themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-18--What we learned at the Manchester Arena bombing public inquiry this week

The public inquiry into the 2017 Manchester Arena terror bombing has now reached its 20th day .
Split into chapters of issues , evidence relating to the Arena complex itself and the security arrangements and policies that were in place on the night will be heard well into next month .
The independent inquiry , established by Home Secretary Priti Patel in October last year , is expected to run until spring , 2021 .
Suicide bomber Salman Abedi , 22 , detonated a rucksack bomb in a foyer area of the Arena , known as the City Room , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concert on May 22 , 2017 , killing 22 people and injuring hundreds more .
Here 's just some of the evidence heard at the inquiry this week .
Chairman Sir John Saunders said the inquiry would investigate 'how much consideration is given to the possibility of terrorist attacks ' in considering whether to grant a venue a licence , and 'deciding what conditions to impose ' .
The announcement marks a huge boost for the campaign for 'Martyn 's Law ' , launched by Figen Murray , mother of victim Martyn Hett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were not 'traditionally ' assessed in applications for public venue licences .
He said the inquiry would 'look at the licensing regime and how it operates ' in relation to counter-terrorism .
`` I would also like to investigate how conditions on the licence are policed , '' said Sir John .
`` I am therefore contacting various bodies who I hope might assist me in finding out what happens at the moment and what changes , if any , can be made .
`` I would hope that this work can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Martyn 's Law . ''
`` If I decide to make recommendations about proposed conditions on licences to the Home Secretary , my concern will cover not just Manchester but the country as a whole .
`` I will therefore be considering how the aims of Martyn 's Law can be applied nationally . ''
New anti-terrorism legislation named in Martyn 's memory would compel public venues and spaces to undergo counter-terror training and implement specific security policies .
Bomber Salam Abedi is known to have made three scouting visits to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester Victoria train station , before he detonated the bomb .
His last 'hostile reconnaissance ' was on the night itself .
Abedi 's first was on May 18 - ahead of a Take That concert .
He arrived at 6.18pm and left at 6.39pm .
At 6.35pm , the inquiry was told Abedi was standing looking at box office queues in the City Room .
He remained there for more than a minute , CCTV showed , then walked back to the tram stop .
He 'observed people queuing to get into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told , but is not thought to have taken photographs .
On May 21 , 2017 , the day before the attack , Abedi arrived at the Victoria tram stop at 6.53pm and made a 'direct journey ' to the City Room .
He was shown sitting on a wall there for six minutes , on a phone as people walked past .
He then walked up stairs to the mezzanine area of the City Room , before walking back down and out of the area , only to return five minutes later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before leaving the complex .
On the night of the bomb , the final act of reconnaissance , Abedi arrived at Victoria Station at 6.31pm then at the Arena at 6.34pm .
He walked into the City Room , then turned and retraced his footsteps before leaving in a taxi .
Chairman Sir John praised the work of police investigators over CCTV footage .
Through the many thousands of hours of footage recovered and analysed , the steps Abedi took after his third and final reconnaissance mission were retraced .
He arrived by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ act ' sitting on a platform bench with the rucksack on his back .
Wearing a cap and dark clothing , he then walked along the platform and sat down for three minutes on another bench , before moving off towards the station concourse .
With his hands in his pockets , walked into the station and into public toilets on the station concourse , leaving at 8.48pm .
He got a lift to the City Room , walked inside then back out towards the tram stop , where he spent 16 minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lift .
Abedi entered the City Room at 9.33pm but remained hidden on the mezzanine level for almost an hour before detonating the bomb at 10.31pm .
Abedi , the inquiry heard , remained 'out of camera ' on the raised mezzanine area above the City Room for almost an hour before he emerged into crowds leaving the Ariana Grande concert and detonated the bomb .
Michael Edwards , a duty control room operator at the time , said there was no CCTV camera permanently trained on the mezzanine area .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to monitor it , but there was still one section that could n't be viewed .
Asked how long it was known there was a CCTV blind spot there , Mr Edwards said 'from the time I started employment [ around 14 years ago ] , it had always been a blind spot ' .
After the inquiry 's first 'closed hearing ' session , Mr Edwards told John Cooper QC , representing some of the bereaved families , the blind spot had been rectified and was now covered by a camera - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Cooper said : `` Hundreds of shows since this tragedy and it is only two months ago since SMG corrected this blind spot ? ''
`` Yes , '' said the witness .
Andrew O'Connor QC , representing Arena operators SMG , said the way in which the City Room has been secured since it reopened in September 2017 following the blast was 'completely different ' and in effect the City Room was a 'sterile area ' .
The issue of security and stewarding was discussed in detail .
An experienced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the night , with a team of stewards working under him , said he was never told to check the mezzanine level before the end of events and concerts at the Arena .
'Pre-egress ' checks were carried out ahead of people leaving .
But the inquiry was told they did n't cover the mezzanine level .
Giving evidence , David Middleton said that in his opinion , the mezzanine area had nothing to do with Showsec , the Arena 's contracted security company .
He said he had never considered the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' .
Mr Middleton , who ordered a 'pre-egress ' check to be conducted on the night , said : `` I can not recollect ever being told to check the mezzanine level area .
`` We were to keep the steps clear but above the steps was not our domain . ''
6 .
Sightings of Abedi and man 'seen praying' Various believed sightings of Salman Abedi on the night were referenced .
One witness - Witness A - spoke to him , the inquiry was told .
And another witness told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bomber 's description 'praying ' with a large rucksack on his back less than half an hour before the bomb went off .
William Drysdale , who was working at the Arena on the night as part of an anti-bootlegging operation , said he saw a man with 'olive coloured skin ' and a 'large backpack ' on a mezzanine level above the City Room area .
Mr Drysdale told the inquiry the man was 'kneeling down , moving ' .
`` He was kneeling down , going forward to the floor and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still being on his knees , '' he said .
`` I saw him go down and then come back up and then go down and come back ... so to me , I thought he was just praying . ''
`` Some of the lads that were with me on there , basically , said 'what ’ s he doing ? '
and we have turned round and said 'oh , he 's just praying ' , and we left it at that . ''
7 .
Security officer says she saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'crank ' who had 'secreted himself away' Julie Merchant , a merchandise security officer working at Manchester Arena as part of an anti-bootlegging operation , said she told a police constable just 30 minutes before the blast about a 'crank ' and a 'nutter ' she had been told had been earlier seen praying .
The inquiry , however , was told the British Transport Police officer involved does n't recall anything about any conversation .
Mrs Merchant said she had been told of a man who was praying - and also said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she believes was Salman Abedi .
Mrs Merchant said : `` Even though I was n't suspicious of him , ie , worse case scenario he was going to be a bomber , what I was suspicious of was that he had secreted himself away .
`` In that way it was a security issue .
But I was n't aware of any feelings of 'oh my God he could be a terrorist ' .
Nothing that like .
`` But I did feel it was worth noting because he was in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I just thought it was worth noting to the police woman that he was still there . ''
8 .
Police instructions 'do not seem to have been followed ' by officers on the ground Chairman Sir John suggested to a police community support officer giving evidence that instructions given to British Transport Police officers on the ground by a sergeant ahead of the concert 'do not seem to have been followed ' .
Five officers - two constables and three PCSOs - had been tasked to police the complex on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constable - became tied up with a burglary investigation and was n't at the Arena at the time of the explosion .
He had told his sergeant he would be there as crowds left .
As a result , the inquiry was told 'for the period from deployment until the explosion , the coverage was being run by a relatively inexperienced officer ' .
The sergeant , Gareth Wilson , had briefed the team that he wanted - as crowds arrived and as they left - one officer on the concourse close to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Room .
At almost 10.30pm , the four were captured on CCTV standing near the war memorial entrance of the station .
Sgt Wilson however said the numbers were a 'normal deployment ' for the time of concert .
He said the officers 'were all very capable ' and 'no issues ' had been highlighted during the evening .
The public inquiry will resume on Monday .

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The public inquiry into the 2017 Manchester Arena terror bombing has now reached its 20th day.
Split into chapters of issues, evidence relating to the Arena complex itself and the security arrangements and policies that were in place on the night will be heard well into next month.
The independent inquiry, established by Home Secretary Priti Patel in October last year, is expected to run until spring, 2021.
Suicide bomber Salman Abedi, 22, detonated a rucksack bomb in a foyer area of the Arena, known as the City Room, at the end of an Ariana Grande concert on May 22, 2017, killing 22 people and injuring hundreds more.
Here's just some of the evidence heard at the inquiry this week.
1. Marytn's Law and licensing
Chairman Sir John Saunders said the inquiry would investigate 'how much consideration is given to the possibility of terrorist attacks' in considering whether to grant a venue a licence, and 'deciding what conditions to impose'.
The announcement marks a huge boost for the campaign for 'Martyn's Law', launched by Figen Murray, mother of victim Martyn Hett.
Sir John had heard counter-terror measures were not 'traditionally' assessed in applications for public venue licences. He said the inquiry would 'look at the licensing regime and how it operates' in relation to counter-terrorism.
(Image: PA)
"I would also like to investigate how conditions on the licence are policed," said Sir John.
"I am therefore contacting various bodies who I hope might assist me in finding out what happens at the moment and what changes, if any, can be made.
"I would hope that this work can be complementary to the work being carried out on Martyn's Law."
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"If I decide to make recommendations about proposed conditions on licences to the Home Secretary, my concern will cover not just Manchester but the country as a whole.
"I will therefore be considering how the aims of Martyn's Law can be applied nationally."
New anti-terrorism legislation named in Martyn's memory would compel public venues and spaces to undergo counter-terror training and implement specific security policies.
2. Abedi carried out three 'hostile reconnaissance' missions
Bomber Salam Abedi is known to have made three scouting visits to the Arena and the surrounding complex, including Manchester Victoria train station, before he detonated the bomb.
His last 'hostile reconnaissance' was on the night itself.
(Image: PA)
Abedi's first was on May 18 - ahead of a Take That concert.
He arrived at 6.18pm and left at 6.39pm.
At 6.35pm, the inquiry was told Abedi was standing looking at box office queues in the City Room. He remained there for more than a minute, CCTV showed, then walked back to the tram stop.
He 'observed people queuing to get into the Arena', the inquiry was told, but is not thought to have taken photographs.
On May 21, 2017, the day before the attack, Abedi arrived at the Victoria tram stop at 6.53pm and made a 'direct journey' to the City Room.
He was shown sitting on a wall there for six minutes, on a phone as people walked past.
He then walked up stairs to the mezzanine area of the City Room, before walking back down and out of the area, only to return five minutes later and walk straight across the City Room before leaving the complex.
(Image: Arena Inquiry)
On the night of the bomb, the final act of reconnaissance, Abedi arrived at Victoria Station at 6.31pm then at the Arena at 6.34pm.
He walked into the City Room, then turned and retraced his footsteps before leaving in a taxi.
3. Abedi's 'final journey' mapped out on CCTV compilation
Chairman Sir John praised the work of police investigators over CCTV footage.
Through the many thousands of hours of footage recovered and analysed, the steps Abedi took after his third and final reconnaissance mission were retraced.
He arrived by tram at 8.30pm, with his 'first act' sitting on a platform bench with the rucksack on his back.
Wearing a cap and dark clothing, he then walked along the platform and sat down for three minutes on another bench, before moving off towards the station concourse.
(Image: Arena Inquiry)
With his hands in his pockets, walked into the station and into public toilets on the station concourse, leaving at 8.48pm.
He got a lift to the City Room, walked inside then back out towards the tram stop, where he spent 16 minutes sitting down before walking back to the lift.
Abedi entered the City Room at 9.33pm but remained hidden on the mezzanine level for almost an hour before detonating the bomb at 10.31pm.
4. CCTV blind spot
Abedi, the inquiry heard, remained 'out of camera' on the raised mezzanine area above the City Room for almost an hour before he emerged into crowds leaving the Ariana Grande concert and detonated the bomb.
Michael Edwards, a duty control room operator at the time, said there was no CCTV camera permanently trained on the mezzanine area.
(Image: Arena Inquiry)
He said a camera could be 'swivelled around' to monitor it, but there was still one section that couldn't be viewed.
Asked how long it was known there was a CCTV blind spot there, Mr Edwards said 'from the time I started employment [around 14 years ago], it had always been a blind spot'.
After the inquiry's first 'closed hearing' session, Mr Edwards told John Cooper QC, representing some of the bereaved families, the blind spot had been rectified and was now covered by a camera - but that only happened two months ago.
Mr Cooper said: "Hundreds of shows since this tragedy and it is only two months ago since SMG corrected this blind spot?"
"Yes," said the witness.
Andrew O'Connor QC, representing Arena operators SMG, said the way in which the City Room has been secured since it reopened in September 2017 following the blast was 'completely different' and in effect the City Room was a 'sterile area'.
(Image: Arena Inquiry)
5. Security checks
The issue of security and stewarding was discussed in detail.
An experienced security leader who was a door supervisor on the night, with a team of stewards working under him, said he was never told to check the mezzanine level before the end of events and concerts at the Arena.
'Pre-egress' checks were carried out ahead of people leaving.
But the inquiry was told they didn't cover the mezzanine level.
Giving evidence, David Middleton said that in his opinion, the mezzanine area had nothing to do with Showsec, the Arena's contracted security company.
He said he had never considered the mezzanine area to 'fall within his jurisdiction'.
Mr Middleton, who ordered a 'pre-egress' check to be conducted on the night, said: "I cannot recollect ever being told to check the mezzanine level area.
"We were to keep the steps clear but above the steps was not our domain."
6. Sightings of Abedi and man 'seen praying'
Various believed sightings of Salman Abedi on the night were referenced.
One witness - Witness A - spoke to him, the inquiry was told.
And another witness told how he saw a man matching the bomber's description 'praying' with a large rucksack on his back less than half an hour before the bomb went off.
William Drysdale, who was working at the Arena on the night as part of an anti-bootlegging operation, said he saw a man with 'olive coloured skin' and a 'large backpack' on a mezzanine level above the City Room area.
(Image: Arena Inquiry)
Mr Drysdale told the inquiry the man was 'kneeling down, moving'.
"He was kneeling down, going forward to the floor and then raising himself back up again, still being on his knees," he said.
"I saw him go down and then come back up and then go down and come back...so to me, I thought he was just praying."
"Some of the lads that were with me on there, basically, said 'what’s he doing?' and we have turned round and said 'oh, he's just praying', and we left it at that."
7. Security officer says she saw Salman Abedi and alerted police to a 'crank' who had 'secreted himself away'
Julie Merchant, a merchandise security officer working at Manchester Arena as part of an anti-bootlegging operation, said she told a police constable just 30 minutes before the blast about a 'crank' and a 'nutter' she had been told had been earlier seen praying.
The inquiry, however, was told the British Transport Police officer involved doesn't recall anything about any conversation.
Mrs Merchant said she had been told of a man who was praying - and also said she had earlier walked past a man she believes was Salman Abedi.
(Image: Arena Inquiry)
Mrs Merchant said: "Even though I wasn't suspicious of him, ie, worse case scenario he was going to be a bomber, what I was suspicious of was that he had secreted himself away.
"In that way it was a security issue. But I wasn't aware of any feelings of 'oh my God he could be a terrorist'. Nothing that like.
"But I did feel it was worth noting because he was in an area he shouldn't have been.
"I just thought it was worth noting to the police woman that he was still there."
8. Police instructions 'do not seem to have been followed' by officers on the ground
Chairman Sir John suggested to a police community support officer giving evidence that instructions given to British Transport Police officers on the ground by a sergeant ahead of the concert 'do not seem to have been followed'.
He agreed.
Five officers - two constables and three PCSOs - had been tasked to police the complex on the night.
One - an experienced police constable - became tied up with a burglary investigation and wasn't at the Arena at the time of the explosion.
He had told his sergeant he would be there as crowds left.
As a result, the inquiry was told 'for the period from deployment until the explosion, the coverage was being run by a relatively inexperienced officer'.
The sergeant, Gareth Wilson, had briefed the team that he wanted - as crowds arrived and as they left - one officer on the concourse close to the barriers and one patrolling the City Room.
At almost 10.30pm, the four were captured on CCTV standing near the war memorial entrance of the station.
Sgt Wilson however said the numbers were a 'normal deployment' for the time of concert.
He said the officers 'were all very capable' and 'no issues' had been highlighted during the evening.
The public inquiry will resume on Monday.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-18--Salford Red Devils' boss speaks after penalty that 'decided Challenge Cup final'

Salford Red Devils ' boss Ian Watson refused to openly criticise the officiating on show at Wembley , despite the fact the late penalty awarded against Pauli Pauli seemed to ultimately decide the game .
As Salford marched into the Leeds half and looked set to attempt a dropgoal that would have put them in front with five minutes remaining , Pauli was deemed to have incorrectly played the ball and possession was handed to the Rhinos .
At the end of that set , Luke Gale slotted the one-pointer that sealed victory for his side .
Immediately after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on whether he believed the decision by 25-year-old Liam Moore - thought to be the youngest Challenge Cup Final referee in history - cost his side the game .
`` I do n't really want to speak about the official , '' said the Red Devils boss .
`` It 's devastating to lose it , but there were small margins in that game .
`` We could have done certain things better to win it ourselves . ''
Salford took the lead for the first time just after the hour mark through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the ropes , but the Rhinos ultimately demonstrated their big-game experience to seal the tie .
Even after Gale 's dropgoal , the Red Devils had an opportunity to attempt one of their own , but gambled on powering over for a try and handed possession back to their opponents .
`` There were a few turning points in the game and we probably did think when we scored that try that it 's probably looking like it 's our day .
`` We just needed to be composed and good enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game . ''
Just over 12 months on from defeat in the club 's maiden Grand Final appearance at Old Trafford , it is a second successive runners-up spot for Salford - 51 years after the team 's last appearance at Wembley .
And while the result is heartbreaking for everyone involved with the Red Devils , Watson believes it is a clear indication of the progress the club is making both on and off the field .
`` It shows the club and the team are moving in the right place , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
`` We 're competing in these big games now .
`` With everything that 's happened , to come here and it end up being a 17-16 result and players , staff and everybody involved to be absolutely devastated that we 've not been able to win , that shows how far we 've come as a team and as a group over the last few years .
`` We are sat here after a Challenge Cup Final and we 're desperately disappointed .
`` But the good thing for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a Grand Final last year , we 've been to a Challenge Cup Final this year - we 've kind of backed up what we did .
`` It 's for us to keep building now . ''

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Tom Bramwell, Helena Vesty)

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Salford Red Devils' boss Ian Watson refused to openly criticise the officiating on show at Wembley, despite the fact the late penalty awarded against Pauli Pauli seemed to ultimately decide the game.
As Salford marched into the Leeds half and looked set to attempt a dropgoal that would have put them in front with five minutes remaining, Pauli was deemed to have incorrectly played the ball and possession was handed to the Rhinos.
At the end of that set, Luke Gale slotted the one-pointer that sealed victory for his side.
Immediately after the result, Watson would not be drawn on whether he believed the decision by 25-year-old Liam Moore - thought to be the youngest Challenge Cup Final referee in history - cost his side the game.
"I don't really want to speak about the official," said the Red Devils boss.
"It's devastating to lose it, but there were small margins in that game.
"We could have done certain things better to win it ourselves."
(Image: Getty Images)
Salford took the lead for the first time just after the hour mark through James Greenwood and appeared to have Leeds on the ropes, but the Rhinos ultimately demonstrated their big-game experience to seal the tie.
Even after Gale's dropgoal, the Red Devils had an opportunity to attempt one of their own, but gambled on powering over for a try and handed possession back to their opponents.
"There were a few turning points in the game and we probably did think when we scored that try that it's probably looking like it's our day.
"We just needed to be composed and good enough to defend properly and see out the game."
(Image: Steve McCormick/Salford Red Devils)
Just over 12 months on from defeat in the club's maiden Grand Final appearance at Old Trafford, it is a second successive runners-up spot for Salford - 51 years after the team's last appearance at Wembley.
And while the result is heartbreaking for everyone involved with the Red Devils, Watson believes it is a clear indication of the progress the club is making both on and off the field.
"It shows the club and the team are moving in the right place, from where we have been," he said. "We're competing in these big games now.
"With everything that's happened, to come here and it end up being a 17-16 result and players, staff and everybody involved to be absolutely devastated that we've not been able to win, that shows how far we've come as a team and as a group over the last few years.
"We are sat here after a Challenge Cup Final and we're desperately disappointed.
"But the good thing for the club is, we've been to a Grand Final last year, we've been to a Challenge Cup Final this year - we've kind of backed up what we did.
"It's for us to keep building now."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-18--Serco responds to Test and Trace critics claiming system has been a 'triumph'

NHS Test and Trace contractor Serco has written to MPs critical of their role in the system to claim it has been a `` triumph '' .
The CEO of the firm Rupert Soames has stated the setting up of the physical testing network and mobile test sites has been a success - and that any problems that have arisen have been down to laboratories and not the test sites .
The letter , which has been shared by shared by Sunday Times ' Gabriel Pogrund , was sent to Labour MP Stella Creasy to outline how Serco 's involvement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Setting up the mobile testing sites has been a logistical triumph ; from a standing start at the end of March , there are now some 500 permanent test sites and 249 mobile test sites in England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
`` Serco is responsible for about 25 % of these and have successfully conducted around 1.6 million of the 5.2 million tests delivered through this channel since 24th March . ''
He goes on to explain that the problem with people unable to book tests is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the laboratories being unable to keep up with demand .
He added : `` The recent problems stem not from the test sites themselves - which have plenty of capacity - but from the laboratories which process the tests which have been unable to keep up with the enormous increase in demand since the end of August . ''
Mr Soames has said that the tests sites , which previously used to allow walk-in testing are having to restrict tests in line with lab capacity , adding : `` There is little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throats of the labs do n't have the capacity to process the test . ''
The letter goes on to slam constituents for abusing staff , saying there have been instances of `` people driving cars at members of staff '' or being `` extremely aggressive '' .
However it claims the situation is now calming down as the public realises `` they can not just turn up '' to get tested .
Mr Soames says he wants to `` set the record straight '' about Serco 's involvement in the NHS Test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the `` receiving end of a lot of abuse '' , insisting that the firm has delivered `` on time and to budget '' for the government .
However he was keen to emphasise that the firm 's involvement was only a `` small part of the programme '' and they have nothing to do with the app , the booking system , the labs or identifying contacts of positive cases .
It comes as the outsourcing giant reported that it expects its profits to soar this year thanks to extensions to government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handlers .
It expects a trading profit , before any one-off costs , of between £160 million and £165 million , compared with previous estimates of £135 million to £150 million .
Full-year revenue is expected to be around £3.9 billion – up from £3.7 billion previously predicted .

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NHS Test and Trace contractor Serco has written to MPs critical of their role in the system to claim it has been a "triumph".
The CEO of the firm Rupert Soames has stated the setting up of the physical testing network and mobile test sites has been a success - and that any problems that have arisen have been down to laboratories and not the test sites.
The letter, which has been shared by shared by Sunday Times' Gabriel Pogrund, was sent to Labour MP Stella Creasy to outline how Serco's involvement has been delivered successully.
He wrote: "Setting up the mobile testing sites has been a logistical triumph; from a standing start at the end of March, there are now some 500 permanent test sites and 249 mobile test sites in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
"Serco is responsible for about 25% of these and have successfully conducted around 1.6 million of the 5.2 million tests delivered through this channel since 24th March."
He goes on to explain that the problem with people unable to book tests is not down to Serco test sites, but the laboratories being unable to keep up with demand.
He added: "The recent problems stem not from the test sites themselves - which have plenty of capacity - but from the laboratories which process the tests which have been unable to keep up with the enormous increase in demand since the end of August."
Mr Soames has said that the tests sites, which previously used to allow walk-in testing are having to restrict tests in line with lab capacity, adding: "There is little point in sticking swabs down people's throats of the labs don't have the capacity to process the test."
The letter goes on to slam constituents for abusing staff, saying there have been instances of "people driving cars at members of staff" or being "extremely aggressive". However it claims the situation is now calming down as the public realises "they cannot just turn up" to get tested.
Mr Soames says he wants to "set the record straight" about Serco's involvement in the NHS Test and Trace scheme, after being at the "receiving end of a lot of abuse", insisting that the firm has delivered "on time and to budget" for the government.
However he was keen to emphasise that the firm's involvement was only a "small part of the programme" and they have nothing to do with the app, the booking system, the labs or identifying contacts of positive cases.
It comes as the outsourcing giant reported that it expects its profits to soar this year thanks to extensions to government contracts to provide test sites and call handlers.
It expects a trading profit, before any one-off costs, of between £160 million and £165 million, compared with previous estimates of £135 million to £150 million.
Full-year revenue is expected to be around £3.9 billion – up from £3.7 billion previously predicted.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-18--Manchester United unsung hero deserves credit for Newcastle win

There are very fine margins in football which can drastically alter the mood of a fan base .
Manchester United 's win away at Newcastle this weekend was another fine example of the phenomenon with three late goals rejuvenating supporters who had waited two weeks for a response to their humiliating defeat against Tottenham .
With five minutes still left to play of normal time United were level and the swords were being sharpened as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side faced the prospect of more dropped points ahead of a crucial week of fixtures .
Ten minutes later they had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perhaps the best team goal of the Solskjaer reign , while Aaron Wan-Bissaka rifled in a third and Marcus Rashford sealed the three points in style late on .
The 4-1 win was resounding as United 's victory transformed from a hard fought three points to a canter against a Newcastle side who offered very little in the way of a threat .
In fact United set a Premier League record for the most shots in a single game this season with 28 attempts , of which half of them were on target @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their own throughout the match , with their goal coming before they had even mustered a single one of those .
However , things could have been much different when the scores were level if not for a fine reactionary save from the faultless David de Gea to deny Callum Wilson a certain goal .
After such a long career at the top De Gea has an unenviable task in that he is rarely praised when he does well but is hammered when he makes even the smallest mistake .
On Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best goalkeeper at United as he answered to the growing pressure from Dean Henderson on the bench .
`` You can always do more , but blaming De Gea is already a bad habit , '' Spain manager Luis Enrique said after his error for Spain during midweek .
`` If David is blamed for a game like this , switch it off and we 'll leave . ''
He has a point too .
Often an error from De Gea occurs on a day when the entire team have underperformed , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Spaniard who usually becomes the scapegoat for wider failure on the pitch .
MEN Sport understand the United coaching staff feel De Gea has stepped up his training at Carrington amid competition from Henderson and despite wider defensive failings he has been near flawless in the season so far .
Just as Brandon Williams helped rejuvenate Luke Shaw with the threat of genuine competition last season Henderson has done the same as a credible threat to De Gea .
With two Premier League standard 'keepers at their disposal United are in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the month , but on a weekend where the forward line have been praised for their attacking exploits it is about time De Gea gets the credit he deserves too .

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There are very fine margins in football which can drastically alter the mood of a fan base.
Manchester United's win away at Newcastle this weekend was another fine example of the phenomenon with three late goals rejuvenating supporters who had waited two weeks for a response to their humiliating defeat against Tottenham.
With five minutes still left to play of normal time United were level and the swords were being sharpened as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side faced the prospect of more dropped points ahead of a crucial week of fixtures.
Ten minutes later they had scored three times. Bruno Fernandes netted perhaps the best team goal of the Solskjaer reign, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka rifled in a third and Marcus Rashford sealed the three points in style late on.
The 4-1 win was resounding as United's victory transformed from a hard fought three points to a canter against a Newcastle side who offered very little in the way of a threat.
In fact United set a Premier League record for the most shots in a single game this season with 28 attempts, of which half of them were on target. Newcastle's response was seven shots of their own throughout the match, with their goal coming before they had even mustered a single one of those.
However, things could have been much different when the scores were level if not for a fine reactionary save from the faultless David de Gea to deny Callum Wilson a certain goal.
After such a long career at the top De Gea has an unenviable task in that he is rarely praised when he does well but is hammered when he makes even the smallest mistake. On Saturday night he again proved he is the best goalkeeper at United as he answered to the growing pressure from Dean Henderson on the bench.
"You can always do more, but blaming De Gea is already a bad habit," Spain manager Luis Enrique said after his error for Spain during midweek. "If David is blamed for a game like this, switch it off and we'll leave."
He has a point too. Often an error from De Gea occurs on a day when the entire team have underperformed, but with such a renowned reputation it is the Spaniard who usually becomes the scapegoat for wider failure on the pitch.
MEN Sport understand the United coaching staff feel De Gea has stepped up his training at Carrington amid competition from Henderson and despite wider defensive failings he has been near flawless in the season so far.
Just as Brandon Williams helped rejuvenate Luke Shaw with the threat of genuine competition last season Henderson has done the same as a credible threat to De Gea.
With two Premier League standard 'keepers at their disposal United are in a win-win situation regardless of who is flavour of the month, but on a weekend where the forward line have been praised for their attacking exploits it is about time De Gea gets the credit he deserves too.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-18--Borussia Dortmund tell Man United they 'misjudged' Jadon Sancho transfer

Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has claimed Manchester United `` misjudged '' any deal for Jadon Sancho .
As reported by MEN Sport , Sancho was United 's top transfer target all summer .
Dortmund were willing to do business for the Englishman but only if United met their £108million valuation .
With three years to run on his current deal and Sancho unlikely to become agitated , the club were confident of holding on to their star man with no problems unless their terms were met .
United , in turn , felt that the price was too steep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could n't be reached , which saw the club end the window without their primary target .
Instead , United signed Amand Diallo in a deal that wo n't see him arrive until January , leaving their right-wing options unstrengthened .
Throughout the summer there was plenty of back and forth between Dortmund and United in the media , mainly from the Bundesliga club .
With Sancho remaining in Germany despite an understanding he would be allowed to leave if Dortmund 's price tag was met , Watzke has claimed United 'misjudged ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fee .
He told ZDF Sports : `` [ They ] misjudged the situation .
We would be more willing to compromise .
We had a clear line and will continue to do so next summer .
`` In this industry , you can never say that a player is completely unsellable . ''
Asked if he ever doubted that Sancho would remain at Westfalenstadion for at least one more season , Watzke responded : `` I heard and read everywhere in the spring that Sancho was gone .
But he 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with him and it did n't look like that . ''

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Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has claimed Manchester United "misjudged" any deal for Jadon Sancho.
As reported by MEN Sport, Sancho was United's top transfer target all summer. Dortmund were willing to do business for the Englishman but only if United met their £108million valuation.
With three years to run on his current deal and Sancho unlikely to become agitated, the club were confident of holding on to their star man with no problems unless their terms were met.
United, in turn, felt that the price was too steep in the current market and a deal couldn't be reached, which saw the club end the window without their primary target.
Instead, United signed Amand Diallo in a deal that won't see him arrive until January, leaving their right-wing options unstrengthened.
Throughout the summer there was plenty of back and forth between Dortmund and United in the media, mainly from the Bundesliga club.
With Sancho remaining in Germany despite an understanding he would be allowed to leave if Dortmund's price tag was met, Watzke has claimed United 'misjudged' the situation by trying to negotiate on a fee.
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He told ZDF Sports : "[They] misjudged the situation. We would be more willing to compromise. We had a clear line and will continue to do so next summer.
"In this industry, you can never say that a player is completely unsellable."
Asked if he ever doubted that Sancho would remain at Westfalenstadion for at least one more season, Watzke responded: "I heard and read everywhere in the spring that Sancho was gone. But he's here.
"We had an agreement with him and it didn't look like that."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-18--Pundits disagree with Pep Guardiola on Sergio Aguero and Sian Massey-Ellis issue

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has been criticised after making contact with assistant referee Sian Massey-Ellis in the club 's 1-0 win over Arsenal on Saturday evening after disputing a throw-in .
Despite regulations banning players from touching officials , the striker ’ s actions are expected to go unpunished and the incident has left supporters and pundits questioning what they saw .
City boss Pep Guardiola , however , was quick to come to the defence of his striker in the post-match press conference .
Guardiola said : `` Come on guys .
Sergio is the nicest person I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for problems in other situations , not in this one . ''
But Match of the Day pundits were quick to criticise Aguero on the BBC highlights show last night when quizzed about the incident by presenter Gary Lineker .
Former Newcastle United and England star Alan Shearer said : `` He should n't put his hands on the assistant referee , it just was n't a good look . ''
`` Unnecessary patronising , it felt really awkward for me , '' Arsenal great Ian Wright added .
Former City defender turned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , explained that Aguero should 'know better ' .
The Premier League has previously outlined the situation in regards to players contacting officials .
A statement said : `` Premier League football , and the wider game in England , is known for being competitive and compelling , but also for its fairness and for being played in the right spirit .
`` However , the English football authorities have noticed over the past four seasons that intolerable behaviour by players and managers in their competitions have reached unacceptable levels in certain areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( PGMO ) will take a stronger position and action towards unacceptable participant conduct .
`` This will focus on behaviour towards match officials , with the aim of reducing disrespectful conduct such as aggressively challenging decisions or running from distance to confront an official . ''
Aguero is expected to avoid any retrospective action for the incident as it was not deemed aggressive .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Tashan Deniran-Alleyne, Paul Clarke)

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Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has been criticised after making contact with assistant referee Sian Massey-Ellis in the club's 1-0 win over Arsenal on Saturday evening after disputing a throw-in.
Despite regulations banning players from touching officials, the striker’s actions are expected to go unpunished and the incident has left supporters and pundits questioning what they saw. City boss Pep Guardiola, however, was quick to come to the defence of his striker in the post-match press conference.
Guardiola said: "Come on guys. Sergio is the nicest person I ever met in my life. Look for problems in other situations, not in this one."
But Match of the Day pundits were quick to criticise Aguero on the BBC highlights show last night when quizzed about the incident by presenter Gary Lineker.
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Former Newcastle United and England star Alan Shearer said: "He shouldn't put his hands on the assistant referee, it just wasn't a good look."
"Unnecessary patronising, it felt really awkward for me," Arsenal great Ian Wright added.
Former City defender turned Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards, meanwhile, explained that Aguero should 'know better'.
The Premier League has previously outlined the situation in regards to players contacting officials.
A statement said: "Premier League football, and the wider game in England, is known for being competitive and compelling, but also for its fairness and for being played in the right spirit.
"However, the English football authorities have noticed over the past four seasons that intolerable behaviour by players and managers in their competitions have reached unacceptable levels in certain areas.
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"The Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) will take a stronger position and action towards unacceptable participant conduct.
"This will focus on behaviour towards match officials, with the aim of reducing disrespectful conduct such as aggressively challenging decisions or running from distance to confront an official."
Aguero is expected to avoid any retrospective action for the incident as it was not deemed aggressive.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-18--Teenage cyclist remains in hospital following collision in Salford

A teenage cyclist remains in hospital following a collision in Salford .
Police were called to reports of a crash @ @ @ @ @ and a bike in Neptune Gardens , Salford shortly before 10.20pm on Friday .
The @ @ @ @ @ police arrived and a car believed to have been involved in the incident was found @ @ @ @ @ .
The 18-year-old cyclist was taken to hospital following the crash .
He remains in @ @ @ @ @ injuries , though they are not believed to be life-threatening .
Police cordoned off a @ @ @ @ @ of the crash on Saturday , including Camp Street and Grecian Street , near Salford @ @ @ @ @ around 4pm , the tape was removed but enquiries are ongoing , police have confirmed @ @ @ @ @ been made .
Anyone with information should call GMP ’ s Serious Collision Investigation Unit @ @ @ @ @ 101 quoting incident number 3164 of 17/10/2020 , or the independent charity Crimestoppers , anonymously @ @ @ @ @ .

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A teenage cyclist remains in hospital following a collision in Salford.
Police were called to reports of a crash between a black Vauxhaull Corsa and a bike in Neptune Gardens, Salford shortly before 10.20pm on Friday.
The Corsa fled the scene before police arrived and a car believed to have been involved in the incident was found abandoned nearby, say officers.
The 18-year-old cyclist was taken to hospital following the crash.
He remains in hospital receiving treatment for his injuries, though they are not believed to be life-threatening.
Police cordoned off a large area near the site of the crash on Saturday, including Camp Street and Grecian Street, near Salford's Albert Park.
At around 4pm, the tape was removed but enquiries are ongoing, police have confirmed.
No arrests have yet been made.
Anyone with information should call GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4740 or 101 quoting incident number 3164 of 17/10/2020, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-18--Man United might have found their perfect Plan B after Newcastle win

At their best the Manchester United front three are an unstoppable force of nature , sending defenders spinning as they try and keep up with the pace of Marcus Rashford , Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial .
With a game played to suit and space available to race into they can be deadly and with their combination play improving they are a major threat for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to utilise .
But speed is n't the only answer in football .
If it was Usain Bolt might have had a career in the sport after all , rather than a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sometimes slowing the game down can work just as well , allowing for a pause , a moment of rest in an otherwise frantic game .
There will be times when United 's first-choice front three simply do n't fire , when they do n't have the conditions to be at their best .
The problem for Solskjaer was finding an alternative , something he did n't seem to have towards the end of last season , when fatigue caught up with Rashford , Greenwood and Martial .
But it now looks like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time .
In Juan Mata he has the perfect antidote to the pace and the fury of the front three , an attacker who glides across the pitch rather than racing straight down it , waiting for the picture to emerge and the passes to become clearer .
In a season where the speed of Premier League games looks to have gone up another notch , with goals flying in at record-beating rates and carnage the usual outcome , Mata is enjoying an unexpected revival .
He 's an analogue footballer in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ works and that looks to be the case for the 32-year-old at the moment .
His first Premier League start in nine-and-a-half months was a triumph .
Mata was excellent from a right-wing starting position at Newcastle , drifting all across the pitch to get involved in the game , combining superbly with Bruno Fernandes and then Donny van de Beek when he emerged off the bench .
Mata gave United another creative option , easing the burden on Fernandes .
His movement helped Daniel James and Rashford to find space and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pulled the usually structured Newcastle defence out of position .
Solskjaer wanted another right-winger this summer but his targets only reinforced his need for the speed .
Jadon Sancho and Ousmane Dembele would have made the United attack so electric it could have caused shortages on the National Grid .
But that wo n't always be the answer .
You need alternatives in a squad and Mata is providing that .
His performances in Carabao Cup wins at Luton and Brighton and now at Newcastle suggest he 's been underused by Solskjaer since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are just too quick and too chaotic for Mata to influence , but when United need an extra dose of creativity , or the approach of raw pace is n't getting the job done , he 's proven he can still be a very effective Plan B for Solskjaer .

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At their best the Manchester United front three are an unstoppable force of nature, sending defenders spinning as they try and keep up with the pace of Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial.
With a game played to suit and space available to race into they can be deadly and with their combination play improving they are a major threat for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to utilise.
But speed isn't the only answer in football. If it was Usain Bolt might have had a career in the sport after all, rather than a string of trials at third-rate clubs. Sometimes slowing the game down can work just as well, allowing for a pause, a moment of rest in an otherwise frantic game.
There will be times when United's first-choice front three simply don't fire, when they don't have the conditions to be at their best. The problem for Solskjaer was finding an alternative, something he didn't seem to have towards the end of last season, when fatigue caught up with Rashford, Greenwood and Martial.
But it now looks like the answer was there for Solskjaer all the time. In Juan Mata he has the perfect antidote to the pace and the fury of the front three, an attacker who glides across the pitch rather than racing straight down it, waiting for the picture to emerge and the passes to become clearer.
In a season where the speed of Premier League games looks to have gone up another notch, with goals flying in at record-beating rates and carnage the usual outcome, Mata is enjoying an unexpected revival. He's an analogue footballer in a digital world but sometimes that just works and that looks to be the case for the 32-year-old at the moment.
His first Premier League start in nine-and-a-half months was a triumph. Mata was excellent from a right-wing starting position at Newcastle, drifting all across the pitch to get involved in the game, combining superbly with Bruno Fernandes and then Donny van de Beek when he emerged off the bench.
Mata gave United another creative option, easing the burden on Fernandes. His movement helped Daniel James and Rashford to find space and his combinations with Fernandes, in particular, pulled the usually structured Newcastle defence out of position.
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Solskjaer wanted another right-winger this summer but his targets only reinforced his need for the speed. Jadon Sancho and Ousmane Dembele would have made the United attack so electric it could have caused shortages on the National Grid.
But that won't always be the answer. You need alternatives in a squad and Mata is providing that. His performances in Carabao Cup wins at Luton and Brighton and now at Newcastle suggest he's been underused by Solskjaer since February.
There will be games that are just too quick and too chaotic for Mata to influence, but when United need an extra dose of creativity, or the approach of raw pace isn't getting the job done, he's proven he can still be a very effective Plan B for Solskjaer.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-18--Andy Burnham accuses Boris Johnson of exaggerating Covid situation in our region

Mayor Andy Burnham has accused Boris Johnson of exaggerating the severity of the Covid-19 situation in Greater Manchester .
The Prime Minster said that the number of intensive care admissions with the virus were currently at around 40 % of the April numbers in the region .
Speaking on The Andrew Marr Show on Sunday , Mr Burnham slammed the claims , stating that as of Sunday morning there were around 62 people in the regions ICUs with coronavirus - compared with around 200-220 at the previous peak .
He added that there have been a total of four patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease on Saturday .
He said : “ It ’ s a serious situation but I don ’ t think it was the situation that was described by the Prime Minister on Friday evening .
“ I think it was an exaggeration of the position that we ’ re in .
“ Of course it ’ s a matter of concern , and we watch the figures very closely indeed , but the figures have been falling in Manchester itself in the last few days , across Greater Manchester up slightly but certainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So let ’ s be careful here .
I would certainly say this morning let ’ s step back a bit from a war of words.
” It comes as the mayor continues to resist the plans to move Greater Manchester into the highest level of coronavirus restrictions - Tier 3 .
He is now calling for MPs in Westminster to intervene should the region be placed in these measures and to ensure Tier 3 restrictions come with an adequate financial package to support low paid workers .
Mr Burnham has also reiterated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme to be reintroduced to support workers in firms that are forced to close .

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Mayor Andy Burnham has accused Boris Johnson of exaggerating the severity of the Covid-19 situation in Greater Manchester.
The Prime Minster said that the number of intensive care admissions with the virus were currently at around 40% of the April numbers in the region.
Speaking on The Andrew Marr Show on Sunday, Mr Burnham slammed the claims, stating that as of Sunday morning there were around 62 people in the regions ICUs with coronavirus - compared with around 200-220 at the previous peak.
He added that there have been a total of four patients admitted to Greater Manchester hospitals with the disease on Saturday.
He said: “It’s a serious situation but I don’t think it was the situation that was described by the Prime Minister on Friday evening.
“I think it was an exaggeration of the position that we’re in.
“Of course it’s a matter of concern, and we watch the figures very closely indeed, but the figures have been falling in Manchester itself in the last few days, across Greater Manchester up slightly but certainly not doubling every nine days.
“So let’s be careful here. I would certainly say this morning let’s step back a bit from a war of words.”
It comes as the mayor continues to resist the plans to move Greater Manchester into the highest level of coronavirus restrictions - Tier 3.
He is now calling for MPs in Westminster to intervene should the region be placed in these measures and to ensure Tier 3 restrictions come with an adequate financial package to support low paid workers.
Mr Burnham has also reiterated his call for the 80% furlough scheme to be reintroduced to support workers in firms that are forced to close.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-18--Bruno Fernandes explains his new Manchester United celebration

Bruno Fernandes has revealed his new Manchester United goal celebration is dedicated to both of his young children .
The Portuguese midfielder has come accustomed to celebrating goals since he joined United in the January transfer window with 15 strikes in 27 appearances so far .
Fernandes netted his latest strike for the club on Saturday night as he finished an excellent counter-attacking move to give United a 2-1 lead over Newcastle in the Premier League fixture .
The 26-year-old celebrated his goal with his teammates before he turned to the cameras to showcase his new celebration in homage to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ usual trademark celebrations into one after the goal as he placed his right hand on his ear and sucked his left thumb .
Taking to social media after the match Fernandes shared a picture of the gesture and explained it was a combined celebration to honour daughter Matilde and newborn son Goncalo .
Speaking prior to the birth of his son in September the United midfielder explained why he put his hands over his ears as a dedication to his daughter .
” In Portugal , when I was playing , and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my daughter was growing up , you know , '' he said in July .
“ Sometimes , me and my wife , we talk with her and she started doing like this [ puts his fingers in his ears ] after she started doing this .
And so , I picked this to celebrate the goals for her . ''

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Bruno Fernandes has revealed his new Manchester United goal celebration is dedicated to both of his young children.
The Portuguese midfielder has come accustomed to celebrating goals since he joined United in the January transfer window with 15 strikes in 27 appearances so far.
Fernandes netted his latest strike for the club on Saturday night as he finished an excellent counter-attacking move to give United a 2-1 lead over Newcastle in the Premier League fixture.
The 26-year-old celebrated his goal with his teammates before he turned to the cameras to showcase his new celebration in homage to his children.
Fernandes combined his two usual trademark celebrations into one after the goal as he placed his right hand on his ear and sucked his left thumb.
Taking to social media after the match Fernandes shared a picture of the gesture and explained it was a combined celebration to honour daughter Matilde and newborn son Goncalo.
Speaking prior to the birth of his son in September the United midfielder explained why he put his hands over his ears as a dedication to his daughter.
”In Portugal, when I was playing, and I started my second season in Sporting, my daughter was growing up, you know," he said in July.
“Sometimes, me and my wife, we talk with her and she started doing like this [puts his fingers in his ears] after she started doing this. And so, I picked this to celebrate the goals for her."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-18--Trafford Centre shoppers fined by police for refusing to wear masks

Police have issued a warning to Trafford Centre to shoppers to wear a face covering - or receive a fine .
The Greater Manchester Police team in Stretford said they had officers in the shopping centre yesterday , and will be back again on Sunday .
So far five tickets have been issued to people who did not have a covering and could not present valid exemption .
The fine is now £200 for a first offence , reduced to £100 if paid within 14 days .
The government has also warned that repeat offenders receiving fines on public transport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their fines doubled at each offence .
After the first offence , there will be no discount .
For example , receiving a second fine will amount to £400 and a third fine will be £800 , up to a maximum value of £6,400 .
GMP Stretford tweeted : `` 5 tickets issued to people inside the Trafford Centre yesterday failing to wear a mask .
`` Most people complied with the new law and supported our presence .
We will be there again today so please wear your mask and if exempt @ @ @ @ @

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Police have issued a warning to Trafford Centre to shoppers to wear a face covering - or receive a fine.
The Greater Manchester Police team in Stretford said they had officers in the shopping centre yesterday, and will be back again on Sunday.
So far five tickets have been issued to people who did not have a covering and could not present valid exemption.
The fine is now £200 for a first offence, reduced to £100 if paid within 14 days.
The government has also warned that repeat offenders receiving fines on public transport or in an indoor setting will have their fines doubled at each offence.
After the first offence, there will be no discount. For example, receiving a second fine will amount to £400 and a third fine will be £800, up to a maximum value of £6,400.
GMP Stretford tweeted: "5 tickets issued to people inside the Trafford Centre yesterday failing to wear a mask.
"Most people complied with the new law and supported our presence. We will be there again today so please wear your mask and if exempt bring proof. Thanks"


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-18--Forensics pictured at a park in Gorton as police search for missing person

Forensics were pictured at a park in Gorton as police confirmed they were searching the area as part of 'missing @ @ @ @ @ were pictured at the gateway to Debdale Park on Sunday evening as part of the @ @ @ @ @ the scene showed a number of officers , some wearing head torches , entering the @ @ @ @ @ taken close to the lake in a bit of wooded area , according to an @ @ @ @ @ throughout the area , which was taped off by police .
Debdale Park is located @ @ @ @ @ Gorton .
On Sunday evening a spokesman for GMP said : `` At the moment @ @ @ @ @ as part of missing from home enquiries . ''
They did not confirm who they @ @ @ @ @ spokesman did not confirm whether anybody had been found as part of the search .

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Forensics were pictured at a park in Gorton as police confirmed they were searching the area as part of 'missing person enquiries'.
Police were pictured at the gateway to Debdale Park on Sunday evening as part of the search.
Photos taken from the scene showed a number of officers, some wearing head torches, entering the park.
The pictures were taken close to the lake in a bit of wooded area, according to an eyewitness.
Spotlights were located throughout the area, which was taped off by police.
(Image: ASP)
Debdale Park is located just off Hyde Road in Gorton.
(Image: ASP)
On Sunday evening a spokesman for GMP said: "At the moment officers are in that park as part of missing from home enquiries."
(Image: ASP)
They did not confirm who they were looking for.
The spokesman did not confirm whether anybody had been found as part of the search.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-18--Guardiola explains what Sergio Aguero needs for new Man City contract

Pep Guardiola thinks that Sergio Aguero still has to earn a new contract at Manchester City just like he does .
The club record scorer is in the final year of his deal at City , but after so many years of consistently high performances the Blues will not be pushing him out of the door .
However , Aguero ’ s appearance against Arsenal was his first since June and the club are keen for him to show that he is over his injury problems , while the possibility of signing Lionel Messi on a free transfer is coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously that the 32-year-old can leave on his terms and praised his return to the side , yet he also thinks that Aguero will want to return to his high level before thinking about a new contract .
“ The important thing is that Sergio comes back in good physical condition , starts to get his rhythm , doesn ’ t get more injuries and and plays good , ” he said .
“ We know what he means for us , we know how we appreciate him , but now he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me first , that we deserve to continue here and playing good and winning games .
“ After that , the club and myself of course decide , but when he is playing in his level and we do n't have any doubts he is a player to stay until he decides [ to go ] because he unique , the numbers , he is important for us , the fans and for everyone .
“ Having Sergio on the pitch , we are better , we are safer .
We missed him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later part of the season .
Now it is good news for us today that he is back . ''

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Pep Guardiola thinks that Sergio Aguero still has to earn a new contract at Manchester City just like he does.
The club record scorer is in the final year of his deal at City, but after so many years of consistently high performances the Blues will not be pushing him out of the door.
However, Aguero’s appearance against Arsenal was his first since June and the club are keen for him to show that he is over his injury problems, while the possibility of signing Lionel Messi on a free transfer is coming more into view.
Guardiola has said previously that the 32-year-old can leave on his terms and praised his return to the side, yet he also thinks that Aguero will want to return to his high level before thinking about a new contract.
“The important thing is that Sergio comes back in good physical condition, starts to get his rhythm, doesn’t get more injuries and and plays good,” he said.
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“We know what he means for us, we know how we appreciate him, but now he has to show like everyone of us, me first, that we deserve to continue here and playing good and winning games.
“After that, the club and myself of course decide, but when he is playing in his level and we don't have any doubts he is a player to stay until he decides [to go] because he unique, the numbers, he is important for us, the fans and for everyone.
“Having Sergio on the pitch, we are better, we are safer. We missed him a lot in important moments in the later part of the season. Now it is good news for us today that he is back."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-18--Some of Greater Manchester's hospitals are already full with Covid-patients

Greater Manchester could run out of hospital beds to treat coronavirus patients , and some of the region 's hospitals are already full , according to a leaked document .
Hospitals in Salford , Stockport and Bolton were at maximum capacity by Friday due to the resurgence of the disease , The Guardian reports .
It mean there were no spare beds to deal with the growing influx of patients .
The leaked NHS document 'suggested that Greater Manchester ’ s hospitals are quickly heading towards being overwhelmed by the sheer number of people with Covid needing emergency care to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way that those in Liverpool have become in recent weeks ' , according to the newspaper .
By Friday , a total of 211 of the 257 critical care beds in Greater Manchester , 82pc , were reportedly already being used by coronavirus patients or those critically ill with another illness .
Another 110 new patients with confirmed or suspected coronavirus were admitted to hospital in the 24 hours before the spreadsheet was shared with NHS bosses on Friday .
It reportedly took the total number of patients they were dealing with at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month , the Manchester Evening News reported how Covid hospital admissions in the region were projected to hit the April peak by the end of October .
Projections by Public Health England and the conurbation ’ s health and social care partnership , leaked to the Manchester Evening News , suggested that if current trends continue , hospitals here could be seeing around 238 new Covid admissions a day by the end of the month .
The projections , presented at a meeting between leaders and officials on October 6 , also models @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by that point .
It would make it far higher than in April , although a big difference in the amount of tests carried out makes it hard to compare .
NHS bosses in Greater Manchester are considering opening the region ’ s Nightingale hospital as a way to help deal with the surge in patients .
The number of coronavirus cases in Greater Manchester as a whole is up around 3 per cent week on week , according to latest figures .
The latest leak comes as local leaders in Greater Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ central government over the introduction of tougher measures in the region .
They have so far failed to reach an agreement .
The Prime Minister has been heaping pressure on local leaders to commit to bringing in 'Tier 3 ' restrictions , the highest in the new Covid-alert system .
But mayor Andy Burnham accused the government of trying to introduce measures on the cheap in a passionate speech last week .
Today he wrote a letter to the prime minister and political leaders in Westminster , urging them to apply a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ covering 80 % of wages or at least the national minimum wage .

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Greater Manchester could run out of hospital beds to treat coronavirus patients, and some of the region's hospitals are already full, according to a leaked document.
Hospitals in Salford, Stockport and Bolton were at maximum capacity by Friday due to the resurgence of the disease, The Guardian reports.
It mean there were no spare beds to deal with the growing influx of patients.
The leaked NHS document 'suggested that Greater Manchester’s hospitals are quickly heading towards being overwhelmed by the sheer number of people with Covid needing emergency care to save their lives, in the same way that those in Liverpool have become in recent weeks', according to the newspaper.
By Friday, a total of 211 of the 257 critical care beds in Greater Manchester, 82pc, were reportedly already being used by coronavirus patients or those critically ill with another illness.
Another 110 new patients with confirmed or suspected coronavirus were admitted to hospital in the 24 hours before the spreadsheet was shared with NHS bosses on Friday.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
It reportedly took the total number of patients they were dealing with at that point to 520.
Earlier this month, the Manchester Evening News reported how Covid hospital admissions in the region were projected to hit the April peak by the end of October.
Projections by Public Health England and the conurbation’s health and social care partnership, leaked to the Manchester Evening News , suggested that if current trends continue, hospitals here could be seeing around 238 new Covid admissions a day by the end of the month.
The projections, presented at a meeting between leaders and officials on October 6, also models 20,000 new coronavirus cases here a day by that point.
It would make it far higher than in April, although a big difference in the amount of tests carried out makes it hard to compare.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
NHS bosses in Greater Manchester are considering opening the region’s Nightingale hospital as a way to help deal with the surge in patients.
The number of coronavirus cases in Greater Manchester as a whole is up around 3 per cent week on week, according to latest figures.
The latest leak comes as local leaders in Greater Manchester enters another week of tense negotiations with central government over the introduction of tougher measures in the region.
They have so far failed to reach an agreement.
The Prime Minister has been heaping pressure on local leaders to commit to bringing in 'Tier 3' restrictions, the highest in the new Covid-alert system.
But mayor Andy Burnham accused the government of trying to introduce measures on the cheap in a passionate speech last week.
Today he wrote a letter to the prime minister and political leaders in Westminster, urging them to apply a “full and fair furlough scheme” - covering 80% of wages or at least the national minimum wage.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-18--Police and fire service investigating after blaze involving two vehicles

Police have launched a joint investigation with the fire service after a blaze involving two cars in Tameside .
Turner Lane in Ashton-under-Lyne was cordoned off throughout most of the day on Sunday following the fire .
Officers were first called to a premises on the road at about 2pm today ( Sunday ) , a GMP spokeswoman said .
On arrival , they found firefighters tackling 'two vehicle fires ' .
Photos from the scene on Sunday showed part of a building was scorched from smoke damage .
An Electricity North West vehicle was pictured along with police vans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injured and no arrests have been made , the police spokeswoman said .
A joint investigation will be carried out to establish the cause of the fire and enquiries are ongoing .
In the full statement , police said : `` Shortly before 2pm on Sunday 18 October 2020 , police were called to reports of a fire at a premises on Turner Lane in Ashton .
`` On arrival , GMFRS officers were tackling two vehicle fires .
`` A joint investigation will be carried out to establish the cause of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No-one was injured and no arrests have currently been made . ''
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 9262 or 101 quoting incident number 387 of 18/10/20 .

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Police have launched a joint investigation with the fire service after a blaze involving two cars in Tameside.
Turner Lane in Ashton-under-Lyne was cordoned off throughout most of the day on Sunday following the fire.
Officers were first called to a premises on the road at about 2pm today (Sunday), a GMP spokeswoman said.
On arrival, they found firefighters tackling 'two vehicle fires'.
Photos from the scene on Sunday showed part of a building was scorched from smoke damage.
(Image: ABNM Photography)
An Electricity North West vehicle was pictured along with police vans at the scene.
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No one was injured and no arrests have been made, the police spokeswoman said.
A joint investigation will be carried out to establish the cause of the fire and enquiries are ongoing.
(Image: ABNM Photography)
In the full statement, police said: "Shortly before 2pm on Sunday 18 October 2020, police were called to reports of a fire at a premises on Turner Lane in Ashton.
"On arrival, GMFRS officers were tackling two vehicle fires.
(Image: ABNM Photography)
"A joint investigation will be carried out to establish the cause of the fire and enquiries are ongoing.
"No-one was injured and no arrests have currently been made."
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 9262 or 101 quoting incident number 387 of 18/10/20.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-18--Man United 'consider' Pogba swap-deal and more transfer rumours

Manchester United could use star midfielder Paul Pogba in a swap-deal to sign Federico Valverde from Real Madrid , according to reports .
Although the window shut at the beginning of October , Pogba has once again fuelled speculation that he could leave Old Trafford by declaring it 's a 'dream ' of his to play for Los Blancos .
Zinedine Zidane 's side have long been linked with the Frenchman but a move has not yet materialised and it was announced on Friday that United had taken the option to extend his contract by a further year to 2022 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , after Pogba once again cast flirtatious glances in the direction of the Bernabeu , the club turned their eyes to Valverde in case a swap deal becomes an option .
The combative midfielder has become one of Zidane 's most important players as he brings an edge and energy to the midfield and the £640million release clause in his contract signifies how highly he 's rated .
It 's reported that the 22-year-old is on United 's 'hit-list ' and , though players of such stature would usually be out of United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way of securing a deal .
Meanwhile , United are targeting a move for Sporting Lisbon teenager Luis Gomes , according to The Mirror .
United have worked hard in 2020 to strengthen their youth ranks with the likes of Willy Kambwala , Charlie McNeil , Alvaro Fernandez , Alejandro Garnacho , Marc Jurado and Isak Hansen-Aaroen all coming in this past summer .
The report vaguely suggest that 16-year-old Gomes has been dubbed the ‘ new Luis Figo ’ despite making no efforts to actually verify it .

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Manchester United could use star midfielder Paul Pogba in a swap-deal to sign Federico Valverde from Real Madrid, according to reports.
Although the window shut at the beginning of October, Pogba has once again fuelled speculation that he could leave Old Trafford by declaring it's a 'dream' of his to play for Los Blancos.
Zinedine Zidane's side have long been linked with the Frenchman but a move has not yet materialised and it was announced on Friday that United had taken the option to extend his contract by a further year to 2022.
However, according to The Sun, after Pogba once again cast flirtatious glances in the direction of the Bernabeu, the club turned their eyes to Valverde in case a swap deal becomes an option.
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The combative midfielder has become one of Zidane's most important players as he brings an edge and energy to the midfield and the £640million release clause in his contract signifies how highly he's rated.
It's reported that the 22-year-old is on United's 'hit-list' and, though players of such stature would usually be out of United's reach, Pogba could be a way of securing a deal.
Meanwhile, United are targeting a move for Sporting Lisbon teenager Luis Gomes, according to The Mirror.
United have worked hard in 2020 to strengthen their youth ranks with the likes of Willy Kambwala, Charlie McNeil, Alvaro Fernandez, Alejandro Garnacho, Marc Jurado and Isak Hansen-Aaroen all coming in this past summer.
The report vaguely suggest that 16-year-old Gomes has been dubbed the ‘new Luis Figo’ despite making no efforts to actually verify it.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-18--Latest coronavirus infection rates for Greater Manchester

Wigan now has the second highest coronavirus infection rate in Greater Manchester .
The town has overtaken Manchester , where rates have dropped for the seventh day in a row .
Numbers in Manchester have now gone down by 25 per cent from their peak level rate of 583.5 on Oct 3 .
There has been a big increase in infection rates in Wigan , which at the end of August had the lowest figures in Greater Manchester .
A total of 435.1 per 100,000 of the population tested positive in the town in the week ending October 14 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures .
In the same period , Bolton recorded a 24pc rise in week-on-week infection rates , up to 377.7 per 100,000 of the population .
It means there were 210 more cases recorded than the previous week .
In Trafford , infection rates fell by 8pc in the week ending October 14 - there were 63 less cases recorded .
In Rochdale , 1,010 coronavirus cases were recorded in the week ending Oct 14 - the first time over 1,000 have been recorded in a week in the town .
Overall , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a whole is only up 3 per cent week on week .
It shows that figures are levelling out , a point made by the region 's mayor Andy Burnham during a TV interview on Sunday morning .
Mr Burnham accused the Prime Minister of having engaged in an 'exaggeration ' of the severity of Covid-19 in the region on the Andrew Marr Show .
On Friday , the prime minister had warned he would intervene and impose tougher restrictions on the region as cases had 'doubled in the past nine days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent trends , in just over two weeks there will be more Covid patients in intensive care than at the peak of the first wave so I urge the mayor to reconsider and engage constructively . ''
“ It ’ s a serious situation but I don ’ t think it was the situation that was described by the Prime Minister on Friday evening , ” the mayor told the BBC ’ s Andrew Marr Show .
All ten boroughs in Greater Manchester remain in Tier 2 of the Covid-alert level system - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in England .

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Wigan now has the second highest coronavirus infection rate in Greater Manchester.
The town has overtaken Manchester, where rates have dropped for the seventh day in a row.
Numbers in Manchester have now gone down by 25 per cent from their peak level rate of 583.5 on Oct 3.
There has been a big increase in infection rates in Wigan, which at the end of August had the lowest figures in Greater Manchester.
A total of 435.1 per 100,000 of the population tested positive in the town in the week ending October 14, according to the latest Public Health England figures.
In the same period, Bolton recorded a 24pc rise in week-on-week infection rates, up to 377.7 per 100,000 of the population.
It means there were 210 more cases recorded than the previous week.
In Trafford, infection rates fell by 8pc in the week ending October 14 - there were 63 less cases recorded.
In Rochdale, 1,010 coronavirus cases were recorded in the week ending Oct 14 - the first time over 1,000 have been recorded in a week in the town.
Overall, the number of cases in Greater Manchester as a whole is only up 3 per cent week on week.
It shows that figures are levelling out, a point made by the region's mayor Andy Burnham during a TV interview on Sunday morning.
Mr Burnham accused the Prime Minister of having engaged in an 'exaggeration' of the severity of Covid-19 in the region on the Andrew Marr Show.
On Friday, the prime minister had warned he would intervene and impose tougher restrictions on the region as cases had 'doubled in the past nine days'.
He said: "On recent trends, in just over two weeks there will be more Covid patients in intensive care than at the peak of the first wave so I urge the mayor to reconsider and engage constructively."
“It’s a serious situation but I don’t think it was the situation that was described by the Prime Minister on Friday evening,” the mayor told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show.
All ten boroughs in Greater Manchester remain in Tier 2 of the Covid-alert level system - with coronavirus rates higher than the average in England.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-18--Emma Willis helps 'break down gender stereotypes' as she shares photo of her son

TV presenter Emma Willis has delighted fans by sharing a rare photo of her son Ace .
Doting mum Emma posted a picture showing eight-year-old Ace with long blonde hair and wearing a pink cropped T-shirt and matching trainers .
And Emma , 44 , sparked a discussion with her post as the compliments came flooding in for stylish Ace .
She replied with a fist-bump emoji and love heart when one follower told 'judgy ' commenters to 'get a life . '
`` So what if this boy has beautiful long blonde hair and wears a pink T-shirt !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he smiles a million more time ’ s a day then you miserable judgey ADULTS commenting on this child !
# getalife . ''
She pressed the 'thanks emoji ' when another follower told her that Ace is inspiring others .
`` Your son is an inspiration .
Coming from a mummy of a son who loves pink , Rainbows and his Elsa dress , '' they said .
`` He is following his own story and not bound by stupid society stereotypes . ''
Another wrote : `` Just shows how far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gender stereotypes .
`` Pink is simply a colour .
Hair grows .
Let kids ( or adults ) wear whatever they want ! ''
said one follower , and Emma replied with a love heart .
And the mother-of-three pressed the fist bump and love heart again when another said : `` Omg this could be my little boy !
`` He ’ s totally alternative ... .
bracelets , ear cuffs , pink , teeny shorts when it ’ s freezing , pink , leopard and hair bands and buns !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s so individual . ''
Others called Ace 'cool ' and a 'model in the making . '
`` Ace is literally straight from our gang , '' said one fan .
`` YES JEANS !
Love them ...
Ace is literally STYLE PERSONIFIED , '' shouted another .
`` Wow look at his lovely hair !
!
He ’ s the future style icon for sure , '' admired another follower .
And Spice Girl Emma Bunton said : `` Just gorgeous !
We love Ace !
X '' '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not Matt ) , '' the mother-of-three-wrote alongside a picture of her son standing next to his Busted star dad Matt .
Emma , who presents The Voice and The Circle which are both filmed in Salford , and Matt also have daughters Isabelle , 11 and Trixie , four .

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TV presenter Emma Willis has delighted fans by sharing a rare photo of her son Ace.
Doting mum Emma posted a picture showing eight-year-old Ace with long blonde hair and wearing a pink cropped T-shirt and matching trainers.
And Emma, 44, sparked a discussion with her post as the compliments came flooding in for stylish Ace.
She replied with a fist-bump emoji and love heart when one follower told 'judgy' commenters to 'get a life.'
"So what if this boy has beautiful long blonde hair and wears a pink T-shirt!" they said.
"I bet he smiles a million more time’s a day then you miserable judgey ADULTS commenting on this child! #getalife."
She pressed the 'thanks emoji' when another follower told her that Ace is inspiring others.
"Your son is an inspiration. Coming from a mummy of a son who loves pink, Rainbows and his Elsa dress," they said.
"He is following his own story and not bound by stupid society stereotypes."
Another wrote: "Just shows how far we have to go in breaking down gender stereotypes.
"Pink is simply a colour. Hair grows. Let kids (or adults) wear whatever they want!" said one follower, and Emma replied with a love heart.
And the mother-of-three pressed the fist bump and love heart again when another said: "Omg this could be my little boy!
"He’s totally alternative.... bracelets, ear cuffs, pink, teeny shorts when it’s freezing, pink, leopard and hair bands and buns!
"Makes me beam with pride that he’s so individual."
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
Others called Ace 'cool' and a 'model in the making.'
"Ace is literally straight from our gang," said one fan.
"YES JEANS! Love them... Ace is literally STYLE PERSONIFIED," shouted another.
"Wow look at his lovely hair!! He’s the future style icon for sure," admired another follower.
And Spice Girl Emma Bunton said: "Just gorgeous! We love Ace! X"
"My little style icon (Ace, not Matt)," the mother-of-three-wrote alongside a picture of her son standing next to his Busted star dad Matt.
Emma, who presents The Voice and The Circle which are both filmed in Salford, and Matt also have daughters Isabelle, 11 and Trixie, four.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-18--Man City 'plot £15million January bid for Messi' and more transfer rumours

Manchester City are planning a January bid for Lionel Messi to steal a march on any competitors , according to reports .
Messi shocked the world this past summer when he announced he wanted to leave Barcelona after growing frustrated with the club 's hierarchy and City were immediately made favourites to sign him .
However , after two weeks of exciting speculation , the six-time Ballon d'Or winner eventually relented and decided to stay at the Camp Nou , but it was n't a happy decision and only made to avoid a court battle with the club over a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him to leave for free .
Messi has remained critical of the powers in charge at Barcelona since , especially for their handling of Luis Suarez ' departure , and manager Ronald Koeman has admitted he still expects him to leave - with his contract finally expiring at the end of the current season .
COO Omar Berrada recently told MEN Sport that City will have the finances to sign Messi if he was available .
And while City remain favourites to sign him in the summer , according to The Sun , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Argentine to the Etihad before then when the transfer window reopens in January .
It 's reported that City could tempt a cash strapped Barca into selling their record goalscorer with an offer as low as £15million in the new year , rather than losing him for nothing six-months later .
The Blues , the report states , know they will likely face massive competition for Messi and want to get ahead of the likes of Paris Saint-Germain , Juventus , Chelsea , Inter and MLS clubs in the race with an early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's arrival could see Sergio Aguero leave the club and , though it seems unlikely as the pair are close friends , reports in Italy suggest Inter could make a move for the striker in January .
City 's record scorer 's current contract expires in the summer and he would be free to agree a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January .
According to SportItalia Mercato , the 32-year-old 'is a possibility ' for Inter and they may look to negotiate a free transfer in the new year .

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Manchester City are planning a January bid for Lionel Messi to steal a march on any competitors, according to reports.
Messi shocked the world this past summer when he announced he wanted to leave Barcelona after growing frustrated with the club's hierarchy and City were immediately made favourites to sign him.
However, after two weeks of exciting speculation, the six-time Ballon d'Or winner eventually relented and decided to stay at the Camp Nou, but it wasn't a happy decision and only made to avoid a court battle with the club over a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave for free.
Messi has remained critical of the powers in charge at Barcelona since, especially for their handling of Luis Suarez' departure, and manager Ronald Koeman has admitted he still expects him to leave - with his contract finally expiring at the end of the current season. COO Omar Berrada recently told MEN Sport that City will have the finances to sign Messi if he was available.
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And while City remain favourites to sign him in the summer, according to The Sun, the Blues will try and bring the Argentine to the Etihad before then when the transfer window reopens in January.
It's reported that City could tempt a cash strapped Barca into selling their record goalscorer with an offer as low as £15million in the new year, rather than losing him for nothing six-months later.
The Blues, the report states, know they will likely face massive competition for Messi and want to get ahead of the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Chelsea, Inter and MLS clubs in the race with an early bid.
The report adds that Messi's arrival could see Sergio Aguero leave the club and, though it seems unlikely as the pair are close friends, reports in Italy suggest Inter could make a move for the striker in January.
City's record scorer's current contract expires in the summer and he would be free to agree a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January.
According to SportItalia Mercato, the 32-year-old 'is a possibility' for Inter and they may look to negotiate a free transfer in the new year.