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    Chelsea target Mike Maignan ‘tells AC Milan in no uncertain terms he wants £12.5m Blues transfer before Club World Cup’

    MIKE MAIGNAN has told AC Milan in ‘no uncertain terms’ he wants to complete his transfer to Chelsea in time for the Club World Cup, according to reports. Enzo Maresca is prioritising bringing in a new goalkeeper as soon as possible.Chelsea want to sign AC Milan and France goalkeeper Mike MaignanCredit: GettyHis patience has run thin with current stoppers Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen, while Kepa Arrizabalaga looks set to join Arsenal for £5million.And with Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign beginning on Monday, there is an urgency to get the deal done quickly.Now Ben Jacobs reports Maignan, 29, is keen to complete the move to West London.And he has made his feelings very clear to his current employers so he can play at the Club World Cup. READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSWATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZNThe report claims the ex-PSG man ‘made it clear in no uncertain terms’ that he will not extend his Milan contract which expires in a year’s time. So Maignan is pushing for an immediate exit to complete the switch and link up with his new team-mates.All transfers must be completed by June 10 to take effect for the club tournament in the United States. Talks are ongoing between Chelsea and AC Milan, with personal terms already agreed with the player.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut the sticking point could be the transfer fee.The Stamford Bridge side are willing to pay around £13m for Maignan – but the Italians want more than that, possibly £15m. From embarrassing Chelsea pal to interview with dad – Five times Cole Palmer stole show AFTER Conference League finalsThe Frenchman has 32 international caps to his name and is regarded by many as one of the best keepers in the world.He has been in the Serie A Team of the Year twice in four seasons and he won the title with Milan in 2022 after keeping 17 clean sheets.Chelsea are among the biggest clubs at the reformatted 32-team Club World Cup, alongside Manchester City, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, PSG and Bayern Munich. Maresca’s men kick off their Group D campaign against Los Angeles FC on Monday – followed by Flamengo (June 20) and Esperance (June 25).Watch EVERY match of the Club World Cup 2025 live on DAZN More

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    Man City ANNOUNCE £31m Rayan Ait-Nouri transfer with Pep Guardiola aiming to have new-look squad for Club World Cup

    MANCHESTER CITY have announced the £31million signing of Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves.The 24-year-old left-back joins on a five-year deal until 2030, after impressing at Molineux this season.Manchester City have announced the signing of Rayan Ait-Nouri from WolvesCity were eager for Ait-Nouri’s move to be finalised before Tuesday’s 7pm transfer deadline which will allow him to play in the Club World Cup in the USA this weekend. His deal is worth an initial £31million, rising to a potential £36.3million.SunSport understands that City also want AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders and Lyon star Rayan Cherki on plane to the US later this week. Ait-Nouri initially joined Wolves on loan from French side Angers in 2020, before signing permanently in 2021.READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSThe 17-capped Algeria international has scored 12 goals and registered 19 assists in 157 appearances for the Old Gold.Angers will be due around £9.7m after they negotiated a 50 per cent sell-on clause. Ait-Nouri was so important to Wolves this season, starting 37 of their 38 Premier League matches, while scoring four goals and providing seven assists.Three days after celebrating his 24th birthday, Ait-Nouri said: “I am incredibly happy and honoured to have joined Manchester City. Most read in FootballRayan Cherki is set to join City this weekCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”City are one of the biggest clubs in the world and the chance to play for the club is a dream come true.“I am also so excited about working with and learning from Pep and his coaching team and getting to train and play alongside such a world class group of players. Sports DESK EP15_9_16 _V4″Joining City is also a very proud moment for my family too. Now I can’t wait to get started and to play in front of our supporters.”City Director of Football Hugo Viana added: “Rayan is a player that as a club we have been following closely for quite some time and we are delighted he has joined us.“He already has extensive Premier League experience and has also demonstrated his quality at international level with Algeria.“We feel sure that he will be an excellent addition to our squad and that working alongside Pep and his coaching staff will help develop his game even further.”Wolves have now lost two of their best players to Manchester clubs, after striker Matheus Cunha joined Man Utd for £62.5million last week.Old Trafford chiefs actually looked into a move for Ait-Nouri during the last two windows, before signing Patrick Dorgu in January. More

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    Man Utd ‘make first Viktor Gyokeres approach as Ruben Amorim looks to beat Arsenal to huge £60m transfer’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have made an initial approach for Viktor Gyokeres, according to reports.The striker scored 66 goals for Ruben Amorim when the pair worked together at Sporting. Manchester United have approached Sporting over Viktor GyokeresCredit: GettyRuben Amorim is desperate to be reunited with the striker at Old TraffordCredit: PAIn total, he boasts a staggering record of 97 goals in 102 appearances for the Portuguese giants. Gyokeres, 27, has an £84million release clause in his contract at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.However, Sky Sports News report United contacted Sporting to enquire about the Swedish international. But as revealed by SunSport, it is understood Gyokeres had a gentlemen’s agreement with Sporting that he can leave for around £58-60m.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAnd Amorim is desperate to be reunited with the striker – with his current No9s Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggling for goals.United cannot offer any European football next season – let alone Champions League football.But Amorim will hope his personal connection can entice Gyokeres, who is also wanted by Arsenal. Amorim has already completed his £62.5m transfer from Wolves.Most read in FootballAnd the Red Devils also remain keen on landing Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.However, that deal has hit complications with Tottenham set to appoint Thomas Frank as their new manager. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    Michail Antonio set to quit West Ham after horror car crash despite being offered new contract amid ‘unique’ situation

    MICHAIL ANTONIO is heading towards the exit door at West Ham despite being offered a new deal.The Hammers striker, 35, has not played since his horror crash in December, which required surgery on a broken leg.Michail Antonio is set to leave West Ham this summerCredit: PAAntonio’s current deal at the London Stadium expires on June 30 and the club announced today that terms on a new deal are yet to be agreed.The Jamaica international has been offered a short-term deal with a far lower base salary than his current £90,000-a-week contract.Significant bonuses are included for any appearances Antonio would make next season.However, West Ham’s all-time top Premier League goalscorer is seeking a higher base salary offer and is holding out for offers from elsewhere.READ MORE ON WEST HAMThe club have done all they can to support his recovery, but will not be improving upon their offer and have indicated they would be pleased for Antonio should he secure better terms from another club.Spending money is tight at the London Stadium this summer and there is a focus on bringing the average age of Graham Potter’s squad down.Antonio, who is confident he will be able to play again, had urged Potter to include him in a Premier League squad towards the end of the season but it was thought too big of a risk.The striker is now hoping to make his first appearance since the December car crash with Jamaica at this summer’s Gold Cup, which starts next week.Most read in FootballImpressive performances with Jamaica could spark interest from other clubs, which is limited at this stage.Antonio has already branched out to prepare for life after football, working with the BBC’s Morning Live and as a pundit for TNT Sports during their coverage of the Conference League final.’I almost wasn’t there for my kids’ – Michail Antonio ‘happy’ to have ‘another chance at life’ after horror car crashAntonio shared some footage of his recovery on social mediaCredit: instagram/@michailantonioThe striker is pushing to make a return following his car crashCredit: instagram/@michailantonioAnnouncing their retained list, the Hammers said in a statement: “Given Michail Antonio’s unique situation, following his serious road traffic accident in December 2024, there will be no formal decision and announcement on his future until such time that it is considered right and appropriate.”However, as his current contract is also due to expire on 30 June, for the purposes of the Premier League Retained List procedure at the end of the 2024/25 season, Michail will be listed as a free transfer. “As a long-serving, highly-respected player, and a much-loved member of the West Ham family, the club’s absolute priority at this time is to support Michail personally in his journey to resume playing at the highest level.”Former West Ham captain Kurt Zouma, who spent last season on loan at Saudi Pro League club Al-Orobah FC, will also formally depart with his contract ending this month.Danny Ings, Aaron Creswell, Vladimir Coufal and Lukasz Fabianski had already been confirmed as leaving at the end of their deals this summer.Antonio recently made a return to the training pitchCredit: instagram/@michailantonio More

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    West Ham confirm retained list with FIVE first-team stars leaving and Michail Antonio contract update

    WEST HAM have announced that five first-team stars are leaving and provided an update on Michail Antonio.The Hammers confirmed last month that Lukasz Fabianski, Aaron Cresswell, Vladimir Coufal and Danny Ings would all depart when their contract expire on June 30.Michail Antonio’s future is unclearCredit: GettyLukasz Fabianski’s departure has been confirmedCredit: GettyAaron Cresswell leaves after 11 yearsCredit: Shutterstock EditorialVladimir Coufal is now without a clubCredit: AlamyWest Ham have now added Kurt Zouma to the list and he will become a free agent.Antonio, who broke his leg in a car crash in December, faces an uncertain future.The club said in a statement: “There will be no formal decision and announcement on his future until such time that it is considered right and appropriate. “However, as his current contract is also due to expire on 30 June, for the purposes of the Premier League Retained List procedure at the end of the 2024/25 season, Michail will be listed as a free transfer.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReports suggest that West Ham and Antonio have held talks over an extension but they are no closer to an agreement.The 35-year-old striker posted a montage video on social media yesterday that showed him in rehab and learning to walk again.Antonio remains in recovery after crashing his £260,000 Ferrari and being airlifted to hospital.The club legend has played 323 times for them, scoring 83 goals.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe was part of the squad that ended West Ham’s 43-year trophy drought by winning the Conference League in 2023 alongside Fabianski, Cresswell, Coufal, Ings and Zouma.Goalkeeper Fabianski, 40, has been at the club for eight years and made 216 appearances for them.West Ham star Michail Antonio shares footage of himself learning to walk again after escaping death in horror crashCresswell, 35, had been with the Hammers for 11 seasons.Rumours have emerged that suggest he is on Leeds and Wrexham’s radar.Coufal, 32, is shown the exit door after featuring in 180 matches.All three broke down in tears during emotional farewell videos.Ings, 32, had a tough time in front of goal in East London, finding the back of the net just five times in 69 appearances.Zouma, 30, captained West Ham for one season but spent last term out on loan at Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Orobah following knee issues.Danny Ings departs after just five goalsCredit: GettyKurt Zouma leaves after spending the season on loan in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Rex More

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    Chelsea complete transfer for star tipped to be ‘world class in two years’ from sister club Strasbourg in 8-year deal

    CHELSEA have signed Mamadou Sarr from sister club Strasbourg.The French defender, 19, has penned an eight-year contract with the Blues.Mamadou Sarr impressed at Strasbourg last seasonCredit: RexSarr impressed in Ligue 1 last term, playing 27 times as Liam Rosenior’s side finished seventh.The teenager played alongside Chelsea loanees Andrey Santos and Djordje Petrovic while in Alsace.And he will now head to Stamford Bridge ahead of the Club World Cup.Following six years in RC Lens’ academy, Sarr moved to Lyon aged 13 in 2018.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 6ft 4in defender made three first team appearances for Les Gones, in addition to enjoying a brief loan spell in Belgium with RWD Molenbeek.In the summer of 2024, Sarr moved to Strasbourg for around £8.5million amid Lyon’s financial woes.The French youth international quickly established himself in the team under Rosenior, becoming a regular starter as Strasbourg qualified for the Conference League.Sarr is already Chelsea’s third signing of the summer.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe Blues moved to recruit Dario Essugo for £18.5m from Sporting CP last week.Enzo Maresca’s side followed that up by winning the race to sign £30m Ipswich striker Liam Delap.John Obi Mikel on wild Chelsea nights out in central London and his hilarious friendship with Salomon KalouChelsea are set to head to the Club World Cup next week.The Blues will open their campaign against MLS side LAFC on June 16, after their original opponents Club Leon were booted out of the competition.The West Londoners will then head to Philadelphia for further group games against Brazilians Flamengo and ES Tunis of Tunisia.Chelsea could earn a staggering sum from their summer in the States, with nearly £100m in prize money available to the Club World Cup winners.Fans have reacted excitedly to news of Sarr’s arrival.One posted on X: “I don’t think Chelsea fans realise just how good he is. Will be deemed a world class CB within 2 years.”Read More on The SunWhile a second joked: “Better than Saliba already.”Another added: “Chelsea just signed a gem.”Sarr starred as Strasbourg qualified for the Conference LeagueCredit: Getty More

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    Harvey Elliott admits ‘conversation’ needs to be had over Liverpool future to avoid ‘wasting’ career on the bench

    HARVEY ELLIOTT has warned Arne Slot he won’t “waste” his career and watch from the bench at Liverpool.The attacker, 22, collected a Premier League title medal this term at Anfield but played just 360 minutes across 18 appearances.Harvey Elliott celebrated winning the Premier League with Liverpool last monthCredit: GettyThe star is set for talks with Arne Slot if he cannot get regular first-team actionCredit: GettyThe boyhood Reds fan is in Slovakia as part of the England U21 squad looking to defend their European Championship crown for what could be the start of a big summer.A host of clubs are considering making a move for the £45m-rated ex-Fulham man and he admitted he may have to leave for the good of his career.Elliott said: “It’s just a situation that me and the team on my behalf have to have a conversation about.“I’m coming into an age now where I’m 22, I’m going to be 23 next season and I don’t really want to be wasting years on my career because it’s a short career. You don’t know what’s going to happen. Touch wood it doesn’t, but injuries and things, it could shorten it.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“It’s a situation that, as I’ve said before, I need to reflect. I need to see if I’m content in doing what I’m doing and how can I improve as a player because that’s the most important thing. That’s the main thing, really.“I just want to improve and be the best possible version of myself and the best player I can be. If that’s to go somewhere else, then it’s a decision that I’m going to have to make and I just need to see what happens.”Elliott, who came through QPR’s academy before making the move to Fulham prior to being snapped up by Liverpool in 2019, added: “Nothing makes me want to leave. I love the club, I love the fans, the team. I support them as well. But as I said, most importantly, it’s just about what’s best for my career. I just need to make that decision.”One of the highlights of Elliott’s campaign, which was delayed due to a fractured foot, came in the Champions League.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe scored a last-ditch winner at Paris Saint-Germain in the last-16 first leg just 47 seconds after replacing Mohamed Salah, but even that moment failed to convince Slot to hand him a start in the next game.He said: “PSG was kind of a high for me, especially with the Premier League game coming up a few days later. I thought maybe it was an opportunity for me to get a start and to showcase what I can do and just get a nice run out.Trent Alexander-Arnold breaks down in tears and kisses badge as he gets emotional send-off from Liverpool fans“The boss is the boss. He’s the man in charge. He’s the reason why we’ve won the league, because of his decisions. I can’t complain. I just need to make sure I’m ready and to keep going.”One man who does have total faith in Elliott is Lee Carsley, the man he enjoyed Euro success with two years ago.Elliott and Charlie Cresswell are the only survivors from that squad in Slovakia and the Liverpool man says he is loving the leadership role he has.He added: “I’ve always taken that role in my stride. Not only for myself, I want the whole team to do well. I want all the players to do well.“Everyone’s got quality here. We have one aim and one goal, which is to win it. I’ll try as hard as I can to make sure that happens.”England kick-off their Euro campaign against the Czech Republic on Thursday and then face Slovenia three days later and finish the group stage against Germany on Wednesday 18 June.All of the Young Lions’ matches are being broadcast on Channel 4.England football stars’ tattoosThe England squad are known for their love of body art and a lot of them are covered in tattoos. More

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    Flexible Thomas Frank and Tottenham are the perfect match – Brentford boss will get to show how he REALLY wants to play

    ANGE-BALL is dead and buried, a cold-blooded decision that has divided the Tottenham fanbase.The departure of Ange Postecoglou brought a mix of bewilderment and anger from some, with many feeling his axe was unnecessary.Ange Postecoglou was sacked by Spurs despite winning the Europa LeagueCredit: GettyThomas Frank is set to replace Postecoglou at TottenhamCredit: GettyPlenty of Spurs supporters are unsure about what lead candidate Thomas Frank will bring if he is the next man through the revolving door.The club’s fans always want their team to reflect the attacking principles — the  “Glory, Glory” “To Dare is to Do” football — articulated by their 1960-61 Double-winning icons, captain Danny Blanchflower and boss Bill Nicholson.That is why defensively-minded Nuno Espirito Santo, Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte never quite fitted in.And it is why Dane Frank — currently at Brentford — actually ticks more boxes than any alternative.READ MORE TOTTENHAM NEWSHis Bees were promoted to the Premier League in 2021 playing free-flowing, attractive football.But Frank realised he could not play that way in the top flight with the squad and resources at his disposal.Not until they established themselves. It meant Frank had to get his recruitment and his tactics right — also showing  a willingness to adapt alongside solid analysis and smart thinking.He showed the same passion and desire as Bees fans, who loved watching his side evolve.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut the Gtech hierarchy knew this moment would come.That a big club would knock on the door and Frank would be ready to walk through, seeking a stage that lets him play the football he REALLY wants to play.Watch Thomas Frank’s incredible Brentford speech after beating Newcastle Football that comes straight off the N17 wish-list.Quizzed by SunSport recently Frank, 51,  said: “For many, years, I’ve been most attracted to more offensive football.“I always looked a little bit at the Ajax team, the total football idea.“Then it was Barcelona, the first Dream Team under Johan Cruyff, which of course also had Michael Laudrup, another Danish player, at the heart of it.“So I watched all those games, incredible — and then of course Pep Guardiola took them to another level.“I was also inspired by watching what Jurgen Klopp did at Liverpool.“They were the most difficult team to play against from a defensive side because they attacked from all angles.’FANTASTIC FOOTBALL’“Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal as well. I liked that, with Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry, Freddie Ljungberg, Robert Pires. That was some fantastic football as well.“I got that inspiration and tried to merge it into my own blueprint.“Hopefully, you can be a great entertainer and a great winner at the same time.“Ultimately it is all about winning, no doubt. But you can’t achieve anything big without being solid at the back.”Frank has the intelligence and depth to deal with pressure and crises — and   would not blow up a club like Spurs in the way Conte did in 2023 — nor turn on the fans as Postecoglou did too frequently.Proof of that came with Frank’s brilliant handling of the Ivan Toney gambling case.After the striker was charged with betting offences in November 2022 he scored ten goals in 19 Prem games before the striker’s eight-month FA ban was confirmed.Frank, 51, handled Ivan Toney’s gambling case expertlyCredit: GettyToney was prolific at Brentford before moving to Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyFrank knew his job was to be a counsellor as well as a manager.Not just before the ban, but during and after.He said at the time: “He’s made mistakes, but we need to be there and help him.“We all make mistakes. Who are we to judge, especially in football?“Ivan is a footballer, but he’s also a human being. We need to do everything we can to support him.”Yet in Toney’s absence Frank unleashed Yoanne Wissa alongside Mbeumo — they  scored 39 Prem goals between them last term.Ange’s legacy is a first Spurs trophy in 17 years.Read More on The SunIt provides a platform that Frank is ready to build on.It is the role he has waited for all his career. And it gives him the chance to turn his ambitions into reality.Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa have forged an excellent partnership at BrentfordCredit: ReutersFrank could bring Mbeumo with him to SpursCredit: Getty More