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      David Beckham set sights on becoming next Gary Lineker as he lands TV chat show & lines up host of A-list pals as guests

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      FOOTBALL legend David Beckham has his sights set on becoming the next Gary Lineker after landing his first TV chat show.The ex-England captain will host Beckham & Friends Live on Paramount+ and guests may include his pals Gordon Ramsay, Tom Cruise and Ryan Reynolds.David Beckham will host Beckham & Friends Live on Paramount+Beckham and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry enjoying a conversation on setBecks has his sights set on becoming the next Gary LinekerCredit: BBCViewers in the UK and US can watch as Golden Balls sips wine with the A-list stars and chats about the action during Champions League matches.The first two episodes will be live from London ­covering the semi-final second legs between Inter Milan and Barcelona, and PSG and Arsenal on May 6 and 7.Becks, 49, will then fly out to Germany, for the final at Munich’s Allianz Arena on May 31, but he is tight-lipped about who might join him.Speaking from his Miami home in Florida, he told America’s CBS Golazo sports network: “I’m really looking forward to turning up with a few mates, a few glasses of wine, watching the game and great conversation.”READ MORE ON DAVID BECKHAMHe previewed rehearsals for the show, anchored by UCL Today’s Kate Scott, in a cosy studio featuring house plants, armchairs, books on coffee tables and a homely rug.Another Instagram clip had him being embraced by Arsenal and Barcelona legend Thierry Henry, who teased him about his old club Real Madrid losing to Arsenal.A lucrative move into punditry could see Golden Balls replace Lineker, who is stepping down from Match of the Day, as Britain’s favourite football broadcaster.It comes off the back of his hugely successful Netflix documentary series Beckham, which offered a never-before-seen insight into his life and playing career.Most read in FootballAn insider said: “It is a huge deal for the channel and shows just how big David is in America. I apologised to Olympic boxing hero’s mum after David Beckham mistakenly said she’d died live on TV, reveals Gabby Logan “He has become a global icon.“Both sides are winners. “It is a big money deal but will raise his profile even higher in America.“It will also bring a lot of viewers in.“David has shown with his Netflix docs that he is comfortable in front of the camera but this will see him live and unedited. “It will make for great television.”Behind the scenes of David’s new showThe former England captain arriving for rehearsalsAn advert for David’s new show Beckham & Friends More

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      Arsenal player ratings: Leandro Trossard gives Mikel Arteta food for thought as David Raya has quiet day at the office

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      ARSENAL continued their fine form after beating Real Madrid with a professional win over Ipswich Town.There were very few signs of tiredness in Mikel Arteta’s side despite the brilliant win in the Spanish capital.Arsenal cruised to victory over Ipswich TownCredit: GettyLeandro Trossard netted a braceCredit: ReutersArteta used the match against the Tractor Boys as a dress rehearsal ahead of the Champions League clash against PSG on April 29.The manager opted to drop makeshift forward Mikel Merino back into the midfield while Leandro Trossard took the striker role.The plan worked nicely as the Belgian netted the opening goal with a neat finish in the 14th minute.He continued to impress as he played a key role in Arsenal’s second, which was tapped home by Gabriel Martinelli.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTrossard made it a brace for himself in the second half as he got the better of Palmer for a second time in the 69th minute.Ethan Nwaneri put the cherry on top as his deflected effort made it four in the closing stages.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated Arteta’s men from inside Portman Road…David Raya – 7David Raya did not have a shot on target to saveCredit: GettyHe could have nipped down the tunnel to go to the toilet at several stages during the game and I would not have noticed. That’s how little I was made to look at Arsenal’s goal.Most read in FootballBenjamin White – 7Benjamin White was not at full speedCredit: GettyJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIn need of minutes and rhythm following complications from his knee surgery, White got just that here. A solid run-out and some air in the lungs.There are still signs he is not totally up to speed, and looks to currently be the second choice at right back behind Jurrien Timber.Tunnel footage shows Arsenal stars’ team-talk before Real Madrid clash including Rice’s inspirational 5-word command But he is such a good squad option to have, especially in games like this – a reliable figure that barely puts a foot wrong.William Saliba – 8William Saliba was composed throughoutCredit: EPAIt looked at times like the Frenchman was being forced to play against a bunch of school kids, barely breaking a sweat. It felt unfair for him to be on the pitch, he’s that good.If anything, it was just a useful 90-minute slog of building more of a relationship with Jakub Kiwior, something the pair need if they are to reach the Champions League final next month.Jakub Kiwior – 7Jakub Kiwior was shaky at timesCredit: ReutersThe Pole has received nothing but praise for his recent Champions League outings against Real Madrid, and rightly so, keeping Kylian Mbappe and co at bay comfortably.From Spain to Suffolk, as is often the case with Kiwior, there were a few nervy moments on the ball, needing to be bailed out by Declan Rice after an underhit pass from the back.Mikel Arteta even found time to angrily berate the defender early on.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7Oleksandr Zinchenko made his seventh start of the seasonCredit: AFPThe perfect game for the Ukrainian to come in for – just his seventh start of the season in all competitions. It was as if this contest was designed with him in mind.Lots of time on the ball, given plenty of space to cut inside and not a lot of defending or chasing back to worry about.He was so comfortable that he even moved into midfield on the hour mark.Clearly an understudy to Myles Lewis-Skelly right now, he should make the most of this as it is unlikely he will be getting much action from here on in, especially if Arsenal remain in Europe and continue to keep the title race alive for as long as possible.Martin Odegaard – 7Martin Odegaard was back to his best in midfieldCredit: ReutersBack to his creative best, and looked to be having so much fun with Bukayo Saka as his sparring partner down the right.Boy have we missed this sort of performance from the Norwegian – the cute, dinked passes, the dictating around the box, the orchestrating of everything good Arsenal produced.So unlucky not to grab a late goal as his long-range stinger rattled the inside of the post.Declan Rice 72′ – 7Declan Rice set up Trossard’s second goal of the gameCredit: GettyHe is oozing with confidence right now and it shows, bossing any midfield he sets his eyes on, galloping his way into any space he so chooses.His corner deliveries are also still on the money – it is just a shame he does not have someone to convert with usual suspect Gabriel out for the season.Mikel Merino 56′ – 8Mikel Merino picked up an assist for Martinelli’s goalCredit: GettyNo matter the position, wherever Merino plays at the moment he is involved in goals, just like he proved over two legs against Madrid with a goal and two assists.There was another assist here and wasn’t it a beauty? A first-time, no-look, back-heeled flick from Bukayo Saka’s cut-back straight into the path of Gabriel Martinelli at the far post.He was deployed in midfield, but often roamed forward and drifted into pockets of space with Leandro Trossard regularly switching to the flanks.Bukayo Saka 56′ – 8Bukayo Saka was a constant threat on the rightCredit: GettySpent most of the first half being booed by the Ipswich fans, mainly because he was on the end of an awful studs-up tackle by Leif Davis that had the defender shown a straight red.But the jeers were also as a sign of respect – they witnessed a player at the top of his game rip them apart at times down the right and should have had a hat-trick of goals and assists inside the first 45 minutes but for several missed sitters.Understandably was brought off in the 57th minute to protect him for bigger games to come.Gabriel Martinelli 72′ – 8Gabriel Martinelli netted his 50th goal for ArsenalCredit: ReutersJust like in Madrid, the Brazilian can drift in and out of games, on the periphery of attacks, and then in the blink of an eye he is in the right place at the right time.The movement for his goal and Arsenal’s second was superb.These are the sorts of consistent, weekly numbers he needs to be producing if he wants to keep his place on that left wing with next season and a big summer transfer splurge in mind.Leandro Trossard 82′ – 9Leandro Trossard impressed in the striker roleCredit: GettyThis was a real chance to prove his worth to Mikel Arteta down the middle – a potential option for the Champions League semi-final first leg.There were some good moments, his two goals included.For both, he calmly slotted into the corner from close range, thanks largely to some pretty dire defending, while he also got involved in some impressive attacks down the right with Saka.The Belgian was also wasteful – an identical set-up to his goal saw him take a touch when he could have fired it home first time, but to mark him down for that would be harsh.SUBSEthan Nwaneri 56′ – 8Had a few darting runs down the right that came to nothing and then a bit of luck as his shot cutting inside deflected off two Ipswich defenders and in.Has lost a bit of momentum since Saka’s return from injury but that will do him the world of good.Myles Lewis-Skelly 56′ – 6Came on at left-back but was quickly moved inside into a holding midfielder role – his natural habitat from his Arsenal academy days. Unsurprisingly, the 18-year-old was not fazed at all.Raheem Sterling 72′ – 6You really have to feel sorry for the guy. He still looks rusty and it’s the business end of the season, but that’s because he has hardly been played.Read More on The SunKieran Tierney 72′ – 6Another chance for the Arsenal fans to serenade their favourite Scot before he departs this summer.Nathan Butler-Oyedeji 82′ – N/AA Premier League debut for the 22-year-old.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

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      Former Liverpool star Fernando Morientes, 49, ‘almost died’ from pulmonary embolism that left him in hospital for days

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      FORMER Liverpool star Fernando Morientes has opened up on a horror health scare that left him hospitalised for days. The retired forward suffered a pulmonary embolism – a serious condition where a blood clot obstructs an artery in the lungs.Fernando Morientes has opened up on a horror health scareCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdMorientes – now a TV commentator – suffered the frightening ordeal while travelling on a plane. He told Spanish radio station Tiempo de Juego: “I was feeling ill after so many trips. “On one of them, my chest started to hurt, a stabbing pain below my sternum. “I thought it was something stomach-related and didn’t want to go to the hospital. READ MORE IN football “But that night I felt something and immediately went to the doctor. “They started looking at my heart and saw nothing until they found an effusion in the pleura. It was a pulmonary embolism.”Explaining his blood clot, Morientes said: “It’s a clot that formed in my knee due to the excess air on the plane and in the stationary car. “My blood began to thicken in the air and rose to my lung. I spent five days in the hospital, almost dying.”Most read in FootballWhat are the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism?Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include:difficulty breathing that comes on suddenlychest pain that’s worse when you breathe incoughing up bloodYou may also have pain, redness and swelling in one of your legs (usually the calf). These are symptoms of a blood clot, also called DVT (deep vein thrombosis).Source: The NHSMorientes spent only a season at Liverpool – signing from Real Madrid in 2005 – winning the FA Cup. In Madrid, the striker won two LaLiga titles and three Champions League trophies.Morientes joined Valencia after leaving Liverpool and later Marseille for a season before retiring in 2010. But in 2015 Morientes came out of retirement aged 38 to play for DAV Santa Ana – a non-league side.Morientes, now 49, briefly managed third-tier Spanish side Fuenlabrada but was sacked after eight months.The former Spanish international – capped 47 times with 27 goals – now commentates and provides TV punditry. Morientes is now a TV commentatorCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Ollie Watkins sends message to Aston Villa boss Emery and admits he’s FUMING at being dropped for Champions League games

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      OLLIE WATKINS was left “fuming” over his Champions League axe.The  striker scored as Aston Villa sunk top-five rivals Newcastle — four days after being benched for their defeat by Paris Saint-Germain.Villa striker Ollie Watkins didn’t hold back over his feelingsCredit: Sky SportsUnai Emery’s Champions League selection angered WatkinsCredit: RexWatkins celebrated his opener in the 4-1 win over NewcastleCredit: GettyOn boss Unai Emery’s snub, Watkins said: “I was fuming I wasn’t playing after I played 20 minutes against PSG in both games.“I let him know that. He’s the manager and I respect his decision.“But I’m not one of those players happy to sit on the bench.“Rather than let it hinder you, you have to use that anger and let it spur you on to prove the manager different.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I found myself out of the team for a few games so today I was raring to go and  wasn’t going to let that opportunity slip.“The manager is going to have a headache as I’m banging on the door asking why I’m not playing.”Watkins netted after just 33 seconds and set up Villa’s crucial second goal in the rout.Emery’s men sit sixth in the table, level on points with Nottingham Forest in fifth and two points off third-placed Toon.Most read in FootballWatkins took only 33 seconds to make the breakthroughCredit: GettyBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThis win followed their painful exit to PSG and Emery praised Watkins’ inspiring performance.Spanish gaffer Emery said: “To be angry is  fantastic. To play like he did today is fantastic.Heartwarming moment Matty Cash’s reporter sister tells him she loves him after Aston Villa’s PSG defeat“Last week he helped  us out, too. On Tuesday, he played 20 minutes.“His commitment is always high to get to  his best and this is what we want and need.“This morning I was speaking with some  players about how they feel. It is a real key moment to find our best.”On their quarter-final exit to PSG, Emery added: “We have to feel angry when we are not winning.“Of course we enjoyed the Champions League — we have to be proud of our effort but we lost.“I’m very proud of how the players responded.”Jason Tindall,  in interim charge at Toon while Eddie Howe recovers from pneumonia, admitted his team were well beaten.After a five-game Prem winning streak, he said: “It was a difficult evening.Read More on The Sun“First half I thought  we did well off the back of the early setback.“Maybe it was one step too far and three games in six days was too much physically for the players.” More

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      Real Madrid line up ex-Liverpool star Xabi Alonso to replace Carlo Ancelotti with Italian set for shock new job

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      REAL MADRID are lining up Xabi Alonso to replace Carlo Ancelotti as boss, according to reports.The Italian’s future in the Spanish capital has come under the microscope since his side’s Champions League exit earlier this week.Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid future has come under the spotlightCredit: EPAXabi Alonso is the favourite to replace Ancelotti in MadridCredit: ReutersSpeaking ahead of tomorrow night’s clash with Athletic Bilbao, Ancelotti refused to confirm that he will remain in charge of Los Blancos for the Club World Cup this summer.According to The Athletic, Real Madrid chiefs have already “sounded out” Alonso over replacing Ancelotti.The Bayer Leverkusen boss, 43, played under Ancelotti with both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.Last season, the ex-Liverpool star guided Leverkusen to Bundesliga title and DFB Pokal successes, while also reaching the Europa League final.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlonso is the favourite to replace Ancelotti, should the 65-year-old leave the Bernabeu as expected.Ancelotti could go on to manage Brazil at the 2026 World Cup.The experienced boss has long been linked with the Selecao.It’s claimed that a representative of Brazil’s football federation was in attendance at Real Madrid’s clash with Arsenal this week ahead of meetings with Ancelotti.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe Selecao are currently without a manager following Dorival Junior’s sacking last month.Real Madrid, meanwhile, could cut the gap to Barcelona at the top of LaLiga to four points with a win over Athletic Bilbao.New footage ‘shows Jude Bellingham in tense standoff with Ancelotti’ as Real Madrid boss ‘mortally wounded’ by Arsenal They will also face Barca in the Copa del Rey final on April 26, after which Ancelotti’s future is set to further come under the microscope.Speaking earlier today, the under-pressure boss said: “We’re still competing for trophies. We have one [the Copa del Rey final] in a week, and we have the first ever Club World Cup at the end of the season, it wouldn’t be right to do it now.”All I can do is thank these players, I’ve enjoyed this and I want to keep doing so. We’re still united, we have a great relationship.”Ancelotti then went on to add: “At the end of the season, I’ll talk about that with the club.”I don’t want to talk about my future today. It’s an obvious question, but I don’t want to talk about it.”So all I say is we’ll talk about it with the club at the end of the season.”Read More on The SunAncelotti won LaLiga and the Champions League last season.But a trophyless campaign this time around could spell the end of his second spell in Madrid.Ancelotti, 65, saw his side dumped out of the Champions League this weekCredit: Getty More

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      Aston Villa 4 Newcastle 1: Unai Emery’s genius subs down Toon and throw Champions League race wide open

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      MAAT’S the way to do it.When you have been on the wrong end of Champions League heartbreak, this is how to bounce back and boost your chances of having another go next year.Aston Villa stunned Newcastle with a 4-1 victoryCredit: PAIan Maatsen netted his first goal for the clubCredit: ReutersAmadou Onana scored a fantastic goal to wrap up the matchCredit: GettyAnd to dent the challenge of one of your top-five rivals into the bargain.Just when Newcastle were threatening to frustrate Unai Emery’s vibrant team, Ian Maatsen had his own moment of redemption. The Dutchman had been at fault when Fabian Schar cancelled out Ollie Watkins’ first-minute opener, but just past the hour he finished off a brilliant move that typified the hosts.Villa had fallen agonisingly short of forcing Paris Saint-Germain to extra time in their quarter-final, despite having plenty of chances.READ MJORE ON FOOTBALLBut less than four days later, in front of a rapturous home crowd, they capitalised on their dominance and put Newcastle to the sword.Substitutes Jacob Ramsey and Amadou Onana made sure the scoreline reflected Villa’s superiority.Ramsey’s first major contribution was to force Dan Burn to put the ball in his own net and then Onana smashed home a wonderful fourth.It was a classic one-two combination to settle a brilliant and sometimes bruising brawl between two sides who are now Premier League heavyweights.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThey had gone toe-to-toe in an end-to-end first half.But Villa, who also hit the woodwork three times, were always the ones doing the most damage.Viktor Gyokeres responds as he is asked if he ‘likes London’ amid Arsenal transfer linksIt was a day when something had to give, with Villa on a four-game winning streak in the league, one behind Newcastle’s five.There was also an element of needle.The teams had threatened to take Boxing Day literally when they met at St James Park in DecemberWind-up merchant Jason Tindall and Villa analyst Victor Manas squared up and sparked a 10-man festive fracas that ended with both being sent off.Villa noted in their report on the game that Tindall later reappeared to celebrate Newcastle’s 3-0 victory while wearing a Wham! Last Christmas hoodie.With that context, it was never going to be a case of wake me up before you go-go for the return at Villa Park.Although some of the Newcastle team did seem to be asleep when Watkins scored after only 33 seconds.Ollie Watkins netted the opener via a deflectionCredit: GettyFabian Schar headed Newcastle back level in the first halfCredit: RexThe England star had initially chased down Sandro Tonali, whose clearance was weak and the ball broke to Youri Tielemans.As the Belgian passed, Tonali was playing Watkins onside. The striker cut inside and his shot took a heavy deflection off Fabian Schar that left Nick Pope with no chance.The Newcastle goalkeeper was equally helpless minutes later when Watkins strode through the away defence and smacked a shot off the crossbar.There were already some tasty tackles flying in, and Villa fans will feel Schar should not have been on the pitch to equalise.Was the Swiss defender’s cynical foul on Watkins a denial of a goalscoring opportunity? Referee Jarred Gillett clearly thought the Villa man would not have reached the ball and showed Schar a yellow card, with VAR Michael Salisbury seeing no reason to intervene.Everyone of a claret and blue persuasion was soon even more annoyed by Gillett.The Australian decided Boubacar Kamara’s challenge on Tino Livramento was worthy of a free kick.It wasn’t, but the home side should have defended it better. Instead, they only half-cleared it and when Harvey Barnes swung in a deep cross, Ian Maatsen allowed Schar to steal in and head the ball through Emi Martinez.Maatsen almost enjoyed immediate redemption but from his fine cross, Marco Asensio mistimed his finish horribly.In a parallel universe, Watkins soon completed his “hat-trick”. But in this world, he hit the woodwork again, this time with a header from an Asensio free kick.Unai Emery’s side have blown the race for Champions League football wide openCredit: GettyJason Tindell was on touchline duty as Eddie Howe continues to be absentCredit: PAAt the other end, Martinez scrambled away a long-range effort by Tonali before Pope kept out a Morgan Rogers effort and Tielemans’ goalbound corner.Watkins dragged a shot wide, then claimed a penalty in vain after going down under a challenge from – guess who? – Schar.It was entertaining, compelling stuff, and so it continued.The excellent Morgan Rogers played in John McGinn and Pope had to intervene. After Tonali cleared a Tielemans header that was probably going wide, Rogers found space only for Schar to block his shot.Bruno Guimaraes somehow escaped a yellow card for a late, spiteful foul on McGinnThe Villa captain almost had revenge, but his shot from Kamara’s through ball was straight at Pope.Alexander Isak was having a very quiet game by his very high standards, which reflected his team’s limited ambition. His first proper effort on goal, after more than half an hour, was comfortably held by Martinez.And then came the move of the match and one of the most important goals of Villa’s season.The ball moved swiftly from Martinez to Rogers to Asensio to Watkins, who rolled it into Maatsen’s path.The Dutchman did not break stride before lashing the ball past Pope.Maatsen had never scored in the Premier League before and he will do well to notch a better one.Tindall made changes, but it was Emery’s that decided the match.After another fine move, Ramsey reached the byline and Burn could only divert the ball into the net as he tried to deny Tielemans.Read More on The SunVilla smelled blood, and when Rogers laid the ball back to Onana on the edge of the area, there was only one place it was going.On this form, Villa will be back in the Champions League before they know it. More

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      ‘Absolutely generational’ – Lamine Yamal, 17, inspires epic Barcelona comeback after shocking home collapse

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      LAMINE YAMAL inspired an epic Barcelona comeback against Celta Vigo to leave his side seven points clear at the top of LaLiga.Yamal and Dani Olmo came off the bench to spark an incredible turnaround, as Barca came back from 3-1 down to win 4-3 and edge closer to LaLiga glory.Lamine Yamal’s genius inspired an epic Barcelona comeback against Celta Vigo in LaLigaYamal was brought on when Barca were 2-1 downThe 17-year-old sent in a delicious cross to assist Raphinha’s equaliserBarca came back from 3-1 down to win 4-3 and edge closer to LaLiga gloryBarca manager Hansi Flick rotated his squad after their 5-3 aggregate win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-finals.Barcelona had the lead within 11 minutes thanks to Ferran Torres, who started ahead of Yamal.But Celta hit back within four minutes as Borja Iglesias got on the end of a cross and finished past Wojciech Szczesny just before half-time.Iglesias put Vigo 2-1 up before Flick brought on the calvary soldiers, introducing Yamal for Torres and Olmo for Fermin Lopez.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd Iglesias completed his stunning hat-trick, before Spain Euro 2024 winners Yamal and Olmo switched it up a gear.Olmo found the net after Raphinha’s clever pass, hitting the bottom corner and sparking hope of a comeback.And Yamal sent in a delicious cross to assist Raphinha’s equaliser, before the former Leeds star scored a last-minute penalty to secure all three points and move seven points clear of Real Madrid.But fans were quick to praise Yamal’s lively cameo, with one writing: “Absolutely generational. Sometimes I can‘t believe Lamine Yamal is only 17.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile another said: “Yamal completely changed the game!”A third added: “He is simply sensational.”Craig Burley praises Lamine Yamal’s clutch goal in Spain’s win One more wrote: “Yamal is the best footballer in the world at 17 do you know how crazy that is?”Meanwhile, former Premier League star Raphinha has now provided 25 goal contributions in LaLiga this season.And the Ballon d’Or favourite has 53 goals or assists across all competitions this term.Raphinha scored two in the comeback More

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      Man Utd ‘ready to offer Aston Villa shock swap deal’ to offload Marcus Rashford permanently

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly willing to offer Aston Villa a shock swap deal to seal Marcus Rashford’s permanent exit.The forward was loaned to Villa Park in the January transfer window and has shown flashes of his past brilliance.Manchester United are willing to offer Marcus Rashford to Aston Villa in a swap dealCredit: RexThe club want to sign Ollie Watkins in returnCredit: GettyRashford, 27, helped Aston Villa reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League before being knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain.He has the chance to help the West Midlands side to silverware with an FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace on April 26.Rashford, in total, has netted three times and assisted six goals in his 15 appearances with Aston Villa.The Daily Star have suggested that the Red Devils are keen to cut ties with Rashford permanently.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe report claimed that they are willing to offer the out-of-favour star in a swap deal that would see Ollie Watkins move to Old Trafford.It even suggests that Villa could be offered Rashford and a “significant cash payment” for the England international.Watkins, 29, has been a previous transfer target for Premier League rivals Arsenal.The Gunners were linked with the former Brentford ace last summer and in January but Villa were keen to keep hold of him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSUnai Emery’s side opted to cash in on Jhon Duran to the Saudi Pro League in order to keep Watkins at Villa Park.The 18-capped international has been in fine form this season with 15 goals in the Premier League as well as one more in the Champions League.Ruben Amorim brings up Marcus Rashford as he vows to talk to Garnacho after Man Utd star stormed down tunnelHe is contracted to Villa until 2028, having put pen to paper on a long-term contract in 2023.Meanwhile, Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has urged Rashford to return to Old Trafford for next season.The retired forward claimed that Rashford wants to build a legacy at the club.Speaking on Amazon Prime, he said: “I hope Rashford goes back to Manchester United and performs like he did tonight.”That’s what we all want to see as Manchester United fans.”Rashford wants to play for Manchester United, 100 per cent.”He’s a Manchester lad, a Manchester United fan.”He needed to play and it was clear he wasn’t going to play for the rest of the season.”Sometimes, you have to put the manager in a position where he cannot leave you out.Read More on The Sun”Marcus Rashford, in an ideal world, would want to play and leave a legacy at Manchester United.”Whether that’s possible, I don’t know, but that’s what I’d love to see.”Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More