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      Luka Modric tipped to make ‘tremendous’ Championship transfer after Real Madrid exit

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      LUKA MODRIC and Real Madrid have announced he will be leaving the club after the Club World Cup this summer.In an emotional statement, the 39-year-old confirmed “the time has come” for him to move on from the Spanish giants.Luka Modric has confirmed he is leaving Real Madrid after 13 yearsCredit: AFPThe midfielder won 28 trophies since joining in 2012Credit: PAIt has been confirmed he will leave after the Club World CupCredit: AFPHe became a co-owner of Swansea last monthCredit: RexEx-Madrid ace Fernando Morientes told him to seal a transfer there for next seasonCredit: GettyModric has been with the club since 2012 and has won an incredible 28 trophies, including six Champions League titles, four La Liga titles, two Copas del Rey and six Club World Cups.But the ex-Tottenham star has been urged to make a “tremendous” transfer from Champions League to Championship by joining Swansea, who Modric became a shock co-owner of last month.Former Madrid striker Fernando Morientes backed him to make the switch to Wales next season.Speaking to CasinoHawks, who offer the latest online casinos, Morientes said: “Luka Modric playing for Swansea would be tremendous.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’m sure there would be a lot of excitement among the fans. A player like Luka Modric, even if he’s at the end of his career, would be welcome I’m sure and he would be excited for the project.”Obviously, we shouldn’t expect him to be 100 per cent or at his best because he’s at a certain age, but even when he came on against Barcelona, the feeling of Madrid in midfield changed. “He probably doesn’t have the level of competitive rhythm that a game like that demands, but he’s so intelligent, he’s so good in midfield, he has so much quality that he could continue to give a few good seasons. “I think he could have a couple of good seasons in England, without a doubt and I’m convinced the excitement he would generate among the fans would be tremendous.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKModric is said to have wanted the club to trigger a contract extension that would have seen him spend one more season at the Bernabeu, but the decision was made not to activate it.The Croatian will now have the chance to add a seventh Club World Cup accolade before he completely calls quits on his time with Los Blancos.Watch moment frustrated Luka Modric walks out of interview after reporter’s question following Croatia’s Euro 2024 drawThe refreshed competition being held in the USA will start on June 14 while the final will be on July 13.Modric and Co. qualified for the tournament by winning the Champions League in 2021/22 and 2023/24. In an Instagram statement on his exit, he said: “The moment has arrived. The moment I never wanted to come, but that’s football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end.”I arrived in 2012 with the hope of wearing the jersey of the best team in the world and the ambition to do great things, but I couldn’t have imagined what came next.”Playing for Real Madrid changed my life as a footballer and as a person. I’m proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras of the best club in history.”The club’s statement on the decision said: “Real Madrid C. F. and our captain Luka Modrić have agreed to bring an end to his unforgettable time as a player at our club following the Club World Cup, which the team is preparing to play starting 18 June in the United States.Luka Modric leaving statement in fullLuka Modric’s leaving Real Madrid statement in full on Instagram:Dear Madrid fans:The time has come. The moment I never wanted to come, but that’s football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end… On Saturday I will play my last match at the Santiago Bernabéu.Llegué en 2012 con la ilusión de vestir la camiseta del mejor equipo del mundo y con la ambición de hacer cosas grandes, pero no me podía imaginar lo que vino después.Playing for Real Madrid changed my life as a football player and as a person.I am proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras of the best club in history.I want to thank the club from the bottom of my heart, especially the president Florentino Perez, my teammates, coaches and all the people who have helped me during all this time.Throughout these years I’ve experienced incredible moments, comebacks that seemed impossible, finals, celebrations and magical nights at the Bernabéu… We won everything and I was very happy. Very very happy.But beyond the titles and victories, I carry in my heart the affection of all Madrid fans. I really don’t know how to explain the special connection I have with you and how supported, respected and loved I have felt and feel. I will never forget each ovation and all the gestures of affection you have shown me.Leaving with a full heart. Filled with pride, gratitude and unforgettable memories. And even though, after the Club World Cup, I’m no longer going to wear this shirt on the field, I’ll always be a Madrid fan.We’ll see each other again. Real Madrid will always be my home For a lifetime.Hala Madrid and Nothing ElseLuka Modric.”Real Madrid wishes to express its immense gratitude and appreciation for a player who has become a true legend both of our club and world football…”Modrić is one of only five players in football history who have won 6 European Cups, and is also the player with the highest number of trophies in Real Madrid’s 123-year history.”On an individual level, Modrić won the Ballon d’Or, was named FIFA The Best Men’s Player, and UEFA Men’s Player of the Year in 2018. “He has been included in the FIFA FIFPro World XI on six occasions, and was also named Champions League Best Midfielder twice.”Modrić has made 590 appearances for our club, scoring 43 goals. He has also won a Golden Ball and Silver Ball at the Club World Cup.”The club statement also confirmed the Santiago Bernabéu will pay tribute to Modric on their final home game of the season this Saturday.Read More on The SunReal president Florentino Perez said: “Modrić will forever remain in the hearts of all madridistas as a unique an exemplary footballer who has always embodied the values of Real Madrid. “His football has captured the imagination of madridismo and fans all over the world. His legacy will live on forever.”Real Madrid statement on Modric exit in fullFull Real Madrid statement on Luke Modric leaving after Club World Cup:Real Madrid C. F. and our captain Luka Modrić have agreed to bring an end to his unforgettable time as a player at our club following the Club World Cup, which the team is preparing to play starting 18 June in the United States.Real Madrid wishes to express its immense gratitude and appreciation for a player who has become a true legend both of our club and world football.Modrić arrived at Real Madrid back in 2012, and has gone on to be a key component of one of the most successful periods in our club’s history. Over the course of 13 seasons in our colours, he has won 28 titles: 6 European Cups, 6 Club World Cups, 5 European Super Cups, 4 LaLiga titles, 2 Copas del Rey and 5 Spanish Super Cups.Modrić is one of only five players in football history who have won 6 European Cups, and is also the player with the highest number of trophies in Real Madrid’s 123-year history.On an individual level, Modrić won the Ballon d’Or, was named FIFA The Best Men’s Player, and UEFA Men’s Player of the Year in 2018. He has been included in the FIFA FIFPro World XI on six occasions, and was also named Champions League Best Midfielder twice.Modrić has made 590 appearances for our club, scoring 43 goals. He has also won a Golden Ball and Silver Ball at the Club World Cup.With the Croatian National Team, he has played 186 times, making him his country’s record holder for international caps. He won the Golden Ball at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the Bronze Ball at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has said, “Luka Modrić will forever remain in the hearts of all madridistas as a unique an exemplary footballer who has always embodied the values of Real Madrid. His football has captured the imagination of madridismo and fans all over the world. His legacy will live on forever.”Real Madrid wishes Luka Modrić and his family all the best in this new chapter of his life.The Santiago Bernabéu will pay tribute to him this Saturday at our team’s final league game of the season. More

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      Man Utd’s end-of-season barbecue WILL go ahead despite catastrophic Europa League final defeat

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      MANCHESTER UNITED plan to go ahead with their club barbecue – despite seeing their Europa League hopes go up in smoke.It emerged earlier this month the Red Devils would not have chance to embark on an open top bus parade had they lifted the trophy in Bilbao.Ruben Amorim and his squad checked out of Bilbao the day after defeatCredit: PAMan Utd winger Alejandro Garnacho’s future could be up in the air after he played just a cameo as a sub in the 1-0 defeat to SpursCredit: PAThat’s because they are heading off on a post season trip to the Far East straight after Sunday’s final game of the season against Aston Villa.A get-together at Carrington for players, staff and their families was pencilled in instead.And when they lost by a single goal to Tottenham at the San Mames, the assumption was that the top brass would pull the plug.However the plan is to press ahead with the event on Thursday evening – despite the sombre mood around the club. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnited will enter their Premier League finale against high-flying Villa at Old Trafford with a dismal 14th place the highest they can finish.In fact, Ruben Amorim’s men will finish FOURTH BOTTOM if they fail to win and Spurs leap up above them with a home victory over Brighton.Whatever happens, United then face an arduous 15-hour flight to Asia for money-making games in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong on May 28 and 30.Amorim admitted his squad are distraught after their Bilbao beating.Most read in Europa LeagueAmorim reflects on United’s final agony against TottenhamCredit: PABEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBrennan Johnson bundled home on 42 minutes to end Spurs’ 17-year silverware drought after a contest full of nerves and devoid of composure.Amorim said: “We are obviously devastated with this loss. “We lost one game in this competition, we didn’t win it in the last game. “I think if you look at the whole game, we were the better team but if you don’t score goals you don’t win matches.” Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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      Man Utd missing out on European football could be blessing in disguise and help them avoid RELEGATION next season

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      AS torrential rain lashed down on Bilbao in the early hours of this morning, the forecast for Old Trafford looked bleaker than ever.Manchester United’s bullet-ridden squad and their weather-beaten supporters made their retreat from the Basque country with a chilling prospect ahead.Man Utd suffered a 1-0 loss to Tottenham in the Europa League finalCredit: AlamyRuben Amorim admitted he will leave if club officials want him toCredit: PABecause, while almost half of the Premier League will compete in Europe next season – six of them in the Champions League – United’s players will be on their sofa watching Corrie.For only the second time in 35 years, Old Trafford will not host continental competition next term – a reduced workload which might just help United avoid relegation.If that sounds like an exaggeration, then it is not a major one.United are so bad that the three clubs promoted from the Championship must regard them as potential rivals in the top-flight drop zone next term.For a second consecutive summer, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his crew will be backing a failing manager in the transfer market – hoping against hope that their decision to stick by Ruben Amorim does not backfire on them like last year’s gamble on Erik ten Hag.Whoever lost Wednesday night’s Europa League Final knew they would be heading into a pit of despair and after Tottenham’s ugly 1-0 victory, it is the Red Devils who face a hellish summer.This is a team which has managed to lose four times in one season to the worst Spurs side in half a century – failing to score in three of those meetings.It was clear from that shocking display in Bilbao, as well as their form throughout the club’s disastrous Premier League campaign, that United do not even have the foundations to build a successful team.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordTheir £72million centre-forward, Rasmus Hojlund, barely looks like a Championship-level player, their keeper Andre Onana is a liability, they are desperately lacking in creativity going forward and are frequently undone by basic defensive errors.And Amorim, despite the sky-high reputation he had forged at Sporting Lisbon, is not even getting the best out of the rag-tag squad he does have at his disposal.Ruben Amorim offers to quit Man Utd ‘without any conversation about compensation’ if board want him goneIt is just the second time in 35 years United have failed to qualify for a European competitionCredit: GettyAlejandro Garnacho expressed his discontent after the machCredit: GettyThe Portuguese is too dogmatic in his 3-4-3 system – and needs a major summer overhaul to build a squad which suits it.But, against Spurs, he also got his team selection badly wrong.Choosing Mason Mount over the pacey Alejandro Garnacho on the left of his front three was a glaring error – and the reaction of the Argentinian winger and his brother-agent Roberto to that decision lays bare the lack of collective spirit inside Amorim’s squad.United are most certainly not united.Garnacho described their season as ‘s**t’, while Amorim was accused by the player’s brother of ‘throwing him under the bus’.The manager’s selection of Bruno Fernandes in a deep midfield role saw the captain gifting possession frequently in dangerous areas – including in the build-up to Tottenham’s goal.Fernandes is United’s one obvious elite footballer but he did not show up in Bilbao. And Amorim didn’t help matters by selecting him as part of his central midfield two, rather than further forward.The Portuguese is wanted by Saudi Pro-League bosses and he admits United may have to sell him to raise funds.Ineos chief Ratcliffe has stated that United must pay a further £89m this summer in instalments on players brought before he arrived at the club.Man Utd ratings: Diallo best player in Europa League final but Hojlund out of his depthAMAD DIALLO’S fizzing first-half display was little consolation for Manchester United in a dismal 1-0 Europa League final loss to Tottenham.Rasmus Hojlund’s plight up front continued in one of the worst European showpieces for many years – as both sides showed why they will finish in the Premier League lower reaches.Spurs clinched it from virtually their first opportunity – on 42 minutes.Brennan Johnson bundled in Pape Sarr’s inswinging cross, with United left-back Luke Shaw also getting a touch on the way.The Red Devils dictated possession more and more after the break, with Leny Yoro stretching to test Guglielmo Vicario from a free-kick.But United’s chances only arrived regularly in the final quarter of a patchy contest.The Red Devils belatedly piled on the pressure in the seven minutes of stoppage time, but Spurs just held on.Here’s how SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge rated United on a miserable night individually and collectively for Ruben Amorim’s men…Now, without any income from European competition, the transfer budget will be thinner still.A deal is in place to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves but the hot-headed Portuguese attacking midfielder will cost £62.5million and has missed six matches through suspension since January.Ipswich striker Liam Delap is now more likely to join Chelsea than United but a striker has to be a priority given that it is becoming genuinely cringeworthy to watch Hojlund play.It all means that United may have to cash in on homegrown players such as Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo – two of the club’s most promising stars – in order to strengthen while complying with PSR regulations.For a club rightly proud of its record of promoting from the youth system, that is a galling prospect – and Garnacho’s obvious displeasure at being benched for the final makes his exit look even more likely.Chief executive Omar Berrada said, when announcing the last round of job cuts, that United’s financial projections were based on being in the Europa League, not the Champions League, for the next four years.But now they have no European football at all, club staff – already sapped of morale – will fear even worse is to come.Next season, the rest of the ‘Big Six’ will probably all be lording it in the Champions League along with Newcastle, while Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace are also primed for European competition.Yet the club which dominated the English game for two decades under Sir Alex Ferguson are slipping into obscurity and irrelevance.Much more of this and the unthinkable may soon be upon us – the day when supporters of other clubs start feeling sorry for Manchester United.Sir Jim Ratcliffe looked less than impressed after the match, with United now set to miss out on £100m worth of revenueCredit: Getty More

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      Moment Sir Alex Ferguson rips into Rio Ferdinand just moments after seeing Man Utd legend at Europa League final

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      SIR Alex Ferguson ripped into Rio Ferdinand as soon as he saw him at the Europa League final.The Manchester United legends were in attendance in Bilbao to watch their former side lose 1-0 to Tottenham.Sir Alex Ferguson and Rio Ferdinand met before the Europa League finalCredit: X @footballontntFergie ridiculed Ferdinand’s jacket as Avram Glazer laughedFerguson then turned his attention to Paul ScholesFerdinand also shook hands with Sir Jim RatcliffeThere were plenty of niceties before kick-off as VIPs made their way through the stadium.Ferguson was joined by United owners Avram Glazer and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, as well as club CEO Omar Berrada.Ferdinand was at the San Mames Stadium on punditry duty for TNT Sports – so he and Paul Scholes said hello to their former boss.But before Ferdinand could get a word out Fergie shook his hand before ripping into him.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe grabbed his sleeve while saying: “What kind of jacket is that?”That sparked laughter from Ferdinand who then shook Glazer’s hand before Ferguson turned his attention to Scholes.He quickly grilled him too, asking the former midfielder why he did not attend his fundraising dinner.Ferdinand was also involved in another awkward exchange in Bilbao as Brennan Johnson scored for Spurs.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMan Utd ratings: Diallo best player in Europa League final but Hojlund out of his depthAMAD DIALLO’S fizzing first-half display was little consolation for Manchester United in a dismal 1-0 Europa League final loss to Tottenham.Rasmus Hojlund’s plight up front continued in one of the worst European showpieces for many years – as both sides showed why they will finish in the Premier League lower reaches.Spurs clinched it from virtually their first opportunity – on 42 minutes.Brennan Johnson bundled in Pape Sarr’s inswinging cross, with United left-back Luke Shaw also getting a touch on the way.The Red Devils dictated possession more and more after the break, with Leny Yoro stretching to test Guglielmo Vicario from a free-kick.But United’s chances only arrived regularly in the final quarter of a patchy contest.The Red Devils belatedly piled on the pressure in the seven minutes of stoppage time, but Spurs just held on.Here’s how SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge rated United on a miserable night individually and collectively for Ruben Amorim’s men…The TNT Sports camera cut straight to Ferdinand after the goal, with the pundit appearing distraught.The camera then panned to Gareth Bale standing just behind his colleague, who beamed from ear to ear at Spurs’ goal.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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      Match of the Day legend Alan Hansen, 69, lands emotional role in Liverpool’s title triumph 11 months after health battle

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      LIVERPOOL legend Alan Hansen will present the Premier League trophy to Virgil van Dijk this weekend, it has been revealed.Arne Slot’s Reds clinched the title following a 5-1 win over Tottenham at the end of April.Virgil van Dijk will be presented with the Premier League trophy at Anfield this weekendCredit: PAReds icon Alan Hansen, the last Liverpool captain to lift the English title in front of fans, will present the trophyCredit: AFPLiverpool have already seen their name engraved on the trophyCredit: GettyAnd they will now be officially presented with their record-equalling 20th English league title – second of the Premier League era – on Sunday.Liverpool last won the title in 2020 but were forced to celebrate in front of a reduced crowd due to the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.But this time around, they will have the chance to celebrate in front of a full house at the Kop.Hansen, 69, is the last Liverpool captain to lift the trophy in front of fans as Sir Kenny Dalglish’s side were crowned champions in 1990.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs reported by The Telegraph, the iconic former defender and TV broadcaster will pass that baton on to present-day captain Van Dijk.This comes a year after he spent time in hospital recovering from a serious illness.Hansen, who won eight titles with the Reds and is a former pundit on Match of the Day, was present when Liverpool secured the title last month.He retired from media duties in 2014, but the vast number of well-wishes he received following his health battle shows his legacy is held in high esteem.Most read in FootballEarlier this year, he was awarded an MBE for services to football and broadcasting.Liverpool have failed to win a match since securing the title.Arne Slot shows his class as he leads Anfield in chant about Jurgen Klopp after sealing 20th title for LiverpoolA 3-1 loss to Chelsea was followed by a 1-1 draw at Arsenal and then a 3-2 defeat to Brighton on Monday, which came after Slot’s squad was seen partying in Ibiza.They have a chance to sign off their campaign with a flourish by beating FA Cup winners Crystal Palace at Anfield. More

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      AC Milan drop major hint over Kyle Walker’s future after Man City star’s loan transfer

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      AC MILAN have dropped a massive hint over the future of Kyle Walker.The Manchester City star joined the Serie A giants on loan back in January.Kyle Walker featured in AC Milan’s kit reveal for the 2025/26 seasonCredit: PumaHe could be set to stay in Milan past the end of the seasonCredit: PumaWalker, 34, has been a regular fixture in the AC Milan side, having made 11 appearances in the Serie A.However, he has not been able to help the club reach a European qualifying place.AC Milan can finish at best 7th in the Serie A but will need to beat Monza and hope Bologna and Fiorentina lose.Walker could now be set for another season in Milan after the club revealed their kit for next season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe 95-cap England international featured in the promotion as he was pictured wearing the shirt.He also played a role in the club’s video along with Christian Pulisic, Santiago Gimenez, Rafael Leao and Mike Maignan.Milan has the option to buy Walker off Man City for around £5 million.It is believed that they would like to take up the option to make his move permanent.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWalker’s contract at the Etihad Stadium expires in 2026 so he would have one more year left on his deal if he were to return to England.The former Tottenham Hotspur ace is believed to be loving his time in Milan.EXCL Kyle Walker pictured reuniting with wife Annie & four kids over a meal after flying to Italy to watch him play for AC MilanThe Serie A giants released their new shirt on social mediaCredit: PumaChristian Pulisic featured in the promotionCredit: PumaAs revealed by SunSport, Walker signed a big-money deal – said to be worth six figures – to be an underwear model for Hugo Boss.A source said: “He’s so excited about this, he can’t contain himself.“He’s been reluctant to do anything like this in the past because he doesn’t like the spotlight, but things are different now.“He’s loving his new lease of life with AC Milan and hopes his performances can help him reach 100 caps for England.“But he’s also thinking about the future and has half an eye on life beyond football.”Meanwhile, AC Milan fans were not happy with the club’s new shirt.Many hit out on social media over the design of the badge and how it had been simplified.One posted: “Boycott this kit, the logo doesn’t respect our colours.”A second commented: “See that Americanized badge on the home shirt. Shame.”A third wrote: “Give us back Milan.”Read More on The SunA fourth said: “Boycott.”Another added: “Wow more dross what a surprise.”Fans are not happy with the redesign of the club badgeCredit: puma More

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      Andre Onana plumbs new depths as under-fire Man Utd goalkeeper sets unwanted record in Europa League final defeat

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      GOALKEEPER Andre Onana set an unwanted record as Manchester United missed out on the Europa League title on Wednesday.The Red Devils suffered a 1-0 loss to Tottenham in the Bilbao final, meaning they will not play European football next season.Andre Onana became the first goalkeeper to lose three European finals with three different clubsCredit: AlamyThe goalkeeper conceded a bizarre tap-in from Brennan JohnsonCredit: AFPIt was a disastrous night for the club, with Ruben Amorim and his players coming under fire for their performance.But one star in particular stood out for all the wrong reasons.Onana received criticism from supporters after failing to stop a bizarre close-range tap-in from Brennan Johnson – which proved to be the decisive goal.And his evening went from bad to worse when it emerged that he was the first goalkeeper to lose three European finals with three different clubs.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe goalkeeper featured as Man Utd went head-to-head with Ajax in the 2017 Europa League final – although back then he played for the Dutch side.United beat Ajax 2-0 thanks to goals from Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan in Stockholm.Then, during his time with Inter Milan, he suffered a 1-0 loss to Manchester City in the 2023 Champions League final.And on Wednesday his third European final defeat came at the hands of Tottenham.Most read in Europa LeagueJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordOnana has made 50 appearances for United this term, conceding 65 goals.United head coach Amorim claimed that he would be willing to leave Old Trafford if club officials believe he is not the right man for the job.Andre Onana suffers shocking howler to put Man Utd behind after being booed and insulted during warm-up over Matic spatHe said: “In this moment, I am not going to be here defending myself. It’s not my style, I cannot do it. It is really hard for me.”So I have nothing to show to the fans and say, ‘I’m going to improve because of this, I have these problems…’ I will not do nothing. “In this moment, it is a little bit of faith. Let’s see.”I’m always open, if the board and the fans feel that I am not the right guy, I will go the next day without any conversation about compensation. “But I will not quit. I am really confident in my job. As you can see, I will not change nothing in how I do things.”In the wake of their loss to Spurs, Man Utd have reportedly put every player up for sale.United could finish as low as 17th in the Premier League table this weekend. More

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      Man Utd and Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres’ uncle reveals transfer decision after big family dinner

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      VIKTOR GYOKERES’ uncle reckons his nephew will SNUB Manchester United and Arsenal this summer.The Gyokeres family reportedly “made a decision” around the dinner table before celebrating Sporting Lisbon’s successive league triumph.Viktor Gyokeres is one of the most sought-after strikers in EuropeGyokeres’ family held a meeting over his potential transfer to ArsenalGyokeres’ uncle Chris dropped a major bombshell about his nephew’s future on the final day of Liga Portugal.He believes that the sought-after striker will remain at Sporting Lisbon next season.Wearing a Sporting scarf and jersey, he said: “I’m super happy, this is amazing. “We were here last year, it’s the same spirit, the same people, the same atmosphere. Absolutely fantastic! Beyond words!READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Yesterday at dinner we decided that he has to stay.”Yes, we think so. We hope so, because look… We love it, it’s incredible, the country, the people and Sporting. And the Lions.”The Swedish striker has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League following another impressive season.Gyokeres scored 43 goals during his first season in Lisbon and netted a staggering 53 goals in 51 games this term.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat is 96 goals in just 101 appearances since joining for £16.8m from Championship side Coventry.Gyokeres was more coy than his uncle when fielding a question about his future after scoring in Sporting’s 2-0 win over Vitoria on the final day.Viktor Gyokeres responds as he is asked if he ‘likes London’ amid Arsenal transfer linksThe forward said: “We’ll see. It’s the future. Football is like that, you never know what’s going to happen.”Sporting Lisbon are believed to be open to offers for Gyokeres, who is at the top of both Mikel Arteta and former boss Ruben Amorim’s wish-lists.Arsenal have been in desperate need of a proper No 9 for over a year and Gyokeres, who would cost around £60m, is a cheaper alternative to Arteta’s dream target Alexander Isak.Meanwhile, United are looking for an upgrade on £72m transfer flop Rasmus Hojlund.Gyokeres’ mind may have been changed after United were beaten by Tottenham in the Europa League final on Wednesday.The Red Devils will be without European football for the second time in 35 years, after failing to win a place in the Champions League next season.If Gyokeres was to leave Sporting, it looks more likely that he would choose Arsenal, who have booked their place in Europe’s elite competition. More