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Virtual Test – Nasser Hussain vs Rob Key: Virender Sehwag stars for Key’s XI on day one in Battle of the Eras

Rob Key’s XI took advantage of winning the toss under cloudless skies to reach 277-5 at the close of the first day of the ‘Battle of the Eras’ Virtual Test at Lord’s.

With the explosive pair of Ben Stokes and AB de Villiers at the crease, Key’s side will be looking to push on towards, and possibly beyond, 400 in order to put Nasser Hussain’s XI under pressure.

The simulated Test is being played to mark 30 years of cricket on Sky Sports, with Nasser picking players from the first 15 years and Rob from the most recent 15 – watch how they selected their teams below.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=k_-S4D6pVwc%3Ffeature%3Doembed

The game is also the second virtual encounter between Hussain and Key, with Nasser coming out on top when England sides from their respective eras went head to head a few weeks ago.

On day one of Thursday’s fixture, Virender Sehwag led the way for Key’s team with an innings of 88, which flew in the face of his previous Test average of just 27.80 in England.

However, the powerful middle order of Kumar Sangakkara, Virat Kohli and Steve Smith failed to convert useful starts, and they will be hoping that doesn’t come back to haunt them later in the game.

Graeme Smith – having chosen to bat – was soon into his stride at the ground on which he struck 259 in 2003, still the highest individual score by a visiting player at Lord’s.

Two boundaries came in Wasim Akram’s second over, but Glenn McGrath managed to produce just enough movement from his favoured Pavilion End to defeat a Smith forward prod and clip the off stump.

Teams are in .. bit of a gamble to go 2 spinners in May at Lords but they are quite good spinners !! Bad toss to lose .
Glen McGrath at Lords 26 wickets at 11.50 !! Put that in your computer this morning @Benedict_B pic.twitter.com/gYQe7MeXI2

For a man with 26 wickets in three Lord’s Tests at a miserly average of just 11.50 apiece, it was no real surprise, but Smith had started so confidently that he will feel disappointed not to have progressed beyond the first half hour of play.

Sangakkara started in circumspect form, with just a single coming from his first 20 deliveries, but a boundary off his former team-mate Muttiah Muralitharan helped him on his way and he and Sehwag posted their fifty partnership just before lunch, which was taken at 86-1 with Sehwag just a single short of his half-century.

The Indian duly completed it in the first over after the break with a trademark thrashed four through the covers off McGrath.

But the Aussie seamer removed Sangakkara four overs later with a superb away-seamer which only a player with a Test average of 57.40 would have been good enough to even edge into the waiting gloves of Adam Gilchrist.

Benedict’s Virtual Simulation

Sky Sports statistician Benedict Bermange is using a cricket simulation that takes into account batting averages, strike-rates, bowling averages and bowling speeds and plays out a five-day Test match based on those figures.

That wicket brought Virat Kohli to the crease to join Sehwag and the two embarked on another fifty partnership, with Kohli very much the aggressor.

He struck six sumptuous boundaries before Wasim Akram produced some magic with a lifting delivery which clipped his glove and presented Gilchrist with a straightforward catch.

A third catch came Gilchrist’s way five minutes before tea as Sehwag edged a Jacques Kallis away-swinger to fall 12 runs short of a century.

Like Kohli before him, Steve Smith started confidently on the ground where he had struck a double century in 2015 and was struck by Jofra Archer last summer, when he had to retire hurt with concussion.

Akram’s mastery of the older ball accounted for him, though, a whippy delivery reverse swinging into the Australian’s pads to pin him lbw for 35.

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Surrey keen to stage international cricket in 2020 despite coronavirus pandemic

Surrey are eager to host international cricket in 2020, says chief executive Richard Gould, who is also confident some form of county season will take place despite the coronavirus pandemic.

The Ageas Bowl and Old Trafford are expected to be announced as venues for England internationals this summer, with their on-site hotels allowing them to become bio-secure.

  • What will bio-secure cricket look like?

However, Gould hopes The Oval could welcome England if the coronavirus pandemic sufficiently diminishes – and also that the domestic season can eventually begin, with or without fans in stadiums.

“I know the ECB has got some good, robust plans with regards to the bubble and that means they want to use grounds with hotels on site,” said Gould. “I think their plans have been really well developed and the mood music sounds positive.

“If things loosen off we would love to be able to host international cricket later in the year, either behind closed doors or not.

“We’re optimistic there will be a season. Not just an international season, but a county season. But we’re also keeping an eye on 2021.

“With a recession looming we have to adjust our business and the structure of the club to make sure we can continue in a healthy way.

“The finances [Surry made a pre-tax profit of #6.3million for the 2019/20 financial year] do give us a little bit of a cushion.

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9.15pm Man Utd news LIVE: Sancho transfer boost as Pogba to Real Madrid back on, Ighalo agreement ‘very close’ – The Sun

MANCHESTER UNITED are pressing on with training as the fans move a step closer to seeing an iconic midfield partnership of Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes.

But the French World Cup winner may not be at Old Trafford much longer with Real Madrid back in the hunt for his signature.

Get all the Red Devils news, updates and gossip here…

  • CURL OF THE BURL

    Ex-Southampton manager George Burley has revealed they'd once knocked back a £3million Manchester United bid for Gareth Bale… as they'd just received £12m from Arsenal for Theo Walcott.

    Burley told The Athletic: “He was like a winger playing at full-back, Manchester United were interested in him. I remember going to a hotel and speaking to Sir Alex and his chief executive.

    “We'd already sold Theo Walcott for £12million [to Arsenal] and they offered three or four million so we said 'no way'.

    “I think they were a little bit worried about his defensive side of the game, which we were working at, but he could handle that.”

  • FERR ENOUGH

    The Standard claims Man Utd are preparing a move for Valencia star Ferran Torres.

    The ace can play on either wing and could be an alternative to Jadon Sancho.

    The Borussia Dortmund star could cost £100m and Torres would be a cheaper alternative.

  • SOL DESIGN

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits he would love to extend Odion Ighalo's Man Utd loan.

    He told MUTV: “The loan deal went until the end of May now, so obviously he’s supposed to be going back.

    “We’re in dialogue. They’ve been great towards us, his club, and allowed him to play for his dream club.

    “It’s been a dream for him and hopefully he can finish off what he started, hopefully with a trophy for us.

    “At the moment, nothing has been agreed. Their league is going to get started soon so we’re just waiting to see.”

  • MAKING HIS MARC

    Marcus Rashford has given Manchester United a huge boost by confirming his injured back feels “good” ahead of the season restarting.

    Rashford posted three photos of himself training in his back garden.

    He wrote alongside the pictures: “Feels great to have the ball at my feet again. Weather isn't too bad either. Hope you've all had a great day!”

    One fan responded to the message by asking: “How's the back Marcus?”

    And the Old Trafford hero replied: “I'm feeling good mate, thank you!”

  • RODDY HELL

    Former Wigan striker Hugo Rodallega claims he often saw Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney “drinking like a madman”.

    Speaking to friend and fellow Colombian footballer Johan Arango, Rodallega said: “If people knew how many times I bumped into Rooney in Manchester drinking like a madman or the number of times I saw Gerrard on a bar dancing shirtless…

    “They are human beings, there is nothing wrong with it.

    “I can count with one hand the number of footballers who don't drink. All of them, all of us, go out and drink.

    “I have always said it. I enjoy drinking and dancing. I love salsa dancing.

    “There is nothing wrong with it. I know we are footballers, but we are human beings too.”

  • FLOP SWAP

    Man Utd are considering offering Alexis Sanchez to Borussia Dortmund as part of a deal to sign Chelsea target Jadon Sancho, according to Mundo Deportivo.

    United will try and dump forgotten man Alexis Sanchez on Borussia Dortmund, to try and reduce their asking price for Sancho.

    Sanchez is currently on loan at Italian side Inter Milan but has failed to make an impact.

    United are desperate to land Sancho and are fully aware rivals Chelsea would also like to bring him to the Premier League.

  • BELE RUMBLE

    Barcelona have reportedly put Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea target Ousmane Dembele on the transfer list.

    Mundo Deportivo claims he is apparently available for just £44.5million – just three years after a £135m switch from Borussia Dortmund.

    Dembele has managed just 74 appearances in that time after suffering TEN injuries.

    The winger, 23, last played for Barcelona in late November before suffering a serious hamstring blow.

    And the LaLiga giants are now ready to cut their losses as they put their faith in Ansu Fati and Francisco Trincao instead.

  • NO HEN DEPARTY

    Man Utd are set to let Dean Henderson stay at Sheffield United for the rest of season – despite his loan deal expiring in June.

    The England hopeful, 23, is currently on loan at Bramall Lane with United chiefs facing a moral dilemma over whether to recall him.

    United and the Blades are both vying for the final Champions League qualification spot, worth £60million.

    But Old Trafford chiefs are set to be kind and allow him to finish off the 2019-20 season at Sheffield United.

    The current campaign has been on pause since March after the coronavirus pandemic forced all sport into lockdown.

    Premier League chiefs are now hoping to restart next month, with Friday June 12 the initial proposed date, although some reports claim it could be pushed back to June 26.

  • STRIKING GOLD

    Man Utd are considering moves for Timo Werner and Moussa Dembele, according to reports.

    The Red Devils took Odion Ighalo as a quick-fix loanee for the second half of the season when Marcus Rashford fractured his back.

    But the Nigerian's deal at Old Trafford expires on May 31 and with Shanghai Shenhua unwilling to permit an extension, he is set to return to the Chinese Super League team in time for their season starting.

    And while Ighalo certainly filled a hole during his brief stint at Old Trafford, scoring four goals in eight appearances, he was never deemed a long-term solution up front.

    That is why Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking at buying a younger, explosive striker in the summer.

    According to Goal, two of those on his wish list are Werner and Dembele.

    At 24 and 23 respectively, they have enough experience to come straight into the starting XI but should have their best years ahead of them.

  • THIERR UP

    United reportedly rejected the chance to sign Thierry Henry before he joined Arsenal as Sir Alex Ferguson claimed “he's always f***ing injured”.

    According to Old Trafford's former head of security Ned Kelly the Red Devils were the Frenchman's “first choice” ahead of the Gunners.

    Kelly told beIN Sports: “In the tunnel after the game my phone goes, Eric's [Cantona] older brother Jean-Marie says, 'Ned, tell Alex [Ferguson] that Thierry Henry wants to come to the club',

    “Now this was before he went to Arsenal, his first choice was Manchester United. So I go to the boss and say, 'boss, I've just had Jean-Marie Cantona on the phone, he had said Henry wants to come to the club'.

    “He [Ferguson] says, 'no way, he's always f****** injured'. He went to Arsenal, the rest is history.”

  • JUVE GOT TO STAY

    Juventus are reportedly not prepared to sell Aaron Ramsey this summer despite interest from Manchester United.

    The 29-year-old has impressed since joining the Italian giants on a free transfer from Arsenal in the summer of 2019.

    He has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford as part of a swap deal with Paul Pogba.

    But Tuttosport have revealed that Juventus are not planning to sell the Welsh midfielder anytime soon.

    He is described as “untouchable” as the Turin club plan to give him a leading role within the team.

    It is reported that Juventus are also set on keeping hold of Miralem Pjanic, Rodrigo Bentancur and Blaise Matuidi.

  • STRIP TEASE

    Man Utd fans breathed a sigh of relief as leaked images appeared to show their home kit for next season.

    Supporters were left fearing the worst after it was rumoured that the design of 2020/21 strip resembled a “bus seat”.

    But pictures posted by FootyHeadlines appear to show the club have opted for a much simpler design.

    The latest images show a predominately red jersey with three white Adidas stripes running along each shoulder.

  • WE HAVE CONTACT

    The Premier League has taken another step closer to a return to action with new Covid-19 test results expected today

    Top-flight stars will now be able to train in larger groups and even tackle each other ahead of next month's proposed return.

    But the Premier League insisted testing will continue and the health of players and staff is still of paramount importance – with the latest test results due today.

    A statement read: “Premier League Shareholders today voted unanimously to resume contact training.

    “[This marks] another step towards restarting the Premier League season, when safe to do so.

    “Squads are now able to train as a group and engage in tackling while minimising any unnecessary close contact.”

  • SPECIAL BRU

    Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes have FINALLY trained together.

    The two midfielders joined forces at Carrington this week as the club continued to train in small groups.

    Fernandes has been a huge hit for the Red Devils since he made the £48million move from Sporting Lisbon.

    The Portuguese playmaker racked up three goals and four assists before the Premier League was suspended.

    But fans have not had the chance to see him pair up with Pogba in the middle due to the Frenchman's injuries.

    However, the latest training snaps from Carrington have given the supporters something to get excited about.

  • PHIL IN

    Mikel Arteta has reportedly “already confirmed” a transfer plan to sign Philippe Coutinho and is confident he can get the best out of the Brazilian.

    Coutinho, 27, is currently on loan at Bayern Munich but is the subject of plenty of transfer interest from the Premier League.

    Manchester United, Chelsea and Leicester have all been linked with moves for the playmaker, who left Liverpool for Barcelona in 2018.

    But according to ABC in Spain, Gunners boss Arteta has laid out a plan to make Coutinho an integral player in his side next season.

    Barcelona are looking to sell their flop and recoup some of the £145million they paid for him as they desperately raise funds for the likes of Lautaro Martinez.

    Only Lionel Messi, Frenkie de Jong and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stergen are off limits as Nou Camp bosses desperately try to patch up the leaks in their accounts.

  • STAY ON TRACK

    Man Utd and Arsenal are now able to track and trace players during training sessions to avoid coronavirus potentially sweeping through their squads.

    Liverpool, Manchester City and Spurs are also among the 11 top-flight sides using the technology which shows how many players come into contact with a certain team-mate during a session – and for how long.

    The 20 clubs tested their players and staff for a third time yesterday with just eight positive results for the virus from the opening two rounds.

    While players will continually be tested during the weeks, a player could catch the virus and spread it around the team – once full contact training resumes – before the next test days later.

    Football performance analysis company STATSports also helped the Premier League in their blueprint for Project Restart and the phased training.

  • PAUL TO PAY FOR

    Man Utd will settle for recouping the £89million they spent on Paul Pogba if they agree to sell him, according to reports.

    But a dream return to Juventus could be off the cards due to the midfielder's £15m-a-year wage demands.

    Pogba, 27, has just one year left on his current deal at Old Trafford and continues to be linked with a transfer away.

    United demanded as much as £150m for him last year but after a turbulent season with ankle injuries – limiting the Frenchman to just eight appearances – as well as coronavirus, they are likely to drop their asking price.

    And Corriere dello Sport believe an offer of £89m would be enough for the club to sell.

    That is the exact figure Manchester United paid Juventus to re-sign Pogba back in 2016 after four successful years in Italy.

  • GOING ON TORR

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly putting together a bid for Valencia forward Ferran Torres.

    The Standard report that Unitedwant to “make a firm offer right now” to lead the race for Torres should they miss out on Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho.

    Torres is under contract with the La Liga club until June 2021 and has a release clause of £92m written into his current package – but Los Che may be forced to accept a much lesser price this summer if they cash in this summer.

  • SAN-TASTIC FIGURES

    Jadon Sancho's amazing stats prove he is “ready to play for Liverpool and Manchester United”.

    That's the verdict of ex-Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham midfielder Steffen Freund as Premier League giants queue up for £100million-rated England attacker Sancho.

    With Chelsea too reportedly keen on Sancho, Freund told talkSPORT: “Jadon is ready to play for Liverpool or Man United, no question, because his stats are unbelievable.”

    “That shows he can take the next step.

    “In the Borussia Dortmund side with [Erling] Haaland, [Julian] Brandt improving, with Emre Can signing, with changing to a back-three that suits Sancho.”

  • FIGHTING FIT

    Man Utdplayers have returned to training fit and healthy, delighting medical staff.

    SunSport understands that not a single player has reported back overweight despite the coronavirus delay to the season.

    Two or three stars, including keeper David De Gea, have returned to social distancing sessions LIGHTER because of doing less weight training.

    Conditioning staff are said to be “chuffed to bits” that the players have been looking after themselves in lockdown.

    United are concentrating more on cardio exercises this week and “are hoping the restrictions will be lifted quicker” so they can introduce some of the gym equipment.

    This could mean machines and weight-trainers are moved outdoors to fit with any restrictions.

  • OD TO JOY

    Odion Ighalois “very close” to reaching an agreement to stay at Manchester United, his agent has confirmed.

    The former Watford striker is set to return to Shanghai Shenhua when his six-month loan deal expires on Sunday.

    However, United are hoping to prolong the 30-year-old's stay at Old Trafford with the Premier League season now due to finish in July.

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed that the Red Devils remain in talks but Ighalo’s agent has revealed that an agreement is close.

    Ladi Salami told FootMercato: “On the one hand, the Super Eagle [Nigerian] feels very good in Manchester with which it is very close to a salary agreement.

    “Negotiations with the Chinese are ongoing and are going well.

    “On the other hand, in view of the latest regulations in force in the Middle Empire, it is almost impossible to offer such amounts.”

  • TED TALKS

    Teddy Sheringham pulled no punches as he launched a scathing attack on Paul Pogba, slamming the midfielder for being “cocky and arrogant”.

    He said: When you look at Pogba, yes, he may be a talented boy, but does he have the same mentality?

    “Does he really dig deep and get Manchester United out of the mire when the going gets tough? For me the answer is no. He gives off the wrong vibe as a Manchester United player.

    “Yes, it's good to be cocky and arrogant at the right times, Dwight Yorke had that as well, a big smile on his face when he played.

    “But Yorke had a desire to do the right things at the right times. You've got to have that, and I don't think Paul Pogba gives you that.

    “He would be one that would need to go so that you can get someone else in with the right mentality and desire to drive Manchester United out of the position they are in and move the club forward.”

  • JADON SANCHO LATEST

    Borussia Dortmund may struggle to hold on to Jadon Sancho after their Bundesliga hopes were all but ended by Bayern Munich.

    Joshua Kimmich's first-half strike was enough to separate the two sides at an empty Westfalenstadion, which left Dortmund trailing Bayern by seven points with six games to go.

    Sancho started on the bench as he continues to make a recovery from a calf injury and struggled to have an impact when he came on.

    Manchester United and Chelsea are among the clubs interested in signing the 20-year-old.

    And according to the Evening Standard, Sancho – now in his third season at Dortmund – may be ready to return to the Premier League and seek a new challenge.

  • OD ONE OUT

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits he wants to extend Odion Ighalo’s loan deal with the striker set to leave at the end of the week.

    Solskjaer told MUTV: “The loan deal went until the end of May now, so obviously he’s supposed to be going back.

    “We’re in dialogue. They’ve been great towards us, his club, and allowed him to play for his dream club.

    “It’s been a dream for him and hopefully he can finish off what he started, hopefully with a trophy for us.

    “At the moment, nothing has been agreed. Their league is going to get started soon so we’re just waiting to see.”

  • GOOD MORNING, MAN UTD FANS

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford will both be available when the Premier League returns.

    Pogba has featured just EIGHT times this season after undergoing surgery on a foot injury – and been strongly linked with a move away.

    Rashford hasn’t featured since January after suffering a double fracture in his back.

    SunSport told you all United players are in the good books having returned to their Carrington training base without putting on weight during the lockdown.

    Meanwhile, Utd fans tuning in to check out Jadon Sancho in Dortmund's clash against Bayern Munich were left somewhat disappointed with his performance – and questioning whether he had piled on the pounds.

    Finally, Odion Ighalo's agent says his man is “very close” to reaching an agreement with Man Utd.

    The Nigerian's loan spell in the Premier League from parent club Shanghai Shenhua comes to an end this week, but Ladi Salami said: “We are very close to a salary agreement.”

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2 Injured Hikers Found Safe After Spending 19 Days Missing in 'Hostile' New Zealand Wilderness


Two hikers are lucky to be alive after they went missing and spent nearly three weeks in a "hostile environment" in the New Zealand wilderness, officials confirmed.

Jessica O'Connor and Dion Reynolds were discovered by a search helicopter on Wednesday around 1 p.m. local time, according to a press release from the New Zealand Police Department.

Authorities had been searching for the 23-year-olds, both from the Tasman area, since May 18 after a friend reported them missing when they failed to return from the Kahurangi National Park.

"This is a fantastic outcome and one that we were all hoping for, although we were becoming increasingly concerned as the days progressed," Nelson Bays Area Commander Paul Borrell said in a statement. "I am so very, very proud of our Search and Rescue team made up largely of volunteers and supported by Police."

O'Connor and Reynolds first embarked on their hike on May 9 and were "understood to have entered the Anatori River car park," but authorities believe they got lost within the first few days of their trip due to fog.

RELATED: Missing Hiker Found After Being Lost for 4 Days in Remote Area of Eastern California

New Zealand news outlet TVNZ reported that the pair later took a fall, which caused Reynolds to suffer a strained ankle, while O'Connor hurt her back. They remained in that location for a few days before moving to a spot with water, according to the outlet.

After they were reported missing, search efforts were launched with multiple teams, experts, volunteers and even a specialist search dog from Blenheim involved.

On multiple occasions, the search teams had to suspend their efforts in the "extremely hazardous terrain" due to unsafe and "unfavourable conditions" from a large amount of rainfall, according to authorities.

"This search was particularly challenging being such a remote rugged, bush-clad area," Sergeant Malcolm York with the Nelson Police Search and Rescue Coordinator said in a statement.

"There were up to 50 people involved made up of Police, NZDF, Fire and Emergency NZ, Land SAR, Department of Conservation's Aoraki/Mount Cook Search and Rescue team, and other volunteers who all desperately wanted to return Jessica and Dion safely to their families," York added.

After a "19-day ordeal in a hostile environment," search teams located O'Connor and Reynolds in the headwaters of the Fraser Stream, according to Wednesday's press release.

A Give a Little fundraiser, set up by the hikers' loved ones to support New Zealand Land Search and Rescue Inc. (LANDSAR), noted that a "search helicopter spotted smoke," which was how they were able to locate O'Connor and Reynolds.

"A NZDF NH90 helicopter was called and it uplifted the pair to return them to Nelson where they are being medically assessed at Nelson Hospital," the New Zealand Police Department said in the release, adding that the pair's "initial condition appears very good" despite the circumstances.

Officials later learned that the hikers opted to "stay put" after getting injured, but their rescue was just in time as they "ran out of food some time prior to being spotted by the helicopter."

Following their rescue, O'Connor's parents Mark and Simone spoke to TVNZ and said they were "over the moon" that their daughter had been found and that they "both burst into tears" upon hearing the good news.

Simone added to the outlet that her daughter works as a kayak tour guide, so she was confident that she would survive this.

"I never had a doubt about Jess. She knows what she's doing so that was keeping our hopes up. She's very adventurous and she knows," she explained to TVNZ.

Added Mark: "It'll be interesting to hear the full story but whatever it is it's seen her through so that's absolutely fantastic."

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10am Chelsea news LIVE: Shock move for ‘Algerian Messi’, ‘one big signing’ expected this summer, Corona is Sancho backup – The Sun

CHELSEA are continuing their preparations for the Premier League's restart but could be without N'Golo Kante, who has yet to return to training after a "bad time" in quarantine.

Meanwhile the Blues are set to make one big money signing this summer as Frank Lampard chooses to allocate his transfer budget towards a "Giroud-type striker".

Get all the latest Chelsea news and gossip here…

  • SAN-TASTIC FIGURES

    Jadon Sancho's amazing stats prove he is “ready to play for Liverpool and Manchester United”.

    That's the verdict of ex-Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham midfielder Steffen Freund as Premier League giants queue up for £100million-rated England attacker Sancho.

    With Chelsea too reportedly keen on Sancho, Freund told talkSPORT: “Jadon is ready to play for Liverpool or Man United, no question, because his stats are unbelievable.”

    “That shows he can take the next step.

    “In the Borussia Dortmund side with [Erling] Haaland, [Julian] Brandt improving, with Emre Can signing, with changing to a back-three that suits Sancho.”

  • SAID AND DONE

    Chelsea have made a shock move for Brentford's tricky Algerian winger Said Benrahma.

    The Blues even rate Benrahma – dubbed the “Algerian Messi” – as their top summer target, according to reports in France.

    And as one of the few clubs who will have money to spend this summer despite the coronavirus lockdown, Chelsea will be confident in landing their man.

    Frank Lampard is set to wave goodbye to veteran wing duo Willian and Pedro this summer with both out of contract next month.

    That means youngsters Callum Hudson-Odoi and Christian Pulisic will be the only two first-team wing options for next season.

    Chelsea have been linked with Jadon Sancho on-and-off throughout the season – but Manchester United and Liverpool appear to be the leaders in that race.

  • NO CORONA PUN INTENDED

    Chelsea have targeted Porto ace Jesus Corona as back-up if they miss out on Jadon Sancho.

    Borussia Dortmund face a battle to hold on to England star Sancho this summer, with Manchester United favourites to land him.

    Blues boss Frank Lampard is also a big fan of the 20-year-old winger, but he has an alternative in Corona.

    According to the Daily Star Chelsea “scouts have identified Corona as another option”.

    The 27-year-old has scored two goals and bagged 17 assists in 34 games for Porto this season.

    He has been capped 42 times by Mexico, scoring seven goals.

  • HAD THE BLUES

    Bacary Sagna admits Arsenal feared playing Chelsea because “in our heads they were bigger than us”.

    Sagna told the club's In Lockdown podcast: “I believe we under-evaluated ourselves. Playing for Chelsea image-wise was something different

    “They used their image a lot, they used to have some big players in the national team and we used to talk about them more than they talked about us. Maybe in our heads, they were bigger players than us.

    “On the pitch, we had as much quality as they had whenever we played, and when we played the Arsenal way nobody could beat us.

    “I believed nobody could beat us. We used to play simple passes, one, two-touches maximum. But I believe we under-evaluated ourselves which is a big mistake in life.”

  • JADON SANCHO LATEST

    Borussia Dortmund may struggle to hold on to Jadon Sancho after their Bundesliga hopes were all but ended by Bayern Munich.

    Joshua Kimmich's first-half strike was enough to separate the two sides at an empty Westfalenstadion, which left Dortmund trailing Bayern by seven points with six games to go.

    Sancho started on the bench as he continues to make a recovery from a calf injury and struggled to have an impact when he came on.

    Manchester United and Chelsea are among the clubs interested in signing the 20-year-old.

    And according to the Evening Standard, Sancho – now in his third season at Dortmund – may be ready to return to the Premier League and seek a new challenge.

  • BATTLE OF WILLS

    Arsenal and Tottenham are fighting tooth and nail to sign Chelsea star Willian with their transfer budgets hit hard by coronavirus.

    The North London clubs have both been hit in the pocket due to the enforced break from football.

    They will therefore be forced to settle for free transfers, player swaps and loan moves in order to improve their squad for 2020-21.

    Willian is one of the biggest free agents this summer, with 86 players currently either returning to their parent clubs from a loan or available for nothing.

    The Brazilian, 31, is almost certain to call time on his Stamford Bridge career, with the club not willing to offer him a length of contract he seems suitable.

    Arsenal and Tottenham could now fight to take advantage, while Liverpool and Barcelona have also been linked with the former Shakhtar Donetsk man.

  • MORNING CHELSEA FANS

    Don't be put off by the name, but the Blues have targeted Porto ace Jesus Corona as back-up if they miss out on Jadon Sancho.

    Borussia Dortmund face a battle to hold on to England star Sancho this summer, with Manchester United favourites to land him.

    Blues boss Frank Lampard is also a big fan of the 20-year-old winger, but he has an alternative in Corona.

    Also, Ousmane Dembele could be available for Chelsea on loan next season.

    The Frenchman, 23, has had a difficult time of it at the Nou Camp after his £97million transfer to Barca in 2017.

    That fee could rise to £138m depending on incentives.

    But now the Catalan giants are set to either sell or loan out some of their biggest players to balance the books.

    And Frank Lampard has reignited interest in Xavier Mbuyamba – who has been likened to Virgil van Dijk.

    The 18-year-old defender has been heavily linked with a move away from Spanish giants Barcelona.

    He spent time at Chelsea on trial last summer, but the Blues were unable to sign him.

  • CON MAN

    Chelsea kid Conor Gallagher could be set for another loan spell away from Stamford Bridge.

    The midfielder has flourised in the Championship during his first taste of senior football.

    The 20-year-old scored six goals and claimed four assists in 24 appearances for Charlton before joining Swansea City for the remainder of the campaign in January.

    And now West Brom are said to be considering a move – but it could depend on if they get into the Premier League.

  • NO CORONA PUN INTENDED

    Chelsea have targeted Porto ace Jesus Corona as back-up if they miss out on Jadon Sancho.

    Borussia Dortmund face a battle to hold on to England star Sancho this summer, with Manchester United favourites to land him.

    Blues boss Frank Lampard is also a big fan of the 20-year-old winger, but he has an alternative in Corona.

    According to the Daily Star Chelsea “scouts have identified Corona as another option”.

    The 27-year-old has scored two goals and bagged 17 assists in 34 games for Porto this season.

    He has been capped 42 times by Mexico, scoring seven goals.

  • WORTH THE HASSEL?

    Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink reckons Claudio Ranieri's tactics stopped him winning the Premier League with Chelsea.

    The best the Italian could do with the Blues was second place in the 2003/04 season.

    Hasselbaink believes that the constantly changing approach to the team ruined the team's hopes.

    He told FourFourTwo: “Those four years under him were difficult. We had a better team than the table showed and should have finished higher. He’s a good man and I don’t think anyone disliked him as a person – he just had some ideas that didn’t work.”

  • LOAN FOR DEM

    Ousmane Dembele could be available for Chelsea on loan next season.

    The Frenchman, 23, has had a difficult time of it at the Nou Camp after his £97million transfer to Barca in 2017.

    That fee could rise to £138m depending on incentives.

    But now the Catalan giants are set to either sell or loan out some of their biggest players to balance the books.

  • ONE IN ONE OUT

    Chelsea are set to make “one big signing” this summer, a respected journalist has claimed.

    And the new arrival could force Michy Batshuayi out of the club.

    The Blues were quiet in last summer’s market due to their transfer ban and despite the Court of Arbitration for Sport allowing the club to spend in January, Hakim Ziyech – who will arrive this summer – was Chelsea’s only signing.

    Simon Johnson claimed: “I was talking to someone the other day, they were suggesting that in all likelihood there’ll be one big signing, and then whatever else comes up, swap deals etc, etc.

    “The striker which Frank wants is someone who can hold up the ball and play around him, which is very much a Giroud-type striker and that certainly rules out Batshuayi, who increasingly became a peripheral figure.”

  • SUPER MARIO

    Atlanta have reportedly started talks with Chelsea over the permanent signing of Mario Pasalic.

    But the Italian side are said to want a discount on the agreed £13.4m fee.

    Pasalic, 25, joined the Blues in 2014 but has failed to make a single appearance for the club.

    He has been sent on five different loan deals and finally found his feet at Atalanta, where he has made 74 appearances and helped them qualify for the Champions League.

  • UR SURE?

    FC Ural midfielder Petrus Boumal says he would love to play for Chelsea.

    The 27-year-old has revealed interest from Everton, Fulham and Bordeaux.

    But with his current deal in the Russian Premier League ending this summer, he is on the lookout for a move.

    And Cameroon star Boumal is dreaming of idolising Blues legends Claude Makelele and Michael Essien.

    He said: “My dream club is Chelsea.

    “Makelele and Essien are two players I really loved. I loved watching their style of play, how they move, how they tackle and how they attack the ball.

    “They maintained the balance between attackers and defenders. They played for Chelsea and since they played there, I really loved Chelsea.”

  • JESUS RISES

    Chelsea are keen on signing Jesus Corona if they are unable to convince Jadon Sancho to join, reports the Daily Star.

    The Blues are said to be resigned to losing Willian and keen to add a winger to replace him.

    But Inter Milan and Sevilla are also reported to have made enquiries for Porto's Mexican winger.

    Chelsea are also ready to battle Man Utd for Bournemouth's Josh King, who is out of contract next summer.

  • HAD THE BLUES

    Arsenal feared playing Chelsea because “in our heads they were bigger than us”, revealed Bacary Sagna.

    He told the club's In Lockdown podcast: “I believe we under-evaluated ourselves. Playing for Chelsea image-wise was something different

    “They used their image a lot, they used to have some big players in the national team and we used to talk about them more than they talked about us.

    “Maybe in our heads, they were bigger players than us.

    “On the pitch, we had as much quality as they had whenever we played, and when we played the Arsenal way nobody could beat us.”

  • BEATEN TOON IT

    Newcastle have opened talks with Philippe Coutinho and lead Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea in the race to sign him, according to reports.

    The Magpies have moved to land the ex-Liverpool man ahead of their imminent mega-money Saudi backed takeover.

    Reports earlier today suggested the Gunners plan to start discussions with the 27-year-old soon while United and Chelsea have been linked for months.

    But the Toon have beaten the Premier League trio to the punch and begun talks with the playmaker and his camp, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.

  • UP THE ANTE

    Here's what we found out about Antonio Rudiger from his quick-fire Q&A.

    • Favourite food: German schnitzel
    • Least favourite food: Vegetables
    • Guilty pleasure food: Junk food including sweets and McDonalds
    • Food he eats to keep healthy: Avocado
    • Best meal he can cook: ZERO!

    MAUR TO COME

    Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly closing in on the permanent signing of Mauro Icardi from Inter Milan.

    The Argentinian international has been a huge hit at Parc des Parisiens since arriving on a season-long loan, with the player chipping in with 20 goals in 31 games in all competitions.

    It had been claimed that Chelsea were in the running to secure his services with Frank Lampard looking to bolster his attack for next season.

    But according to ESPN, it is Les Parisiens that are in pole position to land him, with wife and agent Wanda Nara in negotiations with PSG and Inter.

    It is stated that Icardi has a four-year deal on the table in Paris where he will earn £170,000-a-week.

    XAV SOME OF THAT

    Chelsea could reignite their interest in Xavier Mbuyamba – who has been likened to Virgil van Dijk.

    The 18-year-old defender has been heavily linked with a move away from Spanish giants Barcelona.

    He spent time at Chelsea on trail last summer, but the Blues would unable to sign him.

    But according Spanish source Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea are preparing to make another move for him.

    BEING FRANK

    Brian McBride has praised Frank Lampard for having patience with Christian Pulisic.

    The ex-Everton star told Chelsea's official US podcast: “I think that's the good thing about having a manager who has played the game at such a high level, because Frank was very patient with Christian at the beginning.

    “Christian's moved over to a new country, joined a new team and had to establish himself in a new league.

    “There could have been the pressure there on him to deliver straight away but Frank understood that he needed to have time to adapt.”

    IN THE BAGG

    West Brom could reportedly make a move to sign Conor Gallagher on loan if they are promoted to the Premier League.

    According to the Athletic, the Baggies are “big admirers” of the 20-year-old.

    Gallagher spent the first half of the season out on loan with Charlton before he teamed up with Swansea in January.

    For both of the Championship clubs combined, he has scored six goals and made nine assists in 36 league games.

    THREE & EASY

    The Premier League have finally given the go head for 3pm games to shown live on TV – with some matches even set to be aired for FREE.

    Top-flight bosses have dropped its opposition to the game being shown to compensate for them being behind closed doors.

    The long-standing blackout was lifted last month, but Prem bosses initially claimed they still wouldn't allow 3pm matches to be broadcast.

    But now they have had a “change of heart”, according to The Times – with the previously blocked games now allowed to be shown.

    There are 92 Premier League matches left to be played this season, with the restart pencilled in for June 12, although some fear it may be more like June 26.

    Every match will be broadcast via some medium to make up for the fact fans are not allowed to watch live from inside the stadium.

    TI THE KNOT

    Timo Werner should snub Chelsea as him joining would be a “marriage made in heaven”, according to John Aldridge.

    The former Reds star told the Liverpool Echo: “Liverpool and Timo Werner are a marriage made in heaven.

    “From what I have seen of the striker, he would suit the Reds perfectly and offer a valuable option to Jurgen Klopp.

    “He can play in every position across the front three and, in terms of his attributes, he has everything Liverpool would need.

    “Especially his finishing.”

    TURNED TO ASH

    This tweet has been doing the rounds on social media this morning – and the Chelsea fans can't get enough.

    The defender left the Gunners to join Chelsea in 2006, where he stayed until his 2014 move to Roma.

    Source: Read Full Article

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Jonathan Steingard, Frontman of Christian Rock Band Hawk Nelson, Reveals He No Longer Believes in God



After having "private conversations with trusted friends" about his doubts in Christianity, Steingard said he wanted to renounce his faith publicly because he's "got a whole lot less to lose now."

"The band isn't playing shows or making new music at the moment, and we've found other work and careers to focus on for the time being. In order to make sure I'm able to keep providing for my family, that had to be the case before I could be totally honest – and that fact is one of the issues I have with the church and Christian culture in general."

The singer explained he initially believed in God because "when you grow up in a community that holds a shared belief, and that shared belief is so incredibly central to everything, you simply adopt it."

"Everyone I was close to believed in God, accepted Jesus into their hearts, prayed for signs and wonders, and participated in church, youth groups, conferences, and ministry. So I did too," he recalled.

Though he grew up in a Christian home, Steingard said he felt "uncomfortable" with certain aspects of the religion, explaining that praying in public "felt like some kind of weird performance art" and "emotional cries such as 'Holy Spirit, come fill this place' always felt clunky and awkward."

"I figured I was overthinking all these things," he shared. "This was the beginning of my doubt, and I began to develop the reflex to simply push it down, and soldier on."

Steingard said he secretly continued to have doubts when he joined Hawk Nelson, though "this shift was fully realized" when he replaced lead vocalist Jason Dunn in 2012.

"There were things that just didn't make sense to me," he wrote. "If God is all loving, and all powerful, why is there evil in the world? Can he not do anything about it? Does he choose not to? Is the evil in the world a result of his desire to give us free will? OK then, what about famine and disease and floods and all the suffering that isn't caused by humans and our free will?"

Steingard explained that his doubts were "only amplified" when he consulted the Bible about his questions.

"Suffice it to say that when I began to believe that the Bible was simply a book written by people as flawed and imperfect as I am – that was when my belief in God truly began to unravel," he wrote. "Once I found that I didn't believe the Bible was the Perfect Word of God – it didn't take long to realize that I was no longer sure he was there at all."

The Canadian musician said his internal debate led to "struggles with depression" as he worried about losing friends and family in the Christian community.

"I feel like I've mostly emerged from that dark place now – because I've discovered that life really does go on," he shared. "I have trusted friends that know this about me, and love me anyways. My family is showing me incredible love and support, even though I know this grieves them."

Steingard added that renouncing his faith meant that he can no longer continue his work in Hawk Nelson.

"I am open to the idea that God is there. I'd prefer it if he was. I suspect if he is there, he is very different than what I was taught," he wrote. "Until then – I feel like the best thing I can do is be honest."

"Stepping away from belief in God has felt like a loss in some ways – but it's felt like freedom in others," he continued. "I am not sure how much this will rock the boat. I don't know if this will surprise anyone. But it doesn't matter. What matters is that I've finally worked up the courage to tell my story. To share my deepest truth. And that feels like freedom too."

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NHL will have 24-team playoff format if return to play is possible

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has announced the league is moving ahead with a 24-team expanded playoff format if its able to resume play and award the Stanley Cup.

The plan was approved by the NHL’s board of governors, and comes days after the NHL Players Associations executive committee gave the plan the green light.

Bettman stressed that the plan’s approval does not guarantee the resumption of games; the league and players must still determine safety protocols and solve other issues, including where to play.

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The Match: Champions for Charity Was the Most-Watched Golf Telecast Ever



Brady, 42, captured most of the spotlight during the event for one moment in which his ripped pants were on full display to the TV cameras.

"Pants wanted in on social distancing I guess…" he joked on Twitter after the wardrobe malfunction went viral on social media.

Despite the mishap, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback remained a good sport and even impressed fans and his fellow golfers when he scored a birdie on the seventh hole.

"Congrats to @TigerWoods and Peyton for a hard-fought victory and thanks to @PhilMickelson for coaching your boy and keeping us in it," he tweeted. "Now…back to my day job."

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Afterward, Woods, 44, shared a photo of the four stars holding a check for $20 million, writing that the outing was a "fun day."

"What a job by Peyton. Thanks for helping me beat @PhilMickelson this time around. @TomBrady showed up too," he wrote. "What a fun day for an even better cause!"

During the broadcast, Brady's wife Gisele Bündchen tweeted her support for him, sharing a photo from her television screen of her husband smiling in his golf cart.

"Let’s go lovvvey @TomBrady!!! ❤️" she wrote.

As information about the coronavirus pandemic rapidly changes, PEOPLE is committed to providing the most recent data in our coverage. Some of the information in this story may have changed after publication. For the latest on COVID-19, readers are encouraged to use online resources from CDC, WHO, and local public health departments. To help provide doctors and nurses on the front lines with life-saving medical resources, donate to Direct Relief here.

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7.30am Man Utd news LIVE: Ighalo loan set to end, King transfer LATEST, new away kit leaked, Sancho update – The Sun

MANCHESTER UNITED are kicking on with training ahead of the Premier League's likely restart in June.

But they could be without Odion Ighalo, who faces a nervous wait to find out whether he will be permitted to stay at Old Trafford or forced to return to Shanghai Shenhua.

Get all the Red Devils news and updates here…

  • GOOD MORNING, UTD FANS

    Bayern Munich midfielder Corentin Tolisso is the new man on the transfer speculation list – as United are once again linked with fellow 25-year-old France midfielder Adrien Rabiot.

    The Bundesliga champions are reportedly willing to sell Toliss as he has made just seven starts this season.

    And Juventus ace Rabiot has also struggled to hold down a regular place for the Serie A kings.

    Now Gazzetto dello Sport say United are in talks with his mum  and agent Veronique.

    Rabiot was initially linked with a swap deal involving Juve target Paul Pogba but now he is thought to be available at £27million.

    Talking of Pogba, ex-France and Barcelona striker Christophe Dugarry rates him the “ideal signing”for Real Madrid – but former Bernabeu star  Uli Stielike says the 27-year-old is not “humble” enough to be a wise buy.

    Meanwhile, loanee Odion Ighalo faces an uphill battle to persuade Shanghai Shenhua to let him stay with United beyond May 31 – for the rest of the extended Premier League season.

    The Chinese Super League club appear determined that the Nigeria striker, 30, returns for the start of their season next month. 

    And United starlet Angel Gomes dreams of emulating Barcelona and Spain legend Andres Iniesta.

    The England Under-20 midfielder told United's website: “In terms of who I model parts of my game on, I’d say Iniesta.

    “He was always one of my idols… a big player I watched while growing up.” 

  • SANCHO ALTERNATIVE SUS-SED

    Chelsea are being linked with Porto's Mexico winger Jesus Corona – as a cheaper alternative to Manchester United target Jadon Sancho.

    Corona, 27, who can also play as a wing-back, would also boost Frank Lampard's squad if, as expected, Willian and Pedro move on this summer.

    United are rated favourites to sign £100million-rated England attacker Sancho, 20, should he leave Borussia Dortmund this summer.

    But the coronavirus pandemic is likely to mean less spending this summer.

    So the chances of mega-fee players like Sancho and United midfielder Paul Pogba moving on in the summer have reduced dramatically.

  • PLAY-DAY LOANS: EXPERT VIEW

    As SunSport revealed some Prem clubs might consider payday-style loans, a financial expert involved in this area explains why the sport has arrived at such a situation.

    The specialist said: “Football has lived way beyond its means for years and now they’ve run out of money.

    “It’s like any other market in a downturn, so when you’re desperate for money you go to the people who have it and they dictate the terms.

    “Firms are being asked for loans from clubs who don’t necessarily have the assets to command better rates.

    “Liquidity in football clubs is very low and most of those looking for cash are asking for tide-over money of £30m-50m over six months.

    “There’s no rule to say the lender can’t set whatever rate it likes if they know the client is desperate.”

  • PLAY-DAY LOANS

    Cash-strapped Premier League clubs are considering payday-style loans with huge interest rates to stay in business.

    City investors are looking to cash in on the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic by charging 25 PER CENT on borrowings up to £100million.

    At least four struggling Prem outfits are at the mercy of private equity or venture capitalist firms offering loans at rates massively above the Bank of England base rate of 0.1 per cent.

    Lack of match-day revenue and uncertainty over how and when football will return have created a black hole in revenue for clubs.

    And with games behind closed doors likely in the immediate future, clubs are unable to borrow cash against season ticket sales and normal game-day income.

    They are also discouraged from using potential earnings from broadcast deals as collateral for loans.

  • BEST BA NONE

    Ex-Barcelona striker Christophe Dugarry claims Paul Pogab would be the “ideal” signing for Real Madrid.

    United midfielder Pogba's chances of moving to the Bernabeu or old club Juventus seem to have faded due to football taking a massive financial hit from the coronavirus pandemic.

    But former France, Milan and Birmingham star Dugarry told RMC Sport: “We have all observed that this [Real squad] is ageing a little. “It has problems projecting, breaking lines and reaching the second line when there are centres.

    “Pogba can do it. He is a boy who can score goals. For me, he is the ideal boy to give Real Madrid what is missing.

    “A year has passed that has been difficult for him, because he has injuries and his team does not perform well, but every time he has been able to play, he quickly recovers his level.”

  • BUK TO THE FUTURE

    Bukayo Saka appears to have told Manchester United and Liverpool they must be kidding if they hope to sign him.

    Arsenal have reportedly been struggling to reach an agreement with speedster Saka, 18, over extending his contract beyond 2021.

    But the ex-Gunners schoolkid posted a cute picture of himself in his very earliest days with the Londoners – smiling serenely as he posed in a teamshot.

    Saka's Instagram snap soon attracted tens of thousands of likes – with, inevitably, many fans urging him to pen a new deal.

  • RAUL OUT BARGAIN DEAL

    United would face a huge battle if they move in for reported target Raul Jimenez.

    Wolves' owners Fosun have reportedly toldboss Nuno Espirito Santo there is no pressure to sell, despite recent talk pacy winger Adama Traore and Mexico marksman Raul Jimenez might be sold in the summer transfer window.

    The Daily Mirror say Fosun told the Portuguese manager he can also keep other stars, likeRuben Neves and Joao Moutinho.

    Sixth-placed Wolves hope to press for a champions league place if, as expected, the Premier League seasons resumes in mid-June.

  • GOMES IN IT TO WIN IT

    United starlet Angel Gomes is trying to copy Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta.

    The England Under-20 midfielder told United's website he dreams of matching 131-cap ex-Spain playmaker Iniesta, 36, now with Japanese side Vissel Kobe.

    Gomes, 19, said: “In terms of who I model parts of my game on, I’d say Iniesta.

    He was always one of my idols… a big player I watched while growing up.”

    Gomes believes the tiki-taka pass master operates in “similar positions” to him.

    But he will have a sensational career if he achieves even half as much Iniesta.

    The Catalan maestro won the World Cup once and the Euros twice at international level, whilst winning La Liga nine times and the Champions League on four occasions with Barca.

  • FIXTURES AND FITTING

    Most clubs are expected to back the Premier League proposals put forward in phase two – including for returning to action next month

    And Sky Sports claim the end of the week could see top flight bosses put forward draft plans as virtually the last step before the season resumes amid the coronavirus crisis.

    That could include a provisional fixture list, including the date when football will officially return.

    June 19 is one date commonly mentioned. But some Premier League clubs want a further week to prepare.

  • PREM CLOSE TO AGREEING RETURN DATE

    THE Premier League's eagerly-awaited return date could be decided this week.

    And a blockbuster clash between Manchester United and Spurs could be the first game back after the coronavirus pandemic.

    Players are already preparing to step up training to include close-contact, with coaches reportedly being brought in to monitor contact.

    Stars and managers can discuss any remaining concerns over phase two of Project Restart when they hold separate video calls with the Premier League on Tuesday.

    On Wednesday, clubs can then vote on whether to move to the next stage of training, which could be brought in before the end of this week.

  • NEV IS MINGS THE MERCILESS

    Gary Neville and Eddie Hearn made fun of Dominic Cummings' extraordinary press conference.

    Prime minister Boris Johnson's top adviser faced a media grilling as he defended his 260-mile trip to Durham during the coronavirus lockdown.

    Social media was lit up with commentary on Cummings' performance during his interrogation.

    Neville commented on how uncomfortable Cummings looked – with a pop at himself that had followers in stitches.

    Manchester United legend Neville tweeted: “The most uncomfortable I’ve seen an Englishman in a press conference since a 7-0 defeat in Barcelona.”

    That was in reference to his Valencia side's 7-0 mauling at the hands of Barcelona back in February 2016.

    Luis Suarez scored four that night and Lionel Messi bagged a hat-trick in the Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg clash.

    And it led to an excruciating 11-minute meeting with the media afterwards, which Neville likened to Cummings' own performance.

  • GAS FUMES AT ROONEY

    Cesc Fabregas still feels angry over Wayne Rooney's “dive” during Arsenal's famous 'Pizzagate' clash in 2004 when Manchester United ended the Invincibles' 49-game unbeaten run.

    The Gunners and Chelsea legend told ex-United defender Rio Ferdinand on FIVE’s new Locker Room YouTube series: “Every single time he had the ball. You know Wayne dived for the penalty against Sol [Campbell].

    “So we felt emotional. The emotion was that we lost against a great team, which can happen, but we didn’t feel we should have lost.

    “We didn’t think it was the right time to lose our Invincible run.

    “So yeah that was the main thing to be honest. Everyone was really, really upset.”

  • CLOSER ENCOUNTERS

    Premier League stars were cleared to kick off close-contact training on Sunday in a boost for the return of top-flight football.

    New Stage Two guidance lets elite athletes train in pairs and small groups and waives the two-metre social distancing rule.

    The news put a smile on the face of Wilfried Zaha as he began Crystal Palace training on Sunday.

    And the easing of restrictions came as just two new positive results returned from 996 Premier League tests last week. They were logged at different clubs and the figure is four fewer than the week before.

    More testing is due today and tomorrow before league bosses decide on Wednesday whether full-contact training will resume.

  • IGHALO PLEA

    Odion Ighalo will keep pleading with Shanghai Shenhua to let him stay with United beyond May 31 – for the rest of the extended Premier League season.

    But the Chinese Super League club are thought to be determined that the Nigeria striker, 30, returns for the start of their season next month.

    United are said to have been in discussions with Shenhua – but so far without a solution to continue Ighalo's stay beyond four months.

  • POGBA'S NOT REAL 'HUMBLE'

    Real Madrid legend Uli Stielike says United midfielder Paul Pogba's ego is too big for the Bernabeu.

    Former West Germany star Stielike has told Real boss Zinedine Zidane that big-name signings are fine – but only if they are team players.

    He told AS: “If you want to return to the idea of the Galactics, maybe yes.

    “But I am more in favour of humble players with great talent and sacrifice for the team.”  

  • RACE TO GRAB RAB

    United have joined Arsenal in the race to land wantaway Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, according to reports.

    Rabiot, 25, has only managed 11 Serie A starts after struggling to cement his role in Juve's congested midfield.

    And now boss Maurizio Sarri will offload if he receives an offer in the region of £27million.

    According to Gazzetto dello Sport, United are looking to make their move and have already held talks with his mother Veronique who acts as his agent.

    Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to bolster his squad when the transfer window opens and sees Rabiot as a bargain buy.

    It is also suggested that United have sent scouts to watch him in action on several occasions over the campaign.

  • TOLI GUNNAR

    United are interested in Bayern Munich midfielder Corentin Tolisso, according to reports.

    And the Red Devils will be boosted by the news the Bundesliga giants are willing to sell him in the next transfer window.

    The French World Cup-winning midfielder, 25, has spent three seasons with Bayern after joining from boyhood club Lyon in a £37m deal.

    But this season he has been restricted to just seven starts as he struggled for game time and now wants to leave.

    United were interested in a deal in January but while there are no negotiations going on at the moment, if they were to move in the summer, Bayern would sell up according to German outlet Bild.

    Earlier this month, it was claimed United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is preparing a summer swoop after failing to sign him on loan during the January transfer window.

  • HARD-NOSED ZAN

    Ryan Giggs was used to dealing with tough love playing in a Manchester United team captained by Roy Keane.

    But the Old Trafford icon has revealed the hardest opponent he ever played against was Javier Zanetti – who broke his nose!

    “The hardest player I played against was [Javier] Zanetti from Inter.

    “He ran all day and he used to be a midfielder so he was comfortable on the ball.

    “He could defend, he was tough and he actually broke my nose in the quarter-finals against them. He had everything as a defender.”

  • BLIND DATE

    Clubs are set to find out if the Premier League will resume in mid-June.

    Manchester United and Tottenham are expected to be the clubs given the green light to play the Friday night game which was postponed back in March.

    June 19 is the date being proposed, after doubt was cast over whether June 12 would work.

    Either way it'll be a Friday night game to kick us off.

    According to ESPN, clubs are demanding three weeks of contact football before resuming matches.

  • STRIKER POSE

    Marcus Rashford has shared a picture of himself when he did modelling as a kid.

    A young footballer appeared on the back of a Kellogg's cereal packet advertising free swimming vouchers.

    He shared this long-distance shot on his Insta stories.

    Brilliant!

  • NOT SO SUPER

    The Women’s Super League and Championship seasons have been ended, according to the FA.

    Promotion and relegation are yet to be decided.

  • ON YOUR SAY 'SSO

    United are still interested in signing Bayern Munich midfielder Correntin Tolisso, according to reports.

    The Frenchman appears to be surplus to requirements at the Allianz Arena and Bayern would entertain selling him.

    Tolisso, 25, has played 24 games in all competitions this season.

    According to Bild’s Christian Falk: “At the moment there are no concrete negotiations. The player is currently injured.

    “I do not rule out there is still interest in the future. Bayern would sell him.”

  • BAD NEWS FOR ZLAT

    Zlatan Ibrahimovic may have played his last game in professional football with reports claiming the AC Milan striker has suffered a suspected Achilles injury.

    The Swedish striker – who turns 39 in October – only signed a short-term deal with the Serie A side when he re-joined the club on a free transfer midway through the season.

    And with his contract set to expire at the end of the campaign, his future not only at Milan, but in football is in doubt.

    Taking to Twitter, SportMediaset journalist Pietro Balzano Prota said: “Bad injury for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

    “Medical tests are expected but it could be a long stop.”

    According to Sky Sports Italia via Marca, the former Manchester United marksman is feared to have ruptured his Achilles tendon.

  • NO COMING BECK FROM THAT

    Sir Alex Ferguson famously split David Beckham's eyebrow open after a furious spat following a defeat to Arsenal in 2003.

    And now former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre has shed more light on the details of the incident, revealing the other players had to step in to prevent the pair having it out.

    Speaking to FourFourTwo, Silvestre – who played the full game – said: “I was there. Everyone was shocked, but things like this happen in dressing rooms.

    “It was a random kick by the boss – it was just unfortunate that the boot went straight into Beckham’s face!

    “He was very angry and we had to intervene to prevent a confrontation. But that was the end of it then.

    “Still, it impacted their relationship, and was probably among the reasons why David left that summer and signed for Real Madrid.”

  • OD DECISION

    United fans are reacting to news that Josh King could replace Odion Ighalo after the Nigerian's loan stint ends.

    Ighalo's loan spell was only due to last until the end of May, due to the fact that he has commitments with his owning club Shanghai Shenhua in the Chinese Super League.

    But the Norwegian striker, who came through the youth ranks at Old Trafford, is not a name that excites United fans.

    Solskjaer did try to sign King, 28, before the winter window shut at the end of January, but managed to capture Ighalo instead.

    King has scored four goals and has two assists in 20 games this season.

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'Guardian' Dog Refuses to Leave Dead Sister's Body on Side of the Road: 'Heart Wrenching'




Guardian will be held on hold as a stray for four days, according to the department.

Animal control officers have already arranged for Guardian's adoption should no one claim him by May 29.

It is unclear how Guardian's sister died. The Kingsville Kleberg Health Department Animal Control & Care Center did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

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