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    Tottenham suffer major Europa League blow with key man suspended after getting red card two seasons ago

    TOTTENHAM’S Europa League hopes have been hit by a long-delayed ban for a key defender.Cristian Romero will miss Spurs’ group opener against Qarabag on September 26 – due to being sent off in the Champions League TWO SEASONS ago.  Cristian Romero’s absence will further weaken Spurs options in defenceCredit: RexIt’s all because Romero saw red for two bookings on Tottenham’s last European game, a Champions League draw at home to AC Milan in March 2023Credit: RexUefa have confirmed that European bans can kick in as late as two years after an offence – which adds to headaches at the back for Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou.Romero was sent off for two bookings in Spurs’ last European adventure, in March 2023.Having lost 1-0 away to AC Milan in the Champions League round-of-16, the Argentinian World Cup-winner’s woe then helped kill off their hopes in the second leg.Romero, now 26, earned his first yellow card after just 17 minutes of a poor Tottenham display.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd a reckless challenge on Theo Hernandez late on meant his second booking in a tame 0-0 draw.Spurs have been out of Europe since then, so it’s only now that Romero’s suspension comes into play.His absence at home to Azerbaijan Premier League side Qarabag later this month means Postecoglou could face selection problems at centre-back.Dutch centre-back  Micky van de Ven has been troubled by injury.Most read in Europa LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, Postecoglou is confident the 23-year-old will be back by the end of September.He said: “Micky was close in training this week but with the international break he’s not quite 100 per cent.”Tottenham flop Steven Bergwijn signs for Saudi Arabian club Al-IttihadRadu Dragusin is Tottenham’s other main option in central defence.And if needed Ben Davies, usually a left-back, could switch inside.Spurs decided to leave right-back Djed Spence out of their 23-man Europa League squad. More

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    Former Everton star Ben Godfrey ‘already rejected’ by Atalanta and could be axed in January transfer window

    BEN GODFREY could be axed by Atalanta in January, it’s been sensationally claimed.The defender joined the Italian outfit from Everton in June for a fee in the region of £10million.Ben Godfrey joined Atalanta from Everton earlier this summerCredit: GETTYBut the Serie A club are reportedly not impressed with the 26-year-oldCredit: REXLast season’s Europa League winners had high hopes for the 26-year-old, who can play across the backline.But the Serie A club are said to have not been impressed by what they’ve seen of him so far.According to TuttoAtalanta, Godfrey is “struggling” to adapt to the system deployed by manager Gian Piero Gasperini.And they claim he could be lined up for a loan move after being “rejected” and deemed a “flop” by his gaffer.READ MORE TRANSFER NEWSGodfrey’s Italian adventure hasn’t gone to plan, with the England international only playing 22 minutes of first-team football this season.But he was full of optimism after his move to Bergamo was announced, writing on Instagram: “My new home @atalantabc.”So happy to be here, looking forward to meeting everyone at the club! Forza Atalanta!!!”Shortly after expressing his delight at moving to Serie A, he issued a heartfelt message to the Goodison Park faithful.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBen Godfrey has only played 22 minutes of football so far this seasonCredit: GettyHe said: “When I joined the club in 2020, everyone at the club from fans, staff and players made me feel welcome.”I’ve made some great memories at this football club and will always appreciate my time there.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese model”And I feel like I can leave knowing I gave 100%.”Now it’s time to move onto my next challenge.”Thank you for all your support. All the best Everton.” More

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    Chris Smalling to make shock Roma exit with former Man Utd star to have medical before ending five-year spell in Italy

    CHRIS SMALLING is on the brink of ending his Italian love affair, it’s been claimed.The former England defender joined Serie A big boys Roma from Manchester United in October 2019 for a fee of £18million.Chris Smalling joined Roma in October 2019 from Manchester UnitedCredit: REXThe defender is reportedly on the verge of moving to the Saudi Pro LeagueCredit: GETTYSmalling breathed new life into his career in the Italian capital, making 155 appearances for the Giallorossi.But he’s set to move on to new pastures in the coming days as a move to the Saudi Pro League on the brink of coming to fruition.Smalling, who has one year left on his contract at the Stadio Olimpico – is reportedly on course to join Al-Fayha.The centre-back is set to undergo a medical on Monday ahead of the move.READ MORE TRANSFER NEWSSmalling was restricted to a mere 12 appearances for Daniele De Rossi’s side last season due to injury.His lack of football last season sparked speculation he could leave Rome this summer.But the veteran defender revealed to fans he was eager to extend his stay at the club.When pressed about his future, he said: “I would like to stay at Roma.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSInjury restricted Chris Smalling to just 12 appearances in all competitions last seasonCredit: GettyJust a few weeks earlier, he said: “I’m feeling good.”It’s no secret I’ve missed a lot of games this season, which is unusual for me. Raphael Varane removed from Como’s Serie A squad as Man Utd flop’s transfer turns into nightmare after nasty injury”I am feeling fit, ready to contribute.””The ultras saw off the team with fireworks, flares, flags and chants at the Trigoria training ground this afternoon.“There are very few clubs in the world who have a fanbase that can do things like that.” More

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    Raphael Varane removed from Como’s Serie A squad as Man Utd flop’s transfer turns into nightmare after nasty injury

    RAPHAEL VARANE has been removed from Como’s Serie A squad after suffering an injury on his debut.Varane, 31, joined the Italian outfit following a turbulent three-year stint with United that ended once his contract expired.Raphael Varane has been removed from Como’s squad for the Serie A seasonCredit: GettyEx-Manchester United ace Varane got injured on his Como debutCredit: CBSThe centre-back made his debut three weeks ago as he started for Cesc Fabregas’ side during the first round of the Coppa Italia at Sampdoria.However, the ex-France international only lasted 23 minutes as he picked up a knee injury and had to be substituted.According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Varane’s knock has led to Fabregas removing him from his squad for the season.The Frenchman suffered a raft of unfortunate injuries during his time with United.Read More on FootballThe ex-Real Madrid star never managed more than 24 Premier League appearances in each of his three seasons.In fact, since the start of the 2021/22 campaign the defender has picked up 12 separate injuries.In that time, Varane went on to miss a grand total of 49 matches.The 2018 World Cup winner amassed a total of two goals and one assist in 95 appearances with the Red Devils.Most read in FootballVarane helped the Manchester giants win the EFL Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup a year later.Fabregas was determined to sign him when he became a free agent in the summer.BREAKING: Raphael Varane will LEAVE Man Utd in summer on free transfer as Sir Jim Ratcliffe plans club overhaulThe Arsenal and Chelsea hero said: “Raphael is a special player and his signing is proof of the ambition we have for this club.”He is highly decorated and the experience he brings in two of the best leagues in the world can not be underestimated. I can’t wait to start working with him.” More

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    Chelsea target Osimhen stripped of No9 shirt, AXED from Serie A squad list and could rot in Napoli reserves for months

    NAPOLI superstar Victor Osimhen has been axed from the squad and stripped of his signature shirt number after his failed move to Chelsea.Osimhen, 25, has been the Italian side’s top star since his arrival from Lille in 2020 as he led them to their first Serie A title in 33 years and amassed a total of 76 goals and 18 assists in 133 appearances.Victor Osimhen has been removed from Napoli’s squad and stripped of his No9 shirtCredit: RexChelsea tried to sign Osinhen on transfer deadline day and so did Al-AhliCredit: RexHowever, the striker has now found himself out in the cold following the Blues’ failed last-ditch effort to sign him on Friday’s transfer deadline day.The Nigeria international also came close to moving to Saudi Arabia for Al-Ahli but they instead landed Ivan Toney from Brentford.According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Napoli’s new manager Antonio Conte has wielded the axe and removed Osimhen from his senior squad.Conte also took his No9 shirt away and gave it to his replacement in attack Romelu Lukaku, who reunited with the Italian tactician following his move from Chelsea.Read More on FootballNow Osimhen is facing the possibility of being sidelined with the reserves until January.The Nigerian’s contract with Napoli also doesn’t run out until 2026, meaning he might be stuck at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium until next summer.Chelsea made a final offer to the centre-forward in the dying hours of the summer window but did not hear back from him.There were even reports of club chiefs flying to Naples on Friday to persuade the forward to join, but to no avail.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAl-Ahli were understood to have agreed a £67million deal with Napoli.Osimhen looked set to move to Saudi Arabia but demanded wages worth £500,000-a-week.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelThat was a figure neither Chelsea nor Al-Ahli were willing to splash out.Osimhen’s options are running thin, however the Saudi transfer window isn’t running out until More

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    David De Gea axed by Fiorentina boss after just one game as ex-Man Utd star’s return to football becomes nightmare

    DAVID DE GEA has been axed by Fiorentina boss Raffaele Palladino after just one game.The former Manchester United goalkeeper joined the Serie A side earlier this month.David De Gea was dropped by Fiorentina for their Serie A clash with Venezia on SundayCredit: GettyHe had been without a club for over a year since leaving Old Trafford.However, he endured a disastrous debut on Thursday and his spell in Italy now appears to have gotten even worse.De Gea was dropped from the starting line-up for Sunday’s clash with Venezia.He was named on the bench, with Pietro Terracciano coming in for the Spaniard.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTerracciano went on to keep a clean sheet in a goalless draw for Palladino’s side.De Gea had made his Fiorentina debut in the Conference League three days earlier.His nightmare evening saw him concede two early goals against Hungarian side Puskas Akademia.The match went on to finish 3-3, with the second leg in Hungary coming up on Thursday.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA victory for Fiorentina will see them through to the league phase of this season’s competition.De Gea has signed a one-year deal with the option of a further year at Fiorentina after more than 12 months out of the game.David de Gea and popstar wife Edurne pose for their wedding day He was left without a club after leaving United at the end of the 2022/23 season.During his time in England, the 33-year-old made 545 appearances for the Red Devils.Across his 12-year stay, he also won eight major trophies, including a Premier League title.De Gea conceded two early goals on his debut as Fiorentina drew 3-3 with Puskas AkademiaCredit: Getty More

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    Napoli agree £25m deal to sign Scott McTominay in move that could help Man Utd land top transfer target

    NAPOLI are closing in on a deal for Manchester United star Scott McTominay, according to reports.A fee of £25million has been agreed between the two clubs, with the Red Devils set to receive a percentage of the fee should he leave the Italian side in the future.Scott McTominay is set to join Napoli for £25mCredit: GettyManuel Ugarte is set to replace McTominay at Old TraffordCredit: GettyBoth Man Utd and Napoli are now waiting to get the green light from the player. McTominay, who has been the subject of interest from Fulham this summer, sees his deal expire at Old Trafford come the end of the season.The club have an option to extend his stay by 12 months but would rather cash-in.McTominay’s sale will go down as “pure profit” as he is from the United academy.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThis will help them comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules.The Athletic claim Napoli chief Giovanni Manna has been in Manchester this week to strike a deal for McTominay.The 27-year-old Scot has been on the books of United since he was aged five.He has played 255 times for the club, scoring 29 goals. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMan Utd are now set to put the funds towards signing PSG star Manuel Ugarte. He is the club’s No1 midfielder target and they are reportedly set to pay £51million for him.SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesUgarte is keen on the switch and is ready to travel to Manchester.Meanwhile, Napoli representatives have also been in England this week to discuss deals with Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku and Brighton’s Billy Gilmour.Man Utd ratings vs Brighton: Diallo shines again by Maguire costs Red Devils againMANCHESTER UNITED suffered more misery on the seaside as they lost again at the Amex.It was almost all so different for the Red Devils as, at 1-1, fans celebrated what they thought was a winner – only for the goal to be ruled out in a bonkers offside call.And Joao Pedro pounced to snatch the three points for Brighton deep into added time.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated United’s stars…ANDRE ONANA – 4/10Not convincing from a goalkeeper we know can perform with the best in this league.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Has been a good upgrade on Wan-Bissaka judging by his opening performances in a United shirt.HARRY MAGUIRE – 4Was caught ball watching for Danny Welbeck’s opener, and was rendered useless after letting it run past him twice.Improved in the second half with some crucial blocks and was decent in terms of building from the back, but his error may have cost his team three points.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 5Not a particularly noticeable performance from ‘The Butcher’ in a positive or negative sense.Suppose it was a solid showing but was also caught ball watching for the opening goal.DIOGO DALOT – 7Was unlucky not to have an assist in the first half, but played well and put the team on his back at times.Made a crucial goal line block early on in the second half to deny Brighton a two-goal lead and played some good crosses throughout.CASEMIRO – 6Stepped into tackles well when required and is having something of a resurgence at the start of this season – doesn’t look as off the pace as he did last campaign.His final ball was disappointing at times, but overall a solid showing.KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Composure personified, Kobbie played like a midfielder well beyond his years.Was always on hand to break up play, a la N’Golo Kante, but showed a calmness and ability on the half-turn which really puts him up there with the best in the league – a great performance let down by that of his teammates.MASON MOUNT – 5Didn’t play badly in the first half, but also added nothing really going forward for this Man Utd team.Hooked at half-time for the more threatening Joshua Zirkzee.MARCUS RASHFORD – 6Had a goal ruled out in the first half after he had persisted brilliantly to head home.A little unlucky but it was still far from the finest Marcus Rashford performance we have seen, he looked a little low on confidence before being hooked for the more confident Garnacho.AMAD DIALLO – 8Had a great chance to open the scoring early on in the game as he arrived at the back post, but it wasn’t quite at the right height for him.The young winger clearly has bundles of ability, and bagged the equaliser with a fine cut inside and finish with his left foot.Worth a note that after losing his mother it takes a hell of a man to even be out on that pitch at 22-years-old. Well played Amad, we are with you.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Cut a frustrated figure up front for Man Utd in the first half before thinking he’d bagged an assist when Alejandro Garnacho tapped home, only for it to be ruled out by VAR.Just wasn’t his day today, but still created chances for his team and looked the most likely source of a winner for the Red Devils.SUBS:JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (MASON MOUNT, 45) – 4His only real action of note in the game was denying his team the winning goal.Alejandro Garnacho had done the hard work and was about to give Man Utd the lead, only for Zirkzee to slide in and see it ruled out for offside.His mistake did display an eagerness to score, but it was an error which cost his side nonetheless.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO (MARCUS RASHFORD, 65) – 6Did his job well in replacing Marcus Rashford and adding the end product which was needed by Erik ten Hag, but was robbed of a goal by his teammate as aforementioned.Looks a danger whenever he plays on that left hand side, but after the goal that never was he was well defended for the remaining minutes.SCOTT MCTOMINAY (BRUNO FERNANDES, 79) – 5Bought on as a target man once again to try and get the winner for United, he wasn’t really provided with many opportunities in just over 10 minutes to really do that.MATTHIJS DE LIGT (HARRY MAGUIRE, 79) – 5Wasn’t really given enough of a chance to show what he is all about, but it’s minutes in the tank for the new man and he did what was asked of him after coming off the bench.ANTONY (AMAD DIALLO, 90) – 5In fairness to him, made a good run as soon as he entered the pitch and crossed well for Scott McTominay.However, he wasn’t given enough time to make any significant impact. 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    Man Utd outcast Jadon Sancho handed career lifeline with Serie A giants holding ‘firm interest’ in shock summer transfer

    JADON SANCHO could be handed a sensational career lifeline by an Italian club, it’s been claimed.The winger’s future at Manchester United is up in the air, despite his recent patching up of his relationship with manager Erik ten Hag.Jadon Sancho’s future at Manchester United is up in the airCredit: GettyItalian champions Juventus are reportedly keen on signing the 24-year-oldCredit: GETTYIt’s understood the Red Devils are willing to cash in on the England international should they receive a suitable offer.And Italian giants Juventus are reportedly interested in acquiring his services.That’s according to Sky Sports, who claim The Old Lady have a “firm interest” in signing the 24-year-old.The Serie A big boys are said to be exploring options to sign the former Borussia Dortmund man.READ MORE ON SANCHOOne of those options could see them offload Italy international Federico Chiesa.Sancho’s future at the Theatre of Dreams was seemingly plunged into further doubt when he was omitted from United’s match squad for their Premier League opener against Fulham last Friday.Ten Hag quickly revealed Sancho’s absence was the result of an ear infection, not because he’s on his way out of the club.But the Dutchman has refused to confirm if he’ll be part of his matchday squad for Saturday’s trip to Brighton.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“We will see,” Ten Hag said when asked if Sancho will be in the squad for the trip to the Amex. “We have a squad.”I hope we will have a squad with double positioning (two players for every role).Man Utd coach reveals why Jadon Sancho refused to apologise to Ten Hag before exile that sparked Dortmund transfer“And when we go into the season after September 1, that means you can’t select all the players but you need them all throughout the season. “We have to manage it.“The attitude of the players is very important. Sometimes they will be disappointed (at being left out).”They have to deal with it.“You win as a squad. The prizes are decided next May and until then we need all the players in the squad and highly motivated.”That is not an expectation. That is a demand on the squad.” More