themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-23--ADVERTORIAL: The 'instagrammable' Korean restaurant in Didsbury with secret recipes and Asian-inspir

ADVERTORIAL: The 'instagrammable' Korean restaurant in Didsbury with secret recipes and Asian-inspired cocktails

With no end of restaurants serving delicious dishes from all over the world , we really are spoilt for choice in Greater Manchester .
In particular , there is a growing interest and enjoyment of traditional food from the Far East , including Korea .
One woman who knows the robust flavours and art of this cuisine better than anyone is 61-year-old Fushan Tian , who has almost 30 years experience of cooking .
With the help of her son Xin Jin , the pair pooled their knowledge and culinary skills to open OKitchen in South Manchester in December 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the restaurant serves exquisite Korean and Japanese dishes alongside stylish cocktails with a twist .
With a comforting family atmosphere , signature dishes and Asian-inspired cocktails , OKitchen has it all and deserves a visit .
Cooking is an art that only some can master , and most of that comes down to experience .
Fushan worked as a chef in Korea for six years before the family eventually moved to the UK in 2001 .
Bringing her talent and expertise with her , she then worked in a number of Korean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
Xin said : `` My mum has 28 years experience in cooking lots of traditional Korean food and it 's very very nice .
`` We have lots of secret recipes that my mum has gathered over years which are on the menu for people to try .
`` Each dish has it 's own unique flavour that you wo n't taste anywhere else . ''
The mother and son opened OKitchen together to showcase Fushan 's unique Korean dishes , whilst sushi chef Xin focused on cooking the Japanese food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the kitchen and although cooking separate cuisines , they work together to ensure the food is made to the highest standards .
`` We decided to open the restaurant together .
I just wanted more people to be able to experience my mum 's cooking , '' Xin said .
`` It feels like home when we 're in the kitchen together . ''
For those who have never tried Korean food before , it can be described in one word - flavoursome .
OKitchen 's menu has a range of dishes from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signature dishes that are a must-try .
`` Korean food has a lot of flavour , some dishes are sweet some are a little spicy but not too much , '' Xin explained .
`` I think most English love a little bit sweet and a little bit spicy food .
`` Over the years we 've added more Korean food to the menu as people are now becoming more open to trying alternative dishes . ''
One of the restaurants most popular signature dishes is the Dolsot Bibimbap which is a very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rice , seasoned vegetables and your choice of marinated meat topped with egg and served in a traditional heated stoneware pot which keeps your meal piping hot from start to finish .
Bibimbap traditionally helps the body excrete and burn unwanted fats , therefore is considered one of the healthiest meals on the menu .
Kimchi is known to be the most recognisable Korean food and is a staple in a majority of traditional meals .
As a famous side dish of salted and fermented vegetables , such as napa cabbage and Korean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wide variety of seasonings including gochugaru , spring onions , garlic , ginger , and jeotgal .
OKitchen serve their very own kimchi-jjigae , also known as the kimchi casserole , which is fragrant and full of flavour .
As a traditional favourite , the dish is made up of a hot chilli casserole with pork or beef , vegetables , vermicelli noodles , tofu and of course kimchi served in a hot dish .
Specially recommended by Xin for meat-lovers is the variety of BBQ meat dishes on the menu .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bulgogi options are all marinated in OKitchen 's special sauce , which is another of Fushan 's secret recipes .
The menu also features lots of sushi options including sashimi and nigiri .
Xin and Fushan are hoping to introduce more new dishes to their menu this year .
One will be dakgalbi , which is a spicy chicken noodle stirfry served onto a portable gas stove so you can admire the cheese melting in front of you .
When you have delicious food , nothing beats having a tasty , refreshing drink @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't short of tipples with their very own cocktail bar .
Natalia , a 27-year-old bar maid and waitress , has been working at OKitchen for a year and a half .
Due to her previous experience working in cocktails bars across the city centre for four years , Xin allowed Natalia to shake up the existing menu .
`` We make classic cocktails , but with a twist , '' Natalie said .
`` We add Sake and Soju to the cocktails , which are beverages that are native to Japan and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alternative flavour .
`` So we 're simply adding elements of Korea and Japan to traditional British cocktails . ''
The extensive cocktail menu includes unique creations such as the Japanese Apple Pie , Sake East Side , Ginseng Sours and the Kesi Ni Giri as well as traditional drinks with a twist such as the Sake on the Beach , Yuzu Daiquiri , Singapore Sling and the Orients Iced Tea .
You can get two cocktails for £10 every Sunday to Thursday .
Finally , for those daring enough , there 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beer cocktail .
It requires skill , and is made by placing two chopsticks parallel on top of a glass of beer , with a shot of Sake placed carefully on top of them .
The table or surface is then hit which should , if done successfully , make the shot of Sake fall nicely into the glass of beer .
The drinks menu also consists of wines , spirits and a variety of Korean beers .
The decor at OKitchen is not entirely what you 'd expect from a traditional Korean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 , Xin asked a local interior designer to give the restaurant a little pizzazz , introducing bright colours and modern asthetics .
`` Our restaurant has an elegant style designed by an interior designer which makes it unique , '' Xin said .
`` We wanted to go for a more modern look rather than traditional with nice , bright colours to make it stand out from other Korean restaurants . ''
The restaurant features pastel pink walls , stylish blue seating , rose gold lighting , floral touches and several murals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very 'instagrammable ' yet comfortable setting , Xin hopes to eventually take this restaurant style beyond Didsbury .
`` In the future I hope to open more restaurants like this in different areas , '' he said .
`` I want more local people to try our Korean food and spread my mums great recipes across the region . ''
During her time at the restaurant , Natalia recognises the same faces week in week out and puts that down to the friendly service they provide .
`` They just want to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comfortable with and enjoy great food .
`` If we get any new customers its usually from our regular customers spreading the word .
`` At the end of a meal I always ask people if it 's their first time here and how they heard of us , and it 's usually from their friends or family .
`` Word of mouth is always the best form of advertising .
If your mate told you they had the best food ever , then you 'd want to go and try it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the restaurant is most busy and that they are eventually hoping to keep the bar area open past midngiht .
`` It 's quite lively when it gets busy , the atmosphere is great , '' she said .
`` People are happy to stay here for a bit longer after finishing their meals and have a nice drink .
`` It 's a bit quieter than some of the other restaurants in the village so I think people come here just to chat and have a good time .
`` Food service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ licence until 1am so from then on people can relax and have drinks . ''
Speaking of working with Fushan and Xin , Natalia says she feels like part of the family .
`` That 's her kitchen and she 's cooking for everyone , just as she would cook for her kids .
`` It 's a great family vibe in here - they really take care of their staff and I can honestly say Xin is the best boss I 've ever had . ''
Book your table at OKitchen now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 5pm to 11pm , Friday from 5pm to 11.30pm , and Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 3pm and again from 5pm to 11pm .
OKitchen can be found in Didsbury Village at 43 Barlow Moor Road , Didsbury , Manchester , M20 6TW .
The restaurant also does a delivery service with Deliveroo and Just Eat .
To make a booking please call 0161 434 1854 , email hello @ okitchendidsbury.co.uk or book your table here .

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With no end of restaurants serving delicious dishes from all over the world, we really are spoilt for choice in Greater Manchester.
In particular, there is a growing interest and enjoyment of traditional food from the Far East, including Korea.
One woman who knows the robust flavours and art of this cuisine better than anyone is 61-year-old Fushan Tian, who has almost 30 years experience of cooking.
With the help of her son Xin Jin, the pair pooled their knowledge and culinary skills to open OKitchen in South Manchester in December 2017.
Found in the thriving Didsbury Village, the restaurant serves exquisite Korean and Japanese dishes alongside stylish cocktails with a twist.
With a comforting family atmosphere, signature dishes and Asian-inspired cocktails, OKitchen has it all and deserves a visit.
(Image: Phoebe Jobling)
Secret recipes and unique flavours
Cooking is an art that only some can master, and most of that comes down to experience.
Fushan worked as a chef in Korea for six years before the family eventually moved to the UK in 2001.
Bringing her talent and expertise with her, she then worked in a number of Korean restaurants around Manchester for the next 16 years.
Xin said: "My mum has 28 years experience in cooking lots of traditional Korean food and it's very very nice.
"We have lots of secret recipes that my mum has gathered over years which are on the menu for people to try.
"Each dish has it's own unique flavour that you won't taste anywhere else."
The mother and son opened OKitchen together to showcase Fushan's unique Korean dishes, whilst sushi chef Xin focused on cooking the Japanese food.
They are the only chefs in the kitchen and although cooking separate cuisines, they work together to ensure the food is made to the highest standards.
"We decided to open the restaurant together. I just wanted more people to be able to experience my mum's cooking," Xin said.
"It feels like home when we're in the kitchen together."
(Image: Phoebe Jobling)
Signature dishes
For those who have never tried Korean food before, it can be described in one word - flavoursome.
OKitchen's menu has a range of dishes from both Korean and Japanese heritage, with signature dishes that are a must-try.
"Korean food has a lot of flavour, some dishes are sweet some are a little spicy but not too much," Xin explained.
"I think most English love a little bit sweet and a little bit spicy food.
"Over the years we've added more Korean food to the menu as people are now becoming more open to trying alternative dishes."
One of the restaurants most popular signature dishes is the Dolsot Bibimbap which is a very traditional meal.
The Korean speciality combines rice, seasoned vegetables and your choice of marinated meat topped with egg and served in a traditional heated stoneware pot which keeps your meal piping hot from start to finish.
Bibimbap traditionally helps the body excrete and burn unwanted fats, therefore is considered one of the healthiest meals on the menu.
(Image: Phoebe Jobling)
Kimchi is known to be the most recognisable Korean food and is a staple in a majority of traditional meals.
As a famous side dish of salted and fermented vegetables, such as napa cabbage and Korean radish, it's made with a wide variety of seasonings including gochugaru, spring onions, garlic, ginger, and jeotgal.
OKitchen serve their very own kimchi-jjigae, also known as the kimchi casserole, which is fragrant and full of flavour.
As a traditional favourite, the dish is made up of a hot chilli casserole with pork or beef, vegetables, vermicelli noodles, tofu and of course kimchi served in a hot dish.
Specially recommended by Xin for meat-lovers is the variety of BBQ meat dishes on the menu.
The beef, chicken, pork and seafood bulgogi options are all marinated in OKitchen's special sauce, which is another of Fushan's secret recipes.
The menu also features lots of sushi options including sashimi and nigiri.
Xin and Fushan are hoping to introduce more new dishes to their menu this year.
One will be dakgalbi, which is a spicy chicken noodle stirfry served onto a portable gas stove so you can admire the cheese melting in front of you.
Explore the full menu here.
(Image: Simon Teasdale)
Cocktails with a twist
When you have delicious food, nothing beats having a tasty, refreshing drink to accompany it.
And OKitchen aren't short of tipples with their very own cocktail bar.
Natalia, a 27-year-old bar maid and waitress, has been working at OKitchen for a year and a half.
Due to her previous experience working in cocktails bars across the city centre for four years, Xin allowed Natalia to shake up the existing menu.
"We make classic cocktails, but with a twist," Natalie said.
"We add Sake and Soju to the cocktails, which are beverages that are native to Japan and South Korea, to give them an alternative flavour.
"So we're simply adding elements of Korea and Japan to traditional British cocktails."
The extensive cocktail menu includes unique creations such as the Japanese Apple Pie, Sake East Side, Ginseng Sours and the Kesi Ni Giri as well as traditional drinks with a twist such as the Sake on the Beach, Yuzu Daiquiri, Singapore Sling and the Orients Iced Tea.
You can get two cocktails for £10 every Sunday to Thursday.
Finally, for those daring enough, there's the Sake Bomb - a traditional Japanese beer cocktail.
It requires skill, and is made by placing two chopsticks parallel on top of a glass of beer, with a shot of Sake placed carefully on top of them.
The table or surface is then hit which should, if done successfully, make the shot of Sake fall nicely into the glass of beer.
The drinks menu also consists of wines, spirits and a variety of Korean beers.
View the full drinks menu here.
(Image: Simon Teasdale)
Modern, elegant interior
The decor at OKitchen is not entirely what you'd expect from a traditional Korean restaurant, but it works.
In 2018, Xin asked a local interior designer to give the restaurant a little pizzazz, introducing bright colours and modern asthetics.
"Our restaurant has an elegant style designed by an interior designer which makes it unique," Xin said.
"We wanted to go for a more modern look rather than traditional with nice, bright colours to make it stand out from other Korean restaurants."
The restaurant features pastel pink walls, stylish blue seating, rose gold lighting, floral touches and several murals of a Japanese woman.
As a very 'instagrammable' yet comfortable setting, Xin hopes to eventually take this restaurant style beyond Didsbury.
"In the future I hope to open more restaurants like this in different areas," he said.
"I want more local people to try our Korean food and spread my mums great recipes across the region."
(Image: Phoebe Jobling)
Family atmosphere
During her time at the restaurant, Natalia recognises the same faces week in week out and puts that down to the friendly service they provide.
"They just want to be served by people they know and feel comfortable with and enjoy great food.
"If we get any new customers its usually from our regular customers spreading the word.
"At the end of a meal I always ask people if it's their first time here and how they heard of us, and it's usually from their friends or family.
"Word of mouth is always the best form of advertising. If your mate told you they had the best food ever, then you'd want to go and try it."
Natalia explains that weekends are when the restaurant is most busy and that they are eventually hoping to keep the bar area open past midngiht.
"It's quite lively when it gets busy, the atmosphere is great," she said.
"People are happy to stay here for a bit longer after finishing their meals and have a nice drink.
"It's a bit quieter than some of the other restaurants in the village so I think people come here just to chat and have a good time.
"Food service finishes at 10pm but we have a licence until 1am so from then on people can relax and have drinks."
Speaking of working with Fushan and Xin, Natalia says she feels like part of the family.
"I call Fushan 'auntie'," she said.
"That's her kitchen and she's cooking for everyone, just as she would cook for her kids.
"It's a great family vibe in here - they really take care of their staff and I can honestly say Xin is the best boss I've ever had."
Follow commercial writer Phoebe Jobling on social media To follow Phoebe on Twitter, click here. Or to like her Facebook page and keep up to date with her latest content, click here. Here's the link to the M.E.N's Facebook Partner page where we share all of our branded content articles. For brand partnership enquiries please email: brandpartnershipsmcr@reachplc.com
Book your table at OKitchen now
The restaurant is open Tuesday to Thursday from 5pm to 11pm, Friday from 5pm to 11.30pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 3pm and again from 5pm to 11pm.
OKitchen can be found in Didsbury Village at 43 Barlow Moor Road, Didsbury, Manchester, M20 6TW.
The restaurant also does a delivery service with Deliveroo and Just Eat.
To make a booking please call 0161 434 1854, email hello@okitchendidsbury.co.uk or book your table here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-23--Man City boss Pep Guardiola explains how "weird" VAR can be improved

Pep Guardiola believes VAR will be better next season once the `` weird '' inconsistencies in the system have been ironed out .
It was a day when Manchester City benefited from the technology on Saturday , with VAR awarding them a penalty for Dennis Praet 's handball , while Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers was angry his side did n't get a penalty when a James Maddison free-kick struck Kevin De Bruyne 's hand in the box .
But it was a day dominated by discussion over the use of VAR , with officials at Stockley Park admitting during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got a review wrong by not sending off Giovani Lo Celso for a studs-up challenge on the shin of Cesar Azpilicueta .
There was also controversy earlier in the week , when Harry Maguire avoided a red card when he looked to kick out at Michy Batshuayi in Manchester United 's win at Chelsea , yet Tottenham 's Son-Heung min was sent-off a few weeks ago for a similar incident .
Guardiola wants to see these decisions made clearer next season and is confident that this year will prove to be a learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The machine is the machine , but it ’ s one person to say he ’ s sent off or not sent off .
There are times that he ’ s not sent off and others it is , it ’ s the same with handball , '' the City boss said .
“ I said last season the first year will take time .
Maybe next season we can learn and the guys who decide how it works can make it better and clarify the situations .
“ The game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and weeks ago Son for Tottenham is sent-off .
Why is one a sending off and one not ?
It ’ s weird , that ’ s why maybe in the future they can understand better for the benefit of football , it ’ s not just about one team or one player . ''
City 's benefit from VAR at the King Power Stadium was spurned when Sergio Aguero missed the penalty , but the Blues still warmed up for Wednesday 's clash with Real Madrid with a 1-0 victory .
Guardiola @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was an ideal tune-up for the Champions League tie and again praised his team 's mentality to perform after a difficult week and ahead of a crucial game .
`` If you still doubt what they have done , this group of players in the last year , winning seven out of eight competitions [ domestically ] , in every single game we play , the games we drop points , the way we played , the personality , there 's no doubt about that , '' he said .
`` How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vardy , [ Kelechi ] Iheanacho , [ Harvey ] Barnes , it was an incredible test for us ahead of the Champions League .
It ’ s good to play against these teams before the start of the Champions League and I 'm so pleased for the victory . ''

Pep Guardiola believes VAR will be better next season once the "weird" inconsistencies in the system have been ironed out.
It was a day when Manchester City benefited from the technology on Saturday, with VAR awarding them a penalty for Dennis Praet's handball, while Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers was angry his side didn't get a penalty when a James Maddison free-kick struck Kevin De Bruyne's hand in the box.
But it was a day dominated by discussion over the use of VAR, with officials at Stockley Park admitting during Chelsea's win over Tottenham they had got a review wrong by not sending off Giovani Lo Celso for a studs-up challenge on the shin of Cesar Azpilicueta.
There was also controversy earlier in the week, when Harry Maguire avoided a red card when he looked to kick out at Michy Batshuayi in Manchester United's win at Chelsea, yet Tottenham's Son-Heung min was sent-off a few weeks ago for a similar incident.
Guardiola wants to see these decisions made clearer next season and is confident that this year will prove to be a learning curve as far as VAR is concerned.
“The machine is the machine, but it’s one person to say he’s sent off or not sent off. There are times that he’s not sent off and others it is, it’s the same with handball," the City boss said.
“I said last season the first year will take time. Maybe next season we can learn and the guys who decide how it works can make it better and clarify the situations.
“The game against Chelsea is not a sending off and weeks ago Son for Tottenham is sent-off. Why is one a sending off and one not? It’s weird, that’s why maybe in the future they can understand better for the benefit of football, it’s not just about one team or one player."
City's benefit from VAR at the King Power Stadium was spurned when Sergio Aguero missed the penalty, but the Blues still warmed up for Wednesday's clash with Real Madrid with a 1-0 victory.
Guardiola was delighted with the performance and believes it was an ideal tune-up for the Champions League tie and again praised his team's mentality to perform after a difficult week and ahead of a crucial game.
"If you still doubt what they have done, this group of players in the last year, winning seven out of eight competitions [domestically], in every single game we play, the games we drop points, the way we played, the personality, there's no doubt about that," he said.
"How quick they are with [Jamie] Vardy, [Kelechi] Iheanacho, [Harvey] Barnes, it was an incredible test for us ahead of the Champions League. It’s good to play against these teams before the start of the Champions League and I'm so pleased for the victory."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-23--Euro 2021 quarter-final match to be held in Leigh's Sport Village, FA announces

Leigh ’ s Sports Village will host one of the quarter-final matches in UEFA ’ s Euro 2021 tournament , organisers have revealed today .
It had already been confirmed that the venue would play host to three group games in next year ’ s women ’ s football competition .
But the FA announced its full schedule today - 500 days before the tournament kicks off in England - and confirmed that Leigh would also host a quarter-final on 23 July .
Next year is set to be a huge sporting year for the borough with LSV also a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Wigan council leader David Molyneux , said : “ Next summer is set to be another showpiece of women ’ s football at the highest level , and we are incredibly proud that Leigh Sports Village will be playing its part as a host venue in UEFA Women ’ s EURO 2021 .
“ With the competition set to be the largest ever women ’ s EURO to date , it ’ s fantastic news that the borough has been awarded an extra knock-out fixture .
`` Having two huge sporting tournaments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of just a few months next year shows how much of an attractive proposition Wigan and Leigh is for organisers so it will be a thrill to welcome fans from across Europe . ''
To kickstart the official countdown , Wigan Council is organising a # 500kickup challenge with the help of the Making Herstory girls group and Wigan Athletic Community Trust .
The town hall is asking people to send in their entries using the hashtag to win football merchandise in build anticipation to the historic event .
Wigan Athletic has also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free tickets to local sport clubs for yesterday ’ s home game at the DW Stadium .
News of the extra fixture comes on the day the FA release the full match schedule – which includes confirmation that LSV will welcome some of the world ’ s best female footballers by hosting four matches including a quarter-final on 23 July .
Wembley Stadium – with a capacity of 90,000 – will host the final on 1 August , meaning the venue is hosting back-to-back men ’ s and women ’ s European Championship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can register for tickets , as well as tournament news , competitions and volunteering opportunities , by visiting TheFA.com/WEURO2021 .
LSV is one of ten grounds which will stage UEFA Women ’ s EURO 2021 matches next summer .
As tournament hosts , Phil Neville ’ s Lionesses qualify automatically and after beginning their campaign at Old Trafford , will complete their group stage fixtures in front of home crowds at a further two Premier League venues – Brighton & Hove ’ s Community Stadium and St. Mary ’ s Stadium in Southampton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promises to be a record-breaking edition of the European tournament with over 700,000 tickets available to fans and extensive coverage of every game of the tournament available on free-to-air television , radio and online .

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Leigh’s Sports Village will host one of the quarter-final matches in UEFA’s Euro 2021 tournament, organisers have revealed today.
It had already been confirmed that the venue would play host to three group games in next year’s women’s football competition.
But the FA announced its full schedule today - 500 days before the tournament kicks off in England - and confirmed that Leigh would also host a quarter-final on 23 July.
Next year is set to be a huge sporting year for the borough with LSV also a destination for the Rugby League World Cup.
Wigan council leader David Molyneux, said: “Next summer is set to be another showpiece of women’s football at the highest level, and we are incredibly proud that Leigh Sports Village will be playing its part as a host venue in UEFA Women’s EURO 2021.
(Image: PA)
“With the competition set to be the largest ever women’s EURO to date, it’s fantastic news that the borough has been awarded an extra knock-out fixture.
"Having two huge sporting tournaments come to the borough in the space of just a few months next year shows how much of an attractive proposition Wigan and Leigh is for organisers so it will be a thrill to welcome fans from across Europe."
To kickstart the official countdown, Wigan Council is organising a #500kickup challenge with the help of the Making Herstory girls group and Wigan Athletic Community Trust.
The town hall is asking people to send in their entries using the hashtag to win football merchandise in build anticipation to the historic event.
Wigan Athletic has also joined in the celebration by awarding 500 free tickets to local sport clubs for yesterday’s home game at the DW Stadium.
News of the extra fixture comes on the day the FA release the full match schedule – which includes confirmation that LSV will welcome some of the world’s best female footballers by hosting four matches including a quarter-final on 23 July.
Wembley Stadium – with a capacity of 90,000 – will host the final on 1 August, meaning the venue is hosting back-to-back men’s and women’s European Championship finals in 2020 and 2021.
Fans can register for tickets, as well as tournament news, competitions and volunteering opportunities, by visiting TheFA.com/WEURO2021.
LSV is one of ten grounds which will stage UEFA Women’s EURO 2021 matches next summer.
As tournament hosts, Phil Neville’s Lionesses qualify automatically and after beginning their campaign at Old Trafford, will complete their group stage fixtures in front of home crowds at a further two Premier League venues – Brighton & Hove’s Community Stadium and St. Mary’s Stadium in Southampton.
The 13th instalment of the championships promises to be a record-breaking edition of the European tournament with over 700,000 tickets available to fans and extensive coverage of every game of the tournament available on free-to-air television, radio and online.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-23--Inside Wythenshawe's second chance café, where the staff have extraordinary stories to tell

The Mess Café looks unremarkable on the surface of things - there are coffees , poached eggs , a chilled cabinet full of sandwiches - but delve a little deeper and there are extraordinary stories to be found .
The Wythenshawe café is part of the Message Trust charity , and provides training and employment to ex-offenders and those at risk of offending .
Staff here come from all walks of life and all kinds of backgrounds .
After spending around two years working at The Mess Café - or one of the other businesses in the Message Enterprise Centre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidance to help them find further work .
It could be in hairdressing ( from the hair and beauty salon Shine ) , in construction work , in hospitality or in catering .
The Enterprise Centre can also host weddings , slashing the price of the average ceremony and making marital celebrations far more realistic for those with lower incomes .
There 's even a wedding dress shop at the centre , with brand new dresses donated to the charity and sold at drastically reduced prices .
The Mess Café - which has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in London , trading as Neal Street Espresso - is particularly important .
That 's because the staff serving customers from a menu of breakfasts and burgers and local Heart and Graft coffees ( the Spanish eggs , laced with chorizo and mushrooms , are apparently a best-seller ) are all being given a new start .
Ellie Dickson from The Message Enterprise Centre said of the cafe : `` It 's a clean slate .
There 's no trust issues or anything - this is your second chance and we want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pastoral support , everyone gets a mentor .
`` There is that programme surrounding them , it 's not just 'here 's a job , work at it ' , because that does n't work for everyone .
`` One guy who recently left us said it was the first time he 'd ever graduated or even finished anything . ''
One employee who has passed through the programme and been retained as a full time member of staff - and head chef at the Mess Cafe - is Joe Rogers .
Raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming home from school and having to carry them up to their bed .
Unsurprisingly , he turned to one of his older brothers for guidance and to act as a role model , too young to realise that his sibling was dealing drugs until he was almost a teenager .
Joe said : `` By that time it was too late - I 'd already succumbed to what I wanted to be , and that was exactly like him .
`` At the age of 12 , I 'm smoking cannabis .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the drugs are progressing , it 's Valium , ecstasy .
I 'd sit in the house and I 'd take ecstasy .
At the age of 16 , after being thrown out of school , I started taking heroin with my brother .
`` Heroin was different to the rest of the drugs .
Heroin was like an escape , it was like putting a warm blanket around you when you 're cold .
`` By the age of 18 I 'm injecting heroin .
My mum found needles in my room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the doctors gave me what they would call their solution , which was Methadone .
`` I was getting free drugs through my brother and I was getting free drugs through my doctor - in the addict world , I had made it . ''
But it was never enough - Joe 's addiction led him to committing burglaries , and he was in and out of prison .
Then his brother overdosed and sadly died .
But Joe still had n't hit his rock bottom .
He said : `` My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mother stood by me no matter what .
In her eyes I was her baby .
`` One day I went home - it was the 6th of November , I remember - I went home and I walked into my mum 's house and there was something different .
`` I 've walked in to the living room and she 's sitting there with a cover over her face , so I pulled the cover and half her face was drooping to the side .
`` I realised she was having a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I said 'can you come ' .
`` The ambulance has come out and they 've got her into the back of it , and they 're sat outside my mum 's house for about 20 , 30 minutes .
`` I realised that my mum 's purse was sitting there , so I went through it and I took some money .
`` The ambulance guys asked if I wanted to go in the ambulance with my mum and I said : 'No , I need to lock up here ' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was that I had to go and score drugs with the money that I 'd just stolen .
`` I never realised that that was the last time I was going to see my mum alive .
I did n't realise that was the person I 'd become .
`` The only person who ever really stood by me was my mum , and yet I 'm repaying her in that way .
`` I lost my mum 's house and all her possessions because I was in and out of jail .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ got a photograph of my mum . ''
After being released from yet another prison stint , Joe found himself with an offer to join The Oaks discipleship programme , another branch of The Message charity .
Not a religious man at the time - he says he blamed God for his situation - Joe accepted the offer through sheer desperation to fill ' a hole inside ' him .
`` I had lost everything - my family , my mum , my dad , everything - so I was willing to give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Nothing changed in my life , my circumstances were the same , but something inside began to happen .
All the fear and the shame began to go away .
It was like every tear that I 'd ever cried began to make sense .
`` It was like God told me that everything I 'd been through in the past was going to work for my future and help other people .
`` I applied for The Oaks discipleship programme , and I was loved back to life there .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ always craved .
`` I 've been here for four years now , and I go to jails sharing my testimony , and I 'm preparing to get married this July .
`` I 've had opportunities here that I would n't have had in any other place .
There are people who have n't just gone the extra mile , they 've gone the extra 25 miles . ''
Working with Joe at The Mess Cafe is Jenny Chadwick , who is both a barista and front of house .
Jenny found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addicted to anti-depressants and anti-anxiety tablets , following the murder of her brother and the sudden departure of her then-husband .
Prior to her life being turned upside-down , Jenny had been a volunteer for the Message Trust 's Eden Network , an outreach programme for deprived neighbourhoods .
Suddenly a single mum , dealing with epilepsy and struggling , she turned to Eden for help - for the sake of her children .
Jenny said : `` I 've worked in banks , I 've worked in the food industry before , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place that understood the need for me to build my strength , not having to go into a job and prove myself straight away .
`` This place kept me focused .
I could keep busy , work hard , pray hard , play hard .
`` As I was building my strength up here , things started getting better at home . ''
Jenny is now off medication , after spending more than 15 years on anti-depressants .
`` I could n't remember being an adult not on tablets .
I needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children .
`` Being here is strengthening - you 're not mollycoddled - but there 's a family feel where you can talk about anything and everything .
`` Now I 'm at a point where I 'm helping others , it 's had that cycle .
`` In the space of just over a year , I 've gone from being a single mum living on a prayer to now being fully debts paid off , settled at home , getting married .
`` I 've learnt so much in this place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year and a bit ! ''
The Mess Cafe is located on Harper Road in Wythenshawe , and is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm ( 10am to 4pm on Tuesdays ) .

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The Mess Café looks unremarkable on the surface of things - there are coffees, poached eggs, a chilled cabinet full of sandwiches - but delve a little deeper and there are extraordinary stories to be found.
The Wythenshawe café is part of the Message Trust charity, and provides training and employment to ex-offenders and those at risk of offending.
Staff here come from all walks of life and all kinds of backgrounds.
After spending around two years working at The Mess Café - or one of the other businesses in the Message Enterprise Centre - employees leave with an NVQ and guidance to help them find further work.
It could be in hairdressing (from the hair and beauty salon Shine), in construction work, in hospitality or in catering.
The Enterprise Centre can also host weddings, slashing the price of the average ceremony and making marital celebrations far more realistic for those with lower incomes.
There's even a wedding dress shop at the centre, with brand new dresses donated to the charity and sold at drastically reduced prices.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
The Mess Café - which has just opened another site in Covent Garden in London, trading as Neal Street Espresso - is particularly important.
That's because the staff serving customers from a menu of breakfasts and burgers and local Heart and Graft coffees (the Spanish eggs, laced with chorizo and mushrooms, are apparently a best-seller) are all being given a new start.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Ellie Dickson from The Message Enterprise Centre said of the cafe: "It's a clean slate. There's no trust issues or anything - this is your second chance and we want to really help you. We've got pastoral support, everyone gets a mentor.
"There is that programme surrounding them, it's not just 'here's a job, work at it', because that doesn't work for everyone.
"One guy who recently left us said it was the first time he'd ever graduated or even finished anything."
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
One employee who has passed through the programme and been retained as a full time member of staff - and head chef at the Mess Cafe - is Joe Rogers.
Raised by two alcoholic parents, Joe remembers coming home from school and having to carry them up to their bed.
Unsurprisingly, he turned to one of his older brothers for guidance and to act as a role model, too young to realise that his sibling was dealing drugs until he was almost a teenager.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Joe said: "By that time it was too late - I'd already succumbed to what I wanted to be, and that was exactly like him.
"At the age of 12, I'm smoking cannabis. By the age of 14 and 15 the drugs are progressing, it's Valium, ecstasy. I'd sit in the house and I'd take ecstasy. At the age of 16, after being thrown out of school, I started taking heroin with my brother.
"Heroin was different to the rest of the drugs. Heroin was like an escape, it was like putting a warm blanket around you when you're cold.
"By the age of 18 I'm injecting heroin. My mum found needles in my room and took me to the doctor, and the doctors gave me what they would call their solution, which was Methadone.
"I was getting free drugs through my brother and I was getting free drugs through my doctor - in the addict world, I had made it."
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
But it was never enough - Joe's addiction led him to committing burglaries, and he was in and out of prison.
Then his brother overdosed and sadly died.
But Joe still hadn't hit his rock bottom.
He said: "My life spiralled out of control but my mother stood by me no matter what. In her eyes I was her baby.
"One day I went home - it was the 6th of November, I remember - I went home and I walked into my mum's house and there was something different.
"I've walked in to the living room and she's sitting there with a cover over her face, so I pulled the cover and half her face was drooping to the side.
"I realised she was having a stroke so I called an ambulance and I said 'can you come'.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
"The ambulance has come out and they've got her into the back of it, and they're sat outside my mum's house for about 20, 30 minutes.
"I realised that my mum's purse was sitting there, so I went through it and I took some money.
"The ambulance guys asked if I wanted to go in the ambulance with my mum and I said: 'No, I need to lock up here', but that was a lie. It was that I had to go and score drugs with the money that I'd just stolen.
"I never realised that that was the last time I was going to see my mum alive. I didn't realise that was the person I'd become.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
"The only person who ever really stood by me was my mum, and yet I'm repaying her in that way.
"I lost my mum's house and all her possessions because I was in and out of jail. I've still to this day not got a photograph of my mum."
After being released from yet another prison stint, Joe found himself with an offer to join The Oaks discipleship programme, another branch of The Message charity.
Not a religious man at the time - he says he blamed God for his situation - Joe accepted the offer through sheer desperation to fill 'a hole inside' him.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
"I had lost everything - my family, my mum, my dad, everything - so I was willing to give this a chance," he said.
"Nothing changed in my life, my circumstances were the same, but something inside began to happen. All the fear and the shame began to go away. It was like every tear that I'd ever cried began to make sense.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
"It was like God told me that everything I'd been through in the past was going to work for my future and help other people.
"I applied for The Oaks discipleship programme, and I was loved back to life there. It was like the family I'd always craved.
"I've been here for four years now, and I go to jails sharing my testimony, and I'm preparing to get married this July.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
"I've had opportunities here that I wouldn't have had in any other place. There are people who haven't just gone the extra mile, they've gone the extra 25 miles."
Working with Joe at The Mess Cafe is Jenny Chadwick, who is both a barista and front of house.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Jenny found herself joining The Message Trust after becoming addicted to anti-depressants and anti-anxiety tablets, following the murder of her brother and the sudden departure of her then-husband.
Prior to her life being turned upside-down, Jenny had been a volunteer for the Message Trust's Eden Network, an outreach programme for deprived neighbourhoods.
Suddenly a single mum, dealing with epilepsy and struggling, she turned to Eden for help - for the sake of her children.
Jenny said: "I've worked in banks, I've worked in the food industry before, but I needed to be in a place that understood the need for me to build my strength, not having to go into a job and prove myself straight away.
"This place kept me focused. I could keep busy, work hard, pray hard, play hard.
"As I was building my strength up here, things started getting better at home."
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Jenny is now off medication, after spending more than 15 years on anti-depressants.
"I couldn't remember being an adult not on tablets. I needed a fresh mind to focus on my children.
"Being here is strengthening - you're not mollycoddled - but there's a family feel where you can talk about anything and everything.
"Now I'm at a point where I'm helping others, it's had that cycle.
"In the space of just over a year, I've gone from being a single mum living on a prayer to now being fully debts paid off, settled at home, getting married.
"I've learnt so much in this place. It's not bad for a year and a bit!"
The Mess Cafe is located on Harper Road in Wythenshawe, and is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm (10am to 4pm on Tuesdays).


themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-23--Kevin De Bruyne would take Man City penalties - if he gets asked

Kevin De Bruyne says he will take Manchester City penalties if he is asked .
But the Blues midfielder believes that it is important for strikers to take spot kicks to build their goals tally and so boost their confidence .
City have , astonishingly , missed five of their seven penalties this season , after Sergio Aguero saw his effort saved by Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel on Saturday .
That was Aguero ’ s first miss this season , after three successes , and added to failures by Gabriel Jesus ( 2 ) , Ilkay Gundogan and Raheem Sterling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a loss as to why De Bruyne does not take them .
The Belgium star is the sweetest striker of a football at the club , takes free kicks and corners and is the most prolific scorer of goals from outside the area .
Despite tucking away both penalties he has taken for his country , De Bruyne has only taken one for City , which was saved by an inspired Maarten Stekelenburg in 2016 , in a match where the Everton keeper also saved a spot kick from Aguero .
Manager Pep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and almost uninterested - about his planning for penalties , saying that he tends to leave it to the players .
Saturday ’ s miss did not ultimately matter as Jesus scored a late winner , but Gundogan ’ s miss at Tottenham was a big reason for the Blues ’ defeat , while Jesus ’ flop at Atalanta meant they only drew a Champions League game .
De Bruyne said he would be happy to shoulder the burden , but that it is not his decision .
Asked if he would do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , why not ?
I do n't really care .
“ For me I think it 's important for strikers to have them because it helps their goals tally .
“ It does n't affect me that much but if they want me to step up , I will .
That 's obviously something for the technical staff to decide.
” And he admitted that the team ’ s awful record from the spot this season is a concern , saying : “ If you win the games , no , but if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's maybe a rough patch for the moment but I think there have been periods where we scored a lot of penalties .
It happens .
“ We want to put them in , but it 's a period where we 're missing a few .
It can happen to everybody , so it 's stupid to blame them .
Obviously if you miss you feel a little bad .
”

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Kevin De Bruyne says he will take Manchester City penalties if he is asked.
But the Blues midfielder believes that it is important for strikers to take spot kicks to build their goals tally and so boost their confidence.
City have, astonishingly, missed five of their seven penalties this season, after Sergio Aguero saw his effort saved by Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel on Saturday.
That was Aguero’s first miss this season, after three successes, and added to failures by Gabriel Jesus (2), Ilkay Gundogan and Raheem Sterling.
Many City fans have been at a loss as to why De Bruyne does not take them.
The Belgium star is the sweetest striker of a football at the club, takes free kicks and corners and is the most prolific scorer of goals from outside the area.
Despite tucking away both penalties he has taken for his country, De Bruyne has only taken one for City, which was saved by an inspired Maarten Stekelenburg in 2016, in a match where the Everton keeper also saved a spot kick from Aguero.
Manager Pep Guardiola has been vague and contradictory – and almost uninterested - about his planning for penalties, saying that he tends to leave it to the players.
Saturday’s miss did not ultimately matter as Jesus scored a late winner, but Gundogan’s miss at Tottenham was a big reason for the Blues’ defeat, while Jesus’ flop at Atalanta meant they only drew a Champions League game.
De Bruyne said he would be happy to shoulder the burden, but that it is not his decision.
Asked if he would do it, he said: “Yeah, why not? I don't really care.
“For me I think it's important for strikers to have them because it helps their goals tally.
“It doesn't affect me that much but if they want me to step up, I will. That's obviously something for the technical staff to decide.”
And he admitted that the team’s awful record from the spot this season is a concern, saying: “If you win the games, no, but if you lose points, yes.
“It's maybe a rough patch for the moment but I think there have been periods where we scored a lot of penalties. It happens.
“We want to put them in, but it's a period where we're missing a few. It can happen to everybody, so it's stupid to blame them. Obviously if you miss you feel a little bad.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-23--Pep Guardiola explains why Man City want to be just like Real Madrid

Pep Guardiola has named Real Madrid as the club Manchester City want to copy ahead of the sides meeting in the last-16 of the Champions League .
The Blues head to the Bernabeu on Wednesday for the first leg of what is undoubtedly the tie of the round and Guardiola has been fulsome in his praise of Zinedine Zidane 's side .
Real Madrid 's 13 European Cup and Champions League titles sets the gold standard on the continent , with City still learning the ropes in the competition , having reached just one semi-final , which ended in defeat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fractious history with Real during his days as a Barcelona player and manager , Guardiola has held Los Blancos up as the team that City are trying to become , in what may be seen in Catalonia as another slight at Barca , after the Blues boss hit out at president Josep Maria Bartomeu on Wednesday after he came out in support of City 's two-year ban from the Champions League .
`` Normally when you play in your history from the Di Stefano period , five European Cups [ in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come to Madrid and pull on the shirt , they know they are defending their history .
That makes an extra thing .
Not just the spectators and media , '' Guardiola said .
`` They are the club we want to emulate and imitate and we have to be there .
I want to go there and at the end of the game I want to say ‘ we were what we are ’ .
This is the most important thing in these types of competitions .
`` We need to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the biggest , nicest and most prestigious stadiums .
After that , we will try with our weapons and try to score the goals .
If we can not , we will congratulate them and try and improve for the next time .
`` For us being here is exciting , so good and we will try to do our best , knowing we play against a team who have won 13 Champions Leagues and it is a king . ''
Real won five successive European Cups in the 1950s and have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four titles in five years between 2014 and 2018 .
City will face an experienced squad in the two-legged tie , with many of them having lifted the trophy before , while the Blues are relative novices by comparison , with reserve goalkeepers Claudio Bravo and Scott Carson the only players in the squad to have won the Champions League .
Guardiola insists he only has respect for a team he has clashed with on plenty of occasions before , but wants City to stick to what they 're good at in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the first leg with a 1-0 win at Leicester , while Real were beaten by Leganes .
`` I have played them many times as a football player and as a manager .
I have an incredible admiration for this club and I know how difficult it is , '' Guardiola said .
`` The players who have played there have played so many times in the final and I don ’ t know how many times each one has lifted it .
`` Maybe Claudio [ Bravo ] has won the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t have many players who have won it .
But we need the desire to win it and be ourselves , We could win it or lose it .
`` But we must be ourselves in the 180 minutes against Real Madrid .
It is the real , real test .
`` The king of this competition against one team who are not used to playing these kind of games much as our best performances was one semi-final of the Champions League in our history .
`` So , it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to show our personality so I know that my players , myself , all the club , want to fight until the end for this title and to arrive in the later stages and one day , dream to win the Champions League but if you want to dream that and you want to do it , you have to face these teams .
`` This is the last 16 but maybe the quarter-finals , maybe the semi-finals , maybe the final .
You have to beat Madrid , you have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bayern Munich .
You have to beat the big , big big clubs in this competition if you are to try and win it.
``

Pep Guardiola has named Real Madrid as the club Manchester City want to copy ahead of the sides meeting in the last-16 of the Champions League.
The Blues head to the Bernabeu on Wednesday for the first leg of what is undoubtedly the tie of the round and Guardiola has been fulsome in his praise of Zinedine Zidane's side.
Real Madrid's 13 European Cup and Champions League titles sets the gold standard on the continent, with City still learning the ropes in the competition, having reached just one semi-final, which ended in defeat to Real in 2016.
Despite having a fractious history with Real during his days as a Barcelona player and manager, Guardiola has held Los Blancos up as the team that City are trying to become, in what may be seen in Catalonia as another slight at Barca, after the Blues boss hit out at president Josep Maria Bartomeu on Wednesday after he came out in support of City's two-year ban from the Champions League.
"Normally when you play in your history from the Di Stefano period, five European Cups [in a row]. You have players who come to Madrid and pull on the shirt, they know they are defending their history. That makes an extra thing. Not just the spectators and media," Guardiola said.
"They are the club we want to emulate and imitate and we have to be there. I want to go there and at the end of the game I want to say ‘we were what we are’. This is the most important thing in these types of competitions.
"We need to go and try and do it at one of the biggest, nicest and most prestigious stadiums. After that, we will try with our weapons and try to score the goals. If we cannot, we will congratulate them and try and improve for the next time.
"For us being here is exciting, so good and we will try to do our best, knowing we play against a team who have won 13 Champions Leagues and it is a king."
Real won five successive European Cups in the 1950s and have enjoyed another golden age recently, with four titles in five years between 2014 and 2018.
City will face an experienced squad in the two-legged tie, with many of them having lifted the trophy before, while the Blues are relative novices by comparison, with reserve goalkeepers Claudio Bravo and Scott Carson the only players in the squad to have won the Champions League.
Guardiola insists he only has respect for a team he has clashed with on plenty of occasions before, but wants City to stick to what they're good at in the Bernabeu, with the Blues warming up for the first leg with a 1-0 win at Leicester, while Real were beaten by Leganes.
"I have played them many times as a football player and as a manager. I have an incredible admiration for this club and I know how difficult it is," Guardiola said.
"The players who have played there have played so many times in the final and I don’t know how many times each one has lifted it.
"Maybe Claudio [Bravo] has won the Champions League and someone else. We don’t have many players who have won it. But we need the desire to win it and be ourselves, We could win it or lose it.
"But we must be ourselves in the 180 minutes against Real Madrid. It is the real, real test.
"The king of this competition against one team who are not used to playing these kind of games much as our best performances was one semi-final of the Champions League in our history.
"So, it will be in a marvellous stadium where we have to show our personality so I know that my players, myself, all the club, want to fight until the end for this title and to arrive in the later stages and one day, dream to win the Champions League but if you want to dream that and you want to do it, you have to face these teams.
"This is the last 16 but maybe the quarter-finals, maybe the semi-finals, maybe the final. You have to beat Madrid, you have to beat Barcelona, you have to beat Bayern Munich. You have to beat the big, big big clubs in this competition if you are to try and win it. "


themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-23--Manchester United line up summer transfer for Wolves star Diogo Jota and more rumours

Manchester United are reportedly preparing an offer for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Diogo Jota in the summer transfer window .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is eager to bring in a new striker when the window opens at the end of the season with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial the only senior forwards at the club .
Odion Ighalo joined on loan in January but it is currently unknown whether the switch will be made permanent .
The Express report that United will turn their attentions to Jota who has impressed in England since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2018 .
The 23-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League this season but has truly excelled in the Europa League , netting back to back hat-tricks in the competition .
United reportedly had scouts in attendance for Wolves ' win against Espanyol on Thursday night and has been tracked for a number of years .
Jota is contracted to Wolves for the next three years and the Midlands club will be unwilling to part ways easily with their prized asset .
Nevertheless , his style of play , versatility and age will all be attractive to Solskjaer in his search for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are lining up a move for United forward Anthony Martial - according to reports .
Tuttosport claim that the Italian side are preparing to lose Lautaro Martinez in the summer , with Barcelona heavily linked to the Argentina international .
As a result , Antonio Conte is already planning on a replacement and is said to be interested in luring Martial from Old Trafford .
The report adds Martial is believed to be interested in a move from England .
He has enjoyed plenty of game time in a central role for United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he is willing to depart any time soon .

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Manchester United are reportedly preparing an offer for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Diogo Jota in the summer transfer window.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is eager to bring in a new striker when the window opens at the end of the season with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial the only senior forwards at the club.
Odion Ighalo joined on loan in January but it is currently unknown whether the switch will be made permanent.
The Express report that United will turn their attentions to Jota who has impressed in England since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2018.
The 23-year-old has netted five goals in the Premier League this season but has truly excelled in the Europa League, netting back to back hat-tricks in the competition.
United reportedly had scouts in attendance for Wolves' win against Espanyol on Thursday night and has been tracked for a number of years.
Jota is contracted to Wolves for the next three years and the Midlands club will be unwilling to part ways easily with their prized asset.
Nevertheless, his style of play, versatility and age will all be attractive to Solskjaer in his search for a new forward.
Elsewhere, Inter Milan are lining up a move for United forward Anthony Martial - according to reports.
Tuttosport claim that the Italian side are preparing to lose Lautaro Martinez in the summer, with Barcelona heavily linked to the Argentina international.
As a result, Antonio Conte is already planning on a replacement and is said to be interested in luring Martial from Old Trafford.
The report adds Martial is believed to be interested in a move from England.
He has enjoyed plenty of game time in a central role for United this season and has showed no signs that he is willing to depart any time soon.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-23--Man City news and transfers RECAP Leicester win reaction plus Raheem Sterling injury latest

Manchester City have extended their lead over Leicester to seven points in the Premier League following a 1-0 win at @ @ @ @ @ Gabriel Jesus netted the only goal of the game to seal three points following a @ @ @ @ @ against his former club .
The win ensures Man City head into Wednesday 's crucial @ @ @ @ @ Madrid with some momentum .
Pep Guardiola said that both Raheem Sterling and Aymeric Laporte @ @ @ @ @ against the Spanish champions .
He said : `` [ Laporte ] asked me to @ @ @ @ @ 's not injured .
He 's been four months , five months injured , we @ @ @ @ @ He had to run a lot .
It was different against West Ham , we @ @ @ @ @ He 's ok. '' [ Sterling ] is much , much , much better , @ @ @ @ @ ready . ''
Look back over all the latest Man City news and updates below @

Manchester City have extended their lead over Leicester to seven points in the Premier League following a 1-0 win at the King Power Stadium.
Gabriel Jesus netted the only goal of the game to seal three points following a mazy run from Riyad Mahrez against his former club.
The win ensures Man City head into Wednesday's crucial Champions League fixture against Real Madrid with some momentum.
Pep Guardiola said that both Raheem Sterling and Aymeric Laporte should be fit to feature against the Spanish champions.
He said: "[Laporte] asked me to be substituted, but he's not injured. He's been four months, five months injured, we can't forget that. He had to run a lot. It was different against West Ham, we could control it easier. He's ok.
"[Sterling] is much, much, much better, I think he'll be ready."
Look back over all the latest Man City news and updates below.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-23--Coronation Street cast react as co-star Lisa George is voted off Dancing On Ice

Lisa George has waved goodbye to Dancing On Ice after making it all the way to the quarter finals of the celeb skating contest .
Soap star Lisa , who plays Beth Sutherland in Corrie , was voted off the ITV show following a skate-off against Paralympic sprinter Libby Clegg .
All of the judges opted to put Libby through to the semi-finals and head judge Jayne Torvill explained that Libby 's routine had been `` smoother , faster and more difficult . ''
Lisa 's friends at Corrie rushed to praise her achievements .
`` So so proud of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Katie McGlynn , who played Lisa 's on-screen niece Sinead Osbourne who sadly passed away in October .
Her friends are especially proud after the actress had less time to train after suffering an injury .
`` Sorry to see our @ LisaGeorgeActor leave @ dancingonice tonight , '' said Jane Danson , who plays Leanne Battersby and was a contestant on the show last year .
`` Be proud of yourself love , what a journey !
Now rest up and get yourself back to @ itvcorrie for cuddles .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blease who plays Underworld worker Dirk in the soap , said : `` Always a winner in our eyes !
`` Huge well done on making the quarter finals and for everything that you have achieved on @ dancingonice . ''
Hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield paid tribute to Lisa as she prepared to skate her final lap of honour on the studio rink with pro skating partner Tom Naylor .
`` We have loved watching you , '' said Holly .
`` We 're going to miss you so much , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made up I got this so far , '' she told them .
`` Gutted Lisa and Tom are out of # DancingOnIce Lisa was brilliant from day one really enjoyed her and Toms brilliant skating , '' said one viewer on Twitter .
`` Lisa is absolutely incredible , '' said another .
She had previously told how a childhood injury had put an end to her love of skating more than 40 years ago , and her talent was clear to see as she returned to the ice .
Lisa , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple of years until she was about nine , but stopped after her chin was cut open in an accident .

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Lisa George has waved goodbye to Dancing On Ice after making it all the way to the quarter finals of the celeb skating contest.
Soap star Lisa, who plays Beth Sutherland in Corrie, was voted off the ITV show following a skate-off against Paralympic sprinter Libby Clegg.
All of the judges opted to put Libby through to the semi-finals and head judge Jayne Torvill explained that Libby's routine had been "smoother, faster and more difficult."
Lisa's friends at Corrie rushed to praise her achievements.
"So so proud of @LisaGeorgeActor she has been phenomenal," said Katie McGlynn, who played Lisa's on-screen niece Sinead Osbourne who sadly passed away in October.
Katie also tweeted a heart and applause emojis.
(Image: ITV)
Her friends are especially proud after the actress had less time to train after suffering an injury.
"Sorry to see our @LisaGeorgeActor leave @dancingonice tonight," said Jane Danson, who plays Leanne Battersby and was a contestant on the show last year.
"Be proud of yourself love, what a journey! Now rest up and get yourself back to @itvcorrie for cuddles. You were brilliant xxx"
And Adam Blease who plays Underworld worker Dirk in the soap, said: "Always a winner in our eyes!
"You are a bloody superstar lady!
(Image: ITV)
"Huge well done on making the quarter finals and for everything that you have achieved on @dancingonice."
Hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield paid tribute to Lisa as she prepared to skate her final lap of honour on the studio rink with pro skating partner Tom Naylor.
"We have loved watching you," said Holly.
"We're going to miss you so much," said Phillip.
"I'm made up I got this so far," she told them.
"Gutted Lisa and Tom are out of #DancingOnIce Lisa was brilliant from day one really enjoyed her and Toms brilliant skating," said one viewer on Twitter.
"Lisa is absolutely incredible," said another.
She had previously told how a childhood injury had put an end to her love of skating more than 40 years ago, and her talent was clear to see as she returned to the ice.
Lisa, 49, enjoyed ice skating for a couple of years until she was about nine, but stopped after her chin was cut open in an accident.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-23--Body recovered from River Bollin in Prestbury is believed to be missing 56-year-old woman Angela Ada

Body recovered from River Bollin in Prestbury is believed to be missing 56-year-old woman Angela Adams

A body found in the River Bollin in Prestbury today is believed to be missing Angela Adams .
The 56-year-old , from Macclesfield , was reported missing earlier today ( Sunday , February 23 ) .
An appeal was put out to try and locate her .
Police were called today after a concerned member of the public spotted a body in the River Bollin .
Emergency services carried out a major search of the river , near to The Bridge Hotel in Prestbury , this afternoon .
Cheshire Police have now confirmed that the body recovered from the water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Formal identification is yet to be take place , but the family of the 56-year-old have been informed .
They are being supported by specialist officers .
Her death is not being treated as suspicious .
In a statement , a spokesperson from Cheshire Constabulary said : `` Police searching for a missing woman from Macclesfield have discovered a body .
`` The body was found in the River Bollin in Prestbury on Sunday 23 February .
`` Formal identification has not yet taken place .
`` However , it is believed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was reported missing earlier in the day .
`` The family of the 56-year-old have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers .
`` The death is not being treated as suspicious and a case file will be prepared for the coroner .
`` Officers would like to thank members of the public for their support during the search for Angela and request that her family ’ s privacy be respected this difficult time . ''

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A body found in the River Bollin in Prestbury today is believed to be missing Angela Adams.
The 56-year-old, from Macclesfield, was reported missing earlier today (Sunday, February 23).
An appeal was put out to try and locate her.
Police were called today after a concerned member of the public spotted a body in the River Bollin.
Emergency services carried out a major search of the river, near to The Bridge Hotel in Prestbury, this afternoon.
Cheshire Police have now confirmed that the body recovered from the water is believed to that of Angela Adams.
Formal identification is yet to be take place, but the family of the 56-year-old have been informed.
They are being supported by specialist officers.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
Her death is not being treated as suspicious.
In a statement, a spokesperson from Cheshire Constabulary said: "Police searching for a missing woman from Macclesfield have discovered a body.
"The body was found in the River Bollin in Prestbury on Sunday 23 February.
"Formal identification has not yet taken place.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
"However, it is believed to be that of Angela Adams, who was reported missing earlier in the day.
"The family of the 56-year-old have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
"The death is not being treated as suspicious and a case file will be prepared for the coroner.
"Officers would like to thank members of the public for their support during the search for Angela and request that her family’s privacy be respected this difficult time."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-23--Robin van Persie tells Manchester United which striker to buy in summer transfer window

Former Manchester United striker Robin van Persie believes the club should make a move for Paris-Saint Germain striker Edinson Cavani in the summer transfer window .
MEN Sport understand Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to sign a striker at the end of the season after opting to bring in Odion Ighalo on a six-month loan deal in January .
Plenty of names have been linked with a move to Old Trafford including Cavani with the Uruguay international set to leave PSG at the end of the campaign .
Cavani would be available on a free transfer and MEN Sport exclusively revealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trafford in January but the French champions demanded £25million to make the deal happen .
The 33-year-old is also wanted by Atletico Madrid , who were believed to be leading the race for his signature , but van Persie believes United should look to land the veteran .
Asked which striker United should sign , he told SportBible : `` Edinson Cavani .
I would definitely go for Cavani .
`` He 's very fit , he 's a proven goalscorer , a goal machine , he has proven it at Napoli , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if he starts , he will get you 25 goals a season .
`` I 've watched him play , I 've played against him , he is like a proper goalscorer .
`` He lives by scoring goals so I 'd go for him . ''
Speculation persists over the future of Paul Pogba with the midfielder still eager to leave the club .
Van Persie believes United should consider signing another attacking midfielder if the Frenchman does depart despite the Reds splashing out to land Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playmaker role .
Though to be fair I watched Bruno Fernandes against Chelsea and he looks very good to me , very silky .
`` But I would add one other one to put next to him , then with one player who stops the opponent attacking , that is what I like to see .
I like to play with five attacking , creative minded players . ''

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Former Manchester United striker Robin van Persie believes the club should make a move for Paris-Saint Germain striker Edinson Cavani in the summer transfer window.
MEN Sport understand Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to sign a striker at the end of the season after opting to bring in Odion Ighalo on a six-month loan deal in January.
Plenty of names have been linked with a move to Old Trafford including Cavani with the Uruguay international set to leave PSG at the end of the campaign.
Cavani would be available on a free transfer and MEN Sport exclusively revealed he was open to moving to Old Trafford in January but the French champions demanded £25million to make the deal happen.
The 33-year-old is also wanted by Atletico Madrid, who were believed to be leading the race for his signature, but van Persie believes United should look to land the veteran.
Asked which striker United should sign, he told SportBible: "Edinson Cavani. I would definitely go for Cavani.
"He's very fit, he's a proven goalscorer, a goal machine, he has proven it at Napoli, PSG and Uruguay.
"With him, if he starts, he will get you 25 goals a season.
"I've watched him play, I've played against him, he is like a proper goalscorer.
"He lives by scoring goals so I'd go for him."
Speculation persists over the future of Paul Pogba with the midfielder still eager to leave the club.
Van Persie believes United should consider signing another attacking midfielder if the Frenchman does depart despite the Reds splashing out to land Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon.
"Maybe one midfielder in a playmaker role. Though to be fair I watched Bruno Fernandes against Chelsea and he looks very good to me, very silky.
"But I would add one other one to put next to him, then with one player who stops the opponent attacking, that is what I like to see. I like to play with five attacking, creative minded players."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-23--Joe Swash had a saucy proposition for Stacey Solomon on Dancing On Ice

Viewers saw a different side to Joe Swash as he took to the ice as James Bond on tonight 's Dancing On Ice .
The TV presenter and former EastEnders actor transformed into 007 as he skated in a suit on the ITV contest , and viewers got rather hot under the collar about his suave new look .
The new image was also a winner with Joe who suggested he might take it home for some romantic time with his girlfriend Stacey Solomon after the show 's Movie Week .
`` I might take this home for Stacey later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ camera cut to the Loose Women panellist in the studio audience holding their baby son Rex .
The former X Factor singer reacted by laughing in delight at his idea .
The dapper makeover also impressed judge John Barrowman who told him cheekily : `` I want to drink that dirty Martini with you and Stacey . ''
`` Joe Saucy Swash what a great show opener x '' commented one fan on Twitter .
`` Swash , Joe Swash , you were double o heaven tonight , '' tweeted another .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only me who doesn ’ t think that Swash was sauve tonight ? ''
Last year Stacey , 30 , sparked rumours that they might have got married when she posted an adorable family photo on the beach in the Maldives .
Stacey and Joe , 38 , were pictured wearing matching blue outfits and with the boys all dressed in suits .
Even the youngest Rex , who they welcomed in June , was wearing a waistcoat and a bow tie .
Stacey and Joe , who have been dating for three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here !
when Stacey was crowned Queen of the Jungle .
Stacey has two sons Zachary and Leighton and former I 'm A Celebrity ...
Extra Camp presenter Joe also has a son , Harry .

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Viewers saw a different side to Joe Swash as he took to the ice as James Bond on tonight's Dancing On Ice.
The TV presenter and former EastEnders actor transformed into 007 as he skated in a suit on the ITV contest, and viewers got rather hot under the collar about his suave new look.
The new image was also a winner with Joe who suggested he might take it home for some romantic time with his girlfriend Stacey Solomon after the show's Movie Week.
"I might take this home for Stacey later," he offered, as the camera cut to the Loose Women panellist in the studio audience holding their baby son Rex.
The former X Factor singer reacted by laughing in delight at his idea.
(Image: ITV)
The dapper makeover also impressed judge John Barrowman who told him cheekily: "I want to drink that dirty Martini with you and Stacey."
"Smooth Swashy bringing the James Bond," commented fellow judge Ashley Banjo.
"Joe Saucy Swash what a great show opener x" commented one fan on Twitter.
"Swash, Joe Swash, you were double o heaven tonight," tweeted another.
"Wow I fancy Joe Swash x" another tweeted.
And another fan commented: "Is it only me who doesn’t think that Swash was sauve tonight?"
Last year Stacey, 30, sparked rumours that they might have got married when she posted an adorable family photo on the beach in the Maldives.
Stacey and Joe, 38, were pictured wearing matching blue outfits and with the boys all dressed in suits.
Even the youngest Rex, who they welcomed in June, was wearing a waistcoat and a bow tie.
Stacey and Joe, who have been dating for three years, first met in 2010 on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! when Stacey was crowned Queen of the Jungle.
Stacey has two older sons Zachary and Leighton and former I'm A Celebrity ...Extra Camp presenter Joe also has a son, Harry.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-23--Man City players send messages to Angelino after first goal for RB Leipzig

Aymeric Laporte has led the messages of support from Manchester City players to left back Angelino , who scored his first goal for RB Leipzig on Saturday .
Angelino , who is on loan from City until the end of the season , scored Leipzig 's fourth in a comfortable 5-0 away win at Schalke in the Bundesliga .
The result keeps Leipzig in second place , one point behind leaders Bayern Munich .
Left-back Angelino had already registered an assist on his first appearance for his new side , and has impressed in his five games at the Red @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make the deal permanent at the end of the season .
Against Schalke , Angelino continued to shine under Julian Nagelsmann 's fluid system , and he picked up the ball on the edge of the area before darting through two defenders and firing across the goalkeeper and into the far bottom corner .
The Spaniard took to Instagram with a picture of his celebration and caption : `` Not you my boy . ''
Among the comments were Angelino 's fellow City defender Laporte , who simply replied : `` Grande @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Garcia also replied , saying : `` Muy Grande '' which translates as 'very big . '
Aleix Garcia , the City midfielder on loan at Royal Excel Mouscron in Belgium , wrote : `` Always messing it up !
!
!
I love !
!
! ''
Before the Schalke game , Angelino 's manager Nagelsmann had spoked about how quickly the full-back had adapted to life at his new club .
`` Here he has to do a lot of things very differently than he did with Pep Guardiola , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to things incredibly quickly .
`` He is the only newcomer to get used to the way I think about football - just offensive - so quickly .
`` He does n't worry too much , but intuitively he does a lot of things right .
He obviously thinks a lot before the games and thinks about what he needs to do and how the trainer is satisfied .
`` He is not quite as stable in a back four . ''

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Aymeric Laporte has led the messages of support from Manchester City players to left back Angelino, who scored his first goal for RB Leipzig on Saturday.
Angelino, who is on loan from City until the end of the season, scored Leipzig's fourth in a comfortable 5-0 away win at Schalke in the Bundesliga. The result keeps Leipzig in second place, one point behind leaders Bayern Munich.
Left-back Angelino had already registered an assist on his first appearance for his new side, and has impressed in his five games at the Red Bull Arena. Leipzig have the option to make the deal permanent at the end of the season.
Against Schalke, Angelino continued to shine under Julian Nagelsmann's fluid system, and he picked up the ball on the edge of the area before darting through two defenders and firing across the goalkeeper and into the far bottom corner.
The Spaniard took to Instagram with a picture of his celebration and caption: "Not you my boy."
Among the comments were Angelino's fellow City defender Laporte, who simply replied: "Grande Angel" with clapping emojis.
Eric Garcia also replied, saying: "Muy Grande" which translates as 'very big.' Aleix Garcia, the City midfielder on loan at Royal Excel Mouscron in Belgium, wrote: "Always messing it up!!! I love!!!"
Before the Schalke game, Angelino's manager Nagelsmann had spoked about how quickly the full-back had adapted to life at his new club.
"Here he has to do a lot of things very differently than he did with Pep Guardiola," he told Kicker . "He adapts to things incredibly quickly.
"He is the only newcomer to get used to the way I think about football - just offensive - so quickly.
"He doesn't worry too much, but intuitively he does a lot of things right. He obviously thinks a lot before the games and thinks about what he needs to do and how the trainer is satisfied.
"He is not quite as stable in a back four."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-23--Laura Whitmore praised for her very kind gesture before the Love Island final

TV presenter Laura Whitmore was praised for making a kind-hearted gesture on her final day of winter Love Island .
Laura , 34 , wanted to give something back to her driver in South Africa while working on the hit dating show since last month .
Learning that her driver Clint Africa is a Tottenham Hotspur fan she presented him with a football shirt as a thank you for lifting her spirits during her time in Cape Town .
`` Last day in the villa !
This is Clint Africa who has been my driver over in Cape Town and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything I text him , '' she said on her Instagram along with photos of herself and Clint who was proudly wearing the shirt .
`` I just love his energy .
He ’ s a Tottenham Hotspur fan ( can ’ t win them all ) so I got him this jersey ... and yes his surname is AFRICA # happiness . ''
`` Such a nice gift , '' said one fan .
`` You ’ re just amazing .
The world needs more Lauras , '' said another .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gesture .
Bet he was delighted . ''
Laura has sent out a powerful message about choosing love following the death of her friend Caroline Flack last weekend .
Wearing a black and white Choose Love T-shirt she wrote : `` So many emotions ahead of @ loveisland the Live Final tomorrow from 9pm @ itv2 Been a tough week , let ’ s give all the love to the Islanders . ''
And on her Instagram stories Laura shared a photo of a red beaded purse decorated with the word 'love .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Caroline 's tragic death ahead of tonight 's final .
The Islanders were told the news of Caroline 's passing yesterday .
The devastating news was broken to the couples off-camera for them to come to terms with the loss of the popular TV presenter , who hosted the show every series since 2015 .
The final will feature a tribute to the much-loved presenter who died last Saturday .
An ITV spokeswoman said : `` There will be a dedication to Caroline in tonight 's final episode .
`` The Islanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Caroline off camera ahead of the final . ''
Laura took over from Caroline as host of ITV 's flagship dating show after she stepped down in December .
`` She has been very kind to me and strongly pushed me for this role , '' she explained previously .
In tonight 's final are Siânnise Fudge and Luke Trotman , Finley Tapp and Paige Turley , Jess Gale and Ched Uzor and Demi Jones and Luke Mabbott .
The final is screened tonight at 9pm .

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TV presenter Laura Whitmore was praised for making a kind-hearted gesture on her final day of winter Love Island.
Laura, 34, wanted to give something back to her driver in South Africa while working on the hit dating show since last month.
Learning that her driver Clint Africa is a Tottenham Hotspur fan she presented him with a football shirt as a thank you for lifting her spirits during her time in Cape Town.
"Last day in the villa! This is Clint Africa who has been my driver over in Cape Town and he always responds ‘happiness’ to everything I text him," she said on her Instagram along with photos of herself and Clint who was proudly wearing the shirt.
"I just love his energy. He’s a Tottenham Hotspur fan (can’t win them all) so I got him this jersey... and yes his surname is AFRICA #happiness."
"Such a nice gift," said one fan.
"You’re just amazing. The world needs more Lauras," said another.
"You're so lovely," praised another fan.
And another told her: "V kind gesture. Bet he was delighted."
Laura has sent out a powerful message about choosing love following the death of her friend Caroline Flack last weekend.
Wearing a black and white Choose Love T-shirt she wrote: "So many emotions ahead of @loveisland the Live Final tomorrow from 9pm @itv2 Been a tough week, let’s give all the love to the Islanders."
And on her Instagram stories Laura shared a photo of a red beaded purse decorated with the word 'love.'
(Image: Laura Whitmore)
Love Island contestants have been informed of Caroline's tragic death ahead of tonight's final.
The Islanders were told the news of Caroline's passing yesterday.
The devastating news was broken to the couples off-camera for them to come to terms with the loss of the popular TV presenter, who hosted the show every series since 2015.
The final will feature a tribute to the much-loved presenter who died last Saturday.
An ITV spokeswoman said: "There will be a dedication to Caroline in tonight's final episode.
"The Islanders have been informed of the news of Caroline off camera ahead of the final."
Laura took over from Caroline as host of ITV's flagship dating show after she stepped down in December.
"She has been very kind to me and strongly pushed me for this role," she explained previously.
In tonight's final are Siânnise Fudge and Luke Trotman, Finley Tapp and Paige Turley, Jess Gale and Ched Uzor and Demi Jones and Luke Mabbott.
The final is screened tonight at 9pm.