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      Leeds on track to win TWO trophies in same week ahead of final day of Championship season

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      LEEDS UNITED are on the brink of winning TWO club trophies this week ahead of the final day of the Championship season.Leeds’ under-21s got the first job ticked off with a 2-1 National League Cup final victory over Sutton United on Tuesday night.Leeds United’s under-21 side won the inaugural National League cup on TuesdayCredit: GettyLeeds and Burnley are in a battle to win the Championship on the final dayCredit: RexBut if Leeds slip-up, the Clarets will be looking to pounce with a home win against play-off chasing MillwillCredit: PAAnd now the first team need to follow that up by winning the Championship at Home Park on Saturday lunchtime. A win over already relegated side Plymouth Argyle will be enough to secure the title over second place Burnley.As it stands, Leeds and Burnley sit level on 97 points, but Daniel Farke’s side lead the way with a superior 13-point goal difference.But if Leeds slip-up, the Clarets will be looking to pounce with a home win against play-off chasing Millwill, as both can finish the campaign with 100 points. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Whites returned to the summit after hammering Bristol City 4-0 at their final game at Elland Road this season. Scott Parker’s side had temporarily moved ahead with a 5-0 thrashing of QPR on Saturday lunchtime.With both sides already promoted to the Premier League, all that is left to decide is the destination of the league title on the final day.But the under-21 side led by example when they became the inaugural National League Cup winners, which pits Premier League and EFL youth team players against National League clubs.Most read in FootballHarry Gray doubled Leeds’ under-21s lead to win the National League Cup finalCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHarry Gray – who is the younger brother of Tottenham’s Archie Gray – put his side in firm control after Diogo Monteiro’s opener.Harry has enjoyed a brilliant week after celebrating promotion with the first team, following his senior debut in Leeds’ 6-0 thrashing of Stoke City on Easter Monday,’Looks class’ – Three-time English champs release incredible video as they prepare to build one of UK’s biggest stadiumsLeeds were mathematically promoted hours later after Sheffield United failed to beat Burnley, who also went up on Easter Monday.Harry, 16, was an unused sub against Bristol City, and will be hoping he can get a second senior outing on the final day.He remarkably became the fifth family member to play for Leeds, after Archie, their dad, grandad and club legend great uncle Eddie.It was Eddie who broke down in tears when the teenager made his debut against Stoke a fortnight ago.After winning the National League Cup, Gray told LUTV: “I’m enjoying it.”It’s been a good week to be honest. I just want more, I want to keep scoring goals but hopefully in the first team next year, prove myself.”Read More on The SunThe £1m prize fund from the Premier League is meted out only to the National League clubs, who also keep all gate receipts.Leeds are set to host a bus parade to celebrate their promotion back to the top-flight – even if the club miss out on becoming champions. More

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      Wolves frontrunners to sign Jamie Vardy – but Leicester star could make emotional return to former club

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      WOLVES are front-runners to land Jamie Vardy — with the veteran striker determined to keep playing in the Prem.The 38-year-old star’s announcement that he will leave relegated Leicester this summer has sparked a flurry of interest.Vitor Pereira’s Wolves are the frontrunners to sign Jamie VardyCredit: RexVardy has announced he is leaving Leicester when his contract expiresCredit: RexBut Vardy could instead return to former club Sheffield WednesdayCredit: RexWrexham’s Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney could offer him at least £50,000 a week in the Championship.And Vardy’s boyhood club Sheffield Wednesday would love to welcome him back after releasing him at the age of 16.But he is adamant he can still cut it in the top flight.West Ham and newly-promoted Leeds are also keen.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWolves boss Vitor Pereira is favourite to land him as he prepares for the exit of £62.5million star Matheus Cunha, most likely to Manchester United.Vardy has 143 Prem goals for the Foxes and rattled in 24 during their sensational title-winning triumph of 2015-16.SunSport columnist Harry Redknapp believes Vardy should make the “no-brainer” switch to Wrexham.Ex-England star Vardy announced his decision to leave Leicester following the club’s relegation to the Championship in a season he called a “s***show”.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIn a heartfelt statement, he said: “It’s something that I’ve thought about and spoken about with my family. I think it’s time.”I’ll be devastated on the day when it is the last [game], but good things, they come to an end.Jamie Vardy anounces he’s LEAVING Leicester in emotional video with striker left close to tears after 13 years”It’s going to be one of those emotional days. Who knows which way that can go. If you ask anyone, I’m not really an emotional guy.”Nothing like that ever comes across with me, but when you’ve been somewhere for so long, and it is time to say goodbye, you just never know what your personal reaction is going to be.”I’ve spent 13 unbelievable years at this club, with lots of success, and some downs, but the majority have all been highs.”It’s finally time to call it a day, which I’m devastated about it, but I think the timing it right.” More

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      QPR boss Marti Cifuentes put on gardening leave days before final match of season with rivals ready to swoop for him

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      QPR BOSS Marti Cifuentes has been put on gardening leave just days before the final match of the season as rivals prepare to swoop.The Spanish coach, 42, has led QPR to 15th in the Championship table ahead of Saturday’s clash at Sunderland.QPR have put manager Marti Cifuentes on gardening leaveCredit: RexBut Cifuentes will not take charge of the game after the Hoops put him on gardening leave.SunSport exclusively revealed last week that Cifuentes could quit the club this summer after a breakdown in his relationship with chief executive Christian Nourry.He has since been strongly linked with West Brom following Tony Mowbray’s sacking.And QPR have now confirmed that Cifuentes will not take charge against Sunderland, with assistants Kevin Betsy and Xavi Calm filling in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA statement read: “Marti Cifuentes has been placed on gardening leave. “Assistant coaches Kevin Betsy and Xavi Calm will take charge of first-team affairs on an interim basis and prepare the squad for our final fixture of the 2024/25 campaign against Sunderland.”CEO Nourry said: “This is naturally a disappointing situation for everyone concerned.“I fully understand and appreciate supporters’ frustrations at this time.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“As a club, we are working to ensure this matter is resolved as swiftly as possible so we can start preparations in earnest for the future.”As revealed by SunSport, Cifuentes is a highly popular figure among QPR fans after saving them from relegation last season.Shelbourne ace Greg Costello recalls feeling homesick after daunting move to QPR as a teen But he has grown frustrated with the huge number of injuries his squad encountered this season, which ended their flickering play-off hopes and will result in a lower-mid-table finish.Cifuentes is also unhappy at the club’s decision to allow director of performance Ben Williams to oversee the club’s sports science, medical, physio and nutrition departments remotely from Dubai.And after this month’s 2-1 home defeat by Swansea, he wanted assurances the club want to progress to the next level having dropped out of the Premier League ten years ago.The Spaniard said: “The supporters since I first came here have been amazing.“But I would like to give them something else and not just celebrate another season in the Championship.” More

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      Steven Gerrard tipped to ‘take inspiration from Frank Lampard’ and return to English management with Championship side

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      STEVEN GERRARD has been advised to follow in fellow England legend Frank Lampard’s footsteps in the Championship.Gerrard, 44, has been out of a job these past three months after his departure from Saudi outfit Al-Ettifaq, where he spent two years.Steven Gerrard has been advised to join West BromGerrard could follow in Frank Lampard’s footsteps at Coventry where he turned his career aroundDavid Prutton believes Gerrard can have the same success as Lampard in the ChampionshipThe Liverpool legend has seen his stock decrease after his hapless stint in Saudi Arabia, where he lost 20 out of 55 matches, of which he won 19. However, Sky Sports EFL presenter David Prutton insists there is a way back for Stevie G, and it starts in the English second division.Prutton, 43, named Lampard, 46, as the perfect example to follow as he has turned his career around after joining Coventry in November.The Chelsea legend found himself in a tough spot after a disappointing stint at Everton and a failed return at Stamford Bridge during the 2022-23 season.Read More on FootballHowever, the legendary midfielder has regained some of the magic he showed at Derby as he transformed Coventry from relegation strugglers to Premier League promotion challengers.Prutton advised Gerrard to do the same by joining West Brom, who have been without a manager since Tony Mowbray’s dismissal earlier this month.The Nottingham Forest hero believes the legendary midfielder could regain the old prowess he enjoyed at Rangers, where he won the Scottish Premiership in 2021, and Aston Villa, where he shone during the 2021-22 season.Prutton told Football League World: “Another stellar player that I would say, if you want to be a manager for 25, 30 years then he’s still kind of working his way to that rhythm, having worked all over the world.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Maybe he’d have taken heed or inspiration from what Frank Lampard’s experienced at Coventry City, and obviously Derby before that.”The Championship is a very smart way to get a decent body of work in to show people what you can do.Steven Gerrard spotted at major sporting event as he gives personal update after Al-Ettifaq exit”And West Brom, yes there might be a bit of turnover of players, take a look at what the ownership are expecting going into next season, but yes the profile works.”It is just whether that works then with regards to the players involved.”But, again, what I’ve seen is a man and a manager that is very humble, very empathetic to his players, understands that not everyone is Steven Gerrard so would ask different things of his team.”And I think [he’s] been unfairly struck off in certain areas, quick to dismiss a manager’s career when it hits a little bump in the road.”But, given how ambitious he is, his standards as a player and his ability to infuse and inspire a side, I think West Brom would be quite right looking at Steven Gerrard as a potential candidate.” More

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      Man Utd legend Jonny Evans and England striker among stars Wrexham could target after promotion to Championship

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      MANCHESTER UNITED star Jonny Evans is among Wrexham’s major targets as part of their Premier League push, according to reports.The Welsh club celebrated promotion to the Championship over the weekend after Leyton Orient beat Wycombe Wanderers.Jonny Evans fits the profile of stars Wrexham want to sign this summerCredit: GettyThe Welsh club celebrated promotion to the Championship at the weekendCredit: RexIt marked a record-breaking third successive promotion to make it to England’s second tier, just two years after the club owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney was playing in the National League.However, the Hollywood duo have made no secret of their ambition to reach the Premier League, and have suitably bankrolled a number of lucrative deals to bring the club up the leagues so quickly.The Championship will represent arguably Wrexham’s toughest challenge yet, but a number of top flight players could become available to help them achieve their next goal.Manager Phil Parkinson said the club was “always planning” but admitted that while they have not spoken about anyone in particular they do have a profile of targets who are free agents.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “We haven’t really spoken about anything. We’ve always got our eye on players who are free transfers and are going to be available.“I think it’s interesting because the jump in salaries is incredible, mind-blowing. Even coming up to this level, the jump to get players of Championship quality is expensive.“But obviously the next level, I don’t think people outside football quite realise. “They think players in League One must be multi-millionaires, but the drop-off from what people read in the press about Premier League players is huge.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“That is a challenge but what we’ve always tried to do is make sure the culture in the club is right. “No superstars, no egos in the dressing room, and we’ve got to try to get that balance right again, to make sure the right people come into the building.”Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LAPremier League internationals over the age of 30 who are out of contract this summer could be ideal candidates to bolster the squad with a combination of quality, experience and attainability.The likes of Man Utd’s Jonny Evans, Newcastle’s Callum Wilson, Everton’s Michael Keane, Leicester’s Jamie Vardy or even Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne all fit this category.While some of these names may seem far fetched, Wrexham accounts show a remarkable robustness, making the possibility of making one of these signings more realistic.Club accounts going up to June 2024 covering their season in League Two show revenues of £26.7million – which is a figure greater than seven Championship clubs including ex-Prem champions Blackburn -with the average revenue for a club not receiving parachute payments said to land at around the £22m mark.Sponsorship for that season had risen to £13.1m from £1.8m thanks to deals with United Airlines and Stok coffee.That figure is likely to rise when the next set of accounts emerge and detail their League One books, while there will almost certainly be a new season of Disney+ documentary “Welcome to Wrexham”.The latest series of the show will Premiere on May 16, with industry experts calculating every episode to be worth £300,000 to Reynolds and McElhenney’s production company.Wrexham also have the third-highest payroll in League One at an estimated total salary of £10.7m this season, all while operating at a reported loss of £2.7m and a £15m loan repayment to Reynolds and McElhenney.The Times report that sum comes from new minority owners, the billionaire Allyn family, who have a background in medical devices and are described as the driving force behind the club’s Premier League push.Speaking about the challenge of the next level, six-time promotion winner Parkinson said: “I think everybody knows the jump is huge. “I remember when I took Bolton up [in 2016-17], it was, ‘Phew! This is huge!’ in terms of the physicality and power in the division.Read More on The Sun“But I’m confident we will be well prepared for that. I think that a lot of tough decisions will be made this summer, but let’s see if we can build a squad to compete at that level.”Only two other clubs in English football history – Truro City (South Western League to Southern League between 2005 and 2009) and Shaw Lane (Sheffield and Hallam County Senior League to Northern Counties East Premier from 2011 to 2015) – have achieved four promotions in a row across the English pyramid.How Wrexham could line up next season2025 Premier League free agents over 32A list of select Premier League stars over the age of 32 who are becoming free agents this summer:Kevin De Bruyne, 33 – Manchester City Jamie Vardy, 38 – LeicesterCallum Wilson, 33 – NewcastleBen Davies, 32 – TottenhamJorginho, 33 – ArsenalAbdoulaye Doucoure, 32 – EvertonVladimir Coufal, 32 – West HamDanny Ings, 32 – West HamJoel Veltmam, 33 – BrightonPablo Sarabia, 32 – WolvesMichael Keane, 32 – EvertonChristian Eriksen, 33- Man UtdRaul Jimenez, 33 – FulhamWilly Boly, 34 – Nottingham ForestIdrissa Gueye, 35 – EvertonTom Cairney, 34 – FulhamCraig Dawson, 34 – WolevsNathaniel Clyne, 34 – Crystal PalaceFraser Forster, 37 – TottenhamJames Milner, 38 – BrightonAdam Lallana, 36 – SouthamptonBen Mee, 35 – BrentfordAshley Young, 39 – Everton More

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      Jamie Vardy ‘plotting shock Premier League transfer’ as ex-England star, 38, confirms Leicester exit

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      JAMIE VARDY believes that he can still play in the Premier League and does not want to drop down to the Championship. Vardy, 38, confirmed that he would be leaving Leicester City after 13 years, with the Foxes relegated from the top flight with a whimper. Vardy will blow the whistle on his 13-year stay at LeicesterCredit: GettyVardy was powerless to stop the Foxes falling to another defeat at WolvesCredit: AlamyThe striker brandished the campaign a “s***show” before announcing he was leaving in an emotional farewell message. The Foxes’ fate was sealed when they failed to beat champions Liverpool at home. His spell at the King Power Stadium included winning the Premier League title in 2015-16, to go along with his Player of the Season and place in the PFA Team of the Year. He won the Premier League Golden Boot in 2019-20 on 23 goals, one ahead of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Read more FootballVardy has scored seven goals in 32 games this term for Leicester. He had previously been tipped to make “the most obvious transfer of all time” to Wrexham. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHowever, Sky Sports reported that Vardy does not want to drop down to the second tier, instead fancying himself to keep doing the business in the top flight.He had previously been linked with a move to Major League Soccer, while former Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp believes that should Vardy join Wrexham, owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the striker could fire the Welsh side into the Premier League. Most read in FootballWrexham were promoted to the Championship last weekend after they beat Charlton Athletic 3-0 at the Racecourse Ground. Jamie Vardy reveals best XI he’s played with at Leicester with huge snub to England stars and entire current squadHe has also been touted for a fairytale return to his boyhood club Sheffield Wednesday. Vardy, who won 26 caps for England, scoring seven times, is reported to begin his hunt for a new club after the end of the league season.  More

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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