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Lille have been pursuing the signing of Alfredo Morelos quite openly and for a while, it seemed like the Ligue 1 outfit was actually getting really close to sealing the deal. However, following their signing of Gent’s Jonathan David, Rangers seem to be out of the woods for now.

Not only that but the president of the French club, Gerard Lopez, joined talkSPORT and discussed the whole situation with the Colombian striker and their £16m pursuit of his signature.

Here’s what he said for the aforementioned outlet: ‘We have (bid £16m). He’s obviously a good player. We had a primary target who was Jonathan David and who we got. He’s locked into a certain system with a number of players already around him. We know we have a lot of talent. We have lots of offensive material and we’ve hit the pause button at this stage.’

This will, of course, come as huge relief for Steven Gerrard as it seems like Lille have indeed decided to stop their chase for now, reassess and then decide what to do next. It has to be said that Lopez never confirmed they will stop the pursuit indefinitely so it is likely the French club does indeed come back for Morelos somewhere further down the line.

However, at this point, it seems like Rangers are safe and their star man up front will be staying at Ibrox for at least a while longer.

For how long though? That remains to be seen.

Verdict

It does feel like Gerrard was already preparing for life without Morelos in the squad. After all, Rangers had already secured Kemar Roofe from Anderlecht and Cedric Itten from FC St Gallen prior to this revelation and the duo seems like an attempt to plug a huge Morelos-sized hole in the team.

Now, however, it seems that the Colombian will indeed stay at the club.

Manchester United have allowed Dean Henderson to stay at Sheffield United for the rest of the season. 

Henderson was expected to return to Old Trafford after his contract expired on Tuesday, but Man United have agreed he can remain at Bramall Lane until the season is completed.

According to Sky Sports, both sides have reached an agreement to extend his stay in Yorkshire for the time being.

Earlier this month, ESPN reported that the Red Devils are prepared to offer him a new deal, amid interest from Chelsea.

Henderson has spent the past couple of years away from the Theatre of Dreams, honing his skills at Bramall Lane, and he has been outstanding for Chris Wilder’s side as the Blades have charged up to the top half of the Premier League table this season.

The goalkeeper has made 29 appearances in the English top flight, keeping 11 clean sheets, and conceding only 25 goals so far.

Meanwhile, Solskjaer’s first-choice ‘keeper David de Gea has come under increasing pressure as a result of his performances between the sticks. The 29-year-old has played 31 games in the Premier League, saving a mere 9 clean sheets, and letting in 31 goals at the time of writing.

Despite De Gea’s obvious frailties, the Red Devils have decided to let Henderson finish the campaign on loan, and he did not feature against his parent club under the terms of his agreement as United thumped the Blades 3-0 at Old Trafford.

The 23-year-old is valued at £13m via Transfermarkt and former boss Louis van Gaal was stunned by his confidence levels.

Both clubs are currently competing for European football next season, although Wilder’s men are now five points behind Solskjaer’s side after suffering from a run of poor form.

Taking everything into consideration, Solskjaer may have made the right decision, as it will only benefit the club in the long run. Indeed, Henderson is bound to pick up valuable experience as the Blades head into the crunch stage of the competition.

Man United fans, do you think the board have made the right decision to let Henderson stay at Bramall Lane? Let us know in the comments below!

It’s no secret Tottenham Hotspur are on the hunt for a new defender this summer. 

The Lilywhites have leaked goals for fun throughout the season, conceding more than Manchester United and Premier League champions Liverpool – to name but a few.

Darren Bent has backed Tottenham to sign Aston Villa star Tyrone Mings in the summer.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs striker claims the England international would slot right into Jose Mourinho’s side as he could come at a reasonable price.

Earlier this month, the outlet revealed Villa are aware they could be forced to sell their star player for £30m if they are relegated at the end of the season.

Bent believes his old club need to bolster at the back and insists they should rival Everton in the race to sign Mings in the summer.

The player-turned-pundit told assistant editor Russell Edge: “Toby Alderweireld is a massive player for them and if they can keep him fit, great.

“The toughy with Spurs is – and this is where the difficulty is going to come with this team – where can they go and strengthen and where are they going to find that player?

“For them, I thought well you need defenders, I thought what about Tyrone Mings going from Aston Villa to Spurs?

“£30million, natural left-sided player, he’s got a little bit of pace about him as well and so that could work. I’d be surprised if they’re not in the market for him.”

It is hard to argue with Bent here, as Mings has been one of the few positive talking points in an otherwise abysmal season for Villa.

He was at the heart of the team that beat Arsenal on Tuesday night, showing real grit and determination as Villa picked up a victory that could prove vital as the relegation battle reaches its climax later this week.

Jan Vertonghen is seemingly set to leave, while questions remain over Juan Foyth’s future in north London, which would leave space for Mings to take their place in the squad.

Meanwhile, Toby Alderweireld is arguably the club’s best defender, as he has earned the highest WhoScored rating out of all of his closest rivals so far.

Mings, 27, joined Villa from Bournemouth last year after an impressive loan spell and he has played an integral part in the team’s battle for survival this season, as he set up Trezeguet’s first-touch screamer to move out of the Premier League relegation zone with one game to go.

However, they are tied with Watford on 34 points, separated by goal difference alone, with everything left to play for in the final game of the season.

If Villa fail to beat the drop, they may have to resort to selling key players in the summer, which is something Daniel Levy could exploit.

Tottenham fans, should Levy sign Mings this summer? Let us know down below!

Despite only arriving in the final week of the January transfer window, Bruno Fernandes has already made an instant impression in his short time at Manchester United.

The Portugal international has settled into life at Old Trafford with ease, scoring three goals and providing a further three assists in just nine games across all competitions – in fact, since signing, United have remained unbeaten.

But whilst there has been a major upturn in results for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, the one thing the Norwegian hasn’t been able to see out on the pitch, is both Fernandes and Paul Pogba playing together.

The latter has had an injury-riddled campaign, but with football postponed, has been able to recover. And on his Instagram story (via utdreport on Twitter), Fernandes posted a snap of both him and Pogba out on the training pitch, and after seeing the footage, United fans delivered their reactions on social media.

A couple of United fans suggested that the rest of the teams in the Premier League will be quaking in their boots, and that they “ain’t ready” for Bruno and Pogba to join forces together.

Understandably, United fans appear to be incredibly excited at the prospect of seeing Fernandes and Pogba wreak havoc on the Premier League.

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Up until now, the two attacking midfielders have yet to take to the pitch together, so there is a real air of mystery about what they could potentially do as a partnership.

And with football perhaps coming back next month, United fans may not have to wait too long to see it in action.

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Leeds United fans have been voicing their concerns on social media amid news of Swansea City’s asking price for Daniel James, according to The Sun on Sunday per HITC.

The 21-year-old has been linked with a move to Elland Road throughout the January window, as the Whites look to add more creative midfielders to their roster in order to maintain their promotion push – and Yorkshire Evening Post have recently labelled him as Marcelo Bielsa’s preferred target for that position.

Figures of around £3million, per Yorkshire Evening Post, and £5m, according to TeamTalk, have been bandied around, although no official bid has been placed.

Who are the best away fans in the Championship? Pl>ymaker FC’s Thogden gives his top 10 in the video below…

Despite that, the Welsh outfit now want £12million for their in-demand winger, according to The Sun on Sunday.

Leeds will have to seriously consider if meeting that valuation would be worthwhile, as it would signal a sizeable increase on previous figures touted by the aforementioned sources.

£12million is also a rather hefty fee to pay for a 21-year-old who is still in his breakthrough season, and has only started 12 of his 17 senior appearances for the Liberty Stadium outfit.

Clearly these Leeds fans would rather their side now walk away from any negotiations…

Christian Pulisic's return to Dortmund failed to ignite as AC Milan left Germany with a point in hand after a goalless draw.

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Pulisic starts in return to DortmundMusah also in Milan XIReyna remains on bench yet again

Pulisic entered the game in good form, having scored against Lazio over the weekend. On Wednesday, he returned to Signal Iduna Park for the first time since leaving the club to join Chelsea in 2019 as he looked to help his side to three crucial Champions League points.

The American was named to Milan's starting XI, as was fellow U.S. men's national team star Yunus Musah, but Milan couldn't muster much in a 0-0 draw.

On the Dortmund side, Gio Reyna was once again named to the bench, but wasn't among Edin Terzic's substitutions as he waits for his first appearance of the season.

GettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Pulisic started and went just under 70 minutes for Milan, who were unable to muster much against Dortmund. Their best moments generally came from Rafael Leao, who retained his starting place opposite Pulisic and alongside Olivier Giroud in the attack.

Musah was a bit more involved than Pulisic, as the young midfielder made just his second start for the club and his first in the Champions League. Musah's best contributions, though, were on the defensive end, where he put in a strong shift.

Milan had a chance to win it late when Leao played in Pulisic's replacement, Samuel Chukwueze, who couldn't quite get the ball out from under his feet before firing a tame shot.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

With the draw, this season's Group of Death takes an interesting turn, especially considering the result of the other game.

In Wednesday's other match in Group F, Newcastle stunned Paris Saint-Germain at St. James' Park, vaulting them right up to the top spot in the group. PSG, meanwhile, are second thanks to their win over Dortmund in their opening match.

That leaves Milan in third behind their two rivals, while Dortmund will finish the day in fourth on just one point.

It's all to play for, though, as the teams head into matchday three on October 25 with Milan facing PSG and Dortmund visiting Newcastle.

Getty ImagesUSMNT IMPACT

With camp looming, the concerns surrounding Reyna will remain after this one.

The American still hasn't gotten off the bench for Dortmund and has not played a game since the start of the season. In fact, his last appearance came in the Nations League back in June. During those games against Canada and Mexico, Reyna offered a glimpse into what he can do as a No.10 but, due to his lack of minutes, will we get a chance to see that in October camp?

It'll be a big decision for Berhalter, but, if Reyna gets into the game when Dortmund return to the Bundesliga this weekend, it will add a bit of justification to a potential Reyna call-up.

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Getty/GOALGOAL'S RATINGS

Christian Pulisic (4/10):

Essentially invisible for most of the match as he never really got going on his return to Dortmund. Could have gotten an assist early in the second half if he'd teed up Leao, but that was about as good as it got as the American amassed just 30 touches in 70 minutes.

Yunus Musah (6/10):

Another relatively solid performance for Musah, who had good moments in the attack and in defense. Won the ball several times, showing that his defensive ability is improving, and that'll help him lock down a more consistent place in this Milan XI.

Chelsea duo Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer appeared to get into an argument over who should take a penalty against Arsenal on Saturday.

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Palmer and Sterling argued over penaltyEnzo stepped in to decide takerPalmer converted to give Blues the leadWHAT HAPPENED?

The Blues were given a penalty early on in the Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge and Palmer seemed eager to take the spot kick as he picked up the ball.

Sterling stepped in and argued that he should be the one to take the penalty and a brief spat unfolded.

Enzo Fernandez stepped in as the peacemaker before long, giving the young summer signing the nod to take it.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

After refusing his older team-mate's request to take it, the pressure was on Palmer to deliver the goods in the London derby.

Fortunately for the 21-year-old, he made no mistake from the spot and sent it past David Raya to open the scoring.

DID YOU KNOW?

Palmer, who joined from Manchester City at the end of the summer transfer period, now has two Premier League goals to his name from six matches for Chelsea in the English top-flight. He had opened his account with a penalty in the 4-1 win against Burnley before the international break. At the age of 21 years and 168 days, Palmer also becomes the third-youngest player to score a penalty in back-to-back Premier League appearances, behind only Bukayo Saka (20y 230d) and Peter Ndlovu (21y 50d).

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After Saturday's match against the Gunners, Chelsea will take on Brentford in the Premier League on October 28.

Juventus made short work of Udinese in their Serie A opener as Tim Weah got his Juventus career off to an ideal start.

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Weah starts at right wing-backMcKennie comes off benchJuve cruises to win

The U.S. men's national team winger made his debut in Sunday's 3-0 win over Udinese, playing 45 minutes before being removed at halftime due to an apparent injury.

He was replaced by his USMNT teammate, Weston McKennie, who came on for a strong 45 minute shift.

It took Juventus just a few minutes to start the season off with a bang as Federico Chiesa opened the scoring in the second minute. Dusan Vlahovic doubled that lead in the 20th minute, scoring from the penalty spot, with Adrien Rabiot making it 3-0 just before halftime with Weah playing a part in the buildup.

GettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Weah started the first half for Juve, featuring in the right wing-back role that was vacated by Juan Cuadrado's departure. The ex-Lille attacker spent a bulk of last season featuring in that wing-back role and looks set to play there primarily for Juve.

He lasted just 45 minutes, though, as an apparent foot injury suffered late in the first half saw Weah removed at halftime.

In his place, McKennie was tossed into the fray at that wing-back spot, having started the game on the bench. McKennie was perhaps even more dangerous than Weah, playing in several dangerous crosses.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Weah's injury will be a slight concern for Juve, although it didn't appear to be too serious. Prior to his injury, Weah did have some bright moments, most notably in the buildup to Juventus' third goal of the day. On that sequence, Weah broke free on the right-hand side and worked it to Rabiot, who, after Juventus worked the ball to the left, was the player to finish off the sequence with a goal.

McKennie, meanwhile, will face a battle to get into the midfield, with Rabiot and Manuel Locatelli essentially undroppable. Rising star Fabio Miretti got the start alongside them and, at just 20 years old, could be a player to lock down a role for years to come.

GettyUSMNT IMPACT

Weah's continued development as a wingback will be a storyline to watch, especially for the USMNT.

With Gregg Berhalter's return, it can be assumed that Weah will remain a vital piece of the attack, with the USMNT boss frequently pointing to his ability to get to the endline as a winger. While Weah isn't playing a purely defensive role for Juve, who generally plays three at the back, his move further back could see him eventually play a similar role for the USMNT.

As for McKennie, the key to the season will be regaining whatever confidence he lost last season during his loan spell at Leeds. His appearance bodes well for his Juventus future, although there is still time in the transfer window for him to move should the right offer come in.

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GettyGOAL'S GRADE

Tim Weah (7/10):

Made his mark on the leadup to the third goal and was otherwise solid throughout. Accurate on his one cross and won two tackles, doing his job defensively in the few moments he had to.

Weston McKennie (7/10):

A solid showing off the bench for McKennie, who will have to fight for a role for himself this season. Should have had an assist or two and will have no doubt impressed Allegri with this performance.

Plenty of stars from Barcelona and Wolfsburg, the Women's Champions League finalists, feature in GOAL's European women's team of the season…

On Saturday, the women's European season comes to its climax as the champions of the continent will be crowned. Barcelona are pursuing a second title in three years while Wolfsburg are looking to lift the trophy for a third time, having won the competition in 2013 and then successfully defended it the year after.

Unsurprisingly, members of both sides feature in GOAL's women's European team of the season, which includes players from four different leagues.

So, who has made the cut? Here's GOAL's XI…

Getty12GK: Maria Luisa Grohs (Bayern Munich)

One of the most difficult positions to pick in this XI, Maria Luisa Grohs earns the starting goalkeeper spot thanks to her outstanding performances for Bayern Munich. With the experienced Laura Benkarth out injured, Grohs began the season as Bayern's first-choice shot-stopper and has taken to the role like a duck to water, playing a key part in the club's league title triumph.

No goalkeeper conceded on fewer occasions in the Frauen-Bundesliga, with the 21-year-old having the best save percentage in the league of any shot-stopper to make five or more appearances.

AdvertisementGetty11RB: Ona Batlle (Manchester United)

Picking a right-back was a little easier thanks to Ona Batlle's quite dominant form for Manchester United. Her ability to be so impressive both defensively and offensively has been a key feature of her game since she arrived at the club from Levante, but never has it been more impressive than this term, helping the club to reach a first ever Women's FA Cup final and secure Women's Champions League football for the first time, too.

It looks like it might have been Batlle's final season in Manchester red, with her seemingly set to seal a return to Barcelona, but she's certainly gone out on a high.

Getty10CB: Glodis Viggosdottir (Bayern Munich)

Alongside Grohs' displays in between the sticks, Glodis Viggosdottir's form in the heart of defence was another big reason why Bayern were so hard to break down this year. The Iceland international has been playing the best football of her career to help the German giants win just their fourth Frauen-Bundesliga title, with pipping Wolfsburg to it no mean feat.

Viggosdottir is someone who can often slip under the radar when discussing the best defenders in the game, but there should be no doubt that she is incredibly worthy of a place in this XI.

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Getty9CB: Mapi Leon (Barcelona)

The best and most complete centre-back in the women's game, Mapi Leon has been exceptional once again this season to help Barcelona win the league and reach another Champions League final.

In the Women's Champions League this term, no player has won possession back more often than the Barca star. No player has completed more passes than her, either. Those two statistics are a good way to underline how well-rounded her game is.

With a wonderful left foot that can whip in a dangerous set-piece or split open the most stubborn of defences, Leon is a truly sublime footballer as well as being tough to beat.

Real Madrid overcame another Copa del Rey deficit on Thursday, with Rodygo, Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior grabbing late goals in a 3-1 derby win.

We've seen this imagery before: Karim Benzema unmarked at the far post, a deflected cross zipped onto his right foot, no chance for the goalkeeper to make a stop. Real Madrid suddenly, improbably, in the lead.

Benzema's extra-time winner gave Real Madrid a 2-1 advantage over Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey quarter-final, and Los Blancos added another for good measure as they repeated their come-from-behind feat from a week ago against Villarreal.

Everything looked dire for nearly 80 minutes, before Real Madrid woke up to topple their rivals in an emotional derby that had once again turned ugly off the pitch when Vinicius Junior was subjected to pre-game racism from fans .

Atletico had deservedly grabbed the opener, working a wonderful move that ended with an easy tap-in for Alvaro Morata. Everything seemed geared towards a Diego Simeone masterclass. Atletico had less possession, more fouls, and only one shot on target.

But Real Madrid were much-changed after the break. Rodyrgo eventually scored the equaliser, winding through the Atletico defence before poking the ball past Jan Oblak. And then came Benzema in extra-time, inverting an otherwise tepid performance with an almost predictable late winner. Vinicius Junior added to the lead with a delightful run and finish to cap things off – complete with a joyful celebration just as he had done in September.

It all evoked memories of Real Madrid's sweet 2021-22 campaign, Benzema and Co. disappearing for long passages before popping up with three crucial goals to salvage a result.

Getty ImagesThe Winners

Karim Benzema:

There was nothing really surprising about Benzema's performance. And that's really the way it should be. The French international disappeared for long stretches and often found himself knocking the ball around near the centre-circle. Then again, it's part of the Benzema cliche to lull the watcher and opposition into a false sense of security. Of course, he provided the inevitable winner. It wasn't a complicated finish – Benzema was unmarked at the far post with half of the goal to aim for. But it was a thoroughly convincing strike and yet another knockout decider.

Rodrygo:

What a goal. Real Madrid badly needed a lift when Rodrygo entered the fold, and he provided it. The Brazilian received the ball 30 yards from goal before ducking and weaving through five defenders and angling his shot in at the near post. It was a clever finish to top off a winding run, a goal worthy of any big game. He almost added a second five minutes later, curling a shot just wide of the post with Jan Oblak struggling to reach it.

Vinicius Junior

Vinicius had been on the end of vile racist abuse Thursday morning, with a small subsection Atletico fans hanging an effigy of the Brazilian in a horrific act. It is only appropriate, then, that Vinicius produced his best performance since the World Cup break here. He missed two chances in the second half, including one miscue from just six yards out. But in extra time, with the game wide open, he embarked on a signature run, evading two defenders before threading the ball past Oblak. There was a real relief to his celebration, a passionate fist pump followed by the usual dance. It was wonderful to watch.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesThe Losers

Ferland Mendy:

The miserable season continues. Mendy has endured a tough campagin so far, maligned for defensive errors and criticised for his lack of adventure in the final third. He didn't really contribute at either end Thursday night. He lost track of Molina on Atletico's opener, and failed to connect with Vinicius going forward. Madrid were rumoured to have agreed a deal for Fran Garcia this afternoon. Hopefully some competition will be the boost Mendy needs.

Fede Valverde:

What's wrong with Valverde? The midfielder was among Europe's best before the World Cup, in fine goalscoring form while also serving as a creative force from right-wing. But his performances since have been lacking. Valverde was particularly poor here, and sort of encapsulated Madrid's first-half struggles. His touch was lacking, his deliveries under-hit. There were some encouraging moments – and he never made the wrong pass – but he looks a bit lost at the moment.

Stefan Savic:

Savic picked up a silly second yellow card for a rash challenge on Eduardo Camavinga, which doomed his side. Atleti were already struggling but had survived by remaining disciplined. Savic's silly tackle threw everything away. He's now been sent off against both Real Madrid and Barcelona within the span of two weeks, which isn't very good.

Getty ImagesReal Madrid Ratings: Defence

Thibaut Courtois (6/10):

A reliable performance in goal. Couldn't do much about the Atleti opener, and make a couple of good saves to keep his team in it.

Nacho (7/10):

A solid showing from the veteran. He's not been perfect, but Nacho is a decent squad player in Dani Carvajal's absence. Maybe Madrid don't need another right-back after all.

Eder Militao (8/10):

Somehow missed a header with the goal gaping. Made up for it with an excellent defensive second half. One wonderful surging run in the 94th minute almost got Madrid a winner before extra-time.

Antonio Rudiger (6/10):

Better from the German international, who has really struggled of late. Tough in a tackle, and didn't get drawn into any silly duels despite the provocations of the opposition.

Ferland Mendy (5/10):

Was having a poor game before being substituted with a hamstring issue. Lost track of Molina on the Atleti goal.

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Getty ImagesMidfield

Luka Modric (7/10):

Lots of nice passes and a few crucial interceptions. A classic showing.

Eduardo Camavinga (8/10):

Started at the No.6 before moving to left-back after Mendy went off. Positionally unspectacular, but reliable as ever on the ball. Won loads of tackles as Atleti pushed for an equaliser in extra-time and he filled in for Mendy in defence. If Mendy is seriously injured, Camavinga might have to play there more consistently – which doesn't appear to be a massive problem.

Toni Kroos (7/10):

Classy on the ball, and sprayed some lovely passes. Looked leggy, though, and needed his substitution badly.