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    Jack Grealish tipped for stunning return to former club as ‘very good friend’ says ‘it would have to be right for him’

    JACK GREALISH has been tipped to make a shock return to Aston Villa.The 29-year-old swapped his boyhood club for Manchester City in a £100million deal back in 2021.Jack Grealish has been tipped to leave City for VillaCredit: ReutersHenri Lansbury reckons Grealish will one day look to return to Villa ParkCredit: GettySince joining Pep Guardiola’s side, Grealish has won three Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the Champions League.But a difficult season last term saw him fail to land a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024.He has also struggled to nail down a spot in the City side this season, being named in the starting XI just six times amid injury issues.Grealish’s “very good friend” and former team-mate Henri Lansbury reckons he could benefit by moving back to Villa.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said at the launch of Ladbrokes’ Gaffer of all Accas: “The Man City move was an unreal one for Jack. He deserves every bit of success. “But now that he is there, you can’t forget you’re putting him in a team where, whoever they are coming up against, they are putting 11 men and their dog behind the ball. “When he was in the Villa team, it was a case of ‘give it to Jack’ and let him do his thing. “It’s a totally different thing for him now, but I think he’s been fantastic. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I am honestly so happy for him. He is one of the nicest kids you will ever meet, and he’s also a very good friend of mine. “But this is just a totally different playing style under Guardiola. Jack Grealish owes Trent Alexander-Arnold £500 as he’s made to regret wager within seconds during England clash”You see him do bits here and there, and he will still get assists and goals, but I’m sure he will want to do more himself. “In terms of an Aston Villa return… I think it’s something he would want to do.”But it would have to be when the time is right for him.”It remains to be seen whether Grealish will one day return to Villa Park and whether they could afford him after PSR battles in the summer.But it might not take much to convince him to come home as they are currently flying high in the Premier League and Champions League under Unai Emery. More

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    Fears Cole Palmer will miss Arsenal clash as he’s absent from Chelsea training after Martinez’s horror challenge

    COLE PALMER remains a doubt for Chelsea’s crunch home clash against rivals Arsenal on Sunday.The Blues’ brightest spark Palmer is yet to train this week after he was cut down by Lisandro Martinez in Chelsea’s drab 1-1 draw with Man Utd.Lisandro Martinez escaped a red card for his high tackle on Cole PalmerThe challenge could gave caused a serious injuryPalmer hasn’t trained with Chelsea this weekCredit: GettyIn stoppage time, Red Devils defender Martinez lived up to his “Butcher” name after he lunged into a tackle with Blues playmaker Palmer and caught him on the knee with this studs.Martinez escaped a red card following a review by VAR after Robert Jones’ initial on-field decision of a yellow card was upheld.Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was fuming with the decision and confirmed that Palmer was handed an ice pack in the dressing room.Palmer has not trained since the reckless challenge.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe club organised a precautionary scan for the England star to get official confirmation ahead of their meeting with Arsenal.But there could be an easy explanation for Palmer’s absence at Cobham.Palmer was never going to be involved in Thursday night’s Conference League tie due to not being named in the squad for the league phase.Nevertheless Maresca has offered some clarity in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday ahead of their clash against FC Noah.Most read in FootballEnzo Maresca was left fuming as Martinez avoided a red cardFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAsked if playing Palmer on Sunday would be a risk, Maresca said: “Yes, for sure. He didn’t train the last two days.”Hopefully he can be fit. The tackle, it is quite clear it was not a normal one. Hopefully he can be back.Cole Palmer’s reaction to being compared to Zola will make you feel old as fans say ‘he actually said that out loud?'”Cole didn’t train yesterday, we will see today if he is able to train with us. “Will he be fit for Arsenal? We hope so, we need to wait and seen and then decide.”Jadon Sancho, the summer signing from United, remains unavailable after suffering a knock in training.While Palmer’s absence would no doubt be huge, several stars could now be handed their chance at impressing in his place.One of those is Joao Felix, who is yet to start in the Premier League since rejoining the club for £45m from Atletico Madrid over the summer. Maresca said: “I feel a shame about Joao, but not only about Joao.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I would like to give him more minutes in the Premier League. We need defensive balance.”We cannot play with Joao, Cole and Christopher Nkunku. I like to put all of them on the pitch but then you also have to defend.”Chelsea player ratings vs Man UtdCHELSEA came from a goal down to rescue a point at Old Trafford.Robert Sanchez brought down Rasmus Hojlund with 20 minutes remaining and Bruno Fernandes rolled in what looked to be a decisive spot kick.But Chelsea hit back swiftly as Moises Caicedo’s sweet strike flew into the bottom corner.Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield saw the performances of the Chelsea players in the 1-1 draw…Robert Sanchez – 3Made a few really good saves in the first half, and was much improved after a poor performance last time out against Newcastle.That was until he gave away a reckless penalty on Rasmus Hojlund, which was easily dispatched by Bruno Fernandes.His mistakes are starting to cost Chelsea time after time.Malo Gusto – 2Got in good positions in the first half, but was often wasteful when he got there.Was booked for a late challenge on Manuel Ugarte, before being hooked for Cucurella at half-time after an awful overall showing.Wesley Fofana – 6A strong performance at the back was marred only by the Frenchman letting Rasmus Hojlund escape him before winning a penalty for his side.Showed brilliant recovery pace throughout the game, and made some crucial challenges too.Levi Colwill – 6That was a strong defensive showing from the Chelsea number 6.For a player with a passing range as impressive as his is, it would’ve been nice to see him use it more as Chelsea looked for a goal.Reece James – 5Improved this week, but still showed signs of rustiness as he gave the ball away in dangerous positions a few times.More effective on the right side in Malo Gusto’s position, and more comfortable there as expected with Marc Cucurella on the left.Another 90 minutes in the tank is fantastic news for Chelsea fans.Moises Caicedo – 9Scored a certain contender for goal of the month with a sensational volley from the edge of the box to level the scoring for his side.Effective in breaking up play for the Blues once more, and showed why he is worthy of the £100m price tag Chelsea paid for him.Romeo Lavia – 8Another impressive midfield performance from the Belgian, who shows prowess beyond his years on and off the ball.Seems the perfect pivot partner for Moises Caicedo, and people need to start talking about how Manchester City let him go for peanuts.Noni Madueke – 6Unfortunate to hit the post in the 13th minute with a header following a corner.Worked hard defensively throughout the game too, but was unable to really put his creative abilities to the test.Cole Palmer – 7In the first half, his signature ‘Palmer touch’ got the away supporters off their feet, and he was Chelsea’s most creative outlet on the day.Unable to add another goal or assist to his impressive tally this season, but still had a solid showing.Pedro Neto – 5Showed flashes of brilliance on the left-hand side, and came close with a shot across goal in the second half.Was moved to the right-hand side in the second half, but it was much of the same from there.Nicolas Jackson – 5Pretty invisible up front for Chelsea today.Worked hard and tracked back well when required to, but fans were left confused as to why Christopher Nkunku was left on the bench.In fairness to him, could’ve had an assist if Enzo Fernandez could finish his dinner.SubsMarc Cucurella (for Gusto, 46 mins) – 5A solid showing on the left-hand side. Chelsea look a better team with him in the 11.Mykhailo Mudryk (for Madueke, 70 mins) – 4Tried to light things up on the left hand side, but his spark wasn’t enough to win the game for his side.Enzo Fernandez (for Lavia, 70 mins) – 2Missed an absolute sitter which would have won his team the game after coming on. Looks very short on confidence.Click here to read more Chelsea stories. More

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    Viktor Gyokeres has gentleman’s agreement with Sporting that could see him join Man Utd in bargain transfer

    VIKTOR GYOKERES could be up for grabs for around £63million in the summer – putting Manchester United on red alert.Sporting Lisbon’s Swedish forward enhanced his reputation with a hat-trick against City on Tuesday night.Viktor Gyokeres could be available for a cut-price dealCredit: GettyHe has a release clause in his deal at the José Alvalade Stadium which is set at around £84m and expires in 2028.However the former Coventry man is believed to have a gentleman’s agreement with the Portuguese club that will allow him to go for much less if he sees the season out with them.Sporting would look for around £67m but could accept as little as £63m.And that is likely to interest a host of Prem giants – including United, Arsenal and Chelsea.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHis outgoing boss Ruben Amorim ruled out taking him with him to United in January – but said he does expect the forward to look for a new challenge in the summer.He said: “I’ve just made peace with the Sporting fans so I’m not even going to make a joke about it.“Gyokeres is a Sporting player and it’s is a great club, he did a lot for the club. He just has to stay and finish the season at the club.”After scoring 66 goals in 67 appearances he is certain to be in demand and there is already interest from Saudi Arabia.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRuben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.But United are likely to be in the market for a number nine after struggling for goals during the opening months of this season.Gyokeres admitted it is a blow for his current club to be losing Amorim.Dimitar Berbatov tips Viktor Gyokeres to follow Ruben Amorim to Man Utd He said: “We will miss him a lot. We’ve done amazing things together.“We have to look forward and attack the next challenge ahead of us.” More

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    Man Utd fans in meltdown over ‘Amorim way’ as video of Sporting scoring sublime goal from kick-off against City emerges

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans are buzzing over the ‘Amorim way’ after Sporting’s sensational team goal against Man City.Sporting thrashed Pep Guardiola’s side to inflict a third defeat in a row for the Citizens – their worst run for six years.Sporting scored a goal directly from kick-offPedro Goncalves produced a clever piece of skill to help set up the moveCredit: TNTMaximiliano Araujo finished off the move by firing past EdersonCredit: TNTViktor Gyokeres stole the limelight with a hat-trick, but it was Maximiliano Araujo’s goal which captured United fans’ attention.It came immediately after half-time with the scoreline 1-1 after Gyokeres cancelled out Phil Foden’s early opener.From kick-off Sporting played the ball back to centre-back Ousmane Diomande, a £70million United transfer target, who then started a brilliant passing move.Sporting moved the ball quickly from defence to midfield and Pedro Goncalves dropped his shoulder brilliantly to deceive Mateo Kovacic.READ MORE ON MAN UTDA clever run from Gyokeres dragged a defender away from his team-mate, with Goncalves moving into acres of space as he dribbled closer to goal.He then slipped in Araujo who had also made a brilliant run, and the midfielder made no mistake with the finish as he fired beyond Ederson.City were caught off guard, a rarity for them, and United fans are excited to see similar football under Amorim at Old Trafford.One fan reacted saying: “His way.. the Amorim way.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother added: “That’s Amorim ball.”A third wrote: “Now it’s Man United Way 😁”Man Utd fans cry ‘please, not you as well’ as Ruben Amorim copies Ten Hag’s worrying comments after Sporting beat City And another commented: “We hope this is what he’s bringing to Manchester United.”Amorim has built a reputation for free-flowing attacking football at Sporting with his side scoring 52 goals in 17 games this season.However, fans of the Red Devils who expect to see the same football at Old Trafford could be in for a shock.Amorim last night said: “We cannot transport one reality to another.”Manchester United cannot play the way we play, and we will have to adapt.”Some thought the Portuguese boss sounded like Erik ten Hag with his warning. More

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    John Dempsey dead at 78: Chelsea legend who won FA Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup dies as tributes pour in

    CHELSEA legend John Dempsey has died aged 78.The former defender spent nine years at Stamford Bridge between 1969 and 1978.Chelsea legend John Dempsey passed away at the age of 78Credit: AlamyThe former defender played 207 times for the BluesCredit: Rex FeaturesThat saw him lift the FA Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in back-to-back seasons for the Blues. In fact, the centre-back scored “one of the crispest volleys seen from a Chelsea player” as the Blues beat Real Madrid 2-1 in the 1971 final replay in Greece. In total, he scored seven goals in 207 games for the club, having joined from West London rivals Fulham where he started his career.Chelsea announced his sad passing on Wednesday morning.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe club said: “It is with tremendous sadness that Chelsea Football Club announces the passing of our former centre-back and FA Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup winner John Dempsey. He was 78.”All at Chelsea send our heartfelt condolences to John’s wife Trish and all his family and friends at this difficult time.”Dempsey had stints with the Serbian White Eagles and Philadelphia Fury in North America before finishing his career as player-manager at Dundalk in Ireland in 1984.Born in London, he represented the Republic of Ireland 19 times.Most read in FootballThe defender became the first Irish player to be sent off in a World Cup qualifier when he saw red against Hungary before the 1970 tournament.After his time in football, Dempsey spent time working as a carer supporting adults with autism and learning difficulties in North London. How Ruud van Nistelrooy’s ‘donut solution’ kicked off Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd revolution earlyJohn Dempsey’s careerPOSITIONCentre-backCLUB CAREER1964–1969 Fulham 149 league games (4 league goals)1969–1978 Chelsea 166 (4)1976 Serbian White Eagles1978–1980 Philadelphia Fury 81 (2)1983–1984 Dundalk 10 (0)Total 404 (10)INTERNATIONAL CAREER1966–1972 Republic of Ireland 19 (1)TROPHIESFA Cup: 1969–70European Cup Winners’ Cup: 1970–71MANAGERIAL CAREER1976 Serbian White Eagles1982 Maidenhead United1983–1984 DundalkEgham TownSource: WikipediaTributes poured in from the footballing world for Dempsey following his passing. One fan said: “Sorry to hear about the death of John Dempsey. A very underrated centre-half and as most of you will know a particular favourite of mine for his iconic hairstyles.”A second wrote: “Rest in peace legend.”A third added: “With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Chelsea legend John Dempsey. His legacy on the field and his contributions to our club will never be forgotten. “Our deepest condolences to John’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”A fourth typed: “A true Chelsea legend who will never be forgotten.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd a fifth replied: “Really sad to hear that Chelsea’s legendary 1970s centre-back John Dempsey has died. “My ex-wife’s sister worked for the Philadelphia Fury team when he played there and stayed close to him. As a result I got to chat to him and found him to be a lovely, warm, humble man.”Dempsey started out at Fulham before making the short switch across West LondonCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe scored in the final of the 1971 European Cup Winners’ Cup against Real MadridCredit: PA:Empics SportDempsey worked for local charities and supporting adults with autism and learning difficulties after footballCredit: Rex Features More

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    Ruben Amorim reveals when Viktor Gyokeres will leave Sporting Lisbon as new Man Utd boss drops major transfer update

    NEW Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has dropped a major hint about Viktor Gyokeres’ future at Sporting Lisbon.Reports have suggested that the former Championship star, now one of the most-sought after strikers in Europe, could follow Amorim to Old Trafford.Viktor Gyokeres continued his fine goalscoring streak in Sporting’s 4-1 win over Man CityRuben Amorim then dropped a hint over the Swedish international’s future at the clubThe Swedish forward, 26, scored a second half hat-trick as Sporting thrashed Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League, as Erling Haaland, who missed a penalty at 3-1, had to settle for second place in the battle of the strikers.It brings his goal tally to 23 in 17 games for the season and 66 in 67 since arriving in Portugal from Coventry for around £20million last year.Amorim, 39, is set to bring most of his young coaching staff when he starts life at Carrington on November 11.But with United in dire need of a 25-plus goalscoring striker, it remains to be seen whether Gyokeres will come along too.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut Amorim has broken his silence on the matter and revealed that he expects Gyokeres to leave Sporting in the near future.He told Portuguese outlet A Bola: “If I start joking about this Gyokeres situation I’ll get in trouble.”This is my city, this is my country, so I’ll respect it. “Viktor has to stay until the end of the season and then his life will probably go somewhere else.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThough a January move appears to be off the table, Amorim appeared to hint that he could launch a summer move for Gyokeres.Earlier in the night, United legend Rio Ferdinand tipped Gyokeres to follow Amorim to United.Man Utd fans cry ‘please, not you as well’ as Ruben Amorim copies Ten Hag’s worrying comments after Sporting beat City United don’t want to get into the territory of bringing in a mass influx of players from a new manager’s former club, after the chaos caused by signing six former Ajax players who starred under Erik ten Hag in Holland. Ferdinand said: “The recruitment teams in all the clubs in the Prem must be scratching their heads about how they let him get away.”He hasn’t had a conventional route, his route to the top hasn’t been straightforward.”He has had a journey where he has had to build himself and create what he is now.”Gyokeres has an £85million release clause in his contract, which expires in June 2028.But according to Sky Germany, that will be reduced at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Sweden international’s market value is steadily increasing, with it thought to be around £70million.Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City are among the other clubs interested.Gyokeres scored 38 goals in 91 appearances for Coventry More

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    Howard Webb officially confirms VAR decision that ‘got Ten Hag sacked’ by Man Utd was wrong

    REFS’ chief Howard Webb has conceded the penalty decision that sealed Erik ten Hag’s fate at Manchester United WAS wrong.When United played at West Ham on October 27, VAR Michael Oliver recommended that match referee David Coote go to the monitor after Hammers striker Danny Ings went down in the box following an 87th-minute skirmish with Matthijs de Ligt.Howard Webb has admitted penalty should not have been given for the challenge on IngsCredit: RexThe decision contributed to Ten Hag’s sackingCredit: GettyWest Ham were not appealing for a penalty but to the disbelief of De Ligt and his team-mates, Coote reversed his decision and pointed to the spot.Jarrod Bowen smashed home the penalty, sending United plunging to their fourth Prem defeat of the season and Ten Hag was sacked the next morning.Now it has emerged that PGMOL chief Webb accepted Oliver should not have intervened and urged Coote to overturn his decision.And the Prem’s Key Match Incident panel — made up of former players, managers and referees — are also believed to have determined the final decision was an error and the initial call should have stood.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe revelation will add fuel to Ten Hag’s fire after he was left furious by the crucial incident, suggesting it was the second shocker his side had suffered this season.Ten Hag also referred to Bruno Fernandes’ red card during the 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham in September — which was overturned by the FA on appeal — as a critical call that wrongly went against his United team.However, Ten Hag did not mention Lisandro Martinez’s two-footed tackle in the goalless draw at Crystal Palace the previous weekend.Many experts suggested that the defender should have been dismissed rather than merely booked.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEven so, Webb’s admission, which is expected to be made public in a week during the next edition of the monthly Mic’d Up refereeing review show, will only serve to justify Ten Hag’s feeling that he was the victim of poor calls which ultimately cost him his job.Particularly after the Premier League claimed sufficient contact was made on Ings.’Ruben Amorim feels like Erik ten Hag all over again – Man Utd missed out on the perfect coach who’s done it already’ says Paul Scholes A statement after the match said: “The referee did not award a penalty to West Ham for a challenge by De Ligt on Ings.”The VAR deemed there was sufficient contact on Ings’ lower leg and recommended an on-field review.”The referee overturned his original decision and awarded a penalty.” More

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    How key Man Utd figure let Viktor Gyokeres go for just £1m before Sporting star became Europe’s most in-demand striker

    VIKTOR GYOKERES has gone from an unwanted £1million man to the most sought-after striker in European football.The Swedish forward, 26, scored a hat-trick as Sporting Lisbon thrashed Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League.Viktor Gyokeres has already scored 23 goals this seasonCredit: AlamyIt brings his goal tally to 23 in 17 games for the season and 66 in 67 since arriving in Portugal from Coventry for around £20million last year.Gyokeres’ Sporting manager Ruben Amorim is preparing to leave for Manchester United after being announced as Erik ten Hag’s successor.Amorim, 39, will begin his reign at Old Trafford on November 11 – with Gyokeres being heavily linked with joining him in Manchester.But it was a Man Utd chief who was a key figure in selling the striker for just £1m three years ago.READ MORE ON MAN UTDDan Ashworth, now the Red Devils’ sporting director, sanctioned a deal for Gyokeres to leave Brighton and join Coventry for the tiny sum back in 2021.He played just eight games for the Seagulls and scored only one goal.After a loan spell with Coventry, Gyokeres joined them permanently for the seven-figure fee and went on to score 40 times in 97 games.His goals fired the Championship side to the play-off final which they lost to Luton.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut his impressive form attracted interest from Sporting – who have now seen him become one of the best attackers in Europe.It is estimated Man Utd will have to pay in the region of £85m if they are to bring him to Old Trafford.Watch Ruben Amorim celebrate with guard of honour as Sporting Lisbon boss narrowly avoids nasty bumps accidentAnd Amorim has already ruled out a move for him in the January window.He said: “Gyokeres is a Sporting player, which is a great club, he did a lot for it, he was in the second division.”He just has to stay and finish the season at Marques.”Meanwhile, Gyokeres also recently responded to being linked with Man Utd.He said: “I don’t know, I’m here. I really like being here, it’s not something I think about. I’m enjoying it here.”Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More