More stories

  • in

    England star’s limited edition Bentley Continental could be yours for £70,000 and is one of only 710 ever produced

    FOOTBALL fans have the chance to live like an England superstar after captain Harry Kane put his Bentley on sale.And the stunning limited edition motor could be theirs for just under £70,000.Bayern Munich superstar Harry Kane has put his Bentley Continental up for saleCredit: C.Neocleous and Auto Trader
    England captain Kane’s ride is now up for grabs for £69,995Credit: C.Neocleous and Auto Trader
    Kane’s limited edition beauty is only one of 710 ever producedCredit: C.Neocleous and Auto Trader
    Kane is enjoying a stunning season with BayernCredit: PAThe Three Lions’ record goalscorer is flogging his white Bentley Continental on Auto Trader.This limited edition beauty is only one of 710 ever produced and has previously been photographed pulling up to the England captain’s London home after his daughter’s birth.It comes with an eight-speaker audio system, heated and ventilated seats with massage function, an electric rear spoiler and 21-inch Black alloy wheels as well as 25,400 miles on the clock. And the swanky car could end up belonging to a lucky fan in the near future.Read More on FootballThat’s if they can part with £69,995.Auto Trader editorial director Erin Baker said: “It’s not every day that a car with such star appeal comes onto the market. “Harry Kane’s former Bentley Continental is a rare example of luxury craftsmanship, and with its celebrity connection, it’s sure to turn heads. “With over 80million visits to our site each month, we expect this unique vehicle to attract plenty of attention from football fans and car enthusiasts alike.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBayern Munich star Kane, 31, is back on England duty ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.Thomas Tuchel’s side take on the Albanians on Friday and the Latvians on Monday – both fixtures take place at Wembley.BBC pundit names England’s long-term successor to Harry Kane after Premier League star’s ‘bullying’ performance Kane has once again been in fine form this season with a whopping total of 32 goals and 11 assists in 37 appearances.And the Tottenham legend is likely to finally break his trophy duck with Bayern top of the Bundesliga table with six points separating them from second-placed Bayer Leverkusen. More

  • in

    Model pupil Ethan Nwaneri handed in HOMEWORK on morning after Arsenal debut and scored 98 per cent on maths test

    ETHAN NWANERI is not one for unnecessary fuss or over-the-top celebrations.Less than 24 hours after becoming the Prem’s youngest player – making his Arsenal debut on Sunday September 18, 2022 aged 15 years and 181 days off the bench at Brentford – he was handing in GCSE English homework at St John’s Senior School in Enfield.Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri continues to focus on schoolCredit: GettyArsenal’s Nwaneri scored 98 per cent in a maths’ test for his school entrance examsCredit: Jamie McPhilimeyNwaneri handed in GCSE English homework right after his historic Arsenal debutCredit: Jamie McPhilimeyNwaneri spent time diligently studying in hotel rooms alongside Myles Lewis-SkellyCredit: GettyTeacher Elle Bewley revealed: “I’m not joking, he just walked into school on Monday, gave me his homework, sat down and got on with it. No discussion, no distraction. Nothing.”So, it is no surprise that Nwaneri will not be celebrating his 18th birthday on Friday like any normal teenager would. Instead, he is part of Lee Carsley’s England Under-21 camp taking on France in Lorient.The Hale End wonderboy – already with eight goals across all competitions in his breakthrough season under boss Mikel Arteta – is now technically a man.This landmark day also means he can finally get changed in the same dressing room as Arsenal’s seniors at the Emirates and their London Colney training base – safeguarding restrictions prevented him from doing so until now.Read More on ArsenalBut those that know Nwaneri best will tell you he has been a wise old head on young shoulders for some time, such is his eye-catching maturity and humble personality.It is assumed he gets that from his father, a guiding figure in his life on and off the pitch so far.At the Under-17 European Championships in Hungary back in May 2023, Nwaneri spent time diligently studying in hotel rooms – alongside pal and fellow academy grad Myles Lewis-Skelly – for his GCSE exams as his father had warned that education comes before football.At St John’s, he would ask teachers for extra revision papers to take home. For a GCSE English spoken language project, he avoided basing it on football, instead researching and presenting it on conspiracy theories.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesHis speciality was mathematics, scoring 98 per cent in his school entrance exams. His headteacher Alexander Tardios commented: “He is a very academic boy. He could have easily ended up at King’s College or UCL.”Nwaneri would order Ubers from London Colney back to his school to ensure he did not miss any tests.Ethan Nwaneri’s rise at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta’s guiseAnd on days off, Nwaneri would have childhood friend Lewis-Skelly – who lived nearby – cycle over so they could get in some extra training.Even now, as a first-team regular, he has remained down-to-earth. After training, he is often seen waiting in the car park to be picked up while his team-mates drive off in luxury sports cars.Nwaneri was first introduced to the Arsenal fans as an eight-year-old in May 2015 when the Under-9s were paraded around the pitch at half-time of a 4-1 Premier League victory over West Brom.I’m not joking, he just walked into school on Monday, gave me his homework, sat down and got on with it. No discussion, no distraction. Nothing.Nwaneri’s teacher, after his Arsenal debutFour-and-a-half years later, a 12-year-old Nwaneri was on the radar of newly-appointed manager Arteta. The Spaniard asked academy coach Dan Micciche for videos of his progress.Soon, Nwaneri was training with boys much his senior, scoring on his Arsenal Under-18s debut aged 14 having played for the Under-14s aged 12.He was also encouraged to play in numerous positions to enhance his development, toughen him up: No10, a left-sided No8, a centre-forward and winger.’Continues to develop’Ex-Arsenal midfielder Steve Morrow was the Gunners’ head of youth development when Nwaneri arrived at Hale End after a brief stint in Chelsea’s youth set-up.Morrow told SunSport: “We always had that philosophy that the players needed to be at a level where they were being more challenged than their actual age group.“The traits that he had from 11 and 12 years old, you still see. That balance, that drop of the shoulder, that power, that acceleration. How he is so direct as well.“It’s incredible how all those super-strengths that he had have continued to develop.Arsenal ratings vs ChelseaARSENAL collected three points at the Emirates with a comfortable display as they fight to keep their fading title hopes alive.“Going down to Hale End and watching him on a Sunday, he was scoring goals for fun every week with pure skill and intelligence and technique, not just physical qualities.“He didn’t always play wide, he often played centrally. That really helped his development because it gave him spacial awareness of what was going on around him.Seizing his chance“It is quite rare for young players to be such good decision-makers. He had it early and you can see it today. Ethan can go as far as he wishes.“Sometimes you see players that you think have similar levels of talent but it’s always the ones that have the right attitude, character and focus, the ones who are brave and able to deal with disappointments, who make it.”At the end of his scholarship year in the summer of 2023, he was linked with a move back to Chelsea, with Manchester United and Manchester City also sniffing around, but eventually committed to the club with his first senior contract signed in March 2024.It has paid off, seizing his chance with Bukayo Saka out for three months this term following hamstring surgery in December, shining both in the Prem and the Champions League so far.It is quite rare for young players to be such good decision-makers. He had it early and you can see it today. Ethan can go as far as he wishes.Steve MorrowCurrent Under-18s coach Adam Birchall said: “We treated him like any other person. And the parents were outstanding in understanding the importance of that.“That’s such a key thing, because it really helped in values — in everything, as people.READ MORE SUN STORIES“What I’ve seen throughout is [Nwaneri’s] application to be the best he can be, that mentality, just being relentless.“That’s what being a Strong Young Gunner is all about — that real strength as a person and understanding yourself to be able to go into that environment.” More

  • in

    F1 TV coverage 2025: Where can I watch free-to-air Formula One in the UK?

    FORMULA ONE is BACK for another year of action – and UK fans will be able to watch ALL the action!Lewis Hamilton has switched Mercedes for the famous red of Ferrari ahead of the 2025 season, as he aims to win an historic eighth world title.Lewis Hamilton will drive for Ferrari in 2025 after signing a mega deal to move from MercedesCredit: Frank Augstein, FileLando Norris finished runner up in the 2024 Drivers ChampionshipCredit: Darko Bandic, FileLando Norris of McLaren will be hoping to deny Hamilton and four-time world champion Max Verstappen and go one better than last season and win the Drivers’ Championship.2025 promises to be memorable, and SunSport has everything you need to know to see all of the action in 2025.How to watch F1 for FREE in the UKF1 will still broadcast live from Sky Sport F1 every weekend, but fans can watch all the action for FREE in the UK.While it won’t be live, fans can watch highlights of the action on Channel 4 and Sky Sports YouTube channel after the races have finished.The deal between Sky and Channel 4 also means that fans in the UK can enjoy FREE LIVE COVERAGE of the Silverstone Grand Prix in July 2025.Alternatively, SunSport will blog select races throughout the season.Driver line-upsMcLaren: Lando Norris / Oscar PiastriRead more F1Ferrari: Lewis Hamilton / Charles LeclercRed Bull: Max Vertsappen / Liam LawsonMercedes: George Russell / Andrea Kimi AntonelliAston Martin: Lance Stroll / Fernando AlonsoMost read in MotorsportAlpine: Pierre Gasly / Jack DoohanHaas: Esteban Ocon / Oliver BearmanRacing Bulls: Yuku Tsunoda / Isack HadjarWilliams: Alex Albon / Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg / Gabriel BortoletoFull race scheduleRound One – AustraliaPractice one – Fri, Mar 14, 1:30am GMTPractice two – Fri, Mar 14, 5am GMTPractice three – Sat, Mar 15, 1:30am GMTQualifying – Sat, Mar 15, 5am GMTRace – Sun, Mar 16, 4am GMTWinner: Lando NorrisRound Two – China – Sprint weekendPractice one – Fri, Mar 21, 3:30am GMTSprint Qualifying – Fri, Mar 21, 7:30am GMTSprint – Sat, Mar 22, 3am GMTQualifying – Sat, Mar 22, 7am GMTRace – Sun, Mar 23, 7am GMTRound Three – JapanPractice one – Fri, Apr 4, 3:30am BSTPractice two – Fri, Apr 4, 7am BSTPractice three – Sat, Apr 5, 3:30am BSTQualifying – Sat, Apr 5, 7am BSTRace – Sun, Apr 6, 6am BSTRound Four – Bahrain Practice one – Fri, Apr 11, 12:30pm BSTPractice two – Fri, Apr 11, 4pm BSTPractice three – Sat, Apr 12, 1:30pm BSTQualifying – Sat, Apr 12, 5pm BSTRace – Sun, Apr 13, 4pm BSTRound Five – Saudi ArabiaPractice one – Fri, Apr 18, 2:30pm BSTPractice two – Fri, Apr 18, 6pm BSTPractice three – Sat, Apr 19, 2:30pm BSTQualifying – Sat, Apr 19, 6pm BSTRace – Sun, Apr 20, 6pm BSTRound Six – Miami – Sprint weekendPractice one – Fri, May 2, 5:30pm BSTSprint Qualifying- Fri, May 2 , 9:30pm BSTSprint – Sat, May 3, 5pm BSTQualifying – Sat, May 3, 9pm BSTRace – Sun, May 4, 9pm BSTRound Seven – Emilia-RomagnaPractice one – Fri, May 16, 12:30pm BSTPractice two – Fri, May 16, 4pm BSTPractice three – Sat, May 17, 11:30pm BSTQualifying – Sat, May 17, 3pm BSTRace – Sun, May 18, 2pm BSTRound Eight – MonacoPractice one – Fri, May 23, 12:30pm BSTPractice two – Fri, May 23, 4pm BSTPractice three – Sat, May 24, 11:30pm BSTQualifying – Sat, May 24, 3pm BSTRace – Sun, May 25, 2pm BSTRound Nine – SpainPractice one – Fri, May 30, 12:30pm BSTPractice two – Fri, May 30, 4pm BSTPractice three – Sat, May 31, 11:30pm BSTQualifying – Sat, May 31, 3pm BSTRace – Sun, Jun 1, 2pm BSTRound Ten – CanadaPractice one – Fri, Jun 13, 6:30pm BSTPractice two – Fri, Jun 13, 10pm BSTPractice three – Sat, Jun 14, 5:30pm BSTQualifying – Sat, Jun 14, 9pm BSTRace – Sun, Jun 15, 7pm BSTRound 11 – Austria Practice one – Fri, Jun 27, 12:30pm BSTPractice two – Fri, Jun 27, 4pm BSTPractice three – Sat, Jun 28, 11:30pm BSTQualifying – Sat, Jun 28, 3pm BSTRace – Sat, Jun 29, 2pm BSTRound 12 – SilverstonePractice one – Fri, Jul 4, 12:30pm BSTPractice two – Fri, Jul 4, 4pm BSTPractice three – Sat, Jul 5, 11:30pm BSTQualifying – Sat, Jul 5, 3pm BSTRace – Sun, Jul 6, 3pm BSTRound 13 – Belgium – Sprint weekendPractice one – Fri, Jul 25, 11:30pm BSTSprint Qualifying – Fri, Jul 25, 3:30pm BSTSprint – Sat, Jul 26 , 11am BSTQualifying – Sat, Jul 26, 3pm BST Race – Sun, Jul 27, 2pm BSTRound 14 – HungaryPractice one – Fri, Aug 1, 12:30pm BSTPractice two – Fri, Aug 1, 4pm BSTPractice three – Sat, Aug 2, 11:30am BSTQualifying – Sat, Aug 2, 3pm BSTRace – Sun, Aug 3, 2pm BSTRound 15 – NetherlandsPractice one – Fri, Aug 29, 11:30am BSTPractice two – Fri, Aug 29, 3pm BSTPractice three – Sat, Aug 30, 10:30am BSTQualifying – Sat, Aug 30, 2pm BSTRace – Sun, Aug 31, 2pm BSTRound 16 – ItalyPractice one – Fri, Sep 7, 12:30pm BSTPractice two – Fri, Sep 7, 4pm BSTPractice three – Sat, Sep 8, 11:30am BSTQualifying – Sat, Sep 8, 3pm BSTRace – Sun, Sep 9, 2pm BSTRound 17 – AzerbaijanPractice one – Fri, Sep 19, 9:30am BSTPractice two – Fri, Sep 19, 1pm BSTPractice three – Sat, Sep 20, 9:30am BSTQualifying – Sat, Sep 20, 1pm BSTRace – Sun, Sep 21, 12pm BSTRound 18 – Singapore Practice one – Fri, Oct 3, 10:30am BSTPractice two – Fri, Oct 3, 2pm BSTPractice three – Sat, Oct 4, 10:30am BSTQualifying – Sat, Oct 4, 2pm BSTRace – Sun, Oct 5, 1pm BSTRound 19 – United States – Sprint weekendPractice one – Fri, Oct 17, 6:30pm BSTSprint Qualifying – Fri, Oct 17, 10:30pm BSTSprint – Sat, Oct 18, 6pm BSTQualifying – Sat, Oct 18, 10pm BSTRace – Sun, Oct 19, 8pm BSTRound 20 – MexicoPractice one – Fri, Oct 24, 7:30pm BSTPractice two – Fri, Oct 24, 11pm BSTPractice three – Sat, Oct 25, 6:30pm BSTQualifying – Sat, Oct 25, 10pm BSTRace – Sun, Oct 26, 8pm GMTRound 21 – Brazil – Sprint weekendPractice one – Fri, Nov 7, 2:30pm GMTSprint Qualifying – Fri, Nov 7, 6:30pm GMTSprint – Sat, Nov 8, 2pm GMTQualifying – Sat, Nov 8, 6pm GMTRace – Sun, Nov 9, 5pm GMTRound 22 – Las Vegas Practice one – Fri, Nov 20, 12:30am GMTPractice two – Fri, Nov 20, 4am GMTPractice three – Sat, Nov 21, 12:30am GMTQualifying – Sat, Nov 21, 4am GMTRace – Sun, Nov 22, 4am GMTREAD MORE SUN STORIESRound 23 – Qatar – Sprint weekendPractice one – Fri, Nov 28, 1:30pm GMTSprint Qualifying – Fri, Nov 28, 5:30pm GMTSprint – Sat, Nov 29, 2pm GMTQualifying – Sat, Nov 29, 6pm GMTRace – Sun, Nov 30, 4pm GMTRound 24 – Abu Dhabi Practice one – Fri, Dec 5, 9:30am GMTPractice two – Fri, Dec 5, 1pm GMTPractice three – Sat, Dec 6, 10:30am GMTQualifying – Sat, Dec 6, 2pm GMTRace – Sun, Dec 7, 1pm GMT More

  • in

    F1 2025 drivers & teams CONFIRMED: Who will be on the grid this season?

    FORMULA ONE is back for another year – which means that new cars will be driven by new drivers for the new season.Lewis Hamilton has been the focal point of Formula One throughout the last 12 months, switching from the Silver Arrows of Mercedes to the famous red of Ferrari for 2025.Lewis Hamilton aims to win a record breaking eighth world titleCredit: ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGALando Norris (left) will be hoping to dethrone current world champion Max Verstappen (right)Credit: Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesHamilton’s departure left a seat open at the eight-time Constructors champions, filled by Kimi Antonelli.In total, there have been ten driver changes ahead of the 2025 season.Driver line-upsMcLaren: Lando Norris / Oscar PiastriFerrari: Lewis Hamilton / Charles LeclercRead more F1Red Bull: Max Vertsappen / Liam LawsonMercedes: George Russell / Andrea Kimi AntonelliAston Martin: Lance Stroll / Fernando AlonsoAlpine: Pierre Gasly / Jack DoohanMost read in MotorsportHaas: Esteban Ocon / Oliver BearmanRacing Bulls: Yuku Tsunoda / Isack HadjarWilliams: Alex Albon / Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg / Gabriel BortoletoHow many drivers have switched team ahead of the 2025 F1 season?There have been TEN driver changes ahead of the 2025 season, in one of the most hectic winters of all time.The most high profile switch was Lewis Hamilton, as he joined Ferrari from Mercedes, and Kimi Antonelli took his seat at the Silver Arrows.Carlos Sainz got the boot from the Prancing Horse, but his talents were too good to ignore, as Williams picked him up for the 2025 season.Max Verstappen has had a host of drivers pair with him, Sergio Perez was the most successful, but did not survive a poor 2024 season, which saw Red Bull drop the Constructors’ Championship.Liam Lawson took his place, and partners Max Verstappen.The unlikely pairing of Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon were split up for the 2025 season, with Jack Doohan joining Alpine, and Ocon joining Haas.Ocon is part of an all new line-up at Haas, as Oliver Bearman also joins him. Haas were not the only team to completely change, as Sauber sent Valterri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu packing for Nico Hulkenberg and Formula 2 winner Gabriel Bortoleto.There were calls for Yuki Tsunoda to take the second Red Bull seat, but he remains at their second team, Racing Bulls, with a new partner in Isack Hadjar. READ MORE SUN STORIESOnly McLaren and Aston Martin go into 2025 with the same drivers they went in 2024 with. How to watch F1 in 2025Formula One will come to viewers live on Sky Sports F1, as the broadcaster retains the rights to show the racing in the UK.However, there will be free highlights after the races have finished on Channel 4, or on the Sky Sports YouTube channel.Alternatively, SunSport will blog select races throughout the season. More

  • in

    F1 2025 prize money: How much do drivers earn for winning a race and are there any bonuses?

    FORMULA 1 has always been one of the most lucrative and glamorous sports around.It attracts a worldwide audience throughout its nine-month-long campaign and with that comes huge contracts and high-profile sponsorships for the drivers.The sport travels across the globe from Las Vegas to the Middle EastCredit: ReutersThe sport boasts the biggest names in racing, including Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.The pack are rewarded handsomely for their contributions throughout a season.Like most sportspeople contracted to sports teams, F1 drivers are on deals with there respective teams with an annual salary.Hamilton’s new deal with Ferrari is said to be worth more than £50million annually in 2025 and 2026.MOST READ IN F1But do Hamilton How much do drivers earn for winning a race and are there any bonuses? Drivers don’t directly receive prize money for for winning a race, regardless of standing. Instead, they will earn a significant bonuses on top of their base salary from their team if they win.The amount varies greatly depending on the driver, team, and performance – sometimes reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars per victory.Most read in MotorsportWho earns the most? Bonuses excluded, four-time world champion Max Verstappen land Hamilton lead the pack as the highest base earners.The Red Bull superstar driver, 27, reportedly earns £50million a year – a figure similar to seven-time champ Hamilton.Hamilton and Verstappen are two of the biggest names in the sport’s modern historyCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe rest of the top five makes up of McLaren’s Norris, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and Leclerc – all earning around £30million annually. More

  • in

    Thomas Tuchel blasts Gareth Southgate’s England as ‘more afraid to drop out of Euro 2024 than hungry to win it’

    THOMAS TUCHEL has claimed that England lacked “hunger” and “identity” at the European Championship last summer.The Three Lions reached the Euro 2024 final in July but failed to impress performance-wise throughout the tournament, leaving many fans disappointed.Thomas Tuchel gave a brutal assessment of England’s Euro 2024 campaignCredit: ITV SPORTTuchel claimed that Gareth Southgate’s England lacked ‘hunger’Credit: ReutersGareth Southgate stepped down as manager in the days that followed, putting an end to his eight-year spell at the helm.The 54-year-old was eventually replaced by Tuchel in October, although the German did not officially start his new role until January.Now, ahead of his first match in charge, Tuchel has given his damning verdict on England’s recent form.Asked by ITV Sport if England had a clear playing style during Euro 2024 last summer, the former Chelsea boss responded: “Not last summer, no.”READ MORE ON ENGLANDProbed on what was lacking, he continued: “The identity, the clarity, the rhythm, the repetition of patterns.”The freedom of player, the expression of player, the hunger.”They were more afraid to drop out of the tournament, in my observation, than having the excitement and hunger to win.”Tuchel was then asked what the missing piece was, to which he responded: “Excitement.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”The view that people feel that the team’s to beat. That we arrive with a group to beat.”That we know already when we arrive, once we qualified, everyone knows this is the team to beat.”Thomas Tuchel shares hug with Dan Burn and Lewis-Skelly as England stars arrive at St George’s Park for double-headerTuchel faces his first test with England on Friday.The Three Lions kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign against Albania at Wembley Stadium.They then host Latvia on Monday.Southgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024The human tuchENGLAND’S new boss Thomas Tuchel has announced his first squad – to mixed reaction. More

  • in

    Man Utd files: Ruben Amorim to go all out for £50m Jarrad Branthwaite transfer but Everton star sets strict condition

    MANCHESTER UNITED are facing a turbulent time, with troubles on and off the pitch.Keep up to date with the latest goings-on behind the scenes at Old Trafford with our Man Utd Files.LYING IN WAITEMANCHESTER United have targeted Jarrad Branthwaite to be their next defensive kingpin.But Ruben Amorim will have to win the Europa League and achieve Champions League football to prise the Everton ace out of Goodison this summer.United bosses have been hot on Branthwaite, 22, for more than a year and are ready to meet his £50m-plus valuation.Branthwaite, who made his England debut in the pre-Euro 2024 friendly against Bosnia, has not featured for the Three Lions since and was a surprise omission from Thomas Tuchel’s first squad.The Cumbrian-born defender is understood to be ready to consider the short journey from Merseyside for the profile a move to United would give him.But Branthwaite is determined that any move should be to a team playing in the Champions League, offering him a genuine showcase for his top-tier talents – and the opportunity to persuade Tuchel he should be in the World Cup mix.Spurs, whose season, like United’s, is now all about the Europa League, are potential rivals for Branthwaite’s signature.But the Old Trafford side believe they can get the deal over the line.Jarrad Branthwaite has cemented his place as a top Premier League playerBRANDON BACK ON TRACKFORMER United left-back Brandon Williams is looking to get his career back on track after a tough 12 months.Williams, 24, looked set for a golden future at Old Trafford after making 38 appearances for United under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the Covid-interrupted 2019-20 campaign.But his United career fizzled out with 14 matches the next season and just one more appearance either side of loan spells at Norwich and Ipswich before he was released when his contract expired last summer.This month, Williams pleaded guilty to dangerous driving after being caught speeding at 99mph in a 70 zone before a crash in August 2023, with a sentencing hearing scheduled for May.Yet a reflective Williams was able to talk about the highs and lows of being a professional footballer on the new “More than a Match” podcast in what seemed like a first step towards a better future.Senior United officials are aware of his difficulties off the pitch and would like nothing more than to see him back in football.Brandon Williams played a pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund in Las Vegas in 2023Credit: GettyMan Utd boss Ruben Amorim hails ‘perfect captain’ Bruno Fernandes after hat-trick heroics against Real Sociedad THE BIONIQ MANDIOGO Dalot would have had more than just Portugal’s Nations League quarter-final against Croatia to discuss with Cristiano Ronaldo this week – after teaming up with the one-time King of Old Trafford in a business venture.Dalot was announced as having made a €1million (£840,000) investment in nutritional supplement company Bioniq.Ronaldo was unveiled as a “major investor” in the company last year.Dalot says he has “created his own supplement routine, allowing him to vary his nutrient intake based on his performance goals”.To be fair, he has been a consistent performer in an inconsistent season for United, missing just one Prem game and making 45 appearances in all competitions.Diogo Dalot has teamed up with compatriot Cristiano RonaldoCredit: EPABLAME GAMEMAN United’s decision to raise season ticket prices by five per cent for fans aged 16-plus has not exactly gone down well.Even if all 52,000 current season ticket holders were working age adults – senior citizens will get an across the board 25 per cent reduction next term – it would raise only an extra £1.5m in revenues for the club.But failing to win the Europa League and missing out on Europe altogether will mean at least four fewer home games next season.A number of current season ticket holders exercised their “opt out” on European ties but every game at Old Trafford sees United bank more than £5m – and the quarter-final first leg against Lyon next month will be their sixth match in the competition this term.JOB LOTUNITED may be in turmoil on and off the pitch but that has not changed the tone of the club’s upbeat job adverts – despite a planned second wave of mass redundancies.While a total of 450 jobs wil be shed as part of the club’s cost-cutting drive, United are actually hiring a head of sports nutrition.And the upbeat tone of the ad still makes United’s Carrington training ground a fun place to work.The club boasts: “At Manchester United, we believe that excellence on the pitch starts with excellence off the pitch.“Our team thrives in a high-performance environment, united by a shared passion for success.“We aim to elevate the standard of performance through collaboration and continuous growth, creating a space where everyone can contribute their best to our common goals.“We work together at our iconic Manchester United offices, enabling connection and innovation as we look ahead to what we can achieve as a global football club. “We are excited to bring in passionate people who share our vision and drive for success.”Despite showing the door to hundreds of loyal workers in the past 12 months, the ad continues: “Here at Manchester United, we place great emphasis on a culture of connection, respect, and teamwork.” More

  • in

    Forgotten Premier League star, 36, who played over 200 times linked with shock takeover of non-league club

    NATIONAL LEAGUE club Gateshead have been linked with a shocked takeover move by Victor Anichebe.The former Everton and Sunderland ace is reportedly heading a consortium to buy the club.Ex-Everton star Victor Anichebe is reportedly leading a consortium to buy GatesheadCredit: GettyGateshead have been owned by fans since 2019Credit: GettySupporters have owned Gateshead since 2019 after they were relegated to the sixth tier due to financial irregularities.The Heed then returned to the National League under the guidance of ex-Newcastle star Mike Williamson, also guiding them to a win in the FA Trophy.However, the club could soon be in line for a change of management.It comes after a report from the Chronicle claiming Anichebe was considering a takeover.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe retired 36-year-old has been spotted at several matches at the Gateshead International Stadium.Anichebe had spells at Everton, West Brom and Sunderland, scoring 38 goals in 250 games for the three clubs, including 27 Premier League goals from 204 appearances.Speculation over a deal first came to light following a claim by Yeovil manager Mark Cooper when he alleged someone had agreed a deal with his player Frank Nouble to join Gateshead.He said: “Frank wanted to go to Gateshead. Somebody from Gateshead approached him that we’ve now found out, has no influence or doesn’t own the football club.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”I think this person did a deal with Frank’s agent, which obviously unsettled Frank. “Which it would do because he had a good deal going to Gateshead. And then, it went quiet. We then found out that there was no deal.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers”The person doing the deal with Frank’s agent and Frank had no jurisdiction to do the deal, because as far as I’m aware he doesn’t yet own Gateshead.”Really disappointing from Gateshead’s side of it and feel sorry for Frank really, but he wanted to go.”He made it clear he wanted to go and play for Gateshead, we granted that wish, but it’s fell through, so we’ll wait to see what happens.”But the club are remaining tight-lipped on any potential deal.The Chronicle report the club responded with a “no comment” reply when asked about the takeover.SunSport have contacted the club for comment.Who are these famous footballers? More