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      Andre Onana to be offered Man Utd escape route as mega-money Saudi clubs line up transfer for flop goalkeeper

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      ANDRE ONANA is set to be offered an escape route from Manchester United by clubs in Saudi Arabia — but wants to stay and fight for his place.The Cameroon international keeper was all smiles as he returned to United’s Carrington HQ on Monday after being given time off to clear his head by Ruben Amorim.Andre Onana was given the weekend off following his Lyon shockerCredit: GettyBoss Amorim left him out of the squad for Sunday’s 4-1 defeat at Newcastle following his nightmare display in Lyon last week.But Onana was assured he would be back in the starting line-up for the Europa League quarter-final  second leg at Old Trafford on Thursday.Understudy Altay Bayindir, 27, also struggled at St James’ Park, gifting the Toon their fourth goal with a woeful clearance.So Amorim is likely to stick to the plan and put the club’s season in the hands of the former Inter Milan stopper.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOnana, 29, looked relaxed and happy as he drove into training with one of his representatives, stopping to sign autographs outside.He has recently changed agent — a move which sparked speculation he could look to leave United less than two years after joining them in a £47.2million deal.Onana was targeted by Saudi clubs before he left Inter for the Theatre of Dreams in July 2023 and there is still interest from the Kingdom.However, it is understood he is not looking to quit Amorim’s strugglers right now and plans to prove the critics wrong and re-establish himself.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSunday’s Tyneside humiliation confirmed the Red Devils will suffer their worst season in Premier League history.They have 38 points with six games left so cannot beat their tally of 58 from the 2021-22 season.Ruben Amorim responds to question about dropping Andre Onana after disasterclass against LyonBut they could still qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League.And skipper Bruno Fernandes has promised to repay the fans against Lyon with the tie poised at 2-2.He said: “On Thursday we will fight back and do something special.“The fans have always been by our side — without them we’d be in a worse position. It’s time to pay them back.”TONY AWARDSMeanwhile, Real Betis are pushing to make Antony’s move permanent after an encouraging start to his loan in Spain.Other clubs have taken notice of his form since the January switch, so Betis will have to find the cash to buy the winger, 25, who United spent £85.5m on in 2022.Read More on The SunUnited have also confirmed that club director Jean-Claude Blanc has stepped down.The Frenchman will fill a new advisory role as he remains the chief executive of Ineos Sport. More

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      Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0: Antoine Semenyo’s goal after less than a minute keeps Cherries’ European dream alive 

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      BOURNEMOUTH’S European venture is back on track thanks to Antoine Semenyo.The Ghana star lifted the Cherries above Fulham in the race for a Europa Conference place with a sparkling winner after 53 seconds!  Antoine Semenyo scored the decisive goal after 53 secondsCredit: GettySemenyo’s goal was enough to see Bournemouth through to a winCredit: PASemenyo’s eighth goal of the campaign sent the Cherries into eighth spot on goal-difference and ended a seven-game winless run.The Cottagers left Dorset cursing the fact that they dominated most of the play but left their shooting boots back at the Cottage.This was not only a battle for Europe but a contest between two managers being linked with Tottenham should Ange Postecoglou lose his job.Cherries’ Spanish gaffer Andoni Iraola and Fulham’s Portuguese chief Marco Silva have both caught the eye this season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBournemouth made one change from the side that drew 2-2 with West Ham last time out.And it was a bit of a shock move too by boss Iraola, dropping Ukraine defender Illia Zabarnyi to the bench for the first time for Marcos Senesi.Nor surprisingly Fulham arrived on the South Coast unchanged from the team that beat champions elect Liverpool 3-2 in London.But any delusions of grandeur they may have had in seeing off the Reds was quickly quashed at the Vitality Stadium.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFor it took Semenyo just 53 seconds to jink his way into the Fulham box and score only his fourth Premier League goal in 21 matches.Alex Scott set it up with a strong run and when he found his team-mate the Ghana striker moved inside Joachim Andersen and tucked the ball into the far corner.Inside Fulham’s wild dressing room celebrations as rowdy stars launch bottles and dive around after win over Man UtdThe forward had told yesterday’s Sun Sport that he wasn’t fussed by his lack of goals and had the belief he would get back on the score sheet.But no-one expected he would find the net so quicky in the league for the first time since the Cherries trounced Nottingham Forest 5-0 in January.  And it should have been 2-0 after only 17 minutes when Evanilson hit the underside of the bar from barely four yards out.Milos Kerkez’s excellent cross was played back by Scott only for the Brazilian to smack the woodwork with his half-volley.Hesitation between Senesi and Dean Huijsen opened up an opportunity for Rodrigo Muniz but the Fulham striker shot wide when clean through.This inspired the visitors who saw Muniz and Ryan Sessegnon test Cherries goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga with firm headers.Yet Scott came so close to netting in first half stoppage time when his solo effort was pushed around the post by Fulham stopper Bernd Leno.Marco Silva was furious when a mistake led to Ryan Sessegnon being substitutedCredit: AlamyZabarnyi’s exile on the touchline ended on 45 minutes when he was brought on for the struggling Senesi after the break.Within 10 minutes Fulham were grateful for Leno’s outstretched foot which denied Tyler Adams a second Cherries goal.A desperate Silva made a triple substitution on the hour although Sessegnon wasn’t happy being replaced by Adama Traore.And it took a brilliant diving save from Kepa to deny Alex Iwobi an equaliser minutes after the changes.Then sub Tom Cairney set-up up a shooting chance for Sasa Lukic who lifted his shot weakly straight at Kepa.Kepa was being labelled “a Chelsea reject” by the visiting fans but their taunts were music to the Spaniard’s ears especially when he was named man-of-the-match!Read More on The SunAt the other end Leno looked to have conceded a penalty nine minutes from time when he took out Evanilson.But VAR came to his rescue when they decided he had just managed to punch the ball clear before clattering into the Brazilian. More

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      Premier League clubs splashed £409MILLION on agent fees as Chelsea top spending table on 44 stars and axed manager

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      CHELSEA remain top of the agent payments charts this season – but even the Blues have slashed the amount they splash out to intermediaries.The Stamford Bridge club paid out £60.4m to players’ representatives over the course of the current campaign according to figures lodged with the FA.Chelsea spent more than any other Prem team on agents fees this seasonCredit: GettyChelsea paid out to agents representing 44 playersCredit: GettyThat is a 20 per cent cut on the £75.1m Chelsea laid out last term, with all of the Big Six reducing their agents bill.Chelsea paid out to agents representing 44 players – 26 of whom are still to make their first team bow – as well as the agent of former boss Mauricio Pochettino.While the Blues spent more than £200m across the two windows, many of the payments related to previous deals completed since Roman Abramovich was forced to sell to the Todd Boehly-led consortium in 2022.Manchester City’s £60.6m bill last term was reduced to £52.1m, Liverpool dropped £10.6m to £20.9m with small falls at Manchester United, Arsenal and Spurs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat contributed to a slight overall drop in spending of £455,000 across the 20 top flight clubs to a total of £409.1m.Eight of the clubs who stayed up last season – Aston Villa, Brentford, Brighton, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Newcastle, West Ham and Wolves increased their fees to agents.Brentford, whose total rose from £8.1m to £14.7m, recorded the biggest rise by any club.And agents fees rose across all three divisions of the EFL.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe total for the Championship stood at £63.2m this term compared to £61.3m in 2023-24, with a £2.4m rise to £7.6m in League One and an increase of £300,000 to £2.7m in League Two.Leeds United spent the most by far with £18.8m – significantly more than second-highest spenders Burnley with £5.3m.In contrast, Oxford United splashed out just £572,808 on agents fees.Leeds spent the most on agents feesCredit: Getty More

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      Marco Silva left furious as WRONG Fulham player subbed off but Whites boss can’t do anything about it

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      MARCO SILVA was left fuming with the fourth official after the WRONG Fulham player was subbed off during his side’s 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth.A bizarre admin error meant Ryan Sessegnon was forced off as part of a triple substitution in the 57th minute.Marco Silva was fuming with the officials during Fulham vs BournemouthSilva was left raging with the mix-upFulham didn’t want to take Sessegnon off, but had no choice in the endSessegnon had gone close to finding a Fulham equaliser in the 37th minuteWith Bournemouth leading 1-0 after a 53-second opener, Adama Traore, Raul Jimenez and Tom Cairney were brought on to find a goal.Fans at home saw the trio replace Sessegnon, Sander Berge and Rodigo Muniz at the Vitality Stadium.But the changes took more than FIVE minutes and were so long in fact that referee Michael Oliver had to walk over and see what was going on.It has since transpired that Fulham didn’t want to take Sessegnon off, but had no choice in the end.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd Fulham manager Silva looked absolutely incensed with the mix-up.Silva was up on the touchline shouting at fourth official Tim Robinson, but it’s not clear which player he wanted to come off instead of the winger.According to Premier League rules, once a player is subbed off, he “cannot return to the field of play during the same match”.The Sky Sports commentator said: “The card went in with Ryan Sessegnon’s name on it. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But our understanding from the Fulham technical area is that he wasn’t supposed to be coming off.”The Cottagers were undone by a stunning low finish from Antoine Semenyo inside 53 SECONDS.The Premier League’s Top 10 sexiest managers according to AIEvanilson then struck the post from a yard out in the 17th minute.Sessegnon then missed a huge chance with a straight forward header to level for the Cottagers on the stroke of half-time.But Silva’s subs couldn’t find a leveller, with the Cherries overtaking Fulham to eighth in the Prem table.Bournemouth won their first game in nine matches in all competitions and are back in the race for a place in the European Conference League last season. More

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      How Declan Rice can be ‘world class’ again vs Real Madrid and send Arsenal into Champions League semi-finals

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      DECLAN RICE put on a performance for the ages against Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final.He had gone more than 400 career matches without scoring a direct free-kick.Declan Rice produced a stunning performance against Real MadridCredit: GettyHe was all over the pitch but got forward wellCredit: SunSportThen he produced two moments of sheer class within 13 minutes to turn the tie in Arsenal’s favour.Mikel Merino turned in a superb third to give the Gunners a 3-0 lead to take to the Bernabeu on Wednesday night. And ahead of the second leg, SunSport’s tactical guru Dean Scoggins unpacked what made Rice’s masterclass so good in the latest episode of Tactics Exposed…DECLAN RICE LOOKED A WORLD BEATER AGAINST REAL MADRID… WHY?Declan Rice is a world-class football player. We talked previously about how he can be wasted in the England system.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAgainst Real Madrid, Rice played much further forward and was freed up – but don’t underestimate the Bukayo Saka factor.Jude Bellingham came back to help David Alaba deal with Saka but that moved the midfield sideways for Madrid – which opens gaps for Rice to get forward and be a threat. Minus Rice’s two free-kicks, Myles Lewis-Skelly was the best player on the pitch – he was unbelievably good. He came in to make a midfield two with Thomas Partey which took some defensive responsibility off Rice.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWHAT DO YOU MAKE OF RICE DEFYING ARSENAL’S SET-PIECE COACH AND SHOOTING RATHER THAN CROSSING?Declan Rice the leader came to the fore in this game, too. Players can magic moments. This was an opportunity and he took it. How Lewis-Skelly could be Tuchel’s secret weapon for EnglandRice told Bukayo Saka he was going to ignore the set-piece coachCredit: GettyRice pushed into the high left No8 positionCredit: SunSportIf he put it over the bar, it wouldn’t matter.Too often in football matches it has becomes robotic and turgid because players don’t want to take the risk and shift responsibility. Rice has done that brilliantly well. We saw Brennan Johnson not take the penalty against Southampton when he could have completed his hat-trick – he semi-asked if he was allowed but Mathys Tel took it. Rice owned the free-kick and is becoming the main man in a very good team.WHICH FREE-KICK WAS BETTER – FIRST OR SECOND?I think the second one. As a mid-ranking amateur footballer that I was, I judge a goal on ‘could I have done it?’If you gave me 100 attempts, maybe I could score one in a hundred for the first one – but the second one not even one in a million. No chance! The pace he hits it at, the angle, the attitude to give it a go. IS RICE PLAYING IN THE WRONG POSITION?At the moment for Arsenal, his position is here, it’s there, it’s everywhere.He’s two, maybe even three, players in one. So yes, Mikel Arteta is getting the best out of him. Out of possession, he drops in with Partey and gets back in position but they call him the ‘horse’ because he never stops running. When the full-back inverts, he can go further upfield. Lewis-Skelly is English – so can he do the same for England to get the best out of Rice in a Three Lions shirt?Read More on The SunIf you have another holding midfielder alongside Rice for England, then you can have Rice and Bellingham running from deep. Get Rice on the field and tell him to run. Rice was able to push on due to the inverted role of Myles Lewis-SkellyCredit: GettyBukayo Saka’s influence cannot be underestimatedCredit: SunSportThe Englishman has been a standout performer all seasonCredit: SunSport More

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      AC Milan having second thoughts over Kyle Walker transfer with veteran former England star’s future in doubt

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      AC MILAN are thinking again about making Kyle Walker’s move permanent.The veteran Manchester City skipper made a good impression in the first few weeks after moving to the San Siro in January, making 12 appearances.AC Milan may decide against signing Kyle Walker this summerCredit: GettyAll the signs were they would take up the option to buy the full-back — who turns 35 next month — for around £5million.But the England ace is out for several weeks following surgery after he fractured his right elbow during training.Loanee Walker faces a battle to play much before the end of the campaign.And he will have to wait to see if he has done enough to earn a long-term move.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMilan are ninth place in Serie A.Their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next season are fading.That is likely to hit their summer budget, which could also further hamper Walker’s hopes of an extended stay in Italy.Walker was almost reduced to tears when he was deemed surplus to requirements by Pep Guardiola at City.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHis contract at the Etihad expires in June 2026 – meaning he is set to enter the final term of his current deal there this summer. But while the 95-cap England international could be left in limbo of his football contract, he is having no such issues off the field.Kyle Walker signs big money deal to model huge fashion brand’s underwear just like David BeckhamAs 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.” More

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      Chelsea make Enzo Maresca decision after worrying downturn in form and taking swipe at Blues fans

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      ENZO MARESCA is safe as Chelsea boss – for now.The club’s Italian head coach retains the confidence of the club’s board despite a worrying downturn in form.Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea have endured a poor run of formCredit: RexSunday’s dismal 2-2 draw against struggling Ipswich leaves them sixth in the Premier League and out of the Champions League reckoning for next season.Chelsea’s entire gameplan revolves around returning to the money-spinning European competition as quickly as possible.Maresca’s team was booed off at half time and needed an own goal and one from on-loan Jadon Sancho to grab a point against relegation-bound Town.But Maresca’s dedication to his job and unflinching commitment to the cause mean the Stamford Bridge top brass remain convinced he is still the right man for the job.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has been in charge for less than a season since leaving Leicester City having won last season’s Championship title.Maresca, 45, is the fourth permanent manager to serve under Chelsea’s ownership since they took over less than three years ago.Yet there is no desire for another change of coach even though results have taken a tumble.A Blues insider told SunSport: “Everyone at the club is totally on board and committed to getting us back in the Champions League.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge“Enzo, the board and the sporting directors are wedded to that ideal.“If it doesn’t happen this season there will be questions asked naturally. But as it stands Enzo is still seen as the man to take Chelsea forwards.”’I can’t see anything’ – Chelsea fans moan as live TNT Sports coverage of Conference League clash is ruined by smokeChelsea have drawn their last two Premier League games dropping four points.They sit a point outside the top five which would qualify them for the Champions League after a two season absence.There are only six games left in which to make up lost ground although they do play direct rivals Newcastle and Nottingham Forest during the run-in.It’s a tough challenge and winger Sancho has called for unity in the closing weeks of a topsy turvy campaign, even though Chelsea face a tough trip to neighbours Fulham on Sunday.Chelsea ratings vs IpswichJADON SANCHO spared Chelsea’s blushes as Enzo Maresca’s side came from behind to draw against Ipswich.The relegation-threatened Tractor Boys went 2-0 up after 31 minutes with Chelsea flat throughout the first half.But Maresca’s men woke up after the break and fought back for what will still be a disappointing point as they chase a Champions League spot.So who were the shining lights for the Blues – and who had an afternoon to forget?Read Conor Jones’ ratings here to find out.Sancho said: “We really want that Champions League spot.“It’s not over, we’ve still got six games to go. From now on every game is going to have to be a final, so we’re going to need everyone at 100 per cent.“We have tough games ahead but if we stick together I’m sure we can get what we need from them.”Maresca complained that the ‘environment’ at Stamford Bridge is not helping his players in their quest to get back among Europe’s elite clubs.Read More on The SunChelsea’s demanding fans are restless and are not happy that even though the team is up against it domestically they are flying in the UEFA Conference League this season.Maresca said: “We are stronger with our fans. We are a better team and it’s up to them to decide the way to be.” More

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      Former England star sells iconic Italia 90 World Cup shirts for more than £100,000 to mystery bidder

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      A FORMER England star has sold his collection of iconic Italia 90 kits for a six-figure price.Ex-defender Mark Wright swapped shirts with several opponents on England’s route to the semi-finals.Former England defender Mark Wright has sold his shirt collection from Italia 90Credit: GettyThe collection sold for over £100,000Credit: SWNSAnd as a result, he amassed a collection which included jerseys worn by Ireland’s Andy Townsend, West Germany’s Klaus Augenthaler and Italy’s Giuseppe Giannini.Shirts from Netherlands winger Johannes van’t Schip, Egypt’s Saber Eid, Belgium’s Marc van der Linden and Cameroon’s Emmanuel Kunde were also auctioned.England kicked off their 1990 World Cup campaign with draws against Ireland and Netherlands before defeating Egypt in the final group stage match thanks to a 59th-minute winner from Wright.The Three Lions then beat Belgium in the last-16 before coming from behind to defeat Cameroon 3-2 in the quarter-finals.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, they were knocked out by West Germany on penalties in the semis.The seven shirts collected by Wright during the tournament were accompanied by the defender’s match-worn 1992 FA Cup final jersey from his Liverpool days, as well as six of his England caps.The collection was sold for over £100,000 at an auction at Wembley Stadium last week.Before the sale, Wright said: “I feel very proud when I look at the shirts. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I think how lucky I was to play in a World Cup and against these teams.”The most significant one for me was the Irish one as it was my mate Andy Townsend. To swap with a great mate was fantastic.The football boot customiser who’s scoring BIG with the game’s biggest stars are | Football Fixers”I don’t remember [swapping most of them] but I remember the German one obviously losing the semi-final and you’re switching.”If I’m honest I didn’t really want to switch that one.”The shirts and caps were purchased by a private UK-based buyer.Wright was capped 45 times by England and scored one goal.He also played for Liverpool, Southampton and Derby. More