David Alaba s most important audition yet for a midfield role at Bayern Munich was ruined on Tuesday, thanks in no small part to one of the men deemed least likely to score at Euro 2016.

Alaba operates at left-back for his club but is believed to covet the same remit in the centre of the field he fulfils with such excellence for Marcel Koller s Austrian side, despite protestations to the contrary upon signing a contract extension through to the end of June 2021.

Incoming Bayern coach Carlo Ancelotti has already inflicted a blow to those hopes, revealing he intends to continue picking the energetic and ambitious star as a fullback.

And if Alaba is to have any chance of changing the Italian s mind, he needs to excel at the European Championship, a tournament his ta…

Sampdoria playmaker Dennis Praet has all but ruled out a move to English Premier League, stating he is perfectly happy in Italy.

The 23-year-old has been in excellent form ever since he joined the Blucerchiati from Anderlecht in August 2016, going on to make 54 Serie A appearances.

His impressive showings did not go unnoticed as top Italian clubs are casting admiring glances his way, as are Newcastle United and Everton.

However, Praet admits he has no intention of moving to England and is clearly disappointed to have again be snubbed by Belgium boss Roberto Martinez.

“I don’t understand why people who don’t play are still called up for international duty, but evidently Serie A isn’t watched very closely in Belgium,” Praet told Le Soir.

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Southampton attacking midfielder Adam Lallana has labelled his first senior England call-up the proudest moment of his career.

The 24-year-old has represented the Three Lions at all youth levels but will now make the step up to the main side for the first time after playing a key role in Southampton s back-to-back promotions to reach the English Premier League.

The playmaker has taken on extra responsibility at club level, having been handed the captaincy by Nigel Adkins, while he has impressed against both Manchester City and United so far this term.

I m totally shocked, to be honest, and I didn t think the gaffer was being serious when he called to tell me this morning, Lallana told the Southampton website.

It s such a proud accomplishment to be call…

Manuel Neuer has risked the wrath of Bayern Munich s fans by admitting he could leave the UEFA Champions League winners in the future

Germany number one Neuer was not immediately accepted by the Bayern fans when he signed from rivals Schalke in 2011, but his performances over the past two seasons, including helping the club to a European and domestic treble this season, have helped ease their relationship.
Although the goalkeeper is sure that although his move to the Allianz Arena was the right one, he does not necessarily see his long-term future at the Bavarian club, despite being delighted with the club s recent successes.
Winning the treble was confirmation for me that joining Bayern rather than moving abroad was the right decision, he told Bild.
I am not thinking about a …

Liverpool will be looking to spend at the end of the season as Jurgen Klopp plans to rebuild the faltering Premier League giants.

After finishing second on 92 points in the league and reaching three cup finals last season, winning two, the Merseysiders have fallen from grace in this campaign, currently in sixth place and out of all other competitions.

Liverpool have been linked with moves for Borussia Dortmund s Jude Bellingham and Chelsea s Mason Mount among others, with the England pair anticipated to cost up to £200million between them.

Speaking ahead of his team s trip to Manchester City, Klopp was not willing to go into specifics, but did outline the club s intention to be active when the transfer market reopens at the end of the season.

I will not…

West Ham beat Southampton at the London Stadium on Sunday by 1-0, courtesy of a goal by defender Nayef Aguerd, and the three points won here are obviously important as the Hammers continue working hard to get as far away from the relegation zone as possible.

Having admitted the game didn t start too well for his team, manager David Moyes expressed satisfaction with the result in his post-match interview.

It gives us something to build on

The manager reacts to a vital win

— West Ham United (@WestHam)

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Adrien Rabiot has not been offered a new contract by Paris Saint-Germain, according to the France international s mother and agent.

Rabiot s contract with PSG ends on June 30, with the midfielder to become a free agent after spending seven seasons in the Ligue 1 club s first team.

The 24-year-old has not played since December amid a dispute with PSG following his refusal to sign a new deal.

Serie A club Juventus are rumoured to be leading the chase to sign Rabiot, but reports on Wednesday suggested PSG s new sporting director Leonardo had been in touch with a renewed offer which was subsequently refused.

But Rabiot s mother Veronique who also acts as his agent has refuted the claims, insisting her son will be leaving Paris.

I want to issue a …

Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane was left to rue a wasteful display from Los Blancos as the defending champions dropped two points off the pace in LaLiga.

Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Elche on Wednesday, with Fidel s penalty cancelling out Luka Modric s 20th-minute opener.

Modric scored his first header after 26 goals and 364 games in all competitions for Madrid.

LaLiga holders Madrid mustered 14 attempts, managing six on target, with substitute Eden Hazard squandering a chance late on – the Spanish giants have hit the woodwork 18 times across all competitions this season, more than any other club in the top five European leagues.

The draw, combined with Atletico Madrid s earlier win over Getafe, leaves Zidane s side two points behind their …

Mohamed Salah said it was very special to win the Premier League s Golden Boot award in his first season at Liverpool.

Salah struck his 32nd goal of a superb season as Liverpool thrashed Brighton and Hove Albion 4-0 at Anfield on Sunday to secure Champions League qualification.

The Egypt international finished two goals clear of Tottenham striker Harry Kane, who had won the award in each of the last two seasons.

And after adding the Golden Boot to individual honours including the Premier League s Player of the Season award and the PFA Players Player of the Year prize, Salah was thrilled with his latest achievement.

This is very special, Salah told Sky Sports.

It s always in my mind to help the team to win games, now we are in the Champions Lea…

Cristiano Ronaldo will lead European champions Portugal in their bid for World Cup glory but there is no place for Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes in Fernando Santos squad.

Ruben Neves also misses out despite an outstanding season in the Championship with Wolves but Joao Mario is included after being loaned to Premier League strugglers West Ham from Inter.

Experienced winger Nani misses out, although fellow seasoned campaigner Ricardo Quaresma bolsters an attack featuring the likes of Ronaldo, AC Milan striker Andre Silva and Manchester City playmaker Bernardo Silva.

Rony Lopes has impressed for Bernardo Silva s for former club Monaco but he is one of the names cut from Santos preliminary squad of 35, along with unlikely Euro 2016 final hero Eder.

Portu…