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      Smith Rowe ready to fight for Arsenal place after Havertz arrival – and claims Rice was best in England training

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      EMILE SMITH ROWE knows it is crunch time – not only with the England Under-21s on Sunday, but for him next season at Arsenal.The 22-year-old endured a deeply frustrating club campaign, wrecked by a groin injury which required surgery and then a lack of opportunities in the Gunners’ title tilt when fit.
      Emile Smith Rowe has scored two goals for England at the Under-21 EurosCredit: EPA
      His first came against the Czech Republic and then he struck again vs IsraelCredit: Getty
      Mikel Arteta wants to keep the playmaker, despite overlooking him regularly at the back end of the season when his team were hunted down by Manchester City.
      And Smith Rowe’s route back into the Spaniard’s side looks even tougher next term following the £65million arrival of Kai Havertz.
      Yet the Croydon-born lad is up for the fight, and his case will certainly be helped by his storming Under-21 Euros with the Young Lions, who face Portugal in the quarter-finals on Sunday.
      Smith Rowe has been following Arsenal’s transfer business, which includes the £105m pursuit of Declan Rice from West Ham, with interest from Georgia.
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      The Gunners academy product told SunSport: “I see what happens and obviously it’s good for the club to add strength to the team.
      “I feel like the additions we’re making are going to really help the team progress again. 
      “It’s really exciting so hopefully we can go one step further next season.
      “Of course (it is extra competition with Havertz arrival), but this is football. 
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      “You’ve just got to get on with it. I’ve got to keep working hard and it’s healthy competition. I’ve got to keep fighting.”
      Smith Rowe, the only Under-21s squad-member with a senior appearance to his name, played with Rice for Gareth Southgate’s men in the 3-0 win over the Ivory Coast last year.
      The three-cap starlet recalled: “I can’t speak highly enough of him.
      “I remember my first camp and I was surprised with how good he actually was. 
      “He was the best in training. Just his level, intensity, technically, everything he was doing. A real leader and still so young. He was really, really good.”
      Smith Rowe admitted it was “difficult” not playing much of a role for Arsenal last term as they pushed Manchester City all the way.
      But confidence is flowing back through him thanks to his summer stint with the Young Lions, having netted in the group-stage victories over Czech Republic and Israel.
      England have looked like a team that has played together for a long time and that is literally the case for some of them.
      Morgan Gibbs-White (left) and Smith Rowe played together at the Under-17 World Cup six years ago, along with fellow Under-21s team-mate Angel GomesCredit: Reuters
      Smith Rowe, Angel Gomes and Morgan Gibbs-White were all in the famed Under-17 squad, along with Phil Foden, that won the World Cup in 2017.
      Asked if he was getting a similar vibe now as he did six years ago, the Gunners ace laughed and replied: “Yeah, we were talking about (the Under-17s triumph) the other day with a couple of the boys. Obviously a few of us were there. 
      “On the pitch, we just know each other really well. It’s good to look back at what happened and we definitely want to try to do similar things here.
      “We’re a strong team. We’re not going to fear anyone. It will be a good game against Portugal but I’m confident that we’ll win.”
      Best pal Bukayo Saka has been in touch to wish Smith Rowe luck, as have fellow club-mates Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson as well as some of Arsenal’s coaches.
      Arteta has not, though Smith Rowe expects he will chat to the Gunners chief when he sees him in person.
      That conversation may also involve some clarification over where the Spaniard wants to deploy Smith Rowe next term. SunSport understands the youngster may play more centrally.
      It Wil be a good thing for CroydonEMILE SMITH ROWE is excited to see how Wilfried Zaha and Stormzy’s non-league club venture goes in his hometown of Croydon.
      Crystal Palace legend Zaha and music icon Stormzy have linked up with former Eagles head of player care Danny Young to buy South London outfit AFC Croydon Athletic.
      Smith Rowe was born in Croydon and lived there until around the age of 10 when he moved North of the river.
      The Arsenal star told SunSport: “I saw (they bought it). I think that’s a good idea. I think I played against Croydon Athletic (as a kid).
      “That’s a good thing for the community so I’m excited to see how the journey goes for them.”
      Asked if he would be interested in doing something similar one day, Smith Rowe replied: “I’m not too sure, I haven’t thought about it. Definitely, it could happen in the future.”

      The forward added: “I did see a lot of talk about my position but I’m not really sure what they think. I’m happy to play anywhere.
      “Maybe it is inside, maybe it’s wide. I’ll be having that conversation when I get back.”
      It would be understandable if Smith Rowe was feeling anxious about his game-time going into next term, given how last season went and the increased competition.
      If in doubt, he need only look down at his left hip where he recently had a tattoo inked that reads ‘Confia en el process’.
      It translates from Spanish to ‘Trust the process’, a phrase often associated with Arteta, though Smith Rowe insists it is not a reference to his club manager.
      The Gunners star, who also has an inking of his mum Fiona on his left forearm and one that reads ‘Believe in Yourself’ on his left shoulder, explained: “I just like the quote. 
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      “I wanted a bit of motivation for myself after a hard season.”
      Trusting the process seems to be working for Lee Carsley’s flawless Young Lions right now – and Smith Rowe will hope his own faith pays off at Arsenal too next term. More

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      Sheikh Jassim is die-hard Man Utd fan who watches all the games.. and calls himself a different name

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      SHEIKH JASSIM wants to buy Manchester United as a “trophy asset” – like the Empire State Building.But Red Devils’ fans shouldn’t panic – as he’s not just after a towering boost for his ego.
      The Man Utd takeover saga could still go either wayCredit: Reuters
      Sheikh Jassim is still regarded as a bit of an enigma despite his interest in buying one of the world’s most famous football clubs
      The chairman of a huge Qatari bank is described as a lifelong United fan who watches every game.
      And there’s even better news for Old Trafford supporters intent on seeing the back of current owners the Glazers.
      The Sheikh is said to believe the American family have “under-invested” over the past decade.
      He reckons that would leave him with “a lot to do” if he wins his takeover fight with Britain’s richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
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      The Athletic uncovered little-known details on a man who remains something of a mystery despite being a member of Qatar’s royal family and the son of a former Prime Minister there.
      The 41-year-old, was educated at  at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst and previously held a leading position with global investment bank Credit Suisse.
      It was at that global investment bank where he sometimes typified his enigmatic personality by calling himself “JJ” or even signing off paperwork with the same moniker.
      It’s claimed he’d love to own United as a sign of prestige similar to past Qatari investments in luxury store Harrods and the 72-storey Shard in London, plus the Empire State Building in New York.
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      A source told The Athletic: “He likes to have nice things.
      “I can understand why he wants an asset like Manchester United because it makes everyone go, ‘that’s owned by Sheikh Jassim’.”
      But beneath all that it appears the Sheikh is also a dedicated Red Devils supporter.
      His bid to oust the Glazers has seemingly regained momentum in recent weeks.
      In fact, he’s possibly back in pole position ahead of Ratcliffe’s INEOS.
      It’s thought the Sheikh’s teams are getting documents ready to ensure any deal can go through quickly, having promised a debt-free buy-out.
      And ultimately that might be the only thing connected to him that most United fans truly care about. More

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      Big money Tottenham signing could leave without playing a GAME as Postecoglou eyes huge system change

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU looks set to switch Spurs’ defence from five at the back to four next season.Tottenham played with three centre-backs and two wing-backs under Antonio Conte last term.
      Destiny Udogie could leave Spurs without playing a single game
      But it looks like that may not be the case under the new boss after a suggestion from Destiny Udogie’s agent.
      Stefano Antonelli, the representative of the left wing-back told Sky Sport Italia: “Udogie’s situation is clear. He is a Tottenham player and we had contact over the last few days because the coach will play 4-3-3, rather than 3-5-2.”
      Udogie, 20, joined Spurs for £15million from Udinese last summer before being farmed back to the Serie A side.
      He is more a wing-back than a full-back, raising questions of where he fits in a new system.
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      But Antonelli added: “Postecoglou is absolutely convinced that Udogie will have space to play.
      “But Italian clubs are calling as some feel he needs another step before making a move, perhaps to a top club like Juve, Milan or Inter.
      “Tottenham asked us to confirm the plan, which is to go on tour in Thailand.
      “They guarantee his importance and we will evaluate — but he is a Tottenham player.”
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      Postecoglou and his staff begin work today when some Spurs players  are due back.
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      The Aussie, 57, was seen at Lord’s yesterday taking in day three of the Second Ashes Test.
      He will take charge of his first Premier League game on August 13 when Spurs travel to Brentford for their season opener. More

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      Liverpool ‘trigger Szoboszlai release clause four hours before expiry with Reds set to beat Newcastle to £60m transfer’

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      LIVERPOOL are set to sign RB Leipzig star Dominik Szoboszlai after triggering his release clause.The Reds look ready to beat Premier League rivals Newcastle for Szoboszlai’s signature.
      Liverpool are ready to beat Newcastle for RB Leipzig star Dominik SzoboszlaiCredit: Getty
      Liverpool have met Szoboszlai’s special £60million release clauseCredit: AFP
      That is according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who reports that the Merseysiders have met the player’s special €70million (£60m) asking price.
      Personal terms have been sorted between the Hungary international and Jurgen Klopp’s side.
      The 22-year-old is now set to undergo a medical at the Kop ahead of his arrival.
      It’s believed that Szoboszlai has a release clause worth £60m, which expires tonight.
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      And Liverpool have managed to match it just four hours before its expiry.
      If Klopp’s team had failed then they would have faced the prospect of having to negotiate an even larger fee with Leipzig.
      Newcastle were also interested in Szoboszlai but ultimately withdrew from the race.
      The Magpies have turned their attention to AC Milan star Sandro Tonalli.
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      Szoboszlai joined Leipzig from sister club Red Bull Salzburg in 2021 and has since shone bright in the Bundesliga.
      The versatile forward has amassed a total of 20 goals and 22 assists in 91 appearances for the German giants.
      The Hungary captain has also impressed while on international duty with seven goals in 32 caps. More

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      AC Milan announce Ruben Loftus-Cheek transfer as Chelsea ace joins fellow Blues academy graduate at San Siro

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      AC MILAN have announced Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s arrival from Chelsea on a four-year deal.The 10-cap England midfielder, 27, joins fellow Blues’ academy product Fikayo Tomori at the Italian giants.

      Ruben Loftus-Cheek signs up with AC Milan until 2027Credit: Getty
      Stamford Bridge academy product Loftus-Cheek is now at AC MilanCredit: AFP
      Milan have reportedly paid around £15million as RLC bids to revive his injury-hit career.
      He’s the latest of many ex-Chelsea youth players to depart over the past decade despite winning international honours.
      It follows Manchester United agreeing a £60m transfer for Blues’ 24-year-old playmaker Mason Mount.
      Loftus-Cheek’s new team-mate Tomori, 25, is another England ace eased out of Stamford Bridge by an influx of foreign buys.
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      Milan are also understood to be monitoring Chelsea winger Callum Hudson Odoi.
      The Three Lions’ winger, 22, has also been linked with Fulham and Nottingham Forest.
      Former Chelsea and Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud, 36, is also at Milan.
      Stefano Pioli’s men finished a disappointing fourth in Serie A.
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      For Loftus-Cheek, it’s surely a dream chance to see if he can fulfil his all-round potential.
      All his England caps came in 2017 and 2018.
      And he had again slipped to the fringes at Chelsea over the past year, following earlier loan spells with Crystal Palace and Fulham. More

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      Premier League to announce HUGE change from next season – and fans fear the ‘country won’t be able to cope’

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      THE PREMIER LEAGUE are set to announce a huge change from next season but fans fear the “country won’t be able to cope”.With just six weeks to go until the start of the new season, changes are already being made for the 2024/25 campaign next year.
      The Premier League are planning to show every Sunday match live on televisionCredit: Getty
      The Daily Mail report that the Premier League plan to have every Sunday match shown live on television from the start of that season.
      The revamp is part of planned alterations to the league’s broadcast rights strategy, with the number of televised matches increasing from 200 to 270.
      However, the changes mean that fans will face midday and 7pm kick-off times to accommodate the additional televised games.
      Friday and Monday evening matches will also increase as part of the proposals.
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      The Premier League are keen to attract higher offers from broadcasters, with their current domestic rights deal worth £5billion.
      Clubs playing in the Europa League stand to profit from the changes as they will receive £1million per televised Sunday match.
      Supporters are not convinced, though, with one tweeting: “Fans don’t want 7pm. This country can’t accommodate (the) travel.”
      Another wrote: “They could achieve this by changing the ‘normal’ game time to 2pm Sunday, rather than messing up away fans’ chances of getting home.”
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      A third also commented: “3pm blackout must stay cause of fans in stadiums but Sunday 7pm will keep fans there.”
      Meanwhile, one more argued: “We don’t want changes to the times, just put them all on the TV. Simple.”
      The proposed changes come ahead of the next tender document for broadcasters being released in October.
      According to the report, the number of television packages available is set to decrease.
      Instead, each package will contain more games, with the 20-match package currently held by Amazon Prime set to disappear.
      The Premier League hope that this will increase the value of the deal they can agree for the period from 2024 to 2027.
      Sky Sports and TNT Sport, formerly BT Sport, are expected to table major bids amid interest from Amazon, Apple TV and Disney.
      The proposed changes will come into play from the start of the 2024/25 seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Treble-winning Man City boss Pep Guardiola loses ANOTHER member of his staff as assistant manager leaves in shock move

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      MANCHESTER CITY manager Pep Guardiola has lost ANOTHER assistant coach after the club’s remarkable Treble triumph.City confirmed Rodolfo Borrell has left his role at the Etihad to become the new sporting director of Austin FC in the MLS.
      Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has lost his assistant manager Rodolfo BorrellCredit: Getty
      Borrell became Guardiola’s assistant manager last season and helped the Citizens win the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.
      City director of football Txiki Begiristain said: “I would like to wish Rodolfo the best of luck in his new role at Austin FC.
      “He has played a significant role in the Club’s achievements over the past nine years, both as Global Technical Director and after joining Pep Guardiola’s backroom team.
      “The manager has often spoken about how important his coaching staff have been in helping him and the team achieve what we have.
      “Rodolfo has, of course, been a major part of that during his time at Manchester City.
      “I have every confidence that he will be a huge asset to both Austin FC and United States soccer.”
      Borrell joined City from Liverpool in 2014 global technical director and also worked as head of coaching for their academy before joined Guardiola’s backroom staff two years later.
      The Spaniard joins Enzo Maresca at the exit door after the Italian coach took over as Leicester’s new manager.
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      Man Utd reveal ‘atrocious’ away shirt for new season as fans left saying ‘you cannot be serious’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S “atrocious” new away kit has fans saying “you cannot be serious” after it was leaked online.A clip circulating on social media shows the change strip for the 2023/24 season on display in a shop.
      Manchester United’s leaked away shirt has been labelled ‘atrocious’ by fansCredit: Twitter @GlazerOutShirts
      The Adidas manufactured shirt is green with white stripes and red trim, a contrast to last season’s white away jersey.
      Sponsor TeamViewer is printed on the front of the kit, despite the club mutually ending their partnership in December.
      United have agreed with the German technology company that they can buy back the rights for their sponsorship once a new partner is found.
      The club crest is also printed on in all white, rather than the iconic red and gold.
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      Fans are less than impressed with the new shirt, with one commenting: “That’s not seriously their kit.”
      Another supporter added: “That shirt is atrocious.”
      A third commented: “Never taking that even for free. Worst kit ever.”
      Meanwhile, one more also wrote: “Absolutely horrendous.”
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      The leak comes after United’s new home kit was unveiled earlier this week.
      Local rapper Aitch had debuted the shirt at Glastonbury last weekend ahead of the club’s official announcement.
      The shirt is the club’s classic crimson red with a black trim and Lancashire rose pattern.
      Glazers Out protestors had disrupted the announcement with a demonstration outside the club’s Old Trafford megastore. More