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Al-Nassr players surprised Cristiano Ronaldo with a 'GOAT' cake after the Portuguese superstar won three prizes at the Globe Soccer Awards.

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Al-Nassr players surprised Ronaldo with 'GOAT' cake Did the 'Siuuu' chant to cheer for Ronaldo Ronaldo won three prizes at Globe Soccer Awards WHAT HAPPENED?

Ronaldo bagged three prizes at the Globe Soccer Awards earlier this week. He won the Best Middle East Player prize, the Maradona Award for the best goalscorer in 2023, and the Fans' Favourite Player of the Year award.

To mark his triumph in Dubai, Al-Nassr players surprised the 38-year-old with a special cake that had the words "Awards keep following the GOAT" written on it. They also did the 'Siuuu' chant to cheer for Ronaldo in reference to his trademark celebration.

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The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star had an eventful 2023 as he scored 54 goals for club and country and became the highest-scoring male footballer in the world. In the ongoing season, he has 24 goals to his name in 25 appearances across all competitions for Al-Nassr and has also provided 11 assists.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR CRISTIANO RONALDO?

The Saudi Pro League is currently on pause due to the 2023 AFCON and Asian Cup. Al-Nassr are set to play several friendly matches in the next couple of weeks, including a friendly encounter in the Riyadh Cup against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami on February 1. They will return to competitive action on February 14 against Al-Feiha in the AFC Champions League.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are in ongoing "negotiations" regarding a summer deal to bring Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez to the Premier League, according to journalist Cesar Luis Merlo.

Who is Guido Rodriguez?

Rodriguez is naturally a defensive midfielder who has played his football at the Benito Villamarin Stadium for the past three years since joining from CF America back in January 2020, and during that time, he’s become a regular feature of Manuel Pellegrini’s side having started 33 out of 38 La Liga matches last season.

However, the 29-year-old’s contract is set to expire in less than a year meaning that there’s a strong chance he could be sold for a decent fee before the end of the current transfer window, and should he depart, he won’t be short of potential suitors waiting to snap him up.

The Argentina international firmly established himself as the Spanish outfit’s both defensive and overall top-performing player with a WhoScored match rating of 6.98 during the previous campaign, and it appears that his high standard of displays have caught the eye of Fosun and Julen Lopetegui at Molineux.

Are Wolves signing Guido Rodriguez?

Taking to Twitter, Merlo revealed that Wolves are currently in talks for Rodriguez, though at this stage, it doesn't sound as if a deal is anywhere close to completion between the two parties. He wrote:

"Wolves is interested in signing Guido Rodriguez, a Betis midfielder whose contract ends in June 2024. There are negotiations underway between the clubs, but for now nothing close to being finalised."

Wolves recently lost their talisman in Ruben Neves, who has completed a move to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal, so Lopetegui will need to enter the market for a suitable replacement in that defensive midfield position, and having been lauded a “creative” number six by journalist Josh Bunting, Rodriguez could be the perfect heir.

Last season he ranked in the 99th percentile for tackles and the 98th percentile for clearances versus other players in his position, form which saw him receive three man-of-the-match awards, highlighting his desire to get stuck in and clear the danger to protect his backline.

Real Betis’ £28k-per-week earner, however, is also capable of contributing to efforts in the final third having scored seven goals and provided three assists since joining, so the fact that he’s impactful at both ends of the pitch will be yet another attractive attribute to those at Molineux.

Furthermore, the Betis star has the flexibility to operate in four different positions across the pitch, including three roles in the midfield and even at centre-back, so he would be an excellent versatile option for the manager to have at his disposal.

Finally, Rodriguez already knows what it takes to compete and be successful at the highest level having secured eight pieces of silverware since the start of his career, the most notable being when he was crowned 2022 World Cup champion with Argentina, so he could instil a much-needed winning mentality into the rest of the squad in the Midlands.

A former Portsmouth goalkeeper has asked for his shirt back after Kanye West bizarrely wore a replica while launching his new product.

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Kanye West baffles fans with Portsmouth shirt photoRapper wore shirt while launching productPompey legend Alan Knight asks for shirt backWHAT HAPPENED?

On Thursday the controversial rapper launched his new Yeezy Pods socks with an Instagram post, in which he was wearing a 90s Pompey goalkeeper shirt. In response, the club's former number one Alan Knight took to Twitter to send a message to West.

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Knight tweeted West's official X account and said: "Can I have my shirt back please buddy? PUP [Play up Pompey]."

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This isn't the first time West has publicly shown off his love of vintage football gear. In the past he has been spotted donning Manchester United shirts and jackets, while in October he appeared to wear a Tottenham 2001/02 third shirt at the Tyson Fury v Francis Ngannou fight.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Eagle-eyed Portsmouth fans noticed that the Asics logo – the manufacturer of the shirt – looked different on West's shirt to the one Knight wore in the 90s. One supporter suggested that West was wearing a training version of the shirt rather than the match version.

Two late wickets were reward for New Zealand’s application – particularly that of Chris Martin whose wiry frame belied an extra yard of zip that none of England’s bowlers could replicate (least of all Steve Harmison). But perhaps more significantly, the b

Andrew Miller in Hamilton06-Mar-2008
Alastair Cook fell for 38 – a stark reminder of the frailties of England’s batting lineup © Getty Images
For 85 overs of the second day at Hamilton, the first Test between England and New Zealand was dying a slow death. The application shown by Ross Taylor and Daniel Vettori during their 148-run stand was admirable but foreboding. England’s bowlers found no swing, seam or spin to help them on their way, and when their own batsmen replied in kind with an 84-run opening stand, the worst sort of stalemate was already being envisaged.But then, Alastair Cook went and played a pull shot that had “mug” tattooed all over it, and suddenly there was life in the match once again. Two late wickets were reward for New Zealand’s application – particularly that of Chris Martin whose wiry frame belied an extra yard of zip that none of England’s bowlers could replicate (least of all Steve Harmison). But perhaps more significantly, the breakthroughs were a reminder of the frailties of England’s batting line-up.Daniel Vettori made a point of bigging up England’s top six on the eve of the series, remarking how they all averaged in excess of 40. What he omitted to mention is that they all too frequently reach that score then give their wickets away. In Sri Lanka before Christmas, England were overwhelmed by three totemic innings – 152 from Kumar Sangakkara at Kandy, and then 197 and 213 not out from Mahela Jayawardene at Colombo and Galle respectively. In reply they mustered a solitary hundred in six attempts, and that came from Cook at the last gasp, when the series was already irretrievable.Taylor’s hugely mature 120 wasn’t quite in the class of those three knocks, but it was a performance of great resolve and substance, the like of which England aren’t too keen to replicate these days. As a squad they have mislaid the art of the meaningful innings – and they can’t even manage it in one-day cricket, where their last centurion was Owais Shah at The Oval against India last summer, 11 matches ago.Andrew Strauss used to score centuries for fun, with 10 in his first 30 Tests, but he was dropped after failing to reach three figures in 25 subsequent innings. Now he’s back in the mix, thanks entirely to the shortcomings of others, and he’s out in the middle already – at least a session sooner than he had envisaged. There’s no time like the present for ending his run-drought either. Ian Bell is incapacitated, Tim Ambrose is on debut, and Ryan Sidebottom – for all his merits – is hardly fit to lace Vettori’s boots at No. 8.New Zealand are flushed with unexpected confidence after the success of their batsmen this morning, and they sense that England are beatable.”We think we can win the game,” said Taylor. “If they were none-down or one-down it would be a pretty even game, but to have them two-down when it is starting to slow up and take a bit of turn, I’m sure the first session tomorrow will be big. If we can put some pressure on England early on then you never know.”Pressure was what England’s bowlers singularly failed to apply after resuming on 282 for 6. “We’re disappointed that we didn’t bowl as well as we did yesterday,” said Ryan Sidebottom, who with 4 for 90 was England’s stand-out bowler and, for once, had the figures to prove it. “We were fired up to get the four wickets and we were stupidly searching for wickets this morning, rather than doing what we did yesterday. We were trying to bowl too quick instead of plugging away, and they scored 100 more than we expected.”Apart from watching him on TV, I haven’t had a lot to do with him [Steve Harmison] but he can bowl at 130kph as much as he wants, because it makes it easier for me. He’d be a hell of a bowler to face if he was bowling at 145-150kph, especially on a bouncy deckRoss Taylor gives a damning assessment of Steve Harmison”Bowling too quick.” That may have been true of the two specialist swing bowlers in the line-up, but oh for such an accolade to be uttered in Harmison’s direction. Taylor could hardly believe his luck when reputation finally met with reality, and he faced up for the first time to the bowler who was once the most fearsome in the world. “Apart from watching him on TV, I haven’t had a lot to do with him,” said Taylor, “but he can bowl at 130kph as much as he wants, because it makes it easier for me. He’d be a hell of a bowler to face if he was bowling at 145-150kph, especially on a bouncy deck.”It was a pretty damning yet utterly honest assessment from a man in only his third Test match. Taylor came to the crease with a reputation for big hitting and a career-best score of 17, and yet he bedded in to bat for more than five hours. “I got off to a bit of shaky start in my first four digs in Test cricket, so it was good to silence a few people who doubted me and whether I was good enough to play at this level,” he said. “It was definitely the most circumspect I’ve ever batted.”England are capable of emulating such feats. Strauss was back to his compact self during the warm-up in Dunedin, while Kevin Pietersen is bristling for a big one after failing to reach even fifty in Sri Lanka. But to judge by the verve and aggression showed by Martin and Mills with the new ball, and the steep bounce and not-insignificant turn extracted by the spinners, Vettori and Jeetan Patel, New Zealand’s bowlers are more up for the challenge than their English counterparts proved to be.England were, after all, bundled out for 131 in their warm-up at Dunedin. “That showed us that England can be beaten,” said Taylor. “It was only a three-day game and it did do a lot on the first morning of that game, but it gave the players in that match a bit more belief they could foot it with England. It showed we are still in the game.”

After being named in the Premier League Team of the Season so far, Fulham defender Antonee Robinson poked fun at himself with a clown meme.

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Robinson pokes fun at himselfNamed in Premier League Team of the Season so farShares clown memeWHAT HAPPENED?

In two Instagram stories, the USMNT left-back first shared a WhoScored graphic that showed Robinson's name in the Premier League Team of the Season so far. In his second story, Robinson shared the famous meme where a clown is standing in between four army men in uniform.

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The 26-year-old may not think he is worthy of the honour, but he has enjoyed a purple patch at Fulham this season, having appeared in 22 matches across all competitions where he provided four assists. He finds his name in WhoScored's team alongside stars like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Bruno Fernandes and Erling Haaland.

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Liverpool recently held talks with the Cottagers over a possible transfer of the American. The Reds are in dire need of a new left-back as Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas have been ruled with long-term injuries, though it remains to be seen whether Fulham will allow one of their most important players to leave.

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The player returns to action with Fulham on Friday when Marco Silva's side face Rotherham in the third round of the FA Cup at Craven Cottage.

Liverpool's Curtis Jones has sent a message to England boss Gareth Southgate as he believes that he is doing well enough to warrant a call up.

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Jones believes he deserves England call-upStill uncapped by SouthgateReveals Klopp shock after announcement(C)GettyImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

With Euro 2024 coming up fast, Southgate has only two more games to finalise his squad for the tournament. The 53-year-old's future post the tournament is up in the air and a positive result this summer could see him extend till the 2026 World Cup. Jones has been flirting around the edge of the selection, but has never been capped despite featuring prominently for Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. Later on in the same interview, Jones also discussed the shocking departure of the German from the Merseyside club.

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Talking to the BBC, Jones said: "It’s not easy. The lads I’m against are doing well. Gareth and the staff have got a choice, but I think I’m doing enough. Everything around me is going well, so we’ll see."

On Klopp's announcement: "We were in the changing room, actually in the gym, and everyone was told we needed to come in at half 10. It was a bit of a strange one. We didn’t know what was going to be said, but I could feel it amongst the lads it was a little bit strange. He broke the news, it was tough to take. He’s his own man. You've got to respect he’s got his own things he wants to do with his family. He turned me from a boy to a man. I’m grateful for him, so are the teams, the fans, the city."

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Jones was handed his professional debut for Liverpool by the German coach in 2019 when the midfielder played against Wolves in the FA Cup third-round clash. Since then, the 23-year-old has become a mainstay in the Liverpool squad, however, the same has not been the case for him with his nation as he hasn't got a single cap for the Three Lions' senior team.

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WHAT NEXT FOR JONES?

If Southgate has any intention of integrating Jones in the England squad, he will only have two games to do so before the tournament. Before Euro 2024, the Three Lions have friendlies against Brazil and Belgium in late March, before facing Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland in early June ahead of the tournament.

Journalist Ben Jacobs has provided an update on Chelsea's pursuit of an attacker at the end of this window.

The side recently missed out on Michael Olise, who signed a new deal at Crystal Palace.

What is the latest Chelsea transfer news?

The Blues have been sent back to square one in their forward pursuit after Olise signed a new four-year contract with Palace despite the Blues activating his £ 35 million release clause.

One player that the side are reportedly considering is Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson, with Chelsea having held initial talks with Forest after adding the Welsh attacker's name to their shortlist. Chelsea are reportedly willing to include players in the deal in order to bring down the £45m valuation that the Trent-based side has of their youngster who impressed in his first season in the Premier League, racking up eight goals and three assists across 38 appearances.

The Blues reportedly tried to include English defender Trevoh Chalobah in talks regarding a potential swap deal, however, it is understood that the defender would reject a move to the City Ground as he wants to join a club competing at a higher level.

Chelsea aren't the only side to have an interest in the Welsh international, with Brentford having seen a club-record offer of £35m rejected earlier in the window, whilst Tottenham Hotspur also have an interest in the player, and could make a move following the departure of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich.

It remains to be seen whether Forest would sell the player, who is contracted until 2026 and is a fan favourite at the City Ground, however, they could look to balance the books after they spent £150m on players last summer, and £45m would go a long way to doing that.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs stated that Chelsea "really like" Johnson, however their interest in the last 24 hours was simply "quite formative".

He said: "There is some interest in Brennan Johnson at Nottingham Forest. That might be one to watch between now and the end of the window. As of the last 24 hours or so, any kind of approach was quite formative. But let's see whether that picks up in the coming days, and between now and the close of the window. Chelsea really like the player, for sure. He's had excellent form of late as well, so you can understand why."

What is next in this window for Chelsea?

The focus for the Blues at this point will be on outgoings, after spending over £300m this window.

One player who is set to depart is young star Lewis Hall, who is close to sealing a loan move to Newcastle United. The deal would include an obligation to buy for a total package worth £35m. The London club were originally planning to send the youngster out on loan to Crystal Palace, however, with Newcastle's interest the side became more willing to complete a permanent deal. Hall also preferred a move to Tyneside due to being a boyhood Newcastle fan, as well as the fact that he gets the opportunity to play in the Champions League.

Another player who looks set to depart is Hakim Ziyech. After a move to the Saudi Pro League fell through due to the Moroccan failing a medical, he now looks likely to join Turkish giants Galatasaray on a free transfer. Despite reports stating that he had failed a medical at the Turkish club, the vice-president of the club Erden Timur confirmed that he has not had a problem with his medical yet: “Medical tests are almost over. We did a very detailed check. A certain point has been reached in the transfer. So far, there has been no problem with a medical.”

Nottingham Forest are reportedly interested in Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso, as Steve Cooper eyes star quality for his side ahead of the upcoming season.

Adding sufficient reinforcements this summer is integral to ensure that the Reds move away from the relegation zone, after leaving it to the penultimate game of the campaign to confirm safety.

Could Nottingham Forest sign Andrea Cambiaso?

As reported in Italy, both Forest and Tottenham are interested in Juventus left-back Cambiaso.

The report claims that the two Premier League sides have approached the Italian giants over the availability of the 23-year-old.

It’s added that Juve would expect a fee of at least €20m (£17m) for the youngster to allow him to depart.

How good is Andrea Cambiaso?

A product of Genoa’s academy, the defender was snatched by Juventus last summer after a series of loan spells around Italy.

Making a permanent exit to Turin didn’t halt the movements of the 23-year-old, who departed on loan last season to Bologna to gain added experience under the watch of the Bianconeri.

With his future at his new club unknown, fellow suitors have come knocking, which may see the Italian re-locate once more in his budding career.

The full-back made 32 appearances for Bologna last term, making the loan move a positive one in terms of his journey in Serie A.

For Forest, the signing of Cambiaso could be an encouraging coup, with the left-back showcasing the potential to be the dynamic defender that is required to spice things up at the City Ground.

Lauded as being “on fire” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Juve youngster could be the perfect acquisition for Cooper to chase in the absence of Renan Lodi, who shone on the left side for the Reds last term.

The 25-year-old spent the year on loan in the Premier League from Atletico Madrid, before returning to Spain and being swiped up by Marseille shortly after his return.

The Brazilian added a host of quality to the squad, however, Cooper may have the opportunity to swoop for a player of similar potential in Cambiaso.

While the two are competent defenders as highlighted by their averages in their respective 2022/23 league campaigns, with the Italian averaging 2.36 tackles per 90 to Lodi’s 2.11, the 23-year-old showcased a more progressive side to his game.

As per FBref, the Forest target made an average of 74.24 touches per 90 for Bologna in comparison to their former left-back's mere 46.46, highlighting his desire to be involved in the game.

Influential in his progressive game, Cambiaso averaged 2.65 progressive carries and 3.44 progressive passes per 90 in Serie A, while maintaining a pass completion rate of 84.0%.

Despite being adored at the City Ground, Lodi’s numbers in the Premier League last term were incomparable to those of the Juve man, averaging a pass completion rate of 66.5% and making 1.26 progressive passes.

A prominent area of the Italian’s game is his eye for playmaking, evidenced through his average of 1.16 key passes per 90, presenting Cooper with the option to recruit added quality and a fresh outlet in defence.

With Spurs also watching the 23-year-old, the Welshman must act fast if he is to obtain the young talent.

Al-Nassr have put the wheels in motion for a potential bid to sign Kevin De Bruyne from Manchester City, it has been claimed.

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De Bruyne wanted by Saudi sideHave contacted agent about meetingStar's Man City contract ends in 2025WHAT HAPPENED?

The Saudi Arabian side have contacted the Belgium international's agent with the aim of arranging a meeting, according to Rudy Galetti. Al-Nassr's plan is to explain their long-term strategy to convince the attacking midfielder to join.

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De Bruyne, 32, is currently contracted to City until 2025. He remains a key part of Pep Guardiola's team but has featured just once in the Premier League this season, having been ruled out with a muscle injury he sustained in the early stages of their first game against Burnley. As a result of his fitness troubles, City are reported to have put a stop to talks over a new contract until he recovers

DID YOU KNOW?

De Bruyne would be one of many big names to make the move to the Middle East if Al-Nassr are able to convince him. He would reunite with ex-City team-mate Aymeric Laporte as well as the likes of former Premier League rivals Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane and Alex Telles.

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De Bruyne will continue his recovery and prepare to return to the City team before he will consider making the switch to the Saudi Pro League.

The Reds have decisions to make on a host of young players this summer, with several hoping to catch Jurgen Klopp's eye in pre-season

Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool’s future has already begun. And while most anticipate a hefty, and perhaps overdue, spending spree this summer, it will also be interesting to see how the club handles its crop of extremely gifted youngsters.

The Reds have been boosted this season by the emergence of Stefan Bajcetic, the 18-year-old midfielder who made such a positive impact during the difficult days of winter. And with the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez, Curtis Jones, Fabio Caralho and Harvey Elliott in the first-team, all of them 24 or under, Klopp is right to be enthused by what is to come at Anfield.

Behind those players, though, a new wave of young prospects are gathering at the door. Can any of them do what Bajcetic has done, and force their way through it next season?

GOAL takes a look…

GettyTyler Morton

For Bajcetic this season, read Morton last; a young midfielder coming into Liverpool’s team and playing with calmness and authority beyond his years, earning rave reviews from his manager.

Morton played nine times for the Reds’ last term before being sent out on loan to Championship side Blackburn Rovers in a bid to gain experience and develop further.

It’s gone pretty well, too. The 20-year-old has made 46 appearances in all competitions, and though his campaign was unfortunately ended by injury recently, he can reflect on an extremely positive season at Ewood Park, the place where Harvey Elliott flourished before returning to make his mark at Liverpool.

It will be difficult for Morton to do what Elliott has done, but he should get a chance to show what he’s learned in pre-season, and we know that Klopp is already a fan.

AdvertisementGettyConor Bradley

Another player to have enjoyed a fine first loan spell. Bradley has been superb for Bolton Wanderers, and swept the board at the League One side’s end-of-season awards, winning the Players’ Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year and Fans’ Player of the Year gongs.

Already a full international with Northern Ireland, the 19-year-old now has more than 50 club games under his belt, and Klopp said recently that the plan was for him to be a part of Liverpool’s first-team squad next season. 

And given Alexander-Arnold’s positional re-jig, there could be space for a young, attack-minded right-back too. Bradley has already played for Liverpool at senior level, and has done his future prospects no harm at all this season.

GettyCalvin Ramsay

Speaking of attack-minded right-backs, what a frustrating campaign it has been for Ramsay, who was bought from Aberdeen to be Alexander-Arnold’s understudy, but who has been plagued by injuries ever since.

First it was a back issue, then he suffered knee ligament damage in training. Due to that, he has been limited to only two first-team appearances, totalling around 93 minutes.

At 19, though, the Scot has plenty of time on his side, and the signs at Aberdeen, and even in his brief outings at Liverpool, were of a full-back with a good all-round game. Staying fit will be the key for him. A good pre-season would do him the world of good.

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Getty ImagesBen Doak

Another Scot desperate for an opportunity at Anfield is Doak, a precocious 17-year-old winger who has already made five substitute appearances this season.

Signed from Celtic last summer, Doak is an old-fashioned right-winger, who loves to run at full-backs and beat them on the outside. He has been comfortably the most exciting player in Liverpool’s Under-21 and U19 sides this season, and certainly lacks nothing in terms of confidence and determination, as he displayed when making his Premier League debut off the bench against Aston Villa on Boxing Day. Ask Lucas Digne whether the kid can play.