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      Mason Greenwood told to stay away from Manchester United until club conducts own investigation after CPS drops charges

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      MASON Greenwood has been told to stay away from Manchester United until the club decides what to do with him.The 21-year-old had charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault all against the same woman dropped today.
      Man United are conducting its own investigation into the allegations against Mason GreenwoodCredit: AFP
      But the club now wants to conduct its own internal investigation into the circumstances around the allegations brought against the player.
      That has started and United has not put a time frame on how long it will take.
      They did not want to begin that process previously in case it interfered with ongoing criminal proceedings.
      In the meantime, Greenwood will not be able to return to the club’s Carrington Training base or be involved with the squad in any capacity, despite the case against him not going to trial.
      READ MORE ON MASON GREENWOOD
      His name has remained on Man Utd’s first-team squad list on its official website, a possible indication he could resume his football career.
      The player broke his silence on the charges being dropped in a statement issued on Thursday.
      Greenwood said: “I am relieved that this matter is now over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support.
      “There will be no further comment at this time.”
      Most read in Football
      Greenwood last appeared in court in November where a trial date was set for November 23 this year.
      The alleged offences related to one woman and were said to have taken place between November 1, 2018, and October 15, 2022.
      Greenwood was accused of “repeatedly engaging” in controlling and coercive behaviour for almost four years – including making threats and derogatory comments on social media.
      He was also charged with attempting to rape the woman on October 21, 2021, and allegedly assaulted her between December 12, 2021, and December 31, 2021.
      The footballer was originally remanded in custody after being charged by police on October 15.
      But a judge released him on the condition he does not contact witnesses, including the complainant, and resides at an address in Bowdon.
      The striker also spent three nights in custody after he was arrested at his £15,000-a-month rented home in Trafford last January.
      He was suspended from Utd but still received his £75,000-a-week salary.
      Greenwood was removed from FIFA 22 and dropped by sponsors Nike in the wake of the allegations.
      Football Manager 2022 also confirmed he would not feature in the game.
      All merchandise bearing the No11’s name was axed from the official Utd site and teammates unfollowed him on Instagram.
      Greenwood last played for the Red Devils on January 22 last year when the team beat West Ham 1-0.
      The player joined the club aged just six and rose through the ranks to land himself a regular spot on the first team.
      In 2019, he became the youngest footballer to play for United in the Champions League when he took to the pitch aged 17.
      Greenwood has made 129 appearances in total for the Red Devils and netted 35 goals.
      Read More on The Sun
      In 2020, England manager Gareth Southgate gave the striker his first cap when Greenwood came off the bench in a 1-0 win against Iceland.
      Greenwood missed out on last year’s Three Lions’ World Cup campaign in Qatar as the case went to court. More

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      Gabriel Martinelli signs new Arsenal contract keeping Brazil ace at club until 2027

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      GABRIEL MARTINELLI has signed a new double-your-money Arsenal contract until 2027.The Brazil winger’s weekly pay will reportedly soar from £70,000 to £180k.
      Gabriel Martinelli will stay at the Emirates at least another four yearsCredit: Getty
      Boss Mikel Arteta is confident fellow young Gunns William Saliba and Bukayo Saka will eventually follow suit.
      Martinelli’s contract is thought to include the option of a further 12 months on top of the four-and-a-half-year arrangement.
      Chelsea and Barcelona are amongst the main admirers of the six-cap star, 21.
      But Martinelli has been a mainstay in Arsenal’s rise to the top of the Premier League and always insisted he was happy to remain with Arteta’s exciting squad.
      READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS
      Now the Spanish manager is stepping up efforts to secure Saliba and Saka, who are also both 21, for the long term.
      They are under contract until 2024, with an option for an extra year.
      Arteta is calm about the situation and believes it is only a matter of time before the starlets pen extensions.
      But he wants hefty wage hikes for both of them.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Saka and Martinelli are expected to start at Everton in the Prem on Saturday.
      But ex-Brighton wideman Leandro Trossard is also pressing for a full game following his move last week.
      Eddie Nketiah seems sure to be the main striker inbetween – as Gabriel Jesus won’t be fit until March. More

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      Nottingham Forest announce Andre Ayew on free transfer as Steve Cooper’s men sign 30th player this season

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST have announced ANOTHER new signing after securing free agent Andre Ayew.The striker, 33, previously worked with boss Steve Cooper at Swansea.
      Nottingham Forest have announced the signing of Andre AyewCredit: Getty
      The Ghana star has penned a deal until the end of the seasonCredit: @officialnffc
      Now he has agreed to link-up with him again at the City Ground to help them try and secure Premier League safety.
      Ghana captain Ayew, who will wear the No.42 shirt, said after penning a contract until June: “It’s a great feeling to sign for Nottingham Forest.
      “I know how big the club is and I know how much the club means to the city and the fanbase.
      “It’s always been difficult whenever I’ve played against Forest and at The City Ground and I love the stadium.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      “Steve Cooper is someone who knows me very well and knows how to work with me both on and off the pitch.
      “We have a strong relationship, he’s a special coach and a special human being and someone who I really look up to.
      “I know what I can bring to the team, I’m ready to give my all and make sure that we are able to stay in the Premier League.”
      Incredibly, he is the club’s 30th new signing since they won promotion last season.
      Most read in Football
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      Ayew left Qatari club Al-Sadd SC at the end of January after an 18-month spell in the Middle East.
      The star, whose brother Jordan plays for Crystal Palace, scored nine goals in 55 Premier League games during his stints at West Ham and Swansea.
      He has also racked up 113 caps for Ghana, scoring 24 goals including one at the Qatar World Cup.
      Everton, who failed to bring in any additions during January, were hoping to snap him up before Forest usurped them in the transfer chase. More

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      Chelsea chiefs Boehly and Eghbali watch over £300m worth of January transfers in training… but no sign of Enzo Fernandez

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      CHELSEA owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali cast an eye over their new January signings in training – but there was no sign of Enzo Fernandez. The World Cup winner became the last and most expensive signing of the Blues’ record-breaking January on deadline day.
      The Chelsea owners got to see veteran defender Thiago Silva in actionCredit: Getty
      Mykhailo Mudryk will be among the new names desperate for a start against FulhamCredit: Getty
      Graham Potter put his new and old players through their paces at Cobham
      The Chelsea ownership have spent a record-breaking amount of money in January
      He joins a host of new faces at Stamford Bridge who will be hoping to make an impact against Fulham tomorrow.
      Boehly and Eghbali, the faces of the new ownership, arrived at Cobham to watch the players go through their paces.
      Boehly wore a black jacket with grey trousers as he strode through the blustery training ground.
      Alongside him pictured with a grin was Eghbali, who is believed to have been heavily involved with getting the Fernandez deal over the line.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Along with the new signings, veterans such as Thiago Silva were also seen in the middle of the busy session.
      Encouragingly for Chelsea fans, the likes of Wesley Fofana, Ben Chilwell and Reece James were all visible as they continue their road back from injury.
      At the centre of it all was Blues boss Graham Potter, who has seen pressure on his job ease recently after a couple of decent results in recent weeks.
      The ex-Brighton manager has also seen over £300m of talent walk through the door, potentially giving his side boost.
      Most read in Football
      Chelsea fans will be keen to see more of their injury-hit £75m defender Wesley FofanaCredit: Getty
      Reece James was seen smiling at Cobham as he fights back from injuryCredit: Getty
      Ben Chilwell was among the names on the Chelsea injury list in recent weeksCredit: Getty
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      Supporters have so far seen most of defender Benoit Badiashile, who appears to have struck up a solid partnership with Silva at the back.
      Fans were given only a limited glimpse of Mykhailo Mudryk in the last league game at Anfield but many were impressed with what they saw.
      David Datro Fofana has been largely limited to cameo appearances so far while right-back Malo Gusto was immediately sent back on loan to Lyon after his signing.
      Loanee Joao Felix was dismissed on his debut while Andrey Santos, Noni Madueke and Fernandez are all waiting to make their first appearances.
      Graham Potter has to try and gel his squad togetherCredit: Getty
      Hakim Ziyech was denied a deadline day move to PSG due to paperwork issuesCredit: Getty
      Chelsea are looking for a better second-half of the season after some desperate formCredit: Getty More

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      Mason Greenwood breaks his silence after attempted rape and assault charges dropped

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      MASON Greenwood has broken his silence after attempted rape and assault charges against him were dropped.The Manchester United striker, 21, said: “I am relieved that this matter is now over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support.
      Mason Greenwood has had all charges against him droppedCredit: Reuters
      He has now broken his silenceCredit: AFP
      “There will be no further comment at this time.”
      It follows a statement from his club where they said they will now “determine next steps” for the player.
      The club added: “Manchester United notes the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service that all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped.
      “The club will now conduct its own process before determining next steps.”
      Greenwood had all charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control against him dropped.
      And his name has remained on Man Utd’s first-team squad list on its official website.
      Greenwood was first arrested in January last year after police swooped on his mansion.
      He was due to stand trial in November accused of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
      Most read in Football
      The Crown Prosecution today confirmed they had dropped all charges against him.
      A spokesperson said: “We have a duty to keep cases under continuous review.
      “In this case a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.
      “In these circumstances, we are under a duty to stop the case.
      “We have explained our decision to all parties.
      “We would always encourage any potential victims to come forward and report to police and we will prosecute wherever our legal test is met.”
      Greenwood last appeared in court in November where a trial date was set for November 23 this year.
      The alleged offences related to one woman and were said to have taken place between November 1, 2018, and October 15, 2022.
      Greenwood was accused of “repeatedly engaging” in controlling and coercive behaviour for almost four years – including making threats and derogatory comments on social media.
      He was also charged with attempting to rape the woman on October 21, 2021, and allegedly assaulted her between December 12, 2021, and December 31, 2021.
      The footballer was originally remanded in custody after being charged by police on October 15.
      But a judge released him on the condition he does not contact witnesses, including the complainant, and resides at an address in Bowdon.
      The striker also spent three nights in custody after he was arrested at his £15,000-a-month rented home in Trafford last January.
      He was suspended from Utd but still received his £75,000-a-week salary.
      Greenwood was removed from FIFA 22 and dropped by sponsors Nike in the wake of the allegations.
      Football Manager 2022 also confirmed he would not feature in the game.
      All merchandise bearing the No11’s name was axed from the official Utd site and teammates unfollowed him on Instagram.
      Greenwood last played for the Red Devils on January 22 last year when the team beat West Ham 1-0.
      The player joined the club aged just six and rose through the ranks to land himself a regular spot on the first team.
      In 2019, he became the youngest footballer to play for United in the Champions League when he took to the pitch aged 17.
      Greenwood has made 129 appearances in total for the Red Devils and netted 35 goals.
      In 2020, England manager Gareth Southgate gave the striker his first cap when Greenwood came off the bench in a 1-0 win against Iceland.
      Greenwood missed out on last year’s Three Lions’ World Cup campaign in Qatar as the case went to court.
      Utd have not yet released a statement following the development.
      Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP’s Head of Public Protection, said today: “The investigation team has remained in regular contact with the legal team, providing any updates of note, and so understand the rationale for the discontinuation of proceedings at this stage, and that this decision has not been taken lightly.
      “Despite the media and public’s interest in this case, we have decided not to comment on it in any further detail.
      “I would, however, like to use this opportunity to reiterate GMP’s commitment to investigating allegations of violence against women and girls and supporting those affected, regardless of their circumstances, throughout what can be a hard and upsetting time for them.
      Read More on The Sun
      “An ever increasing number of officers are receiving specialist training and the force is more consistently utilising tools, available via the criminal justice system, to keep people safe and care for victims.
      “If you feel you are or might be a victim, please don’t let this case put you off asking for help.” More

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      Manchester United releases statement after Mason Greenwood has all charges dropped

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      MANCHESTER United says it is “determining next steps” after all charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control against Mason Greenwood were dropped.The striker’s club added in a statement: “Manchester United notes the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service that all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped.
      Mason Greenwood was cleared of all charges todayCredit: Getty
      His club Man Utd released a statement after Greenwood was cleared of all chargesCredit: AFP
      “The club will now conduct its own process before determining next steps.”
      It comes after Greenwood, 21, had all charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control against him dropped.
      He broke his silence on the matter this afternoon, saying: “I am relieved that this matter is now over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support.
      “There will be no further comment at this time.”
      Read More in Football
      His name has also remained on Man Utd’s first-team squad list on its official website.
      Greenwood was first arrested in January last year after police swooped on his mansion.
      He was due to stand trial in November accused of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
      The Crown Prosecution today confirmed they had dropped all charges against him.
      Most read in Football
      A spokesperson said: “We have a duty to keep cases under continuous review.
      “In this case a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.
      “In these circumstances, we are under a duty to stop the case.
      “We have explained our decision to all parties.
      “We would always encourage any potential victims to come forward and report to police and we will prosecute wherever our legal test is met.”
      Greenwood last appeared in court in November where a trial date was set for November 23 this year.
      The alleged offences related to one woman and were said to have taken place between November 1, 2018, and October 15, 2022.
      Greenwood was accused of “repeatedly engaging” in controlling and coercive behaviour for almost four years – including making threats and derogatory comments on social media.
      He was also charged with attempting to rape the woman on October 21, 2021, and allegedly assaulted her between December 12, 2021, and December 31, 2021.
      The footballer was originally remanded in custody after being charged by police on October 15.
      But a judge released him on the condition he does not contact witnesses, including the complainant, and resides at an address in Bowdon.
      The striker also spent three nights in custody after he was arrested at his £15,000-a-month rented home in Trafford last January.
      He was suspended from Utd but still received his £75,000-a-week salary.
      Greenwood was removed from FIFA 22 and dropped by sponsors Nike in the wake of the allegations.
      Football Manager 2022 also confirmed he would not feature in the game.
      All merchandise bearing the No11’s name was axed from the official Utd site and teammates unfollowed him on Instagram.
      Greenwood last played for the Red Devils on January 22 last year when the team beat West Ham 1-0.
      The player joined the club aged just six and rose through the ranks to land himself a regular spot on the first team.
      In 2019, he became the youngest footballer to play for United in the Champions League when he took to the pitch aged 17.
      Greenwood has made 129 appearances in total for the Red Devils and netted 35 goals.
      In 2020, England manager Gareth Southgate gave the striker his first cap when Greenwood came off the bench in a 1-0 win against Iceland.
      Greenwood missed out on last year’s Three Lions’ World Cup campaign in Qatar as the case went to court.
      Utd have not yet released a statement following the development.
      Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP’s Head of Public Protection, said today: “The investigation team has remained in regular contact with the legal team, providing any updates of note, and so understand the rationale for the discontinuation of proceedings at this stage, and that this decision has not been taken lightly.
      “Despite the media and public’s interest in this case, we have decided not to comment on it in any further detail.
      “I would, however, like to use this opportunity to reiterate GMP’s commitment to investigating allegations of violence against women and girls and supporting those affected, regardless of their circumstances, throughout what can be a hard and upsetting time for them.
      Read More on The Sun
      “An ever increasing number of officers are receiving specialist training and the force is more consistently utilising tools, available via the criminal justice system, to keep people safe and care for victims.
      “If you feel you are or might be a victim, please don’t let this case put you off asking for help.” More

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      Eddie Nketiah and Dream Team stars capable of providing plentiful points this February

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      WITH transfers set to be replenished on Friday morning, Dream Team gaffers will be hoping to identify which players are most likely to bank plentiful points throughout February.As if any extra motivation was needed, the manager who racks up the most points between now and March 2nd will win a brand new PlayStation 5!
      With that in mind, allow us to suggest three candidates we believe are capable of producing bumper months.
      Bruno Fernandes (£5.8m)
      It’s all smiles at Old Trafford right nowCredit: getty
      Manchester United are the busiest team this month with seven fixtures to fulfil before the start of March.
      A two-legged Europa League meeting with Barcelona, the Carabao Cup final, and a rearranged Premier League fixture against Leeds means loads of scoring opportunities for the Old Trafford residents in the coming weeks.
      Marcus Rashford (£5.7m) is the name that should come to mind first and foremost but we’ve promoted his virtues enough in the last few weeks – if you ignored our advice then you’ve missed out some massive hauls.
      The England international’s ownership has sky-rocketed to 33.7% since the restart but the Red Devils’ Portuguese midfielder features in 13.2% of teams, meaning a fair few gaffers are overlooking his form.
      Fernandes has amassed 53 points across the last five Game Weeks and a busy schedule should ensure the returns keep flowing.
      Generally speaking, backing several Man United assets looks to be a wise approach for the coming weeks.
      Most read in Dream Team
      Nathan Ake (£3.7m)
      A well-timed goal!Credit: getty
      Fresh off an 18-point haul in Game Week 20, the Dutchman looks set to be Manchester City’s first-choice left-back for the foreseeable future after Joao Cancelo’s surprise departure to Bayern Munich.
      Ake underlined his impressive recent form when he scored the winner against Arsenal in last Friday night’s FA Cup showdown, earning him a Star Man award in the process.
      Granted, Pep Guardiola’s side haven’t kept as many clean sheets as they would have liked this season but, when reasonably priced, their defensive assets remain solid options.
      City have six fixtures to squeeze in this month with three of them coming against bottom-half opposition: Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth.
      On paper, there should be a healthy allotment of points up for grabs for Ake and company.
      Eddie Nketiah (£3.5m)
      Underestimated by Dream Team bosses?
      Arsenal have five games in February which makes them less busy than the Manchester clubs but more active than the likes of Newcastle and Brighton.
      One of the Gunners’ fixtures sticks out like a sore thumb, a top-of-the-table clash with Man City which will be a serious test of their title-winning credentials.
      However, the rest of the match-ups are relatively favourable.
      Nketiah will continue to lead the line as Mikel Arteta’s side take on Everton, Brentford, Villa and Leicester around that meeting with Guardiola’s men.
      It’s worth noting the game against the Bees takes place at the Emirates – Thomas Frank’s side are considerably weaker on the road.
      Read More on The Sun
      Arsenal’s homegrown poacher has deputised for Gabriel Jesus (£5.3m) superbly while the Brazilian has been sidelined.
      Nketiah has scored seven goals in his last eight outings and still only appears in 3.6% of teams. More

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      How Wolves nearly signed Enzo Fernandez for just £17m transfer fee less than year before Chelsea paid £107m

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      WOLVES nearly signed Enzo Fernandez for just £17million – just seven months before his £107m Chelsea transfer.The Argentine World Cup winner completed his British-record move from Benfica to Stamford Bridge on deadline day this week.
      Chelsea paid a British-record £107m for Enzo FernandezCredit: Getty
      The Blues smashed the previous record held by Manchester City when they paid £100m for Aston Villa in 2021.
      However, Fernandez could have been lining up in the Premier League from the beginning of the season – up the M40 at Molineux.
      As reported by talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, Wolves were “very close” to landing Fernandez from River Plate in a bargain £17m transfer.
      In the end, the deal did not get over the line and Benfica picked the midfielder up for an initial £9m plus add-ons – inserting a whopping £107m release clause in his contract, although savvy River Plate pocket £26.5m of that.

      The 22-year-old linked up with the Portuguese giants after his boyhood club were knocked out of the Copa Libertadores and he continued his rapid rise.
      But it was at the World Cup that his stock soared as Fernandez was named Young Player of the Tournament and played a key role in Argentina ending their 36-year wait to be crowned world champions.
      Fernandez played every minute of the knockout rounds as Argentina beat Australia, Holland, Croatia and France.
      Chelsea tried to make a move to land the exciting talent early in the January transfer window but Benfica rejected their advances.
      Most read in Football
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      But when the Blues went back and triggered his release clause in the final days of the window, they managed to get the deal over the line.
      Fernandez will wear the No5 at Stamford Bridge after it was vacated by Jorginho, who made the switch across London to Arsenal.
      And he could make his debut under the lights tomorrow night when Fulham make the short trip to the Bridge.
      Relegation-threatened Wolves, meanwhile, signed Matheus Nunes and Boubacar Traore in the summer before adding Mario Lemina, Pablo Sarabia and Joao Gomes in January to bolster their midfield.
      Fernandez only left boyhood-club River Plate in July 2022Credit: Getty
      He teamed dup with Lionel Messi to win the World Cup in QatarCredit: Getty More