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    Forgotten Man Utd star, 29, joins MLS side in surprise free transfer… but will spend rest of 2024 on loan at West Brom

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    FORMER Manchester United star Paddy McNair has joined MLS side San Diego FC as a free agent – but will be shipped out on loan to West Brom until the end of 2024.The Northern Ireland international, 29, spent five years at Old Trafford after coming through the youth ranks before leaving in 2016.Former United star Paddy McNair has joined San Diego FC in a surprise free transferCredit: Instagram / @sandiegofcMcNair made his Old Trafford debut in 2014Credit: PA:Press AssociationMcNair joined United’s academy at age 14, where he was converted from a midfielder to a defender by youth coach Paul McGuinness.But he was limited to 27 first team appearances before being snapped up by Sunderland, then managed by former United supremo David Moyes. McNair subsequently joined Middlesbrough for £5m in 2018, where he won the club’s Player of the Year award in 2021.But now he has ditched English football to head stateside.READ MORE ON THE OLYMPICSMcNair signed a free three-year deal with San Diego following the end of his contract with Championship side Boro this summer. But he will be flown straight back to England after the MLS outfit agreed a six-month loan with West Brom.Part of the reason behind the short loan is because the club are waiting on the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.McNair said: “Joining San Diego FC is an exciting new chapter in my career.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”When I first heard of San Diego, I had this gut feeling of excitement to play outside of England and have a chance to play in MLS.”It’s going to be very special to be a part of history. I look forward to bringing my experience to the team and building a team San Diego can be proud of.”Watch moment rap legend Snoop Dogg dance with Paris Olympics 2024 torch through streets of city before opening ceremonyMcNair is the fifth signing in San Diego’s history, an early group of stars highlighted by former Napoli winger Hirving “Chucky” Lozano. The club was founded last May by British-Egyptian businessman and former politician Mohamed Mansour.McNair has represented his country at the U-17, U-19, U-21 and senior level and helped them qualify for their first and only Euros in 2016. More

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      EFL goalkeeper sends fans into meltdown with utterly ridiculous ‘skill of the season’ in pre-season clash

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      SWANSEA CITY goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux stunned fans with his “skill of the season” in a pre-season clash.The shot-stopper made a move from relegated Burnley to the Welsh side this summer on a two-year deal.Lawrence Vigouroux stunned fans with the ‘skill of the season’ in Swansea’s pre-season clash against FC KolnThe shot-stopper executed a 360-spin before he took his goal kickCredit: XVigouroux has just arrived at the Welsh club from BurnleyCredit: XThe England goalkeeper signed a two-year deal with the Championship sideCredit: GettyAfter coming off the bench in Swansea’s pre-season friendly against FC Koln on Wednesday Vigouroux did not hold back in showing his new team his utterly ridiculous skill.The Chilean player executed a superb 360-degree spin and then dropped the ball on his foot as he readied himself for the goal kick.And fans have called the donned the Championship side news goalkeeper with the “skill of the season”.Another added: “You either have it or you don’t.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA third then put: “Coldddddddddd.”While a fourth said: “Making sure nobody is hiding behind him. Sensible.”However, his impressive talent was not enough to keep a clean sheet as Koln beat Luke Williams’ side 2-1.Vigouroux hoped to become a Premier League star after graduating from the Tottenham Academy and signing his first professional contract in June 2013.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut following a disappointing loan stint at non-league side Hyde, the North London-born star made another attempt at securing a Premier League opportunity with Liverpool.At Anfield, Vigouroux quickly became the first-choice goalkeeper for the reserve side and then signed a two-year contract at the Reds.Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promiseThen a successful loan at Swindon Town saw the goalkeeper make a permanent move to the League One side in 2015.He then went on loan to Waterford followed by a transfer to Chilean side Everton de Vina del Mar in 2019.Having left the South American side without making a single appearance Vigiouroux headed to East London side Leyton Orient for three seasons making over 152 appearances.The goalie then joined newly promoted Premier League side Burnley in 2023 but the shot-stopper still could not secure a Premier League start. More

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      Leif Davis and other newly-promoted players who could thrive in Dream Team this season

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      DREAM TEAM managers in need of an affordable bargain to bring their XI together should browse the newly-promoted clubs for appealing options.Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton are set to make the jump up from Championship this term and all three teams possess talent capable of providing excellent value for money.We’ve identified five players worthy of consideration.PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR FREE NOW AHEAD OF THE 2024/25 SEASON – £50,000 TOP PRIZE PLUS WEEKLY CASH WINNERS!Assist machineCredit: Dream TeamLeif Davis (£2.5m)The Tractor Boys’ ambitious left-back was a hugely influential figure during his side’s promotion campaign.Davis provided a whopping 21 assists in the league, putting all the Championship’s most-creative midfielders to shame!It goes without saying that he’s likely to find life harder in the top flight but a defender capable of such creative output is worth highlighting.The main caveat in regards to Ipswich assets is that they face a baptism of fire in their first two outings: Liverpool (h), Manchester City (a).With this in mind, it’s probably wise to wait until their fixtures settle down before giving Davis and company a whirl.Most read in FootballStephy Mavididi (£2.5m)Crafty FoxCredit: GettyLeicester were head and shoulders above every other Championship side for long stretches of last season thanks in no small part to the quality of their attacking unit.Mavididi registered 13 goals and six assists in all competitions from the right flank in 2023/24 but even those impressive numbers don’t tell the full story – he’s got talent to burn.At the time of writing, Jamie Vardy (£2.5m) is the most-selected player among the newly-promoted clubs but Dream Team bosses would probably be better off with some younger blood if they have faith in the Foxes.Truth be told, much of the same applies to Issahaku Fatawu (£2.5m) on the opposite wing but Mavididi gets the nod from us in a head-to-head purely because he’s a greater goal threat.Adam Armstrong (£2.5m)SharpshooterCredit: GettyIt would be unfair to characterise Southampton as a one-man team but there’s no doubt their No9’s firepower is a huge reason they have returned to the Premier League.Armstrong plundered 24 goals in total, including a pinpoint finish against Leeds at Wembley to secure promotion in the play-off final.The 27-year-old is in danger of being known as one of those strikers who is prolific in the Championship but not good enough for the Premier League but he heads into the new campaign at the peak of his powers.Saints start with a trip to St James’ Park but their fixtures look relatively favourable after that until the start of October.Dream Team’s Fantasy Football GamePLAY DREAM TEAM AHEAD OF THE NEW SEASON!Free to play£50,000 jackpot for overall winner plus weekly prizesPlayers score points in Premier League games, European competitions and both domestic cupsPlay in Mini Leagues against your mates£5,000 prize for Gameweek 1Play via Dream Team’s app or website today!Omari Hutchinson (£2.5m)One to watchCredit: GettyIpswich’s No20 is arguably the most-exciting talent among the newly-promoted crop.Previously on the books of Arsenal and Chelsea, Hutchinson’s natural talent was complimented at the age of 12 by none other than Pele.He scored 11 goals (many of them high quality) and provided six assists on loan at Kieran McKenna’s side last season and he’s since made the move permanent for a club-record fee.Still just 20 years old, many pundits are tipping him for a bright future – he’s one to keep an eye on at the very least.Ricardo Pereira (£2.5m)Bonus ball?Credit: GettyExperienced gaffers may remember that the Portuguese full-back was something of a Dream Team gem once upon a time.Pereira has endured rotten injury luck in his career but he was among Leicester’s most-used players last season and his industrious style may be favoured by the scoring system.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe gets through plenty of tackles and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he earned his fair share of bonus points too.If the 30-year-old starts well enough, the Foxes have a nice run of fixtures from early October through to November that might be worth targeting.Superfan Ed Sheeran belts out iconic Ipswich chant alongside players at ‘beautiful’ Premier League promotion party More

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      Fans go wild for ‘truly silly pre-season strike’ but left utterly baffled by what goalscorer did immediately after

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      FANS have gone wild for a spectacular goal scored in pre-season.Portsmouth star Ryley Towler caught the eye with an audacious effort against Havant & Waterlooville.Ryley Towler beat two players before letting fly from distanceCredit: Portsmouth FCHe caught the ball sweetly as it sailed over the keeper’s headCredit: Portsmouth FCThe keeper was helpless as the ball found the top cornerCredit: Portsmouth FCPompey beat their non-league counterparts 3-0 in their second pre-season friendly, having previously beaten Gosport Borough 3-1.Towler, wearing the captain’s armband, stole the show with a superb solo effort to double Portsmouth’s lead.The centre-back picked up the ball from his goalkeeper inside his own penalty area before marauding up the pitch.He went past two opponents with clever feints and quickly found himself over the halfway line.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTowley then looked up and with no options available decided to loft the ball over the goalkeeper and into the top corner, much to the delight of the travelling fans.The strike also caused a stir on social media where fans were quick to praise the 22-year-old, though some were left baffled by the fact he did not celebrate.One fan wrote: “Don’t care if it’s pre-season or not, how are you not celebrating that.”Another added: “I’d be running crazy all-over the place after a goal like that, big celebration there for me.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third said: “Filthy.”And another commented: “What a player.”Towler’s incredible strike came on the same evening Robbie Brady scored from a similar distance for Preston to hand Arne Slot a defeat in his first match in charge of Liverpool.Towler did not even bother celebrating his audacious effortCredit: Portsmouth FCWatch moment Ryan Reynolds is surprised by Wrexham star live on BBC Radio 1 More

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      Sacked EFL manager to replace Patrick Vieira as boss of Chelsea’s sister club in shock move

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      PATRICK VIEIRA is set to be replaced as Strasbourg boss by a recently-axed EFL manager, it’s been claimed.The former Arsenal and France midfielder was given his marching orders by the Ligue 1 side this week, just a year after being given the job.Patrick Vieira was given the boot by Strasbourg this weekCredit: PAThe former Crystal Palace gaffer is now contention to take charge of the USACredit: APLiam Rosenior is on the brink of replacing Vieira as Strasbourg chiefCredit: RexStrasbourg are working frantically to try to find a new manager before they kick off their domestic campaign in a month’s time.And they are reportedly on the verge of appointing Liam Rosenior as Viera’s successorThat’s according to L’Equipe, who claim the BluCo brass – who also own Premier League big boys Chelsea – are on the brink of making him the French outfit’s new gaffer.Rosenior, 40, has reportedly pipped former Millwall and Rochdale bosses Joe Edwards and Brian Barry-Murphy to land the gig.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe seemingly imminent appointment of Rosenior comes as a shock as he was sacked by Hull in May.He was given the boot by The Championship side after failing to guide them into the play-offs.Rosenior said after his departure from MKM Stadium: “It has been an honour, a joy and a pleasure to lead a football club that I love for the last 18 months. “I would like to thank every member of staff, every player I worked with, every fan who supported us on the journey and also to Acun Ilicali and Tan Kesler for believing in me enough to give me the opportunity to manage Hull City.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I take immense pride in the massive progress and growth of the club in this period, both on and off the pitch, and the small part I played in it.”I genuinely hope that the hard work of everybody at the football club continues to move things in an upward trajectory.Hull City SACK Liam Rosenior in shock decision just weeks after Manager of the Year nomination“Working with Acun, Tan and his football brain team has been an incredible learning experience and with the passion, energy, determination and hard work they have put into this club.”I am sure they will get the vision and success that they crave in the long term.“Seeing the team and players develop, improve and grow in an 18 month period, in a style that we believed in, has been amazing.”And I have enjoyed every moment of working with an outstanding group of people who gave me trust, spirit and togetherness, not just in games, but in every single training session that we worked in.”Great people who I have loved being around. Always together.”Rosenior’s first competitive game in charge of Strasbourg – if he’s appointed as their new manager – will be the club’s Ligue 1 opener against Montpellier on August 18.Liam Rosenior has been a free agent since being sacked by Hull in MayCredit: GETTY More

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      EFL club’s dream of building new £130m, 16,000-seater stadium on 250-YEAR deal given major boost

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      CHAMPIONSHIP club Oxford United have received a huge boost in their plans to build a new stadium.The U’s, who were promoted to England’s second tier following promotion from League One last season, drew up plans for a £130million project allowing them to build a new home.Oxford United have received a boost for plans to build a new £130m stadiumThe club’s lease on the Kassam Stadium runs out in 2026Credit: PAOxford United currently play at the 12,500-capacity Kassam Stadium, which was built in 1997 and opened in 2001.However, the lease on their current home – owned by Firoka who are operated by the club’s former owner Firoz Kassam – runs out in 2026.And Oxford chiefs have wasted no time in trying to secure the team’s long-term foundations.In October 2023 the club released details for plans to relocate to a new home at the Triangle near Kidlington, and move into the Cherwell district.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 16,000-seater stadium would see the club sign a staggering 250-year deal, according to BBC Oxford Sport.The club had been granted permission for the stunning build back in May after signing a provisional legally binding agreement with Oxfordshire County Council.However, the deal hinged on them gaining permission from Cherwell District Council.In great news for the project, on Monday Oxford councillors voted in favour of the motion tabled by Labour member Mary Clarkson to “support” their plan.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSShe said the body wants the club to be “secure in a new stadium which offers a lot of improvements”.And it now means a planning permission application could be submitted to Cherwell District Council early next year.Work out which global sporting icon lives in this waterside padOn the move, chairman of the OxVox independent supporters’ trust, Paul Peros, said it would improve infrastructure and bring “vitality to the area”.He added the club and councils “can’t let the vocal minority rob us of that chance”.However, opponents to the move have highlighted the loss of green belt land along with traffic and pollution issues. More

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      Ex-Barcelona and Championship star rips up his own contract after activating shock release clause to become free agent

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      MARTIN BRAITHWAITE is a free agent after ripping up his own contract at Espanyol.The former Middlesbrough striker activated a release clause in his deal with the Spanish club.Martin Braithwaite is a free agent after triggering a release clause in his Espanyol contractCredit: GettyThe Danish striker previously spent two years in England with MiddlesbroughCredit: GettyAs a result, he is now free to join another side after departing Espanyol a year early.His contract had been due to expire at the end of the upcoming season.In a statement, Espanyol said: “RCD Espanyol thanks Braithwaite for his professionalism and wishes him luck in his new professional challenges.”Braithwaite joined Espanyol from Barcelona in 2022, scoring 32 goals in 78 appearances across two seasons.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, he could not prevent the club from avoiding relegation from La Liga in 2023, before a fourth place finish in the second tier last term.Despite missing out on promotion, the 33-year-old finished as the league’s top scorer with 22 goals.Prior to his spell in Spain, the Dane spent two years in England with Middlesbrough.He scored nine goals in 40 appearances in between loan spells at Bordeaux and Leganes.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAt international level, Braithwaite has ten strikes in 69 caps for Denmark.Being a free agent is unlikely to have an immediate financial impact on the forward thanks to his business portfolio away from football.Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top fiveBraithwaite has amassed a net worth of £250million to become one of the sport’s richest players.His wealth is mainly thanks to his investment in a real estate business in 2017.Meanwhile, he also owns a clothing line and a restaurant in Barcelona with his wife.Braithwaite’s business empire includes a clothing line and restaurant in BarcelonaCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League new-boys Ipswich set for shock £15m swoop to bring relegated keeper back to top flight

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      IPSWICH will swoop for Burnley keeper Aro Muric in a shock £15million deal.Muric, 25, struggled to make an impact in the Premier League last season.Ipswich will swoop for Burnley keeper Aro Muric in a shock £15million dealCredit: GettyThe move comes after Ipswich and Brighton failed to agree for a deal over Carl Rushworth — the Seagulls would prefer to loan him, not sell.The Tractor Boys will pay an initial £10m for the Kosovo international, with add-ons of up to £5m.The 25-year-old, who joined Burnley from Manchester City in July 2022, was second choice to James Trafford last season.He won his place back and played the final 10 games, but was unable to prevent the Clarets being relegated to the Championship.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe made 41 Championship appearances the season before as Burnley won promotion to the top flight in 2023.Ipswich were looking for a new goalkeeper after Vaclav Hladky left the club at the end of the season after his contract expired.Boss Kieran McKenna has already signed Omari Hutchinson, Ben Johnson, Jacob Greaves and Liam Delap this summer.As it stands, Ipswich have Christian Walton and Cieran Slicker as their two senior goalkeeper options, but Walton made just four appearances last season.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSBorn in Switzerland, Muric joined Manchester City’s youth team at 16 years old.He made five League Cup outings for the Pep Guardiola’s title winning side in 2018/19.Behind the scenes with Burnley goalkeeper James TraffordBefore having loan spells at NAC Breda Nottingham Forest, Girona Willem II and Adana Demirspor over the next four seasons.Muric joined Burnley for £3m in 2022 and still has two years left on his contract at Turf Moor.Chelsea made two of the biggest transfers ever in January 2023 More

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      Premier League clubs sniffing around 15-year-old EFL wonderkid who’s set to bag first-team role this season

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      STEVENAGE are fighting off Premier League interest in rising star Ryan Doherty — who is in their first team at just 15.The League One outfit gave the midfielder 45 minutes against Luton in a behind-closed-doors game last week.Ryan Doherty has drawn interest from a host of Premier League academiesCredit: Stevenage FCBoro do not want to lose the smooth-passing talent but may have to if a major offer comes in.Doherty, who plays primarily as a midfielder has progressed quickly and his development has alerted Premier League sides to his ability.The Prem clubs interested remain unnamed, but it is thought that a host of top flight outfits are keen to acquire his services for their academies.Doherty is set to feature regularly in the first team squad next season under new boss Alex Revell.read more football newsThe schoolboy also impressed in his 30 minutes against Watford on Saturday.Stevenage held Championship side Watford to a 2-2 draw at the Lamex Stadium.Stevenage often give opportunities to youngsters after playing 15-year-old goalkeeper Max Woodford against Crystal Palace U21s in the EFL trophy last season. And fans took to social media to praise the talented teenager.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne wrote: “Doherty is incredibly impressive. Hope he gets a chance to play in League One before the elites swoop in.”Another said: “Cracking little player – won’t be around for much longer, I wouldn’t have thought.”England’s Billion Pound Players: The Clash with SpainA third declared: “Great stuff, always fresh to see a young prodigy break through.”While another added: “Someone born in 2009 now playing for the Boro, seems like it was only yesterday!”Inside humble Ollie Watkins’ remarkable rise from non-league to England’s Euro 2024 heroNINE summers ago Ollie Watkins went on a lads’ holiday after helping to save Conference South side Weston-Super-Mare from relegation, writes Dan King.Now he’s just fired England into the Euro 2024 final with a sensational 90th-minute winner.And even helped Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League last season.Watkins arrived on the Somerset coast as a teenaged striker on loan from League Two Exeter in December 2014.His 10 goals in 24 league games were a big factor in stopping Weston from slipping into the sixth tier for the first time in their history – and in giving them something to celebrate on a post-season trip to Spain.But it was also his workrate and attitude that earned him the respect of the dressing room, and helped him take the first significant steps on the road to stardom.Ryan Northmore, boss of Weston at the time, said: “His goals saved the club from relegation. But he contributed much more than his goals, which is really important when you’re scrapping away for your lives.“He wasn’t just sat at the top of the pitch waiting for the ball to come. He would roll his sleeves up and get involved in all aspects of the game.”Days after joining, Watkins made an instant impact with an equaliser against Farnborough.Team-mate Tom Jordan said: “He always struck me as the kind of lad who had his eyes wide open to different aspects of the game.“Sometimes you would have loan lads come in from a League club to non-League and they would be looking at you like they were doing you a favour.“His attitude was very different. He was coming in thinking, ‘I’m going to learn from this experience’.”It was during Watkins’ spell at Weston that the then Walsall boss Dean Smith spotted him.Smith would later take the striker to Brentford and bring him to Villa, where he has reached new levels under current boss Unai Emery.But Watkins has never forgotten the part that Weston played in his rise to the top.One of his Villa shirts is on display there, he has spoken to young players coming through and happily tells the local press how important and enjoyable his time at the club was.And he even helped fund an end-of-season boys’ trip to Spain due to his fines for being late – although he was allowed to join the rest of the squad.Read all about Ollie Watkins’ incredible rise in full… More