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    Mauricio Pochettino in frame for England job after finally agreeing £10million Chelsea pay-off

    MAURICIO POCHETTINO has finally agreed a £10million Chelsea pay-off that frees him up as a contender for the England job if it comes up.The Argentine would be a candidate to replace Gareth Southgate should the England manager go after the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino could be in line for the England job if it becomes availableCredit: GettyGareth Southgate could step down after Euro 2024Credit: GettyPochettino’s pay-off negotiations with Chelsea have finally been settled following his sacking on May 21.And SunSport understands there are no restrictions in the deal to prevent the former Southampton and Tottenham manager taking another job in England.Pochettino’s talks over his severance package complicated interest from Manchester United, who approached him to discuss the Old Trafford job before sticking with Erik ten Hag.The 52-year-old said he was open to staying in England when he returned to Stamford Bridge to manage a team at SoccerAid earlier this month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut with no top Premier League jobs currently available, succeeding Southgate may be his best bet.The FA have yet to compile a shortlist for the next England manager, but given his experience in this country and track record of developing young players – including Cole Palmer at Chelsea last season – Pochettino is viewed as a leading contender.Chelsea’s agreement with Pochettino takes their bill for managerial changes to close to £67m in two years of the club’s new ownership.Thomas Tuchel and Potter both received over £13m in compensation after being sacked during the season, while Potter’s move to West London saw Brighton bank £21m in compensation from Chelsea, who have also agreed to pay Leicester £10m to secure new coach Enzo Maresca.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHow Pochettino and Southgate’s stats compare
    Mauricio Pochettino:

    Total matches managed – 649
    Wins – 319
    Draws – 139
    Defeats – 191

    Gareth Southgate:

    Total matches managed – 282
    Wins – 135
    Draws – 63
    Defeats – 84

    Pochettino’s coaching team of Jesus Perez, Miguel d’Agostino, Toni Jimenez and Sebastiano Pochettino will also receive pay-offs as they were under contract at Stamford Bridge until next summer.Chelsea required some creative accountancy to avoid breaking FFP rules last year following the £1billion transfer splurge by new owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, but are confident they will comply this season.Premier League sides deducted points and others at riskThe club sold two hotels and car parks at Stamford Bridge to a sister company for £76.5m, which enabled them to reduce a projected loss of £166.4m to a loss of £89.9m.Chelsea were approached for comment.How much have Chelsea spent on managers?The Blues have spent close to £67MILLION on hiring and firing managers over the last two years…
    Thomas Tuchel (January 2021 – September 2022) – £13m compensation
    Graham Potter (September 2022 – April 2023) – £21m compensation to Brighton & £13m compensation after dismissal
    Mauricio Pochettino (May 2023 – May 2024) – £10m compensation plus staff pay-offs
    Enzo Maresca (June 2024 – ) – £10m compensation to Leicester More

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    Erling Haaland and stunning girlfriend Isabel relax on yacht then cosy up together on rowing boat during Italy holiday

    ERLING HAALAND quite literally let his hair down while cosying up to girlfriend Isabel on a yacht in Italy. The Manchester City star has been enjoying a summer break following Norway’s failure to qualify for Euro 2024 in Germany. Erling Haaland on holiday in ItalyCredit: BackGridThe Man City forward let his hair down alongside girlfriend Isabel on the yachtCredit: BackGridIsabel wore a black swimsuit for the day outCredit: BackGridHaaland lets his hair down and has a little chuckleCredit: BackGridThe Man City star wore some pink swim trunksCredit: BackGridThe couple brace themselves for a boat rideCredit: BackGridSo while City team-mates Kevin de Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Kyle Walker are all on international duty, Haaland is relaxing. First, he took a trip to Cannes and then Marbella with his friends and was captured playing DJ at a swanky bar. But it looks as though he is winding down after being spotted on a yacht in Capri, a scenic island in Italy’s Bay of Naples. Haaland – wearing pink trunks – enjoyed a boat ride with partner Isabel – who had a black swimsuit on. READ MORE ON WAGSThe two-time Premier League winner and top scorer was later snapped enjoying an ice cream wearing a white T-shirt and grey shorts. Haaland is believed to have met Isabel while both lovebirds were playing football back home in Norway. She spent time in Germany when the forward was signed to Borussia Dortmund and in England with Prem champions City. Isabel has watched Haaland win the Champions League and Prem title – and celebrated by wearing his winning medals afterwards. Most read in FootballHaaland enjoying some time out with palsCredit: BackGridHaaland has a little smile to the cameraCredit: BackGridIsabel might want to make sure her phone is safeCredit: BackGridShe is believed to work part-time in a fashion store while she is still studying. Haaland meanwhile is due to turn his attention to City’s pre-season tour of America – starting on July 23 – once his holiday is over. Isabel played football herself back home in NorwayShe has been with Haaland since his Dortmund daysIsabel wearing Haaland’s Champions League medalCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunHaaland got back into some dry clothesCredit: BackGridAnd he enjoyed an ice cream after doing soCredit: BackGrid More

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    Man Utd and Arsenal learn mammoth transfer fee for Xavi Simons as they battle Bayern for PSG star

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal have been told to cough up a king’s ransom of £85million for Euro 2024 star Xavi Simons.The playmaker is currently lighting up the tournament for Holland.Man Utd and Arsenal have been told to pay £85m for Xavi SimonsCredit: GettyAnd interest is high in Paris Saint-Germain’s next superstar.Simons, who has only played 11 games for the French side since joining from Barcelona in 2019, spent last season on loan at RB Leipzig.He bagged eight goals and 11 assists during his time in Germany.And Bild claims United, Arsenal and Bayern Munich have all put Simons high on their shopping lists.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnited are known to be in the market for a new midfielder, with Simons boasting all the qualities needed for an attacking No8.While Arsenal are determined to continue building a mega-star squad so they can go one better than the previous two seasons by lifting the Premier League title.As for Bayern, they are ready to tear their squad up and rebuild under new boss Vincent Kompany.Simons took to German football like a duck to water and would slot straight in alongside Jamal Musiala.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSHowever, PSG are reluctant to lose Simons while never seeing him shine at the Parc des Princes.Luis Enrique still hopes to convince the Dutch maestro to stay put and finally have a proper season in the French capital.Barcelona youth sensation Xavi Simons snapped up by PSG – here is whyAnd to ward interested clubs off, PSG have reportedly put an £85m price tag on Simons.The eye-watering fee is likely to keep suitors at bay for now, especially United who need to sell before they can buy.But as the window goes on, and should Simons express a strong desire to move on, PSG could be forced to lower that fee.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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    Unrecognisable Newcastle cult hero bags first manager’s job as he succeeds former team-mate

    GATESHEAD have announced ex-Newcastle keeper Rob Elliot has replaced his former team-mate Mike Williamson.Williamson left his role in in October 2023 to take over at Milton Keynes Dons.Rob Elliot has been named Gateshead manager with Louis Storey his assistantCredit: Gateshead FCElliot, pictured here in 2017 during his time with NewcastleCredit: PA:Press AssociationAnd Elliot – who spent five seasons in Newcastle with Williamson – was brought in as interim boss. The former Premier League stopper guided Gateshead to a sixth-placed National League finish and a first FA Trophy. It earned Elliot his first full-time managerial role since retiring from playing, with Gateshead defender Louis Storey named as his assistant.Chairman Neil Pinkerton said: “It was always our intention to sit down at the end of the season and agree terms, which we have now successfully concluded.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Rob, Louis and the entire team have been relentless in the off-season, so rest assured that we’re very well-placed in terms of our on- and off-field recruitment plans.”Elliot – who looks unrecognisable from his days between the sticks – celebrated only his second piece of footballing silverware.And after lifting the FA Trophy at Wembley, he said: “It makes you realise that if you work hard to maximise your resources, you can be successful regardless. “The most pleasing thing for me was watching a group of young lads who love being together, love playing together, love giving everything for each other. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”That comes above results or tactical analysis. They got to perform on a platform they earned and deserved.”Elliot made 68 appearances for Newcastle and was considered a cult hero during his time at the Toon. Adam Lallana seals emotional free transfer after leaving Brighton More

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    Graham Potter’s move to Leicester plunged into doubt opening door for Steve Cooper to become manager

    GRAHAM POTTER’S Leicester appointment is close to collapsing after a breakdown in talks.The former Chelsea manager had agreed terms with the Foxes this week and was discussing backroom staff appointments.Steve Cooper could now be set to take the Leicester jobCredit: AFPIt comes after talks with Graham Potter broke downCredit: GettyHowever, despite confidence from both parties that a formal agreement was close, doubts emerged overnight and the newly-promoted side have re-opened talks with Steve Cooper.The former manager of Leicester’s rivals, Nottingham Forest, held talks with the club earlier in the summer but Potter had emerged as favourite to replace Enzo Maresca.Talks with the 49-year-old had dragged, leading to frustration from the Leicester ownership, who are now discussing terms with Cooper.The ex-Swansea and England youth manager has been out of work since being sacked by Forest in December.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCooper took the City Ground club from the bottom of the Championship to the Premier League and kept them up in his first season before being replaced by Nuno Espirito Santo last term.Potter has turned down a number of jobs since being sacked by Chelsea in April last year.The former Brighton boss was considered by his old club to replace Roberto De Zerbi while he also came close to taking the Ajax job before pulling out of talks.Leicester had also met with West Brom boss Carlos Corberan for talks.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSTEVE COOPERThis is Cooper’s managerial record to date:
    Clubs managed:

    England U16s (2014-2015)
    England U17s (2015-2019)
    Swansea (2019-2021)
    Nottingham Forest (2021-2023)

    Club honours:

    England U17s: Fifa U17 World Cup (2017)
    Nottingham Forest: Championship play-offs (2022)

    Individual honours:
    Championship Manager of the Month x3: August 2019, January 2021, April 2022

    Whoever takes the post as Maresca’s replacement will face concerns over financial regulations.The Foxes are facing a potential points deduction following a previous breach of profit and sustainability rules, meaning they may need to sell top players to balance the books.Frank Lampard tells brilliant story live on BBC about why he ‘stayed away’ from Cristiano Ronaldo on holidayEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYAcademy graduate Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is a target for Brighton, who had a bid for the midfielder rejected in January.GRAHAM POTTERHere’s the highly-rated coach’s managerial record:
    Clubs managed:
    Ostersund (2011-2018)
    Swansea City (2018-2019)
    Brighton (2019-2022)
    Chelsea (2022/23)
    Club honours:
    Ostersund
    Svenska Cupen (2017)
    Superettan runner-up (promotion): 2015
    Division 1 Norra: 2012
    Division 2 Norrland: 2011
    Individual honours: 
    Swedish Football Awards Manager of the Year: 2016, 2017
    Swedish Sports Awards Coach of the Year: 2017 More

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    Cash-strapped Everton set to sign Aston Villa midfielder in shock £10m transfer after takeover boost

    ASTON VILLA midfielder Tim Iroegbunam is set to join Everton in a £10million deal.The 20-year-old Englishman was on the fringe of Unai Emery’s side last season and wants more game time.Tim Iroegbunam is set to leave Aston Villa for EvertonCredit: GettyVilla have beaten a number of Prem clubs to the free signing of centre-back Ethan Amundsen-Day, 19, from FC Copenhagen.The Norway youth international has an English father and was born in Leeds.With Amundsen-Day set to arrive at Villa Park, Iroegbunam has been given the green light to leave.He is on the verge of moving to Everton in what could be a turbulent summer for the Toffees.Read More on FootballThe Merseyside club recently confirmed that 777 Partners’ proposed takeover had collapsed.It left Everton in danger of going into administration amid soaring debts.However, SunSport exclusively revealed this week that Roma owner Dan Friedkin is prepared to complete an £800million takeover.Friedkin, worth £4.8billion, has beaten off an offer by Vici Private Finance in the battle to become the new Everton owner.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHowever, some fans could be left underwhelmed with the new chief.A member of his Friedkin Group previously described Everton as the “second club” in Liverpool.New footage shows amazing progress at Premier League club’s £500m new stadium but fans say ‘it’s hard to get excited’Friedkin himself also said after buying Roma in 2020 that the Serie A club would “always be the jewel” in his football crown. More

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    Premier League drama after thieves stole HALF the £250k trophy forcing bosses to secretly replace it

    HALF the Premier League trophy had to be secretly replaced after being stolen, The Sun can reveal.Thieves in Belgium nicked a suitcase containing the crown and base of the prized football silverware, valued at £250,000.Thieves stole HALF the £250k Premier League trophy forcing bosses to secretly replace itCredit: GettyThe Premier League managed to keep the theft under wraps, andthe items have never been found. The revelation yesterday came as the ­Premier League announced the new season’s fixtures, with Man United home to Fulham the first match on August 16.But Prem chiefs were less keen to publicise that a suitcase containing the top of the trophy and weighty 15.9kg base had been ­stolen at a corporate event in Belgium. It was believed the thieves did not realise what was inside, and the missing parts may have since been melted down.READ MORE ON PREMIER LEAGUEThere are two identical trophies, both insured for £250,000. One is kept by the champs while the other belongs to the Premier League and gets taken around the world.It often has its own plane seat, and is normally heavily protected by a guard at events.Asprey London, which made the trophies, was asked to produce another identical crown and base after the theft in late 2022.Most read in FootballIn 1966, four months before the World Cup kicked off in England, the Jules Rimet Trophy was ­famously stolen in London.Man City WIN the Premier League for record fourth time in a row as they see off Arsenal on tense final dayA week later, David Corbett was walking his dog Pickles when the collie found it in bushes at Upper Norwood, South London. Corbett got £5,000 while Pickles received a medal.The Premier League was approached for comment.Man City lift the Premier League trophy after a triumphant season last monthCredit: Getty More

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    Everton on verge of £800m takeover as Roma billionaire Dan Friedkin WINS battle to become new owner

    FARHAD MOSIRI is poised to light the blue touchpaper on an £800million takeover by Roma owner Dan Friedkin.An announcement allowing the billionaire American a period of exclusivity to complete due diligence could be announced within hours.Roma owner Dan Friedkin is set to take over EvertonCredit: GettyThe Toffees are set for a summer firesale amid financial fair play woesCredit: GettySunSport understands that Friedkin, worth £4.8billion, has beaten off a bid by Vici Private Finance in the battle to become the new Everton owner.Friedkin is believed to have agreed to majority owner Moshiri’s demand for £200m up front to be given the rights to examine the club’s finances before moving ahead with the deal.His entrance as the new head honcho of the Toffees may not, however, go down well with some supporters.They are already upset that a member of his Friedkin Group described Everton as “the second club in Liverpool.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile Friedkin himself said after buying Roma in 2020 that the Serie A club would “always be the jewel in his football crown.”A straw poll of fan group Upper Gwladys Street Blues gave him only one per cent backing last weekend while Vici, funded by two American private companies and who showed £800M in cash to Moshiri, got 79 per cent.Yet Everton are in desperate straits with debts of almost £600m plus Moshiri needs a further £200m to complete the construction of his club’s new Bramley – Moore Dock home.What’s more, after losses of £133m over the last two years, they are already £2m beyond the Prem profit and sustainability limit of £105 going into the year of the regulation cycle.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPremier League sides deducted points and others at risk
    Nottingham Forest
    Deducted four points during the 2023-24 season for breaching Premier League spending limit by £34.563m. Failed in their appeal with decision upheld.
    Everton
    Initial 10-point deduction for 2021-22 Premier League breaches reduced to six points on appeal. Were deducted a further two points later in the 2023-24 season. Appealed, but since withdrawn following Prem survival.
    Sheffield United
    Hit with a two-point deduction for their finances during the 2022-23 EFL season. Will begin the 2024-25 Championship season on -2 points following their relegation from the Prem.
    OTHERS WHO COULD FACE PUNISHMENT…
    Manchester City
    Etihad club emphatically denies the 115 allegations laid against them in February 2023. The lengthy Commission case has been scheduled to start in October or November but a final decision is not expected until March or April 2025.
    Chelsea
    Blues chiefs flagged up illicit payments made to agents and others during the Roman Abramovich era. Fined £8.6m by Uefa but still to be formally charged by the Prem despite an ongoing investigation.
    Leicester
    Foxes breached Prem PSR loss limits last season but did not have to report their 2022-23 accounts until this month because of their relegation. That puts the timetable back and means that they will probably face a Prem points deduction for the 2024-25 season following their return to the top flight.
    Everton (again)
    The Toffees are again at risk of breaking PSR rules and are in a race against time to raise funds and balance the books. Not only could that lead to another charge but also administration. That would lead to an automatic nine-point deduction for the 2024/25 season.

    More red figures are expected by the end of Everton’s trading year on June 30.After surviving two points deductions last season they will face another in the new campaign unless they carve into those losses by selling players to balance the books by that date.Best ten new Premier League kits for next seasonThose massive debts also mean that Everton continue to flirt with administration – which would bring an automatic nine-point deduction.Manchester United have already had one “derisory” offer of £35M for Jarrad Branthwaite rejected.The Old Trafford club tried to cash in on Everton’s financial crisis but the asking price for England prospect Branthwaite, 21, remains at £70m.United are certain to go back with a bigger offer while Amadou Onana and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are targets of Arsenal and Newcastle respectively.One or both could leave Goodison by June 30 with Abdoulaye Doucoure another star who may have to be sacrificed.Friedkin’s entrance, although it would have to be ratified by the Prem, would be too late to see the fire sale that is expected and is likely to take several weeks at least to go through.Yet his takeover would still mean blue skies for Blues fans who have seen their club escape from three successive relegation close–calls.READ MORE SUN STORIESMoshiri, meanwhile, owns his 94.1 per cent stake in the club through Blue Heaven Holdings but he is facing a personal hell.Apart from the near-£600m debt he has overseen since taking over in 2016 he has also provided Everton with £450m in shareholder loans – and he won’t get a penny of that fortune back when he finally leaves. More