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      West Ham icon Michail Antonio being lined up for shock MLS January transfer exit after falling down pecking order

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      MICHAIL ANTONIO has been linked with a late January move to the MLS.However, SunSport understands West Ham remain adamant the striker is NOT for sale as they attempt to cope with an injury crisis.
      Michail Antonio is attracting interest from teams in the MLSCredit: Getty
      Antonio, 32, has made just nine Premier League starts this campaign following the £30.5million summer arrival of Gianluca Scamacca.
      And the £15m signing of Danny Ings this month has pushed the Jamaica international down the pecking order even further.
      After seven years with the Hammers, Antonio has been linked with moves away to Prem rivals Chelsea and Wolves.
      SunSport believe the player’s name has also been circulating around several teams in the United States.
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      If he was to leave, boss David Moyes would rather he did not join a side currently battling with West Ham at the bottom of the league.
      But with both Scamacca and Ings struggling with knee injuries, it is incredibly unlikely the Irons will let Antonio go this month.
      West Ham have only scored 17 goals in 20 top-flight games so far this season, with Antonio notching just two of those.
      His contract expires in 2024 and there is also an option for a one-year extension.
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      Moyes’ men face a testing month ahead, with Derby in the FA Cup fourth round on Monday before clashes with top-four hopefuls Newcastle, Chelsea and Tottenham.
      The Scot was on the brink of the sack before a timely 2-0 victory over Everton last weekend ended a run of seven Prem matches without a win.
      But another poor run could put him in hot water once more. More

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      Aston Villa confirm £18m Jhon Duran transfer from Chicago Fire and welcome new signing with brief statement

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      ASTON VILLA have completed the £18million signing of highly-rated young striker Jhon Duran.The 19-year-old Colombia international joins on a long-term deal from MLS side Chicago Fire.
      Jhon Duran has completed his £18m Aston Villa move from Chicago FireCredit: @AVFCOfficial
      The Colombian attracted interest from Man Utd before joining VillaCredit: Getty
      He will wear the No22 shirt after becoming Unai Emery’s second January signing following Spanish left-back Alex Moreno.
      And Villa announced Duran’s arrival in a short-but-sweet statement on Monday afternoon.
      It read: “Aston Villa is delighted to confirm Jhon Duran has completed a permanent transfer from Chicago Fire for an undisclosed fee.
      “The 19-year-old striker joins Villa having scored eight goals for the MLS side in all competitions during the 2022 season.
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      “An exciting young talent, Duran has also represented Colombia at senior level. Welcome, Jhon!”
      Duran’s official arrival comes a week after Villa announced they had agreed a deal to sign the teenager.
      New boss Emery was on the hunt for a No9 after selling Danny Ings to West Ham.
      And Duran could make his debut in Saturday’s home derby against Leicester.
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      Villa saw off interest from several of England’s top sides to secure a deal, with SunSport revealing Man United’s interest in October.
      We also told you that Liverpool were keeping tabs on Duran, who scored eight goals in 28 games for Chicago.

      And big-spenders Chelsea were also looking at him as part of their ambitious youth project under Todd Boehly.
      Duran joined Chicago Fire in 2022 after agreeing a move from Colombian side Envigado a year earlier.
      He made his senior international debut in September against Guatemala and has gone on to earn a further two caps. More

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      Wayne Rooney preparing for huge second season in MLS with DC United despite interest from Everton and Co

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      Wayne Rooney is revved up for a big season with DC United in the MLS – despite being on wanted lists back home.The Manchester United and England legend has been backed by the Washington club to bring in a handful of new players and is still chasing a couple more.
      Wayne Rooney is preparing for his second season with DC UnitedCredit: Getty
      Despite a slow start with an inherited squad Rooney has resisted the lure of a return to British football but this is his key campaign.
      Rooney’s deal at DC runs out at the end of their season so he is determined to throw everything at the chance to build on his reputation that began at Derby County.
      Pals say he was disappointed to leave Derby but is delighted with how things are going especially the performances of the players he had highlighted as a vital part of the squad development for League One.
      Rooney has been linked with his beloved Everton and also had previous contact with other clubs but his focus has been on the MLS – and he knows what is on the line this year.
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      Current Everton manager, Frank Lampard, is under increasing pressure as the club is currently in a relegation battle.
      There have been calls for him to be sacked and they got even louder following the 2-0 defeat to fellow strugglers West Ham.
      Last season in the MLS, Rooney’s DC finished bottom of the Eastern Conference division.
      The club’s performances did improve after his arrival but failed to move up the table and toward the playoffs.
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      Rooney will be aiming for a higher spot in the table this season as new arrivals Christian Benteke, Ravel Morrison and Mateusz Klich have strengthened the squad.
      DC will first have four club-friendly matches against Charlotte, Vancouver, LAFC, and San Jose.
      The MLS season will then start with a home fixture against Toronto on February 26. More

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      Anton Walkes tragic final post looking ahead to season with Charlotte FC just hours before boat crash death at 25

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      ANTON WALKES final post on Instagram revealed how he was back in pre-season training ahead of the next MLS before he died.The 25-year-old posted the set of pictures before his horror boat crash in Miami.
      Anton Walkes posted pictures of him in pre-season trainingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/antonwalkes/?hl=en
      The post was the last one before he tragically diedCredit: https://www.instagram.com/antonwalkes/?hl=en
      The former Tottenham Hotspur player uploaded four snaps of him in training on Instagram alongside his Charlotte FC team-mates.
      In the sequence of photos, it shows the defender getting more and more tired during a hard training session.
      The post was accompanied with the caption: “First week of preseason beat me.
      “Swipe to see.”
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      He was found unconscious following the shocking smash between two boats, according to the Miami Herald.
      The Charlotte FC star received CPR at the scene from the Miami Fire Rescue at 3pm local time.
      The post has seen the player’s 18,900 followers use it as a space to post tributes to him.
      One commented: “4Life, my family, my boy, inspiration and brudda, thank you for everything.”
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      A second wrote: “RIP buddy. We’re going to miss you out there on the pitch. thanks for being who you were.”
      A third said: “Rest in peace, absolutely shocked.”
      A fourth added: “Life can change so quick it’s devastating.”
      The former Spurs and Portsmouth footballer was believed to be a father.
      His club’s sporting director Zoran Krneta confirmed: “We are heartbroken from the loss of Anton Walkes, a truly incredible father, loving person, and outstanding human being.
      “Anton embodied what it means to be a part of Charlotte Football Club and our entire community is grieving over this tragedy.
      “The impact he made in the locker room and throughout Charlotte will never be forgotten.
      “We are thinking of his lovely family during this time and will support them fully in every way imaginable.” More

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      Anton Walkes dead at 25: Former Tottenham defender dies in horror Miami boat crash

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      FORMER Tottenham star Anton Walkes has died at the age of 25 in a horror boat crash in Miami.The footballer – who is understood to be a dad – was involved in an accident in South Florida on Wednesday afternoon.
      Anton Walkes played for Charlotte FC in MLSCredit: Getty
      Walkes was a much-loved member of the Charlotte FC football teamCredit: Instagram / @antonwalkes
      He was found unconscious following the shocking smash between two boats, according to the Miami Herald.
      The Charlotte FC star received CPR at the scene from the Miami Fire Rescue at 3pm local time.
      Walkes was then taken to a local hospital, but sadly passed away.
      His club’s sporting director Zoran Krneta confirmed: “We are heartbroken from the loss of Anton Walkes, a truly incredible father, loving person, and outstanding human being.
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      “Anton embodied what it means to be a part of Charlotte Football Club and our entire community is grieving over this tragedy.
      “The impact he made in the locker room and throughout Charlotte will never be forgotten.
      “We are thinking of his lovely family during this time and will support them fully in every way imaginable.”
      Tributes flooded in from across the footballing world after the tragic news.
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      Charlotte FC owner David Tepper added: “Everyone at Tepper Sports & Entertainment is devastated by the tragic passing of Anton Walkes.

      “He was a tremendous son, father, partner and teammate whose joyous approach to life touched everyone he met.
      “Anton made those around him better people in all areas of life and represented Charlotte FC to the highest standard both on and off the pitch.
      “He will be greatly missed by many and our thoughts and prayers are with Anton’s family during this heartbreaking time. The Club offers its full support to all those impacted during this period of mourning.”
      Major League Soccer wrote in a statement of their own: “There are no words to describe the sorrow of everyone in Major League Soccer today after learning of the tragic passing of Anton Walkes of Charlotte FC.

      READ THE LATEST ON WALKES’ TRAGIC DEATH HERE

      “Anton was a talented and dedicated player who was loved by his team-mates and fans.
      “We extend our deepest condolences to his partner, family, friends and the entire Charlotte FC family.
      “MLS is coordinating with Charlotte FC to provide players and family members with the resources and support they may need during this tragic time.”
      Walkes began his career with Spurs back in 2013 after being born in Lewisham.
      He made a single appearance for the London club in the League Cup during the 2016-17 season.
      He went on to play for Portsmouth on loan, before making a permanent move and spending two years at the club.
      Walkes made 66 appearances for the South Coast side.
      Both his former clubs in England have paid tribute.
      Tottenham tweeted: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player, Anton Walkes.
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      “The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with his family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”
      The Londoner then joined Atlanta United in the MLS before going to Charlotte FC. More

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      Ex-West Ham star Jack Collison, 34, agrees first job in management as he takes over US side Huntsville City

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      FORMER West Ham star Jack Collison has agreed his first job in football management. Collison, 34, has agreed to take over United States side Huntsville City, a brand new football team.
      Ex-West Ham star Jack Collison has taken over at Huntsville City FCCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Collison arrives with vast experience at youth level coaching
      Taking to Twitter, Collison said: “Can’t wait to get going… Excited for the challenge ahead.”
      A club statement on Collison’s appointment read: “Huntsville City FC announced today the appointment of Jack Collison as the club’s first Head Coach in team history.
      “A former player of West Ham United in the English Premier League with a vast history of developing young talent in the U.S. and abroad, Collison will lead Huntsville in its inaugural MLS Next Pro season this spring.”
      Nashville SC – who Huntsville will be an affiliate team to – CEO and Huntsville City FC President, Ian Ayre added: “Huntsville City FC is a unique opportunity that sits astride a number of key objectives…
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      “Jack is the ideal fit for this team with his broad mix of playing experience at a high level and the management of youth soccer programmes in the UK and the US which give him a broad mix of experience.
      “We believe with the guidance and support of our coaching staff at NSC, Jack and his team have the ideal platform to create something very special at HCFC.”
      Collison retired back in 2016 after a short stint at Peterborough.
      The Welshman also enjoyed periods throughout his career at Bournemouth, Wigan and Ipswich, but made his name at West Ham between 2007 and 2013.
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      The central midfielder emerged through the club’s academy and made 121 appearances, including 74 games in the Premier League where he scored seven goals and added six assists.
      Following retirement, Collison started work as a youth coach, managing Peterborough’s Under 21 and U18 sides before becoming West Ham’s youth manager.
      Collison then headed to the US to work for Atlanta’s Academy in 2019, before becoming Atalanta United 2 manager in 2021.
      He remained at the club until now, as he takes over Huntsville.
      On his appointment, Collison told club media: “I am very excited at the prospect of bringing soccer to Rocket City and building a team that really represents the community.
      “I will look to build an exciting, fast-paced brand of soccer that can bring success on the pitch in Huntsville, whilst helping to develop some of the future stars for Nashville SC.
      “My staff and I are currently hard at work to achieve these goals and can’t wait to see everyone packed inside the Joe Davis stadium supporting a team we can ALL be proud of.”
      The club are a newly formed team based in Huntsville, Alabama, with partner club Nashville SC being based in the neighbouring state of Tennessee.
      However, they will not be competing against the likes of David Beckham’s Inter Miami or Wayne Rooney’s DC United, as they are not in Major League Soccer.
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      Instead, Huntsville will enter the MLS Next Pro League, which started in March 2022.
      The league is geared towards helping young talent develop, and links the MLS to the affiliate league MLS Next. More

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      Wayne Rooney’s DC United sign Leeds star Mateusz Klich as Man Utd legend says he’s tracked ‘first-rate’ star for years

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      DC UNITED have signed Leeds star Mateusz Klich, leaving his new manager Wayne Rooney thrilled. The MLS side have completed the transfer for the midfielder on a two-year deal with an option to extend the contract by an additional 12 months.
      Mateusz Klich has been unveiled at DC UnitedCredit: Instagram / @cli5hy
      He was given a special send off by his team-mates and fansCredit: Reuters
      Manager Wayne Rooney has had his eye on Mateusz Klich for three yearsCredit: Getty
      He arrived at Elland Road back in 2017 and swiftly became a fans’ favourite, helping the side gain promotion and then stay in the Premier League.
      The 32-year-old was a key figure under Marcelo Bielsa but Jesse Marsch has not started him in a league match this season.
      Klich said an emotional farewell to the club after they drew with West Ham 2-2.
      The Polish star was seen crying as his team-mates formed a guard of honour for him, all while wearing replicas of his No43 shirt.
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      He joins DC United with a big challenge ahead after the club finished bottom of the Eastern Conference last season.
      But his manager is full of confidence that he can be the key to a better season in 2023.
      Rooney showed his delight in signing him even claiming he had been scouting him for three years.
      The ex-Manchester United striker told the DC United website: “Mateusz is a first-rate midfielder who will add top-level experience to our roster.
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      “I’ve been watching him since he helped lead Leeds to promotion to the Premier League.
      “His vision, range of passing, and scoring ability will be a huge asset for us this season.”
      Klich played a total of 195 times for Leeds, finding the back of the net on 24 occasions.
      He has been capped 41 times by the Polish national side and previously had spells at FC Twente and PEC Zwolle.
      Klich will join a squad featuring former Prem stars Christian Benteke and Ravel Morrison in Washington. More

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      Inside Wayne Rooney’s DC United dressing room as Man Utd icon says there’s ‘no f***ing way’ he will finish bottom again

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      WAYNE ROONEY gave a passionate speech to his DC United squad ahead of the 2023 season – and vowed not to finish “bottom of that f***ing league again”. The Manchester United legend, 37, was appointed manager of the MLS side last summer.
      Wayne Rooney gave a passionate speech to his playersCredit: YouTube / D.C. United
      He is keen to improve after a disastrous 2022 campaignCredit: YouTube / D.C. United
      But he could not prevent the Washington-based club from finishing bottom of the Eastern Conference as they failed to win any of their final six league matches.
      And Rooney, who spent two years with DC United as a player, is determined to improve their position in the MLS.
      Speaking to his players in a video uploaded to DC United’s YouTube channel, he said: “How are we going to improve day to day? There’s different things: of training sessions, of games, game management.
      “The lads who were here last year, you already know, you heard me talking about it all the time. The f***ing mentality every single day has to be right. That belief every single day has to be right. Cos if it’s not, you might as well go home now.
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      “That mentality has to be at a f***ing high level for us to perform every week.
      “It’s a tough, tough league. There are some very good teams in the league. And we have to compete this year. We have to have that f***ing desire to be successful.”
      The MLS gets underway at the end of February, with DC United kicking things off at home to Toronto – who finished second bottom last season.
      Rooney went on to add: “Walking around in England, even went to Dubai for a couple of weeks on holiday, and people come up to me and say: “Oh how’s America? Is it nice? Football is different over there’.
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      “No it f***ing isn’t. Football is football.
      “We have to stay together as a group. So just a reminder, if we stay together, we’re a f***ing good team.
      “We’ve got time now to work on how I want to play, how we want to evolve as a team, improve and how we want to get better. How we want to be successful. Because there’s no chance I’m finishing bottom of that f***ing league again.”
      And Rooney, who has players such as Christian Benteke and Ravel Morrison in his squad, finished the lengthy speech by calling for his squad to have the belief to succeed this season.
      He said: “There’s a lot of history at this club. It’s the most successful in the MLS. We need to get back to that. And we can. I think we will.
      “But it’s on you to do that. You need to believe in yourselves. It’s the most important thing.
      “Believe in yourself as an individual, believe in your team-mates and believe in yourselves as a group. And you can do that.”
      Rooney was a player for two years at DC United before returning as managerCredit: Getty More