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      Man City star Joel Latibeaudiere eyed by Bournemouth and Swansea on loan transfer as 20-year-old looks for action

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      MANCHESTER CITY youngster Joel Latibeaudiere is a target for Bournemouth and Swansea City, according to reports.
      Latibeaudiere spent last season on loan at FC Twente, making five appearances in the Eredivisie before the season’s abandonment.

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      Man City youngster Joel Latibeaudiere is a loan target for Championship sides Bournemouth and Swansea

      Telegraph reporter Mike McGrath has revealed the Championship duo have both enquired about taking the 20-year-old on loan, with his first team opportunities likely to be at a premium at the Etihad.
      Luton Town are also believed to be monitoring the situation.
      Latibeaudiere captained England’s victorious under-17 World Cup team in 2017.
      That side contained the likes of City teammate Phil Foden, Liverpool striker Rhian Brewster and Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi.

      A move to Swansea would see Latibeaudiere reunite with his England under-17 coach Steve Cooper.
      Cooper has made a habit of signing alumni from his time with the England youth sides, having snapped up Brewster on loan for the second half of last season.
      Latibeaudiere could also link up with his centre-back partner from the 2017 campaign, Marc Guehi, who is also on loan at the Swans from Chelsea.

      The Doncaster-born defender joined City at the age of 13 but has just a year left to run on his current deal with the Sky Blues.

      Despite the suggestion of a loan move, reports in Wales claim City could be willing to let Latibeaudiere leave on a free transfer given his contract situation.
      However, City would want to install a sizeable future sell-on clause in any such deal.
      Though primarily a centre-back, Latibeaudiere was also used as a right-back during his loan spell at Twente.

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      Southampton keeper Angus Gunn eyed by Stoke in loan transfer… but only if Jack Butland leaves with year left on deal

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      ANGUS GUNN has emerged as a loan target for Stoke – if Jack Butland leaves.
      Stopper Gunn, 24, is hungry for game-time after falling down the pecking order at Southampton.

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      Stoke are targeting a loan move for Southampton keeper Angus GunnCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      The Potters will only move for the Saints stopper if Jack Butland leaves firstCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He was replaced as Ralph Hasenhuttl’s first-choice by Alex McCarthy after shipping nine goals against Leicester last October.
      And with the return from loan of Fraser Forster, Saints are looking to offload one of their back-up keepers.
      That looks most likely to be former England Under-21 star Gunn, who is attracting interest from both home and abroad.

      Stoke are keen but may have to offload Butland first.
      The former Three Lions star, 27, is keen to leave the Potters after a difficult few years and only has 12 months remaining on his contract.
      Last month it emerged Stoke would let Butland leave for £8m after previously slapping a £30m price tag on his head.
      The Championship club were chasing mega-money less than two years ago after Butland travelled with England to the 2018 World Cup.

      Stoke have already received enquiries for the nine-cap ace.

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      Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace were linked with moves last summer but were put off by the Potters’ price-tag.
      Butland was Stoke’s Player of the Year in his breakthrough Premier League season back in 2015/16.
      But slow-recovery from a complicated ankle fracture while on England duty derailed his progress.
      Butland was in the news for a series of blunders last season as Stoke eventually finished mid-table.
      Michael O’Neill’s side are desperate to stop him walking away for nothing next year.
      Butland’s agent Paul Stretford recently admitted a deal could happen sooner rather than later.
      He told Sky Sports: “Talks have been ongoing with Stoke City for the past two years since Jack made it clear his preference was not to extend his existing contract.
      “Last season there were some very interesting opportunities for Jack but, due to differing reasons, they did not materialise. 
      “Relations between Jack, the manager and the club remain in a good place and if we are able to find the right fit for Jack then I am confident that conditions are right for a deal to happen.” 
      He added: “[If no move materialises] either in the summer or next January’s window – Jack will stay with Stoke City until the end of his current contract at the end of next season.”

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      Government demands for Premier League to hand EFL £250m bail-out slammed by MPs and two ex-FA chairman

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      GOVERNMENT demands for Premier League clubs to pay the £250million EFL bail-out have been criticised by MPs and two former FA chairmen.
      Lord Triesman and Greg Dyke are among the signatories to the letter, written by Tory MP Damian Collins.

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      The Premier League are being called on by the Government to provide the £250m bail-out the EFL needsCredit: AP:Associated Press

      And in a stinging rebuke of Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, the group says it is the Government, and not Premier League clubs, who must be responsible for keeping the lower tiers of English football alive.
      They say: “We understand that you had hoped that the Premier League clubs might make a significant additional contribution to support the EFL.
      “Whilst this would be welcome, those clubs too face swingeing losses from lost ticketing receipts and falling revenues from broadcasting matches.
      “However, it cannot be the Premier League’s sole responsibility to sort out issues arising from Government policy.

      “The Government itself needs to take responsibility or many already-embattled towns – often in areas of the country which have suffered many hardships in recent decades – will lose their last focal point.”
      Triesman – Wembley head from 2008 to 2010 – and Dyke, who ran the FA between 2013 and 2016, are powerful voices with strong political connections.
      Along with Collins, recently deposed as chairman of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, the other Westminster signatories featured four Tory MPs including former Deputy Prime Minister Damian Green as well as Labour’s Kevin Brennan and Clive Betts.
      Others signing the letter included National League vice-president Lord Faulkner, Malcolm Clarke of the Football Supporters Association and Robbie Savage.

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      Many EFL and non-league clubs are at risk of going out of business as a result of the coronavirus pandemic with no fans in groundsCredit: PA:Press Association

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      Former FA chairman Greg Dyke was among the signatories on a letter criticising the Government’s treatment of the EFL Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Dowden further infuriated League chiefs by his weekend assertion that top-flight clubs should “help poorer clubs rather than spend huge amounts of money hiring a new striker”.
      Now, though, he has been put on the back foot by the letter, which will be welcomed by League bosses.
      The group added that it had previously advised the Government of the issues faced by the EFL as a result of the Covid-19 crisis.
      They added: “Clubs have been able to sustain themselves through advance season ticket sales, solidarity payments from the Premier League, and had agreed to start playing the new season in the belief that fans would be allowed to return to stadiums this autumn.
      “It’s now clear that spectators will not be back in EFL grounds, even in limited numbers, for the foreseeable future.
      “As a consequence clubs will not only lose this budgeted for income, but will also have to refund season tickets to fans who will now be prevented from attending matches.
      “It’s clear that the Government has no current proposals to provide financial support, and nor is it prepared to offer any guarantees for the future.
      “Without any plans being made to rescue football clubs, many in the EFL and others in the National League as well, are now actively preparing to make all but essential staff redundant, cease playing, close down their youth academies and community foundations, and put their business into administration.

      “This could lead not only to the failure of many historic community clubs, but the collapse of the national league structure that we have known for over one hundred years.
      “There is still time to act, but not long left.
      “The Government made £1.5billion available to rescue arts and cultural organisations across the country that faced closure because of the coronavirus.
      “We believe that football, like other well-loved professional sports in this country, is also a cultural activity.
      “We would ask that the government now make clear what financial support it’s prepared to give before it is too late.
      “In order for clubs to sustain themselves over the winter and keep playing, they would need to be compensated for the loss of match ticket sales.
      “The absence of this income is not a result of their actions, but the policies that have been put in place by the government in response to a public health emergency.”

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      Rhian Brewster misses Liverpool’s Carabao Cup trip to Lincoln as three clubs eye loan transfer including Aston Villa

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      RHIAN BREWSTER has been left out Liverpool’s squad for the Carabao Cup clash against Lincoln City.
      The 20-year-old’s future remains uncertain – but three clubs are keen to sign him on loan for the 2020-21 season.

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      Rhian Brewster spent last season on loan with Swansea CityCredit: Reuters

      The Independent claim Sheffield United, Aston Villa and Championship club Swansea are interested in Brewster.
      Swansea are keen to re-sign him after he impressed while on loan with them last season.
      Brewster chipped in with 11 goals in just 22 games for them.

      SunSport revealed at the start of the month that Aston Villa wanted to sign him.
      And Dean Smith’s side will be looking to replace Ally Samatta following his move to Fenerbahce.
      But it is Sheffield United that are reportedly leading the race for his signature.
      Blades boss Chris Wilder discussed the move with Jurgen Klopp on Wednesday.

      Speaking to the media afterwards, Wilder said: “We need somebody in the building.

      “I’ve said that to the board, that we need to add to the group.
      “We’re after a centre forward and there’s a few out there.
      “We need to add. We’ve got a little bit of time to get someone in, which we need to do.”
      Brighton and Crystal Palace are also admirers of the England Under-21 international.

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      Charlton finally SAVED as millionaire Danish businessman Thomas Sandgaard takes over stricken club after EFL shambles

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      CHARLTON ATHLETIC have finally been saved after confirming Thomas Sandgaard as their new owner.
      SunSport exclusively revealed how the Addicks face being booted out of the EFL unless ESI sold the League One side.

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      Charlton Athletic have confirmed Thomas Sandgaard as their new ownerCredit: Instagram / @sandgaardfnd

      Yet thankfully, Charlton announced on Friday afternoon that Danish businessman Sandgaard has acquired 100 per cent of the Londoners.
      Previous owner Roland Duchatelet will continue to lease the training ground and The Valley stadium with a rental agreement in place for both for the next 15 years.
      Sandgaard, who is worth more than £350million,  has passed the EFL’s owners and directors’ test and revealed the funds have already been provided to ensure the club’s survival.

      He said: “While there was an injunction in place to prevent the acquisition of ESI, it did not prevent the acquisition of the club itself and so I am thrilled to announce that I have acquired the Club from ESI.
      “With the club about to run out of funds this month, it was important that I moved quickly to complete the acquisition and put funds in to the Club to ensure its survival.
      “The club will also be working quickly post-completion to recover any losses suffered as a result of the actions of the previous owners to the extent possible.
      “I am truly humbled by all the support from Charlton fans, honoured to officially become part of the Charlton family and be part of a team that will lead the Club into a successful future.

      “The Charlton community is one-of-a-kind. They welcomed and embraced this change of hands with more openness than many others would have given Charlton’s history.”

      Sandgaard’s open letter to Charlton fans

      “Today is the day! We did the impossible. We triumphed and we made it to this point because of you.
      “Thank you for your passion, your perseverance and your patience. There is no club without you. We are Charlton Athletic Football Club.
      “From early on, I felt that we were in this together. I am humbled by your support and honoured to officially become part of the Charlton family. The Charlton community is one of a kind. You welcomed and embraced this change of hands with more openness than many others would have given your history.
      “Thank you for standing up for what you believe in. I will not let you down. Cheers to each of you. Cheers to Charlton! I assure you we are just getting started. We are London’s club.
      “This week and every week, we will #CheerForCharlton.
      “Sincerely, Thomas Sandgaard, Proud Owner of CAFC”.

      The club announced the news by posting an open letter from Sandgaard on their website on Friday afternoon, with the businessman signing off as “Proud owner of CAFC”.
      Lee Bowyer’s men currently sit 11th in the Championship after following up a 2-0 opener against Crewe Alexandra with a 3-1 defeat to Doncaster.
      Charlton next travel to Lincoln City on Sunday, with the Imps looking to bounce back from their 7-2 Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool.

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      Warnock to miss Boro’s trip to old club QPR as he recovers from Covid but will meet squad and new striker Akpom today

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      NEIL WARNOCK will not travel to Middlesbrough’s game at old club QPR as he continues to recover from coronavirus.
      The 71-year-old was rocked last week after testing positive for Covid-19 after returning to Teesside from his home in Cornwall.

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      Neil Warnock will miss Boro’s trip to old club QPR on SaturdayCredit: Getty

      Warnock missed the Carabao Cup defeat to Barnsley after feeling unwell and it was later confirmed he had the deadly disease.
      He was forced to watch Boro’s home draw with Bournemouth last Saturday from his Teesside base and leave assistants Kevin Blackwell and Ronnie Jepson in charge.
      And despite completing his ten-day isolation period he will not be making the journey to the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.

      However, he will return to the training ground to speak to his squad today, including new signing Chuba Akpom.
      Blackwell said: “We’re not looking for him to travel to London.
      “Myself and Ronnie have done all of the preparation and we see this as a final rest for him this weekend.
      “It’s a long season and so it’s a good chance for him to make sure he’s fully rested.”

      He continued: “He’s getting on well. He’ll be in this morning to take the team meeting.
      “We’ve spoken every day and we can hear the improvement in him day by day. He’s been able to rest and recuperate.
      “He hasn’t suffered heavily, thankfully. He looks after himself well, to be fair.”

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      Blackwell added: “When a larger than life character like Neil gets it, it certainly hits home that anyone can get it.
      “We’ve certainly missed him because a character like he is, he instantly lifts spirits in the group.”
      Boro head to the capital searching for their first Championship win of the campaign following defeat at Watford and the draw with the Cherries.
      The Rs meanwhile beat Nottingham Forest on the opening day but slipped to a 3-2 loss at Coventry last time out.

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      FA clear Fleetwood staff for Akinfenwa ‘fat water buffalo’ jibe as PFA say ‘white player wouldn’t be described this way’

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      WYCOMBE and the PFA have slammed FA disciplinary beaks after no charges were brought against the Fleetwood staff member who called Adebayo Akinfenwa a “fat water buffalo”.
      PFA chiefs claimed that the FA had failed in its duty to Akinfenwa, who is understood to be upset and unhappy about the decision.

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      The Fleetwood staff member who described Adebayo Akinfenwa as a ‘fat water buffalo’ has escaped punishment from the FACredit: PA:Press Association

      The PFA said: “It is abundantly clear that a white player with a similar stature to Akinfenwa would never be described in the way he was during this incident.
      “Black people have battled dehumanisation for centuries, and the PFA strongly condemns the use of all disparaging remarks that compare black players to animals.”
      The decision followed a two-month probe into the incident at the League One play-off second leg in July.
      A member of the Fleetwood technical staff made the comment to a match official during the game.

      Wycombe made a formal complaint to the FA in the days after the match and the investigation found: “The witness accounts all confirmed the use of the term “water buffalo” or “buffalo”.”
      Two of the match officials reported “they had not interpreted the words to be discriminatory” and were descriptions of Akinfenwa’s playing style.
      As part of the inquiry, the FA commissioned a report from an independent expert in race relations, who “concluded that the words were not objectively racist”.
      While commending Akinfenwa’s “courage and conviction” and conceding the offence that was caused, the FA stated it was “not satisfied there is sufficient evidence” to lay a charge.

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      The striker played a crucial role in helping Wycombe get promoted to the Championship last seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But the outcome caused fury at Wycombe and PFA headquarters.
      Wycombe blasted: “The failure of the FA to act is disappointing. The investigation confirms that the language was used. There is no place in sport for such comments.
      “The Club believes the FA had the opportunity to take appropriate steps to ensure the conduct was punished appropriately and to make sure that everyone knows that this type of comment will not be tolerated in the future.”
      And the PFA added: “This type of hurtful, derogatory language is unacceptable, regardless of intent.
      “Adebayo showed great courage in coming forward to report this incident, which tarnished what should have been a night of celebration for Wycombe Wanderers.
      “This incident demonstrates that bias extends to problematic language casually used on our pitches and in the dugouts.
      “We share Adebayo’s disappointment that this allegation will not be upheld, especially since he took steps to speak publicly about the incident’s emotional impact.
      “We are in contact with Adebayo, and will continue to offer him our support.”

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      Les Ferdinand claims taking knee in support of Black Lives Matter ‘has lost meaning’ and defends QPR refusal to do it

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      QUEENS PARK RANGERS director of football Les Ferdinand has revealed that the R’s did not take a knee against Coventry on Friday night as the impact has been “diluted”.
      The match was the first live televised game broadcast in this country since the death of George Floyd not to feature either side taking a knee prior to kick-off.

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      Les Ferdinand has explained QPR’s stance on taking a kneeCredit: PA:Empics Sport

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      Coventry and QPR did not take a knee ahead of their televised match on Friday nightCredit: Sky Sports

      QPR have now released a club statement in order to fully explain their stance.
      It reads: “In light of comments made across the media following the decision for Coventry City and QPR not to ‘take the knee’ ahead of our EFL Championship fixture on Friday night, the club would like to make the following statement.
      “We have noted with great interest a number of people within football and media questioning our decision not to take the knee before the game.
      “The decision – which was made jointly with Coventry City and the match referee ahead of the fixture – was not made to suggest a lack of support for the Black Lives Matter movement.”

      And Ferdinand, 53, added: “This should not be about QPR. Many clubs did not take the knee on the opening weekend, yet this was not reported.
      “Taking the knee was very powerful but we feel that impact has now been diluted. In the same way ‘Clap For Carers’ was very emotional for us all, it got to a stage where it had run its natural course and the decision was rightly made to stop it.
      “Does that mean we, as a nation, don’t care or appreciate our NHS workers? Of course it doesn’t.
      “No one is more passionate than me about this topic. I have spoken on the matter throughout my footballing life.

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      Players taking a knee has become a regular sight in English footballCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “I work for one of the most diverse football clubs in this country. A lot of people are being fooled out there.
      “Recently, I took the decision not to do any more interviews on racism in football because the debate was going around in circles. People want a nice soundbite when something happens, but how many of the media who have criticised QPR over the past 48 hours genuinely want change?
      “The taking of the knee has reached a point of ‘good PR’ but little more than that. The message has been lost. It is now not dissimilar to a fancy hashtag or a nice pin badge.
      “Taking the knee will not bring about change in the game – actions will.
      “Those media that have been quick to question us should be looking more inwardly. Our Under 18s were forced to abandon a game in August 2019 against AD Nervion FC due to racist abuse.
      “More than 12 months on, Uefa refused to deal with the situation and the Spanish FA did nothing.
      “What media coverage has been given to that? Not nearly as much as what has been granted to QPR not taking a knee.
      “Don’t judge us. Simple research and evidence will show you we are doing more than most. If you want change, judge yourselves.”

      Anyone who thinks just taking a knee is sufficient in fighting social injustice really doesn’t get it
      Lee Hoos

      And club CEO Lee Hoos said: “As many of us know, the taking of the knee originated from the US where athletes have been doing it to protest against social injustice and police brutality.
      “What you’ll find is that players in the States on the same team choose to express themselves differently – and in the US, it is a statement of protest, not just a symbolic gesture.
      “And that is how it should be – each individual needs to be free to make their own decision on how to express intolerance for social injustice, without fear of being negatively judged.
      “The EFL have stated that it is for the players and teams to make their own decisions on this, but as a matter of courtesy should let their opposition and the match referee know.
      “As a club, we fully support our players – whether they choose to take a knee or not. We judge our players by their actions and every one of them has been extremely supportive of our values and goals – and they are the values and goals of the most diverse club in the country.
      “I have seen no media organisations who come close to matching what we do to further the causes of social justice and inclusion, nor BAME representation at senior level. This is despite them having considerably more resources than we do.

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      Players take a knee to support Black Lives MatterCredit: PA:Press Association

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      US athletes including LeBron James are using their platforms to campaign for social justiceCredit: EPA
      “To be blunt, anyone who thinks our players condone racism because they didn’t take a knee really doesn’t get it. Anyone who responds to Black Lives Matter by saying all lives matter really doesn’t get it. Anyone who thinks just taking a knee is sufficient in fighting social injustice really doesn’t get it.
      “Actions speak louder than words. People need to DO something more than simple gestures.
      “We will continue to support not just our players but all players who believe in greater social equality and how they wish to legitimately express those views.
      “Our support is in our actions.”

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