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Sporting Kansas City boss Peter Vermes address rumors linking the MLS side to France star Antoine Griezmann Tuesday.

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• Sporting boss Vermes addresses Griezmann links
• France star swapped jerseys with NFL & KC's Mahomes
• SKC undergoing miraculous playoff run

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  In an open training session Tuesday, the Sporting boss was asked about the French striker and whether or not he has ever made contact with Griezmann regarding a potential move to MLS.

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• WHAT VERMES SAID

  "He's a great player. Fantastic… Big time quality. He's a world class player. If he's interested, then he'd be a good player to start recruiting," Vermes said.

  When asked if he's ever made contact with the striker, Vermes replied "no."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Griezmann's love for all things American sports, including MLS, are well noted. He has mentioned numerous times that he wants to make a move stateside at some point in his career, and the rumors resurfaced last week after he was pictured swapping signed jerseys with NFL and Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes at a showcase game in Frankfurt, Germany.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR GRIEZMANN AND SPORTING KC?

  The Atletico Madrid star is in action for France during the international break with matches against Gibraltar and Greece. Meanwhile, the MLS side take on Houston Dynamo in the Western Conference semifinals on November 26.

Real Madrid have reportedly made their decision on Toni Kroos' future as his contract nears its expiry in the summer.

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• German midfielder nearing the end of his contract
• Madrid mulling to hand him a one-year extension
• Continues to be a cornerstone in their midfield

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  With Carlo Ancelotti's contract already extended until 2026, the likelihood of Kroos staying for another year has increased, reports German media outlet . The Italian manager highly values Kroos for his strategic prowess at the centre of the park and is advocating his extension, especially with fellow midfielder Luka Modric's diminished importance at the club.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite the emergence of younger talents like Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni, Kroos remains a key figure in Real Madrid's midfield as he continues to impress consistently in crunch matches for Los Blancos. His recent performances have convinced the Madrid hierarchy of his enduring quality and it has been reported that talks over his contract extension are expected to commence at the end of March, with both parties keen on reaching an agreement.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Kroos has allegedly made it clear to his entourage that he intends to either continue with the Spanish giants or retire from professional football at the end of the current campaign. If he chooses to try his luck for more silverware beyond the summer, Madrid are ready to offer him a new one-year contract, similar to the arrangement in 2023.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  It is believed that Kroos is also mulling over a return from international retirement and play a part for Julian Nagelsmann's Germany in the upcoming European Championship if he is indeed called up. Nonetheless, Madrid will remain a significant part of his life post-retirement as his family including his wife and children have found comfort in Spain.

Casemiro was defended by an ex-Manchester United legend after the Brazilian was subbed off at half-time in Luton Town victory.

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• Casemiro picked up a first-half caution against Luton
• Ten Hag subbed him to avoid redcard
• Louis Saha hails him as a "terrific" player

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Red Devils churned out a hard-fought 2-1 victory at Kenilworth Road, thanks to a well-taken brace from Rasmus Hojlund in the opening seven minutes. However, Casemiro was lucky to escape a second yellow for a late challenge on Ross Barkley, with the Hatters' appealing to referee David Coote to send the Brazilian off. This prompted Ten Hag to remove the Brazilian during the half-time break so that United did not go a man down in the second half.

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• WHAT LOUIS SAHA SAID

  Casemiro has come in for criticism this season, but Louis Saha believes talk is unfair and thinks that he still "has the legs" to shine at the top level.

  He told: "Casemiro is not too old for the Premier League. Journalists are really on his back, maybe because Manchester United’s style of play hasn’t been quite right. Since last season, he’s been asked to do too much, and he still managed to do it. He was getting more goals, and I don’t think he got many goals at Real Madrid, but he’s taken on a bit more responsibility at United.

  “He’s trying to press and win the ball higher up the pitch which has been difficult for him. People will talk about whether he has the legs for it, and yes, he’s older than he was three years ago but he's still a terrific player. When he recovers the ball, his first or second touch will always be into the strikers’ feet or to Bruno Fernandes to start the counterattack.

  “Those elements are crucial and especially when he’s playing with young boys alongside him, it’s very important. People tend to focus on Manchester United more than anyone else and it used to be Cristiano Ronaldo but now it’s Casemiro because he’s a top player who has won the Champions League. The attention is always more aggressive on these types of players, and I think that’s unfair.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Casemiro was sent off twice last season against Crystal Palace and Southampton and ended up being banned for eight games over two months in an otherwise excellent debut campaign at Old Trafford. However, he endured a sluggish start to this campaign at Old Trafford but is slowly regaining his form since his comeback in Janaury following a hamstring problem.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  United's recent form has seen them win their last four Premier League matches, putting them in contention for a top-four finish alongside Tottenham and Aston Villa. Their next challenge will be to maintain this winning streak when they face Fulham at home on Saturday.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has confirmed their intention to keep both Ronald Araujo and Frenkie de Jong despite rumours linking the pair away.

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• Deco wants to keep pair
• De Jong linked with Chelsea, Man Utd and PSG
• Araujo wanted by Bayern Munich

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Deco has confirmed the club's desire to retain both De Jong and Araujo, who have both been linked away in recent months. The Netherlands midfielder has yet to sign a new contract but has been linked with Manchester United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, while his team-mate has been linked with Bayern Munich.

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• WHAT DECO SAID

  Deco said: “What will happen to Araujo and De Jong? Nothing will happen. They have a contract and we want to keep the best. And they are the best. They are footballers of the present and the future. They are players who have earned the right to be at Barca and they have earned the respect of the fans and the club. We want to continue counting on them.”

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Barcelona face significant financial pressures and there had been some talk that they may well need to raise funds in the summer. However, it appears they are willing to retain two of their first-team stars, and may look elsewhere to beef up their transfer kitty.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

  Barcelona play Athletic Club next weekend. They will then face Mallorca on the following Friday.

Rio Ferdinand believes that Erik ten Hag is living on borrowed time at Manchester United with Sir Jim Ratcliffe potentially ready to swing the axe.

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• Fulham defeat has put Ten Hag's future under the scanner
• Ratcliffe's arrival has further intensified pressure on the manager
• Must turn around the fortunes of the club to save his skin

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Following United's 2-1 defeat to Fulham, there have been growing concerns about the team's progress under Ten Hag. Ratcliffe's arrival and the ongoing restructuring at the club have cast further doubt on the coach's future at Old Trafford. Should United fail to finish strongly, Ferdinand believes that Ratcliffe and his team may not hesitate to make a change in management.

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• WHAT FERDINAND SAID

  Ferdinand speaking on FIVE said: "If he runs it close [to finishing in the top four], if they see an upturn in form and the environment at the training ground and can see something where 'we can see what it looks like going into next season if we add the right pieces to it'… a lot of moving parts have to fall into place for him to stay.

  "If they don't finish the season well, they're losing games and it looks like the dressing room isn't a harmonious place, one thing I would say is I don't think Jim Ratcliffe and his team are shy of making big decisions. It won't be a big thing for them if they had to [sack him]. I don't think they look at it and go 'We've got to work out the media and PR'. No, no. What's right for Man United now? We'll do."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher also hit out at Ten Hag on Monday Night Football and questioned the manager's lack of tactical acumen during the Fulham defeat. Ferdinand echoed the thoughts of Carragher and said: "If you coach a team, you're not just coaching 11 – it's everyone in the squad. So when they come in, they should all have their roles and responsibilities to be able to implement a certain way of playing. Man United just don't have a style of play at the moment, where you go 'that is them'.

  "Look at all the best teams, you know how they play. [Manchester] City, [Ange] Postecoglou – you know how his team is going to play. [Mikel] Arteta – you know how his team is going to play."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Injuries have compounded the challenges for Ten Hag this season, with key players like Mason Mount, Tyrell Malacia, and Lisandro Martinez still unavailable. With only 12 league games left in the season, Ten Hag faces a critical period to demonstrate his capabilities to the club's new owners. The Red Devils will be back in action in the FA Cup fifth round against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday before they take on derby rivals Manchester City on Sunday in a blockbuster Premier League clash.

Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper and Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has been left excited by some major news out of the club.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye first pieces of business…

The Lilywhites and transfer chief Fabio Paratici are allegedly eyeing their first pieces of business ahead of the summer with some big decisions made behind-the-scenes, according to reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano.

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Sharing news last week, the transfer journalist claims that Spurs are set to back manager Antonio Conte with the permanent signings of Dejan Kulusevski and Cristian Romero – a move which will cost the club around £68 million.

The Latest: Robinson excited…

After this major development come to light courtesy of Romano, the ex-Spurs shot stopper turned Sky pundit had his say – praising the news in an interview with Football Insider.

He explained: “To get Romero and Kulusevski for that price is great business.”

“That is extremely cheap for two players of that calibre. I suspect there would be a lot of teams very interested in those two were Spurs not to sign them permanently.

“You have to put a lot down to the manager and Paratici. Their relationship and knowledge of the Italian market is paying dividends.

“That is a sign of what is to come in the summer I think. I’m sure there will be another one or two signings coming in from Italy.

“Spurs have to back Conte in this window. Another window like January would only be good for the club.”

The Verdict: Great news…

Both men have been absolutely integral for Spurs over 2021/2022, making their permanent deals an absolute no brainer.

Kulusevski, since arriving in January, has formed a deadly understanding with Harry Kane and Son Heung-min as part of a brilliant attacking front-three.

Meanwhile, Romero has topped Tottenham’s charts as their most colossal defensive presence – making the most tackles and interceptions per 90 for them in England’s top flight (WhoScored).

Indeed, Robinson has every right to be excited by Romano’s update on the pair.

In other news: Reliable journalist: Tottenham will aim to secure agreement for ‘fantastic’ target very soon! Find out more here.

Liverpool have been battling to get some players fit for tonight’s Champions League final against Real Madrid, and an official update has emerged which will excite supporters ahead of kick-off.

What’s the latest?

The club’s official Twitter channel has delivered an update on Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho’s inclusion in the matchday squad for the final in Paris.

Liverpool FC tweeted: “Thiago and Fabinho will be included in our travelling squad for the #UCLfinal against Real Madrid”, along with images of both players in training ahead of the Stade de France showdown.

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Supporters will be excited

This latest update will surely get Liverpool supporters excited, following doubts over both midfielders being in the squad for the Champions League final.

Fabinho was pictured returning to full training on Tuesday following a thigh injury sustained in the Premier League clash against Aston Villa earlier this month. He duly missed the FA Cup final a fortnight ago, but Jurgen Klopp had been confident that the Brazilian should be in contention for tonight.

Thiago was the bigger doubt out of the two, with the Spanish star suffering an Achilles injury against Wolves on the last day of the Premier League season six days ago.

On Wednesday, Paul Joyce tweeted; “Jurgen Klopp said Thiago Alcantara has a good chance of making the Champions League final. He will train this afternoon.”

A subsequent update on Liverpool’s official website stated that the 30-year-old has indeed trained in the meantime.

Following the update, it suggests that the relentless midfield duo could be in contention for the final, which is a massive boost for the Reds. They have both featured regularly in Liverpool’s journey to the decider, with Fabinho playing in all 12 games in the European campaign, and when they come together they combine to make a formidable midfield force.

Since Thiago arrived at the club, the Reds have only lost one game in all competitions when the Brazilian and the Spaniard start together. That is an astonishing statistic, and one which proves that the pair are desperately needed to start against Real Madrid tonight.

Klopp and Liverpool supporters will be hoping that the duo can combine to inspire another positive result in Paris, as Liverpool chase their third trophy of the season.

AND in other news: James Pearce shares exciting Liverpool update that supporters will love

Steven Gerrard will be looking forward to the new Premier League season, especially when you consider the signings that Aston Villa have made before the transfer window officially opens.

The 42-year-old has managed to secure Philippe Coutinho on a permanent deal, while Diego Carlos and Boubacar Kamara have also arrived, and the spine of the side looks excellent so far.

The signing of Carlos in particular has been a pleasing one for the Villa faithful, with the defence being an area of concern last season. They conceded 54 goals in the league in 2021/22, so the signing of the Brazilian centre-back should improve this aspect next term.

The question is, who will partner with him? Tyrone Mings (6.74) and Ezri Konsa (6.43) ranked 10th and 17th in the Aston Villa squad on WhoScored for the most recent campaign, signifying that their performances have been underwhelming.

However, with a report from The Athletic stating that Villa are favourites to sign Burnley defender James Tarkowski, Gerrard may have found the perfect partner for Carlos.

Imagine Tarkowski and Carlos

The £70k-p/w centre back, who was described as a “rock” by journalist Alex James, has plenty of Premier League experience (194 games) and would slot well into the Villa backline.

Tarkowski ranks in the top 1% compared to positional peers in the big five European leagues for both blocks (2.67 per 90) and aerial duels won (4.95 per 90), so his would certainly appear to be a shrewd signing for Gerrard to make.

His physical prowess and defensive ability would be welcomed at Villa Park ahead of what is a crucial season for Gerrard and his team. A fast start is required or there might be a few doubts lingering in the air as to whether or not the 42-year-old is suited to Premier League management, having lost more matches than he’s won so far in the Midlands.

Only time will tell, but Villa supporters will love that the manager has made a head start on recruitment, with more new faces on the way hopefully.

AND in other news, Gerrard must axe “frustrating” Aston Villa liability in deal for “unreal” £10m dynamo

West Ham United insider ExWHUemployee has shared a latest update regarding the future of on-loan stopper, Alphonse Areola.

What’s the word?

The respected source has revealed that the Frenchman is edging ever closer toward a permanent deal at the London Stadium, having spent the campaign on loan from Ligue 1 giants, Paris Saint-Germain.

Asked about any fresh news regarding the 29-year-old’s future, the club insider revealed on Twitter that an agreement could be imminent, once wage issues are ironed out: “Hoping to conclude soon but talks still going on over fee/wages.”

That corroborates with an update from Fabrizio Romano, with the transfer guru revealing that the Hammers are set to activate the three-cap international’s buyout clause – the fee said to be in the region of €9m (£7.6m).

Moyes delighted

It may not be a marquee arrival, with the former Fulham man having already been at the club over the past year, yet David Moyes will surely be delighted to be edging closer towards confirmation of a deal, with any manager set to be pleased with getting their summer business done swiftly.

Further additions also appear in the works, amid reports that Rennes centre-back Nayef Aguerd could be on his way to east London in a £13m deal, with the 26-year-old, Morrocan star strengthening what had been a problem area at times last term.

As for Areola, the World Cup winner will provide adequate cover or even direct replacement to first-choice ‘keeper Lukasz Fabianski, with the 37-year-old still going strong even in his advancing years.

The one-time Real Madrid man could run him close next term, however, if his permanent move is secured, having impressed during the club’s run to the Europa League semi-finals, keeping five clean sheets in his 11 games in the competition, while only missing the first group game away at Dinamo Zagreb.

The £8.1m-rated gem has also previously shown his quality during his stint at Craven Cottage during the 2020/21 season, recording 116 saves in the top-flight – the fifth-most in the division – despite Scott Parker’s side ultimately suffering a swift return to the second tier.

While he only made a single league outing in the most recent campaign – with that solitary appearance coming in the 1-0 defeat to Manchester United back in January – he has seemingly shown enough quality in the past to prove a reliable backup option moving forward, or may even usurp the aforementioned Fabianski.

Whatever the case, Moyes will no doubt be delighted to have two goalkeepers of such quality on his books, while the speed of the impending deal will allow them to also prioritise other targets.

IN other news, “A chance…”: Ex drops exciting West Ham transfer claim, supporters will be buzzing

A big Newcastle United transfer twist has emerged on their interest in Dean Henderson with the summer transfer window set to open on Friday.

What’s the talk?

90min reporter Graeme Bailey has claimed that the club’s sporting director is behind the call to drop their pursuit of the shot-stopper.

He Tweeted: “One of Dan Ashworth’s first deals and he is now on top of everything. It is believed he is the main reason Newcastle have stepped back from Dean Henderson deal.”

This comes after Dean Jones recently told GIVEMESPORT that he was surprised by the Magpies going back on their interest in the Englishman:

“It’s come as a bit of a surprise, but there is one source inside the club now that is indicating to people that he is not going to be pursued any longer, which definitely isn’t the message we’ve been getting from other people around the ownership up to now. So, that’s interesting.”

Supporters will be delighted

The supporters will be delighted with this news as it shows that Ashworth is looking to make his mark instantly and is willing to be ruthless with his decision making on Tyneside.

As per Jones’ comments, there was interest from Newcastle in Henderson earlier in the summer and Bailey has now revealed that the sporting director coming in has changed that. This shows that he is prepared to tell others that they are wrong, as he has seemingly told those at the club who wanted to sign the goalkeeper that it is not a signing the team needs to make.

Irrespective of whether or not the fans agree with this specific decision, the supporters will love that he is willing to make tough decisions and is not going to pander to any calls that were made before he arrived at St. James’ Park.

This bodes well for the remainder of the window as fans can now expect him to take decisive action on targets, both in terms of players he wants to sign and those – like Henderson – who are recommended to him and he does not want to bring in.

Supporters will, therefore, be delighted with this update and will now be hoping that his strong leadership in the sporting director role leads to an excellent summer window that improves Eddie Howe’s squad.

AND in other news, Ashworth now plotting NUFC bid for £20m gem with “no nerves”, he’s a huge Burn upgrade…