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      Liverpool line up £50m Adam Wharton transfer as Crystal Palace and England star, 21, sets out conditions

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      LIVERPOOL will try to tempt Adam Wharton to quit Crystal Palace in a £50million-plus swoop.Anfield’s transfer team are focusing on the midfielder whose passing talent could make Arne Slot’s team tick.Liverpool will try to sign Adam Wharton this summerCredit: GettyWharton has established himself as a Premier League player of real promise since his move from hometown club Blackburn in 2024.And his ability to see the picture and deliver quick balls to attackers marks him out as a future elite star.Wharton, 21, could be interested in a return to his native north west but the snag will be whether he gets enough game time to keep him on an upward path.He forced his way into England’s Euro 2024 squad after joining Palace but has been frustrated by injuries this season, missing three months after a groin operation in November.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat has restricted his appearances in a campaign that should have seen him take off for club and country.If Liverpool can sell a plan to Wharton – especially with Champions League football available – then he may take the chance.Palace, facing huge interest in their players this summer, are sure to demand a huge fee for Wharton who still has more than four years left on his contract.Blackburn are also due a 15 per cent cut of profit over the £18m Palace paid up front for their former academy star 15 months ago.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBayern Munich and Real Madrid are also admirers but Wharton has not played often enough this season to make their interest concrete.Wharton has featured heavily since his return from injury, playing in every game since he got back fit.Mo Salah commits to Liverpool with new two-year contract More

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      ‘I understand’ – Pep Guardiola joins calls to bring back popular FA Cup feature

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      PEP GUARDIOLA made a fresh call to switch FA Cup semi-finals from Wembley to help out cash-strapped fans.Manchester City face Nottingham Forest on Sunday in the last four,  a seventh straight appearance at this stage.Pep Guardiola has backed FA Cup semi-finals moving from WembleyCredit: EPACity are appearing in their seventh-straight semi-finalCredit: GettyBut about 5,000 City tickets are unsold for what is their 28th trip to the redeveloped national stadium, while Forest’s 36,000 swiftly sold out.Guardiola has sympathy for fans priced out of yet another trip south.And the Spaniard called for a return to staging semis at neutral grounds in the country.Asked if it was unfair to always make fans travel 200 miles from Manchester to London, he said: “Yes, one day in the FA Cup maybe we will play them in the north.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“Maybe they will come to Old Trafford, Etihad, Anfield or Goodison,  perhaps they will come here.”I understand people all around the world are suffering economically, it’s not easy for them.“We’d love it if they could be there and  will play for the ones who come and the ones who would like to but cannot.“They can’t but I’m  sure they’d love to – it’s just that it’s not possible for them. I’m close enough to them to understand it.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKOnly Chelsea, with 30 trips, have been to Wembley more since 2007.City are closing in on a tenth visit in four years.Pep Guardiola in iconic reaction to controversial Man Utd fans’ chantThe 4.30pm kick-off is another issue as extra-time and penalties would be a big problem for fans travelling by train.Guardiola added: “I know they’d come but the situation is difficult.”For travel, work on Monday, maybe they will get back late.”The prices, all the tickets . . . people cannot afford it.” More

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      Nuno’s Nottingham Forest have been fantastic for Premier League by mixing things up in era of poor Guardiola imitations

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      NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO is clearly a manager who does things his way — and thank goodness for that.Nuno is one of a dying breed of bosses proving modern football doesn’t have to be about playing half-a-dozen passes before reaching halfway.Nuno Espirito Santo’s Nottingham Forest are a breath of fresh airCredit: AlamyToo many bosses are poor imitations of Pep GuardiolaCredit: GettyThat it’s not always about false nines, floating tens and lingo from laptop users trying to complicate a simple game.Instead, Nuno has shown that in an era of stats and soundbites, it’s still possible for the best lessons to come from the old school.That’s the refreshing way Nottingham Forest do things, anyway. And it could even end with a Champions League place and an FA Cup win.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe second bit won’t be easy with a semi-final today against Manchester City. But, whatever happens, they have had a fantastic season.And it’s been fantastic for everyone who loves to see fast, exciting football, rather than a poor imitation of teams trying to copy Pep Guardiola’s pass, pass, pass methods.I’m not knocking Pep, of course, he’s won everything in the game that way. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut it’s pointless trying to follow suit if you haven’t got the players.Unlike many others, Nuno knows it —  just as he knows playing to your strengths brings the best chance of success.Pep Guardiola aims sly dig at rivals Man Utd hours after their heroic Europa League comeback And for Forest, that means a throwback approach.If you’ve got wide players with pace, why build slowly from the back?Maybe that’s no-risk football but it’s no-excitement football, too.With two wingers, Nuno wants the ball wide as quickly as possible for Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi to cause mayhem. Which means getting the ball into the box for Chris Wood to hold it up, lay it off or, ideally, stick it in the net — like we saw the other night at Tottenham.Chris was a journeyman in his 30s before going to Forest yet only Mo Salah, Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak have scored more than his 19 Premier League goals this season.He’s a “proper” centre forward. Powerful and strong in the air, along the lines of a Mick Harford or Joe Jordan.Every club had one back in the day, but there are so few now that centre-backs have a nightmare trying to handle them. They’ve not managed it with Wood yet!Sadly for Forest, though, I can’t see a fairytale ending today because City’s big-game nous can see them over the line.I’ve never made any secret of how much the FA Cup means to me and it was great to see three different names — plus  City! — in the semis.You could argue it’s kept the season alive because the title and relegation business has been sorted for weeks.It’s unlikely to happen, but I’d love to see the winners get a place in the Champions League. It would certainly end all those weakened teams!Better late than neverLIVERPOOL have been the best team by a mile and it’s hard to be critical of anyone who wins the title in a canter.And I’m delighted their fans can celebrate properly this time, too, after missing out because of Covid five years ago.Read More on The SunI wouldn’t say this is the greatest Liverpool team but there’s no knocking what a great job Arne Slot has done.Now the challenge will be to defend it… and the others have certainly got a job on to catch up! More

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      Leicester face being leapfrogged by Rangers in chase for first-choice manager target Russell Martin

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      RUSSELL MARTIN is heading for a managerial tussle between Leicester City and Rangers.Martin, 39, is the first choice at relegated Foxes, as SunSport revealed last month, and the former Southampton chief is keen.Rangers and Leicester are set to battle for Russell MartinCredit: GettyRuud van Nistelrooy hopes to continue as Foxes bossCredit: ReutersHowever, Scottish giants Gers have also shortlisted Martin, who played for them on loan and is very interested.Martin is waiting on the call from Ibrox, where the club is about to be taken over by an American group tied in with Leeds.Until the takeover is finalised, it is difficult to make a concrete offer to a boss.Leicester are also waiting for a few weeks before committing to their own change, so it is a case of who moves first for Martin.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLee Carsley has been linked with the Foxes – but the England Under-21 boss is not looking to work in the Championship.Current Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy remains in the dark over his future.He has picked up just three wins as manager in 23 games.But he is keen to stay on, despite Sean Dyche also being tipped to join the King Power dugout.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSVan Nistelrooy said of his future: “It’s necessary to find alignment.”The quicker the better in the best interests for the football club.That’s what I’m urging.Jamie Vardy anounces he’s LEAVING Leicester in emotional video with striker left close to tears after 13 years”We need to be on the same page.”Over the past months, starting in February, I’ve had conversations with the board and the chairman. Later in March and recently as well.”The club knows where I stand.”I’ve always informed the club on the way I see things, the lessons learned now it’s clear it’s going to be in the Championship.”We can move on to that scenario. But I’m still waiting for the club to come back. That’s where it stands now.”I know what my plan is to move forward and bring the club back up with the people in this building.Read More on The Sun”There are 60-70 great professionals here who can move the club forward.”But I’m still waiting on that alignment.” More

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      Prem clubs with most arrests for Class A drugs on match days revealed – where does your club rank?

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      THE most arrests for Class A drugs on match days in Premier League grounds were at Manchester’s United and City stadiums, figures reveal.The league table of shame for the past two seasons also includes West Ham, Liverpool and Newcastle among the worst offenders.The Manchester rivals account for one in five of all Class A drug arrests at the 20 Premier League grounds. Police made 15 inside both City’s Etihad stadium and at United’s Old Trafford.One in seven arrests at Prem grounds are for Class A drugs. There were 54 in 2022-23 and 99 last year. Read More on SportIpswich were the only club with none.Home Office stats were analysed by betting service TipMan Tips, which said: “These figures show that drug possession is a prevalent issue across all the Premier League clubs.“They highlight the need for a police presence at football matches to prevent drugs getting inside stadiums.“The fear is however that many more people are getting away with bringing illegal substances into football stadiums.”Most read in FootballMoment scandal-hit Prem ref David Coote snorts white powder in shocking video during Euro 2024Number of arrests for Class A drug possession inside Premier League grounds during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasonsManchester City – 15Manchester United – 15West Ham United – 13Liverpool – 13Newcastle United – 12Arsenal – 11Fulham – 9Chelsea – 9Everton – 9Crystal Palace – 8Nottingham Forest – 7Wolverhampton Wanderers – 6Tottenham Hotspur – 6Bournemouth – 5Southampton – 4Brighton – 4Aston Villa – 3Leicester City – 3Brentford – 2Ipswich – 0The most arrests for Class A drugs on match days in Premier League grounds were at Manchester’s United and City stadiums, figures revealCredit: Getty More

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      Marcus Rashford set to miss rest of season and could have played final Aston Villa game after suffering hamstring injury

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      MARCUS RASHFORD looks set to miss the rest of the season after picking up a hamstring injury.Rashford might have played his last game for loan side Aston Villa after being ruled out of their FA Cup semi-final defeat to Crystal Palace.Marcus Rashford could be ruled out for the rest of the seasonCredit: RexUnai Emery broke the news after his side crashed out of the FA Cup to Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyThe 27-year-old was set to play at Wembley, after scoring four goals and providing six assists since joining in February. But he suffered a hamstring injury in training on Thursday, forcing him out of Saturday’s 3-0 defeat by Palace.Gutted boss Unai Emery revealed: “He’s injured. “He got injured this week and yesterday we did a test – it is his hamstring. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”We are going to try to test him each match but he’s injured and probably won’t be available for some weeks.”This spells bad news for Rashford as there is just one month left until the final game of the season on May 24.It is the latest blow to hit Villa after they crashed out of the Champions League to Paris Saint-Germain, then lost ground in the Premier League after losing to a last minute goal at Manchester City on Tuesday.The 27-year-old, who scored a first-half penalty at the Etihad, replaced by Ollie Watkins after 76 minutes.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAfter defeat at Man City, Rashford issued a statement to fans on Instagram.He wrote: “Losing a game in the last minutes was tough, but we have to stay focused and be ready for the next game.”Moment Marcus Rashford’s £700k Rolls-Royce is towed off motorway after tyre blew outBut that could have been his final game in Villa colours, with his future up in the air.Rashford is on loan from Manchester United until the end of the season, with Villa holding the option to buy him for a reported fee of £40m.But the England international said he is yet to make a decision about his next step, with a return to Old Trafford potentially still on the cards.Villa missed Rashford as the Midlands club crashed out of the FA Cup in brutal fashion.The Eagles cruised into the third FA Cup final in their history thanks to a brilliant goal by their talismanic No 10 Eberechi Eze and two second-half strikes by fellow forward Ismaila Sarr.Emery reflected on his Wembley defeat and confessed: “Crystal Palace deserved to win.  This year we played them four times and lost three and drew one. “We have to accept it and keep going in the Premier League where we are close to qualifying for Europe. We must dominate our frustrations.”Read More on The SunDefeat means Villa have just four Premier League games left to chase Champions League qualification, with Rashford potentially set to miss all of them.Rashford was later spotted across London watching Conor Benn take on Chris Eubank Jr in their family grudge match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Newly injured Marcus Rashford sat ringside at Benn v Eubank More

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      Norwich consider shock move for Watford manager Tom Cleverley, 35, after sacking Johannes Hoff Thorup

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      WATFORD boss Tom Cleverley is a shock name on the Norwich shortlist to fill their managerial vacancy.Cleverley, 35, has made a good start to his career as a gaffer after his surprise call to take charge of the Hornets last year.Tom Cleverley is being eyed by Norwich bosses for the vacant managerial roleCredit: RexJohannes Hoff Thorup was sacked by the Canaries earlier this monthCredit: AlamyJack Wilshere was put in interim charge until the end of the seasonCredit: GettyThe former Manchester United and England midfielder has stepped up comfortably and caught the eye of the Canaries.Norwich could offer Cleverley a more stable environment and a long-term plan to work on.And they may appeal if they decide he is their first choice.Cleverley was appointed Watford boss last year and has led the Hornets to 13th in the table. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe was given a stay of execution in January after speculation the club would pull the trigger with a playoff push fizzling out. Johannes Hoff Thorup was axed by the Canaries following a 3-1 Easter Monday defeat to Millwall. The Dane failed to launch a promotion bid at Carrow Road with Norwich 12 points off the playoffs. Former Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere was put in interim charge by sporting director Ben Knapper.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWilshere admitted: “He was my first coach and he lost his job.” “It’s never a nice feeling when that happens, and actually it was my first time experiencing it as a coach.Jack Wilshere in race against time as he faces huge 350-mile commute from managerial debut to run London Marathon”We’ve had a few bad results, and you get a feeling about the atmosphere not being great and the environment.”But listen, I was behind the manager, we were all behind the manager. “We were all trying to help him get some results and get some performances, and then all of a sudden you get a phone call and things change really quickly.”I got a phone call on Tuesday morning after our game on Monday, maybe at 10am. “I made my way to the training ground and I’ve been there ever since!”Wilshere’s side earned a point on the road at Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon.The 0-0 stalemate put a big dent in Boro’s own playoff hopes, setting up a showdown with 6th-placed Coventry on the final day. More

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      Everton line up Tomas Soucek transfer raid as David Moyes looks to reunite with his go-to West Ham star

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      EVERTON boss David Moyes is aiming to sign his West Ham old boy Tomas Soucek.The versatile Soucek, 30, signed a new deal with the Hammers until 2027 in January last year.David Moyes wants a reunion with West Ham midfielder Tomas SoucekCredit: AFPThe Czech midfielder is a huge fan favourite in East LondonCredit: GettyBut the Toffees chief is a big fan since their time together at the Irons and hopes his money men will give the go-ahead.Moyes wants a major say on Everton’s signings, and while he plans to spend big on some, there is also room for a bargain capture or two.Soucek joined West Ham in 2019 from Slavia Prague.He is a big fan favourite in East London and has 8 goals in 31 Prem games from midfield this season. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSoucek has played at least 32 league games out of a possible 38 in every season since making his debut for the Hammers.Across all outfield players in the division, only Everton’s James Tarkowski and Man Utd’s Bruno Fernandes have started more games in the same period. Moyes is plotting a revolution at the Toffees as they move into their plush new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.The Scot has brought back old scouting sidekick Mick Doherty from Italian side Atalanta to be a major talent spotter.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSunSport revealed earlier this month that Moyes is willing to battle Man Utd and Chelsea for Liam Delap.The Everton boss is desperate for fresh attackers.’Normally a bottle of red wine down’ – Moyes unhappy at unusual kick-off timeLiverpool’s teenage winger Ben Doak is also on the wishlist, with Moyes also hoping to tempt Delap to Merseyside.The Toffees are willing to be patient and wait for the England Under-21 international, who has a £30million relegation release clause.Delap has hit 12 Prem goals since joining Ipswich from Manchester City last summer. More