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      Man Utd plotting shock transfer raid on Sunderland that could spell the end for Erik ten Hag signing

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are watching Sunderland keeper Anthony Patterson as they look for a new No 2.The Red Devils want a young shot-stopper to understudy Andre Onana, and 24-year-old Patterson is firmly in their sights.Manchester United are watching Sunderland keeper Anthony PattersonCredit: RexPatterson’s arrival could spell the end for Erik ten Hag signing Altay BayindirCredit: AlamyTen Hag is keen to have more competition behind Andre OnanaCredit: AlamyFormer goalie Tony Coton, now United’s keeper scout, is checking out the Black Cats star as he fits the bill in every way.Coach Erik ten Hag is firmly behind Onana as his first choice so Altay Bayindir, 26, has hardly had a chance and may move.Bayindir has won ten caps for Turkey and faced Portugal at Euro 2024 — but his appearance in the 7-0 Carabao Cup win over Barnsley this month was only his second for United since joining in the summer of 2023.Ten Hag is keen to have more competition for Onana.READ MORE ON MAN UTDPatterson has been linked with moves in the past but is yet to get the Premier League call and the England Under-21 cap may have to initially settle for being a reserve at a top-flight club.Crystal Palace have also taken an interest in Patterson but can only offer a reserve role behind Dean Henderson.Liverpool also shortlisted Patterson ahead of a possible exit for Republic of Ireland ace Caoimhin Kelleher, but that would be as cover again.Sunderland price Patterson at around £20million but may take less.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThey will not want to lose him this season as they chase promotion, so a summer switch could be more likely.Meanwhile, Birmingham are plotting a raid on Sunderland’s 17-year-old midfielder Chris Rigg.Their American owners have splashed out since relegation to League One and could offer £10m.Everton are also tracking Rigg who has been on their wish-list for a couple of years. More

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      Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris needed just one hour to be persuaded by new star, 24, to give him a career lifeline

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      REGIS LE BRIS revealed it only took an hour for Aaron Connolly to convince him that he deserved a shot at resurrecting his career.The Irish forward, 24, joined promotion-chasing Sunderland on a free this week after three months unemployed.Sunderland announced the signing of Aaron Connolly this weekCredit: X @SunderlandAFCThe Irish striker has been offered the chance to resurrect his careerCredit: X @SunderlandAFCConnolly burst on the scene with Brighton in 2019 with a brace against Tottenham.Four years later, after failed loan spells at Luton, Middlesbrough and Italian side Venezia, he left the Amex having featured more on the gossip pages rather than sport ones.He scored eight times for Hull City last term in the Championship but questions were raised over his physical condition.Despite their bright start, Sunderland have only had 19-year-old Eliezer Mayenda as a recognised striker after deadline day signing Ahmed Abdullahi was sidelined for three months.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe club’s recruitment team had produced a number of suggestions to help bolster Le Bris’ attack.But the Frenchman says he already knew the talents of Connolly and all it took was a chat at the club’s training ground for him to offer him a lifeline.The Black Cats boss said: “I had many, many profiles during the transfer window and so I watched many games from him before. Then, during this period when he was available, I watched other games.“Technically, I knew him before but from his profile, and the others were exactly the same, what exactly is his pathway and connection with this project and his willingness to become a high level player again.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“So it was the connection with our team, club and energy and I just had a one hour conversation with him and at the end it was clear that he was ready.“He was very clear. They were not bad subjects, everything was on the table.Roy Keane made £800 off Sunderland players but lost dressing room with training ground trick that immediately backfired“It was clear to me that he has learned from these experiences. If you want to avoid a subject . . . but he talked about every subject. It was interesting.”When asked if this was the last chance saloon for Connolly, Le Bris said: “I don’t know, we’ll see. The experience needs to be lived.”Explaining how Connolly can help his talented teens such as Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg, Le Bris continued: “I’ll explain it for Aaron… He maybe got carried away before and now, after, he understood that he could have many problems if that is the case.“So these experiences are very helpful to those players that don’t know these potential problems.“Chris Mepham, for example, is great for that as when we have spoken in here for example he has shown great maturity.“I have shown two or three clips this week where Chris was involved with a mistake and he just said ‘it was my fault’ instead of trying to find an excuse.“So this experience and this behaviour is very important for everybody because we can all make mistakes but we need to learn very quickly.“The young players, we can expect them to not make any mistakes, but it is not possible. If you take risks then you will make mistakes, that is for sure, but if you learn quickly it’s OK.”And when pressed on whether his new recruit has now matured, Le Bris added: “I think so, but we need to experience it. We’ll see.“At the minute I think that’s the case but the truth lies in his activity and our experience. We’ll see in the next weeks and months.”READ MORE SUN STORIESLe Bris stated that he realistically expects Connolly to be ready for match action after the international break.However, both Ian Poveda and Alan Browne are due to return to the Sunderland squad for the trip to Watford after their respective thigh and knee niggles.Regis Le Bris expects to have the star in his squad after the international breakCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd welcome new signing weeks into season after officially snapping up wonderkid Chido Obi Martin, 16, from Arsenal

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have completed the signing of Chido Obi Martin.The 16-year-old has joined the Red Devils after leaving Premier League rivals Arsenal.Manchester United have completed the signing of Chido Obi MartinCredit: GettyAccording to Fabrizio Romano, United have now received approval from the league to complete the deal.It follows a five-step process with the Premier League before the transfer could be finalised.The report adds that the teenage forward has already completed his medical and is now set to sign his United contract.However, due to missing out on the club’s pre-season schedule, Obi Martin is set to be given time to reach full fitness and get used to his new surroundings.READ MORE ON MAN UTDUnited pursued the striker’s signature throughout the summer following his exit from Arsenal.Obi Martin had spent two years in the Gunners’ youth system after joining from Copenhagen in 2022.He starred for the North London side’s academy, catching the eye by scoring 10 goals in one match against Liverpool.Meanwhile, his 32 goals in 18 matches saw him scoop the under-18 Premier League golden boot last term.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat tally included a seven-goal haul against Norwich, five goals against West Ham, four strikes in back-to-back games with Crystal Palace and Fulham as well as two more hat-tricks.The youngster also showed off his finishing ability on social media during the summer with footage from the training pitch.Man Utd player ratings: Joshua Zirkzee hooked again as Lisandro Martinez saves Erik ten Hag’s blushes (2)Obi Martin is eligible for Nigeria but has so far represented both England and Denmark at youth level.Already a Danish under-18 international, he also scored twice as he helped his country reach the semi-finals of the under-17 Euros in May.Obi Martin scored 10 goals in a single match against Liverpool for Arsenal’s academyCredit: GettyThe 16-year-old was the U18 Premier League top scorer last season with 32 goalsCredit: Getty More

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      Five new clubs for Kieran Trippier after wife moves out and ditches ring including Mourinho link-up and emotional return

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      KIERAN TRIPPIER could soon be on his way to a new club.But where could the Englishman end up?Kieran Trippier could be on his way out of Newcastle in JanuaryCredit: GettyHis marriage with wife Charlotte is on the rocksCredit: GettyThe footballer and his wife have both been spotted without their wedding ringsCredit: SplashSunSport revealed how the defender is “desperate” to leave Newcastle amid his struggles on and off the pitch.Less than 12 months after Bayern Munich failed in their attempts to sign him, Trippier is losing the battle with Tino Livramento as the first-choice right-back under Eddie Howe this term and has retired from England international availability.Away from football, his marriage is on the rocks with wife Charlotte moving 200 miles away with their children – as both have removed their wedding rings. It comes after Trippier was spotted wrapping his arms around a blonde woman at a karaoke bar before scooping her up during a night out with team-mates.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLKieran and Charlotte have not commented publicly on the rumours they have split. But now the footballer is keen for a reset moment in his career – and he is unlikely to be short of options from a link-up with Jose Mourinho to an emotional return.FenerbahceThe club reportedly leading the chase for Trippier’s signature in January is said to be Fenerbahce.The Turkish giants showed interest over the summer following Mourinho’s arrival in the dugout.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA strong start to the season sees the Special One sitting second behind high-flying Galatasaray.Should Trippier make the move, there would be plenty of recognisable faces with ex-Premier League players Edin Dzeko, Dusan Tadic, Fred, Caglar Soyuncu, Cengiz Under, Allan Saint-Maximin, Cenk Tosun and Sofyan Amrabat all now at Fenerbahce. Kieran Trippier goes viral during Newcastle’s clash at Bournemouth after painful moment is caught on Sky Sports camerasJose Mourinho reportedly wants Trippier at FenerbahceCredit: GettyA January loan deal would be preferred by the Yellow Canaries but Newcastle would likely want a permanent transfer. AC MilanAC Milan are also thought to be monitoring Trippier’s situation keenly.They could present him with the chance to represent another of Europe’s biggest clubs following his stints with Newcastle and Atletico Madrid. Paulo Fonseca is currently the man in charge at the San Siro and could tempt ex-Tottenham man Trippier with a return to the Champions League. Former Chelsea and England trio Fikayo Tomori, Tammy Abraham and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are all at AC Milan.But Trippier would need to usurp Emerson Royal and club-captain Davide Calabria for a spot in the starting XI.Trippier could whip in plenty of crosses for Tammy AbrahamCredit: GettyAtalantaAnother Italian job could be on the cards for Trippier with Atalanta.Like Milan and Fenerbahce, they are hoping to seal a loan in January to bolster their defence.A tricky start to the Serie A campaign included a 4-0 thumping at Inter.But a 0-0 draw with Arsenal provided a much-needed boost before losing to Cesc Fabregas’ Como. La Dea booked their place in the Champions League by winning the Europa League and there are a few notable names in the Atalanta team.They include Ademola Lookman, Ben Godfrey, Nicolo Zaniolo, Rui Patricio and Sead Kolasinac.The defender could return to the Champions League with AtalantaCredit: AlamyBurnleyTrippier may have come through at Manchester City but it was during his time at Burnley that he made a name for himself. The Clarets were relegated under Vincent Kompany last season but Scott Parker has got them on track for an immediate return to the top flight.Trippier is thought to want to get away from the Premier League – an emotional return to Turf Moor could provide that.However, it could also provide the chance for him to battle for another promotion, 11 years on from finishing second in the Championship under Sean Dyche.A few months away from the spotlight to focus on his football and take Burnley – and himself – back into the big time could be a tempting proposition. Plus, Parker would no doubt appreciate some extra experience and quality in the second half of the season. Trippier made a name for himself at Burnley, helping them into the Premier LeagueCredit: Action Images – ReutersSaudi ArabiaLastly, a move to the Middle East, specifically the Saudi Pro League, cannot be ruled out.Trippier has just turned 34 and knows he is unlikely to get another bumper contract like he could in Saudi. A deal would be easy enough to strike between the buying club and Newcastle’s Saudi owners.Trippier has visited the country on training camps with the Toon plus the weather is better than in the North-East.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere was Saudi interest in the summer – as well as from Dyche’s Everton – and Trippier even shared a photo alongside Tom Spring, head of scouting for Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq. Again, a move there, or any of the other mega-rich clubs, would give Trippier space away from the Premier League pressures and scrutiny. He has spent time in Saudi Arabia for warm-weather training, could he move permanently?Credit: Getty More

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      Newcastle swoop for wonderkid, 17, dubbed ‘best of his generation’ after beating Europe’s elite in race to sign forward

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      NEWCASTLE are set to swoop for Georgian wonderkid Vakhtang Salia – a teen dubbed “the best in his generation”.The Magpies have agreed terms with Dinamo Tbilisi for the 17-year-old, who has already scored in the Uefa Europa Conference League.Newcastle are poised to sign Georgian talent Vakhtang SaliaCredit: .The Georgia U21 international can play as both a centre-forward and attacking midfielder, and has made 27 first-team appearances already.A host of Europe’s top clubs have been monitoring his progress but it is Newcastle who have won the race to land him.Salia has agreed terms to join the Premier League giants in January – but the Toon Army will have to wait a while to catch a glimpse of him.The ace will remain with Dinamo Tbilisi for the rest of the season before heading to Tyneside next summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUefa Elite Scout Mikha Gabechava, now at KAA Gent, was at Dinamo when the ace was first noticed.And he says he has every key ingredient to make it big at St. James’ Park.He said: “Absolutely. I think it will take time, maybe two or three seasons, but I definitely think he has enough potential to reach that level. He is the best in his generation.”Gabechava added to Magpie Media: “There are two things in particular that I love about him. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“One is the fact that he never stops when his team is out of possession – he’s so aggressive in pressing and contributes well to a high press.“That’s something that you won’t see very frequently from such a young player (especially from Georgia), but it’s also a crucial attribute for a physically demanding division like the Premier League.Video emerges of Roy Keane throwing ball at Alan Shearer’s head amid Erling Haaland debate“And his ball-striking ability – wow, he connects very well with the ball, shoots with great power with both feet.“I believe that he has the striker’s instinct which could make him a great poacher in the future.”Salia will become the second Georgian after Temuri Ketsbaia to pull on the Black and White Stripes.Meanwhile Kieran Trippier is desperate to leave the North East and has three clubs ready to help him go. More

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      Eddie Howe and Paul Mitchell ‘hold clear-the-air talks’ after Newcastle boss left fuming with shocking transfer window

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      EDDIE HOWE and Paul Mitchell have reportedly held “clear-the-air talks” after Newcastle’s lacklustre transfer window.The Magpies only brought in five players during the summer, with Lloyd Kelly arguably the biggest arrival.Eddie Howe has reportedly spoken to Paul MitchellCredit: AlamyNewcastle’s sporting director has criticised the club’s transfer businessCredit: GettyThe defender joined the club on a free transfer, while Lewis Hall’s loan from Chelsea was made permanent.Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos arrived but will be back-up to Nick Pope.Newcastle also sold Yankuba Minteh to Brighton and Hove Albion in a £30million deal.The club tried and failed to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace with their highest bid worth £70m being rejected.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSporting director Mitchell criticised the club’s business earlier this month, which was met with silence from Howe.The I Newspaper has now claimed the pair have put an end to their civil war after holding clear-the-air talks.It is reported that the pair have “ironed out” their differences and can now “move forward”.Howe confirmed that he had spoken to a board member this week, which is believed to have been chief executive Darren Eales.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe manager has also called for unity in order to boost results on the pitch.He said: “I think the club is unified, I don’t see any issues.What’s new this season? Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25.Newcastle failed to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal PalaceCredit: AFPLloyd Kelly was one arrival at St James’ ParkCredit: Getty”It depends where you’re talking about that unification, but the unification between me, the players, the supporters and the board is really strong.”However, when asked if he had spoken to Mitchell, he refused to give much away.He added: “I’m not going to go there.”I’m not going into it every week in terms of our contact.”But collaboration, as I said last week, is what we’re looking to do to take the club forward.”Just so people know, I’ve had conversations with senior members of the board this week.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So I’m in regular communication with them, trying to collaborate and work together for the benefit of the club.”That’s always in my heart, and that will always be the case while I’m the manager of the club.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Former Premier League star Sergio Rico set for shock transfer just 16 months after cheating death in horror horse fall

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      FORMER Premier League star Sergio Rico is set for a shock transfer 16 months after cheating death.The goalkeeper suffered a head injury in May 2023 in a horse-riding accident, which left him in an induced coma for three weeks.Sergio Rico is set to return to footballCredit: APHe escaped death after a horse-riding accident in 2023Credit: Instagram @sergioricogonzalez1Rico, 31, was reported to have been just “half a centimetre” from dying but thankfully survived.He was treated at the Virgen del Rocio Hospital in Sevilla and was supported by his family and wife Alba Silva.Despite getting the green light from doctors to return to playing, he did not feature for Paris Saint-Germain again.He left the French giants at the end of the last season and is currently a free agent.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Spaniard is believed to be set to return to the pitch with a new club.French outlet Le Parisian has claimed that he is in advanced negotiations to join Qatar side Al-Gharafa.It is suggested that he will fly to the Middle East to complete a move in the “coming hours”.After he was brought out of the coma, Rico admitted that football was a big reason why he survived.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “The truth is that I owe everything to football. It is my entire life.”A doctor told me that my arteries were more resistant than those of a normal person who didn’t play as much sport as me.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsRico spent a season on loan at Fulham earlier in his careerCredit: Getty – Contributor”I feel very lucky to be alive, because it was a very serious accident and my life was at stake.”When I awoke from my coma I asked the doctor if I would be able to play football once again.”He was very surprised, and started saying how I had suffered a serious accident.”But he said yes, I could, and I was so relieved I almost jumped out of my hospital bed.”Life is very important. Nobody wants to die, but had I been forced to retire from football, I ask myself would it have been worthwhile?”Rico last played a professional match in LaLiga during a loan spell at Real Mallorca in 2022.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe spent the 2018/19 season on loan at Fulham and featured 29 times in the Premier League.Rico managed to usurp Marcus Bettinelli from the starting line-up but could not prevent the club from being relegated.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Former Arsenal star ‘ready to end retirement just FOUR WEEKS after quitting game with shock transfer’

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      A FORMER Arsenal star could be tempted out of retirement just four weeks after hanging up his boots.The ex-Gunners favourite, who left the Emirates in 2017, confirmed his emotional decision in a statement last month.A former Arsenal star is being considered for a high-profile moveCredit: Action Images – ReutersHaving played at the highest level, he admitted that he’d lost the hunger for the game, despite still being physically able at 34.In his statement, he wrote: “I’ve made friends for life, created unforgettable memories and met people who have made an incredible impact on my life. Everything that I have and everything that I am I owe to the beautiful game of football…”But I also gave the game all I had. I gave the game 18 years of my life, every day, without excuses. Today, though my body still feels ready for challenges, my heart is not there anymore.”I feel that right now it is time to give all of my attention to my family – my amazing wife Marina and our two beautiful children Liam and Noelia.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJust weeks after making his decision, however, Wojciech Szczesny may be tempted to return.According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona chiefs are mulling over a shock move for the Polish goalkeeper.The Catalan giants are looking to bring in a new stopper, after No1 Marc-Andre ter Stegen suffered a nasty knee injury against Villarreal last weekend.Ter Stegen, 32, underwent successful knee surgery on Monday, and is expected to be ruled out for at least seven months.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWojciech Szczesny confirmed his retirement last monthCredit: GettyMarc-Andre ter Stegen suffered a nasty injury at the weekendCredit: RexIn the short-term, La Masia graduate Inaki Pena, 25, will take the gloves.But Barca chiefs want to recruit a more experienced option.What happened to Highbury?Szczesny made 35 appearances in Serie A for Juventus last season.Barca bosses hope that the allure of playing for another huge club could tempt him out of retirement.Another factor could be talismanic Polish striker Robert Lewandowski.The forward, 36, has a long-standing relationship with Szczesny, having played with him for his national team for many years.In fact, the duo took to the field together as recently as the summer, when both featured at Euro 2024 in Germany.Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano adds that Barca have approached Szczesny’s representatives CAA Stellar.Should Barca fail to sign Szczesny, they could look to former Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas.The Costa Rican, 37, is a free agent having left Paris Saint-Germain at the end of last season.He rejected advances from Brazil and Saudi Arabia over the summer, and has remained fit by training at Costa Rican side Deportivo Saprissa.Navas made six appearances in total for PSG last season, including four in Ligue 1, as he backed up first choice Gianluigi Donnarumma.The 6ft 1in stopper was most recently a first choice during the second half of the 2022-23 campaign, which he spent on loan at Nottingham Forest.READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite his history with Real Madrid, it’s claimed that Navas would have no qualms about joining Barcelona.He is represented by agent Jorge Mendes, who has close ties with the Catalan club.Keylor Navas left Paris Saint-Germain in the summerCredit: Getty More