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    Newcastle star Jacob Murphy’s identical twin brother Josh in six-way transfer battle after wowing scouts

    JOSH MURPHY’S red-hot form has attracted interest from five Championship clubs and the MLS.The twin brother of Newcastle ace Jacob scored and set up two in Oxford United’s 5-0 thumping of Peterborough on Saturday – and is available on a free transfer this summer.Oxford’s wanted wideman Josh Murphy celebrates scoring vs PoshCredit: RexBrothers Josh and Jacob began their careers together at NorwichCredit: Rex FeaturesScouts from Southampton, West Brom, QPR, Sunderland and Hull along with Minnesota were present at the Kassam Stadium, with the 29-year-old out of contract at the end of the season.The winger has netted six times in his last 12 League One matches to fire Oxford into the play-off spots.U’s boss Des Buckingham said: “He’s a wonderful player. I’m delighted to see how happy he is enjoying his football.”But unless Oxford win promotion to the Championship, they are braced for talisman Murphy to move on in the summer.Buckingham added:”He’s very settled and if he keeps performing that way, I’m sure he’ll attract interest.”Murphy once cost an £11million transfer fee when Cardiff paid Norwich that sum of money in 2018.He arrived at Oxford on a two-year deal in July 2022.And his scintillating form is a major reason they are so well-placed to win a play-off place.Most read in EFLThe U’s sit sixth, having a three-point advantage and a game in hand on Blackpool just below them.Meanwhile, brother Jacob missed 19 games with a shoulder injury this season before returning for Newcastle in January.Newcastle reveal incredible new hi-tech shirt that allows deaf fans to experience atmosphere for first timeHe was an unused sub in Saturday’s 4-0 thumping of Tottenham.But he will hope to get more game time as the sixth-placed Magpies push to clinch a place in Europe for next season. More

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    Leicester shrug off FFP woes as they send chief scout to Brazil despite Premier League points deduction worry

    LEICESTER are checking out the Brazilian market despite doubts about promotion and their FFP issues.City sent top scout and former defender Sean St Ledger to South America as they seek bargains for a potential Premier League return.Leicester boss Enzo Maresca wants to unearth some hidden gems in BrazilCredit: GettyFoxes manager Enzo Maresca is keen to improve the quality of his squad after they blew a 17-point lead in the Championship in recent months.Former head of recruitment Steve Walsh famously discovered Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante.And now Italian Maresca believes Brazil could be the place to find some hidden gems for a good price.Leicester have only ever had one Brazilian play for the club.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWinger Tete joined on loan for the second half of last season but, despite scoring on his debut away at Aston Villa, could not help keep the East Midlanders in the top flight. Leicester signed Harry Winks, Conor Coady, Stephy Mavididi, Mads Hermansen, Tom Cannon and youngster Arjan Raikhy in the summer.But their financial woes saw frustrated Maresca prevented from bringing anyone else in during the January transfer window. Leicester remain just about on course for an immediate promotion despite six defeats in their last ten league games.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThey are currently second on 88 points, one behind leaders Ipswich but with a game in hand on the Tractor Boys.However, they have lost their last two matches 1-0 away at Millwall and Plymouth – but have been boosted by dips in form by rivals Ipswich and Leeds, too. Harry Winks voices his disappointment as Leicester blows 17-point lead as Leeds overtake Foxes in table To make matters worse for Leicester, they are in financial disarray off the field which may well land the club a points deduction should they get promoted. The Foxes broke deficit limits for 2022-23 but launched a legal case accusing the Prem and EFL of “unlawfully conspiring” over the charges and asking for an injunction against a penalty being imposed before the end of the season.The EFL wanted to throw the book at the King Power side over their Premier League charge for breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules.However, a ruling means the EFL do not have the authority to do so – meaning it will be down to the Premier League to sanction Leicester.And that means should Maresca’s side get over the line in the race for promotion, they may well end up kicking off their 2024-25 Premier League campaign on minus points. Tete is the only Brazilian to play for LeicesterCredit: Getty More

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    Gareth Southgate ‘considering shock Euro 2024 call-up for Championship star’ after glittering performances

    GARETH SOUTHGATE is considering picking Brighton and Swansea keeper Carl Rushworth in his Euro 2024 squad, according to reports.The England boss, 53, has a number of fitness and selection concerns behind Three Lions No1 Jordan Pickford.Swansea keeper Carl Rushworth is on loan at Swansea from BrightonCredit: AlamyGareth Southgate is considering picking Rushworth in his Euros squadCredit: GettyThe Everton man’s deputy, Aaron Ramsdale, 25, has been dislodged in the Arsenal goal by David Raya.He has started just six Premier League games this season and was an unused substitute in England’s friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.Newcastle keeper Nick Pope, 31, has been sidelined since December with a dislocated shoulder.Sam Johnstone, 31, is expected to be out until the end of the campaign after undergoing elbow surgery.And Burnley man James Trafford, 21, recently lost his spot in Vincent Kompany’s side as the Clarets have begun starting Arijanet Muric.Now The Mirror are reporting Swansea man Rushworth, 22, is being considered for a shock place in Southgate’s Euros squad.The young shot-stopper, on loan from Brighton, is expected to win the Championship side’s player of the season award.He has started every one of Swansea’s league matches in the 2023/24 campaign and kept nine clean sheets.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRushworth has been superb for Swansea in the Championship this seasonIt comes after impressive loan spells with both Lincoln and Walsall.Rushworth, who is under contract with Brighton until 2027, has a strong list of attributes which are said to include “quick reflexes, calmness, and an ability to pass out from the back”.Die-hard England fan cuts message into grass for Southgate and Co ahead of Euro 2024 that can be seen from SPACEHe has played just once for England’s U21s – which came in June 2023 in a 2-0 defeat to Japan.He went to last year’s U21 Euros but did not feature in England’s triumphant campaign as Trafford proved to be the hero in between the sticks. More

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    Ex-Premier League team’s stars left crying in dressing room after ‘scandalous’ decision leaves them facing relegation

    HUDDERSFIELD players were left “crying in the dressing room” after a controversial late penalty decision went against them in their 1-1 draw with Bristol City.Terriers boss Andre Breitenreiter thought his side had earned a huge three points in their battle against the drop when Josh Koroma broke the deadlock in the 81st minute at Ashton Gate. Huddersfield’s Oliver Turton was punished for this ‘handball’ in stoppage timeCredit: Twitter / @AnalysisBCFCHuddersfield manager Andre Breitenreiter could not believe the award of the penaltyCredit: GettyBut they were denied deep into stoppage time when Cameron Pring’s cross was adjudged to have struck the arm of Oliver Turton.Referee Rebecca Welch pointed to the spot in the 99th minute of the game, despite it being unclear whether it had even hit Turton’s arm and his close proximity to the ball.Nakhi Wells converted the spot kick in the 101st minute to salvage a draw for Bristol City.The result leaves Championship side Huddersfield one point adrift of safety with just three games remaining.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd German coach Breitenreiter, 50, revealed after the game that his team were shedding tears in the dressing room.He said: “I disagree with the penalty decision but the boys played really well.”Now they’re crying in the dressing room because they don’t understand how they haven’t won and its frustrating.”It’s hard, but the performance was great.”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTurton, who gave away the penalty, had only come off the bench in the 95th minute as Huddersfield looked to see the game out.And Breitenreiter divulged his conversation with official Welch as he searched for clarity regarding the decision.Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spotHe said: “We spoke to the referee a few minutes ago and she hasn’t seen the replay after the game yet.”I told her that she has to be 100 per cent right to give a penalty in the last minute.”But, let us speak about our performance, we cannot change the decisions in the game.”Calling on VAR to be introduced in the the second tier, he then added: “You need VAR here in the Championship, for sure.”We always have discussions in the Premier League about how long it takes but we want to have fair decisions, and it was unfair today, it was unfair for the boys and they cannot understand.“I don’t want to criticise the referee in public and we’ve told her our views, we just hope that we have a little bit more luck.”Fans also voiced their disdain for the decision, with one saying: “Absolutely abysmal.”Another added: “Never a penalty.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA third replied: “Appalling decision.”And a fourth simply responded: “Scandalous.” More

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    Ipswich ready to push through £15m Man City star transfer after impressive stint with promotion rival

    IPSWICH are ready to pounce for Manchester City centre-half Taylor Harwood-Bellis if they beat Southampton to promotion.Harwood-Bellis, 22, will sign for Saints in a £15million switch should they bounce straight back to the top flight at the end of his year-long loan.Ipswich are keen on a transfer swoop for Manchester City and England defender Taylor Harwood-BellisCredit: GettyBut they can only afford to buy him if they go up.Plus, the contract on offer is designed for the Premier League.The England Under-21 player seems sure to leave City permanently.And there will be a rush for him if he comes back on the market in the summer.READ MORE FOOTBALLClassy defender Harwood-Bellis is hoping for two successive promotions.He played a key role in Burnley’s title win last season.But this year the U21 Euros champ looks set to have to settle for a place in the play-offs after Southampton lost ground on the top three – although Leicester, Ipswich and Leeds are all stumbling towards the finish line. He has 35 Championship appearances so far with two goals, three assists and 11 clean sheets. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHarwood-Bellis’ aim, though, is to play in the Prem.City are also counting on the cash as they look to balance the books at their end and let some fringe players go.Man Utd legend Roy Keane agrees with Gary Neville about how much he would be worth in today’s transfer marketAnother young defender impressing on loan has been Ashley Phillips.The Tottenham youngster, 18, is at Plymouth this season.However, Sheffield United have identified him as a possible transfer target for the summer. The defender is spending this season on loan at SouthamptonCredit: Getty More

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    My dad is a former England coach and top-flight star – now I have fourth most English league appearances in history

    TONY BLAIR was Prime Minister, The West Wing was on TV and 18-year-old Dean Lewington made his senior debut for Wimbledon.And 21 YEARS later the defender is still going strong.Dean Lewington is still going strong after over 20 yearsCredit: GettyLewington started his career in the fallout of Wimbledon’s 2000 relegationCredit: PAHe is set to make his 939th appearance in a huge fourth-v-third clash when MK Dons host Mansfield today.Lewington sits fourth in the all-time English league outings with 814 — a feat bettered only by England legend Peter Shilton (1,005), Tony Ford (931) and Graham Alexander (833).Meeting for coffee in leafy Surrey, I asked what secret lay behind his astonishing career.He laughed: “I wish I knew because I’d sell it for a few quid! Probably being happy and lucky with injuries.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut for a man who turns 40 next month, there must be more to it?Lewington said: “I caught the back-end of old-school football when there was the drinking culture. “Yet I’ve been lucky to benefit from modern training methods and nutritionists.“The diet is nothing in excess, fruit and vegetables, all good stuff and looking after yourself.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAlthough he technically stayed at one club, he made 32 appearances for Wimbledon before they controversially switched to Milton Keynes in 2004 — with pre-MK history officially relinquished to AFC.Lewington started his career in the fallout of Wimbledon’s 2000 relegation from the Premier League and was in the team that moved to MK.Super League star wakes up unemployed after nightmare spell of just EIGHT games in which he forced a rewriting of rulesAFC Wimbledon were created, gaining EFL status, building a new stadium at Plough Lane, not far from their old ground, and now in the same division as MK.Lewington, the only MK player left from the ‘old’ Wimbledon, said: “It was a baptism of fire — but lucky most of us playing then were youngsters who came through the youth side.“Because of our age, we saw it as a good opportunity and didn’t worry about the side-effects.“Hindsight is wonderful and no one would want to repeat what happened.“But AFC have gone on and done well. There’s no animosity from me. I’m glad they’re doing what they’re doing but my focus is on MK.”Lewington has played in all three EFL divisions — enjoying three promotions but suffering five relegations.Last season’s drop into League Two came only a year after almost winning promotion to the Championship — following a heartbreaking loss to Wycombe over two play-off legs.He said: “I’ve been relegated twice and promoted twice on the last day. It’s been a career in the lower leagues, so unglamorous — but a happy one.The diet is nothing in excess, fruit and vegetables, all good stuff and looking after yourself.Dean Lewington“I’ve changed position slightly but was always a tall full-back, quite aggressive, composed on the ball, good passer. “But I’m not overly athletic so that’s held me back.”His career highlight was winning promotion to the Championship in 2015 under Karl Robinson with Dele Alli leading the way — prompting Tottenham to sign him for £5million.And Lewington said: “After relegations from the Championship to League Two, we wanted to get back there.“It took more than ten years but the club got into a positive place.“We had Dele coming through, the youth team was producing and everything was on the up.“Dele trained with us since he was 15. It was a pleasure to play alongside and see him fulfil his potential.“Getting into the Championship felt like a chance for the club to establish itself. It didn’t work out but that brief moment was the best.”’I was told I wasn’t wanted and could train elsewhere’The club were only in the second tier for a season, and two years after that they were back in League Two.Lewington’s stay with MK came close to ending twice.A swap deal involving Huddersfield’s Pawel Abbott in 2006 fell through when the Terriers man pulled out, and in 2017 Lewington was frozen out by ex-boss Robbie Neilson.The latter was Lewington’s lowest moment. He said: “Neilson banned me from the club for about six weeks. “I was told I wasn’t wanted and could train elsewhere. That’s when I thought, ‘Perhaps my time at MK is over’. But he got sacked and things changed.”During that time, his dad Ray — ex-Fulham, Brentford and Watford boss and England No 2 — was invaluable.He said: “With dad being in the game, I’ve learnt to realise it’s not personal. Managers try to pick their best XI and sometimes it doesn’t include you.“You feel like they don’t know what they’re doing and the world is against you but they’re trying to do their best.”His standout manager was current Southampton boss and former team-mate Russell Martin.Roy Hodgson with with assistant Ray Lewington during their England daysCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe explained: “Russ believes in what he does 100 per cent. There’s no Plan B — it’s his way and you stick to it.“Some managers, when hitting a tough patch, change things but not him. That’s what makes him effective.“He took over when we were fighting relegation from League One.“He changed us to complete football, which is the opposite of what teams usually do in those situations.“It was a real risk but he believed in it. It’s like going back to your childhood, playing free-flowing football.”His only regret is MK having not fulfilled chairman Pete Winkelman’s ambition to reach the Prem — or stay in the Championship.But Lewington said: “The reality is it costs a lot of money to get in the Premier League now. “When the club was formed, the gap between the top flight and the EFL was smaller.“The stadium and infrastructure are there so if someone wants to take it on, it could definitely happen.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSo with his 40th birthday approaching, what does the future hold?He said: “At some point I’ll go down the coaching route. But I’ll keep playing for as long as I can.” More

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    I couldn’t be happier that Tom Brady and Co are destroying St Andrew’s… even if it was the first place I drank beer

    ST ANDREW’S, the home ground of Birmingham City Football Club, was the first place where I was allowed to swear.It was the first place I tasted beer — at the age of eight — and the first place I tasted Bovril. It was also where I placed my first bet.Birmingham are set to leave St Andrew’sCredit: GettyTroy Deeney has had his say on Blues’ St Andrew’s exitCredit: APIt was where I’d go with my dad to watch the Blues from the Tilton Road Stand and, when I was old enough to go without him, me and my mates would travel there on the No 93 bus from Chelmsley Wood for a fare of 50p and go on the Kop.That place holds so many memories for me. So many rites of passage.But despite all that nostalgia, I was delighted to hear this week that St Andrew’s is going to be bulldozed to make way for a new stadium less than a mile away, which may hold up to 60,000 fans.That’s bigger than Villa Park, by the way, and that sort of thing always matters.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLI’m very nervous that the club I supported, and then captained for two seasons until last summer, are going to be relegated to League One this season.But the fact that the club’s American owners, Knighthead, are determined to go ahead with a new stadium whatever happens on the pitch, proves they will drag Blues into the 21st Century.At times like this, with Blues next to bottom in the Championship and in a desperate relegation battle, hope for the future is crucial.The owners are talking about a £2billion investment and intend to hold NFL matches and concerts at the new ground, along the lines of the impressive Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERIt will be the sort of stadium where Blues fan Jude Bellingham might want to return later in his career.More importantly, if a new Jude Bellingham comes along, he might not be in a hurry to leave.Heartwarming moment Jude Bellingham reunites with ex-Birmingham boss on Bernabeu pitch before Champions League clash The scale of the planned redevelopment of the Bordesley Park area is similar to what Manchester City have achieved with the Etihad campus.Blues chief executive Garry Cook was at City in the early years after the Abu Dhabi takeover, so he knows what he is doing. I love the ambition of chairman Tom Wagner — even if his plans mean the end for St Andrew’s.I’m a football historian, a traditionalist. I loved playing at atmospheric old stadiums like St James’ Park and Anfield more than new grounds.Although Anfield was never the same after they changed the tunnel area.But St Andrew’s has been dilapidated for some time now. While I was playing for Blues, two of the stands were completely closed for a while.People will miss the old place for a couple of years, particularly older fans.But I don’t hear too many Arsenal supporters pining for Highbury any more.West Ham supporters miss the old Upton Park but that’s because the London Stadium is not a purpose-built football ground, so a lot of them struggle to call it home.That won’t be the case for Blues. The club needs a fresh start and if I was still a player there, I’d want to prove myself so I could stick around and be part of the brave new world.It probably helps that the new stadium, which they hope to open within five years, is so close to St Andrew’s in a place that also holds memories for me.It will be on the site of the Birmingham Wheels Park — what us Brummies call the Wheelie Park — which closed in 2021.We used to have school trips there. As a primary-school kid, I’d be having 30mph crashes on the go-kart track.It was a dangerous, dirty old place. Let’s say it was not really in line with modern health and safety or environmental measures. But I loved it, as a couple of generations of Brummies did.When I was growing up watching Blues, we were a Premier League club.In the era under Steve Bruce’s management we had some fine players like Christophe Dugarry and Mikael Forssell, who were brilliant to watch.The night we thrashed Aston Villa 3-0 at St Andrew’s, with a horrible mistake by keeper Peter Enckelman, is part of our folklore.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe chances of recapturing those days, even bettering them, will be significantly boosted by a new stadium.And I actually never liked the taste of beer or Bovril anyway.Tom Brady’s effect on BirminghamA lot has changed at Birmingham since Tom Brady became an investor in August.

    John Eustace sacked in October with club sixth in the Championship
    Replacement Wayne Rooney sacked in January after winning two of 15 matches as club slip to 20th
    Stadium renamed St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park as part of commercial agreement
    Gary Rowett returns to club as interim boss in March after Tony Mowbray steps back for medical treatment
    Land purchased for £2-3billion Sports Quarter project including new stadium
    Plans revealed for new fan parks at St. Andrew’s for 2024/25 season More

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    Leicester risk kicking off season on MINUS points if they seal promotion to Premier League

    LEICESTER will NOT face a PSR points deduction until next season.In a boost for the Foxes’ promotion hopes, EFL chiefs have now accepted they cannot proceed with enforcing the charge laid by Prem lawyers last month.Leicester will not face a PSR points deduction until next seasonCredit: PAInstead, the matter will revert to the top flight to prosecute.But it means the King Power club risks kicking off next term on MINUS points if they do return to the Prem.Leicester had launched a legal case accusing the Prem and EFL of “unlawfully conspiring” over the charges and asking for an injunction against League bosses imposing a penalty before the end of the season.EFL bosses have now told Leicester they do not believe they have the power to act and will leave the issue in the hands of the Prem, ensuring that no sanction can be applied until next term.READ MORE IN football Earlier this season Everton were deducted six points and Nottingham Forest four over FFP breaches.Meanwhile, Sheffield United were hit with a two-point deduction for their finances during the 2022/23 EFL season. The Blades begin next season on -2 points should they be relegated to the Championship.Elsewhere, Prem giants Manchester City and Chelsea await their fate. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChelsea chiefs flagged up illicit payments made to agents and others during the Roman Abramovich era. The Blues were fined £8.6m by Uefa but are still to be formally charged by the Prem although an investigation remains ongoing.Chelsea keen to keep Conor Gallagher while FFP hinders Newcastle’s spending in January Transfer WindowAnd City deny the 115 allegations laid against them in February 2023. The lengthy Commission case has been scheduled to start in October or November but a final decision is not expected until March or April 2025.PREMIER LEAGUE SIDES HIT BY POINTS DEDUCTIONS
    Nottingham Forest
    Deducted four points for breaching Premier League spending limit by £34.563m. Have launched an appeal, with final decision expected by early May.
    Everton
    Initial 10 point deduction for 2021-22 Premier League breaches reduced to six points on appeal. Now deducted a further two points.
    Sheffield United
    Hit with a two-point deduction for their finances during the 2022/23 EFL season. Will begin next season on -2 points should they be relegated to the Championship.
    OTHERS WHO COULD FACE PUNISHMENT…
    Manchester City
    Etihad club emphatically denies the 115 allegations laid against them in February 2023. The lengthy Commission case has been scheduled to start in October or November but a final decision is not expected until March or April 2025.
    Chelsea
    Blues chiefs flagged up illicit payments made to agents and others during the Roman Abramovich era. Fined £8.6m by Uefa but still to be formally charged by the Prem despite an ongoing investigation.
    Leicester (currently Championship)
    Foxes breached Prem PSR loss limits last season but did not have to report their 2022-23 accounts until this month because of their relegation. That puts the timetable back and means that they will probably face a Prem points deduction next term if they are promoted back to the top flight. More