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      West Ham legend Ludek Miklosko makes emotional return to club before Liverpool clash after revealing tragic cancer fight

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      WEST HAM legend Ludek Miklosko received a hero’s welcome from fans at the London Stadium after opening up on his heartbreaking battle with cancer.The former Hammers keeper, 63, was cheered onto the side of the pitch in emotional scenes ahead of his old club’s clash with Liverpool on Saturday evening.Ludek Miklosko walked out in front of the West Ham fans on Saturday eveningCredit: West HamHe wore a Hammers scarf in an emotional return to the clubCredit: ReutersMiklosko recently revealed the cancer diagnosis he received several years agoCredit: PAMiklosko revealed on Sunday that he was diagnosed three years ago after finding a small lump on his hip.Unfortunately despite the initial treatment going well, doctors subsequently discovered other tumours.And the Czech star has now decided against chemotherapy to ensure he has the best quality of life in his final days.West Ham faithful gave Miklosko a superb reception as he was seen for the first time since the news.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMiklosko wore a West Ham scarf, before the club tweeted: “We are all with you, Ludo.”Explaining his decision not to have treatment, he told West Ham’s official website: “I was thinking about this, and had another conversation with the doctor in Ostrava.”And it was made clear to me that there could be no guarantees that it would work.”Maybe it would help to slow it down a little bit, but it would not stop it and there would be other issues to deal with.Most read in Football”I decided not to take the chemotherapy, because I want to live a normal life.Ludek Miklosko spent eight years as a keeper at West HamCredit: PAHe returned to the London Stadium on Saturday eveningCredit: Getty”I have very good people around me, and I have my work and my football, which is my life, all I have known. I want to keep doing that for as long as I can.”Miklosko upped sticks from his native Czech Republic with his wife and son in February 1990 to join the Hammers.He went on to make 318 appearances for the East Londoners during an eight-year stint.Miklosko and his family enjoyed their time in England, so much that his son asked him to move back to London after they returned to the Czech Republic.Miklosko was also in attendance for West Ham’s Europa Conference League final triumph against Fiorentina last summer.Miklosko played more than 300 games for West HamCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd More

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      Fulham 2 Bournemouth 2: Super sub Dango Ouattara scores last-minute goal to rescue point as visitors fight back twice

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      DANGO OUATTARA turned the tables on late show hosts Fulham to keep Bournemouth’s remarkable European dream on track.The Cherries sub grabbed an equaliser in the 89th minute that rescued a point for his massively-depleted team.Raul Jimenez opened the scoring for Fulham before half-timeCredit: RexEvanilson equlised for Bournemouth early in the second halfCredit: RexHarry Wilson thought he sealed the three points for FulhamCredit: RexDango Ouattara salvaged a late point for BournemouthCredit: ReutersInjuries and suspensions meant boss Andoni Iraola had to name four academy kids and two keepers on his bench.But the lack of numbers did not dampen their spirits and twice they fought from behind to salvage a hard-won point.It was also a lesson for Fulham who have developed a knack of turning up late to claim vital points as they too chase the prospect of the Europa League next season.They even thought they had won it when last-gasp specialist Harry Wilson produced a classy header to give his team the lead with 18 minutes to go.Read Moe on FootballThat is relatively early by his standards – just five days ago Wilson grabbed an 82nd minute equaliser from which Fulham went on to claim a first Premier League win at Chelsea.He also struck twice in second-half injury time to beat Brentford and scored late against Crystal Palace.But it was Bournemouth’s turn to snatch something from nothing when sub Ouattaro was allowed a simple tap in the 89th minute after a defensive cock-up.Issa Diop’s mishit clearance led to Antione Semenyo crossing for Ouattaro to bury a shot at the far post.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBoth teams can still look back on a positive Christmas period as the festive fixture season draws to a close.Bournemouth smashed Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford and the Fulham fans were singing lustily of their surprise win down the road at Chelsea.Awkward moment Fulham commentator ‘dangerously close’ to calling Chelsea star Pedro Neto ‘a very bad word’ But those performances had clearly had an effect on both sides too.Jimenez produced a text book header to give Fulham the lead and a much-needed injection of life.Prior to his goal five minutes before half time, the home side looked leggy and looked like missing out on cashing in against a massively depleted Bournemouth side with eight players missing.Andreas Pereira swung out a corner into the middle of the area. Jimenez ghosted in from the back and met the ball in mid-air, twisting in the process to plant it snugly in the bottom, opposite corner for a peach of an opener.Bournemouth had the ball in the back of the net from a corner through rookie defender James Hill, only for ref Jones to signal for a foul despite only the faintest of nudges on centre-back Calvin Bassey.Fulham keeper Bernd Leno did well holding a snap shot from David Brooks and blocked a shot on the break from Semenyo.Christie escapes red cardBournemouth were unfortunate in front of goal but dead lucky to still have 11 men at half-time.Ryan Christie escaped with just a yellow card despite a studs-up lunge on defender Antonee Robinson.Having clattered into Pereira seconds earlier, Christie lost control of the ball and lunged forwards trying to regain it, only to plant his foot on the left shin of Fulham’s captain.Jones gave a yellow but VAR Peter Bankes took a second look, then decided that was punishment enough for what appeared to be a stonewall red offence.With so many changes forced upon him before kick-off, the last thing Cherries boss Iraola needed was another enforced rejig of his depleted squad.Fortune smiled on Iraola again five minutes into the second half when they equalised through record-signing Evanilson.READ MORE SUN STORIESBournemouth equalise twiceHill dropped an inviting ball into the Fulham box and the £40million Brazilian got the better of Joachim Andersen, then took one touch before volleying over Leno for a goal to match Fulham’s for its classy execution.Wilson’s tireless energy put him in space to head home a cross from Robinson in the 72nd minute and just as Fulham were dreaming of going level on 31 points with defending champions Manchester City, Ouattara had the final say.Fulham and Bournemouth played out an entertaining drawCredit: PA More

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      Tottenham pair do ‘Spursiest thing ever’ before Postecoglou’s men are booed off after collapsing to 2-2 draw with Wolves

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      TOTTENHAM pair Rodrigo Bentancur and Dominic Solanke left fans in stitches after colliding in the box as they lined up to shoot during their 2-2 draw with Wolves.Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou came into his side’s clash with Wolves under huge pressure following back-to-back defeats against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.Dominic Solanke and Rodrigo Bentancur both went for the ball as it rolled across the boxCredit: beIN SportsThey collided and ended up in a heap on the floorCredit: beIN SportsThe moment left fans on social media in hystericsCredit: beIN SportsThey kicked off in the bottom half of the Premier League table with nine defeats from 18 games.And things got even bleaker for fans of the North London side when Hwang Hee-chan fired in to give the visitors the lead.Bentancur levelled with a header from a corner, before the calamitous incident occurred between the Uruguayan and Solanke.As the ball rolled across the box they both ran onto it and took each other out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFortunately, the flag went up for offside in the build-up.But that did not stop fans from making fun of the hapless moment.One said: “Solanke shoving Bentancur off the ball (or was it the other way around?) is the most Spursy thing I’ve ever seen.”Another added: “That Bentancur-Solanke collision in the box sums up our whole season lmao.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHwang Hee-chan gave Wolves an early lead at the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: ReutersBentancur levelled from a corner with a powerful headerCredit: GettyA third replied: “If you could describe SPURS in a clip… Solanke and Bentancur going for the same ball 😂.”While a fourth responded: “The way Solanke and Bentancur tackled each other 😭😭😭 best comedy show on earth.”Tottenham fans protest ‘Levy out’ with black balloons as Spurs chairman akwardly watches on during Liverpool lossSpurs went in front through Brennan Johnson but then conceded late on through Jorgen Strand Larsen.Postecoglou really needed a win here after a run of just one victory in six league games had left his injury-hit side languishing in mid-table.He looked like he might have it after goals from Bentancur and Johnson before half-time overturned Hwang’s opener.But Strand Larsen came to the rescue to preserve Vitor Pereira’s unbeaten record since taking over.And it left Postecoglou, whose side were booed at full-time, looking on shaky ground as chairman Daniel Levy watched from the stands.Pereira has had such a quick impact at Wolves since succeeding Gary O’Neil just before Christmas that the away fans were singing his name before kick-off.They were belting it out after seven minutes though when Hwang broke the deadlock.The South Korean was starting his first league game since August as a reward for his killer strike against Manchester United on Boxing Day.His strike showed no signs of rustiness though as Rayan Ait-Nouri rolled a free-kick off to the forward on the edge of the area and Hwang did the rest, curling beautifully in off the post.Brennan Johnson scored to put Spurs in frontCredit: GettySpurs were trying to claim a foul on Johnson from Santiago Bueno in the build-up but it looked an optimistic claim at best.Matheus Cunha, who had won the set-piece in the first place, has been Wolves’ star man in a dreary campaign.And the Brazilian showed just why he is being coveted by the likes of Arsenal with some Champions League-quality tricks and flicks throughout the first half.Spurs hit back five minutes later though with a corner routine that had worked a charm against Ipswich last month, even if it was overlooked by Spurs losing that game.Just as they did against the Tractor Boys, Pedro Porro sent in the delivery to the near post where Rodrigo Bentancur rose highest to crash home a header.Spurs were not playing well and yet they were still creating chances.Radu Dragusin probably should have levelled with a header from another Porro corner that whistled the wrong side of the post.Yves Bissouma had a blast over the bar when Kulusevski neatly laid it off to him.While there was a farcical moment when Solanke and Bentancur clattered into each other trying to latch onto the same cutback from Kulusevski, who was offside anyway.Son Heung-min has looked out of sorts for some time now given the amazing service he has given Spurs over the last ten years.He was anonymous here until out of nowhere, he was presented with a golden chance to put Spurs ahead.Jorgen Strand Larsen netted a late equaliser for the visitorsCredit: PAIt extends Wolves’ unbeaten run to three matches since Vitor Pereira’s arrivalCredit: GettyJohnson had been needlessly tripped by Andre in the box as tried to latch onto Kulusevsi’s lock-picking pass.Son picked up the ball as the penalty-taker but just like Erling Haaland against Everton last week, the master goal-scorer looked so short of confidence that you feared a miss was coming.So it proved as his tame effort to Jose Sa’s right was repelled by the Wanderers stopper.Postecoglou must have felt this is just how things are going for him right now.But then Johnson offered him a reprieve in the third minute of first-half stoppage time.The Welshman played a one-two with the excellent Kulusevski – who at times seemed to be carrying Spurs – and then smartly converted the return pass for 2-1.Wolves were dealt a surprise blow when Cunha was part of a double-sub at half-time and was spotted soon after with ice under his left knee.While Postecoglou surely could not believe his luck when Destiny Udogie went down with a hamstring injury, given how decimated his defence already was.The Italian gingerly walked off to be replaced by the lesser-spotted Sergio Reguilon, who was making his first league appearance for Spurs since April 2022.Since then he has been out on loan at Atletico Madrid, Manchester United and Brentford.The smart money is on him being shipped out permanently next month too, although Spurs may have to assess the damage to Udogie first.Both sides looked tired and short of quality in a clunky second half.Spurs were desperately trying to see it out but then on 87 minutes, Rayan Ait-Nouri slipped in sub Strand Larsen who belted the ball past Fraser Forster high into the roof of the net.Spurs old-boy Matt Doherty almost nicked all three points too for the visitors but his header was repelled by Forster.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Strand Larsen’s strike was enough of a hammer blow to Postecoglou – who also saw Bentancur pick up a fifth yellow of the season with a wild late tackle on Rodrigo Gomes, meaning he is now suspended for Newcastle.When it rains, it pours. 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      Everton 0 Nottingham Forest 2: Red hot visitors keep European charge going thanks to goals from Wood and Gibbs-White

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      THE RISE and rise of Nuno Espirito Santo’s side just got more spectacular thanks to fine strikes from Chris Wood and Morgan Gibbs-White.Their goals produced a Nottingham Forest record – the first time in the Premier League era that they have won five games in a row.Nottingham Forest picked up their fifth consecutive victory against EvertonCredit: ReutersChris Wood opened the scoring for Forest in the first halfCredit: GettyMorgan Gibbs-White sealed the three points for ForestCredit: ReutersForest lost Murillo to an injury during the pre-match warm-upCredit: AlamyThe Tricky Trees also occupy a stunning second place in the table.The surprise team of the season might not still be there by the end of the night but even getting that high halfway through the season remains a massive testament to the way Nuno has made them very real Champions League candidates.He had to deal with what looked like a major blow after defensive rock Murillo was forced to pull out in the warm up.Winger Ramon Sosa replaced him with midfielder Nico Williams dropping to left-back in a rebuild back-four.Read More on FootballBut no problem. Forest’s players are a proper unit, composed, hardworking and, above all, believers.And no supporter of the club would be surprised if Nuno were to walk across the River Trent.The reincarnation of Brian Clough he may not be but still, that’s how much those fans believe in him too in his bid to bring back the glory days of “Ol Big Head.”The rear guard that actually suffered from the start was Everton’s – no thanks to sloppy work from the midfield ahead of them – and they never got over it.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJames Tarkowski picked up an eighth-minute yellow card for flying through Sosa after losing control of the ball then twice lost Wood, the Kiwi firing wide from decent positions both times.But even in those opening moments it was clear the big striker fancied his chances and in the 15th minute he proved it.Aina shows off his left foot declaring, ‘It’s still hot!!!’Once again the home side lost the ball in a failed attacking scramble and Gibbs-White didn’t hesitate.He went instant and long, finding Wood with a 40-yard pass but if that part of the move was basic what followed was poetic.The striker headed sideways to Anthony Elanga who replied in kind as Jordan Pickford dashed off his line and clipped a right-footed volley perfectly over the advancing England No1.That was his 11th strike of the season and the numbers looked good in a different way too.Forest scored first 14 times in this campaign before arriving at Goodison Park and won nine of those games.They absolutely deserved to be ahead, too against a Sean Dyche side that other than a brief early spurt from the electric Iliman Ndiaye had started flat and formless.Forest eyeing European qualificationTheir approach will have mystified home fans given that the Toffees should have been on something of a high after navigating their way to three successive draws against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.The Merseysiders had lost only one of their last seven games and Dyche attempted to perk them up further by replacing Dominic Calvert-Lewin – no goals in 13 straight games – with Armando Broja.Yet in his first start the bustling Albania international, on loan from Chelsea, became a bit like the striker dumped to the bench – a passenger looking on as his team-mates struggled to put a footprint on the game.Forest spent the first half showing exactly why making it to the Champions League is now much more than a dream no Tricky Trees fan would have had at the start of the campaign.They may not be the prettiest team to watch, although that Wood goal was a stunner.But Nuno has them organised, sure of themselves and they can break brilliantly.Everton bereft of ideasThat loss of Murillo in the warm-up didn’t disturb them nor did the absence of skipper Ryan Yates.Meanwhile Dyche’s players, the resourceful Ndiaye apart, just try to grind their way through games with little or no art.They were completely bereft of ideas during a first half that really only underlined that new owners The Friedkin Group have to come up with some transfer dosh next month to bring in badly-needed new inspiration.Dyche replaced Jack Harrison, one of those guilty of ceding possession, for another winger in Jesper Lindstrom but his side looked no less desperate.And Jarrad Branthwaite got very lucky in the 54th minute.He dived into a challenge on Gibbs-White, wearing the armband with Yates suspended, and while the centre-half missed connection with his left leg he clattered into the playmaker with his right.Defensive woesThe fact that he got some of the ball prompted referee Tony Harrington to brandish only a yellow but the defender will still have breathed a sigh of relief.No such luck for his manager Dyche as Gibbs-White produced the killer blow and while his 61st minute finish was impeccable it came only as a result of more tawdry work by the Toffees.Abdoulaye Doucoure mindlessly gifted Elanga possession 30 yards out and the former Manchester United attacker immediately found Wood on the edge of the box.He despatched rapidly across to Gibbs-White who coolly side-stepped a desperate bid for salvation from Doucoure to leave Pickford for dead from ten yards.It could have got worse for the keeper too after he spilled a shot from Sosa before saving his blushes with a double save.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut it was never going to get any better for him and his team that took 81 minutes to get a shot on target.They simply got lost amongst those Tricky Trees.Nottingham Forest’s European dream remains aliveCredit: Alamy More

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      Premier League LIVE SCORES: Tottenham vs Wolves latest plus updates from Leicester vs Man City as Forest LEAD Everton

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      THE Premier League returns today for another round of bumper action. Leicester vs Manchester City and Tottenham vs Wolves are the standout ties from the five afternoon kick offs.Sunday’s evening match sees West Ham host league leaders Liverpool in a blockbuster clash at the London Stadium.Kick off times: 2.30pm/3pm/5.15pm GMTFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…HT: Everton 0-1 Nott’m ForestThe draw specialists are losing at Goodison Park.They have failed to register a single shot on target in the first-half.Forest have not created a great deal and will need to take it up a gear or two to put this game to bed.Copy linkCopiedLeicester 0-2 Man City74. The Foxes get their just desserts for their wastefulness.De Bruyne spreads it out wide to Savinho, who whips in an inch-perfect cross to the Norwegian.Haaland heads into the far corner to double the visitors’ lead.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Erling Haaland (Man City)Copy linkCopiedHT: Crystal Palace 1-1 SouthamptonWill Southampton be in the Premier League next season?Yes, in the form of Tyler Dibling who is guaranteed to picked up by somebody as The Saints are relegated.Palace should be out of sight in this game but are proving to be wasteful in front of goal.Copy linkCopiedHT: Tottenham 2-1 WolvesAs ever it is the same old story for Spurs.They look great going forward but defensively they look like they could not stop a marauding toddler making it through the middle of the park.However, they lead at the break, which would be enough to take some pressure off Ange Postecoglou.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Dan King at the King PowerIt really is all Leicester. They’ve had three decent openings in this second half, without forcing Stefan Ortega into a save yet. Guardiola had seen enough and so he sent on…James McAtee, whose Premier League experience so far this season amounted to two minutes. It’s Phil Foden who is off and the form of the Footballer of the Year is a symbol of City’s struggles. And Vardy has just put a golden chance over the bar.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Ken Lawrence at Goodison ParkSean Dyche’s right – he frequently says that every time things start to look brighter at Everton another cloud shows up.His side valiantly navigated their way through three successive draws against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.The Toffees had lost only one of their last seven games and Dyche and should have been on something of a high  – instead their first half performance against upwardly – mobile Forest has been a real downer for him and the home fans.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Tom Barclay in North LondonWHAT a huge goal that could prove to be for Ange Postecoglou.Just as the Aussie was preparing to go in for half-time downbeat after Son Heung-min’s penalty miss, Brennan Johnson put his side in front with a fine finish.Dejan Kulusevski teed it up and it feels at times today the Swede has been carrying Spurs, who may be winning but are not playing particularly well.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Jordan Davies at Selhurst ParkDecent half between two struggling teams, but Ivan Juric needs to find something else from his Saints. They have had their moments but Palace look so dangerous, yet so wasteful.In his programme notes, Palace boss Oliver Glasner wrote: “There is a great quote from Kobe Bryant: ‘Try to be better today than you were yesterday, and better tomorrow than you were today’. This won’t stop in 2025.”How about simply being better in the second half?Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Andy Dillon at Craven CottageBOURNEMOUTH are lucky to still be in this game. They are a goal down but could easily be a man down too.Ryan Christie has escaped with a booking for what to everyone except ref Rob Jones and VAR Peter Bankes a cast-iron studs up challenge on Antonee Robinson.The midfielder took out Andreas Pereira and lost control of the ball in doing so, he then went full throttle to reclaim and came together with Robinson’s left shin. How that is not a red I wait to be informed by the PGMOL.Copy linkCopiedTottenham 2-1 Wolves45+3. Some great play from Kulusevski once again.This time he finds Johnson in the middle of the box, who slots into the bottom right-hand corner of the goal.Are you not entertained?Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedGoal – Brennan Johnson (Tottenham)Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Ken Lawrence at Goodison ParkNuno Espirito Santo had to deal with what looked like a major blow after defensive rock Murillo was forced to pull out in the warm up.Winger Ramon Sosa replaced him with midfielder Nico Williams dropping to left back in a re – build back four.But the rear guard that suffered was Everton’s – no thanks to sloppy work from the midfield ahead of them and there was little surprise when Chris Wood delivered a fine opener.Copy linkCopiedLeicester 0-1 Man City58. We may be missing a trick with some Premier League players.Bernardo Silva could be the answer to ending third-world hunger, he can make a meal out of anything.A slight contact from Soumare sends the Portuguese midfielder flying in the air and rolling another twenty yards down the pitch.Copy linkCopiedFulham 1-0 Bournemouth40. Classic from Fulham.Under the cosh for most of the game, they force a corner and take the lead in West London.Pereira’s delivery picks out Jimenez who heads home to get the Craven Cottage crowd going.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Raul Jimenez (Fulham)Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Jordan Davies at Selhurst ParkAaron Ramsdale is still complaining about that Palace equaliser. Mateta certainly has a big shove on the former Arsenal keeper before Chalobah’s header bobbles over the line from the corner.Ramsdale has been having a good moan to himself with the ball up the other end, but he was called into action just now with a strong palm to deny Sarr and then getting behind an acrobatic overhead kick from Lerma.Copy linkCopiedEverton 0-1 Nott’m Forest37. If you wanted to ensure you didn’t get hit in the face by the ball at Goodison Park, the opposition goal seems the safest place to be.The Toffees really do not create enough chances.Forest have only had one shot on target in the game so far, but it seems enough to win this game currently.Colleen Rooney is in the stands for the game today and you start to wonder if she could be a better job than Broja up top.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedViiew from SunSport’s Andy Dillon at Craven CottageSOMETHING YOU don’t  see everyday. Bournemouth take shape for an attacking corner and play stops so that Fulham keeper Bernd Leno can have a drink of red bull from a tin beside his post.Leno points to his throat as if to suggest he has a sore throat. Odd.Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 1-1 Southampton34. It is going to be a close run thing this season to see who lets more in, The Saints or Southampton ferry terminal.As a Will Hughes cross comes into the box, Chalobah heads home from close range.Selhurst Park erupts into a cauldron of noise.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Trevor Chalobah (Crystal Palace)Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Jordan Davies at Selhurst ParkThe first Southampton goal of the Ivan Juric era is here and it was scored by the teenage sensation Tyler Dibling.Whisper it quietly, but for all the direct, back-to-front long balls Juric likes his side to execute, this opener was Russell Martin-esque.Lots of great passing on the deck, switching the play from right to left and ending with a brilliant, low cross flicked on by Adam Armstrong and tapped in by Dibling from a few yards out.This was meant to be the battle of the big men: Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta at 6ft4 vs Saints giant Paul Onuachu at 6ft7.But so far, it was a skinny teenager who has seemingly-doomed Southampton dreaming of just a second win in the Prem this term.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Andy Dillon at Craven CottageWHAT started at breakneck speed is now rather flat-footed. A chance each and not much else. Maybe the excitement of recent results – and Bournemouth’s absentee list – is catching up with them. Fulham are not taking advantage of eight players missing from the visiting line up.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Tom Barclay in North LondonWELL it would not be a Spurs game without plenty of incident and goals – and there has been more than enough for most games inside the first 23 minutes here.Wolves went 1-0 up through Hwang Hee-Chan’s excellent strike to have the away fans singing boss Vitor Pereira’s name from the stands.But then Rodrigo Bentancur levelled things up with a bullet header from Pedro Porro’s corner – the same routine that worked against Ipswich last month.Ange Postecoglou must have had his heart in his mouth though when back-up goalkeeper Fraser Forster went down clutching his left leg, though he is carrying on for now.Oh and Matheus Cunha has looked like a Champions League-level player with some of his touches.Copy linkCopiedFulham 0-0 Bournemouth28. It is the visitors who are dominating in West London.The Cherries have had all the possession and most of the attempts at goal in the opening half an hour.The Cottagers seem to using the same tactic they did against Chelsea, absorb all they can throw at us and try and hit them on the counter-attack.Copy linkCopied More

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      Fresh details of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s proposed Real Madrid transfer from Liverpool emerge including ‘secret pact’

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      REAL MADRID are closing in on the signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold, according to reports in Spain.The Liverpool defender has been heavily linked with a move away from Anfield with his contract up in the summer.Real Madrid are close to sealing Trent Alexander-Arnold’s signingCredit: EPAReal Madrid has been his rumoured destination for some time, and it is claimed Alexander-Arnold may have already agreed a transfer.Spanish outlet AS claim the move is almost complete with Real confident he will join at the end of the season.They wanted to secure a deal in January given their injuries, but they accept a summer transfer is the only option.The report adds Alexander-Arnold wants to leave Liverpool on a good note – not midway through a season when they lead the Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt has also been suggested Real Madrid have a secret pact to keep the transfer quiet once it has been completed next month, to avoid upsetting Liverpool.Reports from Spain have consistently linked Alexander-Arnold to the Bernabeu over the last few weeks, possibly under influence from Real Madrid.The LaLiga giants used the media to put pressure on moves for Aurelien Tchouameni, Kylian Mbappe and Antonio Rudiger, with the latter pair also joining on free transfers.Howver, reports from Merseyside offer a conflicting view, claiming no such transfer agreement has been reached.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThey claim that Alexander-Arnold has not given his word to Real, meaning his future remains up in the air.Respected transfer guru Fabrizio Romano makes the same claim, suggesting Liverpool could keep ahold of their star man as “nothing has been agreed”.Mo Salah provides huge update on Liverpool contract situation as he breaks Premier League record in Tottenham thrashing More

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      Aston Villa chiefs slam FA for upholding Duran’s three-game ban for red card and question ‘credibility’ of organisation

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      ASTON VILLA chiefs have accused the FA of lacking “credibility” after the club’s appeal against Jhon Duran’s red card was rejected.Manager Unai Emery was livid ref Anthony Taylor’s decision to send off the 12-goal Colombian striker for a Boxing Day stamp on Newcastle’s Fabian Schar was not overturned by VAR.Aston Villa’s appeal to overturn Jhon Duran’s red card has been rejectedCredit: GettyVilla have hit out at the FA, with Duran now set to miss three gamesCredit: AlamyDuran will now be forced to serve a three-match ban and Villa bigwigs Damian Vidagany and Monchi have let rip over “all these unfair decisions”.Former Villa star and club ambassador Ahmed Elmohamady also branded the FA’s rejection of their appeal “disgraceful.”Duran, 21, was given a straight red by Taylor in the 3-0 defeat at St James’ Park and will now miss tomorrow’s Prem game with Brighton, then a Leicester clash and an FA Cup third-round tie at home to West Ham.Villa’s director of football operations Vidagany stormed: “Three matches for Jhon Duran. You know what? The most damaged here is not Villa, it is the credibility of the ones that made this decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“We are going to keep fighting, nothing will destroy us and we will overcome all these unfair decisions. And we will behave like gentlemen.”And president of football operations Monchi posted: “We can understand a mistake, because to err is human, but to insist on the mistake only creates doubts about the system.“I came from a place [Sevilla] where the motto is ‘never surrender’.  We will continue fighting for our club.”And Elmohamady also posted: “It’s absolutely disgraceful, it was never a red in the first place.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe PGMOL insist VAR Graham Scott agreed with Taylor’s decision.But Emery moaned: “I can accept the other team asking for a red card. But VAR please!Aston Villa to build Premier League’s largest beer hall as they announce stunning redevelopment plans next to stadium Damian Vidagany and Monchi hit out at the FA for not reversing Duran’s redCredit: GettyNewcastle legend Alan Shearer reckons it was not a red card for DuranCredit: Getty“His reaction after was ‘Sorry, sorry’. I don’t think he kicked him on purpose.“It’s a very big punishment for this action.”Emery was backed by ex-Toon ace Alan Shearer, who called the red  card “harsh”, saying Duran lost his balance after twisting his left ankle before making contact with Schar. More

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      Arsenal and Man City ‘dream’ of signing midfielder who rejected Liverpool but Reds have not given up hope

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      ARSENAL and Manchester City could battle for Martin Zubimendi next month, according to reports.The midfielder has caught the eye of Europe’s top clubs with his performances for Real Sociedad and Spain.Arsenal and Man City want to sign Martin ZubimendiCredit: GettyMan City are in the market for a defensive midfielder with key man Rodri out for the season.Arsenal are also understood to be interested in Zubimendi, who reportedly turned down a summer move to Liverpool.Fabrizio Romano revealed the clubs who are monitoring the 25-year-old, though explained why a January move could prove tricky.He told Men in Blazers: “There is a player who is a dream target for all the top clubs around Europe – for Liverpool, Man City, Arsenal and many others – it’s Martin Zubimendi.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“They all want to sign Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, the real point is that Zubimendi at the moment is still not opening the door to a January exit.“Next summer could be different but for January the situation is still quiet around him so I’m not sure it will be possible.”Zubimendi is believed to have a £51.7million buyout clause in his Sociedad contract, although even if that is triggered it could prove difficult to persuade the Spaniard to leave.He said earlier this year: “The best solution is staying. I want to grow and develop here.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever sources insist Zubimendi has had a change of heart and is keen to play in the Premier League after all.And that has put City on high alert.Mikel Arteta reveals Bukayo Saka is set to miss months after surgery as he gives injury update on Arsenal star More