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      Man Utd considering transfer for ‘Argentine Phil Foden’, 17, who has £38million release clause but face huge competition

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      MANCHESTER UNITED could make a £38million swoop for the player dubbed “the Argentine Phil Foden”.River Plate teenager Franco Mastantuono is being closely monitored by the Old Trafford side as they look for a summer re-boot.Franco Mastantuono of River Plate is being targeted in a £38million swoop by Man UtdCredit: RexHe has been dubbed the ‘Argentine Phil Foden’Credit: GettyBut United may have to get in quick as Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan are also on the trail of the 17-year-old starlet.Mastantuono, the latest off the astonishing River Plate production line, became the youngest scorer in the club’s history when he netted in an Argentine Cup win over Excursionistas in February 2024 at just 16 years and five months, beating the record held by Javier Saviola.He has added five more goals since, capped by a stunning individual strike in last week’s win over Gimnasia as he picked the ball up on the right and exploded inside, leaving three defenders for dead before finding the bottom corner with his favoured left foot.That style of play, starting on the right, has seen the comparisons to Foden.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLike the Manchester City ace, he can play in a variety of rules across the middle of the park but prefers to switch inside onto his stronger foot.And United are understood to be considering meeting the £38m release clause in his contract to land a player who is set to have a global stage this summer when he features for the Buenos Aires outfit in Fifa’s new expanded Club World Cup.Mastantuono aims to make the same impact as previous River Plate academy graduates Ariel Ortega, Radamel Falcao, Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandes.A stunning 51 academy players have progressed to the top tier over the past two decades, with River now viewed as the seeding ground of Argentina’s return to global supremacy.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMastantuono, who has already featured for the under-17 and under-21 sides, is expected to make his full debut next term and be in Lionel Scaloni’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.And while River want to hold on to their latest prized asset, a serious bid by United would almost certainly see a deal being done.Man Utd fans celebrate outside Old Trafford after leaving Lyon game early Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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      Ex-Chelsea star, 37, is unrecognisable as he ditches iconic hair leaving fans stunned at his new look

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      FORMER Chelsea star David Luiz looks unrecognisable after getting rid of his iconic hair.The defender had two spells at Stamford Bridge and now plays for Fortaleza in his native Brazil.David Luiz looks unrecognisable after cutting his famous locksDavid Luiz signed for Brazilian side Fortaleza in JanuaryCredit: EPADavid Luiz used to boast flowing curly locksCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe has since trimmed his classic curly-hair look which drew comparisons to Simpsons character Sideshow Bob in the past.So fans have been left stunned after a photo of Luiz from a recent match against Palmeiras went viral.The centre-back looked unrecognisable with his short, unkept hair, which some fans scarcely believe is real.One reacted saying: “Man is getting old.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “Is this real??”A third wrote: “David Luiz lost the battle.”And another commented: “End of an era.”Luiz, 37, previously joked he would only cut his hair when he wanted to become a manager.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAsked what style changes he would make if he became a coach, the ex-Brazil said: “I’d put a suit on and cut my hair.”I can’t be a coach with this hair, nobody’s going to respect me!”Enzo Maresca is concerned with Chelsea’s missed ‘easy chances’ after limping into the Conference League semi-final More

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      Football star who notched up over 300 appearances for his club dies aged 89 as tributes pour in

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      FOOTBALL star Mick McGrath has passed away aged 89.The defender was one of the last remaining survivors of Blackburn Rovers’ 1960 FA Cup final side.Football star Mick McGrath has passed away aged 89Credit: FacebookThe stalwart made more than 300 appearances for Blackburn RoversCredit: GettyMcGrath later made the East Lancs town his homeCredit: GettyThe Irishman also featured in the 1957/58 Division Two promotion-winning team.McGrath arrived from the Home Farm club in Dublin.The stalwart made more than 300 appearances for the club and secured 22 caps for the Republic of Ireland.He told the Telegraph: “Coming from Ireland as a young lad playing for someone like Blackburn Rovers was a great thing in itself and to get in the first team, well it was a feeling hard to describe.”He played 50 times for Bradford after leaving Rovers at the end of the 1965-66 season.The footballer finished his career as player-manager at Bangor City.McGrath later made the East Lancs town his home.He worked for Thwaites Brewery for over 20 years before retiring.Most read in FootballA Rovers spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Mick McGrath, at the age of 89.”Everyone at Blackburn Rovers offers our thoughts and sincere condolences to Mick’s family and friends at this sad time.” More

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      Football matches postponed in Italy following death of Pope Francis and Serie A games on Easter Monday called off

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      ALL football matches in Italy have been postponed after the passing of Pope Francis.A Serie A statement confirmed the top flight would postpone all games on Easter Monday.The Serie A has postponed all games after the death of Pope FrancisCredit: APAs confirmed by the Vatican on Monday morning, the late Pope passed away at the age of 88.Four top flight games in Italy were scheduled to commence today, starting with Torino v Udinese at 11:30 UK time.A league statement released shortly after the announcement said: “Following the passing of His Holiness, Lega Nazionale Professionisti Serie A can confirm that today’s league games in Serie A and Primavera 1 have been postponed. “The date of the rearranged fixtures will be announced in due course.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe other top flight games affected by the decision today were Cagliari v Fiorentina, Genoa v Lazio and Parma v Juventus.There were also three games in the Primavera 1 – Italy’s development league – which were also hit by the postponements.It is currently unclear when the games will be rearranged.The late Pope had suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed when he was younger.Most read in FootballHe was admitted to hospital on February 14 for a respiratory issue that developed into double pneumonia.His Holiness had been in hospital for 38 days. The day before his death, he had emerged on Easter Sunday to bless thousands of people in St Peter’s Square in a Popemobile tour.The Vatican statement on Pope Francis’ death said: “At 7:35 this morning (local time), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.” More

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      Man Utd ‘lead race to sign in-demand Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, 25, but sky-high valuation could be an issue’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are leading the race to sign Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, according to reports.The forward has been in fine form this season, finding the net ten times in all competitions.Man Utd lead the race to sign Antoine SemenyoCredit: RexHe is believed to have attracted attention from every Big Six club, with the exception of Arsenal.But it is United who are the frontrunners for his signature, claim Sky Sports.Ruben Amorim is said to be a big admirer of the winger, who joined Bournemouth from Bristol City for £10.5million in January 2023.Now it is understood Semenyo could cost £70m, with the Cherries unlikely to let him go easily.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThat could present an issue for United, although the structure of the deal could include a lower fee with big add-ons.The Red Devils are in need of a forward with Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony all expected to depart on a permanent basis.However Liverpool also need an attacker so could battle United for Semenyo’s signature.Amorim is in desperate need of new recruits after suffering his 13th defeat as boss at home to Wolves.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSCrystal Palace and England star Eberechi Eze is another who has been earmarked for the summer in a potential £50m deal.Aston Villa are also interested in the midfielder and could make Rashford’s loan stay permanent.Ruben Amorim will go all out to secure Europa League glory for Man Utd More

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      Ruud van Nistelrooy drops huge hint over Leicester future after Foxes are relegated back to the Championship

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      RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has dropped a big hint about his future after Leicester were relegated.The Foxes fell to a 1-0 defeat at home to Liverpool courtesy of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s dramatic winner 14 minutes from time.Ruud van Nistelrooy hopes to continue as Leicester boss despite taking them downThat was Leicester’s 23rd Premier League defeat of the season with Van Nistelrooy winning just two of his 21 league matches in charge.Despite his record, Van Nistelrooy is hopeful he will be given the chance to continue in his role and lead the rebuild at the King Power Stadium.He said following Leicester’s relegation: “I’m focused on taking my responsibility to do the best things for the future and next season. “Performances like Brighton and the Liverpool game are signs that the players are willing to do that. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We have to take responsibility and that’s what I’m doing for the next five weeks and after that we have to see.”Van Nistelrooy highlighted the gulf in quality between the three promoted sides and the rest of the division, with Leicester and Southampton set to be joined by Ipswich in the Championship next season.He is still keen on the job however and spoke about coming to an agreement with the owners over staying on.Asked if he wants to continue, Van Nistelrooy said: “Of course. Then you have to find each other.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”The winter window went a certain way and we have to take that into evaluations moving forward.”If we are willing to do so, both sides, then we have to find each other, and of course the sooner the better.”Leicester fans spotted streaming out just 35 minutes into Newcastle clash as hopeless Foxes hurtle towards relegationHe added: “I expected to get more points than I was able to get.”I think there some very good performances and that’s what we’ve said in press conferences and there were games where didn’t perform to our capabilities. “Over 33 games, it’s the level of the three promoted sides – the gap has been too big compared to the other 17 teams – it’s a clear, difference in quality with two teams relegated already and the other one 15 points back with five games – that’s the first conclusion and most important one.” More

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      Argentina legend Hugo Gatti dies aged 80, after ‘complications’ following hip surgery during two-month hospital stay

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      LEGENDARY Argentinian goalkeeper Hugo Gatti has died aged 80, just months after he reportedly suffered complications following surgery.The footballer, nicknamed El Loco or “The Madman” for his outspoken character and eccentric play style, also made more than 350 appearances for Argentinian giants Boca Juniors in an illustrious career.Argentina legend Hugo Gatti has died aged 80Credit: GettyThe goalkeeper was credited with being one of the first to wear gloves and to regularly leave his penalty areaHe made 18 appearances for the Argentinian national team, including at the 1966 World Cup in EnglandCredit: AlamyIt comes just weeks after it was reported Gatti was in intensive care after contracting pneumonia, following surgery undertaken on his hip.The star was operated on after injuring himself in a fall while walking his dog..Tragically, he passed away on Sunday, after more than a month in hospital, sources confirmed to La Nacion.Gatti is credited as one of the first goalkeepers to wear gloves and made 18 appearances for the Argentinian national team.Read More on SportHe was also part of the squad that travelled to England to compete at the 1966 World Cup.The iconic goalkeeper played for both River Plate and Boca Juniors in Argentina after turning professional with Buenos Aires club Atlanta.He holds the record for the most appearances in the Argentine league ever, with 765 games played.Gatti was also credited as being one of the first keepers to regularly leave his penalty area.Most read in FootballAfter retiring, following 13 years at his last club Boca Juniors, he became a TV football pundit.Earlier this year, it was reported how the legendary keeper was being treated in intensive care after contracting pneumonia, following hip surgery.While the 80-year-old’s operation initially went well, a virus he contracted in hospital caused post-op complications.The aftermath and breathing problems that occurred saw Gatti placed in a high-dependency care unit.One of his two sons was already in Argentina, but the other had to return to his homeland after being told Gatti was fighting for his life.It comes less than a year after the goalkeeper lost his wife of more than 50 years, Nacha Nodar.They had married in 1977 and had two children.One of their kids, Lucas, went on to play as a midfielder for Argentinos Juniors, Dundee, and Badajoz.Lucas was appointed U23 manager at League Two side Bromley after hanging up his boots in 2022.Read More on The SunThe 47-year-old coach also managed Serie D side Olbia in Italy for a month last year.Argentina legend Gatti made headlines in 2019 after he claimed Lionel Messi would need to leave Barcelona and join Real Madrid to prove he was truly the greatest of all time.Gatti made more than 350 appearances for Boca Juniors during his careerCredit: AlamyThe goalkeeper was hospitalised earlier this year after suffering from ‘complications’ following surgeryCredit: GettyHe played his last match in 1988Credit: AFP More

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      Nicky Butt seen for the first time since accepting a police caution for head-butting a guard at his 50th party

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      NICKY Butt is pictured for the first time since accepting a police caution for head-butting a guard at his 50th party.The ex-England player was seen in Manchester, a day after we broke the story.Nicky Butt is pictured for the first time since accepting a police caution for head-butting a guard at his 50th partyCredit: ZenpixThe ex-England player was seen in Manchester, a day after we broke the storyCredit: ZenpixThe Sun revealed in January that the guard was treated for a suspected broken nose.He accepted the criminal sanction for actual bodily harm over the attack at Soho Farmhouse near Great Tew, Oxfordshire.The former Manchester United star also agreed to donate to charity.He had snapped and attacked the security guard during a seven-hour bash on January 24.Read More on FootballTrouble erupted between 7pm and 8pm after the ex-midfielder left the bar for a courtyard.The guard was said to have seen Butt relieving himself against a wall.A row developed and sources said Butt lashed out in a fury.The guard was treated in hospital for facial injuries amid fears of a broken nose.Most read in FootballA source said previously: “There was blood everywhere. People were shocked as the guard came inside with his face a mess. It ruined a lovely day.”The guard took time off work but later returned.Man Utd star Nicky Butt’s 50th party at centre of police probe after ‘head-butt’ left security guard with ‘broken nose’Butt accepted a caution for actual bodily harm over the attack at Soho Farmhouse, OxfordshireCredit: Zenpix More