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      William Saliba ‘in talks with Real Madrid for weeks’ over sensational summer transfer from Arsenal

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      WILLIAM SALIBA has been in talks with Real Madrid for weeks, claim reports in France.The Arsenal centre-back has two years remaining on his contract at the Emirates.William Saliba has been a regular for Arsenal this seasonCredit: GettyGunners chiefs are said to be keen on renewing the Frenchman’s deal.But according to French paper L’Equipe, Real Madrid are pursuing the 24-year-old.The Spanish giants are desperate to sign a new star centre-back this summer – with Saliba at the top of their list.Real chiefs are said to be willing to assure the Arsenal star that he would become the leader of their defence.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Gunners ace is unlikely to force an immediate move – but could run down his contract.It’s claimed that Real Madrid is the only club that could lure Saliba away from the Emirates.The LaLiga champions have an extensive recent track record of signing players that have run down their deals at previous clubs.Real Madrid snapped up Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba have also arrived as free agents in recent years.Los Blancos are also expected to tie up a deal for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is set to be out of contract at Liverpool this summer.Arsenal boss Arteta shuts down reporter after being asked revealing question ahead of crucial PSG Champions League clashThe Gunners bought Saliba from Saint-Etienne in a £27million deal in 2019.Following loan spells at Saint-Etienne, Nice and Marseille, Saliba was finally given his chance in Arsenal’s first team in 2022.The classy defender has gone on to make 131 appearances for the Gunners.Saliba has also become a regular for his country, earning 26 caps for France. More

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      Man Utd ‘asked to buy back former left-back in order for Real Madrid to complete bizarre transfer’

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      REAL MADRID are trying to work out a bizarre arrangement with Manchester United in their bid to sign Benfica ace Alvaro Carreras this summer.Carreras, 22, moved to the Lisbon giants from United in 2024 as he and has attracted interest from Real during his counts a total of 63 appearances at Da Luz.Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Benfica ace Alvaro CarrerasReal are looking to work with Manchester United in their bid to sign CarrerasAccording to AS, Los Blancos are so keen they’re using his old club as a “bridge” in their bid to sign the £51millon-rated left-back.The Red Devils agreed to sell the Spain Under-21 international to the Portuguese outfit for a mere £5.1m.However, the Manchester giants included a buy-back clause worth £15.3m.Real are planning to work with United in a way that would see the Premier League giants activating Carreras’ relatively low asking price, which is exclusive to the Premier League giants.Read More on Man Utd Then the reigning Spanish and European champions would buy the Spaniard straight from Man Utd at a lower price than Benfica’s release clause.Madrid rate the full-back at around £27m – a sum that would also help Ruben Amorim’s side raise funds for a busy summer transfer market.Amorim is planning a major squad revamp in order to bring players in who can operate in his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation next season.If Carreras moves to the Santiago Bernabeu then that would signal a return to his old stomping ground from when he was a youth.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe defender spent three years at Real Castilla until his departure in 2020 at the age of 17 to Old Trafford.Carreras never broke into the first team and was instead loaned out to Preston North End, Granada and of course Benfica before they completed a permanent move. ‘Do you know the rules-‘ – Bruno Fernandes gives blunt Spanish interview after red card controversy in Man Utd clashHe has shone bright this season for Bruno Lage’s side with four goals and five assists in 47 appearances across all competitions. More

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      Antony ‘could make shock transfer to Champions League giants as Man Utd receive enquiry after stunning Real Betis loan’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED flop Antony is attracting interest from a major LaLiga club amid his stunning loan stint at Real Betis.The winger joined United in 2022 following a whopping £86million deal with Ajax but never lived up to expectations as he only managed a mere total of 12 goals and five assists in 96 appearances.Manchester United flop Antony is being eyed by Atletico MadridAntony has turned his fortunes around while on loan at Real BetisMan Utd will demand a fee in the region of €40-50million (£34-43m) for AntonyThat led Man Utd shipping the struggling 25-year-old out on loan as he fell out of favour in November once manager Ruben Amorim replaced the man that brought him to Old Trafford Erik ten Hag.The Brazil international has turned into a man reborn since moving to Betis as he has already amassed six goals and four assists in 19 appearances across all competitions.Many even claim that Antony has regained his glittering prowess from his time at Ajax, which led to his big-money move to Manchester.And the Brazilian’s resurgence has turned a lot of heads among football’s elite.Read More on Man UtdAccording to El Chiringuito, Atletico Madrid are among those clubs keeping tabs on the forward ahead of the summer transfer window.Atletico are so keen that they have even made an enquiry for Antony, who would get a major second chance at top level as Diego Simeone’s side are set to play in next season’s Champions League.However, it won’t be easy to price the ex-Sao Paulo star away despite Amorim reportedly having very little interest in keeping him as he prepares a major squad revamp.That is because the same source claims the Red Devils will demand a fee in the region of €40-50million (£34-43m) for Antony.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis comes amid reports of Man Utd wanting to move on at least 10 players this summer as part of a huge rebuild.Firstly, the four all-but definite exits come in the form of Jonny Evans, Tom Heaton, Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof.United also want to permanently sell on-loan stars Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and of course Antony to reinvest in a new goalscorer.Casemiro will also be put up for sale as the Manchester giants look to raise funds for new signings.Meanwhile, SunSport exclusively reported that the club are looking to sell goalkeeper Andre Onana to the Saudi Pro League.And the future of Onana’s No2 Altay Bayindir is also up in the air as the Turkish stopper could seek more football in order to improve his chances of playing at the 2026 World Cup. More

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      Spain legend reveals plan to KIDNAP Man Utd star Antony after incredible loan transfer spell

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      SPAIN legend Joaquin is prepared to “KIDNAP” Antony to stop the winger from returning to Manchester United. The Brazilian’s sensational half-volley secured a 2-1 win over Fiorentina in the first leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final.Spain and Real Betis legend Joaquin joked about kidnapping AntonyIt comes after Antony’s belter secured a narrow 2-1 win over FiorentinaCredit: GettyAfter picking up the ball outside the 18-yard box, Antony initially failed to get a long-range effort away on his favoured left foot. But he showed rapid reactions and excellent precision to smash the ball into the top corner with his right foot on the follow-up – which flew past his former Old Trafford team-mate David de Gea.The Brazil winger added to a thunderbolt opener from Abde Ezzalzouli to double the Betis’ lead.It marked his 10th goal contribution for the LaLiga outfit in what has been an incredible loan spell since he left Man Utd in January. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLuca Ranieri gave Fiorentina hope for the return leg in Italy by slamming a 73rd-minute reply.Antony’s future in Seville is up in the air, with United rejecting a £25m season-long loan deal for next term, preferring a permanent sale instead.But Betis legend Joaquin has urged his former side to do everything they can to keep the 25-year-old.The 43-year-old joked: “I’ll provide the car if he has to be kidnapped, but let him stay no matter what. Most read in FootballAntony has been a huge hit with his Betis team-matesCredit: RexCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”This is the moment to enjoy. I think important moments will come, and we’ll see later.”Antony’s strike took his tally to six goals and four assists across 19 appearances for Manuel Pellegrini’s side since joining in January.Antony leaves Man Utd with more yellow cards than goals as £86m Ten Hag flop goes down as one of worst transfers everHis influence has been a major factor in Betis’ push for European football, as the club currently sit sixth in the table.It comes as his parent club enjoyed a memorable night of their own, with United running out 3-0 winners against Betis’ LaLiga rivals Athletic Bilbao. Antony was, however, given a straight red in Betis’ 2-1 win over Getafe in February, before it was overturned by the Spanish Football Federation. More

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      Football club ban fans from eating SUNFLOWER SEEDS to protect stadium from ruin

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      A SPANISH football club have banned fans from eating their favourite food… after their stadium was overrun by RATS.Second-division leaders Elche could host Real Madrid and Barcelona next season if they win promotion to LaLiga.Elche have banned fans from eating sunflower seeds at their stadiumCredit: GettyRats and pigeons eat the dropped shells which also block drains and pipesCredit: AlamyBut their Martinez Valero ground has become infested with vermin as a result of fans munching SUNFLOWER SEEDS – and scattering shells on the ground.Club chiefs have now banned the popular Spanish snack from the 34,000-capacity arena.They announced: “Elche Football Club has decided to ban the sale and consumption of sunflower seeds throughout the entire Martinez Valero Stadium, starting from our next game against Levante.”This measure is in response to the need to protect the ground, ensure hygiene and reinforce our commitment to sustainability and respect for the environment.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The Martinez Valero is not just a football stadium, but a symbol shared by thousands of fans.”However, the vast consumption of sunflower seeds in recent years has created problems for the building.”The shells block drains and pipes, damage the seats and affect the paint finishes to multiple surfaces. “They significantly raise the costs of cleaning and maintenance.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”They attract plagues of rats and pigeons. And, above all, they put the cleanliness of the stands at risk.”Despite the constant efforts of the club’s cleaning staff, we need to remove all the shells after every game. ‘This is so impressive’ – Fans amazed as Oli McBurnie speaks in flawless Spanish just months after joining LaLiga”The shells also damage the concrete underfoot and collect in hard-to-reach areas.”This decision is not meant to punish any fan, but instead to preserve a communal space in the best possible conditions.  “Elche CF calls on your collective responsibility to maintain the Martinez Valero as an example of civility, respect, cleanliness and pride in the club.”We thank fans for their understanding, aware of the value of keeping a stadium fit to enjoy football in safety and comfort.”Elche, based near Alicante in south-eastern Spain, ended a three-year spell in LaLiga in 2023.Former Sheffield Wednesday, Preston and Barnsley defender Bambo Diaby, 27, plus ex-Watford man Mario Gaspar are part of their current squad. More

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      Fans only just realising incredible story behind Lamine Yamal’s name.. and reason why he has BOTH on his Barcelona shirt

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      LAMINE YAMAL is tearing it up for club and country, but there’s something unusual about the name on the back of his shirt.Because shockingly, neither Lamine nor Yamal comes from his family. Lamine Yamal is likely to switch from his number 19 to no 10 next seasonYamal was sensational for Spain at the EurosCredit: GettySome Barce fans think Yamal is the second coming of MessiCredit: GettyThe Barcelona wonderkid has been dazzling fans since his breakthrough last season, when he scored seven goals in 50 games.This season has been even better as he’s taken up more responsibility in the team. Fifteen vital goals and counting so far and let’s not forget his heroics at Euro 2024 where he fired Spain to glory and won the Young Player of the Tournament award.But behind the teenage phenom’s name is a story straight out gratitude. READ MORE ON LAMINE YAMALYamal’s full name is Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana.Nasraoui is from his dad. Ebana is from his mum.But Lamine Yamal that’s not a family name at all.According to Tribuna, the 17-year-old was named after two men, both complete strangers who helped his parents pay rent during a tough time after his birth.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe duo’s names were Lamine and Yamal.So as a tribute, Yamal’s dad made a heartfelt promise to them that if they ever had a son, he’d be named after the men who helped them through their darkest days.Lamine Yamal watches WWE Smackdown in crowd after rubbing shoulders with starsAnd now, the football world knows their names, splashed across the back of one of the hottest talents on the planet.His performance against Inter Milan in the Champions League is one of those that will live long in the minds of fans given how he dominated the game.The young forward has the football world talking about himCredit: AP More

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      How Athletic Bilbao built squad for less than the price of Man Utd’s Andre Onana with unique transfer policy

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      ATHLETIC BILBAO will be hoping their unique transfer policy will pay dividends when they face Manchester United.The LaLiga side take on the Red Devils in the Europa League semi-finals with the first leg in Spain on Thursday.Athletic Bilbao have a unique transfer policyCredit: GettyBasque-born Nico Williams (left) and his brother Inaki are Athletic Bilbao’s poster boysCredit: AFP
      The team cost less than Andre Onana’s potential feeCredit: PABilbao are unlike most clubs in world football with a self-imposed transfer limitation.The current team has been assembled for less than the £47.2million that Man United could end up paying for Andre Onana.Ernesto Valverde’s squad only has five players who have been paid for in transfer deals totalling just £46.1m.They are Yuri Berchiche (£21m), Oscar de Marcos (£255,000), Alex Berenguer (£9.5m), Alvaro Djalo (£12.8m) and Maroan Sannadi (£2.55m).READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe remainder of the squad came through the youth academy or have been free transfers.With the likes of Oihan Sancet, Inaki Williams and his brother Nico in the mix, they have assembled a top squad.The Basque Country where Bilbao is located has a population of 2.2million – a quarter of the size of London – and has a low number of immigrants.Despite this relatively small pool and limited transfer strategy, the club has enjoyed success.Most read in Europa LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBilbao have won EIGHT LaLiga titles – which is only less than Real Madrid (36), Barcelona (27) and Atletico Madrid (11).They also have six more league titles than Basque rivals Real Sociedad.Man Utd legend, 61, set to take charge of National League side as he says ‘it wouldn’t be beneath me’Oihan Sancet is one of the stars at BilbaoCredit: RexYuri Berchiche cost the club £21m in 2018Credit: GettyThe club have also won TWENTY-FOUR Copa del Rey titles with their last success coming in 2024.They have never won a European honour and will be hoping to achieve that this season by getting past Manchester United.What is Athletic Bilbao’s transfer policy?The club has instilled a “Basque-only” policy, which means not just any footballer can play for the club.The San Mames outfit has stated that every one of their players has to either been born or raised in the Basque Country.Another statement reads: “As an institution, Athletic Club and all its supporters are characterised by a steadfast belief in a set of values which are becoming increasingly uncommon in football and 21st century sport.”Athletic Club takes pride in its own and has a philosophy and way of seeing football that is unique in the world of football.”This ideal is fully reflected in its policy of promoting academy players.”Athletic Club is based in Bilbao, a city situated in Biscay, a province which makes up part of the Basque Country.”The club’s sporting philosophy is governed by a code which states that Athletic Club may only field players who have come through its own academy or the academies of other clubs in the Basque Country, or players who were born in the following territories which constitute the Basque Country: Biscay, Gipuzkoa, Alava, Navarre, Labourd, Soule and Lower Navarre.”Why do Athletic Bilbao only sign players from the Basque region?The rule was introduced in 1911 after a dispute between Bilbao and fellow Basque-based side Real Sociedad.Bilbao had fielded ineligible players from England as well as some non-Basque players in a Copa del Rey match.The Spanish FA ruled that players must be Spanish citizens to appear in the competition from the following season.Bilbao opted to maintain the approach even when regulations were later relaxed. A statement on the club website reads: “During the Copa tournament held at Jolaseta in April 1911, several of the participating teams denounced Athletic for improperly fielding foreigners.”From then on, Athletic Club would compete only with home-grown players, thus giving birth to the philosophy that today distinguishes it from any other team in elite football.”The policy makes the club prioritise the signings of players who were born in the Basque Country.The region is in the north of Spain and borders France on the western coast.The policy was implemented in order to preserve the unique culture and identity of the region.Have Athletic Bilbao ever signed non-Basque players?The club states that every player since the start of the rule has been born in the Basque Country or raised there.However, some players who have turned out for the club have sparked debate.Former Manchester City star Aymeric Laporte became the first Frenchman to graduate from the club’s youth system in 2012.He was only connected to the Basque Country via his great-grandparents.France star Antoine Griezmann has been a controversial one as he was developed by Basque-based Real Sociedad.He arrived at the club at the age of 14 with the likes of Bilbao’s academy director, Jose Maria Amorrortu, believing that he would qualify.However, some argue that he is ineligible, like adults who have been transferred in by Sociedad.Do Athletic Bilbao managers have to be Basque and have they had non-Basque managers?There are some exceptions to the rule as the club’s coaching staff does not need to be Basque.The club has had managers from England, Germany, France, Argentina and Hungary.Read More on The SunEnglish managers of Bilbao have included Henry John Bagge, William Garbutt, Ralph Kirby, Ronnie Allen and Howard Kendall.The most recent manager who was not even Spanish was Argentine Eduardo Berizzo for 15 matches in 2018.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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      Lamine Yamal putting Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to shame as staggering stats comparison of stars at 17 emerges

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      INCREDIBLE stats show Lamine Yamal is putting a young Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to shame.The Barcelona wonderkid capped his 100th senior appearance for the club with a goal and a stunning performance in the 3-3 Champions League semi-final draw with Inter Milan last night.Lamine Yamal was at his brilliant best for Barcelona against Inter MilanCredit: GettyLionel Messi was only just breaking into the team at Yamal’s ageCredit: EmpicsCristiano Ronaldo had scored just five goals before his 18th birthdayCredit: ReutersYamal was at his brilliant best and despite being just 17-years-old, was undoubtedly Barca’s main man.The winger inspired the comeback from 2-0 down with a solo goal as he weaved his way past several defenders and fired a curler beyond Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer.In was his 22nd goal for his boyhood club since bursting onto the scene and making his debut aged 15 years, 9 months and 16 days.He has also picked up 33 assists in his first 100 games in a Barca shirt.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYamal’s record so far is demolishing what Messi and Ronaldo had achieved before adulthood.The Argentine legend made just nine appearances, scoring one goal for Barca before his 18th birthday.Messi did not become a regular and net double figures in a season for the Catalan giants until he was 19-years-old.As for Ronaldo at 17, he was only just breaking through at Sporting Lisbon and had played in 19 games, scoring five goals and getting four assists.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe made the move to Manchester United the following year aged 18 after catching the eye of Sir Alex Ferguson in a pre-season friendly.Yamal fired Spain to Euro 2024 glory last summer and is closing on a potential Treble-winning season this term with Barca.Lamine Yamal sends brutal message live on TV after being called out by Adrien Rabiot ahead of Euro 2024 semi-final Before last night’s draw with Inter, the teenager was asked about comparisons to Messi.He said: “I don’t compare myself to him, because I don’t compare myself to anyone, and much less with Messi.”We are thinking about improving ourselves, every day, and on being better on the next day.”So I don’t think the comparison makes sense, with Messi even less, I’m going to enjoy myself and be myself.”I admire him obviously, as the best player in history, but I don’t compare myself to him.”The eyes of the world being on Yamal also does not bother him, adding: “But fear, I left fear in the park in Mataro (Yamal’s hometown) a long time ago.”Yamal team-mates celebrated his 100th appearanceCredit: Getty More