Philippa Kaur

CHELSEA made history on Wednesday night after beating Real Betis 4-1 to win the Conference League.The Blues became the first side to win all four of the major Uefa club competitions that have existed.Chelsea added the Conference League title to their stacked trophy cabinet on Wednesday nightCredit: GettyChelsea had to come from behind in the final after Abde Ezzalzouli’s stunning strike gave Betis a shock lead in Poland.Enzo Maresca made three subs before the Blues found the back of the net through skipper Enzo Fernandez.The Argentine’s goal was the catalyst to a superb turnaround as the West Londoners took the lead just five minutes later after Nicolas Jackson’s close-range header.Jadon Sancho gave Chelsea breathing room before Moises Caicedo capped off a 4-1 triumph in injury time as Maresca secured silverware in his first season at Stamford Bridge.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWill Chelsea have a trophy parade after winning the Conference League?Chelsea have no plans for a trophy parade after winning the Conference League.Many of the Blues squad will be preparing for international duty in June, with five stars selected by Thomas Tuchel for England’s upcoming World Cup Qualifiers.Players who haven’t been called up by their countries will get 10 days off.Following the international break, the Club World Cup rolls around, with Chelsea’s first game coming against Club Leon on June 16.Most read in FootballWhat European trophies have Chelsea won?Chelsea have won nine European titles – making them the second most successful English team.The Blues have added the newly-formed Conference League trophy to their cabinet with a 4-1 win over Real Betis on Wednesday night.Chelsea won Europe’s elite competition, the Champions League, twice – in 2012 and in 2021.They also won the Europa League twice – in 2013 and 2019.The now-defunct Cup Winners’ Cup was won in 1971 and 1998.And the UEFA Super Cup in 1998 and 2021.Only Liverpool have won more European titles for an English team with 13. More

CHELSEA are closing in on Ipswich striker Liam Delap.SunSport revealed exclusively on May 14 that the Blues were growing increasingly confident they could beat Manchester United to the £30million forward.Liam Delap has decided he wants to join ChelseaCredit: GettyA deal could be announced as early as next week as Chelsea look to build on a strong finish to the season.They won the Conference League on Wednesday just three days after securing a top four Premier League slot and qualifying for next season’s Champions League.Delap, 22, scored 12 goals despite getting relegated with Town.He has a £30m release clause in his contract and is keen to join boss Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge.READ MORE ON CHELSEAManchester United were interested but their lack of European football next season works against them. Everton were also in the hunt but Delap looks set to join Chelsea as the first of their summer signings.The club can look forward to a significant windfall with up to £100m from playing in the Champions League and the same again if they can win the Club World Cup over the summer.Ipswich want to take Chelsea striker Marc Guiu on loan in return for agreeing the sale of Delap.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeIpswich boss Kieran McKenna revealed last week that Delap had been considering his options after the Tractor Boys’ relegation was confirmed.He said: “Liam’s looking at his options for next year, which I think he is entitled to do and we support him with that.Inside Chelsea’s Conference League final celebrations as Moises Caicedo sings karaoke into the night”I think we have given him permission to do that this week. It’s a very important decision for his future. Of course there is a lot of interest – and rightly so. “I think part of his week has been having some of those conversations.”It looks more likely than not that he will move on this summer and he has interest from pretty much every club in the league, and I don’t think there are many clubs in the world who wouldn’t want to have him.”Nothing is sorted, nothing is done or completed or even very, very, very close, so that process will take its course.”Delap scored 12 goals despite Ipswich’s relegationCredit: Reuters More

STEVEN GERRARD is reportedly set to pull out of the race to become the next Rangers boss.The Liverpool legend was one of the front-runners to take over the reins at Ibrox alongside former Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti and ex-Southampton boss Russell Martin.Steven Gerrard and wife AlexCredit: Getty – ContributorGerrard was unveiled as Rangers manager in May 2018Credit: GettyHe clinched the Premiership title with Rangers in 2021Credit: Getty Images – GettyBut, just hours after shareholder Dave King gave him his backing when he said he was the “obvious choice”, it looks like he’s dropping out of contention. King felt Gerrard had “unfinished business” at Ibrox after leading the club to the Premiership title in 2021 before joining Aston Villa months later. He told SunSport on Wednesday: ““From Steven’s point of view and where he is at the moment, I think he’d love nothing more than to come back and take on the challenge of restoring the club.“It’s not just about one title. The project we hope we’re starting is to make Rangers the dominant No 1 team in Scotland.”But according to the Daily Record, sources say Gerrard and his family have opted to stay in the Middle East for at least another year in what is being described as a “lifestyle” choice.The report claims it’s not to do with a potential huge tax bill facing Gerrard if he returns to work in the UK after being in Saudi Arabia as Al-Ettifaq boss as he is now exempt. That would seemingly open the door to remaining contenders former Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti, ex-Feyenoord boss Brian Priske and former Southampton boss Russell Martin.It’s believed Rangers is Ancelotti’s number one choice, with news expected on that front in the next couple of days, according to the BBC.Most read in FootballThe 35-year-old has been assistant to his legendary father Carlo at Madrid, Bayern Munich, Napoli and Everton but now looks set to go out on his own. But if things are dragged out longer, the Gers could miss their window to land the Italian, as he has other options on the table – and one of those is a Serie A side, according to reports in Italy.What does Rangers takeover mean for the club – finance expert speaks outRussell Martin is also expected to meet with club representatives this week to make a fresh pitch to become the next Rangers boss. American health tycoon Andrew Cavenagh, who is the driving force behind the takeover, is also expected to be in Europe this week to take a leading role in the final stages of the hiring process. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

TOTTENHAM ace Son Heung-Min is being chased by clubs in Saudi Arabia.And sources close to Spurs say the club WOULD consider selling their captain if a massive offer comes their way this summer.Son Heung-Min is the latest Premier League star being chased by clubs in SaudiThe Tottenham skipper remains a hugely popular figure at the North London club, despite his drop off in form this season.The 32-year-old signed a contract extension in January and is believed to be happy to stay, after Spurs’ Europa League triumph secured Champions League football next season.But uncertainty over Ange Postecoglou’s future, and the chance to leave Spurs on a high, could persuade Son that now is the perfect moment to take on a new challenge.Daniel Levy will green-light a major shake up of the squad, although it’s unclear whether Postecoglou will be trusted to oversee it or not.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd although Spurs have secured a lucrative Champions League spot, a mega-money offer for Son would help to bankroll new signings.The South Korean winger has been identified by the billionaire-backers of the league as a superstar target, with Cristiano Ronaldo set to leave Al-Nassr.Chiefs believe Son can open the Saudi Pro League up to a whole new audience in the Far East, where he is adored and a national icon.Saudi League owners had hoped to persuade Mo Salah to join this summer. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut the Egyptian has remained in the Premier League having signed a new bumper deal at champions Liverpool.That’s led to Saudi switching their attention to Son, who has suffered this season with injuries.Son helped end Spurs’ 17-year major trophy drought last weekUefa awkwardly RUN OUT of Europa League winners’ medals as Son and Romero among Tottenham stars to miss outSon used to be Tottenham’s ever-present and was a constant source of goals and assists down the years.But like many of his team-mates, he has been off the pace this term, scoring just 11 goals in all competitions.Son just ended his 10th season in North London and second with the armband after Hugo Lloris left for the MLS last summer.Meanwhile, the Saudi’s have given Manchester United ace Bruno Fernandes a few days to make his mind up.Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal are willing to pay around £100million for Fernandes, 30, and will offer him a whopping £700,000 a week to ditch Old Trafford for the Middle East.Son’s Premier League stats dropped off this season More

THE 2024/25 Dream Team season is officially done and dusted!Time to celebrate the players who topped the most important stats after 37 ultra competitive Gameweeks.It’s a numbers gameCredit: Dream TeamCLEAN SHEETS21 – Virgil van Dijk19 – David Raya18 – Trent Alexander-Arnold18 – Williams Saliba17 – Marc Guehi17 – Daniel Munoz17 – Ibrahima KonateFitting that Liverpool’s talismanic captain tops this metric as he was a man mountain at the back all season.Clean sheets require a team effort but it’s telling that Van Dijk registered the most among individuals as it speaks to his importance to the Reds – he is rarely afforded the luxury of a rest.Liverpool and Arsenal assets are to be expected here but it’s a credit to Crystal Palace’s defensive efforts that Guehi and Munoz make the cut given the Eagles finished 12th in the Premier League table.Munoz took Dream Team by storm this seasonCredit: GettySAVES159 – Mark Flekken155 – Emi Martinez132 – Matz Sels130 – Jordan Pickford127 – Dean Henderson127 – Andre Onana126 – David Raya126 – Aaron RamsdaleBrentford’s goalkeeper was a very busy man this season.Given all these statistics take into account all competitions, it’s rather alarming the Bees were so porous domestically but they made up for that with an incisive attack.Runner-up Martinez also finished second for total points among players in his position, with Raya claiming top spot.Most read in FootballSels was magnificent for Nottingham Forest, a key contributor to the club’s transformation from relegation battlers to European qualifiers. Flekken had a lot of saves to make as Brentford’s last line of defenceCredit: AlamyTACKLES177 – Noussair Mazraoui152 – Daniel Munoz141 – Idrissa Gana Gueye129 – Moises Caicedo128 – Joao Gomes126 – Casemiro125 – Bruno FernandesManchester United’s campaign might have been even bleaker had their Moroccan defender not put out a huge number of fires.Mazraoui’s unrivalled tackle count was a key reason he finished as the sixth-best performer in his position in terms of total points.In fact, three Red Devils make the top seven; evidence of the fact Ruben Amorim’s side were forced to do a lot more defending than they would have liked.Munoz was a beast this season, in defence and attack.Tackle machineCredit: RexBIG CHANCES CREATED33 – Mohamed Salah28 – Cole Palmer27 – Bruno Fernandes27 – Bukayo Saka25 – Declan Rice23 – Morgan Rogers21 – Kevin De BruyneNot the last time Liverpool’s Egyptian hero will top one of these stats.Salah has always scored shed-loads of goals but his immense creative output was a huge factor in him amassing 503 points by the time the fat lady belted out her final note.Palmer’s form dropped off after Christmas but his performances throughout the first half of the campaign should not be forgotten.Chelsea’s talisman leapfrogged Fernandes and Saka at the death with a clutch showing in the Conference League final.Somehow both a selfish goalscorer and selfless creatorCredit: GettySHOTS ON TARGET86 – Erling Haaland77 – Mohamed Salah57 – Cole Palmer55 – Alexander Isak53 – Alejandro Garnacho51 – Matheus Cunha51 – Ollie WatkinsManchester City’s No9 had to settle for just the 31 goals in all competitions this term.Despite his team’s under-performance and a spell on the sidelines, Haaland remained a persistent threat – he will be desperate to reclaim the Golden Boot in 2025/26.Garnacho is a somewhat surprising inclusion and the fact he only managed to convert ten of his shots on target into goals suggests he could do with some shooting practice. Compare that to Isak, who scored 27 goals from 55 shots on target – a keeper’s nightmare.Still the game’s leading poacherCredit: GettyBONUS POINTS52 – Ryan Gravenberch51 – Pedro Porro51 – Youri Tielemans51 – Aaron Wan-Bissaka50 – Bruno Fernandes47 – Jeremy Doku46 – Eberechi EzeA keenly-contested battle that went down to the wire was ultimately won by Liverpool’s midfield engine.Gravenberch made more interceptions than any other player this season and his dirty work allowed the likes of Salah and Luis Diaz to flourish in the final third.Huge credit to Porro and Wan-Bissaka as the only defenders to mix it at the top of a metric dominated by midfielders.Gravenberch’s efforts were recognised by Dream Team’s bonus point systemCredit: ReutersASSISTS23 – Mohamed Salah20 – Bruno Fernandes17 – Bukayo Saka16 – Morgan Rogers15 – Jacob Murphy15 – Ollie WatkinsStrong correlation with big chances created here, as one would expect.An impressive return from Newcastle’s long-serving winger, who has barely made a ripple in previous Dream Team seasons.Murphy ended up playing a greater role in the Magpies’ successful campaign than Anthony Gordon – who would have predicted that before Gameweek 1?Murphy stepped up for Newcastle this seasonCredit: EPAGOALS34 – Mohamed Salah31 – Erling Haaland27 – Alexander Isak20 – Chris Wood20 – Bryan Mbeumo19 – Bruno Fernandes19 – Yoane WissaThere are many ways to skin a cat in Dream Team but goals remain the primary currency.Salah slowed down in the last two months but 34 goals (plus 23 assists) is a phenomenal return.The 32-year-old became the first player in Premier League history to win the Golden Boot, Playmaker Award and Player of the Season.Lashings of credit for Wood who hit 20 league goals having scored 22 across his previous three top flight campaigns – a huge improvement that helped propel Forest to dizzy heights.Read More on The SunLastly, deserved praise for Brentford’s attacking duo who combined for 39 league goals.What could Mbeumo and/or Wissa achieve with additional European fixtures to fill out their schedule? 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MARTIN ZUBIMENDI appears to have denied claims he is undergoing a medical at Arsenal.Arsenal triggered a £51million release clause in his contract in January.Martin Zubimendi is expected to complete an Arsenal medical in the coming daysCredit: GettyThe midfielder shared a snap of himself surfingCredit: instagram @martin_zubimendiThe Spaniard appears to still be in San SebastianCredit: instagram @martin_zubimendiThe transfer has been at an advanced stage ever since and the final details are expected to be completed shortly.That includes a medical, with reports this week claiming he was set to undergo a check-up in London in the coming days.Zubimendi, 26, appeared to react to those claims with his latest Instagram post.The midfielder shared a couple of snaps from the beach including one of himself in a wetsuit, surfboard in hand.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpanish outlet Cope report that Zubimendi is still in San Sebastian.Despite that, senior Arsenal figures expect the deal to be completed swiftly.Personal terms and the relevant documents have already been signed and agreed, as well as the payment structure around the Spaniard’s release clause.So all that is left is a medical – once that is complete he will be announced as a Gunners player.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesHe will provide depth to a midfield that has already lost veteran Jorginho, who is heading to Brazilian outfit Flamengo on a free transfer with his Emirates deal expiring next month.Zubimendi is highly rated by Arteta, who convinced the Euro 2024 winner of the North London project after he turned down a switch to Arne Slot’s Liverpool last summer.Thierry Henry hits out at Mikel Arteta as trophyless Arsenal are shown up by ‘the Man Utd that everyone laughs at’It is the start of a huge summer of incomings for Arsenal as they prepare to splash around £200m on new talent to fire them to Premier League glory next term. More

ENI ALUKO has reportedly been dropped by ITV for England Women’s first match since her row with Ian Wright.The former Lionesses star claimed in April that Wright, who works as a pundit on both men’s and women’s football, was blocking opportunities for female pundits to work in the women’s game.Eni Aluko has been snubbed by ITV for pundit duty for England Women’s first game since her row with Ian WrightCredit: GettyShe had accused the pundit of blocking opportunities for female punditsCredit: GettyAluko, 38, later apologised to the Wright, but the ex-Arsenal ace refused to accept it.And following the exchange, ITV have not selected Aluko for punditry duty as England face Portugal in the Nations League on Friday night.Anita Asante and Vicky Losada have been picked for punditry duty instead. And, according to the Daily Mail, the broadcaster has refused to confirm whether Aluko will be on its coverage of the Women’s European Championships this summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLInsiders claim she may even be facing the axe completely, with one saying the choice not to select her for coverage against Portugal “does not bode well” for her future.ITV have been approached for comment.Aluko had been a regular sight on TV with TNT and ITV, often during Conference League matches involving the men’s side of her old club, Chelsea, and England Women’s international games.However, after her sensational row with Wright, she was not selected for any of the major Uefa finals by TNT Sports. Most read in FootballAt the end of April, Aluko had also quit her hosting duties at the Women’s Football Awards owing to the backlash her comments had generated.Wright has been a big advocate of the women’s game for a number of years and shown his support in a number of ways, which made Aluko’s criticism all the more bizarre.Quick-witted Roy Keane makes brutal three-word joke about Eni Aluko row that leaves Ian Wright in stitchesHe made an incredible gesture to Stoke City defender Kayleigh McDonald after she suffered a ruptured ACL was forced to set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds when the club refused to pay for surgery.Stoke eventually backtracked – largely thanks to Wright, it has been revealed, as he paid for a sports lawyer to advocate for McDonald.And when the club pulled funding for her rehab at the end of last year, Wright started paying for it out of his own pocket. The defender revealed that her rehab costs around £1,700-a-month.In the aftermath of the saga, ITV released a statement at the time backing Wright, which read: “Ian’s standing in the sport is beyond question. “As one of the UK’s most respected and much-loved footballers and sporting broadcasters, with a career spanning nearly four decades, Ian is an incredible advocate, ally and brilliant broadcaster of women’s football from a grassroots level as well as at the highest international competitions.”Ian Wright’s response to Eni Aluko’s apology”I’m very disappointed by what Eni has said.”She knows how I have helped her and supported her publicly, and I know the previous conversations she’s had with me and my management.”I’ve seen the apology on social media, but I can’t accept it, but I also want to move on from it. I don’t need any further social commentary directed at anyone.”The thing about where the women’s game is, it isn’t about me – it has to be about the collective.”Because of the past, we know the men blocked the women’s game for 50 years, because of the past we know the game has serious systemic challenges, and it’s going to take everyone to help fixes.”So for me, I always give back to the game, it’s given me so much.”It’s never bothered me about who’s playing the game, as long as they’re playing the game. if you know my story you’ll know how much football means to me.”We are the country that invented modern football, so we have a responsibility, to lead the way in women’s football.”We men are the ones that banned women’s football for 50 years, so we have to hold that one.”I need to say to everyone who has spoken about it publicly and showed love and support, I say thank you.”It’s something I do not take for granted.”It was reported last month that Aluko’s outburst had angered senior figures at ITV, who pride themselves on having a diverse and inclusive roster of pundits working on games for them.The 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand had seen ITV and rivals BBC have a combined 25 presenters, pundits and commentators, 23 of whom, including Aluko, were female.After facing Portugal this Friday, Sarina Wiegman’s side then face Spain on Tuesday in another Nations League clash.The games will serve as an early warm-up for this summer’s European Championships being held in Switzerland, with the Lionesses kicking off their campaign against France.Clashes with the Netherlands and Wales complete the group as England look to retain their European Championship crown won in 2022.Stars including Leah Williamson, Alessia Russo and Beth Mead joined the squad after winning the Women’s Champions League with Arsenal following a shock 1-0 win over Barcelona.Read More on The SunHowever, the camp was thrown into chaos with the sudden announcement that former Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps would be retiring from international football.That decision, which arrived just five weeks before Euro 2025, allegedly came despite Wiegman asking her not to retire before the Euros, which left the England boss furious with the U-turn. 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