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      Girona manager Michel Sanchez rushed to hospital after health scare as Real Madrid send well wishes

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      GIRONA manager Michel Sanchez has been taken to hospital with a health issue, a club statement has confirmed.Sanchez, 49, was in the dugout for Girona’s 1-0 win over RCD Mallorca on Monday but has taken ill since.Girona manager Michel Sanchez has been hospitalised with a health issueCredit: GettyA statement released by the La Liga club read: “Girona FC coach Michel Sanchez has been hospitalized due to a health issue. “He is under medical observation as a precaution and is progressing favourably.”He is receiving appropriate care, and we expect his recovery in the coming days.”The coach will not be able to lead the team from the bench in tomorrow’s match at Montilivi.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We appreciate your understanding and respect for his privacy at this time.”Girona are scheduled to play Villarreal at the Montilivi Stadium tomorrow evening, but Sanchez will now be unable to help his team from the technical area.Assistant manager Salvador Funez will occupy the dugout in his absence.Sanchez himself released a statement that read: “I am writing this message to inform you that after a setback in my health I will not be able to be in the dugout next Saturday, May 10, for the La Liga game against Villarreal.Most read in FootballSanchez has said that he ‘feels well’Credit: Getty”After listening to the advice of the doctors, who I thank for their treatment and professionalism, I have to stop for a few days to recuperate and return as soon as possible.”I feel well, under medical observation, and am already counting the days until I can get back to work and continue fighting in what remains of the rest of the season.”I am sure that this group, despite my absence, will give everything, as always, so that our people can feel proud of the club and the values it represents.”I want to thank [everyone for] the displays of affection, the messages from the Girona family and all the people who have been concerned about my situation.”I will have to be admitted [to hospital] under observation for a few days. I am forced to follow the match from another place, but always in contact with my coaching team. See you soon.”The former Huesca and Rayo Vallecano manager has already received an outpouring of support, including from Real Madrid.The official Real Madrid X account wrote: “From Real Madrid, we send you our full support, Michel Sanchez.”Wishing you strength and a swift recovery. We look forward to seeing you back on the sidelines as soon as possible.”While other clubs have shown their support for the manager too. La Liga 2 side Real Oviedo wrote: “We send you all our strength and best wishes for your recovery, Michel Sanchez. Good luck, mister!”Read More on The SunAnd Athletic Club posted: “Good luck and speedy recovery!”Girona are currently 15th in La Liga, six points clear of the relegation zone with four games remaining.Girona are currently 15th in La LigaCredit: Getty More

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      Xabi Alonso agrees to replace Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid manager with announcement date revealed

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      XABI ALONSO has reportedly agreed to replace Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid boss after confirming he will leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer.The former Los Blancos star will quit Leverkusen for his old side on May 25, according to Marca.Xabi Alonso has agreed to replace Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid bossCredit: EPAAncelotti looks set to join Brazil this summerCredit: GettyAnd that will pave the way for Ancelotti to finalise a deal with Brazil.Alonso confirmed on Friday that the time is right to quit German giants Leverkusen after two successful seasons.He said at a press conference: “This week the club and I have agreed that these two games will be my last two games as Bayer Leverkusen coach. We have been talking during this week that is always about the moment and now is the right moment to announce it.”We have always had a good and direct communication and now that we have clarity, it is the right moment to say that for sure. It is a moment with mixed emotions but it is the moment to announce it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s not the moment to talk about the future. Now we know, we want to have a proper farewell on Sunday for some players and for myself. We have to enjoy this moment with mixed emotions.”The former Liverpool, Real and Bayern Munich star led Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title last year, with his side also becoming the first ‘Invincibles’ side in Germany top-flight history.This season will see them finish second behind Bayern Munich.And after being linked with a move to Real last summer, Alonso has now reportedly decided to return to the Bernabeu.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe made 236 appearances during six years as a Los Blancos player, winning a LaLiga title, two Copa del Reys and the Champions League.Alonso had long been earmarked by Real chiefs as a future manager.Carlo Ancelotti to step down as Real Madrid bossAnd he will now pen a three-year contract to help the club regain their title from champions-elect Barcelona.The Italian will have a grand send-off to toast the 15 trophies he’s delivered in two spells.As for Ancelotti, he is said to have mutually agreed to part ways with Real later this month.And Ancelotti will then finalise a deal with Brazil to lead them at next summer’s World Cup.After securing Alonso, Real’s thoughts will immediately turn to the transfer market.A free deal for Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has already been agreed.Read More on The SunWhile a new left-back and midfielder are also high on the list of priorities, with Girona’s Miguel Gutierrez and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi favoured.Real want to land a new centre-back too, with Bournemouth’s Spanish international Dean Huijsen their top target alongside Arsenal’s William Saliba. More

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      Barcelona legend Xavi’s wife complaining to him about Man Utd as he reveals what he’s been doing while unemployed

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      XAVI has been getting it in the neck from his wife for the amount of football he’s been watching during his unemployment.The legendary Spanish midfielder has been spending more time with his other half since his reign as Barcelona manager came to an end last May.Xavi Hernandez was brutally sacked by Barcelona last MayCredit: GETTYThe Spaniard has been using his unemployment to spend more time with his wife, Nuria CunilleraCredit: GETTYCunillera has been frustrated by the amount of football Xavi has been watchingCredit: EPAHis Nou Camp axing, however, hasn’t dampened his passion for the game, which he still watches daily.But wife, Nuria Cunillera, is getting annoyed with the number of games he’s watching and vented her frustrations during United’s epic Europa League quarter-final second-leg comeback against Lyon last month.The 45-year-old said of his unemployment in an interview with The Athletic: “I still love football, it’s my passion. I’m watching it 24 HOURS [a day].”My wife complains to me: ‘Again!’ she says. ‘Yes but it’s the Europa League,’ I reply. Did you see the game between Man United and Lyon?READ MORE ON MAN UTD”It was 4-2 to Lyon. I was thinking, ‘Oh no. Very difficult now for Amorim!’ And then, 10 minutes later, it was incredible.”“The maximum number of games I’ve watched in one day was EIGHT. I like to analyse teams.”I might put into my computer ‘Atalanta’ and then watch them four games in a row. Why?”Because I might be interested to see what [Gian Piero] Gasperini is doing.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSXavi’s wife was annoyed when her husband watched Manchester United’s epic comeback against Lyon last monthCredit: GETTY”Man to man, 90-minute duels for every player, that’s why they sign strong, physical players. Or (Roberto) De Zerbi at Marseille.”Or Nuno Espirito Santo at Forest. I love to see the different styles of football and what coaches are doing.”Xavi to leave BarcelonaXavi was replaced at the Nou Camp helm by Hansi Flick, who this season guided the Catalan club to the Champions League semi-finals.And despite the brutal nature of his axing, his family still very much loves the club.He said: “My children love the team; my son adores Lamine Yamal and Pedri.”While my daughter follows Raphinha and [Robert] Lewandowski, we live the atmosphere of Barcelona in all its details.”We watch the first team and the women’s team matches; people think I am sad after my departure.”But I am proud of what Flick is doing and happy with the team’s level.” More

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      ‘Uefa should look into it’ – Watch Barcelona star get bundled over three times in FOUR SECONDS as he demands ref probe

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      PEDRI has urged Uefa to investigate the referee for his performance as Barcelona were dumped out of the Champions League.The Spanish giants were knocked out of Europe’s premier competition by Inter Milan in a thrilling semi-final tie.Francesco Acerbi appeared to push Pedri down three times in four secondsCredit: TikTok @Mercedes.NinaThe Barcelona star repeatedly fell to the groundCredit: TikTok @Mercedes.NinaThe first push was in the penalty areaCredit: TikTok @Mercedes.NinaInter won the tie 7-6 on aggregate following a 4-3 win at the San Siro in the second leg on Tuesday night.Barcelona were minutes from booking their spot in the final after Raphinha put them ahead in the 87th minute.However, the Italians hit back through Francesco Acerbi before Davide Frattesi scored the winner in extra time.After the match, Pedri vented his frustration at the performance from referee Szymon Marciniak.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe claimed that the referee gave every split decision to the hosts.The midfielder claimed: “It’s not the first time this happens to us with this referee, Uefa should look into it.”Every 50-50 for them. There are things that I don’t understand and which are hard to explain.”One moment of the game that left Pedri red in the face was multiple pushes from Acerbi.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA video taken from the stands shows the defender pushing the midfielder to the ground three times in FOUR SECONDS.Marciniak awarded Inter a penalty after he was called to the screen by VAR for a foul by Pau Cubarsí on Lautaro Martinez.Inter Milan hero Frattesi drops F-bomb live on TV after win over Barcelona leaving CBS Sports studio in hystericsPedri has urged Uefa to look into referee Szymon Mariniak’s peformanceCredit: ReutersBarcelona also believed they should have been awarded a free-kick for a foul on Gerard Martín in the build-up to Acerbi’s goal.Marciniak had awarded the LaLiga giants a penalty for a foul on Lamine Yamal before VAR intervened.The Polish official was also in charge when Inter drew 3-3 with Barcelona in the Group Stage of the 2022 edition of the tournament.Barcelona manager Hansi Flick echoed Pedri’s complaints in his post-match press conference.He said: “I don’t want to talk too much about the referee, but every decision that was 50-50 went (Inter’s) way.”I am disappointed, but not with my team. They tried everything. It’s the way it is. We are out, but next year we will try again to make the fans happy.Read More on The Sun”It makes me sad. My team did an excellent job.”I don’t like talking about the referee, I’ve told him what I think, but I’m not going to say it here what I’ve said.”Hansi Flick was not happy with the Polish officialCredit: Reuters More

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      Real Madrid ready to raid Liverpool for another star by copying Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer tactic

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      REAL MADRID are preparing another attack on Anfield, with another Liverpool star in their sights.Los Blancos have a verbal agreement with the Reds’ right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is expected to join the Spanish side on a free transfer this summer.Trent Alexander-Anrold is on his way to MadridCredit: PAThe La Liga outfit are trying to add the Englishman to their ranks before they jet off to the United States for the Club World Cup.Now, with one Liverpool defender (almost) signed, Real are lining up another. Furthermore, it would mean that they have decimated half of Arne Slot’s four-man defence, and the entirety of the right side of his quartet.The man in question is Ibrahima Konate, who Madrid are keeping a watchful eye on as the Frenchman’s contract ticks down at Anfield. Read more footballKonate, 25, moved to Merseyside in 2021 from RB Leipzig and has made 129 appearances for the club. However, there is uncertainty over the French international’s future at Liverpool, with his current deal set to expire at the end of next season. Madrid lay in wait for Alexander-Arnold, piling on the pressure as the season wore on, with the climax being a £20 million offer to sign him immediately back in January. That bid was swiftly rebuffed by Slot’s side, but it played a crucial part in the England right-back refusing to budge on his position, indicating that he wanted to make the switch to Spain.Most read in FootballIbrahima Konate is the next man to be linked with a Spanish switchCredit: GettyBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKShould Madrid make their interest in Konate more concrete, they would be looking to add him to ranks that need bolstering. Antonio Rudiger, another freebie signed from the Premier League, ruptured his mensicus last month and will be out for around six to eight weeks.Trent Alexander-Arnold announces he is leaving Liverpool after 20 years in emotional video LiverpoolIn the meantime, natural central midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has had to deputise in the heart of defence, with manager Carlo Ancelotti not keen to trust former Wolves defender Jesus Vallejo. Raul Asencio, 22, has emerged as a reliable first-team option, particularly in the absence of the injury-ridden David Alaba on the left side of the central pairing, while Eder Militao has been a long-term miss with a torn ACL. More

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      Real Madrid open transfer negotiations to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold in £1m deal… but Liverpool set to play hardball

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      REAL MADRID officially began negotiations with Liverpool to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold in time for the Club World Cup.On Monday, the England defender confirmed he will be leaving his boyhood club at the end of the season and is set to sign a five-year deal with Real.Trent Alexander-Arnold has confirmed he will leave LiverpoolCredit: RexHe is expected to join Real MadridCredit: PAThe Spaniards are keen for TAA to play at next month’s Club World Cup, although they could be forced to pay a fee of more than £1million.Liverpool will shell out for his £180,000-a-week wages as his deal does not expire until June 30.Real’s first game in the US is against Saudi side Al-Hilal on June 18.They could register their new man between June 1 and 10 or between June 27 and July 3 for the knockout stage.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAlthough Real have been hoping to secure TAA for around £1m, Liverpool could play hardball and ask for a further £500,000.Alexander-Arnold, 26, has three games left as a Liverpool player — with his Anfield farewell coming against Crystal Palace on the final day of the season.He could also make appearances for the club against Arsenal on Sunday before travelling to Brighton.But he might not get the warmest reception from Liverpool fans during his farewell tour.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMany supporters have been left angry with the defender’s decision to leave the club.Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has insisted that the anger towards his exit is “justified”.Trent Alexander-Arnold announces he is leaving Liverpool after 20 years in emotional video LiverpoolIn his Telegraph column, Carragher wrote: “Liverpool are in the business of winning more Premier League and Champions League titles.”Anything which undermines that is a threat.”You may not agree, or believe that competitive attitude to the loss of a star player is justified, but it is what makes Liverpool the successful club it is, and it is no different than what you would expect at Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona or Manchester United.”By leaving Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold is making it harder for his own club to win its 21st league title and seventh European Cup.”That is bound to stir emotions.”Some of the negative reactions have seen Alexander-Arnold get “banned” from Curry’s and Popworld.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool exit interviewTRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD spoke to Liverpool’s in-house club media to explain his decision to leave Anfield.Here are the key parts…I think first and foremost, I want to say it’s not an easy decision and there’s a lot of thought and feeling that has gone into it. I’ve been here 20 years now, loved every single minute of it, achieved all my dreams, achieved everything I’ve ever wanted to here. Giving everything day in, day out for 20 years, I’ve got to a point now where I feel like I need a change, a new challenge for me as a player and as a person. And I think now is the right time for me to do that.Obviously there’s been a lot of noise around what the decision was going to be and how that was going to look. I know a lot of people will say I should have said sooner, a lot of people will say maybe I waited for the right time. But I felt personally the focus should always be on the pitch.I’ve got full confidence in the manager and the staff and the club going forward. It’s not about me thinking we’re not going to fight for titles or fight for trophies season in, season out… it was never about not having confidence in that, it just boiled down to what I felt I needed, and that is a change.Growing up, seeing players leave that I’ve loved watching and have helped the team win trophies, you feel a connection to the players that you watch, especially when they bring success to the club as well. So, I completely understand the feelings that go with that and I’ve felt it myself so I completely understand that the news will disappoint a lot of people, will anger people, it will make them upset. Obviously that went into the decision as well – it’s something you don’t want to do, you don’t want to ever have these moments where you feel like you’re letting a lot of people down, you’re disappointing a lot of people. But I’ve had to make a decision for me, it’s as simple as that. It’s a difficult one, it’s one that has played on my mind for a long time but being able now to get it off my chest will feel like a weight is lifted. And I think it’s important for the fans to know where I stand and know what the truth is.I fell in love with the club from a very, very young age and that’s something that has grown and grown day in, day out. This club has given me the opportunities to achieve everything beyond my wildest dreams. I can never repay enough of what’s been given to me and I don’t take it for granted at all. I’ve given everything every single day for 20 years now. I’ve sacrificed everything. I know the news will take a bit of time to set in and people won’t be happy and they’ll be disappointed. At the end of the day, you can be angry and hurt at me but I just hope that the lads, the rest of the team, the staff, everyone else is able to feel how good a season this has been and able to feel the love and support from the fans as they have done all season.There’s no doubt about it, I’ll be back – I’d love one day to be able to bring my kids to Anfield and show them that that’s where I’ve played and show them the videos and highlights of what we were able to achieve together. So just a huge thank you for that, thank you for everything you’ve ever done for me. Thank you for the support, thank you for the love that I’ve always felt, thank you for always having my back. I will always love the club, I will always love the people of the club, I will always love the fans and the supporters. Even though I’m leaving as player, as a fan I’ll always be a Liverpool fan. More

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      Inter Milan 4 Barcelona 3 (aet, 7-6 agg): Frattesi extra time goal seals one of the greatest Champions League ties ever

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      FORGET the final, give Inter Milan the Champions League – nothing will top this.Neither Arsenal nor Paris Saint-Germain will want to face Simone Inzaghi’s monsters, anyway.Raphinha looked to have won the tie for Barcelona with his 87th minute strikeCredit: GettyBut Inter’s Francesco Acerbi scored his first ever Champions League goal to force extra timeCredit: GettyDavide Frattesi scored an extra-time winner for the Italian sideCredit: GettyHe climbed on to the fences to cheer with the fansCredit: GettyThey triumphed over Barcelona in the greatest of semi-finals and in the most dramatic of fashion.These two served up an instant classic a week ago, and went all out to top it at the San Siro.Inter were cruising after another flying start, floored after Barcelona came back from the dead again.Somehow they had more left and, for all of Barcelona’s comebacks across this unforgettable tie, it was the Nerazzurri who produced one when it counted, sealed by Davide Frattesi in extra time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Inter sub showed a composure few could believe amid the mania of this match – finishing off a move which was made by Marcus Thuram’s brilliance.Thuram refused to give up down the right, beat two Barca defenders and laid off for Mehdi Taremi, who teed up Frattesi to, finally, kill off this most stubborn opponent.Barcelona had come from behind three times in this tie.Raphinha thought he had won it in the 87th minute, putting them ahead for the first time.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut no one counted on a 37-year-old Francesco Acerbi getting his first Champions League goal, in the 93rd minute, to give everyone what we wanted – more.Barca’s would-be match winner collapsed to his knees and this proved one comeback too far for Hansi Flick’s men.How Arsenal can beat PSG and reach the Champions League final Their wait for a Champions League final goes on past a decade now, Inter have reached their second in three years.The exuberant home fans earlier welcomed their team bus with a frenzy of fireworks and flares.Inzaghi’s men had surprised everyone with their attacking intent and effectiveness in an enthralling first leg.An expectant San Siro wanted more of the same and were not disappointed.It was the same plan as a week ago – trying to punish the visitors’ nauseatingly high line – and it bore more fruit.Inter looked primed to race into another early lead, and did just that.Denzel Dumfries, who scored a brace last week, was sent one-on-one by Federico Dimarco but despite his devastating work six days ago, the Dutchman selflessly squared for his skipper.Thuram consoles a devastated Yamal at the endCredit: GettyLautaro Martinez, passed fit to start after being a major doubt, capitalised on the empty net and raced away to celebrate with a surging sea of black and blue – none of them knowing what they were about to be put through.Inter, famed for defending a tight lead, would not sit back. Dumfries still barrelled forwards and the two strikers proved a nuisance.Barca looked in desperate need of some experience. They had lost Jules Kounde and Pau Cubarsi, 18, was struggling.Hakan Calhanoglu flashed an effort wide but would soon get a much better one thanks to the teenager.Henrikh Mkhitaryan slipped one of many dangerous balls through for Martinez to race after, Cubarsi was caught out and restricted to a late lunge.Referee Szymon Marciniak waved the shouts away and the San Siro erupted, a din of whistles as their captain writhed on the deck.Eventually, Marciniak was sent to the monitor and corrected the decision, allowing Calhanoglu to step up and – for the second time in this tie – put his side two clear of Barca.Inter had dumped Barca in an almighty hole, again. The young visitors looked lost in the pit of this famous old stadium.For a while even the older players looked as bamboozled as the kids.But Barcelona players, young and old, have a muscle memory for comebacks, not just that famous “Remontada” against Paris Saint-Germain eight years ago.It was brilliance which got them going in the first leg, this was more traditional – but nonetheless incredibly impressive.Eric Garcia, the former Manchester City man, thumped home to convert Gerard Martin’s cross less than 10 minutes after the restart.Inter’s breaks had been limited, Barcelona looked themselves again with Pedri composed and conducting things.It was Martin again who made the second, lifting an exquisite ball over the Inter defence from deep, placed perfectly for Olmo to run on to and head Barca level, from two down – again.The hosts looked like Barcelona’s latest recovery act had finally knocked it out of them. Inter were struggling and Inzaghi rattled through five changes in a bid to revive them.But they looked to have failed.Pedri spotted Raphinha in space on the left, picking out the ex-Leeds winger.His first shot was fired at Yann Sommer, but the Swiss sent it straight back and Raphinha did not waste his second helping.The home fans were silent and some had even left, they had given up. But their players had not. Dumfries – again – kept going and crossed for Acerbi, who converted first time to take this tie beyond the realms of ridiculous and crush Barca.There is talk of tearing San Siro down. Those celebrations almost did the job anyway.Read More on The SunInter, unfancied, had matched Barca blow for blow and taken them to the end.Flick’s tikes refused to fold even after Frattesi’s winner, Yamal twice stopped by Sommer, but this was finally too much to come back from.Yann Sommer proved to be the difference maker with a stunning tieCredit: AFPSommer was awarded the Man of the Match award for his exploitsCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Best decision I ever made’ – Antony aims subtle dig at Man Utd as he reveals he snubbed huge transfers to join Betis

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      ANTONY claims leaving Manchester United to join Real Betis was the best decision he ever made.The £85.5million Brazil forward, 25, had a nightmare couple of years at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag and then Ruben Amorim.Antony has excelled since joining Real Betis in JanuaryCredit: RexManchester United are willing to sell him in the summer transfer windowCredit: GettyRed Devils chiefs decided to let him leave on loan during the January window — and he made the surprise choice to join Manuel Pellegrini at Betis in Seville.However, the move has worked out perfectly for all parties, and the Spanish side are desperate to take him for another season.Antony and his agent are planning to hold talks with United about his long-term future this month.But he said: “The best decision I’ve ever made was coming to Betis.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“I’m happy — and when I’m happy, things go well.“It’s very early. I don’t know what’s going to happen but I’m very happy here.”Antony felt playing regularly in a fun environment was more important than looking for a big move.He added: “Although I know how talented I am, I prioritised going where I knew I’d be happy, even though I had better offers.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“It’s important to score goals and provide assists but being happy is even more important.”Antony’s form at Betis has alerted Atletico Madrid, who could yet make a move this summer — when United will be looking to sell.Antony shows his excitement as he joins Real Betis Reports have claimed that the LaLiga side could have to pay between £34million to £43m for the winger. Meanwhile, Man United could face a battle in order to keep hold of captain Bruno Fernandes.The Portuguese star is wanted in Saudi Arabia and has been offered a staggering £65m per season on a three-year deal by Al-Hilal.Fernandes has not yet responded and the club do not want to sell their star man.It comes with Man Utd believed to be 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.Read More on The SunUnited also want to permanently sell on-loan stars Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho 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.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More