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      Gyokeres, Delap, Osimhen and Sesko: Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool in transfer battle for world’s best strikers

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      AS the Premier League season comes to a close – the summer transfer sales open with strikers top of the shopping list.Champions Liverpool look to be in the market for a forward while Arsenal will feel that is the missing piece holding them back from a title charge.Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca and Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta will be in the market for a strikerCredit: GettyChelsea’s pursuit for a No9 never seems to end and once again they head into the summer looking for a reliable finisher. And Manchester United – who finished in an all-time low 15th in the Prem – are preparing for a complete squad overhaul. It will put every striker worth their salt in Europe on red alert with a big-money move awaiting any capable scorer. Viktor GyokeresThe 26-year-old Swede is one of the most in-demand forwards this summer – with the stats proving why. READ MORE IN football Gyokeres has notched 54 goals in 52 games, scoring 39 in just 33 league matches. Arsenal are leading the race for the 6ft 2in striker, who Sporting Lisbon rate at £60million, with talks progressing. United are also interested and Gyokeres was coached by Old Trafford boss Ruben Amorim at Sporting.But Arsenal as well as Chelsea are in stronger positions having qualified for Champions League football. Most read in FootballViktor Gyokeres is a top target for ArsenalCredit: RexLiam Delap The son of Stoke legend Rory looks almost certain to leave Ipswich following the Tractor Boys’ relegation. And per his release clause, Delap is available for a cut-price deal of £30m with Chelsea and United rivalling for his signature. The 22-year-old ended the season with 12 goals – all in the league – and impressed with his physicality and tenacity. Both Chelsea and United have held talks with the player, but as revealed by SunSport the Blues are confident in landing the deal. Enzo Maresca worked with Delap at City’s academy and the striker knows Chelsea’s recruitment director Joe Shields.Liam Delap is wanted by Chelsea and UnitedCredit: AFPVictor OsimhenThe Nigerian was once the most sought-after striker in the world after making his name with Napoli and helping them win the Serie A. But by the summer of 2024, new manager Antonio Conte dropped Osimhen in favour of Romelu Lukaku. Chelsea were close to signing the forward but Osimhen’s wages proved a stumbling block – one which could not be resolved. So the 26-year-old joined Galatasaray on loan and helped them to the title with 25 league goals in 29 games, ending the season scoring 36 in 40. That kind of form would attract attention from Europe’s elite but Osimhen looks set for a move to Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal. Victor Osimhen looks set to move to SaudiCredit: GettyBenjamin SeskoThe 6ft 5in Slovenian is a top target for Arsenal, who have Sesko and Gyokeres on their wishlist. Sesko has 21 goals in 45 games this season – scoring 13 in 33 league matches. Noted for his height, heading ability and strength, the 21-year-old is seen as a good suit for English football. As revealed by SunSport, Sesko is rated as high as £86m by RB Leipzig but an offer of £60m could be enough. Chelsea are also interested – but have seen Timo Werner and Christian Nkunku arrive from Leipzig and fail to live up to expectations. Meanwhile United have also been tracking Sesko but are believed to have other targets – including Delap – prioritised. Benjamin Sesko is linked with Chelsea, United and ArsenalCredit: GettyHugo EkitikeThe Frenchman, 22, joined Frankfurt permanently from PSG last summer after spending the season beforehand on loan with the German club. Ekitike scored 22 in 48 games this term, managing 15 in 33 league matches. He stands 6ft 3in and has attracted attention from Chelsea of late, having also been linked with United and Arsenal in the past. But Frankfurt are holding out for £83.9m – meaning the Blues would likely try to strike a compromise with the Bundesliga outfit. Although the likes of Gyokeres, Delap and Sesko are all believed to be higher on Chelsea’s wishlist. Hugo Ekitike is a target for ChelseaCredit: GettyJulian AlvarezThe Argentine won two Premier League titles and the Champions League with City before joining Atletico Madrid last summer. Alvarez has 29 goals in 54 games this season with 17 coming in his 37 league appearances. The 25-year-old appears settled in the Spanish capital but has emerged as a potential target for Arsenal and Liverpool. But reports in Spain say Alvarez is not so keen on a move back to England having found his feet with Atletico. Julian Alvarez has shone for Atletico Madrid after joining from CityCredit: ReutersMoise KeanThe Italian has Prem experience with Everton which was lodged between loan moves to PSG and Juventus. He joined Juve in 2023 and moved to Fiorentina a year later – scoring 25 goals in 44 games – 19 in 32 league matches this season. United are believed to have added the 25-year-old to their transfer shortlist. Read More on The SunAnd the forward could emerge as an alternate signing for United if they struggle to land their top targets amid a lack of European football. Arsenal and Newcastle have also been linked in the past. Moise Kean has found form with FiorentinaCredit: Getty More

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      Marcus Rashford holding out for Champions League move with Man Utd desperate to sell to fund Amorim’s transfer overhaul

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      MARCUS RASHFORD is holding out for ­Champions League ­football next season — in a blow to Aston Villa and Manchester United.The forward’s loan at Villa Park has ended and he will not sign permanently after Sunday’s 2-0 loss at United saw them finish sixth in the table.Marcus Rashford wants to join a Champions League clubCredit: GettyMan Utd want to sell Rashford to fund Ruben Amorim’s transfer overhaulCredit: GettySunSport understands boss Unai Emery wanted him long-term after some impressive performances since signing in January.But Rashford, 27, who is on Barcelona’s radar, wants to join a club in Europe’s elite competition. And they are set to sign Wolves star Matheus Cunha, who will wear his old No 10 shirt.Rashford loved his time at Villa, recapturing his appetite for football after a nightmare end to his Old Trafford career.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe contributed four goals and five assists in 17 games and earned an England recall.But defeat at United saw them finish sixth, leaving their hopes of signing Rashford in tatters.Villa would also struggle to finance a deal, with the final-day loss costing around £50million after being forced to settle for a Europa League spot.United want to sell Rashford to help balance the books, allowing for a major overhaul of their squad and removal of his £350,000-a-week salary from their wage bill.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSRashford — who would cost around £40m — said farewell to Villa fans yesterday on Instagram.He said: “It is a special club and I appreciated the way Villa fans embraced me with open arms.Ruben Amorim vows ‘good days are coming’ after ‘disaster season’ as Man Utd flops give him daggers during public apology“It is a huge disappointment not to have made the Champions League which everyone worked so hard all season for but I know this club and team will come back stronger.”Wolves star Cunha, 25, has a £62.5million release clause and the Brazilian will sign a five-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.United are also keen on Ipswich striker Liam Delap, but he has the pick of several clubs.They have identified Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo as a possible alternative. More

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      ‘Did you send him back?’ – Eagle-eyed fans spot awkward Match of the Day gaffe on Gary Lineker’s farewell show

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      EAGLE-EYED viewers spotted an error during Gary Lineker’s final Match of the Day show.The presenter wiped away tears as he said an emotional farewell to hosting the highlights show after 26 years in the job.David Moyes was accidentally displayed as West Ham manager on Gary Lineker’s last showCredit: BBCAs the Premier League season came to an end yesterday, the best bits of ten final day matches were on last night.The penultimate fixture saw West Ham beat relegated Ipswich 3-1 and as Lineker introduced the game, an incorrect image was displayed behind him.Tractor Boys manager Kieran McKenna was incorrectly put next to a photo of now-Everton manager David Moyes instead of Hammers boss Graham Potter.It made for an awkward blunder as Moyes left West Ham last summer after four-and-a-half years in charge.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans were quick to spot the mistake and took to social media, with one saying: “Error from the BBC? Did anyone else notice.”Another laughed: “Did you send David Moyes back to West Ham as manager for the last game of the season?”A third joked: “Why was Moyes shown as the West Ham manager during the show, is that a clue they want him back?”Though it did little to damage an excellent goodbye to Lineker, who received gifts from pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards before tributes flooded in.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKVideo messages from the likes of Pep Guardiola, Paul Gascoigne and Claudio Ranieri were displayed as Lineker was left in tears.In an emotional goodbye, the ex-England striker said: “Let me take this opportunity to thank all of the other pundits that I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the last 25 years. You’ve made my job so much easier.Gary Lineker tears up as he bids emotional farewell to iconic Match of the Day after controversial BBC axe”Also, a huge thank you to those you don’t see at home, the work that goes into making this iconic show.”It is a huge team effort from the editors to the analysis team, from the commentators to the floor managers, from the producers to the camera operators, from the PAs to the subs.”Thank you all. You’re the very best. Rather like my football career, everyone else did all the hard work and I got the plaudits.”It’s been an absolute privilege to have hosted Match of the Day for a quarter of a century. It’s been utterly joyous.”I’d like to wish Gabby, Mark, and Kelly all the very best when they sit in this chair. The programme is in the best of hands.”My final thank you goes to all of you. Thank you for watching. Thank you for all your love and support over the years.”It’s been so special and I’m sorry that your team was always on last.”Lineker broke down in tears after his farewell montageCredit: BBC More

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      Everton confirm four player departures less than 24 hours after final game of Premier League season

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      EVERTON have announced the departure of four players after the end of the season.The Toffees rolled credits on a dramatic campaign with an impressive 1-0 victory over Carabao Cup winners Newcastle on Sunday at St James’ Park.Everton have seen Armando Broja return to ChelseaJesper Lindstrom has also left Everton for NapoliOrel Mangala is going back to Lyon after getting injured at EvertonJack Harrison is heading back to Leeds after two seasons on loan at EvertonThe Merseysiders endured a turbulent term under Sean Dyche until David Moyes returned to the dugout in January after 12 years to steer the ship away from relegation danger.Under Moyes, Everton finished the season 13th in the Premier League table with 13 points separating them from the drop zone. And the Scottish tactician is now gearing up for a special campaign as the club is leaving Goodison Park after 133 years to move to their new state-of-the-art Hill Dickinson Stadium.Moyes is building his squad for a milestone season and is already laying the foundations.Read More on FootballEverton started by releasing four players who played on loan at Goodison Park.Those are Jack Harrison, Jesper Lindstrom, Orel Mangala and Armando Broja.Harrison has been on loan for the past two seasons from Leeds and amassed 73 appearances.Lindstrom joined from Napoli last summer and featured in 29 matches.Most read in FootballMangala returns to Lyon having played 21 times before sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury in January.And Broja joined from Chelsea on deadline day last summer and played 11 times for Everton.Moyes told the club’s official website: “We would like to thank all our loan players, who have contributed to the positive steps we made on the pitch. “They all embraced what it means to play for this club, and their attitude and commitment throughout their time at Everton was first class.“We wish Jack, Jesper, Orel and Armando all the very best for the future.”Meanwhile, Everton are continuing discussions with Charly Alcaraz, who joined the club on loan from Flamengo in February.Everton boss David Moyes is getting ready for a very special season at a new stadium More

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      Thousands of people line streets for Liverpool’s Premier League title parade as iconic DJ drafted in as special guest

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      THOUSANDS of Liverpool fans lined the streets of Merseyside on Monday afternoon to watch Arne Slot and Co parade the Premier League trophy.The Reds secured the Prem title last month with four games left to play but did not get their hands on the trophy until the final match of the campaign.Thousands of Liverpool fans lined the streets to watch the club’s trophy paradeCredit: PAThe Reds planned a 15km routeCredit: EPAMohamed Salah waved to fans from the top of the busCredit: GettyThe official trophy lift took place following Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with FA Cup winners Crystal Palace at the weekend, with both teams giving each other a guard of honour.A capacity Anfield crowd watched on as captain Virgil van Dijk received the prize from club legend Alan Hansen.Players then kept the party going until midnight at a hotel before preparing for the trophy parade.The team bus left Allerton Maze ahead of the 15km route which finished at Blundell Street.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThousands of fans travelled to watch, turning the streets red.World-famous DJ Calvin Harris also made an appearance to perform on the bus.The Scot was also part of the parade when Liverpool celebrated their FA Cup and Carabao Cup wins in 2022.Recalling how he first got the gig while speaking to club media, Harris explained: “It started with Andy Robertson, and I can’t remember how we first got chatting.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”There must’ve been some kind of Instagram thing, I might’ve liked one of his pictures, something like that. And then I was travelling, it was Liverpool vs Newcastle at St James’ Park in 2022.”We bumped into each other, they were flying back to Liverpool and he was like: ‘Do you fancy doing that?’Trent Alexander-Arnold breaks down in tears and kisses badge as he gets emotional send-off from Liverpool fans”I was like: ‘I suppose so,’ and I think it was just an idea he had there and then.”And then one of the senior guys took over and contacted me and made it happen.”Then this year, Virg took the reins, captain and that. And he was more just like: “You’re doing the bus this year.'”Okay, alright, I’ll be there!”Crystal Palace also held a parade on Monday to celebrate their FA Cup win.There was also a celebration at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal Women lifted the Champions League trophy in front of a huge crowd.Calvin Harris was in attendanceCredit: https://x.com/LFC More

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      Chelsea ‘strongly considering’ Hugo Ekitike transfer as Enzo Maresca lines up new striker for Champions League

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      CHELSEA are keeping tabs on Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike ahead of the summer transfer window.The Blues punched their ticket to next season’s Champions League after beating Nottingham Forest 1-0 on Sunday at City Ground, which sealed fourth place in the Premier League table.Chelsea have discussed a move for Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo EkitikeChelsea are also keen on Ipswich Town star Liam DelapAnd the West Londoners’ qualification to Europe’s elite competition has given them a massive financial boost in terms of PSR flexibility for the summer market.And according to The Independent, the Prem giants have discussed a move for Ekitike, 22, who is very high on their wish list.Chelsea are actively looking for a striker to spearhead their attack in the Champions League and are “strongly considering” the French star.However, Enzo Maresca’s side will have to splash an astronomical fee with the forward rated at around €100million (£83.9m).Read More on ChelseaThe centre-forward shone bright this season with Eintracht as he amassed 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances.The France Under-21 international joined Frankfurt in 2024 following a loan stint from Paris Saint-Germain last term.Ekitike counts a total of 26 goals and 14 assists in 64 appearances with the Bundesliga outfit.Chelsea, though, are also keeping tabs on other options, such as Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap.Most read in FootballSunsport revealed the London giants are very big on Delap and are willing to meet his £30m release clause.The England Under-21 international is also keen on a move to Stamford Bridge.Inside Chelsea’s dressing room celebrations after Champions League spot securedThe striker favouring a link-up with Chelsea boss Maresca, who was his academy coach at Manchester City.The club’s current recruitment director Joe Shields was also instrumental in Delap’s move from Derby to Man City’s academy in 2019. More

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      Man Utd ‘could use Alejandro Garnacho funds to finance £50million Bryan Mbeumo transfer’ alongside Matheus Cunha

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly held talks with Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo and could use the money raised from the sale of Alejandro Garnacho to finance a deal.Garnacho is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer having fallen out of favour with head coach Ruben Amorim.Man Utd have held talks with Bryan MbeumoCredit: GettyThe proposed sale of Alejandro Garnacho could help to finance a moveCredit: GettyThe United boss told the 20-year-old to find a new club after last week’s Europa League final defeat to Spurs in Bilbao.Garnacho had criticised the performance and made it clear that he was furious about being limited to just 20 minutes on the pitch.His brother then added fuel to the fire by suggesting the winger had been “thrown under the bus” by Amorim.It later emerged that Garnacho and the head coach’s relationship had completely broken down.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMan Utd allegedly want £60million for the winger, but club officials are willing to negotiate if a suitable offer arrives.Chelsea and Napoli are among the clubs currently understood to be keen, although Garnacho’s representatives expect more interest from Premier League rivals and Saudi Pro League clubs.Should the winger move on, the Red Devils have identified Mbeumo as a target.TalkSPORT revealed on Monday that Man Utd have already held talks with the Brentford man, who has just one year left on his contract and is currently valued at £50m.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordBees manager Thomas Frank recently admitted that Mbeumo could leave this summer amid interest from other clubs.He said: “I can definitely understand the interest in him. There should be interest in him. He is at his best age, he has scored 20 goals.Ruben Amorim vows ‘good days are coming’ after ‘disaster season’ as Man Utd flops give him daggers during public apology”I would like to keep him, but we are a selling club so if someone comes in with the right price.”The proposed sale of Garnacho would account for pure profit, meaning the funds could go directly towards a potential bid for Mbeumo, Manchester World reports.United are already on the verge of signing Matheus Cunha in a £62.5m transfer from Wolves.The Red Devils are set to trigger the winger’s release clause.It has been reported that Cunha has agreed a five-year deal with the club. More

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      Why Jude Bellingham’s brother Jobe requested NOT to have surname on Sunderland shirt for Championship play-off final

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      JOBE BELLINGHAM spent this season with his first name on the back of his Sunderland shirt. Bellingham – younger brother of Real Madrid star Jude – helped Sunderland gain promotion back to the Premier League. Jobe Bellingham spent this season with his first name on the back of his Sunderland shirtCredit: Shutterstock EditorialAnd he did so wearing the No.7 with Jobe on his shirt – opting not to wear his surname as is usually the case for players. According to the Daily Mail, the reason being is that midfielder wants to create his own identity away from that of his older brother.Players can ask for “appropriate variation” on the back of their shirt – should they wish at the start of the season.Older brother Jude joined Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in 2023 and has won the LaLiga title and Champions League in Spain. READ MORE IN footballHe has also become a regular for England – scoring six times in his 42 caps so far. Like Jude, his younger brother also came through Birmingham’s academy before joining Sunderland in 2023. This season, he made 40 appearances with four goals and has attracted attention from across Europe. Dortmund – who helped Jude make his name – are believed to be rivalling Eintracht Frankfurt for his signature. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBellingham wanted to make a name for himself with Sunderland – and achieved that alongside the rest of his team-mates at Wembley. The Black Cats saw off Sheffield United 2-1 thanks to a last-minute Tom Watson winner. Bellingham, 19, said: “I’ve been part of this great team so every player has made a name for themselves here. So really proud.”Jobe Bellingham takes swipe at Sky Sports pundits in live TV interview before awkward moment with panel at Wembley More