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    Man Utd, Newcastle and Spurs in James Maddison transfer race with £60m Leicester star ‘to leave even if they stay up’

    JAMES MADDISON is reportedly set to leave Leicester City even if they survive in the Premier League.The Foxes are currently 18th in the top-flight ahead of tonight’s crunch relegation showdown with Everton at the King Power Stadium.
    James Maddison will reportedly leave Leicester even if they stay upCredit: Getty
    Their 26-year-old talisman has endured a difficult campaign on the injury front, but he has still managed to fire in nine goals and provide seven assists.
    However, despite being the frontrunner to claim their player of the year prize, the Telegraph claims that his five-year spell at Leicester will come to an end this summer.
    The club desperately need to balance their books following a record £92.5m loss in their financial accounts and Maddison is their biggest saleable asset.
    Maddison is also about to enter the final 12 months of his contract, which means this is the last opportunity for Leicester to cash-in rather than risk losing him for nothing next year.
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    And he has a host of teams chasing his services including Manchester United, Tottenham and Newcastle.
    The Magpies have been long-time admirers of Maddison and even lodged two bids worth £40million and £45m last summer.

    However, both offers were turned down and the player stayed put.
    Since then Maddison has gone on to enjoy a fine campaign with the struggling Foxes and earned a place in Gareth Southgate’s England World Cup squad.
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    Newcastle are set to make a renewed attempt to bring him to the North East and look certain to be able to offer the attacker the prospect of Champions League football.
    But so do United, and both are expected to table bids of between £45m and £60m for him.
    Managerless Tottenham also want the ace, and they are believed to be readying a move of their own to try and snatch him from their rivals.
    The former Coventry City and Norwich man was also recently likened to Man City’s £100m man Jack Grealish, who boss Dean Smith managed previously at Aston Villa.
    Smith said: “I think they are different types of players but they both know they’ve got ability and want to push themselves to become the best.
    “I think when you’ve got players that have that personality and character they push you as coaches and you want to go and help them become better players. James seems to have that as well.
    “He’s always looking to see what he can do better. He’s really engaging in the meetings we have and tactical meetings, and very vocal as well. I can see that similarity (with Grealish) of wanting to push himself.
    “I’m liking what I’m seeing in training so far and he’s not disappointed in the games either. All the players are really focused and James is certainly one of them.” More

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    Fans claim Conte was RIGHT with brutal rant claiming Spurs ‘don’t want to play under pressure’, after Liverpool loss

    TOTTENHAM fans believe Sunday’s 4-3 loss at Liverpool shows Antonio Conte’s epic rant over their players’ fragility was right.Conte departed as boss last month shortly after blasting “selfish” stars for disliking pressure.
    Ex-manager Antonio Conte eventually burst with frustrationCredit: Rex
    Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Dejan Kulusevski show Spurs’ dejection at AnfieldCredit: Reuters
    And supporters reckon there’s a sickening culture of failure after Spurs blew an amazing comeback at Anfield.
    After fighting back from 3-0 down to level in stoppage time, Tottenham saw Diogo Jota fire Liverpool to victory.
    One fan posted: “Easy to play when the pressure is off at 3 nil. Turn up when it matters for a change.”
    And another claimed: “The key question is how in the hell did Conte manage to finish 4th with these bunch of losers?”
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    Spurs sacked interim chief Cristian Stellini last week and handed Ryan Mason his second temporary stint in charge.
    And they were flattered by the scoreline at Liverpool, even if it needed Jiota to end their recovery by rifling home on 94 minutes.
    Star man Harry Kane went level with Wayne Rooney on 208 in the all-time Prem scoring charts, behind only Alan Shearer’s 260 goals.
    But  the England skipper is being increasingly linked with Manchester United or even Newcastle.
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    And many fans say they wouldn’t blame Kane if he did leave.
    One said of Tottenham’s latest demise: “We come back to this every week, it’s always the same old story.”
    Another said: “Conte recognised and called out the owners in a way most of our fans have simply refused to do in years.”
    Conte had blasted Spurs on and off the field in an infamous press conference last month.
    He said: “They are used to it here. They do not want to play under pressure. They do NOT want to play under stress.
    “Tottenham’s story is this – 20 years there is the owner & they never won something. Why!?”” More

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    Sky Sports’ Martin Tyler, 77, slammed for ‘racist’ comment about Spurs star Son Heung-min as fans say ‘time he retired’

    FOOTBALL fans have slammed Martin Tyler after he appeared to make a racist comment on live television.The Sky Sports commentator, 77, made the blunder as Liverpool took on Tottenham in the Premier League earlier today.
    Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler has been slammed over a ‘racist’ commentCredit: Getty
    He said Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min was doing ‘martial arts’Credit: PA
    It happened as Son tackled an oponent
    As South Korean Spurs forward Son Heung-Min tackled an opponent Tyler was heard comparing his defence to “martial arts”.
    Viewers rushed to social media to slam the comment.
    One wrote: “Really pains me to say it but I think it’s time for Sky to retire Martin Tyler.”
    Another added: “Martin Tyler needs to apologise for that immediately after the game.”
    A third added: “I assume Sky Sports will be launching an investigation into Martin Tyler’s racist comments about Son in the Liverpool vs Tottenham match?” 
    A fourth fumed: “Martin Tyler’s ‘martial arts’ comment about Son’s yellow card was disgusting, xenophobic and racist. Not happy.”
    It comes after Tyler was forced to apologise for saying injured Ukraine keeper Heorhiy Bushchan would have to ‘soldier on’ last year.
    Today’s match saw Liverpool win in a 4-3 showdown.
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    Richarlison thought he had sealed a truly phenomenal comeback when heading home his first Premier League goal for Spurs in the 93rd minute to make it 3-3.
    Yet seconds later, fellow sub Diogo Jota struck at the other end of the pitch to break Spurs’ hearts.
    Chairman Daniel Levy watched on as the away fans sang songs once again urging him to quit and for their money back after the shocking first 15.
    Some Spurs supporters even walked out of Anfield at that point, no doubt fearing another cricket score after their terrorising on Tyneside.
    A Sky Sports spokesperson told The Sun: “Martin Tyler has been reminded of need for care with his wording while on the air.” More

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    Alan Shearer wants Harry Kane to seal Newcastle transfer and break his Prem goalscoring record ahead of Man Utd

    ALAN SHEARER put the cat among the pigeons – or Magpies – by wondering if Harry Kane will join Newcastle over Manchester United.Gary Lineker warned 260-goal Prem record scorer Shearer that Kane is “coming for you” – after the Tottenham striker hit his 208th on Sunday.
    Harry Kane went level with Wayne Rooney on 208 Premier League goals but Tottenham still lost 4-3 at Liverpool despite an incredible comebackCredit: Alamy
    Gary Lineker teased fellow pundit and ex-England frontman Alan Shearer over Kane closing on his Prem record of 260 goalsCredit: PA

    And social media joined in the teasing as well as the transfer speculation.
    Spurs hope to keep Kane but United boss Erik ten Hag wants a new world-class No 9.
    The England skipper and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen are regarded as prime targets – at around £100million.
    And after Lineker posted his jibe at Shearer – complete with a winking emoji – the Toon icon responded: “But will he break it in a Newcastle shirt or a Man Utd shirt!!?”
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    One fan urged Kane: “Go abroad and leave the legend as top scorer of all time!”
    But another Magpies supporter said: “I’d love him here. He’s a beast of a striker. He’d score a boat load here.”
    The Toon, however, are on a free-scoring high in third place, Callum Wilson netting twice in Sunday’s 3-1 comeback win over Southampton.
    One fan claimed: “Surely Newcastle wouldn’t want him. Have Wilson and (Alexander) Isak already.”
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    Some observers believe the Magpies have little chance of luring Kane anyway – as the Red Devils will be so desperate to sign him.
    Such views included: “Think Man Utd will do everything possible to get him for next season!”
    And a neutral posted: “Definitely a Man Utd shirt. U have Isak.”
    Kane suffered more frustration the field as Spurs slumped to a last-gasp 4-3 loss at Liverpool this weekend.
    Tottenham recovered from being 3-0 down inside 15 minutes, inspired by Kane’s 39th-minute volley.
    But after Richarlison levelled three minutes into stoppage time, Diogo Jota slotted a calm winner for the Reds.
    And although Kane is now level with Wayne Rooney as the Prem’s second-highest scorer ever, one fan hinted at why the 29-year-old might consider moving: “208 goals 0 trophies.” More

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    Harry Kane ‘open to running down Tottenham contract and leaving on FREE TRANSFER’ amid Man Utd interest

    HARRY KANE is open to running down his Tottenham contract, according to reports.SunSport revealed last month that Manchester United are confident they can sign the Spurs striker, should the North Londoners miss out on a Champions League spot.
    Harry Kane has 14 months remaining on his contractCredit: Getty
    Kane, 29, has 14 months remaining on his Tottenham deal, and figures within the club are growing doubtful over whether he will pen a new one.
    According to the Telegraph, the England skipper would consider seeing out his deal at Tottenham before leaving on a free transfer.
    Man United would be willing to offer him a £100,000 boost on his current £200k-a-week Spurs deal.
    While players leaving on free transfers can often command huge signing-on-fees.
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    Red Devils fans sang “we’ll see you in June” at Kane during last night’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham.
    United chiefs were encouraged after a positive meeting with the striker’s representatives via intermediaries last month.
    But they would like to complete a deal quickly, and avoid a long drawn-out summer transfer saga.
    The Red Devils have experienced difficult negotiations with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy in the past, while recruiting Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Carrick.
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    Should Levy fail to accept a bid prior to the beginning of pre-season, United could turn to other targets.
    Asked about United fans’ chants last night, Kane refused to be drawn.
    He said: “I heard what they were saying but I’m just focused on this team and trying to finish strongly.”
    Spurs’ all-time leading scorer then opened up on what went on at Spurs earlier this week, with Cristian Stellini having been sacked as acting head coach on Monday.
    He said: “The chairman asked for a meeting. Obviously I won’t go into what was said but I think it was important [for him] to understand where the players’ heads were at that moment.
    “Obviously coming off the back of that result. And it wasn’t just that result. It had been building up since the international break when we conceded the two goals against Southampton.
    “It was an honest conversation of where everyone is at and what we need to try to do to give us the best possible chance to finish the season with something.
    “We’re still fighting for fourth place but if it’s not fourth we’ll try to finish fifth or sixth, as high up as we can.
    “In this league, it’s so competitive, you can easily end up 8th or 9th if you’re not careful. That’s what it was – to give us the best chance. And I’m glad we reacted like that today.”
    Kane’s name was sung by Man United fans last nightCredit: Getty More

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    How Man Utd could line up with Neymar and Harry Kane after stunning double transfer swoop

    MANCHESTER UNITED could make a sensational summer bid for Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar and Tottenham star Harry Kane.SunSport understand United could pull off a double megadeal if Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al Thani takes over the club from the Glazers.
    Harry Kane and Neymar would spearhead Manchester United’s attack
    Manchester United could sign Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar if Shiekh Jassim takes overCredit: Getty
    Manchester United’s move for Neymar wouldn’t rule out a bid for Tottenham star Harry KaneCredit: Getty
    Sheikh Jassim is eyeing a marquee signing to show his intention of restoring the Red Devils at the top of the Premier League as well as Europe.
    And the Qatari billionaire is planning to start with Neymar, who could be on his way out of PSG due to a raft of injuries, his mammoth salary and club’s decision to change direction.
    A move for the Brazil international does not necessarily rule out a bid for long-time target Kane.
    The England captain is still thought to be at the top of United’s transfer list this summer.
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    If the two world class forwards arrive at Old Trafford then manager Erik ten Hag would have a star-studded line-up at his disposal.
    Neymar could cover the right wing and Kane would spearhead the attack with star man Marcus Rashford moving to his natural position down the left.
    Ten Hag’s 4-3-3 formation would see David de Gea starting in goal with Diogo Dalot at right-back and Luke Shaw on the other side, while Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane would team up at centre-back.
    The Dutch tactician would have a star trio in attack but also a stunning partnership in midfield with Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen linking up.
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    Neymar and Kane could be joined by more summer transfers at Manchester United

    It is fair to assume that Sheikh Jassim would invest heavily on his first year at United if he took over.
    Therefore there could still be more signings, such as Brentford’s David Raya and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong.
    Raya could succeed De Gea in goal as the legendary goalkeeper’s contract runs out in June and an extension depends on the Spain international accepting a lower salary.
    Frimpong could take Dalot’s place at right-back as the Portugal international has yet to agree on a new deal with his contract running out next year.
    And of course Sheikh Jassim could still go for Borussia Dortmund superstar Jude Bellingham, who would form a devastating midfield partnership with Casemiro and Fernandes. More

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    Harry Kane opens up on meeting with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy and admits he heard Man Utd chants amid transfer link

    HARRY KANE says he heard Manchester United supporters’ chants regarding a potential transfer move as he opened up on Daniel Levy’s meeting with the Tottenham squad.The England captain played a key role in helping Tottenham come from behind to earn a 2-2 draw with United on Thursday.
    Harry Kane admits he heard the chants of Man Utd supporters last nightCredit: Getty
    Daniel Levy asked for a meeting with the squad after the thrashing at NewcastleCredit: PA
    And at half time of the game, when the Old Trafford club were leading by two, the visiting supporters were heard chanting: “Harry Kane, we’ll see you in June.”
    Erik ten Hag is desperate to bring in a new No9 this summer to spearhead his attack next term.
    As well as Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, United have also long-been linked with a swoop for Spurs star Kane.
    When asked about the songs from the away end last night, the star said: “I heard what they were saying but I’m just focussed on this team and trying to finish strongly.”
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    The comeback stopped the rot at Spurs after last weekend’s 6-1 thrashing at Newcastle – a game which led the squad to refund supporters who had the trip to the North East.
    Following that debacle, which led to interim boss Cristian Stellini being replaced by Ryan Mason for the rest of the campaign, the club’s chairman met with the players.
    Kane explained: “The chairman asked for a meeting. Obviously I won’t go into what was said but I think it was important [for him] to understand where the players’ heads were at that moment.
    “Obviously coming off the back of that result. And it wasn’t just that result. It had been building up since the international break when we conceded the two goals against Southampton.
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    “It was an honest conversation of where everyone is at and what we need to try to do to give us the best possible chance to finish the season with something.
    “We’re still fighting for fourth place but if it’s not fourth we’ll try to finish fifth or sixth, as high up as we can.

    “In this league, it’s so competitive, you can easily end up 8th or 9th if you’re not careful. That’s what it was – to give us the best chance. And I’m glad we reacted like that today.”
    Next up is a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on Sunday, and Kane has called on his team-mates to show the same battling spirit they showed against United in order to bring home the points.
    When asked if they can win on Merseyside, he said: “I think so. We spoke about these two games this week, just getting results: finding a way to win, finding a way to come away with something. Liverpool’s going to be the same.
    “Anfield is a very tough place to go. They’re in a similar position of fighting for the spots we’re fighting for so there’s a lot riding on it.
    “It’s down to us to recover and show the character we did in the second half and be brave away at Anfield.” More

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    Rio Ferdinand blunder on BT Sport has fellow pundits in fits of laughter as Man Utd icon moans ‘we still in school’

    THE BT SPORT studio erupted into a roar of laughter after an hilarious blunder from Rio Ferdinand last night.He was in the studio to provide the analysis as Tottenham came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw with Manchester United.
    Tottenham’s Clement Lenglet caused Rio Ferdinand all sorts of problems last nightCredit: Getty
    The Man Utd legend had his colleagues in stitches trying to pronounce his nameCredit: BT SPORT

    The Red Devils were two up in North London thanks to goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford at half time.
    But Spurs fought back to earn a point against United thanks to strikes from Pedro Porro and Heung-min Son.
    United had a great chance to go 3-1 up when Bruno Fernandes brilliantly nutmegged Tottenham defender Clement Lenglet inside the area but then rifled his strike back off the bar.
    And it was while discussing this piece of magic from the Portuguese ace that the legendary United defender slipped up trying to say the Spurs’ star’s name.
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    Ferdinand said: “That will be everywhere though. Imagine being Linglay now?”
    “Who’s that?” asked his fellow pundits as they burst into laughter.
    The tongue-tied ex-England ace responded: “Ling… Ling… Ok sorry, pronunciations.”
    As the laughter heightened, the embarrassed looking Ferdinand said: “Are we at school?”
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    While former Tottenham ace Jermaine Jenas replied: “That’s going to be on digital.”
    One fan responded on Twitter: “Rio Ferdinand just called Lenglet ‘linglay’.”
    While another said: “Bit of a tongue twister eh Rio?”
    Fortunately that was not all that Ferdinand had to say during the coverage of last night’s Premier League encounter.
    He also revealed that he would be surprised if United are not already in talks over a move for Harry Kane this summer.
    Erik ten Hag is desperate to bring in a new No9 this summer to spearhead his attack next term.
    As well as Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, United have also long-been linked with a swoop for Spurs star Kane.
    Discussing that potential transfer pre-match, former United defender Ferdinand stated that his old side must take advantage of Tottenham’s “turmoil”.
    He told BT Sport: “If there aren’t conversations going on in the corridors of power about Kane then I’d be surprised.”
    Ferdinand then joked: “Sell now before the season even finishes.
    “Manchester United have to be looking at the turmoil that Tottenham are in.”
    He was then asked if United win the Premier League title should the 29-year-old head to Old Trafford.
    He replied: “They get closer than where they are now.”

    Ferdinand also says that it was “too long” for Kane and United to wait another 12 months to get him for nothing when his contract expires in 2024.
    And to reinforce that he said that the striker is “exactly what they [United] need” now. More