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    in Soccer

    Why Marc Guehi’s Ivorian passport could be key to Newcastle and Chelsea missing out on transfer

    MARC GUEHI’S new Ivorian passport could spell an end to Chelsea and Newcastle’s pursuit.Since Brexit, British players are now considered non-EU citizens, prompting Jude Bellingham to apply for an Irish passport ahead of his move to Real Madrid.Marc Guehi has fast risen to become a leader at Crystal PalaceHe is also a key man for England with consistent top performancesCredit: GettyChelsea will get a fee if Palace were to sell him this summerCredit: GettyGuehi’s decision to renew his Ivorian passport which he qualifies for through his dad falls under the Cotonou Agreement.This agreement allows players with African nationality to be regarded as Spanish nationals, giving them a distinct advantage for La Liga clubs.Spanish sides are restricted to just three non-EU players in their matchday squads.Guehi, 24, has just one year left on his deal with interest from Newcastle, Chelsea, and Tottenham.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS But Real Madrid and Barcelona have also kept tabs on his progress – and the lure of a dream move to Spain could prove too much.Chelsea have a sell-on clause that will allow them to get a fee for the defender they sold to the Eagles in 2021 and they wouldn’t want him to leave on a free.Last summer, the Eagles turned down a fee reported to be in the region of £65million for the defender but with just a season left on his deal chairman Steve Parish has a decision to make.Guehi, who was born in the Ivory Coast, moved to Lewisham when he was just one year old.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAs with most kids with dual nationality, he could benefit from holding two passports.Especially with Spanish teams limited to just three non-EU players in their matchday squads, this development could give him an edge if he decides to run down his contract and move to Spain next summer.Diehard Crystal Palace fan with arm in sling goes viral after using his HEAD to clap FA Cup heroes at WembleyPalace signed Guehi from Chelsea for an initial £18million four years ago, and his rapid rise has seen him become a key figure.The Eagles are well aware that he could move on, and they have a history of selling young talents for the right price. More

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    in Soccer

    Eberechi Eze in FA Cup final transfer audition with Arsenal, Man City and Tottenham all targeting move

    CRYSTAL PALACE’S Eberechi Eze could be auditioning for a move to Manchester City in the FA Cup final.The 26-year-old delivered a masterclass in the semi-final, scoring a stunning goal to lead his side to a 3–0 victory over Aston Villa.Eze is the star man of the Palace team going into the FA CUP finalCredit: GettyThe midfielder gets on very well with Palace manager Oliver GlasnerCredit: GettyThe Crystal Palace midfielder is rising star in English footballCredit: PAHis performance not only secured Palace a place in the final against Pep Guardiola’s side but also reignited transfer speculation linking him with several Premier League giants.Throughout this campaign, the midfielder has been a standout performer for Palace, recording 12 goals and 11 assists.SunSport understands that Eze has long been on the radar of top clubs, including Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, and Arsenal, all of whom have expressed interest in acquiring his services.Tottenham Hotspur in particular are believed to hold a strong advantage in the race for Eze.READ MORE NEWS However, with Kevin De Bruyne’s future imminent exit Guardiola’s side may suddenly find themselves in need of a midfielder with Eze’s skill set and Premier League experience.Sources suggest Eze is determined to play Champions League football and will take his time in deciding his next move.Arsenal have also been monitoring Eze’s progress. While not as aggressive in their pursuit, the Gunners are reportedly keeping a close eye on his situation.As the transfer window approaches, Eze’s future remains uncertain however, a decisive performance in the FA Cup final would undoubtedly increase his stock.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKLast summer, Crystal Palace turned down several offers from Newcastle for defender Marc Guehi.But the centre-back is entering the final year of his contract – and is prepared to run it down to land a dream transfer to Real Madrid or Barcelona.Man City drop Jack Grealish transfer hint as they launch stunning new kit for Club World CupPalace are well aware that Eze has been incredibly professional, staying loyal when Michael Olise left for Bayern Munich and has since established himself as a key figure under Oliver Glasner.But this summer will test chairman Steve Parish’s resolve. More

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    in Soccer

    Dean Huijsen completes £50m Real Madrid transfer on five-year contract as Bournemouth say goodbye in classy statement

    DEAN HUIJSEN has completed his £50million move to Real Madrid. SunSport were the first to reveal the LaLiga giant’s interest in the Dutch-born Spanish international back in January. Dean Huijsen has completed his £50million move to Real MadridCredit: Shutterstock EditorialBut they were joined by Chelsea, Manchester United and Newcastle in keeping tabs on Huijsen’s situation. The player always had his heart set on a return to Spain – having come through the Malaga academy as a youth player. And both Bournemouth and Madrid confirmed a deal had been struck. The Cherries said in a classy statement: “Everyone at AFC Bournemouth is looking forward to working with Dean for the remaining two games of the Premier League season, before he embarks on the next step of his career.”READ MORE IN football Madrid said: “Real Madrid CF and AFC Bournemouth have reached an agreement for the transfer of player Dean Huijsen, who remains tied to our club for the next five seasons, from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2030.”Huijsen also came through Juventus’ youth before eventually progressing into their first-team – also having a stint on loan with Roma. He signed for Bournemouth in July 2024 from Juventus and enjoyed a breakout Premier League season. Huijsen has made 34 appearances in total this season – scoring three league goals – and only missing seven club games. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe 6ft 6in defender has helped Andoni Iraola’s side climb to tenth in the table and impressed in the air as well as a solid tackler and interceptor. Huijsen pledged his international allegiance to Spain in 2024 – having moved there aged five with his family from the Netherlands. The centre-half has two senior caps while also playing from Under-17 to U21 level. Zirkzee to Inter?! Why Man Utd Flop Could Shine in Italy More

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    Fans spot horrified Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ‘face of regret’ as he watches Man Utd set humiliating record at Chelsea

    SIR JIM RATCLIFFE watched in horror at Chelsea as Manchester United set another embarrassing record. Ruben Amorim’s strugglers left Stamford Bridge beaten 1-0 thanks to a second-half Marc Cucurella header. Sir Jim Ratcliffe watched in horror at ChelseaCredit: GettyUnited broke yet another unwanted recordCredit: GettyIt puts Chelsea back up to fourth in the race for Champions League football next season. But for United, they went a club record EIGHT Prem games without a win – with owner Ratcliffe left grimacing in the Stamford Bridge stands. And fans reckon he had a face of regret as one said: “This is the moment he realised he has invested in the wrong club.”Another added: “The man has regretted investing in this club.”READ MORE IN football Ratcliffe – who became a minority shareholder in United in 2024 after previously being linked to a Chelsea takeover – has seen his season go from bad to worse. They sit 16th – two places above the relegation zone – and matched their all-time worst-ever tally for home league losses in a single season with 11. In January, they also lost six of their opening 12 leagues games in a season for the first time since the 1893-94 campaign.Amorim’s job appears safe for now as they prepare for a Europa League final against fellow flops Tottenham next Wednesday. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd the under-fire Old Trafford manager admitted defeat at Chelsea will help him decide who plays in Bilbao. Amorim said: “I won’t talk about the summer. How Europa League final will be decided – four key Man Utd vs Tottenham tactical battles”The good news is in the Europa League, we are scoring many goals. We will prepare for the Europa League game.”We have to deal with a lot of things in the summer, but today it was a really good game to prepare for the final. “If we put some players out in the feeling of the last game, almost 10 days without playing, it would be a mistake. “It was a good thing for them to play, that they feel they can do it, that we can have possession and can push the opponent. “In this club, you need to win and we are not winning games. It helped me a lot to choose the starting 11 for the final. So we’ll see.”Ruben Amorim looks dejected from the Stamford Bridge benchCredit: Alamy More

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    Arsenal left Eberechi Eze crying in his room for a whole week before becoming £60million Crystal Palace and England star

    EBERECHI EZE almost didn’t make it as a footballer.By the time he was 20, the midfield maestro had become “used to the feeling” of being released.Eberechi Eze is preparing to face Man City in the FA Cup finalCredit: GettyThe likes of Arsenal, Fulham, Reading and Millwall brushed him aside.But now, at the age of 26, he is considered among the best English players in the Premier League.His journey hasn’t been straightforward – but his setbacks have clearly made him stronger.And he is now preparing for an FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe ‘not so nice part’ of GreenwichEze grew up in a ‘not so nice part’ of Greenwich in London and first established his love for the beautiful game in a football cage on his estate.Speaking to The Independent in 2020, he explained: “It wasn’t the easiest life and you don’t have as much as other kids around you.”The first place we’d go after school is to the cage. We’d stay there till our parents called us in, not eating, playing all day and night.”There wasn’t really anything else to do. But that’s where the love comes from. Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”You don’t realise it’s actually how you’re learning your trade.”His talent would eventually set him apart from many of his peers, resulting in Eze being scouted by Arsenal while at secondary school.Ebereche Eze wins £15,000 in celebrity online chess tournament – and celebrates more than his Wembley FA Cup goalArsenal heartacheEze’s time with the Gunners did not last long and he was released at just 13 years old.The setback left him devastated – so much so that he was close to tears the next time he played against Arsenal during his spell at Fulham.After unsuccessful trial spells with several EFL clubs, Eze was signed by QPRHe recalled to The Independent: “I remember crying in my room for a solid week, my mum telling me that it’s going to be OK but not being able to get over it.”Then I went to Fulham and I was finally starting to enjoy my football again.”We played Arsenal a few months later but, when I went over to shake the academy manager’s hand, I started welling up. All the feelings came back.”Following a series of unsuccessful spells at Fulham, Reading, Millwall, Sunderland, Bristol City and Swansea, Eze almost gave up on his dream of becoming a professional footballer and even prepared to take a part-time job at Tesco.However, his sheer determination helped him to secure a place at Queens Park Rangers.QPR breakthroughWhile studying at college, Eze enjoyed a successful trial with QPR and impressed the club’s technical director, Chris Ramsey.He officially signed in August 2016 and made his first-team debut five months later in an FA Cup match against Blackburn Rovers.The midfielder enjoyed four years at QPRCredit: Getty Images – GettyThat was his only senior appearance that campaign and he went on to join Wycombe Wanderers on loan the following season.There, he made 22 appearances and scored five goals before returning and featuring regularly for the Hoops.In 112 outings for QPR, Eze scored 20 goals and provided 12 assists.Then, his Premier League dream came true.Crystal Palace move & England debutIn August 2020, the midfielder completed a £17million move to Crystal Palace.He made his debut two weeks later against Southampton in the opening match of the Premier League season and scored his first goal – a free kick – a few months later.Eze has established himself as a fan favourite at Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyThe 26-year-old has scored 38 goals for Palace so farCredit: AlamyEze earned his first England call-up in 2023Credit: GettyEze quickly established himself as a fan-favourite and became one of the club’s most-important players.The 26-year-old has 38 Palace goals and 28 assists to his name from 164 appearances.He was also handed his first England cap in 2023 as a result of his impressive form.And now he is valued at around £60m, with some of England’s biggest clubs interested in a transfer.Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham have all expressed an interest.SunSport understands Crystal Palace are open to letting him leave this summer in order to fund a squad overhaul.Final countdownWith his future at the club up in the air, Eze will be eager to potentially end his time at Selhurst Park on a high by winning the FA Cup.The England international scored once to help Palace to a 3-0 win over Aston Villa in the semi-final last month.And he is set to start when the Eagles face Man City in the final at Wembley.Read More on The SunFrom the ‘not so nice part’ of Greenwich to Wembley, it’s been quite the journey for Eze so far…And the best is likely yet to come.Eze is now being linked with a huge transferCredit: Getty More

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    in Motorsport

    Formula E CEO says Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton wouldn’t instantly win races as SunSport goes behind the scenes

    JEFF DODDS says Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton would struggle to win races in Formula E right away. Dodds is the CEO of the radical motor sport series paving the way for the future, with cars all powered by electricity. This season’s FE cars are now accelerating to 100 kilometres in 1.8 seconds, which is 30 per cent faster than F1 carsFormula E CEO Jeff Dodds says within five-years FE cars will be beating F1 cars around MonacoFour-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen could one day dip his toes in Formula EGermany’s Maximilian Gunther won in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia this seasonSunSport’s F1 reporter Isabelle Barker went behind-the-scenes at the double-header in Tokyo this weekend to see what the series is all about. In an exclusive interview with SunSport, Dodds says “never say never” to four-time world F1 champion Verstappen one day burning rubber in an electric car. When asked if Hamilton or Verstappen would have instant success in the series, he said: “I’m almost sure they wouldn’t because driving the cars are different.“It isn’t a natural translation from driving a petrol car, a combustion car, to driving an electric car. READ MORE IN SPORT“We have to regenerate our battery, so we’re braking and slowing to put power back into the battery. They accelerate differently, the gearing is different.”Dodds is good pals with Red Bull driver Verstappen, who has made it clear that he wants to dip his toes in other areas of motor racing in the future. The Dutchman recently used a fake name of ‘Franz Hermann’ to shatter the Nurburgring lap record in a Ferrari. Dodds added: “I know Max, I’m a massive fan of Max. He’s a generational talent. Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”If Max came across and stuck at it for a few years, I think there’s a very good chance he’d be the best Formula E driver ever.“But he wouldn’t show up and be the best Formula E driver ever instantly. Sergio Aguero takes up new sport aged 36 and Man City legend will compete against Brooklyn Beckham“There’s too many of the most talented drivers in the world that have been racing these cars for years.“Max and I have spoken a few times. I had a bet on Max last year, which was pretty well publicised that he would win the title. “It came through but he and I decided to give the money in equal parts to his charity. “Max just loves to race, anything with an engine, motor or even sim racing. “He loves to race, he loves to win, he’s a generational talent. He’s being paid an awful lot of money to race in F1. “He’s unlikely to give up his chance at becoming an eight time world champion and that money simply to go and try something else.“The only thing I would say with Max is, never say never because he doesn’t follow the rules.“If anyone was going to say, ‘hey, screw this, I just want to go and try something else’ it could be Max. He’s very much his own man.”HORSE-POWEREx F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone has been heavily critical of FE and once described the cars as “lawnmowers”. This season’s cars are now accelerating to 100 kilometres in 1.8 seconds, which is 30 per cent faster than F1 cars. The series obviously has sustainability and location on its side with races held in some of the world’s most breathtaking cities from Mexico City to Tokyo, London, Monaco and more. For a UK motor sport fan the cost of a FE weekend is enough to lure you in, with a grandstand pass for a double-header weekend in Berlin at just £104, for example.Or you can bag a one day grandstand ticket with a hotel included from £100 – £124 depending on the Saturday or Sunday race day. To put that into perspective with F1, a grandstand weekend ticket at Silverstone can cost a whopping £309 to £909. CAN HEAR A PIN DROP The elephant in the room though and of the greatest traits that sets F1 apart from other sports is the ear-piercing sounds of V12 and V10 engines. Which makes the sound, or lack thereof in electric cars a hot topic in FE and something die-hard motor sport fans continue to scoff at. But the old-school, predominantly male fan-base is not the market which FE is targeting, with half of the fan base being women. The sound is similar to a high-pitched whirring noise and there are benefits to the quieter atmosphere. Races are able to take place sometimes smack bang in the middle of the world’s best cities. You can also hear every crunch and clank when the cars collide, which makes crashes all the more dramatic. And there have been plenty of crashes at that, just not fiery ones due to the lack of fuel.Also the prime locations mean for a race like Tokyo you can hop on the subway and travel just a few stops to the Big Sight centre where the race is held.F1 fans may be haunted with flashbacks to sitting in hours of traffic en route to Silverstone or Spa in the peeing down rain for the Belgian Grand Prix. NEW AUDIENCE Dodds said: “We have about 400 million fans around the world. Half of them male, half of them female. “That’s very unusual for motor sport, and half of them are under the age of 40.“The reason we attract a slightly different audience is because we don’t bring all of that tradition and history that comes with maybe F1 or Indy car. “The cars are ridiculously fast. The quality of racing is very high impact, very wheel-to-wheel.“It’s all thrills, all spills. There’s an enormous amount of activity you can go and do, music concerts.“It’s family day out but the quality of racing that underpins it is absolutely top class. “You can hear each other speak. You don’t get drowned out or burst your eardrums.”GREEN FLAGOne thing that makes you sit up and take note is that the entire FE paddock, including all the teams, for the whole season is less than the emissions for one whole F1 team for a season. There are typically no pit stops, because the drivers don’t change tyres, for the sake of sustainability.The tyres are are all-weather for sustainability reasons so need to perform on sizzling hot tracks like Jakarta as well as street tracks and in the rain. Race teams only bring with them two sets for a single header while F1 teams can take around 12-13 different sets for a weekend. Dodds added: “Everything we do is zero emission. So not only do you get to watch an amazing race, you get to look in the mirror and feel good about it.”STAR STUDDED LINE UPCurrently the most well known name in the series is former F1 driver Nyck de Vries who competed for Williams and Alpha Tauri. But the series has attracted the likes of Hamilton’s former Mercedes teammate turned rival Nico Rosberg, Dodds added: “I’m not sure if Lewis Hamilton retires and then decides he wants to come and do a couple of seasons in Formula E. “It might bring Lewis Hamilton fans to come and have a look. I don’t think it’s transformative for our sport.”There is one more season of the current car but next year the series’ new car will be launched which is set to have twice the power. Dodds added: “I’m very confident that within five years, around Monaco, our cars will be beating F1 cars. “That might not translate immediately to more popularity because I don’t think you can just rewrite history.Read More on The Sun“You can’t erase, and neither should we, Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Alain Prost and Emerson Fittipaldi.”You can’t erase McLaren and Mercedes’ history in F1, there’s a legacy that comes with that and so it should, but our technology will surpass it, there’s no question about it.” More

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    F1 star Pierre Gasly left horrified after running over RABBIT during Imola Grand Prix practice

    FORMULA ONE star Pierre Gasly suffered damage to his Alpine F1 car after hitting a RABBIT during first practice at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.The Frenchman was the shock package of Friday practice at Imola as he backed up his sixth-quickest time from FP1. Pierre Gasly suffered damage to his Alpine F1 car after hitting a rabbitHe ended the day with the third-fastest time in FP2, just 0.276s behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri.But Gasly suffered a bizarre setback in the first practice session when he accidentally hit a rabbit – which caused damage to the front wing and floor of his Alpine.He said: “Very sadly, I couldn’t tell if it was a small cat or a big rabbit – it turned out it was a big rabbit – just jumping across the track.“I couldn’t avoid it so I had quite a big impact on the front wing, which, unfortunately that was it for the rabbit and for the front wing it was not ideal.READ MORE F1 NEWS“Not the end of the session we wanted.”Asked how much damage was done, Gasly replied: “I must say it’s quite unfortunate. “Obviously we always try to look after our parts and do the best job we can, so when such things happen it’s not great.“Quite a bit of damage on the front wing and the floor but the guys managed to do great work to repair it. Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But I think we could have done without it.”Despite the sad rabbit strike, it was the “best Friday of the year” for Gasly, who was a surprise third, ahead of George Russell’s Mercedes, Max Verstappen’s Red Bull and both Ferraris.Lewis Hamilton fumes ‘have a tea break while you’re at it’ at Ferrari staff and refuses to apologise in Miami GP bust-upHe said: “It’s been a very, very good Friday. From the first lap, I could tell the car was in a much better place than in Miami.“I’m glad we managed to answer some of the question marks we had after the last race. Very pleased with the feeling in the car.“The car reacts the way I want and I’m really able to be at the limit and push it to the maximum, so it’s a nice feeling and the performance is there.“We know from Friday to Saturday others usually keep a bit more in the pocket but I think it’s quite fair to say it’s probably been the best Friday of the year.”Frenchman Gasly races for AlpineCredit: Alamy More

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    Crystal Palace face battle with David Beckham’s Salford for non-league winger Bright Siaw who’s branded ‘next Doku’

    CRYSTAL PALACE are pushing to sign one of the top rising stars of non-league football.But they could face competition for his signature from David Beckham and Gary Neville. Bright Siaw is a transfer target for Premier League and Championship clubsCredit: X / Barnet FCThe youngster signed his first pro contract at Barnet in MarchCredit: X / Barnet FCThe 18-year-old winger has been compared to Jeremy DokuCredit: X / Barnet FCThe Eagles hope to confirm their spot in next season’s Europa League by winning Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City. Oliver Glasner will then look to bolster his squad to strengthen for their campaign in Europe.But the South Londoners are also fighting to keep hold of some of their star men – including skipper Marc Guehi and talisman Eberechi Eze.Now SunSport can exclusively reveal they are hoping to seal a deal to land a teenage sensation.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCrystal Palace sent scouts to watch Barnet youngster Bright Siaw in action – and were impressed by what they saw as they plot a swoop. The 18-year-old winger also has interest from another big Premier League club, Championship sides including Eze’s former team QPR and even abroad. Salford City are also tracking his progress after taking a look, too. A deal to the Premier League or Championship is more likely to be struck at the end of the 2025-26 campaign, giving him another year to develop at Barnet.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSiaw has had his style of wing play compared to Manchester City wide man Jeremy Doku.He signed his first professional one-year contract with the Bees in March – having made his first-team debut in the FA Trophy in December. ‘Raiders of The Selhurst Park’ – Bidding war for Guehi and Eze imminient?Siaw, who can also play at wing-back, then headed to Isthmian League South Central Division side Southall FC on loan to get experience in senior football. But with Barnet securing promotion back into the EFL as National League champions, the Ghanaian who grew up in North London is hoping to get minutes in League Two next season. A source told SunSport: “Bright is a direct winger, pacey and powerful.“He’s not a typical modern-day football, he’s very old school.“He is the next non-league talent that will be on the move.”Siaw will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Jamie Vardy, who Leicester famously signed from non-league Fleetwood for a record-breaking £1million in 2012. Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner may view Siaw as a long-term replacement for Eberechi EzeCredit: GettySalford owners Gary Neville and David Beckham could sign the teenagerCredit: Getty More