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      Todd Boehly a ‘huge admirer’ of Frenkie de Jong with Chelsea out to seal £70million transfer from under Man Utd’s noses

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      TODD BOEHLY is reportedly a huge admirer of Frenkie de Jong.And the Chelsea owner is plotting a £70million transfer raid to land the midfielder from under Manchester United’s noses.
      Frenkie de Jong could be at the centre of another transfer tussleCredit: Getty
      Todd Boehly likes what he sees from the Barcelona midfielderCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      De Jong, 25, was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League last summer as Barcelona put him under an ultimatum to leave or cut his salary.
      Manchester United agreed to pay around £72m while Chelsea wanted to take him on loan – before he ended up staying put at the Nou Camp.
      According to Football Insider, though, Boehly wants to go back in for De Jong this summer as a top priority.
      And they could Barca’s resolve with a £70m bid in an attempt to make him the latest big-money arrival since the American tycoon took over at Stamford Bridge.
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      De Jong is understood to be happy at the Nou Camp again and has been a key cog in Xavi’s side marching towards the LaLiga title.
      The Barcelona manager said last month: “He was very clear with me. He wanted to stay with us and there was no doubt.
      “He is our player and I am very happy and satisfied with his performance and leadership.
      “He is in a great moment, like the whole team.”
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      However, the financial mess at the Catalan giants remains and they could be forced into selling one of their most valuable assets.
      The Blues may still face competition from United, though, with Erik ten Hag keen to reunite with his ex-Ajax star.
      Barcelona are said to be preparing for life without De Jong and have lined up Manchester City and Germany man Ilkay Gundogan as his replacement. More

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      Former Man Utd star looks unrecognisable with full head of hair as stunned fans reckon he looks like Father Ted

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      A FORMER Manchester United star looks completely unrecognisable 18 months before winning his first Champions League title.The player would go on to have one of the most impressive CVs in the game, with a World Cup, European Championship and two Premier League titles to follow.
      A former Manchester United star looks completely unrecognisable in this throwback picture from January 1992Credit: Getty
      One fan even claimed he looked like Father Ted, rightCredit: Channel 4
      However, one thing he was not known for was his 90s soap opera looks and lush head of hair.
      Upon seeing the picture, one fan tweeted: “Looks like a working class actor in a popular 90s ITV drama series that had a breakout number 1 song.”
      Another simply posted a picture of Brookside Close, referring to the soap set in Liverpool that would come to an end in 2003.
      And another fan even wrote: “Looks like a young Father Ted”
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      Six months after the picture was taken, the player would move from Toulouse to Marseille, where he would win the Champions League in 1993.
      The Ligue 1 title would, however, be stripped from the team due to a corruption scandal which also saw them banned from defending their Champions League trophy, but not stripped of it altogether.
      When Marseille did win the Champions League, it was starting to become clear that the star’s hair was thinning out and he may ultimately become the bald icon Man Utd and France fans know today.
      That is to say, goalkeeper Fabien Barthez.
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      Fabien Barthez in training with Toulouse before he joined MarseilleCredit: AFP
      By the time Marseille won the Champions League, the hair of Barthez, top left, was starting to thin outCredit: AFP – Getty
      Barthez, pictured in 2003, would sport an altogether different look when he played for Man UtdCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The Frenchman was the first goalkeeper to successfully replace Peter Schmeichel at Old TraffordCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Following retirement, Barthez became a racing driverCredit: AFP
      The player would become immortalised during the 1998 World Cup, with his bald head and stubbled beard the look he would maintain for the rest of his career.
      He would then go on to prove the first goalkeeper capable of filling the gloves of the great Peter Schmeichel at Old Trafford after Fergie’s experiments with the likes of Mark Bosnich and Massimo Taibi failed to work out.
      Barthez joined the club in 2000 and would help them to the 2001 and 2003 Premier League titles before heading back to Marseille.
      And after retirement in 2007 his career would take a turn down a very different track, literally.
      Barthez would become a racing driver, specialising in touring cars.
      His crowning achievement would come in 2014 when he took part in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race, finishing 29th. More

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      Man Utd defender Victor Lindelof wanted by Inter Milan in summer as transfer asking price is revealed

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      INTER MILAN will try to land Victor Lindelof again in the summer.The Italians were knocked back in their bid to take the centre-back on loan in January.
      Victor Lindelof has been a bit-part player this seasonCredit: PA
      Manchester United were wary of leaving themselves light at the back amid a hectic fixture schedule.
      Yet Inter have never lost interest in the Swede, who has started only five league games this term.
      A year ago Lindelof, 28, was a regular starter — but Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are now United’s first-choice partnership.
      And with boss Erik ten Hag adamant that he will pick his strongest line-up whenever fitness allows, options are likely to remain limited.
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      Lindelof was keen to stay and fight to regain his Red Devils place.
      But with two World Cup finalists ahead of him now, Inter know a bid close to the £31million he cost from Benfica in 2017 could land him.
      Lindelof has made 20 appearances in all competitions this season.
      But only five have come in the form of Premier League starts.
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      He could join an Inter Milan defence set for major upheaval in the summer.
      Stalwart Milan Skriniar is set to join PSG on a free transfer.
      While Stefan de Vrij is also out of contract at the end of the season. More

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      Paris Saint-Germain lining up stunning £175m Erling Haaland transfer to link up Man City sensation with Kylian Mbappe

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN are plotting an ambitious £175million move for Erling Haaland, according to reports.The French champions were dumped out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich earlier this week.
      PSG are interested in signing Erling HaalandCredit: Rex
      In the aftermath of their latest European disappointment, PSG chiefs are plotting a rebuild ahead of next season.
      It’s claimed that they could move on from Neymar and Lionel Messi – with the latter still being linked with Inter Miami despite PSG contract talks.
      In their bid to re-tool around Kylian Mbappe, they could turn to Haaland.
      According to French reporter Daniel Riolo, PSG could “begin a new story” around Mbappe and City’s Norwegian striker.
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      Chatting to Football.fr, he admitted that there are doubts around whether City’s Abu Dhabi ownership would sell to PSG’s Qatari chiefs.
      But the French side could navigate this potential problem by simply forking out Haaland’s release clause, believed to be around £175m.
      PSG boss Christophe Galtier’s job is hanging by a thread after his side’s 3-0 aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich.
      Riolo reckons that the Ligue 1 table-toppers could appease Mbappe by appointing Zinedine Zidane this summer, despite the Real Madrid legend’s affinity for fierce rivals Marseille.
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      PSG want to rebuild around Kylian MbappeCredit: AFP
      To team Mbappe and Haaland up, PSG would have to sell a number of players in order to comply with financial fair play.
      They could face competition from Real Madrid for Haaland’s signature.
      The LaLiga champions are enamoured with the Norwegian and could launch a bid this summer, despite previously having been expected to wait until 2024.
      Madrid chiefs are building the best young core in Europe, with Vinicius Jr, Eduardo Camavinga, Fede Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni and Endrick.
      And in a further enticing factor to Haaland they are determined to add his old Borussia Dortmund pal Jude Bellingham to an already stacked midfield.
      L’Equipe claim that, in addition to Haaland, PSG football advisor Luis Campos is interested in a trio of attacking stars.
      They report that the French giants could move for Manchester City star Bernardo Silva, his Portugal team-mate Goncalo Ramos and Napoli sensation Victor Osimhen.
      PSG are interested in Goncalo Ramos and Bernardo SilvaCredit: The Times
      Victor Osimhen is on PSG’s shortlistCredit: Rex More

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      ‘A farce’ – Match of the Day fans left ‘speechless’ by bizarre commentary and pundit free highlights after Lineker row

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      VIEWERS slammed a “farcical” Match of the Day as the BBC aired Premier League highlights with no presenter, pundits or commentators.The much-loved show, created by BBC back in 1964, aired on Saturday night in a bizarre 20-minute format amid the carnage of the Beeb’s Gary Lineker tweet row.
      Gary Lineker was controversially pulled off the programme on FridayCredit: PA
      Fans did not enjoy the ‘farcical’ Match of the Day that aired on SaturdayCredit: BBC
      This was what replaced the traditional MOTD introCredit: BBC
      The flagship programme had no presenters, pundits or commentators after staff masterminded a mutiny in solidarity with Lineker.
      Co-hosts Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards refused to fill in, plunging the show into crisis.
      The show’s commentary team also stood down – with the dulcet tones of Conor McNamara, Simon Brotherton and Robyn Cowen all falling silent.
      Match Of The Day – which usually runs for 80-minutes – started at the usual time of 10.20pm but only showed Premier League match highlights in a largely silent presentation.
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      Even the iconic theme tune and opening sequence were absent as Liverpool’s loss to Bournemouth followed a brief “Premier League highlights” frame.
      And footy fans quickly took to Twitter after tuning in to give their reaction to the “surreal” broadcast.
      One fan wrote: “Even the Match of the day intro is protesting!”
      Another asked: “Why am I sat commentating on Match of the Day myself?”
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      “Match of the Day with no commentary – what a farce,” declared another.
      A fellow viewer wrote: “Surreal watching a silent match of the day.”
      While another said: “Match Of The Day on BBC One with zero commentary is…different.”
      One added: “Bit speechless watching Match of the day.”
      Some viewers insisted they enjoyed the change.
      One fan wrote: “Fantastic match of the day instead of listing to all the b******s!”
      Another said: “Honestly. This match of the day without presenters and over the top commentary is f***ing miles better !!!”
      And a fellow fan commented: “Absolutely loving Match of the Day. No talking, no commentary… just football! Love it.”
      Sun columnist Piers Morgan was not convinced by their argument.
      Piers wrote: “BBC should now adjust the licence fee so that everyone on Twitter pretending to prefer Match of the Day in the new format can pay £1 less a month but only ever watch it that way in future.
      “Spoiler alert: nobody would take that deal. It’s s***.”
      Pundit Ian Wright was among the first to pull out in a show of support for Gary LinekerCredit: PA
      Lineker was pulled off the programme – which he’s hosted since 1999 – on Friday after comparing the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill to “1930s Germany”.
      The Sun on Sunday understands BBC boss Tim Davie is locked in a standoff with Mr Lineker, who refuses to back down amid a row over his controversial tweets.
      Crisis-engulfed Davie told the BBC on Saturday he would “absolutely not” quit amid a fallout that has bought the corporation to its knees.
      Football Focus, Final Score, the Fighting Talk podcast and 5Live’s 606 football phone in were all canned as the staff uprising sent schedules into meltdown.
      It is unclear whether Match Of The Day 2 – which airs on Sunday – will go ahead.
      Mr Davie described the unfolding disaster as a “difficult day” and apologised for the disruption to BBC sports programming.
      Asked if he was sorry about the way he handled the furore, he told the BBC on Saturday: “We made decisions and I made decisions based on a real passion about what the BBC is and it’s difficult.”
      He insisted the row is about impartiality.
      As his employer battled fires on all fronts – Mr Lineker today took time out to watch his beloved Leicester City in action at the King Power Stadium against Chelsea.
      The ex-England star was pictured watching the Foxes alongside one of his sons – and appeared all smiles despite his side losing 3-1.

      The row was triggered when Mr Lineker responded to a video on Twitter of Home Secretary Suella Braverman as she presented the Government’s small boats plan.
      The legislation will see migrants swiftly detained and removed to either their country of origin or a safe third state within 28 days.
      Sharing the clip, Mr Lineker said: “Good heavens, this is beyond awful.”
      Responding to another user who described him as “out of order”, he added: “We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.
      “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”
      In a statement after suspending Mr Lineker, the BBC outlined they had undergone “extensive discussions” with the ex-England star, 62, following the furore.
      While the Beeb praised his sports coverage as “second to none” they said he should “keep well away from taking sides” on party political topics.
      The crisis reached its peak late on Saturday when Prime Minister Rishi Sunak waded into the row, saying the presenter’s suspension is an issue for the BBC, not him.
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      Mr Sunak said the chaos was “rightly a matter” for the BBC, not the Government.
      He added that while he respected “not everyone will always agree” with Government policies, he praised Mr Lineker for being a “great footballer and talented presenter”.
      Gary Lineker watched his beloved Leicester alongside one of his sons todayCredit: Reuters More

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      Everton lining up summer transfer for Sheffield United striker Iliman Ndiaye but face competition from two Prem rivals

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      EVERTON are eyeing a summer move for Sheffield United hot-shot Iliman Ndiaye.Ndiaye has been instrumental in Sheffield United’s push for promotion back to the Premier League.
      Everton are chasing Sheffield United star Iliman NdiayeCredit: Rex
      The 23-year-old has scored 12 goals and provided eight assists in all competitions.
      He also grabbed the winner against Tottenham in the FA Cup earlier this month.
      Ndiaye can operate as a central striker, out on the wing or in attacking midfield.
      And that versatility makes him an attractive proposition to a number of Premier League and foreign clubs.
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      Scouts from Everton, West Ham and Newcastle have watched Ndiaye in recent weeks.
      All three clubs are planning to bolster their attacking options for next season.
      But the Toffees are believed to be keenest on the Senegal international.
      Ndiaye, who played against England at the World Cup, is set to enter the final year of his contract at Bramall Lane.
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      And if the Blades fail to win promotion they could cash in on their prize asset this summer.
      Everton could also find themselves in the Championship which would dash their hopes of a deal.
      But Saturday’s 1-0 win over Brentford lifted Sean Dyche’s side out of the relegation zone. More

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      Tottenham ready to launch cut-price transfer for Jordan Pickford as England keeper has hidden clause in new Everton deal

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      TOTTENHAM want to snap up England No 1 Jordan Pickford — despite Everton tying him down to a new 4½-year contract.Spurs are preparing to change their goalkeeper in the summer with 36-year-old skipper Hugo Lloris’ days numbered.
      Tottenham are interested in Jordan PickfordCredit: Getty
      Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez is also another option for SpursCredit: Getty
      And Pickford is STILL their first choice even after committing to his long Goodison deal.
      Pickford’s value will depend on what happens with Everton at the end of the season.
      If they are relegated, there is an agreement that he can be sold.
      Pickford’s price would be lower as a Championship player but the Toffees would still want around £35million — although that could be haggled down.
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      The 29-year-old’s contract signing last month was a timely boost for new boss Sean Dyche, who wanted it sorted out as a priority — as revealed in this column.
      However, the reality is that Pickford WILL be sold if Everton are demoted.
      And the wages on offer at Goodison and Tottenham are pretty much the same.
      If there are any snags with Pickford, Spurs are likely to make an inquiry for Aston Villa’s Argentinian World Cup winner Emi Martinez.
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      Villa could cash in on Martinez, 30, at the right price but that will be around the same fee as Pickford.
      Ironically, Villa could then chase the Everton keeper themselves. More

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      ‘Throwing me off’ – Eagle-eyed viewers spot bizarre Ederson kit quirk in Man City’s win over Crystal Palace

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      EDERSON caused a stir on social media with his choice of socks during Manchester City’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.Some eagle-eyed fans went into total meltdown when they noticed that the City goalkeeper was actually wearing Palace’s away socks at Selhurst Park.
      Ederson kept a clean sheet as Manchester City beat Crystal Palace 1-0Credit: AFP
      Fans noticed Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson wore Crystal Palace’s away socksCredit: AP

      The Brazil international had to don white socks because the blue ones he was supposed to have would’ve clashed with the Eagles’ home socks.
      That didn’t go unnoticed during the game as fans took to Twitter to express their shock.
      One tweeted: “Ederson’s socks are throwing me off.”
      Another posted: “Has Ederson borrowed somebody’s socks?”
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      A third wrote: “Sunday League at its finest.”
      This Palace supporter joked: “The closest we’ve been to winning a game in 2023.”
      And that one tweeted: “Ederson wearing palaces away socks?”
      Ederson’s surprise kit quirk, though, had no effect on his performance as he still picked up a clean sheet.
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      City won 1-0 thanks to Erling Haaland’s penalty just 12 minutes before full-time.
      The Brazilian shot-stopper helped Pep Guardiola’s side close the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal by two points.
      However, the Gunners have a game in hand as they are scheduled for action at Fulham on Sunday. More