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      Thiago Silva ‘receives transfer offers from three London teams’ just hours after announcing he’s leaving Chelsea

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      THIAGO SILVA has interest from three London clubs, according to reports.The Brazilian confirmed earlier this week that he is leaving Chelsea upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the season.Thiago Silva is set to leave Chelsea at the end of the seasonCredit: AFPSilva, 39, tearfully confirmed his upcoming Stamford Bridge exitCredit: https://twitter.com/ChelseaFCSilva, 39, is not set to retire and has plenty of offers to continue his playing career.He has been the subject of strong interest from former club Fluminense in his native Brazil.But according to TNT Sports BR, they are facing competition from England.They claim that a trio of London clubs are chasing Silva’s signature.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA strong factor in the centre-back’s decision will be his family.Silva’s wife Belle is settled in London, while his sons Isago and Iago play for Chelsea’s academy.Fluminense are said to hope that Silva’s loyalty to the Blues will stop him joining a London rival.They are also claimed to believe that the defender will fancy returning, having played 97 times for them between 2006 and 2008.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUpon confirming his Stamford Bridge exit, Silva said: “I came here with the intention of only staying for a year and it ended up being four years. Not just for me but for my family, too.“My sons play for Chelsea so it’s a source of great pride to be a part of the Chelsea family – literally because my sons are here. I hope they can continue their careers here at this victorious club that many players wish to be part of.Thiago Silva breaks down in tears as he announces Chelsea exit but plans swift return with both sons still at club“In everything I did here over the four years, I always gave my all. But, unfortunately, everything has a start, a middle and an end. That doesn’t mean that this is a definitive end.”I hope to leave the door open so that in the near future I can return, albeit in another role here.”He then added: “When I started here, it was during the pandemic so there wasn’t any fans in the stadium.”But through social media, it became something very special to me and then when the fans started coming back to the stadium and life was getting back to normal, I started to feel a lot of affection and respect for my story and for my start here.’I intend on coming back one day’“The way in which I came to the club, with the support of the club, I got to the club as a leader even though I didn’t feel like it, having arrived as the new guy.”It’s always difficult to integrate but bit by bit I became part of the group and Lampard played a big part in that. I am grateful to him for that.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I could achieve such great things and win one of the best professional titles, the Champions League, at one of the biggest clubs in the world.“Goodbyes are for those that leave and don’t come back. I intend on coming back one day.”Thiago Silva’s career statsThose numbers in full:

      RS Futebol, 2002-2003: 25 games, 2 goals
      Juventude, 2004: 36 games, 3 goals
      Porto B, 2004-2005: 14 games, 0 goals
      Dynamo Moscow, 2005: 0 games, 0 goals
      Fluminense, 2006-2008: 143 games, 14 goals
      AC Milan, 2009-2012: 119 games, 6 goals
      PSG, 2012-2020: 315 games, 17 goals
      Chelsea, 2020-2024: 151 games, 9 goals
      Brazil, 2008-2022: 113 games, 7 goals
      Trophies: Brazilian Cup (Fluminense); Serie A, Italian Super Cup (AC Milan); Ligue 1 x7, French Cup x5, League Cup x6, Champions Trophy x5 (PSG); Champions League, Super Cup, Club World Cup (Chelsea); Copa America, Confederations Cup (Brazil) More

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      Coventry striker Ellis Simms lined up for transfer return to Premier League with two clubs tracking ex-Everton star

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      ELLIS SIMMS is wanted by TWO Premier League clubs this summer.The Coventry City hitman has lit up the Championship this season after a slow start following last summer’s switch from Everton.Ellis Simms is being tracked by two Premier League sides this summerCredit: ReutersThe 23-year-old scored just twice in his first 25 appearances for the Sky Blues.However, a hot run of form since the turn of the year has taken his tally to 19 in 52 appearances across all competitions.Now Simms, who will be looking to reach the 20-goal barrier in the final day clash at home to QPR on Saturday, could terrorise Premier League defences next term.SunSport can exclusively reveal that at least two top-flight sides have been tracking him over recent months.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBrentford and Bournemouth – who both face losing strikers in the summer – have been scouting the target man.The Bees look set to sell England international Ivan Toney with Manchester United now in the hunt for the ace.And Dominic Solanke’s hot-form for the Cherries has seen Tottenham plot a £50m swoop.Simms has now emerged as a top candidate for both clubs as they eye potential replacements for their hotshots.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe showed what he’s capable of with a fine display and goal as Coventry heartbreakingly lost to Manchester United on penalties in the FA Cup semi-final after coming back from three down.And he has already scored in the Premier League after netting the equaliser for Everton at Chelsea back in March 2023.Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promiseSimms spent time at Blackburn Rovers and Man City as a youngster before the Toffees brought him to the Goodison academy in 2017.He scored eight in 21 matches for Blackpool while on loan there in 2021 and followed that up with five in 17 games for Hearts in his next spell away from Goodison.Last season he was due to spend the whole campaign in the Championship with Sunderland.However, after impressing with seven strikes in 17 appearances, he was recalled by the Blues in December.Despite that strike against Chelsea, Everton decided to cash in on him last summer when Coventry came calling.The Sky Blues paid an initial fee of £3.5million, which could rise to £5m, depending on appearances and goals.But with three years still left on his contract, they can expect to receive at least double that amount should the Prem sides come in for him after they missed out on the play-offs. More

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      Five clubs Bruno Fernandes could transfer to in summer as Man Utd captain hints he’s ‘thinking about’ leaving

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans were left stunned by the news that Bruno Fernandes could quit this summer.The Portuguese midfielder, 29, is in his fifth season with the club since joining from Sporting Lisbon.Bruno Fernandes dropped a huge hint that he could leave Man UtdCredit: GettyFernandes signed in January 2020 in a transfer costing an initial £47million which rises to £68m.But, undoubtedly, he has been the most successful buy in the period since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.The skipper has produced 54 goals and 40 assists in 157 Premier League matches.However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is preparing for a huge clearout at United in order to try and free up funds for new additions.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd Fernandes, who penned an extension until 2026 two years ago, responded to that by saying: “Obviously, it doesn’t just depend on me, does it?“A player always has to want to be here, but at the same time, you have to want him to stay. At the moment, I feel there’s that on both sides.“I’m not thinking too much about the future, not least because, obviously, this season hasn’t been at the level I’d hoped for, either individually or collectively, so far.“So, if you want me to be very honest, if I have to think about not continuing in the Premier League, it won’t be until after the Euros because nothing will be able to take my focus away from the FA Cup final and the Euros, as there’s nothing more important than that at the moment.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThose remarks will have raised eyebrows both at Old Trafford and across Europe as a host of clubs plot a potential swoop.And here are five places that United captain could end up:’He’s won nothing’ – Roy Keane and Ian Wright in heated argument over Man Utd captain Bruno FernandesBARCELONAAnother club that is planning a brutal clearout by putting all-but three stars on the transfer list, including Robert Lewandowski.And if they can raise the necessary funds, then Fernandes could be somebody they look to to try and transform their midfield.His agent Jorge Mendes already enjoys a good relationship with the Catalans and a report emerged last month that he has offered them the United captain.REAL MADRIDFernandes would be the ideal replacement for the soon-to-be departing Luka Modric in the heart of the midfield.They have been long-term admirers of the star, who they were keen on while he was still at Sporting, and were scouting him at the 2022 World Cup.But with Kyliann Mbappe expected to sign on a mega-money package, funds could be tight at Madrid.JUVENTUSAnother club that was previously linked with Fernandes before United swooped for him.Two years later they were still allegedly “in love” with the Portugal ace and Juventus could potentially launch a move to finally get their man.PSGJust like Juventus, the French giants also wanted him prior to his switch to Old Trafford.With Mbappe set to leave Parc des Princes this summer, that would open up some huge space on the wage bill.And that could lead to PSG attempting to snap him up.READ MORE SUN STORIESSAUDI PRO LEAGUEThe Saudis are expected to try and bring a host more stars to try and bolster their league again this summer.And if Fernandes is available, there is no doubt that they would love him to join his Portuguese team-mate and ex-United colleague Ronaldo out in the Middle East.Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
      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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      England star Trent Alexander-Arnold spotted with Jude Law’s Christian Dior model daughter Iris on stroll in London

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      ENGLAND star Trent Alexander-Arnold was spotted on a stroll in London with Jude Law’s model daughter Iris. The two were snapped together on the fashionable Portobello Road in Notting Hill enjoying a drink together. Trent Alexander-Arnold was spotted on a stroll in London with Jude Law’s model daughter IrisCredit: BackGridThe two were snapped together on London’s fashionable Portobello Road in Notting HillCredit: BackGridBoth looked stylish in greenCredit: BackGridIris had a coffee cup while Alexander-Arnold had a smoothie in handCredit: BackGridIris – who has posed for Christian Dior, Calvin Klein, and Versace – sipped from a coffee cup while Alexander-Arnold had a smoothie in hand. The pair cut a stylish look with Iris wearing a baggy green coat with flared white trousers and boots. Meanwhile Liverpool defender Alexander-Arnold matched in green trousers with a lime coloured hoodie. The right-back has previously been romantically linked with British model and influencer Hannah Atkins.READ MORE IN footballAnd Iris – who is dad Jude’s eldest daughter – has also dated rapper Pa Salieu in the past.She was born in Camden to her movie star parents Jude and Sadie Frost and has six siblings.Iris, 23, has turned her hand to acting but is most well known for modelling, recently posing for Burberry.Her brothers Raff and Rudy have both also modelled and acted before while they have two younger sisters, Sophia and Ada. Most read in FootballEngland’s new Euros WagsENGLAND football stars will be hoping their other halves will bring them good luck in Germany this summer and SunSport runs down the new faces to expect to see.

      Erica Correa: We exclusively revealed Man Utd star Marcus Rashford has been growing close to the Colombia-born model.
      Laura Celia Valk: The Dutch stunner is rumoured to be dating Jude Bellginham and staying in his Madrid mansion.
      Ellie Alderson: The interior designer is with Ollie Watkins, who will be hoping for a place on the plane after missing the last Euros and World Cup.
      Dani Dyer: The actor and reality TV star is going out with Jarrod Bowen, who is in fine form and in line for a Euros call up.
      Annie Keating: Girlfriend to Anthony Gordon, who is vying for a place in England’s competitive frontline.
      Iris Law: The model and daughter to actor Jude sparked romance rumours with Trent Alexander-Arnold after they were spotted together.

      Jude Law with daughter Iris in 2016Credit: RexIris has posed for Christian Dior, Calvin Klein, and Versace beforeCredit: GettyIris is dad Jude’s eldest daughterCredit: GettyShe has also acted in the past despite focusing on modellingIris on the Burberry Catwalk in 2023Credit: Ki PriceJude Law and Sadie Frost pictured in 1997Credit: Getty – ContributorJude also has two other children with wife Phillipa Coan – who he married in 2019 – but their genders have not been revealed.Alexander-Arnold is chasing the Premier League title but Liverpool have lost ground on leaders Arsenal and champions Manchester City. They sit five points off the top with three games remaining in the season.Then, Alexander-Arnold, 25, will turn his attention to this summer’s Euros in Germany as he competes for a place in Gareth Southgate’s squad. Alexander-Arnold is still chasing the Prem title with LiverpoolCredit: ReutersHe will then turn his attention on the Euros with EnglandCredit: GettyInside the ten stunning Euro 2024 stadiums including historic final venue More

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      Ian Mellor dead at 74: Former Man City star passes away as Sky Sports reporter son pays heartfelt tribute

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      FORMER Manchester City star Ian Mellor has died at the age of 74.The ex-winger passed away this morning after a battle with illness.Former Man City star Ian Mellor has died at the age of 74 after a long battle with illnessCredit: GettyMellor also starred for teams including Norwich and BrightonCredit: EmpicsThe news was announced by his son Neil, who works for Sky Sports after playing for LiverpoolCredit: Instagram nmellor33The news was announced by his son Neil, who now works for Sky Sports as a pundit after playing spells with Liverpool and West Ham.He revealed his father had been battling amyloidosis, a rare disease which affects organs and is not curable.Neil posted on Twitter: “My Dad, My Hero, I love you.”Thank you for everything. 19/02/1950 – 01/05/2024.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We are all absolutely devastated to have lost my Dad. “Big thanks to St Ann’s Hospice and all their brilliant staff who helped during those last days as he battled so hard against amyloidosis.”Neil’s former Liverpool teammate and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher paid tribute with a heart emoji.Meanwhile, a fan said: “Sincere condolences Neil.”Most read in FootballAnother declared: “Your dad was a great footballer and a true gentleman.”One noted: “He was a true legend.”Footballers you didn’t know were related from Premier League icons to Lionel MessiNeil’s playing career also saw him star at West Ham and PrestonCredit: ReutersHe is now a pundit for Sky SportsCredit: Instagram nmellor33Another added: “He was a great footballer, one of my favourites.”Mellor started his career with City in 1970, scoring seven goals in 40 appearances and winning the FA Charity Shield before leaving in 1973.He then moved to Norwich and scored twice in 29 games before departing a year later for Brighton,He became a fan favourite in four years on the south coast with 31 goals in 122 games.Between 1978 and 1984, Mellor then moved around Chester City, Sheffield Wednesday and Bradford City.His final playing days saw him spend time at Workshop Town and Hong Kong outfit Tung Sing. As for son Neil, he began his career at Liverpool and scored six times in 22 games – including a last-gasp 30-yard winner against Arsenal at Anfield in 2004.After loans at West Ham and Wigan, he eventually left for Preston in 2006 and scored 43 goals in 150 games.READ MORE SUN STORIESNeil, who went on loan to Sheffield Wednesday during his time there, retired in 2012 aged 30 after a knee injury.And he now works as a pundit for broadcaster Sky Sports, appearing regularly on shows including Soccer Saturday.What is amyloidosis?Amyloidosis is a group of rare conditions where a protein called amyloid builds up in your body.
      It can affect organs such as your heart, kidneys, liver, nerves or digestive system.
      It cannot be cured, but there are treatments that may help with symptoms.
      Common symptoms of amyloidosis include:

      feeling very tired or weak
      losing weight without trying to
      shortness of breath
      swollen feet or legs
      bruising around your eyes More

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      Piers Morgan picks TWO current Arsenal stars in his all-time Gunners XI… but fans think one pick is ‘ridiculous’

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      PIERS MORGAN has picked two current Arsenal stars in his all-time Gunners XI.But fans declared that one of his picks was “ridiculous.”Piers Morgan has named his best-ever Arsenal XICredit: PAThierry Henry and Patrick Vieira are both in the sideCredit: GettyMorgan is in high spirits after seeing Arsenal move top of the Premier League table with just three games to go.The Gunners are on a three-match winning run after last month’s defeat to Aston Villa and Champions League exit to Bayern Munich.They first cruised past Wolves 2-0 before dismantling Chelsea 5-0.Arsenal then secured what could be the biggest result of their season by defeating Spurs 3-2 in the derby.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd they now lead Man City, who have a game in hand, by a point ahead of games with Bournemouth, Man United and Everton.Stars like Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice have truly stepped up to the plate this season.And the modern-day greats have landed themselves a place in Morgan’s all-time Arsenal XI as a result.Firstly, the TalkTV star opted for David Seaman between the sticks.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd he secured a rock-solid defence featuring Lee Dixon, Tony Adams, Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole.Morgan then went for Rice and Patrick Vieira in midfield.Meet the Arsenal Wags behind Gunners’ successMorgan has also opted for Bukayo Saka and Declan RiceCredit: APSaka and Robert Pires were chosen to flank them on the wings.And Morgan finished with a front two of Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry.The incredible XI would surely storm the Premier League in this day and age.But some fans weren’t convinced about the picks for Rice and Saka.One said: “Rice is a ridiculous shout. Hope he does end up in these conversations but absolutely no chance nine months into his Arsenal career.”Another declared: “Rice already? I love the bloke but he can’t get in over someone as esteemed as Liam Brady for me.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “Rice and Saka?!”Another added: “Freddie Ljungberg has been hung out to dry.” More

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      Everton face NINE-POINT deduction with club at risk of administration despite last-minute cash injection of £16million

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      EVERTON face being plunged into administration — landing them a NINE-POINT hit.Farhad Moshiri’s Toffees have consulted insolvency experts as would-be owners 777 Partners suffered another major financial blow. Everton will be docked another nine points if they enter administrationCredit: RexThe US investment group saw their Aussie regional airline Bonzo call in the receivers on Tuesday.It is a further sign that Everton’s £500million takeover, agreed in September, could be doomed.As SunSport revealed, US insurance giant A-Cap are cutting ties with Miami-based 777That will leave them searching for new backers to fund the deal with Toffees owner Moshiri.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEverton are 11 points above the Premier League drop zone with three games to go, despite being docked eight points this term already.But the club are confident they will not be forced into administration — an automatic nine-point deduction — after 777 pumped in another £16m to meet immediate bills.The US firm have loaned nearly £200m to Everton, to keep afloat a club that owe them £500m in total.But 777’s growing issues mean the Premier League will almost certainly block their takeover bid.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMoshiri is now looking at potential owners while interim chief exec Colin Chong seeks further loans from elsewhere.Sean Dyche has steered Everton out of relegation trouble despite the docked points, achieving safety following three successive wins.Premier League manager features in hit music video as fans say ‘this is the greatest thing I’ve ever seen’But the Prem issued a statement confirming the Toffees are not yet out of the woods because of the appeal they made against their points deduction.The statement read: “Following their defeat to Newcastle, Sheffield Utd are relegated pending Everton and Nott’m Forest’s points-deduction appeals.”Our beautiful game is broken, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      WHEN Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
      Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
      There is so much wrong.
      After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
      The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
      Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
      Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
      Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more… More

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      Premier League ‘in talks’ with major broadcaster to play 39th game in USA 16 years after controversial plot first failed

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      NBC SPORTS are “pressing” the Premier League for a 39th match in the USA.The broadcaster claim top-flight bosses have been “receptive” in talks – despite such plans being rejected in 2008 amid a public outcry in England.Arsenal and Man Utd were big hits at the MetLife stadium last July in pre-season clashesCredit: GettyIt was a case of the New Jersey joys for United with a record crowdCredit: ReutersPremier League chief executive Richard Masters suggested last week the door remained “ajar” on an historic extra round of games overseas.But fans might still be surprised to hear NBC Sports’ confident words over extending their exclusive coverage.Jon Miller, the organisation’s president of acquisitions and partnerships, told The Athletic: “We’ve had conversations with the Premier League.”They’ve been very open and receptive to listening to me.READ MORE TOP STORIES”We did the Premier League Summer Series last year where we had… Fulham, Aston Villa, Newcastle, Chelsea, Brighton and Brentford. “Nine games in seven days in five cities around America. It was great.”Miller is also dreaming of better audio links – players, coaches and fourth officials being mic’d up so fans can hear more revealing stuff.Demand for the Prem in the US was highlighted when Manchester United’s tour last summer attracted a record crowd for the sport Stateside.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Red Devils’ 2-0 friendly win over Arsenal was watched by a sell-out 82,262 at the MetLife stadium in East Rutherford in New Jersey.NBC Sports won an exclusive six-year contract in 2022 for continuing to show Prem games.Former Premier League wonderkid who snubbed TEN-YEAR Barcelona contract wakes up unemployed at 32Our beautiful game is broken, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd

      WHEN Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
      Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
      There is so much wrong.
      After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
      The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
      Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
      Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
      Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more…

      The deal reportedly earns the top flight about £360million a season.The Athletic say the arrangement is “more than five times the first deal signed with NBC… in 2012”.Miller added: “There are two things that really bring the viewer and the fan closer to the action: access and audio. “People love to hear what Jurgen Klopp is saying to his team or what he’s saying on the sidelines. ‘We realize there’s got to be some protection against that. But those are the kind of things we’re continuing to push the envelope on.”And the Premier League is responsive. They’re really good when we come to them with ideas. Far be it for me to try to tell the Premier League what makes a good product. Their product is spectacular.’But much like we do with the NFL, and golf, we constantly have conversations with our partners and brainstorm on things we can do to make the games better and more appealing to try to grow our audience.”Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      NOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.
      But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?
      In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.
      Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.
      But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.
      These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.
      Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.
      But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.
      Klopp got it wrong.
      Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.
      Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More