“Ron is coming back, he’s been training this week, as has Fabian, which is good,” said the Scot. “We’ll train tomorrow and see how the lads are and how they feel. “We’ll gauge it by that but they’ve been training, Ron this week and Fabian for the last two weeks. “Hopefully it goes okay tomorrow and we can judge it then. We’ll talk to the lads.” Lambert would appreciate the pair returning in light of his current injury struggles. Vlaar’s defensive colleagues Philippe Senderos and Nathan Baker are some way off regaining fitness. Joe Cole, who suffered a recent hamstring problem, has been joined by midfield mainstay Ashley Westwood on the sidelines after he suffered medial ligament damage ruling him out for around a month, while Tom Cleverley is struggling with a bruised foot. Lambert added: “We’re having a spate of ups and downs with injuries at the moment. “We’ve had another injury added to the list, with Westy being out which is a blow because he’s been playing really well. Press Association Captain Vlaar has been out since early November with a calf injury while England rookie Delph dislocated his shoulder in October. Vlaar only returned to training this week while Delph had been expected to be out for most of the Christmas period, but Villa boss Paul Lambert revealed both could possibly make surprise returns at The Hawthorns. “Tom Cleverley is another one who is a cause for concern but we’ll have to wait and see, because he’s got another two days before the match.” Recent derby clashes with the Baggies have been entertaining affairs and Lambert expects Saturday’s Barclays Premier League battle to be no different. “Anywhere you go, derby matches are massive for supporters,” he said. “They always want to get one over on their workmate or whoever it is. That’s normal. “The derbies between Villa and West Brom that I’ve been involved in have always been really good games with lots of goals in them and I don’t think this one will be any different. “The atmosphere will be really good and we’re in a bit of form so we’ll go there trying to win.” Key Aston Villa duo Ron Vlaar and Fabian Delph could be in contention for a shock return to action in Saturday’s local derby at West Brom.
Internacional have not paid anything for Anderson, which means United have taken a huge hit on a player Sir Alex Ferguson identified as a possible successor to Paul Scholes when he signed him from Porto seven-and-a-half years ago. Anderson was a first-team regular for the first four years of his stay at United, but a combination of serious injuries – and struggles with his weight – reduced his playing time. The former Porto man was loaned to Fiorentina last season and United were keen to get the midfielder off their books last summer. No offers came in for the player, though, and he remained at Old Trafford. Anderson made just one start under Louis van Gaal – in the embarrassing Capital One Cup defeat to MK Dons at the start of the season. His only other appearance was a 20-minute cameo at Burnley. Anderson’s nightmare spell at Manchester United has finally come to an end after Brazilian club Internacional announced they had signed the midfielder on a four-year contract. United paid around £26million for Anderson in 2007, but in recent years he has fallen out of favour and the 20-time English champions have agreed to let the 26-year-old leave on a free transfer. A statement on Internacional’s website read: “Sport Club Internacional concluded on Tuesday the procedures to announce the signing of midfielder Anderson. He signs a four-year contract.” 
Press Association
World number four Jordan Spieth threatened to create history before settling for a brilliant opening 64 to claim the lead after the first round of the 79th Masters on Thursday. “Definitely. I was trying to wipe it under the carpet that I wanted this one so badly for so many years,” Els added. “You kind of get fed up with yourself. Never with Augusta, you know, but yourself with the mistakes that you make. I felt that I left shots out there in that five‑year span so a little frustration set in there.” Els made his Masters debut in 1994 – the year after Spieth was born – and played 18 in a row until 2012, when he failed to qualify and said he would not accept a special invitation if it was offered. A few months later he won his second Open title aged 42 at Royal Lytham. “It was probably actually good to watch it on television again like I did when I was a kid and kind of learn a bit more. I really didn’t feel any bitterness towards the tournament or anybody. I was where I was. I was outside the top 50.” Rose, who was fifth here in 2007 and has led at some point in every round, carded six birdies and one bogey, while Hoffman had been one under par with four holes to play, but holed from 10 feet for an eagle on the 15th and birdied the 16th and 18th. Asked what he had learned from his previous good starts here, Rose said: “(Not to) get ahead of yourself. One thing I’ve learned on this golf course is that if you do make a bogey or two, when you start to chase around here to make up for it, it’s not always the best decision. “I’ve definitely learned the hard way a couple of times, which was obviously a good experience.” McIlroy is looking to join Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Woods in winning all four major titles by claiming a first green jacket on Sunday. And the world number one was satisfied by an opening 71 for the third time in four years after recovering from one over par with seven holes to play. “I just kept telling myself to be patient out there,” McIlroy said. ” It was a round that could have got away from me. I just stayed patient, realising it’s a 72-hole tournament and not having to press too much. It’s good to get into red numbers. “I obviously know what I can achieve this week but I am not letting myself think about it too much.” Rory McIlroy kept his dreams of completing the career grand slam on track with an opening 71, with Tiger Woods recording a 73 in just his third start of the year after recording a career-worst 82 in the first and withdrawing from the second after 11 holes. “T o shoot 64 at Augusta, it’s my first round under 70 although I played well last year, I am excited about that,” said Spieth, who led by two shots after seven holes of the final round last year and would have been the youngest champion – and first rookie winner since 1979 – if he had held on to win. “When I was there on 15 I knew if I could birdie there and get one more on the way in I would get to 10 under. I’ve never shot 10 under in a professional round and obviously here that would be special. “Unfortunately I took the wrong club and made bogey but eight under round here is nothing to complain about. I didn’t know where I was on 13 and 14 but then saw the scoreboard and maybe tried to push it a bit.” Spieth has finished first, second and second in his last three tournaments, a stark contrast to Els who has not recorded a top-10 finish all season. ” Haven’t been in here for a while,” Els joked as he started his post-round press conference. For five years running Els was not outside the top six at Augusta, finishing second to Vijay Singh in 2000 and Phil Mickelson in 2004, when he carded a closing 67 to lose by a single shot. The 45-year-old has not finished in the top-10 since and admitted there was a certain hangover from the narrow miss in 2004. Spieth was eight under par after 14 holes at Augusta National and in sight of equalling the course record of 63 or even shooting the first round of 62 or better in men’s major championship history. A bogey on the par-five 15th effectively put paid to that but the 21-year-old carded his ninth birdie of the day on the 18th to finish eight under par, three shots ahead of Australian Jason Day, Ernie Els, Justin Rose and Charley Hoffman, with Sergio Garcia and Russell Henley on four under. Press Association
Press Association Routledge has been a regular under manager Garry Monk this season and made 27 starts as Swansea have set a new club Premier League points record. The Londonder signed a one-year contract extension in September that will keep him at the club until 2018 and Monk said at the time that Routledge, who has now made over 150 appearances for Swansea after playing for eight different clubs, “has found a home where he can be himself.” Swansea have recalled Gambian winger Modou Barrow from his loan spell at Sky Bet Championship club Nottingham Forest with Routledge sidelined and Ecuador winger Jefferson Montero picking up a thigh injury at Newcastle. “We are down to the bare bones,” Monk said after beating Newcastle took Swansea to the 50-point mark for the first time in their Premier League history. Routledge needed surgery to cure the long-standing injury in order for him to return in time for pre-season training. The 30-year-old missed Swansea’s 3-2 Barclays Premier League win at Newcastle on Saturday and will now sit out the remaining games this season against Stoke, Arsenal, Manchester City and Crystal Palace. 
Swansea winger Wayne Routledge will miss the rest of the season after undergoing an ankle operation.
The game at Selhurst Park will also see Wilfried Zaha face his former club, having endured a miserable spell at Old Trafford that included only four first-team appearances. “I’d call it a period in his career that didn’t work out, that happens to players and managers,” Pardew said. “Wilf has learned in the Premier League you need to do certain things defensively without taking away that offensive ability. “He didn’t get the opportunity to learn that at Manchester United because he didn’t play enough. “That’s not the fault of Manchester United, that’s just the standards they have, he perhaps wasn’t quite ready. “It’s a player we hope can grow here and make an impact on Saturday. I’m sure he’ll be motivated to do that.” Press Association Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has hit back at criticism of his time in charge at Newcastle, insisting he is not to blame for the Magpies’ slide towards the relegation zone. Newcastle have won only two of the 15 games since Pardew left the club in January and eight defeats in a row have left John Carver’s side just two points above the bottom three. Speaking to the Evening Chronicle, former chairman Freddy Shepherd claimed it is Pardew who should take responsibility for the team’s struggles and that he “didn’t leave Carver any favours”. Pardew, who has steered Palace above Newcastle to 12th in the table, dismissed Shepherd’s assessment and says he hopes the Magpies can secure a valuable win over West Brom on Saturday. “That’s typically unfair of that individual and that paper,” Pardew said. “The local paper at Newcastle makes it very difficult for the manager. “The players they have are trying their very, very best to get the club over the line. “The group is short of confidence, I hope they gain that this Saturday and John Carver and the team can get them across the line. “The players we had were tremendous during the time I was there and the results we had until I left were pretty excellent in terms of where we were. “I’m not here to defend that situation, all I can say is I really hope Newcastle win on Saturday. It’s a big game for them.” Palace host Manchester United on Saturday with both sides in need of a victory after three consecutive defeats. 
The boss is coming into his 24th year as as manager but admitted he cannot shake the nerves. “The experience makes you more aware of what is around the corner and what could happen,” he said. “It’s apprehension as much as anything else and the determination to get through another season. “I’m chalk and cheese from when I started but society has changed, compare what was going on then and what’s going on now. If you’re not prepared to adapt, especially in football, you’ll get left behind.” Rickie Lambert, James McClean and James Chester could all make their debuts while Boaz Myhill will continue in goal in the absence of the injured Ben Foster. Serge Gnabry will miss out though as the Arsenal youngster, who joined on loan on Friday, lacks match fitness with the Baggies expecting him to be up to speed in two weeks. Pulis is still hunting new players and is close to signing Salomon Rondon from Zenit St Petersburg for a club record fee and knows the Baggies fans expect more additions. He said: “They will be the same as me, they will be waiting for some players to come in. “They want some players, we want some and the dressing room wants some. It’s important you get good players and you have to be careful. “I’ve always worked with the material I am given and that’s always been my philosophy, to try to squeeze everything out of everybody. “The club has a good structure and we haven’t made too many changes but most things are in place.” Boss Tony Pulis admits he still gets nervous ahead of the start of the season and vowed his experience will aid West Brom. Press Association
Albion host Manchester City on Monday with Pulis still trying to rebuild the team after guiding them to safety last year. It is Pulis’ first full season in charge at The Hawthorns after he took over in January from Alan Irvine. 
Press Association West Ham striker Diafra Sakho has been arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill and witness intimidation, according to reports. “A 25-year-old man was arrested at an address in Emerson Park, Hornchurch. He was taken to an east London police station and bailed pending police enquiries to a date in early October.” A spokesman for the player told the Sun: “Diafra Sakho has not been charged with any offence. He vigorously denies the allegations that have been made against him, and has given police a complete explanation of events. “He will not be making any further comment.” Senegal international Sakho joined West Ham from French club Metz in August last year and has scored 10 goals for the team in 26 Barclays Premier League appearances. 
The Sun said the 25-year-old was arrested on Sunday night before being bailed, having previously been questioned over an alleged assault earlier this month. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “On Sunday 23 August, officers from Havering arrested a man on suspicion of threats to kill and witness intimidation. 
Harry Kane is convinced that Tottenham’s growing confidence can inspire them to victory in Sunday’s North London derby at Arsenal. Press Association And Kane believes that their improving team is now capable of overcoming their rivals. “We’re playing very well, we’re exciting, we’re a young team and we’ve got a lot of energy, and the wins will just keep giving us that, but there’s still a long way to go so we’ve got to keep trying to learn and improve,” Kane said. “Anderlecht (on Thursday) is important for us so we’ve got to stay focused on that for now, but of course, everyone’s excited for the North London derby. It’s a game everyone looks forward to, both teams are playing well so it’ll be good to go and try and get a result. “We made a good statement against Man City (in a recent 4-1 victory) and followed that up pretty well with wins so we face Arsenal on Sunday going for the win, and we’re full of confidence and know we can win. “The aim is the top four but there’s still a long way to go. We’ve got to stay consistent throughout the whole season, we can’t just have a good start and fade away. ” Tottenham’s second goalscorer on Monday evening – in front of Roy Hodgson – was the talented Dele Alli, 19, who is expected to be included in the next England squad for their upcoming friendly fixtures with France and Spain. His swift rise from a Football League player to international recognition is not dissimilar to Kane’s during the past season, and for all that such pressure can be difficult for a young player to handle, the forward believes that his young team-mate has the character to cope. “He’s a great player and a great lad as well,” Kane said. “He’s very focused, he’s good to have around the dressing room, he’s a bubbly character. We’re delighted for him, he’s come in this season and settled in straight away. Spurs are undefeated in the Premier League since the opening day of the season and again highlighted their potential to reach the division’s top four in Monday’s 3-1 defeat of Aston Villa. Even if Arsenal’s present team is the strongest they have had for several seasons and they consistently win fixtures between the two, as they most recently did in the Capital One Cup in September, Tottenham’s fortunes are the most promising they have been for several seasons. “He’s still young, he’s still got a lot to learn, a long way to go. And yes, I was probably in that position last year so it’s great for him to have me and other players who have been through that to talk to. He’s a mature lad and I’m sure he’ll take it in his stride. “We have discussions now and then, he watched last season and he wants to go and do the same. He’s a young player with a lot of talent and he just wants to play football, and that’s what’s nice to see. “He’s been playing very well for us, he came in the last (England) squad and did very well in training and impressed, so he’s got to keep doing what he’s doing. That’s the (England) manager’s choice: all he can keep doing is having nights like he’s had (against Villa), it won’t hurt him.” 
Norwich manager Alex Neil has warned every player’s place is “under threat” as he looks to move the team up the Barclays Premier League table. The Canaries host Swansea out to arrest a run of four successive defeats which have left the promoted side now just two points above the drop zone. Goalkeeper John Ruddy found himself in the spotlight following a mistake which led to a late 2-1 loss at Manchester City last weekend, when Neil’s men had been just minutes away from a hard-earned point. “Matt has just opened up his knee a little bit so unfortunately he is going to be missing for a wee bit,” Neil added. “We have to make do without him; more weeks than months, several weeks, it is disappointing because he has had such a good impact since coming in, but we just need to get on with it.” After collecting seven points from the first five matches, Norwich have now not won in the last six league outings. Neil knows that statistic has to be addressed, and fast. “Playing philosophy and how you want to go about it is all fine and well, but winning games is the most important thing. It is about making sure we get those points on the board and we need to find a way of doing that,” he added on Norwich City TV. “I have got the flexibility in terms of players. Systems don’t mean a great deal to me, I am happy to fluctuate from one system to the next. “It’s maybe something we’re going to have to alter to a certain extent to get the best in terms of points over performances.” Neil, 34, was a team-mate of Swansea boss Garry Monk when they played together at Barnsley. “It was a long time ago now, but I know Gaz well. I had a chat with him on a couple of occasions last year regarding players,” said the Scot, who took over at Carrow Road last January having been a success with Hamilton in Scotland. “He has done fantastically well, but they are going through a sticky spell as well at the moment, so it will be two teams desperate to get points on the board.” Neil accepts he must be ruthless in team selection to find the right combination for the battles ahead, with matches against Chelsea and Arsenal to come following the international break. “Every player’s place is under threat. If they are not performing as well as I think they should be then obviously questions are going to be asked and whether they should continue,” Neil said at a press conference. “John is no different just because he is a goalkeeper. It is something you always consider. “The one thing I would say is that John hasn’t made a great deal of errors since I have been here. “To be fair he has been relatively solid and steady so to lay the blame just at his door is unfair.” Neil will be forced into at least a couple of changes against the Swans. Captain Russell Martin serves a suspension following the defender’s red card against City for deliberate handball after Ruddy’s gaff which resulted in a penalty to the hosts, coolly converted by Yaya Toure to keep them top of the table. Matt Jarvis is also unavailable after the winger, on loan from West Ham, suffered knee ligament problems in the first half at the Etihad Stadium. Press Association
A dad and daughter duo who tricked the Internal Revenue Service out of millions of dollars will spend less time in prison than originally expected.U.S. District Judge Robin Rosenberg decided Friday that 35-year-old Danielle Takeila Edmonson will spend six years behind bars, while her father, 51-year-old Kenneth Roger Edmonson, will be in prison for just over four years.The Broward County father-daughter pair claimed that the government owed them $175 million in tax refunds on their lottery winnings.They began filing a series of fake tax returns, some handwritten, in 2015. The income, which allegedly came from lottery winnings and bonds, was later determined to be fake. However, the IRS paid the Edmonsons $3.4 million before realized the pair never had a winning ticket, according to prosecutors.The IRS sent Danielle Edmonson a check for $239,700 five years ago. In 2016, they sent her another check for $2.5 million. In 2018, the agency paid Kenneth Edmonson almost three-quarters of $1 million.The IRS estimates that it paid out $1.7 billion dollars in invalid refunds in 2016, according to a 2018 report published by the U.S. Government accountability office. It later caught about 84 percent of fraudulent filings from that year.The duo claimed to be “Moorish sovereign citizens” who are immune to the authority of United States government. They were convicted of mail fraud and making false statements by a federal jury in West Palm Beach on Dec. 20 of last year.Court filings made by Danielle Edmonson after her arrest in March 2019 discuss her motivations: “I am an aboriginal indigenous Moorish American national,” she wrote in a handwritten motion from jail demanding hundreds of millions of dollars from the government as restitution for her allegedly unjust imprisonment.She also demanded her immediate release and claimed, “nothing stands between myself and the creator.”The Southern Poverty Law Center, a nonprofit group that tracks American extremist groups, describes Moorish Sovereign Citizens as a small sect that believes “African Americans constitute an elite class within American society with special rights and privileges that convey on them a sovereign immunity placing them beyond federal and state authority.”Federal courts have repeatedly rejected claims of immunity made by sovereign citizens.