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Danny Rohl will now have to just make do with his Sheffield Wednesday squad between now and the end of the season, adding in two more new recruits to the building on Deadline Day to help the Owls try and stave off the Championship relegation zone.

It was a case of even more loan additions signing on the dotted line at the death to close out the transfer window on Thursday, with Ian Poveda and Kristian Pedersen both joining in last-gasp switches from Leeds United and Swansea City respectively.

The Danish defender could well even be thrown straight into the deep end for Wednesday's clash away at Huddersfield Town today, as Rohl makes two changes from the side who valiantly drew 0-0 with Watford last time in this predicted lineup…

1

GK – James Beadle

Sticking with January temporary purchase James Beadle in goal was an inspired move by Rohl in the stalemate versus the Hornets, the 19-year-old Brighton loanee starring in the closely-fought encounter at Hillsborough.

Making two saves in the contest to keep his clean sheet in tact, Beale's confident and assured display in-between the sticks allowed the Owls to attack without fear that they'd be carved open on the counter-attack and lose late on.

2

RB – Pol Valentin

Pol Valentin also impressed in the match with Watford mid-week, standing firm throughout the 0-0 draw as a dogged right-back when Watford ventured forward.

Winning all but one of his duels up against the Hornets, alongside coming away from the tight match with a 100% dribble accuracy, the Spanish defender should have done more than enough to be retained for Rohl to make the short trip to Huddersfield today.

3

CB – Di'Shon Bernard

Likewise, former Manchester United centre-back Di'Shon Bernard should also be retained for the game in West Yorkshire today.

Played at defensive midfield on occasion in recent weeks, the 23-year-old was pushed back to the heart of defence against Watford and came away from the game with a deserved clean sheet for his efforts.

Winning 100% of his aerial duels in a dominant display at the back, Bernard will hope Wednesday can pick up an away win at the Terriers' next match alongside notching up another clean sheet.

4

CB – Akin Famewo

Akin Famewo has also been played in various different positions by Rohl this campaign so far – the German manager often utilising the former Charlton Athletic man at left-back – but the Wednesday number 23 excelled at centre-back last time out.

Famewo was unerringly calm on the ball, only misplacing six of his 74 passes on the night. Moreover, he complemented Bernard's brute performance with an equally stern display by losing only one of his four aerial duels in the stalemate.

5

LB – Kristian Pedersen

The first change Rohl will contemplate making is dropping Marvin Johnson to throw Kristian Pedersen straight into the mix, despite the Danish defender only joining at the final hour on Deadline Day and not having time yet to really bed into the Owls group.

But, Johnson's notable off-day against Watford could sway Rohl into taking decisive action and making this personnel switch.

The usually dependable Wednesday number 18 – who has been praised for being "versatile" by ex-Owls player Carlton Palmer in the past – only won two of his nine duels at Hillsborough, alongside not having his most effective night foraying forward with just one out of three dribble attempts paying off.

Pedersen could well be a little rusty, having only made four appearances for parent club Swansea this season, but the 29-year-old showed what he's about when the Swans faced off against Wednesday back in September – amassing two key passes as a constant threat down the Owls' left-hand side.

6

CM – Will Vaulks

The second potential change could also see Liam Palmer drop out of the starting eleven for Will Vaulks to come in, the experienced defensive midfielder even rumoured with a Deadline Day return to Rotherham United at one point.

But, no such move came to fruition with the Owls number four now in line for a start today.

Palmer wasn't poor by any means up against Watford, but it makes sense for Vaulks to come back in and take his spot back owing to Palmer being more of a natural playing in the back four.

The 30-year-old Welshman has also stood out in a holding role recently for his relegation-threatened side, managing two key passes on Boxing Day even when Wednesday lost 2-0 to Coventry City. Could Rohl give Vaulks another chance to impress away at Huddersfield?

7

CM – Barry Bannan

Barry Bannan might not be operating at his explosive best this season, only managing a single goal and assist for the Owls, but the 34-year-old Scotsman showed flashes of his skilful best against Watford mid-week.

Notching up three key passes, on top of trudging off the Hillsborough turf with 100% of his duels won, the Wednesday captain will hope he can break his lengthy duck when it comes to goalscoring and assists against Huddersfield.

8

RW – Anthony Musaba

Still boasting the title of being Wednesday's top goalscorer this campaign, Anthony Musaba wasn't at his deadly best in front of goal against Watford but was still a nuisance for the Hornets defence to keep tabs on.

The Dutchman amassed two shots on target as the Owls desperately tried to break the deadlock, with the right winger still hopeful of bagging against Huddersfield even after a frustrating day at the office mid-week.

Ian Poveda will provide Musaba with friendly competition after joining at the death on Thursday, Musaba raising his performance levels subsequently knowing Rohl could decide to drop him for the Leeds loanee.

9

CAM – Josh Windass

Reintroduced into the first-team fold under Rohl last month, Josh Windass repaid his manager's faith in bringing him back into the lineup with two strikes against Hull City and Coventry.

The ex-Rangers attacking midfielder didn't get on the scoresheet against Watford, but was lively all the same in a bright 45-minute spell – managing an impressive five key passes to try and cut open a determined Hornets defence, alongside just misplacing one of his 26 passes.

10

LW – Djeidi Gassama

Djeidi Gassama lasted the full 90 minutes against Watford and was a constant bright spark, launching himself into 23 duels in total during the course of the full game and winning a respectable 12.

Gassama's full-blooded approach to the contest wasn't rewarded with a goal, however, even with the Wednesday number 41 registering three shots on Ben Hamer's net. Yet, Gassama will be retained regardless with the Frenchman now a fixed-first teamer under Rohl after starting in his side's last five Championship games.

Alisha Lehmann has been reunited with Douglas Luiz at Copa America, with the Swiss sending an “I love you” message to her boyfriend.

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• Brazilian star preparing to face Costa Rica
• Partner has been loving life in California
• Speculation regarding summer move to Italy

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Aston Villa forward Lehmann has spent the best part of a week in Los Angeles. Having previously linked up with Luiz in Florida, with time spent in Miami and Orlando, paths have crossed again in California ahead of a Copa opener for Brazil.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Selecao are due to get their bid for continental glory up and running against Costa Rica on Monday, with Luiz forming part of their squad. Ahead of that game, Lehmann has been soaking up more sun on the beach while also taking in the many sights that LA has to offer.

• WHAT LEHMANN SAID

  After visiting the Walk of Fame and iconic Hollywood sign, Lehmann has made her way to the base camp where Brazil’s squad are being put through their paces. She has been able to catch up with Luiz again there, with the pair cosying up for a “love you” post on social media.

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Lehmann and Luiz rekindled their relationship late in 2023, before welcoming in the New Year together. They are now living under the same roof in England and have been spending as much time as possible together since their club campaigns came to a close – with both now being linked with summer transfers to Italian giants Juventus.

A report has detailed how Crystal Palace could be without star winger Michael Olise for even longer after his hamstring injury blow, which is set to keep him out for a minimum of two months as things stand.

Palace under pressure amid Hodgson sack rumours

Palace are facing the very real prospect of being relegated from the Premier League for the first time since their promotion around a decade ago.

"10/10" boss favourite to replace Hodgson as Crystal Palace search begins

Chairman Steve Parish is scouring for the Englishman’s successor.

By
Emilio Galantini

Feb 6, 2024

Eagles supporters have already been in full voice protesting the club's leadership under chairman Steve Parish, but their dismal 4-1 derby loss away to Brighton has only intensified calls for manager Roy Hodgson to be given his P45.

“It was a bad start. That’s the last thing you really want – to be a goal down against Brighton, who are a very good team at home – but I thought in the first-half they outplayed us. We didn’t really get to grips with them in that half, and they were pretty much in control for that half," said Hodgson on Palace's loss to Brighton.

“The two goals which came in quick succession really made life almost impossible for us at half-time – how are we going to get back from this? – but I thought in the second-half the team did make a good effort to try and get back from it."

Reports suggest that Parish is actively seeking a replacement for Hodgson, and former Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper is a firm favourite for the potentially vacant post.

Palace are just four points above the relegation zone heading into next week's clash with Chelsea. Adding insult to injury, only Burnley and Sheffield United, the division's bottom two sides, have managed fewer goals than Hodgson's men.

There is also now the added complication of absences for key men, with both Olise and defender Marc Guehi set for a spell on the sidelines. The former was taken off after just 11 minutes with a hamstring problem which is expected to keep him out for two months minimum, but journalist Sami Mokbel of The Daily Mail has now explained how it could be even longer.

Rehab could extend Olise injury lay-off at Palace

Indeed, Mokbel claims Palace could be without Olise for longer than two months depending on his rehab, with the thought of that surely coming as a scary prospect for supporters given his injury is already a "huge blow".

The attacking midfielder boasts six goals and three assists in 11 appearances this season, and if wasn't for his various spells out, the numbers would be higher.

Christian Pulisic has reacted to Tim Weah’s red card “mistake” costing the USMNT dear against Panama, with the American captain admitting “it sucks”.

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• Juventus star dismissed early on
• Berhalter's side threw away lead
• Must get something vs Uruguay

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The United States headed into that contest – their second at a Copa America event on home soil – looking to wrap up qualification for the quarter-finals. Having overcoming Bolivia 2-0 in their opener, confidence was high inside Gregg Berhalter’s camp.

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  Juventus star Weah was, however, to be dismissed inside 16 minutes against Panama in Atlanta – after aiming two reckless jabs in the direction of Roderick Miller – and the U.S. were left with a mountain to climb from there. Folarin Balogun did fire them in front, but an 83rd-minute effort from Jose Fajardo condemned them to a 2-1 defeat.

• WHAT PULISIC SAID

  Captain Pulisic told reporters afterwards of seeing the USMNT shoot themselves in the foot: “Timmy knows the mistake he made. That's it. He's going to learn from it. It sucks. It's not the way you want to put your team in that position. It hurts. Just the minimum, it's a lapse of judgment. It's just one simple second, you respond to something.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  The United States can still make it into the last eight, but will need to take something from a meeting with Uruguay in their final Group C fixture to stand any chance of reaching the knockout stages. Pulisic added on the challenges being faced from here: “We have to go and we have to represent our country with passion and we have to go and play the best game of our lives and that's it. We want to go, and we want to win. We want to continue this competition.”

A significant update has emerged regarding the potential takeover of West Brom in the near future, courtesy of reliable reporter Lewis Cox.

West Brom takeover latest

The Baggies are battling hard to seal promotion from the Championship to the Premier League this season, sitting in the play-off positions as things stand.

There has been a big off-field distraction for Carlos Corberan and his players to deal with, however, with ongoing talk surrounding the proposed takeover of West Brom. It is a saga that continues to rumble on at a time when many supporters want to see Guochuan Lai's reign as owner come to an end, heralding the start of a new era at the club.

A recent report claimed that Aston Villa supporter Alex Hearn could become a part-owner of the Baggies, due to an unpaid loan to his company, as journalist Adrian Goldberg has explained:

"The rate of interest on that loan is five-per-cent a month – an incredible rate. West Brom Holdings own 88 per cent of West Bromwich Albion, and the suggestion was made that if the loan isn’t repaid, Hearn could convert that loan into shares in West Brom Holdings. It opens the possibility that West Brom Holdings is part-owned by a Villa fan. It’s just crazy. Keep an eye on that February 8 deadline – things may start moving, because that’s a publicly notified deadline."

Now, another update regarding the situation has dropped – one that suggests things could now be moving at a promising pace in terms of striking a deal.

Key West Brom takeover update

According to The Express & Star's Cox, the sale of West Brom could now be completed in a matter of weeks, with talks ongoing between Lai and Dr Shilen Patel.

"American businessman Dr Shilen Patel remains the frontrunner and is understood to be the preferred bidder of MSD Holdings, the firm which has loaned the Baggies around £28million since the start of last year.

"Negotiations with Florida-based Patel have been ongoing for a number of weeks and are understood to be at an advanced stage, though he is not the only contender with the Armenian-backed Noah Football Group also retaining a serious interest."

It is certainly encouraging to hear that talks are now advanced with Patel, assuming he is now the frontrunner to complete a purchase of West Brom. Fans will just be desperate to see things sorted sooner rather than later.

The quicker it happens, the stronger the Baggies' financial situation should hopefully look, generating more funds for new signings during the summer transfer window, and it will also allow Corberan and his squad to feel more settled, focusing on the job in hand of getting back into the Premier League.

West Brom close to signing “really good” new player for Corberan

The Baggies are in advanced talks with the ace in question.

By
Henry Jackson

Feb 10, 2024

Whoever ends up coming in, it is essential that they are considered the right person, with a wrong decision having the potential to set West Brom back greatly.

Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has hit back at comments from Jens Lehmann in which Spain’s squad at Euro 2024 were branded a “team of kids”.

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• Barcelona youngster breaking records
• Part of an exciting La Roja squad
• Ready for heavyweight quarter-final tie

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Former Germany international goalkeeper Lehmann made that jibe ahead of his nation facing La Roja in the quarter-finals of this summer’s European Championship. The ex-Arsenal star said during an appearance on : “We've seen the good results [Spain] have had, without doubt, in the group phase. In terms of technique, they might be better than us. But they're small in terms of height, and they're inexperienced. They're a team of kids. They have very young players. They don't have much international experience.”

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• WHAT YAMAL SAID

  Spain only have seven players under the age of 25 in their squad, including 16-year-old Barcelona wonderkid Yamal. The record-breaking youngster told reporters when being made aware of Lehmann’s “kids” claim: “Well, we’ve already said that all these things help us to come out more motivated. In the end, what is he going to say? He is German, he is going to want to help his national team but, well, it will be seen on the pitch that we will show whether we are small and inexperienced.”

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  Lehmann’s comments have not been well received in the Germany camp, with World Cup winner Toni Kroos – who is preparing to head into retirement – saying of his fellow countryman: “Lehmann does not represent us. He always has a different opinion than others. They have shown that they have players with experience: [Alvaro] Morata, Rodri, Nacho, [Dani] Carvajal. It’s not true what he says, we expect a very top Spain team. They play very well, but so do we. I am looking forward to a beautiful game.”

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Spain are set to lock horns with Germany in a heavyweight quarter-final clash on Friday. Said contest would have been a fitting final, given the performances that both sides have put in so far, but only one will make it through to the last four and a showdown with either France or Portugal.

Lionel Messi has dropped a hint that he is contemplating retirement, insisting he is fighting his "last battles" for Argentina.

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• Messi guided Argentina to Copa America final
• Canada beaten 2-0 in semi-final
• Messi hints at hanging up boots

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Messi scored Argentina's second goal in their Copa America semi-final against Canada, deflecting in Enzo Fernandez's strike, as his side advanced to the final. They will face either Uruguay or Colombia in the final and the Inter Miami star appears to know that his career is winding down.

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  Messi had not scored at the 2024 Copa before getting his foot to Fernandez's shot, but he did provide an assist in the group game against Canada. Indeed, Messi and Co have beaten the same opponents twice, winning 2-0 each time.

• WHAT MESSI SAID

  Messi told : "Yes, I am aware that these are the last battles… I am enjoying them to the fullest.

  "It’s not easy to be in a final again, we need to enjoy, enjoy every moment."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Argentina are in the Copa final and will watch Uruguay's semi-final with Colombia closely. They will face the winner on Sunday night. It remains to be seen if that turns out to be Messi's final game for his country, though he has not ruled out the prospect of playing on until the 2026 World Cup in North America.

To say Glasgow Rangers have been revitalised under Philippe Clement would be an understatement. The Belgian manager took over a club in crisis and has since restored the confidence needed to ensure the Gers can go toe to toe with Celtic.

Indeed, they are now in a Premiership title hunt and clearly have the momentum following their recent run of form.

The 49-year-old has had to endure plenty of injury problems which have engulfed his squad since taking over, which included having to go through the festive spell missing eight players.

This meant he had to adapt his squad and feature a few players out of position in order to retain their shape during matches.

The notable change was that of Dujon Sterling, who has featured in a variety of positions under Clement and has performed well in each one, proving that the Ibrox side have signed a solid player who can adapt his game to fit the needs of the team.

Dujon Sterling was one of Michael Beale’s first signings

Following the trophyless 2022/23 season, Michael Beale looked to undergo a summer rebuild which would hopefully give him a platform to build a side capable of challenging Celtic.

The versatile defender signed a pre-contract agreement with the Light Blues in May last year and, on the surface, it looked like a reliable signing.

“I am delighted to welcome Dujon to Rangers, he is an exciting young player who, I’m sure, will be a great addition to our squad,” beamed Beale as he welcomed Sterling to Glasgow.

“He is a very powerful and strong defender, who has fantastic attacking qualities and I look forward to working with him at Rangers.”

High praise from the former manager and added depth was required in the defence, which is what Sterling would offer.

He has experienced plenty of highs and lows during his first year in Scotland, but his market value has risen rapidly due to his performances.

Dujon Sterling’s market value at Chelsea

The Englishman started his career at the Stamford Bridge side, going on to make just two appearances for them during the 2017/18 season.

His market value at that time was €2.4m (£2m) according to Football Transfers, yet he failed to make the grade at the Blues and went through a succession of loans over the next five seasons in order to secure regular first team football.

During this period, Sterling played 38 League One matches while starring 58 times in the Championship, but the chance to move to Rangers was clearly too good to turn down.

It has since proven to be an inspired move as his market value has increased and if he can maintain his current form, there is no doubt it will grow exponentially.

Dujon Sterling’s market value at Rangers

Despite the Englishman playing only 21 matches for the Ibrox side since joining last summer, he has emerged as a player who Clement can trust to fill in the gaps when key players are missing.

With this, his market value has increased to its current total of €3.1m (£2.6m) according to Football Transfers, and this represents a solid value for a player who cost the Gers nothing.

The 24-year-old has yet to even reach his peak and the more games he gets under his belt in the coming years, the better he will perform.

Dujon Sterling's season by numbers

While Beale made his move to bring the youngster to Scotland, he only played seven times under the Englishman as he could not work his way into the starting XI.

A handful of appearances followed during the early stages of Clement’s reign, but it was not until the Gers faced a crisis in the heart of their midfield that the Belgian turned to Sterling to solve his problem.

With Ryan Jack and Nico Raskin out injured for the League Cup final against Aberdeen, combined with Jose Cifuentes missing the clash due to suspension, Sterling came in alongside John Lundstram and did an excellent job, claiming his first major trophy in Scotland.

He kept his place for the next two league matches, against Motherwell and Celtic, and once again, he showed that his talents could be used in various different ways.

Having featured at right-back, left-back, and then in central midfield, the former Chelsea gem had more tricks up his sleeve when the Light Blues travelled to Perth last weekend to play St Johnstone.

Scott Wright had a poor first half which forced Clement into making a change and this saw Sterling emerge for the second half as the right-winger.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

During his 45-minute cameo, the 24-year-old not only made one key pass, but he also delivered one successful cross, missed a big chance and also won a penalty in what was a display full of attacking vigour, something that Wright lacked in abundance.

The 5 foot 11 gem was hailed for his showing following the game, with journalist Jonny McFarlane perhaps being his most vocal supporter, saying:

“What a player Dujon Sterling is. Versatile across multiple positions. Supreme attitude. Powerful and athletic. Will make Rangers a fortune if properly developed.”

Nothing seems to be fazing the defender, especially as he has gone on to demonstrate the full spectrum of his talents across different positions, while shining in each one.

McFarlane is correct, Rangers will go on to make a fortune out of Sterling whenever he begins to attract attention, as versatile players like him are getting rarer and rarer, that’s for sure.

Advocaat's £1.3m Rangers gem would've eased Sima injury woes

A former Rangers winger could be a star under Clement in the current side

By
Ross Kilvington

Feb 23, 2024

When the time comes, however, Clement will be keen on securing the best fee possible for a player who did not cost a penny when he arrived in Glasgow.

From starting the season as a backup right-back to the club captain, to becoming arguably a key member of the first-team squad, it has been quite a remarkable few months for Sterling.

With injuries likely between now and May, he will still have a big part to play as the Gers aim to win their first Premiership title since 2021.

Mike Dodds, despite being first viewed as a breath of fresh air after the dismal reign of Michael Beale was cut short, has failed to get Sunderland going ever since coming back in as interim boss.

If Sunderland were to pick up another crushing loss against Southampton today, it would mean the stand-in 37-year-old Black Cats manager has experienced four losses from four Championship games back in the dug-out with the Wearside outfit, sinking down the division at a worrying pace consequently.

Yet, one good result could turn around the club's fortunes completely with Dodds scrambling in his head as to what changes he could make to kickstart a positive sequence of results starting with a possible win over Russell Martin's Saints.

Pierre Ekwah could well be on the chopping block for fresh blood to get a chance to star tomorrow as a result, the ex-West Ham United youngster not at the races in his side's 1-0 loss to Leicester City mid-week.

Pierre Ekwah's performance vs Leicester in numbers

The exciting 22-year-old midfielder underwhelmed against Enzo Maresca's Foxes in truth, with the Frenchman failing to register a single shot on Mads Hermansen's goal to try to add more goals to his season tally of four.

Moreover, Ekwah wouldn't deliver a single accurate cross or complete a single dribble in the 1-0 defeat as the hosts – away from just the Sunderland number 39 in isolation – failed to ever really cut through the table-topping visitors with much purpose or drive.

Dodds could be tempted to stick by Ekwah regardless of his poor showing last match considering his heroics the last time the Black Cats faced off against Southampton.

The ex-Hammers youngster bagged two goals on the day as Sunderland romped home to a 5-0 win at the Stadium of Light, the Mackems' only win against their tricky South Coast opponents from the last five meetings between the two former Premier League outfits.

Regardless, Ekwah shouldn't be retained off his poor showing against Leicester alone with Adil Aouchiche champing at the bit to come in and impress over his fellow compatriot after an impactful cameo off the bench against the Foxes.

Adil Aouchiche's performance vs Leicester in numbers

The former Paris St. Germain prospect has had a stop-start time at the Stadium of Light since swapping France for Wearside last year, but will hope he can kick on after excelling against Maresca's men when drafted on to make an impact.

Aouchiche would notch up an impressive three key passes from just 30 minutes against Leicester, constantly wanting to create openings from the second he was introduced into the contest.

The slick 5 foot 11 midfielder was unafraid to test Hermansen with shot after shot as well in contrast to a timid Ekwah who managed zero, registering five shots on the Danish goalkeeper's net to keep him on his toes when other players took a back seat.

Despite only being on the pitch briefly, Aouchiche would receive a glowing 7/10 appraisal from Roker Report journalist Andy Tomlinson at the full-time whistle – Tomlinson stating that the ex-PSG man 'really troubled' Leicester.

Once described as a "little genius" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig during his days in the France U17 ranks – where Aouchiche netted a staggering 16 goals from 25 appearances – Dodds will want to see this electric best from his slick creator carried over a full 90-minute match.

Today's game could be the best chance to see what the 21-year-old is made of from the start, a potential masterstroke switch from Dodds if the dynamic French talent can steer Sunderland to a rare win.

Former Brazil star Zico has been the victim of a robbery in Paris that saw him lose a reported £420,000 worth of items.

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• Zico in Paris for Olympic Games
• Was robbed while in a taxi
• Goods worth €500,000 stolen

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 71-year-old was the victim of the attack ahead of the Olympics in Paris, according to Le Parisien. The former attacking midfielder was in a taxi in the French capital when someone approached the car to distract him while another individual reached in to steal from him.

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  Zico was carrying a suitcase that contained a Rolex watch, a diamond necklace and cash worth €2,000 and $2,000 which was stolen from him. The Selecao legend filed a complaint with the Paris prosecutor's office and an investigation to find the culprits has been opened.

• AND WHAT'S MORE

  The 71-time Brazil international was invited to the French capital as part of the Brazilian delegation to the Olympic Games. The incident occurred on Thursday night after he left his hotel.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Zico will hope that the Parisian police can find the suspects and return the stolen goods. In the meantime, the former Flamengo star will attempt to put the incident behind him and enjoy the Games.