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    Derby to put huge fee on wonderkid Jason Knight, 21, to ward off interest from German giants Werder Bremen

    DERBY COUNTY plan to slap a huge fee on Jason Knight with German side Werder Bremen taking an interest.The midfielder, 21, is one of County’s top stars.
    Derby are desperate not to lose Jason Knight on the cheap as German giants Werder Bremen circleCredit: Getty
    And the recently relegated Rams are fuming at suggestions he could go for cheap or even nothing.
    Bremen just signed Rams left-back Lee Buchanan, 21, on a free and now want Irish ace Knight.
    Derby will only listen to large offers even though the player is entering the last year of his contract.
    Knight has been capped 15 times by the Republic of Ireland.
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    And at club level Knight is one of the club’s most important players.
    He played 38 times for the Rams last season, scoring two goals and providing three assists.
    Recently relegated Derby have been active in the transfer market since lifelong fan David Clowes stepped in to save the club.
    Seven players have been brought in, with six arriving on free transfers.
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    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    The League One pulled off a hat-trick of ambitious signings in midweek.
    Former Premier League trio Conor Hourihane, David McGoldrick and James Chester all committed themselves to the revolution under the new owners. More

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    Derby continue work without Wayne Rooney after sealing Hourihane, McGoldrick and Chester hat-trick of transfers

    DERBY COUNTY have made a massive statement of intent after pulling off a hat-trick of ambitious signings.Former Premier League trio Conor Hourihane, David McGoldrick and James Chester have all committed themselves to the Rams’ revolution under new owners Clowes Developments.
    Former Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane got a taste for the Rams after sharing a family meal with their interim boss Liam RoseniorCredit: Rex
    Wales defender James Chester has joined from stoke on a one-year dealCredit: Rex
    Ex-Nottingham Forest attacker Eddie McGoldrick has joined fierce rivals Derby as they are a ‘massive club’ with a ‘massive project’Credit: Rex
    Despite having to comply with strict EFL rules over transfers, interim boss Liam Rosenior has managed to lift supporters’ spirits with his ambitious triple swoop following Wayne Rooney’s resignation as boss.
    Hourihane and Chester have both won 35 caps for the Republic of Ireland and Wales respectively while McGoldrick represented the Republic of Ireland 14 times.
    McGoldrick, 34, has scored 125 in more than 500 senior games and had no hesitation signing for the Rams despite previously playing for bitter rivals Nottingham Forest.
    The vastly experienced striker said: “It’s a massive club with a big pull and I wanted to be part of this massive project.
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    “I’m a Nottingham boy so I know the history and I know the rivalry they have with Nottingham Forest.
    “I’m a Notts County fan myself but I have watched many big names players here over the years, such as Paulo Wanchope and Fabrizio Ravanelli, so I know the great strikers that have already played here.
    “I still feel as hungry and ambitious as ever and I know I can still play at the top level. There were other offers which were probably more lucrative but I just felt this was a big pull and perfect for me.”
    His Republic of Ireland teammate Hourihane also had a huge appetite to join the Rams – after bumping into Rosenior while enjoying a family meal.
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    The former Aston Villa midfielder signed a two-year-deal, after a successful loan at Barnsley and said: “I was out for lunch in a restaurant with my wife and two kids and Liam just happened to be in there – perhaps it was a little bit of fate.
    “We got talking for 5 or 10 minutes after my kids ran up to his table and caused a bit of noise.
    “Lo and behold six weeks later here I am.
    “I’m obsessed with football and what the club did last year was fantastic. I know it’s not been easy but we leave that behind now and it’s full steam ahead.”
    ‘I CAN PLAY HIGHER’
    Wales defender Chester signed a one-year contract after leaving Stoke City, where he took his total league appearances to more than 400.
    He said: “The club being in League One wasn’t really something that crossed my mind. 
    “I still believe I can play higher but the pull of everything I mentioned and playing at such a nice stadium every other week far outweighed anything else.
    “The squad last year formed a real bond with the fanbase last season and it’s important for us as a new squad to maintain that and hopefully give them something to look forward to.
    “Conor Hourihane as well, he’s someone I know really well and I was at his wedding less than two weeks ago, so I’m excited to be reuniting with him also.” More

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    Liverpool starlet Owen Beck set for loan to Portuguese side Famalicao with League One sides set to miss out on left-back

    LIVERPOOL’S promising left-back Owen Beck is a loan target for Portuguese top-flight club Famalicao.The Reds reckon the 19-year-old will be a starter in time and the chance to play abroad is seen as a positive.
    Owen Beck (left) looks set to depart Liverpool on loan to Portuguese side FamalicaoCredit: Getty
    Wales youth international Beck featured twice for the Reds’ first team last seasonCredit: AFP
    Several League One clubs are interested but it is felt Famalicao is an ideal home.
    Beck featured twice in Jurgen Klopp’s first team last season in the Carabao Cup.
    He came on a late substitute in the wins against Preston and Leicester.
    The Wales youth international was also an unused substitute in three Premier League matches.
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}GET YOUR GOSS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Salah had Chelsea lined up before Liverpool deal EXCLUSIVE – transfers live
    In 20 Premier League 2 appearances during the 2021-22 campaign, Beck chipped in with one goal and three assists.
    He was also a key player in Liverpool’s run to the Uefa Youth League quarter-finals where he featured in six matches.
    With four years left to run on his contract at Anfield, Liverpool are keen for him to gain valuable first team experience.
    Beck has already revealed how he is looking to emulate Andy Robertson, who he labelled as the best left-back in world football.
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    Speaking to Liverpool’s website, he said: “I watch him and try to pick bits of his game I can try to add to my game.
    “In my opinion, he is the best left-back in the world at the minute.
    “So it’s great to have him in front of me and getting the chance to train with him.”
    As well as Beck, it is understood that fellow youngsters Rhys Williams, Sepp van den Berg and Leighton Clarkson could be set for another loan spell.
    The trio spent last term on loan at Swansea, Preston and Blackburn respectively. More

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    Nottingham Forest ready to steal Lewis O’Brien from Huddersfield in £10m transfer after beating them in play-off final

    NOTTINGHAM  FOREST are ready to step in with a £10million bid for Huddersfield midfield dynamo Lewis O’Brien.Steve Cooper’s Premier League new-boys have already teed up a move for Terriers left wing-back Harry Toffolo, 26, and now they are after the hard-running O’Brien.
    Lewis O’Brien is in demand this summerCredit: Getty
    Huddersfield will sell as O’Brien, 23, wants top-flight football and ironically lost to Forest in the play-off final.
    O’Brien has been a long-term target for Leeds but they are exploring more expensive options in this transfer window.
    Jesse Marsch’s side are set to sell Kalvin Phillips to Manchester City in a £45million transfer.
    The England ace has already completed his medical with the reigning Prem champions.
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Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More on 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}GET YOUR GOSS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Salah had Chelsea lined up before Liverpool deal EXCLUSIVE – transfers live
    Leeds have responded by signing Marc Roca from Bayern Munich.
    While they are also interested in RB Leipzig’s US international Tyler Adams.
    Forest, meanwhile, have gotten their summer off to an exciting start.
    Taiwo Awoniyi has arrived from Union Berlin for a club-record fee.
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    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    And yesterday they announced the loan signing of England international Dean Henderson from Manchester United.
    Winger Brennan Johnson has been linked with a number of moves away from the City Ground.
    But he has snubbed interest to stay at Forest, penning a new four-year deal on Friday. More

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    Lee Bowyer sacked by Birmingham leaving club in crisis with just 12 players and no assistant just weeks before season

    LEE BOWYER has been sacked by Birmingham City with the club set to replace him with ex-QPR assistant manager John Eustace.Bowyer has been “waiting for the sack” according to pals and the split is coming as the squad prepare for the new season.
    Bowyer leaves St Andrews after 16 months in charge of the Championship outfitCredit: PA
    Blues have been involved in takeover talks and Bowyer was unhappy with his position after learning there were limited funds – and the potential owners wanted a new man.
    Bowyer is due money as a settlement and it is dropping as he enters a new campaign. However, this six-figure sum will have to be settled.
    The former Leeds United midfield took over from Aitor Karanka in March 2021.
    Last season he led Birmingham to 20th in the Championship in his first full term in charge.
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    A club statement reads: “Birmingham City has today parted company with head coach Lee Bowyer.
    “The Board of Directors believe this to be the necessary course of action and have acted swiftly ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
    “Despite a promising start to the campaign, results fell below expectations as the season progressed and the Board feel that a change in management is in the best interests of the Football Club at this pivotal stage.
    “The Board would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Lee for all of his efforts during his time at the Club.
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    “As a player and as a Head Coach, Lee’s commitment and dedication was never in question and we will always be thankful for his contribution both on the pitch and in the dugout.
    “He will always be welcomed back to St. Andrew’s.
    “Along with his departure, Goalkeeper Coach, Andy Marshall, has also left the Football Club. We thank Andy for his efforts and wish him every success moving forward.
    “A replacement Head Coach and support staff will be confirmed in due course.”
    The club has been mired in off-the-pitch issues in recent weeks as a controversial takeover continues to take place.
    Prospective new owner Laurence Bassini has spoken openly about finding a different manager while Bowyer was still in place.
    Ex-Watford owner Bassini reportedly wanted Mark Warburton to take over, but the former QPR manager has since joined the coaching staff at West Ham.
    On the pitch and Birmingham has lost both staff and key players, leaving them with just 12 first-teamers ahead of the season.
    Bowyer’s assistant Mark Kennedy has left to join Lincoln City, leaving the boss without a No.2 ahead of pre-season.
    Important players from last season Kristian Pedersen and Jeremie Bela have already left, while loan players Lyle Taylor, Teden Mengi, Onel Hernandez and Matija Sarkic have returned to their parent clubs.
    Birmingham’s first game of the season is at the end of the month at Luton on July 30. More

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    Martyn Forrest dead at 43: Tributes paid to ex-Bury captain 14 years after he collapsed on pitch with brain tumour

    FORMER Bury captain Martyn Forrest has died aged 43, the Shakers have confirmed.The ex-midfielder collapsed during a match 14 years ago, subsequently being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
    Martyn Forrest, right, challenges Marco GabbiadiniCredit: Getty
    Forrest underwent a number of treatments since the incident took place in 2008 during a match at Radcliffe Borough.
    Paying tribute to Forrest, wife Lisa said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I write this message to let you know Martyn has passed away.
    “He was an amazing husband and a fantastic dad. We will miss you so so much.
    “Not many people are aware that when Martyn collapsed on the pitch at Radcliffe Borough back in 2008 he was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}’MAGICAL MOMENTS’ .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Sir Alex Ferguson sent Harry Maguire personally recorded wedding video
    “After undergoing brain surgery 3 times, radiotherapy and chemotherapy we were given the unfortunate news in March 2022 that the treatment was no longer working.
    “After a few months of suffering he is now at his resting place where he can look down on his two boys and see them grow up into amazing men.
    “I cannot say how much his fun loving personality is going to be missed by so many people. Rest in peace my wonderful husband.”
    Bury wrote on Twitter: “ONCE A SHAKER ALWAYS A SHAKER.
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    “We are saddened to hear the news of former captain Martyn Forrest’s passing.
    “He showed bravery on and off the pitch and will be remembered fondly. We send our thoughts to his friends and family.”
    Fans also paid tribute to Forrest, with one writing: “An absolute legend and friend. The life and soul of every party. When I think of you I smile. You will be sadly missed. Keep them laughing up there pal.”
    A second wrote: “A proper good lad. Will be sorely missed no doubt about that. Left his mark on a lot of people with memories never to be forgotten. Thinking of his family at this time.”
    Another added: “It’s already all been said everywhere, but a great human being who all my family will miss greatly. So many funny memories from the past 25 years.” More

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    Nottingham Forest, Fulham and Bournemouth in huge £100m-plus boost as Premier League confirm parachute payments

    PROMOTED trio Fulham, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest have been given a near-£100m boost.Premier League chiefs confirmed they can bank on receiving massive parachute payments even if they go down.
    Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic lifts the 2021/22 Championship league titleCredit: PA
    EFL chief Parry wants to change the way money is distributed in the EFLCredit: PA
    EFL chairman Rick Parry is arguing strongly for the payments to be ended, claiming they artificially warp competition in the Championship and fuel unsustainable spending sprees.
    But the three clubs were given assurances at this month’s Prem AGM in Harrogate that even if changes to the financial distribution model are agreed in ongoing talks, they will not affect current top flight outfits.
    And that means even if they go down the three new boys can be assured of picking up at least £106m in TV income in the 2022-23 season and a further £99m over the next two years.
    Under the present regime, relegated clubs are given 55 per cent of the “equal share” to all 20 Prem clubs.
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    This accounts for both domestic and international deals, with 45 per cent of this also available in the second season after the drop.
    Prem chiefs have consistently argued the financial certainty the payments provide gives promoted sides the confidence to spend and improve their squads for the top flight and give them a better chance of survival.
    While the current domestic TV deals, worth £17bn per year, will remain unchanged as it rolls-over, the international segment will rise by 30 per cent, to £1.8bn per season, over the next three years.
    It means the equal share, before merit money and TV appearances are taken into account, will be worth £98.9m for each of the 20 clubs.
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    That adds up to Forest’s play-off win over Huddersfield having been worth a staggering £204m to the City Ground outfit and potentially even more.
    And the newly promoted sides are busy in the market already this summer, with Nottingham Forest looking set to sign Dean Henderson on loan and Fulham eyeing a move for Everton flop Moise Kean.
    Newly-promoted Bournemouth are also set to add West Ham ace Ryan Fredericks to their ranks after his contract with The Hammers expired. More

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    Wayne Rooney faces awkward Jamie Vardy reunion after Wagatha Christie trial with Derby to face Leicester in pre-season

    WAYNE ROONEY faces an awkward reunion with Jamie Vardy when Derby host Leicester in a pre-season friendly. The former England team-mates were pitted on opposite sides during the Wagatha Christie trial involving their respective wives.
    Jamie Vardy would no doubt relish the chance to face Wayne Rooney’s DerbyCredit: Getty
    The ex-England skipper will take charge of the Rams in League One this termCredit: Getty
    The ex-Manchester United captain claimed during the hearings that he had sat down with the Leicester legend during Euro 2016 to try and get Rebekah to “calm down”.
    He said: “They asked me, as captain, would I be able to speak to Mr Vardy on issues regarding his wife.
    “It was an awkward situation for me and I’m sure it was an awkward situation for Mr Vardy, but I felt it was in the best interests of the team.”
    But Vardy denied the conversation even took place.
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    In a statement outside the High Court, he said: “Wayne is talking nonsense.
    “He must be confused because he never spoke to me about issues concerning Becky’s media work at Euro 2016.
    “There was nothing to speak about, I know this because I discuss everything with Becky.”
    And as Coleen and Rebekah have battled it out in court, Wayne and Jamie will be making preparations for their own trial at Pride Park.
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    The East Midlands rivals are due to face off on Saturday, July 23.
    That is despite Rooney’s Rams only having seven contracted players – and the Foxes also playing at Preston on the same day.
    Crisis-club Derby were relegated from the Championship last season amid their financial woes, dropping into the third tier for the first time since 1986.
    So the visit from the Premier League Foxes will come as a much-needed boost to the coffers.
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    But just ten minutes after full-time at Derby, Leicester will kick off again – 108 miles north at Deepdale.
    Brendan Rodgers intends to split his first-team squad between both games, as he has done during previous pre-seasons to bump up his players’ game time.
    And so that could mean the manager avoids the showdown entirely by shipping his No9 off to Lancashire instead.
    Leicester get their new Prem campaign underway on Sunday, August 7 at home to Brentford – with the game pushed back to avoid clashing with the city’s Caribbean Carnival.
    Rooney accompanied his wife Coleen to the High CourtCredit: The Mega Agency
    The Wagatha Christie trial put the two footballers against each otherCredit: Splash
    They were Three Lions team-mates at Euro 2016Credit: Reuters More