themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-24--Locked up: Our round up of criminals jailed in Greater Manchester this week

Despite current circumstances , prison sentences have still been handed out and people have been locked up for their offences .
And our reporters were able to cover the most serious as usual .
There was the case of the jealous ex that terrorised his former partner by turning up at her house , climbing through her bedroom window and attacking her .
And there was also the lorry driver who was checking his Amazon account as he sped through red lights and ploughed into a car killing an MBE army veteran .
Elsewhere , there was the pervert dad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had been messaging on Snapchat .
An open , transparent criminal justice system is an important part of how our democracy works - so we make no apologies for devoting so much time to letting you know what happens in our courts .
A judge hit out at a first-class university student for 'throwing away ' his life chances as he was jailed for leading police on a high speed chase .
Sameer Choudhry , 22 , has been locked up following the pursuit through Newton Heath , when he reached speeds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to be stopped by a stinger to puncture his tyres .
Minshull Street Crown Court heard that Choudhry is enrolled on a computer science course at Wolverhampton university .
His predicted grades estimate he could achieve a first class degree .
His lawyer said Choudhry , who was on a work placement in Manchester at the time of the offence in February , hopes to be able to resume his degree in September .
Choudhry , of Lacrosse Avenue , Oldham , has five convictions for 11 offences , many of which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offences .
He was jailed for nine months after pleading guilty to dangerous driving , driving while disqualified and driving without insurance .
He was banned from driving for a further three-and-a-half years .
The jealous ex that terrorised his former partner by turning up at her house , climbing through her bedroom window and attacking her A jealous ex terrorised his former partner by climbing through her bedroom window and attacking her .
Stewart Edge , 34 , has been jailed for 16 months following the incident at her home in Denton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for seven years , but a restraining order was imposed against Edge following their break up .
It marked the third time he had breached the order .
The court heard Edge has 19 previous convictions for 34 offences , including a conviction for battery against the same victim .
Sentencing , Judge John Potter told Edge that during the incident he was 'terrorising those within it ( the property ) by acts of violence and threats being made ' .
Another restraining order was imposed , to last for five years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside pub before fleeing and setting her house on fire A man has been jailed for attacking his girlfriend before setting fire to her house after getting drunk and taking laughing gas .
Hayden Parsons , 27 , beat up his then-partner and torched the house she shares with her young children during a drink and drugs fuelled rampage .
Manchester Crown Court heard how Parsons had been out drinking with her at a pub in Manchester on the afternoon of Friday 13 March .
The couple had been together since November 19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , prosecutor Rachel Widdicombe told the court .
They had been visiting the Vine pub in Manchester city centre together , where Parsons was known to the landlady .
Parsons , of Wilson Street , Blackley , was jailed for three years after admitting one offence of common assault and arson being reckless to whether life was endangered .
The lorry driver who was checking Amazon as he sped through red light and ploughed into car killing MBE army veteran A 'stupid and reckless ' lorry driver was checking his Amazon account as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ploughing into a car and killing an MBE army veteran , also seriously injuring his wife .
Mark Byrne MBE , 58 , and his wife Julie were travelling along the East Lancashire Road at the junction with Atherleigh Way on January 21 2020 when their Toyota Corolla was crushed by a lorry being driven at 49mph .
Florin Solomon , 29 , of Lansdowne Walk in Worcester , has been jailed for four years and six months for causing death by dangerous driving and serious injury by dangerous driving .
The heartbreaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victims ' family forever as they grieve the sudden loss of a beloved father-of-three , granddad and 'soulmate ' .
Judge Smith handed down a sentence of four-and-a-half years to Solomon for causing death by dangerous driving , along with an 18-month sentence for causing injury by dangerous driving , to be served concurrently in prison .
He will also be disqualified from driving for five years and 11 months and faces an extended retest after his disqualification .
Thug terrorised ex partner from his prison cell - calling her 100 times in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her A thug terrorised his ex-partner from inside his prison cell , leaving menacing voicemails threatening to kill her and smash her windows .
Wayne Boland , 34 , who was at the time in prison for other crimes committed against her , has been jailed for a further 18 months .
Manchester Crown Court heard that Boland made the calls from an illegal phone while he was serving a jail sentence at HMP Forest Bank in Salford .
Referencing the threats , Judge Michael Leeming told Boland : `` She believed you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her if you ever went back to prison you would 'do it proper ' .
`` She took that to mean that you would kill her . ''
Boland , once jailed for four-and-half years for causing death by dangerous driving , later pleaded guilty to section two harassment , and possessing a prohibited item in prison .
In a statement read to the court , the woman said that she 'fears for her safety ' when Boland is released .
He has previous convictions for violence towards her .
An indefinite restraining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case .
'Blatant thief ' banned from Harpurhey shops tried to stuff stolen jewellery up his bottom while in a police van A 'blatant thief ' who robbed a shop worker tried to stuff stolen jewellery up his bottom while in a police van .
Callum Gregory , 19 , has been jailed for two-and-a-half years for the robbery , as well as a series of shoplifting offences .
He stole hundreds of pounds worth of items from shops in Harpurhey town centre while he was banned from the area after a criminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crown Court heard the shoplifting spree took place in November and December last year .
Gregory , who has 'learning difficulties ' and was said to be intoxicated , stole £75 of vodka from Asda , £824 of beauty products from Lloyds pharmacy , clothes worth £300 from Select , a further £150 of alcohol from Asda , jumpers worth £200 again from Select , and two toothbrushes from Lloyds worth almost £22 .
This offending was also in breach of a previous community order for other offences .
He only attended one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been sentenced to , and did not attend any rehabilitation activity requirement days .
Judge Elizabeth Nicholls ordered the sentence to be served in a young offender 's institution .
Gregory , of Cardale Walk , Harpurhey , pleaded guilty to robbery , six counts of theft , breaching a criminal behaviour order , breaching a community order and three counts of assaulting an emergency worker .
The man that spat at police officer after being detained at Piccadilly station while high on drugs and carrying a steak knife A man has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was detained for possession of cannabis and a steak knife .
Joshua Denith , 25 , was stopped by police at Manchester Piccadilly station after reports he had gone through the barriers without showing a ticket .
Manchester Crown Court heard how he became nervous when officers told him they could smell cannabis , and asked him if he was carrying any .
As he tried to back away , officers handcuffed him and took him to the floor .
As they did , a steak knife with a serrated edge fell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the knife , Denith said he had found it in the toilet of the train and had picked it up so it did n't fall into the wrong hands .
Denith , of Smithy Grove , Ashton , was jailed for 12 months after admitting possession of a bladed article in a public place , possession of cannabis and assaulting a police officer .
Denith will serve half his 12-month sentence in custody before being released on license .
'Extremely violent bully ' held woman captive , dragged her down flight of stairs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' who held a woman captive at his house , dragged her down a flight of stairs and strangled her has been jailed .
Jonathan Wild , 29 , left his victim with 'mental scars ' following the harrowing ordeal .
He dragged her down a flight of stairs by her legs and strangled her several times .
The sickening attack happened just over two weeks ago , on the evening on March 5 .
He was jailed for 13 months .
The vodka-fuelled dad caught chasing a man around Piccadilly Gardens with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a man around Piccadilly Gardens while holding a knife , before becoming involved in a standoff with police gave a 'nonsensical ' explanation for his actions .
Dale Ogden , 32 , who later told medics he had been drinking a bottle of vodka a day , had to be put on the floor by police following the incident during the coronavirus lockdown in the city centre .
Officers were called after Ogden , from Wythenshawe , was seen chasing a man at about 5pm on April 21 , Manchester Crown Court heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circles ' .
When officers arrived , they found them near Portland Street .
Ogden then turned his attentions to the officers , prosecutor Rachel Widdicombe said .
He began to 'advance ' towards them , with the knife still in his hands .
Ogden , of Aldfield Road , Wythenshawe , was jailed for 12 months after pleading guilty to possessing a knife in public .
The 'dangerous , predatory ' paedophile caught staring at young girl in Waterstones before making sick comments A 'predatory paedophile ' caught 'staring ' at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over to her and made sick comments , a court heard .
John Barrie , 75 , has been declared 'dangerous ' and described as posing a 'high risk of serious harm to children ' following the incident at Waterstones in the Arndale Centre .
Barrie was in the café at the shop , at about 3pm on January 5 , which is close to the area where the children 's books are stored , Manchester Crown Court heard .
A mother and her two young children were also present .
One of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was left in the café for a period while the others looked around the shop .
Barrie walked towards her , and said 'open your legs ' .
Barrie first began committing crimes in the 1960s , with his first sexual offence of indecent exposure coming in 1966 .
He was previously jailed for 15 years for sexual offences involving children committed in the 1980s .
Then in 2018 , he was hauled in front of a judge for breaching a sexual harm prevention order .
He breached the order after being found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which was not permitted within the order .
Judge Goddard said the prosecution 's description of Barrie as a 'predatory paedophile ' was 'accurate ' .
She handed down an extended sentence of seven years , after declaring Barrie a 'dangerous ' offender .
It included a custodial term of three years and four months , and an additional three years and eight months on licence .
Barrie , of Stockport Road , Levenshulme , pleaded guilty to inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity , and breaching a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked the judge to take into consideration an offence of making indecent images of children , and a further breach of the sexual harm prevention order .
Man with glass in hand claimed he was taking his hour 's exercise after cops were called to gathering of up to 20 people drinking booze during lockdown A man who claimed to be taking his hour 's exercise after eight police officers were sent to disperse a 'large gathering ' has been jailed for a 'clear breach ' of lockdown rules .
Billy Bowen , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months .
Police were called to a field in Moss Side , after residents reported that around 15 to 20 people were sat on chairs and drinking alcohol on a Friday night .
Manchester Crown Court heard police went to the scene to break up the gathering at around 7.30pm on April 10 .
When they arrived most people left , but a few remained , including Bowen .
Bowen started took issue with being asked to leave .
He told the police to 'get back into their vehicles ' as he held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spirits .
Bowen , of Quinney Crescent , Moss Side , pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon , using threatening or abusive words or behaviour and breaching a suspended sentence .
The pervert dad found in bed with teenage girl he had been messaging on Snapchat A pervert dad who was found in bed with a teenage girl in care he had been secretly messaging on Snapchat was blasted by a judge for seeking to 'condone ' the abuse of vulnerable kids .
Billy Hibbert , 22 , has been accused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after she developed strong feelings for him and repeatedly ran away from home to stay with him .
He was twice seen on CCTV kissing her .
Hibbert has now been jailed by a judge who said he had 'exploited ' the vulnerable 14 year-old 'for a sexual purpose ' and had sought to justify it by saying she was a `` looked after child . ''
Hibbert , of no fixed address , was charged and pleaded guilty to two counts of child abduction and one count of sexual activity with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sitting at Minshull Street Crown .
Judge Tina Landale said he had showed `` no remorse '' as she sentenced him to 21 months behind bars .
She also made a restraining order banning him from contacting her and a sexual harm prevention order , both lasting for 10 years .
The drunk arrested after 'things went sour ' - who later coughed at officer and said 'coronavirus' A man who coughed at a police officer and said 'coronavirus ' after he was arrested for being drunk and disorderly has been put behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was also convicted of resisting arrest after officers had to deploy CS spray following an incident in the city centre on Wednesday night .
Police had been called to Castlefield Bowl shortly before 10pm on May 20 , to reports that around 100 people were gathered there .
Officers asked the crowd to disperse , and while most complied , Smith , who was holding a bottle of rum , told officers to ' f**k off ' .
They asked him to leave and attempted to take the bottle of rum out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the situation was described in court as 'having gone sour ' .
Officers attempted to arrest Smith for being drunk and disorderly , but he resisted .
They eventually had to use CS spray in order to place him in handcuffs .
Smith was taken to a police station , which was not named in court .
While at the front desk , he coughed in the direction of a police officer , who was standing two metres away , and said 'coronavirus ' .
Smith admitted assaulting an emergency worker , resisting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he appeared at Manchester Magistrate 's Court .
The court heard that Smith , who was on bail for other offences at the time , felt he was being treated differently to other people , Smith , of Wilmslow Road , Manchester , was given 20 weeks custody for assaulting an emergency worker and a consecutive three week sentence for resisting arrest .
District Judge Temperley also revoked a community order which had previously been imposed for an offence in January and instead added an additional three weeks to Smith 's sentence .

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Don't miss out on the big stories from Manchester's courts with our weekly newsletter
Despite current circumstances, prison sentences have still been handed out and people have been locked up for their offences.
And our reporters were able to cover the most serious as usual.
There was the case of the jealous ex that terrorised his former partner by turning up at her house, climbing through her bedroom window and attacking her.
And there was also the lorry driver who was checking his Amazon account as he sped through red lights and ploughed into a car killing an MBE army veteran.
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
Elsewhere, there was the pervert dad found in bed with a teenage girl he had been messaging on Snapchat.
An open, transparent criminal justice system is an important part of how our democracy works - so we make no apologies for devoting so much time to letting you know what happens in our courts.
The 'fortunate' first-class student with 'ridiculous fascination'
A judge hit out at a first-class university student for 'throwing away' his life chances as he was jailed for leading police on a high speed chase.
Sameer Choudhry, 22, has been locked up following the pursuit through Newton Heath, when he reached speeds of 70mph in a 30mph zone and had to be stopped by a stinger to puncture his tyres.
Minshull Street Crown Court heard that Choudhry is enrolled on a computer science course at Wolverhampton university. His predicted grades estimate he could achieve a first class degree.
His lawyer said Choudhry, who was on a work placement in Manchester at the time of the offence in February, hopes to be able to resume his degree in September.
Choudhry, of Lacrosse Avenue, Oldham, has five convictions for 11 offences, many of which the court was told were for driving offences.
He was jailed for nine months after pleading guilty to dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.
He was banned from driving for a further three-and-a-half years.
The jealous ex that terrorised his former partner by turning up at her house, climbing through her bedroom window and attacking her
A jealous ex terrorised his former partner by climbing through her bedroom window and attacking her.
Stewart Edge, 34, has been jailed for 16 months following the incident at her home in Denton.
They had been in a relationship for seven years, but a restraining order was imposed against Edge following their break up.
It marked the third time he had breached the order.
The court heard Edge has 19 previous convictions for 34 offences, including a conviction for battery against the same victim.
Sentencing, Judge John Potter told Edge that during the incident he was 'terrorising those within it (the property) by acts of violence and threats being made'.
Edge pleaded guilty to affray, breaching a restraining order and common assault.
Another restraining order was imposed, to last for five years.
Man on laughing gas attacked his partner outside pub before fleeing and setting her house on fire
(Image: GMP)
A man has been jailed for attacking his girlfriend before setting fire to her house after getting drunk and taking laughing gas.
Hayden Parsons, 27, beat up his then-partner and torched the house she shares with her young children during a drink and drugs fuelled rampage.
Manchester Crown Court heard how Parsons had been out drinking with her at a pub in Manchester on the afternoon of Friday 13 March.
The couple had been together since November 19 and their relationship had developed very quickly, prosecutor Rachel Widdicombe told the court. They had been visiting the Vine pub in Manchester city centre together, where Parsons was known to the landlady.
Parsons, of Wilson Street, Blackley, was jailed for three years after admitting one offence of common assault and arson being reckless to whether life was endangered.
The lorry driver who was checking Amazon as he sped through red light and ploughed into car killing MBE army veteran
A 'stupid and reckless' lorry driver was checking his Amazon account as he sped through a red light, ploughing into a car and killing an MBE army veteran, also seriously injuring his wife.
Mark Byrne MBE, 58, and his wife Julie were travelling along the East Lancashire Road at the junction with Atherleigh Way on January 21 2020 when their Toyota Corolla was crushed by a lorry being driven at 49mph.
Florin Solomon, 29, of Lansdowne Walk in Worcester, has been jailed for four years and six months for causing death by dangerous driving and serious injury by dangerous driving.
The heartbreaking tragedy has changed the lives of the victims' family forever as they grieve the sudden loss of a beloved father-of-three, granddad and 'soulmate'.
Judge Smith handed down a sentence of four-and-a-half years to Solomon for causing death by dangerous driving, along with an 18-month sentence for causing injury by dangerous driving, to be served concurrently in prison.
He will also be disqualified from driving for five years and 11 months and faces an extended retest after his disqualification.
Thug terrorised ex partner from his prison cell - calling her 100 times in a single day and threatening to kill her
A thug terrorised his ex-partner from inside his prison cell, leaving menacing voicemails threatening to kill her and smash her windows.
Wayne Boland, 34, who was at the time in prison for other crimes committed against her, has been jailed for a further 18 months.
Manchester Crown Court heard that Boland made the calls from an illegal phone while he was serving a jail sentence at HMP Forest Bank in Salford.
Referencing the threats, Judge Michael Leeming told Boland: "She believed you, because in the past you told her if you ever went back to prison you would 'do it proper'.
"She took that to mean that you would kill her."
Boland, once jailed for four-and-half years for causing death by dangerous driving, later pleaded guilty to section two harassment, and possessing a prohibited item in prison.
In a statement read to the court, the woman said that she 'fears for her safety' when Boland is released.
He has previous convictions for violence towards her.
An indefinite restraining order was already passed following a previous case.
'Blatant thief' banned from Harpurhey shops tried to stuff stolen jewellery up his bottom while in a police van
A 'blatant thief' who robbed a shop worker tried to stuff stolen jewellery up his bottom while in a police van.
Callum Gregory, 19, has been jailed for two-and-a-half years for the robbery, as well as a series of shoplifting offences.
He stole hundreds of pounds worth of items from shops in Harpurhey town centre while he was banned from the area after a criminal behaviour order had been imposed.
Manchester Crown Court heard the shoplifting spree took place in November and December last year.
Gregory, who has 'learning difficulties' and was said to be intoxicated, stole £75 of vodka from Asda, £824 of beauty products from Lloyds pharmacy, clothes worth £300 from Select, a further £150 of alcohol from Asda, jumpers worth £200 again from Select, and two toothbrushes from Lloyds worth almost £22.
This offending was also in breach of a previous community order for other offences.
He only attended one of 120 hours unpaid work he had been sentenced to, and did not attend any rehabilitation activity requirement days.
Judge Elizabeth Nicholls ordered the sentence to be served in a young offender's institution.
Gregory, of Cardale Walk, Harpurhey, pleaded guilty to robbery, six counts of theft, breaching a criminal behaviour order, breaching a community order and three counts of assaulting an emergency worker.
The man that spat at police officer after being detained at Piccadilly station while high on drugs and carrying a steak knife
(Image: GMP)
A man has been jailed for spitting at a police after he was detained for possession of cannabis and a steak knife.
Joshua Denith, 25, was stopped by police at Manchester Piccadilly station after reports he had gone through the barriers without showing a ticket.
Manchester Crown Court heard how he became nervous when officers told him they could smell cannabis, and asked him if he was carrying any.
As he tried to back away, officers handcuffed him and took him to the floor. As they did, a steak knife with a serrated edge fell from his clothing.
When questioned about the knife, Denith said he had found it in the toilet of the train and had picked it up so it didn't fall into the wrong hands.
Denith, of Smithy Grove, Ashton, was jailed for 12 months after admitting possession of a bladed article in a public place, possession of cannabis and assaulting a police officer.
Denith will serve half his 12-month sentence in custody before being released on license.
'Extremely violent bully' held woman captive, dragged her down flight of stairs and strangled her
(Image: GMP)
An 'extremely violent bully' who held a woman captive at his house, dragged her down a flight of stairs and strangled her has been jailed.
Jonathan Wild, 29, left his victim with 'mental scars' following the harrowing ordeal.
He dragged her down a flight of stairs by her legs and strangled her several times.
The sickening attack happened just over two weeks ago, on the evening on March 5.
Wild pleaded guilty to a section 47 assault at Minshull Street Crown Court.
He was jailed for 13 months.
The vodka-fuelled dad caught chasing a man around Piccadilly Gardens with knife in lockdown
A dad who chased a man around Piccadilly Gardens while holding a knife, before becoming involved in a standoff with police gave a 'nonsensical' explanation for his actions.
Dale Ogden, 32, who later told medics he had been drinking a bottle of vodka a day, had to be put on the floor by police following the incident during the coronavirus lockdown in the city centre.
Officers were called after Ogden, from Wythenshawe, was seen chasing a man at about 5pm on April 21, Manchester Crown Court heard.
He was chasing the man 'in circles'. When officers arrived, they found them near Portland Street.
Ogden then turned his attentions to the officers, prosecutor Rachel Widdicombe said.
He began to 'advance' towards them, with the knife still in his hands.
Ogden, of Aldfield Road, Wythenshawe, was jailed for 12 months after pleading guilty to possessing a knife in public.
The 'dangerous, predatory' paedophile caught staring at young girl in Waterstones before making sick comments
A 'predatory paedophile' caught 'staring' at a young girl in a book shop went over to her and made sick comments, a court heard.
John Barrie, 75, has been declared 'dangerous' and described as posing a 'high risk of serious harm to children' following the incident at Waterstones in the Arndale Centre.
Barrie was in the café at the shop, at about 3pm on January 5, which is close to the area where the children's books are stored, Manchester Crown Court heard.
A mother and her two young children were also present.
One of the children, an eight-year-old girl, was left in the café for a period while the others looked around the shop. Barrie walked towards her, and said 'open your legs'.
Barrie first began committing crimes in the 1960s, with his first sexual offence of indecent exposure coming in 1966.
He was previously jailed for 15 years for sexual offences involving children committed in the 1980s.
Then in 2018, he was hauled in front of a judge for breaching a sexual harm prevention order.
He breached the order after being found playing badminton in an adult only gym, which was not permitted within the order.
Judge Goddard said the prosecution's description of Barrie as a 'predatory paedophile' was 'accurate'.
She handed down an extended sentence of seven years, after declaring Barrie a 'dangerous' offender.
It included a custodial term of three years and four months, and an additional three years and eight months on licence.
Barrie, of Stockport Road, Levenshulme, pleaded guilty to inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and breaching a sexual harm prevention order.
He also asked the judge to take into consideration an offence of making indecent images of children, and a further breach of the sexual harm prevention order.
Man with glass in hand claimed he was taking his hour's exercise after cops were called to gathering of up to 20 people drinking booze during lockdown
A man who claimed to be taking his hour's exercise after eight police officers were sent to disperse a 'large gathering' has been jailed for a 'clear breach' of lockdown rules.
Billy Bowen, 28, has been sentenced to nine months.
Police were called to a field in Moss Side, after residents reported that around 15 to 20 people were sat on chairs and drinking alcohol on a Friday night.
Manchester Crown Court heard police went to the scene to break up the gathering at around 7.30pm on April 10.
When they arrived most people left, but a few remained, including Bowen.
Bowen started took issue with being asked to leave.
He told the police to 'get back into their vehicles' as he held a glass, which appeared to contain spirits.
Bowen, of Quinney Crescent, Moss Side, pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon, using threatening or abusive words or behaviour and breaching a suspended sentence.
The pervert dad found in bed with teenage girl he had been messaging on Snapchat
(Image: Greater Manchester Police)
A pervert dad who was found in bed with a teenage girl in care he had been secretly messaging on Snapchat was blasted by a judge for seeking to 'condone' the abuse of vulnerable kids.
Billy Hibbert, 22, has been accused of ruining the young girl's life after she developed strong feelings for him and repeatedly ran away from home to stay with him.
He was twice seen on CCTV kissing her.
Hibbert has now been jailed by a judge who said he had 'exploited' the vulnerable 14 year-old 'for a sexual purpose' and had sought to justify it by saying she was a "looked after child."
Hibbert, of no fixed address, was charged and pleaded guilty to two counts of child abduction and one count of sexual activity with a child and was sentenced by a judge sitting at Minshull Street Crown.
Judge Tina Landale said he had showed "no remorse" as she sentenced him to 21 months behind bars.
She also made a restraining order banning him from contacting her and a sexual harm prevention order, both lasting for 10 years.
The drunk arrested after 'things went sour' - who later coughed at officer and said 'coronavirus'
A man who coughed at a police officer and said 'coronavirus' after he was arrested for being drunk and disorderly has been put behind bars.
Otis Smith, 31, was also convicted of resisting arrest after officers had to deploy CS spray following an incident in the city centre on Wednesday night.
Police had been called to Castlefield Bowl shortly before 10pm on May 20, to reports that around 100 people were gathered there.
Officers asked the crowd to disperse, and while most complied, Smith, who was holding a bottle of rum, told officers to 'f**k off'.
They asked him to leave and attempted to take the bottle of rum out of his hands, at which point, the situation was described in court as 'having gone sour'.
Officers attempted to arrest Smith for being drunk and disorderly, but he resisted. They eventually had to use CS spray in order to place him in handcuffs.
Smith was taken to a police station, which was not named in court. While at the front desk, he coughed in the direction of a police officer, who was standing two metres away, and said 'coronavirus'.
Smith admitted assaulting an emergency worker, resisting arrest and being drunk and disorderly when he appeared at Manchester Magistrate's Court.
The court heard that Smith, who was on bail for other offences at the time, felt he was being treated differently to other people,
Smith, of Wilmslow Road, Manchester, was given 20 weeks custody for assaulting an emergency worker and a consecutive three week sentence for resisting arrest.
District Judge Temperley also revoked a community order which had previously been imposed for an offence in January and instead added an additional three weeks to Smith's sentence.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-24--Real Housewives star 'taunts' boyfriend with teasing videos apart in lockdown

The Real Housewives of Cheshire star Ester Dee has been accused of 'taunting ' her boyfriend with sexy TikTok videos after revealing they 're living apart in lockdown .
Cheeky Ester has been keeping fans entertained by sharing a stream of videos of herself dancing in the kitchen while staying at home .
The videos have proven a big hit with her followers on social media as she shimmied to a selection of saucy songs including Prince 's Kiss and Milkshake by Kelis .
Another video showed her appearing to dance naked behind a towel only to reveal that she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one fan that her boyfriend , only named so far as 'Mr Dee ' , was also a big fan of her videos - and it 's since emerged that they 're staying in different households during the pandemic .
When Ester posted a photo of her man smiling in the bath with a message about missing him one Instagram follower asked her `` have you not been together through lockdown ? ''
and she replied `` no but is ok , made us stronger . ''
Ester was then jokingly scolded for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have been taunting this poor man with your sexy TikTok videos .
Now he has fired back .
Mamma Mia Mr D , '' said another follower .
Ester wrote with the bath photo : `` I found myself in you , Mr Dee .
`` Can not wait to # bathbomb you my dream man .
`` You are everything and more I ever wanted in a man baby .
Plus your big heart is very rare . ''
Smitten Ester recently likened her man to a Ken doll , saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who Ken reminds me of , of course my boyfriend !
`` All I have to do now is to keep calm and look like Barbie . ''
Last month Ester , who has a young daughter Pearl , revealed she was dating while going through a divorce .
`` LOVE YOU GDK 11:11 , '' she wrote cryptically next to a montage of photos with the soundtrack of Starship 's romantic power ballad Nothing 's Gon na Stop Us Now .
She also confirmed that they 'd been seeing each other for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the couple in an embrace , she wrote : `` He makes me look small even in my heels , just perfect . ''
Back in 2017 Ester , real name Ester Dohnalova , was at the centre of the drama as a newcomer in her first series of the Real Housewives of Cheshire after her 'secret ' husband John Temple came forward .
He stated he had no idea she was filming the show while she was engaged at the time to Cheshire-based property millionaire , Rob Lloyd .
Former Real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So you 're married , but not Rob ? ''
Rob later hit back after Ester confirmed their split saying he regretted appearing on the reality show with his ex partner .
In the ninth series it was revealed Ester was living with her friend and co-star Dawn Ward at Warford Hall .
In the current series Ester moved out while revealing she had a new man .

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The Real Housewives of Cheshire star Ester Dee has been accused of 'taunting' her boyfriend with sexy TikTok videos after revealing they're living apart in lockdown.
Cheeky Ester has been keeping fans entertained by sharing a stream of videos of herself dancing in the kitchen while staying at home.
The videos have proven a big hit with her followers on social media as she shimmied to a selection of saucy songs including Prince's Kiss and Milkshake by Kelis.
Another video showed her appearing to dance naked behind a towel only to reveal that she was wearing a bikini.
She told one fan that her boyfriend, only named so far as 'Mr Dee', was also a big fan of her videos - and it's since emerged that they're staying in different households during the pandemic.
When Ester posted a photo of her man smiling in the bath with a message about missing him one Instagram follower asked her "have you not been together through lockdown?" and she replied "no but is ok, made us stronger."
Ester was then jokingly scolded for 'taunting' her man.
(Image: Ester Dee Instagram)
"Ester you have been taunting this poor man with your sexy TikTok videos. Now he has fired back. Mamma Mia Mr D," said another follower.
Ester wrote with the bath photo: "I found myself in you, Mr Dee.
"Cannot wait to #bathbomb you my dream man.
"You are everything and more I ever wanted in a man baby. Plus your big heart is very rare."
Smitten Ester recently likened her man to a Ken doll, saying: "Well lately I was thinking who Ken reminds me of, of course my boyfriend!
"All I have to do now is to keep calm and look like Barbie."
Last month Ester, who has a young daughter Pearl, revealed she was dating while going through a divorce.
(Image: Ester Dee Instagram)
"LOVE YOU GDK 11:11," she wrote cryptically next to a montage of photos with the soundtrack of Starship's romantic power ballad Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now.
She also confirmed that they'd been seeing each other for a few months.
Sharing a photo of the couple in an embrace, she wrote: "He makes me look small even in my heels, just perfect."
Back in 2017 Ester, real name Ester Dohnalova, was at the centre of the drama as a newcomer in her first series of the Real Housewives of Cheshire after her 'secret' husband John Temple came forward.
He stated he had no idea she was filming the show while she was engaged at the time to Cheshire-based property millionaire, Rob Lloyd.
Former Real Housewife Leanne Brown asked Ester: "So you're married, but not Rob?"
Rob later hit back after Ester confirmed their split saying he regretted appearing on the reality show with his ex partner.
In the ninth series it was revealed Ester was living with her friend and co-star Dawn Ward at Warford Hall.
In the current series Ester moved out while revealing she had a new man.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-24--Civil Service social media account posts blunt response after PM's briefing

A no-holds-barred Tweet , seemingly in response to today 's Downing Street briefing , has been shared on a Civil Service social media account .
A tweet from the service 's verified Twitter account on Sunday afternoon read : `` Arrogant and offensive .
`` Can you imagine having to work with these truth twisters ? ''
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here The message , posted shortly after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has now been deleted , but not before being liked and retweeted thousands of times .
It is still being widely shared on the social media platform , after a number of Twitter users took screen grabs .
During the briefing , PM Boris Johnson defended the conduct of aide Dominic Cummings .
Mr Cummings had been widely criticised after it emerged that he travelled from London to Durham to his parents ' house to obtain childcare for his young son , after his wife developed symptoms of Covid-19 .
The Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legally and with integrity ' .
The Cabinet Office has since described the tweet as 'unauthorised ' .
A tweet read : `` An unauthorised tweet was posted on a government channel this evening .
`` The post has been removed and we are investigating the matter '' .

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A no-holds-barred Tweet, seemingly in response to today's Downing Street briefing, has been shared on a Civil Service social media account.
A tweet from the service's verified Twitter account on Sunday afternoon read: "Arrogant and offensive.
"Can you imagine having to work with these truth twisters?"
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
The message, posted shortly after the end of Sunday's Downing Street briefing, has now been deleted, but not before being liked and retweeted thousands of times.
It is still being widely shared on the social media platform, after a number of Twitter users took screen grabs.
During the briefing, PM Boris Johnson defended the conduct of aide Dominic Cummings.
(Image: Twtter)
Mr Cummings had been widely criticised after it emerged that he travelled from London to Durham to his parents' house to obtain childcare for his young son, after his wife developed symptoms of Covid-19.
The Prime Minister said Mr Cummings 'acted responsibly, legally and with integrity'.
The Cabinet Office has since described the tweet as 'unauthorised'.
A tweet read: "An unauthorised tweet was posted on a government channel this evening.
"The post has been removed and we are investigating the matter".


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-24--Man rescued from Holcombe Moor after suffering chest pains

A walker had to be rushed to hospital after suffering from chest pains while out on the moors .
The man was on Holcombe Moor , Ramsbottom , on Friday afternoon when he fell ill , prompting calls to the emergency services .
He was in a difficult to reach area of the hills but a group from Bolton 's Mountain Rescue Team was able to make their way to him .
They were joined by paramedics as well as an air ambulance and the man was quickly taken away for medical treatment .
A spokesman for Mountain Rescue , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were contacted by the North West Ambulance Service to the report of a male with chest pains on Holcombe Moor .
`` 16 team members attended and he was quickly evacuated for urgent treatment at hospital .
`` An aircraft from the North West Air Ambulance Charity also attended this incident . ''
Bolton 's Mountain Rescue Team have also been helping police in the search for a missing Bury man .
John Woodman has not been seen since Friday evening but emergency services have spent the last two days searching for him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Edgworth .

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A walker had to be rushed to hospital after suffering from chest pains while out on the moors.
The man was on Holcombe Moor, Ramsbottom, on Friday afternoon when he fell ill, prompting calls to the emergency services.
He was in a difficult to reach area of the hills but a group from Bolton's Mountain Rescue Team was able to make their way to him.
They were joined by paramedics as well as an air ambulance and the man was quickly taken away for medical treatment.
(Image: Facebook/BoltonMRT)
A spokesman for Mountain Rescue, said: "On Friday afternoon we were contacted by the North West Ambulance Service to the report of a male with chest pains on Holcombe Moor.
"16 team members attended and he was quickly evacuated for urgent treatment at hospital.
"An aircraft from the North West Air Ambulance Charity also attended this incident."
Bolton's Mountain Rescue Team have also been helping police in the search for a missing Bury man.
John Woodman has not been seen since Friday evening but emergency services have spent the last two days searching for him in an area around the Wayoh Reservoir, Edgworth.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-24--Sex and the City's Kim Cattrall joins stars raising funds for Greater Manchester

She taught single women about dating in New York City as feisty Samantha Jones in Sex and the City , and now Kim Cattrall is helping to raise funds for the people of Greater Manchester .
Kim , who is best known for her iconic role as PR boss Samantha in the romantic comedy series Sex and the City , is joining an all-star charity show hosted by comedian Jon Richardson on the United We Stream GM online nightlife platform tomorrow ( Monday May 25 ) at 8pm .
No Audience With Jon Richardson and Friends , about Lancashire , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , also stars fellow comedians Alan Carr , Jack Whitehall , Russell Kane , Dave Gorman , Jason Manford , Josh Widdecombe , Tez Ilyas , Justin Moorhouse , Harriet Dyer , Bethany Black and Kate Robbins , former Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley , Britain ’ s Got Talent winner Lost Voice Guy Lee Ridley , singer Badly Drawn Boy , Michelin starred chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen and England cricketer James Anderson .
On May 22 - marking three years since the atrocity at the Manchester Arena that claimed 22 lives and impacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester Remembers show headed by Spice Girl Melanie C who performed a pop-packed DJ set .
The streaming channel was launched by night time economy adviser Sacha Lord and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to support the region 's restaurants , bars , music venues and other cultural establishments that have been hit by the coronavirus lockdown .
Donations also support the Greater Manchester Mayor 's homelessness charity and the Nordoff Robbins music charity .
Millions of people from as far away as California have tuned in to streams including an all-day Hacienda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Paul Oakenfold , a DJ set from Maxine Peake , a mini Moovin festival , an at-home Art Battle Manchester , and cookery demonstrations by chefs Gary Usher and Simon Wood .
United We Stream 's virtual events are all free to watch , but viewers are encouraged to donate what they can .

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She taught single women about dating in New York City as feisty Samantha Jones in Sex and the City, and now Kim Cattrall is helping to raise funds for the people of Greater Manchester.
Kim, who is best known for her iconic role as PR boss Samantha in the romantic comedy series Sex and the City, is joining an all-star charity show hosted by comedian Jon Richardson on the United We Stream GM online nightlife platform tomorrow (Monday May 25) at 8pm.
No Audience With Jon Richardson and Friends, about Lancashire, the north west and life in lockdown, also stars fellow comedians Alan Carr, Jack Whitehall, Russell Kane, Dave Gorman, Jason Manford, Josh Widdecombe, Tez Ilyas, Justin Moorhouse, Harriet Dyer, Bethany Black and Kate Robbins, former Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley, Britain’s Got Talent winner Lost Voice Guy Lee Ridley, singer Badly Drawn Boy, Michelin starred chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen and England cricketer James Anderson.
(Image: Ian West/PA Wire)
On May 22 - marking three years since the atrocity at the Manchester Arena that claimed 22 lives and impacted thousands more - there was a four-hour Manchester Remembers show headed by Spice Girl Melanie C who performed a pop-packed DJ set.
The streaming channel was launched by night time economy adviser Sacha Lord and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to support the region's restaurants, bars, music venues and other cultural establishments that have been hit by the coronavirus lockdown.
Donations also support the Greater Manchester Mayor's homelessness charity and the Nordoff Robbins music charity.
Millions of people from as far away as California have tuned in to streams including an all-day Hacienda house party, a Spike Island-inspired show from Paul Oakenfold, a DJ set from Maxine Peake, a mini Moovin festival, an at-home Art Battle Manchester, and cookery demonstrations by chefs Gary Usher and Simon Wood.
To view visit unitedwestream.co.uk.
United We Stream's virtual events are all free to watch, but viewers are encouraged to donate what they can.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-24--Michelle Keegan shares unseen wedding photo as she celebrates fifth anniversary

Michelle Keegan has marked her fifth wedding anniversary with her husband Mark Wright by sharing a previously unseen wedding photo .
The Our Girl , Brassic and former Coronation Street actress posted a photo from their big day in 2015 .
Taken of the couple from the back , the black and white image shows them holding hands as they began married life together .
`` Thank you for always holding my hand . ''
The photo , posted on her Instagram , shows Michelle in her stunning lace wedding gown and flowing white veil .
Mark also posted an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colour photo of the couple smiling after tying the knot .
“ Happy 5 years @ michkeegan , '' he wrote on his Instagram .
`` Thank you for being you , making me smile every day and thank you for being my biggest supporter .
Love you always x ” .
Michelle wore a bespoke ivory gown made of French lace and decorated with Swarovski crystals with an Italian veil .
The actress paid tribute to her late grandmother Beth by ensuring it had fine lace around the edge – a nod @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gibralter .
She wore a pair of silver python platform heels – which had her new initials ‘ MW ’ in diamante on the soles .
Keeping with tradition Michelle had something old , something new , something borrowed and something blue .
The blue was perfume Blue by Oscar De La Renta .
The old was her mum ’ s blue garter from her wedding day .
The new was her wedding dress and the borrowed was diamond earrings from Amrapali .
She married fomer TOWIE star Mark in May 2015 at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Edmunds , Suffolk .
After the wedding they hired the Tudor mansion Hengrave Hall in Bury St Edmunds and the newlyweds treated guests to a rendition of the Dirty Dancing anthem ( I ’ ve Had ) The Time of My Life , with Mark taking on Patrick Swayze 's iconic role .
During their honeymoon they stayed in a stunning underwater suite at the swanky Atlantis , The Palm in Dubai .
Michelle played tragic barmaid Tina in Corrie from 2008 to 2014 and has gone on to play plucky medic Georgie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our Girl , which is filmed in South Africa and Malaysia , and Erin in the Lancashire comedy drama Brassic .

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Michelle Keegan has marked her fifth wedding anniversary with her husband Mark Wright by sharing a previously unseen wedding photo.
The Our Girl, Brassic and former Coronation Street actress posted a photo from their big day in 2015.
Taken of the couple from the back, the black and white image shows them holding hands as they began married life together.
"5 years ago today," wrote Michelle to her husband.
"Happy Wedding Anniversary @wrighty_
"Thank you for always holding my hand."
The photo, posted on her Instagram, shows Michelle in her stunning lace wedding gown and flowing white veil.
Mark also posted an adorable message to his wife with a colour photo of the couple smiling after tying the knot.
“Happy 5 years @michkeegan," he wrote on his Instagram.
"Thank you for being you, making me smile every day and thank you for being my biggest supporter. Love you always x”.
Michelle wore a bespoke ivory gown made of French lace and decorated with Swarovski crystals with an Italian veil.
The actress paid tribute to her late grandmother Beth by ensuring it had fine lace around the edge – a nod to Spain as her grandma was from Gibralter.
(Image: Mark Wright Instagram)
She wore a pair of silver python platform heels – which had her new initials ‘MW’ in diamante on the soles.
Keeping with tradition Michelle had something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.
The blue was perfume Blue by Oscar De La Renta.
The old was her mum’s blue garter from her wedding day.
The new was her wedding dress and the borrowed was diamond earrings from Amrapali.
She married fomer TOWIE star Mark in May 2015 at St Mary's Church in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.
After the wedding they hired the Tudor mansion Hengrave Hall in Bury St Edmunds and the newlyweds treated guests to a rendition of the Dirty Dancing anthem (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life, with Mark taking on Patrick Swayze's iconic role.
During their honeymoon they stayed in a stunning underwater suite at the swanky Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai.
Michelle played tragic barmaid Tina in Corrie from 2008 to 2014 and has gone on to play plucky medic Georgie Lane in the BBC One army drama Our Girl, which is filmed in South Africa and Malaysia, and Erin in the Lancashire comedy drama Brassic.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-24--Man Utd's Bellingham interest and the secrets of his rapid rise

Birmingham City starlet Jude Bellingham is one of the most highly-rated youngsters in England , so it makes sense that Manchester United are tracking his progress .
The Birmingham academy graduate has burst onto the scene this season , used extensively by coach Pep Clotet , gaining the kind of first-team experience very few players his age are afforded .
He ’ s already played more than 2,000 minutes in Blues ’ championship campaign this season , having become the club ’ s youngest player when he was handed his debut 38 days after his 16th birthday in August .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Birmingham ’ s 37 league matches this season , starting 25 , and there ’ s a consensus among pundits and Birmingham fans that he ’ s destined for big things .
“ I always thought he is very mature and very focused – but he has to be , ” Birmingham boss Clotet amid transfer speculation earlier in the season .
“ Because he can not be thinking about other things than Birmingham City – and I am sure he is only thinking about Birmingham City.
” Players that had previously stood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jack Grealish , James Maddison and Tammy Abraham , have all made the step up to perform at a similar standard in the Premier League , and it ’ s expected that Bellingham could follow .
But what would he bring to United ?
Here ’ s everything you need to know about him .
As is often the case with prodigious teenage talents , Bellingham is yet to nail down a settled position , having been used in a variety of areas by Clotet this season .
But most would fall under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with Bellingham offensively minded and looking to make things happen in the final third .
He ’ s featured most often on the left for Birmingham this season - with a consistent run there before the season ’ s suspension - which could give a clue on where Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might look to utilise him , with Daniel James likely to have more competition going forward .
Clotet has also played him on the opposite flank , in central midfield and even deeper at times .
Bellingham shares the adaptability possessed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jadon Sancho and Rabbi Matondo , though he ’ s usually been less of a wide forward and more of a traditional winger in Clotet ’ s usual 4-4-2 formation .
Bellingham ’ s capability of making the step up at such a young age largely comes from his technical ability , with regular watchers noting his excellent first touch and capacity to keep the ball under pressure .
He ’ s not an out-and-out pace merchant like James , but he ’ s quick and can beat a man , while his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space or help create it for others .
There ’ s no shortage of confidence , either , with Bellingham willing to dribble and take players on .
He averages more than one successful dribble per game , attempting 1.8 per game .
He can also tackle , and he can be combative , with a vast and varied set of skills explaining why Clotet has often deployed him as a box-to-box player or an outright defensive midfielder .
Bellingham has registered four goals and two assists from 32 appearances in the Championship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long way off challenging at the top of the charts in either metric , but it ’ s a respectable output in comparison to more high-profile and experienced players in similar positions .
For example , table-toppers Leeds United ’ s marquee signing Helder Costa - who joined from Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer - has three goals and two assists in the Championship this season , having featured for 434 minutes more than the Birmingham starlet .
It ’ s in many of the underlying metrics in which Bellingham impresses .
In no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s leaders , but looking at the overall data , it paints a picture of a versatile and well-rounded player .
He averages 2.3 tackles per game and 0.7 interceptions , but offensively he completes 1.1 dribbles per game , 1.2 shots and 0.7 key passes - the final pass before a team-mate shoots at goal , as per WhoScored .
He ’ s not an especially prolific passer , though , averaging only 22.9 per game with a success rate of 74.8 % .

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Birmingham City starlet Jude Bellingham is one of the most highly-rated youngsters in England, so it makes sense that Manchester United are tracking his progress.
The Birmingham academy graduate has burst onto the scene this season, used extensively by coach Pep Clotet, gaining the kind of first-team experience very few players his age are afforded.
He’s already played more than 2,000 minutes in Blues’ championship campaign this season, having become the club’s youngest player when he was handed his debut 38 days after his 16th birthday in August.
He’s featured in 32 of Birmingham’s 37 league matches this season, starting 25, and there’s a consensus among pundits and Birmingham fans that he’s destined for big things.
“I always thought he is very mature and very focused – but he has to be,” Birmingham boss Clotet told the Mail amid transfer speculation earlier in the season.
“Because he cannot be thinking about other things than Birmingham City – and I am sure he is only thinking about Birmingham City.”
Players that had previously stood out in the Championship, such as Jack Grealish, James Maddison and Tammy Abraham, have all made the step up to perform at a similar standard in the Premier League, and it’s expected that Bellingham could follow.
But what would he bring to United? Here’s everything you need to know about him.
Versatility and adaptability
As is often the case with prodigious teenage talents, Bellingham is yet to nail down a settled position, having been used in a variety of areas by Clotet this season.
But most would fall under the umbrella of “attacking midfielder”, with Bellingham offensively minded and looking to make things happen in the final third.
(Image: 2020 Getty Images)
He’s featured most often on the left for Birmingham this season - with a consistent run there before the season’s suspension - which could give a clue on where Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might look to utilise him, with Daniel James likely to have more competition going forward.
Clotet has also played him on the opposite flank, in central midfield and even deeper at times.
Bellingham shares the adaptability possessed by United’s other targets, Jadon Sancho and Rabbi Matondo, though he’s usually been less of a wide forward and more of a traditional winger in Clotet’s usual 4-4-2 formation.
Style of play
Bellingham’s capability of making the step up at such a young age largely comes from his technical ability, with regular watchers noting his excellent first touch and capacity to keep the ball under pressure.
He’s not an out-and-out pace merchant like James, but he’s quick and can beat a man, while his intelligent off-the-ball movement sees him drift into space or help create it for others.
There’s no shortage of confidence, either, with Bellingham willing to dribble and take players on. He averages more than one successful dribble per game, attempting 1.8 per game.
He can also tackle, and he can be combative, with a vast and varied set of skills explaining why Clotet has often deployed him as a box-to-box player or an outright defensive midfielder.
Key stats
Bellingham has registered four goals and two assists from 32 appearances in the Championship this season.
He’s a long way off challenging at the top of the charts in either metric, but it’s a respectable output in comparison to more high-profile and experienced players in similar positions.
For example, table-toppers Leeds United’s marquee signing Helder Costa - who joined from Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer - has three goals and two assists in the Championship this season, having featured for 434 minutes more than the Birmingham starlet.
Sign up to our free MUFC email newsletter Get the latest breaking Manchester United transfer news and analysis every day direct to your inbox with our free MUFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
It’s in many of the underlying metrics in which Bellingham impresses. In no one area is he among the league’s leaders, but looking at the overall data, it paints a picture of a versatile and well-rounded player.
He averages 2.3 tackles per game and 0.7 interceptions, but offensively he completes 1.1 dribbles per game, 1.2 shots and 0.7 key passes - the final pass before a team-mate shoots at goal, as per WhoScored.
He’s not an especially prolific passer, though, averaging only 22.9 per game with a success rate of 74.8%.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-24--Coronation Street to return to filming next month - but no kissing scenes

Cameras are set to start rolling again on the famous cobbles of Weatherfield next month , but romantic scenes will be strictly off the table .
The soap is planning on a return to work in June , and ITV has confirmed it will be adhering to new production guidelines that have been issued .
Social distancing will be in place on the Corrie set at Trafford Wharf , putting the kibosh on kissing amid the coronavirus crisis .
New ways of working to protect crew and cast have been introduced by ITV Studios in accordance with return-to-production protocols for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and safety team and medical advisers have been working on in consultation with the government .
The measures detailed by ITV include social distancing , filming units staying together to work in designated studios with crew using their own sanitised equipment and office staff continuing to work from home to ensure fewer people on the ground .
Location filming will be scrapped , scripts will feature a smaller number of actors and there will be fewer scenes to avoid camera moves .
On Wednesday Emmerdale became the first British soap to return to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phased return to filming by recording new episodes at the studios in Leeds involving a pared back crew to ensure health and safety protocols and social distancing measures were strictly adhered to by the team on set .
Earlier this month Coronation Street boss Iain MacLeod confirmed that the show would feature the coronavirus in future episodes .
He explained that as the ITV soap is a reflection on the real world , to not include references to the COVID-19 pandemic would turn it into a “ parallel fantasy land . ''
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the Corrie we love reflects modern Britain - albeit in a more heightened way sometimes .
“ It felt if there was to be no coronavirus in Coronation Street it would stop being a reflection of modern Britain and instead be a parallel fantasy land.
” Iain went on to explain that while the virus will not dominate the scripts , viewers will be able to see behaviours changing and businesses adapting to reflect it .
He said : `` If your lives are like mine , corona is the only topic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t want to tune into Corrie and see in every scene people talking about it .
“ It will be there - you will see evidence of it in the behaviours of the characters , handwashing protocols , the way businesses are run will be tweaked to make way for more takeaways like in the real world.
” Corrie viewers have been rationed to three half hour episodes a week , instead of the usual six screened as double bills on Monday , Wednesday and Friday , during the pandemic to keep Corrie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible .
Actor Andy Whyment , who plays Corrie favourite Kirk Sutherland , recently said the soap would need to start filming again in June to stop episodes running out .

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Cameras are set to start rolling again on the famous cobbles of Weatherfield next month, but romantic scenes will be strictly off the table.
The soap is planning on a return to work in June, and ITV has confirmed it will be adhering to new production guidelines that have been issued.
Social distancing will be in place on the Corrie set at Trafford Wharf, putting the kibosh on kissing amid the coronavirus crisis.
New ways of working to protect crew and cast have been introduced by ITV Studios in accordance with return-to-production protocols for TV drama which ITV’s health and safety team and medical advisers have been working on in consultation with the government.
(Image: ITV)
The measures detailed by ITV include social distancing, filming units staying together to work in designated studios with crew using their own sanitised equipment and office staff continuing to work from home to ensure fewer people on the ground.
Location filming will be scrapped, scripts will feature a smaller number of actors and there will be fewer scenes to avoid camera moves.
On Wednesday Emmerdale became the first British soap to return to filming after lockdown.
(Image: Coronation Street/ITV)
They commenced a phased return to filming by recording new episodes at the studios in Leeds involving a pared back crew to ensure health and safety protocols and social distancing measures were strictly adhered to by the team on set.
Earlier this month Coronation Street boss Iain MacLeod confirmed that the show would feature the coronavirus in future episodes.
He explained that as the ITV soap is a reflection on the real world, to not include references to the COVID-19 pandemic would turn it into a “parallel fantasy land."
(Image: ITV/Coronation Street)
He said: “Ultimately what I thought was the Corrie we love reflects modern Britain - albeit in a more heightened way sometimes.
“It felt if there was to be no coronavirus in Coronation Street it would stop being a reflection of modern Britain and instead be a parallel fantasy land.”
Iain went on to explain that while the virus will not dominate the scripts, viewers will be able to see behaviours changing and businesses adapting to reflect it.
He said: "If your lives are like mine, corona is the only topic in my house - people don’t want to tune into Corrie and see in every scene people talking about it.
“It will be there - you will see evidence of it in the behaviours of the characters, handwashing protocols, the way businesses are run will be tweaked to make way for more takeaways like in the real world.”
Corrie viewers have been rationed to three half hour episodes a week, instead of the usual six screened as double bills on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, during the pandemic to keep Corrie on our screen for as long as possible.
Actor Andy Whyment, who plays Corrie favourite Kirk Sutherland, recently said the soap would need to start filming again in June to stop episodes running out.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-24--Man United legend Giggs agrees with Rooney about Louis van Gaal

Ryan Giggs admits Wayne Rooney has a point to suggest Louis van Gaal was a better manager tactically than Sir Alex Ferguson .
Last week Manchester United legend Rooney written in his Sunday Times column that “ tactically , Van Gaal was by far the best ” manager he ever worked with , but that Ferguson was `` streets ahead '' overall .
Giggs worked as an assistant to Van Gaal for two years at United following his retirement from the game , and gained an invaluable insight into the world of football management .
Although the Welshman achieved incredible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admits Van Gaal worked harder on the tactical approach to the game .
“ I understand what Wayne was saying , ” Giggs told the official club website .
“ Obviously we both worked under Sir Alex who I ’ ve known since I was 13 .
Sir Alex had everything – man-management , discipline , standards , tactics , knowing a player… but with him , because we had such good players who had been together for a long time , you ’ d just go out and play .
You knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter of just tweaking it .
`` It was about getting an understanding of the different ways to play .
So I know what Wayne was saying because Louis worked a lot more on the training pitch with regards to patterns of play and tactical work .
`` With Louis it was probably the opposite .
We played different systems under him whereas under Sir Alex we more or less just played one system and we ’ d tweak it .
I can ’ t remember us ever playing three at the back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed to hold on , but other than that we didn ’ t .
”

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Ryan Giggs admits Wayne Rooney has a point to suggest Louis van Gaal was a better manager tactically than Sir Alex Ferguson.
Last week Manchester United legend Rooney written in his Sunday Times column that “tactically, Van Gaal was by far the best” manager he ever worked with, but that Ferguson was "streets ahead" overall.
Giggs worked as an assistant to Van Gaal for two years at United following his retirement from the game, and gained an invaluable insight into the world of football management.
Although the Welshman achieved incredible success under the guidance of Ferguson he admits Van Gaal worked harder on the tactical approach to the game.
“I understand what Wayne was saying,” Giggs told the official club website.
“Obviously we both worked under Sir Alex who I’ve known since I was 13. Sir Alex had everything – man-management, discipline, standards, tactics, knowing a player… but with him, because we had such good players who had been together for a long time, you’d just go out and play. You knew your role, it was just a matter of just tweaking it.
"It was about getting an understanding of the different ways to play. So I know what Wayne was saying because Louis worked a lot more on the training pitch with regards to patterns of play and tactical work.
"With Louis it was probably the opposite. We played different systems under him whereas under Sir Alex we more or less just played one system and we’d tweak it. I can’t remember us ever playing three at the back, maybe once or twice if we needed to hold on, but other than that we didn’t.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-24--Boris Johnson gives update on primary and secondary schools reopening

Boris Johnson has said that the phased reopening of schools is 'crucial ' for children as he gave an update on the dates they will open their gates .
Speaking at Sunday 's Downing Street briefing , the Prime Minister confirmed that the government intends to go ahead with a phased reopening of schools , from June 1 .
He also confirmed that there would be some 'contact ' for pupils in school years 10 and 12 from mid June , to help them prepare for exams next year .
The PM said he acknowledged that reopening from a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all schools , but said the government would work with the sector to offer support .
He said : `` The education of children is crucial for their welfare , for their long-term future and for social justice .
“ In line with the approach being taken in many other countries , we want to start getting our children back into the classroom in a way that is as manageable and as safe as possible .
“ We said we would begin with early years ’ settings and reception , year one , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Today , I can announce it is our intention to go ahead with that as planned on June 1 , a week on Monday .
“ We then intend from June 15 for secondary schools to provide some contact for year 10 and year 12 students to help them to prepare for exams next year , with up to a quarter of these students in at any point.
” On Thursday , protesters gathered outside Manchester Piccadilly Station to object to schools reopening next month , amid concerns about the safety of children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stances on whether or not children will be able to return to the classroom by June 1 , with some , including Manchester and Salford , saying it looks 'highly unlikely ' .
During Sunday 's briefing , the PM also outlined more details about how the phased return would work , with measures including : • Keeping children in small groups - reducing the size of classes - without mixing with others • Reducing the use of shared items • Making the use of outdoor space He said : “ By opening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way we are taking a deliberately cautious approach and this comes after a constructive period of consultation with school teachers and unions .
`` The Department for Education will engage with teaching unions , local authorities and school leaders in the coming days giving them an opportunity to ask questions and probe the evidence behind our plans .
“ The final decision will be taken as part of the formal review into lockdown measures which the law requires us to undertake by Thursday .
“ I think it is important for the Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and parents can plan in earnest for schools to reopen a week on Monday.
” Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device .
You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here .
And you can follow us on Facebook here .

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Boris Johnson has said that the phased reopening of schools is 'crucial' for children as he gave an update on the dates they will open their gates.
Speaking at Sunday's Downing Street briefing, the Prime Minister confirmed that the government intends to go ahead with a phased reopening of schools, from June 1.
He also confirmed that there would be some 'contact' for pupils in school years 10 and 12 from mid June, to help them prepare for exams next year.
The PM said he acknowledged that reopening from a week on Monday may not be possible for all schools, but said the government would work with the sector to offer support.
He said: "The education of children is crucial for their welfare, for their long-term future and for social justice.
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
“In line with the approach being taken in many other countries, we want to start getting our children back into the classroom in a way that is as manageable and as safe as possible.
“We said we would begin with early years’ settings and reception, year one, and year six in primary schools. Today, I can announce it is our intention to go ahead with that as planned on June 1, a week on Monday.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“We then intend from June 15 for secondary schools to provide some contact for year 10 and year 12 students to help them to prepare for exams next year, with up to a quarter of these students in at any point.”
On Thursday, protesters gathered outside Manchester Piccadilly Station to object to schools reopening next month, amid concerns about the safety of children.
Councils across Greater Manchester have varying stances on whether or not children will be able to return to the classroom by June 1, with some, including Manchester and Salford, saying it looks 'highly unlikely'.
During Sunday's briefing, the PM also outlined more details about how the phased return would work, with measures including:
Keeping children in small groups - reducing the size of classes - without mixing with others
Staggered breaks and lunchtimes
Staggered drop offs and pick ups
Increasing frequency of cleaning
Reducing the use of shared items
Making the use of outdoor space
He said: “By opening schools to more pupils in this limited way we are taking a deliberately cautious approach and this comes after a constructive period of consultation with school teachers and unions.
"The Department for Education will engage with teaching unions, local authorities and school leaders in the coming days giving them an opportunity to ask questions and probe the evidence behind our plans.
“The final decision will be taken as part of the formal review into lockdown measures which the law requires us to undertake by Thursday.
“I think it is important for the Government to be clear now so that teachers and parents can plan in earnest for schools to reopen a week on Monday.”
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here . And you can follow us on Facebook here .


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-24--Kai Havertz could be the perfect Man United signing

Kai Havertz has single-handedly reminded us of what we ’ re missing out on as the German League returned to action .
The 20-year-old scored twice in Bayer Leverkusen ’ s 4-1 victory over Werder Bremen last Monday night , then followed that up with another double in the 3-1 win at Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday .
In doing so , he will have also reminded Europe ’ s biggest clubs of what a special talent he is .
Havertz is breaking records in Germany , lots of them .
In December , he became the youngest player to reach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he became the youngest to score 30 goals .
He ’ s now on 34 .
So as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continues to build a Manchester United squad that prides itself on youth , Havertz simply must be on his radar .
His performance on Monday night was special .
Both his goals were headers , and each shone a light on Havertz ’ s broad set of skills .
For the first , he drifted away from his marker to nod home , showing wonderful movement and intuition in order to break @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ball .
His second demonstrated his raw power as he broke free of a crowded defence to flick his header home from a free kick .
Havertz ’ s understanding of space and movement put him head and shoulders above his fellow forwards and the Bremen defenders .
Havertz is an attacking midfielder with the intuition of a striker when it comes to putting the ball in the net , whether it is with his head , from tap-ins or long-range screamers .
So what about his future ?
Surely United can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a Premier League rival ?
Havertz could fit right into Solskjaer 's system .
Bruno Fernandes has been brilliant since he arrived at Old Trafford in January , providing a creative spark in midfield often missing for United in recent years .
But the pressure should not be on the Portuguese to be both creator-in-chief and a double-digit goalscoring midfielder .
With Havertz ahead or alongside him , Fernandes can focus on being the artist .
And unlike Fernandes , Havertz is a goal-orientated player .
He can drift out right as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the penalty area or stay through the middle and help overwhelm defences .
Former Manchester United man Owen Hargreaves is certainly a fan .
He told BT Sport : “ He ’ s a really special player in the number 10 position .
`` He ’ s so creative and elegant , can score goals and makes the game look easy .
I love watching him play.
” It is in United ’ s DNA to attack , attack , attack , and Havertz alongside Fernandes with a fierce front three would terrify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ club miss out on top target Jadon Sancho this summer or lose Paul Pogba , Havertz is the perfect alternative to both .
If Pogba leaves , Fernandes could drop deeper for more time on the ball , with Havertz playing ahead of him .
And should Sancho not end up at Old Trafford , Havertz can operate as a world-class utility man across the middle and on the right flank , adapting to Solskjaer ’ s needs game by game and easing the burden on Daniel James when necessary .
With Havertz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ player with the potential to reach the very pinnacle of the game .
What he can do now at 20 , still eight years from his peak , is simply outrageous .
“ What he brings to the pitch in terms of play-making , technique and mentality is tremendous , ” said Havertz ’ s former Leverkusen team-mate Julian Brandt .
“ He ’ s so talented that he has the right stuff to become a world star .
”

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Kai Havertz has single-handedly reminded us of what we’re missing out on as the German League returned to action.
The 20-year-old scored twice in Bayer Leverkusen’s 4-1 victory over Werder Bremen last Monday night, then followed that up with another double in the 3-1 win at Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday.
In doing so, he will have also reminded Europe’s biggest clubs of what a special talent he is.
Havertz is breaking records in Germany, lots of them.
In December, he became the youngest player to reach 100 Bundesliga appearances, and this year he became the youngest to score 30 goals. He’s now on 34.
So as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continues to build a Manchester United squad that prides itself on youth, Havertz simply must be on his radar.
His performance on Monday night was special. Both his goals were headers, and each shone a light on Havertz’s broad set of skills.
For the first, he drifted away from his marker to nod home, showing wonderful movement and intuition in order to break free and track the passage of the ball.
His second demonstrated his raw power as he broke free of a crowded defence to flick his header home from a free kick.
Havertz’s understanding of space and movement put him head and shoulders above his fellow forwards and the Bremen defenders.
(Image: Stuart Franklin)
Havertz is an attacking midfielder with the intuition of a striker when it comes to putting the ball in the net, whether it is with his head, from tap-ins or long-range screamers.
So what about his future? Surely United cannot afford to let this emerging superstar move to a Premier League rival?
Havertz could fit right into Solskjaer's system.
Bruno Fernandes has been brilliant since he arrived at Old Trafford in January, providing a creative spark in midfield often missing for United in recent years.
But the pressure should not be on the Portuguese to be both creator-in-chief and a double-digit goalscoring midfielder.
With Havertz ahead or alongside him, Fernandes can focus on being the artist. And unlike Fernandes, Havertz is a goal-orientated player.
(Image: Ina Fassbender/Pool via Getty Im)
He can drift out right as part of that attack, break into the penalty area or stay through the middle and help overwhelm defences.
Former Manchester United man Owen Hargreaves is certainly a fan. He told BT Sport: “He’s a really special player in the number 10 position.
"He’s so creative and elegant, can score goals and makes the game look easy. I love watching him play.”
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It is in United’s DNA to attack, attack, attack, and Havertz alongside Fernandes with a fierce front three would terrify the Premier League.
And should the club miss out on top target Jadon Sancho this summer or lose Paul Pogba, Havertz is the perfect alternative to both.
If Pogba leaves, Fernandes could drop deeper for more time on the ball, with Havertz playing ahead of him.
Sign up to our free MUFC email newsletter Get the latest breaking Manchester United transfer news and analysis every day direct to your inbox with our free MUFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
And should Sancho not end up at Old Trafford, Havertz can operate as a world-class utility man across the middle and on the right flank, adapting to Solskjaer’s needs game by game and easing the burden on Daniel James when necessary.
With Havertz, we are talking about an elite player with the potential to reach the very pinnacle of the game. What he can do now at 20, still eight years from his peak, is simply outrageous.
“What he brings to the pitch in terms of play-making, technique and mentality is tremendous,” said Havertz’s former Leverkusen team-mate Julian Brandt. “He’s so talented that he has the right stuff to become a world star.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-24--Man City could sign perfect replacement for Fernandinho from Brazil

Just in case we were not sure , a new report has confirmed that Brazil top the world rankings when it comes to producing high-quality footballers .
Manchester City ’ s recruitment policy has certainly reflected the nation ’ s extraordinary output of talent .
Ederson and Gabriel Jesus are no doubt part of City ’ s long-term future , with the latter set to play a greater role at the Etihad as Sergio Aguero moves towards the twilight of his career .
But arguably the most important Brazilian to City ’ s recent success has been Fernandinho .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foil to City ’ s attack , sweeping up in front of the back four with an indefatigable work rate that defies his 35 years .
This season , Fernandinho has also shown his versatility by playing in central defence to help Pep Guardiola cover for a string of long-term injuries in his back line .
City miss him sorely when he ’ s injured , and replacing him will be hard - but not impossible .
Another Brazilian , Matheus Henrique , could be the man .
The 22-year-old currently plays his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top division .
Henrique became the club ’ s main man when Arthur moved to Barcelona last summer , but he is tipped for even greater things than his impressive predecessor .
Henrique is the complete midfielder .
He has an impressive passing game , the ability to dictate the tempo of games and is as comfortable breaking into the opposition box as he is protecting his own defenders .
His also a keen dribbler and is partial to a shot from distance .
Think Fernandinho meets Yaya Toure , although his wide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential to surpass those City heroes .
Of course , City are likely to face competition for such a talented player , while Gremio will ot let him leave on the cheap .
Henrique has already been linked with a move to Europe , with Barcelona , Monaco and Shakhtar all potential suitors .
Gremio are well aware of their star ’ s allure , even having training sessions behind closed doors to shield him from the eyes of European representatives .
They managed to squeeze €31m plus add-ons from Barcelona for Arthur @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a player who is potentially even better .
Henrique also has a contract that runs until 2023 .
According to website WhoScored.com , the youngster is not considered to be strong in the air , and his concentration can sometimes lapse , but these are things that can be put right .
So if City boss Guardiola stays `` on trend '' by signing the most talented Brazilians , then Henrique should be in his sights .
With City ’ s next generation midfield in mind , the Premier League champions should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there first .

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Just in case we were not sure, a new report has confirmed that Brazil top the world rankings when it comes to producing high-quality footballers.
Manchester City’s recruitment policy has certainly reflected the nation’s extraordinary output of talent.
Ederson and Gabriel Jesus are no doubt part of City’s long-term future, with the latter set to play a greater role at the Etihad as Sergio Aguero moves towards the twilight of his career.
But arguably the most important Brazilian to City’s recent success has been Fernandinho.
The veteran midfielder has been the perfect defensive foil to City’s attack, sweeping up in front of the back four with an indefatigable work rate that defies his 35 years.
This season, Fernandinho has also shown his versatility by playing in central defence to help Pep Guardiola cover for a string of long-term injuries in his back line.
City miss him sorely when he’s injured, and replacing him will be hard - but not impossible.
Another Brazilian, Matheus Henrique, could be the man. The 22-year-old currently plays his football at Gremio in Brazil’s top division.
Henrique became the club’s main man when Arthur moved to Barcelona last summer, but he is tipped for even greater things than his impressive predecessor.
Henrique is the complete midfielder. He has an impressive passing game, the ability to dictate the tempo of games and is as comfortable breaking into the opposition box as he is protecting his own defenders. His also a keen dribbler and is partial to a shot from distance.
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Think Fernandinho meets Yaya Toure, although his wide skill set may even give him the potential to surpass those City heroes.
Of course, City are likely to face competition for such a talented player, while Gremio will ot let him leave on the cheap.
Henrique has already been linked with a move to Europe, with Barcelona, Monaco and Shakhtar all potential suitors.
Gremio are well aware of their star’s allure, even having training sessions behind closed doors to shield him from the eyes of European representatives.
They managed to squeeze €31m plus add-ons from Barcelona for Arthur, and are likely to demand more for a player who is potentially even better. Henrique also has a contract that runs until 2023.
Sign up to our free MCFC email newsletter Man City are Premier League champions! Get all the reaction plus daily news and analysis direct to your inbox with our free MCFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
According to website WhoScored.com, the youngster is not considered to be strong in the air, and his concentration can sometimes lapse, but these are things that can be put right.
So if City boss Guardiola stays "on trend" by signing the most talented Brazilians, then Henrique should be in his sights.
With City’s next generation midfield in mind, the Premier League champions should snap him up before a rival gets there first.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-24--Boris Johnson stands by Dominic Cummings after he broke lockdown rules

Boris Johnson says he is standing by Dominic Cummings despite his chief advisor appearing to break lockdown rules .
Mr Cummings went on a 520 mile round trip to his parents home in Durham at the height of lockdown at the end of March .
The Government 's advice was for all the population to `` stay at home '' and self-isolate for 14 days if you or a person in your household displayed coronavirus symptoms .
But despite making the trip from his London home with his son and wife , who had become ill with coronavirus symptoms , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be close to family to seek help caring for his four-year-old child in a statement previously issued through Number 10 .
He claimed he had acted `` reasonably and legally '' .
Downing Street also denied the Cummings family had been spoken to by police after witnesses spotted the Number 10 aide in Durham .
That was refuted by Durham Police , who said they had phoned Mr Cummings ' father .
Further reports by the Sunday Mirror and the Observer said witnesses spotted Mr Cummings in Barnard Castle , 30 miles away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was seen in London two days later but , on April 19 , he was spotted again near Durham , according to witnesses .
At the time , government advice was to avoid all non-essential travel and to remain in your primary residence .
But today , Mr Johnson said : `` In travelling to find the right kind of childcare at the moment when he and his wife are about to be incapacitated by coronavirus ...
I think he followed the instincts of every father and every parent and I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Though there have been many other allegations about what happened when he was in self-isolation and thereafter , some of them palpably false , I believe that in every respect he has acted responsibly and legally and with integrity and with the overwhelming aim of stopping the spread of the virus and saving lives.
” Pressure had mounted on the Prime Minister across Sunday to take action , with a number of Tory MPs joining calls from Labour and the SNP .
Speaking on the Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme , MP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does n't resign , we ’ ll just keep burning through Boris 's political capital at a rate we can ill afford in the midst of this crisis .
`` It is very clear that Dominic travelled when everybody else understood Dominic 's slogans to mean 'stay at home , protect the NHS and save lives ' .
`` And I think mums and dads who very much care about their children and who have been forgoing the childcare of their extended family will wonder why he has been allowed to do this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for tweeting his support of Mr Cummings on Saturday and said he should `` face the consequences of breaking the law '' .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps had made a number of appearances for the Government to defend Mr Cummings .
`` The basic story is actually pretty straightforward .
Husband and wife were ill , they hunker down , they look after their four-year-old and they don ’ t move until they are better , '' he had said .
`` And coming back down to London afterwards , they would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is always allowed as well . ''

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Boris Johnson says he is standing by Dominic Cummings despite his chief advisor appearing to break lockdown rules.
Mr Cummings went on a 520 mile round trip to his parents home in Durham at the height of lockdown at the end of March.
The Government's advice was for all the population to "stay at home" and self-isolate for 14 days if you or a person in your household displayed coronavirus symptoms.
But despite making the trip from his London home with his son and wife, who had become ill with coronavirus symptoms, Mr Cummings said he had travelled to be close to family to seek help caring for his four-year-old child in a statement previously issued through Number 10.
He claimed he had acted "reasonably and legally".
Downing Street also denied the Cummings family had been spoken to by police after witnesses spotted the Number 10 aide in Durham. That was refuted by Durham Police, who said they had phoned Mr Cummings' father.
Further reports by the Sunday Mirror and the Observer said witnesses spotted Mr Cummings in Barnard Castle, 30 miles away from Durham, on April 12. He was seen in London two days later but, on April 19, he was spotted again near Durham, according to witnesses.
At the time, government advice was to avoid all non-essential travel and to remain in your primary residence.
But today, Mr Johnson said: "In travelling to find the right kind of childcare at the moment when he and his wife are about to be incapacitated by coronavirus...I think he followed the instincts of every father and every parent and I do not mark him down for that.
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“Though there have been many other allegations about what happened when he was in self-isolation and thereafter, some of them palpably false, I believe that in every respect he has acted responsibly and legally and with integrity and with the overwhelming aim of stopping the spread of the virus and saving lives.”
Pressure had mounted on the Prime Minister across Sunday to take action, with a number of Tory MPs joining calls from Labour and the SNP.
Speaking on the Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme, MP Steve Baker said: "If he doesn't resign, we’ll just keep burning through Boris's political capital at a rate we can ill afford in the midst of this crisis.
"It is very clear that Dominic travelled when everybody else understood Dominic's slogans to mean 'stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives'.
"And I think mums and dads who very much care about their children and who have been forgoing the childcare of their extended family will wonder why he has been allowed to do this."
Tory MP Robert Halfon apologised for tweeting his support of Mr Cummings on Saturday and said he should "face the consequences of breaking the law".
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps had made a number of appearances for the Government to defend Mr Cummings.
"The basic story is actually pretty straightforward. Husband and wife were ill, they hunker down, they look after their four-year-old and they don’t move until they are better," he had said.
"And coming back down to London afterwards, they would have been travelling for essential work, which is always allowed as well."