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      Man Utd legend Ruud van Nistelrooy closing in on return to English football and must decide Red Devils flop’s future

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Ruud van Nistelrooy is reportedly closing in on the vacant Burnley job.Van Nistelrooy, 47, has emerged as the favourite to replace Vincent Kompany following the Belgian’s Bayern Munich move.Ruud van Nistelrooy is closing in on the Burnley jobCredit: GettyVincent Kompany ditched the Clarets to take charge at Bayern MunichCredit: AlamyAnd Dutch outlet De Telegraaf claims a deal is close for Van Nistelrooy to return to English football after five years as a United player.Craig Bellamy has been in charge of Burnley as interim boss in the wake of Kompany’s shock departure.SunSport exclusively revealed this month that Frank Lampard was a contender to take charge at Turf Moor.And Alan Pardew was also being considered by Clarets chiefs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, it appears Van Nistelrooy look set for his first managerial spell since leaving PSV Eindhoven a year ago.The Premier League and FA Cup winner was hailed for his playing style during a 12-month spell there, bringing through stars like Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo and Chelsea’s Noni Madueke.Burnley are said to be keen to build on Kompany’s intricate style of play.And Van Nistelrooy, a 70-time Holland international who also won two titles at Real Madrid, appears to be the perfect fit.Most read in ChampionshipEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYThere will be several pressing items to sort out if he takes charge at Turf Moor, namely the future of former United flop Wout Weghorst.The striker has returned from a loan move in Germany with Hoffenheim and still has a year left on his Burnley contract.After several loans, the Clarets are finally determined to cash in on the £12million signing from Wolfsburg in 2022.And Ajax are reportedly showing an interest in Weghorst, who scored the winner in his side’s 2-1 group stage victory over Poland at the Euros on Sunday.Ruud van Nistelrooy’s career stats

      Den Bosch, 1993-1997: 71 games, 20 goals

      Heerenveen, 1997-1998: 40 games, 16 goals

      PSV, 1998-2001: 90 games, 77 goals

      Man Utd, 2001-2006: 219 games, 150 goals

      Real Madrid, 2006-2010: 96 games, 64 goals

      Hamburg, 2010-2011: 44 games, 17 goals

      Malaga, 2011-2012: 32 games, 5 goals

      Holland, 1998-2011: 70 games, 35 goals

      Trophies: Eredivisie x2, Johan Cruyff Shield (PSV); Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Community Shield (Man Utd); La Liga x2, Spanish Supercup (Real Madrid)

      Managerial career:

      PSV Reserves, 2021-2022: P38 W11 D11 L16

      PSV, 2022-2023: P51 W33 D10 L8 More

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      Emotional moment Millwall manager Neil Harris chokes back tears as he reveals heartbreak over death of Matija Sarkic

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      MILLWALL boss Neil Harris has paid an emotional tribute to keeper Matija Sarkic following his tragic death.Sarkic passed away at the age of 26 on Saturday after reportedly falling ill while on international duty.Matija Sarkic passed away on Saturday at the age of just 26Credit: RexMillwall boss Neil Harris held back tears while opening up about Sarkic’s passingNow Millwall manager Harris, 46, has opened up about how he found out the devastating news, while he also spoke glowingly about the brilliant young shot-stopper.In an interview with the club, he said: “First thoughts have to go with Matija’s parents and his brothers.”He was a wonderful son and a wonderful brother who was a very caring, good man.”Getting the call at 7am first thing on the weekend, you know it’s not going to be positive news.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But you could never imagine the devastation in the moment that you find out that such a good man at such a tender age has lost his life.“Words find it hard to explain how you feel. It makes it very emotional for me because I have a 22-year-old son myself. Matija is only a few years older, so anybody in life can relate to something like that.”Devastating news for the family and our football club.”Clearly choked up while talking about the loss, Harris continued: “There is no surprise that when you read obituaries on social media and that people so close to him talk so fondly of him, they talk about his radiant smile, human nature and goodwill.Most read in Football”I only worked with Matija for a three-month period. I was with him last Thursday at the training ground and he had a huge smile on his face about going to see the family in Montenegro that evening.”He had a great summer. He performed so well for his nation against Belgium and had been to his brother’s wedding.MATIJA SARKICAll you need to know about his career:
      Clubs:
      Aston Villa (2015-2020)
      Wigan (Loan 2017/2018)
      Stratford Town (Loan 2018/2019)
      Havant & Waterlooville (Loan 2019)
      Livingston (Loan 2019/2020)
      Wolves (2020-2023)
      Shrewsbury (Loan 2020/21)
      Birmingham (Loan 2021/22)
      Stoke (Loan 2023)
      Millwall (2023/24)
      Honours:
      Birmingham City Player of the Season 2022
      International:Montenegro (9 caps)

      “As a character in the training ground, every day, win, lose or draw, he came in with a smile on his face.”He wanted to be better. That was his thought process. People shouldn’t think of him as a laidback goalkeeper who was quite calm on the football pitch, he was very driven.”He had high aspirations for himself to keep moving forward. He wanted to build his caps up for his country but also drag us forward. “I can’t praise him highly enough as a human being in the time I knew him, but also as a professional as well.”It doesn’t always feel right to talk work in moments like this, but in Matija’s case, it does. He loved the game and loved his job.”Sarkic began his career in Anderlecht’s academy before being snapped up by Aston Villa in 2015.The Grimsby-born stopper joined Wolves in 2020 and found form in loan spells with Shrewsbury, Birmingham – where he was named Player of the Season in 2022 – and Stoke.That convinced Millwall to make a permanent move last summer and Sarkic made 33 appearances for the Lions, who won five games in a row to end the season 13th in the Championship.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was named player of the match in his last outing for Montenegro as he made nine saves in a 2-0 defeat to Euro 2024 hopefuls Belgium – his ninth international cap.The talented No1 also received the player of the match award in Millwall’s final game of the season – a 1-0 win over Swansea. More

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      Premier League ref tells funny story of how Matija Sarkic ‘did him like a kipper’ in tribute to tragic Millwall ace, 26

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      PREMIER LEAGUE referee Bobby Madley has shared a heartwarming tribute for the late Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic.The Championship club announced tragic news yesterday morning that the 26-year-old had died after falling ill in the coastal town of Budva, Montenegro.It was announced Matija Sarkic passed away at the age of 26 yesterdayCredit: GettyReferee Bobby Madley revealed a heartwarming story between the twoCredit: GettySarkic had been on international duty with Montenegro, and put in a man of the match performance in his last display with nine saves in a 2-0 defeat to Belgium.Montenegrin state-owned TV station RTCG report that Sarkic went for a walk with pals, had dinner in a restaurant and returned to his apartment early on Friday evening.He is believed to have told friends he felt ill after waking up at around 6am morning and they called an ambulance but it was too late.Tributes poured in from across the football world following the terrible news.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne tribute came from referee Madley, who shared an interaction the pair had as he prepared to take charge of a Montenegro Under 19s game in 2016.Taking to social media, Madley said: “I met Matija in 2016 when refereeing my first U19 Euros qualifying game between Montenegro and France.”Matija was the captain which, as a goalkeeper, isn’t always the easiest for a referee. “Standing in the tunnel before the game Matija came down and shook hands. Most read in Football”Given that my grasp of the Montenegrin language wasn’t the best, in a shocking broken English accent I tried to explain to Matija with many hand gestures and ridiculous facial expressions that as a captain and goalkeeper it would be hard to work with him. “My question of ‘Is there player in team, speak English, maybe can speak with me if problem today?’ was met with a blank look from Matija. “I tried again with even worse broken English and the stone look remained on his face. “I was defeated. I looked at Matija and said clearly I’m wasting my time and getting nowhere.”Matija half smiled before replying in a strong Balkan accent: ‘Nine. Speak English him’.”Delighted and very proud of myself I replied ‘Ah you understand English little. This is good. He speak good English?’ “Matija smiled and replied… ‘Yeah, it’s not bad, it’s my brother Oliver, we’re from Grimsby… I just wanted to see how long you’d carry that nonsense on.'”He’d done me like a kipper.”Madley added: “Sincerest condolences to his family and his friends. Rest in peace Matija.”He has whistled over 90 top flight matches in his career. Grimsby-born Sarkic was the son of Montenegro ambassador Bojan Sarkic.Sarkic had only moved to the Den last season, where he helped the club to a midtable finish and penned a long-term contract.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe had also starred for Wolves, Shrewsbury, Birmingham, Stoke, Aston Villa and Anderlecht in his career.Matija Sarkic careerAll you need to know about his career:
      Clubs:
      Aston Villa (2015-2020)
      Wigan (Loan 2017/2018)
      Stratford Town (Loan 2018/2019)
      Havant & Waterlooville (Loan 2019)
      Livingston (Loan 2019/2020)
      Wolves (2020-2023)
      Shrewsbury (Loan 2020/21)
      Birmingham (Loan 2021/22)
      Stoke (Loan 2023)
      Millwall (2023/24)
      Honours:
      Birmingham City Player of the Season 2022
      International:Montenegro (9 caps) More

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      Matija Sarkic’s heartbroken twin brother posts emotional photo after Millwall star dies tragically aged just 26

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      MATIJA SARKIC’s twin brother Oliver posted a heartbreaking photo after the former Millwall star’s death.Matija, 26, passed away in Montenegro this morning in a tragedy that rocked the football world.Oliver Sarkic paid tribute to his twin brother MatijaCredit: INSTAGRAM: OLIVERSARKIC10The brothers both played in Anderlecht’s academy and Montenegro’s Under-21sOliver and Matija Sarkic were born in GrimsbyThe Grimsby-born brothers both attended the British School of Brussels after following their diplomat father Bojan to Belgium.They both came through Anderlecht’s academy but while Matija joined Aston Villa in 2015, attacking midfielder Oliver went to Benfica.After playing 44 times for the Portuguese giants’ B team, he joined Leeds on a permanent deal in 2018 after a brief loan stint.From there Oliver headed to League One Burton Albion, where he scored five goals in 37 outings.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe playmaker also featured for Blackpool and Mansfield before heading to Uzbekistani outfit Pakhtakor Tashkent in 2022.After a successful spell, he moved to Montenegrin team Decic last year and has 13 goals in 51 league games.Matija had nine caps for Montenegro, including a man-of-the-match performance against Euro 2024 contenders Belgium last week.Oliver, meanwhile, played ten times for their Under-21s but has not made the step up to senior international level.Most read in FootballMillwall issued a heartbreaking statement to confirm the death of their goalkeeper this morning.The eight-cap Montenegro star reportedly fell ill while on international duty in the town of Budva.Matija Sarkic career stats
      Millwall: 33 games, 12 clean sheets
      Shrewsbury: 29 games, 11 clean sheets
      Birmingham: 23 games, 10 clean sheets
      Livingston: 18 games, nine clean sheets
      Stoke: Eight games, three clean sheets
      Wigan: Three games
      Havant & Waterlooville: One game

      Montenegrin state-owned TV station RTCG report that Sarkic went for a walk with pals, had dinner in a restaurant and returned to his apartment early.He is believed to have told friends he felt ill after waking up at around 6am this morning and they called an ambulance but it was too late.Tributes have flooded in for Sarkic from the football world, including former clubs Aston Villa and Birmingham.Villa posted on X: “Everyone at Aston Villa is deeply saddened by news of the passing of our former goalkeeper Matija Sarkic.”Matija joined our academy in 2015 and spent five years with the club, during which time he made his full international debut for Montenegro, before departing in the summer of 2020.”The thoughts and condolences of all at the club are with his family and friends at this incredibly sad time.” More

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      Unsung hero Kevin Campbell scored crucial goals in Arsenal’s amazing 90s success and saved Everton from relegation

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      KEVIN CAMPBELL has at times, unfairly, been overlooked when Arsenal fans recall their team of the early nineties.The striker often found himself playing second fiddle to club legends like Alan Smith and Ian Wright, who, at the time, were at the peak of their powers.Former Arsenal and Everton hitman Kevin Campbell has died aged 54Credit: GETTYHe tragically passed away having been a servant to many clubsCredit: GettyCampbell’s contributions to the Gunners are often forgottenCredit: GETTYThe late striker played a pivotal role in some of the club’s triumphs in the ninetiesCredit: REXBut his contributions to the club’s success during the George Graham era deserve recognition.They should have been highlighted and lauded long before his untimely passing.After all, he scored some truly crucial goals for the club – in particular during their Cup double-winning campaign in the 1992/93 season.There would have been no League and FA Cup double had it not been for his vital equalisers against Millwall and Derby County respectively.READ MORE ON KEVIN CAMPBELLThose goals wouldn’t be his only pivotal contributions, with Campbell scoring in the semi-final of the club’s victorious European Cup Winners Cup campaign the following season.Campbell’s love affair with the Gunners would come to an end after the 1994/95 season, in which he fell further down the pecking order at Highbury after his form waned.He was sold to Nottingham Forest for an initial fee of £2.5million and spent three seasons at the City Ground.He suffered the pain of relegation in the 1996/97 season but stuck around to fire the club back to the top flight the following season, in which he scored 23 goals.Most read in FootballKevin Campbell was a driving force in Everton’s beating of the drop in the 1998/99 seasonCredit: GettyHe wrote himself into Toffes folklore with a winner at Anfield in the Merseyside derbyCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDCampbell, however, didn’t stick around as he controversially upped sticks to join Turkish outfit Trabzonspor the following summer.His move to Turkey was seemingly the catalyst for Forest’s then-star striker Pierre van Hooijdonk to go on strike for THREE MONTHS.Arsenal’s five season-defining momentsCampbell would spend a mere seven months in Trabzon before joining Everton, where he has legendary status.He almost singlehandedly saved the Toffees from relegation in the 1998/99 season with nine goals in eight appearances.His incredible relegation-saving haul is still, to this day, talked about by the Goodison Park faithful.He further wrote his name into Everton folklore the following season with a winning goal in the Merseyside Derby at Anfield.Campbell scored a total of 39 goals in 150 appearances for the Toffees, whom he captained in the 2001-02 campaign.As well as being Everton’s first-ever black captain, he’s the club’s fifth-highest Premier League goalscorer.Kevin Campbell’s career stats
      Arsenal: 1998-95, 163 appearances, 46 goals
      Leyton Orient (loan): 1989, 16 appearances, 9 goals
      Leicester City (loan): 1989, 11 appearances, 5 goals
      Nottingham Forest: 1995-98, 77 appearances, 31 goals
      Trabsonzpor: 1998-99, 18 appearances, 5 goals
      Everton: 1998-05, 151 appearances, 39 goals
      West Brom: 2004-06, 49 appearances, 6 goals
      Total: 521 appearances, 149 goals
      Honours: Arsenal – Division One (1991), FA Cup (1993), League Cup (1993), Community Shield (1991), European Cup Winners’ Cup (1994)
      Nottingham Forest – Football League First Division (1998)

      Campbell would leave Goodison in January 2005 following the expiration of his contract, which paved the way for a move to West Brom.And he was at his relegation-saving best with three goals in 18 appearances that helped the Baggies become the first team to beat the drop after being bottom at Christmas.He replicated the haul the following season but the Baggies ended up dropping into the Championship.Campbell would bring the curtain down on his career after the 2006-07 season, in which he made 20 appearances for Stoke City.Campbell never got the opportunity to represent his country in his near 20-year professional career.He likely would have had England not been blessed with so many top strikers in the 90s.The closest he got to a cap was a standby spot for a friendly with Spain in 1992.Like many former footballers, Campbell would eventually transition into a life of punditry – lending his expertise to the likes of Sky Sports and the Premier League when his former sides played.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut he also – even though he didn’t have to – made several appearances on up-and-coming fan channels.That alone is a testament to the character of the man, who was a titan off the pitch as he was on it.Kevin Campbell helped West Brom complete an incredible Great Escape in the 2004/05 seasonCredit: PACampbell retired from football in 2007 after a single season with Cardiff CityCredit: ACTION IMAGES More

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      Football in mourning at shocking news Millwall star Matija Sarkic has tragically died aged 26

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      THE FOOTBALL world is in mourning after Millwall star Matija Sarkic’s tragic death.The Championship side confirmed the shocking news this morning to supporters.Montenegro goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has died aged 26Credit: EPAA host of tributes have poured in after the tragic news was confirmed by MillwallCredit: GettyThe eight-cap Montenegro star fell ill while on international duty in the town of Budva, according to Montenegrin TV outlet RTCG.Montenegrin state-owned TV station RTCG report that Sarkic went for a walk with pals, had dinner in a restaurant and returned to his apartment early.He is believed to have told friends he felt ill after waking up at around 6am this morning and they called an ambulance but it was too late.Millwall announced that the 26-year-old had passed away, leading to a host of tributes to come in supporters of former clubs like Wolves, Aston Villa, Birmingham and Stoke as well as those in South London.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHis former Villa team-mate, Finnish goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo, 22, led them by posting: “RIP Matija Sarkic, shocking news to wake up to this morning.“World such a cruel place sometimes, an amazing person and a great friend! Huge condolences to all his family and close ones.”Millwall’s supporters club released a statement on X that read: “RIP Matija Sarkic.“What horrendous news to wake up to this morning that our goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has died at the young age of 26.Most read in Football“Devastating news for his friends and family and for all of us associated with Millwall.“Once a lion, always a lion.”Stoke City community trust fundraising officer Steve Hunt wrote: “GUTTED to hear today ex stokie Matija Sarkic has passed away at 26 no age what so ever. Great lad thoughts with his family RIP.”Paul Delves, vice-chairman of the Birmingham City official supporters club, posted: “Heartbreaking news this morning that our former goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has tragically passed away at the age of 26.”The stopper left Aston Villa to sign for Wolves in 2020Credit: GettyA fellow Birmingham fan said: “So sad. Was an amazing character on and off the pitch.“Another message read: “This is tragic, at 26? He just started his life. All that grind to make it to professional football. My thoughts are with his family and friends. So sad. RIP.”Sarkic was in Anderlecht’s academy in Belgian before he was snapped up by Aston Villa in 2015.The Grimsby-born goalie then signed for Wolves in 2020 and headed out on loan to the likes of Shrewsbury, Birmingham and Stoke for further experience.His displays on them eventually convinced Millwall to make a permanent move last summer and Sarkic made 32 appearances for the Lions.But a statement from the club confirmed the horrible news this morning that their star had lost his life.Sarkic also enjoyed a loan spell in Scotland with LivingstonCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun GlasgowIt read: “Millwall Football Club is completely devastated to announce that Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26.“Sarkic, The Lions’ number one goalkeeper, made 33 appearances for the club since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 2023.“A Montenegro international, Matija proudly represented his country on numerous occasions.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Everyone at the club sends their love and condolences to Matija’s family and friends at this immensely sad time.“The club will make no further comment at this time and asks that the privacy of Matija’s family is respected.”MATIJA SARKICAll you need to know about his career:
      Clubs:
      Aston Villa (2015-2020)
      Wigan (Loan 2017/2018)
      Stratford Town (Loan 2018/2019)
      Havant & Waterlooville (Loan 2019)
      LIvingston (Loan 2019/2020)
      Wolves (2020-2023)
      Shrewsbury (Loan 2020/21)
      Birmingham City (Loan 2021/22)
      Stoke City (Loan 2023)
      Millwall (2023/24)
      Honours:
      Birmingham City Player of the Season 2022
      International:
      Montenegro (8 caps) More

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      ‘Completely devastated’ Millwall issue heartbreaking statement to confirm Matija Sarkic has tragically died aged 26

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      MILWALL issued a heartbreaking statement to confirm the death of goalkeeper Matija Sarkic at 26. The eight-cap Montenegro star reportedly fell ill while on international duty in the town of Budva.Matija Sarkic passed away aged 26Credit: GettyAnd his current club Millwall broke the news of the tragic passing online. A statement read: “Millwall football club is completely devastated to announce that Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26.”Sarkic, The Lions’ No1 goalkeeper, made 33 appearances for the club since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 2023.”A Montenegro international, Matija proudly represented his country on numerous occasions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Everyone at the club sends their love and condolences to Matija’s family and friends at this immensely sad time.”The club will make no further comment at this time and asks that the privacy of Matija’s family is respected.”West Ham responded in a social media post: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of Matija Šarkić. “Our condolences to everybody at Millwall as well as Matija’s family and friends.”Most read in FootballFormer club Birmingham added: “Everyone at Birmingham City is shocked and saddened to learn of the news that our former goalkeeper, Matija Sarkic, has passed away at the age of 26. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and all those that knew him.”Millwall Supporters’ Club posted on X: “What horrendous news to wake up to this morning that our goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has died at the young age of 26. Devastating news for his friends and family and for all of us associated with Millwall. Once a lion, always a lion.”Sarkic was named man of the match in his last outing for Montenegro as he made nine saves in a 2-0 defeat to Euro 2024 hopefuls Belgium.He began his career in Anderlecht’s academy before being snapped up by Aston Villa in 2015.The Grimsby-born stopper joined Wolves in 2020 and found form in loan spells with Shrewsbury, Birmingham and Stoke.That convinced Millwall to make a permanent move last summer and Sarkic made 33 appearances for the Lions.Rana the psychic lion makes worrying prediction for England vs Serbia Euro 2024 opener More

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      Who is Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic, what was his cause of death?

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      THE football world has been left stunned by the news that Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26. Sarkic played for his country Montenegro last week in a 2-0 defeat to Belgium but was named his side’s man of the match. Matija Sarkic was Millwall’s No 1 keeper throughout the 2023/24 seasonCredit: PAIt’s been reported by RTCG in Montenegro that Sarkic collapsed and fell ill while on holiday and died shortly after.A Millwall statement read: “Millwall Football Club is completely devastated to announce that Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26.”Sarkic, The Lions’ number one goalkeeper, made 33 appearances for the club since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 2023.”A Montenegro international, Matija proudly represented his country on numerous occasions.”Everyone at the club sends their love and condolences to Matija’s family and friends at this immensely sad time.”The club will make no further comment at this time and asks that the privacy of Matija’s family is respected.”Who is Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic, how did he die?Sarkic began his career at Aston Villa before loan moves with Wigan and Stratford Town.It was at Livingston in Scotland where he began to play first team football .Most read in FootballWolves then signed Sarkic in 2020 before he moves on to Shrewsbury and Birmingham on loan.But it was at Millwall and for his countey Montenegro where he made his biggest impact.Last season he was the Lions’ No 1 goalkeeper, making 33 appearances all in all.He made 8 appearances for his country, including him recent friendlies.Montenegrin state-owned TV station RTCG report that Sarkic went for a walk with pals, had dinner in a restaurant and returned to his apartment early.He is believed to have told friends he felt ill after waking up at around 6am this morning and they called an ambulance but it was too late. More