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      Crystal Palace to launch Ben Brereton Diaz transfer swoop as forward rejects Blackburn contract amid European interest

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      CRYSTAL PALACE are considering a January move for Blackburn forward Ben Brereton Diaz.The Chile international, 23, is a free agent in the summer and is being monitored by a number of clubs at home and in Europe.
      Ben Brereton Diaz has impressed regularly in his three years at Edwood ParkCredit: Reuters
      Fulham, Leeds and Everton all failed with late bids during the summer window as the Championship side managed to hold onto their star man.
      Brereton Diaz has shown no sign of a failed move hurting his form, with eight goals in the second tier so far – including one stunner against Sunderland on Tuesday night.
      He is the joint top scorer in the Championship.
      Blackburn have offered the former Nottingham Forest star a new deal and are still attempting to agree new terms but have been knocked back each time.
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      That stance has put clubs on alert ahead of January. Premier League teams may not be able to wait until the end of the season to take the forward on a free transfer.
      Talks have been held with a number of clubs in La Liga who are prepared to offer Brereton Diaz a pre-contract in the New Year.
      And now the Eagles are considering a swoop. Patrick Vieira was keen to add further bite to his attacking line in the summer but could not get a move over the line.
      Christian Benteke was sold without being replaced while both Odsonne Edouard and Jean-Philippe Mateta have struggled for goals.
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      Edouard has two goals in 10 Premier League appearances this season while Mateta has one in nine.
      Everton continue to monitor Brereton Diaz ahead of the window, while Leeds remain interested.
      Last month reports emerged that Blackburn were set to turn their attention to Sunderland’s Ross Stewart if they lost Brereton Diaz.
      Meanwhile, Palace legend Julian Speroni has returned to the club to join the academy coaching staff.
      The former keeper, who made 405 Palace appearances, said: “It’s an honour to be back. Palace is a club that is close to my heart and I am so pleased to be involved once again.” More

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      Wolves ‘set to trigger Michael Beale’s QPR release clause and appoint him as next manager’

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      WOLVES are reportedly set to trigger Michael Beale’s QPR release clause and make him their next boss.The Molineux club had made Beale their top candidate to take over, as exclusively revealed by SunSport.
      Michael Beale is reportedly set to take over at WolvesCredit: PA
      And now the Premier League strugglers are poised to trigger the release clause in his QPR contract, according to talkSPORT.
      Beale, 42, only joined the Hoops in June on a three-year deal but has impressed by guiding them to sixth in the Championship table.
      He also speaks Portuguese — like 11 of the club’s first-team squad — thanks to a spell coaching Brazilian giants Sao Paulo.
      Wolves see him as the progressive, hands-on coach they need.
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      Beale himself is reported to be keen on making the move to Molineux.
      As a result, they are prepared to pay the hefty compensation needed to prise him away from Loftus Road.
      Former Spain boss Julen Lopetegui snubbed the chance to take over at Wolves earlier this month.
      Ex-Wolves gaffer Nuno Espirito Santo emerged as another potential candidate, before Wolves made the decision to swoop for Beale.
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      He left his position as Steven Gerrard’s assistant manager at Aston Villa in June to become a boss himself.
      He has quickly made his mark in his short time as a gaffer.
      QPR are just three points off the top of the Championship, having played two games less than current league leaders Blackburn.
      Steve Davis has been in caretaker charge at Wolves for the last three games, including the 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace last night. More

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      Middlesbrough confident of appointing Man Utd legend Michael Carrick as new boss before weekend clash with Huddersfield

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      MIDDLESBROUGH are confident of appointing Michael Carrick as manager before the weekend.Carrick has been in advanced talks with the Teessiders all week and is set to replace Chris Wilder.
      Middlesbrough hope to name Michael Carrick as boss by the weekendCredit: PA
      Negotiations stalled last week over the make-up of the ex-Manchester United star’s backroom team, which could include Steve Bruce’s son Alex.
      But those issues have been resolved with the 41-year-old agreeing to take the Riverside reins and land his first manager’s job.
      It is unclear yet whether he will be in the dugout for Saturday’s crunch home clash with fellow Championship bottom three side Huddersfield or watch from the stands.
      Middlesbrough have only won three of their 14 games and travel to Wigan on Wednesday.
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      Leo Percovich, a coach at the club under Aitor Karanka, Jonathan Woodgate, Neil Warnock and then Wilder, was placed in temporary charge following Wilder’s dismissal.
      He guided Boro to a 1-0 win over Birmingham but defeats to Millwall and Blackburn have left them deep in the mire.
      Former England international Carrick won the Premier League five times and the Champions League during his Old Trafford playing career.
      He initially joined United’s coaching staff under Jose Mourinho.
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      He was then part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s backroom team before then getting a brief taste of management himself after the Norwegian was axed in November 2021.
      Newcastle-born Carrick had a three-game stint as caretaker.
      He led United to two wins and then a draw against Chelsea but left after Ralf Rangnick’s arrival. More

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      Michael Carrick set to be appointed Middlesbrough manager as Man Utd legend ‘changes mind after fresh talks’

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      MICHAEL CARRICK is back in line to become Middlesbrough’s new manager.The ex-Manchester United midfielder appeared to rule himself out after talks stalled last week.
      Talks are back on for Michael Carrick to take charge at MiddlesbroughCredit: Getty
      But he remained owner Steve Gibson’s No 1 choice to replace Chris Wilder.
      And fresh discussions have taken place over the last 24 hours.
      Carrick, 41, is desperate to land a first job in frontline management.
      And he could be in charge of Boro against Huddersfield on Saturday.
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      The Geordie was caretaker manager at Man United following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking.
      He then took a break from the game after Ralf Rangnick’s appointment.
      United legend Carrick played 464 times for the club after a move from Spurs in 2006.
      He won five titles and the 2008 Champions League to become a fan favourite.
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      And Carrick showed he’s still a supporter at heart as he joined fans in the away end at Everton earlier this month.
      Meanwhile, Boro face Wigan tomorrow but interim Leo Percovich looks set to take charge against the Latics.
      The Teessiders moved back into the bottom three of the Championship after losing 2-1 to Blackburn on Saturday. More

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      Derby boss Paul Warne eyeing transfer for Middlesbrough’s Darnell Fisher after pair worked together at Rotherham

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      DERBY boss Paul Warne is looking into a loan deal for Darnell Fisher.The right-back, 28, has had a long-term injury at Middlesbrough and could be allowed out to get game-time.
      Middlesbrough right-back Darnell Fisher might be handed the chance to work his way back to match sharpness with DerbyCredit: Getty
      Warne knows Fisher from their time at Rotherham and would like his attacking flair at his disposal.
      Ex-Preston star Fisher’s Boro contact expires next summer.
      And a chance to shine in League One with promotion-seeking Derby could be just what he needs if he wants a new deal with Championship side Middlesbrough.
      Rams’ chief Warne was briefly in charge of Fisher when he took over as Rotherham manager in Aril 2017.
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      But he failed to save the Millers from becoming the first team in English football’s top six tiers to be relegated.
      Fisher left for Preston that summer, before joining Middlesbrough in January 2021.
      Boro, meanwhile, could hand their permanent boss job to local lad Lee Cattermole, 34.
      But Uruguayan Leo Percovich expects to stay in control for Wednesday’s trip to Wigan despite Saturday’s 2-1 home loss to Blackburn leaving Boro third bottom of the Championship.
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      Former Middlesbrough, Wigan and Sunderland midfielder Cattermole is part of temporary chief’s Percovich’s team of coaches.
      But Percovich said after the weekend loss: “I am in charge and responsible for everything.
      “I will be leading the group for what happens this week, and will be preparing the team for Wednesday.
      “We can’t just wait to see if the club is going to make a decision, then switch on again.
      “Then, we will see what the decision of the club is.”
      Manchester United legend Michael Carrick also held talks over the permanent Boro position, following Chris Wilder’s departure. More

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      Hull clash with Birmingham bizarrely delayed as goals are to BIG with staff forced to SAW two inches off posts

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      HULL’S Championship clash with Birmingham was delayed because the goals were TOO BIG.In bizarre scenes officials had to SAW two inches off the posts to make them the right size.
      The goal posts at Hull had to be SAWN to the right sizeCredit: Ben Early/News Images
      The game was delayed because the goals were too bigCredit: Rex
      Kick off was delayed by 20 minutesCredit: Rex
      The posts had to be cut down by two inchesCredit: PA
      Kick off was delayed by 20 minutes as staff scrambled to fix the problem.
      It’s believed the posts were two inches taller than the permitted eight feet.
      The goal line technology, as well as the posts, also had to be readjusted before the game finally got underway.
      It’s the second week in a row that the Championship has had sizing issues with goal posts.
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      Last Saturday Cardiff won 3-1 at Wigan – but the game was played with one of the goals two inches bigger than the other.
      On that occasion the game was delayed for seven minutes over the crossbar issue.
      In the end play continued with the two goals different sizes.
      But at Hull the problem was spotted before kick off and could therefore be sorted.
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      The action in the bottom of the table clash did eventually get underway at just after 3.20pm.
      Hosts Hull went into the game just two places above the drop zone, with Birmingham only two spots ahead of the Tigers.
      It was the second game of the day to be delayed with the Premier League clash between Leeds and Arsenal suspended for 40 minutes because of a power cut.
      Goal line technology had to be readjusted after the posts were cut downCredit: PA More

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      West Brom eyeing highly-rated Plymouth boss Steven Schumacher as new manager to replace axed Steve Bruce

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      RISING STAR Steven Schumacher is under consideration to fill the West Brom hotseat.The Baggies axed Steve Bruce on Monday and Plymouth’s Scouser Schumacher, 38, is a “fresh” name on the club’s shortlist.
      Steven Schumacher has led Argyle to top spot in League OneCredit: Rex
      The likes of Roy Keane and Chris Wilder are already linked but impressive Schumacher has also been whispered at a high level after his success since succeeding Ryan Lowe at League One Argyle.
      Schumacher could be interested in a quick move up to the Championship  — and his compensation should not put off the Baggies.
      Wigan boss Leam Richardson, Millwall’s Gary Rowett and out-of-work Carlos Corberan are also strongly linked to The Hawthorns.
      Schumacher has led the Pilgrims to top spot in the third tier after a blistering start to the season.
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      Argyle have won nine of their last ten League One matches, drawing the other 2-2 against Portsmouth at Fratton Park.
      Their latest triumph came in the form of yesterday’s 4-1 battering of MK Dons at Stadium MK.
      Argyle got off to the perfect start, when Chelsea loanee Jamie Cumming fumbled Morgan Whittaker’s low shot over the line in the ninth minute.
      Niall Ennis made it 2-0 on 25 minutes after neat build-up play – with Finn Azaz profiting on loose MK passing to make it three before the break.
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      Will Grigg pulled one back with a smart finish shortly after half-time, only for Azaz’s second to kill the contest off just shy of the hour mark.
      After the match, Schumacher said: “I’m really pleased with the performance. It was a great win. To score four goals was brilliant.
      “We spoke to the players right at the start of the week and spoke about how we need to be a little bit better in possession of the ball.
      “We felt if we could take the ball today and starve them of it, then we would have a chance.
      “The focus all week was on possession, moving the ball, and trying to play through the lines to our number tens and to be accurate with it.”
      Schumacher, 38, has the Green Army top of League OneCredit: Rex More

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      Luton Town ‘appalled’ after striker Elijah Adebayo racially abused after scoring for Hatters in 3-1 win against QPR

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      LUTON TOWN say they are “appalled” after star Elijah Adebayo was subjected to sickening racist abuse after scoring in Saturday’s 3-1 win over QPR.The 24-year-old striker bagged Luton’s opening goal at Kenilworth Road, sending his side on their way to victory.
      Elijah Adebayo was racially abused online after scoring in Luton Town’s win over QPRCredit: PA
      It was the third time Adebayo has been racially abused this yearCredit: PA
      It was a moment to celebrate as Town recorded their first league win over QPR in 16 years.
      And fans toasted the occasion as Luton soared to seventh in the Championship table.
      However, Adebayo’s day turned from joy to horror as he was sent “disgusting racist abuse” on Instagram afterwards.
      The ace received two messages from one account on the social media platform.
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      And the vile slurs have since been reported to Bedfordshire Police.
      A club statement read: “For the third time in less than a year, Luton Town Football Club has had to report or assist with enquiries into disgusting racist abuse aimed at our striker Elijah Adebayo.
      “Two racist slurs from the same account on our Instagram post of the scoreline at the end of the win over Queens Park Rangers, which have been widely shared on social media, were reported to Instagram’s parent company, Meta, and the EFL immediately by the Club.
      “We are appalled that we are having to do this in 2022 and, as our players continue to do just before kick-off in all matches in which we participate, everyone at Kenilworth Road stands together with Elijah and any other player who suffers racist abuse, either online or in person.
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      “Bedfordshire Police have been made aware of the posts and we have spoken to Elijah to offer him all the support he needs if he wishes to take this forward.
      “We have had enough of saying enough is enough. This despicable discrimination simply has to stop.”
      Adebayo thanked Luton Town and his teammates for their support afterwards, as well as fans who had sent him well-wishes.
      He tweeted: “Appreciate all support and messages!” More