Real Madrid defender Achraf Hakimi is set to hold talks with new manager Julen Lopetegui over his future at the club. Morocco bowed out of the 2018 Fifa World Cup with a point after conceding defeats to Iran and Portugal in their opening fixtures before settling for a 2-2 draw against Spain on Tuesday. The youngster who had his breakthrough under Zinedine Zidane's last season is ready to know if he is part of the Spanish tactician's plans ahead of the new season. Napoli are reportedly interested in signing the Atlas Lions right-back on a loan deal after struggling for regular first-team action in the 2017-18 season. But Hakimi who previously disclosed his desire to remain at Santiago Bernabeu reiterated that he is happy at the club. "Lopetegui and whether I’ll stay at Madrid? It caught us by surprise, not only myself but I think all you guys too," Hakimi was quoted as saying by Football Espana. “I have to go back to Madrid and talk to him. I want to stay, they’re the club of my life and I’m happy, but we’ll see what happens. “I’ll talk to the coach and see what’s best for me.” Presence of Daniel Carvajal and Nacho in the Blancos' setup limited the Morocco international to 17 appearances last term.

Cristiano Ronaldo cut a despondent figure at full-time of Portugal's 1-1 draw with Iran and coach Fernando Santos believes it was down to the Real Madrid star feeling like he failed when having a penalty saved. Portugal scraped through to the knockout phase of the World Cup in Monday's contest, Santos' men finding themselves involved in a dramatic encounter in Saransk. Ricardo Quaresma gave them a first-half lead with a stunning strike and Ronaldo could have doubled their advantage after the break, but he saw the penalty he won saved by Ali Beiranvand. He was then lucky to escape a red card, receiving just a booking despite referee Enrique Caceres consulting VAR when Ronaldo caught Morteza Pouraliganji with an elbow to the head. Iran ultimately claimed a share of the spoils thanks to a late penalty of their own – VAR again playing a role as Cedric Soares was harshly penalised for handball – and Ronaldo trudged off the pitch at full-time looking bitterly upset despite his side securing a last-16 tie with Uruguay. "I understand, it's normal," Santos said when asked about his star man in the post-match news conference. "The best players in the world face that [disappointment] when there's no opportunity to really make [the difference], it happens. "It hurts more to them than the others. They want to be the best and when they fail they get very upset." Despite the seemingly damning evidence of Ronaldo's collision with Pouraliganji, Santos insists he was never worried about the prospect of his captain getting sent off, adamant the technology at Caceres' disposal justified the official's decision. "I wasn't concerned," Santos said. "It seemed like a normal thing in the match. "The referee did what he had to do, went to VAR twice, three times and gave a yellow card. I'd have to see it again to make a judgement, but I think it did its job."

Dejan Lovren believes his Croatia team-mate Luka Modric should be in Ballon d'Or contention. Real Madrid midfielder Modric has been at his sublime best so far at Russia 2018, steering Croatia to qualification for the knockout stages with a game to spare. His superb second goal during the 3-0 demolition of Argentina in Nizhny Novgorod provided the champagne moment within one of the tournament's statement victories. Modric also converted a penalty during the opening 2-0 Group D victory against Nigeria and Lovren feels the 32-year-old would be pushing for top individual honours if he was from a more traditionally glamorous footballing nation. "It is a real pleasure to play with Luka Modric, who is one of the best players in the world right now," he said during a Sunday news conference at Croatia's Roschino training base. "Modric would probably be getting more attention than he is right now if he was a German or Spanish player. He would maybe even be a Ballon d’Or winner. "Because we are a smaller country, he does get less attention than he deserves. "All football lovers know Modric is an incredible player. He is one of the best in the world right now." Who will prove the best in the world collectively when the World Cup concludes in Moscow next month remains a fiercely debated subject, with matters clouded by an opening 10 days that have often veered from the form guide. Holders Germany were staring at the prospect of an early exit until Toni Kroos sensationally snatched a 2-1 win over Sweden for Joachim Low's 10 men deep into stoppage time on Saturday in Sochi. Brazil also required a late show for their first win of the tournament – Philippe Coutinho and Neymar downing Costa Rica in St Petersburg after the regulation 90 minutes. Lovren proudly claimed to have watched every game of Russia 2018 so far and he spies a wide-open field that may play into the hands of an accomplished and experienced Croatian generation. "It has been a surprising tournament and there are no favourites right now, or no teams that are likely to be easy winners," he added. "We must respect teams like Germany, Brazil, Spain and Belgium, who are all incredible teams. "Right now, no one is showing on the pitch that they are far superior than any other team. "Croatia is a dark horse, a bit of an underdog, but we have to show we play well and we hope to continue to play well."

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has revealed why he did not sell Nabil Fekir to Liverpool , and has confirmed that Real Madrid could now sign the France international. Fekir appeared all set to move to Anfield in a £60 million (€68m/$80m) deal prior to the World Cup, only for Lyon to pull the plug on the deal at the eleventh hour. Reports emerged afterwards claiming that Liverpool were spooked by injury concerns over Fekir, which were thrown up during the 24-year-old's medical. Aulas, though, says he merely got tired of waiting for the transfer to be completed, and has now suggested that Real could swoop for Fekir. "Nabil was close to Liverpool, I gave the green light on the move. "It didn't happen because it was taking too much time. Nabil is an exceptional player. "When the Liverpool move didn't happen, lots of clubs revealed their interest in him, not only Real Madrid and their new coach. "Everything is possible, but we want him to stay. But if he wants to leave, we will try and find the biggest club in terms of size and efficiency." Speaking to beIN Sports, Aulas added:  "The interest of Real Madrid? I believe it's true. There are no discussions, but I believe that there is interest. "I've not spoken any more with Liverpool." Fekir enjoyed a successful 2017-18 season, scoring 23 goals and providing eight assists in 40 appearances for the French club. The player's agent has since revealed that, despite the breakdown in negotiations with Liverpool, a move to Anfield could still happen . The forward is now in Russia at the World Cup with France, who are currently top of Group C, two points clear of second-placed Denmark.