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      Man City accused of persuading transfer target, 18, to buy out his contract as Real Valladolid threaten legal action

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      MANCHESTER City have been slammed over the potential signing of young defender Juma Bah.Spanish side Real Valladolid are accusing City of persuading Bah to buy out his own youth contract in order to secure a move to the Etihad.Man City are being threatened with legal action over a move for Real Valladolid’s Juma BahCredit: GettyAnd Valladolid have threatened to take legal action against the centre back, 18, for breach of contract.According to reports in Spain, City were in talks with the LaLiga side for a deal worth up to £6.75m.But Sierra Leone-born Bah, 18, and his representatives informed Valladolid that they were instead going to pay up the terms of his current youth contract at a cost of around £5m.And Valladolid are furious, because Bah has refused to sign a pro deal that would have cost more to buy out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Spanish club issued a stern statement, saying: “Abdulai Juma Bah and his agent informed Real Valladolid yesterday evening of their intention to unilaterally break the contract that binds both parties.“Previously, yesterday evening, Manchester City sent a statement asking Real Valladolid to open negotiations for the player for a possible permanent transfer.“Today, the Sierra Leonean has decided not to report to his workplace for morning training. For all these reasons, the Club holds the player responsible for the breach of his contractual commitments, and has asked its legal department to initiate disciplinary action in this regard.“The player’s intention, supposedly supported and guided by Manchester City and his agent, has caused great disappointment and indignation at the club.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“The Club considers that Manchester City, a member of the City Football Group, is behind the Player’s decision, and appears to have advised the player to take this route, which puts Real Valladolid in a defenceless position, after having recently rejected financial offers of a higher amount, even more so when the player is in the legally protected period of his youth stage.”And, in recent days, had refused to sign the professional player’s licence, as this would entail an automatic increase in his termination clause.Man City sign Abdukodir Khusanov in £34m deal with ‘tank’ as quick as Usain Bolt roped in to bolster Pep’s defence“Manchester City seems to have advised the player to adopt this path that puts Real Valladolid in a helpless situation.“The player’s intention, supposedly supported and guided by Manchester City and his agent, has caused great disappointment and indignation within Real Valladolid.”Real Valladolid will resort to the appropriate legal and sporting jurisdictions to exercise its rights and defend its interests.”Man City have declined to comment.Bah arrived at Valladolid on loan last summer from AIK Freetown in his native Sierra Leone.The 6ft 5in centre back was so impressive that on January 1 the La Liga club exercised its right to buy him for a fee of about £840,000.If City complete a deal for Bah, he is expected to go straight out on loan to Lens after the French club sold centre half Abdukodir Khusanov to the Premier League champions earlier this week. More

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      Kyle Walker’s Man City career OVER as AC Milan agree 12-month loan move – but deal end’s Rashford transfer interest

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      KYLE WALKER is to join AC Milan after agreeing a 12-month loan deal, SunSport can reveal.The Manchester City skipper, 34, is expected in Italy in the coming days before being unveiled to the Rossoneri.Kyle Walker has agreed a move to AC MilanCredit: GettyIt brings an end to a glittering career with Manchester City, for now at leastCredit: AFPThe England full-back won six Premier League titles at the EtihadCredit: ReutersHe was poised to join their fierce city rivals, Inter, after telling City of his desire to quit the Etihad but talks broke down over his wages.AC Milan have now agreed a deal that will see the Serie A giants pick up the majority of his £150,000 weekly pay packet.The deal brings Walker’s glittering eight-year career at City to a close – for now at least – and ends Milan’s long-running interest in Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford.Under strict Serie A rules, clubs can only sign one British player a year. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA source said: “The deal is done. Kyle is keen to get to Italy as soon as possible for the formalities.”He’s excited about the future and can’t wait to pull on the famous shirt.”He’s now an AC Milan player.”FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMost read in FootballThe race to sign Walker began just over a week ago after he informed the club he wanted to quit.Boss Pep Guardiola revealed his desire to leave after his side’s 8-0 mauling of Salford in the FA Cup.Roy Keane fumes at ’embarrassing’ Kyle Walker dive during Man City’s clash against Man UtdWalker was left out of the squad for the tie and was missing days later for the 2-2 draw with Brentford.Guardiola revealed: “Kyle asked to explore the option to play abroad.”He asked after the Treble, when Bayern Munich wanted him, but the offer was not good enough.”I prefer to play players whose mind is here. Kyle asked to explore but it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen because you never know.”We cannot understand the success that the club had these years without Kyle. It is impossible.”He has been our right-back and given us something we didn’t have. He’s been amazing.”But now in his mind, for many reasons, he would like to explore if he can go to another country to play his last years.”Incredible trophy haulWalker has won 17 major honours with City since his £50million move from Tottenham in 2017.His accolades include six Prem titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and the Champions League.He ruled out a move to the Saudi league to keep alive his chances of winning more England caps.He feared a move to the Middle East would almost certainly end his chances of becoming the first black player to reach 100 caps for the Three Lions.He currently has 93 and would need to make the plane for the World Cup next year to reach the historic milestone.A source said: “He not about to give up on that dream. He’s achieved so much already – but 100 England caps would be his crowning glory.READ MORE SUN STORIES”To achieve that, he’s going to have to give everything. He knows his career is coming to an end but he’s not done yet.”Don’t write him off.” More

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      Man City sign Abdukodir Khusanov, 20, in £34m deal with ‘tank’ as quick as Usain Bolt roped in to bolster Pep’s defence

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      MANCHESTER CITY have confirmed the signing of 20-year-old defender Abdukodir Khusanov.The rising star joins in a deal understood to be worth £34million – and he will become the first Uzbek to play in the Premier League.Abdukodir Khusanov has completed his £34m transfer from Lens to Manchester CityCredit: X/ ManCityThe defender put pen to paper on a deal until 2029Credit: X/ ManCityKhusanov will become the Premier League’s first Uzbek playerCredit: GettyKhusanov, 20, has enjoyed a stellar season in Ligue 1 and arrives at the Etihad to bolster Pep Guardiola’s back line. He put pen to paper on a four-and-a-half-year contract with City until 2029.The new No45 said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester City, a club that I have enjoyed watching for a long time.“This squad is full of the best players in the world, and I can’t wait to meet them and play alongside them.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“And of course Pep Guardiola is one of the greatest coaches ever and I am so excited to learn from him and improve my game even more.“This is a very proud moment for me and my family to be joining a great club like Manchester City and I’m more than ready for this challenge.”Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: “We are very happy that he has joined us and we are all very excited about what he will bring. “For such a young defender, Abdukodir is already very intelligent, as well as being strong, aggressive and extremely quick.  Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“Working with Pep will only make him better and, speaking to him, he is determined to keep improving. “He is a really exciting signing as we aim to keep progressing to maintain one of the best squads in Europe.”How Brighton proved Man Utd don’t trust Ruben Amorim’s tacticsKhusanov left his homeland aged 18 to join Belarusian club Energetik-BGU in 2022.Less than 18 months later, he signed for Lens in July 2023 for £84,000 – and has now moved on for 400 TIMES that figure, having only established himself as a first-team regular starter this season.Under Will Still’s management, the defender has shone as an aggressive centre-back – prompting his gaffer to declare: “Kodir is a tank.”A physical specimen, he is tall, powerful, strong and lightning quick.In fact, his top speed of 37km/h this season is only just shy of the 37.58km/h pace Usain Bolt averaged to set the 100m world record. He is not the best with the ball at his feet, does have a distinct lack of experience – just 24 Ligue 1 appearances and two in the Champions League – and the language could be a barrier as he settles into a new side desperate for him to hit the ground running. City – who have somewhat stopped the rot with a 6-0 thumping at Ipswich to go five unbeaten in the Premier League – find themselves 12 points adrift of leaders Liverpool and seemingly well out of the title race.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey are still in the FA Cup, though, and will hope to scrape through into the play-off round of the Champions League.And Khusanov may not have to wait long to be thrown into the deep end, with City facing PSG and Chelsea this week. Khusanov will rival Micky van de Ven as one of the Prem’s quickest playersCredit: GettyHe will go up against the likes of Gabriel Martinelli againCredit: GettyKhusanov is not afraid to show his aggressive sideCredit: AFP More

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      Manchester City line up stunning January transfer for former star as Pep Guardiola tries to save horror season

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      MANCHESTER CITY are lining up a stunning January move to re-sign Douglas Luiz, according to reports.Pep Guardiola is planning a mid-season squad overhaul to save City’s troubling campaign and Luiz, who joined Juventus last summer, is among those being lined up.Manchester City are on the market for a new midfielderCredit: AlamyDouglas Luiz has been linked with the champions, according to the AthleticCredit: AlamyCity are in the process of a hectic transfer window this month after a troubling first half of the season. Guardiola’s men are eighth in the Premier League and 15 points behind table-topping Liverpool.According to The Athletic, their focus will now turn to adding a midfielder to the squad before the window closes on February 3.Among them is Juventus midfielder Luiz, who was on City’s books between 2017-19.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe 26-year-old Brazil international joined Juve from Aston Villa last summer but has struggled to make an impact, playing only 16 times this season.City would be looking to acquire Luiz on loan until the end of this season, with no obligation to buy.But Juventus, who paid £42.2m for Luiz last summer, prefer a sale or loan with an obligation to sign him in the summer.City have been depleted in that area since losing Ballon d’Or winner Rodri to a serious knee injury in September.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLuiz made the summer move from Birmingham to Turin alongside his footballer girlfriend Alisha Lehmann.He made more than 200 appearances in all competitions for the Villans, while scoring 22 goals and 24 goals.Erling Haaland signs stunning nine-and-a-half-year Man City contract and ‘one of sport’s most lucrative contracts ever’ Swiss star Lehmann played 15 games for Aston Villa Women last season, scoring two goals, while also adding two goals in the FA WSL Cup.Guardiola is also considering a defensive revamp.Talks are ongoing with Lens for centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov and Palmeiras over defender Vitor Reis.City have also seen a bid rejected by Eintracht Frankfurt for forward Omar Marmoush.Luiz has been limited to 12 appearances this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Zlatan Ibrahimovic gives Kyle Walker transfer update with AC Milan set to choose Man City star over Marcus Rashford

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      ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC has confirmed Kyle Walker’s switch to AC Milan is moving closer.The Italian giants are first in the queue for the wantaway Manchester City defender.AC Milan senior advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic confirmed Kyle Walker’s switch is moving closerCredit: GettyWalker has expressed his desire to leave Man City during the January transfer windowCredit: ReutersMilan have reportedly ended their pursuit of Manchester United star Marcus RashfordCredit: GettyIbrahimovic, a senior adviser at Milan, said: “When someone like Walker is on the market, there is going to be a lot of interest. “Everyone knows he’s a great player, he’s done big things at Manchester City and England.”City boss Pep Guardiola revealed a week ago that Walker, 34, wanted to quit for a new challenge abroad.And Ibra confirmed age was no stumbling block, adding: “Walker doesn’t go against our strategies.Read More on Football“He is strong, he is a leader, he dominates the dressing room.“We are checking what is possible.”Andrea Cambiaso has been lined up as Walker’s replacement.And Cambiaso’s club Juventus have been linked with Milan’s England centre-back Fikayo Tomori.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesBut Ibrahimovic insisted: “He is our player, he is happy at Milan.”This comes after reports suggesting Milan have abandoned their pursuit of Manchester United wantaway star Marcus Rashford.Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transferSerie A rules only allow clubs to register one non-EU player per year and the Rossoneri prefer Walker.The Man City star has won a staggering six Premier League titles, two FA Cup trophies, four League Cups and the Champions League ever since his move to the Etihad from Tottenham in 2017.The full-back has amassed a total of six goals and 23 assists in 319 appearances.However, the England international has struggled for minutes this season with only 18 appearances under his belt. More

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      From quirky diets and raps to secret baby and THAT obsession with Hannah Montana – inside weird world of Erling Haaland

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      A GOAL machine with the flowing blond locks of his Viking heritage, Erling Haaland likes to tell rivals to “stay humble”.Now — after landing a deal that dwarfs anything seen before in British football — he may need to heed the advice himself.Erling Haaland and girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen at the 2023 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony in ParisCredit: GettyErling pictured relaxing on a sunshine breakCredit: InstagramToddler Erling was destined to be a footballerCredit: InstagramErling pictured yesterday after signing until 2034Credit: instagram/erlingThat’s because the attention that comes with such a huge contract will propel Haaland, 24, and his 21-year-old partner Isabel Haugseng Johansen into fame’s premier league.A source close to the couple said: “They are going to be a bigger than the Beckhams. They will be the wealthiest, most famous couple in the world of football.”Backed by Abu Dhabi petro dollars, Manchester City have signed Haaland on a new reported £500,000 a week, nine-and-a-half-year deal.Pre-tax, that’s £260million before his lucrative endorsements and win bonuses are factored in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL That’s around £71,000 a day, nearly £3,000 an hour and 83p per second.The minimum wage for ordinary folk rises to £12.21 an hour in April. Haaland earns that in 15 seconds.It takes Haaland six seconds to earn the cost of a pint and just under two and half days to make enough to afford a new Ferrari ­Portofino M Convertible.City are said to have backdated the deal to the start of the season which means Haaland will pocket £3.25million in wages he is owed since then.Most read in FootballTellingly, the striker said yesterday: “Now I am City no matter what.”For the Manchester club still awaits the verdict after being charged with 115 breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules.Erling Haaland talks about his contract extension at Man City to 2034 Possible sanctions include a points deduction or even relegation from England’s top division.‘We’re like any couple’It means that Haaland could be turning out at Millwall’s New Den or Oxford United’s Kassam Stadium rather than Anfield or Old Trafford with his deal that stretches to 2034.One fan tweeted: “By the time his contract ends, I’ll have grandkids, and they’ll still be watching him pad his stats against Burnley!”The deal comes after Haaland and glamorous Isabel had their first child shortly before Christmas.Although the couple are said to live quietly at their six-bed Cheshire mansion, they enjoy spending the wealth they have amassed.They pair have taken lavish holidays including breaks in Marbella, where Haaland owns a £6million villa, and on a yacht in Capri, Italy.He’s been pictured pairing a £300,000 watch with a Burberry pyjama set. In 2023 he was caught using his mobile phone at the wheel of his £300,000 Rolls Royce Cullinan SUV.Just before Christmas, Isabel spent more than £6,000 at ­Selfridges. Her items included a £2,700 Gucci bag, a £1,670 backpack and a £950 Gucci hoodie in the online spree.Details of Isabel’s spending blitz emerged after blundering Selfridges staff sent her receipt to another customer by mistake.Isabel and Haaland first met when they both played in Byrne, Norway, at the local football youth academy.Haaland seems to have retained at least some of the down-to-earth nature of a lad from a small town.Haaland plugged his monster new deal with an Instagram video, in which he wore white shorts, sitting cross-legged in the snow in a meditation poseCredit: instagram/erlingThe ace on holiday in Capri, Italy, with Isabel last yearCredit: BackGridThe pair larking around on the tripCredit: BackGridDuring his first weeks at City he was spotted shopping at Sainsbury’s. He later mocked those who expressed surprise at seeing him in a regular supermarket by tweeting: “At M&S. Bought a bag of Percy Pig. Don’t tell anyone.” Isabel has said: “We just want to live our lives without too much fuss. At the end of the day, we’re just like any other couple.”Now I am City no matter whatErling HaalandNot every other young couple starting a family will earn £260million in the next decade, of course.A source said: “Isabel absolutely loves sport and football — that’s how they met. “She’s amazingly fit as well as stunningly beautiful and the brands are going to be all over her — not just sporting names but beauty too.”Haaland plugged his monster new deal with an Instagram video for his 38.5million followers. Fans saw him in nothing but white shorts, sitting cross-legged in the snow in a meditation pose that he has used as a goal celebration.Ethereal music plays before the star says: “I’m here to stay.”One fan posted: “My day is made! Thank you Erling.”Another added: “Stay humble.”It’s a reference to Haaland’s “stay humble” advice to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta after City’s 98th-minute ­equaliser against the London club at the end of September.Let’s be clear. The reason Haaland is being paid this obscene amount of money is because he’s worth it.Arguably the greatest striker in the world’s best league, his goal record at City is astonishing. He is one of the reasons why the Premier League is sold around the globe — from Laos to Uzbekistan and the Pacific islands — for £10.4billion in TV rights.Arriving at City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 for £51.2million, he scored 52 goals in all competitions — including a single-season record of 36 in the Premier League. That season the team won the league, FA Cup and Champions League to land the Treble.Last season he scored 38 goals in 45 appearances and he has 21 goals already in this campaign as he goes for a third straight Golden Boot in the ­Premier League.Haaland said yesterday: “For two and a half years as a City player I have been winning loads of trophies, playing good football, having so many great moments together with the whole club and with the fans.”The £260million deal is a ­defining moment for a sport which has deep roots in working-class communities in the 19th Century mill towns of Lancashire.Players who turned out for Accrington and Preston North End when the Football League began in 1888 would scarcely believe the riches now drenching the game.When Everton signed Nick Ross from Preston that year, he was paid £10 a month. Haaland will earn that in around 12 seconds. By the late 1960s players still earned comparatively little, despite drawing huge crowds.When City club legend Mike Summerbee signed from Swindon Town in 1965, his wages increased from £35 to £40 per week.Yet Haaland’s salary is relatively paltry compared to global sport’s top earners.Baseball star Shohei Ohtani from the Los Angeles Dodgers is pocketing £57.4million a year over a ten-year contract.Juan Soto from the New York Mets picks up £41.8million over 15 years, totalling £627million. And Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez has a £60million-a-year deal with broadcaster DAZN for five years, while Formula 1’s Max Verstappen is earning £45million per year over six years with his team Red Bull.For two and a half years as a City player I have been winning loads of trophies, playing good football, having so many great moments together with the whole club and with the fansErling HaalandWith skin like white marble and shoulder-length blond hair, Haaland is the archetypal Norseman.Yet he was born on July 21, 2000, in Yorkshire, where his father — Norwegian international Alfie Haaland — was playing for Leeds United.In the mid-1990s Alfie had ­married Gry Marita Braut — a Norwegian heptathlete — and had children Astor, a finance student, Gabrielle, a healthcare assistant and Instagram personality, and finally Erling.Erling’s Yorkshire birth made him eligible to turn out for England’s Three Lions.In 2000 Alfie signed for ­Manchester City, where he would remain for three years.A simmering feud with hardman midfielder Roy Keane would come to a head in April 2001 when the Manchester United star brutally raked his studs into Haaland senior’s leg.The United man was sent off for the tackle, which was revenge for Alfie accusing him of feigning an injury — which was in fact career-threatening — more than three years previously.Keane would later write in his autobiography: “I f***ing hit him hard. The ball was there (I think). Take that you c***.”Bad blood still lingers.United fans goad Erling with chants of “Keano” — and Keane hasn’t spared his criticism.The pundit told Sky Sports: “In front of goal he’s the best in the world, but his general play for such a player — it is so poor. He’s almost like a League Two player.”‘I’m super-happy, proud’Alfie was said to be “really p***ed off” with the comment.When Alfie’s Premier League career ended in 2003, the family returned to his home town of Bryne in Norway.Young Erling loved running and was a natural athlete. Aged five he is said to have broken the world standing long jump record, leaping 1.63 metres.In front of goal he’s the best in the world, but his general play for such a player — it is so poor. He’s almost like a League Two player.”With ten members of his extended family who were professional footballers, he was drawn to the game and proved a natural.Joining Byrne’s football academy aged five, Haaland met Isabel, another football-mad youngster.The new mother once said: “We were just kids, kicking a ball around without a care in the world.“We were inseparable on the pitch. We didn’t know it back then, but those moments were the foundation of something much ­bigger.”In 2016 he and two friends from Norway’s youth team released their own hip-hop song on YouTube under the name Flow Kingz.Calling himself “Lyng”, Haaland raps in a baseball cap and hoodie while pretending to flip burgers and bouncing on a trampoline.His lyrics include: “I even look good when I eat”.It’s just as well his football career took off.Signing to Molde in 2017, the club put the 6ft 3ins gangly youth on a high protein diet — including reindeer steaks — to bulk him up.After moves to Red Bull Salzburg and Dortmund, he arrived in Manchester.Yesterday Haaland said: “I’m super happy, proud.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’m looking forward to staying here for a long time.”The next decade will certainly bring him untold riches and, just maybe, a spell playing Championship football.Erling with Oasis star Noel GallagherCredit: Tim StewartThe star pictured pairing a £300,000 watch with a Burberry pyjama setCredit: Tim StewartErling lifting the Champions League trophy with Isabel in 2023Credit: GettyThe pair having a private moment under the flagCredit: Getty More

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      Inside Liam Delap’s stunning rise from learning gymnastics as a kid to being BANNED from copying dad’s famous throw-ins

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      LIAM Delap’s size and skill marked him out for greatness by the time he was nine.But his phenomenal competitiveness was the key to turning him into one of European football’s most exciting strikers.Delap has enjoyed a breakthrough debut season in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyDelap joined Ipswich from Manchester City last summerDelap’s hold-up game and brute physicality has shone through this termCredit: RexDelap left City in search for first team opportunitiesCredit: GettyOn Sunday he faces Manchester City – the club that decided to sell him to Ipswich for £20million last summer.Despite Thursday’s 2-0 home defeat by Brighton, the Tractor Boys are hoping Delap’s goals can fire them to Prem safety.The Winchester-born star joined Derby County’s academy in 2009 – the same time Darren Wassall took charge of the youth set up there.And by the time the youngster could register formally as an under-nine, the Rams knew they had something special.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWassall told SunSport: “We had American owners and we had to do a presentation in 2011 or 2012 to say, in each age group, who were the top three players we thought could get through to scholarship.“We’ve still got the slides of when Liam was an under-nine or under-10 and he was one of the three.”All-rounder Delap tried his hands at plenty of sports while at school.Sprinting built his speed. Gymnastics helped make his large frame strong and agile.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd doing a bit of javelin fed into his ability to do impressive long throws like his dad – former Stoke, Southampton and Derby midfielder Rory – until parents of other children complained that his bombs were spoiling games and he stopped doing them.In any case, Delap’s attributes were more valuable in the penalty area than from the sideline.BBC pundit names England’s long-term successor to Harry Kane after Premier League star’s ‘bullying’ performance Liam (second left) appeared on Soccer AM with his family, including dad Rory, in 2014Gymnastics helped make Delap’s large frame strong and agileCredit: ReutersDad Rory is a Premier League cult heroCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe former Stoke player is remembered for his famous long throwCredit: AFPWassall said: “He was always among the biggest and most powerful players in his age group, and probably the age group above.“He could bustle his way through and had a really good strike with his laces. He could put one in from 20 yards, or 30 yards as he grew older.“But what really set him apart was his desire to compete.”Sometimes Delap’s will to win went too far.Wassall said: “Off the pitch he was likeable, so modest and humble and quiet.“The pitch was his stage, it was like a switch being flicked.“He was fearless. He didn’t mind getting hurt. He would go into the six-yard box with goalkeepers and defenders, where the boots were flying.“But his competitiveness was also a challenge for us.“He was so on the edge at times because he was so desperate to win, do well and score goals, that it boiled over.“Mainly he would challenge decisions, mostly in a good way, but there were times when we had to step in and bring him off for his own sake.“We had to show him that you can’t boil over because if you’re playing for the first team and do that, you will get sent off, miss three games and be no good to anybody.”Derby also made sure that Delap did not rely too much on his physical attributes.He would play in higher age groups and worked hard on his technique.Wassall said: “I remember watching him as an under-14 or under-15, playing for the under-16s, and he scored five goals against Sunderland, I think it was.“Every finish was different.”Delap’s former coach Wassall admitted that Delap’s ‘competitiveness was a challenge’Credit: GettyThe Winchester-born star joined England’s under-16s in 20185Delap spent 10 years in Derby County’s academyHe was loaned out to Hull City in 2022-23Credit: RexIn 14 years at Derby, Wassall oversaw the development of more than 40 players who went on to clock up more than 1,200 first-team appearances for the Rams between themBut Delap did not follow the same path as Willl Hughes, Jeff Hendrick and others.He was attracting the attention of clubs across Europe, including Bayern Munich,And one day Wassall had to call dad Rory, by now a coach in the Derby Academy himself, to tell him that Manchester City were in for his son.Wassall, now head of youth development at the EFL, said: “It was bittersweet because we wanted him to go on to the first team.“He was part of the Derby family. His younger brother Finn was there too and Rory was working there.“But it was a no-brainer for him to go.”Delap’s move to City in 2019 was a big step in his football education.Delap signed a contract extension with City in 2021Credit: GettyKevin Betsy, the former Fulham, Barnsley and Wycombe striker, was the teenager’s head coach for four years at international level.And Betsy saw Delap develop in confidence and all-round performance after initially being called up to England’s under-15s .Betsy told Sun Sport: “There were a lot of players in the squad from high-level clubs, your Liverpool’s, Man United’s and Chelsea’s.“Derby is a fantastic academy but they were in the EFL. That can come with a feeling of, ‘Am I good enough to be with this level of player?’“In the initial under-15 camps he probably didn’t show his true level.”But in his final year at Derby and his first with CIty, Delap was part of a stellar England under-16 side featuring Jude Bellingham, Jamal Musiala, Harvey Elliott and Levi Colwill.One of many highlights was scoring in a 4-0 win over Brazil that infuriated the South Americans so much that they had two players sent off.Delap was part of a stellar England under-16 side featuring Jude Bellingham, Jamal Musiala, Harvey Elliott and Levi ColwillCredit: AlamyDelap documented his England youth days on InstagramCredit: Instagram / @liamdelap7Betsy said: “The move to City bumped him up to a different level technically and tactically because of the way they played in their academy.“City would often use the No 9 as a focal point in the build-up. Liam was receiving a lot of balls to feet with his back to goal and dropping deeper than a natural No 9, in order to link up the game.“His hold-up play improved a lot and that was fantastic when he came in to the national team.”But not so fantastic when Betsy moved on to work with Arsenal’s under-23 side and found himself coaching against Delap.Betsy added: “I remember a 3-3 draw against City at the Emirates.“You could tell your players what to expect from the opponents.“But he scored two goals, one of them out of nothing, and set up the other. He was getting too good for PL2.”City thought so, too. Delap scored on his senior CIty debut in the Carabao Cup in 2020 when he was 17 but was sent out  on loan to Stoke and Preston in 2022/3, and to Hull last season.City then shipped him out on loan to Preston North EndCredit: PABetsy said: “A couple of the loans probably didn’t go as well as he would have liked.“But he would have grown stronger from those moments.“He would have understood what it takes to be a first-team player in league football, what that feels like.“Having a chance in front of a huge crowd is a different pressure.“If you see some of the goals, there were flashes of the Liam Delap of the future.”Ipswich saw enough to splash out an initial £15m to sign Delap last summer.But City inserted a buyback clause and Betsy would not be surprised if the 21 year old found his way back to the club that Ipswich face on Sunday.Betsy, now a first-team coach at QPR focusing on individual development, said: “There’s no ceiling to what Liam can achieve.“Liam will be a player for England, a centre-forward, and, if he doesn’t achieve it at Ipswich, at a high-level team in the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIES“For me, he’s good enough for Man City.“As a back-up to  Erling Haaland at the moment, but if he moved on, Liam would be next.”Betsy would not be surprised if the 21 year old found his way back to CityCredit: GettyDelap has scored eight goals in the Prem this seaosnCredit: Getty More

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      Highest-paid Premier League players revealed as Erling Haaland signs Man City deal worth £26MILLION per year

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      ERLING HAALAND’S mind-boggling new £500,000-per-week deal has made the Norwegian the highest-paid Premier League player EVER.Manchester City have announced that the goal-scoring machine has signed a 10-year-contract worth £26million per season.Erling Haaland has penned a ten-year contractCredit: RexHe has been tied down to the club until 2034The 24-year-old’s record breaking deal, which runs until 2034, has knocked City team-mate Kevin De Bruyne off his perch as the Prem’s top earner.It puts the total value close to £250million and overtakes Chelsea’s nine-year-deal for Cole Palmer to become the longest contract in Prem history.Haaland, who was previously contracted until 2027, has proved a phenomenon at City, scoring 111 goals in only 126 games since signing from Borussia Dortmund for £50million in summer 2022.And now SunSport has taken a look at the revised 10 biggest earners after twice Golden Boot winner Haaland’s mammoth new deal.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS10) Kai Havertz – £280k-per-weekArsenal forked out an initial £60million and an additional £5million in potential add-ons to sign Havertz from Chelsea in the summer of 2023.He usurped Gabriel Jesus as the highest-paid player at the Emirates and his contract also includes an additional £50,000-per-week in potential bonuses.The Germany international silenced his critics in his debut season, but has faced horrific abuse from Arsenal fans for his poor finishing as Mikel Arteta’s men were dumped out of the FA Cup by Man Utd last Sunday.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKai Havertz is the highest-paid full-time Arsenal playerCredit: Getty=7) Jack Grealish – £300k-per-weekJack Grealish, 29, penned a £300,000-per-week contract when he joined City in 2021 in a deal from Aston Villa worth £100million.Most read in FootballHe is the third highest-paid man in Pep Guardiola’s squad, but 15 goal contributions in 145 games is under-par for what many expected.Jack Grealish is the joint-third highest-paid Manchester City playerTop ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spot=7) Bruno Fernandes – £300k-per-weekBefore Amad Diallo’s recent heroics, club-captain Fernandes was one of the only Man Utd players worth their salt.The midfielder has been Old Trafford’s standout performer in recent years, winning the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Season award in 2019/20, 2020/21 and 2023/24.The Portugal international is now earning a base salary of £300,000-per-week, which equates to around £15.6million-per-year. He can also get another £75,000-per-week in bonuses.Bruno Fernandes recently signed a new deal at Old TraffordCredit: Getty=7) Bernardo Silva – £300k-per-weekYou’ll notice City account for a sizeable portion of this list. Silva was offered a £500,000-a-week contract by Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal in 2023, but he rejected that lucrative offer and signed a contract extension with City.The Portuguese winger was previously linked with a move away, as his current City contract ends next summer.Bernardo Silva’s current City deal expires next summerCredit: Getty=5) Marcus Rashford – £325k-per-weekMarcus Rashford earns £25,000 more per week than club captain Fernandes, placing him second on Man Utd’s books.But the England international, 27, has been iced out of Ruben Amorim’s squad and is linked with several January moves.The wantaway star has fallen out with yet another United manager and told Henry Winter: “I’m ready for a new challenge.”Marcus Rashford is another player earning in excess of £300,000 per week=5) Raheem Sterling – £325k-per-weekRaheem Sterling’s eye-watering wages are currently split between Chelsea and his season-long loan club Arsenal.Reports suggest that both London clubs pay the former Man City winger, who has scored just one goal this term, around £162,500-per-week.If he’s forced back to Stamford Bridge in the summer, he’ll replace Reece James as Chelsea’s top earner.Raheem Sterling’s wages are split between Chelsea and loan club ArsenalCredit: Getty=3) Mohamed Salah – £350k-per-weekLiverpool legend Mo Salah is into the final year of the £350,000-per-week contract he signed in 2022.It remains to be seen whether the Egyptian, 32, who joined in 2017, will leave in the summer.Liverpool fans are desperate for Salah, who has 38 goal contributions in 29 appearances this season, to pen a new deal as Saudi Arabian clubs step up their pursuits.Mo Salah has the biggest wages of any player at AnfieldCredit: Getty=3) Casemiro – £350k-per-weekCasemiro, 32, impressed after joining United for £70m from Real Madrid, but soon endured a torrid 2023/24 campaign as he received huge criticism.But the five-time Champions League winner has been reduced to just 21 appearances this season – and mostly from the bench. Casemiro is the best-paid Manchester United playerCredit: Getty2) Kevin De Bruyne – £400k-per-weekDe Bruyne’s title as highest-paid Premier League player could was stripped away after Haaland’s new deal this week.The Man City man, 33, will go down as one of the all-time greats in English football if he leaves at the end of his contract in the summer after 10 incredible years at the Etihad.Kevin De Bruyne is now the second highest earner at City and in the PremCredit: Getty1) Erling Haaland – £500k-per-weekNo Prem player has ever earned more than HALF-A-MILLION QUID in weekly wages before Haaland.After signing his record-breaking deal, Haaland said: “I am super happy. I am proud. It is difficult to put into words because it is a big moment. I am happy and that is the right word to use.READ MORE SUN STORIES“In the end, speaking with the people I spoke with, the hunger and the support that I have been getting for the last couple of years from the board, from the bosses and from Pep, it was an easy decision. I am delighted.”The Norwegian superstar, who has the most goals for his country at the age of 24, will earn £71,000-PER-DAY. More