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      Samir Nasri told me he made a mistake not signing for Man Utd after winning league with City, claims Patrice Evra

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      PATRICE EVRA has claimed Samir Nasri regretted snubbing Manchester United in 2011 – despite having just won the Premier League title with rivals City. The ex-United full-back believes his fellow Frenchman would have been a “beast” if he’d joined him at Old Trafford. Patrice Evra claims Samir Nasri regretted not joining Manchester UnitedCredit: XThe French star joined City in 2011 and won two league titlesCredit: Action Images – ReutersNasri, 37, spent three years with Arsenal before a high-profile move north to Manchester City. He would win two Premier League titles with the club, scoring 27 goals in 176 games.Evra – who played for United between 2006 and 2014 – believes Nasri’s heart wasn’t in the move and he “regretted” joining City. And he claims the Frenchman had agreed terms with Sir Alex Ferguson and United before having his head turned. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpeaking on the SDS podcast, Evra said: “[Nasri] agreed the terms [with United] and everything [in 2011].”I remember we were going into pre-season and I was on holiday.”I text him and say ‘Samir, what time you coming? We can go to training together’.”There was no answer. I then saw Alex Ferguson, he said, ‘Did you see what your French boy did?Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”He said, ‘He’s going to sign for City’. I said, ‘No boss, you’re joking.”Evra went on to claim Nasri was offered “millions more” by City. ‘I lived at the training ground’ – Former Man Utd transfer chief lifts lid on most expensive window in club historyThe attacking midfielder won the Prem in his first season with the club. Evra continued: “I remember I saw him after they were celebrating [winning the league].”I asked him, ‘You are happy? You made the right choice?'”He said, ‘I made a mistake. I should have signed for United’. Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”And he’d just won the league! Because he knew what he could have become.”At Arsenal, he was a good player. But I think at United, we could have made him a beast”.Read More on The SunNasri remained with City until 2017, but injuries restricted him to just 14 games across his final two seasons at Eastlands.He enjoyed spells with Sevilla, Antalyaspor, West Ham and Anderlecht before hanging up his boots in 2020. More

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      Liam Delap’s brother Finn, 19, faces uncertain future as Burton Albion release SIX players

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      LIAM DELAP’S brother Finn faces an uncertain future after Burton Albion released six players.Liam is a wanted man with Chelsea and Manchester United battling for his signature.Finn Delap faces an uncertain future with his Burton Albion contract expiringCredit: RexBrother Liam is being chased by both Chelsea and Manchester UnitedCredit: ReutersBut brother Finn’s future is now under the spotlight as Albion look to make some big squad changes.The League One outfit avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth as they finished four points above the drop zone.Lee Bowyer’s side are now ready to make some serious inroads in the summer transfer window as they aim for a playoff push next season.And having already promoted youngsters Josh Taroni and Jack Newall to their senior squad, Albion have now confirmed that six players have been released after their contracts expired.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMason Bennett, Anthony Forde, Cameron Gilbert, Jack Stretton, Toby Oakes and Dylan Scott have all left.While a further seven players remain in talks over a potential new deal, including defender Finn.The 19-year-old, the younger brother of in-demand Ipswich striker Liam, 22, made just one appearance this term after spending part of the campaign on loan at National League North outfit Buxton.However, Albion feel Finn can now challenge for a first-team role and hope he will extend his stay following a switch in 2021 from Derby.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSOther players in talks to potentially remain at the club include Max Crocombe, Ryan Sweeney, Jon Dad Bodvarsson, Kegs Chauke, Fabio Tavares and Kamil Dudek.But Finn’s future isn’t the only one in the air, with brother Liam now being eyed by numerous sides following Ipswich’s relegation to the Championship.Liam Delap tipped to snub Man Utd and Chelsea for EVERTON transfer after fans spot gesture following match vs ToffeesThe £20million signing from Man City scored 12 goals in his maiden term at Portman Road.Man United are now hoping to complete a deal by meeting his £30m release clause.However, SunSport can reveal that Chelsea are now confident of winning the race.It would see Liam reunite with several former City pals including Cole Palmer, Romeo Lavia, recruitment chief Joe Shields and manager Enzo Maresca. More

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      Championship club handed final deadline to leave stadium with side’s long-term future ‘not guaranteed’

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      OXFORD UNITED have been told when they must leave the Kassam Stadium.The Championship club have been playing at the 12,500-seater venue for the last 24 years.Oxford have been set a date they must leave the Kassam StadiumCredit: RexThe ground only has three standsCredit: GettyBut it is owned by former chairman Firoz Kassam and his Firoka Group, who want Oxford to move out.The license was due to expire at the end of next season and leave the team without a home in just 12 months’ time.But an agreement has been struck that sees the deal extended to the end of the 2026/27 campaign, with the option of one further year maximum.It means Oxford must move out the three-stand Kassam Stadium by June 2028 at the latest.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFormer club chief Kassam stated: “Oxford United have been a hugely important part of my life for over 25 years, but now is the right time for all of us to look to the next chapter. “Agreeing to this extension allows Firoka Group to focus on developing the wider site for local people and the city of Oxford, whilst providing the club with clarity in the short-term. “It’s now up to others to approve planning to guarantee Oxford United’s long-term future.”Current U’s chief Grant Ferguson added: “The club was facing some very difficult decisions on where to play after our licence expired in June 2026 and before our new stadium is ready. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“There has been a massive amount of work going on behind the scenes to get us to this point, and I would like to place on record my thanks to Firoz Kassam who personally oversaw the discussions which led to this short-term extension being signed. “Agreeing this goes well beyond the terms of our existing arrangement and demonstrates Firoz’s support for the Club, particularly given this could potentially delay his plans for the site.”We can now move forward with certainty as both parties look to the future.” Oxford plan to build a new 16,000-seater ground and have submitted the proposal to Cherwell District Council.The new home is set to be on land known as the Triangle near Kidlington and the stadium will include a 180-bedroom hotel, restaurant, conference centre, health & well-being space, gym and community plaza.  Oxford have unveiled plans for their new homeCredit: AFL Architects / Oxford UnitedAn extra 3,500 fans will fit in the groundCredit: AFL Architects / Oxford United More

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      Arsenal ‘get green light to complete Viktor Gyokeres transfer from Sporting for just £60m as contract details emerge’

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      ARSENAL are set to make Viktor Gyokeres one of their highest earners – and could land him for just £60million. The Gunners are among a host of Europe’s elite chasing the prolific Swede striker.Viktor Gyokeres is high on Arsenal’s summer wishlistCredit: EPAThe Swedish striker has scored goals for fun in Portugal since joining Sporting in 2023Credit: EPAGyokeres, 26, has scored 95 goals in 100 games since joining Sporting Lisbon from Coventry City.The forward cost the Portuguese club £16.8m in the summer of 2023. And reports suggest Sporting have already agreed a price with Arsenal for one of their top targets.New sporting director Andrea Berta has placed Gyokeres high on his wishlist as the Gunners look to overhaul their attack. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Mirror report that there is already an agreement in place on price between the two clubs.The £60m fee represents a lower figure than the £85m release clause included in the forward’s contract.But that price tag “could go higher” if clubs pile in for a bidding war in the summer, with Manchester United among those tracking Gyokeres.The 26-year-old will also command a hefty wage, with his proposed contract costing the Gunners over £7million-a-year.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe is expected to be offered a deal north of £200,000-a-week, putting him among the top earners at the Emirates.Arsenal are also keen on RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, 22.Mikel Arteta launches furious rant at Arsenal players despite second-half Anfield comebackHowever, reports suggest the club has “reservations” about that deal and considers Gyokeres its top target. Gyokeres ended April in stunning form, netting EIGHT times in just three games against Moreirense, Rio Ave and Boavista.The ex-Brighton striker was recently asked about the possibility of a switch to the capital.Arsenal ratings v PSG ARSENAL’S Champions League dream ended in tears as they failed to revolt against Paris Saint-Germain in Paris.The Gunners came flying out of the blocks and tested Gianluigi Donnarumma early, but it seemed it was going to be one of those nights from the get go. And so it proved.Despite early pressure, Arsenal found themselves behind following a Fabian Ruiz volley.Achraf Hakimi then added a brutal second mere moments after David Raya had kept Arsenal in the tie by denying Vitinha from the penalty spot.But Bukayo Saka, who had been denied all night by old nemesis Donnarumma, finally bested the Italian in the 76th minute when he made the most of a deflected cross to round him and fire into the net.With the deficit on the night halved, Saka then had the chance to level the score as he was found free in the middle with an open goal at his mercy.But the winger was unable to keep the ball down once he made contact and saw his effort sail miles over the bar.PSG then saw out the result without further worry to book their spot in the Munich final against Inter Milan.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners in Paris.But he remained tight-lipped on his future with Sporting going into a last-day shootout for the title with rivals Benfica on Saturday. Asked after the win over Moreirense if he liked London, Gyokeres replied with a smile: “I like Lisbon!”He added: “No one can predict what will happen, we enjoy the moment.” More

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      Frank Lampard fumes after being harassed for selfie by pitch invader after last gasp Coventry loss at Sunderland

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      FRANK LAMPARD reacted furiously as a taunting pitch invader tried to take a selfie after Coventry’s last-gasp play-off agony.Dan Ballard’s 122nd-minute equalizer booked Sunderland a Wembley final against Sheffield United as a 1-1 draw nicked a 3-2 aggregate triumph.Frank Lampard was in the middle as some fans got on the pitchCredit: GettyA bare-topped supporter ran towards LampardCredit: SUNSPORTLampard rebuffed the fan and turned to walk awayCredit: GettyThere were frenzied scenes as Sunderland revelled in victoryCredit: SUNSPORTAnd as a batch of supporters swarmed onto the turf at the Stadium of Light, Sky Blues chief Lampard was caught in the middle.The grim-faced Chelsea legend responded agitatedly when a grinning, bare-topped fan quickly approached him and got up close.The supporter was holding a phone high and appeared to be attempting to take a photo with Lampard.The ex-England midfielder rebuffed him, then turned to make his way off.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOne viewer shared a clip of the unfortunate incident on social media – and hit out at the fan’s antics.He wrote: “Not sure trying to get a selfie with a manager that’s literally just lost a play-off semi final, in injury time of EXTRA time, is the smartest move… Keep it together super Frank Lampard!”Another posted: “The cheek of this Sunderland fan trying to get a selfie with Frank Lampard after that last gasp winner…”A third blasted: “No way bro.”Most read in FootballDan Ballard was in ecstasy after his Sunderland clincherCredit: Shutterstock EditorialBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe ugly exchange on the turf came just as Lampard was rueing the most heartbreaking of semi-final defeats.Trailing 2-1 from the first leg, Coventry’s high-energy tactics edged much of the return at the SoL.’One of the best things I’ve ever seen’ – Frank Lampard stunned as Coventry star hits 180 with first-ever three dartsEphron Mason-Clark deservedly struck on 76 minutes to take the tie into extra time.And it was deep into stoppage time during that extra half-hour when Ballard soared to nod home off the underside of the bar.That sent Sunderland through to a £200million shootout with the Blades on May 24 for a place in the Premier League.Ballard sunk Coventry at the death in the play-off semi-finalCredit: GettyChris Rigg led Sunderland celebrations after victory over Coventry booked a Wembley play-off final against Sheffield United on May 24Credit: Reuters More

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      Chelsea confident of completing £30m Liam Delap transfer in major blow to Man Utd

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      CHELSEA are increasingly confident of landing Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap despite interest from Manchester United.The England Under-21 forward, who has scored 12 Premier League goals, has a release clause of just £30million.Chelsea are increasingly confident of landing Ipswich Town star Liam DelapChelsea could beat Manchester United for DelapUnited are in the market for a new centre-forward but Delap, 22, is favouring a link-up with the Blues’ boss Enzo Maresca, his academy coach at Manchester City.Chelsea’s current recruitment director Joe Shields was instrumental in Delap’s move from Derby to join Man City’s star-filled academy in 20219.The signing of Delap would be seen as a huge coup for Chelsea as he is one of the most in-demand young players in this country.He joined Ipswich last summer from City in a £15m deal, rising to £20million.Read More on Man UtdHe had a release clause of £40m but that has been reduced by £10m now the Tractor Boys have been relegated.Arsenal have also been watching the forward, whose goals have not been enough to save Ipswich from relegation back to the Championship.Delap had hoped his form, particularly in the first half of the season, would be enough to get into Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad in March.Yet he remained with the U21s along with Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut he did train with England’s senior team at St George’s Park ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Latvia.Tuchel will name his next squad, on Friday week, for the World Cup qualifier away to Andorra and a friendly at home to Senegal.But Delap is again set to remain with the U21s as they prepare for the European Championships in Slovakia.Liam Delap tipped to snub Man Utd and Chelsea for EVERTON transfer after fans spot gesture following match vs ToffeesChelsea raids on Man City starsCHELSEA have become adept at nicking some of the talent factory from rivals Man City – and it doesn’t look like stopping any time soon.Liam Delap would become the EIGHTH high profile name to move to Stamford Bridge from The Etihad, sometimes via a couple of other clubs in between.Enzo MarescaChelsea’s current head coach was once part of Pep Guardiola’s backroom staff at City — and is such of devotee of his former boss he’s known as Diet Pep. Maresca, 45, – who also spent a season as Leicester manager – worked as manager of City’s Under-23 team.Joe ShieldsChelsea’s Co-Director of Recruitment and Talent, who was poached from Southampton, where he spent just two months after leaving Man City in 2022. Glenn van der KraanVan der Kraan was at City before joining as Chelsea’s academy technical director last October. He was head of coaching at City’s academyCole PalmerThe 23-year-old England star made the switch from Man City to Chelsea in 2023 for £40million, potentially rising to £42.5m. Palmer, pictured here with Lavia at Man City in 2021, has become the star man at Chelsea with 37 goals in 68 games for the club.Romeo LaviaThe Belgium international midfielder, 21, joined Chelsea from Southampton for £53m in 2023. Before that he spent two years at Man City, making one appearance for the first team.Jadon SanchoSancho, 25, spent two years at Man City where he was rated very highly.  But they sold the young winger to Dortmund for £8m in 2017, and he then joined Man Utd for £73m in 2021. Currently on loan at Chelsea.Tosin AdarabioyoThe 6ft5in centre back was at Man City’s academy for four seasons, and made his debut for the first team aged 19. Now 27, he spent four years at Fulham before moving to Chelsea on a free transfer last summer.The striker counts a total of 12 goals and two assists in 38 appearances across all competitions this season.Football is in Delap’s blood. His dad Rory played for Stoke City, and Delap Jr appeared on the set of Soccer AM in 2014 alongside his father.The former Stoke City and Ireland midfielder is best remembered for his insanely long throw-ins.Former Stoke City hero Rory Delap is Liam’s dadLiam seen on the set of Soccer AM in 2014Credit: AFP More

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      Ex-Prem assistant ref jailed after luring man to flat, locking him inside and raping him

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      AN ex-Premier League assistant referee has been jailed for raping a man. Steven Wilson, 55, lured the stranger from a taxi rank to his flat by promising to take him to a party with “a lot of girls”. He locked him in and forced him to perform a sex act before raping him in 2009 in Worcester. Wilson evaded justice until 2021. The victim recognised him from an article about his other sex crimes and told cops. Wilson, of Rowley Regis, West Mids, was found guilty of rape and sexual assault at Worcester crown court. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe was jailed for nine years. Previously known as Stephen Dorr, he was promoted to the Prem referee roster in 2005. In 2009, it emerged he had downloaded indecent images and communicated with underage boys. He was jailed for 15 months in 2011 for sexual offences involving teenage boys. Most read in Footballpeaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Chris Hawkes, of West Mercia Police, said: “Wilson’s victim was incredibly scared during his time trapped in his flat and feared for his safety as he did not know Wilson, or what he was capable of. “His awful ordeal lasted for three or four hours as it was light outside when Wilson eventually allowed him to leave the flat. “We are pleased to get this court result for Wilson who subjected his victim to a degrading and humiliating ordeal back in 2009.”Former Premier League assistant referee Steven Wilson has been jailed for raping a manCredit: West Mercia PoliceScandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote SACKED after videos emerged of anti-Klopp rant and snorting white powder More

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      Fury as Gary Lineker shares pro-Gaza video likening supporters of Israel to RATS with BBC urged to sack him

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      THE BBC is facing calls to sack Gary Lineker after the presenter shared a pro-Gaza video that likened supporters of Israel to rats. The outgoing match of the day host sparked fury after featuring on his Instagram a vermin emoji that has been used for decades, including by the Nazis, as antisemitic slur. Gary Lineker sparked fury after sharing a vermin emoji on Instagram – a symbol long used as an antisemitic slur, including by the NazisCredit: GettyThe BBC’s Director General Tim Davie is facing calls to sack LinekerCredit: GettyThe rat accompanied footage of a Canadian-Palestinian lawyer attacking the war in Gaza. Responding to the post, former Labour MP Lord Austin said: “For too long Gary Lineker has been flagrantly abusing his position as the best-paid presenter at the BBC to promote his deeply biased views. “Now he has gone too far, sharing material that whether he knows it or not is redolent of the vilest anti-Jewish racism. “He cannot be allowed to stay in position, let alone be the face of World Cup coverage. READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER“The BBC must act now.” Danny Cohen, former director of BBC Television, said: “Gary Lineker appears to have shared content about the Jewish State which echoes 1930s Nazi propaganda. “This is utterly grim. The BBC’s Director General Tim Davie has a simple question to answer: does he tolerate the BBC’s flagship presenters sharing content that has historically been used as an antisemitic slur?” The controversial post comes weeks after the Match of the Day presenter told the Beeb presenter Amol Rajan that he has a right to express his opinion on topics including Gaza. He said: “I know where I stand on this. Most read in Football“I’m sorry. It’s more important than the BBC. “What’s going on there is the mass murder of thousands of children is probably something that we should have a little opinion on.” ‘That doesn’t happen’ – Gary Lineker broke down in tears over Ian Wright’s public show of support over MOTD axing More