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    Liverpool legend Fowler urges boss Slot to go all out for ‘tremendous player’ if they fail to sign Newcastle ace Isak

    LIVERPOOL legend Robbie Fowler has urges his former club to veer away from their usual transfer model this summer.Fowler, 50, has revealed who he would like to see The Reds sign up front if they can’t sign Newcastle United ace Alexander Isak.Liverpool icon Robbie Fowler has revealed which striker he thinks his former club should sign this summerCredit: GettyThe Reds have been linked with Newcastle United’s Alexander IsakCredit: GettyLiverpool are thought to be in the market for a new striker this summer after Darwin Nunez’s minutes have dried up under boss Arne Slot.Magpies front-man Isak has been the biggest name linked with the Anfield outfit, but Liverpool bosses could be deterred by his mega £150MILLION asking price.And Fowler, who is currently undertaking a two-year sports directorship course with the PFA, reckons that he knows who they should sign in the Swede’s place.Speaking to the i Paper, Fowler urged Liverpool to sign Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins instead. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “The problem is clubs know that they are potentially on the lookout for a No.9, so the prices will become silly. “If you look at [Alexander] Isak, he’s going to be £100m plus easily. He’s a wonderful player, but Liverpool may not want to pay that, and they’ll look around.“You could look at Ollie Watkins. He doesn’t really fit the model in terms of what Liverpool want, given his age [29 years old], but I’d go and get him for a couple of years because he’s a tremendous player and established and experienced in the Premier League.”Watkins has fallen out of favour at Aston Villa this term, with boss Unai Emery preferring loanee Marcus Rashford in the second half of the season.Most read in FootballFowler has suggested that Liverpool sign Ollie WatkinsCredit: PACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHowever the 29-year-old striker has still managed 22 goal contributions in 35 Premier League appearances this season.While he racked up 34 goal contributions in a full campaign for Villa last season.Cheeky Mo Salah reveals Liverpool’s Premier League title felt way better without Klopp, Mane and FirminoOn the other hand, Alexander Isak has cemented himself as one of Europe’s deadliest striker this season.The former Real Sociedad bagsman is the Prem’s second-top goal scorer this season with 23 goals in 32 games.But the Toon hierarchy know his worth, reportedly slapping a £150m price tag on the 25-year-old, who they spent £63m on themselves back in 2022. More

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    ‘It would be unfair’ – Premier League legend says Man Utd and Tottenham ‘don’t deserve’ to play in Champions League

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham “absolutely” do not deserve to play in the Champions League next season.That is according to an Arsenal legend who insists it would be “unfair” if either United or Spurs win the Europa League this month.Man Utd don’t deserve to play in the Champions League next season, according to a Prem legendThe Arsenal legend makes the same claim about TottenhamEmmanuel Petit believes none of the Premier League clubs deserve to win the Europa LeagueMan Utd and the North Londoners are the absolute favourites to compete in the final on May 21 at San Mames after dominating Athletic Bilbao and Bodo/Glimt respectively in the first leg of the semi-finals.The Red Devils destroyed Bilbao 3-0 in Spain on Thursday and dealt Ernesto Valverde’s side a devastating blow in heir hopes of playing in the final that takes place in their own stadium later this month.And Tottenham defeated Bodo/Glimt 3-1 in London and now need to survive the Norwegian outfit’s artificial pitch that has claimed so many other big names this season.Emmanuel Petit admits the Premier League duo have a massive chance to save their “terrible” season.Read More on Man UtdThe Manchester giants are set for their worst ever Prem finish as they are currently 15th in the table with Spurs below them.But one of them will still advance to next season’s Champions League if they win the Europa League.And Petit, 54, is adamant none of them deserve to be among Europe’s elite next season after their disastrous campaigns.Nevertheless, the ex-Chelsea star wishes both teams luck ahead of their crunch second leg.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPetit told FastSlots: “Tottenham and Manchester United both have the chance to save terrible seasons in the Europa League, but does either side deserve to play in the Champions League next season?”Absolutely not. Both teams don’t deserve to be among the Champions League teams for the next season. Ange Postecoglou says he will be around ‘for a little bit longer’ after Tottenham victory over Eintracht Frankfurt “I wish the best of luck for Manchester United against Bilbao, but looking at the game against Lyon [in Leg 2 of the quarter-finals], Lyon should’ve finished United off.”Spurs could spring a surprise, but I don’t expect anything from Spurs or Manchester United this season. “To be honest with you, if one of those clubs wins the Europa League, I think that would be unfair.” More

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    Izzy Goodwin relishing chance to battle London City Lionesses’ new rivals in women’s top-flight

    IZZY GOODWIN says her promotional-winning goal left her buzzing after London City Lionesses clinched a draw with Birmingham and a place in the WSL. The forward’s fiercely struck shot helped her side make the leap into the Women’s Super League for the first time in their history. Skipper Kosovare Asllani and her London City Lionesses team-mates will compete in the WSL for the first time next seasonCredit: GettyIzzy Goodwin netted the second goal that sealed an away draw with Birmingham City and the point required to ensure her team’s promotionCredit: GettyLondon City owner Michele Kang says the team have been structured with the aim of them functioning as a mid-table top-flight sideCredit: GettyLondon City’s promotion win means the WSL will have a women’s team, not affiliated with a men’s club, battling it out for points in the division next season. Their second tier triumph marks a highpoint for a side that has undergone considerable change since being acquired by American businesswoman and sports investor Michelle Kang. Goodwin, who finished this season as the second tier’s highest scorer, told Sky Sports: “I don’t think I’ve ever scored a goal like that in my life. “I put everything into it. I’m absolutely buzzing and happy I could help the team.Read More Football Stories “By the end I was so tired, I’m so happy we could get over the line.”London City winning the Women’s Championship title comes a year after they finished eighth in the second year last term. Since Kang’s December 2023 takeover, with London City becoming the third side purchased through her women’s sports organisation Kynsica, their squad has undergone an overhaul. The club signed 17 players between last summer and the end of this January including Kosovare Asllani and Sofia Jakobsson with the Sweden players joining from AC Milan and San Diego Wave.Most read in FootballKang, who also owns eight-time Champions League winners Lyon and US outfit Washington Spirit, insists rebuilding has been done with the purpose of London City evolving into a mid-tier WSL side. The Kynsica Sports owner told Sky Sports: “We’ve been actually building the team to be a minimum, from day one, mid-tier WSL side. “It remains to be seen, but we’ve seen so many clubs go up (to the WSL) and then come down, so we’ve been, on purpose, building the team to be somewhere in mid-tier, but who knows?”We’re very excited. When I first came here a lot of people were concerned for me that as an independent team. “They asked how could you do this, because you don’t have a men’s team from which you can draw the equity, brand power and the fanbase. “For us, as an independent team to accomplish this in one year, this is proof that with the proper investment and the resources, anything is possible.”Goodwin, who joined the club from Sheffield United last July, added: “We all love Michelle and what she has done for this club.”To play top teams like that week in, week out, is what you dream of. I can’t wait.”London broke the deadlock in the second half at St Andrews with Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah scoring their openerCredit: GettyGoodwin broke the deadlock two minutes into second-half yesterday with a powerful right-footed effort. Read More on The SunChantelle Boye Hlorkah made it 2-0 for the visitors in the 59th minute before Birmingham struck back with goals from Emily van Egmond and Cho So-Hyun. The visitors held on to seal the win that earned them a place in the top tier six years on from them becoming a standalone side after their breakaway from Millwall.  More

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    Ryan Reynolds splashes out £500k to send Wrexham squad to Las Vegas for third year in a row

    ACTOR Ryan Reynolds is splashing out £500,000 to send his Wrexham squad on a trip to Las Vegas to celebrate promotion — for the third year in a row.He and fellow owner Rob McElhenney promised to reward the players and staff if they made it to the Championship.Ryan Reynolds is splashing out £500,000 to send his Wrexham squad on a trip to Las VegasCredit: APDefender Max Cleworth is looking forward to the Vegas tripCredit: APDefender Max Cleworth said: “I can’t wait. “That’s the main thing this week. “I don’t think I’ll sleep until we go.”It will be his first trip to Sin City in Nevada but the third for some of the club — with Ryan and Rob picking up the tab.read more on wrexhamWrexham was a non-league club when the two actors bought it in 2020. Next season, the Welsh side will be in the second tier of English football.Manager Phil Parkinson, who is not going, said: “They deserve it.“I’ll be turning my phone off.Most read in Football“I just want a message when they’re all back in the country in one piece.”Celebrity Wrexham owner spotted in retro Celtic strip as he asks ‘are they Catholics or Protestants’Ryan and Rob McElhenney promised to reward the players and staff if they made it to the Championship.Credit: ReutersUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Forgotten England striker sends Thomas Tuchel selection headache after becoming Champions League winner

    IVAN TONEY handed Thomas Tuchel a new selection headache by adding ‘Champions League winner’ to his CV.England striker Toney helped Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ahli defeat Kawasaki Frontale 2-0 to lift Asia’s elite club trophy.Ivan Toney poses with his medal after winning the Asian Champions LeagueCredit: AFPToney, 29, left Brentford for Saudi Arabia last summerCredit: GettyToney celebrates with his Al-Ahli team-matesCredit: GettyTuchel picked Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke ahead of Toney for his first Three Lions squad two months ago.This was Toney’s first major trophy win — and was Al-Ahli’s debut Champions League final success after near misses in 1986 and 2012.Toney, 29, left Brentford in a £40million switch last summer having played three games for Gareth Southgate at Euro 2024.And he was not the only ex-Prem star to pick up medals as Al-Ahli triumphed in Jeddah.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFormer Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez and ex-Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino had both won Uefa’s Champions League with their former clubs.Whil Edouard Mendy helped Chelsea prevail in the competition four years ago.Firmino set up both goals, teeing up fellow Brazilian Galeno for a 35th-minute opener and crossing for Franck Kessie seven minutes later.Toney — who has bagged 26 goals in 39 Al-Ahli appearances —   might have netted early on but  was denied by keeper Louis Yamaguchi.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRoberto Firmino hailed his side as ‘mentality monsters’Credit: GettyEdouard Mendy was in goal for the victorious Saudi sideCredit: GettyRiyad Mahrez poses alongside team-mate Ziyad Al-JohaniCredit: GettyFirmino, who left Anfield in 2023, said: “This title win shows we have a monster mentality.”We believed we could be champions and we’ve done it.”Inside Ivan Toney’s wild £100k birthday party with free booze for women guests More

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    Serie A star Edoardo Bove bursts into tears as he makes first appearance at Roma stadium since collapsing on pitch

    EDOARDO BOVE made an emotional return to Roma this evening, six months on from collapsing during a match.While on loan at Fiorentina, the 22-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest during a match against Inter Milan and was rushed to hospital.Edoardo Bove received a warm reception from Roma supportersCredit: GettyBove, 22, was visibly moved by his Stadio Olimpico returnCredit: GettyBove caught up with his Roma team-matesCredit: SplashBove was subsequently discharged 12 days later, having had a defibrillator fitted.The midfielder has since been recovering and has signalled his intention to return to action next season.Born in the Italian capital, Bove came through the ranks at boyhood club Roma.The Italy Under-21 international joined Fiorentina on loan last summer and remains contracted to Roma until 2028.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith Fiorentina travelling to Roma earlier today, Bove made his first return to a packed Stadio Olimpico since his cardiac arrest.While still not back in action, the homecoming hero travelled with his team-mates to the match and was met with a brilliant response.Bove was visibly moved during a rapturous reception from Roma’s Curva Sud.While a banner read: “Edoardo, don’t give up, keep dreaming.”Most read in FootballSpeaking to the Italian edition of Vanity Fair earlier this year, Bove signalled his intention to return to action.The star said: “I know that this is a temporary condition. My goal is to return to playing in June.Christian Eriksen heads to public heart screening and urges fans to get checked after Euro 2020 cardiac arrest “I still have a few (medical) visits to do, the doctors have to cross-reference all of the data.”On how his defibrillator could affect his career, given that they are banned in Serie A, Bove added: “If I decide to keep it, I won’t be able to play in Italy.”Here, health comes before the individual, I’m not saying that the rule is wrong.”Abroad, yes, (it is possible to play) practically everywhere. Football is too important for me, I can’t allow myself to give up like this.”I’ll try again, without a shadow of a doubt. I will also see how I am, If I’m afraid, if I don’t feel calm, then everything will change.”Serie A’s defibrillator rule led to Christian Eriksen leaving Inter Milan, with the Dane initially returning to action with Brentford before signing for Manchester United.Bove collapsed during a match in December and was taken to hospitalCredit: Getty More

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    Italian amateur side gifted lifetime subscription to escort website after winning promotion to Serie D

    AN AMATEUR Italian side has been gifted a lifetime subscription to an escort website after winning promotion to Serie D.Athletic Palermo are based on the island of Sicily and have been playing at amateur level for many years.An escort website has given a lifetime subscription to a team for achieving promotionCredit: RedditAthletic Palermo will be playing in Serie D for the first time next seasonCredit: RedditBut fans are now celebrating after the club achieved promotion to the big leagues for the first time.Athletic Palermo will now be playing in Serie D after securing a spot in Italy’s fourth division for next term.Players have been toasting their success ever since confirming their new status with a win over rivals Partinicaudace.But they have now been given an extremely bizarre gift by their sponsors.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAthletic Palermo are backed by an escort website called Escort Advisor.And the adult platform decided to pay homage to the players by giving them a lifetime subscription.CEO Mike Morra declared the present in a congratulatory message.He said: “We wanted to mark this achievement with a practical gift.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“Now the players and coaches can finally relax… with a little extra bonus.”Palermo’s escort present came as there were wild scenes amid Bradford’s promotion back in England.Bradford clash SUSPENDED with club seconds from promotion as fans storm pitch BEFORE full-timeFans invaded the pitch after a 97th minute sent them to League One.However, the ref’s final whistle had not yet blown, leading to panic among Bradford players as they tried to clear the supporters from the field. More

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    William Saliba ‘in talks with Real Madrid for weeks’ over sensational summer transfer from Arsenal

    WILLIAM SALIBA has been in talks with Real Madrid for weeks, claim reports in France.The Arsenal centre-back has two years remaining on his contract at the Emirates.William Saliba has been a regular for Arsenal this seasonCredit: GettyGunners chiefs are said to be keen on renewing the Frenchman’s deal.But according to French paper L’Equipe, Real Madrid are pursuing the 24-year-old.The Spanish giants are desperate to sign a new star centre-back this summer – with Saliba at the top of their list.Real chiefs are said to be willing to assure the Arsenal star that he would become the leader of their defence.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Gunners ace is unlikely to force an immediate move – but could run down his contract.It’s claimed that Real Madrid is the only club that could lure Saliba away from the Emirates.The LaLiga champions have an extensive recent track record of signing players that have run down their deals at previous clubs.Real Madrid snapped up Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba have also arrived as free agents in recent years.Los Blancos are also expected to tie up a deal for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is set to be out of contract at Liverpool this summer.Arsenal boss Arteta shuts down reporter after being asked revealing question ahead of crucial PSG Champions League clashThe Gunners bought Saliba from Saint-Etienne in a £27million deal in 2019.Following loan spells at Saint-Etienne, Nice and Marseille, Saliba was finally given his chance in Arsenal’s first team in 2022.The classy defender has gone on to make 131 appearances for the Gunners.Saliba has also become a regular for his country, earning 26 caps for France. More