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    Kidnapped former Ecuador international star Pedro Perlaza RELEASED as police confirm he was ‘mistreated but alive’

    AN Ecuadorian footballer who was kidnapped close to the Colombian border has been released.Pedro Perlaza was abducted in the province of Esmeraldas in his native country.Pedro Perlaza has been released after he was kidnapped on MondayCredit: GettyPerlaza’s family reported him missing on Monday evening, with the alleged abduction taking place at 9am that day.But it has now been confirmed by local authorities that he has been released along with another individual.Police posted on X: “Through its specialised units, it freed citizens Pedro P. and Juan M. in #Esmeraldas [northwest], who were involuntarily missing.”Colonel Diego Velastegui, police chief of the oil port of Esmeralda, said: “They have been mistreated, but they are alive.”Velastegui went on to reveal the rescue operation saw the police “greeted with bullets by these criminals when they entered the area”.He also stated the kidnappers left the scene and are “presumed injured”.Perlaza and the other victim were reunited with their families at the police headquarters in Esmeraldas.They were barefoot and wearing caps given to them by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ecuadorian Police.Most read in FootballIt is alleged Perlaza, 33, was intercepted by a motorcyclist while travelling on a road and forced into a vehicle.He has spent his entire football career playing in Ecuador and has won three caps for the national team.He now plays for Ecuadorian top flight side Delfin. More

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    ‘Find the way out’ – Ferrari urged to RIP UP Lewis Hamilton’s £78m contract by F1 legend after ‘worrying’ admission

    FERRARI have been urged to tear up Lewis Hamilton’s mega-money contract after the Brit made a “worrying” admission.It has been a season to forget for Hamilton as he has struggled to bring the best out of his car in his final year with Mercedes.Ferrari have been urged to rip up Lewis Hamilton’s dealDavid Coulthard believes Ferrari should reconsider Hamilton’s dealHamilton, 39, is due to switch to childhood heroes Ferrari next season, as Carlo Sainz heads to Williams.But last week, he was called out for making a “worrying” comment ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix.Hamilton said after sprint qualifying: “The positive is that the car is fast and George should be able to shoot for pole tomorrow. “Who knows? I’m definitely not fast anymore.”READ MORE ON F1Ex-F1 team owner Eddie Jordan has now advised the Italian team to tear up Hamilton’s contract in light of his admission.Jordan told the Formula For Success Podcast: “If you don’t believe 100 per cent, you’re f****d. Do you understand that? “Because belief, 99.9 per cent means that there is that tiny, little, little thing in there knocking on your head that gives you the things that maybe, oh, I don’t really have that confidence. “I don’t really have the ability. And at the moment what I heard from Lewis, I’m not fast enough anymore, they were the words, I think.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe added: “Honestly, if I was Ferrari, I would say close the book, find the way out. That’s it. “I think also, if it’s a little message to you, Lewis, if you’re out there, always remember in life. You’ve got your music, you’ve got your fashion, you’ve got all sorts of other things.Max Verstappen claims he has ‘lost all respect’ for F1 star George Russell in X-rated rant”You are, in most people’s view, the greatest driver of all time. Please remember what I’m going to say to you. Always, always think about the best exit. And this is the time to take the money off the table. Go.”Former F1 star David Coulthard also found Hamilton’s uncharacteristic admission troublesome.Coulthard said: “He’s as low as he can be right now. But I would say that’s pretty worrying.”It doesn’t detract from his brilliance, it doesn’t take away anything from the records, but there is a thing called mother nature and the clock is ticking.”Hamilton holds the all-time F1 record for pole positions but has been beaten over one lap by team-mate George Russell 20 times this season.And it has raised questions about his competitive edge as he looks towards teaming up with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Brit did manage to win two races, at Silvertone and in Belgium earlier this term but sits seventh in the driver’s standings.The seven-time champ activated a release clause in his Mercedes contract to join Ferrari in a “multi-year” deal that is reportedly worth £78million per year.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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    Man Utd’s much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps dies aged 85 as tributes paid to ‘heartbeat of United’

    MANCHESTER UNITED icon Kath Phipps has passed away aged 85.Kath had worked at the club since the 1960s in a variety of roles including as a receptionist and telephone switchboard operator, and was a hugely popular figure.Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps has passed awayKath worked for United for 55 years and joined when Sir Matt Busby was managerCredit: ReutersShe featured in David Beckham’s Netflix documentaryUnited expressed their “sadness” and “heartbreak” at Kath’s passing, and tributes have poured in from fans.A statement read: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved colleague Kath Phipps at the age of 85.”An omnipresent figure at Manchester United since the late 1960s, Kath worked for the club for over 55 years in a variety of roles, but her contribution went beyond any particular job title.”Having become a key member of the club’s office staff in the ensuing years, Kath later became a matchday fixture at Old Trafford’s directors’ entrance and took on the role of training ground receptionist, ensuring that any visitor to Carrington was greeted by the cheeriest of welcomes. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”For regulars, that greeting would extend to warm hugs and friendly chats as Kath came to embody the familial atmosphere underpinning the club’s culture.”If Kath ever had a bad day, she never brought it to work; her positive attitude helped set the mood for everyone entering the training ground, always ready to lend an ear and offer words of encouragement to anyone who needed them – be they megastar footballers, casual staff or occasional visitors.”Kath was a one-woman institution, whose memory will be cherished by everyone at the club who had the privilege of knowing her. She said last year: “I can’t imagine doing anything else.” Well, we can’t imagine the place without her.”Rest in peace, Kath.”Most read in FootballLast year the club paid tribute to Kath with a feature about her life and career, in which they described her as the “heartbeat of United”.Kath’s first role at the club was as a telephone switchboard operator, in 1968 when Sir Matt Busby was in charge.Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps kisses David Beckham at premiere of ’99’ documentary Fast forward 18 years and she was one of the first members of staff to welcome Sir Alex Ferguson to the club, and he later moved her over from Old Trafford to Carrington.Kath also built a bond with the players and even appeared in Netflix’s David Beckham documentary.In May 2022 Kath was honoured with a Service to Football Award – Beckham paid tribute to her afterwards saying the “amazing” receptionist “really deserved” the accolade “for her services to football, but more importantly for services to the club I love and you love”.He said she used to be “the first person I would see when I walked into the training ground reception” and he would be “forever grateful to her” for dealing with letters from his fans.Ferguson said she was “and continues to be a great servant to the club” and the award was “thoroughly deserved”.Wayne Rooney lead the tributes to Kath, saying: “The heart and soul of Man Utd. Everything what the club is about.”A legend who will be greatly missed. Thanks for the memories Kathy. Thoughts with family and friends.”United defender Diogo Dalot wrote: “You’ve seen it all. You truly represented everything Man Utd is about.”Rest in peace Kath, we love you.”Former Red Devils skipper Harry Maguire said: “A legend that will never be forgotten.”I will miss you. We will miss you. RIP Kath.”READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited legend Paul Scholes also spoke fondly of Kath, saying: “The heart and soul of our special football club, will be sadly missed by all and impossible to replace…RIP Kath.”Jonny Evans shared a photo of himself with Kath alongside the caption: “A ray of light every single day at Manchester United. Rest in peace ❤️ Kath Phipps.” More

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    Ruben Amorim reveals four Man Utd stars who have a ‘time limit’ as he discusses squad issues

    RUBEN AMORIM has revealed four Manchester United players have a “time limit” on the pitch at the moment due to their fitness levels.The Portuguese coach, 39, suffered his first defeat as Red Devils boss on Wednesday night in a 2-0 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates.Rúben Amorim admitted some of his players have a ‘time limit’ on the pitchCredit: Beanyman SportsAmorim made six changes to his starting line-up from the 4-0 win over Everton.He brought the likes of Harry Maguire, Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount in from the cold after little game time over the last 12 months.But before the hour mark he took Maguire and Mount off for Leny Yoro and Marcus Rashford.Alejandro Garnacho was also replaced by Joshua Zirkzee, while Antony came on in the 79th minute for Rasmus Hojlund.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt has been a mark of Amorim’s first four games in charge that he has not been afraid to change up his team – far more than his predecessor Erik ten Hag.But he has admitted part of the reason is because he is having to manage the minutes of Maguire, Malacia, Mount and Yoro.He said: “It’s not because I like to change all the time but we have to have all the squad fit.”For example, Harry Maguire has a time limit, Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount have time limits. Leny Yoro really has a time limit.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHarry Maguire came off just before the hour mark against ArsenalCredit: GettyMount was also replaced in the 59th minuteCredit: Rex”We have to manage winning games in a different methodology, different way of playing, more metres to press.”Tomorrow we have to assess and the guys who have a little bit of a risk to some injury will not play.Man Utd vs Arsenal: Player Ratings”We have to have everybody to work, to play and to improve the squad.”Man Utd’s only current injury concerns are Jonny Evans and Luke Shaw.They host Nottingham Forest on Saturday, before travelling to Viktoria Plzen on December 12.Three days later they then travel to the Etihad to take on Manchester City in a crunch derby clash.Man Utd ratings vs ArsenalRUBEN AMORIM lost his first game since taking charge of Man Utd after a 2-0 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates.See how the players rated…ANDRE ONANA – 5He was let off early in the game after a stray pass saw Gabriel Martinelli put the ball in the net before the linesman raised his flag.Failed to command his area as 5″10 Jurrien Timber leapt highest to rattle the back of his net, before the ball floated to the back post for Arsenal to score their second set piece.DIOGO DALOT – 6Flashed a shot just wide at the end of the first half when he did eventually get forward.Not bad defensively but more dangerous going forwards.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Formed a good partnership with Maguire in the first half, and fans will be hoping he is okay after suffering a slight knock.Needed to be a more commanding figure in the box to stop being dominated by The Gunners at set pieces.HARRY MAGUIRE – 7Was actually very impressive in the first half, with a solid showing.Not at fault for Timber’s header hitting the back of the net, before he was replaced by Leny Yoro.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Playing as a left-sided centre-back he looked fairly comfortable, which is a credit to the Moroccan’s versatility.That said, he still looked better off in the role that Malacia, then Dalot occupied tonight as a left-wingback.TYRELL MALACIA – 3Noticeably looked extremely physically weak up against Bukayo Saka on the left-hand side, before being booked for a kick out at Kai Havertz.Offered nothing going forward and his link-up with Garnacho was practically non-existent. Hooked at half-time for the far more threatening Amad.MANUEL UGARTE – 5Another one who was booked in the first half, he failed to establish any kind of presence in the game and on the ball, looked pretty woeful.Cleared a Joshua Zirkzee header off of his own line to stop Arsenal from doubling their lead early in the second half.BRUNO FERNANDES – 4This game was crying out for Bruno Fernandes to stamp his authority on it, and it seemed he just couldn’t quite get his foot on the ball to do so.Played a deeper role today, next to Ugarte, which meant we didn’t see any of his attacking spark.MASON MOUNT – 3Mason Mount at right wing was an experiment tried and failed at Chelsea, which Amorim tried again tonight.He was often lost in the half-space, meaning he was essentially useless going forwards. Hooked in the second half after a fairly abysmal showing.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 5A very quiet first half, only brightened by one half-decent cross, was met by a second half where he was quickly subbed for Marcus Rashford.Quiet.RASMUS HOJLUND – 6Battled well with the physical presence of William Saliba early on, but his side failed to create him any kind of chances.Cut a frustrated figure for most of the match, and rightly so. There will be no point signing Gyokeres if they can’t create anything for him to score.SUBSAMAD (TYRELL MALACIA, HT) – 5Was more direct and definitely an improvement on Malacia, albeit on the opposite flank.However, still wasn’t able to be the difference which Ruben Amorim would’ve been looking for in this one.MARCUS RASHFORD (MASON MOUNT, 72) – 5Having been electric on the whole under Amorim, he wasn’t able to provide any kind of spark against an opponent which has been one of his favourites in recent years.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (ALEJANDRO GARNACHO, 72) – 4After an impressive display last time out, he failed to offer anything to his side going forward today.The closest he came to scoring was a dangerous header which almost saw him get an own goal on the scoresheet.LENY YORO (HARRY MAGUIRE, 72) – 6Looks like a pretty good defender on the whole, a tough game for a young centre-back, but he didn’t look out of place whatsoever.ANTONY (RASMUS HOJLUND, 79) – 5Played his part in a clever free-kick routine at the end of the game, before fluffing his lines and finding the gloves of David Raya. 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    Is this the future of Premier League football? Incredible new broadcast feature lets fans watch multiple matches at once

    A NEW multiview feature debuted last night on Peacock’s coverage of the Premier League.The American broadcaster offered fans the opportunity to watch four games at once on a split screen.Peacock have introduced their latest new featureCredit: X @FOSThe feature allows fans to choose which game’s audio to listen to.While it also makes it easy to switch between matches.Viewers also possess the option to focus in one game in particular, should they wish to.The multiview feature allowed fans to watch Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest, Newcastle vs Liverpool, Southampton vs Chelsea and Everton vs Wolves at the same time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhen Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United kicked off 45 minutes later, Peacock’s main coverage switched to solely that game, with multiview moving to its streaming platform.Peter Drury and former Gunners defender Lee Dixon were on the call for that match.Multiview will be available again to viewers this Saturday.Fans will be able to keep across Brentford vs Newcastle, Crystal Palace vs Manchester City and Aston Villa vs Newcastle at the same time.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe new feature appeared to go down well with viewers at home.One wrote on social media: “Glad Peacock added multiview for the Premier League!”Fans say ‘Zlatan Ibrahimovic is genius’ after icon’s hilarious comment live on Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverageWhile a second gushed: “Is MultiView new on Peacock?!? Because this is f***ing awesome, soooo much better than Goal Rush.”A third added: “This Peacock multi view thing is actually cool.”Multiview was already an option for NFL viewers in the States.YouTube TV enables subscribers to watch as many as four games at once during its Sunday Ticket coverage.The feature debuted in the Premier League last nightCredit: Peacock More

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    Four ways to stop Arsenal scoring from corners from double-teaming stars, NOT blocking crosses… or hiring spies

    IT has become one of football’s great questions, one that has left every Premier League manager and set-piece analyst stumped.How do you stop Arsenal from corners?Jurrien Timber flicked home Arsenal’s first versus United from a cornerCredit: GettyWilliam Saliba wrapped up the three points with the Gunners 22nd set-piece goal since the start of last seasonCredit: PARuben Amorim’s plan to stop Arsenal failedCredit: RexSet-piece coach Nicolas Jover is the brains behind Arsenal’s unstoppable set-piecesCredit: RexArsenal line up half their team at the back up post ahead of cornersThe Gunners have now scored 22 goals from them since the start of last season – seven more than their nearest rival Manchester City and eight more than Prem leaders Liverpool.Two of them came against Manchester United – Jurrien Timber and William Saliba netting in the second-half to earn Mikel Arteta’s men a vital win as they chase down Arne Slot’s Reds.Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were the architects with their deliveries, and each now have seven set-piece assists since the start of the 2023/24 campaign – more than any other player.United legend Dimitar Berbatov joked Arsenal are the new Stoke City of the top flight – a side under Tony Pulis who terrorised the so-called “bigger clubs” with set-piece mastery.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAsked if Arsenal have a psychological edge on opponents from set-pieces, Timber said: “I think so, I hope so. [The team] look really dangerous from them and we feel really confident.”Arteta will argue there is more to Arsenal than dead-ball efficiency. They have scored 28 Prem goals from 14 games so far, with just six coming from corners.But it is undeniable that it is a deadly weapon that is fuelling yet another title charge, something that opponents need to get their heads around sooner rather than later.So, how do you go about it? SunSport’s Jordan Davies has a few solutions:Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDOUBLE TEAM SALIBA AND GABRIELOf the six corner goals Arsenal have scored from this term, Brazilian bruiser Gabriel has four of them, and in his absence against United, Saliba grabbed one – albeit with a slice of luck off the Frenchman’s backside.The centre-back duo are undoubtedly the biggest threats, so why do teams insist on going zonal, just like Ruben Amorim’s United attempted at the Emirates?Man-marking does not seem to do the trick either, so maybe it is time for some risk-taking tactics by putting two defenders on both Gabriel and Saliba and pray that no one else from Arsenal steps up?Gabriel and William Saliba are Arsenal’s biggest threats in the airCredit: ReutersAdmittedly, this is a dangerous option.Arsenal are a team full of six-foot giants like Thomas Partey, Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino and Kai Havertz, but they also fill the box with the likes of Timber, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard – little guys in comparison.And if you then let Timber sneak in at the near post and flick in, like United did, then that is down to slack defending.But if you play the odds and take out the big hitters, surely that will shake things up? As Rice said at full-time: “As long as our big centre-halves keep scoring, there’s not a problem.”Arsenal dubbed the ‘new STOKE CITY’ live on Amazon Prime by Man Utd legend after corner masterclassUSE THE EURO BLUEPRINTArsenal have struggled at times to replicate their Prem set-piece form on the continent – most notably on the road at Porto and Inter Milan in the Champions League this calendar year.Against Porto back in February, 10 corners came and went without finding the net or even hitting the target, losing 1-0 to the Portuguese giants in a last 16 first leg tie.And at the San Siro in November, Arsenal failed to seriously test Inter’s defence from 13 corners in another 1-0 loss in this year’s league phase.European refs do not like Arsenal’s ‘dark arts’ from set piecesCredit: ReutersThis could be down to the difference in officiating styles – Arsenal’s physicality and “dark arts” in the box usually goes unpunished in the Prem, yet European refs are more trigger-happy with the whistle.Porto players were more than happy to hit the deck knowing a foul was likely to come their way.In comparison, in their 5-2 demolition of West Ham last weekend, Gabriel was able to wonder to the back post and flick in unmarked after blocker Timber gave Lucas Paqueta a slight nudge in the back.Again, a risky strategy when it comes to English refs, but one that perhaps encourages VAR to take a closer look.DON’T BLOCK CROSSESIt sounds like a silly suggestion, but Amorim explained his theory on how Arsenal increase their chances of getting into good positions to potentially win corners.He said: “If you follow the Premier League for a long time, you can see [Arsenal are the best at set-pieces]. “They have big players and every occasion Saka and Martinelli go one against one, a lot of the time they go on the outside and cross.“They know if the cross goes well they score. If it is a corner, they score. It is amazing how they change games.”Not blocking the cross could see Arsenal get fewer cornersCredit: PAArteta responded to this with the following: “We play with inverted wingers. They develop a lot inside so there’s not a lot of space inside.“When they leave there is a lot of space for the full-back or for the six, if not then for the nine, if not you can go outside. We need to look at every angle.”So, the answer is relatively simple. Either encourage Arsenal inside, or when they do get outside and want to cross… let them, instead of blocking for a dreaded corner routine that likely ends in a goal.HIRE BIELSA’S SPIESNicolas Jover – Arsenal’s set-piece coach – is the man with the magic touch right now, producing NFL-style routines that continually evolve and adapt to the situation and opponent.Since arriving in North London in July 2021, he has transformed Arsenal into one of the most formidable sides in Europe when it comes to both boxes.And maybe the only way to get inside his head is to get inside Arsenal’s training base at London Colney and peak through some bushes to work out his methods.Perhaps taking a Marcelo Bielsa spy approach is the only way to stop themCredit: PA:Press AssociationFormer Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa famously admitted to having one of his coaching staff spy on every single team in the Championship in the 2018/19 season, paying a subsequent fine of £200k.READ MORE SUN STORIESOn how often Arsenal train set-pieces, Timber said: “Not as much to be fair, but it’s not just corners, it’s every moment in the game. “But, at the same time, there’s not a lot of time to spend on them.”Arsenal ratings vs Manchester UnitedARSENAL were comfortable 2-0 winners over Manchester United at the Emirates thanks to two goals from set-pieces.Check out how the players rated…DAVID RAYA – 7/10One of his poorer games with ball at feet, scuffing clearances when he is usually so pin-point.All that can be forgotten after a stunning fingertip stop to keep out De Ligt’s looping header.OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO – 7A reminder of why he is such a valuable squad player these days. Came in from out of the cold with a solid and resolute performance at the back.The only blip was a lapse in concentration meaning he was forced to foul Amad and pick up a needless yellow card.WILLIAM SALIBA – 9Missed his defensive partner but you wouldn’t know it. Cool and calm under pressure with some nice turns and drives up the pitch.So he deserved his luck for his goal to make it 2-0 – Partey’s header from a corner deflecting off his backside.JAKUB KIWIOR – 8Struggled physically against Hojlund from United goal kicks and long balls, often letting the ball bounce instead of attacking it aerially like Gabriel does.Saying that, he grew into his role and really put in a shift under pressure, even getting high fives from Saliba at one point.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Link-up with Saka down the right flank was not as fluid as in recent weeks, yet he was brave to win the flick on to open the scoring in the second half.Switched to left-back late on, showing off further his versatility and usefulness to Arteta and ArsenalTHOMAS PARTEY – 7Missed a sitter from a near-post corner that he shouldered wide early on and continued to have one of those games in midfield, giving up possession time after time with sloppy passes.Moved to right back with 20 minutes left only to help double their lead with his header for Saliba.DECLAN RICE – 7Struggled to assert his authority in the first half but fixed that after the break, providing the whipped corner assist for Timber.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7Leads by example, even if he cannot sprinkle a big of magic into proceedings. His pressing and all-round work rate was more important in this one.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Shinned a decent chance from six yards after United failed to clear a corner. Was committed in defence in the second half to help out Zinchenko against Amad.BUKAYO SAKA – 7Pushed Malacia back and Arsenal up the pitch with his great runs in behind, a constant threat.His corner abilities – teeing up Saliba’s gaol – is just another string to his bow.KAI HAVERTZ – 6A real quiet one from the German, not that he had much service to feed off. Wore out his boots with plenty of running and battled with De Ligt and Maguire well.Missed a glorious chance to wrap up the game in a one-on-one with Onana.SUBS:MIKEL MERINO (ZINCHENKO, 70) – 7Leaped brilliantly from yet another corner unmarked and no clue how he didn’t find the bottom corner.LEANDRO TROSSARD (MARTINELLI, 70) – 6A couple of breakaways almost created openings. The added energy down the left was well received.JORGINHO (ODEGAARD, 90) – N/A More

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    Graham Potter lined up for Premier League return as two clubs sound out former Chelsea manager

    GRAHAM POTTER has been lined up for a return to the Premier League with two clubs interested in the former Chelsea boss.He has been out of work since his sacking at Stamford Bridge in April 2023.Graham Potter has been tipped to return to the PremCredit: GettyJulen Loptegui is under pressure at West HamCredit: PAGary O’Neil is clinging onto his job at WolvesCredit: GettyPotter has since provided analysis as a pundit on Sky Sports while being tipped for a return to management.Leicester reportedly wanted him following their relegation from the Prem last year, but Potter turned them down.The Foxes were said to be interested after sacking Steve Cooper last month, but opted for Ruud van Nistelrooy instead.Potter is now being sounded out by West Ham and Wolves, according to talkSPORT.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd they report his clear preference would be for the Hammers job.Both clubs have struggled this season and their managers are under considerable pressure.Julen Loptegui took over at West Ham in the summer but has won just five of his 16 games in charge despite heavy investment in the squad.While Gary O’Neil has had a disastrous start to the campaign with Wolves, winning just two Prem games from 14 and most recently losing 4-0 to Everton.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGraham Potter career statsOstersund (2011-18) – P249 W127 D60 L62 51% win rateSwansea (2018-19) – P51 W21 D11 L19 41% win rateBrighton (2019-22) P135 W42 D46 D47 31% win rateChelsea (2022-23) P31 W12 D8 L11 38% win rateHonours: OstersundSvenska Cupen: 2016–17Superettan runner-up (promotion): 2015Division 1 Norra: 2012Division 2 Norrland: 2011Potter, 49, hinted at a return to management this week while on punditry duty for Prime Video.Asked if he was “looking at things”, Potter replied: “Yeah, of course. As I’ve said before, you’re open to everything. ‘It doesn’t come for free’ – Graham Potter reveals shock reason for 18 months of unemployment since Chelsea axe”But at the same time I’m really enjoying this [punditry] as well.”Because it gives you another perspective, you get to see it from your eyes, how the media thinks about the game. That’s always interesting.”It’s a different lens, that can only make you better once you understand that as well, so I’ve enjoyed that.” More

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    Get Tottenham and Brighton both to win tonight at 9/1 PLUS £40 in free bets with BetMGM

    THE midweek Premier League action keeps on coming and there’s another two top-flight games tonight.Bookmakers BetMGM have boosted the price of the two away sides leaving with three points, with Brighton (at Fulham) and Tottenham (at Bournemouth) available at 9/1.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..BetMGM £40 welcome bonusVisit the BetMGM website HERE*Select SPORTS OFFER on the websiteRegister a new account – No Promo Code necessaryOpt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free betsBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here*The normal price for this Premier League double is just 7/1!It’s available for selected players only and max stakes apply.Head to the BetMGM site here to claim tonight’s price boost.Not got a BetMGM account? No problem!Then you can get £40 in free bets when you stake just £10, and it’s incredibly easy to claim!Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater.Remember, you must do this within seven days of opening your account.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!BetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here**BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More