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      I played with Harry Kane but little-known Premier League midfielder was the best team-mate I ever had

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      A FORMER England strike partner of Harry Kane has snubbed the star when naming the best player they’ve played with.This forward was once tipped to be the next best thing after coming through the ranks at West Brom.Saido Berahino and Harry Kane were strike partners for England U21sCredit: GettyThe striker burst on the scene at West Brom then endured a nightmare at StokeCredit: GettyHe burst onto the scene with ten goals in 23 games while on loan at Northampton and Brentford.A further stint out at Peterborough followed before Saido Berahino finally got his Premier League breakthrough in the 2013/14 campaign.The now 30-year-old scored nine times that season but followed it up with 20 the following term.Having already represented England at U17 level and at the 2012 U19 European Championship, his hot club form gained him further international recognition.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGareth Southgate called him up to his U21 side where he and Kane, who has gone on to be his country’s all-time top scorer, were both in attack.Berahino was even voted the 2014 U21 Player of the Year by supporters, receiving 16 per cent more votes than the now Three Lions skipper and Bayern Munich star.The pair could even have been strike partners at club level as Tottenham had a £22m transfer bid rejected by West Brom in August 2015.Having failed to secure his big move away, the goals dried up that season as he hit only seven and then drew a complete blank in 2016/17 after more bids from Stoke and Crystal Palace were rejected.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFinally, he secured his exit from the Hawthorns in January 2017 in a £15m deal to Stoke but it turned into a nightmare.He failed to score for the Potters until August 2018, but he would only score another four that despite Stoke now plying their trade in the Championship.TABLET: DT Profile: England’s BerahinoBerahino’s England hopes had also ended by this point – although he had become a firm fixture in the Burundi squad by then and featured at the African Nations Cup.That summer he ended up attempting to reignite his career in Belgium with top-flight minnows Waregem, scoring six in 18 appearances.After starting the next season with them, he switched to Charleroi on loan before a brief return to Waregem.Berahino came back to England in 2021 for a season with Sheffield Wednesday, where he scored eight times.He has been plying his trade in Cyprus since leaving Hillsborough the following year and is still at AEL Limassol these days.Berahino has represented nine clubs and two countries throughout his well-travelled career, playing with literally hundreds of different players.But rather than choose Kane, it was a Scottish international that he opted for when he was quizzed in a Q&A on X about the best player that he has played with.Can you name the famous fathers?
      “Graham Dorrans,” was his almost instant reply.The now 37-year-old spent seven years at West Brom from 2008 and later two years at Norwich.He headed back to Scotland in 2017 to join Rangers and then Dundee prior to a stint in Australia.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile Dorrans remained his pick throughout the Q&A as the question was asked several times, he looked a lot closer to home when asked about “the best and worst team mate”.Berahino replied: “Best dorrans. Worst myself.”Graham Dorrans was a huge favourite with fans at West BromCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd blow as ‘Ajax step up chase for Graham Potter with Red Devils keen on ex-Chelsea boss to replace Erik ten Hag’

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      FORMER Chelsea manager Graham Potter is expected to receive a contract offer from Ajax, according to reports.The 48-year-old has been out of work since leaving Stamford Bridge in April 2023.Ajax want to appoint Graham Potter as the club’s new managerCredit: PAMan Utd are also considering Potter as a potential replacement for Erik ten HagCredit: AlamyHe allegedly turned down offers from Lyon, Leicester and the Sweden national team last year following his dismissal.But the ex-Brighton boss could now be on the verge of a triumphant return to the dugout.According to the Telegraph, Ajax are pushing to appoint Potter.The Eredivisie giants are expected to table an “attractive” offer in a bid to tempt him to Amsterdam.Read More on Man UtdAjax officials see Potter as the perfect man to rebuild the squad without the need for big-money signings.They also believe he can instil a new style of play that will remain in line with the club’s ‘total football’ philosophy.However, Ajax face competition from AC Milan, Porto, Feyenoord and Manchester United for his signature.United are expected to sack current manager Erik ten Hag this summer due to the team’s inconsistent form.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPundits’ verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future?
      Michael Owen – He has to go
      “He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
      Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
      “If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”

      Potter has emerged as one of the club’s top managerial targets alongside current England boss Gareth Southgate.Should Southgate take the job at Old Trafford, Potter could also be earmarked as a potential new manager for the Three Lions.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag? More

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      Man Utd target Thomas Tuchel drops huge hint over future as he opens up on ‘very, very special time’ in Premier League

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has hinted at a return to the Premier League after describing his time in England as “very, very special”.The German coach, 50, is preparing for his Bayern Munich side to take on Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final at the Bernabeu on Wednesday evening after the two sides played out a 2-2 draw last week.Thomas Tuchel is set to leave Bayern Munich at the end of the seasonCredit: RexErik ten Hag is facing huge pressure at Manchester UnitedCredit: AlamyThe winner will meet Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on June 1, but Bayern have already decided irrespective of whether they win the Champions League that Tuchel will depart in the summer.It comes after they failed to win the Bundesliga title for the first time since 2012 as Bayer Leverkusen cantered to the crown.But Tuchel, who won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, is already being linked with a move to Manchester United.Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag is under huge pressure after a dismal second season at Old Trafford.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Tuchel, favourite to replace Ten Hag, has now spoken about the possibility of a second stint in the Premier League.When asked by TNT Sports where he will be next season, he said: “It’s very, very, very unlikely that it’s at Bayern.”We took this position and there’s a pact we are not doubting, the initiative came from the club and so it is and I’m fine with it.”Pressed on a Premier League return, he then added: “I’d rather not answer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”But it is no secret that I loved it at Chelsea, I loved it in England and I loved it in the Premier League for sure.”It was a very, very special time in England.”Paul Scholes has doubts over Ten Hag’s future at Man Utd Tuchel won the German Cup with Borussia Dortmund in 2017 before he joined Paris Saint-Germain the following year.He won two Ligue 1 titles and one French Cup with PSG, while he also guided them to the 2020 Champions League final before they were beaten by Bayern Munich.He was appointed as Frank Lampard’s successor at Chelsea in January 2021 and lifted the Champions League just four months later.Tuchel won 60 of his 100 matches at Stamford Bridge but was dismissed in September 2022 with the club sixth in the Premier League.Pundits’ verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future?
      Michael Owen – He has to go
      “He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
      Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
      “If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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      Viv Busby dead aged 74: Tributes pour in for Fulham Hall of Famer who starred in FA Cup final alongside Bobby Moore

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      FULHAM icon Viv Busby has passed away at the age of 74.The former striker played 143 times for the Cottagers during a glittering career, scoring 37 goals in the process.Fulham icon Viv Busby has died at the age of 74Credit: GettyBusby became a cult hero during his time at Craven CottageCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdBusby played in the 1975 FA Cup final alongside England World Cup captain Bobby MooreCredit: RexAnd he shared the spotlight with World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore in Fulham’s 1975 FA Cup final defeat to West Ham.The Cottagers revealed the sad news on Wednesday afternoon as they paid tribute to one of their greats, who previously battled leukaemia for six months in 2001.A statement read: “The Club is saddened to learn of the death of former player Viv Busby.”Signed by Alec Stock ahead of the 1973/74 season, it was the following campaign that fans will best remember Busby’s exploits for Fulham, playing a key role in our run to the FA Cup Final.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Busby started all 12 of our FA Cup fixtures that year and scored six goals, including his famous brace at Goodison Park to defeat Everton – Division One leaders at the time – in the Fifth Round.”He departed the Club early in 1976/77, with a record of 37 goals in 143 appearances.”That was not the last we saw of Busby at the Cottage, though, as he returned as a coach under Paul Bracewell in 1999.”Busby is also a Forever Fulham recipient, having been inducted in October 2022.Most read in Football”Everyone at the Club would like to offer our condolences to Viv’s wife Barbara, and all his family and friends at this sad time.”Fulham fans quickly paid tribute to one of their own.Chris Coleman was left stunned by Michael Jackson’s feet when the King of Pop entered Fulham’s dressing room A supporter said: “Rip to a great legend.”Another declared: “That’s really such sad news, nearly made it into one of Revie’s England squad, I absolutely loved watching him.”One noted: “Sad news, best wishes to Viv’s family.”Another added: “RIP Viv, he was always enjoyable to watch.”Busby started his pro career with Wycombe Wanderers in 1966 and scored 19 goals in 50 games during a four-year spell.He then moved to Luton Town for three years, netting 16 goals in 77 games to help the Hatters earn promotion in 1970 to the Second Division.After a brief loan at Newcastle, Busby ended up at Fulham and quickly became a fan favourite.Busby enjoyed a brief spell in managementCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe was inducted into Fulham’s Hall of Fame 18 months agoCredit: RexHe scored 37 goals in 143 appearances and played a key role in the Cottagers’ run to the 1975 FA Cup final, where they lost 2-0 to West Ham.Busby played alongside England legend and World Cup-winning captain Moore, as well as former Three Lions defender Alan Mullery.After leaving Fulham in 1976, Busby spent time at Norwich, Stoke and Sheffield United.He then had a brief spell in the USA with the Tulsa Roughnecks between 1980 and 1981 before returning to England.Busby played for Blackburn Rovers before ending his career at York City in 1983.He remained at the club as a coach until 1987 and went on to become Hartlepool boss in 1993.Busby lasted nine months in the job before returning to coaching.But he was struck down with leukaemia in 2001 while working as a youth coach with Swindon Town, forcing him to take six months out to recover.READ MORE SUN STORIESBusby later made a return to York in 2004 as assistant boss and even briefly took over as caretaker before leaving soon after.He also worked at Gretna and Workington before moving to Spain in 2011.Viv Busby’s career statsPlayer career:

      Wycombe Wanderers, 1966-1970: 50 games, 19 goals

      Luton Town, 1969-1973: 86 games, 16 goals

      Newcastle (loan), 1971-1972: 5 games, 2 goals

      Fulham, 1973-1976: 143 games, 37 goals

      Norwich, 1976-1977: 26 games, 11 goals

      Stoke, 1977-1980: 60 games, 12 goals

      Sheffield Utd (loan), 1979-1980: 3 games, 1 goal

      Tulsa Roughnecks, 1980: 19 games, 1 goal

      Blackburn Rovers, 1980-1981: 8 games, 1 goal

      York City, 1982-1984: 21 games, 4 goals

      Managerial career

      Hartlepool United, Feb-Nov 1993: P40 W9 D9 L22

      York City (caretaker), 2004-2005: P14 W4 D2 L8 More

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      Former Premier League star, 29, ‘involved in car crash as SUV smashes into four vehicles before hitting wall’

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      FORMER Watford loanee M’Baye Niang has been involved in another car accident after the vehicle he was in smashed into four others and hit a wall.The incident occurred shortly after 9pm in Empoli, Italy on Monday evening.Former Watford man Mbaye Niang has a history of car accidentsCredit: GettyA dark grey SUV allegedly crashed into a parked van and two parked cars.It then hit a parish building, before colliding with another parked vehicle.According to La Nazione, witnesses identified Empoli striker Niang in the car, but it is not clear whether he was the driver or in the passenger seat.It is the second time in 2024 that Niang has been involved in a car crash.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was rushed to hospital in February after his Mercedes SUV collided with several parked cars.Previously he landed a motoring ban in Italy aged just 17 for driving without a licence – and pretending to be an older AC Milan team-mate – in 2012.The striker crashed his Ferrari into a tree while with Montpellier in 2014, and received a suspended 18-month jail term for an alleged hit-and-run incident that left 11 people injured.And two years later the accident-prone attacker suffered ankle and shoulder injuries after another car smash.Most read in FootballNiang spent just half a season on loan at Watford from Milan during the 2016/17 campaign, scoring two goals in 16 games.He permanently left Milan in 2018 and has gone on to sign for Torino, Rennes, Bordeaux, Auxerre and Adana Demirspor.In January, he signed with Empoli until the end of the season, with a conditional option to extend.He has played eight times and scored four goals, but Empoli sit 17th in the Serie A table, just two points above the relegation zone with three games remaining.Niang has scored four goals in eight games since arriving at Empoli in JanuaryCredit: Getty More

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      Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea: Blues look to build on West Ham win as race for Europa heats up – stream, TV, team news

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      CHELSEA’S recent run of form has put them right in the mix for a Europa League spot – but relegation-battling Nottingham Forest have their own objectives.Goals from Trevoh Chalobah and Nicolas Jackson inspired the Blues to a 2-0 win against bitter rivals Tottenham at the beginning of the month.Nicolas Jackson has scored three goals in his last two matches for ChelseaCredit: APNottingham Forest pulled off a big win against Sheffield UnitedCredit: GettyAnd Mauricio Pochettino’s side followed that up with a 5-0 hammering over West Ham just three days later.As a result, Chelsea find themselves just three points behind 6th-placed Newcastle going into the weekend.However, the Blues now come up against a Forest side who not only fighting for survival.But they go into this match fresh from a huge 3-1 away win at already-relegated Sheffield United.Read more on ChelseaWhen is Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea?
      Nottingham Forest welcome Chelsea to their home ground on Saturday, May 11.
      It is scheduled to kick off at 5:30pm BST.
      The City Ground is the allocated arena for this Premier League match and it can host approximately 30,445 passionate fans.
      Anthony Elanga’s 48th minute strike earned Forest a shock 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge in the reverse fixture.
      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
      Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.
      Coverage is expected to commence from 5pm BST on both channels – 30 minutes before kick-off.
      Fans can stream the entire action on NOW TV through a mobile or any chosen tablet device.
      Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of this crucial match through our live blog.
      What is the team news?Nuno Espirito Santo’s only concern ahead of this huge Chelsea clash regards Neco Williams who has been sidelined due to a hamstring strain.Enzo Fernandez will not be available again for Chelsea until next seasonCredit: Instagram @enzojfernandezWhile Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is expected to be without several key names once again.Most read in FootballEnzo Fernandez (hernia), Ben Chilwell (knee), Reece James (hamstring), Robert Sanchez (muscle), Wesley Fofana (cruciate ligament), Romeo Lavia (thigh), Lesley Ugochukwu (muscle) and Carney Chukwuemeka (knee) could all miss the Forest trip.What are the odds?
      Nottingham Forest to win 13/5
      Draw 14/5
      Chelsea to win 10/11
      *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power are correct at time of publication More

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      Man Utd vs Arsenal: Ten Hag’s men look to derail Gunners’ title charge in crucial Prem clash – stream, TV, team news

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will do everything in their power to stop Arsenal from winning the Premier League title – and just avoiding defeat on Sunday could be enough.However, this is easier said than done based on the Red Devils’ recent performances.Manchester United got embarrassed by Crystal PalaceCredit: ReutersLeandro Trossard and Declan Rice were both on the scoresheet against BournemouthCredit: GettyErik ten Hag’s men were held to a 1-1 draw by relegation-threatened Burnley almost a fortnight ago.Then things went from bad to worse last Monday as they were on the wrong end of a 4-0 battering courtesy of Crystal Palace.Meanwhile, their arch-nemesis Arsenal have been in phenomenal form this calendar year – securing 42 out of 46 points and most recently thrashing in-form Bournemouth 3-0.But one slip-up for the Gunners could see them hand the title to Manchester City and United will be well aware of that.Read more on Man Utd When is Man Utd vs Arsenal?
      Manchester United’s crucial Premier League clash against Arsenal will take place on Sunday, May 12.
      It is scheduled to kick off at 4:30pm BST.
      Old Trafford is the allocated arena for this huge fixture and it can host approximately 74,310 passionate fans.
      Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus earned the Gunners all three points in the dramatic reverse fixture earlier this season.
      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
      Manchester United vs Arsenal will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.
      Coverage is expected to commence from 3:30pm BST on Sky Sports Premier League – a whole hour before kick-off.
      Fans can stream the entire action on NOW TV through a mobile or any chosen tablet device.
      Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of this mammoth match through our live blog.
      What is the team news?Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will be hoping to have several key names back following the torrid trip to Selhurst Park which saw him field Casemiro in defence.Casemiro had a torrid time in defence against Crystal PalaceCredit: AlamyScott McTominay (knee), Marcus Rashford (muscle), Willy Kambwala (knock), Harry Maguire (muscle), Victor Lindelof (hamstring), Luke Shaw (muscle) all missed out on the Palace pummeling.Most read in FootballWhile Lisandro Martinez (calf), Tyrrell Malacia (knee), Anthony Martial (groin), Raphael Varane (muscle) and Bruno Fernandes (muscle) were also unavailable for the 4-0 defeat.Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta had a fully fit squad to get over the line against Bournemouth last weekend.But there have been doubts regarding Takehiro Tomiyasu who is yet to train with the first team this week. What are the odds?
      Man Utd to win 6/1
      Draw 4/1
      Arsenal to win 4/11
      *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power are correct at time of publication More

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      Forgotten £72million Arsenal flop set to be unemployed as fans convinced he could make Premier League return

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      FORGOTTEN Arsenal flop Nicolas Pepe will become a free agent next month with the £72million dud set to leave Turkish side Trabzonspor.Pepe, 28, only joined the Super Lig outfit in September after a loan spell with French side Nice.Nicolas Pepe is set to be released by Trabzonspor after just one seasonCredit: GettyThe £72million dud is best remembered for flopping at ArsenalCredit: GettyThe winger made just 13 appearances for Trabzonspor, scoring four goals in all competitions.And Fabrizio Romano claims Pepe will not be offered a new contract after failing to impress.The Ivory Coast international is now weighing up his options amid offers from the Middle East.However, Pepe hopes to continue playing in Europe and is waiting to explore his options.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut despite struggling at Arsenal, some fans reckon Pepe is destined to return to the Premier League.One said: “Nottingham Forest all over it.”Another declared: “Pepe was such a promising talent before joining Arsenal.“From there I don’t know what happened to him.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne added: “Free Pepe! Where will the redemption arc take him? Premier League return?”Big things were expected of Pepe when he joined Arsenal in 2019 for a then-club record fee of £72m. Arsenal fans pleased to see Nicolas Pepe ‘just looking happy again’ as he is given hero’s welcome by fans in TurkeyHe had scored 37 goals in 80 games at Lille, becoming one of the top players in Ligue 1.But Pepe managed just eight goals in his first season at Arsenal before following it up with 16 strikes in his second term.His third season yielded just three goals from 23 appearances.And Pepe was axed by Mikel Arteta with a loan move to Nice before Arsenal released him from his contract a year early in September.However, with his Trabzonspor move failing to work out, Pepe will now be anxiously waiting to see if there are any more takers in Europe.Nicolas Pepe’s career statsThose numbers in full:

      Poitiers, 2012-2013: 9 games, 2 goals

      Angers, 2013-2017: 47 games, 3 goals

      Orleans (loan), 2015-2016: 32 games, 8 goals

      Lille, 2017-2019: 80 games, 37 goals

      Arsenal, 2019-2022: 112 games, 27 goals

      Nice (loan), 2022-2023: 28 games, 8 goals

      Trabzonspor, 2023-2024: 13 games, 4 goals

      Ivory Coast, 2016-2024: 45 games, 10 goals

      Trophies: FA Cup (Arsenal); Afcon (Ivory Coast) More