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      Barcelona ‘make shock scouting trip to Fleetwood Town to watch England teen James Hill as they plot free transfer’

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      BARCELONA’S scouts have made a startling trip to Fleetwood Town to watch young English centre-back James Hill.The Catalan giants reportedly watched the 19-year-old’s performance with a keen eye during his side’s 1-0 defeat to Burton Albion last month.
      Hill is attracting a lot of interest from a number of big clubs around EuropeCredit: Getty
      Hill is out of contract at Fleetwood in the summer despite being offered a new deal at the end of last season.
      Along with Barca, The Mail also believe he has attracted a lot of interest from Premier League clubs.
      The revelation of Barca’s visit comes just days after he was selected in Lee Carsley’s England Under-21s squad for the first time.
      He will link up with the national team’s age group squad on Monday ahead of a European Championship qualifier against Czech Republic.
      Speaking about the call-up, Hill said: “Obviously when you go away with England it’s a very technical game, there are a lot of talented boys.
      “When you’re in League One, it’s physically demanding and a different style of play. A lot of the ball is on the deck with England and with my club it is a different challenge, more of an aerial battle.

      “That has helped me because I have the understanding of when to play and when not to play.
      “If it can’t be a pass then it has to go long, over the top. It’s easier for me to adapt to their [England’s] football than the other way around.”
      Hill played 35 times for Fleetwood last season as they secured their League One safety with a 15th place finish.
      And he has been ever-present for them once more at the beginning of the 2021-22 campaign having already racked up 15 appearances for Simon Grayson’s side.
      As a result of his progression in the third tier, England U21 coach Carsley believes he is more than ready to compete for his team.
      He said: “I thought it was the right time to bring him in with some of the issues we’ve had at centre-back.
      “If you look at our pathway in general, we get a lot of centre-backs from Category One academies. It’s very rare that we have players so young at centre-back in their first team getting tested every week against senior players.
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      “The feedback we got in the last camp with the Under 20s on was that he was the model professional.
      “Watching him play against Wycombe last week was a big test, up against Adebayo Akinfenwa and Sam Vokes.
      “Every corner was a physical test for him but he coped really well. He’s deserved the opportunity to come and train with us and potentially put himself in consideration.” More

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      Everton ‘monitoring 17-year-old Morecambe wonderkid Connor Pye with view to transfer after impressing scouts’

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      EVERTON are rumoured to be eyeing Morecambe starlet Connor Pye with the player being touted as the next Andy Robertson.Football Insider claims Toffees scouts have been highly impressed by the 17-year-old’s efforts at left-back for the League One side. 
      Rafa Benitez’s Everton scouts are thought to admire Connor Pye’s performances for MorecambeCredit: Craig Thomas/News Images
      The teenager, who joined the Shrimps from Wigan as an Under-16 prospect in 2020, is reported to have won plaudits for his performances in the EFL trophy contest. 
      And the defender was named Man of the Match in Morecambe’s clash with Hartlepool in the contest although his side lost 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 finish in normal time. 
      Pye’s rampaging and energetic playing style has seen him likened to Liverpool ace Robertson.
      And the player, regarded as a leading figure within the Shrimps youth team, is claimed to regularly be training with the club’s first team as well as featuring on the bench for league games. 
      It is claimed a host of Premier League and Championship sides are interested in the full-back. 
      The Toffees, who host Watford in the top-flight next, are thought to be keen to line up a new left-back following the summer departure of Thierry Small.

      The highly sought after Solihull-born defender ended his two-year scholarship deal with Everton to agree to a three-year deal with Southampton. 
      Football Insider reports the Toffees had turned down a £1.5million offer from the Saints for Small in October. 
      It is thought the Goodison Park giants were after £5million in compensation for the starlet. 
      Reports claim the Toffees are only likely to have around £9million to splash in the January transfer window. 
      And it is suggested transfer chiefs are looking to focus on temporary deals and bargain buys in the market. 
      It is believed Pye, whose team face Cheltenham away in the third tier, fits this criteria. 

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      Thierry Small’s departure for Southampton has led the Toffees to scour the market for a new left-backCredit: Getty
      Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin shows what he is made of on the training pitch More

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      Fans finally return to club football with stadiums across England packed for first time in 17 months

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      FOOTY fans in England returned to stadiums in their droves today as the Football League and the Championship resumed action.And unlike fans’ returns to stadiums during the height of the pandemic last year, most punters weren’t wearing masks.
      Footy fans returned to stadiums in their droves todayCredit: Rob Noyes
      The Abbey Stadium was packed for Cambridge United’s League 1 clash with OxfordCredit: Rex
      Pride Park was full to the rafters for Derby County’s Championship opener against HuddersfieldCredit: PA
      Thousands of Manchester City and Leicester City fans make their way down Wembley way ahead of the Community ShieldCredit: EPA
      Some supporters did, however, don face coverings to keep themselves protected.
      There were plenty of smiles in and around the stadiums as fans gathered freely for the first time since the pandemic began.
      The entire world was brought to a screeching halt last March when the coronavirus spread like wildfire.
      Supporters of Premier League teams weren’t allowed to see their sides in action until last December, albeit at a reduced capacity.
      But that changed in May when The Government permitted up to 10,000 fans to attend outdoor sports venues.
      That figure steadily rose during the summer due to the success of the vaccine roll-out.
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      That allowed 20,000 fans to take in England’s Euro 2020 group games last month.
      And the further easing of restrictions permitted a whopping 67,173 footy fans to take in The Three Lions’ heartbreaking defeat to Italy in the final.
      Wembley will be at full capacity this evening when Leicester City lock horns with reigning Premier League champs Manchester City in the Community Shield.
      Thousands of Foxes and City fans descended on Wembley way earlier today to watch their teams vie for the first trophy of the season.
      And there were smiles aplenty as they made the famous walk to the home of English football.
      The permanent lifting of restrictions on July 19 has paved the way for stadiums up and down the country to get back to business.
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      But things are expected to change again in October when vaccine passports will be required to attend large gatherings.
      The Government are expected to make the passports mandatory for those wanting to attend events that hold 20,000 or more attendees.
      The scheme, which has divided opinion, has already been successfully implemented by nightclubs throughout England.
      A Bristol City fan expressed their delight at being back with a signCredit: PA
      Hartlepool United fans crammed into Victoria Park todayCredit: Rex
      Millwall fans go wild after Jed Wallace gave the Lions an early lead against QPRCredit: ©MI News & Sport Ltd
      Jubliant Stoke City fans celebrate in the BritanniaCredit: PA
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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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      Watch Man Utd star Harry Maguire wallop home penalty for Sheff Utd at Wembley nine years before Euro 2020 spot-kick

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      ENGLAND star Harry Maguire smashed home his penalty during his country’s shootout defeat by Italy in the Euro 2020 final.But that’s not the first time the defender has scored and lost a Wembley shootout – doing the same for boyhood club Sheffield United nine years ago.
      Harry Maguire, 28, scored his penalty in the shootout against ItalyCredit: Getty
      The defender came through the ranks at Sheffield UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Maguire, 28, was part of the Blades squad that reached the League One play-off final in 2012.
      The South Yorkshire side played out a dull 0-0 draw with Huddersfield Town at Wembley and the game went to penalties.
      Maguire, then aged 19, wasn’t due to shoot from the spot with more experienced team-mates stepping up.
      But with the shootout level after six penalties, the future Manchester United captain was called upon.
      And the pressure was on as Gary Roberts had already hammered Huddersfield’s seventh penalty beyond Blades goalkeeper Steve Simonsen.
      But Maguire, shooting in front of the Terriers fans, was the coolest man in Wembley – walloping the ball past Huddersfield stopper Alex Smithies.
      The event draws comparisons with England’s shootout defeat on Sunday, with Sheffield United also ending up on the losing side.
      Maguire came through the ranks at Bramall Lane, winning the club’s Player of the Year award three years in-a-row before moving to Hull City in 2014.

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      Speaking exclusively to The Sun, the Three Lions defender revealed his dad has suspected broken ribs after ticketless fans trampled on him at Wembley.
      Maguire has also paid tribute to England’s penalty takers – and admitted he would have thought twice about taking one for his country at such a young age.
      And the Premier League star is aiming to go one step further in Qatar next year by winning the World Cup.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds More

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      Heartwarming moment Gianluigi Buffon sends video message to brave Crewe Alexandra Under-12s keeper suffering from cancer

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      JUVENTUS legend Gianluigi Buffon invited a Crewe academy player to watch a match with him as he undergoes treatment for cancer.Ashton Hulme was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, in January.
      Ashton Hulme received a video message from Gianluigi BuffonCredit: Twitter @crewealexfc
      The youngster, who has a form of bone cancer, received a signed shirtCredit: Twitter @crewealexfc
      Buffon invited Ashton to a Juventus game once he is able to travelCredit: Twitter @crewealexfc
      The family of the Under-12s goalkeeper are raising money for his treatment and Italian hero Buffon – who has just completed a free transfer back to boyhood club Parma – has leant a helping hand.
      The 43-year-old sent in a video message of support to young Ashton and offered him a trip to Juventus when possible.
      He said: “Hi Ashton, I’m Gigi Buffon and I want to send you a big hug.
      “And I want to tell you that when this ugly pandemic is over, Juventus and I will invite you to Juventus Stadium to watch a match togther.
      “And remember, I cheer for you. Ciao ciao!”
      Ashton, who began chemotherapy in January, was shown Buffon’s message in a clip posted on Crewe’s social media pages.
      The youngster appeared taken aback at the video and later posed with a signed shirt of the goalkeeper’s.
      At the announcement of Ashton’s diagnosis in January, Crewe academy manager Aidan Callan said: “This news about Ashton has completely devastated everyone here at the club.

      “Ashton is not only a talented young goalkeeper, but more importantly a brilliant young lad full of personality, energy, politeness and is extremely well liked by everyone here at the Academy.
      “Ashton has the support of an amazing family, great friends and I know from the messages received this week, everyone is behind him.
      “We will be there for him every step of the way, doing anything we can. The football family is really pulling together for Ashton and his family.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      SUNDERLAND 2 LINCOLN 1 (2-3 agg): Black Cats stuck in League One as Imps survive comeback to seal Wembley play-off date

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      TOM HOOPER ensured sorry Sunderland’s misery is here to stay as they face up to a grim FOURTH League One season.Trailing 2-0, a comeback for the ages had lift off inside a rocking Stadium of Light after Ross Stewart and Charlie Wyke’s early strikes.
      Lincoln City are on their way to Wembley thanks to Lee HopperCredit: Iam Burn/News Images
      Sunderland fans are facing a fourth-straight year of League One footballCredit: Getty
      Ross Stewart got Sunderland back into it with an early strike to break the deadlockCredit: Rex
      Charlie Wyke then struck to tie the contest as the Black Cats looked to be romping their way to WembleyCredit: Getty
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      But Hooper’s header made it 3-2 on aggregate to leave Lincoln a Wembley win away from a first visit to the second-tier in 60 years.
      New Black Cats owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus brought fresh hope following years in the doldrums.
      But it was the same old story of Wearside woe after Lee Johnson’s side blew their shot at automatic promotion before paying for their shocking first-leg showing.
      Roared on by 10,000 raucous fans, the Mackems flew out of traps and were ahead 12 minutes in courtesy of January signing Stewart.
      Aiden McGeady galloped down the left and put in a teasing low ball, with the former Ross County man darting to the near post and poking home.
      The noise had the Imps frazzled and they should have been two down 10 minutes later after some calamitous passing out from the back.
      Charlie Wyke seized on the loose ball and rounded Alex Palmer before somehow fluffing his lines with the goal gaping, firing straight at the covering Timothy Eyoma.
      But Sunderland’s top scorer made amends moments later, notching his 31st of the season in all competitions.
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      McGeady, 35, was the architect again with another peach from the left, putting it on a plate for Wyke to stab in from close range.
      Frozen out under former boss Phil Parkinson and not making his first appearance until December 5, it was the Republic of Ireland veteran’s 18th assist in all competitions – taking him level with Bruno Fernandes across the country.
      If the quarter-full Stadium of Light was bouncing before it was virtually shaking now, with Johnson’s boys in overdrive.
      But the break allowed Lincoln to take a chill pill and regroup, with the visitors going 3-2 up on aggregate 56 minutes in.
      Regan Poole headed a warning shot off the bar, causing nerves to sneak around the Stadium of Light for the first time.
      And Hooper ratcheted up the anxiety levels by peeling off Wyke to nod in Jorge Grant’s corner.
      Full-blown panic was then in the air when Luke O’Nien hacked sub Conor McGrandles in the area, only for Lee Burge to leap superbly to his right to save Grant’s penalty.
      McGrandles then had a great chance to kill the tie off but blazed over when through on goal.
      McGeady nearly drew them level but fired off the post with Wyle smashing the rebound into the side netting, before sub Aiden O’Brien was denied late on by Palmer.
      Tom Hopper scored the decisive goal in the second halfCredit: Rex
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Wigan chairman savages Tottenham in cheeky tweet and jokes he is ‘monitoring the Harry Kane situation closely’

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      NEW Wigan chairman Talal Al-Hammad has mocked Tottenham by telling his Twitter followers the League One side are ‘monitoring’ Harry Kane.The England captain wants to leave North London and the Wigan chief jokingly offered to have him at the DW Stadium next season.
      New Wigan chairman Talal Al-Hammad has mocked Tottenham on Twitter
      Harry Kane, 27, wants to leave Spurs this summerCredit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail
      Having lifted silverware more recently than Tottenham Hotspur we are continuing to monitor the Harry Kane situation closely https://t.co/UV0Dw8ZEMt— Talal Al Hammad | طلال الحماد (@Talalalhammad32) May 21, 2021

      The banter started when Al-Hammad tweeted an inspirational quote.
      He wrote on the social media platform: “Dream big – dream very big.
      “Work hard – work very hard, don’t tell me the sky’s the limit when there are footprints on the moon. Up the Tics.”
      Al-Hammad, who became Wigan’s new chairman in March following a takeover, then received a bit of banter from a fan.
      The Latics supporter tweeted: “Can’t believe we’re in the running for Kane.”
      To which Al-Hammad replied: “Having lifted silverware more recently than Tottenham Hotspur we are continuing to monitor the Harry Kane situation closely.”
      The Wigan chief was referring to the club’s FA Cup final victory against Manchester City in 2013, when Ben Watson’s header secured a famous 1-0 win.
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      Wigan were a Premier League club at the time but were relegated the same season and have gone on to struggle financially, dropping down to League One three times.
      But the Latics have also won the division twice during that time, meaning they’ve lifted three trophies since Tottenham’s last success in 2008, when they won the League Cup.
      Kane, 27, is yet to win a major club honour in his career and he’s made no secret of his desire to play at the highest level and win trophies.
      Tottenham have failed to qualify for the Champions League for the second successive season and seem unlikely to even reach the Europa League.
      They are currently seventh in the Premier League, three points behind West Ham in the final UEL spot heading into the last game of the season.
      If they remain in their current position, Tottenham will compete in the Europa Conference League next term – Uefa’s new tertiary competition.

      Some Spurs fans were furious with Al-Hammad’s banter, with one replying: “Us buying Alfie Devine is one of the reasons your club still exists.”
      Wigan sold the 16-year-old midfielder, who scored in the FA Cup against Marine earlier in the season, to Tottenham last summer during the peak of their financial woes.
      And one Latics fan wasn’t impressed by the chairman’s joke either, telling him current strikers Callum Lang and Will Keane are BETTER than the England forward.
      The Wigan pair have scored 20 League One goals between them this term, two less than Kane’s managed in the Premier League.
      SunSport understands Kane is not interested in joining Wigan this summer.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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