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    Marcus Rashford still hopes to seal Barcelona transfer next summer despite Aston Villa having permanent deal option

    MARCUS RASHFORD has not given up hope on his dream move to Spain — despite Barcelona sporting director Deco saying this week the giants were not ‘desperate’ to sign him.Rashford made a deadline-day loan move from Manchester United to Aston Villa in search of regular football when boss Ruben Amorim left him out in the cold after a bust-up.Marcus Rashford still dreams of Barcelona despite his Aston Villa loan moveCredit: AlamyThe 27-year-old said he expected to leave his boyhood club after being dropped from the squad in December for the Manchester derby.His brothers — who act as his agents — held talks with several European clubs including Barca.But the Catalans failed to push for a deal, leaving Rash to join Villa for the rest of the season.Deco said: “It’s true there was talk of Rashford — but we weren’t desperately looking for a player either.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn his welcome interview with the club, Rashford said he was excited by the prospect of playing football again.But he also made clear he did not see his long-term future in the Midlands.That’s despite Villa having a £40million option to buy the player at the end of the loan deal.Rashford said: “Obviously it’s only short term that I’m here but I want to make the most of my time here.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“And the only way to do that is by using my attributes and skill sets to help the team”.Yesterday, against Ipswich, Rashford crashed a free-kick off the bar that was turned in by Ollie Watkins to earn a 1-1 draw.Why Marcus Rashford could be perfect fit for Aston Villa after Man Utd transferA source told The Sun on Sunday he still hopes to go to the Nou Camp.They said: “Marcus is confident that if he rediscovers his form at Villa Park and starts bagging goals, Barcelona will revive their interest, especially as a transfer price has been established.“It’s a huge incentive for him, which is good news for Villa.“Now he just needs to get playing and start scoring.” More

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    Arsenal fans ‘will never forgive Edu’ after academy kid Gunners sold for just £4m last summer scores ANOTHER hat-trick

    FORMER Arsenal academy starlet Mika Biereth has scored hat-tricks in back-to-back home games for AS Monaco.The striker, 22, was allowed to leave the Gunners to join Sturm Graz for just £4million last summer.Mika Biereth scores against Nantes for AS MonacoCredit: AFPThe Swede has impressed since moving to FranceCredit: AFPAfter excelling in his first half a season in Austria, Biereth signed for Monaco last month in a deal worth up to £12.5m.While Arsenal have struggled with an injury crisis among their forward players of late, Biereth has excelled since moving to France.The Swede continued his rich vein of form on Saturday afternoon by bagging a brilliant hat-trick against Nantes.Biereth’s treble helped his side on their way to a 7-1 demolition of Les Canaris at Stade Louis II.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe hat-trick made it seven goals in five league games for his new side, with Biereth having also netted in his previous two home outings.And Monaco even took the opportunity to goal Arsenal in a post on X, calling him an “absolute Gunner”. He scored his first goal for his new side in a 3-2 win over Rennes on January 25.The 6ft 2in forward then added a treble in a 4-2 triumph over Auxerre.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBiereth, 22, was allowed to leave Arsenal last summerCredit: GettyBiereth is now team-mates with fellow former Arsenal academy graduate Folarin Balogun.But the US international, 23, has been sidelined for much of this season with a shoulder injury.Arteta reveals Havertz tore hamstring during set-piece routine and admits Arsenal could sign free agentBiereth never made a first team appearance for Arsenal.He made a Premier League matchday squad just once, for a 0-0 draw with Burnley in January 2022.During his time at Arsenal he spent loan spells at RKC Waalwijk, Motherwell and Sturm Graz.Seeing his latest goalscoring exploits for Monaco, several Gunners supporters ranted about his sale on social media.One fumed: “2021… Edu Gaspar I will never forgive you for selling Mika Biereth.. he should have been Arsenal’s main striker.”While a second claimed: “We could have given Mika Biereth a chance.”Another added: “Another day to lament about the selling of Mika Biereth. Many of us knew he was class.”READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal are currently without Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli.Mikel Merino rose from the bench as a makeshift centre forward to net a double in the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Leicester earlier today. More

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    Bayern medics rush to treat Harry Kane after sickening head injury as fans slam Piero Hincapie for giving him ‘whiplash’

    BAYERN MUNICH medics rushed to Harry Kane’s aid after a head clash with Piero Hincapie.The England captain started up front against Bayer Leverkusen but he collided with defender Hincapie after a free kick. Harry Kane collided with Piero HincapieCredit: GettyKane was seen to by medicsCredit: APKane appeared to suffer a neck injury after coming down as medics rushed on the pitch to his aid. And fans were left unimpressed after Hincapie appeared to have words with a downed Kane. One said: “Did Hincapie just give Kane lip while he was on the ground after giving him whiplash for what was flagged to be offside even though he clearly looked to be on? Jeeze.” Another fumed: “Really bad challenge.” READ MORE IN football A third raged: “That player was reckless.”Hincapie escaped any punishment as the game ended 0-0 with Kane staying on the field. It means Leverkusen still trail league leaders Bayern by seven points after failing to close the gap. Kane recently refused to deny he has a release clause in his Bayern deal that could signal a sensational Premier League return.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Tottenham legend  joined the Bundesliga giants in August 2023 for £104million.Reports in Germany claim there is a buy-out option of £54million in the striker’s contract that he can activate in January 2026.Harry Kane scores from a distance in Bayern Munich training The clause could have allegedly been met during the recent winter transfer window for the higher fee of £67million.Asked about the situation, Kane, 31, said: “What I can say is that I’m very happy at FC Bayern. No comment on the clause.” More

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    ‘It adds towards success’ – Why Arne Slot believes COFFEE is fuelling Liverpool’s Premier League title bid

    LIVERPOOL’S Premier League title bid is being fuelled by daily coffee-shop chats.Arne Slot’s Kopuccino kings — who have bean top of the table since November — built a coffee bar for the players at their Kirkby training centre.Liverpool manager Arne Slot has revealed coffee is fuelling his side’s title bidCredit: AFPTrent Alexander-Arnold and Co can take advantage of a new coffee bar installed at their training groundCredit: GettyHow Liverpool stars might look in the coffee barThis is where they can meet, eat and sink some caffeine when they are not roasting opponents on the pitch.The foundations of championship-winning sides are built upon strong bonds within the dressing room.In the 1980s and 90s, players would head to the pub to socialise but these days, modern ultra-professionals will meet as a group over a cuppa.Liverpool manager Slot said: “They have always had breakfast together. What has changed, and what you see a lot, is we have created a coffee bar here.“Players sit down over there, talk to each other, have a lot of fun together.“If you have a coffee bar and you don’t have results, probably you don’t see the same vibe there. But I think it all adds towards success.“I believe you need to have a good training ground. You need to have a good programme.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“You definitely need to have good people. I took a few people to this club who I think are doing their jobs really well and are good human beings. But the ones who already worked here are great professionals and great human beings also.Most read in Football“Add that to a great facility, great players and a great mentality, then that can lead to a successful period.”New footage of Arne Slot’s interaction with Michael Oliver emerges as mystery surrounds Liverpool manager’s red card Normally so cool and calm, Slot was surprisingly enraged by Everton’s wild celebrations following the 2-2 draw with Liverpool in the last Merseyside derby at Goodison on Wednesday.Post-match, Slot was sent off and faces a possible ban after being charged by the FA with abusing ref Michael Oliver and his assistant.Slot has refused to apologise but accepts he would have acted differently with the benefit of hindsight.The Dutchman, 46, said: “In general or 99 per cent of the time, I can cope with my emotions quite well.“But yeah, it’s clear that I couldn’t cope with my emotions well enough during the game.“Especially after the game. That had all to do with how the intentional five minutes ended up being eight extra-time minutes.“Emotions took over after these seven or eight minutes, which I don’t think will ever be the same again in terms of all the games I’m going to play as a manager.“But still, if, if, if it happens next time, I should act differently. That’s completely clear.“I saw players coping much better than they did last season. Mentally, I mean. That’s the biggest win and gain we could have gotten from this game.“That gives us a lot of confidence for the upcoming 14 games.“Because we already knew that in terms of playing football, we’re quite good at that.”Before hosting Wolves at Anfield today, Liverpool’s lead at the top was cut to four points following Arsenal’s 2-0 win at Leicester.Reds gaffer Slot revealed he failed to control his emotions against EvertonCredit: GettySlot was sent off by Michael Oliver at the end of the Merseyside derbyCredit: GettyThe Reds are on the longest current unbeaten run in English league football — 20 games — as they chase a second Prem crown, although they did exit the FA Cup at Championship side Plymouth.READ MORE SUN STORIESSlot added: “In general, the second half of the season for everyone is harder because teams are coming closer to the line.“So they’re fighting maybe harder to stay up, for Europe or league position.” More

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    ‘Still can’t get over that’ say fans as forgotten Chelsea star scores outrageous goal from inside own half in EFL clash

    FORGOTTEN Chelsea star Lewis Baker left fans stunned as he scored from inside his own half.Baker, 29, joined Chelsea at the age of nine in 2005 but made just two appearances for the senior team following a string of loan moves once he became a professional.Lewis Baker scored a stunning goal from inside his own halfCredit: GettyBaker, 29, was at Chelsea from the age of nine until leaving in 2022 after making just two appearancesCredit: AFPBaker showed his class with a goal from inside his own half for StokeCredit: EFLHe punted the ball forward first time from the centre circleCredit: EFLIt came after he spotted the Swansea goalkeeper off his lineCredit: EFLThe goalie was unable to backpedal in time for the incredible shotCredit: EFLIt caused jubilant celebrations from Stoke starsCredit: GettyIt was Baker’s 100th appearance for Stoke and his 300th senior appearance overallCredit: GettyThe midfielder eventually left permanently in 2022, joining Stoke on a free transfer.Baker spent two seasons with the Potters before being sent on loan for the ninth time in his career in the summer. After 13 appearances and one goal for Rovers, Baker then returned to Stoke in January.And in his most recent appearance against Swansea, Baker scored an outrageous goal from inside his own half after coming on in the 62nd minute.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith Stoke winning 2-1 in injury time at the Bet365 Stadium, Baker picked up the ball near the centre circle, around 65 yards away from the opposition goal.But Baker spotted Lawrence Vigouroux off his line and without taking a touch punted the ball forward.The ball curved to the right as Vigouroux backpedalled before it ended up in the back of the net to confirm a 3-1 win for the home side.Viewers could not believe what they had seen, with one fan on social media saying: “Lewis Baker, that’s outrageous.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA second said: “Really was unbelievable.”A third added: “What a strike.”Embarrassed KSI scores horror own goal before getting brutally mocked by opponent in Match for HopeAnother said: “The audacity to hit it from there in the 93rd minute is just mental hahahahaha. Lewis Renard Baker go on fella.”A fifth said: “Charlie Adam 2.0.”A sixth said: “Still can’t get over that.”Baker scored the goal to mark a century of appearances for Stoke, and 300 senior career appearances overall.The goal does not even appear on our shot graphic More

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    Crystal Palace 1 Everton 2: Toffees climb above Tottenham and Man Utd into 13th after Alcaraz’s dramatic late winner

    EVERTON fans hailed a second unexpected goal hero in the space of three days as Carlos Alcaraz enjoyed a debut to remember.The former Southampton man marked his first Toffees start with an assist and the winner as David Moyes and Co pulled off another great escape.Carlos Alcaraz’s late goal sealed a 2-1 win for Everton at Crystal PalaceCredit: ReutersThe Eagles were left empty-handed at the final whistleCredit: ReutersAlcaraz wouldn’t even have been playing had not Abdoulaye Doucoure not been sent off for goading Liverpool fans on Wednesday night.Toffees fans arrived in south London on a high following James Tarkowski’s late equaliser in Goodison’s final Merseyside derby.But they will also know that Palace had enough chances to have given Moyes’ men an utter spanking but somehow threw it away.Literally in fact as Beto’s opener, cancelled out by Jean-Philippe Mateta, was the result of Tyrick Mitchell’s duff throw all added up to quite a week for Everton, who had Jordan Pickford to thank for denying Mateta early on.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBoth Toffees centre-halves were especially grateful as each was guilty of a ricket.Tarkowski’s careless flick off a boot put Jarrad Branthwaite under pressure and the England hopeful made a right mess of trying to clear.That left Mateta with all the goal to aim at but Pickford smothered his low drive.England’s Number 1 soon had to scramble again, this time to deny Justin Devenny. Palace tails were well and truly up.Everton didn’t exactly heed the warning either and required a Pickford-VAR combo to remain level with just 20 minutes on the clock.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSPickford kept out Marc Guehi’s header at the expense of a corner that Jefferson Lerma headed in.A linesman ruled the delivery into the box had gone out of play first however – and VAR footage couldn’t prove otherwise.Everton and Liverpool stars sent off in post-match brawl as police intervene with Slot seeing red for handshake stuntHenderson had been a spectator at the other end but Pickford’s Three Lions understudy did well to bat away Jesper Lindstrom’s volley.He got an accidental knee in the head from a team-mate in the process but was cleared to carry on after medics bunged some padding up his bleeding bugle.Normal service was quickly resumed in the Everton box with Pickford racing out to stop Mateta going clear – and Tarkowski ending up on his backside in a scramble seconds later.Beto opened the scoring in the 42nd minuteCredit: ReutersThe goals sparked jubilant celebrationsCredit: ReutersAnd once again the Everton goal had a charmed life as Palace did everything but score.Centre-back Chris Richards showed quick feet to dribble his way into the box and Mateta’s prod set up Ismaila Sarr for a shot he pinged off the bar with only Pickford to beat.Within seconds of the that let-off Mitchell gifted Everton a 42nd-minute lead from a clanger of a throw-in.Jean-Philippe Mateta equalised for the EaglesCredit: GettyHis goal came early in the second halfCredit: PAThe left-back managed to chuck it behind Lerma, who hadn’t been paying attention, and Alcaraz gleefully raced away down the right to set up Beto for a cool dink past Henderson.The came VAR intervention number two, with Mateta’s smart close-range finish seconds into the restart examined for an age.Had the Frenchman been off when Guehi flicked on? Eventually the answer came: this couldn’t be proved either and Palace were level.Alcaraz pounced with just 10 minutes leftCredit: ReutersThe goal saw Everton soar to 13th in the tableCredit: ReutersHenderson had to make saves from Lindstrom and Beto to prevent the Toffees nicking another lead.Mitchell was replaced by winter window addition Ben Chilwell on the hour – but was clapped off by Palace fans willing to overlook his earlier error.Chelsea spare part Chilwell soon burst down the left and Pickford flapped a none too venomous effort round for a corner.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe sting in the tale arrived with 10 minutes to go when Alcaraz was in the right place to net the winner.Jake O’Brien nodded down Jack Harrison’s ball to the back post and when sub Ashley Young saw a shot blocked by Will Hughes the Argentinian was on hand to ram home the rebound. More

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    ‘Pressure shouldn’t be on the coach’ – Gary Neville slams Chelsea board for ‘unforgivable’ mistake

    GARY NEVILLE has slammed Chelsea’s board for an “unforgivable mistake” following their 3-0 defeat to Brighton.The Blues were run ragged on the South Coast as they lost to the Seagulls for the second time in less than a week.Gary Neville has slammed Chelsea’s board after another defeat to BrightonCredit: APThe pundit questioned Chelsea’s insane spending recordCredit: AFPBrighton first dumped Chelsea out of the FA Cup with a 2-1 win last weekend.And on Friday night they fired three goals past the Londoners in a league clash at the Amex, inflicting back-to-back defeats on Enzo Maresca.Chelsea’s woeful form has now seen them drop to sixth in the table.They are 14 points behind leaders Liverpool, who still have a game in hand.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the potential title race promised earlier in the season now looks set to be a battle just to finish in the European places.To make matters worse, Chelsea are now light on forwards following injuries to strikers Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu.Mykhailo Mudryk is unavailable as he awaits the results of the B-sample for his positive drugs test.While Joao Felix was packed off on loan to AC Milan on deadline day of the winter window.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSNoni Madueke became the latest casualty as he limped off the field last night.While in the backline, Chelsea continue to leak goals regardless of whether Robert Sanchez or Filip Jorgensen start.Chelsea player ratings vs BrightonNow, Neville has hit out at those running the show at Stamford Bridge.However, he does not feel the blame lies with beleaguered boss Maresca.Instead, he reckons Todd Boehly and Co are to blame for spending over a BILLION pounds without bringing in a top-class striker and goalie.Neville, who last year called Chelsea “billion-pound bottle jobs” after their Carabao Cup final defeat to Liverpool’s kids, said: “The pressure should be on the people who are recruiting the players.“To leave out of a billion pound (project), positions like centre forward and a goalkeeper is unforgivable.“The pressure should not be on the coach at all.“It’s very difficult to play football without a centre forward and goalkeeper.”Chelsea ratings vs BrightonHOW SunSport’s ISABELLE BARKER rated Chelsea flops as the Blues failed to muster a single shot on target in a 3-0 loss to Brighton,FILIP JORGENSEN 5 Jorgensen wasn’t all to blame for letting in the three goals, particularly Kaoru Mitoma’s wonder strike. But Chelsea fans will be thinking ‘be careful what you wish for’ with Rob Sanchez not looking so bad anymore. MALO GUSTO 6 Gusto stood his ground well at times with Mitoma one-on-one for some of Chelsea’s better defending in the match. LEVI COLWILL 5When Colwill lost the ball under minimal pressure and stayed on the ground, making no attempt to recover his position it summed up his game. Twice in two matches he’s given goals away for being weak.TREVOH CHALOBAH 5 The centre-back flapped about when marking Mitoma for the opener. MARC CUCURELLA 5 Struggled to keep Yankuba Minteh in check and was fully sat down by the Gambia winger for Brighton’s third goal – much to the pleasure of the booing home fans. MOISES CAICEDO 7Caicedo was jeered by chants of “what a waste of money”.But he has been one of the Blues’ only bright sparks for the last six months and, even today, he was Maresca’s best player.ENZO FERNANDEZ 6 The Chelsea skipper was unlucky not to have nabbed an equaliser after rising above Joel Veltman on 36 minutes to head home – but he fouled the Dutchman in the build up. Looked sluggish in other areas of the game though. NONI MADUEKE 5 Had little influence as he was substituted off on 20 minutes due to a hamstring injury. The Blues are running out of forwards with him joining Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu on the injured list.COLE PALMER 5Palmer was reeling throughout both halves, constantly throwing his hands up in frustration at the lack of service from his teammates.He blazed well over, when he did have a shot and the Blues didn’t have a single effort on target. PEDRO NETO 5 It was not clear what Neto’s purpose was on the pitch, he only really looked good at sprinting and still couldn’t beat Tariq Lamptey in a 1v1. CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU 5 Nkunku did a very good job at jogging around and not doing a lot. Blues would probably rather see Jackson starting if he wasn’t also out injured. SUBSJADON SANCHO 5 Sancho looks as though he is doing what he did at Manchester United, starting well but going off the boil. In his last 11 games across all competitions, he has nabbed just one assist. KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL 6REECE JAMES 6 TYRIQUE GEORGE 6 More

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    Man Utd in travel chaos as train cancellations force squad to take bus and DOUBLE length of journey to Tottenham

    MANCHESTER UNITED were hit with travel chaos ahead of their trip to play Tottenham. United planned on taking a train to the capital on Saturday but were forced into travelling on a coach instead. Ruben Amorim boarding the coach to LondonCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeNoussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee stepping onCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeAlejandro Garnacho heads to LondonCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeMatthijs de Ligt had a coffee in handCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeMan Utd had planned to travel by trainCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeAccording to the Daily Mail, the train lines were affected by a fault with the signalling system between Rugby and Milton Keynes.Multiple services were either cancelled or severely delayed – meaning United instead took the coach. A train from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston usually takes around two and a half hours if running on time. But the same journey by coach can take over four hours. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRuben Amorim and his side were pictured boarding a coach ahead of the team’s overnight stay down south.Matthijs de Ligt had a coffee in hand while Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee were also pictured.United travel to North London – sitting 14th in the league with Spurs one place below – with injury problems too.Amad Diallo could be out for the season with ankle ligament problems. Most read in FootballLisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Jonny Evans, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and Toby Collyer are all ruled out.Midfielder trio Mainoo, Ugarte and Collyer all suffered knocks in training this week – leaving Amorim short of options.So Casemiro and Christian Eriksen – formerly of Tottenham – could be brought back into the squad. That is despite the pair only playing a combined 176 minutes since starting alongside each other in the 2-0 loss to Newcastle on December 30.United opted for a coach trip insteadCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeTrain cancellations scuppered their travel plansCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeTheir trip to London doubled in durationCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeBruno Fernandes steps out in his carCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke More