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Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara has responded to rumours that a return to Barcelona could be on the cards.

Portuguese transfer insider Pedro Almeida claimed earlier this month that Thiago could follow Dani Alves back to the Camp Nou.

New Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has apparently held talks with president Joan Laporta about bringing him back.

What did Thiago have to say about these rumours?

Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League clash with FC Porto on Wednesday night, Thiago insisted that he ‘didn’t care’ about this speculation and was ‘focused on the duty I have with my team’.

Fabrizio Romano relayed his comments and added that, while the Spaniard is considered a ‘magnificent player’ at Barcelona, they have not made a formal approach ‘in the last months’.

Thiago has made over 30 appearances for the Reds since he joined from FC Bayern in 2020.

Manager Jurgen Klopp labelled him ‘world-class’ earlier this autumn and promised that there was ‘more to come’.

Here’s how a selection of fans reacted to Romano’s tweet.

These Liverpool fans want Thiago to stay

“YES”

Credit: @finnilias

“He’s. Not. For. Sale. Fabrizio. Tell Barça exactly that”

Credit: @JackieMaphosa

“If he leaves, I riot”

Credit: @Dane99_

“Good because I never ever want him to leave”

Credit: @OdeToTheReds

“The days of Barca stealing our players is over, I’m afraid”

Credit: @jianc14

“Lol they thought they could get Thiago”

Credit: @ketbination

“Good, he’s staying”

Credit: @Baileylfc19

In other news, fans were excited by this star’s tweet.

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Southampton are reportedly eyeing a move for Juventus defender Rogerio, per The Mirror’s live transfer blog (January 24, 6:59pm).

The Saints and Wolves are both said to be interested in signing the left-back, who is currently on loan at Sassuolo, with a £12million asking price mooted.

What’s the word?

Rogerio has been capped at Under-17 and Under-20 level by Brazil but has yet to make his breakthrough into the first-team at Juve.

Indeed, the Brazilian spent last season on loan at Sassuolo too, and he also attracted interest from Newcastle United prior to their move for Jordan Lukaku, per Sky Sports.

Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below…

Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has yet to dip into the transfer market in January, instead choosing to trim his squad, with depratures including Manolo Gabbiadini to Sampdoria and Wesley Hoedt to Celta Vigo.

It remains to be seen, however, if that will change with the arrival of Rogerio, with Wolves also reportedly watching developments.

Nonsensical link

This all makes very little sense.

Southampton are blessed with depth at left-back; Ryan Bertrand and Matthew Targett are already both vying for the spot on the left-hand side, while youngsters Kayne Ramsay, Yan Valery and Tyreke Johnson could all fill in there too if needed. The trio have shown in their first-team outings already that they have the ability to play if Hasenhuttl requires them to.

Bringing Rogerio in, then, goes against Saints’ strategy of bringing through their young players and there appears very little logic in adding a third senior left-back to the squad.

Southampton would do well to bow out if they are indeed tracking the Brazilian and let Wolves have a free run at him.

Quite simply, he isn’t needed at St Mary’s.

Jamie Dalrymple cracked his first century of the season as Glamorgan tookcontrol on the second day of their County Championship clash withNorthamptonshire at the Swalec StadiumDivision clash on a seam-friendly wicket at Cardiff

11-May-2010
Scorecard
Jamie Dalrymple cracked his first century of the season as Glamorgan tookcontrol on the second day of their County Championship clash withNorthamptonshire at the Swalec Stadium.Having dismissed the visitors for just 253 in their first innings at the end ofplay on day one Glamorgan responded by reaching 348 for 5 at the close of thesecond day, giving them an overall lead of 95.Dalrymple’s century – from 174 balls with 13 fours – was his fifth for theWelsh side but he was dismissed just before the close for 105 having shared in astand of 79 with Jim Allenby (39) for the fifth wicket. As well as the captain’s contribution, the Welsh county were indebted to a solid platform set by openers Mark Cosgrove and Gareth Rees (64), who put on 147 for the first wicket in 36.4 overs.Cosgrove looked set to score another century against Northamptonshire followingthe 102 he plundered against them last season. And he certainly made his mark. In the seventh over he hit strike bowler Jack Brooks on the shin with a hard hit drive. Brooks was helped off the field but did manage to return to the action later in the day.The south Australian left hander brought up his half-century in only 54 balls and looked relatively untroubled, although he did survive a difficult stumping attempt by Niall O’Brien off James Middlebrook when he was on 60. Cosgrove responded by striking the same bowler for a six over long on. Rees had been happy to drop anchor at the other end but brought up his half-century in the penultimate over before lunch.Glamorgan continued to go well but in the fifth over after lunchNorthamptonshire got the breakthrough they needed when Cosgrove, 15 short of hiscentury, edged Lee Daggett to David Sales at second slip. And with Cosgrove’s departure the tempo of the innings changed as the Northamptonshire seam battery began to find a better line and length.That improvement was rewarded with the wicket of Rees, who was caught down theleg side by O’Brien off Andrew Hall to leave Glamorgan 170 for 2, which became223 for 2 by tea.After the interval Glamorgan continued to make progress but Dalrymple lost bothBen Wright, caught at slip off Daggett, and Michael Powell, who was trapped infront by Hall.Despite being off the field for 30 minutes because of rain Dalrymple andAllenby took the lead to almost 100, but in the final over of the day thecaptain was snared at slip off Nicky Boje.

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham fans have erupted over an injury update from ExWHUemployee regarding Aaron Cresswell, with many shocked at the severity of the injury he has sustained.

The 32-year-old has proven to be a critical component of David Moyes’ side this season, having started all 13 games in which he has appeared. However, in the Hammers’ 2-1 loss to Manchester City a month ago, the left-back was substituted on the hour mark after slamming his back into the goalpost.

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It has not been made clear just how severe the injury is, with Moyes originally claiming that Cresswell was a doubt for the Irons’ following game, refusing to provide a return date. West Ham have won just one of the seven matches they have played in all competitions since that fateful afternoon at the Etihad Stadium.

Hammers fans react to Cresswell’s injury news

ExWHUemployee took to Twitter to provide fans with an injury update on the defender. He claimed that the player has chipped a bone in his back which is causing him a lot of pain, and that no recovery date has been given by either Cresswell himself or the club.

These Irons fans took to the replies on that tweet to provide the 32-year-old with their sympathies, as many were left gutted by the “horrific” news on the injury.

It leaves Arthur Masuaku as the squad’s only recognised left-back and comes at a time when some other defenders are also sidelined.

“Ouchie !!! Poor Cress”

Credit: @Els_ie

“Wow, didn’t expect it to be that bad.”

Credit: @AlexThomsonWHU

“that sounds pretty horrific”

Credit: @BoogersWestHam

“Hope he recovers well. Just sums up our luck. Best 4 defenders we’ve had in years all out for months at some point this year. Cress, Zouma, Ogbonna and Vlad”

Credit: @camwestham

“Yikes, that’s Cresswell out for the season then”

Credit: @Bielsalmighty

“This is such a blow. A new LB is massively needed, Masuaku can’t be our LB in a flat back four”

Credit: @antoni_dad

In other news – ‘I think’: Journalist drops claim on ‘special’ West Ham target tipped to become ‘world-class’

Ben Foster has admitted suffering with impostor syndrome during his time at Manchester United, revealing he was 'petrified' of making mistakes.

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Foster reflects on Man Utd careerGoalkeeper struggled with rapid rise Admits feeling impostor syndromeWHAT HAPPENED?

Following a meteoric rise from non-league football, Foster spoke about not feeling as though he belonged at a club like United. In an interview with , he opened up on the mental struggles he dealt with at Old Trafford.

AdvertisementWHAT FOSTER SAID

Foster explained: "It was at a time in my life, mid-20s, 24, 25, I look back at that person who played for United then, and it's not me. I was so wet behind the ears, I didn't understand how anything worked in life. But I did [suffer from impostor syndrome].

"I hated every second of it. I didn't enjoy it. I was nervous, I was petrified of making a mistake, petrified of what the outside world would say about it. That's a bad way to go about it. When you go into games thinking the worst, or fearing the worst, you're off to a bad start straight away. I'd look around at some of these big names behind me and think: 'How have I got here?'"

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Foster was playing county-level football and training as a chef when he was scouted by Stoke City at the age of 18. Even then, he never made a first-team appearance for the Potters and was still turning at non-league level until a loan at Wrexham in League One suddenly brought him to the attention of United in 2005. Two more years on loan at Watford followed, before becoming a permanent member of the United squad in 2007 alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. Ultimately, his best years came elsewhere, representing Birmingham, West Brom and Watford (again) with distinction in the Premier League, before hitting the headlines with a final blast back at Wrexham under Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Almost 20 years before a dramatic stoppage time penalty save all but secured Wrexham's return to the EFL, Foster kept a clean sheet for the club at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff as they won the 2004-05 Football League Trophy final in extra-time. Darren Ferguson, son of Sir Alex, scored the team's second goal in one of his 356 appearances in Wrexham colours.

In a spell that stretched from the end of day two to the post lunch session on day three in Jamaica, Deonarine put on a show of accurate off spin that claimed four top-order New Zealand batsmen

Subash Jayaraman in Jamaica05-Aug-2012All the pre-series talk was about the off spinner from Trinidad who was going to run circles around the New Zealand batsmen; no one could have predicted that it would be Narsingh Deonarine who would be dealing the decisive blows. In a spell that stretched from the end of day two to the post lunch session on day three in Jamaica, Deonarine put on a show of accurate off spin, controlling the loop, keeping the New Zealand batsmen pinned to the crease and, importantly, claiming four top-order batsmen with it.It was not really a surprise that Darren Sammy leaned on Deonarine to bowl unchanged in a 17-over spell. After all, he was the third-highest wicket-taker for West Indies in the home series against Australia earlier this year. For someone considered a part-time spinner, generally brought on to give to the frontline bowlers a break, that isn’t too shabby.When Sammy threw the ball to Deonarine, towards the close of play on day two, with only three overs to go, no one could have expected the kind of indelible mark he would leave on the match. Guptill and BJ Watling had seen through the tough early period and had pushed New Zealand’s lead to 106. Seven deliveries later, with no runs conceded and both openers gone lbw, West Indies were back on top.The batsmen could be faulted for playing on the back foot, and deep within the crease, but credit must be given to Deonarine for pushing them back and beating the attempted onside strokes with the turn he generated on a second day Sabina Park pitch. “Looking at the New Zealand batsmen, variation was the key. I think we have outfoxed them with flight, slower [through] the air and the quicker ball as well,” Deonarine said. “They keep hanging out on the back foot. We just worked them out, and the slower we bowl, harder it is for them to play.”Looking at the numbers from this Test, it is safe to say Deonarine has out-bowled his fellow Trinidad spinner, Sunil Narine. With fast bowlers expected to do most of the damage on this pitch, it was a pleasant surprise for West Indies that Deonarine took six of 20 wickets. He technically may not be the “lead spinner” in the side, but he thinks like one: “Whenever the skipper gives me the ball, I want to do my best. [I look to] just take wickets, whenever I get my chance.”Deonarine was called upon by his captain even in the first innings, just as a threatening stand between Kane Williamson and Martin Guptill was taking shape. Then, he enticed a false stroke from Williamson just before tea on day one, but could not hold on to the hard return chance offered. He made amends when he lured Williamson into swishing at a wide delivery that was pouched by Sammy at first slip. He topped off the effort with the wicket of Kruger van Wyk, pushing him into indecision with his delicate control of flight and length. In the second innings, again, he had Williamson wafting outside off, and Brendon McCullum, off a simple bat-pad catch, to round off his match-haul of six.Many may have thought he was just filling the role of a backup spinner but he pointed out that he is “accustomed to bowling 30 or 40 overs [for Guyana in first-class cricket]”, and it’s nothing new to him, bowling long spells like he did on Saturday.Now, he is quite confident about the West Indies knocking off the remaining 71 runs to win the Test series 2-0. The bedrock of West Indies batting, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, was out in the middle at stumps, but if required (and weather permitting), Deonarine would be ready to do the job too. Would he have had a nervous night then? The expectedly confident reply: “No, not at all.”

As per Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge (speaking to GIVEMESPORT), Tottenham defender Cristian Romero has suffered a ‘serious strain’, rather than a tear to his hamstring, as first thought.

The Lowdown: Spurs’ injury woes

Argentine defender Romero is not the only injury Tottenham are currently dealing with. Central midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, once hailed by teammate Harry Winks as ‘a technically gifted player’, has been sidelined for a long period after suffering a knee injury, which has meant missing the last five matches.

Emerson Royal also missed the recent 3-0 win over Norwich as he was unavailable due to an unknown injury. This was a blow for Spurs, as he currently leads the team in tackles, with 3.6 per game.

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Romero sustained his injury whilst on international duty with Argentina last month. Unfortunately for Antonio Conte, this will continue to affect Tottenham’s defensive stability, as his average of 1.3 blocks per game is the highest at the club by a fair margin.

The Latest: Bridge gives Romero update

Conte had recently stated that Romero’s injury is ‘serious’, but has thus far failed to go into any details. However, Bridge has confirmed that the 23-year-old has not torn his hamstring.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: “I kind of thought the worst when Conte said we will know more in seven to 10 days, but I’m told it’s not a tear, it’s a serious strain. So, is that January? He did say January or February.”

The Verdict: Not as serious as first thought

To Spurs fans’ relief, Romero’s injury is not as bad as first thought. Bridge has shed light on the fact that the Argentine has not torn his hamstring – an injury that can keep a player out of action for over three months.

It is still unclear as to when he will return, but it sounds like best case will be January, a potentially massive relief to Conte and co coming off the back of the hectic Christmas fixture period.

Romero has been regularly applauded since moving to Spurs from Atalanta earlier this year, even drawing praise from Brazil legend Cafu, who admitted that he had a ‘very good game’ in the Copa America final. The Lilywhites faithful will surely be counting down the days until his return.

Jude Bellingham has reportedly sacked his personal chef at Real Madrid after being left "unimpressed" by his food preparation.

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Bellingham fires club-recommended chefAlberto Mastromatteo had previously served Karim BenzemaEnglish midfielder 'unimpressed' despite his superb Real formWHAT HAPPENED?

The English midfielder might be enjoying life on the pitch at the Santiago Bernabeu right now, but he still has some complaints when it comes to the food he is be given off it.

According to Bellingham has shown the door to Alberto Mastromatteo, the personal chef appointed to him by the club, who previously managed the diet of Karim Benzema in the Spanish capital.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Following an extensive discussion with his mother, Bellingham decided to sack Mastromatteo as he was left "unimpressed" with the preparations of the chef. Now, the 20-year-old midfielder is actively seeking a replacement chef to manage his dietary requirements.

DID YOU KNOW?

Bellingham flew to England during the Christmas break and was spotted checking on his younger brother, Jobe, when he was in action against Coventry City at the Stadium of Light with Sunderland, and also made it to the stands at Hull City on Boxing Day as the Black Cats came out on top with a 1-0 win. Before flying back to Spain, he also tried his hand at cricket and darts as 16-year-old sensation Luke Littler grips the UK.

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

Bellingham has returned to Madrid and is gearing up to add to his tally of 22 goal contributions in 21 appearances for Madrid across competition when Los Blancos host Mallorca on Wednesday. Real currently sit top of the La Liga table on goal difference ahead of surprise package Girona.

The 37-year-old made his Saudi Pro League bow at the weekend, and quickly learned that he won't be in for an easy ride

Cristiano Ronaldo's first outing in the Middle East came in the Riyadh All-Star XI's glamorous exhibition match against Paris Saint-Germain last week, which he marked with a brace to outshine his eternal rival Lionel Messi.

Both men came off after 60 minutes as PSG went on to earn a 5-4 victory, but while Messi then returned to Europe to resume Ligue 1 and Champions League pursuits, Ronaldo remained in Saudi Arabia to begin his career with Al-Nassr.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner insisted the time was right for a "new challenge in Asia" after signing his eye-watering £177-million-per-year contract with the Saudi Pro League outfit, having seen his previous deal at Manchester United terminated by mutual consent in November.

Ronaldo's second spell at Old Trafford ended in controversial circumstances, and he cut a frustrated figure during his final months at the club, but already looks to be embracing a fresh start at Al-Nassr.

Rudi Garcia's side beat Ettifaq 1-0 in the Portugal striker's first competitive appearance, and although he failed to get his name on the scoresheet, there were plenty of positives to take from his performance as Al-Nassr moved back to the top of the league.

GOAL breaks down his long-awaited debut…

GettyA hero's reception

Al-Nassr's Mrsool Park stadium was sold out for the occasion, with a capacity crowd of 25,000 turning out to see Ronaldo line up in their yellow and blue colours for the first time – some three weeks on from his glitzy unveiling to a similarly excited audience.

The atmosphere inside the venue is a far cry from what Ronaldo was used to at Old Trafford, or previously at Juventus' Allianz Stadium and Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu, but the Al-Nassr fans did their utmost to welcome their new hero in style.

In addition to a number of Ronaldo banners being held up, flares were also seen in the home stands prior to kick-off, and the cheers were deafening when he emerged from the tunnel wearing the captain's armband – while also sporting a black eye from the punch he took from PSG goalkeeper Keylor Navas a few days earlier.

AdvertisementGettyRenewed vigour

Ronaldo was often accused of failing to put in enough effort for United in the first half of their 2022-23 campaign, and wasn't the right fit for Erik ten Hag's high-pressing style.

Al-Nassr boss Garcia won't be holding the veteran striker to the same strict standards, but he looked far more energetic and determined on his debut than in any of his 16 appearances for the Red Devils under Ten Hag.

Ronaldo also took a more positive approach with his new team-mates, reassuring them whenever a pass was misplaced or a shot was dragged off target – a far cry from the man often seen lambasting his colleagues at Old Trafford for similar errors.

GettyA constant threat

Ronaldo was dispossessed on both of his first two touches, but the Al-Nassr faithful continued to cheer every time the ex-United star got on the ball, and it seemed to spur him on.

It wasn't long before the tricks and step-overs came out as Ronaldo looked to open up the Ettifaq defence at every opportunity, despite receiving plenty of rough treatment.

He expertly made room for a shot after just six minutes, with his deflected effort sailing over the bar, and also came close with a 25-yard free-kick late in the half.

In the second half, he almost bagged an assist after busting a gut to deliver a first-time cross from the left wing, and even attempted an acrobatic overhead kick that brought back memories of his Champions League stunner for Madrid against Juventus in 2018, but ultimately failed to connect.

On this evidence, it won't be long before Ronaldo starts banging in the goals again, but he could yet be outshined by a certain Brazilian colleague…

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GettyInstant rapport with Talisca

Former Benfica and Besiktas forward Anderson Talisca will be leading the line alongside Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, and he showed that he is still the main man for the time being on Sunday.

The 28-year-old, who also won four caps for Brazil's Under-23s in the earlier stages of his career, rose to head home a cross from Abdulmajeed Al Sulaiheem, which just bypassed Ronaldo, in the 31st minute of the contest for his 12th goal of the season.

Talisca was a menace throughout the contest, and also forced a strong save from the Ettifaq goalkeeper after he let fly with a long-range thunderbolt, with Ronaldo unable to match his overall impact.

Still, the two men seemed to strike up a good understanding and worked well in tandem to help Al-Nassr record their 10th win from 14 games, and it will be a huge task for defences across the SPL to keep them at bay in the coming weeks.

It's a London-dominated team as West Ham, Crystal Palace and Arsenal are well represented after impressive victories over the weekend

GettyLukasz Fabianski | West Ham

The goalkeeper made four saves in preserving West Ham's clean sheet in the 3-0 win over Newcastle.

AdvertisementGettyAaron Wan-Bissaka | Crystal Palace

The 21-year-old defender made three interceptions and recovered possession eight times for Crystal Palace as they beat Burnley.

GettyJonny Evans | Leicester CityEvans made nine clearances and two tackles to help the Foxes keep a clean sheet as they beat Watford 2-0.ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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GettyShane Duffy | Brighton

Duffy made an incredible 14 clearances against Huddersfield, while no other Brighton player made more than five.