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      Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham future ‘in serious doubt’ as club ‘make decision on top target to replace him’

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU’S Tottenham future is in serious doubt with club chiefs reportedly identifying Andoni Iraola as their top target to replace him.The Spurs boss is feeling the heat after winning just 10 of his 29 league matches this season.Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is the No1 managerial target for TottenhamCredit: GettyAnge Postecoglou’s position is in serious doubt this summerCredit: PATottenham sit 14th in the table as a result, 10 points off the top half.And the Athletic claims Postecoglou’s position is now coming under intense scrutiny.It’s reckoned that even if Spurs go on to win the Europa League, the Australian’s long-term future is covered in question marks.And Tottenham chiefs have now agreed upon their top target to replace Postecoglou this summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBournemouth manager Iraola has been identified as Spurs’ No1 choice to take charge in north London.The Spaniard has worked wonders since moving to the south coast almost two years ago.Bournemouth are just four points off fifth place, which is almost certain to seal an extra Champions League spot.And Iraola has even been linked to the Real Madrid job as Carlo Ancelotti’s position remains shrouded in mystery.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut Spurs are determined to win the race for him, despite needing to pay a £10million release clause to secure Iraola from his Cherries contract.Should they miss out on him, Tottenham also fancy Fulham boss Marco Silva.Ange Postecoglou snaps at journalist over question ahead of Tottenham vs AZ AlkmaarHe has one year left on his Cottagers deal but SunSport understands that negotiations for an extension are close.Brentford’s Thomas Frank has also caught the eye and was previously targeted by Johan Lange during the Spurs technical director’s time at Aston Villa.Exclusive – new contract for SilvaBy Tom BarclayFULHAM are in talks with boss Marco Silva over a new contract.The Portuguese, 47, has been a sensation in West London since taking over in 2021, taking the club into the FA Cup quarter-finals and chasing a Champions League dream this term.And with his current deals only having a year to go in the summer, the Cottagers are keen to tie him down to fresh terms.Their need has also been greatened by Silva being among the list of possible candidates to take over at Tottenham should the North Londoners part ways with Ange Postecoglou.Postecoglou’s future at Spurs will likely hinge on the club’s Europa League campaign.If the Aussie can be successful by going deep in the competition – or better yet, winning it – he is expected to be safe.But go out in the quarter-finals to Eintracht Frankfurt after the international break and it could be curtains, given how poorly the club’s Premier League campaign is going.Spurs lost their 15th league game of the season last weekend, ironically at the hands of Silva’s Fulham.The ex-Watford boss, who has an £8.6million release clause in his current deal, is believed to be admired among the Tottenham hierarchy, along with Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola.Yet Fulham do not want to lose him, given the stellar job he has done, and will hope to persuade him to commit his long-term future to them.Silva took over a recently-relegated Fulham in 2021 with his reputation having taken a hit following his axing by Everton two years prior.But he proved his quality by instantly winning the Championship, before guiding the Cottagers to tenth and 13th in the following two Premier League seasons.Sunday’s win against Spurs in Silva’s 200th Prem match as a manager moved Fulham into eighth, just four points off the top four.The former Hull chief was in his native Portugal on Monday to be presented with a coach of the year award at the Gala D’O Gaiense by compatriot Carlos Queiroz.Silva spoke at the do of how England is the place to manage right now – two years on from snubbing a lucrative switch to Saudi Arabia with Al Ahli.He said: “After two or three years of my coaching career, I was already thinking about training abroad.“But you have to think about the best championship in the world, which was a goal.“I didn’t expect to have so many games in the Premier League but I am very pleased to have reached this number.”Silva is one of four Portuguese bosses managing in England’s top flight, along with Manchester United’s Ruben Amorim, Nuno Espirito Santo at Nottingham Forest and Vitor Pereira at Wolves.The double Prem centurion added: “All of us there know the Premier League has a different competitiveness and requires very great preparation.”Speaking of his own achievements so far, after receiving his gong, Silva said: “The most special year is yet to come.” More

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      Anyone with an ounce of spirit should want Bournemouth to beat Man City to keep romance of the FA Cup alive

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      THERE are no Premier League fixtures this weekend — but don’t feel ashamed if you haven’t even realised.It’s hardly been a bumper year for the so-called greatest league  in the world.Bournemouth could offer a massive FA Cup miracle for the romanticsCredit: GettyBournemouth take on Manchester City in the FA CupCredit: GettyNewcastle broke a monotonous run by winning the Carabao CupCredit: RexThe last time a club outside the Big Six won a cup was in 2013 with Wigan in the FA Cup and Swansea in the League CupCredit: GettyLiverpool have fast-walked the title race and Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton have been hell-bent on relegation since last August.So who would have thought the two cup competitions would be left to stop the entire nation switching off altogether and doing something less boring instead?The cups have been bulldozed and bullied to make way for expanding European competition.Boiled down with second legs and replays scrapped to relieve the heavy legs of players grinding it out to satisfy the demands of clubs looking beyond two relatively tiny trophies offering a few quid in prize money. Read More on FootballNewcastle’s victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final this month was a spectacular bloody nose for the Big Six.It’s five down and one to go in the FA Cup, which means “little” Bournemouth have the opportunity to finish the job. Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham  all have a surprise weekend off as we reach the quarter-final stage.Anyone with an ounce of romance, spirit and  sporting fun should be willing the Cherries on against Manchester City. If not, you should never again pass an “I am not a robot” test.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA winner from Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Fulham, Crystal Palace or Preston North End is a rarity.And not since 2013 have both our domestic trophies been won by teams from outside the “elite” in the same season. That’s when Swansea won the League Cup and Wigan beat City in the FA Cup final. Prior to that, it was 1988 with Luton and Wimbledon.Erling Haaland reveals bizarre bedtime habit including special glasses and taping mouth SHUT on Logan Paul podcastIn between, it is the same old names and the same old finals. Prior to this year, the previous nine Carabao Cups were shared between Liverpool and the Manchester clubs.For one year only, Leicester broke the FA Cup stranglehold of Arsenal, City, Chelsea, United and Liverpool that has existed since 2014.What we are seeing now is football’s equivalent of Halley’s Comet entering our solar system.Come May, screw up your eyes and you may be able to visualise the glowing tail of glory for a team which doesn’t treat Wembley as a second home.The Cherries have never won  a major trophy, nor Palace, nor Fulham, nor Brighton.Preston, synonymous with the great Sir Tom Finney, have had big stars but no significant silverware since the 1938 FA Cup.Breaking traditionVilla and Forest are shaking up the establishment in the league but you must rewind to the 1990s to find either winning a cup of note.What it will mean for the  supporters of these seven clubs to reach the FA Cup semi-finals or beyond fires the imagination.And it serves as a beacon of hope for anyone wishing to salvage a crumb of interest in a mundane season in the league. Players love the cups, the fans adore them.Attendances throughout this year’s Carabao Cup were 20 per cent up on last year and their highest for almost a quarter of a century.If Bournemouth beat City on Sunday it’s a huge shot in the arm for the much-maligned cups, for fans and for fun. So what if it’s bad for business and for the big boys?Fans ticked off with ToddTODD BOEHLY is feeling the heat from Chelsea fans over his 41 per cent stake in US ticket resale outlet Vivid Seats.To the extent the supporters’ trust has written to the Premier League demanding they probe their club chairman over a  potential conflict of interest. Fair enough. No trip to Stamford Bridge is complete without the sight and sound of several shady characters loitering by Fulham Broadway Tube station offering tickets for the coming game at inflated prices.So much so that the London club emailed fans last week to trumpet their actions targeting this criminal scourge. They claim to have stopped more than 1,000 people entering the ground with dodgy tickets, cancelled more than 1,500 memberships linked to dodgy tickets and arrested dozens of people through matchday operations.Meanwhile, Boehly, the man at the top of the club, is raking it in via his investment in what the Premier League label an “unauthorised” ticket website.They urge fans to “exercise extreme caution” when dealing with firms like Vivid Seats.It’s almost as if it’s one rule for one and one for another. In football? Surely not?A bore’s no drawEVERYTHING about England’s recent two matches was highly interesting — apart from the two matches. Thomas Tuchel, Dan Burn, the build-up, the team selection, the hope.But as usual the ties were as flat as a pancake and sparked a debate about the entertainment value of qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.Don’t think the boredom level of these insipid games hasn’t been  discussed at the top level.Not that long ago a plan was hatched to expand the Euros to 32 teams.The continent’s top-ranked countries would face each other in an extended Nations League to leave 16 sides. Lesser-ranked nations would do similar, eventually leaving 32 teams.Almost everyone was up for it apart from Europe’s rights-holding broadcasters, who seem to think England v Albania on a Friday night is just what the nation wants to see on their TVs.London bawlin’AS domestic football returns, a plea. Can London-based clubs stop playing London Calling by The Clash, fronted by Joe Strummer, during every pre-match build-up?Yes, we know the song is about the city — it’s in the title — and your club is in that city. But that’s it. It’s not that big a deal.And by endlessly forcing this irony upon fans, you have worn out what should be cherished as a post-punk classic by one of the greatest rock bands of all time.Just stop it. Please.FA party Ful of itIF you have £120 to spare you too can enjoy a night out at Fulham’s 1975 FA Cup final celebration dinner come May.A selection of team members from the day will entertain guests with memories of the showpiece — which they LOST 2-0 to West Ham.READ MORE SUN STORIESSounds like a silly idea —  then again, Newcastle held open-top bus parades after losing the 1974 FA Cup final and 1976 League Cup final.Even more daft, someone I know actually went to BOTH. More

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      Man Utd files: Ruben Amorim set to spend £70m for top transfer target Francisco Trincao despite £50m release clause

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are once again without a game this weekend, due to being out of the FA Cup.Ahead of the Red Devils’ return to action next Tuesday, keep up to date with the latest goings-on behind the scenes at Old Trafford with our Man Utd Files.Ruben Amorim’s side have not played since March 16Credit: RexFRANC DISCUSSIONSMANCHESTER United will have to dig deep to land Ruben Amorim’s prime summer transfer target.Amorim is desperate to land former Wolves winger Francisco Trincao as part of a new-look United attacking unit next term.But Amorim’s former club Sporting Lisbon will play hardball – and are likely to demand a fee in EXCESS of the attacker’s £50m release clause.Trincao, 25, is under contract to 2027 after signing a four-year deal in 2023 following a £6m move from Barcelona.Barca, though, retain 50 per cent of his future transfer rights – which is where the going could get tricky for United.Sporting, braced for the departure of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, are even more determined not to let Trincao go, to the extent of preparing to offer him a new contract.Even if they can be persuaded to sell, Sporting want to recoup at least £35m.But they only get that if United – or another suitor – is prepared to pay TWICE as much, allowing Barcelona to get a similar share of the proceeds.Amorim is convinced Trincao, with the benefit of that season at Molineux in 2021-22, will be able to make a swift adaptation to the Prem.Yet with the likelihood of no European competition cash – unless United win the Europa League – he may have to consider an even more drastic summer sales policy to free the funds required to land him.Sporting are eager to keep Francisco Trincao this summerCredit: AlamySporting chiefs know that they are likely to lose Viktor GyokeresCredit: GettyTUCH AND GOHARRY MAGUIRE might be forgiven for feeling perplexed by Thomas Tuchel’s comments after his first international window as England boss.Tuchel suggested that he had omitted the United centre-half in favour of Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi because “they had better rhythm and deserved to be in”.But Maguire was never in a position to be selected having been out for nearly a month with a hamstring injury.His inability to train meant Maguire, 32, was in no condition to add to his 64 caps even if he had been named in the squad. Strange.Harry Maguire was not in a position to be selected by EnglandCredit: GettyBANK TRANSFERSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S grand plans for the 100,000-capacity “New Trafford” to replace United’s home since 1910 have not been universally welcomed.Some fans have been critical of the design, while the potential £2bn cost of the proposal has left other supporters wondering about the long-term impact on their pocket.But Ratcliffe and Ineos may point out that there were not dissimilar questions raised when United announced plans to move from their then-home at Bank Lane in Clayton, five miles across the other side of the city.Letters printed in local newspapers bewailed the prospect, with one fan moaning: “Bank Street was ours – cramped and muddy, but it felt like home. This new place is a stranger’s house.”There were also complaints about the impact on ticket pricing and questions over whether United could fill their new home.At least, unlike 115 years ago, there will be no open, uncovered terraces at Sir Jim’s palace of entertainment. But, doubtless, the same demands – a team that wins and deserves the stadium.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has launched ambitious new stadium plansCredit: PAMan Utd recently released imaging of their proposed new stadiumCredit: ReutersWELL I NEV-ERIN this most uncertain and stuttering of seasons at Old Trafford, it has been the one constant… Gary Neville will feature somewhere along the way.Passing judgement on good, bad and ugly as a pundit, of course, on why Erik ten Hag should be sacked/keep his job, for example.An interview with Sir Jim Ratcliffe? Gary’s your man. Creating a task force to explore regeneration around Old Trafford? Well he’s got to be on that.What about the voiceover for the magnificent new stadium unveiling? Neville – it’s a no-brainer.Now Manchester United’s omnipresent ex-full back has been asked to pick up another gauntlet… speaking up for the pensioners facing a 57 per cent hike on their season tickets.Slashing the 50 per cent OAP concessions, plus a general increase, means some older fans will have to pay nearly £400 extra. A rise many insist they simply cannot afford.Forums, phone-ins and message board have been flooded with irate supporters who have been Old Trafford regulars for over half a century.Including one fan posting urging Neville to take up the fight on behalf of United’s most loyal and long-standing followers.He wrote: “Please Mr Ratcliffe, explain why you think it’s ok to exploit us. We haven’t made the mistakes you have since your investment, but you want us to pay for it.“How about you cut the price as your employees have not provided good value for money? This is Manchester United Football Club, not JRFC.“He is just a businessman and a number cruncher. Please, please get Gary to speak up for the pensioners.“The extra revenue from the pensioners won’t be enough for any player’s wage for a week…stop this exploitation.”Over to you, GaryGary Neville can often be found somewhere at Old TraffordCredit: ReutersMan Utd fans are set for big price hikesCredit: GettyMan Utd have a tough run of fixtures coming upWARRIOR SPIRITIT was the pre-season promo visit that has led to the unlikeliest of friendships… and most telling of asides. In January Harry Maguire, Mason Mount and Andre Onana visited four-trophy, clean sweep winners Wigan Warriors ahead of the new Super League season.They got a first-hand glimpse of everything… passing, tackling and kicking, with Mount and Maguire joining in with the latter, and were blown away by the spirit and togetherness between the players.The Manchester United trio were so impressed that an expected 45-minute stay lasted well over two hours – and an ongoing affinity for some.As someone whose entire career was spent in the south before joining United last season, Mount was hardly a die-hard RL fan… but he is now, and was back at the Brick Stadium when the Super League season began.For Cameroon keeper Onana it was a totally alien sport, but he struck up an immediate bond with young forward Junior Nsemba, whose parents hail from the same country.Maguire is a long-time RL admirer.. yet it was an aside to one Wigan star on his left that proved most memorable as he joked: “We could do with a spirit half as good as yours.”We think it was a joke, anyway…Harry Maguire and Mason Mount pose with Wigan Warriors star Luke ThompsonCredit: SWpix.comAndre Onana hit it off with Junior NsembaCredit: SWpix.comRUNAWAY LEADERSCHRISTIAN ERIKSEN’S passing ability would be heightened if he had a striker as quick as United fan Usain Bolt to run onto the end of them.But the Danish midfielder and Jamaican sprint legend were on the same side this week when they visited a special programme to help underprivileged youngsters in Manchester.Bolt and Eriksen joined in training drills with kids on the Street League scheme, which is on the shortlist for the Sport for Good prize at next month’s Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid.Win or not, those kids will never forget the time they spent with two genuine sporting icons.Christian Eriksen and Usain Bolt teamed up for a community initiativeCredit: www.olympics.com More

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      Bukayo Saka returns to training with two word-post as Arsenal get major boost ahead of Real Madrid clash

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      BUKAYO SAKA is on the verge of an Arsenal return.The Gunners star was pictured for the first time back in full training at London Colney today after undergoing hamstring surgery in December.Arsenal superstar Bukayo Saka has returned to full trainingCredit: Instagram / bukayosaka87The England star is in contention to play in the Gunners’ upcoming games after recovering from surgeryCredit: ReutersSaka teased fans in an Instagram post showing him smiling with his thumbs up alongside the caption: “Hello again.”And SunSport understands he is in contention to be included in the squad to face Fulham on Tuesday night ahead of vital clashes against Everton and Real Madrid.Saka, 23, tore his hamstring in a 5-1 Prem win over Crystal Palace on December 21 before having surgery to fix the issue days later.He has missed 19 games in all competitions since then, a run that saw Arsenal knocked out of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, as well as lose ground in the Prem title race.Read More on ArsenalThe target was always for Saka to make it back for the Champions League quarter final first leg at home to Real Madrid on April 8 – and he looks on course to achieve that.Arteta is keen for Saka to get some minutes under his belt before then, with opportunities to do so at the Emirates against the Cottagers next week before a trip to Goodison Park to face Everton on April 5.Despite his impressive recovery and rehab so far, Arsenal remain wary over pushing Saka too hard too soon. He will likely be given cameo appearances off the bench to prove his fitness and get back up to speed.Saka has stepped up his training load during the international break while his teammates have been away with their countries.Most read in FootballBefore the break, asked how Saka would be progressing, Arteta explained: “Hopefully with more ball at his feet than he has had. “That will mean he is passing the ball and shooting and running and everything. He has done quite a lot already on the pitch working on his own. “Next we need to arrange it with people around him in a more competitive training session and see how he goes with that.”Despite his absence, Saka has been a constant presence in and around the team during his rehab, seen on crutches at the turn of the year supporting from the stands at the Emirates.On the club’s warm-weather retreat to Dubai last month, Saka flew out with the squad to carry on his individualised solo training plan with light gym work.He was also spotted in the Wembley tunnel speaking to Three Lions coach Thomas Tuchel after England’s 3-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Latvia on Monday.Saka’s return has been aided by some much-needed rest, spending time abroad on holiday with his family in late January.Arsenal are in need of some attacking inspiration after Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus were ruled out for the season with hamstring and knee issues respectively, forcing midfielder Mikel Merino to deputise as a centre forward.And manager Mikel Arteta received yet another blow during the international break as Riccardo Calafiori had to withdraw from Italy’s squad after hurting his knee.Saka’s influence cannot be understated. Even after a three-month lay-off, he remains the leading provider of goals and assists in all competitions for Arsenal this term [nine goals and 13 assists].Three points adrift of Prem leaders Liverpool at the time of his injury, Arteta’s men now find themselves 13 points behind with nine games to play.Arteta was desperate to bring in reinforcements during the January window, linked with Red Bull Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, but could not get a deal over the line.Arsenal could be set for another major boost as Real face being without four stars for the first leg.Superstar strikers Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior as well as former Chelsea ace Antonio Rudiger and ex-Gunner Dani Caballos face an official Uefa probe for allegedly making obscene gestures after their victory over Atletico Madrid in the Last-16.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesVinicius was the most high-profile case as he reportedly took six “shots” at Atletico supporters during and after the clash at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.Rudiger, on the other hand, was accused of making a throat-slitting gesture to Atleti supporters.READ MORE SUN STORIESCeballos, who spent two years at Arsenal before his return to Madrid in 2021, is accused of making an obscene one-armed gesture with a clenched fist.And Mbappe was reported for touching his genitals in a clearly derogatory manner.Saka underwent surgery on his hamstring and has missed the last three monthsCredit: Getty More

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      Liverpool ‘could hijack Man City transfer for £50m star’ as replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold

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      LIVERPOOL face a £50million transfer duel with Manchester City as they battle to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold.TAA appears certain to join Real Madrid this summer on a five-year deal worth £240,000 a week.Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real this summerCredit: GettyAnd the Reds are looking abroad in their hunt to find a new right-back.Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport reckon Juventus star Andrea Cambiaso is high up Liverpool’s wishlist.The 13-cap Italian reportedly came close to a big-money switch to Pep Guardiola’s City in the January transfer window.And there’s now an extra reason why Cambiaso, 25, is tipped to spark huge interest at the end of the season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJuventus sacked Brazil-born manager Thiago Motta and his staff this week.In total, it’s understood the Serie A giants will have to pay them 15million euros (£12.5m) in compensation.That means Juve might need to find £25m by the end of June to meet all their financial targets.And they know ex-Genoa ace Cambiaso could raise twice that sum.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMan City were reportedly close to signing Andrea CambiasoCredit: GettyThe Old Lady brought in former Lazio manager Igor Tudor to succeed Motta, albeit just for the remaining nine games this term.So Juve are likely to delay any major decision on outgoing players until the summer.’Reminded me of Gerrard at Liverpool’ – Cole Palmer told he needs to LEAVE Chelsea and has outgrown the club alreadyCambiaso has been one of their brightest lights this season as they sit a mediocre fifth in the Italian top flight.Similar to Alexander-Arnold, he can operate both on the right of a four-man defence or as a wing-back.After joining Juve in July 2022, Cambiaso is enjoying his best campaign yet. More

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      Chelsea send chief scout to watch explosive Colombia wonderkid with controversial trick ahead of transfer window

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      A SENIOR Chelsea scout witnessed an incredible moment during a spying mission to assess a top South American target in Colombia last night.The Blues’ official was in Bogota to track the progress of teenage forward Neyser Villarreal, who sparked chaos in a derby clash against Santa Fe by standing on the ball.Chelsea are keeping tabs on Millonarios wonderkid Neyser VillarrealCredit: ConmebolVillarreal sparked chaos in a derby clash against Santa Fe by standing on the ballCredit: XThat led to a brawl while Chelsea’s chief scout was watching from the standsCredit: XThe 19-year-old winger was immediately booked by the referee for showboating as tensions between the two rival clubs flared on the pitch and in the stands.Villarreal was the standout player for Colombia’s team at this year’s South American Under-20 championships, where he finished as the tournament’s top scorer with eight goals and four assists.But the Millonarios starlet is no stranger to controversy in his short professional career, having missed training with his club after being inundated with offers to move overseas last month.Porto, Inter Miami and Watford are all keen to sign the talented attacker, who can play in any position across the frontline and has a contract that is currently set to expire later this year.Read More on ChelseaBut now Chelsea have stepped up their interest in Villarreal by sending their top scout in the region all the way from Sao Paulo to Bogota to check up on him.Stamford Bridge is already home to a huge contingent of South American stars and many more have been signed by the Blues and farmed out for experience elsewhere.That number includes Colombian U20 teammate Oscar Perea, who was signed by BlueCo-owned Strasbourg last summer.Villarreal’s ceiling appears to be higher as he caught the eye with his dynamic dribbling and shooting at the South American Under-20 championships.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHis ability to maneuver in tight spaces often saw him draw the attention of multiple defenders, but he easily beat opponents in one-on-one situations with body feints and quick changes of direction.His pace made him a constant threat when Colombia counterattacked and he proved adept at instigating one-twos to break defensive lines around congested penalty areas.Ben Chilwell opens up on being bombed out by Chelsea before Crystal Palace lifelineScouts noted his explosive acceleration made it look like he had an extra gear while the power and accuracy on his shots was also impressive.The teenager may need to work on the consistency of his final ball, but he demonstrated a variety of driven and floated crosses during the tournament as well as some astute decision making in the final third.Although naturally stronger shooting with his right foot, Villarreal showed a tendency to cut inside from the right and attempt curling left-footed shots towards the far post, which showed room for improvement. More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson’s classy gesture to Danny Welbeck revealed 12 years after striker last played for Man Utd legend

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      DANNY WELBECK has revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson still calls him after games.The Brighton star, 34, came through the ranks at Manchester United under the legendary Scot.Danny Welbeck recently scored a brilliant goal against NewcastleCredit: GettySir Alex Ferguson remains in contact with his ex-playersCredit: ReutersWelbeck won a Premier League title with the Red Devils, but was sold to Arsenal just 12 months after Ferguson’s 2013 departure.Ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup quarter-finals, the striker revealed that his old boss, 83, contacted him after his goal against Newcastle in the last round.Speaking to the BBC, Welbeck said: “[Sir Alex Ferguson] actually phoned me after the Newcastle goal.”He talked about the goal and the performance.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”He was buzzing and to have that sort of connection, he is a manager who is always looking out for his players, always wants the best for them, and still to this day is in contact.”Welbeck’s brilliant extra time winner against Newcastle set up this Saturday’s quarter-final between Brighton and Nottingham Forest.The former England star has had a productive season on the South Coast, scoring seven Premier League goals in just 17 starts.His Toon strike even prompted former Man Utd team-mate Wayne Rooney to make a big claim.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWelbeck played under Sir Alex at Man UtdCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe Red Devils’ all-time leading goalscorer, 39, said: “Danny’s great to play alongside.”If I’m completely honest I’d probably like to still see him here, playing for Manchester United.Danny Welbeck lifts lid on ex-Man Utd players’ WhatsApp group including one huge star who just ‘chats and chats’ “He’s scored goals throughout his career. He had injuries in the early part of his career but he seems to have got over them and he’s having a fantastic season.”Welbeck recently revealed that he is part of a WhatsApp group full of former Man Utd stars.He told Sky Sports: “Everybody plays a part. It’s a lot of banter, chatting about football and a lot of banter.”Asked who the admin is, Welbeck replied: “I think it might be Rio [Ferdinand].”He just chats doesn’t he. You know what he’s like he just chats and chats.”He loves it. He’s making a career out of talking now so… we give me a lot of stick too.” More

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      Chelsea transfer target gets instantly booked for pointless skill before all-out brawl in derby clash

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      CHELSEA target Neyser Villarreal’s cheeky skill sparked chaos in a derby match in Colombia.Tempers flared after the 19-year-old was given a yellow card for his provocative tactics when his Millonarios F.C side were 2-0 up over Santa Fe.Chelsea transfer target gets instantly booked for pointless skill as all out brawl is sparked in derby clashCredit: XFury incited among both sets of players as soon as Villarreal was booked for his pointless ballstandingSanta Fe players began pushing and shoving the cheeky 19-year-old awayBefore Villarreal began running away from the meleeHis team-mates began protecting VillarealMillonarios manager David Gonzalez quickly subbed Villarreal off after another player shoved him a few minutes later.With Millonarios in possession and pushing for a third in the 76th minute, Villarreal seemingly chose to wind up the opposition over his side’s dominance.As Christian Mafla was approaching him, Villarreal skilfully stood on the ball before passing to his team-mate and running into the box.But the referee Jose Ortiz immediately noticed and began running over with his book out.Many believe the audacious move undermined sportsmanship and sporting integrity – especially as Santa Fe were down to ten men.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLaw 12 of the Laws of the Game specifies that unsporting behavior can lead to a caution (yellow card), and showboating can fall under that category.Fury incited among both sets of players as soon as Villarreal was booked for his pointless ballstanding.Several Santa Fe players began pushing him around the box before his team-mates piled in to protect him.Villarreal then ran away down the pitch, before he was followed by veteran pros Mafla and Hugo Rodallega Martinez.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMillonarios manager David Gonzalez quickly subbed Villarreal off after another player shoved him a few minutes later.The match finished 2-0 to leave Santa Fe second and move Millonarios fifth in the Categoria Primera A standings.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsSunSport understands that Chelsea are keeping an eye on Villarreal ahead of the summer window.The teenager helped Colombia to third in the U-20 South American Championships this year.He has provided one assist in 12 appearances for Millonarios since joining the first team.Last year, Chelsea signed South American wonderkid Estevao Willian from Palmeiras in a £28m deal.The 17-year-old Brazilian will arrive in Cobham this summer.Meanwhile, Andrey Santos, Deivid Washington, Angelo and 17-year-old Kendry Paez will also arrive in 2025. More