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    Transfer recommendations ahead of Gameweek 36: Eberechi Eze to light up Wembley?

    DREAM TEAM managers must confirm their transfers for Gameweek 36 before Friday’s 6pm deadline – that’s earlier than usual so take care.The FA Cup and Europa League finals mean that Crystal Palace, Manchester City, Tottenham and Manchester United United are the four teams set to pull double duty.Crystal Palace will have to edge out Man City if they are to win the FA Cup on SaturdayCredit: AlamyWith fixtures at a premium at this late stage of the season, our latest transfer recommendations are focused on the upcoming double headers.Bruno Fernandes (£7m)Man United’s captain is firmly in the category of ‘blindingly obvious’ as Dream Team’s second-highest points scorer this season but we’re leaving nothing to chance.An ownership of 34.7% makes him the fifth-most popular player in the game but it could be argued that he should be number one at this stage.Ruben Amorim has said that his team selection for Friday night’s Premier League game at Stamford Bridge will not be overly disrupted by next Wednesday’s Europa League final.This means Fernandes is likely to get significant minutes against both Chelsea and Spurs in the penultimate Gameweek of the campaign.The Portuguese midfielder averages eight point-per-game having scored 19 goals and provided 19 assists in 2024/25.EssentialCredit: ReutersEberechi Eze (£5.1m)An 18-point haul at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last weekend has put Crystal Palace’s No10 firmly in the spotlight.The Eagles will start as underdogs at Wembley but Eze has the ability to hurt Man City – Pep Guardiola’s men have shipped 69 goals in all competitions this season!Most read in FootballThe skilful midfielder is statistically Dream Team’s most in-form player (last three games) at present, with team-mate Ismaila Sarr (£4m) joint-third in the same metric.Oliver Glasner’s side are due to face Wolves at Selhurst Park on Tuesday night.Much of the same logic applies to Daniel Munoz (£5.1m) and Jean-Philippe Mateta (£4m).Will Eze be Palace’s hero?Credit: GettyJosko Gvardiol (£4.7m)Erling Haaland (£7.8m) is currently the second-most popular recruit ahead of Gameweek 36 but there’s no need to waste anyone’s data explaining why the 352-point striker might be worth a punt.Although many gaffers were left underwhelmed when he scraped just two points upon his return from injury against Southampton last weekend.Dream Team bosses keen on Man City assets should consider Gvardiol – the Croatian defender has notched 32 points across his last three outings.Guardiola’s side can’t afford to slack off in the league with the fight for Champions League qualification set to go down to the wire and so Gvardiol, important player that he is, may well start at home to Bournemouth in midweek as well as Saturday’s cup final.No Dream Team defender has scored more goals than the 23-year-old this season.Gvardiol ranks fifth among defendersCredit: AFPPICK YOUR WINNERGet 60/1 on Palace or 30/1 on City with talkSPORT BETCLAIM HERE18+ New customers only. Opt in and bet max £1 on Crystal Palace – Match Betting – 90 Mins vs Man City by 16:30 on 17/05/2025. Enhanced odds paid in Free Bets, which expire in 7 days. Scroll down for T&Cs. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsiblyCommercial content notice: Taking one of the betting offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.Ollie Watkins (£4.4m) and/or Morgan Rogers (£4.3m)Away from the double headers, there might be some cheap points on offer at Villa Park on Friday night.Ange Postecoglou will rightly be prioritising his date with destiny in Bilbao and may therefore select a second-string XI to face Aston Villa.Read More on The SunIn contrast, the Villains will be highly motivated to put pressure on their rivals for Champions League qualification with a swaggering win.If that proves to be the case, the likes of Watkins and Rogers could feast.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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    Liverpool ready to trigger Jeremie Frimpong’s £30million release clause as Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement

    LIVERPOOL are on the brink of taking a huge step towards replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold, it’s been claimed.The Reds are eyeing Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong as a replacement for the outgoing Alexander-Arnold, who will leave Anfield at the end of the season.Liverpool are hot on the heels of Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie FrimpongCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe Reds have identified the 24-year-old as a replacement for the outgoing Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: PAThe Merseysiders are reportedly set to trigger the Dutchman’s release clauseCredit: GettyAnd the Kop club are moving quickly to secure the 24-year-old’s services.That’s according to The Times, who claim the Merseysiders are set to trigger the defender’s £30million release clause.A timeline for the Reds’ triggering of the Netherlands international release clause, however, is currently unknown. Liverpool are said to be keen on Frimpong due to his versatility as a right wing-back and a right winger.READ MORE SPORTS NEWSThe low fee needed to bring him to Anfield is also said to have played a role in the club’s decision to pursue him.Signing Frimpong would also add to the number of home-grown players on the Reds’ books. The Dutchman would qualify as a homegrown player as he spent nine years in England when he was on Manchester City’s books.Frimpong was a key part of the Leverkusen team that pipped Bayern Munich to the 2023/24 Bundesliga title.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSLeverkusen haven’t been shy about their desire to retain Frimpong’s services and recently denied reports that they’d agreed to sell the defender.Club CEO Fernandno Carro told RTL: “Jeremie Frimpong has a long contract with us, which also has an exit clause.Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong reveals why he snubbed Liverpool and chose Man City last time Reds tried to sign him”But we are currently unaware of any transfer.”The Reds were hoping they wouldn’t have to pursue Frimpong, or any right-sided defender, as they hadn’t given up hope of Alexander-Arnold committing his future to the club.But the England international emotionally announced last week that he’d be LEAVING his boyhood club after his contract expires at the end of the season.His announcement wasn’t well received by sections of the Anfield faithful, who BOOED him when he came on as a second-half substitute in the Reds’ 2-2 draw with Arsenal last Sunday. More

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    Gary Lineker confirms punditry retirement date with legendary presenter just days away from last Match of the Day show

    GARY LINEKER has put an expiration date on his career as a football presenter and pundit.Lineker, 64, already announced earlier this year that he would be leaving Match of the Day after 26 years in the presenter’s seat for the BBC.Gary Lineker has confirmed when he will step away from football punditryCredit: GettyThe former England and Barcelona striker will make his final appearance on the highlights show on May 25. But will continue to front the BBC’s live FA Cup coverage next season and will also lead the coverage of the 2026 World Cup finals.However, Lineker has revealed that he doesn’t think his punditry career will carry on past that summer – telling the Telegraph that he will call it a day after the tournament.He said: “Once I’ve done the World Cup, I won’t be a football presenter again. I’ll focus more on my podcast empire.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLineker co-owns a podcast production company called Goalhanger Productions, which has seen immense success since its inception in 2018.It is now the largest independent podcast producer outside of the US and has a number of top podcasts hosted by recognisable faces.Those include The Rest is Football, hosted by Lineker himself alongside Micah Richards and Alan Shearer, as well as The Rest is Entertainment, a podcast hosted by TV icon Richard Osman and respected journalist Marina Hyde.While it is also the home of The Rest is Politics, one of the leading political podcast fronted up by Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLineker has been unapologetically vocal about politics in recent years and has even come in for criticism for a number of opinions.But the legendary footballer has vowed to steer clear of entering the world of politics when he does end his punditry career in 2026.’No offence lads’ – Gary Lineker gives no-nonsense Match of the Day verdict in savage goodnight messageHe added: “I won’t get involved in politics, I never really have. “Apart from the Brexit vote, because I did a lot of research on that and decided, ‘This could be worse than we think’.”I never back a government. I might criticise Sir Keir Starmer on Israel. But nobody knows my politics.”Lineker is being replaced as Match of the Day host by Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman next season. More

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    Jamie Vardy could make personal sacrifice to play final game in front of home fans as Leicester release statement

    IT will be 500 and out for Jamie Vardy at Leicester.The Foxes legend, 38, will pull on his blue No9 shirt for the final time against Ipswich on Sunday.Jamie Vardy will play his final game for Leicester City this weekendCredit: GettyHe was a crucial part of the miracle team that won the Premier LeagueCredit: AFP – GettyVardy married wife Rebekah in 2016Credit: GettyRather than finish with an away game at Bournemouth next weekend, Vardy wants to go out in front of his own fans at the King Power.Vardy has 199 goals for Leicester and a clash against the Tractor Boys will be his final chance to hit number 200.A packed King Power Stadium will say ‘Goodbye to the GOAT’ in a tearful farewell to their greatest-ever player.Amazingly, it will come exactly 13 years to the day since he joined in a non-league record £1million transfer from Fleetwood Town.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut Vardy has had no time to look back — even at Leicester’s incredible 2015-16 title triumph — and is only looking forward to a Premier League future.The 26-cap former England striker said: “I’ll keep going until my legs literally tell me ‘no, you need to stop, we’re done’. And my legs are fine.”This isn’t the end. No. I’ve no doubts I can still do it in the Premier League – but that’s just me.”I believe I can still do it at an elite level, 100 per cent.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”I’m excited for the next challenge – I’m always excited. Always!”At the end of the day, I’m doing a sport that I love.” Jamie Vardy reveals best XI he’s played with at Leicester with huge snub to England stars and entire current squadHe is the first player to score in 11 consecutive Prem gamesCredit: Getty – ContributorLeicester plan to mark his incredible stint with them by inviting former team-mates to “to share another special post-match moment with the Blue Army” and “give the GOAT the send-off he deserves”.Vardy won the FA Cup in 2021 but is best remembered for the Foxes’ 5,000-1 title triumph.Asked how often he reflects on that career-defining moment, Vardy replied: “I don’t. I’ve not had a chance, not properly, to fully digest the size of it.”I finished, did the parade, I was then off with the Euros.”So I was having to then get ready to play for England and then by the time the tournament’s finished, it’s a couple of weeks and you’re back in for training for the next season.”So it’s not something, again like most of it, I’ve had a chance to sit down and properly think about it.”That’ll be more once the boots are officially hung up.”Vardy cannot guarantee he will seal the deal with a fairytale 200th goal against the Tractor Boys on Sunday – unlike the night he created Prem history during Leicester City’s iconic 2015-16 title triumph.The striker scored in the first-half of the Foxes 1-1 draw with Manchester United to break Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record by becoming the first player in history to score in 11 consecutive Premier League matches.Vardy revealed that he promised his wife Rebekah and his family he would score that night.He told Sky Sports: “It’s a bit big-time, that!”I had the belief in myself for the 11th game and I actually watched it that morning as well.”It was after that that I said to my family, to my wife, that I’m scoring tonight.”I’d love to score my 200th but if it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t.”Vardy says he will approach Sunday’s farewell game as if it was any other.He added: “I’ll prepare the same as I always do.”Do you know what it is? You can speak to my family and they’ll all say I’m emotionless.”It might do (kick-in) like at the end of the game or whatever, but until that happens, I’m literally just focused on the game.”At the end of the day, it’s still a game of football to play first.”If it doesn’t hit me afterwards, then my family are right.Read More on The Sun”We want to win. We’ve managed to pick a couple of decent performances up, get a few results.”If we can now, it’s about seeing out the season with momentum to help for the start of next season.” More

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    Wrexham ‘in talks over signing Fulham captain Tom Cairney’ to bolster Championship promotion hopes

    WREXHAM are in talks to sign Fulham captain Tom Cairney, according to reports.The Red Dragons could spend big once again after winning a third successive promotion to reach the Championship.Wrexham are in talks to sign Tom CairneyCredit: RexThe Fulham captain has made 27 appearances this seasonCredit: Shutterstock EditorialWrexham owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have spent big since taking overCredit: GettyWrexham have already been linked with a number of targets and Cairney is now on their radar, according to The Telegraph.The club has opened talks over a move for the midfielder, who would be one of their most ambitious signings after breaking the bank to sign Sam Smith for £2million in January.Cairney is out of contract in the summer so could be snapped up for free but would command hefty wages.Wrexham are believed to want experienced players as they return to the second tier for the first time in 21 years, and Cairney fits the mould.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has played 318 games at Championship level and has 412 top-flight appearances, as well as two Scotland caps.Cairney, 34, has made 27 appearances this season, 23 of which have been in the Premier League although nearly all from the bench.Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson has often gone down the experienced route when recruiting players – Jay Rodriguez, 35, James McClean, 36, and Steven Fletcher, 37, have joined the club in recent years.In total Wrexham have 11 players aged 30 or over, with more potentially arriving.Most read in FootballJamie Vardy has been linked with a move to North Wales after confirming he will leave Leicester after 13 years at the club.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSManchester United defender Jonny Evans has also been mooted as a potential arrival with his contract up next month.Parkinson said the club was “always planning” but admitted that while they have not spoken about anyone in particular they do have a profile of targets who are free agents.’He’s got the fastest hands’ – Wrexham star James McClean tipped to beat up Jake Paul in boxing fightHe said: “We haven’t really spoken about anything. We’ve always got our eye on players who are free transfers and are going to be available.”I think it’s interesting because the jump in salaries is incredible, mind-blowing. Even coming up to this level, the jump to get players of Championship quality is expensive.”But obviously the next level, I don’t think people outside football quite realise.”They think players in League One must be multi-millionaires, but the drop-off from what people read in the press about Premier League players is huge.”That is a challenge but what we’ve always tried to do is make sure the culture in the club is right.”No superstars, no egos in the dressing room, and we’ve got to try to get that balance right again, to make sure the right people come into the building.” More

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    ‘It’s hard for this situation to continue’ – Iconic F1 Grand Prix faces being AXED amid ‘difficult’ circumstances

    AN iconic Formula One track is at risk of being axed from the race calendar.The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola could be set to host its last F1 race this weekend.The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix could be cut from the F1 calendarThe track was reintroduced back in 2020Stefano Domenicali has said it would be ‘difficult’ to keep the raceCredit: GettyThe famous circuit is the host for this weekend’s race in the 2025 season.But F1 president Stefano Domenicali has admitted that it could be cut from the calendar.There are currently two races in Italy, the one in Imola as well as the Italian GP at Monza.Domenicali has suggested that with the increased interest in the motorsport, it could prove “difficult” for both to be kept.READ MORE ON F1He told RAI radio: “Italy has always been and will be an important part of Formula One.”It will be increasingly difficult to have two races in the same country because interest in F1 is growing and it’s a situation we will have to deal with in the coming months.”It’s hard for this situation with Imola and Monza to continue together on the calendar for long.”The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari debuted back in 1981.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHowever, it has previously been cut as it was left off the calendar from 2006 until it was reintroduced in 2020.This was when the race was rebranded as the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.Lewis Hamilton fumes ‘have a tea break while you’re at it’ at Ferrari staff and refuses to apologise in Miami GP bust-upNo other country in Europe has more than one race but Spain will have next year.This is down to the overlap between the new Madrid track and last year of the Barcelona circuit.The USA has three races with tracks in Miami, Las Vegas and Austin.Speaking in 2024, Domenicali admitted that some tracks in Europe could become rotational in the calendar.He said: “We have some news to share very, very soon with regard to the possibility in the mid-term to have some rotational European Grand Prix and some other new options coming later.”This is something that, of course, we will clarify in the due course.”It is true that we have a large demand for new possible venues that want to come in.”Our choice will always be balanced between the right economic benefits that we can have as a system and also to leverage in the growth of the market.Read More on The Sun”We can see potential that will be beneficial for us to grow our business even further.”Meanwhile, ahead of this weekend’s race, Ferrari star Charles Leclerc has missed media duties due to illness. More

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    ‘I cannot thank you enough’ – Wrexham legend thanks Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as he announces departure

    WREXHAM fan-favourite Mark Howard has announced his exit from the Welsh club after helping them climb the Football League.Howard, 38, confirmed his exit from the Racecourse in an emotional statement on social media – thanking Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney for bringing him to the club.Mark Howard has announced his exit from WrexhamCredit: instagram @markhoward.1The goalkeeper thanked Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in an emotional statementCredit: RexHoward joined Wrexham in 2022, helping the club secure promotion into the Football League as the first choice goalkeeper alongside former Premier League star Ben Foster.While he has had a smaller role in recent seasons, losing his starting spot to Arthur Okonkwo as Wrexham have earned another two successive promotions from League Two and League One.Howard, who is nicknamed Chomp, featured just 11 times in League One last season and will depart ahead of the Red Dragon’s return to the Championship.In a statement revealing that he isn’t planning on retiring just yet, he wrote: “From the moment I pulled on the Wrexham shirt, I have tried to bring professionalism, passion, and personality to the club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”As I reflect on what an incredible journey it’s been, I consider myself fortunate to have shared a dressing room with the best teammates.”Everyday I have left with a smile on my face wanting to come back and do it all over again. Love you boys.”Being able to say I’m the only goalkeeper ever to do the three-peat. Back-to-back-to-back. I say tongue in cheek.”I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Working alongside some of the most amazing staff on and off the pitch, giving me the encouragement to do more, I cannot thank you enough.”The connection with the fans was tough at times but now I feel part of the family, I would like to think you’ve all grown to love me.Wrexham stars celebrate in iconic Las Vegas casino and hijack luggage cart after Hollywood owners splash £500k on party”At this stage I still feel like I have more football in me, so it’s not retirement yet, I still want to dive around while my body lets me.”Finally a huge thank you to these two amazing people. Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.”Wrexham stars were quick to pass on their well-wishes to the experienced shot-stopper.Elliot Lee wrote: “The oldest goalkeeper there ever was. I will miss you old man”.While Andy Cannon added: “One of the best. What a man”.Steven Fletcher posted: “Chompy, what a fella. Friend for life big man.”And Wrexham director and comedian Humphrey Ker wrote: “Farewell to a man who never let us down and always lifted us up. One of the greats. The Chomp.”Howard, who previously played for the likes of Sheffield United and Blackpool, leaves Wrexham having made 58 appearances and kept 19 clean sheets for the club.Read More on The SunHe could be the first of many to leave on the expiration of their current deals at Wrexham as the club look to bring in more talent to compete in the Championship next season.Wrexham are yet to release their retained list, however a number of players are set to run out of contract – including former Scotland international Steven Fletcher.Wrexham earned promotion into the Championship this seasonCredit: RexSteven Fletcher is out of contract in the summerCredit: Getty More

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    Ferrari star forced to pull out of media duties through illness as F1 team confirm he ‘will not be coming to the track’

    CHARLES LECLERC has pulled out of media duties due to illness ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.The race on the famous Imola circuit in Italy is scheduled for Sunday and will be the home debut for Lewis Hamilton since switching to Ferrari.Charles Leclerc has pulled out of media duties ahead of the Emilia Romagna GPCredit: AFPHis team-mate Lewis Hamilton will have to represent FerrariCredit: GettyBut the Englishman will not be joined by his team-mate for media duties.Ferrari confirmed that the Monegasque driver will not be heading to the track due to sickness.The F1 team insisted that he would be expected in the car for practice ahead of qualifying on Saturday.A statement read: “Charles is feeling unwell and will not be coming to the track today.READ MORE ON F1″He will rest and focus on recovering and we expect him to be in the car tomorrow.”Leclerc is currently 5th in the Driver’s Standings with 58 points but he is yet to win a race this season.He finished on the podium in 3rd in the Saudi Arabian GP back in April.Hamilton, however, is currently 7th in the driver’s standings with only 41 points and is yet to finish in the top three.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThis performance has left Ferrari well off the pace in the constructor’s standings with only 94 points.They trail Red Bull Racing, Mercedes and leaders McLaren.Lewis Hamilton and Charles LeClerc arrive on red carpet at F1 02 car launch in styleMeanwhile, the Emilia-Romagna GP is at risk of being axed from the F1 calendar.F1 president Stefano Domenicali has admitted that it is difficult for two races to be based in Italy.He told RAI radio: “Italy has always been and will be an important part of Formula 1.”It will be increasingly difficult to have two races in the same country because interest in F1 is growing and it’s a situation we will have to deal with in the coming months.”It’s hard for this situation with Imola and Monza to continue together on the calendar for long.” More