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      Leicester lining up shock transfer for Brighton starlet Evan Ferguson but could offload star to get him on loan

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      LEICESTER want to buy Republic of Ireland striker Evan Ferguson from Brighton in a bid to beat the drop.The Foxes think the target man, 20, would be ideal for their side as they battle for Prem survival.Evan Ferguson is attracting interest from LeicesterCredit: RexAlbion may send Ferguson out on loan but Leicester cannot do that as they already have Facundo Buonanotte on a temporary spell from them.City do not have a spot for a second Prem loanee unless they move out Odsonne Edouard, who has struggled since arriving from Crystal Palace.So Steve Cooper’s side will have to chase Ferguson on a full-time basis and that makes it doubly hard for them to succeed.Ferguson fancies a Prem loan but it may be hard for him to find.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile, Burnley are interested if he lowers his sights to the Championship.Ferguson made his Premier League debut for the Seagulls in February 2022.He ended his half season with the team scoring six goals, before adding six more last season before an ankle injury ended his campaign.His impressive early form saw him linked with sensational £100million transfers to the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut this season he has one goal from seven league appearances.He played four minutes off the bench in their 2-1 win against Bournemouth.Coronation Street legend who plays Roy Cropper spotted singing X-rated chant at Premier League match More

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      Man Utd fans face travel chaos as Storm Bert threatens to ruin chance of seeing Amorim’s first game in charge vs Ipswich

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans are facing a travel nightmare as the country continues to feel the full force of Storm Bert.New manager Ruben Amorim takes charge of his first game this afternoon against Ipswich.Ruben Amorim takes charge of his first game as United bossCredit: GettyFans are facing travel chaos getting to IpswichCredit: PABut some away supporters are having difficulty getting to Portman Road for the 4:30pm kick-off.Train lines between Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent have been flooded, causing cancellations and huge delays.There are also several road closures and lengthy detours in place in the North West.For United fans living in the capital, there is disruption on trains from London to Ipswich.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Met Office have issued a yellow weather warning as torrential rain, heavy snow and strong winds continue to batter the UK.These conditions are set to continue into the evening, giving United fans potential difficulty getting home from Ipswich too.Liverpool supporters are facing similar challenges as they travel down to face Southampton this afternoon.The police are advising against non-essential travel due to the dangerous weather in some areas.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSStorm Bert has already caused chaos in the EFL after several matches were postponed yesterday. In the Championship, Blackburn vs Portsmouth was called off due to flooding and League Two games Bradford vs Accrington Stanley and Fleetwood vs MK Dons also got axed.’Thunder and hail’ on route amid flooding & second overnight Storm Bert warningAll Premier League games are set to go ahead this weekend, including tomorrow’s clash between Newcastle and West Ham.The North East has been hit with 70mph winds and the storm could wreak havoc for the Hammers’ travel plans. More

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      Ex-Chelsea keeper comically scores ‘best own goal you’ll see’ after ‘slapping it top bins’ leaving commentators stunned

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      A FORMER Chelsea goalkeeper has scored one of the “best own goals” -leaving commentators stunned.Walton & Hersham played out a thrilling 4-4 draw against Gloucester City in the Non League Premier on Saturday.Gloucester City’s goalkeeper scored a hilarious own goal against Walton & HershamCredit: xJared Thompson was unfortunate enough to fire the ball into the top cornerCredit: xThe two clubs are battling it out towards the top of the league, but it was a gaffe by Gloucester’s goalkeeper that caught the attention.Just four minutes into the match, former Chelsea academy star Jared Thompson tried to play the ball to the right-back.However, he got his pass all wrong as he fired the ball in off the post of his own goal from an almost impossible angle.The commentators were left stunned as they could be heard screaming, “Oh my word.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFootage of the goal has gone viral on social media as many fans were amazed by the error.One posted: “That’s the best own goal you will ever see.”A second wrote: “Bro slapped it top bins.”A third commented: “Zero angle perfect precision.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA fourth said: “Unbelievable! That’s pure comedy gold.”A fifth joked: “I blame Pep [Guardiola]. Wouldn’t have happened 10/15 years ago.”‘Non-league at its best’, joke fans after goalkeeper gets stuck in his own NET..Another added: “Bloody hell. He really didn’t need to go top corner. Suarez would be proud.”The own-goal set up Walton & Hersham to spring themselves into a 4-0 lead before half-time.However, Gloucester were able to get level after pulling off a brilliant comeback.Jayden Crosbie scored the equaliser in the 92nd minute to keep themselves six points ahead of their opponents.During his time at the Blues, Thompson played 12 times for the under 18s side, keeping five clean sheets.He also won the English Youth League with the club.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Crystal Palace lining up bargain transfer for Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki despite dispute with co-owner John Textor

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      CRYSTAL PALACE are keen to sign Lyon midfield magician Rayan Cherki — and hope John Textor can help with the deal.Palace see Cherki, 21, as their missing link after the loss of Michael Olise to Bayern Munich in the last window.Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner hopes to bring in reinforcements in JanuaryCredit: REXThe Austrian is eyeing a move for Lyon ace Rayan CherkiCredit: APGlasner is understood to view the France Under-21 international as a replacement for Michael OliseCredit: REXCherki was watched by Palace last night and could be sold for around £20million as Lyon are under orders to raise cash or be relegated next season.Lyon owner Textor is currently in dispute with Palace after trying to buy Everton. But he could be key in sorting a fee between the clubs.However, the final decision will lie with Cherki, who turned down interest from Fulham in the past.Palace are currently in the relegation zone having lost six of their 12 Premier League matches so far this season.READ MORE ON PALACEAnd manager Oliver Glasner is desperate to bring in attacking and defensive reinforcements in the upcoming transfer window.The Austrian said: “It’s not so difficult to analyse our squad.”We have a lot of midfielders – Adam Wharton, Will Hughes, Jefferson Lerma and Cheick Doucoure.“It wouldn’t make sense to add a new central midfielder.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWho is Oliver Glasner?FORMER defender Oliver Glasner is a Europa League-winning manager.The Austrian, 49, spent his entire playing career in his homeland, and was a one-club man, playing 516 times over 19 years for SV Reid.But he was forced to retire in terrifying circumstances when he developed a brain haemorrhage after heading a ball in training.Emergency surgery saved his life but it spelled the end of him playing career, aged 37.Thankfully, Glasner recovered and embarked upon what has become a very successful coaching career.He reached out to Ralf Rangnick for a job and became sports coordinator and assistant manager at Red Bull Salzburg. Glasner was handed his first managerial role at former club SV Ried in 2014, guiding the club to a sixth-place finish in the Austrian Bundesliga.He then moved on to LASK, where he served as both manager and director of football between 2015 and 2019.During that time, LASK won promotion back to the top-flight and returned to Europe before a second-place finish in Glasner’s final season in charge.Following his success at LASK, Glasner moved to Germany with Wolfsburg in 2019.After securing Champions League football in 2021, the Austrian moved to Frankfurt.His maiden season with the club would end with European glory, as Frankfurt beat Rangers on penalties in the Europa League final.The triumph earned the club their third European trophy and first since 1980.Glasner left the Eagles last summer after a seventh-place finish and a run to the Champions League last 16.”It’s the same at the back with Chadi Riad and Chris Richards now coming back.”We have Trevoh Chalobah, Maxence Lacroix and Marc Guehi. We have Nathaniel Clyne and Joel Ward who can play in this position – we have enough.Marc Guehi shows off his skills in training with Crystal Palace “In our attack, especially with Matheus Franca, which is the most disappointing for himself, because he really worked hard on his rehab and was a very important player in our planning.“But he hasn’t been available and that means we don’t have as many numbers.”We have missed him for the whole start of the season, so it’s clear we want to add an attacking player.”He added: “When we look at the left wing-back position, maybe we don’t have many left-footed wing-backs.”Palace will be back in action next Saturday, welcoming Newcastle United to Selhurst Park. More

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      Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney ready to raid Liverpool in loan transfer for striker to boost Plymouth survival bid

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      WAYNE ROONEY is ready to raid Liverpool to bolster his attacking options at Plymouth.The Manchester United legend has had a mixed start to his time at Argyle since being appointed manager in the summer.Wayne Rooney is looking at a loan move to sign Jayden DannsCredit: RexThe Liverpool striker scored twice in the FA Cup last seasonCredit: GettyRooney, 39, has led the Championship side to 19th in the league with four wins, five draws and seven losses.However, Plymouth have only found the net 17 times in their opening 16 games.This has seen Rooney look to the loan market in order to add reinforcements in January.They are interested in Liverpool teenage striker Jayden Danns.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 18-year-old is back in training after recovering from injury and is aiming to appear in games before the new year.Reds boss Arne Slot could opt to loan out Danns should he decide it is best for his development.A temporary switch to Home Park Stadium could be beneficial, as Danns could learn from Rooney’s wealth of experience.Danns has already made five first-team appearances for Liverpool in his career.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe scored twice for the club in their 3-0 FA Cup victory over Southampton back in February.He also made an appearance for Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final victory over Chelsea.Wayne Rooney doesn’t hesitate in naming England’s best player as Man Utd legend snubs Jude Bellingham Meanwhile, Liverpool’s owners Fenway Sports could buy a club in France at the second attempt.The Americans pulled out of a move for struggling Bordeaux but have kept their contacts working on an alternative.Several French clubs have changed ownership recently, and many are open to doing business at the right price.Rooney’s most recent game in charge of Plymouth ended in a 2-2 draw against Watford.The Hornets took the lead however their fans produced a bizarre delayed reaction.Argyle struck late to earn a point as Andre Gray fired in a curling effort in the 96th minute.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Alan Shearer makes cheeky pitch to be new Match of the Day host in first show since Gary Lineker exit confirmed

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      ALAN SHEARER made a cheeky pitch to become the new host of Match of the Day.Last night’s edition of the Premier League highlights show was the first since the BBC confirmed Gary Lineker would leave at the end of the season.Alan Shearer made a hilarious pitch to take over as Motd’s new hostCredit: X @BBCMOTDGary Lineker is stepping down at the end of the seasonCredit: X @BBCMOTDThe 63-year-old was in the hotseat yesterday, with Shearer and Ashley Williams the pundits.But Lineker did not introduce the show as usual – instead giving the honours to the Newcastle legend as the pair performed a hilarious joke.Looking down the lens of the camera like a presenter, Shearer quipped: “All good things must come to an end.”Lineker then replied: “Yes, Alan. Lee Carsley’s England reign is over.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s back to business in the Premier League. Seven games on the way. Alan Shearer and Ashley Williams join us.”Lineker then whispered under his breath: “Al ain’t getting the job, is he?”Shearer has been a pundit on Match of the Day since 2006 but is not thought to be in the running to take his pal’s job after his 26 years at the helm.Though he would be a popular choice as a study by Ipsos revealed 22 per cent of viewers want him as the new host.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut experienced presenter Mark Chapman is currently the favourite.Alex Scott, Kelly Cates and Kelly Somers are also in the running.Gary Lineker’s best Match of the Day momentsLineker will cover FA Cup and World Cup games with the Beeb until 2026 and he will then officially leave.Who could replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host?GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.But as part of a huge shake-up, the BBC is considering rotating the presenters on a weekly basis.So with Lineker vacating the chair, new names will step into his giant boots. But who could they be?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, is the obvious early favourite to follow on from Lineker as MOTD presenter.He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the presenting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.ALEX SCOTTScott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.The former right-back, 40, is used to presenting the Saturday night show as well as live match coverage – plus ticks the box as a former England international.GABBY LOGANLike Scott, Logan, 51, is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.She has done most gigs since joining the BBC in 2007, including Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and Final Score.MICAH RICHARDSLineker’s top pick to replace him is exuberant former Man City defender Richards.The departing host told his close pal, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”JASON MOHAMMADMohammad could earn the “promotion” from Final Score to Match of the Day.The 51-year-old Welshman – who took over from Logan in 2013 – is one of the BBC’s top earners already and is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the afternoon slot.JEFF STELLINGHe couldn’t, could he? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night TV for football fans for years, the face of the afternoons was Stelling in his role as Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday presenter.He would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise – but at nearly 70 and currently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool fan would not be a cheap or long-term appointment. More

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      Man Utd’s Ruben Amorim is latest Portuguese manager in Premier League – will he conquer like Mourinho or flop like AVB?

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      RUBEN AMORIM is gearing up to lead Man Utd for the first time this season.The ex-Sporting Lisbon boss takes his Red Devils side to Portman Road to face off against Ipswich Town.Ruben Amorim will manage Man Utd for the first time this weekendCredit: GettyAmorim’s idol Jose Mourinho is the most successful Portuguese manager on our shoresCredit: GettyMourinho won the Europa League with Man Utd during his spell at Old TraffordIt promises to be an electric atmosphere for Amorim, who will have to quickly come to terms with the cut and thrust of the Premier League.The 39-year-old tactician is the seventh Portuguese boss to manage on our shores.But will he be a success like Jose Mourinho or a turkey like Andre Villas-Boas.Here’s how the coaches from Portugal compare.Read more football newsJose MourinhoA pioneer for Portuguese coaches, the iconic Mourinho was the first from his homeland to coach on our shores.He conquered Europe with Porto, then took over as Chelsea boss – winning two Premier League titles in a row from 2004 to 2006.He added cups to his resume with the Blues, including an FA Cup in 2016 and two League Cups in 2005 and 2007.After successful spells at Inter Milan and Real Madrid, he returned to Stamford Bridge and one ANOTHER Premier League title in 2015, as well as a League Cup in the same year.Most read in FootballDuring his spell at Man Utd from 2016 to 2018, he won the Europa League.Ruben Amorim tells Man Utd fans to expect ‘really hard moments’ as he admits it’s ‘a different world’ to anything before However, he was trophyless at Tottenham during a 17 month spell – getting sacked days before a League Cup final against Man City in 2021.André Villas-BoasIncredibly, Villas-Boas managed at the same clubs Mourinho did – Chelsea and Spurs.However, there are contrasting differences.Villas-Boas was a disaster at Chelsea from the offset, upsetting club captain John Terry by trying to get him to sit in economy on a plane to a preseason tour, while the youth side sat in first class.He was sacked after just eight months in charge, with Chelsea slipping out of the top four on his watch.Villas-Boas would then resurface in London – taking over at Tottenham from Harry Redknapp.That went pear-shaped 17 months in, when a 6-0 defeat to Man City and a 5-0 home thrashing against Liverpool saw him leave the club by mutual consent.Andre Villas-Boas infuriated players like John Terry during his tenure at ChelseaCredit: GettyVillas-Boas also flopped during his time at TottenhamCredit: EPA/PETER POWELLMarco SilvaSilva is currently having his most successful spell as a coach in England, guiding Fulham quietly above expectations.Before he won over the fans at Craven Cottage, he lost a few at Everton.His first season at Goodison Park saw the Toffees finish in eighth spot in the Prem.However, he couldn’t repeat those heroics in his second season, and following a 5-2 defeat to rivals Liverpool he was fired with the club languishing in 18th place.Prior to that, there was a sticky time at Watford who Everton were forced to pay compensation to following a public courting of Silva.That spell started well, until that possible distraction saw Watford flirt dangerously with relegation.Silva’s first appointment in the Prem came ALL the way back in 2017, when he was hired to save the club from relegation.Despite winning his last four home matches, it wasn’t enough to save the Yorkshire club who were rock-bottom when he took over.At Everton things didn’t go to plan for Marco SilvaCredit: REUTERS/David KleinHowever, Silva has proven to be a success at rejuvenated FulhamCredit: Javier Garcia/REX/ShutterstockNuno Espírito SantoLike Silva, Espírito Santo is a seasoned pro on our shores.After taking over Wolves in 2017, he lead the team to the Premier League when they won the Championship in his first season.Two consecutive seventh-placed finishes, as well as a good Europa League run to the quarter-finals in 2020 secured his legacy.He left the club by mutual consent at the end of the 2020-2021 season, joining Tottenham that summer.However, he was dismissed after just four months in charge – following a 3-0 home defeat to Man Utd, which was their fifth defeat in seven matches and left them ninth in the league.Currently, Espírito Santo is doing a first class job at Nottingham Forest, who he joined in 2023.After saving them from relegation last campaign, they’re now flying high in the top seven.Nuno Espirito Santo was a cult figure at Wolves and secured European footballCredit: PA:Empics SPORTSince saving Nottingham Forest from relegation, Espirito Santo has continued to do a good job thereCredit: GettyBruno LageLage came to the Prem with a Portuguese title winner’s medal in his pocket in 2021.But it counted for nothing during his 16 month tenure at Wolves.He ripped up what had been so successful under Espírito Santo by changing the team’s formation.They finished in tenth place in his first season, after a disappointing end to the campaign which saw then winless in seven games, as Lage insisted on imprinting his own style on his side.The following summer he was backed to the tune of over £100million, breaking the club’s transfer record with the signing of Matheus Nunes for £38million.After a defeat to West Ham just three months into the 2022-2023 season, Lage and his team were sacked.He said after that his team, “never lost a match with a striker in the initial line-up, [and] will surely improve as strikers become available.”Bruno Lage spent over £100m as Wolves boss to put his own stamp on the teamCredit: GettyLage was sacked, scratching his head, after a dismal run of resultsCredit: PACarlos CarvalhalCarvalhal proved his chops at Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship, until he left the club by mutual consent in 2017.Four days later, he was named as the new Swansea City manager – following the sacking of Paul Clement – three days after Christmas.He was nominated Premier League Manager of the Month for the month of January, after masterminding consecutive home victories over Liverpool and Arsenal.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, despite those heroic performances, he couldn’t save the Welsh club from relegation.He left the Liberty Stadium, returned to Portugal, and took up a job at Rio Ave.Carlos Carvalhal was brought into Swansea to save them from relegationCredit: GettyDespite beating Liverpool and Arsenal at home, Swansea were relegatedCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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      ‘My family are a big inspiration – we love to talk about the game’, says Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor

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      THE support of her retired football referee father has been an inspiration for Sonia Bompastor during her rise to the top of the game. The Chelsea chief’s dad was watching from the Stamford Bridge stands, as she guided her side to wins against Manchester City and Celtic.Sonia Bompastor hopes to guide Chelsea to their 12th win in 12 games played in the WSL and Champions LeagueCredit: AlamyA Blues win against Man United at Kingsmeadow would extend the team’s lead to five points at the top of the WSL before the international breakCredit: GettyAhead of their clash with Man United Bompastor’s players booked their place in the Champions League quarter finals by beating Celtic 3-0Credit: GettyBoth matches, played last Sunday and on Wednesday, led the Blues to extend their winning streak to 11 games under their boss.Results that pushed them to the WSL’s summit before a 12 midday clash with Manchester United today, and secured their place in the Champions League knockout stage.Bompastor, 44, said: “I know even when he’s back at home he’s watching the games and I really appreciate talking with him about football.”My family is a big inspiration and they have always been supporting me. We love to talk about the gameRead More Football Stories”My Dad was so happy to come (over here) to watch the Manchester City game, the Celtic game and he sometimes talks about tactics.”He pretends he knows a lot! And I’m like, ‘yes I’m listening’.Bompastor’s father Joaquim, who was born in Portugal, officiated amateur level games in France for more than 30 years before hanging up his whistle.Playing football from the age of six with him and her brother put Bompastor on a path that would later lead her to multiple trophy wins as a player and women’s team head coach at her old club Lyon. Most read in FootballThe former defender, who began her Chelsea managerial role in July, says her father had a knack for honing in on the small details of a game.And a referees’ performance is one aspect he keeps a close eye on.Bompastor, who steered Lyon to seven major trophies including a 2022 Champions League title, added  “We are all passionate (about football).”It’s the common thing we have in our family. That’s what brings us together.”When he comes to a game the first thing he does is watch the referee’s performance.”Today Chelsea play their third home match in eight days when they host Marc Skinner’s Man United at Kingsmeadow.Both sides are the only two teams currently unbeaten in the WSL this term after seven games played with both winning in their last league outings.We’re at the top of the table which is the main goal, but if you think that’s enough at the moment, you will drop some points Sonia Bompastor However three draws from their last four top-flight games has seen United drop six points off the leaders with Skinner coming under pressure from some Red Devils fans.While United will be without Ella Toone and possibly Elisabeth Terland, due to injury, Bompastor is mindful of the other attacking threats Players includes Rachel Williams and ex-Lyon forward Melvine Malard.The Blues chief said: “They have some other good players like Melvine.”I know Melvine and since she joined Manchester United (from Lyon) she’s been on fire (for them).”They also have Rachel Williams who might be starting. “She’s a player we know really well here at Chelsea so we are prepared for that.”She’s good with the ball technically, strong in the air and a really athletic player.”While their opponents are six points off them, Bompastor believes the Red Devils are still a threat in the race for the title.And she has no intention of underestimating her rivals.She adds: “We still have a lot of games to play. Everyone is still in the (title) race.”We’re at the top of the table which is the main goal, but if you think that’s enough at the moment, you will drop some points and won’t be focused.”We need to keep the right mentality, work hard and make sure that in every game we take things game by game.”We want to put all the ingredients together to get a good performance.”Having worked as an academy director for eight years at Lyon from 2013 after retiring as a player, Bompastor is keen to bring more promising young talents rise through the Blues ranks. Chelsea’s win against Celtic included the head coach handing a debut to Lola Brown who came on as a 86th-minute substitute. The 17-year-old, who plays in midfield, is among two teenagers who have featured for Chelsea in the Champions League this season. Wieke Kaptein, 19, who joined the Blues last summer before being loaned back to her old club FC Twente for one season, has made nine appearances in Europe and the WSL this term. Bompastor said: “I know my main job is to make sure we perform, get great results and we win titles. Bompastor is wary of Man United’s attacking threats who include ex-Lyon forward Melvine MalardCredit: PA”But I’m also really focused on developing the players, especially the young ones. READ MORE SUN STORIES”That’s something really important to have in Chelsea’s squad – young players being developed by the coaches and by me. “It’s enjoyable to work with young players when they have the talent.” More