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      Fulham star Joao Palhinha reveals shock transfer offer from Premier League rivals before Bayern Munich’s failed pursuit

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      FULHAM star Joao Palhinha has revealed a shock transfer offer from West Ham was made before his failed Bayern Munich pursuit. The Portuguese ace had his medical tests done in Germany last summer ahead of a £55m transfer to Bayern, yet the deal collapsed as Fulham failed to find a replacement before the window shut.Joao Palhinha has revealed he had a shock transfer offer from West HamCredit: RexMarco Silva’s side took the 28-year-old from Sporting in the summer of 2022 and he shinned in his debut season at Fulham, making 40 appearances and scoring four goals.The Fulham star’s impressive performances had convinced Bayern Munich to bet on him but the deal ended up falling through.But it was not just the Bundesliga side who wanted Palhinha’s signatures as the Hammers also approached the midfielder.And in the end, the Cottagers ended up extending Palhinha’s contract until 2028 with an option for another year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Portugal international was asked if the renewal was a result of the failed move to Bayern but the star ended up revealing the Hammers made an offer before the German side in the summer.He told O Jogo: “At the time, I had received an excellent offer from West Ham and had a conversation with Fulham’s owner, who committed himself to renewing my contract. “I took it as a vote of confidence. I never expected that Bayern would turn up in the final stages of the market.”The former Sporting man did not provide further details of West Ham’s offer and whether it was him, Fulham or both who turned it down.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAfter West Ham sold Declan Rice for a club record of £100million they were on the hunt for another defensive midfielder like Palhinha.David Moyes’ side ended up recruiting Edson Alvarez from Ajax who has been an excellent addition to the East London squad.Joao Palhinha shows off his skills at football training Meanwhile, Palhinha who has been integral to Silva’s plans for Fulham could still face transfer attempts again in the summer. More

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      Harry Kane coming back to Tottenham… for pre-season friendly against his Bayern Munich a week before Prem opener

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      HARRY KANE is coming back to Tottenham.But, unfortunately for Spurs fans, it will be for one night only.Harry Kane has been a scoring sensation for Bayern – just as he was at SpursCredit: AFPThe England captain is set to take part in Bayern Munich’s friendly against his old club at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday August 10 – the week before the new Premier League season.Spurs’ record-scorer Kane, 30, was sold to Bayern for £104million in August and has blasted 37 goals in 35 games for the Bavarian giants.The hosting of Bayern – in an exhibition dubbed the Visit Malta Cup – could be the second time Spurs face the Bundesliga side in a matter of days.It is expected the pair will play each other in South Korea as part of the Coupang Play Series tournament on August 2 – though that has yet to be confirmed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut if England go deep in Euro 2024, Kane would likely still be on holiday for that clash on the other side of the world.Another familiar face coming back to Tottenham for the home friendly is Eric Dier, whose January loan to Bayern is to be made permanent in the summer.Kane did not play in either of England’s friendlies against Brazil and Belgium at Wembley in the last week due to an ankle injury.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut he has returned to Bayern training and is expected to be fit for Saturday’s powderkeg clash with Borussia Dortmund.Most read in FootballKane hit a hat-trick in the reverse fixture earlier this season – becoming the first player to score a treble on his Der Klassiker debut.Inside Harry Kane’s life in MunichDespite breaking numerous other scoring records this term, Kane looks set to miss out on the Bundelisga title as Bayern are ten points off table-topping Bayer Leverkusen with eight games to go.Kane will soon be back in North London with Munich going to Arsenal for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on April 9. More

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      Premier League star leaves Syria camp hours before World Cup qualifier and first match after row over his ‘demands’

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      MAHMOUD DAHOUD left Syria’s international camp just hours before a World Cup qualifier.It came following an alleged row over “demands”, with the midfielder only confirming a swap of international allegiance from Germany to Syria earlier this month.Mahmoud Dahoud left Syria’s camp before his debut over a row over ‘demands’Credit: RexDahoud is on loan to Bundesliga side Stuttgart from Brighton.The 28-year-old played twice for Germany’s senior team and even won the Under-21 European Championships with them before he was allowed to switch nation.However, things didn’t go as planned ahead what would have been his Syria international debut as Dahoud ended up leaving the team camp ahead of a match against Myanmar.A statement from the Syrian FA said: “This morning, Mahmoud Dahoud left our national team camp at Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia, due to our inability to meet his demands conveyed to us by his agent, which will affect the national team.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFortunately for the team they were able to get by, beating Myanmar 7-0.It means Dahoud will have to wait to make his debut, possibly until June 6 when the Nosour Qasioun (Eagles of Qasioun) take on North Korea.After leaving camp Dahoud also released a statement on the matter.He said in a social media post: “As an experienced football professional… every player should be able to perform at his best to honour his country, his flag and his national team.Most read in Football”To do this, every player should be put in the best possible conditions, especially on the pitch. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Top level football works with specific principles which need to be known, respected and fulfilled.”When you don’t feel these principles and conditions are matched and the promises made are not fulfilled, you need to step back. Young stars set to shine at Euro 2024″If you’re not allowed to be a solution, at least you don’t have to be part of the problem.”Dahoud only played 14 games for the Seagulls before he returned on loan to Germany.Fifa rules for player international team switches say a player cannot switch nations if they have played more than three games for the nation they want to switch from.These appearances need to have also come before the age of 21 for the switch to be allowed. SunSport looked at seven England stars who remain eligible to switch to another nation, including Kobbie Mainoo and Anthony Gordon.Dahoud released a statement on the matter to his social media pagesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/stories/modahoud8/?hl=en More

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      Ex-Arsenal star Granit Xhaka sets unlucky record despite closing in on incredible unbeaten season with Bayer Leverkusen

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      BAYER LEVERKUSEN star Granit Xhaka is on course to win the Bundesliga title but has set an unwanted record.The 31-year-old has been a crucial part of Xabi Alonso’s unbeaten side this season.Granit Xhaka has set an unwanted record in his first season at LeverkusenCredit: GettyXhaka has started all 26 league games and scored one goal.But Leverkusen seem to be cursed when the Swiss midfielder turns provider as he has created 37 chances – none of which have been scored.No other player in Europe’s top five leagues have set their team-mates up more often than him without registering an assist.Xhaka, however, has picked up one assist in the Europa League.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSAt Arsenal, he made the pass leading to a goal 29 times in 297 matches.Xhaka won the FA Cup twice with the Gunners and looks set to add a Bundesliga medal to his collection.Unbeaten Leverkusen are ten points clear of second place Bayern Munich at the top of the table with just eight games remaining.The club also remain in the Europa League where they face West Ham in the quarter-final.Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey could complete the Treble by winning the DFP Pokal and Alonso’s men are into the semi-final where they play Dusseldorf next week.Glory could pave the way for the Liverpool and Bayern legend to return to one of his former clubs next season as Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel are quitting their jobs in the summer.Europa League quarter-final draw in full as Liverpool and West Ham learn their fate More

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      Bayern Munich ‘line up Premier League boss as Xabi Alonso considers staying at Bayer Leverkusen’

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      BAYERN MUNICH are lining up an alternative managerial option to Xabi Alonso in the form of Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, reports suggest.Alonso, 42, is hotly tipped to leave table-topping Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season.Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso has not made a call on his futureBayern Munich are eyeing Roberto De Zerbi as an alternative to AlonsoCredit: PAWhat appear to be his two main suitors, Bayern Munich and Liverpool, both have managers leaving at the end of the season in Thomas Tuchel and Jurgen Klopp respectively.However, despite heavy interest in Alonso’s services which is said to have included talks behind the scenes, there is no guarantee of an appointment.The Spaniard is yet to make a decision on his future and could yet stay put in Leverkusen next season.According to Florian Plettenberg, the Bayern are already preparing alternatives.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTop of that list is said to be De Zerbi, who the club’s sporting director Max Eberl is said to be a big fan of.It is claimed De Zerbi has been informed of the interest from Bavaria.Although Bayern could end up missing out on two managerial targets with Barcelona – another club in the market for a new coach this summer – also shortlisting the 44-year-old Italian.Christian Falk added on CaughtOffside that Alonso may yet make a play for the Real Madrid job in 2026 to become Carlo Ancelotti’s successor, since it coincides with his contract expiry at Leverkusen.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAlonso has guided his Leverkusen side to a unbeaten start to the season.They have a ten-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga table, are in the semi-finals of the DFB Pokal and face a Europa League quarter-final against West Ham.In De Zerbi’s case, the Seagulls have not fared as well as they did last season.They are currently eighth in the Premier League, were knocked out of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup in the fifth and third rounds respectively and were thrashed in the last-16 of the Europa League by Roma.Although he has plenty of credit in the bank from his performance last season.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozers More

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      ‘That’s the real secret’, reveals Leverkusen keeper Hradecky as he spills beans on why Liverpool target is real deal

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      LIVERPOOL and Bayern Munich managerial target Xabi Alonso has been hailed as the real deal.That’s the verdict of Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky, who says the German league leaders will not stand in his way of a move.Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen are flying in the BundesligaCredit: AFPJurgen Klopp has decided to leave Liverpool at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyAlonso played for Liverpool but he won the Bundesliga three times with BayernCredit: AFP or licensorsIn-demand Alonso, 42, is on the brink of leading Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title and that success has attracted both Liverpool and Bayern, who will be without managers this summer.Jurgen Klopp will wave farewell to the Reds in the summer having announced his decision to step down as boss in January.While Thomas Tuchel will also leave Bayern at the end of the campaign.Ex-Spain midfielder Alonso, who played for Liverpool, Bayern and Real Madrid, has a deal at Leverkusen until 2026. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut Hradecky, 34, who has been at the club since 2018, said: “The hype is definitely justified.”He brings standards, a winning mentality, train how you play and how you go on every action in every training session with intensity.”That’s where the real secret is. We are pretty clear about what we do.”Tactically, he’s fantastic. How we think about corners, pressing the game, staying low. He brings football intelligence with him.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”You guys don’t see him on a daily basis but the atmosphere he’s brought in Leverkusen – we didn’t have it before – I think it comes from the way he has experienced football. “He lives the game as he did when he was a player.Unearthed video shows Xabi Alonso admitting Liverpool job is his DREAM after Jurgen Klopp quit”In Madrid, Liverpool – that’s the level we strive for every day. Xabi brings a mentally-spirit from the top clubs.”It was here when he came but it’s up here right now. It’s the best Leverkusen team I’ve experienced. It’s hellishly difficult to play us.”  Ex-Spain midfielder Alonso, who played for Liverpool, Bayern and Real Madrid, has a deal at Leverkusen until 2026.When asked if Alonso should stay put amid the fierce interest, Finland No1 Hradecky added: “That’s our wish and dream. “Of course, no-one would be angry or argue if he wins the Bundesliga and decides to go another route.”There’s going to be another open post in the coach’s spot. We see it on a daily basis that he loves to be in Leverkusen.He brings standards, a winning mentality, train how you play and how you go on every action in every training session with intensity.Lukas Hradecky“He enjoys Dusseldorf where he lives. From another point of view: How can you make it better than this season?”There’s a lot to ponder but he’s enough of a gentleman to make the right decision and only he knows what’s best for him.”Alonso’s Leverkusen are unbeaten after 26 Bundesliga games, winning 22 and drawing four to be a mammoth ten points clear of Harry Kane’s Bayern.  Hradecky added: “We have to keep believing. The closer we get and the fewer fixtures there are, the closer we are to our dream.“My dream didn’t come true with Finland but I hope it comes true with Leverkusen.”With or without Harry Kane, that plays no part in our preparation. Or our mental way of approaching games. Lukas Hradecky was Finland’s captain in the 4-1 Euro 2024 play-off semi-final loss to Wales last Thursday”I hope it’s not just a one-time chance. We have built something that’s worth a trophy. I hope it comes.“Football is cruel sometimes, you don’t want Bayern breathing down your necks but hopefully the platform we have created is enough. “We’re getting closer. That’s the mission.”Leverkusen also face David Moyes’ West Ham in the Europa League quarter-finals next month.Hradecky, who suffered a rare loss in Finland’s 4-1 Euro 2024 play-off semi-final defeat to Wales in Cardiff on Thursday night, said: “They beat a German team twice in the group phase and we have them now in the quarter-finals.“We played them in a pre-season friendly but that doesn’t matter as much. A Premier League team in the top ten are always dangerous.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Actually, it’s going to be my first club game on English soil but I’m looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere in the Olympic Stadium and hearing ‘Bubbles’. “I’m looking forward to the challenge in front of me.” More

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      Donny van de Beek’s future up in the air as German giants make shock decision on Man Utd star

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      DONNY VAN DE BEEK is set to return to Manchester United this summer with Eintracht Frankfurt unlikely to make his loan permanent.The Dutchman, 26, joined the Bundesliga side on loan in January having hardly featured for the Red Devils this term.Donny van de Beek has played six times for Eintracht FrankfurtCredit: GettyVan de Beek, 26, struggled for game time at Man UtdCredit: RexVan de Beek viewed the loan switch as a chance to revive his career away from Old Trafford.Things have not gone to plan, however, with the midfielder having only managed six appearances for his loan side, failing to register a goal or assist.He has lost his starting place in recent weeks, with Eintracht disappointed in his output.According to German outlet Bild, the Bundesliga side do not want to active their £8.5million option to buy Van de Beek.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former Ajax ace will have a year remaining on his United contract come the summer.Van de Beek was managed by Erik ten Hag during his successful stint in Amsterdam.But Ten Hag’s arrival in Manchester failed to kickstart Van de Beek’s United career.He made just two brief substitute appearances for the Red Devils during the first half of this season, prior to moving on loan.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERVan de Beek joined Man Utd in a £39m deal in 2020.He has played 62 times for the Red Devils, scoring two goals and laying on a pair of assists.Gabby Agbonlahor says that Donny Van de Beek should be given a chance in the Man Utd midfield The playmaker spent the second half of the 2021-22 season on loan at Everton.He played seven times for the Toffees, netting once. More

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      Inside Sir Alex Ferguson’s love affair with Eintracht Frankfurt after Man Utd legend becomes ‘life member’ of club

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Sir Alex Ferguson surprised fans by becoming a “life member” of Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday.As his former side Aberdeen geared up to play against the Bundesliga side in December, representatives from the German club met with Fergie to hand him a Frankfurt scarf and shirt with his name on.Sir Alex Ferguson became a ‘life member’ of Eintracht Frankfurt on TuesdayCredit: Twitter @EintrachtHis relationship with Frankfurt stretches all the way back to the 1960sCredit: Hulton Archive – GettyBut many will have been confused as to how the Scottish icon’s relationship with the team first came to be.In fact, it is a story that stretches back more than 60 years to Fergie’s early years as a player.Frankfurt vs Rangers in European Cup semi-finalFergie watched Frankfurt beat Rangers before the Germans lost the European Cup final to Real MadridCredit: PA:Press AssociationSeven years before he joined Rangers as a striker – where he scored 35 goals in 66 games – he attended the 1960 European Cup semi-final between Frankfurt and the Scottish giants.Rangers lost the first leg 6-1 in Germany, before they were beaten 6-3 on their home patch in a 12-4 aggregate thrashing.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd that is where Ferguson’s admiration for the club began – despite Frankfurt losing the European Cup final 7-3 to Real Madrid.Speaking about the semi-final tie, he said: “That was unbelievable. In the first leg, Frankfurt beat Rangers 6-1. “I was at the second leg when Eintracht came to Ibrox with 70,000 spectators.”Of course we felt hopeful and told ourselves that the Rangers could come back. In the end they lost again by six goals.Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I was a Rangers fan and only lived about 200 meters from Ibrox. I also attended the final and hoped Frankfurt would win as they had beaten Rangers. “At the time I was 17 years old and played for Queens Park FC from Glasgow.”It was a great game. Kress scored the first goal. We said to ourselves, ‘Wow! A great German team.’ “But then there were Puskas, Di Stefano, Gento. I don’t think there will ever be another team as charismatic as the Real Madrid team at the time.”Puskas scored four goals and Di Stefano three. They were fantastic players and the 7-3 win was an incredible game. “There was no shame in losing this game. Frankfurt had proven itself in the semi-final against the Rangers.”Kobbie Mainoo called up to England squad for first time as Man Utd wonderkid is late addition to Gareth Southgate’s campScoring hat-trick against FrankfurtStriker Ferguson scored a hat-trick for Rangers against Frankfurt in 1967Credit: GettyIn 1967, Ferguson was given the opportunity to avenge that defeat in the European Cup semi-final when he faced Frankfurt in his first game since moving to Rangers.The two teams played in a pre-season friendly as Fergie bagged a debut hat-trick in a 5-3 win.But while the legendary manager has fond memories of the match, he admits it did not quite atone for what had happened seven years earlier.He added: “It was my first game for the Rangers. We won 5-3, but I wouldn’t call it revenge for 1960.”I scored a hat trick against Hans Tilkowski in the Frankfurt goal. Grabowski also played. “He was only 23 years old at the time and played until 1980, unbelievable.”He also played in the 1974 World Cup and I still remember his cross for the Muller goal against Italy in 1970.”Facing Frankfurt as Aberdeen bossFerguson’s Aberdeen side lost 2-1 on aggregate to Frankfurt in the Uefa Cup in 1979Credit: GettyMore than a decade on from scoring a treble against Frankfurt, Fergie came up against them in the Uefa Cup first round as Aberdeen manager in 1979.And the Germans got the better of his side as they earned a 1-1 draw in the first leg, before returning home and securing a 1-0 victory for a 2-1 aggregate win.But the aftermath of the match saw Ferguson learn an important lesson in his development as a coach.He recalls: “I was in my second season as coach of Aberdeen FC and we had once again qualified for the European Cup Winners’ Cup.”Frankfurt were the better team, but we saved the game with an equaliser. We had the chance to travel to Frankfurt, where we lost 1-0.”Bernd Holzenbein scored the goal in the second game that knocked us out of the competition.”I learned an important lesson when we played abroad. Some players went out after the game. After that, I made sure that something like that never happened again.”Watching Frankfurt beat Rangers againFrankfurt beat Rangers in the 2022 Europa League finalCredit: GettyFerguson never ran into Frankfurt during his sensational 27-year spell as Manchester United boss – where he won 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues.But after retiring from management, he then watched as Frankfurt and Rangers met once again in the 2022 Europa League final – 62 years after Fergie saw the two clubs clash in the European Cup.And once again the Glasgow-born icon was left bitterly disappointed as Frankfurt beat his boyhood club on penalties.But he still admired the spectacle fans from both sides created in Seville, Spain.When asked if he watched the game, he said: “Naturally. I saw the game. It was pretty even.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It was nice to see that both teams brought so many fans to Seville that they had to open another stadium in the city to bring in additional fans.”It was fantastic to see a final like that.” More