REAL MADRID have reportedly 'identified' England star Jude Bellingham as a summer target.
The talented Borussia Dortmund youngster has attracted attention from Merseyside giants Liverpool but now Los Blancos are hoping to swoop in and lure Bellingham to the Bernabeu.
Meanwhile, Joao Felix' contract negotiations with Atletico Madrid have broken down sparking interest from Liverpool.
However, the £105 million man still has FOUR years left on his deal so there is no hurry for the Spanish outfit to tie him down.
On the World Cup front, Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador and Uruguay have confirmed their places so it's Peru who will be going to the intercontinental play-off.
Ghana, Senegal, Cameroon, Morocco and Tunisia will be representing Africa in Qatar
And it was celebrations for both Portugal and Poland who grabbed two of the last three European places for the World Cup.
In addition to that, FIFA have officialy unveiled the ball which will be used for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Get all the latest football news and updates here…
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- Ian Tuckey
Prem set for five subs
Premier League clubs are set to finally agree to introduce five substitutes at a meeting today.
The idea had been fiercely resisted by clubs outside the Big Six.
Three attempts to make the change, introduced for the resumption of the Covid-interrupted 2019-20 season, to part of the formal Prem rulebook, were defeated by a rebellion of the smaller clubs.
But after football’s lawmakers, the International Football Association Board, confirmed a permanent adoption of five substitutes from June 1, another vote will be held by the 20 clubs today.
And Prem chiefs expect the proposal to be accepted in principle to be formally adopted for next season at the annual general meeting in June.
A key factor in the U-turn is the support for the idea from players, captains and managers who agreed that player fatigue was an issue that needed to be addressed.
- Justin Lawrence
Fifa unveil World Cup ball
Fifa have officially unveiled the ball that will be used during the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Harry Kane and Co will have adidas' "Al Rihla" ball at their feet as they bid to bring football home for the first time since 1966.
The Arabic name Al Rihla translates to "the journey" in English, and the final product is the culmination of lengthy testing in adidas' laboratories.
It has been inspired by the national flag of host nation Qatar, as well as "iconic boats" and culture of the country.
Perhaps suiting Gareth Southgate's attacking young stars, the ball has been promised by FIFA to "travel faster in flight than any ball in the tournament's history".
- Justin Lawrence
Ronaldo on Portugal’s World Cup qualification
Cristiano Ronaldo has declared that Portugal have earnt their rightful place in the World Cup.
Speaking after Portugal beat North Macedonia 2-0 following a brace from his Man United team-mate Bruno Fernandes, Ronaldo wrote on Instagram: “Goal achieved, we’re at the Qatar World Cup.
“We’re in our rightful place! Thank you to all the Portuguese people for the tireless support!
“Let’s go Portugal!”
- Justin Lawrence
Ten Hag gets praise from Kuyt
Erik ten Hag has the tools to succeed as Manchester United manager, according to former Liverpool star Dirk Kuyt.
Speaking to Goal, he said: “Ten Hag is a great, experienced coach. He’s done his apprenticeship, if you like, with Bayern Munich’s second team, then Utrecht and now at Ajax.
“He is a great manager who has improved himself so much, on and off the pitch.
‘I know some people were doubting his level of speaking English, his performance in front of the camera.
“But you see him growing every week as a manager, and I think he can do a great job at any top side in Europe.
“His tactics, his way of thinking about football, is very interesting, and it would be great if he was to get an opportunity at a top side.”
- Justin Lawrence
Ronaldo and Georgina baby cots
Georgina Rodriguez has offered fans the first glimpse of the designer cots the new additions to her family will sleep in.
The heavily-pregnant influencer has also posted photos of the Moses baskets which her twins will use in the first months of their lives.
The cots, called Stokke Sleepi Mini, cost £373 each and have lockable wheels so they can be moved easily from room to room.
Norwegian manufacturer Stokke AS markets them online to future parents as beds that “evolve as your child grows” and boast they offer “maximum air circulation for comfortable sleep.”
The company adds: “Its distinctive oval shape provides your baby with a sense of security by creating a cosy nest-like environment.”
- Justin Lawrence
Martin Odegaard wows fans
Martin Odegaard has impressed Arsenal fans once again after displaying some incredible skill during Norway's international friendly against Armenia.
The midfielder was on the pitch for the full 90 minutes as Norway saw off their opponents in a 9-0 thrashing.
Odegaard stood up to take a short throw before receiving the ball back, nutmegging Gevorg Ghazaryan and tricking two other defenders with great skill.
Not only were fans in the Ullevaal Stadion impressed by what they saw, people went crazy for the video when it emerged on Twitter.
One person said: "Man, that was filthy."
- Justin Lawrence
Salah hit with missiles
Mo Salah was hit by missiles while being escorted off the pitch following Egypt's defeat to Senegal on Tuesday night.
And since the ugly scenes took place the Egyptian FA have alleged that their team and Salah "in particular" was subjected to racist chants from the Senegal fans.
t was another disappointing night for Salah and his country's national team as they were once again defeated by Senegal on spot kicks.
The Egypt skipper was then led down the tunnel by security staff as a pitch invasions ensued.
And new footage shows objects being hurled at the Liverpool superstar as he made his way to safety.
- Justin Lawrence
San Marino end losing streak
San Marino Under-21s ended a SEVEN-YEAR losing streak last night.
The European minnows went into their clash with Latvia having lost their last 35 matches, dating back to June 2015.
Expectations were obviously low for their Uefa Under-21 Championship qualifier against the Latvians in Serraville.
But the Sammarinese managed to pull off an unlikely upset.
Coached by Italian Matteo Cecchetti, San Marino managed to come away with a spirited 0-0 draw.
The underdogs had lost the reverse fixture 2-0 last year, so managed to grab a crumb of revenge here.
- Justin Lawrence
Pain of Algeria boss
Algeria manager Djamel Belmadi was left crumpled on the ground with his head in his hands after his side failed to reach the World Cup in heartbreaking style.
Cameroon made the World Cup this winter instead after winning on away goals.
Players slumped to the turf, many crying their eyes out. Belmadi, 46, was overcome with emotion and collapsed on the sidelines.
Speaking after the game, he said: "We were only 10 seconds away from the World Cup. We collapsed.
"We put our lives on hold for this match and this success and we only had qualification on our minds.
"It is going to be hard to get through the next days."
- Justin Lawrence
Van der Vaart slams Wijnaldum
Ex-Holland international Rafael van der Vaart has slammed PSG midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum for his decision to leave Liverpool last summer.
He then joined PSG on a free transfer but it has not worked out so far for the Holland international.
His poor form has led fellow Dutch midfielder Steven Berghuis to move ahead of him in the national team pecking order.
And compatriot Van der Vaart hopes Wijnaldum now recognises that he made the wrong decision to join PSG.
The ex-Tottenham man said: "Wijnaldum made a mistake in choosing PSG, while Berghuis made an excellent choice choosing to move from Feyenoord to Ajax.
"Now Georgino will understand why making the right choice is so important."
- Justin Lawrence
Harry Kane defends Maguire
Harry Kane is the latest England star to slam fans who booed Harry Maguire before and during the friendly win over the Ivory Coast.
Now captain Kane has followed team-mates Jordan Henderson and Declan Rice in blasting sections of home support who lambasted the centre-half.
The Tottenham striker tweeted: "We’ve worked hard to rebuild our connection with @England fans in the last few years so to hear @HarryMaguire93 booed at Wembley before kick off was just not right.
"The fact that he’s been brilliant on the pitch and given us all so many great memories makes it even harder to understand.
"He doesn’t deserve that reception. He’s got full support in the changing room and should have the same from every England fan."
- Justin Lawrence
Saliba praises Guendozi
Arsenal defender William Saliba congratulated Matteo Guendouzi who scored his first goal for France during the international break.
Guendozi’s on loan at Olympique Marseille from the Gunners, scored his first goal for France in their match against South Africa on Tuesday.
And Saliba wrote on his Instagram story: “Congrats bro on your first Blue goal.”
- Justin Lawrence
Fifa doctor dies after Nigeria game
A FIFA doctor died while on duty during Tuesday's World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Ghana.
Fans stormed the pitch at the Abuja National Stadium after Nigeria failed to qualify for this year's tournament – smashing up their own arena in shocking scenes.
Then on Wednesday morning the Zambian FA confirmed Doctor Joseph Kabungo, who was acting as a doping officer at the game for the Confederation of African Football, had passed away while working.
A statement said: "The Football Association of Zambia joins the rest of the football family in mourning the late Dr Joseph Kabungo.
"Dr Kabungo, a CAF/FIFA medical officer was on duty in Abuja for the second leg, the final qualifying match between Nigeria and Ghana that ended 1-1."
- Justin Lawrence
Newcastle transfer plan without supremo
Newcastle want to strengthen FIVE positions this summer – but will have to do so without incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth, reports claim.
Eddie Howe's side want to strengthen by signing a new goalkeeper, centre-back, central midfielder, winger and striker.
The window will not be overseen by Ashworth, however, who is currently on gardening leave at Brighton.
Ashworth, 51, resigned from his position at the Amex last month and has been on gardening leave ever since.
The Mail claim that talks are ongoing between Newcastle and the Seagulls to allow him to move north ASAP – but talks require significant progress.
- Justin Lawrence
Rudiger’s transfer plans
Man United’s next manager choice could be critical in the club’s drive to recruit Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger.
It’s been reported that the wantaway Chelsea star wants to speak to the new United boss before deciding if he should make a move to West London, according to transfer expert Christian Falk.
Rudiger’s a free agent in the summer and has been linked with several big European clubs including the Red Devils.
- Justin Lawrence
Not Gon-na happen
Barcelona whizkid Nico Gonzalez has revealed that he's turned down offers from Man City and Real Madrid to stay with the Catalan giants.
Gonzalez explained that he wants to stay with Barca for life if they allow him to do so.
He said, reported by Sports Illustrated: “I have rejected offers from Real Madrid and Manchester City because I have always been from Barça."
"If the club wants, I would love to stay in Barcelona all my life. It's my dream,"
- Justin Lawrence
Ronaldo opens new London restaurant
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to open a plush new London restaurant.
The Manchester United star is to team-up with TikTok sensation Burak Ozdemir on the new venture.
Ronaldo, 37, was previously involved in Japanese restaurant Zela.
The central London location shut for good during the pandemic, but Ronaldo is set to re-enter the restaurant game in the capital.
Hot Dinners report that the forward has joined forces with Ozdemir, otherwise known as CZN Burak to open a new fancy London eaterie.
They add that the restaurant will open in November.
- Justin Lawrence
Harry Maguire breaks silence
Harry Maguire has broken his silence after being booed while playing for England last night.
Against the Ivory Coast, Maguire's name was booed as it was announced before the game.
His first touches during the 3-0 win itself were also met by jeers.
Maguire appears to have blocked out the criticism, however, making no reference to it in a tweet this morning.
Accompanied by a picture of him playing last night, he wrote on Twitter: "Enjoyable week playing for my country 🏴❤️"
- Justin Lawrence
Chelsea join Real's Gnabry chase
Chelsea's pursuit of Bayern Munich star Serge Gnabry has been dealt a blow as Real Madrid ace David Alaba is trying to lure his former team-mate to the Santiago Bernabeu, reports suggest.
Alaba and Gnabry spent four years together at Bayern and formed a strong friendship before the former's departure to Real last year.
According to reports in Germany, the Austria international is campaigning for a reunion with the ex-Arsenal ace, whose impressive performances have attracted Los Blancos' interest.
However, contact between the Madrid giants and the Germany international's representatives is "loose".
And Gnabry, whose contract runs out in 2023, appears to be more keen on renewing with Bayern, who are desperate to tie him down to a new deal, as he doesn't want to leave this summer.
If Real do go after Gnabry in the summer then they will be facing intense competition from some of Europe's biggest clubs, such as Tottenham, Manchester United, Liverpool, Barcelona and of course Chelsea.
- Justin Lawrence
Henderson backs Maguire against boo-boys
Jordan Henderson blasted the England fans who mercilessly booed Harry Maguire.
Some supporters continued to target Maguire whenever he touched the ball throughout the game.
That comes just months after the Red Devils captain was named in the Euro 2020 team of the tournament for his performances helping the Three Lions reach the final.
And his Liverpool counterpart quickly jumped to his defence with a strong message on social media.
- Justin Lawrence
Arsenal approach Feyenoord star
Arsenal have made an approach to sign Feyenoord star Luis Sinisterra, according to reports.
The Gunners are looking to bolster their squad again this summer, with young winger Sinisterra fitting the profile of player that Mikel Arteta is looking for.
At 22, the Colombian is the perfect age for the Spaniard to work with and develop.
According to Italian site Corriere dello Sport, the Gunners have made a proposal to Sinisterra and his representatives – but face fierce competition for his signature.
- Sam Street
To be continued…
That's the end of the scheduled South American World Cup qualifying calendar and all the teams into the World Cup and the play-offs are known.
Congratulations to Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador and Peru.
However, there is still one fixture of South American World Cup qualifying left, ironically between two sides who qualified months ago.
Leaders Brazil face second placed Argentina at a date, time and venue yet to be confirmed.
That's because the original match was postponed due to the Brazilian Health Authorities invading the pitch to deport four Argentina stars for breaching Covid quarantine regulations.
Brazil's rescheduled match against Argentina is still to be played - Sam Street
Record breaker
Lionel Messi has enjoyed a fantastic qualifying campaign with Argentina.
But his goal record in South American World Cup qualifiers has been broken by none other than ex-Barcelona team-mate and close friend Luis Suarez.
Suarez's brilliant overhead kick for Uruguay in Chile means he is now out on his own as the all-time record scorer in South American World Cup qualifying.
Luis Suarez is the all-time top scorer in South American World Cup qualifiers - Sam Street
Gift of the gab
Arsenal fans will be loving what they're seeing from Gabriel Martinelli.
Shades of Dennis Bergkamp in the way he turns his way through the Bolivia defence. Only the finish is lacking.
- Sam Street
Record breakers
Argentina equal their longest ever unbeaten streak – 31 straight games.
But it's still not enough for them to top the group.
Brazil end up in top spot with 45 points from just 17 games.
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