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The Athletic’s Gregg Evans has dropped a behind-the-scenes claim at Aston Villa about what Johan Lange is pushing for from Dean Smith.

What’s the story?

The Midlands club enjoyed a busy summer transfer window which saw numerous players come in and Jack Grealish head to Manchester City, but one man who has kind of been lost in the shuffle over the past few months is Morgan Sanson.

Writing for The Athletic, Evans revealed: “It’s understood that sporting director Johan Lange was very keen for Sanson, who made his first appearance in 149 days for the under-21s last night, to be given a chance to show what he is made of, too. It was Lange who pushed hard for that particular move, with CEO Christian Purslow agreeing that a £14 million deal last January represented good value for money.”

He added: “Whether a perceived fragility comes back to bite Villa in their quest for the top half remains to be seen. Can Luiz pull it all together to become the defensive midfielder Villa are missing? Will Nakamba find some consistency? Or does Sanson fill the gap? The weeks and months ahead should provide some answers.”

Villa fans may be fuming

In what was a rather frustrating first half-season in English football for Sanson, the Frenchman made just nine appearances in the Premier League totaling 291 minutes worth of football.

Following his disappointing displays, former Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny said: “I don’t see why they wouldn’t sell him if he’s not producing. It’s only six months and sometimes you’ve got to give players a little bit more time. Not everyone settles well in this country.

“But if they are interested in a couple more midfielders then that could be a sign. There’s no shame in cutting your losses and moving on. People make mistakes. You’re never going to get every signing spot-on.”

Such has been the disappointment surrounding him that reports emerged even in late March that Villa chiefs felt they had made a big mistake in bringing Sanson to the club, and that “he is said to be very difficult to manage, and proved to be so much trouble for two of his former agents they decided to let him go.”

The report added that “there is a feeling in the corridors of power the club ‘haven’t done their homework’ over the 26-year-old Frenchman.”

Given that Villa were after the likes of James Ward-Prowse over the summer transfer window, it was clear that Smith was looking to bring in a new central midfielder. The fact that they haven’t done so, and may need to turn towards a player who both the coaching and recruitment staff seemingly feel isn’t up to scratch, is sure to leave fans fuming.

Lange pushing for Sanson to be given a chance is understandable given that he has only been here for a few months, but should that have been at the expense of potentially pushing the boat out for landing one of their big targets like Ward-Prowse?

Villa fans may be livid over this latest update from Evans.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has confirmed a major boost…

Erik ten Hag's assistant Eric Ramsay has become the youngest-ever MLS head coach after leaving Manchester United to join Minnesota United.

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• Ramsay leaves Man Utd to join Minnesota United
• Youngest-ever MLS coach
• Excited by 'culture' at new club

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 31-year-old, who initially joined Manchester United's coaching staff in 2021, has officially made a move to Major League Soccer as he was appointed as the head coach of Minnesota United on Monday. Upon joining the club, he wholeheartedly praised his new club's football culture – in what could be construed as a veiled parting shot at United – as he expressed his excitement after taking up the first senior coaching job of his career.

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• WHAT ERIC RAMSAY SAID

  After signing for the American club, Ramsay told their official website: "I’m incredibly excited to be joining a club with such a strong football culture, a fanatic fan base and a brilliant infrastructure. I’ve spoken to a lot of the club’s staff throughout the process and you can’t help but feel everyone’s passion for moving the club forward. There is a really exciting pathway for the future of the club and I’m looking forward to playing my role in realising that vision. I thank the club for putting its faith in me and I hope it’s the start of another successful period for everyone connected with Minnesota United."

  On the English manager's appointment, The Loons' chief soccer officer Khaled El-Ahmad said: "After an extensive search that included dozens of impressive domestic and international candidates, we are confident that Eric Ramsay is the best choice to lead our club. His experience working with top-level players, coaches, and sporting staff at both the club and international level – as well as his alignment in playing style and development philosophy – all fit with the vision we have for the future of MNUFC.

  "Beyond his soccer pedigree, he is a genuine person who is aligned with the values and culture at the club. He speaks several languages, has experience in managing a multicultural locker room at the highest level, and understands the importance of community engagement and the value of a passionate fanbase. He fits everything that MNUFC is about, and we are looking forward to welcoming Eric to Minnesota United FC."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  had earlier reported that Ramsay had offers from Blackpool and Swansea City in the past few months but he refused their proposals to make a move to the United States. Since Minnesota United were awarded an expansion franchise slot in 2017, Ramsay is only the second head coach in the club's history after Everton legend Adrian Heath, with whom they parted ways last year.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MINNESOTA UNITED?

  The Loons began the new MLS season on a winning note as they defeated Austin FC 2-1. They will next seen be in action on Saturday against the Columbus Crew.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta heaped praise on his players after the club's thumping 4-1 win over Newcastle United.

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• Arteta in awe of Arsenal players
• Arsenal thrashed Newcastle 4-1
• Praised the team's off-the-ball movements

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Gunners' convincing performance against the Magpies left Arteta in awe of his players as he wholeheartedly praised the team for their dominance against a formidable opponent. The manager also claimed that he was left impressed by his team's off-the-ball movements which were lacking in their defeat against FC Porto in the Champions League earlier in the week.

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• WHAT MIKEL ARTETA SAID

  Speaking to BBC Match of the Day after the game, Arteta said, "I'm really happy with the performance against a Newcastle team who are really really good. The boys were really good, really aggressive and we deserved to win the game. They [Newcastle] have a lot of resources to create issues but we continued in the same way, we maintained our rhythm and it was a joy to watch the team play.

  "We are really happy, we have to continue to do the things that we are doing well. There are still things that we can do better and we are bringing big players back from injury so that is a big boost. Against Porto, we were ourselves with the ball but not without the ball. It was a big lesson and you learn a lot from those moments."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Sven Botman's own goal handed the north London club the lead in the 18th minute before Kai Havertz doubled his team's lead in the first half. Bukayo Saka and Jakub Kiwior then scored a goal each in the 65th and 69th minute to seal the crucial three points. Joe Willock then netted a consolation goal for Eddie Howe's side in the 84th minute.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  The Gunners are set to face Sheffield United and Brentford in their next two Premier League matches before they take on FC Porto in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 fixture on March 12.

Gareth Southgate expressed his concern over dangerous North Macedonia pitch ahead of England's last Euro qualifier.

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• Southgate concerned about North Macedonia pitch
• Warned Premier League managers
• England take on North Macedonia on Tuesday

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  England and Southgate are on red alert over North Macedonia's pitch which has been deemed dangerous by several players and managers across the world. The turf at the National Arena Todor Proeski Stadium was recently relaid yet the Three Lions players have been advised not to warm up in certain areas of the ground.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  In September, Italian striker Ciro Immobile had termed the turf as 'dangerous' after they faced North Macedonia in a Euro 2024 qualifier. Three years back, the then-Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho had claimed that UEFA had to issue an apology for small goalposts at the same stadium where Spurs faced North Macedonian side Shkendija.

• WHAT SOUTHGATE SAID

  Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the English manager said, "I know they’ve relaid it. I would imagine it hasn’t quite knitted, but we’ll see. ‌

  "That’s why you want to make sure you’re qualified well in advance. We said that right at the start of the qualifying campaign, you’re never quite sure what you’re going to get away from home."

  Amid concern of Premier League clubs and managers over the fitness of their key players, the 53-year-old coach also assured that he will not take any risks with his players.

  He added, "There will be that without a pitch (issue) or not! No, we wouldn’t take any chances with players."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?

  England are already missing the service of star midfielder Jude Bellingham in the ongoing international break and on top of that Marcus Rashford injured himself during their qualifier against Malta last week. Full-back Kieran Trippier has also returned home due to personal matters.

Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has opened up on the frantic atmosphere of his Camp Nou debut in April 2023

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• Admitted that he "couldn't hear anything"
• Played seven minutes against Real Betis
• Has scored three, assisted two in La Liga this year

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Yamal made an immediate impression at Camp Nou for Xavi, entrusted with a lively cameo as a 15-year-old towards the end of Barcelona's league-winning campaign. He has since become a regular for the Blaugrana, making 24 appearances in the Spanish top flight this season.

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• WHAT LAMINE YAMAL SAID ABOUT HIS DEBUT

  In an interview carried by the club's media, Yamal revealed that his Barca debut was a nerve-wracking experience: "I went out to warm up when I entered the field my ears popped, I couldn't hear anything, it was like a minute, but in my legs it seemed like an hour."

• WHAT LAMINE YAMAL SAID ABOUT XAVI

  The 16-year-old also heaped praise on Xavi: "I will always thank him because not just anyone makes your debut at 15 years old and this season he has given me minutes in all the games I have been able to play."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Yamal has starred for Barca over the last month, most recently scoring twice against Granada to salvage a point following a forgettable Blaugrana performance. With Raphinha recovering from injury and Joao Felix out, he seems to have made the right-wing spot his own.

Fabian Delph could leave Everton this summer, but Dean Windass has ruled out the 31-year-old returning to Leeds.

The midfielder left Manchester City to join the Toffees two years ago, but his short stay on Merseyside has been overshadowed by injuries.

Delph has missed 39 games across all competitions for Everton with several muscle problems preventing him from making any real impact on the pitch.

According to the Liverpool Echo, Everton are open to selling him this summer after making just 30 appearances in a Toffees shirt.

Following their promotion back to the Premier League 12 months ago, Leeds were plotting a move to bring Delph back to Elland Road as reported by the Daily Star to add experience to their squad.

Delph began his playing career with Leeds and made 50 appearances before he left for Aston Villa when the Yorkshire giants were still playing League One football.

But Windass exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that he doesn’t expect to see the midfielder return to his former club this window.

“I don’t think he’s a Bielsa type. He’s always injured.

“The one thing about football now is all on stats, they want to see how many games you’ve played, what you’re good at, what you’re not good at. How many games has he played for Everton? So, I can’t see that.”

According to The Daily Record, Glasgow Rangers are closing in on the signing of Juan Alegria from FC Honka.

The Lowdown: Gers prepare for Malmo clash

The Gers started their 2021/22 campaign with a 3-0 victory over Livingston in the Premiership – they already find themselves three points ahead of their fierce city rivals Celtic.

Now, they will face Swedish side Malmo in their third Champions League qualifying round as they aim to reach the group stages of the competition.

Ahead to the crucial match in southern Sweden, it seems the Gers have kickstarted some more transfer business after last week’s signing of Charlie McCann.

The Latest: Gers close in Alegria

The Gers were believed to be very close to capturing to capturing the 19-year-old during the January transfer window, but problems caused by Brexit delayed the deal.

Now, though, he is said to be within touching distance of finally completing that switch to the 55-time Scottish champions.

He would become the fifth signing of the summer at Ibrox, after McCann’s arrival added to three senior signings.

The Verdict: One for the future

So far during his career, the 19-year-old has managed four goals in four matches for Honka’s second team, but just one in 23 for the first team (Transfermarkt). With a number of options available for Steven Gerrard upfront, Alegria is unlikely to be challenging for a starting spot any time soon – this is a transfer for the future.

Alegria is from Colombia, just like Rangers’ star striker Alfredo Morelos. The younger of the two has admitted he is looking forward to getting to Ibrox to be able to learn from Morelos (The Scottish Sun).

If he can turn that adoration into even half the impact the 25-year-old has had with the Gers, he will prove to be a top signing.

In other news, Rangers fans were livid with this journalist’s tweet.

The Norwegian scored a penalty and a sensational strike from the edge of the box, mere days after being substituted at half-time due to injury

Manchester City came into Tuesday's game with Young Boys well aware that a victory would secure early passage into the Champions League knockout rounds, and they duly delivered, thanks in no small part to Erling Haaland, who was only deemed half-fit before the game.

Fresh from being substituted at half-time against Bournemouth with a twisted ankle, the Norway international opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Matheus Nunes was fouled by Sandro Lauper in the penalty area, coolly sending the goalkeeper the wrong way from 12 yards. Phil Foden then added a second with a glorious finish, curling the ball into the bottom corner after a superb pass from Jack Grealish.

Strangely, at half-time, John Stones was withdrawn, potentially with an injury, but that didn't slow City down, as Haaland then scored the third just five minutes after the restart, as he rifled an absolutely stunning strike from the edge of the box into the top corner.

Lauper was then sent off for a second booking two minutes later, and with 10 men, Young Boys naturally retreated, allowing City to have a host of chances to extend their lead, although they were strangely profligate in front of goal following a slew of substitutions.

GOAL rates City's players from the Etihad Stadium…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Ederson (6/10):

  Barely troubled throughout a quiet night.

  Kyle Walker (7/10):

  Drove an excellent free-kick at goal, forcing a good save. Rarely in danger in defence but got up and down well. Replaced on the hour by Phillips.

  Ruben Dias (7/10):

  He may never have an easier night. Organised and cajoled constantly.

  Josko Gvardiol (6/10):

  Was able to step up routinely and was strong in his distribution.

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  Midfield

  John Stones (6/10):

  His usual economical self in possession in midfield before his surprise withdrawal at half-time. It remains unclear if he is injured or if he was merely being rested.

  Rico Lewis (7/10):

  Denied only by a brilliant goal-line clearance early on. Moves the ball so well; City have a player on their hands here.

  Matheus Nunes (6/10):

  Won City's penalty with a clever piece of control in the area and kept looking to get forward, although his finishing left something to be desired.

  Mateo Kovacic (7/10)

  Danced through Young Boys' defence to win a free-kick early on. Superb footwork and a level above the visitors' midfield. Replaced by Doku late on.

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  Attack

  Phil Foden (8/10):

  Scored a superb goal, collecting Grealish's pass and driving into the box before curling an effort into the bottom corner. Some excellent touches when under immense pressure, as Young Boys doubled up on him.

  Erling Haaland (9/10):

  Scored coolly from the spot after Nunes was brought down, then completed a stunning brace with a fierce effort from the edge of the box that was rifled into the top corner. Subbed for Bobb on the hour. A sensational showing, and even more so given that he was subbed at half-time at the weekend.

  Jack Grealish (7/10):

  Provided an excellent assist for Foden and played some truly sumptuous passes. The defence could not get near him at times.

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  Subs & Manager

  Nathan Ake (6/10):

  Subbed on at half-time. Had more time on the ball in Young Boys' half than his own.

  Oscar Bobb (6/10):

  On for Haaland. Some promising touches but the 20-year-old could not fashion a chance for himself.

  Kalvin Phillips (6/10):

  A rare appearance as he came on for Walker on the hour. Saw a shot deflected just wide of the post but kept City ticking from deep.

  Jeremy Doku (7/10):

  On for Kovacic late on. Almost provided an assist for Nunes immediately but the midfielder fluffed his chance. Some truly outrageous trickery, as he almost mocked Young Boys' defence.

  Pep Guardiola (7/10):

  A straightforward night at the office. City were always likely to win and they did, as Guardiola fielded a strong XI and rotated after the hour mark, with the game already won.

Lionel Messi is reluctant to make Antonio Sanabria famous by discussing a spitting incident that occurred during Argentina’s win over Paraguay.

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• All-time great in qualification action
• Stepped off the bench after nursing knock
• Focused on picking up three points

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi started that game on the bench, as he has been nursing an injury since the last international break, but was introduced in the 53rd minute. That was enough time for him to come close to scoring on a couple of occasions, but an early effort from Nicolas Otamendi ended up settling a tight contest.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Messi was involved in one unfortunate incident that saw Paraguay striker Sanabria spit in his direction, but the World Cup winner was unaware of those actions at the time and refused to be dragged into a debate regarding them afterwards for fear of giving “importance” to a player that he claims to know nothing about.

• WHAT THEY SAID

  Messi told of the spitting saga: “My team-mates told me about it in the locker room. It is better to leave the issue alone.”

  The all-time great added: “I don't know who this guy is and I don't want to give him importance either, because if he gets that he's going to go out and talk everywhere and he becomes known.”

  Messi preferred to discuss the fact that he was able to get more game time under his belt after seeing just 72 minutes of action for Inter Miami since last turning out for his country. The iconic 36-year-old added: “I'm happy to play again and add minutes. It is always difficult to enter and even more so in such a tight game. The important thing is that we won and at times we played very well, especially in the first half.”

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  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  Argentina will be back in 2026 World Cup qualifying action next Tuesday when taking in a trip to Peru, with there a chance that Messi has already played his last domestic minutes of the season for Inter Miami – as they have missed out on the MLS play-offs.

Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale appears to have responded to Jamie Carragher’s “Oscars” jibe by pointing out that he has always been a team player.

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• Arteta favouring Raya at present
• England international on the bench
• Supporting team-mates from the sidelines

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The England international has lost his place in the Gunners team over recent weeks, with Mikel Arteta favouring summer signing David Raya between the sticks. That has left Ramsdale stuck on the sidelines, with a role among the substitutes being taken up.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  It was while occupying a spot on the bench during a thrilling north London derby clash with arch-rivals Tottenham that Ramsdale was spotted applauding Raya for a stunning save from Brennan Johnson. Carragher said on Sky Sports afterwards of the cameras cutting to Ramsdale: “I thought it was like the Oscars, you know when someone loses the Oscar and they start clapping and smiling for the other person. I was laughing when I saw that. He's absolutely devastated with that really.”

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Said comments attracted criticism from Ramsdale’s father, who replied to a tweet about Carragher’s quip by saying: “You are a disgrace!! Show some class!! My lad has.” The 25-year-old shot-stopper has now shared images within an Instagram story of him previously celebrating the exploits of team-mates.

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• WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  Ramsdale has posted an image from his time at Bournemouth, which shows him celebrating with fellow goalkeeper Mark Travers following a penalty shootout victory, while also including a picture of him joining in the celebrations which accompanied Reiss Nelson’s dramatic winner against Bournemouth last season. Ramsdale may find himself back in action for Arsenal on Wednesday as Mikel Arteta is expected to make changes for a Carabao Cup third-round clash with Brentford.

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