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      Man City target Morgan Gibbs-White and Florian Wirtz as shock transfer replacement for Kevin De Bruyne

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      MORGAN GIBBS-WHITE is a transfer target for Manchester City.And City want to complete a double swoop by also landing Florian Wirtz. Morgan Gibbs-White has been identified as a transfer target for Manchester CityCredit: PAFlorian Wirtz could also be on his way to the EtihadCredit: AFPKevin De Bruyne will leave the Etihad at the end of the season after ten years with the club.And the hunt to replace his crucial goals and assists is already underway.It is still to be decided whether City will target a like-for-like player or look to strengthen elsewhere and mould another player into the De Bruyne role.No deals will be finalised until incoming director of football Hugo Viana is fully underway after starting work this week. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut as first reported by The Athletic, City identified Gibbs-White as one of their key priorities when the transfer window reopens in the summer.The midfielder, 25, has enjoyed a superb season for Forest.The £42million 2022 signing from Wolves boasts an impressive five goals and nine assists for Nuno Espirito Santo’s Champions League chasers.Those strong performances earned Gibbs-White his senior England debut in September. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPlaymaker Wirtz, 21, has also been in red-hot form for Bayer Leverkusen with 15 goals and 12 assists across the Bundesliga and Champions League. The German was crowned player of the year as he spearheaded Leverkusen to their maiden league title – plus the DFB-Pokal cup success. Pep Guardiola talks about Kevin De Bruyne’s decision to leave Man City after 10 years Arsenal and Real Madrid are among the big European clubs already linked with Wirtz.But City may test Leverkusen’s resolve with a summer approach. Pep Guardiola could, however, opt to move Phil Foden from his current wide role into more of a central position when De Bruyne leaves.The academy graduate – a six-time Premier League winner – has 97 goals and 60 assists for City.Of those, ten goals and just six assists come this term in what has been a difficult campaign for the player and the team. Manchester City spent huge money in January to sign Omar Marmoush (£64m), Abdukodir Khusanov (£34m), Vitor Reis (£29m) and Nico Gonzalez (£50m) to try and rescue their season. And now they are already being linked with plenty of new signings to bolster their fortunes next term.Kevin De Bruyne will leave City at the end of the seasonCredit: APPhil Foden could move into a more central roleCredit: Alamy More

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      ‘His legacy will live on’ – Cristiano Ronaldo pays emotional tribute as scout who discovered him and Luis Figo dies

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      THE legendary scout who discovered football greats Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo has passed away aged 77.Aurelio Pereira, the former head of Sporting Lisbon’s recruitment department, died today, the Portuguese club have confirmed. Aurelio Pereira scouted a young Cristiano RonaldoSporting Lisbon confirmed the news of Pereira’s death on TuesdayPereira holding Ronaldo’s youth playing card ID while at SportingCredit: Instagram @cristianoA club statement read: “Sporting Clube de Portugal expresses its condolences on the death of Aurelio da Silva Pereira, the unmistakable, Mr. Formation.”He will forever be remembered as one of the greatest names in the history of national football and, above all, in the history of Sporting.”Born in Lisbon in 1947, Pereira joined Sporting as a youth player, before later signing for Operario FC and Benfica. After a short stint as a salesman, Pereira was persuaded into helping his brother coach at Benfica- where he went onto lead his sides to several championships.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was then invited back to Sporting by club icon Hilario, where he would remain for two decades as a youth team coach.And in July 1988, he opened the Recruitment and Training Department of Sporting CP to develop a national network of scouts to identify young talent.And the rest history. Pereira went on to discover 2000 Ballon d’Or winner Figo and five-time Ballon d’Or superstar Ronaldo.The Manchester United and Real Madrid legend was among the first to send his heartfelt condolences and thanked Pereira for his career.Most read in FootballPereira scouted Ronaldo into Sporting’s Recruitment and Training DepartmentCredit: ReutersTaking to Instagram, Ronaldo wrote: “One of the great icons of world. Formation has left us but his legacy will live on forever. “Will never stop being grateful for all he has done for me and so many other players. Forever, Lord Aurelius, thank you for everything. Rest in peace.”Pereira first noticed Ronaldo’s promise while he was still playing for Nacional in Madeira.He later brought him to Sporting at 12, where Ronaldo began to thrive in a green-and-white jersey before making a high-profile move to Manchester at the age of 18.Sir Alex Ferguson signed Ronaldo after watching him shine in a pre-season friendly against his Man Utd side in 2003.Ronaldo became the talk of the United dressing room, before the club agreed to pay Sporting £12million for what Fergie considered to be “one of the most exciting young players” he had ever seen.Pereira also was credited for finding Paulo Futre, Simao Sabrosa, Ricardo Quaresma and former Man Utd winger Nani.Meanwhile, Portugal’s Euro 2016-winning squad featured 10 players unearthed by him.The Portuguese FA’s statement read: “The death of Aurelio Pereira represents an irreparable loss for Portuguese Football.”For history, in addition to the enormous legacy built by the man who discovered some of the best players in our history, there will be a kind person, of fine treatment and who always defended our talent.”In September 2012, Sporting named the club’s academy pitch in his honour.Read More on The SunAnd five years later in January 2017, he was awarded the City of Lisbon Sports Merit Medal.His brother Carlos played for Sporting for 13 years years and was Paulo Bento’s No 2 between October 2005 and November 2009. More

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      Sasha Attwood stuns in latex dress as Jack Grealish’s Wag heads out after City star is ‘slapped in face by Man Utd fan’

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      SASHA ATTWOOD has shared a picture of herself in a glamorous latex dress.Jack Grealish’s partner posted the image to her Instagram story earlier today.Sasha Attwood posted this pic to her Instagram storyCredit: InstagramSasha and Jack Grealish are childhood sweetheartsCredit: instagram/@sasha__rebecca’City star Grealish, 29, was in action in Sunday’s Manchester derby 0-0 bore draw against United.Yesterday it emerged that the England international was allegedly slapped in the face by a Man Utd fan as he made his way off the pitch.A 20-year-old was subsequently charged with assault and will appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court in July.Neither City or United have commented on the matter.READ MORE ON GREALISHBut cops are said to have immediately launched an investigation since the incident.A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “Alfie Holt, 20, of Haven Drive, Droylsden, has been charged with assault.”He will appear at Manchester Magistrates Court.”This charge relates to an incident which took place at Old Trafford yesterday.”Most read in FootballJack and Sasha welcomed their first child together last autumnCredit: instagram/@sasha__rebecca’Jack and Sasha are childhood sweethearts having met at school aged 16.Last September, Sasha gave birth to the couple’s first child, a girl named Mila.Grealish has babyPosting on Instagram at the time, the model called it: “The most special moment of my life.”While Grealish echoed: “It was the best moment of my life, as you can imagine. I don’t really know how to explain it.”You feel so many good moments in your life, but that just tops everything”It was an unbelievable day, because actually Sasha had a scan on the Friday morning and then she realised she was going to come a few weeks early, so I had to leave training on the Friday.”Sasha is a successful modelCredit: @sasha__rebeccaGrealish’s partner has built a huge following in her own rightCredit: Splash More

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      Marcus Rashford’s camp ‘in talks with PSG’ as it’s revealed how close on-loan Man Utd star came to Paris transfer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED loanee Marcus Rashford almost joined Paris Saint-Germain before his loan move to Aston Villa… and is still in talks with Wednesday’s Champions League opponents.Rashford was loaned out to Villa during the January transfer window after falling out of favour at Old Trafford under new United manager Ruben Amorim.Aston Villa ace Marcus Rashford could have been playing for Paris Saint-GermainCredit: RexMan Utd star Rashford came close to joining PSG, with whom he still talksCredit: GettyAnd now the star forward is set to lock horns with PSG in the Champions League quarter-finals at Parc des Princes in a match that could have easily seen him wearing a different jersey.According to L’Equipe, the England international came extremely close to a move to Paris in the summer of 2022.In fact, the Parisians wanted Rashford to come in and replace Neymar in the starting line-up.At least three meetings took place between the club and the player’s entourage.Read More on Man UtdTalks went so well with then sporting director Leonardo that the versatile winger gave the “green light” for a move to Ligue 1.However, a deal fell apart in May of that year after PSG axed Leonardo.There is a strong feeling that if the Brazilian chief had stayed then Rashford would be playing for Paris tonight.Nevertheless, the same source reports talks have been revived between the Man Utd ace and Leonardo’s replacement Luis Campos.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThis comes as no surprise as the French outfit’s president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has previously gone public about his admiration for the star.However, PSG could face competition from Villa, whose loan deal with the Red Devils includes a £40million release clause.Roy Keane breaks silence on Marcus Rashford’s shock transfer to Aston Villa and has MAJOR concernRashford seems happy at Villa Park for the time being where he is eyeing Champions League glory.The forward has already amassed a total of three goals and four assists in 12 appearances with the Villans. More

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      From banish calls to blasting ‘sulking’ stars, Scholes’ most damning Man Utd criticism after mystery player’s complaint

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      PAUL SCHOLES has not been afraid to stick the boot in on Manchester United this season.So much so that one player phoned him up about his criticism.Manchester United’s players have been criticised throughout the seasonCredit: PAPaul Scholes refuses to hold back in his fiery approachCredit: YouTube/The OverlapScholes revealed on The Overlap Fan Debate via Sky Bet one unnamed United man took matters into his own hands – and got in touch about the negative press.The legendary midfielder, 50, said: “Players can be a little bit touchy these days.“I had a player this year, who contacted me and wasn’t happy with some of the things I’d said.”He wanted to meet me at the training ground.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”I said, ‘Of course, no problem,’ and gave him my number but he never got back to me.“I would have done it. If I’m saying things I believe and he wants me to explain why, it wouldn’t have been a nice conversation.”But I said if they or anyone else has a problem, there’s my phone number.”Scholes did not say who the irked Red Devils player was – but there is no shortage of people at Old Trafford he has slammed this season…Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordAUGUST 2024 – ANDRE ONANABefore the season even started, Scholes was piling in on United – and Andre Onana was the first man caught in his crosshairs.Scholes: “I’ve heard a lot of United fans say how excited they are for the new season… I’m struggling with that.Paul Scholes feels like Man Utd are ‘begging’ for money to build new stadium “The goalkeeper is a big concern for me. Even in pre-season with some of the goals he conceded. I worry to death about him.”AUGUST 2024 – MATTHIJS DE LIGTUnited brought in defender Matthijs de Ligt for £42million – and it is safe to say Scholes was not convinced given his lack of minutes for Bayern Munich last season.Scholes: “We’re talking about players who can’t get into their team.”He’s not playing for Bayern, that has to be a big concern, especially when Eric Dier is playing in front of him. That is a massive concern for me.”SEPTEMBER 2024 – MATTHIJS DE LIGTIt didn’t take long for the club icon to continue his De Ligt rant and reckons Erik ten Hag was desperate to replace Harry Maguire.Scholes: “He couldn’t wait to get de Ligt straight in ahead of Maguire, he was just waiting for the opportunity.”And look, in all honestly, I’m not sure it is that much of an upgrade.”He might be slightly better but he is not a massive improvement where you think, ‘Wow.'”Andre Onana was criticised before the season startedCredit: RexMatthijs de Ligt’s signing to replace Harry Maguire raised questionsCredit: The TimesOCTOBER 2024 – NEW SIGNINGSHe blasted the club’s “ridiculous” transfer strategy – and namedropped five flop arrivals. Scholes: “Zirkzee, what is he? Is he a No9 or a No10? Is he going to get you 20 goals? I don’t think so.”Rasmus Hojlund does alright – but is he gonna score you 20 goals? I don’t think so.”I think they are relying more on hope than actual proven quality and they spent so much money as well.”It’s a ridiculous amount of money and some of them can’t get in the team.”You think of Ugarte coming into the club, who was supposed to change the midfield, Ten Hag didn’t play him.”De Ligt, £50m and he didn’t play him. Jonny Evans has come in at 36-years-old instead of him.”Martinez, Ten Hag brought him into the club. What must he be thinking? Jonny Evans is playing, Harry Maguire started, Victor Lindelof comes on before him.”OCTOBER 2024 – ERIK TEN HAGIt was not just the players feeling the heat from Scholes, who also went in on Ten Hag just before his sacking.Scholes: “There’s been no improvement. “I think that’s the biggest disappointment with two and a little bit years in, a lot of money has been spent and we’re not seeing improvement.”You’d like to think by now they’re up there challenging them. The top three teams I know Liverpool, City and Arsenal are ahead of most other teams.”You’d like to see them getting even a little bit closer to that, but it doesn’t feel like it.”JANUARY 2025 – KOBBIE MAINOOAfter a few quieter months as Ruben Amorim replaced Ten Hag, Scholes continued his onslaught in the New Year by raising questions over Kobbie Mainoo’s fitness levels.Scholes: “Mainoo with his legs has to be a worry. “He doesn’t finish a lot of games.”JANUARY 2025 – MAN UTD SQUADScholes then took aim at pretty much the entire squad – as just three avoided the chop in a game of “keep or sell”. Mainoo, Onana and Alejandro Garnacho avoided the ruthless culling but the rest he was asked about were dumped. Scholes is worried Kobbie Mainoo is not fit enoughCredit: GettyThe ex-midfielder wanted Marcus Rashford ‘banished’ before his Villa loanCredit: GettyScholes said Luke Shaw and Mason Mount are “never fit”, Casemiro is past his best and defenders De Ligt and Lisandro Martinez can go. For Antony, Joshua Zirkzee and Marcus Rashford, Scholes simply replied: “Sell.”JANUARY 2025 – MARCUS RASHFORDRashford took plenty of flak inside and outside the club ahead of his loan move to Aston Villa – and Scholes did not hold back.Scholes: “I think Marcus has let a lot of people down with his attitude.”He’s 27, he’s clearly not training properly, he’s not living his life properly. “In a way, he’s saying he doesn’t want to be involved with the team and the fact of letting his teammates down, he should be banished from the dressing room.”FEBRUARY 2025 – RUBEN AMORIM & PATRICK DORGUPatrick Dorgu only arrived in the January transfer window but it did not take long for Scholes’ attention to be drawn to the defender when United played Leicester in the FA Cup.He seemingly took a sarcastic swipe at Amorim playing the Danish full-back out of position.An unimpressed Scholes posted on Instagram: “Inverted wing-backs… you saw it at [Old Trafford] first.”Patrick Dorgu operated on the right in the FA Cup against LeicesterCredit: GettyAlejandro Garnacho threw a strop when he was subbed off against IpswichCredit: ReutersMARCH 2025 – ALEJANDRO GARNACHOScholes singled out Garnacho for criticism after the Argentine winger threw a strop when substituted off against Ipswich. Scholes: “He looked like he was sulking a little bit to me.”Garnacho’s biggest strength is running through. Sometimes he makes the wrong decisions but he had a lack of energy and a little bit of silkiness.”He will need to get better as they don’t really have anything else to call on.”MARCH 2025 – SIR JIM RATCLIFFEAnd the 11-time Premier League winner even took a swing at owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe over the ambitious £2billion new stadium plans. Scholes: “You can be gullible at times, and believe what he says, just because you’ve never heard anyone say anything before. You don’t know how realistic it is, it’s all up in the air.Read More on The Sun”Words are cheap, and we could say anything about anyone, you can say in 10 years we’ll have the biggest and best stadium.”For a long time, we’ve been called the richest club in the world, but I feel like we’re begging a little, asking for the stadium and that we need £2billion, and selling players to buy players.” More

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      ‘Another season we won’t be ready for’ – Man Utd fans fume as stars will take 15-hour flight for ‘money-making exercise’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will jet to Asia straight after their final Premier League game for two post-season friendlies.Ruben Amorim’s side will make a 15-hour, 6,600 mile trip to Malaysia after concluding their Prem campaign on May 25.Ruben Amorim will take his side to Asia in MayCredit: RexThe Red Devils have announced that they will play an ASEAN All Stars side in Kuala Lumpur on May 28.United stars will then jet 1,500 miles to Hong Kong for a match against their national team just two days later.It’s believed that the trip will make the club around £8million.Red Devils CEO Omar Berrada said: “We appreciate the amazing level of support that Manchester United enjoys around the world and this summer we are delighted to deliver a schedule that provides our fans in Asia, Scandinavia and the United States the opportunity to connect with the club and watch the men’s first team play live in local settings.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Importantly, tour fixtures drive significant additional revenue which help make the club stronger, allowing us to keep investing in success on the pitch.”They also create unique opportunities for us to collaborate with our valued commercial partners, and to deepen relationships with our fans in regions such as Asia and the US.”Man Utd stars will report for international duty following the conclusion of their post-season tour, with England in action against Andorra on June 7.Tottenham and Newcastle were both criticised for playing each other in Hong Kong three days after the end of the 2023-24 season.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMan Utd have already confirmed that they will travel to the US for a pre-season tour this summer.The Red Devils will participate in the Premier League Summer Series, playing West Ham in New Jersey, Bournemouth in Chicago and Everton in Atlanta.Amorim says Man Utd ‘need to be better’ after 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest Fans on social media have slammed United’s post-season plans.One fumed: “Another season we won’t be ready for. How many injuries will we pick up here …then off to America with no new signings. The last 12 years on repeat”While a second reasoned: “I get why do they do it, but this summer in particular I feel the footballing side would benefit from sticking around closer to home.”A third raged: “It’s all about the cash imagine the back lash if Bruno gets a 12 month injury as a result.”And another added: “They will be knackered before they even start the season.” More

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      Lionel Messi and ex-Man Utd flop could BLOCK Kevin De Bruyne from joining David Beckham’s Inter Miami

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      INTER MIAMI will move for Kevin De Bruyne when he leaves Manchester City in the summer.But a deal to MLS could be scuppered by ex-United winger Angel Di Maria – and Lionel Messi.Inter Miami are targeting a move for Kevin De BruyneCredit: GettyStar man Lionel Messi wants David Beckham and Co to sign a different playerCredit: GettyMessi wants the club to go for Angel Di Maria insteadCredit: GettyDavid Beckham’s club want a superstar signing and are interested in talking to free agent KDB, 33.But Messi will try to persuade the owners to sign his Argentina team-mate winger Di Maria, 37, from Benfica.Di Maria, who endured one awful season as a Manchester United player, will become a free agent in the summer.Miami may only be able to afford one of them during the next window.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club already have Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez on their books.Belgian midfielder KDB has been linked with clubs in Saudi Arabia and USA.De Bruyne confirmed his exit from Man City last Friday with a heartfelt statement.It read: “Dear Manchester. Seeing this, you’ll probably realise where this is heading.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”So I’ll get straight to it and let you know that these will be my final months as a Manchester City player.”Nothing about this is easy to write, but as football players, we all know this day eventually comes.Lionel Messi finally puts ‘cold Tuesday night in Stoke’ theory to bed by running the show in -17 degrees temperatures “That day is here – and you deserve to hear it from me first. Football led me to all of you – and to this city.”Chasing my dream, not knowing this period would change my life. This city, this club, these people… gave me EVERYTHING.”I had no choice but to give EVERYTHING back! And guess what – we won EVERYTHING.”Whether we like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye. Suri Rome, Mason, Michele and I are beyond grateful for what this place has meant to our family.”Manchester will forever be home on our kids’ passports – and more importantly, in each of our hearts. This will always be our HOME.”We cannot thank the city, club staff, team-mates, friends and family enough for this ten-year ride. Every story comes to an end, but this has definitely been the best chapter.”Pep Guardiola revealed that he and the club made the decision not to renew the midfielder’s contract. More

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      Frank Lampard tipped for job with Premier League club as Chelsea legend’s work at Coventry earns new plaudits

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      CHELSEA legend Frank Lampard is being targeted by a Premier League club amid his stunning work at Coventry.Lampard, 46, returned to management in November to take over the Sky Blues, almost a year and a half after a hapless second spell as the Blues’ caretaker boss which succeeded a failed spell at Everton.Chelsea legend Frank Lampard is being targeted by Southampton amid his stunning work at CoventryCredit: RexLampard transformed Coventry from relegation strugglers to promotion contendersCredit: PAHowever, the legendary midfielder turned the tide on his coaching career as he quickly transformed the Championship outfit from relegation strugglers to promotion contenders.The Chelsea great’s team has rocketed up the table from 17th and currently sit in the playoff places.And according to talkSPORT, Southampton are keeping tabs on Lampard after sacking manager Ivan Juric.Juric was axed less than 24 hours after Sunday’s 3-1 loss at Tottenham confirmed Saints’ relegation to the Championship.Read More on ChelseaHowever, Lampard is now focused on the ongoing Premier League push with Coventry.Southampton have drawn up a list with other targets for next season in the second division.That includes Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Rohl, Strasbourg’s Liam Rosenior and ex-Premier League boss David Wagner.And it’s Rohl as well as Rosenior who appear to be at the top of Saints’ list.Most read in FootballThe Sheffield Wednesday boss saved his team from relegation to League One last season before leading them to play-off contention this term.Rosenior, on the other hand, has done a fantastic job at Strasbourg, who finished 13th in Ligue 1 last season, as he has led them to fourth place which leads to Champions League qualification.Ivan Juric leaves Southampton after woeful relegation from Premier League with club on track to make unwanted history First team coach Simon Rusk will be in charge of Southampton until the end of the season with Adam Lallana as his assistant. More