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      Transfer tips for Gameweek 31: Mikel Merino and other overlooked players who could capitalise on double headers

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      DREAM TEAM managers will need to make a final decision on their transfers for Gameweek 31 before Saturday’s 11am deadline.As always, the focus is on the double headers with the following seven teams set to play twice: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Manchester United, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Newcastle.Before we recommend some underrated differentials, let’s make it abundantly clear that the obvious star names attached to the aforementioned clubs should be the top priorities, in particular: Cole Palmer (£5.4m), Bruno Fernandes (£7m), Alexander Isak (£6.2m) and Morgan Rogers (£4.2m).Not bad for Plan BCredit: Dream TeamMikel Merino (£4.4m)Bukayo Saka (£6.6m) should also be considered a high priority if he’s passed fit – the Arsenal winger limped off against Real Madrid in the week.As did free-kick hero Declan Rice (£4.5m), who is also a good option when available.We’re choosing to shine a spotlight on Merino as his ownership remains a modest 1.2% despite the fact he’s banked 75 points in his last ten outings.Categorised as a midfielder in Dream Team, the Spaniard has been deployed as a makeshift striker lately in response to an injury crisis.And Mikel Arteta could not have wished for better results as Merino has scored six goals at a rate of one every 132 minutes since tasked with leading the line.Gaffers who recruit the 28-year-old essentially add an extra forward to their XI – a sneaky yet perfectly legitimate trick.Jacob Murphy (£3.8m)Murphy cashed in against LeicesterCredit: ReutersA rare double Gameweek for Newcastle opens up other possibilities for Dream Team bosses.Most read in FootballIsak is rightly the first port of call but with the Magpies having the luxury of back-to-back home games it wouldn’t be overkill to double up on attacking threats.Murphy bagged a brace against the Foxes last time out for a season-best return of 16 points.More broadly, the long-serving winger has contributed ten goal involvements in his last 16 games.Statistically one of the most in-form midfielders in the game, Murphy (1.3% ownership) has to be considered a tempting differential ahead of Man United and Crystal Palace’s visits to St James’ Park.Jean-Philippe Mateta (£4.3m)A real threatCredit: GettyPalace are one of just three teams with four fixtures to fulfil across the next two Gameweeks and only Liverpool have earned more points in the Premier League this calendar year.Simply put, it’s a great time to back the Eagles.We’ve tipped Daniel Munoz (£5.4m) and Eberechi Eze (£4.7m) a lot in recent weeks and the pair are relatively popular, justifiably so.But Mateta’s ownership of 3.9% seems a tad low for a striker who has scored nine goals in his last 13 appearances.Granted, his upcoming double header of Manchester City and Newcastle is a tricky one on paper but he’s among the most in-form finishers in the top flight at present.Youri Tielemans (£3.9m)Bonus ballCredit: RexPredicting Unai Emery’s starting line-up against Southampton this weekend is no easy feat.Aston Villa are 3-1 down on aggregate to PSG in the Champions League quarter-finals with the second leg to come on Tuesday night.It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Villains rested key players against an already-relegated Saints outfit with a view to throwing everything at the French giants.That being said, Tielemans has been virtually rotation-proof all season long having started every game in the league and Europe.The Belgian midfielder leads Dream Team for bonus points right now with 49 to his name.Read More on The SunA 15-point haul in Gameweek 30 (via two assists) has reminded Dream Team bosses of his credentials.Rogers is undoubtedly first in the pecking order but doubling up on Villa midfielders is a viable strategy this month.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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      Chelsea striker search ‘hits rocks with Todd Boehly and co offering lower salaries than BOTTOM HALF clubs’

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      CHELSEA are rigorously searching for a new striker ahead of the summer transfer window.However reports suggest they face a struggle to sign an elite bagsman. Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly may not be able to compete in the summer market in terms of wagesCredit: GettyChelsea boss Enzo Maresca needs a new striker this summerCredit: AlamyNicolas Jackson is Chelsea’s starting strikerCredit: RexThe Blues have been turning to Nicolas Jackson as their preferrred centre-forward, with the 23-year-old amassing nine goals and five assists in 26 appearances this season.However, the West Londoners are seeking an elite hitman – especially with Christopher Nkunku heading towards the exit door.Sky Sports have reported links with Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Lille’s Jonathan David.But all of the above have also been linked with some of Europe’s biggest hitters, including Premier League rivals.Read More on ChelseaAnd according to The Mail, Chelsea may not be able to directly compete in terms of wages.The same source claims one of the London giants’ targets opted against a move to Stamford Bridge as he was left dissatisfied with the salary on offer.In fact, as per the same report, the player in question found out that there are higher financial prospects at other Prem clubs – including one in the BOTTOM HALF of the table.The player’s agent told Confidential: “Chelsea don’t pay salaries.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDespite the report, some indications suggest Chelsea are capable of offering enticing salaries.After all, Enzo Maresca’s side are pushing for Champions League qualification and that alone would boost income and any potential new salaries.Chelsea’s £115m ace Moises Caicedo has £160k Audi seized by cops after driving without valid licence near training groundChelsea have been splashing enormous sums ever since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital succeeded Roman Abramovich at the helm in the summer of 2022.Staggering findings by the annual European Club Finance and Investment Landscape report – commissioned by Uefa – showed the Blues had the most expensive squad ever in terms of transfer fees in 2024.By the end of the financial year, the West Londoners had racked up a combined transfer cost of a whopping €1.7billion (£1.5bn).And Chelsea spent about £220million during this past summer transfer window alone.But Chelsea need an elite striker, especially with Christopher Nkunku leavingCredit: Getty More

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      Europa League stadium buried under snow just hours before kick-off in quarter-final

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      A EUROPA LEAGUE stadium was buried in snow just hours before kick-off in the quarter-final.Bodo/Glimt host Lazio in their crunch clash in northern Norway – with a 5.45pm UK time start.Bodo/Glimt’s pitch was covered in snow on Thursday morningCredit: X @JanAageFjortoftThe stadium will play host to a Europa League quarter-finalCredit: X @JanAageFjortoftHowever, on the morning of the match, the entire pitch, hoardings, stands and surrounding area were completely covered in thick snow. A video posted by Norwegian footballer-turned-pundit Jan Aage Fjortoft showed the extent of the snow.The clip panned across from the corner of the 8,270-seater Aspmyra Stadion, with multiple inches of snow piled up on the pitch and footprints from a nearby TV truck. Fjortoft joked: “Welcome to Bodo, Lazio. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”This morning…”Temperatures in Bodo are set to hover around freezing for the first leg of the quarter-final.And snow is forecasted, too.But fans need not be alarmed of the Europa League match being called off.Most read in Europa LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat is because Bodo/Glimt’s pitch is made of artificial turf and has under-soil heating.And the team of groundstaff were hard at work with tractors and snow ploughs to wipe the playing surface clear.Gary Neville frantically shovels snow back ON to pitch as fans say Man Utd icon ‘doing his best to get match called off’So the game should not face any issues. Lazio finished top of the league phase of the competition and beat Viktoria Plzen in the last 16, while Bodo/Glimt saw off Olympiacos.The winners of this quarter-final will face either Tottenham or Eintracht Frankfurt for a place in May’s final in Bilbao. Tractors and snow ploughs helped clear the pitchCredit: GettyThe game will go ahead as plannedCredit: GettyBodo/Glimt or Lazio will face Tottenham or Eintracht Frankfurt in the semisCredit: Getty More

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      ‘We would love it’ – Ryan Gravenberch’s agent in come-and-get-me plea to Real Madrid in latest Liverpool transfer blow

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      RYAN GRAVENBERCH’S agent has issued an incredible come-and-get-me plea to Real Madrid in a fresh transfer blow for Liverpool.The Reds are already reeling from the knowledge Trent Alexander-Arnold is almost certain to walk away for free to join Los Blancos.Ryan Gravenberch’s agent has issued an apparent come-and-get-me plea to Real MadridCredit: GettyTrent Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summerCredit: GettyThe Spanish giants – who lost 3-0 to Arsenal in their Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday – have also expressed an interest in Ibrahima Konate.And then there’s the contract saga surrounding Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah – both of whom are free agents come July 1, although it’s believed progress has been made to keep them at Anfield.But now, 22-year-old Gravenberch – a surprise standout star in Arne Slot’s champions-elect – could be on his way too.The Dutch midfielder’s agent, Jose Rodriguez, has claimed ” we would love him to join Real Madrid”.READ MORE SPORT STORIESRodriguez told Marca: “When Ryan was 16, Barca called us. They wanted to sign him, but his father and I prioritised his development.”At Ajax, he was able to develop in a way that he possibly wouldn’t have at Barca.”Fast forward to 2025, and Rodriguez continued: “He’s good enough for Real Madrid.”We would love for him to play for them.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHowever, the Kop faithful can breathe a sigh of relief, with Rodriguez suggesting the move won’t materialise this year.He added: “Liverpool would ask for a lot of money. I know Real have had their eye on him, but now it’s impossible.”Dominik Szoboszlai looks horrified as statue of himself that ‘looks like my a turned inside out’ is unveiledLiverpool fans reacted in disgust with one even calling him “disrespectful”.However, Rodriguez allayed their fears by adding: “I’m Spanish, it’s my dream club, not the dream club of Ryan.”He is really, really happy, and if you ask Ryan, he will agree with you, no stress, keep calm.”Gravenberch has been a key part of Liverpool’s energetic midfield three this season, largely alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.The 18-cap Holland international – who joined from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023 for a pinch at just £34.2million – was largely a role player under Jurgen Klopp.But after Liverpool failed in their pursuit of Martin Zubimendi last summer, Slot moved Gravenberch from a more attacking role to a No6.And his red-hot form has seen him become one of the Premier League’s biggest revelations this term, with the Reds – expected to endure a rebuilding year – runaway leaders, 11 points clear of Arsenal, with just seven games to play.Liverpool next take on West Ham on Sunday as they look to tighten their grip on just their second Premier League title – and 20th top-flight crown, which would see them go level with fierce rivals Manchester United.Meanwhile, Real are chasing a new-look defence.Read More on The SunIn addition to Alexander-Arnold and considering a swoop for Konate, Los Blancos are hoping to sign Bournemouth ace Dean Huijsen just a year after he moved to England from Roma.Tottenham star Micky van de Ven’s agent has also come out and claimed “one day play he’ll for a big club like Real Madrid”, in a blow to Spurs. More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo launches new side hustle as Man Utd legend joins forces with Hollywood A-lister

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has announced that he is moving into the film industry.The Portuguese legend continues to broaden his business portfolio off the pitch, with the former Manchester Unitedand Real Madrid forward now 40 years of age. Ronaldo has decided that he wants a crack at the film industryCredit: Getty Images – GettyRonaldo has enlisted the assistance of Matthew Vaughn, pictured here with his wife Claudia Schiffer, to help him make waves in HollywoodCredit: Getty – ContributorThe Al-Nassr man, who has won six Ballon D’Ors, has previously been touted by Forbes as the best paid footballer on the planet. He ranked second in Forbes’ highest-paid sports figures list in the last decade, beaten only by Floyd Mayweather Jr.He topped those rankings in 2016, becoming the first footballer to do so, and a year later, he was at the top once more after accruing earnings of $93million.Now, in a statement released on X, Ronaldo has announced a stunning partnership with Matthew Vaughn, the renowned British filmmaker, whose best works include the 2004 hit Layer Cake, Stardust, and the Kingsman series.Read more FootballIt has been revealed that Ronaldo and Vaughn will start up their own film studio, called “UV Marv”.The statement called Ronaldo and Vaughn “disruptive champions of their game”, with the pair joining forces to produce three films. The first two, as per the statement, have been completed, and release dates are set to be announced, with Ronaldo captioning his statement post with a “Coming soon…” tease.The third, part of a trilogy, is set to start production soon.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSRonaldo has been a highly-marketable figure throughout his career, linking up with countless companies in multi-million dollar partnerships. His most notable is with Nike, who developed his own CR7 range of their Nike Mercurial boot, as well as donning shirts and shorts with the recognisable trademark. Prince William on recreating Ronaldo’s goal celebration in his garden as he builds ‘Perfect Footballer’Ronaldo also has partnerships with Tag Heuer, Armani, Clear Shampoo, Herbalife, as well as cryptocurrency companies Binance and Garena Free Fire. The star has his own “CR7” brand, comprising fragrances and underwear, as well as dabbling in foot and eyewear. He decided to pursue a hotel partnership with the Pestana Hotel Group in 2016, and at the time of writing, Ronaldo owns five hotels, in Funchal, Madeira, and Lisbon – the inaugural hotels – before adding others in Madrid and Marrakesh, with plans for another in Paris.Ronaldo, as an advocate for physical health, also moved into the fitness market, with CR7 Fitness by Crunch, a gym network across the Iberian peninsula. He also invested in the Madrid hair transplant clinic Insparya, which now has locations across Spain and Portugal.He invested in an online watch market – chrono24 – in 2023, and he bought a 10 per cent stake in porcelain company Vista Alegre Atlantis.Ronaldo additionally bought huge shares within the Portuguese media industry, purchasing a large proportion of Medialivre, a huge Portuguese media company, as well as having shares in outlets such as Jornal de Negócios and Correio da Manhã to help bolster his image.Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo revealed his new Nike bootsCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskThe six-time Ballon D’Or winner has been named Forbes’ highest paid sportsperson twiceCredit: Getty More

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      Jude Bellingham ‘applauded as Real Madrid star makes rousing comeback speech in dressing room after Arsenal horror show’

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM was reportedly applauded in the Real Madrid dressing room after a rousing speech.The reigning Champions League holders were stunned in the first leg of their quarter-final with Arsenal.Real Madrid were stunned and lost the first leg against Arsenal 3-0Credit: AlamyJude Bellingham was one of the players to do a speech in the dressing room after the defeatCredit: GettyDeclan Rice’s pair of magical free-kicks and Mikel Merino’s superb finish gave the Gunners a shock 3-0 lead at the midway point of the tie. Los Blancos have NEVER overturned a three-goal deficit in a Champions League knockout tie.But Bellingham is refusing to give up on a spectacular comeback at the Bernabeu next Wednesday.According to El Chiringuito TV, the English midfielder was one of a number of senior players who addressed the squad in the angry away dressing room at the Emirates.READ MORE ON JUDE BELLINGHAMBellingham, Fede Valverde, Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe all took the floor to try and rouse the team – who responded with rapturous applause.As per the TV station, Valverde’s motivational speech centred on the pride of playing and fighting for Real Madrid and the club’s rich history as 15-time Kings of Europe.The Uruguayan midfielder allegedly said: “What happened to us? This can’t happen.”We have 90 minutes more and we have to show that we are Real Madrid.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”We have 15 Champions Leagues.”We need to score in the first 15 minutes. Thierry Henry’s blunt six-word statement to Kylian Mbappe before Arsenal’s incredible win over Real Madrid”If we score in the first 15 minutes we will win.”He finished the speech by proudly declaring: “We will come back!”And that sparked more vociferous reactions from his team-mates. Tensions were clearly running high as Real’s latest defence of the Champions League threatened to go up in smoke in the first leg.Even at 0-0, Bellingham appeared to have a heated exchange with Carlo Ancelotti – seemingly shaking his head and flapping his arms in response to his manager’s instructions.But despite the heavy advantage, Arsenal know they still have work to do to reach the semi-finals. William Saliba is wary of Madrid’s status as the crazy comeback kings on their own patch – and told Arsenal to fight fire with fire in one of Europe’s greatest arenas.He said: “We are not scared. We want to go there and win the game.Read More on The Sun“We cannot defend the whole game. We won 3-0 but we know it is not finished. There are a lot of things that can happen.“It was incredible because to win in a quarter-final like this against Madrid, in front of our fans, is amazing. But now we have to do it again next week.”Fede Valverde did the bulk of the motivating to try and inspire a comebackCredit: GettyDeclan Rice and Mikel Merino have put the Gunners in commandCredit: GettyArsenal ratings vs Real Madrid as Declan Rice’s free-kick thunderbolts earn him an ELEVEN out of 10BEND it like Beckham? More like bend it like Declan…It was a set-piece clinic from the Arsenal midfielder as he scored the first free-kicks of his career against Real Madrid – and the first player in Champions League history to score multiple direct free-kicks in the same knockout stage game.Thibaut Courtois was on hand to save Real Madrid in a fast paced first half as he pulled off a fine double save to deny a Rice header and a follow-up effort from Gabriel Martinelli.The deadlock was finally broken in the 58th minute as England star Rice whipped in a sensational free-kick.Rice then sent the Emirates into the stratosphere with as he added a second with an even better free-kick from the left side of the goal which he rifled into the top right corner.Mikel Merino then swept a devastating third into the bottom corner from a low cross to put the cherry on a remarkable night.Rice’s epic showing was enough to earn him an unprecedented ELEVEN in our player ratings.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the rest of the Gunners… More

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      ‘He told me to go’ – Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen drops Real Madrid transfer hint as release clause emerges

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      DEAN HUIJSEN dropped a major Real Madrid transfer hint while revealing a release clause in his Bournemouth contract.The 6ft 6in centre-back, 19, has emerged as a key player for Andoni Iraola following last summer’s initial £12.8million move from Juventus.Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen has dropped a major hint over transfer links with Real MadridCredit: RexHuijsen has clocked up 25 Premier League appearances as Bournemouth push for a European finish.And his incredible debut season has seen him become one of the top defensive prospects around.Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle have all been linked with moves for Huijsen.But the newly-capped Spain international is also on the shortlist of Real Madrid.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey are already close to wrapping up a free transfer for Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.And Huijsen could now be set to join him in LaLiga this summer after dropping a major transfer hint.Speaking to Spanish outlet El Chiringuito TV, Huijsen hailed Real as a “big team” while admitting he wants to play at the highest level.The teen also name-checked Real legend Sergio Ramos as his icon growing up.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd Huijsen even confirmed that his Bournemouth contract contains a release clause – although he refused to reveal the exact figure amid reports of a £50million trigger.Revealing that a friend has been showing him stories linking him to Real Madrid, Huijsen said: “One of my close friends sent me a story about Real. He told me to go to Madrid! Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen couldn’t be happier being nominated for Premier League player of the month “I don’t know, we’ll see. It’s a big team. Every player wants to play at the maximum level possible.“I have a contract until 2030, I do have a clause.“(Idol?) Ramos, since I was young. (Ancelotti?) He is a very good coach. He’s not at Madrid for nothing, he has his merit.” More

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      Aston Villa to go head-to-head with PSG in Marcus Rashford transfer battle with Unai Emery desperate to sign Man Utd ace

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      ASTON VILLA are set to go head to head with Paris Saint-Germain this summer in a battle for Marcus Rashford.Sun Sport can reveal the Premier League side want to make the current loan arrangement they have with the England star a permanent switch.Aston Villa are set to face Paris Saint-Germain this summer in a battle for Marcus RashfordManchester United loanee Rashford came very close to joining PSG in 2022Credit: GettyManager Unai Emery has told Villa chiefs he’s confident the Manchester United forward’s head is in the right place and that signing him would help take the club to the next level.The big issue will be Rashford’s salary but Villa hope he could be persuaded to take a drop in his wages in order to secure a move that will help resurrect his career with the club and England.Emery – who took a risk by signing Rashford – rates him very highly.So highly in fact that Villa sources said he’d be prepared to make him their main striker should Ollie Watkins leave over the summer.Read More on FootballWatkins has been constantly linked with a move away from Villa Park, with Arsenal remaining very keen on the player.Rashford almost joined PSG before his loan move to the Villans and is still in talks with the French side who Rashford and Co lost 3-1 to in Paris in the first leg of their Champions League quarter final last night. According to L’Equipe, the versatile forward came extremely close to a transfer to Paris in the summer of 2022.In fact, the Parisians wanted the England international to come in and replace Neymar in the starting line-up.Most read in FootballAt least three meetings took place between the club and the Man Utd star’s entourage.Talks went so well with then sporting director Leonardo that the 27-year-old gave the “green light” for a move to Ligue 1.’That was missing’ – Brutally blunt Thomas Tuchel reveals disappointment in Rashford and Foden’s England performancesHowever, a deal fell apart in May of that year after PSG axed Leonardo and there is a strong feeling that if the Brazilian chief had stayed then Rashford would be playing for the French champions.Nevertheless, the same source reports talks have been been revived between Rashford and Leonardo’s replacement Luis Campos.Villa, who were watched by Prince William and his son George in Paris last night, will host PSG next Tuesday in the second leg of the tie.Wills and George cheer as Villa go a goal up in Paris in the first leg More