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    Chelsea ‘ready to pay £5million penalty’ to send Jadon Sancho BACK to Man Utd as he’s handed transfer lifeline

    CHELSEA are ready to pay a £5million penalty NOT to sign Jadon Sancho, with the winger reportedly set to move to Germany.Sancho joined the Blues on loan this season but has not exactly set the world alight.Jadon Sancho is attracting interest from clubs in GermanyCredit: GettyHe has had some memorable moments but four goals and ten assists in 40 games means Chelsea are not too concerned about keeping him on.In fact, the west London club are set to refuse to meet their obligation to make his loan permanent, and will pay Manchester United a £5m penalty as a result, report The Mirror. The Red Devils are still keen to move Sancho on however, with Ruben Amorim seeing no way back for the 25-year-old.Fortunately for Sancho there are some options available to him.READ MORE ON CHELSEAHis former club Borussia Dortmund remain interested while The Mirror claim Bayer Leverkusen could also make a move.Both German clubs may baulk at his £250,000-a-week wage demands, but United are hopeful a deal could be struck as they now value him at less than £20m.Sancho moved to Old Trafford from Dortmund for £73m almost four years ago, and he has just one year left to run on his contract.Leverkusen could sign Sancho to reinforce their attacking options with key star Florian Wirtz attracting attention.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSManchester City have been tipped to make a move for the Germany international.Real Madrid could also try and poach him, although Wirtz has reportedly said he would only leave to join Bayern Munich.Stamford Bridge erupts in brawls as Chelsea are accused of ‘most serious breach of stadium security in recent memory’ More

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    ‘I thought I was minutes away from lights out’ – Rio Ferdinand breaks silence on horror bug that put him in hospital

    RIO FERDINAND has opened up about the health issue that left him hospitalised last week, revealing he thought he was close to “lights out”.The former Manchester United defender spent days in hospital and was forced to miss his punditry duties with TNT Sports.Rio Ferdinand has opened up about the health issue that left him hospitalisedCredit: PAThe former defender shared an update from his hospital bed last weekCredit: https://x.com/rioferdy5Ferdinand, 46, was set to provide analysis of Arsenal’s visit to Paris Saint-Germain before acting as co-commentator as United reached the Europa League final.Instead he was forced to watch on from a hospital bed and updated fans on his condition by sharing a photo of himself with his thumbs up.That was the aftermath of a serious ordeal for the former England defender, who had been suffering from a horrific stomach bug.The “crazy” illness left Ferdinand vomiting while he also experienced migraines and vertigo, making him feel like the “lights were out”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said on his show, Rio Ferdinand Presents: “I had a mad virus. I thought lights were out at some point, I thought it was gonna happen. I thought I was minutes away from lights out, seriously.”I was in my house, I was in my bed like this [pained expression] and I couldn’t even open my eyes.”Then, the headache I had… I don’t get migraines or nothing else so I don’t know what they’re like. I thought my head was in a vice and my eyes were going to pop out.”Then, I was being sick, projectile vomiting in the toilet, I got back to bed and I was having vertigo. I was holding onto the sheets, I didn’t know where I was. It was crazy.”Most read in FootballFerdinand also revealed he went into a state of panic after doctors told him he would need a brain scan.He was even offered an ambulance, making the ex-England star even more nervous.Rio Ferdinand calls out Roy Keane and Gary Neville’s takes on Man Utd vs Man City Ferdinand continued: “I had to go to hospital and the doctor even said to me, “Do you want an ambulance”? So that’s when I knew.”He went, ‘We’re going to get your brain scanned’. I thought it was a virus or a flu or something so when he mentioned brain scan and the ambulance, the panic was nuts.”I went to hospital and I was in there for a few days. I couldn’t even enjoy the hospital food. The soup and the ice cream normally does wonders.” More

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    Diehard Crystal Palace fans spend HUGE sum to get home from US holiday for FA Cup final before flying BACK out

    THIS pair of diehard Crystal Palace fans have spent £20,000 to get home from a US holiday for the FA Cup final before flying back out. The side’s Wembley clash against Manchester City on May 17 falls three days into Mark and Anna Newlands’ ten-day trip to New York. Mark and Anna Newlands have spent £20,000 to get home from a US holiday for the FA Cup final before flying back outCredit: David HartleyThe pair say the club is in their DNA – so they have to be there for the finalCredit: David HartleyThe couple booked it months ago for a cousin’s birthday before the Eagles got to the final. So they have bought flights to get back the day before and will return to the US the day after. Mark said they would miss the big birthday but their relatives understood. The retired risk manager, 61, from Newbury, Berks, said: “The club is in my DNA. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”We have to be there. “I’m not bothered if this is sensible or not. It’ll be worth every penny.” Anna, 62, is just as devoted to the South London club and did not hesitate when Mark suggested the plan. The pair, pictured at the semi-final win over Aston Villa, hope it will be third time lucky after Palace lost their two previous finals. Most read in FootballThe couple’s son James, also a Palace season ticket holder, is attending the final although he is not on the New York trip — while their daughter Alice will stay in the Big Apple. Crystal Palace fans earn club an FA charge within 30 SECONDS after engulfing Wembley in smoke by sneaking in flaresHow the couple will fly from the US to watch Crystal play in the FA Cup final – then jet back More

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    England ace Phil Foden reveals surprise new hobby after shunning nights out on the town

    ENGLAND’S Phil Foden says he shuns the nightlife to relax with board games and nature.The Manchester City ace, 24, relishes home life at his country mansion and fishing lake.Phil Foden says he shuns the nightlife to relax with board games and natureCredit: MEN MediaThe England star is a fishing fanaticHe said: “I love sitting in my garden and looking at all the wildlife.”Winding down allows him to go fishing with son Ronnie, six. He said: “I started with my dad, so it’s nice to pass it on.”And Phil’s private chef cooks for fiancée Rebecca Cooke, mum to their three kids. Read More on FODENFriends join them some evenings.The midfielder added: “We love to play Ludo and board games. “I like to chill and relax really.”He said the family enjoy zoo trips and hiring bouncy castles.Most read in FootballInstead of a footballer off-season trip to Marbella or Ibiza, Phil will be in France “where the fish are a little bigger”.‘They should be ashamed’ – Pep Guardiola slams Man Utd fans for sick chants aimed at City ace Phil Foden’s mumFoden on the pitch for Man CityCredit: Getty More

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    Nottingham Forest star Taiwo Awoniyi has emergency surgery on abdominal injury after smashing into post vs Leicester

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST’S Taiwo Awoniyi needed emergency surgery on an abdominal injury after smashing into a post against Leicester.The striker had several minutes of treatment following a sickening collision late in Sunday’s 2-2 Prem draw but returned to carry on.Taiwo Awoniyi had a nasty accident in Sunday’s derbyCredit: AFPAwoniyi eventually returned to resume playing but was in discomfortCredit: Shutterstock EditorialAnd it was only on Monday that medical staff discovered the full extent of his problem.The Nigerian, 27, was then taken to hospital for surgery.The end of the derby match was marred by Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis confronting his manager Nuno Espirito Santo on the pitch.And it was later revealed Awoniyi’s condition was at the centre of that heated exchange.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMarinakis said he was angered by the decision to let the frontman return to action.Awoniyi was able to come back after medical attention – even completing the match.But he’d looked in obvious discomfort after stretching to meet Anthony Elanga’s cross, only to slide into the base of the post.After the draw Nuno blamed a “misunderstanding” for Awoniyi being allowed to continue.Most read in FootballHe said: “It was disappointing for everybody.”Unfortunately, we had to play the last 10 minutes with one man less. Taiwo gave it a go but it was too painful for him to really push and help the team. The Nigerian was at the centre of a ‘misunderstanding’ over his injuryCredit: AFP”There was a misunderstanding between the coaching staff and the medical department. We had the heads up to make a sub, then Taiwo tried but could not [run properly].”Nuno added: “[We feel] disappointment and frustration of course. But it is because of the owner and his passion that we are growing as a club. “He pushes us. He wants us to be better… 30,000 people felt the same. For sure, many of them would go on the pitch and shake us down. We owe a lot to the Marinakis family.”Marinakis played down the flare-up – focusing on Forest qualifying for Europe.But he did say: “Everybody – coaching staff, players, supporters and including myself – we were frustrated around the injury of Taiwo and the medical staff’s misjudgment on Taiwo’s ability to continue the game. “This is natural. This is a demonstration of the passion we feel for our club. Let’s all be grateful, passionate and keep on dreaming!” More

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    Sheffield United pay incredible tribute to late George Baldock during play-off clash after tragic death aged just 31

    SHEFFIELD UNITED paid an emotional tribute to late club legend George Baldock after they booked their place in the play-off final.Baldock’s name echoed around Bramall Lane after the Blades saw off a 6-0 aggregate semi-final win over Bristol City on Monday night.Sheffield United paid an emotional tribute to late club legend George BaldockCredit: AlamySheffield United players held up a Greek Flag with ‘Star Man’ written on itCredit: Shutterstock EditorialBefore kick-off a huge Tifo was placed over the home section with his face alongside with the words: ‘Once a Blade, always a Blade.’Credit: Shutterstock EditorialBaldock was found dead at his home in Athens in October 2024 after joining Greek team Panathinaikos FC last summer.The right wing-back drowned in his swimming pool before medics failed to resuscitate him.And after booking their place at Wembley on May 24, Baldock’s former club organised a touching tribute in his honour.All sections of the ground rose to sing “Starman” in unison, which was a chant created about Baldock to the tune of David Bowie’s iconic song during his playing days.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd Chris Wilder’s side paraded the Greek flag around the pitch at full-time to pay their own tribute.The flag had “Star Man” and Baldock’s shirt number, which was No2, written in bold. Before kick-off a huge Tifo was placed over the home section with Baldock’s picture alongside with the words: “Once a Blade, always a Blade.”And former Everton star Tom Davies was spotted walking with the Greek flag draped around him.Most read in FootballTom Davies was spotted walking with the Greek flag around him at full-timeCredit: PAGoals from Kieffer Moore, Gustavo Hamer and Callum O’Hare saw the home side enjoy a 3-0 win in the second leg, adding to the comprehensive victory by the same scoreline at Ashton Gate.The Blades will face either Sunderland or Coventry in the final in two weeks time, with the Black Cats leading that tie 2-1 heading into Tuesday night’s second leg.Baldock made more than 400 appearances in English football and spent seven seasons at Bramall Lane last summer.He made 219 appearances in all competitions for the Blades, helping them to promotion to the Premier League in 2019 – and again in 2023.Baldock was found unresponsive in his pool after his partner, who was in the UK, reportedly raised the alarm because he was not answering his phone. Paying tribute, his family said: “You were the most special father, fiancé, son, brother, uncle, friend, teammate and person.’Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those that were fortunate enough to know you and those that adored you from the stands.” More

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    Carlo Ancelotti’s son ‘offered first job in management’ just hours after dad agreed to take over as Brazil boss

    CARLO ANCELOTTI’S son has reportedly been offered his first job in management.Davide, 35, is on the lookout for his next job after his dad agreed to take over Brazil.Davide Ancelotti (R) is reportedly set to become Rangers managerCredit: GettyHe has been the assistant to father Carlo at multiple clubsCredit: GettyThe father-and-son combo worked together at Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton, and currently, Real Madrid.However, they will both be leaving the LaLiga giants at the end of the season.While Ancelotti is heading to the southern hemisphere, his son is set for a move to Scotland.Reports have claimed that Davide has been offered the manager job at Rangers.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Scottish outfit is on the lookout for their replacement with Barry Ferguson set to leave at the end of the season.The former Ibrox captain was installed as the boss temporarily after Philippe Clement was sacked in February.He has helped the club to an almost certain second-place finish in the SPL.Davide has gained interest from elsewhere due to his impressive CV.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSLast year, he was linked with Ligue 1 outfit Stade de Reims following Will Still’s exit.The coach has also been of interest for Serie A side Como, should Cesc Fabregas leave the club.Carlo Ancelotti named Brazil coach as former Chelsea boss makes history after leaving Real MadridDavide may be delayed getting to Rangers as he is reportedly set to assist his dad for June internationals against Ecuador and Paraguay.Rangers had previously been linked with former Premier League managers Russell Martin and Sean Dyche.The pair have been without clubs since they were sacked by Southampton and Everton this season.Meanwhile, Davide will leave Real Madrid along with his father after a successful four-year spell.He was in the dugout as the club won two LaLiga titles and two Champions Leagues.Inside Ancelotti’s trophy cabinetCarlo Ancelotti has won a stunning amount of honours during his playing and managerial career…Playing career:RomaSerie A x1Coppa Italia x4AC MilanSerie A x2Supercoppa Italiana x1European Cup x2European Super Cup x1Intercontinental Cup x1Manager career:JuventusIntertoto Cup x1AC MilanSerie A x1Coppa Italia x1Supercoppa Italiana x1Champions League x2Super Cup x2Club World Cup x1ChelseaPremier League x1FA Cup x1Community Shield x1Paris Saint-GermainLigue 1 x1Real MadridLaLiga x2Copa del Rey x2Supercopa de Espana x2Champions League x3Super Cup x3Club World Cup x2Intercontinental Cup x1Bayern MunichBundesliga x1DFL-Supercup x1 More

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    Liverpool boss Arne Slot parties with Wayne Lineker and EastEnders icon in Ibiza just hours after Arsenal clash

    LIVERPOOL manager Arne Slot was spotted in ibiza partying with celebrities after Sunday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal.The Prem champions drew 2-2 with the Gunners at Anfield where the visitors came back and cancelled out Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz’s openers with goals by Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino.Liverpool boss Arne Slot was spotted partying in Gary Lineker’s brother Wayne’s club in IbizaSlot was joined by EastEnders star Dean GaffneySlot celebrated to the tune of Queen’s famous We Are the ChampionsSlot is gearing up for Liverpool’s open-top bus paradeSlot, 46, led the Reds to only their second Premiership title on his debut season after replacing legendary manager Jurgen Klopp only last summer.The Dutch tactician won the Merseysiders’ 20th ever title and equalled Manchester United’s record.Liverpool put together some passionate celebrations ever since Slot and co mathematically confirmed the title three weeks ago against Tottenham at the Kop.And thus the ex-Feyenoord boss decided to fly to Ibiza after the game with Arsenal to party at the popular O Beach Club, which is owned by Gary Lineker’s brother Wayne.Read More on FootballThe club owner shared a pic of him and Slot sharing a warm embrace on Instagram. Wayne issued the following caption: “Caption this.”The celebrity duo were joined by Eastenders star Dean Gaffney who shared a clip of him at the club close to Slot on his instagram story.Gaffney added the following caption: “Eagle-eyed viewers will spot a certain Premiership-winning manager.”Most read in FootballAnother clip showed the Liverpool boss celebrating to Queen’s famous We Are the Champions song.Slot is now focused on Liverpool’s last two Premier League matches before the open-top bus parade on May 26. Slot sends message to Liverpool fans who booed Trent Alexander-Arnold but vows to keep playing himThe Reds visit Brighton on Monday and will then host Crystal Palace the following Sunday.That is when the champions will lift the trophy at Anfield in front of their fans. More