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      World’s third-highest paid defender set to be unemployed after ripping up £390k contract with Cristiano Ronaldo’s side

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      AYMERIC LAPORTE is set to become unemployed after ripping up his contract at Al-Nassr.The former Manchester City star is the third-highest-paid defender in the world with a weekly paycheck of £390,000.Aymeric Laporte is set to leave Al-NassrCredit: GettyHe joined the club back in 2023 from Manchester CityCredit: GettyOnly former Chelsea flop Kalidou Koulibaly and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk earn more than the Spaniard.Koulibaly is on an eye-watering £553,225-per-week at Al-Hilal while Van Dijk recently signed a £400,000-per-week deal at Anfield.Laporte, 30, made the move to Saudi Arabia in 2023 and has made 69 appearances for the club.He signed a three-year deal with Al-Nassr that was due to expire in 2026.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, he could walk away from the club – and his monster salary – before it ends.Spanish outlet AS reports Laporte has endured a “difficult relationship” with manager Stefano Pioli.He was left out of the squad for Al-Nassr’s Asian Champions League semi-final defeat against Kawasaki Frontale.Laporte will not be short of options should he leave the club in the coming days.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSReal Madrid were previously linked with a move for Laporte before he left Man City.The LaLiga giants are again in the market for a defender but are more likely to swoop for a younger player.Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, 14, given dad’s number and copies iconic pose as he makes Portugal debut with grandma watchingElsewhere, Ligue 1 outfit Marseille are among the favourites to snatch up the 40-capped ace.Laporte has been joined by some star names at Al-Nassr such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Jhon Duran and Marcelo Brozovic.He has previously admitted to making the move to Riyadh for non-footballing reasons.He said: “To be honest, many of us have also come here not only for football.”Many of us are happy with that, but I am also looking for something beyond that is not the economic part and such.”In terms of quality of life, I expected something different because in the end here you spend three hours a day in the car.”Riyadh is a waste of traffic, of time wasted in the car.”Laporte’s career by numbersHere is a look at Aymeric Laporte’s career…ClubAthletic Bilbao, 2012–2018Appearances – 222Goals – 10Manchester City, 2018–2023Appearances – 180Goals – 12Al-Nassr, 2023-presentAppearances – 69Goals – 9International Spain, 2021-presentCaps – 40Goals – 2Honours:Supercopa de Espana x1, Premier League x5, FA Cup x2, EFL Cup x3, Community Sheild x1, Champions League x1, Uefa Super Cup x1, Euros x1, Nations League x1 More

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      French football considering major change to Ligue 1 format after PSG domination every season

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      FRENCH football chiefs are considering a major change to stop Paris Saint-Germain dominating Ligue 1, according to reports.The capital club have won 11 of the last 13 seasons after becoming one of Europe’s top forces.French football chiefs are looking to end PSG’s Ligue 1 domination with a major changeCredit: GettyThis season has seen them go 19 points clear of second-place Marseille with one game remaining.And with stars like Ousmane Dembele shining bright under Luis Enrique, PSG’s dominant era does not look like ending any time soon.They are now hoping to crown their achievements with a first-ever Champions League crown in this month’s final against Inter Milan.However, PSG could be set for a new challenge on the domestic front.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to L’Equipe, French football chiefs are considering a major change that would give other teams a chance to get their hands on the Ligue 1 trophy.Instead of the first-placed team winning the title, playoffs would be used to decide the season’s victor.Two semi-finals would take place involving 1st vs 4th, and 2nd vs 3rd.The winners would then meet in a grand final where the prize is the Ligue 1 title.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd chiefs believe that would open the door for the likes of Marseille, Monaco and Lyon to once again get their hands on French football’s top prize.Ligue 1 is also seeing teams like Nice and Strasbourg come to the fore. Arsenal condemn racism in statement after fan filmed making sickening slurs towards PSG supporters in vile videoLille, who won the title in 2021, are also continuing to make waves.It’s reckoned the LFP, French football’s governing body, could also be scrapped for a new governance structure just like the English Premier League.A League Cup could also be resurrected for the first time since 2020 as part of the huge shake-up. More

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      Nuno Espirito Santo looks unrecognisable with shaggy hair in playing days as backup goalkeeper

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      WE ALL know management is stressful… so much so that it makes your hair fall out.Just ask Nuno Espirito Santo.Nuno Espirito Santo is known for his bald head and grey beardCredit: PAThe stresses of management came to the forefront on SundayCredit: AFPThe Nottingham Forest gaffer, 51, has led Nottingham Forest back into Europe for the first time in 30 years.Forest still have a chance of qualifying for the Champions League – although Sunday’s painful draw at home to already-relegated East Midlands rivals Leicester dented those dreams. And their manager has a very distinct look – the bald head and the grey beard. But it turns out that has not always been the case.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIn fact, Santo once had a shaggy mop of hair back in his playing days as a goalkeeper.The Portuguese spent 18 years as a senior pro across eight different clubs.That included two stints at Porto, where he scored a penalty and was part of the Champions League-winning squad under Jose Mourinho. And he did so with a full head of curly, dark hair.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPhotos from his playing days show off the thick mop, making him barely recognisable from the man we have got used to seeing in the dugout over recent years at Wolves, Tottenham and Forest. And although it does start to recede towards the end of his career on the pitch, Santo still has a decent amount of hair.Nuno Espirito Santo argues with Nottingham Forest owner on City Ground pitch moments after disastrous drawThe goalkeeper retired in 2010 but fast forward to his days as Valencia manager and it is a very different story.Gone are the curls and replaced with the buzzed shaven look, with his dark beard grown out. He spent just over a season in charge at Valencia – where he was replaced by Gary Neville – before one campaign with Porto.Then Santo arrived in England with Wolves in 2017, enjoying four years at Molineux before his brief 17-game nightmare at Spurs. Santo played as a goalkeeper for 18 yearsCredit: RexHe used to have dark curly hairCredit: APHis look was very different to what it is nowCredit: .The former shot-stopper started receding by the end of his careerCredit: APHe was part of the Porto squad that won the Champions LeagueCredit: AFPHe regrouped at Al-Ittihad before heading back to the Premier League to take over at Nottingham Forest in December 2023. Forest finished 17th last season but Santo has masterminded an incredible surge towards the top of the table this term. However, a run of one win in their last six matches has threatened to derail the team who were third from December to April. Nuno Espirito Santo’s coaching careerRio Ave 15 May 2012 to 19 May 2014 – P80 W32 D17 L31 Win % 40.00Valencia 4 July 2014 to 29 November 2015 – P62 W32 D16 L14 Win % 51.61Porto 1 June 2016 to 22 May 2017 – P49 W27 D16 L6 Win % 55.10Wolverhampton Wanderers 31 May 2017 23 to May 2021 – P199 W95 D49 L55 Win % 47.74Tottenham Hotspur 30 June 2021 to 1 November 2021 – P17 W8 D2 L7 Win % 47.06Al-Ittihad 4 July 2022 to 7 November 2023 – P56 W36 D12 L8 Win % 64.29Nottingham Forest 20 December 2023 to Present – P68 W26 D19 L23 Win % 38.24Total P531 W256 D131 L144 Win % 48.21The draw with Leicester saw Forest drop to seventh with two games left to try and get back into the top five – and crucially they host Chelsea on the final day of the season. But the 2-2 stalemate was arguably most notable for what happened after the full-time whistle when owner Evangelos Marinakis stormed on to the pitch to confront Santo.The fiery Greek businessman’s frustration was over the confusion regarding Taiwo Awoniyi, who got injured late on when he clattered into the post. After initially suggesting he could carry on, Santo used his final substitution window to take off Elliot Anderson – meaning Awoniyi could not be replaced despite realising he could not continue. SunSport revealed Marinakis erupted again and far more ferociously in the tunnel – at Santo, Awoniyi and the club’s medical staff. Read More on The SunAwoniyi, meanwhile, underwent an urgent surgery on Monday with the rest of the procedure unable to be completed on Tuesday.That meant doctors placed the Nigerian striker in an induced coma and hope to conclude the surgery on Wednesday. Santo shaved his hair by the time he was Valencia gafferCredit: AFP More

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      Samir Nasri told me he made a mistake not signing for Man Utd after winning league with City, claims Patrice Evra

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      PATRICE EVRA has claimed Samir Nasri regretted snubbing Manchester United in 2011 – despite having just won the Premier League title with rivals City. The ex-United full-back believes his fellow Frenchman would have been a “beast” if he’d joined him at Old Trafford. Patrice Evra claims Samir Nasri regretted not joining Manchester UnitedCredit: XThe French star joined City in 2011 and won two league titlesCredit: Action Images – ReutersNasri, 37, spent three years with Arsenal before a high-profile move north to Manchester City. He would win two Premier League titles with the club, scoring 27 goals in 176 games.Evra – who played for United between 2006 and 2014 – believes Nasri’s heart wasn’t in the move and he “regretted” joining City. And he claims the Frenchman had agreed terms with Sir Alex Ferguson and United before having his head turned. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpeaking on the SDS podcast, Evra said: “[Nasri] agreed the terms [with United] and everything [in 2011].”I remember we were going into pre-season and I was on holiday.”I text him and say ‘Samir, what time you coming? We can go to training together’.”There was no answer. I then saw Alex Ferguson, he said, ‘Did you see what your French boy did?Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”He said, ‘He’s going to sign for City’. I said, ‘No boss, you’re joking.”Evra went on to claim Nasri was offered “millions more” by City. ‘I lived at the training ground’ – Former Man Utd transfer chief lifts lid on most expensive window in club historyThe attacking midfielder won the Prem in his first season with the club. Evra continued: “I remember I saw him after they were celebrating [winning the league].”I asked him, ‘You are happy? You made the right choice?'”He said, ‘I made a mistake. I should have signed for United’. Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”And he’d just won the league! Because he knew what he could have become.”At Arsenal, he was a good player. But I think at United, we could have made him a beast”.Read More on The SunNasri remained with City until 2017, but injuries restricted him to just 14 games across his final two seasons at Eastlands.He enjoyed spells with Sevilla, Antalyaspor, West Ham and Anderlecht before hanging up his boots in 2020. More

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      Liam Delap’s brother Finn, 19, faces uncertain future as Burton Albion release SIX players

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      LIAM DELAP’S brother Finn faces an uncertain future after Burton Albion released six players.Liam is a wanted man with Chelsea and Manchester United battling for his signature.Finn Delap faces an uncertain future with his Burton Albion contract expiringCredit: RexBrother Liam is being chased by both Chelsea and Manchester UnitedCredit: ReutersBut brother Finn’s future is now under the spotlight as Albion look to make some big squad changes.The League One outfit avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth as they finished four points above the drop zone.Lee Bowyer’s side are now ready to make some serious inroads in the summer transfer window as they aim for a playoff push next season.And having already promoted youngsters Josh Taroni and Jack Newall to their senior squad, Albion have now confirmed that six players have been released after their contracts expired.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMason Bennett, Anthony Forde, Cameron Gilbert, Jack Stretton, Toby Oakes and Dylan Scott have all left.While a further seven players remain in talks over a potential new deal, including defender Finn.The 19-year-old, the younger brother of in-demand Ipswich striker Liam, 22, made just one appearance this term after spending part of the campaign on loan at National League North outfit Buxton.However, Albion feel Finn can now challenge for a first-team role and hope he will extend his stay following a switch in 2021 from Derby.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSOther players in talks to potentially remain at the club include Max Crocombe, Ryan Sweeney, Jon Dad Bodvarsson, Kegs Chauke, Fabio Tavares and Kamil Dudek.But Finn’s future isn’t the only one in the air, with brother Liam now being eyed by numerous sides following Ipswich’s relegation to the Championship.Liam Delap tipped to snub Man Utd and Chelsea for EVERTON transfer after fans spot gesture following match vs ToffeesThe £20million signing from Man City scored 12 goals in his maiden term at Portman Road.Man United are now hoping to complete a deal by meeting his £30m release clause.However, SunSport can reveal that Chelsea are now confident of winning the race.It would see Liam reunite with several former City pals including Cole Palmer, Romeo Lavia, recruitment chief Joe Shields and manager Enzo Maresca. More

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      Championship club handed final deadline to leave stadium with side’s long-term future ‘not guaranteed’

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      OXFORD UNITED have been told when they must leave the Kassam Stadium.The Championship club have been playing at the 12,500-seater venue for the last 24 years.Oxford have been set a date they must leave the Kassam StadiumCredit: RexThe ground only has three standsCredit: GettyBut it is owned by former chairman Firoz Kassam and his Firoka Group, who want Oxford to move out.The license was due to expire at the end of next season and leave the team without a home in just 12 months’ time.But an agreement has been struck that sees the deal extended to the end of the 2026/27 campaign, with the option of one further year maximum.It means Oxford must move out the three-stand Kassam Stadium by June 2028 at the latest.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFormer club chief Kassam stated: “Oxford United have been a hugely important part of my life for over 25 years, but now is the right time for all of us to look to the next chapter. “Agreeing to this extension allows Firoka Group to focus on developing the wider site for local people and the city of Oxford, whilst providing the club with clarity in the short-term. “It’s now up to others to approve planning to guarantee Oxford United’s long-term future.”Current U’s chief Grant Ferguson added: “The club was facing some very difficult decisions on where to play after our licence expired in June 2026 and before our new stadium is ready. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“There has been a massive amount of work going on behind the scenes to get us to this point, and I would like to place on record my thanks to Firoz Kassam who personally oversaw the discussions which led to this short-term extension being signed. “Agreeing this goes well beyond the terms of our existing arrangement and demonstrates Firoz’s support for the Club, particularly given this could potentially delay his plans for the site.”We can now move forward with certainty as both parties look to the future.” Oxford plan to build a new 16,000-seater ground and have submitted the proposal to Cherwell District Council.The new home is set to be on land known as the Triangle near Kidlington and the stadium will include a 180-bedroom hotel, restaurant, conference centre, health & well-being space, gym and community plaza.  Oxford have unveiled plans for their new homeCredit: AFL Architects / Oxford UnitedAn extra 3,500 fans will fit in the groundCredit: AFL Architects / Oxford United More

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      Arsenal ‘get green light to complete Viktor Gyokeres transfer from Sporting for just £60m as contract details emerge’

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      ARSENAL are set to make Viktor Gyokeres one of their highest earners – and could land him for just £60million. The Gunners are among a host of Europe’s elite chasing the prolific Swede striker.Viktor Gyokeres is high on Arsenal’s summer wishlistCredit: EPAThe Swedish striker has scored goals for fun in Portugal since joining Sporting in 2023Credit: EPAGyokeres, 26, has scored 95 goals in 100 games since joining Sporting Lisbon from Coventry City.The forward cost the Portuguese club £16.8m in the summer of 2023. And reports suggest Sporting have already agreed a price with Arsenal for one of their top targets.New sporting director Andrea Berta has placed Gyokeres high on his wishlist as the Gunners look to overhaul their attack. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Mirror report that there is already an agreement in place on price between the two clubs.The £60m fee represents a lower figure than the £85m release clause included in the forward’s contract.But that price tag “could go higher” if clubs pile in for a bidding war in the summer, with Manchester United among those tracking Gyokeres.The 26-year-old will also command a hefty wage, with his proposed contract costing the Gunners over £7million-a-year.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe is expected to be offered a deal north of £200,000-a-week, putting him among the top earners at the Emirates.Arsenal are also keen on RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, 22.Mikel Arteta launches furious rant at Arsenal players despite second-half Anfield comebackHowever, reports suggest the club has “reservations” about that deal and considers Gyokeres its top target. Gyokeres ended April in stunning form, netting EIGHT times in just three games against Moreirense, Rio Ave and Boavista.The ex-Brighton striker was recently asked about the possibility of a switch to the capital.Arsenal ratings v PSG ARSENAL’S Champions League dream ended in tears as they failed to revolt against Paris Saint-Germain in Paris.The Gunners came flying out of the blocks and tested Gianluigi Donnarumma early, but it seemed it was going to be one of those nights from the get go. And so it proved.Despite early pressure, Arsenal found themselves behind following a Fabian Ruiz volley.Achraf Hakimi then added a brutal second mere moments after David Raya had kept Arsenal in the tie by denying Vitinha from the penalty spot.But Bukayo Saka, who had been denied all night by old nemesis Donnarumma, finally bested the Italian in the 76th minute when he made the most of a deflected cross to round him and fire into the net.With the deficit on the night halved, Saka then had the chance to level the score as he was found free in the middle with an open goal at his mercy.But the winger was unable to keep the ball down once he made contact and saw his effort sail miles over the bar.PSG then saw out the result without further worry to book their spot in the Munich final against Inter Milan.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners in Paris.But he remained tight-lipped on his future with Sporting going into a last-day shootout for the title with rivals Benfica on Saturday. Asked after the win over Moreirense if he liked London, Gyokeres replied with a smile: “I like Lisbon!”He added: “No one can predict what will happen, we enjoy the moment.” More

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      Frank Lampard fumes after being harassed for selfie by pitch invader after last gasp Coventry loss at Sunderland

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      FRANK LAMPARD reacted furiously as a taunting pitch invader tried to take a selfie after Coventry’s last-gasp play-off agony.Dan Ballard’s 122nd-minute equalizer booked Sunderland a Wembley final against Sheffield United as a 1-1 draw nicked a 3-2 aggregate triumph.Frank Lampard was in the middle as some fans got on the pitchCredit: GettyA bare-topped supporter ran towards LampardCredit: SUNSPORTLampard rebuffed the fan and turned to walk awayCredit: GettyThere were frenzied scenes as Sunderland revelled in victoryCredit: SUNSPORTAnd as a batch of supporters swarmed onto the turf at the Stadium of Light, Sky Blues chief Lampard was caught in the middle.The grim-faced Chelsea legend responded agitatedly when a grinning, bare-topped fan quickly approached him and got up close.The supporter was holding a phone high and appeared to be attempting to take a photo with Lampard.The ex-England midfielder rebuffed him, then turned to make his way off.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOne viewer shared a clip of the unfortunate incident on social media – and hit out at the fan’s antics.He wrote: “Not sure trying to get a selfie with a manager that’s literally just lost a play-off semi final, in injury time of EXTRA time, is the smartest move… Keep it together super Frank Lampard!”Another posted: “The cheek of this Sunderland fan trying to get a selfie with Frank Lampard after that last gasp winner…”A third blasted: “No way bro.”Most read in FootballDan Ballard was in ecstasy after his Sunderland clincherCredit: Shutterstock EditorialBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe ugly exchange on the turf came just as Lampard was rueing the most heartbreaking of semi-final defeats.Trailing 2-1 from the first leg, Coventry’s high-energy tactics edged much of the return at the SoL.’One of the best things I’ve ever seen’ – Frank Lampard stunned as Coventry star hits 180 with first-ever three dartsEphron Mason-Clark deservedly struck on 76 minutes to take the tie into extra time.And it was deep into stoppage time during that extra half-hour when Ballard soared to nod home off the underside of the bar.That sent Sunderland through to a £200million shootout with the Blades on May 24 for a place in the Premier League.Ballard sunk Coventry at the death in the play-off semi-finalCredit: GettyChris Rigg led Sunderland celebrations after victory over Coventry booked a Wembley play-off final against Sheffield United on May 24Credit: Reuters More