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      in Soccer

      England footballer James Tarkowski surprises leukaemia sufferer, ten, and pal with PlayStation 5 consoles

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      ENGLAND footie star James Tarkowski has delighted a ten-year-old leukaemia sufferer and his pal by handing them the latest PlayStation 5 consoles worth £450 each.
      The Burnley defender, 28, delivered the gifts to Hughie Higginson and Freddie Xavi, nine.

      Burnley defender James Tarkowski delighted a ten-year-old leukaemia sufferer and his pal with new PS5 consolesCredit: Getty – Pool

      Freddie is running 62 miles in 50 days to raise cash for the ­hospital where his pal is being treated.
      Freddie, of Whalley, Lancs, said: “I was shocked.
      “I thought he was just coming to say ‘Hi’ and then he went to his car and returned with a PS5 for both of us.
      “It is doesn’t seem real. He wished me good luck, to keep going and said what I was doing was really good.”

      ‘UNREAL’
      Tarkowski wrote on the PS5 box: “To Freddie, What an amazing friend you are!”
      And to Hughie, he put: “Keep strong mate, you’ve got this!!!”
      Burnley fan Hughie faces three years of treatment at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.
      Mum Sarah Ronnan, 32, said: “It was unreal of James Tarkowski. It was such a nice thing to do.

      The England star delivered the gifts to Hughie Higginson and Freddie XaviCredit: Getty – Contributor

      “He also gave them some money to buy extra games, which was so nice of him.
      “He called round on his way to training.
      “We met him outside at a social distance and it was incredible for both boys.”

      The latest PlayStation 5 consoles are worth £450 eachCredit: PA:Press Association

      Excited Brit gamers show off their new PS5 gizmos as Playstation 5 goes on sale
      GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk More

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      in Soccer

      Man City told to FORGET about Lionel Messi transfer with Barcelona presidential favourite hopeful over new deal

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      BARCELONA presidential favourite Victor Font has told Manchester City to  forget about signing Lionel Messi in the new year.
      SunSport revealed last week that Pep Guardiola is keen to try again for the Argentine superstar in January.

      Man City have been warned off Lionel Messi by the Barcelona presidential favouriteCredit: AFP or licensors

      Messi, 33, will be out of contract in the summer and a cut-price deal could tempt the cash-stricken Catalan giants.
      But Font says he has already made it clear to City chief executive Ferran Soriano that if he is nominated, Barca will not consider selling him.
      Font revealed: “I already told Soriano to forget about Messi, to look for alternatives to win the Champions League.
      “Messi will continue with us and we will win the Champions League.”

      Font had  previously said he would try to bring Guardiola back to Barca if he is voted in to succeed Josep Bartomeu.
      But the City boss last week signed a contract extension at the Etihad  until 2023.
      Instead, Font will make a new deal for Messi his No 1 priority if he takes power.
      He added: “Getting into a situation where the best player in history wants to leave — and not for a lack of love for the club — generates frustration.

      “It is one of the reasons why it is urgent for a new project.”
      Messi has scored an incredible 640 goals in just 742 appearances for Barca, winning an astonishing ten LaLiga titles and four Champions Leagues.
      Messi also has 71 goals in 142 games for Argentina but is yet to win anything with his national team.

      Pep Guardiola admits Lionel Messi’s future is up in the air as Man City plan transfer bid for unsettled Barcelona star More

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      in Soccer

      VAR changes MUST be made as referees’ mistakes are turning Premier League into a complete farce, warns Mark Halsey

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      OFFICIALS and VAR are turning the English game into a complete farce.
      We all make mistakes — but not on the level we are now seeing from Premier League officials.

      Aston Villa were denied what looked a definite penalty against Brighton by VAR

      Former Prem ref Mark Halsey writes exclusively for Sun SportCredit: PA:Press Association

      However, I have sympathy for the men in the middle, because the management from the PGMOL is creating confusion and failing the game through a clear lack of leadership and direction — leading to officiating which is nowhere near the quality it should be at this level.
      The training and coaching that officials receive is also severely sub-standard.
      Referees need help and they would get it if the PGMOL was to use the elite-level experience of retired referees. Changes urgently need to be made, including listening to the communication between referees and VAR officials.
      I feel the people at Stockley Park are leading the conversations and causing games to effectively being re-refereed.

      All they need to be told is when they have made a ‘clear and obvious error’ — which is precisely what VAR was introduced to eradicate — like Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe’s off-the-ball headbutt on Leeds’ Ezgjan Alioski.
      The way the system is implemented is creating too much doubt in referees’ minds and we are seeing muddled decision-making.
      Aston Villa boss Dean Smith saw his team denied a penalty after a decision was overturned in injury time of their 2-1 defeat to Brighton.
      Smith had every right to be furious and even opposition manager Graham Potter admitted he is clueless about what now counts as a spot-kick.

      West Brom were denied another clear penalty as referee David Coote changed his mind after viewing the VAR monitorCredit: AFP or Licensors

      How the PL’s best transfer XI for this summer line up

      Michael Oliver indicated Solly March ‘won’ the ball before catching Villa winger Trezeguet.
      But in my opinion that IS a foul because Brighton’s March only brushed the ball after Trezeguet played on to him.
      Trezeguet would clearly have taken the next touch, although he does himself no favours with the theatrical way he goes down.
      Was it a ‘clear and obvious error’ from Oliver? Absolutely not.
      I believe Oliver should have stuck with his original decision after being recommended a review and not been put under pressure by Stockley Park.
      A similar incident at Old Trafford left West Brom boss Slaven Bilic furious when referee David Coote changed his mind to award a penalty after Bruno Fernandes fouled Conor Gallagher.
      Like March, Fernandes touched the ball before fouling his opponent. Was it a ‘clear and obvious error?’ Absolutely not.
      Both incidents should not have been recommended for a pitchside review — and whatever was said between officials should be broadcasted to create the transparency which fans, players and coaches want.
      Even if we were to accept VAR is being overused to re-referee games and not just for ‘clear and obvious errors’, then just let the referees view the screens — like in rugby union — with minimal interference.
      Working in Stockley Park the day before a game, as officials often do, is no way to prepare to referee a Premier League match.

      Active officials should stay active, with former referees working at Stockley Park — as I understand they do in the MLS.
      Another problem is referees and governing bodies like Uefa, Fifa and lawmakers Ifab are confused about what are ‘unnatural’ and ‘natural’ positions for arms with regard to the interpretation of the handball law.
      It is leading to lots of incorrect decisions and farcical penalties, like the one Rennes conceded in their Champions League defeat at Chelsea.
      Players are throwing their hands from natural positions into unnatural ones — like behind their back — and it is wreaking havoc.
      We need to stop this farce which is driving fans away at a time when the game needs them most.

      Barcelona boss Koeman blasts VAR after loss to Real Madrid More

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      in Soccer

      Sean Dyche says Turf Moor is NOT his ‘Happy Place’… but vows to get Burnley winning for I’m A Celeb star Jordan North

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      SEAN DYCHE wants Burnley to turn Turf Moor back into a ‘happy place’ — after five months without a win.
      The Clarets’ home hit the headlines last week, thanks to I’m a Celebrity… star Jordan North.

      Sean Dyche aims to make Turf Moor his ‘happy place’ by helping his team improve their formCredit: Getty – Pool

      Traditionally, the stadium has been a fortress for Dyche’s men, with visiting teams usually thinking ‘Get me out of here!’.
      But the Lancashire lads have struggled without fans — with their last victory on their own patch a 1-0 win over Watford on June 25.
      That will need to change if they are to hang on to their Premier League status and tonight’s clash with Crystal Palace would be a good place to start.

      Burnley have not won a game in five months and are facing a relegation battleCredit: Reuters
      Boss Dyche, 49, said: “Whether there are fans in or not, we have to win games.

      “Historically, home form is helpful at any level, not just in the Premier League.
      “Most teams have a more productive record at home. Fans probably help but it’s not relevant — I concentrate on the performances.
      “We have to build a tempo and put in performances. We can’t just wait for it to happen.
      “Certainly by the halfway point, we’ll know what effect the lack of fans is having.

      “Hopefully, if the vaccine can be rolled out, in the New Year maybe we’ll get some back in.”
      Dyche has met Radio 1 DJ North — who would normally travel from London for every home game — a few times but has not seen much of the reality TV show recently.
      North used the phrase “Happy place Turf Moor” to get him through a terrifying Bushtucker trial in a vault full of snakes.

      Jordan North has gone to his ‘happy place’ Turf Moor when facing I’m A Celeb’s Bushtucker trialsCredit: Rex Features

      I’m a Celeb star and Burnley fan Jordan North sings songs about Turf Moor to help him during Bushtucker trialsCredit: Instagram

      Dyche added: “I’ve watched it in my time, with the kids.
      “People were sending me messages on the night and it was all good fun. He seems like a really top lad.
      “If this is his special place, then fair play to him. I’ve a couple of my own — which are not Turf Moor.”

      I’m A Celebrity’s Jordan North screams about Turf Moor being his ‘happy place’ to get through horror trial More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Boxing

      Conor Benn ready to show he’s the daddy as father-to-be eyes summer showdown with Josh Kelly

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      CONOR BENN will swap dirty nappies and rusks for trash talk and a ruck if Josh Kelly accepts the father-to-be’s challenge for a summer war.
      The 24-year-old, son of British ring legend Nigel, aced the biggest test of his exciting career on Saturday night, pinging respected Sebastian Formella all over Wembley for a unanimous points win.

      Conor Benn has an impressive record of 17-0 including 11 knockoutsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      After the 17th consecutive win of his welterweight career, The Destroyer, who will become a dad for the first time at the start of 2021, lasered his focus on Sunderland stylist Kelly after years of needle between the pair.
      Benn roared: “I do want Josh Kelly next year.
      “The only domestic fight I’m interested in, the only domestic fight that the public keeps talking about, is the Josh Kelly fight.
      “And he will regret not taking this fight earlier because my stock is only rising, I am on the up.

      “Forget Kelly’s success in three and four round fights in the amateur game, we’re in the pros now and I have dynamite in both hands.”
      Just 18 months ago, few people outside of Benn’s family and corner would have given him much of a chance against the 26-year-old former 2016 Olympian.
      But Kelly laboured to two underwhelming points wins and a controversial draw in 2019 before Benn, under the guidance of Tony Sims, produced a career-best performance after a year out of action.
      Kelly is scheduled to challenge UK-based Russian David Avanesyan at the end of January for his European title.

      And promoter Eddie Hearn then hopes to have an all-English barnstormer at a fan-packed arena somewhere.
      “That is a monster summer fight for British boxing,” The Matchroom boss said. “If Conor and Josh Kelly want it, we can do it.”
      Kelly, 10-0-1, cannot overlook heavy-handed Avanesyan after he won his last two defences with round-one KOs.

      Conor Benn has set his sights on facing Josh Kelly next year Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      But he confirmed both sides of the mouthwatering 10st 7lbs clash are bang up for the battle.
      He said: “There’s one fight on my mind, a more dangerous one than Benn, that’s Avanesyan.
      “We offered Benn the fight before, but 2021 there should be a big domestic fight for the European title after I win in January.”

      The latest Ring Magazine P4P rankings

      Hearn slams Government for snubbing sport from bail-out and not understanding the importance of the sport on communities More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd lining up Everton transfer supremo Marcel Brands as director of football with contract up at end of season

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      EVERTON supremo Marcel Brands is a leading candidate to become Manchester United’s first director of football.
      Brands’ stock is high after masterminding a summer of recruitment in which they signed James Rodriguez, Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure.

      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Marcel Brands helped Everton revamp their approach in the transfer marketCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The Dutchman’s deal expires at the end of the season and Italian club Roma are interested.
      But now Brands is being strongly linked with a summer move as part of United’s restructuring.
      And friends believe he would find a formal approach hard to refuse.

      Brands, 58, an ex-player, built his reputation over 20 years in Holland where he had roles at RKC Waalwijk, AZ Alkmaar and PSV Eindhoven.
      He joined Everton in 2018 and revamped the club’s recruitment policy and methods after some hit-and-miss years in the transfer market.
      In what can be a cut-throat and sometimes corrupt area of the game, Brands is highly regarded for his honesty and straightforwardness, as well as his knowledge.

      He looks like the ideal man to help United — if they at last commit to a new structure.

      Old Trafford chiefs have spent time weighing up how to make the club that once signed Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo as teenagers back into world leaders in recruitment again.
      They want to minimise the kind of mistakes that have dogged the club’s transfers since Sir Alex Ferguson and chief executive David Gill left in 2013.

      Marcel Brands (right) helped Carlo Ancelotti seal summer deals for James Rodriguez, Allan and Abdoulaye DoucoureCredit: PA:Press Association

      Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants more new recruits to turn the team into contenders.
      And the word is United are finally ready to take the plunge and appoint a director of football.
      It could be connected to rumours executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, may leave as well.

      Man Utd set to offload four outcasts in January transfer window including Jones and Fosu-Mensah to lower wage bill More

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      Dean Henderson wants loan transfer away from Man Utd in January to boost Euro 2020 dream with Leeds and Brighton keen

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      DEAN HENDERSON is keen to grab a loan move out of Manchester United in a bid to keep his place in England’s squad for the Euro 2020 finals.
      Henderson would jump at the chance of first-team football after picking up his first cap from Gareth Southgate in the international break.

      Leeds and Brighton are interested in a loan move for Dean HendersonCredit: EPA

      The former England under-21 star will need games at Old Trafford to be sure of staying in the frame when the Euros come around next summer.
      Aaron Ramsdale, Sam Johnstone and Alex McCarthy have all been in the international set-up before and are currently playing in the Premier League. 
      Henderson, 23, has yet to start for United at that level and even his cup exposure only extends to a bad night in the Champions League and a few appearances in the Carabao Cup. 
      United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has stuck with David De Gea despite Henderson signing a lucrative new extension to his deal in August.

      Henderson took the money and that closed the door to a return to Sheffield United on loan for a third straight season.
      But he has been left kicking his heels and the impatient shot-stopper is itching for action sooner rather than later.
      United have a major problem looming as Argentine keeper Sergio Romero is looking to move, leaving Henderson as Solskjaer’s only cover.

      Dean Henderson made his England debut against Ireland during the international breakCredit: AFP or licensors

      Championship high-fliers Bournemouth are already exploring a loan move for Henderson but he would prefer Premier League game time.

      Leeds and Brighton may look at a loan deal in January but United will have the final say.
      And that could see awkward conversations between Solskjaer and the Henderson camp over the next few weeks.

      Man Utd set to offload four outcasts in January transfer window including Jones and Fosu-Mensah to lower wage bill More

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      Man Utd lining up Everton transfer supremo Marcel Brands as first director of football with contract up at end of season

      by

      EVERTON supremo Marcel Brands is a leading candidate to become Manchester United’s first director of football.
      Brands’ stock is high after masterminding a summer of recruitment in which they signed James Rodriguez, Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure.

      Marcel Brands helped Everton revamp their approach in the transfer marketCredit: Getty – Contributor

      The Dutchman’s deal expires at the end of the season and Italian club Roma are interested.
      But now Brands is being strongly linked with a summer move as part of United’s restructuring.
      And friends believe he would find a formal approach hard to refuse.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Brands, 58, an ex-player, built his reputation over 20 years in Holland where he had roles at RKC Waalwijk, AZ Alkmaar and PSV Eindhoven.
      He joined Everton in 2018 and revamped the club’s recruitment policy and methods after some hit-and-miss years in the transfer market.
      In what can be a cut-throat and sometimes corrupt area of the game, Brands is highly regarded for his honesty and straightforwardness, as well as his knowledge.

      He looks like the ideal man to help United — if they at last commit to a new structure.

      Old Trafford chiefs have spent time weighing up how to make the club that once signed Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo as teenagers back into world leaders in recruitment again.
      They want to minimise the kind of mistakes that have dogged the club’s transfers since Sir Alex Ferguson and chief executive David Gill left in 2013.

      Marcel Brands (right) helped Carlo Ancelotti seal summer deals for James Rodriguez, Allan and Abdoulaye DoucoureCredit: PA:Press Association

      Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants more new recruits to turn the team into contenders.
      And the word is United are finally ready to take the plunge and appoint a director of football.
      It could be connected to rumours executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, may leave as well.

      Man Utd set to offload four outcasts in January transfer window including Jones and Fosu-Mensah to lower wage bill More