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      I joined Premier League in a £13.5m transfer but I’ve just been released from my League One club after getting relegated

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      OUMAR NIASSE has been released by League One Morecambe following the Shrimps’ relegation.Boss Derek Adams recruited Niasse back in March, citing the need for an experienced striker in his side’s battle against the drop.
      Oumar Niasse celebrates his only goal for Morecambe alongside Cole StocktonCredit: Rex
      Oumar Niasse with former Everton manager Carlo AncelottiCredit: Getty
      The former Everton man went on to play ten times for Morecambe, only managing one goal with his side going on to experience the first relegation of their 103-year history.
      Adams’ side already had six players under contract for next season, but every other member of the squad have been released.
      Upon confirming the retained list, the former Plymouth Argyle and Bradford manager said: “Firstly, I would like to thank all of the players for their contributions across the campaign and for the effort, commitment and dedication they have given to the club.
      “To the departing players, it is very difficult as some of them have been with me here for a significant period of time.
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      “Ryan Cooney, Liam Gibson and Cole Stockton were all part of our play-off winning side and depart with nothing but my best wishes for everything they have given both me and the football club.
      “My thanks also to the further departures who will always be able to look back, with pride, at the fact they played for Morecambe FC in League One.
      “These players have given as much as they possibly could for the club and created some memorable moments for Morecambe along the way.”
      Niasse, 33, signed for Everton from Lokomotiv Moscow for £13.5m in 2016.
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      Derek Adams confirmed his retained list this weekCredit: Rex
      Things didn’t go to plan at Goodison, as he made just 42 appearances in four years, scoring nine times.
      During this stint he had loan spells at Hull City and Cardiff City.
      Following his Everton release he briefly joined Huddersfield, before scoring three times in 12 outings for Burton Albion last season.
      After the 3-2 defeat at Exeter City on Sunday which confirmed relegation, Adams revealed that it would be difficult to offer deals to out of contract players due to the uncertainty surrounding Morecambe’s playing budget for next season.
      He said: “We’ve got to do a retained list within a certain number of days after the last game of the season.
      “With that in mind, we’re still waiting for confirmation of the wage budget for next season: we understand there’s going to be a big reduction from this season and we’re waiting for confirmation on that.
      “What we weren’t able to do was offer any out-of-contract players deals for next season because, financially, we need to see where we are.”
      In addition to Niasse and star man Stockton, former Crystal Palace full-back Pape Souare was also among those to be released.

      The 32-year-old had been a regular in the Premier League for the Eagles, before a devastating car accident in September 2016 saw him have to be airlifted to hospital.
      Since his recovery Souare has played for Troyes and Charlton, before joining Morecambe in March – for whom he played seven times. More

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      Man Utd fans say Ten Hag ‘needs to leave tomorrow’ if club sign Weghorst on permanent transfer after ‘positive talks’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans are not happy after it has emerged that Wout Weghorst hopes he has a future at the club. According to The Times Weghorst is hopeful about extending his stay at Old Trafford with positive talks said to be taking place with the club.
      Wout Weghorst has taken a back seat in recent weeks under Erik ten Hag, starting only one of the last seven league games
      Weghorst has yet to score in the Premier League
      The Burnley loanee has made 27 appearances in all competitions for Man Utd, but has only managed to score three goals.
      The 30-year-old’s poor form has meant Man Utd fans aren’t pleased at the news he could be signing a new deal with the club.
      Many took to Twitter to voice their opinion on the potential extension.
      One called for Erik ten Hag to be sacked if this were to happen, writing: “If this happens ETH needs to leave tomorrow.”
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      Another joked that they would only want Weghorst at Man Utd as a groundsman.
      They wrote: “Unless the club needs a groundsman I don’t know what decision there is to be made.”
      A third made their opinion clear, they said: “He has no future in Manchester United after this season. We don’t need Weghorst next season.”
      The Red Devils have recently struggled to recapture their electric from from earlier in the season.
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      Their top four hopes took a big hit after they lost 1-0 to West Ham last time out.
      Weghorst spoke about his future in an interview after the Hammers loss.
      He said: “In those [talks] the club said they are very satisfied with me, It has absolutely not been communicated with me that Man United don’t want to continue with me. 
      “They appreciate my value. They believe I am absolutely an asset for the team.
      “Of course I have heard different things. I have to wait and see what happens and focus on our goals in the league and cup competitions.” More

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      Chelsea eye swap deal to keep Joao Felix on permanent transfer with Atletico Madrid interested in two Blues stars

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      CHELSEA are reportedly preparing to offer two players to Atletico Madrid in a swap deal to keep Joao Felix.Despite a turbulent start, the Portuguese attacker has impressed since his arrival on loan in January.
      Chelsea are reportedly keen on keeping Joao FelixCredit: Getty
      And they could offer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as part of a swap dealCredit: Getty
      Marc Cucurella could also be used to reduce Felix’s priceCredit: Getty
      Felix, 23, was sent off on his debut for a terrible challenge against Fulham in January.
      However, he has now notched three goals in 13 appearances in the Premier League and has been a rare positive in a poor Chelsea season.

      This has seen the Blues prepared to offer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Marc Cucurella to the LaLiga giants in the summer, according to the Evening Standard.
      The report suggests that the club are trying to “present a clear picture” for their next manager.
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      Former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is in talks to take over in the summer and is the favourite for the hot seat at Stamford Bridge.
      One attempt to sign the player was on another loan deal at a cost of £16million.
      But it is believed the club also want him on a permanent deal and are trying to get the price reduced by offering players in a swap deal.
      Aubameyang has struggled to impress since arriving last summer and has only scored one goal in 15 league appearances.
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      He was rarely used by sacked boss Graham Potter and his game time has not drastically improved since Frank Lampard took over as an interim boss.
      Cucurella, however, was an expensive acquisition from Brighton last summer.
      The Spaniard cost the Blues £62m but has failed to recreate the form that saw him named the Seagulls player of the season last year.
      Felix has hinted at a desire to stay at the club beyond his loan move as he lifted his shirt after scoring against Bournemouth last weekend.
      The Blues squad currently boasts 32 player and the new manager will have a say over trimming it down in the summer.
      Stars such as Mateo Kovacic, Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Edouard Mendy, Hakim Ziyech, Conor Gallagher and Kalidou Koulibaly could all be sold. More

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      Supercomputer predicts Premier League relegation battle after Everton’s Brighton hammering and huge side are down

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      THE Premier League’s relegation battle is heating up after another day of crazy drama.Strugglers Southampton, Nottingham Forest, Everton and Leicester were all in Bank Holiday Monday action yesterday as they scrap to beat the drop.
      Nottingham Forest’s Bank Holiday win saw them stride towards safetyCredit: Getty
      Southampton appear doomed after their loss at ForestCredit: Reuters
      Leicester were first up, as they travelled to mid-table Fulham.
      It was a nightmarish day for the Foxes, as they fell 4-0 down after just 51 minutes at Craven Cottage.
      They restored some degree of respectability before the end, but not enough to prevent a 5-3 defeat.
      Everton then produced a sensational display at Brighton to climb out of the relegation zone, with doubles by Abdoulaye Doucoure and Dwight McNeil and a Jason Steele own goal seeing them beat the Seagulls 5-1.
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      Nottingham Forest then boosted their own survival bid in the evening kick-off, while all but relegating Southampton in the process.
      Steve Cooper’s men triumphed 4-3 over the rock bottom Saints, who are now eight points from safety with three matches left.
      The boffins and brainiacs over at FiveThirtyEight use data to predict how the remainder of the season will unfold.
      And their supercomputer has virtually buried Southampton, giving them a more than 99 per cent chance of going down.
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      They reckon Leeds, who lost 2-1 at Manchester City on Saturday, are likely to join the Saints in the Championship next term.
      Sam Allardyce’s men are given a 71 per cent chance of going down.
      The Yorkshire side have upcoming matches against Allardyce’s former sides Newcastle and West Ham – before finishing with a final day assignment versus Tottenham at Elland Road.
      Following their shambolic defeat to Fulham yesterday, Leicester have a 64 per cent chance of going down.
      Dean Smith’s side host Liverpool next Monday before travelling to Newcastle seven days later.
      Their final day clash will be against West Ham, who may be focusing on a Europa Conference League final by then.
      Everton, who looked a side reborn yesterday having recently appeared doomed, are now 17th and are given only a 28 per cent chance of going down.
      While Forest, currently a point above the Toffees and three clear of Leicester in the relegation zone, are deemed to still have a slightly higher chance of being sucked back into the bottom three at 37 per cent.

      Everton’s remaining fixtures are against Manchester City, Wolves and Bournemouth.
      Forest, meanwhile, will play Chelsea, Arsenal and Crystal Palace.
      Everton to produced a stunning performance to shock Brighton at the AmexCredit: Alamy
      Leicester suffered a huge setback at the hands of FulhamCredit: Getty More

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      Shocking Arsenal stat emerges after January transfer window and fans are starting to question Mikel Arteta

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      LEANDRO TROSSARD’S impact at Arsenal has led to some fans questioning Mikel Arteta as a shock stat emerged.The Gunners snapped up Trossard from Brighton in the January transfer window.
      Leandro Trossard has made a flying start to life at the EmiratesCredit: Reuters
      They turned to the Belgian ace after missing out on Mykhailo Mudryk, who joined Chelsea.
      But it has proven to be a masterstroke with Trossard settling into life at the Emirates immediately.
      He has already chipped in with one goal and eight assists in the Premier League since his debut against Manchester United on January 22.
      And his impressive impact is clear to see.
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      In fact, in the eight matches Trossard has started for the Gunners in the Premier League, they have won all eight in a staggering 100 per cent record.
      However, in the nine games where the wide man has started on the bench, Arsenal’s record is significantly worse.
      After coming on late in Sunday’s win at Newcastle, Arsenal have now won two, drawn four and lost three when Trossard was named among the substitutes – a record of 1.1 points per game and a 22.2 per cent win ratio.
      That includes the defeats to Everton and two to Manchester City as well as the costly draws against Brentford, Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton – although he did grab the opener against the Bees.
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      Arsenal average 3.3 goals scored and ship 0.9 in their own net when Trossard starts.
      But they manage to score 1.7 goals per game and concede two when he does not start.
      And fans are calling on Arteta to stick with the influential new signing – who linked up to great effect with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli in attack before Gabriel Jesus’ return.
      One said: “He should be the first name on the team sheet.”
      Another wrote: “Somebody please tell this to Arteta.”
      A third added: “I think when Gab Jesus came back from injury it destroyed our momentum.”
      And a final user commented: “Properly baffling isn’t it? A really good signing we’ve overlooked for no obvious reason.”
      Others, though, highlighted the easier fixtures that Trossard started.
      Arsenal face Brighton, Nottingham Forest and Wolves to complete their season.

      They know if they can collect maximum points, it would keep the pressure on Manchester City as the Gunners pursue a first title since the Invincibles in 2003-04.
      And Trossard could be crucial if the North Londoners are going to get over the line.
      Fans called on Mikel Arteta to start the Belgian againCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd set to rival Arsenal in Declan Rice transfer race as Ten Hag makes England star ‘number one’ target

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      DECLAN’S RICE performance against Manchester United has seen the West Ham star rocket to the top of Erik Ten Hag’s summer shopping list. The Dutchman has been an admirer of the midfielder for many months. 
      Declan Rice is wanted by Man UtdCredit: Rex
      Erik ten Hag was left impressed by his performance versus his sideCredit: PA
      And the SunSport has learned his performance against Man Utd in Sunday’s 1-0 clash left Ten Hag in awe after defeat. 
      A source said: “Rice is fast emerging as United’s number one summer target.
      “He completely ran the game and United’s coaching staff and scouts were all talking about him after the match.
      “There’s a growing belief that Rice is interested in leaving at the end of the season and United believe they simply have to ensure he heads north and not to Arsenal or Chelsea.
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      “The club regard him as a player they could potentially build a team around.”
      Rice was seen chatting after the game with England team-mate Marcus Rashford, with the United attacker asking for the Hammers’ captain’s shirt.

      The source added: “Declan is good friends with Marcus and Luke Shaw from England.
      “Man Utd believe they can persuade Rice that his future lies with them in Manchester.
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      “It would be a massive sign of intent and a great way for any new owners to show they are determined to try and match Manchester City in the years ahead.”
      West Ham’s win over the Red Devils thanks to a goal from Said Benrahma damaged the club’s top four hopes with Liverpool hot on their heels, sitting just one point behind them.
      Meanwhile, SunSport also understands that Ten Hag is set to remain loyal to goalkeeper David De Gea, despite his blunder. 
      Declan Rice was impressive against Man Utd
      Benrahma’s weak shot trickled through the grasp of the Spaniard, who has made other high-profile errors this season.
      The source said: “Erik still has faith in David. He still has a future at the club. It’s likely De Gea will start next season in goal for United.
      “There was interest in Jordan Pickford earlier this season. But after he signed a new deal with Everton that interest has cooled.”
      Declan Rice ran rings around Man Utd at the weekendCredit: PA
      David De Gea let a poor shot roll into his netCredit: Reuters More

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      Kevin De Bruyne & Erling Haaland lead the Premier League assist-scorer list – what are the other successful combos?

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      ERLING HAALAND (£10.5m) is one of the most prolific goalscorers in world football.And Kevin De Bruyne (£8.4m) is arguably the best pure creator in Premier League history.
      When Manchester City paired the two with the signing of the Norwegian poacher, fans and pundits expected big things… and the duo have not disappointed.
      The Etihad’s apex predator has already broken the record for most goals in a Prem campaign (35 and counting) while the strawberry-blonde playmaker is leading the way in terms of assists with 16 – he’s nailed on to win his third Playmaker of the Season award on these shores.
      De Bruyne has assisted Haaland eight times in the league alone this term, the most prolific combination in the top flight, as most expected.
      But which other Premier League players have linked up the most in 2022/23?
      A dream duo
      PREMIER LEAGUE ASSIST-SCORER COMBINATIONS 2022/23:

      Kevin De Bruyne to Erling Haaland – 8
      Bruno Fernandes to Marcus Rashford – 6
      Bukayo Saka to Gabriel Martinelli – 5
      Jack Harrison to Rodrigo – 4
      James Maddison to Harvey Barnes – 4
      Ivan Perisic to Harry Kane – 4
      Dejan Kulusevski to Harry Kane – 4
      Michael Olise to Eberechi Eze – 4
      Jack Grealish to Erling Haaland – 4

      It’s no surprise to see Manchester United’s two-best attacking assets on the podium.
      Rashford and Fernandes have 529 Dream Team points between them and the Old Trafford faithful will be hoping the pair can get their side over the line in regards to Champions League qualification this month.
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      What’s remarkable is that the Portugal international has provided seven league assists in total, meaning he’s only set up a team-mate other than Rashford once.
      Arsenal’s first-choice wingers have both been brilliant this season and it’s incredible to think they’re both just 21 years old.
      Martinelli has scored 15 goals and provided five assists in the league while Saka has 13 goals and 11 assists to his name – the latter is De Bruyne’s closest rival for the Playmaker of the Season award.
      Fernandes has assisted Rashford six timesCredit: GETTY
      It’s interesting that the list features two combinations from the opposite end of the table as well.
      Leeds have been ultra reliant on Harrison for creativity and Rodrigo for goals so it makes sense the duo have combined four times this season.
      And Maddison and Barnes’ presence is evidence of Leicester’s attacking pedigree, which makes it all the more ridiculous that they’re threatened by relegation.
      Both the Yorkshire giants and the Foxes have been severely undermined by shambolic defences this season.
      Dream Team managers eyeing up a specific team in hope of late returns would do well to study the top assist-scorer combinations.
      There’s few better feelings for a gaffer than checking the app on a Saturday afternoon and seeing their players have been among the goals AND the assists – points galore! More

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      Shock team revealed as Premier League’s worst time-wasters with much-maligned Newcastle edged into second

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      THE SHOCKING statistics behind Premier League time-wasting have been revealed.And serial-offenders Newcastle are NOT the worst offenders in England’s top flight.
      Eddie Howe’s Newcastle are among the worst time-wasters in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      Thomas Frank’s cheeky tactics have been exposedCredit: Getty

      Stats from Opta Analyst show just how little football is actually played across the 90 minutes – with Premier League matches seeing an average of 54 minutes 46 seconds of action.
      That works out as 55.8 per cent of actual game time – with 44.2 per cent wasted – and the World Cup trial to add more injury-time will come into effect next season as referees clamp down on time-wasting.
      Newcastle have regularly been criticised for their sly game management this season – and they do have lowest amount of time with the ball in play across the 20 teams at 52 per cent (51m 15s).
      That is a far cry from Manchester City, the top team, who keep the game going for 61.8 per cent (60m 12s), clear of Liverpool and Leicester in second on 58 per cent.
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      But the team that takes the longest to restart matches when the ball goes out of play is Brentford.
      Thomas Frank’s side average 31.4 seconds – with Newcastle second on 29.9 seconds.
      At the other end of the scale, Liverpool get the ball back in within 23.3 seconds.
      However, Nick Pope is arguably the player who is the slowest restarter in the division.
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      Newcastle average a 36.8-second delay per goal kick, more than three seconds worse than Jordan Pickford at Everton while Liverpool manage to take their goal kicks within 21.5 seconds with Alisson between the sticks.
      Incredibly, Bees man David Raya wasted 13 minutes and 29 seconds taking goal kicks in the 2-0 win over West Ham in December.
      Southampton (18.9s), Brentford (18.7s) and Aston Villa (18.5s) are the slowest at taking throw-ins with Leicester City getting on with it quickest at 13.7 seconds.
      Free-kicks and corners take an average of 33 seconds to be completed in the Premier League, with goal kicks on 30 seconds and throw-ins on 16 seconds.
      Penalties are just shy of two minutes at 112 seconds while the kick-off after a goal usually takes 72 seconds.
      Newcastle got a taste of their own medicine when Crystal Palace’s Vicente Guaita managed to average 63 seconds per goal kick earlier in the season.

      And the Toon boss Eddie Howe was particularly annoyed by Arsenal’s antics in the 2-0 win at St James’ Park on Sunday.
      Howe said: “They managed the game well from their perspective.
      “They slowed it down, lots of breaks in play, which was frustrating for us.
      “Naturally, we wanted the ball in play more. Especially when you’re chasing the game.”
      But talkSPORT host and Gunners fan Laura Woods hit back at the Magpies chief with a dose of reality.
      She responded: “Howe was referencing the lack of time the ball was in play – which is a big problem across the league.
      “But particularly with Newcastle, this stat has cropped up across social media over the weekend.

      “Lots of people are saying, ‘Hang on a minute, this is a bit hypocritical.’ Especially regarding the 0-0 draw at the Emirates earlier this season.
      “I went to that game and there was a lot of controversy about time-wasting. So I think Arsenal maybe played them at their own game.”
      Nick Pope averages a staggering 36.8 seconds per goal kickCredit: Getty
      Throw-ins are an easy way to waste more secondsCredit: Getty
      Arsenal played Newcastle at their own game on SundayCredit: Getty
      Referees are trying to clamp down on time-wastingCredit: Reuters
      Each corner in the Premier League takes an average of 33 secondsCredit: Getty More