Former Real Madrid star Karim Benzema's tenure in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudi_Pro_League">Saudi Pro League</a> is becoming intensely tense amid talks of him considering a return to Europe. Benzema who joined the Saudi Pro League for Al Ittihad worth a contract reported to be ?100 million per year for three years in 2023 is reported to be making strong links to a European transfer in the January transfer window.?



SPL officials are urging the France superstar to stay in the Gulf. His transfer to Al Ittihad followed the signing of many other big names like N?golo Kante, Fabinho, and Jota making them one of the strongest squads in the Saudi League. However, the side has been disappointing with their star striker underperforming in the ongoing season. Al Ittihad is currently ranked seventh in the points table.?



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/01/Benzema.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-125517" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Benzema seeks a Loan to Europe just 6 months after joining</h2>



Frustrated by his performance in the Gulf, the Real Madrid legend wants to be back in Europe and is rumored to be seeking a loan just 6 months into joining the Saudi League. The Frenchman hasn't been the same after his transfer from Real Madrid to Al Ittihad last summer. He has shown a tremendous drop in his performance despite scoring in his debut game.&nbsp;



According to <a href="https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/transfer-news/karim-benzema-set-tense-transfer-28488459">football.london</a>, top Premier League sides such as Chelsea and Arsenal are in talks with the former Real Madrid striker over a possible transfer. But the SPL officials are trying hard for Benzema to remain in the league, even if it involves transferring to another SPL club. Manchester United and Lyon have also been reported to link up with the 35-year-old to carry out a loan deal with a huge salary cut.?



Benzema has scored 15 goals in 24 appearances across all formats for Al Ittihad. His tenure in Real Madrid has been quite tremendous where he featured in 648 matches scoring 354 goals. The 35-year-old Frenchman announced his retirement from the national side after the 2022 FIFA World Cup having 37 international goals beside his name in 97 appearances.&nbsp;



Benzema will have to face a huge cut in salary to move to Europe in the middle of the season. However, his future is still in talks and the transfer scenario is a bit tense since SPL officials are pushing hard for the Football star to stay even if it means moving to a rival local club.



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Karim Benzema?s transfer scenario ?tensed? amid talks with top clubs

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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EFL_League_One">EFL League 1</a> side Port Vale announces their new signing as a loan deal with Manchester United. The loan deal will see 19-year-old Dan Gore featuring in the Port Vale side for the remainder of the 2023/24 season of EFL League One. The English midfielder will be getting a lot of opportunities with this club at the senior level which will be helpful for the time he will be back to the Old Trafford.



The 19-year-old who is yet to make his international debut in the senior national side has previously been at Burnley. He joined the Manchester United academy in 2018. He was included in the senior squad for the first time in August 2023 making his Premier League debut in the same month against Nottingham Forest. The English midfielder has just made one appearance for The Red Devils.?



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/01/dan.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-125594" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Port Vale delighted with the signing of the youngster</h2>



Manchester United have yet again confirmed another departure of a young talent as Dan Gore moves to Port Vale on Loan. There will be numerous opportunities for the 19-year-old as United boss Erik Ten Hag believes to rate his attitude and work ethic high. The midfielder is highly rated by both the coaching staff and the academy at the club and is expected to be a promising talent in the future.&nbsp;



Reports claim that quite a few clubs were in the race to get the services of Dan Gore on loan where Port Vale won. Clubs like Borussia Dortmund approached United earlier this month. The club is optimistic that Dan Gore will be able to continue his development in senior football and this environment will be a challenging one for him as well.&nbsp;



According to <a href="https://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/2024/january/dan-gore-is-a-valiant/">Port Vale</a>, Port Vale FC Manager, Andy Crosby, said:



?I am absolutely delighted to welcome Dan to Vale Park. Dan is a player that owns fantastic technical ability and the required competitiveness to his game to come in and immediately bolster the competition and options within our midfield.



As well as his obvious qualities on the pitch, Dan possesses all of the non-negotiable personal qualities that are required to be a member of the squad here at Port Vale. He has a real desire to make the most of his opportunity here and to learn from the experienced players within our squad to push himself beyond his limits to become the very best version of himself.?



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Port Vale loans 19-year-old Manchester United midfielder

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Palmeiras Boss, Abdel Ferreira after their most recent victory over Santos by 2-1, made it clear in the press conference that the side is looking to sign a center forward. Diego Costa, who's been free in the market, is on the list and the Brazilian side is trying to make contact to sign the 35-year-old.&nbsp;



Diego Costa has been without a club since his exit from Botafogo. He featured in 12 games and scored only 3 goals. The Ex <a href="https://www.chelseafc.com/en">Chelsea</a> star is a free agent in Brazil and is eager to join a side, especially in Brazil for the upcoming season.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Diego Costa might be back in Brazil for the Palmeiras</h2>



Former Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa who has been free in the market is reportedly being contacted by the Brazilian side Palmeiras for a move.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.skysports.com/">Sky Sports</a> reports that Palmeiras is prepared to offer the former Chelsea striker an annual after-tax salary of approximately ?2.6 million. This season, the striker has faced persistent injury issues, participating in only seven La Liga matches and scoring two goals. Abdel Ferreira, the Palmeiras coach, said in a recent press conference, "If a center forward leaves, we need another. I wanted someone who knew Brazilian football, who dominated football here, who would give us experience because we already have many good boys"



Costa, formerly associated with Chelsea, brings a wealth of experience and a formidable goal-scoring record to Palmeiras. The transfer has been fueled by Palmeiras' eagerness to bolster their offensive prowess, seeking to secure a prominent position in both domestic and international competitions.?His physical prowess, clinical finishing, and seasoned understanding of the game make him a valuable asset for Palmeiras' ambitions. As the club competes on multiple fronts, including domestic league competitions and continental tournaments, Costa's experience in high-stakes encounters could prove crucial.



Costa has been an absolute success for his former sides like Atletico Madrid and Chelsea. He also scored 10 international goals for Spain in his 24 appearances. He played his last international match back in 2018.?



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Palmeiras making contact to sign striker Diego Costa

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Croatian Midfielder Luka Modric, 38, is close to the expiration of his contract with Real Madrid after 12 years with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Real_Madrid_CF">The White House</a>. With 515 appearances and 38 goals across all competitions, the 38-year-old has decided not to extend his contract after the end of the season.?



The captain of the Croatia national team has participated in 27 matches across various competitions this season. However, he has only been in the starting lineup for 15 out of his team's 35 games, which means he typically plays just over half of each match, averaging around 50 minutes on the field. Last season, he didn't play at all in just two games, but that number has increased to six this season.



Unfortunately for the experienced player, his situation is deteriorating. In the team's recent matches against Atl?tico Madrid, Girona, and RB Leipzig, which were all crucial games, Modric saw limited playing time. Specifically, he played for 15 minutes, and 20 minutes, and did not play at all in these matches respectively.



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/02/Luka-Modric-Real-Madrid-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-126672" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Source: ASports.tv</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Modric is likely to leave The White House this summer</h2>



The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner?s future remains uncertain as many would argue his lack of game time this season. Modric is reported to be frustrated with the management as he's been used as a backup option.



?As per the report from <a href="https://www.news18.com/football/real-madrid-midfielder-luka-modric-to-not-extend-his-contract-according-to-report-8780135.html">News 18</a>, Modric opened up by saying, ?I?m not sure I?ve been on the bench for the three games in a row, that feeling was especially strange to me. The coach decided it for his reasons. I repeat I didn?t stay to stay, but I want to play and enjoy football.?Modric is unhappy with Real Madrid Boss Carlos Ancelotti?s decision to bench him for most of the season and he wants to bring an end to his tenure with Real Madrid.?



Modric joined The White House back in 2012 coming from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur joining the midfield alongside Toni Kroos and Casemiro. He appeared in 160 matches in his four-year contract scoring 17 goals before moving to Spain.?Modric is known as one of the best midfielders and has captained his national side to the finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He is regarded as the greatest Croatian Footballer ever with 24 international goals.?



 In 2018, Modric experienced one of the most successful periods in his career while representing both Real Madrid and the Croatia national team. He achieved notable milestones, including securing his fourth Champions League title with Real Madrid and reaching the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup with Croatia. Modric's outstanding performances earned him the prestigious Golden Ball award at the World Cup, recognizing his exceptional contribution to leading his nation to its first-ever World Cup final. Furthermore, he was honored with the 2018 Ballon d'Or, highlighting his exceptional talent and achievements throughout the year.



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Croatian Legend Luka Modric to not extend his contract with Real Madrid

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The IPL has witnessed explosive batting performances, with some players maintaining exceptional strike rates. Their fearless approach, power-hitting skills, and game-changing abilities make them invaluable assets in the fast-paced T20 format.

TOP 5 Players With Highest Strike Rate In IPL History

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Argentina vs Brazil Highlights : Argentina Crushes Brazil 4-1 in Dominant FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier Showdown

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The 5th T20I between New Zealand and Pakistan is on March 26 at Sky Stadium, Wellington. New Zealand leads 3-1 after a dominant win in the 4th match, powered by Bracewell’s quickfire 46* and Duffy’s 4-wicket haul. The pitch favors batting first, with pacers getting more help. Weather is mostly clear with slight rain chances. Top Dream11 picks include Seifert, Allen, Bracewell, and Duffy, with Salman Ali Agha and Bracewell as captaincy options

PAK vs NZ 5th T20 Dream 11 Prediction: Best player picks, captaincy choices and match details

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Punjab Kings defeated Gujarat Titans in a high-scoring thriller. Skipper Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 97 powered PBKS to a massive total, while GT’s valiant chase fell short at 232.

Shreyas Iyer's Winning Start for Punjab Kings! Check Updated IPL 2025 Points Table After GT vs PBKS, 5th Match

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NZ vs PAK: The fifth T20I between New Zealand and Pakistan will be played on 26 March at Wellington’s Sky Stadium, which has hosted 22 T20Is—10 won batting first, 12 chasing. The average first-innings score is 153, but high totals like NZ’s 219/6 and successful chases like Australia’s 216 show it can be a batting-friendly ground. Key performers here include Martin Guptill (453 runs) and Ish Sodhi (17 wickets). With chasing slightly favored and spinners often influential, the match could hinge on whether Pakistan’s batters or New Zealand’s home advantage proves decisive.

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