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      Wrexham’s millionaire Hollywood owners set to be hit hard in the pocket as they try and build Championship squad

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      WREXHAM are learning there is a financial downside to their dramatic rise up the divisions.Phil Parkinson’s Championship new-boys are offering huge deals to new players — but they are also stuck with older ones who have just picked up hefty pay rises for being promoted.Wrexham finished second in League One this termCredit: APRob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have now inspired Wrexham to three promotionsCredit: GettyThe likes of striker Paul Mullin are on even larger salaries than before,  making exits difficult so that Dragons may have to pay some to leave the Racecourse on loans or frees.Wrexham finished second in League One on 92 points, five above Stockport and 19 behind runaway champions Birmingham.Upon the end of the season, the Red Dragons announced exits for eight players.Steven Fletcher, Mark Howard, Josh Adam, Jordan Davies, Harry Dean, Brad Foster and Liam Hall were all released.READ MORE FOOTBALLWhile Sam Dalby snubbed a new deal in January and will also be leaving.Wrexham have offered Callum Edwards a new deal.While an option to extend Aaron James’ deal by a further year has been triggered.Wrexham have already been linked with several players since earning promotion.Most read in ChampionshipBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe Red Dragons are reportedly in talks with Fulham captain Tom Cairney.Cairney, 34, is out of contract and available on a free transfer.Wrexham stars celebrate in iconic Las Vegas casino and hijack luggage cart after Hollywood owners splash £500k on partyBut the former Scotland international would command hefty wages.Wrexham are believed to be in the market for experienced players, with Cairney fitting the bill.Tom Cairney has been linked with a move to WrexhamCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

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      Man City ace Phil Foden sparks fury with fishing-themed birthday party as neighbours blast ‘ridiculous’ noise

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      PHIL Foden has angered some of his new neighbours after hosting a fishing-themed 25th birthday party – complete with a nightclub-style sound system, singer and DJs. The Manchester City and England midfielder moved out of his previous home following noise complaints from neighbours and recently splashed out on a new mansion in a more rural part of Cheshire. Phil Foden with The Voice’s Holly Ellison at the bashCredit: InstagramFoden’s fishing-themed birthday party annoyed some of his neighboursCredit: InstagramFoden with his birthday giftCredit: InstagramFoden’s partner Rebecca, 24, posted on their son Ronnie’s Instagram account videos of the party which showed 2018 The Voice singer Holly Ellison belting out dance tracks as partygoers enjoyed themselves. The mum of three posted: “The best night ever for my dads surprise fishing themed birthday party. “Thankyou to everyone who came and made it such a special night… also thankyou to our dj @dusk7__ & special guest @ultrabeat_official & @hollyellisonmusic. “Thankyou to @ledigo_events as always the best set up.” Read more newsHolly, 42, added in a post on TikTok: “What a night performing for @Phil Foden birthday celebrations! Incredible energy, amazing people & a night to Remember.”But the party was not welcomed by all, with some locals complaining that the sound of “Jamaican dancehall” music could be heard for miles around. Jayne Jennings complained: “Our local famous footballer back up to their old tricks. The noise level is ridiculous.” Greg Milam added: “I’m surprised all of Cheshire can’t hear it. It is unacceptable” while Oaul Eddie quipped: “Hopefully his mum is there to keep the peace.” Most read in FootballSome residents complained that they had not been invited, while John Swindley said: “Made walking the dog much more fun tonight.”Both Foden and his parents Claire and Phil Snr have previously been the subject of noise complaints stemming from loud parties at the former homes in Prestbury, Cheshire. New footage shows Phil Foden’s reaction to Man Utd fans’ sick chant aimed at his mum In July last year residents in his road penned an open letter branding him “selfish” and called for City to get involved.Foden, who turns 25 on Wednesday, has been left out of Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad so he can recover from an ankle injury. He has admitted his loss of form this season is due to struggling “off the pitch mentally”, saying: “some things are bigger than football”. City play their final Premier League game against Fulham today before taking part in the FIFA Club World Cup in June. In his spare time, Foden is a big fan of fishing, and last month was pictured holding up a catch alongside the team from Manchester-based Carp Fever.While last summer, he went on a £14-a-day angling holiday in the Cotswolds.He snubbed exotic destinations popular with other Premier League stars to spend five days with his dad fishing for carp, catfish, tench, pike and perch.An onlooker at Linear Fisheries in Witney, Oxfordshire, said: “Phil was happy as Larry camping out in a cheap tent,“He was so down to earth and was just hell-bent on trying to land himself a carp as the lake has some absolutely enormous ones in it.Read More on The Sun“While his England pals were living it up in posh hotels next to beaches, the most luxurious thing Phil had on his holiday was a Portaloo.”Foden’s agent was contacted for comment. There was even a bucking broncoCredit: InstagramThe party featured photos of Foden with his kids on fishing tripsCredit: InstagramA sign saying ‘Phil 25’Credit: InstagramEllison performing at the bashCredit: InstagramFoden enjoyed a £14-a-day angling holiday in the Cotswolds last summerFoden holds up a beauty caught on a trip with the team from Manchester-based Carp Fever in April More

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      Chloe Kelly ‘grateful’ to find happiness and Champions League success with Arsenal after being in ‘dark place’

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      CHLOE KELLY will be forever grateful to Arsenal after finding happiness and Champions League glory, following some dark moments this term. However the England star was tight-lipped on her future with her loan move ending after the Gunners’ defeat of Barcelona. Chloe Kelly wrapped up her loan stint with Arsenal by helping the team win this year’s Women’s Champions LeagueCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe England forward played for 68 minutes in of the Gunner’s 1-0 win against Barcelona at Sporting Lisbon’s home ground in PortugalCredit: GettyKelly and her Arsenal pals are set to celebrate their contest triumph with a trophy outside the Emirates on Monday 26 MayCredit: AlamyFollowing her Man City to Arsenal switch in January, Kelly, 27, has impressed for the club, including during their triumphant Champions League charge. The forward made eight appearances in Europe for Renee Slegers’ side this term. And she played for 68 minutes yesterday as the team fought their way to a 1-0 defeat of Barcelona in this year’s decider played in Portugal’s capital Lisbon. The loan move that led to Kelly helping the Gunners win a second Champions League trophy, was preceded by her bombshell statement concerning a lack of game time at City. Read More Football Stories In the written post Kelly mentioned her mental wellbeing and lack of minutes affecting her career as well as her need to be happy again The England forward said: “From being in such a dark place to now, it’s crazy. “I was ready to take a break from football completely (but now) I’m just grateful. As soon as I stepped foot in this club, I found happiness. Most read in Football“As soon as Renee Slegers got on the phone to give me the opportunity to represent this badge, I wanted to repay her.”Tomorrow Kelly and her Champions League-winning pals will gather outside Emirates Stadium for a trophy celebration set to be attended by Arsenal fans. Players are due to celebrate their triumph in Armoury Square near the ground with the Bank Holiday Monday shindig expected to begin at 11:30.Of the club’s supporters, Kelly added: “I love them, they’re flipping amazing. Whether I was playing against them or for them, they’re the best fans.” Kelly’s Arsenal experience goes all the way back to 2010 when she joined their academy before making her senior debut five years later at 17. Spells at Everton and Man City followed the forward from 2016 before she made her Gunners return this January. On whether she wishes to stay at Arsenal with her Man City contract ending in June, Kelly added: “If it’s my last game for the club, I’ll forever be grateful. “They gave me an opportunity to step foot on the pitch and find happiness.They gave me an opportunity to step foot on the pitch and find happiness. “It’s not about football at times. No matter what happened today, the club gave me happiness.”Arsenal’s Champions League triumph saw Slegers become the first Dutch coach to steer a team trophy glory in the contest. Beth Mead laid on the assist for Arsenal’s winning goal after coming on as a substitute for Kelly in the 69th minute of their 1-0 defeat of BarcelonaCredit: GettyAnd Beth Mead, 30, hopes the performance Arsenal produced against Barcelona can be replicated by the team throughout a season. Read More on The SunThe forward, who teed up Stina Blackstenius’ match-winning goal, said: “The European journey has been incredible. “We’ve had a lot of ups and downs but we’ve shown so much character to win. Now as a team, we’ve got to do that throughout a full season.” More

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      Champions League permutations: Who can still qualify for Europe’s elite competition through Premier League?

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      THE 2024/25 Premier League season is heading for a thrilling climax, with the race for the Champions League far from over.Liverpool confirmed their status as top flight winners with four matches remaining.Liverpool are already Premier League championsCredit: GettyThe Reds’ Premier League win meant they became the first English side to qualify for the 2025/26 Champions League.Arsenal will join the Merseyside outfit in Europe’s elite competition after they beat Newcastle 1-0 last Sunday to secure their spot.As will Europa League winners Tottenham, following their 1-0 win over Manchester United in the Bilbao final.But THREE places are still up for grabs with the top five in the Premier League qualifying for next season’s Champions League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWho can still qualify for Champions League through the Premier League?FIVE teams are battling for the remaining three spots in the Premier League’s top five, they are – Manchester City, Newcastle, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.3rd – Man CityPoints – 68Goal difference – +26Man City go into the final day in the best position out of the five to claim Champions League football as they have two more points than Newcastle, Chelsea, Villa and three more than Forest.Most read in FootballA point away at Fulham will likely be enough for Pep Guardiola’s men due to their superior goal difference, but a win will make mathematically sure that they can’t be caught.4th – NewcastlePoints – 66Goal difference – +22Newcastle’s 1-0 loss to Arsenal last weekend, and results going in favour of their top five rivals, has left Eddie Howe’s side with a job to do on Sunday.The Magpies host Everton on the final day, knowing a win would secure their spot in the Champions League due to their far superior goal difference to Villa.A draw would be enough for the Toon if Villa failed to win away at Manchester United.5th – ChelseaPoints – 66Goal difference – +20Chelsea face Nottingham Forest in a blockbuster clash with both sides capable of securing Champions League football.The Blues would qualify with a win over the Tricky Trees, no matter what Villa do, due to their far superior goal difference.A draw would be enough for Chelsea if Newcastle are beaten by Everton by more than one goal or Villa fail to win at Man Utd.6th – Aston VillaPoints – 66Goal difference – +9The Villans can secure Champions League football for the second season in a row with a draw at Old Trafford, should Newcastle lose to Everton and Forest vs Chelsea end in a draw.There is a strong chance that Unai Emery’s side will need to win on the final day to finish in the top five.Should Villa win at Man Utd, it may not be enough due to their inferior goal difference, as if Newcastle and Chelsea both win and City take at least a point at Fulham, they would remain 6th, just outside the Champions League spots.7th – Nottingham ForestPoints – 65Goal difference – +13Read More on The SunNottingham Forest HAVE to beat Chelsea on the final day to stand any chance of a top five finish.Even if Nuno Espirito Santo’s men claim all three points, they may still finish 6th if Aston Villa and Newcastle both win. More

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      Which Premier League games are on TV today? Full final day schedule with five teams in race for Champions League

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      THE final day of the Premier League is here with 10 huge games taking place across the country.THREE places in next season’s Champions League are still up for grabs, with five clubs in the race.The race for the Champions League is far from overCredit: RexManchester City, Newcastle, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest all have hopes of joining Liverpool and Arsenal in the 2025/26 edition of Europe’s elite competition.The top seven are guaranteed European football next term, while a scenario remains that eighth could also land continental football, which Brighton and Brentford are battling for.The final day will have no implications at the bottom, with the three relegated sides already confirmed as Southampton, Ipswich and Leicester.Which Premier League games are on TV today? With 10 Premier League matches taking place at once this afternoon, broadcasters have had to make their selections carefully.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe matches with European implications have taken priority, as you would expect with many fixtures being dead rubbers.Sky Sports have selected Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea, which is by far the match with the most at stake.They have also picked Liverpool vs Crystal Palace, with the broadcaster keen to air the Reds’ trophy lift.TNT Sports have opted to air Manchester United vs Aston Villa with the Villans in the race for a Champions League spot.Most read in FootballIt will also be the first time the Red Devils have played since their 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in Wednesday’s Europa League final.Broadcasters have snubbed Newcastle vs Everton, despite the Toon having Champions League aspirations.Premier League final day fixturesAll kick-offs 4pmBournemouth vs LeicesterFulham vs Manchester CityIpswich vs West HamLiverpool vs Crystal Palace (Sky Sports Premier League)Manchester United vs Aston Villa (TNT Sports 1)Newcastle vs EvertonNottingham Forest vs Chelsea (Sky Sports Main Event)Southampton vs ArsenalTottenham vs BrightonWolves vs Brentford More

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      Xabi Alonso CONFIRMED as new Real Madrid manager and has chance to win major trophy almost immediately

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      XABI ALONSO has been confirmed as the new Real Madrid manager.Alonso, 43, succeeds Carlo Ancelotti and has signed a three-year contract at the Bernabeu.Xabi Alonso has been confirmed as Real Madrid’s new managerCredit: GettyThe former midfielder will be formally presented as Real’s new boss in a press conference tomorrow.Alonso is set to take charge of his first game at the helm next month, when his new side launch their Club World Cup campaign.It means he could be lifting his first trophy with the club as early as July if Real Madrid can go all the way at the US based tournament.Having signed in 2009, Alonso played 236 times for Los Blancos across a trophy-laden five-year spell.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe elegant playmaker won a LaLiga title, two Copas del Rey and Real Madrid’s famous tenth Champions League crown.After finishing his playing career with Bayern Munich, Alonso launched his coaching career with Real Madrid’s Under-14s in the 2018-19 season.He subsequently landed the Real Sociedad B job, and after three years at the helm moved to Bayer Leverkusen for his first crack at senior management.Alonso oversaw a stunning 2023-24 campaign, in which Leverkusen completed an unbeaten domestic season – winning the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAlonso, 43, guided Leverkusen to their first ever Bundesliga titleCredit: ReutersThe former Liverpool star leaves Leverkusen having come second to Bayern Munich this season.Alonso will be tasked with bouncing back from a disappointing campaign that saw Real Madrid fail to win LaLiga, the Copa del Rey or the Champions League.Carlo Ancelotti to step down as Real Madrid bossThe 43-year-old will have the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham at his disposal – while Trent Alexander-Arnold will join up this summer.Alonso’s first game in charge will come against Saudi side Al-Hilal in Miami on June 18.Los Blancos will then face Mexican outfit Pachuca and Austrians RB Salzburg.Upon announcing his exit earlier this month, Alonso said: “I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Bayer Leverkusen, my players and staff, everyone at the club, and, last but not least, the fantastic fans.”Our success was the result of an outstanding team performance.”This club, which has placed extraordinary trust in me, thoroughly deserved to win the Bundesliga for the first time.”My thanks and affection go to everyone who helped make this triumph a reality, including the cup victory in Berlin.”Leverkusen are ready for the future. This positive trajectory will continue, and I will follow it with interest.”Read More on The SunThe German side are on the verge of announcing Alonso’s successor.Former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has agreed to return to the dugout with the Bundesliga runners-up.Erik ten Hag is set to return to management with Bayer LeverkusenCredit: PA More

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      Bayern Munich Wags including Harry Kane’s wife Katie Goodland’s Club World Cup plans ‘spark anger behind scenes at club’

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      BAYERN MUNICH have frustrated members of staff with their plans to send the players’ Wags to the Club World Cup, according to reports.The German giants are set to head to the US for the controversially revamped tournament next month.Harry Kane and wife Katie Goodland pose with the Bundesliga plateCredit: PAHarry Kane will head to the States hoping to add further silverware to his collection, having broken his duck by winning the Bundesliga title.According to Bild, the trip has caused friction behind the scenes at the German champions.Bayern’s Club World Cup campaign will come amid a series of cost-cutting measures.Several staff members have reportedly been informed that they won’t join the team at the tournament.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite sporting director Max Eberl’s efforts to reduce costs, players families’ will be sent to the US at the expense of the club.This means that Kane’s wife Katie Goodland can be sent to the States at Bayern’s expense, despite her husband being one of the club’s top earners.Bild’s Bayern expert Christian Falk revealed: “The players’ families have been invited.”On the German outlet’s podcast, Falk went on to add: “You have to say, a few employees were annoyed.Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLeroy Sane is dating Candice BrookCredit: instagram @leroysaneLina Kimmich will be able to join husband Joshua in the StatesCredit: Getty”They’re cutting costs everywhere, so only a small group of employees is allowed to go over, but the families are.”The staff members thought to be affected include lower level roles like middle management and matchday stewards.Thomas Muller has Bayern Munich fans howling with risque funeral joke in retirement speech on pitchBayern boss Vincent Kompany is looking forward to the competition, which could net the winners a £100million prize kitty.The Belgian said: “I think the closer we get to the tournament, the more you can see the excitement growing. “It’s been quite a special season anyway so far. You have the new format of the Champions League, and you have the next competition with the Club World Cup.”You know, I think we’re part of a club here with Bayern Munich where every trophy is important, so by the time we get to America, it will be a priority.”Bayern will begin their Club World Cup campaign by facing New Zealand side Auckland City in Cincinnati on June 15, before a trip to Miami to take on iconic Argentine outfit Boca Juniors five days later.Bayern face Benfica on matchday three in Charlotte on June 24.Ahead of the tournament, Kane said: “It’s going to be unique, playing this type of major tournament with your club is different to what’s been done in the past but I think it’s going to be a great experience.”Going out to the US, as well, a year before the World Cup itself will be a great chance to get to know some of the stadiums and get to know the fans out there.Read More on The Sun”It’s going to be a really great tournament.”As always, when it’s the first of any type of tournament, people are wondering how it’s going to go but I’m really excited for it.”Katie Goodland has supported Kane at plenty of tournamentsCredit: PALisa Muller has been married to Bayern star Thomas for 16 yearsCredit: Getty More

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      Crystal Palace set Eberechi Eze transfer fee in desperate hope to put off Man Utd and Aston Villa

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      CRYSTAL PALACE will keep FA Cup winner Eberechi Eze unless the full price tag is paid.Eze has a complicated valuation based on several factors and his current cost would be £65million.Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze is valued at £65millionEze is being targeted by Manchester United and Aston VillaThat may prove too much for Manchester United and Aston Villa, with insiders revealing the Eagles plan to stick to their guns.The midfielder, 26, has been on an astonishing scoring run since notching for England in March — with nine goals in 12 games as his confidence soars.Palace want to buy Brazilian star Andrey Santos from Chelsea in a £20m deal.Santos, 21, has the flair that boss Oliver Glasner wants in his attacking midfielders and has been a stand-out on loan at French side Strasbourg.Read More on FootballThe move to France worked out better than a disastrous spell at Nottingham Forest last season.Palace have regularly taken on Chelsea players and could involve England defender Marc Guehi in the conversation but would prefer a straight cash deal.The Eagles have also been looking at Strasbourg’s Dutch striker Emanuel Emegha but the French club are desperate to keep him.Eze joined Palace back in 2020 from Queens Park Rangers and quickly rose to prominence.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe playmaker has sine amassed a total of 40 goals and 28 assists in 166 appearances.The England international hasn’t slowed down this season with 14 goals and 11 assists in 42 appearances across all competitions.Eberechi Eze was rejected by SIX teams including Arsenal as fans say ‘absolute stinker in hindsight’Eze has also registered 10 caps with England, where he scored one goal. More