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      Arsenal files: Gunners linked with £40million transfer for ‘next Martin Odegaard’ who’s eerily similar to Ethan Nwaneri

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      AMID the chaos and brilliance of Arsenal’s stunning Champions League quarter final first leg 3-0 victory over Real Madrid on Tuesday night, two young stars watched on from the bench.With the return of Bukayo Saka from injury, Ethan Nwaneri was an unused sub against the Los Blancos after his incredible breakthrough season.Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 win over Real Madrid this weekCredit: GettyArda Guler, who did not play, has been linked with a move to the EmiratesCredit: GettyOn the opposite bench, another young starlet – 20-year-old Arda Guler – enjoyed the spectacle in a watching capacity having also shone brightly out in Spain, and is now being linked to Arsenal, as well as other big clubs in Europe.Having joined Madrid from boyhood club Fenerbahce in July 2023 for an initial £17.2m, the Turk’s debut campaign was hampered by injuries, making only 12 appearances in all competitions.Yet he still managed six goals in 10 La Liga appearances and 330 minutes of playing time, becoming the fastest player in Madrid history to hit that tally.More game time has followed this term with 34 appearances in all competitions so far, but just 10 of these have been starts, including 56 minutes of a 2-0 Champions League defeat away at Liverpool in November.There is the feeling in Spain that Guler – way down the pecking order behind the likes of Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde and 39-year-old Luka Modric – may need to leave the Bernabeu to reach his full potential, similar to the Martin Odegaard situation before his £30m switch to Arsenal in the summer of 2021.Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti struggled to integrate Odegaard into his Galactico squad upon his January 2015 arrival as a 16-year-old, and is having similar issues with Guler.Paul Clement – Ancelotti’s former assistant who remains in contact with the Italian – confirmed this to SunSport last week: Guler needs more game time than he is currently getting, something the Madrid coaching staff recognise.The question is: do Arsenal actually need Guler with 18-year-old Nwaneri now an established first-team player with 14 starts in all competitions this season?Guler has featured mostly as an attacking midfielder, but also pops up on the right, just like Nwaneri. But how do the two compare?Guler has 1,171 minutes under his belt this year, averaging 34 minutes per game. Nwaneri is similar with 1,199 minutes and averaging 39 minutes.’Give me your right foot please’ – Crocked Arsenal star issues plea to Declan Rice in dressing room after stunning goalsIn terms of touches per 90 minutes, Guler has 77 and Nwaneri has 58. The Turkish international has 14 shots on target from 39 attempts. England U21 star Nwaneri has 18 shots on target from 38 attempts.There is nothing between them for goal involvements too – Guler has nine [three goals and six assists] and Nwaneri has 10 [eight goals and two assists].Guler would cost between £30m and £40m at least should anyone come calling, but it appears not to make too much sense with a younger Nwaneri living up to his potential and capturing the hearts of Arsenal fans as a Hale End product.Mikel Arteta will be prioritising an elite striker this summer, with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi already lined up and the defence needing bolstering too.Guler is a massive talent ready to explode, in the Odegaard mould, but Arteta will be wary of stifling what he already has on the books.How the two compare – domestic league matches onlyNWANERI CONTRACT TALKS?Speaking of Nwaneri, he is one of several players Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta are desperate to tie down to long-term contracts in the coming months.Talks will begin soon, with Nwaneri’s current deal – his first professional contract signed in March 2024 – expiring at the end of next season, along with fellow academy star Myles Lewis-Skelly, who put pen to paper in October 2023.SunSport understands Nwaneri is in line for a competitive salary raise, in line with a regular squad player and first-team option.However, with Arsenal’s wage bill increasing by nearly £100m in their 2023/24 financial accounts – from £234.8m to £327.8m – the club will be wary over giving an astronomical wage packet to a teenager, regardless of his talent and potential.Arsenal will also need to fork out for extensions on major first-team stars like Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Gabriel this summer.Ethan Nwaneri is in talks to sign a new dealCredit: GettyHowever, boss Mikel Arteta often asks for wage negotiations or announcements to be delayed until after big months of the season, especially if they progress into the semi-finals of the Champions League.It is why Arteta has been tight-lipped over the futures of midfielders Thomas Partey and Jorginho, whose deals run out in a few months.ARSENAL’S SURPRISE FAN CLUBThe quality of action on show in the Premier League has been a hot topic, with Gary Neville pouring oil over the fire this week in a passionate rant.On the Stick To Football podcast, he raged: “If we’re constantly served up this crap where we are watching centre-backs, full-backs and goalkeepers touch the ball hundreds of times more than the most talented players on the pitch.“That isn’t right – the game can’t be evolving in the right way.”SunSport understands that directors from Arsenal’s Prem rivals are hoping the Gunners can change this perception with a strong run in the Champions League.Should Mikel Arteta’s men see off Real Madrid next week in a similarly stunning and entertaining fashion, before beating Paris Saint-Germain in the semis and Barcelona in the final, there is a feeling that this would reinvigorate the Prem and show what English clubs are capable of.RICE’S FREE-KICKS WERE COMING…Declan Rice’s free-kick double act against Madrid sent the Emirates – and social media – into meltdown.They were his first in senior football in over 400 matches, with many asking the same question: Why has he not been taking free-kicks before?After all, set-piece coach Nicolas Jover has had him on corner-taking duties because of his incredible delivery and the amount of whip he can get on a ball ever since he honed Rice’s talent on a mid-season trip to Dubai.The answer is: He has, but has not found the top corner until now.This season in the Prem, he had one poor effort deflected by the wall behind for a corner in the 1-0 win over Chelsea last month before smacking one straight at Jordan Pickford in their 1-1 draw away at Everton last weekend.Last season, in April 2024, he had another tame approach blocked at Wolves, with another in the March comfortably saved in the 6-0 win at Sheffield United and another hitting the wall in a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa in December 2023.Even at West Ham he was getting his eye in – blasting one well over the bar in the 2021/22 season away at Tottenham and another low drive saved at Aston Villa.His last attempt in Europe appears to be in the 21/22 Europa League, seeing a long-range flier blocked in a 2-0 win away at Dinamo Zagreb.In total, Rice had taken 12 free-kicks before scoring twice past Thibaut Courtois, none of which came close.This is not just a Rice problem however, more an Arsenal problem, scoring just ONE of their last 64 dead-ball attempts before facing Madrid, one of the worst records in the Prem.In that time, Manchester City have scored 10, Chelsea have scored seven, Newcastle United have scored five and five other Premier League teams have scored four.Declan Rice scored two stunning free kicks against Real MadridCredit: Getty More

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      Newcastle vs Manchester United prediction: Free betting tips, odds and Premier League preview

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      NEWCASTLE continue their Champions League chase in a mouth-watering Super Sunday clash with Manchester United.SunSport have enlisted the help of their betting experts to preview the St James’ Park showdown and select the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNew sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesNewcastle vs Manchester United previewThere’s plenty on the line in terms of league position when Newcastle and Man Utd meet on Sunday.For Newcastle anyway.They’re very much in a Champions League chase at the minute and sit in fifth spot at present – which will qualify for Europe’s elite competition this season – and also have a game in hand on those around them.The Toon have won four on the spin with Monday’s comfortable win at Leicester keeping that momentum going.They’ve also won four of the last five meetings against Manchester United.For Ruben Amorim’s men, they might have one eye on Thursday’s big second leg at home to Lyon after a draw in France.Joshua Zirkzee looked to have won it with a late goal, only for that United softness to return to concede in added time.Also no surprise to see Andre Onana at the heart of it with two more blunders in what has been a poor campaign. A change between the sticks wouldn’t be too surprising.They managed to play out the worst game of the season in a goalless draw with toothless Man City last week – will they set up for something similar here?First scorer and correct score predictionsCorrect score: 2-1 at 7/1 with Betfred – HEREFirst scorer: Alexander Isak 5/2 with talkSPORT BET – HERENewcastle vs Man Utd latest oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.How to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Newcastle vs Man Utd predictionsOn a runAssists in back-to-back games for Jacob Murphy before getting two goals of his own in Newcastle’s win on Monday night.Has been a surprising star in the Toon side and he’s finishing this campaign strong too.Yet to score against Manchester United in career but happy to take a punt on a very decent price for anytime scorer, finding himself way down the betting market.Jacob Murphy anytime scorer at 3/1 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREYellow warningDiogo Dalot has filled in on the right and left of the Manchester United back five this season.Here, he’ll either come face-to-face with Jacob Murphy or Harvey Barnes – both with plenty of uality and pace as has been shown in recent weeks.Five yellow cards in 30 – one every six games – and 40 fouls in that time, so averaging more than one foul per game.Diogo Dalot to be carded at 7/2 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register (excl 05/04/25), deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility exclusions & T&Cs Apply. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 football, 1 x £10 horse racing & 2 x £10 Bet Builders. Free Bets cannot be used on e-sports and non UK/IE horse racing. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned T&Cs apply. 18+ GambleAware.org.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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      Prince William made TNT Sports pundits ‘nervous’ before viral interview at PSG vs Aston Villa clash

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      PRINCE WILLIAM made TNT Sports’ pundits “nervous” moments before stunning them with his pre-match analysis of his beloved Aston Villa’s clash with Paris Saint-Germain.The future king – who exclusively told The Sun how he lurks anonymously on Villa fan forums – was a surprise guest for TNT’s coverage of the first leg of the Villans’ Champions League quarter-final tie with the French giants on Wednesday.Prince William watched Aston Villa’s Champions League clash with PSG in ParisCredit: MEGAThe monarch took his seat shortly after wowing footie fans with his pre-match punditryCredit: TNT SPORTSAlly McCoist has admitted Wills made him and Rio Ferdinand ‘nervous’Credit: TNT SPORTSAnd he proved he’s a true supporter with some brilliant tactical analysis.His understanding of both teams’ tactics blew away Rio Ferdinand and Ally McCoist, who were a bag of nerves as they broke down the game with the monarch.Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast, Rangers legend McCoist candidly admitted to co-host Dean Saunders: “I was a bit nervous.”McCoist, like the viewers at home, was blown away by Wills’ knowledge of the beautiful game. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Scot continued: “He’s a proper Villa fan, isn’t he? He really, really is. He’s a proper football fan.”If anybody watched him celebrate that opening goal with his boy, that’s what dads and boys do.“It was absolutely different class, it really was.”And I don’t mind telling you, big Rio and I were a little bit nervous before the interview because it’s not every day of the week, you interview royalty live on television.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSPrince George and Prince William celebrated wildly when Aston Villa took the leadCredit: SPLASHMorgan Rogers had fired Villa into a surprise leadCredit: Getty”But he was magic, proper knows his football, he was really interested heavily into the tactics as well.“It was just a breath of fresh air, it really was great, and as I say when the camera is on him… and you watch him celebrate with his son with a goal, it’s just brilliant.Unai Emery bizarrely claims there’s ‘not a lot of difference’ between losing 2-1 or 3-1 as Aston Villa face uphill battle “Because it’s every dad and his boy. Every dad and his boy.”Wills, 42, watched from the stands with Prince George as Villa suffered a 3-1 defeat to the Parc des Princes.Unai Emery’s troops will look to overturn the deficit on Tuesday night when they welcome the Parisians to Villa Park.talkSPORT – now available on the big screen on your Smart TV. Go to talksport.com/watch More

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      Premier League star’s glam sister is making her own way as TV sports reporter and had emotional interview with sibling

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      MATTY CASH’S baby sister is making her own way as TV sports reporter.Hannah Cash interviewed her Premier League star brother after Aston Villa’s 3-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at Parc des Princes.Aston Villa star Matty Cash was interviewed by his CBS reporter sister HannahThe siblings hugged after Cash’s Aston Villa lost 3-1 to Paris Saint-GermainHannah is a CBS reporterHannah is a CBS reporter and has dreams of one day becoming the next Laura Woods. As the youngest of the Cash clan, Hannah has been working hard to cement herself as a successful sports broadcaster.The 22-year-old has put herself out there to shadow at Sky Sports and with Premier League productions.But, perhaps, her career highlight came when she was on post-match duty in Paris on Wednesday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCash, 27, told his sibling that Villa were disappointed with the result, yet remained confident in their ability to turn the tide at Villa Park.However, the conversation then took a turn as Hannah told Cash she had remembered to record the game for him back home.As the pair laughed, Hannah then ended the interview by saying: “I recorded it so you can watch it back. Give me a hug Matthew.“I’m proud of you. I love you.”Most read in FootballHannah is making her own way in sports reportingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRight-back Cash started the match in the French capital.But he was taken off at half-time after picking up a yellow against wing wizard Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.Shock moment Aston Villa and PSG fans brawl ahead of Champions League tie as chairs & punches thrownUnfortunately for Cash and Villa, the Georgian ended up netting a wonder goal in the second half as PSG won the first leg 3-1.After the interview, Hannah was congratulated by Kate Abdo, Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards in the CBS studio.The panel praised her, as she stood next to legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel.And ever-witty Carragher said: “What a start from Hannah!”Before turning towards host Abdo, saying: “You better be careful”.Meanwhile, Hannah has gained around 4,000 Instagram followers since interviewing her brother.According to her LinkedIn profile, she learnt her trade in the United States.She graduated from the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas in May 2024.The school is the largest private Roman Catholic college in Texas, with fees starting at $35,000-per-year.Hannah was on the women’s golf team and anchored the college’s news station. Hannah keeps her followers regularly updated on her social mediaAs a huge golf fan, Hannah covered her first PGA Tour event in MarchShe interviewed Bayern Munich star Harry Kane about England’s chances at the 2026 World Cup last week.And was praised for her interviewing skills with one fan writing: “She asked fantastic questions and lets players finish their answers!”While another wrote: “Wow. What a breath of fresh air. She’s great!”As a huge golf fan, Hannah covered her first PGA Tour event in March.The Cash family appear to be close, with Hannah having interviewed her brother at least twice before.Their older brother Adam is a school football-coach, while dad Stuart was a former EFL left-back with Shrewsbury Town and Rotherham.Like his dad, Cash started his career at Nottingham Forest.Read More on The SunThe Villa full-back is a Poland international because their mum and late grand-father were both there.He has earned 17 caps and scored on one occasion, after switching his allegiance from England in 2021.Hannah boasts nearly 14,000 followers on InstagramThe Cash family are remarkably closeHannah interviewed Harry Kane last week More

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      ‘Gary’s firing shots’ – Lineker takes cheeky swipe at Jamie Carragher and Co over rival podcast Stick to Football

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      GARY LINEKER “fired shots” at Jamie Carragher and his Stick to Football co-stars in a hilarious case of podcast wars.It comes after Carragher told his Champions League CBS Sports crew that he’s part of the “best podcast” this week.Gary Lineker took a cheeky swipe at The Stick to Football podcast on his own showCredit: YOUTUBE / The Rest Is FootballLineker was responding to Jamie Carragher claiming his podcast is ‘the best’Credit: X/ CBSSportsGolazoStick to Football is part of Gary Neville’s The Overlap podcast series and regularly includes the likes of Roy Keane, Ian Wright, Jill Scott and CarragherCredit: YouTube / The OverlapCarragher gloated to Thierry Henry, Kate Scott and Micah Richards during his usual midweek coverage of Europe’s elite competition. And Richards jumped at the chance to defend his own the Rest is Football show with Lineker and Alan Shearer.In a segment where Carragher committed the cardinal sin of answering his phone live on air, Richards quizzed: “Do you feel like you’re at the top of your game at the moment, Jamie?”And Carragher bit back with: “Well, I’m on the best Champions League show, I’m on the best Premier League show and I’m on the best podcast.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Liverpool legend was referencing his other roles on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football and the Stick to Football series.Richards took issue and joked: “The numbers say differently.” To which Carragher continued: “Wages or are we talking numbers?”That prompted Richards to say: “We’re talking numbers. We’re talking listeners.” Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBefore Carragher quipped: “I get stopped in the street about my podcast.”Their back-and-forth was unsurprisingly brought up on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football by host Lineker.’This is why I don’t talk to old people’ – Maya Jama bites back at Gary Lineker after he revealed relationship statusFinding the funny side, Linker asked Richards in a tongue-in-cheek way: “Before I go on, did you have a little squabble with Jamie Carragher?“He tried to pretend that they’ve got the best football podcast?”Richards explained: “Podcast wars, basically. I had to pull him up about the podcast, I had to do that.”Lineker jokingly interjected: “I would hope so, Micah.” Richards continued: “When it comes to numbers, we do the numbers don’t we?”Match of the Day presenter Lineker brutally pointed out: “Yeah, they’re languishing miles behind, and that’s okay. “We like to have a bit of competition in there but you can’t be the best podcast when you stand there talking over each other all the time.” That drew huge bursts of laughter from Shearer, with Richards saying: “Gary’s firing shots!”Lineker’s production company – Goalhanger – currently dominates football podcasts in the UK with its The Rest Is Football show.Read More on The SunIt is followed by the likes of Stick to Football, That Peter Crouch Podcast and Fozcast – The Ben Foster Podcast.Stick to Football is part of Gary Neville’s The Overlap podcast series and regularly includes the likes of Roy Keane, Ian Wright, Jill Scott and Carragher. More

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      Mo Salah’s new Liverpool wages revealed as Liverpool star becomes joint-second highest Premier League earner

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      MO SALAH has finally signed a new Liverpool contract – and become the joint-second highest Premier League earner.It brings an end to one of the league’s most drawn out transfer sagas with Salah having spent the season linked with a move away. Mo Salah has finally signed a new Liverpool contractCredit: AFPBut Liverpool confirmed their talisman has extended his deal – believed to be until at least 2027. And it improves his wages to a stunning £400,000-per-week – an improvement on his current £350,000 weekly salary. That puts Salah on par with Kevin De Bruyne’s earnings – although the Manchester City legend is leaving the club when the season ends. De Bruyne’s team-mate Erling Haaland is the current Prem top earner – with a £500,000-per-week deal. READ MORE IN football Casemiro – who joined United from Real Madrid in 2022 – remains third with wages of £350,000 per week. Raheem Sterling – on loan at Arsenal from Chelsea – is still on £325,000-per-week with his pay divided between the London clubs. Marcus Rashford is also on the same money, currently shining on loan at Aston Villa from United. Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and Jack Grealish are all on the same £300,000-per-week deal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd Kai Havertz – who joined Arsenal from Chelsea in 2023 – earns £280,000-per-week in North London. Salah joined Liverpool in 2017 from Roma and has enjoyed a trophy-laden career in Anfield. Ruben Amorim responds to question about dropping Andre Onana after disasterclass against LyonThe forward is a Prem and Champions League winner while scoring 243 goals – 32 coming this season. And after committing his future, he said: “Of course I’m very excited. We have a great team now. “Before also we had a great team. But I signed because I think we have a chance to win other trophies and enjoy my football.“It’s great, I had my best years here. I played eight years, hopefully it’s going to be ten. Enjoying my life here, enjoying my football.”I had the best years in my career. I would like to say to [the fans], I am very, very happy to be here. “I signed here because I believe we can win a lot of big trophies together.Read More on The Sun”Keep supporting us and we’ll give it our best, and hopefully in the future we’re going to win more trophies.”Defender Virgil van Dijk is also set to sign a new Liverpool deal – but Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to move to Real Madrid in the summer. Erling Haaland is the Prem’s top earner with Kevin De Bruyne just behindCredit: APBernardo Silva and Jack Grealish both earn £300k-per-weekCredit: ReutersMarcus Rashford and Casemiro are in the Prem’s top ten earnersCredit: AlamyRaheem Sterling’s wages are covered. by Arsenal and ChelseaCredit: GettyKai Havertz earns £280k at ArsenalCredit: Getty More

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      Prince William stuns TNT pundits with football knowledge as Villa-loving future King is branded ‘man of the people’

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      CLUTCHING his TNT Sports mic, Prince William casually dissected the tactics his beloved Aston Villa might employ against Paris Saint-Germain.“I think we all saw the Liverpool game and PSG’s intensity,” he told wide-eyed pundits Rio Ferdinand and Ally McCoist in a live six-minute TV masterclass.Prince William speaking at Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on Wednesday nightCredit: TNT SPORTSWills talking tactics with pundits Rio Ferdinand, left, and Ally McCoist before Villa’s match with Paris Saint-GermainCredit: TNT SPORTS“They gave a lot of pressure, they pressed very high. And so I think for Unai tonight, and the team, it’s about managing that press.”For the uninitiated, the future King was warning that Villa’s manager Unai Emery needed a game plan to cope with PSG’s ploy of defending high up the pitch.Seasoned internationals Ferdinand and McCoist nodded in agreement.This was the house of Windsor as we’ve rarely seen it.READ MORE ON PRINCE WILLIAMA monarchy shedding its stuffy image for something more modern is a PR triumph.But make no mistake, Will’s deep love and knowledge of the ­people’s game is absolutely genuine.Shortly before Wednesday’s Champions League tie kicked off, William added: “Unai likes it when teams come on to them and play quite a high press but obviously there’s a limit. Can we get around the press? Can we beat it? So I’m thinking long ball a bit.”The punditry was fast turning into a public relations triumph as social media buzzed with approval.Most read in FootballRelaxed in a casual jacket, William then began analysing PSG’s new approach of targeting youngsters rather than big-name players.He said: “I think not having Mbappe there, I think the PSG guys have talked about that quite a bit in the media, around not having the superstars maybe makes it a bit more of a gel.Prince William on fatherhood & football | Royal Exclusive Special“Vitinha in the midfield, I’ve been really impressed by, bearing in mind he was at Wolves two, three years ago and he could hardly get a game, and now look at him.”For a man once known more for polo than the Premier League, it was impressive stuff.Ex-England and Manchester United star Ferdinand told him: “Do not go for a punditry job, please, because I could be out of the game.”Fans watching at home were equally impressed.‘Passion we all share’One said: “Better analysis than most pundits.” Another supporter added: “He knows his stuff, defo.”Others remarked on William’s accent which has lost the regal ­formality of his elders.Times Radio presenter Andrew Neil said: “Charles and Anne speak in the same mannered, old-fashioned, upper-class way as their parents. William is much more normal.”The Prince was also seen in the tunnel, greeting the Villa players with encouraging hugs after they had warmed up on the pitch.It’s difficult to imagine Prince Philip or King George VI greeting Tyrone Mings with the welcome “big man!” and an endearing embrace.William also hugged Marcus Rashford and was heard saying, “Marcus, nice to see you, I missed you earlier.”Welcoming Marcus Rashford, top, while wishing Aston Villa players luck before they took to the pitchCredit: ESPNOnline gossip among fans questions if William may have influenced the player joining Villa from Manchester United.To top it off William, 42, was later seen in the stands with son George, 11, celebrating wildly when Villa went 1-0 up (they later lost 3-1).Last month the Prince told Shaun Custis — The Sun’s Head of Sport — that he lurks on Villa fan internet forums under a random name.And in January the Prince enjoyed a cider with eight diehard Villa fans in a Birmingham Wetherspoon pub.Looking a little at odds in jacket and tie, he nonetheless impressed his fellow Villans.Student Daniel Jones, 18, from Burntwood, Staffs, said the Prince was a “lovely guy, proper down-to-earth” who “loves Villa and the passion we all share”.Unlike that other Villa fan, ex-PM David Cameron, the Prince won’t be muddling the team up with those other claret and blues, West Ham.While William undoubtedly enjoys relieving the stresses of life cheering on the Villa, the telly punditry and the immersion in the game is also a slick PR move.Wills celebrating Villa’s shock lead with Prince George in standsCredit: GettyPrince William looking down alongside Prince George during the game, which Will’s team lost 3-1Credit: SplashThe Prince’s aides will have thought carefully before sending him out live on air with Ferdinand and McCoist.Royals usually favour sport which involves a four-legged nag.Although the late Queen presented the World Cup to Bobby Moore at Wembley in her white gloves — and attended a clutch of FA Cup finals — horse racing was her great love.Prince Philip liked carriage racing, Princess Anne eventing and Prince Harry polo.William’s promotion of football compares with his brother’s love of the equestrian sport which isn’t generally known for having players brought up on council estates.This is what Prince Harry said on the Netflix website about his recent five-part documentary called Polo: “This series offers audiences an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes look into the passion and determination driving some of the world’s elite polo players, revealing the grit behind the glamour.”Better analysis than most pundits.Football fanThe show was mauled by critics and questions were asked about ­viewing figures.Meanwhile, William’s away days with the Villa are dragging the ­monarchy into the modern world.It presents a youthful and less formal side to the Prince of Wales away from charity visits and royal tours.Appearances at Premier and Champions League games flash around the globe at a time when the Commonwealth is being stress-tested.When William accedes to the throne he will be head of state of — at least currently — 15 nations including Canada, Australia and Jamaica.A 2022 tour of the Caribbean by William and Kate has gone down in history as a misjudged howler.The poor optics included pictures of the royals shaking hands with Jamaican children through wire fences and a military parade in which the pair stood dressed in white in an open-top Land Rover.Local campaigners saw it as a throwback to colonialism.Seeing the future monarch and his son as down-to-earth footie fans won’t harm his global image.Zooming on e-scooterAnd don’t bet against William turning up at the USA World Cup in 2026, a land where image is everything and the rival Sussex brand vies for attention.The Prince will know American opinion pours into Britain via social media and the value of being well-regarded on the other side of the Atlantic.Villa have a Wembley FA Cup semi-final this month and could reach the Champions League semis.Broadcasters will be clamouring for Wills to take the mic to offer his words of footballing wisdom.The Villa punditry — and other recent nods to informality — provide clues to what a King William V monarchy will look like.On a trip last month to Estonia, William posed for dozens of pictures with well-wishers.Living in Adelaide Cottage without a live-in nanny, he was spotted zooming around nearby Windsor castle last year on an e-scooter.The Prince likes to arrange his formal day around the school run, and trips abroad as King are likely to be shorter and punchier.Formality and, perhaps, some of the pomp and pageantry will be out.There was no public investiture when he became Prince of Wales.William will now have to delicately balance the mystique of the monarchy and its age-old rituals with shifting its image into the 21st Century.Read More on The SunHis performance in Paris this week will have endeared him to many.As a footie pundit might say, the boy done good.Wills’ nerdy footballSUN readers were already well aware of how good Prince William’s football knowledge is after my interview with him last month.But, as if it needed confirmation, TNT pundits Rio Ferdinand and Ally McCoist tested him out ahead of the clash between PSG and William’s team, Aston Villa, in the Champions League on Wednesday.Wills didn’t hesitate as he assessed the importance of Villa managing PSG’s high press and analysed the improvement in the French team since the departure of superstar Kylian Mbappe.His nod to Vitinha, PSG’s Portuguese midfielder, and his development since his days at Wolves was proper nerdy football.But when it came to predictions, the Prince let his heart rule his head, going for a 2-1 Villa win.Ally, however, proved he is still king of the pundits as he correctly went for 3-1 to PSG. 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      Leo Beenhakker dead at 82: Legendary manager who almost shocked England in World Cup dies as Koeman pays tribute

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      LEGENDARY Real Madrid and Ajax manager Leo Beenhakker has died at the age of 82.The Dutchman’s career spanned over five decades and saw him win three La Liga titles with Los Blancos.Leo Beenhakker has passed away at the age of 82Credit: EPAThe former Real Madrid and Ajax coach also took charge of Poland and Trinidad & TobagoCredit: AP:Associated PressA native of Rotterham, Beenhakker served as Ajax head coach in two separate spells. Beenhakker won the Dutch Eredivisie title with the club in 1980 and 1990. News of his passing was announced by the club on Thursday.An Ajax statement read: “Ajax extends heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Leo Beenhakker.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”Beenhakker was a coaching icon and a truly unique figure at Ajax.”Beenhakker was a winger during his playing days but found his calling in coaching. He began his career way back in 1965 at SV Epe, before serving as a youth coach at both Ajax and Feyenoord.Beenhakker twice took charge of the Dutch national team as his star power rose.Most read in FootballAnd he enjoyed a hugely successful period during the 1980s and 1990s.Beenhakker won six trophies during his time with Real Madrid.Moment ITV are forced to censor Ronald Koeman’s interview after England’s Euro 2024 win over NetherlandsThat included three consecutive league titles between 1987 and 1989.The Spanish club wrote on X: “Real Madrid wishes to express its condolences and sympathy to his family, his clubs, and all his loved ones.”Beenhakker’s Trinidad & Tobago also gave England a huge scare at the 2006 World Cup.Sven-Goran Eriksson’s Three Lions looked to be heading to an embarrassing 0-0 draw before late goals from Peter Crouch and Steven Gerrard.Since leaving the Poland national team job in 2009, Beenhakker served as a technical advisor at various clubs.His last role was at Sparta Rotterham, where he retired in 2018.Beenhakker was a proud advocate of “total football”, the mantra followed by Johan Cruyff and Ronald Koeman for Holland.Ronald Koeman (centre) has paid tribute to his former coachCredit: ReutersHe famously said: “Football should excite. It’s not just about winning, but about how you win.”Koeman wrote in tribute on X: “A great loss for Dutch football.”Leo was a coach with an unparalleled passion and vision, who knew how to touch not only matches, but also people. Read More on The Sun”Leo appointed me as coach of Ajax, I am grateful to him for this. “My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Leo!” More