How Real Madrid could line up against Arandina

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti will make sweeping changes to his side for Saturday's Copa del Rey last-32 contest with fourth-tier outfit Arandina.

Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao and David Alaba are long-term absentees for Los Blancos due to ACL injuries, while Ferland Mendy and Eduardo Camavinga remain injury doubts for the club.

Vinicius Junior and Dani Carvajal both made their returns from injury in the 1-0 win over Mallorca on Wednesday, though, and there was also a spot on the bench for Arda Guler.

Ancelotti could hand a debut to Guler from the first whistle, while there could also be a first appearance for 21-year-old centre-back Alvaro Carrillo.

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Edinburgh City sign former Celtic man Frankie Deane

James Balagizi returns to Liverpool from Wigan loan

Liverpool have confirmed that midfielder James Balagizi has been recalled from his loan spell with Wigan Athletic.

The 20-year-old extended his contract with the Reds before joining the Latics for the 2023-24 campaign, having previously spent the first half of the 2022-23 season with Crawley Town.

Balagizi was restricted to just seven appearances for Wigan across all competitions, though, including a mere three substitute outings in League One, where he failed to make a matchday squad after October 3.

Balagizi did feature from the first whistle in three EFL Trophy wins over Leicester City's Under-21s, Fleetwood Town and Tranmere Rovers, as well as an EFL Cup first-round loss to Wrexham, but his time with Wigan has now come to an end.

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Annan Athletic sign Rico Quitongo

"I'm delighted to have joined the club. Of course coming back from my serious injury was hard but the gaffer has been in touch since then with interest and from there after I've been doing my own rehab," he told the club's website.

"He invited me in to get to get up to speed and gel with the boys so I'm so thankful for him and the club for allowing me to get back happy which is a priority. The fans can expect a tenacious player who gives his all each time I'm on the pitch for the boys staff and the manager.

"Our main aim is to achieve league 1 status by end of this season and no doubt I will give my all for it but also I'm absolutely up for the challenge. I believe in the squad collectively and individually as it's a tight knit group."

Rotherham's Curtis Durose extends Scarborough loan

"Rotherham United youngster Curtis Durose has extended his loan stay with National League North outfit Scarborough Athletic for a further month, subject to ratification from the EFL, FA and National League," read a statement from the club.

"Durose – whose progress is being monitored closely at Roundwood – has impressed with the Sea Dogs, where he will continue his footballing education for an initial further month.

"Everyone at Rotherham United would like to wish Curtis well during his spell with Scarborough Athletic."

Liverpool recall James Balagizi from Wigan loan

"James Balagizi has returned to Liverpool after being recalled from his loan at Wigan Athletic," read a club statement.

"The 20-year-old made seven appearances for the League One side, having signed a new contract with the Reds prior to completing his temporary switch.

"Balagizi has been part of Liverpool's Academy set-up since U11 level and also had a spell last season with Crawley Town."

Mbappe yet to make decision on future despite Madrid, Liverpool links

Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe says that he "has not made up his mind yet" as he continues to contemplate the next phase of his career.

At the turn of the year, Mbappe became free to hold discussions with foreign clubs regarding a potential free transfer at the end of the season.

That is a consequence of the 2018 World Cup winner not wanting to extend his current terms past 2024, a decision that initially led to him being left out of first-team matters at Parc des Princes.

A reconciliation soon afterwards has resulted in Mbappe remaining as PSG's key man, his 22nd goal of the season coming in Wednesday's Trophee des Champions fixture against Toulouse.

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Salah 'closing in on Liverpool contract extension'

Liverpool are reportedly making progress in their efforts to secure a contract extension with Mohamed Salah.

Having contributed 204 goals and 88 assists from 332 appearances for the Merseyside giants, as well as winning the Premier League and Champions League, Salah has already established himself as one of Liverpool's greatest ever players.

However, there is uncertainty over how long the versatile attacker will remain at Anfield, a consequence of just 18 months remaining on his contract.

During the summer, the Egypt international was the subject of interest from Al-Ittihad with the Saudi Pro League allegedly prepared to pay at least £150m for his signature.

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Transfer rumours: Tomori to Bayern, Duran to Milan, Azaz to Middlesbrough

Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have enquired about AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori, according to a report.

The 26-year-old has spent the last three years at San Siro and has established himself as a first-team regular for the Rossoneri, making 126 appearances across all competitions.

The former Chelsea defender has been tipped to return to the Premier League amid interest from Manchester United, but Sky Deutschland reporter Florian Plettenberg claims that Bayern have made their first move for the Englishman.

Plettenberg states that Bayern's sporting director Christoph Freund is a "big fan" of Tomori, who has been discussed internally over the last few weeks.

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