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      Norwich star Jon Rowe at centre of Premier League transfer battle with cash-strapped Canaries desperate to keep him

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      NORWICH are bracing themselves for more interest for winger Jon Rowe next month.Sunsport can reveal the Canaries turned down a £15million offer for the forward from Wolves just before the transfer window closed in August.
      Jon Rowe is being eyed by a number of Premier League clubsCredit: Rex
      Rowe, 20, scored two goals in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at rivals Ipswich to bring his total for the season to 11.
      The Englishman is the joint third top scorer in the Championship this term despite his young age.
      Although more clubs are likely to enter the scene – with Aston Villa another interested club – Norwich do not want to sell despite being strapped for cash.
      Despite a difficult spell under boss David Wagner, they are just five points off the play-offs so they will only listen to offers in the summer.
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      Rowe rose up the ranks in Norwich’s academy and has been with the club since he was 11 years old.
      The youngster has been called into England’s U21s since bursting onto the scene at the start of the campaign, having never previously started a game.
      Yet he scored five goals in as many games in August which is why Wolves came in with their offer which was immediately dismissed by Norwich.
      The Norfolk club are also fearing offers for Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Sara in January but like Rowe, they do not want to sell.
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      The 24-year-old joined the club from Sao Paulo last summer and has already managed five goals an eight assists in the league this season.
      Wagner’s side are preparing for the busy Christmas schedule and host relegation scrappers Huddersfield Town on Saturday to get the festive period underway.
      Gabriel Sara is also attracting interest from elsewhereCredit: Getty More

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      Leicester to resist loan transfer offers for £7.5m out-of favour striker labelled ‘top player’ by Maresca

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      LEICESTER plan to keep striker Tom Cannon despite a handful of clubs wanting him on loan.Cannon, 20, has struggled to make an impact since his big-money move from Everton after a back injury emerged.
      The Foxes insist fit-again frontman Tom Cannon won’t be departing in JanuaryCredit: Getty
      But Foxes’ boss Enzo Maresca still believes the “top player” can justify his £7.5million summer arrival on a five-year contract.
      Luton and Sunderland were said to be keen on the Republic of Ireland Under-21 star last summer.
      That followed his encouraging season on loan at Preston last term.
      Cannon scored eight goals in 20 matches for the Championship side.
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      And ahead of that temporary switch he netted 12 times in 16 games for the Toffees’ U-21s.
      Leicester won the race for Cannon on transfer deadline day in September this year.
      But a back problem was revealed during his medical.
      And the Merseysider only made his debut this month.
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      However, Maresca is confident the starlet will still come good for his Championship leaders.
      The Italian said earlier in December: “He’s the youngest of the strikers we have, so for sure (he’s going to bring) energy. 
      “But not only energy. First of all, he scores goals. Last year, in six months, he scored eight goals. 
      “The problem now with Tom is very easy.
      “It’s the physical condition, and then it’s that we have strikers already there, so he needs to compete with them.” More

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      Ex-Liverpool star, 33, sent off for second game running after needless handball as fans say ‘he doesn’t work Christmas’

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      DANIEL AYALA got himself sent off for the second game running as fans joked he “doesn’t work Christmas”.The former Liverpool defender, 33, joined Rotherham as a free agent in October.
      Daniel Ayala picked up his second red card in as many matchesCredit: Rex
      He handled a long ball while already on a yellow card
      In just his sixth game for his new club on December 9, he got yellow cards in the 12th and 17th minutes to be given his marching orders and Swansea ran out narrow 2-1 winners.
      Ayala served his one-match suspension against West Brom in midweek but returned to the Millers side for Saturday’s trip to Plymouth.
      Incredibly, though, the Spanish centre-back again found himself heading in for an early bath.
      Already on a cheap booking from the 25th minute and after being involved in a horror clash of heads, Ayala inexplicably tried to stop a long ball getting in behind the Rotherham defence by sticking up a stray arm and stopping it.
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      The Plymouth players demanded a second yellow and the referee duly obliged.
      It made Ayala the first EFL player to be sent off in successive games this season.
      And following his red at Swansea in his previous appearance – making it two red cards in 55 minutes – he will now have to sit out for another ban.
      Ayala will miss next game, a trip to Championship leaders Leicester on December 23.
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      And SunSport have asked the EFL for clarification on whether his suspension will last for two matches – in which case Ayala cannot face his old side Middlesbrough at the New York Stadium on Boxing Day.
      The red card proved critical as Plymouth came from behind and scored a 96th-minute winner to keep Rotherham bottom of the Championship table, nine points from safety.
      Millers manager Leam Richardson said: “Experienced players are still learning but Daniel got caught under the ball and he lost balance but with an experienced player you’d expect a better decision.
      “We will certainly look at that and speak to Daniel moving forward and go from there.”
      ‘LIKES HIS TURKEY’
      But fans piled in on the former Liverpool man, who made five appearances for the Reds in the 2009-10 season, and insisted this is not the first time he has managed to get Christmas off work.
      In 2012-13, then playing for Nottingham Forest, Ayala again got two yellows in a 2-0 defeat at Watford on December 22.
      Following his latest misdemeanour, one Twitter user said: “Got to love him. For those thinking to themselves, it’ll be blatant to get Christmas off, it’s more blatant than you can ever imagine haha.”
      A Boro supporter wrote: “You are definitely unfamiliar with Daniel Ayala. He doesn’t work Christmas.”
      Daniel Ayala – Matches Played in December
      2009-10 – 0
      2010-11 – 0
      2011-12 – 1
      2012-13 – 2 (red card on Dec 22)
      2013-14 – 6
      2014-15 – 4
      2015-16 – 6
      2016-17 – 0
      2017-18 – 3
      2018-19 – 5
      2019-20 – 6
      2020-21 – 6
      2021-22 – 1
      2022-23 – 3
      2023-24 – 3 (red cards on Dec 9 and Dec 16)

      A third added: “Up to his old antics again… winter off Ayala… same s*** every year, different club.”
      A fourth typed: “Done his best with two reds in two games.”
      A fifth joked: “Death. Taxes. Danny Ayala’s Christmas holiday.”
      A sixth quipped: “Must like his turkey.”
      A seventh wrote: “Daniel Ayala has more days off in the winter than an ice cream man, a chancer of the highest order. It’s a shame really as he’s a top player.”
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      An eighth commented: “Another Daniel Ayala red. 2 in 2 games now. Must be Christmas.”
      And a final user replied: “At this time of year everyone else receives Christmas cards, Daniel Ayala meanwhile…”
      The former Liverpool defender joined the Millers in OctoberCredit: Alamy More

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      Banished Nottingham Forest star Joe Worrall could be handed transfer lifeline by Man Utd legend in January

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      MIDDLESBROUGH are ready to make an initial offer to sign Nottingham Forest’s out-of-favour centre-half Joe Worrall.Championship side Boro want to sign Worrall on loan and possibly turn that into a full-time deal if they win promotion to the Prem.
      Nottingham Forest ace Joe Worrall may move in the January transfer windowCredit: Getty
      Worrall is targeted by Middlesbrough after falling out of favour at Nottingham ForestCredit: Alamy
      Worrall, 26, signed a new deal recently — but is no longer in the Forest side and could be squeezed out in January with Middlesbrough manager and Manchester United hero Michael Carrick interested.
      And City Ground defender Scott McKenna, 27,  will also be looking for a new home after his lack of game time recently as the Scotland star wants to be sharp for Euro 2024.
      Worrall and McKenna are believed to have been told to train on different pitches from the remainder of the first team.
      The defenders have also been instructed to arrive for training at a different time from their team-mates.
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      Recent reports have also suggested both centre-backs have been “banished” from the first team.
      However, the decision to axe them is not said to be related to any behavioural issues or rows.
      Both Worrall and McKenna were key players in Forest’s promotion to the Premier League in 2022.
      They both helped end the Tricky Trees’ 23-year absence from the Premier League when they won the 2022 Championship play-off final at Wembley against Huddersfield.
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      But the last two matches against Wolves and Tottenham, Forest manager Steve Cooper has opted for a back-three consisted of Murillo, Willy Boly and Moussa Niakhate.
      Meanwhile, Forest will let keeper George Shelvey, 22,  go out on loan for experience. More

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      Stoke to interview Paul Heckingbottom for manager’s job with sacked Premier League boss keen for quick return to dugout

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      STOKE will do final interviews with candidates for their managerial vacancy this week —  and Paul Heckingbottom is emerging as a strong contender.Hecky, 46, is after a quick return to the dugout after being axed by Sheffield United this month and getting the Blades promoted last season looks good on his CV.
      Paul Heckingbottom could be the next Stoke City bossCredit: PA
      Alex Neil was axed last weekCredit: Getty
      The experienced boss is one of a few candidates due to meet Potters co-chairman John Coates this week.
      John Eustace was favourite when Alex Neil was sacked last week and is still in the frame.
      Tony Mowbray is also a possibility after his exit from Sunderland.
      Stoke may even try for Steven Schumacher, who took Plymouth up from League One last term.
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      The former Premier League club currently sit 20th in the Championship.
      The club is on the cusp of dropping into the relegation zone, having lost four of their last five games.
      The last time Stoke finished a game with three points was back in October after beating Middlesbrough.
      The club had been initially linked with a move for former Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion manager Graham Potter.
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      Andre Vidigal has been Stoke’s main goal threat this season
      However, it is believed that the Englishman quickly rejected the club with the thought that he was only looking for a big move.
      Potter has since been tipped to be one of the favourites for the job at Manchester United.
      The manager has met with incoming investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe about potentially replacing Erik ten Hag.
      England U21s boss Lee Carsley was also thought to be in the frame for the job.
      Stoke does have a tricky set of fixtures coming up with a trip to West Brom on Sunday.
      In their following five games, they face rivals Birmingham and Millwall before taking on top half Watford and high-flying Ipswich.
      The fifth game is an FA Cup tie against Brighton at the Bet365 Stadium.
      Stoke have some tough games coming up More

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      Leeds vs Coventry descends into chaos with limbs everywhere and Crysencio Summerville restrained in heated scenes

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      LEEDS vs Coventry descended into chaos at the final whistle following a tussle between the game’s two goalscorers.A mass brawl was sparked after Cryscencio Summerville appeared to reject Bobby Thomas’ offer of a handshake.
      Cryscencio Summerville sparked a melee after clashing with Bobby ThomaCredit: Reuters
      Coventry midfielder Joel Latibeaudiere was able to intervene to block the wingerCredit: Reuters
      Summerville grabbed Latibeaudiere by the collarCredit: Rex
      Wilfried Gnonto went to restrain his team-mate but Summerville initially escaped his graspCredit: Getty
      Gnonto was eventually able to get the winger under controlCredit: Getty
      Coventry’s Thomas had cancelled out Summerville’s opener in the 1-1 draw, with the Leeds star left unhappy at the final whistle.
      He went for the defender and had to be stopped by Coventry midfielder Joel Latibeaudiere.
      His own team-mate Wilfried Gnonto also intervened by restraining Summerville, who grabbed Latibeaudiere by the collar.
      Summerville tried to escape Gnonto’s grasp but the Leeds forward was able to take him away from the melee and Georginio Rutter escorted him down the tunnel.
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      Sky Blues star Casey Palmer also got involved in the ruckus and had to be restrained by his team-mates in what were ugly scenes at Elland Road.
      A draw for Leeds means they failed to make up ground on Ipswich following their 2-2 draw with rivals Norwich.
      Southampton won too which means the two sides are level on points, although Leeds remain third – ten points off second place Ipswich.
      Meanwhile Coventry are now unbeaten in three games and moved seven points clear of the relegation zone following QPR’s defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.
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      Leeds have won 12 games out of 22 in the Championship and have impressed since Daniel Farke joined as manager in the summer.
      Georginio Rutter escorted the Leeds goalscorer off the pitchCredit: Getty
      Several players were involved in the brawlCredit: Reuters More

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      Plymouth star forced off following horror clash of heads… and replacement carried off on stretcher after first touch

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      PLYMOUTH ARGYLE lost striker Ryan Hardie to injury after a horror clash of heads with Rotherham defender Daniel Ayala.His replacement Mustapha Bundu then had to be wheeled off on a stretcher moments later after being crunched by Hakeem Odoffin following his first touch.
      Ryan Hardie had to be helped off by medical staffCredit: Rex
      Mustapha Bundu had to be stretchered off after a rash challenge by Hakeem OdoffinCredit: Rex
      The struggling Millers made the long trip down to Devon hoping to close the gap to their opponents in the Championship table down to seven points.
      Leam Richardson’s side got off to a good start and took the lead via Jamie Lindsay on 16 minutes.
      Argyle’s afternoon then went from bad to worse when they lost top scorer Hardie after a nasty accidental clash of heads with Ayala.
      Both players received lengthy treatment, with the forward coming out the worse for wear.
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      Ayala, 33, was able to continue.
      But Hardie, 26, had to be very carefully helped off the field by medical staff on 36 minutes.
      Argyle boss Steven Schumacher turned to back-up striker Mustapha Bundu, bringing on the Sierra Leone ace for Hardie.
      His outing was cruelly cut short barely after it had gotten going, when he was scythed down by Odoffin immediately after his first touch.
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      Odoffin, 25, was yellow carded for the challenge, while Bundu had to be treated by busy medical staff.
      Eventually the forward was wheeled straight down the tunnel on a stretcher, with New Zealand international Ben Waine brought on for him.
      Thirteen minutes of stoppage time were added on at the end of the first half.
      And Argyle, who boast a formidable home record during the last 18 months, were gifted an opportunity to equalise three minutes into additional time when Lewis Gibson was hauled down at a set piece.
      Finn Azaz made no mistake, levelling from the penalty spot.
      And the Aston Villa loanee nearly completed the comeback 12 minutes into stoppage time, when his curling effort struck the post.
      Moments before the interval, 15 minutes into added time, third-choice forward Waine, 22, stung Viktor Johansson’s palms with a low effort. More

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      Wayne Rooney breaks silence on Wagatha Christie row as he faces awkward Jamie Vardy reunion with Birmingham

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      WAYNE ROONEY says he has ‘no relationship’ with Jamie Vardy outside of football.The pair had been set to come face to face with each other for the first time since their respective wives’ famous ‘Wagatha Christie’ case.
      Rebekah Vardy (L) and Coleen Rooney (R) have been embroiled in a legal battleCredit: AFP
      Wayne Rooney (L) and Jamie Vardy (R) are former England teammatesCredit: Getty
      Rooney insists he has no relationship with Vardy outside of footballCredit: Alamy
      It was a case that played out last year after Coleen Rooney alleged Rebekah Vardy had leaked stories about her private life to the press.
      Vardy subsequently filed a libel lawsuit against Rooney and lost.
      Birmingham manager Rooney had been set to face Leicester – where Vardy is playing a role in the Foxes’ promotion push.
      The pair were England team-mates – but both were involved in the court case.
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      But Vardy is not expected to play in the game after being out for two games with a knee injury.
      However, Rooney has told his squad to forget the sideshow that would have come with the game.
      The ex-England and Manchester United captain said: “The game is Birmingham City against Leicester.
      “In my opinion, Jamie Vardy’s a fantastic player and has been for many years.
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      “I played with him for England, but I played with many players for England. It’s not someone who I’ve ever had a relationship with, outside of being in a training camp or games.
      “I respect Jamie Vardy a lot, he’s a fantastic player and still has a lot to offer Leicester.
      “What’s important is we don’t get dragged into a sideshow. Everything that’s happened in the past, which everyone is aware of, has been dealt with from a legal point of view. My job is to now focus on Birmingham trying to win the game.
      “He’s a great servant to Leicester and he’s a player we have to do a lot of work on to stop. He can really hurt you if you don’t.”
      Vardy is unavailable due to injuryCredit: Getty More