![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-300x200.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
Chelsea have agreed a £35m deal with Atletico Madrid to sign Spanish forward Samu Omorodion, and the 20-year-old is set to have a medical. (Fabrizio Romano)
The £35m agreed with Atletico is 15m more than the £20m Chelsea were expected to pay for Omorodion. (Chronicle NG)
West Ham are interested in England right-back Kieran Trippier, with the 33-year-old’s future at Newcastle yet to be decided. (Telegraph – subscription required)
Manchester United might tempt Burnley and Norway midfielder Sander Berge, 26, to Old Trafford by offering him a £100,000-a-week contract. (Sun)
Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi is expected by Real Sociedad to accept a move to Liverpool, although the clubs still need to agree a deal for the 25-year-old. (Athletic – subscription required)
West Ham are interested in Chelsea‘s English defender Trevoh Chalobah, 26, and 35-year-old Germany centre-back Mats Hummels, who is a free agent after leaving Borussia Dortmund. (Sky Sports)
Crystal Palace are also eyeing Chelsea defender Chalobah, and looking at French Wolfsburg defender Maxence Lacroix, 24, as a centre-back option. (Telegraph – subscription required)
Chelsea have been contacted by Rangers over a potential loan for 19-year-old academy midfielder Leo Castledine. Aberdeen are also interested in the Englishman. (FootballScotland)
Chelsea and Albania striker Armando Broja will hold talks with manager Enzo Maresca to figure out his future. Everton and Wolves are among those interested in the 22-year-old. (Mail)
Liverpool are still interested in Germany and Hoffenheim forward Maximilian Beier, but the 21-year-old wants to join Borussia Dortmund and is in talks with the Bundesliga club. (Sky Germany)
Southampton have received an offer from Hoffenheim for 22-year-old defender Armel Bella-Kotchap. The Saints have already rejected an £8.6m offer from Stuttgart. (Sky Germany)
Aston Villa defender Lucas Digne has rejected a proposal to join Galatasaray. The 31-year-old Frenchman is expected to remain with Villa. (Athletic – subscription required)
Brentford are close to signing 24-year-old Sweden midfielder Jens Cajuste on loan from Napoli. (Sky Sports)
Fiorentina have been in contact over a potential deal with former Spain and Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, 33. (Football Italia)
Valencia appear to have withdrawn from negotiations over 21-year-old Spanish midfielder Javi Guerra’s proposed move to Atletico Madrid. (Athletic – subscription required)
Leicester City have made an enquiry with Ajax over the availability of 26-year-old Netherlands forward Steven Bergwijn. (Fabrizio Romano)
