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    Forgotten former Chelsea wonderkid who’s now unemployed closing in on transfer to tenth club

    FORMER Chelsea prospect Josh McEachran is reportedly set to join League One side Oxford United.The English midfielder, 30, came through the Blues’ academy set-up at Stamford Bridge.
    Josh McEachran came through Chelsea’s academy and left the club in 2015Credit: PA:Empics Sport
    He has featured for a host of Football League clubs since departing Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
    He made 22 first-team appearances for the Premier League giants – including 17 during their 2010/11 campaign under Carlo Ancelotti.
    Loan spells with Swansea, Middlesbrough, Watford, Wigan and Dutch club Vitesse followed over the next four years.
    He eventually left Stamford Bridge permanently in 2015, penning a deal with Brentford who were in the Championship at the time.
    After four seasons and more than 100 games for the Bees, McEachran joined Birmingham for one season in 2019.
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    A stint at League One outfit MK Dons followed, before he left on a free in the summer.
    But he looks set to be snapped up quickly by another third-tier side, Oxford United.
    According to BBC Radio Oxford, they are “close” to signing him on a free transfer.
    McEachran was born in Oxford and played for the Oxford Mail Boys team as a youngster before being scouted by Chelsea.
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    He has played 13 games for England’s U21 side – the last of which came in 2021.
    But he has never received a call-up to the senior team.
    Oxford finished 19th in League One last season, narrowly avoiding relegation by two points. More

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    Tottenham submit JOINT bid for James Maddison and Harvey Barnes but offer is £70m lower than Leicester’s demands

    TOTTENHAM have submitted a joint £50million bid for Leicester stars James Maddison and Harvey Barnes.Spurs have been linked with both Foxes forwards following the East Midland outfit’s relegation to the Championship.
    Tottenham are keen to sign both Harvey Barnes and James MaddisonCredit: Getty
    And SunSport understands they have now made a formal offer of £50m in an attempt to snap up the pair.
    But the offer is around £70M less than what Leicester valued the players at 12 months ago.
    Least summer, they were thought to be asking for around £60m for each of Maddison and Barnes.
    However, they are aware relegation means they may well have to take a cut-price.
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    Maddison, 26, who is also receiving interest from Newcastle, has just one year left on his contract so Leicester need to sell to avoid him leaving on a free.
    He is on international duty ahead of England’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.
    Barnes, 25, has a deal that keeps him at the King Power Stadium until 2025, but he is still expected to leave before the new season gets underway.
    Aston Villa and West Ham are both monitoring his situation.
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    Maddison contributed 10 goals and nine assists in 32 games for Leicester this season, while Barnes registered 13 goals and three assists.
    Their imminent departures come as Enzo Maresca is being tipped to become the Foxes’ new head coach.
    Maresca, 43, is one of Pep Guardiola’s coaches at Manchester City.
    He is believed to have impressed Leicester chiefs during the interview process – which also saw the 2016 Premier League champions talk to outgoing boss Dean Smith, Steven Gerrard, Scott Parker and Graham Potter. More

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    Bradford pay for ex-Premier League star’s hotel.. before Wales ace completes transfer to League Two rivals instead

    BRADFORD have had their move for former Wales star Jonny Williams hijacked despite paying for his hotel ahead of his medical at the Bantams.The move was hijacked at the last minute by Gillingham with the midfielder being announced in a cheeky video on the Gills’ Twitter.
    The former Wales international was part of his country’s World Cup 2022 squadCredit: Reuters
    Gillingham used the announcement of the club’s garish pink third kit as a means to unveil the surprise signing of Williams, 29, to fans.
    In the video, fans walk into the room thinking they’ll see the new kit, but are in fact seeing Williams modelling it.
    The midfielder was a free agent this summer after leaving Swindon Town without renewing his contract.
    He had offers from Gillingham, Bradford and Hollywood-owned Wrexham.
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    The Welsh club, owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney had hoped to convince the former Welsh star to join their project.
    The unsuccessful move for Williams follows on from the owners’ attempts to sign Gareth Bale after he left LAFC.
    Williams came through the Crystal Palace academy as a hotly tipped youngster in 2011.
    From there he underwent a series of loan stints at Ipswich, Nottingham Forest, MK Dons and Sunderland.
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    The midfielder played 70 times for Palace during his eight years at the club before signing for Charlton.
    Two years later he joined Cardiff for a few months before signing with Swindon.
    The midfielder’s light has shone brightest at international level where he made 33 appearances for Wales – including during their EURO 2016 run to the semi-final.
    The midfielder is not Welsh born however.
    Being born in Tunbridge Wells, he is a Kent native and he says that played a key part in picking Gillingham over Bradford.
    On the battle over his signature he told KentOnline that he pulled the plug on his Bradford transfer just two hours before his medical.
    He said: “Bradford is a very big club, a great club in this division, a well-respected club,
    “It has its positives but when Gillingham came in it was a hard decision, a lot of thought, not a lot of sleep, but I want to be near home, that is where my friends and family are.
    “I want to be part of this project and it was an opportunity I have always wanted to take in my career to play for Gillingham, close to home and be a part of a team that is likely to achieve success.” More

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    Arsenal not the only Premier League club in for Kai Havertz as rivals look at £70m Chelsea star

    ARSENAL have been joined by Treble winners Manchester City in the race to sign Chelsea’s Kai Havertz, according to reports.According to the Guardian, the skilful midfielder expressed to his club that he would like to leave this summer despite having a contract with Chelsea until 2025.
    Kai Havertz , hotly contested by Arsenal and Manchetser City.Credit: Getty
    The report suggests that the club are willing to release Havertz early and have asked for a £70m fee.
    Chelsea bought Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020 for £75m and he has since gone on to score many impressive goals for the club including the winner for their 2021 Champions League triumph.
    They report also says The Blues are lining up their own replacements for Havertz by targeting midfielders such as Brighton’s Moises Caicedo and Celta Vigo’s Gabri Veiga.
    Havertz has only only 19 goals in 91 appearances for Chelsea, prompting Arsenal fans to feel confused at Michel Arteta’s decision to pursue the player.
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    It is reported however that Arteta wishes to use Havertz as an attacking midfielder rather than a No 9.
    Arsenal are also looking to sign Declan Rice for the upcoming 2023 season – after the club’s fixtures were announced earlier today.
    However The Gunners face competition for Havertz as Manchester City are also looking to move for the 23-year-old.
    Reports indicate Man City are looking to clear out their team in this summer’s transfer window but remain dependent on where midfielders Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva end up before bidding.
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    The Treble winners had targeted Jude Bellingham but after the England man joined Real Madrid, their attentions have reportedly turned to Celta Vigo’s Gabriel Veiga and Havertz..
    Meanwhile, Arsenal face another blow after Man City star Gundogan was reported to have chosen Barcelona over them, according to Mundo Deportivo.
    West Ham have also just rejected Arsenal’s bid for Declan Rice at £80m.
    Arsenal are yet to decide if they are willing to pay what would be a record- breaking fee for the club. More

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    Leicester set to name untried Man City coach as new manager after interviewing five ex-Premier League bosses

    LEICESTER are reportedly set to appoint Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca as their new manager.The Foxes were relegated down to the Championship on the final day of the Premier League season.
    Man City coach Enzo Maresca, left, is set to take charge at LeicesterCredit: Getty
    Dean Smith took charge from Brendan Rodgers for the final eight games of the campaign.
    But he left at the end of the season and The Telegraph are now claiming Maresca is poised to take charge.
    The Italian, 43, was one of Pep Guardiola’s coaches during Man City’s Treble-winning triumph.
    He is understood to have impressed in conversations with Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha and director of football Jon Rudkin – where he “outlined his philosophy and vision” for the club’s future.
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    Leicester, who are said to have sought the view of ex-player Esteban Cambiasso during their hunt for a manager, interviewed a host of names.
    They included Smith, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Graham Potter, Steven Gerrard and Scott Parker.

    But they seem to have landed on Maresca – who was linked with the vacant job at Southampton during the 2022/23 season.
    His only past experience of being a head coach came at Parma where he was sacked after 14 games.
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    Leicester are in the midst of a huge squad overhaul.
    Youri Tielemans, Caglar Soyuncu, Daniel Amartey, Nampalys Mendy, Ayoze Perez and Ryan Bertrand all departed when their contracts expired at the end of the season.
    James Maddison, Harvey Barnes, Wilfred Ndidi and Timothy Castagne are also being linked with moves away from the King Power Stadium. More

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    Grealish’s dad reveals staggering drinks bill for Premier League title party and insists ‘It wasn’t just Jack’s’

    JACK GREALISH’S dad Kevin has revealed the staggering bill Manchester City paid after their title-winning celebrations.The Citizens have been partying hard in recent days but the initial celebrations began after the squad got their hands on the Premier League trophy last month.
    Kevin Grealish, left, revealed Manchester City’s staggering drinks billCredit: INSTAGRAM @ jackgrealish
    Grealish has been at the centre of Manchester City’s Treble winning celebrationsCredit: AFP
    Grealish celebrates with the Champions League trophyCredit: Getty
    Grealish has grabbed headlines for his boozy antics since winning the Champions League, from downing champagne to being carried out of his Ibiza hotel.
    But his dad revealed he was on his best behaviour as City enjoyed an evening of celebrations after winning the title.

    However it was still a pricy affair with the squad enjoying their fair share of drinks.
    Kevin Grealish told The Mirror: “To be fair to City, they’ve been brilliant with the celebrations and all the parties.
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    “There was one for winning the Premier League at the Tunnel Club (The Etihad’s swankiest hospitality suite) a few weeks ago.
    “The drinks bill came to £47,000, forty-seven grand! – I saw the receipt – and before you say it, that wasn’t just Jack’s drinks bill. He actually went home early that night!”
    After their final Prem game City stars and their Wags enjoyed a night out in a Manchester club, where Erling Haaland and his girlfriend Isabel wore a matching pyjama set.
    The striker once again dressed in PJs this week to celebrate the Treble, as did Grealish who wore Dolce & Gabbana.
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    Grealish looked a little worse for wear as he showed up to England duty this week alongside four City team-mates – Phil Foden, Kyle Walker, John Stones and Kalvin Phillips.
    But he has made his dad and girlfriend Sasha Attwood proud, with the latter paying tribute to the Treble winner.
    She said: “Champions x3💙💙💙💙.
    “The most incredible few days what an achievement.
    “So beyond proud, lots of happy tears & no sleep with memories to last a life time. What a team 💙💙💙💙.” More

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    Gordon McQueen dead at 70: Sky Sports host Hayley says ‘life won’t be the same’ after Man Utd and Leeds icon dad dies

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Gordon McQueen has passed away at the age of 70.The former defender has died after suffering with vascular dementia since January 2021.
    Manchester United legend Gordan McQueen has died aged 70Credit: Getty
    McQueen pictured with daughter Hayley, a Sky Sports presenter, in 2018Credit: Alamy
    McQueen forged a successful media career after hanging up his bootsCredit: Sky Sports
    McQueen spent six years with Leeds before joining bitter rivals Man UtdCredit: Getty
    According to his daughter Hayley, a presenter on Sky Sports, McQueen had been bedridden for the past few months.
    She revealed her dad would regularly watch football and received visits from former team-mates, who he still recognised despite his condition.
    Hayley released a statement, writing: “Dad 💔 Beyond heartbroken to announce we have lost our wonderful dad, I thought when the day came I’d be prepared and feel a sense of relief that he is no longer trying to battle this awful disease but I just feel numb.
    “I’m hoping we can now remember him for the man he was and not the man he became this last few years. We thought we were losing him when home palliative care came to look after him back in December, we were distraught but being the big strong man that he is, battled on for many months.
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    “Whilst it’s been unimaginably sad and at times unbearable for my mum who has cared for him at home we’ve had precious time with him whilst this cruel disease and all that comes with it completely took over, he certainly put up a fight. One comfort was he knew all his friends and family right till the end but to watch someone slowly die I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
    “I now want to remember my Dad for the man he was, the ultimate entertainer, the life and soul of every occasion, the greatest storyteller who certainly lived life to the full, he made sure everything was one big adventure and full of so much fun for me Anna and Eddie.
    “His career gave me one too & I will be forever grateful for him passing on so much of who is and what he loved. Life really won’t be the same without him but he is now at peace.
    “(A big thanks to my employers Sky Sports who have been incredible throughout this and for all the time off and support they’ve given me this last year or so) #ripdad.”
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    A family statement read: “It is with the heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather.
    “We hope that as well as creating many great football memories for club and his country, he will be remembered for the love, laughter and bravery that characterised his career and his family life – not least during his recent battles with ill health.
    “The family would like to express our huge thanks to the wonderful staff at Herriot Hospice Homecare for their outstanding care; the utterly incredible Marie Curie team who were there with us all until the end; and Head for Change for the emotional support and respite care.
    “Finally, to our wonderful friends and family who are a constant source of support we send our utmost love and gratitude. You will remain in our hearts always, Yvonne, Hayley, Anna, Eddie, Rudi, Etta and Ayla.”
    McQueen began his career at St Mirren before moving to Leeds where he played alongside club greats including Billy Bremner, Johnny Giles and Norman Hunter.
    He played under legendary manager Don Revie in the famous Leeds side that won the league in 1974.
    The Scot later joined United in 1978 and went on to make 184 appearances for the club, winning the FA Cup in 1983.
    McQueen also finished as a runner-up in the cup in 1975 and again in 1979, and twice was selected in the PFA Team of the Year.
    He won 30 caps for Scotland and was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in 2012.
    PUNDITRY MOVE
    After hanging up his boots McQueen had a brief spell in charge of Airdrieonians and worked as a coach at Middlesbrough between 1995-01.
    A move into punditry followed as McQueen landed a job at Sky Sports before he returned to Boro as a scout in 2008.
    Tributes have poured in for the icon with United releasing a statement saying: “Everyone at Manchester United is heartbroken by the loss of our beloved former defender, Gordon McQueen.
    “Our love and condolences are with his family at this terribly sad time.”
    Leeds produced a statement paying tribute to McQueen’s success at the club.
    It included: “Leeds United are saddened to learn of the passing of former defender Gordon McQueen at the age of 70, following a battle with dementia.
    “The thoughts of everyone at Leeds United are with Gordon’s wife Yvonne, daughters Hayley and Anna, son Eddie and grandchildren Rudi, Etta and Ayla, along with his friends at this time.”
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    TalkSPORT presenter Jim White saying: “So very sad to hear former Leeds, Manchester United and Scotland defender Gordon McQueen has died, aged 70.
    “A great footballer and true friend with the warmest heart.I send my love and condolences to the McQueen family.”
    McQueen in action for UnitedCredit: Rex
    McQueen had a brief spell as manager of Airdrieonians after hanging up his bootsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    His daughter Hayley is a successful broadcasterCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow More

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    Kulusevski ‘offered to Premier League club’ with Tottenham at risk of missing out on permanent transfer

    DEJAN KULUSEVSKI has reportedly been offered to Newcastle as Tottenham face the possibility of missing out on their loan star.The Swedish forward, 23, joined Spurs on an 18-month loan from Juventus in January 2022.
    Dejan Kulusevski has not yet signed a permanent deal with TottenhamCredit: Getty
    Within the deal was a £29million obligation to buy providing the Lilywhites qualified for the Champions League.
    But the North London club missed out on the top four this season and failed to qualify for any form of European competition.
    Instead, they were offered first refusal when Juventus chiefs travelled to London to discuss terms.
    And The Evening Chronicle are now reporting that Kulusveski is keen to play in the Champions League next season.
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    As a result, his representatives, World Soccer Agency, are “seeking a new challenge” for their client.
    And Newcastle have been touted as a potential destination – with the Magpies having scouted him in the past.
    Eddie Howe’s men have sealed a return to Europe’s premier competition – 20 years on from the club’s last appearance in the Champions League.
    Kulusevski has registered seven goals and 16 assists in 57 appearances for Tottenham.
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    He joined Spurs at the same time as fellow Juventus man Rodrigo Bentancur – with both men impressing in North London.
    Bentancur joined on a permanent transfer, but Tottenham are still yet to firm up a long-term deal for Kulusveski.
    Speaking at the end of the season, the Sweden international said: “I honestly don’t know [what will happen], I just focus on doing the best possible on the pitch.
    “Now of course I have to talk to the club and then we’ll see what happens.” More