More stories

  • in

    Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City out to beat Man Utd to £86m transfer for Real Madrid star who could lose spot to Mbappe

    FOUR Premier League giants are ready for a huge tug-of-war transfer fight over Real Madrid star Rodrygo, according to reports.Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United are all monitoring the 23-year-old Brazilian.Rodrygo has attracted interest from four Prem giantsCredit: GettyWith Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe set to join, Spanish outlet SPORT report the LaLiga giants would be willing to open negotiations on Rodrygo if they receive offers above £86million.Treble-winners City have kept tabs on Rodrygo since his two stoppage-time goals helped to knock out the Prem champions in their dramatic 2022 Champions League semi-final.The winger, whose £205,000-a-week Bernabeu contract runs until 2028, has bagged 13 goals and provided nine assists in 41 Real games this term.United fans are keen on signing Rodrygo, who starred in Brazil’s 1-0 win over England on Saturday.But they could face a challenge for his signature from Arsenal or Liverpool, particularly if Mo Salah leaves Anfield amid links to Saudi Arabia.Interest could ramp up in the summer and Real Madrid already have a ready-made replacement for the forward in 17-year-old Endrick, who agreed a transfer to the Bernabeu in December 2022.However Rodrygo’s future will most likely be determined by what happens with Mbappe.The Frenchman is out of contract in the summer and has been tipped to swap PSG for Real Madrid.Most read in FootballRodrygo has played as a no9 at times this seasonBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut he was expected to do the same two years ago before a dramatic U-turn led him to pen a new contract.Reports claim Mbappe has signed a five-year deal with Real Madrid which includes an £85million signing-on fee.Football stars’ weird phobias More

  • in

    Arsenal lining up shock cut-price transfer for Man City outcast who fell out with Pep Guardiola

    ARSENAL are ready to pounce for Joao Cancelo – if Barcelona are unable to turn his loan move into a permanent one.Cancelo, 29, still has three years left on his Manchester City contract but has not been at the Etihad for 14 months after a fall-out with Pep Guardiola.Joao Cancelo is currently on loan at Barcelona from Manchester CiyCredit: GettyCancelo fell out with Man City boss Pep Guardiola before leaving the Etihad on loanCredit: AFPHe moved to the Nou Camp in September but, despite being a regular and Barcelona having first option to sign him, they insist the £40million asking price is too steep.That has alerted Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, who knows Cancelo well from his time as Guardiola’s assistant.His ability to play on either flank is a huge plus for Arteta, who is in the market for a top level left-back, while Cancelo also impressed in midfield when he was pushed forward at City.Cancelo has made it no secret that he would prefer to stay at Barca.READ MORE ON ARSENALYet they do not want to go beyond paying another loan fee to keep him for a further 12 months.He spent the previous six months at Bayern Munich but the German giants also insisted the asking price was too high.City want the Portugal international off the books, rather than seeing his price drop the longer he remains their player.Arteta has raided City for Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus in the past.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd, as much as he would like to stay at Barca, Cancelo may be tempted by another link-up with the Spaniard in the summer.He made 154 appearances for Man City, scoring nine goals and providing 22 assists.Four Arsenal stars confronted Arsene Wenger after huge stars sold to bitter rivals, reveals Jack Wilshere The full-back won three Premier League titles and the Carabao Cup at the Etihad, before he left for Barcelona and won the LaLiga title last year.This season he has played 32 games in all competitions, starting 22 of their 29 league matches. More

  • in

    Man City to bank a guaranteed £53million in next year’s revamped Champions League before they kick a single ball

    MANCHESTER CITY will earn a guaranteed £53million in next year’s Champions League – without kicking a ball.The Etihad side will be able to land £133.5m if they win every game – up from the £117m they earned for last season’s triumph.Manchester City will earn a guaranteed £53m in next year’s Champions LeagueCredit: PAMan City pose as a certainty to compete in next season’s revamped Champions LeagueCredit: AFPAnd England’s other representatives can all gross huge sums, with Liverpool just fractionally behind City in the new money table.Pep Guardiola’s side can add an extra £3.67m if they retain their title at Wembley in June and then win the Uefa Super Cup for the second year running – taking their potential European earnings to £137.21m.But French giants Paris Saint-Germain will be Europe’s top pre-season earners under a new calculation system agreed by Uefa’s top brass.The revamped competition, with 36 teams in the expanded Champions League, will be worth a total of £372m more to participating clubs from next season.Read More on FootballThat sees the round by round prize fund increase from maximum earnings of £72.9m per club to £94.9m.The new system will see all teams play eight opponents – with four games at home and four away – to create a “final” table.The team top of that table will collect £8.6m, in addition to their starting bonus of £15.9m and £1.8m for every league stage win.Further bonuses for each stage reached in the competition – with the top eight teams in the table going straight through to the last 16 and the clubs ranked ninth to 24th playing off to join them – boost the performance prize fund by 43.4 per cent to a total £1.35billion.Most read in FootballBut City will also benefit from a new calculation for the remaining £730m available to the clubs, which sees the previous “TV market pool” and controversial “coefficient” calculations merged together.It sees around 80 per cent of the remaining cash distributed by a calculation of performances in European football over the past five seasons and the size of the individual TV pot paid by broadcasters in each nation.Martin Lipton reacts to the Champions League draw as Arsenal face old foesTNT Sport are paying £305m per season for live coverage of all but 17 of the 189 matches, with Amazon Prime screening the others – the first pick of Tuesday games – and highlights on BBC for the first time.But the total of those deals are thought to be slightly under the £411m per year cable outfit Canal+ are paying for rights in France.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERIt means PSG will take the biggest share of that pot – £30.9m – followed by City on £30.1m and Liverpool, assuming they finish in the Prem top four, on £29.2m.If Arsenal, Tottenham or Manchester United qualify, they will all take in excess of £23m from that pot.The remaining approximate 20 per cent will be determined by a 10-year ranking of European performances, although no longer including bonus points for past title wins.City are certain to be third in that list – behind Real Madrid and Bayern Munich – earning a further £7.3m.READ MORE SUN STORIESLiverpool are set to pick up £6.23m from that pot for a total “value pillar” share of £35.43 compared to City’s £37.28m.The new prize fund, though, means clubs will earn LESS money per game than under the current system even if the gross figure is higher. More

  • in

    ‘I want to win every game and Manchester City style suits my character’, says WSL ace Leila Ouahabi

    LEILA OUAHABI is uncertain if a celebratory tattoo will be on the cards if she helps Manchester City win a WSL title this season.For the left-back it’s a case of “maybe or maybe not” with her focus being on their club chasing their first league crown under Gareth TaylorLeila Ouahabi hopes to help Man City will their first Women’s Super League in eight yearsCredit: PAA defeat of Man United would see Ouahabi’s side go top in the WSL ahead of Chelsea’s game against West HamCredit: GettyThe last WSL meeting between Manchester United and Man City resulted in a 3-1 win for the latterCredit: The TimesThe experienced defender, whose team play Man United at the Etihad today has her left arm adorned with striking designs.Some of these illustrations pay tribute to the important moments and people in her life.Amongst them is a stylish depiction of a butterfly she shares with her ex-Barcelona team-mate Patri Guijarro.For Ouahabi it symbolises the feeling of butterflies she had in her belly before her old club won the Women’s Champions League for the first time in 2021.Read More Football Stories In June that year the most dominant women’s football club in Spain stunned City’s title rivals Chelsea in a 4-0 demolition.Of her tattoo and memory of that match she said: “I remember in that game against Chelsea in the (Women’s Champions League) final. “Hours before I felt nervous and I talked with Patri and told her, ‘I’m feeling nervous’.“We spoke to each other and said if we win this title, we would get tattoos of a butterfly. Most read in Football“The meaning behind that is when you feel butterflies in your stomach when you feel nervous ahead of doing something big.”Ouahabi, whose club career began in Barcelona’s academy at the age of 13, hopes to pull off something big this season with City aiming to end Chelsea’s dominance at the WSL’s summit.A Cityzens win today would consign neighbours United to their second WSL derby day defeat this term.It would also see City leap above the Blues to the top of the table with Chelsea playing on Sunday.The lunchtime clash is one of five derbies taking place today and tomorrow across the top two tiers of the women’s game as part of Women’s Football Weekend.Emma Hayes’ Chelsea will visit West Ham and while Everton will go toe-to-toe with fifth-placed Liverpool at Goodison Park in the WSL.Elsewhere Championship leaders Sunderland will take on Durham at home.And their promotion chasing rivals Crystal Palace, who are second in the division, will host Watford.It is hoped matches across these weekend will lead to bigger crowd attendances at fixtures.Of City’s clash with the Red Devils, Ouahabi added: “It will be a good game and a competitive one.“Man United have good players. We will try to enjoy it and demonstrate our style. I hope the fans enjoy it with us.On how Manchester derbies compare to Barcelona’s clasico duels with Real Madrid, she said: “I feel it’s the same to be fair, because it will be a good game.“It’s a derby like (the ones) in Spain and the feelings and emotions are similar because it will be exciting.”Today’s fixture could see Ouahabi, who has played in 12 of City’s 16 top-flight games this term, feature in her fourth WSL derby.The last league duel between the rivals resulted in City battling from a goal down to claim a 3-1 win at an Old Trafford last NovemberOuahabi, who signed a two-year contract extension with the club last month, sees Gareth Taylor’s side as one that reflects her persona.And the defender, who helped Barcelona to 15 major silverware wins wants to City become a trophy-winning force.Ouahabi, who sealed a July 2022 City move, after her six-year second spell at Barca adds: “Man City has a playing style that is like my character.Ouahabi hopes to win a WSL title with Man City having won five top-flight titles in Spain with BarcelonaCredit: Getty“I’m passionate and have a lot of character when I’m in the game.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We want the ball, and we want to enjoy the game. It’s similar to when I played in Barcelona, a similar concept.“I want to win every game and I want to win titles. I want these things for Man City.” More

  • in

    Two Man City stars sent home early from international duty as huge Premier League title clash with Arsenal edges closer

    MANCHESTER CITY stars Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias have returned to the club midway through the international break.Both players starred as Portugal earned a 5-2 win over Sweden in Guimaraes on Thursday.Ruben Dias (R) has been sent home from international dutyCredit: GettyBernardo Silva is also set to return to ManchesterCredit: GettyAnd while manager Roberto Martinez was impressed with the performance, he revealed that eight players will be sent home ahead of Tuesday’s match against Slovenia.Among those players are Silva, Dias, Rafael Leao and Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.Martinez said: “We have eight arriving for the second game. It’s important to work on different concepts.”Bernardo [Silva], Ruben Dias, [Joao] Palhinha, [Nelson] Semedo, Toti [Gomes], Rafael Leão, Bruno Fernandes and Goncalo Ramos are leaving.”Read More on FootballMatheus Nunes, who scored one of Portugal’s five goals against Sweden on Thursday, is set to remain with the squad.Silva and Dias’ return to Manchester will be a huge boost for Pep Guardiola.City face Arsenal in a huge Premier League title clash next weekend.Kevin De Bruyne was forced to withdraw from the Belgium squad before the international break due to injury.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd Erling Haaland suffered a scare during Norway training this week.Meanwhile, Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka was forced to withdraw from the England squad on Thursday due to an injury issue.Will Pugh and Rob Maul discuss Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool’s chances in the Premier League title race More

  • in

    England star Jack Grealish posts from ‘lonely’ international break of rehab… but fans can’t stop looking at his hair

    “LONELY” Jack Grealish has bewitched fans with the mystery of his perfect hair – even UNDERWATER.The Manchester City hero shared incredible photos of his solo plight as he misses two prestigious England friendlies for special training.Fans were amazed Jack Grealish kept his hair looking good, especially underwaterCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4ygXJ9IaU1/?img_index=1Grealish needs distractions even as he knuckles down to rehabCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4ygXJ9IaU1/?img_index=1The Man City hero’s followers are impressed with his perfect hairCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4ygXJ9IaU1/?img_index=1Grealish aims to regain peak shape this monthCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4ygXJ9IaU1/?img_index=1Etihad boss Pep Guardiola wants the winger to finally shake off injury niggles during extra rehab this month.And Grealish showed himself sitting at the bottom of a pool amid what he labelled a “lonely month working my way back”.But amongst a flood of good wishes, many of his 9million Instagram followers seemed more fascinated by how the 28-year-old maintained his hairstyle even when “practically drowning”.His look remained unchanged no matter what his fitness workout.READ MORE ON JACK GREALISHBut when he switched to the pool, fans were stunned by his immaculate underwater undercut.One joked: “Still looks good and he is practically drowning…. give normal blokes a chance Jack lol “Another asked: “How do you keep your hair untouched even under water?”And a third summed it all up: “The hair is still alwaysss on point.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHowever, a few others were focused on his underwear rather than his undercut.One wrote: “Things I love. 1) Jack Grealish 2) Puma briefs 3) Jack Grealish in Puma briefs.”How does Gareth Southgate solve Phil Foden dilemma, with Jack Grealish possibly missing out on Euro 2024And the overall verdict from fans on his well-groomed array of training shots? How about: “This is cold, man.”Meanwhile, having shrugged off his main problem of a groin issue, Grealish hopes to return at his peak for City’s title push and for the Three Lions at this summer’s Euros.The Man City hero has varied his recovery routineCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4ygXJ9IaU1/?img_index=1He’s spent more time alone than he might likeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4ygXJ9IaU1/?img_index=1The ex-Aston Villa captain shared his time in the gym onlineCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4ygXJ9IaU1/?img_index=1The winger hopes to be flying after the international breakCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4ygXJ9IaU1/?img_index=1 More

  • in

    Man City ace Erling Haaland signs new two year contract as he boosts career away from the pitch

    FOOTIE ace Erling Haaland has netted again — this time a tasty deal promoting his home nation’s seafood.The Norwegian super-striker has proved to be a prize catch for Manchester City, scoring 81 goals in 87 games so far.Man City ace Erling Haaland has netted a contract to be an ambassador for the Norwegian Seafood CouncilCredit: Instagram / @herrelandslagetHaaland in the Seafood Council advertCredit: PressworksAnd now the Leeds-born 23-year-old has landed a whopper, signing a contract to be an ambassador for the Norwegian Seafood Council.The deal will run until October 2026 and see the goal machine appear in TV commercials, posters and digital ads worldwide.Haaland, who signed for City from German side Borussia Dortmund in a £51million deal in 2022, said: “Seafood has been part of my upbringing and my diet growing up.“Norwegian seafood, which I consider to be the best in the world, still has a natural place in my life. READ MORE ON ERLING HAALAND”The Norwegian Seafood Council does an important job of inspiring and building knowledge about tasty and healthy seafood, globally and at home in Norway.”Haaland has also scored 27 goals in 29 games for Norway’s national team and is expected to face the Czech Republic today.NSC chief executive Christian Chramer said: “Haaland is recognised as one of the world’s best footballers, and is a gigantic profile with unrivalled global visibility.“The match with Norwegian seafood is obvious. Being able to combine two of Norway’s best exports and strongest brands fills us with enormous pride.”Most read in FootballBut it is not just seafood that fuels the Nordic net-buster.The Sun revealed last week that Haaland is inspired by a lucky hat-trick pasta dish he eats at his favourite Italian restaurant.Erling Haaland reveals secret talent after childhood vid goes viralHe regularly tucks into a special of pasta, cream and mushrooms cooked for him by Beppe Piccoli, owner of Vero Moderno in Salford, Greater Manchester.The 6ft 4in goal monster has eaten at the restaurant once a week, almost every week, for the last two years and credits its signature dish for his prowess.Beppe said: “When I first gave it to him the very first time I met him, it was before the season kicked off. I said, ‘When you score a hat-trick on Sunday, please thank Beppe and Vero Moderno’. He scored a hat-trick, didn’t he? It was funny.” More

  • in

    Lucas Paqueta breaks silence on betting scandal hell that scuppered West Ham star’s £80m move to Man City

    LUCAS PAQUETA has opened up for the first time on his betting scandal hell – paying tribute to the support shown by “special” David Moyes.West Ham star Paqueta, 26, has been under an FA investigation since August over allegations of suspicious gambling activities.Lucas Paqueta has spoken ahead of Brazil’s clash with England this SaturdayCredit: PAPaqueta, 26, opened up on his relationship with Hammers boss David MoyesCredit: AFPThe furore prompted Manchester City to back out of a proposed £80million move for the playmaker – but they have been tipped to rekindle their interest this summer.It also saw him left out of the Brazil squad for all six of their autumn matches, though he is now back with the Samba Boys for this month’s friendlies against England and Spain.Paqueta revealed how tough the ordeal has been for him but praised Irons chief Moyes for his handling of the situation.The former Lyon ace said: “In the beginning it was hard.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“But now I have grown a lot mentally and now I can live with that. I have left that behind and I can now focus on my performances.“(Moyes) was special for me. I have a good relationship with him. And his support was important for me.“He said he wanted me playing in the team. That confidence was very important for me.“Without a shadow of doubt, the support he gave me to leave all this behind, it was essential.”Most read in FootballPaqueta’s probe relates to bets placed on the midfielder to receive a yellow card in various Premier League matches.He denies any wrongdoing and was said to be shocked by the allegations when they first emerged – though could not elaborate on the ongoing investigation.Europa League quarter-final draw in full as Liverpool and West Ham learn their fate The former AC Milan attacker added: “I was told not to comment on this subject.“It’s been seven months since it happened and I’m cooperating, doing what’s in my power so that it can be resolved.”Paqueta has managed to be one of West Ham’s star performers this term, despite the probe, netting three goals and grabbing five assists in the Premier League.It has kept him on City’s radar who could look to exploit an alleged £85m release clause in his contract this summer – especially with Bernardo Silva’s future up in the air.Paqueta is just relieved to be back with his Selecao team-mates after his exile earlier this season.New boss Dorival Jnr brought the 42-cap ace straight back in for his new squad, which includes no fewer than ELEVEN uncapped players.(Moyes) was special for me. I have a good relationship with him. And his support was important for me.Lucas PaquetaManchester United midfielder Casemiro, not involved due to injury, took the time out to see his international colleagues at their Sopwell House base near St Albans.Paqueta said: “I’m very happy to be back. I hope I can help [the youngsters] in the best way possible.“I worked with the coach at the end of my time at Flamengo and it was an incredible experience. I’m happy to be called up for his recognition of my work.“Being in the national team has always been my dream, so when I return I feel even more privileged.”Paqueta will come up against West Ham team-mates past and present at Wembley on Saturday.Irons winger Jarrod Bowen, 27, is making a great case for inclusion in England’s Euros squad with 18 goals in all competitions.While Declan Rice, 25, is scaling new heights since his £105m switch from the London Stadium to Arsenal last summer.Paqueta added: “I have a lot of respect for them and I am fond of them. They are very good professionals.“Bowen is having an amazing season. I am happy to help him.“Declan is a great player. I am sure they will do the best they can for England and I will try to do the best I can for Brazil.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The Brazilian team will always be favourites, because of the history we have, the players we have.“It’s going to be a great game because there are two great teams and that respect has to be there.” More