List of All Articles with Tag 'eppersons'

The Denver Nuggets won their first NBA championship with a 94-89 victory over the Miami Heat in game five of the NBA finals. In a back-and-forth affair, the Nuggets were able to hold off a late rally from Miami and claim the Larry O’Brien trophy in front of their home fans. Nikola Jokic again led the way for Denver with 28 points, while Jimmy Butler finished with 21 after a late flurry brought the Heat agonisingly close to forcing a game six back in Miami. Some early struggles from deep gave the Heat a seven-point lead at half-time, with the Nuggets missing their first 22 attempts from beyond the arc. However, Denver were finally able to get a few threes to fall and clamped down defensively in the second half, holding Miami to just 38 points over the final two quarters. Eight-straight points and a pair of clutch free throws from Butler put the Heat back in front by one with less than two minutes remaining, but the visitors were ultimately unable to claw their way back again after Denver’s Bruce Brown grabbed an offensive rebound and tip-in. Jokic, who ended the season as the first player in history to lead the playoffs in points, rebounds and assists, had his history-making postseason rewarded by being named Finals MVP. “The job is done, we can go home now,” said Jokic, whose trophy case also includes two NBA MVP Awards. “It was an amazing effort by the team. “That is why basketball is a fun sport, it is a live thing, you cannot say this going to happen, there are so many factors. “I’m just happy we won the game.” Read More Miami Heat mascot hospitalised after Conor McGregor punch Denver Nuggets with one hand on NBA trophy after taking 3-1 finals series lead Denver stars rewrite the record books as Nuggets take series lead

It was not the first time Youri Tielemans had made headlines on the day of a major final. A couple of years after he decided the FA Cup with a superlative strike against Chelsea came something that was rather less of a bolt from the blue. It may be presented as a bolt to the claret and blue, given his move to Aston Villa had seemed increasingly likely, but it became fact a few hours before the Champions League final kicked off. A few days earlier came confirmation of a rather costlier move: Jude Bellingham’s transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid. Before the transfer window had officially opened, it was announced that Alexis Mac Allister was bound for Liverpool. European finals occurred amid thoughts of goodbyes and to a backdrop of uncertainty. No sooner had West Ham won the Conference League than chairman David Sullivan admitted what was long known: that Declan Rice will leave, providing an appropriate offer comes in. There is the possibility that either the out-of-contract Ilkay Gundogan or Bernardo Silva will bow out of Manchester City having won the Champions League in his valedictory appearance. They could form part of what looks like being a massive midfield merry-go-round. If transfers are a staple of every summer, and discussions about them seemingly a global fixation, 2023 should appear particularly busy in the centre of the pitch. Others seen in the Premier League this season who are either definitely or at least quite likely to be swapping clubs include Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Granit Xhaka, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, James Ward-Prowse, James Maddison, James Milner, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Tyler Adams, Scott McTominay, Fred, Jefferson Lerma, Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves. That is before factoring in others whose departures might not be a genuine shock, a group that could include Conor Gallagher, Amadou Onana, Kalvin Phillips, Wilfred Ndidi and Brenden Aaronson, while Tottenham have their annual problem of what to do with Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso. And, given the Premier League’s status as huge net importers, there is every chance of arrivals from abroad. Borussia Dortmund’s Mo Dahoud seems likely to replace Mac Allister at Brighton. Borussia Monchengladbach’s Manu Kone and Nice’s Khephren Thuram are potential targets for others. A host of reasons are colliding, and not merely because high-level players are less likely to look for upheaval in tournament summers, making this probably busier than 2024. If there is the usual wish to upgrade, it is particularly pronounced at several clubs. Liverpool delayed their midfield rebuild, paid a price and only exacerbated their need for reinforcements. Erik ten Hag began overhauling Manchester United’s midfield last year but it was always envisaged he would want at least one signing there this summer. Arsenal’s swift improvement in the rest of the team highlighted the midfield as an area where, despite Xhaka’s best season in London, they could be better and Rice would appear better. Newcastle’s transformation into a Champions League club can bring a necessity to find alternatives, and potential superiors, to Eddie Howe’s worthy workhorses, Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock. Maybe Ange Postecoglou will want to give Tottenham an injection of creativity. Then there is also a phenomenon that has been apparent for a while: it may be a sign of the Premier League’s strength in depth or a failing on the part of some of the superpowers that some of the outstanding midfielders have not been at the supposed big six. Rice may be the most expensive example but the Brighton double act of Mac Allister and Caicedo, who attracted January bids from Arsenal and Chelsea, are other cases in point. Neves has been a player with enviable class who has shown admirable loyalty to Wolves but has been open in his desire for Champions League football. Indeed, one of the division’s dynamics this season, which in turn should speed up the revolving door of midfielders, is the relegation of sides with quality performers. The precocious Lavia never seemed likely to stay at Southampton for long but Ward-Prowse, whose consistency and set-piece delivery had drawn bids before, could have been a Saints lifer had they stayed up forever. Likewise, it is hard to envisage Adams in the Championship with Leeds. Their contractual situations may have meant Leicester would have always lost Maddison and Tielemans but demotion reduces their bargaining power for the Englishman. The Belgian belongs in two categories. Some of the midfield business comes because an unusually high number of talents are available on free transfers. Gundogan could be the most prominent of them, unless City persuade their captain to re-sign. Liverpool’s frustration with the injuries of Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain meant neither was offered deals. Then there is Kante, who is also part of another cause: Chelsea’s great disruptors, committed to inexplicable revolution. Todd Boehly and co may be taking a wrecking ball to a Champions League-winning team without intending to. Kante highlights the sudden emergence of supersized offers from Saudi Arabia as a new element in the market. But if Kovacic goes, it will be in part because Chelsea have contrived to alienate their existing players with their incessant focus on the new. If Mount and Gallagher are sold, they are enforced moves to try and balance the books – especially for Financial Fair Play regulations – after ludicrous spending. Meanwhile, of course, Chelsea will carry on bidding: indeed if most of Kante, Kovacic, Loftus-Cheek, Gallagher and Mount depart, they could somehow end up short of midfielders and needing to spend again, a few months after paying £107m for Enzo Fernandez. Others have more legitimate reasons to buy: just to replace. City will, if Gundogan goes. West Ham must look for a future beyond Rice and, as the reality is they will not recruit someone of his calibre, that may entail bringing in two midfielders. In turn, that can keep money swirling around, powering the merry-go-round. Some of the available players may find themselves in limbo for a while due to the excellence of others: those stuck on shortlists below Rice or Gundogan or Maddison or Lavia or Mount may have to wait to see where they go and when and what that means. The sheer number of compelling options available could make it a buyer’s market, even if some sizeable fees are inevitable. Some of the more astute recruiters seem to have done fine business early, in Tielemans, Mac Allister and Bellingham. Some European clubs may delay to pick up bargains at the end of the summer. The guarantee is there will be plenty more moves. Because by the time the window closes, virtually every midfield is likely to look different, some completely. After a Champions League final decided by a midfielder, this could be the summer of many midfielders. Read More How Jude Bellingham can become the anti-Haaland for Real Madrid Replacement for Granit Xhaka and a No9 for Mauricio Pochettino: Transfer targets for every Premier League club Liverpool begin midfield overhaul by completing Alexis Mac Allister signing Germany celebrate 1000th international match with dramatic Ukraine draw Kylian Mbappe alerts Premier League clubs with surprise announcement about his future Football rumours: Arsenal closing in on Declan Rice for club-record fee

Kylian Mbappe has told Paris Saint-Germain he will not take up the option of a one-year extension in his contract when it expires next June, according to reports from L’Equipe. Mbappe, a World Cup winner with France in 2018, confirmed his decision in a letter to the club and could even be sold this summer as PSG will seek to avoid losing him for free, according to the report. The forward would be free to negotiate and sign a pre-contract agreement with a new club from January should he decide to see out the remaining year of his deal at PSG. The French club, owned by Qatar Sports Investments, have already lost Lionel Messi on a free transfer after the Argentina forward left at the end of his two-year contract to join Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami. PSG have not responded to a request for comment. Mbappe was widely tipped to join Real Madrid last season but rejected a move to Spain to sign a contract extension with PSG. The 24-year-old has long been admired by Real, who had a bid reported to be as high as €200m turned down in 2021. Real, who have already agreed a deal to sign England midfielder Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund, could step up their interest in Mbappe following striker Karim Benzema’s move to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. However, Premier League clubs such as Manchester United and Man City will also likely assess their options and see if they can bring in one of the best players in the world. Mbappe, one of the game’s finest talents who burst onto the scene as a teenager, has won five Ligue 1 titles with PSG but the Champions League trophy has remained out of reach. PSG signed Mbappe from AS Monaco in 2017 in a deal reported to be around €180m, making him the world’s second-most expensive signing after Neymar, who joined them from Barcelona for €222m. Mbappe became PSG’s all-time top scorer after netting 41 goals in 43 games in all competitions and helped the capital club win a record 11th French title. He was named France captain after leading them to a second straight World Cup final in December, where he netted a hat-trick against Argentina before losing on penalties. Reuters Read More Lionel Messi to Inter Miami: Apple deal, MLS contract, salary, debut and everything we know How Jude Bellingham can become the anti-Haaland for Real Madrid Vinicius Jr needs protecting — or racism will drive him from La Liga

The dust has barely settled on the last Premier League campaign but already attention turns to next season with the 2023/24 fixtures set to be released. For a long time it appeared like 2022/23 might just be Arsenal’s season, but Mikel Arteta’s young side were unable to hold off the fast finishing Manchester City, who secured a third successive crown as part of their treble of major trophies. The pair again shape as two of the leading contenders for the crown, though Liverpool and Chelsea will both be looking to bounce back from disappointing campaigns, while Manchester United and Newcastle will hope to further develop into true challengers. The fixture release will also be an exciting time for Burnley, Sheffield United and, particularly, Luton as the three clubs promoted from the Championship find out their top flight fate. Here’s everything you need to know. When are the Premier League fixtures released? The fixtures for the 2023/24 Premier League season will be released at 9am BST on Thursday 15 June. All 380 fixtures will be confirmed at once. What is the schedule for the 2023/24 season? The last three Premier League seasons have been disrupted, first by the Covid-19 pandemic and then by last year’s World Cup in Qatar. The 2023/24 campaign sees a return to a conventional schedule, though does include a midseason break between 13 and 20 January. The season will begin on Saturday 12 August 2023 and is due to finish on Sunday 19 May 2024. The 2023/24 season will consist of: 34 weekends three midweek rounds one Bank Holiday match round Which teams will play in the Premier League next season? Championship winners Burnley lead the three clubs elevated from the second tier into the top flight, with Vincent Kompany’s side joined in making an automatic return to the Premier League by Sheffield United. Making their Premier League debut will be Luton, who came through a tense play-off final against Coventry City, and return to the top flight for the first time since 1992. The 20 competing teams in the 2023/24 Premier League will be: Manchester City Arsenal Newcastle Manchester United Liverpool Brighton Aston Villa Tottenham Brentford Fulham Crystal Palace Chelsea Wolves West Ham Bournemouth Nottingham Forest Everton Burnley Sheffield United Luton Read More Is this the Manchester City era? Why European dominance is far from certain James Ward-Prowse, James Maddison and 12 Premier League transfer targets after relegation Pep’s future and Premier League charges – Where next for Man City after treble? Kylian Mbappe alerts Premier League clubs with surprise announcement about his future Jack Grealish revels as Manchester City parade treble Manchester City’s trophy parade in pictures

What the papers say Arsenal are closing in on signing West Ham captain Declan Rice and are expected to pay more than £100m for the 24-year-old England midfielder, the Guardian reports. The move will make Rice the most expensive player in the Gunners’ history. The same paper says Pep Guardiola is firmly minded to leave Manchester City in two years when his contract expires. The 52-year-old manager will reportedly end his tenure in summer 2025 after nine years at the helm of the treble winners. Elsewhere, the Evening Standard says Chelsea are planning to step up their pursuit of Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana after his impressive display in the Champions League Final. The Italian club is understood to want at least £50million for the 27-year-old Cameroon international. And Newcastle are preparing to make a bid for Wolfsburg midfielder Felix Nmecha as they look to start their summer recruitment. Telegraph Sport says the Magpies have been tracking the 22-year-old Germany international for several months. Social media round-up Players to watch Mason Mount: Sky Sports reports Manchester United are continuing talks with Chelsea about the 24-year-old but there is still a gap in valuation between the two clubs for him. Harry Kane: Sky Sports also says the Red Devils are unlikely to make a move for the 29-year-old Tottenham striker as Spurs do not want to sell the England captain. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

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