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Kylian Mbappe has been tipped to reject the advances of Real Madrid and instead decide to join Liverpool when he leaves Paris Saint-Germain.

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• Mbappe expected to sign for Madrid
• Pires advised him to reject Spanish side
• Says he could link up with Salah

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The France forward is expected to complete a long-awaited free transfer to the Spanish giants when his contract expires this summer. However, former France and Arsenal star Robert Pires feels he should follow in his footsteps and reject Madrid for a move to England.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Pires would rather see the 25-year-old form a fantastic partnership with Egypt sensation Mohamed Salah at Anfield than link up with the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo at the Santiago Bernabeu next season.

• WHAT PIRES SAID

  Pires said to : “I’m sorry, Kylian, but you weren’t the first player to say no to Real Madrid. I don’t know what decision he will make in the end, but I turned Madrid down because I had two other options. I’m sure that if I didn’t have the opportunity of going to Arsenal or Juventus I would have gone to Real Madrid. That’s for sure.

  "I would like to see him at Liverpool. It’s a great family club, there’s a good structure, no pressure, the fans are level-headed… And I think a Salah-Mbappe partnership could be really explosive. I think he is capable of rejecting Real Madrid."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?

  Mbappe has denied claims he has already agreed to join Madrid from PSG this summer, while coach Luis Enrique has not given up hope of convincing him to stay at the French giants for at least one more season.

A rejuvenated Chelsea showed more signs of improvement in their performance against Arsenal, racing into a 2-0 lead at Stamford Bridge before the Gunners battled back late on to salvage a point.

The Blues will have been bitterly disappointed to have dropped two points from a strong position, however, the result did see them avoid a record fourth-straight Premier League loss at home to their North London rivals.

It also saw plenty of their stars rise up to the occasion and put in a sublime performance on Saturday evening.

Who were Chelsea's standout performers v Arsenal?

A revived Mykhaylo Mudryk sent out a huge statement on his return to the starting XI and put in a complete performance.

The 22-year-old earned the spot kick which Cole Palmer dispatched before getting the name on the scoresheet himself as his suspected cross looped into the net over goalkeeper David Raya.

It's been an underwhelming start to his career in West London but the Ukraine international, who was described by those close to him as a "sleeping superstar" in the Chelsea squad, as per TEAMtalk, has certainly showcased those star-like qualities against Arsenal, lighting up the crowd with his pace and trickery while helping his side out in a defensive capacity.

In his 66 minutes on the pitch, Mudryk's all-action performance saw him attempt two crosses, record a shot on target and draw two fouls, but also track back for his team, winning two of his four ground duels, blocking one shot and making one interception, as per SofaScore.

He wasn't the only player to shine in the defensive third for the Blues as Mauricio Pochettino lavished praise on left-back Marc Cucurella for his impressive display against the Gunners.

The Argentine said: “He is training really well, that is why he playing like today, against a very good player like Saka."

Indeed, Cucurella limited one of the most dangerous wingers on the planet through his tough tackling and tenacious defensive work, recording the most tackles in the match (5), winning seven of his 13 ground duels, making two clearances, and blocking one shot, as per Sofascore.

After impressive performances against Fulham and Burnley, in which he completed at least 90% of his attempted passes, it was his best display against Arsenal that has begun to show why he deserves more respect and certainly a place in the starting XI.

How has Marc Cucurella performed this season?

Pochettino has significantly improved Conor Gallagher but it is the form of Cucurella, who turned down the chance to move to Newcastle United and Manchester United in the summer, that has caught the eye.

The 25-year-old ace has flourished while playing as a right or left back and Chelsea are yet to lose a game that the Spaniard has started this season, shutting out the noise that came from his £62m price tag and reminding many why the Blues and Manchester City were neck on neck to sign him after his sensational performances for Brighton.

With first-choice left-back Ben Chilwell sidelined till December, Cucurella has taken his opportunity to impress Pochettino while the manner of his performance against Bukayo Saka, who failed to get any loose change out of his opponent, has accentuated that point further.

Described by Pochettino as "super professional", Cucurella's transformation from being on the brink to leaving the club as a flop to now one of Chelsea's most influential players is a testament to the dedication and perseverance that the Spaniard has shown.

During his renaissance at Stamford Bridge, the £175k per-week dynamo has been outperforming Chilwell in a defensive capacity, averaging more balls recovered than the Englishman (7.0/3.0), tackles (3.7/0.8), interceptions (1/3/0.5) and clearances (3.0/0.5) per game at league level this term, as per Sofascore.

Although Chilwell has been deployed in a more advanced role under Pochettino, it is no coincidence that Chelsea have performed significantly better in a defensive capacity since throwing Cucurella into battle with the Spanish international now undroppable due to his impressive displays.

In any other Championship season, Leeds United would currently find themselves in the automatic promotion spots.

Unfortunately for Daniel Farke's men, Ipswich Town and Leicester City are light years ahead of the promotion pack early into this campaign – both teams in question only losing one match so far, with the Foxes picking up a staggering 13 wins from their first 14 to mount an instant return straight back to the Premier League.

The incredible achievements of their second-tier rivals shouldn't detract from the fact Leeds have bounced back from their early campaign woes tremendously, not registering a win in the Championship until the fourth match of the season with grumbling voices at Elland Road growing in volume.

Now, Leeds find themselves in third spot after that momentary early season blip with their eyes firmly back on the ultimate prize of promotion come May.

Crysencio Summerville has stepped up to the mark as a key performer for Farke's side in this turnaround, but he could be missing for Leeds' trip to the Foxes.

Replaced by Wilfried Gnonto last time out versus Huddersfield – coming off with a suspected knock – it could be touch-and-go whether or not the Dutch superstar features in a tantalising top-of-the-table battle against Leicester City.

Summerville's numbers this season

Summerville has been instrumental in Leeds rising to third spot in the Championship standings, scoring six times this season from 11 appearances with the 22-year-old also adding four assists to his individual tally.

His electric form has even seen him pick up a flawless 10/10 Sofascore rating from Leeds' West Yorkshire derby versus Huddersfield, Summerville unstoppable all match as the Whites ran riot in a 4-1 drubbing.

Accurate with all of his crosses in that contest – including his passing accuracy coming in at a high of 87% – Summerville could not be contained by Darren Moore's side no matter the Terriers' attempts to stifle him.

Farke spoke about the Dutchman making improvements to his game to Sky Sports after the 4-1 victory, overjoyed that his number ten is beginning to add more goals and assists to his arsenal.

The popular German head coach said: "I think he was already playing on a top level but it is necessary for a young player to develop so that he is getting goals and assists."

He could be a big loss therefore if he is ruled out for the away game at the King Power Stadium, but Gnonto will be waiting in the wings to seize his opportunity after nearly departing Elland Road this summer if Summerville is absent.

Gnonto's numbers this season

Once a beloved figure, Gnonto has some making up to do when it comes to his relationship with the Leeds fanbase – the Italian attacker handing in a transfer request at the start of the campaign to pressure his employers to sell him to Everton.

It backfired on the 5 foot 7 attacker immensely, with his spot in the starting eleven insecure ever since.

Playing only two full games for the Whites so far this season in the second tier, the 19-year-old could be unleashed from the start versus Leicester

Scoring only once for Farke's men in the Championship – helping himself to a goal in an action-packed 4-3 victory at Ipswich Town two months ago, in late August – the teenager's rapid pace and tricky feet could catch Leicester off-guard who could be potentially complacent at home versus Leeds.

Gnonto will likely be raring to go if he is selected ahead of Summerville, keen to shrug off any prior unhappiness and perform again for the Whites to the best of his abilities.

Barcelona are prepared to offer midfielder Pedri a new long-term deal as they consider the Spain international to be the future of the Camp Nou side.

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• Barca set to offer new deal to Pedri
• Consider him future superstar at Camp Nou
• Spain star's current deal expires in 2026

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to , the Catalan giants are all set to approach the player's agent soon as they want to offer him a new long-term deal. Pedri's current contract with the club expires in 2026 but they see him as a future superstar at Camp Nou.

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  The 21-year-old has had a disappointing outing in the current campaign, having been sidelined with multiple injuries for the majority of the season. He suffered a hamstring injury in August last year and is currently recovering from a muscular problem. However, despite his fitness concerns, the reigning La Liga champions are convinced about the Spain international's ability and thus want him to put pen to paper on a new deal.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The former Las Palmas player, along with Frenkie de Jong, is expected to be back in the team ahead of the club's upcoming Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

  Xavi's side are set to take Kylian Mbappe and Co. in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final fixture on Wednesday.

Wolverhampton Wanderers lost various talented players in the off-season this summer to new suitors, with Matheus Nunes, Ruben Neves, Nathan Collins and countless others all moving on after impressing at Molineux over a number of seasons as fan favourites.

Regardless of this negative backdrop coming into the job, Gary O'Neil has been successful ever since taking over the reins as Wolves boss from Julen Lopetegui who walked from his post after only 27 games in charge.

Wolves currently occupy 14th spot in the Premier League, six points above the relegation drop-zone where many tipped the Old Gold to be in and around for the majority of the 38-game season before a ball was even kicked.

Key performers at Molineux 12 games in include Hwang Hee-Chan up top with seven goals in all competitions alongside Matheus Cunha who offers O'Neil's men a creative outlet centrally. Pedro Neto has also been a star man for Wolves, but he now faces a lengthy spell out of the side owing to a hamstring concern.

Regardless of the positive start made by the Wanderers, Neves' absence in midfield is still felt with the 26-year-old outperforming current Wolves midfield duo Mario Lemina and João Gomes in Saudi Arabia.

How much Wolves signed Neves for

Signing for a then club record fee of £15.8m – beaten since by Cunha's arrival – Neves was viewed as a real coup for the club especially with Wolves still competing in the Championship at the time.

Nuno Espirito Santo's presence in the dug-out sealed the deal, Neves' former Porto manager at the Wolves helm in 2017.

The move was instantly a match made in heaven, with the Portuguese midfielder bowing out of Molineux earlier this year as a true club legend after being sold by Lopetegui prior to his resignation.

Neves' numbers at Wolves

The 26-year-old would accumulate over 250 appearances for the Old Gold during his six-season stay in the West Midlands, managing 30 goals and 13 assists from his holding midfield role at the club.

Spearheading his side's charge back to the Premier League in his first full season, Neves would be a constant as Wolves reached new heights finishing seventh in back-to-back campaigns to clinch European football after promotion and then battled against the drop before he packed his bags for pastures new in Al-Hilal.

He is continuing to impress in his new surroundings, outperforming both Lemina and Gomes who have had to pick up the pieces in the centre of the park back at Molineux following the exit of the former captain.

Neves' numbers since leaving Wolves

Al-Hilal's new number eight has slotted straight into the starting lineup effortlessly for the Saudi Professional League club, playing alongside ex-Premier League talents Aleksandar Mitrović and Kalidou Koulibaly week in week out.

He has two goals and one assist for his new side from 17 appearances, with both of his strikes coming in the King's Cup away from matters in the league.

It was his performance versus Al-Shabab recently that showed off his previous Premier League playing credentials, not assisting or scoring in front of his new adoring Al-Hilal masses but stylishly going about his business to rubber-stamp his pedigree.

Fizzing the ball all over the pitch in this contest – accurate with nine of his 13 long passes attempted via Sofascore – Neves' new Saudi supporters would have been impressed with his calmness to play teammates into the game but also his authority to go in for eight tackles in the game too.

The 26-year-old is a sorely missed figure at Molineux, Lemina inaccurate with all three attempted long passes at Bramall Lane last time out for the Old Gold in contrast.

It's in the goal department, however, where Neves is more missed. The aforementioned Gomes and his midfield partner Gomes have only contributed to one goal throughout the entire season to date.

The Portuguese holding midfielder could well even return to English top-flight action with Newcastle United if the proposed controversial deal is given the green light, Wolves fans dreaming that their former number eight would hop on a plane for a Molineux reunion instead.

Romeo Beckham has taken fans aback with a haircut his dad, David, would have been proud to rock in the nineties.

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• Romeo Beckham shows off new hair
• Forward plays for Brentford B
• Yet to make a first-team appearance for the Bees

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Beckham showed off his bleached blonde buzzcut in a new Instagram post that has his four million followers drawing comparison to his father's various extravagant trims from years gone by. Beckham, part of the Brentford B team, was stood in front of a pink, luminescent sign reading: 'Hello Gorgeous.' He is clearly proud of his new look, although we're not sure McLaren F1 star Lando Norris agrees!

  @romeobeckham

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  Romeo Beckham is yet to live up to the high standards set in football by his father. He joined Brentford B from his father's club, Inter Miami, in January 2023 on an initial six-month loan and was part of the squad that won the 2022–23 Premier League Cup. He was subsequently given a one-year contract with the Bees' B team. But, at 21, he is yet to make a first-team appearance for Brentford and does not look likely to break into the team anytime soon.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Romeo first played academy football at Arsenal. He joined the Gunners in 2014 but was released just one year later before choosing to give up pursuing a career in the game. His love for football returned, however, and he joined the Inter Miami reserve side in 2021.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR BECKHAM AND BRENTFORD?

  With Beckham's contract at Brentford running out this summer, his future remains uncertain. The Bees' first-team, meanwhile, take on Sheffield United on Saturday aiming to put some daylight between themselves and the drop zone.

Getafe boss Jose Bordalas has called on La Liga to take action after Mason Greenwood was targeted with 'die' chants in their Real Sociedad clash.

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• Getafe draw with Real Sociedad
• Greenwood subjected to 'die' chants
• Manager calls on La Liga to take action

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  During Getafe's 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad on Sunday, the Manchester United loanee is understood to have been called a "rapist" and told to "die" by some away supporters. This is not the first time the 22-year-old has been on the receiving end of fan abuse and now manager Bordalas wants stronger action taken.

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  WHAT GETAFE'S MANAGER SAID

  After the contest, Bordalas said, via Spanish publication AS: “I don't have much to say. It is unacceptable. This is not the first time this has happened to us and we must take action. Like what happened in the game against Sevilla.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Greenwood, who was allowed to leave for La Liga earlier this season, had charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control dropped in early 2023 – after initially being arrested in January 2022 and then suspended by United – but is still receiving abuse from sections of supporters.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  While Greenwood – who is likely to never play for United again – and Getafe wait to hear if La Liga will take action over these chants, the Spanish side are next in action away to Almeria on Saturday.

Tottenham are now believed to be the main contenders to sign a "very quick" player who's absolutely adored by his club's fanbase.

Lange making Spurs transfer plans

New sporting director Johan Lange and his arrival at N17 will be very intriguing to follow, as the new transfer chief is tasked with upgrading Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou's squad in 2024. Working under Chief Football Officer Scott Munn, the former Aston Villa employee comes in as a direct replacement for Fabio Paratici after his 30-month worldwide ban from football.

While the Italian still apparently advises Tottenham on a consultancy basis, Lange is now set to play a big role in giving Postecoglou exactly what he wants in terms of transfers.

The Lilywhites are said to be prioritising the addition of a new left-sided centre-back after Micky van de Ven's injury, with the Dutchman's absence seriously exposing Spurs' lack of depth in that position. Elsewhere, Postecoglou is believed to want a left-wing alternative to Dejan Kulusevski, leading to links with Al-Ittihad winger and former Celtic star Jota.

Tottenham now favourites to sign Iling-Junior

Sticking to the left wing, another transfer target has emerged for Spurs with reports out of Italy sharing details about their interest in Juventus starlet Samuel Iling-Junior. The former Chelsea academy man has made four appearances off the bench for Massimiliano Allegri's side, playing 12 Serie A matches in total last term as well.

His cameos for the Old Lady have apparently done enough to impress Spurs, who have him on their transfer target list for Postecoglou.

A report by Italian newspaper Il Bianconero has some positive news in this regard, as it is now claimed the north Londoners are "first and foremost" in the race to sign Iling-Junior.

Indeed, Spurs have entered pole position for Iling-Junior and are the main contenders for his signature, with Juve said to value him at a pretty affordable £13 million. In a further boost for Postecoglou and Lange, Juve could even be open to negotiating a loan deal. Both Spurs and Allegri's side already seem to have a strong working relationship, having successfully negotiated the transfers of Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur in the summer of 2022.

Iling-Junior likened to Rafael Leao

The 20-year-old, according to Eurosport journalist Michele Neri, is similar to AC Milan star Rafael Leao in terms of playing style. Juve's fans also went "crazy" for Iling-Junior after a performance last season, with the club's supporters remaining big admirers.

“Iling Junior is a very quick player, who loves to take on opposing full-backs and attack the vertical spaces, in a very direct way,” Neri explained to TNT Sports.

“He is a left winger who can also play as a right winger if needed. He has a great sense for dribbling and a speed from a standing start that other Juventus players do not have.

“In these qualities you can absolutely see shades of Rafael Leao when the AC Milan superstar was a bit younger. The fans went crazy for him after the Benfica game where he played 20 minutes and really shone, providing an assist to Milik.

“But then, due to injuries, he was not used more consistently by Allegri. However the fans appreciated him anyway."

David Moyes jokingly claimed he will be glad to see Jurgen Klopp leave the Premier League after West Ham held Liverpool to a draw.

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• Moyes' pays tribute to Klopp
• Jokingly claimed he is happy to see the German leave
• West Ham held Liverpool to exciting draw

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Hammers twice came from behind to hold Liverpool to a 2-2 draw as they ruined the Reds' title hopes at the London Stadium on Saturday. After earning a hard-fought point, West Ham boss David Moyes paid a hilarious tribute to Jurgen Klopp as he claimed he was glad that the German was leaving the league at the end of the current season.

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• WHAT DAVID MOYES SAID

  Speaking at the post-match press conference, Moyes told reporters, "I'll be glad he's gone. He's too f***ing big. Teeth are too bright. I hate saying this because I've worked for the club's biggest rivals but I think he's been immense for Liverpool, I think he's the Daddy there, I really do.

  "He's been able to control a big football club, which is something that isn't easy to do at times, but he's controlled it. But I'm glad to see the back of him, I've got to say. The Premier League brings in lots of managers from different places, some come and go very quickly, some can last the course."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Scot has not enjoyed much success against the Liverpool manager. Since he took charge of the East London side in 2018, Moyes has won just once in 14 meetings against the Merseyside club. However, they got the result at a time when Klopp's side could ill-afford to drop points in the race for the Premier League title.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

  The club will be next seen in action on May 5 as they take on Tottenham Hotspur in an important league fixture at Anfield.

Crystal Palace let a 1-0 lead slip at the hands of Luton Town on Saturday afternoon and gave the hosts only their second win of the season.

An issue that has plagued Palace for several years – putting the ball in the back of the net – reared its ugly head at Kenilworth Road once again.

Whilst Michael Olise capped his return to the side with a goal, the Eagles failed to build on their lead, despite registering eight shots on target compared to their opponent's three.

In the Premier League this term, only Burnley, Fulham, Sheffield United and Luton have scored less than Palace's total of 13, which is a glowing indication of where Roy Hodgson needs to target in the January transfer window.

Although Odsonne Edouard has plundered five in 12 matches, only one of those has come in his last seven appearances, so signing a striker should be on the high list of priorities, and links to Ajax striker Chuba Akpom suggest it is.

Crystal Palace transfer news – Chuba Akpom

According to TEAMtalk, Palace and Fulham are among several clubs who have enquired about the availability of the Englishman ahead of January.

Akpom, who scored 28 goals in the Championship for Middlesbrough last season to win the Player of the Year award, has started just one game since his arrival in the Dutch capital.

Whilst opportunities have been at a premium for the prolific striker, he has still claimed five goals across his four consecutive appearances in November.

The report states that Akpom is open to a Premier League move and Ajax are ready to sanction a loan deal for the player.

Edouard binned for "outrageous" target in Crystal Palace's dream XI after January

Several exciting names have been linked with a move to Selhurst Park in the winter…

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Tom Griffin

Nov 26, 2023

If that is the case, Palace should be racing to the front of the queue to capture the 28-year-old, who would provide an upgrade on their current forward options, including Edouard.

The statistics that show Akpom is an upgrade on Edouard

Edouard has somewhat only discovered his goalscoring touch at Selhurst Park this term.

The Frenchman arrived from Celtic in the summer of 2021 and was expected to become their latest talismanic forward.

Despite joining the club on the back of an impressive 87 goals in 179 appearances for the Scottish giants, Edouard would find the challenge of stepping up to the Premier League difficult and his goal record speaks volumes of his struggles.

To put it into perspective, the 25-year-old is currently only one goal from matching his best tally of seven, achieved last season, and we're only four months into this campaign.

On the other hand, Akpom's scoring has gone in the other direction, from achieving a career-high of 11 goals in a single season to plundering 29 last term, the Englishman is threatening to deliver on the potential that his formative years promised.

This upturn in form is also reflected across several of his attacking metrics, eclipsing Edouard across the board, aside from his threat in the air.

Dubbed by former striker Clinton Morrison as a "real threat", Akpom has certainly delivered on that praise, wreaking havoc against opposition defences with the volume of shots he's taking, his ability to drive forward at speed and provide a clinical edge in the final third, unlike Edouard.

If Palace were able to acquire the £27k per-week marksman on loan in January, who is valued at €11.9m (£10m), as per Football Transfers, he would be a low-risk move with potentially high rewards as the Eagles look to add more firepower to their armoury.