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      Saudi Arabia release new pictures of 92,000-capacity ‘germinating seed’ King Salman Stadium ahead of 2034 World Cup

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      SAUDI ARABIA have unveiled new pictures of the King Salman Stadium.Planning is well underway for the new national team stadium, which is being designed by world leader Populous.Saudi Arabia have unveiled pics of their state-of-the-art new stadiumCredit: .It is nature-inspired and the design represents a splitting seedCredit: .The arena could host more than 92,000 fansCredit: .Populous have designed the stadium which could host the 2034 World Cup finalCredit: .The stadium, which is scheduled to be completed by 2029, will boast a capacity of more than 92,000.The Royal Commission for Riyadh City and the Ministry of Sports have released a projection of what the arena could look like, with the design “based on Saudi Arabia’s mesmerising natural landscape”.The stadium will contain sports facilities, commercial areas and recreational facilities, with Saudi Arabia hopeful the ground could host international tournaments including the 2034 World Cup.It will also contain a Royal Box, hospitality skyboxes and lounges, 300 VVIP seats, and 2,200 VIP seats, and will feature internal screens, gardens and a walking path on its roof with panoramic views of King Abdulaziz Park.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSaudi envision a state-of-the-art sports park containing an athletics stadium, an aquatics centre with an Olympic-sized swimming pool as well as several training pitches.The stadium itself features a unique design with the external stands akin to leaves or even a broken up football pitch.The concept is a germinating seed that breaks, “cracks the earth and emerges as a dynamic yet seemingly natural intervention”.The idea is supposed to represent Saudi Arabia’s commitment to expanding sport in the country, from the grass roots to the elite level.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne projection of the stadium even shows the gaps in between the stands flowing out into paths surrounding the stadium, with Populous handed a big task to make the projection a reality.However they have a proven track record having worked on Wembley, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the 2022 World Cup final host Lusail Stadium.Inside futuristic three-sided stadium built on a cliff and covered with LED screens that could host 2034 World Cup games More

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      Sarina Wiegman reckons lack of match action for Chloe Kelly ‘is a concern’ – but says forward has enough England credit

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      SARINA WIEGMAN says Chloe Kelly’s lack of game time is a concern despite the forward’s inclusion in her latest Lionesses squad. The Manchester City player, who has started once in the WSL this term, has been named in Wiegman’s 24-strong England group. Sarina Wiegman says Chloe Kelly has built up enough credit for inclusion in England’s squadCredit: PAKelly’s Man City team-mate Lauren Hemp will miss England’s November camp after successfully undergoing knee surgeryCredit: AlamyElla Toone will also miss England’s last two fixtures this year due to a calf injuryCredit: PAHowever her club pal Lauren Hemp is among the notable absentees with the squad hit by injuries before friendly clashes with the USA and Switzerland. The in-form Man City forward will miss England’s two final matches of the year having successfully undergone a knee operation. Kelly, who is facing a battle for a Cityzens first team spot with forwards Mary Fowler and Aoba Fujino, five WSL appearances as a substitute this term. Of her battle for minutes at club level, England boss Wiegman said: “It’s a concern right now, already, but that’s a hard situation. Read More Football Stories“Competition at Man City is high too. But it’s also to have a look at what’s available? What players do we have available for our squad? “We have some injuries up front. Lauren Hemp is injured, Lauren James is injured, so that competition is still going on too. “Chloe knows that she’s not in the best position at (her) club at the moment but (she has) enough credit to bring her in, related to the whole team and the availability of players.”Hemp, who has impressed this season with five goals in seven WSL games, was absent from Man City’s  2-0 loss to Chelsea in the league on Saturday Most read in FootballMan United’s Ella Toone will also miss England’s matches due after sustaining a calf injury three days ago. Lauren James and Niamh Charles are still unavailable for England duty due to injury and Aston Villa defender Lucy Parker is also sidelined. Leicester City midfielder and defender Ruby Mace has is one of two uncapped players named in the Lionesses squadCredit: GettyWiegman’s latest squad includes senior call-ups for uncapped Leicester and Man City midfielders Ruby Mace and Laura Blindkilde.  And Man United defenders Gabby George and Millie Turner have also been named with George returning to the squad for the first time in two years. England will face Emma Hayes’ USA side at Wembley on November 30 before a December 3 clash with Switzerland at Bramall Lane. More

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      Man City wonderkid James McAtee ‘lined up for January transfer’ after playing ONE Premier League minute all season

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      MANCHESTER CITY ace James McAtee is being targeted by West Ham and Fulham ahead of the January transfer window.McAtee, 22, enjoyed an impressive loan stint with Sheffield United the last two years as he scored 14 goals and bagged eight assists in 75 appearances.Manchester City ace James McAtee is being targeted by Fulham and West HamCredit: GettyMan City could be open to selling McAtee in the January transfer windowCredit: GettyThe playmaker has found opportunities to be limited at the Etihad this season despite a string of injuries in the squad and has only played ONE MINUTE in the Premier League.According to The Guardian, that has led interest from both the Hammers and the Cottagers who are tracking the City academy product.He was reportedly targeted by Chelsea last summer.McAtee has played six times across all competitions, with his most impressive performance taking place last month in the Champions League at Slovan Bratislava where he scored a goal.Read More on FootballThe attacking midfielder could command a fee of at least £20million and the Cityzens would be open to a deal.The versatile midfielder is still highly regarded by the club, who could offer him a new contract with his current deal set to run out in 2026.However, the reigning Premier League champions have proven to be open to selling homegrown players as it helps their position with the English top flight’s profit and sustainability rules.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWest Ham have struggled in midfield this season with star player Lucas Paqueta being unable to replicate last term’s success.Most read in FootballPaqueta has also been charged with a breach of the Football Association’s betting regulations – the Brazil international denies the allegations.City wonderkid James McAtee scores impressive goal in trainingFulham are likely to rekindle their interest in McAtee after failing to land him in the summer.His former England Under-21 international team-mate Emile Smith Rowe has been rejuvenated under Marco Silva at Craven Cottage after he left Arsenal.Fellow Man City academy graduate Cole Palmer has also proven the grass can be greener away from Pep Guardiola’s side as he left the club last year and went on to become Chelsea’s biggest star. More

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      Brazil prodigy Endrick linked with shock transfer to Southampton after Real Madrid struggles

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      REAL MADRID and Brazil prodigy Endrick has been linked with a shock move to Southampton.Endrick, 18, moved to Real Madrid from Palmeiras this summer in a deal worth up to £60m.Real Madrid star Endrick has been linked wirh a switch to SouthamptonCredit: GettyThe highly-rated teenager has been making waves in Brazil, already notching up 13 caps for the Selecao and scoring his first goal against England at Wembley.But life in the Spanish capital has got off to a slow start with the forward well down the pecking order behind the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo.Since his arrival at the Bernabeu, Endrick has played just 55 minutes of La Liga action, albeit managing a goal and assist in that time.And with a lack of game-time, it’s claimed that the rising star could be ready to leave Madrid on loan to develop his game.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLUnbelievably, Russel Martin’s Southampton are one of the teams who have been linked with snapping up the attacker.According to Spanish outlet Sport, the Saints are one of a number of teams who have registered an interest in the teen.They claim that Southampton will face competition from the likes of AS Roma and Real Valladolid for Endrick’s signature.Southampton are crying out for an injection of creativity with the St Mary’s outfit rock bottom of the Premier League having scored just seven goals this term – the least amount of goals in the division.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSEndrick was linked to the Prem last summer with Chelsea vying for his services before he decided to join Real Madrid.While the youngster is clearly a fan of the English game after previously admitting that one of his idols is former England and Manchester United star Bobby Charlton.Fans gasp at ‘a crime being committed’ as Brazil wonderkid Endrick ‘humiliates’ rival with filthy skillThe superstar is affectionately called “Bobby” by his Real Madrid teammates as a result.Endrick was born 33 years after Charlton retired from football in 1973. More

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      Kim Kardashian and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson tipped for shock EFL club takeovers after Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham revolution

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      KIM KARDASHIAN and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson have been tipped to complete an EFL club takeover.American investment in English football has exploded in recent years, with 14 Premier League clubs majority owned by US firms.The Rock has been tipped to make an investment in an EFL clubCredit: The Mega AgencyKim Kardashian could also be keen to get involvedCredit: GettyRob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have paved the way for celebrity investorsCredit: PAA$AP Rocky has been linked with a purchase of Tranmere RoversCredit: GettyIt is a similar case in the EFL with a third of owners American, while there has also been an increase in celebrity involvement.Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney sparked the drive with their takeover of Wrexham and the subsequent release of Disney+ documentary ‘Welcome to Wrexham’.More recently NFL legend Tom Brady has become involved as an investor in Birmingham City, with another American Football star JJ Watt purchasing a stake in Burnley.Superstar rapper A$AP Rocky was even linked to a takeover of Tranmere, and football investment expert Adam Sommerfeld believes it is only a matter of time before some bigger names get involved.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe told the BBC’s Monday Night Club: “A lot of these guys (celebs) will see them (clubs) as media assets because of the drama they produce.”To try and replicate that in another area, lets say film content, is very difficult.”The shoulder programming that comes with these things, the documentaries, opens them up to sponsors, to investors, to brand collaborators.”There’s an argument it will become saturated quite quickly, perhaps it already has been. [Tom] Brady, JJ Watt at Burnley.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Now it becomes about almost how can you take it up a level. Who’s going to get The Rock, god forbid who’s going to get a KIm Kardashian.”Sommerfeld also predicted all English clubs will be owned or part-owned by American investors in the next five to ten years, with “every team” in the EFL already in talks with US investors.Ryan Reynolds tells Liverpool star Mo Salah to ‘think about’ stunning Wrexham transfer in brilliant video More

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      Fans just realising Anthony Gordon stuck to wholesome promise with celebration after first England goal

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      ANTHONY GORDON kept a heartwarming promise to a young Newcastle fan after scoring his first goal for England.Gordon, 23, scored his first goal for the Three Lions on Sunday as Lee Carsley signed off as interim manager with a 5-0 thrashing of Ireland.Anthony Gordon kept a promise to a young Newcastle fan after scoring his first England goalCredit: EPAYoung Magpie Ivy showed Gordon her cartwheel celebration when the pair met last monthCredit: X @NUFCGordon agreed to copy the celebration when he next scoredCredit: X @NUFCThe England star did just that after netting against Ireland on SundayCredit: ReutersIt wasn’t just a special moment for Gordon, but a touching moment for young Magpies fan Ivy who saw her hero recreate her favourite celebration.Gordon had met Ivy, who was diagnosed with hyper IGE syndrome, last month and asked the youngster what her favourite celebration was.Young Ivy pulled off her best cartwheel and Gordon promised to do exactly the same the next time he scored.And the pacy winger kept to his word after he tucked home England’s second goal against the Irish.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGordon ran off to celebrate with the Wembley crowd, rolling into a cartwheel and blowing a kiss to the camera for Ivy.Fans loved the touching moment, labelling Gordon as “a Goat” and lauding him as a “beautiful human being”.Others gushed that Gordon is a “great player and even better person” as well as a “class act”.Gordon has now earned nine caps for England since making his debut in March.Most read in FootballHe managed just one minute of action during the summer after spending almost all of Euro 2024 sitting on the bench as England suffered major final heartbreak once again.Gordon was one of four England stars to score their first goal for the nation against Ireland, joining Jarrod Bowen, Conor Gallagher and Taylor Harwood-Bellis in scoring their first Three Lions goal.Lee Carsley hailed for ‘best football England have ever played’ as fans say ‘can we rip up Tuchel’s contract-‘While it was a big night for Newcastle with Gordon, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento all earning starts for England.Gordon’s role at club level is increasing week on week as he becomes a crucial cog in Eddie Howe’s Newcastle machine.He has already scored twice and set up another in his 10 Premier League appearances this term.But he will be hoping he can pick up the pace on his goal contributions if he’s going to better the 11 goals and 10 assists he racked up last season. More

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      Joshua Zirkzee’s Man Utd career ‘could be over within six months’ as Red Devils explore shock swap transfer

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      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE’S Manchester United career could be over after just six months as Ruben Amorim reportedly explores a shock swap transfer.Zirkzee, 23, only joined the Red Devils from Bologna in July for £36million.Joshua Zirzkee could already be on his way out of Man Utd in a swap dealCredit: GettyBut the striker has just one goal in 16 outings.That effort came on his debut over three months ago.And reports claim United could look to get rid of Zirkzee when the January transfer window opens.However, Italian outlet Il Matino claims new boss Amorim hopes to replace Zirkzee with a world-class striker in a stunning swap deal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s claimed that United will offer Zirzkee PLUS £25m for Napoli misfit Victor Osimhen.The Nigerian is currently on loan at Galatasaray after failing to secure a move to Chelsea over the summer.Osimhen has eight goals in nine games for his Turkish team, with the Blues still interested in signing him permanently.Napoli are able to recall him this winter and are also ready to do business.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut they are demanding teams meet Osimhen’s new £62m release clause in full.Antonio Conte’s Serie A leaders are not interested in bringing another striker to town after signing Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelUnited want to land Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, currently on loan at GalatasarayCredit: GettyWhile Osimhen is likely to demand a tasty annual salary of £10m to boot.He’s not the only striker United are interested in either.Amorim turned former Coventry star Viktor Gyokeres into one of Europe’s most fearsome hitmen.The Swede has 23 goals in 18 games for Sporting Lisbon this season.And United reportedly sent scouts to watch Gyokeres as he netted in his country’s 2-1 win over Slovakia on Saturday.United sent scouts to watch Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres play for SwedenCredit: Getty More

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      Stick or twist? Dream Team bosses torn over popular defenders amid Manchester City blip

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      BRIGHTON made history when they beat Manchester City 2-1 before the international break.That result on the south coast was Pep Guardiola’s fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions, the first such instance of his managerial career.For a decorated coach who sets such high standards, his side are in the midst of an unprecedented downturn in form.Guardiola has suffered four consecutive defeats for the first time in his managerial careerCredit: ReutersNaturally, this blip has translated to the world of Dream Team, not least in regards to Josko Gvardiol (£4.8m) and Rico Lewis (£3.7m).This pair warrants particular scrutiny because of their immense popularity.At the time of writing, Gvardiol and Lewis are the two most selected defenders in the game.MOST POPULAR DREAM TEAM DEFENDERS (% OWNERSHIP):27.4% – Josko Gvardiol26.3% – Rico Lewis21.9% – Trent Alexander-Arnold16.9% – William Saliba16.4% – Virgil van Dijk13% – Lucas Digne12.4% – Pedro Porro12.2% – Gabriel10.7% – Noussair Mazraoui10.6% – Marc GuehiGiven Man City have conceded ten goals across their last four games, it stands to reason Lewis and Gvardiol’s points have dried up.The latter scored his side’s only goal away to Bournemouth in Gameweek 10 but his return of 12 points from his last four outings is not befitting an asset of his price and popularity.Most read in FootballGvardiol and company received a pasting at the hands of Sporting CPCredit: AlamyLewis’ form is even more alarming as he’s mustered just five points in the same time frame!Gaffers won’t resent the talented teenager too much as he’s already provided far more than what was expected of him this season.Having previously been a bit-part player, the England international has established himself as a regular starter for the defending champions this campaign and his return of 87 points represents incredible value for money – he was very affordable for a long while.However, now that he appears in over a quarter of teams, Lewis has to be held to high standard and his form is a major concern.Lewis has been a Dream Team gem this season but his recent returns are disappointingCredit: GettyThere probably aren’t too many Dream Team managers out there who consider this blip in Man City’s form to be critical.Guardiola’s men usually embark upon a long unbeaten streak in the second half of the season that yields plentiful points.But it’s hard to blame the gaffers seeking replacements for Gvardiol and/or Lewis ahead of Gameweek 12, if only temporary ones.City have the luxury of two home games this coming Gameweek but their opponents, Tottenham and Feyenoord, aren’t exactly favourable for defenders.Spurs are the Premier League’s top scorers while the Dutch outfit are the second top scorers in the Eredivisie at present.READ MORE SUN STORIESScore 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 NOWGameweek 13 then brings a double header against league leaders Liverpool and high-flying Nottingham Forest.A pivot away from City’s popular defenders appears to be a perfectly logical strategy, with a view to potentially bringing them back in when their schedule levels out from Gameweek 16 onwards.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