A teenager joins an online video chat. Within seconds, artificial intelligence analyses their face and gives them a score out of ten for “attractiveness”. They are compared in real time with another user who scores higher and is declared the winner. The game is live-streamed, and the audience ridicule the loser in the chat.

This is one example from a growing number of websites and apps that rate people’s faces – sometimes comparing users, identifying supposed flaws or recommending ways to improve their score.

AI appearance-rating platforms present attractiveness as though it can be measured with scientific precision. But beauty cannot be captured by a mathematical calculation or a fixed set of programmed rules. What people find attractive varies between cultures and individuals.

AI systems also reflect the assumptions and biases in their training data and design. A critical comment from another person can often be recognised as an opinion. A precise score from a computer may carry an illusion of authority or objective fact.

AI appearance-rating tools form part of a wider online culture in which appearance is treated as something to measure, rank and optimise. This is particularly visible within the “looksmaxxing” subculture, where users share advice intended to make them more “conventionally attractive”.

Some of this advice concerns personal grooming, clothing or exercise. Other content promotes cosmetic procedures, extreme dieting or dangerous practices. The language of optimisation can encourage users to see their face or body as a problem requiring constant correction.

A 2026 study explored the vulnerability of young people to body image disorders, as appearance-focused content saturates their online feeds. For young men in particular, this can take the form of muscle dysmorphia, a condition characterised by the persistent belief that the body is not muscular enough.

Looksmaxxing is part of a wider online environment that can expose young people to narrow appearance ideals. AI ratings add a number, which may turn an insecurity into something that feels like an objective verdict.

My research examines how social media algorithms expose users to narrow societal body ideals, and how appearance-focused content on platforms such as TikTok may affect how users see and feel about their bodies. AI appearance ratings go a step further by scoring the individual user against these ideals. This could lead to restricted eating, over-exercising or other appearance-changing methods.

Potential harms

As I describe in my research, appearance evaluation, objectification and social pressure can contribute to body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. Online environments that amplify these pressures may make existing difficulties worse.

Researchers do not yet know the impact of receiving these scores on users’ behaviour. Eating disorders are complex conditions, and no single platform explains why somebody develops one. However, turning appearance into a competitive score may reinforce the idea that personal worth depends on measurable physical improvement.

My research during the COVID pandemic found that most participants with experience of eating disorders reported their symptoms had worsened during the UK lockdown. Participants described several pressures including disrupted routines and support, social isolation, and greater exposure to triggering messages online.

Although preceding the emergence of AI ratings, that study showed how appearance-focused online content can affect people who are already vulnerable. Eating disorders are also associated with a substantially increased risk of premature death, which is one reason potential new sources of appearance pressure deserve careful study.

A 2026 review of looksmaxxing research, which drew on a small body of academic research and grey literature – material published outside conventional academic journals, such as reports, theses and conference papers – identified concerns about body dissatisfaction, constant comparison and features associated with body dysmorphia and disordered eating. Some looksmaxxing communities discuss extreme dieting, steroid use and cosmetic interventions.

The review described “bone smashing”, in which people repeatedly strike their faces with hard objects in the belief that injury will produce a sharper jaw. There is no evidence that this improves appearance. The review also stressed that high-quality research on looksmaxxing remains scarce.

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‘Bone smashing’: broken bones, tooth loss and blood vessel damage are just a few of the harms of this bizarre TikTok trend

AI-rating tools could also be incorporated into coercive relationships. Body shaming is a recognised feature of coercive control. Abusers criticise their partners’ appearance, control what they eat or wear, and undermine their sense of worth.

Prosecutors in England and Wales recognise that changes in appearance, including weight loss, can indicate controlling or coercive behaviour. Research has also identified links between intimate partner violence and eating disorders.

Research shows that abusive partners use a range of technologies to monitor, harass and control victims. An abuser could use a low AI-generated attractiveness score to demean a partner. For someone whose confidence has already been worn down, the apparent agreement of a machine may make the criticism harder to challenge.

There is no direct academic evidence yet that AI appearance ratings are being used in this way. But research on technology-facilitated intimate partner violence suggests this possibility deserves attention. It is also something that frontline professionals working with domestic abuse should be alert to.

These risks are not limited to adults. Some AI-rating platforms which say they are intended for adults do not use robust age checks.

In the UK, social media, search and other online services covered by the Online Safety Act that are likely to be accessed by children must assess and reduce risks to them, including risks from content that encourages disordered eating, bullying and dangerous activities.

Regulators have not specifically classified AI appearance scoring as harmful content. However, competitive appearance rankings, contact with strangers and public commentary are potential risks that platforms should consider when assessing how their services may affect children.

An algorithm can turn subjective opinions into a convincing-looking number. But it cannot discover somebody’s objective level of attractiveness, because no such measurement exists.

Researchers and regulators now need to examine how users interpret these scores, and whether competitive rating systems expose users to avoidable harm.

The Boro Breakdown Podcast, which covers the latest news from Middlesbrough FC, posted on Monday (August 10), flagging the problematic comments.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the fan-run podcast said: “Incredibly disappointed to say we’ve had to report and delete a significant amount of misogynistic and sexually inappropriate comments from our recent podcast episode.”

Incredibly disappointed to say we’ve had to report & delete a significant amount of misogynistic & sexually inappropriate comments from our recent podcast episode.

As a group, we’ve decided we will stop recording the show if this continues any further.

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– Team BB https://t.co/XTaG54ffYU

— The Boro Breakdown Podcast (@Boro_Breakdown) August 10, 2026

The post added that “as a group, we’ve decided we will stop recording the show if this continues any further.”

This abuse on X linked to the podcast’s 2026/27 season Middlesbrough FC preview, which unpacks all of the latest transfers, squad news and latest on everything surrounding the club.

It also follows a similar plea from the podcast in June this year, calling on fans to be respectful.

That post, posted to the podcast’s Facebook page, said: “We’ve noticed a significant increase in abusive comments on our posts recently, and we want to make our position clear.

“Healthy debate and differing opinions are always welcome – that’s part of football. However, personal insults, abusive language, and any form of harassment are very much not.

“Any comments that cross that line will be removed, and the individuals responsible will be banned from the page.

“Keep it respectful and up the Boro.”

The Inbetweeners star James Buckley has revealed he has been diagnosed with a genetic disease. 

The actor, 38, said he underwent a health check after his wife Clair was taken to hospital in an ambulance suffering from severe dehydration. 

James then asked doctors for further tests after a blood test he had done previously highlighted concern. 

In this week’s episode of The Buckleys podcast, the actor revealed he is at risk of cardiovascular incident due to having high Lipoprotein(a), a genetically inherited type of blood cholesterol, and has had to give up drinking and cut down on takeaways. 

It promotes faster plaque buildup in arteries, increases inflammation and increases the risk of blood clotting. 

It affects roughly one in five people worldwide, typically presenting no physical symptoms until a cardiovascular event occurs. 

 James revealed he is at risk of cardiovascular incident due to having high Lipoprotein(a), and has given up drinking and cut down on takeaways

He explained: ‘I’ve also had health problems as well. It’s something to do with my Lipoprotein(a), something to do with that.

‘There’s nothing you can do about it, by the way. And the doctor’s just been like, “you need to change”.’ 

James has given up drinking for the time being and overhauled his diet. 

He went on: ‘I’m at a high risk now for a cardiovascular incident. My heart, my arteries. I’m not a religious man, but sometimes I feel like there is a God that sort of goes “that’ll teach you”. 

‘I feel like I’ve been on this podcast slagging people off that don’t drink. Yeah, we have boring stuff. And now I’ve been told to try not [laughter] in rein it in [sic].

‘But I’m going to have a beer soon.’

James added he is also worried because it’s genetic that their two sons may have inherited it. 

The actor, 38, said he underwent a health check after his wife Clair was taken to hospital in an ambulance suffering from severe dehydration

It comes after reports a new Inbetweeners movie is on the horizon – with all four core members of the cast set to return.

The show became an instant classic when it aired for three seasons between 2008 and 2010, with two film spinoffs made as well.

While there have been whispers in the past about a reboot, The Sun has now claimed that the four main actors, namely Simon Bird, Joe Thomas, James Buckley and Blake Harrison, have all signed on the dotted line to star in a third movie for Netflix.

However, the newspaper also said that streaming bosses aren’t satisfied with just the main men returning – they also want to see Emily Atack, 36, reprise her role as Charlotte ‘Big Jugs’ Hinchcliffe.

The move comes as a surprise after Emily was axed from the Inbetweeners reunion five years ago following a ‘past fling’ with James.

A source told the publication: ‘The creators of the show have written the script and are ready to roll – but Emily is one of the missing pieces in the project they’re keen to get in place.

‘Fans will already be delighted that the four main leads are returning as there was concern that a reboot might see new, younger actors cast in the roles of the lads, who were all supposed to be teenagers in the show.

‘But it’s fair to say getting Emily back would be the cherry on the Inbetweeners cake.’

The Sun added that all four of the main actors were ‘thrilled’ to be asked back, but noted that things would be a bit harder for Emily to commit to a reboot movie considering everything she’s got going on at the moment.

Joe Thomas, Simon Bird, James and Blake Harrison have all signed on the dotted line to star in a third movie of The Inbetweeners for Netflix

Streaming bosses aren’t satisfied with just the main men returning – they also want to see Emily, 36, reprise her role as Charlotte ‘Big Jugs’ Hinchcliffe

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In 2019, Emily was reportedly axed from the Inbetweeners reunion after James told producers ‘it’s her or me’ following a past fling they had when they were both single.

Reports suggested at the time that James was afraid his wife Clair would find out about the brief relationship they had during their days in the show during 2008 to 2010.

As well as starring in Disney series Rivals, Emily is in the process of making a new programme for the BBC called Reputation.

She’s also waiting to find out whether or not ITV will commission a second series of Nobody’s Fool – the game show she hosts with Rivals castmate Danny Dyer.

If filming on the Inbetweeners kicks off soon, the results could air as early as 2027, the source added.

Emily has been asked about a potential Inbetweeners return on numerous occasions in the past, telling Capital FM recently: ‘I don’t know. We’d all be quite a lot older now.

‘What was quite funny was when we filmed the series I was only 17, I’d just left school, but the boys were well into… I think they were in their late twenties, early thirties.’

Saudi government official and boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh has abandoned his proposed takeover of Derby County.

Derby were in discussions with Alalshikh’s Lion Sport over the purchase of controlling interest in the Championship outfit, but talks will no longer proceed with the club now “off the market”.

The acquisition process had been sanctioned by both the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) and the EFL, notification of which Derby received last week.

But in a stark change of course, Derby confirmed on Monday: “Today the club received notice that Lion Sport no longer wanted to continue with the purchase.

“For the benefit of any doubt, the club is now off the market and will continue to operate under the loyal, committed and unwavering support of Clowes Developments.”

Alalshikh cited the length of time for his takeover to get ratified by the IFR as one of the primary reasons he chose to pull out of a deal, which left him with “no time” to make preparations for the upcoming season.

“We understood that the IFR process takes time and fully respect the importance of that,” he posted on X.

“But unfortunately with the season already started, it would leave us with no time to prepare the team or the club for the season ahead.

“After careful consideration, we don’t feel it is right to proceed at this time without the necessary preparation in place, but we will remain in conversation with the club and see what is possible in the future.”

Alalshikh, who is the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, is at the heart of boxing and is the co-founder of promotion Zuffa alongside UFC president Dana White.

Derby begin their league campaign at Charlton on Saturday.

Additional reporting from PA

By DAVID WILCOCK, DEPUTY POLITICAL EDITOR

Published: 16:22 BST, 10 August 2026 | Updated: 17:51 BST, 10 August 2026

Labour will seek closer ties with Brussels under Andy Burnham, according to the senior minister appointed to lead reset talks with the EU.

In comments that have enraged Brexiteers, Hamish Falconer has said he wants Britain to have a ‘deeper’ and ‘more ambitious’ relationship with the bloc.

The European Relations minister was promoted by Mr Burnham to lead talks with the EU and said that while Labour had ‘red lines’, he was open to bending them as far as he could.

It will raise questions over whether Labour is prepared to backslide over freedom of movement, after Mr Falconer told The Guardian he was interested in a deal that would give Britons visa-free travel on the continent.

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Under the current agreement British nationals can travel visa-free for only 90 days. But any renegotiation would almost certainly see Brussels ask for a quid-pro-quo for EU citizens visiting Britain.

Mr Falconer, the son of Blair-era Labour minster Charlie Falconer, referenced his past career as a diplomat in the Middle East, saying: ‘We’re committed to our manifesto red lines, but all of my experiences as a negotiator and the art of the possible is in part shaped by the nature of the relationship between two people negotiating.

‘I used to be a negotiator with the Taliban. With the EU, this is a negotiation with our friends, with whom we share our values and with whom we feel solidarity.’

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In comments likely to enrage Brexiteers Hamish Falconer said he wanted the UK to have a ‘deeper … more ambitious relationship’ with Brussels on his watch

The former Foreign Office Minister, was promoted by Mr Burnham to lead talks with the bloc, said that while Labour had ‘red lines’ he was open to bending them as far as he could

He highlighted the service sector as an area where a closer arrangement could be made, adding: ‘There’s also a whole range of areas in relation to services where I’d really like it to be progressed. 

‘Services is obviously an area where the EU itself is less closely integrated and there’s a lot of discussion within the EU about where to take the productivity challenge for them – that’s a challenge we can recognise here in the UK as well. So, particularly on services, I’m really interested in where we can go further.’  

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But Tory frontbencher Alex Burghart said Labour was ‘clutching at straws’.

‘To fix the economy they need to open up the North Sea (oil and gas industry), cut public spending, cut taxes and regulation, get the national debt down and build the conditions for growth. None of this needs a deal with the EU which itself has low growth.

‘Burnham and his team are going to give us a bad deal which hands control of our regulations to Brussels and doesn’t fix the problems at home.

‘While Labour remains fixated on the past, only the Conservatives, under new leadership, are focused on delivering a serious plan for Britain’s future.’

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When running for his return to Westminster as Makerfield MP, Mr Burnham in May said he was not proposing the UK rejoin the European Union, warning against getting stuck in a ‘permanent rut’ of Brexit arguments.  

He said Brexit had been ‘damaging’ but ‘the last thing we should do right now is re-run those arguments’.

Mr Burnham has previously said he would like to see the UK back in the EU within his lifetime.

At a fringe event at the Labour conference in September 2025 he said his ‘long-term’ goal would be to seek to return to the EU.

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‘People prosper more when they’re part of unions,’ he told the audience.

Tributes have been paid to a ‘beautiful’ 16-year-old cheerleading coach who died in a ‘terrible’ boat accident while on a family holiday in the Dominican Republic.

Abbie Lainton, from Swindon, Wiltshire, died after a vessel burst into flames off the coast of the Caribbean island.

Two of her siblings were among more than 20 tourists ‘badly injured’ after the catamaran exploded into a fireball off Soana island on July 27 as it made its way back to Bayahibe.

Devastating images from the scene show the doomed vessel which was carrying 35 people become engulfed in flames and thick smoke.

Abbie reportedly suffered 60 per cent burns in the blast on the packed boat and although she was rushed to hospital, she sadly died three days later. 

The three children were understood to have been on the boat without their parents Gary and Rebecca Lainton.

The teenager coached athletes at the Swindon Lightning Cheerleading Club and was a former pupil at Tanwood School for Performing Arts, a youth musical theatre group.

A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said it is providing consular support to Abbie’s family and assisting other British nationals and their families affected by the incident.

It is in contact with the local authorities.

According to a fundraising page set up to raise money for Abbie’s family, the schoolgirl died on July 30 in a ‘terrible accident’.

She had been enjoying the summer with her friends and was looking forward to receiving her GCSE results, the page reads.

Abigail’s cheerleading club Swindon Lightning paid tribute to ‘her kindness, infectious smile, unwavering encouragement and love for cheerleading’

The tourist boat was returning from the Saona Island when a ‘pop’ was heard before it accelerated and then burst into flames

Those who live nearby to Abbie’s family in Swindon said they have lived there for ‘quite some time’ and have told of their shock at the news. 

One neighbour told the Mail: ‘I heard the two girls and the lad were on the boat and must have been near where it exploded.

‘It’s terrible. The young girl’s not too bad, she’s got a broken leg and her brother’s got some burns but he’s not too bad now. They’re all back in the UK now.

‘I’ve known them for a long time. It’s heartbreaking.’

Reports said at the time that 24 people were injured and taken to local hospitals, with many of them suffering burns.

An eyewitness said empty boats in the sea had dashed to rescue those on the damaged vessel.

One news anchor stated on TV: ‘This type of case is not the first time it’s happened in our country. There have been several. Every vessel on beaches in tourist areas must have a valid permit and authorisation.

‘But what worries me most is the necessary maintenance given to those vessels to transport tourists.’How often are they supervised by the authorities?’

One neighbour said: ‘It’s unbelievable. We heard about it from a friend of a friend. It’s extremely, extremely upsetting. They’ve not been out the house much.

‘We were just aware that something wasn’t right. They’re a nice family, very nice family.’

Gisell Segovia was on the boat with her 35-year-old husband Navin Torres and told The Sun Abbie ‘did not go out without a fight’.

The tourist boat was returning from the Saona Island when a ‘pop’ was heard before it accelerated and then burst into flames. 

Gisell described people being thrown from their seats with broken pieces of the boat ‘flying everywhere’. 

She said she remembered Abbie because of her ‘beautiful eyes’. 

The blast left some people with broken bones and spinal injuries with an official in the Dominican Republic adding ‘we will offer every assistance that we can during this sorrowful time. Our prayers are with the family’.

Writing on Facebook, Tanwood School for Performing Arts shared the news of Abbie’s death and posted photos of her as a young child dressed in various dance costumes.

The school said: ‘Abbie joined Tanwood as a dinky dot and was part of an exceptional group of dancers who formed strong friendships which spilled over to the audience when they performed together.

‘She always performed with a huge smile, and those beautiful feet! Abbie took her dance training and joined Swindon Lightning Cheerleading Club where she once again excelled and competed all over the world.

Abigail, pictured with her parents Becky and Gary and siblings Carley and Bradley, was involved in a fatal incident on July 30

‘Abbie’s family have been part of the Tanwood family for years, and have always offered unwavering support.

‘We are all in complete shock at this heartbreaking news and send so much love and support to her family and friends at this unimaginable time. You will always be in our hearts.’

Swindon Lightning Cheerleading Club paid tribute to the ‘beautiful athlete and coach’ in a post on Instagram.

It said: ‘There are simply no words that feel enough. Abbie was a much-loved member of our Swindon Lightning family.

‘Her kindness, infectious smile, unwavering encouragement and love for cheerleading touched the lives of so many athletes, coaches and families over the years. She brought so much light to our gym, and her loss has left us all heartbroken.’

Also among those to pay tribute was cheerleading champion, and star of the Netflix docuseries Cheer, Dillon Brandt.

He wrote on Instagram: ‘Abbie was an amazing athlete and coach, a part of Swindon Lightning. This beautiful and talented person has passed away, the dedication to be a dedicated and loving person in the world did not go unnoticed.

‘Please take the time to pray for her family, friends, and Swindon Lightning family during this time.’

Paul McMinigal died following an incident in Parkhead on Friday, July 24.

A suspect has appeared in court accused of murdering another man outside a block of flats in Glasgow. Paul McMinigal was found seriously injured within the Burgher Street flats in Parkhead last month.

Emergency crews were called to the scene in the east end of the city after the alarm was raised at around 3pm on Friday, July 24. The 44-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police Scotland previously said they were treating the death as murder and launched a major investigation. Last week, the force confirmed a 25-year-old man had been arrested and charged in connection with the death.

Kyle Potter, 25, appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday. He made no plea during the short, private hearing, was committed for further examination and remanded in custody.

He will appear in court again in the next eight days. A police presence remained in the area for a number of days following the incident.

Detective Chief Inspector Stephen McGrath initially urged locals to come forward with any information they may have had. He said in part: “Our thoughts remain with the family of Paul McMinigal who died at what is an extremely difficult time for them.

“They continue to be supported by specially trained officers. We understand that this incident will be concerning for the local community and a police presence will remain in the area while the investigation continues.”

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Around 250 engineers threatened to strike

Engineers from Marshalls Aerospace have called off strike action. In July, the Unite union announced that around 250 employees from Marshall Aerospace, based at Cambridge Airport, were balloting for strike action in a dispute over pay.

The workers included engineers who maintain the C-130 Hercules aircraft and manufacture auxiliary fuel tanks for the Boeing P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. A pay rise of 5.75 per cent for base pay and allowances has been agreed, therefore calling off strike action.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “A huge well done to the workers at Marshall Aerospace who stood their ground, voted for strike action and won a much-improved pay offer.

“Once again, Unite’s complete dedication to achieving better jobs, pay and conditions is putting money in workers’ pockets.”

The company initially put forward a 4.5 per cent increase for pay. However, workers rejected this offer and voted for industrial action in July.

Unite regional officer Neil Moore added: “This is a fantastic result for our members and one they should be proud of. It demonstrates the power of collective bargaining when it is backed by an organised, united and determined membership.

“Every member who voted, supported the campaign and was prepared to stand together contributed to this result. Their collective strength delivered this deal.”

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The Ireland star could move for a Championship record transfer fee, but the Hammers face plenty of competition for Troy Parrott.

Troy Parrott has been hailed as “the centre-forward we have been craving” by a West Ham goalscoring legend.

Tony Cottee is fifth in the club’s all-time goalscoring charts with 146 goals across two spells with the Hammers, while he also lined out for Everton and Leicester City in the Premier League.

He reckons Parrott would be the perfect fit as his former side bids to return to the top-flight at the first attempt, after last season’s relegation to the Championship.

West Ham have reportedly submitted their first bid for the Ireland star – a €17.5 million offer that falls well short of the €25m his club AZ Alkmaar are after.

Cottee hopes the two clubs can come to an agreement.

“I think he could be the perfect fit (for West Ham),” said the Hammers legend, speaking to BelfastLive via NetBet Casino Ireland.

“A six-foot-one centre-forward, scores goals, he’s exactly what the club needs. He’s an Irish lad who has been at Spurs, knows the English league, so I think potentially it could be a fantastic signing for the club.

“I think his profile is exactly what West Ham need – a young centre-forward who can hopefully lead the line and above all else he scores goals.”

Cottee reckons Parrott has the ability to do for the Hammers what Harry Kane did for years at London rivals Tottenham.

He said: “We’ve been crying out for a centre-forward for many years; someone that can consistently score the goals.

“I’m not talking about having a glory spell and then you don’t do anything for two or three seasons. I’m talking about someone who does it season in, season out, like what Harry Kane has done.

“The best thing about Harry is, it’s every season. It isn’t 50 goals in one season and then five in the next.

“Consistency is the thing that all players are striving for.

“If Troy can arrive at West Ham and take that number nine shirt and say to everyone, I’m the main man here and I’m the one that’s going to score the goals, then great.

“You can play Taty (Castellanos) with him or just behind him because he’s a good player, and he can link up with him. Then you’ve got two players that can score goals.

“You’ve got Bowen on the right and whoever is going to play on the left, so you are looking at a West Ham team with a real attacking threat and you need that to get out of the Championship, you need to score goals.”

The time that Parrott spent in London while trying to break into a Spurs side that was spearheaded by Kane would stand to him if a move to West Ham was to materialise, according to Cottee.

He said: “It’s not like he’s a Geordie or a Scouser or from the Midlands, I know he’s an Irish boy but he has lived in the area.

“Tottenham and West Ham aren’t that far away from each other, so he knows what it’s all about. In terms of settling down, it shouldn’t be a problem at all for him.

“Everything is pointing to it being a great move for the club, I just hope they can get it over the line now.

“If you pay £20 million or whatever it is they are talking about for a young lad who goes on and becomes a goalscoring legend at the club, it’s going to be money well invested.

“For me, as an ex-striker, I’m excited about it because I think there’s a real chance we might at last be signing the centre-forward we have been craving.”

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