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Cavan Sullivan: Man City ‘in talks’ to bring USMNT striker to Premier League from Philadelphia

Ben Miller
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Cavan Sullivan: Man City ‘in talks’ to bring USMNT striker to Premier League from Philadelphia

Manchester City are in talks to sign 14-year-old Philadelphia Union academy striker Cavan Sullivan, according to a report linking the reigning Premier League champions with a player described as “doing really big things” by his coach.

Sullivan, who is yet to sign a professional contract with Union, won the Golden Ball as the USMNT U15s won the Concacaf Championships in August 2023.

City have agreed the “main points” of a deal with the MLS club and plan to loan Sullivan to Belgian side Lommel SK, which is part of City Football Group’s portfolio, when he becomes 16, The Athletic has said.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Klopp storms out of TV interview
FA Cup semi-final draw: Man Utd to face Coventry after stunning Liverpool win
Ten Hag – We have a team for the future

Union are said to be open to an agreement which would keep Sullivan with them until he is 18, and the outlet cited two sources as saying they have made him the “best-ever homegrown offer” to stay.

“[Sullivan] has the talent and ability to become, I’ll just say, a household name,” Union manager Jim Curtin said in 2023.

The Eastern Conference club’s exports include Leeds United midfielder Brenden Aaronson, while Sheffield United defender Auston Trusty came through their system before joining the Colorado Rapids.

MLS commissioner Don Garber acknowledged to The Athletic last week that retaining youth talent can be a challenge.

“That 14-year-old kid who’s playing in Philadelphia who is rumored to be one of the best young kids in the world – how do we ensure that kid wants to play in MLS, that we could afford to sign him, and he wants to play for one of our clubs?” asked Garber.

Cavan Sullivan transfer

The report likened Garber’s comparison to the move Christian Pulisic made when he left home in Pennsylvania as a teenager to join Borussia Dortmund’s academy, later joining Chelsea and current club AC Milan.

Sullivan will not be able to play for City until he turns 18 because he does not have an EU passport.

He is the younger brother of Union homegrown midfielder Quinn Sullivan, a 19-year-old attacking midfielder or winger who has been prolific for the US at U20 level.

Sullivan’s older brother won the Concacaf U20 Championship in 2022 and was an MLS Cup runner-up with Union in the same year.

Manchester United v Liverpool: Angry Klopp storms out of TV interview following FA Cup defeat

Jon Fisher
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Manchester United v Liverpool: Angry Klopp storms out of TV interview following FA Cup defeat

Jurgen Klopp showed his frustration at Liverpool’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester United by storming out of a post-match interview with a Norwegian TV channel.

Klopp took umbrage at a line of questioning from a reporter from V Sport after being asked about Liverpool’s drop in intensity during extra-time.

Read our other sports news stories here:
FA Cup semi-final draw: Man Utd to face Coventry after stunning Liverpool win
Ten Hag – We have a team for the future
Laura Kenny retires from cycling after glittering career

Liverpool edged 3-2 ahead when Harvey Elliott scored in the 105th minute at Old Trafford yesterday only for Marcus Rashford to equalise and Amad Diallo to grab a dramatic winner for the hosts with virtually the final kick of a pulsating encounter.

It ended Liverpool’s bid to land a domestic and continental quadruple in Klopp’s final season in charge and the German’s irritation was clear to see afterwards.

Asked about Liverpool seemingly running out of gas as the game went on, he snapped: “That’s a bit of a dumb question I have to say.

“If you see us often…if you never saw us, you can ask how can they have more resources. We played I don’t know how many games recently. I don’t know how many games exactly United have played. That’s sport. 

“Really disappointed by that question but you obviously thought it was good.”

The reporter followed up by clarifying Klopp’s explanation was down to “too many games”, at which Klopp responded: “Oh you don’t think that. Come on.

“You are obviously not in a great shape and I have no nerves for you.”

The former Borussia Dortmund boss then exited the interview and walked past the reporter.

Klopp was more measured when he spoke to the BBC after the match.

He said: “United had a really good start in the game, we didn’t. We used the time and adapted well. We were outstanding but we had to finish the game off and we didn’t.

“If you’re only one goal up it’s clear your opponent is still there and we lost it in the end. I cannot ask for more. The boys gave everything.

“You have to accept the result. They deserve to go to the next round. There was a period in the second half when we should have finished it but we didn’t and we knew they could come back.

“I think my boys showed incredible character again, super effort. Everybody showed it. You cannot compare our season to United’s with the amount of games. It’s fine, we deal with it.”

Storio Group Ushers in New Era with Strategic Rebrand and Leadership Transition to Spur Future Growth

News Desk
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Storio Group Ushers in New Era with Strategic Rebrand and Leadership Transition to Spur Future Growth

The parent entity of Photobox UK and Bonusprint, formerly known as albelli-Photobox Group, has announced its rebranding to Storio group, marking a pivotal evolution in the European personalised photo product market. With a robust consolidated revenue exceeding EUR 340M and a satisfied customer base of over 11 million, this rebranding coincides with a key leadership transition, with Alessandro Coppo taking over as CEO from Tristan Money on 8th February 2024. This strategic overhaul is part of a comprehensive two-year post-merger agenda aimed at fostering integration, innovation, and expansion.

The announcement was made during a dynamic internal launch event, simultaneously live-streamed from Amsterdam, London, and Barcelona, uniting all European offices and manufacturing facilities in a celebratory virtual assembly. The event signalled the commencement of an exciting new chapter for Storio group, with celebrations echoed across all its locations.

Tristan Money handed over the reins to Alessandro Coppo after a commendable nine-year tenure, highlighted by the successful merger with Photobox in January 2022.

Alessandro Coppo brings to the table over 25 years of industry acumen, including an 8-year stint at Boston Consulting Group and 17 years at eBay, where he was instrumental in elevating eBay Classifieds Group’s revenues from $300M to over $1B. His leadership is characterised by a strategic emphasis on leveraging innovative technology to foster connections and ensure safe, delightful commerce experiences, aligning seamlessly with Storio group’s ethos and future ambitions.

Alessandro is poised to augment the solid foundation laid by Tristan and the existing leadership, aspiring to transform Storio group into a standout, cherished brand synonymous with connecting individuals to their most significant moments.

The transition to Storio group reflects the company’s maturation and its commitment to crafting enduring experiences. This rebrand embodies the company’s focus on innovation and growth within its industry. At the heart of Storio group’s new identity is its redefined mission statement, “To Make Joy Unforgettable,” encapsulating its dedication to turning customer experiences into lasting memories.

Alessandro Coppo shared his enthusiasm about his new role, stating, “It’s a thrilling time to lead a company that sits at the intersection of digital and physical realms and whose products have a deep level of emotional connection with its customers. Our commitment to innovation and personal connection is unique, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation laid by Tristan and the team. Our new brand identity and values will be central to our commitment to customers and employees.”

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Alessandro Coppo – Chief Executive Officer

Tristan Money reflected on the transitions, noting, “The launch of Storio group and the welcoming of Alessandro Coppo as CEO, marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Since the merger of albelli and Photobox Group 2 years ago, we have worked diligently to integrate our operations and set a clear path for the future. Alessandro’s experience and vision align perfectly with Storio group’s mission, vision, purpose, values, and proposition.”

With a refreshed brand and visionary leadership, Storio group is poised for market dominance, introducing innovative offerings to enhance customer experiences and drive sustained growth, in alignment with its rearticulated purpose, values, and EVP.

Medicana Health Group Brings Its Expert Healthcare to the UK

News Desk
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Medicana Health Group Brings Its Expert Healthcare to the UK
Medicana Health Group, a forefront multidisciplinary healthcare provider, has unveiled its strategic move to extend its esteemed services to the UK, catering to the increasing appetite for premium healthcare services. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s been a noticeable shift towards private healthcare solutions, driven by individuals seeking timely and personalised medical care. Medicana Health Group is at the forefront of addressing this demand with its patient-first philosophy, focusing on “active listening and personalised attention at every stage of the patient’s journey,” from the initial assessment to the follow-up care. This bespoke approach, which has been successful in Türkiye, is now poised to redefine the landscape of private healthcare in the UK.

Venturing into the UK’s £282 Billion Healthcare Arena

Following the pandemic, the UK’s private healthcare sector witnessed a revival in 2021 and 2022, partly due to an increase in self-funding patients. An unprecedented number of individuals are now opting for private treatment, eager to avoid the NHS’s extended waiting periods and access the independent sector’s superior quality and expertise. The Akeso report estimates the UK’s total healthcare spending in 2022 at £282 billion, with around 80% from public sources and 20% from private contributions. Capitalising on this upward trend, Medicana plans to apply its vast expertise and broad spectrum of care services to penetrate the burgeoning private healthcare market in the UK. Introducing its validated care model, encompassing everything from cutting-edge diagnostics to specialised treatments, Medicana is poised to fulfil the escalating demand for premier private healthcare. The group’s dedication to excellence, coupled with its innovative patient care approach, makes Medicana an apt solution for the UK’s healthcare requirements.

Serving a Global Patient Demographic

Annually, Medicana Health Group extends its exemplary healthcare services to over 5.5 million patients across the globe, including at its 16 hospitals that boast an impressive bed capacity. This vast experience in delivering top-tier medical care is indicative of Medicana’s ability to cater to a wide array of healthcare needs on an international scale. The group’s entry into the UK is expected to herald a new era in empathetic, effective, and tailored healthcare services, furthering their global mission to improve patient outcomes and healthcare standards. With over three decades of medical excellence, Medicana offers advanced services across numerous specialties, from Oncology and Organ Transplantation to IVF and Obesity Surgery. Beyond healthcare, Medicana has also ventured into education, offering a comprehensive range of academic programmes from preschool to higher education.

Olympic great Kenny retires to focus on family

Jon Fisher
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Olympic great Kenny retires to focus on family

Britain’s most successful female Olympic athlete, Dame Laura Kenny, has announced her retirement from cycling.

The 31-year-old, who won five gold medals, won’t compete at a fourth Games in Paris this summer after admitting the dedication required was impacting her family life.

Read our other sports news stories here:
FA Cup semi-final draw: Man Utd to face Coventry after stunning Liverpool win
Man Utd 4-3 Liverpool: Diallo ends Klopp’s quadruple dream in FA Cup thriller
Ten Hag – We have a team for the future

Kenny is married to former cyclist Sir Jason Kenny – the most successful British Olympian of all time with seven golds. They have two children together with the second arriving last July.

She told BBC Breakfast: “I always knew deep down I would know when the right time was.

“I have had an absolute blast but now is the time for me to hang that bike up.

“It’s been in my head a little while, the sacrifices of leaving the children and your family at home are really quite big and it really is a big decision to make.

“More and more, I was struggling to do that. More people asking me what races was I doing, what training camps was I going on – I didn’t want to go ultimately and that’s what it came down to.

“I knew the minute I was getting those feelings. Once I said to Jase, ‘I don’t think I want to ride a bike anymore’, I started to feel relief.”

Kenny was one of many British athletes to star at the 2012 Games held in London, winning the Women’s Omnium and the Team Pursuit and she repeated the feat in Rio De Janeiro four years later.

At the Tokyo Olympics, held back to 2021 due to Covid, she won gold in the Women’s Madison alongside Katie Archibald.

Although the lure of competing in Paris was there, Kenny said it wasn’t great enough for her to commit the time required to chase gold number six.

“I was getting these hesitant feelings,” said Kenny, who also won seven World Championships.

“Going on to win another gold medal, as much as I would love to do that, it wasn’t giving me the energy I wanted anymore, it just wasn’t.

“I wasn’t thinking, ‘I really want to go on and win one’. I was thinking, ‘I really want to stay at home with the children’.”

Spring’s Virtual Gardening Delight: Lawn Mowing Simulator Hits Nintendo Switch & Meta-Quest VR

News Desk
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Spring’s Virtual Gardening Delight: Lawn Mowing Simulator Hits Nintendo Switch & Meta-Quest VR

As spring’s verdant splendour envelops us, those with gardens feel the pull towards nature. Yet, for gamers who share a passion for lawn care, there’s no need to brave the capricious climes of the UK.

Lawn Mowing Simulator, a hit since its original release on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation, has won over the gaming world with its cult-like following. The game’s charm comes from its immersive, true-to-life, and relaxing mowing sessions set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes.

The game transports players to varied settings, from grand estates and castle grounds to neighbourhood greens and paddocks, allowing them to perfect their mowing skills on authentic, branded ride-on mowers while facing diverse challenges.

The introduction of Lawn Mowing Simulator to Nintendo Switch (14th March) and Meta-Quest VR adds a fresh layer of excitement, enabling players to nurture their virtual gardens on the move. This new release, a product of the collaboration between Liverpool’s Skyhook Games Studio and astragon Entertainment, capitalises on Nintendo’s innovative features to ensure a fluid and captivating gameplay experience.

The standard edition offers a peerless virtual mowing journey, allowing players to showcase their lawn care abilities across various vivid settings. It also provides the chance to manage a full-scale virtual lawn-mowing enterprise, encompassing aspects like financial planning, hiring, and procuring licensed mowers from top brands such as Toro, SCAG, STIGA, and EGO.

Additionally, the Nintendo Switch debuts the Landmark Edition, which includes extra downloadable content, opening up scenarios like maintaining a Dino Safari Park or the historical landscape around Stonehenge, adding an extraordinary twist to the game.

The VR version, set to launch on 21st March, elevates the experience with its array of pristine locations and a hub for players to operate their lawn care businesses. Developed by Skyhook Games Studio and published by Curve Games, the VR game introduces new interactive features, including an in-game smartwatch for easy progress tracking and goal setting.

This version employs immersive VR technology to provide a gameplay experience that’s not only physically engaging but also creates a serene virtual space, paralleling the mental health benefits of actual gardening.

As the popularity of simulation games continues to soar, anticipation for these latest Lawn Mowing Simulator releases is growing, setting the stage for an exceptional gaming experience. For additional information on Lawn Mowing Simulator for Nintendo Switch and Meta-Quest VR, please visit www.skyhookgames.co.uk or follow their social media updates.

‘We have a team for the future’ – Ten Hag hails Man Utd youngsters after Liverpool win

Harry Carr
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‘We have a team for the future’ – Ten Hag hails Man Utd youngsters after Liverpool win

Erik ten Hag hailed Manchester United’s young players after the Red Devils reached the FA Cup semi-finals with a dramatic 4-3 win over Liverpool, declaring: “We have a team for the future”.

Amad Diallo came off the bench to score a last-gasp winner in extra time as United ended Jurgen Klopp’s hopes of leading Liverpool to a farewell quadruple in a cup classic.

Liverpool had one foot in the semi-finals when goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah put them 2-1 up at the interval, only for Antony to equalise three minutes from full-time.

Read our other sports news stories here:
FA Cup semi-final draw: Man Utd to face Coventry after stunning Liverpool win
Man Utd 4-3 Liverpool: Diallo ends Klopp’s quadruple dream in FA Cup thriller
Man City vs Newcastle: Silva goals send holders to FA Cup semi-finals

United faced more adversity in the additional period as Harvey Elliott’s deflected strike put Liverpool 3-2 up, but Marcus Rashford equalised before Diallo’s winner sparked wild celebrations at Old Trafford.

Diallo fired into the bottom-right corner after taking in Alejandro Garnacho’s pass and was then sent off for removing his shirt amid the chaotic celebrations as United booked their ticket to Wembley.

After the win, Ten Hag heaped praise on United’s young players for the character they showed in sparking the fightback.

“The first 30 minutes was the best of our whole season, we were acting as a team but then we got gaps between the lines and you can’t allow this against one of the best teams in Europe,” he told BBC Sport.

“They outplayed us. Then we made changes, we took risks and the players were wonderful. The attitude was great, there was a strong belief we could win this game.

“We have a team that is for the future. Coming up are players who are developing very well like Diallo, Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.”

United have been handed a favourable draw in the last four, with Coventry City up next after the Sky Blues launched their own stunning comeback to beat Wolves 3-2 on Saturday.

A repeat of last year’s final against Manchester City could now be on the cards for United, but Ten Hag is refusing to look beyond Coventry.

“I think it’s always 50-50 in any semi-final,” he said. “To go to the final we have to win against Coventry, and we will have to play at our best.

“We saw that Coventry have great spirit yesterday, a great mentality. We will prepare our best to reach the final.”

FA Cup semi-final draw: Manchester United to face Coventry after stunning Liverpool win

Harry Carr
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FA Cup semi-final draw: Manchester United to face Coventry after stunning Liverpool win

Manchester United will face Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-finals after Amad Diallo fired the Red Devils to a stunning 4-3 extra-time win over Liverpool in Sunday’s quarter-final classic.

Diallo fired across Caoimhin Kelleher in the 121st minute to decide a remarkable game at Old Trafford, where United were forced to fight back from 2-1 and 3-2 down.

The young winger was then sent off for removing his shirt amid the chaotic celebrations which followed his goal, which ended Jurgen Klopp’s hopes of a quadruple in his final campaign with Liverpool.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Man Utd 4-3 Liverpool (AET): Diallo ends Klopp’s quadruple dream in FA Cup thriller
Man City vs Newcastle: Silva goals send holders to FA Cup semi-finals
Six Nations: Ireland beat Scotland to retain title

United’s reward is a meeting with Coventry at Wembley Stadium, after the Championship team produced their own stunning comeback to beat Wolves 3-2 at Molineux on Saturday.

Coventry trailed 2-1 with 96 minutes played in the West Midlands, but stoppage-time strikes from Ellis Simms and Haji Wright fired Mark Robins’ men to a memorable success.

Should United overcome the Sky Blues at the national stadium, they could face a repeat of last season’s final against local rivals Manchester City, who beat Newcastle United 2-0 on Saturday.

City will face Chelsea in the final four, with Mauricio Pochettino’s men edging another thriller against Leicester City on Sunday, with substitutes Carney Chukwuemeka and Noni Madueke netting in stoppage time.

Man Utd 4-3 Liverpool (AET): Diallo ends Klopp’s quadruple dream in FA Cup thriller

Harry Carr
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Man Utd 4-3 Liverpool (AET): Diallo ends Klopp’s quadruple dream in FA Cup thriller

Amad Diallo ended Jurgen Klopp’s dream of a farewell quadruple with a last-gasp, extra-time winner as Manchester United twice came from behind in a stunning 4-3 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Diallo was sent off for removing his shirt in celebration following his dramatic 121st-minute winner, which capped a remarkable game in which the Red Devils twice looked to be heading for defeat.

Liverpool appeared to be cruising into the semi-finals when first-half goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah put them 2-1 up, only for Antony to step off the bench to level things with three minutes of the 90 remaining.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Man City vs Newcastle: Silva goals send holders to FA Cup semi-finals
Carlo Ancelotti: ‘No favourite’ ahead of Man City-Real Madrid tie
Six Nations 2024: Ireland beat Scotland to retain title

Harvey Elliott’s deflected strike again put Liverpool on the brink in the additional period, but Marcus Rashford’s cool finish made it 3-3 and left both teams facing up to the prospect of a penalty shoot-out.

However, Diallo wrote the final chapter in a true FA Cup classic, finishing across Caoimhin Kelleher to send United to Wembley for the semi-finals and dash Liverpool’s dreams of ending the season with four trophies.

United shaded a high-octane start and were rewarded with the opener after 10 minutes. Rashford found Alejandro Garnacho darting in behind, and though Kelleher kept the Argentine’s effort out, Scott McTominay had the simplest of finishes on the rebound.

Liverpool were denied an equaliser by the offside flag when Wataru Endo steered Salah’s cutback home, but they got back on terms via a flowing move after 44 minutes, with Mac Allister’s strike taking a slight deflection off Kobbie Mainoo to beat Andre Onana.

Two minutes into first-half stoppage time, the visitors were ahead as Onana could only parry Darwin Nunez’s strike, allowing Salah to blast into an empty net on the follow-up.

United looked increasingly ragged in their bid for a leveller after the break, but Liverpool failed to punish them and were made to pay when Garnacho’s deflected shot dropped at the feet of Antony, who finished on the turn.

Rashford spurned a glorious chance when he side-footed wide in stoppage time after being played through by Bruno Fernandes, and that miss looked like being costly when Elliott’s long-range strike deflected in off Eriksen 15 minutes into extra time.

However, Rashford atoned for his earlier miss by slotting home after Diallo and McTominay combined to recover possession high up the pitch, and from there, the momentum was with the hosts.

With spot-kicks looming, Liverpool were caught out by a rapid United break, and though Garnacho’s pass was behind Diallo, the substitute got it out of his feet before tucking his finish into the bottom-right corner.

That goal sparked pandemonium at Old Trafford, with Diallo shown a second yellow card for removing his shirt. The youngster won’t mind one bit, however, after scoring a goal which will go down in the storied history of English football’s biggest rivalry.

Man City vs Newcastle: Silva goals send holders to FA Cup semi-finals

Ben Miller
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Man City vs Newcastle: Silva goals send holders to FA Cup semi-finals

Bernardo Silva scored two first-half goals to give holders Manchester City a routine 2-0 home win over Newcastle and a place in the FA Cup semi-finals for the seventh time in eight seasons under manager Pep Guardiola.

Playmaker Silva struck with two heavily deflected efforts in 19 minutes from inside the penalty area, the first hitting Dan Burn and the second wrong-footing goalkeeper Martin Dubravka via Sven Botman.

Alexander Isak had Newcastle’s best chance but failed to trouble Stefan Ortega – deputising for the injured Ederson – from close range.

City will discover their opponents in the final four at Wembley Stadium when the draw is made on Sunday evening.

Check out our other stories here: 
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Italy win in Wales
Cheltenham: Mullins caps incredible week

At a rain-lashed Etihad Stadium, Newcastle put in a damp squib of a performance as City scarcely appeared to build a sweat on their way to a comfortable victory.

The Magpies were unlucky to concede both goals but there rarely seemed a realistic prospect of Eddie Howe’s side exerting sustained control over a game in which they had 28% of possession.

Mateo Kovacic was a major part of City’s dominance in the absence of the injured Kevin De Bruyne, while Silva, Phil Foden, Rodri and Jeremy Doku – preferred to the returning Jack Grealish – were too quick and too slick for Newcastle to stop.

FA Cup result: City outclass Newcastle

Isak should have done better with the half-chances he was afforded and Dan Burn was reticent when offered a presentable chance to shoot from a promising position.

A trip to City is the cup draw no team wants but a return of two shots was the visitors’ lowest in a game for almost nine years and the tameness of their showing could provide Howe with real concern.

Erling Haaland went closest to scoring a third for City, collecting a pass from Kovacic and racing forward before sending his drive against a post.

The forward was replaced by Julian Alvarez as the Cityzens closed in on a fourth successive home win in all competitions which keeps their ambitions of the treble firmly intact.

League leaders Arsenal are the visitors in their next game on March 31, when they will start a point behind the Gunners and second-placed Liverpool.

Tenth-placed Newcastle could leapfrog West Ham into seventh if they beat the Hammers the previous day and other results are favourable for them.

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