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      Brentford open contract talks with Ivan Toney despite 8-month ban as they ‘identify £25m striker replacement’

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      BRENTFORD are planning to launch contract talks with Ivan Toney despite his eight-month ban, according to reports.The England striker was banned until January by the FA after being found guilty of breaching gambling rules.
      Ivan Toney is set to be banned until JanuaryCredit: AP
      Toney, 27, has two years remaining on his £20,000-a-week contract at the Gtech.
      Bees chiefs had been growing resigned to losing their star man, who has gathered interest from the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham.
      But the Mail claim that Brentford could look to show their support for Toney amid his ban by handing him a new deal.
      Club bosses believe that they are unlikely to receive their £50m asking price this summer, given his suspension.
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      They could seek to hand Toney a pay rise, albeit less than the £150k a week he could receive elsewhere.
      In return the Bees could grant their star man a favourable release clause, protecting his value in the process.
      Toney has been in red-hot form this season, bagging 20 Premier League goals.
      Thomas Frank’s side go into their final two matches still possessing an outside chance of European qualification, albeit with Toney set to miss both.
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      Brentford could theoretically terminate Toney’s current deal for breach of contract, saving them £640,000 in wages in the short term.
      They will not consider this option, however, given the millions in transfer value they would lose out on.
      Despite their support for Toney, Brentford are mulling over striker transfer options.
      According to talkSPORT, the Bees are after Coventry ace Viktor Gyokeres.
      The Sky Blues are set to demand at least £25m for their star striker, irrespective of whether they are promoted to the Premier League.
      Mark Robins’ men will take on Luton in the Championship play-off final next week.
      Coventry sharp-shooter Viktor Gyokeres is on Brentford’s radarCredit: Rex More

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      From Arsene Wenger to Jose Mourinho, the world’s sexiest football manager has been crowned – do you agree?

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      MANCHESTER United may have fallen short of winning the league – but their manager Erik ten Hag has still trounced all rivals.The 53-year-old boss has been ranked the hottest manager of all time in a new survey, backed by science.
      Wag Nicola McClean gives her verdict on each fellaCredit: Getty
      Sports boffins at ticket site SeatPick used the geometric “golden ratio” theory of attractiveness to come up with their Sexiest Footie Bosses league table, with experts using AI to analyse their faces for sexiness.
      Their ratings also take into account managers’ net worth, as well as their height and the number of tweets referring to them as “sexy”.
      Dutchman ten Hag topped the table, scoring 7.78 out of ten in the sexiness stakes, with Arsenal gaffer Mikel Arteta, 41, bagging second place with a score of 7.35.
      Man City’s Pep Guardiola, 52 — who turned heads this week when his team demolished Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final — shares third place with Chelsea’s former “Special One” Jose Mourinho, 60.
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      Perhaps more surprising additions include ex-Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, 73, and former Newcastle United manager and mullet fan Kevin Keegan, 72, who beat heart-throb Frank Lampard, 44, and Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp, 55, to make it into the top ten.
      Here we list the top ten and their golden ratio score.
      And Wag Nicola McClean, wife of former footballer Tom Williams, gives her verdict on each fella.
      1. Erik ten Hag Man Utd, 7.78
      THE Red Devils leader is the full package – handsome, looks good in a suit and his managerial skills make him attractive.
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      I can see why he topped the chart.
      Man Utd’s Erik ten Hag topped the chart with 7.78Credit: Getty
      I prefer men with hair but I get why women think he’s fit.
      He looks domineering, which is appealing too.
      2. Mikel Arteta Arsenal, 7.35
      I CAN’T say anything nice about Arsenal, they’re my least favourite team.
      But Mikel is the best looking manager.
      Mikel Arteta is the best looking managerCredit: Getty
      He is my type – dark and handsome.
      And it looks like he joined me in Turkey for those teeth. A great smile.
      3  . Pep Guardiola Man City, 7.07
      A MAN who makes ladies swoon, class Pep has it all – and I like his facial hair.
      Fans’ eyes will be glued to the pitch when his lads play the Champions League final, but I’m sure the ladies won’t be able to take theirs off him.
      The ladies won’t be able to take their eyes off Pep GuardiolaCredit: Getty
      3 . Jose Mourinho Roma, 7.07
      THE Special One is like Marmite but I love an arrogant, confident man.
      I could listen to his voice all day.
      Jose Mourinho is an arrogant, confident manCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      He’s the most intriguing of them all – and he’s my number one.
      5. Carlo Ancelotti Real Madrid, 7.02
      JUST no. Unless you want a rich sugar daddy, I have no idea how any woman could choose him.
      What is he even doing here?
      Carlo Ancelotti looks like a rich sugar daddyCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      He makes Keegan look like David Gandy.
      6. Steven Gerrard ex-Aston Villa, 6.77
      I LOVE Gerrard. His wife Alex is one of the best Wags ever too.
      Any bloke whose wife loves dancing on tables must have good banter, which is also very attractive.
      Steven Gerrard has good banter which is attractiveCredit: Getty
      7. Arsene Wenger ex-Arsenal, 6.76
      I DON’T like Arsenal and I don’t like Arsene. He’s grumpy, which is unattractive.
      The stress of managing Arsenal has aged him.
      The stress of managing Arsenal has aged Arsene WengerCredit: PA:Press Association
      A bit of Botox wouldn’t go amiss, either.
      8. David Moyes West Ham, 6.46
      HE manages my team and when we go to matches he is very entertaining.
      He is passionate on the sidelines and not afraid to question the referees.
      David Moyes is passionate on the sidelines and not afraid to question the refereesCredit: Getty
      Is he good looking? No.
      But he has a lot going for him and is one of my favourites.
      9. Rafael Benitez ex-Everton, 6.24
      HOW on earth has this guy made it?
      There is nothing attractive about the ex-Everton and Liverpool boss. I’m speechless.
      There is nothing attractive about Rafael BenitezCredit: Getty
      It really shows that beauty is in the eye of the beholder if Rafael is in the top ten and Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp isn’t.

      10. Kevin Keegan ex-Newcastle, 5.60
      I AM seriously shocked – but he did make the hideous mullet famous back in the day so he deserves a medal for that.
      I’d give him an eight out of ten for nostalgia, and in my fantasy fitties league he’s above Wenger and Benitez.
      Kevin Keegan made the hideous mullet famous back in the dayCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      Thierry Henry sends transfer message to Arsenal star Folarin Balogun as fans divided over starlet’s future

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      THIERRY HENRY has advised Arsenal star Folarin Balogun to find a team where he will play regular football.The striker has impressed on loan at Stade Reims this season where he has scored 20 goals in all competitions.
      Thierry Henry had advised Folarin Balogun to find a club where he will play regularlyCredit: Getty
      That has led to speculation about his future, and Balogun has showed his desire to play regularly by opting to represent the USA instead of England at international level.
      Now Arsenal legend Henry believes the 21-year-old must decide where he wants to play next season.
      He told CBS Sport: “Now for him it’s going to be important next season to play.
      “I don’t know if he’s going to play for Arsenal. We all know for the national team with England he had to battle with Callum Wilson, [Ivan] Toney, Ollie Watkins, Tammy Abraham, Harry Kane.
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      “He’s been great in the league. He’s a good nine. Now he’s going to have to find a team where he’s going to play next year, that’s very important.”
      Balogun has been linked with a permanent move away after reportedly informing the Gunners he is “opposed” to going out on loan again.
      AC Milan are believed to be interested in the striker but Arsenal could demand a fee of £26.5million to let him leave.
      Balogun is also said to be attracting interest from RB Leipzig and Gooners are split on whether he should be sold.
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      One fan wanting to keep him said: “The thought of Balogun getting sold still troubles me deeply. He gives me the vibes like he the man.”
      A second added in agreement: “If it comes down to Balogun leaving, looking for more game time, I’d rather have him stay and been given a chance over Nketiah, who can be sold, and those funds used elsewhere.”
      But another shared an opposing view, writing: “The most ambitious move of all this summer would be to sell Eddie and Balogun and get a first choice number 9. Osimhen would be perfect.”
      Another commented: “If it was me I’d sell Eddie [Nketiah] and Balogun and use that money for Dusan Vlahovic/Ivan Toney.” More

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      Newcastle 4 Brighton 1: Toon take huge step towards top four as late Wilson show sees off plucky Seagulls

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      BEAT rotten Leicester on Monday and it’s Madrid, Paris, Munich and Naples for the Toon Army. Three more points and the Geordies on tour can ditch the budget package deals for five star luxury at Europe’s biggest and best stadiums in the Champions League. 
      Newcastle celebrate their openerCredit: Getty
      Dan Burn netted against his old clubCredit: Rex
      Deniz Undav headed into his own net before hometown hero Dan Burn made it 2-0 with a towering header against his former club on the stroke of half time. 
      The nerves were starting to jangle on Tyneside having lost to Arsenal and drawn at Leeds. 
      And the tension was palpable when Undav put one in the right goal at the start of the second half moments after Miguel Almiron butchered a sitter. 
      But Eddie Howe’s power-packed Mags hung on by hook or crook before Callum Wilson and Bruno Guimaraes sealed a seismic win at the death. 
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      Liverpool are coming up full-throttle in the rear-view mirror yet get the job done against the lowly Foxes and the Champions League anthem will be ringing out at St James’ Park in four months’ time. 
      They’ve spent the vast majority of the season inside the top four so to lose out so late would be a sickener. 
      Brighton – still sixth and a point ahead of Tottenham – were woeful early on but came out fighting after the break and had the Magpies panicking. 
      However they lacked a killer instinct in the final third, with Newcastle moving onto 69 points – the same number they finished with under Sir Bobby Robson in 2002-03 when they last qualified for the top competition. 
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      Deniz Undav scored an unfortunate own goalCredit: Reuters
      The hosts were unchanged after Leeds but Roberto De Zerbi surprisingly changed four having battered Arsenal, with Alexis Mac Allister, Julio Enciso and Evan Ferguson benched while Levi Colwill was out of the squad. 
      Up against Newcastle’s ferocious press, the Seagulls couldn’t get out. 
      Wingers Alexander Isak and Miguel Almiron were bang on it and causing carnage. 
      They forgot their shooting boots but Brighton’s passing around the back was causing problem after problem and they were lucky to go unpunished until the opener came 22 minutes in. 
      Lewis Dunk did brilliantly to block Joelinton’s effort. 
      But from the following corner Trippier bagged his seventh assist of the campaign, with his in-swinger beautifully nodded into his own net by Undav at the near post. 
      Incredibly it was their sixth own goal of the season, taking them two behind the record eight Leicester set in 2003-04. 
      Brighton were way off the pace, a shadow of the side who smashed the Gunners and a replica of the one demolished by Everton. 
      Dan Burn bags Newcastle secondCredit: Getty
      Undav scores at the right end for BrightonCredit: Reuters
      And they were two down in first-half injury time when that man Trippier set up another. 
      His free-kick from the right was spot on again, bent to the back post straight onto the head of giant ex-Seagull Burn to head back his first Prem goal for his boyhood club past Jason Steele. 
      The defender absolutely loved it, celebrating wildly in the faces of his former team-mates. 
      It should have been three five minutes after the break when Almiron was found free at the back, only for the Paraguayan to lack conviction and volley straight at Steele. 
      And it was game on when Undav made amends for earlier. 
      Billy Gilmour’s pass through the heart of Newcastle’s defence was sublime but there were gaping holes, allowing the German to bury and make it four goals in five. 
      There was more bad news for the Mags when midfielder Joe Willock hobbled off in agony after pulling up clutching his hamstring. 
      Steele then got down to his right to deny Isak’s header and keep Brighton in it. 
      And the anxiety around St James’ grew as the clock ticked on and Toon failed to kill the game off. 

      Yet all that worry evaporated when Wilson and Bruno delivered a devastating late double. 
      Newcastle’s No 9 latched onto Almiron’s through ball and calmly slotted home his 18th of the season before the striker turned provider and teed up the Brazilian midfielder to take Howe’s side to the brink of the Champions League. 
      Bruno Guimaraes celebrates his late strikeCredit: Getty More

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      Laura Woods ‘wanted as face of major Premier League coverage next season by new channel’

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      LAURA WOODS is being chased to host BT Sport’s Premier League coverage next season, according to reports.BT Sport are rebranding as TNT Sports ahead of the next campaign.
      Laura Woods is in high-demand this summerCredit: Getty
      Lynsey Hipgrave hosted the bulk of BT’s Prem action this term, with former anchor Jake Humphrey filling in from time to time.
      According to the Mail, TNT Sports want to mark their launch by sealing Woods’ signature for their coverage.
      They claim that talks are progressing well between the two parties.
      And they are confident that Woods will sign on the dotted line.
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      Woods hosts talkSPORT’s breakfast show, as well as boxing coverage on DAZN.
      She also presented ITV’s coverage of the World Cup in Qatar.
      Should Woods sign up with TNT Sports, she would also be involved in “other live programming” – in addition to presenting Prem matches.
      TNT Sports is set to debut in July, replacing BT Sport altogether.
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      Lynsey Hipgrave has presented BT Sport’s Prem action this seasonCredit: PA
      Prior to this season, Woods spent 13 years working for Sky Sports.
      She held a number of roles, including presenting their League Cup action.
      Woods also served as a touchline reporter on Sky’s Prem coverage.
      Laura Woods presented World Cup coverage for ITV last yearCredit: Alamy
      The popular host also presents boxing coverage for DAZNCredit: Rex More

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      Former Chelsea wonderkid who snubbed Real Madrid transfer wakes up unemployed after he is released from League One club

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      FORMER Chelsea wonderkid Josh McEachran is without a club after being released by League One side MK Dons.The midfielder, 30, was tipped to go to the very top of world football and attracted offers from Real Madrid and Manchester United at the age of 16.
      Josh McEachran made a total of 22 appearances for Chelsea, which included turning out for The Blues in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The midfielder told the Daily Mail back in 2017 that he turned down the offers because he “believed he was going to make it”.
      He said “When I made my (Chelsea) debut I thought, ‘Ah, that was a good choice for me to say no to Real Madrid,’ but looking back now maybe I should have (gone).”
      The midfielder had been involved with first team training at Chelsea from the age of 15 onwards, having been called up from the youth team by then manager Carlo Ancelotti.
      But he would go on to make just 11 appearances for Chelsea during his time at the club between 2010 and 2015.
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      The midfielder instead found himself bouncing between a number of clubs on loan, including Swansea City and Middlesbrough before joining Brentford permanently in 2015.
      He made 101 appearances for the Bees before moving on to Birmingham City in 2019, where he made just 10 appearances during an injury-hit stint.
      McEachran dropped down a league to join MK Dons in 2021.
      After initially only training with the club to gain fitness, McEachran earned a series of contracts and made 100 appearances for the Milton Keynes side.
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      But it was announced today that McEachran will be without a club going into the summer after MK Dons released their retained list.
      McEachran was one of nine players released by MK Dons following their relegation to League Two.
      Their relegation was sealed on the final day of the League One season, and sparked angry scenes that saw supporters confront Dons owner Pete Winkleman. More

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      Emotional Lucas Moura fights back tears as it’s confirmed he’ll QUIT Tottenham at the end of the season

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      EMOTIONAL Lucas Moura fought back the tears as Tottenham confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season.The Brazilian will depart Spurs after 219 appearances in five-and-a-half years.
      Lucas Moura will leave Tottenham at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
      Moura was visibily emotional in his interview with Sky SportsCredit: Twitter @SkySportsPL
      “It was a gift to play for Spurs” 🤍An emotional Lucas Moura fights back tears after confirmation that he will leave Tottenham when his current deal expires at the end of the season 🥺pic.twitter.com/rZqd4dKufO— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 18, 2023

      Moura, 30, is best known for his sensational Champions League semi-final hat-trick against Ajax.
      He has since become a bit-part player at Tottenham, and will depart upon the expiry of his contract next month.
      In a tear-jerking video with Sky Sports, Moura said: “I need to hold the tears.
      “It has been an incredible five years. It was a gift to play for Spurs.
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      “It’s sad to say goodbye, especially when you love the place where you are. It’s very difficult.
      “Great memories, great moments I will keep in my heart forever.”
      Shown the clip of his winner away at Ajax, Moura wells up and added: “I am trying to hold the tears.
      “This moment of course was the best of my career. Special, magic.”
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      In a post on his own social media, Moura wrote: “My Spurs. Wherever I am, my heart will always be here.
      “You are my club. This will always be my home.”
      And in their own statement, Spurs added: “We should like to thank Lucas for his tremendous service to our club and wish him the very best for the future.”
      Moura scored 38 goals for Spurs, also laying on 27 assists.
      The former Paris Saint-Germain star has not started a Premier League game this season.
      Upon his departure, some fans harshly called for more stalwarts to exit – with Davinson Sanchez and Eric Dier the main duo targetted.
      One wrote: “A fair move, now waiting for Sanchez, Winks, Dier to be out next.”
      ‘WE’LL ALWAYS HAVE AMSTERDAM’
      While a second huffed: “Now announce Dier, Sanchez and Davies contract cancellations!”
      Plenty of others thanked Moura for his contributions – primarily in Amsterdam.
      One wrote: “Best of luck Lucas. We’ll always have Amsterdam.”
      And a second tweeted: “Thank you for the greatest Spurs moment of my life.”
      Another added: “Best memory I’ve been given in my time as a Spurs fan. Thank you.”
      Moura was linked with a transfer return to Sao Paulo earlier this term.

      He will be eligible for selection in Spurs’ final two matches of the season.
      They host Brentford on Saturday, before finishing with a trip to relegation-threatened Leeds.
      Moura, 30, is most well renowned for his Champions League hat-trick against AjaxCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Ruben Loftus-Cheek in ‘concrete talks’ over huge transfer overseas… and he could join ex-Chelsea team-mates

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      RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK is reportedly in “concrete talks” over a major transfer abroad after 19 years at Chelsea.And that would see him reunited with two former Blues team-mates.
      Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be on his way out of Chelsea after 19 yearsCredit: Getty
      Loftus-Cheek, 27, has one year left on his current contract at Stamford Bridge.
      But he has struggled to hold down a spot in the starting XI throughout his time in the senior team.
      Now, though, he is said to be exploring the possibility of a move away amid talk he could be forced out to create space in the over-inflated squad.
      According to Fabrizio Romano, Loftus-Cheek is in positive negotiations with AC Milan regarding a summer switch – having first joined Chelsea in 2004 aged eight.
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      AC Milan are looking to overhaul their midfield and have identified the ten-cap England international as a suitable candidate.
      Loftus-Cheek, meanwhile, is said to be keen on the possibility of moving to the San Siro.
      A transfer to Milan was first reported back in March but it is reported the talks are now progressing “very well”.
      Should he make the move, the midfielder would link up with ex-Chelsea men Olivier Giroud and Fikayo Tomori for the Italian giants.
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      Both former Blues stars swapped West London for Milan in 2021 and helped the Rossoneri reach the Champions League semi-finals.
      Loftus-Cheek has struggled to consistent game time this season – especially with Todd Boehly spending more than £600million on new signings.
      Fellow midfielders Enzo Fernandez, Denis Zakaria and Carney Chukwuemeka have provided direct competition in the centre of midfield, as has Conor Gallagher after returning from his loan at Crystal Palace.
      Chelsea also have the experienced pair of N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic as well as Mason Mount all battling for a place in the team.
      Academy-graduate Loftus-Cheek – who has at times filled in at full-back – has made 30 first-team appearances so far this season, including 17 Premier League starts.
      However, he has chipped in with just two assists and is yet to register a goal. More