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

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      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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      Government plans for football will backfire… damaging the Premier League is in NOBODY’S interest

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      NO ONE watching this year’s Premier League could think English football isn’t in rude health.Liverpool are on top, with Chelsea in hot pursuit and Aston Villa flying high in the Champions League. Bournemouth, Brentford and Brighton are all pushing for Europe.The Football Governance Bill is currently being debated in ParliamentCredit: AlamyThe Premier League provides support further down the football pyramidCredit: GettyOur second league, the Championship, is thriving like never before.It’s now the sixth richest league in Europe, thanks to the EFL’s £1billion broadcasting deals and the Premier League’s financial support — the most generous of any major league in the world.Incredibly, our second tier is now far wealthier than even the Portuguese or Dutch first leagues.Meanwhile, club insolvencies across the pyramid are at a 30-year low.READ MORE ON FOTBALLBut a lot of our politicians seem to think English football is a fragile house of cards. Other countries would love to have our so-called “problems”.There’s a reason 1.5bn people around the world tune into English football.Because, from top to bottom, our leagues crackle with tension, high stakes and meaning.They are not boring hierarchies where one team dominates in half-full stadiums, but the best competitions on the planet — forged by those willing to take risks, invest millions and back their judgment.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn what was promised to be a “light touch” regulator concentrating on the issues that are very important to clubs and fans — heritage issues, better fan engagement, proper owners and so on — the Government has given the Independent Football Regulator a so-called “Backstop” power.It’s part of the Football Governance Bill, currently being debated in Parliament, although it is making slower than expected progress. Former Premier League star begins new career as rapper with debut album set to be released – Labour’s own backbenchers have suggested over 150 new clauses they believe should be added to their own Government’s Bill.That’s on everything from forcing clubs to socially engineer the make-up of their season ticket holders, to demanding that fans are defined as only those who have season tickets, regardless of if you can actually get a season ticket at your club or not.The Backstop power gives the Regulator the right to forcibly take money from Prem clubs, even if it harms or affects their own competitiveness.Less cash means less to spend on transfer fees or less cash to pay their players.Not all Prem clubs have endless wealth, that’s why there is over £2bn of debt in the Prem.The Prem is no miserly Scrooge. Every Championship club receives around £7million a season, each League One club gets around £1.5m and each League One club gets over £1m.These payments are a helping hand, agreed freely and with goodwill.And since their inception in 2007, they have increased more than tenfold.But the Government believes this generosity, more money shared than any other league on the planet, should make way for state intervention.The result of which could mean that Prem clubs have to take on more debt (which ironically makes them less sustainable) or invest less in their own team so that fellow owners in the other leagues no longer have to take similar risks themselves. This is trickle-down turned upside-down.The Championship is no soup kitchen queue. It hosts incredibly wealthy owners, nine of them billionaires, who plough millions into efforts to reach the promised land.Yet, a Prem side that has climbed the ladder the hard way,  through calculated risk-taking and sustained investment, may be forced to hand over more millions so that Championship owners don’t have to.That’s even if those owners have mismanaged their clubs, made bad decisions and ­deliberately put their clubs at financial risk.It won’t be their owners that have to face the consequences, it will be the Prem owners who have to pick up their tab!The Prem willingly supports the pyramid with £1.6bn over a three-year broadcast cycle.That’s how I believe it should stay: negotiated, reasonable and always voluntary.That’s why I think the Regulator could well consider £1.6bn is far too generous and decide to cut it back.Or wonder why League Two only get eight per cent of the total PL handout, as the Championship keeps 80 per cent.Or they may decide the Prem should not fund every part of the pyramid themselves and the EFL should support the National League, the league directly below them, rather than asking the Prem to do that for them.Or they may just simply decide to impose far more stringent self-help measures that the EFL will have to implement to ensure they manage their own money better.Any good Regulator will surely see that damaging the appeal of the PL, and creating a competition that’s less vibrant, less exciting and much less appealing is in no one’s interests.Because if that happens, the Premier League will go into reverse and there will be far less money for everyone in the football pyramid.Less money for grassroots football. Less money for the PFA. Less money for the Football Foundation. Less money for the women’s game.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd less money for all the many community projects and charities the PL supports to the tune of over £50m a year.As they say, be careful what you wish for…Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Former Premier League star with 272 appearances lands first coaching job four years after retiring

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      FORMER Premier League midfielder Lee Cattermole has landed his first permanent coaching job.The ex-Sunderland star has joined Bristol Rovers as a first team coach, focusing on the development and implementation of set pieces.Lee Cattermole has landed his first permanent job in coachingCredit: Getty – ContributorDiscussing his new position, Cattermole said: “I am delighted to join the coaching team at Bristol Rovers.”Having spoken to the guys here and George Friend, I very quickly got excited about the project being developed here at the Club.”Everything I’ve heard about Bristol Rovers tells me it’s an exciting time to be part of things here, and I’m looking forward to getting going.”Cattermole called time on his playing career four years ago following a brief spell with Dutch side VVV-Venlo.Read More in FootballPrior to that he spent a decade with Sunderland and made 262 appearances.The midfielder has also played for Middlesbrough and Wigan.After hanging up his boots, Cattermole revealed his intention to move into coaching.He returned to Boro to work in the academy and took charge of the U23s before leaving in February last year.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe ex-midfielder was also part of the interim management team that took control at the Riverside for five games when Chris Wilder was sacked in October 2022.Bristol Rovers currently sit 18th in the League One table with 21 points from 18 games.Football teams that controversially changed their badgeThey travel to face title-chasing Birmingham City on Saturday. More

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      Ex-Leicester manager who played key role in club’s Prem title win left staggering amount in his will after death aged 60

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      FORMER Leicester City manager Craig Shakespeare left an estate worth £350,000, probate documents reveal.The football legend, who died in August aged 60, bequeathed the huge sum to his wife Karen.The Leicester legend died following a battle with cancerCredit: ReutersShakespeare, left, was assistant manager of the Leicester side that won the Premier League in 2016Credit: GETTYEx-Foxes Craig played a pivotal role in Leicester’s miraculous title-winning campaign in 2016 as Claudio Ranieri’s assistant.Documents seen by The Sun show Shakespeare signed his will in 2018, passing everything to his longtime wife Karen.The will was signed off by a court last month.Former England coach Craig died after a battle with cancer, with heartbroken pal Jamie Vardy leading tributes to his old pal.Read more about LeicesterHe wrote: “I don’t have the words right now. Just gutted. RIP Shakey.”Man City winger Jack Grealish added: “One of the greatest people I’ve ever met not only in football but in life.“Last month was texting me when I didn’t make the Euros squad while he was ill. It shows the type of man he was! An absolute heart of gold! Everyone really will miss you Shakey.”Ex-Leicester defender Harry Maguire wrote: “The man who signed me for Leicester, the man who gave me so much belief, the man I learnt so much from.Most read in Football“I will be forever grateful. Football will miss you, life will miss you. An incredible man.”Shakespeare’s coaching career spanned 24 years with jobs at top-flight clubs like Leicester, Norwich, Aston Villa and Everton.The father-of-two made more than 500 appearances as a player for Walsall, Sheffield Wednesday, West Brom and Grimsby.He was also an England coach under Sam Allardyce but left when Big Sam quit in disgrace after just one game.The respected tactician was most notably assistant manager at Leicester City from 2011 until 2017 – helping the club pull off the impossible when they won the Premier League in 2015/16.He took the reigns in 2017 but left after only 24 games, having guided Leicester to the Champions League quarter-final.After spells with Watford, Villa and Norwich, he returned to the King Power Stadium in 2023 as an assistant – staying for just eight games as Dean Smith’s right-hand man before his illness forced him to retire.Shakespeare was also Sam Allardyce’s assistant at EvertonCredit: Reuters More

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      Promising footballer, 17, dies on pitch during match as his Sheffield United star cousin pays touching tribute

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      A PROMISING teen footballer has died on the pitch during a match – with his Sheffield United star cousin paying tribute.Kaylen Dennis, 17, died during a Walthamstow Football Club match yesterday.Kaylen Dennis, 17, died during a Walthamstow Football Club match yesterdayLast night Kaylen’s cousin Rhian Brewster pointed his right finger up to the sky in a moving gesture mid-gameCredit: AlamyThe semi-pro club said: “We are devastated to learn of the passing away of one of our U23 players, Kaylen Dennis during a game.”We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, teammates and everyone that knew him.”Last night Kaylen’s cousin and Sheffield United player Rhian Brewster pointed his right finger up to the sky in a moving gesture mid-game.He made the gesture after netting the first goal against Millwall at The Den during a Championship match.Read More SportRhian told BBC Radio Sheffield: “I want to dedicate that goal to my younger cousin. “He passed away earlier today before the game, so that’s one for him and the family.”It’s a very tough time for the family, but I played for him today, and I was very happy to come away with a goal, and that’s for him.”Coach Scott Chickelday said: “‘Heartbreaking to hear yesterday that a 17-year-old boy I had the pleasure of knowing with an unbelievable talent passed away on the football pitch yesterday.Most read in Football”Kaylen Dennis was not just a talented footballer but was a great character and person! God bless Kaylen fly high champ.”Kaylen’s youth team Ryan FC said: “We are so upset and devastated at Ryan FC.”Kaylen started playing for us at 13 and we watched him progress into senior football playing for our partner club Walthamstow FC.”His parents have been so supportive and all our thoughts are with them and their family.”Walthamstow Reserves DC said: “Words cannot describe how we feel about this news today.”A kid with the brightest future, beyond being a talented young footballer, he was a blessed young man.”Our football family will gather around his family during this difficult time. Rest in perfect peace Kaylen Dennis.” More

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      Moment part of Sunderland’s ceiling COLLAPSES bringing press conference to abrupt halt

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      SUNDERLAND reporters were given a fright when part of the ceiling collapsed during Regis Le Bris’ post-match press conference on Tuesday night.The Black Cats had just drawn 1-1 with Bristol City at the Stadium of Light.A ceiling panel caved in during Regis Le Bris’ press conferenceCredit: XThe presser was momentarily interruptedCredit: XAfter the game, members of the press gathered to speak to Le Bris.They were given a mighty fright, however, when a ceiling panel gave in.According to Sunderland beat writer James Copley, the incident was caused by a leak upstairs.A clip of the ceiling falling in subsequently did the rounds on social media.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Is that the roof falling in on their promotion push?” one fan joked.While a second quipped: “Just like their league form.”Sunderland had fallen behind on 62 minutes via Luke McNally’s opener.Patrick Roberts rescued a point with a 93rd minute equaliser.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPatrick Roberts rescued a point for the Black CatsCredit: PAThe Black Cats are fourth in the Championship table having acquired 37 points from their opening 20 games.Their form has stuttered in recent weeks, however, with Le Bris’ men having won just one of their last eight matches.Rising star Chris Rigg talks about his rise through the ranks at Sunderland After the game, Le Bris praised his side’s resilience and claimed they were good value for their point.He said: “Absolutely, I believe we deserved it.”We started the match on the front foot with an excellent tempo.”We executed our game plan with swift ball movement and tactical triangles, creating several opportunities.”However, we lacked the necessary numbers in the box to capitalise on our crosses.”Sunderland will return to action this Saturday with a trip to Swansea.Le Bris’ side have stuttered in recent weeksCredit: Rex More

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      ‘Time to see if he was serious’ – Fans call for Jose Mourinho to stick to his word with Millwall hunting for new manager

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      MILLWALL fans are calling on Jose Mourinho to keep his word after he jokingly suggested he would be keen to take over at the Den.The Lions are looking for a new manager after Neil Harris quit for the second time, after doing the same thing back in 2019.Jose Mourinho recently named Millwall as a surprise club he’d consider managingCredit: GettyMillwall fans haven’t forgotten Mourinho’s statement and are calling for him to keep his wordCredit: GettyHarris will roll credits on his second stint, which lasted 10 months, after Saturday’s clash at Middlesbrough, which means he will also be in charge of Millwall on Wednesday against Sheffield United.Mourinho suggested in October that he would love a return to English football after stints with Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham.And the Special One named Millwall as a surprise club he would consider as they are are close to his London home.The Fenerbahce boss said when asked if he’d manage teams fighting relegation: “Millwall. Millwall. I just cross the bridge from my house! Millwall.”Read More on FootballMillwall fans haven’t forgotten the ex-Real Madrid manager’s statement and took to social media urging him to take up this opportunity and follow through with what he said.One fan tweeted: “Jose we await your arrival.”Another commented: “Guess it’s time to see if Mourinho was serious after all.”A third wrote: “Mourinho called it on. He’ll have to step up now or look silly.”Most read in FootballThis fan said: “Jose Mourinho, a man can dream.”And that one stated: “Jose Mourinho is taking over from Neil Harris at Millwall… You heard it here first.”Jose Mourinho wildly drags his own Fenerbahce assistant by his hood and shoves him away during bizarre goal celebrationHowever, Mourinho admitted that his statement was just in good humour as he confirmed he is not interested in taking over clubs that are fighting relegation.Millwall are currently 11th in the Championship table and quite safe from the drop, but did risk relegation last season.Mourinho added: “I’m never going to a team fighting relegation. It’s too hard.“It’s more difficult than playing for titles. It has to be very hard emotionally because it’s something that changes lives.“I think it’s brave guys that do it. I had three clubs in England, four different periods and I love it.“My family lives in London. London is home so one day I have to be back unless no one wants me.“But don’t get me wrong, for the next two years no one will take me from Fenerbahce.” More

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      Former Premier League manager Nigel Pearson reveals he’s ‘learning to walk again’ as he opens up on shock health battle

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      NIGEL PEARSON has bravely opened up on his battle with a neurological issue, which forced him to re-learn how to walk.The 61-year-old revealed he was battling the problem last October after being seated for several of Bristol City’s Championship matches.Nigel Pearson has been experiencing neurological issues for over 13 monthsCredit: REXThe former Leicester and Bristol City manager has had to re-learn how to walkCredit: PAPearson, 61, provided an update on his health on social mediaCredit: X@NIGELGPEARSONHe tried to perform his duties to the best of his abilities and even began using crutches to ensure he could stand in his technical area.The neurological issue, however, has seemingly got worse over the last year, so much so that Pearson has had to re-learn the most basic of functions.The former Leicester City manager wrote on X: “I would like to thank all the kind people who have continued to send their support during the last 13 months.”I’d like to update you. Learning to walk again has been an incredible challenge.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”My appreciation of support from family, friends, colleagues, supporters, and medical professionals has been profound.”I had the wonderful opportunity of travelling to the US with my dad to meet family for the first time, in Wisconsin.”Recently, I’ve been able to cycle in the Peak District, and swing golf clubs at the driving range, although my follow-through needs some work (I’ve not fallen over yet!)”Despite not receiving a prognosis on his debilitating ailment, Pearson remains optimistic.Most read in FootballNigel Pearson remains optimistic about his chances of recoveryCredit: RexHe continued: “Although my prognosis is still uncertain, believe me, that positivity and laughter can prove the best medicine as I experienced with old friends from school on a canal narrow boat on my birthday.”There is always light somewhere ahead… new possibilities, new challenges.’Leeds fans better than Sunderland’ plus bust ups and bug pranks | Jack Grimmer – What the EFL?!”Take care of each other, and enjoy a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones. Cheers, Nige”Pearson was flooded with hundreds of messages of support after providing an update on his condition.One footie fan wrote: “Great to hear you are doing well. All the best.”Another said: “Delighted to see you on the mend Gaffer (Mr. Pearson).”Hope it continues apace and you and your family have a great Christmas.”And another said: “Good to hear. Onwards and upwards!READ MORE SUN STORIESOne remarked: “Keep going legend, we’re all behind you.”Another chimed in: “All the best Nigel. Amazing news, have a lovely Christmas and New Year.” More