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      Newcastle confirm first summer signing after pipping Barcelona, Real Madrid and Porto to Spanish wonderkid

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      NEWCASTLE have confirmed the signing of Spanish wonderkid Antonio Cordero.SunSport revealed in January that the 18-year-old – dubbed ‘Antoñito’ – would reject a new deal at Malaga in favour of joining the Magpies on a free transfer.Antonio Cordero poses in his new kitCredit: GettySeveral top European clubs were after the wonderkidCredit: GettyCordero, 18, has joined the Toon from MalagaCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe Spaniard will arrive at St James’ Park on 1st July – subject to obtaining a UK visa – upon the expiry of his contract, and is expected to spend his first season out on loan.Real Madrid and Barcelona had held talks with the attacker, as did Porto, but he opted to pen a five-year deal to join Eddie Howe’s side.Cordero said: “It’s truly an honour to be here, truly a pleasure. I am a person who likes to aspire high. Why not come to one of the best places in the world to do it.“It’s a big step, and that’s one of the reasons I’m here. I’m happy to do it and have a great desire to get going already.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLStrong reports from Cordero’s homeland suggest he could make a return to Malaga next season, though boss Sergio Pellicer refused to be drawn on the situation when asked recently.He said: “From the outside, it seems easy, but then it requires certain circumstances to make sense of everything – salary caps and other issues. It’s up to the club to talk about it.”Cordero scored his first senior goal for the Andalusian giants in June 2024, bagging a last-gasp equaliser in a play-off final second leg to fire Malaga back in to the Segunda Division.Upon confirmation of the signing, Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell said: “Antonio is an exciting talent. We’re delighted to bring him to Newcastle United amidst interest in Spain and across Europe.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKCordero undergoes his medical at NewcastleCredit: GettyThe Spanish wonderkid receives his shirt from Toon youth chief Jack RossCredit: Getty“He has lots of potential, and the next phase of his development will be for the club to select a loan move that will challenge him and build on his experiences.”Cordero’s arrival is set to be the first among a flurry of summer signings.Champions League places CONFIRMED after Aston Villa VAR controversy as Newcastle have to be saved by Man UtdEddie Howe maintains an interest in Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, but hopes of signing Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford have been hampered by his desire to join Man Utd.And goalkeeper Nick Pope is being lined up by newly-promoted Leeds after the Yorkshire side missed out on Liverpool’s Caoimhin Keller.Meanwhile Sandro Tonali has nailed his Black and White colours to the mast and committed his future to Newcastle.The Italian midfielder, 25, was one of Newcastle’s top performers this term as they lifted the Carabao Cup and secured Champions League qualification.Despite that, there have been constant reports from his homeland that he would be heading back to former club Milan, who sold him to the Magpies for £55m in 2023, this summer.Barcelona and Real Madrid are two others linked while Juventus are the latest side said to be chasing him.Tonali, however, has shut down any transfer noise and insists he is going nowhere as he wants to repay the club for the support they showed him during his ban.Read More on The SunHe said: “I’m happy where I am now. I’ve found people who care about me, and I care about them. I don’t want to break any of the bonds I’ve built.“I’ve had a lot of thoughts every day, but right now, I’m happy where I am.”Nick Pope is being targeted by newly-promoted LeedsCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Starstruck’ Jack Grealish poses with unrecognisable Premier League icon and calls him ‘one of my boyhood heroes’

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      JACK GREALISH caught up with boyhood hero Olof Mellberg as he ponders his Manchester City future.The winger, 29, has been enjoying some time off after being left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.Jack Grealish catches up with Villa hero Olof MellbergCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jackgrealish/Olof Mellberg starred for Aston Villa between 2001 and 2008Credit: GettyGrealish is a huge Aston Villa fan, and grew up idolising the club’s star players from the Holte End.One of his Villa favourites was Swedish defender Mellberg – a colossus at the back between 2001 and 2008.So when Grealish got the chance to meet his former hero, the Brummie ace couldn’t contain his excitement.Posting a snap of himself with Mellberg to Instagram, gleeful Grealish wrote: “Not many that I get starstruck over but this guy is one!READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Big Olof Mellberg. One of my boyhood heroes.”Since hanging up his boots in 2014, Mellberg has launched a career in management.Following several roles in Sweden, the former Villa star managed St Louis City in MLS.Grealish, meanwhile, is set for a summer of change.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSunSport recently revealed that the 39-cap star has accepted that he will likely have to leave City in order to play at next summer’s World Cup.Last night it emerged that Grealish is set to be left out of City’s Club World Cup squad as he chases a move.Man City drop Jack Grealish transfer hint as they launch stunning new kit for Club World CupThe attacker, who has two years remaining on his £300,000-a-week deal – is set to attract interest from the Premier League and across Europe.Grealish is reportedly valued at £40million – with former club Villa a candidate for his signature.City boss Pep Guardiola said last month: “Of course Jack has to play.“He needs to do it — with us or another place.”The Etihad side have agreed a £46.2m deal for AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders.While Lyon’s Rayan Cherki and Wolves full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri are also of interest.Grealish, 29, is set to be on the move this summerCredit: Getty More

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      ‘And it begins’ – Liverpool fans want to pay £200million for Florian Wirtz after spotting what he did to Bruno Fernandes

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      LIVERPOOL fans want to pay £200MILLION for Florian Wirtz after spotting what he did to Bruno Fernandes.The Bayer Leverkusen star is a top target for the champions this summer after transforming into one of Europe’s premier playmakers.Liverpool fans want a £200m transfer for Florian Wirtz after he battled Bruno FernandesCredit: ReutersThe Reds target left his mark on the Man Utd captain in Germany’s loss to PortugalCredit: AFPLiverpool have already failed with a £110m bid for the 2024 Bundesliga title winner.Leverkusen are thought to want £126m — which would make Wirtz the most expensive player in British football history.But giddy Reds fans are prepared to bring him in for as much as £200m.That’s after being blown away by his actions in last night’s Nations League semi-final between Germany and Portugal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWirtz opened the scoring in the crunch clash before Cristiano Ronaldo inspired his side to a 2-1 victory.However, a collision with Manchester United captain Fernandes got plenty of Liverpool fans off their seats.Both men challenge for a loose ball, with Fernandes going to ground as he slid along the turf.Yet with each star stretching out a leg, Wirtz ended up raking the Red Devils skipper along the side of his ankle.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThis delighted many Liverpool supporters, who urged Arne Slot to do whatever it takes to bring Wirtz to Anfield.One said: “And it begins.”Bruno Fernandes reveals role his wife played in £200m Al-Hilal transfer snub even though Man Utd were ready to cash inAnother declared: “Oh Florian that’s f****** filthy. Give them 200 million.”One noted: “£500k a week, he’s earned it.”Another added: “I love him already.” More

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      Rangers appoint Russell Martin as manager to end long search for new boss as he insists ‘I know what this club demands’

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      RANGERS have appointed former Southampton boss Russell Martin as their new manager.The 39-year-old has ended months of speculation about the vacancy by accepting the job at Ibrox.New Rangers boss Russell MartinCredit: GettyFormer Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti was a contenderCredit: GettySteven Gerrard was favourite at one point but dropped out of the runningCredit: PASunSport were first to tell you back on February 22 – the day Philippe Clement was sacked – that Martin was a serious contender. Since then a number of names were linked with the position, including former Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti and ex-Rangers boss Steven Gerrard.But it is ex-Light Blues defender Martin who has made the most convincing pitch to the new American owners at Ibrox to land the job.Inititially joining Martin in Glasgow will be Assistant Head Coach Matt Gill and Performance Coach Rhys Owen.Read more football He said: “It is a privilege to be named Head Coach of Rangers Football Club at the beginning of this exciting new chapter.”I know what this club demands. From my time here, I had a taste of how special this club is, the expectation, the passion and the history. Now, as I return, I’m determined to bring success back, for the supporters, the players, and everyone inside this club.”There’s a lot to be done, but the goal is clear: win matches, win trophies, and give Rangers fans a team that they can be proud of. “We want to play with bravery, to take the ball, to be aggressive, and to stand up in the big moments.Most read in Football”Preparations for pre-season are already underway. I look forward to meeting the players and building a squad that our fans can believe in.”Martin’s name never seemed to go away even despite links with Leicester City.Robert Grieve & Bill Leckie have the very latest on the Rangers manager situation as Steven Gerrard & Russell Martin emerge as front-runnersWe told you at the start of last week that Martin remained a serious contender and was set for talks to make a fresh pitch for the position.Ancelotti, son of legendary father Carlo, made it clear that Rangers was his preferred choice but a decision had to be made quickly.That was before it was announced that the new US consortium, chairman Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, would take control of the club last Friday.New sporting director Kevin Thelwell said only on Monday how Rangers are closing in on a new manager.And Martin who had a loan spell at Ibrox seven years ago has emerged from the pack of candidates.Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart said: “Our criteria for our next coach were clear: we wanted a coach who will excel in terms of how we want to play, improve our culture, develop our squad, and ultimately win matches. Russell was the standout candidate.“This appointment is about building a winning team and a strong culture. He is no stranger to our club, we expect success and Russell knows that. We are excited for his leadership.”Rangers Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell added: “Through the many conversations Patrick and I have had with Russell in recent weeks, he has emerged as the outstanding candidate.“Russell comes to Rangers with hard-earned experience. His time in the Premier League has sharpened his approach, both tactically and personally. He’s better for it, and we believe that will translate into the kind of leadership and performance our supporters expect.He guided Southampton into the Premier League with a play-off win over Leeds United at Wembley a year ago.But the Saints dropped straight back down after failing to recover from a disastrous start with one win in 16 games, which cost Martin his job.Read More on The SunMore to follow…Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      ‘I’m really weak’ – Chris Kamara gives health update as Sky Sports legend reveals new role

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      CHRIS KAMARA admitted “I’m really weak” after giving a health update while securing a new role.The Sky Sports legend, 67, was forced to step back from broadcasting two years after being diagnosed with apraxia of speech (AOS).Chris Kamara admits ‘I’m really weak’ after landing a new roleCredit: GettyThe condition sees sufferers struggle to speak as the brain is unable to properly control the muscles used to form words.Kamara exclusively told The Sun last month that he had travelled to Mexico for treatment.He also suffers from dyspraxia, which affects his balance and coordination.And now, the fan favourite has managed to land himself a new role.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFor one day only, Kamara will be serving free chip butties at Camden Market with Burton’s Fish ’N’ Chips on Friday June 6.The unusual role is part of National Fish ‘N’ Chips Day.Kamara carefully considered the surprise gig before accepting it because of his AOS and dyspraxia.And he admits his health battle has left him feeling “really weak” overall.Most read in FootballKamara told The Star: “I’m choosy these days. “That’s what’s happened with the work because even though I’ve got the acceptance of my condition, I still don’t want to put myself in a situation where it comes back to bite me.“So I’m not like the old Chris Kamara who would say yes to the opening of an envelope. Fans have ‘tears in eyes’ as Sky Sports icon Chris Kamara reunited with old pal Jeff Stelling on shock commentary returnWhat is apraxia of speech?Apraxia of speech is a condition which makes talking difficult, with sufferers knowing what they’d like to say, but having trouble communicating their words.The NHS says that the condition can be extremely frustrating for people.They explained: “Frequently the person with apraxia will have difficulties with conversational speech. However they may be good at ‘automatic’ speech tasks such as counting, swearing, repeating rhymes, greetings and farewell.It’s usually caused by damage to the left side of the brain, such as a stroke.The condition does not affect a person’s understanding and the symptoms of the condition can vary occurring to the severity of the disorder.The main symptoms are:being able to say a word correctly one minute and then not the nextdifficulty at the beginning of wordsgreater difficulty with longer wordsaware of mistakes but unable to correct themspeaking slowlybeing better at ‘automatic tasks’ such as counting and singing.”Whereas now I’m a bit more choosy and will I put myself in a situation where it won’t work out alongside my apraxia, I have dyspraxia, which affects your balance.“So I’m weak, really weak, and you know, going down these stairs isn’t great. “Going up these stairs is fine, but going down these stairs, the brain tells you you’re going to fall even though you probably won’t, so you have to hold on to the banister and getting on planes and things like that.”On his dyspraxia, Kamara added: “Walking is fine but the thing is if I trip I can’t put my arms out anymore to stop my fall, so if I was riding a bike, when you stop, the brain won’t allow your feet to go down and stop you falling.“You just fall over the sides, it’s crazy, but the brain is so complex, it’s amazing.Read More on The Sun“I didn’t realise the compartments of the brain, where if you talk in an accent. So (for me) I advise speaking in a Scottish accent. “The flow is quicker than my normal speeds, which is crazy, but that’s the brain for it.” More

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      Liverpool ready to pay full £126million asking price for Florian Wirtz to avoid drawn-out transfer saga

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      LIVERPOOL are preparing to pay the full £126million asking price to capture Florian Wirtz as soon as possible.The Bayern Leverkusen playmaker is understood to have agreed a five–year deal.Liverpool are ready to stump up the full £126m for Florian WirtzCredit: GettyAlthough the clubs have yet to agree a final fee.But boss Arne Slot wants to avoid a drawn–out saga.His club first offered £110m then went back with an improved offer.Now Anfield’s chief executive of football Michael Edwards has been given permission by owners Fenway Sports Group to go all–in.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThere is growing Kop optimism that the 22-year-old will put pen to paper after the end of the international break on Sunday.Wirtz featured in Germany’s Nations League semi-final defeat to Portugal.He opened the scoring at the Allianz Arena with a well-taken header just after half-time.But Francisco Conceicao and Cristiano Ronaldo struck within five minutes to turn the semi-final around.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJulian Nagelsmann’s side will now face either France or Spain who play tonight in Sunday’s third-fourth play-off.After that, Wirtz will be free to have a medical.The Sports Desk EP13_AP_V2And, as is now all but certain, become the showpiece signing of Slot’s squad summer splurge with £29m Leverkusen team-mate Jeremie Frimpong already on board.Liverpool had been prepared to go to £120m including add-ons for Wirtz.But they now accept the Bundesliga club will not back down on their original valuation.They are hoping all negotiations can now be completed by the weekend and that Wirtz will be signed and sealed before heading out on holiday in readiness to join his new club for pre-season training which starts early next month.The attacker’s number at Anfield remains unclear.Reports suggested he wanted to take the No10 off Alexis Mac Allister – but he quashed those suggestions with an Instagram post.Wirtz, who wears No10 for Leverkusen but No17 for Germany, wrote: “Who says I want the 10 [emoji].”I respect players.Read More on The Sun”Don’t believe everything that’s written,” followed by a clown emoji.Elsewhere, Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez is also expected to sign next week for £45m – taking the Anfield spend to £200m.Wirtz opened the scoring for Germany in their Nations League semi-final but lost to PortugalCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd make lowball opening transfer bid for Bryan Mbeumo with Brentford star demanding £250k-a-week to sign

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have launched their opening bid for Bryan Mbeumo – but it is under Brentford’s asking price, reports say. Ruben Amorim – who led United to a club-worst 15th place Premier League finish last season – is looking to bolster his attack. Man Utd have launched their opening bid for Bryan MbeumoCredit: AlamyAlready, Matheus Cunha will arrive from Wolves for £62.5million after the Red Devils reluctantly met his release clause. And now Brentford’s versatile forward Mbeumo – capable of playing out wide or through the middle – is their next target. According to The Athletic, United submitted an opening offer of £45million plus £10m in add-ons. But that is said to be below Brentford’s asking price – with negotiations ongoing to strike an agreement. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMbeumo has a year left on his contract at the Gtech Community Stadium — plus an option to extend by 12 months.But he is pushing for a move to Old Trafford despite interest from the likes of Newcastle, Arsenal and Tottenham. Although the French-born Cameroon international is believed to be demanding wages of £250,000-per-week. That is FIVE TIMES the weekly £50,000 salary he currently earns. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMbeumo joined Brentford from French club Troyes in 2019 and enjoyed a breakout season over the last 12 months. The 25-year-old scored 20 goals and eight assists as Brentford finished tenth in the table.Bruno Fernandes reveals role his wife played in £200m Al-Hilal transfer snub even though Man Utd were ready to cash inUnited are in the market for forwards this summer after registering just 44 league goals last term. They missed out on striker Liam Delap – who instead joined Chelsea – but were handed a boost in Bruno Fernandes committing his future. United’s captain rejected an approach from Saudi side Al-Hilal – which would have seen him earn a three-year tax-free deal worth £200million.Matheus Cunha is set to join Man UtdCredit: PABruno Fernandes rejected an approach from Al-HilalCredit: Reuters More

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      England put through gruelling training camp inside 35C tents after stars are given special stress-monitoring tablets

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      YOU can only hope Eberechi Eze and his England team-mates were not expecting an easy few days in Spain after an exhausting season.Although it is only Andorra in a World Cup qualifier in Barcelona on Saturday, Thomas Tuchel put his players through an unusual but excruciating end-of-season fitness test as he prepares for baking-hot temperatures at next year’s World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.The Three Lions found a hot new twist to trainingCredit: GettyJude Bellingham is hoping to spread his success even widerCredit: GettyTrent Alexander-Arnold, Bellingham, Reece James and Co were pushed hard in searing temperatures ahead of Saturday’s qualifierCredit: GettyEberechi Eze is still on a high after his FA Cup final matchwinnerCredit: GettyAlthough the weather was 26C here in Girona yesterday, it was far hotter inside the tent where Tuchel made his players take on a strength-sapping bike exercise.And it came after they had swallowed a biometric tablet to allow the FA medics to get an accurate reading of how the  players deal with extreme stress.For Eze, his partying after winning the FA Cup final with Crystal Palace must have seemed like a long time ago.The Eagles forward, 26, said: “After taking those tablets, you had to be on the bike for about 45 minutes and just had to keep going.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“They monitored your heart rate and they monitored your actual body  temperature.“It was quite difficult to do and 45 minutes is a long time on a bike.“But it was something that was definitely helpful and it gave a bit of insight into myself and how I cope with those situations, which was interesting. “It was the first time for me doing something like this.”Most read in FootballThomas Tuchel hopes his squad sizzle – against Andorra and in the finalsCredit: GettyIt’s the Three Lie-downs as England eye pole position in their groupCredit: GettyBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKChelsea forward Cole Palmer, 23, added: “It was tough. It was 36C inside the tents and we had to get to a certain watts or something on a bike and maintain it.”Ivan Toney knows all about heat as he plays in Saudi Arabia for Al-Ahli.Rashford to Inter Milan? Man Utd Star Eyes Shock Serie A Move!The striker, 29, said: “You can’t blast out running crazy for 90-plus minutes. “It has to be tactical when you make the runs and these kind of things  change your game a bit — but it is good.“It’s different but I’m getting used to it now.“You have to change your game a little bit and maybe you have to sit back for a bit or keep the ball for a bit.”The team have certainly enjoyed themselves at this luxury golf resort outside Girona since they arrived, after watching the F1 in Barcelona on Sunday.The Camiral Golf and Wellness Centre is set to stage the Ryder Cup in 2031.It was tough. It was 36C inside the tents and we had to get to a certain watts or something on a bike and maintain it.Cole PalmerManchester City manager Pep Guardiola was playing golf here at an event with Gianfranco Zola a few days ago, while the football centre used to be Girona’s training ground and Brighton and City have stayed here in pre-season.England will remain on site until tomorrow afternoon before heading to Barcelona to prepare for the match at Espanyol’s stadium.Tuchel’s team then play Senegal in a friendly at the City Ground in Nottingham on Tuesday.Palace star Eze is certainly enjoying life with England. Scoring his first goal, on his tenth appearance in the 3-0 win over Latvia in March, was clearly a big deal.He said: “Yes, a special moment for me. I scored my first goal and that brought more confidence.“I’d say it followed  throughout the rest of the season, which was good for me and for Palace.”When you mention that historic Cup final win for Palace against Manchester City, Eze just cannot stop smiling. He said: “For me, the most special thing is when you speak to fans and you see the fans’ faces and you get to understand what it truly means to them.“Of course, winning as a player is important — and being part of the first team to do it for Palace is definitely special.It’s only when you speak to fans and you see what it means to them… that’s when you really understand how amazing it is.Eberechi Eze on FA Cup glory“But it’s only when you speak to fans and you see what it means to them . . . that’s when you really understand how amazing it is.”Yet will he still be at Palace next season? Spurs are one of several clubs interested in him.Asked if he is thinking about his future, Eze gave little away.He said: “At the moment, not so much. Read More on The Sun”I feel like I’m here on camp with England and I’m trying to work here on camp with England.“Those things will take care of themselves.”Bukayo Saka is sure to be a key attacker for TuchelCredit: GettyEze and Myles Lewis-Skelly hope to start against minnows AndorraCredit: GettyJordan Pickford and teammates have a steely-eyed attitudeCredit: Getty More