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What Eddie Howe has said about Harvey Barnes amid talk of Scotland switch

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Harvey Barnes has insisted the door to swapping his allegiances from England to Scotland is NOT closed.

And it might just be the ideal time for Steve Clarke to explore the option of adding an attacker with real quality to his squad.

The feel-good factor in the national team is at an all-time high after World Cup qualification as the battle for places on the plane begins.

Scotland are stacked with quality in the middle of the park with the likes of John McGinn, Scott McTominay, Lewis Ferguson and Billy Gilmour all playing at the highest level.

Kenny McLean has never let his country down and scored a halfway line goal to put the icing on the cake against Denmark as the Scots sealed top spot in qualifying.

But our wide options are very limited and when Ben Gannon-Doak was forced off early on at Hampden against the Danes, Clarke opted to push Ryan Christie into the wide role.

Barnes, 27, is playing week in, week out for Newcastle United in the Premier League while he is lighting up the Champions League with three goals and an assist from four appearances.

Should Scotland move for Harvey Barnes?

Eddie Howe has described him as ‘one of the best finishing wingers he’s seen’ and that is the kind of endorsement that will have the Tartan Army sitting up and taking notice.

Barnes comes with real quality in his locker, along with pace, and offers versatility, having also turned out on the right wing and as an attacking midfielder.

His only cap for England came against Wales five years ago, and since it was a friendly, he could make the switch.

Scotland will have two international windows before the finals next summer in March and June, which means just four games before jetting out to USA, Canada and Mexico.

However, it is early days in the season for club football and with Barnes playing at the very top level and that door wide open, it ticks the boxes to get him in and see how he fits into the group and system.

The fact he has also addressed the situation hints that it is a question and answer that wouldn’t need too much thinking over.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said:

“There’s always been talk about it and a while ago there were a few little bits and bobs about it.

“But recently, it’s just not really something that – has – not been on my mind – but been spoken about.

“Is it closed off? No, of course it’s not.

“I’ve obviously played for England and I know the eligibility side of it is still there, so it’s hard to say either way, but yeah like I said, there’s been no real chats or progression in that sense.”

It’s been a long time coming, but Scotland will be heading back to the World Cup next summer.

The Tartan Army were put through a rollercoaster of emotions at Hampden in a game that had it all as the Dark Blues dumped Denmark 4-2 to win the qualification section.

Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean netted two stoppage-time stunners to book a spot on the plane after Scott McTominay’s earlier bicycle-kick and a Lawrence Shankland close-range effort had been pegged back.

Scotland manager Steve Clarke talks to Billy Gilmour
Nations League – Group Stage – Scotland v Croatia – Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – November 15, 2024 Scotland manager Steve Clarke talks to Billy Gilmour REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

As the whistle went in Glasgow’s south side, the emotions on and off the park took over as the party got started and with that, the end of a 28-year wait to return to the biggest stage of the lot.

What has Eddie Howe said about Harvey Barnes?

Speaking to the Independent in 2024, he said: “His qualities are unbounded, and he is a goalscoring winger and there are not many around. He is one of the best finishing wingers I’ve seen.

“Quality goalscoring wingers are few and far between and as long as he stays fit he is going to be a key player for us this season.”

On his arrival at the club in 2023, Howe told the Newcastle website: “Harvey is an exciting talent who I have admired for a long time, so I’m delighted to welcome him to Newcastle United.

“He is strong, quick and very good technically, and he showed last season in particular that he has an eye for goal from wide positions.

“He will add a different element to our play, and we look forward to working with him as we prepare for the season ahead.”

Harvey Barnes’ stats so far this season

Harvey Barnes has been a regular for Newcastle United this season with his most used position coming on the left wing.

He offers an attacking threat with pace and power in his locker and good technical skills.

His versatility has come to the fore in the Champions League with outings on the right wing.

Europe’s top level has also been a big hit with the 27-year-old so far this term with three goals and an assist from four games to date in the competition.

Appearances – 17

Premier League – 11 – Goals 1

Champions League – 4 – Goals 3 – Assists 1

Carabao Cup – 2 – Goals 0 – Assists 1

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After 3 Years, Arsenal Revive Transfer Interest In Ivan Fresneda

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Arsenal are set to enter the summer transfer market with some huge potential deals, as reports claim the club are looking to revive interest in a defender they eyed three years ago.

The Gunners are expected to be somewhat busy over the course of the transfer window, with Mikel Arteta looking to take his team to the next level after sealing his first Premier League title as head coach.

The priority appears to be in attack, as links to Morgan Rogers have persisted, while there is also interest in PSG star Bradley Barcola for the coming weeks.

There may be some moves in the defence too, depending on outgoings, with reports emerging of a potential deal in the works for a star they’ve shown interest in before.

Arsenal Want Ivan Fresneda Transfer

Iván Fresneda

As Arsenal look at new options to freshen up the squad, Portuguese outlet A Bola, via Sport Witness, claims that the Gunners are eyeing a deal for Sporting CP star Ivan Fresneda.

The North London clubs were linked with the defender back in 2023, as he impressed when breaking through the ranks with Real Valladolid.

While there was interest, he instead made the move to Sporting, where he has made 81 appearances since and has grown into an important player for the side.

The report claims that Arsenal are closely monitoring Fresneda, and while there is a £69 million release clause in his deal, his club are unwilling to negotiate a move this summer.

Joining Arsenal in their interest is Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Newcastle United, as they all eye a potential star of the future at right-back.

It remains to be seen if the Gunners can finally tempt a move for Fresneda, but they should try their luck if they want to progress.

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Arsenal Need Right-Back Cover

Ben White

Arsenal fans are likely to get more excited by their forward additions rather than any signings in the backline, but a new right-back could be key this summer.

The Gunners found it to be a problem position last season, as injuries to Jurrien Timber and Ben White kept the pair out of action, with Arteta resorting to using Cristhian Mosquera at right-back.

Fresneda, at just 21 years old, could prove to be an ideal candidate to compete for a place in the long-term, while offering plenty of energy and fitness for the role.


Mikel Arteta


He Wants To Join: £100m Arsenal Transfer Target Rejects Premier League Rivals For Gunners

Arsenal’s pursuit of one star in the summer transfer window has been boosted.

He was among the fastest players in the Champions League for last season, showing he can bring his rapid pace to the backline as and when required.

It remains to be seen how much it may take to complete a deal, but it’s one Arsenal should push to get over the line to help bolster out their options.

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Clip of Zinedine Zidane in the Stands During Argentina 3-0 Algeria Goes Viral

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Zinedine Zidane watched on from the stands as an Algeria side featuring his son, Luca, were beaten by Argentina at the 2026 World Cup.

Luca, a goalkeeper, was born in France and has spent much of his life in Spain. However, he has always been eligible to represent Algeria and officially switched allegiances ahead of this summer’s tournament.

The 28-year-old, who plays for Spanish second tier side Granada at club level, was named in his nation’s starting lineup for their opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Argentina.

Luca was powerless to resist as the reigning World Cup champions picked up a comfortable victory courtesy of the brilliant Lionel Messi. The Inter Miami forward, who was perhaps fortunate not to be sent off, netted a stunning hat-trick as the South Americans won 3-0.

Video of Zinedine Zidane in the Stands Goes Viral

Zinedine Zidane watches on from the stands at the 2026 World Cup Dylan Martinez via Reuters

Luca did not have his best match in goal. According to SofaScore, he made just three saves during the game and had a goals-prevented stat of -0.78, meaning he conceded more goals than expected.

Despite completing all 37 of his passes, Luca was given a rating of just 6.3/10.

The camera panned to his father, Zinedine, with Argentina leading 2-0 with just over 15 minutes of the game remaining. The Real Madrid and France legend did not look impressed at all as he shook his hand before falling back into his seat.

Luca Zidane’s Performance vs Argentina Sparks Big Reaction

Lionel Messi scores against Luca Zidane Siphiwe Sibeko via Reuters

Football fans watching the match were not impressed with Luca’s performance. One fan was especially brutal as they said: “The Algerian FA should be investigating everyone involved in getting Luca Zidane a starting spot in the XI. There’s no way he starts for them without serious strings being pulled behind the scenes. They’re risking an early World Cup exit and possibly losing out on millions of dollars.”

Another stated: “He doesn’t even know how to do the simple basics of goalkeeping. [The] first goal was genuinely embarrassing, and he went and conceded an even worse goal the second time.”

A third said: “Algeria’s population is 48 million. Is it possible there’s no better goalkeeper than this?” While a fourth commented: “There’s no way this guy goes professional without Zidane.”

World Cup History Quiz

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Why Luca Zidane is Wearing a Mask at the 2026 World Cup

Luca Zidane Denny Medley via Reuters

In the spring, Luca fractured his jaw and chin, while suffering a severe concussion, following a sickening collision during a match against Almeria. He subsequently missed the rest of the domestic season and had to have surgery.

Despite that injury, Luca was named in Algeria’s 26-man squad for the World Cup. He hasn’t fully recovered, though, and is only allowed to play while wearing a black mask that covers the perimeter of his face.

Luca gave an update on his injury ahead of the tournament. He said: “I’m doing well, I don’t have any pain anymore. The surgery went well and five weeks have passed now. I returned to training on the pitch two weeks ago and I’m very happy.”

Luca and Algeria will be looking to bounce back when they face Jordan in their next Group J match on Monday, June 22.

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Rangers Could Lose Nicolas Raskin As European Giants Eye Transfer

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Rangers are facing the possibility of losing a key star this summer, as Gianluca Di Marzio claims that a Serie A side are eyeing a regular starter from Ibrox.

It comes as the Glasgow outfit are facing a few big changes over the course of the next few weeks, with Danny Rohl set to leave the club and join RB Salzburg.

Derek McInnes is ready to take over, as he seems set to join from Scottish Premiership rivals Hearts, following the same path as Lawrence Shankland, who has already joined the club.

Further switches are expected in the transfer market if Rangers are to compete at the top once again, but there could be exits before any new arrivals.

Nicolas Raskin Transfer Interest

Nicolas Raskin Rangers Celtic

Reports from Gianluca Di Marzio claim that Nicolas Raskin has emerged as a key target for Serie A side Atalanta in the summer transfer window.

The midfielder is wanted by Maurizio Sarri, as his side prepare for another important campaign in the Italian league, as well as the Europa Conference League.

Raskin, who has been described as “phenomenal” during his time with Rangers, is currently away on international duty with Belgium at the World Cup.

The 25-year-old was included in Rudi Garcia’s 26-man squad, and made his World Cup debut when featuring from the bench in the Red Devils’ 1-1 draw with Egypt.

It remains to be seen whether Raskin will make his decision on his future during or after the competition, but his involvement could mean there’s a wait for any transfer to be decided upon.

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Rangers Should Cash In On Raskin

Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin celebrates

As Rangers look to address key areas of the squad, there will be a need to move some players around to help free up space for a proper refresh.

Raskin is one of the players the club should look to move on, as he enters the final two years of his contract at Ibrox, as doubts continue over his long-term future.

The Belgian has picked up over 140 appearances for Rangers, but injuries have ruled him out of some key games in the past two seasons.


Derek McInnes claps the Hearts fans


McInnes Asks Rangers to Make £8m Celtic Target His First Signing

Derek McInnes is already outlining his transfer demands ahead of Rangers appointment

If the team can pick up some fresh faces in the midfield to add a little more bite, as well as some quality in possession, then raising funds will also be important.

Raskin has been a great servant for the club, but his time could be coming to an end soon.

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