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    Phil Foden involved in X-rated row with Pep Guardiola.. before Man City boss APOLOGISED to England midfielder

    DETAILS have emerged of a furious X-rated rant between Phil Foden and Pep Guardiola.Foden, 23, is expected to play a bigger role for City this season, after both Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez left the club.
    Details have emerged of an argument between Pep Guardiola and Phil FodenCredit: Reuters
    The young England star is expected to step either into Mahrez’s right-wing spot or play more centrally in the midfield, a position he has long coveted.
    And now The Telegraph have revealed details of an argument that proved to be a turning point between Guardiola and Foden, where the City manager realised he could trust Foden as a more senior player.
    The row took place during a Champions League tie with Porto, when Foden was criticised by Pep for not taking a free-kick in the precise way he demanded.
    Guardiola scolded him from the touchline, saying: “F****** hell Phil! F****** hell!
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    “You haven’t done what I said!”
    Foden carried the grudge after the game and was fully dressed before some of his team-mates had even arrived back in the dressing room.
    When Pep arrived in the changing rooms, an angry Foden was reportedly at the exit door and told him: “Don’t ever do that to me again!”
    He followed that up by saying: “You wouldn’t do that to other players.”
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    It is claimed Guardiola apologised profusely for his actions the next day, calling a team-meeting to apologise to Foden in front of his players and paid a self-imposed fine into the players’ kitty.
    Privately though, Guardiola was impressed with Foden’s ability to stand up for himself.
    Aged just 20 then, it marked the moment that Foden had gone from being a youth player to a man.
    This upcoming season looks to be a make or break one for Foden to cement a place in Guardiola’s starting XI.
    With Mahrez and Gundogan leaving, two places in the XI where Foden can operate have opened up.
    But he will face competition, Mateo Kovacic was signed to fill the Gundogan-shaped hole in City’s midfield and the club have been linked with a move for Michael Olise to cover Mahrez’s spot.
    His 32 appearances last season were the most he has made in a City shirt but he is still not an assured starter in the side.
    The midfielder was left on the bench on Sunday for City’s Community Shield defeat to Arsenal and only came on in the 58th minute.
    He will be hoping to nail down a place throughout the 2023-24 campaign. More

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    Man Utd include Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard on four-man shortlist to replace West Ham-bound Harry Maguire

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly eyeing Bayern Munich star Benjamin Pavard as they hunt for a replacement for Harry Maguire.Maguire’s Old Trafford is finally about to end after United agreed a £30million deal with West Ham on Wednesday.
    Jean-Clair Todibo is on Man United’s shortlist to replace Harry MaguireCredit: AFP
    Edmond Tapsoba is out of contract next summerCredit: Getty
    Marc Guehi is among the recent list, but may be too expensive to persue for UnitedCredit: Reuters
    And Pavard’s name is on a four-man list earmarked to replace the England defender, according to the Mail Online.
    The versatile defender has been on United’s shortlist since the winter transfer window of last season.
    And, with one year left on his current contract, United may be able to recruit the World Cup-winner on an affordable deal and he is said to be “keen” on leaving.
    Jean-Clair Todibo, Edmond Tapsoba and Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi are the other options reportedly in Ten Hag’s notebook.
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    Tapsoba, 24, is out of contract next summer which is another key factor for United to explore.
    But his club, German side Bayer Leverkusen, will not be willing to let him go cheap.
    Todibo has excelled at Nice since an £8.5m move from Barcelona in 2021.
    The centre-half, 23, has also attracted interest from Juventus this summer but the Italians were put off by his £35m price-tag.
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    While that could seem cheap compared to Guehi, who would come at a premium from Palace having received four England caps in the last year.
    Without Maguire, United are left with Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof to play in the centre of defence, while Luke Shaw filled in on occasion last season.
    Eric Bailly remains on the books having returned from his loan at Marseille.
    While Jonny Evans is also still with the squad having signed a short-term deal foe pre-season.
    The veteran, 35, could stay on as an efficient short-term option as the club look for a younger alternative. More

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    Wolves confirm Gary O’Neil as Julen Lopetegui replacement after two months unemployed following brutal Bournemouth axe

    FORMER Bournemouth manager Gary O’Neil has been appointed as the new manager of Wolves.The announcement comes after the club made the shock decision to part ways with manager Julen Lopetegui last night.
    O’Neil has been announced as the new Bournemouth manager on a three year dealCredit: Instagram @wolves
    Many felt O’Neil’s Bournemouth sacking was harshCredit: Getty
    O’Neil guided the Cherries to safety last season after taking over from Scott Parker last August.
    But he was surprisingly sacked by the Cherries in June and replaced by Spanish manager Andoni Iraola with new Bournemouth chairman Bill Foley wanting to play a more attacking brand of football.
    O’Neil will join Wolves on a three year deal and will look first and foremost to guarantee the club’s Premier League status this season.
    Wolves’ sporting director Matt Hobbs said in a statement following O’Neil’s confirmation: “We’re delighted to welcome Gary to the club. He’s a highly motivated young coach with strong principles and very well thought of by everyone he has worked with, and we’re excited to see what we can achieve together at Wolves.
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    “Our players have shown their quality during pre-season, and I believe Gary and his team will continue to coach and improve them and will have success working with this group.
    “Everyone at Wolves is looking forward to welcoming Gary, offering him their full support and working collaboratively to help the club to keep pushing forward together.”
    Lopetegui left the club after “differences of opinion” between him and the board going into the new season.
    The club are operating under financial constraints this season owing to FFP regulations and that led to considerable tension between Lopetegui and the ownership.
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    The club have so far only signed former player Matt Doherty and third-choice goalkeeper Tom King – both on free transfers.
    To make matters worse, the club also lost talisman Ruben Neves in a £40million deal to Saudi side Al-Hilal.
    Nathan Collins joined Brentford for £23million and the club also lost Raul Jimenez and Conor Coady.
    Lopetegui’s appointment was considered a coup when he took the job in November of last year.
    The former Spain and Real Madrid manager comfortably guided Wolves to a 13th place finish, accruing 41 points along the way.
    Lopetegui publicly voiced his displeasure at Wolves’ squad exodus in July, saying that he and sporting director Matt Hobbs viewed the summer’s business as a “big disappointment”.
    In a statement regarding Lopetegui’s departure, the club said: “Talks have been ongoing in recent weeks, held with the utmost respect and cordiality, affording the club time and space to begin work on finding a successor, while also ensuring that Julen and his backroom staff could continue their planned preparation to ensure the playing squad would be in the best possible condition for the start of the Premier League season.”
    O’Neil will face a baptism of fire in his first game in charge, with the club facing Manchester United away on Monday evening. More

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    Chelsea starlet dubbed the ‘Italian Ballack’ completes loan transfer to Leicester after failing to convince Pochettino

    CHELSEA’S starlet Cesare Casadei is said to be closing in on a loan move to Leicester City.The agreement is at its final stages despite interest from Serie A side Genoa.
    Leicester are closing in on loan deal for U20 World Cup Golden Boot winner Cesare CasadeiCredit: Getty
    Leicester have been working on a loan deal for the Italian midfielder after new boss Enzo Maresca made him his “top target”.
    Chelsea would rather loan Casadei as the prospect of him staying in English football is better all round for the Blues.
    The talented 20-year-old featured for Chelsea in pre-season.
    But the Premier League giants were always expected to let him depart on loan this summer.
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    The Foxes got their first win under new management last weekend in a thrilling 2-1 victory against Midlands rivals Coventry City.
    Leicester’s bench was named a “joke” by fans across the country for how strong it was.
    The likes of Patson Daka, Dennis Praet, James Justin and more were present.

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    However, midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall took the spotlight for his emphatic brace to get them over the line.
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    Casadei would bring a new level into the ex-Premier League champions’ team, adding flair and determination in that advanced playmaker role.
    The ex-Inter Milan youngster showed his prowess in the recent Under-20’s World Cup.
    Chelsea fans were calling him the “Italian Ballack” after their former German hero as he was crowned the player of the tournament and also won the Golden Boot. More

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    Man Utd fans confused as Harry Maguire spotted in training despite agreeing £30m West Ham transfer

    HARRY MAGUIRE has been spotted in Manchester United training despite a deal securing his exit being struck.West Ham have agreed a £30million deal with United for the transfer of Maguire.
    Harry Maguire has been spotted in Manchester United trainingCredit: Getty

    The Hammers clinched a deal after launching a £60million double bid for Maguire and Scott McTominay.
    Although their McTominay offer has been rejected, a deal has been agreed for Maguire.
    Despite this, the England defender was still seen in training on Wednesday morning.
    Cameras filmed Maguire taking part in sprints alongside his United team-mates during the session.
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    Fans were surprised to see him in training, with one tweeting: “Got to respect Maguire’s professionalism for actually still being in training at United.”
    Another wrote: “Why is he training when he is about to be told to pack his bags and meet Moyes?”
    A third added: “Does he need a lift to London? What is the deal here?”

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    One more supporter also commented: “I hope that this is just so that he can say his goodbyes.”
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    Maguire still needs to agree personal terms before the transfer can be completed.
    Despite his £190,000-a-week United wages, those negotiations are not expected to be an issue.
    He has already held talks over the phone with David Moyes ahead of the move.
    Maguire’s United future has been in doubt this summer after he was stripped of the captaincy by Erik ten Hag.
    Bruno Fernandes has since taken over as skipper ahead of the new season.
    West Ham have agreed a £30million deal to sign Harry MaguireCredit: Getty More

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    West Ham ‘targeting shock transfer for one of Chelsea’s top pre-season performers in loan-to-buy deal’

    WEST HAM are looking at a potential deal for Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen.The Dutchman, 21, impressed in pre-season and manager Mauricio Pochettino is a known admirer.
    West Ham are keen on Ian Maatsen after he impressed for Chelsea in pre-seasonCredit: Getty
    But, according to the Guardian, West Ham have “received indications” that they have a chance of signing the left-back.
    A deal would likely be on loan with an option to buy.
    Chelsea are in contact with the Maatsen over a new deal this summer.
    And Pochettino confirmed he was part of his future plans last month.
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    The Argentine said: “I am so happy with him. He is a player that can play in different positions.
    “He has quality, he understands the game, and he is such a clever player. So far, he is in my plan, yes. I am so pleased with him, as I’ve said, because of his attitude, commitment and his understanding of the game.”
    Maatsen spent last season on loan at Burnley  and stood out in the Championship, scoring four goals and getting six assists.
    But his route to the first team is likely to be blocked by senior stars Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella.
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    While Chelsea also have Lewis Hall on their books, with the 18-year-old set to join Crystal Palace on loan.
    And the Hammers will be ready to pounce should he become available.
    David Moyes has finally been busy in the transfer market this week after a quiet summer.
    The Hammers are set to make £35million midfielder Edson Alvarez their first signing of the window.
    While, on Wednesday, they have reached agreements in principle for English duo James Ward-Prowse and Harry Maguire, each for £30m.
    Maguire’s Manchester United team-mate Scott McTominay has also been linked.
    But they face a battle to keep star-man Lucas Paqueta at the club after Man City saw a £70m bid rejected.
    It is said that Paqueta has had his “head turned” by the prospect of joining the treble winners.
    Moyes has already lost skipper Declan Rice to West Ham for £105m this summer and is desperate not to see another key player go. More

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    How West Ham could line up with Harry Maguire and completely new midfield as Moyes splashes Rice cash

    WEST HAM are set to line-up with Harry Maguire and a new look midfield this season.The Hammers have £105million in the bank from selling captain Declan Rice but are yet to complete a transfer.
    Harry Maguire looks set to join West HamCredit: PA
    David Moyes has wanted players with Premier League experience this summerCredit: Getty
    David Moyes is likely to use a back-three to make up for the loss of Declan Rice, as he has done in pre-season
    Finally, the club are now seeing movement on potential signings.
    Manchester United have agreed to sell Maguire in a £30m deal after Erik ten Hag stripped him of the captaincy earlier this summer.
    West Ham submitted a joint £60m bid for the England international and Scott McTominay.
    The offer for the midfielder was rejected as United want closer to £45m, but Maguire could be set for a move to East London.
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    Manager David Moyes has experimented with a three centre-backs in pre-season and used the formation occasionally last campaign.
    He could implement the system more regularly this term to compliment for the loss of Rice in midfield.
    Maguire could form a strong three-man defence with Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma.
    Rice looks set to be replaced by Ajax and Mexico star Edson Alvarez.
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    West Ham are also more than comfortable in a 4-3-2-1 too
    The 25-year-old has undergone a medical at the club ahead of his £35m move, which is set to be announced before their Premier League opener versus Bournemouth on Saturday.
    Alvarez could be joined in the engine room by Southampton skipper James Ward-Prowse, who could step in for Tomas Soucek.
    West Ham and the Saints have been locked in negotiations for some time and there has supposedly been a breakthrough with a £30m fee agreed between the two sides.
    There are rumours that Lucas Paqueta has had his head turned by interest from Manchester City.
    The Brazilian playmaker might push for a transfer despite West Ham being adamant they won’t consider selling for under £85m.
    If he is sold, Moyes could possibly re-launch interest in McTominay to bolster his midfield despite him being far less creative than Paqueta.
    Jarrod Bowen was the hero of West Ham’s Conference League final win over Fiorentina, scoring the winning goal and he is likely to join forces with Michail Antonio in attack again.
    Elsewhere, Emerson and Vladimir Coufal seem to be the first choice full-backs.
    In goal, Lukasz Fabianski could be No1 again but is being pushed by Alphonse Areola.
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    Alan Pardew makes shock career move with former West Ham boss to form part of ‘unlikely double act’

    FORMER Premier League boss Alan Pardew has made a shock career change and formed a surprise double act.The 62-year-old has swapped the dugout for the talkSPORT radio studio.
    Alan Pardew will feature on talkSPORT this seasonCredit: Getty
    DJ Majestic will host the show with Alan PardewCredit: Getty
    Pardew will be on air to discuss the Premier League and take listeners’ phone calls from 6:30pm to 9pm every Sunday alongside DJ and Tottenham fan Majestic.
    The Final Word with Maj and Pards is part of talkSPORT’s shake-up ahead of the new season with broadcast legend Jeff Stelling to replace Laura Woods on the breakfast show.
    Pardew has been out of work since leaving Greek club Aris Thessaloniki in February this year.
    He has also had spells in charge of Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia and Dutch outfit ADO Den Haag in the last four years.
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    Pardew is best remembered for his time in the Premier League, managing Reading, West Ham, Charlton, Southampton, Newcastle, Crystal Palace and West Brom.
    He won the play-offs with the Hammers in 2005 and guided them to the FA Cup final the following year.
    Pardew won the Premier League manager of the year award in 2012 when he led Newcastle to fifth place.
    The outspoken boss also lost the FA Cup final with Palace in 2016.
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    Majestic, whose real name is Kevin Christie, is a music producer and DJ.
    He has featured on talkSPORT and Kiss FM before and will host the show with Pardew. More