Paper Round: John Terry considers return to football
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Published 08/09/2018 at 06:55 GMT
John Terry could play again, Adrien Rabiot could be on the move, Harvey Elliott is attracting Barcelona, and Marcus Rashford could start for England.
Aston Villa's English defender John Terry applauds their supporters ahead of kick off in the English Championship play-off final football match between Aston Villa and Fulham at Wembley Stadium in London on May 26, 2018.
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Terry could make Villa return
John Terry has not yet decided to retire from football. After taking a long holiday in Portugal to get over the disappointment of failing to get promotion with Aston Villa, he could now make a return to the game - and has not yet ruled out rejoining Steve Bruce. Terry has used a professional chef and masseur over the summer to ensure he remains in excellent condition despite being 37.
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Aston Villa's Jack Grealish and John Terry look dejected at the end of the match Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine
Image credit: Reuters
Paper Round’s view: Terry was never blessed with remarkable pace, and a year in the Championship will have examined any physical weaknesses he might have. Two years ago he could still cope with the rigours of Premier League football, so it would be no stretch to see him return for a club in need of an experienced head. Otherwise, China or the MLS could give him one last bumper payday.
Rabiot unlikely to make Liverpool move
Paris Saint-Germain’s midfielder Adrien Rabiot is running down his contract at the club, showing little interest in signing a new deal. Rabiot, 23, has been linked with a move to Liverpool, but Jurgen Klopp’s side believe they currently have enough options in midfield. Jordan Henderson, Gini Wijnaldum, James Milner, Naby Keita and Fabinho occupy the central berths, meaning there is no pressing need for another player.
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Adrien Rabiot
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Paper Round’s view: Fabinho and Keita will likely be the first choices for the next year, but the other players are relatively limited. Henderson has discipline and drive, but Rabiot’s passing and intelligence are superior. Liverpool might not be interested in the French international now, but if he becomes available for a cut-price fee or no fee at all, most European sides would be tempted.
Barcelona chase English teenager
Fulham teenager Harvey Elliott is attracting interest from some of the best sides in Europe. The 16-year-old has impressed in West London so much that he has been invited to train with the first team. Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City have also been tracking his progress. Because he is unable to sign a professional deal until he reaches 17, there is a chance he could leave for little money.
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A general view as FC Barcelona fans show their support prior to the La Liga match between Barcelona and Real Madrid at Camp Nou on May 6, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain.
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Paper Round’s view: Modern football is now shaped at youth level by the ability to hoard and grab talented youngsters from around the world. It is not necessary that they break into the first team, because there is a financial advantage in simply selling them on to other clubs at a profit, particularly those who can't develop young players as effectively. Elliott should be circumspect about his prospects in those conditions.
Rashford set for England start
Despite his red card and ban for aiming his head towards Phil Bardsley, Marcus Rashford is in line to start for England against Spain on Saturday. As Raheem Sterling has withdrawn from the squad with injury, and Jamie Vardy has retired, there is an obvious need for a forward player who can stretch play and attack the channels. While the 20-year-old forward has struggled for Manchester United of late, Gareth Southgate could give him a chance.
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Marcus Rashford of England looks dejected following his sides defeat in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia.
Image credit: Getty Images
Paper Round’s view: Rashford’s career has stuttered alarmingly of late. As a teenager for United he was direct, calm and confident. Now he appears to have muddled his thinking, and is selfish and blunted. There is an excellent player there, and he needs to work with both his managers to fulfill his sizeable talent.
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