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    Reading owner sued for £10m by ex-EFL chief after takeover bid collapsed despite lending League One side £5m

    READING have been hit with a £10.3million compensation claim by former Wycombe owner Rob Couhig.The American lawyer told SunSport he lodged a claim in the High Court against Renhe Sports Management — the company through which Chinese businessman Dai Yongge owns Reading.Rob Couhig is seeking £800,000 in costs and £9.5m in potential lost profits after Dai Yongge withdrewCredit: RexCouhig is seeking £800,000 in costs and £9.5m in potential lost profits after Yongge withdrew from a £30m agreement to sell the League One club in September.After agreeing a purchase price last summer, Couhig lent the Royals around £5m to help with running costs.All the paperwork required to seal the deal was completed — other than Yongge’s signature.And Couhig was stunned to receive an email from the club in September telling him the deal was off.Read More on FootballYongge went on to enter exclusive negotiations with another buyer, whose identity has never been revealed.RSM have been approached for comment.Couhig insisted he had the interests of the League One club’s boss Ruben Selles and his squad at heart.He added: “I would much rather do a deal to take over the club than win these damages.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I really want the club to transact before January so we can get down to business. But no one at Reading has had the courtesy to pick up the phone to me and say, ‘We don’t like X, we want Y’.“I made it clear from day one I am not a bank. I was only lending them money to buy the club.Reading fans are angry as owner sells training ground to EFL rivals Wycombe “I feel terrible for Ruben and the boys.“I’ve tried not to be a distraction, which is why I’ve not said anything.“But enough is enough. I’m at my wits’ end and had to act.”Couhig has insisted all along his offer remains on the table.Ex-Reading chairman Roger Smee revealed Yongge has also rejected his bid to buy the club. More

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    Lionel Messi set to be edged out for MVP award by Premier League flop, 34, topping MLS goalscoring charts

    LIONEL MESSI is set to be edged out for the MLS’ coveted MVP award by a Premier League flop who has topped the scoring charts.Messi enjoyed a stunning season in America with Inter Miami, helping his side finish top of the Eastern Conference.Lionel Messi could miss out on the MLS’s MVP award to a Premier League flopCredit: GettyThe Argentina captain also helped himself to 20 goals throughout the campaign.And he even bagged 16 assists along the way as well.However, it’s reckoned that Messi could miss out on the coveted MVP award, which is handed to the MLS’ best player.Inter Miami were expected to cruise to the league’s Cup final, where the ultimate winner of the season is decided.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut David Beckham’s franchise crashed out early in the knockouts, suffering a shock 3-2 defeat to Atlanta United.It means the final will be contested by LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls.And that could see Messi fail to land the MVP award.Instead, it’s reckoned that Christian Benteke could end up winning it.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Belgian striker is best known by Premier League fans for spells at Liverpool, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.Benteke netted 49 goals in 101 games for the latter.David Beckham imposes strict fashion rule on Lionel Messi and Inter Miami team-mates leaving Rio Ferdinand stunnedChristian Benteke is the top scorer in the MLS this seasonCredit: AlamyThe Belgian played for Liverpool, Crystal Palace and Aston VillaCredit: GettyBut his barren year at Liverpool resulted in just 10 goals from 42 matches.And at Palace, he only managed 37 goals in 177 outings.Yet Benteke has managed to finish top of the leaderboard for goals scored in the MLS this term.The hitman bagged 23 goals for DC United, who he joined from Palace in 2022.They only managed a 10th place finish in the Eastern Conference.And without Benteke’s goals, DC may very well have finished bottom of the league.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs a result, his contribution could be viewed in some quarters as more valuable than Messi’s, which occurred in a better team which ultimately underachieved.And it now remains to be seen if Benteke does scoop the award ahead of Messi, whose Inter Miami side will be part of Thursday’s draw for next summer’s Club World Cup. More

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    Leicester 3 West Ham 1: Van Nistelrooy triumphs in first game in charge but Lopetegui one step closer to Hammers axe

    THE more things change the more they stay the same – as long as Jamie Vardy is around.The 37-year got Ruud van Nistelrooy’s reign off to the perfect start with a second minute opener – the SIXTH time he has got a new Foxes boss off the mark.Ruud Van Nistelrooy got off to winning ways as Leicester bossCredit: GettyJulen Lopetegui faces the West Ham sackCredit: RexVardy also christened Claudio Ranieri, Craig Shakespeare, Claude Puel, Brendan Rodgers, Steve Cooper’s Leicester careers with their opening goals.Van Nistelrooy will thank his luck that he has Vardy and Julen Lopetegui will curse his that he doesn’t have a Hammers equivalent.His side bossed much of this game yet couldn’t put away a string of chances and long before full-time disgusted Hammers fans were singing: “You’re getting sacked in the morning,” at their Spanish boss.Van Nistelrooy was able to celebrate a second half clincher from Bilal El Khannouss and it could have been even worse had sub Bobby De Codova-Reid’sphantom ‘third goal’ not been disallowed by a narrow VAR offside call.READ MORE IN football Van Nistelrooy received a warm rather than rapturous reception from his new support.It was as if Leicester fans were cautiously weighing him up before deciding whether they were having him or not.Van Nistelrooy looked a little lost as the applause and cheers soon faded – so he ended up reaching out and shaking the paw of club mascot Filbert Fox!Yet incredibly, less than two minutes later the Dutchman was punching the air in delight as his players gave him the perfect welcome with a speedy goal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLeicester worked the ball neatly down the left then played it inside to Bilal El Khannouss who looked up and spotted Jamie Vardy haring off.He slid the ball through for the veteran to chase and the 37-year-old sprinted clear of West Ham’s high defence to race through on goal.As Lukasz Fabianski advanced Vardy kept his cool to clip a right footer around the Polish goalie to find the far corner of the net.The celebrations were initially cut short by a flag raised by far-side assistant ref Marc Perry, who reckoned Vardy was offside.However the official made the same mistake as the Hammers ridiculously high back-line – they simply didn’t give enough respect to Vardy’s pace.After a lengthy VAR check it became clear that Konstantinos Mavrapanos’s trailing leg had played Vardy onside and the goal was given to a huge roar from home fans as Van Nistelrooy applauded.Whatever Leicester boss is in charge it doesn’t take them long to appreciate Vardy’s worth.Jamie Vardy opened the scoring for LeicesterCredit: GettyVardy celebrates his openerCredit: PAIncredibly the 37-year-old has now scored the first goal for SIX different Leicester managers among his 195 club goals.The old Fox almost added a second six minutes later when he raced onto a Victor Kristiansen pass but this time Fabianski managed to stay big and deflect his shot into the side netting.Things looked bleak for under pressure Hammers boss Lopetegui but in fairness his players rallied for him.They absolutely dominated the rest of the half as they peppered Mads Hermansen’s goals with 20 shots to Leicester’s three by half-time.But the thin blue line held firm.Jarrod Bowen curled a shot around Kristiansen but Hermansen reacted brilliantly to beat it away.Then Danny Ings header deflected off James Justin but bounced off the post before Vestergaard hurled himself in front of Kilman to block his rebound.West Ham fans then celebrated an equaliser – only to be mocked by Leicester fans who could see Soucek’s header had rippled the side net.Bilal El Khannouss doubled Leicester’s leadCredit: GettyEl Khannouss celebrates his goalCredit: GettyBowen’s centre then found no takers before the England winger brought out more heroics from Hermansen who thwarted him again.Somehow Leicester made it to the break with their lead intact.They continued to ride their luck after the restart as Hermansen produced more heroics to claw a deflected Kudus shot over.West Ham thought they had levelled after 58 minutes when sub Crysencio Summerville’s skied effort was missed by Hermansen and dropped behind him into the Leicester net.But referee Josh Smith reckoned Tomas Soucek had impeded the goalie and VAR agreed – although it was hard not to sympathise with Hammers fans who reckoned they had been robbed.Their miserable night was completed when the Foxes wrapped up the points with a sucker punch break.Kasey McAteer picked out El Khannouss in the box and the Moroccan international steered a right footer beyond Fabianski.Lopetegui’s night was summed up when Summerville touched a Bowen cutback beyond Harmansen, only to be denied by Conor Coady who toes the ball off the line.As West Ham crumbled Patson Daka sprinted clear of the Hammers’ snail-paced defence to lash home a third.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt sealed a perfect start for Van Nistelrooy but could well mark the end for Lopetegui.Not even a stoppage time header from Niclas Fullkrug is likely to save the Spaniard now.Patson Daka got a third for the FoxesCredit: RexDaka wrapped up all three pointsCredit: RexNiclas Fullkrug pulled one back for West HamCredit: Reuters More

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    Man Utd star Luke Shaw posts heartbreaking injury update with defender set for ANOTHER spell on the sidelines

    MANCHESTER UNITED ace Luke Shaw has suffered yet another injury setback that has left him “absolutely devastated”.Shaw, 29, had just returned to action late last month following a lengthy spell in the sidelines due to problems with his knee and calf.Manchester United ace Luke Shaw has suffered yet another injury setbackCredit: GettyShaw issued a heartbreaking message to Man Utd fans regarding his latest injury blowCredit: Instagram @lukeshaw23Shaw had just returned to action for Man Utd after a previous bout with injuryCredit: PAThe full-back made three appearances from the bench against Ipswich Town, Bodo/Glimt and Everton since his return to fitness.However, the England international suffered another minor injury after the weekend.Shaw issued a heartbreaking message to fans outlining the painful impact this devastating setback has had on him.The defender vowed to come back stronger as soon as possible to help United.Read More on Man UtdShaw posted on Instagram: “Hi guys, it’s hurting a lot having to write this as I really thought I had got through my recent struggles and was on a positive path going forward, but unfortunately I’ve had a small setback.”I’ve been through a lot of ups and downs but this has definitely been my toughest period. I’m absolutely devastated and it’s extremely tough to come to terms with reality at this moment in time.”I understand there is going to be people frustrated, angry, disappointed and I understand all of that. There is no one feeling that more than me at this moment in time..”But what I can promise is I will do everything I can to come back better soon to help this club achieve its ambitions this season. Thank you to everyone for the support. It really doesn’t go unnoticed and I really do appreciate it.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAccording to Manchester Evening News, Shaw suffered a muscle injury and is expected to be out for a few weeks.That means new Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim will be without the left-back against Arsenal.Ruben Amorim bizarrely SLAPS Man Utd stars in training as fans joke ‘I hope Luke Shaw doesn’t get injured’The Red Devils face the Gunners on Wednesday at the Emirates in a crunch Premier League clash.Under Amorim, the Manchester giants are undefeated with two wins in his first three matches in charge.Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for. More

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    Ipswich 0 Crystal Palace 1: Mateta the match-winner as Eagles soar clear of Prem new-boys in basement battle

    JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA delivered a finish to warm Crystal Palace hearts on a bitterly cold night.The French striker’s clipped goal, teed up by Eberechi Eze, secured a crucial second win of the season at Portman Road.Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the winner at IpswichCredit: PAIt is Palace’s first victory in over a month, lifting the Eagles three points clear of danger ahead of a horror run.Oliver Glasner was not in the last chance saloon when it came to his job but with Manchester City, Brighton and Arsenal up before Christmas the Austrian will have known a result was desperately needed.At the end of last season Glasner would have looked at a run like this and licked his lips, ready to defy some doubters and bloody the noses of rivals and big clubs.But this side are still such a long way from the one which ended the last campaign with six wins from seven games.READ MORE IN footballMateta’s return to the scoresheet with his fine finish after five games without a goal is welcome.But the Eagles still lack real pace and danger in the final third.Eberechi Eze always offers something and was creative again at Portman Road, while summer signing Ismaila Sarr has flashes of inspiration. But it is not enough.It seems unlikely that this result will spark a run away from the relegation scrap just yet, but when the competition is so poor each point is even more precious.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIpswich, then, will sense somewhat of a missed chance and must continue their wait for a first Premier League home win for 22 years.Kieran McKenna’s side are full of pace and endeavour but lack composure when it matters most.It took over half an hour for the first shot on target of a drab opening 45 minutes to materialise.Both sides had threatened good football but neither had managed it – a sign of why both are in trouble – until Mateta fed Eze on the break.The England man broke through one-on-one but his tame finish was straight at keeper Arijanet Muric.Dean Henderson had been having an equally quiet evening at the other end, until the final moments of the first half when Harry Clarke met a corner at the near post which found the keeper’s midriff.Glasner hooked Cheick Doucoure, a red card in waiting, for Jefferson Lerma at the break and Palace looked improved after the restart – soon nudging ahead.Ipswich had not had much to deal with in the first half but struggled when the Eagles finally posed a threat.Eze found space inside the Town half and was allowed plenty of time to roll a ball through to Mateta.The Frenchman easily shrugged off a tumbling Jacob Greaves and dinked a fine left-footed finish over Muric.READ MORE SUN STORIESMateta should have had a second minutes later when, again fed by Eze, he saw a low shot denied by the Ipswich keeper.McKenna made a trio of changes to try and liven things up and one of those, Nathan Broadhead, came close to turning a Greaves header in at the far post but the ball hit the post and ricocheted behind off him.Mateta’s opener was enough to separate the sidesCredit: ReutersIt gave Palace breathing space above the Prem dropCredit: PA More

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    Premier League clubs circling for European star who ripped Man City to shreds during stunning Champions League comeback

    FEYENOORD striker Anis Hadj Moussa is emerging as a January target for Prem clubs.Algeria international Moussa, 22, is in his first season in Rotterdam after a £3million move from Belgian second-tier side Patro Eisden.Leicester and Tottenham are eyeing Feyenoord star Anis Hadj Moussa, who impressed Liverpool boss Arne SlotCredit: GettyMoussa stood out during Feyenoord’s stunning comeback against Manchester CityCredit: PAParis-born Moussa, a left-footed right winger, was outstanding as the Dutch side came back from three down to extend Manchester City’s winter misery in last week’s Champions League draw.Feyenoord sporting director Dennis te Kloese went up to the wideman in the Etihad tunnel at the end of the match and joked: “You’re no longer part of our team. Go to City’s dressing room, I’ve sold you to them.”And now Moussa is attracting interest from a host of Prem clubs seeking a January upgrade when the transfer window opens – with Feyenoord ready to sell if they receive offers in the region of £10m. Liverpool boss Arne Slot sanctioned his signing by Feyenoord before he left the club to move to Anfield while Leicester and Tottenham are among other clubs who are tracking him.Read More on FootballMoussa’s agents Mohammed Dahmane and Hamzah Sadiek have flown to the UK to drum up interest in the hope of securing a deal in the next few weeks.City led 3-0 against Feyenoord by the 53rd minute last week at the Etihad with a brace by Erling Haaland and a goal by Ilkay Gundogan.However, Moussa hit back in the 74th minute before Santiago Gimenez made it 3-2 and David Hancko equalised one minute before full-time.City boss Pep Guardiola was absolutely devastated after the match as he appeared for his post-match interview with red scratches on his forehead.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat poor result extended the reigning Premier League champions’ winless streak to six, which became seven after Sunday’s loss at Liverpool.Moussa counts a total of four goals in 14 appearances with Feyenoord this season.Five Man City disasters that led to Pep Guardiola scratching his OWN face before ‘self-harm’ apologyThe forward also has two goals in four Champions League appearances. More

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    West Ham players SLAMMED for defending as if Jamie Vardy was offside only for VAR to declare Leicester goal onside

    JAMIE VARDY profited from slow-reacting West Ham defenders to give Leicester the lead in a 3-1 win at the King Power.The Foxes legend raced through on goal to open the scoring after just 98 seconds but was initially flagged for offside.Jamie Vardy opened the scoring against West HamCredit: GettyVardy was adjudged to be onside after a VAR reviewWest Ham players protested for offsideMavrapanos could be seen looking on in vain for an offside flagBilal El Khannouss played Vardy through and the ex-England striker slotted home past Lukasz Fabianski before the flag was raised.But upon review by VAR, centre-back Konstantinos Mavropanos was shown to be playing Vardy onside.The centre-back, along with Maximilian Kilman and Aaron Wan-Bissaka were guilty of praying for offside to be called. All three laboured in their attempts to stop Vardy and Mavropanos in particular looked to be spending more time looking for a flag rather than trying to stop the 37-year-old striker from scoring – much to the anger of fans online.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne said: “The central defence is a big concern, Kilman and Mavropanos look too slow.”Another fumed: “Killman and Mavropanos have no answer to 37-year old Vardy. Embarrassing.”One raged: “What is Mavropanos doing, he was counting on VAR there and they didn’t save him.”Another said: “Bad mistake by Mavropanos. Should have held the line but he dropped back. Really poor.”Most read in FootballIt set the tone for another awful display from West Ham that left Julian Lopetegui fighting for his job.Leicester won the match 3-1. More

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    Huge Mo Salah transfer update as president of European giants linked with Liverpool star breaks silence

    LIVERPOOL superstar Mohamed Salah has been linked with a blockbuster move to a Champions League rival.And the president of the European giants has now spoken out about the deal.Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-GermainCredit: RexPSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi insists there is no interest for Liverpool star SalahCredit: GettySalah, 32, has been on fire this season with 13 goals and 11 assists in 20 appearances with the Reds, whom he has led to the top of the Premier League table.However, the winger’s contract runs out in June and there has been no progress regarding a new deal for the Egypt international who counts a staggering total of 224 goals and 100 assists in 369 games.That has led to links with clubs from Saudi Arabia, with Al-Ittihad reportedly bidding a whopping £150million for Salah last year.Paris Saint-Germain have also been touted as a potential destination for the Liverpool talisman.Read More on FootballPSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has a close relationship with the ex-Roma star.However, Al-Khelaifi poured cold water on the transfer speculation linking Salah with a move to Parc des Princes.The businessman insists the rumours are “simply false” and the French champions “never thought about him”.Al-Khelaifi told Sky Sports: “It’s not true. He’s a fantastic and extraordinary player, but we never thought about him, to be honest.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”We know that all the clubs would like to have him, but this rumour about us is simply false.”Salah has dropped repeated hints that he may leave Liverpool by the summer.Mo Salah admits he’s ‘more OUT than in’ as he piles pressure on Liverpool to offer him a new contractThe forward stated last month that there has been no offer from the Merseysiders and that he is “probably more out than in”.The ex-Fiorentina star also hinted Sunday’s 2-0 win over Manchester City – where he scored a goal and provided an assist – may have been the last time he ever faces Pep Guardiola’s side at Anfield.Nevertheless, Salah is open to a new one-year contract despite growing frustrations over the club’s handling of his situation. More