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      Chelsea ‘strongly considering’ Hugo Ekitike transfer as Enzo Maresca lines up new striker for Champions League

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      CHELSEA are keeping tabs on Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike ahead of the summer transfer window.The Blues punched their ticket to next season’s Champions League after beating Nottingham Forest 1-0 on Sunday at City Ground, which sealed fourth place in the Premier League table.Chelsea have discussed a move for Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo EkitikeChelsea are also keen on Ipswich Town star Liam DelapAnd the West Londoners’ qualification to Europe’s elite competition has given them a massive financial boost in terms of PSR flexibility for the summer market.And according to The Independent, the Prem giants have discussed a move for Ekitike, 22, who is very high on their wish list.Chelsea are actively looking for a striker to spearhead their attack in the Champions League and are “strongly considering” the French star.However, Enzo Maresca’s side will have to splash an astronomical fee with the forward rated at around €100million (£83.9m).Read More on ChelseaThe centre-forward shone bright this season with Eintracht as he amassed 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances.The France Under-21 international joined Frankfurt in 2024 following a loan stint from Paris Saint-Germain last term.Ekitike counts a total of 26 goals and 14 assists in 64 appearances with the Bundesliga outfit.Chelsea, though, are also keeping tabs on other options, such as Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap.Most read in FootballSunsport revealed the London giants are very big on Delap and are willing to meet his £30m release clause.The England Under-21 international is also keen on a move to Stamford Bridge.Inside Chelsea’s dressing room celebrations after Champions League spot securedThe striker favouring a link-up with Chelsea boss Maresca, who was his academy coach at Manchester City.The club’s current recruitment director Joe Shields was also instrumental in Delap’s move from Derby to Man City’s academy in 2019. More

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      Why Jude Bellingham’s brother Jobe requested NOT to have surname on Sunderland shirt for Championship play-off final

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      JOBE BELLINGHAM spent this season with his first name on the back of his Sunderland shirt. Bellingham – younger brother of Real Madrid star Jude – helped Sunderland gain promotion back to the Premier League. Jobe Bellingham spent this season with his first name on the back of his Sunderland shirtCredit: Shutterstock EditorialAnd he did so wearing the No.7 with Jobe on his shirt – opting not to wear his surname as is usually the case for players. According to the Daily Mail, the reason being is that midfielder wants to create his own identity away from that of his older brother.Players can ask for “appropriate variation” on the back of their shirt – should they wish at the start of the season.Older brother Jude joined Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in 2023 and has won the LaLiga title and Champions League in Spain. READ MORE IN footballHe has also become a regular for England – scoring six times in his 42 caps so far. Like Jude, his younger brother also came through Birmingham’s academy before joining Sunderland in 2023. This season, he made 40 appearances with four goals and has attracted attention from across Europe. Dortmund – who helped Jude make his name – are believed to be rivalling Eintracht Frankfurt for his signature. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBellingham wanted to make a name for himself with Sunderland – and achieved that alongside the rest of his team-mates at Wembley. The Black Cats saw off Sheffield United 2-1 thanks to a last-minute Tom Watson winner. Bellingham, 19, said: “I’ve been part of this great team so every player has made a name for themselves here. So really proud.”Jobe Bellingham takes swipe at Sky Sports pundits in live TV interview before awkward moment with panel at Wembley More

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      Nottingham Forest in Champions League and Newcastle miss out on Europe – how Premier League table would look without VAR

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST would have earned a Champions League spot at the expense of Newcastle if VAR did not exist.And the Magpies’ escape from any consequences for their home defeat by Everton is put into even starker content as they would have missed out on European football altogether without the technology.Nottingham Forest would have earned a Champions League spot if VAR did not existNewcastle would have missed out on Europe if VAR did not existSunSport have analysed all 380 Prem matches this term and worked out how the table would have looked if the original on-field decisions had not been overturned after intervention by the Stockley Park video booth.Our number crunchers found that Eddie Howe’s men were by far the biggest beneficiaries of VAR changes. Newcastle had a staggering 13 decisions changed in their favour, with just five reversals hurting them.That brought a net figure of +8, with Aston Villa and West Ham next in the benefits column with each having four more interventions in their favour than against them.Read More on FootballOur analysis, which assumes every penalty that was initially awarded and then wiped was scored, suggests that without VAR Newcastle would have picked up four fewer points – dropping them to eighth in the table – and conceded seven more goals.Forest, whose home defeat by Chelsea left them in the Conference League slot, would have finished fifth in our “No VAR” table.And Bournemouth, ninth in the actual table, would have been preparing for a first continental campaign in the Europa League without the technology changes.Andoni Iraola’s side had 11 VAR changes against them and just three in their favour, costing the Cherries EIGHT points and seven goals.Most read in FootballThe study of the 111 changed decisions cannot determine definitively what would have happened in real life if the initial decisions had not been overturned.But one of the most contentious calls saw Dango Ouattara’s last-gasp “winner” against Newcastle in August chalked off for a handball PGMOL chief Howard Webb subsequently conceded was wrongly overturned after the VAR intervention.Taiwo Awoniyi seen for first time since horror injury as he receives hero’s welcome at Nottingham Forest vs ChelseaOver the course of the season there were 12 goals and 25 penalties awarded through VAR intervention – with 21 of those spot-kicks converted – compared to 48 goals and 11 penalties disallowed.Liverpool’s 10-point advantage over Arsenal at the top of the pile would have been reduced to just two without VAR, as the Gunners lost eight points from the six overturns against them – including “winning” goals against Chelsea, Fulham and Aston Villa.Chelsea and Manchester City swap places, with the Londoners up to third, with Villa down one to take the Conference League slot. More

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      Arsenal star Katie McCabe leads anti-Tottenham chants at Champions League parade – but Win the dog steals the show

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      KATIE McCABE got the party started as Arsenal lifted the Women’s Champions League trophy in front of a huge crowd of supporters outside the Emirates Stadium.The Gunners beat European giants Barcelona 1-0 on Saturday to win their second Champions League title.Katie McCabe got the party started at Arsenal’s Champions League trophy celebrationsCredit: ReutersThe full-back sang an anti-Tottenham chantCredit: GettyMcCabe recreated the moment Jack Wilshere addressed the crowd at Arsenal’s 2015 FA Cup celebrationCredit: AFPStina Blackstenius scored the decisive goal just seven minutes after coming off the bench for midfielder Frida Maanum.Against the odds, Arsenal went on to lift the trophy at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon.After partying into Saturday night – and enjoying a performance by popstar Jess Glyne at their hotel – the Gunners returned to London the following afternoon.They spent Sunday evening partying in Mayfair before taking to the Emirates Stadium on Monday for a trophy lift.READ MORE ON ARSENALAt least 10,000 fans arrived at the ground to watch Renee Slegers and Co parade the silverware.But it was McCabe who stole the show during the presentation, which was hosted by Alex Scott just above the club megastore.The defender took the microphone from the Arsenal icon before breaking into song.McCabe sang chants for the likes of Blackstenius, Slegers and Beth Mead before having a ‘Jack Wilshere moment’ in front of the supporters.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesMuch like the fan-favourite midfielder did in 2015 after Arsenal’s FA Cup final win over Aston Villa, McCabe said: “What do we think of Tottenham?” to which the crowd responded: “S**t!”The full-back then screamed: “What do we think of s**t?” before the fans then replied: “Tottenham!”Inside Katie McCabe and her family’s wild Champions League celebrations after Arsenal’s historic winArsenal’s second mascot, a labrador named Win, also made an appearance at the celebration.She was lifted up to the crowd by Mead after the trophy lift.Speaking about the match, head coach Slegers said: “I’m often very calm and there’s a lot of thoughts and feelings inside me. When the whistle blew for the final, I knew we had two weeks of preparation.”We were so prepared. We were ready, let’s go and see where we’re at and go for the win.”We are working everyday with the players and the staff, there is incredible work being done. When we step on the pitch and see you guys, it makes it all real. Thanks so much, you’ve been incredible.”The club’s labrador Win was lifted up to show the crowd by Beth MeadCredit: Getty More

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      Tottenham ‘mulling over whether to sack Postecoglou as rival Premier League boss eyed as replacement’

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      TOTTENHAM are mulling over whether to sack Ange Postecoglou with a replacement already eyed, reports say. Postecoglou became a Spurs legend overnight having guided the North Londoners to their first trophy in 17 YEARS. Spurs are mulling over whether to sack Ange PostecoglouCredit: GettyBut despite the Europa League success, it was a worst-ever Premier League finish for Tottenham having ended the season in 17th. According to talkSPORT, Spurs boss Daniel Levy and the board have not yet made a decision on Postecoglou’s future. It is claimed they will wait until the Aussie goes on holiday before deciding on who will be in charge next season. Brentford manager Thomas Frank is said to be one of the leading candidates if Postecoglou is sacked. READ MORE IN football Frank does has a hefty release clause in his Brentford contract, believed to be in the region of £9million.But the Dane also has a long-standing relationship with Spurs’ technical director Johan Lange.Tottenham’s 4-1 loss at home to Brighton on the final day of the season capped off a horror league campaign. But Postecoglou remarkably still called Spurs’ season “OUTSTANDING.” Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe continued: “We won a trophy, which we have not done for 17 years, and we’re in the Champions League.”Ask any supporter at the start of the season if they’d take that and there wouldn’t be a person in the house that wouldn’t.”Ange Postecoglou drops huge hint over Tottenham future with incredible mic-drop moment at Europa League paradePostecoglou also fended off “unnecessary” speculation about his future in North London. He said: “You know my gut feeling? My gut feeling is I feel right now that I’ve done something that no one believed I could.”And I shouldn’t be sitting here talking about it (my future). That’s my feeling, but it is what it is. As I said I am and probably I am talking now because I’m tired, mate. “I have to [talk] about another game and I just want to go on a break and enjoy my family and reflect on being part of something unbelievably special, unbelievably special.”I’ve been fortunate to be in this position a number of times, but seeing those scenes Friday and people have reached out and talked to me about how it has affected them what has happened over the last couple of days. “It’s a beautiful thing and I just want to enjoy that. To be honest, the rest of it? You know I don’t even want to be talking about it. I just think it is unnecessary.”Levy also offered no clarity over Postecoglou’s future in his end-of-season message to Tottenham supporters.Levy’s letter in full read: “Dear all, we did it. What an unforgettable night it was in Bilbao as we ended our long wait for glory.“This is a huge moment for the whole club, an historic achievement that sees us lift our first European trophy since 1984.You know I don’t even want to be talking about it. I just think it is unnecessary.Ange Postecoglou on his Spurs future “This club has been on an incredible journey on and off the pitch since we last won silverware, the League Cup, in 2008 – establishing ourselves as one of the biggest in Europe, moving into our new stadium and experiencing some incredible moments – we knew a trophy was the missing piece.“We’ve come so close on a number of occasions and never quite got over the line – I have never wavered from the belief that success is just around the corner.“I’d like to thank Ange and the players for making this incredible achievement possible and thanks to all of our amazing staff – there is so much hard work that goes on behind the scenes and this moment is for everyone to enjoy.“I’d also like to thank you – the fans – for staying with us and carrying that same belief. “I know it’s been hard at times and I have shared in that pain and frustration along the way. “But when we all come together, we know we can achieve something special.“Your support – whether that was in Bilbao, in our own stadium or in pubs and homes around the world – was the driving force behind our team.“This is one trophy – our clear ambition as a club has always been long-term, sustained success, competing for top honours every year. We have now tasted success and we are determined to use this as a springboard for more.Read More on The Sun“Let’s enjoy this moment as a club together, finish the season strong with a win today and go again next year.“Most of all, be proud. Come on you Spurs!”Postecoglou with Spurs chairman Daniel LevyCredit: Getty More

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      Inside Chelsea’s dressing room celebrations after Champions League spot secured and fans will LOVE what Caicedo says

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      CHELSEA let out wild celebrations in their dressing room after securing Champions League qualification.But Moises Caicedo knows the job is not done yet. Chelsea let out wild celebrations in their dressing room after securing Champions League qualificationIt comes after a 1-0 win over Nottingham ForestLevi Colwill with Moises CaicedoColwill with third-choice keeper Marcus BettinelliThe Blues finished fourth after holding their nerve to see off Nottingham Forest thanks to Levi Colwill’s second-half winner. And the England centre-back took Chelsea’s Instagram account into the jubilant dressing room to speak to his team-mates. Colwill warned the players were being “pretty calm” ahead of their Conference League final against Real Betis on Wednesday. And record-signing Caicedo said: “Thank you for your support. One more!” READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis reference to Chelsea’s focus on the final game of the season was echoed by Colwill who added: “One more final Wednesday.” Jadon Sancho, on loan from Manchester United, let out a scream while third-choice keeper Marcus Bettinelli shouted “let’s go!” And Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall said: “Hello Champions League.” With Aston Villa and Newcastle losing on the final day of the season, Chelsea’s win saw them finish inside the top four. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd Colwill said: “When I scored, I stayed calm because we still had more minutes to play but I stayed calm and helped the boys.”What I got taught in the academy is you have to fight. We try to get these clean sheets to win and that’s what we did today.”We had to win. We knew we had to win and that it wasn’t going to be a hard atmosphere but we did it.”This club deserves to be in the Champions League.”Manager Enzo Maresca said: “I didn’t have any doubt about the players. The doubt was from outside. “All the ones that have the answers or the ones that have the truth, they were saying that we are too young, we are not good enough, they were waiting for Aston Villa to drop points for us to achieve the Champions League.“They were saying that we were not able to win on this pitch because we are too young, because we are not experienced.“Unfortunately for them, they have all been wrong. All the ones that have the truth and have the answer to everything.“So in English, how do you say? Eff off to all of them, because the players deserve that. The effort they have been doing is fantastic.”Colwill secured Chelsea’s top four finishCredit: PA More

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      Fuming Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca delivers two-word X-rated response to critics in fiery press conference

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      FUMING Enzo Maresca told the snipers to Eff-off during an explosive press conference – in front of his young daughter.The raging Chelsea boss let rip after his youthful side held their nerve to win 1-0 at Nottingham Forest to finish fourth and qualify for the Champions League.Enzo Maresca told the snipers to Eff-off during an explosive press conferenceMaresca has endured widespread criticism from fans and critics all season and his playing style has often come under fire.But after sealing Chelsea’s return to the Champions League after a two-year absence – with the youngest squad in Premier League history – Maresca stuck two-fingers up to his detractors.Then dropped the F-bomb in front of stunned reporters and his child, who he had brought into the press room with him.”I didn’t have any doubt to be honest about the players,” Maresca rapped. “The doubt was from outside.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”All the ones that have the answers or the ones that have the truth, they were saying that we are too young, we are not good enough.”They were waiting for Aston Villa to drop points for us to achieve the Champions League.”They were saying that we were not able to win on this pitch because we are too young, because we are not experienced.”Unfortunately for them, they have all been wrong. All the ones that have the truth and have the answer to everything.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”So in English, how do you say? Eff-off to all of them!”Maresca will now take his triumphant players to Poland for Wednesday’s Uefa Conference League final against Real Betis with their confidence soaring.Levi Colwill SWEARS in live Sky Sports interview as Chelsea ace hits out at pundits after Champions League qualification_1 “We are in business where the people judge us because of the results,” he said.”City lost here. Arsenal drew here. Liverpool drew here. Chelsea won. It’s not easy. The players showed how good they are.”Today, in case we were not able to win the game, probably all of you judge this season a disaster, but it was not a disaster.”We have all been going in the same direction – the noise was more from outside than inside.”From January onwards we played many good games, today we achieved an important target for this club and we’re happy.”Now from tomorrow we start to prepare for the Wednesday final and then it’s time to prepare for next season.In English, how do you say? Eff-off to all of them!Enzo Maresca on Chelsea critics “For sure we deserve to play in the best European competition and that is the Champions League.”If we are able to win on Wednesday, overall we can say it has been a very good season.”Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo couldn’t hide his disappointment after his side’s stellar season fizzled out at the end as they failed to win any of their last four home games.But their total of 65 points was more than double last season’s 32 points.He said: “We are disappointed. But in a couple of hours you will look back and realise it’s been a good season.“It has been very demanding, especially for the players. I don’t know how many have started more than 30 games.Read More on The Sun“We knew the last day was going to be tough for all the teams involved in this fight. We came short.“They gave it their all. That’s why I say we should be proud. Now we have to rest.”Maresca led the Chelsea celebrationsCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd confirm three players are leaving just minutes after controversial win against Aston Villa in dismal season

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      MANCHESTER UNITED confirmed three players are leaving the club – only minutes after their controversial win against Aston Villa.Villa missed out on a Champions League finish following 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford. Man Utd confirmed three players are leaving the clubCredit: Shutterstock EditorialKeeper Emi Martinez – set to leave the club and linked with a move to United – was sent off after wiping out Rasmus Hojlund. Morgan Rogers then thought he had put Villa ahead after Altay Bayindir fumbled the ball. But the referee adjudged that Rogers illegally dispossessed Bayindir – who got away with a howler. Things got worse for Unai Emery’s side when Amad Diallo opened the scoring before Christian Eriksen’s penalty settled the game. READ MORE ON MAN UTDEriksen was only handed the spot kick as he leaves United at the end of the season.And the club confirmed the Dane, along with Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are departing. A statement read: “Everybody at United thanks Victor, Jonny and Christian for their contributions during their time at Old Trafford, and wishes them the best of luck for the future.”Each of them received a great ovation from the appreciative crowd on Sunday.” Most read in FootballMan Utd ratings: Diallo needs to be one of first names on Amorim’s team-sheet but Hojlund remains shot-shyMANCHESTER UNITED saved possibly their best performance of a dismal season until the final game by seeing off Aston Villa.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEvans came United’s academy, spending nine years with the club before leaving in 2015. He played for West Brom and Leicester before re-joining United in 2023 under Erik ten Hag. Evans leaves the club once more after 11 years with United, winning three Premier League titles and the Champions League. The centre-back made 241 appearances over his two stints – leaving with eight goals. Eriksen signed in 2022 just one year after suffering a terrifying cardiac arrest while playing for Denmark. The playmaker played 107 times for United, scoring eight and leaving with an FA Cup and League Cup to his name. And Lindelof joined in a £31million move from Benifica in 2017 – making 284 appearances and joining Eriksen as a two-time cup winner. Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof are leaving the clubCredit: AlamyJonny Evans is also departingCredit: Reuters More