Sunderland just about got the better of Derby County last time out in Championship action as Wilson Isidor endured another puzzling night in front of goal.

The Black Cats picked up a slim 1-0 victory at Pride Park via a first-half effort from Eliezer Mayenda, but if it wasn’t for a bizarre offside call denying Isidor’s fierce strike in the second half, the win would have been more straightforward to pick up.

Luck really hasn’t been on the Frenchman’s side lately after he missed two penalties in the clash with Burnley before this dubious decision dented his confidence some more, with the 24-year-old now worried his first team spot could be in danger with a potential new recruit joining.

Sunderland interested in EFL striker

As per journalist Michael Graham, reporting on his X account, Regis Le Bris’ side are now looking at bringing in Preston North End attacker Emil Riis Jakobsen to the building this transfer window as they continue to hunt down more striker reinforcements.

Adding the imposing Dane could result in Sunderland’s pursuit of K.V.C. Westerlo striker Matija Frigan officially being declared dead in the water, with the ex-Lorient manager revealing recently that nothing is close at the moment with regards to the Croat moving to England.

Jakobsen would be seen as a big upgrade on Frigan anyway, considering his goalscoring expertise in the EFL with the Lilywhites, with the lofty 6 foot 3 forward also potentially taking Isidor’s first team spot off him on his arrival to Wearside.

What Jakobsen would offer Sunderland

Jakobsen has been at Preston for a number of seasons now and has shown he can light up the second tier on his day with some electric attacking displays.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

This campaign, the former Randers FC man is even managing to outperform the unlucky Isidor, despite the 26-year-old going through some barren patches of form for Paul Heckingbottom’s side.

24/25

31

7

2

23/24

22

6

3

22/23

26

5

0

21/22

49

20

6

20/21

39

3

1

Indeed, when glancing at the table above, Jakobsen has managed to pick up one more goal contribution than Isidor has when donning a Sunderland strip this season, with the Dane known as a consistent goalscoring presence at Deepdale who could be elevated to greater heights playing alongside the likes of Enzo Le Fee at the Stadium of Light.

Ex-Preston manager Ryan Lowe even wrny out of his way to label Jakobsen as “phenomenal” in terms of his work rate when the pair worked together in Lancashire, with Le Bris hopeful that the 26-year-old’s addition to the ranks would ease up the pressure on Isidor’s shoulders to be his team’s leading man.

He would also be a big upgrade on Sunderland taking a punt of Frigan when not only considering his heroics in the Championship, but further the fact the Westerlo man is two goals shy of Jakobsen’s league total playing in Belgium with six big chances also squandered.

Regardless of who Sunderland end up winning the services of, it’s very clear that the Wearside outfit are prioritising brand new striker recruits to try and give themselves an edge in the ongoing promotion race.

After all, Sheffield United have already got Ben Brereton Diaz through the door with Tom Cannon reportedly entering next, as Le Bris’ promotion hopefuls now go about flexing their own muscles.

Their own Cannon: Sunderland can save millions by unleashing academy star

Sunderland could look to their esteemed academy structure to improve their attacking personnel.

ByKelan Sarson Jan 21, 2025

Kylian Mbappe's lawyers reportedly want UEFA to strip Paris Saint-Germain of their Champions League license over €55 million in unpaid wages.

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• Mbappe wants €55m in unpaid PSG wages
• Madrid star's lawyers "go on the attack"
• Want French side's UCL license stripped

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After Mbappe swapped Madrid for PSG last summer, the France international's legal team have claimed he is owed €55m (£46m/$60m) in unpaid wages. Now, reports that if the 26-year-old does not get paid this amount, his lawyers will urge UEFA to not allow them to play in next season's Champions League.

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• AFP
  

  WHAT KYLIAN MBAPPE'S LAWYER SAID

  Mbappe's chief lawyer, Delphine Verheyden, said: "The process began in February 2024, and since then, PSG has not fulfilled its contractual obligations. In Kylian Mbappé's case, it's no more complicated than that. He joined PSG in the summer of 2017. He signed a contract, which was extended in the spring of 2022, for two seasons with an option. Along the way, there were exchanges, discussions, pressure… we'll come back to all of that. The contracts were signed. There were two of them. Have they been fulfilled? Yes. Until the end? Yes. Paid? No. What's missing? €55 million. A decision has been taken, this time to go on the attack."

  The lawyer continued: "Our problem is that the player still hasn't received his payments, and the club is loudly proclaiming that it will not carry out these decisions. We are dealing with a club that is not respecting an employment contract, not respecting decisions that are binding on it. So there is no other solution than to go to the next level, that is, seize these sums as a precautionary measure and inform UEFA.

  "UEFA is currently reviewing applications for next season. The criteria that clubs must meet to obtain this license include not having any arrears in payments to their employees, including players. It was our duty to inform UEFA of this."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The French football league's governing body (LFP) ruled in favour of Mbappe last October but the French Football Federation (FFF) deemed the forward's request invalid. Now, his legal team are stepping up their efforts to punish PSG to the full extent.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  While this legal battle continues behind the scenes, Mbappe could feature for Madrid away at Alaves in La Liga on Sunday.

On batting at No. 4: “I was preparing myself mentally for it – luckily, I got the runs, and whatever I did, it was crucial”

Shashank Kishore30-Aug-20222:27

Jadeja: Any opposition will be intimidated by India’s batting order

Ravindra Jadeja was at his jovial best at Tuesday’s optional training session ahead of India’s final group game against Hong Kong in Dubai. And when he appeared for the pre-match press conference, he was greeted with a huge cheer in the room.” (Found your sacrificial lamb, have you)?” Jadeja said with a laugh as he settled into his chair. And over the next ten minutes, his answers alternated between funny and insightful.” book (your question is out of my syllabus),” he joked when asked whether Rishabh Pant would continue to be benched.Related

Jadeja at No. 4 forced Pakistan to change plans, and it 'ultimately cost them'

Can Hong Kong overcome monumental odds to give India another scare?

Hong Kong's motley crew makes big sacrifices to keep the dream alive

India and Pakistan finally give us a thriller worthy of the hype

” (you seem to think a lot, I don’t think so much),” he quipped when asked about his role of primarily being a bowler in Test cricket, as opposed to being more multi-dimensional in white-ball cricket.Chuckles turned into full-blown laughter when Jadeja responded to a question on how he dealt with rumours about his sudden injury during the IPL and the possibility of him not being selected for the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup.”Once I even heard a rumour that I had died; it can’t be bigger than that,” he responded. “I don’t think too much about it. I just focus on my work, try to play well and perform.”Jadeja’s answers were quick. He can go through half a dozen questions in the time he takes to bowl an over, which he does faster than perhaps anyone else in the world.It wasn’t all fun and banter, though, as Jadeja elaborated on his new role, especially as a batter.In India’s Asia Cup opener against Pakistan, Jadeja was promoted to No. 4 in the absence of a left-handed batter in the top six.With Pakistan playing a legspinner in Shadab Khan and a left-arm spinner in Mohammad Nawaz, Jadeja was sent up the order to negate the threat of a right-hand batter having to face a ball turning away from him. Jadeja responded with a 29-ball 35 and his partnership with Hardik Pandya helped India win the game with two balls to spare. He revealed that he had been preparing to bat anywhere in the order, and that the decision to move up was something he had expected.”Definitely, sometimes it happens if a left-arm spinner or legspinner is bowling, it’s easier to have a left-hander,” Jadeja said. “In the top seven I was the only left-hander. I knew there would be such situations, where they have a left-arm spinner and legspinner so I may have to bat up.”I was preparing myself mentally for it. Luckily, I got the runs, and whatever I did, it was crucial. I can’t say [the same will happen against all teams]. Every opponent has different bowlers, we’ll plan from that point of view.”1:06

Sending Jadeja above Suryakumar made Pakistan change their plans

Jadeja rued not finishing the game off but expressed satisfaction at having delivered a key performance in a pressure situation. “If you play for India, there will be pressure always,” he said. “You need to play with responsibility sometimes. When you get a chance to bat when the team is in trouble and then you have to win it from there, it’s challenging.”You can sometimes come to bowl in similar situations. If you perform well in such situations, it gives you satisfaction and confidence as a player.”And how would Jadeja bowl to a batter like Jadeja? “If there’s someone like that in T20s, I’ll look at the areas the batter plays in, what his strong zones are, which end I’m bowling from, and which part of the outfield is bigger.”In 2018, the Asia Cup was Jadeja’s launchpad for a comeback after he fell out of favour for close to a year. Four years on, Jadeja and Pandya are key pieces of India’s T20I puzzle as they look to win a tournament – the T20 World Cup – they haven’t won since 2007.Jadeja isn’t focused on Australia just yet. He’s looking to do his best against Hong Kong, and then take the Super 4s on. “One game at a time, one game at a time,” he laughed, before walking off sipping ice-cold water.

Manchester United could still conduct transfer business this month, as they are monitoring a record-breaking forward who is also being eyed by Liverpool, according to a recent report.

Man Utd transfer news

Ruben Amorim will have known this transfer window was going to be difficult for him to bring in new players, and while that remains the case, the Portuguese may hold some small hope that he can at least get one new player through the door before February 3rd.

Man Utd eyeing bid to sign £40m giant who turned down move under Ten Hag

Ruben Amorim is keen on signing a young player who has already been on Man United’s radar.

1

By
Brett Worthington

Jan 15, 2025

Despite money being tight at Old Trafford, the Red Devils continue to be linked with potential new arrivals either for this month or for the summer transfer window. One player who has emerged on their radar in recent days is forward Nene Dorgeles, who plays for Austrian side RB Salzburg.

Fabrizio Romano states that United are monitoring the attacker, and he is among their list of options for either this transfer window or the summer. Romano goes on to add that initial talks have been held to get an understanding of the price and the overall package.

As well as looking at Dorgeles, United are also among the teams interested in signing goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. The 22-year-old might be a player United fans are aware of, as he was close to joining the Premier League side in 2023 but decided against it as he didn’t want to be back-up to Andre Onana.

Suzuki has since joined Parma and has continued to impress so much that United are again looking into a possible deal for the player, who could cost as much as £40 million.

Man Utd monitoring record-breaking striker who will cost £25m

The transfer links don’t stop there for the Red Devils, as according to TBR Football, Manchester United are monitoring FC Nurnberg’s Stefanos Tzimas after learning he is open to a move to the Premier League.

It’s reported that United, along with West Ham, Newcastle, Tottenham, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Brighton, are all keeping a close eye on his progress in Germany. United’s arch rivals Liverpool may be considered ahead in the race as they have made an approach for the forward.

The 19-year-old is on loan at Nurnberg from POAK, but the German side have the option to make the move permanent for £15 million in the summer. They are expected to trigger that option and then look to sell him for £25 million after his exploits this season.

Tzimas is already a record-breaker at the young age of 19, as when he scored for PAOK back in March 2023, he became the youngest goalscorer in their history at the age of 17. The Red Devils are in the market for a new centre forward, with Amorim ideally wanting to bring in one this month.

Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have struggled in front of goal before and during Amorim’s reign, and if that doesn’t change before the end of the campaign, one or both could leave, and Tzimas could be seen as a potential long-term replacement. The concern for United fans would be that it is another unproven player in English football, and again, it is a striker who is very young, when they are crying out for a more proven, experienced striker.

أعلن اتحاد الكرة، عن طاقم حكام مباراة الأهلي والبنك الأهلي، المقامة اليوم ضمن منافسات مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

يخوض الأهلي المواجهة القوية، وهو يتصدر جدول الترتيب برصيد 52 نقطة، متفوقًا بفارق نقطتين عن بيراميدز صاحب المركز الثاني.

طالع | سلوفينيا تعلن عبر “بطولات” موقف الأهلي النهائي من استدعاء جراديشار

ويسعى المدير الفني للأهلي، عماد النحاس، لمواصلة سلسلة الانتصارات، من خلال حصد ثلاث نقاط جديدة تعزز موقع الفريق في الصدارة، وتقرّبه أكثر من التتويج باللقب، لا سيما أن الفريق تتبقى له مباراتان فقط في مرحلة التتويج.

في المقابل، يحتل البنك الأهلي المركز الرابع برصيد 37 نقطة، ويطمح لتحقيق نتيجة إيجابية أمام المتصدر، تعزز موقعه في الجدول، وترفع من معنوياته قبل نهاية الموسم، بالإضافة إلى تعزيز فرصه في التأهل لكأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية الموسم المقبل.

وسبق أن التقى الفريقان في 10 مباريات، حقق خلالها الأهلي الفوز في أربع مواجهات، مقابل انتصار وحيد للبنك الأهلي، بينما حسم التعادل خمس مباريات بينهما.

يُذكر أن مواجهة الدور الأول بين الفريقين في الموسم الحالي انتهت بالتعادل السلبي. حكم مباراة الأهلي والبنك الأهلي اليوم في الدوري المصري

حكم ساحة: محمود ناجي

حكم مساعد 1: خالد السيد

حكم مساعد 2: عمر فتحي

حكم رابع: عمرو الشناوي

VAR حكم: محمد الصباحي

حكم VAR مساعد: هاني خيري

Aston Villa’s generally impressive season continues.

On Saturday, goals from Ross Barkley and then Leon Bailey saw the Villans beat Leicester City 2-1, leaving them eighth in the Premier League, thereby occupying the final potential European position.

However, given the fact that Unai Emery’s team are currently fifth in the gigantic Champions League table, on course to go straight through to the round of 16, few Villa supporters are complaining.

So now, in the January transfer window, could Villa re-sign a player who was so pivotal in getting them into the Champions League in the first place?

Aston Villa's search for a midfielder

A midfield addition appears to be on the agenda for Emery and co, with journalist Graeme Bailey having reported earlier this week that Aston Villa are ‘open’ to re-signing midfielder Douglas Luiz from Juventus this month.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Bailey noted that Villa are exploring a loan deal, while the Serie A giants will only agree to such a deal if an obligation to buy is included.

The Brazilian joined la Vecchia Signora for a reported £42.5m as recently as last summer, with Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea moving in the opposite direction for a reported €22m (£18m), as the club skirted around a potential PSR breach.

Luiz was a key figure for Villa last season, with Martin Laurence on Twitter calling his performances “outstanding”, while Jermaine Pennant told talkSPORT he believed the Brazilian to be better than Declan Rice, stating “I think he can do everything that Rice can do and better”.

However, as noted by Adam Digby of Forbes, Luiz’s time at Juventus has gone disastrously, with the front page of Gazzetta dello Sport labelling him ‘a flop’ as early as October.

His most high-profile mishap came in the Champions League, giving away a penalty for handball against RB Leipzig, mere seconds after being introduced as a substitute, saved further scrutiny by the fact that Francisco Conceição scored late on to snatch a 3-2 victory for ten-man I Bianconeri in Saxony.

Overall, Luiz has seen a miserly 354 minutes of action for Thiago Motta’s team, starting just two matches, hence why Juventus are open to selling him, with Nottingham Forest amongst those also interested in a move.

How Douglas Luiz's return would help Aston Villa

As alluded to earlier, Luiz was one of Aston Villa’s most pivotal players last season, racking up 4,353 minutes across all competitions, the second-most of any player in the squad, a mere 18 minutes fewer than Ezri Konsa.

On top of that, as noted by Sofascore, the Brazilian was awarded the second-highest average rating of any Villa player in the Premier League throughout the 2023/24 season (7.27), behind only top-scorer Ollie Watkins (7.32).

Thus, it’s clear that Luiz would certainly be an asset, if the Villans are able to bring him back, but how does he compare to Youri Tielemans, the current occupant of the deep-lying midfield position, usually deployed alongside either Boubacar Kamara or Amadou Onana?

Statistics

Douglas Luiz

Youri Tielemans

Appearances

71

85

Minutes

4,732

5,767

Goals

9

8

Assists

10

13

Progressive passes

258

347

Passes attempted

3,059

2,950

Pass completion %

85.8%

82.5%

Shot-creating actions

165

167

Tackles

83

111

Interceptions

30

50

Touches

3,423

3,383

As shown by the data, since the start of last season, Luiz – who’s previously been hailed as an “absolute joy to watch” by journalist Gregg Evans – and Tielemans are remarkably similar for a wide variety of metrics.

The Brazilian has scored one more goal, despite having yet to get off the mark for Juventus, while he attempted more passes, registered more touches and completed a higher % of passes, even though he has played almost exactly 1,000 minutes fewer during this time-frame, largely as a result of his inactivity since moving to the Serie A side.

Meantime, the Belgian, somewhat surprisingly, accumulated more tackles and interceptions, which may be contrary to general perception, but, without doubt, Luiz would certainly help Villa’s ambitions across all three competitions, if they’re able to bring him back to the Midlands.

Talks opened: Aston Villa pursuing "top talent" who could be Duran 2.0

Aston Villa are looking to add to their attacking options

ByJoe Nuttall Jan 10, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

A briga pelas últimas vagas na Seleção Brasileira antes da Copa do Mundo do Qatar está ficando cada vez mais acirrada. Fora da última convocação por conta de uma lesão, Matheus Cunha acredita ter um concorrente de peso no setor: o atacante Hulk, do Atlético-MG. Destaque no ano passado e nesta temporada, o jogador foi chamado apenas uma vez neste ciclo. Em entrevista coletiva, o atleta do Atlético de Madrid avaliou a disputa.

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– Sem duvida nenhuma, pelo que ele tem feito e todos os outros (jogadores), acredito que a convocação da Seleção deve ser extremamente difícil por tantos grandes nomes que tem no futebol e por tantas coisas boas que os jogadores vem fazendo. Que seja uma dor de cabeça sadia para nosso treinador, e o Tite use com sabedoria disso. A decisão final é sempre dele, espero que todos nós estejamos cada vez mais prontos para essa convocação – afirmou.

Com a Copa sendo realizada apenas no final do ano, os jogadores passam por ainda mais ansiedade até lá. Além disso, o torneio promete ser em alto nível físico por acontecer no meio da temporada europeia. A Seleção tem maioria de atletas atuando fora do país.

– Queria que fosse ontem. Estando convocado, queria que fosse ontem (risos). A ansiedade é muito grande, quando as coisas vão acontecendo, você está na convocação, aquele friozinho na barriga, você quer que seja o mais rápido possível para fazer parte de tudo o que é o projeto. Mas, pensando não só com o coração, mas com a razão, vai ser melhor para o jogador, o nível fica mais alto, tem mais jogadores na Europa em todas as seleções, vamos estar num melhor momento, vamos nos preparar mais. Sendo no meio do ano, saímos muito exaustos. Acredito que tem tudo para ser a melhor Copa em nível físico e tático, o corpo vai estar mais preparado – avaliou.

O atacante completou 23 anos na última sexta-feira e disse que aprova o aumento de 23 para até 26 atletas inscritos para este Mundial. A Fifa ainda não confirmou a possibilidade.

– Isso só engrandece, assim como as cinco substituições, essas coisas deixam o futebol com mais opções e nível mais alto. Estamos falando da seleção brasileira, em que sai um e entra outro de imensa qualidade e competência para vestir essa camisa. Os 26 numa Copa é importante, é bom, abre vaga para mais jogadores, acredito que para todos treinadores deve ser uma dor de cabeça tremenda, chegar na convocação e ter mais três vagas ajuda – declarou.

A Seleção Brasileira fez o segundo treino na Coreia do Sul neste sábado. Tite esboçou o quarteto ofensivo com Gabriel Jesus, Neymar, Lucas Paquetá e Richarlison, o que tira Matheus da equipe.Campeão olímpico em 2021, o jovem tem cinco convocações e seis jogos. No Atlético de Madrid são 38 partidas, sete gols e sete assistências, mas ainda não é titular.

– Foi uma temporada de muito aprendizado, minha primeira temporada junto da seleção principal, ganhei ouro olímpico, ótima maneira de começar a temporada, com muita felicidade, alegria, indo para um dos maiores clubes do mundo, da Espanha, com concorrentes que só me ajudaram a crescer. Na próxima temporada a gente vai com muito mais foco, concentração e ansiedade, num bom sentido da palavra, porque tem grandes coisas que queremos disputar com Atlético e com a Seleção. Acredito que dentro do projeto do Atlético a próxima temporada tem tudo para ser muito grande e com muitas coisas para se aproveitar – finalizou.

OBrasil faz amistoso contra a Coreia do Sul na próxima quinta-feira, às 8h (de Brasília), em Seul. Depois, viaja para enfrentar o Japão em Tóquio, no dia 6, às 7h20 (de Brasília).

Having already submitted their opening bid, Wolverhampton Wanderers have now reportedly agreed personal terms with their latest target in an attempt to boost Vitor Pereira’s options before the end of the transfer window.

Wolves transfer news

Those in the Midlands desperately needed to act this month and with that the rumours have been coming thick and fast. Even after welcoming Emmanuel Agbadou to finally provide their squad with the added central defender it certainly needed, the likes of Bright Osayi-Samuel and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have threatened to steal the headlines.

The latter would be a particularly interesting option given his experience as a Champions League and Premier League winner for Liverpool. Now reportedly keen on a return to English football, Wolves are supposedly among the clubs lining up for his signature before the deadline in just under a week.

If they are to climb out of the relegation zone, then signing such experience would certainly be an intelligent move – especially if it is to replace Mario Lemina who has been linked with a move away all month long.

Related Wolves racing to sign "super" £67k-p/w Lemina replacement alongside Danso

He’s a man in demand…

Posts ByTom Cunningham Jan 29, 2025

Before Oxlade-Chamberlain, however, those at Molineux are reportedly closing in on another target. According to Ben Jacobs, Wolves have now agreed personal terms with Kevin Danso and must now meet RC Lens’ reported €30m (£25m) price tag having seen their €22m (£18m) offer turned down by the French club.

The 26-year-old would certainly be a key addition to partner Agbadou and potentially Santiago Bueno at the heart of Pereira’s back five, which could even feature three natural centre-backs if Craig Dawson returned to the side.

Of course, by the time that Gary O’Neil’s tenure came to an end it was the likes of Lemina who were forced to drop out of their natural position and into central defence in what was only the beginning of the end. Now, a successful window could finally see Wolves solve that problem.

"Rapid" Danso would solve Wolves problem

An additional centre-back was always the option that Wolves needed to turn to even after signing Agbadou. Having at least three natural players in that role available suddenly allows Pereira to shift his side into a back four and potentially finally make his mark on the Midlands side. It’s that change or that improvement in a back five which could make all the difference in their battle for safety too.

Described as a defender with “rapid recovery pace” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Danso would instantly partner Agbadou and form a much-needed new-look Wolves backline as they fight to avoid relegation.

Former members of coaching staff had previously won preliminary case for unfair dismissal

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Sep-2022Andrew Gale and Rich Pyrah have agreed compensation with Yorkshire after winning their case for unfair dismissal.Gale, the former captain and head coach, and Pyrah, who spent more than a decade on the Yorkshire playing staff before becoming bowling coach, were among 16 members of staff abruptly sacked last year in the wake of Azeem Rafiq racism scandal.They were subsequently part of a group of former Yorkshire employees who won a preliminary employment tribunal hearing in June.Yorkshire’s accounts revealed that the club had set aside £1.9 million for compensation and legal affairs, with Gale set to receive a six-figure settlement, according to the .A Yorkshire statement said: “On the December 3 2021, the Yorkshire County Cricket Club Limited took the decision to dismiss its coaching and medical staff. The club has acknowledged that its dismissals of that group of employees was procedurally unfair.”After meaningful dialogue between the club and the legal advisers acting on behalf of Andrew Gale and Richard Pyrah the parties can confirm that acceptable terms of settlement have been reached.”The financial terms of the settlements are confidential and no further public statement will be made about the terms.”Yorkshire have also reportedly agreed an out-of-court settlement with Ian Fisher, the club’s former strength and conditioning coach.

Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia has denied reports that two players have refused to play alongside Mason Greenwood.

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Benatia hits back at reportsGreenwood in dire formBenatia furious with claimsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Benatia has furiously denied reports that Greenwood is at the centre of a row within Marseille, with reports having suggested that two senior players demanded he be removed from the starting XI amid reports questioning his attitude. The former England international has scored just once in his last five outings, and the club were recently thumped 3-0 by Monaco.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

A recent report claimed that former Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and ex-PSG star Adrien Rabiot have refused to play alongside the Manchester United loanee as well as Luis Henrique. Now, though, Benatia has strenuously denied the claims, insisting that the midfielders are professionals who have no issues with Greenwood.

WHAT BENATIA SAID

Benatia told La Provence via the Mail: "Can you imagine? He didn’t come to see me. And what’s more, do you think I need a player to tell me that?

"Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is one of the most professional in the locker room, a guy who only wants to unite and carry everyone along with him, like Rabiot.

"Today, Adri is dying inside, he only wants one thing: to reach the Champions League. These two are truly two examples, and at no point did they come to see me to dismiss Luis Henrique or Greenwood. The people who say that don't want the best for OM."

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

Marseille play Montpellier on Saturday evening. They are currently third in Ligue 1, one point behind second-placed Monaco.