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    Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes drops major hint over future after buying new £4m home amid Arsenal transfer interest

    BRUNO GUIMARAES has boosted Newcastle’s hopes he will stay beyond the summer after buying a £4million house in the North East.The Brazilian midfielder, 26, has been heavily linked with a blockbuster move at the end of the season – with Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain all interested.Bruno Guimaraes has been attracting interest from the Premier League and EuropeCredit: RexHe has a £100m release clause, but there is no indication to suggest admirers are willing to pay that sum.According to The Telegraph there is “growing optimism” he will remain at St James’ Park for the start of the 2024/25 campaign.And that positive stance has been supported by the news that Guimaraes has purchased a new home in Daras Hall, an exclusive neighbourhood in Northumberland.It is understood he will make this residence his family home for his wife and two children.READ MORE ON ARSENALNewcastle will reportedly reject any bids below £100m, an approach they will also take when it comes to interest from striker Alexander Isak.Guimaraes joined Eddie Howe’s men from Lyon for £35m in January 2022.He has played 101 games for Newcastle, scoring 14 goals and assisting a further 14.He has started all but one of their Premier League games this season – which he missed in November due to suspension.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd he penned a new £150,000-a-week deal last year to keep him on Tyneside until 2028.Guimaraes’ agent Alexis Malavolta recently claimed his client is “very happy” at Newcastle.Mikel Arteta reacts to Arsenal being dumped out of Champions League by Bayern MunichHowe is keen to avoid selling key players in the summer, but the Toon may be forced to offload stars due to restrictions around profit and sustainability rules.Newcastle sit sixth in the Premier League table, above Manchester United on goal difference, and are on course for Europa League qualification.Guimaraes has been ever-present for Newcastle this season More

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    Bizarre cup final saw Chelsea star play twice in 24 hours and City awarded outrageous pen as ref ‘was having bit of fun’

    RODRI – look away now. If you aren’t already knackered you will be after reading this.Manchester City’s overworked midfielder broke with tradition ten days ago by pleading for a rest, because the hectic football calendar is catching up on him.Chelsea star Pat Nevin won the 1986 Full Members’ Cup – 24 hours after playing against SouthamptonCredit: GettyAlan Saunders was the referee ‘having fun’ during the Wembley showdownCredit: GettyHe will probably start against Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday, though, in an example of a thoroughly modern FA Cup semi-final: late kick-off and no replay to drain the legs.Back in 1986, the two teams met at the same ground in the now-defunct Full Members’ Cup on March 23 with both teams having played the day before in the old Division One.City drew 2-2 at Manchester United while Chelsea won 1-0 at Southampton then whizzed back up to London to prepare for the game.Winger Pat Nevin played two full 90-minute matches in 24 hours. A league game and cup final on consecutive days. The stuff of Rodri’s nightmares.READ MORE ON CHELSEAChelsea won 5-4 as 67,000 fans turned up.For slender Nevin, it was a doddle.He said: “Wembley is quite taxing, it’s a big pitch and in those days anyway, quite sapping because it was lush grass. It was asking a lot but I don’t actually remember feeling tired.“But my background was as a distance runner so I could go forever.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“The big, heavier guys struggled more than anyone else. I think Kerry Dixon was injured that day.“The Chelsea fans turned up as if it was the Champions League final. It was weird. Chelsea hadn’t been at Wembley for a long time, so they were enjoying a day out. I think we were 5-1 up with five minutes to go.Chelsea’s plans for £1bn new stadium“The referee was just having a laugh. He gave them a penalty right at the end to make it 5-4. I was furious. I shouted at him, ‘What are you doing?’“He said, ‘I’m just having a bit of fun and will blow up after this, don’t worry.’ I thought, ‘I like your style, mate.'”Chelsea played 52 matches in season 1985-86 and finished sixth.Nevin, 60, said: “If you check, we played a lot of games that year. But it was injuries that got us more than tiredness.“In 850 games as a professional I never once said I was tired, and I wasn’t the only one.“We had much, much smaller squads. You played with injury. The concept of being in the red zone so they take you off didn’t exist. You ran through it.“Players have always pushed themselves to the edge, okay some of us may have two metal hips now because of it, but you take that.“I loved it. I thought ‘Yes, they’ll be knackered.’ Any weakness, you turn it into a positive.“So if I have two games in two days, so do they. It’s, ‘Let’s see if you are as fit as me’. It’s just the way elite sport is.”’I’M NOT SYMPATHETIC’Rodri has played 48 matches this season and is the beating heart of a City team chasing a league and cup double after exiting European competition in midweek.Nevin said: “I am not deeply sympathetic. Nobody is 100 per cent fit.“Rodri has the right to say it. But there are some I think, ‘Come on give us a break.’“In a different era, if you’d said you were too tired and didn’t play next week, somebody else would take your place and you might not get back in.“It doesn’t happen so much now. And if you are on £60,000, £70,000 a week does it matter if you don’t get in?“Back then it was your livelihood. So even if you did want a rest you couldn’t afford it. Not only did you lose your place in the team, but your wages.”The Full Members’ Cup was a substitute for European competition with English clubs banned following the 1985 Heysel Stadium riot.READ MORE SUN STORIESNevin said: “It was completely for the fans, They deserve it. They have waited since Peter Osgood and Charlie Cook. “I was fine after it. It’s not that I am Superman. I am a bit of an oddity.”David Speedie grabbed a hat-trick for the BluesCredit: GettyChelsea were 5-1 up with five minutes to goCredit: GettyCity scored in the 85th and 88th minutes before the controversial 89th-minute penaltyCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd star looks unrecognisable as he celebrates birthday with adorable childhood photo ahead of FA Cup semi-final

    MANCHESTER UNITED wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo celebrated his birthday by sharing an adorable pic from his childhood.Mainoo, who turned 19 today, shared a number of pictures to his Instagram.Kobbie Mainoo shared a snap of himself wearing a Man Utd AIG kit as a youngsterCredit: instagram @kobbieMainoo shared a few pictures to his Instagram page as he celebrated his 19th birthdayCredit: instagram @kobbieOne of the snaps showed Mainoo getting a tattooCredit: instagram @kobbieMainoo also posed alongside brother and former Love Island star Jordan Mainoo-Hames, rightCredit: instagram @kobbieThe first snap in the collection saw the midfielder wearing a blue jacket with a black and white stripe trim and cream sleeves in a car park.Picture number two showed Mainoo in Man Utd training with a woolly hat – something that may upset Paul Scholes based on his previous comments on the matter. The third picture showed Mainoo posing alongside rapper Reubz and brother and Love Island star, Jordan Mainoo-Hames.Next up was an image of Mainoo celebrating at Old Trafford with team-mate Diogo Dalot.READ MORE ON MAN UTDMainoo then shared an adorable picture from his childhood, proving he’s always had an ice cool demeanour.He was seen with his hands behind his head while sitting back on a sun lounger and wearing sunglasses, however it was the Nike produced AIG Man Utd kit Mainoo was wearing that most caught the eye.Man Utd’s kit were sponsored by AIG between 2006 and 2010.The next picture showed Mainoo getting a tattoo, before the final image showed him wearing a bright yellow jacket and black trousers while in a car park.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe captioned his post: “+1, Thanks for the messages 🤞🏾🎂”A number of Mainoo’s team-mates responded with heart emojis, while some left heartfelt messages.Watch as Roy Keane features in extremely rare dressing room footage after Man Utd’s Champion League final win of 1999Amad Diallo said: “HBD my little kobbs.”Fellow Carrington prospect Dan Gore said: “Happy birthday Mybro.”Man Utd attacking coach Benni McCarthy said: “Happy Birthday Kobes.”Big brother Jordan said: “My broyeeee 🤍 love u man.”One fan reacted to the post by saying: “Bro is so clean at everything he does.”A second said: “Bless up young champ.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA third said: “Why is everything he does so clean?”Mainoo will hoping for a birthday treat on Sunday when Man Utd take on Coventry in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. More

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    Zinedine Zidane ‘prefers Man Utd to Bayern Munich with managerial move to Bundesliga giants in doubt’

    ZINEDINE ZIDANE would prefer to manage Manchester United over Bayern Munich, it’s claimed.Erik ten Hag’s position at Old Trafford is believed to be under threat due to an inconsistent season.Zinedine Zidane is reportedly in favour of a move to Manchester UnitedCredit: AP:Associated PressErik ten Hag is under pressure at Old TraffordCredit: GettyBayern Munich are also on the lookout for a replacement for Thomas TuchelCredit: GettyThe Dutchman could leave the club at the end of the season with the Frenchman seen as a potential replacement.French outlet L’Équipe report that a deal that would see Zidane replace Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich at the end of the season is close.However, a number of hurdles need to be sorted before an appointment is sealed.A huge hurdle, according to the report, is that that Zidane, 51, would prefer to take on the manager role at Manchester United.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt is also claimed that the language barrier between Zidane and the Germans, as well as life in Bavaria, are major obstacles.Bayern remain “extremely keen” on hiring the former Real Madrid boss with Tuchel confirmed to be leaving in the summer.Zidane is said to respect Bayern and appreciates that a move to the Allianz Arena could provide him the opportunity to challenge for titles immediately.This may not be the case at the Red Devils who have been well off the pace of the Premier League’s title challengers this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGFFN have added that Ineos, who own 25 per cent of Manchester United and head up football operations with Sir Jim Ratcliffe at the helm, are keen on hiring Zidane as part of “a new era” at the club.The report claims that a language barrier would also be an issue for the manager in England, however it would be less severe than in Germany.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?Should Zidane make the move to Man United, then Bayern could turn to Ralf Rangnick to take over at the Allianz Arena.Zidane has previously managed Real Madrid over two successful spells.During his tenure, he led the club to two LaLiga titles and three Champions League triumphs.He has been out of club management since leaving the Spanish giants in 2021.Former Brighton and Hove Albion and Chelsea manager Graham Potter has also been linked with Man United.Club legend Dwight Yorke, however, would prefer Zidane to take over and believes that Potter would be “eaten alive”.READ MORE SUN STORIESMan United have also been tipped with an interest in Bologna’s Thiago Motta.The Italian made waves in the football coaching scene when he announced his philosophy to be a 2-7-2.Zinedine Zidane’s managerial careerZinedine Zidane began his career in management in June 2014 when he was appointed coach of Real Madrid’s B team.
    Zizou spent 18 months in charge of Real Madrid Castilla before being given his shot at the big time following the sacking of Rafael Benitez.Zidane, 51, took charge of the first team in January 2016 and guided them to a second-place finish in his maiden season at the Bernabeu helm.But he went one better in the Champions League, sealing Real’s 11th European Cup triumph with a shootout victory over Atletico Madrid.The former Los Blancos star went one better in the league in the 2016-17 season, in which they also won the Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup.A second successive Champions League triumph also followed, with Real beating Italian giants Juventus at the Principality Stadium.He would create history the following season by becoming the first manager to win the tournament three times on the bounce.A 3-1 win over Liverpool saw Real become the first team to win Europe’s elite club competition three times in a row.Zidane announced his resignation five days after the final, insisting the club needed a “change” of direction.He would return to the Bernabeu in March 2019 following Santiago Solari and Julen Lopetegui’s short reigns.A return to the summit of Spanish football would follow in the 2019-20 season, in which Real also scooped the Spanish Super Cup.Zidane would leave the Bernabeu again in June 2021 after overseeing Real’s first trophyless season in 11 years.Zinedine Zidane’s Honours:- La Liga: 2016–17, 2019–20- Supercopa de España: 2017, 2019–20- UEFA Champions League: 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18- UEFA Super Cup: 2016, 2017- FIFA Club World Cup: 2016, 2017 More

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    Swansea star Sam Parker, 17, wanted by two Champions League giants as they battle Burnley for wonderkid transfer

    SAM PARKER is wanted by PSV Eindhoven, RB Leipzig and Burnley.The Welsh teen star, 17, made his Swansea debut in the Championship away at Coventry last December.Swansea ace Sam Parker is targeted by RB Leipzig, PSV Eindhoven and BurnleyCredit: GettyParker, 17, has put together some impressive performances in the ChampionshipCredit: GettyHe made three first-team appearances at right wing-back – two in the league and the other in the FA Cup – before a hamstring injury curtailed his season.But Parker’s promise has alerted clubs both domestically and in Europe.And they have lodged their interest in the Wales Under-17 international.Dutch giants PSV have a track record of looking to develop British talent.Read More on FootballEindhoven helped improve Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite and Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.Parker is under contract with the Swans until the summer of 2026 after signing his first professional deal last August.The teenager, who turns 18 in July, has been with the Welsh club from Under-9level, and has since progressed through the ranks.Parker was also a member of the Wales squad that played in the European Under-17 Championships in Hungary in the summer of 2023.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPSV and Leipzig would be able to to offer the teenager Champions League football next season.Burnley, on the other hand, have found themselves in an intense relegation battle.Furious EFL star has to be held back from his OWN FANS by stewards as he demands ‘respect’ in angry post-match clashThe Clarets are 19th in the Premier League table with six points separating Vincent Kompany’s men from safety. More

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    Fuming EFL claim they had no say in abolition of FA Cup replays as they blast FA and Premier League in damning statement

    THE EFL have blasted the Premier League and FA over the revamping of the FA Cup and Premier League season schedules. On Thursday the FA announced FA Cup replays were being scrapped along with other changes including the removal of the mid-season break and a £33million increase in funding for grassroots football.EFL bosses have slammed the FA and Premier League for the changes announced yesterdayCredit: GettyThey accused football bosses of not consulting themCredit: APHowever, after furious backlash from fans, the EFL have joined the chorus of dissent against the decision.In a statement released today, the fuming EFL said there had been no agreement between it and the FA and Premier League over the changes which will come into play from next season.A statement said: “The EFL wishes to clarify further its position in respect of yesterday’s Premier League and Football Association bi-lateral announcement over the removal of FA Cup replays and the role of the League’s representatives on the Professional Game Board (PGB). “The agreement which now sees the abolition of replays from the competition format was agreed solely between the Premier League and FA.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Ahead of the deal being announced there was no agreement with the EFL nor was there any formal consultation with EFL clubs as members of the FA and participants in the competition.”The statement continued: “In September 2023, the EFL did initially discuss with clubs potential changes to the FA Cup format but only as part of a wider and more fundamental change to financial distributions. “As is now clear, there has been no movement in this area since September.”This latest agreement between the Premier League and the FA, in the absence of financial reform, is just a further example of how the EFL and its clubs are being marginalised in favour of others further up the pyramid and that only serves to threaten the future of the English game.  Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The EFL today calls on both the Premier League and the FA, as the Governing body, to re-evaluate their approach to their footballing partnership with the EFL and engage more collaboratively on issues directly affecting our clubs.”The EFL statement concluded: “A separate issue is the role of the EFL representatives on the Professional Game Board (PGB) in agreeing to the 2024/25 overall fixture calendar. FA Cup semi-final draw CONFIRMED as Man Utd, Chelsea, Coventry and Man City find out their fate”PGB is there to make technical decisions across the game as opposed to key policy decisions such as competition changes or formats.”Any decisions taken on the calendar involving EFL representatives are in no way an endorsement of the joint deal agreed between the FA and Premier League that imposes changes to the FA Cup competition format in isolation.”As part of the discussions the EFL representatives did challenge the position and were told that clubs would be comfortable with no replays. “They were effectively advised that, as a result, of it being an FA competition, the fixture list needed to be agreed as presented. “It is also important to note that this matter was not discussed by the FA Cup committee, a separate group that oversees the competition across the professional and national game.”The official FA Cup account received a ‘community note’ against it’s announcementThe FA were hit with a “community note” – a feature on X, formerly Twitter, to fact check claims made on the site – which said: “To suggest that the revised format ‘strengthens the format’ of the FA Cup is fundamentally untrue.”The decision to remove FA Cup replays deprives lower league clubs of crucial revenue and has been taken without consulting EFL or non-league clubs. The £33m is inadequate.”The changes to the English game will run for six years.In response to the backlash the FA Cup released a statement of its own earlier today.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s own statement tried to reduce fears of lower league teams regarding the financial impact of the changes by pointing out that more games would be shown on TV in earlier rounds and would therefore guarantee additional broadcast revenue.However, the statement neglected to mention many FA Cup games are moving away from terrestrial television and to subscription service TNT Sports from 2025/26.Why FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
    THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
    No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
    Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
    If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
    Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
    And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
    Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here. More

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    Barcelona legend backs Jose Mourinho to replace Xavi and lists six reasons why he is great fit despite fans hating him

    JOSE MOURINHO has been backed to replace Xavi as Barcelona manager by a club legend.The former translator and assistant boss has been linked with a shock return to the club this summer.Jose Mourinho has been backed to replace Xavi at BarcelonaCredit: GettyRivaldo has given six reasons why Mourinho would be a great fitCredit: GettyThat is despite the Barca fans’ hatred towards him from his time at Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid.Barcelona have yet to confirm Xavi’s replacement after he announced he would be leaving his role as manager at the end of the season.Former forward Rivaldo has now thrown Mourinho’s name into the mix and listed the six reasons why he is a great fit for the role.Rivaldo scored 130 goals in 235 appearances during five years with the Spanish giants.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis spell included working under Mourinho, who served as a translator and assistant manager to Louis van Gaal and Sir Bobby Robson.As a result, Rivaldo is convinced Mourinho is a great person and knows the club well enough to replace Xavi.The Brazilian told Betfair: “I do not see Guardiola joining Barcelona anytime soon.”I think the only realistic chance would be when he wants to move back home and enjoy more family life, which is easier for him in Barcelona, and can coach the team at the same time.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”So today it depends a lot more on him, but I think it’s very difficult for next season.”He’s doing well in England, and I think this return would also depend on the financial state of the club, and if they can bring players in for Guardiola.Jose Mourinho waves chequered flag at Portuguese GP as ex-Chelsea and Man Utd boss drops huge hint about football return”There are many fans who do not accept players or coaches who played for or managed their rival team. But Jose Mourinho has already been at Barcelona, with Sir Bobby Robson, and he is a great person.”Of course, his intensity as a coach, and sometimes being controversial with his own fans could be a concern from the beginning, but he is a winner.”Considering that he is without a club and the situation at Barcelona, in my opinion, it is easier for him to join the team than Guardiola right now, and I think It would be a great signing for Barcelona, even though some fans don’t like the name.”Without a doubt he would do a great job, he knows the team, the Spanish league, the Champions League and has a lot of experience.”Rivaldo’s reasons for appointing MourinhoRivaldo has listed six reasons Jose Mourinho would be a good fit to replace Xavi at Barcelona.

    Knows the club – worked as a translator and assistant manager between 1996 and 2000
    Great person
    Free agent – left Roma back in January
    Knows the league – won a LaLiga title during time at Real Madrid
    Champions League winner – titles with Porto (2004) and Inter (2010)
    Experienced – 37-year coaching career has seen him win 26 major trophies

    Mourinho is currently without a club after leaving Roma in January, whilst alternative Pep Guardiola has another year left on his Manchester City deal.The former Chelsea boss also has experience in LaLiga, having won a league title during his three years with Real Madrid.Meanwhile, his 37-year coaching career has seen him win 26 major trophies, including the Champions League with both Porto and Inter. More

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    Emi Martinez BANNED by Uefa after little-known rule saw Aston Villa star booked twice in same match but not sent off

    EMI MARTINEZ will MISS the first leg of Aston Villa’s Europa League semi-final tie with Olympiakos.The controversial Argentina stopper was booked in both legs of Villa’s quarter-final tie with Lille.Emiliano Martinez received two bookings in Aston Villa’s Europa League semi-final tie with LilleCredit: APThe Argentine received three bookings across the two-legged affairCredit: REXThe World Cup winner will be banned for the first leg of Villa’s semi with OlympiakosCredit: AFPAnd he received a second booking in Thursday’s penalty shootout but WASN’T given his marching orders, much to the surprise of many.But the World Cup winner hasn’t completely escaped punishment as Uefa have slapped him with a ban for repeated cautions.The basis for Martinez’s suspension is outlined in Article 52.02(b) of Uefa’s rule book, an excerpt of which reads: “In case of repeated cautions.”B. from the first match in the group stage, players and team officials are suspended for the next competition match after three cautions, which did not result in a red card, as well as following any subsequent odd-numbered caution (fifth, seventh, ninth, etc.).”Martinez wasn’t sent for an early bath as yellow cards picked during normal and extra time aren’t carried into shootouts.The IFAB law 10 states: “Warnings and cautions (YCs) issued during the match (including during extra time) are not carried forward into kicks from the penalty mark (KFPM).”A player who receives a YC during both the match and the KFPM is not sent off.”Martinez proved to be Villa’s hero as he saved two penalties in the fiery shootout.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe received his third booking of the tie for goading Lille fans after saving a spot kick from former Tottenham man Nabil Bentaleb.And he sent Unai Emery’s troops into the semis with a great stop of Benjamin Andre’s kick.Emiliano Martinez gets emotional in live Sky Sports interview while talking about his love for ArsenalMartinez, 31, was left baffled by the entire yellow card saga, which he believes was the result of his reputation preceding himself.He said: “I’ve just got a bad reputation for time wasting because the other goalie was doing the same thing. “But I get booked after 30 minutes when we’re losing the game. I don’t know what the ref wants from me.”Then there was no ball on the penalty spot [in the shootout] so I asked the ball-boy for a ball, and then I get booked! “I just don’t understand the rules.”Martinez will be sitting on the sidelines when Villa host Greek giants Olympiakos at Villa Park on May 2. More