Philippa Kaur

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    Arsenal files: Gunners consider shock Leicester star transfer as talks set to be held with ex-Spurs boss

    MARTIN ODEGAARD’S form has been a hot topic after his poor display in Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final first leg 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.But given the club’s injury record and squad make-up this term, the Norwegian is very rarely rested, meaning he must play through bad patches regardless.Martin Odegaard has been come under fire after his performance against PSGCredit: GettyArsenal haven’t decided on the future of midfielder Fabio Vieira, who is on loan at PortoCredit: AlamyYet it is worth remembering that the Gunners do have a young No.10 on their books, who could have provided back-up, in Fabio Vieira – currently on loan back at boyhood club Porto.Vieira returned to the Estadio do Dragao back in August having started just three games in all competitions under Mikel Arteta last season.The £30m splashed on the-then 22-year-old in June 2022 was initially viewed as a positive step to strengthen the squad with a young talent brimming in potential.Nearly three years on and the Portuguese midfielder looks unlikely to have a future at the Emirates. So, what is the situation?Porto would love to bring Vieira back to Portugal permanently, especially after his upturn in form this term from January under new boss Martin Anselmi, scoring three goals in the league since then. But the start to the season under Vitor Bruno was hampered by injury.Vieira will be staying beyond the end of the regular season to compete in the Club World Cup – a stipulation Porto insisted on when negotiating with Arsenal last summer – but there is no option to buy.However, there are a few complications. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile Vieira has enjoyed living back in Portugal, SunSport understands he has not enjoyed a below-par season with Porto, 13 points off league leaders Sporting Lisbon and set to finish fourth, only qualifying them for the Europa Conference League.Porto are also not in a position to spend this summer, with Arsenal likely to demand close to the £30m they paid for him up front, while Vieira’s wages are also viewed as excessive, something the player is refusing to budge on since arriving in North London.Mikel Arteta slide tackles his own player in training a day before Arsenal’s biggest game of the season vs Real Madrid Arsenal would need to be convinced to let Vieira leave for significantly less than they paid, which is unlikely, and would rather not loan him out for a second successive campaign.Those negotiations would be led by club president and former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas, but SunSport understands that has not yet happened.The loan fee to lure Vieira away from Arsenal was believed to be around £750k, with another £600k penalty fee if the player did not play more than half of Porto’s games this season.Porto have managed to avoid this, with Vieira featuring in 36 of their 43 games so far.Vieira then is expected to return to Arsenal for pre-season after a few weeks’ rest from the Club World Cup, but could soon be on the move again.Throughout this season, Arsenal have sent scouts to watch Vieira, but there is believed to be an acceptance that his future lies elsewhere, with several clubs in Europe interested.And needing to spend big during the upcoming window, Vieira could prove to be a useful sale in raising funds, alongside the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior.Arsenal will remain patient, however. Midfielders Thomas Partey and Jorginho are out of contract this summer, while the £51m signing of Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is yet to be completed, even if it is viewed as a formality inside the club.Former Spurs and Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas is the president of PortoFOXES STAR AN OPTION?Speaking of midfielders, there have been links to Leicester City’s 20-year-old Moroccan playmaker Bilal El Khannouss following the club’s Prem relegation.A £21m signing from Genk in August, he has shone in a woeful team, having made nearly 100 senior appearances in the Belgian top flight as a teenager.Much like Vieira, there have been concerns about El Khannouss’ physicality, described as a “tiny, slight boy, very thin” at Genk, but with incredible technique and vision. One academy coach summed it up: “I used to tell people that he had eyes in his back.”He is not the player Arsenal fans will have in mind when it comes to one of their biggest transfer windows in years this summer.But could be a useful squad addition, one that could come at a bargain price with the Foxes desperate for cash now they are in the Championship.Leicester manager Rudd van Nistelrooy said earlier this season: “His potential is there to be a top player in the Champions League. He can go a long way.”But for now, he has only produced two goals and three assists in 25 starts this term.And he is behind both Odegaard and Vieira when it comes to chances created, shots and passes per 90 minutes, as well as passing accuracy, passes into the box and crosses.The one area he does impress is in duels, competing in 9.7 per 90 minutes – more than Odegaard [7.7] and Vieira [9.5] – and winning 48.8 per cent of them.TICKETS FOR PARISPSG fans are confident their team will be making it through to the Champions League final so demand for Wednesday’s semi-final against Arsenal has rocketed.Tickets in the home areas for the clash at the Parc des Princes are going for between £424 and £5100 on ticket reselling sites.Meanwhile, Arsenal have only been given 2000 tickets for the away end at £51.30 each.That is 500 below the five per cent away teams are entitled to by Uefa in European competitions and Arsenal have complained.PSG, though, were given special dispensation to reduce that to 4.1 per cent before the start of the season owing to a request from local police.At those online prices, you won’t get any Arsenal fans trying to get into the home areas. 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    Martin Odegaard should be STRIPPED of the Arsenal captaincy following PSG horror show, says former MOTD pundit

    MARTIN ODEGAARD should be stripped of the Arsenal captaincy, according to ex-Match of the Day pundit Mark Lawrenson.The former Liverpool defender did not hold back after Odegaard’s underwhelming display in Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final first leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.Odegaard completed just 20 passes against PSGCredit: RexMikel Arteta’s side were beaten 1-0 at the Emirates after Ousmane Dembele struck early to give the French giants a crucial away win.Odegaard struggled to influence the game, completing just 20 passes out of 27 attempts – his lowest total in any match this season.Lawrenson reckons the pressure of being captain is affecting the Norwegian’s performances. He told Paddy Power: “The captain’s armband should be taken away from Odegaard, so he can get back to focusing on his performances.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS”We all know that he’s a good player, but he’s just had a six out of 10 season.”Odegaard, 25, has worn the armband since 2022 after signing permanently for the club in 2021 and has been a integral part of Arteta’s leadership group.But Lawrenson believes there is a better candidate in the ranks. He added: “If you gave Declan Rice the armband instead, you imagine that it wouldn’t affect his performances, especially considering he was captain at West Ham.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I’d give it to Rice so Odegaard can focus on improving his performances.”Odegaard has registered just one assist in his last eight matches and was largely anonymous against PSG, as Arsenal failed to find a breakthrough. Wayne Rooney and Thierry Henry give their verdict on Arsenal’s defeat to PSGLawrenson believes Rice proved he can cope with captaincy at West HamCredit: GettyLawrenson, 66, made over 300 appearances for Liverpool and won five league titles during his career. He spent years on the Match of the Day sofa analysing performances – and he’s not convinced Odegaard is the right man to lead the Gunners.The second leg in Paris takes place next Wednesday, with Arsenal needing a big turnaround to keep their European dream alive. Arsenal ratings vs PSG as Raya saves keep Gunners in it and poor Odegaard subbed offARSENAL face an uphill battle next week.The Gunners suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in their all-important Champions League semi-final home leg.Ousmane Dembele stunned the Emirates Stadium into silence when his first-time shot hit the post and bounced over the line just three minutes into the match.After a nervous start, it took the Gunners around 20 minutes to settle.But when they did, the momentum began to swing in their favour.Just moments into the second half, Mikel Merino finally put the ball in the net – only for it to be chalked offside after a lengthy VAR check.And Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard forced worldy saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma.David Raya then produced stunning stop from Goncalo Ramos as the Gunners held on at 1-0.It’s not over – there is still at least 90 minutes to be played.But away from home, it will not be easy.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated Arsenal’s stars on the night… More

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    Captaincy options for Gameweek 34: Can Bruno Fernandes produce repeat performance?

    DREAM TEAM managers will need to select a captain for Gameweek 34 before today’s 6:30pm deadline.Ahead of Gameweek 33, we singled out Bruno Fernandes (£6.8m) and Cole Palmer (£4.9m) as the two leading candidates and those who opted for the former were handsomely rewarded.Fernandes starred against Athletic BilbaoCredit: Dream TeamManchester United’s skipper banked 27 points to finish as the Gameweek’s top performer and take his overall total for the season past the 400-point mark.The Portuguese midfielder mustered just five points against Bournemouth but took Athletic Bilbao for a whopping 22 points in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals.This emphatic performance surely makes Fernandes the frontrunner for captaincy again this coming Gameweek, when the Red Devils will face Brentford at the Gtech Stadium before the second leg of their European semi at Old Trafford.As for Palmer, he notched nine points across his two outings against Everton and Djurgarden.As expected, Chelsea cashed in against their Conference League opponents but it was Nicolas Jackson (£2.7m) and Noni Madueke (£2m) who posted massive double-digit scores, not the 50%-owned England international.Chelsea have one foot in the Conference League finalCredit: GettyThe Blues will host Djurgarden next Thursday but there’s the small matter of a Premier League game against Liverpool to negotiate first.There may be a worthy captain lurking in Chelsea’s ranks but it’s difficult to justify selecting any Stamford Bridge over Fernandes after last night.Elsewhere, Tottenham’s double header against West Ham and Bodo/Glimt looks appealing.Most read in FootballThe Hammers are one of few very teams below Spurs in the league table and while the Norwegian outfit have impressed in the Europa League this season, they were comprehensively outplayed in North London last night, which bodes ill for the second leg.Solanke scored against Bodo/Glimt but limped off soon afterCredit: APWe have included Dominic Solanke (£3.5m) in our transfer recommendations this week and his goal last night has only strengthened his case.We had planned on listing him as a captaincy option as well but there may be a spanner in the works.The ex-Bournemouth striker hobbled off in the 75th minute against Bodo/Glimt and is therefore a minor doubt for Gameweek 34 – an annoying twist.Thankfully, Ange Postecoglou played down Solanke’s injury and suggested the substitution was precautionary but this inconvenience is probably enough to remove the 27-year-old from the captaincy conversation.The same goes for James Maddison (£4m), who was also forced off midway through the second half.Saka’s league minutes are not guaranteed this weekendCredit: GettyArsenal are the fourth and final team set to pull double duty in Gameweek 34.Instinctively, this puts Bukayo Saka (£6.1m) in the spotlight as the England winger averages a mighty 8.1 points-per-game this season – the same rate as Fernandes.However, his workload has been managed since his return from hamstring surgery – he played just 30 minutes against Crystal Palace in his last league outing – and with the Gunners 1-0 down on aggregate to PSG in the Champions League semi-finals it wouldn’t be a surprise if his involvement was limited against Bournemouth this weekend.Away from double headers, Mohamed Salah (£7m) is due to take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge having ended his mini goal drought in Gameweek 33.Liverpool’s main man needs another 18 points to reach 500 for the season!Read More on The SunLiverpool are on their victory lapCredit: PAIt’s only our humble opinion but we suspect the majority of the top managers will stick the armband on Fernandes before the 6:30pm deadline.Good luck, gaffers!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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    ‘The most important thing…’ – Max Verstappen reveals the blueprint for team-mates to BREAK infamous Red Bull curse

    MAX VERSTAPPEN has revealed the blueprint to break the daunting curse of being his Formula One team-mate.Verstappen, 27, is a four-time F1 world champion with Red Bull.Max Verstappen has revealed the blueprint to how to break the curse of racing alongside him at Red BullCredit: GettyVerstappen revealed the plan in Viaplay documentary – 10 Years of Max VerstappenCredit: ViaplayYuki Tsunoda, right, will need to heed the advice to avoid the same fate as previous Verstappen team-mates like Sergio Perez, left, or Liam LawsonCredit: GettyHowever, his team-mates during his time with the outfit have often failed to live up to expectations and rival the Dutchman.But speaking on a new Viaplay documentary celebrating his first decade in F1 – 10 Years of Max Verstappen – he has now revealed how anyone who drives next to him can overcome that curse.He said: “How I would deal with it [racing with me]? Try not to think about it too much you know. It’s always important to focus on yourself.”That’s what I’ve done when I’ve entered new teams or had to go up against team-mates.READ MORE IN F1″So that’s the only thing that you can control and influence so that’s why it’s always the most important thing to look at yourself.”Verstappen was promoted to the Red Bull senior team from Toro Rosso in 2016, and became the youngest ever Grand Prix winner at 18 years and 228 days in his debut race.But dating back to 2016, Verstappen’s team-mate have often endured a tumultuous time.Daniel Ricciardo was the first to fall in the Verstappen test when he quit the team to join Renault in 2019.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKVerstappen’s next team-mate was Pierre Gasly in 2019, who only lasted half a season before he was swapped for Alex Albon.Albon fared little better in the 2019 and 2020 seasons before he too was replaced by Sergio Perez in 2021.’People can’t handle the truth’ – Verstappen FUMES after being given five-second penalty and takes swipe at F1 bossesThe Mexican managed the tricky Red Bull car the best during his three seasons behind the wheel, managing to win five races with the team before a disastrous final season saw him axed.Rookie Liam Lawson then joined the team for the start of the 2025 season, but he lasted only two races – in which he never came close to scoring points – before he too was replaced.Yuki Tsunoda is now the incumbent of the most cursed seat in modern F1, but managed to score two points in his second race in Bahrain before an unfortunate retirement at the Saudi Arabia.Verstappen missed media duties on Thursday due to the expected birth of his first child with partner Kelly Piquet. The due date is May 6 – two days after this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix in Florida.But SunSport understands Verstappen delayed his flight out to the United States to be at home with Kelly in Monaco.THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FARKelly also has a daughter, Penelope, from a previous relationship with ex-F1 star Daniil Kvyat, who Verstappen has a very close bond with.Although it was reported his private jet was seen leaving an airport in Nice on Thursday morning, and Red Bull insist he will be expected to complete his racing duties this weekend.His future next year has been cast into doubt though after he was tipped to take a year out from the sport by an unnamed F1 driver.And in the documentary Verstappen declared it was “not fun being famous” and revealed the one thing he wishes he was able to do but can’t due to his career in the spotlight.Read More on The SunThe ace, who earns a cool £52million a year, said: “It’s not fun to be famous, I prefer to be unknown. But I know that’s part of F1 especially when you do well.”Of course I would sometimes like to be able to walk around with your family and friends and not be known, but unfortunately that’s not the case anymore.” More

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    Race for Champions League takes new twist as supercomputer predicts who’ll land £16m pay-day with run-ins compared

    A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted who will qualify for the Champions League.Liverpool and Arsenal have already booked their spots in the next season’s competition but the other three places are up for grabs.Newcastle look set to qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersManchester City have a 95 per cent chance of making itCredit: GettyNottingham Forest and Chelsea are set to battle for fifthCredit: GettyStrong performances in Europe from English sides this term have earned them a bonus place in the Champions League – with the top five going in instead of just four.We have just a few more weeks of the the season to go and a Sky Sports supercomputer has rated each club’s chances of qualifying.Newcastle lead the race on 62 points and have an 84 per cent chance of finishing in the top five.The Toon are in stunning form, having won seven of their last eight games in all competitions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut they have a tricky run-in with Brighton, Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton to play.For that reason, Manchester City are more likely to get into the Champions League as the number crunchers rate their chance at 95 per cent chance.They sit just one point behind Newcastle, but Pep Guardiola’s side are the favourites to win all their remaining games against Wolves, Southampton, Bournemouth and Fulham.Chelsea and Nottingham Forest look set to battle it out for fifth place after the latter’s shock 2-0 defeat to Brentford last night.Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAston Villa are in contention, but they have just 13 per cent hope.Enzo Maresca and Nuno Espirito Santo’s teams both have 60 points currently and it could all come down to a thrilling final day encounter as Forest head to Stamford Bridge.How the genius tactical play from Nottingham Forest is placing them firmly at the top of the leagueDespite Chelsea’s better goal difference, the supercomputer reckons Forest have the edge with 59 per cent chance compared to the Blues’ 49 per cent.Whoever misses out and finishes in sixth will have to settle for a spot in the Europa League.It is currently unclear if seventh will be a Europa or Conference League place as Crystal Palace have made the FA Cup final.If the Eagles beat City at Wembley, they will take one of the two Europa League spots from the Premier League table.And there could be six English clubs in next season’s Champions League as a Tottenham vs Manchester United Europa League final is likely after both secured leads in their semi-final first leg ties.Nottingham Forest are in danger of falling out the top fiveCredit: PA More

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    Major F1 rule change comes into force ahead of Miami GP after controversial incident

    A MAJOR new F1 rule change has been brought into force ahead of the Miami Grand Prix.The FIA sporting regulations have been reworked after a confusing incident involving Max Verstappen and Ollie Bearman at the Australian GP.A major new rule change has been brought into force ahead of the Miami Grand PrixCredit: RexRace control now have the power to close the pit-exit when the safety car train is passing by to block a back-marker from rejoining the leading mix.This comes after Bearman merged in front of Verstappen after pitting during a safety car in Melbourne.Verstappen, 27, was surprised to see Bearman’s Haas emerge from the pits immediately in front of him during a safety car period on lap 41.Bearman, 19, had been allowed to un-lap himself moments earlier, then came into the pits, which dropped him back behind the safety car.READ MORE F1 NEWSThis was a cause for concern at Red Bull, as it left Verstappen with a lapped car between him and the leading McLaren drivers, with Lando Norris later winning the season opener.Red Bull mistakenly believed Bearman would remain there until the restart.Verstappen asked his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase: “So this car is now staying here, or what?” Lambiase told him: “That’s correct. He’ll have to let you go immediately [after the restart].” Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Bearman was allowed to un-lap himself again, which allowed Verstappen to restart the race with no lapped cars in front of him.The FIA has changed its rules in Article 55.14 to guard against a repeat of this situation.10 Years of Max Verstappen documentary trailerRace director Rui Marques has the power to close the pit lane entrance when drivers are un-lapping themselves during a Safety Car period.The rule now states: “Having overtaken the cars on the lead lap and the safety car, these cars should then proceed around the track at an appropriate speed.”Without overtaking and they must make every effort to take up position at the back of the line of cars behind the safety car.”The pit lane exit may be closed when the safety car and line of cars behind it are approaching and passing the pit lane exit.”Ironically, Verstappen benefited from the old rule when he was able to pit and start alongside race leader Lewis Hamilton in the most controversial title deciding finale ever in Abu Dhabi in 2021.Reigning world champ Verstappen missed Thursday’s media day in Miami due to the pending birth of his first child with partner Kelly Piquet, with the due date two days after the race in Florida. The Red Bull star is still expected to race in Miami this weekend – which will host the second sprint session of the season.THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FAR More

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    ‘It’s not fun being famous’ – Max Verstappen reveals family dream as F1 rival tips him to take year off

    MAX VERSTAPPEN has revealed the one thing he would love to do but can’t because of his Formula One career.Verstappen, 27, missed media day ahead of the Miami Grand Prix due to the expected birth of his first child with Kelly Piquet.Max Verstappen missed media duties ahead of the F1 Miami Grand Prix with the expected birth of his childCredit: GettyKelly’s due date is May 6Credit: instagram/@kellypiquet/But Verstappen has revealed what he wants to be able to do in his personal lifeCredit: ViaplayHe was speaking on Viaplay documentary, 10 Years Max Verstappen, about his lifeCredit: ViaplayThe due date is May 6 – two days after the race in Florida.But SunSport understands Verstappen delayed his flight out to the United States to be at home with Kelly in Monaco.Kelly also has a daughter, Penelope – from a previous relationship with ex-F1 star Daniil Kvyat – who Verstappen has a very close bond with.Although his private jet was only seen leaving an airport in Nice on Thursday morning, and Red Bull insist he will be expected to complete all his racing duties this weekend.READ MORE IN F1The birth of his first child comes with Verstappen in his tenth year as an F1 driver.His future has been cast into doubt though after he was tipped to take a year out from the sport by an unnamed F1 driver.In a new Viaplay documentary – 10 Years of Max Verstappen – airing from May 2, the Dutchman spoke about his personal life.The four-time world champion confessed he does not enjoy the spotlight and revealed the one thing he wishes he was able to do.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe said: “It’s not fun to be famous, I prefer to be unknown. “But I know that’s part of F1 especially when you do well.’People can’t handle the truth’ – Verstappen FUMES after being given five-second penalty and takes swipe at F1 bosses”Of course I would sometimes like to be able to walk around with your family and friends and not be known, but unfortunately that’s not the case anymore.”Verstappen, who earns a cool £52million a year, also spoke about his passionate supporter base, known as the Orange Army, and admitted he loves the “positive energy” they give to him every race.The Red Bull ace said: “Yeah it’s always fantastic and great to see the fan support. “For such a small country to still have so many fans and to see them still travelling all over the world is really, really nice.”And for my home Grand Prix, seeing them on the grandstands for me it gives me goosebumps and positive energy.”There’s no more pressure for me but it’s positive energy and you try to use that in the best way possible.”Verstappen currently sits third in the F1 World Drivers Championship standings.Read More on The SunHe is 12 points off of leader Oscar Piastri and two points behind fellow McLaren driver Lando Norris.Verstappen won the first two races around the circuit in 2022 and 2023, before Norris won his first ever Grand Prix in Miami last season.THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FAR More

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    Man Utd and Tottenham fans facing brutal reality check for Europa League final as hotel rooms soar to £1,000 PER NIGHT

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham fans need to dig deep into their pockets to be at the Europa League final as prices soar.It looks set to be an all-English final in the Spanish city of Bilbao on May 21.It is set to be an all-English Europa League final in BilbaoCredit: ReutersFans face a travel headache trying to get to the Spanish cityCredit: GettyThe cost of flights and hotels for fans have soaredCredit: GettyUnited took a 3-0 lead back to Old Trafford for the semi-final second leg after beating Athletic Club last night.While Spurs saw off Bodo/Glimt 3-1 ahead of going to Norway.Both clubs have one foot in the final and supporters are researching their trips to Bilbao for the showpiece.But with less than three weeks to the game, the prices of hotels and flights have rocketed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMany places to stay in the city centre have been booked up already and very few remain under £1,000 per night.All direct flights to Bilbao from London and Manchester across the entire week have sold out.The cheapest option to go the day before the game and leave the day after now involves a stop in Milan – though that will still break the bank at around £350.Fans could potentially fly to cities like Madrid and get a train or coach, or they face gruelling drives across Spain after landing elsewhere.Most read in Europa LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSUnited and Spurs fans have been left horrified at the costs, with one saying: “Just looked at hotels in Bilbao. Is there any camp sites near by?”Another added: “Good luck booking a hotel in Bilbao for the 21st.”Ruben Amorim will go all out to secure Europa League glory for Man Utd A third wrote: “Literally stuck between I need to get to Bilbao for the final and my bank account disagreeing with the flight paths.”More commented: “Corr flights and hotel priced for Bilbao are crazy for the Europa League final.”Man Utd ratings vs Athletic Bilbao as Fernandes leads by example but Ugarte strugglesMANCHESTER UNITED are on the cusp of a first European final since 2021 after stunning Athletic Club 3-0 in Bilbao.Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes ran the show in Spain to sink one of LaLiga’s meanest defences.Ruben Amorim opted for a bold XI as United faced up to Europe’s best home rearguard.Bilbao had conceded just 11 goals at the Estadio de San Mames all season, with the arena a cauldron of noise in the early stages.But after some half chances for the hosts, the game turned on its head following Casemiro’s opener against the run of play – after Harry Maguire channelled his inner Lamine Yamal.The Brazilian headed United ahead, with Dani Vivian controversially sent off just minutes later for hauling down Rasmus Hojlund in the box.Bruno Fernandes stepped up to roll in the spotkick before adding to the rout on the stroke of half-time, firing past Julen Agirrezabala one-on-one.Bilbao retreated into their own half for the remainder of the game, keeping the score down to three.And United – so dismal for much of this season – are now overwhelming favourites to reach the Europa League final.Here’s how SunSport’s Jim Sheridan rated the Red Devils in Bilbao… More