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      Man Utd files: Red Devils make £25m ‘new Peter Crouch’ top striker target and Ten Hag’s mammoth payout revealed

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      BEANPOLE Italian striker Lorenzo Lucca is literally rising to the top of the Manchester United shortlist as the new Old Trafford regime seeks a substantial rebuild.The 6ft 7in frontman, 24, has notched 18 Serie A goals over the past two seasons since returning to his homeland with Udinese from a loan spell with Ajax.Lorenzo Lucca is a key target for Man UtdCredit: GettyThe striker fits United’s transfer criteriaLucca, who has earned three Italy caps this season, was a youth product at Torino but made his breakthrough with 13 goals for Serie C Palermo in 2020-21.During his spell at Pisa in Serie B he was dubbed the “Tower of Pisa”, a reference to the city’s landmark building.Udinese are looking for just £25million this summer for a striker who would become the Prem’s tallest outfield player since Peter Crouch retired in 2019.That fits with United’s financial model although they would face potential competition from Juventus and Milan.Ten Hag payoutErik ten Hag received a compensation payout of £8.5million when he was sacked as Manchester United manager.The Dutchman was fired in October with the club sitting 14th in the Premier League.The payout is lower than initial reports, which suggested he may have received double that amount.It was thought Ten Hag’s payout may have been bigger after he was handed a one-year extension last summer after leading United to FA Cup glory at Wembley Stadium.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe still had 20 months to run on his £9million a year contract.However, it appears the Dutchman walked away with less than he would have earned had he seen out his contract.’As a player yeah but…’ – Luke Littler forces Roy Keane to agree on Bruno Fernandes but Man Utd legend still makes digThe latest club accounts revealed: “On 28 October 2024, the club announced that Ten Hag left his role as men’s first team manager. Costs associated with this of approximately £8.5million will be recognised in the financial statements for the year ending 30 June 2025.”United had previously admitted forking out £14.5 million to Ten Hag, his coaching team and former sporting director Dan Ashworth.The club said: “Exceptional items for the quarter were a cost of £14.5m. This relates to costs associated with the departure of former men’s first team manager Erik ten Hag and various members of football staff.”The payout to Ten Hag is roughly the same amount the club has been forced to pay out in redundancy after cutting 250 staff last summer.The club admitted: “In July 2024, Manchester United began a redundancy process aimed at reducing employee levels by around 250 people. Associated costs of between £8million and £10million will be recognised.”Erik ten Hag received a payout of £8.5million after his payoutCredit: PALining City pocketsUnited will have to hand Sunday’s derby rivals City a windfall of around £5m if they land Ipswich forward Liam Delap this summer.The 22-year-old is one of the names under consideration at Old Trafford as they look to rebuild Ruben Amorim’s squad this summer.And City will be watching developments closely with the striker they allowed to leave for £15m last summer.They have a buy-back option believed to be in the region of £40m but as things stand are unlikely to activate that.However they inserted a sell-on clause into the original deal in July – meaning they will get 20 per cent of any profit made by the Suffolk club.Liam Delap is on the Red Devils radarCredit: AlamyFire summer saleTalk of the dressing room at Old Trafford is that the club is desperate to offload some of its highest wage earners this summer – to allow a long-term cut-price reboot of the squad.United chiefs fear they will be unable to shift Brazilian veteran Casemiro, who has another 12 months left on his £18m per season contract.That means they are crossing their fingers that Real Betis will want to splash the cash to turn Old Trafford flop Antony’s loan into a permanent deal.Marcus Rashford’s successful stint at Aston Villa is seen as lifting his potential sale price, while Christian Eriksen will be among those leaving when his contract expires.It will also hasten their need to find a buyer for Jadon Sancho, with Chelsea prepared to write off £5m to back out of their agreement to sign the winger at the end of his loan spell at Stamford Bridge.SunSport understands the new approach was signposted by the arrival in January of left-back Patrick Dorgu, signed for £25m from Lecce on a five-year deal worth only £40,000 per week.United’s scouts have been told to look for value in the market, with the club looking to avoid over-paying for young players and offering them relatively low initial contracts.That comes after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s public criticism of keeper Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund and Casemiro last month.Man Utd want to get rid of outcasts Antony and Jadon SanchoCredit: GettyEx-Red Devil receives supportFormer United team-mates have rallied around Brandon Williams – who is facing up to two years in prison after admitting dangerous driving. The 24-year-old will be sentenced on May 9 and has found life difficult since he was released by the Red Devils 12 months ago.But those who worked with him at Carrington and played alongside him have been quick to offer both financial and moral support for the youngster – with one ex-United star particularly generous.One that got awayNico O’Reilly is the talk of the blue half of town right now after his emergence into City’s first team in recent weeks – and he could get his first taste of a full Old Trafford in Sunday’s derby.Yet if things had worked out differently, he could have been turning out regularly at the Theatre of Dreams.United were at the head of the queue to sign the Manchester-born youngster when he was a boy – but he opted to go across town after being dazzled by the set up at the City Football Academy.Nico O’Reilly has impressed for Man City in recent weeksCredit: GettyWag cityAmorim’s wife Maria Joao Diogo will no doubt be looking forward to the arrival of Hugo Viana across town at City.That’s because she is close friends with the wife of the new Etihad director of football – and the pair own interior design company Dois Tons together.But in the meantime Maria has struck up an unlikely friendship with Natalia Loewe – who is the partner of Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker.The families live close together in Cheshire and have kept each other company while their husbands are off training.Maria Joao Diogo is close friends with the wife of incoming City chief Hugo VianaCredit: D. R More

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      ‘Get them to the Premier League’ – Darts legend Phil Taylor reveals he’d consider buying EFL club with Robbie Williams

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      DARTS legend Phil Taylor has revealed he would consider buying League Two club Port Vale with pop icon Robbie Williams.Taylor, 64, is a lifelong fan of his local club Port Vale and good friends with fellow Valiants fan Williams.Phil Taylor has revealed he is open to buying Port Vale with popstar Robbie WilliamsCredit: GettyTaylor grew up in the local area and is a lifelong Port Vale fanCredit: GettyRobbie Williams is an avid Port Vale supporter tooCredit: GettyThere has been a boom in recent seasons of famous faces from across the globe splashing out to buy football clubs throughout English game.Most notably these include Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds’ purchase of Wrexham, and also the likes of Tom Brady’s investment in Birmingham City and Michael B Jordan’s involvement with Bournemouth.Now Taylor and Williams could join that list with 16-time world darts champion ‘The Power’ explaining that he’s open to the idea of getting involved with Port Vale and taking them to new heights.Speaking to OLBG, he said: “Well, I was asked that by talkSPORT because me and Robbie are good friends.READ MORE IN SPORT”And his dad is like my second dad, Peter is, and talkSPORT mentioned that Robbie was interested in investing into Port Vale and, if he does would you be interested?”I said well, yeah I think so, but we’d have to see what it is and how much they want and stuff like that.”Although Port Vale fans can’t get too excited just yet, as Taylor explained that, for now, it’s all hypothetical.”But I’ve heard nothing from Robbie. So, no, I think it’s just a rumour”, he added.Most read in FootballBut should that dream become a reality, Taylor has big ambitions for where he could take his boyhood club.He said: “Get them to the Premier League!Amazing moment Stephen Bunting and Adrian Lewis belt out Robbie Williams’ Angels at darts exhibition “I don’t know in all seriousness to be honest with you, I haven’t got a clue. I’d probably give Barry Hearn a ring and ask his advice. “You know, Barry was my ex manager and because he owned Leyton Orient, he knows a lot more about running a football club than I do, so I’d ask him for a bit of advice.”For now, Port Vale might not need Taylor and Williams’ help.The club are currently third in League Two, just two points off top spot under the management of former West Brom and Huddersfield boss Darren Moore.Robbie Williams is actually already involved in the club, being named as the Club President in February last year.While the ‘Rock DJ’ singer also has a bar named after him at Vale Park.Williams was named Club President at Port Vale last yearCredit: TwitterHe even helped design one of their kits More

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      Sarina Wiegman and Leah Williamson reckon Women’s World Cup in the UK could push game to new level

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      LIONESSES boss Sarina Wiegman says the UK landing the 2035 Women’s World Cup will take the female game to another level.Fifa president Gianni Infantino announced the England-led Home Nations plan was the “one valid bid” to host a tournament set to be expanded to 48 teams.Leah Williamson says the UK hosting a Women’s World Cup could be an opportunity to show home nations care for women’s footballCredit: GettyGianni Infantino revealed the UK was the only bidder that submitted an expression of interest to Fifa before its deadlineCredit: AlamyWindsor Park in Belfast could be among the potential venues for matchesCredit: SportsfileFormal confirmation will come when the official bid book, including up to 16 stadiums across all four countries, is sent to Fifa in November.But that will be a formality and Wiegman, who led the Lionesses to Euro glory in 2022, said a World Cup on British and Northern Irish soil was a game-changer.Wiegman said: “We know with the experience of the Euros how big the game is already here and what that momentum did here in the country but also worldwide. “Hosting another tournament on an even bigger stage would be incredible and will give another boost to the game. Read More Football Stories”It’s an even bigger stage. It’s the biggest female event we have in the world.”England skipper Leah Williamson added: “I’m proud to have been a part of such a good show for women’s football at the Euros. “The commitment from the FA, the conversations that we’re in all the time about how we push the game on –  I think 2022 was a great demonstration of that intent. “To follow up with a World Cup bid says a lot about how much we care about women’s football here on home soil but then also globally as well.”Most read in FootballWilliamson’s former Arsenal and England team-mate Alex Scott says the idea of Women’s World Cup taking place across the UK, brings back memories of London hosting the Olympics 13 years ago. The BBC Sports presenter and pundit said: “When I go back to when we hosted the Olympics in 2012, that was one of our first times walking out Wembley – as Team GB – with 70,000 people there. “That was a historic moment for us, so you fast-forward and you’re thinking about what that can do for people coming into the stadiums, being inspired and cheering on their team.”It would be absolutely epic.”The success of the bid was a victory for the quiet diplomacy of the FA high command, led by chair Debbie Hewitt and chief executive Mark Bullingham, who have repaired relations with Infantino after the “One Love” armband row at the 2022 World Cup.Infantino confirmed Fifa plans to expand the tournament from 32 teams to 48 – matching the growth of the men’s World Cup – from the 2031 edition which will be held in the USA, with the world body likely to rule all four host nations will qualify automatically.Unlike Euros 2028, when Northern Ireland was unable to come up with a venue big enough, minimum stadium capacities of 20,000 mean Belfast’s Windsor Park can be used for the tournament.A formal list of stadiums will be drafted over the next few months, with Wrexham likely to want to join Cardiff in hosting Welsh matches and Edinburgh and Aberdeen potential Scottish options as well as Glasgow.The last major women’s football tournament to take place on British soil was the 2022 Women’s Euros hostedCredit: GettyGrounds across England will be considered with the FA aiming to ensure it is a national celebration of the women’s game.Read More on The SunBullingham said: “We are honoured to be the sole bidder. Hosting the first Fifa World Cup since 1966 with our Home Nations partners will be very special.”That hard work starts now, to put together the best possible bid by the end of the year.” More

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      Inside the multi-million pound transformation of famous stadium where Celtic won European Cup in Lisbon

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      IT’S the site of Celtic’s most famous triumph – with thousands of Hoops fans still visiting Lisbon each year for their very own Portuguese pilgrimage. But the contours of the famous Estadio Nacional where Billy McNeill once held the European Cup aloft are set to change – to the tune of a cool €25MILLION Euros modernisation.An aerial view of how the stadium will lookCredit: AFL architects Inside the sleek lounges at the refurbished venueCredit: AFL architects It’s a stylish upgrade to the famous old stadiumCredit: AFL Architects The good news for Hoops fans, though, is that the 81-year-old stadium won’t be getting bulldozed and rebuilt and will rather undergo a ‘sensitive and innovative redesign’.Led by Jock Stein and legendary skipper Billy McNeill, the Lisbon Lions triumphed over Italian giants Inter Milan in the Portuguese capital to become the first side from the Britain to win the biggest prize in club football.Goals from the great Tommy Gemmell and Stevie Chalmers saw the Hoops come from behind to win 2-1.The stadium where the match took place is a listed heritage site which was originally built six miles west of the city between 1939 and 1944 to designs by Portuguese architect Jacobetty Rosa.Located in close proximity to two massive stadia neighbours in the form of the Estadio da Luz and Jose Alvalade – the homes of Benfica and Sporting Lisbon respectively – the Estadio Nacional isn’t used so regularly these days. It still plays host to the Portuguese cup final – as well as rugby games.But refurbishment has been on the way since at least 2012 and while there is no start date for the work as yet, it’s closer than ever with AFL Architects winning the job for their designs.AFL are working with Lisbon-based Aires Mateus and Gonçalves Vieira Cruz after they won a competition with their designs – with the Portuguese Football Federation the client.Most read in FootballOne thing that will change with the new development is a new suspended canopy ROOF suspended over the stands. This will use a Pratt truss structure supported by four strategically braced points.Rangers and Celtic fans react to news away fans are BACK at Old Firm gamesThe stadium capacity will change too, actually coming down from 39,000 to 36,388.The architects claim that the stadium’s ‘unique integration into the natural landscape’ of Vale do Jamor will be retained.Estadio Nacional refurbishment – at a glanceKey features of the proposed refurbishment include: A striking new roof inspired by the stadium’s original design and site topography.VIP and VVIP lounges for premium experiences. State-of-the-art media facilities. Updated football, rugby, and athletics facilities. Enhanced accessibility throughout the venue. Extended toilet and concession areas. Improved sightlines for spectators. Refurbished landscaping that blends seamlessly with the Vale do Jamor.Back in 2022, the Lisbon Lions were named the best club side EVER.It topped a poll ahead of a Barca side led by Pep Guardiola and spearheaded by the likes of Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi, who won La Liga with 96 points and secured the Champions League.Manchester United’s famous 1998/99 side came a distant third with 14 per-cent of the vote.Billy McNeill holds aloft the European CupCredit: AFL architects How the covered main stand will now lookCredit: AFL architects Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes’s season OVER as defender needs surgery on hamstring injury sustained in Fulham clash

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      GABRIEL MAGALHAES is set to miss the rest of the season after it was confirmed he needs to go under the knife.The Brazilian injured his right hamstring in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Fulham on Tuesday night.Gabriel Magalhaes injured his right hamstring in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Fulham earlier this weekCredit: EPAThe 27-year-old will miss the rest of the season as he needs to have surgeryCredit: AFPIt soon emerged that the centre-back would miss both legs of the Gunners’ Champions League quarter-final tie with Real Madrid.But the club have now confirmed the 27-year-old needs to have surgery and is unlikely to return to the field again this season.A club statement read: “Further to being substituted during our match against Fulham on Tuesday, we can confirm that Gabriel Magalhaes has sustained a hamstring injury which requires surgery.”Gabi will undergo a surgical repair procedure to his hamstring in the coming days, and immediately begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, with the aim to be ready for the start of next season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Everyone at the club will be fully focused on supporting Gabi to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible.”The Emirates faithful were quick to react to news of Gabriel’s season-ending injury.One wrote on X: “Rest up. Player of the season. Another said: “Just end the season now.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnd another said: “Get well soon, Gabi.”One remarked: “Come back stronger, king.”Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be missing four defensive starters for a mammoth Champions League quarter final Arsenal’s next five fixturesAnother chimed in: “THREE hamstring injuries so severe they require surgery in the same season.”That begs some serious questions of the fitness/conditioning team. “That’s completely ridiculous.”Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is now facing a defensive crisis ahead of next Tuesday’s visit of Real Madrid following injuries to Gabriel and Jurrien Timber, who also picked up a knock against the Cottagers.Jakub Kiwior will likely deputise for the crocked Gabriel, with Oleksandr Zinchenko in line to fill in for Timber at left-back.Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori missed Tuesday’s visit of Fulham and are also doubts for next week’s showdown with Real.Mikel Arteta now has a massive injury headache ahead of Real Madrid’s visit next weekCredit: REX More

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      I customise boots for Marcus Rashford, Declan Rice and more – but I’ve still not had my dream customer

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      NO two footballers are the same.And for Jordan Dawson, their boots shouldn’t be the same either.Jordan Dawson has designed boots for some of the biggest names in the Premier League – including Enzo FernandezCredit: Instagram @jordan.dawsonHe has also created a pair for Darwin NunezCredit: Instagram @jordan.dawsonThe artist has customised boots for some of the biggest names in the Premier League.From Marcus Rashford and Declan Rice to Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella – Jordan has catered for them all.And it all starts with just a message.SunSport followed Jordan through the process of customising a pair for Premier League icon Willian following his return to Fulham.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”So how it all works is I’ll get a message from a footballer, obviously asking for a customised pair of boots,” the designer explained.”Some may have some sort of idea of what they want, some will have no clue.”Brazilians are known for being out there and skilful, having a bit of flair. So I created this design.”I wanted to be able to express the skill that I have, but it was just a little bit too much for him. So this is where we started and now we’ve toned it down a little bit and now it’s where it is now.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJordan’s first draft of the boots for WillianCredit: YouTube/The Sun SportJordan started customising shoes after working for NikeCredit: YouTube/The Sun SportJordan first got into customising when he worked at Nike and was given several pairs of shoes.He then took it upon himself to start personalising them from his own house.Football Fixers | Cutting it with Premier League Football StarsAfter designing his first pair – some plain white Nike Air Forces – he started building a portfolio.Despite being knocked back by a number of different brands, he took his work back to Nike and the sportswear company offered him a space to design at its flagship Nike Town store in central London.Jordan was then enlisted to help design boots for Mason Mount and Phil Foden ahead of their respective England debuts.That gig seemingly opened a world of possibility for the entrepreneur, who then received more work from Adidas and the FIFA video game franchise.But it was his work for Declan Rice that really helped the business snowball.For Jordan, the highlight so far has been working with Brazil legend Kaka at a FIFA event.He said: “I think a pinch me moment was when I did work with Kaka.The artist designed a pair of trainers for KakaCredit: YouTube/The Sun Sport”I remember players queuing up to meet him and at that moment I was like, OK, this is professional footballers wanting to meet their idol.”I grew up watching Kaka as well, that Brazilian team with Ronaldinho, Kaka, Rivaldo.”And I remember his manager coming up to me saying, I hear you’ve got a pair of trainers for Kaka.”So then being able to present that to him in person as well was, yeah, that was a pinch me moment.”A lifelong Chelsea fan, Jordan hopes to one day work with Cole Palmer.Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is also a dream client: “Guaranteed to get pictures of him scoring goals!”There has even been some suggestion that his boots have helped players find their goalscoring form.Jordan continued: “I gave a couple of pairs of boots to Darwin Nunez and Marcus Rashford at very similar times.”Darwin Nunez just wasn’t scoring, he hit this really bad patch and all of a sudden he puts on these boots and he’s scoring backheel goals against Real Madrid, he’s scoring thunderbolts against Newcastle.”Marcus Rashford then couldn’t stop scoring when he was wearing them.Dawson drew a portrait for Declan Rice ahead of the World CupCredit: Instagram @jordan.dawson”So I had a lot of direct messages saying: ‘Maybe your boots are giving them superpowers,’ which I laughed at, but I’ve kind of just gone with it as well.”The best part of the process, however, is handing the boots over to the Premier League star.”I love meeting the players in person. I get to sit down with them and have a normal conversation, get to know who they are on a personal level and then also seeing their natural reaction to seeing the boots for the first time.”You get those goosebumps feeling because you see their face light up. I’ve delivered boots to Darwin Nunez at his home and he kissed the boot and you knew it meant something to him. So that was a great feeling.”On Willian’s reaction to his customised boots, Jordan said: “His response was amazing. He’s played for Chelsea Football Club, which is my boyhood club.”So meeting him, seeing his reaction, he opens the box and you see his whole face light up. That’s the best reaction I can ask for.”A nice signed shirt for the collection. So that will be going on the wall framed in my new flat.”And the ultimate goal for the businessman?Read More on The Sun”To create my own shoe. I would love to have that feeling of walking down the street and someone pointing to my shoe and saying: ‘What are you wearing?'”And I’d be like, ‘it’s my shoe,’ I think that would be the ultimate flex for me. “Willian loved the pair that Jordan designed for himCredit: YouTube/The Sun SportThe winger gave him a signed shirtCredit: YouTube/The Sun Sport More

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      Premier League announce latest TV picks with Arsenal clash rescheduled and Liverpool’s day to lift the title

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      LIVERPOOL’s potential title party date has been decided after the latest round of TV picks.The Premier League have announced top-flight fixtures set to be shown on the box for the rest of April and May.Liverpool could be set to lift the Premier League for the first time since 2020Credit: GettyArsenal will now visit Anfield on May 11 – which could be a title party for the hostsCredit: GettyArne Slot’s Liverpool are running away with the title and lead second-placed Arsenal by 12 points. The Reds host the Gunners in their penultimate home game of the season.From their remaining eight games, Liverpool need just 13 more points to guarantee the title regardless of other results. Anfield will now play host to Arsenal on Sunday, May 11, with a 4.30pm kick-off.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. If results go their way, Liverpool could potentially lift the Premier League trophy while the Gunners watch on.But it is more realistic the Reds are presented with the trophy against Crystal Palace on May 25, the final day of the season. Should Slot’s side win the title, it will be the first time the club’s supporters will have seen their side lift the trophy in person since May 1990.Most read in FootballLiverpool’s last title win came amid COVID restrictions in 2020, with no supporters allowed inside Anfield for the celebrations. In another change to the schedule, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will now face Crystal Palace on Wednesday, April 23, at 8pm. Steven Gerrard gives update on return to management after Liverpool legend left Al-Ettifaq The all-London clash has been moved after Palace qualified for the semi-final of the FA Cup. In a similar vein, fellow semi-finalists Man City will now host Aston Villa on Tuesday, April 22, while Nottingham Forest take on Brentford on Thursday, May 1.Forest continue to be this season’s surprise package, with that contest at the City Ground getting underway at the earlier time of 7.30pm. Thomas Frank’s Bees have seen their clash with Manchester United moved to Sunday, May 4, as a result of Forest’s FA Cup adventure.Premier League fixture changesHERE’S a full rundown of the latest raft of TV changes as we approach the Premier League run-in. Tuesday 22 April8pm – Man City vs Aston Villa (Sky Sports)Wednesday 23 April8pm – Arsenal vs Crystal Palace (Sky Sports)Thursday 1 May7.30pm – Nottingham Forest v Brentford (Sky Sports)Sunday 4 May2pm -Brentford v Man UtdSaturday 10 May12.30pm – Newcastle vs Chelsea (TNT Sports)*Fulham vs EvertonIpswich vs BrentfordMan Utd vs West HamSouthampton vs Man City Spurs vs Crystal PalaceWolves vs Brighton5.30pm – Bournemouth vs Aston Villa (Sky Sports)*Match will move to Sunday 11 May 12:00 BST and remain live on TNT Sports if Chelsea play in UEFA Conference League on Thursday 8 MaySunday 11 May2.15pm – Nottingham Forest vs Leicester (Sky Sports)4.30pm – Liverpool v Arsenal (Sky Sports)Later in the month, Chelsea will take on Newcastle in the early kick-off on Saturday, May 10. But should Enzo Maresca’s men reach the next stage of the Europa Conference League, the match will move to midday on May 11.Regardless of when it kicks off, the game at St James’ Park will be shown live on TNT Sports. More

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      ‘I will go back’ – Steven Gerrard gives update on return to management after Liverpool legend left Al-Ettifaq

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      STEVEN GERRARD has opened up about his managerial future after he left Al-Ettifaq.The Liverpool legend stepped down as boss of the Saudi Arabian side in January after 18 months in charge.Steven Gerrard opened up about his managerial futureCredit: YouTube/That Peter Crouch PodcastGerrard quit Saudi side Al-Ettifaq earlier this seasonCredit: ReutersPressure was beginning to mount on him at the time of his departure as Al-Ettifaq were languishing just five points above the relegation zone.Since leaving the club, Gerrard was linked with vacancies at Derby County and Blackburn in the Championship.But the ex-Rangers and Aston Villa boss is happy to be away from the dugout, telling That Peter Crouch Podcast: “I don’t want to be back in work, not at the moment.”I’ve just come out, so I am happy waking up, being free, doing the family stuff and being free from the stress.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I will go back in at some point but when it is round the clock for 18 months, I just want to be free and do normal things that you can’t do when you are coaching like a game of golf or go down the boozer.”I want to do normal things that you can’t really do when you’re coaching, so I am all good.”I’m good and stress free. I’m out of work in terms of the coaching and management, which is obviously 24/7.”Gerrard is unlikely to be out of the dugout for long though as he still “loves” football.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut he admitted he does not get the same buzz in the dugout as he did on the pitch back in his heyday.Gerrard explained: “I miss it everyday, every single day, I would love to run it back and do it all again.Steven Gerrard mercilessly BOOED by Al-Ettifaq fans after losing local derby with Liverpool legend on brink of sack”Coaching and management does not fill the void, it is just not the same.”Don’t get me wrong it is a great job to still be around it, but in terms of the buzz of playing, I didn’t appreciate it enough.”Gerrard admits he did not appreciate being a Liverpool player enoughCredit: Getty More