That’s why I wanted to meet him this week and be clear in person that I intended no malice. That’s not an excuse, I realise that the language I used was wrong.”I have accepted, from the outset, the words I used were wrong and I hope this statement brings Azeem some comfort. There is no place in our sport for this behaviour and I am determined to play my part in ridding the game from racism and make it more inclusive. To do this we all need to be honest and learn from our past mistakes.”Rafiq told that he had accepted Ballance’s apology and said that his “courage means he is now part of the solution” in the fight against the problem of racism within the game.”From day one of opening up about my experiences, all I ever wanted was acceptance and apologies for what happened,” Rafiq said. “Gary has been brave to admit the truth and I understand why the mental strain has made it difficult for him to make this apology any sooner. Gary must be applauded for his honesty and unreserved apology and must now be allowed to get on with his life.”Ballance has been in action for Yorkshire’s 2nd XI this summer, but his previous first-team appearance came in September 2021. It was reported earlier this month that he was considering switching his international allegiance back to Zimbabwe, the country of his birth, but ESPNcricinfo understands that there has been no contact with Zimbabwe Cricket.

Wrexham are believed to have made contact with a club over signing their attacking “game-changer”, according to an update from reliable journalist Alex Miller.

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Life in League One has been successful to date for the Welsh, side, having gone into the 2024/25 season not knowing how big the jump from League Two would be.

Last week, Wrexham picked up a respectable 1-1 draw at home to rivals and league leaders Birmingham City, and while not winning was slightly disappointing having taken the lead, the result was still far from a disaster.

Phil Parkinson’s side sit third in the table as the business end of the campaign approaches, with a home clash with Stevenage to come on Tuesday evening. They are still only three points adrift of second-place Wycombe Wanderers, who feel like the most realistic team to catch, considering Birmingham after five points ahead of them and have two games in hand.

New signings will only aid Wrexham’s chances of a third successive promotion, which would be a stunning achievement, with the likes of Patrick Bamford and Ryan Hardie among those linked with moves to the club. Now, another name has been thrown into the mix.

Wrexham make contact over signing "game-changer"

According to The Star‘s Miller on X, Wrexham have contacted Sheffield Wednesday over the signing of striker Michael Smith, but the move is still unlikely:

“Told Wrexham have made contact with Owls over a deal for Michael Smith. In-form 33yo got his sixth goal of the campaign v QPR. Having great season. Remains unlikely.”

Smith is now an extremely experienced striker who has performed at a high level in and around the Championship and League One for some time, so there are clear merits to Wrexham signing him.

Granted, at 33 years of age, he isn’t getting any younger, but former Wednesday manager Darren Moore praised him in the past after one influential contribution, saying:

“Michael Smith is a game-changer today. The quality showed at the end of it, and that’s what Michael is. He was in the right place at the right time and that’s what quality strikers do.”

Back in the 2021/22 season, Smith scored 19 goals in League One, helping Rotherham seal promotion to the Championship, and it earned him a move to Wednesday.

In his first year there, he netted 18 times in 37 starts in League One, with his overall tally standing at 29 strikes in 111 appearances for the Owls since arriving at Hillsborough.

Paul Mullin has struggled to set the world alight for Wrexham this season, scoring only twice in the league, while nobody has more than six goals in the competition for Parkinson’s men.

Wrexham transfer rumours: Who could be on the move this January?

Wrexham could be busy during the January transfer window as they seek promotion to the Championship this season.

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This highlights why a striker is important for them this month, giving them the extra firepower needed to get over the line in the promotion battle.