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      Championship club targeting shock move for 36-year-old ex-Arsenal veteran 12 years on from loan transfer spell

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      HULL are looking into a shock move for veteran keeper Vito Mannone — 12 seasons after his second loan spell with the Tigers.Mannone, 36, is a target for the Humberside club who currently plays in France with Lille.Hull are looking to bring Vito Mannone back for a third spellCredit: GettyVito Mannone spent seven years on the books at ArsenalCredit: GettyHull are looking to add to their goalkeeping ranks after selling Ryan Allsop to Birmingham and Matt Ingram to Oxford.Mannone has been used sparingly making only six appearances, three of those coming in the Europa Conference League, for the Ligue 1 outfit.A move to Hull could provide him with one last opportunity for first-team football – but a fee has not been drawn up yet.The Italian was an Arsenal hopeful before being loaned out to the Tigers in 2010 after being an understudy to Wojciech Szczesny.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe played 31 times in two stints with the Tigers, and has a year left on his deal in Northern France.But he’s readiness could be called into question after being limited to a mere 50 appearances in the past five seasons.His Championship record speaks for itself, with the former Gunners keeper conceding just 99 goals in 80 appearances.Currently, they have Ivor Pandur, Timothee Lo-Tutala and Harvey Cartwright as all possible options, ahead of their season opener against Bristol City next week.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut none of them have ever played second-tier football before.Speaking after Saturday’s 2-0 loss at Reading in their final friendly of the summer, boss Tim Walter admitted again that the goalkeeping position was an area to strengthen, as was everywhere else.Football teams that controversially changed their badgeHe said: “We can talk especially about this player or this position, but we need players in every position we need a progression.”I have to wait and I have to stay strong and it’s what I did but losing games, I’m not happy about it.”Vito Mannone’s impressive careerAfter finishing his second spell at Hull, Mannone signed a two-year contract with Sunderland for an undisclosed fee.The shot-stopper was then picked up by Reading for £2million on a three-year deal.But in January 2019, he joined MLS side Minnesota United on a one-year loan – winning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year for his troubles.He’s since been shipped around three different Ligue 1 clubs – first joining Monaco, before Lorient and then Lille on a permanent deal in August 2023.Arsenal have a tricky start to the season More

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      Premier League boss finds love with model Lucy Pinder after ‘besotted’ couple are spotted at football function

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      PREMIER League boss Russell Martin has found love with former glamour model Lucy Pinder.The Southampton manager is said to be besotted with the 40-year-old — who is a die-hard Saints fan.Premier League boss Russell Martin has found love with Lucy PinderCredit: PAFormer glamour model Lucy and the Southampton manager are said to be ‘besotted’Credit: PAThe couple have grown close in recent months but were out together this week when the football coach was given an honorary degree by Brighton University.They also turned heads at a Sky Sports social function, with pals saying they are “smitten”.A source said: “They’re a match made in heaven — or at least in Southampton.“They’re mad for each other.”READ MORE IN SHOWBIZRuss, 38, is plotting his side’s return to Premier League action after May’s win in the Championship play-off final.And he has been coming to terms with the end of his marriage to Jasmine, the mother of his three children.The split rocked Russell, who throughout his football career talked proudly of his fitness model missus, calling her a “supermum”.In 2018, he said of her: “To achieve what she has with three little ones is amazing.”Most read in FootballThe couple split last year. Since then he has been comforted by Lucy and gradually the duo have forged an unshakeable bond.A source said: “There was no crossover. Russ’s marriage ended and he was glum. It was all about looking after the kids and making sure they were OK.Inside Russell Martin’s amazing journey from living at bookies with an abusive dad to Premier League manager“But amid the grief, as he threw himself into work, Russ grew intimate with Lucy.“She is a regular face at Southampton functions and is always around the club as a die-hard fan.“Over the weeks and months their friendship grew into something more.”Pin-up Lucy, now a TV personality, shot to fame as a glamour model in the early 2000s after she was spotted on Bournemouth beach by a photographer.She went on to become a regular in now-defunct lads’ magazines Nuts, FHM and Loaded and has been in several movies — debuting in 2012 in Strippers vs Werewolves — and appeared on Celebrity Big Brother.Russell declined to comment.Pin-up Lucy shot to fame as a glamour model in the early 2000sCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      Portsmouth striker Colby Bishop, 27, forced to undergo heart surgery after arriving for pre-season

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      PORTSMOUTH striker Colby Bishop has been forced to undergo immediate surgery after a heart scare in pre-season.During a routine heart scan, Pompey medics identified an undisclosed potential risk to their star forward.Colby Bishop has undergone heart surgeryCredit: GettyBishop, 27, will now undergo surgery to rectify the matter following discussions with the club medical team and cardiologists.The former primary school teacher turned Championship star said: “Definitely not the start to the season I expected receiving this news.”It’s been a really uncertain time for myself, my wife and new baby.”Bishop has missed all of Pompey’s pre-season fixtures so far after his wife gave birth to the couple’s first child earlier this month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe added: “Despite the difficult circumstance, I am extremely grateful to have been referred to a world-leading expert in a ground-breaking procedure to get me back to full fitness.”I would like to thank everyone at Portsmouth Football Club for their ongoing support throughout.”I look forward to playing in front of you all at Fratton Park on my return.”The Blues’ star man has been flooded with messages of support from the Fratton faithful, rallying around the fan favourite in such a distressing period.Most read in ChampionshipOne message said: “I hope he takes as long as needed and the club thoroughly support him, health is wealth.”Another added: “Health should come first, awful news for Colby and his young family.”Watch jubilant Portsmouth’s captain’s speech get interrupted by very rude act as fans hail ‘simply incredible’ momentBishop scored 20 goals last season as John Mousinho’s side secured a return to the second tier of English football after 12 years away.Topping the League One table with 97 points, five clear of Derby County in second, Bishop played a crucial part in Pompey’s title win.Signed for a reported £500,000 from Accrington Stanley in 2022, the Nottingham-born striker has bagged 40 league goals across two seasons.Bishop, 27, played a huge role in Pompey’s promotion last seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Mbappe an unlikely villain in Sunderland’s transfer plans and could scupper move for ex-Premier League star’s cousin

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE and his family have thrown a huge grenade in Sunderland’s transfer plans.The Black Cats looked to have wrapped up a deal to sign French-born Guinea-Bissau international Alexandre Mendy, 30, from French second tier outfit Caen.Kylian Mbappe may have scuppered Sunderland’s transfer plansCredit: RexThe Championship side had beaten off competition from Sampdoria in Italy and in the Middle East for the man who scored 22 goals in Ligue 2 last season.Mendy himself even revealed: “By the time Sunderland arrived, there was no more debate.“I could have gone into exile in Saudi Arabia with the idea of a golden retirement, but I still have things to do in football.”Mendy, whose cousin Bafetimbi Gomis previously played for Swansea City, was believed to be set to attend a medical on Wearside after a £4million fee was accepted.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut France captain Mbappe, who has just penned a £12.8m per year deal with Real Madrid that netted him a whopping £106.5m signing-on bonus, and his family are currently embroiled in a potential takeover of Caen.They now want to meet with the club’s star man in order to try and convince him to stay under their helm.And that could prove to be a massive blow to new manager Regis Le Bris, who knows the forward well from his time managing Lorient.Sunderland have been desperate for a new No.9 for months.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey have managed to add Luis Hemir, 20, from Benfica to their ranks but they still need an experienced frontman.Now they may have to restart their search should Mendy be swayed by the Mbappe influence if the takeover goes through.SunSport Transfer Headlines (wide) 29 July 2024 More

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      Forgotten Man Utd star, 29, joins MLS side in surprise free transfer… but will spend rest of 2024 on loan at West Brom

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      FORMER Manchester United star Paddy McNair has joined MLS side San Diego FC as a free agent – but will be shipped out on loan to West Brom until the end of 2024.The Northern Ireland international, 29, spent five years at Old Trafford after coming through the youth ranks before leaving in 2016.Former United star Paddy McNair has joined San Diego FC in a surprise free transferCredit: Instagram / @sandiegofcMcNair made his Old Trafford debut in 2014Credit: PA:Press AssociationMcNair joined United’s academy at age 14, where he was converted from a midfielder to a defender by youth coach Paul McGuinness.But he was limited to 27 first team appearances before being snapped up by Sunderland, then managed by former United supremo David Moyes. McNair subsequently joined Middlesbrough for £5m in 2018, where he won the club’s Player of the Year award in 2021.But now he has ditched English football to head stateside.READ MORE ON THE OLYMPICSMcNair signed a free three-year deal with San Diego following the end of his contract with Championship side Boro this summer. But he will be flown straight back to England after the MLS outfit agreed a six-month loan with West Brom.Part of the reason behind the short loan is because the club are waiting on the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.McNair said: “Joining San Diego FC is an exciting new chapter in my career.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”When I first heard of San Diego, I had this gut feeling of excitement to play outside of England and have a chance to play in MLS.”It’s going to be very special to be a part of history. I look forward to bringing my experience to the team and building a team San Diego can be proud of.”Watch moment rap legend Snoop Dogg dance with Paris Olympics 2024 torch through streets of city before opening ceremonyMcNair is the fifth signing in San Diego’s history, an early group of stars highlighted by former Napoli winger Hirving “Chucky” Lozano. The club was founded last May by British-Egyptian businessman and former politician Mohamed Mansour.McNair has represented his country at the U-17, U-19, U-21 and senior level and helped them qualify for their first and only Euros in 2016. More

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      EFL goalkeeper sends fans into meltdown with utterly ridiculous ‘skill of the season’ in pre-season clash

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      SWANSEA CITY goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux stunned fans with his “skill of the season” in a pre-season clash.The shot-stopper made a move from relegated Burnley to the Welsh side this summer on a two-year deal.Lawrence Vigouroux stunned fans with the ‘skill of the season’ in Swansea’s pre-season clash against FC KolnThe shot-stopper executed a 360-spin before he took his goal kickCredit: XVigouroux has just arrived at the Welsh club from BurnleyCredit: XThe England goalkeeper signed a two-year deal with the Championship sideCredit: GettyAfter coming off the bench in Swansea’s pre-season friendly against FC Koln on Wednesday Vigouroux did not hold back in showing his new team his utterly ridiculous skill.The Chilean player executed a superb 360-degree spin and then dropped the ball on his foot as he readied himself for the goal kick.And fans have called the donned the Championship side news goalkeeper with the “skill of the season”.Another added: “You either have it or you don’t.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA third then put: “Coldddddddddd.”While a fourth said: “Making sure nobody is hiding behind him. Sensible.”However, his impressive talent was not enough to keep a clean sheet as Koln beat Luke Williams’ side 2-1.Vigouroux hoped to become a Premier League star after graduating from the Tottenham Academy and signing his first professional contract in June 2013.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut following a disappointing loan stint at non-league side Hyde, the North London-born star made another attempt at securing a Premier League opportunity with Liverpool.At Anfield, Vigouroux quickly became the first-choice goalkeeper for the reserve side and then signed a two-year contract at the Reds.Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promiseThen a successful loan at Swindon Town saw the goalkeeper make a permanent move to the League One side in 2015.He then went on loan to Waterford followed by a transfer to Chilean side Everton de Vina del Mar in 2019.Having left the South American side without making a single appearance Vigiouroux headed to East London side Leyton Orient for three seasons making over 152 appearances.The goalie then joined newly promoted Premier League side Burnley in 2023 but the shot-stopper still could not secure a Premier League start. More

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      Leif Davis and other newly-promoted players who could thrive in Dream Team this season

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      DREAM TEAM managers in need of an affordable bargain to bring their XI together should browse the newly-promoted clubs for appealing options.Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton are set to make the jump up from Championship this term and all three teams possess talent capable of providing excellent value for money.We’ve identified five players worthy of consideration.PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR FREE NOW AHEAD OF THE 2024/25 SEASON – £50,000 TOP PRIZE PLUS WEEKLY CASH WINNERS!Assist machineCredit: Dream TeamLeif Davis (£2.5m)The Tractor Boys’ ambitious left-back was a hugely influential figure during his side’s promotion campaign.Davis provided a whopping 21 assists in the league, putting all the Championship’s most-creative midfielders to shame!It goes without saying that he’s likely to find life harder in the top flight but a defender capable of such creative output is worth highlighting.The main caveat in regards to Ipswich assets is that they face a baptism of fire in their first two outings: Liverpool (h), Manchester City (a).With this in mind, it’s probably wise to wait until their fixtures settle down before giving Davis and company a whirl.Most read in FootballStephy Mavididi (£2.5m)Crafty FoxCredit: GettyLeicester were head and shoulders above every other Championship side for long stretches of last season thanks in no small part to the quality of their attacking unit.Mavididi registered 13 goals and six assists in all competitions from the right flank in 2023/24 but even those impressive numbers don’t tell the full story – he’s got talent to burn.At the time of writing, Jamie Vardy (£2.5m) is the most-selected player among the newly-promoted clubs but Dream Team bosses would probably be better off with some younger blood if they have faith in the Foxes.Truth be told, much of the same applies to Issahaku Fatawu (£2.5m) on the opposite wing but Mavididi gets the nod from us in a head-to-head purely because he’s a greater goal threat.Adam Armstrong (£2.5m)SharpshooterCredit: GettyIt would be unfair to characterise Southampton as a one-man team but there’s no doubt their No9’s firepower is a huge reason they have returned to the Premier League.Armstrong plundered 24 goals in total, including a pinpoint finish against Leeds at Wembley to secure promotion in the play-off final.The 27-year-old is in danger of being known as one of those strikers who is prolific in the Championship but not good enough for the Premier League but he heads into the new campaign at the peak of his powers.Saints start with a trip to St James’ Park but their fixtures look relatively favourable after that until the start of October.Dream Team’s Fantasy Football GamePLAY DREAM TEAM AHEAD OF THE NEW SEASON!Free to play£50,000 jackpot for overall winner plus weekly prizesPlayers score points in Premier League games, European competitions and both domestic cupsPlay in Mini Leagues against your mates£5,000 prize for Gameweek 1Play via Dream Team’s app or website today!Omari Hutchinson (£2.5m)One to watchCredit: GettyIpswich’s No20 is arguably the most-exciting talent among the newly-promoted crop.Previously on the books of Arsenal and Chelsea, Hutchinson’s natural talent was complimented at the age of 12 by none other than Pele.He scored 11 goals (many of them high quality) and provided six assists on loan at Kieran McKenna’s side last season and he’s since made the move permanent for a club-record fee.Still just 20 years old, many pundits are tipping him for a bright future – he’s one to keep an eye on at the very least.Ricardo Pereira (£2.5m)Bonus ball?Credit: GettyExperienced gaffers may remember that the Portuguese full-back was something of a Dream Team gem once upon a time.Pereira has endured rotten injury luck in his career but he was among Leicester’s most-used players last season and his industrious style may be favoured by the scoring system.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe gets through plenty of tackles and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he earned his fair share of bonus points too.If the 30-year-old starts well enough, the Foxes have a nice run of fixtures from early October through to November that might be worth targeting.Superfan Ed Sheeran belts out iconic Ipswich chant alongside players at ‘beautiful’ Premier League promotion party More

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      Fans go wild for ‘truly silly pre-season strike’ but left utterly baffled by what goalscorer did immediately after

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      FANS have gone wild for a spectacular goal scored in pre-season.Portsmouth star Ryley Towler caught the eye with an audacious effort against Havant & Waterlooville.Ryley Towler beat two players before letting fly from distanceCredit: Portsmouth FCHe caught the ball sweetly as it sailed over the keeper’s headCredit: Portsmouth FCThe keeper was helpless as the ball found the top cornerCredit: Portsmouth FCPompey beat their non-league counterparts 3-0 in their second pre-season friendly, having previously beaten Gosport Borough 3-1.Towler, wearing the captain’s armband, stole the show with a superb solo effort to double Portsmouth’s lead.The centre-back picked up the ball from his goalkeeper inside his own penalty area before marauding up the pitch.He went past two opponents with clever feints and quickly found himself over the halfway line.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTowley then looked up and with no options available decided to loft the ball over the goalkeeper and into the top corner, much to the delight of the travelling fans.The strike also caused a stir on social media where fans were quick to praise the 22-year-old, though some were left baffled by the fact he did not celebrate.One fan wrote: “Don’t care if it’s pre-season or not, how are you not celebrating that.”Another added: “I’d be running crazy all-over the place after a goal like that, big celebration there for me.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third said: “Filthy.”And another commented: “What a player.”Towler’s incredible strike came on the same evening Robbie Brady scored from a similar distance for Preston to hand Arne Slot a defeat in his first match in charge of Liverpool.Towler did not even bother celebrating his audacious effortCredit: Portsmouth FCWatch moment Ryan Reynolds is surprised by Wrexham star live on BBC Radio 1 More