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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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      Man Utd wonderkid JJ Gabriel at centre of two-way battle for his signature… and it isn’t for a transfer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED kid JJ Gabriel is at the centre of a double battle for his signature.The whizkid attacker, 14, is being tipped to be United’s YOUNGEST-EVER player.Joseph Junior Andreou Gabriel is on course to become Manchester United’s youngest-ever first-team playerCredit: jjnr10Gabriel is held in incredibly high regard at the clubCredit: MuTVAnd boot company Adidas are desperate to offer him his next lucrative deal ahead of rivals Nike, who have had him signed up for three years already.A host of agents are also circling the teen sensation, who is highly regarded by club staff.An industry insider told SunSport: “The boy could make six figures from both the boot deal and the agents’ interest.“It’s mega money but he is something special.”READ MORE FOOTBALLUnited are set to have a slew of outgoings this summer to finance Ruben Amorim’s planned overhaul of the squad.Several big names will be up for sale, including Alejandro Garnacho and skipper Bruno Fernandes.Amorim’s plans, however, could go up in smoke following United’s Europa League final defeat to Tottenham on Wednesday.Sir Jim Ratcliffe could wield the axe on the Portuguese gaffer, who has overseen one of the club’s WORST-EVER season.Most read in SportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut the former Sporting Lisbon boss is willing to walk away from the club for FREE if the United brass don’t believe he’s the right man for the job.He 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.” More

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      Trent Alexander-Arnold hits back at Liverpool boo boys with emotional social media post as he prepares for final game

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      LIVERPOOL star Trent Alexander-Arnold has issued a parting message to fans ahead of his final match with the club.Alexander-Arnold, 26, is set to roll credits on his glittering 20-year spell with the Reds, which started at the tender age of seven, and is expected to join Real Madrid.Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has issued a parting message to fansThat led to some fans turning on the local hero as he was booed when he was subbed on against Arsenal two weeks ago despite his incredible contribution these last nine years.Nevertheless, the full-back is gearing up for today’s final Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace at Anfield, which will see his team lifting the trophy in front of fans for the first time in 35 years.The England international took to Twitter and posted a picture of a special pair of football boots in what seemed like a response to the jeers he’s received at the Kop.One has 2005 labelled on the tongue – the year he joined the club’s academy – while the other states 2025 – the date of his imminent departure.Read More on FootballAlexander-Arnold added the following caption: “20 years. Gave it everything.”A number of Liverpool icons were left baffled with the treatment TAA received from a section of the fans during the 2-2 draw with runners-up Arsenal.Former manager Jurgen Klopp was so “disappointed” he revealed he turned the TV off.Premier League leading goalscorer Mohamed Salah and star team-mate Dominik Szoboszlai also disapproved. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAlexander-Arnold was an unused substitute during Monday’s 3-2 loss at Brighton.And manager Arne Slot has reportedly yet to make a decision over whether to give the defender one last hurrah at the Kop.Trent Alexander-Arnold BOOED by Liverpool fans after boyhood fan confirmed he’s leaving in weeksTrent helped Liverpool win two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup and the 2019 Champions League. More

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      Man City and Nottingham Forest could be set for stunning player transfer swap as Pep Guardiola begins to re-shape squad

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      MATHEUS NUNES could be off to Nottingham Forest — sparking an all-change summer at the Etihad.And that could grease the wheels for Manchester City’s hopes of moving Morgan Gibbs-White, 25,  in the opposite direction.Matheus Nunes has been primarily used at full-back this seasonCredit: GettyMorgan Gibbs-White has impressed for Nottingham ForestCredit: AlamyNunes, 26, is on the wish list for Forest chief Nuno Espirito Santo, who is a big fan of the £53million Portuguese midfielder.City sources claim they would be prepared to cut their losses and let Nunes go for around £35m.A deal for England midfielder Gibbs-White would cost almost double that and Nunes could prove a useful bargaining chip.Nunes has played 25 times in the Premier League this season, including 18 starts.READ MORE FOOTBALLMany of his appearances have come as a full-back, rather than in midfield.Last month, Pep Guardiola raised eyebrows by claiming that Nunes was not “clever enough” to play in the middle of the park.The 54-year-old said of Nunes after his side’s 0-0 bore draw with Manchester United: “He can become a good right-back for his physicality.”I think he’s not a player to play in midfield because he’s not clever enough, in the composure, but he has incredible skills and he’s learning a lot.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”The big mistake of full-backs is when you have the cross to the far post where you are, they are always sleeping.”But he defended really well two or three crosses, like when Bruno [Fernandes] put it to the far post for [Patrick] Dorgu.Watch Ashley Cole’s inspirational speech as presents England new boys Gomes and Gibbs-White with legacy caps”He has the attention and the physicality to do it, so he can play in that position and help us a lot.”Gibbs-White, meanwhile, has excelled at Forest this season.The 25-year-old has scored seven goals and laid on 10 assists in 33 Prem outings.His performances have earned him a place in Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad. More