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Preston striker Milutin Osmajic faces a four-month ban for biting Blackburn Rovers striker Owen Beck, who is on loan from Liverpool.

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• Left-back on loan at Blackburn
• Osmajic appeared to bite his neck
• Beck was sent off

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Preston's Osmajic has been charged with biting Beck during Preston's clash with Blackburn at the weekend. Beck was actually sent off during the incident after allegedly kicking out at Duane Holmes at Deepdale but Osmajic now faces a lengthy ban after seemingly trying to bite Beck's neck.

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  Beck protested furiously after being bitten, but Osmajic was only given a yellow card. Now, the FA has charged him with violent conduct and he could be banned for as long as four months, per The Sun.

• WHAT THE FA SAID

  The Football Association confirmed:  “Milutin Osmajic has been charged following Preston North End’s EFL Championship game against Blackburn Rovers on Sunday, 22 September.

  “It’s alleged that the forward committed an act of violent conduct by biting an opponent around the 87th minute.

  “Milutin Osmajic has until Monday, September 30, to provide a response.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Beck will be suspended for Blackburn's clash with QPR this weekend. He will hope to make an impression when he returns as he looks to impress his Liverpool bosses.

Everton have made some questionable decisions with transfers over the last few years, undoubtedly one of the reasons the club have found themselves in hot water with the Premier League.

The Toffees have been hit with multiple points deductions this campaign, with Sean Dyche's side accumulating eight points for multiple breaches of the league’s PSR rules.

Signings of players such as Jean-Philippe Gbamin and Yerry Mina cost the club over £50m, with the duo both departing Goodison Park on free transfers upon the end of their contracts.

However, the club can add another player to their list of talents who have failed to replicate their best form at the club, after he departed the Toffees a number of years ago after an unsuccessful stint on Merseyside.

Nikola Vlasic’s time at Everton

After joining the club in an £8m deal from Croatian side Hadjuk Split, midfielder Nikola Vlasic arrived at Goodison with high expectations following three goals in six appearances at the start of the 2017/18 season.

However, he never hit the heights expected of him, failing to score or assist in any of his 12 Premier League outings and only featuring for a total of 574 minutes at Goodison Park.

The move on the whole was a complete disaster, with Vlasic subsequently departing the club on a season-long loan to join Russian side CSKA Moscow for the 2018/19 campaign – in a bid to regain his form that saw the Toffees sign him.

The move would see the midfielder recapture his excellent form, achieving 15 goal contributions in his 31 appearances for the club in all competitions.

After taking Russia by storm, CSKA decided to buy Vlasic, departing Merseyside after one season on Merseyside – but making the club a profit of £6m – with the Croatian joining his loan side on a permanent basis for a fee in the region of £14m.

How much Nikola Vlasic earned at Goodison Park

Upon his move back in 2017, midfielder Vlasic signed a deal worth £25k-per-week, as per Spotrac – with the star having expectations of being a huge success on Merseyside.

However, as previously mentioned, he failed to impress at Goodison, with the flop earning a total of £1.3m in wages during his single season at Goodison.

His weekly wage is currently higher than Everton’s star defender Jarrad Branthwaite, who only earns £15k-per-week, despite his stellar campaign that saw him claim the club’s Young Player of the Season award.

When coupling Vlasic’s weekly earnings with his transfer fee, he cost the Toffees a total of £9.7m – a huge waste of money given his disappointing spell at the club.

However, luckily Everton made a profit on him, mainly helped by his successful loan spell in Russia, otherwise the club would've been able to add him to the list of players they've lost money on.

Many supporters will want to forget his time on Merseyside, with the club making the right call in offloading him, especially considering he’s only managed three goals for Torino in Serie A during 2023/24.

Everton hit gold selling star who'd be worth more than Pickford in 2024

He simply never hit the heights away from Goodison Park.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 24, 2024

Gareth Bale saw his golf ball stolen by a dog during the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship pro-am tournament in Scotland.

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• Bale is known for his love of golf
• Competes frequently in Pro-am competitions
• Saw a dog run off with the ball after he missed the hole

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  While the tournament is notorious for its tricky weather conditions, unforgiving pot bunkers, and tall fescue, Bale's biggest obstacle on Friday at Carnoustie came in the form of a furry little dog. During the second round on Friday, Bale found himself in an almost comical situation on the first hole. After a perfectly executed chip shot that rolled close to the pin, Bale appeared set for an easy putt. However, before he could sink the ball, a dog sprinted onto the green, grabbed the ball in its mouth, and trotted back to its owner as Bale and onlookers were left in disbelief.

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  Fortunately for Bale, golf's rulebook came to the rescue. According to Rule 9.6 in the United States Golf Association (USGA) handbook: "If it is known or virtually certain that an outside influence (including another player in stroke play or another ball) lifted or moved a player’s ball at rest, there is no penalty, and the ball must be replaced on its original spot (which if not known must be estimated)."
  Despite the unusual interruption, Bale and his partner Dan Brown finished their round well. They carded a six-under-par score, keeping them in contention for the pro-am team title. Earlier this year, he participated in the PGA Tour’s Pebble Beach Pro-Am in California and the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am at Wentworth.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BALE?

  After Saturday’s third round, the top 20 teams will progress to the final round at the iconic Old Course at St Andrews. With Bale and Brown in strong form, the pair will be hoping to secure a spot in the finals and potentially lift the pro-am team title in this prestigious event.

Today is a new beginning. Today is the day that Arne Slot gets to work as Liverpool's new head coach.

The saddening departure of Jurgen Klopp not two weeks ago, when he led his side to one final dance against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League, is still fresh in supporters' minds but hard graft must be plied over the coming months to set Anfield up for a successful start to a new era.

With Michael Edwards pulling the strings from above, Slot can focus on energising his squad and preparing for the 2024/25 campaign, but there is plenty to do on the transfer front, not least ensuring that core trio Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah – all out of contract in one year – do not leave.

However, there are further potential exits on the cards, with Barcelona's lingering interest in Luis Diaz something that could be granted on Merseyside if an apt replacement was identified.

While he might not be a left-sided wide forward by default, Liverpool are looking to sign a talented Premier League star and could make their move if certain cards come into play in the coming weeks and months.

Liverpool lining up Premier League star

According to L'Equipe, Liverpool are indeed on the prowl for a new wide forward and have focussed their efforts on Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo, aged 24, with the French-born ace ready to take the next step in his career.

The Bees would demand a fee in excess of £50m for Mbeumo, who has played a starring role in keeping the club in the English top flight for three successive seasons, though a deal is complicated by interest in his strike partner Ivan Toney.

Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested, though Slot will hope that his team's exciting project and allure of Champions League football will put Liverpool in the driving seat.

Bryan Mbeumo's season in numbers

Unfortunately, Mbeumo's incredible start to the season was stifled by injury in December, with the 5 foot 7 whiz missing three months through the middle period of the campaign after injuring his ankle and requiring surgery.

The 11-cap Cameroon international, who opted to play for the African nation due to familial ties, had fired his way into form during the opening months of the 2023/24 season, scoring seven goals and supplying three assists across 15 games before his mishap.

The Athletic's Jay Harris had even remarked that he “cannot be stopped” during this Midas-touching period. Let's not forget, supreme goalscorer Toney was suspended until January but this did not stop Mbeumo from succeeding, perhaps even allowing him to showcase his talismanic ability to a greater level.

As per Sofascore, Mbeumo scored nine goals and provided six assists from only 22 starting roles in the Premier League, creating six big chances and averaging 1.3 key passes, one dribble, 4.2 successful duels and 3.7 ball recoveries per game.

Not just a goalscorer, Mbeumo possesses creative, ball-progressing and defensive skills that make him a fearsome weapon in the Premier League, ranking among the top 10% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists and shot-creating actions, the top 5% for passes attempted, the top 7% for progressive passes and progressive carries and the top 5% for blocks per 90, as per FBref.

Mbeumo's FBref metrics underscore a roundedness and dynamism in his approach play that enhances his team and puts him above that of just 'goalscorer'. Instead, this is a player with far-reaching skills that would make him a tailor-made addition to Liverpool.

Moreover, this is illustrated through the £45k-per-week star's influence when performing, making Brentford a far better, more fluid and more effective unit. It's no wonder that Thomas Frank has hailed him as "very sharp".

Why Bryan Mbeumo would star at Liverpool

Slot's system, while not yet implemented on the Anfield pitch, is likely to demonstrate a fast-flowing, possession-based blend, with Dutch reporter Marcel van der Kraan recently praising the "crazy, sexy style".

A semblance of high-octane football can be found in Slot's system, but he is not a carbon copy of his Liverpool predecessor and his focus on control is something that makes Mbeumo such an interesting prospective arrival, with the Brentford man's aforementioned ball skills perfectly placed for success on the right flank, or upfront.

His technical prowess and the fact that he could be signed, aged 24, from a Premier League rival performing lower down the table – Brentford finished 16th this season – could make him Slot's own version of Sadio Mane, with the Senegalese forward instrumental in kickstarting Klopp's reign.

Firstly, Mane's positional versatility made him an invaluable striker for Liverpool, and so too is Mbeumo free of the shackles of tactical inflexibility, scoring four goals and adding one assist from nine matches from centre-forward this season but clinching five goals and five assists apiece from 14 matches on the right.

Furthermore, Mane's goalscoring ability made him the perfect fit after signing from Southampton in a £34m deal in 2016, posting 120 strikes from 269 appearances for the Reds.

Fleet of foot, positively electric and invariably sharp, Mane might not have maintained the same prolific levels of his alternate wide-man Salah, but he was so impressive in an iconic Premier League frontline, embodying Liverpool's approach of shaping talented players into world-beaters, instead of launching ludicrous sums for those already performing at the top of their game.

Mbeumo is itching for a chance to prove himself for a team at the top of the European game, and while he's got plenty to prove, Slot might just hit the jackpot in signing him, replicating Klopp's Mane masterclass and starting his tenure with a bang.

£85,000-a-week Liverpool "lifesaver" could repeat Henderson blow for Slot

This would be a frustrating start for Slot.

By
Tom Cunningham

May 31, 2024

Looking to finally steer a sinking ship back in the right direction under new head coach Enzo Maresca, Chelsea now reportedly want to seal what could be a bargain deal this summer.

Chelsea transfer news

Maresca, of course, has already been handed his first signing at Stamford Bridge, with Tosin Adarabioyo arriving on a free deal following the expiry of his Fulham contract at the end of last season.

The defender expressed his delight over the move, telling Chelsea's official website: "Chelsea is a huge club and this is a full-circle moment for me. I was born three miles away from Stamford Bridge and made my professional debut there. I’m very excited and looking forward to helping push the club in the direction we want to go."

Chelsea eye Enzo Fernandez-like deal as Bayern Munich target agrees to join

The west Londoners have made a breakthrough in talks.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 15, 2024

After Chelsea once again struggled last season though, there is almost certain to be further arrivals this summer, especially with Todd Boehly's history of spending at Stamford Bridge, which could see Maresca handed an attacking boost.

According to BILD, relayed by Chelsea News, Chelsea now want to sign Serhou Guirassy this summer, who reportedly has a release clause of just £15m in what would be a bargain deal considering the season he has just enjoyed at Stuttgart. The Blues aren't alone in the race for the forward's signature, however, with West Ham United and Arsenal also eyeing moves.

It would make a welcomed change if Chelsea managed to land a bargain deal rather than excessively splashing the cash to no avail, but it remains to be seen whether they can win the race to secure Guirassy's services in the coming months. Where his arrival would leave Nicolas Jackson may also be one to watch, as Maresca attempts to do what those before him have failed to do by navigating Chelsea's impossibly large squad at times.

"Outrageous" Guirassy can replace Jackson

As much as Jackson showed glimpses of his quality last season, those glimpses were not enough to take Chelsea back to their best to spark concerns over his ability to carry the Blues' attack in a way that Guirassy could. The Stuttgart man was one of the best forwards in Europe last season and has more than earned a big move this summer.

Outperforming his expected goals by over seven, Guirassy was clinical where Jackson underperformed last season, highlighting the key difference that he could bring to Maresca's side next season.

Earning plenty of praise as a result of last season's incredible form, Guirassy's run was described as "outrageous" by Seb Stafford-Bloor, who could now be among those watching on as the Stuttgart man potentially chooses Stamford Bridge over a Bundesliga stay or other Premier League sides this summer.

The London giants, for just £15m, would be getting one of the bargains of the summer in England's top flight whilst potentially taking a key step back towards the Premier League's top four.

INEOS have terminated Sir Alex Ferguson's contract as a global ambassador for Manchester United, as part of their ongoing cost-cutting process.

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• Ferguson axed by INEOS group
• Served as club director & ambassador for 11 years
• Ruthless decision taken to cut costs

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Since buying a 27.7 per cent stake in United, INEOS have been on a mission to reduce the club's expenditures. Now as part of the ongoing process, INEOS chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe has taken the ruthless decision to terminate legendary former manager Ferguson's multi-million pound contract as the club's global ambassador, according to The Athletic.

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  After announcing his retirement from coaching in 2013, Ferguson remained an integral part of the club as they retained his services as the global ambassador. The 82-year-old was paid £2.16 million (€2.58m/$2.84m) during his time in the role. He has also been serving as a director on the club's football board, although that position has been largely ceremonial as he has never been a part of the official board, which now includes the six Glazer siblings, INEOS co-owner John Reece and INEOS Sport’s chairman Rob Nevin, along with two independent directors Robert Leitao and John Hooks.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  While Ratcliffe has taken several difficult decisions since taking charge of the club earlier this year, the removal of Ferguson is arguably the INEOS group's most ruthless decision to date. Ratcliffe informed Ferguson of his decision in person, with the Scot stepping down amicably.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  Erik ten Hag's struggling United side will aim to end their five-match winless streak this weekend as they take on Brentford on Saturday in the Premier League at Old Trafford. Ferguson may be present in the stands again as the former Red Devils coach will remain a non-executive director at the club with the freedom to attend any home game he wishes to.

GOAL reviews the major takeaways from Americans playing in Europe, including Pulisic's scoring streak and Adams' return

This much is true for the U.S. men's national team: this roster is pretty beat up right now. Mauricio Pochettino's first camp in charge saw his side limited by injuries. He was missing up to six starters by the time the U.S. lost 2-0 in Mexico, and as a result, there are still many unknowns under the new coach.

All of that extended into this weekend's European club matches, as well. The USMNT storylines were focused on those who are injured and, as important, those who were able to return to the lineup.

There were several key comebacks, which will be good news for Pochettino and his staff. And aside from those injuries, the USMNT headliner continues to be Christian Pulisic, who contributed to another goal for the seventh consecutive game for AC Milan. Who could have seen that coming?

From key returns to more Pulisic heroics, GOAL assesses the major takeaways from this weekend's Americans Abroad.

• Pulisic's run continues

  Once again, it all starts with Pulisic, who continues to deliver major moments week in, week out.

  Pulisic was the subject of some recent criticism, despite his incredible form. The decision to have him leave USMNT camp early and return to Milan rubbed some critics, such as former USMNT player Tim Howard, the wrong way. Pulisic assisted on a goal in the USMNT's win over Panama, but then – along with Weston McKennie, Ricardo Pepi and two other players – were released back to their clubs before the U.S. played in Mexico.

  "I did find it strange what (Pochettino) did in the game against Mexico, in terms of sending players back and not keeping those players together," pundit Jamie Carragher told GOAL. "They got beat 2-0, so I don't quite understand that. I understand we might say, ‘Oh, we're managing the minutes.’ But I think sometimes as an international manager you’ve got to be a little bit selfish, because the clubs are being selfish and you’ve got to look after your own situation."

  That was a common theme: How could Pulisic miss the Mexico game? Why should load management take precedence over a match against a rival?

  Well, this is why. Pulisic started and played all 90 minutes in 10-man Milan's win over Udinese Saturday, assisting on Samuel Chukwueze's winning goal. That marked seven straight games with a goal contribution for the American, making him the first player across Europe’s top five divisions to do so in seven straight this season, bettering top performers from the Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga.

  He's been the best player in Serie A of late, and it doesn't feel particularly close.

  Milan are going to embrace that fact, too. They're going to ride with Pulisic, both in the league and the Champions League. Last season, the world was wondering if Pulisic could hold down a starting spot. Now, the world is wondering what Milan can do to continue building their team around him.

  That's why he was allowed to leave pre-Mexico. He had nothing to prove. For now, the most important thing is keeping Pulisic fit and confident in Milan.

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  Adams inches closer

  This wasn't THE breakthrough for Adams, but it was at least a major moment. You can't accomplish everything all at once.

  For the first time this season, Adams was named to the Bournemouth bench for Saturday's 2-0 upset of Arsenal. The American midfielder didn't play, remaining among the substitutes, but the fact that he even sat there with his training bib on can be seen as a sign of progress.

  We haven't seen him on the field since the Copa America, when he was clearly less than 100 percent. Bournemouth haven't put him on the field since March, when he made his only three appearances of the 2023-24 season. Since March 2023, Adams has played a whopping 118 Premier League minutes and, because of that, it is somewhat easy to forget how good he is.

  For both the USMNT and Bournemouth, getting Adams back is crucial. Staff on both sides of the Atlanta will have to manage him and his minutes as they look to build him back up to the monster the world saw at the 2022 World Cup. The two years since then have largely been derailed by injuries, but all involved will hope that Adams can put that behind him.

  This weekend was a step towards that. It was a small step, but it was nonetheless a step.

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  Weah's significant cameo

  Yunus Musah ran things from the right-wingback position for the USMNT's 2-0 win over Panama last week – could Tim Weah play there when healthy?

  Weah was an injury absence for the USMNT, but he made his return over the weekend for Juventus after nearly a month on the sidelines. He came into the game in the second half of a 1-0 win for the Old Lady, who needed a late own goal despite being up a man for about 65 minutes.

  The American completed 21 of his 23 passes and created two chances, helping Juve pile on the pressure. He had some decent moments defensively, too, during the few sequences Lazio was able to get forward.

  The USMNT does not have a player like Weah anywhere in the pool. His ability to stretch defenses and make teams uncomfortable opens up space for everyone. After scoring in Juve's season opener, it seemed like this could be a breakout year for Weah, who looked set to add more goals to his game.

  The hope is that'll happen but, for now, it's all about Weah getting his legs back under him after missing signficant time to start the campaign.

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  Sargent's hysterical assist

  Sometimes, things just don't go your way. Josh Sargent felt that with the USMNT this past week. That said, sometimes things do end up going your way, even in hilarious fashion. Sargent felt that side of the phenomenon this weekend.

  The American striker was credited with an assist in Norwich City's 1-1 draw with Stoke. History will say he set up Ante Crnac's goal. Anyone who watched, though, will know that the actual story is much more humorous.

  Sargent knew nothing about his "assist." His contribution was a clearance smashing off his head and falling right into the path of Crnac. Sargent was as surprised as anyone in the stadium when the ball was in the back of the net, but the record will show that he'd earned an assist, and perhaps an assist bonus, for his role in it all.

  It was exactly the type of bounce Sargent didn't get during the international break. Maybe it's a sign that his luck has turned as he continues the grueling run through the Championship.

Manchester United have been dealt a blow as it has emerged that a player they were keen to keep is in fact on the verge of leaving Old Trafford this summer.

Red Devils expecting major overhaul

It is set to be a summer of change under the new Sir Jim Ratcliffe ownership at Manchester United. Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial have already confirmed their departures when their contracts run out at the end of the season, while Sofyan Amrabat's loan spell will also end at that point, leaving Manchester United with a decision to make over his future.

It has previously been reported that just about every Manchester United player is up for sale this summer, including the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, as the club look to rebuild after a disappointing eighth place finish in the Premier League.

100% chance of leaving: Man Utd dud could explode like Forlan when he exits

He is available for around £40m

By
Joe Nuttall

Jun 11, 2024

It still remains unclear who will lead that rebuild, with Erik ten Hag remaining manager after his FA Cup win over Manchester City but talks ongoing over potential successors, which suggests that a decision is yet to be made on the Dutchman.

Just three players are considered "off limits" this summer, in the shape of young trio Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund, but otherwise there is a desire to bring down the average age of the squad and the wage bill, while placing their trust in younger players and continuing their proud tradition of using academy players. However, they have been dealt a blow in their bid to do so.

Forson agrees to leave

That comes as young talent Omari Forson is set to make the switch to Serie A side Monza this summer, according to the reliable Fabrizio Romano. The teenager made his Manchester United debut in the FA Cup in January, and went onto make seven appearances across the course of the season, grabbing an assist in the process.

He has been hailed as having an "exceptional resilience" as he helped the Red Devils win the FA Youth Cup in 2022, where he featured alongside Garnacho and Mainoo but was an unused substitute for the final.

“On the pitch he was part of our successful FA Youth Cup-winning squad in 2022", academy director Nick Cox explained. “Interestingly, Omari didn’t feature heavily in the cup run but showed exceptional resilience, and that’s a reminder that the journey isn’t always smooth and straightforward."

And he is someone that the Red Devils would like to keep, with reports claiming that the club have offered "competitive contracts" to the youngster in the "hope he will sign a new deal", with his current contract set to expire this summer.

However, that now seems unlikely, with Fabrizio Romano revealing that the winger is on the verge of joining Serie A side Monza, where he will be hoping for more regular opportunities to showcase his abilities than he was afforded at Old Trafford.

He is expected to sign a four-year deal with the Italian side, which will rob Manchester United of any significant transfer fee, though they will be afforded compensation for his departure.

With Amad Diallo waiting in the wings, his departure will not be too sorely felt, but it will feel like a missed opportunity to once again utilise the famed Manchester United academy.

After making an offer to sign Max Kilman from Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Ham United have now reportedly enquired about a potential deal to sign another Premier League star for Julen Lopetegui.

West Ham transfer news

Into a new chapter under Lopetegui, West Ham have already welcomed their first signing of the summer, having announced the arrival of young Brazilian winger Luis Guilherme earlier this month. The 18-year-old completed a deal worth a reported £26m to become the Hammers' first signing under Lopetegui this summer.

After putting pen to paper on the deal, Guilherme told the club's official website: “I’m very happy to be signing with West Ham United, a Club that trusted in my work. I also want to thank everyone at West Ham, particularly Tim and his team who came to Brazil, and not only talked with me, but also with my family.

“They presented the project, and both my family and I liked it. So, I'm very happy to be signing with this Club and hope to contribute as much as possible. If things go well, we have a beautiful journey ahead."

West Ham hold talks to sign £30m striker ahead of Chelsea

More attacking additions are wanted at the London Stadium.

By
Charlie Smith

Jun 21, 2024

West Ham's attention has since turned elsewhere. Wasting no time resting on their laurels, the Hammers have reportedly made contact to sign Kilman from Wolves this summer and have had a bid turned down, whilst also shifting their focus elsewhere in the Premier League.

Alongside Kilman, West Ham have made contact about signing Callum Wilson from Newcastle United, according to Lee Ryder. The Magpies reportedly value their striker at £18m as they look to cash in before his contract comes to an end next summer. Wilson, of course, knows West Ham forward Michail Antonio well, given that the duo host The Footballer's Football Podcast together, and could now link up with his co-host for the first time on the pitch.

"Huge" Wilson can replace Antonio

Whilst they're good friends off the pitch, Wilson and Antonio's relationship could be in for an awkward test if the Newcastle man completes a move to the London Stadium to potentially take the latter's place in Lopetegui's side this summer.

With Wilson's role left in doubt at Newcastle following their links with signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin, his move will likely centre around game-time no matter who he has to leapfrog to get it, including Antonio.

Remaining clinical even as he has struggled for fitness over the years, it's no surprise that Eddie Howe has been full of praise for Wilson, previously hailing him as a "huge player" for Newcastle: "He has to lead the press and the one we bounce off initially. He kept going right until the end and his goalscoring record is excellent. I'm delighted for him, he's a huge player for us and a big presence in the dressing room."

Real Madrid have skipped the Ballon d'Or ceremony in protest of Vinicius Jr losing the award, and a source states that the club feels 'disrespected'.

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• Vinicius set to lose Ballon d'Or to Rodri
• Real Madrid cancel plans to travel to Paris
• Los Blancos feel 'disrespected' by snub

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Real Madrid superstar Vinicius had been viewed as the favourite to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or for his performances as the Brazilian helped Los Blancos win the La Liga and Champions League double. However, reports on Monday afternoon have suggested that Real Madrid have been made aware that Manchester City and Spain star Rodri will win the prestigious award in Paris on Monday evening.

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  Vinicius and an entourage of Real Madrid players and members, as well as the 24-year-old's family, were supposed to travel to Paris to attend the ceremony. However, once the news of Rodri's Ballon d'Or win came to the forefront, the Brazilian decided to cancel the trip. It was then decided that others members of Madrid's camp wouldn't attend in protest. As per AS, a Real Madrid source has stated that Real Madrid feel 'disrespected' by UEFA and France Football, organisers of the award, for the snub as they believed that if Vinicius wasn't handed the award, it should've gone to his team-mate Dani Carvajal.

• WHAT THE SOURCE TOLD AS

  Speaking to Spanish publication AS, the unnamed source stated: "If the criteria of the award do not proclaim Vinicius the winner, those same criteria must proclaim Carvajal the winner. Since this has not been the case, it is obvious that the Ballon d'Or and UEFA do not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid is not where it is not respected."

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  WHEN IS THE BALLON D'OR CEREMONY?

  The Ballon d'Or ceremony is set to take place in Paris at the Theatre du Chatelet and the proceedings will begin at 7pm GMT, and Rodri is now the likeliest candidate to win the trophy.