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      I played for Man Utd and Dwight Yorke’s Christmas parties were wild with one star loving having strippers dance for him

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      DWIGHT YORKE’s Christmas parties were quite the event among the Manchester United first team in the early 2000’s, according to Daniel Nardiello.Yorke, 51, spent four years at Old Trafford from 1998 to 2002 and won several trophies including three Premier League titles, an FA Cup and the Champions League.
      Yorke organised Man Utd’s Christmas partiesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Chadwick was ‘smiling his head off’ at one of the partiesCredit: PA
      Nardiello spent four years with Man UtdCredit: Getty
      And while his performances on the pitch received rave reviews, his annual Christmas parties also proved to be a huge hit among team-mates.
      Yorke’s former United pal Nardiello praised the ex-striker for his stellar celebrations during an interview for the Under The Cosh podcast.

      He said: “He organised the Christmas dos as well, Dwight, and rightly so.
      “I think the first one I ever went to there was like four or five strippers at Sugar Lounge.
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      “All the first team lads were nowhere to be seen. They were getting well away from it, so there was just like reserve team lads and a couple of youth team lads that were able to be there.
      “They got Luke Chadwick and they was dancing all around him on the floor. He was just there smiling his head off.
      “Dwight organised it all but the first team lads were all well away, they didn’t want anything to do with obviously the strippers.
      “They were all married so they were behaving themselves. Dwight, he organised a good party.”
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      Chadwick graduated from Man Utd’s academy and made his professional debut for the club in 1999.
      He made just 38 appearances for the Red Devils during his five-year stint and won two Premier League titles. More

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      I’m a former Premier League keeper who had EYEBROW bitten off in fight over a curry and famously trolled Wayne Rooney

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      FORMER Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny once had his eyebrow bitten over a curry and trolled Wayne Rooney.The 44-year-old played for the likes of Sheffield United, QPR and Leeds.
      Paddy Kenny once had his eyebrow bitten over the bill in a curry houseCredit: Alan Walter – The Times
      Kenny also famously trolled Wayne RooneyCredit: Reuters
      Recalling some of his craziest stories from his days in football, Kenny opened up on the time he got into a fight over payment for a curry.
      Reports in 2006 claimed tempers flared over finding out his wife cheated while he was away on Republic of Ireland international duty.
      However, the keeper explained to The Guardian: “That was an absolute bulls*** story.
      “It was nothing to do with that. It was just a fight over who was to pay for the curry.
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      “It was embarrassing, it was upsetting, it was hard to deal with and it was all being publicised while I was still trying to get my head around losing my family.
      “So you feel like you’re being bombarded left, right and centre and yet you still have to try continuing to have a career at the top level in the Premier League. It was a difficult time.”
      Manager Neil Warnock signed Kenny at five different clubs, but after the veteran boss left QPR, Mark Hughes was put in charge.
      With the Welshman at the helm, the goalkeeper conceded one of the most iconic goals in history when Sergio Aguero won the title for Manchester City with the last kick of the 2011-12 season.
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      Kenny faced criticism for failing to stop the Argentine’s and Edin Dzeko’s effort just before.
      Wayne Rooney, who believed he’d won the title that year, slammed QPR for throwing away the lead and said: “Paddy Kenny should have done better for a couple of the goals.”
      But the stopper was having none of it, taking to social media to clip an image of him and the former striker together to suggest he looked better for his age.
      Kenny captioned his trolling post: “36 v 44 Rooney must of let that Aguero goal get to him.”
      In the former Championship winner’s autobiography The Gloves Are Off, he also recounts his drugs ban, encounters with managers and rumours he was sold by ex-Leeds owner Massimo Cellino as he thought the number 17 was unlucky, the day Kenny was born. More

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      Man Utd takeover LIVE: Ten Hag wants a striker, Marcus Rashford EXCLUSIVE, Sir Jim Ratcliffe OUTBIDS Sheikh Jassim

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      ERIK TEN HAG has ordered Manchester United to get him a striker this summer.And the Red Devils are determined to land England captain Kane — with Tottenham demanding £100million.
      Meanwhile, SunSport can exclusively reveal that Marcus Rashford came to the aid of the world’s sexiest footballers Alisha Lehmann on a night out.
      And SirJim Ratcliffe is now the hot favourite to win the bidding war for Manchester United, according to reports.
      Through his firm Ineos, the British billionaire, 70, has made an offer in excess of £5billion, say the Daily Mail.
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      Keep up to date with the latest on the takeover saga at Old Trafford…
      United sub ratings
      FRED for Eriksen 75 – came on to calm things down and got booked for time-wasting 6
      ANTONY for Sancho 75 –  Fluffed a late chance to make the game safe. 6
      MARTIAL for Rashford 86 – Not much time to make any impact. 6
      MAGUIRE for Sabitzer 86 – Got a couple of important clearances in as United held firm. 6
      How Red Devils’ front two fared
      JADON SANCHO: 6
      Some nice touches but not much of an end product from the England man. Twisted and turned his way into United box early in second half but passed up opportunities to shoot and the chance was gone. 6
      MARCUS RASHFORD: 7
      Low effort saved by Martinez. Played his part in the opener but would have been disappointed with connection that was spilled by the Villa keeper. Felt he should have had a pen when he was bundled over by Chambers. 7
      Midfield ratings
      CASEMIRO: 8
      Curled shot against bar after good work by Sancho. Low shot from 20 yards in second half had Martinez scrambling but drifted just wide.  United look a much more stable team with the Brazilian in the team.
      MARCEL SABITZER: 6
      Volley over bar early on when he should have hit the target. Influence on the game started to wane in the second half and he was sacrificed late on to get the extra defender on in Maguire.
      CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN: 6
      Disappointing cross when he raced clear and had options. Dragged a shot well wide just afterwards. Had been bright early on but he fizzled out and ten Hag threw on Fred late on to give his team more legs.
      BRUNO FERNANDES: 7
      Cross shot almost caught out Martinez – was on hand to pounce when Martinez made a mess of Rashford’s tame shot. Celebrated in front of the Villa fans as he rammed their taunts back down their throat.
      United ratings – defence
      Here’s how our man Martin Blackburn assessed the Red Devils after a fine 1-0 defeat of Aston Villa.
      DAVID DE GEA: 6
      Shanked one of his early pass but dashed out in the second half to calmly head the ball away from danger. Might have expected to be busier against an in-form Villa side but did what he had to do well enough.
      DIOGO DALOT: 7
      Moved over to the right and looked more comfortable there. Cleared one off line in the first half when under pressure from Watkins. Managed to keep Ramsey and the Villa forwards down his flank quiet.
      VICTOR LINDELOF: 9
      Superb performance. Vital header to prevent a certain goal for Watkins. Great tackle to deflect Ramsey’s shot over the bar. Headed one off the line late on from Luiz although it might not have counted anyway.
      LUKE SHAW: 7
      Stepped in with Maguire injured at centre back – his England team-mate was only on the bench. Formed a decent partnership with Lindelof to keep in-form Watkins quiet and ensure injured pair Varane and Martinez are not missed too much.
      TYRELL MALACIA: 7
      Nice pass to Rashford early on but the forward was denied by Martinez. Great tackle on McGinn when the Villa man was poised to shoot. Gave away a late free-kick that could have proved costly.
      RESULT: Man Utd 1 Aston Villa 0
      Bruno Fernandes’ 100th career goal deservedly ended Villa’s 10-game undefeated run
      But United remain two points off third spot as Newcastle’s second-half comeback earned a 3-1 home win over Southampton.
      Fernandes snapped up a 39th-minute rebound after Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez parried Marcus Rashford’s shot.
      Casemiro hit the bar and fellow Marcel Sabitzer also nearly added to United’s victory margin.
      FOR ALL THE REACTION GO TO OUR MATCH BLOG
      Red Devils want to pair Kane with Marcus
      Erik ten Hag has told United chiefs: Get me a No9.
      The Red Devils are determined to land England captain Kane — with Tottenham demanding £100million.
      And the Old Trafford club could soon be flush with cash if Sheikh Jassim, who wants Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar, buys the club in a £5.5BILLION takeover.
      SunSport understands United stars are desperate for the Glazer family to sell up to end the negative atmosphere and boost their squad with world-class signings.

      United fans sang about signing Kane in their 2-2 draw at Spurs on Thursday — after their boss Ten Hag had called him “a great player and personality”.
      And now Ten Hag says:  “Everyone knows and it is not a secret that long-term and over a whole season we had a shortage of No9s.
      “We had the drop out of [Cristiano] Ronaldo, then Anthony Martial was often not available, Jadon Sancho often not available, then you have a shortage of front line players.
      “We have players who can play the role but definitely we need some offensive players who are impact and quality players.”
      United want to pair Kane and Marcus Rashford together next season in a £600,000-a-week strikeforce.
      Full Time – Man Utd 1-0 Aston Villa
      Bruno Fernandes’ first half goal seals all three points for the Red Devils.
      Credit: EPA
      Half Time – Man Utd 1-0 Aston Villa
      The Red Devils currently have a one-goal advantage over Unai Emery’s Aston Villa at Old Trafford thanks to Bruno Fernandes.
      Credit: PA
      Ten Hag forced into reshuffle
      Harry Maguire has been named on the bench for Manchester United’s clash against Aston Villa after battling an abdominal injury.
      Erik ten Hag has selected Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw at centre-back.
      Maguire’s problem kept him out of the 2-2 draw with Tottenham on Thursday and the FA Cup semi-final win over Brighton last weekend.
      He is now fit enough for a place on the amongst the substitutes, putting himself forward for selection to help with Ten Hag’s defensive woes.
      The boss has just one fit recognised centre-back with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez both out injured.
      Man Utd’s game versus Aston Villa is the club’s ninth this month.
      Credit: Getty
      Red-y to Shine
      Man Utd promoted a 15-year-old wonderkid to join in first-team training this week.
      The Red Devils’ busy run of fixtures continues at home to Aston Villa today.
      And on Friday, the Manchester Evening News reported Amir Ibragimov joined in with the senior stars despite his tender age.
      The rising star only turned 15 a few weeks ago.
      But he took to social media with a photo of his United training shorts and red adidas boots.
      He captioned the image: “1st team session,” followed by a green tick.
      Every Lille Helps
      Man Utd and Chelsea are set to duke it out for striker Jonathan David this summer, according to reports.
      The Canada international has caught the eye of several clubs this season with a string of scintillating displays for Ligue 1 big boys Lille.
      Former Gent hitman David is said to have a number of clubs interested in acquiring his services.
      And according to French newspaper L’Equipe, Prem rivals United and Chelsea will battle it out to bring him to England this summer.
      It’s also claimed that managerless Tottenham also hold an interest in snapping up the 23-year-old.
      David has been in fine form for Paulo Fonseca’s side – who are currently fifth in the Ligue 1 table – this season.
      Credit: Getty
      Hey Jude
      Real Madrid are reportedly preparing to send officials to Germany to talk to Jude Bellingham about signing for the club.
      The England international, 19, has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in the summer.
      The Spanish giants are set to fly representatives over to Dortmund in the next few days for talks with Bellingham.
      They are understood to have a “direct” line of communication with the midfielder.
      And they are optimistic the former Birmingham man will join them on June 30.
      But Dortmund are holding out hope of keeping him for one more season.
      Credit: Getty
      Injury Scare
      Former Manchester United man Tahith Chong was rushed to hospital after being stretchered off with a nasty looking calf injury while playing for Birmingham.
      During a 2-0 defeat to Coventry, the 23-year-old winger went down midway through the second half following a challenge from Jake Bidwell.
      He could be seen on the floor in some distress, holding the back of his leg as medics rushed to his aid.
      And after receiving treatment, Chong, who played 16 times for Man Utd, left the field on a stretcher.
      He was replaced by a former Red Devils team-mate in loanee Hannibal Mejbri.
      Birmingham manager John Eustace confirmed after the game that Chong had gone to hospital for a scan.
      Credit: Getty
      Cliffe Hanger
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe is now the hot favourite to win the bidding war for Manchester United, according to reports.
      Through his firm Ineos, the British billionaire, 70, has made an offer in excess of £5billion, say the Daily Mail.
      Ratcliffe is desperate for a 69 per cent stake in the club, or more than 50 per cent if Joel and Avram Glazer perform a sensational U-turn and decide to stay at the club.
      On Friday, sources close to Sheikh Jassim, who is also in the running to buy the Red Devils, revealed his bid had broken the £5billion barrier.
      However, that has since been quashed with sources close to US merchant bank Raine Group, who are managing the bidding process, claiming that the Ineos offer values the club at much higher.

      MORNING, UNITED FANS
      Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group are favourites to take over United as Erik ten Hag’s men eye third place today.
      And manager Ten Hag has told club chiefs he needs a new world-class striker as speculation around Tottenham main man Harry Kane increases.
      Ratcliffe, Britain’s richest man, is understood to have bid more than main rival Sheikh Jassim.
      The Mancunian entrepreneur at first wanted all the Glazers’ 69% share in United, whereas the Sheikh is after 100% control.
      But it’s understood Ratcliffe might now be willing to accept just a slim majority.
      That might be controversial with fans as it would enable co-chairmen Joel and Avram Glazer to stay in some capacity.
      Meanwhile,Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire face late fitness tests for this afternoon’s home Prem clash with in-form Aston Villa, who are just two places below in sixth.
      Luke Shaw should again feature in central defence if Maguire misses out.
      The Red Devils will go third if they win and Newcastle lose at home to bottom side Southampton.
      Ten Hag demands new No9
      Erik ten Hag has told United chiefs: Get me a No9.
      The Red Devils are determined to land England captain Kane — with Tottenham demanding £100million.
      And the Old Trafford club could soon be flush with cash if Sheikh Jassim, who wants Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar, buys the club in a £5.5BILLION takeover.
      SunSport understands United stars are desperate for the Glazer family to sell up to end the negative atmosphere and boost their squad with world-class signings.

      United fans sang about signing Kane in their 2-2 draw at Spurs on Thursday — after their boss Ten Hag had called him “a great player and personality”.
      And now Ten Hag says:  “Everyone knows and it is not a secret that long-term and over a whole season we had a shortage of No9s.
      “We had the drop out of [Cristiano] Ronaldo, then Anthony Martial was often not available, Jadon Sancho often not available, then you have a shortage of front line players.
      “We have players who can play the role but definitely we need some offensive players who are impact and quality players.”
      United want to pair Kane and Marcus Rashford together next season in a £600,000-a-week strikeforce.
      Ratcliffe favourite for take-over
      Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group seem favourites to take control of United after bidding more than Sheikh Jassim.
      Britain’s richest man is thought to want a majority share, whereas the Qatari banker wants a 100% buy-out
      Ratcliffe was at first understood to be targeting all the Glazers’ 69% share.
      But now it’s thought he might reduce that to slim majority share – to enable co-chairmen Joel and Avram Glazer to retain some link with the club.
      Chong suffers nasty calf injury
      Ex-Manchester United winger Tahith Chong was rushed to hospital after being stretchered off with a nasty looking calf injury while playing for Birmingham.
      During a 2-0 defeat to Coventry, the 23-year-old winger went down midway through the second half following a challenge from Jake Bidwell.

      He could be seen on the floor in some distress, holding the back of his leg as medics rushed to his aid.
      And after receiving treatment, Chong, who played 16 times for Man Utd, left the field on a stretcher.
      He was replaced by a former Red Devils team-mate in loanee Hannibal Mejbri.
      Birmingham manager John Eustace confirmed after the game that Chong had gone to hospital for a scan.
      Maguire tipped to weigh up future
      Harry Maguire fears he may have to quit Manchester United in order to play at Euro 2024.
      But there will be plenty of transfer offers for the defender.
      The Red Devils skipper, 30, is struggling for game time under new boss Erik ten Hag.
      Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are the first-choice centre-backs while Victor Lindelof and even Luke Shaw have regularly been picked ahead of the ex-Leicester man, who came on for the final two minutes of the Carabao Cup final win.
      And in a further blow, Ten Hag labelled Bruno Fernandes “our captain” despite Maguire being the official skipper at Old Trafford.
      Now the Daily Mail report the £85million man is worried the lack of action could see him snu
      Ratcliffe ‘hot favourite’ to take over Red Devils
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe is now the hot favourite to win the bidding war for Man Utd, according to reports.
      Through his firm Ineos, the British billionaire, 70, has made an offer in excess of £5billion, say the Daily Mail.
      Ratcliffe is desperate for a 69 per cent stake in the club, or more than 50 per cent if Joel and Avram Glazer perform a sensational u-turn and decide to stay at the club.

      On Friday, sources close to Sheikh Jassim, who is also in the running to buy the Red Devils, revealed his bid had broken the £5billion barrier.
      However, that has since been quashed with sources close to US merchant bank Raine Group, who are managing the bidding process, claiming that the Ineos offer values the club at much higher.
      Ever since United were put up for sale in November, Ratcliffe and Jassim have remained interested parties in acquiring the Premier League giants.
      Before an earlier deadline, both Ratcliffe and Jassim had said they had made offers, although it was later confirmed they had both asked for an extension on the deadline.
      The final bids were made before Friday’s deadline, with the Glazers now mulling over the offers.
      A decision for the preferred bidder could be made within the next 10 days.
      Sheikh Jassim has made no secret that he would want a 100 per cent stake in the club.
      Stelling quitting after 25 years
      Jeff Stelling has announced he’s stepping down as Soccer Saturday host – after a whopping 25 YEARS at the helm.
      The 68-year-old’s final broadcast – which will no doubt be watched by thousands of long-time fans of the show – will be on May 28.
      An emotional Stelling announced his departure live on air and received rapturous applause from the pundits in the studio and the film crew behind the camera.

      He said: “I’ve been at Sky for more than 30 years and loved every moment of my time as part of the Soccer Saturday team.
      “It is now the right time to move on and give Sky Sports viewers a break from my relentless rants, bad gags and over-the-top celebrations of Hartlepool United goals.
      “It’s been a lot of fun – for me at least!”
      Footie fans were quick to react to the news of Stelling’s departure.
      One tweeted: “Sad to see Jeff Stelling stepping down at Sky Sports.
      “An absolute titan. Simply won’t be the same without him.”
      Another said: “Gutted Jeff Stelling is leaving Soccer Saturday. He was fantastic in it. End of an era.”
      Real tipped for Bellingham talks
      Real Madrid are reportedly preparing to send officials to Germany to talk to Jude Bellingham about signing for the club.
      Borussia Dortmund’s England midfielder, 19, has been heavily linked with Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea, with PSG also said to be interested.
      Liverpool pulled out of the race as they look for better value – as Bellingham is valued at around £130million.
      And according to Marca, United, City and Chelsea could be set to miss out on him too as Real Madrid step up their pursuit.

      The Spanish giants are set to fly representatives over to Dortmund in the next few days for talks with Bellingham.
      They are understood to have a “direct” line of communication with the midfielder.
      And they are optimistic the former Birmingham man will join them on June 30.
      But Dortmund are holding out hope of keeping him for one more season.
      Prem giants queue up for Jonathan
      Manchester United and Chelsea are set to duke it out for striker Jonathan David this summer, according to reports, writes CHISANGA MALATA.
      The Canada international has caught the eye of several clubs this season with a string of scintillating displays for Ligue 1 big boys Lille.

      Former Gent hitman David is said to have a number of clubs interested in acquiring his services.
      And according to French newspaper L’Equipe, Prem rivals United and Chelsea will battle it out to bring him to England this summer.
      It’s also claimed that managerless Tottenham also hold an interest in snapping up the 23-year-old.
      David has been in fine form for Paulo Fonseca’s side – who are currently fifth in the Ligue 1 table – this season.
      Young teases Fergie
      Ashley Young spoke with his former boss Sir Alex Ferguson this week, writes CHARLIE WYETT.
      And Young, 37, who spent 8½ years at Manchester United and won the title there in 2013, is hoping to see Fergie again tomorrow to discuss a Premier League double for the Villans.
      He said: “I spoke to the boss this week.
      “We will have a quick sit down after the game and hopefully we can talk about us having won three points.
      “We beat United in the league this season although lost there in the League Cup.
      “I got a really nice reception when going back there which meant a lot. I had a fantastic time there.”
      As for United under Erik ten Hag, Young said: “They are a lot better.
      “It will take more than one season to get it sorted but success is coming back — although hopefully not against Villa.”
      Villa travel to United unbeaten in ten and sit six points adrift of tomorrow’s hosts, but have played two games more.
      Chelsea vs United for David?
      Manchester United and Chelsea are regarded as way out in front in the pursuit of Lille striker Jonathan David.
      Arsenal have also been linked with the Canadian speedster.
      But reports today suggest the race for the ex-Gent star, 23, is narrowing.
      Load more entries… More

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      Ten Hag tells Man Utd ‘get me a striker’ with £100m Kane top of five-man shortlist and Neymar wanted in takeover plan

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      ERIK TEN HAG has told Manchester United chiefs: Get me a No9.The Red Devils are determined to land England captain Kane — with Tottenham demanding £100million.
      Erik ten Hag wants Man United to sign a strikerCredit: Getty
      Harry Kane is Manchester United’s top striker target this summerCredit: Alamy
      And the Old Trafford club could soon be flush with cash if Sheikh Jassim, who wants Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar, buys the club in a £5.5BILLION takeover.
      SunSport understands United stars are desperate for the Glazer family to sell up to end the negative atmosphere and boost their squad with world-class signings.
      United fans sang about signing Kane in their 2-2 draw at Spurs on Thursday — after their boss Ten Hag had called him “a great player and personality”.
      And now Ten Hag says:  “Everyone knows and it is not a secret that long-term and over a whole season we had a shortage of No9s.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      “We had the drop out of [Cristiano] Ronaldo, then Anthony Martial was often not available, Jadon Sancho often not available, then you have a shortage of front line players.
      “We have players who can play the role but definitely we need some offensive players who are impact and quality players.”
      United want to pair Kane and Marcus Rashford together next season in a £600,000-a-week strikeforce.
      That would involve both Three Lions stars upping their wages from £200,000 to £300,000 a week.
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      Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group both put in their third bids for the club just before Friday night’s 10pm deadline.
      And Qatari Sheikh Jassim, whose offer is believed to be worth around £5.5bn, appears to have the wealth to transform the squad by landing the likes of Neymar — who earns £490,000 a week in Paris — and Kane to play with Rashford.
      However, it was claimed last night that Ratcliffe’s bid values United higher than Sheikh Jassim – although the Brit only wants to buy the 69 per cent of the club owned by the Glazers.
      Ten Hag has revitalised Rashford, who is enjoying his best goalscoring season, with his strike against Spurs taking his tally to 29.
      But Ten Hag prefers the England man as a winger cutting in from the left and wants a new focal point for his attack.
      Neymar is a target for Qatari Sheikh Jassim if he buys the clubCredit: Getty
      Victor Osimhen is also a target for the clubCredit: Getty
      As well as Kane, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Lille’s Jonathan David, Atalanta sensation Rasmus Hojland, former Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham and Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic are all believed to be on United’s radar.
      Osimhen in particular, in both Serie A and the Champions League, has looked like the top-level centre-forward that United need.
      But neither the £100m-rated Nigerian nor any of the other candidates has Premier League experience. More

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      Arsenal in Declan Rice transfer boost as West Ham line up World Cup star as replacement

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      WEST HAM are looking at Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Djibril Sow as a potential replacement for Declan Rice.Hammers head of recruitment Rob Newman is believed to have watched the Swiss international in last weekend’s Bundesliga clash with Borussia Dortmund.
      Declan Rice looks set to leave West Ham in the summerCredit: Rex
      And Sow, 26, is on the shortlist if West Ham captain Rice leaves this summer — with Arsenal favourites to land the England star.
      Sow was already on the Hammers’ radar after being part of the Frankfurt side that beat them in last season’s Europa League semi-final.
      The German side went on to win the competition, earning a spot in the Champions League.
      Sow played every minute of Frankfurt’s Champions League games and has four goals in 41 appearances in all competitions.
      read more on arsenal
      He also started all four of Switzerland’s games at the World Cup.
      Sow is about to enter the final year of his contract and could be available for as little as £20million — especially as Frankfurt are set to miss out on European qualification.
      Rice is reportedly top of an all-star target list for Arsenal ahead of this summer’s transfer window, according to reports.
      Arsenal are stepping up plans to revamp the squad after guaranteeing a spot in next season’s Champions League.
      Most read in Football
      They have placed Declan Rice high on their priority list as they want a high-class midfielder.
      Boss Mikel Arteta has made Rice, 24, a top pick for the centre of the pitch due to his technical ability and strength.
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      But SunSport has learned Arteta is reconsidering Arsenal’s summer transfer strategy following this week’s painful defeat at Manchester City.
      The club had been planning to make just two major signings and had allocated up to £150million to bid for Rice and Moises Caicedo.
      But Arteta feels other areas of his squad also need strengthening.
      And now they are exploring ways to finance moves for two more defenders and possibly another winger. More

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      Chelsea join race for keeper who only made debut last weekend but Newcastle favourites to pull off transfer

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      CHELSEA and Aston Villa are after keeper Stephen McMullan who made his Fleetwood debut last weekend.But — as SunSport revealed a month ago — Newcastle are favourites to land the Northern Ireland rookie.
      Stephen McMullan has interest from the Premier LeagueCredit: fleetwoodtownfc
      McMullan, 18, signed a long-term contract with Fleetwood back in January.
      He kept a clean sheet as he made his first senior appearance for the Cods in their 1-0 win over MK Dons.
      The goalkeeper has also been recognised internationally, appearing for the Northern Ireland U19s and the Republic of Ireland U18s.
      While it is unlikely that McMullan would join Chelsea as a first-team goalkeeper, he could fancy his chances of pushing for a spot in the squad.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      The Blues’ current stoppers, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy, both have doubts over their futures at the club.
      Mendy’s form and injury record this season has seen his playtime decrease, and with his recent contract refusal, he could be set for a move away from the club.
      While Kepa has failed to hit the heights expected of him since his record move from Athletic Club.
      The Spaniard cost the Blues form £72million and while there have been flashes of from him, he has largely disappointed.
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      With the club not expected to qualify for any European football, co-owner Todd Boehly is thought to be considering cashing in on players to cut costs.
      Stars such as Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Conor Gallagher have all been linked with exits.
      They could be joined by the two first-team goalkeepers, which would leave Chelsea with just veteran Marcus Bettinelli and youngsters Gabriel Slonina and Lucas Bergstrom capable of playing in goal.
      Chelsea reportedly want Inter Milan’s Andre Onana to replace Kepa and Mendy in goal.
      Meanwhile, the Blues have also been linked with a move for Tottenham striker Harry Kane.
      Former Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has suggested he would be a “great signing” for the club.
      However, the 29-year-old is thought to be a target for Manchester United. More

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      Crystal Palace eye Brazilian wonderkid Matheus Franca and could land Flamengo teen for under transfer buyout clause

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      BRAZILIAN whizkid Matheus Franca is on the radar of Crystal Palace — if the price is right.The attacking midfielder, 19, has a huge buy-out clause but Palace could tempt Flamengo with a £15million offer in the summer.
      Matheus Franca is one of the hottest young talents in BrazilCredit: Getty
      Newcastle are thought to have had three bids rejected for Franca in January.
      The Toon reportedly offered £11.5m, £12m and then £14m.
      And Magpies chief Eddie Howe remains a big admirer.
      Franco extended his Flamengo deal – amid suggestions his get-out clause has doubled from £88m to £176m.
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      And the Brazilian giants have so far held out for at least £17.5m PLUS 50 per cent of his next transfer fee.
      Flamengo were desperate to keep hold of him after selling Joao Gomes to Wolves.
      And Palace’s interest comes as Roy Hodgson’s excellent start back in charge continued with Saturday’s 4-3 win over West Ham.
      The Eagles are now a comfortable 12th – ahead of Chelsea.
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      But star man Wilfried Zaha seemed to show his disapproval to the Palace bench after being taken off late on.
      The winger had pounced for the Eagles’ second goal as they recovered from 1-0 down to lead 3-1.
      But he appeared unhappy when Hodgson took him off in the closing minute as the home side held on for a deserved derby victory. More

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      Chelsea plan to hire transfer guru Paul Mitchell who discovered likes of Son Heung-min, Sadio Mane and Dele Alli

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      CHELSEA plan to hire transfer guru Paul Mitchell to help clear the decks.He is set to join in a senior post after working for Monaco and has vast previous experience with RB Leipzig, Tottenham and Southampton.
      Paul Mitchell could be brought in by Chelsea to help with a clear-outCredit: Getty
      And while his friendship with incoming boss Mauricio Pochettino is a major attraction, he is also an ideal man to shift the unwanted Blues.
      Mitchell has contacts in France and Germany, which could help to find new homes for many of the flops surplus to requirements.
      Both Chelsea and Manchester United were linked with him last summer.
      In fact, former Old Trafford boss Ralf Rangnick was keen – and so was current chief Erik ten Hag.
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      And before that, in December 2021, it was claimed Mitchell had “offered himself” to Newcastle.
      Son Heung-min, Sadio Mane and Dele Alli are amongst the players he’s discovered, as well as Emile Smith Rowe.
      Pochettino will have a long, hard look at their bulging squad of under-achievers.
      And Blues’ co-owner Behdad Eghball gave a cheeky wink when questioned by a fan on Saturday about Poch being appointed soon.
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      Eghball was attending the Los Angeles Lakers’ victory against the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA.
      On his way out a Chelsea fan asked: “Who’s the next Chelsea manager?” He responded: “Who do you want?”
      The fan suggested former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique but said: “You’re getting Pochettino right?”
      Eghbali winked and responded: “Maybe, maybe.”
      The moment was filmed and posted on the Twitter account @ItsMphatso. More