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      Emi Martinez ‘wanted by Man Utd and Barcelona’ in shock transfer after keeper hints at Aston Villa exit

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      EMI MARTINEZ is wanted by Manchester United and Barcelona after he hinted at an Aston Villa exit, according to reports in Argentina.Martinez joined Villa from Arsenal in 2020 – following eight years in North London where he was loaned out six times.Emi Martinez is wanted by Manchester United and Barcelona, say reports in ArgentinaCredit: AlamyAnd he emerged as one of the best keepers in the league, also cementing his place as Argentina No1 before their 2022 World Cup win.But Martinez – whose contract expires in 2029 after extending it in the summer of 2024 – appeared to hint that he is leaving the club.He was seen tearfully waving to fans following Villa’s 2-0 home win against Tottenham – suggesting he is preparing for an exit. And according to Argentine TV channel DSports, United and Barca are both interested in signing Martinez and the keeper has offers from both. READ MORE ON MAN UTDUnited No1 Andre Onana has suffered inconsistent form since arriving from Inter Milan in 2023 in a deal worth £47.2million.Old Trafford legend Wayne Rooney even suggested the club should re-sign David de Gea – who left on a free with Onana replacing the Spaniard.Marc-Andre ter Stegen is still Barca’s main stopper but the German has played only seven times this season due to a horror knee injury.Former Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny – who joined in 2024 after coming out of retirement – has played 30 times in Ter Stegen’s place. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe 35-year-old Pole’s contract expires at the end of the season – after Barca were crowned LaLiga champions – but there is an option to extend. Villa boss Unai Emery, meanwhile, remained tight-lipped on Martinez’s future despite the World Cup winner’s emotional gesture to fans.Wayne Rooney names three players Man Utd should sign this summer including transfer for iconic former starEmery said: “We will see. Of course, it is the last match (of the season) here, and I don’t know. We will see about the team, the players.”Of course, they are responding on the field, at the moment they are responding and they are so, so focused in how we are preparing and playing each match.”But Sky Sports pundits Jamie Redknapp and Roy Keane seem more convinced that it was a goodbye from Martinez. Redknapp said: “What a signing he has been. Amazing player, great goalkeeper, but it looks like he was waving goodbye.”Trying to find someone to fill that void will be very difficult.”Keane added: “He has been a good character, some people like him. He can be annoying at times with some of his antics.”But he has been a great signing for them, he’ll be a big loss as it does look like he his saying his final goodbyes.”Martinez was in tears gesturing to Villa fansCredit: Getty More

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      What happened to Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi?

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      TAIWO AWONIYI has been integral to what Nottingham Forest have produced this season – but he could be unavailable for quite some time.Forest were surprisingly on course to secure a Champions League qualification spot for next season.Taiwo Awoniyi suffered a severe injuryCredit: PAPREMIER LEAGUE LIVEBut qualifying for the Conference League is now looking more like a realistic target due to recent results.Nuno Espirito Santos’ side are winless in their last three Premier League fixtures, including a disappointing 2-2 draw at home against already-relegated Leicester.This led to Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis storming onto the pitch and appearing to confront Nuno.Read more on Taiwo AwoniyiHowever, what happened to striker Awoniyi during the match was a lot more concerning.What happened to Taiwo Awoniyi?Nottingham Forest star Taiwo Awoniyi sustained a serious abdominal injury in Forest’s clash with Leicester last Saturday.Awoniyi suffered the injury after crashing into the post in the 2-2 draw at the City Ground and received immediate medical treatment before playing on.But he’d eventually be forced to leave the pitch, with further assessment discovering he’d need to have urgent surgery.Most read in FootballThe Nigeria international was rushed to the hospital it was confirmed on Monday and initial signs indicated the surgery had been a success.He was then was placed in an induced coma as the injury reportedly could have been fatal.However, it was reported on Wednesday night that Awoniyi is now out of an induced coma and is with his family.What has been said?Forest issued a statement shortly after Awoniyi went under the knife but have yet to issue one on his current condition, although he’s understood to be “recovering well” from the ordeal.It read: “Nottingham Forest can confirm that Taiwo Awoniyi is recovering well so far following urgent surgery on a serious abdominal injury sustained during Sunday’s match against Leicester City.”The seriousness of his injury is a powerful reminder of the physical risks in the game, and why a player’s health and well-being must always come first.” More

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      Pep Guardiola’s furious five-word message to Dean Henderson after FA Cup final defeat ‘revealed’ by lipreader

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      PEP GUARDIOLA called Dean Henderson a “disgrace” after yesterday’s FA Cup final, claims an expert lip-reader.The Manchester City boss confronted Crystal Palace’s victorious goalkeeper moments after the final whistle.Dean Henderson rowed with Pep Guardiola after the matchCredit: PAThe pair were broken up by Matt TurnerCredit: ReutersHenderson, 28, had been lucky not to be sent off in the first half after handling outside of his box.It later emerged that Guardiola’s frustration did not come from that incident, but from what he perceived to be excessive time-wasting – despite 10 minutes of stoppage time being added on at the end of the 90 minutes.After the game, the Mail enlisted the help of professional lip-reader Jeremy Freeman to analyse the exchange.According to Freeman, Guardiola told Henderson: “You didn’t deserve that. Disgrace.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith Henderson hitting back “You still had your 10 minutes,” Guardiola is said to have added: “It’s not fair play. You should not – it’s not fair.”The incident was broken up by Crystal Palace’s former Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner.Asked about the incident by ITV, Henderson said: “I just want to shake his hand.”But I think he was disappointed with the time wasting.Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHenderson, 28, hoists the FA Cup aloftCredit: Getty”I said, ‘You got the ten minutes you wanted’. There’s no hard feelings.”Guardiola, meanwhile, admitted that he was upset by Crystal Palace’s style.Dean Henderson dedicates Crystal Palace’s FA Cup final triumph to dad after his tragic deathThe Spaniard, 54, said of Henderson: “He defended his position, we defend our position. It’s English football. Everyone can do whatever they want.”We have to score goals. We didn’t lose because Henderson did that. They gave nine or 10 minutes extra time but it’s a question of rhythm.”All the fans are there to let 22 players play. When Barcelona play, they attack and the other team attacks and it’s beautiful. But it’s a question of the referee. We don’t have the rhythm.”I understand when it’s 87 minutes, 96, but I don’t feel it. My teams never try because I try to play the game that the people deserve to watch.”Saying that, congratulations to Henderson and Palace because they defended really well and we were not able to score a goal.”Henderson, who saved Omar Marmoush’s first half penalty, went on to dedicate his FA Cup triumph to his late father Dougie.Read More on The SunThe former Manchester United stopper said: “I lost my dad at the start of the season and I’ll miss him here today.”He was with me every kick of the ball today and I dedicate that win to him.”Crystal Palace ratingsCRYSTAL PALACE secured their first ever trophy with a famous FA Cup final victory over Manchester City. More

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      ‘What does that mean?’ – Chelsea fans puzzled by Enzo Fernandez’s claim he played ‘with one eye’ vs Man Utd

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      ENZO FERNANDEZ left Chelsea fans puzzled after claiming he played against Manchester United with ONE eye. The Argentine helped the Blues to a 1-0 win over stragglers United as team-mate Marc Cucurella’s second-half header settled Friday night’s game.Enzo Fernandez said he played against Manchester United with one eyeCredit: GettyBut Fernandez said on Instagram that he had to do it with impaired vision despite not revealing anymore details on his apparent injury.He posted: “Last match at home with this group that will give it all until the end, we have two finals left. “Thank you to the fans for the support all the season. My first game playing with one eye.” It left Blues fans scratching their heads as one said: “What does that mean?” READ MORE ON CHELSEAAnother asked: “What actually happened to his eye?” A third said: “One eye?….. I’m confused.” Fernandez has been a staple in Enzo Maresca’s midfield this season, with seven goals in his 44 games this season. Only left-back Cucurella has played more Chelsea games – with 46 – as Maresca touted Fernandez to improve next term.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “I think he scores goals, but he also, in terms of assists, has important numbers.”I don’t have any doubts that starting next season from the first game, he can improve his numbers even more.” How Europa League final will be decided – four key Man Utd vs Tottenham tactical battlesChelsea’s win puts them fourth and in the ascendancy for Champions League football next season. Meanwhile, United labour in 16th and broke a club record for EIGHT Prem matches without a win. More

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      Man Utd starlet JJ Gabriel, 14, tipped to be club’s youngest player EVER and already has Nike boot deal

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      JJ GABRIEL has been tipped by Manchester United insiders to become their youngest EVER player.The forward will not be 15 years old until October, but is already the talk of Old Trafford and beyond with his displays.JJ Gabriel has been backed to reach Manchester United’s first teamCredit: InstagramThe 14-year-old could become the club’s youngest playerCredit: InstagramDavid Gaskell became the club’s youngest ever player in 1956Credit: GettyNow there are serious discussions at the club about how to handle his career, with a real expectation  he will break the club’s record.Keeper David Gaskell is still United’s youngest player at 16 years and 19 days but his historic outing dates back to 1956.Academy product Gabriel is seen as a starter before that age and it seems a matter of time, with a chance of a debut NEXT term, possibly in a cup competition.Gabriel is already a stand-out at Under-18 level, where United are trying but failing to keep him under wraps.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThese games are usually behind closed doors, but all who have seen him are struck by his ridiculous skills.He netted a brace in just 25 minutes against the Leeds U18s during a 13-1 romp.He also scored in a 4-0 win over the Stoke City U18s.Gabriel has already played for England’s Under-15s and signed a long-term deal with boot manufacturer Nike recently.Most read in FootballIronically, he is a discovery of top scout Dave Harrison, who has just been made redundant by the Red Devils.First-team manager Ruben Amorim has already shown he is ready to give the club’s youth a chance.Ruben Amorim has given chances to youngsters such as Chido ObiCredit: GettyHarry Amass has become a regular in the first team squadCredit: AlamyThe Portuguese coach has handed chances to Chido Obi, 17, Ayden Heaven, 18, and Harry Amass, 18.Obi made his debut for the club in February during the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham.The striker has since made five more outings in the Premier League as well as in the FA Cup.Amass has also become a regular in the first team, having played in five of Man Utd’s last nine league games.He has also made two appearances in the Europa League as the club have reached the final against Spurs.The final comes on Wednesday and offers both clubs the chance to salvage some joy from their miserable seasons.The winner will gain passage to the Champions League for next season despite a lowly finish in the Premier League table.Read More on The SunIf Gabriel makes an appearance in the Prem next season he could break the record for the youngest player to ever appear in the competition.The current record is held by Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri, who was 15 years and 181 days when he played against Brentford in September 2022.Ethan Nwaneri is the youngest player in Premier League historyCredit: AlamyJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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      Marc Guehi rushed to hospital after FA Cup final amid fears Crystal Palace captain suffered fractured eye socket

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      MARC GUEHI was rushed to hospital after Crystal Palace’s FA Cup final victory.The Eagles captain was forced off during the match after being hit in the head by the ball on the hour mark.Marc Guehi was rushed to hospital after the FA Cup finalCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThere were fears he had fractured his eye socketCredit: GettyAdam Wharton was also sent to the hospital for testsCredit: InstagramGuehi, 24, was able to lift the trophy alongside club legend Joel Ward.However, he was rushed to hospital in an ambulance afterwards.The BBC have claimed here were fears that he suffered a fracture to his eye socket.It is currently believed that he has severe bruising and that he avoided anything more serious.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhen he was taken off the pitch, it appeared to prompt a clash between City’s head of sports medicine Max Sala and the Palace bench.He went face-to-face with Eagles assistant manager Paddy McCarthy, before security was forced to intervene.However, it is not yet known whether he will be able to play in Palace’s remaining Premier League fixtures.The Eagles still have to play Wolves at Selhurst Park before finishing the season away at Liverpool.Most read in FA CupGuehi was discharged at around midnight which means he was unable to attend the club’s celebration party at BoxPark.He was not the only player who had to visit hospital as Adam Wharton also needed attention. Dean Henderson leads celebrations with X-rated song as Crystal Palace stars party long into night after FA Cup finalGuehi was able to take part in the trophy liftCredit: GettyHe was struck in the head by a powerful shot from Kevin De Bruyne and was subbed off in the 87th minute.The midfielder had to undergo concussion tests and was not present for the trophy lift.He shared a picture on social media from his hospital bed after being checked out by doctors.He captioned the snap: “Apparently we won the FA Cup. Eaglessssssssss.”The two missed their team-mates’ wild celebration with fans, which included Dean Henderson singing an X-rated chant.Will Hughes could be seen downing a pint while Jean-Philippe Mateta enjoyed a dance.Read More on The SunEberechi Eze netted the only goal in the final as Palace beat Manchester City 1-0 at Wembley.The result saw the Eagles win their first-ever major honour – and will now prepare for their debut season in European competition.Crystal Palace ratingsCRYSTAL PALACE secured their first ever trophy with a famous FA Cup final victory over Manchester City. More

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      Emotional Everton fans pack streets as they come together to say goodbye to Goodison Park after 133 years

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      EMOTIONAL Everton fans packed the streets to say goodbye to Goodison Park after 133 years. The Toffees will move into their new ground next season with Goodison downsizing to be used for the women’s team.Everton prepare for their last match at Goodison ParkCredit: GettyEverton fans packed the streets to say goodbye to Goodison ParkCredit: EPAFlares and flags filled the Merseyside airCredit: PAThousands lined the streetsCredit: GettyHoards of fans flooded the streets around Goodison ParkAnd the Everton faithful turned out in full force to see off their iconic stadium ahead of Southampton’s lunchtime trip. Goodison Road was a see of blue, with flares being set off and flags flying high in the Merseyside air.The ground is not gone forever, though – instead being repurposed with the men’s team moving to the new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, officially named the Hill Dickinson Stadium.Goodison Park was first opened in 1892 and has a capacity of 39,572.READ MORE IN football But that is set to be reduced as multiple parts will be reconfigured.This will be done by reducing the number of seats in each row in order to add space.Everton’s women’s team currently has an average attendance of 2,062 at their current home of Walton Hall Park.The club has offered season ticket holders and hospitality members the chance to buy the seat that was theirs for this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt would act as a souvenir of the historic stadium following Sunday’s home match against Southampton.Everton legends including Wayne Rooney and Phil Jagielka took to the field before the game to pay tribute. 10,000 attend test event at Everton’s new stadiumJagielka, who spent 12 years at the club, said: “We’re forgetting there’s a kick-off and there’s a game in a few minutes, but this is amazing and it’s only going to get more emotional as the day goes on.”The new £802million, 52,888-capacity stadium which opens in August will be called the Hill Dickinson Stadium.It comes after the Liverpool-based law firm were unveiled as the naming rights partner for the waterside venue.The Toffees have already held test events at the Dock venue, which they will use from next season.That included an Under-18s match against Wigan in February.David Moyes first took charge at Goodison in 2002 and spent 11 years at the club before moving to Manchester United. And he returned to Merseyside in January after replacing Sean Dyche – with the club now sitting 13th. Moyes said: “It was amazing, the welcome on the streets, it really was special.”But I have to say the day itself will be really important but what we have to focus on now is making sure we get the win and sending everyone off in the right frame of mind.”Everton bowed out of Goodison in style after beating rock-bottom Southampton 2-0 thanks to a Iliman Ndiaye double. Read More on The SunThe Toffees also appeared to wave goodbye to midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure – whose contract expires at the end of the season.Doucoure received widespread applause after coming off following the hour mark – gesturing back to the fans too. It was a send off to rememberCredit: GettyMerseyside was a sea of blueCredit: GettyEverton legends including Wayne Rooney and Phil Jagielka took to the fieldRooney was all smiles on the Goodison turfCredit: GettyIliman Ndiaye was Everton’s last scorer at GoodisonCredit: ReutersAbdoulaye Doucoure appeared to wave goodbye to fansCredit: Getty More

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      Play-off clash ABANDONED as furious fans throw fireworks and toilet roll on pitch before team forced to forfeit match

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      A PLAY-OFF match in the Netherlands was ABANDONED after furious fans threw fireworks and toilet roll onto the pitch. Den Haag hosted Telstar in the quarter-finals trailing 2-0 on aggregate. Den Haag’s play-off match with Telstar was abandonedCredit: ESPNAnd they went 1-0 down in the return tie as Telstar hunt promotion to the Dutch top-flight for the first time in nearly five decades. Emotions were running high in the Den Haag home end as angry supporters began vandalising the pitch. And after 84 minutes, referee Marc Nagtegaal was forced to take both teams off as fireworks and loo roll were chucked onto the pitch.Players returned soon after but on the 87th minute, again the game was paused and ultimately suspended amid the fan fury. READ MORE IN football As a result, the match ended 1-0 with Telstar progressing into the semi-finals with a 3-0 win over the two legs. Telstar – whose goalkeeper is the son of Ronald Koeman – now prepare to face Den Bosch in the last four first leg on Tuesday. In the Eredivisie, the league is to be decided on the final day of the season. PSV currently top the table, one point above Ajax who host sixth-placed Twente. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMeanwhile, PSV play 11th-placed Sparta Rotterdam away from home bidding to retain their title.Peter Bosz won the league title last season after taking over from Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy.Arne Slot guided Feyenoord to the trophy the season before that – and has since won the Premier League in his first season at Liverpool. Liverpool boss Arne Slot parties with Wayne Lineker in Ibiza just hours after Premier League clash with Arsenal_2 More