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    Man Utd ‘in talks to sign Ipswich star Liam Delap but face FIVE-WAY fight’ for former City ace dubbed ‘Kane’s heir’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly held internal talks over a potential move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap.The 22-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at Portman Road following his £20million move from Manchester City in July.Man Utd are reportedly targeting a move for Liam DelapCredit: ReutersIn 28 Premier League appearances, Delap has scored 10 goals and provided two assists.And with Ipswich facing relegation back to the Championship at the end of the campaign, he is being tipped for a move away.The Daily Mail claims that Man Utd are among the clubs interested.United officials held internal discussions over the potential transfer in recent weeks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDelap is also being monitored by the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle and Man City, his former club.The reigning Prem champions allegedly have a buy-back clause for the striker, while United technical director Jason Wilcox knows him from his time at City’s academy.Delap, the son of Stoke City icon Rory Delap, joined Derby County’s academy at the age of six and spent 10 years at the club before moving to Man City.He made his first team debut in a Carabao Cup clash with Bournemouth in September 2020 and received praise from Pep Guardiola.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordBut the striker struggled to nail down a regular spot in the starting line-up and was sent on loan to Stoke, Preston and Hull before joining Ipswich permanently.He is now being lined up for another transfer.Amorim says Man Utd ‘need to be better’ after 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest Man Utd are expected to prioritise signing new forward this summer.Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have struggled to meet expectations this season.Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford could make his Aston Villa loan permanent for £40m at the end of the campaign.The Red Devils could also find themselves in a tricky situation with Jadon Sancho, who is currently on loan at Chelsea until June.The Blues have an obligation to buy the winger but could pay a fee of £5m to back out of the deal. More

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    Former Premier League defender jailed after being found guilty of fraud – but fumes ‘I never robbed anyone’

    A FORMER Premier League defender has been sent to prison after being found guilty of fraud.Lucien Aubey spent four months at Portsmouth in early 2008 on loan from French club Lens.Ex-Portsmouth defender Lucien Aubey has been jailed for fraudCredit: AFPThe five-cap Congo international made three top-flight appearances for Harry Redknapp’s side – but missed out on Pompey’s FA Cup-winning campaign.Aubey, 40, also played for Toulouse, Rennes and Reims as well as clubs in Turkey and Cyprus.But a court in Toulouse handed him a two-year jail term, with 12 months suspended.The trial heard he conned a pal out of more than £120,000 in 2015 after persuading him to invest in founding a record label.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAubey and co-accused Mohamed Dia allegedly told the man he would earn £1million in three years’ time.The friend, named only as Sebastien, had previously landed a £170,000 payout following a road accident.However, Aubey had previously been declared bankrupt and disqualified from setting up a company.Shoe repairer Sebastien went to the police after never seeing his money again. Most read in FootballHe accused Aubey of threatening to harm his children after seeking repayment.Sebastien, 42, said: “I lost everything, and my wife wanted to commit suicide.  “I had to give up work.”We split up, and those two [Aubey and Dia] just had a good laugh about it all.”Aubey told the court: “My money was tied up in Cyprus, held by my club Olympiakos Nicosia.”This wasn’t a fraud – I never robbed anyone.”However, prosecutors revealed tapped phone conversations between the ex-footballer and Dia, which showed their intent to defraud Sebastien.On Monday, the court ordered Aubey to repay the 145,000 euros, and to not contact his victim.Clothes designer Dia, meanwhile, received a one-year suspended jail term for his part in the scam. More

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    Carlo Ancelotti pictured in the dock in court as Real Madrid manager faces five years in prison for alleged tax evasion

    REAL MADRID manager Carlo Ancelotti has insisted ahead of his tax fraud trial he is “innocent” and has “no worries.”The 65-year-old Italian looked relaxed as he arrived at court in the Spanish capital this morning for the start of his much-anticipated trial the night after his team reached the Copa del Rey final after a thrilling comeback.Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has insisted he is ‘innocent’ ahead of his tax fraud trialCredit: APThe Italian arrived in court to start his trialCredit: ReutersHe faces almost five years in jail if found guiltyCredit: GettyDespite the threat of a five-year prison sentence hanging over his head if convicted he replied ‘No’ when asked by waiting reporters outside the Audiencia Provincial court in Madrid if he was concerned.He also dismissed suggestions he would try to strike a last-minute plea bargain deal by confirming he would take the stand and plead not guilty to allegations he defrauded the Spanish Treasury out of just over €1m (£835,000) in tax.Ancelotti was accompanied when he arrived at court by his ex-footballer son Davide, who works under his father at Real Madrid, and his wife Mariann Barrena.Public prosecutors announced in March last year they were seeking a four-year, nine-month jail term for the former Everton manager for two counts of tax fraud.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey accused him at the time of failing to declare image rights earnings to the Spanish Treasury in 2014 and 2015 during his first spell in charge of Real Madrid through the use of shell companies outside Spain.Public prosecutors alleged in a pre-trial indictment he only declared his earnings as Real Madrid manager despite registering as a tax resident in Spain for the two years under the spotlight with an address in Madrid.Although his first spell at the Spanish giants came to a premature end in May 2015, public prosecutors say he rented his Madrid home until October that year which meant Spain was “his principal centre of personal relations and economic interests” in 2015 as well as the previous year.The accusation made public in March last year alleged Ancelotti channelled his image right earnings “with the aim of evading tax” on them through trusts and intermediary companies.Most read in FootballPublic prosecutors say the football boss earned more than €4m (more than £3.5m) in image rights in 2014 and 2015.The amount of tax they allege he defrauded amounts to just over €1m. Fans convinced Carlo Ancelotti has had lip fillers as reason for Real Madrid manager’s swollen mouth is revealedSpanish Treasury officials have recovered the money but are demanding Ancelotti pays triple the amount they accuse him of defrauding in fines.Lionel Messi received a 21-month prison sentence for tax fraud in July 2016. It was later changed to a €252,000 (£223,000) fine.Cristiano Ronaldo avoided prison in Spain by admitting tax fraud in January 2019.He was fined almost £16.6m and given a suspended jail sentence.Former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso, seen as a future Real Madrid manager, was acquitted of tax fraud in November 2019 after turning 38.He had been warned he could be jailed for two and a half years if convicted after Spanish public prosecutors lowered their initial prison demand at the end of his trial in Madrid.Ancelotti left Everton in June 2021 to take up the position of head coach at Real Madrid.Last Friday at a press conference he said: “I’m not worried but I am obviously annoyed if they say that I’ve committed fraud, but, once again, I have total confidence in justice. “I’m really looking forward to testifying next Wednesday.”Read More on The SunReal Madrid booked their place in the Copa del Rey final last night with an incredible comeback against Real Sociedad.Substitute Antonio Rudiger scored a dramatic goal just five minutes from the end of extra-time to put the Spanish giants through as 5-4 aggregate winners. More

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    ‘I was on the point of doing something crazy’ – Liverpool legend admits VAR would have changed history in Everton clash

    LIVERPOOL icon Dirk Kuyt has admitted his infamous Merseyside derby tackle was “crazy” and he should have been sent off.The shocking challenge was made during an ill-tempered fixture in 2007.Dirk Kuyt avoided a red card for a reckless tackle on Phil NevilleCredit: Sky SportsKuyt then stepped up and scored a late winner from the spotCredit: PA:Press AssociationLiverpool beat Everton 2-1 as David Moyes’ side went down to nine-men after red cards to Tony Hibbert and Phil Neville.Kuyt scored both goals for the Reds, including a dramatic 92nd minute penalty to win it.The strike was highly controversial as the Dutchman somehow escaped an early bath for a reckless and wild lunge on Neville.Kuyt went in two-footed above the Everton skipper’s knee but was given just a yellow by referee Mark Clattenburg.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOpening up on the moment, Kuyt told The Telegraph: “I was very lucky to come away from that because if I had a red card, I would not have managed to score the winning goal. “It’s crazy when you play these kinds of games because there’s a lot of adrenaline, a lot of emotion.“I flew through the air and thank God there was no VAR there at the time. “When I was in the air, I knew I was way too late and I was on the point of doing something crazy. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I tried to hold my legs inside me just to be lucky not to touch him. I think I was very lucky not to get the red card.”Liverpool face Everton tonight and tempers could flare again after a huge bust-up at the end of their 2-2 thriller just seven weeks ago.Everton and Liverpool stars sent off in post-match brawl as police intervene with Slot seeing red for handshake stuntKuyt, 44, is currently the manager of Belgian side Beerschot and it is his “dream” to one day fill Arne Slot’s shoes as Liverpool boss.Kuyt is now manager of Belgian outfit BeerschotCredit: AFP More

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    Inside Europe’s biggest giant killers with third tier side in major cup final after shocking FOUR Bundesliga teams

    YOU might not be aware of German third-tier side Arminia Bielefeld.But the minnows have certainly made themselves known to the top dogs.Arminia Bielefeld beat Bayer Leverkusen to reach the final of the DFB Pokal on TuesdayCredit: EPAIt was the fourth time the third-tier side beat a Bundesliga club in the competition this seasonCredit: EPAArminia currently play in the third tier of German footballCredit: AFPBayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso was left furiousCredit: GettyArminia booked a spot in the DFB Pokal final on Tuesday after beating reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen at SchücoArena.The third tier outfit stunned Xabi Alonso and Co with a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Marius Worl and Maximilian Grosser.It was the third top-tier team Arminia had beat in the competition.They defeated Union Berlin 2-0 in the second round before seeing off SC Freiburg in the last-16 in December.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Blues went on to beat Werder Bremen in the quarter-finals to secure a semi-final meeting with Bayer Leverkusen.They will now face either Stuttgart or RB Leipzig in the final of the competition.Third-tier outfit Arminia have become the first team outside the top two divisions to knock four Bundesliga sides out of the German Cup in one season.WHO ARE ARMINIA BIELEFELD?Established in 1905, Arminia are based in the city of Bielefeld in northwestern Germany.Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Blues have participated in the Bundesliga for a total of 19 seasons so far since being founded.They last found themselves in the league during the 2021-22 campaign.Bundesliga match suspended after goalkeeper struck by lighter thrown from crowdArminia were relegated to the 2. Bundesliga – the second tier of German football – at the end of that season after finishing 17th in the table.They subsequently finished 16th the following term and lost the relegation playoff to Wehen Wiesbaden.It meant the Blues dropped down to the 3. Liga – the third tier of German football – in back-to-back relegations.And they have not been promoted since.Arminia play their home games at the SchücoArena, a 27,000-seater stadium in Bielefeld.Arminia have suffered back-to-back relegations in recent yearsCredit: EPAWHO IS THE MANAGER?Michel Kniat is the manager of Arminia Bielefeld.The 39-year-old played as a centre-back in Germany before becoming a coach.He took over at Arminia back in 2023.After the semi-final win, Kniat said: “I am so proud of the team.”The whole region is feeling this. No one will be sleeping tonight.”We defended with a lot of passion and that was the key. We worked extremely hard.”Read More on The SunArminia have become the fourth team from the third division to reach the German Cup final. Hertha Berlin’s reserve team achieved the feat in 1993, followed by Energie Cottbus in 1997 and Union Berlin in 2001.Michel Kniat has led the team to the historic achievementCredit: Reuters More

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    Ex-Arsenal star Granit Xhaka in heated confrontation with Bayer Leverkusen ultras after humiliating defeat to minnows

    GRANIT XHAKA clashed with his own fans in a heated confrontation following a humiliating defeat. Xhaka, 32, played the full 90 minutes as Bayer Leverkusen were dumped out of the DFB-Pokal German Cup semi-finals by third-tier Arminia.Granit Xhaka got into a heated row with Bayer Leverkusen fansCredit: Sky SportsThe midfielder angrily gesticulated towards a man in the front rowCredit: Sky SportsA member of staff tried to calm things downCredit: Sky SportsThe reigning Bundesliga champions became the FOURTH top-flight side to be dumped out of this season’s competition by the minnows.Leverkusen took the lead through Jonathan Tah on 17 minutes.The hosts equalised three minutes later then took a surprise lead just before half-time – and managed to hold on for another famous victory. But while Arminia celebrated booking their place in next month’s final – where they will face Stuttgart or RB Leipzig – the anger among Leverkusen fans threatened to boil over.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLXhaka went over to the away section to address the travelling supporters after full-time. But the conversation soon turned angry, with the former Arsenal skipper furious gesticulating towards one man in particular. As he demonstrated during his time at the Emirates with his infamous outburst where he told his own fans to “f*** off”, the combative Swiss star is never one to shy away from a blazing row. A Bayer member of staff tried to calm the raging fan down but Xhaka continued the intense exchange as another man joined the fiery debate. Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSXhaka’s Bayer Leverkusen were dumped out of the German Cup by ArminiaCredit: ReutersThe third-tier side have knocked out four Bundesliga teams during their incredible runCredit: EPALeverkusen won the DFB-Pokal last season as part of their record-breaking campaign which saw them go unbeaten in domestic football and win the double – including their first-ever Bundesliga title.They missed out on the Treble when Ademola Lookman scored a hat-trick for Atalanta in the Europa League final. Xhaka tells Arsenal fans to ‘f*** off’ as captain is booed off pitch vs PalaceThe shock defeat to Arminia means Xabi Alonso’s side will not retain the cup this season.And they sit in second, six points behind Bayern Munich, with seven games to go in the league campaign. They will play either Stuttgart or RB Leizpig in the finalCredit: AFPXhaka has history clashing with his own fans – with the infamous incident against Crystal PalaceCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe Swiss midfielder cupped his ears to the Arsenal fans before ripping his shirt offCredit: Reuters More

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    Arsenal legend Lehmann struggled to stand and vomited at roadside as new details emerge of Oktoberfest arrest

    ARSENAL legend Jens Lehmann vomited twice and failed a breathalyser after being pulled over by police, it has been claimed.The former goalkeeper was stopped by cops after an evening enjoying Oktoberfest celebrations in Munich last September.Jens Lehmann was pulled over by police over suspected drink driving last SeptemberCredit: GettyThe former Arsenal star had been enjoying Oktoberfest festivities in MunichCredit: GettyLehmann failed a breathalyser testCredit: GettyLehmann is claimed to have staggered and thrown up twiceCredit: GettyLehmann is alleged to have been drink driving at the time of the stop, which happened at 1:30am.Police could reportedly smell alcohol from his breath through the open window of the car.The 55-year-old staggered after he got out of the car and vomited twice by the roadside, according to Bild.Lehmann also struggled to produce his driver’s license and failed with his first few attempts to do so.READ MORE ON ARSENALWhile he was unable to show his warning triangle and first-aid kit and had to hold onto the car to stay upright when opening his boot.Breath tests had to be abandoned because the ex-Gunners ace was “no longer able to blow” so he was instead taken to a police station for further tests.Lehmann later went to the Munich Institute of Forensic Medicine for blood tests.The German has been ordered to appear in court with the prosecutor’s office requesting a fine of £60,000.Most read in FootballLehmann has been in trouble with the law previously having been found guilty of property damage after attacking his neighbour’s garage with a chainsaw.He was handed a suspended prison sentence and fined £112,000 before reaching an out of court settlement with his neighbour worth an estimated £50,000.’He’s got a sense of humour’ – Sky Sports panel in stitches after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s stunt in live TV interview More

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    ‘I could have done what he did’ – Martin O’Neill, 73, slams Man Utd star live on TNT Sports after Nottingham Forest loss

    PATRICK DORGU has been slammed by Martin O’Neill for his poor performance in Manchester United’s 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest.Anthony Elanga scored a stunning solo goal to condemn his former team to their 13th defeat of the Premier League season on Tuesday night.Patrick Dorgu came under fire from Martin O’Neill for his performance at Nottingham ForestO’Neill, a Forest hero in the 70s, said he could have done Dorgu’s job even nowO’Neill, a double European champion with Forest, was delighted to see his old club tighten their grip on third in the Prem, as they bid to qualify for next year’s Champions League.Elanga flooded forward from his own penalty area in the fifth minute, covering 85m in the space of just nine seconds, to lash home the opener.United dominated the ball at 68 per cent possession and had 23 shots to Forest’s eight, but none of them too threatening for Matz Sels.While Ruben Amorim’s side showed signs of improving on the ball, individual mistakes and the lack of firepower up front were glaring.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd O’Neill was particularly scathing in his assessment of Dorgu, who was playing just his seventh match since arriving from Lecce for £29.4 million in January.Working as a pundit for TNT Sports, the 73-year-old said: “They had Dorgu playing tonight. I could have done what he did! “He’s wide left-hand side, he’s got the ball and you’re saying: ‘Come on! Your job is to take players on. Get at them!’ “He’s laid it inside three times in the first 10 minutes of the second half… to the opposition! Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”Maybe it’s no confidence, I don’t know what it is. But these type of things are all over the field for Manchester United.”Rio Ferdinand highlighted that Dorgu was caught on the wrong side of Elanga, before he made his incredible game-winning run at the edge of Forest’s box early on.’That’s why I’m the manager’ – Ruben Amorim hits back at Wayne Rooney as Man Utd boss aims to win Premier LeagueAnd the 20-year-old regularly missed placed passes throughout his 90 minutes.But fans have also criticised Alejandro Garnacho – who skied several shots – for not passing to Dorgu, who was making well-meaning overlapping runs.Dorgu was coming off a stellar performance against Real Sociedad in the Europa League, where he had five shots on goal and won Bruno Fernandes’ game-leading penalty.The Dane was crucial to United winning 4-1 on aggregate and advancing to face Lyon in the quarter-finals.But the left-wing back hasn’t quite hit the ground running in his four Prem games.Forest was his first league game back since his three-match suspension for picking up a straight red for a ruthless challenge on Omari Hutchinson against Ipswich in February. Amorim was desperate to bolster his left-wing options in January with Diogo Dalot being forced to switch from the right side, Luke Shaw injured and Tyrell Malacia sent out on loan to PSV Eindhoven. O’Neill further suggested that the current United squad lacks the depth and quality to genuinely contend in the Prem.The Northern Irishman, whose last managerial job saw him sacked by Forest in 2019, added: “Man United have some really good players.”Obviously, Fernandes is a top-quality player. But they haven’t enough good players to be a threat in this league. Read More on The Sun”And when I say a threat for Manchester United, I’m talking about getting into the top four.”The gritty win marked the first league double over United for the Tricky Trees since 1992 when legendary boss Brian Clough was still in charge of the club.Man Utd player ratings vs Nottingham ForestMANCHESTER UNITED’S woes continue after another disappointing loss to Nottingham Forest.Forest picked up a 1-0 victory at the City Ground thanks to ex-United ace Anthony Elanga’s winner after just five minutes.United remain 13th in the Premier League table and look set for their worst ever Premier League finish.That is at least what their performance at Forest showed, as Ruben Amorim’s men don’t show signs of really understanding the Portuguese tactician’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.But who stood out for a poor United’s side? And who was the biggest disappointment?Check out Kostas Lianos’ players ratings below and find out…Andre Onana – 5Can’t blame him for Nottingham Forest’s winner as Anthony Elanga’s shot was too good. Made a stunning save to deny Ryan Yates’ header without knowing the Forest ace was offside.Leny Yoro – 5Should have been more aware before Elanga’s goal that came straight after a Man Utd corner-kick in which he had moved forward.One could argue Yoro made up for it when he stopped a fine run by Elanga in the second half with an amazing and well-timed challenge to save United from a second.Matthijs de Ligt – 4The centre-back was also nowhere to be seen before Elanga’s goal. No other major errors but should have done better on the rebound after Diogo Dalot’s header hit the crossbar.Noussair Mazraoui – 4Completely hopeless during Elanga’s run that led to the goal and struggled in his defensive duties, especially in the first half. Not sure if the full-back fits in a defensive trio as part of Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation…Diogo Dalot – 6A strong performance down the right wing with some fine runs and good crosses. Registered United’s best chance in the first half when his header rattled Forest’s crossbar.Casemiro – 4At fault for Elanga’s goal as there was absolutely no midfield presence during Forest’s counter.Loads of inaccurate passes and got booked for a reckless challenge on Yates before complaining in a very unjust way. Registered three shots but didn’t cause concern for Matz Sels.Manuel Ugarte – 4Cut a rather anonymous figure, among the guilty parties for Elanga’s goal as Man Utd’s midfield was caught sleeping. Rightly substituted at half-time.Patrick Dorgu – 5A fine display during the first half as he cut a strong presence down the left flank, even though he was completely outrun by Elanga before the goal.But the versatile full-back was the complete opposite in the second half with a series of errors against a stunning Neco Williams.Bruno Fernandes – 6Registered the game’s first shot on target with a powerful effort that required a lunge from Sels, and that was basically United’s best shot throughout the entire match.Fernandes produced some fine long balls and upgraded Man Utd’s midfield after Ugarte and Casemiro’s exits.Alejandro Garnacho – 2Very disappointing performance from the winger. Completely hopeless before Elanga’s goal with a desperate tackle and was lucky to avoid a booking for a ridiculous challenge on Yates while the Argentina international was on the attack.A game riddled with heavy touches, failed dribbles, wrong passes, blocked shots and a silly yellow card as he kicked the ball away in frustration. Had a good shot on 69 minutes as a saving grace.Joshua Zirkzee – 3Was supposed to be a striker but was often seen playing too deep and didn’t register a chance in front of Forest’s goal. Didn’t inspire any danger even after Rasmus Hojlund came on to help him up front.SUBSRasmus Hojlund – 5Was much better than a woeful Zirkzee up front for Man Utd. But didn’t cause any significant danger and never looked like a goalscoring threat. Harry Maguire looked far more lethal as a false nine after he entered the pitch with a lot more presence inside the box.Christian Eriksen – 4Didn’t really elevate United’s midfield after Ugarte and Casemiro’s exit. The sort of performance that makes one wonder about his Old Trafford future…Harry Maguire – 5Only played nine minutes as a false nine and was by far Man Utd’s best forward. Brought on as a desperation move that almost paid off with the best chance of the match as his last-gasp effort was cleared by Murillo just off the line.Mason Mount – N/A More