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    Chelsea defender Jake Clarke-Salter joins QPR on free transfer after just two appearances in 14 years for Blues

    CHELSEA defender Jake Clarke-Salter has left to join QPR – after making just two appearances in 14 years.The 24-year-old has made the switch to the Blues’ London rivals on a four-year contract after years of loan moves from Stamford Bridge.
    Clarke-Salter will be hoping to kick on at QPR after failing to break through at West London rivals ChelseaCredit: Getty
    The Sun revealed earlier this week that QPR were in pole position to claim the signature of the free agent after he left Chelsea.
    He is now the first signing of new manager Michael Beale, the former Aston Villa assistant who has replaced Mark Warburton.
    Clarke-Salter was a highly-rated Chelsea academy product and will now be hoping to re-launch his career after failing to break through at Cobham.
    He has also previously worked with Beale earlier in the defender’s development.
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CHELSEA.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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    He told QPR’s website: “I am over the moon, it’s a permanent deal and it’s time for me to settle down and progress in my career.
    “It’s totally different to a loan move because this is my home and I am fully focused on doing great things with this club.
    “This is a big step for me and one I am totally ready for.”
    Clarke-Salter’s years of loan moves included stints at Bristol Rovers, Sunderland, Vitesse, Birmingham and Coventry.
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    His time at the Ricoh Arena saw him make 31 apperances, with Coventry, Sheffield United and Blackburn Rovers among those believed to be interested in signing him permanently.
    This is unlikely to be the last time QPR move in the summer market, with the club needing to replace big names including departing striker Charlie Austin, who is among those who have left on a free. More

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    Stoke make first summer transfer signing after snapping-up Aden Flint on free after running Cardiff contract down

    MICHAEL O’NEILL has made his first signing of the summer for Stoke City after snapping up towering defender Aden Flint for free.The 32-year-old has been a long-term target for the Potters’ boss, who finally got his man after Flint let his Cardiff City contract run down to become a free agent. 

    English defender Aden Flint has swapped Championship clubs as he joined Stoke on a 12-month deal after three years with CardiffCredit: PA
    The 6ft 6ins defender has agreed a one-year-deal after scoring 12 goals in 92 appearances for the Bluebirds.
    Flint said: “I’m delighted to get it over the line, it’s been in the pipeline for a few weeks now.
    “I spoke to the gaffer while I was on holiday and I’m just delighted to be able to get it done.”
    Stoke assistant manager Dean Holden said: “We are delighted to get him through the doors.
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    “He’s a player who has been mentioned over the last couple of transfer windows.
    “So to get it over the line and sorted in time for pre-season, we are really pleased.”
    Meanwhile, O’Neill has been handed a major boost in his bid to sign striker Josh Maja on a permanent deal from French crisis club Bordeaux.
    The famous French club’s financial meltdown has seen them plunge out of Ligue 1.
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    And they are set to be demoted to the third tier after running up debts of £35million.
    Maja joined Stoke on loan in January and the Potters have an option to make the deal permanent for a cut-price fee as Bordeaux must claw back £20million in player sales by the end of this month.
    The London-born Nigerian, 23, netted once in 15 Championship games for the Potters.
    Ex-Bristol City and Middlesbrough centre-back Aden Flint has finally been recruited by Potters chief Michael O’NeillCredit: Instagram @stokecity More

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    Watford chairman rips into Ben Foster over vlogging antics and Roy Hodgson for snubbing fans in blistering attack

    WATFORD’S chairman has slammed Ben Foster and Roy Hodgson for “disappointing” actions last season. Scott Duxbury revealed the club fined Foster for posting funny YouTube videos during the club’s woeful run last term.
    Watford chairman Scott Duxbury slammed Ben Foster and Roy Hodgson for “disappointing” actions last seasonCredit: Getty – Contributor
    The shot-stopper was uploading clips like ‘The balloon that almost injured me’ to his ‘Cycling GK’ channel while the club was nose-diving towards relegation. 
    Duxbury told the Watford Observer: “There are many things that occur during a season that are politically sensitive and that we can’t discuss with fans in the way I would like to,
    “However, now the season is over, I’ll say I think some of the videos were disappointing. 
    “Our sporting director, Cristiano Giaretta, met with Ben and asked him to stop. He promised he would, but he didn’t. He was fined.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}SARR SIGNING .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Ismaila Sarr next club odds: Newcastle lead the race for Watford winger
    “We want a culture of excellence at Watford. Those videos were not that.
    “I wanted to say publicly at the time that the videos were utterly wrong and we had fined the player and asked him to stop, but it just wasn’t something I could do.
    “In future, player contracts will have clauses in them to make it clear that sort of behaviour will not be permitted.”
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    Fans were in uproar when Hodgson failed to acknowledge Watford’s travelling support after the defeat at Crystal Palace which confirmed relegation last term.
    The ex-England boss claimed the away end was too far away from the dugout.
    To make matters worse he was seen chin-wagging with Palace players after the full-time whistle.
    He also clapped the home fans on his way back to the dressing room after the game.
    Duxbury added: “I did try, after that had happened, to allude in my programme notes to things that had happened which were beyond my belief,
    “Even if, as a person, your heart belongs at another club, you are still the coach of Watford.
    “You’ve just finished a match which has seen you relegated and you ignore your own fans? No, you must go to your own fans and your own players. Words failed me.
    “I’ve known Roy for many years and I was surprised and disappointed, but I suppose we must accept, if not truly understand, his explanation.” More

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    Jake Clarke-Salter set to join QPR on free transfer after leaving Chelsea following two appearances in 14 years

    FORMER Chelsea youngster Jake Clarke-Salter is set to join Queens Park Rangers after leaving Stamford Bridge.The defender, 24, has agreed a three-year-deal with the Championship side.
    Jake Clarke-Salter is set for a free transfer to QPR after just two appearances for ChelseaCredit: Getty
    And he will be new manager Michael Beale’s first signing at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.
    A medical is expected to take place this week before the deal is officially confirmed.
    Clarke-Salter made 31 appearances on loan with Coventry City last season.
    And QPR have pipped Mark Robins’ side to the signing.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Chelsea news .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}De Ligt is Blues’ ‘dream signing, Tuchel ‘increasingly hopeful’ of double deal
    Sheffield United and Blackburn Rovers were also thought to be in the running for the former England Under-21 international.
    Clarke-Salter opted to join QPR ahead of the other interested clubs having worked with Beale in the Chelsea academy.
    Clarke-Salter had been with Chelsea since he was a child in 2008. 
    But he only ever managed two appearances for the first team.
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    BETTING SPECIAL – GET £40 IN FREE BETS FOR ASCOT
    And Clarke-Salter spent time on loan with a number of clubs, including Birmingham City and Vitesse Arnhem.
    The Blues confirmed that the academy graduate was being released at the end of his contract this summer.
    And he will now link up with former Chelsea youth coach Beale a short distance across west London.
    QPR are looking to mount a promotion push under Beale next season, having come close to a play-off spot under Mark Warburton before falling away late on last term. More

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    Watch Ashley Barnes hilariously dance to Ed Sheeran as Man Utd’s Tom Heaton trolls Burnley ace over ‘first concert’

    MANCHESTER UNITED goalkeeper Tom Heaton has trolled his former Bunrley team-mate Ashley Barnes after filming him dancing along to Ed Sheeran.The pair were in attendance to watch the British singer perform live at the Etihad as part of his Mathematics tour.
    Burnley striker Ashley Barnes was having the time of his life at an Ed Sheeran concertCredit: https://www.instagram.com/stories/tomheatongk/2859893199906900576/?hl=en
    Manchester United goalkeeper Tom Heaton has shared footage of Barnes dancing along to the singerCredit: https://www.instagram.com/stories/tomheatongk/2859893199906900576/?hl=en
    Heaton and Barnes for five years together at Turf Moor between 2014-2019Credit: AP:Associated Press
    And Heaton, who played alongside Barnes at Turf Moor from 2014-2019, couldn’t help but rip into the ex-Brighton ace.
    The 36-year-old shared a video of his old pal hilariously dancing along to Sheeran’s hit song ‘Sing’.
    He joked that it was as if Barnes was revelling in his first concert after being left in stitches by his dance moves.
    Posting the footage on his Instagram story, Heaton captioned one clip: “When it’s your first ever concert and you can’t contain yourself.”
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    His second video saw Barnes looking at the camera while bopping along before celebrating at the end of the track.
    Social media was sent into meltdown, as one user tweeted: “Ashley Barnes had the time of his life with Tom Heaton at an Ed Sheeran concert.”
    Another commented: “Never change Ashley Barnes man.”
    A third added: “Barnesy buzzing because he’s at the Etihad and not getting smashed 5-0 by City.”
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    This supporter quipped: “Wish he moved like that on the pitch hahaha.”
    One then joked: “Can’t believe he managed to keep on his feet for 13 seconds. Mind you nobody was near him.”
    Another then stated it was as if Barnes had just heard the news that Vincent Kompany has been appointed as Burnley’s manager.
    The fan said: “When Ashley Barnes saw the Kompany announcement.”
    Meanwhile one simply stated: “This is the content we like to see.” More

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    Burnley announce Vincent Kompany as new manager as Man City legend returns to England after leaving Anderlecht

    BURNLEY have finally confirmed Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany as their new manager.The 36-year-old has been heavily linked with the vacant hotseat at Turf Moor after leaving his post at Anderlecht.
    Vincent Kompany has been named as Burnley’s new first team managerCredit: PA

    Four-time Premier League winner Kompany will now be tasked with securing an instant return to the top-flight following the Clarets’ relegation to the Championship.
    The Belgian icon has returned to England after departing the Etihad for Anderlecht in 2019.
    After taking the reigns at Anderlecht in 2020, Kompany won 42 out of his 92 matches in charge, losing on just 18 occasions.
    He guided the club to third spot in the 2021-22 season to secure European football, while his side also finished as runners-up in the Belgian Cup final.
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    And the ex-defender has expressed his excitement at getting stuck into his new job in Lancashire.
    He told the club’s website: “Burnley Football Club is a truly historic English side and it is an honour to be appointed first-team manager.
    “I’m excited by the challenge ahead.
    “I’m looking forward to getting to work with the players and creating a positive, winning team for our fans when we return to Turf Moor.
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    “I’ve been impressed by the Board’s vision for the club which aligns with my own and I look forward to playing my part as we enter an important season.”
    Burnley chairman Alan Pace added: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Vincent to Burnley Football Club.
    “Vincent is a proven leader and I’ve been very impressed with his ideas for Burnley Football Club, his appetite to succeed and his focus on leading the Club back to the Premier League.
    “Vincent has shown impressive credentials in leading one of Belgium’s biggest teams back to European football and a Cup Final last season.
    “And we’ve been excited by his philosophy, approach and ambition for the Club.” More

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    Blackburn appoint AC Milan legend Jon Dahl Tomasson as new manager to replace Tony Mowbray

    BLACKBURN ROVERS have appointed AC Milan legend Jon Dahl Tomasson as their new manager to replace Tony MowbrayThe 45-year-old former Danish striker, who struggled in the Premier League with Newcastle before going on to lift the Champions League in Italy, has penned a three-year contract at the Championship club.
    Jon Dahl Tomasson has been appointed as Blackburn Rovers’ new managerCredit: AFP
    The Ewood Park outfit, who missed out on the play-offs after spending much of the campaign in the top six, will officially unveil him later this week.
    Tomasson replaces Tony Mowbray in the dug-out at Rovers and has appointed assistant coach Remy Reijnierse and fitness director Ben Rosen to his staff. 
    Meanwhile, David Lowe, Ben Benson and Damien Johnson will all retain their current positions at the club.
    Tomasson represented Heerenveen, Newcastle, Feyenoord, AC Milan, VfB Stuttgart and Villarreal during his playing days and scored a record 52 goals in 112 caps for Denmark.
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    He went on to have stints coaching at Dutch clubs Excelsior and Roda JC prior to taking up assistant manager roles with Vitesse Arnhem and his country.
    The ex-forward then took charge of Malmo FF in January 2020 and led the Swedish club to successive Allsvenskan league titles, as well as to the group stages of the Champions League.
    Rovers CEO Steve Waggott said: “It has been a long process, but we are really pleased to have eventually secured the services of such a young and ambitious coach in Jon.
    “His work around developing players, along with demanding a culture of giving everything to the club, is exactly what we need at this juncture.

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    “His passion, purpose and humility shone through in his interviews and we obviously have high hopes that he will build on the platform that has been established over the last five years.
    “Jon will work closely with Gregg Broughton, myself and the Board in what we all hope will be an exciting chapter in the club’s history.”
    Recently-appointed Director of Football Gregg Broughton, who helped Norwegian club Bodo/Glimt win successive Norwegian titles, added: “In Jon Dahl Thomasson, we have been able to recruit a Head Coach who fits perfectly with the direction that Blackburn Rovers wants to go in.
    “Whilst considering how we want to build the club, how we want our teams to play and how we want to recruit and develop players, Jon was the standout candidate.”
    Tomasson said: “Since leaving Malmo I’ve been looking for the right opportunity and had a lot of options and I’m really proud to be here.”
    But he faces a tough task with owners Venky’s believed to have slashed Rovers’ budget and the new boss may have as little as £3m to spend on new players due to the club’s debt being over £100m.
    Chile sensation Ben Brereton Diaz, last season’s top scorer, is likely to be sold if a £20m-plus offer comes in.
    Meanwhile skipper Darragh Lenihan and fellow defender Ryan Nyambe are considering new offers but seven players have been released. More

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    Birmingham on brink of £35m takeover as controversial ex-Watford chief Laurence Bassini claims to have struck deal

    BIRMINGHAM CITY are on the brink of a £35million buy-out, with controversial former Watford owner Laurence Bassini claiming to have struck a deal for the Championship club.Bassini, 52, says he has exchanged contracts on a deal to buy Blues with a takeover due within days.
    Bassini (L) wants a return to English football ownershipCredit: Getty
    A key part of his blueprint would be to secure full ownership in two years and includes bringing the club’s St Andrew’s home back to its former glories.
    Bassini wants to push ahead with urgent upgrades of the lower tiers of the Kop and Tilton Road stands.
    This isn’t the first time the ex-Watford chief has tried to buy Birmingham, after he failed in an attempt to purchase Blues in 2021.
    He renewed his interest towards the end of last season and has been secretly negotiating through intermediaries with the club’s Chinese owners since then.
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    Bassini says he has no ambitions to become a director or chairman but as owner will appoint a board of ‘very experienced footballing people,’ to run the club on his behalf.
    He also plans to upgrade the club’s Wast Hills training base and push for the academy to quickly regain its Category One status.
    Blues have been owned by Hong Kong-based parent company Birmingham Sports Holdings since October 2016.
    However, fans alarmed by the club’s slump in fortunes, have staged several high-profile protests to highlight the way they feel the club has been mismanaged by absent owners.

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    Lee Bowyer’s side have faced another tough season as the club continues to stagnate on and off the field.
    Fans will be concerned by Bassini’s previous football record.
    He assumed control of Watford in May 2011 but his 13 months in charge at Vicarage Road was shrouded in financial controversy, before he sold the Hornets to Gino Pozzo.
    In March 2013 an independent disciplinary commission found Bassini guilty of misconduct and dishonesty over financial dealings on behalf of Watford.
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    He was subsequently banned from being involved in a position of authority with any Football League club for three years. 
    However, that has not diminished his desire to return to football after being previously linked with unsuccessful attempts to buy Bolton Wanderers, Oldham Athletic and Charlton Athletic.
    The EFL will be keen to avoid further controversy with club ownership following the dire situation with Derby County’s ongoing ownership saga. More