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      Ethan Ampadu delivers plea to Leeds pal Joe Rodon over his future

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      ETHAN AMPADU will pull out all the stops to persuade close pal Joe Rodon to stay at Leeds beyond this summer.Rodon, 26, is on a season-long loan with the Premier League chasing Whites from Tottenham.Ampadu and Rodon have helped Leeds into the automatic promotion places ahead of the Easter Monday clash with HullCredit: RexRodon is having a great season at Leeds on loan from Tottenham after spending last season at Ligue 1 club RennesCredit: AFPIf Leeds, second in the Championship after the 2-2 draw with Watford on Friday night, clinch promotion back to the top-flight then Spurs could offload the centre-back in a £10m+ deal.But Wales and Leeds team-mate Ampadu will be telling Rodon to stay in Yorkshire regardless of where they finish in the second tier.Ampadu said: “I’ll be pressuring him. He knows that. “A lot of Leeds fans enjoyed it when I commented on one of his Instagram photos one time.READ MORE FOOTBALL”I haven’t done it in a while. But we are all telling him to stay.”Everyone knows how much we appreciate him and what he has done this year.”Rodon himself has tried to play down the transfer talk, insisting he will sort his future at the end of the season.The Wales centre-back said: “I don’t really look into that. All I can control is now. I’ll give everything for Leeds.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRodon joined Spurs from Swansea in 2020 for an initial £11m deal rising to £15m under Jose Mourinho.But the defender, who is out of contract in the summer of 2025, failed to win a regular place at Tottenham.And Leeds is his second loan spell in as many seasons after a stint at Ligue 1 club Rennes last term.Rodon has had the best campaign of his career with the fixture at Vicarage his 46th outing of the season for club and country.Footballers you didn’t know were related from Premier League icons to Lionel MessiHe suffered the cruel heartbreak of Wales’ Euro 2024 play-off final penalty shootout loss to Poland last Tuesday.But Rodon, who won his 44th cap, produced another outstanding display and helped to keep Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski quiet in the goalless draw after 120 minutes in Cardiff.Rodon added: “It’s the most I’ve played. Over the last couple of years it’s been sticky and I’ve not had the game time I’ve wanted. “So this has been the most important season so far.”It’s gone quick but playing every week has only given me more confidence as a player.  “But the job is not finished yet. The season isn’t done.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s always nice when things are going well. It’s the best I’ve felt in a long time. “The Leeds fans have been incredible with me. Even the away games they’ve been great.” More

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      Hull owner reveals if he could sign any player in the world it would be Man Utd flop who has turned career around

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      HULL CITY owner Acun Ilicali has named ex-Manchester United star Fred as one of two players he would most like to sign.Fred, 31, left Manchester United to join Fenerbahce in a £13million transfer last summer.Acun Ilicali revealed he would love to sign Fred for HullCredit: GettyFred has impressed for Fenerbahce this seasonCredit: GettyDuring his five-year spell at Old Trafford the midfielder made 218 appearances, scoring 14 goals and providing 18 assists.But since leaving he has established himself as a key first team player for the Yellow Canaries.So far this season Fred has made 26 appearances, with Fenerbahce second in the Turkish Super Lig.But Ilicali has admitted he would love to bring the Brazilian back to England.When asked which two Super Lig players he would most like to sign, the Hull chief told Sabah: “If I had the right to buy two footballers at the end of the season, I would close my eyes and buy Fred.”Seri-Fred-Ozan trio would be so good that you can sit and watch it with pleasure.”Ilicali went on to reveal that he would also sign Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.He added: “Take Muslera, welcome to the Premier League.”Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIlicali took over Hull in January 2022 when the team was in near the bottom of the Championship table.The Tigers finished 15th in the league last season but currently sit ninth, six points adrift of the Play-Off places.Manchester United’s fall from glory since Sir Alex Ferguson More

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      Norwich incredibly copy Man City’s cheeky tactic to a tee against Leicester leaving fans in awe

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      NORWICH took a leaf out of Manchester City’s playbook as they took the lead at Leicester.David Wagner’s play-off chasers stunned the stuttering Foxes with a clever corner routine in the 20th minute, before they went on to lose 3-1 at the King Power Stadium.Ben Gibson muscled Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall out of the wayGabriel Sara was left with a tap inJohn Stones scored a similar goal against LiverpoolCredit: AFPAlexis Mac Allister had been blocked off on that occasionThe Canaries have been set-piece kings this Easter, having netted twice from corners against Plymouth Argyle on Good Friday.They repeated the trick this afternoon, by using a similar tactic to Man City.Pep Guardiola’s men scored from a smart corner routine against Liverpool last month.Nathan Ake blocked off Alexis Mac Allister at the near post, leaving John Stones free to prod home Kevin De Bruyne’s whipped delivery from close range.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOn this occasion it was Ben Gibson who manhandled Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall out of the way, with Gabriel Sara pouncing to score for the visitors.After Stones’ goal last month, Gary Neville labelled the routine as “genius”.Guardiola, 53, later deferred the credit to City’s set-piece coach Carlos Vicens.Stones himself said: “We’ve worked hard on it all week. We spotted something yesterday, worked on it, and it came off.”Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERFans were quick to point out the similarities between the two goals.One wrote on social media: “Copied Man City’s goal against Liverpool carbon copy Norwich there.”Animated Pep Guardiola berates Jack Grealish at full-time after Man City are frustrated by Arsenal in title showdown While a second exclaimed: “Norwich just pinched Man City’s corner routine for the goal there!”A third commented: “No way Norwich just scored the same corner Man City scored against Liverpool.”And another added: “Norwich scoring the Man City corner there. Leicester are in free fall.”The Canaries’ lead did not last long.On 33 minutes Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall levelled for the home side, nodding in Stephy Mavididi’s header across goal.Stephy Mavididi then gave Leicester a second-half lead, before Jamie Vardy added a third to put Enzo Maresca’s side back on top of the Championship table.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall equalised for LeicesterCredit: ReutersJamie Vardy added the third in a comeback win for LeicesterCredit: Reuters More

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      Ex-Chelsea ace and QPR star Jake Clarke-Salter at centre of three-way Premier League transfer battle

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      CRYSTAL PALACE, Burnley and Wolves are keeping tabs on in-form QPR centre-back Jake Clarke-Salter.The former Chelsea and England U21s captain has produced impressive displays with the Hoops this season.Crystal Palace, Burnley and Wolves want to sign Jake Clarke-SalterCredit: GettyAnd the defender has also attracted interest from Celtic and Ipswich who have monitored his progress at Loftus Road in recent weeks.Clarke-Salter has formed a strong centre-back partnership with Steve Cook under Martí Cifuentes.The 26-year-old, who is under contract until 2026, is expected to make his 29th appearance of the campaign in the Easter Monday Championship trip to Swansea.Clarke-Salter came through the ranks at Stamford Bridge and made his Premier League debut for the Blues against Aston Villa in April 2016 – eight years tomorrow.Read More on FootballBut his last first-team outing for Chelsea was in September 2017 in a home victory over Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup.Clarke-Salter went on six loans across five clubs in a bid for regular first-team football.He had spells at Bristol Rovers, Sunderland, Dutch side Vitesse, two stints at Birmingham before a temporary move to Coventry.Clarke-Salter joined QPR on a free transfer in 2022 and is finally showing his promise in the first team.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSClarke-Salter has impressed for QPR this seasonThe defender has made 28 appearances so far this season.QPR currently sit 18th in the Championship table.Football icons’ strange hobbies More

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      ‘Biggest prat we’ve ever had’ – Towie babe’s footballer boyfriend slammed for bizarre TikTok dance while club faces drop

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      BIRMINGHAM star Oliver Burke has been slammed by fans for taking part in a bizarre TikTok dance with his girlfriend.The winger has come under fire for his laissez-faire attitude amid the Blues’ relegation fears.Oliver Burke has come under fire for a TikTok danceBirmingham fans have criticised the winger for his relaxed attitudeBurke often takes part in girlfriend Megan McKenna’s TikTok videosCredit: InstagramThe pair have been dating since April last yearCredit: InstagramBirmingham are only above the Championship drop zone thanks to goal difference following a run of seven games without a win.So fans have been left fuming over Burke’s decision to take part in a silly Tiktok dance with partner Megan McKenna, of Towie fame.The clip is set to the New Order classic Blue Monday and sees them shadow boxing while arguing over what to have for dinner. In another video Burke rattled supporters just by making dinner with his girlfriend.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne fan reacted saying: “Biggest prat we’ve ever had at the club.”Another added: “He’s called Burke for a reason.”A third wrote: “Just sums up everything that’s wrong with loan players, the lack of connection to our club and the fans.”And another commented: “If anything sums up why I can’t stand this current squad it’s this.”Most read in ChampionshipBurke, 26, has failed to impress in his loan spell at Birmingham, making just 22 appearances without a goal or an assist to his name.Megan McKenna starred in The Only Way is EssexCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERIt is not the first time the Scotland international has endured a difficult loan spell and Burke has now played for ten clubs in eight years.He was once signed for £15million by West Brom after performing well for RB Leipzig, but he scored just one goal in 24 games for the Baggies.Burke later signed for Sheffield United in the Premier League before joining Werder Bremen, who he remains permanently contracted to.Football icons’ strange hobbies More

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      Sunderland line up ex-Premier League boss as manager after sacking Michael Beale but will have to agree special terms

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      PAUL HECKINGBOTTOM is top of Sunderland’s wanted list to be their next manager.The Black Cats want a long-term appointment after staggering along under caretaker boss Michael Dodds.Sunderland are lining up Paul Heckingbottom as their next managerCredit: PASunderland sacked Michael Beale and are under caretaker boss Michael DoddsCredit: RexAnd former Sheffield United chief Heck ticks the boxes.But that is if he is willing to work with the current regime and way of doing things.Sunderland want to promote their young players and keep some existing staff under the next boss.Heckingbottom, 46, had talks with the Wearsiders before Michael Beale got the job in December. Read More on FootballBut the move may suit both parties this time.Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is in talks with a US financial group about a £20million loan.But not all the cash will instantly go to the club.Heckingbottom spent two years in charge of Sheffield United and led them to Premier League promotion in 2023.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHowever, the Barnsley tactician suffered a dismal campaign with the Blades in the top flight as he lost 11 out of 14 matches, of which he only won one.Heckingbottom was sacked in December and was replaced by Chris Wilder at Bramall Lane.’That’s Freudian slip of the month’, says Sky Sports presenter after embarrassed reporter’s blunder live on TVSheffield United are still bottom of the Prem table with seven points separating them from safety. More

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      Love Island’s Kendall Rae Knight shares ‘happiest moment’ as she takes new baby to watch Championship star dad win

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      LOVE Island star Kendall Rae Knight has shared her “happiest moment” after taking her baby boy to watch his Championship star dad.Knight’s partner, Preston North End full-back Andrew Hughes, starred in their 3-0 victory against Rotherham on Friday.Kendall Rae Knight has shared her ‘happiest moment’ as she takes her baby to watch dad Andrew Hughes playCredit: Instagram kendallraeknightThe Love Island star watched her partner Preston North End star win 3-0 against RotherhamCredit: Instagram kendallraeknightHughes signed for the Championship side back in 2018Credit: RexJust over three weeks ago Knight gave birth to a baby boy Cooper Cole Hughes.And yesterday the 32-year-old took her son to Deepdale to watch Hughes play in the Championship clash.The reality star shared a series of wholesome posts on her Instagram story.One pic was captioned: “One of my happiest moments, taking my baby boy to support his dad.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile a video of Knight holding her baby boy said: “We’re so proud of you always Andrew.”Preston North End went on to thrash Rotherham after Duane Holmes opener and Emil Riis double strike.The Lilywhites are now eighth in the Championship and just five points behind a play-off spot.Hughes started his career at Newport County and made his senior debut at 16-years-old. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAfter spending six seasons at the Welsh side and making over 160 appearances to full-back headed to League One side Peterborough. And after two seasons he then made a move to Preston in 2018 for an undisclosed fee.Glam footballer who quit to take up shock role in WWE makes in-ring debut… and uses overhead kick finishing moveMeanwhile in 2018 Kendall appeared on Love Island after having her heart broken by ex-fiance Michael Clark, who broke up with her just three months after proposing.She left Love Island single but her wishes came true one year later when she met Welsh hunk Andrew.Knight met Welshman Hughes in 2019Credit: Instagram kendallraeknight More

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      Middlesbrough players left ‘a bit tetchy’ after plane drama that saw aircraft ‘blown all over the place’ trying to land

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      MIDDLESBROUGH had to suffer a dramatic plane ride that saw the aircraft “blown all over the place” as they travelled down south to play Southampton.Boro snatched a last-gasp 1-1 draw at St Mary’s thanks to Emmanuel Latte Lath’s equaliser in the 90th-minute mark which cancelled out Adam Armstrong’s opener.Middlesbrough underwent a rough plane ride before the Southampton drawCredit: GettyMiddlesbrough boss Michael Carrick admitted that flight left his players ‘a bit tetchy’Credit: GettyMichael Carrick and his men went above and beyond against Saints considering the unpleasant journey they experienced heading to Hampshire.Strong winds led to an aborted landing that almost diverted the aircraft back to the Midlands.However, the pilots managed to get the job done at the second attempt.Nevertheless, Carrick admitted the incident left some of his players “a bit tetchy” and thinking they would rather have a long road trip back home rather than getting back on a plane.Read More on FootballMiddlesbrough didn’t get to their hotel until the late hours but still managed to scrap a point at Southampton the next day.Carrick said as per The Telegraph: “We didn’t get to the hotel until late last night after an aborted landing.“We were getting blown all over the place and we came down to land then had to take off as well and I’m thinking, ‘Oh God, it’s one of them’.“Then we were going to get diverted to Birmingham… It wasn’t pleasant.”Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERCarrick added as per The Northern Echo: “We came to land, didn’t touch down, but then had to take off again. “It was tasty and some of the boys were a bit tetchy, absolutely. It wasn’t pleasant. Football icons’ strange hobbies”I think a few of the boys are talking about just getting the coach all the way back!”It’s been a bit hectic but it brings you together and I think that’s why in the end you think everything you go through, I’m so pleased the lads got something from it.”Middlesbrough still managed to deliver a blow to Southampton’s hopes of automatic promotion to the Premier League as Russell Martin’s men are now nine points away from second place. More