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      Wales to resist calling up Liverpool wonderkid despite impressive performances

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      WALES are expected to resist the urge to fast-track Lewis Koumas if the forward continues to star for Liverpool.Koumas, 18, scored his first goal for the Reds on his senior debut in last Wednesday’s 3-0 FA Cup fifth round win over Southampton at Anfield.Koumas was on the bench for Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final triumphCredit: RexThe son of ex-Wales international Jason, 18, has played for the Dragons U19 side alreadyCredit: RexThe attacker was also on the bench for Saturday’s 1-0 controversial win for Liverpool at Nottingham Forest.But SunSport understands the son of ex-Dragons star Jason is unlikely to promoted to Robert Page’s senior squad this month for their crunch Euro 2024 play-off bid.It is believed Koumas, who has played for Wales Under-19s, could land himself a first Under-21 call instead.Senior Welsh management are well aware of his promising talent.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Wales’ seniors play Finland in their Euro play-off semi-final on March 21 in Cardiff.Then comes a potential final against either Poland or Estonia, also in the Welsh capital five days later.Koumas could even get the chance to train for a session with the likes of Brennan Johnson, Ben Davies and Ethan Ampadu with the U21s also based in south Wales that week.Matty Jones’ U21s have a home clash with Lithuania in Newport on March 22.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChester-born Koumas is eligible to play for three countries: Wales due to his dad, who won 34 international caps for the Dragons, England due to his birthplace and also Cyprus through his grandfather.Wales have also adopted a gradual integration process in the past with the likes of Reading’s Charlie Savage.Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top fiveThe 20-year-old won his first senior cap against Gibraltar last October but has returned to the U21s.Koumas has been in and around the Liverpool squad for a few months now.He was on the bench for Jurgen Klopp’s men for the Prem visit of Burnley on February 10 as well as the Carabao Cup final triumph over Chelsea last weekend.But the attacker grabbed his chance with both hands against the Saints on his debut in midweek by scoring the opening goal before fellow teen star Jayden Danns, 18, added two goals. More

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      Kobbie Mainoo earns Man Utd promotion after dazzling performances with Gareth Southgate tracking wonderkid

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have only just given Kobbie Mainoo the dressing-room status his whizkid displays deserve.Fans might be surprised to hear the England hopeful was NOT part of United’s senior dressing-room until recent weeks.Kobbie Mainoo is now part of Man Utd’s senior set-up on and off the pitchCredit: GettyThe midfielder, 18, has been labelled as a “superhero” and potential star of Euro 2024 after gaining a regular first-team spot.Such praise soared after his stirring efforts, albeit in vain, during Sunday’s 3-1 loss at neighbours Manchester City.But The Mail say Mainoo has still showered and changed with the Under-21s for most of the season.And in fact it’s thought his promotion was helped by 13 players departing Old Trafford in January.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLWinger Jadon Sancho – now on loan back at Borussia Dortmund – had been training alone at Carrington since September following his feud with Red Devils’ manager Erik ten Hag.But the exit of other senior squad-mates, notably Donny van de Beek and Facundo Pellistri, opened up a dressing-room vacancy taken by Mainoo.Argentina wideman Alejandro Garnacho, 19, has had those senior privileges for several months.Now Mainoo has joined him, having underlined his value to Ten Hag with his all-round brilliance at the Etihad over the weekend.  Most read in FootballReaction from United fans to that performance included: “It will be a crime if Kobbie Mainoo doesn’t make it to Euros” and “and “I know a superhero when I see one”.Other viewers chimed in with equal enthusiasm, one saying: “Gives absolutely everything for the badge. I LOVE THIS BOY!!!”Erik ten Hag’s record compared to previous Man Utd managersThe England under-19 ace could even be called up by Gareth Southgate for the Three Lions’ Wembley friendlies with Brazil on March 23 and Belgium three days later.Everton’s ex-United midfielder James Garner, 22, and Fulham anchorman Harrison Reed, 29, could also be in contention. More

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      Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand tells Paul Pogba he ‘needs to speak’ after four-year ban for doping

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      RIO FERDINAND has advised Paul Pogba to speak out after being hit with a four-year ban for doping.Pogba returned a positive test for DHEA, which naturally boosts testosterone production, last year and was subsequently banned for four years.Rio Ferdinand has told Paul Pogba he needs to speak to media about his banCredit: YouTube @ Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVEPogba released a statement after being banned for four years for dopingCredit: GettyJuventus are considering terminating his contract as the Frenchman will be 34-years-old by the time the ban ends.Pogba, 30, has released a statement revealing his sadness and heartbreak, claiming the decision to ban him is “incorrect”.He denies any wrongdoing but Ferdinand feels he still needs to speak to the media directly, suggesting he should appear on a show like his own.Ferdinand said on his Vibe with Five podcast: “If I had my time again and I was Paul Pogba now and I’m innocent, I’m chatting, I’m telling the people this is what happened.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I think he needs to speak – whether they think it messes up the court case on not – they have given him a four-year ban, I don’t think it will be two if he appeals because these people will want to make sure they get their amount of blood.”He has to look after himself here.”It’s understood Pogba isn’t speaking publicly before the CAS hearing as he wishes to respect the official process.Ferdinand, 45, was slapped with an eight-month ban from football in 2003 after missing a drugs test.Most read in FootballHe revealed he was told by lawyers not to speak out at the time but he regrets that decision, and told Pogba he needs to hear from him.The former England star added: “I am well placed to sit here and chat about this because I have been through this.Paul Pogba banned”I am not going to jump in straight away and say he is guilty as I have been in this position and I know Paul, I need to hear from him and see some facts.”I was told by my lawyers and the club, let the lawyers deal with it and let it run its course and hope they do the right thing by you.” More

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      Tottenham outcast wants to turn loan move into permanent transfer after stunning Championship season

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      JOE RODON is keen to deliver promotion for Leeds – and then extend his stay in the Premier League.The Spurs centre-back, 26, has played a huge part for the third-placed Whites after being picked by boss Daniel Farke for 32 of the 35 league matches since his loan move in August.Joe Rodon in action for Leeds against Chelsea in the FA Cup fifth roundCredit: RexThe Wales defender wants to stay at Leeds if they win promotion to the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyBut Rodon, who plays alongside Wales pals Ethan Ampadu, Dan James and Connor Roberts at club level, has expressed his desire to join the Yorkshire outfit on a permanent basis if they reach the top-flight.Rodon, valued between £10-15million, is under contract at Tottenham until the summer of 2025.Rodon said: “Playing is what everyone wants. All of us together would be a really nice journey if we did get there.”With the journeys we have all been on and now it has all led us to this moment.Read More Sport”It would be great for the collective that all of us are playing together in the Premier League.”To be with the boys always makes it easier for me. I’ve enjoyed it this season.”Tonight could be a pivotal night in the Championship title race.Leeds host Stoke, leaders Leicester travel to Sunderland on the back of three successive defeats while Ipswich are at home to Bristol City at Portman Road.Most read in FootballFarke’s men are only five points adrift of the Foxes and two behind Kieran McKenna’s men with just 11 games left.Connor Roberts is another Leeds star dreaming of promotion and celebrating with Rodon, Ampadu and James by parading a Welsh flag at Elland Road.Antonio Conte sends Wales glowing report of Tottenham defender Joe Rodon after his display against AustriaRoberts, who joined on loan from Burnley on deadline day, told Sgorio: “When the opportunity came up, to be a part of something that could be even bigger than just getting promoted at the end of the season.”To do it with these boys and hopefully we are standing on Elland Road with a Welsh flag and we’ve got some medals round our necks. “That is the end goal.” More

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      Chelsea ‘send scouts to watch English youngster’ who quit Wayne Rooney’s Derby to try his hand at European minnows

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      CHELSEA are being linked to Genk’s English defender Archie Brown – with Premier League rivals plus Juventus and AC Milan also hovering.The Brummie, 21, has rebuilt his career on the continent after quitting Wayne Rooney’s Derby in 2021 to seek first-team football.Brummie Archie Brown could be returning to England from BelgiumCredit: RexNow Chelsea have reportedly joined the £15million-rated star’s list of admirers – alongside West Ham, Fulham and Brentford.Championship promotion hunters Leeds, as well as French sides Lyon and Nice, have also been mentioned.HITC say Mauricio Pochettino’s Blues have been “scouting” Brown, including a 4-2 Belgium top-flight defeat at Standard Liege last weekend.And his rise over the past three years has been as unusual as it is incredible.READ MORE TOP STORIESHe rejected a new Rams’ contract in an attempt to speed up his progress three years ago – the same summer that Rooney resigned as manager.Brown had been a regular for Derby’s Under 23 side after switching to left-back and central defence following his days as a left-winger for the U18s.He is thought to have then turned down Championship clubs in favour of FC Lausanne-Sport.Brown’s first season there brought just four senior appearances and relegation from the Swiss Super League.Most read in FootballBut he shone in the second tier, helping Lausanne to an instant promotion back to the elite.And Brown’s eye-catching displays sparked a move to Gent last August on a four-year contract.Chelsea’s forgotten wonderkids – Where are they now? (1)Now Chelsea’s desire for left-back cover could boost his chances of a move to Stamford Bridge.Blues’ boss Pochettino is understood to want cover for Ben Chilwell – not least because three other players in that position are tipped for the exit door, led by £62m flop Marc Cucurella.Newcastle could turn Lewis Hall’s loan deal into a permanent move and Ian Maatsen might be sold when his temporary spell at Borussia Dortmund ends. More

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      Man Utd boost in Marc Guehi transfer bid as Crystal Palace draw up shortlist to replace England star

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      CRYSTAL PALACE are preparing for Marc Guehi’s potential departure in the summer with Manchester United and other Premier League giants keeping tabs.Guehi, 23, has been among the Prem’s brightest defenders since joining Palace from Chelsea in 2021 following an £18million deal, which led to 108 appearances at Selhurst Park.Crystal Palace have drawn up a shortlist of potential replacements for Marc GuehiCredit: GettyGuehi has been linked with Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and TottenhamThe centre-back’s performances have sparked immense interest from the likes of United and Liverpool, while Tottenham and Arsenal have also enquired in the past.And according to The Telegraph, the Eagles have compiled a list of potential candidates to replace the England international in a sign that chances of a potential departure have grown significantly.Guehi has only two years left on his Palace contract, which means this summer may be his club’s final chance to sell him for a significant fee.The Chelsea academy graduate is reportedly worth more than the club-record £50million United splashed for Aaron Wan-Bissaka in 2019.Read More on FootballThe Red Devils are expected to seek for defensive reinforcement after their turbulent campaign comes to an end in May.However, a bid for Guehi will largely depend on whether proposed sporting director Dan Ashworth is appointed in time for the summer transfer window.Ashworth’s Newcastle contract doesn’t allow him to start working for another team until his deal runs out in 2026.Therefore, the transfer expert faces an extended gardening leave unless United fork out a staggering £20m as compensation to the Magpies.Most read in FootballNevertheless, the ex-Brighton chief is a big admirer of Guehi and thus much will depend on his status this summer.The Palace star, though, is currently dealing with a knee injury he suffered last month and could be sidelined for another four weeks.Southgate announces Marc Guehi’s addition to the England squadHowever, England manager Gareth Southgate is expected to have him at his disposal for Euro 2024.New Palace manager Oliver Glasner is facing an uphill battle to hold onto Guehi this summer and the same goes for two of his other biggest stars in Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise. More

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      Man City sign blockbuster Netflix deal with inside footage of historic Treble-winning season to be released next month

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      MANCHESTER City have sold Netflix the story of their historic Treble-winning campaign after agreeing a seven-figure sum for the six-part series.The release of the story behind City’s historic journey last season is set for early next month with a trailer expected to drop this week.Manchester City secured a historic Treble last season after lifting the Champions League in IstanbulCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunCity’s own camera crew was completely integrated into the first team’s inner circle, following them throughout their Treble campaign.The access will give fans a fly-on-the-wall insight into how the Blues were so successful – and now Netflix have forked out a huge sum for the rights.Sunderland ‘Til I Die was Netflix’s first football team documentary and was a huge hit as behind-the-scenes footage captured their disappointing and dramatic drop out of the Premier League.Netflix, who have shown a string of sporting docs including F1’s Drive to Survive, will be hoping City’s latest offering will be even bigger.The first documentary released on the Cityzens was hosted by Amazon in their “All or Nothing” 2017/2018 season.It showed Pep Guardiola’s side breaking countless Premier League records and became the only team to reach 100 points in a single season. BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Blues will be the first Premier League side to feature on Netflix and will be hoping to surpass the success of their last documentary. They will also be hoping that putting their inside story of the Treble triumph on Netflix will further advance their worldwide appeal. Most read in Football Premier League’s Euro adventurers facing crunch week in fight to land England fifth spot in revamped Champions LeagueThe European champions are on route to securing their spot in the quarter-finals of this season’s Champions League.They face Copenhagen at home on Wednesday, carrying a 3-1 advantage from the first leg of the last 16 tie.Manchester City face Copenhagen in the Champions League on WednesdayCredit: PAGuardiola’s men sit just one point behind Liverpool in second place ahead of Sunday’s crucial clash at the top of the Premier league and are also in the last eight of the FA Cup. More

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      UK looking to host first World Cup since 1966 as they target women’s 2031 tournament with Lionesses gunning for glory

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      FOOTBALL could be coming home in seven years’ time as UK sports bosses want to host the Fifa Women’s World Cup finals.Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses missed out on World Cup glory last year when they lost in the Sydney final to Spain.UK Sport are prepared to bid for the Women’s World CupCredit: GettyThe Lionesses missed out on becoming world champions last summerCredit: GettyNow UK Sport plan to set-up a feasibility study for a possible bid to host the senior football tournament in either 2031, 2035 or 2039.This could mean a potential head-to-head battle with Saudi Arabia after one of their top officials last October mentioned fronting a bid at the Leaders in Sport conference at Twickenham.If they were successful with the bid, this would represent the first senior World Cup to be staged in the UK since Alf Ramsey’s Boys of 1966 beat West Germany to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy at Wembley.The men’s European Championships in 2028 will be held across England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland.Read More on FootballAnd the women’s Euros took place in the summer of 2021 – when the Lionesses were victorious.UK Sport have expressed their interest for the event as part of their Making Live Sport Matter initiative, which will target 70 events in 32 sports and 18 World Championships.The governing body believe it will have a huge economic impact across 20 locations for over 15 million fans, with a £5billion potential income.Other events they are keen to host include the men’s Rugby World Cup, the Athletics World Championships in 2029, the Ryder Cup, the Solheim Cup, the Cycling World Championships and the Grand Depart of the Tour de France.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSimon Morton, Deputy CEO and Director of Events at UK Sport, said: “In the UK, millions of us choose to spend our free time watching and enjoying live sport with those that matter most to us, our friends, families and communities.“Live sport is a fundamental part of this country’s social fabric. No other country buys more tickets per head to major sporting events than we do in the UK.Mary Earps, Lauren Hemp and Millie Bright given gongs as sport & music stars celebrated in New Year’s Honours list“In the years ahead, we want to host a programme of live sport that resonates with the British public and makes a difference to millions of people’s lives.“That programme has to be more accessible to people and communities across the country ensuring sport reaches as many fans as possible.”Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said: “With the Champions League final at Wembley in June and the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 we’re building on our world leading reputation for hosting major sporting events.“We are working closely with UK Sport and partners to fulfil our shared ambition to deliver up to 70 major events across 30 different sports to the UK in the years ahead.”UK Sport claim that the Women’s World Cup, which began professionally in 1991, is the biggest sporting event yet to be held in the British Isles.The host nation for the 2027 tournament will be decided soon but bids have gone in from Brazil and joints ones by Belgium/Germany/Holland and Mexico/United States.UK Sport refuse to say if this would be a joint bid across the four Home Nations or solely in English stadiums but talks with the associations will start after May.There are no plans for bidding for a men’s World Cup any time before 2038 at the earliest.There are also no immediate plans to save the Commonwealth Games – which worryingly has no host for the 2026 and 2030 editions – because it is too financially bloated and “the challenge is value for money”, according to officials.The Lionesses will take the first steps to retaining their European Championship title next month when they kick off their qualifiers.However, they have been drawn in the Group of Death.England will face Sweden, France and the Republic of Ireland as they look to book a spot on the plane to Switzerland. More