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Usman Khawaja says he has learned plenty from his two underwhelming tours of England as he prepares for what he calls the toughest test for a top-order batter.The 36-year-old opener will be integral to Australia’s chances of retaining the Ashes when the first of five Tests begin in Birmingham on June 16, following the World Test Championship [WTC] final against India at The Oval.Khawaja toured England in 2013 and 2019 for a meagre return of 236 runs in six Tests at an average of 19.66. He was dropped midway through the 2019 Ashes and spent almost three years on the outer before a triumphant return to the Test side that has reaped 1608 runs in 16 Tests at an average of 69.91, including six centuries.Related

• Bowling 'a bit of a challenge' for Stokes ahead of the Ashes

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“England is, in my opinion, the toughest place in the world to bat for top-three batsmen,” Khawaja said. “In 2013, I was quite young and it was a pretty s*** tour, if I am being honest. It was tough work. I learned a lot from that tour.””My last series there [in 2019] it was a tough series for batsmen. The whole tour will show you that, other than Steven Smith who was on another planet.”Khawaja said it was a “learning experience” with a couple of key takeaways.”If I’ve learned anything, it is work hard, train hard and [when] going to England, go with low expectations,” he grinned. “You are going to fail as a batsman, but when you do score you try to cash in as much as you can.”It is the challenge against the England pace duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad that has Khawaja enthused.”Anderson and Broad…they are unbelievable bowlers and tough work at the start,” he said. “That’s what makes it so awesome when you do score runs and you contribute to a winning team, which hopefully I’ll do and others will do over there.”When you do it against guys like Broad and Anderson in England, it’s just that much more satisfying.”Khawaja believed that Australia had been too “reactive” in dropping players in the past, including himself, after the odd failure.”I’ve always been big on just picking your best players and sticking with them because they’ll score you the most runs consistently, and I think over the years in selection for Australian cricket, we have chased our tail a little bit trying to pick players in form,” he said.”Form is temporary. Class is not. I think the new selectors, with [coach] Andrew McDonald up the top, understand that part of the game and hence there has been a lot more stability in selecting and picking players and sticking with them.””I’ve been dropped seven times in Test cricket and I’ve come back, and there’s a reason for that…because I’ve always scored runs consistently in first-class cricket and fought my way back.”

Steven Gerrard once called a Liverpool teammate better than Lionel Messi after being stunned by his abilities at Anfield.

Steven Gerrard names greatest Liverpool teammates

The Reds legend spent 17 senior years on Merseyside after coming through Liverpool’s academy, making his debut back in 1998.

During that time, Gerrard would never win the Premier League, however, he has gone down as one of the greatest players the top flight has ever seen. Across the world, Gerrard also became a superstar, having everything you need to be a top midfielder, and was known for scoring goals from distance.

He could have left Liverpool on numerous occasions during his career but remained a Red until 2015, and, following a brief stint in the MLS with LA Galaxy, would call time on his career.

Over the years at Anfield, Gerrard would play with some of the best around, including names such as Xabi Alonso, Luis Suarez and Fernando Torres. The English legend has actually named his greatest Liverpool XI of stars he played with, and Gerrard quite rightly named himself in the side.

However, one name not in that XI once came in for high praise from Gerrard, with the midfielder comparing him to a certain Argentine icon.

Steven Gerrard said Arsenal star was the Premier League 'GOAT' and better than Ronaldo

The Liverpool legend weighed in on the debate…

By
Ben Goodwin

May 21, 2025

Gerrard once called Liverpool flop Joe Cole better than Messi

In 2010, Messi was already a one time, and soon-to-be two time Ballon d’Or winner, regarded as one of the best on the planet.

However, Liverpool had just signed Joe Cole on a free transfer following his departure from Chelsea, and in his early days at Anfield, caught Gerrard’s eye.

In fact, Gerrard said Cole left him shocked in training and said that his fellow Englishman can do things better than Messi.

Gerrard may have backed Cole for the Player of the Year award in 2010/11, however, he scored just two Premier League goals in 20 appearances, and the following season, was sent out on loan to Lille before eventually leaving to join West Ham on a permanent basis in January 2013.

Things didn’t work out for Cole at Liverpool the way he and Gerrard imagined, and it’s fair to say his and Messi’s careers went in completely different directions after that 2010/11 campaign.

New Zealand allrounder Amelia Kerr has been ruled out of the remaining two ODIs against India after tearing her left quadricep muscle. Kerr picked up the injury during the opening game on Thursday, which India won by 59 runs, and is expected to take approximately three weeks to recover. She will not be replaced in the ODI squad.This also puts her WBBL participation in serious doubt for Sydney Sixers with the tournament set to start on Sunday. Amelia was a big-name pre-signing for Sixers as a platinum-category pick and could miss eight of Sixers’ 10 league games even if she recovers in three weeks.An NZC release stated Amelia was taken for scans on Friday morning, which revealed a grade-one quadricep tear, and that she would return home on Sunday to start her rehabilitation.”We’re really gutted for Melie,” New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer said. “Injuries are always a challenging time for a player and we know how disappointed she is to not be able to play these games.”Everyone knows how much of an integral part of this team Melie is so we’ll certainly miss her but we’re wishing her a speedy recovery.”Soon after playing a pivotal role in New Zealand’s T20 World Cup-winning campaign as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker with 15 scalps, Amelia was New Zealand’s best bowler in the opening ODI too, taking 4 for 42 before scoring an unbeaten 25 off 23 in the chase. The remaining two ODIs are on October 27 and 29, also in Ahmedabad.Amelia’s absence could hurt New Zealand’s hopes of climbing the Women’s ODI Championship table, where a top-six finish will ensure direct qualification for the ODI World Cup in 2025. New Zealand are currently placed sixth out of 10 teams and will next play Australia in December.

Jack Wilshere has reportedly turned down an opportunity to return to Arsenal in favour of chasing his ambition of pursuing senior football management. The former England international had been one of the names in contention for the club’s vacant Under-21 head coach position, but after careful thought, he has opted to remove himself from the running.

Wilshere rejects Under-21 roleEyes move into senior managementLeaves the door open for future returnFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to Arsenal’s hierarchy had approached Wilshere earlier this month to gauge his interest in taking over the Under-21 side, a role left open following Mehmet Ali’s departure to join Brentford’s coaching setup. The position was designed not only to put Wilshere in charge of the club’s top academy squad but also to give him a wider influence on player development strategies across the youth system.

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While a return to the Emirates dugout could have been a sentimental and strategic step for the 32-year-old, Wilshere is said to have informed Arsenal that his current focus lies on breaking into senior first-team management. The discussions were understood to be cordial, with no tension between either party. The decision was reportedly met with mutual respect and understanding, with Arsenal leaving the door open for a possible reunion in the future.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Gunners’ plan was reportedly to hand Wilshere control of the Under-21s, a crucial bridge between academy football and the first team. The job would have seen him working closely with Mikel Arteta and Arsenal’s backroom staff to prepare young talent for Premier League readiness. However, it seems that the former midfielder has set his heart on something grander. 

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR WILSHERE?

Wilshere’s coaching career took its latest turn last season when he left Arsenal’s U18s to join Norwich City as first-team coach under Johannes Thorup. When Thorup departed in April, Wilshere was promoted to interim head coach, giving him a taste of life in the senior dugout. Although he left Carrow Road in the summer following the arrival of new boss Liam Manning, that brief spell as a head coach seems to have intensified his appetite for full-time management at the senior level.

Record-breaking performance ‘makes it worthwhile’ after years of pain

Vithushan Ehantharajah16-Jul-2022Even after taking the best ODI figures by an Englishman to help his country defeat India at Lord’s on Thursday, Reece Topley is not taking anything for granted.Understandably so, perhaps. The series will be up for grabs in Sunday’s third ODI after Topley’s six for 24 helped defend England’s total of 246 by 100 runs. The reaction from Rohit Sharma’s side will be fierce, and the winner-takes-all nature of the fixture is exactly the sort of situation in which players’ temperaments will be scrutinised ahead of the T20 World Cup, and next year’s 50-over edition.”I’ve got an end goal of ‘I want to be at the World Cup’,” said Topley, matter-of-factly. “I want to contribute and be in the team. It’s taking each day as it comes and trying to get better to attain that goal.”Then there’s Topley’s injury history, the kind which would give anyone reason not to take the good days for granted. Among the two stress fractures of his back were an array of other related and unrelated ailments that not only curtailed his career from 2016, but suggested days like Lord’s were beyond him.And yet at the same time, the three years in the wilderness, consumed by feelings of anxiety and irrelevance, make these moments much more special. Even with such laser focus on what’s ahead, immediately in this India series, then South Africa, Pakistan and onto Australia for the T20 World Cup, he can afford a quick step back to take it all in.”It’s pretty crazy,” Topley said of his six-wicket haul, which were also the best figures by any ODI bowler at Lord’s. “It’s not something that you necessarily set out at the start of your career to do. If anything, from a professional view on things, it’s amazing they come to fruition on days like this.”These are the moments that make it all sort of worthwhile. I don’t know – it’s just nice to be playing for England and obviously you want to perform for your country whenever you get the opportunity. You want to take opportunities like this. But at the end of the day, we’re in a series and it’s 1-1. I enjoy it, I ride the wave, but there’s everything to play for at the weekend.”The last seven days have showcased Topley’s qualities with the white ball. The previous Sunday saw him emerge with three for 22 from England’s consolation win against India in the final T20I at Trent Bridge, comfortably the most economical bowler in a match where 413 runs were scored.It speaks of an all-round healthiness to the 28-year-old. He is no longer focussed on getting his body right and thus can focus on honing his skills, such as his slower deliveries and full-pace deliveries which leap at the bat thanks to his imposing frame. In turn, he is coming into matches full of belief reinforced by a philosophical stance that he has done everything in his power to succeed, regardless of whether he fills up the wickets column or not.”I came into the game [at Lord’s] and left no stone unturned, so there was almost no reason why I shouldn’t have success. That’s the way I view it. I’ll do the same for the weekend, but I might not necessarily get the rewards, it might be someone else’s day. But everything I’ve done in my processes I’m happy with.”I wouldn’t say it’s coming out any better or worse. Like I said, it’s the processes I’ve always believed in and things like that. You can be in form but not taking wickets.Related

Reece Topley's hard yards overcome Trent Bridge's bowlers' graveyard

Topley's career-best 6 for 24 blows India away

July 14 marks the moment Reece Topley moved to the top of the English ODI game

David Willey's experience tells for England as he finds his love of the game again

“I think I bowled well but then with cricket there are so many variables. You don’t necessarily control the grass on the wicket or what shot the batsman’s going to play, so you can only control what you do as a bowler. And it almost hedges things in your favour.”It’s not about ‘I’m going to get five today’. It’s like, at the top of my mark each ball, it’s how I’m getting in the game. But then you need a lot of things at the other end to go your way.”At any other time, Topley might have to roll his sleeves up and fight with the other left-arm seamers at England’s disposal for a spot in the squads. But this summer has seen the limited overs side under Matthew Mott take a somewhat refreshing stance in regarding all quicks the same.In the six white-ball matches Topley has played this summer, he has bowled alongside at least one other left-armer. On Thursday, his opening spell with David Willey restricted India to just 28 in the first 10 overs, with four maidens between them. Topley emerged from the Powerplay with two for 17 from his five, while Willey was unlucky to register no dismissals having bowled so miserly with just six scored off his five. The 32-year-old eventually finished with one for 27 from nine overs to go with a handy 41 that helped England reach 246 in the first innings.For Topley, however, the change of tack, if it is overdue more broadly, is merely in line with how he has regarded that conversation to do with himself.”I’ve always had that question quite a lot to be honest,” he said, when asked of the shift from lefties being “a useful option to have”. “The biggest thing to answer it is to say you still need to be a quality bowler, regardless of left- or right-arm. I don’t think positions in teams are given away like that. If you are left-arm, you’ve still got to be very good at the craft.”Sunday is another opportunity for Topley to show just how good at it he is.

Marc Guiu is expected to choose between Sunderland and RB Leipzig as he looks for regular first-team minutes away from Stamford Bridge.

• Guiu weighing up a move to Sunderland or RB Leipzig
• Chelsea only open to loan spell
• Striker scored six goals in six UECL games last season

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 19-year-old joined Chelsea from Barcelona last July for €6 million, but struggled for consistent game time in the Premier League, playing just 71 minutes. However, the Spaniard did enjoy a strong run in the Conference League, netting six goals in six appearances before a hamstring injury cut his campaign short.

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  With Chelsea signing Joao Pedro and Liam Delap this summer, Guiu is way down in the pecking order. The Blues, therefore, are open to a temporary move away from Stamford Bridge for the Spanish striker. The club will reportedly only sanction a straight loan with full salary coverage as they still see Guiu as a potential star.

  According to , Leipzig are keen to bring in a young striker as they prepare for the likely departure of Benjamin Sesko, who is being linked with Manchester United and Newcastle. Meanwhile, newly-promoted Sunderland have made Guiu one of their top targets and are one of three clubs to have made formal enquiries.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Chelsea's biggest signings in what has been a busy summer have been Brighton forward Joao Pedro, left-winger Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund and Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap. However, they have already recovered almost half of that amount by winning the Club World Cup, where they are estimated to have pocketed £96m in prize money.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  The Blues continue to be active in the transfer window, with their next big target set to be Leipzig's midfielder Xavi Simons. They are scheduled to face Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan in friendly matches before they kick off their 2025-26 Premier League campaign against Crystal Palace on August 17.

The draft is likely to heavily tap into players who went unsold at the IPL auction

Danyal Rasool10-Dec-2024The draft for the tenth edition of the PSL will take place on January 11. The date for the draft is later than PSL drafts have historically taken place, though that is partially down to the window for the tournament being pushed back by a month; it will now take place in a four-week slot between early April and mid-May, with the PCB no longer viewing a clash with the IPL as a no-go area.While no further details of player availability have been announced, the draft is likely to heavily tap into players who went unsold at the IPL auction. One of the factors that influenced the PSL moving into the IPL’s slot was the greater degree of certainty that players not at the IPL would be available due to the near-complete lack of any international fixtures during that period.At the IPL this year, David Warner, Kane Williamson, Akeal Hosein, Jonny Bairstow, Adil Rashid and Keshav Maharaj were among the players that went unsold, and while many may have had international commitments during the PSL’s window in other years, that will not be the case this time around.Related

• Players threaten legal action over new ECB stance on NOCs

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• PSL set to go head-to-head with IPL in 2025

This does not guarantee that all those players will be available to the PSL. The England Cricket Board (ECB) is currently embroiled in a dispute with the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) after they announced they would not issue NOCs for first-class cricketers to play any overseas league apart from the IPL that clashed with the domestic season. While the T20 Blast, which starts on May 29, will not clash with the PSL, the County Championship starts on April 4, and almost certainly will. What the terms of any resolution are is likely to have a significant impact upon the PSL, which has historically drawn overseas talent quite heavily from England.The move into the IPL window, which ESPNcricinfo first reported on in 2022, is one the PCB is looking to make permanent as it tries to move away from the increasingly cramped December-March window in which it operates currently, where it clashes not only with four other T20 leagues, but also a busy international cricket calendar. By contrast, moving to the April to May window means little to no Full Member international cricket and only the IPL, against which, officials acknowledge, it can’t compete but can try to co-exist with. And if, as expected, the PSL inducts two new teams from 2026, there remains potential to accommodate a longer season in that window.In the medium term, it will also help the PSL avoid being played almost entirely in Ramadan, as would have been the case in 2025. As part of the lunar calendar, Ramadan starts ten days earlier every year on the Gregorian calendar so it would clash with the PSL’s usual February-March window for the next few years. Ramadan not only affects timings of games and crowd turnout, it is also a big window for advertising; playing the PSL in Ramadan would impact advertising and sponsorship revenues for the league.The decision to switch windows was by no means one that met universal agreement. ESPNcricinfo understands a number of franchise owners were sceptical, if not outright opposed to the move at the time. However, the decision did not necessarily require the support of the franchises, with the PSL’s governing council possessing the authority to make a unilateral decision on the matter.

India captain Rohit Sharma said there was swelling on the knee after the blow on day two; he did not take the field on the third morning either

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Oct-2024Rishabh Pant hasn’t taken part in the ongoing Bengaluru Test after getting hit on the right knee while keeping on the second day (effectively the first day after no play was possible on Wednesday). Dhruv Jurel kept wickets for the remainder of New Zealand’s first innings, but Pant did walk out for a brief throwdown session during the tea break on the third day.India went into tea at 57 for no loss in their second innings, having started with a deficit of 356. Pant is expected to bat if needed, which is likely given the match situation.Pant went out at the interval close to the edge of the boundary near the pavilion wearing just one pad – on the non-injured right knee – but was still hobbling a little bit. He, however, struck the ball cleanly with batting coach Abhishek Nayar keeping a close watch. The focus appeared to be on playing the drives, to stretch and test the knee. At the end of the 15-odd minute session, Pant also played a few aerial shots into the crowd much to their delight.Related

• 'Relentless' Matt Henry revels in the gloom

• India's counterattacking instincts backfire like never before

• Rishabh Pant undergoes knee ligament surgery in Mumbai hospital

• Rishabh Pant suffers multiple injuries in serious car crash

Rohit Sharma had said on the second evening that Pant had some swelling in the injured area and the team didn’t want to take any risks given Pant had recovered from serious knee injuries sustained in a car crash in December 2022. On the third morning, a BCCI statement said, “The BCCI medical team is monitoring his progress.”In the Bengaluru Test, Pant was hurt in the 37th over of New Zealand’s innings. Attempting to stump Devon Conway off Ravindra Jadeja, he failed to collect the ball and it hit him in the knee He went off the field immediately and was replaced by Jurel.”Unfortunately, the ball hit straight on his knee cap, the same leg on which he has got a surgery done. So he has got a bit of swelling on it,” Rohit said after the day’s play. “And you know the muscles are quite tender at this point in time, so it’s a precautionary measure. We don’t want to take a risk. Rishabh doesn’t want to take a risk because he has gone through a massive surgery on that particular leg. That was the reason for him to go inside.”After suffering career-threatening injuries during the car crash, Pant made his comeback only in IPL 2024.

Kyle Mayers, Veerasammy Permaul, Isai Thorne, Raymon Reifer among the prominent names to be picked up by teams at the draft

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Jul-2024Aaron Jones’ success for USA at the T20 World Cup 2024 has earned him a contract in the CPL. Jones, who qualifies as a local player through his Barbados passport, was signed by St Lucia Kings in Monday’s draft for the 2024 season, which runs from August 29 to October 4.Jones hit 94 not out against Canada on the opening night of the World Cup, and also made a vital 36 not out in USA’s tie against Pakistan, which they later won in the Super Over. He has previously played in West Indies’ regional set-up for Barbados and Combined Campuses and Colleges, and was an unused member of the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots squad in CPL 2019.The six CPL 2024 franchises had already done most of their recruiting through retentions and pre-signings, and Kyle Mayers was the first to be signed in Monday’s draft, joining Patriots. Mikyle Louis, who made his Test debut at Lord’s last week, will also play for Patriots, along with Ryan John and Veerasammy Permaul.Related

CPL 2024 FAQs: New team, new players, new intrigues

Amazon Warriors sign Rahmanullah Gurbaz for CPL 2024

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Knight Riders sign Tim David and Jason Roy for CPL 2024

Royals bring back Theekshana, Patriots sign Hasaranga

Isai Thorne, the fast bowler who has played for West Indies at the last two Under-19 World Cups, has earned a contract with Barbados Royals. He is currently in the UK with West Indies’ Test squad as a net bowler and “development player”. Royals have also drafted Kadeem Alleyne and Nathan Sealy.Raymon Reifer, who played T20I cricket for West Indies as recently as last year, joined Guyana Amazon Warriors along with Ronaldo Alimohamed and Matthew Nandu, while Khari Campbell, Johann Jeremiah, Mikkel Govia and Akeem Auguste are part of the Kings’ squad along with Jones.Antigua and Barbuda Falcons – who will replace Jamaica Tallawahs in CPL 2024 – have signed Roshon Primus, Justin Greaves, Jahmar Hamilton, Teddy Bishop and Kofi James, while Trinbago Knight Riders have brought in Nathan Edward and Shaquere Parris to fill their emerging player spots.CPL 2024 squadsBarbados Royals: Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, David Miller, Quinton de Kock, Maheesh Theekshana, Alick Athanaze, Naveen-ul-Haq, Obed McCoy, Kevin Wickham, Keshav Maharaj, Kadeem Alleyne, Rahkeem Cornwall, Isai Thorne, Nathan Sealy, Nyeem Young, Rivaldo Clarke, Ramon SimmondsGuyana Amazon Warriors: Imran Tahir, Shimron Hetmyer, Saim Ayub, Shai Hope, Romario Shepherd, Azam Khan, Gudakesh Motie, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Keemo Paul, Dwaine Pretorius, Kevin Sinclair, Raymon Reifer, Ronaldo Alimohamed, Shamar Joseph, Kevlon Anderson, Matthew Nandu, Junior SinclairAntigua and Barbuda Falcons: Imad Wasim, Brandon King, Fabian Allen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Amir, Chris Green, Fakhar Zaman, Roshon Primus, Justin Greaves, Hayden Walsh, Jahmar Hamilton, Teddy Bishop, Kofi James, Shamar Springer, Kelvin Pitman, Jewel Andrew, Joshua JamesSt Kitts and Nevis Patriots: Kyle Mayers, Wanindu Hasaranga, Rilee Rossouw, Evin Lewis, Sherfane Rutherford, Sikandar Raza, Nuwan Thushara, Andre Fletcher, Tristan Stubbs, Dominic Drakes, Mikyle Louis, Odean Smith, Joshua da Silva, Veerasammy Permaul, Ryan John, Ashmead Nedd, Johann LayneSt Lucia Kings: Heinrich Klaasen, Faf du Plessis, Alzarri Joseph, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Noor Ahmad, David Wiese, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Matthew Forde, Aaron Jones, Khary Pierre, Khari Campbell, Johann Jeremiah, Shadrack Descarte, Mikkel Govia, McKenny Clarke, Akeem AugusteTrinbago Knight Riders: Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran, Tim David, Akeal Hosein, Jason Roy, Dwayne Bravo, Josh Little, Waqar Salamkheil, Jayden Seales, Ali Khan, Mark Deyal, Keacy Carty, Terrence Hinds, Nathan Edward, Shaquere Parris

Real Madrid have apparently reached a decision on the immediate future of Endrick, who is yet to feature under new head coach Xabi Alonso.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

• Madrid reach Endrick transfer decision
• Brazilian on the fringes since arriving last summer
• Yet to feature under new boss Alonso

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to a report from , Madrid believe it would be in Endrick's best interests if he were to go on loan for the 2025-26 season, despite the player's desire to stay in the Spanish capital.

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  Madrid are of the opinion that Endrick, who turns 19 this month, will remain on the periphery under Alonso, much like he was under previous manager Carlo Ancelotti. The Brazilian had to miss the first couple weeks of the Club World Cup in the United States as he was recovering from an injury. In his absence, academy starlet Gonzalo Garcia has started every single game and has been the find of the tournament, scoring joint-most four goals and an assist in five games. With Garcia, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Franco Mastantuono, who is yet to join the club, Madrid believe that Endrick will remain at the lower end of Alonso's pecking order next season. In such circumstances, the 15-time European champions are planning to send the teenage striker on loan.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The report revealed that clubs from Germany and France, who had previously shown interest in taking Endrick on loan, have once again reignited their pursuit of the former Palmeiras sensation's signature.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ENDRICK?

  According to reports from Spain, Endrick held a meeting with Madrid chief Jose Angel Sanchez in the USA to discuss his future. As per journalist Jorge Picon, after a few training sessions, Alonso has decided to use the Brazilian international as a right winger next season. It is expected that a decision on his future will be revealed in the coming weeks.