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      Real Madrid and Bayern Munich ‘tracking Championship star’, 18, after breakthrough season with promotion chasers

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      ARCHIE GRAY is being watched closely by both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich as they consider a move for the talented teenager. The European giants have been long-term admirers of the 18-year-old, who has emerged as one of England’s most in-demand players.Archie Gray has been long admired by Bayern Munich and Real MadridCredit: GettyThe Leeds star has been highly-rated for some time at Elland Road – and, with his family connections, he was always going to be a player in the spotlight.Gray is the son of Andy Gray, grandson of Frank Gray and great nephew of Eddie Gray – all former Leeds players.And now the teen has impressed Bayern Munich and Real Madrid scouts as Leeds won 3-1 against Hull City on Monday night. The Yorkshire side have gone unbeaten in their last 15 games and have been on a great run since the start of 2024.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOver the Easter weekend, they took another huge step towards sealing a Premier League return as they moved into second – just one point off leaders Ipswich.Gray has made 35 Championship starts to go with two substitute appearances this season.The midfielder has laid on two assists but is yet to trouble the scorers himself.Though he is one of Daniel Farke’s most important players, he is attracting a lot of interest and catching the eye of Europe’s top clubs. Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe 18-year-old committed his future to Leeds last year when he signed on until 2028.The promotion hopefuls have no intention of selling Gray and hope an immediate return to the Premier League will fend off any interest. Young stars set to shine at Euro 2024Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle were keen on a move for Gray last summer, having tried to lure him away before he put pen to paper on a new deal.Gareth Southgate has also praised Gray, saying he is doing “very, very well”, while admitting the Leeds ace is on his radar for a shock call-up to the England set up. More

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      Daniel Levy in talks to sell stake in Tottenham amid need for ‘significant increase’ in funds after transfer splurge

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      DANIEL LEVY has confirmed that Tottenham are looking to sell a stake in the club.The club say they have already held talks with prospective investors as they look to raise capital to invest in the squad going forward.Daniel Levy has announced Tottenham’s intention to sell a stake in the clubCredit: PAThe intention to sell a stake in Tottenham was announced in a statement released alongside the club’s financial results.Tottenham’s chairman, Levy, 62, said: “To capitalise on our long-term potential, to continue to invest in the teams and undertake future capital projects, the Club requires a significant increase in its equity base.”The Board and its advisors, Rothschild & Co, are in discussions with prospective investors. “Any recommended investment proposal would require the support of the Club’s shareholders.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe statement saw Spurs announce an increased loss of £86.8million for the year ending June 2023, up from £50.1m for the previous year.The club explained that the losses were down to splashing out on players last summer.They claimed the deficit “reflected the significant and continued investment in the playing squad” – though they also reported revenues of over half of a billion pounds for the first time.Spurs bought the likes of Richarlison for £60m, Pedro Porro for £40m, Guglielmo Vicario for £17m and James Maddison for £40m during the period accounted for (up until June 30, 2023).Most read in FootballSpurs have put their losses down to summer signingsCredit: ReutersCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe £104m sale of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich came after this period, so is irrelevant to the latest set of accounts submitted to Companies House – as is the £47.5m signing of Brennan Johnson from Nottingham Forest.Spurs are currently fifth in the Premier League under Ange Postecoglou, which could be enough to seal Champions League qualification this season.I’m a Tottenham cult hero but I want Arsenal to win the league more than ANYTHING… even England winning Euro 2024But if the club are to qualify, they will no doubt need to spend big to bolster a squad that has grown used to playing one game a week.Levy has been impressed with the job the Aussie has done since succeeding Antonio Conte – particularly with the implementation of a more exciting style.The supremo said: “The 2023-24 season, the first under Ange, was always going to be one of building for the future.“We have seen progress with the return of exciting, attacking football, even when faced with significant player injuries.“We continue to challenge for the highest possible place finish with eight games still to play and hope to bring European football to our home stadium again.” More

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      Arsenal ‘identify top midfield target and could sign Champions League star for LESS than cut price £51m transfer clause’

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      ARSENAL could attempt to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi this summer, according to reports.The Gunners are expected to dip into the transfer market when the window opens.Arsenal are interested in Martin ZubimendiCredit: GettyWhile signing a new striker is understood to be the main priority, they could also look to recruit a midfielder.And Caught Offside claim Zubimendi is a top target.The Gunners have held an interest in the Spaniard for over a year.While Zubimendi has remained committed to Real Sociedad since extending his contract 18 months ago, he could be tempted to move on this summer.Read More on ArsenalArsenal could decide to trigger his £51million release clause in order to complete a deal quickly.However, the starting point for negotiations is expected to be lower.Zubimendi has been with Real Sociedad for over 13 years.He joined the club’s academy at the age of 12 and progressed through the ranks before making his first team debut in April 2019.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSZubimendi has established himself as a crucial player for Real SociedadThe midfielder has since made 186 senior appearances for the club.Zubimendi has also been capped five times for the Spanish national team.Ashley Cole picks his all-time team-mates XI… but does it boast more Arsenal or Chelsea stars?Arsenal are also keeping tabs on Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.However, the midfielder is expected to stay at Villa Park if Unai Emery’s side qualify for the Champions League. More

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      Legendary Champions League stadium looks unrecognisable in throwback pics as it celebrates 50th anniversary

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      FEW stadiums rival Signal Iduna Park for size and atmosphere.So it’s fitting that Borussia Dortmund’s spectacular venue has so many special dates to recall on its 50th anniversary.This is how the Westfalenstadion looked at its onsetCredit: YouTubeThe venue looked far more humble half a century agoCredit: YouTubeThese flashback pics show how the ground was built on a tight budgetCredit: YouTubeNow the stadium is one of the greatest in EuropeCredit: GettyNow throwback pictures show how the stadium has grown from modest to magnificent in that half-century of fame. Apart from emerging as a glorious setting for Champions League matches, the home of the German giants has been full of historic occasions.Westfalenstadion – to give it the German name – hosted matches in the 1974 and 2006 World Cups, as well as Liverpool’s famous 2001 Uefa Cup final triumph.Yet the main reason it was even built in the first place now seems incredible.Dortmund were the first German team to win a European club title – the 1966 Cup Winners’ Cup.And the increasing number of fans attracted by such success meant the Stadion Rote Erde – Red Soil Stadium – became too small.But Dortmund couldn’t afford a suitable new stadium, while federal authorities were unwilling to help out.However, when the city of Cologne backed out of hosting 1974 World Cup games, cash set aside for that project was switched to Dortmund, albeit still with a tight budget.Most read in FootballJurgen Klopp famously managed at the Westfalenstadion from 2008-2015Credit: PAThe club officially moved in on April 2 1974.But having been relegated two years earlier, they were the only German second tier side to hold World Cup ties, before returning to the Bundesliga in 1976.Five things you didn’t know about Jadon SanchoAnd with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp being Dortmund’s most feted ex-manager, it’s fitting that the Reds took part in arguably Westfalenstadion’s greatest ever club match.Gerard Houllier’s team beat Alaves 5-4 via an extra-time GOLDEN GOAL in the Uefa Cup final 23 years ago.The stadium has of course gradually been improved over the decades.Already Germany’s largest football venue, its league capacity has soared to 81,365.The Westfalenstadion is also the seventh-biggest ground in Europe.And just two top-flight sides in the continent can boast a larger stadium – Barcelona and Real Madrid.Unsurprisingly, The Westfalenstadion also holds the record for average attendance over a season – 80,588 during 2011-12. More

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      Mikel Arteta tells his frustrated bench players to ‘change history’ as Arsenal eye stunning Double to end the season

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      MIKEL ARTETA has told his frustrated bench players: You can make Arsenal history.The Gunners have the chance to briefly leapfrog Liverpool back to the Premier League summit on Wednesday with a win over relegation-battling Luton at the Emirates.Mikel Arteta has urged his substitutes to influence their hunt for trophiesCredit: GettyArteta uses Reiss Nelson as an example after his injury time winner last seasonCredit: GettyBarring Dutch full-back Jurrien Timber, Arteta nearly has a fully fit squad to choose from for the season run-in, competing in the Prem and the Champions League.During Sunday’s goalless draw at the Etihad against Manchester City, Arteta had the luxury of bringing on Thomas Partey, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Takehiro Tomiyasu.Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira, Eddie Nketiah and Oleksandr Zinchenko were unused, having struggled recently for game time, while Reiss Nelson did not even make the squad.With nine Prem games remaining and potentially five more in Europe should they reach the Champions League final on June 1, Arteta will have to rotate to keep his starters fresh.READ MORE ARSENALAnd the Spaniard has urged his fringe stars to stay physically to be ready to influence the North London club’s hunt for silverware.Considering several changes against the Hatters, Arteta explained: “It’s always that balance, but their obligation and duty is to be prepared to play any minute in any moment.“Look at the example of Reiss. His best moment for Arsenal [scoring in injury time to beat Bournemouth last season], it’s a moment where he played a few minutes and made a huge impact and it’s one of the best days in his life as an Arsenal player.“Nobody remembers if he started or if it was off the bench. There are a lot of examples in world sport where players made the impact.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“Sometimes you just need a second to change the history of a football club. You don’t need 100 minutes to play football.“It’s easy to see that it’s a fact. It’s not something that I’m inventing.” Mikel Arteta on Manchester City 0-0 ArsenalDamning data means rustiness is likely: Nketiah and Vieira have no Prem starts and a combined total of 124 minutes on the pitch in 2024.Zinchenko has three starts and 236 minutes of Prem action since the turn of the year, while Smith Rowe has only one start and 112 minutes.Nelson has no starts and 80 Prem minutes under his belt this calendar year, while Smith Rowe, Vieira and Zinchenko have all had injury issues.In an ideal world, Arteta admits he would “love” to have 22 elite players who he can constantly rotate.His old City mentor Pep Guardiola has managed to achieve this in recent seasons, with at least two world class players in each position thanks to their financial power in the transfer market.Arteta said: “I would love that – to have 22 or 20 instead of 18, where we change and one is better than the other. The week after, the other is better than the other one.“That raises the level and for sure you would win more games.”Asked how many transfer windows it would take for Arsenal to do the same, Arteta added: “I don’t know. It depends on how much we have to spend and how good we are at evolving the players we have to get to that level. Obviously the academy is a key thing.”Bukayo Saka is expected to start against Luton despite hobbling off with a muscular injury at City, while Gabriel Martinelli should also feature having overcome a foot issue.READ MORE SUN STORIESTimber, who had ACL surgery back in August, is “not far off”, but Arteta has warned the Holland international will need time with the U23s to get match fit first.Arteta was also asked about his own future, with just 12 months left on his current deal, but he insisted: “A year is a long time in football. I am really happy. The players are happy, the club is happy, no issues.” More

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      Pep Guardiola’s genius half-time teamtalk that helped Man City win Champions League revealed in new Netflix doc

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      PEP GUARDIOLA’S half-time teamtalk in last season’s Champions League final has been revealed in a new Netflix docuseries.Entitled “Together: Treble Winners”, the programme seeks to take fans inside City’s huge success.Pep Guardiola guided Man City to Treble gloryCredit: PACity beat Inter Milan 1-0 in IstanbulCredit: PAThe six-episode in-house production features Guardiola’s impassioned half-time plea to his players, with City locked at 0-0 with Inter Milan in Istanbul.He told his men: “You’re exceptional players, playing the Champions League final.”What you feel is normal, yes. But we don’t give up. Go, go, go. That’s why we are here.”We adjust one or two things and we’ll be much more effective. Calm, guys, calm. Keep going, we’ll find momentum.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCity went on to find a 68th minute courtesy of Rodri.The triumph was the Sky Blues’ first in the Champions League, having previously fallen to Chelsea in the 2021 final.During the doc, Guardiola, 53, admitted to getting it wrong that day in Porto.He said: “Of course emotion is so important in the final.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”The big personalities, the characters. How you approach the moment in half-time, how you overcome, how well you overcome if it’s not a perfect first half, because it’s happened.”People are human beings, they have the desire to do well, to achieve it, win it, to lift it… I remember the final against Chelsea at half-time I was more aggressive with some players and it didn’t work…“In the finals, there is not one player who doesn’t want to win it and do it well.”And when that moment came by, okay guys, we have 45 minutes, maybe extra time, stick with what we have. I have to adjust something, we do it. Come on, let’s go.”I control my emotions much better than when I was younger as a manager.”Kyle Walker also gave a heartfelt rallying cry to his team-mates during the 2023 final.He added: “I love every single one of you.”Come and make my dream come true. Please, I beg you. Right, come on boys.”Kyle Walker helped to inspire his team-matesCredit: Getty More

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      Jude Bellingham breaks yet another LaLiga record in sensational debut season at Real Madrid

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM continues to shine on his debut season for Real Madrid.The 20-year-old joined Los Blancos in a £115million transfer from Borussia Dortmund last summer and has since broken record after record.Jude Bellingham reached another milestone at the weekendCredit: GettyThe midfielder impressed against Athletic BilbaoBellingham matched three records set by Cristiano Ronaldo within his first two months at the Santiago Bernabeu.And by November the midfielder had scored more goals than any other Real Madrid player in their first 15 games for the club.Bellingham hit another milestone at the weekend, becoming the first La Liga player to reach double figures in both goals and assists this season across all competitions.The England star provided an assist for Rodrygo as Real Madrid clinched a 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat means he now has 20 goals and 10 assists in all competitions.Bellingham is joint-top of the La Liga top scorers table alongside Osasuna star Ante Budimir and Girona’s Artem Dovbyk.Real Madrid currently have a commanding lead at the top of the La Liga table with 75 points.Barcelona sit in second, eight points adrift.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBellingham has been outstanding this seasonThe England star has been at the heart of Real Madrid’s midfieldSpeaking after the match against Athletic Bilbao, manager Carlo Ancelotti said: “We’re focused on the fact that we have an advantage in the league, on taking advantage of it and on trying to win every game that’s left. Starting with the next game against Mallorca.”We can’t do any calculations because the league is still open, but we have an advantage. We now have to play good football and try to win every game.”Touching moment as England star Bellingham gives his tracksuit top to mascot in wheelchair as it rains at WembleyDiscussing Bellingham’s form, he continued: “Everyone has to be at their best level to beat [Manchester] City. Bellingham has played very well for the national team and that work today will help him in the coming games.” More

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      PSG boss Enrique rages ‘it’s so boring’ on live TV after Kylian Mbappe rolls eyes and looks disgusted at being subbed

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN forward Kylian Mbappe was furious at being substituted on Sunday.But his raging manager Luis Enrique had little time for the matter when speaking after the match.Kylian Mbappe was left furious after being substitutedCredit: primeThe forward slowly walked across the pitch to the dugoutCredit: primeThe 25-year-old was hauled off in the 64th minute of PSG’s Ligue 1 match against Marseille.Mbappe was seen rolling his eyes and shaking his head after spotting his number on the board.And he made his feelings clear while walking towards the dugout – much to the frustration of manager Enrique.Fans took to social media to react to the incident, with one person writing: “Enrique is jokes. he’s reminding him who actually makes the decisions.”Read More on FootballAnother commented: “PSG doesn’t win anything, because they don’t control the players! Mbappe rules PSG, I’ve never seen that in any team, he’s a great player, but he needs to be more humble and accept being replaced!”A PSG supporter added: “I don’t get this from him. He played 180minutes in 3 days last week. PSG have a match on Wednesday another after that then Barca on the 10th.”If it wasn’t Le Classique he probably doesn’t even play today. The sub made sense. We have bigger ambitions than this match.”While a fourth wrote: “Enrique gotta stop subbing him off early.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERPSG went on to win 2-0 thanks to goals from Vitinha and Goncalo Ramos, who replaced Mbappe in the second half.After the match, Enrique was asked about the substitution and was clearly irked by the line of questioning. Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni filmed in heated debate ‘arguing over Haaland and Mbappe’The former Barcelona coach raged that he “doesn’t care” what anyone thinks of his decisions.He told Prime Video: “It’s the same music every single week, the same music… it’s so boring. I am the manager, I make the decisions every day, every week. “I am going to do the same until my last day in Paris. I always try to find the best solution for my team. Even if you don’t (understand the decision), I don’t care. I don’t care at all.”Mbappe is set to leave PSG on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer.Real Madrid are currently the clear favourites to sign him. More