Premier League

A FORMER England star has sold his collection of iconic Italia 90 kits for a six-figure price.Ex-defender Mark Wright swapped shirts with several opponents on England’s route to the semi-finals.Former England defender Mark Wright has sold his shirt collection from Italia 90Credit: GettyThe collection sold for over £100,000Credit: SWNSAnd as a result, he amassed a collection which included jerseys worn by Ireland’s Andy Townsend, West Germany’s Klaus Augenthaler and Italy’s Giuseppe Giannini.Shirts from Netherlands winger Johannes van’t Schip, Egypt’s Saber Eid, Belgium’s Marc van der Linden and Cameroon’s Emmanuel Kunde were also auctioned.England kicked off their 1990 World Cup campaign with draws against Ireland and Netherlands before defeating Egypt in the final group stage match thanks to a 59th-minute winner from Wright.The Three Lions then beat Belgium in the last-16 before coming from behind to defeat Cameroon 3-2 in the quarter-finals.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, they were knocked out by West Germany on penalties in the semis.The seven shirts collected by Wright during the tournament were accompanied by the defender’s match-worn 1992 FA Cup final jersey from his Liverpool days, as well as six of his England caps.The collection was sold for over £100,000 at an auction at Wembley Stadium last week.Before the sale, Wright said: “I feel very proud when I look at the shirts. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I think how lucky I was to play in a World Cup and against these teams.”The most significant one for me was the Irish one as it was my mate Andy Townsend. To swap with a great mate was fantastic.The football boot customiser who’s scoring BIG with the game’s biggest stars are | Football Fixers”I don’t remember [swapping most of them] but I remember the German one obviously losing the semi-final and you’re switching.”If I’m honest I didn’t really want to switch that one.”The shirts and caps were purchased by a private UK-based buyer.Wright was capped 45 times by England and scored one goal.He also played for Liverpool, Southampton and Derby. More

CHELSEA have signed a whopping 47 players since Todd Boehly took over three years ago.However, many of them have failed to impress.Andrey Santos joined Chelsea in January 2023 but is yet to make a competitive appearance for the first teamCredit: GettyThe Brazilian has enjoyed a breakthrough season on loan at StrasbourgCredit: AFPGoalkeeper Djordje Petrovic is also impressing for the French sideCredit: AFPSome have barely touched the pitch in Chelsea blue, while others haven’t even represented the club yet.One of those stars is 20-year-old Andrey Santos.The Brazilian joined Chelsea from Rio-based side Vasco da Gama in 2023 but is yet to make his senior debut.He spent an underwhelming loan spell with Nottingham Forest last season – where he made just two appearances – but is currently enjoying a sensational breakthrough with Strasbourg in France.There, he is joined by goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, also on loan, who has made 31 outings for the Blues.And the two players have become fan-favourites at the club.Santos is a generation-defining midfield talent that Chelsea have got waiting in the wings in Ligue 1, ready to be unleashed on the Premier League in the 2025/26 campaign.Having watched his side thoroughly this season, I was so impressed by his talent and the development of Petrovic that I flew to Strasbourg to scout them in the flesh vs OGC Nice – this is what I found from each…Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeANDREY SANTOS – MIDFIELDER – 20 Y/OMY VIEWA Swiss army knife of a midfielder, Santos is made of steel and was forged in the fire of box-to-box icon Patrick Vieira when he worked under him in the second half of last season.When I arrived at the Stade de Meinau, I had doubts that he could really be as good as the online discourse about him, but he was better.Todd Boehly gives major Chelsea stadium update and vows to leave Stamford BridgeThe young Brazilian was presented the fans’ Player of The Month award to rapturous applause ahead of kick-off vs Nice, and has previously captained the team this season as a 20-year-old loanee.With his collar up, he plays with the swagger of Eric Cantona, having the technical ability to match, hardly ever misplacing a pass and being dependable in his own box as well as the oppositions.He provided two assists, for Sam Amo-Ameyaw and Emmanuel Emegha, taking home the Man of the Match award in what would’ve been a perfect evening had Nice not equalised at the death.THE STATS VIEWIn 27 league games this season, Andrey Santos has racked up NINE goals and four assists, playing as a box-to-box midfielder.That is the same goal tally as Nicolas Jackson, with one less assist than Enzo Fernandez in the Premier League.He averages a 7.78 match rating according to Futmob, and his nine goals have come from an Expected Goal count (xG) of 4.37, a stat in which Chelsea players have made a habit of underperforming.Among midfielders aged under 21 in Europe’s top five leagues he ranks FIRST for: goals, possession won, interceptions, duels won, forward passes, and fouls suffered. (Stats @DataMB)THE FANS VIEWStrasbourg fans are very aware that he has the potential to be up there with their greatest ever players, and if they make it to the UCL this season, he will go down a club cult hero.The overarching view is that it’s a real shame he is BlueCo owned, that they will miss him more than anything when he returns to Stamford Bridge in the summer.Santos has managed nine goals and four assists this seasonCredit: GettyAndrey Santos is the next one, the next generational player that we will remember for years, and in a couple of years we will all be proud when he’s holding the World Cup in Brazil, that this guy played here at the Meinau”LionelStrasbourg fan VERDICTSantos must be a part of Chelsea’s plans next season, most likely fitting in where the injured Romeo Lavia would have liked to have been this season, or be used as an option to occasionally rest Moises Caicedo or Enzo Fernandez.He will give Maresca a huge selection headache however, as if he moves Caicedo to an inverted RB position as we saw earlier this season, then you have to drop club captain Reece James.Will at the very least be incredible squad depth.DJORDJE PETROVIC – GOALKEEPER – 25 Y/OMY VIEWMuch has been made of Chelsea’s goalkeeping situation this season, and rightly so.Robert Sanchez is perfectly portrayed by the stats that make the man, with the best save % in the Premier League at 74.5%, but also the most errors leading to goals (5)…Djordje Petrovic was shipped on loan to Strasbourg to develop his ability on the ball, with his shot-stopping ability rarely questioned in the season he spent as number one at Stamford Bridge.His development in that area has been undeniable, often playing those direct ‘hospital’ passes with great accuracy into the deepest lying midfielder, in this case Andrey Santos, who can turn on a sixpence and spring an attack for his side in transition. The only question mark I was left with from him in this game was his ability to deal with high balls, there were a few times in the game vs Nice that he was almost caught out at the back post and let off somewhat by his opponents poor finishing.Petrovic has zero errors leading to goals in Ligue 1Credit: AFPTHE STATS VIEWThe stats tell us that Petrovic has been one of, if not the best goalkeeper in Europe’s top five leagues this season.He ranks first among his competitors for passes completed and short passes completed, while ranking second for goals prevented. (@DataMB)In Ligue 1 he has ZERO errors leading to goals, compared to Robert Sanchez who has the highest in the Premier League with FIVE.Djordje Petrovic stands clear of most in Europe for passes completed per 90 and prevented goals this seasonCredit: (@DataMB) THE FANS VIEWStrasbourg fans know a thing or two about very good goalkeepers.The contrast between Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels and Robert Sanchez at Stamford Bridge earlier this season was stark, and the Belgian is who the RCSA faithful watched in between the sticks for six seasons.When asked about Djordje Petrovic, this is what I was told by lifelong Strasbourg fan Alex:”Petrovic is Petr Cech reincarnated. In the modern game his ability on the ball has been criticised, but if you’re protecting a one-goal lead there are maybe five goalkeepers in the world I would rather have. It’s astounding that Maresca saw his skill and selected Sanchez”AlexLifelong Strasbourg fanVERDICTHas earned the chance to be Chelsea’s No1 next season once more.Has clearly developed into a very strong goalkeeper on the line, while becoming much better with the ball at his feet, something Enzo Maresca clearly adores. More

NEWCASTLE have confirmed that head coach Eddie Howe is recovering from pneumonia.The 47-year-old was admitted to hospital on Friday night after missing his pre-match press conference due to illness.Eddie Howe is recovering from pneumonia in hospitalCredit: GettyHe subsequently missed Sunday’s match against Manchester United at St James’ Park with his assistant, Jason Tindall, leading the team instead.And now the Magpies have confirmed that Howe remains in hospital with pneumonia.A club statement confirmed that he will miss upcoming fixtures against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa while he continues his recovery.The statement read: “Newcastle United can announce that Eddie Howe is recovering in hospital after being diagnosed with pneumonia.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The club continues to extend its best wishes and support to Eddie and his family as he continues his recovery.”Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones will lead the team against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa this week, with further updates to be communicated in due course.”In his own statement, Howe thanked the hospital staff who continue to care for him.He said: “A huge thank you to everyone connected with Newcastle United and the wider football community for your messages and warm wishes. They have meant a lot to me and my family.Most read in Football”I also want to pay tribute to our incredible NHS and the hospital staff who have treated me.”I’m immensely grateful for the specialist care I’m receiving and, after a period of recovery, I look forward to being back as soon as possible.”Bruno Guimaraes dedicated Newcastle’s 4-1 win over Manchester United to Howe on Sunday.He explained: “When we went to the pitch we said, ‘We’ll play for him’.”He’s been unbelievable for us. We missed him on the training ground.”Hopefully it gave him happiness and he’s back for the next game. It’s been a tough week for him.”Meanwhile, Harvey Barnes added: “He’s on the road to recovery, hopefully. He’s so influential throughout the week.”We knew that we had a job to do without him. We said before the game we had to put a smile on his face.”Howe could potentially return to the dugout for Newcastle’s clash with Ipswich next Saturday.Jason Tindall will remain in the dugout for Newcastle’s next two gamesCredit: Getty More

MANCHESTER UNITED are among a number of clubs monitoring Aaron Ramsdale as they bid to fix their goalkeeping crisis.Ruben Amorim dropped Andre Onana for yesterday’s game at Newcastle.Man Utd are interested in signing Aaron RamsdaleCredit: GettyAndre Onana was dropped after his howlers against LyonCredit: GettyHowever his replacement, Altay Bayindir, endured a torrid afternoon as United were beaten 4-1 at St James Park.It has left Amorim with a major headache ahead of Thursday’s crunch game against Lyon.But, longer-term, the future of both goalkeepers is now under the spotlight as United look towards a summer rebuild.Securing a new goalkeeper is becoming a more pressing issue for Amorim, and Ramsdale – also being closely monitored by West Ham – has emerged as a possible target.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe former England, Arsenal, and Sheffield United shot-stopper is set to leave relegated Southampton at the end of the season.Despite being part of a horror season for the Saints, Ramsdale has emerged with his reputation intact and is still seen as one of the best goalkeepers in the country.United have been watching his recent games, and think his Premier League experience could make him a strong option to help resolve their issues in leaking goals.But United face a fight with West Ham. Graham Potter is believed to have identified Ramsdale as a key target in his summer rebuilding job at the London Stadium.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSRamsdale is also being courted by clubs abroad. But SunSport understands his preference is to stay in England and in the Premier League to help nail down a place in the England squad.Sunday’s performance from stand-in Bayindir was the last thing United manager Ruben Amorim needed. Aaron Ramsdale COMPLETES £25m Southampton transfer as England goalkeeper’s Arsenal career comes to an endAfter taking goalkeeper Onana out of the firing line for Sunday’s trip to Newcastle, the Portuguese boss watched forlorn as replacement Bayindir conceded four goals in a chastening defeat at St James’ Park.To make matters worse, the Turkey international was to blame for Newcastle’s fourth after a poor pass.”We did a lot of mistakes that made it harder to win a game – that’s all,” said Amorim. “It’s a little bit of everything, it’s hard to point to one thing.”With a crucial Europa League quarter-final second leg to follow against Lyon on Thursday, United are keen to put defeat in the north-east quickly behind them.But Amorim now faces a potentially season-defining decision of whether to recall Onana or stick with Bayindir. More

ROY KEANE slammed Bruno Fernandes over a “meaningless” interview following Manchester United’s 4-1 defeat at Newcastle.The Red Devils were torn apart by their opponents at St James’ Park on Sunday.Bruno Fernandes was criticised by Roy Keane for a ‘meaningless’ interviewCredit: Sky SportsThe Irishman laid into Man Utd’s captain after the 4-1 loss to NewcastleCredit: Sky SportsAltay Bayindir had a nightmare Premier League debut and gifted Newcastle their fourth goal with an absolute howler.But United were second best in all areas of the pitch as the defeat left them 14th in the table.And thoughts now turn to Thursday’s crunch Europa League clash against Lyon, who netted a late equaliser last week thanks to Andre Onana’s clanger.Speaking after the match, Fernandes insisted United can do better and vowed to make amends in the next game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “My team-mates – I only get frustrated with them because I know how good they can be.”I know how tough it is to represent this club. They want so much to give to the club, to win because they know how much they will be remembered if they win something with this club.”On Thursday we go forward, we create a big atmosphere in our stadium, we need to be on the front foot and give everything we have because we want to get to the semi-final.”In tough moments we have done great performances against the biggest clubs. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“In decisive games when everyone is watching. We are Man United, we have to step up and do everything to win the game.”But this did not go down well with Keane, who accused Fernandes of producing “soundbites” while glossing over the real issues of the day.’This is big boy stuff’ rants Roy Keane as Man Utd legend blasts stand-in keeper Altay Bayindir after Newcastle blunderMan Utd ratings vs Newcastle as Zirkzee does well before injury but dropped Onana’s stand-in has a shockerMANCHESTER UNITED’S worst ever Premier League season was confirmed with a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle.The Red Devils are now guaranteed to finish on less than 56 points, which is their lowest ever Prem total.And they can only get that high if they win ALL of their last six games.If they’re not careful, they could even finish 17th – just one spot above the marooned bottom three.It was another dark day that reflects a poor campaign for United as Newcastle carved them open with ease in the second-half.Ruben Amorim dropped keeper Andre Onana after his horror show against Lyon midweek.But stand-in Altay Bayindir had a game to forget too.Sandro Tonali’s volley, a double by Harvey Barnes and a Bruno Guimaraes finish cancelled out Alejandro Garnacho’s goal.Here is how SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse rated the United performances…Keane said: “Bruno does front up but it’s kind of just soundbites now.“There’s no meaning to it. I don’t know how we can listen to the United players’ interviews anymore because I’m not sure if they’re an honest group.“He keeps talking about having belief in his team-mates, but real good team-mates put demands on each other. These aren’t team-mates, they are bluffers.“When I listen to Bruno, amazing player, I still have question marks about his leadership. He’s certainly not getting any help around him.“Newcastle were outstanding. I think United now are physically and mentally a weak team. “Ruben Amorim is scratching his head. I bet he cannot believe how bad this Man United team is.”Fan reactionFans reacted online to Keane’s latest criticism of Fernandes.One said: “I’m not impressed either.”Another declared: “No matter what Fernandes does, it will never be good enough for Keane.”Read More on The SunOne noted: “Take no notice of it Bruno.”Another added: “Absolute joke.”Roy Keane’s rant in fullSpeaking live on Sky Sports:”To be fair to Bruno Fernandes he fronts up but to me it’s just soundbites now.“Talking about Thursday, it’s all they talk about. Lyon are sixth in the league, I fully expect Man United to beat them.”He was talking about his team-mates and belief but what about his right-back Dalot who didn’t put a leg out to tackle? “I hope he is pulling him in the dressing room because he keeps talking about having belief in his teammates but real good teammates put demands on each other.”When I listen to Bruno, I have question marks about his leadership. “He certainly isn’t getting any help around him, it must be tough playing in that midfield when the expectation is on him because that’s unfair on him.”But when he’s doing his chats about supporters and this, to me it’s just soundbites. There is no meaning to it. “I’m not sure this United group are an honest group. The best players put demands on me. That’s what real good team-mates do. These aren’t team-mates, they are bluffers.”We keep making excuses for this team. There are not enough players who can run in the team.”I don’t think there are players who want to run. Not enough of a goal threat. You’ve got to dig deep, even when you’re up against it and they didn’t do that in the second half. “We spoke at half-time [about] the big test was to come in the second half.“Looking at Newcastle, they’re outstanding, they’re used to winning big games now, they’ve got into a really good habit. “United are the opposite. I think United now are physically and mentally a weak team.“Ruben Amorim is scratching his head. I bet he cannot believe how bad this Man United team is.” More