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    Kevin De Bruyne tipped for stunning MLS transfer by former Belgium team-mate as Man City ace’s contract runs down

    KEVIN DE BRUYNE has been tipped for a transfer to the MLS by a former team-mate.The Manchester City midfielder’s contract is set to expire at the end of next season.Kevin De Bruyne has been tipped for a move to the MLS by Christian BentekeCredit: RexBenteke believes his former team-mate would be a good fit for two clubsCredit: AFPCity have yet to extend his deal after putting off talks during his lengthy injury lay-off.De Bruyne missed four months earlier this season with a hamstring injury.He has now been tipped to join either LAFC or LA Galaxy once he leaves the Etihad Stadium.His former Belgium and Genk team-mate Christian Benteke believes De Bruyne would be a good fit for the MLS.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBenteke told the MLS’ Extratime show: “He’s 32 and he’s been around in Europe for many, many years.”I can see him at a team in LA.”De Bruyne has continued to impress since returning from injury for City.The 32-year-old has scored five goals and provided 14 assists in 19 appearances this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeanwhile, Phil Foden has emerged as his creative successor in the City midfield after amassing 14 goals and seven assists in the league.De Bruyne previously played with Benteke for both Belgium and Genk earlier in his career.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanThe striker also spent a decade in England with Aston Villa, Liverpool and Crystal Palace before joining MLS side DC United in 2022.He has since scored 21 goals in 44 league appearances in the USA and has praised the standard of the competition.Speaking about the MLS in general, he added: “I would describe the league as physical and technical.Why Man City fans were to blame for penalty defeat to Real MadridRIO FERDINAND and Joleon Lescott have blamed Man City’s penalty shoot-out defeat to Real Madrid on the FANS.
    Bernardo Silva missed one of the spot kicks as City crashed out of the Champions League.
    And the England duo spotted how the home fans at the Etihad played a role in the spot-kick being saved.
    Ex-Man City star Lescott claimed the home supporters held onto the ball for too long after Real’s Luka Modric fired his shot into the stands.
    He said: “That would have just took him out of sync and out of his rhythm.
    “You can practice the routine, the technique, the walk up potentially, this is something you don’t prepare for, the ball being in the crowd.”
    Ferdinand chimed in: “40 seconds by the way Joleon,” before Lescott continued: “That is a long time. It may not seem that long but it’s a very long time when you are waiting there and you are thinking, now do I change position?
    “Now do I change where I go? And all of a sudden, it’s a soft penalty.”
    Manchester United legend Ferdinand went on to say: “It’s a shame though as well, because it is the home fans that are delaying that penalty kick which is a shame.”

    “It’s a mix of both because people think, ‘Oh yeah, MLS is easy. They don’t really care about football or soccer.'”Until you play the game, you understand that you will enjoy yourself. But you better be ready, you better respect the league because it’s not that easy.” More

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    European giants enter transfer race for Bernardo Silva with Man City star wanted in £50million summer move

    BERNARDO SILVA is top of the summer wish list for Real Madrid AND Paris Saint-Germain.And the Spanish giants are convinced they are favourites to land the Portuguese playmaker — who has long been a target.Real Madrid and PSG are in the hunt for Man City star Bernardo SilvaCredit: AlamyHowever, Bernardo only signed a 12-month extension a year ago, stretching his current deal to 2026.The deal also includes a £50million release clause.And Bernabeu bosses are determined to outmuscle French outfit PSG.It was the 29-year-old’s fluffed shootout spot-kick which helped Real wreck Manchester City’s dreams of a double Treble.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYet they reckon his versatility in midfield would make him a key figure at the Bernabeu.While the release figure is seen as a bargain for someone of his ability.Bernardo is aware of the interest from Real and PSG.And although there is no issue with City, he would prefer a move overseas for family reasons.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERReal aren’t the only Spanish giants interest in Bernardo though.Barcelona are long-term admirers after attempting to land him last summer.Bernardo Silva marries stunning Wag Ines Tomaz in front of his Man City pals… then serenades guests with folk a songAnd striker Joao Felix, also Bernardo’s Portugal teammate, admits the City man has been asking about life in Catalonia.Felix, on loan at Barca from Atletico Madrid, said this month: “If Bernardo Silva comes, I’m going to ask for a commission.”“Everything I have said is true and if he comes they will be delighted with him.”He is very careful with everything and he asked me about places to live, places to eat, about security.“He asked me a little about everything and I said about tax issues because that’s what came to mind.”I think so, I think so (Bernardo’s convinced by Barcelona). Well, but now I don’t think it depends on him.” More

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    Leicester eye swoop for Man City wonderkid despite midfielder snubbing loan transfer last summer

    LEICESTER plan to sign Manchester City starlet James McAtee at the second attempt . . . if they are promoted.McAtee snubbed Foxes coach Enzo Maresca — Pep Guardiola’s former No 2 at the Etihad —  when he chose a return to Sheffield United on loan for another season.Leicester are eyeing a move for James McAtee, who is on loan at Sheffield Utd from Man CityCredit: GettyThe 21-year-old attacking midfielder even travelled to the Championship club’s HQ but opted to pursue the chance of playing in the Prem after helping the Blades go up last term.But now Maresca wants McAtee — known as the Salford Silva — who should be allowed out by City after his return from the Blades in the summer.McAtee wants to continue to play in the Prem, so the Foxes need to complete their promotion mission to tempt him.City would also want McAtee to be at that level before loaning him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere is a chance of a buy but Leicester have Financial Fair Play issues to grapple with.Leicester have been active in Brazil and Argentina as they prepare for life back in the Prem despite mixed results in recent weeks.And their scouts are also checking on French left-back Eric Junior Bocat, 24, at Belgian top-flight side Sint-Truiden as they plan to improve that area. Bocat is ideal for the wing-back position and has developed since leaving Lille four years ago.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERMeanwhile, Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder wants to sign Luke Ayling as he builds a new squad to bounce back next season.Ayling, 32, is a free agent in the summer after a short stay at Middlesbrough. Awkward moment iShowSpeed confronted by Man City fans and forced to shut down stream during Real Madrid clashThe ex-Leeds defender can play right-back or centre-half and is the kind of solid player that Wilder wants.Blades will have funds after losing many out-of-contract players but landing a top free like Ayling works well for them.United are also eyeing loans and are keen on Luton’s 24-year-old striker John McAtee — elder brother of James —  who has starred at Barnsley.  More

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    Five Man City stars ‘thinking of leaving’ in summer transfer with Premier League teams ‘queuing up’ for Jack Grealish

    JACK GREALISH could lead an exodus from Manchester City this summer.The former Aston Villa trickster, 28, has fallen down the pecking order since the arrival of Jeremy Doku at the start of the season.Manchester City could have a very different line-up next seasonCredit: AFPPep Guardiola faces a mass exodus this summerCredit: ReutersPep Guardiola’s Citizens will not defend last season’s sensational Treble after crashing out of the Champions League to Real Madrid on penalties.And there could be a real changing of the guard this summer with Spanish outlet Nacional claiming five stars are keen to leave.Grealish tops the list and it is reported that there are a host of Premier League clubs desperate to land the England international.Kalvin Phillips – currently on loan at West Ham – is another who is set to depart, with Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich touted as potential destinations for the 28-year-old.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBernardo Silva, 29, is also believed to be considering his future amid interest from European heavyweights Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.Kevin De Bruyne is out of contract in 2025 – as is Guardiola – and the Belgian, 32, has been linked with a mega-money Saudi Pro League switch.Back-up keeper Stefan Ortega, 31, could also look elsewhere in a bid to feature more regularly.SunSport have exclusively revealed that Cole Palmer’s City exit last summer almost saw him move to the other side of London.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe forward has been a smash hit since joining the Blues with 20 Premier League goals.But SunSport columnist Karren Brady says West Ham had agreed a deal before Chelsea made a last-gasp swoop.Luis Figo trolls Barcelona fans with pig’s head advert that harks back to infamous El Clasico incident from 2002On why Guardiola decided to allow the starlet to leave, Brady wrote: “Financial rules on allowable losses may have played a part in the decision but, still, from all the newsreels I have seen, Cole is as cool a dude in front of goal as Jimmy Greaves himself.”Which is probably why David Moyes tried very hard to sign him. We even had a deal agreed with City until Chelsea swooped.”Can you name the famous fathers? More

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    Fans troll Phil Foden for ‘worst all time 11 I’ve ever seen’ as Man City star picks his Premier League best XI

    PHIL FODEN caused a backlash online after naming his all time best Premier League XI.And the criticism for his team came from non-City and City fans alike.Fans were not a fan of Phil Foden’s all time XICredit: GettyThe attacking midfielder has arguably been his club’s player of the season after putting his finest run of form together in a City shirt this campaign.He’s more than stepped up to cover for Kevin De Bruyne, who missed the first half of the season and has netted 22 goals in all competitions.As part of an interview with the Daily Mail, he was asked to name his best Premier League XI of all time as City look to win their fourth title on the bounce.Eyebrows were raised straight away with his choice of goalkeeper, Ederson, who some feel has always been better with his feet than with his hands as a keeper.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe then added another current team-mate, Kyle Walker as right-back, insisting: “I’m serious though, I don’t see another right back.”His City team-mates were joined by club legend Vincent Kompany, title-rival Virgil van Dijk and Ashley Cole.He went on to name fellow City legend David Silva in the midfield alongside Patrick Vieira, saying: “I feel like [Silva] needs that protection, so it’s a good balance.”His decision to shun De Bruyne to include Silva did not go down well with City fans on X, with one saying: “No KDB Foden needs to be benched next game just for this.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother said: “Replace any midfielder with KDB and Ederson with any good GK and he’s spot on”Foden rounded out his XI in an attacking fashion, playing United legend Cristiano Ronaldo as a wide right midfielder and Thierry Henry on the left wing.England’s Phil Foden has seen his off-pitch earnings soar to £4.4mil-lion in 2024 Wayne Rooney and Sergio Aguero were the two players he played up front.It’s fair to say that his decisions split opinion online, with one fan saying: “Might be the worst all time 11 I’ve ever seen fair play.”Another said: “Most biased XI ever.”And one Fan simply said: “Good XI.” More

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    Pep Guardiola reveals why he sold Cole Palmer with Chelsea star topping Premier League scoring charts amid amazing year

    PEP GUARDIOLA admits Cole Palmer has been the “decisive player of the season” after being forced to sell him to Chelsea.But the Manchester City boss insists the England midfielder, 21, asked to leave the Etihad for TWO YEARS before he finally got his £40million move to Stamford Bridge last summer.Pep Guardiola has revealed that Cole Palmer wanted to leave Man City for two yearsCredit: AFPThe midfielder has been a hit since joining ChelseaCredit: GettyMauricio Pochettino has sympathised with GuardiolaCredit: GettyPalmer bids to boot his old club out of the FA Cup in Saturday’s Wembley semi-final after scoring 20 Prem goals already this season — including FOUR in Monday’s 6-0 thrashing of Everton.And Guardiola confessed: “He said he wanted to leave. What could we do? He was asking for two seasons to leave and I said, ‘No, stay’.“I also said in pre-season he should stay because Riyad Mahrez had gone, but he said, ‘No, I want to leave’.“So after two seasons what could I say?READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Playing at his current level is exceptional. He is an incredible threat. Everyone knows it.“We’ve seen how strong Chelsea are, the weapons they have up front, and Cole is the decisive player of the season.”Palmer is level with City striker Erling Haaland in the race for this season’s Golden Boot and is even being tipped as a potential Footballer of the Year.And Guardiola conceded: “I didn’t give him the minutes that he deserved. He wanted minutes that now he has at Chelsea. I understand completely.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“I am happy for him because he’s a lovely guy and an exceptional player.”Chelsea chief Mauricio Pochettino sympathised with Guardiola’s dilemma.reveals reason behind Chelsea penalty bust-up and insists team-mates were ‘laughing and joking about it’The Argentine said: “I understand perfectly when a young player wants to play more and you don’t have the possibility to provide this time.“If you have players like Phil Foden, Jack Grealish or Bernardo Silva, yes, you have to have patience. If you are not able to live with it, you have to move.“He found here a good place to play consistently. It is true, he is performing in a good way for us, maybe over expectations.”Meanwhile, Guardiola says he will sniff out any players who are not ready to play again after a gruelling Champions League spot-kick exit to Real Madrid in midweek.Haaland is only 50-50 to play at Wembley after feeling a muscle problem at the end of 90 minutes.But Kevin De Bruyne and Manuel Akanji — who also asked to be subbed against the Spaniards — are ready to play.Guardiola said: “We’ll try to smell who feels better and who recovers better from the game against Madrid.“They’ll say, ‘I’m fine, Pep’ when you talk with them, but you never know who is fine, some recover better than others.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But Friday the feeling was better than Thursday.“Everyone is ready to do this battle again.” More

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    Man City ‘plot huge Jamal Musiala transfer bid as Pep Guardiola draws up three-man shortlist’

    MANCHESTER CITY are eager to sign Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala this summer, according to reports.The reigning Premier League champions will look to strengthen once again this summer, after not being fully satisfied with last year’s business.Jamal Musiala helped Bayern knock Arsenal out of the Champions League in mid-weekCredit: PACity lost key men Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez last summer, while they also decided to let Cole Palmer leave to join Chelsea.New recruit Matheus Nunes has not made an impact since joining from Wolves, while Jeremy Doku still has a way to go.According to The Guardian, City will make a “big push” to sign Musiala this summer.They add that City’s interest is “advanced” and that the Bayern ace, 21, is becoming their top target.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMusiala left Chelsea’s academy aged 16 to join Bayern Munich in 2019.He has since gone on to become a key man in Bavaria, helping them to four Bundesliga titles and a Club World Cup.With Bayern having lost their crown to Bayer Leverkusen this term, Musiala may feel that now is the time to leave.The Germany international, who represented England at youth level, has two years remaining on his contract.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERShould he indicate that he would like to leave Bayern he is set to receive plenty of interest, with Chelsea also remaining keen on their former Cobham starlet.If Musiala proves to be unattainable, City have a pair of fall-back options ready, with Pep Guardiola desperate for new attacking reinforcements.Roy Keane says it was nice to see England get taste of own medicine after losing out of MusialaThey retain their previous interest in Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, despite concerns over his injury history.While West Ham ace Lucas Paqueta is also still on their radar, although any move would hinge on the outcome of an FA investigation into alleged betting breaches by the midfielder, which he denies.Eberechi Eze has impressed for Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyLucas Paqueta remains on Man City’s radarCredit: Rex’This guy has the potential to win the Ballon d’Or’Pundit Rio Ferdinand has previously gushed over Musiala, calling him a “potential Ballon d’Or winner”.The TNT Sports star said: “He’s a fabulous footballer. In a world where we talk about stats and data, he ticks that box, but it’s on the eye test where he comes alive; the way he receives the ball, he’s elusive, he rides a tackle and gets through traffic with HD.”He’s a fantastic footballer. I think the highest compliment I can give him is that I don’t know where his ceiling is.”Most players even at 20/22 years old, you go ‘I think they are going to get to this level and that’s them.'”This guy has the potential to win the Ballon d’Or.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve said it before, he has the potential to do that if the path goes the right way for him and he’s in a successful team. That’s the platform and foundation for that.” More

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    Jude Bellingham seen chanting in Spanish as Real Madrid stars go wild with fans after epic Man City penalty win

    REAL MADRID superstar Jude Bellingham went wild with fans as he chanted in Spanish after a stunning Champions League triumph over Manchester City.Real punched their ticket to the semi-finals on Wednesday after beating City 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at the Etihad.Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham went wild with the crowd after beating Manchester CityCredit: RexBellingham chanted in Spanish with the rest of the travelling Real Madrid fansCredit: ReutersBellingham helped Real Madrid qualify for the Champions League semi-finalsBellingham, 20, helped Los Blancos set sail for their 15th European title as his spot kick was on target.And the star midfielder broke out into passionate celebrations after his team-mate Antonio Rudiger scored the crucial penalty while Anriy Lunin denied both Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic.The camera caught a number of Real stars, such as Rudiger and Rodrygo, climbing over the barriers and hugging travelling fans.Bellingham followed suit and joined the crowd in singing one of the club’s most famous chants.Read More on FootballA clip on TikTok showed the England international belt out: “Asi, Asi, Asi gana el Madrid (Like this, like this, like this Madrid always win!)”Bellingham has shown once more he has adjusted perfectly to his new life at the Santiago Bernabeu ever since his British record £115million move from Borussia Dortmund only last summer.The ex-Birmingham star has amassed a whopping total of 20 goals and 10 assists in 35 appearances.And the versatile midfielder is so happy at Real he insists his move to the Spanish giants was a “no brainer”.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBellingham said: “I had conversations with other teams but when Madrid came in it was a no brainer really.“The size of the club, the project, the plan going forward, the chance to play with such amazing players. Jude Bellingham explains why Real Madrid move was ‘no brainer’ despite holding transfer talks with European giants “I just jumped at it. That’s why I made my decision.”Why Man City fans were to blame for penalty defeat to Real MadridRIO FERDINAND and Joleon Lescott have blamed Man City’s penalty shoot-out defeat to Real Madrid on the FANS.
    Bernardo Silva missed one of the spot kicks as City crashed out of the Champions League.
    And the England duo spotted how the home fans at the Etihad played a role in the spot-kick being saved.
    Ex-Man City star Lescott claimed the home supporters held onto the ball for too long after Real’s Luka Modric fired his shot into the stands.
    He said: “That would have just took him out of sync and out of his rhythm.
    “You can practice the routine, the technique, the walk up potentially, this is something you don’t prepare for, the ball being in the crowd.”
    Ferdinand chimed in: “40 seconds by the way Joleon,” before Lescott continued: “That is a long time. It may not seem that long but it’s a very long time when you are waiting there and you are thinking, now do I change position?
    “Now do I change where I go? And all of a sudden, it’s a soft penalty.”
    Manchester United legend Ferdinand went on to say: “It’s a shame though as well, because it is the home fans that are delaying that penalty kick which is a shame.” More