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      Meet Djed Spence, the Arsenal transfer target who is pals with Emile Smith Rowe and tearing it up for Nottingham Forest

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      DJED SPENCE was so good against Arsenal in the FA Cup that not only did he draw sky-high praise from Ian Wright, but he has since become a Gunners target.And were he to make the move to the Emirates he would be linking up with old youth team-mate Emile Smith Rowe.
      Smith-Rowe (second left) and Spence (second right) were teammates growing up
      The pair played for South London side Junior Elite – who also produced Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka – as kids.
      Yet despite his wonderful display in Nottingham Forest’s 1-0 win over Mikel Arteta’s men in the third round last month shooting him to prominence, Spence’s journey into professional football has been far from easy.
      In fact, the Croydon lad was almost written off on multiple occasions due to question marks over his technical ability, only to be handed another shot because of his diligence and desire.
      Colin Omogbehin runs Junior Elite and remembers well the talented under-10 team Spence played in alongside Smith Rowe and Manchester United youngster Di’Shon Bernard, who is currently on loan at Hull.
      It was Omogbehin who ended up taking a 12-year-old Spence to Fulham, where he worked in the academy and is now the Cottagers’ joint-head coach of the Under-23s.
      The master-developer told SunSport: “I wouldn’t say he was anywhere near the best but he had an unbelievable desire to be part of the best and he worked hard.
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      “A lot of those players in that group like Emile, Di’Shon and one or two others who haven’t made it but were really good players, they ended up getting recruited and moving onto clubs before Djed. 
      “He was the last one out of that group of players to move to a professional club which was Fulham, with myself. 
      “There were always doubts. He didn’t find it easy through the years. 
      “He was always one of the ones they weren’t sure to keep on. But he’d always find a way to do well enough to stay inside the system.”
      Spence benefitted from a strong support network with his mum Aisha playing a prominent role in spurring on the youngest of her four children.
      Aisha, who also has three girls including Karla-Simone who is an actress, would help wash the kit for Junior Elite while step-dad Martin used to run the lines.
      Omogbehin recalled: “She was the one who told him he needed to start working even harder. 
      Spence joined the Fulham Academy at the age of 12
      “She would take him out, do extras with him and push him and push him and eventually he got into the A team when he wasn’t the most skilful player. 
      “He had great athleticism and technically we did get him better in the end and now he’s ready. But he wasn’t a natural like Emile. He’s really really worked hard at his game.”
      On taking him to Fulham, Omogbehin helped Spence remodel himself from winger to a full-back as he felt it was more suited to his game.
      Slowly but surely the youngster developed his technical ability, in what is an inspiring example to any wannabe footballer of how far hard work can take you.
      Omogbehin added: “He had all the tools, and that’s what we look for. He was athletic and had a desire. 
      “Once you have those kind of qualities, then the technical stuff, as long as you get them at a good age, you can teach them the rest. You’ve got to saturate them with the ball.
      “By the time he went to Fulham, it started to come out about 13, 14, 15.
      “But he was always one who in his reviews, it said, ‘You need to do better, you need to do better’. But I saw a kid who every time his back was against the wall, he really stepped up.”
      Spence impressed for Nottingham Forest against Arsenal earlier this monthCredit: Alamy Live News
      Even at Under-16 level, Spence was one of the last in his group to get a scholarship.
      He was part of a talented bunch at that age at Fulham including the Sessegnon twins, Ryan and Steven, as well as Matt O’Riley, who this month joined Celtic from MK Dons.
      The Cottagers decided not to keep him on though, a decision they may now be ruing, after his standout displays on loan at Forest from Middlesbrough this term.
      Following the Arsenal FA Cup win, Gunners legend Wright said: “That was one of the best right-back performances I have seen for a very long time. A very, long time.
      “If we are talking about right-backs performing at an unbelievable level, we’re talking Reece James and Trent (Alexander-Arnold).
      “But I have not seen a combative, technical, swashbuckling performance like that for a very long time.
      “I said to him afterwards, ‘whatever’s happening, whatever you’re doing, the level you’ve just shown us here is the level you have to be consistently hitting, Djed.”
      It is not just Wrighty who took notice.
      Arsenal are looking at him as a possible replacement for Hector Bellerin this summer, while Italian giants Roma and Inter Milan are said to be watching developments.
      Tottenham were reported to have had two offers rejected on deadline day.
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      He has another chance to show everyone what he can do when Forest host Leicester in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday.
      Yet it seems only a matter of time before Spence makes it to the top level – which not many of his youth coaches would have predicted.
      But, as Omogbehin said: “In terms of putting up with adversity, this boy has demonstrated on numerous occasions from a young age that he can deal with that and he’s up for the fight.” More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea star N’Golo Kante could have joined Middlesbrough after fan spotted him playing while on holiday in 2013

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      N’GOLO KANTE could have signed for Middlesbrough in 2013 had the Teesside outfit listened to the advice of one eagle-eyed fan.Boro supporter Dennis Abbott called on the club to make a move for the Frenchman while he was on holiday in Normandy.
      A Boro fan called on the club to sign N’Golo Kante nine years agoCredit: AFP

      Abbott watched Kante play for Caen in 2013 – two years before Leicester poached him from Ligue 1 in a £5.6million deal.
      And, having recognised his enormous talent, he immediately brought the midfielder to Boro’s attention.
      The fan labelled the Frenchman ‘an outstanding creative player’ in a tweet sent to the Teesside club.
      Abbott wrote: “Boro scouts, tell Tony Mowbray to check out Caen midfielder N’Golo Kante before Wenger gets him. Top top player.”
      The club acknowledged Abbott’s comment, saying it had been ‘passed on to scouts’.
      The fan continued: “That’s great. He’s an outstanding creative player, winning plaudits from media & players alike.”
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      Rather dismissively, Boro replied: “Thanks Dennis – they’re going to look.”
      Fast forward to the present and Kante has won the 2018 World Cup and is a two-time Premier League winner – while also winning the Champions League last season at Chelsea.
      He played the key role in Leicester’s miraculous Premier League triumph in 2016 – before moving to Chelsea for £30m later that summer to secure back-to-back league titles.
      The Frenchman has also won the FA Cup and the Europa League title with the Blues before continental success under Thomas Tuchel – cementing his reputation as one of the world’s best midfielders.
      And Boro fans fumed they missed out on such a gem, with one joking: “Dodged a bullet here lads, I’m glad we ended up with Lee Tomlin instead.”
      Another tweeted: “Hey Boro, have ya fired the scouts yet?”
      A third wrote: “Can we get Tony Mowbray’s evaluation at the time?”
      Meanwhile one simply said: “This is mental to be honest.” More

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      in Soccer

      Fulham fan dies after suffering cardiac arrest in stands during Blackpool game

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      A FULHAM supporter sadly died on Saturday after suffering a cardiac arrest in the stands at Craven Cottage.Paul Parish was rushed to hospital after falling ill during the Championship clash against Blackpool.
      Fulham’s Championship game against Blackpool was stopped due to a fan emergencyCredit: REX
      Paul Parish suffered a cardiac arrest and sadly diedCredit: PA
      Play was halted for 41 minutes during the 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage while medics from both teams tended to a stricken Parish in the Hammersmith Stand.
      Parish was hastily taken to the hospital after being treated by the clubs’ medical staff but tragically passed away.
      The Championship club announced his passing on Saturday night.
      A statement read: “It is with immense sadness that we inform fans of the passing of supporter, Paul Parish.
      “Paul suffered a cardiac arrest and received treatment in the Hammersmith Stand at this afternoon’s match before being transferred to the hospital. He sadly passed away this evening.
      “Our condolences and the thoughts of everyone at Fulham Football Club go out to Paul’s family, friends and loved ones.
      “The family would like to thank the fans of Fulham and Blackpool for the respect and care they showed as well as all staff at Craven Cottage and at the hospital for their assistance, care and attention.
      “Rest in Peace, Paul.”
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      The Craven Cottage faithful quickly offered their condolences, with one saying: “Such sad news RiP.
      “Black armbands next game please.”
      Another said: “Thoughts are with his family and friends.
      And another said: “Such sad news, thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to the family of Paul Parish.”
      Blackpool Police also offered their condolences, tweeting: Thinking of All Paul’s Family, Friends and everyone at @FulhamFC!
      “Condolences from everyone at Blackpool Police.”
      Prior to Parish’s tragic passing, Cottagers ace Tim Ream urged all those affected by the incident to reach out to their loved ones.
      The American tweeted: “To all those who witnessed and may be struggling with what they saw…don’t be afraid to reach out and talk to someone.
      “Reach out to me, to your loved ones, to anyone. You are not alone and others will be or have felt what you are feeling.”
      The tragic passing of Parish was one of three medical emergencies that occurred during Saturday’s EFL matches.
      A similar incident took place during Oldham’s League Two clash with Rochdale, which led to the teams being taken off the pitch.
      And another emergency occurred just before the half-time interval in Wycombe Wanderers’ match with MK Dons.
      Fulham offered their heartfelt condolences to Parish’s loved onesCredit: PA More

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      Fulham, Oldham AND Wycombe matches suspended due to three medical emergencies in stands within minutes of each other

      by

      THREE fans suffered medical emergencies within minutes of each other at Fulham, Oldham and Wycombe. Play was stopped for a combined hour in the EFL matches with both sets of teams taken down the tunnels at Craven Cottage and Boundary Park.
      Fulham supporters waited on anxiously as the ill fan received treatmentCredit: Getty
      Fulham and Blackpool players left the pitch at Craven CottageCredit: Getty
      A fan was taken ill at the Hammersmith End at Craven Cottage as Fulham led Blackpool 1-0 with 16 minutes on the clock.
      And as medics attended to the supporter, fans used their flags as a shield and referee Peter Bankes took both teams back down the tunnel.
      The fan, believed to be a male, was carried out of the ground on a stretcher and taken to hospital with suggestions from nearby fans he suffered a heart attack.
      High-flying Fulham resumed their match 37 minutes later but conceded an equaliser just before hour mark as it finished 1-1.
      There was a simultaneous stoppage at Oldham when a home fan needed treatment during the goalless League Two clash against Rochdale.
      Again, the players were taken off the pitch to allow the doctors to provide help.
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      Oldham tweeted: “Our best wishes go with the Latics fan concerned.
      “A heartfelt thank you to supporters who alerted it quickly to the stewards and medical team in the Main Stand Upper.
      “We will try to provide a further update but he is back responsive and receiving treatment.”
      The match at Oldham resumed after a 23-minute stoppage.
      And just before half-term in Wycombe’s 1-0 defeat against MK Dons, play was paused for a third medical emergency of the afternoon, albeit for two minutes.
      REPEAT INCIDENTS
      These are the latest incidents involving health scares since fans returned to stadiums.
      Fulham ace Antonee Robinson, on international duty with USA, tweeted: “Thoughts are with the fan.
      “Also, is it possible for someone to address that this seems to be happening very frequently now?”
      Hero Dr Tom Prichard has helped save two lives this season.
      He was in the stands at Newcastle when they faced Tottenham in October.
      And three months later, he was part of the Middlesbrough medical team that came to the rescue of someone in the home end at Blackburn on Monday night.
      Incredibly, the dedicated doctor then started his 12-hour University Hospital of North Tees A&E shift at 8am on Tuesday morning. More

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      Fulham and Oldham matches postponed due to medical emergencies in stands with both sets of players leaving pitches

      by

      TWO fans suffered medical emergencies within minutes of each other at Fulham and Oldham. Play was stopped for a combined hour in the EFL matches with both sets of teams taken down the tunnels.
      Fulham supporters waited on anxiously as the ill fan received treatmentCredit: Getty
      Fulham and Blackpool players left the pitch at Craven CottageCredit: Getty
      A fan was taken ill at the Hammersmith End at Craven Cottage as Fulham led Blackpool 1-0 with 16 minutes on the clock.
      And as medics attended to the supporter, the referee took both teams back down the tunnel.
      The fan, believed to be a male, was carried out of the ground on a stretcher and taken to hospital.
      High-flying Fulham resumed their match 37 minutes later.
      In a tragic twist, there was a simultaneous stoppage at Oldham when a home fan needed treatment during the League Two clash against Rochdale.
      Again, the players were taken off the pitch to allow the doctors to provide help.
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      Oldham tweeted: “Our best wishes go with the Latics fan concerned.
      “A heartfelt thank you to supporters who alerted it quickly to the stewards and medical team in the Main Stand Upper.
      “We will try to provide a further update but he is back responsive and receiving treatment.”
      The match at Oldham resumed after a 23-minute stoppage.
      These are the latest incidents involving health scares since fans returned to stadiums.
      Fulham ace Antonee Robinson, on international duty with USA, tweeted: “Thoughts are with the fan.
      “Also, is it possible for someone to address that this seems to be happening very frequently now?”
      Hero Dr Tom Prichard has helped save two lives this season.
      He was in the stands at Newcastle when they faced Tottenham in October.
      And three months later, he was part of the Middlesbrough medical team that came to the rescue of someone in the home end at Blackburn on Monday night.
      Incredibly, the dedicated doctor then started his 12-hour University Hospital of North Tees A&E shift at 8am on Tuesday morning. More

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      Jack Wilshere ‘being chased by Championship clubs and teams in Italy on free transfer’ after Arsenal training stint

      by

      JACK WILSHERE has attracted transfer interest from various Championship clubs as well as teams from abroad after keeping fit with Arsenal.In a bid to keep his fitness levels up, the 30-year-old has been working with the Gunners for the past few months and has also been involved in their warm weather training camp in the UAE.
      Wilshere has been training with the Gunners since October but could soon have a new clubCredit: Getty
      Mikel Arteta has already ruled out the idea of an official contract offer for his former team-mate.
      However, Wilshere could finally soon find first-team football elsewhere having been without a club since leave Bournemouth in the summer.
      According to reports from football.london, a host of Championship clubs are looking to secure his signature.
      A move to Italy or Greece could also be on the cards with Serie B side Monza and AEK Athens among the former England midfielder’s admirers.
      The former Arsenal star has not played professional football in almost a year after being released by the Cherries in May.
      He made 198 appearances for Arsenal before joining West Ham in 2018 but his career has often been severely impacted by injuries.
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      BETTING SPECIAL – GET £40 IN FREE BETS ON THE AFCON
      Now he is eager to reignite his career and is ‘confident’ that he has the ability to return to the Premier League.
      Arteta has been facing an selection crisis in midfield, with Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey both facing suspensions, Mohammed Elneny away at Afcon and Ainsley Maitland-Niles leaving the club on loan.
      But, the Gunners are reportedly in talks with Ruben Neves and Arthur Melo ahead of deadline day. More

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      Derby rushing legal decision over £51m compensation claims from Middlesbrough and Wycombe in desperate race to sell club

      by

      DERBY COUNTY are going for a fast-track legal decision on the compensation claims of Middlesbrough and Wycombe that threaten their existence.The Rams’ administrators have been in talks with the EFL to solve the snag and are now heading for official arbitration.
      Derby are in a legal battle with Middlesbrough and WycombeCredit: Alamy
      Quantuma are unable to find a buyer until this massive problem is removed.
      A group headed by owner Andy Appleby and the American-based Binnie brothers need to know the result before doing a deal.
      Boro owner Steve Gibson has been chasing for £45million over the loss of a play-off spot and the chance of promotion.
      Wycombe joined in with a claim for £6m in lost revenue when they went down last season as Derby avoided a possible points penalty.
      Both have said they will reduce their initial demands to get a deal done.
      But the administrators want to give them nothing.
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      The EFL are under pressure from the two clubs to make them full creditors and also from HMRC to sort it out as they have accepted a massive hit on their demands.
      The financially-stricken Rams could have been playing their final game of the season against Birmingham City on Sunday if Quantuma had failed to convince EFL chiefs to give them the 11th-hour reprieve.
      With funds due to run out in February, the EFL agreed to grant Derby a one-month stay of execution as three potential bidders continue to compete for preferred bidder status.
      Amid the chaos, manager Wayne Rooney was described by one reporter as the fans’ Guardian Angel for keeping the club safe during turbulent times.
      Rooney – who revealed he turned down Everton’s approaches over their managerial vacancy – said on Friday: “It’s the first time I’ve been called that!
      “I’ve just come off the phone with the administrators and there’s no big update. 
      “We have the extension for another month. That is really it with any information. That is all I know.”
      Wayne Rooney has remained loyal to the Derby cause despite the chaosCredit: PA More

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      Arsenal to play Reading in behind-closed-doors friendly on return from Dubai break to shake rust off for Wolves clash

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      ARSENAL are set to play Reading in a behind-closed-doors friendly when they return from their warm-weather training camp in Dubai.The Gunners suddenly have a three-week break between matches due to the additional international break and then the FA Cup fourth round.
      Arsenal are on course to play at least one friendly match behind closed doorsCredit: Getty
      Mikel Arteta does not want his players to get rusty during their 18-day breakCredit: Getty
      It means they will not play a competitive game between the 0-0 draw with Burnley on January 23 and their trip to face Wolves on February 10.
      Boss Mikel Arteta is desperate for his side not to get rusty ahead of that match at Molineux.
      So according to the Daily Mail, the Gunners are planning some friendlies to keep players match sharp during the break.
      And one of the opponents is set to be Championship outfit Reading.
      The Royals were also knocked out of the FA Cup in round three so, like Arsenal, have an 18-day gap between matches.
      Arsenal and Reading are on good terms having just negotiated goalkeeper Karl Jakob Hein’s loan from North London to Berkshire.
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      Arteta gave his players a few days off following the draw against Burnley.
      The club flight set off for the Middle East today – although some headed out early to enjoy some relaxing winter sun.
      They are set to train each day until their return to London on Wednesday before the matches.
      The friendlies could also provide any late January signings with a chance to get some minutes under the belt alongside their new team-mates.
      Gini Wijnaldum, Vicot Osimhen, Cody Gakpo, Douglas Luiz and Arthur Melo have all been linked with a transfer to the Emirates in recent days, with the window closing at 11pm on Monday.
      ⚽ Get all the latest Arsenal news, updates and transfer gossip with our live blog
      Reading also have a lengthy gap due to the international break and FA Cup fourth roundCredit: PA More