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      Pope piles pressure on England No1 Pickford with incredible Anfield display as Henderson waits in wings

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      WHEN Jordan Pickford flung out a strong left arm to deny Colombia’s Carlos Bacca there was no doubt.
      England had their No 1 for years to come.

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      Nick Pope has been in fine form since the Premier League’s restartCredit: AFP or licensors

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      Jordan Pickford is looking over his shoulder in the England No1 raceCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The Everton keeper had just produced a brilliant save as the Three Lions finally, finally, won a penalty shootout.
      That was the last 16 at the Russia 2018 World Cup and Pickford would go on to be named man of the match in the quarter-finals after a 2-0 over Sweden.
      Now his place for next summer’s Euros is in doubt.
      Why? Well, not just because he started to believe in his own publicity.

      But also the form of Dean Henderson and Nick Pope who are serious challengers for that No 1 jersey.
      Pope’s display in Burnley’s 1-1 draw at Anfield on Saturday confirmed his status as arguably the best English keeper right now.
      He is joint leader of the Golden Glove standings with Ederson on 14 clean sheets in the league this season.
      Henderson is one behind Pope and the Manchester City man.

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      Jurgen Klopp was very impressed by Pope’s efforts on SaturdayCredit: Reuters
      Here is what Kop boss Jurgen Klopp had to say about Pope as he dented Liverpool’s 100 per cent home league record with a string of incredible saves.
      The Reds chief said: “There were moments when it was like Liverpool against Nick Pope. We created super chances but there was one guy who wanted to deny us and that was Nick Pope.”
      It was at Anfield where Pope made his Prem debut in August 2017 at the start of a career in which he is establishing himself as one of the best keepers in the top flight.
      The man himself remains humble.
      Pope, 28, said: “I was fortunate enough to come here on my full debut and get a point, so it was nice to come back and make some more good memories.
      “The lads in front of me worked so hard — it’s nice to help out now and again!
      “A lot of the time they’re doing the work for me, so it was nice to get a bit of the action.
      “When you go to the big teams you expect to be involved more, away from home at the champions who are full of confidence. 

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      Dean Henderson has staked his claim for an England debut this seasonCredit: EPA
      “But we’re not low on confidence ourselves. We came here as a group, maybe not expecting a point but looking for something.”
      Pickford’s day that followed Pope was hardly one to write home about.
      Beaten three times by Wolves, including one at the near post from Diogo Jota.
      And it could have been even worse after he almost spilled another effort into his net only to rescue it on the line.
      Pickford, 26, stuck out his tongue and smiled but it only pointed to more issues for the Everton man.
      Henderson, 23, meanwhile, is becoming a serious challenger for the No1 spot at Manchester United.

      I am sure Dean will be pushing for and gaining that England shirt he is desperate to get.”
      Chris Wilder

      He is on loan at Sheffield United where he has been a crucial part of the promoted Blades’ push for European football.
      Their manager Chris Wilder has no doubts about where Henderson is going.
      He said: “Dean has got a mental strength to play in goal, and a brilliant attitude and ability. I am sure he will be pushing for and gaining that England shirt he is desperate to get.”
      Pickford look out, Henderson is here. And both look out because Pope seems blessed.

      Man United loanee goalkeeper, Dean Henderson, pulls off impressive double save for Sheffield United vs Swansea City More

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      Man Utd legend Paul Scholes’ wife Claire leaves marital home of 21 years and ‘stops wearing her wedding ring’

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      MANCHESTER United legend Paul Scholes’ marriage is in crisis after 27 years together.
      The ex-England hero’s wife Claire has left the marital home which they shared for 21 years.

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      Paul Scholes and his wife Claire are in a marriage crisisCredit: Xposure

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      Claire is seen out at the shops without her wedding ringCredit: nb press ltd
      She is now staying 20 minutes away and no longer wears her wedding ring.
      A source said the pair, both 45, are “devastated”. They added: “You have to feel for them as they both value family above everything else.
      “They’ve been together forever and nobody saw this coming.”
      Scholes met Claire in his local pub when they were 18 and they married six years later. They raised their three children at the home in Saddleworth, Gtr Manchester, they bought after the 1998 World Cup.

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      Close-up of Claire’s hand with her wedding band missingCredit: nb press ltd

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      Manchester United legend Paul Scholes in actionCredit: Reuters
      It is not far from the council estate where Scholes was brought up.
      He cited missing Claire too much as the reason he retired from Three Lions duty in 2004, aged just 29.
      Claire walked out on the Old Trafford pitch after his testimonial in 2011 and was by his side at The Class of 92 film premiere in December 2013.
      Scholes, believed to have a £27million fortune, often shared pictures of him and Claire, but the last one on his Instagram page was in February.

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      Paul Scholes’ wife is understood to have left the marital homeCredit: nb press ltd

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      Paul and his wife, Claire, on a night out in 2013Credit: Insight News and Features

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      Claire is now staying 20 minutes away from the home she shared with PaulCredit: nb press ltd

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      Paul and Claire, both 45, are reportedly ‘devastated’Credit: WENN
      A source said: “People have wondered for a while if things were OK.  Everyone is gutted their fears have been confirmed.”
      Scholes is the latest United great from The Class of 92 to suffer marriage problems.
      Both Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt have also split from their wives.

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      Claire, pictured, and Paul had been together for 27 yearsCredit: nb press ltd

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      Paul and Claire happy on their wedding dayCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      But David and Victoria Beckham are together after 20-plus years.
      A source said: “It’s sad to think that of that group, only the Neville brothers and David are still in strong relationships. But after so long together, these things can happen. You really feel for them.”
      Paul and Claire were approached for comment.

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      Scholes is the latest from The Class of 92 to suffer marriage heartacheCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Man Utd legend Paul Scholes has still got it as Class of ’92 stars including Gary Neville take up loo roll challenge
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      Man Utd fan relieved after betting £55k inheritance on Liverpool winning Premier League title

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      A GAMBLER breathed a huge sigh of relief after betting his £55,000 inheritance on Liverpool winning the Premier League.
      Manchester United fan Tony Ward, 55, had been waiting nervously on his mega-flutter since lockdown in March.

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      Man U fan Tony Ward won more than £91,000 after betting his entire inheritance on Liverpool winning the Premier LeagueCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
      But the dad of three collected £91,000, including his stake, when Jürgen Klopp’s side were confirmed as champions last month.
      Tony inherited £55,000 when his mum Rose died in 2017 aged 82 — and put the lot on Liverpool back in October, at odds of 4/6.
      He said: “Liverpool were always looking like they could win the title. I picked them after a long, long debate.”
      He then watched Liverpool streak ahead of Manchester City, with the title a mere formality — until the coronavirus lockdown came.

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      The dad of three put £55,000 on the Reds being Champions back in OctoberCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
      Tony, who calls himself an “armchair” Man United supporter, then had an agonising wait before the season eventually restarted in mid-June,
      He said: “I would have got my stake back, I think, if the season had been cancelled. But that would have been unfair.
      “Liverpool were that far clear. They only needed six points.”
      The Kop idols, managed by Klopp, quickly got those, clinching their first top-flight title in 30 years and earning Tony his payout from Ladbrokes.

      He is now planning a foreign getaway while keeping the rest in the bank.

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      Last month Jurgen Klopp’s side eventually secured the titleCredit: Getty – Contributor

      He added: “I fancy a big holiday. The rest is for a rainy day.”
      Tony, of Bradford, West Yorks, said of his mum: “She wouldn’t have minded what I did with the money — not at all. She liked a flutter!
      “She liked the horses. But I’d give it all back to have my mum still around.”

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      Tony says he will spend the money on a nice holiday and then save the restCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

      Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp hails Pep Guardiola as the ‘best manager of our era’
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      How Jack Charlton went from working down the mines as a teen to England World Cup hero & falling asleep meeting the Pope

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      HE was a footballing giant known as a World Cup hero in two countries.
      Jack Charlton, whose death at 85 was announced yesterday, lifted the Jules Rimet trophy with England in 1966 and went on to manage the Republic of Ireland to their most memorable games in the tournament.

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      Jack Charlton, brother of Bobby Charlton (right), has died aged 85Credit: PA:Press Association

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      The footballing legend was known as a World Cup hero in two countries Credit: Getty

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      Jack’s family announced his passing on Friday following his battle with dementia and lymphomaCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Jack died on Friday with his family around him at his Northumberland home following a battle with dementia and lymphoma.
      It means just five of England’s starting XI from 1966 are still with us. They include his younger brother Sir Bobby, 82.
      The world of football and beyond paid tribute yesterday to a man known not only for his presence on the pitch but for his character and his humour off it.
      A statement from the England squad read: “We are devastated by the news that Jack Charlton, a member of our World Cup-winning team of 1966, has passed away.

      “Our deepest sympathies are with Jack’s family, friends and former clubs.”
      Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Jack Charlton was a football great whose achievements brought happiness to so many.”
      Irish president Michael D Higgins said: “He leaves a legacy of outstanding leadership of a group of players of diverse talents which he moulded into the successful team that captured the imagination of the nation.”
      And Taoiseach, Micheal Martin, added: “So saddened to hear of the passing of Jack Charlton, who brought such honesty and joy to the football world.

      He personified a golden era in Irish football — the Italia 90 campaign being one of pure joy for the nation. He gave us magical memories. Thank you, Jack.”
      ‘POPE WOULD HAVE F***ING SAVED THAT’
      Born in 1935 in Ashington, Northumberland, Jack, who made 35 appearances as a defender for England, worked down the mines as a teenager before going for a trial at Leeds United.
      He had grown up in a footballing family — his mother was cousin to Newcastle great Jackie Milburn, while his uncles Jack, George, Jimmy and Stan all played professionally.
      He once said: “It left me no choice but to be a footballer.”
      He spent his entire 21-year playing career at Leeds, making a club record 773 appearances.
      Before retiring, in 1973, he had won every domestic honour going, including the league in 1969.
      Leeds United Supporters’ Trust tweeted yesterday: “Another massively sad day for the fans and club as we lose another legend. RIP Big Jack.”
      After his playing days, Jack went on to carve out a successful managerial career, twice leading the Republic of Ireland to qualify for the World Cup in the Nineties.
      And for many, it will be Charlton’s legendary adventures with the team that will be remembered as much as his 1966 glory. In 1990 he led the Republic to a quarter-final clash with hosts Italy.

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      Jack was born in 1935 in Ashington, NorthumberlandCredit: Collect

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      He worked down the mines as a teenager before going for a trial at Leeds UnitedCredit: Mirrorpix

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      He spent his entire 21-year career playing at Leeds and before retiring, he had won every domestic honour goingCredit: Mirrorpix

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      The footballing legend married his wife Pat in 1958 and they had three children, John, Deborah and PeterCredit: PA:Press Association
      Before the match he joked that if they won they should go to Rome to meet the Pope.
      The next thing, they were swept off for a pre-match visit to The Vatican.
      But the excitement was not enough to keep Jack awake and he drifted off as Pope John Paul II read a lesson for 20 minutes, followed by six other bishops.
      Jack later said: “I found it very hard to stay awake. The Pope was on the third bit of his blessing and he was looking right at me and he had his hand in the air.
      “As I woke up, I thought he was waving at me so I stood up and waved back.”
      During the visit, the Pope also told goalie Packie Bonner he would be keeping a close eye on him in the game as he had been a keeper himself when younger.
      Packie went on to make a howler in the match which allowed Italy to score and win 1-0.

      I loved the bones of the man.
      Mick McCarthy

      After the game, Jack praised the team and told Packie to get into the shower.
      As he trudged off, Jack lit a cigarette, turned to midfielder Andy Townsend and said: “The Pope would have f***ing saved that.”
      Jack also led Ireland to the 1994 World Cup in the US, where they got their revenge on Italy with a 1-0 win. When he resigned in 1995, it brought to an end a remarkable era.
      Last night the Irish FA, paid tribute to “the manager who changed Irish football for ever”.
      Former Ireland striker John Aldridge added: “What a football man. Loved and adored. The best manager I was lucky to play for.”
      Paul McGrath tweeted: “Father figure to me for ten years, thanks for having faith in me.”
      And Mick McCarthy, who captained Ireland at Italia 90, said: “I loved the bones of the man.”
      Despite his success, Jack remained humble, keeping his 1966 medal, and a set of World Cup coins with the players’ faces on, in a coal bucket next to his fireplace.
      Jack was awarded an OBE in 1974, but was never knighted, as his brother and fellow World Cup winner Bobby was.

      David Beckham paid tribute to the legendary sportman

      Prime Minister Boris Johnson saluted Jack and offered his sympathies

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      A statement from the England squad said the team was devastated by his passing

      ENGLAND’S WORLDCUP STARTING XI

      DIED
      Gordon Banks (1937-2019, 81)
      Jack Charlton (1935-2020, 85)
      Bobby Moore (1941-1993, 51)
      Ray Wilson (1934-2018, 83)
      Alan Ball (1945-2007, 61)
      Martin Peters (1943-2019, 76)
      Manager, Alf Ramsey (1920-1999, 79)
      SURVIVING MEMBERS
      George Cohen, 80
      Nobby Stiles, 78
      Bobby Charlton, 82
      Geoff Hurst, 78
      Roger Hunt, 81

      It was an omission that baffled many. Former Republic of Ireland and Liverpool midfielder Ray Houghton last night said: “He was a larger-than-life character.
      “The word legend is used too much in football but not for Jack — for what he’s done domestically with Leeds, winning the World Cup, which he should have been knighted for.
      “I’ve still never understood that. I think that’s an absolute disgrace.”
      Big Jack, who famously appeared in a 1995 Shredded Wheat advert, was also remembered for his kindness, philanthropy and bluff one-liners.
      When he caught one of his Ireland players drinking coke, he would reprimand them, saying: “What are you drinking that s**t for? Guinness is better for you.”
      ‘TYPE OF PLAYER YOU NEED TO WIN WORLD CUP’
      The keen fisherman also had the mantra: “Nothing is given to you. You’ve got to work for it.”
      Lady Elsie, the widow of his pal Sir Bobby Robson, said: “Jack was a great friend and a wonderful supporter of our cancer charity, The Bobby Robson Foundation.
      “He’d come out to events and meet with fundraisers and people were always so thrilled to meet a World Cup winner. He had such a way about him. He’d just make us all smile.”
      The Bobby Robson Foundation added: “Jack Charlton was a great football man, a great supporter of our work and a great friend to Sir Bobby.”
      He is survived by wife Pat, who he married in 1958, and their three children, John, Deborah and Peter.
      A family statement said: “As well as a friend to many, he was a much-adored husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
      “We cannot express how proud we are of the extraordinary life he led and the pleasure he brought to so many people in different countries and from all walks of life.
      “He was a thoroughly honest, kind, funny and genuine man who always had time for people.
      “His loss will leave a huge hole in all our lives but we are thankful for a lifetime of happy memories.”
      Granddaughter Emma Wilkinson added: “He enriched so many lives through football, friendship and family. Our family will miss him enormously.”

      As a mark of respect, there was a minute’s silence before every Premier League match yesterday and the players wore black armbands. It will be same for games today.
      Jack’s England team-mate, Sir Geoff Hurst, the hat-trick hero of that 1966 final, said yesterday: “Jack was the type of player and person that you need in a team to win a World Cup.
      “The world of football and the world beyond football has lost one of the greats. RIP old friend.”

      Jack Charlton dead at 85 – England 1966 World Cup winner, Leeds United legend and Ireland favourite passes away
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      Premier League blasted and accused of ‘shameful’ lack of action to increase diversity by former player

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      THE Premier League have been blasted and accused of a “shameful” lack of action to increase their diversity.
      Other than support players taking a knee and wearing Black Lives Matter logos, there is a feeling the top flight has done little to end systemic discrimination within the game.

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      Black Lives Matter logos have been a frequent fixture at all matches in recent weeksCredit: EPA
      And that is leading to increasing anger from stars past and present, who claim the biggest league in the world is doing nothing but pay lip service to battling racism.
      One former player at the highest level, now working as a coach, told SunSport: “What the Premier League have done — or haven’t done, if we’re honest — is shameful.
      “It’s OK for them to say the players can take a knee and that a badge will be on a shirt.
      “But that’s nothing — and doesn’t change anything about the actual issue.

      “We know there’s hardly any black representation, the whole point is to be open and transparent — show you are actually bothered about making a change. Thirty per cent of the players in the league are black.
      “They are the ones producing, so the people at the top are rolling in it — but they don’t want to change so black people can get into senior roles within the organisation.
      “The only thing we’ve seen since all this blew up is them announcing work-experience placements for six coaches.
      “And even then, all those will be placed at clubs in the EFL. It’s just embarrassing.”

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      Players across English football have taken a knee ahead of each game since the restartCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Darren Moore will head the new Black Participants Advisory GroupCredit: Dave Pinegar – The Sun
      The Prem launched a scheme last week, along with the PFA and EFL, to hand 23-month work placements to six BAME coaches — although none of those positions will be with teams in the top flight.
      The League also set up the Black Participants Advisory Group, headed by Doncaster boss Darren Moore, which they meet with regularly to help shape policies.
      Yet none of those who sit on the group are employed by the top flight — and there is a belief that all those in senior decision-making roles at the Premier League are white.
      The current Premier League Board is all white — three men and a woman — while there is no black representation in any of the other senior roles.
      The League do publish their diversity figures which show that, of 182 employees, 12.22 per cent are classed as BAME.
      But they do not drill down to reveal how many of that group are black, or even detail what the numbers are in different levels within the organisation.
      The source added: “It’s easy to hide behind BAME — but do you know how that feels to be grouped into a collective?
      “It’s white and then everyone else can all go in a group together so the stats look better.

      Once again it looks as though the Premier League are doing the minimum.
      Sun Source

      “How many of that 12 per cent are black? And in what roles? None in a senior position, I’m telling you.
      “The Premier League, the biggest in the world, should be leading the way — but once again it looks as though they are doing the minimum.”
      The League points to the development of their coaches programme, on top of the Elite Coach Apprenticeship Scheme, which has been running since 2015, as signs that they are working to increase diversity.
      They also launched a reporting system for players, bosses and their families who receive racist abuse online and regularly meet with the Black Participants Advisory Group.

      Aston Villa and Sheffield United players take a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement ahead of first game of Premier League return More

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      Harry Kane’s future in limbo if Tottenham lose to Arsenal with Spurs captain growing sick of club’s failure

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      THE result of Sunday’s North London derby could be pivotal to the future of Harry Kane.
      The striker, 26, has long been Spurs’ poster boy and it did seem he could live out his dreams and win trophies with the club which proudly sings he is one of their own.

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      Harry Kane’s future may be thrown into serious doubt this summerCredit: Mirror Group
      But it hasn’t worked out. His side have agonisingly, slid back to being the same old Spurs — one that promises much but delivers nothing.
      And Kane is growing sick of it. He didn’t admit, when asked about his future, that he’d assess it at the end of the season.
      But in football, standing still means going backwards and that’s what Spurs have done.
      Kane is captain of his country. He is a Golden Boot winner from a World Cup that saw him reach the semi-finals.

      He is a man whose sheer love of football has always shone through.
      Like a southern Wayne Rooney in that respect, if you like. Only the smile has gone.
      Against Bournemouth on Thursday it took him 78 minutes to get a touch in the opposition box.

      That’s not progress, that’s not the sign of a side whose ambitions match your own.

      Spurs may have been Champions League finalists last year but, if Kane is to play another, you fancy he needs to move.
      Defeat on Sunday and there is every chance Arsenal will finish above their neighbours for the first time in four seasons. Spurs would be back to square one.
      If that’s the case, when fans are back in, they may find the days of hailing Harry as one of their own have been and gone.

      Harry Redknapp says Harry Kane would be a great fit for Man Utd More

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      Wigan desperate to offload with two potential buyers put off by crisis club’s £19m payroll

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      CRISIS club Wigan Athletic are ready to move out more players in a desperate rush to tempt a buyer.
      The Latics are fighting for their lives on the pitch and, off it, in an EFL court appeal against their 12-point deduction for going into administration.

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      Kyle Joseph is one of several players potentially leaving Wigan this summer
      But the transfer market could yet be the hardest battle of all.
      Administrator Gerald Krasner hopes to raise about £5million for bills that include payments to Barnsley, Everton and Portsmouth due next month.
      Midfielder Jensen Weir has left for Brighton, but Wigan need to shift more players in a rush.
      I can also reveal that TWO interested parties have looked at the club’s books but the £19m payroll put them off.

      Even if the Latics get the financial benefit of staying in the Championship next season, it would still mean fortunes are needed to keep the club going.
      However, Sheffield United have joined Leicester in the chase for young Wigan striker Kyle Joseph.

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      Antonee Robinson could finally complete his move away from the clubCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Clubs across the Premier League, Championship and Scotland are taking a look at Joe GelhardtCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The Blades like the Scotland youth cap, who could be snatched from the troubled outfit for a low fee.
      Foxes have been chasing Joseph, while Celtic also admire him. In the end the decision will be down to the club that offers the clearest route to the first team.

      Leicester are also hovering for Latics defender Antonee Robinson if Ben Chilwell leaves the King Power.
      West Brom want him, but would have to secure promotion to bid.
      Striker Joe Gelhardt could also find a new home as Tottenham, Everton, Southampton, Leeds and Celtic consider a move. Remarkably Wigan failed to lodge a new three-year contract and his current deal has just a year left.

      However, any fees raised for those three would not lower the payroll enough.
      There could be interest in skipper Samy Morsy and midfield mate Joe Williams, but their wages are high by Championship standards.
      Centre-half Cedric Kipre could get a move, while keeper David Marshall may be allowed to go for free.
      The payroll will have to drop to about £7-8m even if Wigan stay up. A source close to one buyer said: “It’s a hard deal to do right now with the salaries they have.”

      Wigan administrator Paul Stanley says there are a dozen investors showing interest in the football club More