Month: January 2023

Milan have denied any issues in ongoing negotiations with Rafael Leao regarding a new contract following reports on Tuesday.

It was reported in Italy that discussions between the Portugal international and the club on a new deal had broken down.

Leao’s deal at San Siro is due to expire in 2024 and it was claimed the player’s entourage wanted to significantly reduce his release clause.

Milan have denied that any breakdown has occurred, though, and insist discussions will continue.

“With regard to the article published today by the newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport titled: ‘Leao Milan total break’, Milan would like to clarify that the negotiation with Rafael Leao has not suffered any interruption,” a club statement read.

“The journalistic narrative of an alleged frost between the parties is not only totally unfounded but also harmful to the club and its player.

“AC Milan continues, in fact, the dialogue with Leao and his entourage in a serene and professional atmosphere.”

Several clubs have been attributed with an interest in Leao, including Premier League trio Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea.

The January transfer window is entering its final hours and we have all the big deals covered here at LiveScore.  

Scroll down to stay on top of all the whispers and confirmed deals ahead of the 11pm deadline. 

Be sure to refresh the page regularly for the latest updates.

4.30pm — Mbete completes Bolton switch

Manchester City prospect Luke Mbete has completed a loan move to League One side Bolton until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old spent the first half of the  campaign at Huddersfield but the deal was terminated after making only six Championship appearances.

4.00pm — Jorginho signed and sealed

Jorginho’s move to Arsenal from Chelsea looks to be all-but done after being pictured in a Gunners shirt for the first time.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano says the Italian has agreed his switch to the Emirates on an 18-month contract with the option to extend for a further year.

Keep your eyes peeled for the official club announcement soon!

3.30pm — United eyeing Sabitzer?

Welcome to LiveScore’s live coverage of transfer deadline day! 

Clubs in England have until 11pm to get any last-minute deals over the line and several moves look certain to go to the wire.

Manchester United are supposedly pondering a late move for Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer after news broke earlier today of an injury that will rule Christian Eriksen out until at least April. 

Sky Sports suggest the Red Devils would like to take the Austrian on loan, but will Bayern be willing to let someone who has made 24 appearances this term leave at such short notice?

As for Chelsea also holding an interest, is there anyone the Blues won’t try and buy this window?!

– Barcelona on track for title glory after winning eight of last nine league matches 
– Top four-chasing Real Betis have scored in each of last nine games with Barcelona 
– Recommended bet: Barcelona to win and both teams to score

Real Betis have finished in LaLiga’s Europa League positions in three of the last five seasons and victory in this week’s game in hand over those directly above them would put the Seville club level on points with fourth-placed Atletico Madrid.

However, that catch-up match comes against mighty Barcelona, and Betis head coach Manuel Pellegrini will know his men are up against it when they host opponents who are hell-bent on ending their four-year wait for a La Liga title.

Xavi’s visitors have been solid rather than spectacular since returning from the World Cup break, but the return to action of Robert Lewandowski could see them find top gear at Estadio Benito Villamarin.

Team news

Real Betis will be without winger Juan Cruz, who has a hamstring injury, but attacking duo Nabil Fekir and last season’s top scorer, Juanmi, are available after returning from injury last weekend.

Otherwise, Pellegrini has a fully-fit Betis squad to choose from.

Barcelona strikers Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres return from three- and two-match suspensions respectively, with Lewandowski coming straight back into the starting line-up.

However, winger Ousmane Dembele suffered a thigh injury against Girona last weekend and is a major doubt.

The stats

While it rarely rewards them with victory, Real Betis have not been afraid to go toe-to-toe with Barcelona in recent seasons and both teams have scored in eight of the last nine meetings.

Betis have scored at least twice in six of those matches but have avoided defeat on just three occasions — a 2018 4-3 win at Camp Nou, last season’s 1-0 win in Catalonia and January’s Super Cup meeting, which ended 2-2 after extra time before Barcelona won 4-2 on penalties.

Xavi’s Barca team have been defensively tight in recent outings, recording four consecutive clean sheets. 

However, two of those came against bottom-half duo Getafe and Girona, another against fourth-tier Cueta and one against a Real Sociedad side who were reduced to 10 men in the first half of their Copa del Rey clash.

And while Barcelona have kept seven clean sheets in winning eight of their last nine league outings, it is noteworthy that Xavi’s men have kept just one clean sheet in four trips to teams in the top eight of LaLiga.

Pellegrini’s men will fancy their chances of unsettling their title-chasing visitors as they have netted in all six meetings with top-eight rivals this season, including in 2-1 defeats against both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

Prediction

An in-form Barcelona side, bolstered by the return of world-class striker Lewandowski, should have the firepower to get past Real Betis as they maintain their title charge.

However, Pellegrini’s hosts have shown that they have the quality to test Xavi’s backline both in recent meetings with Barcelona and when facing the top teams this season, so over 0.5 Betis goals looks a solid addition to Bet Builder selections.

Barca have far too much quality for Spain’s lesser teams but it is telling that Xavi’s men conceded in all six Champions League outings this term — including in 4-2 and 5-1 victories over minnows Viktoria Plzen — and have kept just one clean sheet in four trips to teams in LaLiga’s top eight.

They should have enough attacking quality to take all three points against a historically awkward opponent but do not be surprised if Real Betis again make a real game of it.

Back Barcelona to win and both teams to score, available at 11/5 with LiveScore Bet.

Kieran Trippier was recently rewarded with a new contract at Newcastle following his excellent spell in the North East.

The right-back has thrived under Eddie Howe and is helping lead the charge towards European football next season.

Trippier, 32, has picked up the captain’s armband in Jamaal Lascelles’ absence and his influence both on and off the pitch is helping Newcastle enter a new era.

Ahead of their Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg tie with Southampton tonight, we turn the spotlight on his time on Tyneside so far. 

Captain, leader, legend

Trippier looks at the peak of his powers despite being on the wrong side of 30. His fitness and technical ability look better than ever in a black and white shirt and he is under contract until 2025.

With Howe reconstructing his squad and introducing plenty of fresh faces, it is imperative that the Toon have a respected figure leading them out at St James’ Park and Trippier ticks that box.

He leads by example and this is reflected in his side conceding a Premier League-low 11 goals in so far this season.

The right-back is visibly vocal on the pitch and he is both firm and constructive with his words. As it stands, he is irreplaceable in the current set-up.

Working his magic

Trippier has featured in every single game for his club this season across all competitions and cannot be faulted for his effort and quality.

It is rare for the England international to put in a bad performance and he ranks near the top when it comes to key components of his game.

In 2022-23, the former Tottenham defender has recorded five goal contributions and has created 16 big chances — only Kevin De Bruyne boasts more.

On top of this, no player has attempted (199) or completed (81) more crosses than Trippier in the Premier League this season. Andreas Pereira is second on the list, but he has only completed 52.

His accolades include ranking in the top 10 when it comes to total touches, through balls completed, final third passes, possessions won in the middle third and chances created.

An experienced head

Trippier has experience in different cultures and environments at some of the top clubs in European football.

His time at both Tottenham and Atletico Madrid have moulded him into the player he is at Newcastle but his ability to overcome challenges is what makes him so inspirational.

In North London, he had to compete with one of the best defenders of the modern era in Kyle Walker.

He went on to outlast the now Manchester City star but his patience and hard work eventually saw him claim the right-back spot as his own under Mauricio Pochettino.

In Madrid, Trippier had to adapt to an entirely different culture. He faced challenges in learning a new language, adapting to a new style of football and trying to fit in all at the same time.

The 40-cap international overcame all of this at club level and his experience in the national side gives him the ability to lead Newcastle with wisdom and without fear.

The best of times

Having signed a new contract, Trippier spoke about his form for Newcastle and gave himself a glowing review.

He said: “Personally, I think I’m playing the best football of my career here at Newcastle, so I think it was an easy decision to make.

“We’re challenging for the cup, we’re in a good position in the league and it’s a bright future ahead for Newcastle.

“I’ve had a great relationship with the manager for many years. That was another easy decision for why I came to Newcastle in the first place, and I feel like he’s brought an extra level out of me this season, tactically as well.

“I think it’s a great moment for the team and the club in this present time, and we now just want to look forward and be positive.”

Newcastle can book their place in the Carabao Cup final for the first time since 1976 with a win over the Saints tonight and Trippier will be hoping to play his part in proceedings.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is not expecting to delve into the transfer market on deadline day despite losing Christian Eriksen to injury for three months.

United confirmed on Tuesday that Eriksen is likely to be out at least until late April after sustaining an ankle injury in the FA Cup win over Reading on Saturday.

He was on the receiving end of a heavy tackle from Andy Carroll, who went unpunished before eventually getting sent off for another two forceful challenges.

Losing Eriksen is a major blow for United given his prominence in his first campaign at Old Trafford, with Bruno Fernandes (2,603) the only outfield player to record more minutes on the pitch than the Dane (2,274) for Ten Hag’s men this term.

United will suddenly be without one of their chief creators, as Eriksen’s 53 key passes is second only to Fernandes (81), and he leads the way for assists with nine.

But Ten Hag is confident he has the options to cope.

“Of course, [Eriksen] is disappointed about [the injury], we are disappointed about it,” the manager told reporters ahead of Wednesday’s EFL Cup semi-final second leg against Nottingham Forest.

“It happens in top football, you have to deal with it.”

He added: “As you said, something coming out on deadline day is difficult and you can’t make policy on such bad injuries, but we have players in the midfield department, good players, we also have players who can fill the gap.”

With Donny van de Beek out for the season, Eriksen’s injury leaves Ten Hag with senior midfield options of Fred, Casemiro, Fernandes and Scott McTominay, while 17-year-old Kobbie Mainoo has made two appearances in cup competitions and been among the substitutes on a handful of occasions in the Premier League.

Zidane Iqbal, a 19-year-old Iraq international, has also been on the bench often this season, though he is yet to make his debut and had reportedly been lined up for a loan move.

Either way, Ten Hag accepts there will have to be a degree of adaptation regardless of who steps up because they will not have the same attributes as the Denmark star.

“I think you can never fill that because every player has their own characteristics and identity, so another player will always fill it in in a different way,” he said.

“So, it doesn’t mean that you have to be less successful, but it’s quite clear that Christian Eriksen, for our squad, brings top quality and he has some specifics that are hard to replace. For instance, his impact in the final third, [with his] final ball.”

Brazil midfielder Fred would appear to be the most likely to benefit from Eriksen’s absence.

Although the 29-year-old has made only five Premier League starts this term, in total he has played in 17 top-flight games, with Ten Hag seeming to value his energy and tenacity in the second half when others might be tiring.

There is also the added convenience of him regularly playing alongside Casemiro with the Selecao.

“You mentioned already in your first sentence, he’s playing together with Casemiro in the Brazilian squad, I would say that’s not the worst squad in the world,” Ten Hag said with a grin.

“They have so many choices what they can make but they often prefer to play them together. So, that tells something about the quality Fred has and what he can contribute to the team.

“He has done it several times with his performance for instance against Tottenham, for instance against Manchester City.

“When he’s coming on [in the] last game [against Reading], he’s scoring a goal straight away. He has a lot of qualities. I think they are a really good combination, Casemiro and Fred.”

Xavi confirmed Barcelona are keen on bringing in a deadline day signing ahead of Hector Bellerin’s exit.

The full-back is poised to join Sporting CP as a replacement for Tottenham-bound Pedro Porro and will be the second departure from Xavi’s squad following Memphis Depay’s move to Atletico Madrid.

Reinforcements could be on the cards for the LaLiga leaders, who also lost Gerard Pique to retirement, though Xavi’s main focus is Wednesday’s clash with Real Betis.

“We are aware of fair play. Hector has asked us to leave because he wants to play more,” Xavi told reporters.

“With the departure of Hector, Memphis and the loss of Pique, we believe that a reinforcement would be good for us. We are open to a signing.

“I see the squad as competitive despite the three losses. Normally, the logical thing was not to need anyone.

“With Hector’s departure, maybe yes. I still see it as very competitive. I’m still happy.

“I’m not looking at the market. I’m keeping an eye on Betis. We can move eight points ahead of second place. That’s what I’m concerned with.”

If Barcelona do make a late move in the market, Xavi confirmed they would not be available for the trip to face Betis.

“I already thought we wouldn’t sign anyone, so don’t worry. Whoever comes, he won’t play tomorrow,” he added.

Christophe Galtier rubbished suggestions he must lose Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi or Neymar to balance his Paris Saint-Germain side.

The forward trio, arguably the most talented frontline in European football, have been at the forefront of the Ligue 1 giants’ latest title charge this term.

But since the World Cup, where Argentina captain Messi defeated France forward Mbappe in the final, the team have won only two of five top-flight games.

Critics claim the team is too top-heavy, but ahead of Wednesday’s match with Montpellier, Galtier scoffed at such ideas.

“We have three incredibly strong attacking players,” he said. “Are you saying that we have to lose one of these three players to be balanced? That would be a mistake.

“[Our level] is insufficient though, in terms of points per game. We must quickly find a higher level of play, and above all score points.

“It happens in any season, that there is a bad period. We have a busy month ahead of us. January was not good, but now we are all working to remedy it.”

Galtier further acknowledged star men Mbappe and Messi underperformed in the 1-1 draw with Reims, but he stressed the blame lies with the collective rather than the duo.

“Kylian and Leo didn’t achieve what they usually achieve on an attacking level, but it is not a question of their state of mind,” he added.

“With our organisation and our balance, we must find something else. We are working on it. Whatever the system, everyone has to give more on the pitch.”

Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial will return for Manchester United’s EFL Cup semi-final second leg against Nottingham Forest, Erik ten Hag confirmed.

Sancho has not featured for United since October’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea due to “circumstances with fitness and mood”.

Meanwhile, Martial’s last appearance came in the victory over Manchester City at Old Trafford earlier this month when he was withdrawn at half-time.

The pair are back available for United ahead of Wednesday’s clash at Old Trafford, where the hosts lead 3-0 from last week’s first leg.

“We have some issues,” Ten Hag told club media on Tuesday.

“I think tomorrow that Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho will return in the game squad, but Scott McTominay will still be absent.

“I think also the next game [against Crystal Palace] he will be absent. We have to see how that process will go. And for the rest, I think everyone is fit.”

Already having one foot in the EFL Cup final at Wembley, United will pay close attention to Tuesday’s contest between Newcastle United and Southampton to discover their potential opponents.

United last won the EFL Cup in 2016-17 under Jose Mourinho, a season where the Europa League was also won and a campaign that represents the last time the club won a trophy.

Barcelona coach Xavi applauded the decision by a court to overrule LaLiga’s refusal to register Gavi as a first-team player.

The Blaugrana midfielder, who has been in superb form for the club this term, signed a new contract in September that saw him recognised as a first-team player rather than a member of the B team.

But LaLiga denied the registration of the new deal due to the club’s financial situation, with Barca exceeding their salary cap.

While Gavi could continue playing this season for the senior side as a B team player, he would have been registered in LaLiga on a contract that expires in 2024 and has a €50million release clause – the agreement he signed in September is until 2026 with a €1billion release clause.

LaLiga president Javier Tebas warned the club would still be unable to register Gavi and other players such as Ronald Aruajo because they have “a deficit of more than €200m”, he claimed on Monday.

But now a court decision has quashed LaLiga’s ruling, delighting Xavi and paving the way for the 18-year-old to be fully registered as a member of their senior squad.

“It’s great news,” Xavi said. “It was one of the objectives we set for this transfer window. Now the ball is in LaLiga’s court.

“I’m happy for [Gavi]. We hope he can sign up. It’s very good news for us. The priority is that players as important as him are insured. It seems that we can now enrol him.

“I don’t see him changing teams, really. He is very happy and happy here. I don’t see him leaving.”

Asked whether he felt Tebas holds ill feelings towards Barca, Xavi added: “I don’t know. Ask him.

“I know him very little. I have greeted him twice. I have no personal dealings with him.”

Gavi has made 18 appearances for Barca this season in LaLiga and featured in five of their six Champions League games as the club dropped into the Europa League.

He also played four times at the World Cup last year.

Christian Eriksen will be out of action for up to three months due to the ankle injury he suffered in Saturday’s FA Cup win over Reading, Manchester United have confirmed.

Eriksen was on the receiving end of a heavy tackle from Andy Carroll in the second half, with the Reading forward surprisingly avoiding a yellow card.

Carroll was later sent off for another two forceful challenges.

Eriksen walked away from the incident to play on briefly, but he was soon replaced and later spotted leaving Old Trafford on crutches, with a protective boot supporting his left ankle.

United boss Erik ten Hag offered little insight after the match, but following examinations the club believe it is serious enough to potentially rule him out until May.

A statement read: “Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen is expected to be out of action for an extended period because of an ankle injury sustained in our Emirates FA Cup victory over Reading on Saturday.

“While investigations are continuing, initial assessments indicate that Eriksen is likely to be out until late April or early May.”

The absence of Eriksen will be a major blow to United and Ten Hag, as the Danish midfielder has been a key component of the side since his arrival on a free transfer in pre-season.

Bruno Fernandes (2,603) is the only outfield player to spend more minutes on the pitch than Eriksen (2,274) across all competitions for United this season.

It is a similar story in terms of chances created, with Eriksen’s 53 bettered by only Fernandes’ 81, highlighting the Dane’s creative importance, particularly from set-pieces.

Eriksen ranks highest in the squad for assists (nine), however, three more than Fernandes.

If the 31-year-old does not play again until the start of May, he will have missed at least 18 matches in all competitions.

That total will increase if United progress in the FA Cup, Europa League and EFL Cup – they are just 90 minutes away from the final of the latter after winning 3-0 away to Nottingham Forest in last week’s semi-final first leg.

The return game at Old Trafford on Wednesday will be the first match Eriksen misses.

The absence of Eriksen further stretches United’s midfield options after Donny van de Beek was ruled out for the season at the start of January.

It leaves Fernandes, Fred, Casemiro and Scott McTominay as their only recognised senior midfielders, potentially requiring 17-year-old Kobbie Mainoo – who has made two cup appearances but is yet to make his Premier League bow – to step up unless they delve into the transfer market before the window closes on Tuesday.