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      Chelsea in talks over LEAVING Stamford Bridge and moving to different location as they look to build new stadium

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      CHELSEA are reportedly in talks to move stadium away from Stamford Bridge.The Blues have been working on plans to play in front of an increased capacity since Roman Ambramovich’s tenure as owner.Chelsea are in talks to leave Stamford BridgeCredit: PAReports have claimed that the West London club are in talks to move to Earls Court.The Guardian have claimed that the shift would be to help Chelsea find a “resolution” in their plans to play in a bigger stadium.It is said that there has been a conversation with Transport for London (TfL), which cares for the site in Earls Court.The Earls Court Development Committee (ECDC) are keen to construct a mixed-use development that would not include a football stadium.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe plans are expected to be presented to the Hammersmith and Fulham Council as well as the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council.If the plan goes ahead and planning permission is granted, then Chelsea’s plan could be blocked.However, the report has suggested that the plans could be too expensive and Chelsea’s plan of a multi-use football stadium could be more “attractive”.Chelsea are said to have made plans for the Lillie Bridge depot site as an area that could be developed.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFans have had a mixed reaction to the potential move on social media.One posted: “Now we are talking.”Angry Chelsea fan slams Todd Boehly’s transfer policy and claims no Blues supporters are happy with his running of the ‘unrecognisable’ clubA second wrote: “We need a big stadium, let’s get it done.”A third commented: “We are losing some absolute classic stadiums now, Upton Park, White Hart Lane, Goodison and now potentially Stamford Bridge.”A fourth said: “Games gone.”Another added: “I’ve been praying for times like this!”The club would need to find an agreement with the Chelsea Pitch Owners in order to complete any move.The group holds the freehold of the current ground at Stamford Bridge and could block a move away.Chelsea has not ruled out staying at Stamford Bridge despite the lack of progress in redeveloping the 40,341-capacity ground.The club did complete the purchase of a 1.2-acre neighbouring site that was previously owned by a housing charity for veterans, Stoll.However, the current stadium’s proximity to the tube has made redevelopment challenging. The report has added that Chelsea could have to fork out at least £500m for the site at Earls Court.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn March, SunSport exclusively revealed that Chelsea could have to spend SIX YEARS away from Stamford Bridge if they opt to redevelop the ground.There have also been AI designs drawn-up to envisage what the new stadium could look like.AI has drawn up potential designs for a new Chelsea stadiumCredit: Canva’s AIOne design was made up of woodCredit: Canva’s AI More

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      Sam Allardyce reveals how close he came to working with Man City manager Pep Guardiola

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      PEP GUARDIOLA is the one that got away for Sam Allardyce when he was Bolton manager.Allardyce brought in several high-profile players during his time at Bolton including World Cup and Champions League winners.Sam Allardyce almost signed Pep Guardiola for BoltonCredit: GettyThe likes of Jay-Jay Okocha and Youri Gjorkaeff helped the Wanderers into Europe in the early noughties, but Barcelona legend Guardiola decided the project was not for him.He even met Allardyce in his Barcelona flat in 2004, but Bolton instead signed Real Madrid legend Fernando Hierro.Asked about who he came close to signing for Bolton, Allardyce told Undr the Cosh: “Pep. Met Pep in Barcelona. We got Fernando Hierro when Pep didn’t take up the offer.”The former England boss also said he came close to signing Brazil legend Rivaldo for Bolton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe met the former Barcelona star in The Lowry in Manchester but said the deal “never got down to terms.”Allardyce had an eye for talent, old and young, and famously came close to signing Robert Lewandowski while at Blackburn.He almost signed an unknown Luka Modric while in charge of Newcastle, but Mike Ashley’s arrival as owner scuppered the deal.Allardyce said: “This was going to be a big challenge. We went through the whole package of who we were going to get rid of and who we were going to bring in, but unfortunately the club got bought under Freddy’s nose and Mike came in.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I needed six players because we got rid of the ones we talked about with Freddy, and then we were going to buy the ones we felt. “We had Modric on our list, Luka Modric, he was £12m or something like that, but the budget didn’t happen.”Watch Sam Allardyce’s dead-eyed reaction to England falling behind to Slovakia as he slams ‘scared’ players More

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      Distraught Arsenal fans cry ‘cancel the season’ after finding out who referee is for Tottenham clash

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      DISTRAUGHT Arsenal fans cried “cancel the season” after discovering who will ref their upcoming derby against Tottenham.Mikel Arteta’s man head into the clash with a number of major absences following their 1-1 draw with Brighton.Arsenal fans aren’t happy after seeing who will referee their game at SpursCredit: GettyDeclan Rice was sent off in that game, meaning he will miss the Spurs encounter through suspension.New boy Mikel Merino is out for two months with a freak shoulder injury.Captain Martin Odegaard has become the latest casualty after turning his ankle while playing for Norway.There’s further concerns at the back too, with Riccardo Calafiori forced off for Italy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Arteta could be forced to cobble together a new-look XI which may feature Raheem Sterling.However, some Arsenal fans reckon it doesn’t matter who takes to the field on Sunday.That’s because referee Jarred Gillett was confirmed as the main official for the occasion.Arsenal have a history with Gillett, who took charge of their controversial 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa last season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJohn McGinn scored the only goal in December’s encounter between the two sides.But Arsenal felt they were hard done by, with Gillett refusing to award a penalty for a foul by Douglas Luiz on Gabriel Jesus in Villa’s box.Raheem Sterling showing off skills in Arsenal training sessionJarred Gillett will take charge of the derbyCredit: GettyHe controversially disallowed a late Arsenal equaliser at Aston Villa last seasonCredit: ReutersWith just moments of the game remaining, Kai Havertz then bundled home a timely equaliser at Villa Park.Yet his effort was immediately chalked off by Gillett for handball.Replays showed the ball had ricocheted off both Havertz and Cash in a frenzied bundle.But VAR decided not to intervene and stood by Gillett’s initial call.Arteta was left raging at the final whistle, saying: “Clear and obvious, clear and obvious. “That’s what I mean. That’s my opinion, that’s all I can say.”And Arsenal fans are now bracing themselves to be on the receiving end of more questionable calls.One said: “Cancel the season.”Another declared: “This is a Gabriel red card and a Spurs penalty.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “Are you f***ing kidding me?”Another added: “I think we are finished for Sunday.” More

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      Italy World Cup star Toto Schillaci has sparked fears for his wellbeing after being admitted to hospital

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      ITALY World Cup star Toto Schillaci has sparked fears for his wellbeing after being admitted to hospital.The former Juventus striker hit six goals at Italia 90. He denied England a bronze-medal finish by scoring the Azzurri’s winner in the third-place match.Italy World Cup star Toto Schillaci has been admitted to hospitalCredit: GettySchillaci was taken to hospital after reportedly suffering from pneumoniaCredit: GettySchillaci denied England a bronze medal at the 1990 World CupCredit: AFPSchillaci, 59, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022. He has since undergone two operations.And the 16-cap international was taken to the Civico hospital in his home city Palermo after reportedly suffering from pneumonia.His first wife Barbara, who he has remarried, has been the only person allowed to visit him.She told reporters: “There’s no fresh news, either negative or positive, about Toto. His situation is stationary.Read More on Football”I know how much he is in people’s hearts. I understand all the concern for him.”But I ask you to respect our private moment.”Schillaci, whose official name is Salvatore, won UEFA Cups with both Juve and Inter Milan.His family issued a statement on social media.Most read in FootballThey wrote: “Given the innumerable calls from media and the confused reports doing the rounds, we confirm that our beloved Toto is in a stable condition.”He is being continually looked after by a team of doctors, day and night. Stay strong, Toto.”Schillaci was little known outside Italy before the country staged the 1990 World Cup finals.But he went on to score against Austria, Czechoslovakia, Uruguay, the Republic of Ireland and Argentina before denying England in the third-place game in Bari. More

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      England fans say ‘music to my ears’ after Lee Carsley’s ‘refreshing’ take on how he wants to play

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      ENGLAND fans are warming to Lee Carsley for his refreshing tactics after the interim manager promised “exciting” football.Carsley, 50, began life after Gareth Southgate with a 2-0 win over Republic of Ireland on Saturday thanks to goals from Declan Rice and Jack Grealish.Lee Carsley has vowed to play attacking football during his time as bossThe Three Lions will continue to play attack minded footballIt was the first of six matches Carsley has been guaranteed as he looks to make the case for him to be given the job permanently.England fans have been craving exciting and entertaining football, which wasn’t necessarily a top priority for the defensive minded Southgate.And Carsley’s latest comments have ignited optimism and joy among the Three Lions faithful who were keen to move away from the conservative tactics employed under the old regime.Before England face Finland on Tuesday, Carsley said: “I made a decision when I went into coaching that I wanted to play attacking football.READ MORE ON ENGLAND”I want us to be playing with control but it’s important we’re exciting to watch.”I think when fans come to watch England play at home they expect attacking football, they expect chances to be created and to play with a tempo and us to be on the ball. It’s entertainment.”One happy England fan wrote on X: “This is music to our ears.”While another wrote: “How refreshing is that!”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA third said: “Carsley’s football is fast and forward-thinking build up play. What’s not to love? 🙌”Carsley played a 4-2-3-1 formation when he lifted the Euros with the U21s in 2023, placing emphasis on dominating the ball and taking chances.Jack Grealish opens up on ‘one of the worst summers of my life’ after scoring against England over former side IrelandBut his first senior game at the helm was not without its controversy as Irish fans booed and abused Rice and Grealish after they switched allegiances under Southgate.Carsley then refused to sing ‘God Save the King’ after earning 40 Irish caps during his career, before accidentally taking a seat in Ireland’s dugout.But former England striker Gary Lineker, 63, hailed the inclusion of Anthony Gordon, Grealish and Trent Alexander-Arnold in Saturday’s win.Speaking on The Rest is Football, he said: “It’s interesting as well, isn’t it, that perhaps some of the things fans were most disappointed about in the Euros – well, probably three things, maybe more.”But everyone wanted Gordon to play on the left because we all saw a weakness and an unbalance on that side. Grealish was left out entirely which bemused fans and Southgate never really trusted Trent.”In the first game Carsley has come up with all these things and a lot of us are going ‘you see? We told you’.”The Three Lions host Finland on Tuesday in Carsley’s first game at Wembley as boss.England Player Ratings vs IrelandDECLAN RICE silenced his Irish critics with a dominant display in England’s Nations League opener.Lee Carsley’s players handed him a debut win as interim manager of the Three Lions.Rice starred in the first half as he netted the opener and then set up England’s second goal.Jack Grealish doubled up for England after being set up by Rice 15 minutes later.Anthony Gordon however faded in the match as he was not able to have as much success as Grealish.SunSport’s Charlie Wyett has rated England’s players’ performance against Ireland…JORDAN PICKFORD – 6Pushed away a half decent shot from Sammie Szmodics at the start of the game but as England took control, he had a stress-free game.After a difficult couple of weeks with Everton, he would have been grateful for this. TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – 7Looked more at home at right-back compared to the disastrous midfield experiment at the Euros.Stunning pass in a move that eventually led to the first goal. He has to remain as England’s right-back. MARC GUEHI – 7Enjoyed a decent Euros and switched over to the right of central defence as John Stones was named on the bench.Looks increasingly like a top-drawer defender. HARRY MAGUIRE – 7Was left devastated after failing to make the Euro 2024 squad but he has enjoyed a decent start with Manchester United and looked solid here.When he is not in the team, England do miss his aerial presence. 7LEVI COLWILL – 7Second appearance for England and was deployed at left-back.Unlike the Euros, England have much better balance in defence with a natural left footer in this position. 7DECLAN RICE – 9Enjoyed an absolute stormer in what could have been a difficult afternoon.Booed every time he touched the ball, the former Irish international quietened the boisterous home fans with a brilliant finish although refused to celebrate.He then set up the second for Grealish. KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Fits perfectly into Carsley’s style of play. Some of his passing was excellent, particularly in the final third of the pitch, and this included his part in the outstanding second goal. BUKAYO SAKA – 7Enjoying a terrific start to the season with Arsenal – he has been nominated as their player of the month – and played with plenty of confidence here.Was involved in the second goal.JACK GREALISH – 8Left out of the Euros squad, but loved every minute of this.A decent finish for 2-0 and unlike Rice, celebrated in front of the visiting fans by raising both arms in triumph.ANTHONY GORDON – 6Looked really lively early on but faded.He should have put England ahead when clean through but was lucky that seconds later, Rice hammered his shot into the corner. 6HARRY KANE – 6Missed with a header and despite working hard, did not actually have that many chances despite England having so much possession. SubsGibbs-White (for Grealish 77 mins) 6, Gomes (for Mainoo 77) 6, Eze (for Gordon 77 mins) 6, Bowen (for Kane 84 mins) 6, Stones (for Maguire 85) 6.Subs not used: Henderson, Pope, Lewis, Gallagher, Livramento, Konsa, Madueke. More

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      William Hill’s Impact Sub nets punter £57k from £5 stake as over 2,000 more benefit from the promotion

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      A William Hill punter was celebrating to the tune of £57,000 – despite his initial Bet Builder picks LOSING.That’s because William Hill’s Impact Sub promotion saved the bet at monster odds in Sunday’s Portugal vs Scotland game in the Nations League.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim free bets with William Hill William 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*Impact Sub means your bet is still on at the original price, even if your player isn’t.On selected markets, if you add a player stat selection to your bet and they’re substituted in the game without doing as you predicted, your bet continues with the oncoming player now the subject of your bet.In this case, it was a fan favourite in the booking market, Joao Palhinha, that was the centre of attention.With Portugal trailing at the break, Palhinha was hooked by Roberto Martinez and replaced by Ruben Neves, in a move that in time gone by would’ve killed these bets.But that wasn’t the case this time when Neves was cautioned in the 67th minute, meaning a total of 775 bets ended up as WINNERS.That included one monster 11,465/1 bet builder which landed Hills customer Benny a stunning £57,000 payout from just £5 staked.William Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*William Hill’s Impact Sub nets punter £57k from £5 as over 2,000 more benefitThis came just 24 hours after 1,000 more customers had their losing picks turned to winners when Jake O’Brien was booked after coming on to replace Republic of Ireland skipper Seamus Coleman.Big winner Benny said: “My thought process behind the card selection was that I know these midfielders and defenders often pick up bookings, but don’t always play the full game. Having the Impact Sub feature therefore gave me a second chance to win!“When the final leg came in, I remember saying ‘oh my god, oh my god!’, then telling my wife it’s landed. It’s such great feeling winning that much!”William Hill spokesperson, Lee Phelps, added: “Our customers certainly seem to be making the most of our new Impact Sub feature, not least those who punted on Portugal’s Joao Paulinha to be carded against Scotland in Lisbon on Sunday night.”Ruben Neves’ caution after replacing Paulinha at half-time proved to be an important leg for many of our customers’ Bet Builders, resulting in us paying out a stinging £57,000 from a mere £5 stake to one customer.“The damage for the weekend didn’t stop there, with Ireland’s Jake O’Brien costing us even more after replacing Seamus Coleman against England and finding himself in the book soon after.“In total, we awarded winnings to over 2,000 customers who effectively used the Impact Sub feature over the weekend.”William Hill: Claim £60 welcome 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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      Former Championship player who left girl, 2, so brain damaged she needs round-the-clock care is jailed

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      A FORMER Championship player has been jailed after he left a two-year-old girl needing round-the-clock care in a brutal attack.Kiernan Hughes-Mason, 32, caused the toddler to suffer 17 different injuries to her face, chest, back and legs in a three-month period.Kiernan Hughes-Mason left a two-year-old with horror injuriesThe ex-footballer has now been jailed for 14 yearsCredit: AlamyThe ex-footballer, who played for Arsenal and Spurs’ youth team before a stint at Millwall, claimed she had fallen on her dollhouse.But medics found the youngster had injuries that were likened to a “high-speed road traffic accident” or a “fall from a substantial height of several storeys”.She was placed in a coma for 14 days and suffered life-changing brain injuries that require 24 hour care.Hughes-Mason, who also played on loan for Cheltenham Town, has been jailed for 14 years after being convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and child cruelty.In a moving victim impact statement, the girl’s mum told how her daughter was “no longer the little girl who would dance around the living room”.Basildon Crown Court heard she cannot walk, sit or stand by herself and is in constant pain.The youngster also struggles to speak, is now epileptic and has to be tube fed as she finds it difficult to eat or drink.The horror unfolded in Westcliff-on-Sea in January 2020.Most read in FootballIn the weeks leading up to the attack, Hughes-Mason had told how the girl was “getting on my nerves”.The prosecutor said: “He regularly belittled them, talked about them as if they were stupid and put them down.”Hughes-Mason was arrested after police found the injuries were “deliberately” inflicted.Hughes-Mason moved to Millwall in 2009 and spent two years playing for the Championship club. He played for a string of English Football League and non-league clubs including Welling United and Leatherhead.Girl’s family outline horrific injuries she sufferedSpeaking after today’s sentencing, the victim’s mother and her family said: “On the 31 January 2020 our whole world was blown apart. Our daughter, our niece, our granddaughter has been left with significant physical and mental disabilities that will impact her for the rest of her life.“She cannot sit, stand or walk independently, requiring a hoist to move her.“As a result of her injuries, she suffers with constant pain that needs to be managed daily.“The brain damage caused has affected her communication, she cannot even tell us where her pain is or what upsets her.“She is now epileptic, suffers with sleep disorders, struggles to eat and cannot drink – she is tube-fed for all her hydration and nutritional needs.“Despite all this, we still see her personality shine through every day. In the midst of the pain she constantly faces, she brightens the darkest days.”We will continue our best to ensure that she can live each day to the full as best she can. We love her more than anything else in this world.“We are thankful that today some form of justice has been achieved, however this sentence does not compare to the life sentence our little girl now has.“We mourn all the experiences we would have shared with her, that were taken from her by a violent coward, and we celebrate every day we still get to share with our beautiful young girl.”Most recently, Hughes-Mason he managed Enfield Borough but was fired following his conviction.Hashtag United, where the thug was a reserve team manager, said his crimes were “frankly sickening”.A spokesperson said: “We can categorically say that the club had no knowledge whatsoever of these events until today. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We are told that the crimes he has now been found guilty of occurred before he joined us.”Some serious flaws have been exposed in procedures as we’d received confirmation from the relevant authorities that he was clear to coach as part of standard background checks.”Hughes-Mason played for a string of clubs More

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      Man Utd flop Memphis Depay joins Corinthians after Atletico exit as Ronald Koeman gives update on international future

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      FORMER Manchester United star Memphis Depay has joined Brazilian side Corinthians.The Dutchman was a free agent after leaving Atletico Madrid at the end of last season.Memphis Depay has joined Brazilian giants CorinthiansCredit: Instagram @corinthiansHe played in every game for Holland at the EurosRonald Koeman says Depay still has an international futureCredit: RexDepay, 30, has penned a deal at Corinthians until December 2026.The ex-Barcelona, Lyon and PSV striker featured in all six of Holland’s matches at Euro 2024 – but he was not selected for the current international window.Manager Ronald Koeman also axed Steven Bergwijn from the squad because he moved to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad from Ajax for £17.7million.But he has promised to not do the same to Depay, explaining: “I disapproved of Steven Bergwijn’s move to Saudi, with Memphis it can be different.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”The level of the league in Brazil is different, so yes, he can still be part of the national team – but it depends on his fitness and if he reaches his level.”Koeman explained Depay’s current absence from the squad, saying: “It’s primarily because he doesn’t have a club. That means you don’t play football and you can’t be with the national team.”On former Tottenham star Bergwijn, Koeman said last week: “The book is basically closed to him. He knows what I think about this.”When you are 26, your main ambition should be sporting, not financial. These are choices that players make.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I have never been in that situation because I could go to Barcelona.”He could have stayed at Ajax, that’s not bad, is it? Rooney reveals he gave Depay a ‘talking to’ after Dutch star turned up to Man Utd game in a Rolls Royce and cowboy hat”You have to respect that choice, but personally I wouldn’t have moved.” More