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    Bayern Munich ‘turn to England star with £68m release clause’ as they’re set to lose out on Wirtz transfer to Liverpool

    BAYERN MUNICH have turned their attention to Eberechi Eze with them set to miss out on Florian Wirtz, according to reports.The Bundesliga champions have accepted that the Bayer Leverkusen star is joining Liverpool in a British record £126million deal.Florian Wirtz is heading to LiverpoolCredit: GettyBayern Munich could now target Eberechi EzeCredit: GettyWirtz, 22, has reportedly told Bayern chiefs he is heading to Merseyside and the club are now set to pursue Eze.The Crystal Palace and England midfielder has a release clause said to be worth £60m, plus £8m in add-ons.Bayern are hopeful of getting a deal done as they have a good relationship with the Eagles after the clubs agreed a transfer for Michael Olise last summer.Despite his release clause, Palace want to convince Eze to stay at Selhurst Park.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd they will stand firm with their price tag and not accept anything less than the release clause.SunSport understand that both Manchester United and Aston Villa are keen on Eze but the fee may prove too costly for them.Bayern are not thought to have an issue with the price as they were set to splash the cash on Wirtz.But like Manchester City they put off the signing after discovering that the total cost of the move could total £252m.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSOn top of the £126m fee, Wirtz is set to pocket £325,000-a-week.Meanwhile, Bayern are also looking at AC Milan winger Rafael Leao and Brighton ace Kaoru Mitoma to bolster their attacking options behind main man Harry Kane.Ebereche Eze wins £15,000 in celebrity online chess tournament – and celebrates more than his Wembley FA Cup goal More

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    Bayern Munich Wags including Harry Kane’s wife Katie Goodland’s Club World Cup plans ‘spark anger behind scenes at club’

    BAYERN MUNICH have frustrated members of staff with their plans to send the players’ Wags to the Club World Cup, according to reports.The German giants are set to head to the US for the controversially revamped tournament next month.Harry Kane and wife Katie Goodland pose with the Bundesliga plateCredit: PAHarry Kane will head to the States hoping to add further silverware to his collection, having broken his duck by winning the Bundesliga title.According to Bild, the trip has caused friction behind the scenes at the German champions.Bayern’s Club World Cup campaign will come amid a series of cost-cutting measures.Several staff members have reportedly been informed that they won’t join the team at the tournament.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite sporting director Max Eberl’s efforts to reduce costs, players families’ will be sent to the US at the expense of the club.This means that Kane’s wife Katie Goodland can be sent to the States at Bayern’s expense, despite her husband being one of the club’s top earners.Bild’s Bayern expert Christian Falk revealed: “The players’ families have been invited.”On the German outlet’s podcast, Falk went on to add: “You have to say, a few employees were annoyed.Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLeroy Sane is dating Candice BrookCredit: instagram @leroysaneLina Kimmich will be able to join husband Joshua in the StatesCredit: Getty”They’re cutting costs everywhere, so only a small group of employees is allowed to go over, but the families are.”The staff members thought to be affected include lower level roles like middle management and matchday stewards.Thomas Muller has Bayern Munich fans howling with risque funeral joke in retirement speech on pitchBayern boss Vincent Kompany is looking forward to the competition, which could net the winners a £100million prize kitty.The Belgian said: “I think the closer we get to the tournament, the more you can see the excitement growing. “It’s been quite a special season anyway so far. You have the new format of the Champions League, and you have the next competition with the Club World Cup.”You know, I think we’re part of a club here with Bayern Munich where every trophy is important, so by the time we get to America, it will be a priority.”Bayern will begin their Club World Cup campaign by facing New Zealand side Auckland City in Cincinnati on June 15, before a trip to Miami to take on iconic Argentine outfit Boca Juniors five days later.Bayern face Benfica on matchday three in Charlotte on June 24.Ahead of the tournament, Kane said: “It’s going to be unique, playing this type of major tournament with your club is different to what’s been done in the past but I think it’s going to be a great experience.”Going out to the US, as well, a year before the World Cup itself will be a great chance to get to know some of the stadiums and get to know the fans out there.Read More on The Sun”It’s going to be a really great tournament.”As always, when it’s the first of any type of tournament, people are wondering how it’s going to go but I’m really excited for it.”Katie Goodland has supported Kane at plenty of tournamentsCredit: PALisa Muller has been married to Bayern star Thomas for 16 yearsCredit: Getty More

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    Florian Wirtz ‘tells Bayern Munich he’s joining Liverpool’ with £125MILLION transfer just days away

    FLORIAN WIRTZ has told Bayern Munich he is joining Liverpool, according to reports.The German is one of the hottest properties on the transfer market this summer.Florian Wirtz has told Bayern Munich he will be joining Liverpool this summerCredit: GettyBut according to football journalist, Sacha Tavolieri, Wirtz is now just one step away from joining the Anfield outfit.Mere days ago it was revealed that Manchester City had pulled of the race to sign the Bayer Leverkusen ace over concerns about the overall cost of the deal potentially reaching a figure of £252million.However, numbers involved in the deal have not deterred German champions Bayern Munich or English champions Liverpool.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    Florian Wirtz ‘house-hunting in Liverpool with Bayern chiefs fearing worst as Reds set to offer more than German giants’

    BAYER LEVERKUSEN star Florian Wirtz is reportedly house-hunting in Liverpool amid an ongoing bidding war for his signature.Wirtz, 22, has attracted interest from a host of elite clubs, including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Manchester City and of course the Reds after two stunning campaigns at Leverkusen.Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz is reportedly house-hunting in LiverpoolLiverpool’s bid for Wirtz is causing ‘a bit of fear’ within Bayern Munich’s campThe playmaker was one of the key reasons behind the German giants’ undefeated Double-winning run last season before amassing a total of 16 goals and 15 assists in 45 appearances this term.Bayern have been posing as favourites to land the Germany international during the summer transfer window.According to transfer insider Christian Falk, however, Liverpool appear to be stealing a march on the newly-crowned German champions.Falk claims the Merseysiders are the likeliest to come the closest to Wirtz’s astronomical €150million (£126m) release clause, which means they could eclipse the Premier League’s transfer record of £115m.Read More on FootballThe journalist also reports that Liverpool’s intense interest is having an effect on the German and that has led him to look at accommodation in the city.That has caused “a bit of fear” within the Bayern camp which is forcing them to take swift action.The Bavarians are not keen on meeting Wirtz’s expensive asking price or matching Liverpool’s bid.But Vincent Kompany’s side are planning a big meeting with the player and his family, including his father Hans-Joachim who is also his agent.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe two parties will meet at club executive Uli Hoeness’ house in Tegernsee.Bayern will try and fork out a deal with Wirtz’s family that will prove more attractive than Liverpool’s offer in terms of personal terms.Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong reveals why he snubbed Liverpool and chose Man City last time Reds tried to sign himThe Bundesliga giants are planning to use Hoeness’ influence as the Leverkusen star’s dad is the same age as the legendary forward and he thus grew up admiring him.Bayern and Liverpool received a massive transfer boost recently when Man City pulled out of the transfer race.Real’s interest, on the other hand, isn’t worrying the German table-toppers as much as the Prem champions’ bid. More

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    Man City close in on Premier League’s most expensive EVER transfer as Florian Wirtz jets in for talks

    PEP GUARDIOLA has held talks with Florian Wirtz as Manchester City stepped up their bid to land the German star in a record £126million deal.The Bayer Leverkusen forward, 22, jetted in to Blackpool from Maastricht in Holland as City look to beat Bayern Munich to his signature.Florian Wirtz’s dad was met by a reporter after the meeting in ManchesterCredit: BildFlorian Wirtz’s mother spotted at a Dutch airportCredit: BildManchester City are hot on the heels of Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian WirtzCredit: GETTYCity have held talks with the 22-year-old over a summer move to the EtihadCredit: GETTYWirtz, one of the hottest properties in Europe, travelled with his agent father to discuss a potential move to the Etihad before returning home last night.Boss Guardiola has identified Wirtz as his No 1 target as he looks to rebuild his City squad and replace club legend Kevin De Bruyne, 33. who will leave at the end of his contract in June.City’s offer would smash the British transfer record, which currently stands at £115m which Chelsea paid Brighton to sign midfielder Moises Caicedo in 2023.Wirtz, his father Hans and mother Karin took a private jet at 10am on Tuesday from Maastricht-Aachen Airport in the Netherlands to Blackpool, according to German newspaper Bild.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey were then driven to Manchester to meet with Guardiola, before flying back at 4:40pm.Apparently, the small airport behind the German-Dutch border had been chosen to avoid attracting attention.However Bild were able to get photos of Wirtz’s mum and dad at the Dutch airport as they returned to their car.A reporter approached Wirtz’s father Hans who shook his hand but chose to remain silent.Most read in FootballWirtz has spoken to Guardiola previously but the attacker is yet to make a final decision on his future with two years still left on his current Leverkusen deal.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut his club would rather sell to City than their Bundesliga rivals.He only last month returned from a knee injury, which saw him miss the Champions League last-16 tie with Bayern, but has still scored 16 goals and added 15 assists in 44 games this season.Bayern, who won the Bundesliga this term after losing out to Leverkusen last season, are offering £84m for Wirtz.The German was vital to Leverkusen’s unbeaten title triumph under Xabi Alonso in 2023-24.City have also approached AC Milan to sign Tijjani Reijnders, 26, although they are yet to submit a bid.Milan want around £60m for the Dutch midfielder, which would make him their biggest sale in their history.The two clubs still have a negotiation to complete over right-back Kyle Walker, 34, who is on loan at the Serie A outfit from City for the rest of the season.Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong reveals why he snubbed Liverpool and chose Man City last time Reds tried to sign himCity are also interested in Nottingham Forest star Morgan-Gibbs White, 25.However, Newcastle will fight off any City attempt to sign England star Tino Livramento.The 22-year-old has shone since stepping up to become Toon’s first-choice right-back ahead of Kieran Trippier.Read More on The SunChampions League chasing Newcastle do not need to sell any big names.Boss Eddie Howe  said: “The summer window will be a big one for us.”Florian Wirtz was one of Bayer Leverkusen’s star performers last seasonCredit: AFP More

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    Man Utd linked with fairytale transfer as they scout Cristiano Ronaldo Jr’s Portugal debut amid shock Tottenham interest

    A MANCHESTER UNITED scout saw Cristiano Ronaldo Jr make his Portugal Under-15 debut as a raft of top clubs sent representatives to the match.The 14-year-old son of the legendary former Red Devils No7 was cheered onto the pitch when he came off the bench in a 4-1 win over Japan’s Under-15s on Tuesday.A Manchester United scout saw Cristiano Ronaldo Jr make his Portugal Under-15 debutRonaldo Jr was also eyed by scouts from Tottenham and Bundesliga clubsWearing the same number his father wore with distinction during two spells at Old Trafford, Ronaldo Jr gave a few brief glimpses of his talent during a second-half run-out at the Vlatko Markovic tournament in Croatia.Ruben Amorim’s staff will add the scout’s report to their file on the youngster, who could earn a start in one of Portugal’s remaining matches against Greece or England.United will already know plenty from the 14 months Ronaldo Jr spent at their academy.He played alongside Wayne Rooney’s son, Kai, in the youth set-up when his father returned for an ill-fated second stint under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag.Read More on Man UtdThe Europa League finalists were among several high-profile clubs to send scouts to the match.United’s Bilbao opponents Tottenham were in attendance with up to 10 Bundesliga clubs also rumoured to be represented in the crowd.Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti report that Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Hoffenheim, Red Bull Salzburg, Inter Milan, Juventus and Atalanta sent spies to cover the game.The Portuguese players caught the eye with their superior technique and tactical appreciation, running out easy winners over the Japanese kids.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBraga forward Rafael Cabral was the star of the match and stole Cristiano Jr’s thunder by bagging a hat-trick before he stepped out onto the pitch.The 14-year-old honed his ball skills by playing futsal from an early age while his mobility allows him to operate just as effectively from the wings as he does from the middle.He is Braga’s top scorer in the youth league with 13 goals this season and leads a seven-strong contingent from the club in Portugal’s squad, which contains no players from the traditional powers of Benfica and Sporting Lisbon.Ronaldo Jr is following in his father Cristiano Ronaldo’s massive footstepsRonaldo had two stints at Man Utd before moving to Saudi Arabia and Al-Nassr More

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    Jeremie Frimpong’s agent posts cryptic two-word message after Liverpool hold advanced transfer talks for Leverkusen star

    JEREMIE FRIMPONG’S agent has teased fans with a cryptic Instagram post.The Dutch right-back, 24, has reportedly been in advanced talks over a move to Liverpool this summer.Frimpong has been heavily linked with a move to AnfieldCredit: GettyThe Reds are searching for a replacement for the departing Trent Alexander-Arnold, and have reportedly identified the Bayer Leverkusen man as the man they want.Now, Frimpong’s agent Jeffrey Lemmert has added fuel to the fire around a potential move to Anfield. The agent took to his Instagram story to post a picture of a British motorway, captioned with just two words: “We working”, captioned with an egg timer emoji. Sky Germany have reported that Liverpool are “seriously pursuing” Frimpong.Read more FootballRespected reporter Florian Plettenberg said that “advanced talks” had taken place between the Dutchman’s representatives and the Premier League champions. He also said that the right-back would be available for €35-40 million, thanks to a release clause in his Leverkusen deal. Frimpong, formerly of Celtic and Manchester City, has featured 48 times this term in all competitions, scoring five goals and laying on 12 assists. He has been a key cog in Xabi Alonso’s successful 3-4-2-1 system at the BayArena, chipping in with frequent goal contributions from right wing-back. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe was a crucial part of the unbeaten side last season that won a maiden Bundesliga title. He scored nine league goals that season, supplementing that with an impressive nine-assist return. Liverpool boss Arne Slot parties with Wayne Lineker in Ibiza just hours after Premier League clash with Arsenal_2Frimpong is no stranger to British football, having come through the youth ranks at Man City, but he never played a first-team game for the Citizens. He was previously linked with Manchester United when Erik ten Hag was in charge at Old Trafford, although it now appears that Arne Slot’s side are at the front of the queue for his signature.Frimpong came close to joining Liverpool when he was a kid but the deal was kiboshed because his family didn’t have a car.He said: “I chose Liverpool and I was going to sign.”However, transport concerns led him to pick Man City instead because it was closer.He explained: “It made more sense, 15 minutes on a bus.” More

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    I feared I’d never win a trophy but lifting the Bundesliga with Harry Kane makes it extra special, reveals Eric Dier

    ERIC DIER feared he would never lift silverware — before finally winning the Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich.The centre-half and pal Harry Kane, both 31, have been on similar journeys after suffering painful losses with Spurs before both celebrated hoisting the plate-like German championship trophy on Saturday.Family man Eric Dier celebrated title glory with wife Anna ModlerCredit: GettyHarry Kane and Dier marked the occasion their trophy drought endedCredit: GettyBut now they will be going their separate ways.For while England captain Kane will remain at Bayern for a third season, Dier is joining French giants  Monaco this  summer.But the defender has loved his 18 months in Bavaria where he has played 47 games — and due to his good form he  has not given up hope of getting an England recall.Dier said: “To win a trophy feels good and it feels better than anyone has ever described.READ MORE TOP STORIES“Obviously, it’s been a long time coming. The longer you go, the more you wonder if it’ll happen.“And I think that is normal, especially when you have close calls and you don’t get it.“I think back a lot to the first season at Spurs when we were in the Carabao Cup final in 2015 and we lost that.“There are always a lot of ‘what-ifs’ in your life and your career.“And if I had got a trophy that early on, then who knows what would have happened.Most read in FootballDier is bowing out of Bayern on a huge highCredit: GettyBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“But it doesn’t matter now, I’ve got it. It’s been an amazing year. Being in an environment where you learn how to win and what it takes to do it, does help.“There’s an aspect of relief that you’ve finally done it.Thomas Muller has Bayern Munich fans howling with risque funeral joke in retirement speech on pitch“It’s a huge weight off my shoulders in that sense but obviously it is not about me or any individual, it’s a huge collective effort.”Dier followed Kane from Spurs in January 2024, initially on loan before signing a one-year deal.So has it felt sweeter to finally win silverware with his buddy?He said: “Yes, for me to win it with Harry is incredibly special.“We’ve played together since we were 20 and in the England national teams before that.“We were together when we officially won it the other night and that was a special moment for us.”Dier received a presentation ahead of Saturday’s 2-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach before the club paid tribute to legend Thomas Muller, who is leaving Bayern after 25 years at the club.Bayern did offer Dier a one-year extension but he has chosen to move to Monaco, where he has agreed a two-year deal.Dier, who started his career with Sporting Lisbon before spending a decade at Spurs, said: “We had good conversations with the club but just couldn’t find an agreement so then I started to look at what  I thought would be the best  opportunity for myself.Monaco really, really wanted me and I appreciated that. They made all the effort.Eric Dier“Now I’m very excited.  You don’t have regrets but when you’re in one place for a long time, you don’t realise the big world out there.“Football is very big in lots of different countries and you can learn a lot just by moving around and into different cultures, different types of football, different leagues —  so I think it’ll  do me good.“Monaco really, really wanted me and I appreciated that.“They made all the effort for me to go there so I’m talking about it but I don’t think it’s official yet!”Dier has 49 England caps but his last appearance was against Senegal at the 2022 World Cup.Asked if he could feature under  new Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel, he said: “I hope so. I think I’m playing my best football.”Meanwhile, like Kane, Dier will be rooting for Tottenham in  the Europa League final against Manchester United on May 21.Read More on The SunHe added: “It will be incredible and  I still know a lot of the players and so much of the staff.“So I’d be incredibly happy for them to win and for the club.” More