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      EFL play-off semi-final moved due to fixture clash with Premier League club 120 miles away

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      AN EFL play-off semi-final has had its date changed due to a fixture clash with a Premier League game.The top-flight affair takes place 120 miles north of the play-off match, but the Premier League has taken priority in the scheduling pecking order. Lloyd Jones opened the scoring in Charlton’s 4-0 win over Wycombe in April – their play-off game has been movedCredit: AlamyMorgan Gibbs-White and Forest need to beat Leicester to aid their Champions League pushCredit: PAThe EFL clubs in question are Wycombe Wanderers and Charlton Athletic, with the pair set to meet in the League One promotion lottery. Wycombe will host the first leg at Adams Park, and were supposed to kick off at 7.45pm on Saturday. May 10, but that has since been changed. The reason for that is that Nottingham Forest play east Midlands rivals Leicester City the day after and crucially, Forest’s city rivals Notts County are set to face AFC Wimbledon in the League Two play-offs that same day.Both games were scheduled for the same day in Nottingham, and as a result, County’s game – which was supposed to kick off at 6.30pm on Sunday, May 11 – has now been moved to the Saturday, swapping with Wycombe’s clash with Charlton. Read more footballAs such, Mike Dodds’ side will now take the 6.30pm kick-off on Sunday, with Notts to face Wimbledon on Saturday evening at 8pm at Meadow Lane. Forest kick off against Leicester at 2.15pm on Sunday at the City Ground as they look to turn around their lapse in form in their hunt for Champions League qualification.Nuno Espirito Santo’s side fell out of the top five in the Premier League table with home defeats by Manchester City and Brentford, and they were held to a 1-1 draw by Crystal Palace on Monday night.They sit sixth with three games to play, two points off fifth-placed Chelsea, who beat champions Liverpool 3-1 on Sunday. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIt will be the first time ever that the Chairboys and the Addicks have played each other in play-offs. Nathan Jones’ south east Londoners did the double over the Buckinghamshire side in the regular season, thrashing them 4-0 at Adams Park in the third-last game of the campaign. Enzo Fernandez and Noni Madueke lead Chelsea’s dressing room celebrations after win over LiverpoolAt The Valley, they scraped a 2-1 victory thanks to a double from Miles Leaburn. More

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      Anthony Joshua in talks over ‘serious investment’ in former Premier League club as boxer looks for new business venture

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has revealed he’s on course to punch a serious investment in Watford.The former two-time unified heavyweight champion, who has earned over £219MILLION in his boxing career, grew up in the town and has given back to the community through his Clean Herts Community initiative over the years.Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua grew up in WatfordCredit: ACTION IMAGESAJ has given back to the local community over the years through his Clearn Herts Community initiativeThe London 2012 Gold medallist now wants to invest in Watford Football ClubCredit: GETTYBut the Watford warrior, 35, now wants to use his millions in the bank to help get the Hornets buzzing again.He told SecondsOut: “We wanted to move into private equity, venture capital funds.”As you earn, naturally, you want to save.”So rather than me spending recklessly I’m trying to invest money into certain asset classes and that was an opportunity that presented itself.READ MORE BOXING NEWS“Nothing’s come of it yet. It’s a serious investment. If it comes off it’s one that should do well.“If they went back to the Premier League, then I’d need to get a shop on Market Street because the traffic that would be coming through Watford would be phenomenal.“If we don’t do it then good luck to them anyway because they’re a great team.”Watford ended the Championship season in 14th place, a whopping 11 points off the final play-off place.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAJ would love to be an investor at Vicarage RoadCredit: GettyJoshua has been on the sidelines since his crushing fifth-round KO defeat to Daniel Dubois in their Wembley war last September.AJ is currently eyeing a long-overdue Battle of Britain with rival Tyson Fury, who recently performed a public U-turn on his latest retirement.Eddie Hearn provides update on Anthony Joshua’s injury and Tyson Fury fightBut their mammoth domestic dust-up won’t take place any time soon as Joshua is set to go under the knife in the coming weeks to address a long-standing elbow injury.When quizzed about his ring return, he told DAZN: “I’m trying to get my body right.”I have got to actually have a little surgery on my elbow.”A small surgery sometime in May. I’m finalising the details.”That will see me out of the gym for maybe six to eight weeks, and then when I’m healed, I will be back.” More

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      Chelsea vs Man Utd clash MOVED as a result of Aston Villa and Tottenham’s new fixture

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      CHELSEA’S clash against Manchester United has been moved as a result of rivals Tottenham.The Blues had been set for a crunch clash against Ruben Amorim’s men on Friday May 16, with an 8pm start time.Chelsea vs Man United has been given a new kick-off timeCredit: AlamyHowever, it has now been given a new kick-off after Spurs saw their upcoming game with Aston Villa moved to the same day.Ange Postecoglou’s men were eager to switch their Sunday May 18 clash to a new date, with the Europa League final on Wednesday May 21.Tottenham are virtually there after securing a 3-1 win over Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of their semi-final.Spurs look destined to play United, who are 3-0 up against Bilbao.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd to make things fair, Tottenham’s Villa clash will now also take place on Friday May 16.The match, which takes place in the Midlands, will start at 7.30pm.But that has had a knock-on effect with United’s trip to Chelsea that same evening.It was originally due to commence at 8pm.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHowever, it will now start at 8.15pm instead to even out the gap in scheduling.And fans are now set to be treated to a bumper night of Premier League action, with both games being broadcast on Sky Sports.Should they both make it to the Europa League final, United and Spurs may decide to rest several key figures.That would be a boost for both Chelsea and Villa, who remain locked in a race for the final Champions League spots.The Blues currently occupy the fifth and final place, three points ahead of seventh-place Villa.But as well as United, Enzo Maresca’s men still have to face fourth-place Newcastle.And they end their campaign with a trip to sixth-place Nottingham Forest in a potential winner-takes-all clash. More

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      Man Utd ‘hold talks with long-term transfer target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s brother in shock move’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED might finally sign Milinkovic-Savic – but not the ones fans might expect.The Red Devils have courted Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, currently plying his trade in Saudi Arabia, since Jose Mourinho was in the dugout at Old Trafford.Vanja (top row, left) and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (top row, second right) are both Serbian internationalsCredit: EPASergej has been on Man Utd’s radar for yearsCredit: GettyThe Serbian midfielder, who grew his reputation at Lazio, left the Serie A outfit in 2023 to join Al-Hilal.The 30-year-old has played 26 times in the Saudi Pro League this term, scoring 10 goals to leave Al-Hilal second in the table, six points off league leaders Al-Ittihad.And, while that form suggests he could still do a job at struggling United, it’s his BROTHER the Red Devils are reportedly keeping tabs on.Vanja, 28, plays as a goalkeeper for Torino, and he has featured 34 times this term in the Italian top flight. READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSHe’s even faced his brother numerous times in his career.Now, after all those years of pursuing Sergej, it appears that United have pivoted to his brother, to at least get one Milinkovic-Savic into their ranks.Vanja’s contract at Torino has one more year to run, expiring in 2026, and, according to Matteo Moretto and Fabrizio Romano, United have held “exploratory contacts” with the Spanish-born Serb.Interestingly, the potential move could see Vanja REJOIN United, after the Serb initially agreed to sign for the Red Devils back in 2014.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKUnited announced the capture of the ‘keeper for €1.75 million from Serbian side FK Vojvodina. Milinkovic-Savic, who stands at a towering 6’8″, was technically on United’s books for 18 months before departing, not playing a single game for the club.Inside Leeds stars’ wild title celebrations as Bamford and Ampadu ‘leave Burnley fanbase in meltdown’ with karaoke songThe reason for that? He couldn’t obtain a work permit that would allow him to play.As a result, he continued to live in the Serbian capital Belgrade during his time contracted to the English club, and he trained with other clubs locally to him to maintain his match fitness. He joined Polish club Lechia in November 2015 to end his nightmare spell at Old Trafford.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordHe moved to his current side Torino in January 2017 and has been there since. It’s fair to say that there were mixed emotions from United fans on social media when they learned of their club’s interest in Milinkovic-Savic. One joked: “We might be signing a Milinković-Savić after all,”, while another admitted that he had “never heard of him before”. Another tweeted: “Bringgggggg! Even my granny is better than Onana and Bayindir”. More

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      Moment Ronaldo staggers out of restaurant and is helped into car under sheet with his football club’s fans left fuming

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      RONALDO stumbled out of a restaurant before being bundled undercover into a waiting car, leaving fans of his relegated Spanish club furious.The legendary Brazil striker looked unsteady on his feet and appeared to slur his words as he left the Madrid eatery while fans waiting outside shouted his name.Ronaldo staggered out of a Madrid restaurantCredit: instagramFans were furious as it comes against the backdrop of Real Valladolid’s relegationCredit: instagramHe was shielded by a white sheet and bundled into a carCredit: instagramInstead of signing autographs, two-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo, 48, made a beeline for a chauffeur-driven vehicle parked outside.He was helped to the car under a white sheet then covered his face with his hand as he took a breather slumped on the back seat.The star’s striking exit sparked a backlash among Real Valladolid fans.They have made owner Ronaldo public enemy No1 after his failure to show his face at the team’s home stadium since the opening match of the season last August.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Real Valladolid Supporters Club Federation demanded Ronaldo – who watched Jack Draper in the Madrid Open tennis final on Sunday – sells the club following his weekend antics.They wrote on X, accompanying the footage from the restaurant: “This is the current president and maximum shareholder of Real Valladolid.“This video, apparently taken yesterday on the day the club he owns made history by losing eight consecutive matches for the first time in its almost 100 years of history, is doing the rounds on social media.“This is his legacy and what he cares about.Most read in Football“Let his image be seen around the world, our Real Valladolid is not dying, it is being killed and every day that goes by without a sale, the deeper the hole gets.”Leading local newspaper Diario de Valladolid said: “Ronaldo spotted in a bad way at the exit of a restaurant in Madrid.Ronaldo reveals cult hero Real Madrid team-mate was ‘very bad’ before turning to poker “The Real Valladolid president left it with problems and had to be helped by his companions.”Some diehard fans sought to defend him, though.In response to suggestions Ronaldo was “happier than usual”, one replied: “So what? How many of you who have done nothing in your life do the same?“Leave him alone.“Everyone is free to do what they want, stop judging others. He was a great player.”Another added: “He’s not driving, he’s being driven. He spends his own money and doesn’t ask for borrowed cash.“He’s already retired and he’s not playing tomorrow, so who does he have to explain himself to?”’NOT A GOOD IMAGE’But a third fan commented: “Most of us have found ourselves at one time or another in the same state as Ronaldo but if you think about the situation of the club he bought it’s not a good image.“The club has already been relegated to the second division and he’s one of the people responsible.”Angry Real Valladolid supporters threw fake €500 notes with Ronaldo’s face on them on to the pitch on Saturday during the team’s home match against Barcelona as they begged him to sell up.They also chanted “Ronaldo go home” in a 12th-minute protest which took place while the team were winning 1-0.Barcelona, though, scored twice early in the second half to win 2-1 and take another step closer to the Treble.Recent reports claimed the sale of Real Valladolid appeared to be reaching its final stages after the Brazilian signed a pre-agreement to transfer ownership.Read More on The SunBut a confidentiality clause prevented further details from being disclosed until later this month.Ronaldo has yet to comment on the video footage of him leaving the Madrid restaurant on his social media.Real Valladolid fans protested against Ronaldo’s ownershipCredit: GettyFake €500 notes were distributed for Saturday’s defeat to BarcelonaCredit: ReutersRonaldo has not been to a home game since August – but watched Jack Draper in the Madrid Open tennis finalCredit: Getty More

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      Inside Leeds stars’ wild title celebrations as Bamford and Ampadu ‘leave Burnley fanbase in meltdown’ with karaoke song

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      LEEDS toasted their Championship title with wild celebrations as two stars left Burnley “in meltdown” with a cheeky karaoke song.Daniel Farke pipped Scott Parker to top spot on goal difference thanks to a 91st minute winner at Plymouth on Saturday.Leeds toasted their Championship title celebrations with a raucous partyCredit: X @LUFCPatrick Bamford led the way on a special karaoke nightCredit: X @LUFCLeeds teased Burnley after pipping them to the titleCredit: X @LUFCThey sang ‘Unwritten’ after Natasha Bedingfield performed the hit at Turf MoorCredit: RexAnd Leeds celebrated their latest second-tier triumph with a parade around the city on Monday.Thousands of supporters turned up to cheer on their side ahead of next season’s Premier League return.But Leeds players continued to party into the night.And they gave Burnley a taste of their own medicine with a karaoke version of Natasha Bedingfield’s hit song ‘Unwritten’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe pop star sang the chart-topping tune live on the Turf Moor pitch following Burnley’s final-day victory over Millwall.The Clarets had been set to clinch the Championship title before Manor Solomon’s last-gasp Leeds winner.And the Lillywhites rubbed salt in the wound as Ethan Ampadu and Patrick Bamford sang ‘Unwritten’ at an afterparty with friends and family.Fans were quick to react, with one saying: “One song for the Burnley fanbase in meltdown.”Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnother declared: “Let them enjoy themselves.”While Ampadu himself added: “OK I know I have a sore head right now. Me and Pat actually sang this song together in pre-season.”Burnley stars serenaded by chart-topping Noughties legend in surprise scenesLargie Ramazani had a dance to High School MusicalCredit: XThere were chants of ‘Champions again, ole, ole’Credit: X @LUFCBamford got his guitar out as he sang with fansCredit: X @LUFCIt was a night to remember for the LilywhitesCredit: X @LUFCMeanwhile, Belgian winger Largie Ramazani got in the party mood with a karaoke rendition of ‘We’re all in this together’ from High School Musical.He led a jubilant singalong as pals danced around him.And there was even a spot of guitar-playing from Bamford, who performed ‘Wagon Wheel’ by Darius Rucker alongside some fans.Finally, Leeds star led a chant of ‘Champions again ole, ole’ to toast their success after chairman Paraag Marathe confirmed that Farke will stay on as manager.He said: “I’m very excited to run it back with Daniel and collaborate with him.“I’m under no illusions that it is going to be easy. The past two seasons, the three promoted teams came straight back down but we have something they don’t have.“We have Daniel Farke first of all. I have ended the speculation. He is my man.”Leeds boss Daniel Farke and his players salute the crowdsCredit: AlamyLeeds fans partied hard in the city after the triumphCredit: AlamyThere are sure to be plenty of sore heads about this morningCredit: X @LUFCThe party got started after a trophy parade in the cityCredit: X @LUFCLeeds are hoping to show their worth in the top flight againCredit: X @LUFCLeeds players will now enjoy a break before returning to the Premier LeagueCredit: X More

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      ‘One of the best things I’ve ever seen’ – Frank Lampard stunned as Coventry star hits 180 with first-ever three darts

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      FRANK LAMPARD was blown away by Tatsuhiro Sakamoto’s incredible piece of darts wizardry in his first try EVER.The midfielder sent his Coventry team-mates into a state of pandemonium by somehow hitting a 180 with the first three darts he’d thrown in his life.Tatsuhiro Sakamoto is a beloved figure among his Coventry City team-matesCredit: GETTYThe Japanese midfielder stunned them by throwing an incredible 180 with his first three dartsThe 28-year-old was mobbed by his team-mates – who couldn’t quite believe their eyesCredit: X@COVENTRYCITYSky Blues gaffer Frank Lampard was equally as amazed by Sakamoto’s piece of wizardryThe Japanese midfielder achieved the incredible feat on a dartboard in the Sky Blues’ dressing room. The 28-year-old was mobbed by his team-mates after his masterstroke, which Coventry gaffer Lampard was in awe of. The former Chelsea and England star said: “Tatsuhiro hit a 180 and he doesn’t play and hasn’t practised.”It was amazing.” READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSakamoto’s incredible piece of skill was witnessed by team-mate Jake Bidwell, who was equally as astounded as Lampard.He said: “[Jamie] Paterson is the oldest player in the dressing room now and he said it is one of the best things he has ever seen in football.”That tells you all you need to know.”He hit two in and then he’s got nervous so he stepped back. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTatsuhiro Sakamoto has been a shining light for Frank Lampard’s Coventry City this seasonCredit: GETTY”And then I think it took him about two minutes to throw the last one. “It went in and the place went up. Frank Lampard tipped for England job as former Premier League manager Chris Wilder says ‘it just shines through’ “For someone of Pato’s experience to say it is one of the best things he has ever seen in a dressing room, that paints the picture of how good it was.” Sakomoto hasn’t just been a gem in the dressing room for the Sky Blues this season. The winger has scored four goals and provided six assists for his side, who ended the Championship season in fifth place and have the chance of returning to the Premier League via the play-offs. The first leg of their semi-final tie with Sunderland takes place on Friday evening. More

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      Harry Kane and Bayern pals BLOCKED from celebrating Bundesliga title in IBIZA as England star breaks 5,223-day drought

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      HARRY KANE and his Bayern Munich team-mates were blocked by club officials from holding a title party in IBIZA.After 5,223 days of his career, the England captain finally clinched his first piece of silverware.Harry Kane and his Bayern Munich team-mates were denied the chance to celebrate in IbizaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/konradlaimer/?hl=enHe celebrated with Joshua Kimmich, Serge Gnabry and Eric DierCredit: https://www.instagram.com/harrykane/Max Eberl was not keen on the players taking the trip to celebrateCredit: AFPHe did so without kicking a ball as Bayer Leverkusen could only draw 2-2 with Freiburg on Sunday.Bayern could have wrapped up the title themselves the day before but were held to a 3-3 draw by RB Leipzig.Kane was given special dispensation to watch the match from the touchline despite his suspension.But the draw meant that all the effort was in vain as they were made to wait an extra day.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLKane and Co finally celebrated their Bundesliga title success in a posh Munich restaurant.And they wanted to jet off to Ibiza for the night ahead of Saturday’s home game with Borussia Monchengladbach, when they will be presented with their winners’ medals.But Munich sporting director Max Eberl insisted an island knees-up was not appropriate.Kane partied until 1.30am on Monday and mischievous Bayern stars played The Vengaboys hit ‘We’re Going to Ibiza!’ through the restaurant sound system — although it lasted just 30 seconds before someone pulled the plug.Most read in BundesligaJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSLater on social media, the striker said: “What a night and what a celebration with the players and the staff.“I am sure everyone is feeling it a little bit.Harry Kane celebrates with Bayern team-mates after FINALLY winning a trophy“It has been a long time coming after a lot of hard work and a lot of dedication and it just feels sweet to win the title, the first one of my career.”Despite not heading off to Ibiza, Kane was still able to celebrate in style.He could be seen puffing a cigar and drinking champagne on social media with his team-mates.The striker was joined by fellow ex-Tottenham star Eric Dier for the celebrations.Bayern Munich also shared a mock-up picture of Kane sipping tea next to the Bundesliga title.READ MARTIN LIPTON NOW: Harry Kane finally ending trophy ‘curse’ should silence sniggers and could open floodgates… with World Cup glory next?Kane, Kimmich and Dier puffed on cigars after the title was wrapped upCredit: xKane waited over 5,000 days for this trophyCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJPYxLFoIgW/ More