Philippa Kaur

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    Three-time English title winners set to construct one of UK’s biggest stadiums after historic approval

    LEEDS UNITED have been given the green light to expand their iconic Elland Road stadium.Leeds City Council, who own the land around the stadium, have agreed for the newly promoted Premier League side to increase their home to 56,500.Leeds United have been given the green light to redevelop their iconic Elland Road stadiumCredit: PAThe outlined increase in capacity would place Elland Road into the top 10 biggest football stadia in EnglandToday’s unanimous in-favour vote from the council marks a giant step forward towards the expansion plans coming to fruition.Elland Road, which currently holds 37,645 seats, will therefore become one of the UK’s biggest football stadiums.Once complete, Leeds’ cauldron will jump eight places from the 13th largest English ground to leapfrog Manchester City in fifth. But the Etihad is set to undergo an expansion of their own from 56,000 to 62,000 by January 2026.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe project also includes wider regeneration plans for south Leeds, with the thought that Elland Road can become a year-round destination with significant economic benefits.It outlined plans for new transport links and businesses, with future public consultation regarding these plans in the pipeline.But no detailed outline plans or sketches of the proposed development have been publicly released as of the latest updates.The redevelopment will focus on expanding the North and West Stands, with construction planned in phases to minimise seating disruption.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWork could potentially start on the West stand within the next year with the second phase of the redevelopment at a later date.Leeds have hired specialist firms, including architects KSS, structural engineers Buro Happold, and project management team RISE, to develop the plans.Championship club could be left without a stadium as EFL deadline loomsSpecialist acoustic consultants are also involved to preserve the stadium’s unique atmosphere.While the West Yorkshire club has confirmed that a formal planning application is expected to be submitted in 2025.Confirming the vote on Wednesday afternoon, a council spokesperson said: “Elland Road and Leeds United are part of the heart and soul of the city, and the club deserves a stadium befitting of its special status and incredible fans.“Naturally we’re keen to support this however we can, and to work closely with the club to ensure they are in the best possible position to achieve their ambitions and build a bigger, brighter future for the club, their supporters and sport in the city.”The Council is currently in discussions with the club over a bus parade for next month.Leeds were promoted back to the Premier League after two years in the Championship on Easter Monday.The Whites secured promotion with two games to spare after Sheffield United lost at second-placed Burnley, a result which meant the Clarets also confirmed their return to the top flight.Leeds were promoted back to the Premier League on Easter Monday More

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    Aston Villa ‘hold internal talks over Kevin De Bruyne transfer but could face competition from Cesc Fabregas’ Como’

    ASTON VILLA have held internal talks about a potential swoop for departing Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne… but may face competition.De Bruyne, 33, announced on social media that this season will be his last with City and will be leaving as a free agent in June after 10 years at the Etihad.Aston Villa held internal talks about a swoop for Manchester City star Kevin De BruyneMany teams are keeping tabs on De Bruyne ahead of his departure from Man CityCesc Fabregas’ Como are also interested in De BruyneAccording to Sky Sports, Villa are weighing a move that would see the star playmaker staying in the Premier League.The Belgium international is reluctant to uproot his family from the UK and that has alerted the Citizens’ Prem rivals, including the Villans.However, Unai Emery’s side would still face intense competition for De Bruyne’s signature Four MLS teams – Inter Miami, Chicago Fire, NYCFC and D.C. United – have made enquiries.Read More on FootballThe American outfits have asked about the Belgian star’s professional and financial expectations.But Serie A side Como are also looking to keep the ex-Wolfsburg star in Europe.Arsenal and Chelsea legend Cesc Fabregas’ team are doing checks to see if there’s any possibility of landing the attacking midfielder this summer.SunSport previously revealed that Al-Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo ordered his Saudi club to make the ex-Chelsea star an offer he cannot refuse.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDe Bruyne is considered as one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history after amassing a staggering 107 goals and 177 assists in 417 appearances with Man City.The former Genk star also won six Prem titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups and the 2023 Champions League which sealed a legendary Treble.But despite his success at the Etihad, it turns out that the decision not to renew his contract was made by the club rather than the player himself.The legendary No10 said after City’s 2-0 win at Everton that Director of Football Txiki Begiristain and CEO Ferran Soriano held a brief meeting to tell him his deal would not be renewed.De Bruyne said: “There was a little bit of shock. I didn’t have any offer from them through the whole year and the club made a decision. “Obviously, I was a bit surprised but I have to accept it. Honestly, I still think I can perform at this level like I’m showing but I understand that clubs have to make decisions.”De Bruyne ‘struggle’It is understood that City manager Pep Guardiola was involved in the decision but not a part of the meeting where De Bruyne was informed.The Belgian said he struggled a lot in the days between finding out and going public with his social media post.De Bruyne added: “It was half a week till I reported it out and it wasn’t nice. My family weren’t home. They were on holiday so it was a bit weird but it is what it is.”After the decision was made and when I came out, it was more of a relief when I reported it to the outside world compared to when I knew and nobody else knew. Read More on The Sun”You don’t know what to do with the emotion with everybody and how to handle it at the club. “Now it’s out, it’s fine and people see the way I am. I try to do my best and win games for the team. I love playing football so that’s it.” More

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    ‘Is anyone surprised?’ – Ex-Man Utd star gets clumsy red card as fans say ‘he’s played his last game’ for LaLiga side

    A FORMER Manchester United ace endured a torrid afternoon in a crunch LaLiga clash.Villarreal visited Celta Vigo at the Balaidos amid their ongoing bid to secure Champions League qualification.Villarreal ace Eric Bailly was sent off with a straight red card at Celta VigoEx-Manchester United ace Bailly was given his marching orders after just 37 minutesBailly was penalised for a clumsy challenge on the edge of the areaReferee deemed Celta ace Alfonso Gonzalez was in a position to scoreHowever, the Yellow Submarine suffered a heavy 3-0 loss to Celta, who are also pushing for a place in Europe, and it all started after losing a key defender to a straight red card.And that was none other than Eric Bailly, who was sent off for a clumsy challenge after just 37 minutes.Bailly, 31, took down Celta ace Alfonso Gonzalez with a late challenge just outside the area and the referee deemed the Spaniard was in a good position to score.The centre-back, whom United signed from Villarreal in 2016 and had him in their books for seven years, was immediately given his marching orders and Ruben Uria Corral’s side crumbled soon after.Read More on Man UtdThat led to an intense reaction from fans, who stormed social media.One fan tweeted: “Is anyone surprised?”Another commented: “That was rough!”A third wrote: “Eric Bailly red card. I miss him man.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis fan said: “Thats Bailly’s Villarreal career, his last match for the club.”And that one stated: “Unnecessary.”Roy Keane cracks joke live on Sky Sports as he tells De Bruyne to join Man UtdThat was Bailly’s fourth red card of his 21-year career, two of which he picked up during his time with United in the Premier League and Europa League.The Ivory Coast international managed one goal and one assist in 113 appearances with the Red Devils where he endured a raft of injuries. More

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    Scots footballer, 35, tragically dies as tributes pour in for local hero who came out of retirement to help beloved club

    TRIBUTES have been paid to a Scots footballer who has tragically died at the age of just 35.Brian Morgan passed away on Wednesday morning after suffering a cardiac arrest last week and being rushed to hospital for treatment.Brian Morgan was a local legend at Sauchie JuniorsHe scored the winning goal in their East of Scotland League Cup triumph last yearA local hero with Sauchie, Morgan came out of retirement to help the East of Scotland club this season after initially hanging up his boots in May last year.His return came just a few months after scoring the winner in a cup final that was supposed to be his last match.Morgan was brought up in Sauchie and first signed for the Reds as a 20-year-old and had been both vice-captain and captain of the club.He spent two years away from Beechwood Park at Bo’ness United, leaving in 2018 and coming back in 2020.Sauchie sent their condolences to his wife, Zoe, and daughter, Poppy as they confirmed the news on social media.They posted a tribute to the midfielder and described him as ‘one of their own’.A statement read: “Sauchie Juniors were saddened to learn of the passing of midfielder Brian Morgan, aged 35.”Brian passed away on Wednesday morning, following being admitted to hospital after a cardiac arrest. Most read in Football”Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his wife Zoe and daughter Poppy, as well as his close family, friends and all who knew him.”Being a local boy to Sauchie, Brian’s affiliation with the club started when he watched the team as a youngster before he signed for the club in 2010 as a 20-year-old under former manager and his brother-in-law, Fraser Duncan.The Coffee Club assess who could be Rangers’ next manager as doubts emerge over Daniel Farke’s future at Leeds”He contributed a fair share to the club’s success and lifting of silverware, including scoring two free kicks to ensure promotion to the East Superleague in 2012. “After an initial spell of eight-and-a-half years at the club, he moved on to a new challenge at Bo’ness United.”A notable moment in Brian’s second spell came in the final of the East of Scotland League Cup against Haddington Athletic. This game in particular was set to be his final game for the club, announcing he would retire following the game’s conclusion.”Looking to sign off in style, he would score the winner in extra time with a leaping header to ensure victory. “Brian would take his seat in the stand for the start of the 2024/25 season, but the itch of playing would become too much and he pulled the boots back on last November. “It wasn’t long before he reaffirmed himself as a regular in the starting XI and scoring goals.”His last game for the club would come on 12th April in a 3-2 home victory over Glenrothes, scoring our first goal to help us on our way to three points.”Unfortunately, we do not have the exact figures for Brian’s appearances and goals for the club over his three spells; both like his contributions are countless. “Rest in Peace, Morgy. One of our own.”Other clubs from across Scotland paid their respects to Morgan.League Two side Stirling Albion said: “Everyone at Stirling Albion sends our deepest condolences to everyone at Sauchie along with Brian’s family and friends.”West of Scotland Premier Division outfit Clydebank said: “Desperately sad news, our thoughts are with you all.”East of Scotland Premier Division rivals Penicuik Athletic posted: “Everyone at Penicuik Athletic offers our sincerest condolences to everyone at Sauchie, his family and friends following this tragic news.”Dunbar United said: “Absolutely heartbreaking to read this, all our thoughts go out to Brian’s family and friends and everyone one at Sauchie. RIP Brian.”Team mate Chris Donnelly posted a photo of the pair and said: “This was taken at training on the Tuesday night, we both scored at the weekend and in usual Morgy style he was trying to say his goal was better from our win, an absolutely amazing player and even better off the park, boy was a legend, devastated, thoughts with his family.”Berwick Rangers midfielder Scott Taylor-MacKenzie, who played against Morgan, said: “We had some battles on the pitch but always a laugh and a hand shake after. Anytime playing Sauchie you knew you have to work hard and if Morgy was up against you then you knew you where in for a f hard day. What a player. Love to Brian’s family and to you all at Sauchie.”Fans were quick to share messages of condolence too, with one describing him as a “gentleman”.Another said: “Desperately sad news. Sending condolences to Brian’s family and to the club. A real competitor on the pitch.”A third commented: “Horrible news, so sorry to hear this. Brilliant obituary, great to read about his contributions to Sauchie Juniors over the years.”Read More on The SunAnd a Sauchie supporter said: “RIP my friend, Sauchie legend.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    French wonderkid, 18, ‘agrees to join Man Utd on free transfer’ from Paul Pogba’s former club

    FRENCH wonderkid Enzo Kana-Biyik has agreed to join Manchester United in the summer.Kana-Biyik, 18, will be moving to Old Trafford from Le Havre as a free agent after the club failed to convince him to sign fresh terms in Normandy.Le Havre wonderkid Enzo Kana-Biyik has agreed to join Manchester United this summerKana-Biyik joins from the same club in which ex-Man Utd star Paul Pogba used to playThe Mail reported earlier this week that talks between the youngster and United were advancing.  And according to Le Parisien, the striker and his family ultimately decided in favour of a move to the Red Devils.The same source claims the France Under-18 international has been presented with a clear plan to progress with Man Utd.However, the teenage sensation, who is highly rated in Ligue 1, will spend the first season out on loan at Lausanne-Sport.Read More on Man UtdThe Swiss club belongs to United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS and will help him get first-team football in order to reach the levels required in the Premier League.Kana-Biyik has yet to make a senior appearance with Le Havre but has stood out at youth level.The forward, who is the son of Cameroon legend Andre Kana-Biyik, counts nine goals and one assist in 17 appearances with the Under-19s.The centre-forward will be coming from a club that has created several football greats in the past.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat includes former United star Paul Pogba, who spent two years within Le Havre’s youth ranks before moving to the Manchester giants in 2009 for his first stint with the club.Leicester and Manchester City icon Riyad Mahrez also moved to the King Power Stadium after four years with the French outfit.Roy Keane cracks joke live on Sky Sports as he tells De Bruyne to join Man UtdFormer West Ham star Dimitri Payet was also part of the youth teams between 1999 and 2003. More

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    Incredible plan to replace world famous football stadium by burying it UNDERGROUND in bizarre £1.5billion scheme

    AN incredible new plan to replace Milan’s world famous football stadium by burying it underground has been unveiled.The £1.5billion scheme is backed by Italian football giants AC Milan and Inter Milan who currently share the iconic San Siro grounds.An incredible plan to replace Milan’s iconic football stadium by burying it underground has been unveiledCredit: IONThe plan would see a new stadium constructed entirely below street levelCredit: IONInter Milan and AC Milan currently share the San Siro stadiumCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe new underground stadium was designed by architect Davide Bruno who presented the idea during the Il Foglio a San Siro event.It would see a brand new football stadium constructed entirely below street level.And the stadium would replace the San Siro grounds and would be shared by the Italian rivals Inter Milan and AC Milan.Plans for the grounds include the construction of luxury hotels and restaurants, as well as event spaces.read more on milanAnd that’s not all – the stadium would have its own metro station and multi-storey car park to make travel to and from the grounds as smooth as possible. While Milan’s players are scoring goals underground, those who don’t care for the sport can enjoy the new park above it.Plans for the park include 20,000 Trees, 500,000 Flowers and more than four miles of slopes and pedestrian paths.The proposed project would take between four and five years to complete, according to Bruno.Most read in FootballAn AC Milan fan account called Homeofmilan posted the news on Instagram and asked fans what they thought.Fans clashed in the comments with many slamming the idea as unrealistic while others praised its creativity.Kyle Walker gives brutal seven-word warning to Chelsea flop Joao Felix during AC Milan loss One angry Instagram user wrote: “I have seen many stupid things in my Life. But this is one of the most stupid ideas I have seen.”Another shot back: “A lot of people will hate on this idea but it’s honestly so cool and exactly what you should want for an urban development.”Inter Milan and AC Milan had previously considered redeveloping the iconic San Siro Stadium, but neither team considered the proposal viable.The clubs also considered knocking it down to build a new stadium but a local heritage commission found the site to have “cultural interest”, meaning it couldn’t be demolished. Officially known as the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, the grounds have homed AC Milan since 1927 and Inter from 1947.If the plans for the new stadium go ahead, it will be the first soccer arena built in Italy since 2011.Juventus opened their 40,000-seater Allianz Stadium in Turin in 2011.The plan would cost £1.5billionCredit: IONThe San Siro Football Stadium has been the joint home ground of Inter Milan and AC Milan since 1947Credit: Alamy More

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    Arsenal ‘in talks with Thomas Partey over two-year new contract with Mikel Arteta keen for star, 31, to stay’

    ARSENAL are in talks with Thomas Partey over a new two-year contract, according to reports.Manager Mikel Arteta is keen for the 31-year-old star, whose current deal expires in the summer, to stay at the Emirates.Arsenal are in talks with Thomas Partey over two-year new contractCredit: GettyPartey was expected to leave Arsenal for free this summerCredit: GettyMikel Arteta is keen for Partey to sign a new dealCredit: ReutersPartey was expected to leave Arsenal for free in just over two months time. But top-class performances in recent months has left Arteta stewing about whether or not he should let the midfielder go. The Ghana international is happy at Arsenal and his family are enjoying living in London, according to The Athletic.He would be open to an improved two-year agreement or a one-year deal plus an option to extend by a further 12 months.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSPartey has played in multiple positions for Arteta’s injury-ridden side this term, despite a number of spells out on the sidelines himself.As well as his usual defensive midfield role, Partey has started in right-back amid injuries to Ben White earlier in the campaign and now centre-back Gabriel, with Jurrien Timber moving about too.He has become an integral member of Arteta’s strongest team, making 45 appearances this term.If it wasn’t for Declan Rice’s stunning free-kicks, Partey made a case for winning Man of the Match in Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final first leg 3-0 win over Real Madrid earlier this month.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesAnd he backed it up four days later with the opener in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Brentford, which was his fourth Premier League goal of the season.Partey’s importance was demonstrated by the frustration shown at him picking up a booking that rules him out of the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Paris St-Germain. Mikel Arteta slide tackles his own player in training a day before Arsenal’s biggest game of the season vs Real Madrid Arteta gave a cryptic answer when asked about Partey’s contractual situation last week.Asked if there had been any progress, Arteta said: “Yes, there is progress with all the players.”I’ll leave that to [sporting director] Andrea [Berta] and the club to decide and to talk about.”Having joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020, Partey has played an important role in the club’s progress under Arteta.But the expected arrival of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi in the summer, left Partey’s future uncertain.Meanwhile, it was former Atletico director Berta that sanctioned Partey’s move to North London for £45m five years ago. More

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    Chelsea and Man City boost as Club World Cup to be shown on free-to-air TV in the UK after landmark deal

    CHANNEL Five will screen more than 20 games at this summer’s expanded Club World Cup after teaming up with the terrestrial partner of streamer DAZN.DAZN were announced as the global broadcaster of the tournament, with their £770m TV deal providing Fifa’s record cash pot.Chelsea chief Enzo Maresca and Man City rival Pep Guardiola will again be in the USA, for the Club World Cup, from June 15 to July 13Credit: GettyThis trophy will be a stake when some of the planet’s best teams meetCredit: GettyIt was anticipated that DAZN would find a broadcast partner in all major territories to ensure the widest possible access to supporters.But with BBC and ITV both opting out, Five emerged as the sub-licence partner.The DAZN deal means Chelsea and Manchester City are guaranteed around £30m up front with a further potential £67m if they go all the way to win the Final in New York in July.But now fans without access to streaming services will be able to watch 23 of the 63 games free of charge on terrestrial TV after the Five agreement.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThose games include 15 group stage matches, likely to include the games of the two Prem giants, two quarter-finals, one semi-final and the Final.The newly- expanded 32-team competition also includes Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan and Juventus.Fans with smart TVs will be able to watch all 63 matches for free via DAZN.The British streaming platform has come to an arrangement with Fifa, who had gone into the new year reportedly still struggling to find a broadcaster. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAt one stage, Fifa president Gianni Infantino is understood to have held an emergency meeting in an attempt to bolster interest. ITV had hoped to tempt football’s ruling body into giving them broadcasting rights for FREE.Roy Keane cracks joke live on Sky Sports as he tells De Bruyne to join Man UtdIn exchange, ITV would have shown the games on their main channels – giving the event a high profile. But Fifa have now agreed a deal with smaller broadcaster Channel Five.The tournament runs from June 15 to July 13, across venues in the USA, including Charlotte, Cincinnati and Los Angeles. More