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Friday, March 31, 2023

Erik ten Hag ‘gives go-ahead’ to Manchester United board over Goncalo Ramos transfer

Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos has attracted strong interest from Manchester United (Getty)

Manchester United are set to make a move for Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos this summer, according to reports in Spain.

Erik ten Hag is looking to add a new striker to his squad at the end of the season with both Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen on United’s shortlist.

Ramos, meanwhile, has been in sublime form for Benfica this season with 24 goals in 36 appearances so far.

The 21-year-old also impressed at the World Cup in Qatar as he scored a hat-trick in Portugal’s 6-1 victory over Switzerland in the last 16.

According to AS, United have been showing strong interest in signing Ramos this summer and Ten Hag has now ‘given the go-ahead’ to the club’s hierarchy.

The report claims that Benfica would be open to a deal for around €100 million (£87.9m) but Ramos is also being monitored by Real Madrid.

Goncalo Ramos has scored 24 goals for Benfica this season (Getty)

‘I love his attitude, which he gives to the team,’ Benfica head coach Roger Schmidt said of Ramos earlier this month.

‘He is young, he is scoring goals in the Champions League and it is normal for him to attract the attention of other clubs.’

Benfica had promised talks over a new contract with Ramos but reports in Portugal claimed this week that the striker is ‘very disappointed’ that a new deal has not yet been proposed.

United, meanwhile, are also said to be monitoring Atalanta’s 20-year-old forward Rasmus Hojlund, who scored five goals in two games for Denmark during the international break.

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Saturday's transfer gossip: Osimhen, Havertz, Messi, Shaw, De Gea, Tchouameni, Aubameyang

Chelsea are contenders to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, while Paris St-Germain say they will pay Lionel Messi whatever it takes to keep him at the club, plus more.

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Graham Potter open to potential Romelu Lukaku return to Chelsea

Graham Potter has described Romelu Lukaku as a 'fantastic player' — Graham Potter has described Romelu Lukaku as a ‘fantastic player’ (Getty)

Graham Potter believes Romelu Lukaku could still have a future at Chelsea and has described the on-loan striker as a ‘fantastic player’.

Chelsea spent £97.5 million on re-signing Lukaku from Inter in August 2021 but the Belgium international struggled in his first season back at Stamford Bridge, scoring 15 goals in 44 appearances.

Lukaku angered Chelsea just a few months after his return as he criticised Thomas Tuchel’s tactics during an interview with an Italian broadcaster and suggested that he was keen to return to Inter.

The 29-year-old got his wish last summer as Chelsea allowed Lukaku to re-join Inter on loan for the season but the striker has been hampered by injuries this term and has scored five goals in 19 games for the Serie A club so far.

When asked about Lukaku’s potential return to Chelsea, Potter told Canal+: ‘Well, he’s still a Chelsea player and we’re monitoring him of course.

‘We understand where he’s at, he’s on loan, those decisions will be made in the summer.

‘He’s a fantastic player, someone who we know and like.

‘But again, we need to speak about that in the summer because he’s playing on loan for his club.’

Romelu Lukaku has scored just five goals for Inter during his loan spell this season (Getty)

Speaking earlier this month, Inter’s CEO Beppe Marotta indicated that the club would not follow up with a permanent move for Lukaku in the summer window.

‘The loan was for one season so on June 30 regardless of how well he plays, he’ll go back to Chelsea,’ Marotta told Sky Italia.

‘This has been an unprecedented season. I’m referring of course to the World Cup. The problems we’ve experienced have been experienced by other clubs too and the players who played at the World Cup.

‘Lukaku is a case in point. [Marcelo] Brozovic isn’t the Brozovic we know. Lukaku hasn’t found the fitness he needs to play his best football. He’s still not at his best or the player we got to see in years gone by.’

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Premier League: Everton & Newcastle announce financial losses for 2021-22

Everton make a financial loss for the fifth successive year, while Newcastle also lose money in their first season under new owners.

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Manchester City top Premier League spending on agents’ fees with over £51m paid last year

Manchester City spent £51.5 million on agents' fees over the past year — Manchester City spent £51.5 million on agents’ fees over the past year (Getty)

Manchester City paid the highest amount of fees to agents and intermediaries out of all 20 Premier League clubs over the past year.

The Football Association has published the total payments made by Premier League teams to agents and intermediaries between February 1, 2022 to January 31, 2023, with City topping the table by spending £51.5 million.

Chelsea, who have signed 16 players since last summer, are second in the Premier League spending table having paid £43.1m to agents, which is a significant increase from the £28.2m spent during Roman Abramovich’s final year in charge at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool are third on the list after spending £33.6m, while Manchester United are fourth having paid £24.7m – a slight reduction from their £29m outlay on agents in the previous year.

Combined, Premier League clubs spent over £318.2m on agents fees, which is an increase from the £272.5m spent by all 20 teams from February 2021 to the end of January 2022.

PREMIER LEAGUE SPENDING ON AGENTS FROM FEBRUARY 2022 TO END OF JANUARY 2023

Manchester City – £51,563,571
Chelsea – £43,160,072
Liverpool – £33,691,782
Manchester United – £24,726,374
Arsenal – £16,749,072
Tottenham – £16,137,103
Aston Villa – £15,623,203
Leeds United – £15,310,814
Everton – £13,542,845
West Ham – £12,030,438
Newcastle United – £10,784,029
Leicester City – £10,282,967
Crystal Palace – £9,796,296
Fulham – £8,758,854
Brighton – £8,583,317
Southampton – £6,319,675
Wolves – £6,186,765
Brentford – £5,560,192
Bournemouth – £5,058,871
Nottingham Forest – £4,353,186

TOTAL: £318,219,426

Surprisingly, Nottingham Forest sit bottom of the spending table with their £4.3m payments to agents, despite signing 30 new players since last summer.

The fees paid to agents include permanent transfers, loan deals, new youth registrations and updated contracts.

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Millie Bright: England defender pulls out of squad for Brazil and Australia friendlies

Defender Millie Bright pulls out of England's squad for their friendlies against Brazil and Australia.

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Thursday, March 30, 2023

Friday's transfer gossip: Mount, Messi, Kane, Kudus, Ramos, De Jong, Moyes

Chelsea will ask for as much as £70m for Mason Mount, who could join Bayern Munich, while Ajax forward Mohammed Kudus is among Manchester United's striker options, plus more.

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Patrick Vieira linked with swift return to the Premier League with Leeds interested

Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League — Patrick Vieira may be back in the Premier League as soon as the summer (Picture: Getty Images)

Patrick Vieira is well thought of at Leeds United and there is ‘every chance’ the Yorkshire club could make a move for him in the summer, according to reports.

The Arsenal legend was fired as Crystal Palace manager earlier in March after a dismal run of form, although the club were still handily placed in 12th in the Premier League table and Roy Hodgson has returned to replace him.

Leeds have only just hired a new boss in Javi Gracia after sacking Jesse Marsch in Februay, but the Spaniard’s contract is a short one, just running until the end of the season.

TalkSPORT report that Leeds remain keen on Vieira, who they shortlisted when looking for a replacement for Marsch, and could try and tempt him to Elland Road in the summer.

Vieira is reportedly keen for a quick return to management and would be keen to take the job at Leeds if they are still in the Premier League.

However, for that to be the case, Gracia would have to keep them in the division and then the Leeds hierarchy choose to replace him despite him achieving the primary goal he was given when taking the job.

There are a lot of big games before the end of the season and plenty still to happen, but it would be harsh for Leeds to ditch Gracia if he keeps them in the top flight.

Leeds face arguably the toughest test in the Premier League this weekend, a trip to table-toppers Arsenal, who go into the weekend eight points clear of second-placed Manchester City.

MORE : William Saliba expected to miss Arsenal’s clash with Leeds through injury

MORE : Ray Parlour names the two players Arsenal must tie down to new contracts after Bukayo Saka

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Richarlison: Tottenham forward denies he led player 'mutiny' against Antonio Conte

Tottenham forward Richarlison denies that he led a player "mutiny" against Antonio Conte and apologised to his former boss for his performances.

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Manchester United refuse to let Mason Greenwood return to training until next season at the earliest

Manchester United v Everton - Pre-season Friendly — Mason Greenwood has not played for Manchester United in over a year (AMA/Getty)

Manchester United have told Mason Greenwood that he will not be permitted to return to training before the season ends, according to reports.

The 21-year-old has not played for United since January last year after he was arrested and subsequently charged with attempted rape, controlling behaviour and assault.

All charges against Greenwood were dropped in February, with the Crown Prosecution Service stating that ‘in this case a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction’.

United went on to announce that the club would ‘conduct its own process before determining next steps’ in relation to Greenwood’s f u t u r e a t O l d T r a f f o r d.

According to MailOnline, Greenwood has held discussions with United officials and has ’emphasised his desire to return as soon as possible’.

However, the report claims that United will not allow Greenwood to return to training until next season at the very earliest.

Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood arrives at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, where he is charged with attempted rape. The 21-year-old is also accused of assault and controlling and coercive behaviour. Picture date: Monday November 21, 2022. PA Photo. See PA story COURTS Greenwood. Photo credit should read: Paul Currie/PA Wire — All criminal charges against Mason Greenwood were dropped in February (PA)

The report also claims that there is a split at United regarding Greenwood’s potential return, as some staff members on the football side believe the forward should be given a second chance, while others in the commercial department are concerned about the potential damage the 21-year-old’s comeback would be to the club’s brand.

A representative of Greenwood told The Athletic earlier this month: ‘Mason is 21, he has been cleared and should be allowed the opportunity to rebuild and move forward with his young life.’

However, it’s understood that United players in both the men’s and women’s teams have major reservations about Greenwood’s return.

United have received loan offers from two Turkish clubs for Greenwood but are unwilling to approve any deal until their own investigation is complete.

Greenwood’s current £70,000-a-week contract is due to expire in 2025, while reports claim that the remaining value of his deal with United is around £8.1 million.

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Wolfsburg 1-1 Paris St-Germain (agg 2-1): Wolfsburg to meet Arsenal in Champions League semi-final

Wolfsburg will face Arsenal in the Women's Champions League semi-finals after Paris St-Germain failed to overturn a first-leg deficit.

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Richarlison hits back at ‘lies’ over reported mutiny at Tottenham if Antonio Conte stayed

Richarlison insists he did not lead a dressing room revolt against Antonio Conte (Getty)

Richarlison has strongly denied reports claiming that he threatened to quit Tottenham if Antonio Conte stayed at the club.

Conte left Spurs ‘by mutual consent’ on Sunday evening, just over a week after he publicly slammed the players in the aftermath of their 3-3 draw with Southampton.

The Italian branded his players ‘selfish’ and accused them of not wanting to ‘play under stress’ following another poor result in their bid to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League.

Richarlison, meanwhile, publicly criticised Conte in the wake of Spurs’ Champions League exit at the hands of AC Milan and claimed the 53-year-old did not explain why he was not playing regularly.

Reports from Argentine TV network TyC Sports have claimed this week that Richarlison and Cristian Romero were two players who were keen to see Conte leave Spurs and were considering their future at the club if the Italian had remained as manager.

But Richarlison has branded the claims as ‘lies’ and has revealed he sent a message of support to Conte following his departure.

‘Questioning and criticising me as a player for my performance is part of football and I got it,’ Richarlison wrote on Twitter.

Antonio Cone seems to be on his way out at Tottenham — Antonio Conte left Spurs by mutual consent on Sunday evening (Shutterstock)

‘However, telling lies about me, I don’t accept! I’ve always had a lot of respect for Conte and for all my coaches.

‘He helped me a lot in my coming to the Spurs and, whenever we had a problem (even if it was public) we solved it based on conversation and professionalism — and this he can confirm.

‘I wasn’t a mutiny leader against him, it was quite the opposite.

‘I’m sorry I didn’t deliver as much as he expected of me and I didn’t do enough for him to stay.

‘When he left, I sent him a message thanking him for everything and wishing him the best cause that’s what he deserves!

‘On the other hand, the journalist responsible for this awful lie did not even do the least which would be talking to my PR or listening to me. Bad professional and bad character! And shame on you, Tyc Sports!’

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Championship returns: Can Burnley reach 100 points & who is going down?

As the Championship returns after the last international break of the season BBC Sport looks at how the second tier finale is shaping up.

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Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Women's Champions League: 'Chelsea must seek opportunity to reach semi-finals,' says Emma Hayes

Emma Hayes says Chelsea must "seek the opportunity" to reach the Women's Champions League semi-finals.

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Newcastle boosted for Manchester United clash as four injury doubts return to training

Newcastle United v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Premier League — Nick Pope is ready to take on Manchester United on Sunday (Picture: Getty Images)

Newcastle have welcomed four players into training this week ahead of the clash with Manchester United this weekend, putting to bed doubts over their fitness.

Nick Pope, Sven Botman, Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson have all trained and are expected to be involved at St James’ Park on Sunday against the Red Devils.

There had been fears over Pope after he pulled out of international duty with England, while Botman returned from the international break with Netherlands suffering with illness.

Saint-Maximin was removed at half-time of the 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest last time out on 17 March, but fears over a hamstring problem appear to have been allayed.

Wilson has been out of the team, an unused substitute against Forest, and had missed training sessions before the international break, but appears to be fit and available again.

Anthony Gordon is not yet back in training, though, due to an ankle problem, while Miguel Almiron remains sidelined for some weeks to come with a thigh muscle problem.

Newcastle United Training Session — Callum Wilson will be hoping for a recall to the Newcastle team (Picture: Getty Images)

It is a huge game in the hunt for Champions League places with Newcastle two places but only three points behind the Red Devils, who sit third in the table.

A side issue, but the Magpies will also be looking for revenge for the Carabao Cup final where they were beaten 2-0 by Erik ten Hag’s side at Wembley last month.

MORE : Former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane makes Premier League title prediction as Arsenal battle Manchester City

MORE : Marcus Rashford blasts ‘nonsense’ Manchester United contract claim

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Rangers coach cited for alleged headbutt on Celtic boss in SWPL derby

Rangers coach Craig McPherson has been charged by the Scottish FA after appearing to headbutt Celtic manager Fran Alonso.

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Marcus Rashford blasts ‘nonsense’ Manchester United contract claim

File photo dated 04-02-2023 of Marcus Rashford, who says reports he is looking for a new deal worth ?500,000 per week to extend his contract at Manchester United are — Marcus Rashford has hit back at reports claiming that he wants £500,000 a week from Manchester United (PA)

Marcus Rashford has hit out at reports claiming that he is demanding a £500,000-a-week contract from Manchester United.

The 25-year-old has been in sublime form for Erik ten Hag’s side this season with 27 goals in all competitions so far.

But the England international will enter the final year of his contract with United this summer, meaning that he could potentially leave on a free transfer if a new deal is not agreed.

Reports on Thursday claimed that Rashford is holding out for a new contract worth in excess of £500,000 a week once bonuses are factored in, however, United are said to be reluctant to offer new deals until the club’s potential takeover is settled.

Rashford, meanwhile, has branded the reports as ‘nonsense’ and claims he has been ‘respectful’ to United during negotiations.

Responding to the speculation on Twitter, Rashford wrote: ‘Just before this one starts to do the rounds! It’s complete nonsense.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 26: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United celebrates after scoring their sides second goal during the Carabao Cup Final match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on February 26, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images,) — Marcus Rashford has scored 27 goals in all competitions for Manchester United this season (Getty)

‘The club and myself have been respectful to one another, and that’s how it will remain.

‘My focus is purely on finishing as well as possible in the league and winning trophies.’

Rashford also wrote on Instagram: ‘Another non-story flying around about my advisers and me making demands.

‘It’s complete nonsense! My aim and the club’s aims are to finish as high as possible in the league and try and win a cup or two.’

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FA Cup: Manchester Utd v Brighton: When the teams met in the 1983 final

BBC Sport looks back at the 1983 FA Cup final between Brighton and Manchester United. The teams will meet in the semi-final of the 2023 competition.

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Tuesday, March 28, 2023

‘I’ve never seen anything like it’ – Scott McTominay reacts to Scotland stunning Spain

Scotland v Spain: Group A - UEFA EURO 2024 Qualifying Round — Scott McTominay scored both Scotland’s goals in the amazing win (Picture: Getty Images)

Scotland earned an incredible 2-0 win over Spain in Euro 2024 qualifying on Tuesday night at Hampden and the goal-scoring hero Scott McTominay says he has ‘never seen anything like’ it.

The Manchester United scored both goals in the incredible victory, with Spain not really posing a huge threat to the home side.

The visitors predictably dominated possession, but Scotland deserved their win after a fantastic team display, with McTominay the star, after scoring another two goals in a 3-0 win over Cyprus at the weekend.

‘We did really, really well,’ McTominay said on Viaplay. ‘We knew they’d have lots of the ball, and the manager said be clinical when we had the opportunities, and I thought we had enough opportunities tonight to really hurt them and score some goals.

‘As a kid, I was an attacking midfielder – I like to get in the box. I’ve got to keep doing that, I know I can add more goals and assists to my game.

‘Everyone was at it, diving around, making the game slow. It’s difficult, but sometimes that’s the way it’s got to be. When you’re winning you’ve got to do stuff like that. Look at this place – I’ve never seen anything like it, incredible.

‘The manager said this is our chance to create legacies as Scotland players and these are the nights in 20, 30 years that people remember. We can’t thank the fans enough.’

With two wins from their opening two games Scotland are now clear at the top of Group A of European Championship qualification, three points ahead of Spain.

Liverpool’s Andy Robertson added: ‘It’s six points to start but unfortunately six points doesn’t qualify you for the Euros. I puts us in a good place, we’ve got two massive games in June and if we come out with the points we need then that will put us in an even better position.

‘We’ve put ourselves in a great position but we have to keep going, we have to keep the same determination and the same desire tonight. If we do that it gives us a hell of a chance in any game.’

MORE : Ruud Gullit says Wout Weghorst is ‘not good enough’ to stay at Manchester United

MORE : Bruno Fernandes disagrees with former Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo over new Portugal boss Roberto Martinez

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Altrincham 0-2 Notts County: Macaulay Langstaff scores 40th goal of season

Macaulay Langstaff sets a new club record as Notts County return to the top of the National League table with victory at Altrincham.

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Fabio Paratici says Tottenham are 'focused' following Antonio Conte's departure

Tottenham managing director of football Fabio Paratici says the club is "focused" on moving forward following the Antonio Conte's departure.

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Fabio Paratici speaks out on ‘right decision’ for Antonio Conte to leave Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur v Sevilla - Pre-season Friendly — **Fabio Paratici** says Antonio Conte leaving Tottenham was ‘the right decision for everyone’ (Picture: Getty Images)

Tottenham managing director Fabio Paratici has spoken out about Antonio Conte’s exit, describing it as the ‘right decision for everyone’ but refusing to be drawn on speculation over his replacement.

Conte left Spurs on Sunday night by mutual consent after a turbulent time at the club which saw the Italian unleash a remarkable press conference rant, slamming his players and the culture at Tottenham.

His position was untenable after that and he has not moved on, with assistant Cristian Stellini taking charge alongside long-term coach Ryan Mason.

Paratici, who had a close relationship with Conte, having also worked together at Juventus, and recognised that he ahs been going through a very tough time personally over the last few months.

‘About Antonio … we know how difficult this season has been for him personally. Gian Piero [Ventrone] died and [Gianluca] Vialli and [Sinisa] Mihajlovic and his surgery,’ Paratici said in a post on Tottenham’s social media channels.

‘The club supported him a lot about it and everyone [supported] each other but then we arrived at this mutual agreement and the decision we made was the right decision for everyone.

‘So Cristian [Stellini] managed the team when Antonio was sick this season and was good.

‘He has a lot of experience as a second and has been first [team] coach some years in the past. But then we have Ryan Mason who can help him a lot as he’s been a part of this club for a long time and he knows everything about this club and this group of players. So I think we are really, really confident that this two person [team] can make a very good job.

‘The players don’t have to change habit or style of training. To change everything with just 10 games to go would be very difficult on the players.’

Julian Nagelsmann is the favourite to take the job permanently, with Mauricio Pochettino still in the frame to return, but Paratici is happy with Stellini for now.

‘We don’t want to speak about other coaches, or follow the speculation in the media because it is just speculation, we are focussed and now concentrating on helping Cristian, the staff, Ryan, the players,’ he said.

‘I think today we have to be focused on our squad and our manager because it is an important moment.’

Spurs return to Premier League action on Monday night at Everton.

MORE : Son Heung-min issues apology to Antonio Conte over his Tottenham exit

MORE : Tottenham make contact with Julian Nagelsmann after Antonio Conte sacking

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Lionesses star Beth Mead ‘needs a miracle’ to be fit for World Cup

Injury looks like ruining Beth Mead's World Cup dreams — Injury looks like ruining Beth Mead’s World Cup dreams (Picture: Getty )

England are resigned to going to this summer’s World Cup without their Euros superstar Beth Mead, who needs ‘a miracle’ to be fit for the tournament.

The Arsenal attacker was the six-goal Golden Boot winner and player of the tournament as the Lionesses became European champions last year but has been out of action since rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in her knee in November.

England boss Sarina Wiegman, who yesterday named a 25-strong squad for April games against Brazil and Australia, is not expecting Mead, 27, back in time for this summer’s global showpiece.

The inaugural Women’s Finalissima with Brazil and friendly with the Matildas will be England’s last tests before the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

That comes too soon for Mead, with Wiegman saying: ‘I had a conversation with her, she’s doing well, she’s in her rehab, she’s doing good, but the World Cup is actually too early.

‘So what we said is she’s not in our plans now, just really take the time to get back well.

‘If a miracle happens and she goes so fast, then we will reconsider it, but at this moment I don’t expect that.

‘‘We’re not going to push or take risks that will cause this injury again. Of course she wants to play, but she knows.’

Three players not involved in February’s Arnold Clark Cup success have been picked, with a recall for goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, plus Manchester City’s Esme Morgan and uncapped West Ham defender Lucy Parker.

Aston Villa star Hampton has not been selected since the Euros, amid reports of ‘behaviour and attitude’ issues.

Beth Mead with her top scorer and player-of-the-tournament awards at the Euros (Picture: Getty)

Wiegman said: ‘As I said over all the other camps, she needed to sort out some personal issues. She’s done that. She has shown great performances, she has shown consistency, so I thought this is the moment to bring her in.’

There is no place for Bethany England – who has scored six goals since joining Tottenham from Chelsea in January – while Nikita Parris also misses out again.

The versatile Rachel Daly, scorer of 13 WSL goals for Villa this term, is listed as a forward having played left-back at the Euros. Chelsea playmaker Fran Kirby is out with a knee issue.

England face Brazil at Wembley next Thursday and Australia at Brentford five days later.

MORE : Williamson and Mead among Lionesses awarded New Year gongs

MORE : Wiegman sets sights on World Cup success

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Bayern Munich want Mason Mount as Thomas Tuchel plots Chelsea raid

Chelsea v Palmeiras: Final - FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021 — Mason Mount has a strong relationship with ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel (Picture: Getty)

Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel wants to raid his former club Chelsea to sign Mason Mount in the summer transfer window, according to reports.

Mount is likely to leave Chelsea after talks between his representatives and the west London club hit a wall over a contract extension.

The Blues may be forced into selling the 24-year-old midfielder this summer in order to not break Financial Fair Play rules.

Mount’s current deal at Stamford Bridge is due to expire in the summer of 2024 and Liverpool are also strongly linked with a transfer.

But according to The Times, new Bayern boss Tuchel – who had a strong relationship with Mount during his time at Chelsea as the pair won the Champions League together – wants to bring the England international to the Bundesliga.

Chelsea originally wanted to hand Mount a seven-year deal that would keep him at the club until 2030 but the terms were nowhere close to what he was demanding.

Following news of their huge financial losses, the Blues may now decide to sell Mount to avoid an FFP breach.

‘Itâ€™s practical, pragmatic business!’ ðŸ’¯#CFC https://t.co/WKbrPEGdLb
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It is believed that the club are looking for at least £50m for Mount who has been voted Chelsea’s Player of the Year for the last two campaigns.

Mount has made a total of 192 appearances for Chelsea to date, registering 33 goals and 37 assists.

He has 36 caps for England and is highly rated by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.

John Barnes recently claimed that Mount has the ‘profile of a Liverpool player’ and urged the Reds to bring him to Anfield.

The Liverpool legend told BonusCodeBets: ‘I think Mason Mount would fit in with what we want. If you look at his strength as a midfield player – he attacks, he defends, he’s dynamic, he’s direct, he gets up and down.

‘This is the profile of a Liverpool player. He could fit in with what we want… I would welcome that signing if he were to come to Liverpool.’

MORE : 'Bad business' - Arsenal legend Paul Merson baffled by Chelsea transfer decision

MORE : Chelsea target ex-Man Utd star as Mason Mount's replacement

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Monday, March 27, 2023

Wales v Latvia: Hosts aim to live up to expectations in Euro 2024 qualifier

Preview followed by live coverage of Tuesday's European Championship Qualifying game between Wales and Latvia.

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Gabriel names the Arsenal teammate who gives him most trouble in training

Arsenal FC v Manchester United - Premier League — Gabriel is glad Bukayo Saka is on his side when it matters (Picture: Getty Images)

Gabriel says Bukayo Saka is the trickiest teammate he has to deal with in Arsenal training, saying the winger leaves his ‘head in trouble’ when he has to face him.

Saka has been in brilliant form this season for the Gunners, and again for England as he showed on Sunday night with a superb goal in the win over Ukraine.

The 21-year-old has netted 13 times in all competitions for Arsenal and has been an integral part of their push for an unlikely Premier League title as they sit top of the table.

Brazilian defender Gabriel says it is not just opponents that Saka is giving nightmares, with the young superstar proving difficult to deal with on the training pitch.

Asked for the trickiest teammate to handle, Gabriel told Premier League Uncut: ‘For me, he’s had the best moment. He’s so good. If I’m the defender who plays against him, my head is in trouble. Because he’s so hard, too strong 1v1.

‘He helps the team a lot and you see this season and last season, he’s so good.’

England boss Gareth Southgate was full of praise for Saka after his stunning second in the 2-0 win over Ukraine, saying he has become far more ruthless in front of goal of late.

‘When he’s in front of goal now he plays with real belief, that’s evident with his club and the games with us. You’re expecting him to score now when he goes through,’ said the England boss.

‘I think that’s been a mentality shift as much as anything technical, he’s always had the techniques.

‘He knows to be a really top wide player then you need the numbers of goals and assists, he’s without a doubt delivered that this season.’

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Paul Merson reveals ‘problem’ Bukayo Saka will face later in his career

Arsenal FC v Sporting CP: Round of 16 Leg Two - UEFA Europa League — Bukayo Saka ‘will have to change his game’, says Paul Merson (Picture: Getty)

Paul Merson has revealed the ‘problem’ Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka will face later in his career.

Saka has been in terrific form this season, registering 12 goals and 10 assists across 28 Premier League games to help Arsenal climb to the top of the table.

The 21-year-old, who progressed through the club’s youth academy, has been named Arsenal’s Player of the Season for the last two campaigns in a row.

If the Gunners go on to clinch their first top-flight title since 2004, it would be a second major trophy for Saka – who won the FA Cup in 2020 – and it would make the England star a strong contender for Premier League Player of the Season.

But despite his glowing form this term, Arsenal legend Merson has warned Saka that he may need to tweak his game in the later stages of his career.

‘The problem he will find is because of the position he plays he will find things harder at some stage,’ Merson told Sky Sports.

‘As he becomes more well known, teams will put him on the radar a lot more.

A smart finish from Saka puts @England two goals up ðŸ˜ #C4Football | #ThreeLions | #ENGUKR pic.twitter.com/3nd5h8HD1o
— Channel 4 Sport (@C4Sport) March 26, 2023

‘Teams will look to stop the ball getting to him and they will also double up on him very quickly.

‘He will have to change his game again to combat that, but he has the temperament to handle that.

‘But he just loves football. All he wants is to play football and he plays the game with a smile on his face. He has all the ingredients to go as far as he wants in the game.’

Chris Sutton, meanwhile, feels Saka is the best right winger in the world at this moment in time.

‘Try to name a better right winger in the world this season than Bukayo Saka and I think you will struggle,’ he told the Daily Mail.

‘Saka is winning the battle on the right. Mohamed Salah has not been the same footballing force for Liverpool this season. Riyad Mahrez is incredibly talented for Manchester City but I would rank Saka ahead of him.’

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