themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-23--Has political peace broken out over northern rail projects?

After months of open warfare between central and local government over the pandemic response , there is one area in which the mood music is currently a little sweeter .
On northern rail projects , traditionally the subject of much fractious political disagreement between leaders here and those calling the shots in London , the tone has shifted and the pace of ministerial progress , according to Andy Burnham today , has seen a 'gear change ’ .
In 2019 , the background noise was not so soothing .
Jake Berry , Northern Powerhouse minister at the time , seemed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local politicians - such as when he blamed them for the continued existence of Northern Rail ’ s franchise , even though behind the scenes they had been lobbying for it to be nationalised for months .
Equally the consensus on Chris Grayling ’ s tenure as transport secretary doesn ’ t really need repeating , although many within local government circles are more than prepared to reiterate it .
For much of last year and the year before , Labour ’ s Andy Burnham spent a considerable amount of time attacking the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ northern transport woes .
So after years of frustration over delays , excuses , timetable failures , drifting electrification and creaking rail corridors , it was unclear where the rhetoric from a new Tory leadership last summer would lead .
There has been much water under the bridge since then .
With ministers conscious some evidence of ‘ levelling up ’ now needs to be delivered in former 'red wall ' seats within four years , and with leaders here as keen as ever to finally see some progress , the tone has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are the odd couple - hardly natural allies , ” he writes of his relationship with Burnham , before pressing the need to break the 'circular argument ' that continually sees transport cash focused on London .
“ But we share a desire to rectify this transport deficit , and get things moving .
This is practical politics , getting together to solve problems that do not discriminate when it comes to party affiliation .
But this emphasis on delivery will work for Conservative MPs across the North , too .
Particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wall and who now occupy marginals in which expectations are high.
” Breaking the Whitehall obsession with self-reinforcing investment in the south east was , party politically speaking , at one time a Labour argument .
But the 2019 election result - precipitated by Brexit - changed the rules .
Politicians on both sides of the party divide now have reason to expound it .
Announcing nearly £589m extra towards the upgrade of the Transpennine route , Shapps noted Greater Manchester 's Labour mayor ‘ was generous in his praise for these initial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this government is its willingness to experiment , not only with solutions to problems that affect us all , but in relationships with others who may not fully share our beliefs , ” he wrote .
“ Pragmatism must be our ideology .
Conservatives are best when they tackle problems in a rational , practical way .
It ’ s what people expect of us.
” That ’ s quite a shift in tone from the days of Grayling .
And he ’ s right - Burnham was , today , very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department for Transport press release on the announcement featured a pretty fulsome quote from the mayor welcoming the new cash for Transpennine electrification , twin tracking and freight upgrades , albeit stressing that this can not be a substitute for Northern Powerhouse Rail .
“ These were all of the things we pressed them for , ” he told the M.E.N .
after a media opportunity with Shapps this morning .
“ You can ’ t go out there pressing them and then when they do it , find another reason to criticise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very different with this transport secretary than the last ’ , he conceded , adding : “ There ’ s no need to find reasons to disagree with him.
” Insiders say the two get on pretty well personally , which doesn ’ t do any harm .
Meanwhile Shapps is viewed as far less partisan or ideological than either Berry or Grayling .
But a thawing of relations should come as no great surprise for other reasons too .
The interests of both politicians now align pretty neatly .
For Andy Burnham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the railways , campaigning on the north ’ s crippled network has become a hallmark of his first term .
So far he has been able - partly through deft political choreography - to claim credit for forcing the renationalisation of the failing Northern Rail franchise and regularly notes that transport is the issue people contact him about the most .
On the government ’ s side , the need to enact change quickly is an imperative .
Both before and after the general election , political advisors in London were on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivered swiftly .
Step up the new ‘ northern transport acceleration council ’ announced today , a body focused on delivery that will comprise northern leaders promised a hotline into Grant Shapps as chair .
The first phase of the Transpennine upgrade could be one of the projects completed within this Parliament .
One senior local figure notes we ’ ve been here before , however .
“ What he ’ s announced gets announced on a regular basis and has been announced repeatedly over the last eight years , ” they note @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promises by government stretching back to George Osborne ’ s days in the Treasury .
But , equally , the government itself wants - and needs - to get things delivered .
“ I do think there ’ s a new tone from government of frustration , ” they add .
“ I ’ m not sure it ’ s always aimed in the right places , because I don ’ t think they are well served by the Department for Transport or Network Rail .
But there is a frustration that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happening and there ’ s now a real determination to change that .
If that is the case , then that ’ s got to be relatively good news.
” Many questions remain .
Today ’ s £600m is only for the first phase of the Transpennine upgrade and when asked by the M.E.N .
about the timescale for the wider project , the transport secretary today admitted it won ’ t be done before the next election .
“ We ’ ll have the whole project completed in the 2020s but this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so before 2024 , ” he said .
So theoretically , it could be the best part of a decade before this work - originally slated for the end of 2022 - is finished ?
“ Yes , ” he admitted , before distancing this latest plan from the scheme tabled by Chris Grayling , which never got done .
“ In terms of what we ’ re now proposing is I think a bigger deal than ’ s been on the cards .
“ There ’ s been a £3bn programme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some additional bits and pieces ... but I think we ’ re very likely to be saying ‘ actually , we should be doing this job properly ’ .
“ We should be electrifying throughout and we should get journey times down to 30 minutes , which we ’ re a long way from at the moment .
“ And the package we ’ ve described up until now doesn ’ t get us there .
So this is upping the game.
” The full details of what will and will not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the year , however , as part of the government 's 'integrated rail plan ' , which will also cover northern high-speed links .
Being transport secretary has to be one of the more enjoyable jobs in government at the moment , so it is perhaps no wonder he ’ s chipper .
Chequebooks are being opened for his department in the wake of repeated promises of increased capital spending , all the way from 2019 manifesto to March Budget to post-lockdown relaunch .
Improvements to the Castlefield rail bottleneck could fall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , although at present that has merely been given a £10m pot to draw up a plan .
Shapps seemed to admit today that the result , which comes after endless reviews of previous plans , won ’ t necessarily include long-promised extra platforms at Piccadilly Station .
Giving Piccadilly new platforms at 15 and 16 had ‘ almost become a totemic thing ’ where delayed upgrades are concerned , he said , but added : “ I don ’ t really care how we resolve this .
I just want it fixed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work out what needs to be done if we are to sort out the corridor and they proposed that £10m would help see it through .
And we ’ ll see what they come out the other end with.
” The plan so far seems to involve re-routing some services that currently run through Piccadilly ’ s desperately cramped platforms 13 and 14 - including pan-northern services - through Victoria instead .
Infrastructure improvements would still also be needed , including on junctions at Ordsall and Ardwick , as well as radical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
Leaders here remain skeptical about this , particularly given the number of previous solutions lying around in Whitehall .
They still believe in a need to run longer trains through Piccadilly , for example , while one insider points out that the trains run by various operators have doors in different places , adding a basic complication to the logistics .
“ If you ’ re not careful , you end up spending more than you would have done just doing 15 and 16 , ” they note .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he told the M.E.N .
of whether the latest plan would work .
“ We have frustrations that a scheme that ’ s been worked up over the years again is being abandoned , seemingly in favour of an alternative , which we haven ’ t yet details of .
“ It ’ s my position , [ Manchester council leader ] Sir Richard Leese ’ s position , Greater Manchester ’ s position , that 15 and 16 should be in the scheme .
They ’ ve got a short time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better .
They ’ ve got a short window.
” Meanwhile rail infrastructure is only one part of the transport equation .
In towns and cities across the north it will be local public transport that makes the biggest difference to the lives of most people , particularly buses .
Currently , as one transport figure says , buses are ‘ driving around carrying fresh air ’ due to the Covid-19 crisis and bailout packages for many local transport networks - including the Metrolink - run out next month , with no indication @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Equally , whether the increasingly pragmatic view being taken in Greater Manchester is shared in other northern communities is another question .
Not everywhere has a mayor with the kind of platform or connections enjoyed by Burnham , while other areas have worries about other drifting projects - such as the threat to HS2 's eastern leg .
But there is certainly widespread relief at no longer having to deal with Shapps ’ s predecessor .
“ It ’ s certainly an improvement from Grayling , ” says one local official elsewhere of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ It ’ s like night and day.
” Given that pragmatic relationships with Tory governments have been a longstanding feature of Greater Manchester ’ s approach , there is now a calculation that it ’ s at least worth a go .
Both sides will have an eye to take credit for progress at the other end , but that may just be how things end up getting done .
As one official says of pragmatism over naked partisanship : “ Everyone knows everyone else is playing the game .
”

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After months of open warfare between central and local government over the pandemic response, there is one area in which the mood music is currently a little sweeter.
On northern rail projects, traditionally the subject of much fractious political disagreement between leaders here and those calling the shots in London, the tone has shifted and the pace of ministerial progress, according to Andy Burnham today, has seen a 'gear change’.
In 2019, the background noise was not so soothing. Jake Berry, Northern Powerhouse minister at the time, seemed to make a habit of actively irritating local politicians - such as when he blamed them for the continued existence of Northern Rail’s franchise, even though behind the scenes they had been lobbying for it to be nationalised for months.
Equally the consensus on Chris Grayling’s tenure as transport secretary doesn’t really need repeating, although many within local government circles are more than prepared to reiterate it.
For much of last year and the year before, Labour’s Andy Burnham spent a considerable amount of time attacking the government for failing to take action on northern transport woes.
So after years of frustration over delays, excuses, timetable failures, drifting electrification and creaking rail corridors, it was unclear where the rhetoric from a new Tory leadership last summer would lead.
There has been much water under the bridge since then. With ministers conscious some evidence of ‘levelling up’ now needs to be delivered in former 'red wall' seats within four years, and with leaders here as keen as ever to finally see some progress, the tone has become more conciliatory.
Here’s the current transport secretary Grant Shapps, writing for Conservative Home today.
“Politically, we are the odd couple - hardly natural allies,” he writes of his relationship with Burnham, before pressing the need to break the 'circular argument' that continually sees transport cash focused on London.
“But we share a desire to rectify this transport deficit, and get things moving. This is practical politics, getting together to solve problems that do not discriminate when it comes to party affiliation. But this emphasis on delivery will work for Conservative MPs across the North, too. Particularly those who helped to demolish the red wall and who now occupy marginals in which expectations are high.”
(Image: Huddersfield Daily Examiner)
Breaking the Whitehall obsession with self-reinforcing investment in the south east was, party politically speaking, at one time a Labour argument. But the 2019 election result - precipitated by Brexit - changed the rules. Politicians on both sides of the party divide now have reason to expound it.
Announcing nearly £589m extra towards the upgrade of the Transpennine route, Shapps noted Greater Manchester's Labour mayor ‘was generous in his praise for these initial steps’.
“The best aspect of this government is its willingness to experiment, not only with solutions to problems that affect us all, but in relationships with others who may not fully share our beliefs,” he wrote. “Pragmatism must be our ideology. Conservatives are best when they tackle problems in a rational, practical way. It’s what people expect of us.”
That’s quite a shift in tone from the days of Grayling. And he’s right - Burnham was, today, very upbeat about the latest investment. The Department for Transport press release on the announcement featured a pretty fulsome quote from the mayor welcoming the new cash for Transpennine electrification, twin tracking and freight upgrades, albeit stressing that this cannot be a substitute for Northern Powerhouse Rail.
(Image: Getty Images)
“These were all of the things we pressed them for,” he told the M.E.N. after a media opportunity with Shapps this morning. “You can’t go out there pressing them and then when they do it, find another reason to criticise them.”
The working relationship is ‘very different with this transport secretary than the last’, he conceded, adding: “There’s no need to find reasons to disagree with him.”
Insiders say the two get on pretty well personally, which doesn’t do any harm. Meanwhile Shapps is viewed as far less partisan or ideological than either Berry or Grayling. But a thawing of relations should come as no great surprise for other reasons too.
The interests of both politicians now align pretty neatly. For Andy Burnham, despite his role not actually including the railways, campaigning on the north’s crippled network has become a hallmark of his first term. So far he has been able - partly through deft political choreography - to claim credit for forcing the renationalisation of the failing Northern Rail franchise and regularly notes that transport is the issue people contact him about the most.
On the government’s side, the need to enact change quickly is an imperative. Both before and after the general election, political advisors in London were on the eye out for projects that could be delivered swiftly.
(Image: MEN)
Step up the new ‘northern transport acceleration council’ announced today, a body focused on delivery that will comprise northern leaders promised a hotline into Grant Shapps as chair. The first phase of the Transpennine upgrade could be one of the projects completed within this Parliament.
One senior local figure notes we’ve been here before, however. “What he’s announced gets announced on a regular basis and has been announced repeatedly over the last eight years,” they note dryly, a reference to years of promises by government stretching back to George Osborne’s days in the Treasury.
But, equally, the government itself wants - and needs - to get things delivered.
“I do think there’s a new tone from government of frustration,” they add.
“I’m not sure it’s always aimed in the right places, because I don’t think they are well served by the Department for Transport or Network Rail. But there is a frustration that the progress on the ground isn’t happening and there’s now a real determination to change that. If that is the case, then that’s got to be relatively good news.”
(Image: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)
Many questions remain. Today’s £600m is only for the first phase of the Transpennine upgrade and when asked by the M.E.N. about the timescale for the wider project, the transport secretary today admitted it won’t be done before the next election.
“We’ll have the whole project completed in the 2020s but this part of it completed within this Parliament, so before 2024,” he said.
So theoretically, it could be the best part of a decade before this work - originally slated for the end of 2022 - is finished?
“Yes,” he admitted, before distancing this latest plan from the scheme tabled by Chris Grayling, which never got done.
“In terms of what we’re now proposing is I think a bigger deal than’s been on the cards.
“There’s been a £3bn programme up to now for partial electrification with some additional bits and pieces...but I think we’re very likely to be saying ‘actually, we should be doing this job properly’.
(Image: PA)
“We should be electrifying throughout and we should get journey times down to 30 minutes, which we’re a long way from at the moment.
“And the package we’ve described up until now doesn’t get us there. So this is upping the game.”
The full details of what will and will not be funded won't surface until the end of the year, however, as part of the government's 'integrated rail plan', which will also cover northern high-speed links.
Being transport secretary has to be one of the more enjoyable jobs in government at the moment, so it is perhaps no wonder he’s chipper. Chequebooks are being opened for his department in the wake of repeated promises of increased capital spending, all the way from 2019 manifesto to March Budget to post-lockdown relaunch.
Improvements to the Castlefield rail bottleneck could fall into the bracket of first-term investment too, although at present that has merely been given a £10m pot to draw up a plan. Shapps seemed to admit today that the result, which comes after endless reviews of previous plans, won’t necessarily include long-promised extra platforms at Piccadilly Station.
(Image: Mark Waugh)
Giving Piccadilly new platforms at 15 and 16 had ‘almost become a totemic thing’ where delayed upgrades are concerned, he said, but added: “I don’t really care how we resolve this. I just want it fixed.
“I asked some good people to work out what needs to be done if we are to sort out the corridor and they proposed that £10m would help see it through. And we’ll see what they come out the other end with.”
The plan so far seems to involve re-routing some services that currently run through Piccadilly’s desperately cramped platforms 13 and 14 - including pan-northern services - through Victoria instead. Infrastructure improvements would still also be needed, including on junctions at Ordsall and Ardwick, as well as radical change to the timetable in December next year.
Leaders here remain skeptical about this, particularly given the number of previous solutions lying around in Whitehall. They still believe in a need to run longer trains through Piccadilly, for example, while one insider points out that the trains run by various operators have doors in different places, adding a basic complication to the logistics.
“If you’re not careful, you end up spending more than you would have done just doing 15 and 16,” they note.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Burnham is unsure too.
“I’m less confident about that,” he told the M.E.N. of whether the latest plan would work.
“We have frustrations that a scheme that’s been worked up over the years again is being abandoned, seemingly in favour of an alternative, which we haven’t yet details of.
“It’s my position, [Manchester council leader] Sir Richard Leese’s position, Greater Manchester’s position, that 15 and 16 should be in the scheme. They’ve got a short time from here to tell us something is better. They’ve got a short window.”
Meanwhile rail infrastructure is only one part of the transport equation.
In towns and cities across the north it will be local public transport that makes the biggest difference to the lives of most people, particularly buses.
Currently, as one transport figure says, buses are ‘driving around carrying fresh air’ due to the Covid-19 crisis and bailout packages for many local transport networks - including the Metrolink - run out next month, with no indication as to what will happen next.
(Image: Mark Waugh Manchester Press Photography Ltd)
Equally, whether the increasingly pragmatic view being taken in Greater Manchester is shared in other northern communities is another question.
Not everywhere has a mayor with the kind of platform or connections enjoyed by Burnham, while other areas have worries about other drifting projects - such as the threat to HS2's eastern leg.
But there is certainly widespread relief at no longer having to deal with Shapps’s predecessor.
“It’s certainly an improvement from Grayling,” says one local official elsewhere of the current situation, while another notes: “It’s like night and day.”
Given that pragmatic relationships with Tory governments have been a longstanding feature of Greater Manchester’s approach, there is now a calculation that it’s at least worth a go.
Both sides will have an eye to take credit for progress at the other end, but that may just be how things end up getting done. As one official says of pragmatism over naked partisanship: “Everyone knows everyone else is playing the game.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-23--Personal trainer overcomes hurdles to open new gym

A personal trainer has spoken of the challenges of fulfilling his long held ambition to open his own gym against the backdrop of Covid-19 .
Damien Ghafoor , 34 , has worked as a personal trainer in Rochdale for the last three years and says he has dreamed of running his own training facility since his teenage years .
But towards the end of 2019 he joined forces with friends and now business partners Leroy Robinson and Debbie Atkinson to launch a new venture .
The trio are now set to open their new fitness centre , Next Level Strength @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , two days after government lockdown easings allow the reopening of gyms .
It hasn ’ t all been plain-sailing for the team , as their first premises fell through before the country went into lockdown just weeks before a planned unveiling .
However , despite opening their business during a time of economic uncertainty , they are preparing to take the plunge and are ready to open the doors to their new premises at Redbrook Mill on Bury Road .
Damien said : “ Ever since I was a teenager I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very own sporting facility .
I wanted somewhere that people can come to and enjoy exercising and be around like-minded people .
“ We want to make people feel part of a family .
A place where people don ’ t only rely on me to motivate them but know that when they turn up , others within the group will also help to get them over the white line.
” The gym will be a community class based gym that is open to anyone , no matter what their fitness levels are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ classes on offer for people of all ages , capabilities and goals .
Damien , who lives in Littleborough , added : “ We want to appeal to everybody .
We are somewhere people can come to and they won ’ t be judged .
Speaking of the struggles to get the doors open , he said : “ Opening Next Level Strength and Fitness has been such a crazy journey so far .
“ We had one place ready to go and were due to open in November last year but there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to pull out.
” Damien added : “ Finally at the turn of the year we found somewhere new .
Somewhere we pictured we could finally start our journey again .
From knocking down walls and building things together , we truly put everything into creating our dream .
“ Then the pandemic hit and we were left again to put our dream on hold .
“ Now , more than 14 months after we first started discussing the idea , we are ready to throw open our doors.
” The gym @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , all sessions are free .
Anyone signing up to a membership in the first week will also get 50 % discount on their August membership .
More information about the studio is available on the Next Level Strength and Fitness Facebook page .

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A personal trainer has spoken of the challenges of fulfilling his long held ambition to open his own gym against the backdrop of Covid-19.
Damien Ghafoor, 34, has worked as a personal trainer in Rochdale for the last three years and says he has dreamed of running his own training facility since his teenage years.
But towards the end of 2019 he joined forces with friends and now business partners Leroy Robinson and Debbie Atkinson to launch a new venture.
The trio are now set to open their new fitness centre, Next Level Strength and Fitness, on Monday July 27, two days after government lockdown easings allow the reopening of gyms.
It hasn’t all been plain-sailing for the team, as their first premises fell through before the country went into lockdown just weeks before a planned unveiling. However, despite opening their business during a time of economic uncertainty, they are preparing to take the plunge and are ready to open the doors to their new premises at Redbrook Mill on Bury Road.
Damien said: “Ever since I was a teenager I’ve wanted to own and run my very own sporting facility. I wanted somewhere that people can come to and enjoy exercising and be around like-minded people.
“We want to make people feel part of a family. A place where people don’t only rely on me to motivate them but know that when they turn up, others within the group will also help to get them over the white line.”
The gym will be a community class based gym that is open to anyone, no matter what their fitness levels are.
There will be a variety of classes on offer for people of all ages, capabilities and goals.
Damien, who lives in Littleborough, added: “We want to appeal to everybody. We are somewhere people can come to and they won’t be judged.
Speaking of the struggles to get the doors open, he said: “Opening Next Level Strength and Fitness has been such a crazy journey so far.
“We had one place ready to go and were due to open in November last year but there were issues with the building so we had to pull out.”
Damien added: “Finally at the turn of the year we found somewhere new. Somewhere we pictured we could finally start our journey again. From knocking down walls and building things together, we truly put everything into creating our dream.
“Then the pandemic hit and we were left again to put our dream on hold.
“Now, more than 14 months after we first started discussing the idea, we are ready to throw open our doors.”
The gym opens on Monday and for the first week, all sessions are free. Anyone signing up to a membership in the first week will also get 50% discount on their August membership.
More information about the studio is available on the Next Level Strength and Fitness Facebook page.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-23--Man City 'in advanced negotiations' for Torres and more transfer rumours

Manchester City are in talks with Valencia over exciting winger Ferran Torres , according to reports .
M.E.N .
Sport understands that City are keeping their eyes peeled this summer for value in the transfer market to replace departed winger Leroy Sane and Torres is on their short-list .
The 20-year-old has earned a reputation as a talented and thrilling dribbler and is capable of playing across the front-three , contributing six goals and eight assists this season .
Reports suggest that Torres could be available for a relatively low price considering his potential , as Valencia are looking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European football .
According to Spanish publication Cadena Ser , Torres and City are in 'total agreement ' over his terms but a deal is still being negotiated between the two clubs .
It 's reported that City are looking to lower the asking price further by including centre-midfielder Yangel Herrera in the deal , who has impressed on loan at Granada this season and is valued at 15 million euros .
While Valencia are keen on the player , it 's claimed that they see that figure as excessive and would rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season instead .
Meanwhile , City are reportedly interested in exercising their buy-back clause in Douglas Luiz after his impressive season at Aston Villa .
90min say City have been impressed with Luiz 's performances at Villa Park after they were forced to sell the Brazilian midfielder after a work permit was n't granted .
However , if City do want to sign Luiz , the report says they may face competition from Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta , who will have been closely involved with the decision to sign and loan out Luiz @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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Manchester City are in talks with Valencia over exciting winger Ferran Torres, according to reports.
M.E.N. Sport understands that City are keeping their eyes peeled this summer for value in the transfer market to replace departed winger Leroy Sane and Torres is on their short-list.
The 20-year-old has earned a reputation as a talented and thrilling dribbler and is capable of playing across the front-three, contributing six goals and eight assists this season.
Reports suggest that Torres could be available for a relatively low price considering his potential, as Valencia are looking to raise funds after failing to qualify for European football.
According to Spanish publication Cadena Ser, Torres and City are in 'total agreement' over his terms but a deal is still being negotiated between the two clubs.
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It's reported that City are looking to lower the asking price further by including centre-midfielder Yangel Herrera in the deal, who has impressed on loan at Granada this season and is valued at 15 million euros.
While Valencia are keen on the player, it's claimed that they see that figure as excessive and would rather take Herrera on loan themselves for a season instead.
Meanwhile, City are reportedly interested in exercising their buy-back clause in Douglas Luiz after his impressive season at Aston Villa.
90min say City have been impressed with Luiz's performances at Villa Park after they were forced to sell the Brazilian midfielder after a work permit wasn't granted.
However, if City do want to sign Luiz, the report says they may face competition from Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who will have been closely involved with the decision to sign and loan out Luiz when he was at the Etihad.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-23--Dortmund 'eye Sancho replacement' amid Man Utd interest and more rumours

Borussia Dortmund have identified Werder Bremen ’ s Milot Rashica as their ideal Jadon Sancho replacement should he leave for Manchester United this summer , according to reports .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hoping to add more quality and depth to his squad in the transfer window to turn their potential into a Premier League title challenging side , with Sancho being the priority target .
M.E.N .
Sport understands that United are long-term admirers of the 20-year-old , having failed to sign him twice in the past .
First missing out on him to Dortmund when he left neighbours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer after failing to qualify for the Champions League .
However , United are confident of finally getting their man this summer even though Dortmund 's refusal to lower their hefty valuation for the player in a post-coronavirus market could threaten to scupper a deal .
Although it appears that United have received a boost in the chase as , according to the Telegraph , Dortmund have begun to prepare for life without Sancho and are have looked at Albanian winger Rashica .
The report also adds , however , that United remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the England international and that sporting director Michael Zorc expects negotiations to drag out over the summer .
The transfer window opens on Monday following the conclusion of the Premier League but M.E.N .
Sport understands United will only begin to make their moves once Champions League qualification is assured .
If United avoid defeat against Leicester on the final day of the season then they will finish in the top four but should they lose and Chelsea get at least a draw against Wolves they 'd have to rely on winning the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of which is n't played until august 21 .
Meanwhile , Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak is reportedly angling for a move away from the club , having become unhappy with some of the decisions made by sporting director Andrea Berta .
The Daily Mail claim both United and Chelsea are showing interest , but the keeper could cost the full £109million release clause that ’ s in his contract .
The Slovenian has been heavily linked to both United and Chelsea in the past , although the chances of United making a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ David de Gea only penned a long-term deal last September and Dean Henderson is on the club 's books .

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Borussia Dortmund have identified Werder Bremen’s Milot Rashica as their ideal Jadon Sancho replacement should he leave for Manchester United this summer, according to reports.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hoping to add more quality and depth to his squad in the transfer window to turn their potential into a Premier League title challenging side, with Sancho being the priority target.
M.E.N. Sport understands that United are long-term admirers of the 20-year-old, having failed to sign him twice in the past. First missing out on him to Dortmund when he left neighbours Manchester City in 2017 and again last summer after failing to qualify for the Champions League.
However, United are confident of finally getting their man this summer even though Dortmund's refusal to lower their hefty valuation for the player in a post-coronavirus market could threaten to scupper a deal.
Sign up to our free MUFC email newsletter Get the latest breaking Manchester United transfer news and analysis every day direct to your inbox with our free MUFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
Although it appears that United have received a boost in the chase as, according to the Telegraph, Dortmund have begun to prepare for life without Sancho and are have looked at Albanian winger Rashica.
The report also adds, however, that United remain £20million off Dortmund's asking price for the England international and that sporting director Michael Zorc expects negotiations to drag out over the summer.
The transfer window opens on Monday following the conclusion of the Premier League but M.E.N. Sport understands United will only begin to make their moves once Champions League qualification is assured.
If United avoid defeat against Leicester on the final day of the season then they will finish in the top four but should they lose and Chelsea get at least a draw against Wolves they'd have to rely on winning the Europa League to qualify, the final of which isn't played until august 21.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak is reportedly angling for a move away from the club, having become unhappy with some of the decisions made by sporting director Andrea Berta.
The Daily Mail claim both United and Chelsea are showing interest, but the keeper could cost the full £109million release clause that’s in his contract.
The Slovenian has been heavily linked to both United and Chelsea in the past, although the chances of United making a move this summer are very slim. David de Gea only penned a long-term deal last September and Dean Henderson is on the club's books.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-23--Kanye West sends tweet about Chester Zoo

Rapper Kanye West today tweeted about Chester Zoo in the latest of a number of bizarre social media posts .
The star , who is in the running to become US President , tweeted his support for the legendary north west attraction , however the contents of the post turned out to be a little out of date .
In a string of successive online rants over the past few days , West has made allegations about his family life .
However he turned his attentions to Chester today , by tweeting his support for a huge development the zoo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago , reports Cheshire Live .
He tweeted a link this morning to a 2010 TrendHunter article about plans to build a gigantic biodome at the zoo , captioning it : `` YZY team loves Proctor Matthews Architects ‘ Africa Heart ’ bio dome . ''
The Heart of Africa bio-dome , dubbed the Eden Project of the north , was due to be the first phase of the £225m Natural Vision scheme however the plans were later shelved .
The structure , which was planned to mimic the natural African rain forest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ housed a band of gorillas , a large troop of chimpanzees , okapi , birds , amphibians , reptiles , fish , invertebrates and a wide variety of plant life .
Chester Zoo later replied to West 's tweet , thanking him for his interest in the plans , writing : `` Hey ye - Glad you love it !
Thanks for highlighting our work to help save endangered species from extinction .
`` Unfortunately these are old plans now , but once we ’ ve saved our zoo following the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again . ''
In response to the zoo 's tweet , some suggested West could help save the zoo from their current financial mire by donating money towards its future .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Carmella de Lucia, Chris Slater)

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Rapper Kanye West today tweeted about Chester Zoo in the latest of a number of bizarre social media posts.
The star, who is in the running to become US President, tweeted his support for the legendary north west attraction, however the contents of the post turned out to be a little out of date.
In a string of successive online rants over the past few days, West has made allegations about his family life.
However he turned his attentions to Chester today, by tweeting his support for a huge development the zoo had planned to build almost 10 years ago, reports Cheshire Live.
He tweeted a link this morning to a 2010 TrendHunter article about plans to build a gigantic biodome at the zoo, captioning it: "YZY team loves Proctor Matthews Architects ‘Africa Heart’ bio dome."
The Heart of Africa bio-dome, dubbed the Eden Project of the north, was due to be the first phase of the £225m Natural Vision scheme however the plans were later shelved.
The structure, which was planned to mimic the natural African rain forest habitats of the Congo, would have housed a band of gorillas, a large troop of chimpanzees, okapi, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish, invertebrates and a wide variety of plant life.
Chester Zoo later replied to West's tweet, thanking him for his interest in the plans, writing: "Hey ye - Glad you love it! Thanks for highlighting our work to help save endangered species from extinction.
"Unfortunately these are old plans now, but once we’ve saved our zoo following the coronavirus pandemic, things like this might be possible again."
In response to the zoo's tweet, some suggested West could help save the zoo from their current financial mire by donating money towards its future.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-23--Man interviewed by police after illegal car cruise meet in Denton

A man has been interviewed by police in connection with the car cruise meet in Denton .
Hundreds of drivers , the majority in high-performance cars , ended up blocking a stretch of the M60 motorway as they travelled to the illegal event on Sunday .
In response to damning comments made by Denton MP Andrew Gwynne , Greater Manchester Police has vowed to take 'swift ' and 'robust ' actions against those involved .
Police were forced to close the M60 anticlockwise , at junction 24 for Denton , leaving many hundreds of motorists stranded in queues .
Thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the event , dubbed 'DMO shutdown , ' at JDK Autoworx garage , on Tameside Business Park .
Local residents reported drivers performing dangerous stunts , and driving at speeds of up to 130mph in residential areas .
GMP said on Thursday a man has been interviewed by police officers in connection with the 'illegal car cruising event ' .
The force said a 25-year-old man voluntarily attended an interview with officers at a police station in Hyde today - Thursday .
A representative from Tameside council 's environmental health team was also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement , the force said the man 'continues to be under investigation ' .
No further details have been released .
Superintendent Jane Higham said : `` We continue to recognise the level of upset and dissatisfaction within the local community after the events of last Sunday .
`` The scenes posted on social media were not acceptable and we are absolutely committed to piecing together the full circumstances of this event .
`` We hope that the news that a man has been interviewed by police officers reinforces our commitment and demonstrates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alongside our partners at the local authority .
`` It 's important to stress that enquiries into last Sunday ’ s event are very much ongoing and we will pursue anyone found to have committed an offence .
`` This type of behaviour is reckless and puts our communities at risk .
`` We will continue to explore all measures available to us , with a view to preventing any similar events occurring in the future .
`` By the same token , we would urge the public to please reach out to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could help us gather a wider picture and stop the coordination and organisation of such illegal events taking place in the next few weeks or months . ''
The cars involved are said to have been following an organiser .
They travelled almost 100 miles from Telford to Tameside .
Video footage from Tik Tok shows a number of car enthusiasts stopped in the middle of the motorway - leaving innocent drivers stuck for hours .
One clip shows drivers involved in the meet hanging out of their cars , filming the stream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of beeping and the revving of engines .
A man climbed on to the top of his Range Rover - and another used the central reservation to get better shots of the convoy .
The force said earlier that registration plates were being collated .
Police said motoring offences would be considered , alongside contraventions of the coronavirus lockdown legislation .

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A man has been interviewed by police in connection with the car cruise meet in Denton.
Hundreds of drivers, the majority in high-performance cars, ended up blocking a stretch of the M60 motorway as they travelled to the illegal event on Sunday.
In response to damning comments made by Denton MP Andrew Gwynne, Greater Manchester Police has vowed to take 'swift' and 'robust' actions against those involved.
Police were forced to close the M60 anticlockwise, at junction 24 for Denton, leaving many hundreds of motorists stranded in queues.
Thousands of people are believed to have attended the event, dubbed 'DMO shutdown,' at JDK Autoworx garage, on Tameside Business Park.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Local residents reported drivers performing dangerous stunts, and driving at speeds of up to 130mph in residential areas.
GMP said on Thursday a man has been interviewed by police officers in connection with the 'illegal car cruising event'.
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
The force said a 25-year-old man voluntarily attended an interview with officers at a police station in Hyde today - Thursday.
A representative from Tameside council's environmental health team was also present, GMP said.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
In a statement, the force said the man 'continues to be under investigation'.
He hasn't been named.
No further details have been released.
Superintendent Jane Higham said: "We continue to recognise the level of upset and dissatisfaction within the local community after the events of last Sunday.
"The scenes posted on social media were not acceptable and we are absolutely committed to piecing together the full circumstances of this event.
"We hope that the news that a man has been interviewed by police officers reinforces our commitment and demonstrates that we are still actively investigating, alongside our partners at the local authority.
(Image: SnapMap)
"It's important to stress that enquiries into last Sunday’s event are very much ongoing and we will pursue anyone found to have committed an offence.
"This type of behaviour is reckless and puts our communities at risk.
"We will continue to explore all measures available to us, with a view to preventing any similar events occurring in the future.
"By the same token, we would urge the public to please reach out to us if they have any intelligence that could help us gather a wider picture and stop the coordination and organisation of such illegal events taking place in the next few weeks or months."
The cars involved are said to have been following an organiser.
They travelled almost 100 miles from Telford to Tameside.
Video footage from Tik Tok shows a number of car enthusiasts stopped in the middle of the motorway - leaving innocent drivers stuck for hours.
One clip shows drivers involved in the meet hanging out of their cars, filming the stream of traffic behind them, with sounds of beeping and the revving of engines.
A man climbed on to the top of his Range Rover - and another used the central reservation to get better shots of the convoy.
The force said earlier that registration plates were being collated.
Police said motoring offences would be considered, alongside contraventions of the coronavirus lockdown legislation.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-23--This hidden cupboard built into a toilet wall that uncovered a shop's secret

More than 2,000 illegal cigarettes were found hidden in a secret cupboard built into a toilet wall inside a hardware shop during a trading standards raid .
Investigators found 145 packets , as well as seven 50 gramme pouches of rolling tobacco , stashed in the homemade hideaway .
The door to the cupboard had been tiled and was opened and closed by a doorbell button found under a staircase , investigators said .
The cupboard was quickly located however by a trained sniffer dog - called Ricco .
Salford council said nine businesses across the city were targeted in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back of information received about the illegal sale of tobacco products .
In total , 349 packets of illegal cigarettes and 542 50g pouches of rolling tobacco , the majority of which were counterfeit , were seized from five of the business .
The haul , totalling almost 7,000 illegal cigarettes , is said to be worth just under £10,000 .
The hardware shop where the secret toilet cupboard was discovered has n't been named .
It 's exact location has n't been revealed either .
Salford council said further investigations would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are now 'under further investigation ' , the town hall added .
Council bosses said the door to the hidden cupboard had been tiled over to blend in with the wall .
But a spokesman said in a statement : `` It was unable to fool sniffer dog Ricco , who made straight for the stash .
`` Council officers prised open the well-concealed door - which was opened by a doorbell button hidden under stairs - and found the items .
`` All five businesses are now under further investigation . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ targeted was also seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act , the council said .
Ricco and his handler were present on all the raids , alongside Salford council trading standards officers .
Councillor David Lancaster , the council 's lead member for environment and community safety , praised the strikes .
He said : `` Cracking down on illegal tobacco is part of our support for Greater Manchester 's strategy to reduce smoking by a third by the end of 2021 .
`` That would mean 115,000 fewer smokers with a massive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let alone saving them thousands of pounds a year . ''
- Genuine UK brands brought into the country with no duty paid - Illicit whites - cigarettes manufactured for the sole purpose of being smuggled into and sold illegally in another country .
- Counterfeit - illegally manufactured and made to look like recognised brands .
The illegal trade is said to cost the UK taxpayer more than £2bn a year .
No further information has been released by the council .
The council said anyone who suspects illegal alcohol or cigarettes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visiting www.keep-it-out.co.uk

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More than 2,000 illegal cigarettes were found hidden in a secret cupboard built into a toilet wall inside a hardware shop during a trading standards raid.
Investigators found 145 packets, as well as seven 50 gramme pouches of rolling tobacco, stashed in the homemade hideaway.
The door to the cupboard had been tiled and was opened and closed by a doorbell button found under a staircase, investigators said.
The cupboard was quickly located however by a trained sniffer dog - called Ricco.
(Image: Salford Council)
Salford council said nine businesses across the city were targeted in raids this week, launched on the back of information received about the illegal sale of tobacco products.
In total, 349 packets of illegal cigarettes and 542 50g pouches of rolling tobacco, the majority of which were counterfeit, were seized from five of the business.
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
The haul, totalling almost 7,000 illegal cigarettes, is said to be worth just under £10,000.
The hardware shop where the secret toilet cupboard was discovered hasn't been named.
(Image: Salford Council)
It's exact location hasn't been revealed either.
Salford council said further investigations would be carried out.
The five businesses involved are now 'under further investigation', the town hall added.
Council bosses said the door to the hidden cupboard had been tiled over to blend in with the wall.
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But a spokesman said in a statement: "It was unable to fool sniffer dog Ricco, who made straight for the stash.
"Council officers prised open the well-concealed door - which was opened by a doorbell button hidden under stairs - and found the items.
"All five businesses are now under further investigation."
£1,460 in cash from one of businesses targeted was also seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act, the council said.
Ricco and his handler were present on all the raids, alongside Salford council trading standards officers.
Councillor David Lancaster, the council's lead member for environment and community safety, praised the strikes.
He said: "Cracking down on illegal tobacco is part of our support for Greater Manchester's strategy to reduce smoking by a third by the end of 2021.
"That would mean 115,000 fewer smokers with a massive positive impact on people's health, let alone saving them thousands of pounds a year."
Illegal tobacco sales can include:
- Genuine UK brands brought into the country with no duty paid
- Illicit whites - cigarettes manufactured for the sole purpose of being smuggled into and sold illegally in another country.
- Counterfeit - illegally manufactured and made to look like recognised brands.
The illegal trade is said to cost the UK taxpayer more than £2bn a year.
No further information has been released by the council.
The council said anyone who suspects illegal alcohol or cigarettes are being sold can report it anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visiting www.keep-it-out.co.uk


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-23--DVSA issues update on expired theory tests for learner drivers

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency ( DVSA ) has issued an update on theory tests for learner drivers .
Practical car driving tests restarted in England this week , with extra safety precautions in place .
But many learner drivers will need to retake their theory test before they can take their driving test .
That 's because theory test certificates have an expiry date .
The nationwide lockdown implemented in March put a half to practical driving tests and the DVSA now has a large backlog of candidates to get through .
Unfortunately , the DVSA has now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certificate expired during lockdown will have to take another theory test before taking their practical test .
You need to have passed a theory test in the last two years to be able to take your test .
But there will be no extension to your theory test certificate if your test was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic .
`` Your theory test certificate will not be extended , '' the DVSA has advised .
`` This is because your road safety knowledge and hazard perception skills need to be up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take your driving test . ''
If you booked a driving test before lockdown and your theory test has now expired , the DVSA will automatically cancel your test and give you a full refund .
You will then need to book and pay for another theory test .
Once you 've passed your theory test , you can then book and pay for your practical driving test .
If your theory test has not expired you will be able to take your driving test as normal .
Candidates who had a test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ email telling them to reschedule .
How to book your theory test Book a driving theory test on the DVSA website here .
To book your theory test , you will need your UK driving licence number , an email address and a credit or debit card .
You must have lived in the country for at least 185 days in the last 12 months before the day you take your theory or driving test .

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The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has issued an update on theory tests for learner drivers.
Practical car driving tests restarted in England this week, with extra safety precautions in place.
But many learner drivers will need to retake their theory test before they can take their driving test.
That's because theory test certificates have an expiry date.
The nationwide lockdown implemented in March put a half to practical driving tests and the DVSA now has a large backlog of candidates to get through.
Unfortunately, the DVSA has now confirmed that any candidate whose theory test certificate expired during lockdown will have to take another theory test before taking their practical test.
You need to have passed a theory test in the last two years to be able to take your test.
But there will be no extension to your theory test certificate if your test was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"Your theory test certificate will not be extended," the DVSA has advised.
"This is because your road safety knowledge and hazard perception skills need to be up to date when you restart driving lessons and take your driving test."
If you booked a driving test before lockdown and your theory test has now expired, the DVSA will automatically cancel your test and give you a full refund.
You will then need to book and pay for another theory test.
Once you've passed your theory test, you can then book and pay for your practical driving test.
If your theory test has not expired you will be able to take your driving test as normal.
Candidates who had a test cancelled during lockdown should wait for an email telling them to reschedule.
How to book your theory test
Book a driving theory test on the DVSA website here.
To book your theory test, you will need your UK driving licence number, an email address and a credit or debit card.
You must have lived in the country for at least 185 days in the last 12 months before the day you take your theory or driving test.
Theory tests for cars and motorcycles cost £23.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-23--Motorists warned as MOT test rules change next week or risk a £2,500 fine

Earlier on in the coronavirus pandemic , motorists were given a little bit of slack when it came to their cars .
A six-month exemption on MOTs was granted in March as the UK went into lockdown .
But with measures now easing across the UK , the annual motor check for cars , motorcycles and vans will once again be made mandatory in England , Scotland and Wales .
Initially , cars with an MOT ending after March 30 , 2020 would get an automatic six-month extension .
But new changes next week mean this will no longer apply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or after August 1 , 2020 .
Paul Loughlin , solicitor and a specialist in motoring law at Stephensons Solicitors LLP , has warned motorists that there will be no exemptions or extensions .
And failure to comply could see you be hit with a hefty fine - or even a driving ban .
The solicitor said : `` With the easing of lockdown restrictions , there can be an overwhelming urge to jump in our cars and travel anywhere other than being cooped up at home .
`` However , that sense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , particularly if you ’ re found to be driving without a valid MOT or driving a dangerous vehicle .
`` The government 's decision to reintroduce mandatory testing from August 1 , 2020 means that if your MOT is due on or after that date , you must book your vehicle in to be tested as usual .
`` Failure to do so can result in a fine up to £1,000 and if your vehicle is found to be dangerous , it can mean fines of up to £2,500 , three points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ban from driving .
`` There is so much going on at the moment that it can be easy to prioritise other areas .
However , the cost of inaction can be so much greater , not only financially but also in respect of your safety and that of any passengers . ''

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Earlier on in the coronavirus pandemic, motorists were given a little bit of slack when it came to their cars.
A six-month exemption on MOTs was granted in March as the UK went into lockdown.
But with measures now easing across the UK, the annual motor check for cars, motorcycles and vans will once again be made mandatory in England, Scotland and Wales.
Initially, cars with an MOT ending after March 30, 2020 would get an automatic six-month extension.
But new changes next week mean this will no longer apply to vehicles with an MOT ending on or after August 1, 2020.
Paul Loughlin, solicitor and a specialist in motoring law at Stephensons Solicitors LLP, has warned motorists that there will be no exemptions or extensions.
And failure to comply could see you be hit with a hefty fine - or even a driving ban.
The solicitor said: "With the easing of lockdown restrictions, there can be an overwhelming urge to jump in our cars and travel anywhere other than being cooped up at home.
"However, that sense of urgency can come back to bite, particularly if you’re found to be driving without a valid MOT or driving a dangerous vehicle.
"The government's decision to reintroduce mandatory testing from August 1, 2020 means that if your MOT is due on or after that date, you must book your vehicle in to be tested as usual.
"Failure to do so can result in a fine up to £1,000 and if your vehicle is found to be dangerous, it can mean fines of up to £2,500, three points on your license or even a possible ban from driving.
"There is so much going on at the moment that it can be easy to prioritise other areas. However, the cost of inaction can be so much greater, not only financially but also in respect of your safety and that of any passengers."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-23--Live updates as eight fire engines at scene after blaze on industrial estate

Residents have been urged to keep their windows closed following a blaze at an industrial estate in Rochdale .
The @ @ @ @ @ paint booths , broke out on Moss Bridge Road at around 5.30pm .
There are @ @ @ @ @ the scene .
Road closures are in place on sections of Moss Bridge Road , @ @ @ @ @ .
A post on the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Website says : `` @ @ @ @ @ at the scene of an industrial estate fire on Moss Bridge Road , Rochdale .
@ @ @ @ @ Rescue Service ( GMFRS ) crews were called at around 5.15 pm to the incident @ @ @ @ @ in an industrial unit measuring around 100 metres by 30 metres .
`` Firefighters are @ @ @ @ @ using three jets and six breathing apparatus .
`` Road closures are in place on @ @ @ @ @ , and local residents are advised to keep all windows and doors closed and avoid @ @ @ @ @ out their work . ''

Residents have been urged to keep their windows closed following a blaze at an industrial estate in Rochdale.
The fire, involving two large paint booths, broke out on Moss Bridge Road at around 5.30pm.
There are currently eight fire engines at the scene.
Road closures are in place on sections of Moss Bridge Road, a fire service spokesman said.
A post on the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Website says: "Eight fire engines are currently at the scene of an industrial estate fire on Moss Bridge Road, Rochdale.
"Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) crews were called at around 5.15 pm to the incident, involving two paint booths in an industrial unit measuring around 100 metres by 30 metres.
"Firefighters are tackling the blaze in sectors using three jets and six breathing apparatus.
"Road closures are in place on sections of Moss Bridge Road, and local residents are advised to keep all windows and doors closed and avoid the area while crews carry out their work."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-23--Primary school hit by two burglaries in three days

A primary school has been hit by two burglaries in three days with thieves stealing laptops and even a carpet cleaner .
Police are appealing for information following the two burglaries this week at High Lawn Primary School in Sharples , Bolton .
The first burglary was reported on Monday at around 11.14pm .
When officers attended , it was discovered that a number of items had been stolen from the Holden Avenue school after burglars forced their way in through a window and rifled through the main reception office , say police .
Just two days later , police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the school .
This time , police found that the back door of the school had been forced open .
A carpet cleaner and a number of laptops had been taken , confirmed officers from Greater Manchester Police 's Bolton North team .
On both occasions , the property alarms sounded at the school .
Police are now asking anyone with information about the burglaries to get in touch as they make enquiries .
High Lawn School has been contacted for comment .
Anyone with information in relation to these burglaries are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Team on 0161 856 5761 .
Alternatively , you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers , anonymously , on 0800 555 111 or by visiting https : //crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously/ .

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A primary school has been hit by two burglaries in three days with thieves stealing laptops and even a carpet cleaner.
Police are appealing for information following the two burglaries this week at High Lawn Primary School in Sharples, Bolton.
The first burglary was reported on Monday at around 11.14pm.
When officers attended, it was discovered that a number of items had been stolen from the Holden Avenue school after burglars forced their way in through a window and rifled through the main reception office, say police.
Just two days later, police received yet another report of a break-in at the school.
This time, police found that the back door of the school had been forced open. A carpet cleaner and a number of laptops had been taken, confirmed officers from Greater Manchester Police's Bolton North team.
On both occasions, the property alarms sounded at the school.
Police are now asking anyone with information about the burglaries to get in touch as they make enquiries.
High Lawn School has been contacted for comment.
Anyone with information in relation to these burglaries are asked to contact the Bolton North Neighbourhood Team on 0161 856 5761.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously/.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-23--Hot air balloons spotted over Manchester - this is when you can see them again

Hot air balloons have been seen taking to the skies over north Manchester in recent days but have left many questions up in the air about why they have been heading up and away .
Witnesses took to social media to share pictures of the brightly coloured balloons floating through the valleys of Bury against a clear sky , many asking where exactly they were going .
Now , the mystery can be solved .
A group of hot air balloon pilots who live in the Greater Manchester boroughs have been putting the extra time they have found in lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been heading out with their balloons early in the morning , before their workdays start .
Tottington-based pilot Richard Gahan has been flying for 15 years , but just this week , he took his very first aerial trips through the Ramsbottom valleys - where he was born and bred .
It was the first time balloons have been spotted in the skies above Ramsbottom for decades , he says .
He told the Manchester Evening News : `` I was born and bred in Holcombe Brook , I 'm a qualified private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fly the valley for years and years given that 's where I 'm from .
This week , we started flying there .
We went out on flights on Tuesday and Wednesday .
`` It must be a good 30 or 40 years since we 've seen balloons over the Ramsbottom valley and we wanted to get flying there more .
`` There 's a few of us who have flown over the past couple of days and we 're all private pilots , all fully qualified .
`` We are all working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've had more time as we 've not had to commute to and from work .
That 's meant we 've been able to get up early and out in the balloons before coming back home and switching on our laptops . ''
Mr Gahan , 48 , is an accountant by trade but has been flying balloons all over the world for 15 years as his hobby .
Closer to home , he flies up and down Lancashire , saying : `` I trained on the Fylde in North Preston , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to speak .
`` We also fly out of the old Camelot theme park , up in Kirkby Lonsdale , in the Ribble Valley , anywhere in the North West .
`` We are part of the balloon club that 's based from Stafford all the way up to the Lake District . ''
Just like a car , the registered aircraft needs checking every 100 hours or at minimum once a year .
`` The three balloons we have had out in the last couple of days are friends ' balloons , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Mr Gahan .
`` My balloon is waiting to be MOT 'd , so I 've been flying somebody else 's balloon the last couple of days . ''
Mr Gahan 's journey , which he took with fellow licensed balloon pilots , was met with joy from other locals who loved seeing the balloons cruising through the skies for an hour or two .
Some people have been alarmed by one balloon which saw its pilot sitting in a seat rather than in a basket .
Mr Gahan assures it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` People are thinking 'what the hell ! '
But it 's a smaller balloon called a cloud hopper - again , it 's a registered aircraft hot air balloon . ''
Despite the cloudy weather today , the hot air balloon pals are planning to get back out in their crafts tomorrow morning ( July 24 ) .
The flights last around an hour and are dictated by the direction of the wind .
Mr Gahan said : `` We 've got a couple of launch fields in the area .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been using all week in Walshaw .
`` At the moment , it 's looking like the journey is going to take us on a similar one to Tuesday - across Bury and Walmersley to Rochdale , Fairfield , that area .
`` I could joke and say we throw some grass up in the air and see which way it blows - we do n't !
We look at the ballooning forecast and see which way we can go .
We tend to choose a location we want to fly from and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` You are governed by the winds but you 've got the burner to take you up if you need to .
We 've got to be a minimum of 500 feet to avoid built up areas , we can go up to 3,000 feet .
`` It takes you all over the UK , all over the world . ''
Mr Gahan has loved seeing the positive response the balloons have had on social media , saying : `` It 's been fantastic , some of the comments have been so great @ @

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Hot air balloons have been seen taking to the skies over north Manchester in recent days but have left many questions up in the air about why they have been heading up and away.
Witnesses took to social media to share pictures of the brightly coloured balloons floating through the valleys of Bury against a clear sky, many asking where exactly they were going.
Now, the mystery can be solved.
(Image: Richard Gahan)
A group of hot air balloon pilots who live in the Greater Manchester boroughs have been putting the extra time they have found in lockdown to use.
The balloon enthusiasts have been heading out with their balloons early in the morning, before their workdays start.
Tottington-based pilot Richard Gahan has been flying for 15 years, but just this week, he took his very first aerial trips through the Ramsbottom valleys - where he was born and bred.
It was the first time balloons have been spotted in the skies above Ramsbottom for decades, he says.
(Image: Richard Gahan)
He told the Manchester Evening News : "I was born and bred in Holcombe Brook, I'm a qualified private pilot and I've been wanting to fly the valley for years and years given that's where I'm from. This week, we started flying there. We went out on flights on Tuesday and Wednesday.
"It must be a good 30 or 40 years since we've seen balloons over the Ramsbottom valley and we wanted to get flying there more.
"There's a few of us who have flown over the past couple of days and we're all private pilots, all fully qualified.
"We are all working from home because of Covid and we've had more time as we've not had to commute to and from work. That's meant we've been able to get up early and out in the balloons before coming back home and switching on our laptops."
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Mr Gahan, 48, is an accountant by trade but has been flying balloons all over the world for 15 years as his hobby.
Closer to home, he flies up and down Lancashire, saying: "I trained on the Fylde in North Preston, that's where I cut my teeth so to speak.
"We also fly out of the old Camelot theme park, up in Kirkby Lonsdale, in the Ribble Valley, anywhere in the North West.
"We are part of the balloon club that's based from Stafford all the way up to the Lake District."
Just like a car, the registered aircraft needs checking every 100 hours or at minimum once a year.
"The three balloons we have had out in the last couple of days are friends' balloons, they have come across from Wigan," said Mr Gahan.
"My balloon is waiting to be MOT'd, so I've been flying somebody else's balloon the last couple of days."
Mr Gahan's journey, which he took with fellow licensed balloon pilots, was met with joy from other locals who loved seeing the balloons cruising through the skies for an hour or two.
Some people have been alarmed by one balloon which saw its pilot sitting in a seat rather than in a basket. Mr Gahan assures it is completely normal.
He added: "People are thinking 'what the hell!' But it's a smaller balloon called a cloud hopper - again, it's a registered aircraft hot air balloon."
(Image: Carol Hanson)
Despite the cloudy weather today, the hot air balloon pals are planning to get back out in their crafts tomorrow morning (July 24).
The flights last around an hour and are dictated by the direction of the wind.
Mr Gahan said: "We've got a couple of launch fields in the area. We're going from the one we've been using all week in Walshaw.
"At the moment, it's looking like the journey is going to take us on a similar one to Tuesday - across Bury and Walmersley to Rochdale, Fairfield, that area.
"I could joke and say we throw some grass up in the air and see which way it blows - we don't! We look at the ballooning forecast and see which way we can go. We tend to choose a location we want to fly from and see where the wind takes us.
"You are governed by the winds but you've got the burner to take you up if you need to. We've got to be a minimum of 500 feet to avoid built up areas, we can go up to 3,000 feet.
"It takes you all over the UK, all over the world."
Mr Gahan has loved seeing the positive response the balloons have had on social media, saying: "It's been fantastic, some of the comments have been so great."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-23--Drunk found parked on hard shoulder of M60 with a child on his lap

A drunk driver was caught parked on the hard shoulder of the M60 with a child on his lap - before he punched a police officer .
Wayne Garcia , 35 , has been jailed for nine months after he was found to be more than double the drink drive limit in the early hours .
He hit a police officer in the face after being challenged about his behaviour , leaving him with a broken tooth and possible fractured cheekbone .
Manchester Crown Court heard police spotted Garcia parked on the anticlockwise section of the motorway in Trafford , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on June 24 .
Part of the motorway had to be shut off while police responded .
When they arrived , police found Garcia sat in the driver 's seat of a Mercedes with a child sat on his knee .
Prosecutor John Kennerley said they noted a 'strong smell of alcohol ' and said that Garcia was 'slurring his words ' .
He got out of the car and 'staggered ' towards the road , the court heard .
Police were 'extremely concerned ' about the youngster .
They took the child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 'struggle ' , in which Garcia punched an officer in the face before being handcuffed .
Garcia was later breathalysed , and his reading was found to be 76 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath , the legal limit being 35 .
In interview , Garcia said he had been planning on driving to Blackpool , but said he had ran out of petrol .
The court heard he has five previous convictions for drink driving .
Defending , Tom Sherrington said frustration was building up in Garcia while he was being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' .
He said Garcia wants to pay compensation to the officer to help pay for work on his broken tooth .
Mr Sherrington said Garcia had got his 'life back on track ' after a spell in prison , but said drinking wine had a 'significant effect ' on him .
Sentencing Garcia to nine months in prison , Judge Elizabeth Nicholls told Garcia : `` You knew that you had put yourself in a position where you were going to be arrested .
`` These are very grave offences . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pleaded guilty to being drunk while in charge of a child under the age of seven ; drink driving ; two counts of assaulting an emergency worker ; driving without a licence ; and driving without insurance .
He was also banned from driving for three years and four months .

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A drunk driver was caught parked on the hard shoulder of the M60 with a child on his lap - before he punched a police officer.
Wayne Garcia, 35, has been jailed for nine months after he was found to be more than double the drink drive limit in the early hours.
He hit a police officer in the face after being challenged about his behaviour, leaving him with a broken tooth and possible fractured cheekbone.
Manchester Crown Court heard police spotted Garcia parked on the anticlockwise section of the motorway in Trafford, at junction five, at around 3.45am on June 24.
Part of the motorway had to be shut off while police responded.
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
When they arrived, police found Garcia sat in the driver's seat of a Mercedes with a child sat on his knee.
Prosecutor John Kennerley said they noted a 'strong smell of alcohol' and said that Garcia was 'slurring his words'.
He got out of the car and 'staggered' towards the road, the court heard.
Speaking to officers, Garcia was 'belligerent'.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Police were 'extremely concerned' about the youngster. They took the child from Garcia.
Shortly after there was a 'struggle', in which Garcia punched an officer in the face before being handcuffed.
Garcia was later breathalysed, and his reading was found to be 76 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath, the legal limit being 35.
In interview, Garcia said he had been planning on driving to Blackpool, but said he had ran out of petrol.
The court heard he has five previous convictions for drink driving.
Defending, Tom Sherrington said frustration was building up in Garcia while he was being questioned by police, which later 'escalated'.
He said Garcia wants to pay compensation to the officer to help pay for work on his broken tooth.
Mr Sherrington said Garcia had got his 'life back on track' after a spell in prison, but said drinking wine had a 'significant effect' on him.
Sentencing Garcia to nine months in prison, Judge Elizabeth Nicholls told Garcia: "You knew that you had put yourself in a position where you were going to be arrested.
"Unfortunately you made matters worse.
"These are very grave offences."
Garcia, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to being drunk while in charge of a child under the age of seven; drink driving; two counts of assaulting an emergency worker; driving without a licence; and driving without insurance.
He was also banned from driving for three years and four months.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-23--Man City evening headlines as Sane urges Alaba to stay amid Blues links

Here are the latest Manchester City evening headlines for Thursday July 23 .
City are close to securing a deal for Ferran Torres Manchester City are in ‘ advanced negotiations ’ for Ferran Torres , according to .
Torres , 20 , is considered one of Valencia ’ s best prospects and it 's reported that the two clubs have been in negotiations for a deal to bring him to Manchester City .
The report claims the pair are in discussions regarding a fee for Torres , with City eager to lower the fee by including Venezuelan midfielder Yangel Herrera @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sane has encouraged David Alaba to remain at Bayern Munich amid reports linking the defender with Manchester City .
Sane is a new arrival at Bayern after completing a move from City earlier this summer , and he is keen to see the Austrian international remain in Munich .
“ I really hope David stays , ” Sane told .
“ I would like to play with him .
He is a good guy , a great footballer , and we like each other privately .
David has proven that he is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best left-backs , but also exceptional in the centre.
” He continued : “ I can feel [ the excitement at Bayern ] .
The boys are hot and focused , they have big goals with the club .
“ I think a lot can be achieved .
I definitely see a realistic chance of winning the Champions League with Bayern.
” Man City chasing an incredible piece of English football history vs Norwich Manchester City are closing in on a goalscoring landmark against Norwich City .
The Blues have secured the League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cup , but given they are still in the Champions League and have one final Premier League game they have the chance to set an English goal-scoring record in all competitions .
Manuel Pellegrini ’ s side broke the previous English record in all competitions in 2013/14 by notching an impressive 156 goals .
That eclipsed a haul of 143 set by Manchester United ’ s Busby Babes in the 1956/57 season .
Pep team came close to breaking Pellegrini ’ s record in 2017/2018 when they racked up 143 goals .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the league and scoring 169 goals in all competitions .
Now battling against themselves , the Blues have scored 141 goals this season .
A trio of goals against the Canaries would give them a bronze medal and affirm Guardiola ’ s reputation as an attacking coach .
You can read more about their goal-scoring achievements .

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Here are the latest Manchester City evening headlines for Thursday July 23.
City are close to securing a deal for Ferran Torres
Manchester City are in ‘advanced negotiations’ for Ferran Torres, according to Cadena Ser .
Torres, 20, is considered one of Valencia’s best prospects and it's reported that the two clubs have been in negotiations for a deal to bring him to Manchester City.
The report claims the pair are in discussions regarding a fee for Torres, with City eager to lower the fee by including Venezuelan midfielder Yangel Herrera as part of the deal.
Leroy Sane reveals David Alaba wish amid Man City transfer links
Leroy Sane has encouraged David Alaba to remain at Bayern Munich amid reports linking the defender with Manchester City.
Sane is a new arrival at Bayern after completing a move from City earlier this summer, and he is keen to see the Austrian international remain in Munich.
“I really hope David stays,” Sane told SportBild . “I would like to play with him. He is a good guy, a great footballer, and we like each other privately. David has proven that he is not only one of the world’s best left-backs, but also exceptional in the centre.”
He continued: “I can feel [the excitement at Bayern]. The boys are hot and focused, they have big goals with the club.
“I think a lot can be achieved. I definitely see a realistic chance of winning the Champions League with Bayern.”
Man City chasing an incredible piece of English football history vs Norwich
Manchester City are closing in on a goalscoring landmark against Norwich City.
Sign up to our free MCFC email newsletter Man City are Premier League champions! Get all the reaction plus daily news and analysis direct to your inbox with our free MCFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
The Blues have secured the League Cup and are out of the FA Cup, but given they are still in the Champions League and have one final Premier League game they have the chance to set an English goal-scoring record in all competitions.
Manuel Pellegrini’s City side broke the previous English record in all competitions in 2013/14 by notching an impressive 156 goals. That eclipsed a haul of 143 set by Manchester United’s Busby Babes in the 1956/57 season.
Pep Guardiola’s team came close to breaking Pellegrini’s record in 2017/2018 when they racked up 143 goals. They went one better last season by winning the league and scoring 169 goals in all competitions.
Now battling against themselves, the Blues have scored 141 goals this season. A trio of goals against the Canaries would give them a bronze medal and affirm Guardiola’s reputation as an attacking coach.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-23--Man Utd evening headlines as Grealish tweets send fans into frenzy

Here are the Manchester United evening headlines for Thursday July 23 .
Manchester United fans will love what Jack Grealish tweeted about the club A series of unearthed tweets from Jack Grealish have sent Manchester United fans into a frenzy .
The Aston Villa captain has been coy on his future amid links with United .
Speaking to Sky Sports , he said : “ I ’ m not too sure at the moment .
I have one aim and that ’ s to keep this club in the Premier League.
” Some supporters viewed that as Grealish being open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and now some old tweets have further confirmed that belief .
It started in 2012 when speaking about United ’ s game against Ajax in the Europa League round of 32 .
“ Love listening to Drake while going sleep , ” he wrote .
“ Off to sleep for a bit then up for the Untied game tonight # RedDevils !
!
” A month later he was watching the FA Youth Cup semi-final between United and Chelsea , when he tweeted : “ Now watching Chelsea vs Man United in youth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both teams !
Some great players on show , come on United !
!
!
!
!
!
” You can read a full catalogue of Grealish ’ s Manchester United-related tweets .
Manchester United are holding off on major transfer decisions until they have guaranteed their qualification for the .
The MEN understands have not made any further outreach after it was confirmed the summer transfer window would open on July 27 and close on October 5 .
The club are currently third in the with one game remaining and require just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a place in Europe 's top competition .
They could still finish fifth and enter the competition via winning the Europa League , just as they did under Jose Mourinho in 2016/17 .
United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has assured supporters the club will spend money this summer but warned about uncertainty in the current circumstances .
“ The ongoing disruption from the pandemic – and the economic pressures it has created – has shown why it is so important for football clubs to focus on their financial stability , ” he wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game .
“ We are fortunate to have a strong and resilient commercial business which has supported long-term investment in our team .
That will continue , albeit with extra caution in the coming months as we navigate our way through this uncertain period.
” You can read the latest on the club ’ s key targets .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has joked that ball-striking ability is dependent on whether he stays up playing video games .
The 18-year-old has had a fantastic season for Manchester United and netted his 17th goal of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made him the fourth teenager after Brian Kidd , and Wayne Rooney to reach that tally in their first full campaign .
Solskjaer has been delighted with his teenager ’ s performances after handing him his full league debut against Cardiff City last season .
The Norwegian couldn ’ t resist having some fun at Greenwood ’ s expense ; however , by joking his shooting ability is often dictated by his sleep pattern .
“ Mason ... you know when he ’ s had a good sleep and when he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might not hit the ball as cleanly in training !
” Solskjaer laughed .
“ But what he does today , he does that time and time and time again and when we do finishing you see an exceptional finisher there and are not surprised when it hits the back of the net . ''

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Here are the Manchester United evening headlines for Thursday July 23.
Manchester United fans will love what Jack Grealish tweeted about the club
A series of unearthed tweets from Jack Grealish have sent Manchester United fans into a frenzy.
The Aston Villa captain has been coy on his future amid links with United. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I’m not too sure at the moment. I have one aim and that’s to keep this club in the Premier League.”
Some supporters viewed that as Grealish being open to a move to Old Trafford, and now some old tweets have further confirmed that belief. It started in 2012 when speaking about United’s game against Ajax in the Europa League round of 32.
“Love listening to Drake while going sleep,” he wrote. “Off to sleep for a bit then up for the Untied game tonight #RedDevils!!”
A month later he was watching the FA Youth Cup semi-final between United and Chelsea, when he tweeted: “Now watching Chelsea vs Man United in youth cup semi-final, best of luck to both teams! Some great players on show, come on United!!!!!!”
You can read a full catalogue of Grealish’s Manchester United-related tweets here .
Manchester United waiting on Champions League status ahead of transfer activity
Manchester United are holding off on major transfer decisions until they have guaranteed their qualification for the Champions League .
The MEN understands United have not made any further outreach after it was confirmed the summer transfer window would open on July 27 and close on October 5.
The club are currently third in the Premier League with one game remaining and require just a point against Leicester City to secure a place in Europe's top competition.
They could still finish fifth and enter the competition via winning the Europa League, just as they did under Jose Mourinho in 2016/17.
United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has assured supporters the club will spend money this summer but warned about uncertainty in the current circumstances.
“The ongoing disruption from the pandemic – and the economic pressures it has created – has shown why it is so important for football clubs to focus on their financial stability,” he wrote in the programme for the West Ham game.
“We are fortunate to have a strong and resilient commercial business which has supported long-term investment in our team. That will continue, albeit with extra caution in the coming months as we navigate our way through this uncertain period.”
You can read the latest on the club’s key targets here .
Sign up to our free MUFC email newsletter Get the latest breaking Manchester United transfer news and analysis every day direct to your inbox with our free MUFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
Mason Greenwood set PlayStation challenge by Manchester United manager Solskjaer
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has joked that Mason Greenwood’s ball-striking ability is dependent on whether he stays up playing video games.
The 18-year-old has had a fantastic season for Manchester United and netted his 17th goal of the campaign against West Ham. That made him the fourth Manchester United teenager after George Best, Brian Kidd, and Wayne Rooney to reach that tally in their first full campaign.
Solskjaer has been delighted with his teenager’s performances after handing him his full league debut against Cardiff City last season. The Norwegian couldn’t resist having some fun at Greenwood’s expense; however, by joking his shooting ability is often dictated by his sleep pattern.
“Mason... you know when he’s had a good sleep and when he’s stayed up late playing PlayStation because he might not hit the ball as cleanly in training!” Solskjaer laughed. “But what he does today, he does that time and time and time again and when we do finishing you see an exceptional finisher there and are not surprised when it hits the back of the net."