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      Nottingham Forest ‘approached former Chelsea manager to take over just months after appointing Nuno Espirito Santo’

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      FORMER CHELSEA boss Maurizio Sarri allegedly rejected an approach from Nottingham Forest this month.The Italian, 65, quit as Lazio manager on March 11 after a dismal run of form left them ninth in Serie A and dumped out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich.A shock report claims that Maurizio Sarri has snubbed Nottingham ForestCredit: ReutersIt says the Italian was wanted to replace Nuno Espirito SantoCredit: PAHowever, now a sensational report from journalist Alfredo Pedulla claims that he was allegedly offered an almost instant return to the dug-out.Despite having Nuno Espirito Santo at the helm, he says that Forest called Sarri and tried to make him their head coach just days after he had decided to leave Lazio “with the request to immediately take over” from the Portuguese tactician.Forest, who are deep in relegation trouble after being hit with a four-point deduction for breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, are said to have offered him a three-year contract.And they also threw in the added incentive of the promise to have “a major transfer next season if they avoided relegation” this term.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThis shock report says that the ex-Napoli and Juventus chief turned down the proposal due to wanting to take some time out ahead of getting another job next season.SunSport have contacted Forest for comment regarding the shock claims.And Sport Italia have now stated that Sarri, who lifted the Europa League in his one season at Chelsea, could be heading to Fiorentina as Vincenzo Italiano is reportedly going to depart the club at the end of the season.  Espirito Santo was appointed by Forest on a two-and-a-half year contract on December 20 after the much-loved Steve Cooper had been sacked.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut the old Wolves and Tottenham chief’s arrival has failed to transform the club’s form as he has recorded just three wins from his 11 games in charge.That dire run, and the points sanction, have seen Forest drop into the relegation zone and they go into the weekend a point behind Luton.The Premier League’s Top 10 sexiest managers according to AIThe City Ground outfit did admit that they overspent by £34.5million across a three-year period, which led to their punishment being less severe due to their cooperation.But they have vowed to appeal that punishment.A short club statement read yesterday: “Nottingham Forest can confirm that it has today lodged an appeal against the four point sanction imposed by the Commission in relation to the Club’s breach of the Premier League’s Profit & Sustainability Rules (PSR).“The club will not be making any further statement at this time.”Premier League is now full of asterisksTHE last time Leicester were promoted to the Premier League, they provided English football with its most wondrous miracle.
      An improbable relegation jailbreak was followed by a fantastical 5,000-1 Jamie Vardy party, dilly-ding-dilly-dong title-winning campaign, and the entire sporting world marvelled at it.
      Except for the Premier League’s elite clubs, who decided this could never happen again.
      If the Foxes win promotion from the Championship this season — and they are level on points with leaders Leeds with a game in hand — they are likely to start next season with a points deduction. And possibly a punishment substantial enough to make survival a 5,000-1 shot.
      In the era of football’s asterisk invasion, nothing surprises us any longer, as the world’s richest and ‘most competitive’ football league ties itself in knots through Profitability and Sustainability Rules designed to reduce competition.
      Everton were deducted ten points, reduced to six on appeal, but are currently immersed in a three-day hearing which might end with them losing more points.
      Nottingham Forest are four points down but that figure could be greater or lesser after their appeal.
      Luton boss Rob Edwards — whose team are significantly affected by all of this hokey-cokeying — says he works off a different league table, without points deductions, to determine where his side are in the relegation battle.
      But in fact, you would need five or six potential league tables to try to work out all potential scenarios.
      Read more on the points deductions fiasco from SunSport’s Dave Kidd here. More

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      Liverpool should consider Gareth Southgate to replace Klopp and stop him going to Man Utd, says former club star

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      GLEN JOHNSON has urged former club Liverpool to replace Jurgen Klopp with Gareth Southgate.The German, who guided the Reds to Carabao Cup joy last month, shocked the Kop in January by announcing that he would leave the club this summer.Glen Johnson has tipped Liverpool to replace Jurgen Klopp with Gareth SouthgateCredit: GettyThe England manager has also been linked with a sensational move to Man UtdCredit: GettyWhile he looks to sign-off with a treble by winning the Premier League title and Europa League, Liverpool are still searching for his replacement.Xabi Alonso is a leading contender after his stunning season in charge of Bayer Leverkusen while Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi is another to have been linked.However, ex-Liverpool full-back Johnson believes that the current England manager would be an ideal choice if he becomes available.He told Betfred: “If he’s available in the summer, then you’ve got to look at all the options.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“He’s done a brilliant job with England, so there’s no reason why he can’t be successful with a club like Liverpool as he’d be dealing with a similar standard of players.“You’d need to have the chat because you can’t just dismiss him if he’s available.”The England boss, 53, has recently been mooted as a potential successor to Erik ten Hag if Manchester United give him the boot – something Southgate has refused to discuss.However, Johnson says that he does not believe that United’s players would react as well to Southgate as his trusted lieutenants do for the Three Lions.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “I’m not sure because despite being a top bloke and great manager, I believe Gareth gets more respect from the players in the England squad because he’s English.“Foreign players in Manchester United’s squad are initially not going to have that same level of respect for Gareth as the English players do.Gareth Southgate admits ‘we don’t like losing’ but takes positives from Brazil loss“It would take a bit of time for him to win them over and if he can, then he’s more than capable of being successful.”When pressed on whether Southgate could deliver success at Old Trafford, Johnson added: “There have been a number of good, successful managers that have gone into the job at Manchester United and have struggled, so it wouldn’t be guaranteed success for Gareth if he was to take the job.“Manchester United are a huge club, with great support and on paper, they have a very good squad too.“A top manager like Gareth could come in, get rid of a lot of the deadwood, provide that team with a good backbone and make Manchester United successful again.”However, there’s been a lot of good managers that have taken that job in recent years and have failed.” More

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      Arsenal made Ousmane Diomande transfer target while scouting ANOTHER star as they’re set for £50m battle with Chelsea

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      ARSENAL are mulling over a summer bid for Sporting Lisbon central defender Ousmane Diomande.SunSport revealed earlier this month that the Gunners took notice of the 20-year-old Ivorian during a scouting mission at a Sporting vs Benfica clash out in Portugal.Ivorian defender Ousmane Diomande is a transfer target for ArsenalCredit: GettyThe main focus of that trip was to see Sweden’s Viktor Gyokeres, 25, ahead of a potential move for the red-hot forward with 36 goals in 39 games in all competitions so far.However, Diomande also stood out – and SunSport understands Arsenal are considering their options regarding an imminent move for the centre-back.Chelsea are likely to rival them for the player, who has a release clause of around £68.6million, but that fee could drop to £50m with significant contractual add-ons included.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is interested in strengthening his defence, providing depth and cover for their first-choice centre-back pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDiomande has played the majority of this campaign for Sporting in a back three, so is comfortable featuring in wide positions – something Arteta likes in his defenders.Ideally, Arteta would go into the start of next season with four central defenders at his disposal, adding to Saliba, Gabriel and Jakub Kiwior.But any bid depends on how much money they can raise through sales, as well as how much they are willing to spend in other areas, such as in attack.Arsenal’s priority going into the summer is a No9 – and Gyokeres is among the list of names the club are considering splashing out on.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBrentford’s Ivan Toney is also a consideration, but Arteta will likely wait until the end of the season before deciding on the profile of striker his team needs compared to the options he already has.Gabriel Jesus has spent a lot of this season injured, while Kai Havertz has contributed from deeper positions when leading the line.What happened to Highbury?A winger is also on Arteta’s wish list, providing cover for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.In the meantime, Aaron Ramsdale, Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson and Cedric Soares could all be leaving the club in a summer clear-out. More

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      Chelsea and Man Utd transfer moves for French wonderkid set to be hijacked as ‘Real Madrid line up swoop’

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      A TRIO of Premier League clubs face a huge battle with Real Madrid to snap up French wonderkid Leny Yoro.The defender is only 18 but is already impressing in his homeland for Lille’s first-team.A host of clubs have entered the chase for Lille’s wonderkid Lenny YoroCredit: GettyHis performances have led to him being dubbed the “new Raphael Varane” due to similarities with Manchester United’s French World Cup-winning ace.We revealed previously how Liverpool were eyeing him up as a potential long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk.Man United and Chelsea also have an interest in bringing him to England  while Paris Saint-Germain hope to keep him in Ligue 1. Now Spanish outlet AS claims that Real Madrid are lining up a move to add another teenage sensation to their ranks after securing the services of Endrick – the 17-year-old who scored Brazil’s winner against England on Saturday.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe same outlet also reiterates how Chelsea have been keeping tabs on Yoro and that Bayern Munich have an interest also.But they are adamant that Madrid are in pole position to land him as they look to inject youth in their ageing backline.Lille were determined to hang on to Yoro during the January window and managed to succeed with that but it could prove to be a lot harder come the summer.The French U21 international will be entering the final 12 months on his deal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThey were originally reported to be holding out for £85m when French rivals PSG enquired two months ago.However, this update states that his price-tag is now £51m.Football icons’ strange hobbiesThat could also make him the most expensive defender to be sold by a Ligue 1 club ever.Paulo Fonseca, his boss at Lille, has already gone on record to state that he expects big things for the starlet.He said: “He’s a very mature player and I think he has a great future ahead of him.” More

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      Arsenal ‘match Chelsea’s £51m offer for Ousmane Diomande’ with Sporting Lisbon star set to spark transfer battle

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      ARSENAL are set for a bidding war over Sporting Lisbon star Ousmane Diomande after matching Chelsea’s offer ahead of the summer transfer window.The Gunners’ manager Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his defence at the end of the season and Diomande, 20, has stood out in his eyes after some impressive performances in Portugal.Arsenal have matched Chelsea’s offer for Sporting Lisbon star Ousmane DiomandeCredit: GettyDiomande has also attracted interest from Newcastle and Bayern MunichCredit: GettyThe centre-back has been so influential for Ruben Amorim’s side that he has attracted interest from the Gunners and the Blues as well as Bayern Munich and Newcastle.At the beginning it was Chelsea that led the transfer chase with an offer of €60million (£51m), plus bonuses.According to Record, however, Arsenal have matched their rivals’ bid for the Ivory Coast international.However, Sporting value Diomande at €80m (£69m) and are in no rush to sell as his contract doesn’t run out until 2027.Read More on ArsenalTherefore, both Premier League giants may have to cough up a larger sum for the Ivorian’s services.However, the same source claims there’s a strong possibility the African star will leave the Estadio Jose Alvalade in the summer.Arsenal have been keeping tabs on the defender since 2022 when he was in still Midtjylland’s books.And now the North Londoners have informed both the player’s camp as well as Sporting about their intention to sign him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERDiomande joined the Lisbon giants last year despite not making a single appearance for Midtjylland, who loaned him out to Portuguese minnows Mafra in his one and only year with the Danish outfit.The towering defender has since amassed a total of two goals and one assist in 29 appearances with the Primeira Liga team.How Arteta turned Havertz from expensive flop to Arsenal’s gamechangerArsenal and Chelsea are currently focused on the Premier League as Arteta’s men are pushing for a first title since 2004.Mauricio Pochettino’s men, on the other hand, are languishing in the bottom half of the table with five points separating them from seventh place, which usually leads to European qualification. More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes Man Utd star off transfer list after being ‘impressed by attitude’ and will give him a pay-rise

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      SCOTT MCTOMINAY has convinced Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS Group to try and keep him at Manchester United – and double his wages.The 27-year-old Scottish midfielder, who scored in United’s 4-3 win over Liverpool before the international break, still has just over a year left on his current package.Scott McTominay is set to double his money at Manchester UnitedCredit: EPAThe academy graduate pockets £60,000-a-week, with the club also having an option to extend that by another year.He was one of several players that were reportedly deemed surplus to requirements by United chiefs as they looked to raise cash by offloading unwanted men.However, the Daily Star says that his impressive form has “ensured he is firmly back in favour”.It has “also convinced the club’s new football hierarchy he is a vital part of the future” at Old Trafford.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThey state that McTominay’s “performances on the pitch – and exemplary attitude off it – are exactly what is required moving forward” to get the team back competing at the top.And that he “can expect to double his money to £120,000-a-week” with the new offer.McTominay is United’s second top scorer this term with nine goals in all competitions, which is double his previous career best for a single season.And his displays and availability had alerted a host of other clubs that have continued to circle.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe was believed to be a £45m target for both Newcastle and West Ham last summer.McTominay has also been in top form for his country.Sir Jim Ratcliffe, 71, needs a PB in London Marathon if he’s to make Man Utd’s FA Cup semi-final after kick-off switchAhead of his 48th cap in the 4-0 defeat to Holland on Friday, he had been named as Scotland’s Player of the Year for 2023.That was down to his sensational form in their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign that saw him produce seven goals in eight games for Steve Clarke’s men. More

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      Man Utd could miss out on Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite transfer with Premier League rivals ready to gazump them

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      MANCHESTER CITY are keeping tabs on Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports.Branthwaite, 21, has been heavily linked with a move away from Goodison Park in recent months.Man City are interested in signing Jarrad BranthwaiteCredit: AlamySince breaking into the first team at the start of the campaign, the centre-back has made 31 appearances across all competitions.And his impressive form has attracted interest from the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham and Real Madrid.According to the Daily Mail, Man City are also considering a swoop.City officials like the fact Branthwaite is young, homegrown, and showing tactical traits similar to John Stones.Read More on Man UtdHowever, Everton want at least £60million for him this summer.That could put the defender out of Man Utd’s price range.Branthwaite earned his first senior England call-up earlier this month.He was an unused substitute during the team’s 1-0 defeat to Brazil on Friday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBranthwaite has impressed for Everton this seasonHowever, the Everton star could be in line to make his debut against Belgium on Tuesday.Speaking after his Three Lions call-up, Branthwaite told Everton TV: “It’s a dream come true.Gareth Southgate admits ‘we don’t like losing’ but takes positives from Brazil loss”To represent your national team at any level is a massive achievement, but for it to be the senior squad, I’m over the moon.”I found out in training. The gaffer pulled me and told me I’ve been selected, so I was buzzing when I heard the news.”You can only affect what you do on the pitch and give yourself the best possible opportunity to be selected, and that’s by putting in good performances on the pitch.”That’s what your only focus can be, really, and that’s been from when I came into the team to now – it’s just to keep delivering that high level and see where that takes me.”I messaged my dad and he said he’s very proud of me. He said: ‘All of the family is proud’, so it’s a lovely feeling. I just can’t wait to join up with the team.”They’re obviously really tough fixtures, but I’m really happy to just be in the squad, take every moment in and see where it takes me.” More

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      Saudi side look set to continue mega-money spending spree as Al-Hilal ‘target £86MILLION for former Leeds forward’

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      AL-HILAL are chasing former Leeds star Raphinha, according to reports.The Saudi Pro League side forked out over £300million on new signings last summer.Raphinha has been linked with a Barcelona exitCredit: RexTheir most high profile acquisition was Neymar, who arrived in a £77.6m deal from Paris Saint-Germain.While they also signed the likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic, Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Kalidou Koulibaly, Renan Lodi and Malcom.According to Spanish outlet Sport, Al-Hilal are targeting a big-money swoop for Raphinha.They add that the Saudi side are willing to splash £86m on the Barcelona star.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAl-Hilal could go “all out” for Raphinha, who may be available as Barca look to ease their financial woes.The Brazilian joined the Catalan giants from Leeds in a £57m deal in the summer of 2022.He has so far played 78 times for Barca, scoring 15 goals and laying on 22 assists.This season he has been limited to 12 LaLiga starts, having suffered with muscular injuries.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERLast night he was in action for Brazil at Wembley, as the Samba Boys beat England 1-0.He played 78 minutes at the national stadium before being replaced by Savio.Watch Raphinha PUNCH Marcos Alonso’s seat repeatedly in meltdown after Barcelona star is subbed against Man UtdRaphinha, 27, has also been linked with a Prem return this season.Back in November it was claimed that Newcastle and Chelsea are keen.While Tottenham were also claimed to be showing an interest. More