Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Everton move to make peace with club legend, 64, after two-year exile from Goodison Park

      by

      EVERTON have moved to make peace with club icon Graeme Sharp by inviting him to attend one of the last matches at Goodison Park.The former director, who won two league titles, the FA Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup as the star striker for Howard Kendall’s all-conquering side in the 1980s, has not been to an Everton game for over two years due to safety fears.Graeme Sharp had been advised to stay away from Goodison ParkCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe club legend won two titles, an FA Cup and a Cup Winners’ CupCredit: PA:Empics SportSharp and the entire Everton Board were advised to stay away from Goodison due to a “real and credible threats” received before a home game against Southampton in January 2023.Sharp resigned from the Board at the end of that season, along with chief executive Denise Barret-Baxendale and strategy officer Grant Ingles, and has not been back to Everton since.The former Scotland international was criticised by some Everton fans for defending the unpopular ownership of Farhad Moshiri, who finally sold the club to the Friedkin Group last year.Banners featuring the words “Sharp Out” were brought by fans to several matches and he stood down after just 18 months on the Board.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSharp was unpaid non-executive director with no real influence over the club’s decision making however, with many at Everton feeling he was treated unfairly.Everton’s new owners are aware of the situation and have reached out to Sharp, making it clear he is welcome back as a guest at Goodison at any time.David Moyes’ side have just four matches left at their 137-year-old home before moving to their new £800million stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.Moyes is thought to be particularly keen to welcome Sharp back to the club as the pair got to know each other well during his previous spell in charge.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIn an interview with the Scotsman last year Sharp said “I don’t see myself going back” as “the stick that I got was totally underserved,” although he had not been invited at that stage.The 64-year-old has also attended a number of Everton fan events in recent months and been well received, which friends of his say may prompt a change of heart.’Normally a bottle of red wine down’ – Moyes unhappy at unusual kick-off time More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Huge Arsenal injury blow as Riccardo Calafiori forced off after ‘feeling something strange’ in Italy clash

      by

      ARSENAL are sweating over a fresh injury blow to Riccardo Calafiori after the star “felt something strange” while playing for Italy.The defender, 22, picked up the potential problem in his side’s 2-1 defeat to Germany last night.Riccardo Calafiori has suffered another injury scare for ArsenalCredit: RexThe ace jarred his knee during Italy’s 2-1 defeat to GermanyCredit: GettyCalafiori lined up on the left side of a three-man defence and enjoyed a good performance.But towards the end of the match, disaster struck.The £42million Arsenal man slipped and twisted awkwardly as he attempted to re-angle his body while running backwards.The jarring movement results in one leg flying out as the other remained stationary.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCalafiori managed to see out the rest of the game, despite initially being forced off the field.But he looked to be moving awkwardly.And speaking afterwards, Italy boss Luciano Spalletti revealed Calafiori will need to undergo tests to determine the extent of his problem.Spalletti said: “We still don’t know if he’s injured.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates“Ricky felt something strange in his knee but we still don’t know.”Calafiori was also asked about the problem but was equally cryptic.Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori reveals he learned English through Netflix and drill music The Gunner said: “I still don’t know…”Should Calafiori have suffered a knee injury, it would already be the THIRD of his Arsenal career following last summer’s move from Bologna.He missed a month of action between October and November with a similar issue, leaving him absent for eight matches.He missed a further three games in December with knee problems.While calf and muscle issues have resulted in another five games missed, making for a total of 16 games out injured so far. More

    • 300 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Harry Kane: People have got bored with my goals as they did with Ronaldo and Messi – I can win Ballon d’Or this year

      by

      HARRY KANE claims he is under-appreciated as fans have become “bored” with his stunning scoring stats.The England skipper faces Albania tonight with an incredible international record of 69 goals in 103 appearances, while he has also struck 76 times in just 82 matches for Bayern Munich.Harry Kane says fans got bored of his goalsCredit: GettyCristiano Ronaldo, pictured in 2018, was a goal machine at Real MadridCredit: Getty Images – GettySo too was Lionel Messi, pictured here in 2019, during his Barcelona daysCredit: Getty Images – GettyKane, 31, said: “It’s like when Ronaldo and Messi were throwing these crazy numbers out there.“The next season, they’d score 40 goals instead of 50 and it was like they were having a bad season.“People take it for granted and maybe it’s a little bit for me with England as well.“I’ve scored 69 goals and when you score against Albania or Latvia, people just expect it, so it’s not spoken about so much.READ MORE IN football “If I was 25 now and doing what I’m doing, the excitement around me would be a bit different.“Again, that’s part of where we are with football and I’ve seen it with some other players as they get into their 30s.“Maybe people just get a little bit bored of what you do but I’m certainly not bored. I’m excited for the games ahead.”The striker, back at former club Tottenham’s training ground yesterday, was asked whether he can win the Ballon d’Or this year. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “One hundred per cent.“I felt that last season as well, I scored over 40 goals but I was never going to win the Ballon d’Or because we didn’t win the team trophies.How Tuchel will excite England fans by unleashing high press footballHarry Kane reveals his favourite England goalsHARRY KANE is already England’s all-time record goalscorer.But the Three Lions skipper will NOT be stopping there.To mark his 100th cap for his country, Kane spoke to SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT about some of his special England goals….FIRST ENGLAND GOAL“My debut v Lithuania. March 2015.”There was a lot of talk in the build-up to that camp because I was playing well for Spurs.“I got a great reception and within a couple of minutes I scored a goal.“I don’t think I could have dreamed it any better.“My friends and family were there. That was a really special night.”FAVOURITE ENGLAND GOAL“It’s between two, for me.“Against Germany, the one at Wembley in Euro 2020.“Also, the header against Tunisia at the World Cup in 2018.“That moment of scoring a last-minute winner at my first World Cup was special.”BEST ENGLAND GOAL“The one I scored in Poland away in a World Cup qualifier in 2021. It was from 25 yards.”(Kane picked up the ball from Kyle Walker, advanced towards goal and put his foot through it.)“It kind of drifted away and it was a good strike, probably my furthest-out goal for England.”“I finished tenth in the Ballon d’Or while at Spurs and that was as high as I could have finished.”Thomas Tuchel takes charge of his first game as England manager in what is the start of a new era following the reign of Sir Gareth Southgate.It was Tuchel who persuaded Kane to leave Spurs for Bayern in 2023.The German’s assistant in Munich was Englishman Anthony Barry and he is now the Three Lions’ No 2.Kane, set to win his first major title this season with Bundesliga leaders Bayern, said: “We had conversations before the transfer happened.“Gareth and Thomas are different characters. In terms of coaching, Thomas takes a bit more on the pitch.”I finished tenth in the Ballon d’Or while at Spurs and that was as high as I could have finished.Harry Kane Kane is also delighted that Jordan Henderson is back in the England squad after 16 months out.There is no doubt the Three Lions missed the influence of Hendo, 34, during Euro 2024 with skipper Kane not the loudest of characters.Kane added: “Whenever you go to tournaments, I don’t think it’s just about having the best players.“It’s about creating an environment where you allow other people to thrive. I would say we were a little bit light on leadership in the summer.“Especially when things are not going well, that’s when you need me and Jordan — experienced players to take that responsibility on.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Hendo brings that experience as good as anyone I’ve played with.“Thomas has been clear on trying to build that environment. And it starts from this camp.”Tuchel persuaded Kane to leave Spurs for Bayern in 2023Credit: AP More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      David Moyes set to stand witness in Lucas Paqueta spot-fixing trial with West Ham star facing LIFETIME ban

      by

      DAVID MOYES is expected to provide a witness statement as part of Lucas Paqueta’s spot-fixing hearing.Part of the Brazil international’s defence is that he asked boss Moyes to be left out of a game at Bournemouth in August 2023.Lucas Paqueta’s spot-fixing trial is due to beginCredit: RexDavid Moyes will provide a witness statementCredit: RexPaqueta was booked in the game against the Cherries, one of the four yellow cards he is accused of deliberately picking up.The midfielder’s team claim that he asked to be left out of the opening game of the season so as not to harm the possibility of an £85million move to Manchester City that month.Moyes instead started the former Lyon man, who was booked for handball in the 94th minute before then being replaced by Maxwel Cornet.Paqueta’s FA hearing began this week and could lead to a lifetime ban from football if found guilty, though he has denied all charges.READ MORE IN football The Hammers playmaker is expected to call a number of witnesses as part of his defence, including gambling experts.Suspicious betting patterns around Paqueta being booked in Premier League games were flagged by numerous bookmakers, including West Ham’s main sponsor, Betway.Paqueta has played 28 times this season – scoring four goals – having missed only four games with three of those down to injury. Boss Graham Potter said earlier in March: “He’s fine. Most read in Football”He’s been disappointed because he’s missed games with injury, but he’s worked hard and trained well this week. “I’ve found him no problem whatsoever.Dani Dyer reveals whether she will take West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen’s surname after marriage “The other stuff is out of my hands, but with us he’s been really good.”The Hammers went into the international break 16th in the league – but still 17 points clear of safety. More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      England star’s limited edition Bentley Continental could be yours for £70,000 and is one of only 710 ever produced

      by

      FOOTBALL fans have the chance to live like an England superstar after captain Harry Kane put his Bentley on sale.And the stunning limited edition motor could be theirs for just under £70,000.Bayern Munich superstar Harry Kane has put his Bentley Continental up for saleCredit: C.Neocleous and Auto Trader
      England captain Kane’s ride is now up for grabs for £69,995Credit: C.Neocleous and Auto Trader
      Kane’s limited edition beauty is only one of 710 ever producedCredit: C.Neocleous and Auto Trader
      Kane is enjoying a stunning season with BayernCredit: PAThe Three Lions’ record goalscorer is flogging his white Bentley Continental on Auto Trader.This limited edition beauty is only one of 710 ever produced and has previously been photographed pulling up to the England captain’s London home after his daughter’s birth.It comes with an eight-speaker audio system, heated and ventilated seats with massage function, an electric rear spoiler and 21-inch Black alloy wheels as well as 25,400 miles on the clock. And the swanky car could end up belonging to a lucky fan in the near future.Read More on FootballThat’s if they can part with £69,995.Auto Trader editorial director Erin Baker said: “It’s not every day that a car with such star appeal comes onto the market. “Harry Kane’s former Bentley Continental is a rare example of luxury craftsmanship, and with its celebrity connection, it’s sure to turn heads. “With over 80million visits to our site each month, we expect this unique vehicle to attract plenty of attention from football fans and car enthusiasts alike.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBayern Munich star Kane, 31, is back on England duty ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.Thomas Tuchel’s side take on the Albanians on Friday and the Latvians on Monday – both fixtures take place at Wembley.BBC pundit names England’s long-term successor to Harry Kane after Premier League star’s ‘bullying’ performance Kane has once again been in fine form this season with a whopping total of 32 goals and 11 assists in 37 appearances.And the Tottenham legend is likely to finally break his trophy duck with Bayern top of the Bundesliga table with six points separating them from second-placed Bayer Leverkusen. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Model pupil Ethan Nwaneri handed in HOMEWORK on morning after Arsenal debut and scored 98 per cent on maths test

      by

      ETHAN NWANERI is not one for unnecessary fuss or over-the-top celebrations.Less than 24 hours after becoming the Prem’s youngest player – making his Arsenal debut on Sunday September 18, 2022 aged 15 years and 181 days off the bench at Brentford – he was handing in GCSE English homework at St John’s Senior School in Enfield.Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri continues to focus on schoolCredit: GettyArsenal’s Nwaneri scored 98 per cent in a maths’ test for his school entrance examsCredit: Jamie McPhilimeyNwaneri handed in GCSE English homework right after his historic Arsenal debutCredit: Jamie McPhilimeyNwaneri spent time diligently studying in hotel rooms alongside Myles Lewis-SkellyCredit: GettyTeacher Elle Bewley revealed: “I’m not joking, he just walked into school on Monday, gave me his homework, sat down and got on with it. No discussion, no distraction. Nothing.”So, it is no surprise that Nwaneri will not be celebrating his 18th birthday on Friday like any normal teenager would. Instead, he is part of Lee Carsley’s England Under-21 camp taking on France in Lorient.The Hale End wonderboy – already with eight goals across all competitions in his breakthrough season under boss Mikel Arteta – is now technically a man.This landmark day also means he can finally get changed in the same dressing room as Arsenal’s seniors at the Emirates and their London Colney training base – safeguarding restrictions prevented him from doing so until now.Read More on ArsenalBut those that know Nwaneri best will tell you he has been a wise old head on young shoulders for some time, such is his eye-catching maturity and humble personality.It is assumed he gets that from his father, a guiding figure in his life on and off the pitch so far.At the Under-17 European Championships in Hungary back in May 2023, Nwaneri spent time diligently studying in hotel rooms – alongside pal and fellow academy grad Myles Lewis-Skelly – for his GCSE exams as his father had warned that education comes before football.At St John’s, he would ask teachers for extra revision papers to take home. For a GCSE English spoken language project, he avoided basing it on football, instead researching and presenting it on conspiracy theories.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesHis speciality was mathematics, scoring 98 per cent in his school entrance exams. His headteacher Alexander Tardios commented: “He is a very academic boy. He could have easily ended up at King’s College or UCL.”Nwaneri would order Ubers from London Colney back to his school to ensure he did not miss any tests.Ethan Nwaneri’s rise at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta’s guiseAnd on days off, Nwaneri would have childhood friend Lewis-Skelly – who lived nearby – cycle over so they could get in some extra training.Even now, as a first-team regular, he has remained down-to-earth. After training, he is often seen waiting in the car park to be picked up while his team-mates drive off in luxury sports cars.Nwaneri was first introduced to the Arsenal fans as an eight-year-old in May 2015 when the Under-9s were paraded around the pitch at half-time of a 4-1 Premier League victory over West Brom.I’m not joking, he just walked into school on Monday, gave me his homework, sat down and got on with it. No discussion, no distraction. Nothing.Nwaneri’s teacher, after his Arsenal debutFour-and-a-half years later, a 12-year-old Nwaneri was on the radar of newly-appointed manager Arteta. The Spaniard asked academy coach Dan Micciche for videos of his progress.Soon, Nwaneri was training with boys much his senior, scoring on his Arsenal Under-18s debut aged 14 having played for the Under-14s aged 12.He was also encouraged to play in numerous positions to enhance his development, toughen him up: No10, a left-sided No8, a centre-forward and winger.’Continues to develop’Ex-Arsenal midfielder Steve Morrow was the Gunners’ head of youth development when Nwaneri arrived at Hale End after a brief stint in Chelsea’s youth set-up.Morrow told SunSport: “We always had that philosophy that the players needed to be at a level where they were being more challenged than their actual age group.“The traits that he had from 11 and 12 years old, you still see. That balance, that drop of the shoulder, that power, that acceleration. How he is so direct as well.“It’s incredible how all those super-strengths that he had have continued to develop.Arsenal ratings vs ChelseaARSENAL collected three points at the Emirates with a comfortable display as they fight to keep their fading title hopes alive.“Going down to Hale End and watching him on a Sunday, he was scoring goals for fun every week with pure skill and intelligence and technique, not just physical qualities.“He didn’t always play wide, he often played centrally. That really helped his development because it gave him spacial awareness of what was going on around him.Seizing his chance“It is quite rare for young players to be such good decision-makers. He had it early and you can see it today. Ethan can go as far as he wishes.“Sometimes you see players that you think have similar levels of talent but it’s always the ones that have the right attitude, character and focus, the ones who are brave and able to deal with disappointments, who make it.”At the end of his scholarship year in the summer of 2023, he was linked with a move back to Chelsea, with Manchester United and Manchester City also sniffing around, but eventually committed to the club with his first senior contract signed in March 2024.It has paid off, seizing his chance with Bukayo Saka out for three months this term following hamstring surgery in December, shining both in the Prem and the Champions League so far.It is quite rare for young players to be such good decision-makers. He had it early and you can see it today. Ethan can go as far as he wishes.Steve MorrowCurrent Under-18s coach Adam Birchall said: “We treated him like any other person. And the parents were outstanding in understanding the importance of that.“That’s such a key thing, because it really helped in values — in everything, as people.READ MORE SUN STORIES“What I’ve seen throughout is [Nwaneri’s] application to be the best he can be, that mentality, just being relentless.“That’s what being a Strong Young Gunner is all about — that real strength as a person and understanding yourself to be able to go into that environment.” More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Newcastle’s transfer plans with £50m star replacing Marc Guehi as main target and keeping Isak top priority

      by

      NEWCASTLE have made keeping Alexander Isak their top priority – and have Dean Huijsen as their number one defensive target.The £150m-rated Swedish striker Isak secured his place in Geordie folklore after firing them to victory in the Carabao Cup Final.Dean Huijsen has impressed at Bournemouth this seasonCredit: GettyAlexander Isak helped Newcastle to Carabao Cup gloryCredit: RexIsak, who cost £63m from Real Sociedad in 2022, is under contract for another three years and will start talks over a new deal this summer.But both Arsenal and Liverpool are plotting summer swoops and now Barcelona have joined the long-list of admirers.Newcastle are expecting more noise from those clubs interested to try and unsettle their talisman.But Toon chiefs have no intentions of letting him go and their Saudi chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan has even ordered them to resist any offers for his favourite player.READ MORE NEWCASTLE NEWSMeanwhile, after missing out on Crystal Palace’s England international Marc Guehi last year, they are ready to battle it out to land Bournemouth’s Huijsen.The 19-year-old has enjoyed a brilliant breakthrough season with the Cherries and has the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Real Madrid all wanting him.The Spanish U21 ace has a release clause of £50m in his Bournemouth contract and Toon are willing to meet that figure.They want to keep Fabian Schar, who is discussing an extension to his current contract that expires in June.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAlthough club captain Jamaal Laschelles could depart.He will also become a free agent but the 31-year-old has been sidelined all season after undergoing cruciate surgery.Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen couldn’t be happier being nominated for Premier League player of the month More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Napoli ‘make contact with Man Utd over Rasmus Hojlund deal that would open door to stunning swap transfer’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED striker Rasmus Hojlund has emerged as a target for Napoli, according to reports.The 22-year-old is being heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford prior to the summer window.Napoli are considering a swoop for Rasmus HojlundCredit: AlamyMan Utd could attempt to sign Victor Osimhen as a replacementCredit: GettyHaving scored just eight goals in 39 appearances for United so far this season, the striker has failed to impress new head coach Ruben Amorim and the club hierarchy.He was even listed among the group of “inherited” players that Sir Jim Ratcliffe considered to be “not good enough” during an interview last week.As the co-owner plots a rebuild, Hojlund is expected to be let go for a fraction of the £72million fee they paid for him.Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport has claimed that Napoli want to sign him.READ MORE ON MAN UTDMan Utd allegedly want £50m for the striker, who is understood to be open to a return to Italy.Napoli believe that convincing Hojlund to complete the switch will not be difficult.Should the Denmark international swap United for Napoli this summer, it may open the door for a huge swap deal that could see Victor Osimhen head the other way.The 26-year-old was loaned out to Galatasaray last year after being axed from the Napoli squad.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordHojlund has struggled to impress this seasonHe is set to return to Naples at the end of the season but will likely be sold before the 2025-26 campaign kicks off.And talkSPORT has reported that Osimhen could become a target for United.Man Utd legend spotted consoling Rasmus Hojlund and giving Man Utd striker pep talk after 14-minute cameo vs Arsenal Transfer journalist Alex Crook said: “I think (Victor) Osimhen is the most likely because I think he’s going to be available for the type of price that United can afford.”I think his wage demands have come down from where they were a year ago, obviously he’s been playing in Turkey, and I think he has that proven pedigree.”So it wouldn’t surprise me if Hojlund goes back to Italy, and there’s interest from the likes of Napoli I’m told, and Osimhen comes in the opposite direction.”Osimhen has scored 26 goals and provided five assists in 30 appearances this term for Galatasaray.Man Utd ratings vs LeicesterMANCHESTER UNITED leapfrogged Tottenham into 13th in the Premier League by beating Leicester.Rasmus Hojlund was left to run in behind and shoot low into the bottom corner from an angle to open the scoring on 28 minutes.The Danish striker had not found the net since December 12 – a run of 21 matches.Alejandro Garnacho saw a goal chalked off for offside but there was no taking his snap-shot finish off him on 67 minutes.And skipper Bruno Fernandes rounded off the comfortable 3-0 win in style in the closing stages.Here’s how SunSport’s Graham Hill rated the Man Utd stars. More