More stories

  • in

    What Miguel Almiron’s £10m transfer sale means for Newcastle’s January spending

    NEWCASTLE UNITED are set to bolster their transfer kitty by nearly ten million quid – but it’ll stay locked up until the summer.Miguel Almiron has left the North East and is jetting to America today to seal his return to former club Atlanta.Miguel Almiron said his goodbyes after the Southampton matchCredit: ReutersThe Magpies have accepted a £9.5million offer from the MLS side for the Paraguayan winger, 30.Almiron is now Stateside to undergo a medical having already agreed personal terms.However, despite his departure, Eddie Howe still looks unlikely to be able to use the money and get a replacement before next Monday.Newcastle’s recruitment team have been watching right-wingers for months and have come up with a long list of potential new signings.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBrentford’s Bryan Mbeumo is a big favourite and regularly has Toon scouts in attendance.Although, despite Howe admitting that he would like at least one new addition in January, he looks certain to have to make do with what he has left after the exit of Almiron.Newcastle’s need to comply with PSR means that the board at St James’ are unlikely to give the green light to any significant new incoming.That means that the cash will be saved and will instead go towards Howe’s summer transfer kitty.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe departure of Almiron, who has agreed a four-and-a-half year contract with Atlanta, means Howe currently only has two fit specialised wingers in Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon with Harvey Barnes sidelined for at least another fortnight.Howe stressed last week the importance he felt adding new players to his squad. Former Newcastle boss Alan Pardew reveals why he axed Hatem Ben Arfa despite him being an ‘unbelievable talent’ He said: “When you look at our squad at the moment, we’re a little bit heavy on defenders, which is not a negative thing. But the balance is slightly off.“Our attacking players, we have lost Harvey and Callum [Wilson]. So our attacking options from the bench is slightly limited. We have real quality in a lot of positions, just maybe not in that top line. And when you’re looking to make attacking subs and change the game, they’re the ones that you want. That is a slight issue for us.“But in terms of the quality of the squad and players we have – we have 20 fit players available – I think they’re outstanding and our squad is really strong.“The second point I want to make to the question is about freshness of the squad. When you go consecutive windows without freshening the group in any major way, you could run into difficult waters with staleness. I think healthy rotation of the squad with transfers in and out is important.”Almiron, meanwhile, received a fine send-off from the travelling Toon Army when he came off the bench in the closing stages of Saturday’s 3-1 win at Southampton.That was his 223rd appearance for the Magpies – who signed him back in 2019 for £21m from Atlanta. More

  • in

    LaLiga ace Alex Berenguer & model wife ‘have gun pointed at them’ after three balaclava-wearing robbers break into home

    A LALIGA footballer and his wife reportedly had a gun pointed at them during an armed robbery of their home.Athletic Bilbao forward Alex Berenguer, 29, and model Sofia Jem were targeted at their villa in Mungia, in the Basque country, on Monday night.Spanish footballer Alex Berenguer and his wife Sofia Jem were victims of an armed robbery attemptCredit: Instagram @alexberenguerrThe couple were at home on Monday night when three masked men tried to force entryCredit: Instagram @alexberenguerrBerenguer plays in attack for Athletic BilbaoCredit: RexAccording to El Correo in Spain, three armed men wearing balaclavas attempted to break in.The report adds that Berenguer managed to close a glass door which stopped the trio from entering. It is then claimed that a gun was aimed at both Berenguer and Jem.Thankfully, the shocking ordeal ended as the footballer was able to alert the police during the attempted raid and the robbers fled. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpanish authorities launched an investigation.It is understood neither Berenguer nor aerospace engineer Jem were injured in the raid but are both likely heavily shaken up. Neither have commented publicly just yet. Berenguer came through the youth academy at Osasuna then joined Torino in 2017.Most read in FootballThe Spaniard spent three years in Italy before returning to his homeland, signing for Bilbao in 2020.Berenguer scored the winning penalty in last season’s Copa del Rey final shootout victory over Mallorca – ending the club’s 40-year trophy drought. Joelinton’s mansion targeted by thieves as Newcastle winger calls cops after getting alert burglars were lurking in homeDespite the key moment, his contract technically ran out for a week last summer – briefly making him a free agent – before signing a new deal with Bilbao until 2027. He has racked up 32 goals in 199 games – and could make his 200th appearance in Thursday’s Europa League clash with Viktoria Plzen or against Real Betis on Sunday. Bilbao are enjoying a fine season, sitting fourth in LaLiga and third in the Europa League. Various Premier League footballers have also been targeted by thieves in recent years including Paul Pogba, Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish, Dele Alli and Joelinton. The footballer and aerospace engineer are marriedCredit: Instagram @alexberenguerrJem is a model and studied aerospace engineerCredit: Instagram @alexberenguerrThe pair regularly post holiday snaps togetherCredit: Instagram @alexberenguerrNeither of them have commented publicly on the ordeal just yetCredit: Instagram @alexberenguerrThey enjoyed a trip to Disneyland while Berenguer was at TorinoCredit: Instagram @alexberenguerr More

  • in

    Burnley and Leeds fans call for refunds after ‘worst game of any form of sport ever’ – as woeful stats emerge

    BURNLEY and Leeds fans are demanding refunds after watching the “worst game of any form of sport ever.”The Championship title contenders went head-to-head last night in what had been billed as an epic showdown.Burnley and Leeds fans want refunds after last night’s dismal 0-0 drawCredit: RexLeeds were already top of the table after second-place Sheffield United lost to Hull on Friday.While third-place Burnley, three points off the summit, were hoping to go level with Leeds after losing just twice so far this season.Scott Parker’s men boast the meanest defence in English football with only nine goals conceded.But Daniel Farke’s side are no slouches themselves and have suffered just three defeats so far.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnfortunately for fans though, what should have been a thriller quickly turned into a drab affair.Neither side wanted to relinquish their statuses as incredibly tough teams to beat.And across the entire 90 minutes, just ONE shot between the sides was on target.That honour went to Leeds, who ended up having eight attempts on goal.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAs for Burnley, they managed just four shots and failed to get a single one on target.The Clarets also made sure to disrupt play as much as possible as their dogged stars made 13 tackles – resulting in nine fouls.Ex-Man Utd star Hannibal Mejbri dubbed ‘epic s—house’ after outrageously taunting Leeds fans in tense Burnley winBut Leeds incredibly managed to give away 11 fouls despite only making eight tackles themselves.And fans were left to bemoan the lack of action as the whistle blew on a dismal 0-0 stalemate.One said: “This Burnley Leeds game is, with no exaggeration, the worst game of any form of sport to have ever taken place.“Every single person at the game, or who watched it, should be reimbursed.”Another declared: “Drained the life out of me tonight.”One noted: “I fell asleep and I was in the stadium.”Another added: “Absolutely shambolic, poor fans.” More

  • in

    Holland star, 23, set to swap football career for darts after watching Rob Cross win Dutch Masters

    DUTCH international Quilindschy Hartman has declared his aim to swap boots for bullseyes by becoming a pro dart player.The Feyenoord defender won the 2022 Eredivisie title and 2023 domestic cup under current Liverpool boss Arne Slot.Quilindschy Hartman has aspirations to become a darts player and was at the Dutch Masters last weekThe Dutch star thinks he can one day play at Ally PallyCredit: GettyHartman, capped four times by Holland, has been with the Rotterdam club since the age of eight.And although only 23, the left-back has outlined his future plans, revealing his ambition to play in the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.Darts is a huge sport in Holland, with the country producing legends such as Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld.Hartman showed up at the Dutch Darts Masters in Den Bosch at the weekend to watch Englishman Rob Cross see off compatriot Stephen Bunting.READ MORE ON DARTSAnd he has a passion for the sport, saying: “I play darts a lot and think that after my football career is over, I’m really going to throw plenty of them.”I will want to play in competitions, as that is something I love. “I don’t get much time for it at present because of the busy fixture calendar.”But if I’m still as keen on darts when I retire as I am now, then I will really go for it.Most read in DartsJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”It would be a dream for me to play on a big stage like Alexandra Palace. That would be amazing.”I genuinely think that is something I’ll be able to do if I get more time to practise.Sky Sports forced to apologise for second time in 24 hours as Van Gerwen makes ANOTHER X-rated comment on live TV”If I play more often, I believe I can get there.”The exotically-named defender is close to a footballing return after nine months out following a knee injury.Valued at £20million, he has made 72 senior Feyenoord appearances – scoring twice.He has been linked with a transfer to the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and West Ham.Rob Cross won the Dutch Darts MastersCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Real Madrid ‘to go all out to sign Enzo Fernandez with Chelsea set to be offered sensational swap transfer’

    REAL MADRID are reportedly ready to offer an £86million first-team star in a sensational swap deal for Chelsea vice-captain Enzo Fernandez.The Argentine World Cup winner has emerged as a key man for the Blues this season, two years after a record £106million move from Benfica.Real Madrid are lining up a mega swap deal for Chelsea star Enzo FernandezCredit: ReutersFernandez already has three league goals this season, as many as he managed in his previous 18 months at Stamford Bridge.But reports suggest the midfield ace is unsettled at Chelsea.And DSports claims Fernandez has now emerged as a target for Real Madrid.The Spanish champs are said to be huge fans of Enzo Maresca’s vice-skipper.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReal feel they are lacking in creative midfield areas this season following Toni Kroos’ surprise retirement.And with Luka Modric possibly exiting ahead of his 40th birthday in September, Fernandez would be an ideal signing.However, he is tied down to Chelsea until 2032 on a mega-contract worth £180,000-a-week.It means Real would need to pay a pretty penny for Fernandez’s signature.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd Carlo Ancelotti is ready to soften the blow by offering a player in exchange, with Frenchman Aurelian Tchouameni set to be sacrificed.The versatile holding midfielder was an £86m purchase from Monaco in 2022.Jude Bellingham caught ‘humbling’ LaLiga rival who threatened to knock Real Madrid team-mate out ‘in 10 seconds’Real are ready to part ways with Aurelien TchouameniCredit: AFPHe’s since gone on to make 114 appearances while winning a LaLiga title and Champions League.But nearly half of Tchouameni’s games this season have come at centre-back.He is reportedly unhappy with his lack of chances further up the pitch and is looking for an exit before deadline day.Chelsea could apparently be tempted to accept Real’s offer, which would see them rake in some cash for a new winger while also bolstering their squad with a player of Tchouameni’s quality.Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho has been strongly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.It’s thougt he could cost as much as £60m, although Napoli are also said to be in talks with the ace. More

  • in

    Kaka bursts out laughing as he tells brilliant story about Ronaldo’s cheeky comment to Ancelotti

    KAKA shared a hilarious story about his legendary stint at AC Milan, involving Carlo Ancelotti and Ronaldo.The former playmaker played under Ancelotti, 65, for six years, one of which saw him teaming up with his fellow Brazil legend.AC Milan legend Kaka remembers a hilarious story involving Ronaldo and Carlo AncelottiCredit: XAncelotti tried to discipline Ronaldo during their time at MilanCredit: GettyRonaldo had a funny quip for Ancelotti after a hilarious exchangeCredit: AFPRonaldo joined the Rossoneri from Real Madrid in 2007 and linked up with compatriots Cafu, Serginho, Dida and of course Kaka.The Selecao team-mates spent a lot of time together and would often fool around in the dressing room.One time they got so loud that Ancelotti interrupted them and ordered them to get serious and focus on the upcoming game, even though it was against Siena.Kaka still remembers the two-time Ballon d’Or winner’s cheeky response to the current Real manager and laughs his socks off every time he recalls it.Read More on FootballThe 42-year-old told Shoot for Love: “We had this group of Brazilians. It was me, Ronaldo, Cafu, Dida, Serginho.”We were at the changing room talking [a] little bit loud and laughing and these kinds of things.”And our changing room was here and there is a corridor and then Carlos’ changing room.”And he [Ancelotti] heard that we were laughing and joking and everything.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”So he came to our changing room and said: ‘Guys, why are you laughing? We have an important game tomorrow’.”And we said: ‘Mister, football is like this, you know. You have to have fun and everything’.Watch Carlo Ancelotti lead Real Madrid stars in wacky dance before they throw him up in air after Champions League final”And he asked Ronaldo: ‘Do you know which team we’re going to face tomorrow?'”And Ronaldo said: ‘Yes, Siena’. And he asked Ronaldo: ‘Do you know who are their defenders?'”And Ronaldo said: ‘No, but I’m pretty sure that they know me’.”Ronaldo won the Ballon d’Or twice, and two World Cups with Brazil, before retiring in 2011. More

  • in

    Ruben Amorim ‘seals first Man Utd signing as club reach agreement for immediate transfer of Patrick Dorgu’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have reached an agreement to sign Patrick Dorgu, according to reports.And the left-back will become Ruben Amorim’s first signing as Red Devils boss – unless Ayden Heaven arrives from Arsenal before the paperwork is completed.Patrick Dorgu looks set to join Manchester United from LecceCredit: SplashAmorim has been keen to bolster his faltering squad during the January transfer window.And the Portuguese chief identified the full-back area as a key place to strengthen.His 3-4-3 formation relies on wing-backs – and he hopes Dorgu can make an immediate impact on the left.As reported by news outlets in Italy including SoloLecce, the deal between United and Lecce is “done”. READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt is claimed Dorgu will make an immediate switch to Old Trafford for an initial £29million – with a further £4m in possible add-ons. Those add-ons are said to be certainly achievable and include Champions League qualification and a set number of Premier League appearances for the youngster. Dorgu, 20, joined Lecce in 2022 and made his senior debut at the beginning of last season.He has racked up 57 appearances for the Serie A club, chipping in with five goals, too.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe 6ft 2ins star – who can play at left-back, wing-back or even as a winger – also has four caps and one goal for Denmark having come through all the youth teams from Under-18s. However, his former manager urged the rising star to SNUB a move to United. Man Utd’s Player Ratings vs FulhamJens Fonnskov Olsen managed Dorgu when he was part of Denmark’s U19s setup.He told Tipsbladet: “If I have to be a little cheeky, I hope he chooses something other than Manchester United right now.”I don’t know if it’s a bad fit, but they’re just in a period where… I don’t know if you can afford to say no to United, but maybe somewhere where there’s a little more structure and where things fit in with his pace.”Sometimes things have to go in the right order, if you can say it like that.”The thing is that there are many paths to the goal.”On what Red Devils fans can expect from Dorgu as a player, though, Olsen added: “Patrick is fast, he is forward-thinking, he can head both offensively and defensively, and he has a very, very good left foot.”He has been really well-educated [at Lecce], especially in the defensive part of the game, where he may have lacked something.”He is a creative player. I am incredibly happy that I brought him in and just believed in him.”I am really happy for him, in terms of how his career has developed.”Dorgu could make his debut in Sunday’s home clash with Crystal Palace – with Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui likely making way should he come into the starting XI.And the expected incoming could spell the end for both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia at the club.Heaven, meanwhile, is set to join in a shock swoop.The 18-year-old centre-back is ready to leave Arsenal after rejecting their latest contract offer.And despite interest from Eintracht Frankfurt, Fabrizio Romano reckons an agreement is all sorted for the teenager’s Old Trafford switch – with a medical already booked. Premier League teams have until Monday night to complete their transfer activity.So far, United’s only business has been to send various youth players and winger Antony out on loan.READ MORE SUN STORIESAlejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford could both make significant exits from Old Trafford.Chelsea and Napoli are seemingly battling it out for £60m winger Garnacho while finding a club to take Rashford and his mammoth wages could prove tricky. Ayden Heaven is set to swap Arsenal for UnitedCredit: ReutersAlejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford could both be on their way out of Old Trafford by MondayCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Aston Villa vs Celtic: Get £60 in football free bets and bonuses for the Champions League with William Hill

    ASTON VILLA and Celtic both have a top-eight spot to play for when the pair meet in a mouth-watering Champions League clash this Wednesday.Brand new William Hill customers who register an account and stake a tenner will be rewarded with a colossal £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on football!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereAston Villa vs Celtic: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*How to claim..William Hill £60 bonusVisit the William Hill website on your mobile device HERE*Register a new account and deposit a minimum of £10 using the Promo Code: T60Place a bet of at least £10 from your main balance on football on the William Hill Sportsbook at odds of 1/2 or greaterAfter settlement – win or lose – William Hill will credit your account with £60 in free bets and bonusesWilliam Hill: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*Aston Villa vs Celtic: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*Not got a William Hill account? No problem!It’s really easy to register an account and you can get your hands on that generous £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on the footy!Simply register a new account and deposit a minimum of £10 using the Promo Code: T60After that, stake at least £10 from your main balance on football on the William Hill Sportsbook at odds of 1/2 or greater.After settlement — win or lose — William Hill will credit your account with £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on football and in the casino!Aston Villa vs Celtic: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. More