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    West Ham sign son of legendary three-time kickboxing world champion who quit football himself after horror injury

    WEST HAM have signed Dean Bonjasky, the son of former kickboxing world champion Remy Bonjasky.The child prodigy will join the Hammers academy after previously spending time with FC Volendam.Remy Bonjasky’s son Dean has signed for West HamCredit: GettyBonjasky shared his pride in his son and shared a photo of Dean signing his contract on Instagram.He added the caption: “Proud of my son, player at West Ham.”Dean has penned a two-year contract and is part of the Under-14s team.The 13-year-old shares the same dream of becoming a footballer that his father once possessed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBonjasky, 48, also played football during his teenage years but quit the sport after breaking his leg.He turned to kickboxing and quickly fell in love and was able to forge a long and successful career as a fighter.The Dutchman is a three-time K-1 World Grand Prix heavyweight champion, winning the title in 2003, 2004, and 2008.Bonjasky earned 78 wins in his career, 40 via knockout, and lost 20 fights.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAfter hanging up his gloves he opened up his own gym the “Bonjasky Academy”, where he helps youngsters get into kickboxing.He also has two other children – Cassius and Skye.Floyd Mayweather called out by legendary kickboxing star after fight was dramatically cancelled More

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    Nottingham Forest launch appeal against four-point deduction and could risk even WORSE punishment

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST have appealed their four-point deduction – which could be INCREASED if they are unsuccessful.The Premier League club were handed the punishment earlier this month for breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules.Nottingham Forest’s decision to appeal could yet see them deducted more pointsCredit: RexNow they have confirmed they will be appealing the decision as they look to recoup some of the points lost.However, choosing to contest the punishment means they have also opened themselves up to the possibility of a further points deduction.A short club statement read: “Nottingham Forest can confirm that it has today lodged an appeal against the four point sanction imposed by the Commission in relation to the Club’s breach of the Premier League’s Profit & Sustainability Rules (PSR).”The club will not be making any further statement at this time.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLForest, who according to Sky Sports are unlikely to receive a further deduction, have admitted to breaching the rules after overspending by £34.5million across a three-year period.However, they believe the four-point deduction to be excessive.They would have received an eight-point deduction had they not co-operated in the Premier League’s investigation.Forest will be hoping they are handed some points back in the same way Everton were earlier this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Toffees were docked ten points, before their appeal got them four back.Sean Dyche’s men still face the potential of a further points deduction before the end of the season.Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promiseForest’s punishment dropped them into the relegation zone – with the club now one point adrift of Luton.But the appeal process and Everton’s possible second deduction leaves teams at the bottom in a state of confusion as to what they require to avoid the drop.Forest’s decision to appeal comes after they released a frustrated statement immediately after the deduction.They said: “After months of engagement with the Premier League, and exceptional cooperation throughout, this was unexpected and has harmed the trust and confidence we had in the Premier League.”That the Premier League sought a sanction of eight points as a starting point was utterly disproportionate when compared to the nine points that their own rules prescribe for insolvency.”We were also surprised that the Premier League gave no consideration at all to the unique circumstances of the Club and its mitigation.”In circumstances where this approach is followed by future PSR commissions, it would make it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for newly promoted clubs without parachute payments to compete, thus undermining the integrity and competitiveness of the Premier League.” More

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    Arsenal ‘match Chelsea’s £51m offer for Ousmane Diomande’ with Sporting Lisbon star set to spark transfer battle

    ARSENAL are set for a bidding war over Sporting Lisbon star Ousmane Diomande after matching Chelsea’s offer ahead of the summer transfer window.The Gunners’ manager Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his defence at the end of the season and Diomande, 20, has stood out in his eyes after some impressive performances in Portugal.Arsenal have matched Chelsea’s offer for Sporting Lisbon star Ousmane DiomandeCredit: GettyDiomande has also attracted interest from Newcastle and Bayern MunichCredit: GettyThe centre-back has been so influential for Ruben Amorim’s side that he has attracted interest from the Gunners and the Blues as well as Bayern Munich and Newcastle.At the beginning it was Chelsea that led the transfer chase with an offer of €60million (£51m), plus bonuses.According to Record, however, Arsenal have matched their rivals’ bid for the Ivory Coast international.However, Sporting value Diomande at €80m (£69m) and are in no rush to sell as his contract doesn’t run out until 2027.Read More on ArsenalTherefore, both Premier League giants may have to cough up a larger sum for the Ivorian’s services.However, the same source claims there’s a strong possibility the African star will leave the Estadio Jose Alvalade in the summer.Arsenal have been keeping tabs on the defender since 2022 when he was in still Midtjylland’s books.And now the North Londoners have informed both the player’s camp as well as Sporting about their intention to sign him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERDiomande joined the Lisbon giants last year despite not making a single appearance for Midtjylland, who loaned him out to Portuguese minnows Mafra in his one and only year with the Danish outfit.The towering defender has since amassed a total of two goals and one assist in 29 appearances with the Primeira Liga team.How Arteta turned Havertz from expensive flop to Arsenal’s gamechangerArsenal and Chelsea are currently focused on the Premier League as Arteta’s men are pushing for a first title since 2004.Mauricio Pochettino’s men, on the other hand, are languishing in the bottom half of the table with five points separating them from seventh place, which usually leads to European qualification. More

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    I was one of first Belgium stars to play in Premier League and scored worldie vs Man Utd before becoming a greengrocer

    ONE OF the first Belgian stars to grace the Premier League embarked on a very different career as a GREENGROCER after retirement.The 56-year-old is now back on TV screens in his homeland as a TV pundit and may be in action to cover Belgium’s clash away to England at Wembley on Tuesday.Newcastle legend Philippe Albert was one of the first Belgian stars to play in EnglandCredit: GettyHe became a greengrocer in his homeland after retirementCredit: XPhilippe Albert is still fondly remembered on these shores after hitting the big time in the 1990s.He caught the eye after his outstanding performance for Belgium at the 1994 World Cup, where he scored crucial goals against Germany and the Netherlands.Albert left Anderlecht to sign for Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle United after turning down transfers to Italian sides Juventus and Fiorentina.He also revealed that he was a huge fan of Keegan from his Liverpool days and it was a dream come true for him to play under his hero.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd Albert loved being part of Keegan’s attack-minded team – who were dubbed The Entertainers.Despite being a centre-half, he would often be found loitering on the edge of the opposition’s box.However, he hadn’t even made it that far up the pitch when his most famous and magical moment occurred for the Magpies.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERIt was a scintillating day in October 1996 when Manchester United were in the North East.Most read in FootballNewcastle smashed Sir Alex Ferguson’s side and were 4-0 up thanks to goals from Darren Peacock, David Ginola, Les Ferdinand and Alan Shearer when Albert wanted in on the action.Belgium boss reacts after Real Madrid star Thibaut Courtois publicly calls him outWith only seven minutes left, the towering defender picked up the ball 45 yards out, ran forward 10, and chipped it straight over Peter Schmeichel in the United goal to send the Toon Army wild.Unfortunately for Albert he left Newcastle once Ruud Gullit had taken over in 1998 to reunite with Keegan at Fulham on loan.Eventually, he was sold back to Belgium when Charleroi paid £600,000 for him in 1999 and he hung up his boots the following season after a great career that also saw him capped 41 times by his country, with him scoring five times.But rather than embark on a career in coaching, the 6ft 3in ace gave up the beautiful game to start life as a greengrocer back home.Albert told the Guardian: “I would prepare the produce for customers.“I did for 11 years and I didn’t touch the money I earned as a footballer. Up early, finishing late, that’s what I wanted: a normal life. I’m very proud of it.“Otherwise when you stop football, you do nothing. You have no life.”Albert worked as a greengrocer until 2012, when he became a full-time pundit for Belgian TV.He explained to FourFourTwo: “For 11 years, before moving into television, I wanted to experience the real world.“I enjoyed life, going about my business each day just like everybody else. And I love eating spinach, to stay strong, and apples.”Philippe Albert celebrates his incredible strike against Man UtdCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdAlbert is still best remembered for THAT goal against United, and he told the Newcastle Chronicle: “Remember Peter Schmeichel was one of the best keepers in the world.“He used to come off his line a lot. He did it to reduce the angles of attackers.“It was something special for me, I saw him come off his line and I just thought: ‘Why not?’“It was Man United and Schmeichel, and I knew if it came off people would be talking about it for years. If it didn’t work it was 4-0 anyway.“That’s why I tried something you’d consider very special for a defender.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Technically it’s very difficult to score a goal like this – especially for a defender.“I was lucky to score that type of goal.”The former defender pictured in action for Newcastle against WimbledonCredit: REUTERS More

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    Kobbie Mainoo poses with Love Island star brother after Man Utd wonderkid makes England debut against Brazil

    KOBBIE MAINOO has been spotted posing with his Love Island star brother Jordan Mainoo-Hames after his England debut on Saturday.The Manchester United wonderkid made his Three Lions bow in their 1-0 defeat to Brazil at Wembley.Kobbie Mainoo poses with Love Island star brother after England debutMainoo made his Three Lions bow in the Three Lions 1-0 lose to Brazil at WembleyCredit: GettyMainoo, 18, became one of 14 stars this century to earn his first England cap before turning 19.And his family were there loud and proud in north west London for the teenager’s big moment as a pic went viral of Mainoo with his brother and father.However, the midfielder is not the only celebrity in the family as fans quickly realised his older brother Jordan appeared in the fifth season of Love Island in 2019.As one eagle-eyed fan said: “How did I just discover Love Island Jordan is his bro🤣.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDWhile another added: “It’s Jordan from love island and does fashion.”A third fan then put: “This is CRAZY fam. never expected it😂😂.”The 28-year-old entered the Mallorca villa in week three of the UK hit reality show.And Jordan quickly got into a relationship with fellow contestant Anna Vakili before the couple separated as he started eyeing up another islander, India Reynolds.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThat saw Jordan swiftly booted off the show via a public vote.He is now working in fashion and has taken to the catwalk as a model for Vogue, Louis Vuitton and other esteemed brands.Man Utd fans ‘can’t sleep’ after seeing Kobbie Mainoo’s outrageous skill as they say he’s been ‘upgrading’ while injuredBut he is no longer the biggest star in his family after his sibling soared from a relative unknown to Euros hopeful in just six months.The Stockport-born star only made his League Cup debut in January 2023 and his Premier League bow in November. And he was only handed a locker at Carrington just a few weeks ago.Mainoo, who was eligible to play for Ghana but picked the Three Lions, has scored two goals this term including a dramatic late winner in the Red Devils’ 4-3 win against Wolves last month.Jordan hooked up with Anna Vakili in season five of Love IslandJordan is now working in fashion as a model for the likes of Vogue and Louis VuittonCredit: Getty More

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    Ten Hag ‘planning Man Utd’s pre-season tour’ as it’s revealed ‘kingmaker’ will have ultimate say on manager’s future

    MANCHESTER UNITED CEO Omar Berrada is poised to make a decision on Erik ten Hag’s future this summer.Berrada was poached from United’s neighbours Manchester City earlier this year following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 25 per cent takeover.Omar Berrada will be key in deciding Erik ten Hag’s futureCredit: PAErik ten Hag could be forced to leave Old Trafford if he does not meet expectations at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyHaving spent 13 successful years with the Cityzens, he was appointed to replace interim CEO Patrick Stewart – who had stepped into the position after Richard Arnold’s departure.Berrada is set to officially take over this summer and the Manchester Evening News claim he will be the de facto kingmaker on any decision regarding Ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford.United are operating under the assumption that Ten Hag will remain in charge next season.The Dutchman has been involved in planning for this summer’s pre-season tour of the USA.Read More on FootballHowever, Ten Hag’s future at the club is currently uncertain amid inconsistent form and fractured relationships behind the scenes.Gareth Southgate is understood to be the favourite to replace him.Ratcliffe and Sir David Brailsford have allegedly spoken to a string of United legends about who should take over Ten Hag and the “overwhelming choice” was the England boss.United officials also want to overhaul the first team squad this summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRaphael Varane, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Harry Maguire and Jadon Sancho are among several players that could leave the club at the end of the season.The Red Devils need to offload several players in order to remain in line with Financial Fair Play regulations – especially if they want to make some additions.Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s amazing lifestyleUnited have been linked with Jarrad Branthwaite, Joao Gomes, Rodrygo and Victor Osimhen ahead of the summer window.Man Utd return to Premier League action this weekend when they face Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium. More

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    Harry Kane astonishingly seen in Bayern training having just left England camp due to injury

    HARRY KANE has been seen in Bayern Munich training – despite being left out of England’s camp due to injury. The Three Lions skipper missed the 1-0 friendly defeat to Brazil at Wembley due to an ankle injury. Harry Kane has been seen in Bayern Munich trainingCredit: GettyIt comes after leaving the England campCredit: GettyKane left after suffering an ankle injuryCredit: GettyKane looked to be doing light workCredit: GettyAnd England boss Gareth Southgate confirmed he will miss tomorrow’s match with Belgium as a result. But astonishingly, Bayern shared photos to their social media accounts that reveal Kane kitted up on the training pitch. The former Tottenham star does appear to be working on his own or with a coach away from the full squad training. It could suggest Kane, 30, has been thrown into a lighter session to recover from the injury. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFollowing defeat to Brazil, Southgate said: “Harry Kane won’t be fit for Tuesday so he will go back to his club.” England started with Ollie Watkins up front with Ivan Toney now expected to be given a chance to shine against Belgium. Asked if it is a big chance for Toney, manager Southgate said: “You can’t hide that fact. He knows. “It would be his first start so you’ve got to bear that in mind. With England, that’s the landscape — you don’t get hundreds of opportunities.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I think every player recognises that’s the world we live in.”One-cap Toney, 28, is up against Watkins, also 28, in the race for a spot in Germany this summer to provide competition for Kane. Vinicius Jr appears to ask Bellingham for Premier League star’s shirt as Real Madrid team-mates chat after England lossThe Aston Villa forward struggled against Brazil on Saturday, putting Toney under even greater focus.Southgate said: “He’s a confident guy, he comes in on the back of a good run of form with his club.“He will be on the field on Tuesday, no question.“The quality of his football can be underestimated. His passing, his link play.“You look at him being a big guy but he’s not just a target man.”Watkins has far superior Premier League stats than Toney so far this season More

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    Vinicius Jr appears to ask Bellingham for Premier League star’s shirt as Real Madrid team-mates chat after England loss

    ENGLAND superstar Jude Bellingham linked up with Real Madrid team-mate Vinicius Junior after last week’s friendly at Wembley.Brazil defeated the Three Lions 1-0 on Saturday thanks to a goal by Endrick, who will be joining Bellingham and Vinicius at Real in June from Palmeiras.Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior met backstage at WembleyCredit: X @EnglandBellingham and Vinicius embraced after Brazil’s win over EnglandCredit: X @EnglandBellingham and Vinicius have stood out at Real Madrid this seasonCredit: GettyBut there were no hard feelings between the two superstars as they exchanged a warm embrace and a friendly chat backstage after the full-time whistle.And the star midfielder was even willing to indulge his Brazilian pal with a series of England jerseys.But Vinicius was very impressed with one particular player during their match.And that was none other than Arsenal star Declan Rice, who put together another stunning performance.Read More on FootballBellingham asked Vini if there was any other shirt he wanted to take with him back to Madrid.And the star striker wasted no time as he immediately responded: “Rice.”Rice has been spearheading Arsenal’s Premier League title bid after his £105million arrival from West Ham last summer.The star midfielder has amassed a total of six goals and seven assists in 39 appearances.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBellingham and Vinicius have also shone bright this season at the Santiago Bernabeu.The Brazil international has registered a staggering 18 goals and eight assists in 28 matches this season.How Jude Bellingham is key to England winning Euro 2024Bellingham, on the other hand, has set the world alight with a whopping 20 goals and nine assists in 31 appearances.Vinicius asked for Arsenal star Declan Rice’s jersey after the matchCredit: Rex More