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    Man City drop hint over Jack Grealish’s future with stunning new Manchester-themed home kit for 2024/25 season

    MANCHESTER CITY have dropped a hint over Jack Grealish’s future following the release of their new home kit for the 2024/25 season.Pep Guardiola’s side will seal a historic fourth successive Premier League title on Sunday if they beat West Ham at the Etihad.Jack Grealish modelled the new Manchester City home kitCredit: X / @ManCityHe got behind the wheel of a car in the stripCredit: X / @ManCityMan City Women star Alex Greenwood was another who wore the shirt in the videoCredit: X / @ManCityEsme Morgan also pulled on the new blue jerseyCredit: X / @ManCityThey can then add to that by making it a domestic double with a win over Manchester United in the FA Cup final on May 25.But Grealish, 28, who was an integral part of Man City’s Treble-winning side from last season, has started just three league games since the turn of the year.Some of that is down to injuries, but his form has also dropped off – contributing three goals and three assists in all competitions.The dip has seen the £100million man – who joined Man City in 2021 – linked with a move away from the Etihad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnnamed clubs are said to be “queuing up” for the ex-Aston Villa man’s signature.But Man City have now hinted he has a future with Guardiola’s men after he appeared in the launch of their stunning new home kit for next season.Grealish was seen rocking the blue strip in the video alongside a host of other Man City stars.They included Manuel Akanji, Mateo Kovacic, Alex Greenwood and Esme Morgan.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGrealish has endured a difficult season at the EtihadBut it is Grealish being included in the shirt unveiling that may alleviate Man City fans’ fears surrounding his future.The England man is one of a number of City players linked with a move away this summer.Man City’s five key moments this seasonThe others include Kevin de Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Kalvin Phillips and Stefan Ortega.Man City star Manuel Akanji also appeared in the social media videoCredit: X / @ManCityMateo Kovacic was another in the footageCredit: X / @ManCityOscar Bobb also got involved in the modelling More

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    Real reason behind Ange Postecoglou’s ‘fragile Tottenham’ comments revealed after Man City meltdown

    THE reason for Ange Postecoglou’s stunning claim that the foundations at Tottenham are “fragile” has reportedly been revealed.The Aussie manager made the extraordinary statement following his troops’ 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday night.Ange Postecoglou claimed the foundations at Tottenham are fragile after their 2-0 defeat to Manchester CityCredit: REXThe Aussie vented his frustrations after close to a week of many Spurs fans saying they wanted to lose the matchCredit: RexPostecoglou was incensed by the pre-match attitude of some Spurs fans, some of whom wanted the team to lose to put a dent in the title hopes of their bitter rivals Arsenal.He ranted: “The last 48 hours have revealed that the foundations are fairly fragile.”That’s what I feel. The last 48 hours have revealed a fair bit to me.”But it just means I’ve got to go back to the drawing board with some things.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s outside, inside, everywhere. It’s been an interesting exercise.”Spurs fans were left baffled by the former Celtic boss’ outburst, which, according to The Athletic, was in part down to the club’s “relaxed about losing” to City.They claim the prospect of losing the match was a running joke among some of the staff at the club.And Postecoglou is said to have blown a gasket after one staff member jokingly suggested he should “play a youth team” against City.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnge Postecoglou is said to have been annoyed with the attitude of some Spurs staff ahead of the City matchCredit: REXTottenham have categorically denied the claim.Postecoglou was in a prickly mood during the match, so much so that he had an angry exchange with a fan who questioned where his passion had been all season.’Come on mate, want me to write you a dossier’ – Postecoglou fumes in live TV interview when asked about Tottenham lossDespite being eager to get his thoughts on the “foundations” of the club, the 58-year-old refused to give specifics.He said: “It’s my observations, mate. I’m not going to tell you because it’s for me.”I’m the one that’s got to do it so you can make your own assessment over what’s happpened.”I understand I have probably misread the situation to what I think is important and in your endeavour to become a winning team. But it’s okay, it’s why I’m here.”I want to be successful at this football club, it’s why I was brought in.”So what other people, how they want to feel, and what their priorities are, are of zero interest to me.”I know what’s important to build a winning team, that’s what I need to concentrate on.”It is what it is, mate. I can’t dictate what people do. They are allowed to express themselves in any way they want.”But yeah, when we’ve got late winners in games it’s because the crowd has helped us.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I already know what I want to do, it’s just I’ve got to make some adjustments to how I do it.”Spurs will travel to Bramall Lane on Sunday afternoon to face Sheffield United for their final game of the season. More

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    Aston Villa surprise champions of Premier League top-four mini-league as fans joke ‘Arsenal taking second everywhere’

    ASTON VILLA are surprise winners of the Premier League top-four mini table – sparking more second-class trolling of Arsenal.Villa romped home by two points in the tiny league based only on results between the four Champions League qualifiers.Villa boss Unai Emery did the double over his old clubCredit: GettyThe top and bottom of the full Prem were reversed in the mini leagueDeclan Rice, Jorginho & Co can reflect on Arsenal’s fading title bidCredit: ReutersThe Gunners were runners-up in the six-game table, with Liverpool third and Prem leaders Manchester City BOTTOM.And with Mikel Arteta’s men facing a second successive season as Prem runners-up to City, one fan joked: “Arsenal taking second everywhere.”That might be harsh as the Gunners picked up a respectable haul of two wins and two draws from their half-dozen elite Prem matches this season.But their two defeats against top-four rivals were both inflicted by Villa – managed by their old boss Unai Emery.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAfter winning 1-0 last December, the Villans’ 2-0 victory at the Emirates last month turned the title tide away from Arsenal and in favour of City.Emery’s side also beat Pep Guardiola’s men 1-0 at home but then crashed 4-1 at the Etihad on April 3.In all, Villa finished with 10 points in the mini-league, with three wins, a draw and two losses.City picked up four points less – suggesting their success is based on remorseless consistency against weaker sides.Most read in FootballOllie Watkins has had a brilliant season as Villa stunned the top dogsCredit: ReutersBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMost fans were full of respect for Villa’s stunning achievement of impressing against major sides and being guaranteed fourth spot in the full Prem table.”Wow – they did so good this year!” said one observer.Gus Poyet explains why Arsenal are not out of Prem title hunt after Aston Villa heartbreakAnother claimed: “Yeah, gotta give credit where it’s due. Villa’s been punching above their weight in the big games.”A third pointed out: “Man Utd are the only club that beat them home and away this season.”But a fourth insisted: “Mini league champions… you’ll never sing that.”Others were puzzled by City’s poor record against their top-four opponents.One posted: “Man City winning the Premier league with only one win over the top 4 is all you need to know about how Pep has turned this League to his farm house.” More

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    Supercomputer predicts final Premier League table as Arsenal battle Man City for title and Man Utd fight for Europe

    A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the outcome of the Premier League ahead of the final day.And it’s good news for Manchester City fans, with the algorithm predicting that Pep Guardiola’s men are set to win a record fourth Premier League title on the row.A supercomputer has backed Manchester City to retain the Premier League titleCredit: ReutersMeaning heartbreak for Arsenal players and fansCredit: PATo do that, they will need to win their remaining games against Tottenham tomorrow and West Ham on Sunday – which the computer is backing them to do.It means heartbreak for Arsenal – who the supercomputer are backing to beat Everton on the final day to no avail.The algorithm is built by BettingExpert’s supercomputer BETSiE, and takes in performances from this season, as well as all of last season’s league performances and pre-season friendlies.All hope is not lost for Arsenal fans, however, with the supercomputer allocating a percentage chance to the two teams battling it out for the title.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGuardiola’s City are given a 68.5 per cent chance of winning the league, with Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal given a 31.5 per cent chance.The Gunners will therefore be rooting for their rivals Tottenham against City tomorrow – but the computer reckons the Lilywhites will lose.If Spurs do lose, Aston Villa will be guaranteed to come fourth and bring Champions League football to Villa Park next season.They could have things wrapped up by then though, if they beat Liverpool at home tonight.Most read in FootballUnited look set to miss out on Europe altogetherCredit: GettyVilla look set to play in the Champions League next seasonCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSpurs and Newcastle United are projected to finish fifth and sixth – with sixth most likely being enough to qualify for the Europa League.Lowly Manchester United are reckoned to achieve an eighth placed finish, missing out on Europe altogether.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer windowThat would likely see Erik ten Hag sacked by Sir Jim Ratcliffe – unless his side can win the FA Cup.Incidentally, an FA Cup win would secure the side Europa League football – which would also turn Newcastle’s sixth placed finish from Europa League qualification into Europa Conference League qualification.But that would be unlikely given City would be entering that final off the back of winning the Premier League, should the supercomputer be correct.Should the scenario of Manchester United not winning the FA Cup play out, Chelsea’s seventh placed finish would see Mauricio Pochettino return European football to Stamford Bridge.While Chelsea are used to sitting at the top table in the Champions League, it represents a definite improvement from their early season form and dismal 12th placed finish last season.The Argentine has been coy on his future, and suggested ahead of The Blues’ match with Forest that he could leave if him and the ownership are no longer on the same page.Mauricio Pochettino’s future remains uncertainCredit: RexSunSport’s verdict on Man Utd flopsSir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have a busy summer ahead to get Man Utd’s squad in order for next season. Below SunSport gives it verdict on how they should deal with the Red Devils flops this summer.

    Andre Onana – STAY: After a dodgy start at Old Trafford Onana has proven to be one of the more reliable members of the squad this season despite being peppered with shots constantly.
    Altay Bayindir – GO: Reports in February suggested Bayindir was unhappy with his bit part role at Man Utd amid interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray. If profit can be made on a sale then it should be done.
    Tom Heaton – STAY: Veteran goalkeeper Heaton, 38, is a reliable back-up and is on a relatively small wage at the club. So long as he is happy it makes sense to keep him.
    Aaron Wan-Bissaka – GO: Wan-Bissaka, 26, has never managed to make the right-back position his own. With his contract up in 2025 it makes sense to cash in now.
    Diogo Dalot – STAY: Dalot, 26, has been one of Man Utd’s most consistent performers this season.
    Raphael Varane – GO: If it wasn’t for his injury record there would be a strong shout to keep Varane, but costs need to be cut to allow the squad to be freshened up.
    Harry Maguire – GO: Maguire has showed he has the right character to be at Man Utd but overall ability and desired profile are another matter, with Maguire too slow to play in a high line defence.
    Lisandro Martinez – STAY: Martinez, 26, is second to none in terms of build up play. He needs a long-term defensive partner on the right side and to cut out the injuries which have plagued him this season.
    Jonny Evans – GO: Veteran campaigner Evans could easily be on the stay list if he was only going to be a bit part player. But he has shown his advanced years at times this season.
    Victor Lindelof – GO:  Lindelof, 29, has been reliable if not unremarkable in his Man Utd career. He has one year left on his contract so should be moved on if a decent transfer fee can be got for him.
    Willy Kambwala – STAY: He should be given the opportunity to mature for a few years behind a senior CB pairing before stepping into the first team as a starter or being moved on.
    Luke Shaw – GO: One of the Premier League’s best left-backs when fit, Shaw has been a good servant when available. But alas that has been his Achilles heel once again this season.
    Tyrell Malacia – STAY: Malacia, 24, was decent enough to earn some merit in his first season at Man Utd before injury ended his season and inadvertently led to his second season being a write off.
    Sofyan Amrabat – GO: Amrabat, 27, looked like a world beater at the Qatar World Cup with Morocco. But he’s had an underwhelming season in England and his loan spell will almost certainly not be made permanent.
    Casemiro – GO: An alarming physical decline has seen him turn from key star to burden. If a club is willing to buy the 32-year-old – who has two more years on his contract – then United should snatch their hand off.
    Christian Eriksen – GO: Eriksen proved a useful asset and Ineos should look to bring in another player with similar traits, but frankly his legs have looked gone towards the end of this season.
    Kobbie Mainoo – STAY: The first of the so-called untouchables, Mainoo has been a rare glimmer of hope in the Red Devils midfield this season.
    Mason Mount – STAY: Mount can be given the benefit of the doubt until summer 2025 at least after a debut season riddled with injury.
    Scott McTominay – STAY: McTominay, 27, has proven himself to be a brilliant plan B off the bench this season, and that is exactly why Ineos should look to keep him.
    Bruno Fernandes – STAY: Man Utd’s best player since his arrival just over four years ago, Fernandes, 29, remains second-to-none when it comes to creating chances while his tenacity boosts those around him.
    Antony – GO: There’s a case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history. Despite some memorable moments he simply isn’t Man Utd quality.
    Anthony Martial – GO: Ultimately Martial needs to be let go when his deal runs out this summer after an appalling injury record of late.
    Marcus Rashford – STAY: As easy as it would be to say Rashford should leave the club this summer, it is difficult to look at the market and find many available players capable of scoring 30 goals a season.
    Alejandro Garnacho – STAY: Another third of the untouchables trio, Garnacho has made the right-wing his own since coming into it. He’s a raw talent but has shown he has the quality to improve.
    Rasmus Hojlund – STAY: A slow burner in his first Man Utd season, the 21-year-old has often been starved of supply which has led to him being unable to get the goals his movement and unselfish play often merits.
    Amad Diallo – STAY: In the fleeting moments he has been on the pitch for Man Utd this season, Diallo has looked dangerous and exciting. He should be given a chance to flourish with some proper chances in the first team across a whole season. More

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    Tottenham fans reveal ‘absolutely embarrassing and shameful’ chant ahead of Man City clash that could hand Arsenal title

    PAUL MERSON claims Tottenham fans will cheer a Manchester City goal against their own club – as it could ruin Arsenal’s title bid.Spurs supporters have already prepared an “embarrassing and shameful” chant to roar on visitors City in Tuesday’s Premier League clash.Spurs followers have lined up a controversial chantCredit: https://twitter.com/City_ChiefPaul Merson made a shock suggestion about Spurs fansCredit: Twitter @SkySportsPLSome Tottenham fans might back Man City… against SpursCredit: https://twitter.com/City_ChiefMan City’s Phil Foden, Erling Haaland & Co could be cheered by Spurs fansCredit: PABut Arsenal hero Kai Havertz insists he will become” the biggest fan of Tottenham ever” – because his side need Pep Guardiola’s men to slip up.Gunners’ legend Merson reckons Spurs supporters would rather fluff a top-four finish than see their bitter North London rivals win a first Prem crown in 20 years.The ex-England striker even appeared to stun fellow Sky Sports pundits Roy Keane and Wayne Rooney with his blunt verdict.Merson also believes Arsenal need Liverpool to triumph at Aston Villa on Monday – to keep Spurs’ hopes of qualifying for the Champions League alive.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe said: “Every Arsenal fan needs Villa to get beat…Tottenham have to stay hungry on Tuesday.”He then delivered his stunning assessment on the priorities of Spurs’ fans – including their possible reaction to City scoring against their own team.He said: “I’ve played in them games, they aren’t wanting Arsenal to win the league, whatever happens.”There will get to a stage Tottenham fans will cheer if Man City score. They will – the one thing they don’t want is Arsenal to win the league.”Most read in FootballArsenal chief Mikel Arteta hopes to dethrone Pep Guardiola’s Man CityCredit: AFPBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeanwhile, a clip has emerged on social media of Tottenham supporters unveiling a special pro-City chant.A man on a guitar is seen and heard signing: “I am City till July! I am City till July!Smirking Kai Havertz reveals shock at what he saw Casemiro doing before he set up Arsenal winner vs Man Utd”I know I am, I’m sure I am, I’m City till July.”One fan joked: “This is absolutely embarrassing and shameful. Get it going round the stadium on Tuesday”.But other supporters appeared shocked.One blasted: “This is so poor” And another posted: “Are we not ashamed of ourselves?”But Spurs will at least have one set of enthusiastic new local backers in midweek.Fresh from setting up Leandro Trossard’s winner at Manchester United, Arsenal attacker Havertz told Sky: “I’m going to (be the) biggest fan of Tottenham ever on Tuesday. We all are going to be!”Mikel Arteta’s Prem leaders are a point clear of City and also have a plus-three advantage on goal difference.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the Gunners only have next Sunday’s finale at home to Everton remaining – whereas Guardiola’s champs have two matches left.After traveling to Spurs on Tuesday, City host West Ham on the last day.Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou might have something to say if his club’s fans switch to supporting Man City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on TuesdayCredit: Getty More

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    Real Madrid ‘start work on NEXT Galactico transfer after Mbappe – but give Premier League clubs a year’s head start’

    REAL MADRID have already started working on a massive transfer deal for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz.But Real aren’t planning to sign Wirtz, 21, before the summer of 2025 and have thus given the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool a year’s head start.Real Madrid are planning to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz in 2025Credit: GettyReal Madrid target Wirtz as their next Galactico after Kylian MbappeCredit: AFPMan Utd, Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool also target Leverkusen star WirtzMbappe, 25, finally confirmed he is leaving Paris Saint-Germain in June after months of reports insisting the star forward has no plans to extend his seven-year stint at Parc des Princes.The star forward looks set to join Los Blancos as a free agent on a lucrative contract.And Real are already preparing the ground for their next Galactico signing with Wirtz posing as their favourite marquee signing for the 2025-26 season.According to Marca, the Spanish champions have begun work on acquiring the playmaker at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.Read More on FootballThat means United, City, Chelsea and Liverpool, who see him as Mohamed Salah’s replacement, will have to work fast this summer or next January.This promises to be quite an intense bidding war with Bayern Munich also interested.The Germany international has set the world alight this season by starring for Xabi Alonso’ undefeated Leverkusen side.The German champions are targeting an unprecedented Treble triumph while enjoying a record 49-game unbeaten run across all competitions.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd Wirtz has stood out with a staggering total of 18 goals and 19 assists in 46 appearances.Real are famous for beating their competition in landing some of the world’s top young talent.England star Jude Bellingham speak in fluent spanish as Real Madrid parade LaLiga trophy leaving fans so ‘proud’Madrid proved it with the signings of Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Endrick. More

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    Chelsea staff ignored Frank Lampard plea to sign Premier League legend BEFORE he won five titles

    FRANK LAMPARD told Chelsea to sign Sergio Aguero before he joined Manchester City.The Argentine striker, 35, came on to the radar of English football fans when he scored twice for Atletico Madrid in a 2-2 draw with Chelsea in the Champions League group stage in 2009.Frank Lampard knew about Sergio Aguero’s talent two years before he came to EnglandCredit: GettyA volley and a free-kick from Aguero ensured the Blues failed to leave Spain with a victory.In 2011, he then finally made the move to England as Man City sealed a £35million transfer.But Lampard, 45, had already seen his talent two years earlier as he later explained to Aguero when the pair linked up as Man City players.Speaking to The Club, Aguero said: “After that game [Atletico vs Chelsea in 2009], maybe two months after, my agent says to me ‘Chelsea is interested’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I had just three years at Atletico Madrid but I love the Premier League.”But Chelsea never interested after that.”He then went on to add: “I spoke about that with Frank Lampard because Frank Lampard played with Man City.”He said when I played against him he told the staff at Chelsea to sign Aguero.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAguero ended up netting 260 goals in 390 appearances for Man City, making him the club’s all-time record scorer.He won five Premier League titles, one FA Cup and six League Cups during his time at the Etihad.Micah Richards apologises to Frank Lampard on live TV but Chelsea legend has perfect responseHe had a brief stint in Barcelona in 2021, but was then forced to retire with a heart condition.But Aguero is not the only player Lampard spotted before they moved elsewhere.As Chelsea boss, he wanted to sign both Erling Haaland and Declan Rice, before they opted to join Man City and Arsenal.Speaking about Haaland, he said: “People talk a lot about mistakes or things that could have been in football.”Whether he would have come here, I don’t know but I was pushing big and on a few other players at the time. But he was the outstanding one.”Was it close? He’ll only know the answer to that. What stage did it get to? From our point, I was certainly pushing it. I’m not sure what the appetite was everywhere else in the club to do it.”The competition was big to take him because he was an outstanding player and I think there was a buyout clause at the time which was relatively reasonable, maybe, considering the player.”So all those things. I don’t have enough detail to say how close it was, it’s by the by, really.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile on Rice, he said: “I wanted to bring in Declan Rice. I was like ‘this kid is going to be the captain of Chelsea for the next 10 years’.”It didn’t happen, anyway, it is hard to dissect people’s work.”How Pochettino can solve Chelsea’s midfield crisis thanks to the works of a 13th century poetBy Andy Dillon
    IT IS HIGHLY unlikely that Mauricio Pochettino is familiar with the work of Rumi.
    Whether the renowned Islamic poet and mystic had the tactical dilemmas facing Chelsea’s head coach in mind while dreaming up his scholarly works in 13th century Afghanistan, we will never know.
    It’s fair to say Rumi was not a regular in The Shed at Stamford Bridge.
    Yet one of his most famous quotations strikes right at the heart of Pochettino’s problems trying to transform his team into consistent challengers at the top end of the Premier League.
    It was Rumi who wrote so prophetically: “Two birds tied together. They will not be able to fly even though they have four wings.”
    He could have scribbled that on the back of his programme from so many of Chelsea’s games this season with regard to Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.
    There is a feeling among regular Chelsea watchers that while it is a blow on a personal level for Fernandez to be ruled out for the rest of the season with his injury problem, it may yet turn to Pochettino’s advantage.
    For it allows Caicedo to roam that patch in front of his defence with greater freedom. Both players are exceptional individual talents.
    Read Andy Dillon’s take on Chelsea’s midfield in full.
    Or check out all of Andy Dillon’s articles. More

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    Man City ready to offer £10m for England U17 goalkeeper transfer in huge FFP boost to Everton

    MANCHESTER CITY are ready to move for Everton’s young keeper Douglas Lukjanciks — and could pay as much as £10million for him.England Under-17 cap Lukjanciks has been chased by several clubs but City are keen to land him this summer.Douglass Lukjanciks is a £10million target for Man CityCredit: GettyThe deal would help the Toffees keep their Financial Fair Play numbers in check as Lukjanciks is home-grown and that is significant in the calculations.City want a young keeper to groom for the top.They sold several others in recent years who never played for the club.There could even be an exchange deal with City sending a young homegrown player to Everton as the two outfits thrash out the package.Read more transfer newsAccording to reports, Man City could face competition from Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen.Lukjanciks has dual nationality thanks to his Latvian heritage, which means he would count as a domestic player in all other major European leagues.He reportedly finishes school in the summer, and is expected to sign scholar terms with Sean Dyche’s side.Tottenham, Aston Villa and Marseille are also said to be keeping close tabs on the teen wonderkid.Most read in FootballLukjanciks is regarded as one of England’s most promising keepers and plays above his age group.Most of his appearances have come in the youth team, during the Under-18 Premier League campaign.David Beckham fires stern warning to Man Utd flops ahead of FA Cup final against Man CityIt is believed Everton see him as being a future No1 at the club in years to come.Currently, the Merseyside giants boast Jordan Pickford, Joao Virginia, Andy Lonergan, and Billy Crellin as their keeper options for the first team.While Fraser Barnsley and Dylan Graham are the U21 options.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS More