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      Brentford, Bournemouth and Rangers all interested in Jerry Yates transfer after stunning start to season at Blackpool

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      Premier League duo Brentford and Bournemouth as well as Scottish giants Rangers are monitoring Blackpool hotshot Jerry Yates.The striker, 25, scored twice – to take him to eight this season – in the 4-2 Championship win over Preston on Saturday.
      Blackpool’s Jerry Yates celebrates his second goal against PrestonCredit: Reuters
      And SunSport understands the Bees and Cherries were among ten clubs with scouts running the rule over £5million-rated Yates.
      West Brom and Watford were also in attendance at Bloomfield Road to watch the forward, who has two years left on his contract.
      Yates’ brace took him alongside Norwich’s Josh Sargent, Oscar Estupinan of Hull and Blackburn’s Ben Brereton Diaz at the top of the scoring charts.
      Blackpool lie 18th in the table and, with several suitors interested, the EFL goal machine could be the subject of a January transfer window scramble.
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      With his contract expiring in 2024 Blackpool would understandably not want to lose him for nothing, meaning a January switch could be the most profitable move for them.
      Yates moved to Blackpool in 2020 from Rotherham.
      His 20 goals in his first season with Blackpool helped fire the club to promotion back into the second tier from League One.
      Last season Yates managed just eight goals from 39 games, but Blackpool were able to secure safety with a 16th-place finish.
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      And this year he has already equalled that tally in less than half the games.
      Michael Appleton’s decision to deploy Yates on the left wing in recent games appears to be a managerial masterstroke, with six goals in his last four games. More

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      Fans all saying the same thing as Kipre PUNCHES ball away in Cardiff clash with Swansea… but ref doesn’t give penalty

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      CHAMPIONSHIP fans could not believe that the referee did not see a clear handball by Cardiff ace Cedric Kipre.In the South Wales derby played between Cardiff and Swansea there was controversy 35 minutes in.

      Cedric Kipre got away with one in the South Wales derbyCredit: Getty
      Cedric Kipre hit the ball away with his handCredit: Sky Sports
      The referee missed the handball and his view was perhaps blockedCredit: Sky Sports
      Swansea crossed the ball and Kipre, 25, cleared it out the box but he seemed to punch it away rather than head it.
      The Swansea players surrounded referee Darren Moore who didn’t spot the handball.
      The match ended 2-0 to the Swans and after the game the incident was the big talking point.
      Fans were left in shock especially after seeing replays, one said: “Contender for most blatant handball ever missed by a referee.”
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      Many compared it to the infamous ‘hand of God’ goal scored by Diego Maradona versus England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final.
      Supporters took to Twitter: “Kipre bringing out his prime Maradona.”
      Another similarly said: “How has Kipre got away with that Maradona-esque handball.”
      More reacted calling it a “goalkeeper impression.”
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      The standard of refereeing has been scrutinised by many this season due a large number of VAR controversies – the Championship does not have VAR.
      It left some fans demanding change, one stated: “Standard of refereeing in English football is the worst in Europe, need a revamp and get referees in that can actually officiate to a decent standard.”
      Kipre is on loan at Cardiff from West Brom – both sides are in the bottom five of the table. More

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      Burnley fast-track wonderkid keeper Charlie Casper into first-team training under Vincent Kompany aged just 17

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      BURNLEY fast-tracked goalkeeper Charlie Casper into their first-team squad training group — at the age of just 17.Highly-rated Casper is the grandson of former Turf Moor boss Frank and steeped in Clarets tradition, with his rise catching the eye.
      Charlie Kasper has been involved in the Burnley first-team this seasonCredit: @charliekasper
      Casper may go out on loan this season to keep up his rapid improvement.
      The youngster is yet to feature in a matchday squad but Vincent Kompany did bring him along on the short trip to Preston last month.
      Casper was delighted to be involved, writing on Instagram: “Great experience with the first team last night ⚽️”
      The goalkeeper signed a scholarship deal with the Clarets in February and Frank revealed his pride at his grandson’s achievement.
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      He said: “I’m very proud of him. He’s worked hard to get this.
      “I used to watch him as a junior when he was a midfielder and I thought he was a good player then.
      “He strikes a good ball, which helps for goalkeepers in today’s game.
      “He’s a level-headed lad who will work hard and he knows what it takes to be a footballer from myself and his dad.
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      “It’s always difficult as a goalkeeper because it’s one position, but I just hope he can make it all the way.” More

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      Sky Sports hit by poor Championship viewing figures and could axe games in new broadcast deal

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      SKY TV are anxiously eyeing their viewing figures before sorting out a new contract with the EFL.And that could mean the broadcaster offers LESS money and wants FEWER live games when the next deal starts in 2024.
      Sky will hope Swansea vs Cardiff today can pull in big viewing figuresCredit: Getty
      Insiders reveal that numbers have been low this season, with the highest coming in the opening match between Huddersfield and Burnley.
      The exact audience sizes are kept quiet but sources claim the largest was only around 600,000.
      There will be rival bids for television rights when the next package starts, with that contract due to be sorted out next season.
      And the Sky appetite for spending big money on a lot of games may depend on the viewing figures over the coming months.
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      Sky have had a bad season to cover the flagship Championship as there are no huge clubs at that level with big fan bases.
      The days of Leeds, Villa, Fulham and Nottingham Forest swelling viewing figures have gone with their promotion to the top flight.
      And a general lowering of the standard and lack of ‘star’ quality players makes it a hard sell for the TV company.
      Sky also made a mistake by introducing 8pm midweek kick-offs and even Saturday nights for some games, tinkering that has not made any positive difference.
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      They will hope the South Wales derby between Swansea and Cardiff at 12pm today can draw in their biggest viewing figures of the season.
      There is also a derby between Watford and Luton taking place today. More

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      Crystal Palace eyeing transfer raid on Middlesbrough for right-back Isaiah Jones after missing out on him as kid

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      CRYSTAL PALACE have been checking up on the one who got away — Middlesbrough’s Isaiah Jones.The Eagles are interested in the right wing-back as they look to strengthen in that area.
      Isaiah Jones is wanted by Crystal Palace in the transfer windowCredit: Reuters
      London-born Jones, 23, is a player they might have landed as a kid.
      He made his name on their doorstep at Tooting & Mitcham.
      But instead he was picked up by Boro.
      Palace are also considering a return for their former defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 24.
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      But Manchester United will want a fee and his wages are hefty, so Jones could be a better alternative.
      Jones came through at Tooting & Mitcham United in South London – just five miles west of Selhurst Park – but made the move to the North East in 2019.
      After two loans in Scotland, he became a first-team regular last season and has now racked up 62 appearances for Boro – sparking links with Manchester United.
      However, he moved into a more advanced attacking role in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Huddersfield.
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      Joel Ward, 33 next week, is currently the right-back in Patrick Vieira’s Palace starting XI.
      Nathaniel Clyne, 31, is the other option.
      But with both men in the latter stages of their career, the chance to bring in Jones as a long-term successor could prove a masterstroke. More

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      Alex Bruce ready to snub coaching job at Middlesbrough as he hopes to follow dad Steve into management

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      ALEX BRUCE hopes to become a boss — and is prepared to start in the bottom tier.Bruce, who left West Brom with dad Steve, has been linked with a  backroom post at Middlesbrough but would prefer to be No 1.
      Alex Bruce is willing to start at the bottom in managementCredit: Getty
      Dad Steve was given the boot by the Baggies after winning just one game in the Championship.
      The poor form had West Brom stuck in the relegation zone.
      West Brom’s fortunes haven’t changed since Bruce’s departure.
      They’ve won just one game while recording losses to Bristol City and Millwall.
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      They are yet to appoint a new manager, but SunSport revealed Liam Rosenior is in talks over the position.
      Rosenior, 38, left his interim gaffer role at Derby last month after Paul Warne’s appointment.
      He is keen to get back to the dugout and managerless Baggies would avoid having to pay compensation for him.
      Free agents Carlos Corberan and Carlos Carvalhal are also in the frame.
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      Steven Schumacher, Gary Rowett and Leam Richardson have also been linked but they would cost a settlement fee with their clubs.
      Rosenior – the son of former QPR and Fulham ace Leroy – was gutted to leave Pride Park but admits he’ll look back fondly on his time with the club. More

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      West Brom hold talks with Liam Rosenior after Derby exit with Baggies keen to avoid paying compensation for new boss

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      WEST BROM have held talks with Liam Rosenior about a swift return to management.Rosenior, 38, left his interim gaffer role at Derby last month after Paul Warne’s appointment.
      Liam Rosenior left his role as interim Derby managerCredit: PA
      Paul Warne replaced Rosenior as Rams bossCredit: PA
      Rosenior is now in the running to take charge of managerless West BromCredit: REX
      He is keen to get back to the dugout and managerless Baggies would avoid having to pay compensation for him.
      Free agents Carlos Corberan and Carlos Carvalhal are also in the frame.
      Steven Schumacher, Gary Rowett and Leam Richardson have also been linked but they would cost a settlement fee with their clubs.
      Rosenior – the son of former QPR and Fulham ace Leroy – was gutted to leave Pride Park but admits he’ll look back fondly on his time with the club.
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      He said: “Whilst it is a hugely sad day to leave Derby County, I do so with so much pride and gratitude of being part of this journey with you all at such a critical point in the club’s history.
      “I want to thank every supporter, member of staff and the players I came into contact with, for giving me so much joy to come in to work every day and also for the incredible memories we have shared together over the past three years.
      “I thank David Clowes for entrusting in me the huge responsibility in leading the rebuilding process of the footballing side of the club in this period but more importantly than that, his role in saving this club from extinction.
      “I know how important Derby County is in terms of its history, tradition, outstanding work in the community and the pride it brings to every single person in the city and surrounding area and it is with huge pleasure that I know it will continue for years to come.
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      “Derby County is more than a football club.
      “On a personal level, I will never forget the joy, honour and pride in building and leading this team out to start this exciting new era and now is the right time for me to continue the next stage of my career development as a manager in my own right.”
      Rosenior is confident his successor will guide Derby back to the Championship.
      He said: “I have no doubts that the club is in safe hands on the pitch with Paul Warne and his staff working with an outstanding group of players and professionals, who it was an absolute pleasure working with every day.
      “I hope and I’m sure they will all be successful and I wish them all the very best in the future.
      “I wish I could individually thank every member of staff and supporter I had the privilege of meeting and working with but there are too many to mention in this message.
      “You all know who you are and I’m sure our paths will cross at some point in the future! Thank you for everything.”
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      Derby will be back in action on Tuesday, welcoming Exeter City to Pride Park.
      West Brom, meanwhile, face Sheffield United at the Hawthorns Saturday.
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      West Brom ‘hold talks with Jody Morris about becoming new manager with ex-Chelsea assistant in line for first boss job’

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      FORMER Chelsea assistant Jody Morris has reportedly held talks about becoming West Brom’s new boss.TalkSport claims the former Blues midfielder, 43, is high on the Baggies’ list as they search for Steve Bruce’s successor.
      Former Chelsea No2 Jody Morris has held talks over the vacant West Brom jobCredit: Getty
      He was axed earlier this month after winning just one of 13 games in the Championship.
      SunSport exclusively revealed West Brom were initially hoping to land Gary Rowett from Millwall.
      And the Baggies have also been keeping an eye on Pymouth’s Steven Schumacher.
      However, Morris could now get the nod despite having never managed a senior team in his career.
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      The tactician made his name as a coach with Chelsea’s youth sides, leading the U18s to the treble in 2017 before winning the quadruple a year later.
      Morris’ first taste proper came at Derby County when he became Frank Lampard’s assistant.
      And he made the return to Stamford Bridge as No2 when Lampard was chosen as Maurizio Sarri’s replacement in 2019.
      Morris left his role after Lampard was sacked in January 2021.
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      But the pair ended up splitting months later, with Morris left out when Lampard eventually took charge at Everton.
      However, Morris could now be the main man for the first time ever as West Brom look to revive their season.
      It’s reckoned he came close to getting the Sunderland job earlier this year before the Black Cats opted for Alex Neil – now at Stoke City.
      But Morris faces a tough task should he take charge at the Hawthorns.
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      West Brom have collected just 14 points from 15 matches this season and find themselves in the drop zone.
      Things don’t get any easier for the Baggies either, with tough games against Millwall and Sheffield United on the horizon. More