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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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      How much every Premier League club earned in 2022-23 with Man City cashing in but Liverpool and Chelsea losing out

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      ANOTHER Premier League season has drawn to a close with more than £2.5billion in prize money and broadcast revenue being split between the 20 clubs.Champions Manchester City received more than £160million for completing the first part of a potential treble while basement boys Southampton pocketed £100m despite their dire campaign.
      Manchester City banked more than £160m for winning the Premier LeagueCredit: PA
      Missing out on the Champions League is set to cost Liverpool £50mCredit: Rex
      Chelsea’s midtable finish and lack of European football will see them miss out on a minimum of £70mCredit: Reuters
      The Premier League no longer make public the exact figures but each position in the table is worth £2.2m.
      The broadcast revenue is pretty much divided equally, with clubs who are shown live in the UK most getting slightly more money.
      An equal base payment is received by all clubs from TV rights, which was around £84m last season and is sure to be higher this season, with additional income depending on how often they are shown on domestic TV.
      Liverpool and Chelsea are set to be the biggest losers with both missing out on qualification for the Champions League, which can be worth up to £100m for the following season.
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      Despite banking huge sums through parachute payments Southampton, Leeds and Leicester will have to offload their star players and reduce their wage bills as they adjust to life in the Championship.
      Manchester City could earn an additional £4m if they beat Manchester United in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday.
      In comparison, beating Inter Milan in the Champions League final on June 10 would be worth £95m with Pep Guardiola’s side already earning £90m of that for reaching the showpiece event in Istanbul.
      Should City go on and complete the treble they will earn almost £270m.
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      How much each Premier League club earned in 2022/23
      A 12th place finish and missing out on Europe altogether means that Chelsea are set to miss out on a minimum of £70m.
      Liverpool are set to miss out on £50m having only qualified for the Europa League with Spurs to miss out on a similar amount after missing out on Europe completely.
      Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle will be boosted financially for returning to the top four and earning Champions League qualification. More

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      Chelsea appoint Mauricio Pochettino as new manager as owner Todd Boehly expresses delight with ‘thoughtful process’

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      CHELSEA have finally announced Mauricio Pochettino as the club’s new manager.The former Tottenham manager has been locked in talks with owner Todd Boehly as the West London club searched for Graham Potter’s replacement.
      Mauricio Pochettino has been confirmed as Chelsea’s new managerCredit: PA
      Mauricio Pochettino has managed four clubs
      A verbal agreement was struck at the end of April, and now the Blues have confirmed the 51-year-old as boss.
      Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors, said: “Mauricio’s experience, standards of excellence, leadership qualities and character will serve Chelsea Football Club well as we move forward.
      “He is a winning coach, who has worked at the highest levels, in multiple leagues and languages.
      “His ethos, tactical approach and commitment to development all made him the exceptional candidate.”
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      Owners Todd Boehly, Behdad Eghbali, José E. Feliciano, Mark Walter and Hansjörg Wyss added: “The sporting team conducted a diligent and thoughtful process that the Board is proud of.
      “We are delighted that Mauricio will be joining Chelsea. Mauricio is a world-class coach with an outstanding track record.
      “We are all looking forward to having him on board.”
      Pochettino had been out of work since leaving Paris Saint-Germain last summer.
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      He is one of the most successful and popular managers in recent times at Spurs, Chelsea’s bitter London rivals, despite failing to win a trophy with the club.
      He averaged 1.89 points per game – the most for any Tottenham boss in Premier League history with a minimum of 38 Premier League games in charge.
      The ex-Southampton chief capped off his five-year stint at White Hart Lane by leading Spurs to the 2019 Champions League final, where they lost to Liverpool.
      But he was sacked just months later following a poor start to the next campaign before eventually taking over at PSG in January 2021, winning the Coupe de France and Ligue 1 prior to his departure.
      Potter was sacked by Chelsea in April despite being hired on a five-year deal worth £12m-a-year.
      He was appointed after Boehly sacked Champions League-winning manager Thomas Tuchel following a poor start to the season.
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      Potter won seven of his 22 Premier League matches in charge of the club, drew seven and lost eight.
      Chelsea are in a mess after Boehly splashed out £330m on new signings in January, taking their total spending this season well clear of £600m.
      Interim boss Frank Lampard won just one match in charge of the Blues as they ended the season 12th with their lowest ever Premier League points total.
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      Arsenal’s pot for their Champions League return CONFIRMED… thanks to goal from their former star Olivier Giroud

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      OLIVIER GIROUD may have left Arsenal in 2018 but his latest goal for AC Milan helped out his former club.Giroud was on target as AC Milan beat Juventus 1-0 – a result that secured his side Champions League football next season and means Juve cannot qualify.
      Giroud’s goal for AC Milan helped his former side Arsenal outCredit: Getty
      Mikel Arteta’s side have now been confirmed in Pot two for the Champions League drawCredit: Getty
      As a result, Arsenal’s chances of having a successful return to the competition have been boosted as they will now be in Pot Two for the draw.
      Uefa use their coefficient system to determine the seedings for European competition with the Gunners sitting 23rd.
      It looked like the Gunners were going to be in Pot Three and potentially be drawn in a group of death.
      But, with Juventus failing to qualify for next season’s Champions League Mikel Arteta’s side’s place in Pot Two was confirmed.

      The Italian giants were eighth in the coefficient rankings but fortunately for Arsenal they missed out – with a 10 point deduction in Serie A playing a huge part.
      By being in Pot Two it now means that Arsenal can only face one of Europe’s big hitters in the group stage.
      As of now, Barcelona, Napoli, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Benfica and Feyenoord could all be visiting the Emirates, as well as the winners of the Europa League out of Roma and Sevilla.
      Giroud could make a return to north London as AC Milan sit in Pot Three thanks to their win over Juventus.
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      The Frenchman joined Arsenal from French side Montpellier in 2012 and made 180 appearances for the club, scoring 73 goals in the process.
      The 36-year-old joined London rivals Chelsea where he won the Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup.
      He joined Milan in 2021 and has so far scored 23 goals in 61 appearances, winning Serie A in the process.
      Arsenal have been out of the Champions League for six years and fans can now once again be excited to compete in the biggest competition in club football. More

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      Jude Bellingham hands out farewell gifts at Dortmund training ground ahead of stunning Real Madrid transfer

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM has been saying his final goodbyes at Borussia Dortmund ahead of his reported summer transfer to Real Madrid.The England international could only watch on as his team-mates missed out on the Bundesliga title to Bayern Munich as he was an unused substitute as he comes off the back of a knee injury.
      Jude Bellingham has reportedly been saying his farewells at Borussia DortmundCredit: TWITTER
      Gifting a pair of signed boots to one staff memberCredit: TWITTER
      But that did not stop him from wanting to leave the club in a positive manner.
      According to Ruhr Nachrichten BVB, the midfielder went around the Dortmund training ground to say his farewells.
      Bellingham, 19, also handed gifts out to the staff while having his last conversations with them as a Dortmund player.
      The report also suggests that he spoke with managing director Hans-Joachim Watzke before leaving.
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      Among these gifts was a reported pair of boots which were given to one staff member with the message “thank you” written on them.
      On Saturday, Bayern Munich made it 11 Bundesliga crowns in a row on goal difference after Dortmund were held 2-2 at home by Mainz.
      In the aftermath, Bellingham shoved a camera out of the way as he was visibly emotional after the disappointment.
      And as Bellingham went on the pitch to thank fans afterwards, some interpreted his forlorn wave as a sign of his imminent parting.
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      According to Bild, his personal terms at Madrid have already been agreed.
      Under the contract, the Englishman will stay with Madrid until 2029 with a pay package worth more than £17million-a-year.
      However, the report adds the only thing left to be hashed out is the fee between the clubs.
      But according to Marca, a “definitive” move to Real Madrid could come to fruition in the coming days.
      With the report also suggesting that Bellingham has snubbed moves to the Premier League in favour of a switch to the Spanish capital. More