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      Wales star David Brooks doesn’t want any sympathy following successful return from cancer

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      DAVID BROOKS does not want to be picked by Wales on sentiment following a successful battle with cancer.The Bournemouth winger had 18 months on the sidelines after his stage two Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis on Dragons duty in October 2021.
      David Brooks is back in the Wales squad after battle with cancerCredit: Alamy
      Brooks won the last of his 21 Welsh caps during the Euro 2020 finals two summers agoCredit: The Mega Agency
      Brooks is back in Robert Page’s Wales squad for the first time since his cancer fight ahead of tomorrow’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Armenia in Cardiff.
      But the 25-year-old reckons he is back on the international stage on merit after six appearances for Bournemouth.
      Brooks said: “I don’t want any sympathy.
      “I don’t want anyone thinking, ‘We’ll give him a game here, or a game there, because he’s been through a lot and it will mean a lot to him.’
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      “I don’t want any of that. I want it to be on merit and I believe that’s why I got two starts at the end of the year.
      “I also believe that’s why I am here now. I don ‘t want to be called up just to be a spare part.
      “I’m working hard to get back in the Bournemouth team and be starting for Wales as well.”
      Brooks won the last of his 21 caps against Denmark at the Euros two summers ago.
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      Brooks added: “It’s a very nice feeling to be back. The players have welcomed me with open arms.
      “It’s my first camp in two years so it will be a very special moment putting the Welsh shirt on again.
      “I’m hoping it will be a nice reception if I can get some minutes.”
      Brooks took part in Wales’ training camp in Portugal last week where he had an emotional reunion with team-mates – and saw Welsh medical chief Jonathan Houghton again.
      The Cherries attacker asked Houghton for paracetamol to combat symptoms of weight loss and night sweats.
      But it was Houghton’s quick-thinking which saved Brooks as he was sent immediately for tests which revealed the illness.
      Brooks added: “I do owe Jon the doc because he’s done a lot for us. It’s always nice to see him.
      “Whenever my mum and dad see him they burst out crying and give him a big hug. There’s a lot of respect there and I can’t thank him enough.
      “I just love playing football. It has been my life for 23 years and as soon as I got the diagnosis, that was snatched away in the blink of an eye.
      “The awful news crushes your world. 
      “I didn’t have a single care about football. I just wanted to still be on earth. The dark times were dark but the prognosis was positive.
      When you have gone through a scare like that it puts life into perspective that football isn’t life or death. The main thing is being happy and healthy.
      “It was nice to get messages from my old coaches like Eddie Howe and Chris Wilder. Pagey texted me. They were all supportive.” 
      Brooks was handed a new contract by Bournemouth last August until the summer of 2026 but the ex-Sheffield United star is still ambitious to play at the very top for club and country.
      He said: “My outlook on life has changed a bit but football does mean a lot to me and my ambitions and drive haven’t changed.
      “I still want to try and get to the very top. 
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      “I missed the World Cup so the aim is still to play in that and in the Champions League. I want to play at as high a level as possible.
      “I am still as determined to achieve what I want to achieve in football.” More

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      Three A-list sports stars in running to invest in Leeds United amid takeover by NFL giants

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      SURPRISE sporting superstars have been revealed as potential investors in a multi-million-pound takeover of struggling football giants Leeds United.Rickie Fowler has revealed he is one of three top US golfers looking to get involved in Leeds as part of an imminent buy-out by 49ers Enterprises.
      Relegated Leeds United are on the verge of multi-million-pound US investmentCredit: PA
      The American investment group is set to take charge of the club after agreeing a deal to purchase chairman Andrea Radrizzani’s controlling stake.
      And Fowler has now told of being converted to the Elland Road cause – along with fellow golfers Jordan Spieth, a three-time major winner, and double PGA Championship title-holder Justin Thomas.
      The trio – thought to have a combined net worth of £175million – became fans of the West Yorkshire club thanks to another player Matt Fitzpatrick’s Leeds-supporting caddie Billy Foster.
      Sheffield-born Fitzpatrick won his first major, the US Open, in June last year.
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      The American threesome’s new-found enthusiasm comes despite Leeds being relegated last month from the Premier League to the Championship, having gone through three managers in the past season – Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia and ex-England boss Sam Allardyce.
      Fowler told Sky Sports News: “There’s the group that’s moving forward with being involved with Leeds – myself, JT and Jordan, so potentially we’ll be a part of it.
      “It’s cool to have these opportunities. I know we’re looking into it, and it would be fun if we get to be a part of it, if not we’ll continue to root for Leeds.
      “Obviously they got relegated but to get to go to a Premier League game, a Champions League game – any of that.
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      “It’s called football over there, we call it soccer here but it’s a massive sport and I feel like it is continuing to get bigger in the States.
      “Since I haven’t been to a game, I don’t have the true appreciation until I’ve been actually able to go and be there and feel that energy.”
      Leeds confirmed that a deal had been reached with 49ers Enterprises last week, despite being forced back to the negotiating table in the wake of the team’s relegation to the Championship.
      The American group, also the owner of NFL side the San Francisco 49ers, has been a majority shareholder in Leeds since 2018.
      The firm increased its stake to 44 per cent in 2021, with the option of buying Radrizzani’s remaining 56 per cent before next January.
      But the club’s recent relegation has seen its buy-out price plunge – reportedly from £400million to £170million.
      Fowler said of caddie Foster’s influence: “We told him after knowing he is a huge Leeds United supporter.”
      Former England boss Sam Allardyce was unable to keep Leeds in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Outgoing Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani is selling up to 49ers EnterprisesCredit: PA
      Golfing star Rickie Fowler has gone public on plans to splash out on Leeds UnitedCredit: Getty
      Three-time major-winner Jordan Spieth could also invest in the Yorkshire clubCredit: Getty
      Fellow American Justin Thomas has similarly become a fan of the Elland Road sideCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea and Inter Milan meeting to discuss potential SIX-PLAYER mega transfer swap including stars Lukaku and Onana

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      CHELSEA and Inter Milan are reportedly meeting to discuss SIX potential transfers in the summer window.SunSport revealed earlier this week that the Blues could seek to sign keeper Andre Onana in a swap deal with Romelu Lukaku and Kalidou Koulibaly going the other way.
      Romelu Lukaku is keen to stay at Inter Milan following his loan spellCredit: Getty
      Andre Onana is being heavily linked with a move to ChelseaCredit: Getty
      And according to Calcio Mercato, Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio flew to London on Wednesday for discussions with the Premier League club.
      Lukaku, 30, was on loan at Inter from Chelsea last season and is keen to remain in Italy.
      But he still has three years left on his Stamford Bridge contract, so any move will not come cheap.
      As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Koulibaly, 31, is another linked with a move to Inter following a difficult first campaign in West London.
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      Kalidou Koulibaly endured a poor first year with ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Denzel Dumfries could be on his way to Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
      And Mauricio Pochettino is understood to be in the market for a keeper despite Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy both fighting for the No1 spot.
      Cameroonian Onana, 27, has enjoyed a sensational campaign with Inter and is thought to be Chelsea’s first-choice signing in between the sticks.
      Wingback Denzel Dumfries, 27, is another Inter star linked with a move to the Blues, although Chelsea are not understood to be seeking out wide-right defenders as they already have Reece James and recently signed Malo Gusto from Lyon.
      But going the other way, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Trevoh Chalobah are thought to be Inter targets as Ausilio lands in England to begin negotiations.
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      Trevoh Chalobah is a target for Inter MilanCredit: Getty
      It is widely understood Chelsea need to sell players this summer to deflate their huge 33-man squad.
      And due to Financial Fair Play regulations, they also need to balance the books after spending £600million on players across the last two transfer windows.
      A number of players are being linked with a Stamford Bridge exit.
      Mason Mount is in talks to join Manchester United, while N’Golo Kante looks set to move to Saudi Arabia.
      Mateo Kovacic has received interest from Manchester City, Christian Pulisic is being monitored by AC Milan, Newcastle are in for Conor Gallagher, and Arsenal are pursuing Kai Havertz.
      Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been linked with a move away from Chelsea for some timeCredit: Getty More

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      Zinchenko recalls heartbreaking moment wife sobbed as Russia invaded Ukraine as Arsenal star says he WOULD join fight

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      ARSENAL star Oleksandr Zinchenko has recalled the harrowing moment Russia began the invasion of his home country Ukraine.The Gunners full-back has spoken passionately in the past about the war and the toll it has had on him and his nation as a whole.
      Oleksandr Zinchenko remains concerned for the safety of his friends and familyCredit: AFP
      Arsenal and Ukraine player Oleksandr Zinchenko tells Piers Morgan he wants to fight for his country.”There will be a time, everyone will be there. It will be the last call.”Watch more of the interview on TalkTV at 8pm.@piersmorgan | @TalkTV | #PMU pic.twitter.com/wGNAN0jFR6— Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) June 14, 2023

      Zinchenko spoke to Piers Morgan about the war on his TalkTV show
      Russian president Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022.
      Now, nearly 18 months on from the beginning of the conflict, Zinchenko has spoken about his memories of how it started.
      Speaking on Piers Morgan Uncensored, he said: “My wife suddenly woke me up. And she said, ‘It started’. I said ‘What started?’ She was crying, you know, like flooding tears.
      “I said ‘What’s started, what’s wrong?’ And she showed me the pictures of this invasion.”
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      Discussing his family and friends in Ukraine, he went on to add: “I’m so worried about them. And I’ll tell you what – the mentality of people they don’t want to leave, they don’t want to leave the country, even if they could.
      “This is their homeland. And I would for sure, after [my] football career, I will be living in Ukraine, that’s for sure. One million percent.
      “I was there one week ago and as soon as I passed the border it’s just my homeland, my place.”
      Arsenal man Zinchenko also stated he would fight for his country on the front line – much like fellow sports stars Wladimir Klitschko, Oleksandr Usyk and Vasyl Lomachenko.
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      He said: “There will be a time everyone will be there. It will be the last call or something or whatever. It will be a call.
      “We go, all of us, we go there. Everyone will go. Of course [I would fight]. But at the same time I am thinking I am much more helpful from here at the moment.
      “But you never know what is going to happen. Maybe this is the last speech we are going to speak to each other. You never know.
      “And how many people have already been killed by this invasion? I’m not seeing myself hiding somewhere.”
      Zinchenko alongside his wife Vlada ShcheglovaCredit: Instagram / @zinchenko_96 More

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      Arsenal set to seal £110MILLION Declan Rice transfer as Chelsea, Man Utd and Bayern fall out of running for West Ham ace

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      WEST HAM are resigned to the fact that Declan Rice has set his heart on a move to Arsenal.And plans to start a bidding war with Chelsea, Manchester United and Bayern Munich are likely to be shelved by the Europa Conference League winners.
      Declan Rice won the Europa Conference League in his final game for West HamCredit: PA
      Hammers boss David Moyes is understood to prefer a deal with Chelsea involving Conor Gallagher in part-exchange.
      But Rice has made it clear that he is not interested in a return to the club who released him at the age of 14.
      German champions Bayern have already dropped their pursuit of the 24-year-old England star after being told Rice wants to remain in the Premier League.
      And Manchester United are reluctant to spend huge money on another holding midfielder after buying £60million Casemiro last summer.
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      That has left the way clear for Arsenal to complete their priority signing of the summer and negotiations with West Ham are now at an advanced stage.
      The Gunners are looking to pay a club record £90m for Rice, while the Hammers value him at £110m.
      It is expected that the two clubs will agree on a £100m compromise, with the potential for a further £10m in bonus payments and add-ons.
      No formal bid has yet been made by Arsenal, who were unhappy at the way their January moves for Mykhailo Mudryk and Moises Caicedo played out when a series of offers were publicly rejected.
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      They prefer to remain in confidential talks with West Ham until a fee and terms of payment can be agreed and are confident of securing the player’s signature in the next few weeks.
      Rice is on England duty but will be on standby to confirm personal terms and undergo a medical from next week.
      He believes he fits perfectly into Mikel Arteta’s policy of building a team around hungry young players who can grow together for the next five or six years.
      And the opportunity to play Champions League football is another huge incentive for the midfielder, who has been told he can leave West Ham after rejecting a new £200,000-a-week contract. More

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      Man Utd ‘GIVE UP on Harry Kane transfer to avoid months-long saga as bosses believe Tottenham will never sell to them’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have moved away from their pursuit of Harry Kane as they feel Tottenham “never wanted to sell” to them.The Red Devils have been heavily linked with England captain Kane, 29, for several months as he prepares to enter the final 12 months of his Spurs contract.
      Harry Kane could be set to leave boyhood club Tottenham this summerCredit: Alamy
      In recent weeks, Real Madrid have joined the race to sign the Lilywhites’ all-time record scorer.
      And according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, United are now “looking at other options” as they search for a new striker.
      The report states negotiations between Man Utd and Tottenham are “not advancing at all” and that Erik ten Hag’s men believe Spurs “never wanted to sell Kane to them”.
      United are also unwilling to become embroiled in a “two-month saga”.
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      Kane was the centre of a long, drawn-out transfer pursuit from Manchester City two years ago.
      But Spurs eventually held onto their man – who has 213 Premier League goals, 47 adrift of Alan Shearer’s record.
      He could yet leave England amid interest from Real Madrid as they seek a replacement for Karim Benzema.
      But news of Kylian Mbappe potentially being on the market could knock Kane down Real’s pecking order.
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      Meanwhile, Man Utd have turned their attention towards alternative striker options.
      And Romano is reporting one of those is Atalanta and Denmark’s Rasmus Hojlund.
      The 20-year-old scored 16 goals in 42 appearances for the Serie A side in the 2022/23 season.
      When asked earlier this week about interest from Man Utd, Hojlund told Danish media outlet Tipsbladet: “It is a huge club, so I must have done something right if it says that they want me.
      “We have to see what happens. As you see and hear, I could well imagine that a lot could happen in relation to a couple of strikers this summer.
      “There are many clubs that lack a nine, so something will definitely happen in relation to that, and then we will have to see if I am in it.” More

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      Watch Gary Neville get dangled off a CASTLE as Roy Keane ‘removes his safety net’ in hilarious ad for new show

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      GARY NEVILLE was dangled off Blarney Castle during the advert for his latest edition of The Overlap On Tour.Manchester United legend Neville, 48, was joined by former team-mate Roy Keane, 51, and Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher, 45, as the trio jetted off to Ireland.
      Gary Neville was dangled from a gap in an Irish castleCredit: Sky TV via Twitter
      Roy Keane joked he was taking away Neville’s safety netCredit: Sky TV via Twitter
      Neville celebrated tackling his fearsCredit: Sky TV via Twitter
      Keane also peered his head over the gap in the castleCredit: Sky TV via Twitter
      Jamie Carragher put his tongue on the wallCredit: Sky TV via Twitter
      Their destination was Dublin, but before hitting the capital they visited Keane’s hometown of Cork.
      Carragher has confirmed the trip involved going to Keane’s formative football clubs.
      But the trailer for the programme showed them kissing the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle.
      According to legend, kissing the stone endows the kisser with the gift of the gab.
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      Neville was clearly nervous to take on the challenge – with Keane making it even scarier when he joked he was “taking away the safety net”.
      But Neville did kiss the stone, before he elatedly shouted: “I’ve got the gift of the gab”.
      When it was former Liverpool man Carragher’s turn, he hilariously licked the stone.
      The supervisor then proceeded to spray disinfectant on it which left Neville and Keane in stitches.
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      The segment finished with former Ireland captain Keane kissing the stone as Neville labelled it “a big moment in local history”.
      And Keane rounded off the clip by getting up and adding: “Short and sweet, lads”.
      The Overlap On Tour will air at 9pm on Sky Max on Wednesday evening. More

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      Chelsea ‘to offer outrageous FIVE players in sensational swap transfer to sign £68m-rated Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic’

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      CHELSEA are ready to name as many as FIVE players in a swap deal for Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic, reports in Italy say. Incoming Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino is set to prioritise signing a star striker this summer.
      Dusan Vlahovic is linked with a move to ChelseaCredit: Getty
      It comes amid the news that Juve are also being forced to sell players in a bid to balance their books.
      Vlahovic – who has 23 goals in 62 games with the Italian giants – is believed to be unsettled with the Old Lady.
      And according to Gazzetta, Chelsea discussed signing the forward in a meeting with Juve director Giovanni Manna.
      It is further claimed manager Massimiliano Allegri was informed that the Blues are willing to include players in the package.
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      Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Trevoh Chalobah, Romelu Lukaku and Kalidou Koulibaly are all believed to have been offered.
      Chelsea look likely to sell both Kai Havertz and Lukaku this window to make space for a new No9.

      Lukaku – who has spent the past year on-loan at Inter Milan – previously revealed that he was unhappy at Stamford Bridge.
      So he could seal a permanent transfer before the 2023-24 campaign kicks off and has held talks for a move to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
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      Meanwhile, Havertz has been linked with both Arsenal and Real Madrid.
      Juventus value Vlahovic at £68million and club chiefs are desperate to sell him this summer.
      The Serbian joined the club in a £62m transfer from Fiorentina in January last year, but he struggled with just 10 league goals last season.
      Romelu Lukaku and Kai Havertz could be sold by ChelseaCredit: Reuters More