More stories

  • in

    Chelsea have second Jamie Gittens bid REJECTED and face race against time to sign wonderkid as Mike Maignan deal OFF

    Attention,
    Our system has indicated that your user behaviour is potentially automated.
    News Group Newspapers Limited does not permit the access, collection, text or data mining of any content from our Service by any automated means whether directly or through an intermediary service. This is stated in our terms and conditions.
    This includes use of content for machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI) purposes, engineering large language models (LLMs) or related generative AI systems.
    If you would like to inquire about the commercial use of our content, please contact crawlerpermissions@news.co.uk. More

  • in

    Meet the glamorous Club World Cup Wags including Maya Jama, Messi’s wife and model who has unusual relationship contract

    Attention,
    Our system has indicated that your user behaviour is potentially automated.
    News Group Newspapers Limited does not permit the access, collection, text or data mining of any content from our Service by any automated means whether directly or through an intermediary service. This is stated in our terms and conditions.
    This includes use of content for machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI) purposes, engineering large language models (LLMs) or related generative AI systems.
    If you would like to inquire about the commercial use of our content, please contact crawlerpermissions@news.co.uk. More

  • in

    Chelsea target Mike Maignan ‘tells AC Milan in no uncertain terms he wants £12.5m Blues transfer before Club World Cup’

    MIKE MAIGNAN has told AC Milan in ‘no uncertain terms’ he wants to complete his transfer to Chelsea in time for the Club World Cup, according to reports. Enzo Maresca is prioritising bringing in a new goalkeeper as soon as possible.Chelsea want to sign AC Milan and France goalkeeper Mike MaignanCredit: GettyHis patience has run thin with current stoppers Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen, while Kepa Arrizabalaga looks set to join Arsenal for £5million.And with Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign beginning on Monday, there is an urgency to get the deal done quickly.Now Ben Jacobs reports Maignan, 29, is keen to complete the move to West London.And he has made his feelings very clear to his current employers so he can play at the Club World Cup. READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSWATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZNThe report claims the ex-PSG man ‘made it clear in no uncertain terms’ that he will not extend his Milan contract which expires in a year’s time. So Maignan is pushing for an immediate exit to complete the switch and link up with his new team-mates.All transfers must be completed by June 10 to take effect for the club tournament in the United States. Talks are ongoing between Chelsea and AC Milan, with personal terms already agreed with the player.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut the sticking point could be the transfer fee.The Stamford Bridge side are willing to pay around £13m for Maignan – but the Italians want more than that, possibly £15m. From embarrassing Chelsea pal to interview with dad – Five times Cole Palmer stole show AFTER Conference League finalsThe Frenchman has 32 international caps to his name and is regarded by many as one of the best keepers in the world.He has been in the Serie A Team of the Year twice in four seasons and he won the title with Milan in 2022 after keeping 17 clean sheets.Chelsea are among the biggest clubs at the reformatted 32-team Club World Cup, alongside Manchester City, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, PSG and Bayern Munich. Maresca’s men kick off their Group D campaign against Los Angeles FC on Monday – followed by Flamengo (June 20) and Esperance (June 25).Watch EVERY match of the Club World Cup 2025 live on DAZN More

  • in

    Inside Club World Cup stadiums including TWO $1.6BILLION arenas to historic venue set to host Oasis later this year

    THE Club World Cup kicks off this Saturday and final preparations are being made in the United States.Some of the globe’s top clubs will take part in a new-look tournament over the next month, each battling for a place in the final on July 13 in New Jersey.The Club World Cup kicks off in the US this weekendCredit: GettyWith 32 teams competing, some of the biggest and most iconic stadiums in the US have been selected as host venues.From the MetLife Stadium to Lincoln Financial Field, SunSport has looked at each of the grounds in preparation for the tournament.Rose Bowl (Los Angeles)The Rose Bowl is an 88,700-capacity stadium located in Pasedena, California.First opened in 1922, the venue primarily hosted American football games throughout its early years.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt instantly became home to the Rose Bowl Game, a yearly college football game played on New Year’s Day.In addition, the Rose Bowl has played host to five Super Bowl games, the most recent being in 1992.Although it is primarily recognised for its American football history, the stadium is also used for regular football.It hosted the 1994 World Cup final and the 1999 Women’s World Cup final.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFurthermore, the US men’s national team has played there 17 times and it was previously the home fo LA Galaxy for six years.The Rose Bowl has also hosted some huge entertainment events and concerts.Dazn unveil brilliant Club World Cup promo video with legendary boxing announcer drafted in to ring bell on tournamentThe likes of Taylor Swift, Coldplay, Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Ed Sheeran and Green Day have all played there.Oasis are scheduled to perform at the stadium in September this year.The Rose Bowl holds 88,700 spectatorsCredit: GettyIt is a multi-purpose stadiumCredit: GettyMetLife Stadium (New Jersey)The MetLife Stadium is an 82,500-capacity stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.It is the designated venue for the Club World Cup final this summer, which is set for July 13.Opened just 15 years ago, the stadium is one of two venues on our list that cost an estimated $1.6billion (£1.2bn) to build. It has played host to numerous NFL games and is now home to the New York Jets and the New York Giants.It also hosted Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014, which was won by the Seattle Seahawks.The US men’s national team has played there on several occasions, with some pre-season friendlies having taken place at the ground as well – including a match between Arsenal and Manchester United in 2023 and one between Barcelona and Real Madrid last year.In addition, the likes of Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Beyonce, Elton John, Lady Gaga and P!nk are among the stars to have performed there.Taylor Swift also performed three dates of her iconic Eras Tour at the MetLife Stadium two years ago and had a record-breaking total attendance of 217,625 fans across the weekend.The MetLife Stadium cost $1.6billion to buildCredit: GettyIt is home to the New York Jets and the New York GiantsCredit: GettyBank of America Stadium (Charlotte)The Bank of America Stadium is a 74,800-capacity venue in Charlotte, North Carolina.Opened in 1996, the stadium has continued hosting every Carolina Panthers game.It is also the home of MLS team Charlotte FC, founded six years ago.In addition, several international football matches and club friendlies have taken place there.The Rolling Stones, Billy Joel, Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar and SZA are all among the acts to have performed there.The Bank of America Stadium has a capacity of 74,800Credit: Getty Images – GettyMercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)The Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a 71,000-seater venue in Atlanta, Georgia.Opened in August 2017, it is one of the youngest stadiums on this list and cost an estimated $1.6bn to build.The venue has played host to several high school and college American football events alongside NFL games.It hosted Super Bowl LIII in 2019, which was won by the New England Patriots.And it is next due to host the showpiece NFL event in 2028, as announced in October last year.The Mercedes-Benz Stadium is also home to MLS team Atlanta United.Atlanta have played every home match at the venue since moving there from the Bobby Dodd Stadium in the year it was opened.Several international matches have been played there as well, including two in the 2024 Copa America.Coldplay, Taylor Swift and Beyonce are among the superstars to have played concerts thereThe Mercedes-Benz Stadium opened in August 2017Credit: GettyIt is home to MLS team Atlanta United but hosted the Super Bowl in 2019Credit: ReutersWATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZNLincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia)Lincoln Financial Field is a 77,900-seater stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.It was opened in August 2003 and is home to Super Bowl winners the Philadelphia Eagles.The stadium also hosts games for the Temple Owls football team of Temple University.Although it is primarily known for American football, regular football has been played there on several occasions.Some international games have taken place at Lincoln Financial Field, as well as some club friendlies.It even played host to four group games at the 2003 Women’s World Cup.At this summer’s Club World Cup, seven matches will be played there in total, including a quarter-final.Some of the world’s biggest music acts have also played at the stadium.Lincoln Financial Field is the home of the Philadelphia EaglesCredit: GettyThe stadium will host seven Club World Cup gamesCredit: GettyLumen Field (Seattle)Based in Seattle, Lumen Field has a capacity of 68,740 and is home to NFL team Seattle Seahawks, MLS team Seattle Sounders and NWSL outfit Seattle Reign.It opened in 2002 and cost an estimated $752million (£554m) to build.It is used for both American and regular football, putting it in good stead to host three group stage games and three knockout games at this year’s Club World Cup.A temporary grass surface is set to be installed especially for the event.Lumen Field is located in SeattleCredit: GettyThe stadium hosts both NFL and football gamesCredit: GettyHard Rock Stadium (Miami)The Hard Rock Stadium is a 65,000-capacity venue based Miami, Florida.It is home to the Miami Dolphins of the NFL and college American football team the Miami Hurricanes.The stadium has played host to numerous major events over the years, including six Super Bowls and two World Series.It has also held some regular football games – including the 2024 Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia.Eight Club World Cup matches are set to be played there, including the opening match betweem Al-Ahly and Inter Miami.In addition, Sir Paul McCartney, Guns N’ Roses, Madonna, Taylor Swift and Beyonce are among the music artists to have performed there on their respective tours.Six Super Bowls have been held at the Hard Rock StadiumCredit: GettyIt is one of the most popular stadiums in the USCredit: GettyCamping World Stadium (Orlando)The Camping World Stadium was opened in late 1936 and is located in Orlando, Florida – less than a mile away from the Inter&Co Stadium, which is also set to host Club World Cup matches.It has continued to host different sports – mainly American and regular football – over the years.From 2017 to 2020 it held the NFL Pro Bowl, which then returned last year under the new title of Pro Bowl Games.In terms of football, matches were held there in both the men’s and women’s competitions at the 1996 Olympic Games.MLS side Orlando City played there from 2015 to 2016, as did NWSL team Orlando Pride when they were established nine years ago.Four Club World Cup games will be held there, including a round-of-16 match and a quarter-final.It has a capacity of 65,000.The Camping World Stadium will host four gamesCredit: GettyInter&Co Stadium (Orlando)Just a short walk from the Camping World Stadium is the Inter&Co Stadium in downtown Orlando.It is a football-specific venue that is the home of MLS side Orlando City and NWSL club Orlando Pride.Opened in 2017, it has a capacity of 25,500 and cost around $155m to build.As well as club football, several international games – both men’s and women’s – have taken place there.The stadium will host two games for the Club World Cup.The Inter&Co Stadium is less than a mile from the Camping World StadiumCredit: GettyGeodis Park (Nashville)Geodis Park is a 30,109-seater football-specific stadium located in Nashville, Tennessee.It has been the home of MLS club Nashville SC for the last three years and has also hosted a number of international games.Three Club World Cup group stages matches will be held at the venue, which cost an estimated $335m to build, this summer.Guns N’ Roses and Green Day have both played concerts there in recent years.Geodis Park will host three Club World Cup group stage matchesCredit: GettyTQL Stadium (Cincinnati)Located in Cincinnati, Ohio, the TQL stadium is a 26,000-seater football-specific venue that is the home of FC Cincinnati.It was opened just four years ago and cost around $250m to build.FC Cincinnati have played every home game at the stadium since it was opened, with some international games also taking place there.Four Club World Cup games will be played there, with the first on June 15.The TQL Stadium is a 26,000-seater football-specific venueCredit: GettyAudi Field (Washington D.C.)Audi Field is a football-specific venue in Washington D.C.It is the home of MLS club D.C. United as well as women’s teams DC Power and Washington Spirit.Having cost $450m to build, it opened in 2018 with a match between D.C. United and Vancouver Whitecaps.Read More on The SunInternational games have also taken place at the stadium.Three Club World Cup games will take place at Audi Field this summer.Audi Field is the home of D.C. UnitedCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Chelsea to be dumped out of Club World Cup in last 16 with shock champions beating City in final, predicts supercomputer

    A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted a surprise Club World Cup winner and that Chelsea will crash out in the last-16.The revamped 32-team tournament hosted in the United States gets underway on June 15.Chelsea are predicted to lose in the last-16Credit: GettyMan City are set to reach the finalCredit: GettyA supercomputer conducted by BoyleSports, who offer the latest Club World Cup odds, has simulated matches 10,000 times to come to its results.Chelsea are the heavy favourites to top their group featuring ES Tunis, Flamengo and Los Angeles FC.But the number crunching machine reckons the Blues will finish second behind the Tunisian side.That would see Enzo Maresca’s men face Benfica in the last-16, who are set to top a tough group of Bayern Munich, Boca Juniors and Auckland City.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZNAnd in a shock result, Chelsea will be beaten 3-1 by the Portuguese giants.On the other side of the draw, Manchester City have also been predicted to come runner-up in their group of Juventus, Al-Ain and Wydad Casablanca.Yet they will hit top form in the knockout stages, seeing off Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Juve to reach the final.The supercomputer reckons they will face surprise package Benfica in the showpiece on July 13 in New Jersey.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd they will incredibly beat another Premier League club, this time defeating City 2-1 to take home the trophy.PSG are set to have a hangover from Champions League glory and crash out to Palmeiras in a last-16 thriller.The Brazilians and Argentine juggernauts River Plate will be the best from South America, both going as far as the quarter-final.But Botafogo will give it a good go, coming out of their group instead of Atletico Madrid.Mega-rich Saudi Arabians Al-Hilal will progress from their group of Real Madrid, RB Salzburg and Pachuca before losing in the last-16.The bookies have Real, City, PSG and Bayern as the favourites – could clean up if Benfica come through for them.Benfica have been tipped to be shock winnersCredit: AlamyClub World Cup 2025 GuideSOME of the world’s biggest clubs are heading Stateside for a MAMMOTH Club World Cup.Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Man City, and Inter Miami are among the 32 teams taking part in the tournament, which runs from June 14 to July 13.Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Ousmane Dembele, Cole Palmer and Harry Kane will be showing their skills to packed crowds across the US.Los Blancos are favourites to lift the trophy in New York but will face stiff competition from around the globe.Watch EVERY match of the Club World Cup 2025 on DAZNHere’s everything you need to know ahead of the tournament…INFOLATEST NEWS & FEATURES More

  • in

    Chelsea launch emergency £13million transfer bid for AC Milan’s Mike Maignan in race against time for Club World Cup

    CHELSEA have tabled a £13million bid for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, according to reports.The Blues want to give their new No1 his debut at the Club World Cup, which begins next Sunday.Chelsea have made an offer to buy Mike Maignan in time for the Club World CupCredit: Shutterstock EditorialBut the deadline to register players for the revamped 32-team tournament is on Tuesday.And it means Chelsea face a race against time to get the transfer announced.The club have been locked in talks with both AC Milan and the player since last week.Maignan is thought to be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge and has already agreed personal terms.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZNThe 29-year-old has just a year left on his contract with the Italian side.And with the two parties no closer to agreement, Milan are set to cash-in this summer rather than risk losing him for free in 12 months’ time.Journalist Fabrizio Romano claims £13m will be enough to seal the deal, while Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport claim the fee is likely to be £15m.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMilan have already sounded out Roma’s Mile Svilar as Maignan’s replacement.Most read in FootballThe Frenchman has 31 international caps to his name and is regarded by many as one of the best keepers in the world.He has been in the Serie A Team of the Year twice in four seasons and he won the title with Milan in 2022 after keeping 17 clean sheets.There is set to be a lot of movement in Chelsea’s bloated goalkeeper department this summer.The first to go will reportedly be Kepa Arrizabalaga to Arsenal in a £5m deal.Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic face uncertain futures.Meanwhile, Chelsea are set to improve their bid for Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens.The Blues’ opening offer fell £10m short of their £40m valuation of the English winger, who has already agreed a seven-year contract in West London.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeWatch EVERY match of the Club World Cup 2025 live on DAZN More

  • in

    Club World Cup to trial FIVE ‘trailblazing innovations’ as Fifa chief confirms ‘groundbreaking’ new rule changes

    THE Club World Cup will trial five brand new rule changes when it kicks off later this month.Fifa’s revamped tournament gets underway on June 15 and will see top clubs from around the globe face off for an elaborate trophy and mega prize money. Fifa have announced five rule changes for the upcoming Club World CupCredit: ReutersFifa secretary general Mattias Grafstrom has labelled the changes as ‘trailblazing innovations’Credit: PAThe tournament, which used to feature just six teams, has been expanded to 32 teams, spanning Europe, South America, North America, Africa, Asia and Oceania.But it’s not just the tournament format that is going to look different, but also the way the games are officiated, after Fifa announced five “trailblazing innovations” to be used in the competition.Football’s world governing body, and tournament organisers, have revealed that fans will get to see more of the referee’s decision making than ever before.The first change announced is that referees will wear body cameras during matches, with the footage used during live match broadcasts.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhile footage from referee monitor reviews (VAR) will be aired live inside the stadium – something Premier League fans have been asking to see for some time.Fifa will also trial an “advanced” semi-automated offside technology using sensors inside the balls, in hopes of making further improvement on the tech already used in Uefa competitions like the Champions League.A fourth change will be the use of AI to collect live match data, helping fans see even more stats and figures to dissect the match.While the final innovation is that managers and coaching staff will be able to request their substitutions to the fourth official through a digital tablet, doing away with the old fashioned paper slips used at present.Most read in FootballReferee’s will wear body cameras that will be used during TV broadcastsVAR replays will be shown on screens inside stadiums at the tournamentCredit: ReutersClub World Cup 2025 GuideSOME of the world’s biggest clubs are heading Stateside for a MAMMOTH Club World Cup.Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Man City, and Inter Miami are among the 32 teams taking part in the tournament, which runs from June 14 to July 13.Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Ousmane Dembele, Cole Palmer and Harry Kane will be showing their skills to packed crowds across the US.Los Blancos are favourites to lift the trophy in New York but will face stiff competition from around the globe.Watch EVERY match of the Club World Cup 2025 on DAZNHere’s everything you need to know ahead of the tournament…INFOLATEST NEWS & FEATURESCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFifa’s secretary general Mattias Grafstrom praised the organisation for the new additions.He said: “Fifa has a proud history of breaking new ground at its elite tournaments, and the Fifa Club World Cup will continue that trend. The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will see the World’s best players decide which club is the greatest “With the best clubs competing for the title of world champions, it is fitting that these trailblazing innovations will be on display at such a prestigious tournament.”The tournament will be broadcast for free on streaming service DAZN in the UK.Fans can look forward to rare matchups between teams from different continents with clubs like Real Madrid, Flamengo, Man City, Chelsea and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami all involved.The tournament is taking place across the United States of America, with top NFL and MLS stadiums hosting the matches.The final, which takes place on July 13, will be hosted in New York at the MetLife Stadium – home of the New York Jets and New York Giants.Fifa’s new Club World Cup rulesHere’s a look at the five new ‘trailblazing innovations’ introduced by Fifa for the Club World Cup… Referees will wear body cameras with the footage used on live match broadcasts.Footage from referee monitor reviews will be aired live in stadiums.Advanced semi-automated offside technology will be in use. Balls will have a sensor inside.AI will be used to collect live match data as part of FIFA’s partnership with Hawk-Eye.Substitutions will be requested on a digital tablet rather than via paper slips. More

  • in

    ‘Almost decided’ – Cristiano Ronaldo reveals why he WON’T play at Club World Cup after ‘many invitations and proposals’

    CRISTIANO RONALDO appears to have ruled out playing in the upcoming Club World Cup. The 40-year-old’s future with Al-Nassr remains uncertain ahead of the tournament in the US later this month. Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up about his futureCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe 40-year-old is unlikely to feature in the upcoming Club World CupCredit: GettyRonaldo had been linked with a move away from the Saudi side, with his contract due to expire on June 30. The club remain confident they can convince Ronaldo to stay and pen a new deal. Al-Nassr are not participating in Fifa’s revamped 32-strong Club World Cup. Ronaldo had been linked with a fast-moving transfer, which would require the club to release him early from his contract so he could play in the competition.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA similar deal has been struck between Arsenal and Jorginho, who have released the midfielder early so he can join Flamengo.But Ronaldo has indicated a move in time for the tournament starting on June 15 is unlikely.Ronaldo said, via Fabrizio Romano: “It’s almost decided that I will NOT take part at the FIFA Club World Cup despite receiving many invitations and proposals.”There have been talks, contacts – but you have to think about short, medium and long term.”Most read in FootballRonaldo also opened up on the prospect of retirement.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKNow 40, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner appears to believe he has plenty of time left. He continued: “My mentality is to live day by day. Cristiano Ronaldo’s bodyguard Hichman Bukhari talks about the risks of protecting the football superstar “I don’t have many more years to play – but I’m enjoying the moment. “There’s no day decided for my retirement. “I feel happy, I’m here to enjoy and keep going.”Ronaldo has topped the scoring charts in the Saudi Pro League for the past two seasons.But he has failed to win silverware with Al-Nassr since joining from Manchester United in 2023.Club World Cup 2025 GuideSOME of the world’s biggest clubs are heading Stateside for a MAMMOTH Club World Cup.Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Man City, and Inter Miami are among the 32 teams taking part in the tournament, which runs from June 14 to July 13.Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Ousmane Dembele, Cole Palmer and Harry Kane will be showing their skills to packed crowds across the US.Los Blancos are favourites to lift the trophy in New York but will face stiff competition from around the globe.Watch EVERY match of the Club World Cup 2025 on DAZNHere’s everything you need to know ahead of the tournament…INFOLATEST NEWS & FEATURESAnd sporting director Fernando Hierro believes he can change Ronaldo’s mind about leaving and get him to pen a new deal.Hierro told a press conference late last month: “I have to be positive. I don’t think Ronaldo will leave Al-Nassr.”In any case, we are working hard on all aspects.”Ronaldo’s contract with Al-Nassr runs until the end of June 30.”We will work to renew his contract so he can continue with us, and there are many clubs interested in signing him.Read More on The Sun”He is a huge phenomenon in the history of football and has helped the league grow.”We are in contact to renew his contract and hope he continues with us.” More