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    Chelsea and Josh Acheampong finally end contract stand-off as England wonderkid signs five-year deal

    CHELSEA’S contract stand-off with Josh Acheampong has ended after the England wonderkid signed a new five-year deal.Enzo Maresca was desperate to tie the 18-year-old down on fresh terms following several dramatic months.Chelsea starlet Josh Acheampong has signed a new five-year dealCredit: GettyAfter a Carabao Cup cameo at the start of the season, Acheampong was frozen out by Chelsea after failing to agree an extension.Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich were all reportedly keen on signing the versatile defender, whose deal was due to expire in 2026.But a breakthrough in talks came last month, allowing Acheampong to return to Chelsea first-team training.He then played all 90 minutes of the 3-1 Conference League win in Kazakhstan against Astana on Thursday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd now, the Athletic reports he has now put pen to paper on a new five-year deal with a bumper pay rise.It’s reckoned Acheampong was presented with a clear vision for his development to the starting XI, with the teen previously unsure of the route following Todd Boehly’s £1.2billion spending spree.Another injury to captain Reece James has freed up a space for the England U20s star on the right.While his ability to play centre-back could come in handy with Wesley Fofana also crocked.Most read in FootballAcheampong could now celebrate his new deal with a starting spot in Chelsea’s final Conference League group game against Shamrock Rovers at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.The Blues have already qualified for the next stage and know that a draw is likely good enough to finish in top spot.Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk facing FOUR YEAR ban after failing drugs testAcheampong burst onto the scene in May with his Premier League debut from the bench in a 2-0 win against Tottenham.He played a big role in Chelsea’s U18s becoming Southern Champions last term too.And the whiz will be hoping that more senior appearances will soon result in a call-up to England’s U21s. More

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    Barcelona will not be in new 105,000-capacity stadium on time ‘unless miracle occurs’ with Nou Camp still building site

    BARCELONA will need a MIRACLE if they plan on returning to the Nou Camp on time this season, according to reports.The LaLiga giants had initially hoped to be opening their revamped ground THIS WEEKEND against Atletico Madrid.Barcelona’s chances of returning to the Nou Camp in March are practically zeroCredit: RexNew images of the redeveloped Nou Camp were revealed last monthThe construction plans are reportedly behind scheduleThe return could be as late as next SeptemberThat was pushed back to March 2025 as building work dragged on.But reports in Spain suggest Barcelona’s return to their £1.3billion renovated stadium could be delayed further.It is claimed the LaLiga leaders’ chances of returning to the Nou Camp in three months time are practically zero.And the stadium might not even be ready for the start of NEXT SEASON.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSpanish outlet Marca say Barca’s board of directors have accepted the delay is inevitable. Construction work isn’t going at the desired pace, with the emergency exits plans and turf laying behind schedule.Barca have been careful not to give a definitive date, with Uefa rules stating that participants in the Champions League cannot play at different home grounds during a phase of the competition.Barcelona are second in the 36-team league phase with two games remaining, meaning it’s likely they won’t be in knockout action until March.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIf they were to finish ninth or lower, then that would mean a February play-off.However, both dates currently seem unrealistic with large parts of the ground still needing work.Legendary stadium looks unrecognisable as club reveal ‘insane’ CGI footage of the renovation plansThe Spanish giants moved out of the Nou Camp in May 2023, beginning the process of a major overhaul of the 67-year-old arena.The 99,000-seater was gutted and stripped back to its raw concrete form, before countless hours of hard work started to build it back up. Barca have been temporarily housed in the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium during the renovation.The club have taken off the entire top tier of the stadium as they rebuild the third tier to increase the capacity of the iconic ground.When fully completed, the stadium will house an impressive 105,000 fans – some 6,000 more than it was able to hold prior to the building work.They had been planning on returning to stadium halfway through the 2024-25 season, but they now looks unlikely.Barca intend to operate with just over 60 per cent capacity when they move back in.Work began in May 2023The new stadium will be sponsored by SpotifyThe Nou Camp look incredible when the work is completeOver £1.3bn has been splashed on the stadium and the surrounding areaInitially, it was hoped that Hansi Flick’s men could sport the pitch in November for the club’s 125th anniversary.But the return could now be as late as next September – which would be the third push back.It will be the largest and most innovative sports complex in the heart of a European city.The modernised Nou Camp – which will be sponsored by Spotify – is set to have a number of new bars and VIP areas.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt will also have the largest roof of any stadium in Europe, with new images showing three huge screens hanging over the pitch.The concourse and the press facilities are among the other areas to be renovated. More

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    Premier League clubs keen on new European Super League with bosses ‘confident Uefa will accept Unify League plans’

    A NUMBER of Premier League clubs have privately signalled their support in taking part in the new European Super League.Promoter of the new league, A22 Sports, unveiled plans for a radical revamped format named the “Unify League” on Tuesday.A number of Premier League clubs have privately signalled their support for the new European Super LeagueCredit: GettyA22 have written to Fifa and Uefa to ask for permission to form a new league of 96 teamsCredit: A22A22 is backed by Real Madrid chairman Florentino PerezCredit: AlamyAs many as ten Premier League clubs will be offered the chance to star in the leagueCredit: EPABut unlike the 2021 proposal the Unify League will feature promotion and relegationCredit: PAThe 2021 proposal caused a tsunami of backlash among fansCredit: AFPThe Madrid-based firm, backed by Real Madrid chairman Florentino Perez, said it had written to Fifa and Uefa to ask for official endorsement for the league.The previous attempt by the firm to form a breakaway league announced in April 2021 was met by huge fan backlash.But the new refined league will see 96 teams spread across four divisions – Star, Gold, Blue and Union – and crucially include promotion and relegation, meaning inclusion will be based on merit.As many as TEN Premier League teams will be offered the chance to take part in the new competition.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLParticipation in the league would NOT affect membership of the Premier League, but the tournament would effectively spell the end of the Champions League.SunSport understands a significant number of Prem clubs have privately said they would be willing to take part in the new league.A22 bosses believe Uefa must endorse its latest proposal following a December 2023 European Court of Justice ruling that previous tactics used to block a Super League were contrary to EU law.And the league’s bosses are confident the latest iteration of their “Super League” will receive authorisation from Uefa, according to The Guardian.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBOWING TO FAT CATSBy Will Barker, Sun newsman and Villa fanJUST when you thought the greedy clubs had learnt their lesson from the last Super League chaos, here comes another crazy idea.And this time, the EU has laid out the red carpet for fat cat clubs to sponge even more money off fans.My team, Villa, have been battling since the very start of the Champions League to hear the famous anthem played at Villa Park.Previous memories of 1982 when we won the European Cup are all faded now.But now we have been able to experience first hand what a great competition it is rather than jealously watch our Premier League rivals from afar.Incredibly, Villa have had a great run in the tournament so far — even beating giants Bayern Munich, which led to some of the wildest celebrations in the Midlands I’ve seen for years.Football is about the fans.It isn’t about the rich owners and it certainly isn’t about the politicians in Brussels, who need to get their hands off our great game.The report adds that Uefa is unlikely to respond in haste and that authorising the league, in essence calling A22’s bluff, will be an option under consideration.The prize fund for the tournament is yet to be confirmed, but A22 has promised £330million in “solidarity” payments for smaller clubs and countries.Unify League explained after European Super League launches again in new format The total pot is expected to exceed the current £2billion Uefa fund for the Champions League and the £700m for the Europa and Conference Leagues combined.Measures to block clubs from joining any breakaway competition are included in the Government’s Independent Football Regulator, currently going through Parliament and backed by all major parties.But the new competition seeks to supplant Uefa and be club-run — as happened when the Premier League was set up more than 30 years ago.Plenty to like… but will fans back it?By Martin Lipton, Chief Sports ReporterTHE biggest issue with the first version of Super League was that it was utterly unfair.Football has always been about what you earn on the field — and offering the Prem’s Big Six a place in a breakaway elite for life would have destroyed the fabric of the game.So while many fans reacted in anger at the ­latest proposals unveiled by Madrid-based A22, its new plans do tick more boxes.Qualification by merit, rather than on the basis of what a club did ten, 15 or 20 years ago is a step in the right direction.As are extra “big” games, playing all teams in a mini-league, home and away — it’s hard to keep tabs on a Champions League table of 36 clubs.Then an end-of-season knock-out with real tension, especially with a final four-style week of one-off semis and the final.But it seems unlikely that a new streaming platform, offering both ad-supported “free” games and a bells-and-whistles subscription service, can really earn the billions required to run four competitions every season.The potential autumn 2026 launch means huge obstacles will have to be cleared quickly — and that includes winning over the fans whose determination torpedoed Super League version one in 48 hours in 2021.In the end, it will come down to the clubs.If they feel their bread is being buttered the way they like it, then it could be on — and if that means jettisoning the Carabao Cup, so be it. 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    EFL club receive update on new £130million stadium that would see capacity boosted by thousands

    OXFORD UNITED have received an update on their new £130million stadium.The Championship side are set to leave the Kassam Stadium in 2026 after 25 years at the ground.Oxford are planning to move into a 16,000 capacity groundCredit: Oxford UnitedThe complex would also include new restaurants and a gymCredit: https://twitter.com/_LiamWalker_A planning application for a 16,000-capacity ground was submitted to Cherwell District Council at the end of February, but it was announced that the application would not be considered until early next year.Oxford then submitted a pre-application request to the council over a transport matter – with the local authority now responding.A note on their website stated that the council will undertake a period of statutory reconsultation ‘following the receipt of additional environmental information, pursuant to the council’s request for further information’.It read: “The council is awaiting receipt of further information relating to alternative site assessment.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Upon receipt of this additional information, there will be a further period of reconsultation, which is likely to be in the new year.“Please be advised that whilst there is no statutory obligation to take late comments into account, we will exercise discretion in a positive manner and accept late comments, as far as it is reasonably practicable to do so, up until the application is ready to be determined.“Late responses may only be made via email or letter.”Oxford are planning to move to land known as The Triangle north of the city which would also see a restaurant, conference centre, health and wellbeing space, and community plaza created.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe plans include a potential stunning complex, which would include a 180-bed hotel and a gym.The club is also keen to improve the ecology of the stadium.Oxford sign forgotten Chelsea wonderkid and aim sly dig at John Terry in stunning announcement That means a transport model has been updated to allow for buses and bicycles to pass through matchday road diversions.A footpath and cycleway has also been proposed to provide “additional connectivity and enhanced sustainable transport options”. More

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    ‘He is right’ – Ruben Amorim responds to Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd transfer bombshell about wanting ‘new challenge’

    RUBEN AMORIM insists Marcus Rashford is going nowhere and told him: You’re already in the right place for a new challenge.The Manchester United striker effectively admitted the time had come to move on in a stunning interview after he and Alejandro Garnacho were axed for Sunday’s derby.Ruben Amorim reckons Marcus Rashford ‘is right’ after the Man Utd star’s transfer exit commentsCredit: GettyYet manager Amorim says the door is far from slammed on Rashford’s Old Trafford career – and he is convinced there is still a future for him at his boyhood club.The United chief admitted: “I think he’s right – we have a new challenge here, and it is a tough one, for me the biggest in football.“We are in a difficult situation and this is one of the biggest clubs in the world, so THIS is a new challenge, a big one.”If Rashford was to move on, the only serious chance of matching his £350,000-a-week wages would be at Paris St Germain.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOtherwise it would mean a hefty drop to his basic salary…or heading for the footballing wilderness of Saudi Arabia.Yet for Amorim, it isn’t an issue he will have to address, because he intends to keep Rashford.He added: “Of course, because this kind of club needs big talent and he’s a big talent, so he just needs to perform at the highest level and that is my focus. I just want to help Marcus.“I have not spoken to him yet, because yesterday I gave a day off to the lads. But he is our player and ready for the next game.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“What I want is to take the best stuff of Marcus Rashford as the player, so I don’t talk about the future, I just talk about the present.“I want the best of each one of them and that is the key point for me, I just want to win and to help the team be better.’It doesn’t look good’ – Roy Keane tips Marcus Rashford for Man Utd transfer exit after he is DROPPED for City clash“We are better with Marcus, that is simple and we will try different things to push Marcus to the best levels he showed in the past. That’s all.”Amorim’s main focus is on tomorrow night’s Carabao Cup trip to Spurs – and he expects a reaction from both Rashford and Garnacho if they feature.He said: “Of course I do – I expect the best of each player every day so we will see after training.“We have one more training session, but it’s the same situation of all the other players. If they train well then I have to make a choice. We will see at the end of that.“My focus is to have all the players in the best that they can be to prepare for each game. There is no ‘if, if, if’ at this kind of club, it is just Tottenham so let’s focus on this game.”Man Utd player ratings vs Man City as sensational Amad Diallo turns derby on its headAMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players…Andre Onana – 6He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.Wasn’t tested that much however.Lisandro Martinez – 7Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.Harry Maguire – 8Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.Matthijs de Ligt 78′ – 7A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.Diogo Dalot – 5Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.Bruno Fernandes – 8Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equaliseManuel Ugarte – 7Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.Noussair Mazraoui 78′ – 8The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s best performers on the day.Mason Mount 13′ – 6Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.Amad Diallo 90′ – 9The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez’ pass, he then clipped the ball past Ederson and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.Rasmus Hojlund 78′ – 6Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.SubsKobbie Mainoo 13′ – 6Did a solid job as he came on in a deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forwardJoshua Zirkzee 78′ – 6Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.Antony 78′ – 6Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.Leny Yoro 78′ – 6Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.Victor Lindelof 90′ – 6No time to have any influence on the game. 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    Former Premier League club have stunning plans approved for new stadium with capacity set to more than DOUBLE

    PLANNING permission has been granted for Luton Town to have a stunning new stadium built.The former Premier League side’s current ground, Kenilworth Road, holds 12,000 fans.Luton Town have received planning permission to build their new stadiumCredit: Luton Town FCIt will see Luton move to a 25,000-seater stadium at Power CourtCredit: Luton Town FCPlans include a music venue, hotel, media facilities and food and berevage outletsCredit: Luton Town FCThe new ground will have four independent stands including a Kop-like one behind one of the goalsCredit: Luton Town FCHowever, that capacity is set to more than DOUBLE under plans to build a 25,000-seater stadium at Power Court in the town centre which have now been approved by Luton Borough Council.A club statement said: “We are delighted to confirm that Luton Borough Council’s planning committee have approved the planning application for our 25,000-capacity Power Court Stadium to be built.”The Hatters have played at Kenilworth Road for 119 years. But the development company behind the club’s new home, Developments (Luton) Limited, said their current stadium “no longer meets the club’s ambition of competing at the highest level”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLuton achieved promotion back to the top flight for the first time in Premier League history in 2023/24, before being relegated straight back to the second tier.A 2020 design and access statement from the developers said: “The physical constraints of Kenilworth Road, packed in among rows of terraced houses in Bury Park, make it impossible for the club to grow.”A detailed application sent to the council in September included a music venue and hotel, as well as media facilities, conference rooms and food and beverage outlets.There have also been works to divert the River Lea as part of the project, with community and commercial spaces included in the development.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPermission for a new stadium in the Power Court area was originally given back in 2019.Luton released concept designs of the new stadium in September, with each standing different and independently including a Kop-like stand behind one of the goals.Former Chelsea star Victor Moses makes shock return to English football as fans say ‘this came out of nowhere’Club chiefs outlined the goal of completing the stadium work by 2027.James Taylor, portfolio holder responsible for regeneration and inclusive growth at Luton Council, said: “When our team does well, our town does well and this positive development can have every Hatters fan looking to the future with optimism.”A planning statement from consulting firm WSP, said: “The development of Power Court is an important catalyst to drive regeneration in Luton town centre…”The focal point of the stadium, along with the other town centre uses, will bring further vibrancy to this new quarter.” More

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    Who is Kelly Cates’ ex-husband Tom and when he and the ‘new Match of the Day host’ divorce?

    KELLY Cates is riding high in her career after it was revealed that she is set to be ‘signed as the new host of Match of the Day’.The football pundit has long been known for her work on Sky Sports. Here we take a look at her former married life and who her ex-husband Tom is.Kelly Cates married her now-ex-husband Tom Cates in 2007Credit: Robert PatersonWho is Kelly Cates?Kelly Cates is a much-loved football presenter, best known for her work on Sky Sports.She grew up in the world of footy, as she is the daughter of football legend Kenny Dalglish .Since then Kelly has become one of the UK’s leading pundits.Married lifeAway from the pitch, and the sports host wed Tom Cates in 2007.Read more on Kelly CatesDuring their marriage, they welcomed two daughters together.Unlike Kelly, Tom has stayed away from the spotlight, although he is known for being a TV producer.The pair were married for 14 years before announcing their divorce in 2021.Life after marriageSpeaking shortly after she announced her split from Tom, Kelly talked about stepping into the dating world again.Most read in FootballIn an exclusive chat with The Sun she said she was “up for using dating apps” despite being self-conscious.Kelly told us: “I don’t want to spend my precious free time with a random. Kelly Cates on Super Sunday amid reports she’s leaving for BBC”But this is the thing, the thought of going on a date and spending an evening with someone and the end of it thinking, ‘Well I don’t really like you,’ I would be so resentful of them taking up my time.“Obviously vice versa, but I’m not bothered about it from their perspective.”Going on she said: “Bearing in mind I don’t get to see the people I do like quite often, but i do know unless I want to spend the rest of my life alone… and I’ve got no real thoughts about long term relationships or anything like that.“Imagine sitting there and halfway through you think, ‘God this guy’s an idiot’. You’ve just wasted a babysitter.”Kelly grew up in the world of football – seen here with her dad and former footy ace Sir Kenny DalglishCredit: Alamy’MOTD signing’In December 2024, reports started to emerge claiming Kelly was set to move to the BBC.She is reportedly set to join the Match of the Day team following the departure of longtime host Gary Lineker, who started presenting the show in 1999.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is understood that the move would see Kelly leave her position at Sky Sports to team up with Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman on Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2.Reports claimed the three presenters would share hosting responsibilities on a rotating basis. More

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    Tottenham vs Manchester United: Get £50 in free bets for Thursday’s Carabao Cup semi final clash with Betfred

    IT’S Carabao Cup quarter finals week and there’s a monster tie for two of the tournament favourites when Spurs host Man Utd on Thursday.And brand new Betfred customers can claim a smashing £50 in free bets when they sign-up and stake a tenner on the cup clash.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereSpurs vs Man Utd: Get £50 free bets HERE*How to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*Spurs vs Man Utd: Get £50 free bets HERE*New to Betfred? Then you can claim this incredible offer.Simply visit the Betfred website using this link HERE* and register a new account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Then you just need to deposit and stake £10 on any football market at odds of Evens or greater.When that first bet has settled — win or lose — Betfred will credit your account with the following free bets;3 x £10 to use on any Sportsbook Markets2 x £10 to use on Accumulators (4+ selections)FREE BET SIGN UP DEALS FOR FOOTBALLRemember 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*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. More