Philippa Kaur

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    Kevin de Bruyne opens door to shock Premier League transfer – here’s why he could play for any club in top flight

    IT seems Kevin De Bruyne isn’t ready to leave the Premier League just yet — and nor does any English football lover want to say goodbye.So, is there a single club in the top flight who wouldn’t benefit from signing the Belgian genius on a free this summer?Kevin de Bruyne has opened the door to shock Premier League transferCredit: GettyDe Bruyne announced he was leaving City on Instagram at the start of the monthManchester City’s GOAT has been sent to the knacker’s yard by Pep Guardiola but De Bruyne doesn’t sound as if he is heading for filthy-rich semi-retirement in some socially backward nation such as Saudi Arabia or Trumpland.It was telling De Bruyne stopped to be interviewed by reporters after Saturday’s 2-0 win at Everton and his message was clear — ‘I can still play at this level’ and ‘I’m open for anything’.A move to Serie A, where veterans are welcomed, or the Bundesliga, where he was voted Footballer of the Year while at Wolfsburg in 2014-15 — his final season before joining City — feels more likely than a stay in the Premier League.But there was none of the usual, ‘City is in my heart, I could never play against them’ yadda yadda from De Bruyne.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd why should there be when the club he has graced for a decade didn’t offer him so much as a one-year contract with a pay cut? So surely somebody in the Premier League will make De Bruyne a serious offer to stay in England, where he is settled with his young family?The problem is that KDB turns 34 in June, while recruitment chiefs and analysts are all obsessed with youth and resale value.De Bruyne’s sublime passing ability and immense trophy-winning experience don’t fit in with the ‘projects’ and ‘policies’ of most top-flight clubs, where too many boardroom suits are desperate to prove themselves the  smartest men in any room.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThere won’t be many plaudits handed out for the no-brainer of signing an obviously wonderful player on a free.All of City’s current rivals for Champions League football should be in the running for De Bruyne — Aston Villa, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and even Chelsea — the club which ditched him as a youngster and currently have the most dogmatic, ageist transfer policy of all.Man City legend Kevin De Bruyne talks about his contract situation at the club De Bruyne’s form has dipped during City’s struggling seasonHe might not play every week and those clubs might all have attacking midfielders with similar profiles — although none possess the same visionary passing range.But great players can always play together and any club competing in Europe needs a serious range of options.Most unlikely but intriguing, of all would be De Bruyne performing a ‘reverse Tevez’ and heading to Manchester United — where chaos reigns and the Belgian’s quiet authority would be a boon.Yet when asked about the player last week, Ruben Amorim spoke about his abilities in the past tense and wished him all the best for “the rest of his life”.And if it wasn’t for all of his medals, wouldn’t De Bruyne be an archetypal Spurs player?Or what about Everton, with David Moyes needing some creative spark as he looks towards a new stadium and a brave new world?De Bruyne has won the lot with Manchester CityMoyes is old school enough to recognise the value of experience.Or perhaps even Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, who worked with De Bruyne at City, would fancy a pop?Guardiola is usually a pretty good judge of when a player has reached the end of his shelf-life — the £47.5million sale of Raheem Sterling to Chelsea felt like a huge gamble at the time but he has been proved correct.Maybe he’s right again with De Bruyne, whose fitness record has been patchy in recent seasons.Read More on The SunOr maybe KDB can find a new home in England and come back to haunt City?All it needs is for somebody in the Premier League to find the ‘imagination’ to do the bleeding obvious and then we can find out.Guardiola is usually a pretty good judge of when a player has reached the end of his shelf-life More

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    Tottenham 1 Nottingham Forest 2: Nuno’s men take huge step towards Champions League as Spurs suffer further humiliation

    NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO will have dreamt of delivering Champions League football at Tottenham once upon a time.The Portuguese never came close to it unfortunately because Daniel Levy sacked him after only 17 games in charge back in 2021.Nottingham Forest got back to winning ways at the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: GettyElliot Anderson’s deflected effort opened the scoring in the fifth minuteCredit: GettyBefore Chris Wood doubled Forest’s lead 11 minutes laterCredit: RexRicharlison scored late on to give the home side hopeCredit: GettyBut Nuno took a huge step to qualifying for Europe’s elite club competition at Spurs as his Forest side recorded an easy win back on his old stomping ground.Early goals from Elliot Anderson and Chris Wood, who also had another ruled out for offside, did the damage to send the Tricky Trees up to third, even though Richarlison got one back late on.And despite a recent wobble of back-to-back defeats, plus the quality competition they face to finish in the top five, Nuno’s men will fancy themselves now given their favourable run-in.After Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City – in itself a massive fixture in Forest’s recent history – their last five to complete the term are all very winnable.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBrentford on the beach at home, then away to a Crystal Palace side who could be preparing for a cup final.A home-banker to relegated Leicester is followed by a trip to a West Ham side desperate to see the end of the campaign.Then a final-day hosting of Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea, who are in the mix for the Champions League but hardly look invincible. Indeed, they may look the most likely to miss out.Most read in FootballNuno Espirito Santo’s side got back to winning ways at his old groundCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIn an already a dream season, they could not have hoped for a better crack at it than this.As for Spurs, where’s that meme of a gutted Ange Postecoglou slumped over on the touchline when you need it.Ange Postecoglou says he will be around ‘for a little bit longer’ after Tottenham victory over Eintracht Frankfurt From the high of Thursday’s win at Eintracht Frankfurt to an 18th league defeat of the season.Spurs had had one of their best nights in ages with that gritty 1-0 in Germany.Not only did it put them into the Europa League semi-finals and keep their trophy dream alive.But it most probably saved Postecoglou from the sack and was convincing evidence that his players are still playing for him.This, however, was a reminder of why the Aussie was under such pressure in the first place as an abysmal league campaign got worse.And to old boss Nuno, to rub further salt into the wounds of the Spurs fans who bothered to turn up in a stadium dotted with unoccupied seats all around.It was not just the result that left home supporters feeling empty but the manner of the performance.Once again, Spurs were so easy to play through and create chances against.Ange Postecoglou looked devastated as Spurs were beaten for the 18th time this seasonCredit: ReutersTottenham played a lot better in the second half, but it wasn’t enoughCredit: GettySpurs have lost four of their last five Premier League gamesCredit: GettyFor a team in such good nick as Forest, breaking down Postecoglou’s brittle backline was easy.Morgan Gibbs-White fired a warning shot on four minutes which Guglielmo Vicario dived low to his left to push away.A minute later and Nuno’s side were ahead through a preventable goal, from Spurs’ perspective.Pedro Porro tried to clear Anthony Elanga’s corner but his header was weak.It fell perfectly outside the box for Anderson, whose powerful drive deflected off Rodrigo Bentancur and fizzed up past Vicario.One looked to have become two only five minutes on when Wood converted Anderson’s pinpoint cross but VAR spotted the New Zealander to have been narrowly offside.Ultra-focused Forest shook off the frustration and on 17 minutes it was definitely 2-0, with Wood bagging his 19th Prem strike of the season.The powerhouse forward, whose former clubs Burnley and Leeds both won promotion back to the big time on Easter Monday, rose to meet Elanga’s cross and flicked it into an empty net.Vicario had attempted one of his Superman-esque punch-outs to clear the delivery but got nowhere near it.The Italian’s effort to keep out the goal summed up Spurs’ display in the opening 20 minutes: misjudged, sluggish, not good enough.Forest fans were in dreamland though, singing ‘Up the Champions League we go’ as their team threatened to run riot. Spurs did have chances to get back in it from there. Of course they did, this is Postecoglou’s side after all.Mathys Tel lashed well wide after Neco Williams had got a clearance all wrong.Harry Toffolo cleared one off the line just after the hour markCredit: ReutersRicharlison then somehow headed the wrong side of the post from a few yards, possibly being put off by Pape Matar Sarr being in his eyeline.After the break, Harry Toffolo’s outstanding volley on the goal-line to hack the ball away was the only thing stopping Dejan Kulusevski’s header from pulling one back.Then Matz Sels stepped up as he has done so often this season to deny Richarlison’s shot.Postecoglou finished the game with four forwards as he sent on Dominic Solanke and Forest old-boy Brennan Johnson to join Tel and Richarlison, who was again denied by a stunning Sels save.But Nuno’s brave Forest withstood the pressure.The question is, can they do the same and hold on in the race for the Champions League?This display, back at the place he very briefly called home, will have given their manager renewed belief that they can.Read More on The SunRicharlison did grab a goal back in the 87th minute, powerfully heading home Pedro Porro’s cross.But it proved only to be a consolation – albeit one that injected some late tension into the clash – as Nuno’s side held on for a precious win in the Champions League race.Richarlison did grab a goal back late on after heading home Pedro Porro’s cross More

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    Fire alarm at Stockley Park sees VAR SCRAPPED in middle of Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest match as statement released

    VAR was temporarily axed during Tottenham’s clash with Nottingham Forest after a fire alarm at Stockley Park.Referee John Brooks and assistant Dan Robathan were forced to flee the west London officials hub at half-time.VAR was axed mid-game due to a fire alarm at Stockley ParkCredit: ReutersForest were leading Spurs 2-0 when VAR went downCredit: GettyNuno Espirito Santo’s side went in at the break 2-0 up after goals by Elliot Anderson and Chris Wood.And by the time the second 45 minutes begun, the refs were still unable to return to the building in West London.A brief Premier League statement confirmed the news, which read: “The match will be operating without VAR until further notice due to a fire alarm at the VAR Hub at Stockley Park.”Technology was out of use for around eight minutes in second-half before things returned to normal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA second Prem tweet said: “VAR is now back up and running”.The system was fortunately not called upon while it was out of action.But fans found the situation hilarious, with one saying: “We had freedom for about one minute.”Another added: “Whoever set the fire alarm off deserves a raise.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA third laughed: “Quick, someone go break the emergency glass again.”By the time of the fire alarm, VAR’s new semi-automated offside technology had already been used at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Ange Postecoglou says he will be around ‘for a little bit longer’ after Tottenham victory over Eintracht Frankfurt Wood had headed the ball into the back of the net but the goal was chalked off as the Forest striker went too early.Yet it took him just seven minutes to score a goal that did stand after heading home an Anthony Elanga cross.Tottenham improved after the break, and Richarlison netted a late goal. But Spurs couldn’t find another and Forest won 2-1 to boost their Champions League qualification hopes. More

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    David Beckham set sights on becoming next Gary Lineker as he lands TV chat show & lines up host of A-list pals as guests

    FOOTBALL legend David Beckham has his sights set on becoming the next Gary Lineker after landing his first TV chat show.The ex-England captain will host Beckham & Friends Live on Paramount+ and guests may include his pals Gordon Ramsay, Tom Cruise and Ryan Reynolds.David Beckham will host Beckham & Friends Live on Paramount+Beckham and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry enjoying a conversation on setBecks has his sights set on becoming the next Gary LinekerCredit: BBCViewers in the UK and US can watch as Golden Balls sips wine with the A-list stars and chats about the action during Champions League matches.The first two episodes will be live from London ­covering the semi-final second legs between Inter Milan and Barcelona, and PSG and Arsenal on May 6 and 7.Becks, 49, will then fly out to Germany, for the final at Munich’s Allianz Arena on May 31, but he is tight-lipped about who might join him.Speaking from his Miami home in Florida, he told America’s CBS Golazo sports network: “I’m really looking forward to turning up with a few mates, a few glasses of wine, watching the game and great conversation.”READ MORE ON DAVID BECKHAMHe previewed rehearsals for the show, anchored by UCL Today’s Kate Scott, in a cosy studio featuring house plants, armchairs, books on coffee tables and a homely rug.Another Instagram clip had him being embraced by Arsenal and Barcelona legend Thierry Henry, who teased him about his old club Real Madrid losing to Arsenal.A lucrative move into punditry could see Golden Balls replace Lineker, who is stepping down from Match of the Day, as Britain’s favourite football broadcaster.It comes off the back of his hugely successful Netflix documentary series Beckham, which offered a never-before-seen insight into his life and playing career.Most read in FootballAn insider said: “It is a huge deal for the channel and shows just how big David is in America. I apologised to Olympic boxing hero’s mum after David Beckham mistakenly said she’d died live on TV, reveals Gabby Logan “He has become a global icon.“Both sides are winners. “It is a big money deal but will raise his profile even higher in America.“It will also bring a lot of viewers in.“David has shown with his Netflix docs that he is comfortable in front of the camera but this will see him live and unedited. “It will make for great television.”Behind the scenes of David’s new showThe former England captain arriving for rehearsalsAn advert for David’s new show Beckham & Friends More

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    Troy Deeney SENT OFF just minutes into return to football as clash descends into chaos

    TROY DEENEY was sent off on his return to football following a cynical challenge.Deeney, 36, laced up a pair of boots for the first time after his retirement with Forest Green Rovers in 2024 when he rolled credits on a 20-year career.Troy Deeney was sent off just minutes into his Baller League debutDeeney was shown a red card after pushing opponent Tareiq Holmes-Dennis off the ballChaos quickly ensued with Holmes-Dennis looking to return the favour to DeeneyThe former striker rolled back the years on Baller League as he was called up to compete for Wembley Rangers, who are managed by Arsenal legends Ian Wright and Chloe Kelly.Wright and Kelly decided to utilise their “wildcard rule”, which allows teams to bring in a player for one match. And their pick was EFL cult hero Deeney, who stepped up for the Baller League match against FC RTW at the Copper Box Arena in Stratford.But just minutes into his debut, the Watford legend lost the plot and lunged onto opponent Tareiq Holmes-Dennis with a reckless push off the ball.Read More on FootballThat led to an intense melee with both teams clashing on the pitch in front of the live crowd.Holmes-Dennis was furious as he ran back towards Deeney and returned the favour.The FC RTW ace was so incensed that even referee Mark Clattenburg couldn’t calm him down.In fact, Holmes-Dennis also shoved Clattenburg – albeit in a much lighter way.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat incident gave the legendary Premier League ref no other option but to send Deeney off.Wembley Rangers went on to lose the match 4-3, which left them 10th in the 12-team table.I grabbed director of football by the throat and picked him off the floor in front of my team-mates, reveals Troy Deeney This marked Deeney’s return to a football pitch for the first time since January 2024 when he was let go as player-coach at Forest Green Rovers. More

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    Scott Parker sheds tears in emotional celebration with family as Burnley boss retains hundred per cent promotion record

    SCOTT PARKER broke down in tears within seconds of Burnley winning promotion back to the Premier League. Parker’s side beat Sheffield United 2-1 at Turf Moor on Easter Monday as the Clarets and Leeds booked their spot in the automatic places.Clarets manager Scott Parker became visibly emotional after Burnley were promotedParker’s side beat Sheffield United 2-1 at Turf MoorCredit: PAParker was hugged by club captain and double goalscorer Josh Brownhill after becoming emotional at full-timeCredit: PABut later on, Parker’s players threw him into the air in celebrationCredit: GettyIn going up, Parker also maintained his 100 percent record in winning promotion to the English top-flight.The English manager lead Fulham to the glittering heights in 2000 and Bournemouth two years later.Parker only took over at Turf Moor in July from Vincent Kompany and yet has masterminded an incredible season for the Clarets.But all the hard work finally paid off after Josh Brownhill’s double — a clinical 28th-minute strike and a penalty a minute before half-time — took Burnley back up at the first time of asking.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSParker was visibly emotional in the moments after his third Premier League promotion was confirmed, with two games left remaining.He came onto the pitch to celebrate with his side as soon as referee David Webb blew the full time whistle after six long added minutes.And the 44-year-old, understandably, shed tears of joy and relief before hugging club captain Brownhill.The Sky cameras then picked the gaffer up sobbing happy tears with his family up in the stands.Most read in FootballParker went into the stands to share the moment with his familyThe ex-Fulham gaffer was clearly emotionalParker is now aiming to guide Burnley to the titleBurnley beat Sheffield United 2-1 to book their spot in the Premier LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSParker said: “It means everything. We set on a mission to get promoted and there were a lot of ups and down. “It has been nothing short of incredible. So proud of the young group, who have committed and given everything.Burnley pitch invasion marred by unsavoury scenes as Sheffield United star Hamza Choudhury is held back by security”This one feels more special. I’ve had some bumps in the road as a manager. “I decided to take a year out and come in to this knowing there was a big challenge ahead. I’m relieved and happy.”Indeed, he hasn’t had it all easy, after being sacked by both Fulham and Bournemouth in the last few years.The Cottagers sacked the Englishman after they were relegated upon their return, but later sealed an immediate promotion under Marco Silva in 2022/23.Meanwhile, the Cherries stayed in the Prem but axed Parker within a month of him guiding the club there.Asked if the Championship title remains an important motivation this season, he added: “We’re going to go for it. “We’ll enjoy today, but we want to go for the title. That’s exactly our aim.”Meanwhile, Burnley’s promotion celebrations were marred by shocking scenes involving Sheffield United ace Hamza Choudhury.There were huge celebrations at full-time as Burnley fans stormed the pitch to party alongside their players.A Burnley supporter then appeared to goad Choudhury. by celebrating directly in front of him.Elsewhere, Owner Alan Pace paid tribute to the man he appointed in the summer to replace Kompany, who left for Bayern Munich.”I can’t say enough about the job he has done. He has outperformed anything he could have said (when they met),” he said.Read More on The Sun”He is a living legend and he has shown multiple times how to handle this league.”We saw an individual who knew how to not only live the best version of himself, but how to bring that out in others.”Parker spoke to Sky about how proud he wasBurnley fans were treated to immediate promotion after being relegated from the top-flight last seasonBurnley owner Alan Pace paid tribute to ParkerCredit: Rex More

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    Burnley pitch invasion marred by unsavoury scenes as Sheffield United star Hamza Choudhury is held back by security

    BURNLEY’S promotion celebrations were marred by shocking scenes involving Sheffield United ace Hamza Choudhury.Scott Parker’s side beat the Blades 2-1 at Turf Moor tonight as the Clarets and Leeds booked their spot in next season’s Premier League.Hamza Choudhury had to be held back by securityCredit: @SkyFootballThe Sheffield United ace was initially involved in a coming together with a police officerCredit: @SkyFootballFans also appeared to taunt the playerCredit: @SkyFootballBurnley fans charged onto the pitch after promotion was securedCredit: PAThey beat Sheffield United 2-1 to book their spot in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyThere were huge celebrations at full-time as Burnley fans stormed the pitch to party alongside their players.But things have been overshadowed by unsavoury scenes involving Choudhury.The man on loan from Leicester was fuming and was seen initially being pushed away by a police officer as he trudged off the pitch. A Burnley supporter then appeared to goad the midfielder by celebrating directly in front of him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBy the time Sky Sports cameras returned to the field from cutting to Parker in the stands, Choudhury had become more incensed.He then had to be held back by security as a scuffle begun.The Bangladesh international was pushed down the tunnel by a member of staff as he desperately tried to break free. It is currently unclear what provoked the incident. Most read in ChampionshipThis is not the first time an altercation has took place at the end of a Sheffield United game in recent weeks.Manager Chris Wilder was at the centre of a brawl as tempers flared after a defeat to Plymouth Argyle.The boss seemingly took issue with the way Argyle star Mustapha Bundu was celebrating in front of the Sheffield United supporters.Words were exchanged before pushing and shoving started in the tunnel involving several players and Wilder.Burnley have sealed an immediate return to the top-flightCredit: GettyThey are set to battle Leeds for the titleCredit: PA More

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    EFL club once sponsored by Tyson Fury relegated to non-league after 18 years as Gary Neville’s Salford deal final blow

    TYSON FURY’S beloved Morecambe have officially been relegated from League Two.The Shrimps lost 3-1 to Salford City at the Globe Arena to confirm their drop to non-league football after 18 years.Morecambe have officially been relegated from League TwoTyson Fury used to be a sponsor for his beloved MorecambeThat result basically brings an end to a sorry season for Derek Adams’ side, who struggled both on and off the pitch.Earlier in the campaign, the cash-strapped team’s board collided with the ownership group.This term was blighted by financial problems as Morecambe were placed under a transfer embargo due to the non-payment of a VAT bill – the matter was ultimately settled with HMRC.The cub has been up for sale since September 2022 and it was around that time when Fury, 36, got involved.Read More on FootballThe Gypsy King partnered up with the club after they struck a sponsorship deal three years ago.The heavyweight’s ‘Gypsy King’ brand was embroidered on Morecambe’s home and away shorts for the 2022-23 season.The former world champion even claimed that same year that he was considering buying the club.Fury told talkSPORT at the time: “I’m thinking about buying Morecambe Football Club, they’re in League One at the moment.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”So I was thinking I invest X amount of millions in them. Basically throw it at them and keep them going up.”I’ve been offered to buy Morecambe Football Club. I own all the training facilities anyway and the training gym. ‘Definitely making a comeback’ – Tyson Fury, 36, sends fans into frenzy with latest retirement U-turn hint”So who knows? You might be looking at a football club owner.”But it wasn’t meant to be as Morecambe – currently bottom of table in the fourth division – couldn’t avoid relegation.And it was Salford – co-owned by Fury’s fellow celebrities in Manchester United legends Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Phil Neville and Nick Butt – who landed the killer blow.The Ammies are currently ninth in League Two with only two points separating them from the play-off spots. More