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    Premier League final day LIVE SCORES: Leeds, Leicester and Everton in relegation scrap as United trail and Foxes lead

    JUST like that, the final day of the Premier League season is here – but there is still a lot to be decided.Manchester City broke Arsenal hearts as their incredible 14-game winning run led them to the title.
    All eyes are on Everton, Leicester and Leeds RIGHT NOW as they battle it out to continue their adventure in the English top flight.

    PREMIER LEAGUE RELEGATION ODDS: TEAMS LIKELY TO GO DOWN IN 2022/23 SEASON
    Follow ALL the action from the final day with our live blog below…
    Leicester 1-0 West Ham
    It has all changed in the Premier League survival race.
    Harvey Barnes cuts in from the left and sidefoots a right footed shot passed the West Ham keeper.
    The King Power Stadium erupts, currently, they are now out of the bottom three.
    Credit: PA
    Goal – Harvey Barnes (Leicester)
    Arsenal 3-0 Wolves
    Bukayo Saka has made it 3-0 at The Emirates.
    Mikel Arteta’s side look set to sign off in style on what has been a successful Premier League campaign for The Gunners.
    Wolves are in danger of being on the end of a hiding here today.
    Credit: EPA
    Southampton 2-2 Liverpool
    The visitors defensive woes are underpinned here as bottom of the table Southampton have drawn level.
    Kamaldeen Sulemana gets his first Saints goal to draw things level at St Mary’s.
    Great comeback by Southampton.
    Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
    Chelsea have managed to get an equaliser but it is not one of Frank Lampard’s players who have got it.
    Kieran Trippier is the person who has scored with an unfortunate own goal to bring Chelsea level.
    All square at Stamford Bridge.
    Aston Villa 2-0 Brighton
    Brighton look to come forward and as Villa turn the ball over, they break quickly with Jacob Ramsey over the halfway line.
    He keeps going towards goal and as the keeper comes out he squares the ball.
    Ollie Watkins is there to knock the ball into an empty net to put them one step closer to securing their European adventures next season.
    Man Utd 0-1 Fulham
    Red Devils’ fans have turned up in their droves hoping to see a good end to a season where they have secured a top four spot.
    Fulham do not seem to have read the script though as Kenny Tete gives the visitors the lead.
    Mountain to climb for Erik ten Hag’s side.
    Southampton 1-2 Liverpool
    James Ward-Prowse has brought the home side back into the game.
    In what could be his last game as a Southampton player, he has given the home fans something to cheer.
    The Saints are looking to finish a disappointing season on a high note.
    Arsenal 2-0 Wolves
    This could be Granit Xhaka’s last game for The Gunners today.
    What a way to sign off as he has scored the opening two goals of the game.
    The home fans will be disappointed that they are starting the day eight points behind Man City but the scoreline here should be cheering up the fans who have made it to their last game of the season.
    Credit: Reuters
    Southampton 0-2 Liverpool
    Diogo Jota gives the visitors the lead, something of the home side’s own doing.
    As they look to roll it from the back, Liverpool win the ball with their high press before Jota slots home.
    Things go from bad to worse for Southampton as moments later, Roberto Firmino scores on his last Liverpool appearance putting the ball through the keeper’s legs to make it 0-2.
    Chelsea 0-1 Newcastle
    After having an early chance to take the lead, the visitors do not have to wait long for another opportunity.
    As Newcastle manage to work the ball to Gordon who shoots, Kepa manages to get a touch to it but cannot keep the ball out.
    This could be a depressing end to the Frank Lampard era in West London.
    Credit: AFP
    Goal – Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)
    Aston Villa 1-0 Brighton
    Jacob Ramsey does well down the left and gets to the byline before cutting the ball back to the penalty spot.
    Douglas Luiz meets it to strike a right footed shot passed the Brighton keeper.
    Fully deserved, this has been one-way traffic in the early stages.
    Goal – Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa)
    Aston Villa 0-0 Brighton
    An early chance for the home side as Leon Bailey creates a chance but as he shoots his shot takes a slight deflection on the way through.
    The ball rebounds back off the crossbar and the second chance is fired over.
    Early chance for Unai Emery’s side.
    Credit: Getty
    Leeds 0-1 Tottenham
    It could not be a worse start for Sam Allardyce’s men.
    Despite playing five at the back, their defending was woeful.
    Great finish by the England striker who side-footed the ball home.
    Goal – Harry Kane (Tottenham)
    Last day showdown edging closer
    While many of the big decisions have already been made in the league, the battle of the bottom is huge.
    Managing nerves will be key for Everton, who have it all to do to secure their safety.
    Elsewhere, Unai Emery will be hoping to ensure that his Villa side can look forward to some European competition next season.
    Goodison Park relegation focal point
    Despite Leeds and Leicester knowing what they need to do personally to try and ensure their survival in the Premier League, it is all irrelevant if Everton do their job.
    The Toffees need to beat Bournemouth and they are safe.
    Sean Dyche’s side know their destiny is in their own hands to ensure that Everton remain a Premier League club.
    Credit: Getty
    Vardy hoping for another party
    Despite starting on the bench today, Jamie Vardy will be hoping he has a big part to play in Leicester’s hope of Premier League survival.
    If his side are in need of goals, hoping other results will be going their way, the experience of the striker could be key.
    In all these relegation battles today, the quality they have to come off the bench, could be key.
    Big Sam on relegation
    He said: ‘In terms of saving football clubs, keeping Leeds up would be the best of the lot.
    ‘I’ve saved other football clubs in dire and desperate situations.
    ‘But that’s always been with a lot more games and a lot more opportunities than this to put into place what you need to save them.
    ‘Let’s hope we’re smiling on Sunday and hungover on Monday.
    ‘As I say to every player, pressure is a privilege at this level and one you have to master.
    ‘You’re lucky to have this privilege of pressure playing in the Premier League – so enhance it and deliver.’
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    Arsenal unveil touching new mural outside Emirates including daughter of tragic club legend

    ARSENAL have unveiled a new mural outside the Emirates which features the daughter of a club legend. The Gunners have put up the final piece of their artwork around the stadium ahead of the final day of the season.
    Arsenal mural outside the Emirates featuring David Rocastle ‘s daughter MoniqueCredit: Arsenal
    And the touching piece features Monique Rocastle, daughter to former Arsenal player David, who sadly died aged 33.
    David – who spent seven years with the North Londoners – passed away in 2001 after a brave battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
    The midfielder has a son Ryan and two daughters Melissa and Monique, with whom is an avid Gooner.
    Monique proudly watched on as Arsenal mounted a fierce Premier League title charge this season.
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    She told The Mirror: “The club have done such an incredible job to connect with the fans.
    “The club have kept dad’s legacy and his name alive. We like to think we keep his legacy alive too but to see fans of all different ages, different backgrounds and cultures still talk about him and still sing his name.
    “Where I am on the artwork there’s also a Rocky Rocastle banner underneath as well which makes it special. The song never ever gets old for us which is nice.
    “I don’t think anyone would argue that it’s been a tough couple of years but you can see the progress with Arteta, you can see the club’s ethos and values and the family aspect which is really coming back which is nice.
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    “The way the artwork was done, from focus groups, the research and everyone involved even with the accolades with the women’s team and former players like Alan Smith who is my godfather, him up there, Wrighty and Micky Thomas.
    “The history and where it started can never be forgotten and hopefully we can soon add some more trophies to the artwork.
    “Arsenal’s history is everywhere with the statues, the memories and pictures when you go inside the stadium.
    “The biggest thing I’ve noticed this season is that when we’ve gone a goal down, previously the mood would have gone down but now the fans are straight away cheering them on.
    “You’ve seen that with Manchester United at home, Bournemouth at home, those late winning goals and a lot of those comebacks is down to the 12th man with the fans.
    “The Ashburton Army has done a great job, you see the players in a huddle and I actually feel now: ‘this is our team, these are our players.’
    “It’s the same with the women and what’s really special is that it feels like one club and we’re all together.”
    Arsenal legend David RocastleCredit: Rex More

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    Why do games start at 4.30 pm on Premier League final day?

    PREMIER League final games are formatted slightly differently from all the other games in the season. If your team has made it, their game will start at the same time as all the other finals, here’s why.
    Premier League final day games all start at 4:30 pmCredit: Getty
    Why do games start at 4.30 pm on Premier League final day?
    There are a few reasons why Premier League final games all kick off at the same time.
    This ensures that no team is disadvantaged by playing before their rivals on the table.
    This way, the side playing first may not know what they need to do in order to fulfil their objectives.
    Another reason why games start at the same time is due to UEFA blackout rules.
    Read more on the Premier League
    Blackout law prohibits Premier League or FA Cup games from being broadcasted live on TV on Saturdays between 2:45 pm and 5:15 pm.
    This first occurred in the 1960s to encourage fans to go and watch football matches in person.
    Another reason why games all start at the same time is so that they can all be shown on TV.
    What are the Premier League final day fixtures?
    Premier League fans across the country will be eagerly awaiting match day.
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    Besides congregating in someone’s living room or in a pub to watch the game, you can catch some of the matches live on Sky Sports.
    The fixtures for the league final day are as follows:

    Which Premier League games are on TV on the final day?
    Sadly not all the Premier League games are being shown on TV on the final day.
    Of the ten fixtures scheduled, only four are being shown live in the UK.
    But the ones that are, you can watch on Sky Sports or BT Sport.
    Sky Sports will show the following three matches:

    Aston Villa vs Brighton
    Everton vs Bournemouth
    Leicester City vs West Ham

    BT Sport will show the Leeds vs Tottenham match. More

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    Man Utd 0 Fulham 1 LIVE SCORE: De Gea SAVES Mitrovic penalty after Tete gives Cottagers lead – stream, TV

    KENNY TETE has given Fulham the lead at Old Trafford with a power header from a corner at the near post.But moments later, Aleksandar Mitrovic saw his penalty SAVED by David de Gea.
    Erik ten Hag is fielding a strong team ahead of the FA Cup final and United’s players will be expected to put their best foot forward for selection at Wembley.

    Kick-off time: 4.30pm
    TV channel: The game is not being broadcast on TV in the UK.
    Live stream: The game is not being streamed in the UK.
    Man Utd team: 1 De Gea, 20 Dalot, 2 Lindelof, 5 Maguire, 12 Malacia, 18 Casemiro, 17 Fred, 8 Bruno Fernandes, 25 Sancho, 49 Garnacho, 10 Rashford.
    Fulham team: 17 Leno, 2 Tete, 4 Adarbioyo, 31 Diop, 33 Robinson, 28 Lukic, 26 Palhinha, 8 Wilson, 10 Cairney, 20 Willian, 9 Mitrovic.

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    Stay up to date with all the action from Old Trafford…
    29. Man Utd 0-1 Fulham
    Man Utd come agonisingly close once again as Malacia plays the ball to Garnacho on the left.
    The 18-year-old takes a touch before striking, but his effort rattles the crossbar!
    28. Man Utd 0-1 Fulham
    Chance for United now as Rashford unleashes another strike on the edge of the box, but his effort runs wide.
    26. Man Utd 0-1 Fulham
    PENALTY SAVED!
    De Gea dives the right way to stop Mitrovic’s strike!
    Credit: Reuters
    25. Man Utd 0-1 Fulham
    PENALTY TO FULHAM!
    Casemiro wipes out Mitrovic on the edge of the box!
    20. Man Utd 0-1 Fulham
    Willian steps up to take the corner and sends an excellent cross to Tete on the edge of the six-yard box.
    The full-back directs his header past De Gea and straight into the top-right corner!
    Credit: AFP
    19. GOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLLL FULHAM!!!!!
    Tete breaks the deadlock!

    18. Man Utd 0-0 Fulham
    Wilson attempts to play Willian through with a clever pass, but the ball is sent behind for a corner.
    16. Man Utd 0-0 Fulham
    Chance for Man Utd as Fernandes lines up a free kick on the left.
    He sends a cross into the box, but it is headed clear by the Fulham defence.
    14. Man Utd 0-0 Fulham
    Fulham attempt to break forward as a long ball is sent over to Mitrovic, but the striker can’t get there in time and De Gea claims possession with ease.
    11. Man Utd 0-0 Fulham
    Huge chance for the Red Devils as Rashford unleashes a rocket of a strike from 35 yards out.
    His effort looks to be flying towards the top-right corner, but Leno makes an excellent save to keep the score level!
    6. Man Utd 0-0 Fulham
    Casemiro is caught out with the ball in a dangerous area as Lukic wins possession for Fulham.
    The midfielder then forces Fred into a foul 30 yards out from goal.
    The Cottagers have a free kick in a threatening position and the ball is sent in to Mitrovic, who heads it over.
    3. Man Utd 0-0 Fulham
    Huge chance for the Red Devils as the ball is crossed to Dalot at the far post on the right.
    The full-back attempts to shoot from a tight angle and forces Leno into a tricky save from close range.
    A positive start from Erik ten Hag’s side.
    Kick Off
    We’re underway at Old Trafford for the final game of the Premier League season!
    The stage is set
    Both teams take to the Old Trafford pitch for the final time this season.
    Credit: Getty
    How Fulham line up
    Here’s a reminder of how Fulham line up this afternoon…

    How Man Utd line up
    Here’s a reminder of how Erik ten Hag’s side line up this afternoon…

    Last time out at Old Trafford…
    Man Utd claimed a 3-1 win over Fulham in the FA Cup two months ago.
    Aleksandar Mitrovic opened the scoring in the second half, but Fulham’s joy was short-lived after Willian was sent off after denying a goalscoring opportunity with a handball.
    Mitrovic then saw red when he shoved the referee which resulted in another dismissal… and a lengthy ban.
    Goals from Bruno Fernandes and Marcel Sabitzer then sealed the victory for the Red Devils.
    Credit: Getty
    Fulham bench
    Rodak, Cedric, Reed, Harris, Kebano, De Cordova-Reed, Solomon, James, Vinicius.
    Fulham starting line-up
    Here is how the Cottagers line up at Old Trafford.
    17 Leno, 2 Tete, 4 Adarbioyo, 31 Diop, 33 Robinson, 28 Lukic, 26 Palhinha, 8 Wilson, 10 Cairney, 20 Willian, 9 Mitrovic.
    United bench
    Butland, Varane, Shaw, Wan-Bissaka, Eriksen, McTominay, Pellistri, Martial, Weghorst.
    Manchester United starting line-up
    Here is the United team for their final Premier League game of the season.
    1 De Gea, 20 Dalot, 2 Lindelof, 5 Maguire, 12 Malacia, 18 Casemiro, 17 Fred, 8 Bruno Fernandes, 25 Sancho, 49 Garnacho, 10 Rashford.
    Erik has one eye on Wembley
    Erik ten Hag has told his players they can win the FA Cup final, then improve.
    He said: “We want to win the Cup and have to look to ourselves but in many aspects we can improve with this group of players.
    “I know where we have to improve and there is a lot of room for it, yes.
    “One year ago I said we wanted to win trophies and we have one, so we want to go for the highest.
    “It is a long way and is going to be a project, not over one year, we’re talking two or three.
    “There are not so many in our squad who have won the FA Cup and that is huge.
    “The FA Cup is global, with a huge reputation.
    “I know from the Netherlands how big it is and we have an opportunity to win it.”
    Make mine a Treble
    United fans have been bragging that they are the only English club to ever win the Treble.
    In fact they even have replica trophies on display outside Old Trafford.
    Those bragging rights might not last for long, if they don’t win the FA Cup final against Manchester City, who are odds on for the historic feat.
    Credit: Getty
    Don’t do anything Sil-ly
    Marco Silva will be hoping to stay in the dugout today after being given his marching orders in the FA Cup tie back in February.
    Credit: Rex
    Credit: Rex
    Be the main man Rash
    Erik ten Hag challenged striker Marcus Rashford to become the Erling Haaland of Old Trafford, writes PHIL THOMAS.
    Rash’s late strike in Thursday’s 4-1 drubbing of Chelsea took him to 30 goals for the season – the first Manchester United player to reach that tally since Robin van Persie a decade ago.
    Rashford’s tally has played a bigger role than any other in making Ten Hag’s first season in charge an unqualified success.
    Yet, although it could end with United adding the FA Cup to a top-four finish and the Carabao Cup they won in February, their perfectionist gaffer has raised the bar even higher.
    And that means handing Rashford a target on a par with Haaland, the Nordic goal machine who has bagged over a half-century across town with rivals City.
    Matching his tally of 52 might be asking a bit too much.
    But manager Ten Hag thinks just three goals in Rashford’s last 11 games means he could get closer next time.
    He said: “With Marcus there’s a lot of room for improvement in his game and I’m convinced he can score even more.
    “When you take, for instance, the last ten games he didn’t score many goals. I think only two or three, so, yes, he can improve.
    “I am happy from what he did last season to now, that he has brought himself back and we supported him where we could, with the way we play and also in his mental mindset. So we are happy with that but we must push him more. I think he’s capable of 40 goals in a season, so for him that’s the next step.”
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    Wayne Rooney urges Man Utd to ‘cheat a bit’ and play McFred in ‘90s line-up’ as fans say ‘lucky he’s not our coach’

    WAYNE ROONEY raised eyebrows after calling for Manchester United to play a throwback 4-4-2 formation in the FA Cup final. United play bitter rivals City next Saturday at Wembley, looking for their second trophy of the season.

    And DC United boss Rooney revealed he would play with a four-man midfield to “cheat a bit”.
    He wrote in his column for The Times: “My strategy would be to go the other way and ask City to do something different.
    “I’d try something similar to a tactic José Mourinho sometimes deployed in his first spell at Chelsea, where he would get the likes of Joe Cole, Arjen Robben and Damien Duff to take up “half” positions where they didn’t come all the way back and defend when Chelsea were out of possession but instead cheat a bit and wait higher up the pitch in areas from which they could counterattack as soon as Chelsea won the ball back.   
    “We always found it difficult to play against. When you were attacking, you were thinking, ‘Where’s Robben? Where’s Cole? Who’s staying back? What’s the communication like to make sure we’re dealing with those players?’
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    “United could do similar using Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial: defend with eight players and have those two waiting in counterattack positions.
    “That would ask City different questions: should John Stones still come into the midfield or would it leave that side of the pitch open for Rashford to run into? Should Kyle Walker go high or would this open up space?”
    “I would set United up 4-4-2, with Martial and Rashford up top and a very solid midfield behind them: Casemiro in the middle with Christian Eriksen, or even Scott McTominay, and Bruno Fernandes and Fred either side.
    ” I’d want to keep the distances between my eight defending players small.
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    “Everyone in football knows that if you get a good block of eight players, do it well and keep your discipline, it’s very difficult to break you down. United have had a few successes against City in recent years playing on the counterattack — often with Rashford and Martial to the fore.
    “Playing my way carries risks but I feel you have to risk it against City and ask questions that force them to do something different.
    “Gamble and they may punish you but if you just sit back you’re going to get punished by them anyway — so why not take the initiative and try something?”
    Rooney’s old-school approach had United fans thanking that he is not in charge at Old Trafford.
    One said: “We are lucky that he is not our coach.”
    Another added: “442 this ain’t the 90s man.”
    Wayne Rooney is manager of DC UnitedCredit: Reuters More

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    Emotional Theo Walcott announces Southampton exit aged 34 and reveals his future plans

    THEO WALCOTT has announced his Southampton exit in an emotional social media post.The forward began his career with Saints as a 16-year-old before moving to Arsenal.
    Theo Walcott is leaving Southampton this summerCredit: Getty
    After a stint at Everton he returned to St Mary’s, initially on loan, in October 2020.
    Walcott, 34, will now leave his boyhood club for a second time – but does NOT intend to retire.
    Ahead of today’s Prem dead rubber against Liverpool, he wrote: “Today marks my last appearance in a Saints shirt and I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone at @SouthamptonFC it’s a fantastic club with incredible people.
    “I am really disappointed for the fans that we weren’t able to stay in the Premier League this season, but I am certain the club will be back there again soon.
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    “Thanks to all of you for your support right back to my debut aged 16 years old.
    “I would like to wish the team and fans every success for the future.
    “My aim is to continue playing and I’m looking forward to the next challenge…”
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    Walcott, now 34, began his career at St Mary’s aged 16Credit: Getty
    Walcott became a bit-part player at Southampton this season, starting just 12 Prem games.
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    He scored two goals this term, in 3-3 draws against former side Arsenal and old foes Tottenham.
    The winger made 81 appearances across his two spells at St Mary’s, scoring 10 goals.
    Walcott earned 47 England caps during his pomp, scoring eight times.
    While he spent the bulk of his club career at the Emirates, scoring 108 goals and laying on 80 assists in 397 outings for the Gunners.
    Walcott joined Arsenal as a teen in 2006Credit: PA More

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    Walk through incredible away entrance at Luton as Premier League newcomers are set to become everyone’s favourite team

    AWAY fans heading to Luton next season are in for a treat – and already loving the throwback stadium.The Hatters earned promotion to the Premier League for the first time with their dramatic play-off penalties win over Coventry at Wembley.
    Fans heading to Luton are in for a classic treatCredit: https://twitter.com/FootyHumour
    The away end requires fans to go through housesCredit: https://twitter.com/FootyHumour
    They overlook gardens which back on to Kenilworth RoadCredit: https://twitter.com/FootyHumour
    It is a far cry from the likes of the Etihad and Tottenham StadiumCredit: https://twitter.com/FootyHumour
    It means their incredible Kenilworth Road home will welcome Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham who are used to the glitz and glam of their respective grounds.
    The tiny Luton stadium, opened in 1905, has a capacity of just 10,356.
    And because it is right in the heart of the Bedfordshire town, the ground is sandwiched between houses.
    So some of the entrances require fans to go through turnstiles under local residents’ bedrooms and bathrooms.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    And a video taken by one away fan shows the journey visitors go through to head up the outside stairs.
    They overlook the back of a row of houses and gardens before heading into the top of the stand.
    And supporters are relishing the chance to make the same walk in the new season – before the new 23,000-seater stadium is built.
    One said: “Honestly, rather this than some of the Marvel spaceship-esque stadiums that have been built.”
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    Another wrote: “This is excellent, far too many sterile identikit grounds on the edge of town, two fingers up at the pristine made for tv show. Humble, shabby, and loved.”
    A third added: “Old school, I like it.”
    And a final user said: “New favourite team,” with plenty of others certainly rooting for Rob Edwards’ side to succeed in the top flight.
    Abdul Ali, a resident in the Victorian red brick terraced houses on Oak Road, revealed there are certainly some pros and cons of living so close to the stadium.
    He told SunSport: “I’ve lived here my whole life. Until about seven years ago it was really easy to see into the stadium.
    “We used to have footballs smashing our window every so often when they accidentally got kicked out when teams tried to score.
    “It was kind of annoying at the time, it used to drive my dad mad.
    “We complained and complained and the club finally put up netting and some corrugated iron to stop it.
    “It means that my view of the pitch is gone unless I jump up and down on my bed. Then I can see a little bit of the grass, but not enough to watch the game.”
    Neighbour Anu said: “My son’s bedroom in the attic enables him to see a bit of the ground so he can sometimes see the games.”
    Read More on The Sun
    Luton’s promotion in the £200million match does come at a cost, though.
    The Hatters will need to stump up £10m to upgrade their home in order to comply with Premier League broadcasting and facility requirements.
    Fans turn into the stand behind the goalCredit: https://twitter.com/FootyHumour
    The Oak Stand is literally in between houses on the streetCredit: Getty
    The stand backs on to the gardens behind the terraced homesCredit: Reuters More

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    Barcelona launch record transfer move for Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes with Eddie Howe already looking at replacements

    BARCELONA want to sign Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes this summer, according to reports.The Catalan giants believe that the Brazilian ace can help catapult them back into Champions League contention.
    Bruno Guimaraes arrived at Newcastle in a £43m deal in January 2022Credit: Reuters
    Selling Guimaraes would help Newcastle further strengthen their squad within the parameters of Financial Fair Play.
    And they would expect to command a club-record fee for a sale should they let him depart.
    According to The Times, Barca accept that Guimaraes is likely to cost around £87million to prise away from the Toon.
    Newcastle signed Guimaraes from Lyon for a then-club record £43m in January 2022.
    READ MORE FOOTBALL
    He has since helped Eddie Howe transform his side from relegation strugglers into top four occupiers.
    Guimaraes, 25, has three years remaining on his Newcastle contract and it is not a given that he will leave this summer.
    But Toon scouts are performing due diligence by assessing potential replacements regardless.
    Magpies chiefs hope to entice Guimaraes into staying by offering him an improved new contract.
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    Upon sealing qualification for next season’s Champions League, Guimaraes talked up Newcastle’s chances of winning “titles” in the coming years.
    He said: “I am ambitious. This is something I have been since I remember: to have ambition and challenge myself.
    “When I signed, people say, ‘You are crazy to sign for a team who could play in the Championship next season.’ But here we are and we have Champions League one year after.
    “I think the challenge will be bigger than next year. I think the team has to have a goal of Champions League, not to go now and then not for ten years.
    “We have to get used to being there. Like in the Carabao Cup final, we have to get used to going there.
    “I think this is the ambition – fight for titles. The club deserves titles. Because of that I am here.”
    Howe, meanwhile, talked down the possibility of Newcastle splurging on numerous new players after finishing in the top four.
    He said: “We don’t have the ability to spend the money people will think we have, so we’re going to have to be very smart.
    “It’ll be a small group of players, but ones we think can make a difference.”
    Eddie Howe has guided Newcastle into the Champions LeagueCredit: PA More