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    Forgotten Premier League champion’s Sunderland transfer ‘collapsed’ just one year after £120k-a-week contract ended

    FORMER Liverpool star Naby Keita saw a shock move to Sunderland collapse during the transfer window, according to reports.The midfielder won seven major trophies during his five years at Anfield, including the Premier League and Champions League.Naby Keita helped Liverpool win the Premier League in 2020Credit: Times Newspapers LtdKeita left the club last year on a free transfer and joined Werder Bremen.But the 29-year-old is again on the lookout for a new side and this summer he came close to signing for Sunderland.The Guardian report that the Black Cats had a strong interest in the player but were unable to agree personal terms, which led to the deal falling through.With the Turkish transfer window still open, Keita is now set to join Istanbul Basaksehir.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis failure to agree a contract with Sunderland comes just a year after his supposed £120,000-a-week deal expired at Liverpool.The Reds paid £48million for him in 2018, but injuries prevented him from ever establishing himself as first choice, making 129 appearances in total.Keita also had a tough time at Werder Bremen, being banned from the squad after refusing to get on the team’s bus.He was told by manager Ole Werner that he did not even make the bench against Bayer Leverkusen but still expected to travel.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKeita, who played just five times for the club and not after the incident in April, instead went home.Over the summer, the Guinea star represented his country at the Paris 2024 Olympics and was their flagbearer. Arne Slot breaks down how Liverpool destroyed Man Utd after exploiting Erik ten Hag’s new tactics More

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    Footballer attacked at home by thugs after appearing in Bayern Munich shirt as police launch probe

    POLICE are investigating an attack on Nurnberg footballer Niklas-Wilson Sommer.The right-back was attacked in his home and shared images of his wounds on social media.Niklas-Wilson Sommer was attacked in his homeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/niklas.wilson/The attack is thought to be because he wore a Bayern Munich shirtCredit: https://www.instagram.com/niklas.wilson/The incident took place after he shared a picture of himself wearing a Bayern Munich shirt.The image had been deleted from social media and Sommer had already apologised for it.The 26-year-old has been supported by the club, which has condemned the attack.A club statement read: “During the night from Saturday to Sunday, there was a physical attack on one of our U23 players.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”By lying in wait on the doorstep in the early evening and then physically attacking him a few hours later in the night, these people crossed all boundaries.”The act is apparently a reaction to the player appearing in a Bayern jersey on social media three days earlier.”The photo was deleted shortly after publication and the player also publicly apologized.”The club will never accept players being physically attacked.Most read in Football”That is exactly what happened last night through the actions of individuals.”The club condemns this behaviour in the strongest possible terms. It is absolutely incompatible with the values ​​of FCN.Sommer currently plays for Nunrberg IICredit: GettyHe has also played for Mannheim and DAC Dunajská StredaCredit: Getty”The police investigation into the incident began last night.”If there are any convictions in this connection, the club will of course react accordingly.”Former Premier League star John Paintsil rushed to hospital after terrifying car crashSommer was targeted by a crowd protest during the 4-0 defeat at home to Magdeburg on Saturday.One banner read: “Club pride instead of hipster posing. Niklas Wilson, you’re s**t, like FCB.”Another stated: “Wilson, p**s off, you Bayern pig.”Sommer shared images of the wounds he suffered after the attack on social media.The pictures showed red marks and swelling across his face.Sommer posted his injuries on social mediaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/niklas.wilson/Swelling could be seen around his faceCredit: https://www.instagram.com/niklas.wilson/Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Oxford striker Mark Harris lined up for shock Bundesliga transfer as Millwall fail with late bid

    OXFORD striker Mark Harris is still on the radar of Bundesliga new boys Holstein Kiel.The Germans made a bid for free-scoring Harris, 25, before the window shut but could not get the deal done.Mark Harris is being linked with a move to GermanyCredit: GettyHarris scored 15 goals during Oxford’s promotion from League One last seasonHolstein plan to try their luck again in the next window, while Millwall boss Neil Harris also made a surprise late inquiry.Harris has scored in each of his four league games so far this season.He hit the back of the net yet again on Saturday as Des Buckingham’s newly-promoted Championship side claimed a 3-1 win over Preston.Welshman Harris joined Oxford in July 2023 on a free transfer after his Cardiff contract expired.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has 23 goals and five assists in 60 games for the second-tier club.Harris also has five caps for Wales after making his debut three years ago.But he has not featured since 2022 and was not included in their World Cup squad in Qatar.Elsewhere in the Championship, pressure ramped up on Plymouth manager Wayne Rooney after his side lost again.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Manchester United legend watched on as his team succumbed to a 1-0 home defeat to Stoke.The result leaves Plymouth with just two points from four league games.PREM RULE CHANGESAt the top of the table, Sunderland maintained their perfect start with a fourth successive win, beating Portsmouth 3-1 at Fratton Park. More

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    Dortmund season begins in CHAOS as fans organise major protests and release furious statement

    DORTMUND fans are planning major protests at their first Bundesliga match of the season.The German giants’ campaign has been thrown into chaos after supporters released a furious statement.Dortmund fans are planning a major protest at their opening Bundesliga match of the seasonCredit: GettySupporters have released a furious statement opposing a sponsorship deal with arms manufacturers RheinmetallCredit: APFans of the club are set to voice their opposition to a sponsorship deal with arms manufacturers Rheinmetall.Planned protests include unveiling a tank outside the Westfalenstadion on Saturday in club colours.Dortmund host Frankfurt in their opening Bundesliga fixture of the campaign.An activist is also set to be dressed as Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, with signs on display and flyers handed out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe three-year deal with the ammunition maker was announced back in May, just days before the Champions League final.Fans and pundits alike slammed the deal, with Gary Lineker admitting it would be the “first time I’ll be cheering for Real Madrid”.Dortmund went on to lose 2-0 at Wembley Stadium back on June 1.Club chairman Hans-Joachim Watzke had defended the deal at the time, explaining: “When we see every day how freedom must be defended in Europe. We should deal with this new normality.”Most read in FootballThe deal was announced in May, just days before the Champions League final defeat to Real MadridCredit: ReutersHowever, Dortmund fans have now had their say in a statement from supporter association Sudtribune Dortmund.Released on behalf of over 90 fan groups, it reads: “We won’t allow ourselves to be hitched to your wagon.’Super league by another name’ fume fans as Uefa confirm new Champions League format that is ‘ruining’ football”We firmly reject the idea that management and its committees at BVB have agreed to use Borussia Dortmund’s appeal to improve the public image of an arms company and throw their own values overboard in the process.”The statement continues: “The timing (of the announcement) suggests reactions to this controversial decision were deliberately intended to be overshadowed by reporting on the Champions League final.”Negative effects on fans were consciously taken into account.”Fans were also told to make their feelings known and “express your criticism” against Frankfurt this weekend.Dortmund kickstarted the new season in German Cup on Saturday, beating fourth tier Phonix Lubeck 4-1.Dortmund begin their league campaign at home to Frankfurt on SaturdayCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd AGREE De Ligt transfer with Bayern Munich AND have Noussair Mazraoui bid accepted – but it rests on star leaving

    MANCHESTER UNITED have agreed a deal to sign Matthijs de Ligt – and have moved a step closer to bringing in Noussair Mazraoui. United have looked to bolster their defence this summer after Raphael Varane’s exit and Harry Maguire’s future looking in doubt. Matthijs de Ligt is close to joining Man UtdCredit: GettyThey have also abid for Noussair MazraouiCredit: RexThey signed Leny Yoro for £52million from Lille but the 18-year-old faces three months out after picking up a pre-season foot injury. De Ligt has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester and now they have moved a step closer to striking a deal. Because the Red Devils have agreed an initial £38.5million with Bayern Munich for De Ligt – with a further £4.2m in add ons.De Ligt is now set for a medical before signing a five-year deal that includes the option to extend by an additional 12 months.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe centre-back won the Dutch title with Ajax before making a move to Juventus in 2019 where he also lifted the Serie A. After 117 appearances in Italy, De Ligt moved to Bayern in 2022 and also has a Bundesliga winners medal to his name. But the German giants are ready to offload De Ligt and full-back Mazraoui.Bayern also accepted a separate £16.8m proposal from United for Noussair Mazraoui in a piece of double business worth nearly £60m. Most read in FootballWhy De Ligt is the perfect Man Utd signing By Lee Scott One of Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag’s biggest headaches has been fixing their leaky defence.Despite still not being anywhere near his peak years De Ligt has built considerable experience so far in his career with Ajax, Juventus and Bayern Munich and he has 45 caps at senior level for the Dutch national team.While he is not necessarily a highly modern ball playing type of defensive player he is a player with the defensive strengths and instincts to help shore up a United defence that was, at best, leaky last season.He has a great ability to read the game which was one of the biggest issues that we saw from the United defensive unit last season.De Ligt is also a master in one-on-one situations, who shows strength and intensity in his duels.The Dutch star does a good job in keeping things simple and tends to make good decisions in possession.The pursuit of Matthijs de Ligt makes perfect sense for United and for Ten Hag as a young defender who is still to reach his peak.He has considerable experience at a high level and he understands the game model and system of play of the manager.Click here to read our full analysis on De Ligt joining Manchester United.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA deal for the Moroccan – which will see them pay around £12.8m up front – has been in place for some weeks.But it depends on Aaron Wan-Bissaka agreeing an exit after United accepted West Ham’s £15m offer. Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to replace Old Trafford with a ‘Wembley of the North’Wan-Bissaka needs to finalise his termination at United but a medical with the Hammers is set for Sunday or Monday. The Londoner made 22 appearances last season for United but has fallen out of favour with boss Erik ten Hag.And as revealed by SunSport, he wants a multi-million pound pay-off from United to leave this summer. The 26-year-old has less than 12 months left on his contract at Old Trafford.And he could bank a huge signing-on fee by staying put and leaving on a free transfer next summer.Wan-Bissaka’s representatives are pushing for United to give the player a chunk of the £18m fee they will receive from West Ham in order to get the deal done this summer.The former Crystal Palace defender has been on the same £90,000-a-week contract at United since he joined the club five years ago.United’s double swoop of Bayern will take summer spending to around the £150million mark – with Joshua Zirkzee and Yoro already in place.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd it suggests they have given up on their pursuit of Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite – who is valued at around £70m.De Ligt and Mazraoui were both named on Bayern’s bench for a pre-season friendly at Tottenham despite closing in on exits. More

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    Liverpool set to miss out on Maximilian Beier transfer as Hoffenheim star snubs Reds for another offer

    LIVERPOOL are set to miss out on Hoffenheim forward Maximilian Beier, according to reports.The 21-year-old has snubbed interest from Anfield in favour of staying in the Bundesliga, with a move to Borussia Dortmund on the cards.Liverpool look set to miss out on German striker Maximilian BeierCredit: GettyBeier has been a Premier League transfer target after a breakout season in 2023-24.  He scored 16 league goals for Hoffenheim to break into the Germany squad for this summer’s Euros, making his debut against Ukraine.Beier remains a real target for Liverpool and the Reds even held talks over a deal in the last few days, according to Sky Germany.But he remains clear in his desire to join Dortmund instead.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Champions League runners up are set to negotiate personal terms with Beier and will match his £25m release clause, according to Sky Sports.Nuri Sahin’s side are looking to replace Niclas Fullkrug following his £27m move to West Ham this week.Brentford already offered to pay the buyout clause, while Aston Villa and Chelsea made enquiries earlier this summer.Liverpool will turn their attentions to Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, the Spanish defensive midfielder’s £51.7m release clause needs to be paid in full.Other suitors such as Arsenal and Barcelona have failed to convince the Spain international to jump ship.Manchester City challenging the Premier League and its entire rulebook in a court case with millions of pounds of damages on the lineZubimendi was part of Spain’s Euro 2024 squad, helping his nation lift the trophy in Berlin.Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Bayer Leverkusen star Piero Hincapie, who can play at centre-back and left-back.The 22-year-old is one of European football’s most highly-rated young defenders, but was not an automatic starter for Xabi Alonso’s Bundesliga-winning side last term.The Reds are yet to complete a permanent signing under Arne Slot’s management, with the Dutchman spending much of pre-season implementing his new philosophy on the current squad.Liverpool have won three of their four pre-season friendlies, including a 3-0 victory over Manchester United.Their only loss a 1-0 behind-closed-doors defeat to Championship side Preston North End last month.Slot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan KingLIVERPOOL’S new manager Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.“The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss. More

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    Tottenham vs Bayern Munich preview: Best free betting tips, odds and predictions for pre-season friendly

    TOTTENHAM’s pre-season concludes with another clash against Bayern Munich at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest and selected the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Best new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesTottenham vs Bayern Munich previewTottenham face Bayern Munich for the second time this week – only this time on their own patch in North London.Vincent Kompany’s side were 2-1 winners when they met in Seoul last week, having led 2-0 before a Pedro Porro goal with a quarter of the game to go.Spurs are further on with their pre-season prep, given their season opener comes just a week after these two meet.And they’d scored 21 goals in their five games prior to that defeat last time out.Harry Kane makes his return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and missed the game last week, though is likely to return in some capacity here.Tottenham vs Bayern Munich oddsBayern Munich 10/11 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.Tottenham vs Bayern Munich betting tips and predictionsSon the oneSon Heung-min operated from off the left last week but still poses a danger out there.Can play through the middle though interesting to see Dejan Kulusevski’s move there seemingly being a favourite of Ange Postecoglou at the minute.Either way, Sonny’s a threat and has three goals in his last three.How to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here**Ladbrokes. 18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 4x £/€5 free bets. Free bets available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register with SUMMER50. Deposit £10+ and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 6x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 2 x £10 Bet Builder, 2 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.*TalkSPORT BET: 18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile & bet £10+ on any sports at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly.*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G50 on registration. £/€10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £/€10 Place). Receive £/€20 Tote Credit, £/€20 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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    Watch as Diego Carlos sparks huge brawl and is sent off after moment of madness in Aston Villa pre-season clash

    ASTON VILLA ace Diego Carlos sparked a massive brawl during a pre-season friendly with RB Leipzig.Leipzig defeated Villa 2-0 on Wednesday at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey.Aston Villa and RB Leipzig players got into a massive brawl during a friendlyCredit: RexAston Villa’s Diego Carlos locked horns with Leipzig’s Lois OpendaCredit: RexThe two sets of players then got into a heated altercation all over the pitchCredit: RexAndre Silva opened the scoring for the Bundesliga side after just 17 minutes.And Lois Openda doubled the Germans’ lead just four minutes before half-time.Carlos was tasked with marking Openda during an intense first half that saw the centre-back getting booked after a heated clash with the striker, who also saw a yellow card.But tensions reached boiling point after the Belgium international hit the back of the net.Read More on FootballAfter bagging Leipzig’s second goal, Openda turned to Carlos and exchanged a few words. The Brazilian didn’t take kindly to that gesture and appeared to put his arm across his opponent’s chest.The centre-forward then fell to the floor and that caused a huge brawl that saw pretty much everyone getting involved across various areas of the pitch.The referee struggled to maintain order but once everything blew over he had no other option but to show Carlos a second yellow card and give him his marching orders.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSVilla continue their US tour with another friendly on Sunday against Club America in Chicago.Unai Emery’s men are then expected to lock horns with Athletic Bilbao and Borussia Dortmund.Aston Villa stars and wags go wild as Emi Martinez soaks team in champagne after Haaland goal secures Champions LeagueVilla will then kick off their Premier League campaign on August 17 at West Ham.Carlos was sent off after a second yellow card during the pre-season friendlyCredit: RexThe brawl took place after Openda scored Leipzig’s second goalCredit: RexOpenda and Carlos locked horns for the second time in the matchCredit: Rex More