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    Chelsea ‘open transfer talks to sign £80m-rated English wonderkid Jamie Gittens, 20, in shock swoop from Dortmund’

    CHELSEA have opened talks with Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens, according to reports.The Blues are looking to add a winger to Enzo Maresca’s squad this summer and the Englishman is a top target.Chelsea are in talks over a deal for Jamie GittensCredit: RexSky Sports Germany claim the club have been in contact with Gittens’ representatives.The 20-year-old takes home £2.5million-a-year at Dortmund and Chelsea are said to be willing to double his wages.Gittens has been valued at £80m in the past but the latest report suggests a fee could be agreed between £43m and £51m.The England Under-21s international started the season in stunning form and has scored 12 goals in 44 games.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut he has fallen out of favour under Niko Kovac, who took over as Dortmund boss in January.Gittens could therefore decide to leave the Bundesliga side this summer and return to his homeland with Tottenham also interested.But staying put is not out of the question as the player’s reps have also been in talks with Dortmund chief Lars Ricken over his future.If Gittens joins Chelsea, it would see him return to the club he spent a short time with as a schoolboy.Most read in BundesligaJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Berkshire-born ace eventually decided to stay with Reading before joining Manchester City’s academy aged 14.He then moved to Dortmund two years later and made his senior debut at the age of 17 years and 251 days. The making of Tyrique George, who’s family made sacrifices to help Chelsea wonderkid with ‘dynamite’ shot live his dreamAs alternatives to Gittens, Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and Athletic Club’s Nico Williams are being considered.AC Milan star Rafael Leao is reportedly not seen as an option. More

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    ‘No wonder I didn’t play more’ – Darwin Nunez appears to take swipe at Liverpool as he reacts to transfer clause rumour

    DARWIN NUNEZ has allegedly deleted a tweet criticising his lack of playing time at Liverpool this season.The Reds ace, 25, shared a cryptic social media post on Saturday morning where he appeared to take aim at his situation at the club.Darwin Nunez appears to have taken aim at his lack of starts at LiverpoolCredit: GettyThe now-deleted post criticised his lack of starts after a transfer clause rumour came to lightCredit: X @Darwinn99Nunez has made 42 appearances in Liverpool colours this season, but only 17 of these have come from starts, while he has 14 goal contributions with seven goals and seven assists in all comps.His frustrating lack of minutes led to a sensational report from Portugal earlier this week that Nunez was not being selected to start for financial reasons.A Bola claimed Liverpool would have to pay Benfica another £4.3million when he makes his 50th start in the Premier League and Champions League, though this was denied by manager Arne Slot.Nunez has started 49 Prem and Champions League games combined for Liverpool since joining from Benfica in an £85million transfer almost three years ago.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd in a now-deleted post on X, Nunez is said to have wrote: “No wonder I don’t play more, because the last game I started in the Premier League went well and suddenly…”The alleged Nunez comment was swiftly deleted from his page, before his profile picture was also changed.Nunez’s last Premier League start came against bottom-club Southampton in March, where he registered a goal and assist in a 3-1 win before he returned to the bench for the next game against Everton.However, Nunez’s general form and commitment this season have been openly questioned by fans and Slot alike.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSlot previously said: “I helped him by saying you can miss a chance. I wasn’t only hard on him. But for the second time in a row I wasn’t happy with his work effort, against Wolves and against Villa.”I can’t accept if a player doesn’t give everything. That is clear. I can accept it once, but twice was a bit too much. That’s why I addressed it.”Shocking new footage of Darwin Nunez throwing CHAIR at Colombia fans emerges after Copa America clashThe allegedly removed post was replaced by another morning post where Nunez shared a selfie of himself alongside midfielder Alexis Mac Allister drinking Argentine staple drink, mate, captioned: “Good morning.”Liverpool look set to win the Premier League this weekend.Slot’s team need just a point to secure the title, so need at least a draw against 16th-place Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday.The title will be the club’s second of the Premier League era and 20th English league title overall, drawing them level with Manchester United. More

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    ‘He’s going to leave’ – Lewis Hamilton tipped for shock Ferrari exit after saying he expected ‘painful’ season ahead

    LEWIS HAMILTON has been tipped to shockingly quit Ferrari.The seven-time world champion is still waiting for his first podium finish this season amid a tough start to life at his new team.Lewis Hamilton has been tipped to leave FerrariCredit: RexJaime Alguersuari [left] has slammed Ferrari as ‘not a winning team’Credit: GettyBut despite being just five races into his two-year deal, Red Bull’s former Toro Rosso driver Jaime Alguersuari reckons Hamilton will quit Ferrari.Alguersuari, who featured in 46 F1 races between 2009 and 2011, told the After Lap Podcast: “I have the feeling that Hamilton, he’s going to leave.”I don’t know why I’m taking a risk by saying this.”But I have the feeling that he’s like, his time has passed, that he’s already won a lot, that he’s already won everything and that he’s saying: ‘OK, I’ve gone to Ferrari to try and see what happens in 2026.'”READ MORE IN SPORTFerrari last won a constructors’ title 17 years ago and Alguersuari seemed to suggest joining them was a poor move for Hamilton if he wants to surpass Michael Schumacher’s seven world titles.He added: “Ferrari is not a winning team. A team is a team that wins races, but it is not a winning team. They have not won since 2008.”They may have a competitive car, they may have a competitive team, but they don’t have a winning team. There is a difference.”Alguersuari’s comments come as Hamilton cut a frustrated figure after finishing seventh at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix last Sunday.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Brit revealed he did “not have an answer” as to why things are going wrong at the moment.He claimed there were “zero” positives and that the race was “horrible” and “not enjoyable”.Lewis Hamilton blasts ‘big opportunity missed’ after Ferrari strategy blunder at F1 Australia Grand PrixHamilton went on to say: “At the moment, there’s no fix. This is how it’s going to be for the rest of the year. It’s just going to be painful.” More

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    PSG fans unfurl banner aimed at Arsenal before suffering shock loss as Enrique admits ‘the players are clearly affected’

    PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN fans unfurled a banner aimed at Arsenal before losing their first Ligue 1 game of the season.The French giants were on course to match the Gunners’ invincible achievement this campaign.Paris Saint-Germain showed off a banner aimed at ArsenalCredit: AFPThe French giants were then beaten by NiceCredit: GettyFormer Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Sanson netted twiceCredit: ReutersLuis Enrique fielded a strong teamCredit: AFPPSG have already wrapped up the Ligue 1 title with a massive 23-point advantage over second-placed Marseille.Ahead of Friday night’s clash against Nice at the Parc de Princes the club’s supporters had other things on their mind.The club are set to take on Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday.Supporters showed off a banner in the crowd that targeted Mikel Arteta’s side.READ MORE ON ARSENALIt read: “Eliminate Arsenal, bring us to the final”.However, the performance on the pitch may have dented their ambitions ahead of the tie.Former Aston Villa ace Morgan Sanson netted a brace on either side of a goal from Fabian Ruiz to put the visitors ahead.The result was wrapped up for Franck Haise’s men when Youssouf Ndayishimiye netted his side’s third in the 70th minute. Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSPSG lost the game with all three of Nice’s shots on target finding the net.Manager Luis Enrique admitted that his players were left “affected” by the result.How Arsenal can outsmart PSG in Champions League semi-finalEnrique did not want to give any clues to Mikel ArtetaCredit: GettyHowever, he did insist that they deserved to win and that he would be “signing up” for the matches against Arsenal.He said: “Based on what I saw, I’m signing up straight away for Tuesday in London and the return leg.”Not for the result, obviously, but I saw a team that had 30 chances to score. I’m not worried at all.”We attacked, didn’t calculate, and we came up against a goalkeeper who made some incredible saves.”We are the best team in France, by far, we proved it. We have to be brave now and think about winning the Champions League.”Right now, the players are clearly affected. We deserved to win, no doubt about it.”But if the opponent is 100 per cent efficient and you’re not as efficient as usual, things turn around. It’s as simple as that.”The former Barcelona boss fielded a full-strength side against Nice, which included stars such as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire DoueHe was quizzed on why he made that decision and quipped that he did not want to help Arteta.Read More on The SunHe said: “Draw whatever conclusions you want from that.”I’m not going to give any clues to Arteta.” More

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    Real Madrid issue statement after making ref break down in tears and ‘threat to BOYCOTT Copa del Rey final vs Barcelona’

    REAL MADRID have issued a statement following a referee breaking down in tears ahead of the Copa del Rey final.Los Blancos are due to face rivals Barcelona at the Estadio de La Cartuja tonight.Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea broke down in tears during a press conferenceCredit: Copa Del ReyThe official was targeted by a video released by RMTVCredit: APThe video showcased his decisions against Real MadridCredit: ReutersThere were thoughts that Los Blancos could boycott the Copa del Rey finalCredit: GettyHowever, the capital-based club pulled out of pre-match activities after referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea’s press conference.The Spanish official broke down as he responded to a video by Real’s in-house TV channel RMTV.The video highlighted decisions that had gone against Real, which the club believe to have been incorrect.An emotional De Brugos said: “To see your son come from school crying because some kids have said his dad is a crook is very hard to take.READ MORE FOOTBALL”What I do is tell my son that his father is honourable. I make mistakes, like any athlete, but I am honourable.”I want my son to be proud of his father and of the refereeing profession.”Nobody has the right to submit my colleagues to what they are dealing with.”Reuters has claimed that Real views the ref’s comments as a “clear conflict of interest.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKA source told the outlet that the club believe that the refereeing team should be changed for the final.However, the Spanish FA rejected the request.You’re a football superfan if you can work out Brazil and Real Madrid legend’s son, 16, by his iconic playing style Real Madrid statementHere is the full statement released by Real Madrid…It read: “In light of the rumours that have arisen in the last few hours, Real Madrid C.F. communicates that our team never considered refusing to play in the final.”Our club understands that the unfortunate and inappropriate statements from the referees appointed for this match, made 24 hours before the final, cannot tarnish a sporting event of global importance that will be watched by hundreds of millions of people and also out of respect also for all the fans who are planning to travel to Seville, and for all those who are already in the Andalusian capital.”Real Madrid understands that football’s values must prevail, despite the hostility and animosity that has today once again been shown against our club, by the referees appointed for the final.”The actions of the club led many to believe that they may boycott the final entirely.However, Real later released a statement that insisted that it “never considered” withdrawing from the match.The club continued to argue that “football’s values must prevail, despite animosity that has once again been shown against our club”.The final VAR, Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, joined De Brugos at his press conference.He insisted that referees will soon take action against the constant pressure they are under.He added: “In a few days, you all will see.”We are going to make history and we are not going to continue to put up with what we are putting up with.”A strike? You will have news from us soon.”Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has also weighed in on the referee debacle.The German insisted that officials, like players, need to be protected,He said: “For me, it’s only a sport. It’s only a game.Read More on The Sun”It’s only football.”It is our responsibility to protect not only the players but all the people involved in the game.”Hansi Flick claimed referees need to be protectedCredit: Getty More

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    Dimitri Payet breaks silence on claims he beat lover & made her film sick sex acts saying relationship was ‘consensual’

    FORMER Premier League star Dimitri Payet has broken his silence after abuse claims made by his ex-lover.Larissa Ferrari alleged the married midfielder subjected her to “physical, moral, psychological and sexual violence” – including forcing her to film degrading videos, in an exclusive interview with The Sun on Sunday.Ex-lover Larissa Ferrari accused the ex-West Ham ace of ‘physical, moral, psychological and sexual violence’Credit: NewsflashThe footballer struck up a conversation with Larissa, 28, over Instagram last August using a fake profile, claims LarissaCredit: NewsflashLarissa showed The Sun on Sunday pictures of bruises, which she also handed to policeThe Brazilian lawyer, 28, also accused the former West Ham and French international Payet, 38, of making her take part in a fake wedding and wearing a ring to “prove her love”.She also alleged he made her drink her own urine and water from the toilet, and lick the floor.Larissa showed The Sun on Sunday photos of her bruises which she said she’d handed to police.The mum-of-two said: “He’s a sick monster. I was scared for my life, and I’m still scared.”READ MORE NEWSPayet, however, has denied “physical and psychological violence” in a statement to Brazilian cops, reports local outlet G1, which claims to have seen a document detailing the case. The footballer admitted to having had a seven-month affair with his accuser after “becoming lonely” while playing for Vasco da Gama in Rio de Janeiro.Larissa told G1 she suffers from Borderline personality disorder and claims Payet took advantage of her condition.”Dimitri knew about my passion and psychological problems, using this against me,” she is reported to have said by the Brazilian outlet. Most read in Football”Dimitri convinced me to put my head in the trash, in the toilet, made me drink my own urine and other sexual bizarre acts.”However, Payet’s statement allegedly sees him claim everything was consensual and proposed by his accuser.Dimitri Payet breaks down in tears after announcing he is leaving Marseille It refers to an incident where Larissa “requested slaps during sexual intercourse” which resulted in marks on her body.The footballer is also said to have claimed the pair used wooden chairs during sex.G1 reports Payet alleges he refused Larissa’s wish to continue their relationship as he prepares to return to France, which would include him paying her expenses.Payet has four children with his wife of nearly 20 years, Ludivine, who remained in France after he joined the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A club in 2023. Payet’s lawyer Sheila Lustoza told G1: “It is regrettable that confidential records were leaked, but the case reveals with evidence something that is very clear: a woman exercising her freedom and will, as it should be, contrary to what has been publicly narrated up until now. “The defence is confident that the truth that is proven by documents will demonstrate these facts.”‘I only want justice’Speaking to The Sun on Sunday previously, Larissa went on to say: “I not only want justice but to also help other women who are blindly allowing their partners to abuse them.”Payet spent 18 months with West Ham before Marseille paid £25million for him in January 2017. He then moved to Rio in 2023 after signing for Vasco de Gama.Payet spent 18 months with Premier League side West HamCredit: PA:Press AssociationLarissa wearing bridal gear for ‘ceremony’The footballer struck up a conversation with Larissa over Instagram last August. She claims that Payet used a fake profile. They then started messaging on WhatsApp.Larissa, who knew the star was married, initially flew 1,500 miles from her home in the state of Parana to meet him in Rio’s Windsor Hotel where his team were staying before a match.She said: “He was very sweet and romantic. It was a very intense date and the following day I went to watch him play. He was so attentive and there was lots of hugging and kissing. I thought he seemed like a lovely man.”As the relationship grew, they started staying together for days at a time.Larissa said she stopped dating other people and they acted as a “normal couple”. But in early December Larissa’s pal posted on social media a snap of two match tickets Payet had given them.Larissa claimed Payet became aggressive and screamed at her. She said: “This was the first time I saw this side of him.”Read More on The SunShe alleges that sparked off the abuse.In text messages seen by The Sun, Payet asked for “humiliating” sexual videos of Larissa. WhatsApp messages also show Payet asking for “disgusting acts” to prove her love.Domestic abuse – how to get help DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone – including men – and does not always involve physical violence.Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship:Emotional abuse – Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse – gaslighting – being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak toThreats and intimidation – Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you Physical abuse – This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten.Sexual abuse – Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent.If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers:Remember, you are not alone.1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime.Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse.Payet and his wife Ludivine, a mum of fourCredit: AFPLarrisa claims Payet made her wear a wedding ring More

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    Ruud van Nistelrooy reveals plan to get Leicester promoted – but he’s only THIRD favourite to be manager next season

    RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has mapped out his blueprint for getting Leicester City back to the Premier League in the post Jamie Vardy era.Now he wants the green light from the Foxes’ powerbrokers to push ahead with his plans.Ruud van Nistelrooy has outlined his plan for getting Leicester back to the Premier LeagueThe bookies believe Russell Martin and Sean Dyche have better odds of being in charge than Van NistelrooyThe longer the Dutchman remains in limbo, the more speculation intensifies over his future.Ahead of today’s trip to in-form Wolves at Molineux, Van Nistelrooy is the 11/8 favourite to be the next Premier League manager to be axed.Even the bookies believe Russell Martin (11/10) and Sean Dyche (5/4) have better odds of being in charge of Leicester next season than the current boss!Now Van Nistelrooy has urged Foxes chiefs to clear up the uncertainty over his future so he can start building for next season …. or clear his desk!Read More on Football”It’s necessary to find alignment,” he said. “The quicker the better in the best interests for the football club.That’s what I’m urging.”We need to be on the same page.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Over the past months, starting in February, I’ve had conversations with the board and the chairman. Later in March and recently as well.”The club knows where I stand. Ruud van Nistelrooy reveals son’s name was inspired by former Man Utd team-mate who tragically died”I’ve always informed the club on the way I see things, the lessons learned now it’s clear it’s going to be in the Championship.”We can move on to that scenario. But I’m still waiting for the club to come back. That’s where it stands now. “I know what my plan is to move forward and bring the club back up with the people in this building. “There are 60-70 great professionals here who can move the club forward.”But I’m still waiting on that alignment.”Van Nistelrooy has drawn up a list of summer targets and wants to promote youth players such as 15-year-old Jeremy Monga from the Foxes’ Academy.Planning recruitment”It’s my job to plan for recruitment,” he said.”I’m responsible for the footballing part of the football club. I take it very seriously. “I can’t wait because we have to continue to work and prepare. So we’ve been doing that for quite a long time.”I’ve evaluated the current squad and how to move forward, the positions that need reinforced.”Obviously now with Jamie Vardy going that was a big part of those conversations, which as I say, started in February.”I want to involve the academy and build a foundation of homegrown players who can apply the highest standards in football. And play with intensity and character and soul like Jamie always did. Stopping the rot”It’s clear where I stand. But it can only improve when there’s alignment and total clarity on where we’re going. “Until then the work continues.” Van Nistelrooy stopped the rot of nine straight defeats with a draw at Brighton before Leicester lost narrowly to Liverpool last Sunday.He will be without midfielder Stephy Mavididi for the rest of the season after the 26-year-old suffered a muscle injury against Arne Slot’s Reds.Vitor Pereira’s in-form Wolves are on a high after winning their last five matches.Van Nistelrooy said: “Their manager has done an excellent job.”I think they invested well and reinforced their squad in January on top of a good squad. Read More on The Sun”I feel they have already spent a long time in the Premier League. But all credit to their performances since the new manager came in. “They got themselves out of trouble and really far away from the bottom three.” More

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    How to watch Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa for FREE: Streaming and TV info for huge FA Cup semi-final

    CRYSTAL PALACE and Aston Villa will leave it all on the field TODAY as they face off in a thrilling FA Cup semi-final.Goals from Eberechi Eze, Ismaila Sarr and Eddie Nketiah fired the Eagles to a huge win over London rivals Fulham in the previous round.Nketiah scored Palace’s thrid in a rout against FulhamCredit: AlamyMarcus Rashford’s double fired Villa into the semisCredit: RexAnd Palace boss Oliver Glasner will be determined to lead his side to their first FA Cup final since a devastating 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in 2016.But the Eagles go up against a Villa side who have incredible strength in depth and this was demonstrated in their quarter-final Preston drubbing.Furthermore, with Unai Emery’s men losing grip on the top five Premier League race along with getting knocked out of the Champions League, the FA Cup is Villa’s final chance for success.Its perfectly poised to be a sensational game of football this afternoon and fans can watch it for FREE!Read more on FA CupHow to watch Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-final for FREECrystal Palace vs Aston Villa is available to watch for FREE on BBC One in the UK as long as you hold a valid TV license.Fans can also stream the entire action for FREE on BBC iPlayer through a compatible mobile device or tablet.The huge FA Cup semi-final kicks off at 5:15pm BST.And whoever goes on to win this match, will face the winner of Nottingham Forest and Manchester City in the final.Most read in FA CupWhat is the prize money for the FA Cup 2024/25?This year’s FA Cup winners will receive a whopping £2million in prize money.While the runners-up take home £1million. More