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      Meet Wes Okoduwa, 16, who has already been on Wolves bench in Premier League and was Man Utd AND Chelsea transfer target

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      WES OKODUWA has already made a huge impression in the youth ranks at Wolves – and this is why Manchester United and Chelsea made a move for the defender in the summer. Both United and the Blues were told that there was no way the 16-year-old full-back would be allowed to leave as Wolves want their homegrown star to remain in the West Midlands.Wes Okoduwa is a teenage sensation hoping to break through at WolvesCredit: GettySunSport featured Okoduwa last season on the front of the Goals supplementHOW DO THEY PLAY AND WHO DO THEY REMIND YOU OF?Due to the fact he is so young, Okoduwa is still growing. But he is already a formidable right-back, with pace and power his biggest attributes. He is terrific at defending in one-on-one situations so the best comparison is Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is now at West Ham.In March, Okoduwa was on the bench for Wolves’ Premier League game at Newcastle.  READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHad he featured, he would have been the club’s youngest-ever player.The following month, he was also an unused substitute at home to Arsenal. On both occasions, the youngster was taken out of school to prepare for the game.He stayed on the bench for subsequent Premier League matches.Most read in FootballTELL US ABOUT THEIR RISEOkoduwa was born in New York to Nigerian parents but he moved to Wolverhampton at an early age and has been with the club since he was 10.He has played for England’s Under-16s and is now due to be part of the U17s set-up this season – although he has also been invited to train with the United States.His father, Emmanuel, made one senior appearance for Nigeria and also played club football in Ukraine. He’s trained very well, he’s physically very goodWolves boss Gary O’NeilWHAT ARE THE EXPERTS SAYING? After the home game with Arsenal, Wolves boss Gary O’Neil said: “I hope he’s had more fun with us than he would have in science!“He’s trained very well, he’s physically very good. It’s probably slightly too early in his development but it’s the situation we’re in.”WHAT DO THE NEXT 12 MONTHS HOLD? Okoduwa will have to wait until next May before he turns 17, which is when he can sign his first professional contract.He started playing for Wolves’ U21s aged 15 and will continue to remain with the group while training in and around the first-team.Maybe next summer – or in 18 months’ time – the teen sensation might look to be loaned to an EFL side for a taste of first-team action.Wolves obviously rate him highly, otherwise he would have not been allowed anywhere near the first team.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut he is incredibly young, particularly for a defender. So Wolves know it will be in their interests to handle him with care.There is no reason, however, why he could not get a glimpse of first-team action this season – maybe even as a sub in one of the cups.The defender warming up before a Premier League match against Bournemouth last seasonCredit: GettyOkoduwa hard at work during a pre-season training camp in MarbellaCredit: GettyThe right-back playing for England Under-16s – but he could also represent the USA and NigeriaCredit: GettyChanges to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      Enzo Fernandez set to escape FA punishment for racism storm despite Bentancur facing 12-game ban for Son comments

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      ENZO FERNANDEZ is set to escape punishment from the FA for his Argentina racism storm.However, the Chelsea midfielder could still be charged for the incident which marred their Copa America celebrations.Enzo Fernandez is set to escape FA punishment over his Argentina racism stormCredit: Instagram @enzojfernandezFernandez could still be charged by Fifa after filming himself chanting racist and homophobic slursCredit: PAFernandez was caught on video chanting racist and homophobic slurs after the Copa America final in July.The chants were aimed at members of the France squad during Argentina’s title celebrations following their win over Colombia.He later apologised to his Chelsea team-mates face-to-face on their pre-season tour of the USA.Meanwhile, Fernandez has captained the Blues in each of their opening three Premier League matches this season.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSThe FA have now deemed his racism case a Fifa matter and opted not to charge the 23-year-old.Fernandez could still be punished by Fifa, though, with legal officials in Zurich awaiting an update from Conmebol.It is understood that the world governing body will then decide if they need to take disciplinary action.The FA’s decision comes after Tottenham’s Rodrigo Bentancur was charged over comments he made about team-mate Heung-min Son.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBack in June, Bentancur suggested all South Korean people “look the same” during a Uruguayan TV interview.He has been charged with breaching FA Rule E3 as “he acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or brought the game into disrepute”.Bentancur charged by FA over Son commentsMatches Rodrigo Bentancur could missRODRIGO BENTANCUR has until next Thursday to respond to the FA charge.Here is a list of the games he could potentially miss if he receives a maximum ban:Brentford (h)Man Utd (a)Brighton (a)West Ham (h)Crystal Palace (a)(Carabao Cup 4th round)Aston Villa (h)Ipswich (h)Man City (a)Fulham (h)Bournemouth (a)Chelsea (h)Southampton (aBentancur apologised to Son after the incident, with the Spurs forward forgiving him and insisting he made a mistake.The former Juventus star could now face a minimum six-match ban, with the maximum suspension being 12 games.He has been given until September 19 to respond to the FA charge.Tottenham’s Rodrigo Bentancur could be banned for 12 matches after being charged by the FACredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal star Jorginho, 32, reveals shock retirement plan and admits ‘I’m in trouble’ after getting taste for new job

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      ARSENAL ace Jorginho revealed he is planning to transition to coaching after his retirement.The 32-year-old has become a key figure in the Gunners’ dressing room ever since his arrival from rivals Chelsea in January 2023.Arsenal ace Jorginho is planning to pursue coaching after his retirementCredit: GettyJorginho was initially against becoming a manager but Arsenal changed his mindCredit: GettyAnd the new surroundings at the Emirates changed his mind on something he was adamantly against for many years.The midfielder insisted that he doesn’t want to become a manager once he rolls credits on his career.Arsenal chiefs asked him if he wanted to pursue coaching badges upon his arrival and he initially declined as he stayed true to his previous assertions. The Italy international, however, ultimately caved in and started gaining his credentials.Read More on ArsenalAnd the ex-Napoli star soon found himself “in trouble” as he ended up enjoying the experience and now looks set to follow in the footsteps of his current boss Mikel Arteta.Jorginho told the Seaman Says podcast: “Because of how I am and how much I love the game, my friends back home, my family, since I was 18 or 19, they were always like, ‘You’re going to be a coach’.”And I was like, ‘No way, I want to be involved in football, but no hope or chance I’ll be a coach’.”Then I came to Arsenal and they asked me if you wanted to do badges and I said, ‘No, I don’t want to be a coach’.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”After some encouragement I did them and in the first session I was saying, ‘Oh no why did I do this, now I’m in trouble’. And I think I I’ll go for it [a coaching career] now.”To be on the pitch, with the players, I fell in love with it. It was so satisfying, when you see things coming up and working out how you expected, it was so good.Former Chelsea team-mates Mason Mount and Jorginho embrace after Man Utd’s pre-season defeat to Arsenal “Being on the pitch, seeing the stuff there is different, but it’s really good.”Jorginho has amassed a total of one goal and three assists in 52 appearances at Arsenal.The Italian is likely to start on Sunday’s North London Derby at Tottenham as Declan Rice is suspended, Mikel Merino is injured and captain Martin Odegaard poses as a major doubt. More

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      Former Newcastle star Dwight Gayle, 34, returns to football with new club after playing friendlies for free agent XI

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      PREMIER LEAGUE cult hero Dwight Gayle has joined Hibernian on a one-year deal.The 34-year-old has been without a club since leaving Derby at the end of last season.Dwight Gayle has signed for Scottish side HibsCredit: X @HibernianFCGayle spent six years at NewcastleCredit: GettyHe has kept fit over the summer by playing for a PFA side dubbed “unemployed XI”.The players association invited several free agents to train together and feature in friendlies as a team.Gayle starred alongside Ravel Morrison and Carl Jenkinson in the side.And the matches have helped convince Scottish outfit Hibs to hand him a contract.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLManager David Gray said: “It’s great to be able to bring Dwight to the club.”He’s performed at a top-level throughout his career and has a real desire to show his abilities here in Scotland.”He’s a different type of striker to what we currently have in the building. “He’s a real penalty box type of striker, a great finisher, and his experience will be of great benefit to us.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGayle joined Crystal Palace in 2013 and scored 25 goals in 74 appearances for the club.His time at Selhurst Park is best remembered by the two goals he netted to cost Liverpool the title in 2014.Premier League stadium given subtle makeover during international breakWho are these famous footballers?Gayle also spent six on the books of Newcastle, scoring 34 times.In recent years, he has been in the Championship with Stoke and League One with Derby. More

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      Former Premier League star names manager who could solve Man Utd’s problems but warns Zidane would reject club

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      MANCHESTER UNITED need to bring in Thomas Tuchel as their new manager as he is the “solution” to their problems.That is according to Premier League hero William Gallas, who suggested Tuchel, 51, could succeed at United just like he did at Chelsea.Zinedine Zidane won’t join Manchester United, insists William GallasCredit: GettyGallas claims Thomas Tuchel would be the ‘solution’ at Man UtdCredit: GettyMan Utd boss Erik ten Hag is already under fire after a poor startCredit: GettyGallas believes Tuchel would succeed at Man Utd like he did at ChelseaCredit: GettyThe Red Devils are off to a slow start, losing two of their three opening Premier League games and manager Erik ten Hag is already under fire.Ten Hag barely managed to hold on to the top job last season thanks to his FA Cup triumph over rivals Manchester City, but he revealed club chiefs informed him they looked for a replacement.The Dutchman even admitted that Tuchel was among his bosses’ top candidates.Gallas believes the German tactician would be able to turn things around at Old Trafford if he got at least two years in charge.Read More on Man UtdThe ex-Bayern Munich boss, who is now a free agent, won the Champions League in his first season with the Blues in 2021 as well as the Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup.Gallas told Gambling Zone: “Thomas Tuchel could be the solution to Manchester United’s problems.”If he came into the club and was given time, given two years to create his team, the club would be in a completely different position to the one it is in now.”At Chelsea Tuchel was very organised, the players respected him and he won the Champions League as well as a couple of other trophies, you can see why he was a success and maybe he wasn’t given enough time to Chelsea to turn things around.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGallas, though, is adamant that United should completely forget Zinedine Zidane as a potential successor to Ten Hag.The ex-Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham ace insists Zidane won’t be keen on the job because he can’t speak English and has his eyes fixed on France’s national team.’Will you let me finish’ snaps Gary Neville live on Sky Sports as Man Utd legend refuses to answer Carragher’s questionGallas added: “Manchester United fans should forget about Zinedine Zidane, he won’t take the job and the main reason is that he doesn’t speak English.”He won’t want to put himself in that situation where he would need to learn the language and I think that’s fair. “He needs the players to understand what he expects from them and to have that relationship where he can have fun and joke around. “He won’t accept the job if an offer came in and I don’t think we will see him in the Premier League any time soon.”I think he is still waiting for the France national team job. He won everything there is to win with Real Madrid and he only has one job on his mind now.”Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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      Man Utd were chasing alternative to Joshua Zirkzee ‘right up until moment he signed’ in move for in-demand £25m striker’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED reportedly explored a £25million move for Jonathan David as an alternative to Joshua Zirkzee.The Dutch striker completed a £36m switch to United from Bologna after Euro 2024.Man Utd pursued a deal for Lille striker Jonathan David this summerCredit: GettyUnited only gave up the ghost after completing a move for Jonathan ZirkzeeCredit: GettyHe’s already made an impact after scoring the winner on his debut against Fulham.And the future looks bright for Zirkzee as he gets finishing tips off compatriot and Old Trafford legend Ruud van Nistelrooy.However, the ace almost didn’t join United this summer.ESPN claims the Red Devils explored several other options while they lined up a deal for Zirkzee.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne of those was Ivan Toney, who eventually left Brentford for Al-Hilal on deadline day.But he was deemed too expensive by United’s hierarchy, despite his move to Saudi Arabia only ending up £4m more than Zirkzee’s switch.Another player in Ten Hag’s sights was Jonathan David, who was also linked with Chelsea.The Canadian was valued at £25m by Lille, making him a tempting option.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd United reportedly explored a deal all the way until Zirkzee signed his Old Trafford contract.It remains to be seen if they return for David in January though.Watch frosty moment between Liverpool star Van Dijk and Man Utd striker Zirkzee in tunnel before Holland clashDavid vs Zirkzee – the statsJonathan DavidGames: 189International Games: 56International Goals: 29Trophies: Ligue 1, Champions TrophyJoshua ZirkzeeGames: 161International Games: 3International Goals: 1Trophies: Bundesliga, Champions League, German Cup, German Super Cup x2, Uefa Super CupUnited offloaded Jadon Sancho to Chelsea before the transfer window slammed shut.While Antony is struggling for minutes and Rasmus Hojlund is yet to find full fitness.David is capable of playing across the entire front three.His contract also expires next summer.And it means David could be available for a bargain fee in January should any suitors come forward.Inter Milan and Juventus have already made contact, with the Italians giants ready to offer pre-contracts for a free transfer in 2025.But David could find it hard to resist the lure of the Premier League. More

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      Ex-Premier League star on trial accused of smuggling TWO TONS of cocaine as he’s called ‘major player in drugs world’

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      FORMER Premier League star Ronnie Stam has gone on trial – accused of smuggling TWO TONS of cocaine.And the former Wigan defender is also being investigated for alleged money laundering, together with four family members.Ronnie Stam is on trial accused of smuggling two tons of cocaineCredit: GettyStam was part of Wigan’s FA Cup-winning run in 2013Credit: Action Images – ReutersStam, 40, spent three top-flight seasons with the Latics.  He took part in their FA Cup-winning run in 2013, although missed their 1-0 final win over Manchester City.But Dutch police arrested him in June on suspicion of drug offences in 2021 and 2022.  He has been on remand since then.And a court in Breda on Thursday heard that Stam had been involved in trafficking 2,217 kilos of cocaine.A prosecutor told the hearing: “This case concerns hundreds of kilos of cocaine each time.Read More on Football”I contend that Stam was a major player in the drugs world.”Stam was not in court to hear the accusations.  He must appear before a judge on November 28.The player’s parents, brother and girlfriend were arrested alongside him in June under suspicion of the same offences after police reportedly cracked an encrypted messaging service.Cops later raided six homes and a camper van, finding €100,000 (£85,000) in cash.Most read in FootballThey seized the money, three properties, a yacht, three cars, six luxury watches and jewellery.Stam is the only family member still in custody.  His lawyer asked the court to provisionally release the ex-player.Dream Team Transfer Suggestions for Gameweek 4However the judge refused, voicing fears that Stam will flee to join his brother in Dubai.The footballer won the Dutch Eredivisie title with Twente under ex-England boss Steve McClaren in 2010.That helped him land a £2million move to the Premier League, where he made 73 appearances before leaving Wigan for Belgian side Standard Liege in 2013. More

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      Why Mikel Arteta’s new deal is brilliant for fans in the short-term but Arsenal should start looking for successor now

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      ARSENAL fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief.Mikel Arteta is here to stay, for now at least.Mikel Arteta has penned a new deal with Arsenal, keeping him at the club until 2027Credit: GettyThe Spaniard is determined to win the Premier LeagueCredit: PAArsenal narrowly missed out last seasonCredit: AlamyThe Spaniard has committed his future to the Gunners by penning a new three-year deal that will keep him in North London until 2027 and make him one of the highest-paid managers in England.He said: “I feel extremely proud, very excited and am looking forward to what is coming next. I’m proud to be where I am and have the relationships that I have with everyone at the club.”I feel extremely lucky to work every single day with good people and the ambition we have here. I feel very inspired, I feel challenged, I feel supported and I want to do much more than what we’ve already done together.”It is a statement of intent from sporting director Edu Gaspar and Co, with several clubs allegedly having considered poaching Arteta.Read More in FootballReports in Spain earlier this year claimed the 42-year-old was Barcelona’s top managerial target following the announcement of Xavi’s departure.They also suggested he was planning to LEAVE before the end of his contract.However, Arteta swiftly put the rumours to bed and insisted he still has “a lot to do” at Arsenal.In other words, he is determined to win the Premier League.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Gunners have come agonisingly close to lifting the trophy twice in the last two years.They ended the 2023-24 campaign just two points adrift of champions Manchester City following a dramatic final day.How Raheem Sterling can make huge difference to Arsenal’s seasonAnd it was a similar story the previous season.But Arteta has gradually built one of the best squads in Europe and established himself as a top coach.He now wants the accolades to match.Should he add to Arsenal’s trophy cabinet in the next three years, whether that be a Premier League trophy or even the Champions League gong, the Spaniard could see that as his job done.He came to the Emirates Stadium following a disastrous term under Unai Emery and, although it took some time, transformed the Gunners back into formidable challengers.But if he manages to achieve everything he initially set out to, what’s to stop him moving on?Although he dismissed rumours linking him to Barcelona, Arteta has admitted he would love to manage in Spain – his home country – one day.Back in May, he said: “I have always thought that one day I will return. “My home draws me a lot, our way of living, of getting together, the culture – and that means I always have it in my head.”But I am happy here, happy with how they treat me, and I really enjoy my job.”Someday I suppose it will come, I’m not going to be away for my whole life.”Arteta was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Man CityCredit: Getty – ContributorIf he is able to maintain his impressive record, it would be no surprise to see the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid attempt to lure him back to Spain.A return to Manchester City may even be on the cards, even though that would be a nightmare scenario for Arsenal fans.It would be the perfect example of the master passing the baton over to his apprentice.Arteta spent three years as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at the Etihad, winning two Premier League titles.With the 53-year-old’s City contract running down and concerns over his next move arising, Arteta could emerge as a strong target.After all, he would more than likely have Pep’s blessing.But on the other end of the spectrum, there is the risk – however small it may seem right now – that he perhaps outstays his welcome at the Emirates if things start to head south.Although he made history during his time at Arsenal by becoming the first – and only – manager to lead a team through a Premier League season undefeated, Arsene Wenger found himself almost forced out by the end of his 22-year tenure.The Gunners struggled to compete with their rivals in his last few seasons at the club, sparking a huge divide among fans.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhen Arteta does eventually step away, he will likely want to do it at the right time – especially if a lucrative offer comes in.Whether that be in 2027 or the years that follow, Edu may want to start earmarking future candidates now.Arsenal have a tricky start to the season More