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      David Brooks desperate to remind Man Utd and Liverpool of Premier League qualities at Euro 2020 after transfer interest

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      DAVID BROOKS hopes to use the Euros to remind everyone he still has Premier League quality.Bournemouth’s Wales midfielder was on the radar of Manchester United and Liverpool before a serious ankle injury two years ago.
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      Bournemouth star David Brooks is hoping for a big summer with WalesCredit: Getty
      There were signs that Brooks, 23, was returning to his best last season – and his 15-minute appearance for the Dragons on Saturday added to that.
      He said: “I think every player will see it as a chance to impress.
      “I’m not going to sit here and disrespect Bournemouth. Obviously, I’m contracted to them. I’m very happy there.
      “I’m just looking forward to the Euros to try to showcase what I can do to everyone.
      “However many minutes I get in the Euros, I want to take the opportunity to impress those watching.
      “The Euros being pushed back meant I was able to take my recovery at an easy, steady pace.”
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      Man Utd’s biggest transfers ever, both in and out, including Ronaldo
      The former Manchester City academy player made a name for himself at Sheffield United during the 2017-18 season, featuring 30 times in the Championship.
      His eye-catching performances persuaded Premier League side Bournemouth to pay a reported £11.5million for him in July 2018.
      Brooks went on to have an excellent first campaign in the top flight, making 30 Prem appearances.
      But an ankle injury during a pre-season friendly restricted him to just nine league games the following campaign as Bournemouth were relegated.
      Brooks regained his fitness last term, featuring in 32 Championship games for the Cherries.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Fans in Cardiff celebrate during Wales vs Switzerland’s Euro 2020 match More

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      Erik Alonso slams EFL over failed Derby takeover and says hacker posted video bragging about £42m house that wasn’t his

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      ERIK ALONSO has blasted the EFL over his failed Derby takeover and blamed a hacker for a video bragging about a a £42million house.The Spanish boxing promoter claimed in April he was buying out the Championship club – but failed to satisfy League chiefs that he could provide sustainable funding.
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      Former boxer Erik Alonso has hit out at the EFL after his Derby buyout bid failedCredit: Instagram / @eralwbd
      Spanish businessman Erik Alonso denies posting a clip of this as his £42m mansion, saying his Twitter account was hacked
      Erik Alonso claims he showed to EFL he had all the necessary fundingCredit: Instagram / @eralwbd
      And the saga took a farcical twist when fans accused him of tweeting to pass off an extravagant mansion on TikTok as his.
      But Alonso insists he never made the post – as his account had been hacked.
      The ex-fighter also accused EFL chiefs of not wanting someone so young owning a club so old as Derby.
      He told The Athletic: “It predominantly broke down because the EFL kept putting up more barriers.
      ‘I think, and maybe I am wrong, they see a 29-year-old kid would own one of the founders of the Football League and they did not want it.”
      EFL chief executive Trevor Birch told talkSPORT this month that Alonso “wasn’t able to deliver…tangible proof”.
      But Alonso claims he and his lawyers believe he did all he could to show he can not only buy Derby but maintain funding.
      He said the EFL “wanted proof of funds and to justify the movement between the banks. It had to be €75million over a three-month period.

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      “Initially, the EFL said it was OK, but they wanted to know the source of the funds. I said ‘no problem’. 
      “I provided all the information about the businesses and sent it to the organisation.
      ‘Then they (EFL) came back and told me it was not sufficient. 
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      “They asked me to provide all information for all business dealings I may have in Indonesia and Spain, including tax returns and bills. 
      “I then provided all that information. I spoke to my lawyers and they told me what we had provided was already sufficient.”
      Meanwhile, current Derby owner Mel Morris is reportedly stepping up efforts to find a successor.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Potential Derby owner Erik Alonso posts boastful video inside stunning house but fans spot clip is from Tik Tok More

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      Jonathan Woodgate facing Bournemouth axe – with Fulham boss Scott Parker eyed as replacement

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      JONATHAN WOODGATE is in grave danger of the axe at Bournemouth — with Scott Parker in their sights as boss.The Cherries plan to change manager after Woodgate’s failure to get through the Championship promotion play-offs when he took over.
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      Jonathan Woodgate is in danger of the axe at BournemouthCredit: Rex
      Fulham boss Scott Parker is being targeted by BournemouthCredit: PA
      And Fulham chief Parker is top of the wanted list because of his past record at this level and amid growing talk that he wants a new challenge.
      Parker, 40, was wanted by Bournemouth when Eddie Howe left a year ago, but they could not seal a deal as the Cottagers were in the top flight.
      Now there will be a second attempt to get him and Parker may decide to move on because Fulham have gone down.
      He has already been linked with the Tottenham vacancy, leaving doubts about his future at Craven Cottage.
      Bournemouth will need massive changes after coming up short. They were the only one of the three relegated clubs to not bounce straight back from the Championship.
      Woodgate, 41, did well when he first replaced Jason Tindall at the Cherries in February — but they lost to Brentford in the play-off semi-finals.
      Despite relegation, Parker shrewdly led a side  with eye-catching football at Fulham, so he knows what is needed.
      Meanwhile, Manchester City are setting up a shock move for Fulham’s USA  left-back Antonee Robinson.
      Antonee Robinson is a shock target for Man CityCredit: PA
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      Boss Pep Guardiola plans to shake up his defence next season and is looking at Robinson  as a cover player for his squad following the youngster’s first Premier League campaign.
      The 23-year-old can also play as a wing-back and his pace and athleticism have caught the eye since he joined from Wigan a year ago.
      Prem kings City would have to pay out about £10million to sign Robinson but that is within their budget plans as they look to tinker with their options.
      He would be trading a regular start at Fulham for a place in City’s squad — but if he gets enough game time that would work out for him.
      Guardiola tried injury-prone Benjamin Mendy and out-of-position Joao Cancelo at left-back, before Oleksandr Zinchenko got the nod for the Champions League final.
      So it is an unsettled part of his team.
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      Scott Parker says the game is becoming sterile as VAR kills football More

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      Brentford in race to sign cut-price Colombian left-back Gabriel Fuentes to provide competition for Rico Henry

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      BRENTFORD will bid to sign left-back Gabriel Fuentes from Junior FC in his native Colombia.Fuentes, 24, would provide competition for Rico Henry.
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      Brentford are keen on signing Colombian left-back Gabriel FuentesCredit: Getty
      He is a full international and will be out of contract at the end of this year.
      Fuentes could move in the summer for about £1.3million.
      There is a higher buy-out clause but Bees may get him for less because of the time left on his deal.
      Henry was named in the Championship Team of the Year after Brentford’s play-off final win over Swansea.
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      However, he suffered a bad hamstring injury in February.
      And Henry missed the final 15 games of the regular Championship season.
      His absence saw boss Thomas Frank switch to five at the back, deploying Sergi Canos as a left wing-back.
      Henry made his return from injury in the first leg semi-final defeat to Bournemouth.
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      Fuentes will provide cover for Rico Henry after his hamstring injury earlier this seasonCredit: Reuters

      But he missed the return fixture and the victorious final.
      Yet there has been good news for Henry’s former club Walsall, who sold him to Brentford for £1.5million in 2016.
      They are now set to pocket over £5m from the Bees’ promotion, and are also entitled to some of his next transfer fee.
      Brentford fans celebrate outside stadium after promotion to the Premier League More

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      Brighton legend Glenn Murray retires from football aged 37 after 19-year career and reveals plans to work in media

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      GLENN MURRAY has retired from playing football after a lengthy career that took in all levels of the English pyramid.Murray played for Watford and Nottingham Forest this season but wants to hang up his boots while still playing at a good level.
      Glenn Murray has called time on his playing career after 19 years in the game
      To all the Clubs, Players & Fans that I’ve come across on this life changing journey….THANK YOU from the bottom of my 🖤It’s been a pleasure, hanging them up 31/05/2021 ✌🏼 pic.twitter.com/XTbC87wq3k— Glenn Murray (@GM_83) May 31, 2021

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      A statement via Brighton & Hove Albion read: “I feel as though the time is right and I wanted to retire at a good level.
      “I’ve had a lot of good years in the game, but this seems the right time to call it a day.
      “I am getting off the football merry-go-round, the structure of being told what to do for 20 years. I am looking forward to making some of my own decisions I suppose.”
      Murray, 37, actually began his career in the USL Pro Soccer League playing for Wilmington Hammerheads before a Conference North switch to Barrow.
      From there he worked his way up the leagues with a number of clubs, including Carlisle United and Rochdale.
      He then moved to Brighton for the first of two spells which saw him score a total of 111 goals for the club.
      In between stints on the south coast he also featured for fierce rivals Crystal Palace, enjoying a record-breaking season that saw him score 30 Championship goals to fire Palace to promotion to the Premier League.
      Now the former striker is focused on a new path, and is keen to take on more media work after featuring on Sky Sports in their coverage of the Championship play-off final on Saturday.
      He added: “I have got a lot of options, there are a lot of things going on in the background.
      “The media work is something I want to pursue and I am looking forward to starting a new chapter of my life.
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      “I don’t know if I am a natural at the media work but it keeps me in the game that I love.
      “It gets me going to different grounds and I think I will always need that to feel close to the grass and be a part of professional football in England.
      “It would be too strange for me to cut it off entirely and not have anything to do with. Football is all I know.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Chelsea star Jorginho forced to have beard shaved off after agreeing to bet earlier in season if he won Champions League More

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      Ex-Man City chief Garry Cook behind new American takeover bid to rescue Wayne Rooney’s Derby

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      DEAL broker Garry Cook is the man behind an American takeover bid at Derby.The former Manchester City supremo, behind some major takeovers in the past, has found American financiers who want to rescue the Rams.
      Cook (right) worked for Man City between 2008 and 2011Credit: Getty
      Cook is in talks with owner Mel Morris and also wading through the Championship club’s financial problems.
      Morris has debts to pay to the tax man, former players and staff on top of the £17.5million owed to MSD Holdings.
      Cook’s team have to sort out those problems in advance and show they have funds to keep the EFL happy.
      The Rams face points penalties for FFP breaches but a new owner may help an appeal.
      Brighton lead the race for Derby midfielder Jason Knight, 20 who is thought to be highly-sought after in the current transfer window.
      Fellow Rams midfielder Sibley could also be on his way out of Pride Park this summer as the club attempt to address the financial difficulties.
      Earlier this month it was revealed Salford City boss Gary Bowyer had decided against a return to Derby.
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      Rooney has been forced to manage Derby through a turbulent periodCredit: Alamy
      The League Two team confirmed Bowyer is staying at Moor Lane, just days after he claimed he was rejoining Derby as U23s boss.
      Meanwhile, former England striker Wayne Rooney remains Derby manager heading into a crucial summer at the club.
      The ex-Manchester United man’s side narrowly avoided relegation down to the third tier on the final day of the season in a dramatic finale.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Inside Wayne and Coleen Rooney’s jaw-dropping £5k-a-week ‘caravan park’ holiday to Wales More

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      Brentford 2-0 Swansea LIVE RESULT: Bees PROMOTED to Premier League after Toney and Emiliano demolish ten-man Swans

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      BRENTFORD pummelled Swansea to lay their Wembley demons to rest and win promotion to the Premier League.An Ivan Toney penalty put the Bees in front early on after Bryan Mbeumo was brought down by Freddie Woodman.
      And Emiliano Marcondes then gave them a second goal inside 20 minutes.
      To make matters worse for Swansea, Jay Fulton was sent off in the second half for a dangerous challenge.
      Unlike a year ago against Fulham, Thomas Frank’s men more than rose to the occasion to reach the Premier League for the first time.
      JANSSON’S JOY
      Brentford skipper Pontus Jansson was understandably delighted after finally booking his place in the Premier League.
      He told Sky Sports: “It’s unbelievable. I’m so proud of this club.
      “Last year [losing to Fulham in the play-off final] was a big disappointment. Finally we got there.
      “We have a very strong group. We believed from day one. 
      “This is what I’ve dreamed of for so long since I came to England.
      “Now I have the Euros to plan for!” 
      FT: BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      At the 10th time of asking, Brentford have won a play-off final and will be playing top-flight football for the first time since 1947.
      It was a thoroughly deserved win for the Bees who came flying out of the traps and took the lead in the 10th minute through their talisman Ivan Toney. The striker scored from the spot after Freddie Woodman had brought down Bryan Mbuemo.
      The London side were in dreamland 10 minutes later when they made it 2-0 when, after a blistering counter-attack, Mads Roerslev picked out Emiliano Marcondes to slot home.
      Toney then saw a shot crash off the crossbar moments later.
      Swansea improved after the restart but when Jay Fulton was dismissed in the 66th minute for catching Mathias Jensen from behind, it was pretty much game over.
      Heartbreak for the Swans but pure delight for Brentford.
      After 74 years in the making, the Bees are going up!

      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!THE FINAL WHISTLE GOES!
      BRENTFORD ARE IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE!
      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      90+2. Emiliano Marcondes trots off to a rousing ovation from the Brentford fans and is replaced by fellow Dane Mads Bidstrup. “We are going up” is the cry from the Brentford support.
      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      90. There will be a minimum of six minutes of additional time. A little bit more nail biting for the Brentford fans to do.
      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      89. A grimmer of a chance for Dhanda but, under pressure, he slices wide from the edge of the box after Brentford had only half-cleared their lines.
      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      87. Roberts launches one of his long throws into the area but Pinnock deals with it emphatically. That surely is that.
      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      81. Toney with a chance to seal it but Bidwell blocks his effort. Bidwell has now gone off for Ryan Manning.
      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      79. Another substitution made by Brentford as Winston Reid replaces Pontus Jansson.
      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      75. Thomas Frank shuffles his pack with 15 minutes remaining. Off come Vitaly Janelt and Sergi Canos with Saman Ghoddos and Marcus Forss on in their place.
      HONEST, GUV
      Here’s Fulton protesting his innocence…
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES

      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      70. Janelt goes into the book for diving in on Roberts.
      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      66. Fulton walks and so do Swansea’s play-off hopes. He catches Jensen from behind and the red card comes straight out. Looks like he might have slipped but there’s no VAR to help Fulton out.
      Red card for Swansea! 🟥Jay Fulton loses his footing and catches Mathias Jensen’s heel – Chris Kavanagh was adamant about his decision…was it the right one? 🤔Watch live on Sky Sports Football now: https://t.co/OB3DA9NueH pic.twitter.com/gr4Q97h2lh— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 29, 2021

      RED CARD FOR SWANSEA!!!!
      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      63. Another change for the Swans as former Liverpool man Yan Dhanda comes on for Conor Hourihane.
      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      62. A Brentford corner causes problems in the Swansea area. Pinnock’s shot clatters off his own man in Jansson. That might have been sneaking in.
      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      60. First change of the afternoon as Liam Cullen replaces Kyle Naughton for Swansea. Cometh the hour?
      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      58. Could have been game over as Canos’ cross finds Mbuemo 12 yards out. However, the Brentford man leans back as he shoots and sees his effort fly miles over the bar. At the other end, Lowe swivels but fires just wide from a tight angle.
      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      54. Marcondes is caught by a stray arm from Hourihane as the pair contest a header and falls to the floor. Hourihane lets Marcondes know his thoughts on that in no uncertain terms.
      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      49. Lowe cuts in from the left and skips past a couple of Brentford players before sending his shot high and wide. This is much better from Swansea, though.
      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      47. What a chance for Swansea. Roberts’ cross from the right is met by the diving Ayew but his header flashes wide. That would have been the perfect start to the second half for the Swans.
      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      46. No changes for either side at the break. Swansea were out extremely early for the second half.
      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!OFF WE GO AGAIN!
      PEEEEEEEEP!!!!!!!
      HT: BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      Brentford are 45 minutes away from the Premier League.
      The Bees flew out of the traps and went in front in the 10th minute through Ivan Toney’s penalty after Freddie Woodman had brought down Bryan Mbuemo. 
      It was 2-0 just 10 minutes later when Emiliano Marcondes slotted home after a blistering counter-attack.
      Ivan Toney then saw a shot crash off the bar and bounce down onto the line moments later with a stunning volley.
      Swansea have offered very little and Steve Cooper may well make changes at the break. 

      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      45. Hourihane’s free-kick causes problems for Raya. His punch isn’t strong enough and it comes off Ayew’s head and clips the top of the bar. Two minutes of additional time will be played at the end of this half.
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      Brentford vs Swansea: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Championship playoff final

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      BRENTFORD take on Swansea at Wembley with a place in the Premier League up for grabs.The Bees were beaten at this stage last season and will hope to go one further after battling past Bournemouth in the semi-finals.

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      Brentford reached the final with a terrific 3-1 win over BournemouthCredit: Reuters
      Swansea meanwhile saw off a spirited Rotherham and are hoping for a return to the top-flight after a three-season absence.
      When is Brentford vs Swansea?

      This season’s Championship playoff final will be held on Saturday, May 29.
      Kick-off is at 3pm BST.
      The sides have met twice in the league this season, with both matches ending in 1-1 draws.
      Each team will have X fans cheering them on at Wembley.

      Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
      You can catch all of the action live on Sky Sports Main Event.
      Coverage begins at 2pm.
      If you’re not a Sky customer, grab a NOW TV pass to stream on your mobile, tablet or PC.

      What is the team news?
      Marcus Forss is pushing for a start after scoring off the bench against Bourneouth.
      Aside from Christian Norgaard, the Bees have no fresh injury concerns ahead of another trip to Wembley.
      The Swans are also in good shape with Steve Cooper taking a fully-fit sqad to the Home of Football.
      Match odds

      Brentford to win – 17/20
      Draw – 23/10
      Swansea victory – 7/2
      Bees to be promoted – 4/11
      Swansea to reach Premier League – 15/8

      *All odds from Paddy Power and correct at time of publication. More