Exclusives

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City green light Pep Guardiola to splash £100m in January transfer window on any stand-out stars from the World Cup

      by

      PEP GUARDIOLA can go on a £100million shopping spree in January if anyone catches his eye at the Qatar World Cup.Manchester City chiefs insist there will be no late arrivals before the transfer window closes on Thursday.
      Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola will be given £100million to spend in JanuaryCredit: Reuters
      That is despite their £104m summer outlay being one of their lowest in recent years.
      But the Etihad boss has been reassured major funds will be available if he wants reinforcements in the next window.
      City have brought in Erling Haaland, Kalvin Phillips, Sergio Gomez and Julian Alvarez over the past couple of months.
      But they have banked close to £250m in sales since January after a string of departures, including Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and Oleks Zinchenko.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Pep now has a core group of just 18 senior players.
      And although he has called on academy whizkids like Cole Palmer and Rico Lewis, the Spaniard could be left light if this season’s squeezed calendar take its toll.
      SunSport exclusively revealed earlier in the week how Palmer is being chased by Borussia Dortmund on a season-long loan.
      But Guardiola is reluctant to send out the highly-rated England Under-21 star, who can operate on either wing or as a No 10.
      Most read in football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Following last week’s 3-3 draw against Newcastle, City were involved in another six-goal thriller when they faced Crystal Palace on Saturday.
      The Eagles went into the break 2-0 up, but turned the game around in the second half to win 4-2.
      Bernardo Silva pulled a goal back in the 53rd minute, before Erling Haaland bagged a hat-trick to bring his tally to six goals in the Premier League.
      Guardiola declared after the match that Haaland was born to score goal, as he said: “Erling has done [what he has done] since he was born.
      “He has done what he has done all his life, in Salzburg and everywhere he has been he has scored goals.
      “Against these type of teams, we struggle because they defend so deep, but he has an incredible sense of goal.
      “The three (he scored), especially the last one, but the first one as well, were all good goals.
      “The numbers for this guy are beyond. The most important thing is that he has settled perfectly, and he is an incredibly humble guy.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL STORIES
      “He is a lovely person. He chats more with the guys from the Academy and that means a lot.
      “Hopefully, he can be happy the time we are together.” More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Anthony Martial set for Man Utd contract talks – just months after he looked set for transfer exit

      by

      ANTHONY MARTIAL is set for talks over a contract extension – two months after his Manchester United career looked dead and buried.Martial has made such an impression on Erik ten Hag that the new manager sees him as having a key role in his plans.
      Erik ten Hag has been left impressed by Anthony Martial since taking overCredit: Getty
      And insiders insist that for his part, the French striker is also far happier than under recent Old Trafford regimes.
      Martial, 26, spent nearly 18 months expressing a desire to leave, and was loaned to Sevilla in January after his agent insisted he wanted a new club.
      That turned into a frustrating stay and he returned this summer with the Spanish club unable to raise the cash to make it a permanent deal.
      Yet he has had a new lease of life since ten Hag arrived, and the Dutchman has told Martial he has a big part to play.
      Read More Man Utd News
      He still has nearly two years left on his current £250,000-a-week deal.
      But United top brass are set to open talks in the coming weeks over an extension.
      They want to protect their investment by avoiding him entering the final season of his contract with nothing sorted.
      And that could see Martial being offered fresh terms which take him up to the age of 30.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      He cost an initial £37 million when he signed from Monaco in 2015, which has risen by around a third thanks to various bonuses and clauses.
      Martial is desperate to go to the World Cup, and initially felt his only chance would come with a transfer.
      But he had an impressive pre-season and on Monday marked his first United appearance since January with an assist in the win over Liverpool after coming off the bench for the second half. More

    • 188 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Crystal Palace eye transfer for Leicester midfielder Boubakary Soumare as Conor Gallagher return hopes fade

      by

      CRYSTAL PALACE’S hopes of a deal for Leicester star Boubakary Soumare are soaring after he missed out on a dream move to Monaco.The Eagles have made the French midfielder their first choice to fill the gap left by Conor Gallagher’s return to Chelsea, with little chance of the England star returning on loan.
      Leicester midfielder Boubakary Soumare is being eyed up by Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty
      The Eagles appear to have accepted defeat in their pursuit of Chelsea ace Conor GallagherCredit: Getty
      French giants Monaco were preparing to make a £17million offer but are pulling out after failing to qualify for the Champions League. 
      The Foxes would prefer to sell Soumare, 23, but could now accept a loan with a view to buy deal at the death.
      SunSport exclusively revealed last week how Soumare is on Palace’s radar.
      Boss Patrick Vieira is a huge admirer of the player, who has struggled since signing from Lille for £17m last year.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Soumare made 19 Premier League appearances in his first season at Leicester but failed to find the back of the net.
      He has featured just once in the top-flight this campaign where he started in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
      Fellow Palace target Gallagher also started in the game, but he was sent off for two yellow cards in the 28th minute.
      The Eagles may instead move for Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar ahead of Soumare.
      Most read in football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      The Ligue 1 club want £20m but Palace might get Aouar cheaper in the next few days.
      Nottingham Forest have also been linked with a move for the 24-year-old before the transfer window slams shut on September 1.
      Reports have stated that the former Arsenal target has even agreed personal terms with the newly-promoted side.
      Aouar hasn’t been involved in the last two matches for Lyon since coming off the bench in the 2-1 win against AC Ajaccio in the opening game of the season. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd keeper Matej Kovar to be sent on transfer loan when new No2 arrives with Sunderland tempted to swoop

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED will send Czech keeper Matej Kovar out on loan when they get a new No2.Sunderland might be tempted to move for the 22-year-old.
      Matej Kovar could be set to depart Manchester United on loan with Sunderland a possible destinationCredit: Getty
      Kovar is desperate to play regular first team football this season – something boss Erik ten Hag cannot guarantee him.
      The youngster is highly-rated at the Theatre of Dreams with the club keen for him to continue his development elsewhere for the campaign.
      He impressed on loan at Swindon during the 2020-21 term where he featured in 21 games in all competitions.
      Though he failed to help the Robins avoid relegation into League Two.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      He was then shipped out to League One outfit Burton for the second half of last season where he appeared in six matches.
      It is no secret that United are in the market for a new No2 having allowed Dean Henderson to join Nottingham Forest on loan.
      SunSport exclusively revealed how Borussia Monchengladbach ace Yann Sommer and Norwich’s Tim Krul were on Ten Hag’s radar.
      Meanwhile Eintracht Frankfurt shot-stopper was eyed up, but the German has declared that he has turned down a switch to England.
      latest man utd news
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Southampton star Alex McCarthy was also touted as an option, along with Leeds’ Illan Meslier.
      But United are now looking to secure the services of Newcastle’s Martin Dubravka, who has lost his place in the Magpies starting XI to Nick Pope.
      And Toon boss Eddie Howe has revealed that both clubs are in negotiations regarding the Slovakia international.
      Howe said: “He’s not in talks with Man United but there has been contact with the clubs.
      “Those will continue but I’m reluctant to lose him.
      “It’s a decision that’s out of my hands really.” More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Ryan Giggs’ ex Stacey left ‘traumatised’ after three masked men raced off in her £80,000 motor while at home

      by

      RYAN Giggs’s ex-wife Stacey was left terrified after three masked men stole her £80,000 Range Rover Sport.The mum-of-two Stacey, 43, saw the thieves drive off in the motor at 1.30am yesterday in Worsley, Gtr Manchester.
      Ryan Giggs’ ex-wife Stacey was left terrified after three masked men stole her £80,000 Range Rover SportCredit: BackGrid
      Football legend Gigg’s’ ex saw the gang drive off in her motor at 1.30am in Gtr ManchesterCredit: PP.
      The ordeal took place at the Worsley home where she lives with her children
      A source said: “It was so upsetting. Her kids were there and were hysterical.”
      Stacey is said to be “traumatised” and Liberty, 19, and Zach, 15 — her kids with former Man United hero Ryan Giggs — “inconsolable”.
      A source close to Stacey, who recently split from The Wanted singer Max George, said police used the car’s tracker to find it dumped.
      CCTV filmed the ordeal in Worsley, Gtr Manchester.
      Read More on Crime
      The source said: “It was so upsetting.
      “Stacey’s kids are hysterical. They’ve been left terrified and inconsolable.
      “And it’s unthinkable for this to happen after everything Stacey has been through with Max.
      “She called police straight away.
      Most read in The Sun
      “They were there all night trying to work out how the robbers accessed the property and her car.
      “Thankfully they found it but the whole incident is terrifying.”
      Yesterday neighbours spotted Ryan arriving to drop off a car for Stacey.
      She and Max, 33, split after The Sun first told how he had grown close to his Strictly co-star, EastEnders actress Maisie Smith, 21.
      A source close to Stacey, who recently split from boyfriend Max George, says the car was found by policeCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      The vehicle had a tracker which cops used to locate itCredit: BackGrid
      Stacey accused him of cheating on her.
      And she branded him a “lying dog” after The Sun revealed he had taken Maisie on a romantic break to Crete.
      Stacey told a pal: “Max cheated on me with Maisie. I asked him about her but he denied anything had happened.
      Stacey’s kids are hysterical. They’ve been left terrified and inconsolable. A source
      “He said he was like an uncle to Maisie.”
      “After everything I’ve done for him, I cannot believe he would be so rude and disrespectful.
      “He’s a lying dog. I feel betrayed.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I confronted him millions of times about his closeness to her. But he always denied it.
      “I had a gut instinct they were more than just friends.”
      The source said ‘It’s just unthinkable after everything she has been through with Max for this to happen’
      It comes as Stacey accused ex Max of cheating on her with Maisie SmithCredit: James Curley More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Eyesore 10ft statue of Manchester City ace Erling Haaland STOLEN after complaints it looks nothing like him

      by

      AN eyesore 10ft statue of Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has been stolen.The effigy — sculpted in full match kit from a tree trunk weighing nearly a ton — was nicked after complaints it looked nothing like the 22-year-old star.
      AN eyesore 10ft statue of Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has been stolen.
      The effigy was nicked after complaints it looked nothing like the football starCredit: Getty
      It had pride of place 50ft above a store in his home town of Bryne, Norway.
      But a thief — suspected to be a disgruntled fan — used a crane to grab it at night.
      Businessman Tore Sivertsen spent £10,000 commissioning the statue saluting City’s £85.5million signing. Even he conceded it was ugly.
      It was hoisted into place two weeks ago and Mr Sivertsen planned to auction it to help fund a hospital in Tanzania until it suddenly vanished early on Wednesday.
      READ MORE SUN EXCLUSIVES
      Haaland, 22, arrived at City in the summer after scoring 86 goals in 89 matches for Borussia Dortmund.
      He has netted a goal in each of three Premier League matches this season.
      Tractor dealership boss Mr Sivertsen told The Sun: “We are all enormously proud of Erling.
      “I thought it would be good to commission a statue to pay tribute.
      Most read in The Sun
      “Some have complained it’s too ugly though, let’s face it, Erling is not a pretty guy. But I was still shocked that someone decided to steal it.”
      Mr Sivertsen commissioned renowned wood sculptor Kjetil Barane, who took a year to craft it from a 100-year-old log.
      Read More on The Sun
      The businessman said: “I accept it may not be to everyone’s taste, but I like it.
      “It’s a work of art rather than a realistic representation of Erling Haaland.”
      The striker has netted a goal in each of three Premier League matches this season.Credit: Reuters
      Most read in Football More

    • 175 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo wants to buy and demolish golf club ruining view from £17million mansion

      by

      CRISTIANO Ronaldo wants to buy a posh golf clubhouse next to his £17million Portuguese superhome — then demolish it because it spoils his view.The billionaire Manchester United ace is offering to relocate the entire building and its car park.
      Cristiano Ronaldo wants to buy a posh golf clubhouse next to his £17million Portuguese superhomeCredit: Getty
      The billionaire Manchester United ace is offering to relocate the entire building and its car park
      Dad-of-five Ron, 37, wants to ensure his privacy and create a drive to the property
      Dad-of-five Ron, 37, wants to ensure his privacy and create a drive to the property.
      He plans to move there with partner Georgina Rodriguez, 28, and his five children.
      Sources close to his ultra-modern “Ron Designs” dream home say he has also added a garage equipped with elevators to the plans, to house 30 supercars.
      It will enable the £500,000-a-week Portugal captain, tipped to leave United, to select a motor at the touch of a button.
      Read more on Cristiano Ronaldo
      And he is even said to be mulling over buying an Italian quarry to ensure his pad’s marble remains exclusive.
      The Sun revealed earlier this year that the cost of the property at Quinta da Marinha on the Portuguese Riviera rocketed from £10million to £17million.
      But is set to soar still higher as he fine-tunes plans with top architect, Vitor Vitorino.
      Work on the 12,000 sq ft property is due to be completed early next year.
      Most read in Football
      It features vast bedroom suites, all with stunning sea views and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
      Blueprints also include a cinema, spa, games room and office on the site a short walk from Cascais village.
      A source close to the project said last night: “The clubhouse was a problem for him so he wants the problem removed.
      “Cost is not an issue – he is a perfectionist who can afford perfection.”
      Read More on The Sun
      The star’s lawyers were yesterday reported to be in negotiation with Oitavos Golf Club owner, Miguel Champalimaud.
      Mr Champalimaud did not respond to requests for comment.
      Ronaldo’s dream home will also feature a garage equipped with elevators to house 30 supercars More

    • 138 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Woman accusing Cristiano Ronaldo of rape appeals dismissal of £54million case

      by

      A WOMAN who claimed she was raped by footballer Cristiano Ronaldo is appealing a decision to dismiss the case.Model Kathryn Mayorga is fighting to keep her £54million claim against the Man United star alive.
      Model Kathryn Mayorga is fighting to keep her £54million claim against Cristiano Ronaldo aliveCredit: AP:Associated Press
      She alleges she was raped by him in a Las Vegas hotel room in 2009Credit: Rex
      She alleges she was raped by Ronaldo, 37, in a Las Vegas hotel room in 2009 and accepted £275,000 in a hush-hush agreement at the time.
      Ms Mayorga’s legal team reignited the case when they claimed she signed the agreement under duress.
      Her case was dismissed in June when a judge slammed her lawyer for relying on leaked documents she passed to cops from the Football Leaks site.
      But former teacher Ms Mayorga, 36, has appealed the dismissal decision at the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
      Read more on Ronaldo
      The case is set to be first heard by a mediator on Tuesday in a one-hour phone hearing.
      Meanwhile, Las Vegas police are petitioning the courts for their investigative files to be handed over to the Press.
      Ronaldo has always denied any wrongdoing and maintains his relations with Ms Mayorga were consensual. A criminal probe was opened but in 2019 a District Attorney announced he would not face prosecution.
      Most read in Football More