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      Arsenal verdict: Nketiah gets revenge on Bielsa for snubs during Leeds loan but striker will never be a Gunners regular

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      EDDIE NKETIAH will have enjoyed wrapping up Arsenal’s win against Leeds in the Carabao Cup having struggled for game time when on loan at Elland Road.But you can’t escape the feeling that he is never going to be good enough to be a Gunners regular.
      Eddie Nketiah got revenge on Marcelo Bielsa but he will never be Arsenal’s first choice No 9Credit: Getty
      The forward performed perfectly well in the 2-0 win at the Emirates and capitalised on Liam Cooper’s awful back header to secure the Gunners’ passage to the last eight.
      He picked it up on the edge of Leeds’ box, scooped it over Illan Meslier – and nearly missed from two yards – but fortunately his scuffed finish trickled over the line on 69 minutes.
      For the remainder of the game the 22-year-old striker was full of energy and running if a little lacking in end product.
      Alexandre Lacazette looks set to leave at the end of the season when his contract is up and Nketiah’s expires at the same time.
      Opinion is split among Gooners as to whether it’s the right time for Lacazette to leave but one thing is for sure – Nketiah is nowhere near as good as the Frenchman.
      And it’s not unreasonable to suggest he never will be.

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      Arsenal will be loathe to shed all their forwards at the same time, but if Nketiah wants to be more than a squad rotation player surely a move is the best thing for his career.
      He may even leave sooner with reports suggesting Aston Villa, Brentford and, ironically, Leeds are eyeing January moves.
      Whatever the club and the boyhood Gunners fan decide to do, Nketiah will surely be secretly thrilled to have put Leeds – and particularly Bielsa – to the sword as one of his final acts in red.
      He moved to Elland Road on loan in August 2019 and was back at the Emirates just five months later.
      Nketiah played 19 times in all competitions for the Whites but played a full 90 minutes only once.
      In fact in all 17 of his Championship appearances, Bielsa only gave him more than 45 minutes on one occasion.
      He still managed five goals and one assist for Leeds but it was certainly a strange situation.
      Bielsa went on a bizarre rant about Nketiah after he had been recalled by Arsenal and seemed to suggest the youngster always knew his opportunities would be limited.
      If anything, the Argentine seemed to call for praise for benching Patrick Bamford when he did to allow the Gunners starlet some minutes.
      ‘THE TRANSFER OF EDDIE WAS A LIE’
      Bielsa said after the loan: “Nketiah arrived here because Leeds was the ideal place to grow, because it was me who was going to coach him.
      “I know who I am and I don’t believe those messages.
      “Everything around the transfer of Eddie was a lie, Nketiah came to play. In any way, he didn’t play and he left.
      “But even worse, because I, in two situations, I put Bamford on the bench and in two months he was with us, he wasn’t able to play.
      “One player in six months plays two matches, thinks he will arrive to one club and play is underestimating what Leeds is as a club, a team and an institution.
      “I think that Nketiah is going to be one of the best English players.
      “He was a starter twice, moving one player like Bamford, a great player and a day later he decides to leave the club.”
      A period of time to forget for Eddie.
      He spoke fondly of his time at Leeds in the programme on Tuesday but also revealed he keeps in regular contact with Joe Willock and Reiss Nelson.
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from The Emirates
      Both are promising youngsters who left the Emirates in order to further their careers – a move you think would also be prudent for Nketiah.
      And you sense that might be in his mind after he said: “When I was with England’s Under-21s, I’d talk to other players about where they play, what the environment is like because it’s good to get a feel for what it’s like at different clubs and in different countries.
      “You never know what will happen in football so it’s good to learn about other places and have an open mind. It’s good to have those experiences in life.”
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      Arsenal ratings: Leno keeps Ramsdale on his toes with excellent showing as Elneny struggles vs Leeds in Carabao Cup win

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      ARSENAL beat Leeds 2-0 at the Emirates to progress to the last eight of the Carabao Cup.Bernd Leno was solid between the sticks and showed competition for the No 1 spot is high, but Mohamed Elneny proved he is not the answer to Arsenal’s central midfield problem while Granit Xhaka is out injured.
      Bernd Leno was flawless as Arsenal beat Leeds in the Carabao CupCredit: EPA
      But Mohamed Elneny proved he is not the answer to Arsenal’s central midfield conundrum while Granit Xhaka is out injuredCredit: Reuters
      Arsenal were the better team in the early stages as Leeds took a while to wake up with the Gunners pressing high and looking most likely to score.
      But the visitors grew into it as the half wore on and forced a couple of decent saves out of the excellent Leno with Dan James and Jack Harrison coming the closest.
      The teams went in 0-0 at the break but Arsenal came out for the second-half re-invigorated and were ahead within 10 minutes of the restart.
      Andre Marriner needed his techno-watch to tell him Calum Chambers’ header had gone over the line just seconds after the defender had replaced the injured Ben White.
      And Eddie Nketiah scored against the team where he was hardly given a chance on loan to wrap up the win on 69 minutes.
      Here’s what SunSport’s William Pugh thought of the Gunners’ individual performances.

      Mikel Arteta was extremely animated on the sidelines as he roared at his team and the officialsCredit: AFP
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      BERND LENO – 9/10
      Stood up well to thwart Dan James as the former Manchester United star was played through over the top shortly before the 20 minute mark.
      Superb near-post save from Jack Harrison’s back-post volley on 26 minutes.
      Kept Arsenal in the game and proved he’s breathing down Ramsdale’s neck for the No 1 spot which can only be good for Mikel Arteta.
      Bernd Leno showed why he was Arsenal’s No 1 for so long with an excellent display between the sticksCredit: Reuters
      CEDRIC SOARES – 8
      Vital interception on the half-hour mark after Elneny’s poor touch set Leeds away on a dangerous looking attack.
      Came flying out the blocks in the second half and offered plenty going forward down the right flank.
      Booked for a cynical pull back on Stuart Dallas as Leeds broke on 58 minutes. Excellent display.
      ROB HOLDING (subbed off 76 mins)- 7
      Some encouraging ball carries out from the back worried Leeds and helped break through their midfield and pull players out of position.
      Also did what he had to when called upon at the back.
      BEN WHITE (subbed 55 mins) – 7
      Wasn’t called upon to defend until about quarter of an hour in but he stood up to the test as Leeds tried to break into the box down the right.
      Driving run out the heart of defence on 21 minutes saw Tyler Roberts tug him back and get booked.
      Solid performance until he went down injured and was subbed just before the hour mark.
      Ben White was playing well before he was forced off injured in the second-halfCredit: AFP
      SEAD KOLASINAC – 6
      His vicious shot at the near post 10 minutes in nearly squeezed through Meslier’s legs but it cannoned out for a corner.
      Earned his money and was solid at the back.
      MOHAMED ELNENY (subbed off 72 mins) – 5
      Couple of decisive interceptions on the rare occasion Leeds attacked in the early stages.
      But became sloppy in possession on a couple of occasions which allowed Leeds to break.
      Understandably subbed.
      AINSLEY MAITLAND-NILES – 7
      Marshalled well at the base of midfield and made some well-timed bursting runs forward to join attacks when called upon.
      Thwarted James as he broke down the right and Leeds threatened after 25 minutes.
      Showed he can do it in midfield.
      NICOLAS PEPE – 6
      Willing runner in the early stages.
      Looked set to be another average showing from the £72million man.
      But hovered at the back post to head the ball back into the six-yard box for Chambers to open the scoring.
      Nicolas Pepe had yet another underwhelming evening on the ball but did well to cushion the ball back for Chambers to make it 1-0Credit: Getty
      EMILE SMITH ROWE (subbed off 72 mins) – 5
      Quiet showing compared to some of his recent Man-of-the-Match performances.
      Should have done better with a chance from the edge of the box towards the end of the first half. The ball bounced of Pepe and into his path but he blazed it over with his left.
      Emile Smith Rowe blasted this effort over at the end of the first half when he should have troubled Illan MeslierCredit: AP
      GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6
      Arsenal fans were delighted to see the Brazilian included from the start and his early showing proved why.
      Pressed high and aggressively in the first half and looked dangerous when he got on the ball and tried to make things happen.
      Pathetic attempt to get Cody Drameh sent off after the right-back’s arm brushed his cheek towards the end of the first half. Went down clutching his face but it rightfully came to nothing.
      Lots of pace and promise but almost no end product.
      Gabriel Martinelli showed flashes of energy after Gunners fans were delighted to see back in the starting XICredit: Getty
      EDDIE NKETIAH – 7
      High energy start and got on the ball regularly as the home side put the pressure on early.
      Capitalised on Liam Cooper’s awful back header to scoop the ball over Meslier and just about tuck it over the line from two yards out on 69 minutes.
      Will have liked scoring against Leeds where he hardly got a chance when on loan there.
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from The Emirates
      Subs
      CALUM CHAMBERS (replaced White) – 8
      What an impact!
      He had barely been on for two minutes when he headed Pepe’s cushioned header over the line.
      Scored with his first touch.
      NUNO TAVARES (replaced Holding) – 6
      Not enough time to make a huge impact but solid when called upon.
      ALBERT SAMBI LOKONGA (replaced Elneny) – 6
      Helped see the game out well.
      ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE (replaced Smith Rowe) – 6
      Injected energy and should have done better with a right-footed effort he blazed over at the death.
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      Kepa kills talk of Chelsea transfer exit as keeper says ‘confidence is high’ as he eyes cup double as Blues back-up

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      KEPA ARRIZABALAGA said his ‘confidence is high again’ and wants a cup double as Chelsea’s No2. And despite being linked with a move away as he plays understudy to Edouard Mendy, the Spaniard admitted he feels ‘very good’ as Blues back-up.
      Chelsea stopper Kepa said his ‘confidence is high again’Credit: Rex
      Kepa, 27, said: “When you are in the same place for years, you feel confident. You feel like you are more at home, more comfortable.
      “I have been playing with the same guys for a couple of years and it’s good – I feel very good at this club right now.”
      Kepa signed for Chelsea in 2018 for a world record £71.6million but has endured a rocky road at Stamford Bridge.
      Last summer, Mendy, 29, was brought in for £22m for Rennes in France and soon established himself as No1.
      The bargain Senegalese stopper has kept seven clean sheets in 12 matches this season, conceding just five.
      It has kept Kepa sidelined and he is set to be reduced to playing only in cup competitions.

      But the former Athletic Bilbao stopper, who has won the Champions League and Europa League with Chelsea, has embraced his role.
      And with two runners-up medals after unsuccessful Carabao and FA Cup finals, he is looking to add the domestic trophies to his collection.
      Kepa said: “Look, I want this trophy because we’ve won the Europa League, the Champions League, and the Super Cup – all of them in Europe – but we lost in the Carabao Cup final and two FA Cup finals.
      “So we have these trophies in our minds, we want these trophies in our hands. We have to go step by step, do the right things, but of course we want to fight to win them.”
      Kepa has played just three times this season, all in different competitions, making appearances in the Carabao Cup, Super Cup and Premier League.
      I have been playing with the same guys for a couple of years and it’s good – I feel very good at this club right now.Kepa Arrizabalaga
      It has led to speculation he could look to leave the club, with Italian clubs Juventus and Lazio recently linked.
      But despite the cameo appearances so far – which has already seen two heroic shootout performances – Kepa insisted his confidence is sky high.
      He revealed: “I feel more relaxed in everything now. I feel everything is going in the right way, and confident.
      “I’ve felt my confidence is high again, and at Stamford Bridge we feel the support of our fans back again at the stadium.
      “So, step by step, we are going in the right direction.”
      Chelsea legend Didier Drogba lands World Health Organisation ambassador job to promote sports for children More

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      Bournemouth stars pay emotional tribute to David Brooks after his cancer diagnosis during win at Bristol City

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      BOURNEMOUTH’S stars paid an emotional tribute to David Brooks during Saturday’s win at Bristol City.The Welsh midfielder, 24, announced on Wednesday he had been diagnosed with cancer.
      Jamal Lowe held up a ‘Brooks 7′ shirt after scoring at Bristol CityCredit: Getty
      Bournemouth and Wales star David Brooks was diagnosed with cancer this weekCredit: Rex
      And in their first game since the shock news, the Cherries players remembered their stricken team-mate.
      Scott Parker’s men came out for the warm-up at Ashton Gate wearing black t-shirts with a message printed on the front and Brooks’ No7 on the back.
      The tops said: “Together as one, stay strong Brooksy.”
      Then when Jamal Lowe opened the scoring on 21 minutes, the team celebrated by gathering together and holding up a ‘Brooks 7’ green away shirt.
      Bournemouth tweeted a picture of the moment, which Brooks shared with love heart and cherry emojis.
      All four stands at the home of the Robins applauded the touching gesture.

      And fans from both teams continued to show their support with chants and banners having previously risen as one on the seventh minute to honour the 21-cap Dragon.
      Jordan Zemura added a second on the stroke of half-time as it finished 2-0 with the Cherries top of the Championship table.
      Goalscorer Lowe, who initially could not find the shirt, said: “That was arranged before the game, it was just trying to find it. It took me a while to find the shirt!
      “But we found it and obviously everyone’s thoughts and prayers are with Brooksy now.
      “Obviously everyone is in contact with him wishing him well, but at the same time we have got to respect his privacy, he’s obviously going through a tough time but he knows he’s got people around him.
      “It has been a tough week but to bring some positivity to the club at the minute is great, all the fans that turned up today were very vocal, outsung the home support.
      “To be fair I think on the seventh minute as well so fair play to the Bristol City fans.
      That performance was for BrooksyScott Parker
      “I think Brooksy deserves that to be fair and the Bristol fans did it well so good shout to them.
      “Ordinarily they might have booed celebrating in front of them but you can’t boo that can you?”
      Parker added: “No matter what team you support or colours you wear football has a knack of uniting people in difficult moments.
      “Big respect to Brooksy from the Bristol City fans and that was nice, that performance was for him and I know it’s cliché but he’s a loved and liked boy in this team and in that performance today the boys showed exactly what he means to us as a team.
      “Again, like I say, you score against an opposition team and that was touching really to clap and cheer that. We’re right behind Brooksy.”
      Brooks was told he had stage two Hodgkin Lymphoma but vowed to make a full recovery.
      The former Manchester City youngster underwent tests after complaining of fatigue while training with his country last Tuesday before pulling out of the squad for the World Cup qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Estonia.
      And he praised the Wales medical team’s swift action which led to the quick detection of the illness.
      Players warmed up for the match in special t-shirtsCredit: Getty
      The Cherries supporters made their love for Brooks knownCredit: Getty
      Both sets of fans applauded the Welshman in the seventh minuteCredit: Getty
      One fan made a special placard for BrooksCredit: Getty
      Bournemouth star David Brooks diagnosed with cancer and wants to ‘make a full recovery and be back playing’ More

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      ‘Our community and Millwall have lots in common’ – meet Lions’ LGBT team breaking down barriers in English football

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      THERE are some new men at the New Den.And Millwall’s first LGBT team became so popular they have had to set up a second.
      Striker John Goodyear and general manager Paul Loding have opened up about Millwall Romans’ positive impactCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Millwall Romans, the club’s LGBT side, turn out in the London Unity LeagueCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Millwall Romans play in the London Unity League and striker John Goodyear said: “There are similarities between the LGBT community and Millwall. We are both often persecuted unfairly by outsiders.
      “And while the club’s fans sing No One Likes Us, We Don’t Care, we are more Some People Don’t Like Us, They Don’t Understand.
      “But we are hoping, with Millwall’s help, we can break down barriers and more people from the LGBT community can enjoy football.”
      The Romans were formed as the London Romans in 2006 and played in north London before being incorporated by Millwall’s Community Trust and moving south of the river last year.
      General manager Paul Loding said: “When I spoke with Sean Daly of the Millwall Community Trust, he told us he wanted the Romans to feel part of the Millwall family — and we really do.
      “Before we came here we were flatlining, just an average Sunday league team playing on crappy pitches which cost a lot of money.

      “Within a year we have now two teams playing on a Sunday, on a better home pitch with better facilities.
      “One of our players even took part in Millwall’s official kit launch in the summer.”
      The Lions have kitted out the Romans in official club kit and tracksuits.
      Bisexual Goodyear said: “It’s strange walking to training and matches and having people driving past shout out at us ‘Millwall’.
      “Builders and workmen who possibly wouldn’t back an LGBT team are now shouting out their support to us, even if they might not know it.”
      Romans drew 1-1 with neighbours Charlton in a league clash two weeks ago.
      Loding said: “I think if you came along to our matches you wouldn’t  necessarily be able to see they were two LGBT teams.
      We don’t give out any homophobic abuse — although you will still hear plenty of people being called ‘w*****s’, ‘p****s’ and ‘d***headsPaul Loding
      “The football is as aggressive as you will see in any park in the country on a Sunday morning and so is the language.
      “We just don’t give out any homophobic abuse — although you will still hear plenty of people being called ‘w*****s’, ‘p****s’ and ‘d***heads’.”
      While the Unity League is thriving, the English professional game is still awaiting its first openly gay player.
      Sadly, Loding, 38, believes that is something which is still a decade off happening — after the torment he went through when coming out to his family and friends.
      He said: “I met my now-husband Gareth when I was 21 but I grew up in a very straight world.
      “It took me three years to come out to friends individually and I hid him from my parents until I was 28. I told them he was a girl named Gemma.
      “The players all take the mick now because my mum, bless her, kept asking when she was going to meet her and at Christmas she would send Gareth gifts of bras and knickers sets.
      Millwall Romans were incorporated by the Lions’ Community trust last yearCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      “We are laughing about it now. At the time it was enormous pressure.
      “Coming out is a very personal thing. While I am old enough now to ignore any homophobic abuse, a negative remark when you are younger could set you back years.
      “A player coming out in the Premier League or EFL would be good for the LGBT community and for football but I don’t think the game is ready for it yet.
      “It would be too big a thing for a gay player to run out on an away team and take stick from home fans because he would get so much abuse.
      “There are gay players in the game but they haven’t come out because they know it would be so much to take on. Probably too much at this moment in time.
      “It will be the natural progression but I don’t see it happening for another ten years.”
      Benik Afobe signs for Millwall as ex-Arsenal starlet makes 15TH transfer of career More

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      Up to QUARTER of EFL players have NO intention of getting Covid vaccine with fears season could be disrupted by outbreak

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      A QUARTER of players in the Football League are reportedly snubbing Covid-19 injections, despite the Government advising them not to do so.The news comes as the latest figures show the percentages of double-jabbed EFL footballers has risen from roughly 18 per cent to 49 per cent. 
      This month it has been reported that roughly 75 per cent of EFL players have been vaccinatedCredit: Rex
      However, the number of those who have been inoculated or intend to get injections has increased by JUST five per cent over the past month, according to the Mail on Sunday. 
      And this information comes in the same month as SunSport exclusively revealing at least five England players are refusing to get vaccinated. 
      It is thought the resistance of the unnamed Three Lions aces has thrown the national team’s World Cup qualification plans into disarray. 
      The Mail on Sunday says a source has informed them that ‘approximately 75 per cent’ of EFL players this month are fully vaccinated, have had one jab or intend to be vaccinated.
      It is thought some players are refusing to get injected due to their young age, fitness levels and the belief they are less likely to get the virus. 
      It is also reported that fears relating to stories of individuals experiencing heart inflammations after being vaccinated are influencing some players’ decisions. 

      This is despite there being limited medical evidence to back up this argument. 
      The latest statistics have come to light despite Football League chiefs ramping up efforts to smash conspiracies and myths concerning vaccine safety. 
      It has even been speculated some players believe Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest at Euro 2020 was Covid jab-related despite there being no scientific proof of this.
      The EFL has been working on teaching players about the pros of coronavirus jabs for individuals and wider society. 
      There’s no doubt the vaccination programme is our best route out of this problemGareth Southgate
      Their efforts include educational leaflets and posters being circulated with the aim of them being shown at club grounds and stadiums. 
      It is thought league officials are also collaborating with the National Health Service to boost the number of mobile vaccination centre visits to clubs. 
      The Mail on Sunday’s source added: “Vaccinations will preserve the integrity of our competitions and we’re continuing to educate players and staff.”
      The Goverment’s chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van Tam recorded a video with EFL and Prem chiefs in a bid to discredit conspiracy theories. 
      Professor Van Tam has featured in a Government video circulated to professional players in a bid to debunk Covid jab conspiracy theoriesCredit: PA
      It is claimed the footage has been circulated within footballers’ WhatsApp groups. 
      And it is hoped see players getting Covid vaccines will encourage more individuals in the wider population, particularly young people, to get jabbed. 
      Last week just 55 per cent of 16 to 18-year-olds were reported to have had at least a single dose of the vaccine. 
      This is despite jabs being provided for this age group since August. 
      Gareth Southgate revealed he ‘received abuse’ following his involvement in a Covid-19 vaccination campaignCredit: Getty
      In July England boss Gareth Southgate front a vaccination campaign. 
      In a video message, Southgate said:  “There’s no doubt the vaccination programme is our best route out of this problem.”
      The Three Lions chief, who was keen to lend the camp his support, later revealed: “Of all the things I’ve received abuse for over the summer — of which there’s been several — that’s the one I’ve received the most abuse over.”

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      England’s World Cup hopes thrown into disarray after it emerges at least five players are refusing to be vaccinated More

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      Wayne Rooney’s Derby and EFL at war over 12-point administration deduction as TWO parties line up £25m takeover bid

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      WAYNE ROONEY’S Derby County and the EFL are at war in a fight over a 12-point penalty for going into administration.The Rams are lodging an appeal against the fixed amount that is normally handed out for the ‘offence’ of taking this drastic financial step.
      Wayne Rooney’s Derby have been deducted 12 points for going into administrationCredit: Rex
      Owner Mel Morris says the financial troubles Derby find themselves in are due to the Covid pandemicCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The defence will centre on former owner Mel Morris’ claim their troubles were caused by Covid hitting their gate money.
      And now the EFL are demanding that Derby show them their books for the last SIX YEARS to see if they have a case.
      The appeal, which will cost the administrators around £300,000 in legal fees, will rock football as Derby bid to get the amount of points deducted reduced to six — HALF the standard penalty.
      Only a year ago Wigan tried the same argument, and lost out, with the ‘automatic’ 12 points taken off and costing them relegation.
      If Derby are successful it could allow other clubs to go down the route of administration for Covid reasons if they are only to be hit with six points off their totals.
      Championship Derby are also facing a penalty from the EFL for Financial Fair Play breaches.

      They are likely to lose nine points with a further three suspended.
      County hope there is a chance of survival if their appeal is successful and the admin penalty plus the FFP charges mean they ‘only’ lose 15 points.
      The news comes as TWO leading football figures are in the race to take over at Derby.
      The chance to rescue the Rams from administration in a deal worth around a basic £25million is catching the attention of a few with connections to rival clubs.
      Former Ipswich owner Marcus Evans has shown a firm interest.
      Multi-millionaire Evans sold Town after 14 years in charge and has the cash to do the deal — with feelers already being put out.
      Evans would have no problem passing the EFL tests after his lengthy spell at the Tractor Boys.
      Burton chief executive Jez Moxey is being strongly linked with a big consortium including local and American cash.
      Moxey has previous experience at Wolves too and could be tempted to change club if the group put in the biggest bid.
      There is also interest from a British businessman based abroad who has previous sports clubs and financial groups in America and Switzerland.

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      American-based Scot William Binnie’s two sons and their Carlisle Capital are also serious players.
      The administrators hope to do a deal for the club AND include the stadium.
      Morris would need to accept an offer at a reasonable price on top of the sale of the club. More

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      Ex-Crystal Palace star Bakary Sako on verge of free transfer to secret Championship club having not played in 15 MONTHS

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      BAKARY SAKO is looking to make a comeback in England — with a Championship team set to bring in the experienced forward this week.Former Crystal Palace and Wolves striker Sako is a free agent after a spell in Cyprus and has been in contact with clubs about a return.
      Former Crystal Palace star Bakary Sako has not played since featuring for Cypriot side Pafos last yearCredit: Getty
      The destination of the France-born attacker, 33, is being kept secret but the interested outfit want to see him train before deciding on a deal.
      Sako has not played for more than a year since he left Cypriot side Pafos in 2020.
      He enjoyed two spells with Palace, the first of which came between 2015 and 2018 when he joined from Wolves.
      Sako played 50 times and scored eight goals before leaving for West Brom.
      He only spent four months at The Hawthorns before returning to Palace in 2019.
      He then featured another four times for Palace before leaving for Cyprus.

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      But after just six games for Pafos he became a free agent in 2020 and has been unable to find a club ever since.
      Meanwhile, Palace playmaker Ebere Eze is ahead of schedule in his recovery from an Achilles injury.
      There were initial fears the 23-year-old would be out until the new year after sustaining the problem in training at the back end of last season.
      But he is back running and doing ball work already – as he revealed himself in an online clip on Tuesday to the delight of fans. More