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    Man Utd were chasing alternative to Joshua Zirkzee ‘right up until moment he signed’ in move for in-demand £25m striker’

    MANCHESTER UNITED reportedly explored a £25million move for Jonathan David as an alternative to Joshua Zirkzee.The Dutch striker completed a £36m switch to United from Bologna after Euro 2024.Man Utd pursued a deal for Lille striker Jonathan David this summerCredit: GettyUnited only gave up the ghost after completing a move for Jonathan ZirkzeeCredit: GettyHe’s already made an impact after scoring the winner on his debut against Fulham.And the future looks bright for Zirkzee as he gets finishing tips off compatriot and Old Trafford legend Ruud van Nistelrooy.However, the ace almost didn’t join United this summer.ESPN claims the Red Devils explored several other options while they lined up a deal for Zirkzee.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne of those was Ivan Toney, who eventually left Brentford for Al-Hilal on deadline day.But he was deemed too expensive by United’s hierarchy, despite his move to Saudi Arabia only ending up £4m more than Zirkzee’s switch.Another player in Ten Hag’s sights was Jonathan David, who was also linked with Chelsea.The Canadian was valued at £25m by Lille, making him a tempting option.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd United reportedly explored a deal all the way until Zirkzee signed his Old Trafford contract.It remains to be seen if they return for David in January though.Watch frosty moment between Liverpool star Van Dijk and Man Utd striker Zirkzee in tunnel before Holland clashDavid vs Zirkzee – the statsJonathan DavidGames: 189International Games: 56International Goals: 29Trophies: Ligue 1, Champions TrophyJoshua ZirkzeeGames: 161International Games: 3International Goals: 1Trophies: Bundesliga, Champions League, German Cup, German Super Cup x2, Uefa Super CupUnited offloaded Jadon Sancho to Chelsea before the transfer window slammed shut.While Antony is struggling for minutes and Rasmus Hojlund is yet to find full fitness.David is capable of playing across the entire front three.His contract also expires next summer.And it means David could be available for a bargain fee in January should any suitors come forward.Inter Milan and Juventus have already made contact, with the Italians giants ready to offer pre-contracts for a free transfer in 2025.But David could find it hard to resist the lure of the Premier League. More

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    Ex-Premier League star on trial accused of smuggling TWO TONS of cocaine as he’s called ‘major player in drugs world’

    FORMER Premier League star Ronnie Stam has gone on trial – accused of smuggling TWO TONS of cocaine.And the former Wigan defender is also being investigated for alleged money laundering, together with four family members.Ronnie Stam is on trial accused of smuggling two tons of cocaineCredit: GettyStam was part of Wigan’s FA Cup-winning run in 2013Credit: Action Images – ReutersStam, 40, spent three top-flight seasons with the Latics.  He took part in their FA Cup-winning run in 2013, although missed their 1-0 final win over Manchester City.But Dutch police arrested him in June on suspicion of drug offences in 2021 and 2022.  He has been on remand since then.And a court in Breda on Thursday heard that Stam had been involved in trafficking 2,217 kilos of cocaine.A prosecutor told the hearing: “This case concerns hundreds of kilos of cocaine each time.Read More on Football”I contend that Stam was a major player in the drugs world.”Stam was not in court to hear the accusations.  He must appear before a judge on November 28.The player’s parents, brother and girlfriend were arrested alongside him in June under suspicion of the same offences after police reportedly cracked an encrypted messaging service.Cops later raided six homes and a camper van, finding €100,000 (£85,000) in cash.Most read in FootballThey seized the money, three properties, a yacht, three cars, six luxury watches and jewellery.Stam is the only family member still in custody.  His lawyer asked the court to provisionally release the ex-player.Dream Team Transfer Suggestions for Gameweek 4However the judge refused, voicing fears that Stam will flee to join his brother in Dubai.The footballer won the Dutch Eredivisie title with Twente under ex-England boss Steve McClaren in 2010.That helped him land a £2million move to the Premier League, where he made 73 appearances before leaving Wigan for Belgian side Standard Liege in 2013. More

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    Why Mikel Arteta’s new deal is brilliant for fans in the short-term but Arsenal should start looking for successor now

    ARSENAL fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief.Mikel Arteta is here to stay, for now at least.Mikel Arteta has penned a new deal with Arsenal, keeping him at the club until 2027Credit: GettyThe Spaniard is determined to win the Premier LeagueCredit: PAArsenal narrowly missed out last seasonCredit: AlamyThe Spaniard has committed his future to the Gunners by penning a new three-year deal that will keep him in North London until 2027 and make him one of the highest-paid managers in England.He said: “I feel extremely proud, very excited and am looking forward to what is coming next. I’m proud to be where I am and have the relationships that I have with everyone at the club.”I feel extremely lucky to work every single day with good people and the ambition we have here. I feel very inspired, I feel challenged, I feel supported and I want to do much more than what we’ve already done together.”It is a statement of intent from sporting director Edu Gaspar and Co, with several clubs allegedly having considered poaching Arteta.Read More in FootballReports in Spain earlier this year claimed the 42-year-old was Barcelona’s top managerial target following the announcement of Xavi’s departure.They also suggested he was planning to LEAVE before the end of his contract.However, Arteta swiftly put the rumours to bed and insisted he still has “a lot to do” at Arsenal.In other words, he is determined to win the Premier League.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Gunners have come agonisingly close to lifting the trophy twice in the last two years.They ended the 2023-24 campaign just two points adrift of champions Manchester City following a dramatic final day.How Raheem Sterling can make huge difference to Arsenal’s seasonAnd it was a similar story the previous season.But Arteta has gradually built one of the best squads in Europe and established himself as a top coach.He now wants the accolades to match.Should he add to Arsenal’s trophy cabinet in the next three years, whether that be a Premier League trophy or even the Champions League gong, the Spaniard could see that as his job done.He came to the Emirates Stadium following a disastrous term under Unai Emery and, although it took some time, transformed the Gunners back into formidable challengers.But if he manages to achieve everything he initially set out to, what’s to stop him moving on?Although he dismissed rumours linking him to Barcelona, Arteta has admitted he would love to manage in Spain – his home country – one day.Back in May, he said: “I have always thought that one day I will return. “My home draws me a lot, our way of living, of getting together, the culture – and that means I always have it in my head.”But I am happy here, happy with how they treat me, and I really enjoy my job.”Someday I suppose it will come, I’m not going to be away for my whole life.”Arteta was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Man CityCredit: Getty – ContributorIf he is able to maintain his impressive record, it would be no surprise to see the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid attempt to lure him back to Spain.A return to Manchester City may even be on the cards, even though that would be a nightmare scenario for Arsenal fans.It would be the perfect example of the master passing the baton over to his apprentice.Arteta spent three years as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at the Etihad, winning two Premier League titles.With the 53-year-old’s City contract running down and concerns over his next move arising, Arteta could emerge as a strong target.After all, he would more than likely have Pep’s blessing.But on the other end of the spectrum, there is the risk – however small it may seem right now – that he perhaps outstays his welcome at the Emirates if things start to head south.Although he made history during his time at Arsenal by becoming the first – and only – manager to lead a team through a Premier League season undefeated, Arsene Wenger found himself almost forced out by the end of his 22-year tenure.The Gunners struggled to compete with their rivals in his last few seasons at the club, sparking a huge divide among fans.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhen Arteta does eventually step away, he will likely want to do it at the right time – especially if a lucrative offer comes in.Whether that be in 2027 or the years that follow, Edu may want to start earmarking future candidates now.Arsenal have a tricky start to the season More

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    Wolves vs Newcastle: Get £60 in football free bets and bonuses for this weekend’s Premier League games with William Hill

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

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    Wolves vs Newcastle: Get £30 in free bets to spend on the Premier League with talkSPORT BET

    WOLVES entertain Newcastle in the late kick-off on Super Sunday, looking to get themselves out the relegation zone.And brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim a cool £30 in free bets when they sign-up and stake a tenner on the Premier League game.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..talkSPORT BET offerVisit the talkSPORT BET website HERE*Create your account via mobileOpt-In to this promotion via the OFFERS tabPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any sports market at odds of Evens or greaterYou must do this within 7 days of registrationOn settlement of your qualifying bet, you will receive £30 in free bets to spend on selected marketstalkSPORT BET: Get £30 in free bets – Claim here*Not yet got yourself a talkSPORT BET account? Terrific, you can claim this offer!Simply register an account, deposit and stake £10 on any football market at odds of Evens or greater. Once that’s settled – your account will be credited with £30 in free bets!You could decide to use your free bets on Sunday’s Premier League clash between Wolves and Newcastle, and below are some of our expert picks and top prices with talkSPORT BET.Keeping the runWolves will pose a tricky away day for Newcastle. The Toon haven’t won there in any of their last six visits.Five of those ended in draws (4 x 1-1 draws) with one narrow Wolves win in there.But this is a different Newcastle and different Wolves team, especially to start this campaign and Eddie Howe’s men can continue their fine start.*18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10+ via mobile on any football market at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsiblyRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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    Bournemouth vs Chelsea: Get £60 in football free bets and bonuses for Saturday’s Premier League clash with William Hill

    CHELSEA head south this Saturday as they face Bournemouth in an unusual 8pm kick-off slot in the Premier League.And brand new William Hill customers who register an account and stake a tenner will be rewarded with a colossal £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on football!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereBournemouth vs Chelsea: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*How to claim..William Hill £60 bonusVisit the William Hill website on your mobile device HERE*Register a new account and deposit a minimum of £10 using the Promo Code: T60Place a bet of at least £10 from your main balance on football on the William Hill Sportsbook at odds of 1/2 or greaterAfter settlement – win or lose – William Hill will credit your account with £60 in free bets and bonusesWilliam Hill: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*Bournemouth vs Chelsea: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*The Cherries remain unbeaten in the league so far this season after the hugely dramatic comeback win over Everton before the international break.While Chelsea arrive with one win, one draw and one defeat to their name though have had a fortnight to bed in all their new players.Not got a William Hill account? No problem!It’s really easy to register an account and you can get your hands on that generous £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on the footy!Simply register a new account and deposit a minimum of £10 using the Promo Code: T60After that, stake at least £10 from your main balance on football on the William Hill Sportsbook at odds of 1/2 or greater.After settlement — win or lose — William Hill will credit your account with £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on football and in the casino!Bournemouth vs Chelsea: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. More

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    Bournemouth vs Chelsea prediction: Free betting tips, odds and match preview for Saturday evening Premier League clash

    THERE’S a late, Saturday night treat from the Premier League this weekend when Chelsea make the trip south to face Bournemouth.SunSport betting experts have previewed the 8pm contest and selected the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNew sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesBournemouth vs Chelsea previewBournemouth put their unbeaten start to the test when Chelsea visit the Vitality in a late, late Saturday night kick-off.The Cherries registered their first win of the campaign just before the break in a sensationally dramatic win at Everton.At 2-0 down with 86 minutes on the clock, Andoni Iraola’s side scored thrice in the time remaining to pile further misery on the Toffees.It was a remarkable turnaround given they’d looked down and out with so little time remaining, and after the disappointment of having what they thought was a late winning goal over Newcastle the week before ruled out.Chelsea were held by Crystal Palace in their final game before the break, unable to build on their 6-2 win the week prior.New faces have arrived at Stamford Bridge – obviously – since. What impact might they have? Or more importantly, what team will Enzo Maresca go with?Is Bournemouth vs Chelsea on TV and can it be streamed?Bournemouth vs Chelsea will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event.Subscription members can also stream the entire action on the Sky Go app.Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the whole match.Bournemouth vs Chelsea team newsKepa Arrizabalaga will miss the game as the Bournemouth loanee comes up against his parent club.Cole Palmer missed international duty with a knock and it remains to be seen if he’ll make it.Malo Gusto and Reece James look poised to miss the game meaning a rethink at full back for Chelsea, though Romeo Lavia should return.Jadon Sancho will hope to be involved after his move in the window, with Joao Felix also pushing for a start.Bournemouth vs Chelsea latest oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.William Hill new customer offerWilliam Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Bournemouth vs Chelsea betting tips and predictionsGoals expectedThere must be goals here.Chelsea have more than enough attackers who can cause the hosts problems, while not being quite so clever at the back themselves.The five goals at Goodison last weekend could be replicated here.Over 3.5 goals scored at 11/10 with William Hill – CLAIM HERETough taskWesley Fofana is set to keep his place in the Chelsea backline. He was booked in the game with Palace before the break and can follow it up here with Evanilson set to be a lively competitor up top.Wesley Fofana to be booked at 15/8 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10+ via mobile on any football market at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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    Fans say ‘I NEED that’ after video of Spurs’ fancy football boot cleaner and steamer steals show in Pedro Porro feature

    TOTTENHAM fans have been blown away by the club’s fancy boot cleaner and steamer.The days of players smashing their boots together to remove mud and polishing them to make them pristine for matchdays are well and truly gone.Tottenham recently gave their fans an insight into a day in the life of Pedro PorroCredit: INSTAGRAM@SOURSOFFICIALSpurs fans even got a glimpse at Porro’s pre-training breakfastCredit: INSTAGRAM@SOURSOFFICIALMany of them were blown away by the club’s boot cleaner and steamerCredit: INSTAGRAM@SOURSOFFICIALThe cleaning of boots by youngsters making their way up the ranks is also now a thing of the past.Clubs are now well into the 21st century when it comes to keeping boots and kits clean.And Spurs are no different, keeping their stars’ boots prim and proper with a steamer, which also helps with putting them on.The North Londoners revealed their snazzy bit of kit in an Instagram video feature with defender Pedro Porro.READ MORE SPURS NEWSThe Spaniard placed a pair of his training boots into the cleaner and softener moments before taking to the training ground turf.Spurs fans were quick to comment, with one saying: “I need that boot cleaner.”Another said: “So sick.”And another said: “What’s with the boots?”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne remarked: “This is class.”Another chimed in: “Love this.”Bentancur charged by FA over Son commentsSpurs aren’t the only top club keeping their players’ boots in tip-top condition with bizarre methods.SunSport revealed three years ago that Arsenal. Chelsea and Manchester United have been making boots more comfortable for their stars by using MICROWAVES.The trio have been making use of cleatPROs, which are swanky steam boxes, to ensure their players’ boots are at the perfect temperature and softness.Tottenham will be back in action on Sunday afternoon, hosting their bitter rivals Arsenal for the first North London derby of the season. More