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Harry De Cosemo
All times stated are UK
Goodbye!
Thank you for your company today for the latest football news and transfers. A lot of things have happened so let's run through some of the top lines:
- Spurs have met with Bayern over Harry Kane
- The Lionesses drew 0-0 with Canada in behind-closed-doors match
- Reading have named Ruben Selles as their new manager
- Leeds' Rodrigo joins Qatari side Al-Rayyan
Take care!
Get Involved - Random football sightings
#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or via text to 81111 (UK only - texts will be charged at your standard message rate).
SMS Message: On holiday in Barbados, I saw Neil Lennon playing golf in a full Leicester City kit. Even had his name on the shirt. from Pete
On holiday in Barbados, I saw Neil Lennon playing golf in a full Leicester City kit. Even had his name on the shirt.
SMS Message: Met Wayne Rooney - very weirdly - when I was in a consultation for a hair transplant. He got his and it worked ….. speaking openly mine didn’t from Davey Norris
Met Wayne Rooney - very weirdly - when I was in a consultation for a hair transplant. He got his and it worked ….. speaking openly mine didn’t
Get Involved - Random footballer sightings
#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or via text to 81111 (UK only - texts will be charged at your standard message rate).
SMS Message: Used to work in Pret in Leeds. Neil Redfearn likes a cup of tea and a smoked salmon sarnie. Angus MacDonald - Caramel latte. from Alex, Leeds
Used to work in Pret in Leeds. Neil Redfearn likes a cup of tea and a smoked salmon sarnie. Angus MacDonald - Caramel latte.
SMS Message: Bumped into John Hartson at Heathrow WHSmiths self service tills. I just said 'John' and froze. He just looked at me and said 'Hi' then hurried off. from Stephen, Milton Keynes
Bumped into John Hartson at Heathrow WHSmiths self service tills. I just said 'John' and froze. He just looked at me and said 'Hi' then hurried off.
- See AlsoDeclan Rice: Arsenal sign England midfielder from West Ham for £105mDeclan Rice transfer news: Will West Ham and England midfielder join Man City or Arsenal?Declan Rice: Arsenal sign England midfielder from West Ham in club-record £105m dealSouthgate issues blunt White verdict as £40m Arsenal transfer questioned
Get Involved - Random football sightings
#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or via text to 81111 (UK only - texts will be charged at your standard message rate).
SMS Message: I once bumped into David Moyes in a quiet side street just by Euston station. I was on my way home and he was waiting for a taxi to Wembley to watch an England v Germany friendly. When we shook hands I accidentally got some vegetable samosa on the cuff of his suit jacket. from Gareth, Burton upon Trent
I once bumped into David Moyes in a quiet side street just by Euston station. I was on my way home and he was waiting for a taxi to Wembley to watch an England v Germany friendly. When we shook hands I accidentally got some vegetable samosa on the cuff of his suit jacket.
SMS Message: In December 1997 I walked into McDonalds in Leicester Square at about 4.00 AM to see Roberto Di Matteo in a white suit grinning like a Cheshire Cat. I'd been at the game the day before, sat in the Park Lane end and seen Spurs lose 6-1 to Chelsea. from Pete, Cambridge
In December 1997 I walked into McDonalds in Leicester Square at about 4.00 AM to see Roberto Di Matteo in a white suit grinning like a Cheshire Cat. I'd been at the game the day before, sat in the Park Lane end and seen Spurs lose 6-1 to Chelsea.
SMS Message: Met Peter Schmeichel at a petrol station on the M6 when I was a kid. Made my mum ask for the autograph. He could barely hold the mini crayon she gave him to do it. from Joe, Manchester
Met Peter Schmeichel at a petrol station on the M6 when I was a kid. Made my mum ask for the autograph. He could barely hold the mini crayon she gave him to do it.
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Ireland's warm-up match abandoned
Press Association
The Republic ofIreland's behind-closed-doors match against Colombia ahead of the Women's World Cup was abandoned after 20 minutes for becoming"overly physical", the Football Association of Ireland has said.
The PA news agency understands the decision was made following anumber of rough challenges in Friday's contest at Brisbane's Meakin Park,and that Ireland midfielder Denise O'Sullivan is set to undergo a scan aftersustaining an injury.
Vera Pauw's side are building up to opening their World Cupcampaign against Australia in Sydney next Thursday.
Gossip - £40m Fabinho bid as Henderson accepts huge offer
BBC SportCopyright: BBC Sport
Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad are set to make a £40m offer for Liverpool midfielder Fabinho.(Athletic - subscription required)
Meanwhile, Reds captain Jordan Henderson has accepted a lucrative deal from Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq.(Guardian)
Liverpool might make a move for Southampton's 19-year-old Belgium midfielder Romeo Lavia.(Mirror)
Fulham are hopeful of beating Liverpool, Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona to a deal for 21-year-old Fluminense midfielder Andre Trindade.(90min)
Midfielder Thiago Alcantara could leave Anfield this summer and return to Barcelona.(Sport - in Spanish)
Liverpool's Caoimhin Kelleher has emerged as a target for Wolves, as their goalkeeper Jose Sa attracts interest from Nottingham Forest.(Mail)
Want more transfer news? Read Friday's full gossip column
Will Henderson join Gerrard in Saudi Arabia? Hit the thumbs.
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SMS Message: Popped into my favourite coffee joint in Canary Wharf only to find Bobby Pires, Paddy Viera, Thierry Henry and Fabien Barthez enjoying an expresso. Gentlemen all of them. from Lee, London
Popped into my favourite coffee joint in Canary Wharf only to find Bobby Pires, Paddy Viera, Thierry Henry and Fabien Barthez enjoying an expresso. Gentlemen all of them.
'We want to make fans proud' - Mount
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Mason Mount said he wants to make fans proud after representing Manchester United in front of them for the first time.
Erik ten Hag's first summer signing Mount played the first half as United beat Leeds 2-0 in their pre-season opener in Oslo.
Speaking to MUTV after the game, Mount said: "I've seen it first hand now. When we turned up last night and when we turned up at the stadium today, the support has been amazing.
"They came out and showed up for us today and it's amazing to see.
"This is what we want to play for and we want to make them proud."
Reflecting on his first week as a United player, Mount added: "We've been working very hard [in training], so it's good to now put it into practice and play on the pitch now.
"That first week is mostly focused on getting the legs going again, getting the distance in the legs by running. But we've definitely been working on a few tactics as well, coming into this game. I've definitely got a great understanding of how the manager wants to work and how the boys play.
"Obviously now it's about using these games to work at it more and and putting it into practice when we get on the pitch. It was a good start today, a good win. As I said, it's important to get the minutes in the legs, but it's important to win as well and that's what we want to do this season.
"All of us had a tough week, but it's great to have that 45 minutes in the tank now."
The natural successor to Eriksen?
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Pre-season games are not a good barometer of how a club or player is going to do, says former Tottenham captain Ledley King, but he understands the scrutiny Mason Mount was under for his Manchester United debut againstLeeds Unitedon Wednesday.
The £55m signing from Chelsea buzzed around in midfield during the 2-0 win and King told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast he believes the 24-year-old England international will make an impact this season.
"I like his energy and tactically he is very intelligent," King said. "Initially I was not sure where he would fit into Manchester United's system and style of play.
"Maybe he will take Christian Eriksen's role - it's going to be interesting.
"It is a squad game now, though, and he is a very good squad player to have. He will have an important role to play."
ESPN chief sports writer Mark Ogden agreed, arguing that Mount is the natural successor to Eriksen.
"He just brings more energy and more zip around the final third," he said. "It will make them a bit light defensively and put lots of pressure on Casemiro.
"I think he will play further upfield than further back."
More United discussion from 15'30 on BBC Sounds
Get Involved - Random footballer sightings
#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or via text to 81111 (UK only - texts will be charged at your standard message rate).
SMS Message: I saw Ryan Giggs power-walking around The National Gallery when I worked there. Not even looking at the artwork, just power-walking. His fitness levels have obviously remained the same! from Ryan
I saw Ryan Giggs power-walking around The National Gallery when I worked there. Not even looking at the artwork, just power-walking. His fitness levels have obviously remained the same!
SMS Message: I once saw Jack Charlton walking onto Leeds Station signing a few autographs for young fans - pre- the era of selfies.Also, seen Harry Redknapp and Sandra walking the dog along Sandbanks a few times, but that is not an uncommon sighting. from David
I once saw Jack Charlton walking onto Leeds Station signing a few autographs for young fans - pre- the era of selfies.Also, seen Harry Redknapp and Sandra walking the dog along Sandbanks a few times, but that is not an uncommon sighting.
Clubs tracking Elanga
Joe Bradshaw
BBC Sport
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Twelve months ago, Anthony Elanga was basking in the glow of a breakthrough season at Manchester United. While it had been a poor campaign for the club, but the Sweden international’s direct and pacy wing play had at least given fans some hope for the future.
Interim United boss Ralf Rangnick handed him plenty of opportunities and Elanga netted three times in 26 appearances, appearing in a variety of positions across the frontline.
However, when Erik ten Hag shelled out more than £80m for Brazil forward Antony last summer, it was evidence Elanga did not factor into his plans, hence why he is now on Nottingham Forest and Everton’s radar.
But why? In 21 games for United, he made a thrilling impression. Only five players made more touches in the opposition box for Rangnick’s side in the Premier League and he was regularly their most direct player.
Indeed, he only had one fewer shot than Marcus Rashford (22 to 21) – and the England striker played 14 more games.
Rashford may be a useful model for Elanga, given how the latter’s 2022-23 season went. The Swede only started five games and has only been granted 47 minutes of Premier League football in 2023.
Rashford was equally ineffective during 2021-22 and was written off in some quarters. How he bounced back last year.
Clearly Ten Hag does not fancy Elanga. Any move from Steve Cooper or Sean Dyche, though, would demonstrate a manager who believed in Elanga – and he’s already shown his ability when given confidence from his boss.
According to some reports, Manchester United had 10 offers to take him on loan in January and he is only 21 years old.
In the right environment, he could thrive. Cooper’s track record with talented youngsters is exceptional, while if Dyche trusts you he will play you every week.
Let the battle for Elanga's signature commence.
Get Involved - Random footballer sightings
#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or via text to 81111 (UK only - texts will be charged at your standard message rate).
SMS Message: Stood behind Thierry Henry whilst he argued about his mobile phone contract. He was polite enough to give me his autograph afterwards. from Brad
Stood behind Thierry Henry whilst he argued about his mobile phone contract. He was polite enough to give me his autograph afterwards.
SMS Message: Once met Christian Ziege in Tesco, impressed him with my schoolboy German "kann ich habe ein autograffen bitte" then realised I didn't understand a word of his German reply from Jonny, Liverpool
Once met Christian Ziege in Tesco, impressed him with my schoolboy German "kann ich habe ein autograffen bitte" then realised I didn't understand a word of his German reply
SMS Message: I was once in front of Denis Bergkamp in my car at co*ckfosters roundabout and also once saw Niall Quinn at Finsbury Park tube station peering into the tunnel at the southbound end after a train had just left from Jeff
I was once in front of Denis Bergkamp in my car at co*ckfosters roundabout and also once saw Niall Quinn at Finsbury Park tube station peering into the tunnel at the southbound end after a train had just left
Get Involved - Random footballer sightings
SMS Message: Saw Michael Owen buying ice cream at Chester Zoo during his Real Madrid days. My mum didn't believe it was him so continued to stare him out for a solid 2 minutes. He was never the same player after that.Also saw Roy Hodgson down a side street in Malmö city centre. from Daryl
Saw Michael Owen buying ice cream at Chester Zoo during his Real Madrid days. My mum didn't believe it was him so continued to stare him out for a solid 2 minutes. He was never the same player after that.Also saw Roy Hodgson down a side street in Malmö city centre.
SMS Message: The year Leicester won the PL I was in Uttoxeter Subway and Kasper Schmeichel joined the queue behind me. I asked him where he was going and he said his dad Peter was driving him to Chelsea away. I explained that I was a big United fan so he said come outside and say hello so I did two great guys. from Colin
The year Leicester won the PL I was in Uttoxeter Subway and Kasper Schmeichel joined the queue behind me. I asked him where he was going and he said his dad Peter was driving him to Chelsea away. I explained that I was a big United fan so he said come outside and say hello so I did two great guys.
Dembele signs for Birmingham from Bournemouth
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Siriki Dembele has made a permanent move from Bournemouth to Championship side Birmingham City.
The winger joined the Cherries from Peterborough in January 2022 on a three-and-a-half-year deal.
He made 22 appearances for the club, six of those coming in the Premier League, and scored two goals.
Unable to secure a regular spot in the starting XI, the 26-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan with French side Auxerre in Ligue 1.
Read more about Bournemouth.
Get Involved - Random footballer sightings
#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or via text to 81111 (UK only - texts will be charged at your standard message rate).
SMS Message: When he was at Southampton saw Sadio Mane in the supermarket with some leopard print slippers on. Also saw Jordy Clasie in the same shop, but without the flamboyant footwear. from Ben
When he was at Southampton saw Sadio Mane in the supermarket with some leopard print slippers on. Also saw Jordy Clasie in the same shop, but without the flamboyant footwear.
SMS Message: Once saw George Best (in his later years) while I worked in Waitrose. from Jason, Surrey
Once saw George Best (in his later years) while I worked in Waitrose.
UEFA getting strict on financial rules
Simon Stone
BBC Sport
Despite today's news, Manchester United say they continue to support financial restrictions across the game which aim to curb excessive spending.
United do not believe their €300,000 fine will have any impact on their transfer budget this summer.
However, they do feel the new FFP rules, which come into force this year and by 2025-26 will limit the amount clubs can spent player and coach wages, transfers, and agent fees to 70% of overall revenue, will herald a new demand for 'discipline' in their spending,
Man Utd's €300,000 FFP fine
Simon Stone
BBC Sport
Manchester United say they are 'disappointed' at being fined €300,000 by UEFA for what is being described as a 'minor' FFP breach.
United say the issue has arisen due to a change in the way UEFA looked at COVID-19 related losses due to the pandemic.
United feel European football's governing body has been inflexible in their treatment of the losses.
Barcelona have also been fined €500,000 for rule breaches over the same period.
'Being part of Newcastle is so exciting'
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Former Magpies striker Shola Ameobi has hailed the impact of Newcastle's owners in improving standards at the club.
Since Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund bought 80% of Newcastle in October 2021, the side's on-pitch performances have improved drastically and there will be Champions League football played at St James' Park for the first time since 2002-2003 after last season's fourth-placed finish.
"We can't take anything away from what the ownership have done," Ameobi, now the club's loan player manager, told BBC Radio Newcastle's Newcastle United podcast.
"The investment they've put in, the infrastructure they've put in place to help it grow and be sustainable so we can enjoy more seasons like this."
"Being an ex-player and now being part of the club - it's so exciting.
"There's a base now we can build from. The team have done an amazing job last season.
"It's going to be very difficult going into this season but we know we've got ownership, structure and leadership that know what they're doing and that want to continue to push and Eddie, his team, the staff and the players will do that.
"When we have that synergy good things happen."
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
Will Newcastle make the knockout stages of the Champions League?
'No reason why we can't go and give it a real good go'
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Newcastle United's players are not taking Champions League qualification "for granted", says midfielder Sean Longstaff.
Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle, the 25-year-old said: "We know we have got a really good opportunity and we're looking forward to the competition.
!We know it's going to be tough, but after what we did last year there's no reason why we can't go and give it a real good go.
"I never thought [returning to the Champions League] would probably happen. To be involved in it now is something really special and something me and the rest of the team are not taking for granted."
The Magpies have not competed in Europe's elite club competition for 20 years, but will take part in this season's group stage after finishing fourth in the Premier League.
"Unless you're going into a competition to do as well as you can, then I think you're selling yourself short," added Longstaff.
"We know we've got a really good squad. We've got a lot of international players who are about to come back as well, which is exciting. We're only adding to that over time as well.
"To be part of such a special group is amazing and the manager and staff who put in everything every day for us to be successful, it's something we can't wait to get started with and see how good we are."
Listen to more from Longstaff on the latest Total Sport Newcastle United Podcast
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