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      Anyone with an ounce of spirit should want Bournemouth to beat Man City to keep romance of the FA Cup alive

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      THERE are no Premier League fixtures this weekend — but don’t feel ashamed if you haven’t even realised.It’s hardly been a bumper year for the so-called greatest league  in the world.Bournemouth could offer a massive FA Cup miracle for the romanticsCredit: GettyBournemouth take on Manchester City in the FA CupCredit: GettyNewcastle broke a monotonous run by winning the Carabao CupCredit: RexThe last time a club outside the Big Six won a cup was in 2013 with Wigan in the FA Cup and Swansea in the League CupCredit: GettyLiverpool have fast-walked the title race and Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton have been hell-bent on relegation since last August.So who would have thought the two cup competitions would be left to stop the entire nation switching off altogether and doing something less boring instead?The cups have been bulldozed and bullied to make way for expanding European competition.Boiled down with second legs and replays scrapped to relieve the heavy legs of players grinding it out to satisfy the demands of clubs looking beyond two relatively tiny trophies offering a few quid in prize money. Read More on FootballNewcastle’s victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final this month was a spectacular bloody nose for the Big Six.It’s five down and one to go in the FA Cup, which means “little” Bournemouth have the opportunity to finish the job. Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham  all have a surprise weekend off as we reach the quarter-final stage.Anyone with an ounce of romance, spirit and  sporting fun should be willing the Cherries on against Manchester City. If not, you should never again pass an “I am not a robot” test.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA winner from Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Fulham, Crystal Palace or Preston North End is a rarity.And not since 2013 have both our domestic trophies been won by teams from outside the “elite” in the same season. That’s when Swansea won the League Cup and Wigan beat City in the FA Cup final. Prior to that, it was 1988 with Luton and Wimbledon.Erling Haaland reveals bizarre bedtime habit including special glasses and taping mouth SHUT on Logan Paul podcastIn between, it is the same old names and the same old finals. Prior to this year, the previous nine Carabao Cups were shared between Liverpool and the Manchester clubs.For one year only, Leicester broke the FA Cup stranglehold of Arsenal, City, Chelsea, United and Liverpool that has existed since 2014.What we are seeing now is football’s equivalent of Halley’s Comet entering our solar system.Come May, screw up your eyes and you may be able to visualise the glowing tail of glory for a team which doesn’t treat Wembley as a second home.The Cherries have never won  a major trophy, nor Palace, nor Fulham, nor Brighton.Preston, synonymous with the great Sir Tom Finney, have had big stars but no significant silverware since the 1938 FA Cup.Breaking traditionVilla and Forest are shaking up the establishment in the league but you must rewind to the 1990s to find either winning a cup of note.What it will mean for the  supporters of these seven clubs to reach the FA Cup semi-finals or beyond fires the imagination.And it serves as a beacon of hope for anyone wishing to salvage a crumb of interest in a mundane season in the league. Players love the cups, the fans adore them.Attendances throughout this year’s Carabao Cup were 20 per cent up on last year and their highest for almost a quarter of a century.If Bournemouth beat City on Sunday it’s a huge shot in the arm for the much-maligned cups, for fans and for fun. So what if it’s bad for business and for the big boys?Fans ticked off with ToddTODD BOEHLY is feeling the heat from Chelsea fans over his 41 per cent stake in US ticket resale outlet Vivid Seats.To the extent the supporters’ trust has written to the Premier League demanding they probe their club chairman over a  potential conflict of interest. Fair enough. No trip to Stamford Bridge is complete without the sight and sound of several shady characters loitering by Fulham Broadway Tube station offering tickets for the coming game at inflated prices.So much so that the London club emailed fans last week to trumpet their actions targeting this criminal scourge. They claim to have stopped more than 1,000 people entering the ground with dodgy tickets, cancelled more than 1,500 memberships linked to dodgy tickets and arrested dozens of people through matchday operations.Meanwhile, Boehly, the man at the top of the club, is raking it in via his investment in what the Premier League label an “unauthorised” ticket website.They urge fans to “exercise extreme caution” when dealing with firms like Vivid Seats.It’s almost as if it’s one rule for one and one for another. In football? Surely not?A bore’s no drawEVERYTHING about England’s recent two matches was highly interesting — apart from the two matches. Thomas Tuchel, Dan Burn, the build-up, the team selection, the hope.But as usual the ties were as flat as a pancake and sparked a debate about the entertainment value of qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.Don’t think the boredom level of these insipid games hasn’t been  discussed at the top level.Not that long ago a plan was hatched to expand the Euros to 32 teams.The continent’s top-ranked countries would face each other in an extended Nations League to leave 16 sides. Lesser-ranked nations would do similar, eventually leaving 32 teams.Almost everyone was up for it apart from Europe’s rights-holding broadcasters, who seem to think England v Albania on a Friday night is just what the nation wants to see on their TVs.London bawlin’AS domestic football returns, a plea. Can London-based clubs stop playing London Calling by The Clash, fronted by Joe Strummer, during every pre-match build-up?Yes, we know the song is about the city — it’s in the title — and your club is in that city. But that’s it. It’s not that big a deal.And by endlessly forcing this irony upon fans, you have worn out what should be cherished as a post-punk classic by one of the greatest rock bands of all time.Just stop it. Please.FA party Ful of itIF you have £120 to spare you too can enjoy a night out at Fulham’s 1975 FA Cup final celebration dinner come May.A selection of team members from the day will entertain guests with memories of the showpiece — which they LOST 2-0 to West Ham.READ MORE SUN STORIESSounds like a silly idea —  then again, Newcastle held open-top bus parades after losing the 1974 FA Cup final and 1976 League Cup final.Even more daft, someone I know actually went to BOTH. More

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      Newcastle star Dan Burn sings along to Luke Littler’s walk-on as he risks wrath of Premier League Darts star

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      NEWCASTLE hero Dan Burn danced to a surprising new Toon as he helped whip fans into a frenzy at Premier League Darts Night 8.The Carabao Cup winner and new England star sung along to LUKE LITTLER’S walk-on tune – and also videoed the world champion.Dan Burn acted like any other darts fan at Newcastle’s Utilita ArenaLuke Littler took booing from the crowd in his strideGeorgie Chris Dobey seemed awed by his reception as he walked out to to a new tune – an entrance song by his beloved NewcastleManchester United supporter Littler was booed by by the crowd as he strode out to the oche at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena.One reason might be that local lad Chris Dobey, one of the eight Prem competitors, is a big darts favourite on Tyneside.And Bedlington ace Dobey was boosted beforehand after hearing Newcastle players would be there to roar him on – just like he did for the Toon against Liverpool at Wembley as they ended their trophy drought. But Burn showed he appreciates class and charisma wherever it comes from.READ MORE IN DARTSThe 32-year-old, who is himself from Northumberland, had fun getting behind the Nuke in the opening match of the night.The towering defender was a distinctive sight as he jigged away as the 18-year-old came out.And Burn looked just like any other excited darts fan as he smiled broadly while appearing to take a video of the scene on his phone.Littler went on to destroy Stephen Bunting 6-0 – averaging 110 and in fact finishing it all off with a checkout of the same score.Most read in DartsFans gave Dobey incredible backing, with Newcastle’s black and white colours everywhere to be seenHome favourite Dobey battled well but lost 6-3 to Luke HumphriesBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThat put the Prem winner into the semi-finals on the night.Meanwhile, Geordie hopeful Dobey was on a high simply to compete on ‘home’ turf.Luke Littler brutally BOOED at Premier League Darts in Newcastle but has perfect responseHe went into his clash with World No 1 Luke Humphries saying: “I’m delighted to get this opportunity again.”Not many people can say they can play in front of a home crowd, and this will be the third time I’ve done so.”So yeah, it’s a massive occasion, and yeah, I’m looking forward to it.”Dobey even walked out to a different tune of his own – albeit a Magpies song.But although he performed pretty well, Humphries was too strong – clinching a 6-3 victory. More

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      ‘Much more advanced’ – Major update on Mo Salah’s Liverpool future revealed with link to Trent Alexander-Arnold decision

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      MOHAMED SALAH is edging closer to sorting out his future after entering “advanced” negotiations, according to reports.Salah, 32, has had contract talk and transfer rumours swirling around him all season with his Liverpool contract expiring in the summer.Mohamed Salah is said to be in advanced negotiations with Liverpool over a new dealCredit: GettyIt comes after reports indicated Trent Alexander-Arnold was set to leave the clubCredit: GettyThe Egyptian King, along with Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold were the three high-profile stars on course to leave the club. However, following reports this week that Alexander-Arnold has all-but agreed terms on a move to Real Madrid, Salah’s future has taken a fresh twist.According to a report by Egyptian outlet Masrawy, Salah’s agent has now entered serious negotiations to extend the attacker’s Anfield stay.A source told the site: “Liverpool’s management has opened negotiations with Rami Abbas, Mohamed Salah’s agent, to renew the Egyptian star’s contract with Liverpool for the time being.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Negotiations between Liverpool and Rami Abbas, Salah’s agent, are much more advanced this time than ever before, and the offer presented is higher than any offer made to the player before.”But this shift in stance from Liverpool, who were previously unwilling to meet Salah’s contract demands, has only come following Alexander-Arnold’s fate heading away from the club.The report adds: “Alexander-Arnold’s imminent departure from Liverpool will be a major factor in Salah’s contract renewal, following the reduction of the club’s high salaries, allowing the Egyptian star to be given what he desires in his new contract with the Reds.”According to Capology, the Englishman currently earns £180,000 per week, while Salah earns £350,000.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSalah is the club’s highest earner at present, while 26-year-old Alexander-Arnold is third in the rankings behind the winger and Van Dijk, who himself earns £220,000 per week.Alexander-Arnold’s new wages in the Spanish capital will reportedly see him earn £240,000 a week.Trent Alexander-Arnold has agreed terms on a move to Real Madrid this summer, according to reports With his expected move Alexander-Arnold will become only the seventh Englishman to play for Real Madrid, adding his name to a list including the likes of ex-Reds Steve Macmanaman and Michael Owen.However, Liverpool could still land a fee for the defender after a new transfer window was agreed to allow clubs to sign and sell players ahead of the Club World Cup, which Real are competing in.Los Blancos are willing to stump up a fee, understood to be around £5million, to sign him on June 1 so he can join England team-mate Jude Bellingham on the plane for the US-hosted tournament.Liverpool fans have not taken the news of the homegrown star’s expected end-of-season departure well, and he will return after the international break to the cauldron of Anfield during a hotly contested Merseyside derby. More

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      Man Utd files: Ruben Amorim set to spend £70m for top transfer target Francisco Trincao despite £50m release clause

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are once again without a game this weekend, due to being out of the FA Cup.Ahead of the Red Devils’ return to action next Tuesday, keep up to date with the latest goings-on behind the scenes at Old Trafford with our Man Utd Files.Ruben Amorim’s side have not played since March 16Credit: RexFRANC DISCUSSIONSMANCHESTER United will have to dig deep to land Ruben Amorim’s prime summer transfer target.Amorim is desperate to land former Wolves winger Francisco Trincao as part of a new-look United attacking unit next term.But Amorim’s former club Sporting Lisbon will play hardball – and are likely to demand a fee in EXCESS of the attacker’s £50m release clause.Trincao, 25, is under contract to 2027 after signing a four-year deal in 2023 following a £6m move from Barcelona.Barca, though, retain 50 per cent of his future transfer rights – which is where the going could get tricky for United.Sporting, braced for the departure of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, are even more determined not to let Trincao go, to the extent of preparing to offer him a new contract.Even if they can be persuaded to sell, Sporting want to recoup at least £35m.But they only get that if United – or another suitor – is prepared to pay TWICE as much, allowing Barcelona to get a similar share of the proceeds.Amorim is convinced Trincao, with the benefit of that season at Molineux in 2021-22, will be able to make a swift adaptation to the Prem.Yet with the likelihood of no European competition cash – unless United win the Europa League – he may have to consider an even more drastic summer sales policy to free the funds required to land him.Sporting are eager to keep Francisco Trincao this summerCredit: AlamySporting chiefs know that they are likely to lose Viktor GyokeresCredit: GettyTUCH AND GOHARRY MAGUIRE might be forgiven for feeling perplexed by Thomas Tuchel’s comments after his first international window as England boss.Tuchel suggested that he had omitted the United centre-half in favour of Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi because “they had better rhythm and deserved to be in”.But Maguire was never in a position to be selected having been out for nearly a month with a hamstring injury.His inability to train meant Maguire, 32, was in no condition to add to his 64 caps even if he had been named in the squad. Strange.Harry Maguire was not in a position to be selected by EnglandCredit: GettyBANK TRANSFERSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S grand plans for the 100,000-capacity “New Trafford” to replace United’s home since 1910 have not been universally welcomed.Some fans have been critical of the design, while the potential £2bn cost of the proposal has left other supporters wondering about the long-term impact on their pocket.But Ratcliffe and Ineos may point out that there were not dissimilar questions raised when United announced plans to move from their then-home at Bank Lane in Clayton, five miles across the other side of the city.Letters printed in local newspapers bewailed the prospect, with one fan moaning: “Bank Street was ours – cramped and muddy, but it felt like home. This new place is a stranger’s house.”There were also complaints about the impact on ticket pricing and questions over whether United could fill their new home.At least, unlike 115 years ago, there will be no open, uncovered terraces at Sir Jim’s palace of entertainment. But, doubtless, the same demands – a team that wins and deserves the stadium.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has launched ambitious new stadium plansCredit: PAMan Utd recently released imaging of their proposed new stadiumCredit: ReutersWELL I NEV-ERIN this most uncertain and stuttering of seasons at Old Trafford, it has been the one constant… Gary Neville will feature somewhere along the way.Passing judgement on good, bad and ugly as a pundit, of course, on why Erik ten Hag should be sacked/keep his job, for example.An interview with Sir Jim Ratcliffe? Gary’s your man. Creating a task force to explore regeneration around Old Trafford? Well he’s got to be on that.What about the voiceover for the magnificent new stadium unveiling? Neville – it’s a no-brainer.Now Manchester United’s omnipresent ex-full back has been asked to pick up another gauntlet… speaking up for the pensioners facing a 57 per cent hike on their season tickets.Slashing the 50 per cent OAP concessions, plus a general increase, means some older fans will have to pay nearly £400 extra. A rise many insist they simply cannot afford.Forums, phone-ins and message board have been flooded with irate supporters who have been Old Trafford regulars for over half a century.Including one fan posting urging Neville to take up the fight on behalf of United’s most loyal and long-standing followers.He wrote: “Please Mr Ratcliffe, explain why you think it’s ok to exploit us. We haven’t made the mistakes you have since your investment, but you want us to pay for it.“How about you cut the price as your employees have not provided good value for money? This is Manchester United Football Club, not JRFC.“He is just a businessman and a number cruncher. Please, please get Gary to speak up for the pensioners.“The extra revenue from the pensioners won’t be enough for any player’s wage for a week…stop this exploitation.”Over to you, GaryGary Neville can often be found somewhere at Old TraffordCredit: ReutersMan Utd fans are set for big price hikesCredit: GettyMan Utd have a tough run of fixtures coming upWARRIOR SPIRITIT was the pre-season promo visit that has led to the unlikeliest of friendships… and most telling of asides. In January Harry Maguire, Mason Mount and Andre Onana visited four-trophy, clean sweep winners Wigan Warriors ahead of the new Super League season.They got a first-hand glimpse of everything… passing, tackling and kicking, with Mount and Maguire joining in with the latter, and were blown away by the spirit and togetherness between the players.The Manchester United trio were so impressed that an expected 45-minute stay lasted well over two hours – and an ongoing affinity for some.As someone whose entire career was spent in the south before joining United last season, Mount was hardly a die-hard RL fan… but he is now, and was back at the Brick Stadium when the Super League season began.For Cameroon keeper Onana it was a totally alien sport, but he struck up an immediate bond with young forward Junior Nsemba, whose parents hail from the same country.Maguire is a long-time RL admirer.. yet it was an aside to one Wigan star on his left that proved most memorable as he joked: “We could do with a spirit half as good as yours.”We think it was a joke, anyway…Harry Maguire and Mason Mount pose with Wigan Warriors star Luke ThompsonCredit: SWpix.comAndre Onana hit it off with Junior NsembaCredit: SWpix.comRUNAWAY LEADERSCHRISTIAN ERIKSEN’S passing ability would be heightened if he had a striker as quick as United fan Usain Bolt to run onto the end of them.But the Danish midfielder and Jamaican sprint legend were on the same side this week when they visited a special programme to help underprivileged youngsters in Manchester.Bolt and Eriksen joined in training drills with kids on the Street League scheme, which is on the shortlist for the Sport for Good prize at next month’s Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid.Win or not, those kids will never forget the time they spent with two genuine sporting icons.Christian Eriksen and Usain Bolt teamed up for a community initiativeCredit: www.olympics.com More

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      Bukayo Saka returns to training with two word-post as Arsenal get major boost ahead of Real Madrid clash

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      BUKAYO SAKA is on the verge of an Arsenal return.The Gunners star was pictured for the first time back in full training at London Colney today after undergoing hamstring surgery in December.Arsenal superstar Bukayo Saka has returned to full trainingCredit: Instagram / bukayosaka87The England star is in contention to play in the Gunners’ upcoming games after recovering from surgeryCredit: ReutersSaka teased fans in an Instagram post showing him smiling with his thumbs up alongside the caption: “Hello again.”And SunSport understands he is in contention to be included in the squad to face Fulham on Tuesday night ahead of vital clashes against Everton and Real Madrid.Saka, 23, tore his hamstring in a 5-1 Prem win over Crystal Palace on December 21 before having surgery to fix the issue days later.He has missed 19 games in all competitions since then, a run that saw Arsenal knocked out of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, as well as lose ground in the Prem title race.Read More on ArsenalThe target was always for Saka to make it back for the Champions League quarter final first leg at home to Real Madrid on April 8 – and he looks on course to achieve that.Arteta is keen for Saka to get some minutes under his belt before then, with opportunities to do so at the Emirates against the Cottagers next week before a trip to Goodison Park to face Everton on April 5.Despite his impressive recovery and rehab so far, Arsenal remain wary over pushing Saka too hard too soon. He will likely be given cameo appearances off the bench to prove his fitness and get back up to speed.Saka has stepped up his training load during the international break while his teammates have been away with their countries.Most read in FootballBefore the break, asked how Saka would be progressing, Arteta explained: “Hopefully with more ball at his feet than he has had. “That will mean he is passing the ball and shooting and running and everything. He has done quite a lot already on the pitch working on his own. “Next we need to arrange it with people around him in a more competitive training session and see how he goes with that.”Despite his absence, Saka has been a constant presence in and around the team during his rehab, seen on crutches at the turn of the year supporting from the stands at the Emirates.On the club’s warm-weather retreat to Dubai last month, Saka flew out with the squad to carry on his individualised solo training plan with light gym work.He was also spotted in the Wembley tunnel speaking to Three Lions coach Thomas Tuchel after England’s 3-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Latvia on Monday.Saka’s return has been aided by some much-needed rest, spending time abroad on holiday with his family in late January.Arsenal are in need of some attacking inspiration after Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus were ruled out for the season with hamstring and knee issues respectively, forcing midfielder Mikel Merino to deputise as a centre forward.And manager Mikel Arteta received yet another blow during the international break as Riccardo Calafiori had to withdraw from Italy’s squad after hurting his knee.Saka’s influence cannot be understated. Even after a three-month lay-off, he remains the leading provider of goals and assists in all competitions for Arsenal this term [nine goals and 13 assists].Three points adrift of Prem leaders Liverpool at the time of his injury, Arteta’s men now find themselves 13 points behind with nine games to play.Arteta was desperate to bring in reinforcements during the January window, linked with Red Bull Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, but could not get a deal over the line.Arsenal could be set for another major boost as Real face being without four stars for the first leg.Superstar strikers Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior as well as former Chelsea ace Antonio Rudiger and ex-Gunner Dani Caballos face an official Uefa probe for allegedly making obscene gestures after their victory over Atletico Madrid in the Last-16.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesVinicius was the most high-profile case as he reportedly took six “shots” at Atletico supporters during and after the clash at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.Rudiger, on the other hand, was accused of making a throat-slitting gesture to Atleti supporters.READ MORE SUN STORIESCeballos, who spent two years at Arsenal before his return to Madrid in 2021, is accused of making an obscene one-armed gesture with a clenched fist.And Mbappe was reported for touching his genitals in a clearly derogatory manner.Saka underwent surgery on his hamstring and has missed the last three monthsCredit: Getty More

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      Liverpool ‘could hijack Man City transfer for £50m star’ as replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold

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      LIVERPOOL face a £50million transfer duel with Manchester City as they battle to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold.TAA appears certain to join Real Madrid this summer on a five-year deal worth £240,000 a week.Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real this summerCredit: GettyAnd the Reds are looking abroad in their hunt to find a new right-back.Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport reckon Juventus star Andrea Cambiaso is high up Liverpool’s wishlist.The 13-cap Italian reportedly came close to a big-money switch to Pep Guardiola’s City in the January transfer window.And there’s now an extra reason why Cambiaso, 25, is tipped to spark huge interest at the end of the season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJuventus sacked Brazil-born manager Thiago Motta and his staff this week.In total, it’s understood the Serie A giants will have to pay them 15million euros (£12.5m) in compensation.That means Juve might need to find £25m by the end of June to meet all their financial targets.And they know ex-Genoa ace Cambiaso could raise twice that sum.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMan City were reportedly close to signing Andrea CambiasoCredit: GettyThe Old Lady brought in former Lazio manager Igor Tudor to succeed Motta, albeit just for the remaining nine games this term.So Juve are likely to delay any major decision on outgoing players until the summer.’Reminded me of Gerrard at Liverpool’ – Cole Palmer told he needs to LEAVE Chelsea and has outgrown the club alreadyCambiaso has been one of their brightest lights this season as they sit a mediocre fifth in the Italian top flight.Similar to Alexander-Arnold, he can operate both on the right of a four-man defence or as a wing-back.After joining Juve in July 2022, Cambiaso is enjoying his best campaign yet. More

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      Chelsea send chief scout to watch explosive Colombia wonderkid with controversial trick ahead of transfer window

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      A SENIOR Chelsea scout witnessed an incredible moment during a spying mission to assess a top South American target in Colombia last night.The Blues’ official was in Bogota to track the progress of teenage forward Neyser Villarreal, who sparked chaos in a derby clash against Santa Fe by standing on the ball.Chelsea are keeping tabs on Millonarios wonderkid Neyser VillarrealCredit: ConmebolVillarreal sparked chaos in a derby clash against Santa Fe by standing on the ballCredit: XThat led to a brawl while Chelsea’s chief scout was watching from the standsCredit: XThe 19-year-old winger was immediately booked by the referee for showboating as tensions between the two rival clubs flared on the pitch and in the stands.Villarreal was the standout player for Colombia’s team at this year’s South American Under-20 championships, where he finished as the tournament’s top scorer with eight goals and four assists.But the Millonarios starlet is no stranger to controversy in his short professional career, having missed training with his club after being inundated with offers to move overseas last month.Porto, Inter Miami and Watford are all keen to sign the talented attacker, who can play in any position across the frontline and has a contract that is currently set to expire later this year.Read More on ChelseaBut now Chelsea have stepped up their interest in Villarreal by sending their top scout in the region all the way from Sao Paulo to Bogota to check up on him.Stamford Bridge is already home to a huge contingent of South American stars and many more have been signed by the Blues and farmed out for experience elsewhere.That number includes Colombian U20 teammate Oscar Perea, who was signed by BlueCo-owned Strasbourg last summer.Villarreal’s ceiling appears to be higher as he caught the eye with his dynamic dribbling and shooting at the South American Under-20 championships.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHis ability to maneuver in tight spaces often saw him draw the attention of multiple defenders, but he easily beat opponents in one-on-one situations with body feints and quick changes of direction.His pace made him a constant threat when Colombia counterattacked and he proved adept at instigating one-twos to break defensive lines around congested penalty areas.Ben Chilwell opens up on being bombed out by Chelsea before Crystal Palace lifelineScouts noted his explosive acceleration made it look like he had an extra gear while the power and accuracy on his shots was also impressive.The teenager may need to work on the consistency of his final ball, but he demonstrated a variety of driven and floated crosses during the tournament as well as some astute decision making in the final third.Although naturally stronger shooting with his right foot, Villarreal showed a tendency to cut inside from the right and attempt curling left-footed shots towards the far post, which showed room for improvement. More

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      Jose Mourinho appears to take ANOTHER dig at Allan Saint-Maximin as he congratulates Marco Silva on reaching 500 games

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      JOSE MOURINHO appeared to take another dig at Allan Saint-Maximin as he congratulated Marco Silva on managing his 500th game.Mourinho, 62, has coached Saint-Maximin at Fenerbahce this season.Jose Mourinho made scathing comments about Allan Saint-MaximinCredit: GettyThe winger has endured a tough loan spell in TurkeyCredit: GettyThe former Newcastle favourite signed on loan from Al-Ahli last summer but has since had his professionalism questioned by his boss.When Mourinho dropped the winger for their Europa League clash with Rangers earlier this month, Saint-Maximin wrote on Instagram: “When a lie takes the elevator, the truth takes the stairs. It takes longer, but it arrives in the end.”The Portuguese subsequently hit back: “I didn’t know Saint-Maximin had a gift for poetry. I’m not bad at it either.”When a footballer works well, works hard and trains every day, he can be in good form and climb up the stairs. He doesn’t need to use the lift.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”By contrast, if a player doesn’t train well, turns up late, is overweight and isn’t ready to play a match, then he needs to use the lift – as he’ll soon get tired on the stairs.”When contacted by Portuguese paper A Bola about Silva’s milestone, Mourinho echoed Saint-Maximin’s phrase.The experienced boss said: “Five-hundred? A beautiful number, which with more grey hairs will reach 600… 700…”Congratulations Marco, for a beautiful career, based on talent, work, seriousness, discretion.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMourinho, 62, has not been impressed with Saint-Maximin’s applicationCredit: GettyThe Portuguese boss did battle with his younger compatriot in EnglandCredit: Getty”You climbed the stairs, where many had the elevator at their disposal.”Congratulations for a career made of results and not perceptions. I admire and applaud you.”Jose Mourinho’s secret Ibrox visitSilva, 47, has also been very complimentary of his compatriot.The Fulham boss said of how Portuguese bosses are viewed in England: “We are certainly well regarded. And we all agree that Jose Mourinho’s influence was transcendent.”After having won what he won in Portugal, arriving in England, having that triumphant entrance and getting Chelsea to play and win titles 50 years later, he ended up being fundamental for the arrival of other Portuguese coaches.”Andre Villas-Boas followed, who had won the Europa League, and I was the third to arrive.”But it was Jose Mourinho who opened the doors for us.”Fenerbahce beat Rangers 2-0 at Ibrox in Saint-Maximin’s absence but were dumped out on penalties having lost the first leg 3-1.They subsequently drew 0-0 at home to Samsunspor ahead of the international break, with Saint-Maximin again not making the matchday squad.The winger has made just four appearances since before Christmas, often being left as an unused substitute.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has denied Mourinho’s claims about his fitness, claiming to be the same weight as he was in 2022.The Frenchman also wrote on Instagram: “Lies give you flowers – but they don’t bear fruit.”Saint-Maximin has hardly featured in recent weeksCredit: Getty More