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      Barcelona ‘ready to grant Marcus Rashford’s transfer dream’ – but WON’T pay fee Aston Villa agreed with Man Utd

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      MARCUS RASHFORD is a summer transfer target for Barcelona – but they’re not prepared to pay £40million.The Catalan giants are ready to grant the Manchester United forward his “dream move” to Spain. Marcus Rashford is a summer target for BarcelonaCredit: RexRashford, 27, is currently on loan at Aston Villa after falling out of favour under United boss Ruben Amorim.The England striker has netted 4 goals in 17 games since heading down the M6 in January. But his resurgence has been cut short by a niggling hamstring injury.The issue is not thought to require surgery but will end his season, with Rashford now set for talks with United over his future.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLVilla were given a £40m option to buy on Rashford when they signed him on loan four months ago.The iPaper now suggests Barcelona are ready to swoop in and offer the 27-year-old his “dream move”.But they will haggle over the fee and are “unwilling to pay the £40m price” agreed with Villa. Barcelona were interested in a loan deal for Rashford in January but struggled to accommodate his £325,000-a-week wages.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe report indicates the forward would be “willing to take a pay cut” to move to LaLiga.And Rashford is desperate to play for a club in the Champions League next season. Gary Neville reveals fear with Liverpool to become most successful English team everA return to United looks less likely, with Amorim already sounding out replacements. Reports suggest personal terms have already been agreed with Wolves’ Matheus Cunha, who has a £62.5million release clause.United are also keen on Ipswich striker Liam Delap, who can leave the Tractor Boys for £30m after their relegation to the Championship. United gaffer Amorim is certain that he made the right decision in letting Rashford and £86m flop Antony leave on loan in January.Speaking last week, Amorim said: “We lack a lot of things in the team.“In January we lost, and you are talking about Rashford and Antony, we lost these players.Read More on The Sun”And we didn’t bring new ones, that was a risk. We are trying to do something more important.“But I think that there are things here that are more important than to score 10 more goals this season.” More

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      Awkward moment Arsene Wenger almost gets trapped in lift on return to Emirates for Arsenal vs PSG

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      ARSENE WENGER almost got trapped in a lift on his return to the Emirates Stadium.The legendary Arsenal boss made a rare appearance back in North London as his old side lost 1-0 to PSG in the first leg of their blockbuster Champions League semi-final.Arsene Wenger returned to the Emirates on Tuesday nightThe lift doors started closing on himWenger spotted an old familiar face behind the scenes at the EmiratesHe shared a hug with club photographer Stuart MacFarlaneBut as he arrived at the ground, he almost found himself in a spot of bother.The Frenchman, 75, rolled into his old office through the players’ entrance wearing a navy suit alongside his daughter Lea. He immediately waved to a familiar face before being directed towards a lift.But as Wenger walked in, he got distracted by seeing Arsenal club photographer Stuart MacFarlane.READ MORE ON ARSENALAnd that meant the veteran manager did not see the elevator doors closing on him.Lea tried to put her hand in the way to stop the sliding doors to no avail.But thankfully, the lift automatically stopped when it detected Wenger’s shoulder in its path before the smiling former boss shook hands and hugged MacFarlane. One fan joked: “How can the lift just shut on Wenger?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWenger was later spotted chatting to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in the Emirates posh seats.Fifa’s current Chief of Global Football Development took charge of 1,234 Arsenal matches between 1996 and 2018.Wayne Rooney and Thierry Henry give their verdict on Arsenal’s defeat to PSGArsenal ratings vs PSG as Raya saves keep Gunners in it and poor Odegaard subbed offARSENAL face an uphill battle next week.The Gunners suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in their all-important Champions League semi-final home leg.Ousmane Dembele stunned the Emirates Stadium into silence when his first-time shot hit the post and bounced over the line just three minutes into the match.After a nervous start, it took the Gunners around 20 minutes to settle.But when they did, the momentum began to swing in their favour.Just moments into the second half, Mikel Merino finally put the ball in the net – only for it to be chalked offside after a lengthy VAR check.And Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard forced worldy saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma.David Raya then produced stunning stop from Goncalo Ramos as the Gunners held on at 1-0.It’s not over – there is still at least 90 minutes to be played.But away from home, it will not be easy.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated Arsenal’s stars on the night…He led the Gunners to three Premier League titles and seven FA Cup triumphs.The closest he came to Champions League glory came in 2006 when Arsenal lost the final to Barcelona in Paris. Mikel Arteta is hoping to go one better in Munich next month.Arsenal dumped out Real Madrid in the quarters to set up the final-four showdown with PSG. But they suffered a nightmare start, though, as Ousmane Dembele turned in off the post with a superb first-time finish.And that proved the only goal of the first leg as VAR’s semi-automatic offside and Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal for PSG both denied Arsenal an equaliser. Wenger was joined by his daughter LeaCredit: Amazon PrimeThe Frenchman took in the action from the posh seatsCredit: GettyWenger chatted to Keir Starmer at the EmiratesCredit: EPA More

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      Why are Arsenal and PSG players wearing black armbands during their Champions League semi-final?

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      ARSENAL are taking on Paris Saint-Germain in a massive Champions League semi-final at the Emirates.The huge game sees Mikel Arteta’s side face the recently-crowned Ligue 1 champions in the first leg of a mouth-watering clash between two of Europe’s best sides.Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber seen wearing a black armband during the Champions League semi-final against PSGCredit: GettyBut it was a nightmare start for the Gunners as Ousmane Dembele scored inside the first four minutes to give PSG a vita opening goal.Dembele picked up the ball inside his own half and drove forward before passing out left to Kvicha Kvarataskhelia.The Georgian superstar then went at Jurrien Timber and cut back for Dembele – who rifled a bouncing shot past Arsenal keeper David Raya and into the far corner off the post.Read more Arsenal vs PSGIt was the Frenchman’s 30th goal of the season.Mikel Merino then had a goal ruled out for offside at the start of the second half.It came just moments after the Emirates stood in silence, while players from both sets of teams were also seen wearing black armbands.Why are Arsenal and PSG players wearing black armbands?Both sets of players are wearing black armbands in honour of the late Pope Francis.Most read in Champions LeagueThe packed Emirates fell silent pre-match as everyone in the stadium remembered the pontiff.Pope Francis died aged 88 on April 21 after he had been hospitalised for a lengthy spell earlier this year.He had been suffering from bronchitis and double pneumonia.Uefa announced they would hold a minute’s silence, although their official statement did not confirm the players would be wearing armbands.A statement read: “Uefa will hold a moment of silence in memory of His Holiness the Pope Francis before the kick-off of this week’s Youth League and Women’s Champions League semi-finals as well as its men’s club competition semis taking place 29 April-1 May.”Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin said: “Pope Francis was a beacon of hope for all humanity in these times of war and hardship. “A humanity that will now remain orphaned of that voice – tireless and powerful – that always rose in defence of the poor, the humble, and the vulnerable to call for respect, acceptance, and equality and to implore a peace that always seemed distant, yet ever more longed for by the heart of the world.” More

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      Declan Rice’s disgusted reaction spotted as Arsenal concede vs PSG minutes after his eight-word warning to team-mates

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      ARSENAL star Declan Rice was far from impressed after his pre-match rallying call was not heeded by his team-mates.The Gunners fell behind just four minutes into their massive Champions League semi-final with Paris Saint-Germain and it proved to be the only goal of the game.A fuming Declan Rice was not impressed as Arsenal conceded after just 4 minutes against PSGCredit: Prime The Arsenal star could be seen shaking his head in disgustCredit: PrimeThe goal came just minutes after Rice had issued a message to his teammatesCredit: GettyThe 26-year-old had an eight-word warning for his troopsCredit: PrimeGunners boss Mikel Arteta had issued a battle cry before the contest for a febrile atmosphere at the Emirates.But fans were silenced minutes into the match as Ousmane Dembele smashed PSG into the lead.The French forward was left unmarked just inside the box to fire past Arsenal keeper David Raya and in off the post.It came just minutes after England star Rice had given his team-mates a vital warning.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpeaking in a pre-match huddle on the Emirates pitch, he was heard saying: “If we don’t have the ball, we die.”As Dembele ran off to celebrate his opener, Rice’s reaction was shown on Amazon Prime cameras.The 26-year-old was seen shaking his head in apparent disgust. Prior to kick-off Rice – who scored two freekicks in a brilliant 3-0 win over Real Madrid earlier this month – was talked up by team-mate Raya.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe keeper claimed the former West Ham star is among the “best three midfielders in the world”.Raya said: “He’s got to be top three [midfielders] in the worldPSG fans take over streets ahead of Arsenal clash as they march through London for Champions League semi-final”He can do everything from playing as a No6 to an No8, defending or attacking.”And of course, he can take free kicks now!“He’s better this season than he was last year.”He’s still young but he’s definitely made the step to become a top player and a leader.” More

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      QPR boss Marti Cifuentes put on gardening leave days before final match of season with rivals ready to swoop for him

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      QPR BOSS Marti Cifuentes has been put on gardening leave just days before the final match of the season as rivals prepare to swoop.The Spanish coach, 42, has led QPR to 15th in the Championship table ahead of Saturday’s clash at Sunderland.QPR have put manager Marti Cifuentes on gardening leaveCredit: RexBut Cifuentes will not take charge of the game after the Hoops put him on gardening leave.SunSport exclusively revealed last week that Cifuentes could quit the club this summer after a breakdown in his relationship with chief executive Christian Nourry.He has since been strongly linked with West Brom following Tony Mowbray’s sacking.And QPR have now confirmed that Cifuentes will not take charge against Sunderland, with assistants Kevin Betsy and Xavi Calm filling in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA statement read: “Marti Cifuentes has been placed on gardening leave. “Assistant coaches Kevin Betsy and Xavi Calm will take charge of first-team affairs on an interim basis and prepare the squad for our final fixture of the 2024/25 campaign against Sunderland.”CEO Nourry said: “This is naturally a disappointing situation for everyone concerned.“I fully understand and appreciate supporters’ frustrations at this time.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“As a club, we are working to ensure this matter is resolved as swiftly as possible so we can start preparations in earnest for the future.”As revealed by SunSport, Cifuentes is a highly popular figure among QPR fans after saving them from relegation last season.Shelbourne ace Greg Costello recalls feeling homesick after daunting move to QPR as a teen But he has grown frustrated with the huge number of injuries his squad encountered this season, which ended their flickering play-off hopes and will result in a lower-mid-table finish.Cifuentes is also unhappy at the club’s decision to allow director of performance Ben Williams to oversee the club’s sports science, medical, physio and nutrition departments remotely from Dubai.And after this month’s 2-1 home defeat by Swansea, he wanted assurances the club want to progress to the next level having dropped out of the Premier League ten years ago.The Spaniard said: “The supporters since I first came here have been amazing.“But I would like to give them something else and not just celebrate another season in the Championship.” More

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      Arsenal refusing to show huge PSG Champions League semi-final clash on Emirates concourses for very clever reason

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      ARSENAL came up with an ingeniously simple way of keeping fans in their seats for the visit of PSG.The Gunners lost 1-0 to the French giants in their first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie.Arsenal fans are being encouraged to stay in their seats throughout the match against PSGCredit: APThe Gunners hope to drown out the noise of the travelling PSG fansCredit: GettyMikel Arteta issued a rallying call to fans before the game to make the Emirates a fortress.And even concourse staff are getting in on the act for the big game in North London. TV’s showing the match are usually available for punters while they wait for a drink or collect food.But the screens were not showing the game live on Tuesday night.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLArsenal wanted everyone in their seats for the duration of the 90 minutes in a bid to create a once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere.Highlights were shown at half time as the Gunners aim for a first Champions League final in 19 years.Arteta opted to drop makeshift striker Mikel Merino into midfield in a huge call to his starting lineup. Declan Rice filled the void of the suspended Thomas Partey, with Leandro Trossard preferred to lead the line. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIt came after Arteta demanded Gunners’ fans turn up the decibel level and drown out PSG’s travelling Ultras.The Spaniard said: “We are making history. PSG fans take over streets ahead of Arsenal clash as they march through London for Champions League semi-final”It’s a beautiful story right now, but we want much more.”I told [the supporters], and I’m not exaggerating here, when I said: ‘Guys, bring your boots, bring your shorts, bring your T-shirts, and let’s play every ball together. “We want to do something special.”[The Emirates] has to be something that we haven’t seen before.”Earlier in the day, both sets of supporters took to the streets outside the Emirates for fan marches. Thousands of PSG fans descended on Trafalgar Square, setting off flares as they marched through the capital. More

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      Antonio Rudiger slapped with SIX-GAME ban after Real Madrid star hurled objects at ref – but Bellingham’s red rescinded

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      ANTONIO RUDIGER has been hit with a six-match ban for launching an object at the referee – but Jude Bellingham has had his red card rescinded. Real Madrid imploded and had three players sent off in Saturday night’s 3-2 Copa del Rey final defeat to El Clasico rivals Barcelona.Antonio Rudiger launched an ice pack at the refereeCredit: X @PremSportsTVA fuming Rudiger had to be held back from confronting the refCredit: X @PremSportsTVJude Bellingham has seen his red overturnedCredit: RexReal Madrid were unhappy with the appointment of Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea before the gameCredit: GettyThere were shocking scenes at the of the match after Kylian Mbappe was judged to have fouled Eric Garcia as Real Madrid staged a last attack.Tempers flared as the bench behind boss Carlo Ancelotti lost their cool and wildly protested.Rudiger, who had been subbed off, was the most incensed and he launched an ice pack at referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea.The ex-Chelsea centre-back then had to be restrained from confronting the official. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile, Vinicius Junior, Lucas Vazquez and several coaches charged onto the pitch and gestured angrily towards the official.Rudiger and Vazquez were sent off at the time, with Bellingham also seeing red after the final whistle.The official’s report said the English midfielder “approached the referee aggressively” and needed “to be restrained by team-mates”.Rudiger has been slapped with a six-game ban as punishment and Vazquez will be suspended for two.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHowever, Bellingham has been let off after Real Madrid’s appeal was successful.They reportedly had video evidence that proved he was not “aggressive” to the ref.Real Madrid issue statement after making ref break down in tears and ‘threat to BOYCOTT Copa del Rey final vs Barcelona’Real Madrid were unhappy with the appointment of De Burgos Bengoetxea before the game, taking to their club TV channel to broadcast mistakes made by him and express that he was too inexperienced for a final.It led to the ref breaking down in tears in a pre-match press conference, saying: “When a child of yours goes to school and there are kids telling him that his father is a ‘thief’ and comes home crying, it’s totally messed up.”What I do is try to educate my son, to say that his father is honest, above all honest, who can make mistakes, like any sportsperson.It’s not right what we are going through, many colleagues, and not just in professional football, but also at grassroots level.”Everyone should reflect about where we want to go, about what we want from sport and from football.” More

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      Ex-Brazil star Hulk celebrates sixth anniversary with his ex-wife’s niece and posts emotional message

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      HULK celebrated six years with his ex-wife’s niece with an emotional social media post.The former Brazil forward, 38, caused shockwaves on the pitch with his ferocious power and goalscoring exploits on the pitch.Hulk marked six years with his new wife Camila AngeloCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/ClJeod9LceX/The footballer officially married his ex-wife’s niece in JanuaryCredit: Golders/@camiilaangelooficialAnd he certainly caused a stir away from football when he split from former wife of 12 years Iran Angelo de Souza, with whom he had three children.Within months, he started dating her niece Camila Sousa Angelo in April 2019.And now they have been together for six years – including formally tying the knot in marriage in January 2025.Hulk took to social media on Tuesday to mark their initial anniversary. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe posted a photo kissing his new wife Camila to his 4.6million Instagram followers.Hulk captioned it: “Six years by your side and I can only thank God for our story. “Each day is a new blessing, every moment a new memory. “May our love continue to grow with strength, respect and happiness. Most read in Football”I love you, my wife, my life!”He then added the date “20/04/2020” with ring, heart and praying emojis. Watch ex-Brazil star Hulk incredibly miss from a yard out with chance that was easier to score for Atletico MineiroIt is understood that is when they initially married due to Camila needing a visa to stay in China where he was playing at the time.They welcomed daughter Zaya in 2022 and then had Aisha last year. The couple were all smiles in the sunshine in January when they officially got married in Hulk’s hometown of Campina Grande.A sea of roses, huge chandeliers and artwork filled the church, named The Diocesan Cathedral of Our Lady of the Conception, where the ceremony took place.But the relationship caused controversy in the family, with his ex-wife Iran’s sister Rayassa taking to Instagram to hit out at the couple and their wedding for his “betrayal”.Six years by your side and I can only thank God for our story.HulkShe wrote: “Today is a hard day to swallow, a day that reveals how far betrayal can go when it comes from the people we least expect.”It is sad to realise that Judas is not only in ancient stories, sometimes he sleeps under the same roof, eats at the same table and, at the right moment, stabs himself in the back.”Wanting what belongs to someone else, wanting to live the life of someone who trusted you, is a reflection of an empty heart, incapable of creating its own happiness.”Read More on The SunFormer Porto and Zenit man Hulk is still playing professionally, racking up more than 120 goals for Atletico Mineiro since signing in 2021. He earned 49 caps for Brazil, finding the net 11 times. Hulk is still enjoying his football at Atletico MineiroCredit: Getty More