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    Cesc Fabregas could offer Dele Alli a return to football as Arsenal legend ‘likes ex-England star a lot’

    DELE ALLI could be set for a major return to football in Serie A by Premier League legend Cesc Fabregas.Dele, 28, has been a free agent since June but continued to train with former club Everton while looking for his next challenge.Dele Alli could return to football after leaving Everton in JuneCredit: GettyComo manager Cesc Fabregas is keen to sign Dele in the Serie ACredit: RexThe versatile midfielder used to be one of the best players in the English top flight thanks to some stunning performances with Tottenham, where he spent seven years.The ex-England international burst onto the scene in 2015 and went on to amass 67 goals and 58 assists in 269 appearances, which included a place in Spurs’ starting line-up in the 2019 Champions League final.However, Dele fell out of favour and ended up leaving the North Londoners in 2022 to move to Everton where he underwent a series of injury setbacks and a hapless loan stint at Besiktas.The playmaker then revealed in a brave and heartbreaking interview that he became addicted to sleeping pills after his rough spell in Turkey and opened up about his difficult childhood.Read More on FootballAfter that, the ex-Tottenham star revealed he is determined to make a dynamic comeback and is now targeting a return to England ahead of the 2026 World Cup.Dele’s resurgence could be put together by one of his beloved Spurs’ biggest rivals in Arsenal and Chelsea legend Fabregas, 37.The Barcelona hero manages Italian outfit Como, where he is also a minority shareholder.Dele was spotted in the stands alongside Hollywood A-listers Keira Knightley, Adrien Brody and Michael Fassbender at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia watching Como beat Roma 2-0 on Sunday.Most read in FootballThat led to reports suggesting the fallen England star would start training with Fabregas and co come Boxing Day before signing a deal with the club.And Como sporting director Carlalberto Ludi confirmed “something interesting could develop” and revealed the manager “likes him a lot”.Dele Alli hailed for opening up on mental health battles as Everton star joins Monday Night Football panelLudi told TMW Radio: “In ideal conditions, he’s of interest to everyone.“We have an excellent relationship with his agent, and something interesting could develop, but we can’t know for sure yet.“We need a few weeks, including time to get to know each other, and then we’ll make the best decision. “A percentage? It’s too early to say. We’ll go through a period of training and mutual understanding, but Fabregas likes him a lot.” More

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    Former Leeds and international ace gets new job as boss of sixth-tier minnows who are rock bottom of league

    FORMER Leeds United and Northern Ireland international Warren Feeney has landed a job in the sixth tier of English football.The retired pro, 43, has been announced as the new boss of National League South outfit Weymouth FC.Warren Feeney has been announced as the new manager of Weymouth FCCredit: PacemakerFeeney previously played for Leeds UnitedCredit: AlamyFeeney, who started his career with Leeds United before playing for the likes of Bournemouth, Sheffield Wednesday, Cardiff and Swansea, will take over immediately.And he’ll have a tough task on his hands as he faces the challenge of saving Weymouth from relegation with the side currently rock bottom of the division.A statement from Weymouth chairman Paul Maitland read: “After a thorough selection process, we are delighted to announce that Warren Feeney has been appointed as the Weymouth Football Club First Team manager, effective immediately.”Warren will conduct his first training session with the squad this week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We received over 25 applications and interviewed 6 candidates for the role. The board was overwhelmingly in favour of appointing Warren, and we are excited to have him join us. “The high standard and quality of applicants is a testament to the club’s appeal, and we wish Warren every success.”Our primary mission is to remain in the National League South, and the board will support Warren in every possible way to achieve this goal.”Looking beyond survival, our medium-term objective is for Weymouth Football Club to once again compete for league titles and push for promotion.Most read in FootballWarren Feeney’s careerA brief look into Feeney’s career in football…CLUB CAREER 1998- 2001 : Leeds United2001 – 2004: Bournemouth2004 – 2005: Stockport2005 – 2007: Luton Town2007 – 2010: Cardiff2007 – 2008: Swansea (loan)2008 – 2009: Dundee United (loan)2009 – 2010: Sheffield Wednesday (loan)2010 – 2011: Oldham2011 – 2013: Plymouth2013 – 2014: Salisbury2012 – 2015: LinfieldINTERNATIONAL CAREERCaps: 41Goals: 5Debut: March 27, 2002 vs Lichtenstein (0-0)MANAGEMENT CAREER2013 – 2014: Salisbury (Assistant Manager)2014 – 2015: Linfield (Player-Manager)2015 – 2016: Newport County (Assistant Manager)2016: Newport County (Manager)2017 – 2018: Crawley Town (Assistant Manager)2018: Notts County (Assistant Manager)2019: Ards FC (Manager)2019 – 2021: Pirin (Manager)2022 – 2023: Welling United (Manager)2023 – 2024: Glentoran (Manager)Present: Weymouth FC (Manager)FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”However, we are committed to achieving success sustainably.”Weymouth have won just TWO of their 20 league games so far this season and are currently seven points adrift of safety. Bruno Fernandes left stunned after Man Utd star’s brother scores wonder goal for non-league minnowsFeeney has previously held management roles in the Northern Irish Premier League and Championship, as well as taking charge of Welling United in the National League South in 2022.While he also spent two years managing in the Bulgarian first and second tier with Pirin.His playing career has certainly helped him gain top level experience too with Feeney making 41 international appearances for Northern Ireland.While he also had spells playing in the Championship, League One and League Two. More

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    You’re a football superfan if you can work out Brazil and Real Madrid legend’s son, 16, by his iconic playing style

    ONLY football superfans can figure out who this youngster is the son of from his iconic playing style.Luca Celico Leite has gone viral on social media after a clip of him in a match emerged.Luca Celico Leite plays like his fatherCredit: xHe showed off his silky skills during a youth matchCredit: xHe even scored with a composed finishCredit: xThe 16-year-old Brazilian showed off his silky skills in the match.He could be seen drifting past opponents and moving the ball up the field with some quick passes.The youngster also showed his composure in front of goal as he slotted home an effort.He is, of course, the son of 2007 Ballon d’Or winner Kaka.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMany fans point out that his playstyle was almost a carbon copy of his famous father.One posted: “He plays exactly like his pop.”A second wrote: “He’s a 16-year-old Kaka.”A third commented: “That’s crazy he runs and moves just like Kaka.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe now-retired 42-year-old was once one of the best players in the world.He starred for likes both AC Milan and Real Madrid before moving to the MLS side Orlando City.Football royalty including Kaka, Seedorf and Rivaldo unite for legends match He is the son of Brazil legend KakaCredit: ReutersHe starred for AC Milan and Real Madrid during his careerCredit: Times Newspapers LtdHe retired from playing at boyhood club Sao Paulo in 2014.The attacking midfielder also impressed on the international level for Brazil as he earned 92 caps.He scored 29 goals for his nation and won the World Cup in 2002.Can you name the famous fathers? More

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    The 39 Premier League players just one yellow card away from getting Christmas off including three Liverpool stars

    NEARLY 40 Premier League stars are one yellow card away from getting Christmas off. Boxing Day fixtures and games on the 27th means players are needed at training on Christmas Day. Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez is a booking away from a Christmas suspensionCredit: AFPSo too is Leicester’s Jamie VardyCredit: GettyHarry Maguire is a booking away from a banCredit: GettyBut with one week to go, there are 39 players just a booking away from a festive suspension, as pointed out by The Football Card Tipster. Manchester United have Harry Maguire on the list while so too is City’s Bernardo Silva. Liverpool have THREE facing a ban; Darwin Nunez, Ibrahima Konate and Ryan Gravenberch. Other notable names include Leicester’s Jamie Vardy, Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali and Chelsea pair Robert Sanchez and Nicolas Jackson. READ MORE IN football Jackson – who has nine goals this season – was last season warned about his discipline by ex-manager Mauricio Pochettino. But Poch’s successor Enzo Maresca recently hailed the striker’s attitude after scoring the winner against Brentford. Maresca said: “Not only Nico, players miss chances and they score a goal. Important is the attitude. “Nico was unbelievable on and off the ball. He worked really hard and we’re very happy with him.” Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLiverpool’s Nunez meanwhile has only two league goals this season.But he scored the against Southampton to send the Reds into the Carabao Cup semi-final. Down the other end of the table, Wolves have Toti Gomes and Mario Lemina close to the suspensions as they sit second bottom. Rock-bottom Southampton also have three on the borderline, Adam Armstrong, Mateus Fernandes and Adam Lallana. Former Premier League star now worth £250m makes first move to BUY European giants who ‘disrespected’ him More

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    Leah Williamson reckons fans are ‘seeing the best’ of Arsenal after eight straight wins under Renee Slegers

    LEAH WILLIAMSON joked at being relieved to not be responsible for deciding who will become the next permanent Arsenal Women’s boss. The case for appointing stand-in gaffer Renee Slegers grew stronger after the team exacted Champions League revenge on Bayern Munich. Williamson says Arsenal’s players have taken advantage of Renee Slegers encouraging them to be themselvesCredit: GettyAlessia Russo’s form has improved under Slegers with the striker netting her tenth goal in 11 games during a defeat of Bayern MunichCredit: GettyStand-in Arsenal boss Slegers has remained tightlipped on her future despite fans being keen to see her become Arsenal’s permanent bossCredit: GettyArsenal centre-back Williamson and her side finished top of their group in the contest after battling from 2-1 down to beat the German giants 3-2. The victory on Wednesday night at Meadow Park sealed Arsenal’s eighth win on the bounce under Slegers.And it saw them extend their unbeaten run under the Netherlands to 11 games ahead of Christmas and following the start of the Women’s Super League’s winter break. On whether Slegers should be given the job permanently, Williamson said: “We have been zeroing in on the games but I am so happy coming into work. Read More Football Stories “But I am so happy it is not my decision or not my role!”We had two targets at the beginning of this block (when Renee came in) and we ticked them both. It puts us in good stead, we wanted to win the group and we did.”Slegers, who has become a popular figure amongst Gunners’ supporters took on her current role following a difficult start to the season for the side. A poor run of results, including three winless games at the Emirates and 2-1 and 5-2 losses to Chelsea and Bayern, led to former boss Jonas Eidevall resigning from his role. Most read in FootballSince Slegers took charge in mid-October, the team have conceded only five goals in their past 11 gamesAnd Williamson is among the players who feel there has been a momentum shift since then. The England captain and Gunners defender adds: “When you don’t have a set manager and you have an interim, everyone becomes more accountable and everybody has to step up. “Everybody is pulling their weight a bit more and maybe we needed that. “You’ve seen a different side because we as players have taken more responsibility. “Renee has just encouraged everyone to be themselves, we found a way that fits everybody and taken advantage of that.” With Arsenal finishing top of Group C in the Champions League the Gunners will face either Manchester City, Real Madrid or Wolfsburg in the contest’s last eight. The Gunners will find out who their quarter-final opponents will be following the draw on February 7. And Slegers reckons the team are capable of toppling any of their rivals in Europe.The Arsenal interim head coach said: “We have a top squad. “It is demanding and we have had so many challenges now over the last couple of months and many times we came out positively.Real Madrid are among the teams Arsenal could face in the Champions League quarter-finals next yearCredit: Getty”The team has shown grit and determination, in combination with quality players and their idea of how we are together when we play football. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think you can go very far but we respect all the other teams. “There are so many teams who can do really great things. It is a big challenge.” More

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    ‘He could have done many things’ – Gary Neville reveals gym run-in with Liverpool star after brutal commentary insult

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Gary Neville revealed he had an awkward run-in with ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius shortly after slamming him with some brutal criticism.Karius, 31, spent six years at Anfield after his arrival from Mainz in 2016 but couldn’t establish himself as Jurgen Klopp’s No1 and that led to loan stints at Besiktas and Union Berlin before his exit.Manchester United legend Gary Neville had an awkward run-in with Loris KariusCredit: Youtube / The OverlapNeville slammed Karius after his performance with Liverpool in the Champions League finalCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe German’s time with the Merseysiders effectively came to an end after the 2018 Champions League final where two major howlers led to goals for Real Madrid who won 3-1 in Kiev.The former Newcastle keeper gave the ball away to Karim Benzema, who opened the scoring, and failed to hold on to a powerful shot by Gareth Bale.However, it was later revealed that the ex-Germany international was playing with a concussion after a collission with Real captain Sergio Ramos moments before Benzema’s opener.Nevertheless, Neville, 49, didn’t hold back on his criticism of Karius as he insisted Klopp’s side would never win the Premier League with him between the sticks – he seemingly didn’t know about the concussion.Read More on FootballA while later, though, the Sky Sports pundit bumped into the German in a gym while visiting Italy and feared an intense confrontation after his fiery assessment of his Champions League final performance.Instead, Karius showed immense class by simply shaking the ex-England international’s hand and greeted him with respect.That left the Man Utd hero with a red face as he immediately felt “guilty” and realised he was too harsh on the keeper.Neville told The Overlap: “Karius, the Liverpool goalkeeper, the young lad – I’ve been quite direct about him for a period of two to three months. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Liverpool were getting closer and better under Jurgen Klopp and I remember saying that they’ll never ever win the league with that guy in the net. “It’s a strong line that to a young goalkeeper. It was probably true in the element of about five months later he made the mistake in the Champions League final.Gary Neville hits out at ‘Moping’ Rashford and Garnacho and has heated argument with Micah Richards live on Sky Sports “I go to Italy to this hotel. I walked into the gym for a session and there was just this big bloke lifting massive weights – it’s Karius! “He could have done many things there and could have had a go at me. It went right through my head on what I said about him, and I know he would’ve known that. “But he shook my hand and said, ‘Nice to see you’ and I felt guilty bumping into someone I’ve given a harsh line to.”Liverpool splashed the cash for a new goalkeeper after the final and bought Alisson for a record £67million fee.The Brazilian helped the Reds win the Champions League in 2019 and their first Premier League title in 30 years in 2020.Karius is currently a free agent after two uneventful years at Newcastle where he amassed only two appearances. More

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    Leicester star Hamza Choudhury makes history by swapping national teams despite playing for England growing up

    LEICESTER CITY ace Hamza Choudhury has switched his national allegiance to Bangladesh after spending his youth in the England national setup.Choudhury, 27, was born in Loughborough to a Bangladeshi mother and has been capped seven times for England’s U21 side.Hamza Choudhury has switched his national allegiance to BangladeshCredit: Leicester CityChoudhury represented England U21s seven timesCredit: GettyBut after failing to break into the senior side, the midfielder has decided to play for Bangladesh.Choudhury has been bombarded with requests to join the Bangladeshi national setup for years as fans flooded his DMs with their pleas to see him play for Fifa’s 185th ranked team. And the star will now become the only player in the national squad who doesn’t currently play in the Bangladesh Premier League.Speaking on the decision, Choudhury told The Athletic: “It’s something that’s been in the works for a couple of years.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I represented England in the youth team, but as my career progressed, it came to fruition that is not an option for me.“It’s something I’ve definitely always had in the back of my mind, that I’d like to represent Bangladesh — and the people of Bangladesh more importantly.”I’ve got a really good connection with the fans in Bangladesh. I get messages every day letting me know that they want me to come and play.”Choudhury has now made over 125 appearances for Leicester City since graduating from the Foxes’ academy as a teenager, playing twice in the Premier League this season.Most read in FootballChoudhury has featured twice for Leicester in the league this seasonFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe former Watford Loanee has already been granted a Bangladesh passport and has been awaiting clearance to join up with the national squad.Bangladesh’s next fixture is an Asian Cup qualification match against India in March with Choudhury expected to be part of the team for the clash.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanChoudhury is hoping to do more than just improve the national team’s results on the pitch, but also wants to improve the infrastructure of the national setup going forward.He added: “They’ve just not been really fortunate enough or have the infrastructure yet to develop and grow these players to reach the European leagues, which hopefully can provide a stepping stone for them to have more players in the European leagues or the top leagues.“I know they are absolutely crazy about football. I hope I can open up channels for more Bangladeshis to play in the top five leagues or in Europe, or just have a way of getting themselves into the bigger leagues and giving them some more exposure.“Hopefully, in time, I can put into place some sort of structure in the younger age groups and the younger local teams to be able to do that.“The Bangladesh Federation has been doing lots of work already, but if I can give them a different sort of outlook, a European outlook, I hope that helps.”Choudhury is now the first Bangladeshi player to ever play in the Premier League. More

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    Transfer recommendations for Gameweek 16: Jarrod Bowen among tempting short-term punts

    ALL 20 Premier League teams are set to play twice in Gameweek 16.As a result, it’s bound to a high-scoring affair and so it’s imperative all Dream Team managers confirm some smart transfers before Saturday’s 11am deadline – it might be a good idea to activate a Booster as well.As usual, we won’t insult your intelligence by recommending Bukayo Saka (£6.9m), Mohamed Salah (£7.6m) and other obvious players but allow us to present some alternative transfer suggestions.An underrated gemCredit: Dream TeamJarrod Bowen (£5.9m)Let’s start with an immensely tempting one-week punt.West Ham’s No20 averages 7.5 points-per-game this season and leads the way among forwards for bonus points.More recently, Bowen has produced 86 points since the start of Gameweek 7 at an average of 8.6 per outing – an outstanding effort given what most of his team-mates have produced.Those numbers suggest it’s reasonable to expect a healthy haul from the England international in Gameweek 16 with the Hammers set to take on Brighton and Southampton.Saints conceded five goals in one half in their last league game so it wouldn’t be a surprise if Bowen cleaned up on Boxing Day.Gabriel (£5.3m)Most read in FootballGuess who?Credit: AlamyWilliam Saliba (£5.3m) did an excellent job filling in as Arsenal’s primary set-piece threat but the main man is back now.Gabriel marked his return from injury with a nine-point return against Everton last weekend and the Gunners will be hopeful of at least one clean sheet in Gameweek 16 up against Crystal Palace and Ipswich – two of the lowest scorers in the top flight this season.The Brazilian centre-back features in 10.1% of teams and is currently ranked fourth among assets in his position with 120 points to his name.No defender has scored more goals (four) than Gabriel this season.Lewis Hall (£3.6m)A man in formCredit: GettyNewcastle’s left-back is technically Dream Team’s most in-form defender right now.Hall is coming off the back of a massive 27-point haul in Gameweek 15 having provided two assists in the Magpies’ 4-0 thrashing of Leicester last weekend.Kyle Walker-Peters (£3.1m) and Pedro Porro (£4.4m) are the only defenders who have earned more bonus points than the former Chelsea man this campaign.Eddie Howe’s side travel to Ipswich this weekend before hosting Aston Villa on Boxing Day.On a similar theme, we tipped Alexander Isak (£5.4m) last week and he’s worth repeating after a 19-point haul in Gameweek 15.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWAmad Diallo (£3.7m)Mr PopularCredit: PAManchester United’s derby day hero is currently the most popular recruit ahead of Gameweek 16 and with good reason.Diallo has registered three goals and seven assists in his last seven outings – a fruitful spell that has yielded 87 points in six Gameweeks.The 22 year-old is ungenerously categorised as a forward in Dream Team but that’s not really a problem while he’s among the goal involvements.The Red Devils host Bournemouth this weekend before a trip to 19th-placed Wolves, who have the worst defensive record in the Premier League in 2024/25.Cole Palmer (£6.3m) and/or Nicolas Jackson (£4.2m)A prolific partnershipCredit: GettyA quick note to finish because we wrote an entire article about Chelsea’s top performers earlier in the week.READ MORE SUN STORIESWithout wanting to repeat ourselves, Palmer and Jackson are more viable now than ever before because the European competitions are on hold for the festive period.The England star is essential as a midfielder who has racked up 174 points from just 16 appearances this season.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More