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      Eddie Howe could take ‘unified’ Newcastle top despite sporting director tension but says they can’t compete with top two

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      EDDIE HOWE could take Newcastle top of the Premier League tomorrow – despite continued speculation over his relationship with Paul Mitchell.The Magpies travel to Fulham looking to extend their unbeaten start and know that three points will leave them sitting at the summit for at least 24 hours.Eddie Howe is hoping to end Saturday night top of the Premier League with NewcastleCredit: GettyIt is only the sixth time Newcastle have managed to go through their first four Premier League matches unbeaten and it’s their best opening for 29 years since Kevin Keegan was at the helm.However, even though he has been delighted with his players so far, he admits that Toon will not be able to mount a title challenge to either Manchester City and Arsenal, who collide at the Etihad tomorrow.Howe said: “I don’t see how we can compare ourselves to them currently, but the aim is to get there, the aim is to close the gap every day, every week.“That is what we are working towards. That has to be our aim, our longer term aim and short term aim and that is what I am trying to work towards.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDespite the positivity of the results on the pitch, Howe has had to continually answer questions over his relationship with new sporting director Mitchell.Last week he revealed that they had not spoken since the chief criticised the club’s recruitment and transfer policy before his arrival this summer.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhen asked if they had talked yet, Howe replied: “I’m not going go into every week in terms of our contact but collaboration, as I said last week, is what we’re looking to do to take the club forward.”When pressed again, he said: “I think I’ve just answered that one. I’m not going to go there.”Most read in FootballEddie Howe reveals best striker he’s ever worked with who’s scored 58 times this season while on £75-per-goal bonusBut he then continued: “Just so people know, I’ve had conversations with senior members of the board this week.“So I’m in regular communication with them, trying to collaborate and work together for the benefit of the club.“That’s always in my heart and that will always be while I’m manager of the club.”Meanwhile, Howe did admit that sorting out new deals for striker Alexander Isak, a doubt for Saturday with a toe issue, and Anthony Gordon was a top priority for Mitchell.The Swedish striker remains under contract until 2028 but is looking for a pay rise amid increasing interest while the England winger has entered the final two years of his agreement.He said: “I think having your players secure in their futures is key to their performances.“You don’t want the transfer speculation or the contracts potentially running into shorter terms because I think that it distracts and rarely benefits the player or the club.“So, my wish is that players are always focussed on their performances and that the outside distraction is minimal.Newcastle hope to sort out new deals fo star duo Anthony Gordon and Alexander IsakCredit: Reuters“Our best way to do that is to get them secure and happy but of course there is a balance because with wage structures and PSR we can’t be reckless with what we do either.“So we have to get those calls right but, of course, getting those players to play at their best levels will have a dramatic effect on our season.“I think that if there are issues with either player, or any player, then of course communication and resolving any issues is really important.”Howe also moved to stop any fan fears over his unhappiness by insisting that the club is unified despite talk of potential tensions upstairs.He said: “I think the club is unified. I don’t see any issues.“It depends where you’re talking about that unification, but the unification between me, the players, the supporters and the board is really strong.Speculation surrounding the manager’s relationship with Paul Mitchell (above) refuses to go awayCredit: Getty“I’m really happy, as I’ve said many, many times. I’m enjoying the work with the players.“I love the group that we have, I really do enjoy coming into work to plan training and to execute training with them.“I think we are on a journey together. I hope that journey can stay.”And he also maintained that the most important thing at any football club is the players as he looks to get them playing consistently at a high standard.Howe added: “I’m always the first one to say that the players are the most important people. For me, my direct work is always about the players and trying to get them in the best frame of mind to win matches.“The tighter the group, the more we come together, the better for everybody. I include the supporters in that, because they can directly affect the players on the pitch.“So creating the best environment, the whole club united on that front, is basically all we need to get results.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Now the other stuff is hugely important, boardroom level and behind the scenes. But that’s more for the transfer windows and those kind of things. At the moment, we can’t affect that.“So let’s come together, and I think the players really have. We’ve got a really good team spirit, a tight group. Now, it’s about getting us to consistently play well.” More

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      Borussia Dortmund star’s Wag deletes Instagram post after fans spot she was watching WRONG match

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND ace Yan Couto’s girlfriend was left with egg on her face after an embarrassing gaffe on social media.Couto, 22, played for Dortmund on Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Club Brugge at the Jan Breydel Stadium.Yan Couto’s girlfriend Mariana David had to delete a post from her Instagram storyCredit: Instagram @yan.coutoMariana shared a screenshot from a video game rather than Borussia Dortmund’s win over Club BruggeCredit: Instagram @mariianadavidCouto’s partner Mariana is a dentist, model and content creatorCredit: Instagram @mariianadavidCouto plays for Dortmund on loan from Manchester CityCredit: Instagram @mariianadavidThe right-back’s partner Mariana David didn’t follow him to Belgium and instead sent a message of support.Mariana posted a screenshot that appeared to be from the game on Instagram claiming to be watching her other half in action from afar.She added the following caption: “Even from afar, I’m always keeping my fingers crossed for you.”Couto replied to the model’s story after full-time with a post of his own that read: “I love you.”Read More on FootballHowever, things quickly became awkward for the content creator, who had to delete her story so that it was no longer visible for her 107,000 followers.That is because fans noticed that the snapshot was actually taken from a video game rather than the real match.A YouTuber replayed the game from his console and Mariana had been fooled into reposting it as the actual fixture.Couto’s partner is active on social media and her bio says she is also a dentist.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMariana is also a model, who finished inside the top 10 at the Miss Grand Brazil beauty pageant back in 2020.Couto joined Dortmund on loan from Manchester City this summer following last year’s stint at Girona.Man City vs Arsenal WagsThe full-back came on three minutes before full-time at Brugge and helped BVB win 3-0 in their first Champions League match after last season’s final.Mariana supports Couto during his football matchesCredit: Instagram @mariianadavidMariana has also taken part in beauty pageants in BrazilCredit: Instagram @mariianadavidCouto spent last season on loan with Girona and Mariana supported himCredit: Instagram @mariianadavidCouto responded to Mariana’s awkward post on social mediaCredit: Instagram @mariianadavid More

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      Watch Thomas Muller go down in a heap after being ‘fouled’ by TAPE as Bayern Munich team-mates fall over in stitches

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      THOMAS MULLER left his Bayern Munich team-mates in absolute stitches after being felled by some training ground tape.The former Germany striker was going through the motions at Bayern’s Sabner Strasse training ground when some rogue tape inadvertently took him out.Thomas Muller was blissfully unaware of some white tape during a recent Bayern Munich training sessionCredit: INSTAGRAM@BAYERNMUNICHThe tape ended up tripping the former Germany strikerCredit: INSTAGRAM@BAYERNMUNICHMuller’s Bayern team-mates were left in absolute stitches by the striker’s tumbleCredit: INSTAGRAM@BAYERNMUNICHMuller, 35, tripped over the white tape after controlling a pass from one of his team-mates.And his colleagues couldn’t help but chuckle at his tumble, belly-laughing at the sheer hilarity of the situation as they collapsed to the turf.Even head coach Vincent Kompany couldn’t contain his laughter, smiling as the striker dusted himself off and got back to his feet.Muller, who has never been one to shy away from the camera, saw the funny side of his training ground tumble.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAfter clocking the club’s videographer, he said: “Ah yes, at least that’s good [to have on camera].”That’s good for the clicks. Best content of the month.”Come on boys. Let’s all have a smile. Hello, Instagram. That’s good for the clicks.”The clip, unsurprisingly, went viral and received a slew of comments from footie fans.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne wrote: “It’s a foul that no one would have known.”Another said: “Ref, that’s a foul!”Refuses to lift trophy after finally winning silverware at Tottenham on return with Bayern MunichAnd another said: “Muller: ‘Who put the rope here?'”One remarked: “That’s surely a pen.”Another chimed in with a series of laughing emojis: “The way they laughed.”Bayern have made a blistering start to the season, scoring a whopping 28 goals in all competitions.The Bavarians have made a perfect start to the new Bundesliga campaign, topping the table with three wins and a haul of 11 goals.Bayern will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, travelling to Weser Stadium to take on Werder Bremen.Bayern Munich have made a blistering start to the seasonCredit: GETTY More

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      ‘It’s not fair’ says Jude Bellingham as Real Madrid and England star admits fear for younger brother Jobe

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM has revealed his fear that people could unfairly compare his brother Jobe’s achievements to his on the pitch.The England superstar, 21, enjoyed a fairytale first season at Real Madrid by firing them to both Champions League and LaLiga glory.Jude does not want people to compare his younger brother Jobe to himCredit: RexHis younger sibling was also on the move last year as he left Birmingham City for Sunderland.Jobe, 18, enjoyed an impressive first season on Wearside and scored seven goals while also continuing his own progression through the Three Lions youth ranks.But he is often compared to his older brother – something Jude says is “not fair”.Speaking on his self-titled YouTube documentary series, he said: “The worry is that people judge him based on my achievements. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But I’m really conscious of that because I know it’s something that people will always throw in his face.”It’s not fair because he’s an amazing talent, amazing player in his own right.“People will use him as a way to have a dig at me and vice versa, so we’re almost like each other’s biggest fans but also the biggest target for each other because we care about each other so much.”Jude returned from a month out injured to help Real Madrid beat Stuttgart in the Champions League in midweek.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe faces Espanyol tomorrow just hours after Jobe lines up for Sunderland against Middlesbrough in the Championship.Jude said: “He has to deal with more than what I would have had to at his age, and he deals with it with so much class. He wants to try and create his own legacy and his own path.Watch Jude Bellingham’s expletive-laden instructions to Mbappe and Co at half-time of Real Madrid draw“At the end of the day as long as he’s happy that’s all I really care about to be honest. His happiness means more to me than my own.”And despite having already lifted the biggest club prize on offer, Jude insists there is one thing that would top that and any other accolades.He added: “Because we’re of a similar age and we’ve played together for so long – in the street and on tufts of grass – to play with my brother for England, that would be the biggest dream of my life.“That would mean more than any of the trophies, especially if we managed to do it on a consistent basis and play at a major tournament together, win things together.“Honestly, nothing would even get close to that, nothing.”Meet Jude Bellingham’s stunning girlfriend, lingerie model Laura Celia ValkBy Jon BoonLAURA CELIA VALK is the stunning Dutch fashion model who has stolen Jude Bellingham’s heart.The Sun exclusively revealed that she’s been staying at his place in Madrid and is completely smitten with him.Laura boasts a huge social media following and regularly travels the world, enjoying a luxurious lifestyle.From underwear modelling to showing off Pretty Little Thing’s latest wear, she regularly collaborates with fashion houses around the globe.Wherever she is, Laura makes sure to drop into Chanel – her favourite designer.She’s also quite the foodie, with pizza and strawberries being her favourites.It won’t be long before we see her at the Bernabeu enjoying a prawn sandwich!Find out more about Laura.Or read all the latest Jude Bellingham news. More

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      Chelsea Champions League winner, 39, comes out of retirement to join second tier club… as player AND director

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      CHELSEA Champions League winner Salomon Kalou is set to play for a second-division club in the IVORY COAST.Winger Kalou spent six years at Stamford Bridge, scoring 60 goals in 254 games.Chelsea hero Salomon Kalou has come out of retirement for a surprise clubCredit: Getty Images – GettyChelsea hero Kalou is set to play for a second-division club in the Ivory CoastHe played in the Blues’ 2012 Champions League final win over Bayern Munich.A £9million buy from Feyenoord in 2006, Kalou also won the 2010 Premier League title, four FA Cups and a League Cup with the west Londoners.The 93-cap Ivory Coast international went on to play for Lille, Hertha Berlin and Brazilian club Botafogo.He made a surprise move to Djibouti club Arta Solar 7 two years ago, where he lined up alongside ex-Arsenal midfielder Alex Song.Read More on FootballArta’s Ivorian chairman Tommy Tayoro Nyckoss took charge of home-country club SC Gagnoa earlier this month.And the businessman convinced Kalou, 39, to join as both a director and a player. Gagnoa paraded him at a ceremony earlier this week.The southern club was relegated from the Ivory Coast’s Ligue 1 last season.They are based 40 miles from the Chelsea hero’s birthplace Oume, north-west of the African country’s capital Abidjan.Most read in FootballKalou said: “I am going to get a player’s licence, so that I can be part of coach Bernard Casoni’s squad.”And maybe if SC Gagnoa play against ASEC Mimosas or Africa Sports in the Ivorian Cup, I will take part in the game.”Chelsea boss Maresca aims cheeky dig at Erik ten Hag after Jadon Sancho makes dazzling debut after Man Utd transferKalou began his career with ASEC before landing his move to Feyenoord in 2003. More

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      Football hooligan who left England fan with broken jaw in horrific Euros attack caught using face recognition technology

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      A FOOTBALL hooligan who attacked a fellow England supporter at the Euro 2024 was tracked down using facial recognition tech. Josh Waugh, 34, broke his victim’s nose and jaw following the Three Lions’ match against Serbia on June 16 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.Cheshire Police, the UK Football Policing Unit, and German officers collaborated to track down WaughA witness took a photo of him and gave it to policem who tracked him down using Retrospective Facial Recognition Technology (RFR) and mass messaging app SOLV, The Times reports. It is the first time the technology has been used at an overseas tournament. Cheshire Police, the UK Football Policing Unit, and German officers collaborated to track down Waugh. The picture was used in a witness appeal issued using SOLV. Read more FootballIt got more than 54,000 hits and aided the police investigation into Waugh. He appeared at Middlesbrough magistrates’ court on Wednesday and got a three-year banning order.German police have not yet taken any action against him. Chief constable for Cheshire and the head of UK Football Policing, Mark Roberts, said: “This is the first time that we have used this type of technology at overseas tournaments, but as the results demonstrate it can make a real difference. Most read in Football”Thousands of people attend football matches every week, many of them travelling long distances, so trying to identify and locate a suspect on the ground can sometimes be difficult.Sir Alex Ferguson booked me a flight home from my holiday and hauled me back to Man Utd – I hadn’t done anything wrong“However, systems such RFR and SOLV allow us to identify offenders even when they’re hundreds of miles away, so we can ensure that those who do offend are arrested and held accountable for their actions.”Josh Waugh broke his victim’s nose and jaw following the Three Lions’ match against Serbia on June 16 in Gelsenkirchen, GermanyCredit: Reuters More

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      Middlesbrough coach Grant Leadbitter hoping to save lives as he backs cause close to his heart on Sunderland return

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      GRANT LEADBITTER uniquely enjoys legendary status at both Sunderland and Middlesbrough – but he will be wearing much more important colours ahead of tomorrow’s derby.The 38-year-old came through the ranks at his boyhood Black Cats and played a huge role under Roy Keane in their 2007 promotion campaign.Grant Leadbitter captained Middlesbrough to promotion in 2016Credit: GettyThe star enjoys legendary status at both Boro and SunderlandCredit: PA:Empics SportHaving followed the Irishman to Ipswich, he returned to the region in 2012 with Boro and captained them to the Premier League in 2016.Leadbitter headed back to his first love Sunderland two years later and became the first player since Bobby Kerr in 1973 to lift a trophy for the club at Wembley when they won the Football League Trophy.The much-loved midfielder hung up his boots in 2021 but is now back at Boro as Michael Carrick’s first-team coach.As he prepares to head to the Stadium of Light and to the spot where his late father’s ashes are buried under the pitch, Leadbitter is now backing something else very close to his heart.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe is a patron of the If U Care Share Inside Out campaign that encourages people to talk by ‘getting what’s on the inside out’.Fans will spot players from both teams wearing the If U Care Share Inside Out t-shirts in the warm-up before the lunchtime showdown in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day.The idea is the brainchild of the Chester-le-Street based mental health and suicide prevention charity If U Care Share.The charity was founded by Matthew Smith and his family in 2005 after his brother Daniel O’Hare’s death by suicide and it has provided prevention advice and support to families affected by suicide. Most read in ChampionshipLeadbitter said: “It’s a very important cause to me and a lot of people from the North East. “Dan’s family started the charity in his memory and his younger brothers Matthew and Ben have dedicated themselves to raising awareness.“In memory of Daniel, we are hoping to help other people, and that is so important. It’s about making sure no one else takes their own life and trying to get the statistics down.Roy Keane made £800 off Sunderland players but lost dressing room with training ground trick that immediately backfired“Both ourselves and Sunderland promote the charity every year and it’s all about creating awareness.“On Saturday, there will be nearly 45,000 at the Stadium of Light with a lot more people watching at home, and if we can deliver a message, even if it’s to just one person, we could save another precious life.”Last month Matthew completed a 700 mile to every Premier League ground to raise vital funds for the charity, running from Bournemouth, across the south coast, through the seven London clubs, before a gruelling leg to Ipswich, followed by the Midlands, Liverpool, Manchester, before landing at St. James’ Park less than three weeks later.The aim is to raise £135,000 – with 135 being the number of people such as family, friends, work colleagues, health and emergency professionals – who are impacted when one person takes their own life.If U Care Share co-founder Matthew added: “We would like to thank Sunderland and Middlesbrough football clubs for their continued support for the Inside Out campaign and giving such prominent backing to a simple message which saves lives.”Visit ifucareshare.co.uk for more info.If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.Players from both teams will wear these t-shirts pre-matchCredit: MFC More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson booked me a flight home from my holiday and hauled me back to Man Utd – I hadn’t done anything wrong

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Nicky Butt has revealed he was hauled back from a summer holiday by Sir Alex Ferguson.The former midfielder had just helped the Red Devils win the Treble in 1999 when he jetted off to Ayia Napa for a well-earned break.Nicky Butt revealed he was sent home from a holiday by Sir Alex FergusonCredit: YOUTUBE / Football’s GreatestSir Alex Ferguson hauled him back to ManchesterCredit: GettyButt said his life changed after winning the Treble in 1999Credit: GettyBut as he relaxed with pals in the sun, he got a surprise phone call from Ferguson.He was half way through his holiday in Cyprus – but Sir Alex demanded he returned home to Manchester.Butt told the incredible story on the Football Greatest Eras podcast with Paul Scholes, explaining: “In them days you could only get in and out of Ayia Napa on Tuesdays and Thursdays – a change over day.”I was on the beach and my phone goes, it’s Lyn Laffin [Sir Alex’s PA] and she went ‘the manager wants you’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’m thinking is he selling me or something? I was doing what I normally did go on holiday with my mates. I had done nothing any different to what I would normally do.”He said: ‘You’ve got a flight booked Thursday, get yourself home and get yourself straight back here’.”Apparently there was press following all the lads on holiday.”I had gone and done the normal thing – getting drunk and having a good time.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”But because of the achievement, it changed everyone’s outlook on it. “I remember I got told to go to America where nobody knows you – so I went home and booked a holiday to America.Inside Sir Alex Ferguson’s Biggest Bust-Ups”After that Champions League final, life changed a little bit and you could not do what you normally did. There was a lot more attention on you.”After Man Utd’s incredible comeback against Bayern Munich to win the trophy and complete the Treble, the players fittingly partied like it was 1999.Butt and Scholes claim they did not sleep for two days and even Ferguson “let himself go, drinking and dancing” during the celebrations. More