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      Swansea star Sam Parker, 17, wanted by two Champions League giants as they battle Burnley for wonderkid transfer

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      SAM PARKER is wanted by PSV Eindhoven, RB Leipzig and Burnley.The Welsh teen star, 17, made his Swansea debut in the Championship away at Coventry last December.Swansea ace Sam Parker is targeted by RB Leipzig, PSV Eindhoven and BurnleyCredit: GettyParker, 17, has put together some impressive performances in the ChampionshipCredit: GettyHe made three first-team appearances at right wing-back – two in the league and the other in the FA Cup – before a hamstring injury curtailed his season.But Parker’s promise has alerted clubs both domestically and in Europe.And they have lodged their interest in the Wales Under-17 international.Dutch giants PSV have a track record of looking to develop British talent.Read More on FootballEindhoven helped improve Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite and Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.Parker is under contract with the Swans until the summer of 2026 after signing his first professional deal last August.The teenager, who turns 18 in July, has been with the Welsh club from Under-9level, and has since progressed through the ranks.Parker was also a member of the Wales squad that played in the European Under-17 Championships in Hungary in the summer of 2023.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPSV and Leipzig would be able to to offer the teenager Champions League football next season.Burnley, on the other hand, have found themselves in an intense relegation battle.Furious EFL star has to be held back from his OWN FANS by stewards as he demands ‘respect’ in angry post-match clashThe Clarets are 19th in the Premier League table with six points separating Vincent Kompany’s men from safety. More

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      Man City become fourth English team to be hit by Champions League curse which only Real Madrid have ever overcome

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      MANCHESTER CITY’S defeat to Real Madrid means they are the fourth English team who have failed to defend their Champions League crown.City won the competition for the first time in their history last year but suffered penalty shoot-out heartbreak against 14-time winners Real on Wednesday.Manchester City failed to defend their Champions League crown after losing to Real MadridCredit: GettyReal Madrid are the only team to successfully defend the Champions LeagueCredit: APThe result means they have failed to defend their Champions League title – a curse that has affected every team except for Real Madrid.Incredibly, the Spanish giants won the tournament three years on the bounce between 2016-18 with a team featuring the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema.No team has been able to repeat the trick, with City failing despite being favourites.They have good company, however, including in England where Liverpool failed to back up their Champions League successes in 2005 and 2019 with another trophy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Reds suffered surprise exists to Benfica in 2006 and Atletico Madrid in 2020, though did make the final again in 2007 and 2022.While Manchester United could not repeat their 2008 triumph a year later, losing to Barcelona in the final the following season.Chelsea also proved inadequate when it came to defending their European crowns after tasting success in 2013 and 2021.While the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and AC Milan have also experienced the curse despite winning the Champions League multiple times since it changed format in 1992.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSReal Madrid are now favourites to claim the Big Ears trophy for a 15th time, though face Harry Kane and Bayern Munich for a place at Wembley.If they make it through that tie they will meet Paris Saint-Germain or Borussia Dortmund in the final.Real Madrid fan says ‘silent’ Man City supporters ‘don’t deserve this team’ and it should be ‘given to Man Utd’ More

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      Germany World Cup winner sticks the boot into Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool and Co with brutal seven-word tweet

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND star Mats Hummels took a brutal swipe at Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and West Ham after their European eliminations.Aston Villa are now the only Prem club left in Europe after beating Lille 4-3 on penalties to punch their ticket to the Europa Conference League semi-finals where they will face Olympiacos.Borussia Dortmund star Mats Hummels trolled Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and West HamCredit: GettyMan City were eliminated from the Champions League after losing to Real MadridCredit: GettyArsenal were knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern MunichCredit: GettyCity surrendered their Champions League crown and failed in their bid to win their second consecutive Treble as they lost to Real Madrid 4-3 on penalties in their quarter-final clash at the Etihad.And Arsenal’s dreams of a first ever Champions League title went up in flames after a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.Liverpool’s hopes of a Treble in Jurgen Klopp’s last ever season as manager also faded away as they were eliminated from the Europa League quarter-finals by Atalanta, even though they beat them 1-0.And West Ham’s European campaign came to an end by Xabi Alonso’s newly-crowned German champions Bayer Leverkusen, who extended their undefeated streak with a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium.Read More on FootballHummels, 35, couldn’t help himself as he took to social media to poke fun at all the fallen English clubs.The centre-back issued a tongue-in-cheek post referencing the derogatory term “farmer’s league”, which has been used to describe inferior leagues.This term has also been used against competitive divisions, such as Ligue 1, and there were also occasions when it was addressed to the Bundesliga.Hummels tweeted: “Good harvesting this week my fellow farmers.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe Germany international and 2014 World Cup winner is now gearing up for the Champions League semi-finals.The defender helped Dortmund eliminate Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals on Tuesday with a 4-2 victory at the Signal Iduna Park.Real Madrid fan says ‘silent’ Man City supporters ‘don’t deserve this team’ and it should be ‘given to Man Utd’Julian Brandt and Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen gave Edin Terzic’s side a comfortable lead early on.But an own goal by Hummels and a strike by Angel Correa levelled things up and put Atletico in the driver’s seat on aggregate.However, two quick goals from Niclas Fullkrug and Marcel Sabitzer turned the game on its head and capped off a stunning triumph for the Bundesliga giants.Thomas Tuchel’s genius tactical tweak against ArsenalFANS hailed Thomas Tuchel’s tactical tweak that “took Bukayo Saka out of the game” in their Champions League victory against Arsenal.
      With regular full-back Alphonso Davies suspended, Tuchel deployed TWO full backs in his place in the shape of Noussair Mazraoui and Raphael Guerreiro.
      The duo doubled up on Saka, with Mazraoui at left-back and Guerreiro playing higher up, offering him protection from midfield.
      And the plan could not have worked out any better with Saka almost totally nullified.
      One fan noted: “Thomas Tuchel with a tactical masterclass today starting two full-backs on the left wing to keep Bukayo Saka locked down.
      “Through 75 minutes, Saka has 0 shots and 0 chances created. Just 19 accurate passes & 32 total touches…”
      Tuchel himself explained: “You have to defend a lot on that side. Arsenal’s right side is where most attacks usually start. That’s their danger side. That’s why we chose Rafa (Guerreiro).”
      Read more on Tuchel’s genius here. More

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      Real Madrid fan says ‘silent’ Man City supporters ‘don’t deserve this team’ and it should be ‘given to Man Utd’

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      MANCHESTER CITY fans “don’t deserve” their superstar team according to one particularly passionate Real Madrid fan.The Cityzens were knocked out of the Champions League by Madrid on Wednesday night on penalties after a tightly fought 4-4 aggregate draw.One Real Madrid fan took aim at Manchester City fans after their Champions League clash on WednesdayCredit: TikTok @olyan15kMan City suffered penalty heartbreak to exit the competition in the quarter-finalsCredit: GettyReal Madrid showed their experience in the competition to prevailCredit: GettyThe quarter-final heartbreak was made worse when one Real Madrid supporter went viral for his controversial opinions on the Man City supporters inside the Etihad Stadium.The fan made his thoughts clear as he suggested the City support was silent and claimed that the fans don’t deserve the wealth of talent that they have in their ranks.He said: “Let me tell you something. City don’t deserve this amazing team because the supporters…” before mimicking a zip across his mouth to suggest the fans are quiet.He went on to add: “They cannot be like that. You give this team to [Manchester] United and see how excited they will be to see these kind of guys playing every single weekend.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Madrid-mad fan continued his rant as he explained that he believes Man City’s lack of support is the reason they are not considered to be one of Europe’s biggest clubs by many.He explained: “The City supporters… they will realise why they are not as big a team as Real Madrid, or Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Juventus, even Barcelona as well.”We show we are the big team in Europe and in the world so maybe in the future you will realise how big Real Madrid is as well. Thank you very much.”The passion-fuelled monologue wasn’t the only finger pointing at Man City fans on the night that their back-to-back treble dreams came to a halt.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTNT Sports pundits and ex-pros Rio Ferdinand and Joleon Lecott also suggested that the fans were to blame for Bernardo Silva’s missed penalty.The Portuguese midfielder tried to drink his spot kick down the middle only for Madrid keeper Andriy Lunin to stay put and comfortably save it.Jude Bellingham seen chanting in Spanish as Real Madrid stars go wild with fans after epic Man City penalty winAnd Ferdinand and Lescott pointed towards the City fans holding on to the ball for around 40 seconds before the penalty as the reason Bernardo Silva was unable to convert.Former City defender Lescott said: “That would have just took him out of sync and out of his rhythm.”You can practice the routine, the technique, the walk up potentially, this is something you don’t prepare for, the ball being in the crowd.”That is a long time. It may not seem that long but it’s a very long time when you are waiting there and you are thinking, now do I change position?”Now do I change where I go? And all of a sudden, it’s a soft penalty.”Before Man Utd legend Ferdinand chimed in saying: “It’s a shame though as well, because it is the home fans that are delaying that penalty kick which is a shame.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThere’s no time to dwell on their European exit for City as they have a quick turnaround for their FA Cup semi-final clash with Chelsea on Saturday afternoon.And it doesn’t end there either, with Pep Guardiola’s side just two points clear at the top of the Premier League table and a run of six fixtures standing between them and a fourth consecutive league title.Pep Guardiola and his side must lift their heads and focus on the FA Cup and Premier League nowCredit: Getty More

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      Jude Bellingham seen chanting in Spanish as Real Madrid stars go wild with fans after epic Man City penalty win

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      REAL MADRID superstar Jude Bellingham went wild with fans as he chanted in Spanish after a stunning Champions League triumph over Manchester City.Real punched their ticket to the semi-finals on Wednesday after beating City 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at the Etihad.Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham went wild with the crowd after beating Manchester CityCredit: RexBellingham chanted in Spanish with the rest of the travelling Real Madrid fansCredit: ReutersBellingham helped Real Madrid qualify for the Champions League semi-finalsBellingham, 20, helped Los Blancos set sail for their 15th European title as his spot kick was on target.And the star midfielder broke out into passionate celebrations after his team-mate Antonio Rudiger scored the crucial penalty while Anriy Lunin denied both Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic.The camera caught a number of Real stars, such as Rudiger and Rodrygo, climbing over the barriers and hugging travelling fans.Bellingham followed suit and joined the crowd in singing one of the club’s most famous chants.Read More on FootballA clip on TikTok showed the England international belt out: “Asi, Asi, Asi gana el Madrid (Like this, like this, like this Madrid always win!)”Bellingham has shown once more he has adjusted perfectly to his new life at the Santiago Bernabeu ever since his British record £115million move from Borussia Dortmund only last summer.The ex-Birmingham star has amassed a whopping total of 20 goals and 10 assists in 35 appearances.And the versatile midfielder is so happy at Real he insists his move to the Spanish giants was a “no brainer”.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBellingham said: “I had conversations with other teams but when Madrid came in it was a no brainer really.“The size of the club, the project, the plan going forward, the chance to play with such amazing players. Jude Bellingham explains why Real Madrid move was ‘no brainer’ despite holding transfer talks with European giants “I just jumped at it. That’s why I made my decision.”Why Man City fans were to blame for penalty defeat to Real MadridRIO FERDINAND and Joleon Lescott have blamed Man City’s penalty shoot-out defeat to Real Madrid on the FANS.
      Bernardo Silva missed one of the spot kicks as City crashed out of the Champions League.
      And the England duo spotted how the home fans at the Etihad played a role in the spot-kick being saved.
      Ex-Man City star Lescott claimed the home supporters held onto the ball for too long after Real’s Luka Modric fired his shot into the stands.
      He said: “That would have just took him out of sync and out of his rhythm.
      “You can practice the routine, the technique, the walk up potentially, this is something you don’t prepare for, the ball being in the crowd.”
      Ferdinand chimed in: “40 seconds by the way Joleon,” before Lescott continued: “That is a long time. It may not seem that long but it’s a very long time when you are waiting there and you are thinking, now do I change position?
      “Now do I change where I go? And all of a sudden, it’s a soft penalty.”
      Manchester United legend Ferdinand went on to say: “It’s a shame though as well, because it is the home fans that are delaying that penalty kick which is a shame.” More

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      Ian Maatsen ‘tells Chelsea he wants permanent transfer’ as bargain release clause in left-back’s contract emerges

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      CHELSEA loaneee Ian Maatsen has told the club he wants to make a permanent move to Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season.Maatsen, 22, was shipped out on loan to Dortmund in January and he has since become a regular under manager Edin Terzic with the club desperate to hold on to him.Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen has informed the club he wants to leaveCredit: GettyMaatsen wants to join Borussia Dortmund amid a successful loan stint from ChelseaCredit: GettyThe full-back helped BVB punch their ticket to the Champions League semi-finals with a goal during Tuesday’s 4-2 victory over Atletico Madrid. According to reports in Germany, the Netherlands international now wants to sign a permanent deal with the Bundesliga giants and has informed the Blues about it.However, Chelsea will command a release clause in the range of €35-40million (£30-£34m).Maatsen said after the Atletico match that he was determined to become a regular at Stamford Bridge before his loan move to Dortmund.Read More on ChelseaBut now the defender is “very comfortable” at the Signal Iduna Park and could help push a deal with Terzic’s side.Chelsea fans, though, pleaded with the club not to sell the Dutchman after his Champions League heroics amid a woeful season for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.Maatsen also stood out during his most recent loan stint at Burnley last season.The left-back helped the Clarets win the Championship and return to the Premier League.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Chelsea academy graduate’s impressive performances also landed him a place in the Championship’s Team of the Season.Maatsen said earlier this week: “I always believed [I could] play for Chelsea but unfortunately for some reason it didn’t work out how it should’ve.BREAKING: Ian Maatsen signs for Borussia Dortmund”Now I’m here I’m very grateful for the opportunity. I can say I’m very proud of myself.”I kept believing in myself and came here to experience playing my game at the highest level, playing my game. Today I think I showed a very good performance. I’m very happy.”Maatsen feels ‘very comfortable’ during his loan stint at Dortmund More

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      How Premier League could still get fifth Champions League spot despite quarter-final disaster class

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      ASTON Villa’s penalty shoot-out win over Lille kept England’s flickering hopes of a fifth Champions League place next term alive.But it will still take a minor miracle for the Premier League to steal the last spot off Germany.Son Heung-min’s Spurs fifth in the Prem, have an eye on the listCredit: APOllie Watkins hails Villa making the Europa Conference League last fourCredit: GettyThe Champions League exits suffered by Arsenal and Manchester City on Wednesday meant the heat was on Villa, West Ham and Liverpool to try to breathe life into the embers.Despite Liverpool’s win at Atalanta on the night, the first leg deficit was too much to recover.And Leverkusen’s late equaliser at the London Stadium meant the Hammers also bowed out.Those results added 0.375 points to England’s tally, which now stands at 17.25 coefficient points, with the aggregate of 138 win, draw and bonus points divided by the eight teams that started the season in European competitions.READ MORE TOP STORIESLeverkusen picked up a qualification bonus point in addition to the one for the draw, taking Germany’s tally to 17.928.Villa did not earn any points for their shoot-out win in France, with bonus points in the Conference League only now available for reaching the final and winning it.It means, if Villa win both legs of the last four clash and also lift the trophy in Athens next month, they will take England’s total to 18.25 points.But even then, Germany would need an absolute disaster for their three semi-final qualifiers to lose that fifth Champions League place.Most read in Champions LeagueHOW IT STANDS AT THE MOMENTHere’s how the top nations rank for European places – in terms of current points and the maximum possible total.

      1 Italy 19.286 22.285
      2 Germany 17.928 20.928
      3 England 17.25 18.25
      4 France* 15.583
      If Marseille go through that will go to 16.083
      If Marseille go through the max for France will be 18.749
      If Marseille go out the max for France is 16.74
      5 Spain 15.312 16.312

      Bayern Munich face Real Madrid in the Champions League semis, with Dortmund up against PSG, while Leverkusen play Roma in the Europa League.The trio need just three draws, or a win and a draw between them, even if all three go out, for even a Villa Conference League triumph to be able to deny them from earning the extra place.Jude Bellingham cheekily calls out Micah Richards for breaking promise after ‘little wager’ before Man City lossIf any of the Germans go through, they are guaranteed a minimum three points, which would see off those remaining English hopes.Italy, in top spot, has already sealed an extra place. More

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      Arsenal step up plans to sign world class striker in summer transfer after forwards flopped in Champions League

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      ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world class forward in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.The Gunners crashed out in the quarter finals on Wednesday night without landing a meaningful blow on Bayern Munich in a drab second-leg 1-0 defeat at the Allianz Arena.Mikel Arteta must shrug off more Champions League frustrationCredit: GettyKai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Co struggled against Harry Kane’s BayernCredit: GettyOllie Watkins netted as Aston Villa beat Arsenal last Sunday but is tipped to be a summer target for ArtetaCredit: GettyAfter a first leg 2-2 draw at the Emirates, Mikel Arteta’s side had just three shots on target in Munich as Bayern defender Joshua Kimmich fired in the 63rd minute winner.And SunSport understands that the Arsenal hierarchy recognise that Arteta’s squad currently lacks an attacking focal point and clinical edge in the final third.Arteta has rotated the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz in a central striker role this campaign, keeping Arsenal in the hunt for the Premier League title with six games left.However, that is the position that has ultimately cost them in Europe.READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd the North London club are ready to act quickly in the market to rectify that problem with an acceptance that it is needed to reach the next level.Havertz – a £65m signing from Chelsea last June – started against Bayern before Jesus was thrown on in the second half, but neither had a meaningful impact.Jesus has just eight goals in all competitions this term, while Havertz has 10.Arsenal have previously been interested in landing a traditional No.9, with Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres monitored.Most read in Champions LeagueNewcastle’s Alexander Isak is on the Gunners’ shortlistCredit: RexWinger Saka’s poor stats from Wednesday’s woe reflect Arsenal’s failingsHowever, SunSport understands Arteta is now keen on bringing in a more versatile, modern forward, one who can influence games down the middle as well as from out wide.Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, 24, and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, 20, are players of interest, as is Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, 28, but his age remains a sticking point.Mikel Arteta reacts to Arsenal being dumped out of Champions League by Bayern MunichArsenal’s plan to strengthen will not just focus on attacking areas, but to provide general depth – something which they currently lack and has led to their recent drop in form.SunSport understands that the Arsenal hierarchy are concerned with the fatigue that has hit several star names at this stage of the season, highlighted in Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Villa.The likes of Jesus, skipper Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Ben White, Jorginho and Takehiro Tomiyasu have all carried niggling injuries and played through the pain without a much-needed rest period or chance for recovery this season.Arteta rarely rotates, mainly due to the fact he does not trust fringe players like Fabio Vieira, Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah or Reiss Nelson to step in and make an impact.The Spanish coach has previously admitted he wants a squad of 22 elite players he can consistently swap in and out, much like Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, something Arsenal hope to achieve over the next few windows.Benjamin Sesko is still on Arsenal’s radar after shining for RB LeipzigCredit: GettyViktor Gyokeres, right, is the fourth top name being mentionedCredit: AFP More