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    Sunderland line up Man City star, 19, as Jobe Bellingham replacement as Dortmund transfer edges closer

    SUNDERLAND want Manchester City kid Charlie Gray to fill Jobe Bellingham’s boots.Talented midfielder Gray, 19, has a year left on his City contract and may look to move on for the chance of a first-team spot with the Premier League new boys.Charlie Gray is on Sunderland’s radarCredit: GettyGray could replace Jobe Bellingham if he signs for Borussia DortmundCredit: Shutterstock EditorialHe has been on City’s books since he was just eight and is yet to make his senior debut.The teenager helped the club’s Under-21s win both the league and play-off phase of the Premier League 2 last season.Described as a “calm, ball-playing defensive midfielder”, he also caught the eye in the youth Champions League as City reached the quarter-finals.Gray could follow in the footsteps of stars such as Romeo Lavia, Jadon Sancho and Jeremie Frimpong in leaving Manchester for senior football without a Prem appearance to their name.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt comes amid Bellingham departing Sunderland despite their promotion back to the top-flight.Jobe, 19, is set to join Borussia Dortmund in a move that sees him take the same path as his brother Jude, 21.The German giants recently sent a delegation to England for talks over a deal.It has been reported that Sunderland want a fee of £25million for Bellingham.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe could become the second wonderkid to leave the Stadium of Light after play-off final hero Tom Watson joined Brighton for £10m.Meanwhile, the Black Cats are ready to offer their homegrown star Chris Rigg, 17, an improved contract.But keeper coach Tom Weal has made a shock exit to rejoin old club MK Dons. More

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    Vile chants about Keir Starmer ‘not acceptable’ Thomas Tuchel tells England fans after Andorra win

    ENGLAND boss Thomas Tuchel told Three Lions fans vile chants about PM Sir Keir Starmer were “not acceptable”.Some of the 7,000 travelling supporters at yesterday’s World Cup qualifier against Andorra called Sir Keir a “c***” and “w***er”.England fans in Andorra called Sir Keir a ‘c***’ and ‘w***er’Credit: PATuchel praised the overall support in the 1-0 win against the tiny state, even though they booed his team at half-time. He said after full-time in Spain: “Booing is OK. “The support was amazing. Incredible.“They created a fantastic atmosphere. Read More on Sport”They were underwhelmed with the way we performed. “It’s not that we can blame them for that.”I didn’t hear any abusive songs or chants. “But if it happened, of course, it’s not acceptable.”Most read in FootballIt’s thought that Declan Rice is being rested with a view to starting against Senegal on Tuesday evening instead.Other unusual choices appear to include Reece James starting at left-back and Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones being deployed as a make-shift right-back.’They looked bored’ – Roy Keane slams England’s ‘poor attitude’ as Thomas Tuchel admits ‘I didn’t like’ Andorra effortThomas Tuchel told Three Lions fans vile chants about PM Sir Keir Starmer were ‘not acceptable’Credit: Getty More

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    Moment Chelsea ace Marc Cucurella uses mobile while driving Mercedes G-wagon as he’s seen ‘veering across road’

    CHELSEA ace Marc Cucurella is filmed apparently falling foul of the law on the road — by using his mobile phone while driving.He was said to be veering across the middle of the road in his Mercedes G-wagon near the Prem team’s training ground.Marc Cucurella is filmed using his mobile phone while drivingCredit: SWNSHe was said to be veering across the middle of the roadCredit: SWNSCucurella poses by his G-wagon, which cost between £140,000 and £210,000Credit: InstagramOnlookers said the defender, in his club training top, appeared to be typing a text message at the wheel of the vehicle, costing between £140,000 and £210,000.A witness near Dorking, Surrey, said: “The car came past us quite fast.”I clocked who it was.“We drove past him again.Read more on Marc Cucurella”He was all over the place, over the middle line, because he was on his phone.”My partner in the passenger seat was able to film it.”A week later, the Spanish international, 26, played in the Blues’ Uefa Conference League final ­win — following his key role in the Spain team that beat England in last year’s Euros final.Drivers caught using a mobile face a £200 fine and six points on their driving licence.Most read in FootballCucurella’s agent and Chelsea FC were approached for comment.Marc Cucurella wipes away tears as Chelsea star and Wag Claudia Rodriguez reveal emotional strain of son Mateo’s autismDefender Cucurella played in Chelsea’s Uefa Conference League final ­winCredit: Getty More

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    Crystal Palace line up £40m-rated AC Milan star Strahinja Pavlovic in potential Marc Guehi replacement transfer

    OLIVER GLASNER will make a new move to sign AC Milan’s Strahinja Pavlovic with the Italian club wanting £40million.The Crystal Palace boss thinks the powerful Serb would be an ideal addition with Europe on the agenda next term.Crystal Palace are preparing a move for AC Milan star Strahinja PavlovicCredit: Shutterstock EditorialMarc Guehi has a year left on his Crystal Palace contractCredit: GettyCentre-back Pavlovic, 24, only moved from RB Salzburg for £15m a year ago but Palace have been tracking him for months.Boss Glasner wants extra competition at the back but the Eagles will not pay over the top and could start the bidding at just £25m.Glasner is a huge fan of Pavlovic’s — who was a regular in Milan’s Serie A and Champions League campaigns — so it is an ambitious target.He scored two goals and provided just as many assists in 35 appearances from centre-back this term.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMeanwhile, Pavlovic started six of Milan’s ten Champions League games, and 21 Serie A matches.Palace qualified for next seasons Europa League after beating Manchester City in a shock 1-0 win in the FA Cup final.But the club’s European status is under threat from Uefa because owner John Textor also owns shares in Lyon. Juventus’ Tiago Djalo, 25, is an alternative.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPalace are possibly in the market for two defenders, especially if Marc Guehi leaves.Burnley’s Maxime Esteve, 23, is also admired.Crystal Palace could be KICKED OUT of Europa League before a ball is even kickedMeanwhile, Palace are in talks with striker Jean-Philippe Mateta over signing a new contract.The 27-year-old was a standout performer in Glasner’s side last season, scoring 17 goals in all competitions as Palace won the FA Cup – their first major trophy. More

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    Crystal Palace co-owner looks to buy out John Textor as Europa League decision looms

    JOSH HARRIS wants to buy out John Textor in the latest tug of war at Crystal Palace.Textor owns around 45 per cent of the club and was planning to make a move on Harris and David Blitzer — who have 18 per cent each — to purchase their shares.JOSH HARRIS wants to buy out John Textor in the latest tug of war at Crystal PalaceCredit: RexTextor now willing to sell up to avoid Palace being booted out of the Europa LeagueCredit: AFPPalace qualified for the Europa League after beating Man City in the FA Cup finalBut that has failed so far — with Textor now willing to sell up to avoid Palace being booted out of the Europa League due to Uefa’s rules on multi-club ownership.The European governing body’s regulations mean Textor, majority owner of Lyon, cannot have influence at two clubs in the same competition.But a sale is unlikely to be quick and will not impact the decision of Uefa chiefs.And Harris is looking to pay a smaller sum than his US compatriot wants.READ MORE CRYSTAL PALACE NEWSTextor, whose Palace club won entry to the Europa League through winning the FA Cup, does not have a majority stake and only 25 per cent of voting rights.Palace hope that relatively low figure will help their case with Uefa, who are expected to deliver a verdict next week.Lyon are also set to feature in the competition having finished higher than Palace domestically, with a sixth-placed finish in the Ligue 1 last season.Uefa rules prohibit anyone from “simultaneously be involved in any capacity whatsoever in the management, administration, and/or sporting performance of more than one club participating in a Uefa club competition.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe prospect of Palace dropping into the Conference League is also nigh-on impossible too.This is because other shareholder David Blitzer also has a stake in Danish oufit Brondby, who are set to play in European football’s tertiary club competition next season.Abandoned iconic UK stadium left to rot 110 years after hosting FA Cup final getting new lease of lifeIn a desperate bid to see the Eagles fly across Europe next season and comply with Uefa rules, Textor and Blitzer offered to put their shares in a blind trust.But Uefa chiefs have REJECTED the offer, leaving Palace’s proposed European adventure next season in limbo.Manchester City and Manchester United utilised blind trusts last season as sister clubs Girona and Nice both qualified for the Champions League and Europa League respectively. More

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    Tottenham line up £20m-rated England U21 star transfer as managerless Spurs move on quickly from Ange Postecoglou

    ENGLAND UNDER-21 star Hayden Hackney is on managerless Tottenham’s transfer radar.The Middlesbrough midfielder, 22, looks set to leave his boyhood club after their failure to win Championship promotion.Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney is a wanted manCredit: GettyThe £20m-rated ace has already proven he can cut it against the big boys of the Premier League with stand-out cup displays against both Chelsea and Aston Villa last season.Now he hopes to catch the eye at this month’s U21 European Championship in Slovakia.A host of clubs have been monitoring Hackney for several months, including Portuguese giants Porto who had a measly £9m bid rejected in January.German side Stuttgart are also keen as are Crystal Palace, but Sun Sport understands that Spurs’ scouts have also been running the rule over Hackney.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTottenham talent spotters will also be out in Slovakia to watch the action closely and, if Hackney shines for Lee Carsley’s side, they could give the green light for the club move despite not yet appointing a replacement for axed Ange Postecoglou.Middlesbrough are in no rush to sell their home-grown star and could even squeeze a couple more million onto his price tag depending on how he performs at the Euros.They are also searching for a new manager in their own right following the decision to dismiss Michael Carrick on Wednesday.And despite still having some money in the bank from selling Emmanuel Latte Lath in January, cashing in on Hackney would help them add to any incoming coach’s transfer kitty. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSEngland kick-off their Euro campaign against the Czech Republic on Thursday.They then face Slovenia three days later and finish the group stage against Germany on Wednesday 18 June.All of England’s matches are being broadcast live on Channel 4.Five EFL Championship stars destined for the Premier League More

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    Aston Villa out to hijack £20m Bournemouth transfer for France star and Milos Kerkez replacement

    ASTON VILLA want to hijack Bournemouth’s move for Rennes skipper Adrien Truffert.Villa look keen on the left-back and could swoop for the 23-year-old if they can quickly sell a player.Aston Villa are trying to hijack France star Adrien TruffertCredit: RexBournemouth are on the brink of agreeing a deal to sign a potential replacement for Milos Kerkez (above)Credit: Shutterstock EditorialThe Cherries are close to agreeing a £20million deal for France international Truffert.They see him as a replacement for Milos Kerkez, who is expected to join Premier League champions Liverpool this summer.Truffert has scored two goals and provided two assists in 33 Ligue 1 games this season, as Rennes finished 12th.But the 23-year-old has understandably struggled to get into France’s star-studded squad.READ MORE TRANSFER NEWSThe full-back has made just one appearances for Les Bleus, after receiving his first call-up for two Uefa Nations League matches.The switches get more complicated when you consider that Bournemouth were interested in Anfield left-back Andy Robertson.But the Villa Park outfit may struggle to bring the 32-year-old Scot to the West Midlands, considering Arne Slot’s stance on an exit.Unai Emery is believed to be in the market for a new left-back with Frenchman Lucas Digne and Ian Maatsen failing to impress the Spaniard.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMeanwhile, Bournemouth are also in the market for Spanish keeper Joan Garcia, who was linked with Arsenal.The 24-year-old is set to sign for Barcelona from Espanyol — but could then be loaned out for a season in the Premier League.Aston Villa star Marcus Rashford hits the race track as he works out on holiday in St Tropez More

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    Thomas Frank is perfect manager to deal with Tottenham’s Daniel Levy – after being slammed by his OWN chairman on forum

    THOMAS FRANK’S first big job ended when the club chairman was exposed for criticising him on an online fans’ forum.Although some Tottenham supporters have a pretty low opinion of supremo Daniel Levy, it’s unlikely he would ever be caught doing the same.Thomas Frank is the perfect manager to deal with Tottenham’s Daniel LevyCredit: Shutterstock EditorialSpurs owner Levy is on the hunt for a new gaffer after sacking AngeCredit: AlamyLevy keeps a low profile and says very little about whether he is backing his manager — until the moment he doesn’t any more.Which is not quite how Jans Bech Andersen handled things after becoming chairman of Danish club Brondby.Frank had left his role with the Danish FA coaching the youth teams and working with senior boss Morten Olsen, to take over at the cash-strapped fallen giants in 2013.But he resigned in March 2016 after just under three years in charge because of what became known as ‘Oscar-gate’.READ MORE TOTTENHAM NEWS‘Oscar’ was the name attached to a profile on a leading Brondby fan messageboard which had repeatedly hammered Frank and sporting director Per Rud.And it turned out that ‘Oscar’ was Bech Andersen, a rich fan who had increased his investment and influence at the club a few months after Frank’s arrival.Among ‘Oscar’s’ posts were rants criticising Frank for being a coach “who is inexperienced and stubbornly sticks to a system that doesn’t work” and his “inability to integrate new players that he himself has 100 per cent chosen”.‘Oscar’ said Frank and Rud had made “crazy decisions together due to ignorance and lack of experience”, creating “a headache that needs to be cured as soon as possible”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFrank understandably talked of a “breach of trust” in his resignation statement. Nine months later, in December 2016, he joined Brentford as assistant boss to Dean Smith before taking the head coach role in October 2018.England football ace Millie Bright leaves fiancé & falls for married personal trainer ‘in a big way’It would be easy to say the rest is history but Frank did have a sticky start to his reign.Without the strong backing of Bees owner Matthew Benham and co-director of football Rasmus Ankersen —  a fellow Dane — he might not have survived.Gambling guru Benham believed Frank was a good bet and has been proved right.­For all Frank’s incredible success in leading the club from the Championship to the top half of the Premier League, Levy and Spurs fans are entitled to ask how he would cope with the very different challenge at Tottenham?The 51-year-old has never taken charge of a Champions League match nor won a major trophy, two things which were on former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou’s CV even before he led Spurs to Europa League glory in what turned out to be his final game.Eddie Howe was similarly inexperienced when he joined Newcastle in November 2021.Yes, Howe had taken Bournemouth through the divisions all the way to ninth place in the top flight but he had also been relegated in 2020 and never managed in Europe.Yet Howe proved his doubters wrong — in 2023 he led the Magpies back into the Champions League, before lifting their first major domestic trophy for 70 years with March’s Carabao Cup victory over Liverpool.Much has been made of Brentford’s use of data from Benham’s gambling business to give them the edge in recruitment. But it is one thing to identify hidden gems with the potential to become stars — the art is  making them realise that potential.Spurs sacked Ange Postecoglou on FridayAnd Frank has a brilliant record, particularly with forward players.Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa are  the most high-profile examples of the ability of Frank and his coaches.Levy will have also seen how players like Christian Norgaard — soon to become a free agent — have quietly become established Prem stars.Frank has also proved tactically adaptable in a way Big Ange stubbornly refused to be until that backs-to-the-wall performance in the second half of the Europa League final against Manchester United.Brentford were a free-scoring, attractive side in the Championship.But after winning the play-off final in 2021, Frank knew he had to compromise a bit.He made his side defensively sound and difficult to beat, using marginal gains like set-piece excellence to help preserve their top-flight status.But last season the Bees were among the Prem’s great entertainers.They were also one of the very few clubs in Europe to have three players with more than ten league goals – Mbeumo, Wissa and Kevin Schade.If Frank gets the Spurs job, his  personality will be quite a change from Postecoglou’s gruff Aussie charms.The genial Dane is the most  relatable and likeable Prem boss.His image of a man who likes to visit his local pub on the Thames is not just for show.Brentford know what an asset they have, which is why Frank has a £10million release clause.Every managerial appointment is a gamble but for Levy that could be money well spent.Read More on The SunBech Andersen remains at Brondby and is still posting on social media — albeit under his own name now.At least Frank won’t have to cope with Levy doing that if he joins Spurs. 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