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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

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      West Ham decide on Lucas Paqueta replacement with ‘next David Silva’ targeted in £20m transfer

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      WEST HAM 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.West Ham are interested in Man City starlet James McAteeCredit: AlamyLucas Paqueta could leave West HamCredit: RexBrazilian 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.McAtee, 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.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSCity were linked with Paqueta last season — backing away when a gambling probe came to light.They may be interested again but a straight deal for McAtee is more likely than any kind of swap.McAtee has made five first team appearances for City this season.He started both of their Carabao Cup matches, including the 2-1 defeat at Tottenham.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe midfielder also netted his first City goal during the 4-0 Champions League win over Slovan Bratislava.McAtee has been an unused substitute in 10 of City’s 11 Prem matches this term, however, only making a very brief cameo against Ipswich in August.Man City’s James McAtee reflects on his Premier League debut More

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      David Moyes tipped for Premier League return with ‘four teams’ interested in former West Ham and Man Utd boss

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      DAVID MOYES has been linked with a Premier League return with four teams potentially interested.Moyes, 61, has been a free agent ever since his departure from West Ham at the end of last season and his subsequent replacement by Julen Lopetegui.David Moyes has been linked with a Premier League return after leaving West HamCredit: PAEx-Man Utd boss Moyes has been linked with Southampton, Wolves, Leicester and Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyAccording to talkSPORT, however, the Scottish tactician is keen to return to a Premier League dugout this term.And the ex-Manchester United boss has been linked with four Prem strugglers – Wolves, Southampton, Leicester and Crystal Palace.The same source claims the aforementioned clubs could be possible destinations for the ex-Everton boss.Southampton and Leicester returned to the English top flight from the Championship but both have been struggling.Read More on FootballSaints are bottom of the table with four points out of 11 matches, of which they won one and lost nine.Manager Russell Martin still has credit in the bank as he led his team back to the Premier League, but will need to turn things around.When it comes to Leicester, the jury’s still out regarding new manager Steve Cooper who replaced Enzo Maresca at the helm after the Italian tactician led the team back to the top flight.Cooper has only managed 10 points in the first 11 matches, with two wins and five losses along the way.Most read in FootballThe Foxes are Moyes’ only suitors that are outside the Premier League relegation zone as they sit 15th in the table with three points separating them from the drop.Wolves are second to last in the table with six points out of their first 11 matches as they lost seven times and only won once.David Moyes lands new job days after West Ham exit is announcedManager Gary O’Neil has come under fire as he currently has the leakiest defence in the Prem that has conceded 27 times.Palace boss Oliver Glasner might be the safest after his heroics late last season, immediately after replacing Roy Hodgson in the hotseat in February.However, Glasner will have to replicate last term’s brilliance after a disappointing start that saw him picking up a mere seven points in the first 11 matches.The Austrian tactician has endured eight losses and only won once, which has seen the Eagles drop to the relegation zone. More

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      Julen Lopetegui in danger of being next Premier League manager sacked as new-look West Ham struggle in six areas

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      WEST HAM’S new era is yet to take off.After bringing in Julen Lopetegui and backing him with £127.5million in summer signings – there was every right to expect more than this.West Ham have struggled since Julen Lopetegui’s arrivalCredit: PAThe Hammers are 14th in the tableCredit: GettyThe Hammers are 14th, could be overtaken by Everton with another defeat this weekend and have shown few signs of improving.There are mixed messages over Lopetegui’s future. West Ham’s owners have never been trigger-happy when it comes to dismissing managers and do not like admitting they were wrong.But fans have not warmed to the new regime and even the most patient of clubs would be tested if this continues.SunSport runs through how it has all gone so wrong…READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDEFENSIVE ISSUESWest Ham’s biggest problem last season was their leaky defence, conceding a club-record 74 Premier League goals under David Moyes.Money was spent to try and fix the problem. Max Kilman arrived from Wolves for £40m, Aaron Wan-Bissaka joined in a £15m deal from Manchester United before Jean-Clair Todibo was signed on loan with a view to a £35m deal next summer.All are individually good players, but they have struggled to gel so far while Wan-Bissaka has been used in a variety of positions.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Hammers have shipped 19 goals in 10 Premier League games, the same as odds-on relegation favourites Southampton.Conceding at this rate they will end the season having let in 72 – hardly the improvement expected after significant investment.Who is Julen Lopetegui?STODGY MIDFIELDThe problems at the back do not lie solely with the defenders.West Ham possess one of the most immobile midfields in the Premier League. When not suspended or injured, Edson Alvarez struggles to keep up with play.Tomas Soucek has been a fine servant for the club but should have been improved upon some time ago. The likes of Edson Alvarez have failed to properly cover the midfieldCredit: GettyThe Czech is a brilliant squad option but is too limited a footballer to be a regular success.Guido Rodriguez, a free signing from Spanish side Real Betis, has made little positive impact – mistakes being his most memorable moments.And with each minute Carlos Soler plays, it becomes harder to work out why so much late effort was put into shifting James Ward-Prowse to Nottingham Forest just to bring him in.The lack of dynamism and legs in the middle is making it easy for teams to bypass and charge straight at an unprotected back four.POOR SIGNINGSTim Steidten, who won the power struggle with Moyes over the summer, was given almost ultimate power in the transfer window.Lopetegui was not exclusively his pick, but many of the players were.Rodriguez is probably the most baffling, but others raise big questions too.Niclas Fullkrug appears to be the latest in the line of failed West Ham strikers. Tim Steidten paid £127.5m for players this summerCredit: PAIt may seem harsh given he has been limited to just an hour of Premier League play due to injury so far – but it was hardly an inspirational signing.The German arrived, for £27.5m, the wrong side of 30 and with a detailed injury record leaving another manager to rely on Michail Antonio and Danny Ings through the middle.A bungled attempt to sign Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran, who has eight goals in 16 appearances this season, only makes it look worse.Areas clearly lacking were never properly addressed.LACK OF LEADERSHIP & DISCIPLINENot all of this can be put at the door of the manager or higher-ups.Players are the ones tasked with going out and putting in a shift each weekend and few have done that in a West Ham shirt this season.Mohammed Kudus and Alvarez are both suspended this weekend – the Mexican after his second red card of the season.There is a lack of a strong mentality and clear leadership within the squad.Sources say the dressing room has become a quiet one in the absence of Declan Rice’s leadership or Mark Noble before him.Lucas Paqueta has looked disinterested for most of the yearCredit: GettyAntonio is a loud character but not when it comes to leadership, while new captain Jarrod Bowen prefers to do his talking on the pitch.Perhaps the biggest problem is Lucas Paqueta. The Brazilian, awaiting a hearing for his spot-fixing charges, has looked disinterested for most of the year.It is understandable given his situation, but West Ham are still paying his wages and expect someone who was recently valued at £85m to be delivering far more.Coaches have noticed a collective lack of mentality amongst the squad, something which must be addressed.NO STYLE OR INSPIRATIONThe end of the Moyes era was largely brought about due to a desire for fans to see a far more attractive style of play.Lopetegui was never seen as a total football appointment, but players and fans alike have struggled to identify a clear plan of attack from the Spaniard.They are not sitting tight and counter-attacking nor going for expansive, dominant football. West Ham have lacked a clear style since the departure of David MoyesCredit: ReutersThe muddle leads to inconsistent performances and a reliance on individual brilliance – which has been in short supply.Lopetegui is struggling to get the best out of Bowen and – when he’s not suspended for lashing out at Tottenham players – Kudus.The manager’s deadpan approach in front of the media does not help either. The lack of spark means fans are struggling to warm to the former Wolves boss.HOW LONG HAS HE GOTThis will be the question on many fans’ lips. A heavy defeat to Everton on Saturday and it could be that Lopetegui struggles to see out the weekend.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut there is an insistence that the board remain behind their man, though all remain frustrated by the poor performances.There is a feeling they have not reached the lows of the second half of last season, but get any closer to it and a change will more than likely be made.West Ham have worst stadium in Premier LeagueBy Andy DillonAll that has been achieved under David Moyes has made West Ham forget that they have by far the worst home ground in the entire Prem.A stadium totally unfit for staging regular football matches.One that can work on big European nights when the fans have electrified their voices in the nearby Carpenters Arms before kick-off.But one which drains your soul during routine home games against the likes of Burnley or Everton.A home ground where giant trampolines separate fans from the action.With temporary seating and scaffolding trying to bring the players and crowd closer.When West Ham are playing badly but winning, issues with the rented stadium are pushed aside.If they are playing badly and losing, the whole festering sore surfaces and the frustration will be aimed once more at chairman David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady.It wasn’t long ago that fans were invading the pitch, that 8,000 protested against the owners, that Sullivan was hit in the eye by a coin thrown from the crowd. Moyes has been an effective human shield with his consistent, if not entirely pretty, brand of success.This is what incoming boss Lopetegui has to contend with.Read Andy Dillon’s full column here. More