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Gary Lineker has revealed his plans after he steps away from hosting Match of the Day and working for the BBC.

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• Lineker leaving MOTD this summer
• "Had talks" with other broadcasters
• Ex-striker reveals plans after that

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The former England international has lifted the lid on the "talks" he had with other broadcasters such as Sky but the ex-striker suggested he will step away from the limelight when he ends his tenure with the BBC after the 2026 World Cup.

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  WHAT GARY LINEKER SAID

  The 64-year-old told FourFourTwo: "I don't think you'll see me doing much football, apart from the [Rest is Football] podcast. I'll do the odd thing, but I don't think you'll see me appearing regularly on another channel."

  He added: "We've had talks with Sky at various points, but I always wanted to stick with the BBC. I could have earned a lot more, though I know I've been well paid anyway, obviously. I've had offers to go elsewhere but I just loved being with the BBC, and also how it helps everything else you do. It's not only the kudos, the audience is much bigger. More people still watch Match of the Day than probably the biggest live game on Sundays. Also, I'm quite loyal. I've had the same guy cut my hair for 40 years, the same guy training me in the gym for 30 years, the same agent since I was 18…"

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Lineker is stepping down as host of Match of the Day in May, ending 26 years in the show's hot seat. He will also front coverage of next season's FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup but Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan will take over at MOTD. This really will be the end of an era.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  All eyes will be on what Lineker turns his attention to after his time with the BBC concludes, and if he could be tempted back into presenting.

A “superb” and versatile Premier League player is now open to the idea of completing a move to Liverpool next year, according to a fresh transfer claim.

Liverpool transfer news

The Reds are absolutely flying after their 6-3 win away to Tottenham on Sunday afternoon, with the result taking them four points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand.

Arne Slot may have inherited a world-class squad from Jurgen Klopp but that’s not to say that Liverpool won’t be doing some important transfer business in 2025, whether it be in the January transfer window or next summer. One possible target is Jeremie Frimpong, who has been a key player for Bayer Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso, winning the Bundesliga title last season.

Much has been made of Andy Robertson’s up-and-down season for the Reds, and with the Scot now 30 years of age, a long-term replacement needs to be found. Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson is seen as an option to replace him, with the American impressing against Slot’s men in the 2-2 draw at Anfield earlier this month, registering two assists.

A more high-profile left-back addition would be Alphonso Davies, with the Bayern Munich superstar backed to join as his contract at Bayern nears its end. He is arguably the best in Europe in his position, and a dream option in that role.

Liverpool plotting move for £60m Brighton star

According to a new update from Football Insider, Brighton striker Joao Pedro is open to joining Liverpool in a potential £60m move in 2025, as he looks for a big new challenge in his career. FSG have been interested in striking a deal for some time, but this is the first development on the player’s personal feelings towards a move.

It is stated that the Reds have been “keeping tabs” on the 23-year-old’s progress, and he likes the idea of joining “one of the top Premier League sides”.

With doubts persisting over Darwin Nunez’s worth at Liverpool, whether it be his link-up play or finishing, and Diogo Jota an injury-prone figure, the Reds should consider signing a new striker next summer.

In Pedro, they have an outstanding option to come in and lead the line for the long-term future, having impressed so much for Brighton this season, registering seven goal contributions (four goals and three assists) in seven Premier League starts. He has even been described as “superb” by Alan Shearer, which is high praise from a legendary attacking player.

Pedro’s versatility should be seen as an added bonus for Slot, with the Brazilian naturally a centre forward, but also capable of shining on either flank in a similar fashion to Jota, giving Liverpool’s head coach even more attacking firepower.

Whether the Reds make a move for him or not is likely to depend on their stance towards Nunez, who is still a hit-and-miss figure, despite now being in his third season at Anfield.

Slot now has a Liverpool star who's playing like the "Firmino of old"

Liverpool ran out 6-3 winners over Tottenham Hotspur in a seriously captivating contest.

By
Kelan Sarson

Dec 22, 2024

If the Uruguayan doesn’t find a new gear between now and May, it may be time for Liverpool to cut their losses with him, instead acquiring the services of the highly-rated Pedro.

The sporting giant has updated the game with the 2025 MLS kits

• Title Update #12 introduces redesigned kits for all MLS teams
• New kits reflect each team's identity and the dynamic culture of North American soccer
• Update showcases EA's commitment to authenticity

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games now

• WHAT HAPPENED

  EA SPORTS announced the inclusion of the 2025 MLS season kits in FC 25 through Title Update #12 which was released on April 1. This comprehensive update will feature fresh designs for all MLS teams, including the newest expansion club, San Diego FC as well as for the NWSL and CONMEBOL Libertadores. The addition of these new kits enhances the game's authenticity, allowing players to experience the latest in MLS fashion and team identity.

  EA also said that the bespoke collection of Apple TV jersey patches, commemorating the league's 30th anniversary, will appear on all MLS jerseys in EA SPORTS FC 25. Inspired by each of the club’s distinctive crest, color palette, and visual identity, the patches are being worn by players for the 2025 season.  

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• WHAT EA SPORTS FC SAID

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Title Update #12 is more than just a routine patch—it's a substantial content drop designed to keep EA SPORTS FC 25 aligned with the evolving football landscape. The update introduces the new seasons for MLS, NWSL, and CONMEBOL Libertadores, which means updated rosters, new kits, and other season-specific features for these leagues and tournaments.

• WHAT’S NEXT?

  The update launched across all platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch, on April 1st 2025.

One of Wrexham and Birmingham, with A-list investors on board, are being backed to reach the Premier League in the “next two or three years”.

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• Birmingham assured of Championship spot
• Red Dragons pursuing third successive promotion
• Ultimate goal is to reach the top-flight

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are calling the shots at SToK Racecourse, while NFL legend Tom Brady owns a minority stake at St Andrew’s. Birmingham have already secured promotion out of League One this season.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Wrexham are hoping to join them in the Championship for 2025-26, with the ultimate goal for both clubs being to make the top tier. Big money is being invested across two ambitious projects, while famous faces behind the scenes are attracting global interest.

• WHAT FORMER PREMIER LEAGUE CHAIRMAN SAID

  Former Premier League chairman Simon Jordan, who spent time at the helm of Crystal Palace, has told of what happens from here: “I wouldn’t be surprised if the momentum propels them forward into the Championship and we see them again being really competitive in the Championship. Then you’ve got Wrexham coming up. All of a sudden you’ve got American owners everywhere.

  “The thing about Wrexham, I sort of pooh-poohed it back in the day because I thought ‘you’re not going to get the traction’, and when it comes to putting your hands in your pockets, and if you do get up to the Championship, this is where the serious dough starts to come in.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Jordan added: “We’ll see your appetite, your Hollywood guys normally use other people’s money rather than their own. In this instance, that may well be the case, but the traction that these guys have got, Ryan Reynolds and the other fella, is so enormous that you’re seeing Wrexham badges on Marvel superheroes inside mainstream films.

  “The traction they’re getting is so significant that the commercial investments and the money that’s behind Wrexham can build a new stadium. I would not be surprised if either one of these clubs end up in the Premier League in the next two or three years.”

West Bromwich Albion are in the race to sign a “fantastic “player this month for a bargain fee, according to a recent report.

West Brom manager latest

The Baggies’ search to replace Carlos Corberan, who left to join Valencia before Christmas, is still ongoing as a number of managers have been linked with the vacancy. Former England interim manager Lee Carsley was one that West Brom were keen on appointing, but he is said to have turned the Championship side down, with his reasoning for doing so not clear.

West Brom struck gold on star who is now worth more than Mowatt & Johnston

West Bromwich Albion will pray this star isn’t tempted by a move away this January.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jan 4, 2025

Another manager who has been linked with the job is Blackburn Rover’s John Eustace. Eustace has done a tremendous job at Ewood Park since arriving towards the back end of last season. He has taken Rovers from a side fighting at the bottom end of the table to one that is now competing for a place in this season’s play-offs. Liverpool coach Johnny Heitinga is another option for the Baggies, as he’s been heavily linked with the role and is said to be admired by the club’s hierarchy.

Swansea City manager Luke Williams is also another manager who has been mentioned as a candidate to replace Corberan. However, there has been an update on that possibility, and it is being claimed that West Brom don’t see Williams as an option to become their new manager, despite the impressive work he has done at Swansea City.

West Brom in race to sign "fantastic" player for bargain fee

While the Baggies continue their search for a new manager, the club’s hierarchy also have plans in place to improve the playing squad, as according to reliable reporter Alan Nixon via the Ibrox News, West Brom are in the race to sign Adam Devine from Rangers this month.

Devine came through the academy at Rangers, breaking into the first team during the 2022/23 campaign. However, since then, he has struggled to be a regular in the squad and spent the second half of last season on loan at Motherwell. The 21-year-old is out of contract at the end of this campaign, but a move could happen this month.

It is being reported that West Brom are keen to add to their squad this month despite there being no manager on board yet, and they have an interest in Devine. The Midlands side could sign Devine, who is a right-back, for a “bargain fee,” due to the fact he is out of contract in the summer. Devine may find it hard to become a starter in the West Brom side, as Darnell Furlong has been performing very well and is regarded as one of the best right-backs in the division, but he would provide much-needed competition.

It was former manager Michael Beale who gave Devine his chance at Rangers, and he labelled the defender as “fantastic” after impressing during his reign. Beale said after beating Hibernian in his first game in charge of Rangers: “Delighted with Adam, it’s obvious he was playing on his weak side.

“He was targeted from goal kicks; for a young boy, he did fantastic. This season, he was supposed to be a backup to Tavernier and push him – like Patterson did.

“We’ve got high hopes for him, and that wasn’t easy tonight. I asked him to play higher up the pitch; more energy. For everyone watching, he is a young Scottish boy we can be proud of. Early days but for tonight, well played son.”

The last few weeks have been a challenge for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, having to replace the creativity of the injured Bukayo Saka within the final third.

The Englishman has scored five and registered ten assists in his 16 Premier League appearances, but after surgery on his hamstring, he’s set to be missing until at least March – massively denting the Gunners’ title ambitions.

Ethan Nwaneri has attempted to fill the void in recent outings, scoring in the draw with Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday night – bagging his second top-flight goal of his professional career.

As for the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard they have often shared the attacking roles but have struggled to replicate the performance levels of the injured academy graduate.

Such form could see the hierarchy dip into the transfer market to try and bolster Arteta’s side to aid their title ambitions, with one player already on their radar after the opening of the transfer window this week.

Arsenal in the race to sign 18-goal forward in January

According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal are one of a number of English sides in the race to sign Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush before the end of the ongoing window.

However, Manchester City and Liverpool are said to hold the advantage at this stage, with Aston Villa, Newcastle and Chelsea also monitoring the Egyptian’s progress.

The 25-year-old is currently enjoying the best season of his professional career to date, scoring 18 times and registering 11 assists in just 24 matches – only behind Harry Kane in the Bundesliga goalscoring charts.

As a result of his recent form, the German side are demanding a fee in the region of €70m (£58m) to part ways with their star forward, but it remains to be seen if any side is willing to meet such a price tag.

However, given his form, it could be a potential bargain, leading to comparisons to one of Europe’s leading talents over the past couple of months.

Why Marmoush could be Arteta’s very own Mbappe

Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé has cemented himself as one of the biggest stars in world football over the last couple of years after his impressive form within the attacking third.

The 26-year-old has notched 14 goals in his first year in Spain after joining the European giants on a free transfer from PSG over the summer, following his unheard-of goal record during his spell at the Parc des Princes.

Mbappé registered 235 goals in 264 appearances for the Parisians, whilst also managing a hat-trick in the World Cup final back in 2022, becoming only the second player in football history to manage such a feat.

Arsenal would undoubtedly love to have a player of Mbappé’s quality, but a move for Marmoush could allow them to sign a player of similar level, especially when delving into his underlying figures from 2024/25.

As a result of the Egyptian’s performances, he’s been dubbed as one of the most similar players in Europe’s top five leagues to the Real Madrid ace by FBref, with the Frankfurt talisman even outperforming the Frenchman in various areas since the start of the campaign.

Like Mbappe, the Egypt forward possesses plenty of pace and ability to beat his man. That said, Marmoush, who’s recently been dubbed as “one of Europe’s best forwards” by analyst David Segar, has managed more combined goals and assists than the French international – also averaging a better goal per shot on target rate – highlighting his clinical nature in the final third.

He’s also completed more take-ons and won more aerials per 90, offering that all-round centre-forward that Arteta and the Gunners have been craving over the last couple of seasons.

It may be a risky move splashing nearly £60m on a player who’s currently enjoying a purple patch, potentially running the risk of the attacker being unable to sustain his recent performance levels.

However, Marmoush has showcased that he’s able to better some of the very best talents in Europe, which could dramatically improve the club’s forward line in their pursuit of ending a two-decade wait for a league triumph.

With City currently ahead in the race for his signature, the Gunners hierarchy need to act swiftly to prevent missing out on the 25-year-old and subsequently improving one of their main rivals.

Arsenal must axe 5/10 dud who now needs to be replaced by Matheus Cunha

Arsenal have reportedly been chasing the signing of Matheus Cunha.

2

By
Matt Dawson

Jan 5, 2025

Jamie Carragher says Liverpool have "always lacked" a left-footed centre-back and putting Virgil van Dijk in that role doesn't fix the issue.

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• Liverpool lose 3-2 at Fulham
• Carragher points to Reds weakness
• Van Dijk can't fix the issue

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Liverpool legend Carragher suggested Liverpool's poor defensive performance in their 3-2 loss at Fulham was partly down to there being two right-footed centre-backs (Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate). The ex-England international believes for all of Van Dijk's qualities, having a left-footer in the back two may have prevented Alex Iwobi's goal at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

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  WHAT JAMIE CARRAGHER SAID

  Analysing the goal on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, Carragher said: "The reason why Fulham have pushed it to Van Dijk is… and something Liverpool have always lacked… a left-footed centre back. Now, the reason I think Virgil van Dijk probably goes to [left back] Andy Robertson is it's the obvious pass, of course. It's not a bad pass, but maybe a left-footed centre back with the quality of Van Dijk could actually go there [and play a long-range pass from left to right and find Mo Salah in space]. If it's on the right side, he's got that passing range in his locker. And that's why I think Fulham have pushed it this side, pushed Virgil van Dijk onto his left foot. Because they know he can't play that pass and he's going to play the shorter pass. He goes to Andy Robertson and he's just got to go back to the goalkeeper. He tries a cross-field pass, he gets it wrong and we know what happens. It was a nightmare scenario for him."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Van Dijk is into the last months of his Liverpool contract and could be heading for pastures new this summer. If he does go, the Reds will have to find a quality replacement and perhaps they will look for a left-footer – as Carragher has advised. If the 33-year-old stays, strengthening in that area would be a shrewd move anyway. Ultimately, it hasn't been that big an issue as they are on the cusp of another Premier League title.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Arne Slot's Liverpool will look to bounce back from this defeat when they host West Ham in the Premier League on Sunday.

Leicester City boss Ruud van Nistelrooy has admitted that he 'expected' more points this season as the Foxes get relegated from the Premier League.

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• Leicester City relegated from Premier League
• Van Nistelrooy joined Leicester in November
• Opens up on the disappointment of relegation

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Leicester City reached the Premier League after absolutely dominating the Championship last season with Enzo Maresca; however, after the Italian left his post to join Chelsea, the Foxes signed Steve Cooper as their head coach. Cooper's side struggled for form through the start of the season before the former Nottingham Forest coach was sacked and replaced by Van Nistelrooy, following his own departure from Manchester United in September, after their onboarding of permanent boss Ruben Amorim.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Van Nistelrooy joined Leicester City and immediately helped the Foxes to a 3-1 win against West Ham on his debut, prompting some hope within the camp regarding the potential of avoiding relegation. However, since then, the 2016 Premier League champions have only managed to win one league game, and their defeat to Liverpool on Sunday officially sealed their fate to return to the Championship. The Dutchman has opened up on the Foxes' relegation and claimed that he expected the team to get more points.

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  WHAT VAN NISTELROOY SAID

  Speaking to the media, Van Nistelrooy said: "It’s very disappointing – it’s been weeks leading up to this. We always kept fighting for every bit of hope we had. We have to continue to use the games to end the season in the best way possible. I’m focused on taking my responsibility to do the best things for the future and next season. Performances like Brighton and the Liverpool game are signs that the players are willing to do that. We have to take responsibility, and that’s what I’m doing for the next five weeks, and after that, we have to see.

  "I expected to get more points than I was able to get. I think there were some very good performances and that's what we've said in press conferences, and there were games where didn't perform to our capabilities. Over 33 games, it's the level of the three promoted sides – the gap has been too big compared to the other 17 teams – it's a clear, difference in quality with two teams relegated already and the other one 15 points back with five games – that's the first conclusion and important one.

  "I have done everything in the interests of the club, so no, I wouldn’t change,’ he said. It is my job to make decisions before and not after. After you can say, it was good or it wasn’t good. The decisions I made with all the people in the club were made with one goal, and that was to bring points on the table. There’s no regrets in that."

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• WHAT NEXT FOR VAN NISTELROOY?

  The Dutchman has stated that he plans to stay with Leicester next season as he intends to honour his contract with the club, which stands till 2027.

As Tottenham Hotspur look to turn their season around, those in North London are now reportedly making regular checks on a rising star who could go onto replace Heung-min Son.

Tottenham transfer news

In true Tottenham fashion, the Lilywhites entered the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final off the back of four games without victory before ending the night as 1-0 winners courtesy of a controversial Lucas Bergvall winner.

Whilst some have been quick to argue that the teenager should have been handed a second yellow card for a late challenge on Andrew Robertson just moments before his goal, there’s no denying that the Swede deserved his moment to remember in North London.

That shock result will at least paper over the cracks for now, but that should not rule out any further January reinforcements at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, given their defensive injuries and lack of quality at times.

Levy hopes to finalise Tottenham signing by the end of the week after talks

The Lilywhites chairman and Spurs’ recruitment team are pushing for the club’s second winter signing.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jan 10, 2025

Already, Ange Postecoglou has benefitted from the arrival of Antonin Kinsky, who impressed on his debut in place of Fraser Forster in victory over Liverpool and now the former Celtic boss could welcome yet another talent.

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Tottenham are now making regular checks on Anis Hadj Moussa alongside Liverpool in the race to sign the Feyenoord winger who earned the Man of the Match award in a 3-3 draw against Manchester City earlier this season.

Stealing the show with an excellent display and the first of his side’s three goals to commence a dramatic comeback at The Etihad, Hadj Moussa is certainly one to watch in the coming weeks. Still just 22 years old, if Spurs are looking for a long-term Son replacement then the Algerian may well be their man.

"Fantasic" Hadj Moussa is a rising star

As Son arguably begins to move past his peak at 32 years old, those in North London would be wise to find a replacement sooner rather than later. Without the usual form of the South Korean, Spurs have been handed a glimpse at the frustrating reality that they could find themselves in on a permanent basis this season, rooted to mid-table and on course to miss out on European football.

The arrival of an emerging star in Hadj Moussa could quickly help turn things around, however. The young winger was praised for his “fantastic run of form” by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig last month in what may just be a sign of things to come.

With six goals and two assists to his name in all competitions this season, Hadj Moussa is beginning to show all the signs that point towards a player ready to burst into life.

Vinicius Jr's entourage has 'strongly denied' that a new contract is close at Real Madrid as he reportedly demands a Cristiano Ronaldo type deal.

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• Reports emerged that Vinicius is close to extending until 2030
• His entourage has rejected those claims
• Says they are still waiting for a revised offer from the club

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Despite multiple Spanish media outlets suggesting that Vinicius Jr is on the verge of extending his stay at Real Madrid until 2030, those close to the player have firmly pushed back on such claims. The Brazilian star's entourage has strongly refuted any notion that a deal is close to being finalized, with the situation now appearing far less certain than previously believed.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While Real Madrid sources told that contract discussions have been ongoing for some time and were generally known within the club, Vinicius’ representatives have disputed this narrative. They claim that no fresh offer has been submitted by the club following the player's initial counterproposal, which Madrid reportedly did not accept.

  The first formal meeting regarding a contract renewal took place in late January, coinciding with Madrid’s Champions League preparations against Red Bull Salzburg. The summit was held at the club’s Valdebebas training facility and was attended by two of Vinicius’ agents and his father.

  At that time, Madrid offered a base salary between €15 million (£12m/$17m) and €20m (£17m/($23m) annually, a figure close to the €17m (£14.5m/$19m) Vinicius currently receives when bonuses, such as individual awards like FIFA’s The Best, are factored in. This wage level is on par with what Kylian Mbappe earns in fixed salary terms. However, the French forward’s overall compensation is higher, primarily due to a hefty signing bonus he secured when joining Madrid from PSG as a free agent.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Vinicius Jr did not accept Madrid's initial offer, and after rejecting it, the club asked the winger to outline the terms he would find agreeable. According to sources, the 23-year-old wants to secure a landmark deal that would place him among the highest-paid players in club history, similar to the terms once awarded to Cristiano Ronaldo. This would mean a total financial package in the realm of €30m per year, encompassing salary, various performance bonuses, and a renewal signing bonus – something that would be unprecedented in Real Madrid’s contract policy.

  According to , should Vinicius ultimately depart, club president Florentino Perez already has a dream successor in mind: Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker, who was once a Madrid target before opting to join City in 2022, remains highly admired by Perez. Haaland recently signed an extension at City that runs through 2034, making any potential transfer extremely complicated and expensive. Still, Perez views Haaland as the ideal player to fill the void if Vinicius were to move on.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR VINICIUS?

  Interestingly, Vinicius Jr’s representatives and family were in Madrid for the club’s recent Champions League quarter-final second leg clash against Arsenal on April 16. Despite their presence at the Bernabéu, there was reportedly no attempt by Real Madrid to reopen contract negotiations or schedule further discussions during that time. The player and his entourage remain calm and confident, but have made it clear that further dialogue must come from the Madrid hierarchy.