Leeds United scouts have been wowed by a potential free agent ahead of the summer transfer window.

Leeds light in midfield as injuries mount

It is no secret that Leeds United are somewhat light in midfield at the moment. With Ilia Gruev out injured, they have been forced down to the bare bones in the centre of the pitch, and should either Glen Kamara or Archie Gray pick up a knock, they may have to turn to their academy in the shape of young talent Charlie Crew.

Leeds United's midfield options 23/24
Player	Matched played in central midfield
Ethan Ampadu	27
Ilia Gruev	15
Archie Gray	11
Glen Kamara	30

Daniel Farke himself explained the problem that the Championship side face after their late 3-1 win over Hull City on Monday: "First of all if Ilia is not available, we are missing a really good midfield option. Ilia is important for our rhythm, sometimes to calm the game down, sometimes to speed it up, really tidy on the ball, shows himself, wants to have the ball under pressure and helps to build against really good pressing side.

"Obviously Charlie Crew plays in a similar role, perhaps a bit more offensive but due to his age he can’t fulfil the role Ilia has done. We see him as a high potential young player, there’s a long way to go, you can’t take it for granted a 17 year old plays day in day out like Archie. It would be unfair to put the same weight of expectations on Charlie Crew’s shoulders."

There is also the possibility that the club lose the services of Gray ahead of the new campaign, with the talented youngster having been linked with a move to a bigger side in recent months. Clearly then, midfield will be a priority for Farke this summer.

Leeds keen on free agent; two conditions needed to join

Now, sources in Portugal [via Sport Witness] claim that Leeds are one of several sides keeping tabs on FC Vizela midfielder Samu, with reports that the midfielder has wowed scouts with his 'fitness records' thanks to the fact that he covers roughly 13km per game in the Portuguese top flight.

Though he has only managed four goals and two assists, the Vizela skipper could finally be set to leave Portugal, where he has spent his entire career to date. The 27-year-old is out of contract this summer as things stand and is reportedly ready to leave his current club if they are to be relegated which, two points adrift of a relegation play off and five points away from complete safety as things stands, looks more likely than not.

Leeds make offer for the next Gray in wonderkid who had trial at Man Utd

Leeds United are pursuing a deal for this highly rated youngster.

By
Kelan Sarson

Apr 4, 2024

Leeds are not alone in their admiration though, with fellow Championship side Southampton also thought to be tracking the Portuguese youth international. However, neither side will be likely to secure him, it is added, unless they can offer Premier League football, something that at present Farke's side appear more likely to be able to do.

Should he arrive, he could provide a much-needed rotation option in the heart of the Elland Road engine room.

كشف عدلي القيعي مدير التعاقدات السابق ورئيس شركة الكرة الأسبق في النادي الأهلي، عن كواليس مثيرة حول التعاقد مع أحد لاعبي الفريق خلال موسم 2019.

وقال القيعي خلال تصريحات عبر قناة الأهلي في برنامج “ملك وكتابة”: “صفقة حسين الشحات ظلمته، لأنها كانت في لحظة توقيتها كانت إنه يلعب في نهائي كأس العالم للأندية مع فريقه العين، كلما يُسجل قيمته ترتفع ووصل لأعلى درجات التوهج”.

وأضاف: “العين علم وقتها هو يملك من، نحن لم نشتريه من ناد في مصر، لأن لو كان في نادي مصري كان سيكون بمليون دولار وكنا نقدر على شرائه، لكننا تركناه حتى تألق وسعره أصبح عاليا جدًا، لكن هو وصل سعره مرة واتنين وثلاثة”.

طالع | بينهم ثلاثي الأهلي والزمالك.. كاف يٌعلن القائمة المختصرة لجائزة أفضل لاعب داخل إفريقيا 2024

وأكمل: “على يدي الشحات ترك 750 ألف دولار من مستحقاته عشان ينضم لـ الأهلي، كانت عبارة عن مكافآت، وهو تركهم وقال أريد الانتقال للأهلي، هو لو كان يريد أموالا كان استمر”.

وواصل: “حسين الشحات ظُلم كثيرًا في قيمته كلاعب كرة، هو أحد الظواهر الكروية في هذا الجيل بما يمتلكه من خبرات وموهبة في كل مكان، لعب في كل المراكز، وفي كل مركز عندما يلعب تقول إنه الأفضل في هذا المركز”.

وتابع: “حسين الشحات عندما يركز لا أحد ينافسه في المراوغة والتمريرات وكل شيء، هناك نماذج تدل على أن اللاعب مختلف من ناحية الشخصية والإرادة والموهبة والمقدرة والقدرة على الإفادة، مثل محمد بركات ومؤمن زكريا، والآن حسين الشحات، هم قطعية واحدة من ناحية الإمتاع ويجعلك تكسب وتعتمد عليه في أي لحظة في أي مكان”.

واستمر: “حسين يُسدد من الخارج ويصنع أهدافا ويراوغ، لاعب ممتع، وتجده في المكان الصحيح”.

Liverpool are reportedly considering making a late move for Juventus star Federico Chiesa as Barcelona remain interested in the winger.

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Liverpool show interest in ChiesaJuventus want to sell the wingerBarcelona are also target himGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Chiesa has been looking for a new club all summer long as Juventus have told the Italian winger that he is not in the club's plans for the future with new boss Thiago Motta reportedly not impressed by the 26-year-old. Chiesa has been unable to make the move with the end of the summer transfer window only four days away. However, Liverpool are pondering upon a late move for the winger.

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As per , Liverpool are considering making the move for Chiesa this summer due to his availability for a rather low fee this summer. Liverpool already have a number of options in attack, however, new boss Arne Slot is open to the idea of signing another winger to the squad.

Getty ImagesDID YOU KNOW?

Barcelona are also said to be in talks with Juventus over the transfer of Chiesa before the end of the transfer window. The Italian is also said to be keen on the move to Hansi Flick's side, however, their issues with registrations and further economic troubles may keep them from formalizing the move.

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WHAT NEXT FOR CHIESA?

The explosive attacker will be keenly hoping to see his move away from Juventus be formalized by either club as soon as possible. If he stays stuck at the Serie A giants in the first half of the season, he may remain out of Motta's side.

Liverpool could be in for more transfer disappointment as Valencia manager remains adamant about holding on to Giorgi Mamardashvili.

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• Liverpool have set sights on Mamardashvili
• Starred with Georgia in Euro 2024
• Valencia offer update on goalkeeper

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Georgian goalkeeper has been on Liverpool's radar, especially amid swirling rumours of Alisson attracting interest from Saudi Arabian clubs. Reports from as early as June hinted at Al-Nassr preparing a substantial offer to lure the Brazilian keeper to the Middle East. While Alisson has been a cornerstone of Liverpool’s success under Jurgen Klopp, the prospect of a lucrative deal from Saudi Arabia has left the Reds considering potential replacements.

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  Mamardashvili, who was incredible in La Liga last season, also put up a superb show in the Euro 2024 which further helped him boost his stock. Yet, Valencia remain firm on their stance regarding the transfer which might force Liverpool to rethink their strategy.

• WHAT RUBEN BARAJA SAID

  Valencia’s coach Rubén Baraja addressed the transfer rumors head-on during a press conference on Friday, held ahead of their upcoming clash with FC Barcelona. Baraja made it clear that Mamardashvili is an integral part of his squad and that there are no plans to entertain hypothetical transfer scenarios.

  “It’s very simple. He’s our player, and as long as there is no other different situation, I’m not going to evaluate anything," he told reporters.

  "He’s here, he’s ready to participate. We can’t talk about situations that haven’t happened yet."

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• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Liverpool are not the only Premier League club with its eyes on Mamardashvili. Newcastle United have also expressed a strong interest in the Georgia international, with reports indicating that the Magpies had already submitted an initial bid worth €25 million (£21 million/$26 million). Valencia, however, swiftly rejected the offer, signalling their unwillingness to part with their prized goalkeeper without a fight.

His 55-run blitz got Zimbabwe to within one big hit of an unlikely victory

Mohammad Isam03-Mar-2020

AFP

Much of the surprise around the Sylhet International Stadium upon seeing Donald Tiripano hammer five sixes and two fours was also felt in the Zimbabwe dressing room. Tiripano always had a reputation for being an able batsman down the order, but even Sean Williams, the stand-in captain for the day, did not think he had kind of a big-hitting streak in him.After slumping to 225 for 7 by the 42nd over, with their last recognised batsman Sikandar Raza gone, there was an air of inevitability about this contest. Bangladesh’s total of 322 for 8 seemed a bridge too far for Zimbabwe’s lower order to overcome, but Tiripano and Tinotenda Mutombodzi added 80 off the next 45 balls, bringing the game down to the final ball: Six needed off one.Tiripano unforunately missed out, but his big-hitting exploits were for all to see. Over the years, he has built a name for himself as a stodgy lower-order batsman, often sent out as a nightwatchman. He averages around a hundred balls per Test, interestingly, and has many times been the difference between a poor Zimbabwe performance and a respectable one.”Tiripano played a magnificent innings this evening,” Williams said. “He caught me off guard. I know he can bat. He has always been able to bat. I am glad that he has finally got to the half-century mark. If he had hit that ball for a six, I am pretty sure we would all be elated and jumping around, celebrating in the change room. It is a good thing for us. Losing by such a big margin in the previous game, and losing by four runs now; yes we lost but we have taken the first step in the way forward.”Bangladesh’s captain Mashrafe Mortaza said that dew played a part in the pitch becoming easier for batsmen, something Williams himself acknowledged.”When their score was around 140, Raza was at the crease, me and the bowlers were discussing that the ball was coming quite easily on to the bat,” Mortaza said. “There was dew so it was hard to grip the ball, and the bowlers couldn’t bowl to their strength. I think it really helps us for the future to win such tight games, to find out how we should react in these situations.”Because the ball wasn’t gripping on the wicket, they were charging quite often against our spinners. I had to bring in Riyad into the attack but then Taijul came back strongly. They were playing the pacers quite well in the end so it was hard to bring back Mehidy towards the end.”Williams said that the result reflected just how vastly different Zimbabwe’s performances had been over the two ODIs, but regretted that substantial partnerships came too late.”I am very disappointed but these things happen in cricket,” he said. “Coming from the previous ODI, I think we have to hold our heads high. I think the batting was exceptional. If we can remove the partnerships from the bottom of the order to the top-order, I think we will have a better chance of winning.”The guys showed a lot of fight and character. At one stage, we didn’t think we’d get close to their total but we got extremely close. I am extremely proud of them, and I am happy that they went. We have to be more disciplined and clinical with our bowling and fielding department.”Williams also took solace from Wesley Madhevere’s early foray in the international game. The 19-year-old was impressive with the ball, and also held his own with the bat, hitting his maiden half-century.”I don’t really like to look at the negatives in the game, but sometimes you have to be honest and truthful towards a player. Everybody is different and has their own personal feelings. I think our guys are growing up a little bit more. It is a very young side. I think there’s only two or three players close to a hundred ODIs.”Brendan [Taylor] and myself have played more than a hundred and [Sikandar] Raza is on 99. The rest are not even close to 50. It is a good thing for me. I think it is extremely exciting to see someone like Wesley [Madhevere]. He is an extremely good find for Zimbabwe cricket. It is unbelievable the way, as a 19-year old, he has batted in the middle order.”

Over the last couple of years, Everton have conducted excellent business in the transfer market, turning their attention to younger talents and allowing them to develop at Goodison Park rather than signing big-money players who are past their best.

Jarrad Branthwaite arrived on Merseyside a couple of years ago for just £1m from Carlisle United and has bided his time and eventually made a huge impact on the Toffees' first-team so far this campaign.

He's started 33 times in the Premier League under boss Sean Dyche, forming an integral partnership with James Tarkowski at the heart of the club's defence – a huge key in the club's Premier League survival this season.

However, his performances have attracted interest from fellow Premier League side Manchester United, who are rumoured to be targeting a big-money move for the 21-year-old this summer.

Whilst the club wouldn't want to lose their young talent this summer, it is a reflection of the excellent dealings in the market, with the club needing to focus more on youngsters in the years ahead.

Along with Branthwaite, the club also invested in a promising youngster a couple of seasons ago, with the Toffees really starting to reap the rewards of their brilliant scouting network.

Vitaliy Mykolenko's stats at Everton in 2023/24

Left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko joined the club in a £17m deal from Ukrainian side Dynamo Kyiv back in January 2022, with the then 22-year-old seen as the perfect, long-term replacement for Lucas Digne, who subsequently joined Aston Villa just a few days later.

After a slow start at Goodison – having notably been described as a "weak link" by journalist Richard Buxton last year – the 2023/24 season has arguably been his best to date at the club, with Mykokenko showing signs that he's fully settled into life in the Premier League.

Whilst he's managed two goals in the league this term, Mykolenko has established himself as a reliable defensive full-back, dominating in many areas throughout the campaign.

The Ukrainian has averaged 1.4 successful tackles per 90 in the Premier League this season, as well as 1.3 interceptions and three clearances – with the latter in the top three of all Toffees players.

Just over two years on from his arrival in England, Mykolenko has proved to be worth every penny of his £17m transfer fee, with his market value taking a sharp rise as a result of his performances.

Vitaliy Mykolenko's market value in 2024

The "sensational" defender, as described by writer Peter Guy, now boasts a market value of £24m, as per Transfermarkt, with his value now higher than goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who's reportedly now only worth £18.8m, despite signing on a £25m deal in 2017.

His rapid rise has also seen him overtake the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Beto, who are valued at the same as Pickford, with the latter suffering a huge drop since his £26m move less than a year ago.

Players worth less than Mykolenko at Everton

Player

Market value

Jordan Pickford

£18.8m

James Garner

£18.8m

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

£18.8m

Beto

£18.8m

Abdoulaye Doucoure

£10.3m

Stats via Transfermarkt

His transformation under Dyche in recent months has been nothing short of sensational, with the Ukrainian having the potential to be the club's starting left-back for many years to come.

His transfer is proof you can recruit players outside of Europe's top five leagues that make a huge impact on the club whilst also making a tidy profit, with the full-back undoubtedly set to make the Toffees a huge profit should he ever depart Goodison Park.

Related Everton were rinsed by Silva flop who earned more than Calvert-Lewin

Goodison Park witnessed a bitter howler with this “unlucky” signing.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair May 6, 2024

Lionel Messi shared a heartwarming message for his close friend and Inter Miami team-mate Luis Suarez after his international retirement.

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Suarez announced international retirementMessi shares a sweet message for his friend Uruguayan to play farewell game on Saturday WHAT HAPPENED?

Luis Suarez decided to bring the curtain down on his illustrious international career as he announced his retirement on Monday. The 37-year-old Uruguay legend served his country for 17 years where he appeared in 142 international matches and scored 69 goals which makes him the country's all-time topscorer.

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As the former Liverpool and Barcelona star retired from international football, his close friend and current Inter Miami team-mate Lionel Messi shared a heart-touching message on social media. The duo shares a close bond that they formed during their Blaugrana days that lasted for six years between 2014 to 2020. They rekindled their partnership in 2024 after Suarez moved to the MLS from Gremio.

WHAT LIONEL MESSI SAID

Taking to Instagram, the Argentine shared a photograph of the duo hugging and wrote in the caption, "You are unique, @luissuarez9, on and off the pitch!!! I love you very much."

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR LUIS SUAREZ?

The veteran forward will play his final match for Uruguay in their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on Friday at Estadio Centenario, the team's primary home stadium.

West Ham technical director Tim Steidten is "championing" one particular managerial candidate behind the scenes as the Hammers seek to find an heir to departing head coach David Moyes.

Moyes widely expected to leave as West Ham eye replacement

The Scotsman is nearing the end of his second stint in charge, as widely reported by reliable media outlets, with West Ham now making contingency plans and working on a replacement for next season.

West Ham chiefs discuss hiring "ambitious" Ruben Amorim alternative

The east Londoners could soon be bringing in a new manager.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 24, 2024

Some outlets have claimed that both West Ham and Moyes have amicably decided to part ways this summer, with Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian also stating this week that the 60-year-old is on his way out.

Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim flew into London for talks with West Ham earlier this week in a real statement of intent from co-chairman David Sullivan and the Irons board, but as reported by Fabrizio Romano, the discussions aren't expected to advance any further.

Moyes will be fondly remembered by the West Ham fanbase for his achievements since re-joining the club in 2019/2020, guiding them to successive campaigns in Europe and a Conference League triumph in Prague last year.

However, a large section of supporters have grown frustrated with his pragmatic playing style and feel now is the time to move on with his contract expiring at the end of this season.

14th

2022/2023

7th

2021/2022

6th

2020/2021

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2019/2020

West Ham do have alternatives to Amorim as they draw an extensive shortlist, and one of them is thought to be former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, who is also set to leave his current club Bayern Munich at the end of this season.

Steidten urging West Ham to appoint Tuchel to replace Moyes

Interestingly, according to The Boot Room, West Ham chief Steidten is "championing" Tuchel as Moyes' replacement behind the scenes and has decided that his compatriot is the right man for 2024/2025.

Whether Sullivan takes his advice remains to be seen, but it is believed the £10.5 million-a-season Tuchel's move to West Ham is more of a "possibility" because of this. There is little denying he would be classed as an elite appointment in place of Moyes, having won the Champions League among other honours throughout a semi-decorated career.

Defender Ben Chilwell, who worked under Tuchel at Chelsea, has also called him an "unbelievable" manager.

"We know we’re not going to get a better manager here. I’m not just saying it," said Chilwell in 2022.

"He’s an unbelievable manager in all aspects and I think he has a lot of trust in us as well."

The 2023/24 season has been a tough one for Newcastle United. Eddie Howe’s side have not quite lived up to expectations in the Premier League, and currently sit sixth in the table, 13 points off a top-four spot.

In the Champions League, the Magpies crashed out of the group stages in devastating fashion, finishing fourth in a tough group which consisted of AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund.

Under Howe, the squad has come on leaps and bounds. The pinnacle of the Englishman’s time in charge was when Newcastle reached the Carabao Cup final in 2022/23, although they did go on to lose the game against Manchester United.

This season, Howe’s side have been completely ravaged by injuries. They currently have nine first-team players out injured, with three of those players midfielders, namely Joelinton, Lewis Miley and Joe Willock.

This has led to Newcastle being linked with several midfield targets over the past few months. However, there is one name in particular who the Magpies are strongly linked with, and a move could come about this summer.

Newcastle's midfield transfer plans

According to Chronicle Live’s Chief Newcastle Writer Lee Ryder, the Tynesiders sent scouts to Stamford Bridge recently to watch Chelsea midfielder, Conor Gallagher. The 24-year-old’s current deal at Chelsea expires in 2025, and there is no current indication that he will sign a new contract with the Blues.

According to CIES Football Observatory, Gallagher is currently valued at £69m, a sizeable fee. However, it could well be the case that Newcastle could get the midfielder for less, considering his contract expires in a year.

Gallagher has been a key player under Mauricio Pochettino this season. The 24-year-old has played 43 games in all competitions, scoring five goals and registering eight assists along the way.

In signing the one-time Crystal Palace loanee, Newcastle would be recruiting a wonderful engine in the centre of midfield. In possession, he is a creative player and is an underrated final third player. Gallagher averages 1.48 key passes per 90 minutes, as per Fbref, which places him in the top 21%.

Off the ball, Gallagher is a diligent presser who works hard out of possession. This is proven by his 0.51 final third tackles, which place him in the top 5%, and 3.81 tackles and interceptions he makes, placing him in the top 19% among midfielders in Europe.

However, if Gallagher is seemingly unattainable for Newcastle this summer – or if the club wish to utilise their funds elsewhere – they may well have an alternative option, whom they brought in last summer.

Newcastle’s perfect Gallagher alternative

The player in question here is 18-year-old Travis Hernes, who joined Newcastle from Shrewsbury on 1 September last year for an undisclosed fee.

Hernes is a highly-rated youngster, who was described by his former academy manager Charlie Musselwhite in an interview with Chronicle Live as “elegant on the ball and quality in possession” before he explained Hernes is “best as a box-to-box”.

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Hernes has already played professional football; he made his first-team debut for Shrewsbury against Wolves under-21s, who are his former academy side, in which he played 23 minutes and made a good impact, scoring Shrewsbury’s only goal of a 2-1 defeat.

In total, Hernes has played six first-team games but has spent the majority of this season playing youth football for Newcastle, where he has scored three goals and registered three assists.

Perhaps there is a scenario where Hernes gets an opportunity in the Newcastle first team in the near future. Whether or not they sign Gallagher, he could well be a good option for Howe as he continues his development, and there is every chance the Magpies could look to bed him into the first-team fold at St James’ Park.

Newcastle could sign dream Botman partner who's like "prime Roberto Carlos"

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دافع هاني أبو ريدة، رئيس الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم، عن نفسه من خلال الرد على المقارنات مع نظيره المغربي فوزي لقجع، مؤكدًا على الإنجازات التي حققها خلال فترة رئاسته السابقة، وشرح أسباب رحيله عن اتحاد الكرة في 2017.

وقال أبو ريدة في تصريحاته خلال المؤتمر الصحفي لشرح برنامجه الانتخابي: “في 2019 المغرب خسرت أمام بنين، وفوزي لقچع استكمل مهمته، ولكن عندما خسر منتخب مصر رحلت، كان لا بد أن يكون هناك استقرار لكي يُستكمل النجاح”.

وتابع: “أنا كان لدي نجاحات كثيرة خلال فترتي الأولى، نحن وصلنا كأس أمم إفريقيا 2017 بعد فترة غياب، وكان يُقال سنشارك بها ونخرج من الدور الأول، ولكن استطعنا الفوز على غانا التي سبق وفازت علينا بخماسية، وفزنا أيضًا على المغرب لأول مرة من سنين وتأهلنا للمباراة النهائية”.

وأضاف: “كانت هناك رؤية مع خافيير أجيري المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر حينها، وكان هناك حوالي 4 لاعبين شباب في مباراة مصر وتونس بالتصفيات، وبعد ذلك كنا أمام مسؤولية تنظيم كأس الأمم، ونظمنا البطولة في 5 شهور”.

طالع أيضًا | انتقامًا لـ تصريحاته السابقة.. هاني أبو ريدة يكشف موقفه من إقالة حسام حسن من تدريب منتخب مصر

وعن إمكانية تعيين رئيس أجنبي للجنة الحكام، قال: “الأهلي والزمالك متفقان على تواجد رئيس لجنة حكام أجنبي، ولكن أنا عندي رؤية سأعرضها على الأندية، كان هناك اتفاق سابق على وجود خبير أجنبي، لكن سنحسم ذلك بعد تولينا مهمة اتحاد الكرة”.

وبسؤاله عن موقف رابطة الأندية، قال: “الرابطة مهمتها تنظيم الدوري، ولكن الأمور الفنية مهمة الاتحاد، مثل عدد الفرق الهابطة وهكذا، المفترض يكون هناك انتخابات للرابطة، ولكن أنا أفضل أن يستكمل المجلس الحالي مهمته هذا الموسم”.

واختتم حديثه بالإجابة عن سؤال يتعلق بإمكانية استضافة مصر لبطولة كأس العالم للأندية، قائلًا: “ولم لا، لكن هذا قرار دولة، لو الدولة لها رأي في الاستضافة سنتحرك في ذلك”.