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    I got a doctorate in biomechanics after average football career, now I want to follow Wenger’s footsteps in the Prem

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    REGIS LE BRIS revealed Arsene Wenger’s early work inspired him to become a boss.The Frenchman has guided Sunderland to the top of the Championship as they chase a return to the Prem following their relegation in 2017.Regis Le Bris has left the Black Cats eyeing promotion to the PremCredit: RexArsene Wenger taught his fellow Frenchman well at MonacoCredit: RexLe Bris, 48, grew up in Brittany and had an unremarkable career as a defender in France.But he knew he wanted to coach after studying Arsenal legend Wenger during his seven years at Monaco from 1987.Saluting the 75-year-old’s Monte Carlo masterclass, Le Bris said: “I really liked Monaco under Arsene Wenger. I wasn’t really a fan but when I was young I liked this team and  his style.“If a player, team or manager had a specific style, I liked analysing the way that they played, their personality . . . there was something different.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It was new — with many young players and  a proactive style of play.“I was young, so it was difficult to assess the different elements involved in a game.“But I think it was about emotional elements, which were different from other teams.“You can see a football team and think, ‘They are playing well’ or, ‘This is interesting’. But  you don’t really know  why — it just makes you  feel something different.Most read in Football “As a player, I was  interested in understanding the game because I probably didn’t have the  X factor technically or physically.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“When you have a specific talent then you just  have to use it and be good on the pitch — but I was average everywhere.“So I had to think how I could compete with stronger players, understand the game better and be connected with the other players to  solve problems.”Rising star Chris Rigg talks about his rise through the ranks at Sunderland After an “average” playing career as a defender at Rennes, Laval and Belgian minnows Ronse, Le Bris went on to achieve a doctorate in sport physiology and biomechanics while first embarking on his coaching career.Following a spell as youth coach at Wasquehal, he spent eight years at Rennes before moving  to Lorient to help bring through their kids into  the first team.Ex-Arsenal man Matteo Guendouzi and Leeds keeper Illan Meslier were just two of those prior to him becoming first-team boss in 2022.Le Bris always had a “curiosity” to work abroad — and felt England would be the perfect place having visited many clubs.He added: “I wanted to discover new cultures, environments and languages.“I’m just curious and, when I’m in  the same environment for a long   time,  I like working on a long project but  need to be fed new elements to learn.“If it all just stays the same, then I’ll need something else to grow, keep the energy  and connect with other people.“It was a whole new experience and I was  aware that it would be different — but I liked that difference and was prepared for that.“I have visited many football clubs in Spain  and England so  was aware of the environment  and  really liked it.England U18 midfielder Chris Rigg is one of Sunderland’s hot prospectsCredit: GettyJude Bellingham’s younger brother Jobe is another top Black Cats teenCredit: PA“Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Everton, Leeds,  Chelsea, Arsenal and probably two or three more.“I’m like that, I’m curious about new ideas, behaviours and thinking about football.”Le Bris ended up joining Sunderland in July and has no doubts his  young guns —  including Chris Rigg, 17, and Jude Bellingham’s 19-year-old younger brother Jobe — can reach the very top.The impressive Frenchman has already scooped two manager-of-the-month awards but a Premier League return is the biggest prize he is chasing.Le Bris, whose side go to Millwall on Saturday, explained: “The players are good — very good.“I have worked with many, many players that  have worked at the highest level.“It is always a question of potential. We think that they could play at the highest level, Premier League or Champions League.“But the question between the potential and  reality is down to the pathway.I don’t think you can assess the reality of the size of Sunderland before being at SunderlandRegis Le Bris“I’m very confident for them but it’s still fragile. “Yet their behaviours, for example Jobe, Riggy and other players, it’s very interesting their potential and qualities and the way they are managing this relationship with the game.“If you can keep this relationship with the game then you can exploit your potential.“If the environment around the football becomes more important then it will be more difficult.“I’m just a part of their journey, really. If I can help them to grow, and if they can help us to grow as a club, then that’s a good connection. So we’ll have to see for the future.“I don’t think you can assess the reality of the size of Sunderland before being at Sunderland.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Away to Preston, the stands were full and it was crazy. It’s a new experience for me.“This  football club is very important and its history, the fanbase is big and the passion around the club is impressive.” More

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      Raheem Sterling opens up on ‘difficult’ upbringing as troubled kid before becoming Premier League star

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      RAHEEM STERLING has opened up on the “great support network” that saw him overcome a troubled childhood to become a Premier League star.The Arsenal winger, 29, has a foundation in his name that funds knife banks and university places for boys as well as hosting mentoring sessions.Arsenal’s Raheem Sterling has enjoyed an incredible Prem career so farCredit: GettySterling had a troubled upbringing before joining QPR and then Liverpool’s academyCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThat foundation is supporting a campaign launched today by Multibank – a nationwide network of donation hubs designed to help those with cost-of-living struggles.Several weeks ago, Sterling spent three hours with seven young men from Brent’s youth offending service in King’s Cross to act as a mentor, giving advice and telling his own story.Sterling was born in Kingston, Jamaica before moving to London with his mother age five after his father was tragically murdered three years earlier.A difficult upbringing – including being displaced by social housing and regular school suspensions – was turned around from the age of nine when he came across Clive Ellington, a volunteer mentor to young boys who introduced Sterling to his first football club: Alpha and Omega FC in Kingsbury, Brent.read more footballCharity Multibank said one million children arrive at school with dirty uniforms as many families now see detergent as a luxury item. And some 19 per cent of parents polled by The Hygiene Bank said their kids have missed school in the past year because of shame over unwashed clothes, creating a classroom divide.Children are also isolated and made fun of with nasty comments due to poor hygiene, teachers say.On meeting Ellington, Sterling – who also has 82 caps for England – explained: “It was a real difficult period for me in my schooling because it was a time I was getting expelled from school.Most read in Football“I was moving schools, moving around a lot. [Ellington] was a massive help for me to kind of see a different perspective.“I always struggled because of circumstances at home that I couldn’t quite understand myself.“Those actions and things started to play a pattern in my school with my focus, with my behaviour and how I was within the school environment.“[Ellington] made me see different opportunities. I wasn’t too much into football before that. I wasn’t playing, just at school and stuff at home, but he brought me into it at grassroot level.“I was starting to smile again and having a place that I could express myself was a real weight off my shoulder.“Looking back now, it’s easier to see, but as a child you’re probably not understanding what’s going on, but at the same time, taking in what’s going on.“So, you can’t quite understand how to interpret that in your speech and how to communicate that with people.”At 11-years-old, Sterling was picked up by academy systems at Queens Park Rangers and then Liverpool, going on to star for the Reds as a 17-year-old.After seven years at Manchester City between 2015 and 2022 – winning four Prem titles – he joined Chelsea for around £50m before joining the Gunners on loan this summer.Sterling continued: “I give a lot of credit to [Ellington]. It is something that is vital for individuals to have a great support network around them.“Year after year, the progress in my behaviour and in my concentration and just maturing as a young man.”Meanwhile, England rugby star Maro Itoje, who is also backing the campaign, said: “It’s our duty as a society to look out for those who are coming behind us.”Entertainment platforms Sky, Prime Video, TNT Sports and TalkSport have also joined forces to support the campaign.Tottenham are one of the first Prem clubs to also align with the Multibank scheme, focusing on affording basic hygiene products, with a donation bank available at their game against Fulham on December 1.England star Itoje is also backing the campaignDonna-Maria Cullen, executive director at Spurs, said the football club has made donations to its local foodbanks ahead of Christmas in support of the most vulnerable within the community.She said: “We are certain that our football family will unite to ensure young people in our area are able to build their confidence from an early stage in life by having access to basic hygiene products.”Andy Carpenter, head of the Harlequins Foundation, said: “Given our dedication to working with young people living in the poorest areas to address the deprivation-related challenges they face, it was a no-brainer to be a part of this campaign to support those most in need in our heartlands.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMultibank said: “With two in three staff expecting the level of hygiene poverty to increase in their school, we endeavour to get soap, shampoo, shower gel, deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrushes, in the hands of those most in need.”The Multibank’s 2024 Christmas campaign is designed to raise awareness and respond to rising issues of hygiene poverty. For more information visit: https://themultibank.co.uk/ More

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      Premier League fines hit nearly £1MILLION after just 11 games with worst teams revealed as behaviour worsens

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      SO much for the Respect campaign — it is already starting to look more like Anarchy in the UK.Well, in English top-flight football, certainly.The biggest fine so far was £125,000 to Nottingham Forest after the spat with ChelseaCredit: PANottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is still serving a five-game banCredit: PAFor Premier League clubs to be approaching £1million in matchday misconduct fines before the Christmas decorations have gone up is the clearest possible signal that behaviour is heading in the wrong direction.Not just the players and managers are losing control, but assistant bosses, sporting directors and even one notoriously combustible owner.And with the most cluttered part of the entire season about to launch — clubs face as many as 12 matches in just five weeks across various competitions — the FA probably need to hire more staff for its fines department to cover for holiday absences.Whether it is behaviour falling, a response to perceived refereeing inadequacy, or that fines are an increasingly ineffective means of controlling tempers, is a question that may not be possible to answer.Read More on FootballBut what is clear is that almost every week brings another financial penalty or FA misconduct charge, with the current Prem aggregate standing at £917,500.The biggest single fine levied so far was the £125,000 Nottingham Forest were ordered to pay  after the spat sparked by Neco Williams’ shove on Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella in the latter stages of October’s  Stamford Bridge draw.Defender Cucurella was pushed into Blues boss Enzo Maresca, leading to a fracas involving both benches  and players.The melee also cost Chelsea £90,000,  half of which was after the Blues picked up six yellow cards from ref Chris Kavanagh.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMaresca responded not with  any contrition, but praise. He said: “I like the way the team is fighting. I don’t see any problems with that.”Perhaps unsurprising then the Forest game was the second of THREE matches in which Chelsea picked up six bookings this term — costing them £150,000 in total.Premier League referee David Coote update after statement from UEFA and revelation that referees don’t get drug testedForest, in turn, really are walking a financial tightrope following their repeated offences. Last  season’s attack on VAR Stuart Attwell, ‘outing’ him as a Luton fan, cost them £750,000 — plus  a £40,000 fine for boss Nuno Espirito Santo and £24,000 for defender Williams.But it means that Forest started this season with their copybook already blotted.And that was before owner Evangelos Marinakis opted to spit towards officials in the  tunnel after their home loss by Fulham.Marinakis is still serving the five-game ban imposed by an independent commission and which was upheld on appeal.To be fair, so far at least, we have not witnessed the chaos that marred Fulham’s FA Cup defeat at Manchester United in 2023.Cottagers striker Aleksandar Mitrovic received an eight-game ban and the two clubs rattled up fines adding up to £180,000. PGMOL bosses want their officials to report any instances in which they are harassed or feel intimidated, on or off the pitch.More casesLeicester, Tottenham and West Ham have all been punished for collective misbehaviour by players.Southampton skipper Jack Stephens ended up with a five-match ban and £50,000 fine after his furious response to a clear red card against United.Man Utd coach Darren Fletcher and Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs have both been unable to keep a lid on their frustrations with decisions they did not like.And there have been 14 instances of clubs receiving six or more cards in a match, with Bournemouth and United both guilty on two occasions, each offence adding a further £25,000 to the standard fine.No wonder that within the FA there is a feeling that a light needs to be shone on the snarling petulance being shown time and again on the pitch, from the dugout and even the directors’ box.Wembley chiefs know that what happens in the Premier League is reflected across the country on grassroots pitches, leading to a worrying shortfall in referees.It is an ugly look for the beautiful game and there is little reason to think it will not get worse.READ MORE SUN STORIESMaybe the punishments need to become even more severe, even leading to points deductions. That might, at last, make people think. More

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      Man Utd XI for last trip to Ipswich includes professional tennis player and star who retired at 45

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      MANCHESTER UNITED last faced Ipswich Town at Portman Road more than 20 years ago.But this Sunday Ruben Amorim gets his first taste of being United manager when they visit the Tractor Boys.Ruben Amorim is set for his first game in charge of Manchester United against Ipswich TownCredit: GettyThe Red Devils last played the Tractor Boys in the Premier League in 2002Credit: ReutersRoy Carroll was in goal for the Red DevilsCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe goalkeeper played his last game at the age of 45Credit: PacemakerThe Portuguese boss has replaced Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford hot seat and got straight down to work in training.Amorim would love Sunday’s match to go the same way as the last league encounter between the clubs.That ended in a 1-0 away victory for United under Sir Alex Ferguson.Much has changed at the club since April 2002 – and obviously the starting XI.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHere is a look at the starting team from that match and what those players are up to…Roy CarrollIn goal for United was the Northern Irish stopper Carroll.He stayed at Old Trafford until 2005 and went on to have stints at West Ham, Rangers and Derby County.He continued his career abroad as he played for Danish outfit Odense Boldklub and Greek sides OFL and Olympiacos.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCarroll returned to England in 2014 with Notts County and continued his career right up until 2021.However, he made a shock return to playing in 2023 – aged 45 – as he came out of retirement to play for Ballinamallard United in Northern Ireland.Ruben Amorim gives first Man Utd interview and reveals number one priority to revive fallen giantsPhil NevillePhil Neville started in the defence for United against Ipswich in 2002Credit: GettyHe is now the manager of Portland TimbersCredit: APNeville started the match against the Tractor Boys at left-back.The defender also stayed at the club until 2005, when he left for Everton.Neville was at the Toffees up until he retired in 2013 and moved into coaching roles at United and Valencia.In 2018, he was named the manager of the England Women’s team, stepping down in 2021.He then had a stint as the head coach of Canada and is now in charge of the MLS outfit Portland Timbers.Wes BrownWes Brown had established himself in the Red Devils squad by 2002Credit: PA:Press AssociationThe former defender declared bankruptcy in 2023Credit: GettyBrown was one of the two centre-backs in a defence that kept a clean sheet.He stayed at United until 2011 and went on to have spells at Sunderland, Blackburn and Indian side Kerala Blasters.The Englishman retired in 2018 and started a car firm.In 2023, he was declared bankrupt despite his £50,000-per-week wage during his career.John O’SheaJohn O’Shea played 394 times for Man UnitedCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe is now the assistant manager of the Republic of IrelandCredit: AlamyO’Shea partnered Brown in the heart of the defence.The Irishman also left the club in 2011 as he joined Brown at Sunderland.He stayed at the club until 2018 after suffering back-to-back relegations to League One.He retired in 2019 after a year with Reading and has most recently been the caretaker manager and assistant boss of the Republic of Ireland.Denis IrwinIrwin retired two years after the clash at Portman RoadCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe went on to work in the mediaCredit: SportsfileIrwin was coming to the end of his playing days when he lined up against Ipswich.He retired in 2004 after a two-year spell at Wolves.After hanging up his boots, the Irishman moved into the media and started working as a presenter for MUTV.He has gone on to become a columnist at Ireland’s Sunday World newspaper and a contributor to RTE.Nicky ButtNicky Butt played in the midfield that dayCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe was part of the group that invested in Salford CityCredit: PAButt was in the engine room against Ipswich.He stayed at United until 2004 then enjoyed a good spell at Newcastle until 2010.He retired in 2011 after playing for Hong Kong outfit South China.He most recently was CEO at Salford City but stepped down in October.Butt was one of the United legends that invested in Salford back in 2014.Michael StewartMichael Stewart only made seven league appearances for the clubCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe is now working in the media after a failed bid in politicsCredit: Kenny RamsayScotsman Stewart made one of his handful of Premier League appearances for United in this match.The midfielder left the club in 2005, having only made 14 appearances in all competitions.He spent the majority of his career in Scotland with Hibernian and Hearts of Midlothian.He ended his playing days back in England with Charlton Athletic in 2011.After retiring, Stewart entered politics as attempted to become the SNP candidate for Edinburgh West at the 2015 General Election but failed to win the party’s nomination.He has since worked as a pundit for BBC Scotland and for the Scottish Sun.Luke ChadwickLuke Chadwick was another piece in the midfield against IpswichCredit: Getty – ContributorHe has also worked in club mediaCredit: GettyChadwick was another part of Ferguson’s midfield.He left United in 2004 and continued playing until 2016.The midfielder had stints at clubs such as West Ham, Stoke City, Norwich City, MK Dons, and Cambridge Town before his final club Soham Town Rangers.He was most recently the Director of The Football Fun Factory, which is a coach provider, and he runs his own branch.Roy KeaneRoy Keane was one of the biggest stars at the club at the timeCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe is now a star pundit on Sky SportsCredit: GettyKeane was the final midfielder in the team at Portman Road.He controversially left United in 2005 for a single season at Celtic before retiring from playing.Keane then tried his hand at management with stints at Sunderland and Ipswich Town.He also coached under Martin O’Neill at the Republic of Ireland and Nottingham Forest.He has now become a fan-favourite pundit on Sky Sports with fans often hailing his analysis.Keane recently praised future son-in-law Taylor Harwood-Bellis after he scored on his England debut.Diego ForlanDiego Forlan struggled during his two years at Man UnitedCredit: ReutersHe has recently become a tennis playerCredit: EPAForlan, was one of two strikers to start the match, has possibly had the biggest career shift.The Uruguayan forward struggled to show his best form during his two-year spell at the Red Devils.He left in 2004 and went on to become one of the best in Europe during his stint at LaLiga sides Villarreal and Atletico Madrid.He retired from football in 2018, but that did not end his sporting career.Earlier this month, he was the wildcard entry into the 2024 Uruguay Open main doubles draw.However, he and his partner, Argentine Federico Coria, were beaten in straight sets.Ruud van NistelrooyRuud van Nistelrooy was the match-winner against Ipswich TownCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe was recently the interim coach at Man UnitedCredit: PAVan Nistelrooy was the match-winner against Ipswich with his 45th-minute goal.The Dutchman was one of the most prolific strikers during his time in the Premier League.He left Old Trafford in 2006 for Real Madrid and ended his career in 2012 at Malaga.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe former striker has since turned to coaching and was the interim boss at United following Erik ten Hag’s sacking.He won three of four games during his unbeaten time in charge of the club before he was axed by Amorim. 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      Premier League clubs fear huge delay to introducting semi-automated offsides amid concerns over major glitch

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      PREM clubs fear the promised semi-automated offside technology may not now be introduced until NEXT season.Clubs agreed to bring in the system this term at their April meeting after Prem chiefs agreed a deal with US-based Genius Sports.Semi-automated offside technology is used in the Champions LeagueThe tech utilises ‘mesh tracking’ of 10,000-plus data pointsCredit: FIFAAt the time, it was announced that the new system would not be available until after one of the autumn international breaks.That was to ensure thorough testing of Genius’ system of 28 special cameras, which utilise “mesh tracking” of 10,000-plus data points on the surface of each player rather than the limb and skeletal tracking concepts used by Uefa and Fifa.Earlier this season, it was confirmed that more testing was required before Prem bosses could give the green light, with the introduction of the technology pushed back until after Christmas.But club bosses anticipate they will be told this week that they should not expect all the remaining wrinkles to be ironed out in time for the system to run live before the end of the season.READ MORE ON SPORTAn update from PGMOL and the Prem executive is due to discuss the current state of play amid concerns about semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) which were heightened in Spain before the international break.A glitch in the system used in La Liga meant Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski was wrongly ruled offside after scoring against Sociedad when a defender’s boot was mis-identified as being worn by the Polish striker.Barca sporting director Deco spoke about the decision after the game and suggested that another system is needed as a back up.He said: “I don’t think VAR, and not just because of this game, has fixed what in theory it was going to fix.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I don’t understand if it’s semi-automatic, not automatic, if someone has to press the button.”It’s like having a car and not knowing if it’s automatic, if it’s hybrid … someone will have to explain it to us.Fans left stunned at worst VAR offside line in history as they joke ‘absolutely NOT rigged’ – but all is not as it seemsRobert Lewandowski was failed by the technology earlier this seasonCredit: Getty”Why is it semi-automatic? I am lost. I still don’t know if the boots were yellow [Lewandowski’s] or black [Sociedad defender Nayef Aguerd’s].”We don’t want to go there because we don’t want excuses, but there’s a question: what happened?”Where’s the error occurred, if there’s an error? If not, no problem, but we need an explanation because we’re lost with what semi-automatic means.”If there’s an involvement from VAR, if the referee really can’t do anything.”If the semi-automatic system doesn’t work, then we need to return to another system. This isn’t a Barca issue, it’s about improvements for all teams.”Some things have improved, but in other areas we still have one person’s interpretation. We still have controversial decisions, like the one at (Real Sociedad’s ground) Anoeta on Sunday, which was probably incorrect.”Prem bosses want to ensure the new system is foolproof before its introduction although the delay after the pre-season promises are an embarrassment. More

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      Spanish newspaper’s XI of best U18 starlets in 2016 goes viral with forgotten English prodigy and ‘9 of them top tier’

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      A 2016 best XI of wonderkids has gone viral on social media – and nine of them have hit the heights.But one English-born ace has fallen off the radar and now plies his trade with an unfashionable German outfit.Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was among the most promising talents at the timeCredit: GettyArsenal’s Kieran Tierney was also part of the list during his success at CelticCredit: GettyMarca predicted Europe’s best Under-18 talents in 2016Spanish newspaper Marca put together the best XI of Under-18 talents in Europe back eight years ago.Among them was an unknown Monaco kid called Kylian Mbappe, who is now considered by many as the best in the world.In the 2016 version, the now-Real Madrid superstar was joined by Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal.Donnarumma had just taken football by storm with AC Milan before moving to PSG – where he played with Mbappe – in 2021.Read More on FootballRomanian Cristian Manea was at right-back with Arsenal ace Kieran Tierney on the other side, with Liverpool’s Joe Gomez and forgotten England prospect Reece Oxford at centre-back.Rapid Bucharest’s Manea was playing for Belgian outfit Mouscron, on loan from Apollon Limassol, but got lost in the shuffle as did Oxford, who was a revelation at West Ham before joining Augsburg.Gomez is a utility defender for the Reds, while Tierney’s success at Celtic has yet to be replicated at the Emirates due to a raft of injury set-backs.Renato Sanches, Youri Tielemans and Ruben Neves formed the midfield.Most read in FootballSanches was considered the next big thing during his successful stint at Benfica but failed to live up to expectations and even endured a painful loan stint at Swansea.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe midfielder is currently on PSG’s books but returned to Benfica on loan in his bid to rediscover his old form.Tielemans played for Anderlecht at the time and went on to enjoy success with Leicester – where he won the FA Cup – and current club Aston Villa, who are standing out in the Champions League.Meet Ayden Heaven: Arsenal’s next William SalibaNeves burst onto the scene with Porto and became a star at Wolves but has dropped from the spotlight after moving to Saudi Arabia for Al-Hilal.Mbappe was joined by Martin Odegaard and Dominic Solanke up-front.Odegaard was struggling for minutes at Real after his major move from Norwegian outfit Stromsgodset, where he emerged as one of the world’s most promising wonderkids.But the playmaker found his groove at Arsenal and quickly earned the captain’s armband.Solanke played for Vitesse at the time on loan from Chelsea, where he failed to earn a permanent spot and endured a disappointing stint at Liverpool.But the striker showed exactly why there was so much hype around his name with a stunning spell at Bournemouth, which led to a big move to Tottenham last summer.Mixed fan reactionMbappe dominated at Monaco and earned a big move to PSG where he quickly developed into one of the world’s biggest stars and ultimately completed a highly-anticipated move to Real.Fans were left in awe by that nostalgic post, which received some mixed reaction.One fan posted: “Pretty good tbf.”Another commented: “I miss Kieran Tierney.”A third wrote: “As a West Ham fan, Reece Oxford not fulfilling his potential was so sad.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThis fan wrote: “9 out of the 11 are top tier.”And that one stated: “Not a bad return to be fair.” More

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

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      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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      San Marino get first EVER away win and secure Nations League promotion with as many wins since September as West Ham

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      SAN MARINO won their first ever away game AND clinched Nations League promotion on a historic night in Liechtenstein.The international minnows, who are the world’s bottom ranked team, came from behind to win 3-1 for their second victory of the campaign.San Marino’s bench sprinted onto the pitch at full-timeCredit: TwitterPlayers were understandably emotional after making historyCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskSan Marino manager Roberto Cevoli celebrated a second win in chargeCredit: TwitterThe players went over to their travelling fans and celebrated with themCredit: TwitterSan Marino have lost 199 of their 211 matches – and their only three victories have all come against Liechtenstein.The first of those came back in 2004, before they picked up their opening win of League D Group 1 with a 1-0 triumph back in September.But it was Monday night’s win on the road which ensured promotion to League C of the Nations League as they finish on seven points from four games, one ahead of Gibraltar.Aron Sele gave the hosts the lead before goals from Lorenzo Lazzari, Nicola Nanni and Alessandro Golinucci turned things around for San Marino.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is the first time they have scored three goals in a game and the first time they have hit the back of the net more than once in a competitive fixture.And two wins since the start of September is as many as West Ham have managed in the same time frame.There were jubilant scenes at full-time as those on the bench sprinted onto the pitch to celebrate.The players then jumped up and down in front of the travelling San Marino fans in a heartwarming moment.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey will now play their next Nations League campaign in the third tierCredit: TwitterItalian manager Roberto Cevoli, who has led San Marino to two wins from 10 games, said: “Finishing that first half 1-0 down was an insult to football.”But the boys were brilliant and deserved what they’ve managed to achieve.” Former top flight stadium left abandoned and overgrown just two years after club last played a game thereWhile Marco Tura, president of the San Marino Football Federation, added: “These boys made history tonight.”As people, as athletes, as men, they have shown what they are worth.”I cried with the boys.”San Marino will now spend the next Nations League campaign in the third division and could be drawn in a group alongside the likes of Slovakia and Bulgaria. More

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      West Ham and Southampton in transfer battle with Celtic for 16-year-old twin wonderkids

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      WEST HAM and Southampton are chasing Airdrie’s twin sensations Cole and Dylan Williams.The Premier League clubs are battling to sign the youngsters — and want to snatch them from under Celtic’s nose.West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui could have some more assets in his arsenal soon with the Hammers keen on Cole and Dylan WilliamsCredit: GettyRussell Martin’s Southampton are also keen on the twinsCredit: GettyThe midfielders, 16, can quit the Diamonds, where they are on short-term agreements.The pair have played for Airdrie’s U18s but are yet to make senior debuts for the Scottish Championship side.They both starred at youth level against Celtic, who are keen, but Saints and Irons head the race.Both Cole and Dylan have been unused substitutes for Airdrie three times so far this season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe teenagers were previously on the books at Celtic.West Ham are already looking at some other youngsters as they look to bolster their squad too.The Hammers fancy nabbing Manchester City forgotten man James McAtee as they fear losing Lucas Paqueta.The attacking midfielder will be their top target for the role that could be available in January.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBrazilian star Paqueta is wanted back home by Botafogo and may be sold if the right deal comes in.And West Ham see McAtee as his successor — with the City squad man dubbed the ‘Salford Silva’ because he is similar in style and imagination to Etihad legend David Silva.Lincoln’s Ethan Erhahon reveals players STOLE the physio’s car and he was offered a ‘scrap’ with a fan – What the EFLMcAtee, 22, had two successful campaigns on loan with Sheffield United but is going nowhere, stuck on the bench at City.The time may be right for a permanent move and Hammers should not have a problem affording a fee of £20million or more.West Ham are also keen on signing James McAtee from Manchester CityCredit: Reuters More