Crystal Palace

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Swedish under-21 international midfielder Erdal Rakip has joined Crystal Palace on loan from Benfica until the end of the season.

The 21-year-old central midfielder moved to the Portuguese capital from Malmo earlier this month and Roy Hodgson’s first signing of this transfer window sees Rakip make a temporary switch to south London.

A product of Malmo’s academy, Rakip joined the club aged five and debuted for his hometown team in 2013. He played 120 times in total, and has played a key role in the Sky Blues’ recent dominance picking up four Allsvenskan winners medals in his five seasons in the first-team and has played 16 times in the UEFA Champions League.

Rakip holds dual Swedish and Macedonian nationality, and has Turkish and Albanian origins.

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There is now a statement from Michael O'Neill confirming that he has declined the offer to become Scotland's next manager.

He said: "Having given the matter a great deal of thought and consideration, I have decided not to take up the opportunity to become the next Scotland manager.

"It's a huge honour to be offered the position however I do not feel that this is the right opportunity for me at this moment in my career.

"I would like to place on record my gratitude to the SFA for the very professional manner in which they conducted negotiations and I would also like to wish them every success for the future."

West Ham United

West Ham boss David Moyes is in talks with Lyon's former French international midfielder Clement Grenier, according to The Sun., external

Moyes has contacted Grenier with the offer of a three-year deal and hopes he will sign a pre-contract despite interest from Inter Milan, according to the tabloid.

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Newcastle United

The Chronicle in Newcastle are reporting that Rafa Benitez is trying to bring Chelsea's Brazilian forward Kenedy to St James' Park.

'United chiefs have contacted Chelsea again to see where they stand on Kenedy with all of the required paperwork completed for the deal and just the green light from Antonio Conte required,' writes Lee Ryder.

'Kenedy would then undergo a medical on Tyneside, but there may be another piece of business done in due course with a striker within United’s sights.'

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Liverpool

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The Daily Mail report, external that Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has indicated he would like to move to La Liga outfit Sevilla on loan this month.

Sturridge, who has found opportunities limited under Jurgen Klopp this season, has also been reportedly pursued by Inter Milan.28.

Arsenal

Sky Sports are reporting that the outgoing Manchester United midfielder is in North London with his agent Mino Raiola undergoing his medical ahead of the swap deal involving him and Alexis Sanchez.

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Simon Stone
BBC Sport

The League Managers Association have responded to Jimmy Armfield's passing. Paying tribute to Jimmy, LMA Chairman Howard Wilkinson said: “Jimmy’s contribution to the game at so many levels is immeasurable.

"I’ve known him for nearly 40 years, as a player, coach, manager, commentator, journalist and friend. In each of those roles, he was supremely successful, the ultimate competitor. Despite the pressures, success at any price never became an option for Jimmy.

"He epitomised the beautiful game in thought and deed. A true gentleman."Our thoughts are with his wife Anne and his two sons Duncan and John."

Southampton

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Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino has said he is not concerned by speculation about his position after a 1-1 draw with Tottenham extended his side's winless run in the Premier League to 11 games.

Saints, who have not won in the league since the 4-1 victory over Everton on 26 November, have not been on such a run since 1998.

"I don't worry about my job because I am happy doing the job. It is part of our life," said Argentine Pellegrino, who has been at St Mary's since June.

Read the report here.

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Chelsea

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Eden Hazard wasn't thrilled with his dad's recent remarks about his future.

The player's father Thierry Hazard reportedly claimed his son had rejected a new contract at Chelsea in order to wait for a bid from Real Madrid.

Hazard Snr apparently made the suggestion last month and it upset fans of the London club, who he scored a brace for against Brighton on Saturday.

Real Madrid have been linked with midfielder for several seasons and Hazard's current deal expires in 2020, but Chelsea are hoping to agree an extension worth a minimum £300,000-a-week before he leaves for the World Cup with Belgium in June.

“My dad says some bad things. I'm focused on Chelsea," he reportedly said, external. "Like I said 10 times before, I want to finish this year and then we'll see. But I'm happy here.”

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BBC Radio 5 Live's Gary Flintoff has just revealed a poignant conversation with Armfield last year during the recording of that wonderful special.

Gary said that before it Armfield asked if it was going to be something they would play when he "was no longer here."

Gary said it would and Jimmy's reply was: "Let's make it good then."

They certainly did that...

Former Leeds defender Gordon McQueen, speaking to BBC Radio 5 live: "Jimmy was a lovely fella and a lovely man. He was a great player himself and a fantastic manger and it is a sad day for football."

Image source, Barnsley FC

There has been more sad news in football today.

Barnsley Football Club have announced the passing of the club's former owner Patrick Cryne, aged 66.

A statement on the club's website said: "We are devastated to announce that Mr Patrick Cryne has passed away over the weekend.

"Mr Cryne had been battling cancer since November 2016.

"Club Custodian for 14 years and widely regarded amongst the loyal fan base as the ‘saviour’ of the Club since taking control in 2003, Mr Cryne has been held in the highest of regards both at Barnsley Football Club and across the footballing world.

"Born and raised in the town of Barnsley, Mr Cryne’s earliest footballing memories date back to over 60 years ago where a first appearance at Oakwell with his Uncle Ernest caught the imagination, allowing for a lifetime of dedication to Barnsley Football Club in any way possible. This dedication and love, truly earned Patrick the tag as ‘one of our own.’

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From one of the most accomplished full-backs to pull on the England shirt, to a successful manager, to a widely respected summariser.

Listen again to Jimmy Armfield: A football gentleman.