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Surprise returns are all the rage for Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Former Manchester United striker pressing for a recall against former club; Liverpool highlight Wijnaldum replacement.

SOCCER: Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to make a surprise return for AC Milan against Manchester United on Thursday evening. 

Ibrahimovic missed the Europa League last 16, first leg clash at Old Trafford last week due to a thigh problem.

However, after sitting out Milan's last four games, the veteran striker returned to training this week. And reports in Sky Italia (via Daily Star) suggest he is pressing for a start against United.

His return will provide a further headache for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer whose side were held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg.

United remain favourites to qualify for the last eight, however, with Sky Bet pricing them at 8/13 to progress. Milan are 6/5 to go through.

Ibrahimovic, who announced this week that he is coming out of international retirement, is 13/8 to score at any time.

The Swede can be backed at 20/1 with Sky Bet to win the Golden Boot at the Euros.

Liverpool shopping for Sander

SOCCER: Liverpool are eyeing Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge as a replacement for Gini Wijnaldum, according to Eurosport.

Wijnaldum's contract expires at the end of the campaign and no concrete news over an extension has surfaced.

The 30-year-old was linked with a move to Barcelona last summer and the prospect of him becoming a free agent has only heightened their interest.

The La Liga giants are 5/2 with Sky Bet to sign the Dutchman in the summer, with reports surfacing last week suggesting the deal is 95% done. However, it is Inter Milan who are seen as slight favourites to land him at 7/4.

What is clear is that Wijnaldum is not expected to be at Anfield next season and with that in mind, Berge is seen as an ideal option in the centre of the park.

With the Blades 1/1000 to be relegated (Bet365), the £22million summer signing is almost certain to leave Bramall Lane.

Despite being out since December following surgery to a tendon in his leg, Berge has already attracted interest from Aston Villa.

And now Liverpool have seemingly joined the pursuit.

Leeds have former Juventus boss lined up

SOCCER: Leeds United have lined up Marcelo Bielsa's replacement.

According to the Transfer Window Podcast, former Juventus coach Massimilano Allegri will be the man tasked with taking over from the Argentinean.

Bielsa, 65, is out of contract at Elland Road this summer.
He has indicated he will sign a one-year contract, promising to give Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani a decision before the end of the campaign.
However, Leeds have been sounding out alternatives and Allegri is said to be the frontrunner.

The 53-year-old, who has six Serie A titles to his name, has been out of work since leaving Juventus in the summer of 2019.

Bielsa is 50/1 with Sky Bet to be the next Premier League manager to leave - a possibility should Leeds decide to move swiftly on Allegri.

No manager to leave before the final game of the season is favourite at 7/4, with under-pressure Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce at 3/1.
* All odds correct at time of publication

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