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    How Curtis Jones has blossomed into one of England’s best midfielders under Liverpool boss Arne Slot

    IT’S been a breakout season for Liverpool star Curtis Jones in more ways than one.On the pitch, he has excelled for the Reds – leading the Arne Slot revolution to put them firmly at the top of the Premier League.In-form Curtis Jones has been one of Europe’s most impressive midfielders this seasonCredit: PAJones’ brilliant form has coincided with the Reds star becoming a dadCredit: InstagramIn the Champions League clash against Real Madrid on Wednesday, Jones, 23, earned rave reviews for his all-action performance.Not only did he help his side to a 2-0 win, he kept Jude Bellingham in his pocket for 90 minutes.And now, an incredible stat has come to light that shows perhaps his greatest characteristic.The England prospect is his country’s leading passer of the ball – having completed a higher percentage of passes than his rivals.Read more football newsInterim England boss Lee Carsley said: “Curtis Jones would be up there with the most talented players I’ve worked with.””He’s got everything you need as a midfielder. He can run, very fast, powerful, can score, can assist, he can defend, he can take the ball. All he needs is opportunity.”New Liverpool boss Slot has also purred about Jones’ ability this campaign.The Dutchman told the BBC: “He has a lot of qualities on the ball.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”He is never afraid to do something special with it, but sometimes he touches the ball a bit too much in my opinion because he is so confident.”But confidence is an important tool. He has an incredibly hard work rate and we trust him in defence. He is complete.”For him now, it is all about consistency. The best players turn up every three days and that is what he has got to show.”How Liverpool outsmarted Chelsea with Slot’s genius ‘traffic jam’ trick and Curtis Jones masterclassJones’ upturn in form has coincided with a personal milestone – becoming a father for the first time, in what is turning out to be a memorable campaign.Class distributorIn November, Jones made his England debut under Lee Carsley – soon after he welcomed daughter Giselle with partner Saffie Khan.He made his bow against Greece a night to remember, scoring with an audacious backheel flick.A few weeks before that he dominated Chelsea – scoring the opener and winning a penalty in a man-of-the-match display.However, despite that swashbuckling display – it’s his passing that has been highlighted.According to WhoScored.com, he is flying high when it comes to pass success rate data.Astonishingly, Jones has completed 94.8 per cent of his passes this season – and ranks sixth out of all players in Europe’s top five leagues.Compared to established stars Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice, whose pass success rate is at 90.1 per cent and 89 per cent respectively, Jones is out on top among his Three Lions competitors.Even the likes of pass masters Martin Odegaard (85.9 per cent) and Bruno Fernandes (81.5 per cent) are trailing in his wake in the Premier League.Jones scored on his England debut against Greece and was a standout performerCredit: GettyBut it’s his passing that is proving to be Jones’ best weaponCredit: AlamyJones has a higher passing completion rate than any other England midfieldersCredit: GettyLiverpool legend Steven Gerrard believes there’s still more to come from Jones, who has found a new lease of life under Slot.”Rafa [Benitez] had to grab me to take me to another level, and the exciting thing for me looking in is that Arne seems the man who can really get Curtis to the next level,” Gerrard said.”If he [Slot] can get him there we will have a top, top international player on our hands. I am really excited to see his next 18 months and beyond.”Before he burst onto the sceneJones’ recent success is no surprise to those who tipped him for the top as he came through Liverpool’s youth ranks.He joined the club with the Under-9s and progressed quickly, making his U18s debut as an U16 player in the 2016-17 season, and went on to captain both the U19s and U23s.Jones was born in the city centre, and honed his skills on the street. He’s a local boy and received as one of their own.“At the top of my street, there’s a primary school,” he told The Independent.”In the evenings, we’d climb over the fence and play on their pitch or take one of the goals and just play in the street all night – we’d always put it back afterwards though.“I grew up the way a lot of Scousers do, just being a street kid, not having the best facilities, and making the most out of everything you can.”Man City’s Phil Foden battles for the ball with Jones during a 2017 FA Youth Cup gameCredit: PAUnder Liverpool boss Arne Slot, Jones’ game has continued to blossomCredit: APIn 2017, Jones became one of the most talked about youngsters in English football, when he led Liverpool to the quarter-finals of the Uefa Youth League with four goals.They went out to Manchester City, with Jones being one of the Liverpool players to have their penalties saved in the 3-2 shootout.Despite that upset, it helped cement his reputation as one of the most promising players of his generation.Stevie G influenceFormer Under-23s manager Michael Beale described Jones as a player “who can outplay you one-on-one, can play centre midfield, play wide and as a deep midfielder”.However, it was icon Gerrard who had a huge influence on the youngster when he was aspiring to make the grade at Anfield.Before the now Al-Ettifaq gaffer took up a post as Rangers manager, he enjoyed a stint with Liverpool’s U18 team in 2017.There, he got to work with Jones who admitted he wouldn’t be where he is today without Gerrard’s help.Steven Gerrard has a huge influence on Jones when the Reds legend coached the U18sCredit: Getty – ContributorSince breaking into the team in 2019, Jones has made himself a mainstayCredit: PA“A lot of people didn’t see the work both of us put in to push me on to get into the first team,” Jones said.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Things weren’t always easy, but he was the perfect person at the perfect time to help me.”He was the main coach who really told me what I had to work on. It was my all-round game, but also my all-round person. He knew the talent I had and put the fine details to me.” More

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    PSG plan transfer swap deal with Chelsea for striker Christopher Nkunku with international star heading the other way

    PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN have offered Chelsea a surprise swap deal involving forward Christopher Nkunku, according to reports.The Ligue 1 champs would be willing to send French international Randal Kolo Muani the other way if it meant they could be reunited with Nkunku.PSG are considering a sensational swap deal for Christopher NkunkuPSG are willing to send forward Randal Kolo Muani the other wayThe Parisians are keen on bringing their former youth product back to the Parc Des Princes five years after he left the club.Nkunku is actually Chelsea’s top scorer this term, but he’s played 163 Prem minutes since his sole start on the opening day defeat to Man City.Nkunku has scored 11 goals in all competitions this season, though 10 of those have been in the Carabao Cup and Conference League, while the other was through a subbed appearance at Wolves.But for all the European goals since September, playing time in the Prem has been hard to come by for Nkunku.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe has failed to break into the Blues starting XI in the Prem, with manager Enzo Maresca admitting that he deserves more chances, but there’s too many attackers to choose from in his bloated squad.With Cole Palmer playing in his ideal No.10 position, and Nicolas Jackson firing as the No.9, Nkunku’s had to watch most weekends from the bench.The Frenchman scored his latest goal in Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Heidenheim in the Conference League on Thursday, extending the club’s 100 per cent record in Europe this season.And Chelsea fans do value Nkunku, with many of them thrilled to welcome his £52m arrival 18 months ago from RB Leipzig, where he scored 70 goals and provided 56 assists in 172 matches.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNkunku still has five years remaining on his contract with the Blues, with his first season at Stamford Bridge marred by a series of injury problems.But with his current chances limited, the 27-year-old could be open to returning to his former side.He made 78 appearances for PSG but didn’t achieve significant success on an individual level, scoring 11 goals during Kylian Mbappe’s reign. World Cup finalist Muani, 25, is said to be being considered as part of a swap deal, as he is not in current PSG manager Luis Enrique’s plans.Chelsea searched for a striker over the summer and Muani may well fit the bill in terms of competition for Jackson, but it is claimed that the Blues aren’t yet considering such a swap.Maresca wants Nkunku to stay and sent a message to disgruntled Chelsea stars after Thursday’s 2-0 win.He said: “They (the players) are ready and it’s important. Filip did a very good game, Christo Nkunku the same. We have nine or 10 games in December so they are going to get more chances. They need to be ready.”Meanwhile, Manchester United are also monitoring Nkunku’s dilemma at Chelsea.United could sign him to replace Joshua Zirkzee, who has failed to impress at Old Trafford since joining in the summer.Chelsea ratings vs HeidenheimChelsea remained at the top of the table with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Heidenheim.Christopher Nkunku and Mykhailo Mudryk got on the scoresheet as the Bundesliga side gave them their toughest test so far in the Conference League.The Blues were not at their best in the opening 45 minutes but were far better after a half-time team talk from Enzo Maresca.Click here to see how SunSport’s Alex Smith rated the Chelsea performances. More

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    Meet Marcus Rashford’s new Wag Grace Jackson, the Love Island bombshell who models for EGO and used to date Joey Essex

    GRACE JACKSON is the former Love Island star dating Marcus Rashford.The 25-year-old turned heads when she appeared in the villa earlier this year.Grace Jackson is dating Man Utd star Marcus RashfordCredit: GettyThe Love Island star recently attended a lavish Manchester bashCredit: SplashThe model has gathered a huge social media followingCredit: InstagramGrace, 25, entered Love Island earlier this yearCredit: RexMarcus Rashford has been dating the former Love Island favouriteCredit: GettyDuring her stint on the show, Grace hooked up with former Towie star Joey Essex.It later emerged that the pair already knew each other, having enjoyed a holiday romance last year.Following the conclusion of Love Island, Grace dated fellow contestant Reuben Collins.But after ending that relationship in September, she has since found love with Manchester United star Rashford.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGrace hails from Walkden, Manchester, and quickly hit it off with the England international.A pal exclusively told The Sun on Sunday: “Marcus and Grace have been quietly spending time together and he has whisked her on numerous dates around Cheshire.”They get on really well and have lots in common.”During her time in the Love Island villa, Grace amassed a huge social media following.Most read in FootballGrace has nearly 600,000 Instagram followersCredit: instagramHer snaps routinely receive more than 20,000 likesCredit: InstagramThe influencer has been inundated with modelling offersCredit: InstagramGrace hooked up with Joey Essex on Love IslandCredit: RexShe has nearly 600,000 Instagram followers, with her posts routinely receiving more than 20,000 likes.In August she landed a huge six-figure fashion deal with brand EGO, barely a month after leaving the villa.Grace Jackson’s Stylish Breakthrough: From Love Island to Top Fashion DealAt the time, The Sun revealed that Grace accepted the eye-watering deal after being inundated with offers. A rep for Grace told The Sun: “We are so excited to announce after multiple offers Grace has signed a deal with EGO worth six figures.”Grace has always loved EGO and the creative ideas really align with her style and personality.”No other islander has done anything like this for a first brand deal and we know it’s going to be a huge moment for Grace.”The Sun reported that Grace was set to follow in the footsteps of Molly-Mae Hague – becoming the first millionaire of the series.Prior to signing with EGO, she also held talks with PrettyLittleThing.READ MORE SUN STORIESRashford, 27, split from childhood sweetheart Lucia Loi last year.The forward recently enjoyed a trip to New York with pals during last month’s international break.Grace is ‘smitten’ with Marcus RashfordCredit: instagramThe influencer loves a night out in ManchesterCredit: SplashGrace did not reach the Love Island finalCredit: SplashShe has been backed to become a Love Island millionaireCredit: Instagram More

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    Wolves fan goes to extreme measures to distract Justin Kluivert taking a penalty in loss to Bournemouth

    ONE Wolves fan tried his best to stop Justin Kluivert from making history yesterday.The Bournemouth winger became the first player in Premier League history to score a hat-trick of penalties during the Cherries’ 4-2 win over Wolves.One Wolves fan tried their best to put Justin Kluivert off when the Bournemouth star took his third penalty on SaturdayCredit: AFPThe supporter readied himself as Kluivert stepped upCredit: Premier LeagueHe dropped his trousers to expose his underwearCredit: Premier LeagueThe fan then bared all by lifting his top up tooCredit: Premier LeagueThe fan’s efforts were ultimately in vein as Kluivert netted the spot-kick to become the first player in Premier League history to score a hat-trick of penaltiesCredit: GettyBut as he stepped up to take his record-breaking third spot-kick in the 74th minute, one Wolves fan bared it all to try and put him off.The brave Wolves supporter took advantage of his seat directly behind Jose Sa’s goal and spectacularly STRIPPED DOWN to his pants.But despite braving the late November conditions, the wishful Wolves fan saw his efforts prove fruitless as Kluivert tucked home from 12 yards.Nonetheless fans were loving the fans’ efforts and took to social media to react.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne wrote: “So perfect, but it didn’t work”.While another added: “Nooooo. I can’t believe a fan did that and it backfired hahaha”.A third commented: “Doing this on live TV is crazy!”And a fourth joked: ” Worked a treat”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe unusual moment wasn’t the only story to come out of the crowd at Molineux yesterday.Wolves keeper Sa was restrained by security after a row broke out with one of his own fans at half-time.Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa has to be held back by security in row with fanWith Wolves trailing 3-1 at the break tensions boiled over causing the intense back and forth.Sa walked around the goal he had been defending in the first half and proceeded to point and shout at someone in the crowd.Security held him back as they attempted to prevent the Wolves shot-stopper from getting any closer.A fan in a Wolves shirt was then seen being escorted out by security.Jose Sa found himself arguing with a fan in the crowdCredit: ReutersStewards tried to calm down and restrain the Wolves keeperCredit: AFPA fan in a Wolves shirt was escorted from the standsCredit: Rex More

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    Schumacher’s bodyguard was ‘angry F1 legend’s family were sacking him & began £12m blackmail plot to sell pics of star’

    BOMBSHELL new details have emerged around the £12million blackmail plot on Michael Schumacher and his family.German cops have been leading investigations into the Formula One legend’s bodyguard and two others who have been accused of threatening his loved ones.Details around seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher’s blackmail plot have been revealedCredit: AlamyMarkus F, the former security guard for the Schumacher family, allegedly planned the blackmail plotCredit: FacebookBouncer Yilmaz T was also hired to extort £12million from Schumachar’s family, it is claimedOne of the people allegedly in charge of the sickening plot is Michael’s former bodyguard known as Markus F.He was allowed inside the famous Schumacher inner circle for upwards of eight years as Michael’s wife Corinna felt he was a trusted aide.Earlier this year, the relationship drastically declined as Corinna was forced to let Markus go due to changes to her husband’s care plan.This allegedly turned him bitter as he started to hatch a plan to extort the Schumacher family, the MailOnline reports.read more in schumacher Markus had access to private information around the health and well-being of the seven time world champion and is believed to have started conspiring to reveal it all on the dark web.Corinna has made sure the health of her 55-year-old husband has remained a closely guarded secret since his 2013 skiing accident.Markus’ thwarted plan saw him allegedly steal 1,500 secret files from the Schumacher family home.This sensitive material was believed to have been uploaded onto four USB sticks and two hard drives in the days prior to Markus being let go.Most read in MotorsportThe content included photos, videos, medication lists and even Schumacher’s patient file, BILD reported back in July.After stealing the information, Markus is then believed to have recruited long-term pal and local bouncer Yilmaz T, say German authorities.Inside Michael Schumacher’s decade-long recovery from ‘desperately cruel’ ski crash as brother shares devastating updateYilmaz then allegedly used his son Daniel L to help him make contact with the Schumacher family and begin trying to extort them.Some of the files were even sent to his family as proof via email, prosecutors say.The trio threatened to sell the content on the dark web where it could have been dumped it into the public domain, German media alleges.They are accused of asking Corinna for £12million to return the files.Yilmaz – who had known Markus for over 20 years – was allegedly promised a small commission in return for his help.On July 4, officers arrested Markus in his apartment in Wülfrath. They also detained Yilmaz and his son Daniel L. for the alleged blackmail plot.Authorities said they were able to track down the alleged extortionists through “technical measures”.Yilmaz T has been charged with extortion and remains in custody. Daniel L is accused of aiding and abetting extortion but is out on bail.Markus is also out on bail, it is believed.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe men’s trial is set to take place in December in Wuppertal. Prosecutors are asking for the men to spend at least four years behind bars if found guilty. What happened to Michael Schumacher?MICHAEL Schumacher’s life was hanging by a thread over 10-years-ago as medics tried desperately to keep him alive after a tragic skiing crash.The F1 legend was left with horrific brain injuries and placed into a coma for 250 days.He was given the best possible treatment as he underwent hours of tricky operations on his brain.Back in 2013, the retired seven-time world champion, and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel.Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations.At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed.At the time, medics said Schumacher was likely to stay in an induced coma for at least 48 hours as his body and mind recovered.But the coma ended up lasting 250 days – more than eight months.After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva to get further treatment.Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status.Only small amounts of information have been released including reports that Schumacher was in a wheelchair but can react to things around him.In 2019, it was said that Schumacher was set to undergo breakthrough stem cell therapy in a bid to regenerate and rebuild his nervous system.Renowned France cardiologist Dr Philippe Menasche, who had operated on him previously, was set to carry out the treatment that would see cells from his heart go to his brain.Following the treatment at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, he was said to be “conscious”, although few other details were given about his state.The men reportedly targeted Michael’s wife CorinnaCredit: Alamy More

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    Luton to be forced into massive pay-off if Rob Edwards is sacked with Hatters treading water in Championship

    LUTON will have to come up with a massive pay-off to sack struggling boss Rob Edwards.The Hatters need to find as much as £1.5MILLION if they fire Edwards, with Luton treading water in the Championship this season.Luton Town could have to fork out £1.5m to sack Rob EdwardsCredit: GettyLuton fought until the final day of the season to stay afloat in the Premier League last term but ultimately saw their brief spell in the top flight come to an end.And after a valiant effort amongst the big boys, everything is beginning to unravel in the Championship.Luton sit 19th in the division, only three points above the drop zone, and have won just two of their last eight games in the league.By comparison the other two relegated sides from last season, Sheffield United and Burnley, are currently occupying the top two spots in the Championship.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs such, that has piled huge pressure on boss Rob Edwards, who had bought himself plenty of time as boss by helping Luton gain promotion to the big time in the first place.But if the bosses at Kenilworth Road do want to shift on the 41-year-old then they will have to fork out some serious cash.That’s because Edwards penned a new four-year deal in June when he was the Hatters’ flavour of the month.Now that seems a distant memory as Norwich City piled more misery on Edwards and his team in a 4-2 defeat at Carrow Road on Saturday.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSpeaking after the game, Edwards pinned the blame on his players rather than himself.He said: “People have got to fix it quickly, otherwise they won’t play.Luton star Liam Walsh is sent off just 36 seconds after coming on against Oxford”Too many times it’s happened, but today it was so, so evident.“The plan was good, there was a good performance there, and we should have come away winning the game, but we’ve made four massive errors individually and it’s cost us a game of football again.”Luton lost 4-2 to Norwich City on SaturdayCredit: Getty More

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    Top Premier League goalkeeper’s future in doubt with manager and director of football embroiled in transfer battle

    WHICH top Prem keeper’s future is in question with his club’s boss and director of football split over their opinions of him?The shot-stopper may even move next month with the pair bickering about his abilities.A Prem stopper’s future is in doubtCredit: GettyThe issue is now being disguised but will come to a head if the club’s other keeper is NOT sold in the January window.ALIOU CISSE could make a managerial move to Britain after parting ways with Senegal in October.Former midfielder Cisse, 48,  is desperate to work in England after playing here for Birmingham and Portsmouth.The respected coach spent almost a decade as his national team’s boss before deciding he wanted a new challenge.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSCisse’s strong links with African players and that market may make him appealing for some clubs looking for a new manager.Aliou Cisse has impressed while managing SenegalCredit: RexBLACKBURN are trialling Dundalk winger Eoin Kenny — the son of former Republic of Ireland boss Stephen.The prospect, 18, would be a cheap buy and Rovers are after bargains. Kenny is trying to impress at Ewood Park and waiting to see  if he gets a deal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSStephen Kenny’s son is bidding to earn a contract at BlackburnCredit: SportsfileAUSSIE midfielder Cameron Peupion wants to get away from Brighton after a difficult couple of years.Peupion, 22, is a free agent at the end of the season and could move out in the next window to start playing regularly.Ruud van Nistelrooy announced as Leicester manager as Man Utd legend makes swift return to Premier LeagueSeagulls signed Peupion from Sydney in 2020 but he was sent out on loan at Cheltenham last season.The winger has made five first team appearances for Brighton.Cameron Peupion has struggled for game time at BrightonCredit: Getty More

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    Liverpool midfielder Tyler Morton lined up for Sheffield United transfer as Blades look to recover from Arblaster injury

    SHEFFIELD UNITED may make a loan move for Liverpool midfielder Tyler Morton — to soften the blow of losing Oli Arblaster.Morton, 18, has already shown he can handle the Championship in spells at Blackburn and Hull and could now get a third crack.Sheffield United are considering a loan move for Liverpool and England U21 star Tyler MortonCredit: GettyThe Blades need a short-term solution after the loss of injured midfield ace Arblaster, 20, and Morton was surprisingly left at the Kop this term.United have been looking at foreign targets too but those projects would need sales to make them happen and to create vacancies in their talented squad.Morton managed three goals and five assists in 40 Championship appearances for Blackburn last season.This term he has mostly been resigned to the bench for Liverpool under Arne Slot and has made just two appearances in the Carabao Cup against Brighton and West Ham.READ MORE TRANSFER NEWSAt youth level Morton has excelled in the Premier League 2, the Prem’s development league, scoring three times and setting up another in just three appearances.Morton is also a England U21 international and was called up to Ben Futcher’s squad for friendlies against the Netherlands and Spain in November.Sheffield United look like they will be keeping hold of another rising star from the Premier League too.Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is happy for Jesurun Rak-Sakyi to stay on loan at the Blades.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGlasner wanted Rak-Sakyi to get game time and it paid off with Eagles fans keen on him returning to boost their Prem survival scrap.But the Palace manager plans to let Rak-Sakyi, 22, stay at Bramall Lane rather than become part of his thin squad.Since arriving in Sheffield Rak-Sakyi has scored four goals and registered two assists in 17 Championship games.Jesurun Rak-Sakyi is expected to remain on loan at Sheffield UnitedCredit: RexRuben Amorim makes Man Utd transfers vow as new boss wastes no time in stamping authority on new employers More