More stories

  • in

    Arsenal fans say ‘this actually made my day’ as Invincibles Premier League title winner is reunited with Arsene Wenger

    ARSENAL fans have had their day made after Philippe Senderos reunited with Arsene Wenger.The retired Swiss footballer joined the Gunners in 2003 and was part of the Invincibles team that lifted the Premier League trophy in 2003-2004 and won the FA Cup with the club in 2005.
    Philippe Senderos was reunited with former manager Arsene WengerCredit: https://twitter.com/Philsend4
    Senderos played for Wenger during his time at ArsenalCredit: AFP – Getty
    Senderos was a rotational player in the Gunners squad under Wenger.
    The defender made 64 appearances for the North London side before leaving in 2010 for Fulham.
    Senderos reunited with his old manager and posted a snap on Twitter with the caption: “Always great to see you Boss.”
    Fans took to social media to comment on the picture and praise the duo.
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    One fan said: “This has actually made my day.”
    A second tweeted: “Always beautiful to see Arsenal together.”
    A third commented: “That is just class. Player. Manager. Location.”
    A fourth wrote: “Two great humans.”
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    While a fifth added: “Invincible era.”
    Senderos recently revealed how he almost joined Man United before transferring to the Gunners.
    He told Ladbrokes Fanzone: “I visited Manchester United, and Liverpool came to Geneva a couple of times.
    “But when the opportunity to go to Arsenal came along, and I visited the training ground, experienced the atmosphere around the place and heard from Arsene Wenger, there was no looking back for me.
    “Everything about Arsenal just felt right for me, so it was an easy decision, despite all the noise and rumours.” More

  • in

    Kai Rooney branded ‘future of Man Utd’ as he shares pics of youth game – and fans spot him copying dad’s trademark move

    KAI ROONEY has been dubbed the “future of Manchester United” after he shared photos of him featuring for the club’s youth-team. The 13-year-old is the son of Old Trafford hero Wayne.
    Kai Rooney has been branded the future of Man UtdCredit: Instagram: @kairooney.10
    Kai Rooney copied his father’s trademark controlCredit: Instagram: @kairooney.10
    Kai is Wayne Rooney’s eldest sonCredit: Reuters
    Rooney Jnr plays for United’s Under-13s and fans believe he could be the next big thing.
    Some even drew comparisons to his father as he was pictured pulling off one of his dad’s trademark chest controls.
    One supporter said: “The future.”
    Another reacted: “No DNA test needed! You are Rooney’s son! That chest control likeness is so Wazza.”
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    A third added: “Keep going kid, United are waiting for you.”
    Rooney spent an incredible 13 seasons with the club, winning five Premier League titles and one Champions League.
    And his son is hoping to follow in his footsteps, already lifting the Under-13s National Cup North trophy earlier this year.
    Rooney’s eldest is hoping to continue his progress and play for United’s first-team in the next ten years.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    The young striker told The Mirror: “That’s where I see myself but I’ve got to make it happen with the hard work and everything behind the scenes.”
    On who his biggest inspiration is, he added: “I know it’s a a bit boring but probably my dad as he’s helped me though some of the hard times and taught me a lot about the game.
    “Even just being in the car listening to him as a manager talking to all the players.”
    He is hoping to play for United in the next ten yearsCredit: Instagram: @kairooney.10 More

  • in

    Man Utd and Tottenham in transfer battle for Brighton sensation Evan Ferguson after incredible breakthrough season

    EVAN FERGUSON is set to become the subject of a transfer tug-of-war between three clubs, according to reports. The teenage sensation has burst onto the scene this season, scoring eight goals since his breakthrough into Brighton’s senior team.
    Evan Ferguson is wanted by both Manchester United and TottenhamCredit: Rex
    Despite his youth, the qualities he is showing have seen interest in him emerge from Manchester United and Tottenham.
    The Daily Mail report the two sides want the 18-year-old striker in the summer.
    In the Man Utd camp, Erik ten Hag wants to overhaul his strikeforce by bringing in Ferguson and a more experienced striker.
    One of the stars they are most linked with is Harry Kane at Spurs.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    With Kane’s potential departure from the north London side, Spurs see Ferguson as an heir apparent to England’s record goalscorer.
    However, the efforts of both teams could be thwarted with Brighton hoping to tie Ferguson down to a new long-term deal by the end of the month.
    The Seagulls beat interest from United, Chelsea and Liverpool to land the Irishman from Bohemians, with him penning his first pro contract in October.
    Man Utd may find themselves in prime position to land Ferguson when he makes his next move, with the striker admitting he grew up as a Red Devils fan and idolised Wayne Rooney.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    Indeed, such has been his rise that French superstar Kylian Mbappe revealed over the international break he has been watching Ferguson.
    Fortunately for Brighton and Roberto de Zerbi, his playing time has left Ferguson in no rush to leave the South Coast. More

  • in

    Chelsea hold positive transfer talks with Gavi’s agent as they look to take advantage of Barcelona ace’s contract issues

    CHELSEA have met with the agent of Barcelona star Gavi ahead of a potential summer move, according to reports. Blues director of football Christopher Vivell supposedly met with the 18-year-old’s representatives with initial talks going well.
    Barca midfielder Gavi has been in talks with ChelseaCredit: AFP
    AS report that another meeting is scheduled for the coming weeks with Chelsea keen to push forward with the deal.
    Gavi only recently signed a new contract at the Nou Camp, keeping him at the club until 2026.
    However, the Catalan giants are unable to register him as a first-team player due to financial problems.
    If the issue is not resolved then the midfielder could leave on a free transfer at the end of the season as his contract will be void.
    READ MORE ON CHELSEA
    Barcelona supposedly remain relaxed about the situation and Gavi does not want to leave the club.
    Yet, the player is reportedly frustrated over the way the matter has been handled.
    Chelsea could offer much more than Barca would be able to and could hand Gavi a huge signing-on fee.
    If the West Londoners were to bring in ex-Spain boss Luis Enrique as manager for next season, this could further sweeten the deal.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Barcelona have been effectively placed under a transfer ban by LaLiga until they sort their finances out.
    Ten players could reportedly leave the league leaders as they need to raise £178million.

    The likes of Ansu Fati, Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha and Ousmane Dembele could all depart.
    Gavi is a wonderkid, who has played 87 times for the club and been capped by Spain on 19 occasions.
    The La Masia product made his debut aged just 17. More

  • in

    Leeds ‘ordered to pay ex-player who featured just three times £24.5MILLION after being found to have breached contract’

    LEEDS are reportedly being forced to pay ex-player Jean-Kevin Augustin £24.5million after they were found to have breached his contract by failing to sign him permanently.The forward, 25, joined the club in the Championship in January 2020 on loan from RB Leipzig.
    Jean-Kevin Augustin made just three appearances for LeedsCredit: Rex
    But he made just three appearances for Marcelo Bielsa’s men, totalling 48 minutes.
    He left at the end of his short-term loan and ended up signing for Nantes.
    But Leeds did not fulfil their contractual obligation to sign Augustin for £18m – which they were required to do if they were promoted to the Premier League at the end of the 2019/20 season.
    Bielsa’s men gained promotion after they won the Championship by 10 points.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    According to The Athletic, Fifa’s Dispute Resolution Chamber found the case “partially in Augustin’s favour”.
    Leeds’ breach of Augustin’s contract is set to see them pay him five years worth of an £80,000-a-week deal.
    A statement from the club read: “The club cannot comment on an ongoing legal matter.”
    In December, Leeds reached an “amicable resolution” with RB Leipzig as they came to a £15.5m settlement following a dispute around Augustin – who now plays for Basel.
    Most read in Football
    It was a negotiated figure from the £18m fee Leipzig wanted.
    A Fifa hearing in June 2021 upheld Leipzig’s claim called the “Challenged Decision” and ordered Leeds to make a first payment of £5.85m.
    The Premier League side then lost their appeal in the Court of Arbitration for Sport. More

  • in

    Property firm ‘backed’ by footie stars Mikel Arteta and Luis Suarez could owe £1.2MILLION loan debt

    A PROPERTY firm backed by footie stars Mikel Arteta and Luis Suarez could owe £1.2million to a cash-strapped council.The firm, linked to some of the biggest names in world football including Uruguay ace Suarez, borrowed £1.25m from Liverpool City Council.
    Arteta, who now manages Premier League leaders Arsenal, joined Littlewoods Investment LLP in 2013Credit: Getty
    Suarez was one of Uruguay’s greats and played for some of the biggest clubs in world footballCredit: Getty
    Former Liverpool and Barcelona striker Luis Suarez joined the firm in 2013, when the Uruguay international played for Liverpool FCCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun
    Arteta, who now manages Arsenal, has had a glittering career in English footballCredit: Getty
    Littlewoods Investment LLP used the council’s cash to transform an old industrial building in Liverpool into a trendy office block named the Bunker.
    The Bunker, previously described as the “UK’s most stylish” office, formed the first part of the regeneration of the famous Littlewoods site next door.
    Council bosses want to transform Liverpool into the “Hollywood of the North” and there are hopes that Littlewoods, a sprawling art deco building, can be a part of that vision.
    The team behind The Batman starring Robert Pattinson recently handpicked the city famous for its Gothic architecture as a filming location.
    Arteta, who now manages Premier League leaders Arsenal, joined Littlewoods Investment LLP in 2013.
    There is no suggestion Arteta, the company or those involved have done anything wrong.
    Companies House describes Arteta as the person of significant control in the LLP.
    Former Liverpool and Barcelona striker Luis Suarez joined the firm in 2013, when the Uruguay international played for Liverpool FC.
    Most read in Football
    Ex-Arsenal player Santiago Cazorla and former Liverpool player Pezzini Leiva also joined Littlewoods Investment in 2013.
    Arteta, Suarez, Cazorla and Leiva have all played for some of the biggest clubs in the world and are respected figures in world sport.
    Tim Heatley and Adam Higgins, co-founders of regeneration company Capital and Centric, are also designated members.
    Documents filed to Companies House reveal that Liverpool City Council (LCC) granted the loan to Littlewoods Investment LLP in 2013 and charged the company an interest rate of six per cent.
    The public documents suggest that the loan should be paid back within seven years and one month of the project’s completion.
    LCC, in response to a Freedom of Information Act request, confirmed the loan had not at that point been paid back. Companies House also states that the loan is outstanding.
    The Sun contacted both parties to confirm the current status of the loan, but could not get any details.
    ‘HOLLYWOOD OF THE NORTH’
    The Bunker building was completed in 2015 by regeneration firm Capital and Centric.
    The scheme was partly funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
    The high-tech work space which features super-fast broadband sits next to Littlewoods Building which was ravaged by a massive blaze in 2018.
    A local icon, which opened in the late 1930s, it was the flagship of the Littlewoods Pools empire.
    The art-deco unit with a facade nearly one kilometre wide was convened during the war when parachutes and other supplies were made there.
    LCC is now driving plans to turn the site into a film studio.
    The plans will create thousands of local jobs and revive the site which has been derelict for years.
    The city’s Metro authority and council have agreed to inject around £17m into the ambitious scheme which would boost the city’s chances of becoming the “Hollywood of the North.”
    The city’s historic locations and scenic waterfront have been the backdrop for massive movies including Marvel’s Captain America: The First Avenger.
    Speaking about the site last December Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor Liverpool City Region, said: “Our area has become a magnet for film and TV productions from around the world in recent years – making us the UK’s most filmed location outside of London.
    “But I want to take our region to the next level, to stake our claim as the ‘Hollywood of the North’.
    Read More on The Sun
    “The £17m we’re investing into both Littlewoods and The Depot will be central in turning that ambition into a reality – helping us to cater for every stage of the production process and creating new jobs and training opportunities for local people.
    “I can’t wait to see work start on the project.”
    The Littlewoods Building in Liverpool, a sprawling art deco siteCredit: Alamy
    The Bunker building was completed in 2015 by regeneration firm Capital and CentricCredit: The Sun
    The high-tech work space which features super-fast broadband sits next to Liverpool’s famous Littlewoods Building which was ravaged by a massive blaze in 2018Credit: The Sun More

  • in

    Arsenal star Aaron Ramsdale reveals Premier League legend was his unlikely inspiration as a goalkeeper growing up

    AARON RAMSDALE has revealed his unlikely inspiration as a goalkeeper growing up. The Arsenal star, 24, learned his trade from Bolton legend Jussi Jaaskelainen during five years as a youth there.
    Arsenal star Aaron Ramsdale has revealed his goalkeeping idolCredit: Rex
    Ramsdale was a huge fan of ex-Bolton star Jussi JaaskelainenCredit: Action Images – Reuters
    The Finnish keeper was a mainstay in the Premier League for years, making over 500 appearances in all competitions for Wanderers before moving to West Ham.
    And Ramsdale admits the retired 47-year-old is the stopper he models his game on most.
    He revealed: “Jussi was my early inspiration.
    “The way I position my hands and my legs are very similar to Jussi — because if you see it in people you look up to, it stays for ever.”  
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    The England keeper is still confident that Arsenal remain in the driving seat for the league title despite surrendering two points at Anfield.
    He pulled off a series of sensational late saves to secure a 2-2 draw against Liverpool on Sunday which keeps the Gunners six points clear of Manchester City.
    Ramsdale insists no one will be panicking despite opening the door for City to pip them at the post in the race for a first  crown since the Invincibles of 2004.
    He said: “It’s essential we focus on the positives of Sunday’s result. We’ll look at all the good stuff we did in the first half to get 2-0 up and, though we might have dropped two points, this will definitely feel like a very good result when we’ve digested everything.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    “We went to Anfield and played really well but we also had to dig in to survive.
    “Unfortunately we couldn’t get the win but at least my saves have helped us out.”
    The result means that City can now overhaul Arsenal on goal difference if they beat them at the Etihad on April 26 and win their game in hand.
    But Ramsdale added: “I love the bigger games and fans being there because they help me to  concentrate more.
    “I try to  enjoy every game and I don’t want this season  at the top to be a one-off.
    “Everyone wants this to be our  stepping stone, to go again  next season and try to balance playing in Europe with challenging in the Premier League.”
    Ramsdale suffered back-to-back Prem relegations with Bournemouth and Sheffield United before his £24million move to Arsenal in 2021.
    At that time, the Gunners finished eighth in the league and his big-money signing was viewed by disillusioned fans as a sign of the decline in the transfer market.
    Ramsdale arrived in North London under a barrage of abuse but he   is now silencing those that doubted him.
    And he believes it is the competitive streak brought in by manager Mikel Arteta which has really helped him improve.
    Ramsdale admitted: “I have never been a massive fan of training because there’s nothing on it. If you do make a mistake it just resets and you go again.
    “It’s something the manager has done really well. There’s a competitive edge to training. There’ll be things on it like the losing team pays for dinner.
    Read More on The Sun
    “If I ever complained to my dad about needing motivation he would pretty quickly tell me to remember where I am.
    “He would remind me my grandad Ron, who died before I was born, had to choose being a teacher over a pro footballer because of his dad, so I realise how privileged I am.” More

  • in

    Man Utd transfer blow as Wolves work on new contract for Ruben Neves in last-ditch bid to ward off long-term admirers

    WOLVES are still working on a long-term deal for contract rebel Ruben Neves.The Portuguese midfielder’s deal at Molineux runs out next summer – potentially ending a seven-year stay in the Midlands after joining from Porto back in 2017.
    Wolves are hoping to tie Man Utd target Ruben Neves down to a new contractCredit: Getty
    Neves has been eyeing a move away for the past 18 months with Champions League football a priority, rejecting several extension offers so far.
    However, SunSport understands Wolves are preparing a last-gasp attempt to stop the 26-year-old leaving for a cut-price fee.
    With European interest in Neves cooling as of late, the player may be resigned to finally signing.
    But his wage demands exceeding £100k-a-week will be the main sticking point.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Neves is also prepared to wait until the club can guarantee top flight safety – with Wolves currently four points off the drop with eight games remaining.
    Arsenal were previously monitoring the situation, while Manchester United have come close to nabbing the £40m-rated playmaker on two separate occasions.
    United boss Erik ten Hag was a big fan upon his arrival at Old Trafford last summer, and could still make a move for the player should other targets fall flat.
    Neves was reportedly seeking a move under former coach Bruno Lage, who managed to keep hold of the player last summer before getting the sack in October.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    However, Neves has endured a semi-revival under new boss Julen Lopetegui, and has so far scored five goals in 28 appearances in the Premier League this campaign.
    Neves has started every Prem game he has been available for since the end of the World Cup back in December.
    Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been keeping tabs on Neves. More