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    League One leaders Stockport County face battle to keep first-team coach… after he is approached by REAL MADRID

    STOCKPORT COUNTY coach Andy Mangan could be making a sensational switch to Real Madrid.Mangan, 37, is being lined up by the Spanish giants to be a part of Carlo Ancelotti’s team.Andy Mangan is being eyed by Real MadridCredit: RexMangan is being considered to come in as part of Carlo Ancelotti’s staffCredit: EPAMangan is currently working on Dave Challinor’s coaching staff at Stockport County and has helped the Hatters win all three of their opening games in League One this season.And now he could be swapping the gloomy north of England for sunny Spain.Mangan has connections with the club thanks to a coaching course he took alongside Ancelotti’s son Davide.Davide is Real’s assistant manager and has been by his dad’s side in the Spanish capital since 2021.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMangan moved into coaching in 2018 and held roles alongside pal Joey Barton at Fleetwood and Bristol Rovers before his time with Stockport.Prior to his foray into coaching, Mangan had a lengthy career in the lower leagues – dotting around a number of clubs.The Englishman retired in 2019 after 15-years playing as a centre-forward for the likes of Accrington, Wrexham, Forest Green Rovers and Tranmere.Following his two-year spell as assistant manager with Bristol Rovers, Mangan was even given a chance to take over as caretaker boss.Most read in FootballMangan took a coaching course with Ancelotti’s son and Real Madrid assistant manager DavideCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJoey Barton was sacked in October 2023, giving Mangan the job on a temporary basis until the club appointed Matt Taylor.Mangan took charge of seven games for the Pirates, winning four, drawing twice and losing once.How Carlo Ancelotti tricked Cristiano Ronaldo into changing positions at Real Madrid as boss reinvented Portugal legend More

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    Jude Bellingham prowls around like Batman villain Bane during training in high-tech oxygen mask

    JUDE Bellingham prowls around like Batman villain Bane during training.The England star, 21, was put through his paces yesterday by Real Madrid coaches who used a high-tech oxygen mask to track his fitness.Real Madrid coaches made star player Jude Bellingham use a high-tech oxygen mask to track his fitnessCredit: InstragramThe device looked similar to the one worn by Tom Hardy’s character Bane in The Dark Knight RisesCredit: Planet PhotosKylian Mbappe and Luka Modric were also seen in the devices — similar to the one worn by Tom Hardy’s character in The Dark Knight Rises, at their Valdebebas base.Jude wrote online: “Little by little, preparing for Sunday at home.”Fitness coaches say the masks help them devise individual fitness plans.It comes as Real Madrid winger Rodrygo sparked controversy after claiming he deserves as much hype as Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.READ MORE ON JUDE BELLINGHAMThe 23-year-old scored his team’s only goal as Los Blancos drew 1-1 with Mallorca on Sunday.Bellingham, Mbappe and Vinicius – the superstar trio now dubbed BMV by some fans – failed to make much of an impact throughout the match, leading Rodrygo to comment on the fanfare surrounding them.The Brazil international took to a WhatsApp chat to write: “Hi guys, yesterday the result was not what we wanted.”In La Liga every point makes the difference in the end. I’m happy with the goal and with the growth of the team.Most read in Football”Last week they talked about the trio of Bellingham, Mbappe and Vini, but they are going to have to add the R of Rodrygo to that acronym. We have a quartet of attackers and the rest of the team. What is Jude Bellingham’s goal celebration and what does it mean? More

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    Cesc Fabregas set to complete double-transfer of Barcelona legend and Man City star as fans say Como are ‘new Inter’

    CESC FABREGAS’ Como side are poised to sign Barcelona legend Sergi Roberto and Manchester City midfielder Maximo Perrone, according to reports.The ex-Arsenal star, 37, took over as head coach of the newly-promoted Serie A side last month.Cesc Fabregas has landed two new big signings for his sideCredit: AlamySergi Roberto is poised to sign for the Serie A clubCredit: RexHe left Barcelona this summer after featuring 14 times last seasonHaving spent time as a player, academy coach and assistant at the Italian club, he assumed the role as boss and is wasting no time in bolstering his squad.They are already closing in on a deal for Real Madrid youngster Nico Paz, 19.Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, ex-Barcelona man Roberto, 32, is expected to follow suit with a “deal in place” for him to join Como.The versatile midfielder and full-back ended his 18-year affinity with the Catalan giants earlier this month in an emotional press conference after his contract came to an end.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRoberto, who played with Fabregas, racked up 373 games for Barcelona’s first team, winning seven LaLiga titles and two Champions Leagues.As a free agent he is an attractive proposition for Como – who are enjoying a first ever season in the top flight.They will offer him a two-year deal plus the option of an additional 12 months.And Roberto is set to be joined in the beautiful Italian region by Man City man Perrone, 21.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMaximo Perrone is set to join Roberto at ComoCredit: RexPeronne spent last season on loan at Las PalmasThe Argentine midfielder arrived at the Etihad in January 2023 and made his Premier League debut the following month.After just one more appearance for Pep Guardiola’s side, he spent last season on loan at Las Palmas, playing 29 LaLiga games.The Sun’s Shaun Custis and Martin Lipton break down the new changes for the UEFA Champions League format for 2024/25″Final details” are being worked out around Perrone’s move, but Como are said to be “closing in”.Fabregas began life as Como boss with a penalty shoot-out defeat to Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia.Como then kicked off their league campaign with a 3-0 loss away at Juventus. More

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    Conor Gallagher beams as he lands in Spain ahead of Atletico Madrid transfer and prepares to end Chelsea nightmare

    CONOR GALLAGHER looked thrilled to land in Spain ahead of his move to Atletico Madrid.The England midfielder has been sent back and forth on a private jet after agreeing personal terms with the LaLiga club weeks ago.Conor Gallagher was beaming and posed with airport staff after arriving in SpainCredit: X @estoesatletiThe England ace was asked to sign autographs after landing in MadridGallagher was waiting in Madrid for his move to be finalised before returning to the UK as the deal was initially called off.The 24-year-old had met Atletico chiefs, players and even had a tour of the Metropolitano stadium before being shipped back to West London.But the deal fell into limbo when Chelsea ended their pursuit of Atletico forward Samu Omorodion, after he failed his medical.With Diego Simeone’s side needing to raise funds in order to complete the deal, Gallagher was sent to train with the Chelsea ‘bomb squad’.READ MORE ON CHELSEABut now his Atletico deal is back on after Chelsea signed their winger Joao Felix for an undisclosed fee on Monday.Gallagher was ordered to return to Madrid on Tuesday evening to finally complete a move away from his boyhood club.He was filmed signing autographs and taking pictures with airport staff upon his arrival at the airport.The England international is set to sign a five-year deal worth £35.8m at the Stadio Metropolitano, including an undisclosed sell-on fee.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWith an agreement already in place the move is expected to be officially unveiled in the coming days.Chelsea finalised terms to make Portuguese forward Felix their ninth senior signing of the summer on Monday.Gary Neville claims Raheem Sterling ‘may be punching back on behalf of Gallagher and Chalobah’ after Chelsea statementIn doing so, funds were freed up for Gallagher to head the other way.Gallagher will become the second England international ever to play for Atletico, following his Three Lions team-mate Kieran Trippier.He has made 95 appearances in all competitions for the Blues after joining the club at the age of eight.With Reece James ruled out through injury, the midfielder regularly deputised as captain last term as they recovered from a dismal start under Mauricio Pochettino to secure European football.Under new boss Enzo Maresca however, Gallagher’s long-term future at the club appeared much less certain.His Chelsea deal is set to expire in June 2025 and he turned down two contract extensions, opening up the move to Atletico. More

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    Iconic stadium unrecognisable amid ‘groundbreaking’ £1.3BILLION renovation as incredible pics show host of new features

    BARCELONA’S iconic stadium will look unrecognisable when renovations are completed in the near future.The Catalan giants are in the process of rebuilding and redeveloping the Nou Camp.The Nou Camp is set to look completely different to the iconic stadium football fans know and love after renovationsCredit: fcbarcelonaThe new stadium remains in the heart of the cityCredit: fcbarcelonaIt is set to have a 105,000 capacityCredit: fcbarcelonaFans will be able to enjoy new bars and VIP areasCredit: fcbarcelonaThey moved out of the stadium in May 2023 and have since been temporarily housed at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium.Barcelona now plan to return to the Nou Camp halfway through the 2024-25 season.And it is set to look completely different to the iconic stadium football fans know and love.When fully completed, the stadium will be able to seat an incredible 105,000 fans.Read More in FootballHowever, that is not expected to be until August 2026.Barcelona aim to move back into the Nou Camp in December or January, when the stadium will be at just over 60 per cent capacity.The new stadium and campus is set to feature “the most innovative technological systems” that will allow fans to enjoy the Barca experience “at a whole new level”.Around £1.3billion (€1.5bn) has been invested in the stadium and surrounding areas.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt will be the largest and most innovative sports complex in the heart of a European city.The modernised Nou Camp – which will be sponsored by Spotify – is set to have a number of new bars and VIP areas.Barcelona legend, 32, breaks down in tears as he leaves after 18 years and 25 trophies with Spanish giantsIt will also have the largest roof of any stadium in Europe, with new images showing three huge screens hanging over the pitch.The concourse and the press facilities are among the other areas to be modernised.Barcelona kicked off their 2024-25 La Liga campaign with a 2-1 win over Valencia on Saturday.The concourses in the stadium are set to be modernisedCredit: fcbarcelonaThe new ground will look completely differentCredit: fcbarcelonaIt will be sponsored by SpotifyCredit: fcbarcelona More

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    Chelsea agree Joao Felix transfer with Conor Gallager to fly back to Madrid TODAY to complete Atletico move

    CHELSEA have reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid for the permanent signing of Joao Felix.Blues midfielder Conor Gallagher will fly back to Madrid today and will be unveiled as an Atletico midfielder on Wednesday.Joao Felix will join Chelsea on a permanent basisCredit: GettyConor Gallagher is flying back to MadridCredit: GettyGallagher, 24, flew to Madrid a fortnight ago to meet Atletico chiefs, players and even had a tour of the Metropolitano stadium.But he was sent back to West London after Chelsea’s attempts to sign Samu Omorodion fell through after the forward failed his medical.Chelsea saw all three deals as entirely separate but Atletico took the opposite view and Gallagher returned to train with Chelsea’s ‘bomb squad’ last week.But after being stuck in limbo, Gallagher will head back to Spain after Felix agreed personal terms to join Enzo Marcseca’s 43-man roster.READ MORE TRANSFER NEWSFelix, 24, will join on a six-year contract with the option for an additional 12 months.The price tag is unconfirmed but Chelsea had been discussing a fee of £40m plus add-ons for the Portugal star.He spent the second half of the 2022/2023 season on loan at Stamford Bridge, under Graham Potter and Frank Lampard.Felix scored four goals in 16 Premier League appearances as the Blues finished 12th.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Portugal international then spent last term on loan at Barcelona, registering 10 goals and six assists in 44 games.Felix was removed from Atletico’s squad for their LaLiga opener away to Villarreal on Monday night.Chelsea vs Manchester City: Player Ratings BreakdownBut it is expected that he will depart before the closure of the transfer window.He is set to become Chelsea’s ninth summer signing, following the arrivals of Tosin Adarabioyo, Omari Kellyman, Marc Guiu, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Renato Veiga, Caleb Wiley, Aaron Anselmino and Pedro Neto.Gallagher has been at Chelsea for 16 years since he was eight and played many games last season as captain of his boyhood club.It could also spell worse news for Raheem Sterling, who was “unexpectedly” axed from the squad for Chelsea’s Prem opener.The Blues fell to a 2-0 defeat to champions Manchester City on Sunday in what was the Premier League’s first £1billion game, based on the combined transfer fees of the players to appear. More

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    My dad won it all including three Champions Leagues – now I’m living my dream at LaLiga club

    SAMUEL ETO’O’S son thanked his legendary dad for being the “best example” to him after he made Rayo Vallecano’s squad for the first time.Eto’o Sr, 43, played for Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea in a brilliant 22-year professional career.Barcelona’s Samuel Eto’o celebrates scoring the second goalCredit: PA:Empics SportSamuel’s son Etienne is now progressing quickly at Rayo VallecanoCredit: AlamyAmong his list of trophies includes three Champions Leagues, three LaLiga titles and one Serie A crown.Now he is watching his son Etienne, 22, come through the ranks with LaLiga side Real Vallecano.The young forward signed for the Spanish top flight club in the summer and was assigned to the B team.But he spent pre-season with the senior squad and was then named on the bench for their 2-1 away win at Real Sociedad on Sunday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd while he was an unused substitute in the match, dad Samuel took to social media to pay tribute to his son’s achievement.He said: “This August 18, the opportunity making the thief 🤭, I have the opportunity to tell you how proud I am of you.”When you opened up to life, and with the emerging maturity, I confided in you that my status as a father, with the authority and subsequent responsibilities will never vary.”We live in a world where selfish and fleeting battles are queens. You are the sole master of your destiny. Through your work, you will build your trajectory and your destiny alone. No one will give you gifts.Most read in Football”You must be impervious to their manipulations and instrumentalizations against your family and those who love you.”He went on: “Cutting yourself off from your family ties is the best way to weaken yourself. You must block them.Footballers you didn’t know were related from Premier League icons to Lionel Messi”No family is perfect, but you have the essential: my LOVE and my PRIDE as a father.”This day is full of symbols: it’s your birthday. And, you will probably play on this birthday, your first match in a first division club.”My emotion as a father cannot help but remind you that: you must keep this beautiful asset that is your strength of character, your magnificent smile, and this unalterable dream that you have nourished since your birth.”Things will happen, son. If not today, it will be tomorrow, if not, it will be the day after tomorrow… They will happen. Receive all the strength of my Love ❤️. Dad.”In response, Etienne, who has two caps for Cameroon’s U20s, said: “Thank you very much for everything dad, nothing in life is easy.”You are the best example, I fight and I will always fight for my dream, that dream that became a dream when I saw you. I love you dad.”Can you name the famous fathers? More

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    Jude Bellingham signs with Louis Vuitton as England and Real Madrid superstar adds to incredible list of brand deals

    JUDE BELLINGHAM has penned a lucrative deal with French luxury fashion giants Louis Vuitton.The England and Real Madrid superstar is already signed up with brands including SKIMS, McDonalds, Lucozade and Adidas.Jude Bellingham has signed with Louis VuittonCredit: Louis VuittonThe England ace adds the French fashion house to a growing list of brandsCredit: Louis VuittonHe has a ‘keen interest in fashion’Credit: Louis VuittonThe luxury powerhouse described Bellingham as a ‘Friend of the House’Credit: Louis VuittonBellingham, 21, “has a keen interest in fashion” and was spotted in a Louis Vuitton suit at the Ballon d’Or awards last November.In a video posted to the brand’s official YouTube channel on Friday, Bellingham said: ‘I’m so happy to join the Louis Vuitton family.”Since I was a kid, I’ve always wanted to wear all the newest Louis Vuitton stuff. You watch it in the music videos, on the runway, and you always hope that one day you can put it on.”The former Birmingham City ace sat in the front row at a show last year, in between Marcus Rashford and NBA Boston Celtics ace Jaylen Brown.Most read in FootballBellingham also carried Louis Vuitton’s classic Keepall Bandouliere 45 duffle bag while reporting to international duty ahead of Euro 2024.Louis Vuitton officially described Bellingham as a ‘Friend of the House’, but both parties have remained tight-lipped on how much the deal is worth.Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz and French NBA star Victor Wembanyama also joined the plush brand this summer.The fashion giants worked with superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of last year’s World Cup.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd they also ran a campaign ahead of the 2010 tournament with fellow greats Pele, Diego Maradona and Zinedine Zidane.Bellingham also has a deal with Adidas and starred in a viral ‘Hey Jude’ advert for the sportswear company ahead of the Euros.England star Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend Laura Celia Valk leaves little to imagination in busty outfitsHe featured in a commercial for Gucci last year, who also signed England and Manchester City star Jack Grealish in a deal worth £1million in 2022.Bellingham’s deal with Louis Vuitton will be the latest chapter in the starlet’s rise onto the world stage.He scored 23 goals and provided 13 assists in all competitions during his debut season at Real Madrid last term.The midfielder then collected the Kopa Trophy for most talented player under 21 in the world and Europe’s Golden Boy award.The England ace has also been nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.The news breaks ahead of Fashion Month, where Louis Vuitton will be showcasing the spring/summer 2025 in October.Marcus Rashford, Jude Bellingham and Jaylen Brown at a Louis Vuitton show last yearCredit: GettyBellingham with Kim Kardashian’s SKIMSCredit: Skims More