Philippa Kaur

ROB COUHIG has agreed a £25million deal to buy Reading and save the club from administration.The former Wycombe owner has revived a takeover offer he made to Reading owner Dai Yongge last summer after a rival bid from Robert Platek collapsed earlier this week.Rob Couhig has agreed to buy Reading and save the club from administrationCredit: GettyThe former Wycombe Wanderers chairman (blue tie) has paid £25mCredit: PAReading fans have long protested over Dai Yongge’s ownershipCredit: PACouhig faces a race against time to get the deal done as the EFL have given Yongge a deadline of April 22 to sell the club.The Chinese businessman was disqualified under the league’s owners’ and directors’ test in February owing to debts and court rulings in China.  Couhig is understood to have agreed to pay more of Yongge’s asking price up front than he did last summer in order to complete the purchase this month. The American lawyer has also agreed to conduct quicker due diligence and to a shorter cooling-off period than is customary in such transactions.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe EFL are being kept informed of the negotiations between Couhig and Reading.And they are hopeful that the sale will finally be completed to end a long-running saga.Reading have been for sale for almost 600 days.Yongge has signed exclusivity deals with five different buyers, including twice with Couhig.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe EFL’s position is that Reading must be sold by 22 April.But the EFL Board could grant an extension if necessary if they judge that a deal is close to completion at that point.Championship club could be left without a stadium as EFL deadline loomsDespite turmoil off the pitch, the Royals have mounted an unexpected playoff charge in League One.Reading currently sit in sixth, with a two-point cushion to Bolton in seventh. They have won three of their last four games, including a 3-1 win over Shrewsbury on Tuesday.The Royals take on Northampton Town this weekend. Reading, Couhig and the EFL declined to comment when approached by SunSport. More

MANCHESTER UNITED are set to visit high-flying Newcastle in one of their toughest tests of the season.The Toon Army have shown no signs of letting up with two wins out of two since they lifted the Carabao Cup to win their first domestic trophy in 70 years.Ruben Amorim will need to get his tactics right if United are to be successful at St James’ ParkCredit: GettyAlexander Isak headed home as Newcastle eased to a 2-0 win at Old TraffordCredit: ReutersAnd Ruben Amorim knows he will have to get his tactics spot on after being outwitted by Eddie Howe in a comfortable Newcastle win at Old Trafford back in December.In the latest episode of SunSport’s Tactics Exposed, our expert Dean Scoggins looks ahead to the big game…TOON OF SPACENEWCASTLE are very, very brave in the press and will try to turn the game into a midfield battle which they are confident of winning.Brazilian duo Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton will be asked to press high and ensure the majority of the game is played in the final Man Utd third.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSBut, unlike a lot of teams, the Magpies’ back four will continue to occupy deeper positions so as not to be beaten by a ball over the top.This could leave up to 60 yards of space to be patrolled by Sandro Tonali alone, which is where Bruno Fernandes comes into the picture.Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton will press high for NewcastleCredit: AlamyThere is a 60-yard space that Newcastle’s style of play leave openLEADING FROM THE FRONTIF Bruno Fernandes can occupy the space between the Newcastle midfield and defence, I don’t think the back four will follow him in.They would rather risk having space in front than behind.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKYou could then end up with a split defence with the two players on the left sticking back while those on the right come forward.If that happens, there will be a little offside line for the likes of Alejandro Garnacho to exploit.Bruno Fernandes should have plenty of space to operate inCredit: AlamyBruno Fernandes can hurt Newcastle if he occupies these kind of spacesMan Utd’s secret weapon in Treble-winning season revealed as star who played ‘bigger role than people give credit for’GARNA GO FOR ITTHERE has been a lot of talk about Man Utd dropping out-of-form Garnacho, but I can’t see it happening in this game.Amad Diallo is still injured and they have nobody else with the pace Ruben Amorim is looking for.And if United get things spot on, I can see Garnacho having a lot of success in this game.It will be up to Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee to keep the Newcastle defenders occupied and, from there, the team will need to get the ball to Garnacho quickly.If that happens, he will be able to do a lot of damage in a one-on-one battle with Kieran Trippier.But if the build-up is slower and involves a lot of passes, Fabian Schar or Jacob Murphy will be able to quickly double up on Garnacho to cover 34-year-old Trippier.Many are expecting Garnacho to be dropped, but I think he could turn his form around in this gameCredit: GettyGarnacho hasn’t been at his best this seasonGarnacho can get at Kieran Trippier in these areasFLICKING THE SWITCHONE card Newcastle could play is to switch the full-backs around, with Livramento a natural right-back and Trippier having played for England on the left.This would allow the 22-year-old ex-Southampton star to deal with the pacey threat of Garnacho and Dorgu, and Trippier to use his experience to keep his eye on the crafty Fernandes and the more defensive-minded right-back Noussair Mazraoui.It would also give Newcastle the chance to fire in-swinging crosses towards a Man Utd defence that has struggled in the air.Kieran Trippier (above) could move to the left to allow Tino Livramento to deal with the threat of GarnachoCredit: PAHEADS, YOU WINNEWCASTLE eased to victory at Old Trafford with two early headers from Alexander Isak and Joelinton, so the Man Utd defence will have to be on its toes in the North East.Though Harry Maguire is the best header of the ball in Ruben Amorim’s squad, I would like to see the Man Utd boss put Leny Yoro on dangerman Isak.The Swedish striker will normally look to receive knockdowns rather than challenge in the air, and Man Utd should try to avoid Maguire being caught in a foot race with him the way Virgil van Dijk was at Wembley.Therefore, I’d expect Maguire to play on either side of the back three and Yoro in the centre.Read More on The SunUnited will also be in with a much better chance of winning if Matthijs de Ligt is back to help Maguire deal with the aerial threat.And during set pieces, they will need to try to keep a high line to give as much space as possible for Andre Onana to come out and command his area.Harry Maguire will need to be at his best to combat Newcastle’s aerial threatCredit: GettyKieran Tripper could cause problems with crosses in from the left sideAndre Onana will have to come off his line and into the danger zone to claim crosses More

MICHELLE AGYEMANG took just 41 seconds to produce a moment of world-class magic that wowed fans watching England in the Nations League. On a disappointing night with the Lionesses’ 3-2 loss to Belgium on April 8, her stunning strike on her senior debut was a bright spot.Having shone for England’s Under-19s and Under-23s Michelle Agyemang made a stunning bow by scoring less than a minute into her senior international debutCredit: GettyAgyemang and her team-mate Aggie Beever-Jones are regarded as two of the Lionesses’ most promising forwards with both bagging senior debut goals this monthCredit: ReutersThe WSL starlet has made 14 WSL appearances from the bench for Brighton during her loan stint at the club this termCredit: AlamyAn audacious delivery into the box was followed by a swift and superb volleyed finish from Agyemang. With England blighted by injuries to some of their key forwards, the 19-year-old’s emergence is very timely for boss Sarina Wiegman. Her squad have had rotten luck with injuries recently with Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo and Lauren James withdrawing from the team’s April international camp. And Lauren Hemp has been out of action last November following a knee op, although the Manchester City forward is back training on grass at her club. Read More Football Stories With these fitness concerns, Agyemang’s goalscoring cameo in the Nations League could prove significant for the Euros titleholders.  On July 5 the Lionesses will kick-off their bid to remain European champions when they take on France. Wiegman’s side are in a ‘group of death’ which also includes 2017 Euros champions the Netherlands and contest debutants Wales. With the tournament’s start in Switzerland less than three months away, Agyemang has provided Wiegman with a fresh option as either a nine or in a wing position. Most read in FootballAnd with her game-changing capability and threat in front of goal, she has made a case for England squad consideration for the Euros. Among those with high hopes for the future of the striker, currently on loan at Brighton from Arsenal, is Gunners legend Kelly Smith. The England icon, who trains the club’s WSL forwards, has backed Agyemang to make her mark. Last August Smith, who scored 125 goals in 144 Arsenal games, said: “What I like about Michelle’s strengths is her hold-up play is really good.”She’s physical, aggressive and got a fantastic shot on her.”The fans always like to see a home-grown player do really well.”It’s a credit to Arsenal, the academy staff and structure we have to develop these players and bring them through.”Here is a look at Agyemang’s football journey and some of the moments that fuelled her rise. Agyemang, currently on loan at Albion from Arsenal, is regarded as one of the Gunners’ rising stars along with Vivianne Lia (left), Freya Godfrey and Maddie EarlCredit: GettyHale End journey Agyemang standout cameo for the Lionesses will not have come as a surprise to those who monitored her progress at Arsenal’s Hale End Academy. The technically versatile and robust forward, who grew up in Southend, Essex, joined the Gunners’ youth set-up at the age of six. During her earliest years there she would play matches with the boys’ Under-7s side, initially in central defence, before specialising as a forward. While playing for Arsenal’s Academy league side in the 2022-23 season Agyemang netted 19 goals in 11 appearances. And her efforts helped the young Gunners end that season as Academy League champions with a five-point lead over runners-up Chelsea.Senior Arsenal debut and rise through England’s ranksIn November 2022 Agyemang made her senior club debut at 16 coming on in the 77th minute of the team’s 4-0 win away against Leicester City in the WSL. Her first senior goal for the Gunners would follow two months later during a 9-0 FA Cup fourth round demolition of Leeds. Just as she did for England, Agyemang showed her knack for making an almost instant impact straight off the bench. Agyemang scored in England Under-19’s 5-1 win against Austria this month before being called up to Wiegman’s squad following an injury to Alessia RussoCredit: GettyIt took her just four minutes to find the back of the net after coming on as a 76th-minute substitute. In 2023 Agyemang was named in the young Lionesses’ side that competed in the Women’s Under-17 Euros. She netted four times during the contest in May that year with her team reaching the semi-finals before being knocked out by Spain. Ex-Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall suggested the then 17-year-old had the tactical and technical knowhow that “outmatched” other players in her age group. And Agyemang demonstrated this a year later helping England’s youth players reach the semis of the Women’s Under-19 Euros. In May 2023, then Arsenal boss Eidevall said: “Michelle has a tactical and technical level and also a physical level that outmatches players at U17 level. “She can do that at senior level too. What she is doing (at the U17 Euros) is no surprise to me at all.”Bright spark for Brighton Last May Agyemang took a significant step in her club career signing her first professional contract with Arsenal. The striker’s first pro deal followed her building up her game time as a dual-registration player with Watford FC after joining them in August 2023.  The first three months of Agyemang’s Golden Girls stint were hampered by injury with the striker sidelined by a knee problem. However the player would make a goalscoring comeback in December that year netting in a 6-0 FA Cup third round dismissal of Southampton. The fourth round of the contest that season would see Watford take on the Gunners with Agyemang starting against the Gunners. And while the Golden Girls were trounced 5-1 Agyemang made her mark scoring the team’s only goal in that game last January. Former Watford Women’s boss Damon Lathrope, now assistant manager of the club’s men’s side, told Gooner Fanzine: “Michelle is an absolute super talent. “She’s physically on a different planet, to be honest, and she ticks a lot of boxes. “She’s technically very efficient. She’s a very good finisher, really powerful, quick and mobile.”Agyemang impressed for Arsenal during their pre-season tour in the summer of 2024Credit: GettyThis season has seen Agyemang clock up minutes in the Women’s Super League after joining Brighton on a one-term loan. Read More on The SunBut while the Albion loan ace has made 14 top-flight appearances from the bench she is yet to make her first start in the league for the Seagulls.Having impressed Wiegman’s England, it would be a surprise if the forward does not feature in Brighton’s first eleven before the end of this season. More

CHELSEA fans have fumed that they can’t see their own players following a crazy pyro show from Legia Warsaw supporters.The Blues are in Poland tonight for the first leg of their Uefa Conference League quarter-final. Legia fans unleashed a stunning tifo ahead of their Conference League game with ChelseaCredit: TNTSmoke billowed out from behind the goalCredit: TNTFans flocked onto social media to complain they couldn’t see the gameCredit: TNTThe Legia fans’ huge banner read ‘Fear no one’ and was accompanied by flaresCredit: PALegia fans welcomed the two teams onto the field with a stunning display from the terraces. Ultras behind the goal released a mammoth tifo, setting off flares and fireworks. A banner was raised by the fans, reading: “Fear no one.”But huge amounts of smoke billowed out down onto the field and remained there for almost 10 minutes after kick-off.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFans were quick to moan that they couldn’t see the players on TNT’s coverage from the Polish capital. One fan complained on X: “I am trying to watch the game of Legia vs Chelsea but I can’t see anything.”Another said: “I can’t be the only one struggling to see what’s going on in this Chelsea game.”While a third added: “I can’t even see the match , which kind of stadium is this.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnd a fourth fumed: “Why are they allowed to create smoke like this?”Enzo Maresca welcomed back Cole Palmer to the starting XI for the clash in Poland. Todd Boehly gives major Chelsea stadium update and vows to leave Stamford BridgeThe England midfielder was dropped for Chelsea’s clash to Brentford last weekend.Djurgardens or Rapid Vienna await the winners of the two-legged clash.Chelsea aim to become the first club to win all three of Uefa’s active club competitions. For Legia, controversial coach Goncalo Feio has already guided the Polish club to their best European run in the 21st century. More

ERLING HAALAND looked unrecognisable as he joined a whole host of other top footballers in a heartwarming surprise for young fans.Haaland joined Manchester City team-mates Josko Gvardiol and Ilkay Gundogan, as well as a few EFL superstars, to give football’s next generation of supporters the surprise of their lives.Erling Haaland looked unrecognisable for a heartwarming campaignCredit: SWNSHaaland, Ilkay Gundogan and Josko Gvardiol dressed up in disguises to surprise young football fansCredit: SWNSThe City stars took off their disguises to surprise the kidsCredit: SWNSCity’s big-hitters joined Will Grigg, Jay Stansfield and Ellis Simms to dress up as camera operators in a campaign for Kellogg’s Football Camps.The campaign celebrated Kellogg’s bringing back their football camps with over 30,000 FREE spots at the camps this summer.Young football fans were invited along to what they thought was a photoshoot for Kellogg’s new Puma shirt for the new camps.But instead they were surprised by their heroes who were dressed up as camera operators on the shoot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLErling Haaland donned a big bushy wig and a moustache as he hid his usual recognisable look and managed to blend in to the background.While Gundogan and Gvardiol hid away behind different disguises, only to rip away their covert clothing and show their real identities to the unexpecting youngsters.The young fans were in awe as they got to see their favourite players right in front of their very eyes.While other fans were just as shocked to see EFL goalscorers Stansfield, Simms and Grigg pull off their disguises too.Most read in FootballMan City’s trio of stars were all sporting different looksThe EFL goalscorers all looked completely unrecognisableEllis Simms left one young fan in aweWill Grigg gave another supporter the shock of his lifeCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt comes after new research shows that over a quarter of UK kids dream of becoming a footballer and over half say they have been directly inspired to play sports thanks to their sporting heroes.Luckily, this summer, Kellogg’s Football Camps will kick off for a second year at over 70 clubs up and down the country. Jamie Carragher breaks ‘cardinal sin of TV’ as his daughter Mia makes unexpected debut on CBS Sports coverage Speaking about the importance of playing football from a young age, City midfielder Gundogan said: “Playing football teaches you so much – both about yourself and others. Growing up, it was the perfect way for me to socialise and connect with new people.”Sharing the same journey and special moments on the pitch brought us closer, and some of those friendships have lasted a lifetime. “Now, being in the dressing room with so many different personalities from all over the world, you learn about their backgrounds, their cultures. “I really enjoy that, because it shows just how much football can teach – especially for kids growing up.”While Chesterfield and Northern Ireland bagsman Will Grigg added: “It’s so important for kids to be active, not just to stay healthy but because of the social benefits that playing sport can bring. “Growing up, playing football gave me the opportunity to make new friends, feel part of a team and develop a sense of identity.Read More on The Sun”It also taught me how to be resilient, build confidence and self-belief – and it still teaches kids those same life skills today.”Signing up for a free Kellogg’s camp spot this summer couldn’t be easier. Parents simply need to purchase a pack of cereal then head to www.kelloggsfc.com and enter the unique cereal box code to secure a spot and be in with a chance to receive a free football shirt*. Young fans can follow in their footballing heroes’ footsteps at Kellogg’s Football Camps this summerCredit: SWNS More

A GOALKEEPER left fans stunned after scoring a spectacular stoppage-time scissor kick in a cup final.Billy Johnson, Leiston FC’s shot-stopper, was the man of the moment in the Suffolk Premier Cup final, when he struck a superb equaliser in the dying embers of the game. Leiston goalkeeper Billy Johnson, in green, hits a spectacular last-minute scissor kickLeiston were trailing 2-1 to Felixstowe and Walton United going into injury-time, and it was kitchen-sink stuff as Johnson found himself joining the attack as the search for a leveller became increasingly more desperate.The goalkeeper displayed striker-like instincts to evade his marker, work a yard of space, and acrobatically send the ball flying into the corner to send the Leiston fans into delirium. Felixstowe supporters were stunned into silence at the absurdity of what they had just witnessed. Johnson celebrated like a striker, too, sliding on his knees in delight as his team-mates rushed to mob and congratulate their hero. Footage published on the Non-League Wonders YouTube channel featured hilarious commentary, with the commentator losing his mind – and perhaps his voice – when Johnson’s strike hit the net.He screamed: “The keeper has scored an absolute worldie!”Are you kidding me! I do not believe what I have just seen! That is goal of the season! Oh my goodness!””What a goal. The keeper has just scored an absolute blinder of a goal!”Most read in FootballJohnson’s heroics forced a penalty shootout to decide the winners of the Premier Cup, but he could not repeat his moment of magic when it came to his day job. Leiston lost 4-3 on spot-kicks, with Wyatt Hill and Eddie Jackson missing the crucial penalties. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDespite his finishing qualities going viral, Johnson is a ‘keeper first and foremost. He is a goalkeeping coach for the Ipswich Town ladies side when he is not between the sticks for Leiston. Johnson’s wonder-goal is similar to ones scored by Baroka FC’s Oscarine Masuluke, who scored a brilliant overhead kick to equalise against Orlando Pirates in the South African top flight back in 2016, or last year, when Keith goalkeeper Craig Reid bagged a bicycle kick to extend his side’s unbeaten run in the Scottish fifth tier.Masuluke executes a perfect overhead kick into the top cornerCredit: S4 HD LIVE More

THE verdict on Manchester City’s mountain of charges from the Premier League is unlikely to arrive before the summer, reports suggest.The Prem’s landmark court battle with the club sees City facing more than 115 charges relating to breaches of financial rules over a nine-year period and allegations of failing to cooperate with investigations.Man City’s landmark legal case is unlikely to be resolved before the summerCredit: ReutersOriginally reported as 115, the charges actually come out to 130 overall because of confusion over some of the rules listed in particular seasons, with the Prem issuing a correction with the new figure.A hearing into the matter by an independent commission concluded in December after nearly three months of argument at London’s International Dispute Resolution Centre.But now, according to The Telegraph, the outcome of the case is unlikely to emerge before the summer despite initial hope the verdict would be announced in the early spring.The complexities of the case, including the amount of evidence heard, challenged and scrutinised have all added to the tension around the legal battle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPremier League bosses first brought the charges against City in February 2023, with the investigation now dating back almost six-and-a-half years.City deny their guilt and claim they have “irrefutable evidence” to back up their position, with their defence being led by Lord Pannick KC.Manager Pep Guardiola has been on the front lines dealing with questions about the case.In February he had said: “In one month there will be a verdict and sentence and after we will see my opinion of what happened so far.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHowever, a verdict remains some time away.If the charges are proven then City will face punishments ranging from a heavy points deduction or even relegation.Pep Guardiola talks about Kevin De Bruyne’s decision to leave Man City after 10 years Rival Prem clubs could even claim for a loss of income over the outcome of certain seasons which could total hundreds of millions of pounds.What will happen to Man City?MAN CITY began the season as favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future. More

FRANK LAMPARD has been hit with a misconduct charge from the FA.The Coventry boss has rejuvenated the Championship club since joining in November.Frank Lampard has charged with misconduct by the FACredit: PAThe Coventry coach was sent off after his side’s 2-1 loss to Burnley at the weekendCredit: ReutersUnder Lampard’s leadership, the Sky Blues have gone from mid-table obscurity into the playoff places. But the 46-year-old let emotions get the better of him during a recent 2-1 loss to Burnley.The Clarets took all three points as they visited the Coventry Building Society Arena last Saturday.Lampard was sent off following the final whistle after remonstrating with the officials. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe is alleged to have confronted referee James Bell and used “insulting words”. A terse statement from the club read: “Coventry City Head Coach Frank Lampard has been charged with misconduct by the FA following the EFL Championship fixture against Burnley on Saturday 5th April.”It is alleged that Lampard acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards a match official around the field of play after the final whistle, which led to his dismissal.”The Sky Blues Head Coach has until Monday 14th April to respond to the charge.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKCoventry’s performance analyst Connor Lawley was also charged following the outpouring of frustration at the final whistle.Lampard’s side leapt back in the top six after bouncing back against Portsmouth on Wednesday.Harry Redknapp rings me on the M40 after every game whether we win or lose – he’s the best uncle everThe Sky Blues netted a dramatic winner deep into injury time to win 1-0.Goalscorer Jamie Paterson hails from the city and only joined the club on a short-term contract in February.Lampard said: “The technical nature of the goal was amazing from Pato.”It was great skill and great agility and that finish – amazing! “And the story of Pato himself being a Coventry fan as a kid and then being without a club, coming and training with us and earning a contract.”He’s been brilliant around the group, on and off the pitch, and he’s a quality player. Read More on The Sun”So I am delighted that I brought him on. I know he can score, he’s done it throughout his career but that level of goal in that moment. “I think it’s a collective one as well for the stadium, the players and the fans because we have shown that this group has got character.” More