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Weston McKennie has “technical” flaws in his game, admits Massimiliano Allegri, but the USMNT star can be “devastating” for Juventus.

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Clean slate in Turin after Leeds loanVersatility being put to good useSerie A title challenge pieced togetherWHAT HAPPENED?

The United States international has seen his slate wiped clean in Turin for 2023-24. McKennie spent the second half of last season suffering relegation out of the Premier League during a loan spell at Leeds and appeared destined to be on the move in the summer transfer window.

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Allegri has handed the American a second chance in Italy, and the versatile 25-year-old has grabbed that with both hands. Despite being more at home in the middle of the park, McKennie has been impressing in an unnatural right wing-back berth – where he competes with international colleague Tim Weah for minutes.

WHAT THEY SAID

Juve are delighted to see McKennie proving his worth, as they piece together a Serie A title challenge, with Allegri telling reporters of how he has rekindled the spark in a once fading light: “Wes is having a good season, I think he is maturing too after the experience on loan. I spoke to him too, he has physical strength that helps cover for a few technical errors, but when running into space, he can be devastating. I told him at the start of the season that this was a very important year for him, he would be a wing-back and so he had to run back and forth. He put himself at our disposal.”

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McKennie has figured in all 12 of Juventus’ Serie A fixtures this season, helping them to a 29-point haul that has the Bianconeri sat second in the table – two points adrift of league leaders and arch-rivals Inter.

Luis Suarez has spoken with Lionel Messi ahead of Uruguay’s meeting with Argentina, but he has not revealed if Inter Miami were discussed.

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Veteran frontman currently in Brazil with GremioMove to the United States speculated onAbout to face familiar foe on international stage

WHAT HAPPENED?

The veteran striker continues to see a move to MLS speculated on heading towards 2024. It has been claimed that Gremio would be prepared to release him from his contract in Brazil so that a reunion with former Barcelona team-mate Messi can be enjoyed in the United States.

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Suarez is giving little away on that front, but he has been discussing international matters with a close friend as they prepare to lock horns in 2026 World Cup qualifying. Suarez has told after being drafted back into the Uruguay squad: “Yes, we were talking to Leo. I was happy, first because he often asked me about the national team, and now happy for the summons and to face each other again, it's something very nice.”

WHAT THEY SAID

While Suarez will be lining up against Messi, he will be alongside Darwin Nunez. The 36-year-old ex-Liverpool star admits that he is doing all he can to help a current Anfield ace to produce his best for Premier League employers. Suarez added on handing over the No.9 shirt for Uruguay to a fellow frontman that is following in his footsteps: “I, as a team-mate, am not surprised because I knew, until last year when he had a bad time in Liverpool I spoke with him, in Liverpool they told me to talk to him. I warned him and told him what English football was. He, with the heart he has, opened up and told me what had happened to him at that moment, we talked about it. I told him that when I leave I want him to take it [the No.9]. That’s why, if you listen to Darwin’s statements, he says it with total sincerity. As a colleague, I’m happy for him; I was talking about it internally, and before the match with Brazil. These are things that we are happy about as teammates, we are different, we are from different generations, and I am happy for the moment he is living in his club and in the national team."

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Argentina are set to play host to Uruguay on Thursday evening, with Messi going in search of international goal 107 in that contest – as he earns his 179th cap – while Suarez will be looking to take his tally to 69 through 138 appearances.

Bayern Munich star Harry Kane shared a heartfelt message while asking for support for the Miles for Smiles fundraising campaign.

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Kane endorsed Haven House Children’s HospiceWorks with children in east London and EssexHad thrown his weight behind the same NGO previouslyWHAT HAPPENED?

The England International endorsed Haven House Children’s Hospice in an attempt to make their upcoming campaign a rousing success. Based in Woodford Green, the institute takes care of babies, children and young patients who are suffering from life-limiting and life-threatening conditions in west Essex, north-east London and east Hertfordshire.

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In a video message, Kane said: "Hi everyone. Harry Kane here. I am excited to be your captain for the Miles for Smiles, walking challenge in February. The goal is to walk 10,000 steps a day to raise funds for the children and families supported by Haven House Let's keep walking to make a difference."

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Kane had previously associated himself with the same hospice while he was at Tottenham ahead of the Children’s Hospice Week in June 2023. The striker spent his childhood near Haven House, which makes it even closer to his heart.

Wrexham’s promotion bid has been boosted by the news that Arthur Okonkwo could return to action wearing a mask after undergoing surgery.

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Shot-stopper took blow to the face vs HarrogateWill undergo a minor operationExpected to be back in a matter of weeksWHAT HAPPENED?

The on-loan Arsenal goalkeeper has impressed for the Red Dragons through 13 appearances this season. The highly-rated 22-year-old has made the No.1 spot his own, but was ruled out of action after taking a blow to the face during a 2-2 draw with Harrogate.

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Phil Parkinson said of that injury at the time: “I don't think it is too serious but he was a bit dazed at half-time so the medical team felt it was the right thing to bring him off. I am not a physio, I have got to go with their judgment.”

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According to the , Wrexham have welcomed the news that Okonkwo could be sidelined for a matter of weeks – rather than months. He is expected to undergo a minor operation in the coming days, having met with a specialist, and could see a protective mask, or another form of headgear, pieced together that would allow him to return to the field.

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No clear timescale has been put on his recovery, but the Red Dragons will be eager to see Okonkwo back sooner rather than later. For now, veteran shot-stopper Mark Howard is providing cover as Wrexham seek to cement their standing among the League Two promotion hopefuls.

USWNT star Midge Purce signed autographs for Serena Williams' daughter after the team's comfortable win over China.

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USWNT outclassed China 3-0Midge Purce gave autograph to Serena Williams' daughterEmma Hayes will take charge of the team in the summerWHAT HAPPENED?

Sophia Smith opened the scoring before Lindsey Horan and Trinity Rodman contributed with two more goals as the United States women's national team registered a comfortable 3-0 win over China in a friendly on Saturday.

Tennis legend Williams was in attendance for the game and after the match, her daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. could be seen taking an autograph from USWNT and Gotham FC forward Purce.

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While current Chelsea manager Emma Hayes is yet to take charge of the USWNT side, her impact and influence were all over in the team's comprehensive win over the Chinese. Last week, Hayes flew to Florida to meet the team in person but was not around for Saturday's game as she returned to the UK to focus on the Blues.

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For now, Twila Kilgore will continue to remain in charge of the team as interim head coach and once the English manager arrives next summer, she will serve the team in the capacity of assistant manager.

Kilgore's side are set to face China in another friendly match on Wednesday which will be the team's last competitive match in the ongoing calendar year.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank has opened up on the possibilities of him replacing Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss next season.

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Frank tipped to replace Klopp at LiverpoolOpened up about joining Liverpool next seasonBrentford currently 14th in the Premier LeagueWHAT HAPPENED?

Several top managers, including Xabi Alonso and Frank, have been linked with the job at Liverpool ever since Klopp made it public that he would leave the Merseyside club at the end of the ongoing season.

Now the Brentford boss has finally addressed the rumours of him potentially taking charge of the Reds as he stated that he is happy to continue with the London club for the long term.

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Speaking to Sky Sports, Frank said, "There’s a lot of rumours out there. I think we all have kind of an ego and the ego likes that little bit of sugar but at the end of the day, I’m at Brentford. I’m very happy here.

"Do I have ambitions? Yes. Am I going to stay at Brentford forever? Maybe but probably not. So who knows what’s going to happen in the future? What I know is that I’m here at Brentford and I’m very happy with it."

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While The Bees head coach might have made it to Liverpool's shortlist, Bayer Leverkusen's Alonso remains favourite to take charge of the club next summer. Under Alonso's tutelage, the German club has performed exceptionally well this season. They are currently unbeaten in the Bundesliga and have a healthy five-point lead at the top of the table.

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The 50-year-old for now remains focused on his club, who currently find themselves 14th in the Premier League. They will be next seen in action on Saturday against league leaders Liverpool.

Jude Bellingham has made positive progress in his recovery from an ankle injury, with Real Madrid setting a date for his potential return to action.

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Unfortunate knocked picked up against GironaSat out domestic & continental matchesReady to resume full training in coming daysWHAT HAPPENED?

The England international picked up an unfortunate knock during a meeting with Girona on February 10. He scored two goals in that contest, but was forced from the field after less than an hour and has subsequently sat out La Liga and Champions League fixtures.

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According to , the 20-year-old midfielder has “started the countdown” ahead of rejoining Carlo Ancelotti’s plans. He is considered to be ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation and is only a matter of days away from resuming full training.

DID YOU KNOW?

He is said to have been suffering with discomfort in his ankle for several weeks before being laid low, meaning that no risks will be taken on his fitness. He will not be rushed back by the Blancos, but the expectation is that he will be ready to face Valencia at Mestalla on March 2.

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If Bellingham were to return to competitive action in that contest, then he would also come into contention for the second leg of a Champions League last-16 encounter with RB Leipzig at Santiago Bernabeu on March 6 – with Real currently boasting a narrow 1-0 aggregate lead in that continental contest.

Liverpool fans could be given a chance to give Jurgen Klopp a big send-off at the end of the season with an open top bus parade.

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Liverpool may celebrate with open-top busCelebrations planned for Klopp's farewellWill celebrate even if they don't win another trophyGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

This unusual event is being pondered not merely to celebrate their Carabao Cup success but also to provide a big farewell to Jurgen Klopp, who is scheduled to leave in May after a remarkable nine-year stint with the Merseyside club. An open-top bus trip would not normally be Liverpool's choice after winning the Carabao Cup but the special circumstances of Klopp's exit have made the club's executives think about organising something special, according to .

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The report states that Liverpool would look to move forward with these plans even if they don't win any more championships this year. A quadruple is still conceivable, of course. The Reds are the league leaders right now, and are favourites to win the Europa League. They are also set to return to FA Cup action next against Southampton.

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Klopp was appointed Liverpool's manager in 2015. He led the team to the UEFA Champions League finals in 2018, 2019 and 2022, winning the trophy in 2019. Klopp's side finished second in the 2018-19 Premier League, with 97 points, the third-highest total in the history of the English top flight and the most by a team that did not win the title. He managed to win the the title one year later in a campaign disrupted by the COVID pandemic.

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WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

The Reds will have to put a swift end to their Carabao Cup victory celebrations as they prepare for their clash against Southampton in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Wednesday, February 28.

19-year-old Wolves striker Fabio Silva is reportedly the subject of interest from Real Madrid.

That’s according to reports in Spain via Caught Offside, who claim that the Spanish champions are looking to add a young striker to their ranks this summer with Karim Benzema entering the final years of his career.

The West Midlands outfit broke their club-record transfer fee to lure Silva from FC Porto to Molineux as an 18-year-old for a whopping £35.6m in September 2020, a transfer that Tariq Panja of the New York Times journalist described as “baffling.”

However, that price tag is yet to be justified.

Wolves can allow Silva to leave

Since becoming another of many talents to leave Portugal for Wolves, Silva has made 61 appearances for Wolves, although the striker averages 41.2 minutes per appearance.

In that time, the teenager has scored four goals and registered six assists. However, all of the goals and half of the assists came last season with the forward yet to find the back of the net this term.

Although he didn’t sign Silva, Bruno Lage has shown evidence of being a fan of the youngster, handing him plenty of opportunities in the second half of the season.

Moreover, the Portuguese was voted as Wolves’ player of the month for April despite Wanderers losing three in a row and the forward failing to register a goal or an assist.

Of course, at a very young age, Silva has an abundance of potential, hence why Wolves paid the serious money that they did. It is just a case of demonstrating that quality in matches for the 19-year-old.

Goals have been at a serious shortage for Lage’s side this term, with just three sides scoring fewer than their 37, two of which have already been relegated in Watford and Norwich City.

Therefore, investing in high quality forwards that can score will certainly be a priority, something that Silva hasn’t shown many signs of doing over his two seasons.

If Real Madrid were to offer similar money to what Wolves spent on the striker, they could be tempted to allow the forward, who was labelled as a “hindrance” by journalist Liam Keen, to depart after a frustrating spell at Molineux.

However, there is also the suggestion that if Wolves cut ties with Silva early, they may find themselves regretting their actions in years to come.

Based on what the striker has shown in a Wolves shirt thus far though, the West Midlands outfit can afford to allow him to depart.

AND in other news: Wolves can get summer off to a blinder with “unplayable” £46k-p/w brute who Lage wants

According to broadcast giant ESPN, a very interesting transfer development has now come out Tottenham Hotspur involving Inter Milan forward Ivan Perisic.

The Lowdown: Conte eyes attacking upgrade…

Spurs manager Antonio Conte, having guided his side to within touching distance of a previously unthought of top-four finish in the Premier League, also sets one eye on the looming transfer window.

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The Times claim he wants as many as six major signings in the summer ‘at least’ with eight Lilywhites players potentially heading out the exit door.

Sergio Reguilón, Emerson Royal, Steven Bergwijn, Giovani Lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele could be given Conte’s axe among others and it is believed that the 52-year-old wants to bring in a new forward.

The Latest: Perisic development emerges…

Now, as per big name broadcaster ESPN and their reporter James Olley on Twitter, the north Londoners are ‘exploring a deal to sign’ Perisic from Inter as they eye a Bosman move.

Spurs have apparently made contact over the 33-year-old with the US news outlet also reporting that he is open to reuniting with former boss Conte at N17.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Even at 33, Perisic has been integral at the San Siro this season, with former midfielder Fausto Pizzi calling the Croatian ‘incredible’ with ‘no others’ like him in the Italian top flight (via TUTTOmercatoWEB).

A mainstay under Simone Inzaghi, only teammate Hakan Calhanoglu has averaged a higher match-rating per 90 than Perisic as Inter’s ace stands out as one of their top performers (WhoScored).

Landing the attacker on a free deal could come as quite a brilliant quick-fix for Spurs in the forward positions for around one-two seasons before a more permanent solution can be found.

In other news: Offer imminent: Tottenham ready ‘sensational’ player move as club plan 50% discount, find out more here.