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      Man Utd ‘plot shock transfer move for Christopher Nkunku’ with Chelsea star ‘unhappy’ at lack of minutes

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly enquired about Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku.The Red Devils could dip into the January transfer market following the arrival of new head coach Ruben Amorim.Christopher Nkunku is allegedly open to leaving ChelseaCredit: AlamyAnd French outlet L’Equipe claims Nkunku could be at the top of their wishlist.The 26-year-old is reportedly unhappy with his lack of game time at Chelsea.Nkunku has started just one Premier League match for the Blues this season.And manager Enzo Maresca is allegedly open to letting him leave.Read More in FootballThe Frenchman has attracted interest from a number of clubs, including United.It remains to be seen whether Chelsea would allow him join a Prem rival.Nkunku still has five years remaining on his contract with the Blues.The forward joined Chelsea in a £52million transfer from RB Leipzig last June.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis first season at Stamford Bridge was marred by a series of injury problems.Nkunku has now scored 13 goals in 31 Chelsea appearances – 10 of which have come this season.Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca comments on Cole Palmer injury after draw with Arsenal Man Utd could sign him to replace Joshua Zirkzee, who has failed to impress at Old Trafford since joining in the summer.SunSport revealed last week that ex-manager Erik ten Hag did not even want to sign him. More

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      ‘I’ve quit football at 22 to become a churchgoer, I don’t want to play on Saturdays because it’s my day of rest’

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      TOP-FLIGHT champion Silvan Wallner has quit football aged just 22 in favour of going to church every Saturday.The defender won the Swiss league title with hometown club FC Zurich two years ago.Silvan Wallner has quit football due to his religionCredit: RexWallner has ten youth-level caps for Switzerland and was tipped to break into their senior side.He landed a move to Austrian Bundesliga side Blau-Weiss Linz in September, penning a two-year deal.But he has now ended his contract by mutual consent after putting faith ahead of football.Wallner insisted: “I am a devout Christian and I read the Bible. I make my own decisions about my life.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I wish to follow Jesus Christ, and as a result, the biblical day of rest has become important to me.”As a footballer this means that I no longer want to play professionally on Saturdays.”This is my personal conviction, which I have reached in the last few days.”I am not yet a member of any church.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I want to thank with all my heart all the officials, staff and players at Blau-Weiss Linz.”I also say a big thank you to all the people who have accompanied and supported me in my sporting career.”Football stars’ weird phobiasWallner had made just five appearances for Linz, who sit midway in Austria’s 12-team top-flight.He came through FC Zurich and played 49 senior games for the Swiss Super League club.Wallner is a believer in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, who observe Saturday not Sunday as the day of rest.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      If I was a painter or a builder I might not be here – now I’m back in EFL after open heart surgery saved my life

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      COLBY BISHOP has revealed he is lucky to be alive after marking his incredible comeback from heart surgery with a goal.The Portsmouth striker scored 21 goals last season as the club won the League One title and were promoted to the Championship.Colby Bishop returned from heart surgery with a goalCredit: RexHe admits he is lucky to be alive after a heart scan picked up a problemCredit: RexHis wife Annabel posted an emotional message on social mediaCredit: Instagram @annabelcbishopBishop underwent a routine heart scan in the summer and it identified an irregularity that required immediate surgery.With his wife Annabel heavily pregnant at the time, the 28-year-old feared his football career was over.The open heart operation was successful, but he has been unable to play this season until making his emotional return on Saturday.Bishop came off the bench in Pompey’s 3-1 win over Preston in the 78th minute and he was on the scoresheet from the penalty spot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe goal left him “overcome” and “a little bit teary on the pitch”.He told Portsmouth News: “For me, scoring on Saturday has probably got a little more to it than when we won the title.”Three months ago I didn’t know whether this was going to happen again, I didn’t know if I was going to play again. I’m very grateful to be here.”I originally had a heart scan in 2014 at Notts County. I don’t know how, but I’ve missed it since. Most read in Football”I am very lucky, I don’t see it as a detriment, I see it as being very lucky that someone found that.‘If I was a painter or a builder or a dentist, I might not have had that heart scan and something could happen to me.Portsmouth star Colby Bishop to undergo heart surgery”My wife and my first child were at Fratton Park on Saturday, football is everything, but sometimes you have to sit back and think there’s a lot more to life. “It’s just great to know that I’m now OK and I’m going to be OK for my family.”Bishop called up on former Rangers and Brighton defender Connor Goldson and England rugby star Nick Isiekwe for advice as both have continued their sporting careers following heart problems.His wife Annabel has also stood by him every step of the way and she posted an emotional message on social media after her husband’s comeback.She wrote: “Hearing the words your husband needs heart surgery is something you never ever want to hear, especially not at 39 weeks pregnant. “The scariest times were ahead of us, and we had no choice but to schedule surgery for when our baby was just 12-days-old. “Despite the perfect photos posted online, my postpartum reality was actually in a hotel next door to the hospital whilst Colby was in intensive care. “The road to recovery has been hard, incomparable to other football injuries. “But Colby’s strength and dedication has been unbelievable. “Everyone close to him knows just how much he has put into this, to be back three months later. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Watching him step back onto the pitch, whilst holding my baby in my arms was all I ever wished for. “The goal yesterday was more than just a goal, it was everything for our family.”Bishop revealed he was emotional on the pitch during his comebackCredit: Rex More

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      Sporting move on from Ruben Amorim as they confirm replacement just hours after new Man Utd boss’ final game in charge

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      SPORTING LISBON have finally appointed Ruben Amorim’s permanent successor. The Portuguese giants announced Joao Pereira, 40, as manager just hours after the new Man Utd gaffer’s final game in charge.Sporting have announced Joao Pereira as Ruben Amorim’s permanent replacementCredit: GettyAmorim will begin work as the new manager of Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyAmorim, 39, officially left Sporting today but an alleged issue with his work visa permit is currently holding up his first trip to Manchester.The 39-year-old oversaw a 4-2 comeback victory at Braga on Sunday to continue Sporting’s 100 per cent winning record in 11 league games this term.But Sporting, who sit 11 points clear of Porto, have now formally moved on from Amorim.The club have announced Pereira as their new boss on X with the caption: “A new armband, the same ambition.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPereira, a former right-back, who played 154 games for Sporting has been involved in coaching there since his retirement from playing in 2021.He has also won EVERY game this season while managing the club’s B team and will be unveiled to Portuguese media at noon on Monday.Pereira was appointed Sporting’s under-23 head coach in 2022-23 after a season as the team’s assistant coach. The former defender was capped 40 times by Portugal and also played for Valencia and Trabzonspor at club level.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut he has big shoes to fill as Amorim leaves Sporting with two Primeira Liga titles. Not only are Sporting unbeaten in the league this term, but they sit second in the Champions League table, behind leaders Liverpool.Manchester United vs Leicester City: Player Ratings (1)Amorim has also avoided defeat in Europe this season, having most recently inflicted a 4-1 loss on Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.The club are aiming to win back-to-back Portuguese league titles for the first time since 1954.United formally hired Amorim on November 1.But Sporting requested extra-time for Amorim to complete his final three games and join during the international break.He replaced Erik ten Hag, who found himself under mounting pressure after a dismal 14 months at Old Trafford.Meanwhile, interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy is set for showdown talks with Amorim to find out if he’ll remain on as an assistant.READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim’s faces a trip to Ipswich Town for his first game in charge on November 24.The Town are managed by former United assistant Kieran McKenna, who was also a contender to replace Ten Hag, and won their first Prem game since 2002 against Spurs on Sunday. More

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      Lee Carsley facing England crisis with more stars tipped to pull out than ever before after huge Premier League weekend

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      ENGLAND interim boss Lee Carsley could face a squad crisis during the international break, with a number of key players expected to withdraw.Carsley will take charge of England for the final time this week.Lee Carsley could be without some key players this weekCredit: GettyBukayo Saka and Declan Rice are doubts due to injuryCredit: GettyTrent Alexander-Arnold is expected to withdraw due to a hamstring strain suffered at the weekendCredit: GettyThe Three Lions conclude their Nations League campaign with a trip to Greece on Thursday followed by a home clash with Ireland on Sunday.But they may be forced to play without some important stars.Mikel Arteta cast doubt over the inclusion of Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice following Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday.Trent Alexander-Arnold suffered a hamstring strain against Aston Villa on Saturday and is now expected to withdraw from the England squad.Read More in FootballJack Grealish didn’t appear for Manchester City at the weekend due to a fitness issue which could prevent him from travelling to camp.Kyle Walker could also miss out due to a knee injury.England legend Alan Shearer is now convinced that several Premier League stars will withdraw in order to rest.Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, he explained: “See what happens at international level now with a lot of players, not only Arsenal.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I think, don’t be surprised if we see a load of pull-outs from international players from their countries.”Rather than going to play in the Nations League or wherever, you’ll actually see them having a bit of a rest.Lee Carsley reveals classy message to Thomas Tuchel and says new England manager has no influence on his squad “I’m sure they’ll come out and say they’re maybe injured or whatever but it’ll be more to have a rest I think.”I think there will be loads of them over the next couple of days.”Gary Lineker went on to suggest that more England players could withdraw from international duty because there is no incentive to impress interim boss Carsley.He added: “Possibly with England as well in particular because you’re going to a manager who’s not going to be there, so it’s not like you’ve got to go and impress or anything like that.”There have been three international breaks already this season – one each month.Last week, Carsley revealed that some replacements are on standby if needed.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter Sunday’s match against Greece, the Under-21s manager will step down from his interim position with the senior team.Thomas Tuchel will then take over on a full-time basis in January. More

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      Robbie Savage snubs lucrative offer for huge TV show to stay in unpaid manager’s job in 7th tier of English football

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      ROBBIE SAVAGE has snubbed a highly-lucrative TV show offer to remain in an unpaid role as manager of Macclesfield FC.The Cheshire-based phoenix club are working their way through the non-league pyramid and currently sit top of the English seventh tier.Robbie Savage turned down a TV job to stay with Macclesfield FCSilk Town are 13 points clear at the top of the Northern Premier League – the third tier of non-league football.But despite the boom that comes with being the ONLY UNBEATEN side left in the top seven tiers, Macclesfield were at risk of losing former Premier League star Savage.After five months in the job, Savage, 50, was asked to step away from Macclesfield and take up a high-paying, but undisclosed, TV job offer.But the former Prem star turned it down and vowed to finish what he started with Macclesfield after a heart-to-heart with his players.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe told The Telegraph: “I’ve sold the dream to players coming here. “I’ve got a kid from Blackburn, James Edmondson, who is magnificent. His family have put their trust in me. “If I was then to leave for self-gain or self-promotion I’m not that person they trust. I’m letting them down. I simply couldn’t turn my back on the club.”Nevertheless, he asked the players in the WhatsApp group chat for their opinion and the answer was a resounding “no”.Most read in FootballJames Edmondson, 19, joined Macclesfield on loan from Blackburn last monthCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I am genuine. I am meticulous, serious, obsessive. You have to be.”I want the narrative to change – this pantomime villain, this guy. Some people still see me as that.”BBC Sports host Emma Louise Jones calls Robbie Savage a ‘w—er’ and says ‘any excuse’Savage joined as director of football in October 2020 but was named manager in June.Despite not formally earning a wage for his role as team boss, Savage earns a few bucks as a shareholder and board member.Last month, he exclusively revealed to The Sun, that he wished he’d gone into management earlier.At the time of his appointment the club website wrote: “This is a campaign we simply cannot fail.”The former Leicester and Birmingham midfielder added: “It’s true. It means we have to be promoted because anything else is a failure.”I will hand in my resignation, 100 per cent, if we don’t because we have the best team.”Help from old team-mateSavage has suffered only one defeat since making his managerial baptism – in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round at Tamworth.He previously launched a successful media career and has done 15 years as a host on BBC Five Live’s popular 606 phone-in show.Meanwhile, he also offers co-commentary and pundit duties on European nights on TNT Sports. Savage is assisted by Peter Band while his former Leicester teammate Emile Heskey was appointed in a “position-specific role as and when required”.Savage’s appointment saw Michael Clegg, who was appointed as manager in February, leave the club.Macclesfield’s website lists Savage as the third-largest shareholder with 18.7 per cent.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe new club was born in 2020 after Macclesfield Town was wound up in the High Court over debts totalling more than £500,000.The 146-year-old National League club was forced into liquidation during a hearing at the Insolvency and Companies Court.Macclesfield FC are flying high in the Northern Premier LeagueCredit: Ray Bradbury – The SunA new era at Macclesfield FC was born in 2020Credit: Ray Bradbury – The Sun More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson released me from Man Utd and I ended up in Crewe’s B team – I thought my career was over

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      ROBBIE SAVAGE has opened up about struggling with self-confidence back in his youth.And the football hero even came close to giving up the sport he loves when he dropped from Manchester United to Crewe Alexandra’s B team in 1994.Robbie Savage has opened up on struggling with his self-confidenceCredit: GettySavage (bottom left) spent his youth career at Manchester UnitedCredit: AlamySavage had started his career in the youth ranks at United, hoping to one day walk out at the Theatre of Dreams and play for Sir Alex Ferguson.But those dreams were taken away from him by Fergie himself when the legendary manager cut him loose and released him from United.Savage found himself dropping from the Premier League to the B team of a second tier club.The midfielder felt as though his career was coming to an end taking the drop from United to Crewe, but it helped him find self-confidence.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe 50-year-old had always struggled with his confidence in his younger days, telling the Telegraph that he didn’t use to be able to speak in front of people at school.Asked where that lack of confidence came from he said: “I don’t know, fear of failure? At school I couldn’t speak in front of people, I couldn’t do the assembly.“With swimming we had to wear trunks and I was that skinny and that body-conscious that I wore two pairs of trousers to make myself look bigger. I have done all that because of that insecurity.”Now Savage is known for his exuberant character and has spent years talking to millions of people on live television.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis football career did take back off with the 39-time Wales international starring for clubs like Blackburn Rovers, Derby County and Leicester City.But he’s found a new home as boss of non-league outfit Macclesfield FC in the seventh tier of English football.BBC Sports host Emma Louise Jones calls Robbie Savage a ‘w—er’ and says ‘any excuse’And he’s even turned down a lucrative reality TV offer to stay on board as the boss of the Northern Premier outfit.Savage’s new job has helped him re-kindle his love for football and he gushed about how much he is enjoying his time as the unpaid boss of the club.He told the Telegraph: “I love it. I’ve had tears here. Emotion. Fall-outs. This is like a home for me and it has given me a purpose. “So many footballers have nothing. They get divorced and they do so many things because they have that addictive gene, so what can they then be addictive about? I have got this. And I am addicted to it. “I have my routine and it’s non-stop and it’s tiring. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”Savage has found a new passion as boss of Macclesfield FCCredit: The Times More

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      EFL club issue update on new £130million stadium as part of stunning complex with gym and 180-bed hotel

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      AN EFL club has issued a “really positive” update on plans for a new £130million stadium.Oxford United are planning on moving from the 12,500-capacity Kassam Stadium to a new 16,000-capacity eco-friendly ground.Oxford United are planning on moving to a new 16,000 seater stadiumCredit: https://twitter.com/_LiamWalker_The club currently plays at the Kassam StadiumCredit: PAThe U’s have been at the Kassam Stadium since it opened in 2001.The club has now submitted a confidential pre-application request to Cherwell District Council over plans for the new stadium.The plans include a potential stunning complex, which would include a 180-bed hotel and a gym.The land known as the Triangle north of Oxford would also see a restaurant, conference centre, health and wellbeing space, and community plaza created.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLJonathan Clarke, Oxford United Development Director, said: “Requests for additional information are common with large-scale developments.”This is another really positive step forward in the process.”We remain fully focused on obtaining the necessary planning permission and preparing to build.”The club is also keen to improve the ecology of the stadium.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis means that a transport model has been updated to allow for buses and bicycles to pass through matchday road diversions A footpath and cycleway has also been proposed to provide “additional connectivity and enhanced sustainable transport options”.Ipswich Town Football Club announce plans to redevelop 53-year-old stand in ‘exciting project’ with hotel and aquatics centre The club will also increase the number of on-site cycle parking spots from 150 to 446.It has also been claimed that the new stadium will be “the first all-electric stadium in the UK”.The U’s are currently sitting in 16th place in the Championship after a mixed start to the campaign.Manager Des Buckingham has overseen the team pick-up 17 points from their opening 15 games.Who are these famous footballers? More