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      Norwich reject two loan transfer offers for Max Aarons from Atalanta and Monza with Dean Smith’s side demanding £15m fee

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      NORWICH have turned down loan offers from Serie A duo Atalanta and Monza for Max Aarons.And ex-Canaries boss Daniel Farke, now the manager of German side Borussia Monchengladbach, has also made an approach to be reunited with the right-back.
      Max Aarons has played 170 games for Norwich since graduating through the academyCredit: Rex
      Highly-rated Aarons is valued at £15million by Dean Smith’s side.
      Aarons has started the opening four Championship matches of the season in fine form as European clubs circle for his services.
      The 22-year-old has been granted assurances that he can leave Carrow Road if a suitable bid comes in.
      Everton, Wolfsburg and Marseille all enquired about the England Under-21 star earlier this summer.
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      Aarons has less than two years left on his contract and Norwich are open to a sale on one of their prized assets following relegation from the Premier League.
      In the past, Euro giants Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund and Roma have all monitored his progress.
      Aarons graduated through The Canaries academy in 2018 and has gone on to make 170 appearances for the senior side.
      Former Manchester United and England star Rio Ferdinand claimed Aarons was the type of player United should try and sign.
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      Ferdinand said Aarons could “have an impact” similar to that of Chris Smalling at the club.
      City have recently taken the decision to BAN children under two from attending games over safety fears about the long-term impact of noise. More

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      Coventry clash with Huddersfield called off just days before Championship match with pitch still unsafe to play on

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      COVENTRY CITY’S home game against Huddersfield Town on Saturday is off – after they lost their latest pitch battle.It means the EFL has now postponed a HAT-TRICK of Championship fixtures at the CBS Arena due to the perilous state of the pitch, which they share with rugby union side Wasps and was used for the Rugby 7s at the Commonwealth Games.
      Mark Robins’ Coventry City side are facing more pitch problemsCredit: ccfc.co.uk
      The surface was wrecked by the heatwave and the Commonwealth GamesCredit: ccfc.co.uk
      Mark Robins’ Sky Blues suffered a double-whammy when they then failed to have the fixture reversed to the Terriers’ John Smith’s Stadium.
      Concerns over player safety led to Coventry’s league fixtures against Wigan Athletic and Rotherham United being postponed, while the ‘home’ Carabao Cup tie against Bristol City was switched to Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium.
      The upheaval means Robins’ Coventry has played just two league games, while their rivals will have played up to five by the end of this weekend’s round of fixtures. 
      It is the worst possible news for the Sky Blues boss whose side sit bottom of the table with one point from their opening two games and now face a fixture backlog in the closing weeks of an already congested season.
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      However there was some positive news for the troubled Midlands club when the EFL confirmed City and the CBS Arena have agreed to undertake a re-lay of substantial parts of the pitch to try and avoid further issues.
      The EFL will inspect the newly laid pitch before Cov’s next home game on Wednesday 31 August, against Preston North End, to confirm the new surface is safe for players and match officials.
      Robins is now looking at alternative ways to replicate game time for his players who will have gone a fortnight without a competitive match by Saturday.
      The frustrated Sky Blues boss said: “We can only control what we can. We just want to get that rhythm built. 
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      “Everyone else is playing games and getting that rhythm while we keep missing them, so we’re going to have to get an in-house game on Tuesday. 
      “We will get a linesman and referee and try to build momentum that way. We have two elevens and young players who need to develop. We have to find a way.
      “Ultimately there has to be a new pitch laid and if that can happen, the sooner the better we can get on with things. We will get a week’s work into us and see what happens.”
      The Sky Blues are rooted to the bottom of the table with just one pointCredit: PA
      The Carabao Cup ‘home’ match against Bristol City was held at Burton’s Pirelli StadiumCredit: PA More

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      Fulham join Ben Brereton Diaz transfer race but face competition from FOUR Premier League rivals for Blackburn star

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      FULHAM have entered the race to sign Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton Diaz.Blackburn last night rejected an opening £8.4million offer from French club Nice as they hold out for a much larger initial fee.
      Diaz is being tracked by a number of clubs including FulhamCredit: Getty
      Diaz, 23, has just one year left on his contract and has garnered plenty of interest in Europe, with a host of Spanish clubs also tracking his progress.
      Fulham are one of a number of Prem clubs keen on the former Nottingham Forest man.
      Everton, Bournemouth and Leeds United have all registered interest while West Ham are long term admirers.
      Cottagers boss Marco Silva is in need of further investment after summer signing Manor Solomon was ruled out until after the World Cup following a knee injury and surgery.
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      Given his contract situation, should the Chile international not leave this month he can negotiate with clubs abroad from January and leave for nothing at the end of the season.
      Rovers, however, have a need to sell before the summer window closes.
      The Championship club have the lowest transfer budget in the division.
      Chiefs at Ewood Park could be tempted by an initial offer of £12-15million before add-ons.
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      Two goals in three games so far from Diaz could well have aided their cause in demanding a higher fee.
      Fulham are also close to agreeing a deal to sign Justin Kluivert, son of Dutch legend Patrick, from Roma.
      The west Londoners have already made seven signings since their promotion from the Championship, having added Solomon, Joao Palhinha, Issa Diop, Andreas Pereira, Kevin Mbabu, Bernd Leno and Shane Duffy. More

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      Horrific moment on-loan Arsenal star Charlie Patino twists ankle as Blackpool anxiously await injury update

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      ARSENAL loanee Charlie Patino suffered a devastating ankle injury during Blackpool’s Championship clash with QPR on Tuesday, just two weeks after joining the club.The 18-year-old midfielder twisted his ankle just 15 minutes into the game while attempting to challenge QPR defender Jimmy Dunne for the ball.
      Patino suffered a devastating injury on TuesdayCredit: Getty
      The 18-year-old twisted his ankle while challenging Dunne

      Despite the severity of the injury he continued to play on for another 30 minutes, but had to be substituted at half time in order to receive treatment.
      To make matters worse for The Seasiders, Manchester City loanee Lewis Fiorini was forced off midway through the second half with a hamstring issue.
      Blackpool went on to win the game 1-0, but manager Michael Appleton struggled to hide his concern when discussing the two injury blows.
      He said: “It’s not great if I’m being honest. Obviously we’ll know the full extent over the next 72 hours I’d imagine.
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      “Lewis (Fiorini) has definitely done his hamstring. How badly, we won’t know until it’s been scanned.
      “Charlie (Patino), his ankle is quite badly swollen and it was badly swollen at half-time, so it’s something we’ve got to control and get the swelling down.
      “Once we’re in a position where the swelling is under control we can go and get it scanned.”
      Patino joined Blackpool on a season-long loan from Arsenal at the beginning of August.
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      He made an instant impact upon his arrival, with Blackpool fans already creating a chant for the young star.
      Appleton has also been very impressed with the midfielder, who made his Championship debut in a 2-0 defeat to Stoke earlier this month.
      After that game, the Blackpool boss said: “He takes yards off people sometimes with his ability to get away from people.
      “I thought he was great. I thought he showed a calmness. He showed an old head on very, very young shoulders and I enjoyed watching him.
      “I think the Blackpool fans over the coming season are going to enjoy watching him.” More

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      Stoke ‘agree deal with Man City to sign Liam Delap on loan transfer with youngster set for medical’

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      STOKE CITY have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Manchester City prospect Liam Delap on loan.The striker, 19, is highly rated by Etihad boss Pep Guardiola.
      Man City youngster Liam Delap is set to join Stoke City on loanCredit: Getty
      But he has made just six senior appearances for the Premier League champions in the last two years.
      And Guardiola is keen to see Delap develop with some proper minutes under his belt.
      Burnley, managed by City legend Vincent Kompany, were interested in a move after landing Delap’s teammate Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
      Southampton also had a stunning £20million offer rejected, having already spent a combined £24m on City kids Gavin Bazunu and Romeo Lavia.
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      But the Athletic claims Stoke have won the race for hitman Delap this summer.
      Dad Rory is currently a first-team coach at the Championship club, having made 208 appearances for them as a player.
      And Delap is now set to compete for a starting role under former Northern Ireland gaffer Michael O’Neill.
      The teen is set to become Stoke’s NINTH signing of the window, with the Potters rebuilding after losing Benik Afobe, Steven Fletcher, James Chester, Tom Ince, Tommy Smith and Joe Allen.
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      New signings include experienced ex-Newcastle striker Dwight Gayle, as well as highly-rated youngsters Will Smallbone from Southampton and Gavin Kilkenny from Bournemouth.
      Versatile Brentford winger Tarique Fosu became Stoke’s latest capture yesterday.
      And O’Neill will be hoping for a change of fortunes in tonight’s match against Middlesbrough, having lost two of his opening three league fixtures while being dumped out of the Carabao Cup to Morecambe. More

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      Everton considering Viktor Gyokeres transfer as Frank Lampard targets Coventry star to solve striker crisis

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      EVERTON are considering a move for Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres as Frank Lampard’s striker search continues.The Toffees have lost their opening two games of the season and are short up top following the sale of Richarlison to Tottenham and another injury to Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
      Everton are considering a move for GyokeresCredit: Getty
      Everton could also be about to lose Anthony Gordon to Chelsea, whose latest bid for the forward was £45million.
      Lampard’s sights have now turned to Swedish international Gyokeres, 24, who scored 17 goals in the Championship for Coventry last season and has one in two appearances so far this term – scoring against Sunderland on the opening day.
      Gyokeres, who joined Coventry from Brighton last year after a spell on loan, has seven caps and two goals for Sweden.
      Brighton striker Neal Maupay is also being considered, but the Toffees face serious competition from Premier League new boys Nottingham Forest for the French striker.
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      Maupay, 26, has fallen down the pecking order under Graham Potter and, with one year left on his deal, is available for around £15million.
      Everton are also tracking Blackburn’s Ben Brereton Diaz, though a number of clubs in the Premier League and Europe are keen on the Chile international.
      Speaking at the weekend, Lampard said: “Dominic has been injured for two weeks and it is a five-to-six-week injury, so we have to have a bit of perspective.
      “We are not going to be foolish. We are going to try to find the right player that can maybe help us in the short term, but in the long term complement the fact we have Dominic.”
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      Lampard has looked at Southampton’s Che Adams but Saints chiefs insist that the Scotland international is not for sale.
      The former Chelsea manager wants to add more firepower before the visit of Nottingham Forest to Goodison Park on Saturday. More

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      Watford players ‘openly celebrating Emmanuel Dennis’ Nottingham Forest transfer in dressing room’

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      WATFORD players “openly celebrated” Emmanuel Dennis’ departure to Nottingham Forest, according to reports. The striker, 24, completed his £20million move to the Premier League new boys on Saturday.
      Emmanuel Dennis completed his £20m transfer to Nottingham Forest this weekendCredit: Getty
      Some Watford players are said to be delighted that Emmanuel Dennis has left the clubCredit: Getty
      But according to the Daily Mail, the squad at Vicarage Road were delighted to see the back of him.
      It is said the dressing room “will be a far more harmonious place” following his departure.
      And the report adds several members of the Watford team were not afraid to express their delight once he had left.
      Dennis only joined the Hornets last summer and scored ten goals in the relegation campaign.
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      He failed to score in his two Championship appearances this term before sealing his switch back to the top flight.
      Rob Edwards’ side remain unbeaten with two wins and a draw to sit third in the table.
      Dennis, meanwhile, will need to try and displace Taiwo Awoniyi up front for Steve Cooper’s Forest.
      The seven-cap Nigerian forward, who scored twice in the Bernabeu for Club Brugge in 2019, will have watched his compatriot Awoniyi score the winner in the 1-0 win over West Ham on Sunday.
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      The 25-year-old – another of the 14 first-team arrivals at the City Ground – bundled in just before half-time before Dean Henderson saved Declan Rice’s penalty to secure Forest’s first points of the season.
      Cheikhou Kouyate and Remo Freuler also signed over the weekend while Neco Williams, Jesse Lingard, Harry Toffolo, Lewis O’Brien and Henderson were among those who starred against the Hammers.
      Fellow Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi bundled in the only goal against West HamCredit: Getty More

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      Lenny Johnrose dead aged 52: Ex-Burnley ace passes away five years after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease

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      LENNY JOHNROSE has tragically passed away at the age of 52 five years after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.The former defensive midfielder enjoyed a 16-year football career after coming through the ranks at Blackburn.
      Lenny Johnrose passed away aged 52 after a five-year battle with motor neurone diseaseCredit: Mark Robinson Ltd
      Johnrose was a holding midfielder for Burnley, Bury, Blackburn, Swansea, Hartlepool and PrestonCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      He had his longest spell at Bury between 1993 and 1999 and had an instrumental year at Swansea – and is still adored by Swans fans.
      His goal on the final day of the 2002-03 season against Hull was enough to secure the club’s safety in the Football League and provided the springboard for their ventures into the Premier League.
      After his playing career ended in 2004, Johnrose retrained and moved into primary school teaching in the north-west.
      In 2017, he received the motor neurone disease diagnosis and a charity match was held the following year between Swansea and Burnley legends which ended 10-7.
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      Dad-of-three Johnrose was married to wife Nadine and revealed his health had deteriorated in February this year.
      He told Wales Online: “My voice is clinging on for dear life, with some of my words actually being decipherable.
      “Oh, and I need to keep my head up to speak, which may explain why Nadine keeps taking off my neck support.
      “The saliva puddle in my mouth is under some sort of control, although there’s still enough to make a cup of tea!
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      “The legs are still fairly strong, and I’ve rediscovered slight movement in two fingers… And that seems to be it. So I’m still going strong-ish.”
      Tributes poured in on social media following his sad death.
      Burnley wrote: “Our thoughts are with Len’s family and friends at this very sad time. You’ll always be a Claret Len.”
      Hartlepool, another of his former clubs, added: “We’re encouraging fans to join us in a minutes applause during the 52nd minute of tomorrow’s game against Tranmere Rovers in appreciation of Len Johnrose. A great man both on and off the pitch.”
      Johnrose was a brilliant campaigner for research and raising awareness of motor neurone disease.
      He encouraged the football family to take part in the #IceFoot92 challenge – standing in a bucket of ice water for 92 seconds – to raise money for the MND Association.
      ‘UTTERLY SELFLESS AND BRAVE’
      The Len Johnrose Trust tweeted: “We are heartbroken to tell you that our leader, Len Johnrose passed away this morning.
      “Len was an incredibly proud husband and father. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time.”
      A Swansea fan account added: “R.I.P Lenny, a true warrior and one amazing person. You were such a nice, kind and humble person. You will be hugely missed.
      “Thank you for the memories and thank you for being an inspiration. Our thoughts are with all of the Johnrose family.”
      One commented: “To most of you, Len could have been a football idol.
      “But for me he was so much more, he was the best teacher I’ve ever had, and really helped shape me into the person I am, he literally helped me learn right from wrong. My sincere condolences to his family and those who knew him.”
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      Another said: “Heartbreaking. I recall his first appearances as a professional footballer. I don’t think his lovely smile ever left his face. What terrible news. God bless Len and his family.”
      And a final user replied: “An utterly selfless and brave human being. Right to the very end, he was always the pinnacle of positivity and humour. RIP Lenny and shine bright pal.”
      Swansea legend Johnrose revealed earlier this year his health had deterioratedCredit: Getty More