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      Troy Deeney to give Watford team-talk in bid to bring furious stars together after shock Nigel Pearson axe

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      WATFORD caretaker-boss Hayden Mullins will use skipper Troy Deeney to pull the squad together as he fights to save them  from the drop.
      Deeney and other stars were furious on Sunday when they turned up for training to discover boss Nigel Pearson had been sacked with two Premier League games to go.

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      Troy Deeney has been asked to lead Watford team talks in their final two games of the seasonCredit: AFP or licensors
      Mullins leads Watford as they bid to stave off relegation, with games at home to Manchester City on Tuesaday and at Arsenal on Sunday.
      But former West Ham midfielder Mullins, who steps up from his role as Under-23s coach, knows the importance of striker Deeney if he is to get the Hornets players to rally round the cause.
      It is understood Mullins called a meeting with the 32-year-old on Sunday and told him how key he was to keeping the club up — asking him to be Watford’s Mr Motivator for the crunch pair of games.
      A Watford source said: “The players were really upset about the way Pearson was treated after doing such a good job since arriving in December, when they were bottom of the table and six points off safety.

      “Hayden knew he needed to get the players onside straightaway and Troy is just the man to do that.
      “He’s the captain and will give his own team talk to emphasise that, whatever they may feel about the sacking, they need to put it behind them and keep themselves in the Premier League.”

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      Nigel Pearson was dismissed following the Hornets’ 3-1 defeat to West Ham on Friday nightCredit: Reuters

      Claude Puel, the former Southampton and Leicester boss is being mentioned as the man owner Gino Pozzo wants to take over next season.
      The Frenchman, 58, was sacked by Leicester City last season and dismissed by Southampton in his previous Premier League post.

      He has since returned to Ligue 1, experiencing a mixed spell as St Etienne manager.

      Troy Deeney singles out Bukayo Saka as Arsenal’s standout player as he opens up on relationship with AFTV More

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      Bielsa’s passion and attention to detail will help Leeds flourish in the Premier League… I can wait to watch them

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      EVERYONE knows I am a Manchester United fan — but I cannot wait to see Leeds in the Premier League.
      They are a welcome addition, as will the  brilliant Marcelo Bielsa.

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      Marco Bielsa inspired Leeds to win promotion to the Premier League with two games to spareCredit: Alamy Live News
      The big thing Bielsa has done is give the club direction and stability.
      Since being relegated in 2004 they have had 15 permanent managers, five owners and hundreds of players.
      It has been ridiculous.
      He created this bond and togetherness — and not just with the players, but the whole staff.

      He may look animated and moody on the sidelines but there is a caring side  people don’t see.
      When he first arrived, he organised a raffle for staff working at the club.
      He bought a mobile phone, TV and a VW Polo and gave them the chance to win them.
      He understands the value of unity.

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      Bielsa’s inspired Championship campaign means Leeds will be returning to the Premier for the first time in 16 years Credit: PA:Press Association
      We know his attention to detail is insane, but it began even before his side kicked a ball in a professional game.
      The first friendly he was in charge for was against Forest Green Rovers.
      In preparation, he got Rovers’ three previous friendlies recorded and watched them on repeat.
      He also watched every  game  Leeds played in the league the previous season.
      It is that obsessiveness that inspired  Mauricio Pochettino, Pep Guardiola and Diego Simeone.
      Bielsa is also one of the best at improving players and rarely dips into the transfer market.

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      Fans gathered in Leeds city centre to celebrate the club’s promotion following the team’s 3-1 win against Derby Credit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.
      Since arriving he really only spent on Helder Costa, Patrick Bamford and Barry Douglas.
      He has been dedicated to improving the likes of  Liam Cooper, Stuart Dallas and Mateusz Klich.
      He also transformed Kalvin Phillips into one of the best defensive midfielders in England.
      Klich has started every  league game since Bielsa arrived. He has had six goals and five assists this year — and got ten goals last year.
      But before Bielsa joined, he was on the periphery of the squad.
      At Athletic Bilbao, Bielsa moved Javi Martinez from midfield to centre-back — and the player went on to star  there for Bayern Munich.
      He did the same at Leeds with defender Ben White, who he turned into a defensive midfielder.

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      Pep Guardiola once described Bielsa as the ‘best-prepared’ manager he’d ever seen in his lifeCredit: PA:Press Association

      When Bielsa was boss of Argentina, he dropped Juan Roman Riquelme.
      He then went to a  testimonial for Boca Juniors where Riquelme was their hero and Bielsa got booed all game.
      Bielsa said he loved it and it was the essence of football. That’s how I know he is going to love the Premier League.  He is a proper football man.

      How Leeds United could line up in Premier League after transfer deals for James Milner, Joe Hart and Ben White More

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      Married Jose Mourinho toasts Tottenham win with close female pal Prue Carter-Robinson and appears to bring ARSENAL shirt

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      Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho celebrated his side’s win over rivals Arsenal by visiting his close female pal.
      The Special One went to the £1.5million home of blonde Prue Carter-Robinson.

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      Jose wore a mask, sunglasses and cap when visiting his good friend Prue Carter-Robinson
      Married Jose wore a mask, ­sunglasses and a cap — and was also spotted with an official Gunners shirt stuffed into a bag.
      An onlooker said: “He was still in the same clothes he had been wearing during the game.
      “He had a very expensive wristwatch on. Jose arrived in an Audi 4×4 and went straight inside.”
      Tottenham beat their North London rivals Arsenal 2-1 at home in the Premier League last Sunday.

      In 2018, The Sun on Sunday revealed how Jose, 57, had struck up a close friendship with Prue, 43 — a single mum of one.
      The pair met around a decade ago and in March last year enjoyed a sunshine break in Qatar.
      Jose was in the middle eastern state for a £100,000 TV job.

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      The pair met around a decade ago and in March last year enjoyed a sunshine break in Qatar
      They were spotted sunbathing at the five-star Four Seasons hotel alongside his long-time assistant Ricardo Formosinho.

      Former IBM worker Prue drives a £60,000 Mercedes and boasts a Chanel handbag and Rolex watch.
      Mourinho — who received a reported £15million pay-off after his sacking from Manchester United in 2018 — has previously spoken about his marriage.
      He met Matilde, nicknamed Tami, when he was 17 and she 15, and often credits her for his achievements. They had their 30th wedding anniversary last year.
      In December 2016 he flew to Tami twice in 24 hours as she recovered from emergency surgery in Lisbon. Reports at the time said she had suffered complications from an earlier op.
      Jose has said that the “most important thing in my life is my family and being a good father”.

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      The football manager met wife Matilde, nicknamed Tami, when he was 17 and she 15Credit: Nikki Houghton/ Nick.tierney@me.com

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      An onlooker said Jose ‘was still in the same clothes he had been wearing during the game’ on SundayCredit: PA:Press Association

      The couple have two grown-up children and a £5million home in Belgravia, central London.
      In 2007, it was reported that Mourinho had an affair six years earlier with boutique owner Elsa Sousa, while manager of Portuguese side Uniao de Leiria.
      She told a newspaper: “He told me he was separated from his wife because he was not happy.”

      José Mourinho walks out of technical difficulty hit press conference after disappointing goalless draw vs Bournemouth
      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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      Man City ace Riyad Mahrez passes ‘meet the parents’ test on French getaway with girlfriend Taylor Ward

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      MANCHESTER City ace Riyad Mahrez has passed a Meet The Parents-style test – joining his girlfriend Taylor Ward and her mum and dad for a sunshine break.
      The Premier League star, 29, enjoyed a trip to the South of France with the stunning fashion student, 22, along with her Real Housewives of Cheshire mum Dawn and husband Ashley.

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      Riyad Mahrez has passed a Meet The Parents-style test while on holiday with his new girlfriendCredit: AFP or Licensors

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      The Man City ace is dating Taylor Ward, the daughter of Real Housewives of Cheshire star DawnCredit: Instagram
      Videos posted on social media showed Mahrez and his girlfriend and her family enjoying a lunch at a posh beach restaurant in Cannes before later partying at the exclusive Medusa nightspot.
      Other images showed Taylor flying by private jet to the French coast with a female pal.
      The group also chartered a private yacht for a trip around the Mediterrean Sea.
      The Sun on Sunday revealed in February how dad-of-two Mahrez and Taylor had started dating after he split with wife Rita, 25.

      ‘WAG LIFESTYLE’
      A source told The Sun on Sunday: “Taylor and Riyad have been close for quite some time now, but it’s still a big step to go on holiday with the parents of your girlfriend.
      “But he likes them and they think he’s a lovely, respectful guy.
      “He gets on well with Ashley because he is a former footballer too so understands the pressures of the job and the game.
      “And he’s managed to charm Dawn. Most importantly for Dawna and Ashley, Taylor is happy so that’s what is most important to them.

      “Riyad also feels comfortable with Taylor because her family is very wealthy so he knows she likes him for who he is rather than any Wag lifestyle he can offer her.

      “They are both young so who knows where the relationship will end up going, but at the moment they are having a great time.”
      Fashion student Taylor and Riyad, who is French-born but the captain of Algeria, have previously been pictured together leaving Manchester’s China White nightclub last New Year’s Eve.
      And she has been a regular at the Etihad stadium to cheer him on and the rest of his teammates, including Sergio Aguero who she was previously romantically linked to.

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      Mahrez jetted off to join Taylor and her family on the French coastCredit: Instagram

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      A source says ‘it’s a big step’ for the new coupleCredit: Instagram

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      Apparently Riyad impressed, and Dawn and Ashley thought he was ‘a lovely, respectful guy’Credit: Getty

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      The Prem star split with his wife Rita after six years togetherCredit: Splash News

      Man City star Riyad Mahrez split from his wife and is now dating RHOC star Dawn Ward’s daughter Taylor
      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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      Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa set for £8million-a-year deal after ending 16-years of pain with Premier League promotion

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      MARCELO BIELSA is set to sign a bumper £8million-a-year deal after taking Leeds to the Premier League as champions following a 16-year wait.
      The pay rise — from his current salary of £6m which is more than double what England boss Gareth Southgate earns —  will keep the Argentine at Elland Road until at least 2022.

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      Marcelo Bielsa is set to be rewarded with a huge new contractCredit: PA:Press Association
      Talks on Bielsa’s future are planned and SunSport understands only minor points need addressing before the 64-year-old puts pen to paper.
      Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear said: “Victor Orta, Andrea Radrizzani and I will be straight in with Marcelo next week and talking about plans for next season.
      “He has a review, he knows the direction he wants to take the club in and it will go from things we need on the playing side, right through to his own  arrangements as well we need to resolve.”
      Bielsa’s current contract is due to expire at the end  of this week  but, although the club have the option of another 12 months
      The Whites boss put his own future to one side so he could concentrate fully on gaining promotion.
      There were doubts that if he failed to get Leeds back up for a second time after last year’s late collapse  he might walk away.
      But Leeds majority owner  Radrizzani and director of football  Orta were a confident he would recommit once he had achieved his target.

      That new contract is now all but a done deal.
      Bielsa takes his side to Derby today knowing  Leeds can now look forward to a £110m Prem windfall. But to stay up his club know they will have to generate a lot more money.
      Radrizzani sold a ten per cent cent stake in Leeds to the investment entity behind American football giants San Francisco 49ers in 2018.

      The Americans are now expected to want to add to that investment  while there is also interest from Qatar Sports Investments which controls Paris Saint–Germain.
      The Italian said: “We need support to build the club bigger than we could with our own resources.”
      Last October chief exec Kinnear also revealed plans to increase Elland Road’s capacity from 37,890 to 50,000 once a Prem place was secured. More

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      Manuel Lanzini and Fabien Balbuena can leave West ham as David Moyes eyes transfer shake-up

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      WEST HAM are open to offers for Manuel Lanzini and Fabien Balbuena as David Moyes looks to rebuild his squad.
      The Hammers all but secured their Premier League status with Friday’s 3-1 win over Watford.

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      Manuel Lanzini has fallen down David Moyes’ pecking order at West HamCredit: Andy Hooper
      Now boss Moyes is keen to bring in younger players this summer to freshen up his team and add some much-needed speed.
      But with limited money, he will have to sell to finance his plans.
      Lanzini, 27, was once a target for  Liverpool and valued at around £40million but the Argentina star has been a shadow of his former self since a knee injury on the eve of the 2018 World Cup.
      With Pablo Fornals a younger and fitter option in a similar position, Lanzini is no longer a regular starter and the club would listen to reasonable offers.

      Centre-back Balbuena is another who has struggled for fitness and form and has not convinced Moyes he can be relied upon.
      The  Paraguayan, 28, is understood to be open to the chance to move back to South America after two years in the Premier League.
      Scot Moyes looks to have discovered a new Marouane Fellaini in  Tomas Soucek.

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      Fabien Balbuena (left) could be on his way out of West Ham just two years after signing for the club for £6.5million from Corinthians Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The Czech giant, 23, is similar in size to 6ft 4in Fellaini, whom  Moyes signed for Everton and  Manchester United.

      His bullet header against fellow strugglers Watford was reminiscent of the big-haired Belgian.

      Our physical stats were very poor, we needed to add some more legs to the midfield
      David Moyes

      And Moyes can see why comparisons are being drawn to his former favourite.
      The Hammers chief said: “When we came here in January, we needed to add some more energy to the team.
      “Our physical stats were very poor, we needed to add some more legs to the midfield. That was our priority.

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      David Moyes is due to freshen up his side this summer. The Hammers boss hopes to bring in younger players during the transfer windowCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      “Thankfully we got Tomas because not only does he give us good energy and good physicality, he’s got a great goal-scoring record.”
      Soucek, who has 25 caps for his country, hit ten goals in 19 games for Slavia Prague before joining West Ham on loan.
      That deal can become permanent for £13m in the summer, a move Moyes surely will want to pursue.
      The Hammers boss added: “He’s young and going to improve. He’s a great boy to work with.
      “I can see where you would draw comparisons (to Fellaini) because of the stature.

      “He scored a really good goal against Watford from a cross.
      “It was an old-fashioned centre forward’s header.
      “He’s got three goals already — that’s a good return for someone who has only just come to the Premier League and only played ten games.”

      Man Utd outcasts Lingard and Phil Jones could be thrown Premier League lifelines by West Ham as Moyes eyes transfers More

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      Man City told Ferran Torres will cost £39m as they seek transfer replacement for Leroy Sane

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      VALENCIA have put a £39million price tag on Manchester City wing target Ferran Torres.
      The Etihad giants identified the  Spaniard, 20, as a possible replacement for Leroy Sane, who left for Bayern Munich last month.

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      Ferran Torres has netted five times in 33 La Liga appearances for Valencia this termCredit: Getty
      The 24-year-old Germany international swapped the Etihad for a £55million move to the Bundesliga champions.
      Torres is down to the final year of his contract at the Mestalla  — but he has a buy-out clause set just below the £40m mark.
      The fact he can play on both flanks is something that appeals to City boss Pep Guardiola who has made a new winger a top priority this summer.
      Torres, who’s built a reputation for his creative play on the flanks, has netted four times, and provided five assists, in 33 La Liga appearances this season.

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      Prem champions Liverpool are also keen on signing Ferran Torres (left). However Man City appear to be favourites for his signatureCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Reports in Spain say City is his most likely destination with relations between the clubs generally good.
      But they are likely to face competition from other top teams who are monitoring the wide man — including Liverpool, Manchester United and Juventus.
      Bayer Leverkusen’s Leon Bailey is another who has been discussed and he is believed to be pals with City superstar Raheem Sterling.

      The Jamaica international, who’s netted seven times for his club this term, is also a Manchester United target.

      Bailey, 22, harbours dreams of one day playing in England.
      And Man United are looking to swoop with a £40million bid for the Bundesliga star, according to reports.

      Pep Guardiola says Manchester City won’t apologise for spending money to succeed after overturned ban More

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      Married Jose Mourinho celebrates Tottenham win by visiting close female pal

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      FOOTBALL boss Jose Mourinho celebrated his Tottenham side’s win over rivals Arsenal by visiting his close female pal.
      The Special One went to the £1.5million home of blonde Prue Carter-Robinson.

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      Jose wore a mask, sunglasses and cap when visiting his good friend Prue Carter-Robinson
      Married Jose wore a mask, ­sunglasses and a cap — and was also spotted with an official Gunners shirt stuffed into a bag.
      An onlooker said: “He was still in the same clothes he had been wearing during the game.
      “He had a very expensive wristwatch on. Jose arrived in an Audi 4×4 and went straight inside.”
      Tottenham beat North London rivals Arsenal 2-1 at home in the Premier League last Sunday.

      In 2018, The Sun on Sunday revealed how Jose, 57, had struck up a close friendship with Prue, 43 — a single mum of one.
      The pair met around a decade ago and in March last year enjoyed a sunshine break in Qatar.
      Jose was in the middle eastern state for a £100,000 TV job.

      4

      The pair met around a decade ago and in March last year enjoyed a sunshine break in Qatar
      They were spotted sunbathing at the five-star Four Seasons hotel alongside his long-time assistant Ricardo Formosinho.

      Former IBM worker Prue drives a £60,000 Mercedes and boasts a Chanel handbag and Rolex watch.
      Mourinho — who received a reported £15million pay-off after his sacking from Manchester United in 2018 — has previously spoken about his marriage.
      He met Matilde, nicknamed Tami, when he was 17 and she 15, and often credits her for his achievements. They had their 30th wedding anniversary last year.
      In December 2016 he flew to Tami twice in 24 hours as she recovered from emergency surgery in Lisbon. Reports at the time said she had suffered complications from an earlier op.
      Jose has said that the “most important thing in my life is my family and being a good father”.

      4

      The football manager met wife Matilde, nicknamed Tami, when he was 17 and she 15Credit: Nikki Houghton/ Nick.tierney@me.com

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      An onlooker said Jose ‘was still in the same clothes he had been wearing during the game’ on SundayCredit: PA:Press Association

      The couple have two grown-up children and a £5million home in Belgravia, central London.
      In 2007, it was reported that Mourinho had an affair six years earlier with boutique owner Elsa Sousa, while manager of Portuguese side Uniao de Leiria.
      She told a newspaper: “He told me he was separated from his wife because he was not happy.”

      José Mourinho walks out of technical difficulty hit press conference after disappointing goalless draw vs Bournemouth
      GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk More