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      Arsenal outcast Mesut Ozil ‘likely’ to complete MLS transfer with Gunners in talks to rip up £350k a week contract

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      MESUT OZIL is reportedly ‘likely’ to seal a transfer to the MLS as Arsenal try to rip up the outcast’s £350,000 a week contract.
      The Mirror reports Ozil is ‘likely’ to cross the Atlantic and join an MLS side in January.

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      Mesut Ozil could be heading stateside to play in the MLSCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Gunners have made repeated attempts to cancel the German midfielder’s contract – which finally runs out in the summer.
      And after failing to broker a deal with the ex-Real Madrid star in the last few weeks, Arsenal are set to re-open talks with the aim of getting him off the wage bill in the New Year.
      The stumbling block is thought to be Ozil’s desire to be paid the full £13million remaining on his contract in order to walk away.

      The MLS transfer window is open until October 29 – potentially giving Ozil three weeks to sort out a shock deal now.
      In July, SunSport exclusively revealed he is keen on a move to the US but not until his Arsenal contract has expired.
      His chances of any first-team action in North London are beyond slim with boss Mikel Arteta refusing to play the World Cup winner.
      Ozil – who turns 32 on October 15 – was NOT included in Arteta’s 25-man Europa League squad.

      Technical director Edu revealed Ozil received the news in a face-to-face showdown with manager Arteta.

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      He is also set to miss the cut for Arsenal’s Premier League squad of the same size.
      Ozil offered to save Arsenal’s mascot Gunnersaurus from extinction by using his own deep pockets.
      The Gunners had SACKED the man behind the costume in Covid-19 cost-cutting measures.
      Jerry Quy got the boot after 27 years with his service not deemed essential with fans barred from attending games at the Emirates.
      Ozil said: “I was so sad that Jerry Quy aka our famous and loyal mascot and integral part of our club was made redundant after 27 years.
      “As such, I’m offering to reimburse Arsenal with the full salary of our big green guy as long as I will be an Arsenal player so Jerry can continue his job that he loves so much.”

      Outcast Mesut Ozil trains with Arsenal as Arteta puts squad through its paces More

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      Phoenix Rising star Junior Flemmings banned for just six games after using homophobic slur at openly gay San Diego rival

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      PHOENIX RISING’S Junior Flemmings was banned for six games after using a homophobic slur at a gay opponent.
      Jamaica international Flemmings, 24, directed the insult at San Diego Loyal midfielder Collin Martin, 25, during a USL Championship game in September.

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      Junior Flemmings received a six-game ban for a homophobic slurCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Midfielder Collin Martin is openly gayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Martin is the only openly gay professional player in America.
      In response to the incident last month, the Loyal players walked off the pitch at half-time, forfeiting the game and their chance of making the play-offs despite leading 3-1.
      The USL is the second-tier competition below the MLS in the US and a league statement confirmed the ban.
      It read: “Following an investigation that included interviews with 11 individuals, including players, coaches and match officials, a six-game suspension and undisclosed fine has been issued to Phoenix Rising FC’s Junior Flemmings for the use of foul and abusive language in the form of a homophobic slur during the club’s match against San Diego Loyal SC on September 30.

      “Per the player’s contract, Flemmings could also be subject to additional discipline from Phoenix Rising FC and remains on administrative leave. Flemmings’ suspension covers the entirety of the 2020 USL Championship Playoffs.”
      At the time Flemmings initially denied that he had called Martin a ‘batty boy’.
      He said: “At no point did I say a homophobic slur towards Collin Martin.
      “I do not know Collin personally, but I respect all of my opponents equally, Collin included.

      “I am disappointed by San Diego’s actions this evening as I have been mauled and ridiculed online with no opportunity to defend myself.”
      Martin, who was sent-off for his reaction before having his red card rescinded, said: “I never had a word said to me like that.
      “I have heard homophobic language throughout my career and growing up but not to the point where it was directed at me like that. I felt personally attacked.
      “I was emotional coming off the field not knowing what was going to happen. Not understanding why someone would say that to me.
      “For this team to show that there are more things that are important than the actual game means a lot.”

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      San Diego Loyal boss Landon Donovan confronted officials over the incidentCredit: Twitter / @SportsCenter

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      Donovan played for Everton in the Premier LeagueCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      Loyal’s manager is former Everton Premier League ace Landon Donovan, 38, who brought the comment to the officials’ attention and when Risings boss Rick Schantz declined to sub Flemmings marched his team off the field.
      The controversy came just a week after Loyal had forfeited another match against LA Galaxy II after an alleged racial slur was directed at Loyal midfielder Elijah Martin.
      The Galaxy player involved has since been released.
      Donovan said: “We went through a really hard incident last week in the LA match and we made a vow to ourselves, to our community, to our players, to the club, to USL, that we would not stand for bigotry, homophobic slurs, things that don’t belong in our game.” More

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      Barnsley hero Gerhard Struber admits tough decision over accepting New York Red Bulls move after saving Tykes

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      GERHARD STRUBER said an emotional goodbye after leaving Barnsley for New York Red Bulls.
      The Austrian coach famously saved the Tykes from relegation into League One last season after arriving in November — but admitted early this campaign that the board did not match his ambition.

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      Gerhard Struber left Barnsley to join New York Red Bulls just months after leading the Tykes to survivalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      However, Struber insists he leaves with a heavy heart as he aims for further success after the MLS club triggered his contract buy-out clause.
      He told SunSport: “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Barnsley FC and all officials, team and staff who worked together to achieve what we have.
      “A big thank you also goes out to the great fans for their trust and their massive support along the way!
      “I took over in a difficult situation, but together, we managed to pull off a feat that hardly anyone thought possible at the time.

      “I think it was obvious to everyone what being in charge of this fantastic club meant to me in that moment.
      “I will always look back fondly on my tenure here.
      “I wish Barnsley and the supporters nothing but the best for the future.”
      Dane Murphy, Chief Executive Officer of the Championship club, explained: “As much as we wanted Gerhard to remain at Oakwell we were not in a position to deny him this opportunity.

      “Looking toward the immediate future, the recruitment process for a replacement has already begun and we will update supporters when appropriate.
      “In the interim, Adam Murray will take charge of first team matters.
      “This club has good people across numerous departments that will do their utmost to assist Adam.”

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      San Diego Loyal walk off pitch after ‘homophobic slur’ at openly gay player despite being 3-1 up against Phoenix Rising

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      FOOTBALL team San Diego Loyal stood alongside player Collin Martin by walking off the field after a member of the opposing team allegedly used a homophobic slur against him.
      Martin, 25, came out as gay in 2018.

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      Collin Martin was the subject of alleged homophobic abuseCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      According to ESPN, the incident occurred at the end of the first half shortly after Martin was sent off with his side 3-1 ahead against Phoenix Rising.
      It is reported a Loyal player said to the referee: “We’re off the field. We’re not doing this again. F*** that. We’re out of here.”
      Loyal coach and former LA Galaxy star Landon Donovan addressed the issue on Twitter and praised his players for walking off the field.
      He said: “Our guys, to their immense credit, just said, ‘We’re not going to stand for this.’

      “They were very clear in that moment that they were giving up all hopes of making the playoffs, even though they were beating one of the best teams in the league handedly.
      “But they said that doesn’t matter, there are things more important in life and we have to stick up for what we believe in.
      “And so they made the decision to walk off.”
      The game was forfeited and an investigation is underway.

      Loyal’s Twitter account confirmed the alleged slur directed at Martin and wrote: “In the first half a member of Phoenix Rising used a homophobic slur directed at Collin Martin.
      “In response we have decided to walk off the pitch in protest.
      “Last week we made it loud and clear that we do not stand for racism or homophobia. Nothing has changed this week.”

      Last week we made it loud and clear that we do not stand for racism or homophobia. Nothing has changed this week. 🏳️‍🌈✊🏿 #AllBlackLivesMatter
      — San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) October 1, 2020

      USL Championship league chiefs, the second division of America’s Professional League, confirmed they are investigating the incident.
      They released a statement that read: “We are aware of the alleged use of a homophobic slur in tonight’s match between San Diego Loyal SC and Phoenix Rising FC.
      “Foul and abusive language of any type has absolutely no place in our society and will not be tolerated in USL matches.
      “An investigation is currently underway to determine the facts surrounding the incident and more information will be provided as soon as it is available.”
      Phoenix’s Junior Flemmings revealed he was the player accused of the homophobic slur and strongly denied any accusations.

      Fighting his corner, Flemmings said: “At no point did I say a homophobic slur towards Collin Martin. I do not know Collin personally, but I respect all of my opponents equally, Collin included.
      “I stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ movement.”

      Phoenix Rising added: “Phoenix Rising stands with the USL in rejecting and punishing any homophobic behavior.”
      Last month The Sun revealed how a second gay Premier League footballer was too afraid to come out.
      He also urged Prem bosses to do more after revealing his secret life has damaged his mental health.

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      Gonzalo Higuain has nightmare Inter Miami debut with skied penalty, huge bust-up and thumped 3-0 by Philadelphia Union

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      GONZALO HIGUAIN had a nightmare Inter Miami debut he will be desperate to forget.
      The Argentine striker, 32, skied a penalty over the crossbar and then was involved in a huge bust-up.

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      Gonzalo Higuain was involved in a fiery argument with Philadelphia Union players after missing his penaltyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      To make matters worse, his side were thumped 3-0 by Philadelphia Union as he made his MLS bow following a free transfer from Juventus.
      But despite his horror game, Miami head coach Diego Alonso insisted the club were “happy with his work”.
      Alonso said: “I think that he showed he was in good condition.
      “Logically, he was going to need more games and with those games he’s going to prove more comfortable, he’s going to feel better. He was very eager to play.

      “The penalty is a situation that could happen to any player – it could have been him, it could have been another player.
      “We’re happy with his work and the work of the team and we need to continue to aim to perform better and minimise mistakes.”
      Higuain almost made the dream start to life in America when he hit the post with a spectacular overhead kick early on.
      But trailing 2-0 to Anthony Fontana’s opener and Ilsinho’s finish, Higuain had the perfect chance to get David Beckham’s team back into the game with 13 minutes to play.

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      The Argentine striker had the perfect chance to get his Inter Miami side back into the game on his debutCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But he got his spot kick all wrong and sent it sailing over the crossbar.
      And in the aftermath, Philadelphia players celebrated the miss wildly, infuriating Higuain who reacted angrily.
      Brenden Aaronson wrapped up the win for the home side in the sixth minute of injury time.
      Inter Miami sit 13th in the MLS Eastern Conference table, level on 11 points from 14 games with bottom-side DC United.

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      Five possible moves for Luis Suarez if Atletico Madrid transfer falls through including Ajax and Leeds

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      LUIS SUAREZ has been told he has no future at Barcelona – while potential moves to Juventus and Atletico Madrid appeared to have fallen apart.
      The Uruguayan striker, 33, was told to leave the Nou Camp by new boss Ronald Koeman in a blunt, two-minute phonecall.

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      Luis Suarez has been told to leave Barcelona by new boss Ronald KoemanCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Suarez was said to have been left “very upset” with his Barcelona career in tatters.
      The Uruguayan was on the brink of a move to Juventus only for the Serie A champions to pull the plug over passport issues.
      Atletico Madrid quickly looked to take advantage, but that deal could also fall through with Los Rojiblancos “blacklisted” by Barca.
      SunSport takes a look at FIVE potential new clubs for Suarez…

      AJAX

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      Ajax are the frontrunners to sign Suarez, bringing him back to HollandCredit: EPA
      SUAREZ played for the Dutch giants between 2007 and 2011, before his big move to Liverpool.
      And Ajax are claimed to have already bid £13.5million to bring their former star back to Amsterdam.
      But they have since slipped behind the likes of Atletico and Juve in the list.
      Suarez scored 111 goals in 159 games during his time at Ajax.

      LIVERPOOL

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      Suarez could also play a role back at Liverpool where he enjoyed three-and-a-half incredible seasonsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      FOLLOWING his three-and-a-half years at Ajax, Suarez was tasked with replacing Fernando Torres at Liverpool in January 2011.
      The Uruguayan scored 69 times in just 110 Premier League games – arguably enjoying his peak years at Anfield.
      A return to Liverpool now would likely see him form part of a star-studded rotation including Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.
      Jurgen Klopp is desperate to add attacking reinforcements to his Premier League title-winning squad, with the likes of Divock Origi, Rhian Brewster and Takumi Minamino his back-up striking options.
      For just £13.5m, or thereabouts, Klopp could get plenty of bang for his buck.
      The signing of winger Diogo Jota lessens Liverpool’s need for more attacking talent somewhat, but his experience could still be invaluable.
      INTER MIAMI

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      Suarez could join Blaise Matuidi, right, in heading to Inter MiamiCredit: AFP or licensors
      OWNED by David Beckham, Inter Miami finally made their first marquee signing earlier this summer in landing Blaise Matuidi.
      Now Becks and Co could make a move for Suarez to lead their line in the 2021 MLS season.
      The only issue with the American side would be wages, with all teams having a set salary cap.
      LEEDS

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      Suarez will no longer join Juventus, with Leeds a possible new homeCredit: AP
      LEEDS certainly haven’t struggled for goals this season – having scored seven in their opening two games.
      But Marcelo Bielsa is an ambitious coach – having previously looked to sign Suarez’s Uruguay team-mate Edinson Cavani.
      The Elland Road chief could now turn his attention to Suarez himself with the Barcelona striker left in limbo.

      PSG

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      The famous ‘MSN’ trio could be reformed at PSG this summerCredit: AP:Associated Press
      NEYMAR, Kylian Mbappe and Suarez… that’s a front-three to strike fear into any opponent’s hearts.
      The French side have been linked with a move for the Barcelona man to replace Edinson Cavani.
      The Ligue 1 champions will need a replacement and Suarez could be the perfect fit, having already had experience of playing alongside Neymar at Barcelona.
      With Kylian Mbappe having been linked with a move to Liverpool next summer, Suarez could be brought in to lessen the blow.
      BEST OF THE REST
      AMIDST all of the European giants linked, there are a host of other surprise names in contention to sign Suarez.
      Qatari side Al-Arabi have been linked with a move, while a number of other clubs in the Far East, including Chinese Super League sides, are thought to be keen.
      Suarez could also join the likes of Andres Iniesta, Lukas Podolski and Fernando Torres in enjoying late-career stints in Japan.

      Barcelona star Luis Suarez returns to training after injury More

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      David Beckham’s Inter Miami ‘to make Gonzalo Higuain highest paid player in MLS with stunning £5.45m-a-year deal’

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      GONZALO HIGUAIN will become the highest-paid player in MLS when he signs for David Beckham-owned Inter Miami, according to reports.
      The Argentine striker agreed a £2.3million payoff with Juventus last week to terminate his contract with the club a year early, leaving him free to join the Herons.

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      Gonzalo Higuain has agreed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Inter Miami which will make him the highest-paid player in MLSCredit: Alamy Live News

      The Miami Herald claims Higuain will earn a base salary of £5.45million ($7million) at Inter, where he will join former Juve teammate Blaise Matuidi.
      The 32-year-old has signed a contract with Beckham’s fledgling franchise through to the end of the 2022 season.
      Higuain’s brother Federico has spent the last eight years in MLS and moved to DC United in March after seven-and-a-half seasons with Columbus Crew.
      Inter Miami are yet to officially announce the signing of Higuain but co-owner Jorge Mas has posted a photo with the 32-year-old at Miami airport welcoming him to the club.

      Coach Diego Alonso also confirmed the ex-Chelsea and Real Madrid frontman was in town for a medical and hoped to have El Pipita join up with his squad soon.
      Zlatan Ibrahimovic was the highest-paid MLS player in 2019 but has since left LA Galaxy to rejoin AC Milan.
      Figures released by the MLS Player Association suggest the Swede earned a base salary of £5.6million ($7.2million) last year.
      That put him slightly ahead of Toronto duo Michael Bradley on £4.7million ($6million base) and Jozy Altidore on £3.8million ($4.9million base).

      According to Italian journalist Nicolo Schira, Higuain could earn up to £6.85million ($8.8million) per year in Miami including bonuses.
      Inter Miami are in desperate need of a goalscorer in their debut MLS season, with all seven of their losses coming via a single-goal margin.
      They currently sit bottom of the Eastern Conference after just two wins in 11 games.

      Pirlo confirms Higuain’s Juventus contract will be terminated with striker free to find a new club this summer More

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      Gonzalo Higuain set to complete Inter Miami transfer as David Beckham lands big-name signing he craves

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      DAVID BECKHAM is on the verge of completing a huge transfer coup with Gonzalo Higuain set to sign for Inter Miami.
      The 32-year-old’s contract at Juventus will be terminated, allowing him to move to the MLS side on a free.

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      Gonzalo Higuain is on his way to Miami to sign for Inter after agreeing terms with the MLS sideCredit: Alamy Live News

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      David Beckham will pay the striker £3.7m-a-year to join his newly-formed clubCredit: Instagram
      SunSport understands it is already a done deal with the paperwork due to be signed within hours.
      The striker is believed to be on his way to the US now after his agent already agreed personal terms.
      All that remains is for the star himself to ink the contract that ties him to Inter until 2020.
      Higuain has agreed to take a 50 per cent to escape from Juventus a year early.

      That means he will pocket wages of around £3.7million annually.
      The Argentinian was told by new boss Andrea Pirlo he did not feature in his plans at Juventus.
      That allows him to move closer to his brother, Federico, who also plays in the MLS for DC United.

      And there will also be a reunion with Blaise Matuidi at Inter Miami.
      He was also allowed to terminate his Juve contract early to sign for Beckham’s newly-formed club.
      Juventus forked out a whopping £75.3m to Napoli to sign him in 2016.
      The South American went on to win three league titles and the Coppa Italia twice.

      But he also spent time away after being shipped out on loan to both Milan and Chelsea two seasons ago.
      Inter Miami fans have been desperate for their superstar co-owner to bring in a big name and although the likes of Suarez or Cristiano Ronaldo are way out of their reach right now, Higuain’s pedigree and CV will go down well.
      Inter Miami bagged a vital win over Atlanta on Wednesday night thanks to a double from former Celtic winger Lewis Morgan but are second from bottom in the Eastern Conference with eight points from 10 games.

      Pirlo confirms Higuain’s Juventus contract will be terminated with striker free to find a new club this summer More