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      Derby may be forced to flog kids Knight and Sibley to pay wages as Wayne Rooney’s side face administration

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      CRISIS club Derby County are trying to sell players to raise money for their delayed wages.
      The Rams have alerted clubs that the likes of Jason Knight and Louie Sibley could be sacrificed because of a major problem.

      Derby have alerted clubs that Louie Sibley could be for saleCredit: Rex Features

      Jason Knight is another who is on the transfer list Credit: Rex Features

      Derby were hoping for a takeover by Sheikh Khaled’s Derventio Holdings to be finalised but the money has not come through and they do not have the funds to cover their salaries.
      Wayne Rooney’s Championship strugglers could potentially face players putting in their notice if the wages at 14 days late.
      That would also lead to possible points penalties from the EFL.
      County are set to speak to the EFL about their issues in an attempt to avoid punishment.

      If owner Mel Morris cannot conclude his takeover with the sheikh then the club face a huge headache – either going into administration or being handed to their main creditors.
      American financiers MSD Holdings lent Derby around £30 million and have ambitions to own the outfit if they are given the chance.
      It comes after the club were hit with a coronavirus crisis with a number of first-team staff members and players having tested positive.
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      Derby were forced to shut their training ground, which came before they were stunned in the FA Cup by Chorley.
      Non-League Chorley enjoyed the magic of the cup as they beat Rooney’s men 2-0 at their home ground.
      The Manchester United legend was forced to watch from home as his team of kids were sent crashing out.

      Chorley’s love affair with FA Cup goes on as they beat Rooney’s Derby and celebrate by singing Adele’s Someone Like You More

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      Man Utd looking to send keeper Nathan Bishop, 21, out on loan transfer this month to Championship or League One side

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are looking to loan goalkeeper Nathan Bishop out to the EFL this month.
      The stopper, 21, signed from Southend last year and then put pen to paper on a contract extension on Monday, tying him down at Old Trafford until 2023.

      Nathan Bishop has signed a new contract at Manchester United but is now set for a loan move to the EFLCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      There is an option of an extra 12 months, too, for the youngster who has been involved in first-team training but yet to make a senior appearance.
      But with Bishop behind David De Gea, Dean Henderson and Sergio Romero in the pecking order – and battling with Paul Woolston and Ondrej Mastny in the Under-23s – the club are trying to find somewhere for him to build experience.
      And it is thought United want to send the former England U20 international to the Championship or League One.
      Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: “Yes, I think Nathan’s next step should be a loan deal.

      “He could be ready for the Championship or League One for sure.
      “The young boys need a step up from the U23s, because sometimes that level doesn’t prepare you for a man’s game.”
      Bishop made 39 senior appearances – 31 of those in the third tier – for Southend between December 2017 and joining United in early 2020.
      Asked about whether a loan move appeals to him at this stage, Bishop was clearly in favour.

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      He told the United website: “Yeah definitely. You learn your trade in playing games, that’s the most exciting thing, playing games and preparing for them.
      “I’m very excited to step out and hopefully be able to play for a team and put all the year’s work into that.
      “We do this for a job and when you know there are things on the line for people you have to step things up and make it count.
      “To just get three points and go home knowing you’ve done the job that you were there to do is a very exciting thing to hopefully go and do.”
      Despite not making a first-team appearance just yet, Bishop is clearly a popular man in the dressing room.
      Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay, Juan Mata and De Gea all commented their support when his new contract was confirmed this week.
      The Portuguese star, who also arrived last January, said: “Well deserved kid! Top lad and amazing professional.”

      Dean Henderson, left, and David De Gea are the two goalkeepers battling for the No1 spot at Old TraffordCredit: The Mega Agency

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      FA Cup star Declan Thompson reflects on how memory of cruel kids mocking him in wheelchair helped fuel footballing dream

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      DECLAN THOMPSON has never forgotten how other kids cruelly laughed at him for being in a wheelchair.
      That memory and sheer bloody-mindedness drove him to become a professional footballer.

      Declan Thompson made his debut for Sheffield Wednesday at Exeter Credit: GETTY

      Young Declan shortly before he was diagnosed with Perthes diseaseCredit: LEE THOMPSON

      Thompson came off the bench in Sheffield Wednesday’s FA Cup win over ExeterCredit: Rex Features

      And on Saturday he climbed off the bench to make a fairytale debut for his beloved Sheffield Wednesday in their FA Cup win at Exeter.
      Thompson, 18, spent a year-and-a-half in a wheelchair from the age of five after being diagnosed with Perthes disease – a rare childhood condition that affects the hips.
      And his parents Lee and Gemma were told he may never walk again, let alone play football.
      But, after undergoing a number of surgeries, Thompson was not only able to walk, but made a full recovery by the age of 11 to allow him to pursue his football dream.

      He told SunSport: “What hurt me the most back then was when I went to a Christmas fete, I saw people looking and laughing at me.
      “I want to say to people who look at others and think they’re more disadvantaged than them, that’s not the case.”
      In fact, Thompson was so determined not to allow his disability to make him different from other kids, he still enjoyed playground kickabouts even in his wheelchair.
      And, after he had pins and plates removed from his hips, he would play while using a ZIMMER FRAME.

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      Declan was only a toddler when dad Lee made his EFL debut at BostonCredit: LEE THOMPSON

      Declan shows off the shirt he wore on his Wednesday debut with dad LeeCredit: LEE THOMPSON

      He said: “Seeing my friends kicking a ball made me want to join in.
      “It wasn’t about becoming a footballer at that point – it was just about enjoying it.
      “I’m the sort of person if I’m going to do something, I won’t let anything stop me.”
      Thompson used to watch Wednesday from the Kop and remembers being taken to his first home game against Notts County as a birthday present.
      He comes from a huge football family. Dad Lee, 38, was a midfielder who played in the Football League for Boston.
      There, Lee was team-mates with Brighton boss Graham Potter, former Belgium assistant and Luton manager Graeme Jones, ex-Leeds chief Neil Redfearn and Sheffield United old-boy Peter Duffield.
      And his granddad Craig, 63, used to coach at Leeds, Sheffield United and in local non-league.
      Thompson credits his grandfather for helping him beat the odds to become a professional footballer – as he would take him to games and coach him while his dad was busy with his own playing career.
      He said: “My granddad took me to every match but he hasn’t been well since having a heart attack a couple of years ago.
      “But he doesn’t let it affect him. He’s more resilient than even me – that’s where I’ve got it from.
      “Along with my dad, he has played a huge part in helping me to where I am today.
      “I went around his house on Sunday and took the shirt I wore at Exeter with me.”

      Thompson, pictured here with his dad and granddad, comes from a big football familyCredit: LEE THOMPSON

      Declan with proud granddad Craig as he signed pro forms for WednesdayCredit: LEE THOMPSON
      Thompson is going to get his shirt framed and give it to his grandfather, so it can hang on the wall next to the one of his dad’s from his own Boston debut.
      He said: “I was heartbroken that, with no fans allowed, he couldn’t come to watch my debut.
      “That had always been my No1 priority when I was coming through the Wednesday academy.”
      A video posted on social media of his dad in tears at home while watching his son come off the bench went viral.
      And Thompson joked: “My dad has got more fame out of this than me.
      “I wasn’t able to watch the video all the way through because I got too emotional.
      “To see my family name on Twitter has made me so proud.”
      Thompson’s story so far has been inspirational stuff but the rookie does not want to stop there.
      He wants to write many more chapters – and ideally with the club he has always supported.
      He said: “There is no limit to what you can or can’t do.
      “If you want to become something, you can be whatever you want to be whether it’s a plumber or footballer.
      “I now want to kick on and become a household name.”

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      Brentford lead race for Peterborough star Siriki Dembele after glowing Ivan Toney reference following transfer request

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      BRENTFORD lead the race for Peterborough’s Siriki Dembele – after a glowing reference from Ivan Toney.
      Championship top-scorer Toney, 24, left Posh for the Bees in the summer in a £9million deal.

      Brentford are leading the race for Peterborough’s Siriki DembeleCredit: Rex Features

      And he has urged his new employers to sign up former team-mate Dembele.
      The 24-year-old hotshot has told Brentford that the winger is the best player in League One.
      Dembele wants to leave Peterborough this month.
      He has handed in a transfer request, as SunSport exclusively revealed on January 4.

      Bournemouth and Watford are also big admirers.
      And Premier League side Fulham have been checking the ex-Grimsby man out too.
      But heading the queue now are Brentford.
      And the Bees have a proud history of developing lower league talent.

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      Toney has 16 league goals already this term.
      He is their most recent rough diamond plucked from down the pyramid.
      And he follows in the footsteps of two other big-hitters.
      Striker Ollie Watkins is now starring for Aston Villa in the top-flight after a big-money move.
      And his team-mate Ezri Konsa also came through their ranks in West London.

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      Cardiff star Sol Bamba diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and will undergo chemotherapy aged just 35

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      CARDIFF star Sol Bamba has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and will undergo chemotherapy aged 35.
      The Welsh side announced the sad news on their website and asked fans to send any messages of support to the club.

      Cardiff defender Sol Bamba has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphomaCredit: Rex Features

      A Cardiff statement read: “We are saddened to inform supporters that Sol Bamba has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.⁣
      “With the close support of the Club’s medical team, Sol has immediately started a course of chemotherapy treatment.⁣
      “Universally admired by teammates, staff and supporters in the Welsh capital, Sol has begun his battle in typically positive spirits and will continue to be an integral part of the Bluebirds family.
      “During treatment, Sol will support his teammates at matches and our younger players within the Academy, with whom he will continue his coaching development.⁣

      “All future updates on Sol’s progress will be provided only via official Club channels.
      “While we request privacy for him and his family at this time, messages of support to be passed on to Sol may be sent to club@cardiffcityfc.co.uk.⁣
      “We are all with you, Sol.”
      Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer that affects the lymphatic system in the body which is a system of vessels and glands.

      We are saddened to inform supporters that Sol Bamba has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.With the close support of the Club’s medical team, Sol has immediately started a course of chemotherapy treatment.➡️ https://t.co/xvwoA7oVxqWe are all with you, Sol. 💙 pic.twitter.com/O2KSn4nAoh
      — Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) January 11, 2021

      Fans and pundits were quick to send Bamba their sympathies online.
      Sky’s Geoff Shreeves wrote: “That is awful news. Wishing Sol a full recovery as soon as possible.”
      Former Cardiff player Andy Legg wrote: “Sol I’m so shocked to hear this news and I am saddened by it.
      “But I know how strong you are as a person and I know you will get through this battle.
      “My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. You have my number ring if you need to talk. Be strong.”
      Last summer, Bamba was robbed of his Range Rover, a Louis Vuitton bag and a Cartier watch in a £90,000 raid on his home.

      Sol I’m so shocked to hear this news and I am saddened by it. But I know how strong you are as a person and I know you will get through this battle. My thought s are with you at this difficult time. You have my number ring if you need to talk Be strong
      — andy legg (@leggy191) January 11, 2021

      Hi,That gives me positivity. I was diagnosed almost 4 years ago so it’s great to see someone with long term survival. If you don’t mind me asking what stage and treatment did you have??
      — Scott Whitham (@Scott_Antony) January 11, 2021

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      Lyle Taylor claims BLM support is ‘scandalous’ and reveals he won’t ‘blindly’ take knee as gesture has been ‘diluted’

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      NOTTINGHAM Forest striker Lyle Taylor has revealed why he refuses to take the knee before matches.
      Taylor claimed he does not ‘blindly support’ Black Lives Matter and urged people to look at what the organisation stands for.

      Lyle Taylor does not support Black Lives Matter as an organisationCredit: Rex Features

      The ex-Charlton forward did not take part in the protest ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup tie with Cardiff.
      He insisted the message behind the gesture has been ‘diluted’ for months now.
      Taylor, 30, said:  “My support for what it is we are trying to achieve is absolute.
      “But I do not support Black Lives Matter as an institution, as an organisation.

      “I’d request anyone who blindly supports Black Lives Matter to have a look to what that organisation does and what it stands for – because it’s scandalous the fact that the whole world and the whole world’s media got behind Black Lives Matter.
      “Standing behind Black Lives Matter, all the big institutions, all of them sitting there saying Black Lives Matter, not a good idea.
      “I’ve done my fair amount of research into it. The message is 100 per cent important, don’t get me wrong on that.
      “Black lives do matter but you will never hear me saying Black Lives Matter again in reference to that organisation.

      “The message has been diluted beyond belief. If we’d stopped three months ago it would’ve been. It’s gone past the point. What’s actually happening?
      “Because every week I turn on the news and another player has been racially abused.

      “There’s channels and there’s avenues we have to go down to do this the right way.”
      Taylor revealed he has not been criticised for his decision and has the blessing of manager Chris Hughton not to kneel.
      Taylor added: “I did have a conversation with the manager and I said, ‘Am I okay to do as I please and stand and not take a knee?’
      “He said, ‘Yes, if that’s what you believe in then that’s your decision, you’re a grown man, you can make your own decisions’.
      “So he’s allowed me to do that. Look, if people ask me my opinion, you’ll know I’m not scared of voicing them.”
      Taylor revealed progress has been made in a case in which he was racially abused online.

      Nottingham Forest boss Chris Hughton has given Lyle Taylor permission not to take the kneeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      He added: “It’s been with the police for a good eight months. It’s still going on. It’s not that difficult. They’ve found the person now.
      “I got an email one or two weeks ago saying we’ve found him and he’s going to be arrested and interviewed.
      “Jesus Christ! I said I could probably pay someone £200 and have them find the IP address of the person right now. Take them 10 minutes.
      “You have some people saying you can’t say black. You can’t say mixed race because it’s now dual heritage. No, no. I’m mixed race. My mum is white and my dad is black.”

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      West Ham preparing huge £30m transfer raid on Watford for Ismaila Sarr as David Moyes looks to ease striker crisis

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      WEST HAM are ready to make a £30million bid for Watford’s Senegalese speed merchant Ismaila Sarr.
      Boss David Moyes needs a new forward after the sale of Sebastian Haller has left Michail Antonio as their only out and out striker.

      Ismaila Sarr has been eyed to solve West Ham’s striker crisisCredit: Alamy Live News

      Sarr – who can play out wide or down the middle – stayed with the Hornets after relegation and Crystal Palace had an offer for him of £25m plus extras rejected on deadline day.
      But SunSport understands West Ham are prepared to top those numbers and test Watford.
      The 22-year-old hoped for Liverpool and Manchester United but they have not joined the auction at any stage, so it will come down to West Ham or a second move by Palace this window.
      And Moyes admitted the Irons may have to play without a striker at all if they cannot land a new front man.

      Asked how vital signing some soon was, the Hammers boss said: “Unless you do what Man City does, play without a number nine and you actually play even better than you’ve ever played before.
      “You get in a situation, you play with a false nine and you can do that.
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      “You have to start being creative and certainly Pep [Guardiola] has been that with what he’s done at Man City, and who knows if we don’t have anybody, we will need to start being creative ourselves here.”

      The Hammers are also considering Polish striker Krzysztof Piatek with Hertha Berlin willing to loan him with a view to a buy after a mixed time in the Bundesliga.
      But with the side currently 10th in the Premier League, Moyes smarts at the idea of taking the cup seriously by fielding a strong side against Stockport on Monday.
      He added: “You take it as an insult when someone says are you going to go for the Cup this year. Every year I’ve gone for the Cup, never once have I not gone for it.

      Nothing will give me more pleasure than winning the cup.
      David Moyes

      “Nothing will give me more pleasure than winning the cup.
      “Sometimes you go up against better teams, and yes, you do need to use your squad players and yes sometimes we need to use other players but all our first team players will be there.
      “We might need to fill one or two spaces with some young players, but apart from that we will be going with all our players.”

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