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      Former Premier League striker appears in court as further details emerge of ‘sexual assault’ allegations

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      MORE details have emerged of the accusations against former Wolves striker Rafa Mir over an alleged sexual assault.The 27-year-old footballer was arrested on Sunday by Spanish police and spent a second night in a police cell before appearing in court today. Rafa Mir arriving at court todayCredit: EPAThe player has spent two nights in a police cellCredit: EPAHe is currently on loan at Valencia from SevillaCredit: RexHe was held after two women aged 21 and 25 claimed they had been sexually assaulted by Mir and a friend.The player is currently on loan to LaLiga side Valencia from rivals Sevilla.Police are understood to have arrested the second suspect yesterday.It had already been reported that the arrests took place following an alleged incident during a party at Mir’s home in Betera just outside Valencia.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLocal newspaper Las Provincias said the two women agreed to go to the player’s home after meeting up with the accused pair in a nightclub.It has been reported that police found them arguing at the door “semi-naked and very agitated” after being called to the area by neighbours and security guards who had heard shouting.The newspaper said one of the women had accused the footballer’s friend of hitting her.The father of one of the women is said to have arrived while police were still on the scene after receiving a call from his daughter.Most read in FootballHe drove her and her friend away before they filed a formal complaint later in the day at a Civil Guard station in Patraix – where Mir has spent the last two nights.The older of the two women reportedly told cops she agreed to some initial cuddling and kissing with the ex-Premier League star before he ignored her requests to stop and forced himself on her.The alleged sex assault is said to have happened by the villa pool.Las Provincias said the footballer is insisting the woman consented to sex and he has been “collaborative” with officers at all times, letting them into his home on Monday morning.He is due to be quizzed again today this time by an investigating judge, when he appears in court.The hearing will take place behind-closed-doors as is normal in Spain where only trials are held in public.Well-placed legal sources said last night they expected him to be released on conditional bail pending an ongoing investigation even if the alleged victims ratified their police statements before a judge.It is not yet clear whether the Mir will continue to play for Valencia while any criminal probe is ongoing.News of his arrest emerged around lunchtime yesterday after he failed to show for training.A spokesman for the Civil Guard in Valencia subsequently confirmed: “We can confirm a LaLiga footballer has been arrested over an alleged sexual assault.”Mir won the 2019 European Championship with the Spain national Under-21 football team and a silver medal with the Olympic team at the 2020 event.He joined Wolves on a four-and-a-half year contract in January 2018 and took the No9 shirt.He had loan spells at Las Palmas and Nottingham Forest while with Wolves before leaving the club for good in August 2021 when he signed a six-year contract with Sevilla.He returned to boyhood club Valencia on loan in July.Valencia said in a statement yesterday: “In relation to the press reports regarding the arrest of Valencia CF player Rafa Mir, the club is aware of the arrest and, in the absence of any more details about it, can only state for the time being that it will cooperate fully with whatever the courts may require.”READ MORE SUN STORIESClub sources have been quoted as saying they are going to see how the ongoing investigation against Mir develops before taking a decision about his future.He has not yet been charged with any crime. Formal charges are normally laid in Spain shortly before trial following a lengthy judicial probe by an investigating judge. More

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      Real Madrid ‘make Rodri priority transfer target’ in stunning move with Man City star yet to commit to new deal

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      REAL MADRID have made Rodri a priority target ahead of next summer, according to reports.The midfielder has been one of Manchester City’s most important players in recent years and finished fifth in the Ballon d’Or last year.Real Madrid have made Rodri a ‘priority’ signingCredit: GettyHe played a crucial role in City winning their fourth Premier League title in a row this year before helping Spain win Euro 2024.That has sparked interest from Real Madrid, who are still in search of a long-term successor for Toni Kroos.Real could make a move for Rodri next summer after making him a “priority” target, report AS.The Spanish outlet claim a move to the Bernabeu would appeal to Madrid native Rodri.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever he has also been offered a bumper new deal by City with the club willing to make the midfielder their joint highest paid player on £375,000-a-week.Rodri, 28, still has nearly three years left on his deal but City are keen to tie down his long-term future after he admitted Spain’s contingent of Real players tried to lure him to the Bernabeu.City are even willing to re-structure De Bruyne’s contract to make sure Rodri is level with the Belgian as the highest earner in the squad.That would involve reducing midfielder’s base salary but offering lucrative bonuses to make up for the loss.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCity also want De Bruyne to sign a new deal as his contract expires at the end of the season.That means he would be able to talk to clubs outside the UK in January, including Saudi Arabia where teams have shown interest previously.Mo Salah appears to confirm Liverpool transfer exit live on Sky Sports after ripping Man Utd to shreds More

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      Forgotten Man Utd flop Bebe joins NINTH club since bizarre Old Trafford transfer after ripping previous contract up

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      FORMER Manchester United wonderkid Bebe has joined the 12th club of his career.The 34-year-old saw his previous contract at LaLiga side Rayo Vallecano ripped up last week.Bebe was signed by Man Utd for £7.4mCredit: Getty – ContributorBebe (right) played just seven times for UnitedCredit: GettyHe has now signed for Racing de FerrolCredit: AFPBebe had spent the last five years at the club, but his contract was terminated to help them reduce their wage bill.And it has not taken long for the player to find a new home, agreeing a deal with Spanish side Racing de Ferrol.The team from the north of the country came tenth in the second tier last season.It is Bebe’s ninth club since leaving Man Utd initially on loan and then permanently in 2014.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe Portuguese-born Cape Verde international was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson four years earlier for a reported fee of £7.4million.He went on to play just seven times for United, scoring two goals.Bebe had loan spells at Turkish side Besiktas and in his homeland with Rio Ave and Pacos de Ferreira before signing for Benfica.But he failed to make an impact in Lisbon and soon departed for Spain.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe has been there ever since also playing for Cordoba, Eibar and Real Zaragoza.Bebe’s rise to the top is the ultimate rags to riches story as he lived in a homeless shelter for eight years as a teenager.It was there where he learned to play football before catching the eye of top scouts at the European Street Football Festival.Man Utd’s best XI of academy graduatesMan Utd player ratings vs LiverpoolMANCHESTER UNITED had a horror show against Liverpool as they lost 3-0.Casemiro was so bad he was taken off at half-time.But were there any positive performances at Old Trafford?Andre Onana – 5Nothing he could do about any of Liverpool’s goals and made a few saves to prevent the scoreline from getting worse.Noussair Mazraoui – 5Came close to scoring in the first half and looked solid enough against Diaz although he did push up too high before Liverpool’s opener.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Left Diaz and Domink Szobozslai in acres of space for the opening goal but was left in a tricky spot thanks to Casemiro’s error. Booked for a shocking late tackle on Diaz.Lisandro Martinez – 3Lost Diaz for the second goal which meant the Colombian was able to score unmarked from the penalty spot.Also guilty of giving away the ball too easily and was not tight enough with his marking.Diogo Dalot – 4Was caught out pushing up too quickly for the first goal and did not do enough to stop Mo Salah’s cross in the build-up to Liverpool’s second.Looked dangerous in attack at times but too infrequently as he had plenty of defensive work to do since Rashford did not track Trent Alexander-Arnold.Casemiro – 2A horror show in the first half as he gave the ball away in the lead up to both of Liverpool’s goals.He was caught on the ball for the second after a shocking misplaced pass left his defence vulnerable for the opening goal. Hooked at half-time.Kobbie Mainoo – 4Fell victim to the Casemiro curse as he was shrugged off the ball in a terrible position, allowing Liverpool to add a third with ease.Bruno Fernandes – 5Was United’s most creative spark but that is not saying much. Tried to get his side going in the first half but looked short of ideas and inspiration after the break.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Still appears to be a little rusty and is yet to hit the heights he reached last season.Marcus Rashford – 3Nothing came off for the out-of-sorts forward who must be running out of chances before he is dropped.Joshua Zirkzee – 4Quiet up-front and had little influence on the wing as well, but missed a clear-cut chance with his head and should have turned in Rashford’s cross which he met at the far post.SubsTom Collyer (for Casemiro, HT) – 5A difficult game for the youngster to make his Premier League debut but he put himself about and won a few tackles.Harry Maguire (for De Ligt, 69mins) – 5Shored things up at the back as Liverpool took their foot off the pedal.Amad (for Garnacho, 69mins) – 5Provided a spark on the right and looked more lively than Garnacho.Christian Eriksen (for Zirkzee, 86mins) – N/ANot on long enough to make an impact. More

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      Forgotten Premier League champion’s Sunderland transfer ‘collapsed’ just one year after £120k-a-week contract ended

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      FORMER Liverpool star Naby Keita saw a shock move to Sunderland collapse during the transfer window, according to reports.The midfielder won seven major trophies during his five years at Anfield, including the Premier League and Champions League.Naby Keita helped Liverpool win the Premier League in 2020Credit: Times Newspapers LtdKeita left the club last year on a free transfer and joined Werder Bremen.But the 29-year-old is again on the lookout for a new side and this summer he came close to signing for Sunderland.The Guardian report that the Black Cats had a strong interest in the player but were unable to agree personal terms, which led to the deal falling through.With the Turkish transfer window still open, Keita is now set to join Istanbul Basaksehir.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis failure to agree a contract with Sunderland comes just a year after his supposed £120,000-a-week deal expired at Liverpool.The Reds paid £48million for him in 2018, but injuries prevented him from ever establishing himself as first choice, making 129 appearances in total.Keita also had a tough time at Werder Bremen, being banned from the squad after refusing to get on the team’s bus.He was told by manager Ole Werner that he did not even make the bench against Bayer Leverkusen but still expected to travel.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKeita, who played just five times for the club and not after the incident in April, instead went home.Over the summer, the Guinea star represented his country at the Paris 2024 Olympics and was their flagbearer. Arne Slot breaks down how Liverpool destroyed Man Utd after exploiting Erik ten Hag’s new tactics More

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      Bruno Fernandes makes shock Man Utd admission on Portugal duty with Ten Hag already under pressure after Liverpool loss

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      BRUNO FERNANDES admits Manchester United are not ready to win the Premier League after their drubbing against Liverpool.The Red Devils made dreadful errors and were second best throughout in the 3-0 defeat to their rivals.Bruno Fernandes has admitted his side are not good enough to challenge for the titleMan Utd were embarrassed by Liverpool at Old TraffordCredit: GettyUnited looked shaky at the back and toothless in attack and captain Fernandes accepts they are way off from being title contenders.He revealed the objective is to finish in the top four to qualify for the Champions League, suggesting his side are not in the position to launch a title charge.Fernandes told DAZN Portugal: “Yes, I am perfectly aware that this Manchester United is not ready to win the Premier League.“We are, indeed, fighting for the title with the concrete and real objective of trying to finish in the top four, in the places that give access to the Champions League.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“But there is still a lot to improve for the greater objective, and for my dream, which is to one day win this championship.”Fernandes, 29, was far from his best against Liverpool and former Premier League boss Alan Pardew believes he should be stripped of the captaincy, for his own good.Pardew said: “Today, it was never Fernandes because they never had the ball enough.”Defensively, he’s not been called upon.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan Utd player ratings vs LiverpoolMANCHESTER UNITED had a horror show against Liverpool as they lost 3-0.Casemiro was so bad he was taken off at half-time.But were there any positive performances at Old Trafford?Andre Onana – 5Nothing he could do about any of Liverpool’s goals and made a few saves to prevent the scoreline from getting worse.Noussair Mazraoui – 5Came close to scoring in the first half and looked solid enough against Diaz although he did push up too high before Liverpool’s opener.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Left Diaz and Domink Szobozslai in acres of space for the opening goal but was left in a tricky spot thanks to Casemiro’s error. Booked for a shocking late tackle on Diaz.Lisandro Martinez – 3Lost Diaz for the second goal which meant the Colombian was able to score unmarked from the penalty spot.Also guilty of giving away the ball too easily and was not tight enough with his marking.Diogo Dalot – 4Was caught out pushing up too quickly for the first goal and did not do enough to stop Mo Salah’s cross in the build-up to Liverpool’s second.Looked dangerous in attack at times but too infrequently as he had plenty of defensive work to do since Rashford did not track Trent Alexander-Arnold.Casemiro – 2A horror show in the first half as he gave the ball away in the lead up to both of Liverpool’s goals.He was caught on the ball for the second after a shocking misplaced pass left his defence vulnerable for the opening goal. Hooked at half-time.Kobbie Mainoo – 4Fell victim to the Casemiro curse as he was shrugged off the ball in a terrible position, allowing Liverpool to add a third with ease.Bruno Fernandes – 5Was United’s most creative spark but that is not saying much. Tried to get his side going in the first half but looked short of ideas and inspiration after the break.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Still appears to be a little rusty and is yet to hit the heights he reached last season.Marcus Rashford – 3Nothing came off for the out-of-sorts forward who must be running out of chances before he is dropped.Joshua Zirkzee – 4Quiet up-front and had little influence on the wing as well, but missed a clear-cut chance with his head and should have turned in Rashford’s cross which he met at the far post.SubsTom Collyer (for Casemiro, HT) – 5A difficult game for the youngster to make his Premier League debut but he put himself about and won a few tackles.Harry Maguire (for De Ligt, 69mins) – 5Shored things up at the back as Liverpool took their foot off the pedal.Amad (for Garnacho, 69mins) – 5Provided a spark on the right and looked more lively than Garnacho.Christian Eriksen (for Zirkzee, 86mins) – N/ANot on long enough to make an impact.”How can he lead the team? It’s a very difficult one for him.”I actually think it would be better for him as a footballer to take it off him.What does Bruno Fernandes’ celebration mean ?”I think it might free him up a bit, let him be a bit more free-minded. He’s probably worrying about the back four, worrying about the wingers.”You don’t really know how to deal with it. I don’t know, I think it’s a hamper to him.” More

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      Chelsea fans convinced Jadon Sancho is the new Ronaldinho after seeing first training clips since Man Utd transfer

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      CHELSEA fans are convinced they have their own Ronaldinho after watching Jadon Sancho in his first training session.The winger joined the club on a season-long loan on deadline day.Jadon Sancho impressed fans in his first training sessionCredit: InstagramThe winger found the bottom corner time after timeHe also looked sharp with one-touch passesCredit: InstagramSancho took some advice from his new boss Enzo MarescaCredit: InstagramHe even earned a comparison from RonaldinhoCredit: GettyHe was made an outcast at Manchester United after falling out with Erik ten Hag and Chelsea could make his move permanent for as little as £20million next summer.Sancho, 24, is yet to make his Blues debut but Chelsea fans are already excited at what is about to come after witnessing his first training session.The former England star was seen hitting the back of the net with strike after strike, finding the bottom corner with ease.His one-touch passing looked crisp too with one supporter comparing Sancho to a legendary Brazilian.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThey wrote: “We have our own Ronaldinho.”Another fan reacted saying: “He’s going to make a huge impact on the team.”A third added: “Exciting times. Jadon’s first session at Cobham is just the beginning. Can’t wait to see what he brings to the team.”And another commented: “He’s about to cause absolute mayhem.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChanges to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25.There is plenty of hope and expectation surrounding Sancho but his first task is to break into the team, and there is considerable competition.On the right flank he has competition from Chelsea’s player of the season last year, Cole Palmer.Chelsea confirm the signing of Jadon Sancho on loan from Man UtdWhile Noni Madueke has made a super start to the season with a hat-trick against Wolves.On the left Sancho will have to dislodge £54million summer signing Pedro Neto, with Mykahilo Mudryk and Christopher Nkunku also available to boss Enzo Maresca. More

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      Man City star Phil Foden moves house weeks after late night party at £3m mansion as removals firm shows off gift

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      PHIL Foden has moved out of his £3million mansion just weeks after police were called to the property about a rowdy party.Removal firm Warrens shared a photo of a signed jersey from the Man City star on social media.Phil Foden left the removal firm with a signed Man City shirtCredit: InstagramStaff members said they were delighted with the giftsCredit: InstagramWarren’s removal firm helped the footballer and his family move out of his £3million mansionCredit: InstagramThe message from the young footballer thanked the firm for helping his family move. The firm replied: “Normally Phil provides the goals and assists but on this occasion, we provided the assist and achieved our goal.”Staff members from the firm were honoured to help the Foden move home and many left heartfelt messages to the England footballer.The move comes after reports that police were called to a late-night party at Foden’s house in Prestbury, Cheshire.read more on footballA neighbour called 999 to complain about the loud music, with one resident saying it was “like being in a nightclub”.Locals said the kids’ party began around 4pm and continued until midnight.Cheshire police confirmed they received a noise complaint but no officers visited the property.One neighbour in his 80s, who lives near the Premier League footballer, claimed the music was “excessively loud,” even though he had turned his TV up to full volume.Most read in SportAnother neighbour claimed the young footballer had other “parties with loud music” but added that it was not a regular occurrence.The disgruntled resident claimed that it was as if the Foden was “hosting a music festival”.MADDISON’S LUXURY MANSIONA Cheshire Police spokeswoman said: “We received a call on Tuesday evening about a noise issue at an address in Prestbury. “However the caller was advised that it was a matter for the council.”Foden’s former £3million mansion featured five bedrooms, a swimming pool, a cinema room, a gym and a large garden with a hot tub and trampoline.Wayne Rooney used to live nearby until he moved to a £20million mega-mansion nearby.A source told The Sun back in 2022: “Phil loves living in Cheshire but felt it was time to fly the nest now he has two young children with his partner, Rebecca.“It’s in his old neighbourhood so they feel very settled in already.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIt comes after a lucky football fan secured a £3.5million house in Cheshire’s footballers’ paradise – from just a £10 raffle.And James Maddison is flogging his jaw-dropping house that comes with its own football pitch for just £2.5million.Phil Foden’s signed England jerseyCredit: Instagram More

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      Forgotten Premier League ace ends 465-day wait for action with shock EFL Trophy appearance after suffering horror injury

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      UNAI EMERY was handed a boost after one of his star players returned to action following 465 days on the sideline.Aston Villa do not have any fixtures for two weeks due to the international break, but their U21 side were competing away at Fleetwood in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night.Aston Villa welcomed back a high-profile player in the EFL TrophyCredit: GettyThe likes of Ross Barkley and Jacob Ramsey were involved in the game as Villa claimed a 3-2 win over their League Two opposition.But it was another well-known name that stole the show on his return to the pitch.That man was Argentinian Emi Buendia.The forward, 27, suffered an ACL injury in training two days before the start of last season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt meant he was unavailable for the entirety of the 2023/24 campaign as Unai Emery’s side secured Champions League qualification.So when he started for Villa’s U21s at Fleetwood, they were to be his first minutes since May 2023 when he featured in his side’s final day victory over Brighton.According to Birmingham Live, this was a 465-day wait.And Buendia, who was given the captain’s armband, wasted no time in making an impact as he scored twice before being replaced with 13 minutes remaining.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEmi Buendia scored twice on his return to football on Tuesday nightCredit: GettyThe former Getafe and Norwich playmaker will now be hoping to return to the sort of form he had during the 2022/23 season when he impressed under Emery, scoring five goals and assisting three.He also registered 10 goal contributions in the previous campaign.Best ten new Premier League kits for next seasonBut he faces competition for places at Villa Park with the likes of Morgan Rogers, Leon Bailey, Youri Tielemans, John McGinn and Amadou Onana providing the creative threat behind Ollie Watkins.Villa began their campaign with a 2-1 win away at West Ham, before they lost 2-0 at home to Arsenal.Before the international break, they beat Leicester 2-1 at the King Power Stadium thanks to goals from Onana and Jhon Duran.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More