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      in Soccer

      West Ham aim to reunite Callum Wilson with ex-Bournemouth pal Ryan Fraser in double transfer

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      WEST HAM want to reunite old Bournemouth pals Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser.
      The Hammers are leading the chase to sign Cherries striker Wilson in an £18million swoop.

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      West Ham are plotting a double swoop for Ryan Fraser and Callum Wilson
      And Irons boss David Moyes wants to hijack winger Fraser’s free transfer to Crystal Palace.

      The Eagles offered Fraser, 26, a £50,000-a-week deal but West Ham are set to match that amount.
      Wilson, 28, is certain to leave the relegated Cherries, and he has no shortage of admirers.
      Tottenham, Fulham and Newcastle have all been linked with a move for the striker.

      But sources close to the player say he is leaning towards a switch to the Hammers – against whom he scored seven of his 41 Prem goals for Bournemouth during their five seasons in the top-flight.
      He managed only eight league goals in total last term as he failed to save the Dorset side from the drop.

      However that has not put off the Hammers and others from trying to sign him.
      In another blow to Bournemouth, promoted Leeds want to re-sign midfielder Lewis Cook.

      It is understood that the Whites will test the Championship side’s resolve with a £15m bid.

      Declan Rice emotional about West Ham fans after winning Hammer Of The Year for 2019-2020 season More

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      in Soccer

      England boss Gareth Southgate considers shock Kyle Walker recall after 18-month absence despite Covid-19 lockdown antics

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE is considering a shock England recall for Kyle Walker — nearly 18 months after his last appearance.
      The Manchester City defender was in sensational form following football’s restart in June.

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      Kyle Walker could be back in the England squad, having regained top form when last season resumed after the coronavirus lockdownCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Manchester City playmaker Phil Foden is also on the brink of an England call-up, his first for the senior squadCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      There had been rumours the 30-year-old’s Three Lions career was over after he broke lockdown rules twice, hosting a party with two hookers and then visiting family in Sheffield a few weeks later.
      But Walker looks set to be handed a reprieve by Southgate and is in the frame to be called up tomorrow for next month’s Nations League double header.
      Manager Southgate takes his side to Iceland for a game on September 5 and then to Denmark three days later.

      Ex-Tottenham star Walker is still desperate to play for England again, and is refusing to give up on his international career.

      SunSport understands he was set to be called up for the matches in March, which were then KOd by Covid-19.
      Walker’s last outing for the Three Lions came as a substitute against Switzerland in the Nations League last June.
      He has 48 caps and was a key part of the squad that reached the World Cup semi-final in 2018.

      City team-mate Phil Foden is also expected to get his first senior nod.

      The 20-year-old impressed under Pep Guardiola last season, and is seen as a ready-made replacement at club level for David Silva.
      However, their England call-ups could be KO’d if Southgate declines to use any City players after talks with their medics following European commitments.

      England ace Kyle Walker pictured back together with ex fiancee Annie Kilner as they celebrate her birthday in Manchester More

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      Harry Maguire and pals racked up huge £63k bill in five hours on three-day Mykonos binge before brawl arrest

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      BOOZY Harry Maguire’s night of shame followed a three-day binge in Mykonos.
      The Manchester United captain flew to the Greek party island with fiancée Fern Hawkins after playing in his side’s Europa League defeat to Sevilla.

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      Harry Maguire’s Mykonos brawl came after a three-day bender on the islandCredit: EPA

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      Footage obtained by The Sun on Sunday shows three men jeering and gesticulating towards Maguire
      Along with several pals and his brothers, he hit bars and clubs on the hotspot, which has become this summer’s go-to destination for Premier League stars.
      But he also attracted attention from rival fans, who hurled sick insults at him before Thursday night’s fateful brawl.
      On Tuesday it is claimed the England centre-back, 27, and others racked up a £63,000 bar tab in a five-hour session.
      The group, including footballer Ross Barkley, 26, downed expensive booze and scoffed lobster.

      They were also joined by Love Island’s star Chris Hughes, 27, snooker ace Judd Trump, 31, and Harry’s brother Joe, who plays for Accrington Stanley.

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      Maguire looked frustrated as he was taunted by a group of rival supporters

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      Witnesses claim the men teased Maguire on Wednesday night at the Cosi Bar before the fracas on Thursday
      Maguire and his entourage sank bottles of vintage champagne, ­firework-decorated cocktails and spirits at the exclusive SantAnna beach bar.
      Their huge spending included an £18,000 bottle of Dom Perignon Brut 2002 bubbly.
      They also splashed out on a £17,000 bottle of Armand de ­Brignac Champagne, plus £750 on three bottles of Jack Daniel’s.

      The stars lined their stomachs with £1,200 of lobster, seven ­ribeye steaks costing £820 as well as Greek meze platters and Wagyu beef rolls.
      Maguire paid a fraction of the total bill and mainly drinks beer.
      The players got boozed up in the VIP area while dancing by private sunbeds, which cost more than £2,000 to hire out.
      The following evening, things took a nastier turn when Maguire and his party went to the Cosi Bar in Mykonos.

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      Maguire appears to move away as the group begins to chant
      There Maguire was taunted by a group of rival supporters who chanted “f*** United’’ and made disparaging remarks about the 6ft 4in defender’s ability.
      Witnesses also claimed they made sickening references to the devastating 1958 Munich air disaster.
      Footage obtained by The Sun on Sunday shows three men ­jeering and gesticulating towards Maguire who is visibly uncomfortable and appears tense.
      He is seen walking away and looking at his phone while the grinning tourists sing and point at him.
      However, things did not turn ­violent. Later Maguire and his group are said to have gone to a party at a swanky private villa hired out by a Greek businessman.
      Cops were eventually called to break it up at 4.15am.
      A partygoer claimed: “Harry was there, but he managed to get out when the police came. Harry was enjoying himself with his friends. He wasn’t misbehaving.’’
      The following day Maguire and his group returned to SantAnna.

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      Maguire, pictured back row top left, was seen leaving court in Syros with his group yesterdayCredit: EPA

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      Harry is said to have mistaken police for attackers and lashed out at themCredit: EPA
      However on Thursday evening, sources claimed Maguire again bumped into the fans who had taunted him the evening before, this time with fateful consequences.
      A witness said: “These guys were trying to wind him up.
      “It was OK on the Wednesday night but by Thursday night they had stepped it up. They clearly wanted to have a fight with him.’’
      A local called Kafatos, said: “Another group of British men started abusing them, saying he was a rubbish footballer and played for a rubbish team.
      “They were also calling him a fridge and I didn’t really understand what they meant by that.’’
      Brit tourist Sam Moore added: “This group of British lads were out for trouble and were being really abusive towards Maguire and his club.
      “I could hear them singing about the Munich air disaster and saying other vile things.

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      Harry was holidaying with fiancee FernCredit: Instagram

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      Rival fans allegedly jeered at the Manchester United captain during his drinking sessionCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “You could tell that they wanted to have a punch-up with Maguire.
      “I don’t know what football team they supported but they didn’t like Manchester United — that much was obvious.’’
      Maguire and two pals were accused of brawling with rival fans and cops outside a nightclub.
      Police said they continued scrapping at the station before allegedly offering officers bribes to drop the case.
      A spokesperson for the Greek police said: “Patrolling police officers in the area of Mykonos intervened to settle a dispute between a group.
      “However, three foreigners involved in the incident turned against them, insulting and hitting a police officer with fists.

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      Maguire’s sister Daisy is said to have suffered a ‘stab wound’ to her arm – and her brother jumped to her defence

      “The three foreigners were taken to the Mykonos Police Station, where upon their arrival they strongly resisted, pushing and beating three police officers.
      “Then one of the detainees tried to offer money so the process against them would not be completed.’’
      Maguire was bought from Leicester City for £85million last summer, a world record sum for a defender.

      Following Man Utd’s loss to Sevilla, he said: “It means a lot to us, the boys are devastated. Losing isn’t acceptable.”
      As a result of the incident, Gareth Southgate is reported to be considering Maguire’s place in the England squad for next month’s games against Iceland and Denmark.

      Harry Maguire leaves court after ‘brawl with Brits and police’ in Mykonos
      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 STUNNED by Alexander Povetkin as Russian gets up from canvas to land huge KO

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      DILLIAN WHYTE blew 1000 days as No1 contender inside 15 minutes against Alexander Povetkin after a brutal KO.
      The WBC interim and silver belt contest was billed as the ‘battle of the left hooks’ but it was a brilliant left uppercut that left the 32-year-old spark out on his back in the fifth.

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      Alexander Povetkin stunned Dillian Whyte with a savage knockout

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      Whyte was left out cold on the canvas
      Whyte scored two knockdowns on the 40-year-old Russian in the fourth round and looked to be coasting toward a 12th consecutive win and his long overdue title fight against the winner of Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder’s trilogy.
      But the referee did not even need to count when Povetkin detonated a sensational shot on the Body Snatcher and robbed him of all of his dreams.
      Whyte made a slow but steady start with half a dozen crisp jabs ramming into his rival’s face.
      Povetkin was not as patient, hurling two wild haymakers over the top that Whyte dodged, making the celebrated amateur look amateur.

      The couple of punches Povetkin did land were hooks to the body but they did nothing to worry the 18st Jamaica-born powerhouse.
      Both bangers went to the body in the second, Whyte aiming his trademark left hook lower than usual to look for the Soviet’s ribs.

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      Whyte had Povetkin down twice in round four
      Povetkin rammed a couple of right hands toward Whyte’s gut but he never looked and he blocked the first looping left hook Povetkin aimed at his chin.
      The South Londoner started the third with a thudding left hook to Povetkin’s temple that should have put him in the driving seat for the rest of the session.

      But the wiley old 2004 Olympic gold winner slugged his way back into the rounds and might have pulled it back on the scorecards.
      Whyte almost had the fight won in the fourth when he dropped Povetkin twice in the fourth. A couple of right hands  and a left hook collapsed him early in the round.
      The interim champ kept his cool, didn’t get greedy and waited until the end of the shift to again floor Povetkin with a left uppercut.
      But Povetkin connected with a perfect peach of a shot and Whyte’s career was left in tatters.

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      Povetkin won the WBC Diamond heavyweight belt
      The Brixton ace – who was stabbed and shot during a brutal childhood spent raising hell on the South London streets – wore a costume stab vest for his ring walk but it could not protect him against the savage blow.
      Whyte spent 22 weeks training at his new Portugal training camp, a move that cost him his partnership with trainer Mark Tibbs.
      He dropped around 18lbs after ballooning up to 19st 5lbs for a sluggish win over Mariusz Wach in Saudi Arabia in December.
      Once he landed back in the UK on Tuesday he checked into the Brentwood Holiday Inn but chose to shack up on a couple of Winnebagos to avoid the Russian veteran.
      Whyte and promoter Eddie Hearn claimed the motorhome motel was a necessary move to prevent any pre-bout rumbles but their cordial media duties on Thursday and Friday made the caravans look little more than a clever PR stunt.

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      HARRY BINGE
      Maguire & pals racked up £63k bill in 5 hours during bender before brawl arrest

      Live Blog

      FIGHT NIGHT
      Whyte KNOCKED OUT in shocking defeat to Povetkin

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      VIRUS SHOCK
      England star and 2 other Prem aces test positive for Covid-19 after Greece trip

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      FERRY SORRY
      Harry Maguire ‘must go back to Mykonos to APOLOGISE for brawl before UK return’

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      HARRY’S BLOODY RAGE
      Harry Maguire mistook cops for gang targeting him after sister stabbed

      Povetkin scored a savage win over Liverpool’s David Price in 2018 and outpointed Hughie Fury a year later. An patriotic Brixton boy Whyte insisted he had been eyeing up a revenge mission on the Soviet for two long years.
      But Whyte’s two-fight nemesis Joshua – who was on the site for commentary duty – was not as generous to his fellow Londoner and backed Povetkin to land a shock win over his old rival.
      And AJ was proved right as the man he beat in 2018 utterly flattened by the man he beat in a 2015 barnstormer.

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      Povetkin is now mandatory for Tyson Fury’s WBC title More

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      in Soccer

      Neymar has chance to jump out of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s shadow as PSG face Bayern, claims Owen Hargreaves

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      TONIGHT is the night for Neymar to emerge at last from the shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
      That is the verdict of former Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves, who would naturally prefer his old club to see off Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Paris Saint-Germain in Lisbon.

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      Neymar will lead the line for PSG against Bayern Munich
      But Hargreaves reckons the Brazilian has a real opportunity in the Champions League final to prove he can succeed Ronaldo and Messi as the best player in the world.
      The BT pundit said: “He’s probably the most talented player on the pitch. I don’t think anybody disputes that.
      “In pure talent, not many can touch Neymar. There’s only really Messi and Ronaldo.
      “That is what has maybe at times, not frustrated people . . . but because he is so gifted, you expect him to produce it all the time.

      “He has the talent to be the best player in the world.
      “I think that is probably what the idea was in going to PSG — the show was going to be his. Then Mbappe came out of nowhere and almost got ahead of him.
      “It’s a huge stage for him. This is what he has dreamed of.”

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      Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated European football in the last decade
      Thirtysomethings Messi and Ronaldo, for all their brilliance, were not able to make up for the shortcomings of Barcelona and Juventus when it came to the crunch in the Champions League.

      But during the Lisbon mini- tournament, Neymar has shown signs that he has the maturity and the work ethic to help turn underachieving PSG into winners at last.
      Hargreaves says the stars could be finally aligning for the striker, now 28, to put his and the French giants’ mark on a big occasion.
      Former Manchester United ace Hargreaves said: “The one thing you could say about Cristiano and Messi is, as good as they were and still are, their application to work and improve and be consistent is off the charts.
      “Neymar, on his day, is probably the best player in the world — but sometimes it’s not there. You don’t really get that with Ronaldo.
      “Even when Juventus went out — what is he, 35? — he was still head and shoulders their best player.
      “Maybe it takes time. If you want to be the best player in the world, a lot of people are going to have an opinion on that.

      Neymar, on his day, is probably the best player in the world — but sometimes it’s not there. You don’t really get that with Ronaldo.
      Owen Hargreaves

      “Maybe it takes being 27 for you to realise ‘I’m running out of time’ and a coach to come in at the right time, in Thomas Tuchel, to say, ‘Look, this is it, this is the blueprint’.
      “You look at Liverpool, it’s not a coincidence they win the Champions League and then the Premier League.

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      Owen Hargreaves backed Neymar to jump out of Messi and Ronaldo’s shadow
      “You never saw Mo Salah as a pressing machine when he played at Roma. Klopp has made all the boys buy in.
      “I think for Neymar, the penny has dropped. For the first time, I’ve seen him actually pressing, working back, not floating. You’ve got to credit Tuchel for that.”
      But for PSG to complete an unprecedented quadruple of all three domestic trophies and the Champions League, Tuchel will have to overcome the Bayern Munich juggernaut steered by fellow German Hansi Flick.
      Hargreaves makes his old club favourites but says Neymar and Mbappe, within Tuchel’s team framework, can hit Bayern where it hurts.

      Ex-England star Hargreaves said: “Normally Neymar does something outrageous and special. But if he can be a team player and work hard, then Bayern give everybody a chance.
      “Paris Saint-Germain will get chances. I think Neymar just needs to be sensible and work hard and be part of that team.
      “If they can win it 30 yards from goal, he can work his magic. He’s more than capable, he takes your breath away with what he can do.”

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      in Soccer

      John Stones will stay and fight for Man City future even if it puts England Euros dream at risk

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      JOHN STONES is prepared to fight for his Manchester City future — even if it means putting his Euros dream on the line.
      The centre-back has fallen down the Etihad rankings and was tipped to move this summer.

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      John Stones is prepared to fight for his Manchester City futureCredit: Rex Features
      But the England international does not want to be shoved out and insists he can force his way back into Pep Guardiola’s plans.
      Boss Pep has already brought in Nathan Ake from Bournemouth for £40million, while Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly is a potential £65m buy as well.
      And Stones knows by staying he risks his place in the Three Lions starting XI for the delayed Euro 2020 finals next summer.
      Stones is in the final two years of his £130,000-a-week contract and has so far been kept waiting on an extension.

      Former club Everton — who sold him to City for £47.5million four years ago — West Ham, Arsenal and Chelsea have shown an interest in the 26-year-old.
      Despite his lack of starts, Stones is happy at City but knows things must come to a head soon as Guardiola will not want to risk losing him for  nothing.

      Stones was left on the bench for last week’s Champions League quarter-final defeat to Lyon, with Guardiola starting Barcelona target Eric Garcia, who has turned down a new deal.
      Yet Stones plans to fight on, especially now he is clear of the injuries which dogged him last term.

      He knows Garcia’s likely departure could reopen the door to the first team and is willing to take the gamble to become a City regular once more.

      John Stones set for £20m reunion with David Moyes as West Ham leapfrog Arsenal in race for Man City defender More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd’s Mason Greenwood and Dean Henderson among six rising stars who could crash Euros with England

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE’S first England squad since last November will be announced on Tuesday – sparking a frenzy of interest over the next generation of stars.
      Manchester City’s future playmaker-in-chief Phil Foden and Aston Villa skipper Jack Grealish are uncapped midfielders battling to make the squad for next month’s UEFA Nations League games in Iceland and Denmark.

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      Former England U21 keeper Dean Henderson is back at Man Utd after shining on loan for Sheffield United but has been linked with ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Man Utd striker Mason Greenwood hit 17 goals in all competitions during an astonishing breakthrough seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But apart from those, SunSport has identified six other players who have shot into the Three Lions’ reckoning in the longer term for the delayed Euros next summer.
      Here’s our guide to the hopeful half-dozen – including a real wildcard from the Championship.
      MASON GREENWOOD (18), Man Utd
      If he carries on where he left off, it would almost be a surprise if he DIDN’T make the squad for next year’s Euros.
      Greenwood’s main challenge is competition for places up front — and if Jadon Sancho moves to Old Trafford, his first-team chances will reduce.Nothing has stopped him so far, though.

      DEAN HENDERSON (23), Man Utd
      Like Greenwood, much will depend on how often he plays for United — or someone else — this term.
      Won an England call-up because of injuries last November.
      His form on loan at Sheffield United was good enough to be at least England’s No 3 or arguably No 2 behind Burnley’s Nick Pope.
      And should be ahead of Everton’s Jordan Pickford.

      BUKAYO SAKA (18), Arsenal

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      Pacy, versatile Arsenal starlet Bukayo Saka celebrated FA Cup final glory over ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Saka’s England chances appear better as a left- back than as a winger.
      So much will depend on where manager Mikel Arteta uses him at Arsenal.Three Lions chief Gareth Southgate will have noted how mature he was during tough times for the Gunners last season.
      But Saka could play for Nigeria, where his parents are from.
      BEN WHITE (22), Brighton

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      Ben White was outstanding on loan as Leeds won promotion, meaning parent club Brighton are now fighting off top clubs to keep himCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The summer’s most in-demand English defender is also the best player most people have never seen play.
      Southgate will want to watch how he takes to top-flight football for the Seagulls (or one of his suitors) before giving him an opportunity.
      England undeniably need more competition at centre-back and he has also impressed in midfield.
      EBERECHI EZE (22), QPR

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      QPR’s exciting Eberechi Eze has been linked with several Premier League clubs, including Fulham, Spurs and LeedsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      A wildcard but if a move to the Premier League happens in this window, then who knows?
      Like Greenwood, the attacking midfielder has a lot of established stars standing in his way, and like Saka, he could still choose to play for Nigeria at senior level.
      But QPR director of football Les Ferdinand is not alone in rating him a future England player.

      KALVIN PHILLIPS (24), Leeds

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      Kalvin Phillips was the driving force behind Leeds winning the ChampionshipCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The midfielder’s form in Leeds’ promotion campaign led to him being touted for an England cap last season.
      If he can produce more of the same in the Premier League, he will pose a threat to players like Declan Rice, Harry Winks and even Jordan Henderson.
      His ability to play centre-back as well won’t hurt him.

      Leeds claim open-top bus celebrations were to help fans stay away from Elland Road after ploy totally backfires More

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      in Soccer

      Fulham and Crystal Palace in £15m transfer battle over QPR starlet Eberechi Eze

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      FULHAM boss Scott Parker is ready to bid £15 million for QPR star Eberechi Eze – and kick off a transfer scramble.
      Parker has been given money to strengthen the Premier League new boys and he wants talented Eze to join his side to add his skills for their crack at the top flight.

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      Scott Parker is ready to bid £15 million for QPR star Eberechi Eze

      Rangers will sell Eze for the right price and boss Mark Warburton may also be in favour of the deal if Parker throws a player or two into an exchange.
      Fulham saw Eze at first hand in the Championship last season and think he can make the step up with them and they have cash to back up their ambitious swoop.
      The Parker move – one of a handful he plans – could see a reaction from main signing rivals Crystal Palace who have only been willing to offer £12 million so far.
      Palace have other targets just now but may have to switch to Eze once the bidding gets serious.

      West Ham and Leeds also like him but the cost is too much for them.
      Meanwhile Palace are putting French forward Jean-Phillipe Mateta on their striker standby list.
      Palace are working overtime on landing a top number nine but they are also keeping their interest in Mateta going at German club Mainz.
      Mateta has had a prolific time in the Bundesliga and could be available for around £15 million.

      Palace would swoop for Mateta if they lose Christian Benteke or may sign him as an extra option for Roy Hodgson’s squad.
      Mateta could be available after a couple of off field issues that have angered Mainz.
      He crashed his car, lost his licence and was axed from their squad in a pre season friendly.

      Chelsea defender Ethan Ampadu ‘close’ to joining Fulham on loan despite transfer interest from Norwich More