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      Sunderland announce NINE player exits after winning promotion to Premier League and sealing club record transfer

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      SUNDERLAND have let NINE players leave after securing promotion back to the Premier League.But they did secure a club-record transfer arrival.Chris Mepham has left Sunderland to return to his parent club BournemouthCredit: GettyEnzo Le Fee completed his £20m permanent switchCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe Black Cats booked their spot back in the top flight for the first time since 2017 after beating Sheffield United in the play-off final.And they marked the return by completing the permanent transfer of Enzo Le Fee for £20million.Le Fee, 25, reunited with his former Lorient boss Regis Le Bris in January on a six-month loan from Roma.And now Sunderland have tied the French winger down to a four-year contract as their first summer signing.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut nine players have departed the Stadium of Light. Sunderland confirmed both Chris Mepham and Salis Abdul Samed have returned to their parent clubs – Bournemouth and Lens respectively – after their loan spells. Mepham played a key role in promotion, racking up 40 appearances. Tommy Watson was the play-off hero at Wembley with his memorable winner.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut he scored the goal knowing it would be his last match for his boyhood club, with the 19-year-old already agreeing a £10m summer switch to Brighton.The deal was announced in April and ratified when the transfer window opened. Enzo Le Fee meets the Sunderland fans as he arrives at Wearside Elsewhere, Under-21 squad members Ben Crompton, Cuba Mitchell, Caden Kelly, and Kelechi Chibueze will leave.Second-year scholars Aaron Chungh and Daniel Parker were also let go. The club confirmed youth players Ben Middlemas, Oliver Bainbridge, Marshall Burke, and Daniel Cameron have signed contract extensions and Ethan Moore and Timur Tutierov were offered new deals, too. But there still could be further exits from the Stadium of Light.SunSport revealed Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt are in a battle for the £21m signing of Jobe Bellingham. Dortmund are in pole position to land the youngster, five years after they signed his brother Jude.Elsewhere, Black Cats captain Dan Neil has emerged as a shock £15m transfer target for Roma.Jobe Bellingham played a key role in promotion but could leaveCredit: Getty More

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      Trent Alexander-Arnold ‘banned from taking prized possession to Real Madrid’ after transfer from Liverpool

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD will not be able to drive his Range Rover into Real Madrid training.The full-back, 26, has penned a six-year deal with the Spanish giants.Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to move to SpainCredit: RexThe Liverpool full-back liked to drive a Range Rover into trainingCredit: AlamyAlexander-Arnold is said to have regularly driven a £130,000 Range Rover to Liverpool’s training centre.But per Spanish outlet El Motor, the England star will be forbidden to do so by his new club.Real Madrid have a lucrative sponsorship deal with BMW.As part of the arrangement, the club’s first team players are all gifted a BMW motor each season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLStars get to choose a car, with Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham having plumped for the £150k BMW XM.Should Alexander-Arnold fancy a like-for-like replacement for his Range Rover, he could opt for a spacious BMW X7.Or if he fancies something slightly smaller and sportier, he could instead give the BMW X5 a go.Alexander-Arnold is set to be thrown straight in the deep end at Real Madrid after they agreed a £10million fee with Liverpool to enable the right-back to play at the Club World Cup.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBellingham, 21, opted for a plush BMW XMCredit: Instagram @realmadridThe Reds academy graduate could make his Real Madrid debut against Al-Hilal on June 18.This will also mark new boss Xabi Alonso’s first match in charge, having moved from Bayer Leverkusen to replace Carlo Ancelotti. Andy Robertson pays tribute to ‘best friend’ Trent Alexander-Arnold after he is booed by Liverpool fansFirst, Alexander-Arnold has joined up with England for this month’s camp.Boss Thomas Tuchel took his squad out for a team bonding trip to the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend.The Three Lions will take on Andorra at Espanyol’s RCDE Stadium this Saturday.They will then face Senegal in a Nottingham friendly next Tuesday.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s BMW optionsBy Michael Golson, Sun Motors correspondentWith Trent being forced to garage his beloved Range Rover and potentially switch to a BMW, Real Madrid’s newest Englishman still has some excellent options if he’s keen on another stylish and luxurious SUV.The obvious choice is the top-of-the-range BMW X7 M60i, which, much like the Range Rover P530, is powered by a 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo engine. It also combines the very best in luxury, comfort and endless interior space.There’s also the BMW X5 M50i. While it lacks the same off-road capability as the Range Rover, it matches it in terms of on-road performance and dynamics – particularly with its sporty handling.Currently in its fourth generation, the X5 is slightly smaller than the Range Rover but just as popular, thanks to its meticulously finished cabin and BMW’s highly regarded curved screen, perfect for all of the Liverpudlian’s infotainment needs. More

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      Club World Cup winner will be given special shirt design to wear for FOUR YEARS

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      THE winner of the Club World Cup will wear a special badge for the next FOUR YEARS.Manchester City and Chelsea head Stateside for the most-expensive Fifa club competition – which starts on June 14.The winner of the Club World Cup will wear a special badge until 2029Man City were granted special permission to wear a golden Fifa Club World Cup badge for the last two seasonsAnd the inaugural champion of the expanded competition will keep the gold logo until 2029.That’s because the winners will be reigning champs for four years until the second edition in 2029.The exact badge design has not been released yet, but it will likely mimic the golden crest Man City have been wearing since 2023.As well as that, the winner will bank an eye-watering £100million.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPep Guardiola’s side added a gold plate to their blue jerseys after winning the old version half-way through the season in December 2023.But City were then granted unprecedented permission to wear it AGAIN this season as they’re still technically the reigning champions.The Club World Cup was replaced by the Fifa Intercontinental Cup in 2024, with Real Madrid claiming the trophy.This year’s new-look 32-team competition will see Madrid and Atletico Madrid fly the flag for Spain in 10 days’ time.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe other European teams include Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg.Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, Porto, Benfica, and Juventus make up the rest of Europe.Man City drop Jack Grealish transfer hint as they launch stunning new kit for Club World CupLionel Messi’s Inter Miami were awarded the host country spot after winning the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield.Madrid, City and Champions League winners PSG are favourites to win the golden gong on July 14.Meanwhile, Gary Lineker has agreed a deal with a new broadcaster for the Club World Cup after leaving the BBC.He has joined DAZN that will see his The Rest Is Football Podcast broadcast highlights. More

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      Millie Bright WITHDRAWS from Euro 2025 squad with emotional statement after England Lionesses rocked by two retirements

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      ENGLAND defender Millie Bright has made herself unavailable for Euro 2025.The 31-year-old withdrew from the squad prior to last week’s Nations League clash with Portugal due to burnout.Millie Bright has withdrawn from the England squad prior to Euro 2025Credit: PAThe defender captained England at the 2023 World CupCredit: GettyShe recently opened up about being physically and mentally fatigued after leading Chelsea to a domestic treble.And the defender feels that she will not be ready for the European Championship next month.In an emotional statement published on her social media, Bright wrote: “This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make, but after careful thought and discussions with my team, I have decided to withdraw from selection for the England squad ahead of Euro 2025.”Football has given me so much, and representing my country has always been my greatest honour. My pride and ego tells me to go but I think the team and the fans deserve more.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Right now I’m not able to give 100% mentally or physically.”As much as I want to be out there running through brick walls for England and fighting alongside my team-mates, stepping back is the right thing for my health, my future in the game and most importantly the team.”It wouldn’t be fair for me to take the place and opportunity away from another player who is ready and able to give everything for the badge and country.”I’ll be supporting the team with everything I’ve got, and hoping this incredible group of players will do the nation proud.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Thank you to my team-mates, coaches, and, most importantly, the fans for your unwavering support, it means the world to me.”Bright’s withdrawal comes just one day after England icon Fran Kirby announced her retirement from international football.Eni Aluko’s former England team-mate Steph Houghton publicly backs Ian Wright in TV pundits’ rowFran Kirby announced her retirement on TuesdayCredit: GettyThe midfielder published a statement on social media just hours after being left out of the England squad for Tuesday’s Nations League match against Spain.She wrote: “After being in the England team since I was 21, it’s time to close that chapter of my life. I didn’t ever want this day to come, but I cannot tell you how proud I am it happened.”Kirby also revealed that she had initially planned to retire after Euro 2025 but instead called it quits this week after being told by Sarina Wiegman that she would not be in the 23-player squad.The Lionesses will also be without Mary Earps for the upcoming international tournament.The goalkeeper announced her international retirement last week.Earps, who was named the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023 after winning the World Cup Golden Glove, was expected to battle Hannah Hampton for the No1 spot in Switzerland.Read More on The SunBut her decision to retire just weeks before Euro 2025 left Wiegman “disappointed” after what is said to have been an awkward meeting.The Lionesses kick off their Euro 2025 campaign on July 5 against France.Mary Earps retired from international football last weekCredit: AFP More

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      Fulham release THIRTEEN players including former Arsenal and Chelsea star Willian and Carlos Vinicius

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      FULHAM have released THIRTEEN stars after missing out on European football this season.The list includes former Arsenal and Chelsea winger Willian and 30-year-old striker Carlos Vinicius.Ex-Chelsea winger Willian has been released by FulhamCarlos Vinícius has not been offered fresh terms eitherBoth Willian and Vinicuis will leave Fulham after the expiry of their respective contracts at the end of this month.Willian, 36, scored 10 goals and provided seven assists in 79 appearances across three years at Craven Cottage.But the two-time Premier League winner with London rivals Chelsea saw his playing time significantly reduced this season.The Brazilian joined Olympiacos as a free agent last September, but rejoined Fulham in January after having his Greek contract terminated by mutual consent.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSince then Willian has featured just 10 times in the Prem, starting just two games with zero goal contributions.Meanwhile, Vinicius has scored eight goals since arriving on deadline day at the beginning of Fulham’s first season back in the top-flight in 2022.On Wednesday, Fulham confirmed second-string players Terry Ablade, Luca Ashby-Hammond, Chris Donnell, Connor McAvoy, Delano McCoy-Splatt and Imani Lanquedoc will all leave this month.And academy lads Callum McFarlane, Damon Park, Stefan Parkes, Luca Picotto and Oscar Varney must find new clubs.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA club statement read: “We would like to thank all the players leaving us this summer for their efforts during their time at the Club, and wish them all the very best of luck in their next chapters.”Meanwhile, captain Tom Cairney and defender Kenny Tete have been offered new contracts.Ex-Fulham and Portsmouth goalkeeper reveals gruesome finger injuries after years of playing without goalie glovesAs have academy players Luc De Fougerolles, Callum Osmand and Lemar Gordon.Cairney, who joined Fulham in 2015, started just three Prem games last season.The 34-year-old has been linked with newly promoted Championship side Wrexham.Fulham are now primed to move for a 23-goal striker who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer.Marco Silva’s side are eyeing Hamburg striker Davie Selke, with West Ham also interested.The West London team finished mid-table again last season in 11th -and will push for European football next season.Tom Cairney has been offered a new deal to stay at Craven Cottage More

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      Ex-Chelsea star Paul Canoville rushed to hospital after ‘serious decline in physical health’

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      FORMER Chelsea star Paul Canoville has been rushed to hospital after a “serious decline in physical health.”The 63-year-old was the first black footballer to play for the Blues after signing from Hillingdon Borough in 1981.Chelsea icon Paul Canoville has been rushed to hospitalCredit: GettyCanoville was the first black footballer to play for the BluesCredit: Sporting PicturesThe former winger led Chelsea to the Second Division title in 1984Credit: Getty – ContributorAnd after winning over the boo boys, Canoville became a club icon by leading them to the Second Division title in 1984.However, the former Chelsea winger — who went on to score 15 goals in 103 games before joining Reading in 1986 — is now in hospital after a major health setback.He has been forced to cancel several charitable appearances, including the premiere of a documentary about his own life on Thursday.And Canoville, who battled crack cocaine addiction and cancer later in his career, is now looking to recuperate after also suffering a “significant toll on his mental well-being.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA statement from the Paul Canoville Foundation read: “It is with a heavy heart that I share an update on the health of our Founder, Paul Canoville.“Paul is currently in hospital due to a serious decline in his physical health, which has also taken a significant toll on his mental well-being. “As someone who has overcome extraordinary challenges throughout his life, Paul remains determined — but he now needs time, care, and space to recover.“His recent absence from school visits and, most heartbreakingly, the Show Racism the Red Card reception at Downing Street earlier this week, has been deeply upsetting for him. Most read in Football”We also want to prepare friends and supporters that Paul is very unlikely to attend the premiere of the new documentary about his life tomorrow evening (Thursday) at Regent Street Cinema — something he had been immensely looking forward to.“Out of respect for his need to rest and heal, we kindly ask that people refrain from contacting Paul directly at this time. Canoville later battled crack cocaine addiction and cancerCredit: PAHe now runs the Paul Canoville FoundationCredit: Beats by Dre and Chelsea FC“Any messages of support can be shared as comments on our social posts and we will ensure Paul sees these once well enough.“Paul’s regular public appearances are an important part of his income. While he takes this time away, we’re asking for donations to help ease that burden and continue the Foundation’s impactful work.“Thank you for your compassion, your understanding, and your continued support.”Chelsea sent their best wishes to their former star and paid tribute to him in a statement.It read: “Our thoughts are with Paul Canoville and his family at this difficult time.”Paul’s incredible endurance as a player and through his Foundation’s work has provided inspiration for so many.”After his time at Reading, Canoville turned out for Enfield, Maidenhead, Burnham, Northwood and Egham Town before retiring in 1994.Towards the end of his career Canoville became addicted to crack cocaine and had several stints in rehab.The ace was also twice diagnosed with cancer in 1996 and 2004, making a full recovery each time.Read More on The SunIn 2015, he set up the Paul Canoville Foundation to support vulnerable children and young people.And in 2021, Canoville was hospitalised after complications from emergency surgery before returning to his Foundation work. More

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      Sunderland confirm club record £20m signing in first summer transfer after winning promotion to Premier League

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      SUNDERLAND have confirmed Enzo Le Fee will join them permanently for £20m after helping the club to promotion.The French star, 25, reunited with his former Lorient boss Regis Le Bris in January on a six-month loan from Roma that ended with Championship play-off glory.Sunderland have confirmed Enzo Le Fee will join them permanently for £20mThe 25-year-old helped the Black Cats to Premier League promotionWinger Le Fee has now penned a four-year contract to become the Black Cats’ first summer signing.He said: “I said before the play-off final that my heart was in Sunderland – I wanted to stay and this made it the most important game of my life.“Together we did it. From the moment I arrived, I have enjoyed my football, my team-mates, and our supporters. “We shared an incredible experience, and now we get to take the next step.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“There are greater challenges ahead, but we must face them together. “And I can’t wait to play for Sunderland in the Premier League.”After triggering the clause to make the switch permanent, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman added: “In Enzo, we knew we were acquiring a very high-level player who could be influential in critical moments – the moments that change the outcome of games and seasons.“He’s been a big part of our success, so we’re delighted that he’s signing permanently and joining us in the Premier League. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS “Above all else, he’s been a team player, and following our play-off final victory, I think everyone could see exactly what the club means to him.”Since January, Le Fee has scored one goal and provided three assists in 18 Championship appearances, starting 11 of them – including the play-offs.Bruno Fernandes reveals role his wife played in £200m Al-Hilal transfer snub even though Man Utd were ready to cash inMeanwhile, Sunderland are trying to keep hold of Jobe Bellingham after interest from Borussia Dortmund and Frankfurt.The Black Cats could hold out for £25m for Bellingham, 19, who won Championship Young Player of the Year this season.He is the brother of Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, who won the same award in 2020 while playing for Birmingham City.The midfielder could face his older brother in the Club World Club if he joins Jude’s former club Dortmund before June 10.Sunderland are trying to keep hold of Jobe Bellingham after interest from Borussia Dortmund More

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      Soccer Aid 2025 teams in full with Wayne Rooney joined by fellow Man Utd legends and Tyson Fury managing England

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      THE full Soccer Aid teams have been revealed ahead of the charity clash with Wayne Rooney being managed by Tyson Fury.The celebrity and football legends match is set for June 15 at Old Trafford.Tyson Fury and Wayne Rooney will be representing England at Soccer AidCredit: PALionesses legend Jill Scott will be back in actionCredit: PAOne Direction star Louis Tomlinson is one of the many celebrities playingCredit: PAActress Vicky McClure is on the coaching staffCredit: ©UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella PicturesThe England team is comprised of celebrities from various backgrounds including TV, music, and comedy.Comedians Alex Brooker and Paddy McGuinness will return to the squad, having previously featured, while TV icon Vicky McClure will be in the dugout.Musicians include the likes of One Direction star Louis Tomlinson and singer Tom Grennan.There are plenty of sporting legends trying their hand at football, with Olympic stars Dame Denis Lewis, Sir Mo Farah and former hockey star Sam Quek all playing.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIn terms of retired footballers, manager and boxing icon Fury will have plenty of talent at his disposal.Manchester United legends Paul Scholes and Gary Neville will be joining Rooney.While other ex-pros include goalkeeper Joe Hart, Arron Lennon and Jermain Defoe.The Lionesses will also be represented as Toni Duggan and Jill Scott will be playing.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHowever, the World XI also boasts plenty of football legends.A host of former Premier League stars have been confirmed in Peter Schmeichel’s team.England team and coaching staffHere is a look at the full team for England for Soccer Aid 2025…Team:Steven Bartlett (Entrepreneur)Alex Brooker (TV personality)Jermain Defoe (Former footballer)Toni Duggan (Former footballer)Angry Ginge (YouTuber)Tom Grennan (Musician)Bear Grylls (TV personality)Joe Hart (Former footballer)Steph Houghton (Former footballer)Aaron Lennon (Former footballer)Dame Denise Lewis (Olympic gold medallist)Paddy McGuinness (TV personality)Sir Mo Farah (Former Olympian)Gary Neville (Former footballer)Sam Quek (Former hockey player/TV personality)Wayne Rooney (Former footballer and manager)Paul Scholes (Former footballer)Jill Scott (Former footballer)Sam Thompson (King of the Jungle)Louis Tomlinson (Musician)Coaches: Wayne Rooney (Former footballer and manager)Tyson Fury (Boxer)Harry Redknapp (Former football manager)Vicky McClure (Actor)Goalkeeping coach: David James (Former footballer)Ex-Man United, Man City and West Ham star Carlos Tevez will link up with the likes of Robbie Keane, Nemanja Vidic, and Harry Kewell.In goal, Edwin van der Sar is expected to wear the gloves, two years after suffering a brain haemorrhage.Italy legend Leonardo Bonucci will make up an important part of the defence.Women’s football will be represented by former internationals Nadia Nadim and Kaylyn Kyle.In terms of celebrities the World XI has plenty of stars more used to the stage than the pitch.Singer Dermot Kennedy will join actors Martin Compston, Noah Beck and Richard Gadd.Read More on The SunThere have been 13 Soccer Aid matches since it was launched by Robbie Williams in 2006, raising around £100million for Unicef.England have won six, including the 2024 edition, while the World XI have been victorious seven times.World XI team and coaching staffHere is a look at the full team for the World XI for Soccer Aid 2025…Team:Tony Bellew (Former boxer)Leonardo Bonucci (Former footballer)Tobi Brown (YouTube star)Martin Compston (Actor) Richard Gadd (Actor)Bryan Habana (Former rugby star)Dermot Kennedy (Musician)Kaylyn Kyle (Former footballer)Gorka Marquez (Dancer)Nadia Nadim (Footballer)Livi Sheldon (Gladiators star)Edwin van der Sar (Former footballer)Nemanja Vidic (Former footballer)Harry Kewell (Former footballer)Big Zuu (YouTube star)Noah Beck (Actor)Carlos Tevez (Former footballer)Billy Wingrove (Football freestyler)Robbie Keane (Former footballer)Manager: Peter Schmeichel (Former footballer) More