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Although the former England Under-21 international’s career hasn’t quite panned out as he might have expected, he’s done well for Stoke and they surely won’t be too keen to lose him.

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Video: Bo Krkic absolutely ruins Peter Crouch with incredible put down

Jason Pettigrove — Wed, 10 May 2023 17:44:11 +0000

Seemingly a player that was always loved wherever he went, Peter Crouch will have been brought back down to earth by former Stoke team-mate, Bojan Krkic’s stinging rebuke.

The Spaniard played alongside Crouch in the Premier League and took a team in Stoke City that were arguably renowned as a long-ball outfit, to the heights of ninth position whilst playing some incredibly entertaining football.

However, it was off the pitch where Krkic seemingly didn’t agree with the former England international suggesting he had a terrible taste in music in the dressing room.

? “Joining Stoke was a great decision. Probably the greatest fans of my career.”

? “I’m still in contact with a few players from my time there. It was a great club.”@BoKrkic reminisces on his time at ‘Stokealona’ & has a few words on @PeterCrouch’s dressing room anthems ? pic.twitter.com/dSKH7csUpn

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) May 10, 2023

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Inside Spain: Barcelona strike decisive blow, Thierry Henry tribute and Jude Bellingham advances

Ruairidh Barlow — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 17:37:30 +0000

Inside Spain is a weekly instalment brought to you by Football España, providing an insight into all of the major stories coming out of the rich and intense climes of La Liga and beyond.

Barcelona have been short on good news in recent years, but Camp Nou was euphoric last Sunday night when Franck Kessie bagged a 91st-minute winner to put them 12 points clear of Real Madrid. ‘El Presidente’ all but sentenced the La Liga title, after a Ronald Araujo own goal and Sergi Roberto equaliser in the first half. Despite their European failures, all will be forgiven for Xavi Hernandez if he brings home the title, and he’s well on his way to doing so.

The other President at the club is under signficantly more pressure, after UEFA announced they too would be investigating the Negreira case. Barcelona and Joan Laporta have begun suing journalists for libel in response to the negative press they are receiving. He was all smiles on Thursday though, as former Barcelona wonderkid and Stoke City star – not every day those fit into the same sentence – Bojan Krkic said goodbye to the professional game. At the age of 32, his career lasted 15 years and spanned 7 countries, also passing through Milan, Roma, Ajax, Mainz, Alaves, Montreal Impact and Vissel Kobe.

The frustration at Real Madrid was tangible. Dani Carvajal said something to in the aftermath of El Clasico that caused one Barcelona player to lose their mind on the pitch, while Carlo Ancelotti complained that he doubted whether Marco Asensio’s potential winner really was offside. The Italian manager is under pressure for his job now, and some have even been calling for Karim Benzema to be dropped, as the French forward continues to look unfit.

Bojan was the original wonderkid – nobody scored more goals in Barcelona’s youth ranks (over 800).

It’s no surprise as a result that there has been plenty of transfer news surrounding Real Madrid to distract from that defeat. Los Blancos appear set to pursue Erling Haaland in 2024, and believe they have the edge on Manchester City and Liverpool in the race for Jude Bellingham.

Across the city, Antoine Griezmann lost his proverbial upon finding out Kylian Mbappe would be France captain, he feels that he deserved it. Atletico Madrid have been the second-best side in Spain after Barcelona in 2023, while Griezmann has been the best player in Spain this calendar year. Continuing the French theme, Rayo Vallecano forwards Oscar Trejo and Isi Palazon were the stars of one of the most bizarre penalties in La Liga history last weekend, putting together a sort of tribute to Thierry Henry and Robert Pires.

That good atmosphere at Atleti is in part due to Joao Felix’s absence, according to captain Koke who has admitted he was a distraction for the side. Meanwhile Elche have appointed their sixth coach of the season – Sebastian Beccacece will have to beat an average of 2.6 points per coach previously. Ahead of their Europa League tie with Manchester United, Sevilla have sacked Jorge Sampaoli too, bringing in Jose Luis Mendilibar to steady the ship, as they sit just two points outside of the relegation zone.

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Leeds close to agreeing deal with 6ft 6in beast who starred at the World Cup

Darren Looney — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 20:21:11 +0000

Leeds United are close to signing Stoke City defender Harry Souttar before the end of the January transfer window.

That is according to transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, who stated on Sky Sports News that the Australian international is nearing a move to Elland Road but the deal is not done yet.

It has been an excellent window for the Whites so far, with Georginio Rutter arriving in a club-record deal and Max Wober being recruited to bolster Jesse Marsch’s defence.

Souttar will add to strengthening this area of the pitch for Leeds and fans of the Yorkshire club will be hoping the 24-year-old can match his performances from the World Cup.

The Australian international was one of the best centre-backs at the tournament in Qatar and that is likely the main factor in him getting this big move to Leeds.

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Exclusive: Agent warns Leicester that Everton could make late approach for £10m defender

Andrew Walker — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 17:03:56 +0000

Leicester City are in talks to sign Stoke City’s Harry Souttar, but if the Foxes want to sign the defender they may need to act quickly.

That’s according to agent Jon Smith, who has warned Brendan Rodgers that his side could face competition from Everton.

Souttar, 24, enjoyed an impressive World Cup campaign with Australia last year, and currently playing in the Championship, the commanding defender is a leading candidate to make the step up to the Premier League.

Although the Aussie is wanted by Leicester, managerless Everton are also believed to be long-time admirers of the 6’5″ centre-back, and following Frank Lampard’s recent sacking, the Toffees could enter the race, but the club’s willingness to enter a bidding war with the Foxes will depend on how likely they are to be sanctioned for failing to comply with Financial Fair Play.

“Now that Frank Lampard has been sacked from Everton, the Toffees, who have been interested in Stoke City’s Harry Souttar in the past, could come back into the picture again, but they will need to act quickly because Leicester City are in talks to sign him for about £10m,” Smith said in an exclusive interview.

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“He’s a really interesting player and one to watch this window, but given Everton’s well-documented financial problems, their activity will depend on regulatory issues.”

Since joining Stoke City from Dundee United back in 2016, Souttar, who also has 14 senior international caps under his belt, has gone on to feature in 70 matches, in all competitions, directly contributing to five goals along the way.

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Leicester make surprise £10m bid to sign Stoke City star

Magnus Eriksen — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 17:40:45 +0000

Leicester City have made a surprise £10million bid for the transfer of Stoke City defender Harry Souttar.

The 24-year-old has shone in the Championship and for the Australian national team, so could be a fine addition to this struggling Leicester side.

Brendan Rodgers has endured a difficult few months, and he could do with improving this squad after a series of big-name sales down the years and a relative lack of investment.

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