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      Eddie Howe refuses to rule out Newcastle transfers from Saudi Arabia but claims ‘we don’t have an advantage’

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      EDDIE HOWE admitted Newcastle may look to Saudi Arabia in January to solve their injury crisis after being given the green light. But the Magpies boss said it is “strange” that the spotlight is on the Toon after Premier League clubs voted this week against a ban on related-party loans. 
      Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admitted there could be signings from Saudi ArabiaCredit: Rex
      Howe, though, insists Newcastle have no advantage over Premier League rivalsCredit: Getty
      It means Newcastle will be free to sign players from Saudi clubs who are also owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
      Howe is without a host of injured stars and is eyeing up a move for former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves, who moved to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal this summer. 
      Al-Hilal are one of four Saudi sides owned by the Public Investment Fund along with Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli, where the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, N’Golo Kante and Riyad Mahrez play.
      But Howe insists they DON’T have an advantage over rivals. 
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      He said: “You say Newcastle’s favour… the majority of Premier League clubs own other clubs around the world, so it’s not solely on us. 
      “It’s the same for everybody. We’ll potentially be allowed to recruit from a league, just like every other Premier League club can as well. 
      “There’s no advantage in my eyes. I found it strange that the focus has been solely on us. Every club has a right to vote how they want and it hasn’t gone through so it’s not just about us.”
      Howe also admitted that he may be forced into the January transfer market because of the number of players crocked. 
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      On top of Sandro Tonali’s 10-month betting ban, he is without Sven Botman, Callum Wilson, Harvey Barnes, Dan Burn, Jacob Murphy, Matt Targett and Elliot Anderson. 
      Neither are expected back in the foreseeable future, though Fabian Schar, Miguel Almiron and Alexander Isak are all expected to return for the visit of Chelsea on Saturday. 
      Kieran Trippier is also back available having withdrawn from England duty because of “personal reasons”. 
      But Howe said: “January was not a window that we were looking to invest in. 
      “Certainly we’re going to have to be reactive I think because we’ve got injuries in different areas of the squad. 
      “It would only be a reaction to the injuries we have, and whether we need to recruit because the majority of our players would be back in January, at this moment in time we don’t know.” More

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      Football saved my life after a prison sentence at 19, I was a plasterer and bricklayer before making it, says Ian Wright

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      IAN WRIGHT owes his life to a two-week prison sentence as a “lost” 19-year-old.What followed was a glittering career for club and country before becoming a beloved TV pundit.
      Ian Wright visited Pentonville Prison yesterdayCredit: The Sun
      Ian Wright set up the Twinning Project alongside ex-Arsenal chairman David Dein for Premier League clubs to work with prisonersCredit: The Sun
      Wright hopes the initiative can inspire prisoners to turn their lives aroundCredit: The Sun
      But Wright, who turned 60 this month, is now working hard to ensure football helps prison inmates forge a new path on the outside.
      Ex-Arsenal chairman David Dein set up the Twinning Project in October 2018, linking football clubs and prisons to provide education and support.
      Dein’s first recruit was Wright, who he signed for the Gunners from Crystal Palace for a then club record £2.5million fee in 1991.
      There are now 73 English clubs partnered to local jails.
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      Wright has previously recalled how he broke down in tears after being put in a cell in Chelmsford Prison in 1982 for non-payment of driving fines.
      He later became a plasterer and bricklayer before his football career took off.
      During a visit yesterday to Pentonville Prison — a mile’s walk from the Emirates Stadium — with Dein and Justice Minister Edward Argar, he took part in a graduation ceremony for 15 inmates who had completed an FA coaching qualification alongside the Arsenal Foundation.
      Wright said: “Football saved my life but people are still in two minds about giving an offender a chance.
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      Wright was David Dein’s first signing at ArsenalCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
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      “By the time I got my opportunity at Palace at 22, I was ready because I clawed myself away from the bad elements in my life, doing silly things.
      “People say the straight and narrow, it’s not straight and narrow, it’s twisty, it’s a nightmare, storms and hurricanes. What I would say to them now is: ‘You’re choosing to go on this path. It’s not easy but you have to stick with it’.”
      Asked if Wright’s conviction made him think twice about signing him 32 years ago, Dein said: “No.
      “He served his time. Going to prison is the punishment, losing your job and self-respect. Being in prison should be for rehabilitation.” More

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      I’m a former Premier League star who retired and founded an AI company – we work with 40 clubs including top flight side

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      FORMER Premier League star Esteban Granero lives a very different life after retiring from football.The 36-year-old spent one season playing for QPR, where he played 24 times under Mark Hughes and Harry Redknapp.
      Esteban Granero runs his own AI company after retiring from footballCredit: Instagram @olocip_lab
      The ace spent one season playing for QPRCredit: PA:Press Association
      Granero’s biggest success came in the previous three years at Real Madrid, where he won a LaLiga title and Spanish Cup.
      But after also spending time at Getafe, Real Sociedad and Espanyol, he called it a day in 2021 after playing for second-tier Marbella.
      And following his retirement, Granero now runs his very own AI company.
      The ex-midfielder founded Olocip in 2016 as he explored ways of using artificial intelligence to help the beautiful game.
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      Granero’s company uses data to help make big calls on transfers and in-game decisions.
      He now provides 40 clubs with cutting-edge AI technology – including one team in the Championship and another in the Premier League.
      Granero told The Standard: “I took the data and started asking clever people about it.
      “I went to universities and asked professors about artificial intelligence, as I felt AI could improve data analysis, as in other industries.
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      Granero won LaLiga during his time at Real MadridCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      “We’ve been developing for years. Now the AI wave is coming – we see AI applications worldwide in every industry – we are taking advantage of what we’ve been building.
      “For years, we were struggling to make people understand how AI can improve analysis of data. Now people come to us.
      “AI will bring efficiency in decision making at a club, not only in sports science but economics, the development of a club, fan engagement, ticketing, marketing services. It will bring efficiencies in everything.”
      Such is the growing role of AI in football that a different company has created a candidate to run against Gianni Infantino for Fifa president.
      ‘Hope Sogni’ is an AI character from sports agency Dark Horses, who can engage in real-time conversation and even has her own manifesto. More

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      England U17 star ‘training with Arsenal first team’ after leaving club but Gunners face fight to complete transfer

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      ARSENAL are leading the race to sign England under-17 star Mason Cotcher, with the forward on trial at the club.Cotcher, 17, has been training with the Arsenal first-team as the Gunners look to woo the forward into signing for them, according to the Daily Telegraph.
      Cotcher is an England u-17 internationalCredit: Instagram @mason.cotcher
      Cotcher is pictured behind Declan Rice wearing a pair of shorts marked ‘T1’Credit: Getty
      Cotcher has become one of the most sought after young talents in the country after starring for Sunderland’s youth side.
      The forward scored nine goals in 25 games for Sunderland’s under-18s and also featured in the FA Youth Cup for the Championship side.
      Cotcher, who can play up front or out wide was an unused substitute for the Sunderland first team in their third round FA Cup clash with Shrewsbury last season.
      He made his Arsenal under-18s debut against Middlesbrough in October and scored and assisted for the 18s in a game against Crystal Palace.
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      During his training session with the first team yesterday, Cotcher was given a special training kit to indicate he was a trialist.
      Arsenal have not yet made a decision on signing the youngster.
      If Arsenal do opt to sign the forward after his trial, they will be required to go to a tribunal to decide on the fee owed to Sunderland for his services.
      Arsenal are joined in the race to sign Cotcher by Scottish giants Rangers.
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      If Rangers were to win the race to sign Cotcher, they would be required to pay a significantly lower fee than Arsenal owing to playing in a different league system to Sunderland.
      Cotcher could also still sign for Sunderland on a scholarship deal but is understood to be interested in moving elsewhere.
      Brighton have also expressed an interest in signing the youngster and have an excellent track record on bringing young players into their first team. More

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      Dele Alli’s stunning Wag Cindy Kimberly shares loved-up snaps of the pair as delighted fans gush ‘cutest couple’

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      DELE ALLI’S girlfriend Cindy Kimberly shared a loved up snaps of the couple with fans rushing to call them “the cutest”.Dele recently posted a number of snaps of the two on his Instagram where he wrote “Happy Cindy day” to celebrate the model and influencer’s birthday.
      Cindy shared a loved up photo of her and DeleCredit: Instagram @wolfiecindy
      The couple have dated for over a yearCredit: Instagram / @dele
      Cindy is an international modelCredit: Getty
      The couple have been publicly dating for over a year.
      Reacting to the post, fans were quick to let the two know how good they looked together.
      One fan wrote: “You guys are cute.”
      Another commented: “Love you so much ❤️❤️❤️”
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      A third commented: “Little cuties!”
      While a fourth wrote: “cutest ever”
      Cindy originates from the Netherlands and is a professional model.
      She currently works as a model and influencer and is signed to Uno Models.
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      And successful influencerCredit: Instagram @wolfiecindy
      The model originates from the NetherlandsCredit: Getty
      Cindy shot to fame in December 2015 when Justin Bieber posted a picture of her on her Instagram and wrote: “OMG who is this??”
      The post made Cindy an instant internet sensation, and shortly after modelling companies were knocking at her door looking to sign her.
      Dele, meanwhile, is hoping to return for Everton soon.
      The midfielder is nearing a return from groin surgery which ruled him out of the start of the season.
      Toffees boss Sean Dyche praised the impact of having Dele around the dressing room as he continues his comeback from injury.
      He said that the midfielder stands out for his tactical nous during video and training sessions and his understanding is noticeably above that of other players.
      She since moved to LA but is often by Dele’s sideCredit: Instagram
      Dele Alli could return to action soonCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea star Armando Broja steps into business world with lucrative new deal as he’s set to open brand new stores

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      CHELSEA star Armando Broja has stepped into the world of business with a lucrative new boots deal.And he’s even ready to open stores in Albania and Kosovo as part of his agreement with Puma.
      Chelsea star Armando Broja has agreed a lucrative boots deal with PumaCredit: Getty
      The manufacturer has successfully poached Broja from rivals Nike in a mega-agreement, claims The Athletic.
      Chelsea’s Cobham product will soon pen a contract with Puma to exclusively wear their boots on the field.
      But Broja’s new agreement will also see him push for more football opportunities in the birthplace of his parents.
      It’s reckoned the forward will help open Puma stores in Albania, with Broja becoming an ambassador to his international side.
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      There is also a plan to launch a foundation in the country, helping to raise the level of the beautiful game.
      And Broja will also have a hand in store openings in neighbouring Kosovo too.
      But it remains to be seen whether he will still be at Chelsea this winter.
      Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly urged Todd Boehly to land him a new striker in January.
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      Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen are at the top of his list.
      And there’s interest in Feyenoord’s Santiago Gimenez too.
      Broja has made just four league appearances this term after returning from injury.
      And it’s reckoned West Ham are lining up a swoop, with David Moyes ready to offer the ace regular minutes. More

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      Roy Keane tipped for stunning Man Utd comeback as Sir Jim Ratcliffe plots shakeup after takeover

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      ROY KEANE has been tipped to make a sensational Manchester United return by one of his former team-mates.The Irishman starred for the Red Devils between 1992 and 2005 before making a bitter exit following a falling out with Sir Alex Ferguson.
      Roy Keane rarely holds back in his punditry roleCredit: Getty
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to shake things up at Old TraffordCredit: Alamy
      Keane, 52, spent the rest of the 2005-06 season at Celtic before hanging up his boots for good.
      He subsequently launched his coaching career, winning the Championship title with Sunderland in 2007.
      The former Man Utd captain then managed Ipswich between 2009 and 2011, but has not held a managerial position since.
      In the meantime he spent five years as Martin O’Neill’s assistant with the Ireland national team.
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      While he also had a short stint as Celtic legend Paul Lambert’s No2 at Aston Villa in 2014.
      Keane has not held a coaching position since 2019 when he again assisted O’Neill, this time at Nottingham Forest.
      British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe is on the verge of completing his 25 per cent partial takeover in Man Utd.
      And former Red Devils captain Steve Bruce thinks that as part of Ratcliffe’s shake up, Keane could sensationally return after nearly 19 years away.
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      Chatting to the Irish Examiner, Bruce said: “It wouldn’t surprise me to see Roy take up a role at Man Utd.
      “We all know how highly he’s thought of at the club as he was there for 13 years and served as a huge captain for them.

      “Who knows? I’m sure he’d be open to any discussion.”
      Keane has not been shy in his criticism of Man Utd while working as a pundit for Sky Sports in recent years.
      Last month he vowed that he would strip Bruno Fernandes of the captaincy following United’s 3-0 Manchester derby defeat to City.
      He said: “After today and having watched him again I would definitely take the captaincy off him. 100 per cent.
      “I know it’s a big decision, obviously he changed the captaincy with [Harry] Maguire, but Fernandes is not captain material.”
      Keane continued: “I think he’s a talented player no doubt about it.
      “But what I saw from him today; his whinging, his moaning, he’s throwing his arms up in the air constantly, it really isn’t acceptable.
      “And what we saw today, I would take it off him.
      “Cause we’re talking about making changes, you have to start somewhere whether it’s board level, managers, I would start with that because the manager is capable of doing that and holding his hands up and saying ‘listen I got it wrong’.
      “In terms of captain material, he’s the opposite to what I would want in a captain.”
      Keane, 52, claimed that he would strip Bruno Fernandes of the Man Utd captaincyCredit: Getty More

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      Ivan Toney at centre of three-way transfer scrap with Chelsea battling two Premier League rivals for £80million striker

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      CHELSEA are braced for a three-way battle with their London rivals for Ivan Toney.The club’s top brass suspect Tottenham as well as Arsenal are poised to move for the controversial £100 million-rated Brentford striker during the next transfer window.
      Chelsea are prepared to battle Arsenal and Chelsea for Ivan ToneyCredit: Getty
      Toney is training again while serving the remainder of an eight month ban he received in May for breaking rules on betting.
      And as he warms up for a long-awaited return in January, the Premier League’s big clubs in the Capital are starting to circle.
      Chelsea and Arsenal have long-established interest in Toney, 27, who scored 21 goals for The Bees before copping his ban towards the end of last season.
      But insiders at Stamford Bridge are also convinced that Tottenham are lining up a bid to buy Toney as a replacement for Harry Kane.
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      Spurs have played down speculation linking them to Toney, claiming they are more focused on adding defensive cover in the new year.
      But sources at Stamford Bridge are not convinced and are preparing to go head-to-head with their city neighbours in the transfer market.
      Kane quit Spurs for German giants Bayern Munich in the summer and he hasn’t been directly replaced despite the £47.5 million signing of forward Brennan Johnson.
      Arsenal have been tracking Toney for some time to boost their forward line as they bid to push defending champions Manchester City for the Premier League title.
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      Current striker Gabriel Jesus has only this week returned from a month-long injury absence by playing for his country Brazil.
      Chelsea’s need for a dedicated centre forward has been obvious despite recent goals from new signing Nicolas Jackson.
      The Senegalese has scored four in two games in the absence of crocked Christopher Nkunku.
      But Chelsea failed to find the net in home matches against Brentford, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest. More