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      Arsenal and Tottenham ‘set to do battle for Pedro Neto as Ange Postecoglou joins transfer race for Wolves star’

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      ARSENAL face a battle with bitter rivals Tottenham to land Pedro Neto.That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, via CaughtOffside, who says Wolves are prepared to set their asking price for the winger ahead of the summer transfer window.Arsenal and Tottenham are in a battle to sign Wolves wingerCredit: AFPArsenal have been long linked with Neto, 24, as Mikel Arteta looks to reinforce his forward line.But the Spanish boss won’t have it all his own way with North London rivals Spurs ready to make their move too.Ange Postecoglou is still trying to fill the void of goals left by Harry Kane’s departure.And, with loan signing Timo Werner seemingly unlikely to be made a permanent addition, Neto could fit the bill.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, he certainly will come cheap, with Wolves hoping to start a bidding war at around £60million.Neto’s future, and how he will feature in Arsenal’s plans, were discussed and Romano said: “Arsenal have some wingers in their sights for the summer.”But while it’s normal to see a long list of names linked with clubs in this situation, who’s really emerging as the main options on Arsenal’s list?“Pedro Neto is a player Arsenal like and have looked at before, but we have to wait for Wolves to decide initial price tag to understand what Arsenal, Tottenham and more clubs will decide to do.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNeto has scored twice and notched nine assists in 19 Premier League games for Wolves this season.He also netted in the FA Cup win over West Brom in January.Ashley Cole picks his all-time team-mates XI… but does it boast more Arsenal or Chelsea stars?But it’s thought the former Braga star could push his game to a new level if he gets a move to a bigger club.Neto would allow Arteta to rotate Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli on the wings for the Gunners.While he could form a deadly combination with James Maddison and Son Heung-min at Spurs. More

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      Former Premier League ref Phil Dowd, 61, reveals cruel Parkinson’s diagnosis as he admits ‘it hit me hard’

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      FORMER Premier League referee Phil Dowd has opened up about his devastating Parkinson’s diagnosis.The 61-year-old experienced an incredible career from 1997 to 2016 with 15 years spent officiating in the top flight of English football.Former Premier League referee Phil Dowd has revealed he has Parkinson’s DiseaseCredit: AFP – GettyDowd took charge of some key fixturesCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe took charge of key matches such as FA Cup and League Cup finals, coming face-to-face with some of the biggest names in football including the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho.However, in an interview with the Mirror he revealed that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease during the Coronavirus pandemic.Dowd said: “Football gets me up in the morning now. That’s what gets me going and it’s important to have that.”It started when my wife saw my left arm shaking and I got checked. I got diagnosed during Covid times and the specialist said to me: ‘You’ve got Parkinson’s.’ It hit me hard and I just thought: ’s***’.Read More on Football”I didn’t want to admit that I had it in the first two years after I was diagnosed.”At that stage, you don’t realise all the symptoms because you think you just shake a bit. But there’s so many other symptoms.”You want to hide it but football has been brilliant to me. Howard Webb has been so supportive as has Wayne Allison at the PGMOL.”Dowd is now part of the PGMOL development group, coaching six officials including Aji Ajibola, Kirsty Dowle, Tom Parsons, Declan Brown, Abi Byrne and current top-flight referee Sunny Singh Gill.Most read in FootballHe is also keen to promote the work done by Parkinson’s UK, a charity that provides support to those affected by the disease.The former referee continued: “I want to put something back into society and we’ve got some golf days, there’s a walking football tournament. I want to help highlight it in the next couple of years.”I also want to show you can lead a good life and it’s not as bad as people think. I’m still doing stuff and I’m still grateful the PGMOL want me to work in my role and that has really helped me.”It’s important to be positive and stay active. There’s no cure. It affects people differently. I can probably jog better than I can walk.” More

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      Under-pressure Todd Boehly ‘will be REPLACED as Chelsea chairman with deadline set for billionaire’s exit’

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      TODD BOEHLY will be replaced as Chelsea chairman, according to shock reports.The American billionaire took on the role when he fronted the consortium that bought the Blues from Roman Abramovich in 2022.Todd Boehly is set to leave his position as Chelsea chairmanCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunHowever, the Daily Mail claim he will be removed from his position in 2027 with a new chairman instated.It is reported that part of the co-owners’ agreement enables them to switch the role between themselves every five years.Boehly ‘went first’ out of the group.His five-year stint will therefore end in 2027, when Chelsea are set to then switch up the chairmanship. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBoehly is actually a minority owner of the Blues.He, Hansjorg Wyss and Mark Walter all own approximately 12.8 per cent of the club to make up 38.5 per cent.The remaining 61.5 per share is held by Clearlake Capital.That is the private equity company spearheaded by fellow co-owners Behdad Eghbali and Jose Feliciano.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe Mail adds that the Clearlake group hold ‘preferred stock’ as opposed to the ‘common stock’ for the others – with the former having more financial protection. The decision on who will become the next Chelsea chairman is allegedly undecided. Chelsea’s plans for £1bn new stadiumEghbali and Feliciano could take on the post from 2027 to 2032.Alternatively, they could appoint someone else on their behalf.Either way, though, Boehly’s reign as chairman is expected to end at the culmination of the 2026-27 season. He could, however, return to the hot seat five years later on the next rotation. It is claimed the relationship between Boehly and Clearlake has not broken down, despite the anticipated major change at the top of the club. Boehly’s impressively bad Chelsea jobBy Andy Dillon
      IT IS small beer to billionaires like Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali.Understandably, the price of a pint at Chelsea, the cost of a coach to Bramall Lane or admission to a youth game won’t even register in the big men’s bank balances.But when you run an English football club, even if you don’t know what’s of value to the fans, you should make sure there are people nearby that do.Boehly and his sidekick are clearly failing in this regard and have scored an own goal just as spectacular as that from defender Axel Disasi against Leicester on Sunday.The letter from Chelsea Supporters’ Trust to the chairman and his co-owner  was not your usual fed-up fan rant.It may have been a devastating four-page assassination job on Boehly and Eghbali’s entire regime.But did you notice how little griping was aimed at some of the abject football played by a massively overpriced and underachieving bunch of players?What two hard-nosed American financiers make of being warned about the “irreversible toxicity, almost  irrespective of results on the pitch” in a withering assault on their ability to run a Premier League club would be a joy to know. Way to go, boys.It takes some doing to p*** off the normally mild-mannered CST, an elected group of diehards ranging from mid-20s to retirement age and made up of largely professional people.Not the kind of Chelsea fans who push black men off Paris Metro trains.To them and many others who devote themselves to the pursuit of Chelsea FC, it is not all about silverware — contrary to outside perception.There are some at Stamford Bridge with a sense of entitlement after so many years of winning trophies. But to most, it is a cult, a religion, a devotion. It’s about belonging and feeling part of it. Like at other clubs, win or lose.The  price of a pint, a hot dog, a matchday programme, a season ticket or away travel may seem insignificant to those spending £1billion on a development squad.But it means a lot to the fans who were there before and will be there long after Boehly and his pals from Clearlake Capital have cleared off.And they don’t take kindly to being blanked either. The owners of Chelsea have predictably missed the point when it comes to the fan base. Next month’s game at Sheffield United is on Sunday, April 7.Kick-off is at 5.30pm because of the city’s half-marathon earlier that day. There is also a train strike.Yet the away end at Bramall Lane will be full. Just like it was on Christmas Eve at Wolves.A friend paid £600 on the black  market for two tickets to see Chelsea the day before New Year’s Eve. He still hasn’t told his missus the true cost.He was at Middlesbrough when a pathetic Chelsea lost 1-0 in a  midweek  Carabao Cup semi-final.Chelsea have been awful most of this season and last. Yet my friend will still go. So will thousands of others who just want to feel part of the team, even a losing one. The perceived lack of communication from the owners is seen as a rejection of worth.The CST points to a disconnect between club and supporters not seen since the early 1980s.That was when then chairman Ken Bates tried to electrify the fences  surrounding the pitch to thwart the hooligans in The Shed.With crowd numbers on the slide at Stamford Bridge as a result of Boehly and Behdad’s detached, lofty air, they may have to do the same again — only now to keep the fans in.

      Eghbali and Boehly must both sign off on major decisions and have overseen a staggering £1billion in spending on transfer fees during the two seasons in charge. Under-pressure Boehly has been the subject of much fan anger and frustration amid struggles on the pitch and potential Profit and Sustainability Rules sanctions off it, especially after announcing pre-tax losses of £90.1million in 2022-23. But it is Eghbali who is said to be the man running operations behind the scenes. Both sides insist they remain committed to Chelsea for the long term and there is hope fortunes will start to turn soon.READ MORE SUN STORIESTherefore the new chairman is unlikely to spark widespread and dramatic change in the way they run the club with a strong emphasis on recruiting young players as well as investing in scouting, data and sports science.SunSport have contacted Chelsea for comment. Clearlake chief Behdad Eghbali could take over from the current chairman in 2027Credit: GettyHansjorg Wyss and Boehly both own approximately 12.8 per cent of ChelseaCredit: Alamy More

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      Sandro Tonali faces LONGER ban after being charged by FA over allegedly breaching betting rules 50 times at Newcastle

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      NEWCASTLE star Sandro Tonali has been charged with misconduct by the FA.The charge relates to Tonali’s alleged breach of betting rules between August – October 2023.Sandro Tonali has been charged with misconduct by the FACredit: GettyTonali was hit with a ten-month ban by Italian authorities for bets he made before he joined Newcastle.He has been serving that ban since October and despite the fresh FA charges, Newcastle expect any further ban to run concurrently to the one imposed by Italian authorities given he provided them with evidence last autumn during the Italian probe.The FA have been investigating alleged betting breaches made by Tonali since he signed for Toon – on matches between August and October.Tonali has been given until April 5 to respond to the charge.An FA statement read: “Sandro Tonali has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of The FA’s Betting Rules.”It’s alleged that the Newcastle United midfielder breached FA Rule E8 50 times by placing bets on football matches between August 12 2023 and October 12.”Tonali intends to comply with the FA investigation according to a statement released by Newcastle.It read: “Newcastle United acknowledges a misconduct charge received by Sandro Tonali in respect of alleged breaches of FA Betting Rules.Most read in FootballSandro Tonali betting history

      July, 2023 – Sandro Tonali signs for Newcastle United in a £55m deal from AC Milan.
      October 12, 2023 – Tonali is released from International duty with Italy alongside teammate Nicolo Zaniolo amid an investigation from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) relating to illegal betting activity from his time in Italy before signing for Newcastle.
      October 21, 2023 – Tonali plays 21 minutes in what is his last Newcastle United game of the season during a 4-0 win over Crystal Palace.
      October 26, 2023 – FIGC announced a 10-month ban from football for club and country for Tonali after he is found guilty of illegal betting.
      Tonali agrees to eight-month rehabilitation course for a gambling addiction as part of the announcement.
      March 28, 2024 – Tonali is charged with misconduct by the FA regarding a fresh set of betting allegations.
      The midfielder is alleged to have breached FA betting rules 50 TIMES by betting on football during his time at Newcastle United between August 12 2023 and October 12 2023.
      August 27, 2024 – The nine-month ban Tonali was handed for his initial breaches in Italy is set to come to an end on August 27 this year.
      However the Magpies man could now face an increased stint away from football if he is found guilty of the FA’s charges.

      “Sandro continues to fully comply with relevant investigations and he retains the club’s full support.”Due to this ongoing process, Sandro and Newcastle United are unable to offer further comment at this time.”‘He has a special place for Newcastle’ – Jose Mourinho tipped to replace Eddie Howe by former Premier League managerTonali, 23, was initially ruled out until August with his original ban, with the Italian also undergoing rehab treatment for eight months.The Newcastle star was previously punished for his role in a scandal involving Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli, with Aston Villa player Nicolo Zaniolo also allegedly questioned.A probe into the Italian players’ activity saw the trio quizzed by police in October.Soon after, Tonali’s agent Giuseppe Riso revealed the former AC Milan ace is a gambling addict and the scandal coming to light could “save his life”. More

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      ‘It was a mistake to return to Man Utd’ reveals Juventus legend who claims Paul Pogba was good enough to win Ballon d’Or

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      PAUL POGBA made a “mistake” returning to Manchester United, claims Juventus legend Claudio Marchisio.The midfielder arrived at Old Trafford for a then world-record £89million fee in 2016.Claudio Marchisio believes Paul Pogba could have won the Ballon d’OrCredit: PAThe Italian believes joining Man Utd stunted Pogba’s developmentCredit: –But he only showed glimpses of his quality in his six-year stay and never pushed on after an impressive spell at Juventus.Marchisio, who played alongside Pogba in Turin, believes the Frenchman was good enough to win the Ballon d’Or.But he claims his development was hindered after he joined United.Marchisio said in an interview with AS: “I think it was a mistake to return to United. It didn’t help his development.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDPogba struggled with injuries at Old Trafford and a knee problem has limited him to just eight appearances since he returned to Juventus.Former Italy star Marchisio bemoaned his fitness issues and claimed he would have been one of the world’s best without the injury problems.He added: “He was one of the team-mates who impressed me the most on the field, injuries did not allow him to have the career he deserved, he could have aimed for the Ballon d’Or.”Pogba, 31, was hit with a four-year ban after testing positive for banned substance DHEA, which naturally boosts testosterone production.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERPaul Pogba’s career stats
      Man Utd 2011-12 – 3 games
      Juventus 2012-16 – 178 games, 34 goals
      Man Utd 2016-22 – 226 games, 39 goals
      Juventus 2022-current – 12 games
      France – 91 caps, 11 goalsHonours
      Serie A – 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
      Coppa Italia – 2015, 2016
      Europa League – 2017
      League Cup – 2017
      World Cup – 2018
      Nations League – 2021

      The midfielder has not featured for Juventus since September, when he received a provisional suspension for the offence.Pogba has denied any wrongdoing and plans to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to appeal the decision.Inside Sir Alex Ferguson’s Biggest Bust-UpsHe released a statement which read: “I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping’s decision and believe that the verdict is incorrect.”I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me.”When I am free of legal restrictions the full story will become clear, but I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations.”As a professional athlete I would never do anything to enhance my performance by using banned substances,”And have never disrespected or cheated fellow athletes and supporters of any of the teams I have played for, or against.”As a consequence of the decision announced today I will appeal this before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.” More

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      Man Utd ‘eye shock transfer move for Stoke flop Joselu, 34, as Red Devils send representatives to Spain’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly eyeing a shock transfer move for Stoke flop Joselu.The 34-year-old striker is currently on loan at Real Madrid from Espanyol.Credit: GettyCredit: Phil Shephard-Lewis – The SunHe has 14 goals in 38 games for the LaLiga leaders.But despite struggling in the Premier League with both Stoke and Newcastle, Joselu is now said to be a target for United.Relevo claims representatives from Old Trafford have already jetted to Spain to enquire about a summer deal.Joselu is technically still tied down to Espanyol, with his contract expiring in 2025.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAnd United believe he fits the bill for a back-up role to Rasmus Hojlund.However, the Red Devils reportedly face competition from several other English sides.A move for Joselu would also depend on the viewpoint of their next sporting director, which could be Dan Ashworth.And the fact remains that Joselu’s priority is to remain at Real Madrid.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe hitman is likely to continue in a fringe role should Los Blancos complete a deal for Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe.But Carlo Ancelotti and his staff have been left impressed by Joselu’s professional attitude and eye for goal.Inside Sir Alex Ferguson’s Biggest Bust-UpsCredit: Getty Images – GettyAnd despite more negotiations needed with Espanyol, those behind the scenes at Real apparently expect Joselu to stay with them for another season.The veteran is certainly enjoying the best spell of his career, having also become a regular for Spain following his debut last year.Joselu now has five goals in ten games for his country and helped them win the Nations League.It’s a far cry from earlier in his career, where he bounced around from club to club before leaving Newcastle for Alaves in 2019.Indeed, Joselu has already matched his second-best ever total goals for a season.And he needs just four more to set a career high.Joselu’s playing career revealedThose numbers in full…

      Celta Vigo, 2008-2010: 30 games, 4 goals

      Real Madrid, 2010-2012: 2 games, 2 goals

      Hoffenheim, 2012-2013: 25 games, 5 goals

      Eintracht Frankfurt, 2013-2014: 33 games, 14 goals

      Hannover 96, 2014-2015: 32 games, 10 goals

      Stoke City, 2015-16: 27 games, 4 goals

      Deportivo La Coruna, 2016-2017: 24 games, 6 goals

      Newcastle, 2017-2019: 52 games, 7 goals

      Alaves, 2019-2022: 113 games, 36 goals

      Espanyol, 2022-2023: 38 games, 17 goals

      Real Madrid, 2023-2024: 38 games, 14 goals

      Spain, 2023-2024: 10 games, 5 goals

      Trophies: Spanish Super Cup (Real Madrid); Nations League (Spain) More

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      Man Utd legend Gary Neville gives verdict on Gareth Southgate to Old Trafford rumours as Erik ten Hag fights for job

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Gary Neville has urged his former club to stick with Erik ten Hag this summer as he is yet to be convinced by any other managerial candidates.Ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford is currently uncertain amid inconsistent form and fractured relationships behind the scenes.Gary Neville is not convinced Southgate will ‘fit’ as Man Utd managerCredit: PAGareth Southgate has been heavily linked with the jobCredit: ReutersSeveral managers have been linked with a move to Man Utd, including Graham Potter, Gary O’Neil and England boss Gareth Southgate.Reports claim Southgate is currently the favourite, but ex-United star Neville is not convinced he would be the right man for the job.In the latest episode of The Overlap, he explained: “Everywhere I look, I just think to myself, we could end up with someone who’s probably not as good as Erik ten Hag and got the pedigree of him.”And he’s actually got two years of experience, and the fact he’s had that good first season and he’s experienced that difficulty means that he should be better for it.Read More on Man Utd”So I think that I would like to see that. I don’t like the idea of him leaving and bringing in one of the names that have been suggested. That doesn’t feel right.”I’d rather stick with Erik ten Hag and think right, okay, let’s just give him… I wouldn’t even say another year, I’d say just believe in him.”He continued “I said on Stick to Football last week that even Gareth [Southgate], as well as Gareth’s done with England, I’ve never seen the fit between Gareth and Manchester United.”I’ve never seen the fit between Graham Potter and Manchester United, and that’s been a strong rumour.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I don’t see the fit between Gary O’Neil and Manchester United.”I don’t know [what fit I see]. Instinctively as a fan of a club when you hear a name, you feel it or you don’t feel it. You just do.Shaun Custis and Martin Lipton discuss the possibility of Manchester United going for Gareth Southgate as their new boss “It’s not a feeling I’ve had. I’ve not woke up thinking that looks like a United manager.”Man Utd CEO Omar Berrada is set to make a decision on Ten Hag’s future this summer.United are currently operating under the assumption that the Dutchman will remain in charge next season.Ten Hag has been involved in planning for this summer’s pre-season tour of the USA as well as the transfer window. More

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      Chelsea hit by injury crisis with NINE stars out and Chilwell a doubt as fuming fans blast ‘this is getting out of hand’

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      CHELSEA fans are becoming exasperated by their ever-growing injury list.The Blues now have nine first-team players on the treatment table and unavailable for Saturday’s clash against Burnley, taking their tally to 47 different injuries for the season.Mauricio Pochettino has several key players unavailable due to injuryCredit: GettyRomeo Lavia has been ruled out for the rest of the seasonCredit: GettyRobert Sanchez has suffered a fresh injury setbackCredit: AlamySome are long-term injury absentees like Reece James and Wesley Fofana.But forward Christopher Nkunku has suffered another injury setback in what has been an injury-plagued debut campaign at Stamford Bridge.Another summer arrival Romeo Lavia has also been hit with fitness problems throughout the season and has made just one appearance for the club.The midfielder has now been ruled out for the rest of the season after experiencing a setback in his bid to overcome a thigh issue he picked up in December.READ MORE ON CHELSEAPrior to that an ankle injury had kept him sidelined since the beginning of the season.Pochettino now has fresh concerns as Trevoh Chalobah has joined the nine-man injury list – having just broken into the side.Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and Carney Chukwuemeka were also close to a return to the team after lengthy injury lay-offs but have picked up fresh injuries.They have been consigned to the treatment room along with Chelsea captain Reece James.Most read in FootballChelsea injury list

      Christopher Nkunku – Hamstring, unknown return date
      Romeo Lavia – Thigh, out for the season
      Reece James – Hamstring, April return
      Levi Colwill – Toe, 1-2 weeks
      Robert Sanchez – Knee
      Trevoh Chalobah
      Wesley Fofana – Knee
      Carney Chukwuemeka – Ankle
      Lesley Ugochukwu – Hamstring

      BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERPochettino is also without Levi Colwill and Lesley Ugochukwu, while the Chelsea boss confirmed Ben Chilwell has a knock.The left-back featured for England against Brazil and Belgium over the international break – which Pochettino revealed his surprise at.Ashley Cole picks his all-time team-mates XI… but does it boast more Arsenal or Chelsea stars?One Chelsea fan reacted to the injury news saying: “It’s getting out of hand.”Another added: “It’s now looking like a curse.”And a third wrote: “This is actually not funny anymore.” More