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    Man City wonderkid James McAtee ‘lined up for January transfer’ after playing ONE Premier League minute all season

    MANCHESTER CITY ace James McAtee is being targeted by West Ham and Fulham ahead of the January transfer window.McAtee, 22, enjoyed an impressive loan stint with Sheffield United the last two years as he scored 14 goals and bagged eight assists in 75 appearances.Manchester City ace James McAtee is being targeted by Fulham and West HamCredit: GettyMan City could be open to selling McAtee in the January transfer windowCredit: GettyThe playmaker has found opportunities to be limited at the Etihad this season despite a string of injuries in the squad and has only played ONE MINUTE in the Premier League.According to The Guardian, that has led interest from both the Hammers and the Cottagers who are tracking the City academy product.He was reportedly targeted by Chelsea last summer.McAtee has played six times across all competitions, with his most impressive performance taking place last month in the Champions League at Slovan Bratislava where he scored a goal.Read More on FootballThe attacking midfielder could command a fee of at least £20million and the Cityzens would be open to a deal.The versatile midfielder is still highly regarded by the club, who could offer him a new contract with his current deal set to run out in 2026.However, the reigning Premier League champions have proven to be open to selling homegrown players as it helps their position with the English top flight’s profit and sustainability rules.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWest Ham have struggled in midfield this season with star player Lucas Paqueta being unable to replicate last term’s success.Most read in FootballPaqueta has also been charged with a breach of the Football Association’s betting regulations – the Brazil international denies the allegations.City wonderkid James McAtee scores impressive goal in trainingFulham are likely to rekindle their interest in McAtee after failing to land him in the summer.His former England Under-21 international team-mate Emile Smith Rowe has been rejuvenated under Marco Silva at Craven Cottage after he left Arsenal.Fellow Man City academy graduate Cole Palmer has also proven the grass can be greener away from Pep Guardiola’s side as he left the club last year and went on to become Chelsea’s biggest star. More

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    Stick or twist? Dream Team bosses torn over popular defenders amid Manchester City blip

    BRIGHTON made history when they beat Manchester City 2-1 before the international break.That result on the south coast was Pep Guardiola’s fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions, the first such instance of his managerial career.For a decorated coach who sets such high standards, his side are in the midst of an unprecedented downturn in form.Guardiola has suffered four consecutive defeats for the first time in his managerial careerCredit: ReutersNaturally, this blip has translated to the world of Dream Team, not least in regards to Josko Gvardiol (£4.8m) and Rico Lewis (£3.7m).This pair warrants particular scrutiny because of their immense popularity.At the time of writing, Gvardiol and Lewis are the two most selected defenders in the game.MOST POPULAR DREAM TEAM DEFENDERS (% OWNERSHIP):27.4% – Josko Gvardiol26.3% – Rico Lewis21.9% – Trent Alexander-Arnold16.9% – William Saliba16.4% – Virgil van Dijk13% – Lucas Digne12.4% – Pedro Porro12.2% – Gabriel10.7% – Noussair Mazraoui10.6% – Marc GuehiGiven Man City have conceded ten goals across their last four games, it stands to reason Lewis and Gvardiol’s points have dried up.The latter scored his side’s only goal away to Bournemouth in Gameweek 10 but his return of 12 points from his last four outings is not befitting an asset of his price and popularity.Most read in FootballGvardiol and company received a pasting at the hands of Sporting CPCredit: AlamyLewis’ form is even more alarming as he’s mustered just five points in the same time frame!Gaffers won’t resent the talented teenager too much as he’s already provided far more than what was expected of him this season.Having previously been a bit-part player, the England international has established himself as a regular starter for the defending champions this campaign and his return of 87 points represents incredible value for money – he was very affordable for a long while.However, now that he appears in over a quarter of teams, Lewis has to be held to high standard and his form is a major concern.Lewis has been a Dream Team gem this season but his recent returns are disappointingCredit: GettyThere probably aren’t too many Dream Team managers out there who consider this blip in Man City’s form to be critical.Guardiola’s men usually embark upon a long unbeaten streak in the second half of the season that yields plentiful points.But it’s hard to blame the gaffers seeking replacements for Gvardiol and/or Lewis ahead of Gameweek 12, if only temporary ones.City have the luxury of two home games this coming Gameweek but their opponents, Tottenham and Feyenoord, aren’t exactly favourable for defenders.Spurs are the Premier League’s top scorers while the Dutch outfit are the second top scorers in the Eredivisie at present.READ MORE SUN STORIESScore PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWGameweek 13 then brings a double header against league leaders Liverpool and high-flying Nottingham Forest.A pivot away from City’s popular defenders appears to be a perfectly logical strategy, with a view to potentially bringing them back in when their schedule levels out from Gameweek 16 onwards.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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    Cole Palmer amazes fans as Chelsea star reveals what he did with his medals from Man City’s Treble winning season

    CHELSEA star Cole Palmer revealed he has parked all his Manchester City medals at his mum’s place in order to “restock”.Palmer, 22, has already won every major honour available despite his young age thanks to his brief three-year stint at City where he was part of the Treble-winning team in 2023.Chelsea star Cole Palmer has parked his Treble-winning medals with Manchester City at his mum’sCredit: GettyPalmer wants to ‘restock’ and is focused on winning more medals with ChelseaCredit: GettyMany in his place would hang their medals in full view at their home as a constant reminder of their stunning achievements, but the playmaker feels differently.Instead, the England international decided to hand them over to his mother in order to remain motivated to win more honours with Chelsea, where he moved shortly after winning the Treble with City.Palmer told GQ Magazine: “I give them to my mum. I wanted to restock.”Clear them out so I can stock up again. The feeling you get when you win… You just want it again. Read More on Football”You don’t want to stop and never get that feeling again.”Chelsea fans loved what Palmer said as they stormed social media to praise his mentality.One supporter tweeted: “Mentality.”Another commented: “Wow!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third wrote: “I love this kind of mentality.”This fan said: “He wanted to build a legacy in Chelsea so he need to clear Man City stuff off.”Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca lauds Cole Palmer as the type of player supporters ‘pay to see’ And that one stated: “The past is gone…. More trophies ahead.”Palmer left City because he knew opportunities would be limited under Pep Guardiola despite being fully aware there would be more honours on the horizon.The forward has now reached stardom at Chelsea where he already counts a staggering total of 32 goals and 20 assists in 58 appearances with the Blues. More

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    West Ham decide on Lucas Paqueta replacement with ‘next David Silva’ targeted in £20m transfer

    WEST HAM fancy nabbing Manchester City forgotten man James McAtee as they fear losing Lucas Paqueta.The attacking midfielder will be their top target for the role that could be available in January.West Ham are interested in Man City starlet James McAteeCredit: AlamyLucas Paqueta could leave West HamCredit: RexBrazilian star Paqueta is wanted back home by Botafogo and may be sold if the right deal comes in.And West Ham see McAtee as his successor — with the City squad man dubbed the ‘Salford Silva’ because he is similar in style and imagination to Etihad legend David Silva.McAtee, 22, had two successful campaigns on loan with Sheffield United but is going nowhere, stuck on the bench at City.The time may be right for a permanent move and Hammers should not have a problem affording a fee of £20million or more.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSCity were linked with Paqueta last season — backing away when a gambling probe came to light.They may be interested again but a straight deal for McAtee is more likely than any kind of swap.McAtee has made five first team appearances for City this season.He started both of their Carabao Cup matches, including the 2-1 defeat at Tottenham.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe midfielder also netted his first City goal during the 4-0 Champions League win over Slovan Bratislava.McAtee has been an unused substitute in 10 of City’s 11 Prem matches this term, however, only making a very brief cameo against Ipswich in August.Man City’s James McAtee reflects on his Premier League debut More

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    Cole Palmer reveals moment he decided to leave Man City for Chelsea but admits he never got to say a proper goodbye

    COLE PALMER has revealed when he decided to leave Manchester City.Palmer, 22, has been a revelation since joining Chelsea for £40million on deadline day of the 2023/24 summer transfer window.Cole Palmer has revealed when he knew he had to leave Man CityCredit: GettyPalmer had been at the club since the age of seven and originally only wanted to go on loanCredit: Players tribuneAnd Palmer admits the rapid nature of his deadline-day move to Chelsea means he never got to say a proper goodbye.Credit: Manchester CityDespite the club’s overall struggles in a huge transitional period, Palmer stood up to be counted and has scored a remarkable 32 goals in 57 games in all competitions.However, Palmer’s original plan was not to leave City, who had nurtured him since the age of seven.But speaking to GQ, Palmer admitted he knew he had to take the decision in order to further his career.He said: “I wasn’t even gonna go [to] Chelsea. I got persuaded.” He then nodded to his manager when asked who persuaded him to move.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I just knew I wasn’t going to play as much as I wanted to. Even when I was going to England [camps] with younger age groups, you had players there who were playing in the league every week. “And you’re looking around thinking, I can play in the league. When you’re not playing, it’s annoying.”Palmer admits he wanted to go on loan, but had his hand forced when he found out he was not going to play behind established stars even after Riyad Mahrez sealed a move to Saudi Arabia.However, the fast nature of the deal meant Palmer was not able to say a proper goodbye, with a text message being his ultimate farewell to the club he had been with for 14 years.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe added: “No – do you know what, I just wanted to go on loan…”I remember training on a Wednesday at City in the afternoon, and the news was ‘they’re trying to agree a fee.’Cole Palmer stars in video to tackle London homelessness as Chelsea launch Wrap Up Warm campaign”Every time the ball went out I’d ask the kit man or the doctor if they’ve agreed the fee yet.”So I didn’t really get a chance to see many people and say I’m going. I just had to get my stuff.”I messaged the group chat, said ‘Thanks and everything. I’m gone.’ That was it.”On his meteoric rise to stardom, Palmer admitted he even “surprised” himself, although he recalls as a youngster how his father Jermaine told him to keep faith despite the midfielder’s own doubts during his development.He said: “I’d see people saying, like, ‘He’s just in good form.’ Then I think it was after the first England camp where I went a bit quiet, and people were saying, ‘This was always going to happen.’ “But then I just picked up and went even better. Played Middlesbrough at home, played Everton, Manchester United at home, and I just kept scoring, scoring, scoring.”I knew I could do it. But for it to happen so fast… I surprised myself, yeah…”Maybe because I wasn’t the quickest when I was younger, I had to use body movement instead of speed. “I remember I would say, ‘I want to be fast, I want to be stronger, bigger,’ because I was so small – like, just tiny. “I would try and do something and I’d just get the ball took off me. I said, ‘Why am I like this?’ And my dad said: ‘Wait. You will take over everybody’.”Palmer grew up in Wythenshawe, south of Manchester as a Red Devils fan.Jermaine’s parents hail from Saint Kitts and Nevis, which is why Palmer wears the flag on his boots. Palmer has said one of his first memories was of him and his father playing football together, and after his chip in the 6-2 thrashing over Wolves, he recalled how his father messaged him to reminisce.He said: “He messaged me the other day, after I scored that chip versus Wolves, saying, ‘You remember practising chips in the park?’ But I actually do, to be fair.”Palmer scored for England in the final of Euro 2024 against Spain, but he admitted the rush of the situation means he “doesn’t really remember it”.READ MORE SUN STORIESNow a mainstay for the Three Lions, Palmer was called up for Lee Carsley’s final squad before Thomas Tuchel takes over fully next year.However, Palmer was one of eight stars to withdraw from the squad after suffering a knock in weeks prior to the camp that left him doubtful over his inclusion in the Arsenal clash.Dave Kidd: Why I’ve voted for Cole Palmer to be Footballer of the Year despite Chelsea woesBy Dave KiddTHE voting for the Footballer of the Year award closes on Tuesday and, unlike many, I’ve gone for Cole Palmer.Most Football Writers’ Association members vote by starting with the likely Prem champs and work backwards. So the winner will be Phil Foden, Rodri, Declan Rice or Martin Odegaard.There is dissent if a player from a less successful team wins, like David Ginola from mid-table Spurs in Manchester United’s ’99 Treble- winning year.But enjoying a superb individual season in a poor team is a greater achievement.And for Palmer — just 21 and in his first season as a regular starter — to have chalked up 23 goals and 13 assists in such a basket-case team as Chelsea, makes him this season’s outstanding player.Read Dave Kidd’s full column hereOr click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

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    Man City plan £50m transfer swoop for LaLiga star and Euros winner – six months after he snubbed Liverpool move

    MANCHESTER CITY are planning a £50.3million January swoop for Martin Zubimendi — six months after he turned his back on Liverpool.The 25-year-old Real Sociedad midfielder was on Anfield’s summer hitlist  and was close to sealing a deal before a U-turn meant he stayed put.Martin Zubimendi has emerged as a transfer target for Man City in JanuaryCredit: GettySpain’s Euros winner also insisted last month he wanted to remain at boyhood club Sociedad, saying: “The best solution is staying. “I want to grow and develop here.”But sources insist Zubimendi has had a change of heart and is keen to play in the Premier League after all. And that has put City on high alert.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTheir failure to cope with the long-term absence of crocked Ballon d’Or winner Rodri continued with last night’s 2-1 defeat at Brighton — their fourth loss in a row. And Zubimendi — who came on for Rodri at half-time in Spain’s 2-1 Euros final win over England — would be an ideal replacement.Rodri, 28, is out for the season after rupturing his ACL during September’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal.The pair have played together for their nation, giving City the potential of a mouthwatering defensive midfield partnership when Rodri returns.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe release clause in Zubimendi’s contract would not be a problem, although manager Pep Guardiola was initially not keen on making any major moves in the January market.City’s injury pile-up and dismal form could signal a rethink, as Guardiola is equally reluctant to pile too much pressure on his younger players.Top 10 best paid managers in world as sacked Roberto Mancini is knocked off No1 spotOne potential stumbling block could be ongoing uncertainty about the Spaniard’s own future.There is still no sign of a definite decision over his plans beyond the summer. More

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    Pep Guardiola in feisty exchange with Brighton star after losing fourth game in a row for first time in 898-game career

    PEP GUARDIOLA was embroiled in a heated exchange with Jan Paul van Hecke as he fell to a fourth defeat in a row for the first time in his career.Manchester City looked set to stop the rot going into the international break as Erling Haaland put them one goal up with a scruffy finish.Pep Guardiola was involved in a heated exchange with Jan Paul van HeckeCredit: GettyIt came as Man City lost 2-1 to BrightonCredit: GettyIt marked the first time Guardiola has lost four games on the spin in his 898-game managerial careerCredit: RexHowever, second half goals from Joao Pedro and Matt O’Riley compounded the reigning champions to another defeat.And after 898 games in his senior managerial career, it was the first time he has lost four on the spin.It was also the first time City as a club have lost four on the bounce since Stuart Pearce was in charge in August 2006.The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager was seen speaking to the Seagulls defender Van Hecke after the full-time whistle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt came as the conversation saw Guardiola whisper something in the Dutchman’s ear.He and Van Hecke then refused to let go of one another hands as they initially attempted to walk away from each other, as their argument carried on.The argument seemed to come from a late altercation between Van Hecke and Haaland towards the end of the game.Van Hecke had pulled Haaland to the ground in the penalty area in injury time as the defender fell to the floor after he tried to shield Haaland away from the ball before it was collected by goalkeeper Bart Verburrgen.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe referee had awarded Haaland a yellow card for his heated reaction to the incident.The Norwegian saw a record of his own come crashing down, with this game being the first time he has lost when scoring in 46 matches.Furious Pep Guardiola lashes out and kicks chair with Man City stars fuming at Arsenal’s stunning equaliser More

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    New Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim makes ex-Man City star top transfer target with ace ‘on verge of leaving’ European giants

    INCOMING Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is reportedly lining up a move for former Manchester City defender Danilo.Amorim, who starts life at Old Trafford on Monday, could look to sign the Juventus centre-back as early as January.Ruben Amorim is keen on former City title winner DaniloCredit: ReutersDanilo is on the verge of leaving JuventusCredit: RexAmorim feels that Danilo could improve United defensively, according to a report from Juve Live.The 33-year-old star could prove to be a useful short-term acquisition for the Red Devils as they look to tighten up at the back.Danilo – who captains both Juventus and Brazil – is apparently on the verge of leaving Turin.This follows reports that Danilo’s agent has been reaching out to several clubs, including Amorim’s new club United.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe Brazilian defender’s contract with the Serie A giants expires next summer.But Thiago Motta’s side could be tempted to cash him in for a reasonable price in January.Otherwise, they could lose Danilo for free at the end of the season.His age doesn’t fit the strategy being imposed by Ineos, who are making strides to sign players under 25.Most read in FootballDanilo’s stats last seasonFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited prioritised younger signings like Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and even Arsenal’s 16-year-oldstriker Chido Obi-Martin.But with United often suffering with injuries at the back, he could be a quality alternative and brings a wealth of dressing room knowledge.Manchester United Player Ratings: Post-Match Analysis (1)Danilo has proven Premier League experience – and under Pep Guardiola too.The veteran defender won two Prem titles with United’s fierce rivals City between 2017 and 2019.He also lifted two Champions League trophies with Real Madrid before joining City.After two years in the Prem, he joined then Serie A champs Juventus on a five-year deal worth £30m.Amorim will need all the help he can get when he takes over from interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy on November 11.The Red Devils have endured their worst-ever start to a Prem campaign, sitting 13th in the table. More