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    ‘Deal on’ – Kevin De Bruyne approached over free transfer after confirming plans to leave Man City

    MANCHESTER CITY midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has reportedly emerged as a target for MLS outfit Chicago Fire.De Bruyne will leave the Etihad as a free agent this summer, putting an end to his 10-year spell with City.Kevin De Bruyne is a target for Chicago FireCredit: GettyClub officials and Pep Guardiola decided against renewing his contract, despite the midfielder wanting to stay.De Bruyne has insisted that he will not hang up his boots after leaving Manchester, putting many clubs on red alert regarding a potential move.And Chicago Fire are among those interested.According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Fire have already made an approach for the 33-year-old.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey are showing a strong interest and will propose a specific project to him in due course.De Bruyne is set to assess his options in the coming weeks before coming to a final decision.Inter Miami are also known to be considering a move for the Belgium international.SunSport revealed last week that Angel Di Maria and Lionel Messi could spoil the plan.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDavid Beckham and Co would like to open talks with De Bruyne now that his plans to leave City are confirmed.But star man and captain Messi will instead attempt to persuade the owners to go for Di Maria instead, who will also become a free agent.Man City legend Kevin De Bruyne talks about his contract situation at the club It is likely that Inter Miami will only be able to afford one of the players this summer.The club already have Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez on their books. More

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    Chelsea Champions League winner, 38, could be set for emotional clash against Blues in Club World Cup after draw drama

    FIFA boss Gianni Infantino has confirmed Chelsea’s opening Club World Cup opponents are set to be decided by a single game play-off.And that could bring a reunion with former Blues striker Olivier Giroud at MLS side LAFC.Chelsea could face Olivier Giroud and LAFC in the Club World CupCredit: GettyGiroud previously spent three years with the BluesCredit: APPlans for the 32-team tournament, offering a record £870m prize pot, were thrown in the air last month when Mexican outfit Club Leon were booted out of the event by world chiefs.Fifa’s regulations for the expanded tournament stated that no clubs under the same multi-club ownership umbrella could compete.Leon are part of the same group as fellow Mexican side Pachuca and have ignored demands for the club to be hived off from the overall ownership company.While Leon have lodged a complaint with the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport in a bid to overturn the Fifa decision, it emerged last month that a play-off involving LAFC and another Mexican side, Club America, was being planned.READ MORE ON CHELSEAAnd despite claims from Spain that Barcelona were in the mix to take part, Infantino has now confirmed the play-off plan – as long as CAS rules in Fifa’s favour.Speaking on a visit to Atlanta’s Mercedes Benz Stadium, where Chelsea’s opening game will be played on June 16, the Fifa President said: “In a couple of weeks we will have the final and definitive decision, we will respect any decision.”What we are looking at is that, if CAS confirms the decision of the Appeals Committee, FIFA’s intention is to play a match, a playoff, between the team that lost the final of the Concacaf Champions League, LAFC, and the next team in the ranking, which is Club America.”Infantino’s announcement came despite the tournament regulations stating no country could have more than two participants UNLESS they were all winners of their confederation’s main club competition in the four year qualification cycle.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeThose regulations meant the likes of European giants Liverpool and Barcelona, who would have qualified through their four-year coefficient ranking, missed out in favour of teams including Ajax andSalzburg.Mexico already have Pachuca and Monterrey in the tournament as winners of the Concacaf Champions Cup in 2024 and 2021 respectively – Leon were 2023 winners – while the US is represented by Seattle Sounders, who won in 2022 and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.Inside Chelsea’s Strasbourg talent factory as angry fans fight identity crisis That has brought a separate CAS suit by Costa Rican club Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, who argue that they are the highest-placed side in the Concacaf rankings who are not disqualified by representing either the US or Mexico.Fifa, though, appear to be dismissing that claim, with both potential replacements for Leon able to bring substantial value to the tournament.LAFC, who also include former Spurs skipper Hugo Lloris, are part-owned by US actor and comedian Will Ferrell, while Club America are the most widely supported club in Mexico.Fifa will not announce the date or venue of the play-off until after the CAS ruling but it is expected to be played in Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium next month.Chelsea’s other two opponents in Group D are Brazilians Flamengo, who they meet in Philadelphia on June 20, and Tunisian outfit Esperance, with the final group game in the same venue four days later.The Blues have already been assured of around £30m in appearance money for the inaugural version of the expanded 32-team competition, with a further £67m up for grabs in potential prize money.England’s other representatives, Manchester City, start against Morocco’s Wydad in Philadelphia on June 18.They then meet Abu Dhabi outfit Al Ain in Atlanta before finishing against Juventus in Orlando on June 26.Read More on The SunFifa say there are no multi-club ownership issues despite Al Ain’s President being Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the BROTHER of City President Shaikh Mansour.If they win their respective groups, the two Prem sides cannot meet until the Final in New York on July 13. More

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    Lionel Messi, 37, ‘to sign new Inter Miami contract’ which would see Argentina legend lead MLS side in their new stadium

    LIONEL MESSI is on the cusp of signing a bumper new contract with Inter Miami.The Argentine legend joined the MLS side in 2023 and has since become the face of the league Stateside. Lionel Messi is closing in on a new deal with Inter MiamiCredit: AFPThe forward’s current contract runs out at the end of this yearCredit: GettyInter Miami are due to move into their new £1bn home in 2026Credit: Instagram @intermiamicfMessi, 37, joined as a free agent on a deal that expires at the end of this year. But reports suggest the World Cup winner could be about to extend his stay in the Sunshine State.The Athletic’s David Ornstein claims Messi and Miami are “close to agreement” on a new contract.It would see Messi commit his future to the MLS club, who won the Leagues Cup in 2024 and the Supporters Shield last season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMiami managing owner Jorge Mas has handled the negotiations.He told FDP Radio Miami: “The stars are aligning for something great, for a beautiful future for the club and for Lionel. It’s solely his decision.“I expect that within 60-90 days we’ll have to determine all of this. “My hope has always been – and everything we’re doing – is to see Messi play at our new stadium in 2026. Hopefully, that happens.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFounded by David Beckham, the club are preparing to move to the $1billion Miami Freedom Park stadium from the 2026 season. The new 25,000-seat complex is part of a wider 131-acre development.Lionel Messi has sent fans into a frenzy by launching a treasure hunt as superstar footballer launches new drinkMessi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, has scored 42 goals in 48 games since joining Miami.He has been credited with helping bring the MLS to new audiences.And he will lead the team at the revamped Club World Cup this summer.Miami have been drawn alongside Brazil’s Palmeiras, Portugal’s Porto and Egypt’s Al-Ahly in Group A. More

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    Lionel Messi and ex-Man Utd flop could BLOCK Kevin De Bruyne from joining David Beckham’s Inter Miami

    INTER MIAMI will move for Kevin De Bruyne when he leaves Manchester City in the summer.But a deal to MLS could be scuppered by ex-United winger Angel Di Maria – and Lionel Messi.Inter Miami are targeting a move for Kevin De BruyneCredit: GettyStar man Lionel Messi wants David Beckham and Co to sign a different playerCredit: GettyMessi wants the club to go for Angel Di Maria insteadCredit: GettyDavid Beckham’s club want a superstar signing and are interested in talking to free agent KDB, 33.But Messi will try to persuade the owners to sign his Argentina team-mate winger Di Maria, 37, from Benfica.Di Maria, who endured one awful season as a Manchester United player, will become a free agent in the summer.Miami may only be able to afford one of them during the next window.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club already have Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez on their books.Belgian midfielder KDB has been linked with clubs in Saudi Arabia and USA.De Bruyne confirmed his exit from Man City last Friday with a heartfelt statement.It read: “Dear Manchester. Seeing this, you’ll probably realise where this is heading.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”So I’ll get straight to it and let you know that these will be my final months as a Manchester City player.”Nothing about this is easy to write, but as football players, we all know this day eventually comes.Lionel Messi finally puts ‘cold Tuesday night in Stoke’ theory to bed by running the show in -17 degrees temperatures “That day is here – and you deserve to hear it from me first. Football led me to all of you – and to this city.”Chasing my dream, not knowing this period would change my life. This city, this club, these people… gave me EVERYTHING.”I had no choice but to give EVERYTHING back! And guess what – we won EVERYTHING.”Whether we like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye. Suri Rome, Mason, Michele and I are beyond grateful for what this place has meant to our family.”Manchester will forever be home on our kids’ passports – and more importantly, in each of our hearts. This will always be our HOME.”We cannot thank the city, club staff, team-mates, friends and family enough for this ten-year ride. Every story comes to an end, but this has definitely been the best chapter.”Pep Guardiola revealed that he and the club made the decision not to renew the midfielder’s contract. More

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    Lionel Messi’s wife Antonela stuns in backless dress at David Beckham’s birthday party leaving Victoria in awe

    ANTONELA ROCCUZZO threatened to steal the show at David Beckham’s 50th birthday party.Beckham invited 100 guests to a special black-tie event at exclusive Italian restaurant Cipriani in Miami, a month before his actual birthday.Antonela Roccuzzo stunned in a green dress at David Beckham’s birthday partyCredit: https://www.instagram.com/antonelaroccuzzo/She was invited alongside husband Lionel MessiCredit: https://www.instagram.com/antonelaroccuzzo/Antonela left Victoria Beckham stunned at the lookCredit: https://www.instagram.com/antonelaroccuzzo/David Beckham brought 100 guests to an exclusive black-tie event to celebrate his 50th birthdayCredit: instagramInter Miami – the Major League Soccer franchise owned by Beckham – players, including talisman Lionel Messi, were among the special guests present at the party.Messi was accompanied to the event by his glamorous wife Antonela, who wore a stunning backless emerald green dress for the occasion.Antonela, 37, shared pictures of her dress to Instagram.She was seen sharing the photo lens alongside hubby Messi, who was looking dapper himself.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMessi’s childhood sweetheart captioned her post with a green heart emoji.Beckham’s model wife, Victoria, was among those to gush over the look.Victoria said in the comments: “Love this dress on you x kisses x.”Brazilian singer and songwriter, Giulia, said: “Hermosa,” followed by a heart emoji.Most read in FootballLuis Suarez’s wife, Sofia Balbi, wrote: “Tremendo,” alongside two fire emojis.One fan said: “Obsessed.”Prince William picks Messi vs Ronaldo winner and gives David Beckham a huge boost | Big Shot BattleAnother added: “The Greatest Couple.”Antonela started a relationship with Messi in 2009 and married in 2017. They have three sons together.On the party, Beckham wrote on Instagram: “So I thought I’d start celebrating slightly early, such a special night in Miami.”So lucky to have amazing friends and family to start the 50th celebrations with. Love you.”All of the Beckhams were in attendance aside from eldest son Brooklyn, who was said to be tied up in work commitments in Los Angeles.Messi was joined at the party by Inter-Miami team-mates Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.Other big names in attendance included basketball great Shaquille O’Neal, NFL legend Tom Brady, filmmaker Justin Theroux and actress Cindy Crawford.What do David Beckham’s tattoos mean?HandsStarting with the hands, and David Beckham has the word “Love” inked across the top of his left hand, with a swallow on either side.This is joined by the numbers 723, a combination of the shirts he famously wore for Manchester United and later Real Madrid.On his little finger, he has the year he was married.Becks also has a small female-stick figure designed by his daughter Harper.The devoted husband has “Posh” tattooed on a finger as a nod to wife Victoria Beckham’s Spice Girls nickname.ArmsBecks has two sleeve tattoos on both his arms with the centrepieces paying tribute to his marriage to Victoria.The most famous of his body art comes in the shape of her name along the inside of his forearm, which is inked in Sanskrit.Both Posh and Becks have Hebrew tattoos, which they got to celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary.The matching tatts translate to, “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine”.Meanwhile, Becks also has a separate rose inking on his left arm to mark the couple’s tenth anniversary.NeckOne of Beckham’s most famous tattoos is on his neck, which is a gothic style cross and wings.It is symbolic of to his religion and acts as a protective guardian of his son Romeo, whose name is tattooed just below the angel wings.Beckham also has the name of his daughter, Harper, on the side of his neck.This was later updated to include the words “Pretty Lady”, to mark her fourth birthday.BackBeckham’s back tattoos serve as tribute to his sons.He has angel wings at the top as a sign of protection for them.Becks has both his eldest on Brooklyn, and his youngest son Cruz’s names inked across his back.BodyBeckham has a large chest tattoo that is an image of himself as Jesus, with three cherubs representing his sons, Brooklyn, Romeo, and Cruz.The footy ace also has a vertical tattoo down his left side in Chinese symbols – this translates as “Death and life have determined appointments”.Paying homage to his father, he has an inking of a ship at full mast – which is identical to the same one his dad has. More

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    I played against England at World Cup then became David Beckham’s team-mate – now I want to be a Premier League referee

    CHRIS BIRCHALL never made it to the Premier League as a player – but is eager to get there in retirement.The former LA Galaxy midfielder played alongside David Beckham during his MLS days. Former Port Vale and LA Galaxy midfielder Chris Birchall is training to become a refCredit: Paul TongeThe midfielder played alongside England legend David Beckham in LACredit: GettyBirchall also faced England in the 2006 World Cup for Trinidad and TobagoCredit: GettyAnd now he is retraining as a referee, all thanks to a special PGMOL initiative for former pros.Birchall is part of the ‘Player to Match Official’ programme, a joint venture between the PGMOL and the Players Association. The scheme aims to fast-track ex-players into officiating over a three-year period.Birchall, who played most of his club football for Port Vale, hung up his boots in 2017. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLNow 40, he believes the scheme is vital to bring through the next generation of referees. Birchall told Sky Sports: “If you were a professional who finished at 32, 33, there wouldn’t be an opportunity because you’d be 45 before you had the chance.”This is why this programme is so exciting because it opens doors to ex-players to come through into the game and use their experience to not be better referees.”But to try and be as good as they individually can, because there are some exceptional referees coming through who haven’t played the game.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”A lot of people say this is what the game’s been crying out for, but you don’t want to be the person to say ‘ex-players are going to become better refs’. “It’s just another string to the bow of officiating.”Former LA Galaxy star Birchall goes from playing with Beckham to being a refereeEx-pros including Coventry winger Carl Baker and Milwall midfielder Liam Trotter are also enrolled in the course. And Birchall has big ambitions – with a spot in the Premier League within his sights.He continued: “Sometimes, someone will ask you a question like, ‘Where do you want to be in three years?’ “I want to be in the Premier League. I don’t want to come across as arrogant, but the opportunity is there to be in the Premier League. “So, my goal within that three to four years is to be officiating in the Premier League.”What do David Beckham’s tattoos mean?HandsStarting with the hands, and David Beckham has the word “Love” inked across the top of his left hand, with a swallow on either side.This is joined by the numbers 723, a combination of the shirts he famously wore for Manchester United and later Real Madrid.On his little finger, he has the year he was married.Becks also has a small female-stick figure designed by his daughter Harper.The devoted husband has “Posh” tattooed on a finger as a nod to wife Victoria Beckham’s Spice Girls nickname.ArmsBecks has two sleeve tattoos on both his arms with the centrepieces paying tribute to his marriage to Victoria.The most famous of his body art comes in the shape of her name along the inside of his forearm, which is inked in Sanskrit.Both Posh and Becks have Hebrew tattoos, which they got to celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary.The matching tatts translate to, “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine”.Meanwhile, Becks also has a separate rose inking on his left arm to mark the couple’s tenth anniversary.NeckOne of Beckham’s most famous tattoos is on his neck, which is a gothic style cross and wings.It is symbolic of to his religion and acts as a protective guardian of his son Romeo, whose name is tattooed just below the angel wings.Beckham also has the name of his daughter, Harper, on the side of his neck.This was later updated to include the words “Pretty Lady”, to mark her fourth birthday.BackBeckham’s back tattoos serve as tribute to his sons.He has angel wings at the top as a sign of protection for them.Becks has both his eldest on Brooklyn, and his youngest son Cruz’s names inked across his back.BodyBeckham has a large chest tattoo that is an image of himself as Jesus, with three cherubs representing his sons, Brooklyn, Romeo, and Cruz.The footy ace also has a vertical tattoo down his left side in Chinese symbols – this translates as “Death and life have determined appointments”.Paying homage to his father, he has an inking of a ship at full mast – which is identical to the same one his dad has.Birchall spent much of his early career in England’s lower leagues, playing for Vale, Coventry and Brighton.His world was turned upside down in 2009 when he joined the Galaxy in Los Angeles, replacing Beckham on his debut.Speaking to SunSport last year, Birchall said: “David was great with me.”Although I played with him towards the end of his career, wow what a player. “He could pick you out with a pass from 40 yards.”There was banter between us as English guys. “He’d come into training every morning and say to me, ‘Hi, Mr Perfect’ and I was like, ‘If anyone should be called that it’s you!’”Before playing with David Beckham, Birchall played against him on the biggest stage of all.Though born in Stafford, he was called up by Trinidad and Tobago by virtue of his mum being born in the country’s capital Port of Spain.Playing with Man Utd legend Dwight Yorke, Birchall would score one of the most famous goals in the country’s history as he scored a long range equaliser in a home play-off against Bahrain.The Soca Warriors would then win 1-0 in the Middle East to earn a spot at the 2006 World Cup.And there, while playing club football for Port Vale, he took on Becks and England’s Golden Generation.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere, the Caribbean Islanders stubbornly held the Three Lions to a goalless stalemate until the 83rd minute where Peter Crouch netted a controversial opening goal.The England striker was seen pulling on defender Brent Sancho’s dreadlocks to head home before Steven Gerrard netted a second in stoppage time. 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    ‘I talked to the agent’ – MLS club confirm Kevin De Bruyne talks with Man City icon set to leave on free transfer

    KEVIN DE BRUYNE has spoken to San Diego as he weighs up his future.The Manchester City captain, 33, is out of contract in the summer and unlikely to agree new terms with the eight-time Premier League champions.Kevin De Bruyne is out of contract at Man City in three monthsCredit: RexDe Bruyne has attracted interest from Saudi Arabia but is thought to prefer a move to Major League Soccer.San Diego, the newest MLS club, still have a designated player slot available.While talks have been held with De Bruyne and his representative, San Diego insist nothing is imminent.That’s because they reckon the Belgian international’s wage demands would be too much for their budget.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTyler Heaps, San Diego’s sporting director, said: “Those rumours, I don’t know where they come from. I talked to the agent.“The agent has many players, obviously.”Every time I see it, I say, ‘Are you the one that is saying all this stuff?’“He’s a fantastic footballer and he loves this area.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“He goes on holidays here every single year, but I’m not sure where that rumour keeps coming from.“I’ve had conversations with him, but I’ll tell you what, those wages won’t fit our budget at the moment in terms of what his expectations are.”New £34m Man City star Abdukodir Khusanov looks emotional as he’s gifted £135k Mercedes on return to Uzbekistan San Diego are MLS’ latest club, having played their first ever game in February.They are yet to lose a game and sit second in the MLS Western Conference. More

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    ‘Just gotta make this clear’ – Wilfried Zaha demands fans stop calling him a ‘streets will never forget baller’

    WILFRIED ZAHA has demanded that fans stop calling him a “streets will never forget baller.”The former Crystal Palace star took to social media with a strongly-worded post making his feelings clear on the statement.Former Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha has made a demand to fansCredit: GettyZaha, 32, played 458 times for the Eagles across two spells.He even had a brief stint at Manchester United in 2013 and has also turned out for Cardiff, Galatasaray and Lyon.Zaha is now plying his trade in the MLS with Charlotte FC.But most football fans remember him for his time in the Premier League with Palace.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt has earned Zaha the tag of a “baller” who the “streets will never forget.”The phrase is a well-meaning one usually dished out to top footballers who, for one reason or another, never managed to establish themselves at a perceived ‘top’ club.However, Zaha has demanded he is no longer put in that category after lashing out on social media.He said: “Just gotta make this clear… just because you haven’t been fortunate to play for top clubs doesn’t mean you’re not a top player.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets“So please, I’m just a baller and will always be… So don’t put me in ‘streets will never forget baller’.“I may not have won much in football but that doesn’t define my talent and real ballers know ballers (are) not the badge you wear.”Crystal Palace star Mateta stretchered off with horror injury after shock kung-fu kick from Milwall keeper who sees redZaha made his feelings clear about being called ‘streets will never forget baller’Zaha is now looking to make his way in America with Charlotte FC.And after being named Man of the Match on his debut last month, he was gifted a crown and throne by supporters.Reflecting on his move to the States, Zaha said: “It doesn’t stop my journey. I’ve left Palace and I left Palace in a good way. I’ve played for a childhood club, I’ve left there with a mural.”All I can do is just keep my head down and just keep on working. I was in Turkey, it didn’t work out with Gala.“It didn’t work out with Lyon. It doesn’t stop me. I’m still thinking I’m still the player that I am and if I get the opportunity, I’m going to show it every time.“I have come in here to score goals and try to win stuff. I set myself incredibly high standards.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So when I do speak, people will actually listen because I show you an example by what I do.”Going into the season, I want to try to score as many goals as I can. That’s what I mean by my own history here.” More