Category: Sport

According to reports, Liverpool have learned how much it would cost to sign Nottingham Forest standout Murillo in January or next summer.

Forest paid around £10m to sign Murillo from Brazilian outfit Corinthians during the 2023 summer transfer window.

The 22-year-old has proven to be a great find and it’s only a matter of time before he earns himself a big move elsewhere.

Liverpool are understood to be in the market to sign a new centre-back as they need to land a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk.

The 33-year-old is out of contract at the end of this season. He may sign a new deal, but he still has a limited shelf life and Liverpool would be wise to sign a centre-back even if he pens an extension.

Earlier this year, presenter Gary Lineker suggested Liverpool are interested in Murillo after Alan Shearer revealed his “worry” with Arne Slot’s side.

“The one tiny worry would be if one of those two [Liverpool] centre-halves were to get injured,” Shearer said.

“I understand they’re after Murillo from Forest,” Lineker claimed. “They’ve been linked with him anyway.”

READ: Ruben Amorim secures early ‘victory’ over Arne Slot as sacking ‘demanded’ and subtle messages sent

Shearer added: “Right, interesting. Well those two at Forest have done really well as well this season, it’s one of the reasons why Forest are flying high in the Premier League.”

A new report from Football Insider claims Liverpool have been ‘told the bid Forest would accept for Murillo’.

Nottm Forest are said to want ‘more than £70m for in-demand defender Murillo’ as ‘Liverpool and Barcelona swoop’.

‘Forest will not consider January offers for the 22-year-old amid interest from Real Madrid.

‘Real have a pressing need for defensive reinforcements following serious injuries to David Alaba and Eder Militao, while Barcelona and Liverpool are also keen on the Brazillian.’

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‘Los Blancos cannot currently afford Forest’s asking price but could free up funds to do a deal in the next summer window.

‘Sources say Forest feel losing Murillo in the near future is “inevitable” as he goes from strength to strength in the Premier League.

‘The centre-back is likely to have a decision to make at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.

‘It is believed he is flattered by the interest from Europe’s top clubs, with the potential to play regular Champions League football a particularly huge attraction.’

Liverpool could also look to sign a new forward as Mohamed Salah is another player in the final year of his contract.

Real Sociedad standout Takefusa Kubo has been mooted as a replacement for Salah and a report in Spain claims Liverpool are ‘preparing a brutal offer’ to sing him.

‘Takefusa Kubo, one of the most prominent figures of Real Sociedad in recent seasons, could be on the verge of a significant career leap.

‘Liverpool, always seeking players who fit their dynamic style of play, has set their sights on the young Japanese as one of their top priorities for the upcoming transfer market.

‘According to close sources, Anfield’s side would be willing to put an offer on the table that would be around 80 million euros, a figure that would make it difficult for the Basque club to reject the operation.’

Gary Neville claims Manchester Untied pair Marcus Rashford and Casemiro should have stayed a little closer to home over the international break.

Rashford was seen at an NBA game between the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets in New York City last week, while Casemiro posted pictures of him with his family at Disney World in Orlando.

Neville wasn’t bothered by the optics of Rashford’s attire or that he “wants attention”, but was concerned by the Red Devils pair travelling so far ahead of Ruben Amorim’s first week in charge of the club.

“It comes with the territory when you’re this sort of player and stature,” Neville said when asked about the attention Marcus Rashford has received on the It’s Called Soccer! podcast.

“I’ve got very little sympathy for players who are the stars who are on huge money, huge commercial contracts, they want that attention, they need it as that’s what fuels them and makes them the great players what they are and that’s what gives them that adrenaline rush, they’re going to get more attention, so I’ve got no problem with that and the attention he gets.

“I’ve got no problem with him going away in the international break and I’ve got no problem with the clothes that he wears, he can wear whatever he wants, the only thing I would say, and I’m saying this very calmly as I don’t want a ‘Neville hammers Rashford’ to be honest with you, as I’m not hammering him.

“It’s been a very difficult period for the club and it’s been a very difficult period for Marcus Rashford. There was a player I used to play with that used to say, when times were tough that basically you go down to that extra level of detail in making sure everything’s perfect, you take the butter off your toast, you literally make sure you’re absolutely looking at every single 1% of detail you could.

“So I used to think standing in that tunnel, when going through a difficult time, I’d think ‘right I’ve got to work my way out of this, I’ve got to be absolutely perfect’. Every drink, every sleep, every training session, every stretch, has just got to be absolutely perfect.

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“So would I think the most relaxing way to spend your time, whether you’re Casemiro, and I’ll bring him into it, Casemiro is 30 odd years of age, Marcus Rashford is in his 20s, travelling 10 or 11 hours and I, to be fair, have done that quite a few times in the last few months, you get a bit of jet lag going to the US. So, a three, four day jet lag-based trip, when you’ve got basically the idea of training and making sure you’re fit, I don’t personally think it’s the right choice of distance and choice of destination.

“If the New York Knicks were playing three or four hours away, with a one-hour time difference I’d say go for your life. But I think personally, If I was looking at being absolutely perfect in myself, and I maybe took professionalism to an obsessive level, I wouldn’t be on a 10 hour flight to a different time zone that was potentially going to cause me more of a problem.

“Physically from a tiredness perspective, at particularly this point where a manager has just been sacked and we’re going through a tough time and all eyes are on us. I’d lie low and I’d go somewhere and rest. There are some Manchester United players who have gone away for the international break, and you don’t know where they’ve gone, but they’re the clever ones in my mind.”

Aston Villa owner Nassef Sawiris has explained why he has sided with Manchester City and will vote against the Premier League’s associated party transaction (APT) proposal.

All 20 Premier League clubs will vote on Friday on the new sponsorship rules which were drawn up on the back of an independent panel finding that sections of the existing APT rules were unlawful after a legal challenge from City.

But City have accused the Premier League of rushing its consultation and called on clubs to vote against the amendments, raising the prospect of further legal action should they be enforced.

The Daily Mail claim the vote is ‘on a knife edge’ after Villa wrote to their fellow Premier League clubs to explain their position.

They wrote: ‘It is now abundantly clear that any vote (if passed) will result in immediate further litigation by Manchester City FC and an associated defence by the EPL [English Premier League], incurring material further costs and unnecessary distraction and devotion of time to this issue.

‘It is highly likely that the tribunal will conclude within the coming three months, and that an APT rule that takes into consideration the tribunal’s verdict will be supported by all clubs and cannot be contested.’

The changes would need the support of 14 clubs to pass and the Daily Mail claim Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, Wolves and Everton all have their doubts and are considering their options carefully.

The report adds:

‘The meeting is of huge significance with many factors at play. Previous votes have seen abstentions and City’s threat of potentially-costly further legal action has not gone unnoticed across the league.

‘The league’s legal costs for a variety of cases, including the ongoing hearing with City over the champions’ 115 alleged breaches of financial rules, have raised concerns among a large number of clubs.

‘A vote that fails would also increase the pressure on Premier League chief executive Richard Masters and has the potential to have huge implications, according to those close to the matter.’

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Villa chief Sawiris confirmed his position in a statement on Wednesday.

‘In our view, a vote in 90 days on amended terms taking into consideration the Tribunal’s findings will have a significantly greater chance of securing the unanimous support of all 20 Premier League clubs,’ he said.

‘Crucially, a unanimous vote will present a fresh start for an embattled Premier League that began with the failed attempt to launch a Super League in 2021.

‘With the imminent arrival of the Government’s Independent Football Regulator, it is more important than ever that the Premier League can present itself to the regulator with a united front.

‘In our view, this will be far more easily achieved if the APT vote is held in February and supported unanimously by all clubs.

‘It is noteworthy that legal bills to date on this matter have already reached astronomical amounts; further challenges and escalation of these fees could be avoided through reaching consensus.

‘Ultimately, a unanimous vote will showcase the emergence of a new era of clubs who can compete vigorously on the pitch but work together to strengthen the Premier League and its global appeal.’

Chelsea summer signing Jadon Sancho has been accused of “falling back into his old ways” following his move from Premier League rivals Manchester United.

The England international failed to live up to expectations at Man Utd and had a major fallout with former boss Erik ten Hag at the start of last season.

Following this clash, Sancho was banished from the first team and sent on loan to Borussia Dortmund during this year’s winter transfer window.

Sancho returned to Man Utd in the summer and featured for Ten Hag’s side during pre-season, but he joined Chelsea on loan towards the end of the window.

The 24-year-old made a strong start to this season as he grabbed an assist in each of his first three Premier League games for Chelsea.

Sancho did not feature in Chelsea’s last three Premier League games before the international break as it’s understood that he had fitness issues. Former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara has subsequently accused the winger of “falling back into his own ways”.

“Jadon Sancho’s been given an opportunity at Chelsea to prove people wrong, but it hasn’t happened yet,” O’Hara said in an interview with Grosvenor Sport.

READ: Top 10 all-time Premier League managers list has Guardiola at 2)

“Manchester United spent a lot of money on him and it didn’t work out, so he’s gone to Chelsea and showed signs of brilliance and confidence at the start, but he seems to have fallen back into his old ways since then.

“I think the problem with Sancho at Chelsea is that there are better players than him in that squad – Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke are more influential than him. He needs to try and produce moments when he gets the chance to impress, or he’ll stay where he is in the pecking order.

“It’s always going to be difficult when there’s a big group of attacking players in the same squad, but I think Enzo Maresca has worked out that Sancho isn’t as good as a lot of them.”

O’Hara has also hit out at France international Christopher Nkunku, who has been linked with Man Utd amid his lack of game time in recent weeks.

The pundit has explained why the forward needs to stop “moaning” and “deal with it” so he can earn a spot in Enzo Maresca’s team.

“Chelsea should absolutely not be selling Christopher Nkunku,” O’Hara added.

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“He’s a top player and they can’t be getting rid of him in January. I don’t know what he’s moaning about to be honest – I know he’s not playing week in and week out in the Premier League, but that’s fair play to the likes of Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer.

“Nkunku just has to deal with it – he was injured all of last season and has come back this year, so he needs to fight his way back into the team.

“Chelsea are doing well and are in a good place at the moment, so Nkunku just needs to accept it and fight for his position. Big clubs need top players in every position, so I can’t see Chelsea cashing in on him.

“Manchester City have top players in every area twice over, so if Chelsea want to get to that kind of level, then stuff like this is just part and parcel of being successful.”

A football finance expert has predicted when the public will “hear” an update regarding Manchester City’s ongoing Financial Fair Play case.

At the start of 2023, the Premier League holders were charged with breaching over 100 FFP rules. They were referred to an independent commission following a four-year probe into their conduct between 2009 and 2018.

Man City have insisted on their innocence. However, if they are found guilty they could be given a huge fine, transfer ban, points deduction or expulsion from the Premier League.

Pep Guardiola‘s side have consistently butted heads with the Premier League while this situation has been ongoing and fought back earlier this year.

This came as they launched an unprecedented legal battle against the Premier League as they campaigned for the removal of Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules.

If Man City were successful, this had the potential to dramatically alter their FFP situation.

READ: Ruben Amorim already above Mikel Arteta in Premier League manager rankings

City’s APT hearing has already concluded. While the verdict has not forced the rules to be removed, it was deemed that a couple of components of the regulations were unlawful.

The Premier League have proposed new rules, but Man City remain adamant that these regulations are unlawful and they are attempting to block a ‘crucial vote’, which is scheduled for Friday.

It has been revealed that Man City have been ‘backed up’ by Aston Villa. A report from The Telegraph explained.

‘Aston Villa have rallied behind Manchester City in the intensifying associated-party transaction (APT) row by writing to Premier League clubs “strongly recommending” Friday’s vote is postponed.

‘Telegraph Sport has previously reported how Villa’s ownership has grown increasingly sympathetic towards the Abu Dhabi-owned club’s cause, but a written intervention ahead of the crunch vote is seen by rivals as significant.

‘Three arguments are understood to have been raised by Villa as the club suggest a postponement: fresh potential legal challenges, ongoing uncertainties around the tribunal’s findings and also further changes to the rule book after the introduction of the independent regulator.’

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In an interview with Football Insider, former Everton chairman Keith Wyness provided a ‘major update’ on Man City, claiming ‘the public may not hear anything about the 115 charges case until Easter in 2025’.

Wyness said: “I’ve looked in my diary and we’re coming into the 10th week of the hearing now.

“They’d always thought it could take around 12 weeks, so we’re looking at the end of the month or the start of December for it to finish.

“There is then Christmas, deliberations, examining witness statements, etc. So I don’t think we’ll get anywhere close to hearing anything until Easter.

“That will be around March, and that’s when I expect to hear about some movement.

“It certainly seems to be dragging on forever. It’s a lot of evidence, a lot of examination – but we’re getting towards the end.”

Ukraine defeated Albania 2-1 in the final match of the Nations League. Goals by Zinchenko and Yaremchuk early in the game brought the victory and second place in the group, which gives the right to play in the playoffs.

Yesterday, the national team of Ukraine narrowly defeated the Albanian national team in the final 6th round of the 2020-2025 Nations League. This victory allowed Ukraine to overtake the national teams of Albania and Georgia in the standings, which allowed the Ukrainian team to take second place in the group, which allows them to play in the playoffs for the exit to League A, with the team that took third place in League A, reports UNN.

Details

Preliminarily, Ukraine's rivals for promotion may be the national teams of Belgium, Scotland, Hungary and Serbia. The playoff draw will take place on November 22 (starting at 13:00 Kyiv time) in Nyon, Switzerland. The matches are scheduled for March 20 and 23, 2025.

Ukraine scored against Albania in the 4th minute of the match. Vitaliy Mykolenko went down the flank, passed to Roman Yaremchuk, who played with Georgiy Sudakov, and received a pass back. The forward shot on goal, but the ball hit the Albanian defender, but the leather successfully flew to the foot of Oleksandr Zinchenko, who scored exactly in the corner. After scoring the goal, which became Zinchenko's 10th, the footballer showed off a T-shirt with the number “1000”.

The moment with the T-shirt? It was an initiative of the entire team, because we realize what a day it is today. Our heroes have been defending our country for 1000 days, 1000 days of unbreakable Ukraine. I can't describe the feelings I have inside me. I can't imagine, even when I'm in England, how hard it is for our people all the time. I hope that the peaceful sky will come soon enough. The game. The result came first and we achieved it, we will fight for the A League. Of course, we had a lot of responsibility, first of all because of the game against Georgia. We felt the pressure, but the main thing is that we won

– commented on the episode after the fight.

Within 3 minutes Roman Yaremchuk scored his 17th goal for the national team, after Yukhym Konoplya's header was cleared off the line.

We started the game quite actively, played our football and forced Albania to make mistakes. I can't say that Albania wasn't determined, no. It was us who demonstrated that we have a completely different level. This made us play well, and we were able to win today

– Yaremchuk commented on the game.

Head coach Serhiy Rebrov said after the match that the game was very hard.

“We had a very tough group, all the teams played at Euro 2024. I'm grateful to the players for making it to the playoffs, it was very difficult. The Albanian national team, with the support of the fans, showed its strength in the second half.

It is very good that we kept this score. We had a very even group, all the teams were of a high level. That's why we fought until the last round. I don't think all our failures were due to the game.

It was an equal fight, even the first match against Albania. Both we and the opponent had their moments. It is very important that today the guys came out for the decisive game with a completely different attitude and showed our strength,” said Rebrov.

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In the middle of the first half, right back Yukhym Konoplya landed badly on his leg, but was able to continue playing after being treated by doctors. But in the 76th minute, Rebrov replaced Konoplya. Rukh defender Oleksiy Sych made his debut instead of the Shakhtar Donetsk defender.

If you saw, today Oleksiy Sych, who was not preparing to play for the national team, came on the field and was called up later. But he came on the field and played at a very high level

– Rebrov commented on Sych's debut.

Sych himself said that his appearance on the field was quite unexpected for him.

“Going out on the field? It happened quite unexpectedly for me. The emotions are just incredible. I think it is a dream for every player to make his debut for the first team. This dream has come true for me – thanks to the coach and the team for trusting me. It was a tough game. With the score 2-1, we had to keep this victory. The guys, the whole team, gave their all to win,” said Sych.

Recall

Earlier, UNN told you everything you need to know about the decisive match of the Nations League.

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Premier League giants Arsenal have been backed to “cash in” on three players “not in” head coach Mikel Arteta’s “plans” in the coming months.

The Gunners are under pressure to pick up positive results in the coming weeks as they are winless in four Premier League games. This places them 11th in the form table.

Several Arsenal stars are underperforming and need to step up if they are to close the gap on table-toppers Liverpool, who are nine points clear of Mikel Arteta‘s side.

Arteta will likely be looking to tinker with his squad in the upcoming transfer windows. In an interview with Football Insider, former Premier League scout Mick Brown claims Arsenal are ‘ready to sell’ Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney.

“There are three players at the club they’d be looking to sell,” Brown told Football Insider.

“And that’s Gabriel Jesus, Zinchenko, and Kieran Tierney. They’re not in the manager’s plans. When it comes to sales, you have to look at who your assets are.”

READ: Arsenal invincible ‘wishes’ Arteta would sign Liverpool star after ‘exciting’ summer links – exclusive

“We know there’s been interest in Saliba, for example, but I think he’s one of the last players they’d ever consider selling for any sort of money.

“If they feel they need to raise money, they’ve got these players who they’re far more likely to turn to. That’ll take a big chunk off of the wage bill and help them to reinvest in strengthening their squad.

“Sometimes the way it works is you’ve got to let some fringe players leave, raise a bit of money from them, and then refresh the squad with new backup options.

“It seems counterproductive, but it helps to keep the squad fresh and provide new options. Especially if you don’t think they’re good enough to play a role any more, or if you’ve got better options in their positions. So first are foremost, these are the players I expect they’ll cash in on.“

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Martin Odegaard’s recent injury seriously hampered Arsenal and Gunners expert Charles Watts thinks Lyon star Rayan Cherki – who is a target of Liverpool – would be a suitable replacement for the talented midfielder.

“Lyon’s plight is a sad one. Obviously, there is an Arsenal connection there with Alexandre Lacazette and Ainsley Maitland-Niles, so you hope they come through it.” Watts said.

“Should the worst happen and they do get punished with relegation then you would imagine some of their best players would come onto the market, with Rayan Cherki at the top of that list.

“I’ve not been told of any Arsenal interest when it comes to Cherki, but you would think that top clubs across Europe would be open to him as a market opportunity should it arise.

“He fits the type of profile Arsenal like to go for when it comes to new signings and there is a need to add another playmaker to the squad, as has been highlighted by Martin Odegaard’s absence.

“So it might be one to keep an eye on. Although the rumours are right now that Liverpool could be the club to watch when it comes to Cherki.”

According to reports, Manchester City snubbed Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim while they were “succession planning” for Pep Guardiola’s exit.

Guardiola‘s future has been in doubt of late as his current contract is due to expire at the end of this season.

The Man City boss has been in charge since 2016. He has helped them win the Premier League six times and the Champions League once.

The Spaniard has been linked with several jobs in recent months as he ponders his next move but it was revealed on Tuesday night that he has ‘agreed to sign’ a new contract.

The Athletic‘s Sam Lee revealed: ‘Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has agreed a new one-year contract extension with the option of an additional year.

‘The 53-year-old’s existing City deal was due to expire at the end of this season and, if the new terms are fulfilled, it would take Guardiola to over a decade in charge of the club.

‘An official announcement confirming the new contract is expected in the coming days.’

READ: Man City ‘priority’ target prefers Man Utd after ‘speaking with Ruben Amorim’ in ‘major coup’

The uncertainty surrounding Guardiola came at a difficult time for Man City. They are still facing alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play rules as their case against the Premier League is ongoing.

City have also had to deal with director of football Txiki Begiristain announcing that he would be leaving at the end of this season.

Guardiola is close with Begiristain and it was feared that the head coach would follow his compatriot in leaving Man City at the end of this season, but this will not be happening.

Man City moved quickly to replace Begiristain as they have appointed Hugo Viana, who has left Sporting Lisbon to join the Premier League side.

Viana’s move to Man City fuelled speculation surrounding Amorim being the manager chosen to replace Guardiola.

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Amorim exited the Man City picture earlier this month as was appointed to replace Erik ten Hag at Man Utd.

After the reveal on Tuesday evening concerning Guardiola, a report from journalist Ben Jacobs revealed why Man City did not consider Amorim a top target to replace their beloved head coach.

Jacobs said: “City confident since October that Pep would stay. As reported, all parties have been working since then towards Pep signing in November.

“Hugo Viana also aware of this before accepting the sporting director role. Was not under the impression from interview or talks that an imminent manager change would occur.

“Pep was coy on his future over the summer, but #MCFC always calm he would extend.

“Although City have succession planning in place, like all well-run clubs, there was no outreach to other managers, including Ruben Amorim, who City sources insist is not a stylistic fit. Official confirmation expected this week.”

The Ukrainian national soccer team defeated Albania 2-1 in a Nations League match. Thanks to this victory and the Czech Republic's win over Georgia, Ukraine took second place in the group and qualified for the playoffs for a place in Division A.

Ukraine's men's national football team defeated Albania in the group stage of the Nations League, which allowed it to qualify for the playoffs for a place in the top division. This was reported by the Ukrainian Football Association, UNN reports.

Details

In order to keep their chances of promotion, the Ukrainians had to win, as a defeat would automatically send the team to Division C. And they fulfilled the task perfectly, opening the scoring in the 7th minute thanks to a goal by Oleksandr Zinchenko. Three minutes later, Roman Yaremchuk doubled the Ukrainians' lead.

Albania was able to respond in the 75th minute when they were awarded a penalty kick and cut the deficit to 1-2.

The match ended in a victory for Ukraine.

Thanks to this success and the Czech Republic's parallel victory over Georgia, the Ukrainian national team climbed to second place in the group, giving it a chance to continue its fight for the playoffs to reach Division A of the Nations League.

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According to reports, Manchester City have been ‘joined’ by rivals Aston Villa as the Associated Party Transaction ‘row is intensifying’.

At the start of 2023, Man City were charged with breaching over 100 of the Premier League’s Financial Fair Play rules.

This followed a four-year probe into their conduct between 2009 and 2018. If they are found guilty, they could be given a huge fine, points deduction, transfer ban or expulsion from the Premier League.

Pep Guardiola‘s side have insisted on their innocence and fought back against the Premier League in the summer as they campaigned for the removal of APT rules.

While City’s FFP case remains ongoing, their APT hearing has already concluded. They did not force the rules to be removed, but a couple of components of the current regulations were deemed unlawful.

In response, the Premier League have ‘proposed changes to sponsorship rules’. However, Man City subsequently ‘launched another stinging attack’, insisting these rules are also ‘unlawful’.

READ: Man City stars reassigned after FFP ‘expulsion’: Foden to Chelsea as Arsenal land centre-back

The tension between Man City and the Premier League is unlikely to ease anytime soon and a report from The Telegraph revealed Aston Villa have ‘backed’ their rivals.

It is claimed that they have ‘urged the Premier League to postpone Friday’s crucial APT vote’.

‘Aston Villa have rallied behind Manchester City in the intensifying associated-party transaction (APT) row by writing to Premier League clubs “strongly recommending” Friday’s vote is postponed.

‘Telegraph Sport has previously reported how Villa’s ownership has grown increasingly sympathetic towards the Abu Dhabi-owned club’s cause, but a written intervention ahead of the crunch vote is seen by rivals as significant.

‘Three arguments are understood to have been raised by Villa as the club suggest a postponement: fresh potential legal challenges, ongoing uncertainties around the tribunal’s findings and also further changes to the rule book after the introduction of the independent regulator.’

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The Times have backed up this report, saying Aston Villa have ‘joined’ Man City in ‘calling’ for Friday’s ‘watershed moment’ to be ‘postponed’.

‘The Premier League intends to press ahead with a vote on Associated Party Transactions (APT) despite Villa joining City in calling for it to be postponed.

‘City are understood to have been in touch with other clubs to try to get the necessary seven votes needed to block it.

‘Villa have written to the Premier League and the other 19 clubs in England’s top flight urging for the vote at Friday’s shareholders’ meeting to be put on hold.

‘However other clubs are determined that it should go ahead and one source said the outcome was “critical to the future of the Premier League”.

‘The row follows the legal challenge by Manchester City against APTs — brought after the league rejected a huge new Etihad sponsorship deal as being not of fair market value — in which the club claimed victory on some key points.

‘The independent tribunal has yet to provide full clarification on the status of the league’s APT rules after its judgment.’