Football news LIVE: Maguire’s mum hits back at abuse as critics branded ‘sheep’, forgotten Tottenham duo named in final Premier League squad, Young on talkSPORT

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• Lionesses hero Mary Earps is set to remain at Manchester United this summer, according to reports.

  The England Women’s goalkeeper has been linked with a stunning move to Arsenal, with United already turning down a bid that was said to be a record offer for a women’s goalkeeper.

  Earps has one year left on her contract with the Red Devils, leading to reports she could agree a deal to leave before tonight’s Women’s Super League transfer deadline.

  However, the Daily Mail claim Earps is set to stay put, until January at least, with United keen to begin talks over a new contract for the England star.

  

• Mikel Arteta has been urged to drop Kai Havertz and reinstall Emile Smith Rowe as Arsenal’s No.10.

  Former Gunners winger Jermaine Pennant has not been impressed by the German forward, who moved across London to join Arsenal from Chelsea for £65million.

  Havertz has started all four Premier League games this season since his switch, but has not contributed any goals or assists.

  And Pennant says it’s time for Smith Rowe to get a chance.

  “I’m not seeing any evidence Havertz can turn this around,” he told OLBG.

  “I wasn’t totally impressed with his spell at Chelsea. I know they struggled last season, but I’m not sure how long you have to give a player to impress you.

  “Havertz is a good player, for sure, but I don’t see him being a better option than what Arsenal already have.

  “I’d say Smith Rowe, when fit, is a better player who contributes more.

  “Is Havertz a good squad player? Yes. However, I wouldn’t say he is a go-to number 10 or number 9.”

  

• Liverpool summer signing Wataru Endo has spent part of the international break back at former club VfB Stuttgart to bid them a proper farewell.

  The Japan international was club captain at the German side and was highly valued by fans and his teammates.

  “This club is like part of my family, I’m very happy that I was able to see my teammates, the staff and the coaches again,” said the Reds’ new No.3.

  “I didn’t have time to say goodbye. It was an honour to play for this club.”

• Jamie Carragher agrees Harry Maguire should be dropped by England to ‘take him out of the firing line’, but has called out Cristiano Ronaldo, Andre Onana and Manchester United for their role in the defender’s recent misery.

  The Liverpool legend says Maguire is being ‘belittled’ and has had his confidence destroyed.

  And he explained in his Daily Telegraph column how Ronaldo, new United goalkeeper Onana and the unrest at Old Trafford has contributed to it.

  Carragher writes: “I like Maguire. I always have. He strikes me as a good lad and what he is suffering amounts to harassment. Maguire is being belittled.

  “Manchester United fans jeered Maguire during pre-season games in 2022 and 2023.

  “One of the most distasteful incidents of all occurred during the friendly with Borussia Dortmund in July, when new signing Andre Onana started yelling at Maguire, in my view disgracefully playing to the gallery to endear himself to United fans.

  “I watched that in disbelief, but it said everything about what has gone wrong.

  “Maguire was still the club captain then. He should have reacted furiously, put Onana in his box and demanded respect. Instead, he has the persona of someone whose confidence and authority is utterly broken.

  “It was a similar story when Cristiano Ronaldo returned and reports emerged about power struggles in the United dressing room. That is when the undermining of Maguire gained momentum.

  “Football is brutal. When powerful characters want to impose authority they do not have you either stand up to it or wilt. Those who know the game will tell you from day one you must never let bullies get on top or the game will eat you up.

  “For his own protection, Harry Maguire should not play for England until his career is back on track. Personally and professionally the current situation is unsustainable.”

  

• Ashley Young joined talkSPORT this morning and gave his backing to Harry Maguire.

  The England centre-backs remains one of the talking points after his mother took to social media to defend her son amongst the criticism and abuse he has received online.

  And ex-Three Lions international Young said he is a quality player, despite the ongoing criticism he faces and stick he gets from supporters.

  “His England performances have been unbelievable. I know how good he is!” 👏

  “When you play for a team like #MUFC, there’s pressure non-stop. He’ll be okay!”@Youngy18 outlines why Harry Maguire is a massive asset to Man Utd and England. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Em1DrVfK5O

  — talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) September 14, 2023

• Simon Jordan has issued his response to Zoe Maguire’s post, saying her claims that Harry Maguire has suffered abuse from pundits and media outlets are ‘not true’.

  The talkSPORT host insists pundits, journalists and fans should be allowed to call out what he believes to be ‘an average defender’ and criticise a player’s performances.

  He agrees that aiming personal abuse at players in unacceptable, but that it usually comes from supporters and toxic fans on social media.

  Speaking on White and Jordan just now, the host said: “It’s her son, she can write whatever she likes, but this is a moment in time that only Harry can overcome.

  “If you remember David Beckham after the 1998 World Cup and that game against Argentina, he came back as public enemy No.1 in England, there were burning effigies, but he overcame that with his performances – that is what Harry Maguire has to do.

  “What particular pundits or sections of the media are Maguire’s mother and Gareth Southgate referring to? Who are the pundits and outlets who have taken it beyond his performances and have turned it into abuse? Because I have not seen it.

  “It’s the fans who have started this abuse. Manchester United fans have been booing him.

  “This booing of Harry Maguire is not right, but the criticism of him being picked for England when he’s not playing for United, and his mistakes on the pitch, that is the territory of being a high-paid footballer.

  “Where is the abuse in the media? I can’t see it. All I see is that he’s an average defender. That’s my opinion. I’m not saying he’s ugly and stupid. It is not the mainstream media that is doing this.

  “Booing him and making personal insults is destructive, but it’s the way of the world in football and with fans and it’s what comes with being a footballer.

  “I can see why Zoe Maguire feels the need to respond, but it’s your strength of character and the support of those around you will see you through.”

  

• Harry Maguire’s mother has hit out at the abuse aimed at the Manchester United and England defender.

  Writing on social media, Zoe Maguire says the level of criticism the 30-year-old has received over the last few days is ‘disgraceful’ and says it has ‘gone beyond football’.

  The post on Instagram reads: “As a mum seeing the level of negative and abusive comments which my son is receiving from some fans, pundits and the media is disgraceful and totally unacceptable to any walk of life never mind someone who works his socks off for club and country.

  “I was there in the stand as usual, It’s not acceptable what’s been created, over nothing. I understand that in the football world there are ups and downs, positives and negatives but what Harry receives has gone far beyond ‘football’.

  “For me seeing him go through what he’s going through is not OK. I would hate to have to see any other parents or players go through this in the future, especially the young boys and girls breaking through the ranks today.

  “Harry has a massive heart and it’s a good job he’s mentally strong and can handle it as others may not be able to. I wish this sort of abuse on nobody.”

  

• Arsenal Ray Parlour admits he would have ended his career in Saudi Arabia if he was still playing today.

  And he also believes star-studded Saudi Pro League clubs playing in the Champions League is inevitable, saying ‘money talks’ in football.

  “If the Saudi teams keep doing what they’re doing, and with the influx of European players, it’s only going to go one way,” Parlour said on Lord Ping: Red Or Black?

  “I’m sure they’ll be trying to challenge. We’ll see what happens and see how long it takes – but money certainly talks these days. 

  “It’ll continue to improve. Look at the players they’re bringing in – all very, very good players who’ve played all over Europe in the biggest competitions. The Saudi league will only get better.

  “The structure for youngsters is key, too, and you’re seeing that with the coaching staff clubs are bringing in. Kids from the area now want to play football, and I think that’s where the league is going to look next. Going forward, they’re doing everything to become a stronger nation. 

  “The deals they’re offering players are ridiculous, really, and it’s only going to get bigger. Cristiano Ronaldo was the first big name over there, and now you’re seeing managers like Steven Gerrard. More money is going to be thrown into that league.

  “Sometimes the deals are too good to turn down, and that’s why you’re seeing lots of European players going. They’re thinking about their last payday. People may say players make good money in the Premier League, but the Saudi deals are mind-boggling. 

  “I’d certainly do it toward the end of my career. That would be my last hoorah as a footballer – to go to Saudi Arabia. Financially, it’s an amazing package they give you.

  “But I don’t understand people going there when they’re 25. I would rather play in the Premier League, and Champions League, and feature in all of the big games.

  “If I’m 33, or 34, though, I can see why players go and finish the last two years of their career playing in Saudi and getting paid very well.”

  

• Harry Maguire has opened up on his collapsed move to West Ham.

  The England defender is coming under fire after his own-goal against Scotland, while many Three Lions fans are questioning why he is still in Gareth Southgate’s plans despite not being in the first-team picture at Manchester United.

  There were also questions asked of the centre-back over the summer after he appeared to decide to stay at Old Trafford, rather than join the Hammers.

  Maguire has now explained: “How can I put this? We just didn’t come to an agreement.

  “They [United] were happy for me to stay and I was happy to fight for my place. I want to do that and every time I train or play I will give everything.

  “I know, at the moment, when I have not started a game in the first four games of the season, the story comes to me. I want to play games, I want to play football.

  “The first four weeks were hard because it was one game a week and the manager didn’t select me but we have lots of games coming up now and I am sure I will play lots of games.”

  

• Harry Kane has struck a deal to sell memorabilia exclusively signed by him online – joining a number of A-list American sports stars.

  The Bayern Munich striker has an agreement with United States sports retail giant Fanatics, which will start selling signed shirts, boots, autographs and other collectables signed by him.

  The England and Tottenham record goalscorer is the first British athlete to partner with Fanatics, who have signed deals with a host of big-name American athletes including former NFL star Tom Brady and MLB’s Aaron Judge.

  The 30-year-old, who was drawn to the company by its links to the NFL, which he has said he one day hopes to play in, said: “I’m thrilled to announce my new exclusive memorabilia partnership with Fanatics, who is the renowned, innovative leader in this space.

  “This partnership will allow me to share some of my most incredible career memories and experiences with sports fans across the globe.

  “It’s an honour to join their world-class roster of athletes across all sports – including the NFL, which I am incredibly passionate about.

  “I am extremely proud to be aligned with a company that is raising the game for sports fans all over the world, and I can’t wait to show what we have in store for fans over the years to come.”

  

• Everton defender Ashley Young has sent a defiant message to fans after a disappointing start to the season.

  After narrowly avoiding relegation and another underwhelming transfer window, the Toffees have one point from their opening four games.

  But veteran full-back Young insists Everton have the squad to reclaim their status as a top-ten Premier League club.

  Speaking to former Aston Villa teammate Gabby Agbonlahor on talkSPORT, Young said: “For the last couple of years, the fans, the owners and the club have been fighting relegation and it’s not what the club wants.

  “When we were at Villa, we were up against these Everton teams… and that’s where the club can get back to.

  “That’s one of the reasons I joined: to get the club back into the top-ten. It’s a massive club. They’ve been a big club for many years.

  “It’s about getting the club back there. We’ve lost some players, but we’ve brought in some really good players.

  “It’s about getting the points on the board. We’ve been unlucky in the first games we’ve played.

  “Besides the Aston Villa game, we’ve created five or six clear-cut chances. If you don’t take them and concede from one or two chances, it’s disappointing.

  “We know it’s going to change. We’ve got the squad to turn it around and us players know that.”

  

• Ex-England forward Gabby Agbonlahor insists Gareth Southgate should be sacked if the Three Lions don’t win Euro 2024.

  The ex-Aston Villa forward insists it will be a ‘disaster’ if this start-studded squad don’t win a major tournament…

  “If we don’t win the Euros, Gareth Southgate has to go! Even if it’s a last minute goal.” 😱

  “It’ll be a disaster if we don’t win something! We’ve got players at #MCFC & Real Madrid!”

  Gabby Agbonlahor claims there’s NO excuse for Southgate not to win the Euros next year. pic.twitter.com/pjQNX4Esco

  — talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) September 14, 2023

• Everton defender Ashley Young will join the talkSPORT Breakfast show at 9am.

  The former Manchester United and Aston Villa star will be reunited with Gabby Agbonlahor for the final hour.

  As we gear up for the return of the Premier League, the 38-year-old will delve into the Toffees’ difficult start to the campaign.

• Chelsea defender Malang Sarr was omitted from their final 25-man Premier League squad as Trevoh Chalobah was included.

  Sarr, who is thought to earn around £100,000-a-week at Stamford Bridge, has been linked with a move to Turkey before the nation’s transfer window closes on Friday.

  Academy graduate Chalobah does not appear to be part of Mauricio Pochettino’s plans either.

  However, the 24-year-old was named as one of the 25 players eligible to compete for the Blues in the top-flight.

  

• Forgotten Tottenham men Eric Dier and Hugo Lloris have been named in Ange Postecoglou’s 25-man Premier League squad.

  Former captain Lloris was expected to leave the club earlier this summer but stayed despite interest from Newcastle and Nice.

  Postecoglou previously suggested it was unlikely the France goalkeeper would be involved with this club this season – but appears to have made a U-turn.

  Dier is also included in the final squad despite not being part of the manager’s plans this season.

  The England defender snubbed a move to Bournemouth on deadline day and talkSPORT understands he is happy to let the final year of his contract run down.

  

• Welcome back to talkSPORT.com’s live football blog!

  Before the return of domestic football, reaction to England’s 3-1 victory over Scotland continues to dominate back pages.

  Amid widespread praise for Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham, Manchester United outcast Harry Maguire has been the subject of much criticism.

  The England defender scored an own goal after coming on as a half-time substitute and received boos from his own supporters.

  Manager Gareth Southgate insists the extended harsh treatment of Maguire is unfair and former England forward Gabby Agbonlahor has urged jeering fans to ‘get off the bandwagon’…

  “A lot of fans that boo him are sheep!” 😡

  “He’s going to be on the plane to Germany for England, so get your head around it!” 👏

  Gabby Agbonlahor urges fans to jump off the bandwagon and support Harry Maguire. pic.twitter.com/nsrPAffbbK

  — talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) September 14, 2023

• Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has returned to the club after recovering from his recent back operation.

  The PA news agency reports Guardiola has now resumed duties after three weeks away.

  Assistant boss Juanma Lillo took charge of first-team affairs as the 52-year-old travelled to Spain to undergo a routine procedure last month.

  In Guardiola’s absence the treble winners beat Sheffield United and Fulham to maintain their 100 per cent start in the Premier League.

  City’s squad were beginning to reconvene on Wednesday following the international break.

  They return to Premier League action at West Ham on Saturday before their latest Champions League campaign begins at home to Red Star Belgrade next Tuesday.

  

• Eddie Howe appears to have been given the dreaded ‘vote of confidence’ by Newcastle chiefs.

  The Magpies have endured a tough start to the new campaign, losing three of their four Premier League matches so far.

  A 3-1 defeat to Brighton before the international break particularly led to questions over Howe, with expectations at the high at a high following their big-money Saudi Arabia takeover.

  But, according to the Daily Telegraph, the manager retails the full backing of the club’s chairman, Yasir Al-Rumayyan.

  In fact, the report claims the Saudi chief is determined to protect Howe from ‘unwanted and unnecessary pressure’ during his second full season in charge at St James’ Park.

  It remains to be seen, however, how long that feeling will last if results don’t improve soon.

  

• Reading have been hit with a further three-point deduction from the EFL.

  It’s the third time the Royals have been docked points amid their financial struggles.

  In 2021 the club was deducted six points for breaching EFL profitability and sustainability rules. Then, in March 2023 they were hit with a further six points for more breaches.

  In August they had one point deducted and a further three-point deduction suspended for failure to pay their players in full and on time. That suspended sanction has now been triggered.

  A statement reads: “Reading FC have been deducted three points from the 2023/24 League One table after the Club failed to comply with the order of an Independent Disciplinary Commission (IDC) which required them to deposit an amount equal to 125% of the Club’s forecast monthly wage bill in a designated account by 12 September 2023.

  “On 15 August 2023, the IDC had determined the Club had breached EFL Regulations related to the Club having failed to pay its players’ wages on time and in full on or around 31 October 2022, 30 November 2022, and 28 April 2023. The Club received a one-point deduction, with a further three points suspended.

  “As a result of this latest instance of non-compliance by the Club’s ownership, the suspended sanction has been activated and, as per the Commission’s instructions, applied by the EFL to the League One table with immediate effect.

  “The EFL continues to acknowledge the negative impact sporting sanctions are having on the Football Club and remain extremely disappointed and frustrated at the Club’s ownership to meet its ongoing obligations under EFL Regulations. The League will continue to apply its rules in all circumstances deemed appropriate.”

  

• Jonjo Shelvey is set to leave Nottingham Forest and seal a move to Turkey, according to reports.

  The former Liverpool and Newcastle midfielder joined Forest in January but it has not been a happy move for the 31-year-old.

  He has fallen out of favour under Steve Cooper and has failed to make an impression in his seven months at the club amongst the manager’s other 43 signings since Forest’s return to the Premier League.

  And now the Daily Telegraph reports he is close to joining Turkish club Rizespor.

  Shelvey has not been involved in a Forest squad since April after a disagreement with the boss before a game against his former club Liverpool.

  Burnley, Sheffield United and Leeds were all interested, giving him a chance to stay in England, but he has instead opted for a move abroad.

  

• Tottenham have confirmed their Premier League squad for the 2023/24 season, and it features two unlikely names.

  Hugo Lloris and Eric Dier have both been included in the 25-man list, which was submitted today before the Premier League’s 2pm deadline.

  Lloris and Dier were expected to leave Spurs in the summer transfer window, but have stayed put with their exits not materialising.

  It’s a particularly strange situation for Lloris, with Heung-min Son named the club’s new captain as the French goalkeeper was set to leave, only for him to stay.

  He is now not even in the team’s core leadership group, with James Maddison and Cristian Romero named Tottenham’s new vice-captains.

  Non-home-grown list (maximum = 17)

  1 Rodrigo Bentancur
  2 Yves Bissouma
  3 Eric Dier
  4 Emerson Royal
  5 Bryan Gil
  6 Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
  7 Dejan Kulusevski
  8 Hugo Lloris
  9 Giovani Lo Celso
  10 Ivan Perisic
  11 Pedro Porro
  12 Richarlison
  13 Cristian Romero
  14 Manor Solomon
  15 Heung-Min Son
  16 Micky van de Ven
  17 Guglielmo Vicario

  Home grown (minimum of eight for a 25-man squad)

  18 Brandon Austin
  19 Ben Davies
  20 Fraser Forster
  21 Brennan Johnson
  22 James Maddison
  23 Ryan Sessegnon
  24 Oliver Skipp
  25 Alfie Whiteman

• Harry Toffolo has been given a suspended five-month ban and a fine of over £20,000 after admitting to breaching betting rules.

  The Nottingham Forest left-back was charged by the Football Association in July over the 375 separate counts.

  And now England’s governing body for football have announced that the 28-year-old has been punished, also receiving a fine of £20,956.22.

  The sanctions on Toffolo follow the imposition of an eight-month ban on Brentford striker Ivan Toney in May for breaches of FA betting regulations.

  READ MORE

  

• Sarina Wiegman has named her England squad for the inaugural UEFA Women’s Nations League later this month.

  The Lionesses boss has kept faith with players that made the World Cup final in Australia and New Zealand over the summer, where they ultimately lost out on glory to Spain, although Bethany England and Keira Walsh are both unavailable due to injury.

  The Lionesses will first be in action against Scotland at the Stadium of Light on Friday September 22, before a game against the Netherlands away in Utrecht on Tuesday September 26.

  England’s Nations League campaign sees them drawn with Belgium, the Netherlands and Scotland in one of four League A groups – the winners of each section will qualify for the semi-finals in February, before a final is played to determine the overall champions.

  Wiegman said: “By the time we play our first game, it will be little more than a month since the World Cup final. We have had little time to reflect on all we have achieved so far this year. Instead, we will have to make sure the players are fresh enough and ready to perform straight away, if we want to go far in another competition. We will play a derby match against Scotland and they have shown good development recently and are getting stronger and stronger, while we know all about the Netherlands of course and the very talented players they have.

  “It is the first time we have had the Nations League in the women’s game, and it will mean even more competitive matches for us to test ourselves. While the time to look back on a special period for us will come at the end of the year, it will be good to see the fans again in Sunderland. We have a great connection with the north-east and I know they will give us tremendous support again.”

  

• Graham Potter has reportedly rejected another chance to return to the managerial hotseat.

  The former Brighton and Chelsea coach is already said to have rejected an offer from Lyon, with reports the French club are now going after Frank Lampard after sacking Laurent Blanc.

  But now The Sun are reporting Potter has had another offer – from Rangers.

  The Ibrox club are said to be considering their options with current boss Michael Beale under pressure after a poor start to the new campaign – losing two of their first four Premiership games, including an Old Firm derby against Celtic, while they were also knocked out of the Champions League qualifiers with a 5-1 thumping by PSV Eindhoven.

  It is claimed Potter has been approached by the Scottish giants, but the 48-year-old has again said no.

  The report adds that Potter was not interested in even discussing the job.

  It is suggested the manager is relaxed and is keen not to rush his return to the dugout and is happy to wait for the right job.

  

• Juventus will be able to terminate Paul Pogba’s contract with the club if he is found guilty of doping.

  The former Manchester United star has been provisionally suspended by the Italian club after failing an anti-doping test last month.

  Pogba returned a test that had high levels of testosterone when the Italian giants played Udinese on August 20.

  If found guilty of doping, he could face a ban of between two and four years.

  And a report from Gazzetta dello Sport claims Juve will have the power to ‘unilaterally rescind his contract’ should that happen.

  Pogba returned to Juventus last summer, signing a four-year contract until 2026, but the move has not been a success with the midfielder making just 11 appearances since, with no goals and no assists.

  If Pogba is proven guilty and his Juventus contract is rescinded, it will mean a saving of €30million for the Serie A giants.