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    Ex-England star Luther Blissett, 66, ‘collapses at charity event’ and rushed to hospital as Watford release statement

    FORMER England star Luther Blissett was rushed to hospital after falling ill at a charity auction last week.The 66-year-old reportedly collapsed while hosting this year’s My Local Hero fundraiser at Watford’s Grove Hotel on Saturday.Luther Blissett was rushed to hospital after collapsing on SaturdayCredit: GettyAccording to the Watford Observer, he was immediately rushed to Watford General Hospital before being transferred to a specialist in London for further assessments.Blissett had auctioned off a Watford shirt just hours beforehand.A statement from his former club on Thursday read: “Watford FC is aware of reports that the club’s all-time record appearance-maker and goalscorer Luther Blissett OBE DL is currently receiving medical treatment in hospital.”Chairman & CEO Scott Duxbury said: ‘Luther and all of his loved ones know they have our full support. We will do all we can to help.’Read More in Football”The Hornets wish to confirm at this stage, however, that the club has had no direct confirmation of his circumstances from Luther or his family.”Everyone connected with Watford FC would like to wish Luther the fullest possible recovery.”‘Watford’s Favourite Son’ was helping raise money at a community event last weekend when he was taken ill.”Blissett spent 14 years with Watford across three different spells as a player.Most read in FootballHe made 210 appearances in total and scored 90 goals.The striker also played for AC Milan, Bournemouth, West Brom, Bury, Derry City, Mansfield Town, Southport, Wimborne Town, Fakenham Town and Chesham United.He was capped 14 times by England and scored three international goals.After retiring, Blissett briefly took up management and spent another year with Chesham.He was awarded an OBE in 2022 for his services to football and charity. More

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    Transfer recommendations for Gameweek 12: Liverpool and Manchester United double headers ripe with potential

    DREAM TEAM managers should be aware that seven teams are set to fulfil two fixtures in Gameweek 12.After a full round of Premier League games, Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea will be in European action across Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.Gaffers intent on a points-laden return from the international break should have these double headers in mind when making their transfers ahead of Saturday’s 11:30am deadline.As usual, we’ve collated some recommendations outside the blindingly obvious names.Target the European fixtures for bumper returnsCredit: Dream TeamLuis Diaz (£4.6m)Arne Slot’s side are set to face 20th-placed Southampton this weekend before they welcome Real Madrid to Anfield in midweek.Mohamed Salah (£7.3m) is best placed to take advantage but it’s probably worth doubling up on attacking Liverpool assets, with the Colombia winger a shining light.In fact, only Erling Haaland (£8.6m) and Salah have scored more goals than Diaz in all competitions this season.There may be some concerns about the 27-year-old after a long flight back from South America but he should get his fair share of minutes across the two fixtures.Diaz ranks second among Dream Team midfielders having amassed 112 points across the first 11 Gameweeks.Most read in FootballGaffers worldwide will have one eye on Amorim’s first game in charge of Man UnitedCredit: GettyNoussair Mazraoui (£3.8m)Nobody would put Man United in the same bracket as Liverpool at present but the former’s double header looks mightily appealing on paper.The Red Devils visit Ipswich this weekend and host Bodo/Glimt on Thursday night – a relatively favourable start for Ruben Amorim as Old Trafford boss.Mazraoui has racked up 91 points to date, thanks in no small part to 55 tackles (an unmatched tally among defenders) and a healthy return of 13 bonus points.There’s every chance the Morocco international will be deployed as a wing-back if Amorim implements his preferred 3-4-3 formation, as expected, which would mean more time in the final third.Mazraoui is already well placed to take points off the Tractor Boys and Norwegian Europa League opposition; a more advanced role would only increase his viability.Ahead of Gameweek 11 we recommended Bruno Fernandes (£6.1m) and the in-form midfielder repaid our faith with a 17-point return so he’s probably worth repeating this week – it’s not too late!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 NOWLucas Digne (£3.6m)This suggestion comes with risk as Aston Villa have lost four games on the spin but Saturday’s meeting with Crystal Palace has to be considered a favourable one.Only Southampton have scored fewer league goals than the Eagles this season.That being said, one doesn’t pick Digne for clean sheets, it’s his attacking threat that makes him a tempting option.The Frenchman has provided three assists and created eight big chances this term – no defender has registered more at this juncture.He was in great form for Les Bleus during the international break too, if that carries any weight.The Villains’ additional fixture is a home game against Juventus in the Champions League, a tougher test, but Unai Emery’s side have already seen off Bayern Munich in the midlands this term.A creative force from defenceCredit: EPAAlexander Isak (£5.1m)We always finish with an alternative recommendation of sorts.Newcastle’s No14 is hardly a hidden gem but he’s certainly not an obvious option for Gameweek 12 because the Magpies only have one fixture.However, that fixture happens to be against a beleaguered West Ham outfit at St James’ Park.Isak has scored in four consecutive games (for a return of 42 points) in a run that has seen Eddie Howe’s mob knock off Chelsea, Arsenal and high-flying Nottingham Forest – he will fancy his chances of extending his streak against the Hammers on current form.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s worth noting that our last wildcard suggestions, Rayan Ait-Nouri (£3.4m) and Matheus Cunha (£4.5m), combined for 22 points in Gameweek 11.Sometimes it pays to think outside the box.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

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    Jose Mourinho ‘calls Cristiano Ronaldo to convince star to join Fenerbahce in sensational transfer development’

    JOSE MOURINHO is reportedly attempting to persuade Cristiano Ronaldo to join Fenerbahce at the end of the season.Ronaldo’s current deal with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr expires in June.Jose Mourinho wants to reunite with Cristiano Ronaldo at FenerbahceCredit: ReutersMourinho has made the forward his priority targetCredit: GettyRonaldo’s contract expires in JuneCredit: GettyAs things stand he is yet to agree terms for a new contract.And he could be given food for thought regarding his next club, with Turkish giants Fenerbahce known to be interested.According to reports in Turkey, Fenerbahce boss Mourinho has already contacted the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.He allegedly asked: “Are you happy there? There is talk that you want to leave. Read More in Football”If you leave, would you like to come to Fenerbahce?”Director of football Mario Branco has allegedly opened talks with Ronaldo and his agent, Jorge Mendes.It currently seems unlikely the move will happen, but Fenerbahce supporters remain hopeful.Ronaldo first joined Al-Nassr in January 2023 after terminating his Manchester United contract.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 39-year-old has since scored 68 goals and provided 18 assists in 79 appearances.Earlier this month, he was tipped to join Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League rivals Al-Hilal.’Cristiano Ronaldo got quicker, stronger and learned after being humiliated by AC Milan and that game changed his career’ says Paul Scholes Jorge Jesus reportedly wants to sign him to replace Neymar, who has been struggling with a series of injury setbacks.The Brazilian is understood to be at risk of having his £130million contract ripped up. More

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    Man City vs Tottenham: Price boosts, specials offers and free bets for Saturday’s Premier League clash

    MANCHESTER CITY host Tottenham on Saturday night in the big game of the Premier League weekend.So our team of betting experts have carefully selected some of the best price boosts and special offers for new and existing customers from our betting partners.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNew sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesThe international breaks are out the way for a few months and Man City and Spurs are hoping the latest one will do them the world of good.City had lost four on the bounce before the split after chucking away a 1-0 lead to lose at Brighton.It’s an unusual spot for Pep Guardiola to be in but they’ll be hoping that Tottenham’s expansive style will allow them more time to play and get them back to winning ways.Spurs themselves didn’t leave league duty in a good way, losing 2-1 at home to struggling Ipswich before the fortnight away.Tottenham did win the only meeting between the teams this season, a 2-1 home win over a much-changed City in the Carabao Cup.William HillBelow are a selection of William Hill’s best price boosts and specials for this weekend’s clash.Man City to win 2-1 or 3-1 – was 15/4 NOW 9/2 – CLAIM HEREHeung-min Son & Dominic Solanke shot on target each – was 5/2 NOW 3/1 – CLAIM HEREPhil Foden to assist a goal – was 3/1 NOW 7/2 – CLAIM HEREtalkSPORT BETBookmakers talkSPORT BET have put together a few terrific odds enhancements for the biggest match of the weekend.Man City to win, Haaland to score & Solanke to score- was 7/1 NOW 9/1 – CLAIM HEREMan City to win, Spurs over 2.5 cards & Silva to score – was 29/4 NOW 17/2 – CLAIM HERESAFER GAMBLING WEEK – FIND OUT MORE HERERemember 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*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10+ at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 Acca, 1 x £10 Horse Racing, 1 x £10 Football, 1 x £10 Bet Builder. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply. More

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    Man City vs Tottenham: Back our 8/1 Bet Builder predictions and get £50 in free bets with Betfred

    THE Premier League returns and Pep Guardiola will be hoping his side’s winning mentality does too when Tottenham visit Manchester City on Saturday.Our team of betting experts have selected a Bet Builder for the massive top-flight encounter, which Betfred have priced up at a generous 8/1.Not just that! New Betfred customers who register an account with Betfred and stake a tenner on football will receive £50 in sports free bets!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*Man City vs Tottenham tipsOur Bet Builder selections: Manchester City to win, over 4.5 goals in game and Kevin de Bruyne to score – ADD TO YOUR BET SLIP HERE!Back our 8/1 Bet BuilderHere’s why we’ve made those selections..Manchester City to win: Hard to believe this is a dodgy pick but that’s probably what it is at the moment. As good a time as any for Spurs to visit but you know it can turn at any moment. Can get back to winning ways here.Over 4.5 goals: A mammoth 17 goals scored in last three league games at Etihad and both sides are struggling to keep ball out their own net. Bets form of defence is attack and they both can do that. Could be thrilling.Kevin de Bruyne to score: On road back from injury and clocked minimal minutes on international duty. Not sure he’ll be thrown in from the start here but City need a spark from somewhere and he can provide it, from the start or the bench.Back our 8/1 Bet BuilderSAFER GAMBLING WEEK – FIND OUT MORE HERERemember 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*New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply. More

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    Hanna Bennison ready for ‘tough’ Arsenal test and a ‘must-win’ Women Champions League game for Juventus

    HANNA BENNISON has grown accustomed to performing under pressure during her journey to the top of women’s football.Tonight the Juventus ace and her club pals face the tough task of attempting to keep their Champions Leagues hopes alive by avoiding a loss to Arsenal.   Hanna Bennison and her team-mates are currently third in their Women’s Champions League group behind Bayern Munich and ArsenalCredit: GettyJuventus will need to avoid a defeat away at Arsenal should Bayern Munich beat or draw with Valerenga in their group stage gameCredit: GettyArsenal have been fine form under interim boss Renee Slegers winning five and drawing one of their last six games in the WSL and EuropeCredit: GettyIt was four years ago in January that the former Everton ace, then 17, was included on a Uefa list of ten young up and coming players to look out for. Being named by as one of Europe’s promising young players is a fond memory for BennisonIt also made her reflect on the pressure that comes with performing at elite level. The playmaker said: “It was really fun to get their nomination, but then also I think it brought a lot of pressure on me. Read More Football Stories”I felt like I had to show that I’m one of those (top players). “But of course I was really happy to be recognised in that way. “I’ve always been putting pressure on myself ever since I was young because I want to be the best I can be. “I’ve always played with pressure. Most read in Football”At times it got a bit hard but then I took the help I needed, for example, by talking to my family and friends, and that has helped a lot. “You’re always going to feel pressure somehow when you play football. “You need to perform, you want to perform and you want to be the best you can. “I accept that there is going to be pressure. For me it’s about learning how to deal with it.”Since making her senior club football debut at 15 at the start of a three-year stint with Rosengard, Bennison’s journey has included her lifting a top-flight title with them in Sweden.  An August 2021 transfer to Everton, with the forward signing for a club record-breaking six-figure sum, followed her time with the Swedish side.And after three years and 63 Women’s Super League appearances for the Toffees, Bennison sealed a three-year move to Juventus in July. Her switch to the top-flight Italian side came 11 months after helping Sweden battle their to a bronze medal win in last year’s Women’s World Cup in Australia. And having been part of Everton teams that finished tenth, sixth and eighth in England’s top tier, Bennison felt she was “ready for something new” with Juve.This includes competing for a Serie A Women’s title and in the Champions League with the Turin club. Before her move the midfielder chatted to her Sweden international team-mate Linda Sembrant who spent three years at Juve prior to joining Bayern Munich this summer.  Bennison adds: “I just got a really good feeling speaking to the head coach and other staff around the club.”I spoke to Linda who was here before. For me, I needed something new and Juventus are interesting because of their style of play.”Winning games, playing in the Champions League and competing at the highest level is important to me.”I felt this is a good environment for me to come to and to hopefully play a lot as well.  “I want to develop and grow with the team and of course we want to win things.”On the domestic front Juventus are currently faring well with the team top of the table. Ahead of their Sunday away clash with Como, Bennison’s side are unbeaten in 10 games and four points off second-placed Fiorentina. Tonight at 8:00pm however they face a battle to keep hopes of reaching the Champions League quarter-finals alive. The team are currently third in Group C and three points behind Arsenal who are second after two losses from their opening three group stage fixtures. They must avoid a loss to Gunners at the Emirates should Bayern Munich beat Valerenga in the other Group C clash taking place this evening. Bennison, whose side lost 4-0 to Arsenal last week, said: “It’s a game we need to win. Juventus will take on Como when they return to Serie A action this SundayCredit: Getty”We will do our very best to deliver a good performance and try to win it, but we know it will be hard. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We let in a lot of goals towards the end of the last game which we’re not happy about. We want to do things differently in this game.”It would mean a lot (to win) and that’s our goal. But it’s going to be tough for sure.” More

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    Man Utd star Diogo Dalot launches LinkedIn profile to reveal second career investing in new sport

    DIOGO DALOT has launched a LinkedIn profile and revealed his business interests include investing in a popular new sport.The Portuguese full-back, 25, has been one of very few Manchester United players to impress so far this season.Diogo Dalot has impressed for Manchester United this seasonCredit: GettyHe has now revealed a second career in businessCredit: LinkedIn/Diogo DalotThe Red Devils will begin a new era on Sunday when they face Ipswich in their first game under new manager Ruben Amorim.And while Dalot will be keen to impress Erik ten Hag’s replacement, he also has interests off the pitch.His LinkedIn page will be solely dedicated to his “personal insights” and “business endeavours”.Among those ventures includes a financial stake in padel tennis – a Mexican sport that is becoming increasingly popular across Europe and which Dalot says he “loves”.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe Portugal international released a lengthy statement on the social media site.It read: “Bom dia all and welcome to my LinkedIn profile. Follow my account to see an up close and personal perspective on my life beyond the football pitch.”On my page you will see the work I am putting in off the pitch – keep a close eye. Looking forward to connecting with you to help bring our ideas to life.”LinkedIn provides a space dedicated to my personal insights, extending beyond my love for football and being on the pitch.”Through LinkedIn I can now more readily connect with the interests and causes I am most passionate about and launch my own business endeavours that grow and give back to those communities.”My LinkedIn page will exist as a kind of diary entry, helping to tell the stories around my work on and off the pitch, whilst also establishing a platform where I can voice my opinions and insights on all things business.”I am so happy to be creating such a space where I can discuss the matters closest to my heart and continue to grow alongside my football career.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMexican sport padel is becoming popular across EuropeCredit: Alamy”Whether it is discussing my ongoing investment in padel – a sport I love – or joining wider debates around travel in football: both the impact on the environment and the impact on the athlete, you can look at my LinkedIn profile for an honest and reasoned perspective. Stay tuned 🤝📂.”Dalot has played 18 games for Man Utd this season, contributing two assists.Diogo Dalot goes wild after Man Utd win over LiverpoolHe has started all 11 of the Red Devils’ Premier League matches, but could now be called upon in a different role.New manager Amorim, 39, is expected to employ the 3-4-3 formation he played consistently at Sporting Lisbon.This is likely to mean Dalot is utilised as a wing-back and will be crucial in providing the team’s width. More

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    English football competition rebranded and given new name midway through season

    THE EFL Trophy has been rebranded and given a name change yet again.It was known as the Bristol Street Motors Trophy for just over a year, with the company taking over as the rights holders for the start of the 2023-24 season.The EFL Trophy has undergone a rebranding and has a new nameCredit: RexNow the competition will be known as the Vertu Trophy – with Vertu a parent company of Bristol Street Motors.It is the latest sponsorship deal for the company, who are already the front of shirt sponsors for Yorkshire County Cricket.Vertu also have a deal with basketball team Newcastle Eagles, with their ground named Vertu Motors Arena.Their sponsorship of the EFL Trophy was part of a deal which saw Vertu become the official car dealer of the EFL.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe rebranding will come into immediate effect, starting with Friday’s Round of 32 draw.Chief Executive Officer at Vertu, Robert Forrester said: “Our partnership with the EFL has been a huge success over the past twelve months, allowing us to engage with community groups across the country and including one of the most dramatic finals in competition history at Wembley Stadium back in April.“As our business evolves to operate under one brand, we look forward to continuing to work alongside the EFL to drive the Vertu Trophy forwards, and are interested to see what fixtures emerge from Friday’s draw for the Round of 32.”The EFL Trophy has had 11 different sponsors since 1984 with the competition formerly known as the Papa John’s Trophy and the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEFL Chief Commercial Officer, Ben Wright said of the change: “Vertu have contributed significantly to the ongoing success of the competition and have made a lasting impact in communities by supporting accessible football with ticket initiatives.“Trophy attendances contributed strongly to the EFL’s status as the highest attended league body in Europe last season, and with every Vertu Trophy match live on Sky Sports this season, the exposure for the competition will continue on an upward trajectory.”Roy Keane reduces Ian Wright and Gary Neville to tears with crude comments about Premier League icon More