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      Mario Balotelli held talks with Barnsley over free transfer as Championship strugglers fight drop

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      MARIO BALOTELLI has been in talks with Barnsley about making a sensational move to the South Yorkshire side.
      The Italian bad boy was offered to the Tykes when contact between Balotelli’s agent and Oakwell co-chairmen Chien Lee and Paul Conway was made recently.

      Mario Balotelli is a free agent after being released by Italian outfit Brescia

      Both sides were initially interested in the move before Balotelli’s enthusiasm to play in the Championship cooled.
      And the 2012 Premier League winner is now believed to be considering other options.
      The 30-year-old is currently a free agent after having his contract with hometown team Brescia terminated because he repeatedly missed training in June and July.
      He has been training with Serie D minnows Franciacorta as he approaches the autumn of his controversial career.

      Trouble followed him throughout his time at both Milan clubs, Manchester City, Liverpool, Nice, Marseille and Brescia.
      But Barnsley believed the former Italy international could boost their chances of staying up.
      Balotelli – who hasn’t played in England since 2015 after leaving Anfield for AC Milan on loan – was even linked with a move to Watford last month.
      The 2009 Champions League winner was at the centre of controversy in October following a a sick rape joke he made on Italian TV.

      He appeared as a guest on Italy’s version of Celebrity Big Brother where his brother, Enock, is one of the contestants.
      During his interview, Balotelli was asked about Brazilian model Dayane Mello, who formerly claimed she had a fling with the forward – which he has denied.
      The host said: “Dayane wanted you in the house.”
      Balotelli then responded: “Yes, but then she’d go ‘stop, stop, it hurts.'”
      He then burst into laughter while other contestants on the show looked visibly shocked with his comment.

      Mario Balotelli walks off pitch following racist abuse by Verona supporters More

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      Ferguson and MacAnthony targeting fourth promotion together at Peterborough after two break-ups

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      DARREN FERGUSON has not done badly at Peterborough considering co-owner Darragh MacAnthony has sacked the bloke TWICE.
      The Scottish boss – son of Sir Alex – notched his 200th win in charge of Posh after they beat Oxford in the FA Cup 3-0 last weekend.

      Darren Ferguson wants a fourth promotion this season with Peterborough

      Darragh MacAnthony has twice sacked manager Darren Ferguson at Posh

      And now, in his third spell in charge during what has been a 13-year on-off relationship with the club, he is closing in on more records.
      He sits 44 games short of equalling Barry Fry’s 444 in charge in all competitions while he is just 31 shy of the Posh legend’s 414 league games as boss.
      And – in his two previous spells – Fergie Jnr won three promotions.
      Today – ahead of their trip to Crewe – Posh are top of League One and their gaffer has just won the division’s SkyBet manager of the month award.

      But MacAnthony is demanding nothing less than a fourth promotion from Ferguson, who knows the consequences of failure.
      And Ferguson said: “It’s the most important relationship in the club and we get on great.
      “He’s brought me in three times and was brave to bring me when I had no managerial experience in 2007. I rewarded him with back-to-back promotions from League Two to the Championship and when I came the second time we won promotion from League One again.
      “There are now two other owners here with Darragh and when I came back this time I had to gauge that but I get on well with them too.

      “The club is in a healthy place and we’re going to be moving into a new stadium.
      “Regardless of the fact Darragh has sacked me twice, even when I wasn’t here we kept in touch, we have a lot of respect for each other.”

      Darren Ferguson celebrates his SkyBet League One manager of the month award with his backroom staff at Peterborough
      There have been some, shall we say, bumps in the road between the pair in the past.
      But Ferguson, 48, and MacAnthony, 44, have a better understanding of each other now.
      The Posh boss admitted: “We were both younger when we first started working together so it could be volatile. We both said things that we felt and didn’t leave anything bottled up – which was healthy – but sometimes it got over the top.
      “I’d react to things he said and took it personally.
      “Look, he is the same now – after a defeat, I’ll get a text after the game and the language will be colourful. But I’ve learned to leave it for a couple of hours because he needs to let it all out, which is fine. But I used to go back at him.
      “When I left the first time, both of our wives were trying to get us to make up with each other but we were both too stubborn. It was stupid.
      “I agreed with his decision to let me go the second time because I needed a break.
      “Yet whatever anyone says Darragh has always backed his managers in the transfer market.
      “He’s a demanding guy but that favours me because his expectations I can manage well with the players as I know what they are.”

      “When I left the first time, both of our wives were trying to get us to make up with each other but we were both too stubborn. It was stupid.

      Peterborough felt hard done by when their league campaign was ended by coronavirus. The club were sitting just two points behind the automatic promotion spots in seventh after a run of seven wins out of nine.
      Yet they did not even get a play-off spot after Wycombe leapfrogged them on the controversial unweighted points-per-game method.
      In the summer they sold their star striker Ivan Toney to Brentford for £5million – having signed him for around £600,000 two years earlier from Newcastle.
      But Posh are famous for constantly refreshing their squad by recruiting cheap and selling for big bucks.
      And there are high hopes that Jonson Clarke-Harris – signed this summer from Bristol Rovers for £1.2m to replace Toney – and Siriki Dembele can be the next big thing at London Road.
      Clarke-Harris, 25, has fired six league goals already while Dembele is on five, one less than he managed all last season.

      Jonson Clarke-Harris has hit the ground running since replacing Ivan Toney

      Siriki Dembele has stepped up to the plate this season in front of goal
      Ferguson said: “I’ve known Jonson since he was 17. He has matured and been a regular goalscorer in the league.
      “He was top of the list to replace Ivan because he has played a lot of games over the last two seasons, scored a lot of goals and gives you physicality, which means you can play different formations.
      “Jonson is also a good penalty taker so he ticked so many boxes and was ready for the move.
      “We had to get some fitness into him but he has been a real handful with his performances and goals. The lads love him.
      “Siriki needed to step up because last season up until January he didn’t play regular and he had to be patient. We had to manage him because he was getting impatient.
      “He is a likeable lad, he just loves football. And he was patient because in January he was magnificent, scoring goals and playing up front with Ivan and this season he has carried that on.
      “I think we have a similar situation to the one we had with Ivan. If we don’t go up it will be difficult to keep him.”
      Coronavirus has been challenging for everyone … incredibly only Nathan Thompson has picked up an injury despite the large amount of games being played in a short space of time.
      Ferguson admits: “The medical and sports science staff have been top-drawer – we’re having to manage the players so carefully this season.”
      But – on a personal level – it has been difficult for Ferguson as he has not been able to see his dad Sir Alex and mum Cathy for several months because of the pandemic as he does not want to risk passing on the virus.

      Ferguson said: “It’s a big concern. I’m nearly 50. I know I’m a lot younger than my parents but I haven’t seen them for God knows how long.
      “You must be careful because of the virus, we are talking about life and death here. There have been so many deaths in the vulnerable age group and everyone of that age.
      “So Zoom has been a good way to keep in touch. We’ve all been doing that at the club too… even Barry Fry has learned how to use it.”

      Darren has not seen his dad Sir Alex for several months because of Covid-19 More

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      Sunderland ‘agree takeover’ with 22-year-old Louis-Dreyfus heir whose parents are worth staggering £4.2BILLION

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      A DEAL has reportedly been agreed for an heir to the Louis-Dreyfus fortune to buy Sunderland.
      The League One side have endured a nightmare period since relegation from the Premier League in 2017.

      Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is said to be part of a consortium buying SunderlandCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Stewart Donald will reportedly maintain a stake in the Black CatsCredit: PA:Press Association

      Stewart Donald bought the cash-strapped club in April 2018 but has been unable to turn the Black Cats around, with the team sat sixth in League One.
      According to The Guardian, Donald has agreed to sell the majority of his stake in the club to Juan Sartori and Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.
      Uruguayan businessman Sartori currently owns 20 per cent of the side and is described as responsible for bringing in Louis-Dreyfus.
      Months of due diligence and talks led to an offer being accepted earlier this week, with the deal reportedly set to go through within a fortnight.

      Louis-Dreyfus, just 22, is one of three sons of Robert Louis-Dreyfus, the former Adidas CEO and owner of Ligue 1 giants Marseille.
      Robert died in 2009 and the family’s fortune is managed by wife Margarita, 58.
      Forbes tally up Margarita’s worth to £4.6billion with Kyril reportedly part of a trust fund worth £1.5bn.
      Margarita is chairman of the historic Louis Dreyfus Company, founded in 1851, with total assets worth north of £14bn.

      Phil Parkinson is charged with guiding the ailing club back to the ChampionshipCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      In addition, Kyril is a distant relative of Hollywood actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who was Robert’s second cousin once removed.
      Sunderland are yet to confirm an agreement but did cancel a scheduled meeting with a supporters’ group on Thursday night, citing ‘advancement and sensitivity’ of talks.
      Departing majority shareholder Donald is reportedly set to retain a 15 per cent stake in the club with former chief executive Charlie Methven maintaining his five per cent.

      Sunderland press conference is interrupted by journalist saying ‘you’re very cheeky’ after forgetting to mute mic More

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      Premier League offer new £200m coronavirus relief package to EFL but clubs split on accepting cash

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      THE Premier League has made  a new £200million bailout offer to the Championship.
      But the EFL’s top clubs remain SPLIT on whether to accept the money.

      The Premier League have offered a new £200m coronavirus relief package to EFL but clubs are split on accepting cashCredit: AFP

      Premier League chiefs have tabled the outline of their new offer, which emerged after huge pressure from MPs.
      It was enough for clubs in League One and Two to get the nod to sign up to their own £50m offer, which had been rejected last month because the Championship was not included.
      Yet while the new offer was welcomed in principle, there was pushback from some Championship clubs who were concerned about the details.
      Some were upset the money is in the form of loans, drawn from future ‘solidarity payments’,  rather than as a simple sum.

      And there was also a rift over how any money would be divided up.
      Some clubs want an equal split of funds but others argue their greater lost income through having no gate receipts since March means they deserve more cash.
      There was also disagreement over the terms of the offer.  It was unclear if any clubs could ask for help, or only those who need the cash to ensure their survival as a result of coronavirus — and what conditions will be imposed on those who take the money.
      One club chief said: “There was no common ground, other than a recognition that money is now on the table.

      How the PL’s best transfer XI for this summer line up

      “Some clubs believe they have run themselves properly and yet those who have not are the ones who will benefit, including when it comes to avoiding paying tax or transfer embargoes.
      “It’s also a fact that if we take the money now, solidarity payments will go down for the next two or three years.
      “The danger is that we accept the package on these terms, do nothing about the structural problems in the EFL and then end up back where we are now when the money runs out.”
      A further meeting next week will be held to try to come to an agreement.
      But the size of the planned bailout could anger some Premier League clubs who were reluctant to pay  mega-rich Championship owners.
      The change of approach from the top-flight allows the more pressing financial problems of the lower two divisions to near a conclusion, though.
      Championship clubs signalled their willingness for League One and Two teams — who held separate divisional meetings — to take up the Premier League’s £50m offer.

      The 48 lower-division sides subsequently accepted the proposal, now expected to be formally confirmed by the Premier League early next week.
      An EFL statement said: “A collective agreement in principle was made to move forward and finalise negotiations.
      “Championship clubs made clear they wanted to ensure their colleagues in League One and League Two receive the proposed £50m support package as soon as practically possible.
      “The EFL believes this represents a significant step forward and is hopeful a final agreement on the short term rescue package across all three  divisions can be reached imminently.”

      Chelsea starlet Billy Gilmour lands harsh red card eight minutes after making injury comeback with Scotland Under-21s More

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      Swindon want John Sheridan to quit crisis-hit Wigan and become their new boss to be Richie Wellens replacement

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      SWINDON TOWN want John Sheridan to quit Wigan and become their new boss. 
      Supremo Lee Power hopes to tie up a deal quickly and install Sheridan as Richie Wellens’s replacement in time for the weekend.

      John Sheridan is being lined-up for Swindon after Ritchie Wellens quit for Salford earlier this monthCredit: Rex Features

      Sheridan worked for Power at his Irish club Waterford before leaving to take the Latics post. 
      Sheridan only joined Wigan a few weeks ago but has been unable to rescue the crisis club. He was left devastated by an FA Cup defeat by Chorley. 
      Wigan’s Spanish owners in waiting are keen for Sheridan to stay but he could get more security as Swindon.
      The move would leave Wigan bottom of League One and without a manager while stuck in administration. 

      The Spanish bidders hope for an extension on their period of exclusivity as they try to answer questions posed by the EFL. 
      Along with their FA Cup upset by Chorley, Wigan have lost their last three League 1 games.

      The club have only won two games from 11 this season and have the joint worst goal difference in the league.
      Their poor start to the season follows a points deduction last season which saw them relegated into the Championship.

      They were punished after having to call in the administrators due to financial problems of their Hong Kong-based owners. More

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      EFL clubs set to accept Premier League bail-out after top-flight agrees to look after Championship sides as well

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      LOWER division clubs are set to finally accept the £50million Premier League bail-out this week – after the top flight agreed to look after Championship clubs as well.
      The League One and Two clubs will hold virtual divisional meetings on Thursday when it is expected the bail out will be agreed nearly a month after it was rejected.

      EFL chairman Rick Parry (above) and Prem chief executive Richard Masters signalled a deal was at handCredit: Rex Features

      Since then, intensive discussions between the Prem and EFL chiefs have taken place as the cash crisis has deepened.
      And both EFL chairman Rick Parry and Prem chief executive Richard Masters signalled a deal was at hand.
      Speaking to MPs on the DCMS Select Committee, Masters explained: “We have put a proposal for League One and League Two and we’ll be happy to do one separately and then come to a resolution on the championship.
      “But we need the EFL and the clubs to bind on for that.”

      Parry, who has been at odds with Masters for more than a month, responded: “We would very much like to come to a deal with the Premier League and we are having constructive dialogue.
      “In a gesture of solidarity, the League One and Two clubs said they did not want to abandon the Championship and wanted a deal for the league as a whole which was commendable.
      “The Premier League has now said it is willing to consider a deal for the Championship so we can now move forward on that basis.”
      Masters is aware that the EFL would prefer the whole of the £50m package to be available as a grant, rather than the initial offer with the second tranche of £30m as a loan.

      That is likely to be agreed ahead of tomorrow’s meeting, allowing clubs to start accessing Prem funds, which Masters confirmed would take the total from the top flight to £100m.
      The remaining sticking point had been a reluctance from Prem clubs to make an official offer to the Championship, many of whose owners are wealthier than those in the top flight.
      But last week’s official confirmation from the Prem that “Championship clubs who are suffering significant COVID-19-related hardship” were able to ask for help was seen as a critical move to unblock the logjam.
      Parry added: “Now we have a commitment that the Championship is going to be involved we can move forward with that.
      “We have club meetings this week and will be taking that forward.”

      How the PL’s best transfer XI for this summer line up

      Premier League set to scrap controversial PPV games and broadcast every match for no extra cost until 2021 More

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      Tony Waiters dead at 83: Tributes paid to ex-England and Blackpool legend who led Canada to only World Cup in 1986

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      FORMER England and Blackpool goalkeeper Tony Waiters has died aged 83.
      Waiters led Canada to their only World Cup appearance in 1986 and tributes have poured in for the former Burnley star.

      Former England goalkeeper Tom Waters has died aged 83Credit: PA:Empics Sport

      The stopper played more than 250 times for Blackpool and won five England caps during that period.
      Alf Ramsey called him up as backup to Gordon Banks in 1964.
      Waiters started his professional career at Macclesfield Town in 1958 before moving to Blackpool where he spent eight years.
      His playing career finished at Burnley before the experienced keeper went into management.

      Waiters took charge at Plymouth Argyle from 1972 to 1977 – reaching the League Cup semi-final and getting them promoted to the Second Division.
      And he then made the transatlantic trip to Canada.
      He managed the Whitecaps for two years from 1977 before the Canadian national team came calling in 1981.
      Their decision paid dividends five years later when the country reached the 1986 Mexico World Cup for the only time in their history.

      Waiters played club football for Blackpool and BurnleyCredit: PA:Press Association

      The goalie won five England caps in 1964 as Alf Ramsey’s backup to Gordon BanksCredit: Rex Features

      Canada finished bottom of Group C behind the Soviet Union, France and Hungary and Waiters left soon after.
      He returned for a brief spell from 1990-91 before walking away from management and launching coaching company World of Soccer.
      England led tributes on Twitter with a message which read: “We’re sad to learn that Tony Waiters, who won five caps for the #ThreeLions in 1964, has died at the age of 83.
      “Our thoughts and sympathies are with Tony’s family, friends and former clubs.”
      Blackpool tweeted: “The club is saddened to learn of the passing of former goalkeeper Tony Waiters.
      “Tony made more than 250 league appearances for the Seasiders and received five England caps.
      “Our thoughts and condolences go out to his wife Anne and all the family.”
      And Burnley wrote: “Burnley Football Club is saddened to hear of the death of former England and Clarets goalkeeper Tony Waiters, at the age of 83.
      “The thoughts of everyone at Turf Moor are with his family and friends. RIP.”
      Waiters was inducted into the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame in 2001.

      TONY WAITERS | Burnley Football Club is saddened to hear of the death of former England and Clarets’ goalkeeper Tony Waiters, at the age of 83. The thoughts of everyone at Turf Moor are with his family and friends. RIP. pic.twitter.com/vO2ee7GHmC
      — Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) November 10, 2020

      Waiters went on to have a successful management career with Plymouth, the Vancouver Whitecaps and the Canadian national teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Jamal Lowe was always on a high when he watched Swansea and now is starring for them

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      LITTLE did Jamal Lowe know as a starry-eyed kid tweeting about Swansea that he would one day be playing for them.
      When the rookie was 17 and turning out for Barnet Under-18s, the Swans had just won promotion to the Premier League.

      Jamal Lowe is now starring for Swansea years after falling in love with themCredit: Nigel Keene/ProSports

      And Lowe fell in love with the Welsh club for their swashbuckling style under first Brendan Rodgers and then Michael Laudrup.
      Now nine years later he is hoping to help shoot them back into the big-time.
      After Swansea lost 1-0 at home to Manchester United in 2011, Lowe enthusiastically tweeted: “Watching Match Of The Day. Well done Swansea, great passing side!”
      In another – after seeing them thump Fulham 3-0 at Craven Cottage – he gushed: “Swansea’s all orange kit is swag.”

      And he was bowled over when he was elevated into the Barnet Under-21s side and had the chance to take on the Welsh kids.
      First he tweeted, “I’m buzzin’ for trips like Swansea away this season” then, after losing 1-0 at The Hive, he wrote, “Swansea was a very good side.”
      So Lowe, now 26, jumped at the chance to move to the Liberty Stadium from Wigan during the summer.

      Jamal Lowe started tweeting about his love for Swansea when he was 17
      And he said: “I don’t know how they found those tweets from all those years ago … incredible.

      “I was a kid tweeting what I was seeing. I was watching Swansea and became inspired about the way they played.
      “Wayne Routledge and Nathan Dyer are still here from the time I started watching them while Andre Ayew and Kyle Naughton were big players for the club in the Premier League.
      “In my view, it was only Arsenal at the time who were playing that type of tippy-tappy football. They had been newly promoted to the Premier League and stuck to their philosophy all the way. It was just so slick and took everyone by surprise.
      “And, even today, it’s the way the club want to play. It’s ingrained into their DNA.”
      The second-placed Swans travel to Norwich in third for what is the Championship’s game of the day on Saturday.
      Victory could even take the Welsh club top if Reading lose at home to Stoke.
      Boss Steve Cooper’s credentials – like his predecessor Graham Potter – are rapidly rising. Having led England to winning the Under-17s World Cup in 2017, he guided the Swans to the play-offs last season but is hoping to go one better this time.

      Steve Cooper definitely can become a Premier League manager – and we’re all pushing to get him there as we all want to be at that level too.”

      And Lowe said: “What I love about Steve is his approachability. It’s a big thing compared to other managers who are daunting or hard to approach, especially when you need to have a tough conversation.
      “He’s told me his phone number is there if I need to call him or the door open if I need to see him. That’s a huge thing when you’re a new player and are welcomed into the club like that.
      “He definitely can become a Premier League manager – and we’re all pushing to get him there as we all want to be at that level too.”
      If Lowe reaches his dream of playing in the top division, he will have done it the hard way.
      The winger has played in six of the top seven tiers of English football.Having started out with Barnet, he has also had spells at Hayes & Yeading, Boreham Wood, Hitchin, St Albans, Farnborough, Hemel Hempstead, Hampton & Richmond, Portsmouth and Wigan.
      And he is proud of his non-league roots even if at the time he found it challenging – especially after his release from Barnet in 2015.
      He said: “It’s real-life football. The fouls you get in the Championship wouldn’t be given in National League South because it’s rougher.

      Jamal Lowe was on the books at Barnet and played in non-leagueCredit: Barnet FC
      “Non-league is a mixed bag – you get people like myself who want to become pros while there are others who are decent footballers content at that level and go out for a few beers on a Friday night.
      “Then you have the ones who just want to release all their anger on a Saturday. It was a case of dealing with all those things.
      “There are some players who don’t have the same aspirations or goals you have and it can be difficult because they can affect the outcome of the game. If someone doesn’t care as much about the game as you do, it affects the team.
      “It’s not their fault – and I don’t criticise them either – it’s just a factor you must deal with. You can’t hold it against people for wanting to live a normal life.
      “I had to go part-time and worked as a PE teacher and teams started to train in the morning and be more full-time – that was tough because it ruled out a lot of clubs. I could only play for teams that trained on a Tuesday and Thursday evening.
      “It was a very humbling way to progress because when you get to the higher levels like I am now you know how life is down the other side.

      QPR turned me down because they had this lad, Raheem Sterling, playing in my position who was pretty good. To be fair, he hasn’t done too badly since has he?”

      “Don’t get wrong, it would’ve been great to have turned pro at a top Premier League club at 18 and still be there.
      “But this has been a great journey and it’s one that can inspire others never to give up.”
      The irony is Lowe’s dream of being signed by a top academy was dashed by a player who has gone on to win the Premier League and play for England … Raheem Sterling.Lowe laughed: “QPR turned me down because they had this lad, Raheem Sterling, playing in my position who was pretty good. To be fair, he hasn’t done too badly since has he?”

      Jamal Lowe played for St Albans City as he progressed through non-leagueCredit: Jamal Lowe
      Lowe got snapped up by Portsmouth and helped them get promoted from League Two and then spent last season at Wigan, which ended in the heartbreak of relegation after the EFL docked them 12 points at the end of the season.
      He said: “It was one of the most unjust decisions. It was crazy how they told us they’d take the 12 points off our only if it put us into a relegation position but would apply it next season if it didn’t – what sort of decision is that?”
      But things are going great in the Valleys now and Swansea are most definitely looking the business.
      One of the star performers has been Ayew. The Ghana striker top scored last season with 18 goals and has five already this time around.
      It was a huge boost for fans that Swansea managed to keep their talisman.
      And Lowe said: “He’s the ultimate professional, he doesn’t mess about. His quality off the pitch is the thing that surprised me.
      “Everyone knows how good he is on the pitch – but the way he is around the group with some of the older boys and younger boys, he mixes with everyone.

      Andre Ayew celebrates his fifth Swansea goal of the season at Brentford Credit: Huw Jenkins Agency

      “On the field, he has just developed a know-how. He always manages to get in the right place at the right time. It’s massive. Even if it’s a deflection, it drops to him because he is there.
      “The man has done it in every league across Europe that he’s played in as well as for his country. He’s the one we all wants to learn from and turn to for inspiration.”
      Lowe is certainly motivated and driven to reach the top.
      He said: “It’s hard to imagine three-and-a-half years ago I was playing in the National League at Hampton & Richmond – and now I’m just one step away from the Premier League.”

      Lowe will rip out seats himself if fans let in

      JAMAL LOWE says he will personally get a screwdriver and rip out some seats if it means fans will be let safely back into stadiums.

      The Swansea ace cannot understand why supporters were not allowed back into grounds earlier and wants the government to ensure they are once the current lockdown is over.
      He said: “What confuses me is when I go home from a huge stadium with no fans, I switch on television and Strictly Come Dancing is on with a small audience in a studio.
      “It makes absolutely no sense. Football have the biggest arenas in the country, all outside, yet the government cannot allow a restricted number of supporters in. It’s baffling.
      “Club can easily take some of the seats out temporarily to ensure fans are at a safe social distance. You will get so many volunteers who will help with that – and I will be the first one out there, with many other players I am sure, with a screwdriver ripping them out if it means fans return to the games.” More