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      Burnley have £2.5m Isaak Davies transfer bid rejected by Cardiff with Southampton also interested in 20-year-old striker

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      BURNLEY have had a £2.5million bid for Cardiff forward Isaak Davies rejected.New Clarets boss Vincent Kompany is keen to bolster his squad after Maxwell Cornet joined West Ham for £17.5m last week.
      Cardiff haves rejected a transfer bid from Burnley to sign Isaak DaviesCredit: Rex
      But Championship rivals Cardiff are holding out for a bigger fee for the 20-year-old, who SunSport reported previously has caught the eye of Southampton and Brentford.
      Kompany’s assistant at Turf Moor Craig Bellamy is a big fan of Davies, having worked with him during his days as an academy coach with the Bluebirds.
      Burnley are on the hunt for attacking options having sold Cornet to the Hammers and Dwight McNeill to Everton, while Matej Vydra left on a free transfer in the summer.
      Chris Wood also departed in a big-money move to Newcastle back in January leaving Ashley Barnes and Jay Rodriguez as their only experienced frontline forwards.
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      Wales Under-21 star Davies was not in the squad for Cardiff’s opening two league matches of the season against Norwich and Reading.
      He had a knee injury which sidelined him during pre-season and that has halted his start to the new campaign.
      A versatile attacker, who can play across the front three positions, Davies became a Cardiff first-team regular last season, making 30 appearances, scoring three goals.
      And the youth team product, who joined the Welsh club at the age of seven, was rewarded in March with a new contract until the summer of 2025.
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      Burnley returned to the Championship after six years after finishing 18th last season.
      Sean Dyche was sacked after ten years at the helm and replaced by Manchester City legend Kompany. More

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      ‘Who makes these terrible decisions’ – Sky Sports in fresh scoreboard blunder after making fans angry over new changes

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      SKY SPORTS came under fire last night following another scoreboard blunder.Fans lashed out on social media during Friday’s Premier League opener between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park as they hated the new scoreboard graphic.
      Fans took to social media once more to complain about Sky Sport’s scoreboardCredit: Sky Sports
      This time the graphic didn’t show how much stoppage time was added onCredit: Sky Sports
      That is because it didn’t include any letters, instead it only showed the clubs’ badges, the scoreline and the time during the Gunners’ 2-0 victory.
      This time, it was a Championship match that sparked outrage on social media.
      Fans flooded Twitter during the clash between West Brom and Watford as Sky Sports’ new scoreline graphic didn’t show how much stoppage time was added on.
      One fan tweeted: “So Prem games on Sky have that god awful scoreboard and EFL games have the normal one but they’re now not showing how much is added on. Who makes these terrible decisions.”
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      Another posted: “Are Sky Sports just not going to show how much extra time has been added on the scoreboard tonight.”
      A third said: “Why are the sky graphics wrong with no added time?”
      This fan wrote: “Why does Sky not show us how much added time there is?”
      West Brom and Watford’s Championship clash ended with a 1-1 draw at the Hawthorns.
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      Ismaila Sarr opened the scoring for the Hornets after just 12 minutes after an incredible strike from inside his own half.
      Karlan Grant equalised for the hosts just before half-time in the second minute of stoppage time.
      Fans were not impressed with Sky Sports’ new scoreboard for Premier League gamesCredit: Twitter @stator_ More

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      Watch Watford star Ismaila Sarr score wonder goal from inside OWN HALF but then miss penalty in 1-1 draw with West Brom

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      ISMAILA SARR managed to score from 50 yards but then blew it from 12 as Watford drew at West Brom.The winger was in action for the Hornets tonight at their fellow promotion hopefuls but managed to go from hero to zero.
      Ismaila Sarr went from hero to zero as Watford drew at West BromCredit: Rex
      The star took aim from just inside Watford’s half
      He scored from inside his own half but then missed a late penaltyCredit: Sky Sports

      It only took 12 minutes for the 24-year-old to produce a moment of magic.
      With the score still goalless, Sarr received the ball around five yards inside his own half with his back to goal.
      He found himself under no pressure from West Brom, which allowed him to turn and spot Baggies stopper David Button off his line.
      Without a moment of hesitation, Sarr instantly decided to pull the trigger, despite still being inside his own half, and watched on as it sailed towards goal.
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      Button attempted to scramble back, but he was too far out, and he could do nothing as the ball floated over his head and into the net as Sarr raced off celebrating.
      Former Watford midfielder David Payne told on BBC Three Counties Radio: “What a goal, what a finish. That is some goal.
      “Watford have been under severe pressure, but the ball drops middle of pitch and Ismaila Sarr does that. David Button has to look at his positioning.
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      “Sarr delivers a powerful chip – I don’t even know how you describe it.”
      While another fan tweeted: “Ismalia Sarr with the goal of the season already.”
      As another commented: “Oh wow! Sarr has just scored a ridiculous goal for Watford.”
      It sparked memories of David Beckham’s iconic half-way line goal for Manchester United against Wimbledon.
      That memorable moment came on the opening day of the 1996/97 Premier League season.
      However, Grady Diangana equalised for the Baggies on the stroke of half time with the hosts going on to dominate most of the second period.
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      Then another big moment arrived for Sarr to win it when the Hornets were awarded a penalty with just 17 minutes remaining after a foul on the attacker.
      Sarr took it himself, but 12 yards proved to be too close for him as Button gained redemption and saved it to earn his team a point. More

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      Arsenal boost as Brooke Norton-Cuffy signs new contract with 18-year-old set to join EFL side on loan transfer

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      ARSENAL starlet Brooke Norton-Cuffy has reportedly penned a new long-term contract at the Emirates following his loan spell at Lincoln.The 18-year-old starred during the second half of last season at the League One outfit where he scored once in 17 matches.
      Brooke Norton-Cuffy is claimed to have signed a new long-term deal with ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Gunners right-back Norton-Cuffy impressed during his loan at Lincoln last campaignCredit: Getty
      He then impressed at the European Under-19 Championship earlier this summer where he helped the Young Lions beat Israel in the final.
      It was claimed in March how a new deal was on the cards for the teenager, who is highly-rated in North London.
      And now The Athletic have stated the right-back has put pen-to-paper on a new contract.
      Arsenal were keen to extend his stay with the defender attracting plenty of interest having entered the last 12 months of his previous deal.
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      It has been said that the Gunners are likely to officially announce the extension later this week.
      They have also declared that the youngster could once again depart the club on a temporary switch.
      A move to a Championship side has been mooted for Norton-Cuffy, who joined Arsenal from Chelsea when he was 12.
      His former Lincoln boss Michael Appleton, now in charge at Blackpool, has tipped Norton-Cuffy to have a huge future at Arsenal.
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      He told Lincolnshire Live in March: “I don’t want Arsenal ringing me up saying ‘what have you said that for?’
      “But I’ve been saying it behind the scenes, I think he will play for Arsenal’s first team on a regular basis.
      “It might not be for a couple of years but it’s definitely going to happen.
      “He’ll hopefully continue his progression over the next few games.
      “There’s one or two things that I think I can help him with, but by the time he goes back to Arsenal, he’ll be much better.”
      Teenager Norton-Cuffy helped England win the European Under-19 Championship earlier this summerCredit: Getty More

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      Coventry vs Rotherham Championship clash POSTPONED over pitch safety fears after Commonwealth Games rugby sevens matches

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      COVENTRY CITY’S clash with Rotherham on Sunday has been called off over concerns over the pitch.It comes after the Commonwealth Games rugby sevens matches were played at the Ricoh Arena.
      The Rugby Sevens tournament for the Commonwealth Games took place at the Ricoh ArenaCredit: Getty
      The pitch has been deemed unsafe for Coventry to play Rotherham tomorrowCredit: Twitter
      Now after a pitch inspection this afternoon, the match officials have deemed the surface unplayable for the Championship match to take place tomorrow.
      A Sky Blues statement read: “Coventry City are extremely disappointed to confirm that Sunday’s game against Rotherham United has been postponed.
      “Following an inspection by a senior match official on Saturday, the pitch at the Coventry Building Society Arena has been deemed unsafe and unplayable.
      “This follows an inspection that took place on Friday by the EFL and a local referee, which was also attended by Manager Mark Robins and Chief Executive Dave Boddy.
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      “We are very frustrated that the pitch at the Arena is not up to standard, and share the huge disappointment that fans, players and staff will feel that our opening home game has been postponed under these circumstances.
      “Promised investment by the Arena into a new pitch has unfortunately not materialised over the summer, which has been compounded by concerts on the pitch and then a huge amount of use at the Commonwealth Games last weekend.
      “We appreciate the efforts in difficult circumstances that have been made by the Grounds Staff who work for the Arena.”
      Dave Boddy, chief executive at Coventry City, added: “We are extremely disappointed at this postponement due to the condition of the pitch.
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      “It has been deemed unplayable and unsafe by the inspecting official and, having seen it myself, I can understand this decision.
      “Last season the condition of the pitch was highlighted as a concern and we expected that this would be addressed by Wasps and the Arena, who are responsible for the pitch, over the summer – sadly this has not been the case, and this is the result of that, plus the large amount of use at the Commonwealth Games last week.
      “I am seeking urgent talks with Stephen Vaughan, the Chief Executive at Wasps, and the Arena over the condition of the pitch, and expect immediate and significant improvements to be made to make the pitch playable as soon as possible.”
      Coventry confirmed that all tickets purchased for the game will be eligible for the re-arranged game against Rotherham United as they also vowed to keep fans updated with regards to Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash against Bristol City.
      All of the rugby sevens at the Commonwealth Games was held at Coventry’s home ground.
      It took place between July 29 and July 31.
      South Africa claimed the gold medal in the men’s, with Australia triumphing in the women’s. More

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      Vincent Kompany’s Burnley considering making fresh transfer bid for £10m-rated Metz ace Boubakar Kouyate

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      BURNLEY may bid again for Boubakar Kouyate.Metz want £10million for the centre-back after the Clarets offered £2.5m plus extras.
      Burnley are keen on Metz defender Boubakar KouyateCredit: Getty
      Now they could bid £5m – plus a big sell-on clause.
      The 25-year-old impressed last season but couldn’t prevent Metz from going down from France’s top-flight.
      He made 30 appearances in Ligue 1 and also featured in Metz’s opening game of Ligue 2 this campaign.
      Burnley though are considering whether to lodge a fresh bid for his services.
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      Kouyate joined Metz in 2020 from fellow French side Troyes.
      The defender has been capped 12 times by Mali and would add steel to Vincent Kompany’s defence as he aims to guide the Clarets back to the Premier League at their first attempt.
      It’s been a busy summer at Turf Moor, with both incomings and outgoings in double digits.
      Maxwel Cornet was the latest to depart, joining West Ham in the week after the Londoners activated his £17.5m release clause.
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      But on the pitch Kompany has enjoyed a solid start to life as Burnley boss.
      His side kicked off the campaign with a 1-0 win away at Huddersfield on the opening day.
      That was followed up with a 1-1 draw to last season’s play-off semi-finalists Luton Town today. More

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      Norwich star Giannoulis suffers horror ankle injury and needs gas and air after Wigan boss screams at ref to stop play

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      NORWICH star Dimitris Giannoulis was left in agony after suffering a horror ankle injury in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Wigan.The Greek ace needed gas and air as medics rushed to his side in today’s Championship clash.
      Norwich star Dimitris Giannoulis was left in agony after suffering a horror ankle injuryCredit: Focus Images
      The ace needed gas as Wigan boss Leam Richardson screamed for play to be stoppedCredit: Focus Images
      Wigan boss Leam Richardson screamed at the referee to stop play when Giannoulis went down with around 35 minutes left.
      And the Norwich defender was left in tears as he was stretchered off the field with his ankle heavily bandaged.
      Fans and players looked shocked as Giannoulis was replaced by Sam McCallum.
      And Dean Smith’s No1 left-back could now be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
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      The gruesome incident occurred with Norwich 1-0 down at Carrow Road.
      James McClean fired last season’s League One champions ahead after 29 minutes.
      But Norwich, relegated from the Premier League in May after finishing bottom, pulled a goal back just minutes after Giannoulis’ injury through Max Aarons.
      Yet neither side could find the ultimate breakthrough despite there being TEN minutes of additional time.
      Stunned players and fans watched on as Giannoulis received treatment from medicsCredit: Focus Images
      The Greek star was stretchered off the field in tearsCredit: Focus Images
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      Norwich boss Smith was also left fuming after a late foul by Tom Naylor on Aarons did not result in a penalty.
      He said: “It was a scandalous decision and a scandalous tackle that should have resulted in a penalty and a red card.
      “Max is okay but has a gaping wound in his shin, which tells you everything.
      “Getting the ball wasn’t an excuse when I played. If you went over the top of the ball you were off.
      Giannoulis could face a lengthy spell on the sidelinesCredit: Focus Images
      “I certainly don’t think he went over easy there, did he? I haven’t seen any of the others back but that was the one my analyst was keen to show me.”
      Opposition boss Richardson fired back: “I didn’t think any of them were penalties. I thought they went down very easy.
      “The referee managed the game very well. There must have been five or six shouts but our lads defended resolutely.”
      The result means Norwich are yet to win this season after an opening day defeat to Cardiff.
      And they must now prepare for a Carabao Cup clash against Birmingham on Tuesday before next Saturday’s trip to Hull.
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      As for Wigan, it’s a second point on the board following last weekend’s 0-0 against Preston.
      They next take on Fleetwood Town in the Cup ahead of a clash with Bristol City in a week’s time. More

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      Coventry clash with Rotherham in HUGE doubt over pitch safety fears after Commonwealth Games rugby sevens matches

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      COVENTRY’S Championship clash with Rotherham on Sunday is in HUGE doubt due to concerns over the safety of the pitch.It comes after the Commonwealth Games rugby sevens matches were played at the Ricoh Arena.
      The Ricoh has been hosting rugby sevens matches at the Commonwealth Games
      The Ricoh Arena pitch has been impacted by hosting the Commonwealth GamesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      A pitch inspection is due to take place on Sunday to see if the match can go ahead.
      But Coventry manager Mark Robins has been left furious and insists there is no way they can play.
      He said: “We’ve been badly let down, professional players cannot play on that.
      “Hopefully we can do something to bring it up to standard.”
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      All of the rugby sevens at the Commonwealth Games was held at Coventry’s home ground.
      It took place between July 29 and July 31.

      South Africa claimed the gold medal in the men’s, with Australia triumphing in the women’s.
      But this is not the first time an unrelated event has handed another some issues.
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      In 1970, the FA Cup final was played days after the Horse of the Year show at Wembley.
      Meanwhile, Coventry kicked off their Championship campaign last weekend away at Sunderland.
      And Viktor Gyokeres’ 84th-minute equaliser was enough to hand them a well-earned point as they held The Black Cats to a 1-1 draw.
      Meanwhile, Rotherham also began the season with a draw as they shared the spoils at home to Swansea.
      Chiedozie Ogbene’s opener was cancelled out by Harry Darling seven minutes before half-time. More