More stories

  • in

    Aston Villa plot £30m transfer bid for Celtic hotshot Odsonne Edouard to bolster attack

    ASTON VILLA are to test Celtic with a £30million bid for French goal machine Odsonne Edouard.
    Villa plan to spend big and have several targets but the forward, 22, is their priority.

    1

    Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard is being eyed up by Aston VillaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Boss Dean Smith is also keen on Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahma from his old club Brentford.
    But he first wants to find out if Edouard can be snatched from the Scottish champions after bagging 28 goals last season.
    Arsenal may drop out of the race to leave the door open for the Midlanders.
    Crystal Palace and Leicester are also in the hunt.

    Edouard has not shown any sign of being interested in a move to a ‘lesser’ English club but Villa have cash to tempt him with a major contract.

    Their financial power is also giving them a chance in the Watkins and Benrahma races.
    Meanwhile Blackburn are snapping up young Hoops striker Connor McBride.
    Scotland youth cap McBride, 19, thinks he will have a better chance of progress in England.

    Celtic duo Odsonne Edouard and Olivier Ntcham take on Damien Duff and Jimmy Bullard in Soccer AM’s ‘You Know The Drill’ More

  • in

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

    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.

    6

    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

    6

    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

    6

    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

    6

    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

    6

    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

    6

    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

  • in

    Harry Maguire & pals racked up £63k bill in 5 hours on three-day Mykonos bender before brawl arrest

    BOOZY Harry Maguire’s night of shame came after a three-day bender on Mykonos.
    The Manchester United defender flew to the Greek party island with fiancée Fern Hawkins after his side’s Europa League exit.

    11

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

    11

    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 star, 27, and others racked up a £63,000 bar tab in a five-hour session.
    He downed expensive booze and scoffed ­lobster with footballers including Chelsea’s Ross Barkley, 26, and Manchester United team-mate Brandon Williams, 19.

    They were also joined by Love Island star Chris Hughes, 27, snooker ace Judd Trump, 31, and Harry’s brother Joe, who plays for Accrington Stanley.
    A source said: “Harry has been drinking like crazy since he arrived on Mykonos.
    “He’s been spending a fortune on booze and just doesn’t seem to stop. He seemed upset about something. It was non-stop.’’

    11

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

    11

    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.

    11

    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.

    11

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

    11

    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.

    11

    Harry was holidaying with fiancee FernCredit: Instagram

    11

    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.

    11

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

    11

    “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.

    He flew to Mykonos after Man United lost to Sevilla in the Europa League semi-final last Sunday.
    It was his side’s third semi-final loss this season after exiting the FA and Carabao Cups at the same stage.
    Maguire said afterwards: “It means a lot to us, the boys are devastated. Losing isn’t acceptable.”

    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

  • in

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

    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.

    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

    16

    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 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.”

    16

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

    16

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

    16

    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.

    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.

    16

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

    16

    Love Island star Chris Hughes was pictured with the group

    16

    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.”

    16

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

    16

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

    16

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

    16

    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

    16

    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

  • in

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

    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

    16

    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.”

    16

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

    16

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

    16

    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.

    16

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

    16

    Love Island star Chris Hughes was pictured with the group

    16

    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.”

    16

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

    16

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

    16

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

    16

    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

    16

    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

  • in

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

    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

  • in

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

    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.

    4

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

    4

    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.

    4

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

    4

    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

  • in

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

    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.

    2

    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.

    2

    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