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      Serie A clash postponed after Lecce physiotherapist dies suddenly at 38 with team left ‘deeply shocked’

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      LECCE’S Serie A match against Atalanta is set to be postponed following the tragic death of their physiotherapist Graziano Fiorita aged 38.Fiorita had been with the team at a training camp in Coccaglio when he passed away.Lecce physiotherapist Graziano Fiorita has died aged 38Credit: US LEECEThe Italian side have expressed their shock at Fiorita’s sudden passing and have confirmed that they will travel back to Lecce – with tomorrow’s match to be called off.A club statement read: “U.S. Lecce is deeply upset to announce that Graziano Fiorita has suddenly passed away.”The physiotherapist, who has been in the Giallorossi ranks for over 20 years, was with the first-team at the Coccaglio training camp.”The team will return to Lecce immediately, as tomorrow’s game against Atalanta will be postponed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”In this moment of deep pain and total disbelief, the club can only huddle around his wife, Azzurra, children Carolina, Davide, Nicolo and Riccardo, his mother Francesca and all members of his family.”Fiorita had been a mainstay at Lecce for more than two decades, with his father Fernando having previously served as a team masseuse.Atalanta have also posted a message of condolence on social media.It reads: “Atalanta BC joins the family and @OfficialUSLecce in mourning the sudden passing of Graziano Fiorita, physiotherapist of the Salento club.”Most read in FootballFour Serie A matches scheduled for Easter Monday were postponed following the death of Pope Francis aged 88.The games were instead played on Wednesday. World leaders pay tribute after death of Pope FrancisNone will take place this Saturday either, due to the late Pope’s funeral.Six matches are scheduled to go ahead on Sunday, with a further three next Monday.It remains to be seen where Atalanta against Lecce will be fit into the schedule.Both sides have five matches remaining – with Atalanta seven points off top spot and Lecce and battling the drop in 17th. More

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      Leeds star Patrick Bamford in awkward phone call with Chris Wilder after leading X-rated chants about Sheff Utd boss

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      PATRICK BAMFORD made an awkward call to Chris Wilder after leading an X-rated chant about Sheffield United’s boss at Leeds’ promotion party.The Blades’ 2-1 defeat at Burnley on Easter Monday ensured both the Clarets and their Yorkshire rivals Premier League football next term.Leeds star Patrick Bamford was seen leading a chant referencing Blades boss Chris WilderCredit: AlamyWilder revealed he received a call from Bamford after video of the chant went viralCredit: AlamyWilder’s side, who travel to Stoke on Friday, are now consigned to third and the play-offs.Leeds’ players and supporters showed little mercy as they celebrated with fans.Striker Bamford was caught on camera starting a less-than-complimentary chant about Wilder that ended with supporters calling him “a w****r”.Former Blades ace Jayden Bogle was also spotted dancing as supporters chanted along to the song.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut Bramall Lane chief Wilder revealed on Thursday: “I had a conversation with Pat yesterday and I’ve no issue at all with it.”I’m not sure about the words from a fellow pro, but I appreciate and respected him giving me a call and we had 20 minutes. “I spoke to Daniel [Farke] as well and had a half-hour chat with him. He’s a top guy.”They’re a top team and a top football club. I’m a big boy.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I would in a heartbeat have swapped our position for theirs but it isn’t the case. “Ninety-four points for both of those teams is an incredible achievement.Frank Lampard tipped for England job as former Premier League manager Chris Wilder says ‘it just shines through’ “It was a tough campaign from the off for us and we’ve kept it alive to the 44th game. “But ultimately we’ve finished in the position we will.”Wilder has been no stranger himself to celebrations after being spotted revelling in his team’s Steel City derby win over Sheffield Wednesday in a boozer this term.And he also infuriated the Whites six years ago with his infamous “muppets from Leeds” speech after United beat Leeds to promotion.He said: “I’m a big boy, you give it you take it. “You give it out locally, you take it locally as I’ve always done. We have our moments, other teams have their moments.”I’d have done the same in terms of enjoying themselves, because promotion is an incredible achievement and you have to do a lot of things right.Chris WilderWilder also added that he believes that football would be a lot more boring without the extra spice.He added: “One hundred per cent. You know from my character, I don’t just sit here and roll out the boring things. “You want to dig deep into what this club’s about and my thought process, and it’s a big boys game.“When I was playing, we used to give it and take it and it’s part and parcel of the game, even on a Sunday morning. “It’s part of the interesting bit of the game. “Local rivalries, rivalries between teams and everything that goes with it. So I have no issue. “You have to take it and get on with it and I’m absolutely cool with it, and I said that to Pat.”We had our moment in 2018/19, possibly off the back of an incredible afternoon against Ipswich and a long night and an early start and they’ve possibly done the same. Read More on The Sun”I’d have done the same in terms of enjoying themselves, because promotion is an incredible achievement and you have to do a lot of things right.“We did a lot of things right and went close, and we’re going to have to do a lot of things right between now and the end of the season.” More

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      Conor Benn granted rule change request ahead of Chris Eubank Jr fight as he reveals ‘only thing I asked for’

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      CONOR BENN has revealed that he will fight Chris Eubank Jr in an 18-ft ring instead of the standard 20-ft squared circle.The bitter rivals will finally do battle at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this Saturday night.Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn are set to fight at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday nightCredit: GettyBenn and Eubank Jr have agreed to fight at the 160lbs middleweight limit, following the controversy over their scrapped 157lbs catchweight scrap in 2022.Ahead of their much-anticipated dust up, Benn has revealed the contractual demand that he made when agreeing to the fight.The 28-year-old told Sky Sports: “The only thing I asked for in my contract was an 18-foot ring.”Coming in there to steamroll him? Of course I am. You think I’m coming in there to muck about?READ MORE IN SPORT”If you think you’re faster than me, prove it. You think you’re stronger than me, prove it.”You think you’re smarter than me, prove it. Come and meet me in the middle.”Promoter Eddie Hearn added: “It’ll be a nice small ring to have a tear-up in.”It might suit Eubank. He may decide to stand and have a shootout.Most read in BoxingEUBANK JR VS BENN – BETTING TIPS AND LATEST ODDS”Conor can box, by the way, he’s got great legs and his movement’s very good. It’s not like he just comes forward.”There are very few fighters that are as sharp as Conor Benn early in a fight like that.Chris Eubank Sr astonishingly says his son’s boxing licence should be ‘REVOKED’ after slapping Conor Benn with an egg”Conor tries to end the fight in the first round, that’s why he’s so exciting.”Eubank is not one of those fighters that starts fast out of the gate. Look at the Liam Smith fight, it’s a cracking example.”If he decides to stand and trade, it’s all over in three rounds, one way or the other. It will be the British Hagler-Hearns. That’s what it’ll be.”The rivalry between Eubank Jr and Benn stems from the bouts shared by their fathers during the 1990s.Despite this, Chris Eubank Sr will not be in his son’s corner and has been extremely vocal in his opposition to the match-up due to their weight difference.Speaking to SunSport alongside his nephew Harlem this week, the British boxing icon opened up on why he is opposed to the fight, citing his late brother Simon.’WOULD HAVE KILLED HIM’The 58-year-old said: “My son probably walks around at around 180lb and he has to boil himself down to 160lb.“People don’t understand what it means for Junior to get down to 160lb, at his age. They don’t understand the drying out.“Junior is now 35 and trying to get down to 160lb and I know what that feels like. I know about the dehydration and the damage it does to fighters.“I am more concerned about that than anything else. I don’t want my son getting down to 160lb. And that is why I have spoken about people trying to murder my boy by boiling him down to 157lb.“Trying to boil my son down to 157lb a few years ago, would have killed him.“You might think the word ‘killed’ is a bit strong but my brother is dead from boxing. Read More on The Sun“He lost his life from boxing, with frontal lobe dementia.“In the end, Harlem was feeding him with a baby bottle, he had to feed his own father.”Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor BennTHE countdown is ON to one of the biggest boxing events of the 21st CenturyFamilial tension and a rivalry that has been brewing for years will finally be resolved when Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn meet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night.There has been huge drama in the build-up with the pair engaged in a war of words and multiple clashes in person.SunSport will have full coverage of the blockbuster clash all week and LIVE round-by-round coverage of every fight on a stacked undercard.Latest NewsAll the info More

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      Premier League club announce plans to expand stadium with new stand and concert venue boosting capacity to over 50,000

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      A PREMIER LEAGUE club has announced plans to expand its stadium capacity to over 50,000.Aston Villa’s Villa Park ground boasts a capacity of 42,918.Aston Villa have announced plans to expand the North Stand at Villa ParkCredit: Aston Villa FCThe work will raise the capacity of the stand to 12,000Credit: Aston Villa FCThe total capacity of Villa Park will rise to over 50,000Credit: Aston Villa FCThe club have claimed there will be more space and faster serviceCredit: Aston Villa FCThe West Midlands club are now planning on redeveloping the North Stand to boost its capacity.The club has announced plans that will refurbish and expand the number of seats in the iconic stand.The North Stand is planned to have its capacity raised from 5,000 to 12,000.This increase will see the club’s total capacity rise to over 50,000, making it one of the largest in the Premier League.READ MORE ON SPORTPlans for expansion were first announced but were postponed despite being approved by Birmingham City Council.Work is expected to be completed in 2027 ahead of Euro 2028 in which Villa Park is a host venue.The club have stated that the work will “further modernise the stadium” and will “solidify its status as a world-class sports and entertainment venue.”A video shared on social media by the club claims that the stand will offer more space and faster service and a better fan experience.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAs well as the stand being refurbished, Villa are also be opening a new club shop.Villa’s executive chairman Nassef Sawiris said: “Since Wes [Edens] and I became owners of this storied club in 2018 and Atairos joined us as partners in 2024, we have shared a clear ambition: to restore Aston Villa to its rightful position competing at the highest levels of English and European football, and to transform the club into a global brand and European powerhouse.Heartwarming moment Matty Cash’s reporter sister tells him she loves him after Aston Villa’s PSG defeatThe work is expected to be completed in time for Euro 2028Credit: Aston Villa FCThe North Stand currently holds just 5,000Credit: GettyVilla have played at the historic ground since 1897Credit: Aston Villa FCNassef Sawiris [right] has insisted that the work will help the club’s ability to competeCredit: Getty”Thanks to the Mayor’s commitment to develop Witton Station and to improve local transport links, this project will mark an important milestone in the club’s journey to becoming a world-class sports and entertainment venue.”A bigger, better North Stand will not only allow many more Villans to see their team in person, improving matchday experience, but will also dramatically improve the club’s ability to invest and compete in the long term.”The club has also stated that it will be able to “adapt and modernise” the North Stand without losing any seasons during the season.In December, the club also revealed it will be building the Premier League’s largest beer hall.The multi-million pound renovation project, planned to launch this Christmas, will feature a centrepiece named ‘The Warehouse’.It will become the largest beer hall in the Prem and access will be free to ticketed supporters on matchday.Top ten biggest Premier League groundsHere are the biggest grounds in the Premier League in their current state..Old Trafford – 75,653London Stadium — 62,500Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – 62,06Anfield – 61,276Emirates Stadium- 60,704Etihad Stadium – 55,097St James’ Park – 52,338Villa Park – 42,660Stamford Bridge – 41,798Goodison Park – 39,571 More

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      Jamie Vardy, 38, announces he’s LEAVING Leicester in emotional video statement after 13 years

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      JAMIE VARDY has announced he will leave Leicester City at the end of the season in an emotional video.The Foxes’ relegation from the Premier League was confirmed following their defeat by Liverpool on the weekend.Jamie Vardy has announced he will leave Leicester CityCredit: XHe cost the club just £1million from Fleetwood Town in 2012Credit: Getty – ContributorHe won the Premier League with the club in 2016Credit: PA:Press AssociationHe also won the FA Cup with Leicester in 2021Credit: APVardy won plenty of accolades at the clubCredit: GettyThe club legend – described by Leicester as ‘our greatest-ever player – was emotional when he revealed this season would be his last at the King Power Stadium.Vardy, 38, said: “It’s something that I’ve thought about and spoken about with my family. I think it’s time.”I’ll be devastated on the day when it is the last [game], but good things, they come to an end.”It’s going to be one of those emotional days. Who knows which way that can go.READ MORE ON SPORT”If you ask anyone, I’m not really an emotional guy.”Nothing like that ever comes across with me, but when you’ve been somewhere for so long, and it is time to say goodbye, you just never know what your personal reaction is going to be.”I’ve spent 13 unbelievable years at this club, with lots of success, and some downs, but the majority have all been highs.”It’s finally time to call it a day, which I’m devastated about it, but I think the timing it right.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSVardy helped Leicester into the Premier League in 2014 and helped keep them in it against the odds.The striker then played a key role as the club pulled off their miracle league title victory in the 2015/16 season.Fans tell Jamie Vardy ‘never change’ as footage emerges of Leicester star slide tackling a KID during title celebrationsHe won the Championship twice in the East MidlandsCredit: GettyLeicester City statement on Vardy exitLeicester City released the following statement after Jamie Vardy revealed he would be leaving the club…It read: “We can confirm legendary striker Jamie Vardy will leave Leicester City this summer after 13 seasons that have seen him become our greatest-ever player.”Jamie Vardy to leave Leicester City at the end of the 2024/25 seasonThe legendary striker leaves the Club after a trophy-laden 13 yearsThe 38-year-old is closing in on 500 appearances since joining City in 2012″His final King Power Stadium appearance will be on Sunday 18 MayVardy, 38, joined us for £1M from Fleetwood Town in 2012 and has gone on to become a Premier League, FA Cup, Community Shield and double Championship winner during a golden era for our Club.”There is no other player more synonymous with the incredible successes achieved in that time and, with nearly 500 appearances and almost 200 goals to his name, Vardy’s achievements on Filbert Way are unrivalled throughout our 141-year history.”Jamie’s final game at King Power Stadium will be on Sunday 18 May against Ipswich Town, where he will bid farewell to the supporters with whom he has lived through his rise from a non-league hopeful to one of the best goal scorers the Premier League has ever seen.”Vardy netted an impressive 24 times during that glorious campaign under Claudio Ranieri.The Foxes captain also played a vital role in the club’s 2021 FA Cup triumph over Chelsea at Wembley Stadium.These feats did not look very likely when he joined Leicester in 2012, for £1million from non-league Fleetwood Town.Veteran Vardy has scored 198 goals in 496 appearances for the club and is their record Premier League scorer, as well as their third highest of all-time.He stayed with the Foxes following relegation from the Premier League in 2023 and helped them return the following season.Vardy has not been able to save the club this campaign, however, as they are heading back down to the Championship.Leicester City chairman Aiyawatt ‘Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha said: “Jamie is unique.”He is a special player and an even more special person. He holds a place in the hearts of everyone connected to Leicester City, and he certainly has my deepest respect and affection.”I am endlessly grateful for everything he has given to this football club.”Although Jamie’s time with us as a player is ending, he and his family will always be welcomed back to King Power Stadium with open arms after all he has achieved.”On behalf of everyone at Leicester City, I wish Jamie and his family the very best for the future and I know our supporters will join us in giving him the send-off he deserves at the end of this season.”Vardy’s last game at the King Power Stadium will be on May 18 as the Foxes host Ipswich Town.His last game for the club could be the following week in the season finale against Bournemouth at the Vitality.Vardy would want to be bowing out in better circumstances, and has described this relegation season as a “s**t show”.He is currently 15th in the list of all-time Premier League scorers with 143 goals despite playing his first game in the division aged 27.Read More on The SunHe has more goals in England’s top-flight than the likes of Robbie Keane, Nicolas Anelka, Dwight Yorke, Ian Wright and Steven Gerrard.He has been tipped to continue his career as clubs in America remain interested in his signature.Vardy is the 15th all-time record goal scorer in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyHe has spent 13 years at Leicester CityCredit: RexALL-TIME PREMIER LEAGUE TOP SCORERSVARDY is 15th on the list of all-time Prem goalscorersAlan Shearer (260 goals)Harry Kane (213 goals)Wayne Rooney (208 goals)Andy Cole (187 goals)Sergio Aguero (184 goals)Mo Salah (184 goals)Frank Lampard (177 goals)Thierry Henry (175 goals)Robbie Fowler (163 goals)Jermain Defoe (162 goals)Michael Owen (150 goals)Les Ferdinand (149 goals)Teddy Sheringham (146 goals)Robin van Persie (144 goals)JAMIE VARDY (143 goals) More

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      Chris Eubank Jr wearing custom jacket with former opponent’s BLOOD stitched into it ahead of Conor Benn grudge fight

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      CHRIS EUBANK JR has been wearing a custom-made jacket with Liam Smith’s blood stitched into it.The middleweight, 35, is set to take on fierce rival Conor Benn this Saturday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Chris Eubank Jr appears at this week’s media workoutCredit: ReutersEubank Jr and Conor Benn are set to do battle in Tottenham this weekendCredit: SplashAhead of the bout, stylish Eubank Jr was presented with a remarkable jacket featuring former opponent Smith’s actual blood.According to the Mail, the jacket includes bloody panels from Eubank Jr’s win over Smith stitched into the fabric.They add that the garment, designed by Antonia Bronze, took six months to make.The front of the jacket includes “Eubank Jr” written in big, bold letters, as well as the date of his tenth-round knockout win over Smith, 02.09.2023.READ MORE IN BOXINGA Union Jack adorns the top left of the front of the jacket, while the word “Champion” runs down the right sleeve.The back of the garment features the letters “NG”, standing for Next Gen, in large typeface.While a panel from the Smith rematch ring includes the phrase “It’s In Your Blood” – pointing to both the literal fact of Eubank Jr’s beaten opponent’s blood being on the jacket – as well as being a nod to his upcoming fight with Benn’s familial significance.Chris Eubank Sr warred with Nigel Benn in the 1990s, winning their first bout in 1990 before a controversial draw three years later.Most read in BoxingBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFor the original clash scheduled in 2022, Eubank Jr had been set to have to get down to 157lbs, despite usually fighting in the 12st super-middleweight divisionIn the newly-arranged fight this Saturday, Jr must weigh the 11st 6lbs middleweight cap on Friday but he will be fined if he rehydrates more than 10lbs the following morning.Chris Eubank Sr astonishingly says his son’s boxing licence should be ‘REVOKED’ after slapping Conor Benn with an eggEubank Sr, 58, is not concerned about former welterweight Benn packing muscle on for the beltless cash-grab.But he fears for his son boiling down to 160lb and risking the sort of damage that left his late older brother Simon in such a horrific state.Eubank Sr, sitting alongside his nephew Harlem, exclusively told SunSport this week: “My son probably walks around at around 180lb and he has to boil himself down to 160lb.“People don’t understand what it means for Junior to get down to 160lb, at his age. They don’t understand the drying out.“Junior is now 35 and trying to get down to 160lb and I know what that feels like. I know about the dehydration and the damage it does to fighters.’WOULD HAVE KILLED HIM’“I am more concerned about that than anything else. I don’t want my son getting down to 160lb. And that is why I have spoken about people trying to murder my boy by boiling him down to 157lb.“Trying to boil my son down to 157lb a few years ago, would have killed him.“You might think the word ‘killed’ is a bit strong but my brother is dead from boxing. “He lost his life from boxing, with frontal lobe dementia.“In the end, Harlem was feeding him with a baby bottle, he had to feed his own father.”Eubank Jr’s promoter Ben Shalom told SunSport: “It should have never been at 157. It was irresponsible for everyone involved that we asked Chris Eubank Jr to get 157.”I almost can’t believe it now, knowing, working with Chris and seeing what his weight’s like, 160 is a push.Read More on The Sun”Yeah, absolutely crazy that that was ever agreed to but we’re here now. He’ll make the weight and he’ll be ready to go.”Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor BennTHE countdown is ON to one of the biggest boxing events of the 21st CenturyFamilial tension and a rivalry that has been brewing for years will finally be resolved when Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn meet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night.There has been huge drama in the build-up with the pair engaged in a war of words and multiple clashes in person.SunSport will have full coverage of the blockbuster clash all week and LIVE round-by-round coverage of every fight on a stacked undercard.Latest NewsAll the info More

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      Arsenal confident of completing Martin Zubimendi transfer this summer despite Real Madrid’s late hijack attempts

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      ARSENAL are confident of making Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi their first signing of the summer – despite reports of a hijack attempt from Real Madrid.It was revealed in January that the Gunners had agreed to pay the Spanish midfielder’s £51million release clause, as well as sorting personal terms, with a view to joining ahead of next season.Arsenal expect Martin Zubimendi to join in the summer for £51mCredit: GettyMikel Arteta has convinced Zubimendi to snub Carlo Ancelotti’s Real MadridCredit: GettyIn recent weeks, Real have been linked with a late smash-and-grab raid – desperate to bolster their ageing midfield after a disappointing campaign under Carlo Ancelotti that included losing 5-1 on aggregate to Arsenal in the Champions League quarter finals.But SunSport understands the Gunners still expect Zubimendi, 25, to choose North London instead of Madrid – having been convinced of the Emirates project by boss Mikel Arteta.Arteta wanted Zubimendi to join immediately in the winter window, providing competition for the likes of Declan Rice, Mikel Merino and Thomas Partey, only for Sociedad to demand he remain in San Sebastian for the rest of the season.Liverpool were on the brink of signing the Euros winner last summer but for a last-minute U-turn, one that scuppered the plans of new boss Arne Slot.read more arsenalThe arrival of Zubimendi is considered a done deal by Arsenal internally but it is unlikely to be announced until at least early June.It is a key bit of business with the futures of midfielders Partey, 31, and Jorginho, 33, up in the air.The pair’s contracts expire this summer. Partey has been linked with a move back to Atletico Madrid, with Barcelona also keen, but the Ghanaian would prefer to stay in London, and Arsenal are open to negotiating a short-term deal.Jorginho is considering interest from Brazil and the MLS, but is also enjoying learning from Arteta at Arsenal and would be happy to sign a rolling one-year contract. The Italian has been taking his coaching badges at London Colney.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesZubimendi is anticipated to be the beginning of a huge summer of incomings for Arsenal, with Arteta revealing it will be “big” following the appointment of new sporting director Andrea Berta.Berta had no influence on the Zubimendi deal, but will now be tasked with bringing in an elite striker, while also strengthening the general depth of the squad, selling fringe players to raise cash and extending the contracts of the likes of Bukayo Saka and William Saliba.Mikel Arteta accidentally photobombs Sky Sports report as he takes Arsenal dog Win for a walkIt is for that reason Alexander Isak may be out of Arsenal’s reach, valued between £100m and £120m by Newcastle, with Berta instead looking at Sporting Lisbon’s £60m Viktor Gyokeres, Red Bull Leipzig’s £70m Benjamin Sesko and Athletic Bilbao’s £50m Nico Williams.A cheaper option up top would allow for more signings in other areas. Arsenal are tracking Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia with current No.2 Neto’s season-long loan spell from Bournemouth ending shortly, having played just ONCE this term.And as Kieran Tierney plots a move back to Scotland and Oleksandr Zinchenko linked with a move away, left-back could be an area to strengthen. SunSport revealed in March that Espanyol’s £12.5m Omar El Hilali was being monitored. More

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      Champion boxer, 18, killed in horror early hours crash as emotional tributes pour in

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      HEARTFELT tributes have poured in for an 18-year-old champion boxer who was killed in a horror crash.Leo Mountain was tragically hit by an HGV on the Bay Gateway in Morecambe, at around 3am on Sunday.Leo Mountain with his fatherCredit: FacebookEmergency services raced to the scene in the early hours of the morning but the teenager with a “champion’s heart” was sadly pronounced dead.Leo was a local boxing star, becoming North West regional champion in September 2024.The youngster had been going from strength to strength before his tragic death on April 20.Family, friends and the boxing community have since paid tribute to the talented teenager following his passing.A member of Coastal Amateur Boxing Club, Leo was described as “one of the loveliest, politest boxers from the loveliest family that you would ever be likely to meet.”In a post on Facebook, Coastal Amateur Boxing Club wrote that Leo “had a champion’s heart in and out the ring”.The full statement read: “This is so difficult to write. This morning we woke up to the unbelievably heartbreaking news that Leo had been involved in a terrible accident and sadly passed away.”Leo was a fantastic young man, an absolute credit to himself and his family. Every boxer, coach and supporter had nothing but love for Leo, he was one of those people you couldn’t help but love. He had an infectious personality, brought laughter and light to every room.Most read in Boxing”In boxing terms, Leo most recently became a North West Region champion, which we know he, his family and the club took great pride in. He was a very talented boxer, had a great attitude and loved to box.”Leo had a champions heart in and out the ring. To think his cheeky smile, his jokes and his presence won’t be seen any longer is just unthinkable, he had so much to offer this world, his journey had only just started.”Leo, you are a son, grandson, brother, friend, gentleman, fighter and a boxer. “You’re respected by many, loved by many and….a CHAMPION. Forever in our hearts and minds, you’ll always be missed.All the clubs thoughts are with Leo’s family, we can’t imagine what they’re going through.”A fundraiser has been set up “to take the burden off his poor lost family and his gym”.A GoFundMe has been set up by Stephen Tallo-Brady from Tameside Elite Boxing Academy to help raise moneuy for Leo’s family.He is aiming to raise £6,500 to support them and you can donate here.Stephen wrote on the page: “A lovely young man a northwest region boxing champion from Morecambe lost his life in a tragic RTA accident at around 3am in the early hours of Sunday the 20th of April 2025.”Let us the Amateur boxing world in our selfless hour of need raise as much money as we can to take the burden off his poor lost family and also his gym.”Lancashire Police have since appealed for information about the tragic incident.Sgt Paul McCurrie, from the Road Policing Unit, said: “This collision has very sadly resulted in the death of a young man and my thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”I would appeal to anyone who saw what happened or who has any CCTV or dashcam footage to get in touch.”Read More on The SunAnyone who can help should call 101 quoting log 0160 of April 20. You can also email the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at SCIU@lancashire.police.uk.Leo Mountain, 18, was a champion boxerCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk More