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Aston Villa may have beaten them 2-1 but Leeds boss Jesse Marsch said it was his side’s “best performance” in his 11 months in charge.

Marsch told BBC Sport: “It was the most complete performance we have had since I’ve been here. It is a really positive sign for me. It hurts to lose but a really positive performance.

“I’ve tried hard to create a process and understanding of how we want to play football. I am really satisfied to now see it start to come together.”

Marsch, who took over last February, sees his side remain two points above the drop zone.

“We have to stay focused on our process and not get stressed out by the table. I want us to stay laser focused on us,” he said.

Bailey had a hand in both goals with the Jamaican winger finishing off a counter-attack after a great run by Boubacar Kamara in just the third minute to put the hosts ahead.

That was Villa’s only shot in the first half, with Leeds having two penalty appeals rejected, a Rodrigo goal disallowed for offside and missing big chances.

Villa debutant Alex Moreno denied Rodrigo with a goalline clearance and keeper Emiliano Martinez pulled off a wonderful reaction stop to deny Jack Harrison from close range.

Unai Emery’s hosts were better in the second half and they got the goal to make them more comfortable – thanks to the video assistant referee.

Bailey’s shot was saved by Illan Meslier with Buendia heading the rebound over the grounded goalkeeper.

The goal was ruled out for offside but the VAR told referee Michael Oliver that Buendia was clearly onside – and it was given.

Leeds were given hope in the final 10 minutes though when Wilfried Gnonto cut the ball back for Bamford, making his return after two and a half months out with a groin injury, to slam home.

But they could not find an equaliser and remain only two points above the relegation zone, with Villa eight points further up the table in 11th.

It was not a perfect night for Villa, who lost left-back Lucas Digne and striker Ollie Watkins to injury in the first half.

Follow reaction to the game here How did you rate Aston Villa’s performance? Have your say here What did you make of Leeds’ display? Send us your views here Villa bounce back This was Villa’s first home win since the break for the World Cup in November – and timely after last weekend’s shock FA Cup loss to Stevenage.

Veteran full-back Ashley Young was involved in most of their key moments in the game.

The goal came from a Leeds corner which Young hooked forward to Kamara, who ran half the length of the pitch before finding Bailey, whose finish was wonderful.

Moreno, a £13m signing from Real Betis on Wednesday, started on the bench but was needed within nine minutes after Digne suffered a shoulder injury.

He did well to deny Rodrigo after the striker had gone round the Villa keeper and later on Young blocked Gnonto’s shot after Martinez denied Harrison.

Villa had one shot in the first half – that goal – and 10 efforts in the second half.

Their second goal had similarities to their first with Young tackling Tyler Adams in the box soon before Buendia headed in at the other end.

They had a scare after Bamford netted but Philippe Coutinho went close to making it safe with a 45-yard lob that went just over.

Emery said: “We struggled in the first half and in the second half we played better. It was difficult for us to play through the press.

“It was important to score the second goal because they were playing well to try and score and they did.

“It is no surprise for me that they came back. We needed the goalkeeper and Martinez’s save was amazing.

“I am so, so happy with Leon Bailey. In the last game he had two really good chances to win the match and he was a bit upset and today he scored the goal and did the action in the second goal.”

Visit our Aston Villa page Go straight to all the best Leeds United content Frustrations for Leeds Leeds felt they should have had a penalty when Douglas Luiz put his arms on Rodrigo, but it was not given, and Harrison shot wide as play went on.

There was another shout as Tyrone Mings pulled Gnonto’s shirt at a corner – also turned down by the officials.

Rodrigo, Harrison and Gnonto all had chances before Rodrigo’s goal was disallowed.

The frontman chested down a cross to Brenden Aaronson, whose shot was blocked by Mings. Rodrigo, on the ground, hooked in the rebound – but he had been offside initially so the goal did not count.

The second half was much more even but the chances kept coming for Leeds. Gnonto curled wide and Aaronson had a shot deflected over.

They finally got the goal they deserved when teenager Gnonto span past Young before bursting down the left and setting up substitute Bamford for his first goal since 2021.

Jesse Marsch’s side pushed for an equaliser but Villa held out.

#Aston Villa #best performance #football #sport

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Manchester United sign striker Wout Weghorst on loan for the rest of season

The 30-year-old was on loan at Turkish side Besiktas from Burnley but has ended that move early to complete a switch to Old Trafford.

Weghorst scored eight times and provided four assists in 16 league appearances for Besiktas, while adding one goal in two Turkish Cup outings.

��I feel privileged to be joining Manchester United,” said Weghorst.

“I’ve played against the club in the past and it’s a fantastic feeling to now have the chance to pull on the famous red shirt. I’ve seen United’s progress under Erik ten Hag this season and can’t wait to start playing my part in pushing the team towards its aims.“

Manchester United are paying Burnley a loan fee of around £2.6m, with the Clarets paying €2.825m (£2.5m) to Besiktas.

The Red Devils are covering Weghorst’s wages in full as part of the deal, with no option or obligation to buy.

“Whatever happens in the next few months, I can promise to give everything to the club for as long as I am here,” added Weghorst.

“I thank everyone who has played a part in getting me to this stage, and now I am looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and getting involved straight away.“

Weghorst’s most recent goal came in a 2-1 win against Kasimpasa on 7 January and after that game he appeared to wave goodbye to Besiktas’ fans.

He joined Burnley last January in a £12m move from German side Wolfsburg, but only scored twice as the Clarets were relegated from the Premier League to the Championship.

Weghorst was part of the Dutch squad at the 2022 World Cup and his two late goals against Argentina levelled their epic World Cup quarter-final at 2-2 before the Netherlands went on to lose on penalties.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has added Weghorst to his attacking ranks following the exit of Cristiano Ronaldo.

#Football #Manchester United #Sport #Cristiano Ronaldo

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Lionel Messi – No Saudi Arabia offer for Paris St-Germain forward, says Guillem Balague

Paris St-Germain forward Lionel Messi has not been approached by Al Hilal and would not consider a move to Saudi Arabia, Spanish football expert Guillem Balague says.

Recent reports suggest the Argentina international, 35, has been offered £245m to move to the Middle East.

Messi’s contract expires in the summer but, according to Balague, he is close to finalising a deal to remain at PSG.

“There hasn’t been an offer [from Al Hilal],” says Balague.

“PSG and Messi are organising a meeting in the next few weeks to finalise the deal that will keep him in Paris.”

Messi helped Argentina win the World Cup for the first time since 1986 in Qatar last month.

He said after the tournament that he planned to keep on playing for his country, while Balague says he is also determined to win more things in Europe.

“Right now, his motivation is to stay in Europe,” Balague added.

“He is favourite to win the Ballon d’Or, he is still in the Champions League, he has big targets after winning the World Cup.

“Not only does it make no sense to approach him with that offer, it hasn’t existed.”

Messi joined PSG from Barcelona in 2021 and has made 54 appearances for the Ligue 1 side, scoring 24 goals.

#football #Lionel Messi #Saudi Arabia #aris St-Germain forward #says Guillem Balague #sport

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Leeds’ ‘best performance’ despite Villa defeat

Aston Villa may have beaten them 2-1 but Leeds boss Jesse Marsch said it was his side’s “best performance” in his 11 months in charge.

Leon Bailey finished off a swift counter-attack to give Villa an early lead and Emiliano Buendia headed in their second before Patrick Bamford’s late strike for Leeds.

Marsch told BBC Sport: “It was the most complete performance we have had since I’ve been here. It is a really positive sign for me. It hurts to lose but a really positive performance.

“I’ve tried hard to create a process and understanding of how we want to play football. I am really satisfied to now see it start to come together.”

Marsch, who took over last February, sees his side remain two points above the drop zone.

“We have to stay focused on our process and not get stressed out by the table. I want us to stay laser focused on us,” he said.

Bailey had a hand in both goals with the Jamaican winger finishing off a counter-attack after a great run by Boubacar Kamara in just the third minute to put the hosts ahead.

That was Villa’s only shot in the first half, with Leeds having two penalty appeals rejected, a Rodrigo goal disallowed for offside and missing big chances.

Villa debutant Alex Moreno denied Rodrigo with a goalline clearance and keeper Emiliano Martinez pulled off a wonderful reaction stop to deny Jack Harrison from close range.

Unai Emery’s hosts were better in the second half and they got the goal to make them more comfortable – thanks to the video assistant referee.

Bailey’s shot was saved by Illan Meslier with Buendia heading the rebound over the grounded goalkeeper.

The goal was ruled out for offside but the VAR told referee Michael Oliver that Buendia was clearly onside – and it was given.

Leeds were given hope in the final 10 minutes though when Wilfried Gnonto cut the ball back for Bamford, making his return after two and a half months out with a groin injury, to slam home.

But they could not find an equaliser and remain only two points above the relegation zone, with Villa eight points further up the table in 11th.

It was not a perfect night for Villa, who lost left-back Lucas Digne and striker Ollie Watkins to injury in the first half.

Villa bounce back This was Villa’s first home win since the break for the World Cup in November – and timely after last weekend’s shock FA Cup loss to Stevenage.

Veteran full-back Ashley Young was involved in most of their key moments in the game.

The goal came from a Leeds corner which Young hooked forward to Kamara, who ran half the length of the pitch before finding Bailey, whose finish was wonderful.

Moreno, a £13m signing from Real Betis on Wednesday, started on the bench but was needed within nine minutes after Digne suffered a shoulder injury.

He did well to deny Rodrigo after the striker had gone round the Villa keeper and later on Young blocked Gnonto’s shot after Martinez denied Harrison.

Villa had one shot in the first half – that goal – and 10 efforts in the second half.

Their second goal had similarities to their first with Young tackling Tyler Adams in the box soon before Buendia headed in at the other end.

They had a scare after Bamford netted but Philippe Coutinho went close to making it safe with a 45-yard lob that went just over.

Emery said: “We struggled in the first half and in the second half we played better. It was difficult for us to play through the press.

“It was important to score the second goal because they were playing well to try and score and they did.

“It is no surprise for me that they came back. We needed the goalkeeper and Martinez’s save was amazing.

“I am so, so happy with Leon Bailey. In the last game he had two really good chances to win the match and he was a bit upset and today he scored the goal and did the action in the second goal.”

Frustrations for Leeds Leeds felt they should have had a penalty when Douglas Luiz put his arms on Rodrigo, but it was not given, and Harrison shot wide as play went on.

There was another shout as Tyrone Mings pulled Gnonto’s shirt at a corner – also turned down by the officials.

Rodrigo, Harrison and Gnonto all had chances before Rodrigo’s goal was disallowed.

The frontman chested down a cross to Brenden Aaronson, whose shot was blocked by Mings. Rodrigo, on the ground, hooked in the rebound – but he had been offside initially so the goal did not count.

The second half was much more even but the chances kept coming for Leeds. Gnonto curled wide and Aaronson had a shot deflected over.

They finally got the goal they deserved when teenager Gnonto span past Young before bursting down the left and setting up substitute Bamford for his first goal since 2021.

Jesse Marsch’s side pushed for an equaliser but Villa held out.

#football #Leeds' 'best performance' despite Villa defeat #sport #Aston Villa

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Arsenal transfer news- Edu set key role in £17.8m deal for Mykhaylo Mudryk in January

Arsenal Transfer News: See the latest Arsenal transfer news, including updates on Mykhaylo Mudryk, Leandro Trossard and Ivan Fresneda

Here’s Arsenal’s transfer summary for Saturday, January 14th.

Edu makes decision about Mudryk

Arsenal technical director Edu has made a big decision in an attempt to finalize the transfer of Mykhaylo Mudryk. The Gunners have made a breakthrough this week in their negotiations for the 22-year-old, with a deal being struck with Shakhtar Donetsk now closer than ever, as London football understands.

Two bids were sent to Mudryk by Arsenal, the first being a £55m package, however both were quickly rejected by the Ukrainian club, as football.london understands. The latest bid is a significant step up from recent proposals, suggesting the fee could be around £75-80m.

After weeks of negotiations, it seems likely that a deal is at an advanced stage following a new report revealing what Edu did to push for the move to be completed.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, Edu traveled to Warsaw, where Shakhtar Donetsk are currently stationed in hopes of completing the final details on the same day. Mikel Arteta declined to comment on Mudryk at his press conference.

Fresneda is the next hire

Arsenal look ready to see what their next move will be in the January window once Mykhaylo Mudryk’s transfer is completed. The Gunners are one of several clubs eyeing Real Vallodolid right-back Ivan Fresneda, who is also a target for Newcastle, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund.

A Twitter post by PucelaNews_1928, a news page dedicated to Vallodolid, suggested that the 18-year-old is keen to make Arsenal his next club. They also claim the Gunners are interested but urged patience while securing final transfer details for Mudryk.

Fabrizio Romano also recently reported on Fresneda’s future, revealing that the teenager has yet to decide his future. The young Spaniard has made eight La Liga appearances this season and will see his contract with Vallodolid expire in June 2025.

trossard opportunity

A major update on the future of Brighton star Leandro Trossard has been revealed, which seems to indicate that a January departure from the Seagulls will follow.

The Gunners followed the situation of the Belgian international with Chelsea and Tottenham also interested and following a new complaint by Roberto De Zerbi.

Speaking ahead of the Liverpool clash, he said: “Leandro Trossard is not on the list for the next game. In the last session before the last game, when he understood that he wasn’t playing, he left the session without telling me anything. I told him I don’t like that attitude.”

Trossard’s agent, Josy Comhair, released a statement about the situation involving his client, which circulated on sociiiiiiiial media and furthered talks of an impending sale at Trossard’s winter showcase.

Although a one-year extension to Trossard’s contract was recently activated, a cut price transfer could be secured for the 28-year-old, with two parties likely looking to sever ties as soon as possible.

On the CIES Football Observatory, Trossard is valued at £17.8m, which could be tempting for Arsenal to look for a proven Premier League player.

#Arsenal FC #Arsenal transfer news #Edu #featured #football #Football News #Leandro Trossard #Mykhaylo Mudryk #News #News Story #Premier League #Sport News #Transfer News

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Man Utd transfer roundup Memphis Depay domino effect as Scott McTominay position confirmed

Manchester United are busy scouring Europe in search of signings this winter amid a move for Wout Weghorst from Burnley with a wide range of players linked with both an arrival and an exit from Old Trafford

Manchester United appear set to continue their busy January transfer window with a few moves having already been made.

The Red Devils have sealed the services of Jack Butland on loan until the end of the campaign, while they have also agreed to bring Dutch striker Wout Weghorst to Old Trafford for the next few months. It remains to be seen if any more arrivals follow the pair becoming Red Devils.

That being said, here are the latest rumors to come out of Old Trafford over the past 24 hours, with the window now open for two weeks.

Newcastle take McTominay decision Newcastle United have reportedly taken the decision not to pursue a loan deal for United midfielder Scott McTominay. The Scot has been linked with a move to St James’ Park in January, with the Magpies keen to bolster their options at the center of the park as they continue their bid for a Champions League place.

When asked if his side had made a bid for McTominay, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was quick to dismiss the claims out of hand. As quoted by the Manchester Evening News, he said: “No it’s not true [bidding for McTominay]. The loan market is always a big option for us. But I think it’s very difficult to loan out. the right player.”

The 26-year-old has made 21 appearances for the Red Devils this season, but just under half of those outings have been departures.

Elanga’s future depends on Depay Man Utd’s approach to Anthony Elanga’s short-term future at Old Trafford appears to hinge on whether they have a replacement striker – most likely ex-Red Devil Memphis Depay. United have been linked with a move for the Dutchman this window alongside Arsenal.

According to talkSPORT, if the Barcelona star arrives at Old Trafford in January, it could lead to Anthony Elanga leaving the club on loan. The young Swede has been linked with a loan move to Premier League rivals Everton.

Elanga has seen opportunities with United dwindle this season after making just seven starts in all competitions under Erik ten Hag.

While Elanga could leave, a member of the current squad could stay who previously seemed hopeless. Right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been linked with moves to Wolves and Crystal Palace.

However, after earning a place in the squad in recent weeks, he now looks set to stay. According to MailPlus, Wan-Bissaka is set to stay with the club after Ten Hag was impressed with his performance.

The Dutchman now thinks he has a real alternative to the injured Diogo Dalot.

#Aaron Wan-Bissaka #Anthony Elanga #Burnley FC #Eddie Howe #featured #football #Football News #manchester united fc #Manchester United transfer news #Memphis Depay #News #News Story #Premier League #scott mctominay #Sport News #Transfer News

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Leandro Trossard Roberto De Zerbi confirms Belgian striker will not feature for Brighton against Liverpool due to attitude and behavior issues

Leandro Trossard has been left out of Brighton’s squad for Liverpool’s visit to the Amex on Saturday afternoon; The 25-year-old left training without speaking to manager Roberto De Zerbi after learning he would not be playing against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup last weekend

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that Leandro Trossard will not be in the squad for Liverpool’s visit after displaying a poor attitude in training.

The 25-year-old has not played for the Seagulls since their 4-2 defeat at Premier League leaders Arsenal on New Year’s Eve and is known to have trained alone this week due to what De Zerbi deemed bad behaviour. .

“Leandro is not on the list of tomorrow’s players,” he told reporters at a press conference on Friday afternoon.

“Leandro knows my opinion very well. In the last training session before the game against Middlesbrough, when he understood that he was not going to play, he left training without saying anything to me and that is not good.

“On Monday, I spoke to him and explained that I don’t like this attitude, this behavior.

“He knows very well if he wants to play for Brighton with me, he has to work hard, he has to run, he has to be on the right path because we are not a big team, a Real Madrid, Barcelona or another big, big team. We are Brighton and we need players who work like other players.

There are reports of interest from Tottenham in Belgian international Trossard, whose contract expires this summer, although Brighton have the option to extend his contract by a further 12 months.

Sky Sports News understands that the club have not yet triggered the extension option and have until the end of March to do so.

De Zerbi, however, declined to comment on the transfer speculation when asked.

Follow the January transfer window with Sky Sports Who will be on the move this winter? The January transfer window opened on Sunday 1st January 2023 and closes at 11pm on Tuesday 31st January 2023.

Keep up to date with the latest transfer news and rumors on our dedicated Transfer Center blog across Sky Sports digital platforms. You can also follow the details and analysis on Sky Sports News.

#Brighton #featured #football #Football News #Leandro Trossard #Liverpool #News #News Story #Premier League #Roberto De Zerbi #Sport News #Transfer News

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Manchester United confirm Donny van de Beek out for rest of season

Donny van de Beek’s season is over after he was injured in Man United’s win over Bournemouth last week.

Erik ten Hag has confirmed Manchester United star Donny van de Beek is out for the rest of the season.

The 25-year-old’s leg gave out following a challenge from Bournemouth midfielder Marcos Senesi in United’s 3-0 win on 3 January.

Ten Hag said Van de Beek had not torn his ACL: “Yes, it’s the knee. Long term it looks pretty good, he will be back for the start of pre-season. The rest of the season he is out.

“I think everyone was really, thoughts are with him, it’s terrible when you’re in the middle of a season and you have a bad start, a serious injury, it’s always very disappointing and thoughts, your feelings are with the player, you express that.

“Our group did it really well and now we’re happy that his long-term knee is fine. Donny is happy about that too. But in the same moments, there are mixed feelings and disappointment that he’s out this season.

“The players are feeling that we are building something good and we want to be a part of it and that’s what I feel at this club and right now, everyone wants to be a part of it. There are two sides to that.

“But the good news is that in the long run he will be back and his knee will be stable.”

United signed Van de Beek from Ajax for £40m in September 2020, but he has started just four games this season, having managed four appearances last year.

Manchester United v Reading FA Cup match details confirmed Man Utd will face Championship side Reading in the FA Cup fourth round and match details have been confirmed.

Manchester United’s FA Cup fourth round clash at home to Reading will take place on Saturday 28 January.

The match was picked up for live TV coverage in the UK and will be shown on ITV4 starting at 20:00 GMT.

United’s home draw against Reading is the reward for beating Everton 3-1 at Old Trafford last week. Antony gave his team the early lead before a Connor Coady own goal and a Marcus Rashford penalty sealed victory. Reading progressed to the fourth round after beating Championship team Watford 2-0 at home last week.

United and Reading will receive £110,000, plus any payments from the competition’s prize fund for being involved in a broadcast tie.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2023

Manchester City v Arsenal at 8pm on ITV1, UTV, STV and ITVX SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2023

Preston North End v Tottenham Hotspur at 6pm on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport Manchester United v Reading at 8pm on ITV4 and ITVX SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2023

Brighton & Hove Albion v Liverpool or Wolverhampton Wanderers at 1.30pm on ITV1, UTV, STV and ITVX Wrexham v Sheffield United at 4.30pm on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 2023

Derby County v West Ham United at 7.45pm on ITV4 and ITVX

#Donny van de Beek #featured #football #Football News #manchester united fc #Manchester United fixtures #Manchester United injury news #News #News Story #Premier League #Sport News #Transfer News

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Is Youri Tielemans signing for Arsenal? Leicester admission and transfer advantage

Arsenal transfer news: Youri Tielemans has been linked with a move to the Gunners consistently of late and this month could be the ideal time to secure a deal.

Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans is one of the biggest names playing outside of the traditional Premier League ‘big six’, with the Belgian midfielder impressing during his four years in the East Midlands.

During that time, he played a key role in the Foxes’ strong Premier League performance, as well as scoring the winning goal in the 2021 FA Cup Final. Belgians aged just 25.

With Arsenal in need of midfield reinforcements due to their current dependency on Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey, Tielemans could provide much-needed extra depth as Mikel Arteta and his team enter the final months of what should be a tense title race. .

READ ALSO : Newcastle given painful transfer reminder after £25.6m deal collapses

His contract expires in the summer, meaning Arsenal could be in touch for a move to be completed on July 1, or alternatively seek a reduced price deal this month for the Leicester midfielder.

Here, let’s take a look at the current state of the game in terms of Arsenal signing Youri Tielemans.

Brendan Rodgers admission Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers had previously stated that, after selling some big names in the summer, he intended to keep some of his big names this month to avoid a relegation battle. However, he has hinted that he might be willing to consider offers for players he sees as unhappy at the club, which could be a hint at Tielemans.

The Foxes boss told the press recently: “I think if somebody doesn’t want to be here or somebody wants a lot of money to be here, we have to be brave enough to say ‘listen, thank you very much and let’s go.’ ‘, because we are not a club with a lot of resources that can meet the needs of each player, especially on the financial side,” he said.

“A lot of these guys are in the last year [on their contracts]. We’ve said before that we would like them to stay but there has to be a time when what they want is very demanding for us as a club and if the time is right they have to move on so we have to do that. and then look forward.”

Alternate Sergej Milinkovic-Savic A move to Tielemans in January could see Arsenal call off the odds on a player whose contract status means he will become a free agent in the summer. However, there may be an alternative available this month in the form of Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

The Lazio midfielder could be available this month, with Lazio chairman Claudio Lotito willing to agree a loan worth £8.8m, which also includes an obligation to make the move permanent for £35, 5 million in the summer, according to Il Messaggero via Calciomercato.

Reports claim a deal is in Arsenal’s interest, with the Gunners having scouts present at a Lazio game earlier in the season and certainly a viable alternative given the Serb’s pedigree as a box-to-box midfielder.

transfer advantage Arsenal would have to compete with other Premier League clubs for Tielemans’ signature should they attempt a move, but they could have an advaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaantage in the race to sign him given their current position at the top of the Premier League table.

The Gunners were heavily linked with the Belgian international over the summer and there were reports that his agent held talks with Edu, giving the club a head start compared to other potential suitors.

However, the latest reports claim that interest in the player has cooled after his agent met with Arsenal’s hierarchy in the summer. This means a deal may be unlikely due to interest in other players, but if the Gunners make a move they will have strong player appeal.

#Arsenal transfer news #Arsenal transfer rumours #featured #football #Football News #News #News Story #Premier League #Sport News #Transfer News #Youri Tielemans

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Newcastle given painful transfer reminder after £25.6m deal collapses

Newcastle may be wondering what could have become of Hugo Ekitike after a move for the striker last summer fell through.

Newcastle were given another reminder of what they lost last summer when they failed to secure a deal for youngster Hugo Ekitike, the striker scoring his third goal in as many games for Paris Saint-Germain against Angers on Wednesday night. Ekitike came close to signing for Newcastle on two separate occasions in 2022.

The deal ultimately fell through with Ekitike joining PSG on a season-long loan with an option to make the move permanent. The striker has had to deal with being a side player for the Ligue 1 giants for most of this season, with Kylian Mbappé the main choice in the middle.

But Ekitike had the chance to shine in recent weeks and he made the most of that opportunity. He scored his third goal in three games during PSG’s Ligue 1 basement clash with Angers.

READ ALSO : Man Utd transfer round-up Harry Kane on target list as England’s pair to eye

The 20-year-old curled a cross into the near post, deftly finishing the Angers goalkeeper. Newcastle haven’t exactly mourned the loss of Ekitike with Callum Wilson, Alexander Isak and Chris Wood in their squad. 

But his recent performances for PSG highlight the type of player Newcastle may have lost. Eddie Howe made signing Ekitike one of his top priorities after taking the job at St James’ Park.

They came close to signing the Frenchman in last year’s January window, before reigniting his interest in the summer window. The deal appeared to be going ahead as planned, with Newcastle and Reims reaching a deal for a £25.6m fee.

But the move sensationally failed at the final hurdle, with the demands of the player’s agent proving too much for Newcastle. PSG then made an offer to sign the talented Frenchman on a season-long loan with an option to buy.

Ekitike addressed Newcastle’s interest in signing him “I had an appointment with Luis [Campos, PSG sporting director] that meant a lot to me,” Ekitike said at the time.

“It wasn’t that long ago. We talked a lot, he is a person that I value a lot. I wanted to come to PSG before this exchange, but he convinced me even more. I’m not putting aside everything Newcastle did to get me there. If I had to go abroad, I would have gone there. But when PSG want you and you’re French, you can’t refuse.”

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Messi and Mbappe Finally Play Together After the 2022 World Cup

The Rennes vs Paris Saint Germain (PSG) match is a moment to look forward to because Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar can finally work together on the field again.

Mbappe and Messi had different moments when they returned to PSG. Mbappe immediately returned to Les Parisiens after the World Cup was over. Meanwhile, Messi is still getting additional holidays after leading Argentina to win the 2022 World Cup.

When Messi finished his vacation and returned to Paris, it was PSG’s turn to give Mbappe a day off. Mbappe was given time off because he has not had time to rest after the 2022 World Cup.

Because Messi and Mbappe are the two main figures in the 2022 World Cup final. Both of them competed hard in the final.

Messi was able to score two goals in the final match and also netted a goal in the penalty shootout to bring Argentina to the championship. Meanwhile, Mbappe also received a lot of praise even though France lost in the final because he scored a hat trick in that match.

Neymar has also played with Messi in the previous match when PSG vs Angers. But for the certainty that the trio will go down together, all of that is still waiting for Christophe Galtier’s decision.

Neymar suffered an injury at the 2022 World Cup and Galtier had stated that he wanted Neymar to focus on recovering from the injury first.

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe Named Candidates for Best FIFA Award

FIFA announces that Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are among the candidates for the 2002 FIFA best player award

Kylian Mbappe (France) and Lionel Messi (Argentina) fight for the ball in the Qatar 2022 World Cup final match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, December 18, 2022. (Photo: AP/Manu Fernandez)

Zurich, Switzerland – World soccer’s governing body (FIFA), announced on Thursday, January 12, 2023, that Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are among the nominees for the 2002 FIFA best player award after their stellar performances at the World Cup.

Messi, who has won the award before, led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar. This victory greatly increased his chances of winning an eighth Ballon d’Or.

Apart from Mbappe who scored a hat-trick in the World Cup final, two other Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) club players were also included in the nomination, namely Neymar from Brazil and Achraf Hakimi from Morocco.

France international Karim Benzema, who won the Ballon d’Or last year for his performances for Real Madrid, is also nominated. Likewise Poland’s Robert Lewandowski, winner of the FIFA award in the last two years.

The nomination list includes a number of other top footballers, such as Julian Alvarez from Manchester City, Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland; Real Madrid pair Luka Modric and Vinicius Junior; Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Jude Bellingham.

Alexia Putellas was nominated for the women’s athlete award despite being sidelined for the last six months due to injury.

The Barcelona and Spain midfielder won the award last year and defended the Ballon d’Or in October 2022.

Public voting, which is open until February 3, 2023, will determine the three finalists in each category.

The winner is then selected by a jury consisting of national team coaches and captains as well as journalists and fans.

People pass by paintings of PSG soccer players Kylian Mbappe, Achraf Hakimi, Carlos Soler and Lionel Messi on a wall during the Football World Cup in central Doha, Qatar, on Monday, December 12, 2022. (Photo: voaindonesia.com/AP/Martin Meissner)

Messi, Mbappe and Neymar Will Rejoin After the World Cup

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)’s trip to Rennes on Sunday, January 15, 2023, will be the first time for their superstar front three Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar to play together since the World Cup clash.

Mbappe returned to training on Thursday after being given 10 days off after returning from Qatar and starting PSG’s first two games after the tournament.

He flew to New York for the break and was nowhere to be seen when Messi returned, and scored, in a 2-0 win for the Ligue 1 leaders against Angers on Wednesday, January 11, 2023.

The World Cup was an obvious motivating factor in the trio’s outstanding form during the early months of the season, and how they play together will be crucial in determining how the rest of the season goes for PSG.

They were six points clear of Lens before finishing the first half of the season at Rennes, but the Champions League is their main objective.

After failing to lead the group, Christophe Galtier’s side will face Bayern Munich in the last 16, with the first leg taking place at their home ground on 14 February 2023.

https://www.tagar.id/Asset/uploads2019/1673615347039-messi-rayakan-gol-dng-mbappe-dan-neymar.jpg

Lionel Messi celebrates a goal with his PSG striker teammates Neymar and Kylian Mbappe in Paris, on September 28, 2021. (Photo: voaindonesia.com/AFP) Galtier described Messi, who is 35, as “relaxed and in very good physical shape” after his first match since leading Argentina to a penalty shoot-out win over France in the 2022 World Cup final.

The question now is how much motivation the former Barcelona star has after that career-defining win.

PSG want to extend his contract in the French capital for a third season and Messi’s biggest goal now is to win the Champions League for the first time since 2015.

Spurred on by defeat in the World Cup final despite scoring a hat-trick, 2018 world champion Mbappe will be desperate to get his hands on the Champions League trophy for the first time.

#Argentina #Barcelona #Brazil #featured #football #France #KYLIAN MBAPPÉ #Ligue 1 #Lionel Messi #sport #world cup

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Wout Weghorst Manchester United complete loan deal for Burnley striker after Besiktas agreement terminated

Manchester United have completed the signing of Burnley striker Wout Weghorst on loan until the end of the season after his temporary spell at Besiktas was terminated

Erik ten Hag made no secret of the fact he wanted to strengthen his squad with a striker following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Besiktas confirmed Weghorst’s loan spell had been ended by mutual consent with the Turkish club saying they will receive a £2.5m compensation fee, paving the way for the 30-year-old to move to Old Trafford after Man Utd paid Burnley £2.6m.

United will cover the striker’s wages and there is no option or obligation to buy.

“I’ve played against the club in the past and it’s a fantastic feeling to now have the chance to pull on the famous red shirt.

“I’ve seen United’s progress under Erik ten Hag this season and can’t wait to start playing my part in pushing the team towards its aims.”

“Whatever happens in the next few months, I can promise to give everything to the club for as long as I am here. I thank everyone who has played a part in getting me to this stage, and now I am looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and getting involved straight away.”

There were hopes that Man Utd would have the Netherlands international ready to face Man City at Old Trafford in the lunchtime kick-off on Saturday, but Ten Hag confirmed ahead of the game that the new signing had not been registered by the Friday midday deadline.

Weghorst, who could make his debut when United face Crystal Palace live on Sky Sports next Wednesday, scored nine goals and grabbed four assists in 18 appearances on loan at Besiktas.

He has 19 international caps for the Netherlands, scoring five goals, including two at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Manchester United football director John Murtough said: “Wout has a consistent goalscoring record across several European leagues, and his attributes will add a further dimension to our squad for the remainder of the season.

“We were also attracted by his strong personality and dedicated approach to football, which fits perfectly with the spirit that Erik is building within our squad.

“He has shown a huge desire to join Manchester United and be part of what we’re striving to achieve this season.”

‘Ten Hag wanted a Plan B’ | ‘This deal gets United to next summer’ Sky Sports News chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol:

“It’s a bit of a surprising move. Before the window, I do not think many Man Utd fans thought they’d be signing a striker like Wout Weghorst on loan from Burnley. Obviously, he has played in the Premier League before and didn’t have a great time. The Burnley side he played in were relegated and he only scored twice.

“But to be fair to him, he has gone out on loan to Besiktas, and he’s played very well. Also, when he got his chance at the World Cup for the Netherlands he played very well.

“You’ve got to get inside Erik ten Hag’s head. The reason he wants Weghorst is he wants a Plan B and a different way of playing. The kind of striker he is, Man Utd don’t have that in their squad at the moment.

“It is something Ten Hag has wanted for a while. Even in last summer’s window he was trying to sign strikers like Marko Arnautovic. United fans were left thinking wide, but this is what Ten Hag has wanted.

“It also works financially for United. They are a little bit in limbo now. They do not know what is going to happen with the ownership situation and the Glazers. They spent a lot of money last summer as well so they cannot really spend big this month.

“This deal gets them to next summer and they have got big targets in terms of strikers for next summer.”

“United were desperate to sign a striker on loan during the January window after severing ties with Cristiano Ronaldo during the World Cup following the player’s explosive interview with Piers Morgan in which he criticised the club and manager Erik ten Hag.

“Weghorst appeared to wave an emotional goodbye to Besiktas’ fans after scoring the winner in a 2-1 Super Lig victory over Kasimpasa at the weekend. “The striker scored twice for the Netherlands in the World Cup quarter-final against eventual winners Argentina, with the second arguably being one of the most dramatic goals in the competition’s history – levelling the scores from an inventive free-kick pass to send the game into extra-time.

“The former Wolfsburg star had hit the ground running in Turkey, netting eight goals and registering four assists in 16 league games.”

#Besiktas #Burnley #Cristiano Ronaldo #Foot Ball #foot ball news #Manchester United #News #Old Trafford #Trending

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The Beauty of Seljalandsfoss, Iceland's Most Beautiful Waterfall

Iceland is a country that has many waterfalls with more than 10,000 waterfalls. One of the waterfalls in Iceland which is famous for its beauty is Seljalandsfoss.

Seljalandsfoss is a waterfall located in the southern region of Iceland. The beauty of this waterfall attracts tourists from all over the world to visit it.

Seljalandsfoss is one of the highest waterfalls in Iceland with a height of 65 meters

However, compared to some other waterfalls in Iceland, Seljalandsfoss is narrow at only 10 meters

Seljalandsfoss is known to originate from the Seljalandsá River which is a glacial river from the eyjafjallajökull glacier

Because of its beauty, Seljalandsfoss is one of the most sought after waterfalls by photographers

love to photograph the different places around the falls. If you're lucky, you can see and capture the moment of the rainbow that appears there

One of the most interesting things is, visitors can walk behind the waterfall precisely on the walking path

If you are interested in going behind a waterfall, then make sure to wear a jacket that is sturdy and waterproof

In addition, in the area behind the waterfall is also equipped with a cave which further adds to its beauty

It is also possible to camp at the Hamragarar campground which is just a few minutes drive from the falls

Seljalandsfos can generally be visited all year round. However, during the winter months, the trail behind the falls is usually closed to avoid any danger.

So, if you are interested in visiting Seljalandsfoss, then the best time to go there is during the summer months.