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    Barcelona dressing room ‘left unimpressed at Marcus Rashford pursuit with three key stars opposing transfer’

    BARCELONA’S pursuit of Marcus Rashford has reportedly sparked revolt in the Nou Camp dressing room.The Spanish giants spent the January transfer window weighing up a swoop for the Manchester United outcast.Marcus Rashford’s negotiations with Barcelona caused unrestCredit: RexThree Barcelona stars made a stand and spoke out about the possible transferCredit: AlamyA sensational loan deal was potentially on the cards – with the player himself said to be keen.However, Rashford’s £325,000-a-week wages proved a stumbling block – especially as United wanted Barca to cover 70 per cent.The forward ended up joining Aston Villa until the end of the season – with the option of a £40million permanent summer move. But now Catalunya Radio via Sport in Spain claim even the talks over signing Rashford led to unrest among the existing players.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAnd three key stars allegedly spoke out against the transfer.It is stated Barcelona needed to let both Ansu Fati and Andreas Christensen leave in January to free up the necessary wages to make a Rashford deal financially viable.However, both men are said to have flat-out refused to exit. And pals Pedri, Gavi and Ronald Araujo all reportedly stood up to the club to make their feelings known. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe trio are three of Hansi Flick’s most important players in a team going strong in LaLiga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey.And all three signed new contracts in the last few days of the transfer window.Marcus Rashford says joining Aston Villa from Man Utd was an easy decisionSo it seems the trio used their bargaining power to voice their concerns as they agreed their long-term futures to Barcelona, who are currently playing home matches at the Olympic Stadium while the Nou Camp is renovated. The report suggests Pedri, Gavi and Araujo did not believe signing Rashford was a suitable option given the players already in the team, the club’s ethos with its homegrown talent and the cost of the deal – which would see them force out two members of the squad.And it appears Deco and the Barca hierarchy listened to their players as they backed out of the deal.The likes of Borussia Dortmund, Monaco and AC Milan were also linked with Rashford over the course of the January transfer window.But Rashford said it was an “easy” decision to join Villa, where he will play Champions League football again. And he is keen to make an early impression on his new boss Unai Emery.Rashford insisted on training on his first day off and has already started looking at accommodation in the West Midlands as he refuses to commute from Manchester. READ MORE SUN STORIESVilla insiders say the man who left Old Trafford under a cloud has got the bit firmly between his teeth and is ready to kickstart his career under Emery.Rashford – who has taken Jhon Duran’s old No9 shirt – could make his debut for Villa in the FA Cup at home to Tottenham on Sunday. Rashford joined Aston Villa on loan until the end of the seasonCredit: Getty More

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    Champions League and Euros winner Alvaro Morata gets humbled as fans of his new club don’t seem to have a clue who he is

    ALVARO MORATA breezed through a handful of Galatasaray fans and NONE of them recognised him.Morata, 32, has played in almost every single major competition in football throughout his successful 15-year career.Alvaro Morata just recently joined Galatasaray on loan from AC MilanBut Galatasaray fans didn’t appear to recognise MorataMorata, though, went on to score on his second match with GalatasarayCredit: GettyThe striker starred for Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid Juventus and Spain, while he also spent three years on Chelsea’s books.The Spain international has also won a raft of major honours, such as two Champions League titles with Real, two Serie A honours with Juve, the FA Cup with the Blues and Euro 2024 with his national team.However, it seems like some fans of his new team still don’t know exactly who he is…Morata completed a shock loan move to Galata from AC Milan in the closing stages of the January transfer window.Read More on FootballThis poses as yet another surprise transfer the Turkish giants complete after their stunning loan swoop for Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen last summer.Very few expected Galatasaray to pull off yet another coup by signing Morata just seven months after he joined Milan.Nevertheless, the fans appear to still getting used to the centre-forward in their squad.A clip appeared to show the Spain international checking in to a hotel in Bolu ahead of Thursday’s Turkish Cup clash at Boluspor.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA few Galatasaray fans were spotted outside the hotel waiting to greet the players – some of the excited bystanders appeared to be looking forward for an autograph or a selfie.However, none of them recognised Morata, who was wearing a black cap but was otherwise quite recognisable.Premier League’s Biggest Spenders: Top 10 SeasonsA couple of them made eye contact with the player, while some others didn’t even look twice.If anyone didn’t know who the Chelsea flop actually was, they must certainly know by now after Galata’s 4-1 win at the Bolu Ataturk Stadium.Morata led Okan Buruk’s side to a 4-1 victory as he scored his first goal in his second appearance on 21 minutes to equalise for the visitors.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    LaLiga star Kirian Rodriguez confirms cancer has relapsed as he steps away from football to undergo chemotherapy

    A LALIGA footballer has been forced to step away from the game indefinitely after his cancer returned.The relapse comes two-and-a-half years after he was first diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.Las Palmas star Kirian Rodriguez’s cancer has relapsedCredit: GettyThe captain will miss the rest of the season as he undergoes chemotherapyCredit: RexKirian Rodriguez missed the first eight months of the 2022-23 season as he received treatment, returning to action in April 2023.Now, though, he faces another extended spell out after confirming his cancer is back.The Las Palmas captain, 28, revealed at a press conference on Thursday morning that he will now undergo chemotherapy and miss the rest of the season.But his return date is unknown as he focuses on his health. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLRodriguez said: “Thank the club and all the executives who are here, they have been very important to me. “Thank the coaching staff and my teammates for their decision not to accompany me here, I think they need to be focused on the game.”Yesterday they told me I have relapsed with cancer. “I will have to stop again and go through another round of chemotherapy to fight the disease.Most read in Football”I hope to see you all again in 2025-26, because I am 100 per cent convinced that the club, the players, and the coaching staff will see each other again in the First Division.”Rodriguez has been a key member of the Las Palmas starting XI once again this season, with the skipper missing just one LaLiga fixture in early October with a muscle injury. Charlie Watson discusses impact skin Cancer has on football careerWhat are the signs of lymphoma?LYMPHOMA is a term for cancer that starts in the lymph system – a network of vessels and glands that spans your body.There are two main kinds of lymphoma – Hodgkin Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.Lymphoma can cause many different symptoms, depending on which type of lymphoma it is and where it develops in the body.The most typical signs are:Swollen lymph nodes, such as in the neck, armpit or groin areaNight sweatsExtreme tirednessItchingUnexplained weight lossFeverExcessive bleeding, such as nosebleeds, heavy periods and spots of blood under the skinOther signs of lymphoma in a more localised area include:Swelling of the stomach, loss of appetite and other abdominal symptomsCoughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain But the Las Palmas medical team grew concerned as the midfielder’s physical conditioning dipped in recent weeks. And the academy graduate – who has played all of his 134 professional matches for his boyhood club – was withdrawn midway through the second half against Girona on Monday as he struggled.That was the earliest he had been substituted all season – except for when he suffered the injury. Playmaker Rodriguez was unable to train on Tuesday or Wednesday before the announcement on Thursday. He received various messages of support following the press conference.Barcelona replied on X: “Much strength, Kirian.”We wish you encouragement and strength to face this challenge… we hope that we can see each other again soon on the field of play with the fighting spirit that you’ve already shownReal MadridMalaga wrote: “All the strength in the world. The spirit of Malaga is with you, Kirian.”A fan added: “Lots of encouragement, Kirian. You’re going to win this match, and by a landslide. Fans from all the teams in the league are eager to see you play as soon as possible.”Another typed: “Wishing Kirian a strong recovery and a swift return.”And Real Madrid shared this classy post: “Dear Kirian Rodríguez, we wish you encouragement and strength to face this challenge. “We hope that we can see each other again soon on the field of play with the fighting spirit that you’ve already shown. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Real Madrid and all the Madridistas will be supporting you in this challenge.”Las Palmas sit 15th in the LaLiga table after 22 matches, two points clear of the relegation zone. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Rodriguez was subbed off early on Monday night against GironaCredit: RexHe has been a key player for the club since returning from his eight months out when he first had cancerCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd flop Antony told ‘good players don’t have to constantly show off skills’ by Real Betis boss after debut assist

    REAL BETIS boss Manuel Pellegrini has fired a warning to Antony following his impressive LaLiga debut.The on-loan Manchester United winger put in a man-of-the-match performance as Betis drew 2-2 with Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. Antony impressed on his debut for Real Betis against Athletic BilbaoCredit: RexThe Brazilian has received a warning from Betis boss Manuel PellegriniCredit: RexAntony, 24, turned provider for Isco just fifteen minutes into his first start in Spain. The Brazilian rushed onto a through ball and lashed a strike towards Unai Simon in the Bilbao goal.It was smartly saved by the keeper – but ex-Real Madrid midfielder Isco was on hand to sweep home.Antony was a constant threat on the right for the hosts, tormenting full-back Inigo Lekue.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe was involved again as the hosts took the lead on the stroke of half-time through Romain Perraud. It was a far cry from the 24-year-old’s dismal spell at United, where he was ridiculed for doing needless tricks with the ball while not producing any end product. Following the game, Betis boss Pelligrini sent Anthony a warning to continue his strong start.And he advised the winger from falling back into familiar habits. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPelligrini said: “Well, I think it was a very positive debut.”He’s a quality player. I was talking to him just before the game.Antony leaves Man Utd with more yellow cards than goals as £86m Ten Hag flop goes down as one of worst transfers ever”I think a good player doesn’t have to be constantly showing off his skills with the ball.”He has to play a good game, make few mistakes and do two or three important things – a goal, a good pass, a good cross.”I think he was very involved today, especially with the second goal.”He had just arrived a couple of days before and I think he’s going to contribute a lot to us.”Antony joined Man Utd in 2022 from Ajax in a deal worth £84million.He mustered just 5 goals in 62 games for the Red Devils, leaving the club with more yellow cards than goals. READ MORE SUN STORIESBetis reportedly do not have an option to buy included in the loan deal that sent Antony to Spain last month. United are still contributing 16 per cent of his mammoth £200,000-a-week salary. More

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    LaLiga chaos as referees willing to go on STRIKE after Real Madrid statement claiming decisions are ‘manipulated’

    LALIGA referees are reportedly considering going on strike after a letter from Real Madrid questioning their integrity.In a bombshell statement, the Champions League winners said “decisions against Real Madrid have reached a level of manipulation and adulteration of the competition that can no longer be ignored.”LaLiga referees are willing to go on strike after Real Madrid issued a statement claiming their decisions were ‘manipulated’Credit: AFPReal Madrid were left furious after this challenge on Kylian Mbappe was only punished with a yellow cardCredit: DAZNVinicius Jr also saw a goal disallowed due to this off-the-ball challenge from MbappeLos Blancos were left furious with the quality of officiating during their 1-0 loss at Espanyol.Vinicius Jr saw a first half goal disallowed for an off-the-ball foul by Kylian Mbappe.And Espanyol’s Carlos Romero was only shown a yellow card for a studs-up lunge on Mbappe, before going on to score the winning goal.The Real Madrid letter also stated: “The scandal generated by this match has once again had worldwide repercussions, with the international press denouncing the biased use of VAR in Spain and the lack of credibility of Spanish refereeing.”READ MORE ON REAL MADRIDAnd the club called for the VAR audio footage of the incidents in question to be released immediately.But, answering a question from a caller, Cope journalist Isaac Fouto claimed that some referees in LaLiga are in favour of going on strike in response to the accusations.He said: “There are referees from the First Division who believe that they should go on strike.”But he added: “The strike is either everyone [or no-one]… some have said they will go, but everyone has to go.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It is being considered, it is being considered in the environment. If this takes this turn, the competition will stop.”Following the Real Madrid letter, the Spanish FA [RFEF] released a statement backing its officials.Wholesome moment Jude Bellingham leaves a young Real Madrid fan crying with happiness as he hands him his shirtThe RFEF commented: “The refereeing task, by its very nature, is subject to review and analysis.”But this cannot lead to generalised accusations that cast doubt on their integrity, as this not only affects the referees themselves, but also erodes the credibility of soccer as a whole.“It is important to reflect on the consequences of this type of systematic questioning of refereeing. “Constantly delegitimizing the work of referees outside the established channels generates a climate of mistrust that benefits neither Spanish football nor its competitions.”Meanwhile Carlo Ancelotti has come out and said that the refereeing is better in the Premier League than LaLiga.The Real Madrid boss said: “What league has the best referees? Difficult to say. It’s a tough job. “What I can say is referees suffer less pressure in England, so they do their job better.” More

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    ‘It’s crazy’ – Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend’s ex responds to rumours she cheated on him with Real Madrid ace

    JUDE BELLINGHAM’S girlfriend Ashlyn Castro has been defended by her NBA star ex amid cheating allegations.Earlier this month it emerged that the Real Madrid superstar, 21, has been seeing American influencer Ashlyn, 21.Ashlyn Castro is dating Real Madrid star Jude BellinghamCredit: InstagramAshlyn is an American social media influencerCredit: InstagramBellingham, 21, has had Ashlyn attend a matchCredit: RexThe smitten pair have been spotted going on dates in the Spanish capital, while Ashlyn is said to have watched a Real Madrid game alongside Bellingham’s parents.Ashlyn has previously been linked with actor Michael B. Jordan and NBA All-Star LaMelo Ball.Prior to Bellingham, she dated Los Angeles Clippers star Terance Mann.Instagram gossip page Game, Set and Match claim that Ashlyn has faced unfounded accusations of seeing Bellingham before her relationship with Mann had ended.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Clippers star himself has now shot down these claims, leaping to his ex’s defence.Mann, 28, said on TikTok Live: “Ashlyn is cool, people. I don’t know why everybody is on her head about anything. She’s cool. Me and Ash are cool.”We haven’t been together for a long, long time. She’s doing her thing. Let her do her thing. 90 per cent of the stuff I see on the internet about Ash is false. It’s crazy.”Let her live, let her do her thing, let her be herself. When I met Ash, she had her own stuff, had her own money, her own wave.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYTerance Mann has defended his ex-girlfriendCredit: Getty”We met through a friend. There wasn’t no… she wasn’t out here trying to see who I was or do any of that.”Y’all just on her back, on her body about nothing. Y’all mad that she what? Like c’mon.Jude Bellingham caught ‘humbling’ LaLiga rival who threatened to knock Real Madrid team-mate out ‘in 10 seconds'”She ain’t do nothing, she’s cool. She ain’t no gold digger.”Y’all just doing too damn much. No, she did not cheat. We haven’t been together in… I don’t know how long. So calm that narrative down.”You could let that go. And that’s that on that!”Ashlyn has more than 230,000 Instagram followers and 50,000 on TikTok.Bellingham, meanwhile, was previously linked with Dutch model Laura Celia Valk.However, she confirmed that she is single during a recent Q&A.Ashlyn has more than 230,000 Instagram followersCredit: instagramShe also has a big TikTok followingCredit: InstagramAshlyn has only recently started dating BellinghamCredit: instagram More

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    Antony pops up with assist just 14 minutes into Real Betis debut as fans say ‘Man Utd were the problem’

    MANCHESTER UNITED flop Antony has made an immediate impact during his loan stint with Real Betis.The winger joined United in 2022 following a whopping £86million deal with Ajax.Manchester United flop Antony registered an assist just 14 minutes into his Real Betis debutMan Utd fans suggested the club were the problem after Antony’s Betis debutCredit: AFPHowever, the Brazil international never lived up to his billing at Old Trafford as he only managed a mere total of 12 goals and five assists in 96 appearances.Antony’s struggles continued this season and that led to him falling out of favour under new manager Ruben Amorim.That is why the Red Devils offloaded the Brazilian to Real Betis on loan until the end of the season.And the ex-Ajax star hit the ground running on his first game with Betis in LaLiga against Athletic Bilbao at the Benito Villamarin.Read More on Man UtdManager Manuel Pellegrini named him in his starting line-up and the forward showed his worth just 14 minutes into his debut.Antony fired a shot from the right flank, which was saved by Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simon.But the incoming Isco picked up the rebound and opened the scoring for the hosts from close range.That meant a lot to Antony as he passionately celebrated in front of the Betis fans.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSUnited supporters were left gobsmacked after witnessing the loanee’s immediate impact in Spain.This comes after other Man Utd rejects found greener pastures away from Old Trafford, such as Scott McTominay, Anthony Elanga and Jadon Sancho.Watch as Antony ‘is used as a CONE’ in Man Utd training as fans lose their minds over awkward footageAnd some of the United faithful are starting to believe the club is the reason why so many talented players fail to deliver.One fan tweeted: “Antony already causing problems. Manchester United were the problem.”Another commented: “Anthony has provided an indirect assist on his debut. Maybe Manchester United is the problem after all.”A third wrote: “Ahhahahaha, Antony leaves Man U, gets an assist. That club is so bad.”This fan said: “Antony with the Assist, Man UTD was obviously the problem.”And that one posted: “United players are immediately better when they leave United. Antony assist already.”Betis couldn’t hold on to their lead as Bilbao fought back and picked up a 2-2 draw.READ MORE SUN STORIESAthletic Club equalised when former Liverpool and West Ham goalkeeper Adrian fumbled a corner into Aitor Paredes before seeing it land in the net.The hosts retook the lead with a stunning strike from Romain Perraud on the stroke of half time before set piece woes struck again as Oihan Sancet scored a free header in the 69th minute. More

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    Wolves in line for shock windfall on £35m flop with Atletico Madrid ready to complete transfer

    WOLVES hope for a shock windfall on striker Fabio Silva — with Atletico Madrid keen on making a deal.The forward, capped by Portugal in November, was sent to Las Palmas on loan with the aim of reviving his career in La Liga.Fabio Silva is set to net Wolves a nice little financial windfallCredit: GETTYNow Atletico have taken a shine to Silva and are looking into signing him permanently, either now or over the summer.Wanderers paid £35million to buy Silva as a teenager and may finally have the chance of a payday for the 22-year-old after years of underachieving at Molineux.The Molineux faithful are currently on cloud nine thanks to Matheus Cunha’s new deal.The Brazilian striker was on the radar of several clubs, including Arsenal.READ MORE TRANSFERSBut the 25-year-old has opted to commit his future to Wolves with a bumper new deal, which he marked by scoring in Saturday’s Black Country derby with Aston Villa.He said: “I feel so good here, with the love the fans give to me and my family.”I always go to the pitch and try to give back. Of course, there was a lot of noise around what Matheus would do.“I feel happy. I used my heart to make this decision, more than anything. It was my passion.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMatheus Cunha has penned a new contract with WolvesCredit: Getty”I love being here.”Everyone wants something more for their career, but I feel this is the moment to keep fighting and show everyone what we have, and what love I want to give back.”Wolves players and staff clashing with one another after full-timeWolves fans will be hoping for more good news in the form of additional reinforcements before the transfer window closes on Monday.Emmanuel Agbadou is currently the club’s sole winter signing, much to the frustration of manager Vitor Pereira.He said: “Our priority is the same, midfielder and centre-back.”The club is working on it. The club knows we need to increase the level.” More