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      Moment Chelsea & Real Betis fans CLASH in Poland launching bottles & smoke grenades hours before Europa Conference final

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      VIOLENCE has broken out again on the streets of Poland between Chelsea and Real Betis fans in ugly scenes ahead of their Conference League final tonight.Supporters were seen hurling punches and kicks, launching bottles and smoke grenades near the fanzone in Wroclaw with riot police forced to defuse the violence.Fans clash in ugly scenes in Poland ahead of the Europa Conference FinalCredit: AFPSupporters were seen hurling punches, kicking, launching bottles and smoke grenadesCredit: AFPFans hurled flares at each other on the streetSome officers were deployed with guns to quell the violenceCredit: ReutersTables and chairs were thrown to the floorCredit: EPAThe ugly scenes continues after similar violence yesterday when tear gas was needed to separate the hostile fans. One Spaniard was arrested and police are attempting to identify more fans involved in a scuffle last night.Betis fans are looking forward to their first ever major European final, with tensions boiling over into a full on brawl this afternoon.Supermarket shelves are running dry of beer and pubs are out of pint glasses as fans soak up the atmosphere ahead of the final.And six hours before kickoff tonight, the violence spilled over when fans started kicking and throwing flares into each other’s camps.Soon, chairs were hurtling through the air as the fans squared up to each other before police, some armed with guns, came to separate them.The fans were already brawling on the streets a full 24 hours before the match as riot police with tear gas were deployed yesterday to force the warring supporters apart.Footage posted to social media showed a series of fierce clashes in cobbled streets outside the city’s bars and restaurants.Most read in FootballShocking moment Chelsea fans brawl & throw glasses as violence erupts in Poland ahead of Conference League finalIn one clip, a group of around five young men were seen smashing chairs and hurling glasses at another group sheltering in the canopy of a building.In the window is a large blue flag which reads: “London only”, indicating it could be a spot designated for Chelsea fans.Another clip from elsewhere shows two sides lobbing missiles at one another from the cover of two different pubs.More than 70,000 fans are expected to descend on the picturesque town of Wroclaw to watch The Blues try to take the title tonight.Last week’s Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur was also marred by clashes between supporters ahead of the match in Bilbao.Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said: “Zero tolerance for violence on our streets!”I thank the police for their decisive actions against the hooligans in Chelsea and Betis shirts in Wroclaw. We warn you: if necessary, the police will be even more ruthless today!”Fans of the London side will be hoping their team isn’t distracted by the drama – with the honour of being the first-ever club to win all three European titles on the line.Chelsea booked their place by defeating Swedish side Djurgardens IF 5-1 on aggregate earlier this month.Earlier, head coach Enzo Maresca got a shock when his banned winger Mykhailo Mudryk arrived in the city unannounced – and wearing a Chelsea kit.Mudryk is currently suspended from playing after testing positive for the banned substance meldonium while on international duty in November.Chelsea fans have descended in the Polish city for the European finalCredit: ReutersChairs were hurling through the skyOne man was seen getting attacked with blood pouring down his faceCredit: AFPThe fans were already brawling on the streets a full 24 hours before the matchCredit: ReutersPolice positioned themselves between the hostile fansCredit: AFPAfter missiles were launched into the neighbouring camps, Polish police managed to separate the fansCredit: ReutersThe ugly scenes continues after similar violence yesterday when tear gas was needed to separate the hostile fansCredit: ReutersTables were launched in the violent scenes hours before the matchCredit: ReutersMen were seen fleeing as police came armed with truncheonsCredit: AFPThe streets were strewn with litter and chairsA fan poses in front of police amid the high tensionsCredit: ReutersThe Blues will be playing Champions League football next season after they secured a top-five finish in the Premier League.While the Spaniards have already qualified for the Europa League with a 6th placed finish in LaLiga.This means the two sides are just playing for the right to win a European trophy – and the cash prize that comes with it.Read More on The SunUefa have revealed that the winners of this year’s Conference League will take home a staggering £5.9million.While the runners-up are set to pocket approximately £3.37m.A chair can be seen flying through the airCredit: XGroups lobbed missiles at each other across the squareCredit: x
      Police spray jets of tear gas at Chelsea fansCredit: APChelsea fans were out in force on Tuesday nightCredit: APHEDGE YOUR BET-S Chelsea vs Real Betis tale of the tape: How Conference League finalists compareCHELSEA are on the brink of history as they prepare to take on Real Betis in the Conference League final.Enzo Maresca will clash with “football dad” and former boss Manuel Pellegrini when the two sides collide in Warsaw on Wednesday.And a win for Chelsea will see them become the first-ever team to win all three major European competitions.They face a tough test in Betis though, with the Spanish side boasting strong names including Isco, Antony and Gio Lo Celso.Here, SunSport compares the two sides for what is sure to be a lively clash in Poland.But just who will come out on top?SEASON SUCCESSWith both sides reaching the Conference League final, neither side can say they have fallen short in Europe.Yet they have also enjoyed good club campaigns – to an extent.Chelsea at one stage looked on course to challenge Liverpool for the Premier League title before a dramatic Christmas collapse.The Blues then faced a tough challenge to qualify for the Champions League.They eventually sealed a return to Europe’s top table on Sunday with victory over fellow challengers Nottingham Forest.And although they ultimately achieved their season goal, Chelsea undoubtedly made a meal out of it.As for Betis, they too enjoyed mixed fortunes in LaLiga.They ended up finishing sixth, sealing their place in next season’s Europa League regardless of the outcome of Wednesday’s final.However, fifth place in Spain would have been enough for Champions League football.Betis ended up finishing 10 points behind Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao, who took the last two spots.And although Europa League qualification will be welcomed by them, they surely would have loved to have been in the Champions League instead.BEST PLAYERSChelsea’s squad is worth a whole £627MILLION MORE than Betis’ – but there is always one man who stands head and shoulders above his teammates.Despite not enjoying the same success as he did in the 2023/24 campaign, Cole Palmer undoubtedly remains Chelsea’s star player and danger man.The midfielder has taken up a deeper role in a more central position under Maresca, allowing him to dictate more of the play.Palmer’s brilliant technique and vision means he is often the one keeping Chelsea ticking over in possession as teammates look to make darting runs through the lines.And if the Blues are to take control on Wednesday, he will need to be at his mercurial best once again – regardless of whether he scores or assists in the process.As for Betis, they have been inspired in the second half of the season by a Premier League misfit.Brazilian winger Antony, on loan from Manchester United, has been nothing short of a revelation since moving to Spain.He has a smile on his face again after hitting the goal regularly, with fans also showing their appreciation and adoration.A permanent transfer now looks on the cards this summer.And Antony will be desperate to reward the faith shown by Betis by guiding them to glory in Warsaw.TACTICSChelsea have adopted a possession-based style since Maresca’s arrival last summer, with players instructed to keep the ball moving as they inch their way forward to goal.Lining up in a 4-2-3-1 system, the Blues quickly become a fluid unit as players drift out of their regular positions to line up in a 3-2-4-1 shape.Whether it has been a raging success is up for debate, with Chelsea sometimes left exposed at the back while also failing to get enough players into the box to finish off a move.But Maresca’s system has built some team unity, with his unquestionable plan on the pitch making the Blues a strong cohesive force when it finally clicks.MANAGERSChelsea’s Italian gaffer Enzo Maresca has one of the safest seats in football – and that was before he sealed a top four finish on Sunday.The ex-Leicester man was brought in to Stamford Bridge to provide stability while also moulding Chelsea’s youngsters into English football’s next great team.Despite reservations over his playing style, fans appear to have finally taken to Maresca thanks to his calm approach and desire to win.The former Man City coach isn’t the most experienced either.But with time on his side, a trophy win in his debut season will only strengthen his position in the Chelsea hot seat.As for Manuel Pellegrini, he has now been at Betis for nearly five years.Having enjoyed most of his success at Man City, the Chilean has helped build Betis into plucky underdogs.Pellegrini broke their trophy curse by guiding them to the 2022 Copa del Rey.And he remains a wildly popular figure with fans and players alike, having resurrected the careers of fallen men like Isco and Antony.Pellegrini also knows Chelsea boss Maresca well, having coached him at Malaga before appointing him as assistant boss at West Ham.And it should be a fascinating battle between the pair, with Maresca warmly branding Pellegrini his “football father.” More

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      Rio Ferdinand potential career moves after leaving TNT Sports as Man Utd legend looks to ‘next chapter’

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      RIO FERDINAND is officially a free agent having left his role at TNT Sports.The former Manchester United and England defender was part of the broadcaster’s commentary and punditry team for a DECADE.Rio Ferdinand has left his role at TNT SportsCredit: ALAMYThe former Manchester United and England star has revealed his next moveCredit: GETTYBut the 46-year-old has decided to move on to pastures new by not renewing his contract.An emotional social media post read: “After 10 incredible years, I have made the difficult decision to step away from TNT Sports after the Champions League final.“Since retiring from football, it has been a privilege talking about the game I love for a decade for sports fans watching on BT Sports and TNT Sports.“I want to acknowledge the tremendous support from the team behind the scenes, whose hard work often goes unseen, but has been essential to our success.READ MORE ON RIO FERDINAND“To everyone at TNT Sports, we have a brilliant end to the season to look forward to on Saturday, and for now all focus will be on what I think could go down as one of the great European finals.“The network continues to thrive with more rights than ever, and I look forward to following its progress and the exciting future that lies ahead.“Lastly, I would like to thank my family and my management company New Era for their ongoing support.“They have supported me to travel all over Europe, following the best players and watching the best matches. For a football fan like me, it’s been a dream come true.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSRio Ferdinand is looking forward to the ‘next chapter’ of his lifeCredit: ALAMY“As I turn the page to the next chapter. I carry with me countless memories.”Ferdinand will have plenty of time on his hands now that he’s no longer bound to TNT Sport’s hectic schedule.Rio Ferdinand calls out Roy Keane and Gary Neville’s takes on Man Utd vs Man City The pundit plans to spend his free time with his family, as well as focusing on his podcast and other “interests”.So what will Rio be up to now..?Full-time podcastingDespite being incredibly busy with TNT for the last decade, Ferdinand has managed to cultivate a massive podcast.His ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents’ podcast, which was previously called ‘Vibe with Five’, has over 1.3 MILLION subscribers on YouTube and thousands of listeners on Apple and Spotify.The podcasting world is an extremely lucrative one, so Ferdinand would be foolish not to use his massive platform and standing in the game to cash in on a potential post-career goldmine.The Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast has over 1.3 million subscribers on YouTubeCredit: RIO FERDINAND PRESENTSPunditryAlthough Ferdinand plans to focus on his other interests, an immediate move to one of TNT’s rivals isn’t off the cards.Sky Sports have just freed up a boatload of cash by culling multiple presenters and reporters in a wave of redundancies.And it could be used to finance a potential swoop for Ferdinand, who would draw huge numbers along with former England team-mates Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher.A move to the BBC could also be on the cards following Gary Lineker’s departure from Match of the Day.Ferdinand is no stranger to a bit of Beeb punditry having worked for the national broadcaster during multiple international tournaments, including Euro 2024.Rio Ferdinand was part of the BBC’s coverage of Euro 2024Credit: BBCCharity workFerdinand could use his downtime to focus on the ‘Rio Ferdinand Foundation’, which he set up back in 2012.The foundation was set up with the goal of creating opportunities for young people in impoverished areas and has been a huge success.RestaurantsFerdinand entered the restaurant world in 2009, opening Rosso Restaurant & Bar in Manchester’s city centre.But Rosso, which was visited by A-listers galore, closed its doors after 15 years of service back in September 2023.Ferdinand could look to revive the defunct restaurant or open a new one.Although given the volatile nature of the culinary world, he may decide against returning to the industry.BoxingFerdinand tried to become a professional boxer following his retirement in 2015 but was denied a license by the British Boxing Board of Control.Ferdinand immediately gave up on his dreams of becoming a pugilist after the BBBofC’s huge knockdown, although he could reignite them now that he has plenty of time on his hands.Read More on The SunInfluencer boxing promotion Misfits Boxing would no doubt jump at the opportunity to get Ferdinand in the ring as they recently did with his former United and QPR team-mate Danny Simpson.But they would likely have to break the bank to get him to lace up his gloves so late into his forties.Rio Ferdinand could give boxing a go following his departureCredit: INSTAGRAM@RIOFERDY5 More

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      ‘That’s broken me’ – Mark Goldbridge convinced his wife is having affair as he breaks down on stream

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      MARK GOLDBRIDGE admitted “that’s broken me” after being jokingly convinced his wife was having an affair live on stream.The incident, which was actually a hilarious misunderstanding on his part, occurred while broadcasting to thousands of fans.Mark Goldbridge was jokingly convinced his wife was having an affairCredit: YouTube / The United Stand More

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      Daniel Munoz, Bryan Mbeumo and other winners of Dream Team’s end-of-season awards for 2024/25!

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      ROLL out the red carpet and pop the champagne, it’s time for Dream Team’s end-of-season awards!We’ve got eight gongs to dish out in total so let’s crack on.A round of applause for our winnersCredit: Dream TeamBEST NEWCOMEROur first award goes to the most impactful new addition and so only players who graced Dream Team for the first time this season are eligible.A mention for Noussair Mazraoui who, despite Manchester United’s woes, will finish the campaign as the sixth-best defender.The Morocco international got through a mountain of defensive work, making 177 tackles in all competitions – the highest tally among all players.For a while it seemed as if Marco Asensio would claim this award as he scored eight goals in the space of seven games soon after agreeing a loan move to Aston Villa in January.Unfortunately, the Spaniard’s points dried up in the last two months of the season.And so our winner is Omar Marmoush!Man City’s expensive January acquisition frustrated Dream Team bosses in the FA Cup final but he’s otherwise impressed with eight goals and three assists at a rate of one goal involvement every 141.4 minutes since his transfer from Frankfurt.The Egyptian forward finishes the season with an average of 6.3 points-per-game and there’s a feeling he could rack up big numbers in 2025/26.Most read in FootballWINNER: OMAR MARMOUSH A welcome addition to Dream TeamCredit: GettySURPRISE PACKAGESeveral players made our shortlist for this one with Jacob Murphy, Brennan Johnson and Chris Wood all having performed well above expectations.It would be fitting to give the award to a Nottingham Forest representative given their transformation from relegation battlers to Champions League hopefuls but there can only be one winner in the grand scheme of things.Daniel Munoz was the only defender who earned 300+ points this term, beating the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Josko Gvardiol, Pedro Porro and Virgil van Dijk to top the rankings in his position.This is an extraordinary achievement given Crystal Palace did not have European commitments to bolster their schedule.The Colombian wing-back was a beast in defence (17 clean sheets, 152 tackles) and a huge threat in attack (six goals, eight assists).It will be very interesting to see how he goes next season.WINNER: DANIEL MUNOZAn unexpected Dream Team superstarCredit: AlamyBEST VALUE-FOR-MONEYMunoz could have easily scooped this award too but we’ve decided to recognise the efforts of Morgan Rogers to share the love around.Having been a bit-part player in 2023/24, the ex-Middlesbrough midfielder established himself as one of Unai Emery’s most trusted assets from the get-go this season.Rogers started the season at just £2.5m and was available even cheaper than that after a relatively slow start but he quickly became a fantastic enabler.Once he started converting his talent into points, he essentially became a must-have player as his bargain price allowed for heavy investment into the likes of Erling Haaland, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer and Mohamed Salah.When all was said and done, Rogers racked up 318 points via 14 goals and 16 assists to finish as Dream Team’s fourth-best midfielder.He certainly won’t start at £2.5m next season!WINNER: MORGAN ROGERSWhat a bargain!Credit: RexMOST OVERLOOKEDThis award goes to the player who, no matter how hard they tried, simply couldn’t convince Dream Team managers they were worthy of a place in a competitive XI.For whatever reason, several players went overlooked by the vast majority of gaffers for months on end despite their undeniably impressive returns.Youri Tielemans spent most of the season among the highest ranked midfielders (thanks to his sizeable bonus point count) but his ownership remained modest throughout – perhaps because the aforementioned Rogers covered Villa’s fixtures nicely.Elsewhere, only six players averaged more points-per-game than Jarrod Bowen (7.7) but most Dream Team bosses flat out refused to entertain the idea of recruiting anyone associated with West Ham.Our winner, however, is none other than Matheus Cunha.Granted, the Brazilian’s disciplinary troubles were a concern but even when he was available and at his swaggering best, approximately 97% of gaffers were happy to go without him.Only Salah and Haaland averaged more points-per-game than Cunha in 2024/25 – an incredible statistic.One suspects he will appear in many, many more teams when he joins Manchester United.WINNER: MATHEUS CUNHAUnderutilisedCredit: AFPDIAMOND IN THE ROUGHThis award recognises a standout individual who thrived in Dream Team despite the broader failings of their team.The aforementioned Cunha and Bowen were among the nominees, as were several Tottenham players before victory in the Europa League final changed the entire complexion of their season.But Bruno Fernandes is clearly the most deserving winner.The Portuguese playmaker amassed 443 points (only Salah earned more) via 19 goals and 20 assists while representing a team that ultimately finished 15th in the league and no trophies to show for their extracurricular activities.Where would the Red Devils be without him?WINNER: BRUNO FERNANDESA one-man team at timesCredit: ShutterstockTHE BREXIT AWARDTo qualify for the Brexit award, players must have nothing to do with Europe.In other words, only those who did not participate in the Champions League, Europa League or Conference League are eligible.Once again, Munoz is in the conversation but three players earned even more points than Palace’s wing-back without European fixtures: Eberechi Eze, Bryan Mbeumo and Alexander Isak.Newcastle’s star striker notched the most points (340) of the lot having scored 27 goals but given the spirit of the award is about defying schedule disadvantages, we believe Brentford’s talisman is most worthy.Whereas Isak and Eze benefited from domestic cup successes, Mbeumo was limited to just three Carabao Cup outings and one FA Cup appearance.The Cameroon international was phenomenal in the Premier League all season long.Depending what Palmer does in the Conference League final, Mbeumo will either finish second or third among Dream Team midfielders – an outstanding effort.WINNER: BRYAN MBEUMOPremier League specialistCredit: GettyBIGGEST FLOPGenerally, we prefer to celebrate the most successful players but it would be remiss to ignore the darker side of Dream Team altogether.Emile Smith Rowe was initially among the most popular midfielders in the game following his transfer from Arsenal to Fulham but the 24-year-old delivered just 135 points overall, fewer than Bilal El Khannouss, Lewis Cook and Adama Traore.During his heyday, Raheem Sterling once finished as Dream Team’s top performer for the season but he scored just one goal for Arsenal in 2024/25 and has become a punchline among the Emirates faithful.Elsewhere, Darwin Nunez conspired to average just 3.6 points-per-game while representing the best team in the country.However, the most disappointing element in Dream Team this season was the severe drop-off of Manchester City.Pep Guardiola’s side recovered to finish third in the league but as a collective they provided far fewer points than gaffers have come to expect.Erling Haaland and Josko Gvardiol were worthy of their popularity but it says a lot that Phil Foden was City’s third-highest points scorer as most would agree the England international was under par this season.The FA Cup finalists conceded 71 goals in all competitions, severely damaging the viability of their defensive assets.In fact, Gvardiol was the only City defender in the top 30, a far cry from previous seasons.WINNER: MAN CITY’S DEFENCE (EXCLUDING GVARDIOL)A rare trophyless season for GuardiolaCredit: ReutersMOST VALUABLE PLAYER (MVP)We finish with the most prestigious award and the most clearcut winner.Mohamed Salah was already a Dream Team legend but this season he reached an otherworldly level.When Liverpool’s hero equalised against Brighton in Gameweek 37, he made it 57 goal involvements for the campaign in all competitions!This obscene tally was the primary reason he ended as a quintuple centurion, with 503 points to his name to be exact – Bruno Fernandes was the only other player to achieve 400+ points.Simply put, Salah was in a league of his own.Read More on The SunWINNER: MOHAMED SALAHDifferent gravyCredit: AlamyWho knows what starting price the Egyptian superstar deserves in 2025/26… More

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      Marcus Rashford’s camp ‘meet with Barcelona’ over transfer from Man Utd – but another Prem star is their No1 target

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      MARCUS RASHFORD’S camp has met with Barcelona over a permanent transfer this summer, according to reportsThe Manchester United star looks destined to leave his boyhood club in the coming weeks and months after it was revealed that he will be available for £40million.Marcus Rashford’s team has met with Barcelona over a potential transfer away from Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyRashford spent the second half of the season on loan with Aston VillaCredit: RexRashford first spoke to Barcelona about a move in January, but ultimately landed on his loan switch to Aston Villa.According to Fabrizio Romano, a new set of talks have now taken place today over a permanent move.It’s claimed that Rashford is one of four options on the Catalan club’s shortlist for a summer arrival in attack.Spanish outlet Sport report that Barcelona’s number one target is Liverpool winger Luis Diaz.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHowever a deal for the Columbian could be more expensive and more difficult to complete than one for Rashford.It’s said that Rashford is “eager” to play for Barca, and SunSport revealed earlier this week that the 27-year-old is holding out for a Champions League team – something Barcelona would be able to offer.It’s likely that Rashford would have to take a significant pay cut to join Barcelona, who are unable to match his mammoth £350,000-per-week salary at Old Trafford.While they could try and strike up a deal that sees them sign Rashford on loan with an obligation or option to purchase given the expense of signing the star.Most read in FootballBarcelona would like to sign Luis Diaz from LiverpoolCredit: EPAJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordRashford scored four goals and registered five assists in 17 games during his loan spell with Aston Villa, ultimately earning a return to to the England national team.But with Rashford having the final say on his future, and the impact of Villa missing out on Champions League football, Unai Emery’s side will not be activating the buy-option they included in his loan deal.Inside Marcus Rashford’s demise from one of football’s biggest stars to £60m benchwarmerIt looks like Rashford is already being replaced after reports claimed that Wolves forward Matheus Cunha, who is on the brink of sealing a move to Man Utd, will wear the academy graduate’s No.10 shirt next season when his £62.5m switch is announced.United could lose another star player too as captain Bruno Fernandes has been given 72 hours to decide on his future at the Theatre of Dreams.According to the Mail Online, Fernandes has been given a “take it or leave it” offer by Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal.The Riyadh club are said to be willing to QUADRUPLE Fernandes’ wages – offering him a tax-free pay packed of £700,000-PER-WEEK.The Portuguese playmaker opened the door for an exit after United’s Europa League heartbreak at the hands of Tottenham.He said: “If the club thinks it’s time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in, it is what it is.”United’s failure to qualify for Europe in any form for the first time since 2015 has left them in dire financial straits.Read More on The SunArgentine academy graduate Alejandro Garnacho has reportedly been told to find a new club in the summer.Garnacho, who was left out of the matchday squad alongside Andre Onana for the United’s final-day win over Villa, is one of many players that will be up for sale as United try and resolve their worrying financial situation.Bruno Fernandes could be on his way out of Man UtdCredit: Getty More

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      Newcastle ‘ready to make statement £100m-plus double transfer swoop’ for Marc Guehi and Bryan Mbeumo

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      NEWCASTLE are preparing a statement £100m double transfer swoop after qualifying for next season’s Champions League.The Toon are eyeing moves for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi and Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, reports claim.Newcastle are interested in Brentford winger Bryan MbeumoCredit: Shutterstock EditorialEddie Howe’s side previously pushed to sign Marc Guehi last summerCredit: ReutersThanks to Manchester United beating Aston Villa 2-0 on the final day, Newcastle have cash to spend after finishing in the top-five, despite defeat to Everton. And sporting director Paul Mitchell wants to get one final major deal done before he quits St James’ Park after 18 months in June.Newcastle tried and failed to sign Guehi last summer after a long pursuit, but have always remained interested in the England centre-back.And Palace could be tempted to cash-in now with Guehi, 24, entering the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSNewcastle won’t pay the £65million asking price they were quoted 11 months ago, but hope a compromise can be reached, according to The Telegraph.Brentford’s Mbeumo, 25, is a top target for several clubs, including Premier League champions Liverpool, after an electrifying season.Howe has long been an admirer of the Cameroon international, who scored 20 GOALS and provided eight assists in the Prem this season.But Bees manager Thomas Frank won’t let Mbeumo go easily, with the West London club set to ask for between £50-£60million.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMbeumo finished just three goals behind Newcastle No 9 Alexander Isak, who came second to Mo Salah in the Golden Boot race this season.A right-sided forward and a defender have been the two more pressing positions to fill for the last couple of years.Newcastle star Callum Wilson bravely opens up on moment he considered taking his own life as a childWhen asked about transfers last weekend, Howe stressed that Newcastle must move quickly.The 47-year-old, who led the club to their first trophy in 70 years, said: “Speed is key for us. I’ve reiterated that many times internally. “We have to be dynamic, we have to be ready to conclude things very, very quickly because good players don’t hang around for long.“That’s always been my thought and my message on recruitment because you can have a period where you think you’ve got time.“But then you can look around quickly and realise that that time has elapsed and you have missed opportunities that you won’t get again.“That’s what we’ll be trying, but obviously the reality of that is it’s not always in your hands. But we’ll be doing our best to do things early.”Newcastle gaffer Eddie Howe has urged the club to move quickly this summerCredit: Getty More

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      Martin Zubimendi set for Arsenal medical ahead of £51m transfer as Gunners beat Real Madrid to Real Sociedad midfielder

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      MARTIN ZUBIMENDI will complete a medical in the coming days ahead of his £51m switch to Arsenal.The Real Sociedad midfielder has been in advanced talks with the Gunners since January and is on the verge of becoming Mikel Arteta’s first capture of the summer.Martin Zubimendi is on course to join Arsenal in a £51million dealCredit: GETTYThe 26-year-old is set to undergo a medical with the north Londoners in the coming daysCredit: GETTYPersonal terms and relevant documents have already been signed and agreed, as well as the payment structure around the Spaniard’s £51m release clause.Senior Arsenal figures expect the deal to be completed swiftly as they also target landing a striker – with Sporting Lisbon’s £60m-valued Viktor Gyokeres a top priority.Once Zubmendi, 26, passes his medical, he will be announced as an Arsenal player.He 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.READ MORE ON ARSENALThomas Partey is also out of contract, but the club are in talks to extend his stay after an impressive campaign, while Albert Sambi Lokonga – who spent last season on loan at Sevilla – will see a one-year extension triggered on his contract.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.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.Swedish striker Gyokeres, 26, is viewed as an ideal attacking signing following a two-year stint in Portugal that has seen him bag 97 goals in 102 appearances in all competitions, and is favoured by sporting director Andrea Berta.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSSporting vice-president Francisco Salgado Zenha revealed this week: “He has three more years on his contract. At the moment there are no offers.“We want to keep the best players and retain talent. We want to continue to be champions, have competitive teams and fight on all fronts.Thierry Henry hits out at Mikel Arteta as trophyless Arsenal are shown up by ‘the Man Utd that everyone laughs at’“But the market is not under our control, we are always dependent.”Red Bull Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, 21 – valued between £60m and £70m – is also on Arsenal’s radar, having attempted to sign the Slovenian last summer and in the winter window.There is still a chance Arteta could make a move for Sesko, but SunSport understands there is a concern over his age and experience at the top level, needing the player to hit the ground running in the Prem.Chelsea are also interested in Sesko as they prepare to sign a No.9 this summer too.Arsenal are also considering moves for £50m-rated Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, 22, as well as £25m-valued Espanyol back-up keeper Joan Garcia, 24. More

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      Rio Ferdinand QUITTING TNT Sports after 10 years as Man Utd icon releases emotional statement about ‘difficult decision’

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      RIO Ferdinand has announced he is quitting his pundit role with TNT Sports.Former Manchester United and England defender Ferdinand, 46, has been one of the faces of the channel since joining its predecessor BT Sport in 2015.Rio Ferdinand has announced he’s quitting TNT Sports after ten yearsFerdinand has become a popular pundit since ending his playing career in 2015Ferdinand has acted as both a pundit and co-commentator for domestic and European football, including last week’s Europa League Final between United and Spurs in Bilbao.But the ex-Three Lions skipper will step away from the TNT microphone after Saturday’s Champions League Final between Inter Milan and PSG in Munich.Ferdinand explained in a lengthy social media post: “After 10 incredible years. I have made the difficult decision to step away from TNT Sports after the Champions League final.“Since retiring from football it has been a privilege talking about the game I love for a decade for sports fans watching on BT Sports and TNT Sports.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“I want to acknowledge the tremendous support from the team behind the scenes, whose hard work often goes unseen, but has been essential to our success. “To everyone at TNT Sports, we have a brilliant end to the season to look forward to on Saturday, and for now all focus will be on what I think could go down as one of the great European finals.“The network continues to thrive with more rights than ever, and I look forward to following its progress and the exciting future that lies ahead. “Lastly, I would like to thank my family and my management company New Era for their ongoing support. Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford“They have supported me to travel all over the Europe following the best players and watching the best matches. For a football fan like me, it’s been a dream come true. “As I turn the page to the next chapter. I carry with me countless memories.Rio Ferdinand calls out Roy Keane and Gary Neville’s takes on Man Utd vs Man City “I’m excited about what the future holds, spending more time with my family, focusing on Rio Ferdinand Presents and my other business interests.“I hope to stay connected with all of you in different capacities. Thank you once again for everything.”Sources at TNT suggested Ferdinand could return to the channel in the future, whether on a guest or permanent basis and that it was entirely his decision.The decision not to renew his deal allows Ferdinand to concentrate on his own online channels, which have become increasingly popular.Ferdinand was hospitalised after a health scare at the start of the monthFerdinand was recently off work after suffering from a health scare, forcing him to miss Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final second leg clash against Paris Saint-Germain.He was hospitalised with a serious virus, which he later called a “crazy illness” that left him vomiting.Ferdinand can now juggle his time better between family life and work commitments.Read More on The SunHe is married to wife Kate, who he shares two biological children with.The couple also raise three kids from Ferdinand’s first marriage to late partner Rebecca, who tragically died from cancer in 2015.Ferdinand is married to former Towie star Kate More