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      Prem title winner Mario Balotelli, 34, ‘debating’ transfer to minnows with stadium 26 times smaller than Man City

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      MARIO BALOTELLI is nearing a move to Spanish lower-league side Intercity, according to reports.The Italian, 34, has been without a club since leaving Turkish outfit Adana Demirspor in June.Mario Balotelli played for Adana Demirspor last seasonCredit: GettyThe former Manchester City and Liverpool star did not find a new team prior to the summer transfer deadline.But according to Spanish outlet AS, a deal to join Spanish third-tier side Intercity is getting closer.They add that talks are “ongoing” but that the deal is not yet over the line.Balotelli scored seven goals in 16 games in Turkey’s top flight last season, having missed much of the campaign with a knee injury.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe even wore Adana Demirspor’s captain’s armband on a few occasions prior to leaving.Intercity were formed in 2017 and play in Spain’s Alicante region.They boast one player among their ranks that has previously played in English football; ex-Middlesbrough and Birmingham ace Emilio Nsue.The full-back, 34, played in England between 2014 and 2018, before later going on to sign for Intercity in 2022.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMario Balotelli career stats2006 – Lumezzane 2 (0)2007-2010 – Inter Milan 86 (28)2010-2013 – Man City 80 (30)2013-14 – AC Milan 41 (18)2014-2016 – Liverpool 28 (4)2015-16 – AC Milan (loan) 23 (3)2016-2019 – Nice 76 (43)2019 – Marseille 15 (8)2019-20 – Brescia 19 (5)2020-21 – Monza 14 (6)2021-22 – Adana Demirspor 33 (19)2022-23 – Sion 19 (6)2023-2024 – Adana Demirspor 16 (7)Should Balotelli join the Spanish side, he could find himself going up against reserve teams.That’s because Intercity play in the same league as Sevilla, Real Betis and Atletico Madrid’s B teams, drawing 1-1 with the latter last month.Former Premier League bad boy Mario Balotelli takes up new sport as he ‘calls out former UFC champion’Intercity’s stadium holds a capacity of just 2,000 people – a far cry from the 53,600 that can pack into the Etihad for Man games.Intercity are listed on the stock exchange, with the possible arrival of Balotelli potentially raising the value of shares.Should they close a deal for the former Azzurri international, he would not be able to be registered for games until January.He could join up to train with them, however, giving him three months to get himself fully fit.Balotelli, 34, played for Man City between 2010 and 2013Credit: Getty – Contributor More

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      New Man Utd signing arrives at Old Trafford for first time since transfer… only to see horror show against Tottenham

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      WONDERKID Chido Obi Martin watched from the stands as Manchester United were thrashed 3-0 by Tottenham.The Red Devils put in a woeful performance on Sunday in the comfortable win for Spurs.Chido Obi Martin was spotted outside Old Trafford on SundayCredit: XObi Martin scored ten goals in one match last termCredit: GettyThe damaging defeat would have done little to reassure the club’s latest signing that he has made the right move, with new boy Obi Martin at Old Trafford for the first time to watch the game.Footage has emerged of teen sensation outside the stadium on Sunday.It comes just days after the Premier League ratified his switch from Arsenal to Man Utd.The 16-year-old has already agreed personal terms with the club and now has the green light to put pen to paper.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLObi Martin is currently a free agent after his contract at Arsenal expired.He has been tipped as a future star and he went viral last season after scoring TEN goals against Liverpool in a 14-3 win for the Gunners’ Under-16s team.Overall, the Danish-born striker scored 32 goals in 24 appearances in the youth-team last term.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat tally includes a seven-goal haul against Norwich, five goals versus West Ham, four strikes in back-to-back games over Crystal Palace and Fulham as well as two more hat-tricks.Most read in FootballObi Martin’s goalscoring saw him train with the Arsenal first-team last season.Despite representing Denmark on the international stage, there has been rumours that the FA are hoping to convince him to represent England in the future.’He’s done!’ | How woeful tactics & Dalot shocker saw Spurs smash Man Utd to spell end for Ten HagMan Utd ratings vs TottenhamMANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.Andre Onana – 5Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.Noussair Mazraoui – 5First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.Lisandro Martinez – 5Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.Diogo Dalot – 5Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.Manuel Ugarte – 5Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.Kobbie Mainoo – 5Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.Marcus Rashford – 5Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.Bruno Fernandes – 4Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.Subs:Mount (for Mainoo 45)  5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5. More

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      Graham Potter hilariously breaks silence on Man Utd talks and ‘being linked with Napoli and Stoke in the same week’

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      GRAHAM POTTER addressed speculation linking him with the top job at Manchester United with a hilarious quip.Potter, 49, has been a free agent since his dismissal by Chelsea 18 months ago but continues to be touted as a potential successor to under-fire United boss Erik ten Hag.Graham Potter addressed speculation linking him with Manchester United with a jokeCredit: ReutersMan Utd boss Erik ten Hag’s position at Old Trafford is becoming increasingly untenableCredit: PATen Hag’s position at Old Trafford is under threat after Sunday’s 3-0 thumping by Tottenham in another hapless display by the Red Devils.And the ex-Brighton manager broke his silence amid all the continuous talk linking him with the job.Potter, who was appearing on MNF on Sky Sports, said when asked if he’d enjoy the challenge of managing United: “I am sitting here enjoying the challenge of answering your questions.”The ex-Chelsea boss was less coy when asked about reports suggesting he was approached by Man Utd chiefs during the summer before they decided to hold on to Ten Hag.Read More on Man UtdThe former Swansea manager added: “I take what the media say with a pinch of salt.”I am the only coach in world football to be linked with Stoke City and Napoli in the same week. “I have had lots of conversations with lots of people and I think out of respect to those people it’s best those are kept private.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPotter also joked about taking the England job ahead of Bournemouth’s 3-1 win over Southampton. He said: “I think it’s time for a commercial break, isn’t it?!Most read in Football”As an Englishman, of course it’s a fantastic job and I’m supportive of FA and what they decide to do and whoever the next coach is.”Gareth did a fantastic job and I’m sure Lee will in his time, however long that is.”Potter, though, doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to return to the dugout after 12 years of non-stop work for the likes of Ostersunds, Swansea, Brighton and Chelsea.The Solihull tactician admitted he deliberately decided to step away from the limelight and focus on his family.Watch Graham Potter’s reaction as he is asked about England manager job moments after earning uni degreePotter recently admitted: “I spent some time with the family, [to] connect with them after a 12-year journey which has started in the fourth tier of Swedish football and ends in the last eight of the Champions League.”Graham Potter’s managerial careerA brief look at Graham Potter’s managerial career to date…2008 – 2011: Leeds Beckett University Carnegie2011 – 2018: Ostersund 2018 – 2019: Swansea City2019 – 2022: Brighton and Hove Albion2022 – 2023: Chelsea More

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      Former Man Utd wonderkid Ravel Morrison’s career plummets to new low as he makes very rogue free transfer

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      FORMER Manchester United wonderkid Ravel Morrison has signed for his 14th career club – this time heading to Dubai. Morrison was considered one for the future after coming through United’s academy alongside the likes of Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard. Ravel Morrison has signed for Precision FC in Dubai’s second divisionBut his career has continued to plummet and has now landed in the UAE with Precision FC – in Dubai’s second division. A statement read: “We are beyond excited to welcome the incredible Ravel Morrison to Precision FC! “This is more than a signing – it’s a statement, a game-changer for both our club and football in the UAE.”Known for his electrifying talent and skill, Ravel brings world-class experience and flair that will help our team to achieve it’s goals.READ MORE IN football “This is the start of something extraordinary. Welcome to the family, Ravel!” Morrison only ever made three senior appearances for United before being sold to West Ham in 2012. During his three years signed to the Hammers, he was also loaned out to Birmingham, QPR and Cardiff before joining Lazio in Italy. Morrison spent four years signed to the Italians, but spent a year from 2018-2019 on loan in Mexico with Atlas.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe then joined Ostersund in Sweden before moving back to England with Sheffield United in 2020. But the midfielder was only back in England for a year, which included a loan to Middlesbrough, before going to ADO Den Haag in Netherlands. ‘Bruno Fernandes red card was huge VAR error’ in Man Utd loss to Spurs | Whistleblower, Mark HalseyMorrison’s last transfer to England came in 2021 when he spent a season with Derby before a switch to America with DC United. The 31-year-old was later released by the MLS side and makes his return to football with Precision – who got promoted to Dubai’s second division last season. Morrison joins the likes of Max Johnstone, Matt Lowton and Jamie Ward in the squad.Highly ratedHis rogue transfer to the UAE is all the more incredible when its remembered how highly he was regarded at United.Ex-United ace Quinton Fortune said he had more natural talent than Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.Speaking to FourFourTwo in 2021 he said: “At a club like Manchester United, it’s very difficult to say who the best youngster was.”Ronaldo was obviously incredible but Wayne Rooney was unbelievable when he arrived too.”But then you had another special talent who hasn’t progressed as he should have done: Ravel Morrison. He was definitely the most naturally talented player I’ve ever seen, but he didn’t make that next step like Ronaldo and Rooney did. In terms of talent, he was up there with them.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFormer Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson also rated him incredibly highly.Rio Ferdinand recalled: “Sir Alex Ferguson, I remember, he called me and Wazza [Wayne Rooney] over one day and said: ‘look at this kid, he’s better than you, Rooney when you were a kid, he’s better than you, Rio, better than Ryan Giggs when you were kids. This is the best kid you will ever see’.”Jesse Lingard and Morrison came up togetherCredit: Action Images – ReutersMorrison had a stint with DerbyCredit: GettyHis last club was D.C. United in MLSCredit: Getty More

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      Liverpool keeper Alisson targeted for shock transfer to European giants managed by Premier League legend

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      VINCENT KOMPANY’S Bayern Munich are watching developments on Alisson Becker.The Liverpool keeper, 31,  has been linked with a lucrative switch to Saudi Arabia, possibly as early as the end of the season.Liverpool star goalkeeper Alisson is being targeted by Bayern MunichCredit: AFPBayern would have to splash a fortune to land Alisson from LiverpoolCredit: GettyBayern boss Vincent Kompany could make an ambitious move for Alisson at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyBayern, who have fitness concerns over their No 1 Manuel Neuer, are also very keen but it would take a fortune to land Alisson next summer.Ex-Burnley chief Kompany is a big fan of Alisson from his time in English football and could launch an ambitious move at the end of the campaign.Liverpool are braced for Alisson leaving and have already signed Valencia’s Georgian stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili, 23, to join them permanently next year.Alisson joined the Reds from Roma following a £67million deal in 2018.Read More on FootballSince then, the star goalkeeper has inspired immense confidence between the sticks – something Liverpool had been sorely lacking prior to his arrival.The Brazil international shone bright during Jurgen Klopp’s reign at the helm.The shot stopper helped the Merseysiders win their first Premier League title in 30 years back in 2020.The Brazilian also won the FA Cup, EFL Cup and the Champions League.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAlisson has amassed a grand total of 269 appearances with Liverpool during his six-year stint at the Kop.So far this season, the ex-Roma star has played six times across all competitions.Alisson Becker tells Liverpool to cut out ‘stupid’ conceded goals as keeper awaits first clean sheet of the seasonLiverpool manager Arne Slot, though, could also call upon Caoimhin Kelleher if Alisson decides to leave at the end of the season. More

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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