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    Premier League cult hero, 38, bizarrely leaves job as Ayia Napa FC manager after just TWO games

    A former Premier League star has stepped down as manager of Ayia Napa FC after just TWO GAMES.The former Crystal Palace forward, 38, was only appointed head coach of the Cypriot second tier side at the end of October.The FA Cup finalist won both of his games in charge of Ayia Napa FCCredit: AlamyHe claimed back-to-back 1-0 wins before the international break, but has now suddenly parted ways with the side.It brings to an end his THIRD managerial stint in just over a year – following his retirement from playing in the summer of 2023.He departs with Ayia Napa ninth in the table.The man that has been dismissed is Jason Puncheon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA club statement read: “Ayia Napa Athletic Club announces the mutual agreement to terminate its partnership with coach Jason Puncheon.”They also confirmed assistant coach Christos Tsapatsoulis has left, before adding: “The board of directors wishes both the best in their professional careers.”Ayia Napa is a tourist resort on the southern coast of Cyprus and is famed among Brit partygoers for its thriving nightlife.All three of Puncheon’s managerial stints have come in Cyprus – with the previous two at Peyia 2014 and AEZ Zakakiou.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAs a player, he spent the best part of a decade in England’s top flight.He scored 24 Premier League goals and came off the bench for Palace in their 2016 FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United.Football icons’ strange hobbiesPrior to his seven-year spell at Selhurst Park, he had stints on loan at Millwall, Blackpool and QPR while with parent club Southampton. More

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    Evangelos Marinakis in talks to buy new club with major role for Edu and two Premier League cult heroes already there

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST owner Evangelos Marinakis is in talks to buy a controlling stake of Vasco da Gama.Marinakis, 57, already owns Greece’s most successful team and Conference League winners Olympiacos, Portuguese outfit Rio Ave and of course historic Premier League club Forest.Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is in talks to buy a controlling stake of Vasco da GamaCredit: GettyEx-Arsenal sporting director Edu is expected to have an important role in Marinakis’ groupCredit: GettyVasco da Gama is among the most famous Brazilian clubsCredit: GettyMarinakis could add Vasco da Gama to his multi-club groupCredit: GettyThe Greek billionaire appears to be building his own global multi-club group as he’s long been linked with a takeover of Serie A’s Monza as well.According to The Telegraph, the businessman is now looking to add esteemed Brazilian outfit Vasco da Gama.And that will likely lead to a key role for former Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar.Edu resigned from the Emirates earlier this month after five successful years with the Gunners as he helped the team turn back into Premier League title contenders.Read More on FootballThe Brazilian chief has linked up with Marinakis and is expected to take over an unspecified role that would see him being in charge of Forest, Olympiacos and Rio Ave.If the ship owner, who saw Olympiacos become the first ever Greek European cup winners, is also successful in his bid for Vasco da Gama then Edu is also expected to be in charge of the Rio de Janeiro club.The Brazilian outfit was previously controlled by 777 Partners before their financial model collapsed earlier this year.The group is now under the control of US insurance giant A-Cap and the clubs are being sold.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSVasco da Gama have quite the Premier League element this season.Rafael Paiva’s side includes the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Dimitri Payet.Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, Sky Sports Premiere LeagueEx-Liverpool star Coutinho plays on loan from Aston Villa and West Ham hero Dimitri Payet joined from Marseille this year.Ex-Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho plays for Vasco da Gama on loan from Aston VillaCredit: GettyWest Ham hero Dimitri Payet also joined Vasco da Gama this yearCredit: Getty More

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    Man City wonderkid James McAtee ‘lined up for January transfer’ after playing ONE Premier League minute all season

    MANCHESTER CITY ace James McAtee is being targeted by West Ham and Fulham ahead of the January transfer window.McAtee, 22, enjoyed an impressive loan stint with Sheffield United the last two years as he scored 14 goals and bagged eight assists in 75 appearances.Manchester City ace James McAtee is being targeted by Fulham and West HamCredit: GettyMan City could be open to selling McAtee in the January transfer windowCredit: GettyThe playmaker has found opportunities to be limited at the Etihad this season despite a string of injuries in the squad and has only played ONE MINUTE in the Premier League.According to The Guardian, that has led interest from both the Hammers and the Cottagers who are tracking the City academy product.He was reportedly targeted by Chelsea last summer.McAtee has played six times across all competitions, with his most impressive performance taking place last month in the Champions League at Slovan Bratislava where he scored a goal.Read More on FootballThe attacking midfielder could command a fee of at least £20million and the Cityzens would be open to a deal.The versatile midfielder is still highly regarded by the club, who could offer him a new contract with his current deal set to run out in 2026.However, the reigning Premier League champions have proven to be open to selling homegrown players as it helps their position with the English top flight’s profit and sustainability rules.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWest Ham have struggled in midfield this season with star player Lucas Paqueta being unable to replicate last term’s success.Most read in FootballPaqueta has also been charged with a breach of the Football Association’s betting regulations – the Brazil international denies the allegations.City wonderkid James McAtee scores impressive goal in trainingFulham are likely to rekindle their interest in McAtee after failing to land him in the summer.His former England Under-21 international team-mate Emile Smith Rowe has been rejuvenated under Marco Silva at Craven Cottage after he left Arsenal.Fellow Man City academy graduate Cole Palmer has also proven the grass can be greener away from Pep Guardiola’s side as he left the club last year and went on to become Chelsea’s biggest star. More

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    Brazil prodigy Endrick linked with shock transfer to Southampton after Real Madrid struggles

    REAL MADRID and Brazil prodigy Endrick has been linked with a shock move to Southampton.Endrick, 18, moved to Real Madrid from Palmeiras this summer in a deal worth up to £60m.Real Madrid star Endrick has been linked wirh a switch to SouthamptonCredit: GettyThe highly-rated teenager has been making waves in Brazil, already notching up 13 caps for the Selecao and scoring his first goal against England at Wembley.But life in the Spanish capital has got off to a slow start with the forward well down the pecking order behind the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo.Since his arrival at the Bernabeu, Endrick has played just 55 minutes of La Liga action, albeit managing a goal and assist in that time.And with a lack of game-time, it’s claimed that the rising star could be ready to leave Madrid on loan to develop his game.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLUnbelievably, Russel Martin’s Southampton are one of the teams who have been linked with snapping up the attacker.According to Spanish outlet Sport, the Saints are one of a number of teams who have registered an interest in the teen.They claim that Southampton will face competition from the likes of AS Roma and Real Valladolid for Endrick’s signature.Southampton are crying out for an injection of creativity with the St Mary’s outfit rock bottom of the Premier League having scored just seven goals this term – the least amount of goals in the division.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSEndrick was linked to the Prem last summer with Chelsea vying for his services before he decided to join Real Madrid.While the youngster is clearly a fan of the English game after previously admitting that one of his idols is former England and Manchester United star Bobby Charlton.Fans gasp at ‘a crime being committed’ as Brazil wonderkid Endrick ‘humiliates’ rival with filthy skillThe superstar is affectionately called “Bobby” by his Real Madrid teammates as a result.Endrick was born 33 years after Charlton retired from football in 1973. More

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    Joshua Zirkzee’s Man Utd career ‘could be over within six months’ as Red Devils explore shock swap transfer

    JOSHUA ZIRKZEE’S Manchester United career could be over after just six months as Ruben Amorim reportedly explores a shock swap transfer.Zirkzee, 23, only joined the Red Devils from Bologna in July for £36million.Joshua Zirzkee could already be on his way out of Man Utd in a swap dealCredit: GettyBut the striker has just one goal in 16 outings.That effort came on his debut over three months ago.And reports claim United could look to get rid of Zirkzee when the January transfer window opens.However, Italian outlet Il Matino claims new boss Amorim hopes to replace Zirkzee with a world-class striker in a stunning swap deal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s claimed that United will offer Zirzkee PLUS £25m for Napoli misfit Victor Osimhen.The Nigerian is currently on loan at Galatasaray after failing to secure a move to Chelsea over the summer.Osimhen has eight goals in nine games for his Turkish team, with the Blues still interested in signing him permanently.Napoli are able to recall him this winter and are also ready to do business.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut they are demanding teams meet Osimhen’s new £62m release clause in full.Antonio Conte’s Serie A leaders are not interested in bringing another striker to town after signing Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelUnited want to land Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, currently on loan at GalatasarayCredit: GettyWhile Osimhen is likely to demand a tasty annual salary of £10m to boot.He’s not the only striker United are interested in either.Amorim turned former Coventry star Viktor Gyokeres into one of Europe’s most fearsome hitmen.The Swede has 23 goals in 18 games for Sporting Lisbon this season.And United reportedly sent scouts to watch Gyokeres as he netted in his country’s 2-1 win over Slovakia on Saturday.United sent scouts to watch Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres play for SwedenCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd looking at loan transfer for PSG star Randal Kolo Muani who would slot straight into Ruben Amorim’s new system

    MANCHESTER UNITED are lining up a loan move for Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani, according to reports.The Red Devils are preparing for the start of a new era as Ruben Amorim begins his reign as Erik ten Hag’s successor.Randal Kolo Muani could be set for a loan move to Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyRuben Amorim will take charge of his first game as Red Devils boss on SundayCredit: GettyThe Portuguese coach, 39, will lead his Man Utd side out for the first time on Sunday when they travel to Portman Road to take on Ipswich.Much has been made of Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation which he is expected to implement at Old Trafford.And the shift in style could see a move for France international Kolo Muani.According to L’Equipe, Man Utd are considering a loan move in the January window.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThey are unable to afford a permanent deal having spent £180million in the summer.But PSG, who paid Eintracht Frankfurt £77m to bring Kolo Muani to the French capital in the summer of 2023, could still be willing to offload the attacker on a short-term agreement.That is because he has become surplus to requirements under Luis Enrique – starting just two of PSG’s 11 Ligue 1 games so far this season.Kolo Muani, who can play on either flank, led the line in a 3-4-3 formation while at Frankfurt – where he scored 26 goals and assisted 17 in 50 appearances.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHow Man Utd could line up with Kolo MuaniSo joining Man Utd would likely see him compete with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee as the main threat through the middle.And Amorim may well see him as the better fit given he has played in the formation in the past.Man Utd legend Nemanja Vidic slams club’s recruitment and questions the ‘character and resilience’ of playersKolo Muani’s PSG contract runs until 2028 – and he recently attempted to quash rumours of him leaving the French champions.He said: “No, I’ve never thought about it [a transfer]. You have to keep the mentality.”It’s up to me to keep working so that the coach trusts me.”Kolo Muani has scored 11 goals and provided six assists in 52 games for PSG.At international level, he has earned 27 caps for France, scoring eight goals and assisting four. More

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    Chelsea line up £35m transfer raid for Liverpool star Caoimhin Kelleher despite already having TEN goalkeepers

    CHELSEA are plotting a summer raid on Liverpool for their goalie Caoimhin Kelleher, SunSport understand.The Irishman is set to leave Anfield at the end of the season when the Reds welcome new shot-stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili.Chelsea are plotting a summer raid for Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin KelleherCredit: AlamyChelsea manager Enzo Maresca might end up with ELEVEN goalkeepersCredit: AlamyThat signing is likely to see Kelleher, who has been superb between the sticks for Liverpool following the injury to Alisson, fall down to THIRD in the pecking order.That’s despite him starring in the team in recent weeks.Kelleher has no interest in sitting on the bench in the future, and the Republic of Ireland international almost left over the summer with Nottingham Forest among the clubs who reportedly lead the way for his services.Now Chelsea, who are in the market for a top keeper, are tracking the player.Read More on FootballSources told SunSport that one sticking point is the fact that Liverpool aren’t keen to sell such a good player to a potential title rival.But if Chelsea match the £35million valuation the club have placed on the player they might be left with little choice.Chelsea’s pursuit of the player is set to be matched by two Italian giants.Juventus and Napoli are both monitoring Kelleher but he is believed to prefer the option of staying in the Premier League if a deal can be done.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat would see Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca ending up with a staggering ELEVEN goalkeepers.Those would include Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Marcus Bettinelli, Djordje Petrovic, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Mike Penders, Gabriel Slonina, Luke Campbell, Ted Curd and Teddy Sharman-Lowe.Mikel Arteta ‘disappointed’ by Chelsea draw as Arsenal lose ground in title race The West Londoners also have Lucas Bergstrom and Eddie Beach, who are out of contract in June.Our story comes after Kelleher was given the seal of approval by former Republic of Ireland international Shay Given.“Caoimhin played 26 games last season and in that time he showed that he has the talent to be a No1 in the Premier League,” Given said.“But he turns 26 later this month and, if I am brutally honest, he needs to get away from Liverpool if he wants that to happen.“Kelleher would have been disappointed to hear [manager Arne] Slot state publicly that Alisson will always be his first-choice keeper because everyone wants to go into training every day with the belief that they are fighting for a place in the team. “Every professional footballer has to have that hope that if they get a place in the team and perform well then they will keep the jersey.“Caoimhin hasn’t got that. It has been made clear to him that he will always be behind Alisson – and let’s be honest he is up against a guy who is one of the best in the world.“Caoimhin turns 26 later this month. He’s done his time at Liverpool. That’s no disrespect to a brilliant club but they are now starting to think that they can’t hold Kelleher back for much longer because he is a quality player.“Maybe Caoimhin has been too nice about it up to now because sometimes you do have to force the issue. That isn’t a nice situation. He has been very loyal to Liverpool and he won’t want to upset the fans.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But at the same time, you only have one career, one life and one opportunity to make the most of what you’ve got. Ten years down the road he could be 36 and people are talking about him as being over the hill.”Given added: “I look at him and think this guy’s the real deal. He proved last season over a long period of time that he is top quality. I’m sure there’s a number of Premier League clubs who are looking at him. He is ripe, fully cooked, and ready to flourish.” More

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    Man Utd chiefs to ‘give Amorim much smaller budget than wasteful Ten Hag and hope he gets best out of two big signings’

    RUBEN AMORIM will be expected to work on a much smaller budget than Erik ten Hag did at Manchester United, according to reports.Ten Hag, 53, spent more than £600million on transfers in barely two-and-a-half years as Red Devils boss.Ruben Amorim has been tasked with getting much more from the current Man Utd squadCredit: GettyErik ten Hag spent more than £600million on transfers at Man UtdCredit: GettyOver the last decade United have averaged five signings per summer.But according to the Telegraph, they are not planning to hugely reshape their current squad at the end of the season.Instead, club chiefs feel that new boss Amorim can get much more out of their current crop of players.Last summer, Ten Hag forked out nearly £200m on Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile during his reign he also spent £86m on Antony, £70m on Casemiro, £72m on Rasmus Hojlund and £60m on Mason Mount.The latter two in particular are players that United chiefs hope Amorim can get a tune out of.Since the Portuguese’s Old Trafford arrival, Man Utd scouts watched his former Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres score for Sweden over the weekend.But United bosses hope that Hojlund can deliver on his potential and begin to bang the goals in.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJoshua Zirkzee was among Man Utd’s summer signings this yearCredit: AlamyAmorim is set to take charge of his first match as Man Utd manager on Sunday.He will take his side to Ipswich Town, who grabbed their first Premier League win in 22 years when they triumphed 2-1 over Tottenham prior to the international break.Man Utd fans claim Ruben Amorim could be ‘new Jurgen Klopp’ after heartwarming gesture on stadium tourSpeaking for the first time as Man Utd boss last week, Amorim admitted that he is not fazed by the weight of history at Old Trafford.He said: “It’s a great responsibility but you feel honoured and excited to be part of that.”If the team plays well and wins games, everything looks so much better. We are the engine of football — Manchester United is the engine of the Premier League in my opinion.”For a long time we haven’t won the Premier  League but United is the biggest club in England.”This is part of the history but it isn’t now, so we have to address that and try to win again.”All the people are hungry for success and this is the place I want to be because of that — because you can be part of something special.”Man Utd chiefs hope that Amorim can get the best out of Mason MountCredit: RexRamus Hojlund has shown glimpses of potential at Old TraffordCredit: Getty More