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      Chelsea looking to snap up Sporting Lisbon midfield sensation Dario Essugo on cheap but face Leeds transfer scrap

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      CHELSEA want to land midfield ace Dario Essugo on the cheap.The Sporting Lisbon prospect, 19, is starring for LaLiga side Las Palmas on loan.Chelsea want to land midfield ace Dario Essugo on the cheapCredit: GettyBut long-term admirers Blues must act fast as Leeds are looking at securing a loan-to-buy deal.SunSport this month revealed how Leeds were keeping tabs on the midfield dynamo. They tried for the 19-year-old in the summer and now want to offer a loan-to-buy arrangement.Essugo played 25 times for Sporting as a teen.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn the summer, former boss Ruben Amorim – now at Manchester United – decided to loan him out.He has spent this season in LaLiga with Las Palmas.Essugo has played 10 times for his loan club so far.And he scored his first goal during a match against Mallorca last month.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Leeds are also set to sign Australian keeper Robbie Cook after a trial.Cook, 17, was wanted by Manchester United and Sunderland.Ruben Amorim responds to Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd transfer bombshell about wanting ‘new challenge’ More

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      Arsenal and Man City ‘ready to battle Bayern Munich’ for Dani Olmo transfer and could sign Barcelona star for free

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      ARSENAL and Manchester City are set to battle Bayern Munich to sign Barcelona star Dani Olmo in January, according to reports.Olmo, 26, was one of the standout stars of Euro 2024 and signed for Barcelona in a £52m move this summer.Arsenal and Man City are reportedly battling for the signature of Dani Olmo from BarcelonaCredit: GettyHowever, the Spaniard could already be on his way to the Premier League next month – and it may be in a free transfer.Barcelona’s dire financial situation has meant that the attacking midfielder is only registered until December 31st and looks unlikely to be able to play for the Catalan club in the new year.Reports in Spain have claimed that a clause in Olmo’s contract means that he can leave Barca for free next month if the issue isn’t resolved.El Nacional report that both Arsenal and Man City have already put down attractive offers to the player in the hopes of convincing him to jump ship to the Prem.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile German giants Bayern Munich are also said to be keen on making a move for the former RB Leipzig man.Barcelona execs Joan Laporta and Deco are understood to be scrambling to try and resolve the situation, but face a battle against the clock.Laporta recently spoke out about his optimism in registering Olmo in time for the new year.The club president said: “We have temporarily registered him and hope to do so definitively. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”There are always doubts about registrations, but in the end, we always manage to register them,Barcelona manager, Hansi Flick, has been keen to keep hold of Olmo and views him of part of his plans.Ian Wright convinced Spain star Dani Olmo is ‘taking the micky out of us’ with pre-Euro 2024 final gestureOlmo has excelled during his time with Barcelona, scoring five goals in 10 league appearances this term.The star’s team have begun listening to offers from other teams and could More

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      Wrexham clash descends into huge brawl at full-time as tempers flare after fiery League One clash

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      WREXHAM and Bristol Rovers players got into a heated brawl after their League One clash came to an end.The Red Dragons and Rovers played out a 1-1 draw after Promise Omochere cancelled out Elliot Lee’s opener at the Memorial Stadium.Wrexham and Bristol Rovers players got into a heated brawlCredit: RexWrexham and Bristol Rovers played out a 1-1 drawCredit: RexAn intense altercation between Steven Fletcher and James Wilson led to a fiery rowCredit: RexThankfully the fracas between the two sides didn’t last longCredit: RexWrexham ace Lee opened the scoring after just 18 minutes but the hosts managed to find an answer four minutes before full-time.However, an intense altercation between the visitors’ Steven Fletcher and Bristol Rovers’ James Wilson led to a fiery row between both teams.Both sides tried to separate the two players and for a moment tensions flared up.But thankfully the fracas didn’t last long and the two opponents made their way down the tunnel.Read More on FootballWrexham are now third in the League One table after their draw in Bristol.Phil Parkinson’s men are tied in points with second-placed Birmingham and trail leaders Wycombe by two.Bristol Rovers, on the other hand, are 19th with five points off the bottom three.This is Wrexham’s second consecutive draw after playing out a 2-2 tie with Cambridge United last week.Most read in EFLThe game with Cambridge brought an end to a winning streak of five games across all competitions.Wrexham are looking for an immediate Championship promotion under Hollywood superstar owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Wrexham stars including ex-Premier League ace party with Hollywood hunk Channing Tatum after Cambridge drawThe Welsh outfit made it to League One just a year after their return to the EFL. More

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      Frank Lampard brutally trolled by Portsmouth in now-deleted tweet as Coventry fall apart after taking early lead

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      PORTSMOUTH’S official X account seemingly took a cheeky swipe at Frank Lampard after battering his Coventry side 4-1 at Fratton Park.Pompey lifted themselves off the base of the Championship table with a victory over Coventry, and made sure to throw a jibe at Lampard after the victory.Portsmouth’s X account appeared to take a playful jibe at Frank LampardCredit: PALampard’s Coventry side were beaten 4-1 by Portsmouth this afternoonCredit: RexThe club’s official X account shared a post with their 184,000 followers that appeared to tease the former Chelsea star for his trademark face-change interviews.Lampard has become well known for answering a question with a beaming smile on his face before quickly displaying a deadpan look as he continues his answer.And the Portsmouth account appeared to poke fun at that by posting two images of man of the match Callum Lang smiling and with a serious face, alongside the caption “no, but seriously”. The post was swiftly deleted after just a few minutes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLang single-handedly tore Coventry to pieces after The Sky Blues blew a 1-0 lead from Norman Bassette’s third minute opener.Lang bagged all four of Portsmouth’s goals to give the home fans an early Christmas present on the south coast.The Liverpool lad claimed that his display was the best day of his career after the game.He said: “One hundred per cent That’s the best day of my career.Most read in FootballA now-deleted post seemed to poke fun at Frank Lampard’s trademark face changeCredit: XCallum Lang scored four goals to turn the game around for PortsmouthCredit: RexBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“We got three important points and to top it off with four goals in front of my family was perfect.“I’ve not scored a senior hat-trick before and the lads have all signed the match ball.”Sports Direct unveils new Xmas adWhile Pompey boss John Mousinho saluted his goal hero saying: “Callum has been our most outstanding player this year and I’m so pleased he’s got his hat-trick.“He has a physical presence and the energy he puts in is fantastic-and that was a fantastic result and performance from the team”.Coventry boss Lampard tasted defeat for the second time since taking over at the CBS Arena last month.His time with the club has got off to a mixed start with two wins, two defeats and one draw from his first five games in charge.The retired England international slammed his side as “not good enough” in the second spell after giving up their early lead.He said: “The second half was just not good enough and this is the first game that I’ve felt this way.“They were too aggressive in the second half and we weren’t good enough.“I knew what I was letting myself in for coming here but this is a big, big learning curve for the players but I’m not going to harp on individual errors.“I’ve played here many times and you know what you are getting when you come here.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’ve worked in the Championship before and I know you have to respect every team.”Coventry currently sit 17th in the Championship table. More

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      Southampton confirm appointment of former Croatia star on 18-month deal after sacking Russell Martin

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      SOUTHAMPTON have appointed Ivan Juric days after axing Russell Martin.The Saints are cut adrift at the bottom of the Premier League and Russell was giving his marching orders following a 5-0 defeat to Tottenham.Southampton have appointed Ivan JuricCredit: GettyThey have wasted no time in finding his successor, hiring Juric on an 18-month contract.Juric, 49, arrives after being sacked by Roma in November – less than two months after taking charge of the Serie A side.The Croatian has been in management for ten years but never coached outside of Italy.He said after putting pen to paper: “I’m very pleased. I think it’s a really big challenge but I’m very optimistic because I saw a team that can do better.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It’s important to immediately be connected with the fans. I want an aggressive team and I think that fans of Southampton will like that.”Juric also had spells at Mantova, Crotone, and Hellas Verona, and he had three separate back-to-back stints at Genoa between 2016 and 2018.His most successful reign came at Torino between 2021 and 2024, winning 44 games of 122 games in charge.He is now tasked with keeping Southampton in the Premier League -his new side nine points off safety after winning just one match in 16.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJuric’s 18-month contract includes a summer break clause, and a two-year option to extend that will be triggered should Saints stay up.Juric, a former Croatia international, is known for driving a hard line on fitness with his players while his playing style is less reliant on the playing out from the back style preferred by Martin.Disgusted Southampton fans stream out of St Mary’s 27 minutes into Tottenham clash after going 4-0 down More

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      Worrying moment Bukayo Saka is spotted on crutches outside Selhurst Park after injury as Arteta admits ‘it’s not good’

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      BUKAYO SAKA was spotted on crutches after going off injured in Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Crystal Palace.Boss Mikel Arteta admitted “it’s not good news” after Saka limped off midway in the first half of his side’s dominant victory.Bukayo Saka was spotted on crutches after Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Crystal PalaceCredit: The SunMikel Arteta admits ‘it’s not good news’ after the injury blowCredit: The SunSaka was forced off injured after just 20 minutesCredit: GettyThe ace looked distressed as he went down clutching his legCredit: GettyArsenal be sweating over Saka’s fitness ahead of a tough Christmas runCredit: GettyThe winger started Saturday’s clash at Selhurst Park and helped his side race into the lead with a sixth-minute assist for Gabriel Jesus.But Saka pulled up after 20 minutes clutching his leg.The England star had attempted to swing in a cross from the right wing with Arsenal leading 2-1.And he immediately fell to the ground with a pained expression on his face.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMedics rushed to Saka’s side as he struggled to move.He eventually made his way off the field for treatment.But Saka was unable to recover from the knock.And he required assistance as he limped down the touchline before making his way into the tunnel.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSaka ended up being replaced by Belgian star Leandro Trossard.But after the match had ended, he was spotted leaving Selhurst Park on crutches in what could be a major blow to boss Arteta.Myles Lewis-Skelly shows off his skills playing for Arsenal The Spaniard said afterwards: “Saka felt something in his hamstring.”He could not continue. He has to be assessed. We are pretty worried.”I don’t know (the seriousness) but he had to come off.”It’s not good news. We will have to assess him and wait and see.”It now remains to be seen how serious his setback is, with Arsenal facing Ipswich, Brentford and Brighton over the festive period.Following a short break, they then have a tough run against Manchester United, Tottenham and Aston Villa.And fans reacted with dismay to the thought of a Saka-less spell.One said: “Worst nightmare, Saka’s injury will cost us the league.”Another declared: “Hope Saka is alright, not looking good there.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “It was always coming, we have overplayed and burned him out.”Another added: “Without Saka we’re screwed, let’s hope it’s not an injury that will keep him out for weeks.” More

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      Brentford 0 Nottingham Forest 2: Nuno’s side leapfrog Arsenal into third as remarkable form continues

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      NOTTINGHAM Forest’s dream season continued as they snatched away the best home record in the Premier League with a clinical win at Brentford.Ola Aina and Anthony Elanga scored the goals as Forest became the first side to not only take all three points at the Gtech Community Stadium, but also to silence a Brentford attack that had scored 26 goals in eight previous home games.Nottingham Forest inflicted Brentford’s first home defeat of the seasonCredit: AlamyOla Aina broke the deadlock in the 38th minute at the G-tech Community StadiumCredit: RexFormer Man Utd winger Anthony Elanga doubled Forest’s lead inside 51 minutesCredit: PAForest leapfrogged Arsenal in third with the Gunners playing later on SaturdayCredit: PANuno Espirito Santo’s side and the Forest fans can tuck into their turkey dreaming of Champions League football next season if they can maintain this remarkable form.Only Chelsea have picked up more points on their travels this season than Nuno’s men.Forest travelled to West London having visited Arsenal and the two Manchester clubs on their previous three away days.Given that Brentford had collected 22 points out of a possible 24, scoring 26 goals in eight home games so far this Premier League season, a date at the Gtech was an even more daunting task for Nuno’s men.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThere were some worrying signs early on. With only four minutes gone, Yoane Wissa played in Mikkel Damsgaard only for the Dane to scuff his shot and see it pushed away by Forest keeper Matz Sels.Brentford then forced a succession of corners and one of them came out to Bryan Mbeumo. His curling cross picked out Kristoffer Ajer whose header skimmed inches wide.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWissa then took advantage of hesitation by Morato and Neco Williams to nip between the two Forest defenders and hook in a shot which landed on the roof of the net.Having soaked up the Brentford, Forest carved out a chance of their own just after the half-hour.Aina shows off his left foot declaring, ‘It’s still hot!!!’Elliot Anderson combined with Williams before crossing for Chris Wood to head goalwards, being denied only by a plunging stop by Mark Flekken.Williams was involved again when the visitors took a 38th-minute lead. He sprinted onto a Callum Hudson-Odoi pass, beat Ajer and pulled the ball back cross the Brentford area where Ola Aina was waiting to steer home his second goal of the season.It was the fourth time this season that Brentford had gone behind at home. They won each of the previous three.If that suggested a comeback by the home side, Forest clearly hadn’t read the script. After all, they had already won at Anfield and Old Trafford this season, and secured a draw at Stamford Bridge.Nuno’s side have dispensed with their inferiority complex that marked their first two Premier League campaigns.Within six minutes of the restart they doubled their lead. Keane Lewis-Potter, converted into a left-back in recent weeks by Brentford boss Thomas Frank, made a has of controlling a long punt forward. The ball bounced into the path of Anthony Elanga, who immediately drove infield found the far bottom corner with a curling shot.The winger might have made it 3-0 three minutes later, but this time his shot was beaten away by Brentford keeper Flekken.His opposite number Sels then produced one of the saves of the season as Brentford tried to respond, albeit that the Forest stopper used his head.Mbeumo headed a cross into the path of Ajer whose shot was turned away at point-blank range by Sels’s head as he threw himself in the way of the ball.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor Brentford, the loss of their proud unbeaten home record this season compounded the disappointment felt by their tame Carabao Cup exit at Newcastle in midweek.But the day belonged to Forest who will spend Christmas Day in the Champions League places. More

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      West Ham 1 Brighton 1: Mohammed Kudus grabs the limelight with goal and celebration in Christmas snoozefest

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      FOR a long time it felt like Christmas shopping in Stratford would have been more fun than this.It really was that bad at times.Mohammed Kudus spared West Ham’s blushes in a 1-1 draw against BrightonCredit: GettyThe Seagulls took the lead in the stalemate but were pegged back immediatelyCredit: ReutersBut thankfully there are still a few showmen about and Mohammed Kudus is always happy to grab the limelight.Not only with his equaliser, cancelling out Mats Wieffer’s first Brighton goal, but in his celebration too.Everyone now knows to expect Kudus to find somewhere to perch and take a breather after scoring – but now he is bringing along his very own stool in the shape of an elephant.Kudus’ goal ended a difficult week for Julen Lopetegui, who lost his father on Tuesday, with another result to ease the pressure.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNone of it has been spectacular, but the Hammers are now unbeaten in three ahead of facing Southampton on Boxing Day.The London Stadium has never been the most imposing of venues.But there was a particular air of everyone wanting to be somewhere else across a desperate first half.The opening 45 minutes was best summed up by Carlos Baleba kicking his own teammate, Jean Paul van Hecke, in the head and Pervis Estupinan falling on his backside when lining up a rare shot.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThankfully, things improved after the break.That defensive stability, the only real positive from West Ham’s first half, vanished not long after the restart.Meet West Ham wonderkid Kaelan CaseyHurzeler’s men found a way through, though Lopetegui will have plenty to say about it.A quick Brighton corner was poorly cleared by Emerson Palmieri to Seagulls full-back Pervis Estupinian.The Colombian lifted a dangerous cross to the far post, where Dunk met it with a header at the expense of Lukasz Fabianski.Dunk’s barge sent the Pole tumbling, meaning he was helpless to stop as Wieffer finished low into an empty net from 13 yards.If it had been a defender Dunk had challenged there would have been no issue, but given the protection goalkeepers usually have – it was surprising to see the goal stand.Mats Wieffer gave Brighton the lead in the 51st minuteCredit: ReutersIt was the Dutchman’s first goal for the SeagullsCredit: ReutersThe injustice at least brought West Ham to life.They had not shown any intensity during the dreary first half, but finally had a bit of zip to their play – which sparked the opener.Tomas Soucek pinged a sharp, first time ball into the feet of Jarrod Bowen.The England man put the Brighton defence into reverse and found some space for a shot.Bart Verbruggen managed a save but the rebound fell for Kudus to nod in before he sought out his bizarre stool for his trademark celebration.There have been rumblings that the Ghana international, West Ham’s most valuable asset, could be sold in January to fund investment.Kudus showed his class with a headed equaliser moments laterCredit: ReutersHe celebrated in style with his trademark stoolCredit: GettyBut that would be foolish.The former Ajax man is one they look to in order to dig them from a hole in situations like this.With no real system in place, Lucas Paqueta too often disinterested and no in form striker, it is usually down to Kudus or Bowen to make something happen.Bowen cannot do it alone.Crysencio Summerville, introduced as a sub, offers flashes but cannot yet be trusted to start.Lopetegui hoped that Fullkrug’s first start for the club would boost the attacking options.Jan Paul van Hecke suffered a bloodied head in the gameCredit: ReutersTributes were paid to West Ham youth star Oscar Fairs who tragically passed awayCredit: ReutersBut the German offered next to nothing, losing the ball under little pressure and causing no issue for the Brighton defence.Investment in that area is, as usual, a priority for West Ham in January.Brighton, too, look like they need something to spark them back into life.The Seagulls’ run without a win drags on. They continued to create openings but things are no longer falling for them as they did earlier this season.Yasin Ayari twice drew good saves from Lukasz Fabianski, the second deep in stoppage time.Yankuba Minteh raced down the right but saw his shot rattle the inside of the post before hitting Mitoma and bouncing away from goal while Evan Ferguson failed to connect with fine cross yards from goal.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey could not find any sort of momentum and needed Verbruggen to save sharply from Edson Alvarez late on to protect their record of having never lost at this stadium.Both sides remain in somewhat of a muddle, both knowing they could be so much better. More