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      Leeds claim open-top bus celebrations were to help fans stay AWAY from Elland Road after ploy totally backfires

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      LEEDS bizarrely claim their open top bus celebration last night was supposed to keep fans AWAY from Elland Road.
      Instead thousands of supporters flocked to the stadium to celebrate their side’s Championship title as Marcelo Bielsa and his players partied outside the ground.

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      Leeds claim their open top bus celebration was supposed to keep fans AWAY from Elland RoadCredit: PA:Press Association

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      Thousands of fans flocked to the stadium to see their heroes
      Club officials had previously urged fans to stay away because of coronavirus concerns ahead of their 4-0 thrashing of Charlton yesterday.
      Chief executive Angus Kinnear had said: “We must consider the health of people in our community before we celebrate.”
      But before kick-off, pictures emerged online showing the open top bus parked behind the centenary pavillion.
      It was used at the end of the game as the playing squad and management staff climbed aboard with some addressing the masses through the PA system.

      Four people were arrested at Elland Road as missiles were thrown and one police officer got a minor injury.
      Liverpool also lifted the Premier League trophy last night but did not celebrate outside Anfield – instead promising supporters a party at a later date.
      And after widespread condemnation, Leeds have tried to explain away the decision which clearly backfired.
      A club spokesman told Leeds Live: “Following consultation with the Supporter Advisory Group and [Leeds City] Council, Leeds United arranged for a bus to be parked outside the East Stand reception as a contingency to assist dispersal should a crowd congregate at Elland Road despite a month-long campaign from the club and supporter groups to encourage supporters to stay at home.

      “The safety group believed was that a brief appearance from the players with the Championship trophy, would help to signal an end to proceedings, encouraging fans to head home safely.”
      Jubilant fans were on the streets for hours celebrating their Premier League return after 16 years.
      And Leeds Wags celebrated the promotion with a rooftop party.

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      There were jubilant scenes as Leeds returned to the Premier League after 16 yearsCredit: Reuters

      Leeds United fans have gathered outside Elland Road tonight, despite the club urging them to stay at home More

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      Leeds target Eberechi Eze transfer following promotion after QPR youngster starred in Championship

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      CHAMPIONSHIP winners Leeds want QPR playmaker Eberechi Eze to lead their return to the Premier League.
      Marcelo Bielsa has identified the exciting England Under-21 international as the creative spark his team will need next season.

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      Leeds want QPR playmaker Eberechi Eze to lead their return to the Premier League
      And he is ready to outbid Spurs, West Ham and Crystal Palace for the 22-year-old Londoner who has been earning rave reviews this season.
      Sunsport understands that Leeds first declared their interest in Eze in January and told QPR that they would come in with a firm bid if they were promoted.
      Now they are preparing to fulfil that promise when the transfer window officially opens next Monday.
      Eze, who has scored 13 goals and provided eight assists this season, is valued at £20million by QPR.

      The West London club feared that price would drop as a result of the pandemic which has restricted the spending ability of every club.
      But with so much competition for the attacking midfielder QPR are still hoping to get close to the full asking price for their star player.

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      Marcelo Bielsa has identified Eze as the creative spark his team will need next seasonCredit: Alamy Live News
      West Ham boss David Moyes was at Loftus Road last Saturday to see Eze’s Man of the Match performance in QPR’s 4-3 win against Millwall.
      And after paying £22m to sign Jarrod Bowen from Hull in January, Moyes has no concerns about paying big money for a player with no Premier League experience.

      But master tactician Bielsa has made it clear to Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani that Eze is exactly the kind of prospect his team should be looking to sign.
      Radrizzani this week has been speaking about the possibility of bringing veteran superstars Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani to Elland Road as free agents.

      But the £200,000-a-week wage demands of both players would be way beyond Leeds’ reach and Eze would be a much more realistic long-term investment.
      QPR boss Mark Warburton is resigned to losing Eze this summer as his club struggle to make ends meet as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
      He has already agreed a £4.75m fee with Bruge for winger Bright Osayi-Samuel but has been allowed to spend £2.1m of that money to sign striker Kieffer Moore from hard-up Wigan.

      Leeds hopeful over incredible Edinson Cavani transfer with Premier League new-boys also set to target Zlatan Ibrahimovic More

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      West Brom seal Premier League promotion as Brentford and Fulham suffer final day agony as Barnsley survive at the death

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      WEST BROM clinched promotion to the Premier League as Brentford and Fulham suffered a final day heartbreak.
      Callum Robinson grabbed the all-important goal as Barnsley clinched survival with a last-ditch win against the Bees.

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      West Brom have secured promotion to Premier LeagueCredit: PA:Press Association

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      Callum Robinson celebrates after his strike for West Brom against QPRCredit: PA:Press Association
      The tense shoot-out for a place in the top-flight produced plenty of twists and turns on a dramatic climax to the Championship.
      Fulham, who needed both Brentford and West Brom to lose, were the first to show their nerves as they fell behind to Kieffer Moore’s header on 32 minutes.
      The advantage then went to the Bees as QPR took a shock lead at the Hawthorns against the Baggies, who knew prior a win would guarantee top-flight football next season.
      It was Ryan Manning that set the cat amongst the pigeons to put the Rs up and Brentford into second – but that would change within a matter of seconds.

      Callum Styles deservedly put relegation-battling Barnsley ahead at Griffin Park and within moments West Brom were level through Grady Diangana to go back second.
      That put them back second with just 45 minutes to go on the campaign.

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      West Brom stars celebrate their promotion to the Premier LeagueCredit: PA:Press Association

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      Players met fans outside the stadium… and one supporter brought his dogCredit: Reuters

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      Said Benrahma and Brentford suffered final day heartbreak

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      Clarke Oduor is mobbed by his team-mates after firing Barnsley to survival
      Fulham got themselves back into the running courtesy of a Neeskens Kebano but the wind was quickly taken out of their sails as news filtered through that Callum Robinson had put West Brom into a 2-1 lead.
      That Kebano stunner was also a bitter blow to Wigan as it placed them into the relegation zone, albeit only if that 12-point deduction still stands after their appeal.

      Barnsley, who were still hanging on at Brentford, looked like their efforts were going to be in vain as they remained a point adrift of safety as Luton led Blackburn 3-1 in their fight to avoid the drop.

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      Callum Robinson’s goal proved to be enough to fire Slaven Bilic’s West Brom to promotion

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      A large group of West Brom supporters celebrate their return to the Premier League after gathering in the townCredit: PA:Press Association
      But the Bees were given another chance as Eberechi Eze set-up a tense finish at West Brom by putting QPR level at 2-2.
      Meanwhile, at the bottom, Charlton Athletic were on their way down as they went four down away to champions Leeds United.
      And Hull were cementing their place at the foot of the table as they trailed by two at Cardiff, who eventually won 3-0, to seal their play-off spot.
      Back at the top, the tension increased as Josh Da Silva struck an equaliser for Brentford, who knew a winner would take them up if the scores remained the same.
      But it was Clarke Oduor who would have the final say as he struck an injury-time winner for Barnsley to end Brentford’s dream and keep his side in the Champonship.
      Fulham’s 1-1 draw at Wigan condemned the Latics to the drop – unless they win their points deduction appeal.
      Those results also condemned Hull, beaten 3-0 at Cardiff, and Charlton to League One.
      Meanwhile, Swansea crept into the play-offs in the final seconds of the season as Wayne Routledge’s added time goal for his brace sealed a 4-1 win at Reading.
      That meant they overtook Nottingham Forest, who were thrashed by the same score at home by Stoke, who slipped into secenth.
      That leaves Brentford, Fulham, Cardiff and Steve Cooper’s men to battle it out for the final promotion place.

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      Wayne Routledge struck late to take Swansea into the play-offsCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      Zlatan Ibrahimovic admits new AC Milan deal is unlikely as promoted Leeds target veteran superstar

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      ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC has fuelled speculation he could join Leeds United by admitting he looks unlikely to stay at AC MIlan.
      Multi-millionaire Andrea Radrizzani, who owns the Championship top dogs, has revealed he had transfer talks with the 38-year-old earlier this year.

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      Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he does not expect a new contract offer from AC MilanCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The Swede, who spent 18 months with the Elland Road side’s bitter rivals Manchester United from 2016, instead opted to head back to the San Siro.
      His deal expires at the end of the month, and after Leeds sealed a Premier League return, supporters are dreaming of them making another move for the striker.
      And speaking to Sky Sports Italy, Ibrahimovic says he is not anticipating a new contract offer from Milan.
      He said: “I still have three games, still 10 days, nobody said anything to me and I don’t expect anything else.

      “There are things that we cannot control, but that seems strange to me, but we are doing great things.
      “We play with great confidence and we believe in what we do.
      “I’m working, I’m fine, the team is fine and doing good things.

      “When I arrived we are second or third in the standings, it means it is not bad.” 
      The highly-experienced frontman has scored five times 14 appearances at Milan since his January arrival.

      Despite five goals in 14 Serie A appearances, Ibrahimovic is yet to be offered an extension on the six-month deal he signed.
      While making his revelation, Radrizzani also questioned whether Ibra could handle the physical toll of English football now at his age.
      But he did manage 17 in 33 Premier League appearances during his time at Old Trafford.

      Leeds hopeful over incredible Edinson Cavani transfer with Premier League new-boys also set to target Zlatan Ibrahimovic More

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      Bellingham tipped to emulate Rooney at next summer’s Euros… as he faces England legend on Birmingham farewell

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM has been tipped to star for England at next summer’s Euros — just like a teenage Wayne Rooney did 16 years ago.
      Birmingham sensation Bellingham became the world’s most expensive 17-year-old when he sealed his £30million move to Borussia Dortmund on Monday.

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      Birmingham wonderkid Jude Bellingham will play for Borussia Dortmund next seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Wayne Rooney, then 18, took Euro 2004 by storm and was named in the team of the tournamentCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Tonight he makes his farewell appearance for Brum, desperately hoping to help secure their Championship future as his parting gift.
      Standing in his way will be Derby’s veteran midfielder Rooney, who Bellingham will lock horns with for the first time in his fledgling career.
      The significance of the clash has not been lost on the Blues caretaker-boss, Steve Spooner, who nurtured the Stourbridge kid during his formative years in the academy.
      Spooner, 59, said: “The thought of Jude playing in a major tournament for England in a year is a distinct possibility.

      “His talent is limitless. A more focused boy you couldn’t get. He can achieve whatever he wants.
      “He has wonderful potential for this country going into major championships.
      “If it goes well for him with Dortmund in Germany, we have the Euros and World Cup coming up.
      “We have all seen what has happened with Jadon Sancho, who has gone on to represent England at the highest level.

      “Every challenge he ever came up against, he has risen to. So playing in a major tournament for England in a year’s time is a real possibility while he progresses at his current rate.”

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      Steve Spooner helped mould Jude Bellingham in the Birmingham youth ranksCredit: Rex Features

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      Derby player-coach Rooney, now 34, is coming to the end of his illustrious careerCredit: PA:Press Association
      Derby player-coach Rooney, 34, knows better than anyone what is required to make that massive step after he scored four goals in four games at Euro 2004.
      Despite England losing on penalties to Portugal in the quarter-finals, the 18-year-old Roo was named in Uefa’s Team of the Tournament.
      Spooner said: “From what I’ve read about Rooney, they both share a comic strip-style love of football — they are straight from those football annuals we used to read when we were kids.
      “Billy’s Boots and all that… they just seem to love football, that’s the first thing.
      “Technically, they share a tremendous range of passing, a change of pace to go past people, superb balance and the ability to play off either foot.
      “Both have also handled so much pressure at an early age.”

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      Bellingham will play his final match for Blues against Rooney and CoCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      Although Borussia Dortmund beat Manchester United to England’s outstanding teenage talent, Spooner admitted Bellingham could have played for any club in Europe.
      Spooner added: “There was a plethora of the very best clubs in Europe coming to our training ground to watch him.
      “We were used to Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Man City but it wasn’t so usual to have Bayern Munich, Dortmund, Ajax and Juventus joining them.”

      Perry Groves says ‘hats off’ to Jude Bellingham after 17-year-old seals £23m move to Borussia Dortmund from Birmingham City More

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      Leeds hopeful over incredible Edinson Cavani transfer with Premier League new-boys also set to target Zlatan Ibrahimovic

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      AMBITIOUS Leeds are plotting moves for Zlatan Ibrahimovic AND Edinson Cavani ahead of their return to the Premier League.
      Club owner Andrea Radrizzani has spoken of the potential swoops for two of Europe’s most recognised goalscorers.

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      With over 350 career goals, Edinson Cavani would be a huge coup for LeedsCredit: Getty – Contributor

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      Ibrahimovic must decide on his AC Milan future before considering a switch to Elland RoadCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      However he admits the Whites’ chances of pulling off a deal are fairly slim.
      Radrizzani said in March that he held “concrete” talks with Swedish sensation Ibrahimovic during the winter window.
      However the veteran striker made a return to AC Milan, where he has scored six goals in 16 games to lead his former side to something of a resurgence.
      Radrizzani, 45, told Sky Sports Italia: “Ibrahimovic will certainly be difficult.

      “We tried to sign him in January, but he chose to join Milan and the deal vanished.
      “Now I think it’s too late, the intensity of English football is different.”
      EDIN OFF
      Ibrahimovic’s Milan contract expires at the end of next month and there is talk of him heading back to Sweden with Hammarby, or retiring.
      Likewise, Cavani’s Paris Saint-Germain deal runs out soon and the Uruguayan is seen as a more realistic option in Radrizzani’s eyes.

      While the Italian admits he is yet to discuss the forward arriving with Marcelo Bielsa, he feels the 33-year-old has plenty left to offer.

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      Leeds chief Andrea Radrizzani has spoken openly about a marquee signing for the club’s return to the top-flightCredit: PA:Press Association

      He noted: “In addition to his quality, Cavani could contribute with his physicality and adapt here, but I’ve never talked about him with the coach.
      “Having said that, we’ve certainly thought about him and we’ll see, given he’s still available on a free transfer.”
      Atletico Madrid were heavily linked with signing Cavani on a free transfer before the coronavirus pandemic, but are now looking elsewhere.

      Clean-up begins after Leeds United fans pack the streets to celebrate their promotion into the Premier League More

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      Neil Warnock confirms he is working for FREE and will meet with Middlesbrough owner to discuss ‘reward’ at end of season

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      NEIL WARNOCK says he will sit down on Thursday to discuss his “reward” with Steve Gibson if he keeps Middlesbrough up.
      The veteran took charge of the North East side last month after they dropped into the relegation zone with a 3-0 home defeat to Swansea and sacked Jonathan Woodgate.

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      Neil Warnock will discuss a ‘reward’ if he keeps Middlesbrough up at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      He described the job as the “hardest” of his long career but has guided them to three wins out of seven and the brink of safety.
      However, despite jumping straight into his new job alongside assistants Kevin Blackwell and Ronnie Jepson, he has not even discussed wages yet with Boro owner Steve Gibson and has refused to until Boro’s fate is determined.
      Warnock, 71, confirmed today: “We haven’t discussed things, Steve and myself.
      “I’m sure he’ll reward myself, Kevin and Ronnie if we achieve what we set out to do.”

      And when pressed on whether he will be staying, he said: “Steve and I will get together after the game, possibly on Thursday and have a chat.
      “Whatever happens I can offer quite a lot of advice.”
      Despite an upturn in results under him, Boro’s dreadful home form continued on Saturday as they went down 3-1 to Warnock’s old club Cardiff, leaving them winless at the Riverside since Boxing Day.

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      Warnock has been working for free since taking the Boro jobCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      That left them two points above the drop zone ahead of their final game at Sheffield Wednesday.

      They will be safe as long as Wigan do not successfully appeal their 12-point deduction.
      Should the Teessiders claim a point at Hillsborough then their goal difference is such that they will be almost guaranteed but for a freak set of results to remain in the Championship.
      Wednesday are facing a possible whopping deduction of 21 points after they were charged by the EFL with misconduct and accused owner Dejphon Chansiri of selling Hillsborough to try to avoid breaking spending rules.
      But despite the case being opened way back in November, a ruling has still not been delivered with no indication of one arriving soon.
      And that uncertainty regarding points deductions, appeals and ongoing investigations into Financial Fair Play, has left several teams at the bottom uncertain.
      And the veteran manager has blasted the uncertainty and chaos going into such a crunch day.
      Warnock added: “It just muddied the waters. All I know is we need a point to make sure we don’t have to worry. It’s not just Wigan but the Sheffield Wednesday situation.

      “It’s very difficult for the managers concerned. For me, things like that should be clarified.
      “We can take care of things on the field of play, and we are aware that we need another point to do that.
      “We’re all guessing and surmising about this and that. But at the end of the day, we’ve just got to get a point then we don’t have to worry about what’s going to happen with all of these situations.”

      Neil Warnock refusing to accept any money from Middlesbrough for managing team as he focuses on escaping relegation More

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      Danny Cowley plans on taking break from football after shock Huddersfield sacking over transfer row

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      DANNY COWLEY plans on taking a break from football after his shock sacking by Huddersfield.
      The 41-year-old, along with his assistant brother Nicky Cowley, was ruthlessly axed on Sunday by the Terriers.

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      Danny Cowley is set for a time-out from football after being sacked by HuddersfieldCredit: Getty Images
      It came just two days after the pair had confirmed the Yorkshire outfit’s Championship status with a 2-1 win over promotion hopefuls West Brom.
      Cowley is gutted not to be able to build on what he had started.
      He joined the club when they were 23rd in the table just ten months ago.
      But after 13 years of non-stop football management from non-league to England’s second tier, the Londoner now wants a short pause to reflect and recover before returning to the game.

      Huddersfield are set to appoint Carlos Corberan, Marcelo Bielsa’s assistant at Leeds, as Cowley’s successor.
      SunSport understands that Cowley was axed as owner Phil Hodgkinson wants total control over transfers — but his manager was not willing to work that way.
      Insiders claim the Terriers’ owner decided  he was going to dismiss the brothers during the coronavirus lockdown.
      A club source said: “Danny and Nicky had an inkling and could have just walked out.
      “But they wanted to see it through because so many jobs were at stake if they went down.”
      The Cowleys took over from Jan Siewert in September after the club had  one win in seven months.
      Despite only having one point from the first nine games, they kept the  club up. 
      No Championship team has ever survived from that position. More