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      Chelsea outcast Ben Chilwell ‘lined up for stunning Champions League transfer – but move could depend on Man City’

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      CHELSEA outcast Ben Chilwell has been lined up for a stunning transfer to Juventus.The left-back hasn’t made a single Premier League or Europa League appearance under Enzo Maresca this season.Juventus are lining up a winter move for Chelsea outcast Ben ChilwellCredit: PAChilwell was put up for sale last summer after being axed to Chelsea’s ‘bomb squad’ with the likes of Raheem Sterling and the recently-recalled Trevoh Chalobah.And his sole appearance of the season came from the bench in September’s Carabao Cup win over Barrow.Chilwell is now hoping to secure a move away from Stamford Bridge before deadline day.And Alfredo Pedulla claims Italian giants Juventus have emerged as leading contenders.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Serie A outfit remain unbeaten under Thiago Motta but have won just eight of their 21 matches so far, drawing an incredible 13 in the process.Juventus hope to add some ball-playing technicality to their backline by beating Borussia Dortmund to the loan signing of Chelsea’s versatile Portugal international Renato Veiga.But Chilwell has also emerged as a target due to strong interest from Manchester City in left-sider Andrea Cambiaso.Chiefs from Juventus are now set for a mega-meeting with Chelsea counterparts as they look to secure deals for both Veiga and Chilwell.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHowever, the latter’s exit likely rests on whether or not City make a big-enough bid to sign Cambiaso in the latter days of the window.Speaking this month, Chelsea boss Maresca admitted he felt “shame” at omitting Chilwell from his plans this season.Watch Enzo Maresca’s incredibly blunt response when asked if he has regrets about axing Chelsea star from squadHe said: “Players want to play more so there’s probably chances for them to leave.“But Ben has been top, I have to say that, he has been top. Very professional, works hard.“I feel shame because of that situation, but in terms of behaviour, he has been very good.” More

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      Moment Nottingham Forest fans ‘try to bribe Anthony Taylor’ during VAR check as hilarious footage goes viral

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      THIS it the hilarious moment Nottingham Forest fans jokingly tried to bribe ref Anthony Taylor during their win over Southampton.Forest moved level on points with second-place Arsenal thanks to a 3-2 victory at the City Ground on Sunday.Nottingham Forest fans jokingly attempted to bribe Anthony Taylor’s VAR decisionThe check ruled out Nikola Milenkovic’s goal in the 3-2 win over SouthamptonCredit: PAFirst-half goals from Elliot Anderson, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Chris Wood set Nuno Espirito Santo’s men on their way.And Forest showed their defensive grit as Southampton threatened a late comeback through strikes from Jan Bednarek and Paul Onuachu.However, at one stage the hosts looked to have been completely clear as they took a 4-1 lead through Nikola Milenkovic’s powerful header.Ref Taylor had originally let the goal stand before VAR intervened and advised a check at the pitch-side monitor.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut as the official went to watch the footage, Forest fans behind the screen hilariously waved credit cards and wallets at him in a jokey attempt to bribe and sway his decision.The clip of the moment quickly went viral, with one saying: “This is really funny.”Another declared: “He’s asking it to swipe.”One noted: “This country and banter.”Most read in FootballAnother added: “Insane.”Unfortunately for Forest fans, watching the VAR footage instead prompted Taylor to rule out Milenkovic’s goal.Fans hail ‘pure class’ Nottingham Forest owner Marinakis for what he did after Forest keep dream title hopes aliveThe decision was made due to teammate Wood interfering in play from an offside position.A statement from the Premier League Match Centre read: “The referee’s call of goal was checked by VAR, who deemed that Wood interfered with play after coming from an offside position.“After an on-field review, the referee overturned the original decision and the goal was disallowed.”Forest boss Santo also had his say on the strike being ruled out, adding: “I saw the image, VAR judge it, the law is clear.“If a player is offside, has contact and interferes, the goal should be disallowed. Nothing to say about that.” More

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      Seven reasons for Man Utd to be POSITIVE after Ruben Amorim blasts flops as ‘worst team in history’

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      RUBEN AMORIM reckons this could be the worst team in Manchester United’s history.The Portuguese, 39, pulled no punches after the Red Devils’ 3-1 home defeat to Brighton.Ruben Amorim has failed to reserve Man Utd’s awful formCredit: GettyThe Red Devils have fallen to 13th in the Prem tableCredit: ReutersFollowing the loss, United’s sixth in 12 Prem home games this season, Amorim said: “We are being the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United.“I know you want headlines but I am saying that because we have to acknowledge that and change that. So there you go, your headline.”These comments come barely two weeks after Amorim admitted that relegation this season is a “possibility”.So yes, things look pretty bleak for United fans – but fear not! Here are seven reasons to remain positive, as cobbled together by SunSport.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAMAD DIALLOThe Ivorian winger has unquestionably been United’s brightest spark this season.His performances since Amorim’s arrival have made it seem frankly laughable that he wasn’t a nailed-on starter under Erik ten Hag.Goals against Manchester City and Liverpool, as well as Thursday night’s hat-trick vs Southampton, act as clear evidence that the 22-year-old could become a special, special player for United.Amad Diallo has been a shining light for United this seasonCredit: RexOLD TRAFFORD’S NEW FUTUREOkay, so Old Trafford has clearly seen better days. It’s dated, it’s rusting, it has plumbing problems and fans keep spotting mice and rats hanging about.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYOld Trafford embarrassingly became home to one of England’s highest waterfalls when the roof leaked last seasonCredit: RexBut worry not, changes are around the corner! A Task Force set up by Sir Jim Ratcliffe has “completed its initial feasibility work into options for a new or redeveloped stadium” – brill!A decision on whether to give Old Trafford a significant face lift, or to build a new £2bn 100,000-seater stadium, is expected to be reached by the summer.Manchester United squad transfer verdict: stay or go? articleCHAMPIONS LEAGUE HOPES (YES, REALLY)Man Utd are 13th in the Prem table – 12th points behind rivals City in fourth.But the bookies reckon they have a great chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.That’s because incredibly, the Red Devils are joint-favourites to win the Europa League… alongside Tottenham, who are even lower in the Premier League at 15th.Man Utd are joint-favourites to win the Europa LeagueCredit: GettyBIG TIME CHARLIESMan Utd have failed to beat Ipswich, Wolves, West Ham, Crystal Palace and the aforementioned Spurs this season.But they have performed better against some of the bigger teams, which may bode well for big Europa League tests to come.The Red Devils recently dumped Arsenal out of the FA Cup at the Emirates, grabbed a very useful point against Liverpool at Anfield and beat Manchester City with two last gasp strikes at the Etihad.Man Utd celebrate winning at the Etihad last monthCredit: AFPRIGHTING WRONGSThe Red Devils have forked out astonishing sums of money in recent years; from handing Marcus Rashford a £325,000-a-week contract, to inexplicably spending £85.5million on Antony.Under their new Ineos overlords, however, the one accusation you can’t level at United is that they haven’t tried to tighten their purse-strings, often to the ire of their fans.With Antony reportedly nearing a loan exit, and Rashford potentially on his way, however, similar mistakes may be eradicated in future.Antony could be set to leave Old Trafford on loanCredit: RexSTICKING TO THE PLAN”Nobody panics if things are going according to plan, even if the plan is horrifying,” said The Joker in one of the most memorable Batman quotes.And Man Utd fans who panicked under the previous regime may be encouraged to hear the clarity with which Ruben Amorim said his team will stick to his style of play no matter how much the players “suffer”.That’s a stark contrast to Erik ten Hag, who didn’t take long to admit that the Red Devils flops could never play the style which earned him a glowing reputation at Ajax.Ruben Amorim believes he has a clear plan to rejuvenate Man UtdCredit: PAAGENT RUUDLast… and let’s face it, probably least, is the job that club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy is doing at Leicester, since being appointed there following his stint as Man Utd caretaker.READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim admitted that relegation is a “possibility” for his side earlier this month.But with Leicester having lost seven games in a row under Van Nistelrooy, United being dragged into a dogfight looks unlikely!Ruud van Nistelrooy is having a nightmarish stint in charge of LeicesterCredit: PA More

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      Neymar closes in on shock transfer back to former club as ‘loan offer made for Brazil icon’

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      NEYMAR could make a dramatic return to one of his former clubs after a loan offer was made to sign him.The Brazilian has been sidelined for the best part of 18 months since his switch to Al-Hilal.An offer has been made to sign Neymar on loan from Al-HilalCredit: GettyNeymar, 32, ruptured his ACL in October 2023 and lasted just 30 minutes in his injury comeback in November.He had made just seven appearances for Al-Hilal, scoring once, and could now be set to leave the club.Former club Santos are interested in signing Neymar and have submitted a loan proposal, according to Fabrizio Romano.They are understood to be waiting for the go ahead from Al-Hilal, with Neymar reportedly agreeing to the switch.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMLS clubs are also interested in signing the Brazil legend, who is believed to earn £2.5million a week.Chicago Fire have been linked along with Inter Miami, which would give Neymar the chance to re-unite with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez to bring back the iconic MSN trio.He would likely have to accept a huge pay-cut to end his Saudi disaster, but Chicago Fire are reportedly willing to give him £16m without bonuses per year.Al-Hilal have not included Neymar in their domestic squad for the coming season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSManager Jorge Jesus said: “Neymar can no longer perform at the level we are used to. “Things have become difficult for him, unfortunately.”Neymar became a global icon during his first spell at SantosCredit: Reuters’Best for the team’ – Ruben Amorim gives blunt explanation on Marcus Rashford absence as Man Utd outcast seeks transfer More

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      I was Premier League club’s record scorer, then I went into local Government and formed a turf company

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      JOHN RICHARDS has been front page news in Wolverhampton again this week after being awarded the freedom of the city.The former striker was rewarded for his outstanding contributions to Wolves, supporting ex-players and his charity work.    Wolves legend John Richards was awarded the freedom of the cityCredit: GettyRichards spent 14 years at Wolves and became their record scorer with 194 goalsCredit: Getty – ContributorWhen it comes to club legends, there are few greater than the man fans call ‘King John’ at Molineux.Richards spent 14 years at Wolves between 1969 and 1983 and became their record goalscorer with 194 until fellow forward Steve Bull passed his mark in 1992.He was the club’s leading scorer in eight out of nine seasons between 1972 and 1981, helped them to two League Cup wins — even scoring the Wembley winner in the 1974 final against Manchester City.After packing away his boots and going into local government in 1985, he returned to the club in 1995 during the Jack Hayward era, first as a non-executive director and then as the club’s managing director.Read More on FootballLast year he was named Wolves’ third vice-president alongside Bull and Robert Plant following the death of Ron Flowers.In his pomp, Richards was a match for any striker in English football.He was a ‘fox in the box’ with speed and pace but with an intelligence and sharp instinct of always being in the right place at the right time.Now 74, Richards takes a deep breath and says: “It’s 56 years ago when I first joined Wolves. Man was just walking on the moon in 1969 when I signed a contract here. There’s been a few steps taken since then!Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusives“I am honoured to be back at the club as vice-president. It means the world to me.”Richards is also chairman of the Wolves Former Players Association, another role he talks about with great passion.Wolves boss Vitor Pereira reveals his difficulties with Mario Lemina He added: “It gives me the opportunity to be part of a group of players from different eras, who have become lifelong friends and, beyond that, an extended family for me.”For one of the most gifted scorers of his generation, it is baffling that Richards only ever played at Wembley twice in his 16-year career and won just one England cap.He said: “For me, playing at Wembley meant everything. In my era, so few games were played at the national stadium. There were a lot of wonderful players of my generation who never played there.“I consider myself very lucky that my two games at Wembley were both finals and we won them both.“Last year we had a reunion to mark the 50th anniversary of that 1974 League Cup victory against Manchester City, winning 2-1. I was grateful to score the winning goal with five minutes remaining.“It was a joy to share it with so many supporters, who wanted to tell me their stories of celebrating after the game and not getting back home until the Monday!How it started“In the end I was more absorbed by their anecdotes than what we did on the pitch.“Against Nottingham Forest six years later, we always found them tough to beat but to win it I still get goosebumps  reliving that day.“As for England, I played a few times at different levels but only had one senior cap. I never quite took the opportunity.”As a teenager, Richards was spotted playing for Lancashire Grammar School against a team who had a Wolves scout among their staff.He said: “He asked me if I was assigned to any club and offered me a trial. I went along and from there I was offered a one-year contract, moving up from the third team and then reserves before the first team in just over a year.”Richards made his debut for the black and gold at West Brom in February  1970.Successful debutHe recalled: “Derek Dougan was injured but I didn’t know until the Friday that I would be playing. I was so wet behind the ears I didn’t even know where West Bromwich was, let alone the rivalry between the  sides.“I soon found out as it was quite hostile. I thought I played okay, it was a 3-3 draw and I thought we were unlucky not to win.“I scored my opening first-team goal a year later against  Huddersfield. It wasn’t the best shot  but it went in and is one of those unforgettable moments.“That Wolves side in the early to mid seventies was exceptional and I was lucky to play with so many  talented players.”After 14 years he moved on loan to Derby in 1982 and then joined Portugal’s Maritimo for two seasons.He said: “I moved because at that time I wasn’t getting any minutes. Derby were struggling when I joined but I’m pleased to say they stayed up.“Playing abroad in Portugal was another great opportunity.”Despite scoring 23 league goals in 44 games for Maritimo, Richards and his family headed back to England in 1985, with his eldest daughter due to move into secondary school.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe became Wolves’ managing director in 1997, then from 2001  formed Pitchcare — a sports turf service provider — with Wolves groundsman Dave Saltman.They sold the business to Agro-vista UK in 2020 and Richards added: “It had been a richly rewarding 18 years. I think Dave felt it was the right time to step down and I felt exactly the same.” More

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      Non-league clash postponed after pitch left covered in GOOSE POO as war of words erupts between clubs

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      A NON-LEAGUE match was postponed after the pitch was covered in goose poo.The two clubs clashed on social media after announcing the news that the game would not go ahead.West Allotment Celtic claimed their rivals refused to playSeaham Red Star FC took to X to confirm to supporters that their visit to West Allotment Celtic FC was postponed as a result of goose excrement covering the pitchWest Allotment coach Richard Stretton hit back, saying: “Referee granted a 15-minute window for the home team to clear the pitch, which was successfully completed. “However, the away team declined to proceed, with management asserting that their players were unwilling to continue, a claim later contradicted by the players themselves.”Seaham Red’s official account doubled down and responded claiming they did want to play.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey wrote in reply: “Respectfully, it’s not our fault that your pitch was full of goose [poo].”It should have been cleared prior to our arrival, your post is factually incorrect as we wanted to play, [the] referee said ‘it’s caked in [poo]’, at 8pm it was still not clear was it.”West Allotment rejected that claim, saying: “Respectfully, you were asked if you wanted to play and said no (which is absolutely fine, you were given the choice). The match was called off at 19:05.”The club later put out an official statement on the incident, claiming Seaham Red informed the referee they felt the playing conditions were unsafe.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe statement read: “Sincere apologies to those who attended tonight, please keep your ticket as we’ll be looking at what we can do as a club to offset the disappointment of tonight.”To clarify, goose excrement was found on the pitch during the warm up, which has never happened before.”Wayne Rooney Eyes Pundit Spot on BBC’s Match of the DaySince the postponement, West Allotment Celtic have been active on social media joking about the situation.The Newcastle-based club have organised a raffle with prizes including a bottle of Grey Goose vodka and a t-shirt saying “I helped save a non-league football club from geese”.And after geese returned to the pitch on Sunday night, they posted a video, seen by over 30 thousand people, titled: “An actual wild goose chase” More

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      New Match of the Day host Mark Chapman, 51, ‘goes house-hunting’ with girlfriend, 43, five years after being widowed

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      NEW Match of the Day host Mark Chapman smiles as he appears to go house-hunting with his girlfriend.Chappers, 51, was seen looking in estate agents’ windows in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, with Clere Collier, 43.New Match of the Day host Mark Chapman appeared to go house-hunting with his girlfriend Clere CollierCredit: BackGridChapman window shopping in ManchesterCredit: BackGridPals say he has found happiness with Clere, five years on from being widowed.Blonde Clere regularly posts loved-up snaps of them together on social media and their relationship is flourishing.In October last year, when Mark celebrated his 51st birthday, Clere gushed over her man on Instagram, calling him “my one love”.Posting an image of the couple together as they went on a country walk, she wrote: “Happy birthday to this one. My one love.READ MORE ON MARK CHAPMAN“So proud of all you do, the biggest heart, the kindest soul, the leader of our pack and not to mention devilishly handsome. I love you, happy 51.”Last week the BBC announced Mark as the next MOTD presenter alongside Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan.The trio will replace footie legend Gary Lineker, 64, who leaves at the end of the season.Chapman is already one of the BBC’s hardest working presenters, currently hosting Match of the Day 2 as well as fronting a range of programmes on Radio 5 Live.Most read in FootballHe also hosts the BBC’s Champions League highlights and fronts Sky Sports’ Carabao Cup coverage.Wayne Rooney Eyes Pundit Spot on BBC’s Match of the DayA covered up Mark eyeing up a new homeCredit: BackGridKelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan have been announced as new Match of the Day presentersCredit: PAPals say Chapman has found happiness with her five years on from being widowedCredit: BackGridMark’s wife Sara dies aged 44 after a long illnessCredit: Twitter More

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      I called Sir Alex Ferguson for advice when we won promotion to the Premier League… I’ll never forget what he said

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Sir Alex Ferguson issued some life-altering advice to former Premier League manager Tony Pulis after he led Stoke to promotion.Pulis, 67, took the Potters to the top flight in 2008 and called his Man Utd counterpart Ferguson, 83, to have a conversation that changed the Prem for the following five years.Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson shared life-altering advice for Tony PulisCredit: GettyPulis had a chat with Ferguson after leading Stoke to Premier League promotionCredit: GettyPulis turned Stoke into a mainstay in the Prem thanks to Ferguson’s adviceCredit: GettyThe Welshman sought Fergie’s advice and the legendary Scot simply told him to turn the bet365 Stadium – then Britannia Stadium – into a fortress for Stoke and a nightmare for the opposition.Pulis did just that as he added some muscle within his squad and set up the pitch in a way that would make even the biggest Premier League clubs fret a cold rainy night in Stoke.That saw the Potters turning into a mainstay in the Prem with the ex-Crystal Palace boss building a reputation as a manager who never gets relegated until his departure in 2013.Pulis said back in March: “When we got promoted at Stoke, I called Sir Alex Ferguson up. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He told me: ‘Your best chance is making the Britannia a place no one wants to go.”‘If any of the top teams go there and praise you, you’re not doing it right.”‘The bottom line is football is about winning and if you don’t win football matches you aren’t going to be in the job very long’.“I never forgot what he said, and as a result we narrowed the pitch in, grew the grass and brought Rory Delap into play. Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusives”We found a way to win and it worked.”I don’t think I’ve ever been at a football stadium where the crowd and team were so together.”We used to play the top teams and the place used to light up.” More