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      Aston Villa rejected FORTY transfer bids for youngster with Unai Emery ‘100% convinced he’ll become one of world’s best’

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      ASTON VILLA have snubbed FORTY bids for a starlet – as Unai Emery reckons the bit-part striker will become world class within a year.Chelsea reportedly offered more than £40million for the striker over the summer and West Ham were then also linked with the 20-year-old.Emery reckons the ace will be something special ‘in the next 12 months’Credit: RexBut it’s claimed Villa chief Emery stood firm because “he is 100 per cent convinced” the Colombian will soon turn into a priceless asset.The player in question, Jhon Duran, is frustrated at starting so rarely.Yet he only arrived at Villa Park in January 2023 following two years in the MLS with Chicago Fire.Duran notched five Premier League goals last season from 23 appearances, of which TWENTY came off the bench.READ MORE TOP STORIESThis term he’s taken his super-sub status to new heights, with two winners after coming on in Villa’s first three top-flight games.England ace Ollie Watkins, 28, remains Emery’s first-choice up front.But Villa’s president of football operations Ramon Rodriguez Verdejo – known as Monchi – explained why the South American has stayed put.Monchi told the Mirror: “Unai is very confident with Jhon Duran. Very confident.Most read in FootballJhon Duran wants more starts but Emery is determined not to lose himCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”He thinks he can become one of the best strikers in the world in the next 12 months. He is 100 per cent convinced.”However, Monchi admitted Duran’s hunger to start has caused a headache.PREM RULE CHANGESHe explained: “He thinks he is better than Watkins. “That is normal because every player thinks he is better than their team-mates.”To manage Watkins and Duran is not easy but at the end it is the best for the team.”If you have two big strikers it is better than only one.”Ollie Watkins remains Villa’s first-choice up frontCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal blocked wearing red vs Tottenham and say North London derby will ‘have a different look than seasons gone by’

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      ARSENAL have been banned from wearing RED when they travel to Tottenham on Sunday.The Gunners will be forced to sport their black away kit as they aim to clinch their third straight victory in Tottenham’s backyard.Arsenal will NOT wear their red colours in the North London derby on SundayThey instead will be forced to wear black at SpursThe PGMOL ruled that Arsenal cannot wear their traditional colours away at Spurs for the first time in recent North London derby history.It was feared that their would be a possible kit clash.The PGMOL and Premier League agreed that Arsenal’s 2024-25 home kit features “too much white”.And would therefore clash with Tottenham’s customary colours.READ MORE ON ARSENAWhile Arsenal’s shirt looks largely similar to last season, Adidas did slightly increase the surface area of white above the sleeves and on the side panels.They also made the Adidas logo white and replaced Arsenal’s crest with a white Gunners cannon.The option of red shorts and socks for the Gunners was discussed, but ultimately denied.Arsenal’s statement read: “We will have a different look than seasons gone by. Our away strip for this season has already got off to a winning start when we wore it for the first time in competitive action against Aston Villa last month.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIn fact, both teams will be forced to wear their away strips in their two Premier League fixtures this season.That means Tottenham supporters will see their side play in blue when they travel to the Emirates in January.Arsenal fans raging as ‘smug’ Norway boss ‘cracks joke’ about Martin Odegaard’s devastating injury on live TVAnd Arsenal fans were left fuming with the decision to refuse the team their red shirts.Taking to X, one wrote: “What are PGMOL on about? Like sorry but who is going to confuse Tottenham and Arsenal, when Arsenal’s kit is literally red other than the sleeves?”A second added: “How does the home kit have too much white on it?So pathetic!”Another said: “It’s been White vs Red for years. This is ridiculous.”While a fourth declared: “Arsenal’s kit is conspicuously red and Spurs is overly white. There’s no conflict at all. Some dark forces must be conspiring against my club for real.”One Tottenham fan said: “Wow. Never thought I’d see the day that Arsenal come to our ground and not wear red 😂😂.”To make matters worse for the Gunners Martin Odegaard is a doubt for Sunday after limping off during Norway’s 2-1 win over Austria.The Arsenal skipper been pictured using crutches to board a private jet back to London to be assessed by Mikel Arteta’s medical staff.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe title chasers will also be without Declan Rice after he picked up his first red card in the 1-1 draw with Brighton before the international break.New signing Mikel Merino is also out after fracturing his shoulder in training, while Riccardo Calafiori left Italy’s camp after coming off injured against France. More

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      Todd Boehly tried to STOP Chelsea replacing Pochettino despite chiefs presenting 18-PAGE report on why he had to go

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      TODD BOEHLY reportedly wanted Mauricio Pochettino to STAY at Chelsea ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.Pochettino left Stamford Bridge by mutual consent at the end of last season despite securing European football.Mauricio Pochettino left Chelsea earlier this yearCredit: ReutersTodd Boehly wanted Poch to stayCredit: AlamyThe 52-year-old was let go following an internal review conducted by sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.Winstanley and Stewart put together an 18-page report detailing why Pochettino had to be dismissed after just one season.However, The Times report Boehly and some of his Clearlake Capital co-owners were divided over the manager’s future.While Clearlake supported the two sporting directors, Boehly attempted to overturn the decision and publicly backed Pochettino.Read More on ChelseaThe American businessman only stood down when he realised the majority of his colleagues backed Winstanley and Stewart.Chelsea’s decision to let Pochettino go is understood to be the “tipping point” which has led to a significant power struggle at Stamford Bridge.Insiders at the club reject any talk of a reported civil war among top officials and claim the relationship between Boehly and co-owner Behdad Eghbali remains courteous and professional.But SunSport last week reported the duo are at loggerheads and want to buy each other out.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFormer Blues chairman Ken Bates now reckons the club’s power-sharing ‘committee’ is a recipe for disaster.He said: “Football is not the sport I once knew and loved. Clubs are now either an investment or among a group of investments. Chelsea is included in that.Chelsea Player Ratings vs Crystal Palace Social”I wouldn’t know how good a committee is or whether they can work because I only ever worked in committees of one.”When you get large groups or committees of people trying to work together, you usually end up with two or three people sitting around doodling on a notepad.”Boehly and Eghbali have spent more than £1.2bn on new players since taking over two years ago.Chelsea are a circus – it will be TERRIBLE for football if they win anything, says Troy DeeneyCHELSEA are a circus — aren’t they?, writes Troy Deeney.But the bigger concern should be if somehow, some way, Todd Boehly’s insane master-plan brings about success this season.Finish in the top four. Win a trophy like the FA Cup.He will then turn around and say: “See, it works” and all of a sudden, other clubs will begin considering copying this mad model to try and compete in the Premier League.Before you know it, there will be a bigger divide between the top clubs and the rest and this country’s top flight will become something we have been fighting against — a Super League.The smaller sides and promoted teams will be wiped out by the elite and will end up saying, ‘What’s the point?’Football as we know it will change, and there will be no going back.As a neutral, you don’t want to wish failure on a club or a regime, but it’s depressing to think about.We should almost be looking at it in amazement — the owners have come in with this model and they’ve treated it as if they are buying stocks and shares, not players or human beings.Boehly has wiped away any sense of sentiment or old-school values from that club and the worrying thing is that he doesn’t seem to care.Does he even like football?Read Troy Deeney’s hard-hitting opinion on Boehly’s Chelsea shambles in full.Or check out all of Troy’s columns on SunSport. More

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      Why Man Utd building a new 100,000-seat stadium is more important than rebuilding the team

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      MANCHESTER UNITED took another step towards their aim of moving to a new 100,000 capacity ‘Wembley of the North’ this week.And new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants an answer by the end of this year on whether the plan to build a new £2billion home in the shadow of Old Trafford is to go ahead.Ageing Old Trafford needs replacing but at a huge financial outlayCredit: GettyManuel Ugarte was Man Utd’s £50m last recruit of the transfer windowCredit: GettyThe Red Devils desperately need a new homeCredit: AlamyThat eye-watering sum is around double the cost outlined to redevelop the outdated ‘Theatre of Dreams’ – leaving some fans scratching their heads.After all, other clubs who have moved into shiny new homes recently have hardly been inundated with trophies for their new cabinets.The financial burden it puts on the club inevitably impacts the amount of money spent on the team in most cases.And the start to the season for Erik ten Hag’s team has led some to wonder if all that cash would be better spent elsewhere.READ MORE ON MAN UTDWhile some fans are desperate to see shiny new additions to Ten Hag’s starting XI, a state-of-the-art stadium is far more important.Ratcliffe is convinced a move away from their historic home is the right option – and the club are backing his vision.The belief is that it would help cement their place as the top club in the country and beyond – and ultimately help to attract the world’s best players.And the ambitious scheme would be something to benefit the whole community as well as United and their supporters.Most read in FootballNoussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt were among other recruitsCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe latest news over recent days has seen the Red Devils enter into a partnership with Trafford Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to work on how he area can be regenerated.They will assess the ways a new stadium could act as the catalyst for residential sports, business, leisure and entertainment around the Trafford Wharfside area.Premier League’s Biggest Spenders: Top 10 SeasonsThat would help to fund the project because raising £2bn will be no mean feat – even when you have the kind of money that Ratcliffe and the Glazer family have in their pockets.United insist they are not looking for hand-outs but believe the new complex would provide opportunities for public-private partnerships.They would also look into investment or sponsorship from the private sector – which could include selling the naming rights, although not before the fans have been consulted.United have looked at similar projects around the world – notably the SoFI stadium in Los Angeles where they played against Arsenal in pre-season.An area known as Hollywood Park has been built around the stadium – which houses the 6000 seater YouTube Theater and American Airlines Plaza.Meanwhile the Kia Forum and the Intuit Dome sit on the outskirts and all those brought in cash to help fund the project.In addition, United have kept a close eye on the Chicago Bears’ plan for a new home on the city’s waterfront.They have studied arenas on tour in Australia, travelled to the Bernabeu in Madrid and visited Wembley and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.More than ever, they feel a new Old Trafford would be unique.The club own around 100 acres of under-used land in the area around their current home which would be used for the new stadium.That could be used for housing, leisure, business and education under the new project – while a ‘Stadium District’ could be linked to Media City – on the other side of Salford Quays – to create an economic and social hub.Meanwhile they would continue to play in their current stadium while the work is carried out – with the aim of completing it by 2030.Eventually the historic venue – which has been their home for 114 years – would be downsized and continue to be used for hosting academy and women’s games.The alternative, of course, is to patch up Old Trafford, which has been allowed to slowly deteriorate under the Glazer ownership.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat would involve finding around £1 billion – with much of that coming out of the pockets of Ratcliffe, the Glazers and the supporters.Some would say that is throwing good money after bad – and the feeling at the club is it is time for something new.Ugarte & Co must shine but a new stadium is the main issueCredit: PAWhat we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.They plan to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a second venue. They will scale it down to a 30,000-seater that can then be used for the women’s team and academy matches.That would mean the history remains with statues and the Munich clock and memorial plaque all most likely staying in their current positions.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

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      Thiago Silva gets hero’s welcome by Chelsea staff as he returns to Cobham months after leaving on free transfer

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      THIAGO SILVA was given a hero’s welcome when he paid a visit to Chelsea’s Cobham training ground this week.The veteran Brazilian emotionally left Stamford Bridge when his contract ended at the end of last season.Thiago Silva returned to Cobham this weekThe former Chelsea defender was given a hero’s welcome from staffHe posted the pictures on his InstagramAnd promised to see them again ‘soon’Silva emotionally left Stamford Bridge on a free transfer in MayHe is believed to have been visiting his family in LondonAnd Chelsea’s staff were thrilled to see the classy centre-back when popped in for a cheeky visit on Tuesday.Silva wrote on Instagram: “It’s always a pleasure to return to this special place. Thank you for your continuous affection. “The feeling is mutual. See you soon! 💙”The 39-year-old signed a two-year deal with Fluminense in his native Brazil, with supportive wife Belle staying in London for the time being.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe couple’s sons Isago, 15, and Iago, 13, are both on the books at Chelsea’s academy.Silva wrote to his family in another social media post: “It was an amazing few days with you guys here. “Soon we’ll be together again. Best of me, love you guys ❤️”Chelsea fans were delighted to see their cult hero back in Surrey, with one writing: “There’s only one Thiago Silva! So glad to see him return.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFrank Lampard also commented on his post with: “💙💪”, while another supporter added: “Our legend is back home.”Silva cleared out his private box at Stamford Bridge in August after calling time on his four-year spell in West London.Chelsea fans can’t name their OWN PLAYERS after another wild transfer window under owner Todd BoehlyThe 39-year-old’s emotional wife Belle recorded herself getting one last look at the now empty room in SW6.She wrote on Instagram last month: “Four years at Chelsea with @thiagosilva have been an incredible journey filled with unforgettable moments.”I can only feel gratitude and love for all that we have experienced together. Chelsea, you have been more than a team for us, you have been a family, a home away from home.”Belle became the Premier League’s most outspoken Wag after a number of controversial social media posts last season.Silva is also eyeing a stunning return to Chelsea once he hangs up his boots.But the Blues’ co-controlling owners Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly are at loggerheads and want to buy each other out.Their professional relationship has deteriorated to a point where they can no longer work together as their decisions are split on a power-sharing committee.READ MORE SUN STORIESSilva joined Chelsea in 2020 from French giants Paris Saint-Germain, having also previously spent three years at AC Milan.During his time with in the Premier League, Silva won the Champions League, the Club World Cup and the Super Cup. More

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      Distraught Arsenal fans cry ‘cancel the season’ after finding out who referee is for Tottenham clash

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      DISTRAUGHT Arsenal fans cried “cancel the season” after discovering who will ref their upcoming derby against Tottenham.Mikel Arteta’s man head into the clash with a number of major absences following their 1-1 draw with Brighton.Arsenal fans aren’t happy after seeing who will referee their game at SpursCredit: GettyDeclan Rice was sent off in that game, meaning he will miss the Spurs encounter through suspension.New boy Mikel Merino is out for two months with a freak shoulder injury.Captain Martin Odegaard has become the latest casualty after turning his ankle while playing for Norway.There’s further concerns at the back too, with Riccardo Calafiori forced off for Italy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Arteta could be forced to cobble together a new-look XI which may feature Raheem Sterling.However, some Arsenal fans reckon it doesn’t matter who takes to the field on Sunday.That’s because referee Jarred Gillett was confirmed as the main official for the occasion.Arsenal have a history with Gillett, who took charge of their controversial 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa last season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJohn McGinn scored the only goal in December’s encounter between the two sides.But Arsenal felt they were hard done by, with Gillett refusing to award a penalty for a foul by Douglas Luiz on Gabriel Jesus in Villa’s box.Raheem Sterling showing off skills in Arsenal training sessionJarred Gillett will take charge of the derbyCredit: GettyHe controversially disallowed a late Arsenal equaliser at Aston Villa last seasonCredit: ReutersWith just moments of the game remaining, Kai Havertz then bundled home a timely equaliser at Villa Park.Yet his effort was immediately chalked off by Gillett for handball.Replays showed the ball had ricocheted off both Havertz and Cash in a frenzied bundle.But VAR decided not to intervene and stood by Gillett’s initial call.Arteta was left raging at the final whistle, saying: “Clear and obvious, clear and obvious. “That’s what I mean. That’s my opinion, that’s all I can say.”And Arsenal fans are now bracing themselves to be on the receiving end of more questionable calls.One said: “Cancel the season.”Another declared: “This is a Gabriel red card and a Spurs penalty.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “Are you f***ing kidding me?”Another added: “I think we are finished for Sunday.” More

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      Premier League panel reveal why referee was RIGHT to send off Arsenal star Declan Rice against Brighton

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      DECLAN RICE was CORRECTLY dismissed in Arsenal’s draw with Brighton – according to the Prem’s expert panel of former players, coaches and referees.PGMOL’s “Key Match Incident” team reviews every major decision across each of the Prem’s 380 games.Arsenal star Declan Rice was controversially sent off against BrightonCredit: ReutersBut PGMOL’s ‘Key Match Incident’ concluded the decision to send Rice off was correctCredit: ReutersRice has been suspended ahead of the North London Derby clash with TottenhamCredit: RexAnd while Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said he was “amazed” that Rice was dismissed by Chris Kavanagh after kicking the ball away to prevent Joel Veltman taking a free-kick for the Seagulls, the call was confirmed by a unanimous verdict.Rice, who had been booked for a first-half foul, picked up a second yellow card in a decision that changed the game, with Joao Pedro equalising for Brighton.Despite Arteta’s complaints, the England midfielder went in front of the TV cameras to hold up his hands about the card.And the five-man panel agreed he had acted in a “clear, deliberate and impactful” manner, which warranted Kavanagh’s decision.Read More on ArsenalAll the other crunch calls during the weekend before the international break were backed by the panel.But there was only a 3-2 agreement that referee Jarred Gillett was right not to give Crystal Palace’s Will Hughes a second yellow card when he fouled Chelsea’s Cole Palmer from behind in the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.Meanwhile, Prem statistics also show that the Rice decision was keeping with League policies.PGMOL stats show that, rather than a rare occurrence, Rice’s caution was part of a pattern of offences which have been punished more severely over the past two seasons.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn the 2022-23 season, there were 118 cards issued for the offence but that almost doubled to 215 yellow cards last term.Rice is now set to miss Sunday’s crunch North London Derby at Tottenham.England fans baffled as Declan Rice appears to refuse captain’s armband against former team IrelandThe Arsenal star had a slow start to the season and was sent off for the first time in his 245-game career in the Prem. More

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      Former Premier League bad boy Nile Ranger returns to football with non-league club after two years unemployed

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      FORMER Newcastle bad boy Nile Ranger has made a shock return to football.Ranger, 33, once pocketed £10,000-a-week and says he could have been as good as Erling Haaland – but instead ended up unemployed after stints in jail.Nile Ranger has returned to football after two years outCredit: PA:Press AssociationRanger has joined non-league side Kettering TownCredit: ReutersHowever, in what could be the final chance in a remarkable career, the striker has been thrown a lifeline.He has joined non-league side Kettering Town, who play in the seventh tier of English football.Ranger has been without a club since the summer of 2022 when he left Boreham Wood. The former England Under-19s player was tipped to be a star of the future, playing 62 times as a youngster for Newcastle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut his career was plagued by disciplinary issues, culminating in an eight-month prison sentence in January 2017 for online banking fraud. He was released from jail after ten weeks and returned to his then-club Southend.But he was unable to initially play in midweek games due to a 7pm curfew.He had previously spent 11 weeks in a young offenders institute for his part in an armed robbery while on the books of Southampton.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRanger has also been involved in a number of other controversies away from the field.He caused outrage in 2011 while at Newcastle after posing with a gun.says Jamie Carragher as he warns Newcastle that Eddie Howe will leave for dream job if he isn’t happyA few months later, he was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a man in the city centre.He was found not guilty but still spent months in exile at the Magpies.Ranger also got charged with drunk and disorderly behaviour just days after being reinstated to training.The player was later fined £6,000 by the FA in 2012 for making a string of homophobic comments on Twitter.And in 2014, he was twice charged for criminal damage in what were separate incidents. But Ranger claims he has matured since becoming a father two years ago and believes his experiences will be valuable to non-league and young players.Meanwhile, he is keen for a movie to be made about his life and he reckons he could have been as good as Haaland.Ranger told The Athletic: “I should be minimum Championship right now. I shouldn’t be having problems but I didn’t listen. “If I added nutrition to my game and behaviour, I’m Haaland. “But I didn’t want to listen. I thought I knew it all.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Every club I’ve had, even as an adult, my mum has had to come in – because they respect her – to see if it could work as a last throw of the dice. “She is my life coach, she’s probably disappointed deep down I didn’t really go higher – but she always says: ‘Listen, we had a blast, no matter what’.”Ranger was tipped to be a future star at NewcastleCredit: Getty Images – Getty More