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      Man Utd takeover LIVE: Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s new bid CONFIRMED, Rashford EXCLUSIVE, Thomas Zilliacus latest

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      THOMAS ZILLIACUS has entered the bidding war to own Manchester United – but wants fans to stump up £1.5billion to buy the club.The Finnish entrepreneur said “The market value of the club is just under £3.17bn.
      “That means if every one of the fans would join in, the sum per fan would amount to less than £5.”
      Meanwhile, Sir Jim Ratcliffe made an improved world-record £5bn offer on Thursday, while Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani is expected to match that before Friday’s 9pm deadline.
      And SunSport can exclusively reveal that Manchester United star Marcus Rashford is stalling over a new deal at Old Trafford.
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      Camavinga blow
      Man Utd look set to miss out on Eduardo Camavinga as Real Madrid open new contract talks with the midfielder.
      The 20-year-old joined Real Madrid in 2021 for £26million as a long-term replacement for Casemiro.
      Madrid want a reported £115million for the six-cap French international, with United willing to break their club record to sign him.
      However, Los Blancos have made a bold move in their attempt to lock down Camavinga, which could jeopardise United chances of pinching the player.
      According to The Athletic, the Spanish team have responded to United’s moves by offering the Frenchman a potential €1billion (£874million) release clause.
      The new release clause would make it almost impossible for Ten Hag’s team to secure Camavinga, even with the sale of the club looming.
      Ten Hag surprise
      Erik ten Hag has surprised everyone in Holland, according to Ruud Gullit.
      Gullit admitted during an interview with A Bola that he and everyone else back in Holland are impressed with how well the ex-Ajax man has done.
      He said: “I’m surprised, we’re all surprised, with Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.
      “The Dutch Eredivisie does not have the same levels of competitiveness as the Premier League, perhaps the most attractive championship in world football.
      “But the truth is that he was able to impose a work philosophy and the playing formula he advocates.”
      Andy Cole on United’s next striker
      Manchester United legend Andy Cole has revealed who he thinks Manchester United should sign next.
      The club have been linked with both Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen, but Cole has tippd United to sign Osimhen and build for the future in a similar way Manchester City have with Erling Haaland.
      He told King Casino Bonus: “Harry Kane is 30 years old next season and Victor Osimhen is currently 24-years-old and he’s already done a lot at his age too.
      “Italian football is difficult but there will be no doubts that he can adapt to the Premier League.
      “If Manchester United want to pay £100m for a 24-year-old or a 30-year-old, you have to look at it in the long term.
      “The only value Manchester United can get from Kane is if he can win them the Premier League.
      “Meanwhile, Osimhen is near the same age as Erling Haaland and look what he’s doing at the moment.
      “Everyone wants instant success, but that does not guarantee a bright future for the club.
      “Look at Manchester City, they did not have instant success and look at them now. The players Pep Guardiola brought in were always young and he could still sell them for a decent price if he needed to.
      “That’s what I think Manchester United should do because they have been caught too many times bringing in players for ridiculous fees and on ridiculous wages who have run down their contracts, I don’t think they can afford to be caught in that position again.”
      Ronaldo ‘robbed’ of hat-trick
      Cristiano Ronaldo was “robbed” of a hat-trick while playing for Portugal.
      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was making his 197th appearance for his country and celebrated by bagging a brace against Liechtenstein in the Euro qualifiers.
      It could – and should – have been an even better night for the former Manchester United star as he deserved to be awarded another goal.
      In the 8th minute of the match, Man City’s on-loan star Joao Cancelo fired a shot goalwards.
      The ball ricocheted off a defender and clipped Ronaldo’s heel on the way into the goal.
      But the officials did not see the touch and the goal was awarded to Cancelo.
      Cristiano Ronaldo was not awarded a goal despite a deflectionCredit: Twitter
      Berbatov on Mount rumours
      Dimitar Berbatov has had his say on transfer rumours linking Mason Mount to Manchester United.
      Speaking to Betfred, he said: “He’s a talent and I like to see young players making the next step and the next challenge of moving to a bigger club.
      “He’s at a big club already, of course, but let’s say if Manchester United can’t sign Jude Bellingham, then why shouldn’t they sign Mason Mount?
      “He has the talent and he has proven quality.
      “At the end of the day, when you sign new players, you need to ask yourself whether you need them, where are they going to play and who’s not going to play as a result of a new player coming in.”
      McTominay out the door
      With the reported boost in the pursuit of Ruben Neves, Erik ten Hag is reportedly set to allow Scott McTominay to leave.
      The Daily Telegraph have reported McTominay is attracted to the idea of a move to Newcastle.
      This could mean Ten Hag will be able to upgrade his midfield with minimal effort.
      In Wolves clothing
      Wolves have set a £50million price tag on Manchester United target Ruben Neves.
      Football Insider claim United, Liverpool and Barcelona all want to sign the Portugal international.
      The midfielder’s contract at Wolves expires in 2024, and the club are expected to cash in on him in the summer.
      This price could be cut further if Wolves are relegated at the end of the season.
      Red-faced
      Manchester United could launch a £100million bid for Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix, reports suggest.
      Felix is currently on loan at Chelsea, and has impressed so far.
      However, if the Blues decide not to make his switch permanent, United could come in with an offer according to AS, via football365.
      The Red Devils are looking for a new frontman to bolster their attack, with Marcus Rashford being the only reliable goalscorer for the team this season.
      Surprise package
      Erik ten Hag has left his Manchester United squad “surprised” with his continued selection of Wout Weghorst, reports suggest.
      According to GiveMeSport, the Dutchman’s insistence to use Weghorst at all times has come as a shock given the lack of goals he contributes to the team.
      Weghorst has his uses, such as helping the ball to stick up front and bringing other attackers into play.
      But with just two goals and assists to his name since joining his selection has been questioned.
      Morning United fans
      United expect to have at least two massive takeover bids in by tonight’s 9pm deadline.
      Britain’s richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe made an improved world-record £5billionn offer on Thursday.
      And Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani is expected to match that.
      US investment company Elliott have offered to buy a minority stake, no matter who ends up owning the club.
      And Finnish entrepreneur Thomas Zilliacus says he will bid £3billion – but half of that must come from supporters.
      He said: “Any club ultimately should belong to its fans. My bid is built on equality with fans.
      “The current development, where billionaire sheiks and oligarchs take over clubs and control them as their personal playgrounds, is not a healthy trend.”
      Meanwhile, Napoli are reportedly willing to sell striker Victor Osimhen – but only for around £115-£130million.
      United are rated favourites to sign the Nigeria frontman ahead of PSG as talk of nabbing Harry Kane fades – at least for now.
      Fourth-choice Old Trafford centre-back Victor Lindelor has suggested he might think over his future in the summer.
      Finally, Red Devils’ fans on social media didn’t seem too unhappy Luke Shaw was sent off in England’s 2-1 win in Italy last night.
      It means the left-back will be suspended for Sunday’s home Euro qualifier against Ukraine on Sunday – leaving him fresher for United’s return to Prem action at Newcastle on Sunday, April 2.
      Red Devils’ fans happy with Luke seeing red
      Luke Shaw’s red card for England came as welcome news to Manchester United fans.
      The left-back was sent off in the 2-1 win over Italy after picking up two yellow cards in less than a minute.
      He is now suspended for England’s next game against Ukraine on Sunday.
      That means the 27-year-old faces an extended rest before returning to United duty.

      The Red Devils return to action after the international break with a tough trip to Newcastle on April 2.
      But United fans are safe in the knowledge that Shaw can put his feet up for the England game against Ukraine at Wembley and not play again until United’s match at St. James’ Park.
      Red Devils supporters took to social media after Shaw was sent off to rejoice at the fact he doesn’t have to play on Sunday.
      One exclaimed: “SHAW SUSPENDED LETS GOOOOO.”
      Another sarcastically wrote: “Oh dear! Luke Shaw red card and suspended for next game. As a United fan I’m devastated.”
      A third added: “Shaw suspended niceeeeee.”
      Finnish bidder wants fans to contribute £1.5BILLION
      Finnish entrepreneur Thomas Zilliacus has joined the race to buy Manchester United — but wants fans to cough up a staggering £1.5BILLION.
      Zilliacus vowed to finance the other half of the £3bn bid.
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe made an improved world-record £5bn offer on Thursday, while Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani is expected to match that before Friday’s 9pm deadline.

      Both believe Zilliacus’ pitch is nothing more than a publicity stunt.
      But he said: “Any club ultimately should belong to its fans. My bid is built on equality with fans.
      “The current development, where billionaire sheiks and oligarchs take over clubs and control them as their personal playgrounds, is not a healthy trend.”
      US investment company Elliott have also made an offer to purchase a minority stake in the Prem giants, irrespective of who ends up owning the club.
      Zilliacus, 69, added: “The market value of the club is just under £3.17bn.
      “That means  if every one of the fans would join in, the sum per fan would amount to less than £5.
      “My group will finance half of the sum needed to take over the club.”
      Shaw sent off for 2 bookings in 54 seconds
      Luke Shaw was given his marching orders in the second half of England’s 2-1 Euro 2024 qualifying win in Italy for two bookings inside 54 SECONDS.
      The Manchester United defender received his first yellow of the match in the 78th minute for time-wasting in a bid to help the Three Lions maintain their 2-1 lead.

      And he found himself heading for an early shower a few seconds later after a clumsy tackle.
      Shaw, 27, received his two bookings in a mere 54 SECONDS.
      Manager Gareth Southgate had to quickly reshuffle the pack following Shaw’s dismissal.
      And it was poor Phil Foden – one of England’s star performers at the World Cup – who was the sacrificial lamb.
      Sir Jim in with formal bid
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe made his formal pitch to take control of Manchester United – 24 hours BEFORE the new bidding deadline expired, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
      Ratcliffe and Qatari Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani remain the leading contenders with both due to confirm world record £5bn-plus second bids for Manchester United.
      But they face the growing threat that the club could still remain in the hands of the Glazer family – after US hedge fund Elliott Management made an offer to take a minority stake that will allow the owners to STAY in charge.
      Sir Jim, Britain’s richest man, made his move this afternoon, a full day ahead of the extended bid deadline.
      A spokesman said: “Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos can confirm we have submitted a revised bid.”
      The move, a signal fo Sir Jim’s desire to land the club he has followed since his schooldays,  comes after a farcical situation on Wednesday night in which the Glazers’ approved deal-makers the Raine Group gave a last-minute extension to the previous 9pm bidding deadline. 
      It was a move that left Sheikh Jassim and Ineos group, initially scrambling to work out their next move.
      With Raine confirming this afternoon’s deadline, revised and fine-tuned offers will have been made by both parties by this afternoon (Fri), exceeding the previous record for a sporting franchise when the NFL’s Denver Broncos went for £3.8bn last summer.
      PSG rated United’s main rivals for Osimhen
      United could make Victor Osimhen their “main focus” in the summer transfer market.
      Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio said: “I think Osimhen can leave Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain could be a possibility for him. 
      “But Manchester United are probably the favourites to take him.
      “Man United’s main focus is definitely Osimhen and has been for at least two seasons. He is an excellent player and very particular with his skills of him.
      “I think Napoli will let him go for between 130 and 150 million euros and Man United can afford it.”
      Victor will ponder next move in summer
      Victor Lindelor has cast doubt over his Manchester United future and indicated he will hold talks with the club at the end of the season.
      The Swedish defender has been at Old Trafford for six years after being signed by Jose Mourinho.
      But this season he has found first-team football hard to come by as the club brought in reinforcements to strengthen their backline.
      Lindelof is now fourth-choice behind Rafael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and club captain Harry Maguire.
      The 28-year-old is currently away on international duty but faced questions from reporters on life at Old Trafford and what the future could hold for him.
      Asked if he found it frustrating to not be playing more regularly, Lindelof said: “Well of course like every player, you want to play every game and obviously I have not done that this season.
      “But I haven’t thought about that, right now I’m focusing on the national team and then of course the rest of the season with the club and then in the summer we’ll have to re-evaluate and see what’s best.
      “But like I always say when I come here, it’s a pleasure to be here and I’m very happy to represent my country and I’m really looking forward to the games that we have.”
      Utd have Prem’s 2nd most expensive squad
      Chelsea and Manchester United’s annual wage bill busts the £200million mark – at seven times more than Brentford’s.
      And although the traditional “Big Six” are the top half-dozen payers, table-toppers Arsenal are bottom of that list on £98m.
      Online independent casino reviewer CasinoBonusCA compiled the table, with Chelsea belying their mediocre season by heading the pile above United and then Manchester City.
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      Chelsea £212,090,000 Man Utd £211,875,000 Man City £182,640,000 Liverpool £158,788,000 Spurs £110,438,000 Arsenal £97,878,000 
      Takeover latest – Ratcliffe CONFIRMS bid
      SIR Jim Ratcliffe made his formal pitch to take control of Manchester United – 24 hours BEFORE the new bidding deadline expired.
      Ratcliffe and Qatari Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani remain the leading contenders with both due to confirm world record £5bn-plus second bids for Manchester United.
      But they face the growing threat that the club could still remain in the hands of the Glazer family – after US hedge fund Elliott Management made an offer to take a minority stake that will allow the owners to STAY in charge.
      Osimhen could cost up to £130m
      Manchester United are favourites to sign Napoli star Victor Osimhen, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
      But the transfer guru claims it could take a Premier League record fee for United to get their man.
      Napoli are reportedly willing to sell Osimhen for a fee in the region of £115-£130million.
      Red Devils could nab ‘Liverpool transfer target’
      United could nab transfer guru Paul Mitchell from under Liverpool’s noses… if Sir Jim Ratcliffe buys the club.
      Recruitment expert Mitchell, 41, is leaving his position as sporting director at AS Monaco at the end of the season.
      And Liverpool have explored the prospect of bringing Mitchell to Anfield, according to the Independent.

      However, the same source suggests the Reds could face competition from United, who may also choose to target Mitchell.
      That’s if the Ratcliffe-led consortium is successful in its bid to buy the Red Devils.
      Mitchell is claimed to have been touted for an Old Trafford role should Ratcliffe and Co fight off rival interest from Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani.
      US hedge fund Elliott Management have also made an offer to take a minority stake in the club.
      Ratcliffe’s INEOS group are said to already have an idea as to what their potential structure at the club will be.
      Although it’s not yet clear what exact role Mitchell has been identified as being suitable for at Old Trafford.
      Meanwhile at Anfield, current sporting director Julian Ward is set to step down this summer, just a year after taking over from Michael Edwards.
      Fans enjoy Ronaldo ‘bromance’ with Dalot
      Any stresses or strains Cristiano Ronaldo feels seem to melt away when he reignites his “bromance” with Diogo Dalot.
      Fans homed in on Ron greeting his former Manchester United team-mate with a beaming smile, huge embrace and mischievous antics during training with Portugal.

      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner goes into Thursday’s opening Euro 2024 qualifier with Liechtenstein as the world’s joint-most capped player ever on 196.
      But Ronaldo bounced around as if it was his first call-up when he engaged with the defender he has publicly described as his favourite squad-mate at Old Trafford.
      The 38-year-old’s brutal departure and ensuing move to Al-Nassr was forgotten as he grabbed Dalot for some physical banter.
      One observer said: “Ronaldo and Dalot bromance is giving me life.”
      A second fan posted: “Football is great with CR7.”
      ‘Utd probably favourites’ for Victor ahead of PSG
      United could make Victor Osimhen their “main focus” in the summer transfer market.
      Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio said: “I think Osimhen can leave Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain could be a possibility for him. 
      “But Manchester United are probably the favourites to take him.
      “Man United’s main focus is definitely Osimhen and has been for at least two seasons. He is an excellent player and very particular with his skills of him.
      “I think Napoli will let him go for between 130 and 150 million euros and Man United can afford it.”
      Why is Rashford NOT playing tonight?
      England are playing in Italy tonight as they look to start their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a win.
      But Marcus Rashford will not be featuring, and here is why:
      Rashford suffered a knock in Manchester United’s 3-1 FA Cup quarter-final win over Fulham on Sunday.
      United’s club statement said: “Our No.10 required treatment after being hurt in the build-up to Aleksandar Mitrovic’s opener for the visitors and was later withdrawn from the 83rd minute, with Fred taking his place.”
      Former England striker Alan Smith told Sky Sports: “Marcus Rashford has been in fantastic form but if England were going to be missing a player from any department, they’d probably choose a player from the attacking ranks.
      “There are still great options for Southgate to choose from, so England can get by.”

      Lindelof to ‘re-evaluate’ his Utd position
      Victor Lindelor has cast doubt over his Manchester United future and indicated he will hold talks with the club at the end of the season.
      The Swedish defender has been at Old Trafford for six years after being signed by Jose Mourinho.
      But this season he has found first-team football hard to come by as the club brought in reinforcements to strengthen their backline.
      Lindelof is now fourth-choice behind Rafael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and club captain Harry Maguire.
      The 28-year-old is currently away on international duty but faced questions from reporters on life at Old Trafford and what the future could hold for him.
      Asked if he found it frustrating to not be playing more regularly, Lindelof said: “Well of course like every player, you want to play every game and obviously I have not done that this season.
      “But I haven’t thought about that, right now I’m focusing on the national team and then of course the rest of the season with the club and then in the summer we’ll have to re-evaluate and see what’s best.
      “But like I always say when I come here, it’s a pleasure to be here and I’m very happy to represent my country and I’m really looking forward to the games that we have.”
      Takeover in doubt
      United could remain in the hands of the Glazer family – after US hedge fund Elliott Management made an offer to take a minority stake in the club.
      In what would be a U-turn that would leave many Old Trafford fans aghast, there are increasing suspicions that the planned sale could be OFF – unless bidders match the Glazers’ £6bn valuation.

      And some reports even claim the American owners are actually holding out for £6.5bn.
      The contest to control the club descended into farce on Wednesday evening when the Glazers’ chosen deal-makers, US banking group Raine, gave a last-minute extension to the previous 9pm bidding deadline.
      That left both the declared public bidders, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani and Britain’s richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos group, scrambling to work out their next move.
      Sheikh Jassim withdrew the £5bn offer he had made ahead of the deadline, while Ineos, which had been on the brink of making a similar offer, was forced into a rethink.
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      Arsenal set to ditch SEVEN players including record signing Pepe – but fear they’ll have to PAY £140k-a-week flop to go

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      ARSENAL are ready to ditch £72million club record signing Nicolas Pepe – but fear they might have to pay him to leave.The 27-year-old winger is currently on loan at Nice but is not part of Mikel Arteta’s plans.
      Nicolas Pepe is set to leave ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Albert Sambi Lokonga is another player who could be ditched by ArsenalCredit: Getty
      There are seven players the club who could be on the chopping blockCredit: Getty
      But he still has another year of his £140,000-a-week Emirates contract to run and has attracted no offers from any potential buyers.
      Nice, owned by Manchester United bidder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, have suggested they may be willing to sign Pepe on a permanent deal in the summer.
      But there has been no indication that they are prepared to pay a transfer fee for the player who became the most expensive signing in Arsenal’s history when he joined them from Lille in 2019.
      Pepe has not started a Premier League game for the Gunners since October 2021 and has made it clear that he does not see a future for himself in North London after falling behind Bukayo Saka in the pecking order.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      Yet his current wages are seen as a stumbling block to any potential departure and Arsenal are almost resigned to having to pay at least part of the £7million he is still due from his contract.
      Since Arteta was appointed Arsenal boss in December 2019, Mesut Ozil, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alex Lacazette, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Shkodran Mustafi, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Sead Kolasinac, Hector Bellerin, Calum Chambers and David Luiz have all left the club for no fee.

      If Pepe joins them on the scrapheap, that will be £340m-worth of signings allowed to depart for nothing.
      Sporting director Edu justified that policy last summer when he claimed: “When a player is 26 or older, has a big salary and is not performing, he’s killing you.”
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      But Pepe might not be the last of the Arsenal give-aways this summer as there are a number of other players currently out on loan who are unlikely to return to the club.
      They are ready to listen to offers for Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Sambi Lokonga, Nuno Tavares, Pablo Mari, Cedric Soares and Alex Runarsson but know that few of that list are likely to attract substantial bids.
      And there is also uncertainty regarding the long-term futures of Kieran Tierney, Rob Holding and Folarin Balogun as Arteta prepares for another summer upgrade to prepare his squad for a return to the Champions League next season.
      Ainsley Maitland-Niles has been on loan at Southampton this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Channel 4 host Jules Breach brutally taunts Gerrard and Cole in opening line to coverage of England’s win over Italy

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      ENGLAND heroes Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole were savagely taunted by Channel 4 host Jules Breach on live TV.Gerrard and Cole teamed up with Breach as well as legendary Lioness Jill Scott to cover the Three Lions’ 2-1 victory over Italy in Naples.
      Jules Breach trolled Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole before England vs ItalyCredit: Rex
      Jules Breach was joined by Steven Gerrard, Joe Cole and Jill ScottCredit: Rex
      The Liverpool legend and the ex-Chelsea star found themselves subjected to some brutal banter when the presenter introduced all three pundits before the Euro 2024 qualifier.
      The journalist presented the two golden generation stars and then pointed out how Scott is the only member of the panel that actually won something for England after last year’s women’s Euros triumph.
      Breach said: “I’m here alongside two members of the England golden generation…
      “And someone who has actually won something in an England shirt, Jill Scott!”
      Read More on Football
      But Gerrard and Cole took it on the chin as they started laughing at Breach’s quip.
      The former Aston Villa boss hit back by explaining how the reference was not in relation to Scott’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here win last year.
      The former Everton and Manchester City star in turn quipped: “That’s fine, I’ll just take the Euros. That’s fine.”
      That interaction left fans in stitches as they took to social media to join in on all the fun.
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      One supporter tweeted: “I thought Steven Gerrard was going to headbutt Jules Breach when she said ‘we’re joined by two players of the golden generation, and a player that’s actually won something for England’.”
      Another commented: “Class! That made me chuckle.”
      A third posted: “Introduction they wasn’t expecting.” More

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      Premier League flop set to break 17-year record after receiving shock Spain call-up

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      A FORMER Newcastle and Stoke City flop could break a 17-year Spanish record tomorrow.New boss Luis de la Fuente will take charge of his first game when they host Norway in Malaga at the start of their European Championship qualification campaign.
      A former Newcastle flop could achieve a little piece of Spanish history tomorrowCredit: PA:Press Association
      Joselu Mato is hoping to make his senior debut for Spain against NorwayCredit: Getty
      They then face Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday with a new-look squad hoping to put last year’s World Cup disappointment behind them.
      One of those members to receive a call-up is Espanyol striker Joselu Mato, who has 12 goals in LaLiga, making him joint-third in the Spanish top tier.
      It caps a remarkable rise from his days struggling to make an impact in the Premier League.
      Joselu endured a disappointing two-year spell on Tyneside from 2017-2019 that resulted in just seven goals in 52 appearances.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      He also had a stint in England with Stoke before joining the Magpies, scoring just four goals in 27 games for the Potters.
      Joselu then scored 36 times in 113 games for Alaves after leaving Newcastle in 2019, before joining Espanyol last summer.
      And his feats this season, which include an incredible goal from the halfway line against Getafe, have now led to international recognition.
      Now he could write his own little piece of history if he is selected to face Norway.
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      That is because, at 32 years and 363 days, he may become the oldest player to make his debut for Spain in all competitions since September 2006.
      Meanwhile, Joselu has revealed how he discovered his call-up last Friday while out walking his dog.
      He said: “Suddenly I looked at my mobile phone and saw the tweet. I forwarded the video.
      “I didn’t see who was there, I just saw my name and threw my cell phone.
      “My wife, very excited… me too. These are the kinds of things you dream about, but don’t believe until you’re there.
      “I’m enjoying it like I’m 18 years old.” More

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      Which Arsenal forward is best for Dream Team bosses: Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli?

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      SUPERSTITIOUS Arsenal fans won’t want to say it out loud but their side are the favourites to win the Premier League this season.The Gunners are eight points clear of Manchester City having played one more game than the defending champions.
      Pep Guardiola’s side have an FA Cup semi-final to think about and they’re desperate to win the Champions League, so a two-legged quarter-final against Bayern Munich is likely to be their primary focus after the international break.
      In contrast, Mikel Arteta and his troops have no other distractions, just ten league fixtures to determine their fate.
      A lot can happen in ten games and with Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea, Newcastle and Brighton among Arsenal’s opponents there’s no room for complacency – but it looks promising for a side who haven’t won a league title since 2004.
      Trossard has made a positive impact at ArsenalCredit: GETTY
      Dream Team gaffers should certainly target the Manchester clubs’ extra fixtures in the coming weeks but given that the north Londoners have won 22 of their 28 league games in 2022/23, the temptation to back Emirates-based assets is an understandable one.
      Aaron Ramsdale (£3.6m), Gabriel (£3.7m), Ben White (£4.5m), Martin Odegaard (£3.7m) and Bukayo Saka (£5.6m) are the best options across the other positions but which forward (if any) is the optimum selection?
      It’s between Leandro Trossard (£4m), Gabriel Martinelli (£3.9m) and Gabriel Jesus (£4.8m), who should be close to full fitness come Game Week 28 having played 45 minutes against Sporting CP and a further 25 at Selhurst Park.
      Let’s see how the trio match-up in some key statistics.
      TOTAL DREAM TEAM POINTS
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      Martinelli – 136
      Trossard – 110
      Jesus – 88

      AVERAGE POINTS-PER-GAME

      Jesus – 3.8
      Trossard – 3.8
      Martinelli – 3.6

      OWNERSHIP

      Jesus – 26.9%
      Martinelli – 14.9%
      Trossard – 2%

      STAR MAN AWARDS

      Trossard – 3
      Jesus – 3
      Martinelli – 2

      GOALS

      Martinelli – 13
      Trossard – 8
      Jesus – 5

      ASSISTS

      Trossard – 9
      Jesus – 7
      Martinelli – 3

      MINUTES PER GOAL INVOLVEMENT

      Trossard – 114.7
      Jesus – 128
      Martinelli – 181.2

      Jesus was sidelined for three months
      The former Man City forward’s lengthy lay-off should be taken into account when considering his stats but that’s why it’s useful to consider aspects such as his points-per-game ratio and his impressive average of 128 minutes per goal involvement.
      Surprisingly, it’s probably Trossard who comes out on top in the stats comparison but it will be interesting to see how he’s used by Arteta now that Jesus is available again.
      The Belgian may revert to impact substitute, a role he performed admirably in his first few weeks for the club.
      Or it may be that Trossard and Jesus are to share centre-forward duties for the remainder of the campaign, which sounds handy in reality but something of a pain for Dream Team managers.
      And that’s why Martinelli is probably the best bet, because he’s likely to play the most minutes of the three.
      Only four players have scored more Premier League goals than Martinelli this season
      Not only that, the 21-year-old is in great form having racked up 51 points across the last Game Weeks, a dramatic upturn from the spell of five consecutive blanks he endured from late January to late February.
      He’s also the cheapest of the three options so if budgetary constraints are an issue then Martinelli fits the bill best.
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      It should be noted that locked-in right winger Saka, who is categorised as a midfielder in Dream Team, remains Arsenal’s best attacking asset.
      The England international has 172 points to his name and averages 4.5 points-per-outing. More

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      Ex-Arsenal star Mesut Ozil snubbed Barcelona for Real Madrid thanks to ‘disappointing’ Pep Guardiola

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      MESUT OZIL has revealed that a “disappointing” experience with Pep Guardiola led to him snubbing Barcelona in favour of Real Madrid.The former Arsenal winger announced he is hanging up his boots at the age of 34 on Thursday.
      Mesut Ozil has blamed Pep Guardiola for him snubbing Barcelona back in 2010Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He says Jose Mourinho went all out to get him to sign for Real MadridCredit: Getty
      Ozil decided to call time on his career midway through Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir’s season.
      He thanked all of the clubs he played for, including the Gunners and Real Madrid, but admitted that injuries in recent months had taken their toll.
      Ozil’s retirement brings to an end a career stacked with trophies, with the playmaker once regarded as the best No10 in world football.
      Bursting onto the scene with Schalke in 2006, Ozil became a certified Bundesliga star when he joined Werder Bremen in 2008.
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      But it was his epic performances for Germany at the 2010 World Cup which secured a £13million move to Real Madrid that same summer.
      However, it could all have been very different if the then Barcelona manager Guardiola had made a bit more effort to meet him.
      Speaking to Marca about his exit from Werder Bremen, he revealed: “That was a decision between Real Madrid and Barcelona. And in the end it was not a matter of money.
      “I don’t know if this is known, but I visited Madrid and Barcelona at that time and the difference was Jose Mourinho.
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      “Mou gave me a VIP visit to Real Madrid. He took me to see the stadium and all the trophies they had won. That gave me goosebumps.
      “The visit in Barcelona was less enthusiastic and what was more disappointing is that Pep Guardiola didn’t bother to meet me.
      “Before that trip I really liked Barcelona’s style of football and I could really imagine playing with them, but Madrid went all out.
      “So Jose Mourinho was without a doubt the most important factor in my decision. After my visits, my decision was one hundred percent clear: I wanted to be a Madridista.”
      Ozil won the LaLiga crown and the Copa del Rey during his time in the Spanish capital before Arsenal came calling.
      The Gunners paid £42.5m for Ozil in 2013, with him quickly becoming an Emirates cult hero.
      Ozil ended up with 44 goals in 254 for Arsenal, winning an incredible three FA Cups in four years.
      And it was during this time that he lifted the World Cup with Germany at Brazil 2014.
      But back at Arsenal, Ozil started to find his minutes limited under Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta following Arsene Wenger’s exit.
      And Ozil eventually moved to Turkey with Fenerbahce in January 2021 after having his contract terminated.
      Read More on The Sun
      Ozil lasted 18 months with the Istanbul giants before joining city rivals Basaksehir last summer.
      But he failed to score in just eight appearances for his new side before calling time on his career, last playing in a Super Lig defeat to Kayserispor on February 2.
      Mesut Ozil spent three years at the Bernabeu before joining ArsenalCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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      Eight ex-Liverpool players who should never have left, including Philippe Coutinho, Fernando Torres and Michael Owen

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      PHILIPPE COUTINHO is redeeming himself at Aston Villa after returning to the Premier League last year.The Brazilian, now 30, flopped at Barcelona after a staggering £142million from Liverpool, but playing on our shores has reignited some of the old spark.
      Coutinho and Can are just two players to regret quitting Liverpool
      But Coutinho is by no means the first former Liverpool player to see his career stall after quitting the Kop, with Sadio Mane the latest who appears to not be enjoying his time away.
      Take a look at EIGHT stars who’ve all regretted a move away from Merseyside…
      SADIO MANE
      Bayern Munich (June 2022)
      FOR many years, Sadio Mane was a king at Anfield. The winger may have not have received as many plaudits as teammate Mohamed Salah, but he was equally dangerous and devastating going forward.
      The Senegalese legend made a surprise move to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022 after six dazzling years at Anfield.
      But his first season has not quite got going and reports in Sport1 from Germany have suggested that the club’s hierarchy are growing concerned by his performances.
      The 30-year-old has not scored since October but has missed three months of the season with injury.
      EMRE CAN
      Juventus (July 2018)
      AFTER his drawn-out Anfield exit, Can – now at Borussia Dortmund – played a big role in Juventus’ success in 2018-19, playing 29 times in Serie A, as well as making six Champions League appearances.
      However, after another big summer of signing at Juve, Can was left staring into the wilderness.
      Huge, free arrivals in the form of Aaron Ramsey and Adrien Rabiot quickly shifted Can down the pecking order. He departed for Germany and the midfielder, now 29, is now playing his football at Borussia Dortmund.
      The Reds would go on to win their first-ever Premier League crown not long after he left. Can could have been a part of history.
      PHILIPPE COUTINHO
      Barcelona (January 2018)
      Coutinho has been given a second chance to prove himself at BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      AFTER leaving Inter Milan in January 2013 for just £8m, Coutinho quickly became one of Liverpool’s best players.
      As the years rolled on and the “Little Magician” continued to put in a series of glittering performances, the Brazilian then became one of the best on the planet.
      Barcelona came knocking and as is often the way, the South American’s head was turned.
      Coutinho quit the club in January 2018, much to the disgust of the Liverpool faithful.
      Ever since, the Brazilian playmaker has quickly faded into mediocrity. However, his reunion with Steven Gerrard at Villa Park appeared to briefly get a tune out of him again.
      And since Gerrard’s sacking, he has still occasionally manages to show glimpses of his old self under Unai Emery.
      JORDON IBE
      Bournemouth (July 2016)
      Jordon Ibe left Liverpool just as his stock was rapidly risingCredit: Getty
      THE English winger may not be in the same league as Coutinho or Can – but you had better believe he could have been.
      After joining the Reds from Wycombe, the Londoner worked his way through the youth ranks before bursting into the first-team in the 2014-15 season.
      After spells on loan at Birmingham and Derby, Ibe quickly showed his promise – before taking on a key role in 2015-16.
      Ibe made 27 appearances that season in the Premier League alone – and 41 in all competitions – including some Man of the Match displays, including the Merseyside derby against Everton.
      But as he believed he was slipped down the pecking order, Ibe left Anfield just one year into his new five-year deal to join Bournemouth.
      At the time, the winger was being tipped for a call-up to the England set-up – but now he is playing in the second tier of the Turkish league for Adanaspor.FERNANDO TORRES
      Chelsea (January 2011)
      Fernando Torres was left to regret leaving Liverpool for Chelsea in 2011Credit: Reuters
      NOW this one always shows up on lists of “worst transfers ever”…
      Torres infamously left Liverpool in the January window of the 2010-11 season for a whopping £50m fee.
      The Spanish legend had shown signs of slowing down at the Reds after a series of frustrating injuries.
      But after joining Chelsea, Torres looked a shadow of his former self, scoring just 20 times in 110 Premier League games, compared to 65 goals in 102 Liverpool matches.
      The 110-cap international bounced around the world for the rest of his career, having spells at AC Milan, Atletico Madrid and Sagan Tosu in Japan, before hanging up his boots.
      MICHAEL OWEN
      Real Madrid (August 2004)
      Michael Owen spent just one season at Real Madrid after leaving LiverpoolCredit: AP:Associated Press
      LIVERPOOL born and raised, Owen spent 13 years at Liverpool in all, including his five seasons in the youth team.
      The striker scored 118 Premier League goals in just 216 games, quickly establishing himself as a legend for club and country.
      The 40-goal Three Lions forward believed he could do better, as Liverpool continued their PL title drought.
      He moved to Real Madrid in a shock move in the summer of 2004 for a fee of just £8m.
      Owen scored 13 times in his sole season at the Bernabeu before he made the “biggest mistake of his career” as he called it, in joining Newcastle in 2005.

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      NICK BARMBY
      Leeds (August 2002)
      Nick Barmby struggled to maintain his best form when joining LeedsCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      OFTEN a forgotten man amongst Liverpool fans, Barmby enjoyed plenty of success at Anfield.
      The 23-cap England star was part of the squad that won a hoard of trophies including the FA Cup and Uefa Cup around the turn of the new millennium.
      But he left after just two seasons, in 2002, to join Leeds United – in what should have been then prime years of his career.
      Both the player and club quickly suffered a downturn in form, with the Elland Road giants relegated and Barmby making just 25 appearances in two years.
      After a loan spell at Nottingham Forest, Barmby played the final eight years of his career at his home-town team, Hull.
      ROBBIE FOWLER
      Leeds (November 2001)
      Robbie Fowler fell out with Liverpool management and quit in 2001Credit: PA:Press Association
      IN defence of “God”, as he was known by Liverpool fans, Fowler had spent 17 years at Anfield – including nine years with the youth teams.
      Fowler quickly became a club legend, scoring 120 Premier League goals in just 236 outings.
      But after reports of a rift with boss Gerard Houllier and his assistant Phil Thompson in 2001, Fowler left just a handful of games into the 2001-02 season.
      Having been a true icon in Liverpool, Fowler failed to settle anywhere else after joining Leeds.
      Fowler spent two years in Leeds, leaving the season before they were relegated to join Manchester City.
      He returned to Liverpool three years later for a cameo spell at the club, in which he scored eight times.
      The 26-cap England star wound-down his career with spells at Cardiff, Blackburn, North Queensland Fury, Perth Glory and Muangthong United before he returned in 2012. More

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      Watch Oleksandr Zinchenko’s bizarre outburst as he plays footgolf against Arsenal team-mate Granit Xhaka

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      OLEKSANDR ZINCHENCKO has left Arsenal fans in stitches as he showed off his competitive side while playing footgolf.The defender took on a challenge against team-mate Granit Xhaka and continued to show his winning mentality as he screamed when things went a little wrong.
      Oleksandr Zinchenko took on Granit Xhaka at foot golfCredit: @ProD_Soccer

      The Ukrainian left fans laughing with his scream during one of his shotsCredit: @ProD_Soccer

      During the game, the two Gunners stars try to get footballs from inside one corner flag segment to the one on the opposite side of the pitch.
      Xhaka goes first and gets straight down the byline, while Zinchenko tried to put a bit more curl on the ball.
      For Xhaka’s second shot, he continues down the line and gets fairly close to the target.
      The Ukrainian, on the other hand, misses again and lets off a bizarre scream as his effort rolls just short of the corner.
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      They both managed to complete the challenge with their third kicks.
      Although fans were much more interested in Zinchenko’s outburst.
      One fan tweeted: “Zinny’s primal scream when he’s short on the 2nd shot. Competitor through and through.”
      A second commented: “Zinchenko screaming after the second kick is killing me.”
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      A third wrote: “That scream though 🤣🤣🤣.”
      While a fourth said: “Why did Zinchenko scream like that😂😂😂.”
      A fifth added: “Zinchenko screamed like he’d been shot.”
      He also recently sent the Arsenal fans wild with his incredible technique while participating in Puma’s control challenge.
      He took on Puma employee Cameron in a control challenge and on his first attempt produced a cool backheel to knock the ball up in the air before keeping it up several times with equally impressive flicks with the outside of his respective boots.
      During his next go at controlling a long-range ball from across the pitch, he produced a quick no-look head turn before trapping it dead with his left peg.
      But it was his third one that left fans drooling as he produced a spin in the air while controlling it perfectly with the heel of his lethal left foot.
      The fans will be hoping to see more of the passion from the former Manchester City star when Arsenal return to Premier League action against Leeds on April 1.
      The Gunners are currently eight points clear of second-placed Man City with ten games left to play. More