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      Former Man Utd and England star was bought for a ‘bag of balls’ but is now compared to Italian great

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      CHRIS SMALLING was once bought for a “bag of balls” but he is now being compared to Italian great Paolo Maldini.The former England defender started his career at Maidstone United before being snapped up for peanuts by Fulham.
      Chris Smalling has gone from strength to strength at RomaCredit: Getty
      He has earned comparisons to AC Milan great Paolo MaldiniCredit: PA:Press Association
      Then-manager Roy Hodgson revealed he signed the defender for nothing – only a bag of balls, in 2008, but the youngster would go on to bigger and better things.
      Smalling, 33, made 19 appearances for Fulham but impressed enough to earn an £11million transfer to Manchester United.
      He was bought by Sir Alex Ferguson and spent nine years at Old Trafford, winning the Premier League twice as well as the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
      Smalling was also a member of the 2017 Europa League winning squad under Jose Mourinho, whom he now plays under at Roma.
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      After initially joining the Serie A outfit on loan in 2019, Smalling made his stay in the Italian capital permanent a year later.
      He has become a key player under Mourinho and played a pivotal role in the club’s Europa Conference League success in 2022.
      His performances have earned comparisons to AC Milan and Italy legend Maldini.
      Another former Italian great, World Cup winner Giuseppe Bergomi, is a big fan of Smalling and was confident he would be a success in Serie A.
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      He said of the defender: “I am not surprised about Smalling. I thought he was good at United.
      “When English players leave their country to learn something else, I think it benefits them.
      “He is physically very strong and when he faced Inter and Romelu Lukaku, the Belgian did not touch the ball.
      “He and Roma team-mate Gianluca Mancini are the best couple of central defenders in Serie A.” More

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      In-form Sunderland winger Jack Clarke in line for huge £15m Premier League transfer a year after Spurs exit

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      BRENTFORD are keeping tabs on Sunderland wing wizard Jack Clarke.The 22-year-old is having a stellar season in the Championship.
      Brentford are eyeing a £15m move for Sunderland winger Jack ClarkeCredit: Rex
      Clarke has hit seven goals in just 10 games for Sunderland, just one year after leaving Tottenham.
      And Brentford are monitoring Clarke after struggling for form in the new campaign.
      The Bees have won just one Premier League match.
      They threw away victory at Man United with just minutes left as Scott McTominay netted a late double.
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      SunSport exclusively revealed Brentford’s interest in Clarke earlier this year.
      And the Bees could now put in a £15million bid for the star in January.
      They will be even more keen on doing a deal if they get offers for winger Keane Lewis-Potter.
      The former Hull man has been beset by injury problems during his time in London.
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      Lewis-Potter missed Saturday’s defeat at Old Trafford with a knock.
      Former side Hull were linked with a move for him last winter.
      Lewis-Potter has made just 14 league appearances for Brentford since his move from Humberside in 2022.
      And his role in Thomas Frank’s squad could be diminished should a move for Clarke arise. More

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      Arsenal and Man City are inseparable, if you put a gun to my head I still wouldn’t be able to call it

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      THERE’S nothing worse than a pundit who sits on the fence, so I’ll get my apologies in straight away.Because when the two best footballing sides face off at the Emirates today, I’m afraid I’ll have splinters in my backside. This one really is too close to call.
      Arsenal trail Man City by a point ahead of a clash Harry Redknapp says is too close to callCredit: PA
      City are looking to pick up where they left off after beating Arsenal to the title last seasonCredit: AFP
      If you put a gun to my head I’d edge towards the draw but I couldn’t go for any outcome even with borrowed money — and it’s no secret I like the odd flutter.
      What I do know is Sky Sports can’t be accused of going over the top in billing it Super Sunday and, like the rest of the country — probably the rest of Europe — I’ll be glued to the box.
      I just hope that when it’s all over, we’re talking about headline-makers on the pitch and not some geezers in front of a bank of TV screens in West London.
      That’s what we’ve had all week after that shocking VAR cock-up at Tottenham last week.
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      Honestly, you couldn’t make it up. Talk about horrendous.Liverpool are the only side I can see going the distance with Arsenal and Manchester City this season, so you hope that disallowed Luis Diaz goal isn’t decisive at the end.
      But although that was obviously the worst VAR call ever, there were plenty of others. I mean, nine bookings and two sendings-off? In a game that was hardly a kick-up.
      In case you’d forgotten, this is a contact sport. Fans want to see two teams getting stuck in, and having a go.
      It doesn’t mean every challenge is a  yellow card — but that’s how it’s going.
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      Every tackle isn’t a yellow card. Every review doesn’t have to be a sending-off. If Graeme Souness or Bryan Robson were playing now, they’d be lucky to get a dozen games in.
      At least with so many good players on show today, we’ll get a proper match. And with no Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri (left) in City’s side, Arsenal have a right chance.
      But City have so much depth you’d still never write them off, and if Erling Haaland gets  the service, there is no better finisher. That’s why I simply can’t separate them.
      Both sides have so many potential match-winners — and talking of heroes, Wolves were the unlikeliest of the season after beating City last week.
      Almost everyone had them down as no-hopers but they went after City, won 2-1 and have suddenly given the rest of the Premier League hope.
      City didn’t just lose the game but also that air of invincibility. Now everyone else is thinking: “Hang on, if they can do that then why can’t we?”
      If I managed a bottom-half team against them, I’d be hanging one up in the box and saying: “Get in there and support the centre-forward.”
      Yes, I know there will be loads rolling their eyes and calling me a dinosaur, but there are plenty of ways to win a football match.
      You can imagine Wimbledon hammering on their dressing-room door before kick-off, yelling: “Get out here you cowards!” I’ve seen that happen more than once.
      Vinnie Jones would be shouting:  “Look at him, Fash, he’s s**tting himself.” Half the time he’d be right as well!
      It doesn’t mean you’d play that way every week and I’m not saying Wolves did. But it would certainly give you every chance.
      Clearly, we’ll see none of that at the Emirates and nothing will be decided today.
      If Arsenal get something it’ll be massive psychologically but there’s no way City are going to run away with it this year.
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      It’s a proper three-horse race between these two and Liverpool. Newcastle will be bang there, too, and Tottenham are in the mix, but that’s about it for them.
      As for the rest? Chelsea will struggle to make the top four and United have it all on just to make the top half! More

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      Chris Basham injury updates: Sheffield United captain with medics in hospital after horror leg break

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      CHRIS BASHAM suffered an horrific ankle injury during Sheffield United’s Premier League defeat by Fulham.The match was stopped for 13 minutes while the star was given oxygen and then taken to hospital in distressing scenes.
      Basham attempted to cross the ball into the Fulham box when his ankle gave way and was badly broken.
      The Blades captain is now with medics in hospital, his manager Paul Heckingbottom has confirmed.
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      Blake offers his support
      Burnley legend Robbie Blake has thrown his support Chris Basham’s way after his horror injury.
      The pair were at Bolton Wanderers together in 2010.
      Blake tweeted: ”
      Sending my best wishes and speeding recovery to Chris Basham. Thinking of you mate.”

      Huge stoppage
      The game was stopped for 13 minutes for Basham to receive treatment on the pitch.
      Medics were quick to treat him and make sure he was placed on a stretcher to an ambulance.
      His teammates and the opposition stood in solidarity with him.
      Credit: Getty
      Heckingbottom on Basham
      Blades boss Paul Heckinbottom said: “He’s where he needs to be, with the doctors and medics in hospital.
      “It’s something that you never want to see. Everyone knows how popular he is, and everyone will be thinking about him.”
      Quick-thinking medics
      With the pain undoubtedly unbearable, quick-thinking medics rushed to Chris Basham in his time of need.
      A Penthrox Inhaler, or a ‘Green Whistle’ was used for pain relief as he was strapped to a stretcher.
      Basham was then helped to a pitchside ambulance and rushed off to hospital.

      Marco Silva’s words of support
      Marco Silva has thrown his support Chris Basham’s way.
      “It was a sad moment for Chris Basham that he had in that situation,” Silva said after the match.
      “Myself and we as a football club wish him all the best and fast recovery from that bad injury that he had. We wish him all the best for the future.
      “Of course he is going to have the support from the most important people for him; his family, friends and Sheffield United Football Club.”
      More Heckingbottom reaction
      “He’s where he needs to be, in hospital with the doctors and the medical team. No-one wants to see that, ever, and when you’re involved in it and it’s one of your players it’s far far worse. I’ve been on a pitch with a teammate and involved when it’s someone else but when it’s one of your players its tough and you can see that with the players.
      “No [diagnosis] but you guys have seen the pictures, it’s terrible, it’s horrific.
      “We’ve lost a good player, had to made changes we didn’t want to change. We can’t blame that. It’s going to affect us and it’s going to affect us for the season. I don’t know what the next step will be, but he’s where he needs to be and that’s the most important thing. Everyone could see he needs to be in hospital.”
      Heckingbottom’s reaction
      Manager Paul Heckingbottom admitted he got a good view of happened to Chris Basham.
      And when his player was receiving treatment, he made sure he went onto the pitch to see how he was.

      Heckingbottom on Basham continued
      “He’s where he needs to be, with the doctors and medics in hospital,” Heckingbottom added.
      “It’s something that you never want to see. Everyone knows how popular he is, and everyone will be thinking about him.”
      ‘Horrendous’
      Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom has described Chris Basham’s injury as “horrendous”.
      The boss was talking to talkSPORT and appeared distraught talking about the unfortunate incident.
      Heckingbottom also confirmed that John Egan faces months out too.
      Bad day at the office for the Blades.
      Henderson’s heartfelt message
      Dean Henderson has tweeted his support for Chris Basham.
      Henderson played in sticks for Sheffield United and was his former teammate.
      He wrote on X: “There’s only one Chris Basham.” He added a praying hands emoji and a heart emoji.

      Wast-gasp Willian
      Fulham have won 3-1 after Willian scored in the 92nd minute of lengthy injury time.
      Though the match has been overshadowed by the injury to Blades captain Chris Basham.
      Ream to the rescue
      Tim Ream was the first player to console Chris Basham after his horror injury.
      The American Fulham star raced over to his opponent to check on him and offer his support.
      It was an incident that really shook the players on the pitch.

      Positive thumbs up
      As horrible as the initial injury to Chris Basham looks, there’s a glimpse of hope for the Sheffield United captain.
      While he was being stretchered off the pitch he raised his hand and gave the fans a thumbs up.
      Both sets of supporters united to give him a collective round of applause as he was taken away and put into the ambulance.
      Diop can’t look
      Fulham’s Issa Diop couldn’t look at the horrific ankle break suffered by Chris Basham on the pitch.
      The Cottagers’ defender was seen squirming at the terrible sights on the pitch at Craven Cottage.
      Credit: Rex
      Social reaction
      Sheffield United’s official X (formerly Twitter) account has tweeted saying: “Jack Robinson replaces Chris Basham who leaves Craven Cottage on a stretcher following a lengthy stoppage in play.
      “We sound our wished to Bash, and will communicate updates as and when we have them.”
      While Fulham sent a reply to the Blades, writing: “Sending our full support to Chris.”
      Only one Chris Basham
      Chants of “There’s only one Chris Basham” ringed round Craven Cottage in support of the Sheffield United captain following his injury.
      His team currently trail 1-0 to Fulham after Bobby De Cordova-Reid goal in the second half.
      Ambulance leaving
      Basham could be seen leaving the ground in an ambulance as medics took immediate action following his injury.
      Credit: Reuters
      Taken to hospital
      Chris Basham has been taken away from Craven Cottage in an ambulance after his horror injury.
      The 35-year-old has been taken to hospital for treatment on what seems to be an ankle break.
      Basham updates
      Sheffield United’s Chris Basham has suffered a horror injury in today’s game against Fulham.
      Basham attempted to cross the ball into the Fulham box when his ankle gave way and was badly broken.
      The star was taken off with oxygen after a lengthy delay in play.
      Credit: Rex More

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      Luton Town staff fly to South America as they look to seal £5m ‘new Moises Caicedo’ transfer

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      LUTON staff have flown to South America in a bid to sign Ecuadorian midfield star Oscar Zambrano.Hatters chief scout Phil Chapple went to speak to the LDU Quito player — who was in Copa Sudamerica action in Argentina —  about a potential £5million swoop.
      Luton have flown to sign Quito wonderkid Oscar Zambrano for £5millionCredit: Getty
      Zambrano is considered the “new Moises Caicedo”Credit: Getty
      Zambrano, 19, is a defensive midfielder in the mould of Moises Caicedo, who was picked up in Ecuador by Brighton and sold to Chelsea for a Premier League record £115m.
      In fact, Zambrano came through the same football academy as Caicedo and has been keen to come to Europe since a trial at Ajax a couple of years ago.
      Luton want to recruit Zambrano for the survival battle and hope to sort a fee and agree personal terms as soon as possible.
      Ironically, Chapple has gone on the mission with John Morling, a Luton scout who worked for Brighton and knows the type of player that is available cheap in South America.
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      The Ecuador Under-20s star has already made over 20 starts in senior football, including in the Copa Sudamericana —  also similar to Caicedo’s profile who was snapped up fast.
      The midfielder joined Brighton from Independiente del Valle in 2021 and quickly rose to stardom.
      The Ecuador international was first sent off on loan to Beerschot the same year.
      And then, the 21-year-old went on to amass a total of two goals and three assists in 53 appearances with the Seagulls.
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      Caicedo completed his record move to Chelsea in the summer and has since registered eight appearances at Stamford Bridge.
      The Ecuadorian was also targeted by Arsenal last January and tried to force a move to the Emirates that didn’t materialise.
      Liverpool also tried to land him in the summer with a record offer of their own but the Blues outbid them. More

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      Newcastle to make new bid to sign Blackburn wonderkid, 19, but face four-horse Premier League transfer race

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      NEWCASTLE will make a second bid to sign Blackburn’s teen midfield wizard Adam Wharton in the next window.Top Toon spy Steve Nickson watched him in action last week and hopes to persuade him that he would be part of their first-team plans quickly.
      Newcastle will come back for Blackburn wonderkid Adam Wharton in JanuaryCredit: Getty
      Wharton, 19, was courted by the Magpies in the summer but was not keen because they initially planned to put him in their European Under-21 squad.
      Crystal Palace, Brighton and Everton all fancy Wharton and are expected to make a serious attempt for him in the New Year.
      The Toffees were determined to sign the midfielder during the summer transfer window.
      In fact, manager Sean Dyche was prepared to let striker Ellis Simms go as part of the deal but Blackburn would rather have cash.
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      Newcastle have already boosted their midfield’s long-term future by renewing Bruno Guimaraes’ contract.
      The Magpies have just tied Bruno to a new five-year contract until 2028.
      The Toon have also ward off the Brazil international’s admirers by adding a staggering £100million release clause to his deal.
      And any potential suitors would have to force Newcastle to a record sale if they wish to land the 25-year-old.
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      The Brazilian has previously attracted interest from the likes of Real Madrid as well as Premier League rivals Liverpool and Chelsea.
      This comes after Bruno revealed in July that there were “doubts” over a contract extension.
      The former Lyon star also recently admitted he had held “conversations” with Real, but is ultimately staying put at St James’ Park. More

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      Jadon Sancho set for transfer lifeline from Euro giants – if Man Utd fork out HALF of star’s £350,000-a-week wages

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      JUVENTUS plan to hand Jadon Sancho an escape route from Old Trafford – and could turn it into a permanent £60million deal next summer.The Italians are keen to sign the dumped Manchester United winger on loan in January, before a potential full-time move at the end of the season.
      Manchester United outcast Jadon Sancho is being targeted by JuventusCredit: Getty
      Juventus would sign Sancho if Man Utd cover part of his salaryCredit: Getty
      They hope United will agree to paying half of Sancho’s wages if he goes, knowing the Reds are keen to put him in the shop window.
      Sancho has been out in the cold since falling out with Erik ten Hag when he was left out of the squad for the trip to Arsenal at the start of September.
      Manager Ten Hag insists he was dropped because of poor performances in training – yet the player claimed on social media that he was being made a scapegoat.
      He has been training away from the first team after refusing to apologise, and his Old Trafford career is almost certainly over.
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      Borussia Dortmund were initial favourites to sign Sancho, who spent four years with the Germans before his £73m move to Manchester in 2021.
      But sources claim he is not keen on going back to his former club, and rebuilding his career in Serie A holds greater appeal.
      United know they will end up taking a financial hit, but he is so far out of the picture that it now looks the only option.
      Meanwhile, Old Trafford bosses plan to trigger Victor Lindelof’s 12-month contract clause next month.
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      Ten Hag has been impressed by Lindelof’s attitude in regaining his first team slot, and knows AC Milan and Juventus are both keen.
      The Swedish centre-back has yet to decide on his long-term future at the club.
      But with his contract up in the summer, United will trigger the extension, to ensure they don’t lose him for nothing if he does leave. More

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      Harry Maguire completely changes Man Utd fans’ minds with crucial role in last-gasp win over Brentford

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      HARRY MAGUIRE has completely changed some Manchester United fans’ minds after his role in United’s dramatic late comeback against Brentford today.Maguire was a surprise inclusion in the starting XI alongside Jonny Evans at the heart of the United defence amid the club’s ongoing injury crisis.
      Harry Maguire had a much more positive performance for United today and fans are speculating that we may be seeing a return to formCredit: Getty
      But the defender had a solid performance and could not have been blamed for Brentford’s goal which came from an Andre Onana mistake.
      But his starring role came in a surprise capacity as he turned creator for Scott McTominay’s winner.
      Maguire headed the ball in the direction of the Brentford goal from a Bruno Fernandes free-kick and his hoiked header was turned in by game-winner Scott McTominay.
      United fans on Twitter did a complete 180 on Maguire after his assist, with one fan tweeting: “Bro has insanely stepped up his game! Hats off, Harry Maguire!”
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      A second wrote: “To all Maguire haters, he played a brilliant game today and assisted the winning goal. Stop abusing him! Enough is enough.”
      A third wrote: “Harry Maguire assist. I think he’s been out best player by far today. And that’s coming from someone who advocated launching him into the sun.
      “Fair play to him and McTominay today. Credit where it’s due. Well done to the pair of them.”
      A fourth tweeted: “Maguire was absolutely terrific today I don’t want to be seeing Lindelöf starting ahead of him at CB ever again.”
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      Raphael Varane missed today’s game with a “minor issue” according to Ten Hag and should be available after the international break.
      After today’s performance, Maguire will likely be favourite to keep his place over Jonny Evans. More