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      Harry Maguire spends second night in Greek cells following violent bust-up with police and rival fans

      by

      MANCHESTER United captain Harry Maguire was arrested after allegedly brawling with cops following a marathon drinking session with team-mates and other celebs.
      The £190,000-a-week centre-back, 27, racked up huge booze bills as he partied on the Greek island of Mykonos.

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      Harry Maguire is spending a second night in the cells after brawling with cops in Mykonos

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      The England captain was pictured with girlfriend Fern Hawkins before the fight on Thursday night

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      He was drinking with a group of team-mates and celebs, including Lottie Moss

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      Maguire was pictured getting out of a police car wearing a cap and mask todayCredit: AP:Associated Press
      In one bar a scuffle broke out on Thursday evening between a Man City supporter and Maguire’s group, including team-mate Jesse Lingard.
      But it later kicked off in spectacular fashion, with £85million defender Maguire accused of brawling with police and rival fans outside a nightclub.
      Two cops suffered facial injuries during the scrap after they were allegedly hurled to the ground, punched and kicked, police say.
      Clips filmed at 6pm show topless Maguire pouring himself a large Jack Daniel’s and Coke at poolside bar SantAnna, where VIP tables cost £1,000 and beds £500 for the afternoon.

      One eyewitness told The Sun: “There was a group of guys who had been chanting at Harry on Wednesday night, but it was a bit of banter.
      “On Thursday they were more aggressive, saying, ‘F*** United’.
      “They were trying to wind him up. They were also trying to mess around with a group of girls there.
      “Harry got upset. They told Harry, ‘F*** United’ again and a brawl started with Harry’s mates.

      “As they fell to the ground Harry was kicking the guys in the back. The girls were screaming.
      “Two police officers nearby came to try and break it up and Harry got really p***ed off with them.
      “He was telling them, ‘Go f*** yourselves, this is none of your business.’

      They were trying to wind him up. They were also trying to mess around with a group of girls there.

      “They tried to arrest him and Harry started hitting the police. They had to call for back- up.
      “Two or three more police came but Harry was so strong and upset that they couldn’t pin him down.
      “He was screaming at them, they had a really hard time — at least one police officer was hurt.
      “It took more than five officers to get him down.”

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      The £190,000-a-week defender was accused of trying to bribe policeCredit: EPA

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      Maguire, second right, was seen partying for Judd Trump’s birthday

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      The group had been partying at VIP nightclub Bonbonniere, in Mykonos’ trendy Fabrika district
      Police said Maguire was arrested with two other pals, then continued brawling at the station before allegedly offering officers cash to drop the case.
      The England star spent Thursday night in a cell with his pals. They were today transferred to the neighbouring island of Syros to be held for a second night.
      All three are believed to be due in court today.
      Maguire was accused of assaulting police, resisting arrest, causing bodily harm and attempted bribery.
      But his lawyer Konstantinos Darivas said he denies the allegations and is fully convinced he will be released tomorrow with no charges.  
      He also told media he is in an “excellent condition” and “everything is going well”.
      The lawyer added: “Maguire denies the allegations against him. Fortunately, we will get rid of it tomorrow.”
      A police spokesman said: “Three foreigners, aged 27, 28 and 29, were arrested in Mykonos.
      “A case file was opened for the offences of violence against officials, disobedience, bodily harm, insult and attempted bribery of an employee.

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      “Patrolling police officers intervened in a dispute between citizens.
      “However, three foreigners involved in the incident turned against them, insulting and hitting a police officer with fists.
      “The three foreigners were taken to the Mykonos Police Station, where, upon their arrival, they strongly resisted [arrest], pushing and beating three police officers.
      “One of the detainees then tried to offer money so the trial against them would not go ahead.”
      CALM BEFORE THE STORM
      Earlier on Thursday, Maguire’s girlfriend Fern Hawkins had posted a picture of the couple on Instagram with the caption: “Holidays with you.”
      Exclusive video obtained by The Sun shows him partying with team-mates Lingard, 27, and Brandon Williams, 19.
      Others there included Love Island star Chris Hughes, 27, snooker ace Judd Trump, 31, and Lottie Moss, 22, the sister of supermodel Kate.

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      Locals said Maguire and his group had been ‘yelled at’ by rival fansCredit: Instagram

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      Love Island star Chris Hughes was pictured with the group

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      Chris posted this picture of Maguire on WednesdayCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      ‘GALLONS’ OF CHAMPAGNE
      One reveller said: “The group had booked four tables and several beds, and they were knocking back bottles of spirits and champagne.
      “They partied all afternoon until about 8pm when there was a bit of a scuffle with a guy in a Man City shirt.
      “A friend of Maguire’s brother got into a row with him, and all the players stepped up to defend him. They were shouting and pointing aggressively.
      “A few minutes later, their security guards ushered them all out.”
      By then the group had knocked back several bottles of Jack Daniel’s at £280 a pop, bottles of £750 Hennessy Cognac, £315 bottles of Ciroc vodka as well as “gallons” of champagne.
      They then moved on to VIP nightclub Bonbonniere, in Mykonos’ trendy Fabrika district.
      There bottles of Hennessy cost up to £4,225 and Grey Goose vodka £1,350.
      It is believed that the brawl ­happened at 12.30am on Friday in the street outside.
      The island has a strict midnight curfew on clubs due to coronavirus fears and police heavily patrol the streets to enforce it.
      According to police sources, Maguire was with a group of nine men when a fight broke out with two other English men.
      Local police raced to the scene, but the situation escalated when it is claimed two men in Maguire’s group shouted abuse at the officers and struck at least one of them.
      One eyewitness told The Sun: “Maguire was grappling with four cops and they just couldn’t bring him down – he’s a strong guy.
      “As far as I know, the fight started because his group had been yelled at by some idiots who obviously weren’t United fans.”

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      Footage shows Maguire smiling with fans in video which appears to be shot on WednesdayCredit: Mykonos Live TV

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      Fans could be heard chanting in the backgroundCredit: Mykonos Live TV

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      Maguire and his pals were transferred to Syros todayCredit: Athena Picture Agency

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      It’s believed he’ll appear in court tomorrowCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Today a masked Maguire was pictured getting out of a police car wearing a cap and sunglasses.
      Greece is known for its tough legal system, with harsh prison sentences for what would be minor offences in the UK.
      Manchester United have been in contact with their player, who they bought last year from Leicester.
      It said in a statement: “The club is aware of the alleged incident involving Harry Maguire in Mykonos.
      “Contact has been made with Harry and he is fully co-operating with the Greek authorities.”
      Video footage taken on Wednesday night showed a more relaxed Maguire bumping fists with a fan at another bar in Mykonos.
      ‘DEVASTATING’ LEAGUE EXIT
      Chris Hughes also posted a picture on Instagram believed to have been taken on Wednesday of Maguire drinking shots.
      As he holds one up to the camera, two empty glasses can be seen on the table in front of him.
      Man United players are currently taking time off after their “devastating” Europa League exit.
      They were eliminated by Spanish side Sevilla last Sunday — their third semi-final defeat this season after the FA and Carabao Cups.
      Had they won they would have been up against Inter Milan in tonight’s final in Germany.
      Maguire said last week: “We deserved to go through but ultimately we fell short at the semi­final stage, for the third time this season.
      “It means a lot to us, the boys are devastated. We have a good group of lads who know what it means to play for this club and losing isn’t acceptable.”

      Holidaymakers in Greece are waiting nervously to hear whether the country will be added to the quarantine list this weekend.
      It recorded 250 new Covid-19 infections on Tuesday, its second highest figure of the pandemic.
      Maguire’s next scheduled game for Manchester United is on September 19 against Crystal Palace.

      Footage of Manchester United’s Harry Maguire smiling with fans in a bar day before arrest in Mykonos

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      Manchester United were eliminated by Sevilla in the Europa League last SundayCredit: Getty
      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

      Harry Maguire spending second night in Greek cells after violent bust-up with cops and rival fans

      by

      MANCHESTER United star Harry Maguire was arrested after allegedly brawling with cops following a marathon drinking session with team-mates and other celebs.
      The £190,000-a-week defender, 27, racked up huge booze bills as he partied on the Greek island of Mykonos.

      16

      Harry Maguire is spending a second night in the cells after brawling with cops in Mykonos

      16

      The England captain was pictured with girlfriend Fern Hawkins before the fight on Thursday night

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      He was drinking with a group of team-mates and celebs, including Lottie Moss

      16

      Maguire was pictured getting out of a police car wearing a cap and mask todayCredit: AP:Associated Press
      In one bar a scuffle broke out on Thursday evening between a Man City fan and Maguire’s group, including team-mate Jesse Lingard.
      But it later kicked off in spectacular fashion, with £85million defender Maguire accused of brawling with police and rival fans outside a nightclub.
      Clips filmed at 6pm show topless Maguire pouring himself a large Jack Daniel’s and Coke at poolside bar SantAnna, where VIP tables cost £1,000 and beds £500 for the afternoon.
      One eyewitness told The Sun: “There was a group of guys who had been chanting at Harry on Wednesday night, but it was a bit of banter.

      “On Thursday they were more aggressive, saying, ‘F*** United’.
      “They were trying to wind him up. They were also trying to mess around with a group of girls there.
      “Harry got upset. They told Harry, ‘F*** United’ again and a brawl started with Harry’s mates.
      “As they fell to the ground Harry was kicking the guys in the back. The girls were screaming.

      “Two police officers nearby came to try and break it up and Harry got really p***ed off with them.
      “He was telling them, ‘Go f*** yourselves, this is none of your business.’

      They were trying to wind him up. They were also trying to mess around with a group of girls there.

      “They tried to arrest him and Harry started hitting the police. They had to call for back- up.
      “Two or three more police came but Harry was so strong and upset that they couldn’t pin him down.
      “He was screaming at them, they had a really hard time — at least one police officer was hurt.
      “It took more than five officers to get him down.”

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      The £190,000-a-week defender was accused of trying to bribe policeCredit: EPA

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      Maguire, second right, was seen partying for Judd Trump’s birthday

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      The group had been partying at VIP nightclub Bonbonniere, in Mykonos’ trendy Fabrika district
      Police said Maguire was arrested with two other pals, then continued brawling at the station before allegedly offering officers cash to drop the case.
      The England star spent Thursday night in a cell with his pals. They were today transferred to the neighbouring island of Syros to be held for a second night.
      Tomorrow all three are believed to be due in court.
      Maguire was accused of assaulting police, resisting arrest, causing bodily harm and attempted bribery.
      But his lawyer Konstantinos Darivas said he denies the allegations and is fully convinced he will be released tomorrow with no charges.  
      A police spokesman said: “Three foreigners, aged 27, 28 and 29, were arrested in Mykonos.
      “A case file was opened for the offences of violence against officials, disobedience, bodily harm, insult and attempted bribery of an employee.

      16

      “Patrolling police officers intervened in a dispute between citizens.
      “However, three foreigners involved in the incident turned against them, insulting and hitting a police officer with fists.
      “The three foreigners were taken to the Mykonos Police Station, where, upon their arrival, they strongly resisted [arrest], pushing and beating three police officers.
      “One of the detainees then tried to offer money so the trial against them would not go ahead.”
      CALM BEFORE THE STORM
      Earlier on Thursday, Maguire’s girlfriend Fern Hawkins had posted a picture of the couple on Instagram with the caption: “Holidays with you.”
      Exclusive video obtained by The Sun shows him partying with team-mates Lingard, 27, and Brandon Williams, 19.
      Others there included Love Island star Chris Hughes, 27, snooker ace Judd Trump, 31, and Lottie Moss, 22, the sister of supermodel Kate.

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      Locals said Maguire and his group had been ‘yelled at’ by rival fansCredit: Instagram

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      Love Island star Chris Hughes was pictured with the group

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      Chris posted this picture of Maguire on WednesdayCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      ‘GALLONS’ OF CHAMPAGNE
      One reveller said: “The group had booked four tables and several beds, and they were knocking back bottles of spirits and champagne.
      “They partied all afternoon until about 8pm when there was a bit of a scuffle with a guy in a Man City shirt.
      “A friend of Maguire’s brother got into a row with him, and all the players stepped up to defend him. They were shouting and pointing aggressively.
      “A few minutes later, their security guards ushered them all out.”
      By then the group had knocked back several bottles of Jack Daniel’s at £280 a pop, bottles of £750 Hennessy Cognac, £315 bottles of Ciroc vodka as well as “gallons” of champagne.
      They then moved on to VIP nightclub Bonbonniere, in Mykonos’ trendy Fabrika district.
      There bottles of Hennessy cost up to £4,225 and Grey Goose vodka £1,350.
      It is believed that the brawl ­happened at 12.30am on Friday in the street outside.
      The island has a strict midnight curfew on clubs due to coronavirus fears and police heavily patrol the streets to enforce it.
      According to police sources, Maguire was with a group of nine men when a fight broke out with two other English men.
      Local police raced to the scene, but the situation escalated when it is claimed two men in Maguire’s group shouted abuse at the officers and struck at least one of them.
      One eyewitness told The Sun: “Maguire was grappling with four cops and they just couldn’t bring him down – he’s a strong guy.
      “As far as I know, the fight started because his group had been yelled at by some idiots who obviously weren’t United fans.”

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      Footage shows Maguire smiling with fans in video which appears to be shot on WednesdayCredit: Mykonos Live TV

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      Fans could be heard chanting in the backgroundCredit: Mykonos Live TV

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      Maguire and his pals were transferred to Syros todayCredit: Athena Picture Agency

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      It’s believed he’ll appear in court tomorrowCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Today a masked Maguire was pictured getting out of a police car wearing a cap and sunglasses.
      Greece is known for its tough legal system, with harsh prison sentences for what would be minor offences in the UK.
      Manchester United have been in contact with their player, who they bought last year from Leicester.
      It said in a statement: “The club is aware of the alleged incident involving Harry Maguire in Mykonos.
      “Contact has been made with Harry and he is fully co-operating with the Greek authorities.”
      Video footage taken on Wednesday night showed a more relaxed Maguire bumping fists with a fan at another bar in Mykonos.
      ‘DEVASTATING’ LEAGUE EXIT
      Chris Hughes also posted a picture on Instagram believed to have been taken on Wednesday of Maguire drinking shots.
      As he holds one up to the camera, two empty glasses can be seen on the table in front of him.
      Man United players are currently taking time off after their “devastating” Europa League exit.
      They were eliminated by Spanish side Sevilla last Sunday — their third semi-final defeat this season after the FA and Carabao Cups.
      Had they won they would have been up against Inter Milan in tonight’s final in Germany.
      Maguire said last week: “We deserved to go through but ultimately we fell short at the semi­final stage, for the third time this season.
      “It means a lot to us, the boys are devastated. We have a good group of lads who know what it means to play for this club and losing isn’t acceptable.”

      Holidaymakers in Greece are waiting nervously to hear whether the country will be added to the quarantine list this weekend.
      It recorded 250 new Covid-19 infections on Tuesday, its second highest figure of the pandemic.
      Maguire’s next scheduled game for Manchester United is on September 19 against Crystal Palace.

      Footage of Manchester United’s Harry Maguire smiling with fans in a bar day before arrest in Mykonos

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      Manchester United were eliminated by Sevilla in the Europa League last SundayCredit: Getty
      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 Boxing

      Dillian Whyte looking forward to retirement cuddles with a lapdog called Furball… but not before he gets world title

      by

      DILLIAN WHYTE will unleash the dogs of war on Alexander Povetkin tonight before enjoying his retirement with a lapdog called Furball. The 18st Brixton powerhouse adores his three giant muscle dogs Zeus, Hades and Titan that he trained in tracking and defence while in a 22-week training camp in Portugal. The 32-year-old had to leave […] More

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      in Soccer

      Harry Maguire was football’s ultimate role model now Greece arrest leaves Man Utd and England with disciplinary dilemma

      by

      IF YOU had to name the England footballer most likely to be arrested for allegedly punching a police officer, Harry Maguire would not have been top of your list.
      The world’s most expensive defender promised boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer he would never cause him a moment’s trouble when he was appointed Manchester United captain in January.

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      Man Utd skipper Harry Maguire was seen at snooker star Judd Trump’s birthday bash with some club team-mates

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      Harry Maguire was pictured on partner Fern Hawkins’ Instagram as they relaxed on Mykonos
      It was Maguire who teamed up with Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson to establish the Players Together initiative to raise £4million for good causes when coronavirus hit.
      He even spent lockdown organising food deliveries for the elderly and vulnerable in his  home village.
      This was the down to earth lad who travelled to France with his friends to support England at Euro 2016 when he was still playing  for Hull.
      In short, he was football’s  ultimate role model.

      So the news that old slab ’ead had spent the night in a Mykonos nick will have come like a bolt out of the blue for Solskjaer and England boss Gareth Southgate.
      Now both managers must decide what to do with a player who is central to their plans for the upcoming season.
      They certainly cannot take any disciplinary action until the full facts behind Maguire’s arrest have been established.
      But it is difficult to see how Southgate can include him in his squad for the forthcoming Nations League matches against Iceland and Denmark.

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      Centre-back Harry Maguire became an England hero at the 2018 World Cup, most notably when he scored against SwedenCredit: EPA

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      Harry Maguire has gone from the glory of this quarter-final goal against Sweden to giving his club and country bosses a disciplinary headacheCredit: AP:Associated Press
      It is bad enough that the squad will be announced on Tuesday, at the same time  Jack Grealish was due to appear before Birmingham  Magistrates’ Court.
      The Aston Villa captain had been widely tipped for his first England call-up until he was charged with driving without due care and attention and failing to report a collision.
      The court  yesterday rescheduled his hearing to November 12 — three days before England take on Belgium in the Nations League.
      Now it is almost impossible for disciplinarian Southgate to consider football’s first Covidiot.
      Let’s not forget Kyle Walker being caught bang to rights ignoring lockdown rules to invite a couple of hookers to his flat.
      Southgate has never shied away from making difficult decisions during his four years as the  national manager.

      He was instrumental in helping set up the FA’s Respect code  of conduct, which specifically  precludes physical assault and intimidating behaviour.
      When Raheem Sterling instigated a scrap with England team-mate Joe Gomez last year, Southgate did not hesitate to leave the  Manchester City star out of the Euro qualifier against Montenegro, no matter what his importance to the team is.
      He hauled James  Maddison over the coals when the Leicester midfielder pulled out of an England game through  injury and then spent the night in a casino.
      And Wayne Rooney never started another game for his country after  gatecrashing a wedding party at the England hotel, reportedly the worse for wear.
      The FA have a chequered history dealing with disciplinary issues  surrounding their players.
      Long before Southgate became boss, Manchester United striker Alan Smith was ejected from the England squad in 2003 when he was charged with throwing a plastic bottle into the crowd at Elland Road.
      Then it emerged his replacement James Beattie was in the middle of a 30-month drink-driving ban.
      So when Steven Gerrard was arrested for a bar-room brawl in 2009, the FA changed the  rules so only convicted players were excluded.
      Now it is Maguire’s turn to be left sweating on his fate after being shipped from the party island of Mykonos to face charges by the public prosecutor.
      Both Southgate and Solskjaer will know Maguire’s alleged crime is completely out of character.

      Too many players dropped their guard the minute the season was over, many appearing to forget all social distancing advice to make the most of their brief summer break.

      Yet they cannot ignore the fact that he has let himself down at a time when footballers’ behaviour is under scrutiny like never before.
      They have been kept on the tightest of leashes throughout the lockdown, insulated in a bio-secure bubble to allow the game to  keep going.
      But too many players have dropped their guard the minute the season was over, with many appearing to forget all social  distancing advice to make the most of their brief summer break.
      Maguire was on holiday with his fiancee, his daughters and other family members.
      But he still attended snooker star Judd Trump’s birthday bash with a number of United team-mates.
      Premier League clubs have already recorded 14 positive  coronavirus tests this week — and that is before quite a few teams even return to training.
      The  Scottish season has been thrown into chaos by a Celtic player ignoring quarantine rules and eight Aberdeen players drinking in a crowded bar.
      Now the fear is that next month’s big kick-off could also be threatened by partying players failing to abide by the rules.

      Spending a night in a Greek prison cell is probably not the best way for anyone to test their immune system.
      It is safe to say Maguire is going to be subjected to the most rigorous of medical examinations when he finally gets back to England to begin his pre-season training with United.
      But a swab up the nose will be nothing compared to the grilling he faces from his angry bosses.

      Harry Maguire boozing with Love Island’s Chris Hughes and Lottie Moss in Mykonos before ‘arrest after bust-up with Greek police’ More

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      in Soccer

      Leeds out to beat Tottenham to £20m Robin Koch transfer as Marcelo Bielsa moves on from Ben White

      by

      LEEDS boss Marcelo Bielsa has set his sights on Freiburg centre-back Robin Koch after missing out on Ben White.
      And Bielsa is ready to pay £20million for the twice-capped German, 24,  following Brighton’s insistence that White is not for sale.

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      Promoted Leeds hope to land Spurs target Robin Koch from Freiburg Credit: AFP – Getty
      White, 22,  starred on loan at Elland Road last season, but United have moved on after having a third bid of £25m rejected.
      Bielsa likes ball-playing centre-backs, and Koch, is rated as one of the best in the Bundesliga.
      The German side want to cash in on Koch now rather than lose him on a free at the end of the season.
      He is also wanted by Tottenham, Newcastle, Lazio and RB Leipzig.

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      Elland Road boss Marcelo Bielsa wanted loan hit Ben White permanently but Brighton say he is not for sale Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Bielsa is also eyeing-up a second swoop for Rangers winger Ryan Kent, 23, after having his initial offer of £10m rejected.
      Rangers insist former Liverpool star Kent is not for sale.
      Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard rapped: “The message  is ‘hands off’. Ryan is in a good place and he’s a player we want to keep.
      “Yes, we have had contact from Leeds, and an opening bid has been strongly rejected.

      “They are way, way off with that opening bid. That’s the truth and the reality. Ryan’s  not for sale.”
      Meanwhile, Northern Ireland star Alfie McCalmont has signed a new four-year contract with Leeds.
      The  midfielder, 20, who is now contracted until the summer of 2024, is yet to make a senior league appearance but played twice in the Carabao Cup last term.

      Leeds making shock £10m move for Rangers star Ryan Kent with Marcelo Bielsa huge fan of ex-Liverpool winger More

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      Stoke can be Championship dark horses while Bournemouth struggle, as Charlton and Forest Green eye glory, says Ashton

      by

      THE fight to get out of the Championship will be as fierce as ever.
      Here, talkSPORT expert pundit DEAN ASHTON tells us his dark horse for promotion to the Premier League – and reveals how he sees some of the relegated clubs struggling in the second tier.
      He also his verdict on Leagues One and Two and what lies in store for new boys Barrow and Harrogate Town.

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      Bournemouth could struggle back down in the Championship, says Dean AshtonCredit: Getty – Pool
      CHAMPIONSHIP
      DARE I say it is more competitive this season than last.
      I keep going through lots of teams and thinking – ‘yeah I can see them going up, yeah I can see them having a good run, the teams who were relegated being okay.’
      The team that I will be certainly looking at for promotion is Stoke under Michael O’Neill.

      The record he had to take them from the bottom of the league to where they were, and he has already brought in some experienced players.
      I think they will be dark horses for promotion.

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      Stoke could have the tools to finally get back to the Premier LeagueCredit: PA:Press Association
      They have a hard start against Millwall. Gary Rowett did a great job to push them to the playoffs so he will be looking to build on that by making them hard to beat.
      That will be a good marker for Stoke to how they will be looking.

      I go through their squad and I still can’t believe they were in the position they were in last season.
      It is who they keep hold of. As it stands right now they will be too strong for most teams with the way that they play.
      They will be better defensively this time around in the Champions having learnt a lot in the Premier League.
      They will be far too good in possession, if they keep hold of their stars then they will get promoted automatically.
      I see Bournemouth struggling. Losing those players and even though the experience the manager has got alongside Eddie Howe. It is different being the manager and getting respect from the players that Eddie Howe had.

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      Dean Ashton is looking forward to an exciting Championshbip seasonCredit: Rex Features
      We have seen it with so many teams before when they lose a manager that had been there for so long.
      It is going to be a real struggle for Bournemouth like we have seen with Stoke and Middlesbrough.
      Play offs are realistic for Brentford. That team looked so good last season and that was their opportunity I think.
      If they keep hold of everyone then they will go again but with the transfer window staying open for a good while after the season starts – if any of them play well they will just be poached.
      The likes of Derby, Forest and Cardiff will be pushing but I quite fancy Blackburn.

      They gave loads of attacking options, if they get that consistency then they could be the ones to really look out for.
      When talking about relegation, It is hard to look past the teams who got promoted.
      I would expect all three of the promoted sides – Coventry, Wycombe and Rotherham – to be in the bottom six.
      I think it is going to be that tough for them. It is just a case of them getting a decent run and keeping their heads above water.
      There will be a fair few players worth watching, of course.
      QPR winger Bright Osayi-Samuel is certainly one to watch again, if he stays at Loftus Road.
      You also have striker Matt Godden at Coventry as well, whose goals got them up. It’ll be interesting to see how he does at the higher level.
      LEAGUE ONE
      I REALLY fancy Charlton to go up. With Lee Bowyer still there, he is able to bring together a side.
      He showed how well he can do in the low market which will be crucial to most clubs and that is where he has excelled.
      I fully expect Charlton to be right up there fighting for the automatic places.
      I think Sunderland, Ipswich, Hull and Portsmouth – these are big clubs in that league which will all be looking to be competitive and be all in the promotion places all throughout the season.

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      Lee Bowyer can guide Charlton back to the ChampionshipCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      But if I had to pick one it would be Portsmouth. I thought they looked good towards the end of the season and were unlucky the season ended when it did.
      Peterborough are a side that have shown they can match the top sides in the division and if they keep hold of Ivan Toney they will be a big threat as well.
      At the other end, Wigan will be in trouble having lost Paul Cook.
      He was the one the Latics will miss most despite selling all of their players. I think It will be a tough season for them to even try and consolidate mid table would be a good season for them.
      As for my old team Crewe, it’s the big question. For so many seasons now they have been too good for League Two and not good enough for League One.
      It is whether they can make that leap with the strategy they have always had which is to give them young players.
      I see Swindon struggling where Plymouth I fancy to do pretty well.
      LEAGUE TWO
      BOLTON will be the bookies’ favourites but it is a difficult one with them.
      Although the club is big and they have made some signings, you look at the squad and the way they have played over the past few seasons.
      I just don’t see the sudden turnaround in mentality there despite the appointment of Ian Evatt.
      They will be looking for play-offs rather than automatics.

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      Mark Cooper can turn Forest Green Rovers into promotion-chasersCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Forest Green are a team I will probably be tipping quite heavily next season. I liked what I saw last season under Mark Cooper and I think they can build on that.
      Michael Duff’s Cheltenham were another who were strong last season and were unlucky again with the campaign finishing when it did due to coronavirus.
      Tranmere will be champing at the bit as well.
      With what happened to them and the way they got relegated (by Points Per Game after the League One season was stopped early due to Covid-19) they will have an edge to get back into League One.
      And everyone associated with the club will have that anger towards the season and I can see them doing well.

      It is great to see both Harrogate and Barrow, now managed by David Dunn, in the league.
      It will be exciting to see how they get on. People know what great National League sides they are but to see them in the Football League is going to be tough.
      But I would hate to say it but I think it is going to come down to the finances of certain clubs as to where they are at. That is what is going to be key in that league More

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      Pep Guardiola eyes Lautaro Martinez transfer with Man City ready to splash £81m to beat Barcelona to Inter striker

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      MANCHESTER CITY will step up their efforts to sign a striker with Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez their number one target.
      Pep Guardiola is desperate to sign a long-term replacement for Sergio Aguero and Harry Kane has been his first choice.

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      Manchester City are ready to make a move for inter star Lautaro Martinez Credit: Friedemann Vogel
      But City know it would be impossible to land the Spurs and England striker this year so they are now focusing on Martinez, 22, who featured in the Europa League final defeat Inter against Sevilla.
      Martinez has scored 20 times this season.
      He has a release clause of £81million which City will be able to match although they are keen to offload some players to help fund more buying.
      Barcelona have also been keen on bringing the hotshot to the Nou Camp.

      But they admitted defeat in their pursuit of the ace earlier this week.
      Inter signed Martinez from Racing Club in Argentina for £20m two years ago and has represented Argentina on 17 occasions, scoring nine times – including a hat-trick against Mexico last September.
      The Nerazzuri are keen for him to remain at the club but Guardiola, who has signed defender Nathan Ake from Bournemouth for £41million, wants to buy both a new central striker and a No10.

      Top striker Aguero has one more year left on his current deal.

      And he is set to return back to Argentina to play although City are offering 12 more months.
      Aguero has starred for City since his move from Atletico Madrid in 2011, becoming the club’s all-time leading goalscorer with 180 goals. More

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      Ex-Man Utd starlet John O’Kane reveals autism battle after having professionalism questioned by Gary Neville

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      JOHN O’KANE was known as ‘The Spaceman’ because he always seemed to be out there on his own planet.
      Sir Alex Ferguson told him he had more ability than Gary Neville but would slap him on the head before games because he often seemed so distant.

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      Former Man Utd youngster John O’Kane has revealed he has battled autism for much of his lifeCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      After he left Manchester United for Everton, boss Walter Smith bumped into him in a Goodison corridor and said: “Oh, you’re the lazy b, aren’t you?”
      Last year, Neville had a Twitter spat with his fellow Class of ’92 member, declaring that O’Kane was wasting his time waging war on United’s owners, the Glazers.
      Neville tweeted: “Are there 2 John O’Kanes?
      “The one I knew that cowered at the thought of giving his all for the club and was unprofessional whilst wearing the shirt.

      “And this one who is a Twitter warrior and represents the fans with all his heart. Can’t be the same bloke surely!”

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      Gary Neville had questioned O’Kane’s professionalism as a footballerCredit: PA:Press Association
      O’Kane is indeed the same bloke.
      It is just that he was never the bloke that Neville, Fergie, Smith and all the others who criticised him for lacking focus and wasting his talent, thought he was.
      O’Kane is autistic and, until now, has never made that public.

      He has just retired after 15 years working with disadvantaged kids because he also suffers from stage four kidney disease.
      There is a danger that, like former United star Andy Cole two years ago, a kidney transplant may be needed to save his life.
      Yet O’Kane, 45, insisted he has never been happier.
      He said: “They’ve got me on pills for my kidney condition and everything is under control.
      “What was never under control when I was playing was my mental state because of autism.
      “My team-mates would call me The Spaceman, because at times I seemed a bit detached.
      “And Sir Alex — in a good way — would whack me to get me going. There was a battle with Brian Clough at Nottingham Forest to sign me when I was 15.
      “I came from Nottingham but Sir Alex got me after he invited me to his home.
      “There was this surreal experience of us having a game of snooker together before we went to a game against Arsenal.

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      Some of John O’Kane’s class of ’92 team-mates enjoyed a bit more success than himCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “He always liked me, always said ‘Come on, you are my best right-back — go out and prove it’.
      “And I knew I was more gifted than most but I was never as committed because I was constantly battling things in my head.
      “All my managers and team-mates knew there was something ‘different’ about me.
      “I always knew I was autistic but I just tried to get on with it.
      “But it was always such a mental drain. Nobody knew what I was really going through.
      “Howard Kendall signed me for Everton in 1998, then got sacked and Walter Smith took over.
      “By then I had the reputation of being too laid back, not committed enough, not hungry enough and Smith made his feelings clear.
      “We never got on and he got rid of me as soon as he could.
      “I never said there was pressure in my brain as well as on my body — I was just ‘lazy’ John O’Kane who threw his career away.”
      The former right-back ended that career at non–league Hyde.
      He quit the game in 2006 and is now writing his autobiography.
      O’Kane added: “Had I been able to be more emotionally committed, I might have been winning the 1999 Treble.

      “But I spent 15 years working with kids in the care sector.
      “They are my medals and I’m prouder of the work I did helping those poor youngsters than anything I ever did in the game.
      “I’m speaking out now about my autism because, if that helps one other person suffering in silence, then that will make me prouder still of my life.” More