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    Danny Simpson reveals football rival DM’d him to set up fight… and backs ex-Man Utd team-mate to make boxing switch

    DANNY SIMPSON is already being called out to an all-footie fight ahead of his boxing debut. The 2016 Premier League winner with Leicester faces YouTuber Danny Aarons on Saturday night in Dublin.Danny Simpson is already being called out to an all-footie fight ahead of his boxing debutCredit: Getty – ContributorMisfits Boxing – headed up by YouTuber KSI and his manager Mams Taylor – welcome stars from the social media, celebrity and sports world to fight in crossover-style bouts. But Simpson – a former team-mate of Cristiano Ronaldo’s at Manchester United – becomes the first footballer to cross over. And he expects several others to follow his lead having already been challenged behind-the-scenes by Prem rival James McLean. Simpson told SunSport: “I think if anything you’ve got to be quite brave in in general. But to be the first…READ MORE IN boxing “I hope so, because I said a lot of lads watch love boxing.They go, you always see the footballers at the boxing events ringside and stuff.”So yeah, I think they’re probably waiting to see what happens first! “I’ve had James McLean, I mentioned him in an interview and he DM’d me saying when he finishes, he’ll come down, spar and get in the ring.”So I think a few lads will probably get into it.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSimpson – during his time with Newcastle – infamously clashed with then-Sunderland forward McLean. And he has had his fair share of online feuds too, including one he recently put to bed with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher. Simpson said: “Me and James McLean had some beef when we played and he’s DM’d me. “I think I had beef with Carra in the past but that we sorted that out. Obviously, everyone knows Wazza is a good boxer. “So, yeah there’s names that are popping up so we’ll we’ll see if you know any of them in the future fancy it.”Wayne Rooney – nicknamed Wazza – was once knocked out in a drunken kitchen spar by Phil Bardsley. And Simpson – who came up the United ranks with Bardsley – backed the hardman full-back to have the makings of a boxer. He said: “I think my mate Phil Bardsley. I was with him last week and he’s grew up boxing and around boxing.”I’d back him to beat anyone I think on on on these cards. So I’d throw him in the mix and and put pressure on him.”James McLean clashing with Simpson in a 2012 matchCredit: Getty Images – GettyPhil Bardsley had a hardman reputationCredit: Visionhaus More

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    Chelsea ready to hijack Jadon Sancho transfer to Juventus as Enzo Maresca hints at swap deal for Man Utd outcast

    JADON SANCHO is close to ending his Manchester United misery as the club hope to push through a Juventus switch.United were last night in talks with the Serie A giants over a loan deal for the England international, which could later become a permanent £35million transfer.Jadon Sancho is on the verge of leaving Manchester UnitedCredit: REUTERSThe Red Devils are on the verge of finalising a loan deal with JuventusCredit: GETTYBut Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca could end up hijacking the dealCredit: GettyBut Chelsea are not giving up hope of hijacking the deal.Stamford Bridge boss Enzo Maresca hinted yesterday that he wants the winger to join his huge squad. Ahead of the Blues’ Conference League play-off second leg at  Servette, Maresca said: “I know Jadon very well from many years at Manchester City.“If we can sign a player who can help us, for sure I want. READ MORE ON SANCHO”But he’s not our player. We will see what happens.“I said that if we have to sign a player just for signing, I don’t want to.”Sancho, 24, had a public bust-up with Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag last season, seeing him loaned back to previous club Borussia Dortmund.Ten Hag said ahead of United’s pre-season US tour it was all in the past.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Sancho was left out of the opening two Prem games as Ten Hag made it clear he wanted him gone.The Red Devils may take a £38m hit on the winger, who they signed for £73m from Dortmund in 2021.Ronaldo and Rio laugh as they reminisce about ‘making Nani cry’ at Man Utd Chelsea’s late push for Sancho could see  Blues outcast Raheem Sterling end up at Old Trafford.But with the deadline at 11pm on Friday, insiders say there is just as much chance of Sterling staying.The Blues also want to sell Trevoh Chalobah, Ben Chilwell and Armando Broja.Maresca said: “The ones who are not involved don’t get minutes if they stay.“It’s not just Raheem. It’s all the players who  are training apart.”Romelu Lukaku, 31, was in Italy on Wednesday to complete a £25m Napoli move.United midfielder Scott McTominay, 27, is also expected to join the  Italians for the same fee.Raheem Sterling has been told he’s surplus to requirements at ChelseaCredit: Getty More

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    Former Man Utd team-mates Cristiano Ronaldo and Rio Ferdinand laugh as they reminisce about seeing ‘Nani cry’

    CRISTIANO RONALDO and Rio Ferdinand couldn’t help but have a chuckle as they reminisced about seeing Nani cry.The pair were team-mates with the winger, who plied his trade with Manchester United from 2007 until 2015, for two seasons.Cristiano Ronaldo, Rio Ferdinand and Nani were team-mates at Manchester UnitedCredit: REUTERSNani often showed his emotions when things didn’t go United’s wayCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDFerdinand and Ronaldo couldn’t help but chuckle at the memory of Nani crying after matchesCredit: YOUTUBE@URCRISTIANOOFFICIALBut they have seemingly ribbed the Portuguese forward for his reaction to losing games and his occasional shedding of a tear, which he did during United’s 3-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield in 2011.”Do you remember when Nani used to cry?” Ferdinand asked during an appearance on Ronaldo’s YouTube channel. “We’d slap him.”Ronaldo then burst out into laughter before saying of his former Portugal team-mate: Nani, yes.”Ferdinand then suggested Nani wasn’t the only one to get emotional when things didn’t go United’s way.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe 45-year-old added: “He used to cry, man. Anderson [as well] flipping hell.”Ronaldo smiled in agreeance as he said: ‘Yes, yes.”Nani – who is seeing out his career in his homeland with Estrela Amadora – made 230 appearances for United.He scored 40 goals for the Red Devils, a haul which included some absolutely stunning strikes.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFerdinand, like many others, was blown away by Nani’s skills and his ability to strike the ball.But he can’t quite put his finger on the reason why the winger never fulfilled his potential.Man Utd Player Ratings vs Brighton socialHe said: “I’ve never seen a player hit the ball as clean with both feet, as powerful and as hard as Nani.”[His] sheer power was mad. The thing that I think Nani lacked, he was a good professional, he didn’t drink a lot.”But there was something that stopped him from having ultimate consistency.”The retired defender continued: “He could hit five shots and two could be on target, two could be way off it or two may go close.”It was hard for him to find that consistency compared to [Wayne] Rooney or Ronaldo, that’s what set him [behind].”Pure ability wise, I’d take that and give someone else’s mindset [to Nani].”The pair also joked about Ronaldo’s goalscoring record – with the Portuguese record-holder taking a cheeky pop at Pele’s exploits. More

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    ‘His finishing is NUTS,’ say Man Utd fans as teen who scored 10 against Liverpool trains alone before joining Red Devils

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans hope Chido Obi-Martin will bring consistent goals back to Old Trafford if his training clips are anything to go by.The 16-year-old Arsenal wonderkid made headlines after scoring ten goals in a single game against Liverpool U16s last November.United fans are excited about the arrival of Chido Obi-Martin after watching his training clipCredit: XMartin-Obi agreed to join Man United last monthCredit: GettyThe Red Devils pulled off a coup for Obi-Martin under the noses of their Premier League rivals, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.The young Dane had doubts about his potential pathway to first-team football in North London and has chosen to continue his career at United.United are now awaiting clearance from the FA for the deal before Obi-Martin can formally be unveiled.The talented striker is training in his homeland before likely signing his first professional contract on his 17th birthday in November.READ MORE ON MAN UTDA video released on Obi-Martin’s Instagram story has got United fans excitedly anticipating his pending arrival.The clip shows the teenager rapidly curling shots into various target holes with both feet.The prolific goal-scorer simply walked off smiling, leaving his supporters in awe.Commenting on the video, one United fan wrote on X: “This guys finishing is NUTS! 🤯”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother remarked: “Chido Obi-Martin is gonna be absolutely mental.”A third added: “Almost forgot that we snatched this gem from Arsenal.”Man Utd fans sob ‘don’t make me cry’ as Scott McTominay gets emotional after he’s given parting gift by Man Utd fanMeanwhile one stated: “We need to get him on the roster as quick as possible.”A fifth said: “Chido is built like a MONSTER!❤”Obi-Martin’s prolific goalscoringMoving to Arsenal’s academy from Denmark in 2022, the rising star established himself and first played for the U18s and U21s aged 15.He subsequently bagged a hat-trick during his first start for the U18s in a 4-0 win over Southampton last September.The Dane was then called up to Mikel Arteta’s first-team training before netting ten goals against Liverpool U16s.A month later, he made headlines again after scoring seven goals in Arsenal’s 9-0 win over Norwich City, and four against West Ham.He ended the 2023-24 campaign with a record-breaking 32 goals in 18 Premier League 2 games.READ MORE SUN STORIESObi-Martin has most recently represented Denmark at U17s level, where he found the back of the net 12 times in 19 appearances.It represents United’s first attack-minded signing from Arsenal since a swap deal for Alexis Sanchez in 2018 which saw Danny Welbeck go in the opposite direction. More

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    Man Utd ‘hold shock Ivan Toney transfer talks’ as they join Chelsea in last-gasp move for England striker

    MANCHESTER UNITED have held talks over a deal for Ivan Toney, according to reports.The striker is expected to make a late transfer with several clubs interested.Man Utd have held talks over a move for Ivan ToneyCredit: PAToney looked set to move to Saudi Arabia until Chelsea made a move to sign the England striker on Tuesday.Enzo Maresca’s side reportedly remains Toney’s preferred option but United have held preliminary talks over a transfer, according to the Evening Standard.It is believed United are yet to make a formal offer for the striker, who could be available for less than his £50million asking price.Toney, 28, is in the final year of his contract at Brentford and the Bees are hopeful of starting a bidding war between the two Premier League giants.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThomas Frank left Toney out of his squad for his opening two Prem matches and admitted Toney is likely to leave before Friday’s transfer deadline.The Brentford boss said: “There is a lot of things going on for Ivan, especially on transfers.”There is some transfer interest, nothing closed yet but things are happening, so because of all that we decided not to involve in the squad.”Toney was initially valued at £70m by Brentford but they have slashed their asking price to £45m due to his contract situation.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeanwhile, Chelsea have offered Raheem Sterling in exchange for United outcast Jadon Sancho, with the winger not part of Maresca’s plans.Sterling is said to be open to joining Man Utd but wants to resolve his contract situation at Stamford Bridge first, with a £70m pay-off requiring some negotiation.SunSport’s Latest Transfer Headlines More

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    Ivan Toney facing Chelsea transfer conundrum as Todd Boehly rule means Blues can’t match wages on offer in Saudi Arabia

    CHELSEA have enquired about Brentford’s Ivan Toney.And the Blues are also working on an exit for Raheem Sterling with a potential swap deal with Manchester United for Jadon Sancho ahead of the window shutting on Friday.Chelsea have made a late swoop for Brentford hitman Ivan ToneyCredit: GettyThe Blues are also exploring a potential swap deal including Raheem Sterling and Jadson SanchoCredit: GETTYEnzo Maresca is desperate for an established Prem No.9 to lead the line for Chelsea this season and has made a late surge to snatch the Bees star away from West London.Toney, 28, has already agreed personal terms with Saudi Super League outfit Al Ahli but a transfer fee is still being negotiated with Brentford demanding £50m.Chelsea are confident they can match that evaluation for the Toney – who has one year left on his Brentford contract and has been left out of their opening two Prem games this term.However, Toney would have to accept a significantly lower wage packet than the one being offered by Al Ahli to make the switch to Stamford Bridge.READ MORE TRANSFER NEWSUnder American owner Todd Boehly, Chelsea have a strict new wage structure, with the average weekly deal for new signings between £60k and £70k with incentivised bonuses.Chelsea were previously linked with Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen but appear to have been priced out of a move for the Nigerian striker, 25.Al Ahli, who have former Premier League players Riyad Mahrez, Edouard Mendy and Roberto Firmino in their squad, are hoping to entice Toney to leave for Saudi.But Toney would also be tempted to remain in the Premier League with aspirations of becoming a regular for England after starring for the Three Lions at this summer’s Euros.Most read in FootballSpeaking ahead of Brentford’s Carabao Cup clash against Colchester on Wednesday, Bees boss Thomas Frank said: “Today, we have nothing to say about Ivan Toney.”Asked about the possibility of losing two strikers, with Yoane Wissa the subject of a £15m bid from Nottingham Forest, he added: “Right now I have two players. Very happy.”BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 9: Ivan Toney of Brentford in action during the pre-season friendly between Brentford and VFL Wolfsburg at Gtech Community Stadium on August 9, 2024 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)Meanwhile, Man United are in talks to bring Sterling to Old Trafford with Sancho potentially heading the other way in an audacious swap move.United sporting director Dan Ashworth has reportedly been trying to negotiate the deal with Sterling, 29, currently frozen out of Maresca’s bloated Chelsea squad with his number stripped.Sterling – who earns over £300k-a-week at Chelsea – is set to train with the club’s U21 squad should he fail to move away before the deadline.Chelsea meanwhile are long-term admirers of Sancho, who has been left out of the squad for their first two Prem outings having fallen out with Erik ten Hag last campaign. More

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    Raheem Sterling ‘open to controversial Man Utd transfer’ despite playing for three rivals as he seeks Chelsea exit

    RAHEEM STERLING is reportedly open to joining Manchester United before the transfer window closes.The forward is expected to leave Chelsea this week after falling out of favour under new boss Enzo Maresca.Raheem Sterling is reportedly open to joining Manchester United from ChelseaCredit: ReutersChelsea have been linked with a swap deal involving Jadon Sancho signing from UnitedCredit: RexSterling has not featured for the Blues this season and has been training away from the first-team squad.United are amongst a host of Premier League sides to be linked with a move for the 29-year-old.According to the Daily Mail, Sterling would not rule out joining the Red Devils, despite spells with Liverpool and Manchester City.Chelsea are open to including him in a deal for Jadon Sancho, who is also set to leave United.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHowever, it is unknown whether a swap deal will be possible before Friday’s transfer deadline.Sterling’s £325,000 wages are seen as a potential stumbling block, whilst Sancho’s £300,000 weekly income does not fit into Chelsea’s wage structure.Crystal Palace and Aston Villa are also understood to be interested in a late move for Sterling.Meanwhile, Arsenal have been linked with the winger, who will not put in a transfer request to force through a move.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHaving joined Chelsea in 2022, he still has three years left on his deal in West London.Sterling has previously played for United’s fierce rivals City and Liverpool, where he came through the academy after signing from QPR.Enzo Maresca comments on the futures of Ben Chilwell and Raheem Sterling at Chelsea and comments on player contract lengthsHe went on to make 129 appearances for the Reds before leaving for City in 2015.During seven years at the Etihad Stadium, he won 12 trophies including four league titles.Sterling has yet to score in 26 matches against United, though.Chelsea would also face competition for Sancho’s signature as United look to sell him this week.Italian giants Juventus have also been strongly linked with a move but are only open to a loan deal for the 24-year-old.Sancho spent the second half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund. More

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    Jamie Carragher reveals Liverpool ‘thought they had’ Cristiano Ronaldo hours before he sealed first Man Utd transfer

    JAMIE CARRAGHER has revealed Liverpool thought they had Cristiano Ronaldo hours before he joined Manchester United 21 years ago.The Portuguese was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson for £12million at the age of 18 in August 2003.Jamie Carragher faced Cristiano Ronaldo on several occasionsCredit: 2005 Getty ImagesCarragher understands Liverpool were close to securing Ronaldo’s signatureCredit: Sky SportsHe would go on to become one of the club’s all-time great players, winning three Premier League titles, the Champions League and Ballon d’Or during a sensational six years at Old Trafford.Ronaldo, 39, later returned for a second stint in 2021 and spent just over one year back at Man Utd before leaving for Saudi Arabia.Yet Liverpool icon Carragher, 46, who faced Ronaldo on numerous occasions during his first spell in the Premier League, claims the Merseyside club believed they had the forward before the move to Man Utd was announced.Speaking on The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet, he said: “When he actually signed for United I think we were in for him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”That was when Gerard Houllier and Phil Thompson – Phil Thompson tells the story that he thought we had him. “He was speaking to the agent and before you know it, it breaks on Sky Sports News ‘Ronaldo’s gone to United’ – and I think of what we lacked probably in the best teams I played in at Liverpool.”I think we had world-class or great players in every position over a 10-year period, but I don’t think we ever had a world-class wide player. “Listen, we had the best in John Barnes, late eighties, but I think if you got through the nineties, I don’t think we ever had a player of that ilk.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCristiano Ronaldo’s first Man Utd spellAppearances: 292Goals: 118Trophies: Premier League x3, FA Cup, League Cup x2, Champions League, Club World CupIndividual honours: Ballon d’Or, Fifa Player of the Year, Champions League top scorer, Premier League Player of the Season x2, FIFPRO World 11 x3, Fifa Puskas AwardCarragher was critical of Ronaldo’s return to Man Utd when he came back for a second stint under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.Ronaldo subsequently ignored him live on air during a Sky Sports Super Sunday as he caught up with former team-mates Gary Neville and Roy Keane.Arne Slot savages Jamie Carragher with six-word put down in brutal moment on live TV after Liverpool winCarragher later responded: “I get a custard pie for getting it right on Ronaldo from day one!”The custard pie for him from ETH [Erik ten Hag] shows the manager thinks the same!”Maybe the ex-Man Utd legends (sycophants!) will now agree with me.” More