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      How this season’s Dream Team rankings would look WITHOUT Manchester City players

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      THE Premier League have accused Manchester City of breaching over 100 financial regulations.The scale of the charges is unprecedented and so if the reigning champions of English football are ultimately found guilty then the club are likely to face severe punishment.
      Some fans of other clubs believe City should be stripped of the titles they won during the given time period, which in this case ranges from before Sergio Aguero’s dramatic winner against QPR to Pep Guardiola’s reign.
      However, at this stage it seems more likely that the club would face a significant points deduction, or possibly even expulsion from the Premier League.
      No doubt there will be the mother of legal disputes before any action is taken but it’s clear the ramifications of this story could be huge.
      Incoming asterisks?Credit: getty
      Putting our Dream Team hat back on, City’s expulsion from the top flight would dramatically change the landscape of the game.
      Assets under Guardiola’s watch have provided more points than players from any other club in recent years.
      Their standards have dropped a tad this season but still there is plenty of City representation at the top of the rankings.
      As a thought experiment, let’s take a look into an alternate reality in which the Etihad residents have been removed from Dream Team.
      The headline news in this parallel universe is that Marcus Rashford (£5.8m) is the outright top performer this term.
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      Man United’s No10 has 190 points to his name, 66 fewer than Erling Haaland (£9.1m) but the prolific Norwegian’s 31 goals have been wiped from the record for the purposes of this article.
      Kieran Trippier (£6.6m) has been promoted to second in the rankings, just three behind Rashford on 187 points, and Harry Kane (£7.9m) completes the podium on 166 points.
      Don’t look now, Erling…Credit: getty
      In the real world, Kevin De Bruyne (£7m) is Dream Team’s leading midfielder.
      The brilliant Belgian is the Premier League’s top assist provider by a huge margin (his tally of 11 is four more than his closest rival has mustered) but let’s wave goodbye to his 135 points for now.
      Suddenly, Bruno Fernandes (£5.8m) is top dog with 133 points – the Portuguese may well claim that status for real relatively soon as he’s in sensational form.
      With Riyad Mahrez’s (£5.9m) 103 points eviscerated from existence, Bukayo Saka (£4.2m) has been bumped up to second in the midfield rankings and team-mate Martin Odegaard (£3.4m) takes the bronze medal.
      The Arsenal pair have 103 and 101 points respectively.
      To really ram home the surreal nature of this alternate reality, consider a world in which Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (£3.3m) is the fourth-best asset in his position!
      Almost certainly too good for the National LeagueCredit: getty
      CURRENT DREAM TEAM MIDFIELD RANKINGS:

      Kevin De Bruyne
      Bruno Fernandes
      Riyad Mahrez
      Bukayo Saka
      Martin Odegaard
      Phil Foden

      DREAM TEAM MIDFIELD RANKINGS WITHOUT MAN CITY PLAYERS:
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      Bruno Fernandes
      Bukayo Saka
      Martin Odegaard
      Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
      Casemiro
      Miguel Almiron

      Dream Team bosses should enjoy Man City points while they can! More

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      Man City to IGNORE relegation fears and continue transfer and contract plans in months ahead as rivals eye their stars

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      MANCHESTER CITY are set to press ahead with summer transfer plans despite the looming threat of relegation, according to reports. The Premier League charged Pep Guardiola’s outfit with more than 100 breaches relating to the club’s finances stretching from 2009 to 2018.
      Pep Guardiola has been given a massive headache from the alleged financial breachesCredit: PA

      Sanctions the Prem could now impose if the allegations are proven range from as minuscule as a reprimand to as high as expulsion or relegation from the league.
      League titles in the period could even be stripped, while other sanctions could see the Cityzens deducted points.
      However, according to The Athletic, City chiefs plan to keep calm and carry on.
      They have been here before, given the Uefa accusations they were cleared of by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) in 2020.
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      The report stipulates a case of this magnitude could take years to come to a conclusion.
      This means that come the summer, City’s transfer and contract plans are expected to be in full swing.
      The club have been linked with the likes of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham in the next transfer window.
      But player representatives are said to have noted that negotiations could prove “difficult” given the circumstances.
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      Ilkay Gundogan and Scott Carson will see their contracts expire this summer.
      Others such as Nathan Ake and Aymeric Laporte are due for renewal given the club’s usual contract policy to renew players who have two years left.
      Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez, Bernardo Silva are other senior stars whose contracts expire in 2025, while Kyle Walker will also see his deal expire in 2024.
      Indeed, boss Guardiola previously declared he would QUIT the club if they had lied to him about their finances.
      This all came after Kane subjected Guardiola’s side to a 1-0 defeat to see them lose more ground in the pursuit of Arsenal. More

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      Arsenal fans think they’ve found ‘future of the club’ after 16-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly’s unreal youth cup showing

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      ARSENAL fans have gone crazy for youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly after his sensational performance in the FA Youth Cup. A clip of the 16-year-old dictating the game versus Watford has gone viral on social media with supporters convinced he is the future of the club.

      Myles Lewis-Skelly has wowed fans with his performance in the FA Youth CupCredit: Getty
      The midfielder showed his skill on the ball with a number of clever tricks and smart through balls, on top of his ability to break up play with tough tackles.
      Arsenal won the match 4-2 at Vicarage Road with Lewis-Skelly winning a penalty for his team that was then converted by fellow star Amario Cozier-Duberry.
      The win took Arsenal’s Under-18s through to the cup quarter-finals.
      Lewis-Skelly stole the show with fans raving about his display after watching a highlights reel, one said: “I’ve watched this five times. Can’t get enough.”
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      Another reacted: “I know he’s still young but this boy is the future.”
      A third commented: “I was sold 20 seconds in.”

      More praised Arsenal’s academy, saying: “Hale End has done it again.”
      Some even suggested he could be the long-term replacement to Thomas Partey and he drew Jack Wilshere comparisons.
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      The Gunners have a number of exciting young prospects at the club with big hopes that many players can follow in the footsteps of the likes of Bukayo Saka.
      Ethan Nwaneri, 15, recently became the youngest ever player to feature in a Premier League game.
      Charlie Patino, 19, is standing out while on loan at Championship side Blackpool.
      Addtionally, there are big expectations for goalkeepers Arthur Okonkwo, 21, currently on loan at Austrian side Sturm Graz and Karl Hein, 20. More

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      Pep Guardiola fancies crack at international football after Man City as he leaves door open to England job

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      PEP GUARDIOLA previously gave a tantalising hint that he may one day like to fill Gareth Southgate’s boots as England boss Guardiola has long admitted the idea of becoming a national boss some time in the future does appeal.
      Pep Guardiola has given a tantalising hint that he may one day like to fill Gareth Southgate’s boots as England bossCredit: AFP
      His team Manchester City are facing more than 100 allegations of breaches of financial rules following a four-year investigation.
      And the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss did previously claim he would quit the Cityzens if club chiefs ever lied to him regarding rule breaches.
      And when the day he eventually leaves does arrive, the Three Lions job would hold more appeal than most for the successful Etihad boss.
      Guardiola is currently under contract at City until 2025.
      READ MORE ON MAN CITY
      Meanwhile, Southgate signed an extension until 2024 as England gaffer as has confirmed he will stay on until next year’s European Championship.
      Speaking back in 2021, the 52-year-old Spaniard said: “Gareth is doing an incredible job and has just signed a new contract, so congratulations.
      “But when I finish here, it would be a pleasure to live a World Cup or Euros. I would like that but normally it is not easy because there are so few positions.
      “I would like it to happen but if it doesn’t I will train a club. And in England, always I will be Man City.
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      “I don’t think I will train another club here apart from this one.
      “As long as my energy and love for what I am doing is here, then I don’t know what’s going to happen.
      “Years ago, I never thought I would be the Manchester City trainer and that I would be here for six seasons. Never.
      “So life dictates your future and we will see what happens.”
      Following the fresh charges, possible punishments for City include a points deduction or even expulsion from the Premier League.
      It comes after Uefa previously slapped City with a two-year ban and fined the club £25million in February 2020 for alleged financial fair play breaches.
      Five months later, that ban was overturned and the fine was cut to £9m by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. More

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      Forgotten Liverpool signing dubbed ‘next Zinedine Zidane’ set for top managerial job after quitting playing career

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      FORMER Liverpool star Bruno Cheyrou is reportedly set to become Lyon’s new sporting director.The ex-France midfielder spent four years on Merseyside between 2002 and 2006 after joining from Lille for £4.5million.
      Bruno Cheyrou spent four years on Liverpool’s books having been dubbed the ‘new Zidane’Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He played 48 times for the Reds during his first two campaigns under boss Gerard Houllier, who had dubbed him the ‘new Zinedine Zidane’.
      But disappointing form say him farmed out on loan to Marseille and Bordeaux.
      And he eventually left permanently for Rennes, hanging up his boots in 2012 after a stint with Nantes.
      Since 2020, Cheyrou, 44, has been working his way up the ranks as a member of Lyon’s backroom staff.
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      He even worked under Lyon football advisor and former Liverpool coach Houllier before his passing.
      He is currently the Ligue 1 side’s head of recruitment, but RMC Sport are reporting he is set to assume the vacant sporting director position.
      Lyon have not appointed anyone since Juninho Pernambucano quit in 2021.
      And the club are in need of a boost after a dreadful start to the 2022/23 campaign.
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      Following a dismal eight-place finish in Ligue 1 last season, Laurent Blanc’s appointment as manager has failed to improve their situation.
      They sit ninth in the table, well adrift of the European places.
      Their supporters will be hoping Cheyrou’s promotion can inspire them to improve on the pitch.
      During his playing days, the former midfielder, who received three caps for France, was once likened to the legendary Zidane by Houllier.
      After signing him in 2002, the then Liverpool boss said: “To me, Bruno has some of the attributes of Zinedine Zidane, he has his ability to pick a pass, and moves a little like him.
      “Zidane is 29 and at the very peak of his game, while Bruno is just a youngster, and is still very much learning, especially about English football.
      “Look at [Robert] Pires and [Sylvain] Wiltord at Arsenal. They took time, because the Premiership is so different to France.
      “It is so much quicker and more physical. But look at them now.” More

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      Man City face further chaos as they are NOT guaranteed place in EFL if they are kicked out of Premier League

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      MANCHESTER CITY face further chaos as they are not guaranteed to remain in the EFL if they are booted out of the Premier League.The champions are in turmoil after being charged with more than 100 alleged breaches of financial rules.
      Man City are not guaranteed an EFL spot if they are axed from the top flightCredit: PA
      The charges against Manchester City
      City face an incredible 32 separate charges, including failing to cooperate with a League probe for the past four years.
      The Etihad club could be stripped of their Premier League titles.
      And there are also fears Pep Guardiola could walk just months after signing a new contract.
      SunSport exclusively revealed on Monday that Prem rivals are demanding City be relegated if they are found guilty of breaching Financial Fair Play rules.
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      But that could turn out to be even more disastrous for City than first thought, claims the Telegraph.
      That’s because the EFL would not be obliged to to find space for City in their 72-club system.
      And there would likely need to be a change in regulations for City to remain, should they be expelled from the top flight.
      The champions are hoping to clear their name after also successfully overturning a two-year European ban by Uefa in 2020.
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      An independent commission will now hear the charges.
      City released a statement on Monday insisting they are confident of not having breached any rules.
      It read: “Manchester City FC is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with.

      “The Club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent Commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position.
      “As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all.” More

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      Arsenal could cash in on Folarin Balogun in summer transfer as they are faced with dilemma for on-loan striker

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      ARSENAL could cash in on Folarin Balogun in the summer despite the striker currently outshining Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in France.Balogun, 21, is the leading scorer in Ligue 1 with 14 goals for Stade de Reims.
      Folarin Balogun has been sensational for Reims so far this seasonCredit: Getty
      The young forward could permanently leave Arsenal in the summerCredit: Getty
      And no-one has been more surprised by his success than Arsenal, who didn’t anticipate him being so prolific when they agreed to loan him to the French minnows for the season.
      But Reims’ English boss Will Still has been so impressed with the New York-born target man he describes as “a super complete striker” that he asked if they could sign Balogun on a permanent deal in the recent transfer window.
      That request was rejected by Arsenal, who have still not decided what to do with Balogun or whether he plays a part in Mikel Arteta’s long-term plans.
      But with only 18 months remaining on his Emirates contract, they will either have to hand Balogun a lengthy new deal at the end of the season or sell him for maximum profit.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      And they certainly won’t be short of offers for a player who didn’t exactly set the Championship alight when he was loaned out to Middlesbrough for the second half of last season.
      Now Arteta must determine if there is a realistic chance of Balogun forcing his way in front of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah to lead the Arsenal attack.

      The most likely scenario at the moment is that they will keep him at the club for the first half of the season to see if he is ready to play at Premier League and Champions League level.
      And if he is unable to pin down a regular place in the team, he would then be sent out on loan again to gain more regular first team football.
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      But that cannot happen if he is in the final year of his contract and eligible to leave as a free agent in 2025.
      And Arsenal’s concern is that if they do keep him next season and he fails to maintain the form he is currently showing, his market value will drop.
      England Under-21 international Balogun, who is also eligible to play for the USA and Nigeria, recently insisted: “Arsenal is my family.
      “But I’ve spent my whole career in England and I knew it was going to be a different test when I came to Reims.
      “I didn’t know the language and I’m still trying to learn, but it was important for me to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself.
      “That’s the reason I’m here and hopefully it’s a decision that will pay off for me.
      “I’ve already reached my target for the start of the season and now I want to do even better and I’m hoping to score 20 goals.”
      If he succeeds in that ambition, it will be hard for Arteta to ignore the clamour for Arsenal to keep Balogun and make him a part of their plans.
      Read More on The Sun
      But the feeling within the club is that it takes a lot more to shine in the Premier League than it does in France.
      And until Balogun has shown that he can succeed against the best teams in England the jury remains out. More

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      Why Aubameyang was not in Chelsea’s squad to face Fulham after devastating Champions League axe

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      PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG is back at work with Chelsea amid rumours of a shock return to Barcelona this summer.The striker, 33, was dramatically axed from the club’s Champions League squad on Friday and wasn’t even on the bench for the 0-0 draw at home to Fulham that evening.
      Graham Potter gave Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang a weekend offCredit: Getty
      On the pitch, the former Arsenal captain has only three goals this season, while his last start was back on November 6.
      The brutal chop last week only strengthened claims from Spain that Aubameyang could go back to the Nou Camp.
      He is six months into a two-year contract at Stamford Bridge, with the club holding the option of a third year.
      The Gabon international, who had his contract terminated at the Gunners by mutual consent after a string of misdemeanours and poor time-keeping, was given a weekend off by Chelsea boss Graham Potter as consolation.
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      And Aubameyang promptly jetted out to Milan – just days after he was linked with a move to AC Milan.
      The striker has also attracted interest from LAFC, with the MLS transfer window open until April 24.
      Aubameyang was bang on time on Monday morning when the Blues squad resumed training ahead of Saturday’s lunchtime trip to West Ham.
      He is in contention for a place in the squad but faces a gloomy long-term future in West London, even though the club are struggling up front.
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      Potter brought on rookie David Datro Fofana, 20, in Friday’s stalemate in a boost to his striking options.
      That was despite the fact the little-known £10.5million Ivorian, only signed in January from Norwegians Molde, was set to go on loan at one point during last month’s transfer window.
      Keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga praised the influence of new signings £107m British record buy Enzo Fernandez and £35m defender Benoit Badiashile against Fulham.
      He said: “Everyone saw Enzo’s quality and how well he played.
      “He is a big player for us and, hopefully, he can help us a lot.

      “Benoit is a really good guy, very calm and has big quality with the ball.
      “He’s also strong in the air. He’s having a great impact on the team.” More