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      Man City planning transfer raid for England U20 wonderkid after string of impressive clean-sheets

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      MANCHESTER CITY are interested in Sunderland goalkeeper Matty Young.City were keen on the 18-year-old stopper before he made his first-team breakthrough on loan at Salford.Man City are tracking goalkeeper Matty YoungCredit: GettyYoung had to wait for a regular start in League Two before finally making the No1 shirt his after 18 games.Since coming into the side, he has conceded just one goal in eight matches.And he is in the midst of reeling off a stunning run of six clean sheets in a row.Salford now have the joint-best defence in the league with AFC Wimbledon and are second in the table.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYoung incredibly now has the chance to audition in front of Pep Guardiola on Saturday night as Salford face City in the third round of the FA Cup.The wonderkid joined Sunderland at the age of seven and has risen through the youth ranks, winning their Young Player of the Year award.He spent last season on loan at non-league club Darlington.Young has been capped by England at Under-18, 19 and 20 levels.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe teenager’s Under-20 debut came in a 1-1 draw against Poland in November.January could be busy for City as the champions are reportedly eyeing a double raid for Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush and Atalanta midfielder Ederson to reignite their season.Beleaguered Man City boss Pep Guardiola involved in bizarre interview when discussing Rico Lewis red card More

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      Leeds lock horns with Championship title rivals Sheffield United for £10m-rated Premier League star

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      LEEDS  have opened talks to bring in Nottingham Forest centre-half Andrew Omobamidele this month.The Republic of Ireland defender, 22, is available and the deal could be a loan with a guaranteed buy.Nottingham Forest defender Andrew Omobamidele is a target for Leeds and Sheff UtdCredit: GettyForest hope to raise £10million from selling the former Norwich prospect, who has not played as many games as they hoped.Promotion-chasing Leeds want competition and see Omobamidele as a long-term investment.Rivals Sheffield United are keen — but would prefer a loan arrangement.Omobamidele was born in Leixlip, County Kildare.Read more in footballIn 2020, he signed a professional contract with Norwich City.The centre-half made his Canaries debut in 2021 as a sub in a 2-1 win over Cardiff City.The stopper made his Premier League debut in a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, playing the full 90 minutes.In the same year, Omobamidele made his international debut against Portugal in a 2022 World Cup qualifier.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIn the summer of 2023, the 6ft 2in talent moved to Nottingham Forest for a reported fee of £11million.However, he has found game time hard to come by.Millwall fans boo their own light show at The Den ahead of Leeds clash Last season, Omobamidele played 14 times in all competitions.But this campaign he has featured just once – in the EFL Cup defeat to Newcastle United.Interestingly, it was Leeds boss Daniel Farke who handed Omobamidele his debut in that defeat to the Gunners.After the game, he called the player “outstanding” for his efforts. More

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      Burnley star Zian Flemming’s ‘unreal s***housery’ celebration goes viral after derby win over Blackburn

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      BURNLEY star Zian Flemming was hailed for his “unreal s***housery” following derby victory over Blackburn.The Clarets mounted pressure on Championship leaders Leeds after Flemming’s winner on the hour mark. Zian Flemming put a Burnley shirt over the Blackburn corner flagCredit: RexFlemming scored the derby day winnerCredit: PAAnd Flemming certainly appeared to enjoy the three points as he put a Burnley shirt over the top of a Blackburn corner flag and paraded it around. Fans online loved the dig as one said: “Love this.”Another added: “Zian Flemming stuck a Burnley shirt over the Blackburn corner flag after today’s derby day win Unreal shithousery.”Scott Parker’s side are just a point of table toppers Leeds with Sheffield United level in second. READ MORE IN football And Parker – who replaced Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany – hailed his side after the raucous derby. He said, via the Lancashire Telegraph: “It is satisfying, relief as well to be fair. “Obviously, I have not been in here long and the game today being a local derby. “I quickly realised when I first came in, it was what everyone was saying to me.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I experienced that very early on in the season with the home day and certainly felt that today.“From the minute we walked into the stadium, hostile place, intense atmosphere which local derbies bring. “I am delighted that we managed to seal the three points.”Hilarious moment Burton boss Gary Bowyer falls flat on his back kicking the ball away during Northampton defeat More

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      Plymouth Argyle SCRAP fly-on-the-wall documentary after Wayne Rooney was axed as manager and club face relegation

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      PLYMOUTH ARGYLE have scrapped their fly-on-the-wall documentary following Wayne Rooney’s departure.Rooney, 39, left by mutual consent on New Year’s Day alongside No2 Mike Phelan and first team coach Simon Ireland following a dismal run of one win in 14 games.Wayne Rooney was axed following Argyle’s 2-0 defeat to OxfordCredit: GettySunSport revealed in November that filming had commenced on a documentary series showcasing Argyle’s battle against the Championship drop.The Pilgrims had hoped to flog the series to a streaming service such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video – raising significant money and the club’s profile in the process.Amid Argyle’s 10-game winless run and Rooney’s departure, however, The Guardian report that club bosses have scrapped the project.They claim that it was felt the project could become a “distraction”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFilming had commenced in October, but after working at just two games, production staff were told to “take a break”.Lorton Entertainment had been working on the project.The production company has ties to the former Pilgrims boss, having worked on the feature length documentary “Rooney” – shown on Amazon Prime Video, and “Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story”, which aired on Disney+.Despite Argyle’s documentary plans having been largely driven by Rooney and his team of advisers, club bosses did sign off on it initially.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLorton are understood to be co-owned by Kenny Shepherd, who is also a shareholder in Triple S Sports – the agency that have represented Rooney since he was a teen.Plymouth Argyle have declined to comment.Rooney has bagged a new role for 2025 as house husband – after blowing the final whistle on his manager job with failing Plymouth ArgyleLong-time Argyle coach Kevin Nancekivell has been placed in caretaker charge alongside injured captain Joe Edwards.The duo guided the Pilgrims to a 2-2 New Year’s Day draw with Bristol City at Home Park, and are expected to be in charge of tomorrow’s Championship trip to Stoke City.After the Bristol City game, Nancekivell paid tribute to outgoing boss Rooney.’PRIVILEGED TO GET TO KNOW HIM’He told the BBC: “I’ve seen Wayne. He’s obviously disappointed and really sad. It’s a horrible time.”People see the Wayne Rooney who’s an England international and legend of world football, but they don’t know him as a person.”I’ve been privileged to get to know him. He’s a super human being and he showed a lot of class when he came and said his goodbyes to us.”Nancekivell, 53, could remain in temporary charge as the Pilgrims take on Brentford in the FA Cup next week.Former Argyle boss Steven Schumacher, who left for Stoke City in December 2023, is the early front-runner to succeed Rooney.Remarkably, Schumacher’s Home Park predecessor Ryan Lowe is the second favourite for the post, having left Argyle for Preston in December 2021.Kevin Nancekivell paid tribute to RooneyCredit: GettySteven Schumacher is favourite to land the Argyle gigCredit: GettyWHAT’S NEXT FOR WAZZA?As for Rooney, he is expected to be offered an immediate return to punditry work.A TV insider told SunSport: “Wayne is regarded as one of the best pundits in the business.”He’s very, very knowledgeable about the game.”And even though he’s actually quite a shy person, he really feels at home in a TV studio.The insider added: “It’s been a rubbish end to 2024 for Wayne, but he’s not going to be out of work for long.”He’ll be offered punditry work straight away and there’s interest from Sky in a potential long-term deal to tie him down as a pundit.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Wayne still harbours ambitions of making it as a manager.”But, like Gary Neville, it might end up being the case that he can carve out a more successful and lucrative career as a pundit rather than as a manager in the dugout.”Rooney, 39, is likely to return to punditryCredit: Rex More

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      Leicester at risk of Premier League points deduction like Everton and Nottingham Forest in major blow to survival hopes

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      LEICESTER are at risk of a Premier League points deduction.The Foxes are in the relegation zone and any docking of points would be a major blow to their survival hopes.Leicester will find out if they will be charged by January 13Credit: GettyThe club narrowly avoided a points deduction in the summer after they were charged with a £24.4million breach for the 2022-23 season.Leicester reasoned that because they were relegated, they were not in the Premier League when they submitted their accounts for that season.But they are now waiting to see if they will be charged after recording pre-tax losses of £92.5m and £90m in 2022 and 2023.Prem clubs are permitted to record losses of no more than £105m over a three year period, so Leicester are at risk.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club will be told by January 13 if they have been charged with breaching profit & sustainability rules.If they are, they could suffer the same fate as Everton and Nottingham Forest, who were sanctioned with points deductions after being charged with that offence.Leicester could be in an even worse position because of their relegation in 2023.Their stint in the Championship last season means their permitted £105m losses for the current three-year cycle will be reduced by £22m, owing to the EFL’s stricter spending limits.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd if relegated again they could be charged by the EFL for overspending in the 2023-24 season.Leicester are reportedly confident they can avoid another charge, although the Guardian claims sources at the Premier League feel they will have a case to answer.Ruud van Nistelrooy announced as Leicester manager as Man Utd legend makes swift return to Premier League More

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      Premier League cult hero’s son ‘does a David Beckham’ and scores from 60 YARDS for Sheffield Wednesday

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      SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY midfielder Josh Windass stunned fans by scoring from inside his own half against Derby County this afternoon.With the Owls 1-0 up in the 61st minute, Windass received the ball from Michael Smith before unleashing a strike around 60 yards out from goal.Josh Windass scored a 60-yard goal for Sheffield Wednesday against DerbyHis effort flew over the head of Jacob Widell ZetterstromIt landed perfectly in the netHis effort flew over the head of Derby goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, who was stranded on the edge of his box, before landing perfectly in the net.The visiting fans behind the goal at Hillsborough were stunned into silence while Windass wheeled away in celebration.Sky Sports Soccer Special presenter Julian Warren said: “That is absolutely extraordinary. What a way to mark your 50th appearance for the club!”He then asked the likes of Paul Merson and Clinton Morrison on the panel: “Better than Beckham?”Read More in FootballMorrison agreed, while Merson simply said: “Unreal.”Fans on social media were also impressed by the incredible feat, with one person writing: “Josh Windass with probably the best goal I’ve ever seen.”Another commented: “What a goal from Josh Windass!”A third said: “Goal of the year.”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile a fourth wrote: “Josh Windass has just done a Beckham ffs.”The midfielder’s strike resembled a goal scored by England legend David Beckham during his time at Manchester United in the 1990s.EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex Becks scored from the halfway line against Wimbledon in the Premier League.Windass is the son of former Prem star Dean Windass, who played for the likes of Hull, Bradford, Sheffield United and Middlesbrough.The 55-year-old made 104 top-flight appearances in total and many more across the EFL.Sheffield Wednesday went on to win the Championship match 4-2 thanks to goals from Barry Bannan, Djeidi Gassama, Anthony Musaba and Windass. More

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      Former Man Utd star sent off for STAMPING on opponent’s stomach in moment of madness during Championship clash

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      EX-MANCHESTER UNITED starlet Hannibal Mejbri sparked outrage as fans demanded a season-long ban over a “disgusting stamp”.The Burnley midfielder saw red after catching Junior Tchamadeu in the STOMACH during a 0-0 Championship draw at home to Stoke.Hannibal Mejbri’s studs clearly caught Stoke’s Junior TchamadeuMejbri followed through, seemingly with no effort to avoid TchamadeuThe Tunisia star, 21, trod on the grounded Potters’ defender – rather than trying to jump over him.And some observers reckon trampling on the tummy of Tchamadeu was a deliberate act.The Stoke ace reacted to Mejbri’s wild loss of control by rolling around on the pitch.But Tchamadeu’s dramatic response didn’t appear to influence referee Gavin Ward – as the whistler had instantly sent Mejbri off.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Rightly so because that is DISGUSTING,” one viewer posted.Another fan went further: “Ban him for the season. Absolutely disgusting.”A third demanded a suspension for a “long time”.One viewer slammed summer signing Mejbri for a “terrible foul” that another fan called “idiocy of the highest order”.Most read in ChampionshipMejbri joined Burnley after three years with UnitedCredit: Willie VassFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, another observer claimed: “It’s not a stamp, he walks on the player intentionally, which is still probably a red card but more stupid and petulant than dangerous or violent.”The draw left Burnley in second place, three points behind Leeds.Nathan Aspinall recalls favourite Man Utd memories Meanwhile, Stoke’s sturdy defending helped them move three points clear of the drop zone in Ryan Shawcross’ final game as caretaker boss.Former Red Devils’ striker Mark Robins – now better known for his seven years managing Coventry City – will come in as the Potter’s permanent manager.It follows the sacking of Narcis Pelach after just three months in charge. More

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      I achieved England glory with Gomez & Solanke… but here’s the harsh reality of what the transfer window is really like

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      THE WINDOW is officially open with the top clubs ready to splash the cash – but it is a much “harsher reality” for many unemployed lower league footballers.And for an England European Championship winner it could lead to a potentially huge life-changing career.Callum Cooke has nearly 200 EFL appearances to his name but is currently unemployedCredit: RexCallum Cooke, 27, was part of an Under-17 squad that included future senior internationals Joe Gomez, Dominic Solanke and Lewis Cook when they lifted the trophy back in 2014.But while they and the likes of Adam Armstrong are still in the Premier League bubble, Cooke is now one of the hundreds of players that find themselves out of work.For two straight seasons he produced some of the top goal involvement numbers in the fourth tier playing for Bradford.But a move back to his native North East with Pools ended up with them suffering relegation into the National League, and despite 35 appearances last term, he departed in June.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter a host of false promises led to him being unable to secure a club in August, the Middlesbrough academy graduate is now fighting to continue doing his dream job.Cooke, who is just four games shy of reaching 200 in the EFL having also played for Crewe, Blackpool and Peterborough United previously, said: “It’s been tough mentally.“I’ve had training opportunities with several clubs, one where I trained for five days and played in a game for them to prove my fitness, but the problem I’ve had is that once the August window shut, most clubs had their squads full and no budget until January.“I knew then I was going to be in this difficult situation and I’ve had to make big changes in my life financially and to make sure I stay fit, getting myself a watt bike and treadmill which I use each day.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It has been a massive life experience because I’ve never dealt with this type of thing before. “I’m just hopeful that I can find something in January. It was my dream job growing up and to potentially have that taken away from me is very difficult, but you’ve got to remain positive.I’m unemployed ex-Arsenal star training with little-known squad to find new club “Also, being in the job, you’ve got to have thick skin. You have a lot of setbacks with injuries and other things and hoping this is just one of them setbacks but hopefully that’ll change.”Cooke is keen to stress that this is no sob story and has a career he can look back on with pride, especially his days as an England youth international alongside some now household names.He recalled: “I knew a lot of them really well, and you’ve also got Patrick Roberts at Sunderland who I was close with.These lads obviously got their chance at the top and took it. For whatever reason, I never got mine.Callum Cooke“It was a brilliant time playing with England and these lads and it’s great to see so many push on.“These lads obviously got their chance at the top and took it. For whatever reason, I never got mine at Middlesbrough and that’s why I took the jump to leave.“But I’ll always remember the sliding doors conversation at Boro for the rest of my life because I think about it daily and how life could have been different.”After impressing on loan at Crewe and with Boro just suffering relegation from the Premier League, Cooke was told by Steve Agnew that he would get his chance the following pre-season.The midfielder, pictured No.16 top right, helped England win the U17s EurosCredit: Bongarts – GettyCooke was one of the top dogs when it came to attacking stats while at BradfordCredit: PABut Garry Monk ended up taking charge and, without having a serious look at him, told the ace to get back out on loan and it was the same 12 months later under Tony Pulis even though he had impressed at Blackpool on loan.That led to him taking the plunge and leaving the Riverside now he is fit, raring to go and willing to take another big one in order to kickstart his career.He said: “I don’t have any children yet and I’m really starting to think about moving abroad to try and experience that.Being in the job, you’ve got to have thick skin. Callum Cooke“It could be a good time to do that but it’s another big decision that I’ve got to weigh up as some of the money and contracts being mentioned are just not worth it. I still know my worth.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Everybody always thinks that it’s all rosy being a professional footballer and when you’re a kid, you never see this side or even think it exists. However, the situation I’m in is becoming the harsh reality for a lot of other players.“You are relying on the opinions of other people so much at the end of the day, such as managers and club recruiters. It just takes one person to watch you and take that chance and show confidence in you for things to change.”Who are these famous footballers? More