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      Argentina lined up to play controversial friendly in RUSSIA this year despite Fifa ban

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      ARGENTINA are set to play Russia in an international friendly this November, according to reports.The Russian national team has largely been shunned since the country’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.Lionel Messi is currently on international duty with ArgentinaCredit: GettyRussia were kicked out of the 2022 World Cup, and have been banned by Fifa ever since.Argentine football reporter Gaston Edul claimed last month that a meeting could be on the cards.And further reports from Telegram in Russia suggest that a game is in the works for the November international break.Such a deal would see the world champions travel to Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium for a match.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA preliminary agreement has reportedly been agreed, with the Luzhniki having been reserved for dates between November 10 and 18.Should the match go ahead, it is unlikely that big stars such as Lionel Messi will participate.That’s because Western sponsors would likely be uncomfortable with their partners playing in Russia.Russia’s ban has seen them not play in Fifa or Uefa competitions since 2021.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKRussia played Grenada in a friendly back in MarchCredit: GettyRussia’s last competitive game came against Croatia nearly four years agoCredit: GettyTheir last competitive match was a 1-0 defeat at Croatia on November 14, 2021.They have since participated in 16 friendlies, primarily played in Moscow.Donald Trump claims letting Russia qualify for World Cup 2026 could be ‘incentive’ to end Ukraine warRussia’s opponents have included Qatar, Iraq, Cameroon and Serbia.US president Donald Trump recently claimed that participation in the 2026 World Cup could be an incentive for Russia to end their invasion of Ukraine.During a chat with Fifa president Gianni Infantino, Trump, 78, was at first not even aware that Russia were banned.He asked: “I didn’t know that. Is that right?”To which Infantino replied: “That is right.”They are banned for the time being from playing but we hope that something happens and peace will happen so that Russia can be readmitted.”Read More on The SunTrump then said: “That’s possible. Hey, that could be a good incentive, right? We want to get them to stop. We want them to stop.”Five thousand young people a week are being killed – it’s not even believable.”Donald Trump met with Gianni Infantino last monthCredit: Reuters More

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      How Chelsea’s £30million transfer signing Liam Delap can reinvigorate ex-Man City pal Cole Palmer in Blues masterplan

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      CHELSEA are ready to rock and roll thanks to Liam and Cole.Blues ‘brothers’ Liam Delap and Cole Palmer were made in Manchester, at City’s academy, but have been reunited at Stamford Bridge.Liam Delap (left) and Cole Palmer celebrate a goal for Manchester City’s academy sideCredit: AlamyDelap has joined Palmer at Chelsea for £30millionCredit: GettyAnd £30million Delap, who netted 12 Premier League goals last season for relegated Ipswich, is the perfect striker for Enzo Maresca’s Masterplan.He can reinvigorate Palmer – and if this pair start firing, opposition defences will have to build a Wonderwall to stop them.They will even be side by side with shirt numbers – Delap has taken No9 and Palmer is now No10.Palmer is delighted Delap has opted to join the Blues.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “I’m excited to play with him. I was messaging him asking If he was coming and that.“I played with him at Under 18s, 21s. We went to the first team together.“‘He’s a great striker, one of the best in the Premier League. You can see from last season.“So I think he’ll help us a lot and hopefully score lots of goals.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhen the Blues signed Palmer, 23, for £42.5m, in what now looks like a cut-price deal, not many knew the talent that they had on their hands – but anyone who had watched City’s youth sides knew, including the club’s former academy coach Maresca.Delap, 22, can play a vital role for the Blues – he’s electric with his pace, direct running and movement. ‘To do what-‘ – Cole Palmer left confused as he’s asked to name his Premier League Mount RushmoreHe starred alongside ‘secret agent’ Romeo Lavia and Palmer in the youth team under Maresca, his understanding with the latter potentially being what will make him such a potent threat next season.But it will also improve Palmer, who tailed off last season despite netting 15 Prem goals.It might seem like it’s half the world away, but in one City Under-21 game against Spurs, they ran out 6-1 winners with Delap hitting a hat-trick, Palmer scoring twice and Lavia netting the other.Delap and Palmer wasn’t always a Harry Kane and Son Heung-min partnership where both would rack up huge goal contribution numbers – though that did happen enough.It was more about Delap’s movement and interplay allowing Palmer to be even more dangerous and get into the box with more ease.We’ve seen in games this season that because Palmer has been a lone threat at times, he can be doubled up on and nullified – but with Delap in the side that becomes much more difficult.In City’s youth team, Palmer, Felix Nmecha and Samuel Edozie benefited from Delap’s movement, as he would occupy the centre backs and allow Nmecha and Palmer to get shots off inside the box.In Manchester, Maresca knew how to get the best out of Delap by giving him the same kind of freedom Nicolas Jackson has been given up front, as he could drift wide or drop deep on the premise that when needed he would be in the right place at the right time to get the finishing touch.When you add the incoming Estevao Willian to that mix, as well as the ever-improving Noni Madueke and Enzo Fernandez – some might say they will be unstoppable.Read More on The SunIt will be interesting to see how the Blues go at the Club World Cup in America, which will hardly be an Oasis of calm.They will hope Liam and Cole have more success in the USA than Liam and Noel.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge More

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      Cole Palmer changes Chelsea number as Liam Delap’s new shirt confirmed after £30million transfer from Ipswich

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      COLE PALMER has switched to the No10 shirt at Chelsea – casting further doubt over Mykhailo Mudryk’s future.The winger has been provisionally suspended since December after failing a doping test while on international duty with Ukraine.Cole Palmer has taken the No10 shirt at ChelseaCredit: GettyThe number was previously held by the now-suspended Mykhailo MudrykCredit: GettyConfirmation of Mudryk’s B-sample results has still not been announced – with the £88.5million forward potentially facing a four-year ban.Chelsea and boss Enzo Maresca declared their support for the 24-year-old when news of his failed drugs test emerged.However, Maresca was caught off guard by Mudryk turning up and meeting fans in Wroclaw, Poland ahead of last week’s Conference League final.Asked about Mudryk being in Poland, Maresca said: “He is here? I don’t know. I am happy for Mischa to be here.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe former Shakhtar Donetsk player joined his team-mates at their party to celebrate winning the trophy and posed with a medal.But just over a week after partying with teammates, Murdyk has been replaced as the Blues’ No10 by star man Palmer.Chelsea insist it is no reflection of his personal situation and that – ahead of the new season – he will be assigned a new number.Mudryk wore the No15 shirt when he arrived at Stamford Bridge in January 2023 but was given the No10 after Christian Pulisic left the club that summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPalmer arrived from Manchester City at the same time and has worn No20 since.Chelsea’s announcement confirming the change did not mention Mudryk.The club have also confirmed that new £30m striker Liam Delap will wear the vacant No9 shirt for his new club.Delap will look to break the trend of Chelsea No9s failing to make an impact.The shirt number has been vacant for two years with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Romelu Lukaku, Gonzalo Higuain, Alvaro Morata, Radamel Falcao and Fernando Torres all having struggled in West London while wearing No9.Palmer seems certain his former City youth team-mate Delap will not suffer the same fate.He said: “I’m excited to play with him. I was messaging him asking If he was coming and that.“I played with him at Under 18s, 21s. We went to the first team together.Read More on The Sun“‘He’s a great striker, one of the best in the Premier League. You can see from last season.“So I think he’ll help us a lot and hopefully score lots of goals.”Liam Delap snatched the vacant No9 despite its ‘curse’Credit: GettyPalmer took the No20 when he arrived from Manchester CityCredit: Reuters More

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      Wanda Nara, 38, ‘dating PSG star and most eligible bachelor, 26,’ who was team-mates with ex-husband Mauro Icardi

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      MAURO ICARDI’s ex-wife Wanda Nara has reportedly found a new man – and he used to be team-mates with her former husband.The 38-year-old married Icardi in 2014 but endured multiple break-ups and reconciliations.Wanda Nara has reportedly found love after her split from Mauro Icardi (pictured)Credit: Instagram @mauroicardiThe super WAG was in attendance at the CL final and sent out this snap to her 17.5m followersCredit: instagram @wanda_naraWanda has been single since splitting from Icardi last yearCredit: INSTAGRAMNara and the Galatasaray striker finally split for good last summer.And after a spell of enjoying single life, Nara has been linked with a new flame. The Wag-turned-agent was in Munich last Saturday to watch the Champions League final between PSG and Inter Milan.Spanish journalist Yani Latorre claims Nara is seeing PSG’s “most eligible bachelor” Achraf Hakimi, 26, – a former team-mate of Icardi.READ MORE ON SPORTLAM host Yani Latorre claimed, via the Daily Star: “I have the name of the PSG player [Nara is dating].”He’s PSG’s most eligible bachelor. She knows him from Mauricio’s time at PSG.”It seems she is with Hakimi.”Wanda stayed where the PSG players and their families are [in Munich]. She participated in the intimate celebration at the hotel. Most read in Football”[She] was recording for MTV in Italy. They sent her a plane ticket, a hotel reservation, and a ticket to the stadium – someone from PSG.”Nara took over the duties of her husband’s agent, and helped mastermind a loan move from Inter Milan to PSG in 2019. Wanda Nara risks Instagram ban as Mauro Icardi’s ex-wife poses naked to promote new singleThe couple announced they had split in 2022, only to get back together.But last summer, Nara opened up about the end of their relationship, with the pair now heading for divorce.Nara told America TV: “For personal and health reasons, I tried once more, but it didn’t work. Let everyone talk. I’ve saved my silence for the last. “I know how hard endings are and what they cost. There are things on TV and the internet that aren’t true, but I accept it as part of the bad and who I am.Nara has been linked with PSG star Achraf Hakimi – a former teammate of IcardiCredit: Getty”I decided to end it, but Mauro and I will still be a family. It wasn’t a mistake to try more when there was love. “I regret nothing. These years were the best of my life, but now I must be alone.”There is no villain or third party. Our relationship was always stronger than it seemed from the outside. “My priority has always been my children, and now more than ever. Thank you for your respect.”Hakimi began his career at Real Madrid and is the captain of Morocco.He joined PSG in 2021 and has played 168 times for the Ligue 1 giants, scoring 23 goals.The star is currently single after divorcing ex-wife Hiba Abouk in 2023. Read More on The SunHakimi was married to the Spanish actress for three years.The couple have two sons, born in 2020 and 2022. Wanda has been single since splitting from Icardi last yearCredit: InstagramThe Argentine is a model and TV presenterCredit: InstagramShe boasts almost 18 million followers on Instagram aloneCredit: Instagram @wanda_naraWanda acted as Icardi’s agent during their time togetherCredit: Instagram @wandanara More

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      The absence of Earps, Kirby and Bright leaves a void – who are the England aces who can fill it?

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      IN a month’s time England begin their the defence of their European Championship crown in Switzerland. Build-up to this year’s Euros has not been plain sailing in terms of some results on the pitch and shock announcements off it. England will compete in the Euros without vice captain Millie Bright following her withdrawal from selection before the tournamentCredit: GettyFran Kirby called time on her England playing career after being informed she would not be included in Sarina Wiegman’s squad for this year’s EurosCredit: GettyMary Earps announced her international retirement five weeks before the start of the tournament in SwitzerlandCredit: APToday Sarina Wiegman will name the players included in her 23-strong England group who will battle for Euros glory. Three who will not be on her list are Mary Earps, Fran Kirby and Millie Bright. The trio were among the standout performers during England’s triumphant Euros charge three years ago. Five weeks before the start of this year’s contest Mary Earps announced her retirement from international football. Read More Football Stories Then came Fran Kirby, 31, hanging up her England boots after being informed that she would not be part of the squad for next month’s contest. And yesterday vice captain Bright withdrew herself from selection after bravely explaining her need to do so for her “health and future in the game”.  The Chelsea captain’s announcement followed a season in which she skippered her club to a domestic trophy treble, On the Daly Brightness podcast she hosts with former England ace Rachel Daly, Bright explained her decision was not taken lightly. Most read in FootballYesterday she said: “It was something that I’d spoken about with friends, family, the people around me, and I gave it a lot of thought. “But ultimately, I thought this was the best decision for the team, but also for myself and using this summer to zone into mentally, physically, getting myself back in tip-top condition.””It’s obviously hard, but I’m going to be the girls’ number one supporter and I know they’re going to go on and smash it.”Bright, Earps and Kirby have played a huge part in England’s recent success with all playing in every single game of their last Euros campaign. With all three unavailable for England, here is a look at who will fill the void at this year’s Euros. Hannah Hampton will be England’s first choice goalkeeper at this year’s Euros, her first major international tournamentCredit: GettyGoalkeeper options England’s shot stopper starter question has been answered with Hannah Hampton in place as their No1 for the Euros.The Chelsea player won her battle for a starting spot with Earps after emerging as a first team regular under Wiegman. This year Hampton has started in five of their last six Nations League games following Earps’ last start (final international appearance) on February 21. While England’s away form in the contest has been mixed, including a 2-1 loss to world champions Spain this week, Hampton kept clean sheets on three of those occasions. This includes their 1-0 win against the World Cup winners who are among their main rivals at this year’s Euros. While Hampton is set to be England’s starter in goal, it is not entirely clear who will be the next automatic choice after her.England have options in Anna Moorhouse and Man City’s Khiara Keating although both are yet to make their senior international debuts.  Last October Moorhouse won the National Women’s Soccer League shield with top-flight American club Orlando Pride A month later the former West Ham goalkeeper set a new record for the most clean sheets in a NWSL season with 13 in 26 games. A friendly clash with Jamaica as England’s final game before their Euros opener against France could be an opportunity to see Moorhouse or Keating tested. Anna Moorhouse and Khiara Keating are yet to make their senior international debutsCredit: AlamyPlaymaker and forward options Should Lauren James win her race back to fitness from a hamstring problem, she and Jess Park are likely to be England’s primary attacking midfielders as well as Ella Toone. All three have been deployed in the number 10 role under Wiegman although Toone and James have faced battles with injury in recent months. England also have Beth Mead’s creative capabilities from the wing. This week Wiegman revealed James was progressing well with her recovery from a hamstring issue. It is hoped the forward, who shone for England at the 2023 World Cup, will be fit enough to compete at the Euros. Lauren James hopes to win her race to back to fitness ahead of the Euros with England facing France in their Group D openerCredit: AlamyCentral defenceWith Bright’s withdrawal Alex Greenwood is likely to be deployed alongside Williamson in central defence. The Man City skipper’s vision and versatility have made her one of England’s most dependable figures in their backline.Her set-piece delivery skills will be a useful asset for the team. With 98 caps she is also one of England’s most experienced players on the pitch and a calming presence on the pitch. Read More on The SunAlex Greenwood is likely partner Lioness captain Leah Williamson in the centre of England’s defenceCredit: GettyAside from Greenwood, England also have the option of Jess Carter. The ex-Chelsea defender, who won the Concacaf Champions Cup with Gotham FC , is more than capable of operating centrally or as a full-back. More

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      Harry Maguire’s lookalike League Two star brother wears crop top as Man Utd ace joins him on his stag do in Croatia

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      HARRY MAGUIRE has joined his brother Laurence’s boozy stag do to sunny Croatia.The younger Maguire, who plays for MK Dons, headed off for the wild celebrations with his England star sibling getting fully involved.Laurence Maguire jetted off to Croatia for his stag doHarry Maguire, left, dressed far more ‘normal’ than his brother LaurenceLaurence decided to wear a ‘Croatia 2025’ open shirtThe League Two star is marrying Amelia JohnsonLaurence, who is an absolute ringer for his England defender brother, was spotted at Zrce Beach’s iconic party island over the weekend.The group of 30-plus wore snazzy multi-coloured beach shirts and quirky hats, with beers and cans in hand, during all hours of the trip.While Laurence wore a rainbow glitter crop top with silver tassels and rave sunglasses, Harry decided on a far more normal look.The groom, 28, posted several pictures of the group, including eldest brother Joe, enjoying Spring Break Island parties.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnother photo showed the League Two defender wearing a red bucket hat with a blue disco flyway top, which showed his entire chest.The last slide showed the group dancing to house music until the early hours.Laurence is marrying long-term sweetheart Amelia Johnson at a beautiful venue back in the UK on Thursday.It comes weeks after Harry played the full 90 minutes of Man Utd’s embarrassing Europa League final defeat to Tottenham in Bilbao.Most read in FootballThe group of 30-plus wore snazzy multi-coloured beach shirts, with Harry pictured in the middle of the back rowLaurence wore a red bucket hat with a blue disco flyway top one nightThe group spent days partying in CroatiaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHarry tied the knot with Fern Hawkins at a Crewe Registry Office in May 2022.The pair said their vows again in France at a romantic ceremony held at a chateau a month later.Harry Maguire’s wife Fern leads Man Utd Wags flocking to Bilbao for Europa League final with TottenhamHarry has endured another horror season with United suffering a record low finish in 15th in the Prem.Meanwhile, fellow centre-back Laurence joined MK Dons this season after winning promotion to League One with Crawley Town in the previous campaign.The Dons avoided relegation from the football league after finishing 19th in the table.The brothers, pictured together at the 2018 World Cup, look strikingly similarHarry married childhood sweetheart Fern Hawkins in 2022 More

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      Serie A star Joan Gonzalez forced to retire aged just 23 with rare heart condition after club doctor ‘saved his life’

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      SERIE A star Joan Gonzalez has been forced to retire aged 23 due to a heart condition.The former Barcelona academy starlet joined Lecce from the Catalan giants in 2021.Joan Gonzalez has been forced to hang up his bootsCredit: GettyGonzalez did not feature last season, after a congenital heart condition was detected in the summer of 2024.Following recent further tests, the midfielder was forced to hang up his boots.Explaining the situation, club president Sticchi Damiani said: “He will not receive medical clearance.”The season began, unfortunately, with a major obstacle: the bad news about Joan Gonzalez, who failed his medical.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We called him back after a year for a new check-up, which took place a few days ago, and the situation remains the same.”Damiani was then full of praise for Lecce’s medical staff.The Italian continued: “A round of applause to our medical team, to Dr. Tondo, because they detected a congenital condition that is very difficult to diagnose.”It’s a case study. Thanks to that, the boy’s life was saved.”Most read in FootballDamiani also gushed over Gonzalez’s professionalism and ability.The Lecce chief added: “He has faced it with a balance, serenity and intelligence that make us think he would have been a great footballer.”Newcastle confirm first summer signing after pipping Barcelona, Real Madrid and Porto to Spanish wonderkidDamiani then admitted that he believes Gonzalez will become a “great manager”.The Spaniard played 66 times for Lecce’s first team, scoring twice.Gonzalez’s final appearance came on May 26, 2024 – in his side’s 0-0 draw with Napoli on the final day of the 2023-24 season.Gonzalez had to sit out of the 24-25 seasonCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Unfinished business’ – Ian Wright urges Arsenal to sign former Premier League star valued at £50million

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      IAN WRIGHT has urged former club Arsenal to buy Ademola Lookman this summer.The Gunners are seeking to bolster their attack following three consecutive runner-up finishes.Ademola Lookman has impressed since moving to ItalyCredit: GettyLookman, 27, has had previous Premier League spells with Everton, Fulham and Leicester – with mixed fortunes.Since moving to Atalanta in 2022, the winger has gone from strength to strength – winning the Europa League and finishing 14th in the Ballon d’Or last year.Wright, 61, believes that Lookman would be well placed to improve Mikel Arteta’s front line.On his Wrighty’s House podcast, the former forward said: “I’m going to go with Ademola Lookman winning the African Player of the Year in respects of that man’s journey.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I remember him from Charlton, it didn’t work out [the] £10million [move] to Everton, then moving all over the place, the journey from loan to this, then I think that’s one of the most devastating performances I’ve seen in any final with that hat-trick he scored.”You know, it’s just… I can’t help but look at his dark moment where it would have been dark for him. You know, especially all those loans going to another country.”And you know what? He never had no problem going wherever he needed to go to find it.”And then obviously, like you say, you find your place. Like Scott McTominay’s found that, like he [Lookman] found with Atalanta.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I hope we can buy him, Arsenal.”I would love someone like him to come back to the Premier League and say, ‘listen, I have unfinished business here so I am going to help Arsenal win the league’.Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini slams Ademola Lookman for his penalty skills “But I just admire his journey and now he’s recognised rightly as a top player, unbelievable.”SunSport recently revealed that Lookman has admirers at Arsenal.Some Gunners chiefs, however, are concerned about his age – believing that at 27 Lookman may have already peaked.In addition to Arsenal, Liverpool are keeping tabs on the £50m-rated former Evertonian. More