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      ‘Looks class’ – Three-time English champs release incredible video as they prepare to build one of UK’s biggest stadiums

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      LEEDS have released a video showcasing their plans for Elland Road’s redevelopment.The Yorkshire outfit, who secured their promotion back to the Premier League last week, announced that they had been given the green light by Leeds City Council to expand their home ground. Leeds released mock-ups of their home ground renovationElland Road is set for a makeoverCredit: PAElland Road currently houses 37,645, but the new plans will see it become the one of the biggest stadia in the UK. It will go above Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium as the fifth largest ground in the country, and a planning application is set to be submitted later this year. Leeds announced on their website that the estimated final capacity of Elland Road would be 56,500, and plans will include the “revitalisation of the West and North Stands, along with changes to the South Stand”. Fans on social media loved the plans, with one taking to X to say: “This looks class tbf,”, while another said it was “the best they could possibly have [sic] done”. Read more FootballOthers described the Whites’ mock-up as “f***ing beautiful” and “sexy”. Leeds, the three-time champions of England, will be back in the top tier next term after Daniel Farke guided them back to the big time at the second time of asking. They put last season’s play-off final heartbreak behind them to seal promotion with two games to spare after Sheffield United were beaten by Burnley, who will also join Farke’s side back in the Premier League. Leeds face play-off hopefuls Bristol City at Elland Road on Monday evening in their penultimate game of the campaign.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe estimated final capacity of Elland Road will be 56,500Credit: X @LUFCThe stadium will be the fifth largest in the countryCredit: X @LUFCLeeds fans loved the new imagesCredit: X @LUFCA win would see them draw level with table-topping Burnley before next weekend’s finale.Should they beat the Robins, they will leapfrog Scott Parker’s Clarets and be in the driving seat going into the final day – with the title on the line. Patrick Bamford leads fans in X-rated chant about Chris Wilder as Leeds celebrate promotionLeeds’ goal difference is superior to that of Burnley, despite the two being tied on points should the Whites beat Bristol City. City, managed by Liam Manning, are the surprise package in the play-off mix, sitting fifth in the table. A win at Leeds would cement their place in the top six, but a draw would leave them just two points clear of Coventry City, Millwall, and Blackburn Rovers on their coattails. More

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      Harry Redknapp: Jamie Vardy can fire Wrexham into Premier League if he makes ‘no-brainer’ transfer

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      JAMIE VARDY has been backed to help Wrexham into the Premier League by Harry Redknapp.The striker has confirmed he will be leaving relegated Leicester City at the end of the season.Harry Redknapp has backed Jamie Vardy to succeed at WrexhamCredit: RexVardy has been tipped for a move to the Welsh clubCredit: GettyRyan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have led the club to the ChampionshipCredit: GettyPromotion was confirmed on SaturdayCredit: GettyVardy, 38, spent 13 years at the King Power Stadium but, after a second relegation in three seasons, has called time.The former Premier League and FA Cup winner has since been tipped for a move to Hollywood-owned Wrexham.The Welsh outfit have risen up from the National League all the way to the Championship in consecutive seasons.Wrexham have had the backing of Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia star Rob McElhenney since their takeover in 2021.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLRedknapp believes that if the club can pull off the signing of Vardy, then it could help them take one more massive step.He told BetVictor: “Jamie Vardy would be a fantastic signing for Wrexham.”He could get any team promoted next season from the Championship, I still think he has a lot to offer in a team that can make chances for him.”It would be a great move for Wrexham.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“I don’t think he will be on the radar of Premier League clubs, but that said, I think he’s fantastic.”His work rate and everything about him is brilliant, if I was in the Championship I’d be moving heaven and earth to sign him.Jamie Vardy anounces he’s LEAVING Leicester in emotional video with striker left close to tears after 13 years“He would be a great value signing for any club, it’s a no-brainer in my eyes – he gives everything and works so hard.”I’d have him any day if I was managing a club who were trying to get promoted from the Championship, even a team like Burnley who have been promoted, his goals could help them stay up.”Wrexham confirmed their spot in the Championship for next season with their 3-0 win over Charlton on Saturday.The club is now five points clear of Stockport County and Wycombe Wanderers with just one game remaining.McElhenney and Reynolds celebrated the promotion with the trophy on the pitch.The Green Lantern star released an emotional statement amid the jubilations.It read: “We’ve been with Wrexham for what seems like the blink of an eye, but so much has happened.”I remember the first press conference, we were asked what our goals were… and I think Rob jumped in with, ‘The Premier League.'”People laughed. They had every right to. It seemed insane… but we weren’t kidding.”I feel at home here. It’s a place that values community, decency and history.”From the respect it pays to the Gresford Disaster, to the feeling of hope and miracles created by Mickey Thomas. These are big reasons Wrexham is growing into what it always was.”It isn’t just a place with a history of ups and downs, it’s also a FEELING. And a feeling is sometimes as good or better than a memory.”We made history. We’ve been promoted for a record third time in a row.”That doesn’t happen without the wisdom of Phil Parkinson and his coaching staff, or the talent of Paul Mullin. It doesn’t happen without Max Cleworth and Arthur Okonkwo.”Or Mark Howard who may have one of the hardest jobs there is. I watched Sam Smith create a frightening blend between football and martial arts, scoring our second goal yesterday.”The Stadium feels like a church. I know so many of you now. Since February, 2021, I’ve watched babies become regulars. And some regulars depart us for good.Read More on The Sun”We’ve had the honour to scatter ashes of loved ones across that field. I’ve even watched every available hand shovel snow off the pitch to keep a match from cancellation.”Somebody said the Welsh have the ‘heart of a poet and the fist of a fighter.’ That’s what I love about this place. I wish the whole world could visit Wrexham.” More

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      QPR boss Marti Cifuentes holds talks with Championship rival as he considers quitting club

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      QUEENS PARK RANGERS boss Marti Cifuentes has held talks with another Championship side as he considers leaving Loftus Road. Cifuentes, 42, joined the west London outfit in October 2023, and kept the R’s afloat in the second tier.Marti Cifuentes is in-demand and could move after a fall-out with the QPR hierarchyCredit: GettyThey sealed safety with a rampant 4-0 victory over Leeds United, which subsequently sent Leicester City back up to the Premier League at the first time of asking.This term, Cifuentes has guided QPR to mid-table safety – 15th in the Championship – and his talents are being courted by one of his side’s rivals. Now, West Bromwich Albion are looking to lure the Spaniard to the east Midlands after a reported breakdown in relations between the manager and QPR’s chief executive Christian Nourry.The Baggies sacked Tony Mowbray last week after their play-off charge fell flat, with the former Premier League side 10th in the table and forced to play another season at step two of the pyramid. Read more FootballSunSport exclusively revealed that Cifuentes was considering his position at Loftus Road after a misalignment over the direction the club was heading.Cifuentes had begun to get agitated over the number of injuries that were plaguing his squad.And he was frustrated at the club’s decision to let director of performance Ben Williams reign over the sports science, medical, physio, and nutrition departments remotely from Dubai.Nourry, who was brought in in January 2024 to oversee the club’s recruitment, had previously worked for football data analytics and advisory business Retexo. Most read in ChampionshipBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKCifuentes signed a new deal in west London back in September having been linked with the vacant post at Sunderland last summer before Regis Le Bris took the reins on Wearside.The Spaniard had wanted assurances from above that the R’s would be looking to progress next term, with a view to getting back to the promised land of the Premier League, which they last played in 10 years ago. QPR face Sunderland – whose place in the Championship play-offs is already confirmed – in their final game of the season on Saturday.Former QPR and Cardiff Star Leonne Jeanne Recalled to PrisonWest Brom sacked Tony Mowbray after their play-off pursuit came up shortCredit: Rex More

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      Chelsea set to send promising goalkeeper out on loan again despite horror Sanchez and Jorgensen form

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      CHELSEA plan to send keeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe to the Championship next season.The England Under-21 ace helped Doncaster go up from League Two this term.Enzo Maresca has had issues with his first-choice goalkeeping spotCredit: GettyRobert Sanchez started the season as first choice before a series of mistakesCredit: GettyBut backup Filip Jorgensen has failed to take the opportunities that have come his wayCredit: ReutersTeddy Sharman-Lowe won promotion with DoncasterCredit: GettyNow the Blues want the 22-year-old to be tested at a higher level to raise his game and profile.It comes despite boss Enzo Maresca facing a first-choice headache following dodgy form from Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen.Sanchez was dropped back in February, only for Swedish-born ace Jorgensen to immediately make two blunders against Brighton.Maresca has since gone back to his Spanish 27-year-old.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSAnd he praised Sanchez following Saturday’s 1-0 home Prem win over Everton.Maresca said: “You can see the teammates how they celebrate with him, also at the end of the game. “They know for Robert it has not been a good moment so they support and helped him.”Robert has already had many good moments this season. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”Against Tottenham at home, he made a good save on 90 minutes. “As a human being, you always remember the bad things and not the good things. He has had some very good moments with us.”Cole Palmer spotted running away from Stamford Bridge as baffled Chelsea fans ask ‘where is he going’And although some Chelsea fans have voiced their unease with Sanchez, finding a new keeper is not understood to be one of Maresca’s priorities in the summer transfer market.The West Londoners are not short of goalkeepers, with Djordje Petrovic, who was first choice under Mauricio Pochettino, enjoying a stellar season at Strasbourg.But Kepa, the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, is not expected to come back into Maresca’s thinking despite impressing on loan at Bournemouth. More

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      Leeds could bring back fans’ favourite Kalvin Phillips in cut price transfer three years after £42m Man City move

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      LEEDS’ promotion to the top flight may spark an emotional Elland Road return for Kalvin Phillips.And his home town club could land their former skipper for half the £42million Manchester City paid to sign him three years ago.Kalvin Phillips has had a fruitless loan spell at Ipswich this seasonCredit: RexThe former England star is a legend at Leeds UnitedCredit: GettyPhillips left Leeds in 2022 after 12 years at the club, with fans dubbing him the Yorkshire Pirlo.But his first two seasons at City brought just six starts, while boss Pep Guardiola called him overweight on returning from the 2022 World Cup.Guardiola apologised, but the midfielder remained an Etihad outcast and spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham.He joined newly promoted Ipswich in August, but there have been just 16 starts and one goal in a Portman Road switch that never took off.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt has been a stunning fall from grace for the midfielder, who helped lead Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds into the top flight in 2020, after a 16-year absence.Current Elland Road boss Daniel Farke knows he needs to strengthen for their Prem return.A move for Phillips  — with the added incentive of proving he can still cut it in the top flight  — is a no brainer for both Leeds and the player.SunSport first exclusively suggested Leeds’ interest in Phillips last month.Most read in SportAnd in February he “liked” a post that highlighted the flying form of Elland Road winger Dan James.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKNow momentum for a possible move is building.It comes as Farke shrugged off speculation over his own future.Patrick Bamford leads fans in X-rated chant about Chris Wilder as Leeds celebrate promotionThere’s been talk that Leeds’ US-based owners 49s Enterprises are not convinced he’s the right person to oversee the club at top-flight level.But asked if he felt disrespected, Farke said: “Not at all, it’s not surprising.“I knew for which club I signed, I’m not sure how many managers Leeds had in the last 20 years, but it’s a good effort if you last for three months.“Once you sign a contract, there’s lots of pressure, noise, expectations.“On a weekly basis someone is linked. It’s nothing new.” More

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      Man Utd legend, 61, set to take charge of National League side as he says ‘it wouldn’t be beneath me’

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      MARK HUGHES is preparing to take another step down to help Carlisle back up into the Football League.The Manchester United legend racked up 569 games as a Premier League boss after five years in charge of Wales.Mark Hughes was unable to steer Carlisle United away from relegation to the National LeagueHughes did everything he could to save the Cumbrians after being hired in FebruaryCredit: PANow he looks certain to remain in charge of the Cumbrians in next season’s National League after they were relegated with defeat at Cheltenham.Hughes, who also spent 20 months as Bradford City chief, sees no problem in finding himself in the fifth tier of English football, declaring: “I have no ego.“Just because I played for United and managed clubs like Manchester City, or led my country, doesn’t mean being in charge of a National League team would somehow be beneath me.“Maybe other people might feel that but not me, even if I recognise  it would be pretty unique for someone with some of the high spots I’ve had in my career.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS“I showed how much I still love being a manager by going to Bradford — when you’ve been a manager as long as I have you just miss that buzz of standing on the touchline at three o’clock on  a Saturday afternoon.”The 61-year-old — who won two Prem titles and enjoyed a clutch of cup  successes at Old Trafford — also bossed Blackburn Rovers, Stoke, Fulham, QPR and Southampton.After being sacked by the Saints in 2018, he spent more than three years out of the game before shocking the football world by turning up at the Bantams.Hughes then replaced Mike Williamson in February with Carlisle five points adrift at the bottom of League Two and had won five and drawn five of 16 games before the near–inevitable happened on Saturday.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordRelegation or not, the indications are that he will stay after signing a rolling contract three months ago.Hughes added: “The owners are good people and they still have some big plans.Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LA“Discussions have taken place about me staying and plans for the future. This has been a tough challenge but one I’d still be up for, so we’ll see.“We have around 18 players under contract for next season. “The core of the side is already there and we’ve seen how well they’ve responded over the last couple of months against all the odds.”Americans Tom and Patty Piatak bought Carlisle 17 months ago, announcing ambitious plans to reach the Championship. Instead, the logistics millionaires from Florida have overseen successive relegations.And the owners said they were “deeply sorry for putting the fans through so much pain”.But there was also a huge hint that Hughes will be staying on, with their statement declaring: “Planning for next season is already in motion. “Discussions with Mark Hughes are ongoing and positive.“In recent weeks, Mark has helped rebuild the connection between the team and supporters.Read More on The Sun“It’s a small but important step.“It shows what this football club can still become — and underlines how far we still have to go.” More

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      ‘What I love about this place…’ Inside Wrexham’s wild celebrations as Ryan Reynolds issues emotional statement

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      RYAN REYNOLDS released an emotional statement amid wild celebrations as Wrexham climbed into the Championship.The Welsh side beat Charlton 3-0 yesterday to land their third promotion in as many years.Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds celebrated promotion to the ChampionshipCredit: RexIt is the Dragons’ third promotion in as many seasonsCredit: ReutersFans invaded the pitch in celebrationCredit: Instagram/Ryan ReynoldsReynolds and his actress wife Blake Lively were at the Racecourse Ground yesterdayCredit: Instagram @vancityreynoldsThey covered the club chief in GatoradeCredit: Instagram @wrexham_afcThere were wild celebrations in the dressing roomCredit: Instagram @wrexham_afcActors-turned-club owners Reynolds and Rob McElhenney were both at the Racecourse Ground to join in with the party.As the final whistle went, fans invaded the pitch in celebration and the Hollywood duo shared a lengthy hug. Reynolds, who was joined by his actress wife Blake Lively, posed for a snap in the stands before they then headed down to the pitch.The Deadpool star got his hands on a medal and was seen congratulating his players and manager Phil Parkinson.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReynolds and McElhenney then brought an American tradition to English football by pouring a huge bucket of sports drink Gatorade over club chief Michael Williamson.The party carried onto long into the night as champagne was sprayed around the dressing room.Wrexham stars downed booze and poured beer over boss Parkinson, who has overseen an incredible rise from the National League to the Championship.The win over Charlton was his 181st league match in charge of the club and his 112th victory.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBooze was thrown around the dressing room as the party went long into the nightCredit: Instagram @wrexham_afcThey purchased the club for £2m and it now worth over £100mCredit: Instagram @vancityreynoldsCEO Michael Williamson was left drenchedCredit: Instagram @wrexham_afcThey have scored 361 goals and average a stunning 2.08 points per game.Wrexham have made climbing the football pyramid look simple and an emotional Reynolds said in a statement: “We’ve been with Wrexham for what seems like the blink of an eye, but so much has happened. Ryan Reynolds tells Liverpool star Mo Salah to ‘think about’ stunning Wrexham transfer in brilliant video”I remember the first press conference, we were asked what our goals were… and I think Rob jumped in with, ‘The Premier League.'”People laughed. They had every right to. It seemed insane… but we weren’t kidding.”I feel at home here. It’s a place that values community, decency and history. “From the respect it pays to the Gresford Disaster, to the feeling of hope and miracles created by Mickey Thomas. These are big reasons Wrexham is growing into what it always was. “It isn’t just a place with a history of ups and downs, it’s also a FEELING. And a feeling is sometimes as good or better than a memory.”We made history. We’ve been promoted for a record third time in a row. “That doesn’t happen without the wisdom of Phil Parkinson and his coaching staff, or the talent of Paul Mullin. It doesn’t happen without Max Cleworth and Arthur Okonkwo. “Or Mark Howard who may have one of the hardest jobs there is. I watched Sam Smith create a frightening blend between football and martial arts, scoring our second goal yesterday.”The Stadium feels like a church. I know so many of you now. Since February, 2021, I’ve watched babies become regulars. And some regulars depart us for good. “We’ve had the honour to scatter ashes of loved ones across that field. I’ve even watched every available hand shovel snow off the pitch to keep a match from cancellation.”Somebody said the Welsh have the ‘heart of a poet and the fist of a fighter.’ That’s what I love about this place. I wish the whole world could visit Wrexham.”Lively added: “Back-to-back-to-back. History was made. I will never forget the love and elation in that town today. Thank you for sharing it with us.”Read More on The SunReynolds and McElhenney bought the club in February 2021 for £2m and it now worth over £100m.Being in the second tier is expected to see the club make at least £13m more per year.Reynolds and McElhenney hugged as the final whistle wentCredit: Instagram @vancityreynoldsBlake Lively posed with the players including skipper Ollie PalmerCredit: Instagram @vancityreynoldsReynolds expressed his love for Wrexham in an emotional statementCredit: RexThe promotion will see the club pocket an extra £13m-a-year at leastCredit: AP More