Philippa Kaur

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    James Trafford on course to complete Newcastle transfer in summer 12 months after move collapsed

    JAMES TRAFFORD is on course to become a Newcastle United player – whether Burnley are promoted or not.The goalkeeper, 22, has been in incredible form for the high-flying Clarets and has not conceded for over 1,000 minutes.James Trafford seems certain to return to the Prem next seasonCredit: ReutersThe England U21 international had agreed to move to St James’ for £16m last summer before the deal collapsed.Manchester City have a buy-back clause as part of the package that took him to Turf Moor in 2023 which states they can re-sign for a £40m-plus fee.But Newcastle are not believed to have any concerns about that and are confident they can get the transfer over the line this summer.Trafford, who has just two years left on his contract, also has his heart set on the move.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis performances have been closely monitored by the Premier League side’s scouts for over the past year.And his ball-playing ability as well as his shotstopping talents have made him a stand-out choice to be Toon’s new No1.Trafford, for now, will be hoping to extend his 11-game clean sheet run on Friday night when third-placed Burnley host Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship.Meanwhile, Newcastle are still determined to hold onto Arsenal target Alexander Isak.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLiverpool and Chelsea are also thought to be monitoring the Swedish striker.But the Magpies want around £165million for the Swede – twice what the Gunners would have hoped to pay.Eddie Howe determined to end Newcastle’s trophy drought in Carabao Cup final Newcastle have the 25-year-old on a contract, believed to be £130,000 a week, until 2028.Toon chief Eddie Howe has said: “We of course love him and are desperate for him to stay at Newcastle for many years.” More

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    Europa League clash STOPPED with players immediately sent off pitch after chaos breaks out in stands

    A EUROPA League clash was suspended for FIFTEEN minutes after a fight broke out in the stands.Fenerbahce and Anderlecht players were asked to leave the pitch just SEVEN minutes into their second leg knockout tie in Brussels.A Europa League clash was suspended for 15 minutes after a fight broke out in the standsBoth sets of players were asked to leave the pitchThe referee and Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho were asked to make way down the tunnel insideFenerbahce went 1-0 up inside four minutesFenerbahce were 3-0 up after the first leg in Turkey last week and things got off to the perfect start on Thursday after Youssef En-Nesyri scored inside four minutes.But, just after the celebrations had calmed down, the match was suspended after fans began fighting in the crowd.Both sets of players headed over to where the trouble was, including former Manchester United star Fred, before they were pulled away.Former QPR star Bright Osayi-Samuel went the closest to the chaos and urged security staff to intervene, before Milan Skriniar dragged him away from the area.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFenerbahce gaffer Jose Mourinho appeared to instruct his players to come off the pitch amid mayhem in the stands.Both teams headed back to the dressing room, although other fans at Anderlecht’s Lotto Park Stadium remained in their seats. It was initially unclear what caused the halt to the game, but TNT Sports’ live coverage claimed it was due to a security issue.Referee Sandro Schaerer and Mourinho also swiftly made their way down the tunnel to allow riot police to deal with the disturbance. Most read in FootballRiot police rushed into the stands to deal with the crowd trouble, while stewards also did what they could to defuse tensions.The match has since resumed after a 15 minute stoppage.Anderlecht equalised through Luis Vazquez, before taking the lead in the 55th minute.But centre-back Yusuf Akcicek made it 2-2, which saw Mourinho’s side win 5-2 on aggregate. Fenerbahce are enjoying an impressive season, although they languish six points behind arch-rivals Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig despite winning 18 of their 23 league games.Their squad includes several former Prem stars including Tadic, Dzeko, Fred, Caglar Soyuncu, Diego Carlos, Allan Saint-Maximin, Sofyan Amrabat and Cenk Tosun. More

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    Chelsea learn which two teams they could face as Conference League last-16 is confirmed

    CHELSEA are a step closer to learning their Europa Conference League fate for the last 16.The Blues, who topped the league phase with a flawless showing, now know which two teams they could play in the next round.Chelsea have learnt who they will face in the Conference League last 16Credit: GettyEnzo Maresca’s side bypassed the need for a play-off round and booked a spot straight into the last 16 proper thanks to their league phase efforts.And now the Stamford Bridge outfit will take on one of the winners from the play-off round in the last 16 in March.Chelsea had known they would face one of Gent, Real Betis, Copenhagen or Heidenheim next, but now know that it is between just two of those sides after the conclusion of the play-off round.FC Copenhagen’s 4-3 aggregate win over Heidenheim and Real Betis’ two-legged victory over Gent, means it’ll be one of Betis or Copenhagen who face the tough task of taking on the Londoners.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA draw will take place on Friday to determine which of Betis and Copenhagen will have to travel to SW6 next month.Whoever isn’t drawn to face Chelsea will take on Portuguese side Vitoria de Guimaraes.Chelsea haven’t played against Real Betis since a 1-0 defeat in the Champions League all the way back in 2005.While their last clash against Copenhagen saw them play out a 0-0 draw in the 2010/11 Champions League round of 16.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA tie with Betis would mean Chelsea would have to deal with in-form Antony, who sealed a loan to the La Liga club in January and has been scoring for fun since.As a seeded team, Chelsea will contest the away leg of their round of 16 tie on March 6, with the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge scheduled for March 13.Chelsea could face Antony’s Real BetisCredit: GettyDanish side FC. Copenhagen are their other potential opponentsCredit: Getty’Pressure shouldn’t be on the coach’ – Gary Neville slams Chelsea board for ‘unforgivable’ mistake More

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    I was on books of EFL club’s youth teams… now I’m in England squad for major tournament in completely different sport

    TO most players, a shock promotion to No 3 in the England batting line-up for a crunch match would be a huge change.But perhaps not for Jamie Smith – as he dropped a promising football career to become one of cricket’s most exciting prospects.Jamie Smith has raced up the England batting order to become No 3 for Saturday’s Champions Trophy opener against AustraliaCredit: GettySmith will bat one up from Test legend Joe Root in the ODICredit: GettyEngland are gambling by elevating the powerful hitterCredit: GettyTest legend Joe Root has been moved down to No 4 due to Smith’s rise up the order for Saturday’s Champions Trophy opener against Australia.It will be only the second time the big-hitter has come in first wicket down in professional 50-over cricket.Not only that, the 24-year-old will also take the gloves from Phil Salt, who will continue to open the batting alongside Ben Duckett.But it’s nothing too dramatic for Smith – not compared to the major decision he made aged 15.READ MORE IN SPORTHe was a highly-talented central midfielder for League Two club AFC Wimbledon.And indeed as a kid football dominated his thoughts… until he became the first person in his family to play cricket.Surrey CCC rated Smith so highly at the smaller-ball game that they picked him for their Under-17s when he was just 12.The wicketkeeper-batsman revealed how it all began.Most read in CricketSmith faces a big task behind the stumps and with the batCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe once told the Mail: “No one in my family played cricket. “I was pushed into a holiday camp with my local club, Sutton – something my parents did to keep me busy.”England legend’s son, 16, hits new career milestone with incredible century as dad watches on as his coachHowever, he confessed: “I didn’t really want that to be the case, but I knew with my cricket that I had something a little bit special. “I wasn’t naive. When you’re growing up, people push you for a reason.”They’re putting you in higher teams, because they can see a talent in you.‘It was getting to the point where football and cricket were overlapping too much. “Going on pre-season tours with Surrey in March meant missing things. Doing both wasn’t sustainable.”However, Smith revealed choosing cricket was partly down to a brutal self-assessment of his chances at football.He said: “Walking into a contracts meeting with Wimbledon at the end of the season, knowing how the contracts worked, I was never going to get one. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Everyone had their little percentage score for attendance and mine was 56.”Now, however, that’s a figure he’d love to match for England at cricket, where he averages an impressive 42 in Tests and a modest 22 in ODIs.England cricketer Smith was a youth footballer with AFC WimbledonCredit: Getty More

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    England ace Lucy Bronze hails ‘brave’ Spain players and former Barcelona team-mates following Luis Rubiales case verdict

    LUCY BRONZE praised the ‘incredible’ bravery of Spain international players who were involved in the case brought against Luis Rubiales. The ex-Spanish football federation chief was found guilty of kissing forward Jenni Hermoso without her consent following Spain winning the Women’s World Cup in August 2023.Former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales was found guilty of sexually assaulting Spain forward Jenni HermosoCredit: PASpain’s record goalscorer Hermoso accused Rubiales of kissing her against herCredit: ReutersBronze’s old Barcelona team-mates Alexia Putellas and Irene Paredes were among the Spain players who gave testimonies in support of Hermoso during the caseCredit: EPABronze says Spain’s players have been “incredibly brave” in their fight for change within the sport in their countryCredit: GettyEarlier Today Rubiales was convicted of sexual assault after kissing Hermoso on the lips.The incident happened as she celebrated her team’s 1-0 defeat of England in the tournament’s final in Sydney. It marred the triumph for Spain’s players and the forward, who is currently her national side’s record goal scorer. It aslo prompted an international outcry across the sport with the Spanish FA issuing a public apology. Read More Football StoriesAfter being found guilty of sexual assault Rubiales was fined £8935 (EUROS 10,800), but was acquitted of a charge of coercion after being accused pressuring the player to downplay the incident.The conviction came a year and five months after he resigned as president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Irene Paredes and Alexia Putellas, Bronze’s team-mates at Barcelona and Arsenal’s Laia Codina appeared at the trial to give testimonies in support of Hermoso Speaking shortly ahead of the verdict reached by Spain’s High Court, Bronze, who played at Barcelona for two years from June 2022 said: “I am good friends with a lot of the players involved around it. Most read in Football“From my point of view it’s been incredibly brave that these players have had to go through that. “It’s incredibly brave, as individuals and as a team collectively they’re fighting for change, not just in that court case but in their federation. “It’s amazing. As an England team we’ve made changes, not for the same reasons, but we stand by them.“During my last year at Barcelona, watching their ordeals after the World Cup, I think it was challenging for them. “It would be nice for them to get back to their football and focusing on that because they are incredible people and unbelievable players as well.”Bronze and her England team-mates will play Spain in the Women’s Nations League on February 26 five days after taking on Portugal. Both matches and the verdict of the Rubiales case come in a month in which female athletes’ safety and abuse directed at female footballers has been in the spotlight. On Sunday Manchester City’s Khadija Bunny Shaw gave a Black Power salute after scoring during her side’s 4-0 win against Liverpool in the WSL. The Jamaica striker was the target of racist and misogynistic abuse following the Cityzens’ 4-3 loss to Arsenal in the Women’s League Cup on February 6. Shaw’s club and a Man City fan group said they were appalled by the “disgusting treatment” of the player who finished last season as the WSL’s top goalscorer. And England and Chelsea’s Millie Bright spoke out against a fan directing expletive-laden insults at her during the Blues’ 1-0 away win at Aston Villa earlier this month. Bronze, who has spoken out on a range of issues facing players in the women’s game, insists it’s important female athletes can use their platforms to push for change and empower each other.The right-back, who joined Chelsea from Barcelona last July, said:  “Everyone is using their platform to make change and to try and be positive and to do the right things. “That is something that is special about women’s sport in general. We all have each other’s backs and try to empower each other. “Sadly there is that negative side to sport in general but we are trying to make change. Khadija Shaw did a Black Power salute after being the target of racist and misogynistic abuse earlier this monthCredit: Getty“We want the world to be a better place, the sports that we play to be better places. READ MORE SUN STORIES“We want to be safe, we want to bring joy and excitement and that is why we all play the sport. “To use our platforms to push those things forward and make change for little boys and girls, that is something we hold really dear to our hearts.” More

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    Keely Hodgkinson looks stunning in bold outfit as she poses with £15million F1 car ahead of new season

    OLYMPIC hero Keely Hodgkinson has swapped the running track for the race track as she posed in front of Aston Martin’s new Formula One car.The gold medallist donned a sharp pantsuit as she attended the F1’s 75th anniversary car launch event at the O2 in London on Tuesday.Keely Hodgkinson posed in front of Aston Martin’s F1 carCredit: instagram The Olympic hero attended F1’s launch event at the O2Credit: PAHodgkinson, who captured the hearts of the nation with her heroics in Paris last summer, posed in front of Aston Martin’s new livery at the event.The car, which will be driven by Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, is likely to be worth around £15MILLION – as is the average for a F1 car.Fans of Hodgkinson and F1 were loving the crossover when she posted the snap on Instagram.One wrote: “Almost as fast as you”.READ MORE IN F1While another added: “I wonder which is faster? My bet is on the two legged racing machine”.And a third joked: “I see you are getting closer to your dream car!” Hodgkinson was joined by a whole host of other stars at the event in Greenwich.Alongside drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris, celeb attendees included Gordon Ramsay, Jack Whitehall and Maura Higgins.Most read in MotorsportLewis Hamilton looked dapper alongside Charles Leclerc and Frederic VasseurCredit: GettyThe Ramsay family were also at the 02 ArenaCredit: GettyChristian Horner and his Spice Girl wife were seen alongside Jack Whitehall on the red carpetCredit: GettyMaura Higgins wore a bold outfit at the eventCredit: RexHodgkinson will have enjoyed a night to take her mind off the heartache of an injury scuppering her chances of breaking a longstanding world record.The 22-year-old had planned to run the quickest time over 800 metres indoors at her inaugural Keely Klassic at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena last weekend.Olympic winner Keely Hodgkinson soaks up the atmosphere with Man Utd fans at Old Trafford But she saw her opportunity to do so snatched away when an injury in her hamstring flared up just three days before the event.And a scan has since revealed a significant problem that has even raised questions about her ability to compete again this winter.Speaking on the injury, Hodgkinson revealed that she shed a tear upon finding out the news.She said: “I’m so gutted and disappointed to be announcing this. I’m devastated to be missing the launch of the first Keely Klassic.”Me and my team worked so hard these last couple of months to put me in a perfect position to race, and I was so excited to perform in front of a home crowd.”I won’t lie – when I got the news this afternoon, I shed a tear.”I’ve worked so hard for this moment and was in the best shape of my life. I’m absolutely gutted that I won’t be able to race for the fans.”Especially after so many have bought tickets to see me try and break the world record.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But this event was never just about me – it was always about showcasing British talent, creating something new for the sport, and bringing more energy and entertainment to athletics.”That’s something I’m committed to for the long term. I’ll be in Birmingham on Saturday doing everything I can to make sure it’s an amazing night for the athletes and the fans.”Hodgkinson was ruled out of a world record attempt at the inaugural Keely Klassic with a hamstring injuryCredit: APThe star still turned up at the eventCredit: GettyHodgkinson won gold in the Women’s 800m in ParisCredit: PAShe was also named as BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024Credit: PA More

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    Jack Whitehall reacts to what Lewis Hamilton & Charles Leclerc did in F1 75 crowd as Brit legend predicts ‘trouble’

    JACK WHITEHALL looked at the funny side after coming across Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc playing CHESS in the F1 75 crowd.The two Ferrari team-mates were spotted playing chess on their mobile phones during Tuesday night’s live event at The 02.Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were spotted enjoying a virtual game of chess during a live F1 eventCredit: GettyClips of the interaction went viral on social media, with event host Jack Whitehall taking it wellCredit: GettyJack Whitehall found humour in the viral social media post and joked about his hosting skillsCredit: GettyHamilton and his fellow drivers attended F1’s London launch event to celebrate the sport’s 75th anniversary.Teams revealed their car liveries in front of a sold-out crowd of 15,000 fans ahead of the new season.But, with the teams appearing in reverse Constructors’ Championship order from 2024, there was plenty of time for Hamilton and Leclerc to pass as they waited for their big moment. The pair hatched a hilarious solution, pulling out their phones and starting a head-to-head battle over a game of virtual chess.READ MORE F1 NEWSClips of the interaction went viral on social media, with event host Whitehall coming across it later.The comedian replied to a post on X: “A lot of my audiences resort to this.”Hamilton and Leclerc’s chess antics are a positive sign that their relationship is in the right place heading into the new season.The Brit previously admitted there will “definitely” be “trouble” between himself and the French F1 star.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe seven-time world champ said: “Last year, we spent a couple of evenings together during the year at a couple of different races and had some good laughs.”So I know that we’re definitely going to get into some trouble and have some fun during our time here.”Whitehall meanwhile pulled no punches as he made fun of Max Verstappen and Toto Wolff, among others, during the show.As Whitehall walked past a grumpy-looking Verstappen, he said: “Cheer up Max, it could’ve been worse.”We didn’t sit you next to George Russell.”Verstappen, 27, gave a polite smile to the comment before the camera panned over to Russell.The Dutchman and Russell had heated run-in following the Qatar Grand Prix in December last year after Verstappen allegedly said he would deliberately crash into the Brit.Speaking at the event last night, Russell said he and the Red Bull driver “hadn’t spoken” over the winter, and insisted he had “no intention” of burying the hatchet.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: 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 Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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    Transfer recommendations ahead of Gameweek 25: Bryan Mbeumo among several tempting midfield options

    ALL 20 Premier League clubs will be in action TWICE in double Gameweek 25!As a result, Dream Team managers are spoiled for choice when deciding upon their transfers before Friday’s 6:30pm deadline.Cole Palmer faces Aston Villa and Southampton in Gameweek 25Credit: GettyBefore we rattle off some specific transfer recommendations, a quick word for top-tier midfielders Cole Palmer (£5.9m) and Bruno Fernandes (£6.1m).We wouldn’t usually insult your intelligence by including such obvious players in our transfer recommendations but the pair are worth a mention as they remain strong selections despite Chelsea and Manchester United’s faltering form.Jean-Philippe Mateta (£4.4m)A man in formCredit: ReutersThe beautiful thing about a full double Gameweek is that it opens up a host of options from clubs that are usually overlooked.Crystal Palace are a great example as they have improved dramatically in the last two months, producing plenty of Dream Team points in the process.The Eagles’ lack of European fixtures would usually be a hindrance but that’s irrelevant in Gameweek 25 and so Mateta has to be considered a strong differential given his form of late.The French forward, who features in just 3.4% of teams, has scored seven goals in his last seven games in a fruitful spell that has yielded 72 points.Palace are due to face Fulham and Aston Villa this coming Gameweek.Daniel Munoz (£5.2m) is a super viable option too as Dream Team’s most in-form defender.Most read in FootballLooking further ahead, Oliver Glasner’s side have an FA Cup fifth round tie with Millwall in Gameweek 26 – they’re one of only three top-flight teams due to face lower-league opposition.Bryan Mbeumo (£4.7m)A popular transfer this weekCredit: GettyYou probably don’t need a second invitation to back Brentford’s talisman.Only the aforementioned Palmer and Fernandes have outscored the Cameroon international among midfielders to this point, a remarkable statistic given the Bees have no European commitments.Not only does Mbeumo have the luxury of a rare double Gameweek, he’ll kick things off against Leicester on Friday night – only Southampton have conceded more league goals than the Foxes in 2024/25.Yoane Wissa (£3m) and Kevin Schade (£3.1m) will also be licking their lips but Mbeumo is surely the most likely man to take advantage at the King Power – he’s scored 14 league goals this term.Kaoru Mitoma (£3.6m)Fresh off a Goal of the Season contenderCredit: GettyLike Mbeumo, Brighton’s No22 will be unleashed upon relegation-bound opposition in the first of his two fixtures this Gameweek.The Seagulls travel to St Mary’s to face a Southampton side still in need of some points to scrape past Derby’s record-low total of 11 from 2007/08.Mitoma has scored four goals in his last six games and will fancy his chances of extending his good form when he meets the top flight’s worst defence on Saturday.Bournemouth will provide a tougher test in midweek.See also: Yankuba Minteh (£2.5m) and Georginio Rutter (£3.2m)Matheus Cunha (£5m)Talent to burnCredit: PAArne Slot recently claimed Wolves’ No10 was good enough to play for any of the Premier League’s top five teams and the Dutchman has a point.Cunha ranks in the top three forwards for big chances created, tackles and bonus points.And that’s just the additional extras he has provided on top of his 17 goal involvements.Without over complicating it, the Brazilian is Dream Team’s most in-form player ahead of Gameweek 25 and that alone makes him a strong option.READ MORE SUN STORIESGranted, a double header against Bournemouth and Fulham is a tricky proposition this season but Cunha took 12 points off Liverpool last time out, proof he has the ability to cash in against any opponent.Amazingly, the 25-year-old appears in just 3.4% of teams at the time of writing.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 NOW More