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Madagascar are intent on keeping a lid on expectations as they bid to extend their dream debut in the Africa Cup of Nations in Alexandria on Sunday. The tournament’s surprise package burst into the last 16 after topping Group B following shock wins against Nigeria and Burundi. And their form suggests they should start favourites…

Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata will join Atletico Madrid on a permanent deal at the end of the 2019-20 season, the Premier League club have announced. The 26-year-old is currently on an 18-month loan with Atletico, which began in January, and he will remain in the Spanish capital upon its completion. The Spain international scored 24…

Simon Grayson has returned to Blackpool as manager and agreed a two-year contract. Terry McPhillips resigned as manager on Friday and the club have moved quickly to find a replacement. The 49-year-old Grayson began his managerial career with the Seasiders and led them to promotion into the Championship in 2007 before leaving in December 2008…

The Real Betis left-back was part of Spain’s victorious under-21 side at the European Championship this summer. Firpo has attracted interest from both Liverpool and Barcelona after an impressive season at Betis. He is believed to have a €50 million release clause in his contract, but both interested parties are reluctant to meet it outright.…

Former Manchester United defender Michael Clegg has been appointed as the club’s new first-team strength and power coach. Clegg made 16 appearances for United between 1996 and 2001 and played for England Under-21s before going on to hold a similar role with Sunderland following his retirement. Clegg wrote on Twitter: “It’s an honour to be back…

As talk of Paul Pogba leaving Old Trafford intensifies, Manchester United are on the hunt for a replacement. Mino Raiola, Pogba’s agent, has confirmed that the Frenchman wants out. “Everyone knows the will of the player, who has the desire to take the next step in his career,” he told The Times. Pogba has been linked…

Muchodeportivo are reporting that Spurs have agreed terms with Olmo’s agent and a deal could be done for €25 million. Olmo was part of Spain’s Under-21 European Championship-winning side. The 21-year-old cut his teeth at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy before joining Dinamo Zagreb as a youngster in 2015. In what was his breakout season last…

Terry McPhillips has resigned from his position as Blackpool manager. McPhillips took over as permanent manager in September 2018 having had a successful spell as caretaker following Gary Bowyer’s resignation at Bloomfield Road as the chaos under former owner Owen Oyston continued. Oyston’s departure from the club last season resulted in the return of supporters…

England boss Phil Neville has stressed both the importance of Saturday’s World Cup third place play-off against Sweden and the need for future improvement. The Lionesses take on the Swedes for bronze at Nice’s Allianz Riviera four days after the dramatic 2-1 semi-final defeat against holders the United States in Lyon. When asked at his…

Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal admits there is little inclination among the squad to play their Copa America third-place play-off against Argentina. Defeat to Peru on Thursday has left coach Reinaldo Rueda having to lift his players for Saturday’s consolation match. And Vidal’s comments suggest that is going to be a difficult task. “It’s a match…