Former England and Manchester City striker Francis Lee has died aged 79, the Premier League club have announced. Lee, who also had a spell as City chairman in the 1990s, scored 148 goals in 330 appearances for the club between 1967-74. City said in a statement: “It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of former Manchester City player and chairman Francis Lee. “Everyone at Manchester City would like to send their condolences to the friends and family of Francis at this very difficult time.” Lee, who began his playing career at Bolton, joined Derby from City in 1974. He won 27 England caps, scoring 10 goals, after making his full international debut in 1968 and appeared at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. City added: “Franny passed away in the early hours of this morning after a long battle with cancer. “His wife Gill and children Charlotte, Jonny and Nik say he will be sorely missed and would like to thank everyone for their kind words. “Everyone at Manchester City would like to send their condolences to the friends and family of Francis at this very difficult time. “As a mark of respect, flags around the Etihad Stadium and City Football Academy are flying at half-mast. More tributes from the club will follow in the coming days.” Lee’s first club Bolton posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: “All at Bolton Wanderers are saddened to learn of the passing of former forward, Francis Lee. “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Francis’ family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Conor Benn will return to the ring this weekend, fighting for the first time since his failed drug tests in 2022. The Briton, 26, will box Rodolfo Orozco in Florida on Saturday, having been licensed by the state’s commission. The fight will take place at 154lbs, on the undercard of Richardson Hitchins vs Jose Zepeda in Orlando. Benn was due to fight compatriot Chris Eubank Jr in October 2022, but the bout collapsed after the revelation that Benn had failed two drug tests in the lead-up. Benn was subsequently stripped of his licence by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) and charged by UK Anti-Doping (Ukad), though the World Boxing Council cleared the unbeaten welterweight of any intentional wrongdoing. Later, the National Anti-Doping Panel lifted a provisional suspension on Benn, though the BBBofC and Ukad have appealed that move. Orozco, 24, will bring a professional record of 32-3-3 into the bout with Benn, having secured 24 of his wins via knockout. The Mexican has never been stopped. Meanwhile, Benn’s record stands at 21-0 (14 KOs). “I am undefeated in the ring, and in spirit,” Benn said in a Matchroom press release. “A return on Saturday is a step closer to redemption. After that, I’m putting the 147-160lbs divisions on notice. You are looking at a determined man with a deep desire to beat them all. “Warm-ups, I don’t treat them as warm-ups,” he added on Instagram. “I don’t go: ‘Oh, this is going to be an easy fight.’ They turn out to be your hardest ones, because of the mindset [but] I treat every fight as if it’s my world-title fight.” Meanwhile, Benn’s promoter Eddie Hearn said: “Conor Benn is back, and I’m looking forward to seeing him pick up where he left off. He’s ready to go straight in for a big fight now, but his trainer Tony Sims will be pleased to get him back sooner against a game opponent in Rodolfo Orozco. “Conor is looking unbelievable in the gym, and I cannot wait to see him back in the ring where he belongs.” Read More Desperation and danger: Joe Joyce revisits risky Zhilei Zhang clash Joyce vs Zhang 2 live stream: How to watch fight online and on TV this weekend Eddie Hearn: ‘Ask someone to name three people in boxing, they’ll say: Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, me’

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Rumours linking Manchester City with West Ham’s Declan Rice gathered pace on Thursday as the treble winners remained the focus of considerable transfer speculation. Reports suggested City were poised to launch a bid for the highly-regarded England international, who is expected to leave the London Stadium this summer. Rice has already been the subject of interest from Arsenal, who have reportedly had two bids – the second worth up to £90million – rebuffed by the Hammers. City did not comment on the reports when contacted by the PA news agency. It is already shaping up to be a busy summer at the Etihad Stadium, with the club seemingly not standing still following their successes of last season. Captain Ilkay Gundogan looks set to leave City for Barcelona having apparently turned down a new contract. It is understood the Germany midfielder has been offered a three-year deal by the Spanish champions on more lucrative terms than those proposed by City. City were keen for the 32-year-old to stay but were unwilling to match Barca’s overtures. City had tabled a one-year deal with the option of a further 12 months. Given the player’s age, this was a pragmatic decision and Gundogan will depart with their blessing. He made 304 appearances in seven years at City and won 12 major trophies, culminating in this year’s treble triumph. As skipper he lifted the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League trophies. He also played a key role in the run-in, not least scoring both goals in the FA Cup final win over Manchester United – the first of which came in record fashion after just 13 seconds. City already have one midfield replacement in the pipeline having agreed an initial fee of £25million with Chelsea for Croatia international Mateo Kovacic. The final deal could be worth £30million if certain conditions are met. The 29-year-old, who joined Chelsea from Real Madrid in 2018, had been entering the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge. He would arrive at City as a four-time Champions League winner after three successes with Madrid and one at Chelsea. A deal for Rice, if pursued, would dwarf that. West Ham accepted after their recent Europa Conference League win that their 24-year-old captain was likely to move on before next season. They reportedly value him in the £100million bracket. He has one year remaining on his contract but the Hammers have an option to extend that by 12 months. There is also uncertainty over the future of three other senior City players in defenders Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo, and midfielder Bernardo Silva. All three have been linked with moves away. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Zak Crawley defends England ‘entertainers’ ahead of second Ashes Test Lachlan Coote retires from rugby league after fifth concussion in two years Billy Gilmour delighted to end challenging season on high with Scotland win

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Oklahoma defeated Texas in the 2023 edition of the Red River Rivalry 34-30, and Sooners fans took pride in letting the Longhorns know that they're not back.