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      Gareth Bale backed to rediscover form with Tottenham as Ryan Giggs hopes to have superstar at best for Euros

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      RYAN GIGGS is confident Gareth Bale will be at the peak of his powers for the Euros after ending his Real Madrid hell to join Tottenham.
      A minor knee injury will keep Bale out of Wales’ three away games this month — a friendly with England at Wembley next Thursday, before the Nations League double-header against Republic of Ireland and Bulgaria.

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      Gareth Bale has been backed to rediscover his best form at SpursCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Ryan Giggs wants Bale fit and firing for the delayed Euro 2020 tournamentCredit: Reuters

      When fit, he can expect plenty of game-time during his season-long loan at Spurs after being frozen out by Real manager Zinedine Zidane.
      And Giggs reckons that means the 31-year-old will be much fitter, sharper and even better at next summer’s finals.
      Wales boss Giggs said: “He will play more regularly than he did at Madrid. It doesn’t matter what quality and experience he possesses, it’s always better when you are playing — especially in the international arena when you have two games in a short space of time.

      “To play a game and then go again is very difficult.
      “It’ll be so much better if he is playing regularly. He will be sharper, will be able to play those two games.
      “He’s at a club he knows well, with a very good manager, and he’s said it’s like going back home.
      “It’s a good move for Gareth, it’s good for Spurs and good for the Premier League in general, to have someone like that who we can watch every week.” 

      Bale was not named in Giggs’ 27-man squad and will remain with Spurs in a bid to build up his fitness for their Prem clash against West Ham on October 17.

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      The Dragons’ talisman suffered his injury during the 1-0 win in Finland on September 3, before playing the full 90 minutes against Bulgaria three days later.
      But Giggs has no regrets over selecting Bale for the 1-0 Cardiff victory.He added: “At the time there wasn’t a problem with the knee, just a bit of a knock. Just after Bulgaria it flared up.
      “Now he wants to get it right. He’s just got on the grass this week, so it’s not too far away from when he’s able to play.”

      Wales Squad

      Hennessey, Ward, A Davies, Gunter, N Williams, Roberts, B Davies, Norrington-Davies, Ampadu, Mepham, Rodon, Cabango, Ramsey, Levitt, Morrell, Vaulks, Smith, J Williams, Wilson, Brooks, James, Johnson, Moore, Roberts, Robson-Kanu, Matondo, Woodburn.

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      Rob Holding beat the odds as a kid so don’t bet against him pipping Saliba and Gabriel to Arsenal spot

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      ROB HOLDING is used to defying the odds.
      From plying his trade in amateur soccer schools in Greater Manchester to being thrown into the deep end during the most testing of short-term loans at Bury aged 19.

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      Versatile ex-Bolton defender Rob Holding is determined to see off the latest threat to his standing at Arsenal Credit: Rex Features

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      Rob Holding’s hopes for a regular place in the Arsenal defence rest on his fight with Gabriel and William SalibaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He was not supposed to even make it to the Premier League, let alone produce stellar 90-minute performances at Wembley to lift two FA Cups.
      Now, he has another challenge — proving he is good enough to be Arsenal’s first-choice centre back amid Mikel Arteta’s North London  transformation.
      Holding is no longer up and coming having turned 25 last month, and with the signings of young stars Gabriel and William Saliba he has a serious fight on his hands.
      But those who know Holding the best know that’s exactly how he likes it.His footballing development began as a six-year-old at Stalybridge Celtic Juniors — a volunteer-run soccer school in Ashton-under-Lyne.

      The odds were stacked against him, mixing it with around 300 kids across 29 teams.
      Scouts from around the area would often pop in to spot the next superstar.Holding  certainly was not one of those but he was highly regarded.
      At a presentation night in Mossley back in 2003, he was described glowingly in the programme.

      It read: “Tall, strong defender who leads by example. Solid in the tackle he also has an awesome shot. Always seems to have time.”
      Former Stalybridge chairman Gary Pearce remembers: “People would come to me and praise him specifically every week, not that he was a real stand-out.
      “But we would have Bolton scouts come up every other week. One week they picked him out, and the rest is history.

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      Rob Holding stood out from the crowd as a youngster with Stalybridge Celtic
      “We get a lot of kids gather interest from these scouts but normally they get cast aside. It is such a kick in the teeth for them.
      “But with Rob, he was unique in that regard. It doesn’t happen very often that players around here are kept on let alone play in the Premier League.
      “I was involved with Stalybridge for 27 years and Rob is the first and only one to get to the Premier League.
      “It is once in a blue moon to have a player at that level.”

      Holding’s rise through the ranks at Bolton was not straightforward.  Inconsistent performances saw some question his ability to make it into the first team.
      He was sent on loan to League Two with Bury in March 2015.
      He played just 11 minutes during a brief sub appearance away to Cambridge alongside a 23-year-old Nick Pope.
      Returning to Bolton disillusioned and considering his future with the club, manager Neil Lennon handed him a new contract, and ultimately, a new lease of life.
      He matured on and off the pitch, and found a rhythm in an otherwise horrid relegation-bound 2015-16 season that saw a Player of the Season award, and an unlikely approach from Arsenal.

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      Former Gunners’ first-team coach Neil Banfield knew Holding had the potential to become a Premier League defender when he saw his gangly 6ft 2in frame lumber through the doors at London Colney.
      He recalls: “We had good scouting reports of him from Steve Rowley. There were a few top clubs interested in Rob at the time.
      “But when Steve sees someone he likes and gets his claws in, he will rarely let go until he gets what he wants. He likes a good battle for a player.
      “Rob was very highly regarded by Steve and he ranked him right up there with his other finds like Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie and Gael Clichy.
      “We instantly saw Rob’s qualities, and as Arsene Wenger would always do, if he sees something in you then you are in and away you go.

      He was a bit frail in his physique, but he always competed in training against guys much bigger than him and that’s what we loved about him
      Ex-Arsenal first-team coach Neil Banfield

      “As soon as he walked through the door he looked like a proper centre-back but he could play as well.
      “When he first joined he was a bit frail in his actual physique, but he always competed in training against guys much bigger than him and that’s what we loved about him.”
      A major knee injury in 2018 damaged  Holding’s speedy progress into the first team and Banfield worked hard with him mentally to ensure his head did not drop.
      Banfield, who is now first-team coach at QPR, said: “Now he has filled out, but he isn’t all brawn and no brains. He is so inquisitive.

      “He would pester Steve Bould  constantly to learn off him. He would always ask about opposition players.”
      Banfield added: “He needs a good run of games with Arsenal to stand up and say to Mikel Arteta: ‘I will be your first-choice centre-half’.
      “And once he gets that run, he should be pushing for an England call-up. It is just up to him whether he takes that chance.”

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      Man Utd open Ousmane Dembele transfer talks with Barcelona as they eye season-long loan amid Jadon Sancho struggles

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have opened talks with Barcelona and Ousmane Dembele over a season-long loan move to Old Trafford.
      United are struggling to get the deal for Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund over the line so are now taking positive steps to get a deal done for Dembele.

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      Man Utd have opened talks with Barcelona regarding a loan move for Ousmane DembeleCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      United are struggling to get a deal for Sancho over the lineCredit: Reuters

      Talks with Barca progressed on Wednesday as hopes faded of getting No1 target Sancho before Monday’s transfer deadline.
      United have had a deal on the table for some months now for Sancho for £70million up front rising to £100m which Dortmund have rejected.
      There has been no new bid so far this week.
      Dembele, 23, was regarded as one of the most exciting wingers in the world when he joined Barcelona in a club-record £95.8m move from Dortmund in 2017.

      The French international – who began his career at Rennes – had last season wrecked by two hamstring injuries, the second of which required surgery.
      He has not started a game since last November although he made a substitute appearance in Barcelona’s opening game of the season.
      He was in Ronald Koeman’s bad books on Monday of this week, though, after he turned up 15 minutes late for training.

      He also turned up late for a game against Real Betis back in December 2018.

      Former United midfielder Darren Fletcher believes the move could be a risk but still bring it’s rewards for both parties.
      Fletcher said: “It suggests that they are moving on from Jadon Sancho.
      “I think Ousmane Dembele’s a right winger, a position they are finally identifying.
      “It comes with its risks – his injury record is not great over the last few seasons – I think he only made five league appearances last season, but he’s a talented player.
      “Barcelona purchased him for £100m or something like that.

      “I think a loan deal would suit United, and probably both parties…
      “I think he needs a fresh challenge, coming to a massive club like Manchester United.
      “It’s a chance to showcase himself, get opportunities, get fit and potentially look for a transfer down the line.
      “But I wouldn’t say they’ve got to sign him because of his injury record, and he has tendencies to be late a lot of the time judging by reports.
      “United should give him the opportunity to showcase himself and be the player everyone thought he was going to become.”

      Ousmane Dembele show his skills and scores amazing goal in Barcelona training More

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      Premier League clubs vow NOT to bail out EFL after filling Championship sides’ coffers with £170m in transfer fees

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      FURIOUS Premier League sides have vowed NOT to bail out the cash-strapped EFL.
      The 20 top-flight clubs snubbed Government pleas to fund a £250million rescue package being demanded by EFL chairman Rick Parry.

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      Rick Parry issued a dire alert over the future of EFL teams but Prem clubs feel they have already given a huge amount of financial helpCredit: PA:Press Association

      As football battles against the financial cost of the coronavirus pandemic, top-flight clubs claim they have bailed out Championship teams enough

      Parry warns his 72 sides face going to the wall without   Government   help.
      But SunSport can reveal top-flight giants feel they have ALREADY given Championship clubs in particular plenty of cash.
      And at yesterday’s virtual meeting of  Prem clubs there was only a brief chat over the bailout plea due to growing anger.
      The clubs were told that Championship sides have banked some £200m in transfer fees this summer.

      And £170m,  two-thirds of the amount Parry wants, has come from Prem clubs.

      They do not need any more from us and we have our own businesses to protect.
      Premier League club source

      A senior club executive also claimed he knew of some 11 situations in which Championship clubs were offered multi-million pound transfer fees.
      These offers had either been rejected — or were still being discussed.
      One leading club told SunSport: “The numbers tell the truth and the facts.

      “We have already given plenty of help to the Championship.

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      “They do not need any more from us — and we have our own businesses to protect.”
      The Prem clubs remain furious at Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden’s comments over the weekend.
      Asked if they should be saving the EFL rather than spending on new strikers, he replied: “That’s exactly what we’re saying.”
      Prem chiefs also say they  were “led down the garden path” by the  Government over the issue of getting fans  back into grounds.

      Ministers scrapped  plans for reduced capacities, from October 1 without warning — after clubs  spent  time and money working out how to do it.
      That would have meant some £7.5m in weekly gate income  for the 20 clubs.
      Unless there is a Government U-turn over this, Prem clubs are unlikely to  reach out to the  EFL.

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      Foden and Greenwood face England axe for triple-header with Southgate yet to speak to pair after Iceland shame

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      PHIL FODEN and Mason Greenwood face the axe from Gareth Southgate’s England squad tomorrow.
      Southgate has yet to speak to them after they broke lockdown rules on international duty in Iceland earlier this month.

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      England sent Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood home in shame from Reykjavik and now they could be dropped for the next three internationals

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      Lara Clausen joined her older cousin Nadia Sif Lindal Gunnarsdottir in sneaking into the hotel in Iceland

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      Nadia Sif Lindal Gunnarsdottir met Foden and Greenwood inside the England team hotel

      England face Wales in a friendly at Wembley next Thursday before Nations League matches against Belgium  and Denmark.
      Manchester City midfielder Foden, 20, and 18-year-old Manchester United striker Greenwood smuggled two women into their hotel in Reykjavik and were sent home in disgrace.
      Southgate is now deciding whether to talk to the pair ahead of naming his squad, which is likely to include fresh faces.
      Model Nadia Sif Lindal Gunnarsdottir, 20, and her cousin Lara Clausen, 19, posted footage from their rendezvous with the two Three Lions’ starlets, including an image of Foden’s bum.

      Greenwood and Foden both made their senior international debuts in a 1-0 Nations League victory over Iceland before having to jet off back to England in shame ahead of the 0-0 bore draw in Denmark three days later.
      Both issued public apologies, with Greenwood promising to learn from his “huge mistake”.
      Each was fined £1,360 by police in Iceland for their Covid-19 breach.

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      Fulham join Tottenham in Milan Skriniar transfer chase as they eye ambitious move for Inter Milan defender

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      FULHAM are hoping to pull off a major coup by landing Tottenham target Milan Skriniar.
      Spurs have been in talks to land the Inter Milan centre back, 25, who is set to leave the San Siro.

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      Fulham have joined the race to sign Inter star Milan SkriniarCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Tottenham have been prepared to offer between £30million and £35m for the defender.
      However, Serie A giants Inter are holding out for fees of around £45m.
      Fulham have been in the market for a top-class centre-back all summer.
      Their problems at the bottom of the table have increased the pressure on manager Scott Parker.

      After the 3-0 loss to Aston Villa on Monday, Fulham co-owner Tony Khan apologised to the fans for the display.
      Khan also admitted he knew the heart of the club’s defence is a problem.
      But they could find their attempts to land Slovakian international Skriniar difficult.

      They would have to offer huge wages to entice him to Craven Cottage.

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      David Moyes is the early favourite to become the first manager to be sacked

      Spurs had considered themselves as favourites to land his signature.
      But they have been frustrated by Inter’s demands and are ready to look elsewhere.
      Fulham are also looking to sign Wolves’ Ryan Bennett, potentially only on loan. More

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      Rudiger faces dilemma over Chelsea future amid Tottenham transfer interest as loan deal may mean new Blues contract

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      ANTONIO RUDIGER faces a dilemma over his Chelsea future amid interest from Tottenham.
      Spurs are turning to the defender as an alternative to Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar to boost their defence this season.

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      Antonio Rudiger has slipped dramatically down the pecking order with Chelsea, alerting the interest of London rivals SpursCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar has long been a top Tottenham target, but Antonio Rudiger might be a more accessible optionCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But a loan deal for German Rudiger may also mean him signing a contract extension at Stamford Bridge.
      Rudgier, 27, has two year left on his current deal and will soon become an even more attractive proposition as his contract winds down.
      But Chelsea’s standard policy is to get loan players leaving the club to sign improved terms and then make the loaning club pay the full wages.
      They did it with striker Michy Batshuayi just a few weeks ago with his temporary move to Crystal Palace.

      But Rudiger has fallen way down the pecking order under boss Frank Lampard this season and has been dumped from three of the last four squads.

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      The signing of veteran Brazilian superstar Thiago Silva, who made his debut on Saturday at West Brom, has not helped his cause.
      Rudiger will have to decide whether it is worth committing his future to a club where he is struggling for first team action or wind down his contract in the hope of a getaway.
      The bitter rivalry between Spurs and Chelsea is another sticking point but Lampard admits he does need to trim his squad.

      He has signed a total of seven players which also includes emerging centre half Malang Sarr, who is set to be loaned out to aid his progression.
      Rudiger was a mainstay of the Chelsea defence last season but shaky performances towards the end of the campaign saw his standing drop in the eyes of the manager this term.

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      Germany centre-back Antonio Rudiger appears to have been unsettled by losing his regular place at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The German international was not helped by suffering a niggling groin injury in a freak accident at Wolves last September when he slipped on a metal plate beside the touchline while retrieving the ball for a throw in.
      Meanwile, Lampard’s bust-up with left Marcos Alonso has taken a new twist.
      The left back was given a severe dressing down by his boss for heading off to the team bus to watch the second half of Saturday’s game after being subbed.
      It has emerged that as well as feeling like he was taking all the blame for the poor first-half performance at West Brom, the row also involves keeper Kepa.

      Alonso is unhappy with Lampard’s treatment of his big pal and fellow Spaniard.
      A source said: ‘All three of Chelsea’s Spanish players are very close and Marcos is unhappy with the way Kepa gets treated.”
      Kepa has been repeatedly dropped in the last few months and Chelsea have now bought a third keeper – Edouard Mendy.

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      Lampard did come out in support of Kepa earlier this week in light of recent criticism from outside.
      Alonso now thinks his future may lie elsewhere but is also aware that there is less than a week left of the transfer window.
      Lampard signed £50m left back Ben Chilwell, who is set to become first choice now.

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      How Premier League and Government can work together to give EFL £250m bailout and save it from decimation

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      TO BAILOUT or not to bailout — that is the question.
      As the Government flip-flops (go, don’t go, stop, no, start… no, I meant stop!), there’s now two football landscapes: BC (Before Covid) and AD (After Disease).

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      Simon Jordan reckons the Premier League and Government can work together to save EFL clubsCredit: PA:Press Association

      To get back to somewhere like life was in BC is going to require significant support for the game.
      Our national sport is bloated with overpaid players, the majority of which aren’t willing to help their own industry.
      Premier League clubs – irrespective of loss of gate receipts and broadcaster reclaims into the hundreds of millions – are still spending money like drunken sailors.
      Look at clubs like Chelsea ponying up £230million in transfer fees.

      The Government are under pressure to help, despite the pandemic only really condensing a problem into five months that would likely have arrived in five years anyway.
      So, should an industry that seemingly has self-harm hardwired into its governance be deserving of taxpayers’ money to bail it out?
      The Premier League can’t be entitled to any bailout but where the argument becomes critical is in the EFL.

      The 72 clubs, the runts of football’s litter, have no long-term future and some could be in real danger within months without a rescue package.

      Match-day revenue accounts for 30 per cent of Championship clubs’ turnover, while that figure rises to 40 per cent in League One and 60 per cent in League Two.
      That means £50m was lost last season, with a further £20m a month being lost every month this season.
      The EFL needs a £250m bailout or it will be decimated, with a slew of clubs going bust.
      The only beneficiaries will be ghastly administrators whose fees are often so extortionate and disproportionate to the work undertaken, it veers towards legalised larceny.
      The Government is resisting the idea because the feeling is that this is a sport awash with money.
      When the EFL proposes salary caps, the PFA’s response is to consider that unlawful, so perhaps that explains the Government’s rather ill-informed view.
      The insistence is the Premier League, as a result of Project Restart, now assumes the mantle of bailing out the EFL, rather than the taxpayer.
      If you’re in the Premier League, which is losing potentially £1.5BILLION, you now have £12m extra per club to give to leagues that, as far as your concerned, are little to do with you.

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      Simon Jordan has a plan to save EFL clubs from the financial woes of coronavirusCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      It’s unlikely they will receive this request well.
      I believe there is a simple solution to all this.
      The Government can become the bank of last resort, ensuring community assets are protected by underwriting funding that’s available.
      The Premier League can then pick up the interest tab for three years.
      That means they don’t have enormous money to cough up, yet honour their obligations.
      EFL clubs get interest-free loans, time to recover from the decimation and can introduce a raft of new controls ensuring sustainability going forward, as well as factoring in repayments.
      The ‘football family’ can  put up the image that it’s a caring one.
      And the Government gets to do more than simply pay lip service to the importance of sport in this country — and at no cost!
      While it may be argued that football isn’t the most deserving of causes, it is part of the social fabric of this country and must be preserved.
      *Listen to Simon Jordan and Jim White on talkSPORT at 10am, Monday to Thursday.

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