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    Leeds set to go back in for Sporting Lisbon starlet Dario Essugo to boost Prem promotion bid after missing out in summer

    LEEDS are planning a daring raid for midfield dynamo Dario Essugo at Sporting Lisbon.Powerful Portugal Under-21s ace Essugo has been loaned to Las Palmas in Spain.Leeds are interested in signing Dario EssugoCredit: GettyLeeds tried for the 19-year-old in the summer and now want to offer a loan-to-buy arrangement.Essugo played 25 times for Sporting as a teen.In the summer, former boss Ruben Amorim decided to loan him out.He has spent this season in LaLiga with Las Palmas.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEssugo has played 10 times for his loan club so far.He scored his first goal during a match against Mallorca last month.Meanwhile, Leeds are set to sign Australian keeper Robbie Cook after a trial.Cook, 17, was wanted by Manchester United and Sunderland.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLeeds salvaged a late draw at Preston yesterday.Daniel Farke’s side fell behind courtesy of Brad Potts’ 23rd minute opener.Wolves players and staff clashing with one another after full-timeThey finally levelled in the 93rd minute, via Jack Whatmough’s own goal.The draw saw Leeds fall three points behind leaders Sheffield United, who beat Plymouth Argyle 2-0 at Bramall Lane.Daniel Farke is chasing reinforcements for Leeds’ promotion bidCredit: Rex More

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    Championship promotion chasers lining up transfer for Ben Brereton Diaz despite his record-breaking Prem nightmare

    SOUTHAMPTON forgotten man Ben Brereton Diaz will be offered an escape route and a return trip to promotion-chasing Sheffield United.The Chile forward, 25, has struggled and is out of Saints’ plans so he could be available for a move next month.Ben Brereton Díaz is a January transfer target for Sheffield UnitedCredit: GettyBrereton Diaz had a good spell on loan at then-Prem side Blades from Villarreal last term before a summer move to St Mary’s.But things have not gone to plan for the striker, who is still yet to taste victory in the Premier League.His winless run of 24 matches – 14 at Sheffield United last term and now ten so far for Southampton – is an unwanted new Prem record. Now Blades boss Chris Wilder wants him and the new club-owners-in-waiting are willing to fund either a loan or permanent switch.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSheffield United are looking to boost their Championship title tilt and have several targets in mind for a signing spree.They also want promotion expert Ashley Barnes, 35, in a shock deal from Norwich.The striker helped Burnley reach the Premier League in 2023 before heading for the Canaries but he could be on the move again.The battle-hardened target man was back in the Norwich side in midweek.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut he could be available and that opens the door for a short-term switch to the Blades.Barnes’ contract is up in June and he is on big wages.Wolves players and staff clashing with one another after full-timeSo City may want to sell him if the terms are right.The Blades are also looking at Southampton right-back James Bree, 26.And they could also join the bidding for Peterborough forward Ricky-Jade Jones, 22.Brereton Diaz joined the Blades on loan last seasonCredit: Reuters More

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    Ian Holloway held back by players in furious row with Swindon fan before telling supporters ‘don’t come’ in epic rant

    IAN HOLLOWAY had to be held back by his own players during a furious row with Swindon fans.The straight-talking manager, 61, even told his own supporters “don’t come” in a spectacular rant.Ian Holloway was restrained by his own players at BradfordCredit: X formerly Twitter / @kieransprules_The Swindon boss was not happy with the supporter’s reactionCredit: X formerly Twitter / @kieransprules_Holloway then had a clear message for the supporterCredit: YouTubeSwindon fans were aggrieved after making the 408-mile, seven-hour round trip to watch their side take on Bradford in League Two.But Calum Kavanagh’s first-half goal proved the difference between the two teams, leaving Holloway’s men precariously just two points and one place above the relegation zone.And that sparked the angry reaction after the full-time whistle.Video footage from Valley Parade showed an animated Holloway gesticulating and shouting at a Robins fan at the front of the away end.READ MORE ON IAN HOLLOWAYSome of the Swindon players even had to step in, dragging their manager away as he continued his remonstrations. Holloway then launched into his epic monologue when speaking to the club’s media pitchside.The former QPR, Blackpool and Crystal Palace boss – who only took over at the County Ground in October – said: “We don’t blame anything, we just got on with it and that’s why I lost my rag with one of our fans blaming everybody again. It’s ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous“Not going to get out of trouble if you do that, mate, even if you have come a long way. Most read in Football”Any chance of encouraging us? I saw more than enough there to encourage me.“Maybe you need to see it with my glasses on. But if you’re upset with it, I’m sorry, don’t come away again if that’s how you feel because I don’t want that.Ian Holloway fears Swindon’s scary form is down to ‘haunted’ training ground “I don’t want my team having that when I felt they tried as hard as they possibly could. Yep, I could guide them and get them to do different things.”But I’m looking right at you – you weren’t very happy, you didn’t make me very happy because you’re not helping in my opinion.“And anybody else who was around him, am I going to give you a cherry for coming all the way up here? No, that’s your choice. “It’s my choice to be here and I want people who are actually going to cheer us on no matter what provided they give me that sort of effort.“It’s a big, big difference from what you’re moaning about in my opinion and if that fella wants to come in, sit down and have a cup of coffee at the training ground, please do. “But I think you’re wrong. It’s how I feel. Can’t help having passion can you?”’SHOULD BE SACKED’Fans on social media were mixed in their reaction to Holloway’s outburst. One said: “Deary me what an interview… If fans are choosing to travel silly distances to support their club, they should have the right to voice their opinion. “You have to take it on board. Fans are the heartbeat of a club. Shocking.”Another added: “He is wrong, he should be sacked. A club is nothing without the fans.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBut a third wrote: “Completely disagree. Ian Holloway is right.And a final user replied: “Flipping brilliant interview if you ask me? Do you want stupid, scripted, rinse and repeat interviews? Or do you wanna hear how blokes really feel? More this please, from ALL players and ALL managers.”Holloway invited the fan to come to the training ground for a cup of coffeeCredit: X formerly Twitter / @kieransprules_Supporters on social media were split over the interviewCredit: X formerly Twitter / @kieransprules_ More

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    ‘Won’t see me for 1 more minute’ says Pep Guardiola as he reveals what would make him QUIT Man City before Man Utd derby

    PEP GUARDIOLA has long been in a league of his own for setting football firsts — but this was one no one saw coming.The sight of the Manchester City manager, a man hailed as the best in the world, talking lost dressing rooms.Pep Guardiola says he would quit Man City if he felt he had lost the dressing roomCredit: ReutersCity have won just one of their last ten gamesCredit: GettyEven more remarkable, he had raised the subject himself.All of a sudden, even seven defeats in ten games for the four-time champions was knocked into a cocked hat. This was even more jaw-dropping.Guardiola was addressing the worst run of his managerial career, and defiant that it has only given him a greater heart for the battle.There is only one loss that would bring the serial-winning Spaniard to his knees — and it would not be on a pitch.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is the moment Guardiola suspected his words were falling on deaf ears. When the players no longer saw him as a footballing Pied Piper. When the dressing room was no longer his.Yet before City fans start calling the Samaritans, the Messiah has seen no hint of it yet.But he admits that if he ever does, he will be out of the Etihad in the blink of an eye.Guardiola insisted: “There is one thing when I would say, ‘Pep, you have to think about it’. And that’s when I lose the team.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“When I feel they do not run. When everyone says the manager has lost the team and they don’t follow me.“In that moment I will not be here for one more minute. Man City manager Pep Guardiola sings song for Barcelona’s 125th birthdayThe Spaniard appeared to scratch his head several times during Man City’s match against Feyenoord last monthPep Guardiola’s horror Man City runPEP GUARDIOLA admitted he is having sleepless nights as he endures his worst-ever spell as a manager.Here are the three-time defending Premier League champions’ nightmare last 10 games…Oct 30: Tottenham 2 Man City 1 – DEFEATNov 2: Bournemouth 2 Man City 1 – DEFEATNov 5: Sporting Lisbon 4 Man City 1 – DEFEATNov 9: Brighton 2 Man City 1 – DEFEATNov 23 – Man City 0 Tottenham 4 – DEFEATNov 26: Man City 3 Feyenoord 3 – DRAWDec 1: Liverpool 2 Man City 0 – DEFEATDec 4: Man City 3 Nottingham Forest – WINDec 7: Crystal Palace 2 Man City 2 – DRAWDec 11: Juventus 2 Man City 0 – DEFEATTOTAL – WINS 1, DRAWS 2, DEFEATS 7″But at the moment it is there and more than ever I am there — no doubt about that.”Guardiola knows the incredible run of defeats — as many as City suffered in their previous 105 games — is not down to a lack of inspiration from the dugout.It is down to a horrendous casualty list, the long-term loss of key figures — none more than Rodri — and a schedule that would put a pack mule on its back.There is one thing when I would say, ‘Pep, you have to think about it’. And that’s when I lose the team.Pep GuardiolaHe added: “I don’t know what would have happened with all the players there… with Rodri there, with Phil Foden there, with Oscar Bobb there, with the four central defenders there. I don’t know what position we would be in.“I can imagine what it would be but I cannot prove it, right? We’d be a better team, everybody knows, but the reality is the complete opposite.“In the past maybe we would go the whole season and losing seven didn’t happen. But it’s football, it’s life.“Tell me a month ago, when we were top of the league and unbeaten, we were going to lose seven and I’d say, ‘Are you crazy? It’s not going to happen to my team’.“But it’s happened — and maybe we are going to lose more. And the reason why is the schedule.“Rodri played 75 games last season. He won the Euros with Spain, got injured with Spain and came back. Do you feel he was fresh for this year? No.“As strong as he is, he came back tired. But I needed him against Arsenal, even though he was not at the top.“Normally when you have a game, the day after is recovery and the ones who didn’t play the day before train.“But we have seven, eight or nine out. We’re not the best right now because we don’t have the players. We have made a lot of mistakes but we don’t have time. We have to practise, you have to know.“To be a writer, it’s not necessary to read books, you have to practise to write a novel, unless you are William Shakespeare! After that, you don’t need anything.”Yet for all the reasons, all the injuries, Guardiola needs no telling that ultimately the buck stops with him.To be a writer, it’s not necessary to read books, you have to practise to write a novel, unless you are William Shakespeare! After that, you don’t need anything.Pep GuardiolaAnd the bottom line is City have not been good enough.Bragging rights from the Manchester derby would be a start, if little more than a sticking plaster on a gaping wound.He admitted: “We don’t have a defence, my friends. We’ve lost too many games when this happened. All the criticisms and judging, it’s deserved.“You can share opinions and listen to opinions but in the end it’s you that has to make them. It’s on me — that’s why I am well paid.READ MORE SUN STORIES“If I don’t want that, all the comments after the games, I have to get another job — it’s not new.”Fortunately for City, he has no intention of doing so just yet. At least that’s one bright spot, anyway. More

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    Ex-England boss Gareth Southgate to get knighthood in the New Year ­Honours List

    FORMER England boss Gareth Southgate will get a knighthood in the New Year ­Honours List.He will be given the gong after steering the men’s footie side to two Euro finals.England boss Gareth Southgate will get a knighthood in the New Year ­Honours ListGareth is set for a knighthood after being cleared over a controversial tax schemeCredit: GettySouthgate with Prince William ahead of the 2024 Euro finalCredit: AFPGareth, 54, follows in the footsteps of Sir Bobby Robson and Sir Alf Ramsey in being knighted for services to sport.The Sun on Sunday revealed in October that tax bosses had cleared Gareth of wrongdoing after he put money into a controversial film investment scheme.It paved the way for him to get the coveted title.The letters are understood to have been sent out already by the Honours Committee.READ MORE ON GARETH SOUTHGATEA source said: “Gareth is a football legend who achieved great things this year.”He is England’s most successful boss since Sir Alf Ramsey — who guided the team to victory in the 1966 World Cup.As well as the two Euro finals, Gareth took England to a World Cup semi final.The father-of-two was made an OBE in 2019.Most read in FootballGareth Southgate at centre of channel bidding war for glossy documentary after quitting as England bossSouthgate’s highs and lows as England bossGARETH Southgate took charge of 102 games for England before quitting in the aftermath of the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.But what were the best – and worst matches – from the popular gaffer’s eight-year reign before that devastating Sunday night in Berlin? Here we take a look.THE HIGHS:Colombia 1-1 England (3-4 on pens,) 2018 World CupThis was the night that long-suffering supporters finally started to believe that it was coming home.Despite conceding a late equaliser, England held their nerve to advance to the quarter final of the World Cup 2018 on penalties.It was our first shootout victory for 22 years.Spain 2-3 England, 2018 Nations LeagueFollowing on from the World Cup, England won in Spain for the first time in 31 years with a brilliant Uefa Nations League victory.Southgate’s boys stunned the Seville crowd into silence with a thrilling performance that saw them lead 3-0 at the break thanks to a Raheem Sterling brace and Marcus Rashford.Although the hosts scored two after the break, the way the Three Lions tore La Roja apart excited every fan.England 2-1 Denmark, Euro 2020 semi-finalSouthgate led England to their first major final in 55 years as they beat Denmark after extra-time in the Euro 2020 semi-final.Having fallen behind after half an hour, the Three Lions battled back to send it to extra-time courtesy of an own goal.Then it was captain Kane who converted a rebound after Kasper Schmeichel originally saved his penalty in extra-time to win it.England 3-0 Sengal, 2022 World Cup last 16England had already blown Iran and Wales, 6-2 and 3-0 respectively, away in the World Cup 2022 group stages before they breezed past Senegal.The free-scoring Three Lions recorded another big win to set-up a mouthwatering quarter-final against France – what could go wrong?Italy 1-2 England, Euro qualifiers, 2023On a night when Harry Kane became England’s all-time top scorer, the Three Lions recorded a first away win over Italy since 1961.It was the first game since their 2022 World Cup exit, and it ensured a perfect start to their Euro 2022 qualifying campaign.England 2-1 Holland, Euro 2024 sem-finalThe nation doubted Southgate’s men in the semis of Euro 2024, but they responded with a barnstorming display.Xavi Simons opened the scoring for the Dutch but Harry Kane’s penalty drew us level.And Ollie Watkins slotted in a brilliant winner in injury time to see the Three Lions into their second successive Euros final.AND THE LOWS….Croatia 2-1 England, World Cup semi-final, 2018Having led England to a first World Cup semi-final since 1990, Southgate men made a dream start as Kieran Trippier put them ahead in the early exchanges.But Ivan Perisic equalised as the Croats began to take control.Some of Southgate’s substitutions were then questioned after his team were beaten in extra-time, although many gave him the benefit of the doubt as he returned a hero.Italy 1-1 England (3-2 pens) Euro 2020 finalWill probably never get a better chance to have secured a trophy for the Three Lions than this final of the last European Championship.Luke Shaw gave us the lead after just seconds, but just like against Croatia three years earlier, we sat back and let our rivals back into it.Leonardo Bonucci duly equalised in the second half and the game eventually went to penalties.The unfortunate Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were all brought on to take a spot-kick, but the brave trio all missed as the Azzurri broke our hearts to take the prize.England 0-4 Hungary, Nations League 2023A year on from the Euros and it was utter embarrassment for Southgate in this Nations League game at Molineux.It was our biggest home defeat since 1928 and the result led to England being relegated from the top group of the Nations League and back to one that contained the Republic of Ireland, Finland and Greece.England 1-2 France, World Cup 2022 quarter-finalsAnother case of what could have been.Having been free-scoring throughout Qatar 2022, many fancied us to go all the way at the World Cup despite taking on the holders in the quarters.We fought back from going behind to level through Kane and many believe that France were then there for the taking had Southgate deployed a more attacking approach.Instead, they seemed content with what they had until Olivier Giroud pounced 12 minutes from time to win it.But there was still one more twist of the knife for England as the usually-reliable Kane skied a late penalty over the bar uncharacteristically as we crashed out. 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    Rodri back running after ACL surgery as Man City hope midfielder could play in Premier League THIS SEASON

    RODRI has his sights on a stunning Premier League comeback — THIS season.The midfielder, 28, was initially ruled out for the entire campaign after rupturing the ACL in his right knee against Arsenal in September.Rodri could return for Man City before the end of the seasonCredit: GettyBut the Ballon d’Or winner is already a couple of months ahead of schedule in his rehab following surgery on the damage.Spaniard Rodri has been on the running machine and impressed medics with his range of motion.He had already targeted a return at the new Club World Cup in June and July — but there are now suggestions he could be back in action before the end of the Prem campaign.City’s form has nose-dived without their central midfield rock and they have won just one of their last ten games.Read more football newsBoss Pep Guardiola could turn to Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich as cover next month.The right-back, 29, who also operates in midfield, would cost £10million and Pep knows Kimmich having brought him to the Allianz Arena in 2015.Rodri insisted his time on the pitch this season might not be over when he scooped the Ballon d’Or trophy.Guardiola insisted we wouldn’t see the anchor man until the 2024-2025 season.Most read in FootballBut Rodri is aiming for Fifa’s Club World Cup, which takes place in the US in June and July.Four Man City stars including Haaland and Grealish ‘miss penalties against NO KEEPER’ in bizarre training live streamBallon d’Or winner Rodri has previously said he will return in the summerCredit: GettyCity’s talisman said: “The seasons are getting longer and this one has the Club World Cup.“It is good to have a challenge and I have it in my head to return this season — we’ll see when.”Meanwhile, City hope to persuade Rodri to extend his Etihad deal, which runs until 2027.Pep Guardiola’s horror Man City runPEP GUARDIOLA admitted he is having sleepless nights as he endures his worst-ever spell as a manager.Here are the three-time defending Premier League champions’ nightmare last 10 games…Oct 30: Tottenham 2 Man City 1 – DEFEATNov 2: Bournemouth 2 Man City 1 – DEFEATNov 5: Sporting Lisbon 4 Man City 1 – DEFEATNov 9: Brighton 2 Man City 1 – DEFEATNov 23 – Man City 0 Tottenham 4 – DEFEATNov 26: Man City 3 Feyenoord 3 – DRAWDec 1: Liverpool 2 Man City 0 – DEFEATDec 4: Man City 3 Nottingham Forest – WINDec 7: Crystal Palace 2 Man City 2 – DRAWDec 11: Juventus 2 Man City 0 – DEFEATTOTAL – WINS 1, DRAWS 2, DEFEATS 7He joined City from Atletico Madrid in 2019 and has not ruled out a return to his homeland.Rodri added: “Renewal with City is not my priority right now.“I want to recover and we’ll see.“I have a contract and I’m very, very happy.“But I see the Spanish league and I’m not closing doors.” More

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    Paul Pogba ‘sounded out by Man City over shock free transfer when he is free to play again’ despite Man Utd history

    MANCHESTER CITY are reportedly planning a shock move to sign Paul Pogba on the eve of the Manchester derby.The misfiring champions side have “sounded out” a potential deal for the former Man Utd star ahead of his return from a doping ban in March.Man City are interested in bringing Paul Pogba back to the clubCredit: ReutersPep Guardiola is desperate for midfield reinforcements with City’s Premier League campaign derailed by Ballon d’Or winner Rodri’s ACL injury.SunSport reported earlier this week that Guardiola could spend in the January transfer window for the first time in seven years.He is keen on both Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes and Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.But The Independent claim he could look to make a far more controversial move for divisive Old Trafford old boy Pogba instead.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the report admits Pogba is reluctant to join City due to his connection with their bitter rivals.In fact, the 31-year-old Frenchman is said to have reservations about returning to England all together. Pogba still wants to play top level football again, however, with LaLiga, Serie A and the Bundesliga his preferences.He is currently serving an 18-month ban for testing positive for performance-enhancing substance DHEA in August 2023.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPogba was initially hit with a four-year suspension but it was reduced following an appeal.The ban led to his contract at Juventus being terminated.Paul Pogba was brought back to Man Utd to HUMILIATE Sir Alex Ferguson – I told him not to return, says Patrice EvraFrom January, the 2018 World Cup winner can train with a club again.Pogba said back in October: “I am not a cheater, I am someone that loves my sport. “I love the game and I would never, ever. I like to win fairly and people know that.”You see me. I’m a bad loser, but I am not a cheater – that’s for sure.”I would just love to be [back] on the pitch, on any pitch.”It’s tough to be alone doing passes for yourself on the wall. “My main focus right now is to get back training, get fit, be on the pitch and be doing what I love.”READ MORE SUN STORIESPogba made 233 appearances for Man Utd in two spells at the club.He left on a free in the summer of 2022.Pep Guardiola’s horror Man City runPEP GUARDIOLA admitted he is having sleepless nights as he endures his worst-ever spell as a manager.Here are the three-time defending Premier League champions’ nightmare last 10 games…Oct 30: Tottenham 2 Man City 1 – DEFEATNov 2: Bournemouth 2 Man City 1 – DEFEATNov 5: Sporting Lisbon 4 Man City 1 – DEFEATNov 9: Brighton 2 Man City 1 – DEFEATNov 23 – Man City 0 Tottenham 4 – DEFEATNov 26: Man City 3 Feyenoord 3 – DRAWDec 1: Liverpool 2 Man City 0 – DEFEATDec 4: Man City 3 Nottingham Forest – WINDec 7: Crystal Palace 2 Man City 2 – DRAWDec 11: Juventus 2 Man City 0 – DEFEATTOTAL – WINS 1, DRAWS 2, DEFEATS 7 More

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    Tom Brady’s Birmingham lining up another big name signing with former England star set for January loan transfer

    BURNLEY star Nathan Redmond is a surprise target for ambitious Birmingham.Redmond, 30, started his career at St Andrew’s and could return on a loan deal.Tom Brady is ready to ensure Birmingham get promotedCredit: ReutersNathan Redmond could move back to BirminghamCredit: ReutersThe winger has been hit by injuries and although available shortly, he will struggle to make Scott Parker’s side as they boast so many wingers.Redmond, who earned one cap for England in 2017. has not made an appearance for Burnley this term.Blues have money to help them win promotion and a wages-only move could work for all the parties.Birmingham-born Redmond made 82 appearances for the club before he moved to Norwich.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has since had a six-year stay at Southampton and a brief stint at Turkish giants Besiktas.Blues are able to splash the cash thanks to their American owners, with NFL legend Tom Brady involved in the consortium.They showed their spending power in the summer by breaking the League One record transfer fee by signing Jay Stansfield from Fulham for £15million.The owners are also looking to invest off the pitch by building a stunning new stadium.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBirmingham have already acquired 60 acres of land in the east of the city.And they have unveiled plans to construct an incredible Sports Quarter, containing a state-of-the-art ground, new training facilities and more. Tom Brady in hilarious reaction after getting X-rated welcome from Wrexham fans for Birmingham clash More