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      Adam Wharton lined up for stunning £60m transfer to Euro giants after incredible Crystal Palace form

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      BAYERN MUNICH are ready to move for Crystal Palace’s shining star Adam Wharton — and try to get him at the second attempt.The German giants are desperate for the midfield maestro, 20, after missing out when the Eagles swooped on Blackburn for him in January.Adam Wharton’s amazing rise could see a mega move in the summerCredit: RexWharton has been outstanding in a Palace side now bang in formCredit: GettyHarry Kane’s Bayern worked on a deal to sign Wharton and take 18 months to develop him but Palace saw them off – and Chelsea, who also had a similar plan.Wharton cost Palace £18million but it would now take £60m to get him — an expensive mistake for Bayern.Experts think he will play in the Champions League sooner rather than later and Palace could come under pressure to keep him.The Eagles have a host of talent and the likes of Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze are linked with moves.READ MORE TOP STORIESBut boyhood Blackburn fan Wharton may attract a bid quicker – helped by a brilliant display in last Monday’s 4-0 thumping of Manchester United and an assist in Saturday’s 3-1 win at Wolves.Palace are under siege off the field too, with director of football Dougie Freedman wanted by Newcastle.He masterminded deals for all of the Palace captures and is happy at the club. However, if they sell too many in the next window, it could lead to a change of heart.Most read in FootballLOWDOWN ON EAGLES’ STARLET WHARTONAdam Wharton has been a sensation since joining the Eagles from Blackburn for an initial £18million in January, writes JACK ROSSER.

      Darragh Tuffy, who coached Wharton as a youth player at Blackburn, told SunSport: “All through his age groups he had this weird ability to never be fazed by anything.
      “I watch him in the Premier League now and he is playing passes he used to do in training. He looks in total control, the calmest man on the pitch.”
      Wharton’s creative ability in midfield and eye for a pass has blown Palace fans, as well as Roy Hodgson and now new boss Oliver Glasner away.
      Past coaches say the trait stood out before he was ten and was much-needed as he was one of the smallest players on the pitch.
      Wharton’s nonchalant style had teachers at Moorland, the private school where Blackburn send players, comparing him to Glenn Hoddle and Chris Waddle, before he earned the nickname “Messi”.
      Charlie Jackson, who taught Wharton at Moorland having worked with Man Utd’s Scott McTominay, told SunSport: “You wouldn’t see him for 20 minutes – and then you’d see a pass Maradona-esque. Then he’s on it and gets man of the match.”
      Palace’s director of football Dougie Freedman even started scouting the boyhood Blackburn fan before his senior debut.
      That effort and interest was not lost on Wharton and his representatives in January, when Chelsea were also keen.
      The England Under-21 has always been bright enough to adapt to anything – such as his major move to the capital.
      Jackson added: “Adam could turn himself into anything. I used to say he could be a rocket scientist.”

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeanwhile Bayern are also looking  at   Everton  midfielder Amadou Onana, 22, but would have to find £50m to land him.Palace centre-back Kofi Balmer, 23, is set to sign for St Mirren in a £75,000 deal.Crystal Palace seal £22.5m Adam Wharton transfer as he leaves Blackburn on deadline day The former Northern Ireland Under-21 ace has been on loan at AFC Wimbledon but could now head for Scotland.Saints’ boss Stephen Robinson thinks he would be a landmark capture.Three Lions’ skipper Harry Kane might get a second English colleague at Bayern after Eric Dier’s moveCredit: Rex More

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      Sunderland line up shock move for ex-Bundesliga manager, 44, who followed in Jurgen Klopp’s footsteps

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      DANISH coach Bo Svensson is emerging as a shock candidate for the Sunderland vacancy.Svensson, 44, is available after leaving German side Mainz and has been shortlisted by the Black Cats as they look for a new boss.Sunderland are targeting Bo Svensson who has followed in the footsteps of Jurgen KloppCredit: GettySunderland looked at Paul Heckingbottom after his work taking Sheffield United to the top flight. Will Still is also available after leaving Reims.However, Svensson may appeal more and could be tempted to go to the Championship if they can match his ambitions.The Danish tactician took over at Mainz in 2021 from Austrian outfit Liefering and spent two years in the dugout.Read More on FootballThe former defender has a lot of history with the German club as he also spent seven years with the team during his playing career.The Dane left the Bundesliga outfit with a record of 39 wins and the same amount of losses in 104 matches across all competitions.Svensson is one of many ambitious and talented young managers to have sat on the Mainz bench.That includes the likes of Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel, Kasper Hjulmand, Martin Schmidt and Sandro Schwarz.Most read in ChampionshipKlopp and Tuchel pose as the brightest graduates of the famous Mainz coaching cradle.Klopp went on to win two Bundesliga titles with Borussia Dortmund and made it to the 2013 Champions League final.Jurgen Klopp leaves press conference in stitches with brutal six-word statement after arriving lateThat led to a stunning nine-year stint with Liverpool where he won every available major honour, including the 2020 Premier League title and the 2019 Champions League trophy.Tuchel also enjoyed an impressive two-year stint with Dortmund before joining Paris Saint-Germain where he won two Ligue 1 titles and made it to the 2020 Champions League final.The German tactician took over at Chelsea a year later and won the Champions League title in his maiden season in charge.After being controversially sacked by the Blues, Tuchel took over at Bayern Munich where he won the Bundesliga last year but failed to repeat the feat this season.He will be a free agent in the summer with Bayern having already announced his departure, and Man Utd are said to be among the clubs interested.Mainz’s famous coaching cradleHere are some of Mainz’s most successful former managers:

      Jurgen Klopp (28 February 2001 – 30 June 2008)
      Thomas Tuchel (3 August 2009 – 11 May 2014)
      Kasper Hjulmand (15 May 2014 – 17 February 2015)
      Martin Schmidt (17 February 2015 – 22 May 2017)
      Sandro Schwarz (1 July 2017 – 10 November 2019)
      Bo Svensson (4 January 2021 – 2 November 2023) More

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      Thomas Tuchel reveals ‘ridiculous’ thing Harry Kane does when asked what surprises him about England star

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has revealed the “ridiculous” thing Harry Kane likes to do at Bayern Munich.England’s captain and star player joined the German giants in a £100million deal from Tottenham last summer.Harry Kane’s bizarre habit at Bayern Munich has been revealedCredit: RexThomas Tuchel admits Kane’s habit is ‘ridiculous’ – but has vowed to emulate itCredit: GettyKane has gone on to enjoy his best-ever goal-scoring season, netting 44 times in all competitions.But he will continue to endure another trophyless campaign after Bayern relinquished their Bundesliga title to Bayern Leverkusen.Kane was also subbed off in Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final defeat to Real Madrid.And he will now wait to see who Bayern hire as Tuchel prepares to depart the Allianz Arena.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut speaking ahead of the Real game, Bayern’s manager revealed Kane’s bizarre habit that has become the talking of the training ground.When asked what had surprised him the most about Kane, Tuchel admitted it was the striker’s “ridiculous” cappuccino intake.Speaking to the press, Tuchel claimed Kane is constantly slurping on the delicious coffees at training.And it’s clearly doing no harm, with the forward easily Bayern’s best player this term.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTuchel said: “[Surprise?] How many cappuccinos he drinks a day! It’s ridiculous.“Every time I go into the kitchen, he is there on the coffee machine. It must be so good.Thomas Tuchel accuses referee of breaking ‘EVERY RULE’ to deny Bayern Munich last-gasp equaliser in Real Madrid clash“I have started doing it. He looks healthy and in good shape.”It remains to be seen who takes over at Bayern, with the club being rejected by several big names.Xabi Alonso and Julian Nagelsmann turned down offers.While Ralf Rangnick and Julen Lopetegui also snubbed Bayern too. More

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      Fans say Harry Kane is ‘officially cursed’ as Bayern Munich end season trophyless for first time in 12 YEARS

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      FANS have declared that Harry Kane is “officially cursed” after Bayern Munich ended their season trophyless for the first time in 12 YEARS.England captain Kane joined the German giants last summer in a £104million transfer from Tottenham.Fans have declared the Harry Kane ‘curse’ is realCredit: GettyHowever, despite Kane having another impressive individual season which has seen him score 44 goals and add 12 assists in all competitions, he has still been unable to end his trophyless run.Kane, 30, tasted defeat in his first game for the Bavarians as they lost to RB Leipzig in the DFL-Supercup.There was more woe for the team in the DFB-Pokal in November as Bayern were stunned by third-division minnows Saarbrücken – who went on to make the semi-final.Since then Bayer Leverkusen, who had previously never won the Bundesliga, claimed the title with matches to spare.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd that came despite one of Kane’s team-mates, Kingsley Coman, previously having his own omen of winning the league title every year since 2013 with Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Bayern.That left the Champions League as the last chance for Kane to get his hands on some silverware. A penalty from Kane in the first leg helped Bayern to a 2-2 draw against Real Madrid.The second leg saw Kane and Co under the cosh for some time before Alphonso Davies lashed home an opener for the Gemans in the 68th minute after a brilliant over the top pass from Kane to assist him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, just two minutes from the end of regulation time and after Kane had been subbed off, Manuel Neuer – who had otherwise been superb across both legs – spilled an easy shot from Vinicius Jr.This allowed super sub Joselu to poke home an equaliser. Watch Antonio Rudiger bring back iconic Chelsea chair celebration in wild scenes after Real Madrid win vs Bayern MunichThen three minutes later the Stoke and Newcastle flop was at it again as he expertly tapped home an Antonio Rudiger cross to send Los Blancos through to the Champions League final at Wembley.During his time at Spurs and with the Three Lions Kane – whose heartbreaking reaction to Real’s goal was caught on camera – has had some near misses.This has included missing out on the Premier League title to Leicester in 2015/16, losing the Champions League in 2019 to Liverpool following a controversial penalty call and losing the Euro 2020 final in the shootout to Italy.Fans could not help but highlight Kane’s so-called “curse” after his elimination confirmed another year without silverware for him.One fan shared a picture of Kane and said: “Bayern Munich are going to go without a trophy for the first time since 2011/12. This man is officially cursed.”A second said: “He is not cursed he IS the curse.”Another said: “Harry Kane tax.”A fourth said: “The Kane curse is so real now.. it’s no longer a joke.. what will he have to do to win a trophy?? I feel bad for him.”Bayern’s 12 year trophy haulHere’s the trophies Bayern Munich have won in every season since their last year barren season in 2011/12.
      2012/13: Bundesliga, German Super Cup, DFB-Pokal, Champions League
      2013/14: Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, Club World Cup, Uefa Super Cup
      2014/15: Bundesliga
      2015/16: Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal
      2016/17: Bundesliga, German Super Cup
      2017/18: Bundesliga, German Super Cup
      2018/19: Bundesliga, German Super Cup
      2019/20: Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, Champions League
      2020/21: Bundesliga, German Super Cup, Club World Cup, Uefa Super Cup
      2021/22: Bundesliga, German Super Cup
      2022/23: Bundesliga, German Super Cup

      A fifth added: “It’s real. It’s damn real.”Kane and co felt they should have had the opportunity to play extra time after Matthijs de Ligt shot the ball into the net in the 12th minute of injury time after an INCORRECT offside call that would have been overturned by VAR.However, since the whistle had already gone before the shot had happened, the referee could not bring the play back to allow the goal.Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel – who fans joked had passed his Manchester United audition amid reports of him going to Old Trafford – described the call as a “disaster” that was “against the rules”.Dutchman De Ligt claimed in his post-match interview the linesman had apologised for “making a mistake”He told beIN Sports: “”This is a shame. The linesman said to me ‘I’m sorry I made a mistake’.”In the end, I’m not the type of person who wants to blame the loss or win on the referee so Madrid deserves to win because they won 2-1.”But I think, if it’s a rule, it’s a rule and that’s the only thing I can say about it.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOn the upside, if Bayern Munich’s last trophyless season is anything to go by, Kane could well be in for a trophy glut next season.And some England fans believe his curse could end at the Euros, joking: “He will get his trophy this summer, it’s coming home.”This one will have stung Kane the most… what’s the German for schadenfreude?, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      OF all the trophies Harry Kane has missed out on, the Bundesliga will have stung the most.
      This was supposed to have been a dead cert. This was nailed-on.
      Bayern Munich had won 11 successive Bundesliga titles, so when the England captain signed for the great Bavarian powerhouse last summer, we all said: “Well, at least he’ll finally win something.”
      Yet on Sunday evening, there were Bayer Leverkusen — known in Germany as ‘Neverkusen’ because they hadn’t previously won the league thanks to several late implosions — cavorting around, 16 points clear, unbeaten in all competitions and confirmed as champions with five games to spare.
      And so the greatest trophy curse in footballing history continues.
      And this one really is freakish because Leverkusen’s story is almost as extraordinary as Leicester City’s miracle title in 2015-16 — the season when Kane won his first Premier League Golden Boot and Tottenham ended up ‘third in a two-horse race’ behind Arsenal.
      Kane is always the runner-up, always the nearly man, always the fall guy, too often a figure of fun for those taking pleasure in the misfortune of others.
      Does anyone know the German word for schadenfreude…?
      Read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
      Or read more from Dave Kidd. More

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      Fans claim Champions League is ‘FIXED’ as Real Madrid vs Bayern ends in major controversy with Germans denied goal

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      FANS fumed that the Champions League is “FIXED” after Bayern Munich were denied a late leveller against Real Madrid in bizarre circumstances.Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel raged that the “disaster” decision was “against the rules”.Fans fumed after this was given offside without a VAR checkMatthijs de Ligt thought he scored a late levellerHarry Kane & Co were left fumingFans took to social media to voice ‘fix’ and ‘rigged’ allegationsThe Bundesliga giants looked to be on the way to an all-German final at Wembley after Alphonso Davies had made it 1-0 on the night and 3-3 on aggregate. But a late double from super-sub Joselu turned the tie on its head in the space of three minutes. But the drama did not end there as Bayern launched one last attack in the 12th MINUTE of added time and found the back of the net.A ball was launched into the Madrid box and headed down to centre-back Matthijs de Ligt. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut just before the Dutchman hammered home, the whistle was blown after the offside flag had been raised.Bayern players on the pitch and dugout fumed at the officials, in disbelief that play had not been allowed to continue before being reviewed.Harry Kane was among those raging over the rapid whistle blowing with the England captain seen screaming at officials.And replays revealed it would have been a super-tight offside decision had it gone to VAR.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTuchel said after the game: “We scored one and there was a disastrous decision from the linesman and the referee. It feels like a betrayal in the end.”The linesman says sorry but that does not help. To raise the flag in a moment like this… The referee sees we get the second ball and we get the shot – it’s a very, very bad decision. Moment riot cop hits fan with baton as police and supporters clash in Madrid ahead of Real’s clash with Bayern Munich”It’s against the rules. It’s a disaster. It’s hard to swallow but that’s the way it is.”Disappointed De Ligt told Movistar: “I don’t want to say that Real Madrid always has the referees with them but that made the difference today.“Real, when you think they are dead, have a last breath… that is why they have 14 Champions Leagues.”He later added: “The linesman told me: sorry, I made a mistake.”Fans reactIt was not only the Bayern staff that were unhappy as fans let their anger out online with one saying: “Champions league is fixed.”Another added: “That was onside!!! Why would a ref raise his flag that quickly when you have VAR? Another UCL rigged for Madrid to win.”One fumed: “How wasn’t that a goal for Bayern at the end? Ridiculous! They will rightly be outraged.”READ MORE SUN STORIESManchester United legend Paul Scholes believed the officials were too quick to call offside. He said: “I’m not sure he’s offside. So the linesman is too hasty. He’s got to wait. Those are the rules.” De Ligt and Kane look on in shock after the gameCredit: Reuters More

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      Armando Broja could be first Chelsea star to leave this summer with Champions League giants in advanced transfer talks

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      ARMANDO BROJA could be the first Chelsea star through the exit door this summer – with Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund hoping to snap up the striker.Talks between the two clubs are at an advanced stage and Broja is also believed to be keen on the deal.Armando Broja is expected to leave Chelsea this summerCredit: GettyThe striker has barely featured for Fulham since joining on loanCredit: PAThe player has been on loan at Fulham since January but has barely featured, with just three sub appearances.Chelsea have been trying to offload the Albania centre forward permanently but their price tag of £50million has been rebuffed by potential customers.Dortmund want Broja but won’t pay anywhere near that fee and are set to pay around half that.But they believe he can do the business for them next season. He is under contract until 2028.READ MORE ON CHELSEABy finishing fifth in Germany’s Bundesliga they have secured Champions League football for next season, even if they fail to win the competition this season.Germany has been awarded an extra place by UEFA in next season’s tournament following the success of their teams in Europe.Dortmund have shown interest in Broja before but no deal materialised.It now looks as if the one-time Chelsea academy graduate will finally be on his way.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBroja spent the first half of the season with Chelsea before being loaned outThe Blues also need to start offloading players to comply with Profit & Sustainability Rules.They posted a loss of £90million for 2023 to go with a £121m loss the year before.Chelseas midfield struggles with Moises Caicedo and Enzo FernandezSporting director Paul Winstanley is now tasked with flogging £100m worth of talent to bring the figures back into line.Being home grown, Broja is considered pure profit in accounting terms because technically he cost nothing to buy as a one-time youth team player.He has scored only two goals this season – one in the Premier League for Chelsea and one in the FA Cup. But he also spent nine months out previously with a serious knee injury. More

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      Man Utd set to pocket major cash windfall thanks to Jadon Sancho after outcast led Dortmund to Champions League final

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are set for a significant financial boost thanks to Jadon Sancho’s Champions League exploits for Borussia Dortmund.The German side claimed a 1-0 win against Paris Saint Germain in Tuesday’s semi-final, clinching their place in the final at Wembley with a 2-0 aggregate triumph.Jadon Sancho helped fire Dortmund into the Champions League finalCredit: RexSir Jim Ratcliffe will pocket bonus cash after Dortmund’s successCredit: PASancho joined Dortmund in January on loan until the end of the season after a public fallout with Erik ten Hag.In the deal that saw the 24-year-old return to his former club, Man Utd inserted clauses dependent on appearances and achievements.As part of the loan deal, United received a £3m sum up front from Dortmund, with the possibility of a further £3.4m in add-ons.The BBC report that most of the add-ons have now been met as a result of Sancho helping Dortmund to their first Champions League final since 2013.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOther clauses in the contract are based on Dortmund’s qualification for next season’s Champions League.With two games left to play, they sit fifth in the table and are three points behind RB Leipzig.But Dortmund are cushioned by the fact that the Bundesliga earned a bonus sport in next year’s Champions League via the Uefa coefficient.Both the German league and Serie A were awarded an extra place in the competition based on performances in Europe this season. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDespite failing to fire at Old Trafford, Sancho is rekindling the form that led to the Red Devils forking out £73 million to sign him from the German giants in 2021.Speculation suggests both them and Man Utd are helping cover his £290,000-a-week salary.Jadon Sancho belts out Adele as he leads Dortmund’s Champions League dressing room celebrations Sancho has not played for the Red Devils since September.The exiled winger claimed he was made a “scapegoat” after being left out the squad for the trip to Arsenal, which ended in a 3-1 defeat.He has since refused to apologise to Ten Hag and been banned from training and all first-team facilities.But the door could now be open for his return after the boss: “There was a conflict and let’s first finish the season so stay away from this issue, now it is not important.”We have important games in the league and the FA Cup final and then we will see.”Before the second leg in Paris, Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl revealed talks will be held over the possibility of re-signing Sancho.Pundits’ verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future?
      Michael Owen – He has to go
      “He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
      Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
      “If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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      World Cup winner’s glamorous ex-wife ‘swaps him for Bundesliga star who’s 18 years his junior’

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      WORLD CUP winner Roman Weidenfeller’s glamorous ex-wife has found a new boyfriend 18 years his junior.The goalkeeper was part of the Germany squad that achieved World Cup glory in Brazil in 2014.Roman Weidenfeller split with his ex-wife Lisa Rossenbach last yearCredit: GettyLisa is now dating another footballer 12 years her juniorCredit: Instagram @aboutlisa_New boyfriend Arne Maier dedicated a goal to his girlfriendCredit: GettyWeidenfeller, 43, married Lisa Rossenbach a year later but the pair separated and divorced in November 2023.The ex-couple split up once before, in 2018, before re-uniting two years later – but they now appear to be over for good.That is because Lisa has found a new partner according to Bild – Augsburg star Arne Maier who is 25-years-old.Maier is 12 years younger than Lisa but their relationship seems to have got off to a good start, with the midfielder dedicating a goal to his beloved by making an ‘L’ gesture with his hands.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe pair reportedly met in November before making things official at the beginning of this year.That came after Lisa’s amicable split from Weidenfeller, who announced the news on social media.He wrote: “It’s true, Lisa and I are no longer a couple. We have separated amicably.”We unfortunately had to realise that it (their marriage) wasn’t going to work in the long term. For us, our two children come first. As parents, we will of course look after their welfare together.”Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWeidenfeller and Lisa have two children together – Leonard, 8, and Luna, 1.The former goalkeeper retired from playing in 2018 after making 453 appearances for Borussia Dortmund, winning the Bundesliga twice as well as the German Cup.Playboy model and daughter of LaLiga legend banned from dating footballers More