David Moyes: West Ham’s Gianluca Scamacca to miss Europa Conference League final
West Ham boss David Moyes has confirmed Gianluca Scamacca will miss the Europa Conference League final next month. Italian striker Scamacca, the £30.5million summer signing from Sassuolo, underwent knee surgery in April but there were hopes he could return before the end of the season. However, Moyes has ruled the 24-year-old out of the final against Fiorentina in Prague on June 7. “I see him being nowhere near it. He’s not back training and not back,” said Moyes. “He’s still doing his rehab in Italy just now, so I don’t expect to see him back before then, no. “He had his operation about four weeks ago, so he has still a few weeks of rehab to do but hopefully, he will be back ready at the start of pre-season.” The Hammers face relegation-threatened Leicester on the final day of the Premier League season, knowing a win on Sunday could lift them as high as 12th, above Chelsea. That would not be a bad result from a campaign which looked at times destined to end in relegation. “I take every game one at a time, that’s all we can ever do,” added Moyes. “It’s a chance to get your league place higher up and we’re all well aware of the value of that in the Premier League. “If you’d given me this position a few weeks ago I’d have snapped your hand off because we go into the last day without any real problems and, more importantly we go into it knowing we’ve got a cup final in a week or so’s time.” Leicester need a victory and a favour from Bournemouth at Everton in order to stay up. “I’m glad it’s a game where it’s not us needing to win it, because it was always a hard-looking game,” said Moyes. “They’ve had a great team over recent seasons, they really have. “I think it’s a bit of a surprise to everyone that they’re in the position they are in. They have got some top players and we’re going to have to defend well and deal with it well. Hopefully, we can.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Just win – Dean Smith keeps Leicester message simple ahead of crunch final day Sean Dyche is not concerned with Everton potentially looking for his replacement Scott Carson commits to Manchester City with new 12-month deal
1970-01-01 08:00
Sean Dyche is not concerned with Everton potentially looking for his replacement
Everton manager Sean Dyche insists he has no problem with the relegation-threatened club potentially already looking for his replacement. The former Burnley boss arrived late in January as Frank Lampard’s replacement with the challenge of avoiding the drop. Things have not gone entirely to plan with the Toffees just two points above the relegation zone, although their fate remains in their own hands as they seek to extend their stay in the top flight into a 70th season by matching the results of Leeds and Leicester. And reports this week suggested Everton were already thinking about what comes next. “It’s fair to say ‘interesting’ reports, but I don’t know where they come from,” said Dyche. “At the end of the day, good businesses should be succession planning. I’ve got no problem with that, even if that were true.” Everton go into their relegation-decider at home to Bournemouth without striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin or defenders Nathan Patterson and Ben Godfrey. “They won’t be fit. We haven’t had Dom for two-thirds of my time here. We have still won games, still got points on the board and performed,” he said. “Patto has come into the side more latterly and performed well. We lose him as well.” Dyche holds out some hope Vitalii Mykolenko – his only remaining full-back on either flank – could return after a two-match absence. “He’s a bit better so we will see how he reacts tomorrow to training today,” Dyche added. Dyche was already without Seamus Coleman, Ruben Vinagre, Tom Davies and Andros Townsend so more injuries just increase the pressure in an already-tough atmosphere on Sunday. “I think it is part of being a professional footballer. You have to use the feeling in the stadium to your advantage and I think we have a decent experience level for the ups and downs of football to understand that,” added the manager. “We want players to focus on the game, which is not as easy as it sounds, but focus on the game and the idea and don’t worry about the noise. That’s the clear intention.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Just win – Dean Smith keeps Leicester message simple ahead of crunch final day David Moyes: West Ham’s Gianluca Scamacca to miss Europa Conference League final Scott Carson commits to Manchester City with new 12-month deal
1970-01-01 08:00
Leeds vs Tottenham - Premier League: TV channel, team news, lineups & prediction
Leeds face Tottenham on Sunday with Premier League survival on the line. Preview includes team news, predicted lineups, how to watch on television and live stream and more.
1970-01-01 08:00
Just win – Dean Smith keeps Leicester message simple ahead of crunch final day
Leicester boss Dean Smith has said his message to his players ahead of their all-or-nothing game with West Ham on Sunday will simply be “just win”. The Foxes have to win and hope that Everton cannot beat Bournemouth if they are to avoid relegation to the Championship. Smith, who was parachuted in on an eight-game SOS mission following the sacking of Brendan Rodgers, says that what happens at the King Power Stadium against the Hammers is the only thing the Foxes need to focus on. He said: “We have got to win the game plainly and simply, we have got to figure out and balance the best way to not give big chances away and create big chances against West Ham, who are in a European final and after a tough first half of the season have climbed away from danger and have got a very good manager there. “We have to win the game and not look at the Everton result until after the game. We have to do our job and see where it takes us. “We can only control what we can do. We have to control our performance, help your team-mates out and go and get a good performance and a win. “If we do our part we are looking at other people to help us, but we have to make sure we concentrate on what we do. It’s quite a simple message really and the lads have trained well so far. “The players want clarity of what their positions are, what we are asking of them and our job is to give them that. It doesn’t get any clearer for me: They have to win. That’s all they need to know and that’s all they do know. “We just have to concentrate on our own game. It’s simplistic, we have to win, it doesn’t matter what is going on at other grounds. Just win. “Whatever else is going on elsewhere we are not in control of. But we have seen how quickly things can change around in the last 15 minutes of games, whether it is this season or previous seasons. We win our games and then see where it goes.” Smith did not want to discuss his future beyond Sunday’s game, insisting that there will be a post-season debrief. Asked whether the outcome of the match will impact his future, Smith added: “Not at all, my future was to come in for seven weeks and eight games and that hasn’t change. My future is exactly the same. That is a question to have after the game and not before it.” The Foxes will be without Caglar Soyuncu, but Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Jonny Evans and Ricardo Pereira will all be fit. Wilfred Ndidi is a doubt with a hamstring injury. “Caglar is not fit, he has tried to get himself back into training this week but he just felt it, obviously it was too close but the fact he wanted to push it to be in contention shows a lot about his character. He’s definitely out,” Smith said. “Dewsbury-Hall is good, he’s been training with us for a couple of days now, so he’ll be available for selection. “(Kelechi) Iheanacho is fine, Jonny Evans had cramp he’s fine. Ricky we scanned him and he is fine, Wilf is the only question mark at the moment, we are waiting to see if he is good enough to train tomorrow.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Sean Dyche is not concerned with Everton potentially looking for his replacement David Moyes: West Ham’s Gianluca Scamacca to miss Europa Conference League final Scott Carson commits to Manchester City with new 12-month deal
1970-01-01 08:00
Scott Carson commits to Manchester City with new 12-month deal
Manchester City’s third-choice goalkeeper Scott Carson has signed a new 12-month contract, the Premier League champions have announced. The 37-year-old former England international has made just two first-team appearances since joining City, initially on loan, in 2019 but has been an important part of manager Pep Guardiola’s squad. “I’m excited to be staying at City,” Carson told the club’s website, www.mancity.com. “I love working with Pep, (coach) Xabi Mancisidor and our incredible players every day. “Hopefully I can help all of our goalkeepers be at their best.” Guardiola said: “We have him in the locker room and you cannot believe the impact.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
1970-01-01 08:00
Roy Hodgson expects to be leading Crystal Palace for last time on Sunday
Roy Hodgson insisted he expects to be taking charge of Crystal Palace for the final time in Sunday’s Premier League season-ender at home to Nottingham Forest, but did not rule out staying on. Hodgson took the reins at his boyhood club for the second time on a short-term contract after the sacking of Patrick Vieira, and has taken 17 points from nine games to steer Palace well clear of relegation trouble. Such has been the turnaround in form that Hodgson has been seen as a candidate to take the job on a longer-term basis, but the 75-year-old said that was not on his mind. “As far as I’m concerned, this is my last game,” Hodgson said. “I signed a contract here until the end of the season and I was grateful to do so. All along, I have seen this as my last game on my contract and as far as I’m concerned that’s what it is.” When asked if he would be open to staying on if asked by chairman Steve Parish, Hodgson added: “I don’t know, I’ll wait until that day arrives if it ever arrives. At the moment I don’t have to concern myself with that. “What’s on my table is to see my contract out, thank everyone for the last two and a half months and hopefully help the team get a result…I hope to leave all my options open.” Hodgson confirmed that Wilfried Zaha – out of contract this summer – will miss Sunday’s match through injury, raising the possibility that the in-demand forward has played his final game for the club. “Wilfried’s injury was sufficiently severe to keep him out of the next game,” Hodgson said. “He’ll need a week or two more to recover, so it won’t keep him out of next season. He will be fit for pre-season, but we won’t have the benefit of him on Sunday.” Palace forward Ebere Eze has been celebrating his first international call up after being included in Gareth Southgate’s England squad to face Malta and North Macedonia next month, and former Three Lions boss Hodgson has offered the 24-year-old some pointers. “The advice basically, after the congratulations – because as you say I am delighted for him and I’m happy Gareth (Southgate) and Steve (Holland) have seen what we have seen in him as well – but the only advice I can give him is to be himself,” he said. “Go there and be relaxed enough to show how good he is. Show how good he is in training when he is here. If he does that, Gareth and Steve will be more than happy with him.” The pressure will be off for both sides in Sunday’s match at Selhurst Park, with Forest’s victory over Arsenal last weekend having ended the threat of relegation at the end of their first season back in the top flight. “[Cooper] has done a very good job,” Hodgson said. “In particular I think the last five games they have had an incredible upsurge in form. They have taken 10 points from their last five games. That’s top of table form not avoiding relegation form. “They have taken everyone by surprise at the bottom who are fighting relegation, because many clubs thought they wouldn’t do that well. Hats off to him, hats off to his players and staff. It was very touching last weekend when they beat Arsenal and you saw the scenes after the game. “It makes you realise how much staying in this league and doing well means to everyone, not just to your staff and people at the club but also to the fans.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Stormers boss John Dobson praises Munster’s ‘phenomenal’ run to URC final Jonny Hill urges Sale to seize the moment in Premiership final against Saracens Man City claim title for third successive time – The 2022-23 season in pictures
1970-01-01 08:00
Arne Slot signs new Feyenoord contract after failed Tottenham approach
Arne Slot has signed a new contract with Feyenoord despite interest from Tottenham.
1970-01-01 08:00
Erik ten Hag backs Jadon Sancho to build on progress at Manchester United
Erik ten Hag says Jadon Sancho’s progress and potential is one of the reasons Manchester United have a “good base” to kick on from next season. The 23-year-old arrived at Old Trafford from Borussia Dortmund in 2021 in a £73million deal following a prolonged pursuit. Sancho has shown flashes of his outstanding talent but has yet to fully live up to the billing, with the United winger falling out of the England reckoning as a result. Ten Hag has worked carefully with Sancho, who went on an individual winter fitness programme in the Netherlands rather than travel to the squad’s World Cup camp in Spain. Back then the patient United boss said the player was “not in the right status or fitness state”, but he has since made strides and the Dutchman expects even more from him. “He did very well on the right side and I think he played a very good game,” Ten Hag said after Thursday’s 4-1 defeat of Chelsea. “I think Jadon Sancho is one of the players who made progress in the season and there were many players in our squad who made good progress. I think it’s a good base to build further on.” Asked if he preferred Sancho on the right or left, Ten Hag said: “He can do both. “I think he prefers to play on the left, but we have seen today he is very good on the right as well.” United’s win against Chelsea sealed qualification for next season’s Champions League with a game to spare. Ten Hag immediately underlined that summer signings are needed, but also stressed there is far more to come from the likes of Sancho. “Still, we can also improve with this squad, as we did this season,” the United boss said. “I said (signings) is one part of it. The other thing is progress in the current squad and the current players. “That is the job that I have to do, in togetherness with that squad and with my coaching staff. “As (of) now, I think we make huge progress during the season. The team, many individuals play a fantastic, great season. “Now we have a good base but, as I just mentioned, I think there is still a lot of room for improvement also in this squad. “But then when you get the right players in, that will help and even give you more depth and a better standard and level. “Then you have more chance to be in the top four and then it gives you more chance to win titles and trophies.” United have already won the Carabao Cup this season and return to Wembley to face Manchester City in a mouth-watering FA Cup final on June 3. But first comes the Premier League season finale against Fulham – the last home match before long-serving David De Gea’s contract expires. Both parties have spoken positively about agreeing new terms but talks have dragged on, although Ten Hag downplayed the suggestion Sunday could be the goalkeeper’s last Old Trafford appearance. “I think we want him to stay and he wants to stay, so I think we will find each other,” he said of the Premier League Golden Glove winner, who joined United from Atletico Madrid in 2011. “I never will give a comment about that, about how negotiations are going.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Jonny Hill urges Sale to seize the moment in Premiership final against Saracens Man City claim title for third successive time – The 2022-23 season in pictures From Conte and Tuchel’s clash to Kane’s heroics – Premier League best moments
1970-01-01 08:00
Olivier Vandecasteele: Belgian aid worker freed in exchange for Iranian diplomat
Olivier Vandecasteele and Assadollah Assadi are flying home under a deal brokered by Oman.
1970-01-01 08:00
Taylor Swift Fans Have to Barter, Borrow and Plead to Get Into Her Shows
For Taylor Swift fans, 52 concerts in massive football stadiums were never going to be enough to satisfy
1970-01-01 08:00
James Ward-Prowse, James Maddison and 16 Premier League transfer targets after relegation
The final day of the Premier League season sees only the relegation battle still outstanding to be sorted, with two of Leeds United, Leicester City and Everton set to join Southampton fc in dropping to the Championship. While the obvious priority is merely to remain in the top flight and not worry - for 90 minutes, at least - about what comes next, the natural implication of failing to survive is that bigger clubs will come calling for those players deemed too good to go down. Rumours have already circulated around a number of those names; here are 18 who could easily attract a move to a top-flight club this summer if their present sides feel the need to sell to balance the books after departing the richest league on the planet. James Ward-Prowse Starting with the side who are already gone, central midfielder and dead-ball expert Ward-Prowse will certainly be in demand. An England international, the 28-year-old hasn’t been at his best this term but failings around him haven’t helped. Still has eight goals and four assists in a dismal team, and it’s hard to see him spending even a season in the Championship. Armel Bella-Kotchap While Saints’ defensive unit as a whole has been far too porous, individually there are a couple of players who have impressed. Centre-back Bella-Kotchap is one, with some tenacious displays earning him strong reviews earlier in the campaign. Put him alongside a more experienced player in a more cohesive unit and it’s safe to say his career is on an upward trajectory. Romeo Lavia Another recent recruit, teenage midfielder Lavia is already interesting plenty of top-half clubs who have been impressed with his tactical intelligence as much as his ferocious defensive work, overstretched as he has been in the middle of the park. Considering this was a rookie season for him in the top flight he has acquitted himself very well and the Belgian is already capped at senior international level. Kyle Walker-Peters Not so much a star for the future this time, but Walker-Peters has long since proven his capabilities in the Premier League. Add in his versatility and the fact he has only two years left on his contract and this summer seems the right one for any clubs keen on him to make their move. Kamaldeen Sulemana Of all the January arrivals who failed to impact at Saints, former Rennes man Sulemana might be the biggest disappointment - and therefore potentially the bargain with the biggest upside. At age 21 there’s a long runway for improvement for the Ghanaian, who can play wide or central in attack - but then again perhaps a season as a guaranteed starter would actually prove more beneficial for him in the long run. If Saints keep hold of him he should be a standout star in the Championship. James Maddison Moving onto the teams still fighting for survival, James Maddison looks to be one who might move on regardless of the final day. The creative attacker is certainly playing at a higher level than most of his Leicester teammates and has already been linked with the likes of Newcastle. Perhaps the only real factor at play here is the transfer fee; the Foxes might be able to ask for significantly more if they do beat the drop. Youri Tielemans A definite departure, Leicester have somehow allowed a key midfielder who was wanted for around £40m a couple of summers ago by more than one club run down his deal and he’ll leave on a free. The calibre of sides who want him this season mightbe significantly lower, though. Tielemans hasn’t been at his best technically or physically - but perhaps a new environment and team setup could reinvigorate his undoubted quality. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall Might be one Leicester hope to hang onto even if they are in the second tier, given he has a very long-term contract, but Dewsbury-Hall is almost certain to have top-flight admirers. Energetic, diligent in both halves of the pitch and with a sprinkling of magic about his play, the 24-year-old is too good for the Championship but might be too pricey to prise away. Harvey Barnes Finishing up at the Foxes, Harvey Barnes is already a known target - the Independentreported Aston Villa’s keen interest in the left-sided attacking outlet this week. Despite Leicester’s struggles he has 12 goals to his name this season and with two years remaining on his deal it’s probably time to make a step up, since even if they survive this weekend, his club don’t look like mounting a real revival any time soon. Tyler Adams Onto Leeds and the first probable departure is American midfield dynamo Tyler Adams. An excellent ball-winner, ball-carrier and team leader in the centre of the park, it’s unthinkable he’d drop down into the second division. An injury absence at the end of this season hasn’t helped Leeds at all but he has long since shown himself a top performer. Luis Sinisterra Given the ability of some of their players, it’s a bit of a wonder Leeds are down there at all - until you watch some of the defensive work, at least. At the other end of the pitch it can be a very different matter though and Sinisterra is another who, having fought around the top of the Eredivisie for Feyenoord before a £25m last summer, surely won’t be a Championship player. Injuries have hampered him this term but he’s electric when fit. Wilfried Gnonto One of the bargains of the season, Leeds signed the Italian for about £4m in September and he is a real gem in the making. Given the length of his deal and the fact he’s only 19, perhaps he’s one of those they’ll hope to keep and shoot straight back up with - but other, bigger clubs have been impressed this season by Gnonto, make no mistake. He’s already a senior goalscorer for Italy; he probably isn’t going to be keen on facing Rotherham and Hull next term. Dwight McNeil Everton head into the weekend in the driving seat but there’s barely any margin for error. Dwight McNeil will be among their biggest hopes to get the result they need and if they don’t, he’ll be relegated twice in two years. And don’t be surprised if that means he pushes for a transfer twice in two years either, because he’s far too good for the Championship and the Toffees will need to sell. Jordan Pickford Not had the season of his life but he’s the England No.1 and will want to remain so. It probably won’t happen if he’s playing in the Championship, so a Pickford departure might be an obvious one. Amadou Onana Belgian box-to-box star Amadou Onana is another who is simply far too good to be allowed to go down. Everton have only fleetingly got the best out of him so far but his incredible mix of technique and physicality is one which should be unleashed in a far better team setup. Perhaps if they survive he’s one of the keys to Sean Dyche’s rebuild, but if not, he has to go elsewhere at a higher level. Dominic Calvert-Lewin Finally, the would-be goalscorer of the team, Calvert-Lewin. It’s easy to point to injuries as the reason for his low returns of late, but the fact is that the England international has had one sole campaign with a decent return of 21 in all competitions - he’s scored seven times in two years since that. Even so, the suspicion is that someone would gamble on keeping him fit and rediscovering his clinical edge, rather than letting him go down with a sinking ship. Read More Premier League relegation: What do Leeds, Everton and Leicester need to survive? Premier League 2022/23 season awards: Best player, manager, transfer flop and breakthrough act Everton stare into the relegation abyss – a mess of their own making Mac City claim title for third successive time – The 2022-23 season in pictures From Conte and Tuchel’s clash to Kane’s heroics – Premier League best moments A closer look at the goals that lit up the 2022-23 season
1970-01-01 08:00
A closer look at the goals that lit up the 2022-23 season
Another high-quality Premier League season is drawing to a close and there have been a number of brilliant goals throughout it. Here, the PA news agency picks out the strikes that have lit up the season. Allan Saint-Maximin (v Wolves, August) Newcastle needed something special to keep their early unbeaten run intact and Allan Saint-Maximin delivered. With the clock approaching 90 minutes, the winger sent a stunning first-time volley from the edge of the area into the bottom corner to earn a 1-1 draw at Wolves. Miguel Almiron (v Fulham, October) Newcastle enjoyed their Autumn trip down by the Thames with a 4-1 romp at Fulham and Miguel Almiron scored a brilliant goal. The winger played a one-two with Bruno Guimaraes and delivered a sublime volley from an angle that made it 2-0. Youri Tielemans (v Wolves, October) Leicester did not have much to shout about during the season, but their 4-0 win at Wolves in October was a rare day in the sun. And it all started with a special goal from Youri Tielemans, who spanked a clearance into the top corner from 20 yards. Demarai Gray (v Man City, December) Everton earned one of the biggest shocks of the season when they stole a point in a 1-1 draw at Manchester City on New Year’s Eve. And Demarai Gray’s goal was worthy of it as he curled in to the top corner from the angle of the penalty area. Marcus Rashford (v Arsenal, January) The England forward had a brilliant individual campaign and scored a fine solo goal in a thrilling game at Arsenal, which Manchester United lost 3-2. Willian (v Nottm Forest, February) The Brazilian veteran had one of the best seasons of his career for Fulham and there was nothing better than his goal in the home win over Forest. He picked up the ball at the far post, made light work of Renan Lodi and then sent in a curling effort that beat four Forest defenders and went into the top corner. Jonny (v Leeds, March) There was not much to shout about for Wolves during their home game with Leeds, other than a brilliant goal by Jonny. The Portuguese defender, who was later sent off, latched on to a stray pass and sent a 40-yard first-time volley into an unguarded net as his side went down 4-2. Matheus Nunes (v Chelsea, April) Wolves claimed back-to-back goal of the month wins thanks to Matheus Nunes’ impressive strike in the 1-0 win against Chelsea. The ball fell to the Portuguese at the far post and he thundered a first time shot across goal and into the top corner of the goal. Erling Haaland (v Southampton, April) Having scored so many goals throughout the course of the season it was inevitable that one of them was going to be special. And his second of two in a 4-1 romp at Southampton fitted the bill as he produced a stunning overhead kick from Jack Grealish’s cross. Ilkay Gundogan (v Everton, May) The City machine was in full flow and Ilkay Gundogan got things going at Everton with a sublime opener. Captain for the day, the Germany international controlled Riyad Mahrez’s cross on his knee and, with his back to goal, flicked the ball past Jordan Pickford and into the net. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Mac City claim title for third successive time – The 2022-23 season in pictures From Conte and Tuchel’s clash to Kane’s heroics – Premier League best moments Premier League team of the season: Trippier, Haaland and Saka make our best XI
1970-01-01 08:00
