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      Watford close in on NINTH summer transfer signing with St Mirren’s James McGrath eyed ahead of Premier League return

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      WATFORD have an eye on St Mirren’s attacking midfielder James McGrath if they fail in their efforts to sign Lewis Ferguson.The Hornets have seen two bids of up to £2million for Ferguson rejected by Aberdeen – and now the Premier League club have to decide if they are willing to pay any more for the 21-year-old.
      Watford are keeping tabs on St Mirren’s attacking midfielder James McGrathCredit: Kenneth Ramsay
      The Hornets have already made eight signings so far this summer including Josh King
      Watford have also snapped up Peter Etebo on loan from Stoke City
      Danny Rose arrived on a free transfer from Tottenham
      It has led Watford to look at alternatives, and another player to catch their eye in the Scottish Premiership is St Mirren ace McGrath.
      The 24-year-old Irishman made a big impact last season scoring 17 goals from midfield, and is now about to enter the final year of his contract with the club.
      That means he would be available for a fraction of the cost of Ferguson, and Watford believe he could prove a useful addition to their squad on their return to the top flight.
      McGrath has already been targeted by Championship side Wigan this summer, who saw their £300,000 bid rejected.
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      Watford manager Xisco Munoz is also thought to be keen to raid Swansea in search of another midfield target.
      Football Insider claim the Spaniard has made an enquiry to the Welsh outfit over the possibility of sealing a switch for Matt Grimes.
      Yet Watford may need to fend off competition from both Brighton and Fulham for the £1.5million-rated 26-year-old.
      Munoz has clearly been keen to put his own mark on his squad ahead of their return to the Premier League.
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      SunSport previously reported that Watford saw a £15million bid for Blackburn striker Adam Armstrong turned down.
      Rovers owners Venky’s snubbed the move and also the chance to take forward Andre Gray on loan for a season as part of the deal.
      Watford had already bolstered their attack by snapping up Josh King on a free transfer from Everton earlier this month.
      Watford previously confirmed they’ve struck a deal to sign Emmanuel Dennis
      They swooped to sign Ashley Fletcher on a free transfer from Middlesbrough
      Rochdale winger Kwadwo Baah had Manchester CIty interested before joining Watford
      ✍️ We are delighted to confirm the signing of Imrân Louza for an undisclosed fee from FC Nantes!@_AFEX— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) June 1, 2021

      ✍️ We are pleased to confirm the signing of Mattie Pollock on a five-year deal!@_AFEX— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) May 27, 2021

      Watford confirm Danny Rose signing on free transfer More

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      MK Dons 1 Tottenham 3: Son, Dele and Lucas score in back-to-back pre-season games as Santo extends unbeaten run

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      DELE ALLI delivered a goal and an impressive display on his first return to MK Dons since leaving to join Tottenham.Alli has not played back at the MK Stadium since Spurs splashed out £5million to sign him as a raw teenager six years ago.
      Tottenham forward Son Heung-min broke the deadlock at Stadium MK in the 35th minuteCredit: Rex
      Spurs duo Son and Dele Alli have now scored in back-to-back pre-season matches
      But the England star was back at home – and more importantly back doing what he does best – as he did his chances of becoming a regular under Nuno Espirito Santo no harm with a fine display in the centre of midfield.
      Alli has struggled for form and confidence over the past few seasons, but after working hard on his fitness and condition over the summer he looks sharp and ready to hit the ground running.
      The 25-year-old provided plenty of flashes of quality in a creative role behind a pacy front three of Lucas Moura, Son Heung-min and Steven Bergwijn – who were too much for MK to handle.
      He looked happy to be trusted in the central role where he was able to play a key role for the side, unlike several displays last season when he was only on the fringes of the game.
      And he capped his good performance with the second goal, as Spurs continued their preparations for their tough opening day clash with champions Manchester City with a victory over their League One opposition.
      Son continued his own good form since returning from his summer break and signing a new long-term contract, opening the scoring in the first half before teeing Alli up for his strike.
      Moura added a third for Spurs before sub John Freeman pulled a goal back on 85 minutes for MK Dons.
      Dons had seen a fifth minute Matt O’Riley penalty saved by 22-year-old keeper Alfie Whiteman.
      Brazilian winger Lucas Moura scored the third for Spurs against the League One outfitCredit: PA
      Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo is unbeaten from his opening three matches in chargeCredit: Getty
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      Santo is now unbeaten in his first three games in charge following their 1-1 draw against Leyton Orient and 3-0 win against Colchester.
      And just like in the victory against Colchester, it was Son, Dele and Lucas all on the score sheet again.
      Attention will now turn towards the clash against London rivals Chelsea on August 4 in the Mind Series.
      Son Heung-min signs bumper new Tottenham contract until 2025 More

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      Ravel Morrison trains with Derby after Wayne Rooney hands ex-Man Utd team-mate career lifeline

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      RAVEL MORRISON trained with Derby today in his bid to find a new club.Rams boss Wayne Rooney is giving the former Manchester United playmaker a career lifeline by letting him train with them.
      Ravel Morrison trained with Derby in his bid to find a new clubCredit: Derby County FC
      Derby boss Wayne Rooney is giving him a career lifelineCredit: Derby County FC
      Morrison, 28, played at Manchester United when Rooney was in his prime but is currently without a club.
      The talented star is staying fit with the Rams and hoping to catch the eye as he plots his next move after years of moving clubs.
      Morrison was due to head to Mexico to sign for a top team after leaving Dutch side ADO Den Haag in January.
      Rooney has stepped in to take a look as he ponders his future.
      Derby are currently working under transfer restrictions and there would not be much money to offer Morrison, but it could yet work for all parties.
      The 28-year-old didn’t make a single league appearance at Old Trafford before leaving for West Ham.
      He also had spells at Lazio and Sheffield United, and loan stays at Birmingham, QPR, Cardiff and Middlesbrough.
      The former England youth prospect switched allegiances to represent Jamaica last year.
      But Morrison has been without a club since his deal with ADO Den Haag was mutually terminated in January.
      Ravel Morrison is currently without a club and keeping fit with DerbyCredit: Derby County FC
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      He recently revealed his love for Arsenal and how he wants to see the Gunners win the Premier League again.
      Morrison said on the Stratford Paddock podcast: “I’m a Gunner. I’m a Gunner.
      “I’m not a United fan. I would like United to come second in the league and Arsenal to win the league.
      “I would always want United to be the second team, never to go lower than that.
      “I will always appreciate Manchester United, but obviously, Arsenal would win the league.”
      Ravel Morrison reveals he used to steal boots from Man Utd dressing room to sell and feed his family More

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      Birmingham keeper Neil Etheridge, 31, posts update from hospital bed and says he’s ‘slowly on the mend’ from coronavirus

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      NEIL ETHERIDGE has revealed he is ‘slowly on the mend’ having been hospital-bound by Covid-19.The Birmingham City star, 31, was admitted earlier this week after contracting the deadly virus.
      Neil Etheridge posted an update to social mediaCredit: Instagram @neil38etheridge
      Etheridge had been back in pre-season training with the Blues before contracting the illness.
      The Filipino star has posted a picture of himself in his hospital bed on Instagram, connected to various tubes but with his thumbs up.
      He accompanied the image with the message: “Hi everyone.
      “I am feeling stronger today.
      “I will put a more detailed message out in due course but I just wanted to let everyone know I am slowly on the mend.
      “I am so overcome with the feeling of thanks that I don’t even know where to start.
      “I’ll put something out a little more detailed soon but all I can say for the time being is thank you.”
      Posting the picture on their Twitter account, Birmingham City wrote: “We’re right behind you, Ethers.”

      Blues technical director Craig Gardner said: “On behalf of the Board, the staff, the players and everyone connected to the Club, we’re all behind Neil and willing him on in his battle against Covid-19.
      “We’re in constant contact with his close family and will continue to support them in any way we can.
      “He’s in the best possible hands and we’re hopeful we can all welcome him home at the earliest opportunity.”
      Etheridge joined Birmingham from Cardiff City last year, making 43 appearances in his debut season at St Andrew’s.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Neil Etheridge played 43 times for Blues last seasonCredit: Getty
      Fans may have to show Premier League Covid passport to gain entry into stadiums this season More

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      Lincoln manager Michael Appleton, 45, diagnosed with testicular cancer and set for surgery before taking break from role

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      LINCOLN manager Michael Appleton revealed he has been diagnosed with testicular cancer and will have surgery. The 45-year-old also confirmed in an open letter that he will be taking a break from his managerial role at Sincil Bank to do so.
      Lincoln manager Michael Appleton revealed he has been diagnosed with testicular cancer and will have surgeryCredit: Rex
      Appleton told fans: “Although things are going well on and off the pitch at the club, I do have some news to share with you which means you’ll see and hear a bit less from me over the next couple of weeks.
      “A few weeks ago I was diagnosed with testicular cancer and will have the tumour removed this week.
      “There are some quite scary words in that sentence, but this is quite a routine operation and the indications are that I should be back up and on my feet in no time.
      “I do need to take a bit of a break, though, and after the surgery will be taking a couple of weeks to recover.”
      Appleton, who started his playing career at Manchester United, has been with Lincoln since 2019 and led them to fifth in League One last season, losing in the play-off final.
      The former midfielder will miss the start of pre-season but reassured fans he will be watching on TV.
      And Appleton will also be liaising with chief executive Liam Scully and director of football Jez George.
      He said: “Our transfer plans are all on track and won’t be affected – modern technology means there won’t be any escape from me for my colleagues and I’ll be able to watch videos from the games.

      “I will remain in close contact with Liam Scully and Jez George, and I’m looking forward to a bit of remote working to see what the fuss is all about!
      “I’m not the sort of person who goes into much detail about these things, but I wanted to make sure you were all aware so you knew why I have to sit out a few games.
      “There’s loads of advice out there about the early signs of cancer and what to look out for – if you have a lump or any other change please do get it checked out by a GP.”
      Lincoln were beaten 1-0 by Championship side Reading at the weekend, but have five more friendlies until they start their League One campaign against Gillingham on August 7.
      That includes travelling to newly-promoted Premier League outfit Norwich on July 20.
      Appleton started his statement by writing: “Hello Imps fans. I hope you’re all looking forward to the new season as much as I am.

      “We’ve enjoyed being back training at the Elite Performance Centre and there is a real belief and determination that we can build on last season.
      “Preparations are well underway, and we’ve had two good runouts at Reading and Nottingham Forest.
      “Don’t read anything into the scorelines, as they were really about building the players up towards match fitness after working them hard in training.
      “Our new arrivals Chris Maguire and Lewis Fiorini have really added to the squad.
      “I know Chris well having worked with him before, and he will bring good experience and knowhow for us – and will be a great example for our younger players to follow.
      “Lewis is really good signing for us with a wide range of passing in his armoury, and we’re confident of getting some other quality additions signed up soon.”
      Euro 2016 hero Eder brings out the trophy to put it on the plinth at Wembley More

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      Leyton Orient ban fan for three years following reports of racist abuse after England’s Euro 2020 final heartbreak

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      LEYTON ORIENT have banned a fan for racially abusing England players online after the penalty shoot-out defeat to Italy.Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford have been subjected to abuse from vile trolls after each missing a spot-kick.
      Gareth Southgate consoles Bukayo Saka after his penalty miss
      Jadon Sancho was also devastated after Gianluigi Donnarumma saved his attempt
      The FA has issued a statement to condemn the abusers but Orient have gone one step further by issuing a three-year ban to one individual.
      Orient explained they were made aware of the person’s comments on Twitter late on Sunday before quickly deciding to ban them.
      The club re-asserted their zero-tolerance approach to racial abuse and discrimination while declaring how proud they are of the club’s diverse history.
      It is a history that includes club icon Laurie Cunningham, the first black player to represent an England national team.
      However, Orient did decide to refund the supporter’s season ticket for the upcoming season.
      But the League Two side have acted following the words of condemnation from Gareth Southgate, Prince William and Boris Johnson.
      Southgate told a news conference this morning: “It’s just not what we stand for.
      “We have been a beacon of light in bringing people together in people being able to relate to the national team, and the national team stands for everybody, and so that togetherness has to continue.
      “We have shown the power our country has when it does come together and has that energy and positivity together.”

      Prince William added: “The Duke of Cambridge, who serves as president of The FA, tweeted: “I am sickened by the racist abuse aimed at England players after last night’s match.
      “It is totally unacceptable that players have to endure this abhorrent behaviour.
      “It must stop now and all those involved should be held accountable. W.”
      Boris also lamented the abuse, saying: “This England team deserve to be lauded as heroes, not racially abused on social media.
      “Those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed of themselves.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Marcus Rashford could not believe his penalty came back off the post
      Laurie Cunningham became the first black player to play for England, featuring for the Under-21s in 1977
      Gareth Southgate confirms he wants to lead England into 2022 World Cup but says ‘I never want to outstay my welcome’ More

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      Liverpool’s forgotten man Ben Davies set to leave after ZERO appearances despite £2m transfer from Preston in January

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      BEN DAVIES could be in line for an Anfield exit with Celtic reportedly keen on the Liverpool centre-back. And the former Preston North End player could end up leaving Merseyside without having played a single game for the Premier League giants. 
      Liverpool’s Ben Davies has attracted interest from Scottish giants CelticCredit: Reuters
      The Daily Mail claims the Scottish Prem runners-up came close to sealing a £2million agreement with the Cumbria-born ace in January.
      This was before their move was thwarted by a surprise bid from Jurgen Klopp’s side. 
      Preston accepted a £500,000 fee plus add-ons, rising to around £1.6m, for their star.
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      However, Davies appears to have fallen down the pecking order at Anfield with other players including Joel Matip, Fabinho and Nathaniel Williams starting. 
      And it is thought the player, 25, will be further away from a starting spot with Virgil van Dijk battling his way back from injury. 
      Davies, who signed for the Prem Champs on a long-term deal, played his most recent game back for his old side in January. 
      And that was a 1-0 loss to second-tier rivals Sheffield Wednesday 

      The Mail claims Liverpool would be keen on making a decent profit should they sell the former Deepdale player. 
      And it is reported Championship club Bournemouth and several English sides are interested in the centre-back. 
      It is thought Scott Parker’s side are seeking to bring the player to Dean Court on a one-term loan.
      And Danish champs Midtjylland are reportedly eyeing the player as a possible addition to their defensive ranks. 
      Davies is yet to make an appearance for Liverpool following his January 2021 moveCredit: PA

      The club’s new manager Ange Postecologou is thought to be eager to boost his squad ahead of their Champions League qualifier on July 20. 
      Davies began his career as a senior Preston player in 2013, made 145 appearances for the side across all competitions before leaving the club in January. 
      Should the former Championship ace remain at Liverpool reports claim he could still be seen as a back-up to Van Dijk should there be a delay to the Netherlands star’s recovery. 
      Khabib Nurmagomedov backs England to beat Italy in Euro 2020 final More

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      EFL set for a fierce transfer embargo crackdown on clubs to leave Wayne Rooney’s Derby and Sheff Wed on red alert

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      THE EFL are set for a fierce transfer embargo crackdown on clubs.And Wayne Rooney’s Derby and Sheffield Wednesday, the two sides which battled out a relegation decider on the last day of the season, are on red alert.
      Wayne Rooney is facing significant signing restrictions this summerCredit: PA

      Rams face NEW EFL punishments, despite winning the fight to stay in the Championship.
      Relegated Owls are also ‘under watch’ over late payments to players.
      As many as TEN other clubs could also be brought into line for Financial Fair Play issues as a hawkish group of chairmen push the EFL to throw their weight about.
      The Rams will be under severe signing restrictions in the summer transfer window.
      And that will hurt Rooney’s hopes of putting together a new squad.
      The Owls finally paid overdue wages but this will also affect their ability to sign new faces.
      Meanwhile, QPR have joined the hunt for Wednesday midfielder Josh Windass.
      And they are willing to double his wages.
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      Sheffield Wednesday’s Josh Windass is being chased by several clubs, including QPRCredit: Getty

      Rangers are rivalling Millwall and Birmingham in the transfer race.Wednesday are holding out for a staggering £5million fee.
      Windass, 27, and several other players had the option of cancelling their contracts in a row over unpaid salaries.
      However, that situation was finally sorted out last week.
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      Gareth Southgate piles praise onto players following Ukraine win More