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      Former England star Darren Bent branded ‘a horrible man’ after revealing his pick for WORST transfer of the summer

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      FORMER England striker Darren Bent was labelled a “horrible man” after naming Oliver Skipp the worst transfer of the summer.Midfielder Skipp, 23, joined newly-promoted Premier League side Leicester from Tottenham for £20million.Darren Bent named Oliver Skipp as the worst transfer of the summerCredit: YouTube/talkSPORTSkipp left Tottenham to join Leicester in a £20million dealCredit: GettyBut ex-Tottenham man Bent, 40, is unconvinced by the signing as he questioned what his contribution will be to Steve Cooper’s team.Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “Worst signing, Oliver Skipp, and I feel so bad saying that.”To which co-host Andy Goldstein jokingly replied: “Horrible man.”Justifying his selection, Bent added: “What am I supposed to do?READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I just think, £20million, is that what Leicester needed? Oliver Skipp and Harry Winks. Harry was good last year in the Championship.”The reason why I am not putting Dewsbury-Hall [to Chelsea] in there [is] because Chelsea have just thrown the money left, right and centre at loads of different players, so you almost get lost in it.”I am not saying he [Skipp] is a bad player. Leicester fans can tell me, when they signed Oliver Skipp, did they automatically think ‘right, yes, he gives us the best chance of staying up?’ Does he?”Skipp played 106 games for Tottenham, scoring one goal and providing two assists.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe came off the bench to make his debut in the Foxes’ 2-1 defeat to Fulham.He then made his first start for Leicester when they suffered a 2-1 loss at home to Aston Villa before the international break.PREM RULE CHANGESChanges 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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      Arsenal ace Riccardo Calafiori ‘leaves Italy camp and returns to London’ as injury fears deepen after freak collision

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      RICCARDO CALAFIORI has left the Italy national team camp and returned back to London.The Arsenal star picked up an injury on Friday after a freak collision during a Nations League clash.Riccardo Calafiori has left the Italy national team camp and returned back to LondonCredit: GettyThe Arsenal star suffered the injury during a Nations League clash against FranceCredit: GettyDembele caught Calafiori on the back of the knee as he landed after a clash with Italy’s Alessandro BastoniThe Italian will head back to the capital to be assessed by the Arsenal medical team.Calafiori hobbled off the pitch in the 71st minute in Italy’s match against France at Parc des Princes.The centre-back returned to international duty following some impressive performances at Euro 2024, which led to his £42million move to the Emirates from Bologna this summer.And the 22-year-old got injured because of a clash he wasn’t even involved in.READ MORE ON ARSENALIt all started after a clash between Calafiori’s team-mate Alessandro Bastoni and France star Ousmane Dembele in the 66th minute.Inter Milan ace Bastoni tackled PSG’s Dembele and sent him flying in the air.Then as he landed, the forward’s left foot made contact with Calafiori’s left leg as he caught him in the back of the knee, studs first.The Gunners new boy tried to power through but he was subbed off five minutes later.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOn Saturday Italy boss Luciano Spalletti hoped the defender would have recovered for the Gli Azzurri’s next game.He told reporters: “We need to assess Riccardo but with our staff, we’ve a good chance to have him back with us for the next game.”How Arsenal’s 180-page dossiers on transfer targets have led to outstanding recruitmentBut Calafiori heading home now says otherwise and will miss Italy’s clash against Israel in Budapest on Monday night.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      Newcastle transfer guru Mitchell ‘unhappy and could walk away’ just TWO MONTHS after joining club as Howe rift deepens

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      PAUL MITCHELL’S future as Newcastle’s sporting director is in doubt — just TWO MONTHS after arriving at St James’ Park.SunSport revealed on Friday that chief exec Darren Eales has backed boss Eddie Howe amid his rift with Mitchell over transfer business.The future of Paul Mitchell, left, as Newcastle’s sporting director is in doubtCredit: GettyNewcastle chief Darren Eales has backed boss Eddie Howe amid his rift with MitchellCredit: GettyToon bigwigs want Mitchell to stay, meaning he will not be axed.However, sources close to the ex-Southampton and Spurs recruitment guru claim he is unhappy and could walk away if relations do not improve.A Toon source said Eales is attempting to support Howe and Mitchell — and wants both to stay.Another source claimed their Saudi owners may be forced to get involved.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIn July, appointing Mitchell, 43, to replace Dan Ashworth was seen as a coup.But he got off on the wrong foot in early chats with Howe  — who felt he was being told how his team should play.Tensions then ramped up after a quiet window.Mitchell failed to buy Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace — or the right winger Howe requested.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd Mitchell’s desire for control over transfers also caused friction, with the head of recruitment Steve Nixon less involved than usual.A Mitchell interview in which he claimed Toon’s recruitment and scouting teams were “not fit for purpose” ruffled feathers.Top ten Premier League managers’ WagsHis failure to say the club would fight to keep Howe if he was offered the England job also contributed to this.Newcastle’s 24/25 summer transfersArrivalsLewis Hall – £27.86mOdysseas Vlachodimos £22.46mWilliam Osula – £9.79mLloyd Kelly – Free TransferJohn Ruddy – Free TransferDepartures Elliot Anderson – £34.78mYankuba Mintesh – £29.55mRyan Fraser – Free TransferMatt Richie – Free TransferKell Watts – Free TransferJamal Lewis – Loan TransferHarrospm Ashby – Loan TransferJoe White – Loan Transfer More

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      Brighton planning next wonderkid transfer raid as Seagulls eye 20-year-old EFL star who has already captained his side

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      BRIGHTON are ready to move for Sheffield United’s rising star Ollie Arblaster as their next big signing.Seagulls chiefs have made the midfield dynamo, 20, a top target despite their flurry of new arrivals.Brighton are ready to make a move for Sheffield United midfielder Ollie ArblasterCredit: RexAnd they are willing to pay at least £20million for Arblaster, who has already stood in as skipper of Chris Wilder’s side.The Blades supporter is in no rush to leave — yet his fan club is growing and an offer or two is likely in January.And a homegrown star such as Arblaster would fit in with Brighton’s  strategy because they try to find players who can improve them, but also be sold on at some point.Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella and Alexis Mac Allister are amongst the players to have been sold for huge profits in recent seasons.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Seagulls’ strategy was also on display this summer with the arrivals of nine players all aged 24 or under.New boss Fabian Hurzeler has already blended them into his squad with an unbeaten start to the campaign.As for Arblaster, he has scored twice in four Championship appearances for the Blades this term, who are also yet to lose in the league.Those matches include captaining his side against Norwich and Watford in their last two fixtures.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe England under-20 international also made 12 Premier League appearances last term after breaking into the first-team.However, he was unable to save the club from relegation at the first attempt.XI amazing players worth £78m available for freeWilder’s return to Bramall Lane in December failed to save them from the drop.The Blades ended the season bottom of the Premier League on 16 points after winning just three matches during the campaign.The Seagulls are willing to pay up to £20million to sign Arblaster from the BladesCredit: Alamy More

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      Man Utd fans tell ‘Agent Zirkzee’ to ‘bring him home’ as amazing tweet reveals bromance with top transfer target Musiala

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      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE’S friendship with Manchester United transfer target Jamal Musiala was on show on social media following the Dutchman’s goal on Saturday night.Zirkzee, 23, bagged the Netherlands’ opening goal in a 5-2 win over Bosnia in Eindhoven.Jamal Musiala, centre, and Joshua Zirkzee, right, were team-mates at Bayern MunichCredit: GettyMusiala joked with Zirkzee about his goal on Instagram on Saturday nightAnd he did so in the most creative of ways.When Xavi Simons’ shot looped up off a defender, Zirkzee produced a backwards header into the bottom corner.The goal caught the attention of Musiala – who also netted for Germany in their 5-0 win over Hungary.Reacting on Instagram, he said: “2 way shot creator,” referencing a style of player who is a good all-rounder in the basketball game NBA 2K25.READ MORE ON MAN UTDZirkzee, who was team-mates with Musiala at Bayern Munich before he left for Bologna in 2022, responded with two crying laughing emojis.And Man Utd fans are convinced the bromance is one way they can convince Musiala to come to Old Trafford.One said: “Agent Joshua we are seeing you come next summer 👀❤️.”While another added: “Bring him home.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSZirkzee scored 11 goals in Serie A for Bologna last seasonJamal Musiala racked up 16 goal contributions in his 2023/24 Bundesliga campaignAnd a third replied: “Musiala to United in 2027. I will be there.”The winger, 21, who represented England up to U21 level, has a contract with Bayern until 2026.Man Utd new-boy Joshua Zirkzee branded ‘class act’ after incredible gesture to fans after last-minute debut heroics But comments earlier this week have raised speculation over his future in the Bundesliga.The remarks came during a conversation about him and Zirkzee jokingly trying to convince one another to join their respective clubs.He told Welt am Sonntag: “You always joke around with friends and dream of playing together in a team one day.”The jokes go both ways: I also told Josh that he should come back to Bayern but you shouldn’t take that too seriously.”I am very happy at FC Bayern and fully focused on our goals with the club and the national team. I don’t think too much about where I will be playing in five years.”Things can always change quickly in the world of football.”Zirkzee, who now has three caps for the Netherlands, revealed to fans following his arrival at Man Utd in July that he had “tried” to convince Musiala to come to Old Trafford.Musiala has contributed 44 goals and 31 assists in 166 games for Bayern since joining from Chelsea in 2019.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Zirkzee scored on his Man Utd debut, coming off the bench to bag the winner against Fulham.He was used as a substitute again in the 2-1 loss to Brighton, before he started the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool. More

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      Sean Dyche facing the SACK if American John Textor takes over Toffees… and replacement already lined up

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      EVERTON takeover bidder John Textor wants to bring in top coach Abel Ferreira if he wins control of the club.American Textor is a huge fan of the Portuguese maestro, who took  Palmeiras to the Brazilian title last season.Sean Dyche is facing the sack if John Textor completes his Everton takeoverCredit: RexAmerican businessman Textor is close to completing his purchase of the ToffeesCredit: RexTextor has seen Ferreira’s work at close range — he owns Botafogo in Rio as part of his Eagle Football Holdings empire — and is keen to work with him.Ferreira is under contract until the end of next year and would cost compensation but that will not put off Textor.The American is trying to finalise a takeover deal and also dispose of his Crystal Palace shares, with fellow Americans Josh Harris and David  Blitzer among those in the market for them.Textor is dead set on landing Everton and that would put huge pressure on boss Sean Dyche, who kept the club up under difficult circumstances last season but has got off to a poor start this time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHighly rated Paulo Fonseca, another Portuguese coach, is fancied by Textor but would be difficult to attract from AC Milan.Textor seems a good judge of a manager and was the driving force behind the appointment of Oliver Glasner at Palace.The Austrian replaced Roy Hodgson at Selhurst Park in February and went on to win seven out of 13 matches to secure a top half finish.Meanwhile, Everton have made a sluggish start to the new season, conceding 10 goals in three matches, all of which have ended in defeat.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThrashings by Brighton and Tottenham were followed by a dramatic collapse against Bournemouth before the international break.The Toffees lead 2-0 in the 87th minute only to concede three times in nine minutes to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.Lee Carsley goes to WRONG dugout before England clash with IrelandDyche and Textor’s recordsSean Dyche’s managerial record:2011-12 – Watford – 49 matches, 17 wins, 35 per cent win rate2012-22 – Burnley – 425 matches, 152 wins, 36 per cent win rate2023-Present – Everton – 66 matches, 23 wins, 35 per cent win rateTrophies – ChampionshipJohn Textor’s ownership record:2021-Present – Crystal Palace2022-Present – RWD Molenbeek2022-Present – Botafogo2022-Present – LyonTrophies – Belgian Challenger Pro LeagueAs a result, Dyche’s side sit bottom of the Premier League behind Southampton on goal difference.His only win this term came against League Two Doncaster in the Carabao Cup, which has set up a round three clash with the Saints this month.Meanwhile, Everton return to league action at Aston Villa on Saturday in a fixture which they lost 4-0 last season.Palmeiras boss Abel Ferreira is Textor’s top target to replace Dyche at Goodison ParkCredit: ReutersAC Milan’s Paulo Fonseca is also fancied but would prove difficult to attractCredit: Getty More

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      Man City ready to hand Pep Guardiola HUGE January transfer warchest with two Bundesliga wonderkids eyed

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      PEP GUARDIOLA will be handed the keys to a £100million war chest if he feels Manchester City need to strengthen in January.Guardiola largely kept his powder dry in the summer, despite Julian Alvarez’ joining Atletico Madrid in an £81.5m deal.Pep Guardiola is set to be handed a £100million transfer war chest by Manchester CityCredit: GettyGermany playmaker Florian Wirtz is top of the champions’ January wishlistCredit: GettyCity are also keen on a move for Bayern Munich’s Jamal MusialaCredit: GettySpaniard Pep ran the rule over a handful of options but ultimately was happy to stick with what he had.Yet the Etihad boss has been told a hefty transfer kitty will be available again in the new year, if he wants to bring in new faces.For all the champions’ riches, Guardiola has always stuck to his guns in the market — refusing to go beyond his own valuation even if it means missing out on a player.City finished the summer massively in profit, after other departures — notably Joao Cancelo and Taylor Harwood-Bellis — brought in £160m in total.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn contrast, the only fee they paid was the £21m to sign Brazilian winger Savinho, already a huge favourite with fans, from sister club Troyes.Yet they pulled a rabbit out of the hat by bringing midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, 33, back to the Etihad on a free from Barcelona.City are keen on Florian Wirtz, 21, the Bundesliga Player of the Season as Bayer Leverkusen won the double last season.Gifted Bayern Munich’ rookie Jamal Musiala, also 21, is another dream target but neither is likely to be gettable before next summer at the earliest.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSavinho’s £21million arrival was the only transfer fee spent by City in the summerCredit: GettyIlkay Gundogan also returned to the club on a free transfer from BarcelonaCredit: AlamyCity are keen to advance contract extension talks with Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne before Christmas.Pep Guardiola refuses to rule out England manager job after Wayne Rooney tips him to succeed Gareth Southgate City are looking to extend both Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri’s contracts before ChristmasCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-Man Utd star Danny Simpson teases 3v3 boxing fight with Wayne Rooney and Phil Bardsley after Old Trafford reunion

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      DANNY SIMPSON has teased a 3v3 boxing fight with Wayne Rooney and Phil Bardsley after reuniting at Old Trafford.Simpson – who won the Premier League title in 2016 with Leicester – crossed over to boxing after retiring from football.Wayne Rooney with Danny Simpson and Phil BardsleyCredit: @dannysimpsonIn his debut bout, he drew with YouTuber Danny Aarons over four rounds in a Misfits Boxing main event in Dublin.But Simpson was back on the pitch a week later for a charity game between ex-Manchester United and Celtic stars. He played alongside Rooney as well as Bardsley and laid down the gauntlet for a group boxing match.Posing with the pair, Simpson wrote: “Getting some boxing tips off these 2 legends before our game @manchesterunitedfoundation. 3 vs 3 who wants it lol???” READ MORE IN football Simpson – who came up the United ranks during Rooney’s Old Trafford prime – lined up with the ex-England captain against ex-Celtic stars.Rooney, 38, scored a wonder free-kick only for the game to end 1-1 with Celtic winning the deciding penalty shootout. The United legend was also in shock talks to fight in a Misfits fight but instead focused on management after taking the Plymouth job.He used to box as a youngster and was infamously knocked out by Bardsley in a drunken kitchen spar – which he later mocked himself in a celebration.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMisfits – co-founded by YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI and his manager Mams Taylor – welcomes celebrity-style crossover bouts.And Simpson was the first former footballer to make the move – but he revealed others are tempted to do the same.Danny Simpson set for reunion with Wayne Rooney in charity game as Prem winner eyes boxing fight with Man Utd legendHe said: “I’m not going to say the names now, I’ve had a few people messaging me last few days. Hopefully they’ll be more now after seeing that.”I had a lot of lads from Leicester in the WhatsApp group so hopefully everyone’s seen it and hopefully they fancy it and they can all come along.”Danny Aarons and Simpson drewCredit: SportsfileRooney was once knocked out in a drunken spar with Phil BardsleyRooney mocked his KO in an infamous celebrationCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun More