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      Forgotten former Premier League flop who once cost £25m finally finds new club in French second division

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      FORGOTTEN Everton flop Jean-Philippe Gbamin who once cost the Toffees £25million is now at second-division side USL Dunkerque.The midfielder joined Goodison Park in 2019 but after failing to impress the Merseyside club he left in the summer as a free agent.
      Jean-Philippe Gbamin has joined French second-division side USL DunkerqueCredit: Getty
      Gbamin, 28, has now found a new role with the second-tier French club after being unemployed all summer.
      According to L’Equipe, the Ivory Coast international has agreed to a short-term contract with Dunkerque.
      USL Dunkerque was promoted last season from the third division into Ligue 2.
      The report also claimed Gbamin wanted to be close to his family, who live near Lille, so it was a good personal move for him.
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      Everton signed the midfielder back in 2019 from German side Mainz on a five-year contract.
      His agent, Bernard Collignon, has claimed he was previously wanted by Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool, before they decided upon Goodison Park.
      However, it turned into a nightmare four-year stint for Gbamin.
      He struggled to hit the ground running due to fitness issues and when he eventually got up to speed, Covid hit.
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      Then while playing football and tennis at home, he snapped his achilles in a freak injury.
      Once he had recovered, loan spells at CSKA Moscow and Trabzonspor failed to re-ignite his career.
      And last month the Ivorian decided to forfeit the final 12 months of his contract – worth around £5m in wages – in an attempt to get his career back on track after playing just eight games for Everton.
      Gbamin has earned 16 caps for Ivory Coast’s national team – including one appearance earlier this year.
      He was also a France U21 international until 2016.
      But he has played just 45 club games in four years since leaving Bundesliga side Mainz. More

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      Piers Morgan reveals he has ‘big question marks’ about Mikel Arteta as he blasts Arsenal boss over two positions

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      ARSENAL fan Piers Morgan has revealed he has “big question marks” over Mikel Arteta this season.Arsenal surrendered their unbeaten status in the Premier League on Saturday after suffering a controversial 1-0 defeat to Newcastle.
      Piers Morgan has asked questions of Mikel Arteta in his latest interview with talkSPORTCredit: Reuters
      The decision to drop Ramsdale for Raya drew particular ireCredit: Rex
      And the loss has led Morgan, 58, to ask questions over the direction of the club.
      The Gunners fan and TV host criticised Arsenal’s goalkeeping situation in particular.
      Arsenal signed David Raya from Brentford this summer on loan with the option to buy for a deal worth £30million.
      While Ramsdale initially retained his place in the team, Raya has been first choice from the first international break onwards.
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      And Morgan has asked why Arteta has opted to drop Ramsdale after he performed so well last season.
      He told talkSPORT: “I still don’t get the [David] Raya thing in goal.
      “On the goal that should never have been allowed, he made yet another cock-up.
      “Aaron Ramsdale is watching week after week. Is Raya showing anyone he is an upgrade from Ramsdale? I don’t think he is.
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      Raya has displaced Ramsdale as the undisputed number one at ArsenalCredit: Getty
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      “I think unfortunately all the pressure was created entirely by Arteta, who said he was going to have two No1s.
      “Nobody believed that when he said it, and it is clear he thinks Raya is his No1.
      “I don’t think most Arsenal fans look at this situation and are still confident in our goalkeeper.
      “So [Mikel Arteta] has managed to destabilise the goalkeeper situation; he hasn’t bought a world-class striker, and I think these are big question marks on Arteta.
      “Did he really look at last season when we choked the title and think, how do we go and win the title?
      “Getting Declan Rice was brilliant, but he did not get a striker, and he has cocked-up the goalkeeper thing.
      “Personally, I would bring back Ramsdale with a point to prove. I think he is a better goalkeeper.
      “I don’t care what fancy footwork Raya does; if he can’t stop goals, then I am afraid he should not be in goal.
      “The primary function of a goalkeeper is to stop goals from being scored, not to play like Zinedine Zidane.”
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      Arsenal host Sevilla in the Champions League on Wednesday, with a chance that Ramsdale may come back.
      Their next Premier League game comes at home to Burnley on Saturday. More

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      Man Utd are ‘holding Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes back’ with new captain suggested to solve woes

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are holding Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes back according the sport pundit Joe Cole.The West Ham legend believes the duo should not be blamed for Erik ten Hag’s questionable set-up and hints at a new captain for the squad.
      Joe Cole admitted Manchester United are holding Marcus Rashford backCredit: AP
      The former Hammer also said Bruno Fernandes is being held backCredit: Reuters
      Struggling Manchester United are set to face Copenhagen in their Champions League clash on Wednesday.
      And ahead of the game Cole has defended Man Utd attacking duo Rashford and Fernandes for their team’s inconsistent form.
      He told TNT Sports: “Rashford and Fernandes are both world-class players.
      “They’re outstanding footballers but they’re in a system that’s not allowing them to express their creative abilities.
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      “Rashford is the face of Manchester United and Bruno is the captain but I wouldn’t want my creative players to be the main leaders.”
      The ex-Chelsea boy admitted the pressures of being a senior in the Red Devils changing room has crippled the pair’s confidence on the pitch.
      Cole even suggested Ten Hag should have appointed Raphael Varane as captain to lighten the load on Fernandes.
      He continued: “I think the captain should be someone like Varane, a player behind the rest of the team who can say to Fernandes and Rashford ‘you can be the difference-makers for us’.”
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      Rashford missed United’s late 1-0 victory to Fulham – which Fernandes scored the dramatic stoppage-time winner – due to injury despite travelling to Craven Cottage.
      Cole added: “When Marcus plays and there are no other thoughts in his head – like when he played for England the other day against Italy – he’s outstanding.
      “He’s a world-beater. The same applies to Fernandes. Don’t get me wrong, they still need to be leaders but the body language of the whole squad needs to improve.
      “I would be putting more pressure on the players that are at the back, who can see the whole game, to drive the team and lift the dressing room.”
      Ten Hag’s side now needs to secure a win in Denmark otherwise they will face an uphill battle in the rest of the knockout competition.
      And remaining fixtures against European giants Galatasaray and Bayern Munich could push United out of the competition.
      Cole suggested Raphael Varane should be the team’s captainCredit: Getty More

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      Luton to escape FA punishment for sick chants against Liverpool blasted by Jamie Carragher as talks held with police

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      THE FA will not sanction Luton over the “tragedy chanting” that marred the Hatters’ 1-1 draw with Liverpool.Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher condemned the home fans who chanted “always the victims” during the game – a reference to the Hillsborough disaster.
      Luton will not be sanctioned by the FA over ‘tragedy chanting’ heard against LiverpoolCredit: Rex
      But while the FA and Premier League united in a pre-season drive to root out offensive chants, that did not include punishing clubs for the behaviour of their fans.
      While Wembley accepts the chants are offensive and do not want them to continue, they are not deemed “discriminatory” in law – and so cannot bring FA action.
      The onus is on Luton to identify and – if they see fit – ban the perpetrators, while working alongside local police to determine if a criminal act has taken place.
      Such action would be welcomed by the FA but they are powerless to act by taking any disciplinary action.
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      Despite that, the FA showed its concern as a spokesperson said: “We are aware of the tragedy chanting during yesterday’s Premier League fixture between Luton Town and Liverpool.
      “We are seeking observations from Luton Town and further detail from the Police.
      “We strongly condemn chanting of this nature and will continue to work closely with our stakeholders across the game, including the clubs, leagues, fan groups and the relevant authorities to proactively address this issue.”
      Carragher had called out the home fans for their sick chants, which were heard live on Sky Sports.
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      Jamie Carragher had condemned the chants on Sky SportsCredit: Alamy
      Appearing on commentary, he said during the game: “At the start of the season I was involved in something about tragedy chanting and supporters coming together. I have just heard something a couple of times in this game.
      “Supporters have got to have rivalry but we are better than that. A lot of clubs have been guilty of that over the years but football fans are better than that.”
      The Luton chants came just a week after Manchester City blasted a section of their own fans.
      A small section of fans were overheard singing disgraceful chants following the death of Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton.
      City responded to the incident with a damning club statement, condemning the chants from their supporters. More

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      Erik ten Hag in huge Man Utd boost as Sir Alex Ferguson is 100% behind him and will lobby club to stick with Dutchman

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      ERIK TEN HAG has received a further boost ahead of this week’s crunch clash with Copenhagen – the “unwavering support of Sir Alex Ferguson”.SunSport has learned the retired Manchester United boss – a key figure at Old Trafford – is 100 per cent behind the under-pressure Dutchman. 
      Sir Alex Ferguson is 100 per cent behind Erik ten HagCredit: Getty
      Erik ten Hag is under pressure at Manchester UnitedCredit: PA
      And the legendary Scot is believed to be ready to urge any new investors in the club to stick with the current manager. 
      Our story comes in the wake of United’s crucial weekend win at Fulham – which many said could have been Ten Hag’s last had the side lost. 
      A source said: “Erik has Sir Alex’s unwavering support. He’s been hugely supportive of Erik since he arrived at the club.
      “He’s impressed at the job he is doing and, in particular, the way he has taken on big decisions.
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      “Sir Alex, like everyone else, wishes results were better this season.
      “But he thinks those pointing at the manager and calling for a change are wrong. 
      “[Ferguson] thinks he’s shown the kind of character and mentality required to turn the club around – and he firmly believes Erik deserves time, like he got, to make a success of things at the club.
      “If consulted, that’s a position he would be prepared to make clear to any new investors who come into the football club.”
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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to take over the football operations at United once his 25 per cent stake is confirmed.
      And recruiting a new manager is not a priority for Ratcliffe as the British billionaire is more concerned with improving the club’s transfer recruitment.
      Ratcliffe is believed to be confident Ten Hag can change United’s fortunes if he is given time and the support of an effective recruitment strategy.
      Meanwhile, the Dutchman – who has been compared to Fergie in the past – has been likened to Scotsman once again.
      The source added: “Sir Alex had to make decisions all the time during his years as manager which were difficult and risked putting him on a collision course with his players.
      “But he never shied away from doing what he felt was right for the club.
      “This is a trait Erik is showing too, especially with the way he handled the recent Marcus Rashford situation.” More

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      Chelsea ‘identify Thiago Silva replacement’ with club ready to cash in but they could face battle with Man Utd

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      CHELSEA have eyed up Jean-Clair Todibo to replace Thiago Silva – who is set to leave the Blues at the end of the season.The centre-back – who is also wanted by Manchester United – has been warned by Nice he could be up for sale in 2024.
      Thiago Silva’s contract at Chelsea expires at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
      Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo is lined up as Silva’s replacement at ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Silva, 39, is renowned as one of the best defenders in the Premier League.
      The veteran has made 137 appearances for Chelsea across four seasons after moving from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020.
      But with his contract at Stamford Bridge set to expire next summer, the Brazilian’s future at the club is uncertain.
      The West London side will be short of centre-half options if Silva departs, as Trevoh Chalobah’s Chelsea spell comes to an end too.
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      And with Wesley Fofana currently recovering from a knee ligament injury there is no guarantee he will be fit enough to start the 2024-25 campaign.
      Todibo is potentially an excellent choice to take Silva’s spot in Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.
      The ex-Barcelona star has spent just over two seasons on the French Riviera.
      The 23-year-old has enjoyed a successful start for Nice, playing 104 times and helping his side on their way to the Coupe de France final in 2021-22.
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      Despite missing out on Todibo in the summer due to Harry Maguire’s failed transfer to West Ham – the Red Devils still have an eye on the Frenchman.
      Whether Nice allow the French international to depart mid-season depends on their standing in the Ligue 1 table.
      So far this term, the French giants are unbeaten in 11 games and sit top of the league – a point ahead of rivals PSG.
      Nice have conceded just four goals in 2023-24 thanks to the help of Todibo’s defensive prowess.
      But Nice may still choose to cash in on the defender in the New Year to maximise their profits.
      This would be great news for Chelsea as, like Silva, Tobido is right-footed and plays on the right-hand side of the pitch. More

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      Anthony Taylor makes another ‘stinking’ decision after Premier League howler as fans say ‘demote him to LEAGUE ONE’

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      FANS have slammed referee Anthony Taylor after he put in another controversial performance in charge of Preston’s win over Coventry.Taylor was demoted to the Championship at the weekend as punishment for awarding Newcastle a questionable penalty in their 2-2 draw at Wolves a week earlier.

      Anthony Taylor came under fire for awarding Preston a controversial penaltyCredit: Getty
      The decision was not overturned by VAR but the PGMOL still decided to demote Taylor for the first time in four years.
      However, he fared no better in the Championship as his decision to award Preston a first-half penalty sparked outrage from fans.
      Milutin Osmajic raced through on goal and Coventry defender Kyle McFadzean tried to haul him down just before he shot.
      But there was minimal contact and Osmajic did not appear to be affected as he struck the ball, though he did appeal for a penalty.
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      Taylor awarded the spot-kick, leading one fan to suggest he should be demoted again to League One.
      One fan reacted saying: “Mental, not the only thing that was shocking yesterday.”
      Another added: “Jesus Christ that’s bad 🤣”
      A third wrote: “Poor decision. Also if that’s his decision, as the player wasn’t making a genuine attempt to play the ball, shouldn’t it be a red card?”
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      And another commented: “Probably even worse decision than Hwang’s, how is it possible to make another howler like that in the very next game?
      “I wouldn’t allow him back in the Prem again.”
      Taylor is not the first Premier League official to be demoted this season.
      Assistant referee Adrian Holmes officiated Millwall’s clash with Hull last month after incorrectly deeming Luis Diaz’s goal against Tottenham to be offside – a decision that was controversially not overturned by VAR in a shocking error. More

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      Chelsea legend’s daughter sends fans wild by revealing what’s under her robe as they compare her to Hollywood star

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      A CHELSEA legend’s daughter has left fans stunned during an incredible outfit change.Jade revealed what was under her robe as she switched her relaxed look and messy hair for stylish attire.
      Jade Leboeuf was first dressed in a robeCredit: instagram @jade_leboeuf
      She then ditched the outfit for a more stylish lookCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf
      Fans were left in awe of the beautyCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf
      Jade is a model and influencerCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf
      The beauty is Frank Leboeuf’s daughter.
      Jade caught the eye in a transition video as she wowed in an open white top and black bra.
      She uploaded the clip to her Instagram page and loved it, one said: “You are gorgeous.”
      Another added: “This woman is incredible.”
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      A third commented: “Very sexy.”
      And more compared her to a Hollywood legend: “Airs of Julia Roberts, Jade you are very beautiful.”
      The 32-year-old influencer and model has 214,000 followers on social media.
      She often wows, recently dazzling in a figure-hugging dress.
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      And Jade previously gave fans a treat as she cheekily stripped down to her underwear and also threatened burst out a tight top.
      Her father Leboeuf, 55, played for Chelsea from 1996 to 2001.
      The defender won two FA Cups with the Blues.
      He also lifted the World Cup with France in 1998.
      Jade has been dubbed ‘gorgeous’Credit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf
      She is Frank Leboeuf’s daughterCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf
      Her father played for Chelsea and won the World Cup with FranceCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf
      Jade often strips down to revealing outfits
      Frank Leboeuf has two kids – Jade and HugoCredit: PA:Press Association More