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      Arsenal boost as Brooke Norton-Cuffy signs new contract with 18-year-old set to join EFL side on loan transfer

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      ARSENAL starlet Brooke Norton-Cuffy has reportedly penned a new long-term contract at the Emirates following his loan spell at Lincoln.The 18-year-old starred during the second half of last season at the League One outfit where he scored once in 17 matches.
      Brooke Norton-Cuffy is claimed to have signed a new long-term deal with ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Gunners right-back Norton-Cuffy impressed during his loan at Lincoln last campaignCredit: Getty
      He then impressed at the European Under-19 Championship earlier this summer where he helped the Young Lions beat Israel in the final.
      It was claimed in March how a new deal was on the cards for the teenager, who is highly-rated in North London.
      And now The Athletic have stated the right-back has put pen-to-paper on a new contract.
      Arsenal were keen to extend his stay with the defender attracting plenty of interest having entered the last 12 months of his previous deal.
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      It has been said that the Gunners are likely to officially announce the extension later this week.
      They have also declared that the youngster could once again depart the club on a temporary switch.
      A move to a Championship side has been mooted for Norton-Cuffy, who joined Arsenal from Chelsea when he was 12.
      His former Lincoln boss Michael Appleton, now in charge at Blackpool, has tipped Norton-Cuffy to have a huge future at Arsenal.
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      He told Lincolnshire Live in March: “I don’t want Arsenal ringing me up saying ‘what have you said that for?’
      “But I’ve been saying it behind the scenes, I think he will play for Arsenal’s first team on a regular basis.
      “It might not be for a couple of years but it’s definitely going to happen.
      “He’ll hopefully continue his progression over the next few games.
      “There’s one or two things that I think I can help him with, but by the time he goes back to Arsenal, he’ll be much better.”
      Teenager Norton-Cuffy helped England win the European Under-19 Championship earlier this summerCredit: Getty More

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      Coventry vs Rotherham Championship clash POSTPONED over pitch safety fears after Commonwealth Games rugby sevens matches

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      COVENTRY CITY’S clash with Rotherham on Sunday has been called off over concerns over the pitch.It comes after the Commonwealth Games rugby sevens matches were played at the Ricoh Arena.
      The Rugby Sevens tournament for the Commonwealth Games took place at the Ricoh ArenaCredit: Getty
      The pitch has been deemed unsafe for Coventry to play Rotherham tomorrowCredit: Twitter
      Now after a pitch inspection this afternoon, the match officials have deemed the surface unplayable for the Championship match to take place tomorrow.
      A Sky Blues statement read: “Coventry City are extremely disappointed to confirm that Sunday’s game against Rotherham United has been postponed.
      “Following an inspection by a senior match official on Saturday, the pitch at the Coventry Building Society Arena has been deemed unsafe and unplayable.
      “This follows an inspection that took place on Friday by the EFL and a local referee, which was also attended by Manager Mark Robins and Chief Executive Dave Boddy.
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      “We are very frustrated that the pitch at the Arena is not up to standard, and share the huge disappointment that fans, players and staff will feel that our opening home game has been postponed under these circumstances.
      “Promised investment by the Arena into a new pitch has unfortunately not materialised over the summer, which has been compounded by concerts on the pitch and then a huge amount of use at the Commonwealth Games last weekend.
      “We appreciate the efforts in difficult circumstances that have been made by the Grounds Staff who work for the Arena.”
      Dave Boddy, chief executive at Coventry City, added: “We are extremely disappointed at this postponement due to the condition of the pitch.
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      “It has been deemed unplayable and unsafe by the inspecting official and, having seen it myself, I can understand this decision.
      “Last season the condition of the pitch was highlighted as a concern and we expected that this would be addressed by Wasps and the Arena, who are responsible for the pitch, over the summer – sadly this has not been the case, and this is the result of that, plus the large amount of use at the Commonwealth Games last week.
      “I am seeking urgent talks with Stephen Vaughan, the Chief Executive at Wasps, and the Arena over the condition of the pitch, and expect immediate and significant improvements to be made to make the pitch playable as soon as possible.”
      Coventry confirmed that all tickets purchased for the game will be eligible for the re-arranged game against Rotherham United as they also vowed to keep fans updated with regards to Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash against Bristol City.
      All of the rugby sevens at the Commonwealth Games was held at Coventry’s home ground.
      It took place between July 29 and July 31.
      South Africa claimed the gold medal in the men’s, with Australia triumphing in the women’s. More

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      Vincent Kompany’s Burnley considering making fresh transfer bid for £10m-rated Metz ace Boubakar Kouyate

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      BURNLEY may bid again for Boubakar Kouyate.Metz want £10million for the centre-back after the Clarets offered £2.5m plus extras.
      Burnley are keen on Metz defender Boubakar KouyateCredit: Getty
      Now they could bid £5m – plus a big sell-on clause.
      The 25-year-old impressed last season but couldn’t prevent Metz from going down from France’s top-flight.
      He made 30 appearances in Ligue 1 and also featured in Metz’s opening game of Ligue 2 this campaign.
      Burnley though are considering whether to lodge a fresh bid for his services.
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      Kouyate joined Metz in 2020 from fellow French side Troyes.
      The defender has been capped 12 times by Mali and would add steel to Vincent Kompany’s defence as he aims to guide the Clarets back to the Premier League at their first attempt.
      It’s been a busy summer at Turf Moor, with both incomings and outgoings in double digits.
      Maxwel Cornet was the latest to depart, joining West Ham in the week after the Londoners activated his £17.5m release clause.
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      But on the pitch Kompany has enjoyed a solid start to life as Burnley boss.
      His side kicked off the campaign with a 1-0 win away at Huddersfield on the opening day.
      That was followed up with a 1-1 draw to last season’s play-off semi-finalists Luton Town today. More

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      Norwich star Giannoulis suffers horror ankle injury and needs gas and air after Wigan boss screams at ref to stop play

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      NORWICH star Dimitris Giannoulis was left in agony after suffering a horror ankle injury in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Wigan.The Greek ace needed gas and air as medics rushed to his side in today’s Championship clash.
      Norwich star Dimitris Giannoulis was left in agony after suffering a horror ankle injuryCredit: Focus Images
      The ace needed gas as Wigan boss Leam Richardson screamed for play to be stoppedCredit: Focus Images
      Wigan boss Leam Richardson screamed at the referee to stop play when Giannoulis went down with around 35 minutes left.
      And the Norwich defender was left in tears as he was stretchered off the field with his ankle heavily bandaged.
      Fans and players looked shocked as Giannoulis was replaced by Sam McCallum.
      And Dean Smith’s No1 left-back could now be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
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      The gruesome incident occurred with Norwich 1-0 down at Carrow Road.
      James McClean fired last season’s League One champions ahead after 29 minutes.
      But Norwich, relegated from the Premier League in May after finishing bottom, pulled a goal back just minutes after Giannoulis’ injury through Max Aarons.
      Yet neither side could find the ultimate breakthrough despite there being TEN minutes of additional time.
      Stunned players and fans watched on as Giannoulis received treatment from medicsCredit: Focus Images
      The Greek star was stretchered off the field in tearsCredit: Focus Images
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      Norwich boss Smith was also left fuming after a late foul by Tom Naylor on Aarons did not result in a penalty.
      He said: “It was a scandalous decision and a scandalous tackle that should have resulted in a penalty and a red card.
      “Max is okay but has a gaping wound in his shin, which tells you everything.
      “Getting the ball wasn’t an excuse when I played. If you went over the top of the ball you were off.
      Giannoulis could face a lengthy spell on the sidelinesCredit: Focus Images
      “I certainly don’t think he went over easy there, did he? I haven’t seen any of the others back but that was the one my analyst was keen to show me.”
      Opposition boss Richardson fired back: “I didn’t think any of them were penalties. I thought they went down very easy.
      “The referee managed the game very well. There must have been five or six shouts but our lads defended resolutely.”
      The result means Norwich are yet to win this season after an opening day defeat to Cardiff.
      And they must now prepare for a Carabao Cup clash against Birmingham on Tuesday before next Saturday’s trip to Hull.
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      As for Wigan, it’s a second point on the board following last weekend’s 0-0 against Preston.
      They next take on Fleetwood Town in the Cup ahead of a clash with Bristol City in a week’s time. More

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      Coventry clash with Rotherham in HUGE doubt over pitch safety fears after Commonwealth Games rugby sevens matches

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      COVENTRY’S Championship clash with Rotherham on Sunday is in HUGE doubt due to concerns over the safety of the pitch.It comes after the Commonwealth Games rugby sevens matches were played at the Ricoh Arena.
      The Ricoh has been hosting rugby sevens matches at the Commonwealth Games
      The Ricoh Arena pitch has been impacted by hosting the Commonwealth GamesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      A pitch inspection is due to take place on Sunday to see if the match can go ahead.
      But Coventry manager Mark Robins has been left furious and insists there is no way they can play.
      He said: “We’ve been badly let down, professional players cannot play on that.
      “Hopefully we can do something to bring it up to standard.”
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      All of the rugby sevens at the Commonwealth Games was held at Coventry’s home ground.
      It took place between July 29 and July 31.

      South Africa claimed the gold medal in the men’s, with Australia triumphing in the women’s.
      But this is not the first time an unrelated event has handed another some issues.
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      In 1970, the FA Cup final was played days after the Horse of the Year show at Wembley.
      Meanwhile, Coventry kicked off their Championship campaign last weekend away at Sunderland.
      And Viktor Gyokeres’ 84th-minute equaliser was enough to hand them a well-earned point as they held The Black Cats to a 1-1 draw.
      Meanwhile, Rotherham also began the season with a draw as they shared the spoils at home to Swansea.
      Chiedozie Ogbene’s opener was cancelled out by Harry Darling seven minutes before half-time. More

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      West Ham snap up Maxwel Cornet after activating £17.5m transfer relegation release clause from Burnley

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      MAXWEL CORNET will re-join the Premier League after West Ham triggered his release clause at Burnley. Cornet, 25, was relegated last season with Burnley as their top goalscorer with 10 goals.
      Maxwel Cornet will trade the claret of Burnley for the claret of West HamCredit: PA
      His performances and the subsequent relegation of the Clarets caused Cornet to attract a lot of interest.
      Among the interested parties have been Nottingham Forest, Everton and super-rich Newcastle.
      But despite the Ivorian having a release clause of just £17.5million, no club had triggered it before West Ham.
      Consequently, David Moyes’ side were first to the punch and have completed their fifth signing of the summer.
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      SunSport understands Cornet will be having his medical tonight.
      The Hammers have already splashed out north of £80m on signing Gianluca Scamacca, Nayef Aguerd, Flynn Downes and making Alphonse Areola’s stay permanent.

      The club have also reportedly agreed a £35m fee to sign Lille midfielder Amadou Onana, though personal terms are yet to be agreed.
      Provided they win their qualifying game, West Ham will venture into Europe once again next season in the form of the Europa Conference League.
      However, after with Cornet they will have far better options than what they did last season when they made it all the way to the semi-finals of the Europa League.
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      For Moyes keeping the likes of Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen out of the clutches of the big six was also paramount, and thus far this has been a resounding success for them.
      West Ham will kick off their season against Premier League champions Manchester City when they host them at the London Stadium on Sunday. More

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      Sheffield United star Oli McBurnie, 26, facing trial for ‘stamping on Notts Forest fan during pitch invasion’

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      SHEFFIELD Utd star Oli McBurnie is facing trial after he today denied stomping on a rival fan during a pitch invasion.The striker is accused of assaulting Nottingham Forest supporter George Brinkley, 26, as chaos erupted at the Championship play-offs.
      Oli McBurnie denied assault by beating when he appeared in court todayCredit: PA
      McBurnie, 26, was filmed in an alleged altercation with the fan after the pitch was invaded by celebrating Forest supporters.
      He appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court today charged with assault by beating.
      The Scottish international denied the offence with a provisional trial date set for December 7.
      He faces a maximum sentence of six months in prison if he’s convicted.
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      The drama unfolded after Forest beat Sheffield Utd on penalties to secure a spot in the Premier League.
      Thousands of supporters stormed the pitch to celebrate the promotion.
      Blades striker Billy Sharp was headbutted by a fan during the mayhem at the City Ground on May 17.
      He required four stitches after being attacked by season ticket holder Robert Biggs.
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      McBurnie’s teammate Rhian Brewster, 22, was also charged following the drama but the case was dropped by police.
      Sheffield United said previously: “We are disappointed to learn that Rhian Brewster and Oli McBurnie have been charged.
      “Both players voluntarily engaged in interviews with Nottinghamshire Police in the aftermath of the fixture which saw their team-mate, Billy Sharp, the victim of assault in the chaos which followed the final whistle.
      “Brewster and McBurnie strenuously deny the charges brought against them and football manager Paul Heckingbottom, who wrote letters to the League Managers’ Association, the Professional Footballers’ Association, the EFL and FA following a number of pitch invasions last month, including one involving Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira, is continuing discussions with key stakeholders in a bid to better protect players and staff in their place of work.”
      McBurnie allegedly stomped on a Nottingham Forest fanCredit: PA
      It came after Sheffield Utd missed out a spot in the Premier LeagueCredit: PA
      Thousands of Nottingham Forest supporters flooded the pitchCredit: PA More

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      Arsenal send Charlie Patino, 18, to Blackpool on season-long loan transfer to give midfielder first-team experience

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      ARSENAL starlet Charlie Patino has completed his season-long loan switch to Championship side Blackpool.The 18-year-old, who has been likened to Phil Foden, has signed for the Seasiders in his quest to play regular first-team football.
      Blackpool have announced the signing of midfielder Charlie Patino from Arsenal on loanCredit: Twitter: @CharliePatino10
      Patino has joined the Seasiders in his bid to play regular first-team footballCredit: Twitter: @CharliePatino10
      But the deal does not include a buy-option – with the Gunners believing the midfielder has a huge future in North London.
      Patino featured twice under Mikel Arteta last term with the teenager scoring on his debut against Sunderland in the Carabao Cup just before Christmas.
      He then started in the 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest in the third round of the FA Cup, but he struggled against Steve Cooper’s side.
      And he has now decided to link up with Blackpool, where he could feature against Stoke on Saturday.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      Speaking to Blackpool’s website: “This is a great opportunity for me, and I think I’m ready to take this on. It’s the next step of my career and I’m really excited to get going.
      “I spoke to Danny Ballard and Dujon Sterling before coming to the Club and they were full of praise and said it’s an amazing place to be where everybody is welcome.
      “They also mentioned the fans, the Tangerine Army, who are always on their feet at home and away games.
      “I’m just buzzing to play in front of them and show them what I’m about.”   
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      Boss Michael Appleton added: “Charlie is a very talented boy and I’m delighted that Arsenal have trusted us to look after him and further his development.
      “The club has a good relationship with Arsenal from previous loan deals, as I have personally from taking players to my former clubs, with Brooke Norton-Cuffy being the most recent last season.
      “Charlie is one of the best midfielders in his age group and I can’t wait to start working with him.”
      Patino has followed academy team-mate Folarin Balogin out the Arsenal door, with the exciting striker linking up with French side Reims on loan.
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      Meanwhile. playmaker Marcelo Flores has opted to join Spanish club Real Oviedo on a temporary deal.
      And goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has already made the move to League One outfit Crewe on loan, where he played in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Rochdale.
      England youth international Patino could feature against Stoke on SaturdayCredit: Twitter: @CharliePatino10 More