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      Marcus Rashford delighted by messages from former Man Utd team-mates after England recall

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      MARCUS RASHFORD was left feeling united with former team-mates after they shared their joy at his England recall.The forward, who joined Aston Villa on loan in January, has endured a difficult relationship with some Old Trafford players.Marcus Rashford received well wishes from his Man Utd team-mates after his England recallCredit: RexBut he was delighted when stars including Bruno Fernandes, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Joshua Zirkzee congratulated him on starting in Thomas Tuchel’s first two games in charge.He had not featured in an England squad since March 2024 against Brazil.After Tuchel announced his squad, Rashford, 27, posted an image of himself in an England shirt with the caption: “Never stop believing. Can’t wait to get started.”Fernandes responded: “Love to see it.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEx-United aces David de Gea and Aaron Wan-Bissaka were also supportive.A source said: “Marcus had experienced a difficult time for several months, if not years, before he finally went on loan from United.“He’s definitely in a happier head space — but does worry a little that his 20 years at United have been forgotten.“He still loves the club and was really happy to see some of the past and present players offering their support to him and making him feel loved. It meant a lot to him.”Most read in FootballEngland ratings vs Albania as Lewis-Skelly enjoys dream debut but Tuchel fails to solve Foden issue By Tom BarclayMYLES LEWIS-SKELLY made history and Harry Kane extended his own record-breaking as England sunk Albania in Thomas Tuchel’s first game.Lewis-Skelly became the youngest player to score on his Three Lions debut and top goal-getter Kane notched his 70th international strike as Tuchel began his World Cup qualifying campaign with a modest 2-0 win.New boy Dan Burn partnered Ezri Konsa in central defence at Wembley, while Marcus Rashford and Curtis Jones were also handed starts.Meanwhile, Tuchel wrestled with the same issue faced by predecessor Sir Gareth Southgate – deciding where to fit in Phil Foden.Left-back Lewis-Skelly, 18, slotted home on 20 minutes following a delightful turn and even better pass from Jude Bellingham.But England stuttered after the break – until skipper Kane classily took down a Declan Rice pass and curved home the clincher.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions in German manager Tuchel’s opening match…CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRashford has played nine matches for Villa and has four assists but is still yet to score.Villa have a £40million option to buy Rashford in the summer with United willing to sell.Marcus Rashford says joining Aston Villa from Man Utd was an easy decision More

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      David Moyes plotting shock transfer raid on Liverpool and EFL takeover to collapse – latest exclusives from Alan Nixon

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      ALAN NIXON is SunSport’s Boss of Goss.Check out this week’s red-hot transfer whispers from our main man in the know…Scotland’s Ben Doak could be set for a surprise move in the summerCredit: PATOFFEE TWISTEVERTON boss David Moyes is ready to jump into the chase for Scotland’s new star Ben Doak in a sensational raid on neighbours Liverpool.Moyes is planning a swoop on his old rivals for the winger when he comes up for sale in the summer at about £25million.The Toffees want a wide man and Doak, 19, is firmly in their sights – despite the rarity of a cross-city move between the clubs.Only a handful have gone from Liverpool to Everton, with Peter Beardsley and the late Gary Ablett among a very elite group.However, Moyes is a huge fan of Doak, whose pace and trickery would add something to his hard-working squad.Bournemouth are keen on the teenager as we revealed, while Crystal Palace’s move for him is now in doubt.Liverpool may prefer Doak to go to the Cherries but Everton’s interest will alert the player, who is set to have a major say on his future.Meanwhile, Toffees’ chief scout Dan Purdy could get a reprieve in the club’s big backroom shake-up.Purdy’s position is under review but incoming chief executive Angus Kinnear is a known fan.Director of football Kevin Thelwell has already gone and a reshuffle is imminent but Purdy may stay on in a new capacity.Ben Doak gives hilarious answers at Middlesbrough Q&A SAIN OF THE TIMESSheffield United are preparing to swoop for Borja SainzCredit: AlamySHEFFIELD UNITED want to sign Norwich’s goal machine Borja Sainz – whether they make the Premier League or not.Blades’ American owners are willing to splash out on the Spaniard, 24, if they are back in the top flight or not.Sainz enters the last year of his deal this summer, and the Canaries may be forced to sell if he does not sign an extension.United are willing to pay over £10million for the 18-goal midfielder – even though they are well off in that position.SKY’S THE LIMITCaleb Kporha is wanted by Frank Lampard at CoventryCredit: GettyCRYSTAL PALACE are fighting to keep teenage right-back Caleb Kporha – with Frank Lampard’s Coventry in hot pursuit.Kporha, 18, has made a first-team debut but is yet to sign a new long-term deal.Cov want to offer a quicker route to starts and that may tempt the ex-Welling starlet.The Eagles want him to stay but will have to offer big terms.Meanwhile, Exeter want to get Palace keeper Joe  Whitworth, 21, back for a second season on loan.CITY SLICKERJuma Bah could make his City bow in the Club World CupCredit: GettyMANCHESTER CITY new boy Juma Bah is hoping for a Club World Cup call in the summer.The giant 18-year-old defender has been a stand-out for Lens on loan  in France and also starred for Sierra Leone against Egypt last week.Bah is due to return to City next season and he wants an earlier chance.Lens would like to keep Bah on loan but he wants City game time – or a Prem stint on loan.WALK-OVERMATT HOLLAND was always one of the fittest players around — and the former midfielder has still got it.Holland, 50, walked a staggering 113 miles in a recent MND charity event – the furthest covered by any of the ex-pros.The ex-Ipswich and Charlton star was one of dozens of former players walking while others joined in after appearing in the Liverpool Legends game last Saturday.KEV DOWN UNDERNewcastle legend Kevin Keegan is proving popular in AusCredit: GettyKEVIN KEEGAN is wanted in Australia – as a special guest at Blacktown City.Legend Keegan came out of retirement to play a couple of games for the New South Wales side in 1985. Now the club want their most famous player back for a bash to mark the 40th anniversary of his two appearances for them.SHREW-D DECISIONSHREWSBURY’S takeover talks with a US group are about to collapse.A lengthy period of exclusivity ends tomorrow and the Yanks have backed away from the deal to buy the League One strugglers, who saw boss Gareth Ainsworth quit on Tuesday.The current regime may look for new buyers at a reduced price once their relegation fate is sealed.WICKED WHISPERWHICH England player was leaking to mates he would be a shock selection in Thomas Tuchel’s first team?The squad man told chums he would be in the side and word spread on the grapevine that he would be named.But nobody in the media ran the tip-off off and, worse still, he was left on the bench to his embarrassment. More

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      Liverpool believe they’ve won £50million Milos Kerkez transfer race as Man Utd set to miss out on Bournemouth star

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      LIVERPOOL believe they have won the battle to sign £50million-rated left-back Milos Kerkez.The Bournemouth defender is one of Europe’s most wanted men after a sparkling season.Liverpool are hot on the heels of Bournemouth ace Milos KerkezCredit: GETTYThe Reds believe they’ve nailed down a move for the 21-year-old defenderCredit: AFPManchester United are also keen on the 21-year-old.But a move to Arne Slot’s champions-elect is all but nailed down.Kerkez is under contract until 2028, although Bournemouth will do business if the price is right. He is said to favour Anfield, where he would link up with fellow Hungarian and international team-mate Dominik SzoboszlaiREAD MORE SPORTS NEWSThe two were on Nations League duty together last week.And Szoboszlai would not have wasted the chance to convince him that Merseyside was the best option.Kerkez cost just £14m from AZ two years ago and has been one of the stand-out performers in leading Bournemouth towards their highest-ever Premier League finish.His move raises doubts over Andy Robertson’s long-term Reds future.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKRobertson’s form has shown signs of dipping this season after eight outstanding years.Kerkez will be the first arrival in a busy summer for Kop boss Slot,  set to lose Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid.Arne Slot makes embarrassing blunder in Liverpool press conference as he ‘forgets Cristiano Ronaldo played for Man Utd’ There is also uncertainty over the future of captain Virgil van Dijk and leading scorer Mo Salah, as they have yet to agree new deals.The Reds will be back in action on Wednesday, hosting bitter rivals Everton at Anfield.The arrival of Milos Kerkez at Anfield could spell the end of Andy Robertson’s Kop careerCredit: GETTY More

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      Man City cough up £30MILLION on lawyers to fight Premier League’s 115 charges – more than star defender’s wages

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      MANCHESTER CITY have spent over £30million on lawyers to fight the Premier League’s 115 charges.The latest accounts for parent company City Football Group shows that City had splashed a running total of £30,596,000 on legal fees in the war against PL chiefs over alleged rule breaches by the end of the 2023-24 campaign.Manchester City have spent more than £30million on lawyers fighting Prem chargesCredit: GettyThe club have won six titles since Pep Guardiola took over in 2016Credit: PAThat was an increase of nearly £10.7m on the figure from 12 months before – or £205,000 per week.The staggering sum is equivalent to what Josko Gvardiol, one of City’s top 10 earning players last season, was paid.CFG said in documents filed at Companies House that the £30,596,000 was “due to expenses incurred by City Football Group Limited on behalf of Newton Investment and Management”.NIM is the Abu Dhabi-based company through which Sheikh Mansour owns his majority stake in CFG, which in turn owns City and a number of other clubs worldwide.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSunSport understands that this money is the running total of City’s legal costs in their war against the Prem chief.And the bill for this season is set to be the highest yet.The main disciplinary case between the Premier League and the club was heard between September and December, with the three-person independent panel set to deliver their verdict in the coming weeks.Respected lawyer Lord Pannick KC was hired by the club in February last year to lead their legal team as they looked to clear their name.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKLord Pannick reportedly charges around £5,000 an hour for his services.By splashing out such huge sums City owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan is only making good on his alleged vow when City were fighting previous financial charges brought by Uefa.Inside Man City’s £300MILLION new stadium upgrade with futuristic Etihad project to rival AnfieldIn 2020, al-Nahyan was reported to have said he would said”“rather spend £30million on the 50 best lawyers” and sue Uefa “for the next 10 years” than accept their punishment.His remark came after the club were banned from the Champions League for two years and hit with a £25million fine, after being found of falsely inflating their sponsorship revenues when submitting accounts.The ban was overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) a few months later and the fine was reduced to £8.9million for their “disregard” of the principle of cooperation in investigations.City deny wrongdoing over the 115 charges, but could face severe punishments if the allegations are proven.Last month City won a separate legal battle with the Premier League over “unlawful” financial rules.An 18-page tribunal verdict ruled the Prem’s sponsorship regulations on Associated Party Transactions – which ran from December 2021 to November 2024 – were unlawful in their entirety.The Premier League recently warned its clubs that it spent more than £45million on legal bills last season, due to various disputes over its financial regulations. More

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      Marcus Rashford got his Man Utd break when I got injured – I knew there was no way back after that

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      WILL KEANE wants to get one over former Manchester United team-mate Marcus Rashford today.Forward Keane, 32, scored in Preston’s 3-0 win over Burnley that brought the Championship side a first appearance in the FA Cup quarter-finals since 1965-66.Former Man Utd star Will Keane is set to face off against Aston Villa in the FA CupCredit: GettyThe 32-year-old now plays for Preston North EndCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford broke into the first team at United after Keane got injuredCredit: AP:Associated PressMeanwhile, a rejuvenated Rashford has worked his way back into the England team thanks to four assists since joining Villa on loan from United in January.Ironically, an injury to former academy graduate Keane partly contributed to Rashford making his senior United debut as an 18-year-old in February 2016.Keane, who left Old Trafford during the summer of that year, said: “It was probably unfortunate timing for myself.”Football is all about timing and making the most of those moments.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”The way it fell into place for Marcus at that time, he took his opportunity when it came.”I’m sure it was only a matter of time when that was going to come for him, maybe it came a bit sooner than he expected – but he definitely made the most of it when he burst on to the scene.”When I got back fit, I knew it was probably time to move on.”When you come through the academy as a United fan, you always want to keep hold of that dream of making it there, which I think before a couple of long-term injuries definitely I could see the potential.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”It didn’t quite pan out but I’ve still had a lot of good clubs and a long career after that.”I’ve not seen Marcus for a couple of years. I think, especially the last couple of months, seeing him back with a smile upon his face has been great.Ruben Amorim brings up Marcus Rashford as he vows to talk to Garnacho after Man Utd star stormed down tunnel”It looks like he’s enjoying football.”Hopefully he can have an off day for this one if he’s playing — but it will be great to see him.”Keane rates North End’s Cup run as one of the highlights of his career.He said: “It’s up there. “The manager Paul Heckingbottom made it clear when he came in that a good cup run can bring everyone together and help drive the season. It’s definitely done that.”It’s helped get a bit of momentum going – especially with every tie being at home, it’s been good to go through that journey with the fans. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Hopefully we can go one step further. It’s definitely a great challenge for all of us. “We’re the only Championship team left in the competition, and that’s something we all aspire to be, Premier League players.” More

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      Brighton vs Nottingham Forest LIVE RESULT: Yates sends Reds to FA Cup last-four plus Rutter rushed to hospital – updates

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST are book their first Wembley semi-final berth in 34 YEARS after spot-kick win. With little to separate the sides, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side thought they would have the chance to open scoring from the spot after Kaoru Mitoma’s tussle with Elliot Anderson only for the initial decision to be overturned by VAR midway through the second half. The lack of clinicality would continue into extra-time, with penalties needed. Three consecutive misses from twelve yards – Neco Williams’ blazed-over effort sandwiched by two Matz Sels saves – would prove pivotal as captain Ryan Yates dispatched the decisive spot-kick.Post-match, Brighton’s Georginio Rutter was rushed to hospital following the game. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Fulham 0 Crystal Palace 3And from earlier: Copy linkCopiedReportOn tonight’s events: Copy linkCopiedHürzeler on Rutter’s injuryGeorginio Rutter went down off the ball and appeared to roll his ankle in the Amex turf.He was able to limp from the field under his own steam after being worked on by medical staff.Fabian Hürzeler on Rutter’s injury in his post-match comments:“He might have to go for a scan. I cannot say anything now.”Copy linkCopiedRutter rushed to hospitalBrighton’s Georginio Rutter was rushed to hospital following Brighton’s FA Cup heartbreak against Nottingham Forest.The 22-year-old appeared to be in tears as he was forced out of the 0-0 draw at the Amex Stadium in the 75th minute.More on the story below. Copy linkCopiedSemi-finals start to take shapeCrystal Palace and Nott’m Forest have booked their places at Wembley with victories today.Tomorrow, we will find out who else will join them in the draw.Preston vs Aston VillaBournemouth vs Man CityCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedForest book Wembley visitIt took a penalty shootout to get them there, but over the course of the game, there is no denying Forest were the better side.They thought they had been awarded a penalty in normal time, only to see VAR send the official to monitor, who then reversed his decision.Not that it matters now, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side incredible season continues with silverware a realistic opportunity.Credit: ReutersCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedMatz ex-Sels in penalty shootoutSigning Sels from Strasbourg may have been some of the best business Nuno Espirito Santo has done at the City Ground.He has been one of the key components of a season that has surprised many and tonight was no different.The Belgian keeper saved two of Brighton’s spot-kicks to send the visitors through to the FA Cup semi-finals.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFT: Brighton 0-0 Nott’m Forest (ET) [3-4 on pens]Ryan Yates has booked his sides place at Wembley.The Nott’m Forest skipper stroked his penalty home to secure it.In a game of little clear-cut chances, a penalty shootout was required, with the visitors taking the spoils.Copy linkCopiedNott’m Forest beat Brighton 4-3 on penaltiesCopy linkCopiedGoal – Ryan Yates (Nott’m Forest) 3-4Copy linkCopiedGoal – Lewis Dunk (Brighton) 3-3Copy linkCopiedGoal – Nikola Milenkovic (Nott’m Forest) 2-3Copy linkCopiedPenalty saved – Diego Gomez (Brighton) 2-2Copy linkCopiedMissed penalty – Neco Williams (Nott’m Forest) 2-2Copy linkCopiedPenalty saved – Jack Hinshelwood (Brighton) 2-2Copy linkCopiedGoal – Callum Hudson-Odoi (Nott’m Forest) 2-2Copy linkCopiedGoal – Brajan Gruda (Brighton) 2-1Copy linkCopiedGoal – Elliot Anderson (Nott’m Forest) 1-1Copy linkCopiedGoal – Joao Pedro (Brighton) 1-0Copy linkCopiedPenalty shootoutCopy linkCopiedFT: Brighton 0-0 Nott’m Forest (ET)The referee brings extra-time to a close.We are going to a penalty shootout on the south coast.Try as they might, neither side could find that elusive goal.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Isabelle Barker at Amex StadiumNUNO ESPIRITO SANTO has just screamed his lungs out at one his coaching staff, saying “wait, sit down” as he was preparing Morato to come on as a substitute. The frustration is clearly building for the Forest boss with Brighton hitting back strongly in extra time. Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-0 Nott’m Forest (ET)120. Forest are bringing Gibbs-White off for Morato.Seems a strange decision given his penalty taking powers.We are moments away from the drama of penalties.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-0 Nott’m Forest (ET) 118. It is a terrible delivery from the corner, not beating the first man.Forest head it clear but The Seagulls come straight back at them.The visitors are hanging on for penalties now.Joao Pedro bundles in the ball as Estupinan heads across goal but it is immediately ruled out for offside.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-0 Nott’m Forest (ET)116. Joao Pedro is bundled over by Murillo.It gives The Seagulls a free-kick in a dangerous position.Estupinan’s effort deflects off the wall and goes out for a corner.Copy linkCopied More

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      FA Cup cameraman left furious as Brighton star Carlos Baleba destroys his camera with wayward shot

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      A CAMERAMAN was left fuming after his equipment was smashed by an errant shot during Brighton’s FA Cup clash with Nottingham Forest.The Seagulls crashed out following a nerve-shredding penalty shootout against Nuno Santo’s side on Saturday night. Brighton star Carlos Baleba accidentally smashed a camera with a wayward shotCredit: BBC SportBBC cameras caught the unfortunate owner remonstrating with staffCredit: BBC SportBrighton’s Carlos Baleba tried his luck from range during the first half at the Amex Stadium.But in searching for his first goal since November, the midfielder accidentally ruined one cameraman’s day. The Cameroonian picked up the ball on the edge of the area and was urged to shoot by the capacity crowd. Beleba struck the ball sweetly towards the bottom left corner, but saw his shot whistle just past the post.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe ball crashed straight into a camera that had been placed on a tripod just behind the goal. Steve Wilson, on commentary for the BBC, gasped: “I think he’s just destroyed someone’s camera.”Moments later, the unfortunate photographer rushed over to see his pride and joy scattered across the turf. He was later seen picking up bits of the lens and remonstrating with staff.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWilson added: “That wasn’t one of those little cardboard ones you get at weddings.”That was an expensive one.”Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis sends fans bold Champions League predictionFootage quickly went viral, with one fan responding on X: “As a photographer this pains me.”Another said: “What do you expect for leaving an unattended camera next to the goal a yard wide of the post?”While a third asked: “Who pays for the damage?!”And a fourth commented: “Not sure why it wasn’t behind the net, asking for trouble there and he got it. Amateur hour.”It proved to be a night to forget for Brighton, who lost record signing Georginio Rutter to a potentially serious injury. The 22-year-old was photographed by SunSport after the game being led into an ambulance.READ MORE SUN STORIESBrighton boss Fabian Hurzeler earlier told reporters: “He might have to go for a scan.”I cannot say anything now.” More

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      ‘I wasn’t expecting it’ – Inside Bournemouth’s futuristic new base including indoor dome

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      YOU turn the corner at the end  of a mile-long drive and suddenly Bournemouth’s ambition smacks you in the face.Behind the ornamental fountains is the stunning main building of the Cherries’ new £40million Performance Centre, which opened this week.Bournemouth are on the rise both inside and outside the pitchCredit: GettyBournemouth have developed a stunning training centreCredit: GettyBournemouth’s training facility rivals any Premier League clubCredit: X @afcbournemouthBournemouth’s training facility will help them attract even more talentCredit: X @afcbournemouthAs the Dorset sunshine pours down and is harvested by the first set of solar panels to be installed at a Prem training ground, the state-of-the-art complex is a breathtaking sight.And a facility which rivals any in the top flight will be key to attracting the kind of players Bournemouth will need if they are to continue their remarkable rise.Evanilson left Champions League regulars Porto last summer to become the Cherries’ £31.5m record signing.The Brazilian, 25, is impressed by the new centre and told SunSport: “I knew before I even came to Bournemouth they had big plans but I wasn’t expecting it to be as good as it is.”Read More on FootballOwner Bill Foley is all about changing expectations around the plucky Cherries and the Performance Centre is just one part of that mission.The American billionaire took over the club in December 2022 and set the target of bringing European football to the Vitality Stadium within five years.In a recent interview with talkSPORT, Foley noted progress on the pitch was ahead of schedule and gave details about more of his plans off the field.The biggest project is a stand-by-stand revamp of the 11,307-seater Vitality that will increase the capacity to 16,000 then 20,000 and 24,000.Most read in FootballFoley, 80, is building not only infrastructure but a football empire.Through his Black Knight companies, he owns A-League side Auckland FC and minority stakes in Hibernian and French club Lorient — but Bournemouth are the jewel in the crown.Why Man City could be dumped out of the FA Cup by Bournemouth | Experts’ best bets – Weekend WagerNext week, academy players and staff will move into the other half of the main building at the Performance Centre.The first structure built on the site, 18 months ago, was the indoor dome that allowed the youth set-up to earn Category 2 status. Bournemouth are gaining a  reputation for giving those young players a chance to shine in the first team.It is likely centre-back Dean Huijsen, 19, and 21-year-old left-back Milos Kerkez will leave this summer for fees totalling £100m.But when technical director Simon Francis and president of football operations Tiago Pinto are trying to recruit fresh new talent, they can point to Huijsen, Kerkez, Illia Zabarnyi (22), Dango Ouattara (23) and Alex Scott (21) as examples of the opportunities the club gives kids.Brighton, Brentford and Southampton have used a similar model of identifying, developing and selling on talent while reinvesting  in the next big things.Extending Iraola contractThe Saints’ fall from grace is a warning about how that virtuous circle can become a vicious one if errors are made in player recruitment.Bournemouth may well find rivals sniffing around Andoni Iraola this summer.Talks about extending the head coach’s contract will be one thing on the agenda when Foley flies over next month.Iraola was full of admiration after his first week’s training in their new HQ.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “The pitches are perfect and we have all the tools we need.“But the important thing is not what happens here in the building, it’s what happens out on the pitch.”Bournemouth owner Bill Foley is all about changing expectationsCredit: X @afcbournemouthAnd Bournemouth’s Performance Centre is just one part of Foley’s missionCredit: X @afcbournemouthBournemouth academy players and staff will move into the other half of the main buildingCredit: X @afcbournemouth More