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    How Real Madrid could line up after breaking the bank for Bellingham AND Kane with England stars on transfer wishlist

    REAL MADRID are eager to strengthen their squad with two England superstars this summer.Carlo Ancelotti’s side lost their LaLiga crown to Barcelona this term, and fell in the Champions League semi-finals to Manchester City.

    Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane are both on Real Madrid’s wishlistCredit: Getty
    Real Madrid did manage to win the Copa del Rey, but will be aiming to compete for further honours next term by making statement acquisitions.
    The Spanish giants are set to complete a £130million deal for Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund next week.
    Bellingham, 19, handed out leaving gifts to his Dortmund team-mates this week ahead of the move.
    Madrid would also love to prise Harry Kane away from Tottenham, should Karim Benzema leave this summer.
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    The Frenchman is reportedly on the verge of joining Saudi side Al-Ittihad on a staggering £342million contract.
    Kane, 29, has one year remaining on his Spurs deal, although he may be more likely to leave on a free transfer in 12 months than for a fee this summer.
    Real Madrid would also have to compete with Manchester United for Kane’s signature, should the England skipper decide to leave his boyhood club.
    Ancelotti’s men have also been linked with a surprise deal for Liverpool ace Andy Robertson.
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    Andy Robertson is also on Real Madrid’s radarCredit: Rex
    The Scotland captain could cost around £40m, with the Mail claiming that he is high on Madrid’s list.
    Should he sign for Los Blancos, Robertson could slot into a back four featuring Eder Militao, David Alaba and Dani Carvajal – with the likes of Antonio Rudiger in reserve.
    Thibaut Courtois is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world behind them – while Bellingham would join a star-studded midfield ahead.
    Madrid are expected to give veteran midfielder Luka Modric a further 12-month deal – and the Croatian could join Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni in a trio.
    Ancelotti will also have Fede Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Toni Kroos to call upon.
    Kane could then provide a focal point for silky wingers Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo to play off up top.
    Vinicius Jr has ascended into one of the world’s best playersCredit: EPA More

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    Champions League final ref Szymon Marciniak to KEEP role after apologising over far-right links following Uefa probe

    SZYMON MARCINIAK will keep his role as Champions League final referee after Uefa probed alleged links with a far-right politician.The Polish whistler was originally appointed to officiate Manchester City’s clash with Inter Milan in Istanbul next week.
    Szymon Marciniak has been selected to referee next week’s Champions League finalCredit: Getty
    His participation was subsequently in doubt, however, following allegations that he appeared as a speaker at a far-right event in Poland.
    Polish anti-racism group Never Again claimed that Marciniak promoted and even participated in an event organised by Slawomir Mentzen.
    Mentzen, 36, is leader of Poland’s Confederation Party – which uses a vile slogan denouncing Jewish and gay people – in addition to standing against abortion, taxes and the EU.
    Uefa released a statement following the allegations against Marciniak.
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    It read: “Uefa is aware of the allegations surrounding Szymon Marciniak and is seeking urgent clarification.
    “Uefa and the whole football community abhor the ‘values’ that are promoted by the group in question and takes these allegations very seriously.
    “A further announcement will be made, after reviewing all the evidence.”
    Following their probe, Uefa elected to keep Marciniak on as Champions League final ref after receiving a lengthy apology and clarification.
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    Marciniak, 42, allegedly appeared as a keynote speaker at a far-right event
    European football’s governing body added that anti-discrimination groups asked for Marciniak to keep his role as Champions League final ref.
    The far-right event that Marciniak was allegedly involved in took place on May 29.
    At the event entitled “Everest” – Marciniak was listed as a keynote speaker.
    The referee has officiated eight Champions League matches this term, including Manchester City’s semi-final second leg mauling of Real Madrid.
    He also took charge of last year’s World Cup final in Qatar.
    The Pole took charge of Manchester City’s Champions League semi-final mauling of Real MadridCredit: Getty More

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    Tammy Abraham set to spark Premier League transfer scramble with Roma forced to sell ex-Chelsea ace to avoid rule breach

    ROMA are reportedly ready to sell Tammy Abraham to avoid Financial Fair Play sanctions.The Serie A side had hoped to win the Europa League and qualify for the Champions League and claim the riches that would have followed.
    Tammy Abraham could reportedly be sold by Roma this summerCredit: Getty
    He has scored 36 goals in his two season in ItalyCredit: Getty
    However, defeat to Sevilla in a penalty shootout left the plans in tatters.
    And now Roma are set to spark a transfer scramble for Abraham by listing him on the transfer market, according to The Telegraph.
    The Italian outfit will accept a transfer for the “right price” in an attempt to “break-even” a rule that they had already broken and been fined for by Uefa.
    Roma signed Abraham, 25, for £34million from Chelsea in 2021, and the report claims that the club is optimistic about recouping a large portion of that fee.
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    The English striker has experience on the national stage with England as well as in the Premier League and the Championship.
    In his two years in Italy, he has managed to notch 36 goals.
    However, this season has been less fruitful for the striker, as he has only netted nine times in all competitions.
    Abraham will not be short of suitors from the Premier League as he proved to be quality striker at the level.
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    Clubs such as West Ham, Everton, Crystal Palace and Tottenham could all be on the hunt for a new striker this summer.
    And if Abraham is available for a reasonable fee for Premier League sides, it would seem an attractive option.
    Abraham has previously admitted that he is happy in Italy, as he said on Uefa.com: “I’ve become more confident and have learnt a lot about myself.
    “At Chelsea, I was known as ‘the academy player’, and I think coming here I’ve realised it’s time to bring out my personality and show the world what I can do.
    “It’s been an amazing experience learning about a different culture and seeing a different area of life.
    “It’s something I’ll treasure even more looking back when my career has finished.”
    If he is still happy to continue his career in Italy, then he could look for a club in Serie A, such as Inter Milan.
    The Italian giants are set to lose Romelu Lukaku once his loan spell expires while Edin Dzeko is approaching retirement and Abraham could be a smart move. More

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    Premier League legend looks unrecognisable at daughter’s 15th birthday meal

    THIS ex-Liverpool star and Champions League winner looks almost unrecognisable as he dines out for his daughter’s birthday.A gifted forward in his day, this ex-Prem ace even won the PFA Young Player of the Year award in the 1999-2000 season.
    The former Liverpool star with his daughter celebrating her birthdayCredit: Instagram
    The former Prem star now sports a grey beard, but has maintained his shoulder length hair well into his post-playing days.
    He represented many teams in the top flight, including Leeds, Liverpool and Galatasaray.
    And now well-wishing footy fans across Europe have come together to congratulate his daughter on her 15th birthday.
    The ex-Red in question? Harry Kewell.
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    Kewell joined Liverpool in 2003, and went onto play for the Reds until 2008.
    In doing so, Kewell became the only Australian-born player to win the UEFA Champions League, starting in Liverpool’s win over A.C. Milan in 2005.
    The forward then moved to Galatasaray and went into coaching after formally retiring in 2014.
    Kewell amassed nearly 60 international caps, and was voted Australia’s Greatest Footballer in a poll taken in 2012.
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    Kewell was a regular starter for Liverpool between 2003-2008Credit: Getty
    Kewell married soap actress Sheree MurphyCredit: https://www.instagram.com/harrykewell10/
    Last summer, Kewell joined Celtic as part of the first-team coaching staff.
    Celtic player James Forrest praised the impact the former Liverpool player has made at the club.
    Forrest said to Celtic TV: “Definitely for myself; I think he has helped me really early on, at the start of the season”.
    The Premier League legend has also previously taken charge of Crawley, Notts Country, Oldham and Barnet.
    The dad-of-four is married to English soap star Sheree Murphy, whom he met at a Leeds nightclub in 2000.
    Kewell made 273 Premier League appearances, scoring 57 goals and providing 38 assists.
    Kewell clearly still has love for the Beautiful GameCredit: https://www.instagram.com/harrykewell10/ More

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    Eight strikers Real Madrid could sign to fill Benzema’s boots including Kane, Rashford and shock Ronaldo transfer return

    REAL MADRID are set for a busy summer transfer window after Karim Benzema reportedly agreed a move away from the club.The French striker is thought to have made up his mind and has his heart set on a move to Saudi Arabia side Al Ittihad.
    Karim Benzema is believed to be on his way out of Real MadridCredit: Getty
    Benzema, 35, now looks set to leave the Santiago Bernabeu after 14 years and 24 major honours.
    He is set to be paid an eye-watering £342million over a two-year contract with Al Ittihad.
    However, Madrid must now find a replacement for the striker that bagged 353 goals during his time at the club.
    Harry Kane
    Harry Kane could be a replacement for BenzemaCredit: Getty
    The Tottenham star, 29, has just enjoyed a personally sensational season as he netted 30 times in the Premier League.
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    However, the North London outfit faltered as it limped to an 8th-placed finish, missing out on European football for next season.
    Kane has been tipped for an exit from Spurs this summer and has previously been linked with a move to Los Blancos.
    Although an attempt to sign the England captain could prove to be tricky, as SunSport exclusively revealed, he wants to stay in the prem, but Benzema’s bombshell could see Madrid test his resolve.
    Cristiano Ronaldo
    Cristiano Ronaldo could be tempted into a return to MadridCredit: Getty
    The Portuguese star, 38, would only be a short-term option but does know his way around the LaLiga giants.
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    Ronaldo starred for the club over a nine-year stay with the club, during which he became its top-ever goalscorer.
    Currently playing his trade in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, it is thought that he would be keen on a return to European football, and Madrid could become an option.
    Victor Osimhen
    Victor Osimhen is thought to be on the way out of Napoli this summerCredit: Getty
    The Napoli talisman is one of the hottest names in the market this summer after leading the Naples side to the Serie A title this season.
    Osimhen, 24, has been linked to a host of European giants this season, such as Manchester United, Chelsea, PSG and Bayern Munich.
    However, Madrid could push their way to the front of the queue to sign the 25-goal hitman, with Napoli believed to want £130m to let him leave.
    Marcus Rashford
    Madrid could tempt Manchester United into selling Marcus RashfordCredit: Getty
    Rashford, 25, has enjoyed his best-ever season at Manchester United, firing 30 goals in 55 appearances in all competitions.
    He could be added to Madrid’s existing Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo attack, giving the club a rapid-looking front three.
    A move to the Bernabeu could intrigue the Red Devils ace, and a deal might be possible as his contract is set to expire in 2024.
    A decent offer could tempt the Old Trafford outfit into a sale rather than lose him for free next summer, especially if they could beat rivals Barcelona to his signature, as they have been linked with a move.
    Erling Haaland
    Erling Haaland would add firepower to the Madrid attackCredit: PA
    The Norwegian superstar, 22, would definitely fit the El Galactico bill after netting 52 goals in 51 games for Manchester City in his debut campaign with the club.
    The Haaland has been a previous target for Madrid before he opted to move to the Premier League.
    Los Blancos have been tipped to make a world record bid for the former Borussia Dortmund striker in the summer of 2024, but could opt to bring their plans forward a year to seal a move sooner.
    Kylian Mbappe
    Kylian Mbappe was previously linked with a move to Real MadridCredit: Rex
    The 2018 French world cup winner, 24, has seemed destined for a move to Madrid and almost did in 2022 until he signed a mega contract with PSG.
    However, after a disappointing season in France, it is thought that Mbappe is considering quitting the club to fulfil his ambition of winning the Champions League.
    And with his deal in the French capital set to expire next summer, Madrid could once again try and convince PSG into a sale.
    Lautaro Martinez
    Lautaro Martinez could make a fine striker for MadridCredit: Getty
    Martinez, 25, has enjoyed another fruitful campaign with Inter Milan as he has netted 21 goals in 37 Serie A appearances this season.
    He has also helped his club to the Champions League final, where they will face Manchester City.
    The Italian club are dealing with some financial issues and could be forced into a sale in order to rebuild the squad.
    Kai Havertz
    Madrid have been linked with Kai HavertzCredit: Getty
    The Chelsea frontman could be a shock option for Madrid after they were already linked with a move for him.
    Havertz, 23, was not so long ago viewed as one of the most exciting stars in Europe after impressing with Bayer Leverkusen.
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    He has won the Champions League, FA Cup and Club World Cup with the Blues.
    However, the German international’s form has dropped over the last year, and Chelsea could be tempted into a sale in order to make back some of the £600m they have just forked out on players over the last year. More

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    Bruno Guimaraes set to snub Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool transfers to become Newcastle’s highest-paid star ever

    NEWCASTLE have offered Bruno Guimaraes a bumper £200,000-a-week pay deal to ward off interest from Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona.SunSport understands the Brazil ace is close to signing a new long-term contract at St James’ Park.
    Newcastle have offered Bruno Guimaraes a huge pay riseCredit: Alamy
    Bruno has become a massive fan favourite at Newcastle alreadyCredit: Reuters
    And he is ready to snub big moves to stay putCredit: Getty
    Bruno, 25, is already Newcastle’s highest earner on £120,000-a-week but will be handed improved terms on his current deal, which expires in 2026, ahead of next season’s Champions League campaign.
    Talks are well advanced to make his the Magpies’ best-paid player ever and the club are not concerned over recent links with some of Europe’s giants.
    Liverpool cannot offer Bruno Champions League football while Barcelona remain dogged by financial problems.
    Signed last January for £42million from Lyon, midfielder Guimaraes is well on his way to hero status following a stellar first full year on Tyneside.
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    The Samba star admitted he held talks with Real Madrid last summer but has repeatedly stated that he wants to stay at Newcastle.
    He said: “Real Madrid is the best team in the world. It is nice but it was just a conversation. It was nothing.
    “I feel at home here. It’s the best thing that has happened in my life.
    “I am living my dream here and hope to be a legend.”
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    Mags boss Eddie Howe was tight-lipped over Bruno’s fresh terms when quizzed last week.
    But he said: “The club is very keen to protect their assets and be ahead of the curve in terms of contract length and making sure we’re in a strong position.
    “But also recognising players who have done well and rewarding them for their performances.”
    SunSport revealed on Wednesday that Portuguese forward Joao Felix has been offered to Newcastle after being bombed out by Chelsea following his sixth-moan loan deal.
    He is surplus to requirements at parent club Atletico Madrid, who are now trying to get him off their books.
    Felix, 23, has also been touted to go to Paris Saint-Germain but wants to stay in the Premier League and play Champions League football.
    Atletico are ready to strike another loan deal but want a modest fee plus the player’s wages of around £200k a week covered, which would be a sticking point for Toon boss Eddie Howe.
    The Blues paid Felix’s wages in full after signing him on loan in January for a fee of £9.7million. More

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    Former Champions League winner allegedly held up at gunpoint by man, 25, demanding top flight contract

    A FORMER Champions League winner was allegedly held up at gunpoint by a man demanding a top-flight contract.Ex-Holland midfielder Mark van Bommel was attacked back in October.
    Mark van Bommel was held at gunpoint by a man demanding a top flight contractCredit: AFP
    The Royal Antwerp manager was approached in a car park, with Van Bommel “fearing for his life” as a result of the attack.
    However, it was not his car or expensive watch that the attacker wanted – instead it was a job as a pro footballer.
    The Belgian Public Prosecutor’s Office have alleged that Jamaleh Haban M. was aiming to extort himself a contract with the Belgian club.
    Haban, who claims to be 17 despite prosecutors finding him to be 25, had placed an Apple AirTag Tracker on Van Bommel’s Porsche Panamera.
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    The AirTag then allowed him to locate the Dutchman outside his apartment complex, where he blinded him with a torch before threatening him with a firearm.
    Van Bommel, who won the Champions League with Barcelona in 2006, was able to escape by quickly reversing before fleeing the scene.
    Investigations into Haban’s phone have revealed an audio message that he planned to play to Van Bommel, which mentioned a contract with Antwerp.
    De Telegraaf report that the message read: “Listen Mark, your family’s life depends on this, let me become a professional player.
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    Mark van Bommel won the Champions League with Barcelona in 2006Credit: AP:Associated Press
    “Don’t go to the police, we will kill you and your family. We know where you live.”
    Van Bommel, who was shaken by the attack, is seeking £4,300 in damages.
    A verdict in the case will be reached on June 13.
    His lawyer told Het Nieuwsblad: “We cannot laugh about that. The impact of these facts cannot be underestimated.
    “My client is used to some things, but not this. He no longer dares to sleep at home and lives in a hotel.” More

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    Neville, Keane & Carragher’s embarrassing Premier League predictions re-emerge from flop title pick to Ronaldo advice

    GARY NEVILLE, ROY KEANE and Jamie Carragher’s Premier League predictions have re-emerged following the climax of the campaign.A dramatic final day of the season saw Leicester City and Leeds United relegated on Sunday with Everton surviving with a 1-0 win over Bournemouth.
    Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher’s pre-season predictions have re-emergedCredit: Getty
    Roy Keane was also left red-faced with some of his predictionsCredit: Sportsfile
    Manchester City had already been crowned champions after Arsenal’s title collapse over the last month.
    The Gunners did qualify for next season’s Champions League, with both Manchester United, in third, and fourth-place Newcastle joining them.
    Liverpool endured a miserable season but their late upturn in form led them to ending it in fifth.
    And that ensures that they and Brighton, who finished sixth, will be in the Europa League.
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    Meanwhile, Man Utd’s Carabao Cup success in February could be followed by FA Cup joy this weekend when they face neighbours Man City in the final at Wembley.
    The above has freed up an extra place in Europe, and it was Aston Villa who capped a remarkable turnaround under Unai Emery by finishing seventh in the top-flight to make it to next season’s Europa Conference League.

    At the start of the season, Sky Sports asked their pundits to make their predictions for the campaign.
    Both United legends Keane and Neville were in agreement that Man City, who are also aiming to complete an historic treble with Champions League success against Inter Milan next month, and Liverpool would be battling it out for the title.
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    And they both correctly guessed that it would be the Cityzens celebrating – although Neville was way off when saying: “Tottenham are the only team I can see that can get close to them [City and Liverpool].”
    Although Keane also backed them to challenge the top two, only for their season to end in disaster after Antonio Conte’s exit.
    Liverpool legend Carragher was also left red-faced after he incorrectly backed his old club to win the title “because of Virgil van Dijk”.
    He also tipped Spurs to finish third and Chelsea, who finished in the bottom half, to make fourth.
    United’s success has all come despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s explosive transfer exit before Christmas following his criticism of Erik ten Hag and the club’s hierarchy.
    But that was not what both Keane and Neville were feeling at the start of the season despite him reporting back for pre-season late
    Keane said: “You have to try and keep Ronaldo because he’s a brilliant player.
    “I don’t think it’s as big of a deal as everyone’s making out.
    “When you’re a manager, trouble comes your way, he has to deal with it.
    “I think it can work out well for United.”
    Meanwhile, Neville said: “Ronaldo has the power, the strength, the status to influence.”
    Although Carragher did say: “I’d move Ronaldo on, it’d be the first thing I’d do if I was Ten Hag coming in.
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    “He’s almost bigger than the club and we are talking about one of the biggest clubs in the world, and Ronaldo is one of the few players who could be classed like that alongside Lionel Messi.
    “You can put up with that if he’s one of the best players in the world – I don’t think he is right now.” More