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      Ben Mee’s 18-point prompts overdue appreciation for Dream Team gem

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      THIS article should have been written earlier.We have been aware of Ben Mee’s (£3.4m) healthy Dream Team returns for a while now and probably should have highlighted his viability already but as the old saying goes: better late than never.
      The 33-year-old has proved to be a smart recruit for Brentford, adding experience, leadership and reliability to their defence.
      He’s also chipped in with three goals in 20 appearances for the Bees so far, his latest coming in the form of a brave header to open the scoring against Southampton on Saturday.
      Thomas Frank’s side scored three unanswered goals to register a comfortable victory and move up to seventh in the table.
      Mee scooped the Star Man award on top of his goal, clean sheet and 7+ rating to bank 18 points when all was said and done – his best Game Week haul this season.
      Buzzing Bee!
      The former Burnley centre-back has amassed 34 points in his last three games having contributed to a trio of consecutive clean sheets.
      This prosperous run has propelled Mee up the rankings and he’s now the ninth-best defender in Dream Team.
      Given that one of the assets above him is Joao Cancelo, who will spend the rest of the campaign on loan with Bayern Munich, Brentford’s No16 is effectively eighth in his position.
      At £3.4m, Mee is the cheapest defender currently in the top 15 and his ownership of 2.5% is also the lowest among the same group.
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      The slim minority of Dream Team bosses who have backed him (which probably features plenty of Brentford supporters) have been handsomely rewarded for relatively little investment.
      Mee deserves huge amounts of credit for his efforts to date, the other names at the top of the defensive rankings include Thiago Silva (£5.8m) and multiple representatives from the top four clubs: Newcastle, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal.
      Credit where it’s dueCredit: getty
      Whether Mee can maintain his lofty position remains to be seen.
      Brentford have no European commitments and were eliminated from the FA Cup by West Ham in the third round, meaning their Premier League games will be their only fixtures for the remainder of the campaign.
      Having a singular focus may well help them achieve an impressive league position but, generally speaking, successful Dream Team assets will be active in more than one competition during the second half of the season.
      Mee will have to be immense to keep pace with the likes of Lisandro Martinez (£4.6m), Nathan Ake (£4m) and Ben White (£4.8m) if the Manchester clubs and the Gunners go deep in Europe.
      At the risk of wishing time away, if the Bees continue their good form and end up qualifying for a European competition then Mee may well be a smart selection in 2023/24. More

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      Real Madrid ‘accept Jude Bellingham will join Premier League with Man City and Liverpool battling over transfer’

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      REAL MADRID have reportedly accepted that transfer target Jude Bellingham’s next move will be to the Premier League.Bellingham, 19, is one of the most in-demand teenagers in world football after his exploits at the World Cup and for Borussia Dortmund.
      Jude Bellingham has a host of clubs chasing his signatureCredit: Getty
      Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City have all been linked with the ex-Birmingham City midfield ace.
      We reported last week how Newcastle had now joined the transfer chase, while Real Madrid also hold a heavy interest in signing the teenage sensation.
      Los Blancos have been trying to work on a deal for some time with their chief scout Juni Calafat already “taking care of relations” with Bellingham’s father, Mark, who manages his son’s career.
      However, The Athletic have stated that with Liverpool and City both “pushing hard”, Real Madrid “are becoming resigned to the fact that the financial muscle of the Premier League is almost unbeatable”.
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      The LaLiga giants and Champions League holders will still put up a big fight to secure Bellingham.
      However, they accept that any financial package they offer will be below those available from England.

      Dortmund are also desperate to try and keep hold of the youngster.
      The know Premier league clubs are “in pole position” to snap-up their talisman but they still hope to convince him to sign an extension to his current deal which ends in 2025.
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      Bellingham is continuing his World Cup form back at club Dortmund following the winter break.
      He has scored ten goals across all competitions this season.
      And he has also captained the side on numerous occasions throughout the campaign. More

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      Man City face Premier League EXPULSION or points deduction after they’re charged with more than 100 financial breaches

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      MANCHESTER CITY could be EXPELLED from the Premier League after they were charged with more than 100 alleged breaches of financial rules.Other possible punishments include a points deduction for the reigning champions, transfer bans, spending limits and even the stripping of previous titles.
      Manchester City have been charged with alleged financial rules breachesCredit: Getty
      Manchester City won the Premier League three times during the period of the investigationCredit: Getty
      The investigation into the club’s dealings has lasted for four years.
      And now the Premier League have published their findings on their website and it does not make good reading for the Etihad club, who said they were “surprised” in a brief and defiant statement.
      At this stage City have been charged but not found guilty.
      But they would not be able to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if the ruling does go against them.
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      The charges relate to breaching financial regulations over nine seasons between 2009 and 2018 – plus further charges of failing to cooperate and hand over documents as required over the last five seasons from 2018-19 to 2022-23.
      The unprecedented Premier League investigation, which started in December 2018, was prompted by the publishing of leaked documents by German website Der Spiegel – with the investigation focusing on three specific areas.
      Premier League legal chiefs believe City hid the true source of their revenues by claiming they were from sponsors when in fact they were funded by the club’s Abu Dhabi owners. 
      City are also accused of paying a significant part of former boss Roberto Mancini’s salary through an Abu Dhabi shell company and hiding that fact.
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      In another section of the charge, City are said to have not given full details of player wages.
      The club stands accused of breaching Uefa Financial Fair Play rules for five seasons and Prem “profitability and sustainability” regulations over three seasons.
      And perhaps most seriously, City are said to have failed to give full information to Prem legal investigators over FOUR years since the probe began in December 2018.
      Uefa slapped City with a two-year ban and fined the club £25million in February 2020 for alleged financial fair play breaches.
      However, just five months later, that was overturned and the final fine was cut to £9m by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
      Now the findings of the Premier League investigation, namely the 32 separate charges and 113 alleged breaches, have been referred to a commission.

      Commissions are independent of the Premier League and its member clubs, with the commission’s members appointed by the independent Chair of the Premier League Judicial Panel.
      The Premier League added: “The proceedings before the Commission will, in accordance with Premier League Rule W.82, be confidential and heard in private.
      “Under Premier League Rule W.82.2, the Commission’s final award will be published on the Premier League’s website.”
      Should they be found guilty, the ramifications could be catastrophic for City – and even Pep Guardiola.
      The Spaniard threatened to quit as manager if it transpired the club’s owners had lied to him about any wrongdoing.
      Speaking in August 2022, he declared he would not want to be in charge of a club that he felt had breached financial fair play rules.

      Guardiola said: “I said to our people, ‘Tell me’ about the suspicions. I looked at them and believed them 100 per cent from day one so I defended the club because of that.
      “I did say, ‘If you lie to me, the day after I am not here. I will be out and you will not be my friend any more.’
      “I like to represent a club that is doing things properly. In the end, it’s not about winning the Champions League or Premier League, it’s about always doing it well, for our people and our fans.
      “What CAS said meant a lot. It broke all the suspicion.
      “I can not forget that nine teams in the Premier League pushed to sack Manchester City from European competitions, I know who they are.”
      As the club did in 2020 with the Uefa appeal, the Etihad side have always denied wrongdoing and will likely establish a significant legal team of expert lawyers to fight their case, even if they cannot take it to CAS.
      City said in response to the latest allegations: “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.”
      City won the league title three times in the period covered by the investigation – in 2011-12, 2013-14 and 2017-18.
      They have also finished top of the table three times during the Prem probe – in 2018-19, 2020-21 and 2021-22.
      Read More on The Sun
      Arsenal fan Piers Morgan joked he wants Manchester City to be slapped with an immediate points deduction – to boost the Gunners’ chances of winning the current season.
      Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher could not resist a cheeky dig, either, as SunSport revealed what the Premier League would look like without City’s matches amid their possible expulsion – with good news for the Gunners who move 11 points clear. More

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      David De Gea names Man Utd ideal replacement for suspended Casemiro with star midfielder out for three matches

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      DAVID DE GEA is confident Manchester United have the squad depth to cope without the suspended Casemiro.The Brazilian midfielder, 30, has been superb for the Red Devils this season but is suspended after being sent off in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace.
      Casemiro will miss Manchester United’s next three domestic gamesCredit: Reuters
      Marcel Sabitzer looks set to play a starring role in the next three matchesCredit: Getty
      Casemiro will miss the next three domestic games after grabbing Will Hughes by the throat.
      And goalkeeper De Gea believes Marcel Sabitzer is “ready to play” in Casemiro’s absence.
      The Austrian international joined on loan in January following a long-term injury to Christian Eriksen.
      Eriksen’s absence, plus Casemiro’s suspension, makes Sabitzer a likely starter for the next three domestic matches.
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      He came off the bench late on in Saturday’s win over the Eagles.
      De Gea said: “It’s going to be tough for sure. We already lost Christian, now Casemiro: big players for us.
      “But we have a bigger squad, players are ready to play, everyone is really focused.
      “Sabitzer showed already – he played 15 to 20 minutes and he did really well, made some good tackles, he is good with the ball. And, everyone is ready to play.”
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      De Gea added on Sabitzer: “He’s an experienced guy – he played a lot of games in the Bundesliga, is a nice guy – it’s good for the dressing room.
      “It’s not easy to come in a game when we’re one man less, he showed good spirit, he’s going to help the team a lot.”
      United’s next two Premier League games are against rivals Leeds, followed by the Europa League meeting with Barcelona, which Casemiro is eligible to play in.
      He will then serve the final game of his suspension against Leicester before returning for the second leg against Barca and the Carabao Cup final clash against Newcastle.
      But Sabitzer appears ready to fill in for the Brazilian, with boss Erik ten Hag praising his understanding of the game following his debut.
      He told MUTV: “Yeah he understands football. You see straight from the start.
      “We have already seen that in the training as well. But, yeah, he did quite well.
      “He’s really composed on the ball and he knows how to defend.
      “We need such a player who understands the game and will bring also the right spirit in.”
      Read More on The Sun
      There is scenario where Casemiro also misses the Carabao Cup final.
      If United appeal the red card, and the FA disciplinary panel reject it and deem it to be “frivolous”, then an extra game will be added to his suspension. More

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      Newcastle star Joelinton holds his balloon-filled baby gender reveal on the St James’ Park pitch with wife and two kids

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      JOELINTON went from Toon main man to balloon game fan with a spectacular gender reveal at St James’ Park.The crowd favourite endeared himself to Newcastle supporters even more by choosing the cherished turf for his own personal big moment.
      Newcastle midfielder Joelinton and his family had fun on the pitch revealing the gender of their third baby
      For once at St James’ Park blue was the colour worth celebrating
      The Brazilian, partner Thays Gondim and their two children waited on the halfway line – gazing at a goal covered in pink and blue balloons.
      Joelinton then booted a ball in the air – the signal for launching a mass of blue flares and streamers.
      His family reacted with wild excitement, leaping around and sharing hugs.
      They then spoke to the camera about their new boy joy.

      It’s also a thrilling time for Joelinton in his more normal role on the pitch.
      His form took off after manager Eddie Howe moved him back from a striking role last season.
      And the 26-year-old has maintained that dynamism this term for a Saudi-backed Newcastle side who sit fourth in the Premier League.
      Now Brazil are monitoring Joelinton ever closer, with a first international call-up likely.
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      First, though, the South Americans must find a successor to Tite.
      The manager stepped down after six years in charge following Brazil’s World Cup 2022 quarter-final exit against Croatia.
      Real Madrid chief Carlo Ancelotti, as well as ex-Spain and Barcelona boss Luis Enrique, are among major names mentioned as contenders.
      For Joelinton, then, it’s a momentous year all round – as he awaits his third child and hopes for Champions League football and his first cap. 
      Joelinton, seen shielding the ball from Declan Rice, saw Newcastle held 1-1 at home by West Ham on SaturdayCredit: AFP More

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      Leeds ‘eye West Brom boss Carlos Corberan’ if they decide to sack under-fire Jesse Marsch as relegation fears increase

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      WEST BROM manager Carlos Corberan is reportedly “emerging as a potential candidate” for Leeds United should they sack Jesse Marsch.The Elland Road side’s miserable run of form continued with a 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest today.
      Pressure is mounting on Jesse Marsch at Leeds UnitedCredit: Reuters
      A report states the Elland Road club could swoop for Carlos CorberanCredit: Rex
      That left them without a win in the Premier League since November 5 and only out of the bottom three via goal difference.
      Marsch has admitted that he understands the frustrations of supporters as the pressure mounts ahead of a double header with in-form Manchester United this week.
      Now the Daily Mail are claiming Leeds “owner Andrea Radrizzani and Paraag Marathe will be the men that have the key say on Marsch’s future” over the coming days.
      They state that Corberan, who previously worked for the club as coach under Marcelo Bielsa, “was admired” already.

      The Spaniard, 39, then led Huddersfield to the Championship play-offs last term before a brief unsuccessful stint at Olympiacos.
      However, his reputation has strengthened even further since returning to England to take charge of West Brom.
      He has led the Baggies from the relegation zone to the play-offs and even had Everton interested last week before they opted for Sean Dyche.
      West Brom want to tie him down to a new contract but a return to Leeds could prove too tempting to resist for Corberan.
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      Marsch replaced Bielsa at Leeds a year ago and helped them to secure Premier League survival.
      But despite being backed in the transfer market, this season has proven to be another struggle.
      Leeds have won just four games out of their 20 in the top-flight so far this term. More

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      Jamie Carragher says Erling Haaland ‘picked the wrong club’ as he slams Man City and reveals their major weakness

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER has suggested that Erling Haaland might have signed for the WRONG club.The superstar arrived at Manchester City for £51m last summer and has enjoyed a prolific first season on the goal front.
      Jamie Carragher suggested that Erling Haaland signed for the wrong clubCredit: Rex
      Haaland struggled in Manchester City’s defeat at TottenhamCredit: PA
      Haaland has already scored 25 goals in the Premier League with another six in other comps making him the most lethal marksman in Europe.
      He’s struck a remarkable FOUR hat-tricks and is well on course to smash Mohamed Salah’s record of 32 in a 38-game season.
      But Haaland has been criticised for his all-round play with some saying that he’s potentially made Manchester City worse.
      Pep Guardiola’s side trail leaders Arsenal by five points in the race for the title after failing to close the gap following a 1-0 defeat at Tottenham.

      Haaland struggled and even failed to register a single shot on target in North London.
      His performance was once again the topic of conversation and Carragher even made the bold claim that he perhaps shouldn’t have joined City.
      Speaking on Sky Sports, the ex-Liverpool defender said: “He may have actually picked the wrong club to actually get the best out of him.
      “Manchester City, as a team, have scored the same amount of goals.
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      “He’s scored 25 Premier League goals, but Manchester City as a team have scored the same amount of goals and they’ve conceded more and it’s far easier to counter-attack them as well.
      “So they’re a different team and a lesser team with Erling Haaland in the team and it’s not his fault.
      “Manchester City as a team will not play end to end football, it’s not Pep Guardiola’s way.
      “Erling Haaland has still scored 25 goals, but we’re not seeing the full package of what this player can do because of the team that he’s gone to.

      “I’m not criticising him and I think he’s that he’s so good he’s still scored 25 goals, but we’ve probably only seen 60 or 70 per cent of him.
      “We’re not seeing that power and that blistering pace, but we’ve got to come back to the fact that no matter how many goals he’s scored as an individual, Manchester City have scored exactly the same number of goals.” More

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      Joao Cancelo gets second assist in two games for Bayern Munich to show Pep what he’s missing as Man City lose to Spurs

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      MANCHESTER CITY outcast Joao Cancelo grabbed his second assist in as many matches for Bayern Munich on Sunday.The defender, 28, joined the German club on loan for the rest of the season after falling out with Pep Guardiola.
      Joao Cancelo is already proving to be a huge hit at Bayern MunichCredit: Getty

      The pair were reportedly involved in a training ground bust-up after Cancelo found out he was dropped for the club’s FA Cup clash against Arsenal.
      This came as Guardiola tweaked his system after questioning his players’ hunger to win the Premier League again.
      With Cancelo’s and the City boss’ relationship becoming strained, the club took the bold decision to allow Cancelo to leave on loan.
      However, the Portuguese star started his new venture in stunning fashion with an assist in the DFB cup win over Mainz in midweek.

      And he produced a brilliant cross this afternoon for Kingsley Coman to outrageously volley home in the 4-2 victory over Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga.
      French forward Coman scored two inside the first 14 minutes before Thomas Muller headed in a third.
      Jakub Kaminski pulled a goal back and then Bayern were reduced to ten men when Joshua Kimmich was sent off in the 54th minute.
      But Jamal Musiala grabbed a fourth before Mattias Svanberg netted a late consolation.
      Most read in Bundesliga
      As Cancelo was starting for his new team, his old side suffered a huge blow in the title race as Harry Kane’s record-breaking goal sealed Tottenham a 1-0 win over City.

      That left the Cityzens still trailing Premier League leaders Arsenal by five points.
      Meanwhile Bayern are now a point ahead of second-placed Union Berlin in the German top-flight. More