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      I was sacked as a factory worker, the next day I was playing along Mesut Ozil at Arsenal – I was gobsmacked

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      COHEN BRAMALL was training with Arsenal’s first team including World Cup winner Mesut Ozil – just days after being sacked by car giant Bentley.The current Rotherham’s left-back was “gobsmacked” when he was shoved straight into Arsenal’s senior practice under Arsene Wenger in 2017.Cohen Bramall impressed at an Arsenal trial, the day after he was made redundant from a factoryBramall now plays at League One side RotherhamBramall played for Hednesford in the Northern League Premier Division on a part-time basis, while working full-time at a car factory.He told BBC Sport: “I got made redundant by Bentley on the Tuesday [20 December], which was crazy because I didn’t know what I was going to do.”My agent Lee Payne rings me on the Wednesday saying you’ve got a trial at Arsenal. I was like ‘what?’ – I was gobsmacked.”He said pack your stuff and get to this postcode, so I packed all my stuff in about an hour, got there as fast as I could, slept for a bit, then the next minute I’m in training with the first team.READ MORE ON ARSENAL”It was crazy how quick everything happened, how I met everyone and they just took me straight in. I had to take the opportunity with both hands.”A trial match with Sheffield Wednesday U23s had been watched by Arsenal scout Brian McDermott, who called Bramall’s agent.The following morning, he was training with Arsenal’s first team after expecting to meet up with the reserves.He said: “I got chucked into a 5-vs-5 with some of the best players in the world, like Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Petr Cech. It was crazy.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The tempo and movement was outstanding. It was a special moment for me.”He’d also played in a reserve game at Crystal Palace.Inside Arsenal’s new £300m+ stadium plans with futuristic Emirates project set to dwarf Spurs groundBramall’s four Arsenal appearances all came in friendliesAfter two days, Arsenal submitted a bid to Hednesford Town and signed the then 20-year-old left-back.The Gunners agreed terms on a reported £40,000 deal in January.At the time, Wenger said: “Bramall is a young, promising left-back who has a lack of experience at the top level but who has fantastic ingredients.”He has tremendous pace, a good left foot, a great desire to do well. Overall, he’s a very exciting prospect.”But the Crewe-born player spent the remainder of the season with the U23s.Bramall made his senior debut in a friendly against A-League side Sydney FC in July 2017.But he and Arsenal team-mate Carl Jenkinson were loaned to Championship club Birmingham City in August.On Bramall’s return to Arsenal, he played three times for their under-21 team in the 2018–19 EFL Trophy.But the club confirmed he would be released when his contract expired in the 2019 summer window.Bramall later played against Mason Greenwood at Old Trafford for ColchesterHe has since worked his way up the EFL pyramid and boasts 58,000 followers on InstagramUp the EFL ladder After his time with Arsenal was up, Bramall signed a two-year contract with League Two club Colchester United in 2019.He was sent off for the first time in his professional career that August for violent conduct during Colchester’s 3–0 win against Swindon Town in the EFL Cup.And he scored his first professional goal with a well taken free kick in a 3–0 win over Carlisle United in December.Next up was a multi-year contract at League One side Lincoln City in February 2021. Bramall made 46 appearances for Lincoln City before RotherhamBramall then climbed the football pyramid again after Championship side Rotherham matched his Lincoln release clause.The now 28-year-old became a first XI staple, racking up 75 Championship appearances, before Rotherham were relegated in May.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has since found himself playing second fiddle to former Man Utd youth player Reece James under manager Steve Evans.He told the Rotherham Advertisier: “This is a challenge and it’s good for my character. If I know I’ve not been doing great, I’ll definitely tell myself that.”Bramall enjoyed a trip to New York during an October international breakHe signed for Rotherham in 2022 More

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      Thomas Tuchel sends 27-word Christmas message to England fans with new job to start in days

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has sent a message to England fans ahead of officially starting in his new role as Three Lions boss.Tuchel is set to begin his job as England manager on January 1, now just one week away.Thomas Tuchel sent a Christmas message to England fans on social mediaCredit: X / EnglandTuchel is set to officially take over as England boss on January 1Credit: GettyThe former Chelsea and Bayern Munich gaffer, 51, is yet to start his role in charge of the nation properly, but still sent some festive well-wishes to supporters on Christmas Day.In a video posted on social media by England, he said: “A short message to all our England fans: Merry Christmas and a happy new year. “Stay safe happy holidays and see you soon in the stadium. Bye”.Tuchel will start his role at St George’s Park next Wednesday with preparations beginning for the 2026 World Cup.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the German’s first game in charge won’t come until March 21, when England face off against Albania at Wembley in their first qualification match for the 2026 tournament.Despite not officially starting his role as manager, Tuchel was present at the World Cup qualification draw in Zurich earlier this month – which is when the Christmas video appears to have been filmed.Tuchel watched on as England found out they will have to get the better of Albania, Andorra, Latvia and Serbia to make it to the World Cup in North America.The Champions League winning manager has kept away from the limelight for the most-part since being announced as Gareth Southgate’s successor.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTuchel will take over from interim boss Lee Carsley and England fans can expect to see him inside stadiums up and down the country keeping a keen eye on the players from January 1 onwards.Speaking in his first press conference after being announced as the new manager, he discussed what fans can expect from his team when he takes over.’I’m getting emotional’ – England manager Thomas Tuchel’s comments on Cole Palmer leave Chelsea fans close to tears“To see the genuine excitement in the country for the national team is something very special and we want to create that energy,” He said. “We want to create chances, we want to not allow chances for the opponent and we want to implement a style that reflects the Premier League.”We want to excite everybody and we need the energy from the supporters to make special things happen.”Tuchel was in Zurich for the World Cup qualification draw earlier this monthCredit: AFP More

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      Meet Britain’s six next boxing superstars who are set to replace Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua including new Mike Tyson

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      BRITISH boxing has never been in a better vein of pulling power thanks to the super-funding coming in from Saudi Arabia.But with Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua cashing in and racing toward 40, who are the new generation of unknowns fighting hard and fast to make it to the promised lands of Riyadh and Wembley?Tyson Fury suffered his second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk at the weekend and could soon hang up his glovesCredit: GettyAnthony Joshua is also likely coming to the end of his boxing careerCredit: GettyWith more and more British boxing heading behind the paywall of the DAZN app – and the main broadcasters spending their time and budget elsewhere – it has never been more difficult for the next AJ or Gypsy King to build their name or fanbase.If you don’t have an Olympic medal, like Audley Harrison, Amir Khan, James DeGale or Lauren Price – or have the backing of a football club and city like Manchester and Leeds icons Ricky Hatton and Josh Warrington, the early rounds of the hurt business can be brutal.But SunSport reckons we’ve unearthed half-a-dozen rough diamonds who will shine bright in 2025.And, most importantly for their health and success and that of the sport, they will be deserving of your attention and ticket money.READ MORE IN BOXINGMoses Itauma – 19 – heavyweightThe most obvious pick of the bunch but – at still a ridiculously young age – the Chatham wonderkid deserves top billing.SunSport was in the Ropes and Glory amateur gym for Itauma’s 18th birthday – and training session – last December 28.Moses Itauma has been dubbed Britain’s Mike TysonCredit: GettyItauma managed a first round knockout against Demsey McKean at the weekendCredit: GettyAnd his stunning rise to Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk’s chief support – in the space of just 12 transformative months – has been super.Manager Francis Warren and his promoter dad Frank have supported and guided the southpaw perfectly.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut his freakish natural talent, laser-focused attitude, baffling maturity and even his ready-made media skills are what has got him so close to the top already.Barring injury or a catastrophic upset, it seems certain that Itauma will be a bonafide world champion before the end of 2026.Tyson Fury breaks silence on Oleksandr Usyk defeat in angry backstage rant after storming out of ringHe might not beat Mike Tyson’s record time of landing one in 20 years, four months and 22 days.But he seems to have the talent and – perhaps even more importantly the unshakable mindset- to have a longer and more sustained reign.The wonderkid was red-hot property way before his one-round demolition of 6ft 6in Aussie tough man Demsey McKean.But after smashing his biggest test way back Down Under, he is even closer to a world title than even his biggest fans could have imagined.Cindy Ngamba – 26 – middleweightThe 2024 Paris Olympics was such a dismal time for amateur boxing following the controversy over the gender of two fighters competing in the female code.It was painfully slim pickings for Team GB too, whose only medal was the bronze Colchester’s classy Lewis Richardson claimed.Cindy Ngamba made her debut at the Olympics this summerCredit: PABut our team up in Sheffield deserves credit for one more magnificent medal and an even better story.Bolton-based Ngamba came to England from Cameroon aged just 11 and, after her immigration paperwork was lost, she was given refugee status and even detained at the immigration office one sad day.Tragically, due to the ongoing lack of a British passport, Ngamba could not represent Great Britain at the Games.But she did manage to win the first ever medal – an iconic bronze – for the newly formed Refugee Olympic Team.Promoters should be fighting each other to sign the wonderful woman, with the amateur pedigree and the inspirational story. Ngamba truly is the full package.Lewis Williams – 26 – heavyweightThe Leamington Spa giant lit up Birmingham’s 2022 Commonwealth Games by coasting to a gold medal.It was even more poignant because dad Bob had to force his way out of hospital to race to ringside and watch all their shared dreams come true.Lewis Williams won gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2022Credit: GettyThe 6ft 7in talent was nailed on for a life-changing Olympics spot but when his dad’s health plummeted, Williams’ form went with it and he chose hospice stays over training and tournaments and his Paris dream and dad eventually faded away.Thankfully trainer and manager Edwin Cleary is ferociously invested in his fighters and whipped Williams back into shape and got him a pro deal with Frank Warren, who can guide an English heavyweight like nobody’s business.On his November debut he grabbed everybody’s attention when he finished a tough journeyman with intelligent spite.And he will return in February to help Itauma and Daniel Dubois keep the juggernaut of young British heavyweights booming on.Lucas Roehig – 21 – cruiserweightTrust George Groves to gift his promising protege one of the most testing pro debuts a young kid could ever have nightmares about.Most paid bows – especially one is as modest a venue as the Harrow leisure centre and untelevised – come against veteran journeymen who never win and are just a clever foil to test and teach the hotshot over the scheduled distance.Lucas Roehrig is considered a huge prospectCredit: RexBut Groves – a product of the excellent Dale Youth gym and criminally underrated trainer Mick Delaney – is not one for following trends.Roehig was slung in with dangerous and proud Pompey puncher Joel McIntyre, a former English champion.And Roehig cut, flogged and finished the warhorse in just three rounds.Groves – who won his super-middleweight title at the fourth time of asking – was always a maverick in British boxing’s too predictable business.And it looks like he is passing that baton on as Roehig has set a very high early pace and fans will enjoy trying to keep up.Leighton Birchall – 18 – bantamweightIn February the Morecambe sensation and equally exciting Adam Maca put on the sort of 57kg show that amateur British boxing buffs dream of.The pair of pocket rockets put on a clinic of freakish talent with Maca winning a razor-close split decision.Leighton Birchall is rapidly becoming more and more popularCredit: Photo credit Stockbridge ABC.But because Birchall has ditched the vest and headguard and raced into the paid ranks ahead of his rival, he lands on this list first, with Maca certain to follow.A Haringey Box Cup double winner, a multi-time national champion and GB youth representative, Birchall ran out of things to win in the amateurs.One of three professional fighting brothers, Birchall can talk as well as he can fight and his style will tantalise fans and tease opponents.And he is already using Generation Z’s many social media platforms to increase the speed of his rising reputation and call out his domestic rivals.Jermaine Dhliwayo – 22 – super-featherweightYou are probably not a real British boxing fan if you have not watched Derek Chisora in awe over the years and recently hoped he would settle down into a hard-earned retirement.Thankfully this Northampton-born southpaw could help guide us into that sweet spot.Jermaine Dhliwayo has a big fan in Derek ChisoraCredit: Instagram @jermaine.dhliwayoVeteran brawler Del Boy is Dhliwayo’s uncle and mentor.The pair are so close that the second-generation fighter lives in his uncle’s old bedroom – being watched over by his aunty and Chisora’s mum Violet – and he has not even changed the decor or ditched all the old boxing posters.Dhliwayo is a trained electrician who still works – properly – around his boxing and he is being well managed to learn on the job.In the space of just five months he has got to 4-0 with understated bouts at the O2, in Finland, at York Hall and in Gibraltar.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhen Chisora finally hangs up his battered old mitts, he will be a serious miss. But Dhliwayo looks like being his parting gift to UK fight fans – even though he never owed us anything after so many brutal nights. More

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      EFL club’s former stadium now housing estate with tiny strip of grass remaining from where old centre-circle once stood

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      A FOOTBALL stadium site that once played host to one of the EFL’s longest-reigning clubs is now a housing estate.But council developers ensured to keep a small strip of grass where the centre-circle once stood to remember the old ground by.A current EFL club was forced to leave their home in 2008The stadium was called Layer RoadThe site is now occupied by a council housing estate, with a strip of grass left roughly where the old centre circle was once foundCredit: Google EarthThe grass in the middle of the estate contains a fitting tribute to an EFL club’s former homeFrom the highs of promotions to the agony of relegation, the ground witnessed plenty of ups and downs.Built in 1907, Layer Road stood for 101 years before it was closed in 2008 and pulled down in 2012.In its pomp it was even able to house 19,000 passionate supporters.But capacity had dropped to just 6,320 by the time of its July 2008 closure for safety reasons, following closure of parts of the ground.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt was current League Two strugglers Colchester United’s home for 71 years.In it’s early days, the ground was first used by the British Army and Colchester Town, an amateur side until 1937.But Colchester United moved in two years before the Second World War began.In 1948, 19,072 fans packed into a record capacity at Layer Road for an FA Cup tie against Reading, with the match later abandoned due to fog.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe following decades saw Colchester United float between Division Three and Four, with club debt mounting.As early as 1981, the club’s chairman Maurice Cadman announced that Layer Road was in need of £280,000 of basic safety improvements to meet legislation.Inside Arsenal’s new £300m+ stadium plans with futuristic Emirates project set to dwarf Spurs groundWith the club struggling financially, sections of the ground were closed off, reducing the capacity to 4,500.And in 1990-91, Colchester United was forced to sell Layer Road back to the Borough Council for £1.2m to help clear club debts. The council began started to identify potential sites for a new stadium, with Colchester briefly relegated from the Football League between 1989 and 1991.But anyone visiting the spot where it once stood these days will be greeted by a much-different sight – a cosy housing estate. The last first team match at Layer Road took place on 26 April 2008, when Colchester lost 1–0 to promotion chasers Stoke City.Richard Cresswell scored the last professional goal at the stadium.Colchester fans made their way to the last ever match at Layer Road in 2008The square and approach road from Layer Road is known as Turnstile Square and a statue commemorates the old stadiumThe U’s had made it all the way to the Championship by 2008, but suffered relegation in their final season at Layer Road.In 2011, Colchester Borough Council sold the 3.63 acre stadium site to developer Abbey New Homes in a deal worth around £1.5 million.Planning permission was subsequently granted to build 58 homes on the site, a mixture of flats and houses, with a central open grassed space to be left to reflect its history as a football ground.And as a mark of respect to supporters who had their ashes scattered on the pitch as an expression of their love for the club.In mid-2012, Layer Road was demolished with the construction of houses commencing immediately.In 2015 a bronze statue of Colchester United’s ‘Player of the Century’, Peter Wright was unveiled.Wright joined the club in 1951, making over 400 appearances and scoring 93 goals over a 13 year spell.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe inscription below the statue reads: “ON THIS SITE Football was played 1907-2008. This was the home of Colchester United FC from its birth in 1937 until 26th April 2008.”The square and approach road from Layer Road is known as Turnstile Square.General view of Layer Road ahead of the last ever match at the ground.Colchester Borough Council bought the land in 1991Colchester United now play at the JobServe Community Stadium More

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      Arsenal ‘to be offered PSG star Kolo-Muani’ as Gunners boss Arteta looks for Saka replacement after injury

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      ARSENAL are set to be offered the chance to sign Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo-Muani in January, according to reports.The Gunners could be on the lookout for attacking reinforcements next month after losing Bukayo Saka to injury last week.Arsenal are reportedly set to be offered the chance to sign Randal Kolo-MuaniCredit: GettyThe Gunners needs attacking reinforcements after Bukayo Saka picked up a hamstring injury last weekCredit: RexMikel Arteta revealed that Saka will be out for “many weeks” after the winger was substituted off in Saturday’s 5-1 win over Crystal Palace.And Saka could miss FIFTEEN matches as the star faces being out until March after leaving Selhurst Park on crutches with a torn hamstring.But Arteta and Co could be handed an attacking lifeline in PSG star Kolo-Muani with The Standard reporting the Parisians may offer the versatile striker to Arsenal in January.They claim that the north London outfit are one of a number of clubs that PSG could offer Kolo-Muani to in the coming weeks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe French international, 26, has struggled for game time this season and would benefit from a loan move elsewhere.Kolo-Muani has made just two starts in Ligue 1 this term, despite his mega £75m transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023.Despite mainly operating as a striker, Kolo-Muani is often able to play off the left and right hand side, meaning he could help provide cover for Saka if he was to join Arsenal.Arsenal aren’t currently thought to be looking for a new wide forward in January, but injury to Saka and Raheem Sterling could force their hand.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMikel Arteta has claimed that he is focused on filling Saka and Sterling’s gaps from within the squad, listing the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri as potential replacements.Speaking ahead of his side’s clash with Ipswich on Friday, Arteta reiterated that point but kept his options open for a potential arrival in January. Bukayo Saka is spotted on crutches after Arsenal’s win at Crystal Palace“My focus honestly now is just about within the squad, the resources we have to be as competitive as we possibly can,” he said.“We have many, many options to do that. And if something unbelievable [becomes] available and if the club is willing to do it, we’ll have to consider it.”Mikel Arteta hasn’t ruled out signing a new forward in JanuaryCredit: Getty More

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      Most successful Premier League club on Boxing Day revealed – and they’re not even in the top half of this year’s table

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      THE most successful Premier League club on Boxing Day has been revealed and they’re not even in the top half of this year’s table.Analysts looked at more than 32 years of data to work out a host of fascinating stats to reveal the teams with the most wins and losses.Take the quiz hereCredit: gettyIt turns out that Manchester United fans have it best at Christmas – as they’ve won more Premier League Boxing Day games than any other club.United have not only won the most games with a whopping 21 victories, but they’ve also scored the most goals, hitting the net 76 times on December 26th.At the other end of the table, Newcastle have lost more than any other side when playing on Boxing Day, going down 15 times in 32 games played – and conceding as many as 45 goals.Four teams – Manchester City, Everton, Chelsea and Aston Villa – feature in both top 10 lists due to having a high number of wins and losses from the festive fixture over the years.read more in premier league The findings come after research of 2,000 footie fans found four in 10 look forward to Boxing Day football more than any other day on the footballing calendar.The festive footie beat out transfer deadline day (13 per cent) and even the Carabao Cup final (10 per cent) as the day in the season fans enjoy most.Among the best things about the day are the fact almost every side plays and being able to chow down on turkey sandwiches while watching.It also emerged the typical football fan will watch as many as five matches over the packed festive schedule, racking up more than 10 hours of live sport in total.Most read in FootballA spokesperson for Lottoland.co.uk Sportsbook, which commissioned the study and also created a tool to allow fans to try and predict the scores for this year’s matches, said: “It’s truly a late Christmas gift to football fans.“While the occasional player may moan about having to train and eat pasta throughout the festive period, fans get a feast of football to enjoy.Man Utd player ratings: Tyrell Malacia hooked after first-half disasterclass as Bruno Fernandes offers glimmer of hope“There’s just so much to love about it, and the Boxing Day fixtures are among the first people will look out for when they are released.”The research found most fans don’t have a huge amount of sympathy for Premier League players who have to ‘work’ on Boxing Day, unlike most of the rest of the country having the day off.With 27 per cent admitting they don’t have very much sympathy, while 34 per cent feel none whatsoever.Other reasons people love the season’s sport include having people around the home to watch games with (22 per cent) and finally saying goodbye to “Christmassy” TV and films (17 per cent).While 13 per cent see switching off from family duties and on to 90 minutes of sport as a great way to have a break from their nearest and dearest.It also emerged 29 per cent are even likely to tune into games their team isn’t playing, just because they’re on TV.And 34 per cent are particularly looking forward to this year’s December 26 fixtures because the title race is so intriguing.Nearly a fifth (17 per cent) even enjoy the sport on the day after Christmas more than they do opening presents.But three in 10 claimed their favourite team losing on Boxing Day has the power to ruin the entire festive season for them, according to the OnePoll.com figures.Lottoland.co.uk Sportsbook’s spokesperson added: “Of course, watching loads of football is lots more fun if your team happens to be winning.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Losing two or three games in quick succession is nobody’s idea of a good time.“But for the neutrals who don’t have a particular horse in the race, the endless supply of action can only be a good thing.”TOP 10 TEAMS WITH THE MOST WINS ON BOXING DAY:Manchester United (21 wins)Liverpool (17 wins)Arsenal (16 wins)Chelsea (13 wins)Tottenham Hotspur (13 wins)Everton (11 wins)Manchester City (11 wins)Blackburn Rovers (7 wins)West Ham United (7 wins)Aston Villa (5 wins)TOP 10 TEAMS WITH THE MOST LOSSES ON BOXING DAY:Newcastle United (15 losses)Aston Villa (14 losses)Leicester City (11 losses)Everton (10 losses)Middlesbrough (9 losses)Manchester City (7 losses)Sunderland (7 losses)Norwich City (7 losses)West Bromwich Albion (7 losses)Chelsea (6 losses) More

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      ‘It’s our job’ – Blunt Pep Guardiola forcing his Man City strugglers to sleep at training ground on Christmas Day

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      PEP GUARDIOLA has revealed that his Manchester City side will be staying overnight at the club’s training ground on Christmas Day.The Spanish gaffer told the media that his struggling squad will be spending the night at the facilities ahead of their clash with Everton on Boxing Day.Pep Guardiola has revealed that Manchester City’s players will be staying at the training ground on Christmas DayCredit: ReutersCity extended their dismal run of form at the weekend with a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa and will be hoping to bounce back against the Toffees tomorrow.And Guardiola is making sure that he doesn’t break the usual pre-match routine by ensuring his players spend the night at the training ground prior to the 12:30pm kick off at the Etihad Stadium.When asked about his side’s preparations, he said: “We train today (Tuesday), we train tomorrow (Wednesday) night, we will stay over here and we are going to play on Boxing Day.”City’s stars were given time to spend with their families earlier in the week and were able to spend Christmas morning and afternoon with their loved ones before heading to the Etihad Campus for their evening training session later in the day.READ MORE ON MAN CITYGuardiola claimed he hoped his players wouldn’t mind being at work for the evening, explaining it’s part of their job.He added: “Hopefully they want to be here, because it’s our job.”It’s common practice for squads to get together on Christmas day, especially when playing on Boxing Day.City will be hoping that a home clash against 15th placed Everton will give them an opportunity to rediscover some form after a torrid run has seen them win just once in their last 12 GAMES in all competitions. Most read in FootballMan City are bottom of the form table since NovemberFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe four-in-a-row champions have been the Premier League’s worst performers since the start of November, picking up only FOUR POINTS in the last two months.While they currently sit seventh in the league table, some 12 points off league leaders Liverpool.’We played like under-15s,’ fumes Bernardo Silva as angry Man City ace admits ‘we deserved’ Man Utd loss Despite getting the team in for Christmas Day, Guardiola has done his best to keep moral high amid the club’s rough patch this season.The experienced manager and his team allowed the squad to bring their partners to the Christmas party.Pictures shared on Instagram showed Ilkay Gundogan posing with wife Sara alongside Bernardo Silva and his partner Ines Degener Tomaz.And in another snap Kevin de Bruyne shared a kiss with wife Michele Lacroix.Premier League clubs’ Christmas parties do not usually include players’ partners, though it is not known whether this is the custom for Man City.Guardiola emphasised that the whole club is trying to get to grips with the task of reigniting their season, highlighting Everton as an opportunity to get the ball rolling.“This situation is new for all of us. It’s about us, everyone. The guys are running and making an effort more than ever,” he said.“People say we are not running, fighting, it’s this player, this manager – it is not about that.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It is about many little details or some big details that make us not as good as we were. But we have another opportunity on Boxing Day.“We have players coming back and at a certain time we will be better.”Manchester City’s players celebrated their Christmas party with their partnersCredit: INSTAGRAM / INES DEGENER TOMAZBernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan posed for photos with their other halvesCredit: INSTAGRAM / INES DEGENER TOMAZIt comes amid Man City’s dreadful run of form on the pitchCredit: INSTAGRAM / INES DEGENER TOMAZKevin de Bruyne shared a kiss with wife Michele LacroixCredit: INSTAGRAM / INES DEGENER TOMAZManchester City need to turn their shocking form aroundCredit: Getty More

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      Former England international eyed by Hollywood-owned Wrexham for sensational January transfer

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      WREXHAM are planning a January swoop for Patrick Bamford, SunSport can reveal.The Welsh club believe the former England international – who earned his only cap in 2021 – could help propel them to the Championship.Patrick Bamford has not scored in nine games for Leeds this seasonCredit: GettyHe could be looking for a way out of the Championship club in the January windowAnd with the forward out of favour at Leeds, Wrexham are confident they will be able to get a deal over the line.The League One high-fliers are thought to be pushing for a loan deal which would include a clause to sign Bamford permanently in the summer.But owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney will have to dig deep to bring the club.Bamford’s wages will impact the structure at the club so the celebrity owners will have to help out to land the striker.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWrexham certainly need a new striker with recent draws coming because of their failure to take chances.Phil Parkinson would have once called upon Paul Mullin to kill games off, but he has scored just once in League One.Wrexham think a striker who can make a big impact in League One and potentially score goals at Championship level will take them to the next level and Bamford fits that bill when at his best.The only snag could be concerns about his injury record and his lack of game time, and Wrexham will want assurances he is able to play straight away.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFor Leeds, offloading Bamford from their wage bill is a priority due to his high salary and limited playing time.His current wages represent a significant financial burden, particularly since he has only played in eight of Leeds’ league matches, contributing no goals or assists.Wrexham clash descends into huge brawl at full-time as tempers flare after fiery League One clashGiven his injury record and the team’s depth in forward positions, moving him out could free up funds for other squad investments or financial stability. More