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    Man Utd ‘considering shock swoop for Man City midfielder James McAtee, 22’ in extremely rare transfer

    MANCHESTER UNITED are considering a shock swoop for Manchester City star James McAtee.Any move would see the 22-year-old midfielder become the 15th first-team player to wear both red and blue in Manchester.Manchester United are considering a shock swoop for Manchester City star James McAteeMan Utd are one of several suitors interested in McAteePep Guardiola wants McAtee to stay, but he has just one year left on his current dealMcAtee has impressed since his return to the Etihad last summer, from two seasons on loan at Championship side Sheffield United.The midfielder, who can play out wide, has scored seven goals in 25 appearances across all competitions, including three in 13 Premier League games.But the England Under-21 star has one more year left on his contract and wants regular playing time next season.Although McAtee started in City’s 2-1 top-four crunch clash win over Aston Villa on Tuesday night, it was only his second league start of the campaign.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPep Guardiola has been full of praise for McAtee, but minutes have been hard to come by.And they could get even harder next season, with City interested in moves for Nottingham Forest ace Morgan Gibbs-White and Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz. Gibbs-White and Wirtz have been identified as options to replace the departing Kevin De Bruyne, who has been linked with Aston Villa.McAtee would hope to benefit from De Bruyne’s summer exit, but City want to sign a readymade replacement who can straight slot into Guardiola’s side.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLeverkusen’s bid to loan McAtee in January, with the option of a permanent £25million transfer this summer, was rejected by City.The Bundesliga club, who are keen admirers of McAtee, would like to keep Wirtz but a huge offer for the £100m-rated Germany international could prove difficult to resist.Pep Guardiola aims sly dig at rivals Man Utd hours after their heroic Europa League comeback So United may have to get in quick as Forest, Newcastle and AC Milan are all keeping tabs on McAtee’s situation.Ruben Amorim needs to make serious improvements to his squad, with United’s ageing midfield duo of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen often cited as slow and weak.Salford-born McAtee joined the City academy aged 10.He could become just the 15th player to play for both Man Utd and Man City the modern era, and the first to leave the Cityzens for Old Trafford in 13 years.The last player to do that was Frederic Veseli in 2012, who ultimately left the Red Devils without making an appearance, despite Sir Alex Ferguson playing a key role in his signing.McAtee would fit United’s recruitment model of signing young players who can grow together as a team.And Guardiola recently admitted that he doesn’t know if McAtee will stay beyond the summer.He said: “For the age, I’d like him to stay. But I understand the players want more minutes. “I would like him to stay, he’s a player for the academy, he knows the patterns. He’s a lovely person and trained really good. “He can play different positions but I don’t know how the squad will be and we will see.”Read More on The SunBut whether Guardiola would risk another youngster becoming a star for a Prem rival, yet alone a close city rival, remains to be seen.The Spaniard already went through that when Cole Palmer became the best player at Chelsea within months of joining.Players who have played for both Manchester clubsDenis LawBrian KiddTerry CookePeter BeardsleyPeter BarnesWyn DaviesJohn GidmanAndrei KanchelskisSammy McIlroyMark RobinsAndy ColePeter SchmeichelOwen HargreavesCarlos Tevez* Players to have been on the books of both but didn’t feature at first team level for one or the other: Tony Coton, Shaun Goater, Jon Macken, Jadon Sancho, Frederic Veseli. More

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    Premier League’s best value-for-money transfers ever including Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea icons – and Jamie Vardy

    JAMIE VARDY’S departure from Leicester brings to a close the ultimate rags to riches football story.The rejected striker who went from non-league to a title-winning England international, scoring in a major tournament.Jamie Vardy won the Premier League in 2016 and has more than proved his worthCredit: APAcross the three decades since the Premier League was founded, Vardy arguably represents the best value-for-money signing any club has made, too.Sun Sport looks at the candidates for the top ten – but cannot look beyond the 38-year-old.1 Jamie Vardy(£1m, Fleetwood to Leicester 2012)The Foxes were in the Championship when they took a gamble on Conference top-scorer Vardy – and it paid off in spades.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLVardy’s tally of 198 goals in 496 games for Leicester, 143 of them in the Prem – only Harry Kane, Sergio Aguero and Thierry Henry have scored more for a single club – would be enough in itself. But he was the spearhead of the greatest and most unlikely League triumph of all-time in 2016, including that record 11-game scoring streak.2 Roy Keane(£3.75m Nottingham Forest to Manchester United, 1993)Alex Ferguson smashed the British transfer record to bring the Irishman to Old Trafford – but was there ever an example of money well spent?Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCombative, inspirational, determined – and, if necessary, brutal – Keane was the epitome of a Fergie side until his spectacular fall-out with the manager in 2005. A relentless winner.3 Frank Lampard(£11m West Ham to Chelsea, 2001) Jamie Vardy reveals best XI he’s played with at Leicester with huge snub to England stars and entire current squadPlenty of Hammers fans were happy to see Lampard leave Upton Park. He spent the next 13 years making them regret it.Lampard smashed a staggering 211 Chelsea goals from midfield and was a mainstay of the team that won every major trophy including Prem crowns under Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti.4 Sol Campbell(Free Tottenham to Arsenal, 2001)No fan of either North London side will ever forget the transfer that sparked two decades and counting of seething animosity from N17.The England centre-half was exactly what Arsene Wenger needed as he transitioned from the “famous back five” he inherited  to the 2004 “Invincibles”.  Roy Keane was a British-record bargain at 3.75mCredit: Times Newspapers LtdChelsea £11m man Frank Lampard, who became their record goalscorerCredit: PA:Press Association5 N’Golo Kante(£5.6m Caen to Leicester, 2015)One of the great unheralded transfers and a key part of the most romantic title triumph of all time.Kante was truly outstanding as Leicester defied the odds under Claudio Ranieri, doing much the same for Antonio Conte’s Chelsea the following season. As they said: “Around 70 per cent of the earth is covered by water; the rest is covered by N’Golo Kante.”6 Eric Cantona(£1m Leeds to Manchester United, 1992)An enquiry by Leeds over full-back Denis Irwin saw Fergie wonder, out of nowhere, if the mercurial Frenchman might be available.The shock move generated outrage from the Elland Road fans but Cantona was the spark that lit the fire of United’s greatest era – even if he struggled to contain his own temper. Cantona, the collar upturned, was the symbol of a strutting, dominant club. Eric Cantona was the catalyst for Manchester United’s Prem dominanceCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd7 Peter Schmeichel(£505,000 Brondby to Manchester United, 1991)The Great Dane’s arrival at Old Trafford pre-dated the formation of the Prem but he was absolutely integral to their early successes.Big teams need a keeper who can make big saves. Few made more, with his “star jump” technique one that was copied by a generation of emerging glovemen. 8 Jurgen Klinsmann(£2m Monaco to Tottenham, 1994)Spurs had stunned English football by landing Ossie Ardiles and Ricardo Villa in 1978 – but that was a sideshow compared to the stunning deal that brought the German ace to N17.Klinsmann delivered 20 Prem goals to be named Footballer of the Year before leaving  for Bayern Munich, only to return to save Christian Gross’ side from relegation two-and-a-half years later. Jurgen Klinsmann dived into English football after his move to SpursCredit: Rex9 Gianfranco Zola (£4.5m Parma to Chelsea, 1996)The smiling Sardinian schemer was the face of Chelsea’s pre-Abramovich regeneration, scoring 80 goals across seven seasons at Stamford Bridge, which brought five major trophies.More crucially, perhaps, a player for whom nobody had a bad word. A true gent and still much-loved in SW6 and elsewhere.10 Nicolas Anelka(£500,000 PSG to Arsenal, 1997)Read More on The SunAnelka was to spend 18 years criss-crossing the globe including four of the Prem Big Six but his impact after arriving at Arsenal as a teenager was perhaps the most impactful.The French striker replaced Ian Wright for the second half of the 1998 Double campaign before his contentious £22.5m move to Real Madrid gave the Gunners the cash required to land a winger called Thierry Henry from Juventus.  More

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    Man Utd files: Hojlund offered escape route in partial swap deal with ex-Prem star and Cunha back-up plan revealed

    RASMUS HOJLUND could be offered a potential escape route from his Manchester United debacle by former club Atalanta.And that could see a partial swap deal bringing Ademola Lookman back to the Premier League.Atalanta want to re-sign Rasmus HojlundCredit: GettyHojlund left Atalanta to join the Red Devils in 2023Credit: GettyThe Red Devils could look for a swap deal involving Ademola LookmanCredit: GettyThe Danish striker is suffering from the “curse of the Old Trafford centre-forward” and experiencing a nightmare campaign.Hojlund’s season of hell has seen him score just three Prem goals and eight in 45 appearances in all competitions.Indeed, aside from last season’s spell which saw him net seven goals across a six-game Prem scoring streak, he has just six other top flight goals across 52 matches.Since scoring his only top-flight goal since early December in last month’s win at doomed Leicester he has suffered another six match drought.And the £72million signing endured the ultimate ego blow when Ruben Amorim hooked him after a fruitless 87 minutes of the Europa League quarter-final second leg against Lyon to send centre-back Harry Maguire up front in his place.Despite that, Hojlund, 22, remains a firm favourite among the Atalanta supporters and the Serie A side are ready to make a move in the summer if United decide to cut their losses.There is also interest from clubs in Germany, but Atalanta believe Hojlund, described by former England skipper Alan Shearer as a  “damaged player” after the weekend defeat by Wolves, would be open-minded to a return to the club where he made his name.Atalanta scouts have watched his recent matches and remain in touch with the players’ representatives, who ensured he left the club on good terms two years ago.But an extra element in any deal could involve former Everton, Fulham and Leicester wideman Lookman, who is keen to return to England after three successful seasons in Italy.The London-born winger, 27, who opted to play for Nigeria despite winning 11 England Under-21 caps, is thought to be open to a move to Old Trafford.How the two forwards’ league form compares this seasonRuud van Nistelrooy reveals son’s name was inspired by former Man Utd team-mate who tragically diedA player plus cash swap would help United’s PSR position as they would otherwise have to agree a £38m fee this summer to avoid an accounts book “loss”.MC IS PLAN BUnited are making fall-back transfer plans in case they fail to land Wolves’ Brazilian hitman Matheus Cunha.While interest in the £62.5m Molineux man is concrete, Old Trafford powerbrokers are determined not to throw all their eggs into the Brazilian basket.United are targeting a move for Matheus CunhaCredit: GettyLiam Delap is also among the club’s targetsCredit: AlamyFeelers have already gone out for both Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and fellow south coast man Tyler Dibling, set to leave Southampton after their relegation to the Championship.Although neither is top of the list, United are seeking to refresh the profile and financial make-up of their squad after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s public complaints about overpaid and underperforming players.That is despite the prospect of a £100m-plus black hole in income next term unless the club wins the Europa League to qualify for a Champions League return.Another potential recruit, Ipswich’s England under-21 striker Liam Delap, is keen to get his future settled before he heads off to play for Lee Carsley’s side in this summer’s European Championship in Slovakia, where the Young Lions face Czech Republic, Germany and Slovenia in the group stage.Suggestions of a serious move for Nigerian Victor Osimhen, who has scored 27 goals this season on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, are being played down by United insiders, suggesting the push is coming from the player’s end rather than Old Trafford – although it is not entirely ruled out.Ruben Amorim, though, is understood to believe there is no need for further recruitment at centre-half, despite the imminent departures of out of contract Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof.The future of keeper Andre Onana, though, remains very much in the air despite an internal wish for the shot-stopper to prove his doubters wrong.Onana’s foolish pre-match spat with Nemanja Matic ahead of the first leg against Lyon was compounded by the two errors that saw him dropped for the thrashing at Newcastle but he was not blamed for any of the goals in the second leg drama or Wolves’ winning free-kick on Sunday.A NEW SIGNING?Meanwhile, Cunha seemed right at home when he visited Old Trafford with Wolves on Easter Sunday.The Brazilian was targeted by the autograph hunters and selfie-seekers who traditionally gather outside the Theatre of Dreams after games.Cunha was obliging – getting into the habit in case he makes it his permanent home in the summer.Several family members also made the trip to watch him and his father Carmelo was also asked for pictures by enthusiastic United fans.NAME CHANGEAnyone covering United games recently will have noticed a new name on the team-sheet. That’s because you can hardly miss it.January signing Patrick Dorgu has asked for ‘Chinazaekpere’ to be included in the middle – making life slightly more complicated for reporters and commentators.The name hails from the Igbo region in Nigeria and is important to the Denmark international’s family – as it means ‘God answers prayers’Will he answer the prayers of Dorgu and United fans in the Europa League semi-finals next week though?Patrick Dorgu has asked for ‘Chinazaekpere’ to be included in the middleCredit: GettyEND OF THE ROAD?United are currently weighing up whether to take the four players whose contracts expire this summer on their controversial end-of-season tour to the Far East.Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof and Tom Heaton will all be saying their goodbyes to Old Trafford on the final day of the season when Aston Villa are the visitors.Yet all those travelling to Hong Kong and Malaysia will be quickly herded off to Manchester airport to take part in the two match trip, which is expected to net the club around £10m.Given all four players are unlikely to ever pull on a United shirt again for a competitive game, it seems slightly pointless.COMEBACK KINGS?Red Devils fans should not despair if they find themselves behind again in their Europa League semi-final – just as they did on that famous night against Lyon.Opponents Athletic Bilbao are coached by former Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde – who has been on the wrong end of two of the most famous European comebacks in recent times.He was Barcelona coach when Roma stormed back from a 4-1 first leg deficit to win the return leg 3-0 in the Italian capital in 2018.And a year later he watched as Lionel Messi and Co somehow squandered a 3-0 lead from the first leg in a disastrous night at Anfield.The veteran coach will not relax until the final whistle goes at Old Trafford on May 8.Ernesto Valverde has been on the wrong end of two famous European comebacksCredit: Getty More

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    Former England star Trevor Sinclair facing bankruptcy battle over £36k unpaid tax bill after ‘hiding head in the sand’

    FORMER England star Trevor Sinclair is facing a court bid to make him bankrupt over a £36,000 tax debt.Ex-Queens Park Ranger and Manchester City winger Sinclair, 52, earned a fortune during his playing career and went on to become a TV and radio pundit.Trevor Sinclair leaves Blackpool Magistrates court after facing a drink-driving charge in 2017Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdManchester City winger Sinclair, 52, with his wife NatalieCredit: Instagram/trevor8sinclairSinclair enjoyed five-and-a-half seasons with West HamCredit: GettyBut his career stalled in 2022 when he asked why “black and brown people” should mourn the Queen.And HMRC chiefs are now threatening to make him bankrupt unless he settles an unpaid tax bill for punditry work in 2021-22.Since retirement, the former wideman has worked as a pundit for media outlets including Talksport and the BBC on Football Focus and Final Score.But Central London County Court heard that he got into trouble with his finances and “hid his head in the sand” over money he owed to the taxman after his accountant died.Read more Sports NewsShabab Rizvi, for HMRC, told Judge Caroline Wilkinson that the ex-player has ignored demands for payment.Ms Rizvi told the court: “HMRC’s position today is that we are seeking a bankruptcy order,” she told the judge.”Since the breathing space order ended, we have had no contact from the debtor, she told the judge.”The debtor is a former Premier League footballer and should have the means to satisfy the debt, but there’s been no contact with HMRC at all.”Most read in FootballRobert Lee, for Mr Sinclair, however asked the judge to put off making the bankruptcy order and give him another chance to get the money together and pay up.He told the judge: “Mr Sinclair is seeking an adjournment. He is a former Premier League footballer and he was working in the media.Man City legend Trevor Sinclair slams Cristiano Ronaldo amid Man Utd dressing room woes “Mr Sinclair is currently in receipt of a job offer in Saudi Arabia.”As a footballer Sinclair starred as a winger for QPR, West Ham United and Manchester City in the Premier League in the 1990s and 2000s.He won the 1997 Match of the Day’s “Goal of the Season” with a spectacular overhead bicycle kick in an FA Cup tie against Barnsley.He won 12 caps for England, four in the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, before retiring in 2008 following a stint at Cardiff City.District Judge Caroline Wilkinson explained that the debt is for the tax year 2021-22, consisting of two “large sums of £13,000-odd” each, plus outstanding National Insurance and penalties.She said: “Mr Sinclair has to wake up to the fact that there’s no more head in the sand because this is serious.”The case was adjourned for two months to allow the former Prem ace time to try to get the money together to pay his debt.He won 12 caps for England before retiring in 2008Credit: PA:Press AssociationTrevor Sinclair previously joined the coaching staff with the India national teamCredit: X @trevor8sinclairThe ex-QPR man in his role as a coach at Lancaster CityCredit: PA More

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    Jamie Vardy reveals best XI he’s played with at Leicester with huge snub to England stars and ENTIRE current squad

    JAMIE VARDY made some huge snubs when naming the best XI he has played with at Leicester City.The Foxes legend has announced he will be leaving the club after 13 years at the end of the season.Jamie Vardy has picked his all-time Leicester City XI from his team-matesCredit: GettyKasper Schmeichel was an obvious choice in goalCredit: GettyRiyad Mahrez was picked by Vardy for the left wingCredit: Getty – ContributorVardy, 38, enjoyed huge success at the club, where he won the Premier League and FA Cup titles.However, he has suffered two relegations from England’s top flight, which has been reflected in his XI.The veteran striker did not have space for a single member of the current Leicester City squad in his team.This includes the likes of big-name players such as Wilfred Ndidi and Ricardo Pereira.READ MORE ON JAMIE VARDYVardy also left out England internationals such as Harry Maguire and James Maddison.The duo left the King Power Stadium for Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur for big money.Another England star who was left out was the captain, Harry Kane.The Bayern Munich forward played nine minutes with Vardy at Leicester during a loan spell from Spurs in 2013.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOther notable players that have not made Vardy cut include Inter Milan legend Esteban Cambiasso, Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana and Ademola Lookman.Vardy’s team did have a theme – and that was the title victory in 2016.Jamie Vardy anounces he’s LEAVING Leicester in emotional video with striker left close to tears after 13 yearsHe left out Manchester United star Harry MaguireCredit: Getty Images – GettyThere was also no place for James Maddison in the XICredit: ReutersVardy also snubbed Harry Kane, with whom he played in 2013Credit: Getty Images – GettyIn goal, the striker opted for Kasper Schmeichel, behind a back four of Danny Simpson, Wes Morgan, Robert Huth and Christian Fuchs.He went for a midfield three of Youri Tielemans, N’Golo Kante and Danny Drinkwater.In the attack, Vardy, of course, picked himself and was flanked by Riyad Mahrez and Marc Albrighton.Fans were quick to pick up on the fact he has left out all of his current team-mates as a damning indictment of the state of the team.One posted: “None of his current team-mates lol.” A second wrote: “So no current squad? Yeahhh…. Even Jamie knows.”A third commented: “No one from the current crop of rubbish.”A fourth joked: “Surprised Wout Faes hasn’t been included in that tbf.”Vardy confirmed his exit from Leicester in an emotional video.His decision comes after the club was relegated from the Premier League by Liverpool.Read More on The SunVardy would want to be bowing out in better circumstances, and has described this relegation season as a “s**t show”.He is expected to continue his playing career with SunSport, exclusively reporting that clubs in the US are keen on him.He ended the video in a typically cheeky fashionCredit: X @LCFC More

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    Eni Aluko is wrong to criticise Ian Wright, he cares – women’s football is lucky to have him

    WOMEN’S FOOTBALL needs more people like Ian Wright.In a world where the “nobody cares” narrative is still all too common, the Arsenal legend remains a huge advocate for the game both on and off our TV screens.Ian Wright is a fantastic advocate for women’s footballCredit: GettyEni Aluko accused him of “dominating” punditry in women’s football this weekCredit: GettySo I was quite surprised to see that former England Lioness Eni Aluko accused him of “dominating” punditry in women’s football earlier this week.Speaking on Radio 4 Woman’s Hour, she explained: “I’ve worked with Ian a long time and I think he’s a brilliant broadcaster, but I think he’s aware of just how much he’s doing in the women’s game. I think he should be aware of that.”The fact of the matter is, there is a limited amount of spaces available.”If we had a situation where there was an equal opportunity in the men’s game for broadcasters and coaches that there is in the women’s game, it’s a free for all.Read More in Football”But that’s not the case. I can’t dominate the men’s game in the way that, you know, you used Ian as an example.”Ex-forward Aluko, who according to the Daily Mail could be axed over her comments, later continued: “Men need to be aware that you’re in a growing sport, a growing sport for women, and we haven’t always had these opportunities, and so it’s about the awareness and supporting other women through that pathway.”When it comes to women in football, it would be difficult to find anyone more supportive than Ian Wright.The much-loved former England star has invested both time and money into building up the game.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWright supported Stoke defender Kayleigh McDonald throughout her ACL recovery and is now paying for her rehabCredit: X @Kayleigh_McxAnd he is not just doing the bare minimum.The Telegraph revealed on Wednesday that Wright is personally covering the cost of rehab (around £1,700-a-month) for a semi-professional Stoke player who ruptured her ACL in March last year.Emotional Man Utd icon Roy Keane is visibly moved by Ian Wright interview Kayleigh McDonald turned to social media for help when her club refused to pay for surgery in the wake of the incident.Stoke eventually backtracked – largely due to Wright.The 61-year-old paid for a sports lawyer to represent the defender and make sure that she received the support she needed.He cares.Wright has also committed to increasing the number of female coaches at grassroots level by teaming up with Barclays to create the Ian Wright Coaching Fund.In 2023 he donated £15,000 to pay for 664 women to attend a Level One training course.He cares.There is no doubt that Euro 2022 was a turning point for women’s football in England – and from a broadcasting perspective, Wright was at the forefront of it.The Arsenal icon repeatedly championed the prospect of more girls having access to the sport, insisting they deserve the same opportunities that boys have.He cares.The Arsenal legend started the Ian Wright Coaching Fund in a bid to help more women into coachingCredit: GettyAnd now, when many of his colleagues seemingly don’t want to, he keeps the conversation going in a bid to grow the women’s game even more.The question is – why would someone who cares so much be “blocking” opportunities for others?Having followed the game for so long, Wright clearly knows what he is talking about.If you ask me, that’s surely the No1 priority when it comes to hiring a pundit.What does it matter if he’s not a woman?Last year, the ITV pundit started a new women’s football podcast called ‘Crossways’ with Manchester City legend Steph Houghton.The insight that he and Houghton give is fascinating and fresh, a unique perspective on the WSL and international football.Speaking of England’s top tier, it would be fair to say that coverage is dominated by women already.The likes of Houghton, Ellen White, Anita Asante, Izzy Christiansen, Karen Carney, Jen Beattie and Courtney Sweetman-Kirk feature on coverage across the BBC and Sky Sports.Meanwhile, Wright only covers England games on TV as a pundit for ITV Sport.His involvement is certainly not “blocking” opportunities for women.Read More on The SunIt’s a great thing that one of the most universally beloved figures in English football is an advocate for the sport.Ian Wright? We’re lucky to have him.Women are at the forefront of WSL coverage across the BBC and Sky SportsCredit: Getty More

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    Serie A clash postponed after Lecce physiotherapist dies suddenly at 38 with team left ‘deeply shocked’

    LECCE’S Serie A match against Atalanta is set to be postponed following the tragic death of their physiotherapist Graziano Fiorita aged 38.Fiorita had been with the team at a training camp in Coccaglio when he passed away.Lecce physiotherapist Graziano Fiorita has died aged 38Credit: US LEECEThe Italian side have expressed their shock at Fiorita’s sudden passing and have confirmed that they will travel back to Lecce – with tomorrow’s match to be called off.A club statement read: “U.S. Lecce is deeply upset to announce that Graziano Fiorita has suddenly passed away.”The physiotherapist, who has been in the Giallorossi ranks for over 20 years, was with the first-team at the Coccaglio training camp.”The team will return to Lecce immediately, as tomorrow’s game against Atalanta will be postponed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”In this moment of deep pain and total disbelief, the club can only huddle around his wife, Azzurra, children Carolina, Davide, Nicolo and Riccardo, his mother Francesca and all members of his family.”Fiorita had been a mainstay at Lecce for more than two decades, with his father Fernando having previously served as a team masseuse.Atalanta have also posted a message of condolence on social media.It reads: “Atalanta BC joins the family and @OfficialUSLecce in mourning the sudden passing of Graziano Fiorita, physiotherapist of the Salento club.”Most read in FootballFour Serie A matches scheduled for Easter Monday were postponed following the death of Pope Francis aged 88.The games were instead played on Wednesday. World leaders pay tribute after death of Pope FrancisNone will take place this Saturday either, due to the late Pope’s funeral.Six matches are scheduled to go ahead on Sunday, with a further three next Monday.It remains to be seen where Atalanta against Lecce will be fit into the schedule.Both sides have five matches remaining – with Atalanta seven points off top spot and Lecce and battling the drop in 17th. More

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    Leeds star Patrick Bamford in awkward phone call with Chris Wilder after leading X-rated chants about Sheff Utd boss

    PATRICK BAMFORD made an awkward call to Chris Wilder after leading an X-rated chant about Sheffield United’s boss at Leeds’ promotion party.The Blades’ 2-1 defeat at Burnley on Easter Monday ensured both the Clarets and their Yorkshire rivals Premier League football next term.Leeds star Patrick Bamford was seen leading a chant referencing Blades boss Chris WilderCredit: AlamyWilder revealed he received a call from Bamford after video of the chant went viralCredit: AlamyWilder’s side, who travel to Stoke on Friday, are now consigned to third and the play-offs.Leeds’ players and supporters showed little mercy as they celebrated with fans.Striker Bamford was caught on camera starting a less-than-complimentary chant about Wilder that ended with supporters calling him “a w****r”.Former Blades ace Jayden Bogle was also spotted dancing as supporters chanted along to the song.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut Bramall Lane chief Wilder revealed on Thursday: “I had a conversation with Pat yesterday and I’ve no issue at all with it.”I’m not sure about the words from a fellow pro, but I appreciate and respected him giving me a call and we had 20 minutes. “I spoke to Daniel [Farke] as well and had a half-hour chat with him. He’s a top guy.”They’re a top team and a top football club. I’m a big boy.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I would in a heartbeat have swapped our position for theirs but it isn’t the case. “Ninety-four points for both of those teams is an incredible achievement.Frank Lampard tipped for England job as former Premier League manager Chris Wilder says ‘it just shines through’ “It was a tough campaign from the off for us and we’ve kept it alive to the 44th game. “But ultimately we’ve finished in the position we will.”Wilder has been no stranger himself to celebrations after being spotted revelling in his team’s Steel City derby win over Sheffield Wednesday in a boozer this term.And he also infuriated the Whites six years ago with his infamous “muppets from Leeds” speech after United beat Leeds to promotion.He said: “I’m a big boy, you give it you take it. “You give it out locally, you take it locally as I’ve always done. We have our moments, other teams have their moments.”I’d have done the same in terms of enjoying themselves, because promotion is an incredible achievement and you have to do a lot of things right.Chris WilderWilder also added that he believes that football would be a lot more boring without the extra spice.He added: “One hundred per cent. You know from my character, I don’t just sit here and roll out the boring things. “You want to dig deep into what this club’s about and my thought process, and it’s a big boys game.“When I was playing, we used to give it and take it and it’s part and parcel of the game, even on a Sunday morning. “It’s part of the interesting bit of the game. “Local rivalries, rivalries between teams and everything that goes with it. So I have no issue. “You have to take it and get on with it and I’m absolutely cool with it, and I said that to Pat.”We had our moment in 2018/19, possibly off the back of an incredible afternoon against Ipswich and a long night and an early start and they’ve possibly done the same. Read More on The Sun”I’d have done the same in terms of enjoying themselves, because promotion is an incredible achievement and you have to do a lot of things right.“We did a lot of things right and went close, and we’re going to have to do a lot of things right between now and the end of the season.” More